Hong Kong: Tech chief departs for Beijing

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong will depart today for Beijing where he plans to meet Cyberspace Administration of China officials tomorrow.

Prof Sun will return to Hong Kong tomorrow afternoon. During his absence, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Lillian Cheong will be Acting Secretary.

This story has been published on: 2023-06-28. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
China sends fresh signals for cooperation amid global challenges

Xinhua) 08:14, June 28, 2023

TIANJIN, June 27 (Xinhua) -- As eyes around the world turn to north China's Tianjin, where the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions commenced Tuesday, the country has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening global cooperation and opening-up in the face of multiple headwinds.

Having gone through the twists and turns of economic globalization, all countries should cherish openness and cooperation more, said Chinese Premier Li Qiang while addressing the opening of the annual meeting, also known as the Summer Davos.

Holding high the banner of peace, development and win-win cooperation, China is committed to building world peace, promoting global development and upholding the international order, Li said.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang addresses the opening of the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 27, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

CORRECT PATH FOR HUMANITY

History has proven that solidarity and cooperation are what humankind needs to brave global challenges.

"Since we are living in a fractured, fragmented world, World Economic Forum (WEF) believes that the most pressing global issues can only be solved by collaborating," said WEF President Borge Brende in a recent interview with Xinhua.

Participants talk with each other at the venue of the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 27, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Ran)

In his speech at the opening, Li said that over the past three years, all countries have fought hard against the COVID-19 pandemic, which demonstrated the powerful strength of humanity pulling together and looking out for each other in hard times.

"Having experienced the shocks of global crises, we should all the more cherish solidarity and cooperation," Li said, adding that in the face of a major crisis, no country can stay unscathed or solve the problems single-handedly, and solidarity and cooperation is the right way forward.

Li cited climate change, debt risks, slowing growth and wealth gaps as major global challenges that humanity should address together.

"As a community with a shared future, we must cherish the gains of cooperation, embrace the concept of win-win cooperation, and work together to tackle these global challenges and promote human progress," Li said.

In his speech at the opening, Klaus Schwab, executive chairman of the WEF, called for global efforts to fight fragmentation and strive for dialogue, understanding and collaboration.

"We stand for a future where nations have to work together for the collective well-being for humanity," Schwab said.

CONTRIBUTOR TO GLOBALIZATION

In a world that is confronted with a rising spiral of unilateralism, protectionism and de-globalization, as well as escalating tensions and uncertainties, China's adherence to openness is injecting certainty into the global economy.

"Economic globalization is a historical trend," said Li. "Despite the headwinds and pushback, the development trend of economic globalization has kept moving forward."

"The world should not, and cannot return to a state of seclusion or isolation," he said.

With its deep integration into the world economy, China has developed itself by embracing globalization, and grown into a most staunch force for globalization, Li said.

This photo taken on June 27, 2023 shows a scene of the session themed "The Future of the Belt and Road Initiative" at the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China's Tianjin Municipality. (Xinhua/Li Ran)

Amid efforts to flesh out its opening-up pledges and share opportunities with the world, China has become a major trading partner of more than 140 countries and regions. Its total trade in goods has topped the world for six consecutive years.

Looking forward, Li said that China is expected to achieve this year's economic growth target of around 5 percent, with growth in the second quarter to surpass that in the first quarter.

Some international organizations and institutions have revised upward their forecasts for the Chinese economy this year, which shows their confidence in the country's development prospects, Li said.

"We have full confidence and the ability to achieve the steady growth of the Chinese economy on the track of high-quality development in a long time to come," he stressed.

China will increase the size of the market, create opportunities of cooperation, and provide a consistent source of dynamism to the world economic recovery and growth as well as opportunities of win-win cooperation to investors from all countries, Li said.

For Danfoss, a Danish industrial company, China's opening-up efforts provide business opportunities for overseas companies.

"Our company welcomes China's commitment to opening up to the world, and we are willing to deepen our cooperation with the Chinese government and partners," said Dai Jian, head of Danfoss Global Services, China, who is among those attending the Summer Davos.

"We believe there will be more actions from the government to shore up its international partners' confidence in China's opening-up," Dai added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
"There was an uproar in Rajasthan University today, after the Syndicate meeting held at the Vice-Chancellor's Secretariat. The students protested regarding their demands for basic facilities of the university," said officials.

The officials added that activists of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and National Students' Union of India (NSUI) raised slogans and tried to break the barricades.

As per the officials, the activists of the student bodies alleged that they wanted to meet the Vice-Chancellor regarding their demands but were not allowed to meet them.

"We wanted to meet the Vice-Chancellor regarding our demands but were not allowed to meet them. We were also lathi-charged by the police personnel," said the activists ABVP, NSUI.

Additionally, the activists of the Dharti Parishad alleged that the police were adopting a double standard and were biased towards NSUI students, said the officials.

"The police are adopting double standards. NSUI students are being allowed to protest and the police are forcibly dragging Vidyarthi Parishad activists," said the activists of the ABVP.

According to the Additional Superintendent of Police (SP) Avneesh, the student leaders were reportedly chased away because they were attempting to disturb the Syndicate meeting.

"The student leaders were trying to disrupt the Syndicate meeting, so they were chased away," said the ASP. (ANI)
In view of the annual Amarnath Yatra, the security grid has been strengthened along the national highways with drone surveillance in several areas of Jammu and Kashmir. Ahead of the yearly Amarnath Yatra, security personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police were seen patrolling and using surveillance drones to keep an eye on routes, said officials. The security force officials were instructed to maintain close communication and to be particularly watchful and alert during the Amarnath Yatra in order to foil the nefarious plots of the anti-national and anti-social forces, they added. According to the officials, the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory (UT) Administration has completed all preparations for the annual Amarnath Yatra that begins on July 1. Officials also claimed that in addition to other logistics, Nunwan Base Camp has been equipped with Langar stalls and other medical services for pilgrims. Before the yatra starts, the Anantnag district administration has set up all facilities, including medical care, sanitation, and others, and staff members have been stationed at various locations, added officials. While talking to ANI, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid said that "This year as far as RIFD, or sanitization or logging all arrangements have been made and all departments are working for the Yatra and like last year all arrangements have been made. This yatra is also not only a spiritual but also a communal harmony, the officials said. Earlier this month, the clearing and restoration work of Amarnath Yatra tracks from the Pahalgam side of the Anantnag district of South Kashmir began in full swing, a Border Roads Organization official said. The official said that BRO started the clearing of yatra tracks in mid-March this year and would be completed by June 15. While talking to ANI, Aditya, Officer Incharge BRO at Chandanwari said, "We have started the work on clearing the yatra tracks from March 2023. Presently, 800 labourers and 140 horses are working here to clear the 32 km yatra track from Chandanwari to the holy cave". The BRO official added that the administration of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has set June 15 deadline to clear the tracks. "We are hopeful to achieve that target," he said. Earlier the yatra track from Baltal to Holy Cave was maintained by Public Works Department (R&B) and the one from Chandanwari to Holy Cave was maintained by Pahalgam Development Authority. Amarnath Yatra tracks were handed over to BRO in Sep 2022 last year for further maintenance and degradation. The basic scope of work involved snow clearance, widening of the track, restoration of all footbridges, fixing of handrails, protection works at slide-prone stretches and construction of breast walls and retaining walls for the protection of the track. Earlier, Director General of BRO Lieutenant General Rajeev Chaudhry said that snow-clearing work on the Amarnath Yatra track is in full swing. He further said that the government is expecting that at least 5 lakh people will be visiting the Amarnath cave shrine this year. The Amarnath yatra is all set to begin next month. (ANI)
A man who threatened to harm a family member of a jeweller over Rs 22 lakh extortion money has admitted his mistake and apologized to the victim by sending a video on his WhatsApp. According to the officials, the incident took place on June 21 when the accused extortionist, who is currently residing in Saudi Arabia allegedly gave death threats to a jeweller of Kucha Mahajani Chandni Chowk Delhi over Rs 22 lakh extortion money. The victim is a resident of the Laxmi Nagar area of Delhi and is a jeweller by profession, said the officials. During the investigation, it was discovered that the accused had allegedly sent several WhatsApp messages, voice notes and calls threatening to kill a family member of the victim if the victim did not pay the ransom amount of Rs 22 lakh from Saudi Arabia, sources said. Additionally, it was found that the accused said in his texts that he was requesting the extortion money in order to travel to America and that no one had offered to assist him financially Victim told ANI The accused also allegedly threatened to harm a member of his family if he could not travel to America. The accused further mentioned that he would repay the amount to the victim within a year, victim told ANI Subsequently, the accused realised his mistake and sent a recorded video of apology to the victim, sources said. In the purported video stated that the accused folded his hands and apologised to the victim and his family members saying, "I apologize to you and your whole family, I have troubled and harassed your whole family, I am sorry for my mistake, if I am forgiven I will never do wrong again." A FIR has been registered into the matter by the victim in the Laxmi Nagar police station, said the officials. We are probing the matter, further details into the matter is being investigated, said the Police.Further investigation into the matter is underway. (ANI)
The appointment was approved by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.

"Congress President has approved the proposal for the appointment of TS Singh Deo as the Deputy Chief Minister in the Chhattisgarh Government," a party release said.

The ruling Congress has faced factionalism in the state with supporters of TS Singh Deo pressing for rotational chief minister in the state.

A meeting of party leaders was held earlier in the day in the national capital. State Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel was present at the press conference held earlier in the day at the AICC headquarters.

Congress leader KC Venugopal said Chhattisgarh will benefit greatly from Deo's services as Deputy CM.

"He is a loyal Congress leader and an able administrator. The state will benefit greatly from his services as Deputy CM. We are confident that the people of Chattisgarh will re-elect the Congress with a thumping majority under the leadership of Khargeji and Rahul Gandhiji," Venugopal said in a tweet. (ANI)
Ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, which is going to commence on July 1, the Director General of Police, Dilbag Singh; Additional Chief Secretary, Raj Kumar Goyal; Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, on Wednesday, took an extensive tour of the twin routes of pilgrimage to Amarnath Yatra, said the official statement released by the Jammu and Kashmir police. The statement said, "They first visited Baltal Camp, then to Panjtharni, Chandanwari and Pahalgam Nunwan Base Camp to review the security, logistics and other arrangements for the ensuing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2023. The officers also visited Domail and Neelgrath Helipad". It also stated that the tour was aimed towards assessing various on-ground arrangements made for the safe and secure Amarnath Yatra. "During the tour, the officers personally inspected and evaluated the security & logistic arrangements, working of Joint Police Control Rooms. They also chaired joint meetings of deployed incharge officers of Police, CAPFs and other stakeholders at these places", added the official statement. It also mentioned that the officials concentrated on full coordination among the forces & other stakeholders for the smooth conduct of the Yatra and they emphasized the identification of sensitive areas which may require an additional arrangement for the pilgrims. The deployed officers were also directed to implement the devised plans on the ground for the security & safety of pilgrims and to work diligently to ensure the highest standards of professionalism while extending all required assistance and cooperation to the yatris, according to the official statement. Further, the statement added, "The visiting officers also stressed keeping all Communication networks through with all stations to meet any eventuality. Further Camp directors were directed to conduct a fire audit of all langers & tents to avoid any incidents. All deployed officers were directed to conduct regular meetings within the ranks and to ensure that the personnel deployed are briefed from time to time". It also mentioned that the registered pilgrims will reach the base camps of Pahalgam and Baltal on June 30. Significantly, Amarnath Yatra is one of the most important events in the Hindu calendar. It is an annual event dedicated to the devotees of Lord Shiva. (ANI)
PM Modi met Amit Shah, JP Nadda and BL Santosh at his residence in the national capital.

On Friday, PM Modi flagged off five Vande Bharat Express trains from the Rani Kamalapati Railway Station in Bhopal.

Ahead of the flagging-off ceremony, the Prime Minister interacted with crew members of the train and some children onboard the Vande Bharat train at Rani Kamlapati railway station.

PM Modi also made a strong pitch for uniform law. He said that the country cannot run on two laws and that Uniform Civil Code was part of the Constitution.

"Today people are being instigated in the name of UCC. How can the country run on two (laws)? The Constitution also talks of equal rights...Supreme Court has also asked to implement UCC. These (Opposition) people are playing vote bank politics," he said.

Notably, Part 4, Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, corresponds with Directive Principles of State Policy, making it mandatory for the State to provide its citizens with a uniform civil code (UCC) throughout the territory of India. (ANI)
Speaking to ANI, Goa Director General of Police (DGP) Jaspal Singh said, "The Goa police have seized drugs worth Rs 10.26 crore from 2021 till date and arrested 400 persons involved in the drug trade."

On the arrested, DGP said, "They include Goans, foreign nationals, and people from other states in India. The majority of the foreigners have been arrested."

The DGP was speaking on the 'CREATEATHON Beat Management System' organized by Goa College of Engineering and Goa Police jointly.

Engineering students from the state participated in "CREATEATHON, an event organized by the state Department of Information Technology, Goa College of Engineering, and Goa Police Department from April 4 to May 4.

Earlier in February, two Ugandan women were arrested by the police with drugs with a market value of nearly Rs 1,61,000 in the grey market. The raid was conducted by officials from the Anjuna Police Station. (ANI)
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, approved the introduction of the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023 in the Parliament. PM Modi took to his Twitter handle and said that the approval of the National Research Foundation Bill would pave the way for bolstering research and development in the country. He that it would also encourage innovation and cooperation between government, industry, and academics. "Approval of the National Research Foundation Bill will pave the way for bolstering R&D. It will foster innovation and collaboration among academia, industry, and government, a crucial step in realising our vision for a scientifically advanced nation," PM Modi said in a tweet. According to an official statement, the approved Bill will pave the way to establish NRF that will seed, grow and promote Research and Development (R&D) and foster a culture of research and innovation throughout India's universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D laboratories, the press release stated. The bill, after approval in the Parliament, will establish NRF, an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction of scientific research in the country as per recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP), at a total estimated cost of Rs. 50,000 crore during five years (2023-28), the release stated. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) will be the administrative Department of NRF which will be governed by a Governing Board consisting of eminent researchers and professionals across disciplines. The Prime Minister will be the ex-officio President of the Board and the Union Minister of Science and Technology and the Union Minister of Education will be the ex-officio Vice-Presidents. NRF's functioning will be governed by an Executive Council chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. NRF will forge collaborations among the industry, academia, and government departments and research institutions, and create an interface mechanism for participation and contribution of industries and State governments in addition to the scientific and line ministries. It will focus on creating a policy framework and putting in place regulatory processes that can encourage collaboration and increased spending by the industry on R&D, the official statement said. The bill will also repeal the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) which was established by an act of Parliament in 2008 and subsume it into NRF which has an expanded mandate and covers activities over and above the activities of SERB, it added. Following the approval, Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for approving the National Research Foundation Bill in the Union Cabinet. Shah said that the initiative would promote the culture of research and development in New India. "Gratitude to PM Narendra Modi for approving the National Research Foundation Bill in the Union Cabinet today, promoting the culture of research and development in New India. With a total outlay of Rs 50,000 crore it will pave the way for India to pioneer scientific research," Amit Shah said in a tweet. (ANI)
President Murmu said, "On the occasion of Id-uz-Zuha, I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all fellow citizens, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters living in India and abroad", according to an official statement.

The President said, "Id-uz-Zuha is the holy festival of love and sacrifice."

"This festival inspires us to follow the path of renunciation and selfless service to humanity. On this day, let us all pledge to work towards spreading mutual brotherhood and harmony in society", President Murmu added. (ANI)
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to implement a 10 per cent cut in water supply from July 1 across the limits of the civic body. The BMC said that the decision has been taken due to the late arrival of monsoon, this year. The civic body said this has led to a decrease in the level of lakes due to less rain in the catchment areas. The depleting lakes are the main source of water for Mumbai. The BMC said that the decision to impose a water cut will be in effect untill the next order is issued by the civic body. The BMC will be keeping a tab on rain in the catchment areas, it said. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday held a meeting with district magistrates on taking steps to improve the mechanism of CM Helpline-1905, for quick redressal of people's complaints. The Chief Minister directed that the vigilance establishment should be made active quickly. "People should be made more aware about 1064 number for corruption-free administration. On receipt of complaints, surprise inspection of the offices should be done by the District Magistrate and SSP in the districts. Vigilance should work strictly," Chief Minister Dhami said. On steps to be taken by the officers to improve the mechanism of grievance redressal, the Chief Minister directed officers that the departments which have a low percentage of redressal of the complaints received on the CM Helpline should improve it soon. "Public grievances should be redressed in a timely manner, all the departments should take it seriously. Strict action will be taken against those who are negligent towards their work," he said. The Chief Minister said that the departments which are doing good work for quick resolution of public problems should also be encouraged. Moreover, he added that people who are bringing their problems at the district level and the departmental level should be resolved quickly. Giving instructions about the next meeting, CM Dhami said, "In the next meeting, complete data should also be presented on the percentage of complaints received on the CM Helpline in each district. If more complaints are coming in different departments in any area, then their data should also be kept separately, so that further policy can be formulated for their solution." CM Dhami instructed District Magistrates to review the CM Helpline-1905 twice a month. "Secretary and departmental HOD should also review it regularly. The District Magistrate should talk to some complainants on every working day for quick redressal of the complaints received on the CM Helpline," he said. He added that he will also review the CM Helpline 1905 on the last Thursday of every month. During the meeting, CM Dhami spoke to seven complainants who had lodged complaints regarding various problems on the CM Helpline and addressed their grievances. (ANI)
US Department of Defence has announced an additional security assistance package, valued at up to USD 500 million, for Ukraine to meet its "critical security and defence needs." The security package includes crucial capabilities to aid Ukraine's counteroffensive operations in its ongoing conflict with Russia and to strengthen its air defences. "Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced additional security assistance to meet Ukraine's critical security and defence needs," the US Department of Defence said in an official release on Tuesday. "This authorization is the Biden Administration's forty-first drawdown of equipment from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021. This package, valued at up to $500 million, includes key capabilities to support Ukraine's counter-offensive operations, strengthen its air defences to help Ukraine protect its people, as well as additional armoured vehicles, anti-armour systems, critical munitions, and other equipment to help Ukraine push back on Russia's war of aggression," the release said. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the US has condemned all acts by Moscow and has shown firm support to Ukraine, and its people. A week back, Blinken also noted the US commitment to working with the private sector to enable Ukraine's modernization and revitalization. "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," the release added. The security assistance package apparently has additional munitions for Patriot air defence systems, stinger anti-aircraft systems, additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), demolitions munitions and systems for obstacle clearing, and mine clearing equipment, including High-speed Anti-radiation missiles (HARMs) and other small arms, grenade and night vision devices. The security assistance of USD 500 million from the US to Ukraine came a day after President Joe Biden held a telephone conversation with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. US President Joe Biden on Sunday spoke with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and discussed the recent events in Russia, and also discussed Ukraine's ongoing counter-offensive. President Biden reaffirmed unflinching US support, which includes ongoing security, financial, and humanitarian assistance. "President Biden spoke today with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine to discuss support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression. They discussed Ukraine's ongoing counter-offensive, and President Biden reaffirmed unwavering US support, including through continued security, economic, and humanitarian aid. The leaders also discussed recent events in Russia," the White House readout of Biden's call with Zelenskyy said. (ANI)
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that government will not allow Sri Lanka to be used as a base for any threats against India, underlining that the island nation is a "neutral" country and has no military agreements with China, Adaderana reported. Adaderana is Sri Lanka's 24/7 news portal. President Wickremesinghe said that there are a lot of speculation on whether the presence of China in Sri Lanka is a military one. He said that there are several rumours about the Hambantota Harbour and added that, although being granted to China Merchants Group, the Sri Lankan government maintains responsibility for its security. Assuring that Sri Lanka will not be utilised as a base for any threats against India, Wickremesinghe emphasised that his nation is a neutral one. The Sri Lankan President addressed such queries while speaking in an interview with France24 on the sidelines of the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact in Paris recently. He further emphasized that the Southern Naval Command will be shifted to Hambantota. "We have got one brigade stationed in Hambantota and nearby areas, and there certainly has been no issue of military use by the Chinese. China has been there for 1,500 years. So far, there has been no military base", he asserted, according to Adaderana. The President, who responded to a question on whether the country is being sold off, underlined that working with foreign economies does not mean that the country is being sold off, but it means that the country's economy is being developed. He further mentioned that the World Bank's assistance is much needed at the moment and will certainly help to boost Sri Lanka's economy. "We have so far met all the requirements in order to get funding from the World Bank. As a result, we are eligible for World Bank support," Wickremesinghe said, according to Adaderana. "It is much-needed money at the moment and will certainly help to strengthen the economy", he added. (ANI)
A Gazette Extraordinary has been issued by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana to convene a special session of the parliament on Saturday (July 01).

In accordance with Standing Order 16 of the Standing Orders of Parliament, the Speaker called a meeting of Parliament at 9.30 am on Saturday at the Prime Minister's request.

It was earlier reported that Parliament would be convened on Saturday and Sunday to get the approval for the domestic debt restructuring process.

The decision to hold the "special session" on Saturday (July 1) and Sunday (July 2) to talk over the domestic debt restructuring was taken in special party leaders' meeting on Tuesday, Dailymirror reported citing a spokesman from the Speaker's office. The Sri Lankan Speaker also stressed the importance of holding a party leaders' meeting next week.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stressed that the final decision should be made by the party leaders, and also questioned the plan to hold a weekend session, according to the Sri Lankan publication, Dailymirror.

During his recent visit to the United Kingdom (UK), Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe promised that the island nation will finish its debt restructuring by September of this year.

Since Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948, there has never been a crisis of this magnitude as it is going through right now.

The crisis was brought on by years of poor financial management by succeeding Sri Lankan governments and the Gotabaya Rajapaksa regime's choice to forego addressing the IMF to prevent the country from amassing debts.

Several protests took place against the government when the financial crisis had a negative influence on food security, availability of gasoline, and the price of cooking gas. (ANI)
Enrique A Manalo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines has arrived at New Delhi Airport. He is on a four-day visit to India. Manalo received an invitation from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to co-chair the 5th India-Philippines Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC), to be held tomorrow (Wednesday) in New Delhi. https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1673864356499689473 During the meeting, both sides will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations including political, defence, security, maritime cooperation, trade and investment, health, tourism, agriculture, financial technology and will also discuss regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest. During his visit, Secretary Manalo will also call on Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar. Secretary Manalo will deliver the 42nd Sapru House Lecture as a joint project under the MoU signed between the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) of the Philippines and the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) in November 2017. The visit will provide an opportunity to comprehensively review bilateral relations between India and the Philippines and to explore ways to further deepen and strengthen them. Manalo was appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Philippines in July 2022. Manalo earlier served in the foreign service for nearly four years and joined the Department of Foreign Affairs in 1979. He is the son of the late Ambassador Armando Manalo and Rosario Manalo, the former ambassador to Belgium and political adviser of the Philippine mission to the United Nations, The Manila Times reported. Before his appointment as Foreign Affairs secretary, Manalo was the DFA's undersecretary for policy, his second stint in the same position, which he first held from 2007 to 2010. He has represented the country and has served as the chairman of various international meetings and conferences, the latest of which was the Senior Officials Meeting during the Asean Foreign Ministers Meeting Retreat (AMM Retreat) in Boracay, Malay, Aklan, last February 20. Manalo worked in the foreign service in various sectors before his first appointment as ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary in 2003. He started serving in the home office as a special assistant to the Office of the Deputy Minister from 1979 to 1981. After completing his first tour of duty at the Philippine Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, he was named as special assistant to the First Undersecretary of the DFA. He was also the assistant secretary for European Affairs after his stint as the minister counsellor of the Philippine Mission to the UN in New York from 1998 to 2000. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first State visit to the United States has been an instant hit. Note that this is not a Bollywood movie that we are talking about, but a journey that resounds with a new mantra for India-US ties. The India-US joint statement sums up the sentiments and intent of both nations by stating that "Our cooperation will serve the global good as we work through a range of multilateral and regional groupings - particularly the Quad- to contribute toward a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo- Pacific. No corner of human enterprise is untouched by the partnership between our two great countries, which spans the seas to the stars". The grand rhetoric will be translated into action as India will soon join the Artemis Accords, a US-led effort to send humans to the moon again by 2025, with the ultimate goal of expanding space exploration to Mars and beyond. The range of bilateral agreements signed and the likely spin-offs that it will bring to the Indian industry by itself indicates the depth of mutual understanding and strategic salience attached to India by the US. The perspective from Beijing and Islamabad gives us a bird's eye view of the State Visit of Prime Minister Modi. Both China and Pakistan have long opposed an assertive India on the world stage and especially one that is in sync with the United States. For China, the State Visit of Prime Minister Modi to the US was a cruel reminder that it is not only Beijing which can pursue "win-win" cooperation with America. The Prime Minister indirectly hit out at China when he told Congress, "The dark clouds of coercion and confrontation are casting their shadow in the Indo-Pacific." He added, "The stability of the region has become one of the central concerns of our partnership." The joint statement included a warning of rising tensions and destabilizing actions in the East and South China Sea and stressed the importance of international law and freedom of navigation. The US may have well sent a gentle reminder to China when they played Lata Mangeshkar's "Ae mere wattan ke logon", at the State dinner. This is a song that commemorates the Indian Army soldiers who lost their lives during the 1962 India-China border war. Symbolism plays an important part of the new normal in India-US relations! Chinese state media said the US was displaying "wishful thinking" regarding India's potential. They regarded Modi's visit as part of Washington's strategy to prop up India to contain China - exuding a mild 'cautious optimism' - as Beijing believes that the two sides aren't entirely aligned. The winds of change in Indo-US relations are best seen in the Joint Statement wherein both leaders "....strongly condemned cross-border terrorism, the use of terrorist proxies and called on Pakistan to take immediate action to ensure that no territory under its control is used for launching terrorist attacks." This was certainly not liked by Pakistan. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said the US-Indian Joint Statement was "unwarranted, one-sided, and misleading". The reference to Islamabad in it was "contrary to diplomatic norms," it said. The Dawn (June 24), as did other major English dailies tried to cloak Pakistan's role in fostering militancy and terrorism in India by arguing that, "While Pakistan has had a problem with militancy, the critique would have carried more weight had the Biden administration also brought up India's deplorable treatment of its Muslims, and its long subjugation of Kashmir." The Express Tribune (June 24) alleged that the joint statement showed that "Washington was harping to the tune from India". Most importantly, speaking from the international relations perspective, "India's inking of big-ticket projects... has cemented a decade of neo- World Order in Asia." Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra aptly summed up the outcomes of the visit when he said the area of technology cooperation across the entire ecosystem, tech transfer, tech trade in products and services, tech capacity building, tech co-production and research, constituted a major takeaway from the visit, alluding to the cooperation within the framework of the initiative on critical and emerging technologies (iCET) and beyond. Special mention could be made of advancements in defence partnership, space cooperation, and commitment of both nations to harnessing advanced technologies for mutual benefit. The very fact that President Biden accorded a state honour to the Prime Minister indicated the importance the US attaches to the visit. Geo-politically both nations have shown the will and the way to move closer. This bilateral bonhomie is reflected in the manifold sectors in which the US has agreed to link up with India. Defence, semi-conductors and space cooperation are at the forefront of this new cooperative spirit. The agreement to jointly produce jet engines, procurement of High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones, and establishment of semi-conductor facilities in India demonstrates a substantial leap in technology defence partnerships. Of note is the MoU signed between General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to jointly produce GE 414 fighter jet engines, with technology transfer and indigenous manufacturing capabilities. The Tejas Mark II will certainly get a boost. The potential for using the GE 414 for the AMCA also opens up in the future. Additionally, the Indian Navy, Army, and Air Force will procure 31 MQ-9B HALE US drones, to strengthen India's Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance capabilities. To support long- term goals in boosting India's indigenous defence capabilities, the US-based General Atomics will set up a Comprehensive Global MRO facility in India. While US defence industry has shown the way, US political leadership will have to ensure continuity in this sector. The fact is that both India and the US need each other in the new world order. With Russia fighting a lone war in Ukraine, China on its mission to become a world power and others clamouring for a place on the world stage, the US realizes it needs a partner in the Indo-Pacific to whom it can entrust the responsibility of acting as a countervailing force against China. India hesitates to be that force openly. It is therefore important for India to take action in that direction without necessarily bragging about it. India and more importantly, Prime Minister Modi realizes that closer interaction with the US is essential if it is to move away from its dependence on Russia for its weapons and other equipment. There is another facet to the current visit which is geo-politically important for both the US and India, though for different reasons. The US expectation is that India will sooner than later overtly support Ukraine in the conflict. Till this happens, the need to use bilateral leverages with India will continue. At the end of the day, the India-US relationship has benefitted. Both sides are now able to bring together their requirements on a single platform and the multi-layered mechanisms put in place to achieve the goals set by the Joint Statement will probably outlast the elections next year, both in India and the US. If this indeed happens, then President Biden and Prime Minister Modi would have helped to unequivocally shape the future of India-US ties! (ANI)
Munir Mengal, the President of Baloch Voice Association, an NGO based in Paris, France raised his voice on the issue of enforced disappearance in Balochistan and organized an exhibition at Broken Chair in United Nations, Geneva, along with Baloch Peoples Congress and Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP). Mengal tweeted, "Banners and Photo Exhibition about Enforced Disappearances in #Balochistan started today will continue for Three days. VBMP, Baloch Voice Association, Baloch Peoples Congress." He also shared a video message along with a tweet. "Photo and Banners Exhibition at Broken Chair United Nations (UN) Geneva. Organized by Baloch Peoples Congress, Baloch Voice Association, and Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP)," the tweet said. In his video message, he expressed his concern towards the enforced disappearance in Balochistan and the abuse of rights by Pakistan forces. He urged the United Nations to take further action against Pakistan. "To seek the attention of UN bodies, and member states, that the member state Pakistan is abusing the rights of Baloch people on a daily basis. There are more than 50,000 people who are victims of enforced disappearances. Multiple bodies have been received where the body organs are missing. We have received dead bodies marked on them with different slogans. We have also received tortured brutal dead bodies in the desert and multiple bodies hanging on the trees." "This is the reality of the Pakistani state doing with the people of Balochistan. For that, we are all here to raise this issue to the UN and its bodies, that the UN member state is doing this kind of inhuman action to the Baloch people," he added. Mengal further explained the situation of the people of Balochistan. He said, "On the other side, Pakistan claims that they are doing a lot of economic projects but the reality is that more than 1.8 million Baloch children are out of schools...eliminating the Baloch people, keeping them away from the schools and jobs." Furthermore, he said that whatever they find in Baloch people's houses, they take with them including women. "They take the human and keep them as enforced disappearances. Hundreds of Baloch women ... are victims of enforced disappearances," he said. He later mentioned that the exhibition will go on for three days and urged UN bodies to investigate the matter. "On this occasion, this exhibition will continue for three days and we request UN bodies and UN member states that they should investigate the issue of victims of enforced disappearances. They should investigate the issue of abuse of rights being done by the Pakistani forces and they should ask Pakistan and should make them accountable that why a member state is doing this." (ANI)
Three Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jets, as part of the military contingent, are poised to participate in the Bastille Day flypast over the Champs Elysees, Paris, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be the guest of honour, as per the release. The French traditional military parade is held in Paris during the Bastille Day on July 14. PM Modi's visit will coincide with the 25th anniversary of the "strategic partnership" between France and India. Earlier, Indian Defence Official also confirmed that the Indian Air Force would be deploying its fighter aircraft to participate in the event's flypast. The Indian military contingent would also be part of the marching contingent on Bastille Day. At the invitation of France President Emmanuel Macron, PM Modi will be the Guest of Honour on France's National Day on July 14. Earlier, Macron tweeted, "Dear Narendra, I am very happy to welcome you to Paris as a guest of honour at the July 14 parade." Prime Minister's visit is expected to herald the next phase in the India-France Strategic Partnership by setting new and ambitious goals for our strategic, cultural, scientific, academic, and economic cooperation, including in a wide range of industries, as per the official statement released by the Indian Embassy in France. India and France defend the goals and tenets of the United Nations Charter, which serve as the cornerstone of collaboration between the two nations in the Indo-Pacific region, and share a vision for peace and security, particularly in Europe and the Indo-Pacific "This historic visit of PM Modi will also deliver common initiatives in order to respond to the key challenges of our time, including climate change, biodiversity loss and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and will be an opportunity for India and France to reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism, including in the context of India's G20 Presidency," the official statement added. India and France defend the goals and tenets of the United Nations Charter, which serve as the cornerstone of collaboration between the two nations in the Indo-Pacific region, and share a vision for peace and security, particularly in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. (ANI)
The House of Representatives of Nepal for the first time in history has approved the annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year on a 'split-the-vote' or majority basis. The budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2023/24 has been endorsed by the Parliament through a division of votes as the opposition lawmakers insisted on ensuring a clear majority in favour of the budget. "In today's voting, the total number of honourable members of the parliament present is 255. The proposal to approve the 'appropriation bill' or those supporting it has garnered 147 votes and the vote against the bill is 108. Abstaining vote is zero. The proposal to endorse the 'appropriation bill 2080' has garnered 147 votes and the vote is thus the majority of the house while this meeting is held. I hereby announce the proposed bill has been endorsed with a majority," House Speaker Devraj Ghimire announced at Wednesday's meeting. Initially, the Finance Minister of Nepal, Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat presented the budget proposal for endorsement. Following this, House Speaker Devraj Ghimire sought the opinions of lawmakers in a 'Yes or No' format, after which the majority expressed their support for the budget. Chief whip of opposition CPN-UML, Mahesh Kumar Bartaula had demanded a split vote claiming on the majority lies with those standing against the budget. "We felt that the majority of the house stands against the 'appropriation bill' but the announcement from the honourable speaker of the house stated that the vote in favour of the bill stands high. Therefore, expressing our discontentment over it, as per the rule of House of Representatives-29 demand for the split vote," Bartaula said. However, in response to demands from CPN-UML lawmakers, a split vote was conducted to ensure a clear majority in favour of the budget. The voting ended up with the endorsement. Wednesday's approved budget also consists of four bills, namely the Appropriation Bill, Finance Bill, National Debt Collection Bill, and Loan and Guarantee Bill. The budget has also been endorsed by the Parliament with a majority without any amendment. Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat on May 29, had presented a budget of Rs 1.751 trillion for the fiscal year 2023-24, while it was Rs 1.793 trillion for the fiscal year 2022-23. Presenting the mid-term review report in the House of Representatives (HoR) on February 12, the then Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel had downsized the budget by Rs 244 billion (14 per cent) to Rs 1.549 trillion. Mahat has allocated Rs 1.141 trillion (65.20 per cent) for recurrent expenditure, Rs 302.07 billion (17.25 per cent) for capital expenditure, and Rs 307.45 billion (17.55 per cent) for debt financing. Similarly, Rs 408 billion has been allocated for transfer to the provinces and local bodies. The budget plans to generate Rs 1.248 trillion through revenues, Rs 49.94 billion through foreign grant and generate the remaining amount of Rs 452.75 billion through foreign loans (Rs 212.65 billion) and domestic borrowing (Rs 240 billion). (ANI)
Stating that the 'Indian dream' and the 'American dream' are two sides of the same coin, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti on Wednesday said that in India, a young tea seller goes on to lead India on a global stage and a Santhali teacher goes on to become the President. The Ambassador was speaking at an event titled 'Peace Prosperity, Planet, and People Event, a New Chapter for US-India' at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi in the national capital on Wednesday. Addressing the event, Garcetti said, "India is a place where dreams become reality every day. In India, a young boy selling tea grows to lead India on a global stage. In India, a Santhali teacher goes on to become the President. Interestingly enough in the US, it's the son of a blue-collared worker and a daughter of two immigrants, who lead our country as well. Our countries have so much in common". "Indian dreams and American dreams are two sides of the same coin. Because we have the same vision, and people want to achieve success for our communities, and our families. We embrace possibilities, new opportunities, knowledge, and the chance to make a difference," he added. The US envoy further added that the US will continue to engage with India on the issue of human rights. "I saw an incredible celebration of the bond between the world's two great democracies. As President Biden rightly put it 'I saw a defining partnership of this century'. I saw the power of transformative friendship. As PM Modi said, 'The scope of our cooperation is endless and chemistry of our relations is effortless'" Garcetti said. The US envoy added, "India conducts more military exercises with the US than with any other country. It is time for us to reframe our vision, reset it, and then make it real. The US and India are better when we work together for peace and prosperity," he said. Emphasising the diaspora community, the US envoy said that the India-US friendship grows along with the shared experience and ambitions. "We are linked by a diaspora community more than four-million strong. Through educational and business connections, and an appreciation for each other's cultures, our friendship grows along with our shared experience and shared ambitions," he added. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on his maiden state visit to the US from June 21-24, during which he led a special yoga event at the UN Headquarters, held bilateral talks with President Biden at the White House and also addressed the UN Congress. (ANI)
Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) S Somanath on Wednesday revealed that Chandrayaan 3 testing is complete and the window of opportunity for the launch is aimed between July 12 and 19. "Currently the Chandrayaan 3 spacecraft is fully integrated. We have completed the testing and also mated with the rocket compartment... Currently, the window of opportunity for launch is between July 12 and 19 and we will take the earliest possible date, maybe the 12th, maybe the 13th or maybe the 14th. We will announce the exact date after all the tests are completed," Somanath told ANI here. The ISRO chief also shared his views on Artemis Accords and believes that it is an opportunity for Indian industries that are working in the space sector to work with the US companies. "We are looking at Artemis Accord as a political engagement with the US. It is a statement of Intent that when the US is proposing collaborative work in the space sector, especially the exploration of outer planets in a very cordial atmosphere between different nations, we agree with that. So it has a big statement. We would like to work with the US, especially on technologies which are high-end and space is one of them. It will open opportunities for Indian industries who are working in the space sector to work with the US companies that are equally working in the space sector," he mentioned. "So the advancement of electronics, new processors, the centre takes place in the US and this access to this new technology to the Indian company is so important for them to innovate and bring up value which will give an opportunity to market them in the US market. This is precisely the objective of the US. So we would like to make sure the Indian companies contribute to the US space program. It's not a great thing now. So, the earlier the US sees it as an opportunity because Indian companies have the technological strength today, they have cost-effectiveness and they have a lower development cycle time which they want to bank on. So it is the purpose that it is jointly developed this whole accord signing is for the benefit of the US as well as the benefit of India," he added Somanath shared an update on Aditya-L1 Mission which is India's first mission to study the Sun and said ISRO is aiming for August end as the target for its launch. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar referred to China as a 'significant neighbour' to India and emphasized the need for mutual respect and adherence to agreements to maintain a healthy relationship. Speaking at the India International Centre, he acknowledged the challenges in the India-China relationship, stating that the abnormal state of the border remains a key factor in shaping the overall relationship. Speaking at the India International Centre, Jaishankar said, "The difficult one on the big stage has obviously been China. And I would say it's a subject on which I have spoken and spoken publicly before. At the end of the day, for us, we recognize it's a neighbour, it's a big neighbour. It's today a very significant economy and significant power. But at the end of the day, any relationship has to be based on a high degree of mutuality." "There has to be respect for each other's interests, sensitivity for each other's interests, and there has to be an adherence to agreements which were reached between us. And it is that departure from what was agreed between us, which is today at the heart of the difficult phase that we are passing through with China. And the bottom line there is at the end of the day, the state of the border will determine the state of the relationship. And the state of the border today is still abnormal," Jaishankar added. Giving a sharp contrast between India's ties with China and that with the US, Jaishankar said relations with the latter have been "exceptionally good". Jaishankar cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent maiden state visit to the US, and said it was the most productive visit by an Indian Prime Minister. "Today, it's a very polarised world, and the global stage is so much more challenging... Our relations with the United States are exceptionally well. We have had the most productive visit in history," he said. "We have moved into a positive domain with the US for shaping the world for common purposes. The attention being given to Europe is remarkable... The big issue before us is concluding the Free Trade Agreement... We are more hopeful than ever before," EAM added. On India's relationship with Russia, Jaishankar said that it has been very good and it would be a "mistake" to reduce its importance. "Our relations with Russia have been kept steady despite all turbulence. We have made our own evaluation over the years regarding the importance of this. It is a mistake to dumb down ties with Russia to just defence dependences. We have an upswing in the economic part of our relations with Russia," he said. (ANI)
The Supreme Court of Nepal has issued an interim order directing the Nepal government to temporarily register marriages of same-sex couples. The single bench of Judge Til Prasad Shrestha issued an interim order directing the authorities to make necessary arrangements to register the marriages of sexual minorities. As per the order, the marriages between the same sex should be recorded as "temporary". Blue Diamond Society, an organization working in the field of the LGBTQI+ community had filed a petition in the SC challenging the existing laws in Nepal terming them as obstacles to the registration of same sex-marriages. The Blue Diamond Society also has sought an amendment to the provisions of the Civil Code 2017 concerning marriage registration. The purpose of the petition is to challenge and demand changes to the existing provisions to enable the registration of same-sex marriages. As per the detailed order from the court, the government also has been directed to provide a written response pertaining legal framework for the registration of marriage for the same sex. The court has given a deadline of 15 days to the government to furbish written answer. In the order, the Supreme Court stated that clause 69 (1) of the Civil Code 2074 has stated that a person has the right to marriage and Nepal's Constitution clause 18 (1) states equality. In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court, a decade and a half back had allowed sexual minorities to marry but the Civil Code of the nation hasn't approved same-sex marriage. In the latest round of orders, the Supreme Court has further ordered the government to provide a written response regarding the legal framework pertaining to the registration of marriages for same-sex couples. The Apex Court's order has come in the LGBT Pride Month of June 2023, dedicated to the celebration and commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender pride. (ANI)
United States Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "today's era is not an era of war" statement and said that this was a powerful and necessary idea. Speaking at an event titled 'Peace Prosperity, Planet, and People Event, a New Chapter for US-India' at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, Garcetti said, "When Prime Minister Modi said that 'today's era is not an era of war,' it caught the ears of the entire world. What a powerful idea. What a necessary idea." The Prime Minister made a 'not an era of war' comment while talking with Russia's President Vladimir Putin in September 2022 during an SCO summit. On the sidelines of the SCO summit in Samarkand on September 16, PM Modi said "today's era isn't of war" while emphasising the need to find ways to address the problems of food, fuel security and fertilizers. While addressing the event, Garcetti further stated that India and US have the power to set an example and build a more peaceful world, in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. "A key component of peace is protection. As we've unfortunately seen over the past three years, we live in a world in which countries ignore sovereign borders, advancing their claims through violence and destruction. This is not the world we want. This is not the world we need," Garcetti said. "Together, India and the United States of America can build a bulwark against this might makes right mentality. Working together, the world's two largest democracies can bolster the security, stability, and prosperity of the entire world," he added. He also stated that India and US are already doing so much together to ensure peace. He pointed out that the joint training and operations are being conducted by US and India's troops from the mountains of Alaska to the Red Sea. "Our countries' defence industries are increasingly connected. In fact, components made here in India already keep U.S. Apache helicopters and C-130 transport aircraft in the sky," he said and added "Soon, we'll see advanced jet engines made here in India as well." (ANI)
1 hospitalized after car crashes into pole in front of Vandalia fire station

One person was taken to the hospital after a car crashed into a pole in front of a Vandalia fire station Tuesday evening.

Around 7:30 p.m. Vandalia and Butler fire crews were called to a crash in front of the fire station on Peters Pike.

Photos posted by the Vandalia Division of Fire on social media show a pole snapped at the base, laying on a car.

>> Water tests negative for Legionella at Kettering fieldhouse, district still taking precautions

One person was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Vandalia Division of Fire.

We are working to learn what led up to the crash and additional details.

We will update this story as new information becomes available.












The Constitution of Ukraine

Ukraine celebrates the 27th anniversary of the adoption of its Constitution on June 28.

Constitution Day is a national holiday, although in 2023, it will not be observed as a day off due to the ongoing state of war.

On June 28, 1996, at 9:20 a.m., 315 members of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraines parliament voted in favor of the Ukrainian Constitution. They had been working on the Constitution the entire previous day and throughout the night.

The result was the first Constitution of an independent Ukrainian state, recognized worldwide. NV has collected 10 interesting facts about the Constitution of Ukraine:

1. The adoption of the Constitution of Ukraine took nearly six years after the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine (July 16, 1990) and almost five years after the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine. The adoption of the document was hindered by the constant confrontation between the President and the Verkhovna Rada against the backdrop of a prolonged socioeconomic crisis in the country.

2. Over the course of six years, there were 15 drafts of the Constitution of Ukraine. In addition to the Constitutional Commission, political parties proposed their own drafts. The Congress of Ukrainian Nationalists' project did not provide for autonomy of Crimea, while the Communists suggested retaining the name Ukrainian SSR, restoring the Soviet form of governance, and entering a new union. They also aimed to limit the President's powers.

3. The most contentious issues during the discussion of the Constitution projects were:



Distribution of powers between branches of government

State symbols

Private property

Status of Crimea

Status of the Russian language



4. Active work on the final draft of the Constitution of Ukraine lasted for three months. The Constitutional Commission worked on it for three consecutive months, 13 hours a day, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. In March, the Constitutional Commission recommended the draft for consideration by the Verkhovna Rada. It was included in the agenda on April 2 and, after two months of revision, was passed in the first reading. Approximately 6,000 amendments were made to the Constitution project during the preparation for the second reading.

1996 Ukrainian Constitution Project document uinp.gov.ua

5. The Verkhovna Rada finalized all provisions of the Constitution continuously for 24 hours. On June 27, 1996, the deputies decided to discuss the draft Basic Law in a single session, without breaks. They voted on each article separately and then on entire sections. The vote on the Constitution as a whole took place at 9:20 a.m. on June 28, 1996.

6. "We have a Constitution!"  these were the first words spoken by the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Oleksandr Moroz, after the adoption of the Basic Law.



7. A week before the adoption of the Constitution, on June 21, 1996, an addition by Moroz was adopted, stating that the exclusive right to define and change the constitutional order of Ukraine belongs to the people, and the state and its officials cannot usurp this right.

8. The Verkhovna Rada has made changes to the Constitution eight times. Some subsequent amendments repealed previous ones. The most recent change occurred on September 3, 2019, when MPs stripped themselves of parliamentary immunity.

9. Shortly before the adoption of the Constitution, President Leonid Kuchma issued a decree to hold an all-Ukrainian referendum on the adoption of the Constitution on September 25, 1996. However, after the Verkhovna Rada adopted the Constitution on June 28, he canceled this decree.

Members of the Verkhovna Rada are photographed after the adoption of the Constitution on the morning of June 28, 1996 Oleksandr Klymenko / Voice of Ukraine

10. Kuchma was not present in the Rada for the entire 24 hours while MPs considered the final draft of the Constitution of Ukraine. He arrived in the session hall a few minutes before the vote on the Basic Law as a whole and delivered a speech, calling the adoption of the Constitution a historic event.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
A Russian missile strike in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk killed at least 10 people Tuesday, authorities said.

The missile struck a restaurant, collapsing it and trapping those inside under the rubble. Ten bodies have been recovered from the rubble, local public safety officials told Ukrainian media.

Kramatorsk Mayor Oleksandr Goncharenko said 56 people were injured in the strike.

Kramatorsk, 8 dead, 56 wounded. What hatred. I want them all to die the same way. To have fear. To be afraid to go out because it could kill, Goncharenko said on Telegram. His message was sent before two additional bodies were found in the rubble.

Kramatorsk is about one hour west of Bakhmut, the center of the heaviest fighting of the war in the past few months. Last year, a bombing at Kramatorsks train station killed 63 people.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky chastised Russia for the latest attack in his nightly address Tuesday.

Each such manifestation of terror proves over and over again to us and to the whole world that Russia deserves only one thing as a result of everything it has done  defeat and a tribunal, fair and legal trials against all Russian murderers and terrorists, he said.

On Tuesday, the U.S. announced an additional $500 million in aid for the Ukrainian war effort, including armored vehicles. The supplies will help extend Ukraines counteroffensive, which started earlier this month and has found early success along with heavy losses.

Updated at 8:43 a.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
This 10-year-old prodigy is the youngest college student in his school's history

At age 9, David Balogun enrolled at Southern New Hampshire University. Southern New Hampshire University.

David Balogun earned his high school diploma at age nine and began a tricky search for colleges.

Now 10, Balogun is taking a full courseload online at Southern New Hampshire University.

He is the youngest enrollee the school has seen, a spokesperson told Insider.

At the beginning of the pandemic, David Balogun was still taking elementary school classes like the rest of his peers.

Less than three years later, he finished high school.

Now, the child prodigy is studying at Southern New Hampshire University, where he became the school's youngest student ever when he enrolled at age 9, according to the school. He received a full-tuition scholarship for both his bachelor's and master's degrees studying computer science and IT.

"I love to learn," David, who is now 10 years old, told the university. "If a person is saying that my parents are pushing me too hard, I would type in two words if I had to respond to them, 'meet me.'"

David previously told Insider he wants to study black holes and supernovas in between practicing piano and martial arts. Earlier this year, he was invited for a private tour of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope Mission Operations Center in Maryland, where he apparently left scientists "quite impressed."

"We are thrilled to welcome David to the diverse SNHU community," university president Paul LeBlanc said in the school's statement. "David is an amazing young man filled with so much personality. We are dedicated to ensuring that he receives an education that aligns with his remarkable abilities and empowers him to reach his full potential."

Selecting a college for David was a complex process due to the "dichotomy of being that young and that smart," Ronya Balogun, David's mother, previously told Insider. His parents weren't sure about dropping their child off at college, where he would be many years younger than his teenage peers.

Online courses at SNHU ended up being the perfect solution.

At the rate he's going now, it's possible David could complete his undergraduate degree by 2025, a spokesperson for SNHU told Insider.

"David is learning based on his capabilities. It's his civil right," Ronya Balogun said, according to the school. "Not based on his age or not based on what the education system tells him, and I'm grateful that SNHU took this step to take a risk on my son."

Read the original article on Insider
100 years of urban sprawl  Is this your citys future or can planners turn the tide?

Alex Cochran, Deseret News

Editors note: This is one of two stories today about city plannings victories and mistakes, with enormous impact on the wellbeing of individuals, communities and the natural world.

It was mid-January 1997, the coldest day of the year, when city planners descended on Salt Lake City. They worked in a strange profession, a mixture of architecture, engineering and philosophy.

Forward-thinking Utahns worried about the 1 million new residents projected to live along the Wasatch corridor by 2020, and responded by organizing a group with the hefty task of preserving Utahs high quality of life for future generations.

From Berkeley, Calthorpe Associates. Out of Portland, Fregonese-Calthorpe Associates. The man in common was renowned urban designer Peter Calthorpe. The two teams led a movement called transit-oriented development. Some were founding partners of the Congress for the New Urbanism  urban designers, architects and city planners who wholly rejected the sprawling, anti-urban practices of the 1900s.

They sought to undo the legacy of urban renewal as it was known in San Francisco, Portland and beyond  the often discriminatory war on perceived blight in the urban environment, regularly leading to relocation of lower-income families and dissolution of entire communities.

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The planners kicked off The Utah Quality Growth Public/Private Partnership, to address the challenge of a rapidly growing population. They joined with local press, government representatives, business leaders and an actor dressed as Brigham Young. His image served as a reminder of Utahs unique planning heritage.

The collaboration would later go by the catchier Envision Utah. Recently, reclining in his San Francisco office, Calthorpe told the Deseret News, It was truly radical and forward-thinking at the time. He considers it one of his greatest successes. One result, the $610 million UTA FrontRunner, just turned 15 years old.

I love working in Salt Lake, Calthorpe said, because even when people disagree with each other, theyre really civil about it. And then were able to come to really rational conclusions and do the right thing.

Peter Calthorpe speaks at a West Bench Planning Summit at the E Center on Dec. 7, 2005. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

The collaboration was among the countrys first regional vision planning efforts. Calthorpe and his peers have since developed regional plans globally. Daybreak in South Jordan is designed by Calthorpe. So are communities in California, Texas, Louisiana and cities as far away as Beijing.

But new stresses continue to threaten the quality of life in cities everywhere. Skyrocketing housing prices, resource scarcity and failing public transportation are forcing this generation of planners to return to the drawing board, hoping to design a livable future for us all.

How sprawl infected California

A strange shift happened in California in the later half of the 20th century. In 1950, the census recorded 10.5 million residents, which by 1990 was 29.8 million. The land-rich state supported growth and prosperity, as California workers found themselves with more money than their parents in a postwar economy. GI benefits, Federal Housing Administration loans, and massive interstate building programs from the Eisenhower administration let urbanites buy up single-family houses with big yards.

The promise of affordable single-family homes and steady work prompted the boom, but ironically later starved the region of ability to support future growth.

Many, Calthorpe explained, followed the old real estate saying, Drive til you qualify. If you cant afford the house, you drive 10 miles farther to get a cheaper one. At a certain point, those miles add up to the point where easily 20% of household income is spent on the cars, and then 35% on the mortgage.

It represented the American dream: a family and a yard and space to play close to nature. Peaceful and pastoral. But it came at the expense of significant dependence on cars and increased environmental impact.

This is sprawl  a complex phenomenon, completely reversing the often-seen rural migrations to more urban areas. Ted Knowlton, former Envision Utah planning director, said sprawl misses four key elements of a healthy community. Theres a lack of town centers. Everything is separate  shopping, jobs, recreation and homes. The streets are not well connected, so its hard to walk and bike from place to place. Finally, population density is very low.

Sprawl became a major issue for cities. Suburbs relied on a healthy urban center for jobs, but commuters were not necessarily supporting it with taxes.

The city planner profession was relatively new, as were mounting problems facing population centers like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Automobiles and postwar migration clogged the roads across California. The daily commute into San Francisco was unbearable, the bridges across the bay to Oakland gridlocked. Workers increasingly lived in sprawling suburbs.

A commission report found that a solution can be reached only through evolving a satisfactory system of mass rapid transit developed on the premise of moving people  not moving cars.

A BART train pulls into a Bay Area station in this undated photo. | Adobe.com

In 1953, Larry Livingston Jr., then a young city planner, became involved with the Bay Area Rapid Transit project, or BART. The proposal, the first modern U.S. rapid transit system, spanned three counties and was projected to cost $996 million.

Initially plagued with funding, legal and construction delays, 15 years after the plan was approved, the first sections were opened to paying passengers.

In 1980, looking back, Livingston found seemingly small planning missteps had big impacts when played out over a decade. His team purposely hadnt provided service to outlying commercial and industrial areas, and spaced stations far apart to maintain higher speeds.

The result: Downtown Oakland and Berkeley have gained relatively little strength from rapid transit service and suburban centers unserved by BART became focal points of traffic congestion with impacts far beyond their immediate vicinity, according to an essay Livingston wrote in Planning Magazine. Ten years after BART began service, he concluded the heavily subsidized transit allowed affluent white-collar suburbanites to travel to the city for work, while blue-collar workers carried the tax burden with few of the benefits.

Headlights and taillights illuminate a downtown Portland, Oregon freeway pictured in this undated photo. | David Gn, Adobe.com

Portlands fight against urban growth

Portland sits at the crossroads of the Willamette and Columbia rivers. Founded as an agrarian community, the city is hemmed in by the Cascade Range, most notably volcanic Mount Hood. The area grew as industries like logging and shipbuilding supplied the world wars.

Portlands growth was shaped by a 1943 infrastructure plan designed by controversial New York urban designer Robert Moses. His team inspired construction of numerous bridges and freeways over the next 30 years. The projects were controversial, requiring the demolition of houses and businesses while geographically segregating communities. But something had to ease the citys traffic, improve air quality and rescue a dying downtown.

By 1970, the regions population had nearly doubled, but only 38% lived in Portland. Meanwhile, new funding allowed the state to acquire homes in the path of the proposed eight-lane Mount Hood Freeway.

A new class of leaders gained political clout opposing the highway. By 1974 the freeway had been killed. Federal funding, already awarded, was diverted toward smaller projects, including a rapid rail transit system called MAX. Light rail became Portlands answer to the transportation crisis.

Bob Young, for Willamette Week, wrote that quashing the Mount Hood Freeway showed that a city could save its neighborhoods, even inner-city neighborhoods, from the ravages of the automobile  it signaled that citizens could stand up to seemingly inevitable social forces if they simply decided to do something about them.

The first light rail train carrying passengers crosses the newly opened Tilikum Crossing, a unique bridge, in Portland, Ore., Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015. The Tilikum Crossing joins 11 other Portland bridges across the Willamette River, which divides the city. One of its features are lights whose colors change with the seasons. | Timothy J. Gonzalez, Associated Press

But sprawl was worsening. And the only viable alternative was to encourage what planners call infill. Instead of growing out, the idea is to make an urban area more compact, encouraging walkability, while reducing vehicle miles per resident.

Infill was encouraged through an urban growth boundary to protect farms and forests from urban sprawl and promote the efficient use of land, public facilities and services inside the boundary.

The boundary, part of Republican Gov. Tom McCalls legislation, was historically significant. It created Americas first statewide land-use planning system. And the nations first elected regional planning body, Metro, formed in 1978, inherited management of the boundary, which could be expanded when desired.

Still, in the 80s, Ethan Seltzer, director of the Institute of Portland Metropolitan Studies, wrote that despite the citys pioneering efforts to mitigate sprawl, we found ourselves with many of the same dilemmas: increasing traffic congestion, sprawl within the urban growth boundary and an uncertain sense of the future.

Problems worsened with an influx of tech workers during the dot-com boom. In 1994, Metro convened urban designers and city planners to create one of the nations first regional plans, Metro 2040.

Metro planning director John Fregonese and longtime collaborator Calthorpe used untested methods and philosophies of walkable, human-scaled cities. They pioneered new ways of gaining vast community input. They leaned heavily on light rail transit and identified areas where growth should be encouraged.

Per the plan, The light rail is intended not so much as a replacement for the automobile, but as a device that allows people to inhabit the region as pedestrians. It was a purposeful shift, planning at the scale of a person.

Residents, however, worried that planning to accommodate growth would only encourage it to happen. Many feared the urban growth boundary created affordable housing shortages. But growth was inevitable, as Calthorpe explained. If you build freeways, you get subdivisions. If you build transit, you get infill.

After the regional plan was ratified, voters agreed to a $425 million bond to expand light rail. In 1995, a $138 million dollar levy was approved to purchase thousands of acres while improving existing areas.

But Portland, like every city, was fighting a century of sprawling development, lack of funding and an ever-changing political will.

Man plans, God laughs

City planning has seen vast improvements in a relatively short time. In 1980, Livingston was dismayed by the legacy of his generation, claiming partial responsibility for the sprawl-inducing freeway system  and downtown redevelopment projects that have destroyed the homes of thousands of low-income residents.

More modern analysis by Access Magazine classifies the continuing legacy of San Franciscos BART as one very big achievement, several smaller successes, and many missed opportunities. Its study found housing along the stations declined significantly, and proximity to transit alone was not enough to encourage redevelopment and higher density.

The conclusion: The land use benefits from investments in rail transit are not automatic. Rail transit can contribute to positive change, but rarely creates change by itself.

The urban growth boundary experiment has survived and been expanded about three dozen times, but the planning body has controlled the expansions. They are increasingly popular, mandated or encouraged in a number of other states including Washington, Tennessee, Florida, Maryland and California.

Ted Reid, a current Portland Metro planner, believes it has been effective in supporting infill instead of sprawl. But as housing prices climb, the boundary remains controversial.

Some blame that policy for sprawl. A study by Wendell Cox suggests that it might be accelerating unchecked growth in commuter cities.

Residential areas and businesses are located near each other in Draper, Utah on Thursday, June 1, 2023. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Can Utah hold off sprawl?

Utah has faced its own population boom, as the fastest-growing state of the past decade. Envision Utah guided that growth, drawing on the histories of Portland, Denver, Los Angeles and others while focusing on the Greater Wasatch Area, a 10-county area stretching from Brigham City to Nephi, and from Tooele to Park City.

They engaged more than 18,000 residents in surveys to determine the communitys values and desires for the future, far different than Robert Moses Portland team holed up for two months in a downtown hotel.

Scott Fregonese worked with his father, John, and Calthorpe to tackle those issues in Portland and Utah, introducing a new generation of planning technology: geographic information systems, improved quantitative analysis and community input data.

The area is working with natural urban growth boundaries. The foothills, the Wasatch and Uinta ranges, the Great Salt Lake, Utah Lake and the international airport act as barriers to sprawl. But they put the region in a bind, limiting transportation options and natural resources.

Through that process, the community made it clear there was a real need for public transportation: 88% of residents polled supported expanding the newly installed light rail system.

Fregonese stressed the connection between transportation and land use as a key element in fighting back sprawl. If you want an area to grow, you become more flexible, he said. Planners expanded their tool kit: Public-private partnerships, tax abatements, low-income tax credits, regulatory deals and streamlined permitting processes can encourage targeted growth. That is the driving force behind the concept of smart growth. Preventing growth in one place forces it on another.

The history of San Francisco, Portland and Salt Lake City are still being written, with Utah rapid transit as the youngest sprawl-fighting experiment in the group. It may also be the most necessary, as rapid growth has pushed the Greater Wasatch Area and beyond to the brink.

Pedestrians walk on Main Street as a TRAX train goes by in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

The future of western cities

Ted Knowlton, who worked on Portlands Metro 2040 and Envision Utah, believes regional planning must encourage valuable residents to pour their tax dollars back into the city, and recognize the unmet needs of communities that were forgotten in the flight to the suburbs.

Housing affordability is significantly worse than it has ever been, Knowlton said, and were trying to figure out how we deal with it as a community.

Nick Norris, Salt Lake City planning director, told the Deseret News, Suburban sprawl is probably contributing to a lot of the issues were facing as a region.

Zoning to encourage smart growth is complex. You can have a super dense place, but it almost doesnt matter if the people who live there dont have access to open spaces, clean air and clean water, Norris said.

Through experimentation, Calthorpe and other New Urbanists believe they have found what makes a great city: Walkable streets, porches instead of garage doors, the shade of tree canopies and multiple convenient transportation options supporting a diversity in housing types and income levels.

But the walkable city of the future will only be for the affluent, at least at first. There are not enough walkable communities, and the developments tend to be newer.

Knowlton believes walkable places dont have to cost a lot more. Planners say having a transit choice matters.

The cost to purchase, maintain, insure, fuel and park a car start adding up, Norris said. If they could be cut in half or eliminated, it completely changes a lot of peoples economic situation.

That means focusing on bike lanes and rail transit in Utah. But across the country, planners are working out new solutions to the housing and resource shortages. Calthorpe has found uses for dying strip malls across California, and helped write policy to make housing development on that land economically viable. His big idea: the Grand Boulevard, introducing transit and walkability to the large arterials cutting through city centers.

Locally, Scott Fregonese is working on general plans in Payson and Lehi and redesigning Thanksgiving Point. Calthorpe led the design of Daybreaks mixed-use development.

We do need infill. We do need density thats affordable, but we also need to marry it to connectivity and transit in bikeways, Calthorpe said.

City planners are hard at work attempting to predict the future. The unknowns are greater than ever before. The pandemic decimated transit ridership in most cities, but new technology is coming of age to reinvent transportation and construction.

Will workers return to offices or continue working remotely? Will ridesharing and autonomous vehicles play a large part in mobilitys future  and will they make life better or worse?

Regional and local plans must change and adapt to those new realities. If not, our cities will become unsustainable. Congestion will become unbearable, the air unbreathable and the water scarce.

What we know: Business as usual is a suboptimal scenario. We have a constant need for visionary engineers, designers and planners to develop creative solutions for the future. You wouldnt believe how much work is going into figuring out the housing crisis, Scott Fregonese said. I wouldnt be surprised if theres another Envision Utah in the next 10 years.

Though Calthorpe has worked at this for nearly 50 years, his work is not done. Im getting old, but I still want to go out and change things for the better, he said. Id be happy to come back to Salt Lake and start a new revolution.
A total of $11.7 million in federal funding has been secured to expand high-speed internet access across the Puget Sound and bring so-called middle mile improvements to underserved areas such as Point Roberts, Washington.

Middle mile refers to connecting a towns network to a larger metropolitan area where it interconnects with major carriers, according to the Washington Statewide Broadband Office.

Point Roberts is a 4.9-square-mile unincorporated exclave in Whatcom County located in the southern part of Canadas Tsawwassen Peninsula, south of Vancouver.

The Whidbey Telephone Company has been awarded the funding to help complete the Point Roberts middle mile infrastructure project. The money came from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will fund the construction, improvement and acquisition of middle mile infrastructure for the residents of Point Roberts, Lummi Nation, Whidbey Island Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and surrounding areas.

The funding was secured by Washingtons two U.S. senators, Democrats Patty Muray and Maria Cantwell.

A reliable internet connection is a necessity  not a luxury  and that is especially true in more remote communities in Washington state and throughout the country, said Murray. Families and small businesses in Point Roberts rely on internet access for everything from running their businesses to participating in online classes to accessing health care.

The project calls for installing 47.6 miles of new terrestrial underground fiber optic cable and 63.1 miles of undersea fiber cable, connecting 80,000 Whidbey Island residents, 5,000 residents of Lummi Nation, 17,000 residents of San Juan County, 1,200 underserved residents of Point Roberts, and thousands more households in mainland Northwest Whatcom County.

Middle mile deployment is critical to providing affordable and accessible high-speed internet in places that remain hard to serve, Cantwell said in a news release.

The $11.7 million award will fund the construction, improvement, and acquisition of middle mile infrastructure for the residents of Point Roberts, Lummi Nation, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, and surrounding areas, Cantwell said.

Cantwell also said the 2,164 students in the Blaine School District will be better connected to the internet as well as the communitys 11 anchor institutions, such as libraries and health-care providers.

[This] is promising news, as we believe strongly in having affordable internet available to all in order to address educational inequities caused by a loss of access to online resources. We look forward to learning the details regarding the rollout of this initiative and are hopeful these positive impacts come to fruition for our families, said Lisa Moeller, communications director for the Blaine School District, in an email to the Bellingham Herald.

Brian Calder, president of the Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce, said he is hopeful the project will provide a boost to the local economy.

Any assistance to Point Roberts in any shape or form is welcome, he said.
15 Steamy Ross Lynch Pics That Remind Us Why We're Crushing So Hard

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Ross Lynch hates shirts, not that we're complaining!

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Actor and rock star Ross Lynch knows exactly how to keep his fans thirsting for more.

When The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina star isn't onscreen hes headed to the stage as half of the pop rock duo The Driver Era (with his brother Rocky Lynch), where  not that were complaining  he usually performs sans shirt.

Fresh off his tour with The Driver Era, Lynch headed to the beautiful beaches of Greece, where he showed off some very, ahem, revealing new swimwear. Naturally, Gay Twitter is having a moment.



We thought it was the perfect time to celebrate all the times he reminded us why he's a heartthrob and our forever crush.

Scroll through to see sexy pictures of Ross Lynch  and make sure to follow him on Instagram @ross_lynch

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Eligible senior citizens who signed up for a property tax freeze in advance will avoid Rutherford County's 16.1% increase approved Monday.

"You had to have been frozen prior," Rutherford County Trustee Teb Batey said Tuesday the day after the Rutherford County Commission decided to approve the tax hike.

Teb Batey

Eligible applicants for a future tax freeze may get a break from the next increase. The county commission has been on a pattern since 2015 of raising property taxes every four years following an election year. Prior to the 16.1% hike decision, the tax rate increased by 7.8% in 2015 and 5.7% in 2019.

The tax hikes have involved the county commission funding the rising costs of providing services for the fast-growing county. This includes funding new schools or campus expansions to serve a Rutherford County school district that typically adds over 1,000 students annually.

The 16.1% tax hike means the owner of a home appraised at $334,600, the median value out of 92,036 houses by the Rutherford County Property Assessor's Office, will pay over $217 more in annual property taxes with a new total payment of more than $1,569.

Commissioner Mike Kusch reminded people Monday about the tax freeze after joining the majority in a 13-8 vote to increase the property tax rate.

'You got to pay the bills': County commission adopts 16% property tax hike

Tax relief available to help eligible residents

In addition to the tax freeze, eligible property owners can apply for tax relief at any time regardless of any decision on tax rates, Batey said.

Those eligible for tax relief include low-income senior citizens who are at least 65 or home owners who qualify for disability benefits through Social Security, Batey said. The limit on 2022 income is $33,460 to be eligible.

Disabled veterans or their surviving spouses are also eligible for tax relief without any income limit, Batey said.

The state annually provides over $41 million in tax relief through vouchers to help over 100,000 eligible residents pay property taxes on each applicant's primary residence, according to the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury's Office.

The county also contributes up to $306 toward tax relief. When combined with the state funding, tax relief in Rutherford can be up to about $1,125 for each disabled veteran or surviving spouse, Batey said.

Tax relief for low-income senior citizens or disabled home owners can be up to $445, Batey said.

Those eligible must reapply annually for tax relief.

Tax issues: 7 TN lawmakers annoy Mayor Carr with letter saying his proposed property tax hike unneeded

Tax freeze does have income limits

Applicants can possibly qualify for both tax relief and tax freeze.

"There are no liens against the property," Batey said. "This is not a tax deferral."

Tax relief applications will be available by Oct. 1.

Those wanting a property tax freeze for the next increase will have until April 4, 2024, to apply and remain on the tax rate adopted Monday.

The property tax rate increased by 26 cents to $1.8762 per $100 of assessed property value (25% of appraisal), which is nearly a 16.1% hike.

Those who qualified in advance of the tax hike had to be 65 or older by Dec. 31, 2023, and have a 2022 household income at or below $47,570.

The income limit on the tax freeze is recalculated annually and could increase to as high as $60,000 allowed by the Tennessee General Assembly in 2024 if local governments agree, Batey confirmed.

Those eligible for the tax freeze also must reapply annually.

Costs of growth: Rutherford County wants state law to stop 'burden of paying for new development'

Tax freeze applicant could still pay more after improving property

The freeze is limited to the applicant's primary residence and five acres of property.

The locked in tax rate will apply to any remodeling improvements that add appraisal value to the home. That means the total tax bill would increase for the improved property rather than remain the same based on the previous appraisal by the Rutherford County Property Assessor's Office.

The record keeping for tax freezes do require more government staff hours to adjust pending property tax bills from Rutherford County Property Assessor Rob Michell.

"It takes us four people job shifting from their regular duties in order to properly process all of the tax freeze in a timely matter, yet we receive no additional funding to do this," said Mitchell, a Republican who's running for reelection in 2024.

Batey, a fellow Republican reelected to a four-year term in 2022, said the tax freeze and tax relief applications also require significant time from his staff.

2020 election: Incumbent Rob Mitchell wins GOP primary in Rutherford County property assessor race

Those wanting tax relief or tax freeze urged to make appointments

Accepted applicants must apply every year and show documents to the trustee's office, such as a federal income tax return, Social Security benefit statement, Medicare card or drivers license, utility bill or voter registration card.

Call the office at 615-898-7705) and make an appointment. "We'll tell them what to bring," Batey said.

The trustee's office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday on the first floor of the Rutherford County Courthouse in the center of Murfreesboro's downtown Public Square.

The trustee's office handles applications for tax relief for the county, Smyrna and Eagleville governments, and processes the tax freeze applications for all participating local governments in Rutherford County, Batey said.

The trustee's office also collects taxes for the county, Smyrna and Eagleville while Murfreesboro and La Vergne governments collect their own city taxes and process tax relief applications at their city halls.

Tax hike in 2019: Murfreesboro City Council backs 35.8% property tax increase

Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing him at sbroden@dnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @ScottBroden. To support his work with The Daily News Journal, sign up for a digital subscription for all dnj.com stories.

Making appointments for tax freeze or tax relief

Where to apply: Rutherford County Trustee's Office

Phone number to request appointment: 615-898-7705

Hours of operation at trustee's office: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

Location of trustee's office: first floor of Rutherford County Courthouse in center of Murfreesboro's downtown Public Square

Source: Rutherford County Trustee's Office

This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: 16.1% property tax hike won't apply to eligible tax freeze recipients
There are 2 very different theories for why orcas are ramming into boats. Experts still can't agree on one.

Orcas are curious animals. Portland Press Herald / Contributor / Getty Images

Orcas are ramming into boats and tearing off their rudders, leaving the vessels damaged.

Experts have two theories about how this may have started and why the behavior is spreading.

The orcas may be protecting their young from boats, or they may think damaging rudders is fun.

Jelmer van Beek's sailing team were in the middle of a race in the Strait of Gibraltar last week, when three orcas appeared out of nowhere.

They "started hitting the rudders," said van Beek, Team JAJO skipper. "Impressive to see the orcas, beautiful animals, but also a dangerous moment for us as a team."

Van Beek's account is a familiar tale. There have been hundreds of reports of orcas engaging in similar behavior, ramming boats with their heads and sometimes ripping off rudders with their teeth, since 2020.

Experts have two very different theories for the behavior, and they still can't agree on which one is more likely. The only thing they are sure of is that the orcas are not out to get humans.

"We know that it's a complex behavior that has nothing to do with aggression (they don't want to eat anyone, nor harm humans) nor revenge (orcas are not resentful)," Alfredo Lopez Fernandez, a scientist studying the whales, told the BBC.

1. The orcas are trying to protect their young

A pod or orcas, or killer whales, with a baby orca among them. Getty Images

According to the Grupo de trabajo Orca Atlantica (GTOA), a working group of scientists studying the behavior, one motivation for the orcas could be to protect young orcas from dangerous boats.

In this explanation, "one or more individuals had a bad experience and are trying to stop the boat in order to prevent a recurrence," Lopez, a member of GTOA, told the BBC.

The behavior was first spotted in 2020. Initially, there were three whales that were actively engaging with the boats in this way: the so-called White Gladis, and two younger orcas Grey Gladis, and Black Gladis. (Gladis, by the way, is a nickname given to any orca that is seen interacting with a boat.)

The oldest orca, White Gladis, may have suffered some sort of trauma, either by colliding with a boat or getting tangled in fishing lines, or perhaps seeing others being hurt. If that is the case, she is probably the one that would have started the behavior, with others copying her.

"We do not interpret that the orcas are teaching the young, although the behavior has spread to the young vertically, simply by imitation, and later horizontally among them, because they consider it something important in their lives," Lopez told LiveScience.

2. Damaging rudders is fun

An orca surfaces. Grafissimo/Getty Images

Like any other type of dolphin (yes, killer whales are actually a kind of dolphin), orcas are social animals. It's therefore possible that the orcas are simply engaging in playful behavior that's been spreading at the expense of the boats, GTOA said.

While only three killer whales were actively engaging in the behavior in 2020, there are now 14 registered 'Gladises' in the Iberian coast, per GTOA. And they are getting more prolific: in 2020, 52 interactions were reported. In 2021, there were 197. In 2022, 207.

The behavior seems to be spreading beyond the Iberian waters, as one recent interaction was reported as far north as the Shetland islands, off the coast of Scotland.

Orca expert Renaud de Stephanis, who has been carrying out a study to understand the orcas' behavior, thinks this is the most likely hypothesis.

With a team of scientists, de Stephanis has been monitoring the interaction of wild orcas with dummy rudders, the BBC reported. The results of the investigation are due to be published soon, per the BBC.

"We discovered what happens, the killer whales push the rudder with their nose, this makes the rudder break by leverage," he said.

"They're pushing, pushing, pushing  boom! It's a game. Imagine a kid of 6, 7 years, with a weight of three tonnes. That's it, nothing less, nothing more," de Stephanis told the BBC. "If they wanted to wreck the boat, they would break it in 10 minutes' time."

This wouldn't be the first time this has happened. A group of wild dolphins in Australia suddenly started learning to "tail-walk" like trained dolphins, swimming backward with their bodies above water, after a wild dolphin called Billie was kept in an enclosure with trained dolphins while she was recovering from an injury.

The orcas  and the boats  need to be protected

Regardless of their motivation, the behavior has become a problem in the Iberian coast.

With cases rises, sailors have become afraid of mooring their boats in the usual spots, said Antonio Bessa de Carvalho, president of the National Association of Cruises (ANC), Insider previously reported.

Desperate sailors have been trying all sorts of techniques to keep orcas away from the boats, such as throwing sand over the side of the ship, navigating backward, throwing lemons in the water, or hitting dishes and kitchen items to make noise.

Some have even resorted to hitting the orcas or throwing firecrackers and flares at them. None of these techniques has been particularly effective, Lopez told Insider.

GTOA is consulting with the Portuguese government to try to develop "acoustic deterrents" that could keep the orcas away from the boats, Lopez said. The technology is still development and the group hopes they can test it out in the next few months.

For the time being, Lopez said the best way to protect boats is for sailors to "be informed."

"Sailors can consult the website and GT Orcas mobile application (Google Play and Apple Store) to find out about hot spots, be prepared if they sail in those areas, avoid sailing at night and approach the coast, as far as possible," he said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Black-white voter turnout gap in Alabama and other states has widened in the 10 years since the Supreme Court gutted part of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that for decades restricted states from enacting voting policies that stanched Black voter participation, data shows.

In 2013, the court ruled 5-4 in Shelby County, Alabama v. Holder that Section 4 of the act was unconstitutional. This meant that the nine states and other smaller divisions once subject to whats known as preclearance due to their histories of voter discrimination no longer had to clear changes to voting access rules with the federal government. Sections 4 and 5 of the act work in tandem to cover preclearance criteria and implementation.

The voter turnout gap has suffered as a result.

The Black-white voter turnout gap increased drastically, between 9.2 and 20.9 percentage points, across several of the preclearance states, according to a 2021 report from the Brennan Center for Justice. In Alabama, the gap increased by about nine percentage points between 2012 and 2022, according to the Brennan Center.

Supreme Court Voting Rights Protest (Douglas Graham / CQ-Roll Call Inc. via Getty Images file)

Rep. Terri Sewell, a Democrat and Alabamas only Black member of Congress, described the impact of the ruling as enormous. Shes among advocates who say the Supreme Courts Shelby County decision paved the way for several voter restrictions.

We saw a flood of state legislators across this country institute more restrictive voter laws, Sewell said.

Several state legislatures have passed laws restricting peoples access to the polls in the years since the Shelby County decision, including restrictions on mail voting and strict voter ID requirements.

Alabama is among the nine states  the others being Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Georgia, Louisiana, Arizona and Alaska  that were required under the act to get federal approval before changing their voting policies or procedures. In the Shelby County majority opinion, conservative justices ruled that the low voter turnout of past decades was long gone, and voter turnout and registration rates now approach parity.

However, the Brennan Center, a public policy think tank, found that while the Black-white voter turnout gap closed in the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections, this was likely due to Barack Obamas historic presidential nomination prompting a larger turnout of Black voters.

Sewell said that both the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which she introduced and that the house passed in 2021, and the Senates Freedom to Vote Act are necessary to reverse the impact of the Shelby County decision. The Freedom to Vote Act would expand voter registration and voting access, limit removing voters from voter rolls, and make Election Day a federal holiday. The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act  named after the civil rights leader and House member who died in 2020  would establish new criteria for which states and political subdivisions would be subject to preclearance.

The Freedom to Vote Act really has a lot of amazing opportunities to create greater voter access, Sewell said. The John Lewis voting rights act would remedy the Shelby decision by providing a modern-day formula to determine which states should preclear, the most egregious states that have a history of voter discrimination. We still do need federal oversight of states who have literally gone off the rails since the Shelby decision.

Earlier this month, the conservative-majority Supreme Court unexpectedly affirmed part of the Voting Rights Act by striking down Alabamas Republican-drawn congressional map. The Supreme Court agreed with a lower court that the state had diluted the power of Black voters by drawing just one majority-Black district, which Sewell represents, when the Black population was large and compact enough to warrant two majority-Black districts.

Sewell, who wrote an op-ed for Newsweek about the anniversary of the Shelby County decision, acknowledged this as a victory for voting rights, but said there is still much more work to be done. On Wednesday, she will join civil rights and voting rights leaders at the historic 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, to acknowledge the anniversary of the Shelby County decision and plan a path forward.

As a person who leads voting rights efforts in Congress, as a daughter of Selma, its a no-brainer to acknowledge the anniversary of Shelby and assert what its impact has been, Sewell said. We should use this anniversary as an opportunity to recommit ourselves to the fight for voting rights.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
HONG KONG  The 27th time was not the charm  and for one Chinese man it could mark the end of a lifelong quest to make it to university.

Liang Shi, 56, has tried for 40 years to get a satisfactory score on Chinas national college entrance exam, known as the gaokao.

I just admire intellectuals. I have been in awe of knowledge and well-educated people since I was a kid, he told NBC News on Tuesday.

Regarded as one of the most challenging and competitive exams in the world, the gaokao is held once a year over two to three grueling days. Unlike in the United States and other countries where test scores are just one aspect of college applications, in China the gaokao is virtually the only determining factor in where most graduating seniors will attend university  if they get in at all.

Of the record 12.91 million students who took the exam early this month, fewer than half will gain entry into bachelors degree programs, based on data from past years.

Liang, a native of the southwest province of Sichuan, took the gaokao for the first time in 1983 but failed to score high enough for admission into any university, let alone his dream school of Sichuan University. In the decades that followed, he took the exam again and again for a total of 27 times, more than anyone else in China.

In the meantime he worked for a state-run factory, got married, lost his job when the company closed down in 1992 and started his own business. He was a millionaire by the late 1990s, when the average salary in China was around 8,000 yuan ($1,105) per year, according to official data.

Throughout all these years, he has never given up on the gaokao, taking it multiple times until he was no longer eligible due to his age. He started taking it again when the age limit was lifted in 2001, and has taken it every year since 2010.

In the years he was preparing for the exam, Liang said, he studied most days from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., with only a short lunch break.

I usually started my review process in September when students start their new academic year, and continued until June, when the exams begin, he said.

After failing to achieve a high enough score on China's dreaded college entry exam for the 27th time, 56-year-old Liang Shi is beginning to wonder if he will ever make it to his dream university. (AFP - Getty Images)

But my timetable is not as well organized as other students. I have so many errands, after all, Liang continued, adding that he studied three to four hours fewer per day than high school students preparing for the exam.

But his efforts were not rewarded this time, either. When Liang, like millions of others, received his results last Friday, he opened them on a livestream hosted by a Sichuan news outlet. To get into Sichuan University, he needed at least 600 out of 750 possible points, according to the historical database of college entrance exam admissions in Sichuan province.

His score: 424  four points lower than last year.

Its such a pity! said Liang, who expected to get at least the 450 points necessary for admission to a second-tier university.

He got his highest score, 469, in 2018, but was still not satisfied as it wasnt enough to get into Sichuan University.

Though the gaokao is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most students in China, Liang is not the only one who has taken it multiple times. Tang Shangjun, 35, has made 15 attempts in his pursuit of admission to one of Chinas top universities, Tsinghua, which has an acceptance rate lower than Harvards.

But it is just one or two very rare cases among tens of thousands of gaokao attendees, and it cannot represent any social trend or tendency in China, said Peng Hongbin, a professor with expertise in education policy and law at South China Normal University in Guangzhou.

Most Chinese students and their families, especially those without the means to pay for study abroad, view the gaokao as the most important exam of their lives, one that will almost single-handedly determine the course of their future.

To prepare for it, Chinese high school students must study six subjects over three years, including the three required subjects of Chinese, mathematics and English. For the other three subjects, Sichuan students can choose a set from either the sciences (chemistry, physics and biology) or the liberal arts (geography, politics and history).

When students finally sit down to take the exam, many parents will wait anxiously outside.

Even for students who do well on the gaokao and graduate from university, the fierce competition continues: In May, Chinas unemployment rate for people ages 16 to 24 was a record 20.8%, according to official data.

Surging university enrollment in China has also made bachelors degrees less of an advantage than they used to be. State media reported in May last year that the employment rate among graduates with bachelors degrees was lower than that of graduates from vocational schools.

With the declining birth rate and the tendency of the aging population, China needs and is conducting educational reform now. Otherwise, the Chinese universities might fail to recruit students as there will not be enough people attending the gaokao, Peng said. Right now, the country is on track to diversify the admission standards in terms of college entrance. But with that goal far ahead, China still has a long way to go.

Liang said he is unsure whether he will take the gaokao again next year.

Im afraid that my score may again fail to reach any university, he said. I may get nothing in the end. Its not necessary.

His friends have been supportive, Liang said: They encourage me not to give up. Its a shame to throw away the thing that you have been striving for so long.

Some of his family members feel differently, including his son  who took the gaokao several years ago but studied separately from his father, who was preparing for it as well.

Hes very averse to me taking the exams, Liang said. He felt embarrassed because Im at such an old age and even though I have attended it so many times, I still cant get a good score.

Although bachelors degrees have become severely devalued due to increasing competition over the years, Liang said, universities are sacred in my heart.

I still want to be an intellectual, he said. Achieving this goal will be my most important success.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A man was arrested in North Seattle Saturday after a report he was threatening to shoot his girlfriend, according to the Seattle Police Department.

At about 10:45 p.m. Saturday, officers responded to a call from a woman who said her boyfriend was armed and was threatening to shoot her.

As officers searched around the area where he was last seen, an officer spotted the man entering a nearby car with another woman and two children.

Officers arrested the man and found two semi-automatic pistols and a revolver inside the car where he had been sitting.

One of the guns had been reported stolen out of King County.

The 23-year-old man was transported to the King County Jail and booked on charges of domestic violence harassment, possession of a stolen firearm, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Seattle police did not provide an approximate location, only noting North Precinct officers made the arrest.




Beaufort County deputies are investigating the late-night Tuesday murder of a 36-year-old St. Helena Island man, according to an alert sent from the Beaufort County Sheriffs Office Wednesday morning.

Police arrived to the area of Harbor Breeze Drive on southeastern St. Helena at around 11:50 p.m. after receiving a report of shots fired. There, they found the mans body with multiple gunshot wounds in the drivers seat of a car parked in the middle of the street, said Sheriffs Office spokesperson Maj. Angela Viens.

The man has not yet been identified. An autopsy will likely be performed Wednesday by the Beaufort County Coroners Office, Viens said.

Tuesday nights investigation comes just one month after another murder on the island, when mother of three Jamie Bradley-Brun allegedly drowned her six-year-old daughter before attempting to drown her 8-year-old on May 19 in the bathroom of their St. Helena home.

Anyone with information on Tuesday nights incident is encouraged to call Sgt. Snider at 843-255-3421 or the anonymous Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry tip line at 843-554-1111.
You can contest your Jackson County tax assessment, but you may need to wait for hours

In a small, bright waiting room in a downtown Kansas City office, dozens of homeowners clutched folders stuffed with printed documents as they waited for their chance to contest their recent property tax assessments.

Tensions have run high in recent weeks at public meetings and in private Facebook groups alike as exasperated Jackson County homeowners sound the alarm over their sky-high home valuations.

But the energy at 1300 Washington St.  the epicenter of the countys informal valuation review process  was calm late Tuesday morning as assessors ferried homeowners into offices for review meetings.

It was a piece of cake, said Michael Kelley, a Blue Springs homeowner who told The Star that his review took about an hour but lowered his valuation by nearly $70,000. Whats an hour to save that kind of money?

But not everyone had such a smooth experience. Those who arrived without an appointment to what the county advertised as a walk-in review center described waiting hours for their turn to plead their case before assessors. As the waiting rooms capacity fluctuated  at one point spilling out into the atrium  the walk-in clients remained.

Out of the 20 or so homeowners that The Star spoke with on Tuesday, those who had scheduled appointments shared mostly positive experiences with the review process, while walk-in clients expressed frustration at the assessment departments confusing messaging and long wait times.

I did not know (how) to get an appointment, said Independence homeowner Thomas, who asked to be identified only by his first name. I read that stuff (online) over and over again, and theres a lot of questions I had and a lot of conflicting messages.

At the time he spoke with The Star, Thomas had been waiting for around two hours. Others had been waiting twice as long.

Independence homeowner Thomas, who asked to be identified only by his first name, displays his property value notice showing a 149% increase since 2021 on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. Natalie Wallington

Hours of waiting for those without appointments

Various walk-in clients told The Star they had been waiting for between one and four hours for their chance at a review meeting.

Gail McCann Beatty, the director of the countys assessment department, said that wait times for walk-in clients are significant, and people may get turned away.

They will likely be here most of the day, Beatty said. We may stop the number of people that are coming in so that we dont have someone that sits here literally all day and then cant get seen.

Thomass valuation this year increased by nearly 150%, from $65,000 in 2021 to $162,000 in 2023. He said that since he is retired, he was prepared to wait all day for his chance to be seen.

If you read the stuff on the internet, I was left with a lot of questions, like what to do next, Thomas said. This is much more involved than it was four years ago, when we had the same problem.

The problem hes referring to? Uproar ensued in 2019 when homeowners received dramatically increased valuations from Jackson County assessors, who with prompting from Jefferson City were working to bring assessments closer to market value after years of undervaluing them.

Both Legal Aid of Western Missouri and the American Civil Liberties Union filed lawsuits against the county on behalf of low-income residents in neighborhoods like Ivanhoe and the Westside, whose assessments doubled or nearly tripled from the previous year. Those higher valuations targeted predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods, the lawsuit argued.

My girlfriend, who came in yesterday, said things worked out well for her, said Viola Maxwell, a Waldo homeowner who had been waiting for just under four hours when she spoke to The Star. I thought, well, Ill just take some snacks and wait the day out.

But while some arrived expecting a long wait, others were surprised by the slow pace and said the countys instructions for how to make an appointment were unclear.

I took it that walk-ins were going to be treated just like appointments, but theyre not, said one homeowner who had been waiting for over three hours. She shared that only one walk-in client was being seen per 12-15 people with appointments.

The overwhelming majority of homeowners present at the office Tuesday were seniors. None of those who spoke with The Star were missing work to be there  most said that they were retired, while one said that she is currently unemployed.

The office is only open for these kinds of review meetings from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Homeowner Michael Kelley of Blue Springs displays the documents he brought along to his value review meeting with the Jackson County Assessment Department on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. Natalie Wallington

Some had success negotiating a lower valuation

Homeowners who were able to meet with an assessor seemed to have mixed results. Most who talked with The Star said they were able to negotiate their valuations down, but some were still unhappy with the results.

I was expecting it to be quite a bit less than we went ahead and agreed to, said Joyce Wrinkle, a homeowner in Raytown. I just agreed to it because Im not going to go ahead and do an appeal, and we dont really want to do the walkthrough you dont even know who youre letting in your house.

Homeowners whose assessed property value has increased by more than 15% since 2021 have the option to request that a county assessor conduct an inspection of the inside of the home. Several people told The Star that this idea made them uncomfortable and that they didnt plan to pursue this option.

Wrinkle said that although she brought along information about the values of comparable homes in her neighborhood  called comps in the assessment world  her assessor kept pointing to more expensive homes slightly farther away.

She found (comps) that were in the next bracket higher, she said. When I asked her to go back and look at mine, she did, but she just paper clipped them back together and said, Well heres what Im finding.

Ultimately, Wrinkles valuation only dropped from a 110% increase to an 80% increase since 2021.

Tom, a Waldo homeowner who asked to be identified only by first name, had more success: He said he managed to lower his valuation from a 35% increase down to a 10% increase.

Come prepared, he said. I gave him 32 homes in my neighborhood and showed him what the average price per square foot was, and he said, Okay, Ill go with that.

Vickie Zagar from Independence had an even better experience. While the county estimated that her home had risen in value from around $80,000 in 2021 to around $109,000 in 2023  an increase of roughly 36%  she said she was able to negotiate back down to around the previous valuation.

The people were very friendly and they seemed very helpful, she said. I was pleasantly surprised.

Multiple homeowners, even those who had been waiting for hours and had not yet met with assessors, said the assessment departments employees overseeing the waiting room were polite and courteous.

How do I make an appointment for an informal valuation review?

Homeowners can make an appointment for an informal valuation review when they file an appeal online through the departments website. The deadline to file this appeal is July 10.

This step has been confusing for a lot of homeowners because the informal review meeting was originally designed to prevent the need for an official appeal. However, according to the Jackson County assessment office, if you want to schedule an informal review appointment online, you must first file an official appeal.

Gail McCann Beatty, the director of the countys assessment department, said the reason for this appointment system is that the county may not be able to provide an informal review for every resident who requests one.

We want to make sure that we are protecting everyones appeal rights, Beatty said. So by requiring them to file the appeal to get the informal (meeting), it ensures that if for whatever reason, we cant get through all the informals, that they have not missed out on their opportunity to file an appeal.

Some homeowners told The Star that they were also able to schedule appointments over the phone by calling the number on their paper valuation notice, 1-877-895-9675.

If you prefer to walk in with no appointment, be prepared to wait. The 1300 Washington St. office is open from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Here are three things you may want to bring to your value review appointment. And get the answers to more questions about the assessment and review processes here.

Do you have more questions about your property value assessment? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
5 people overdosed at a Mississippi Coast motel. The managers sold the drugs, police say

After four people overdosed and a fifth died of a deadly mixture of methamphetamine and fentanyl, an undercover investigation identified the alleged drug dealers as managers of a Mississippi Coast motel, records show.

Hancock County authorities two months ago learned of the overdose cases and alleged drug activity at the Economy Inn on U.S. 90 over six months ending in May.

By early June, Drug Enforcement agents had conducted several undercover buys and identified the alleged dealers as motel managers Pernell Robert Galloway and his girlfriend, Cassie Louise McKenzie, court papers say.

During a subsequent search at the motel, agents found two plastic bags containing a mixture of meth and fentanyl, digital scales, a firearm and other unused plastic bags agents referred to as drug distribution bags.

After the arrests, federal agents interviewed the suspects.

Galloway, a convicted felon, said he owned the firearm that was seized and said that he had a second one at the motel at one time but had sold it since then.

Galloway also told agents that he got his girlfriend involved in the alleged drug activity, saying she did not realize the seriousness of the crimes committed.

Authorities initially arrested the couple the first week of June in a federal criminal complaint charging them with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

A federal grand jury has since indicted the couple, each of federal charges of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

The grand jury indicted Galloway on an additional charge of possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. The charging documents indicate authorities are looking to prosecute Galloway as a career criminal, which carries an additional 15 years in prison for the crimes.

Both remain in custody pending trial in federal court in Gulfport.
Prisoner-students majoring communications, Jamal Lewis, from right, Lambert Pabriaga and Sherman Dorsey walk to their class at Folsom State Prison in Folsom, Calif., Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Under the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Simplification Act, more than 760,000 people in prison will become eligible for Pell Grants once the law is implemented on July 1. Prison education advocates say it's not a matter of if, but when recidivism rates drop and job attainment begins to rise. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

The Associated Press visited a California prison for a graduation ceremony last month, as dozens of prisoners received college degrees, high school diplomas and vocational certificates earned while they served time.

Thousands of prisoners throughout the United States get their college degrees behind bars, most of them paid for by the federal Pell Grant program, which offers the neediest undergraduates tuition aid that they dont have to repay. That program is about to expand exponentially next month, giving tens of thousands more students behind bars financial aid per year.

Here are the key takeaways from the AP's reporting:

HOW DO COLLEGE PROGRAMS BEHIND BARS HELP PRISONS OVERALL?

Studies have shown that taking any kind of courses while behind bars results in a 43% less likelihood that a former prisoner will commit more crime and return to prison. Advocates also say college and other rehabilitative programming improve safety in the prisons for staff and the incarcerated population, reducing the number of violent incidents.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO EDUCATE PRISONERS WITH PELL GRANTS?

Under the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Simplification Act, more than 760,000 people in prison will become eligible for Pell Grants once the law is implemented on July 1. The U.S. Department of Education said the expanded Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated students will result in approximately 30,000 additional grant recipients receiving approximately $130 million in financial aid per year.

During the 2021-2022 academic year, the government spent over $26 billion total on Pell Grants  and the prisoner grants would amount to less than a 1% increase.

Consider this: It costs roughly $106,000 per year to incarcerate one adult in California. The cost of educating one prisoner with a bachelors degree program through Transforming Outcomes Project at Sacramento State, a college program partnered with Folsom State Prison, is about $20,000.

If a prisoner paroles with a college degree, never reoffends, gets a job earning a good salary and pays taxes for 20 years, it's a clear return on investment. Every dollar spent in prison-based education yields more than four dollars in taxpayer savings from reduced incarceration costs, studies have found.

HAS THE PELL GRANT ALWAYS BEEN AVAILABLE FOR PRISONERS?

The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 amended the Higher Education Act of 1965 to ban Pell Grants and other financial aid to people incarcerated in federal or state prison. Although less than 1% of all Pell funds went to incarcerated students, the ban caused the hundreds of college-in-prison programs that existed in the 1970s and 1980s to go almost entirely extinct by the late nineties.

Congress voted to lift the ban in 2020, and since then about 200 Pell-eligible college programs in 48 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico have been running. Now, the floodgates will open, allowing any college that wants to utilize Pell Grant funding to serve incarcerated students to apply and, if approved, launch their program.

IS THERE RACIAL EQUALITY IN PRISONERS' ACCESS TO COLLEGE PROGRAMS?

Racial imbalances in prison college enrollment and completion rates are a growing concern for advocates. People of color make up a disproportionate segment of the U.S. prison population. Yet white students were enrolled in college programs at a percentage higher than their portion of the overall prison population, according to a six-year Vera Institute of Justice study of Pell Grant experimental programs in prison.

Black and Hispanic students were enrolled by eight and 15 percentage points below their prison population, respectively.

Prisoners with a record of good behavior get preference for the rehabilitative and prison college programs. Black and Hispanic prisoners are more likely to face discipline.

WHY DOES IT MATTER IF A FORMERLY INCARCERATED PERSON HAS A DEGREE?

For prisoners who get their college degrees, it can be the difference between walking free with a life ahead and ending up back behind bars. Finding a job is difficult with a criminal conviction, and a college degree is an advantage former prisoners desperately need.

Advocates say prisoners are increasingly walking out of prison and into job opportunities, in part, because of collaborations between corrections departments, universities and employers looking for the skills taught inside of prisons.

___

Aaron Morrison is a New York-based member of the AP's Race and Ethnicity team. Follow him on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/aaronlmorrison.
A view from South Korea towards North Korea in the Joint Security Area at Panmunjom. North and South Korean military personnel, as well as a single US soldier, are shown.

American officials are suddenly concerned that Russias war in Ukraine is becoming a frozen conflict, where two or more sides have engaged in armed combat, but no peace is in sight  even if a ceasefire agreement is reached. Despite its heavy losses in manpower, materiel and international prestige, Russia appears unlikely to disengage from its Ukraine War. Ukraine is equally unlikely to negotiate an end to the conflict after making it known that any agreement that results in ceding its territory is a non-starter.

If the war in Eastern Europe continues as a stalemate the way it has, its likely to become one of the worlds intractable frozen conflicts, with peace forever stalled. The United States has a vested interest in the continued survival of Ukraine and so will support it into the future. This means the conflict will continue, just like the following frozen conflicts, some of which have been going on for 50 years or longer.

Here are 5 Worldwide frozen conflicts and why theyre important to the US

Israel and Palestine

Perhaps the best-known, most intractable and the most impactful on American foreign policy, is the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, which sometimes draws in Israels Arab neighbors. It stems from many sources, including the British declaration of a Jewish homeland, the 1947 UN Partition Plan that promised areas of Palestine to Arabs and the Jewish people, and the subsequent 1948 Israeli Independence uprising that Israel won handily.

Egyptian forces crossing the Suez Canal on 7 October 1973.

This means both sides have legitimate claims to the land and grievances against the other. In later years, Israel has captured areas like the Sinai Peninsula from Egypt, the Golan Heights from Syria, and even relinquished areas like the Gaza Strip back to Palestine in accordance with international agreements.

The United States is deeply connected to Israel and brought landmark peace treaties like the Camp David Accords and the Abraham Accords. These gave Israel official recognition among some Arab states, but the fate of the Palestinians is in doubt, making it likely the conflict will continue for even longer.

The Korean Peninsula

After World War II, Korea was divided like many other countries, between the communist North and the Democratic South (true democracy eluded South Korea until relatively recently). The brutal 1950-1953 Korean War demonstrated just how devastating a conflict between the two Koreas could be, but no peace treaty ending the war was ever signed. Korea remains divided in potential conflict that would be ruinous for both North and South.

The Korean DMZ, viewed from the north.

Now that North Korea has demonstrated its nuclear weapons capabilities, the conflict looks even more intractable than ever. The regime of Kim Jong Un is unlikely to give up those weapons or cede power to reunite the two countries peacefully, meaning the stalemate on the 38th parallel will continue into the foreseeable future.

Bosnia and Kosovo

With the breakup of the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s, the Balkans descended into a decade of prolonged civil war and ethnic cleansing. The violence became so bad, The United Nations, the United States and its NATO allies felt compelled to intervene at multiple stages. The US attacked Serbs targeting Bosnians in 1995, forcing a peace agreement on the Serbs.

Clockwise from top-left: Yugoslav general staff headquarters damaged by NATO air strikes; a Zastava Koral buried under rubble caused by NATO air strikes; memorial to local KLA commanders; a USAF F-15E taking off from Aviano Air Base.

A few years later, ethnic Albanians in Kosovo wanted independence from Serbia, which Serbia brutally rejected, so the U.S. launched an air war against Serbian forces. At the same time, the Kosovo Liberation Army began attacking Serbs. The violence was quelled, but Serbia still considers Kosovo its territory. Ever since, Kosovo has been administered by the United Nations.

Cyprus

The Mediterranean island of Cyprus was captured by the British from the Ottoman Turks in 1878 and annexed in 1914 at the start of World War I. Although control of the island was supposedly settled in a 1959 agreement, Turkey invaded greater Cyprus in 1974, sparking a dispute that has never ended.

Demonstration in Cyprus during the 1930s, in favor of Enosis (Union) with Greece.

Turkey occupied Northern Cyprus while Greece began an uprising in the rest of the country. Most of the island is governed by the pro-Greek government while Turkey recognizes the northern area as an independent nation. None of this would matter to the U.S. if both belligerents werent supposedly NATO allies.




By Jacqui Palumbo

(CNN) -- At the turn of the 20th century, the studio run by Norwegian photographers Bolette Berg and Marie Heg had a secret second purpose. During the day, it operated as a conventional atelier where locals in the coastal town of Horten, Norway, could come have their portraits taken for pocket-sized cartes de visite, the eras tradeable profile pictures. After hours, though, it became a clandestine gathering space for politically-minded women, as equality movements were burning brightly around the country.

Berg and Heg lived life on their own terms, both as romantic partners in a time of little LGBTQ visibility and as business partners running a studio and publishing company when women were highly restricted in their careers  and beyond. But decades after their deaths in the 1940s, another radical aspect of their lives resurfaced, tucked away in boxes of glass negatives marked private: the couple eschewing traditional gender norms in playful portraits they took of themselves and loved ones.

In the photos, Berg and Heg dress up in womenswear and menswear, using props and painted backdrops to set their irreverent scenes. In one, Berg dons an oversized fur-lined wool coat, a mustache and spectacles, eyes glimmering with mischief. In another, Heg and one of Bergs sisters light cigarettes while sitting in a rowboat; a small dog peeking over the edge.

Bought at auction in the 1970s by the photographer Leif Preus, these personal negatives went unnoticed within his larger collection for years. But since the first exhibition of Berg and Hegs work was shown in the mid-1990s, the women have become cult figures in queer art history, and continue to gain wider international acclaim  most recently through the exhibition Like a Whirlwind at the major international festival PhotoESPANA, on view until August 24 in Madrid.

The couples self-portraits are striking because they were captured in a way that seems so modern, according to curator Kristin Aasbo, who works at the Preus Museum in Horten and has led research and exhibitions on the pair. (The museum, founded from Preus collection in 1976, was later acquired by the Norwegian government and now serves as the countrys national photography museum.) She loves their dynamic, apparent even in their solo portraits, when they are having fun for the person behind the camera, she said.

One of Aasbos favorite images features the couple in their prop boat, with Heg rowing its oars. Its one of the only known photographs of the couple posing together.

Both of them have their hands visible, and you can see theres a ring on each of their fingers, Aasbo noted. Its almost like a wedding photo, so Im very fond of that.

Preus Museum--Norwegian Museum of Photography

Energizing a town

Though much of Berg and Hegs lives remain a mystery, a handful of academics and curators have slowly pieced together some details from newspaper clippings and other documents of the era.

Heg, who was from a family of fishermen, grew up in the small town of Langesund, and began photographing after traveling with her brother to Finland. Its believed she met Berg, who was studying photography at the time, while in Finland; they relocated to Horten in 1894 to run their studio. Berg, born in Nannestad, was the daughter of a village priest, and one of six sisters  only one of whom ever married.

Heg also bucked conventions, with her gender non-conforming style and an inherent magnetism, according to Aasbo. Marie came to (Horten), this sleepy little town, and she just started making things move, Aasbo said. She smoked and she wore trousers  she was a very outgoing and outspoken woman.

At their studio, Berg & Heg Fotoatelier, Heg hosted the intentionally enigmatically named Discussion Club, where women in the community learned how to discuss politics during the suffrage movement  they were granted full rights to vote in 1913  as well as meetings for a group called the Sanitary Ladies, which focused on environmental causes.

While at work, Berg and Heg primarily produced the smaller cartes de visite and larger cardboard-mounted cabinet cards that were popular portrait options of the time. But they closed the business and moved to Oslo in 1903, shifting their focus to printing postcards of landscapes and Norwegian art as the postcard market was booming, as well as publishing books on art and society, including career-focused books for women.

I see them as businesswomen, Aasbo explained. They were conscious about what was in the air at the moment, and then they found their way of life.

The photographers relationship was likely an open secret, according to Aasbo.

It was quite well known that they were living together as partners, as lovers, she said. They lived together their whole lives, though some may have thought they were simply best friends forever, she said with a laugh.

Preus Museum--Norwegian Museum of Photography

An ongoing search

Exactly where the photographers negatives came from is another piece of the puzzle Aasbo is hoping to solve. Their whereabouts during the 30 years between their deaths and the auction in which Preus acquired them remains a question mark, though its believed Berg and Heg left the boxes in their farmhouse in Lunner, where they often vacationed, and were only discovered after the homes sale, she explained.

In a serendipitous moment, the museum acquired hundreds more of their negatives by accident last year, when they were discovered within a collection of work by the Norwegian photographers (and brothers) Thorvald and August Brunskow. And just like those purchased by Preus, among the batch of negatives was a small private box, containing more lively and intimate self-portraits. Altogether, there are now around 700 known negatives of Berg & Hegs work, some 80 of which chronicled their private lives.

It was just by chance that we got these, Aasbo said of the recent acquisition. Its almost like theres something bigger than us that wants us to find more on these ladies.

The quietly radical images would have likely been controversial during Berg and Hegs lifetimes, and are exhibited with that context in mind today. Though some critics online have debated whether the designation private meant the photos should have remained out of the public eye, Aasbo has a different interpretation.

I dont think that private means dont touch, I think that it means that its not a part of their business, she said.

Aasbo is hoping to find more on their lives as their reputation grows. So far, their photographs have only exhibited in Europe, but will debut in the US next year at the gallery Wrightwood 569 in Chicago.

It would have been wonderful for a diary to be discovered, but I dont think well find that, she said But we have grown so fond of these ladies They get into your heart.

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

Preus Museum--Norwegian Museum of Photography

Preus Museum--Norwegian Museum of Photography

Preus Museum--Norwegian Museum of Photography

Preus Museum--Norwegian Museum of Photography
70-year-old Pittsburgh woman accused of Social Security fraud using her dead mothers bank account

A Pittsburgh woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury, accused of a charge relating to Social Security fraud.

According to the Department of Justice, Susan Mentser, 70, allegedly stole and converted around $21,483 in Supplemental Security Income benefits from around June 2018 to March 2020.

Mentser then allegedly deposited the money into her dead mothers bank account, which she knew she wasnt entitled to, officials said.

Mentser faces a maximum of ten years in prison, a fine of a maximum of $250,000 or both.

According to officials, the sentence will be based on the seriousness of the offense and prior criminal history.

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Scientists say that a red giant star should have consumed planet 8 Ursae Minoris b

Scientists baffled by a mysterious planet that should have been destroyed believe they have discovered why it survived.

The planet - 8 Ursae Minoris b - was identified in 2015 in the Milky Way.

But we should never have been able to see it because it should have been engulfed by a nearby dying star.

Researchers now believe 8 Ursae Minoris b escaped that fate because the dying star once had a companion that stopped its growth.

"No planetary system like this has been discovered before. This is the first, which is pretty special," explains astrophysicist Dimitri Veras at the University of Warwick who assisted lead researcher Marc Hon from the University of Hawaii.

The scientists explain their theories by talking about the fate of our own solar system.

Earth and the other planets in our solar system orbit the sun, a star filled with burning gases.

The sun is currently what is called a yellow dwarf and is burning hydrogen but one day it will start to die. When that happens, it will become a red giant and will expand significantly, consuming Mercury, Venus and possibly Earth.

That destruction by an expanding star is exactly what should have happened to 8 Ursae Minoris b.

But a companion star appears to have saved the planet, explains Marc Hon, who made the observations using the TESS space telescope.

A graphic showing the normal scenario for a planet to be engulfed by an expanding star and what scientists believe happened to 8 Ursae Minoris b

The scientists believe that the planet once orbited two stars that were at different stages of life.

One was a red giant, which burns hydrogen until it heats up so much that its helium core ignites and it starts to shrink. The other was an older star, a white dwarf burning helium.

The researchers believe that the helium core in the red giant was ignited when it swallowed its companion star, putting a premature stop to its vigorous expansion.

8 Ursae Minoris b was then free to continue orbiting the merged star.

"The idea of a binary star merger came from effectively piecing together a puzzle," Dr Hon explains.

After he made the observations, he worked with theorist Dimitri Veras and a group of around 40 scientists, to work out the possible explanations for the planet's survival.

Another theory put forward by the scientists is that the planet was formed by material violently ejected by the merging of the two stars.

But they say this is a much more speculative idea.

"Most stars are in binary systems, but we don't yet fully grasp how planets may form around them. It is plausible that many more peculiar planetary systems may exist due to the influence of binary companions," explains Dr Hon.

The findings are published in the scientific journal Nature.
9- and 7-story buildings on St. Lukes main campus. High-end apartments. Coming near you

The latest proposed developments, housing and other construction projects, and new businesses around Idahos Treasure Valley:

Boise

Scott Straubhar of Hummel Architects has requested a list of neighbors to contact for a meeting about two new downtown buildings, one nine stories tall, the other seven.

The proposed St. Lukes North Tower and the 1st Street Medical Office Plaza at 190 E. Bannock St. would be on the downtown campus of the St. Lukes Health Systems flagship hospital.

According to the application:

The new north tower will be located on the vacated Jefferson Street right-of-way and the now-cleared city block bounded by Avenue B, Fort Street, and 1st Street. The structure will be nine stories above grade and two stories below.

The new 1st Street MOP will span the roadway as it connects the Northwest Parking Garage / Central Utility Plant to the new North Tower. The building will be seven stories tall, including six stories of medical clinics.



A Venice, California, artist has been chosen to create public art in a new park at 521 W. Grove St. downtown.

Cliff Gartens studio will be paid $300,000 to work with city leaders planning the park across the street from the Basque Block.

The art project is funded in partnership with Boises urban renewal agency, the Capital City Development Corp. It is intended to focus on minority communities with history in Boise, according to an overview of the project.

The outline of the project emphasizes that Boise is the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of multiple American Indian tribes, as well as a former Chinatown and the close proximity to the Basque block.

Cliff Garten Studio has completed numerous public art projects in cities around the country, according to its website.

This is a great step in the process of getting a really transformational piece of art here in this space at 6th and Grove, Mayor Lauren McLean said at the City Council meeting Tuesday, June 27, to help it become yet another magnet in the city where folks want to gather and hang out.

The City of Boise envisions a new park at 6th and Grove Streets downtown, across the street from the Basque Block. Cliff Garten Studio, an artist in Venice, California, has been selected to design a public art project at the new park. The city has already outlined potential designs for the park.



Inspire Academics leased 6,067 square feet of office space at 9550 Bethel Court, according to TOK Commercial.

Inspire Academics, also known as Inspire Connections Academy, is an online public school for students kindergarten through high school. The school had 1,392 students enrolled in 2022, according to the Idaho Department of Education.



Kids Empire leased 11,176 square feet of retail space in the Boise Towne Square Mall at 350 N. Milwaukee Street, according to TOK Commercial.

The company runs indoor play centers across the country. Other play centers include climbing areas, slides, ball pits, mazes and more.

Kids Empire also hosts birthday parties.



Wes Steele, owner of Steele Architecture, has filed a request for a permit to construct a building for a wholesale door distributor at 2667 S. Victory View Way, east of South Maple Grove Road.

The 34,288-square-foot light-industrial building would house D&A Door, according to the application.



Jon Flores, of JZW Architects in Utah, has filed a request for a permit for Crumbl Cookies at 3629 S. Federal Way, northwest of a Zamzows store.



Meridian

The California developer that built and owns The Village at Meridian is moving ahead with its big luxury-living apartment complex adjoining the shopping center.

The Bridge Apartments will cost an estimated $185 million, CenterCal Properties LLC said in a filing with the city of Meridian.

The Bridge is set to rise on 6.5 acres at 3210 E. Longwing Lane on The Village propertys west side.

The Bridge Apartments will bring 549 high-end quality units to the Village at Meridian along will ground-floor retail that extends the lifestyle and character of the shopping center towards Eagle Way, the filing said. The retail will have notable stores along with attractive restaurants anchoring the corners. The residential portion will have an amenity package that is unmatched in this market with a full-sized pool, large spa, basketball/tennis court, state-of-the-art gym, and fully equipped villa.

All of these amenities sit atop the roof to take advantage of expansive views of Treasure Valley. The residences are split between two buildings with a connector bridge spanning over Longwing Drive. The south building will wrap a 599-stall parking garage, which serves both residential and retail patrons.

The filing was first reported by BuildZoom.

The Bridge at the Village would be connected to the Village with a bridge as shown in this rendering.

Center Cal, the developer, says The Bridge would help ease the Treasure Valleys housing shortage.



Roaring Springs Water Park said the new features it added this summer are just the first of a seven-phase expansion it plans to roll out over the next decade.

The water park wants to add a new major water attraction every two to three years, growing by 40% in the next 10 years, according to a news release.

With the latest expansion, Roaring Springs now has more than 20 water attractions.

Roaring Springs added a play structure for kids called Camp IdaH2O, featuring a 650-gallon potato tipping bucket.

The additions to the water park this summer include a whitewater-themed wave river, an adventure pool, and a play structure for kids with a 650-gallon potato tipping bucket. The attractions feature Idaho wildlife and icons.

Its truly a celebration of everything we love about the Northwest, Tiffany Quilici, marketing director, said in the release.

Roaring Springs also added new food and drink venues and more cabanas.

One of the three new attractions is an adventure pool with floating beaver, log and fish-shaped floats that guests can traverse using an overhead ropes course.



Black Rock Coffee Bar is opening a new location in southeast Meridian.

The store is situated next to Rite Aid at the intersection of East Victory and South Eagle roads. Its the Portland-based companys third location in Meridian and sixth in the Treasure Valley.

A grand-opening celebration with free 16-ounce drinks served all day starts at 5 a.m. Friday, June 30, at 3300 East Victory Road.

The store has a drive-thru and indoor seating.



A Meridian church plans an expansion with an estimated $10.8 million price tag.

Rockharbor Church, 6437 N. Treehaven Way in Northwest Meridian, said in a filing with the city that it plans a nearly 45,000-square-foot addition to its church. The filing was first reported by BuildZoom.



Conger Group, a real estate development firm in Boise, wants to build an apartment complex in South Meridian.

The Stapleton Apartments would consist of 19 town house-style units among five two-story buildings, according to a filing with the city. Each of the units is planned to have two or three bedrooms and over 1,200 square feet.

The Conger Group previously garnered approvals for up to 28 apartments for the project, but decided during the design phase to reduce the number of units and increase the square footage of each unit. The company said it determined the area would be better served with larger apartments.

The complex would be located at the northwest corner of South Meridian Road and West Harris Street.

The Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to hear the proposal at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 20, at Meridian City Hall.



Steve Thiessen, of Silvercreek Realty Group, wants to build a business center with an industrial warehouse and a self-storage business on Franklin Road.

The project would be on 14.5 acres and would include 10 buildings totaling 275,964 square feet, according to the application.

The Silvercreek Realty Group wants to build a 14.5 acre-industrial project near Franklin and Ten Mile Roads.

Due to the close proximity to Interstate 84, the Ten Mile and future Highway 16 interchange, light industrial would be an appropriate zone for this parcel, the application said.

The Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to hear the proposal at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 6, at City Hall.



Blue Frog LLC, a Georgia company that builds dental, optometry and commercial buildings, wants to build a veterinary hospital near the southeast corner of Ten Mile and McMillan roads.

The Milano Animal Care Facility at 3020 W. Milano Drive would have 3,100 square feet and a single story. There would be a wooden fenced area for animals to walk into the hospital and avoid excape or injury, the application said.

The Milano Animal Care Facility would accommodate animals needing wellness check ups, surgeries and x -rays.

The Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to hear the proposal at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 6 at City Hall.



Brighton Development wants to build 57 town houses on the northwest corner of Ustick Road and Venable Lane.

The Driftwood Subdivision would also include two commercial lots, the application said. The project would be on nearly 5 acres at 870 W. Ustick Road.

Brighton Developments town houses in the Driftwood Subdivision would include two and three bedroom units.

The town houses would be in three- and four unit, two-story buildings, including 13 two-bedroom units and 44 with three bedrooms.

The subdivision would also include a clubhouse, play structure and picnic area, the application said.

The Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to hear the proposal at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 6, at City Hall.



Nampa

TOK Boise, a commercial real estate agency, leased 2,133 square feet at 16150 N. High Desert St., according to Cushman & Wakefield.


A mobile billboard featuring Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. circulated in Washington in April, amid revelations of Supreme Court ethical lapses. (Tasos Katopodis / Getty Images for Accountable.US)

Why do some United States Supreme Court justices have such a hard time saying no?

Believe me, I understand the temptation. Columnists may not be judges in the traditional sense, but we are judges in the court of public opinion. Occasionally, Ive been offered gifts in exchange for a positive ruling (well, a positive column) on a controversial issue that may come before me.

Attractive as these offers may be, they are just not that difficult to refuse. Especially when the institution's credibility  or your job  is on the line.

The people judges and journalists serve expect and deserve transparency, fairness and independence. They do not want either group to be bought off, or materially rewarded for the opinions they deliver. If the public stops believing the courts or the news media are acting on principle, the institutions lose credibility. Even the whiff of a conflict of interest or a quid pro quo diminishes them. Accepting costly freebies on the sly from interested parties, then pretending its no ones business, is one of the fastest ways to corrode faith in our democratic infrastructure, our free press, our supposedly fair and impartial Supreme Court.

Its astonishing that newspapers like The Times are stricter about ethics than the Supreme Court, which is required to report some financial dealings each year but otherwise has no compulsory code of ethics at all.

No one has ever offered me a free flight on a private jet to a rustic lodge in Alaska, as in the case of Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., or a free seat on a private jet to a super yacht in Indonesia, as in the case of Justice Clarence Thomas. But Ive been offered lots of nice things in my career.

Read more: Opinion: Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has vast power and life tenure. So what's his problem?

When I was a cub reporter in Ventura County, the owner of an oceanfront vacation home in Oxnard Shores offered me the use of his house. The catch? I was working on a story about a proposed moratorium on beachfront residential construction, which he opposed. If he liked the story, he told me, I was welcome to a weekend at the beach. The invitation was rescinded upon publication.

Even when a source doesnt want anything, when they simply appreciate something you have written, they may try to thank you with a lavish gift. That creates the appearance of impropriety. I have, over the years, sent back a Seiko watch, a gold bracelet, a Blackberry (remember those?) and designer clothing.

I once wrote about the late Ray Evans, the lyricist half of the supremely talented songwriting duo Livingston and Evans. I thought a story about the origins of the great Christmas song Silver Bells would be a good read during the holidays, so I arranged to meet Evans for an interview over lunch and when I dropped him off at his Benedict Canyon home, he invited me in.

Read more: Supreme Court controversy over Alito, Thomas free trips began with Justice Scalia

Evans, who was an 89-year-old widower with a naughty streak, invited me downstairs to his bedroom to show me his royalty books. Youre sure your husband wont mind? he joked, as he took a seat on his motorized staircase chair for the descent. In a notebook on his desk, he kept track of the astonishing amount of money hed earned from that one classic song, more than half a million dollars a year.

The story ran on Dec. 25, 2004. That morning, my home phone rang. It was Evans, delighted by the piece. I couldnt have paid a publicist to get such a great story in the paper, he exclaimed. I want you to go to Tiffanys and pick out anything you want. I wish.

Just this week, I was offered a stay at a lovely little seaside hotel in Laguna Beach in exchange for coverage of the place. That is a newspaper no-no. Would the story be colored by the fact that my stay would not have cost a cent? How could it not be? And why should anyone even have to wonder about that?

Which brings me back to the Supreme Court, which is not bound by the code of conduct that applies to all other federal judges.

Read more: Abcarian: What Clarence Thomas calls hospitality looks a lot more like corruption

If we are ever to regain our trust in the Supreme Court, Congress must adopt a specific and binding code of ethics for the justices, ones that impose well-defined dollar limits on gifts and personal hospitality, the dodge that has allowed Thomas, in particular, to feed at the freebie trough.

The highest court in the land should not have the lowest ethical standards, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.) said as he announced that his committee would take up legislation tightening ethics rules for the Supreme Court later this summer.

Its not just conservative justices who have failed to declare their conflicts. According to reports, Justice Sonia Sotomayor did not recuse herself in at least three cases involving Penguin Random House, which has paid her millions of dollars for her memoir and children's books.

The idea that the justices can be trusted to police themselves, as all nine declared recently in a joint statement on ethics, is laughable. No one can do that. Human beings are endlessly creative in absolving themselves of conflicts. Alito, for instance, claimed it was OK for him to take a free private jet ride to Alaska because the seat would have been vacant anyway.

In any case, Supreme Court justices shouldnt have to be responsible for deciding which freebies to accept, or which cases to bow out of.

Lets remove that terrible burden from their black-robed shoulders. Like journalists, they need some hard and fast rules to live by.

@robinkabcarian





If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Abducted baby in back of car dies when driver crashes into house, Ohio cops say

A man abducted a 7-month-old child in Ohio, and the baby died after the driver crashed into a house, police said.

The Tiffin Police Department and Seneca County Sheriffs Office said the infant was abducted by a man in North Baltimore around 3:45 p.m. Tuesday, June 27. North Baltimore is part of the Toledo metropolitan area.

The man, according to Tiffin police, said he was feeling homicidal and suicidal and told the childs mother he had killed the baby.

He was driving a yellow Chevrolet Camaro as he led officers on a chase, investigators said.

The Camaro began accelerating and at a high rate of speed, erratically drove off the roadway through the front yard of one residence and crashing into another residence, knocking it off its foundation, police said.

Officers and deputies broke the back window and removed the child from the car, according to the sheriff, who said the baby was bleeding from the head and having difficulty breathing.

The baby died after being taken to a hospital in Toledo, according to police. The childs identity has not been publicly released.

My heart breaks for the family of this innocent child and you can be sure this matter will be investigated thoroughly to determine exactly why and what occurred today, Tiffin Police Chief David Pauly said.

Police said a loaded weapon and two spent cartridges were found in the car. The driver was taken to a hospital in critical condition.

Charges have not been announced.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of this innocent baby and to the deputies, officers and EMS that were involved in the lifesaving attempt for this infant, Seneca County Sheriff Fred Stevens said. No one should have to deal with tragedy like this but unfortunately, they did today.

2-year-old killed by falling part of tree while in backyard with mom, officials say

Airborne SUV crashes nose first into homes living room, North Carolina crews say

Abducted mother dies in shootout between suspect and police, New York officials say
On June 28, 2022, Avalon Hardy was arrested on the steps of the Idaho Capitol while counterprotesting an anti-abortion rights celebration.

One year after her arrest, Hardy, 36, of Boise, filed a lawsuit in federal court Wednesday against Idaho State Police troopers alleging multiple civil rights violations.

Hardys new lawsuit seeks compensation for federal civil rights violations, including wrongful arrest and imprisonment, excessive force, malicious prosecution, deliberate fabrication of evidence, and retaliation for exercising First Amendment rights to free speech, according to a news release from Wrest Collective, the law firm handling her case.

Idaho State Police did not immediately return the Idaho Statesmans request for comment.

Avalon Hardy is a mother to six children. Thoughts of her daughters future motivated her to protest the event in June 2022.

A report written by Idaho State Police Sgt. Troy DeBie last June said Hardy repeatedly shoved Lt. Michael Kish with her hands and chest during the protest. She was charged with felony battery of a law enforcement officer and spent the night in jail.

Prosecutors eventually dropped the felony charge, which would have come with a five-year maximum sentence, to a misdemeanor.

Seven months and eight court appearances later, the case went to trial in January after Hardy refused multiple attempts from prosecutors to get her to agree to a plea deal. Magistrate Judge Michael Dean then threw the case out after a video was played in court that contradicted the police report, and Kish said on the stand that he didnt remember Hardy shoving him repeatedly.

The video showed Hardy making contact with Kishs back once as she moved past him through a crowded area. Dean said the video showed that to the extent there was any touching, this appears to be purely incidental, unintentional, as shes trying to get around him.

Hardy is suing Kish, DeBie, Trooper Kyle Card, Trooper Steven McClain and 10 other officers whose names have not been released to Hardys attorney.

Lt. Michael Kish is seen wearing a light blue shirt and dark blue sport coat. The defense later argued that his lack of uniform meant Hardy should not have been expected to know he was in law enforcement.

The lawsuit noted that while many protesters and counterprotesters were in physical contact with one another at the event, only two were arrested  both of them women of color protesting in support of abortion access, according to the suit.

Hardy alleges in the lawsuit that the charge resulted in her struggling to run her hair salon, losing clients, seeing her children targeted at school, cutting back on community service to spend time on her court proceedings and dealing with stress from the case.

Damages sought by Hardy include financial compensation, a declaration that the defendants violated Hardys constitutional rights and coverage of her attorney fees.

The lawsuit also includes allegations that the police report falsely stated Kish was wearing his police badge and identified himself to Hardy. Videos from her trial showed that he was not in uniform.

Im just hoping that the officers get held accountable for their actions, Hardy told the Statesman by phone. That is probably my biggest thing. Were not gonna stand by and just let them get away with things like that anymore.

Hardy also said she hopes her lawsuit empowers other pro-abortion-rights protesters who might face charges.

I kind of feel like its this community of people who have kind of been quieted, and hopefully this gives them a chance to have a voice and stand up for themselves, she said.
Accounting error means US has more money to send arms to Ukraine | Fact check

The claim: US accidentally sent Ukraine an extra $6.2 billion

A June 20 Facebook post (direct link, archive link) condemns a recent announcement from the Defense Department.

Pentagon said we ACCIDENTALLY SENT $6.2 BILLION DOLLARS to UKRAINE, reads the post. Accounting error. This is straight up money laundering. Every American should be pissed off! Someone should go to prison for this!"

The post was shared more than 5,000 times in a week.

Follow us on Facebook! Like our page to get updates throughout the day on our latest debunks

Our rating: False

The U.S. did not mistakenly send extra money to Ukraine. The Defense Department said it overvalued military equipment shipped there from existing stockpiles. The error means the U.S. can supply more equipment than previously thought, not that it overspent.

Military equipment worth less than reported

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh acknowledged the mistake in a June 20 press briefing, saying equipment taken from existing stockpiles was valued at the cost to replace it instead of the book value, which is a calculation that accounts for depreciation.

Singh said the value was wrong by $2.6 billion for the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, 2022, and another $3.6 billion for the current fiscal year. That means the department can send more equipment to Ukraine before requesting more funding from Congress.

The State Department said June 14 that the U.S. had spent about $42 billion on security assistance for Ukraine since January 2021, and Pentagon announcements show about $22 billion came in the form of equipment that was already in U.S. stockpiles.

The discovery was made at a time when getting funding from Congress could prove more difficult, as USA TODAY reported. The U.S. has allocated more than $110 billion to support Ukraine's defense against the Russian invasion, but some lawmakers have suggested the U.S. should make reducing its own debt a priority in the next budget.

Fact check: No, China isn't providing tanks to Ukraine for use against Russia

Mark Cancian, a retired Marine colonel and senior adviser for the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said using book value is the correct way to account for the equipment. The U.S. has been drawing down existing stocks of vehicles and munitions, he said, and their value depreciates just like a car or clothing a person might later donate.

If you donate something, you must deduct its current depreciated value, not its replacement value, Cancian told USA TODAY in an email.

USA TODAY reached out to the social media user who shared the claim for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

PolitiFact and FactCheck.org also debunked the claim.

Our fact-check sources:

Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here.

Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Facebook.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: No, the US did not accidentally send Ukraine $6 billion | Fact check
The New Jersey lawyer accused of a series of sexual assaults in Boston more than a decade ago was indicted Tuesday on new charges of rape and assault, authorities said.

Matthew Nilo, 35, was indicted on seven additional counts  of rape, aggravated rape, assault with intent to rape and indecent assault and battery  related to a series of attacks that authorities say occurred from January 2007 to July 2008, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Haydens office said in a news release.

The new charges are linked to five attacks on four women in the North End neighborhood of Boston  where Nilo used to live  in January and July of 2007 and 2008, according to the district attorneys office, which added that one of the victims was attacked twice, 11 days apart.

Matthew Nilo in a Boston court on June 5, 2023, to face charges in several sexual assaults from 2007 and 2008. (NBC Boston)

The victims were attacked while they were walking alone, in the dark, either at night or early in the morning, according to the district attorney's office.

Hayden said DNA evidence played a role in the new indictments, but he did not elaborate, adding that more information will be released at his arraignment. It was not immediately clear when Nilos arraignment was scheduled for. A spokesperson for the DA's office did not immediately respond to questions Wednesday.

Nilo was arrested last month outside his Weehawken, New Jersey, residence on three counts of aggravated rape, two counts of kidnapping, one count of assault with intent to rape and one count of indecent assault and battery in connection with incidents in the area of Terminal Street in the Charlestown neighborhood in August and November 2007 and August and December 2008, Boston police said at the time.

Nilos former attorney, Jeff Garrigan, said at the time that Nilo was looking forward to fighting these charges and showing that hes innocent. Garrigan told NBC News he is no longer representing Nilo.

Nilo could not be reached for comment Wednesday at phone numbers publicly listed under his name.

Nilo waived extradition in New Jersey on June 1 and was arraigned June 5 on the initial charges in Suffolk County Superior Court, where he pleaded not guilty. He was released June 15 after he posted $500,000 cash bail, the district attorney's office said.

Authorities said investigative genetic genealogy  which has been used to identify several victims and suspects in recent years  helped them crack the case after they reopened it last year.

Investigators placed Nilo under surveillance this year and obtained his DNA profile from "various utensils and drinking glasses" they saw him use at a corporate event, the DA's office has said.

His DNA profile matched that of the person who committed the initial Charlestown rapes that Nilo wound up being arrested in connection with, the district attorney's office said at the time of his arrest. And further testing showed that DNA taken from a glove the victim in the December 2008 assault used to poke the attacker in the eye was 314 times more likely to be that of Nilo than of any other man in the population, the office said.

After Nilo was arrested, Joseph Bonavolonta, the special agent in charge of the FBIs Boston field office, described him as an accused serial rapist and kidnapper" and said four victims had been waiting to learn the identity of their attacker for years.

Authorities also asked anyone else who thought they were victims or had information to contact Boston police or the FBI.

After 2008, Nilo also lived in Wisconsin, California and New York, Bonavolonta said.

Cowbell, a company that advertises cyber insurance, hired Nilo in January after he passed a background check, but it has since suspended him, a spokesperson said Wednesday.

Nilo is next due in court for a pretrial conference July 13, the district attorney's office said. He could face up to life in prison if he is convicted.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673. The hotline, run by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), can put you in contact with your local rape crisis center. You can also access RAINNs online chat service at https://www.rainn.org/get-help. Confidential chats are available in English and in Spanish.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Jack Smith; Donald TrumpPhoto illustration by Salon/Getty Images

Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday expanded his barrage of online attacks against special counsel Jack Smith, who heads the investigations into Trump's handling of classified documents and alleged incitement of the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, to go after the prosecutor's family and friends, a move some experts say could push him closer to federal prison.

"COULD SOMEBODY PLEASE EXPLAIN TO THE DERANGED, TRUMP HATING JACK SMITH, HIS FAMILY, AND HIS FRIENDS, THAT AS PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, I COME UNDER THE PRESIDENTIAL RECORDS ACT, AS AFFIRMED BY THE CLINTON SOCKS CASE, NOT BY THIS PSYCHOS' FANTASY OF THE NEVER USED BEFORE ESPIONAGE ACT OF 1917," Trump posted to Truth Social early Tuesday, repeating oft-touted defenses about his exoneration via the Presidential Records Act that legal experts told Salon were null and void.

"'SMITH' SHOULD BE LOOKING AT CROOKED JOE BIDDEN AND ALL OF THE CRIMES THAT HE HAS PERPETRATED ON THE AMERICAN PUBLIC, INCLUDING THE MILLIONS & MILLIONS OF DOLLARS HE EXTORTED FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES!" he continued.

New York University history professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat, who is a scholar of authoritarianism, told HuffPost that Trump's comment "smells of desperation."

"Once again, Trump is acting like a Mafia boss and also stringing as many propaganda slogans together as possible," she said.

Related

Trump hits the panic button: Antisemitic attacks on special counsel Jack Smith betray desperation

"Trump is encouraging his followers, who we know have included the violent insurrectionists responsible for Jan. 6, to target the family and friends of Jack Smith," added Norm Eisen, a lawyer and Brookings Institution senior fellow. "It is profoundly concerning."

Levying threats against federal law enforcement officers who are doing their jobs is an offense that could yield years in prison. It is unclear, however, whether Trump's attacks, which extend back almost a year and a half, qualify him for prosecution. A Tuesday decision in the Supreme Court requires prosecutors to prove that the person making the inflammatory comment knows that the act would be perceived as a threat, rather than just requiring that any reasonable person would believe the comment to be a threat.

Neither the Justice Department nor Trump's team responded to HuffPost's requests for comment. It is also unclear whether Smith's team intends to ask the judge presiding over the case  Judge Aileen Cannon  to caution Trump about his behavior.

Eisen, however, said that the prosecution shouldn't have to make that request.

"The prosecution shouldn't have to raise it. The defendant shouldn't do it, and the judge shouldn't tolerate it. If I were the judge, I would call him in right now and read him and his lawyers the riot act," he said. "Any other defendant might well be called on the carpet for this posting alone."

He explained that, while he did not perceive Trump's most recent attack as a threat, the Tuesday post should serve as a cautionary reminder to Cannon and the rest of the country of the potential impact of the former president's words.

"This is, after all, a social media posting by someone whose tweet to be in Washington Jan. 6 because, quote, 'will be wild,' precipitated a violent riot, and someone whose tweet at 2:24 p.m. on that day, after violence had already erupted, nearly got Vice President Mike Pence killed," Eisen said, adding that while Trump had the right to call for protests, he does not have the right to put individuals in danger.

"Targeting friends and family of a prosecutor. It is totally different to personalize it in that way," Eisen added.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

Trump began turning his supporters on prosecutors, potentially inciting vitriol against them during a January 2022 rally in Texas.

"If these radical, vicious, racist prosecutors do anything wrong or illegal, I hope we are going to have in this country the biggest protests we have ever had in Washington, D.C., in New York, in Atlanta and elsewhere, because our country and our elections are corrupt," Trump said.

Three days before his arraignment in the classified documents probe in Miami earlier this month, Trump gave a reminiscent rallying cry in a speech to Republican activists in North Carolina.

"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 we're not going to have a country left."

In addition to the federal inquiries, Trump is also under investigation in Georgia for potentially scheming to subvert the results of the presidential election in that state. A potential criminal indictment in that case is expected to come in August. Trump was also criminally indicted in New York City earlier this year in connection to alleged hush money payments he made to an adult-film star during his 2016 bid for the presidency.

He maintains he committed no wrongdoing in all cases.

Read more

about Trump's legal woes
Social media users claim the New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) hung pride-themed notices in subway stations warning riders that prejudice would not be tolerated. This is false; the MTA told AFP it did not put up the signs, which were part of a 2021 activist campaign.

"NYC Subway notice," says a June 26, 2023 tweet from Oli London, an English internet personality.

The post includes a photo of a poster that says: "No bigotry, hatred or prejudice allowed at this station at any time ... Reminder: Respect trans people, or your pronouns will be was/were."

Screenshot of a tweet taken June 27, 2023

Similar claims spread across Facebook and TikTok after pride parades were held in American cities such as New York and Chicago. The celebrations came amid a surge in anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and disinformation online, which has resulted in the cancellation of some events.

The photo shared online is authentic, but it does not show an official notice from the MTA.

"This is not New York City Transit signage, nor is it authorized to be displayed anywhere in the MTA transportation system," spokesperson Megan Keegan said in a June 27 email.

A reverse image search indicates the photo was first shared on Twitter in June 2021. AFP traced the sign back to the activist organization Pride Train NYC, which designed the notices as part of a campaign celebrating LGBTQ pride month.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pride Train (@pridetrain)

The group created similar signs in June 2023 -- but the design is different, featuring an updated pride flag and new text.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pride Train (@pridetrain)

More of AFP's reporting on LGBTQ-related misinformation is available here, here and here.
Actor Julian Sands confirmed dead months after he went missing while hiking

Actor Julian Sands remains have been positively identified by a coroner six months after he went missing in January. He was 65.

According to a press release from the Fontana Sheriffs Station, Hikers in the wilderness of Mount Baldy  located northeast of Los Angeles County in Southern California  discovered his body mid-morning on June 24 and alerted the Fontana Sheriffs Station.

Deputies responded to the scene with the Sheriffs Departments Emergency Operations Division. Sometime after, Sands body was transported to the Coroners Office where it was identified, an updated press release states.

Julian Sands attends the photo call for 'The Painted Bird' during the 76th Venice Film Festival on September 3, 2019 in Venice, Italy. (Kurt Krieger / Corbis via Getty Images)

The actor's death is still under investigation, pending further test results.

"We would like to extend our gratitude to all the volunteers that worked tirelessly to locate Mr. Sands," Fontana Sheriffs Station said in its release.

Sands was an English-born actor who lived in North Hollywood, California, at the time of his death. Throughout his career, he appeared in a number of films, gaining early recognition for his role in the 1985 film A Room with a View and later for his work in Oceans Thirteen in 2007. From 2009 to 2010, he portrayed Supermans biological father, Jor-El, in the hit CW series Smallville.

Sands was the father of three children: Henry Sands, from a previous marriage to journalist and actor Sarah Harvey Sands, and two daughters, Natalya Morley Sands and Imogen Morley Sands, whom he shared with his wife, Evgenia Citkowitz, a playwright, author and journalist.

Sands was reported as missing on Jan. 13, 2023, while he was on a hike.

According to NBC News, pings from his phone showed that he was headed to the Mount Baldy region. Days after his appearance, Mara Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department, described weather-related and trail conditions as having delayed the process of ground and air searches for him.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Rainn Wilson attends the premiere for Jerry & Marge Go Large at BMCC during the 2022 Tribeca Festival on Tuesday, June 15, 2022, in New York. Wilson recently released a new book, Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution, in which he opened up about his spiritual journey. | Christopher Smith, Invision, Associated Press

Rainn Wilson is opening up about his spiritual journey and how utilizing spiritual tools has had a positive impact on his mental health.

In his new book  Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution  Wilson explores the problem-solving benefits of spirituality.

During an appearance at the Aspen Ideas Festival in Colorado this week, The Office actor shared why he penned the book, the reason faith-based conversations are important to him and why he thinks society needs more of them.

Spirituality has helped me on my mental health journey, but I also feel like culturally were not engaging in deep enough, relevant enough conversations about how we can use spiritual tools to transform ourselves and make our lives better but also help transform society, Wilson told NBC News during a panel at the Aspen Ideas Festival.

This stuff is important. Its not just like a hobby or a side conversation. Spiritual tools are something we need, we are in the biggest mental health crisis in human history, thats killing young people, Wilson continued.

There are spiritual solutions, spiritual tools that we can learn from all of the great faith traditions of the world. We need them. Its vital. Its important.

Wilson also told NBC News that he was absolutely nervous that publicly talking about spirituality and faith would impact his professional career.

Actors dont talk about God, they dont talk about soul or religion or spirituality or they often get really ostracized, he said. Im in a very privileged position because Ive had an amazing run.

Related

As a young actor, Rainn Wilson returned to his faith

During an appearance on the Today show with Jenna Bush Hager, The Office star described his long, multidecade journey with faith.

Wilson said he was raised in a spiritually-enriching environment.

I grew up a member of the Bahai faith and for those who dont know, the Bahai faith is very inclusive and universalist of all spiritual beliefs, Wilson told Hager.

I grew up in a family that read the Buddha at the dinner table and when born again Christians would knock on the door on Sunday, wed invite them in and cook them pancakes and talk about the Book of Revelation with them.

When Wilson moved to New York City at age 20 to pursue a career in acting, he decided he didnt want anything to do with religion, with spirituality, with morality, with God, with higher concepts. Focusing on acting school and life in a big city was more appealing to the young actor.

But when he faced a kind of mental health crisis during his mid-20s, he found himself turning back to his spiritual roots.

I thought, Im supposed to be happy because Im living my dream. Why am I so unhappy? Wilson told Hager.

With no money for therapy, Wilson believed the only way to heal his suffering mental health was to explore spiritual ideas.

I was miserable, I was unhappy and tormented. So I went on a spiritual journey where I explored these ideas ... about finding meaning and vision and purpose and its helped me tremendously, Wilson told NBC News during an Aspen Ideas Festival panel.

Its been a long, multidecade journey but I find it incredibly fulfilling.

Related

Rainn Wilson wants to make the world a better place

Wilson said he believes he is on a mission of service and that everyone has been blessed with unique gifts they can employ to make the world a better place.

Whether its writing, teaching, creating laughter, building a business, whatever it is that we do that makes the world a better place, Wilson explained, per NBC News.

He said that he is on a constant mission to both make myself a better person and to try and make the world a better place using the qualities that God gave me: Storytelling, humor, service to others.

When does Soul Boom by Rainn Wilson come out?

Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution by Rainn Wilson was released on April 25.
Those driving along highways in Florida and Texas will soon see billboards urging them to travel to Massachusetts instead, courtesy of the states new Pride campaign.

Maura Healey, Massachusetts first openly lesbian governor, posted photos of the billboards on Twitter on June 26.

Today, billboards just like these went up across Florida and Texas, she wrote. Happy Pride everyone.

Today, billboards just like these went up across Florida and Texas.



Happy Pride everyone. pic.twitter.com/QdXOcCyAR4  Maura Healey (@MassGovernor) June 26, 2023

A statement from the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism elaborated on the messages, saying they were intended to promote the state as a safer and more welcoming living or traveling option for people from all walks of life, including LGBTQ+ people.

The campaign, called Massachusetts For Us All, features photos of LGBTQ+ couples in the state.

At a time when other states are misguidedly restricting LGBTQIA+ rights, we are proud to send the message that Massachusetts is a safe, welcoming and inclusive place for all, Healey said in the statement. To anyone considering where they want to live, raise a family, visit or build a business  we want you to join us here in Massachusetts.

Comments on Healeys tweet show residents of Florida and Texas  whether longtime or brand new  are conflicted about the suggestion.

As a FL LGBTQ+ rights activist, I find this so out of touch and frankly disappointing, Jack Petocz said. Performative stunts like this do nothing.

Petocz attracted national attention last year when he organized a massive student walkout in Florida schools to protest the states Parental Rights in Education law, better known as Dont Say Gay.

Some disagreed with his implication that Massachusetts campaign was performative.

FL is unsafe for the trans community. Mass is safe and welcoming, someone said in a reply to Petoczs comment. Letting fleeing families know of a safer place to go is not performative, its a lifeline.

Petocz assured the commenter he understands how dire the situation is in Florida but stood by his statement that the advertisement wasnt doing any good.

Families setting up GoFundMes to flee arent relocating to MA. They know NE is safe, he said. This was designed to drive engagement online.

Another commenter to Healeys post echoed the sentiment and suggested the cost of living in Massachusetts is too expensive for many fleeing families to afford.

If you want to stick it to Texas and other red states in a non-performative way you should consider fixing the cost of living crisis that prevents LGBTQ people who might otherwise move to Massachusetts from doing so, they said.

Others said they were inspired by the message of love and acceptance.

These are great! I hope this shows that we are a loving and accepting state and we welcome everyone (and their business), someone wrote.

One poster said they had found that very refuge mentioned in the billboards in Massachusetts.

So happy to be home in MA after too many years in FL, they said. Happy Pride.

Others showed their support for the message, writing simply that they love it.

We really are a refuge for those just looking to be themselves, someone wrote, sharing heart emojis to represent the colors of the rainbow.

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A new, and overdue, Pentagon policy update to a key program that provides necessary support for military families with special needs is a crucial step but ultimately falls short, according to some advocates.

The Exceptional Family Member Program, which connects military families with necessary resources for kids and adults who have special needs when they're stationed at a new base, varies wildly from service to service and base to base. Late last week, the Department of Defense released its own program in an effort to have more uniform standards for all branches.

But Partners in PROMISE, a nonprofit focused on special education issues for military families, said on its website that "the update is underwhelming" and noted more clarity was needed for military families.

Read Next: Congress Weighs Giving Military Spouses More Options to Work Remotely for Government

"It's a step in the right direction, but there's a lot that needs to be done," Michelle Norman, the founder and executive director of Partners in PROMISE, told Military.com in a phone interview on Tuesday.

A longstanding criticism of the Exceptional Family Member Program was that some families would receive extensive communication with legal and education experts who would provide help, while others would be left with almost no assistance at all, with the variability stemming from differences between the services and bases.

The Department of Defenses new policy aimed to alleviate some of the wide ranging differences by setting one collective standard for all of the service branchs programs.

Notable changes in the Department of Defense's Exceptional Family Member Program policy include using the same criteria for all services when determining what resources are available for families and the ability for service members to request a second review of base assignment decisions, according to the Pentagon's press release.

"This ensures the family's special needs are considered during the assignment process. Enhancements include each service branch using the same criteria for determining the availability of services and the ability for service members to request a second review of assignment decisions," Tomeshia S. Barnes, associate director of DoD's Office of Special Needs, said in a press release. "Importantly, service members now learn the reason for declined orders."

Additionally, the policy lays out a requirement for annual check-ins with an Exceptional Family Member Program case manager and military families in the program.

But Partners in PROMISE said it's still unclear which officials are responsible for ensuring that appropriate special education resources are available at bases within the continental United States and that, overall, there is a lack of clarity on when and who will start many of the necessary conversations between bases and families when they're assigned to a new location under the program.

While Norman praised several changes in the Department of Defense's policy rollout, including increased communications between bases when a family that has special needs is being relocated, a lot is still unclear despite the new policy.

"That experience varies greatly for families, depending on which service branch you're in," Norman said. "In addition to the family support provided on those installations, ... and so when you read the [Pentagon instruction], there just needs to be some more clarification, because all it says is [to] collaborate together."

A 2018 Government Accountability Office report included criticism of the Exceptional Family Member Program, pointing out that support for military families with special needs "varies widely for each branch of Military Service."

A couple of years later, in 2020, Congress held a House Armed Services Committee Military Personnel hearing on the Exceptional Family Member Program, where family members spoke about their struggles with the program and advocated for the support they needed.

Following that hearing, in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, Congress mandated the Exceptional Family Member Program needed to be standardized.

While it has been more than two years since that law was signed, and the new standardized policy has finally been released, Pentagon officials acknowledged that work still needs to be done.

"We serve and work to continually update and enhance the EFMP policy," Barnes said in the press release.

-- Thomas Novelly can be reached at thomas.novelly@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @TomNovelly.

Related: New Website and App Seek to Streamline Army's Exceptional Family Member Program
An Air India passenger behaved in a 'repulsive manner' and pooped on the plane's floor mid-flight, reports say

Air India Airbus A320 aircraft. Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images

A man urinated and defecated on the floor of a plane flying from Mumbai to Delhi, The Times of India reported.

A spokesperson for Air India confirmed to Insider that he "behaved in a repulsive manner."

The man was taken away by security and arrested, where the police case noted he was drunk.

A man was arrested after he behaved in a "repulsive manner" on board an Air India flight, the airline confirmed to Insider, after reports he pooped on the plane's floor.

Saturday's flight was going from Mumbai to Delhi when the passenger urinated and defecated on the floor of the aircraft, according to both The Times of India and The Independent.

A spokesperson for Air India confirmed to Insider that a passenger "behaved in a repulsive manner, causing discomfort to the co-passengers." The airline did not confirm any specifics of the incident.

The cabin crew spotted the man and gave him a warning before the captain was also informed about the incident, according to The Times of India.

He was then kept away from other passengers, an Air India spokesperson told Insider.

"The situation agitated a number of other passengers on board the aircraft," said the official complaint seen by The Times of India.

When the plane arrived in Delhi, the man was taken away by airline security and arrested at a local police station, where the case noted he was drunk, the Times of India reported.

"On the complaint of the flight captain, Delhi Police registered a case at IGI police station and arrested the accused passenger," a senior Delhi Police official told Asian News International. "We produced him before a court which granted him bail. Further investigation is underway."

An Air India spokesperson told Insider: "In doing their best to manage the situation in the circumstances, the crew immediately secluded the passenger for the rest of the flight and issued a warning. The passenger was handed over to the security personnel upon landing in Delhi."

"Air India follows a zero tolerance policy for such unruly and unacceptable behaviour," they added. "We are extending all cooperation to hte ongoing investigations."

In January, Air India was fined $37,000 by the country's aviation regulator and suspended a pilot's license for three months after a passenger urinated on another female traveler, Bloomberg reported.

Read the original article on Insider
More than 700 scheduled flights have been canceled in the U.S. Wednesday morning as airlines prepare for a surge of passengers ahead of the July Fourth holiday weekend.

According to online flight tracker FlightAware, as of 11:30 a.m. there had been 1,373 scheduled flights in the U.S. canceled and another 2,197 other flights delayed.

Of the canceled flights, 77 were at LaGuardia Airport, 74 were at Newark Liberty International Airport, 39 were at Chicago OHare International Airport, and 35 were at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Among airlines, United led the way with 363 flight cancellations so far Wednesday, followed by JetBlue with 89 canceled flights, Republic Airways with 72 canceled flights, and Delta with 61 canceled flights.

This comes as nearly 10,000 scheduled flights in the U.S. were either canceled or delayed Tuesday, with a majority of them occurring on the East Coast as inclement weather heavily impacted the region.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has blamed airlines for the recent mess, accusing them of failing to live up to reasonable standards of customer service and suggesting that the airlines are scheduling more flights than they can handle.

In response, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby blamed a shortage of federal air traffic controllers for massive disruptions at its Newark hub last weekend, writing in a memo that more than 150,000 customers were impacted due to Federal Aviation Administration staffing issues and their ability to manage traffic.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Airlines are already strained, and LAX expects its busiest days in years for Fourth of July

Memorial Day travelers line up at Los Angeles International Airport this year. The airport is expecting its highest daily passenger counts since the COVID-19 pandemic began. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Significant airline disruptions across the nation this week have many travelers bracing for the worst as the Fourth of July weekend approaches, months after a meltdown during the winter holidays left thousands stranded.

Passengers and airline experts are hoping the weekend won't become a Christmas in July situation, or a repeat of last summer's mayhem, when pent-up demand was compounded by staffing shortages at airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Its going to be a real test," said William McGee, a senior fellow focused on aviation for the American Economic Liberties Project. We dont want to see that repeated this summer, but already there are challenges.

Beginning Thursday through July 10, Los Angeles International Airport is expecting some of its highest daily passenger counts since the COVID-19 pandemic began. And although the West Coast has been mostly spared of the worst of this week's airline issues, the number of cancellations at LAX as of noon Wednesday was above average at 28, said airport spokesperson Sevag Mahserejian.

Read more: Flight canceled? Experts share some advice about what to do

Across the U.S., delays and cancellations continued to rise throughout the day, with more than 5,000 U.S. flights delayed and nearly 1,000 canceled by Wednesday afternoon, according to flight tracker Flight Aware.

The most significant issues were at United Airlines, which had canceled about 18% of its flights, according to Flight Aware. More than a quarter of United flights didn't take off Tuesday.

The airline blamed lingering thunderstorms in the Northeast and an ongoing shortage of FAA air traffic controllers for this week's issues. United's New York-area hub, Newark Liberty International Airport, as well as another key United stop, LaGuardia Airport, led all U.S. airports in cancellations Tuesday and Wednesday.

"As we focus on helping our customers whose travel has been disrupted over the last few days, were also planning ahead to be ready for the upcoming holiday weekend," United officials wrote in a statement to The Times.

McGee said he's hopeful United can recover for the weekend but added that the airline needs to take some responsibility for the disruptions, pointing to concerns raised by its flight attendant union about internal scheduling issues.

Read more: Far from a shock, Southwest meltdown was 'perfect storm' of well-known vulnerabilities

I dont think that were going to be looking at the same situation that we saw with Southwest" this winter, McGee said.

Still, lingering complications such as the shortages of pilots and air traffic controllers as well as record-high bookings leave little room for error, he said.

There are going to be challenges," McGee said. "It's going to be an interesting summer."

Nearly 3 million passengers are expected to travel in and out of LAX during a 13-day period around the Fourth of July. The busiest travel days are expected to be Friday, with about 245,000 passengers, and July 10, with about 251,000 passengers  surpassing counts from last Thanksgiving and Christmas, though still less than pre-pandemic totals from 2019's Fourth of July weekend.

The busy summer travel season is upon us at LAX and we expect passenger volumes to reach the highest levels we have seen so far this year, Justin Erbacci, chief executive of Los Angeles World Airports, said in a statement.

Read more: Airline delays and cancellations are bad. Ahead of the July 4 weekend, they're getting worse

About 90,000 vehicles a day are expected at the airport, meaning slow-moving traffic and a shortage of parking. Airport officials recommend arriving extra early for flights, reserving parking spaces or taking alternative transportation.

Thunderstorms probably will continue to be an issue through the holiday travel period, McGee said, and airlines need to be prepared.

"Thats what happens in the summer  but how are you responding to it? Thats the real question," McGee said. "The airline industry as a whole has not done well in recent years."

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.
Man Sentenced to Life for Killing Man He Lured on Grindr

An Alabama man was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of a man he met on a gay dating app.

Sabronte Rhodes was found guilty May 19 of the murder of Johnny Soekhies, 58. Soekhiess lifeless body was found in a ditch in a partially developed subdivision in Mobile, Ala., with a gunshot wound to the head October 25, 2019. Rhodes used Grindr to arrange a date with Soekhies for the purpose of robbing him but ended up killing him instead.

Sabronte Rhodes is heading right where he belongs  behind bars for the rest of his life, the Mobile District Attorneys Office posted to Facebook following sentencing. Thank you Judge Phillips for giving Sabronte Rhodes the sentence he deserves and for justice for the Soekhies family!

Capt. Paul Burch of the Mobile County Sheriff's Office said Rhodes was captured on surveillance video forcing Soekhies to withdraw money from an ATM around 3 a.m. the day of his murder. Burch also indicated that Soekhies fought back in his final moments alive.

Based on the markings on the body, we believe he fought back, Burch was quoted by local NBC affiliate WPMI. He didnt want to be the victim of a robbery.

Police said Rhodes had used Grindr to lure other victims as well.

We do know that Rhodes was using the Grindr App to reach out to people and thats ultimately what he used to get Mr. Soekhies in the vehicle with him, Burch told local CBS affiliate WKRG.

He revealed investigators had Rhodes under surveillance when he was observed with a man he had met on Grindr. Believing the man to be another intended victim and fearing for his safety, police quickly arrested Rhodes outside a sex shop where the two men had driven.

I believe that guy was an intended victim, Burch told WPMI. In talking with him, he was very embarrassed but grateful.

Another victim, Mason Cooley, told WKRG he met Rhodes on Grindr and knew him by the nickname Dre. He said the two had been communicating for about a month before Rhodes burglarized his house.

Cooley said Rhodes put on a lot of vibes that he wanted a relationship while also asking about the location and functionality of the security cameras at his home. When Cooley was out of town, he had a friend housesit during the evenings, so Rhodes broke into the home through a back window during the day and stole two televisions. The crime was captured on surveillance cameras and Rhodes was quickly arrested.

Hes doing stuff with men and also using them, finding out their routine, and going back to their houses and stealing stuff, Cooley said. Obviously, Im not the only one. Im not the only victim.

Grindr issued a statement regarding the case.

We extend our deepest condolences to Johnny Clark Soekhies loved ones amid this heartbreaking incident. At Grindr, we are deeply committed to creating a safe online environment for all of our users. We take a number of measures to protect our community, including banning user accounts that violate our Community Guidelines, redesigning our in-app reporting process, and providing a Safety Guide to assist users when interacting with others online. We also listen to and engage with our community through many channels, encouraging them to report suspicious activities through our in-app reporting function, and addressing issues that are brought to our attention. We continually assess our practices and implement new measures to provide a safe environment on our platform.

Rhodes faces additional charges, including allegations that he stabbed an inmate while in custody.
Alleged serial rapist attorney is charged with four new attacks in Boston

Boston-Sexual-Assaults-Arrest (The Boston Globe)

A lawyer accused of sexually assaulting multiple women in Boston 15 years ago has been hit with new charges for four additional attacks - bringing the total number of accusers to eight.

Earlier this month, New Jersey lawyer Matthew Nilo, 35, was arrested in connection with three rapes and one attempted rape between 2007 and 2008 in Bostons Charlestown area.

The latest charges pertain to the rape or sexual assault of four women in North End  where Mr Nilo reportedly lived  around the same time.

A grand jury indicted him on seven additional charges on Tuesday, including one count of aggravated rape, three counts of assault with intent to rape, and two counts of indecent assault and rape, according to The Boston Globe.

Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Haydens office said the alleged assaults  including two attacks on the same woman 11 days apart  occurred in January 2007, July 2007, January 2008, and July 2008.

The incidents followed a similar pattern. The victims were attacked while they were walking alone, in the dark, either at night or early in the morning, as per the statement from Haydens office about Mr Nilos indictment.

In an email statement The Boston Globe, Mr Nilos attorney Joseph Cataldo said his client denies all the allegations including the latest charges.

You can expect both a legal and factual challenge to the governments case.

The Independent has contacted Mr Nilos attorney for comment.

Mr Nilo was arrested by the Boston Police Department from his home in Weehawken, New Jersey on 31 May after he was connected to the earlier cases by DNA submitted to a genealogy website.

He is the sixth person to be arrested by the BPD in connection with years-old rape cases, as part of $2.5m federal grand to re-open unsolved cases that present the greatest threat to public safety, according to the departments Deputy Superintendent Victor Evans.

DNA evidence collected from sexual assault kits that previously didnt yield any results is now being run against samples submitted to commercial genetic testing companies such as GEDMatch or FamilyTree DNA  used by consumers to locate family members or trace their ancestry.

According to news reports, customers must consent to their information being shared with law enforcement agencies.

Matthew Nilo is facing charges for multiple rapes in the Boston area in 2007 and 2008 (LinkedIn via Boston Globe)

Mr Hayden on Tuesday said DNA evidence played a role in these new indictments against Mr Nilo.

On 5 June, Mr Nilo was arraigned on rape and kidnapping charges at the Suffolk Superior Court. These included three counts of aggravated rape, two counts of kidnapping, one count of assault with intent to rape and one count of indecent assault and battery.

He pleaded not guilty to these charges.

During the hearing, prosecutors described how Mr Nilo allegedly lured one of his victims into his car during the early hours of 18 August 2007. The victim, then 23, reportedly accepted Mr Nilos offer to help her locate her own vehicle after a night out.

Instead, he allegedly drove her to Terminal Street in Charlestown, claimed he had a weapon, told her to shut up or he would kill her and raped her. The other three attacks also allegedly occurred at Terminal Street.

Mr Nilo was released from Suffolk County Jail on 15 June, after posting $500,000 cash bail. His bail conditions include that he surrender his passport, have no contact with the victims, and stay 1,000 feet from Terminal Street.

Mr Nilo was accompanied by his fiancee as he left the courthouse, after being fitted with a GPS bracelet.

Reacting to Mr Nilo being granted bail, the victim in the alleged August 2007 rape, now 39, told The Boston Globe: Im just upset right now that hes out on bail ... and has lived this lavish lifestyle and all these people that think they know him have no idea how evil he is, and how evil these crimes were.

I just hope that I can help encourage somebody else to come forward.

Mr Nilo will be formally charged on the new counts on 13 July.
Police officers responded to two separate incidents at local stores  a reported bomb threat Sunday at a Walmart location and a reported aggravated robbery Monday outside a Sam's Club store in Amarillo  over the past week. Two people were later arrested in connection to the robbery.

At 9:15 p.m. Sunday, a call came into the Amarillo Emergency Communications Center from an employee at the Walmart located at I-40 East and Grand Street, according to the Amarillo Police Department (APD). The employee said that they had received a suspicious call and self-evacuated the store. Officers responded to the scene, and nothing suspicious was found, APD said.

Then on Monday, June 26 at 3:57 p.m., Amarillo officers were called to the Sam's Club located at 2201 S. Ross St. on a report of shots fired in the parking lot. When officers arrived, they were met by a woman who said she had been robbed at gunpoint. The suspects were no longer on the scene. No injuries were reported.

Two people were later arrested for aggravated robbery, the police department said in a Wednesday update. "Patrol officers were able to develop leads on the suspects and vehicle from the robbery at Sams Club on Monday," the update says. A search warrant was drawn up for the room of the hotel the suspects were staying in.

Officers and Violent Crimes detectives recovered the evidence from the robbery and the weapon used, police said.

The suspects are identified as Errin A. King Jr, a 35-year-old man, and Darcy Pulliam, a 31-year-old woman. Both suspects were arrested on charges for aggravated robbery and booked into the Potter County Detention Center.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo police officers respond to incidents at Sam's Club, Walmart
Photograph: Pedro Pardo/AFP/Getty Images

The Brazilian governments drug policy chief has admitted that the rapid advance of drug factions into the Amazon rainforest has produced a a very difficult situation in the region, as a UN report warned that flourishing organized crime groups were driving a boom in environmental devastation.

Marta Machado, the national secretary for drug affairs, said the previous administrations intentional dismantling of Brazils environmental and Indigenous protection agencies had created a dangerous vacuum in the Amazon which had been occupied by powerful crime syndicates from Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.

Related: Brazilian Amazon at risk of being taken over by mafia, ex-police chief warns

The situation of drug trafficking in the Amazon is urgent, Machado told the Guardian on the sidelines of a major public security summit in the Amazon city of Belem.

Machado laid the blame for the crisis with the government of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who stripped away rainforest protections during his four-year term of office.

Weakening the mechanisms of monitoring and surveillance for organized environmental crime has opened this space that was occupied by the drug cartels, she warned, adding: The problem in the Amazon is clearly a consequence of  the deliberate omission of the previous government and [its] almost [encouragement of] environmental crimes in the Amazon.

Machado was speaking during a three-day congress organized by the Brazilian Forum on Public Safety that was attended by senior security chiefs and government officials as well as environmentalists, Indigenous activists and intelligence analysts.

For the first time, the event was held in the Amazon, in a sign of mounting concern over the impact organized crime groups are having on the sprawling rainforest region where illegal deforestation and mining exploded during Bolsonaros 2019-2023 presidency.

Earlier this month, a former senior police chief in the Amazon told the Guardian that the advance of organized crime groups could turn the region into a conflict-stricken backcountry plagued by heavily armed criminal insurgents wreaking havoc on Indigenous lands.

Those warnings were echoed at the Belem conference, as well as in a report released this week by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.

The groups annual World Drug Report said drug trafficking was exacerbating and amplifying an array of other criminal economies in the Amazon Basin, including illegal land occupation, illegal logging, illegal mining, trafficking in wildlife and other crimes that affect the environment.

Related: Youre looking to die: the Brazil river where illegal fishing threatens lives

Narco-deforestation  the laundering of drug trafficking profits into land speculation, the agricultural sector, cattle ranching and related infrastructure  is posing a growing danger to the worlds largest rainforest, warned the report, which focused on the Bolivian, Brazilian, Colombian and Peruvian portions of the Amazon that comprise about 87% of the region.

Narco-penetration has also extended into trafficking in wildlife and illegal fisheries, the report added, citing investigations into the killings of British journalist Dom Phillips and the Indigenous activist Bruno Pereira last year. Federal police have named an alleged illegal fishing boss  with suspected ties to the drug underworld  as the mastermind behind those killings in the remote Javari valley region near Brazils border with Colombia and Peru.

The UN report claimed the tri-border drug smuggling hotspot where Phillips and Pereira died probably [had] among the densest concentration of organized crime groups on earth.

Machado voiced concern over how Brazilian drug factions had tightened their grip over a region that has long been used as a corridor to smuggle Bolivian, Colombian and Peruvian cocaine to Europe, but where such activities were intensifying, with terrible consequences for traditional and Indigenous communities.

What we see now is an advance of [criminal] organizations that were mostly based in the south-east of Brazil and were mostly based inside prisons  We have two big organizations in Brazil  the PCC [First Capital Command] and the CV [Red Command]  and they are still fighting for dominance in the [Amazon] region. And when that happens, we know that homicide rates grow a lot, she said.

Machado also expressed concern over the total convergence between the different illegal groups operating in the Amazon, as drug factions and environmental criminals increasingly collaborated.

Drug factions were not only using activities such as illegal mining to launder their profits but also taking advantage of clandestine mining airstrips to smuggle drugs. They are sharing the [transport] routes, sharing planes, sharing runways  Theyre basically sharing the infrastructure. So there is this total convergence between these crimes.

Related: A war society doesnt see: the Brazilian force driving out mining gangs from Indigenous lands

Machado said security forces were working to address the problem, pointing to government efforts to evict thousands of illegal miners  some with suspected ties to the PCC  from Brazils largest Indigenous enclave, the Yanomami Indigenous territory. But its also our view that only repression through the police is not enough [and] that we need to [combine this] with policies of sustainable and social and human development in the region, she added.

The UN report also described how the CV and PCC had deepened their presence in Brazils Amazon in recent years and now operated in all of its nine states.

Large areas of the Amazon Basin are experiencing the convergence of multiple forms of criminality with severe implications for public security and sustainable development, the report said.

Humberto Freire, the head of Lulas newly created federal police department for the environment and the Amazon, played down the idea that criminal gangs were close to commandeering the region as premature but said authorities were stepping up their actions after several years during which protection efforts were destroyed.

Every journey  no matter how short or how long  starts with the first step, and weve already taken several, but we have a long trek ahead, Freire said.
Americans in former Confederate states more likely to say violent protest against government is justified, 160 years after Gettysburg

Dead soldiers lie on the battlefield at Gettysburg in July of 1863. Corbis via Getty Images

Over the July Fourth long weekend, people will pour into the small town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to commemorate the 160th anniversary of one of the deadliest battles in U.S. history.

The three-day battle left over 50,000 Union and Confederate soldiers dead, wounded or missing and cemented Gettysburgs place in American history as the turning point of the Civil War.

A few months after the battle, President Abraham Lincoln visited the town for the dedication of Soldiers National Cemetery. There, he delivered his famed Gettysburg Address. Lincoln called on Americans to dedicate themselves to the unfinished work for which so many at Gettysburg had died: the preservation of the United States and a new birth of freedom for the nation.

I have researched Americans support for political violence in my work as a political scientist at Northeastern and Harvard Universities. As an incoming professor at Gettysburg College, which was attacked by Confederate soldiers and served as a makeshift hospital during the battle, I wanted to see whether the legacies of the Civil War still affected Americans support for political violence today.

I found that, overall, Americans living in the Confederate states that violently rebelled against the United States during the Civil War express significantly greater support for the notion that it can be justifiable to violently protest against the government.

Residents of what are known as the Border States, the slave states that did not secede from the Union, are also more likely than residents of Union states to say it can be justifiable to violently protest against the government. Confederate and Border State support are not statistically different from each other.

Residents of states belonging to the Confederacy are also significantly more likely than Americans living in Union or Border States to say it is justifiable to engage in violent protest against the government right now.

Greater support for political violence

From Dec. 22, 2022, to Jan. 17, 2023, my colleagues and I at The COVID States Project, a multi-university team polling Americans in all 50 U.S. states, surveyed over 20,000 Americans about their support for violent protest against the U.S. government. Our survey asked whether they felt violence is ever justifiable, and whether violence is justifiable right now.

I then analyzed the responses by state residence, grouping survey respondents by their states allegiance in the Civil War: Union, Confederacy or Border State. Americans living in states that did not exist during the Civil War are excluded from the analysis.

Confederate state residents are about 2 percentage points more likely than Union state residents to say it is definitely or probably justifiable to engage in violent protest against the government. Border State residents are about 3 points more likely than Union residents to say violence can be justified.

When asked whether it is justifiable to engage in violent protest against the government right now, 12% of Confederate state residents say yes  which is 2 percentage points higher than the share who say yes in Border States and 3 points higher than those in Union states.

To ensure that these results do not reflect underlying social and demographic differences in the residents of these states, I used a statistical technique known as multiple regression. This technique allows researchers to determine the effect of a variable  in this case state residency  on an outcome  support for political violence  after accounting for differences attributable to other factors.

This analysis reveals that even after accounting for partisanship, race, gender, education, age, income, ideology and attitudes toward Black people, residents of Confederate states still express significantly greater support for political violence than do residents of Union or Border states.

Before you start fortifying your homes against a second Civil War, keep in mind that support for political violence  even among residents of the old Confederacy  remains low.

Nowhere close to a majority of Americans are ready to take up arms to overthrow the government. However, as the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol demonstrated, even a small minority of people intent on violence can cause serious harm to the nation.

History matters

Overall, these results point to the importance of historical factors in understanding modern support for political violence.

Political scientists have traced the importance of slavery on modern political attitudes, demonstrating that institutions long since eradicated still shape politics today.

Research has also shown that Southern myths about the Civil War, including the Lost Cause narrative of the Confederacy  which casts the Confederate cause as glorious and honorable rather than aimed at maintaining slavery  dominated history textbooks after 1877.

A monument to Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee mounted on his horse sits atop a ridge held by Confederate troops in Gettysburg, Pa. AP Photo/Matt Rourke

These distortions affect how modern Americans think about history. As recently as 2017, polling by the Southern Poverty Law Center found that just 8% of American 12th graders could correctly identify slavery as the central cause of the Civil War.

Distorted portrayals of the Civil War as a glorious fight for independence by Southern states may contribute to the significantly greater support for political violence among these states residents today. The current political debate over how history can be taught in public schools highlights the importance of such decisions.

Lincoln: These dead shall not have died in vain

On this grim anniversary, perhaps Americans can spend time contemplating Lincolns famous words to take increased devotion to that cause for which these honored dead gave the last full measure of devotion.

The Civil War was essentially the largest instance of homegrown violence against the government in U.S. history. Now, at a time of increasing political violence in the nation, I believe it is more important than ever to reflect on the Battle of Gettysburg  and the terrible toll wrought by the violence there.

This article is republished from The Conversation, an independent nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. The Conversation is trustworthy news from experts, from an independent nonprofit. Try our free newsletters.

It was written by: Alauna Safarpour, Northeastern University.

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Alauna Safarpour is currently a postdoctoral fellow at Northeastern and Harvard Universities. Beginning in August 2023, she will be an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Gettysburg College. Gettysburg College was attacked by Confederate forces during the Battle of Gettysburg.
The Ford Kentucky Truck Plant is hosting a safety exercise for the Anchorage Middletown Fire and EMS department Wednesday to help the agency prepare for future active shooter emergencies, the agency confirmed.

The simulacrum will run as a real event, including having to transport an "unknown" amount of people to the hospital, Jordan Yuodis, the public information officer for Anchorage Middletown Fire & EMS said. But, he said the event will probably not be heard through the police scanners.

A release from the Anchorage Middletown department said the simulations will start at 9 a.m. at the Ford Kentucky Truck Plant and there will be one in the morning and one in the afternoon. "The responding crews will have no other information, other than what is dispatched to them at the time of the call."

More: With UPS Teamsters strike looming, union workers to hold 'practice picket' at Worldport

Yuodis said the purpose of the active shooter exercises is "preparedness on our end."

The release said other local, state, and federal agencies will respond in the exercise. Yuodis said in a real situation, every department within a five mile radius of an emergency has to respond.

"We ask that the public be informed that this is only an exercise and not to be alarmed by any heavy first responder presence in the area," the release said.

Daniel Barbosa, a spokesperson with Ford Communications, said "Anchorage Middletown Fire and EMS, Louisville Metro Police Department and other agencies will run simulations at Kentucky Truck Plants administrative building at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m."

"This is an exercise, NOT an actual emergency," Barbosa said in a release.

Shooting victim update: Officer Nickolas Wilt continues recovery, smiles at family

Things to do: Free movies at Iroquois Amphitheater start Thursday: 12 added to 2023 lineup

Reach Ana Rocio Alvarez Brinez at abrinez@gannett.com; follow her on Twitter at @SoyAnaAlvarez.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Ford is hosting an active shooter exercise for local fire department
YouTube Fairpark Baptist Church

The father of Christian reality TV star Anna Duggarwhose husband is serving a prison sentence for child pornographyhas caught massive flak on social media for a church sermon this week in which he compared 2020 election-denying rioters to enslaved Black people 200 years, who he said were freed because they never protested their bondage.

While guest preaching at the Fairpark Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, on Sunday, Mike Keller took to the pulpit to discuss Satanic vices that he consistently called principalities. During the sermon, which was uploaded to the churchs YouTube page, Keller talked about spiritual wickedness in high places, specifically focusing on the federal government and the Biden administration.

Two weeks before the Jan. 6 insurrection, Keller claimed, a pastor colleague of his in Florida warned his congregation not to go to Washington, D.C., because it was supposedly a trap.

He was right. He was right, Keller said, not going into detail about how the insurrection was allegedly a trap or acknowledging that Donald Trump was in power at the time, not Joe Biden.

Folks, I want to tell you; it is really simple, Keller said. Ill show you how to change America.

Keller directed the congregation to 2 Chroniclesabout King Solomons prayer for wisdomin their Bibles.

A hundred-fifty years ago, or 200 years ago when the Blacks were slaves: Did they ever go to Washington, D.C., and have a rally 200 years ago to protest against slavery? he rhetorically boomed to the church audience. No. What did they do?

Keller explained in his unfactual version of history that good people on the plantations, presumably enslavers, built churches for enslaved Black people and loved them and taught them how to read so they can read the Bible. (Keller obviously ignored scores of history books, documentaries, news clippings, and various other forms of media about how most enslaved Black people were forbidden to read, had to build their own dwellings, and could not worship to their liking.)

Heres what the Blacks did about 150 years ago, Keller continued. They humbled themselves. They prayed. They sought God's face and they turned from their wicked ways and God made slavery illegal through several white presidents. It worked, didnt it? They didnt protest.

DeSantis 2024 Campaign Debut Blurs Lines for Church Involved in Rally

Keller was seemingly unaware of Black conductors on the Underground Railroad who helped get others who were enslaved to freedom, Black abolitionists who spread political action through writing and public speeches, or any of the hundreds of slave rebellions that took place in the U.S. (He also failed to mention that enslavers did not generally allow people who they considered their property to travel at their will.)

Ironically, Keller said he personally prays to God for money to buy books.

Im pretty sure running away is a form of protest, a TikTok user said, regarding the baffling sermon.

This is why they dont want books and actual history taught, another said. Ignorant people soak this shit up.

Did he really just blame black people for being slaves and then make white people out to be their saviors? a TikTok user asked. This is why we need CRT [critical race theory]. Period.

I Love Ray Charles: White Pastor Slammed for Terrible Defense of Blackface Photos

Apart from his bastardized historical account of enslavement, Keller also used his sermon to rail against Californias abortion freedoms, praise Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for being God fearing, and chastise southern Floridas satanic strongholds. He also falsely claimed the U.S. voids passports from the Dominican Republic (which he referred to as the Dominion Republic) because the Caribbean nation has a ban on abortions, and totally fumbled the reason why Puritans and Pilgrims left England for America, claiming they were burn[ed] at the stake for memorizing scripture. He also said that he felt the rapture was coming soon.

In 2008, Kellers daughter, Anna, married Josh Duggar from the show 19 Kids and Counting, which showcased a huge evangelist family and their compound. As the oldest son of the self-proclaimed ultra-Christian family, Josh Duggar allegedly molested his younger sisters and was caught by the feds for possessing child pornography.

Keller and the Fairpark Baptist Church didnt immediately return The Daily Beasts requests for comment Wednesday regarding the sermons revisionist history.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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A Charlotte auto shop owner pled guilty to cheating on emissions tests, and one of his employees faces the same federal charges.

Prosecutors say Rodolfo Rodriguez owned Tiger Auto Inspection and More, Auto Spa Inspection and More, and worked for Friendly Auto Repair.

A Charlotte auto shop owner faces federal charges. Prosecutors say Rodolfo Rodriguez owned Auto Spa Inspection and More, owned Tiger Auto Inspection and More, and worked for Friendly Auto Repair (I was there when federal and state agents raided in 21).  Jason Stoogenke (@action9) June 12, 2023

Bryan Canaan worked for Tiger Auto and Auto Spa.

They say Rodriguez and Canaan took money and in exchange, changed the information on vehicles that would have failed emissions inspections. By changing the information, they wouldnt need the tests.

Investigators say Rodriguez did this on close to 3,800 vehicles and cheated North Carolina out of more than $24,000 in the process.

Canaan is accused of doing this on 3,200 vehicles and costing the state $18,000.

Rodriguez pled guilty to violating the Clean Air Act and Conspiracy. He faces five years behind bars for one of the charges and two years for the other.

Friendly Auto Repair may sound familiar. In 2022, Action 9s Jason Stoogenke was the only reporter at the scene when federal and state agents raided the business.

Investigators charged the owner, Jamal Saymeh, for cheating on emissions tests as well.

Saymeh pled guilty and was sentenced to just over a year in prison, in addition to a $1 million fine.

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(WATCH: Friendly Auto Repair Search)




The number of anti-LGBTQ hate crime events reported in the four-county Sacramento area nearly doubled in 2022 compared to 2021, according to the Hate Crime in California report released Tuesday by the state Department of Justice, while the overall number of hate crimes in the region increased by nearly 50%.

Hate crime events reported in the region made up of Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer and Yolo counties increased by 44.4% year-over-year, compared to 20.2% statewide, the annual report found. Anti-LGBTQ hate crime events in the region rose from 35 in 2021 to 65 in 2022.

A hate crime refers to a crime committed against a person or property motivated by hate against someones race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin or physical or mental ability, according to the report.

Anti-LGBTQ, anti-Black hate crimes on the rise

Anti-Black hate crimes made up the largest share statewide, accounting for 652 of 2,120 events (31%). Anti-LGBTQ hate crimes made up the largest share in the Sacramento area, accounting for 65 of 191 events (34%).

There were 51 anti-Black hate crime events reported in 2022 in the Sacramento area, making up 27%, compared to 42 events in 2021.

The report comes days after The Sacramento Bee reported on alleged anti-LGBTQ vandalism in Antelope, where pride flags were stolen and burned from multiple homes.

Anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and legislation across the country have grabbed national attention in recent months, including the passage of the Dont Say Gay bill in Florida that prohibits classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity. Nationwide, 26 anti-trans bills were passed in 2022 and 83 have been passed in 2023 so far, according to the Trans Legislation Tracker, an independent website that monitors legislative developments that bill opponents say curtail transgender rights.

Anti-trans hate crimes contributed to the rise in anti-LGBTQ hate crimes statewide. Across California, hate crime events related to sexual orientation increased by 29% and events related to gender identity increased by 56% in 2022, according to Tuesdays report.

A 2021 UCLA study found that transgender people were more than four times more likely than cisgender people to be victims of violent crime.

It goes without saying that this pride season feels a lot different from others, said Sunitha Menon, Managing Director of Equality California, at a Department of Justice news conference Tuesday morning.

The number of anti-Asian hate crime events reported in the Sacramento region fell from 19 in 2021 to 14 in 2022, but the 2022 number is still the second-highest in the past 21 years.

Hate crimes have been increasing rapidly since 2020 across the United States, according to data collected by the FBI. Nationwide, most 2021 hate crimes  63%  were motivated by racial or ethnic bias, and 20.4% were related to sexual orientation or gender identity.

Hate crimes still underreported and under-prosecuted, state says

Reporting a hate crime is not always easy and is not always something someone feels safe and comfortable doing. In all likelihood, these statistics represent underreporting, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said at a news conference Tuesday.

There is also a large gap between the number of hate crimes reported and the number actually prosecuted as such, the data show. Of 2,120 hate crime events reported, only 647 (31%) were referred to prosecutors and 282 (13%) eventually filed as hate crimes. Just 53 resulted in hate crime convictions, less than 3% of reports.

We too often see what the community knows to be a hate crime not investigated as a hate crime, not eventually identified or prosecuted as a hate crime, Bonta said.

Along with the report, the Department of Justice issued a notice to local law enforcement agencies with guidance on hate crime laws and investigation procedures to ensure that state and local law enforcement officials across California  respond appropriately and swiftly to hate crime activity.

Bonta also urged victims and witnesses of hate crimes to come forward. A Department of Justice news release noted that a CA vs. Hate hotline and online portal are available at all times in 15 languages for hate crime reporting, and that Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. over 200 languages are available.

The hotline can be reached at 833-866-4283, and the portal at stophate.calcivilrights.ca.gov.
An Arizona county elections director resigned from her post Tuesday after accusing officials of politicizing elections and creating a harmful work environment.

Pinal County Elections Director Geraldine Roll resigned Tuesday morning after sending her resignation email to County Manager Leo Lew, whom she accused of standing by as she was attacked. In her email, obtained by The Hill, she wrote that she has never been subject to the ridicule, disrespect, intimidation and attacks on my reputation and ethics that she has faced since starting her position.

With no regrets, I quit, Roll wrote in her resignation email to Lew. When you no longer respect those you work for, it is time to leave. I have watched as you idly stood by when I was attacked. I cannot work for an individual who does not support me. The environment fostered by your team and the Board of Supervisors is toxic.

In her email, Roll wrote that the elections department should not be politicalized and accused officials of being partial to a faction of the Republican Party.

You relegate impartiality, common sense and dedicated work to irrational, extremist political party views and rhetoric, she wrote. It is a far reach to see how you will deliver clean elections when you bend to a faction of the Republican party. Clearly, politics are the value this administration desires in a place where politics have no place: elections administration.

Azcentral.com first reported Rolls resignation Tuesday.

She also signed her email with, Really, Not Respectfully, ahead of her signature.

I did not resign, I quit. I am sure there may be a distinction. I fail to see it, Roll responded to The Hill when reached for comment.

Lew said in a statement to The Hill that he disagreed with Roll on her assessment.

I want to thank Geri for her service during very challenging times and for the improvements that she identified and began to implement in the Elections Department, Lew said in a statement. Although I disagree with her assessment, she has been an impactful public servant, and I wish her the best and know that she will continue to do great things in her career.

According to azentral.com, Roll was in her position for less than a year, as the elections department faced a tumultuous few months.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) signed a pair of executive orders Tuesday that strengthened protections for LGBTQ people in the state, banning state support for so-called conversion therapy and requiring that gender-affirming health care for transgender state employees be covered under their insurance plan.

Hobbss executive actions will prohibit the use of state funding to promote or facilitate conversion therapy, a scientifically discredited practice that seeks to change a persons sexual orientation or gender identity. The practice has been denounced by major medical organizations as harmful and unscientific, in part because it is based on a false belief that LGBTQ identities are pathologies that need to  and can  be cured.

Arizona is the latest in a growing number of states to enact at least a partial ban on conversion therapy for LGBTQ minors, according to the Movement Advancement Project, which tracks state-level policies impacting the LGBTQ community. Twenty-one states and Washington, D.C., have passed total bans.

Hobbs on Tuesday additionally expanded access to gender-affirming health care by prohibiting state employee health insurance plans from excluding coverage for gender-affirming surgery, which has been banned in Arizona since 2017.

The health care exclusion was challenged in a 2019 class-action lawsuit filed by Russell Toomey, a transgender professor at the University of Arizona. Attorneys for Toomey said Tuesday they will file a motion to settle the case.

Todays executive order by Governor Hobbs provides unexplainable relief and care to the state-sanctioned suffering that I and other transgender Arizonans have endured for several years, Toomey said Tuesday in a statement. I see this action as hope that our collective future in Arizona is one that allows trans people, like myself, to live lives full of joy and unrestricted opportunity.

Notably, Arizona in 2022 became the second state in the nation to restrict access to gender-affirming health care for transgender minors under legislation signed by former GOP Gov. Doug Ducey. Unlike similar bans, however, the Arizona law only applies to surgical procedures, and the administration of puberty blockers and hormone therapy to transgender youths is still legal in the state.

An executive order issued earlier this year by Hobbs includes shield-style protections for gender-affirming care that is legal in Arizona. On Tuesday, Hobbs issued another executive order that barred state agencies from cooperating with civil and criminal cases in states where gender-affirming health care is illegal.

The governor said in a Twitter post Tuesday that Arizona is leading by example on LGBTQ rights.

We will continue working until Arizona is a place where every individual can participate equally in our economy and our workforce without fear of discrimination or exclusion, Hobbs wrote.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Armed and dangerous man with identical twin wanted in murder of 18-year-old woman, deputies say

Paulding County deputies are investigating after an 18-year-old woman was murdered at a mobile home community on Saturday morning.

Police said they responded to reports of multiple gunshots at the Nebo Ridge Estates around 9 a.m.

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When deputies arrived, they found a woman shot inside a home no Barbee Path. She was taken to the hospital, where she died. Shes been identified as Katherine Maline Castillo Martinez.

Detectives determined that a fight happened inside the house involving several people.

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Detectives have secured warrants for the arrest of Devon Michael Gandy, 19, of Dallas, on murder charges.

The United States Marshals Service Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force (SERFTF) along with the Paulding County Sheriffs Office Warrants/Civil Division are actively looking for Gandy, who they say is armed and dangerous.

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Deputies said Gandy has an identical twin brother that was not involved in the incident.

More suspects and charges are expected, according to the sheriffs office.

Anyone who may have information regarding Gandys whereabouts, or any information about the shooting is asked to come forward immediately. Tipsters can call the Paulding County Sheriffs Office Criminal Investigations Tip Line at (770) 443-3047 or send a message via the free Paulding Sheriff mobile app.

Castillo Martinez is one of at least 65 teens and children who have been shot to death since across Georgia in 2023.
Nicholas Christopher Carwise, 31, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for attempted enticement and coercion of a minor to engage in sexual activity.

Carwise pleaded guilty on March 20, 2023.

According to court documents, St. Johns County Sheriffs Office and Homeland Security Task Force posted a photo to an online social media application. On the same date, the Task Force received a response from an individual named visitor who had a location of eight miles away. Visitor was later identified as Carwise expressing his sexual interest in a fake person he believed was a 13-year-old child.

From May 14 through May 21 the Task Force and Carwise communicated through social media. Carwise discussed with the minor to engage in sexual activity with her including Carwise paying her $200.

Read: South Carolina man wounded by Florida deputies in chase that topped 100 mph

Law enforcement identified Carwise based on photos and information he had provided for his profiles for the two social media accounts. Further investigation revealed that Carwise had a residence in Tennessee and that vehicles registered to him were located in and around St. Johns County from May 11 to May 15, 2022. Law enforcement also learned that Carwise was likely in the military and contacted the Criminal Investigations Division for assistance. Law enforcement learned that Carwise was on Active Duty for the Army, enlisted, and had the rank of Staff Sergeant, working in Kentucky at the time.

Carwise was arrested on June 29, 2022, at Fort Benning, Georgia, and has been in custody since his arrest.

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Read: Woman dies in wrong-way crash on I-295 near Duval Road in Jacksonville, FHP says

Read: Jacksonville council narrowly denies Southbank storage facility after hours-long debate

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INVERNESS  Dont call them impersonators. The men who do this will tell you that any schmo can impersonate. That impersonator is akin to impostor. That Elvis tribute artists are, well, artists.

On a rainy Wednesday afternoon, one such artist leaned against the brown, metal facade of the Citrus County Auditorium, at the edge of a fairgrounds in a rural town with no major highway connection, and reflected on how he got there. Bill Cherry was big and wore a Harley Davidson bandana. A tank top showed off arms more jacked than Elvis ever were, and his blue eyes were cloudier. He doesnt do an Elvis voice offstage, but hes got Elvis in his voice. He doesnt give his age, but he remembers clearly the day Elvis died.

The thing people get wrong, he said, is they think that we think we are Elvis.

No one can be Elvis, said Cherry, one of only 15 Elvis tribute artists ever crowned an Ultimate Elvis in an Elvis Presley Enterprises-sanctioned competition at Graceland. Not even close.

You have the ministers that preach the gospel, right? They didnt write it, but they preach it, he said. We sing the songs, but the godhead is God.

Did you expect that a story about guys who don white jumpsuits, heavy makeup and $2,500 wigs to sing old songs in a familiar vibrato to retiree-heavy crowds of women in bejeweled Elvis shirts would be a laugh? I did, when I set off to cover the first night of Elvis: The Summer Festival, which recently enjoyed a five-day local run.

But while the world of Elvis tributes definitely can be funny  Elvis himself could be funny  its no joke.

There are Elvis fans, and then there are fans of the modern Elvis live concert experience. Devotees of the tribute artists want more than a recording can give. In small towns and theaters across America, a dedicated group of professionals offers what they seek. To be clear, Elvis, the legend, needs no help preserving his legacy. Tribute artists are stoking the fires of something different. They keep alive a bit of how it felt to sit feet from pure, pulsing charisma.

The festival kicking off a few hours later boasted a star-studded lineup within the Elvis tribute universe. Among the dozen-plus performers were five Ultimate Elvises, several Images of the King titleists, the best 50s Elvis in the U.K., a Canadian Grand Champion, an Elvis Extravaganza winner and the worlds only holder of four consecutive Elvis Week titles. Not to mention champions of Tupelo, Branson, Niagara Falls, Lake George, the Poconos and Brunswick.

Opening night of the local festival would be only for those couple hundred hardcore five-day passholders, the ones whod traveled from Ohio, England, New Zealand. The ones who go to as many tributes a year as they possibly can, lining up after shows to receive kisses on the cheek from the stars. Soon they would roll in with cars airbrushed with young 50s pompadour Elvis and campy 70s Elvis, and in motorized scooters with Elvis plates.

They are Elvis fans, of course, but they are also fans of specific tribute artists. They buy CDs filled with cover versions of Suspicious Minds and If I Can Dream and T-shirts printed with their almost-Elvis faces.

Cherry sang Elvis to entertain his mom as a little kid. He first performed publicly as a young adult in the mid-1980s. Years later, working as a welder at a steel foundry in St. Louis, he performed Elvis on the side. When union rules stopped him from taking time off for a show, though, he rolled the dice and went all-in.

Ive never had another job, he said, but sometimes I drive past that foundry and look at it. Its so dirty, and I think, Ive been to England, Italy, Spain, cruise ships, places I never would have seen. Ive been blessed, all because of Elvis.

One might ask, how long can this Elvis thing go on? Much of the audience is aging, and so are some of the artists, who, like Cherry, long ago outlived the king himself. Elvis died at 42 and would now be nearly 90.

Someone will always listen to his music, Cherry said. But this part of it, the people who want a taste of what it was like to see Elvis live in the room, well, everything has its time.

Elvis wave of popularity may have finally crested, Cherry believes, but hes grateful to ride it for as long as it makes sense.

No artist in history has inspired the depth and breadth of live tributes as Elvis. Who knows why, but one theory is that it was Elvis reclusiveness before dying young. That someone so explosively fascinating was such a rare commodity meant that even the chance to see a facsimile was extremely appealing.

With the evening of showtime closing in, Cherry left for the rental house where he was staying with some other Elvises. (In Elvis world, competitions can be tense, but touring gigs build a sense of brotherhood, the Elvises said.)

Preparations continued in the old-school auditorium, and backstage another Elvis was fielding last-minute calls. Cote Deonath, at only 26, is a highly experienced Elvis when you consider his first public performance was at 3, wearing a tiny gold lame suit.

He would perform that night, but Deonath also owns the company that produces the Inverness festival, helping carry on the towns long Elvis fixation. With a postwar citrus stand operating just up the street from the theater, the place still looks much like the small, Old Florida town where a young Elvis arrived in 1961 to film scenes for his movie Follow That Dream. Locals waited hours to get a glimpse of him, and the courthouse where Elvis filmed the final scene is now a local history museum.

When Deonath was an unruly toddler, his grandmother showed him Follow That Dream. He sat perfectly still, so she showed him again. As a boy, growing up in the area, he sang for tourists on Follow That Dream tours.

The Inverness show is just one part of Deonaths burgeoning Elvis-tribute empire that in five years has grown into a slate of annual festivals. Most importantly, Deonath had recently secured the rights to use Elvis name and image in his marketing. Before that, hed had to signal toward fans with titles like the King Creole Extravaganza.

He is earnest, enthusiastically motor-mouthed and a true believer that the Elvis tribute industry can actually grow. He has seen younger faces in the crowd since the 2022 Oscar-nominated film Elvis, and he feels something bubbling. The sky is the limit, Deonath said. Do I think were going to pack out stadiums? No. But can we get up to 2,000, 3,000-seaters? Absolutely, 100%.

Hes 5 feet, 5 inches and swarthier than the other Elvises, traits he points out himself to illustrate that a tribute artist with talent doesnt have to be a traditional Elvis right off the shelf. If the older Cherry is cool, confident, been-around-the-block Elvis, Deonath is inspirational Elvis. Comeback Special 1968 Elvis.

Kids bullied him in high school when they found out he was playing Elvis on weekends. Elvis wasnt cool then, he said. When he was 18, attending firefighter EMT school and living with his dad, he got a gig on a tribute cruise. My first taste of freedom out of the nest.

He told the Elvises onboard that it was just a hobby. They looked at me and were like, Kid, this isnt a hobby for you. They knew. And by the time we got off that boat, I knew.

He left school. Six years ago, he took a chance, promoting his own solo Elvis show at the same Inverness theater. Twenty years old with $16,000 on the line. The 800-capacity show sold out. Now, his company employs his mother, friends and other family members.

Thats what I think about when I see these people from high school, and theyre still here drinking in the same bars, and they sarcastically tell me, Oh thats really cool youre still doing the Elvis thing. And I just got back from Spain.

Out in the auditorium, another Elvis sat alone. Moses Snow was 20, with a mysterious air and a head of jet black greaser hair awaiting the grease, nodding along to the Elvis rehearsing on stage. As employees paused their bustling preparations to shake his hand, he maintained a casual aloofness. He was the first Elvis there who looked like Elvis when not in costume, tall and trim with an impossibly cool black denim jacket and suede boots, and I swear I heard someone call him the kid.

Snow portrays the early, rockabilly Elvis. An Elvis era one might call Hot Elvis.

He found Elvis at 13 while singing karaoke. Blue Christmas popped up. Not long after, near his home in Texas, his family visited a cafe where a tribute artist was performing. Snows dad told the guy his son sang Elvis. The guy invited Snow on stage. He sang Blue Suede Shoes, and that was that.

Google Snow and you might land on a video of him at 18 performing in a hotel conference room, singing as he works his way down a row of swooning gray-haired women, giving each a kiss on the cheek.

I picked up on a lot of things that are appealing to our demographic, he said, just by watching the older guys.

Like a lot of 20-year-olds, hes not stressing the future too much. He is part of an initiative aimed at introducing The King to young audiences. The costumes might grow less important as fewer people remember the era firsthand, he predicts, and the songs might get remixed. But theyll still be singing Elvis.

The fans filed in, many early, greeting each other with hugs. The show began not with a song but with a panel discussion that included two Elvises from England (one performed his first gig at a tea party) and another from Alabama. They talked about makeup tips from their daughters, the plight of a bald Elvis and sideburn mishaps (coolest move: pulling off a loose sideburn and sticking it to their chest during a show).

The Elvises went backstage to transform, the lights went down, and when they came back up, giant block letters were blazing white and bright, covering the back of the stage: E-L-V-I-S. The crowd was seated like at an old nightclub, with round tables set right up to the stage, which had a long runway jutting into the audience.

Snow, the youngest Elvis, stood on stage looking down. The live band started up, and when the spotlight hit him, he sang, It was a night, ooh what a night, in a shockingly mature and uncanny Elvis wail and energy shot through the room. Snows set was filled with the kind of moves that once made TV censors decree that Elvis be shown only from the waist up. It climaxed with him leaning back in a limbo stance and repeatedly thrusting his pelvis toward the sky during Such a Night, to high-pitched screams.

Deonath hit the stage in a white jumpsuit with a giant Aztec sun symbol across the torso. He smiled vibrantly, and during For the Good Times, held a womans hand. He pretended he was trying to yank it away but couldnt escape her grip. Youre going to rip my arm out of the socket, he drawled, getting laughs.

Cherry performed last, moving on stage with supreme swagger. A perfect lip snarl. One spastic leg. After so many years, he knew how to withhold, withhold, and boom  hed deploy a hip wriggle or a karate punch that made the crowd explode. When he said If Your Head Is In the Sand would be the last of the night, the crowd cried out.

When the lights came back on, four generations of women from one family slowly stood from their table. A girl in her early teens, genuinely excited, said, Come on, Grandma! and led an older woman toward the faux gates of Graceland, where the Elvises would be waiting.

None of those men are Elvis. They know it, the fans know it, and yet they are all Elvis. Whatever it was in Elvis that burned so bright that it still hasnt completely gone out all these decades later, it was still burning hot in a little theater in the middle of nowhere. It wont go on forever, but its not gone yet.
The number of people killed by the Russians in Kramatorsk on the evening of 27 June has increased to 11, including 3 children, and 61 people were wounded.

Source: press service of the National Police of Ukraine

Quote: "10 killed and 61 wounded in Russian attack on Kramatorsk. The police continue to work at the scene of the attack. As of 11:30, three children were killed and one wounded."

Details: Among the dead are a 17-year-old girl and two 14-year-old sisters. An eight-month-old baby was injured, but his life is now no longer in danger.

Bomb disposal experts, investigators, forensic experts, operatives, paramedics and patrol policemen are working at the scene.

Updated at 17:08: Kramatorsk Mayor Oleksandr Honcharenko reported that the death toll has risen to 11, but did not disclose any additional details.

Background:

On the evening of 27 June, Russian invaders attacked Kramatorsk, Donetsk Oblast, hitting a food establishment.

Prosecutor General Andrii Kostin said that Russian occupiers fired Iskander missiles on 27 June.

Counterintelligence from the Security Service of Ukraine has arrested a Russian secret service agent who tipped the Russians off in relation to the missile attack on a cafe in the centre of Kramatorsk on 27 June.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!






By Kirsty Needham

SYDNEY (Reuters) -Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare called for a review of a security treaty with Australia in a meeting with Canberra's defence minister on Wednesday, his office said, amid growing strategic competition in the region between China and the U.S. and its allies.

Australia's deputy prime minister and defence minister Richard Marles is on a two-day visit to Solomon Islands for security talks that come as China takes a bigger role in the Pacific nation's police force.

Sogavare is expected to travel to China next week, he told parliament on Monday.

Marles wrote on Twitter that he had "a productive meeting" with Sogavare, discussing "the deepening partnership between our two countries, including through regional security, infrastructure, labour mobility and health".

Marles also met members of the Solomon Islands International Assistance Force (SIAF), which includes Australian, Fijian and New Zealand police deployed in 2021 at Sogavare's request to quell anti-government riots.

Australia is a major aid donor and has a decades-long security relationship with the Solomon Islands. A 2017 security treaty between Australia and Solomon Islands allows Australian police and defence personnel to deploy rapidly to Solomon Islands if the need arises and both countries consent.

China has recently stepped up its funding for infrastructure and last year Sogavare signed a security pact with China, raising concern in Canberra and Washington about Beijing's naval ambitions in the strategically located region.

Sogavare's office said he had "conveyed the country's appreciation to Australia's on-going support in the area of security" in his meeting with Marles.

"The Prime Minister expressed the need to review the current security treaty between the two countries to take into account the changing security challenges faced by both countries," a statement said.

Chinese police have taken an increasing role in training and equipping the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force in recent months.

The Solomon Islands is hosting the Pacific Games in Honiara in November. China has funded the regional sporting event and built seven stadiums and other venues and Chinese police have pledged to "continuously support" the Solomon's police "throughout and after" the event.

"Assessments are still ongoing to determine the security needs during the Games and should there be areas to address, Australia will be notified through appropriate channels," the statement added.

Sogavare's office told Reuters details of his China visit were being finalised.

(Reporting by Kirsty Needham; editing by Robert Birsel and Alex Richardson)
A baby brand is giving away more than $2,000 so parents can get time away from their kids. As a parent, this depresses me.

Hinterhaus Productions/Getty Images

I'm a mom to three kids under the age of 6, and I know how expensive childcare can be.

My husband and I have never been away from our children together.

While the Frida campaign is supposed to be fun, it shows how depressing it can be to be a parent.

Frida Baby, the brand known for products like Windi  which helps babies pass gas  and the snot-sucker every parent swears by, announced that they are giving $2,160 to five lucky winners so they can get away from their children.

The campaign website says this money is intended to help cover the costs of a nanny or flying in the grandparents so they can look after the kids. The brand will also add a pair of noise-canceling headphones for each parent so they don't need "to listen to other people's kids on the way there either."

While I get the campaign is supposed to be fun, as a parent who has never been away from her children, it also kind of depresses me. It's a reminder of how tight our finances are, and also the constant juggle parents are dealing with, not only in terms of money but trying to find available childcare.

We have no family nearby

My oldest was born five years ago while we lived in New York City. At the time, we had two grandparents in Argentina, one in Rhode Island, and more family in Pittsburgh. When my husband and I hired our nanny, we joked that she was our third grandma. Since we didn't have any family members nearby, she became part of our family.

She always insisted we go out on date nights. We rarely did for two reasons: We were exhausted from the grind of working in New York, and it was incredibly expensive to pay overtime after an entire day of nannying. So we reserved date nights for special occasions.

We then had twins during the pandemic, and that meant basically no extra help. Our first date night post-twins happened after they were both walking and talking. We had moved to Maine by that point and didn't know anyone who could take care of infant twins, so we waited until my parents came to visit and we left after putting everyone down. We rushed to dinner and back, stressing that if anyone woke up, my older parents might not hear them.

Finding childcare is a never-ending problem

Now that my kids are older, we go on more date nights. Yet my husband and I have never been on a trip without kids. He's taken solo trips, and I've taken solo trips, but that's it.

Banner for the Frida Baby campaign Courtesy of Frida Baby

According to a report released in June by Ready Nation, 22% of the population of Maine lives in "childcare deserts." It costs an average of $11,960 to send a child to daycare in the state. That is almost $36,000 per year for three kids during the work day  ending at 3 pm  without taking into account extended later care, date nights, or other activities.

But it's not just finances that get in the way. There's little to no availability for babysitters, and we end up having to make plans months in advance to find someone because every other parent we know is also desperately trying to find reliable care for their kids.

Frida Baby products solve baby problems, but at a brand level, the brand wants to solve parent problems. They anecdotally found the lack of childcare for parents to travel to be an issue among its employees. Frida Baby then conducted a nationwide survey to see if it was a bigger issue.

The survey only included 140 people, but the results showed that 60% of parents of kids under 3  like me  had never taken a trip away from their children.

While Frida Baby's campaign is touching on something parents in the US need, it can't solve the problem. What parents actually need is affordable and reliable childcare.

Read the original article on Insider
By Ludwig Burger

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Bayer subsidiary BlueRock has become the first company to report initial success treating Parkinson's disease in humans using an experimental stem cell therapy, the drugmaker said on Wednesday.

The hunt for Parkinson's treatments has seen many setbacks over decades.

Bayer said that one year into a Phase I trial with 12 volunteers, BlueRock's therapy was shown to be well-tolerated and that transplanted cells grew as intended in patients' brains.

This encouraged it to advance testing on humans to the second of three stages, with patient enrolment seen in the first half of 2024.

A slew of research projects around the globe have recently honed in on the approach to transplant modified cells to restore an area of the brain that normally produces dopamine.

Some of this work is done by Britain's' Cambridge University, South Korea's Bundang CHA Hospital, International Stem Cell Corp's Cyto Therapeutics in Australia, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Harvard University and Japan's Kyoto University Hospital.

For BlueRock's experimental therapy, researchers took induced pluripotent stem cells, which are modified to regain the ability to form any type of specialised tissue, and transformed them into dopamine-producing nerve cells.

When surgically implanted into the brain of a person with Parkinson's disease, the therapeutic cells are designed to restore neural networks destroyed by the disease.

Initial trial results showed the cells multiplied and started making dopamine, an important brain signalling molecule which is lacking in Parkinson's patients.

Parkinson's, for which there is no cure and which affects more than 10 million people worldwide, causes progressive brain damage. Common symptoms are loss of muscle control, tremors, muscle rigidity and slowness of movement while dementia is seen in some patients.

Bayer acquired BlueRock Therapeutics and Asklepios Biopharmaceutical in 2019 and 2020, respectively, in a push to build a cell and gene therapy business,

Bayer last year struck a partnership deal with Mammoth Biosciences in the San Francisco Bay area, co-founded by Nobel laureate Jennifer Doudna, to develop therapeutic tools based on CRISPR/CAS9 gene editing.

(Reporting by Ludwig Burger Editing by Miranda Murray and Mark Potter)
FILE - Deborah Turness attend the International Women's Media Foundation's 26th Annual Courage in Journalism Awardsin New York on Oct. 21, 2015. BBC News is introducing a new BBC Verify unit. Turness, BBC News chief executive officer, says it is an attempt by the news organization to be more transparent in its reporting. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, File) (Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

NEW YORK (AP)  The BBC is more aggressively bringing open source reporting and efforts to expose disinformation to its day-to-day reporting, a move that signals a potential shift in journalism's embrace of new technology.

The just-announced creation of a new BBC Verify unit is also an attempt by the news organization to be more transparent in its reporting, said Deborah Turness, BBC News chief executive officer.

Practitioners of open source reporting go beyond traditional methods of interviews and examining public records to tell stories by using tools such as satellite images, mobile phone recordings, advanced internet searches and the like.

They have produced some compelling investigative reporting, but Turness is looking for more immediacy. For example, when Russia claimed a Ukrainian drone tried to attack the Kremlin, the BBC gathered multiple videos of explosions in the night sky, and quickly found video footage to map the actions of police in recent unrest at a housing complex.

The BBC has been using satellite photos in an attempt to document planning and movement by both sides in the Ukraine war.

We are taking a step out front to lead and experiment in this space, Turness said.

Many people active in open source reporting will be playing close attention to whether the BBC succeeds, said Alexa Koenig, executive director of the Human Rights Center at the University of California at Berkeley's law school.

There's really a need for journalists to start embracing these new methods of fact-finding to deepen their day-to-day storytelling, said Koenig, who helps train students in their use.

The New York Times and Washington Post both have strong storytelling units but tend to concentrate on larger, more exhaustive investigations  such as the Times' Day of Rage video that reconstructed the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack.

More recently, both newspapers traced online records on the movements of a man accused of leaking classified material, and the Post found video to illustrate an Israeli raid in a civilian area of the West Bank this spring.

BBC Verify puts various company efforts  data and video analysis, fact-checking and countering disinformation  under one roof, Turness said.

When you talk to news consumers, they will tell you that there is so much chaos and confusion that they no longer know who to trust, said Turness, an NBC News executive from 2013 to 2021. I think that's even worse in the U.S. market.

As a result, it's vital for news organizations to be very transparent to show how they reach conclusions, particularly when newer reporting methods are involved, she said.

While Koenig agreed that's important, she said great care needs to be taken to avoid increasing confusion.

It may look like transparency on the surface, but it may actually be obfuscating, she said. People don't understand how to read satellite images.

Turness also wants to emphasize exposing disinformation, particularly with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence.

We're going to have to move at the same speed as the AI technology that's weaponizing the bulk of fake news, she said.
A beach parking garage is coming to Anna Maria Island. Here are 7 things to know

A new parking garage on Anna Maria Island could be the end of a yearslong saga between Holmes Beach and Manatee County Government over access to the beach.

On Friday, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill that allows county officials to build a garage within Holmes Beachs city limits without asking the city for permission. The move could be seen as a win for beachgoers, but island leaders say the garage will only create more problems.

Since 2020, the city of Holmes Beach and Manatee County have battled over changes to parking availability on the island.

At the time, city leaders removed parking spaces that had been available in order to curtail certain problems, such as littering, blocked driveways and more, but county officials argued that they had overstepped.

The proposed parking garage marks the latest chapter in the ongoing debate. Heres what you need to know.

Where will the parking garage go?

The bill specifically states that Manatee County Government may build a garage on land that it already owns in Holmes Beach.

The countys early plans call for the parking garage to be built on top of the current parking lot at Manatee Public Beach, which is owned by the county.

Construction of the facility is likely to shut down the parking lot while building operations are underway.

A three-story parking garage could soon be built on the Manatee Public Beach parking lot at the end of Manatee Avenue following a years-long battle between Holmes Beach and Manatee County Government.

How tall will the parking garage be?

According to the bill, the garage will have a maximum height of 36 feet, which equates to a three-story garage.

Opponents of the proposed garage have argued that the structure does not match the character of Anna Maria Island, which is known for its small-town feel and lack of high-rise condos. As they determined the buildings restrictions, local lawmakers said they balanced the size of the garage with those concerns.

I appreciate the complexion of our island. The height restrictions and everything keep it Old Florida. I like it that way, state Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, said in a recent interview with the Bradenton Herald. I just want to make available a place for people to park.

How many spaces will the garage have?

Based on the maximum size of the garage, it is expected to provide roughly 1,500 parking spaces, which would be about four times the current capacity of Manatee Public Beach.

According to county staff, the parking lot now has 381 parking spaces.

When will the garage be built?

The timing of construction is unknown. The bill allows Manatee County Government to issue its own building permit for the garage without seeking approval from Holmes Beach, which should speed up the process.

However, a parking garage has not been designed yet, and its unclear when the Manatee County Commission will move forward with plans to build the garage.

A three-story parking garage could soon be built on the Manatee Public Beach parking lot at the end of Manatee Avenue following a years-long battle between Holmes Beach and Manatee County Government.

How will Manatee County pay for the garage?

The garage is expected to be covered by tourism taxes, a fee that visitors pay when they stay in local hotels or short-term rentals.

Tourism taxes, which have recently been used to improve Bradenton Beachs City Pier and support Mote Marines Science Education Aquarium, may be used on certain projects that promote tourism in Manatee County.

How much will the garage cost?

Early estimates say the Anna Maria Island parking garage could cost around $45 million.

Will parking still be free?

Besides the turquoise waters and the beautiful sunsets, free parking on Anna Maria Island is one of the beachs main attractions.

That perk could come to an end at one of Manatee Countys beaches when the three-story parking garage opens. No final decisions have been made, but the garage could mark the beginning of county officials charging visitors to park on the island.

In previous discussions, commissioners have suggested that parking in the garage might cost money. Paid parking has not been approved or finalized by the Manatee Board of County Commissioners.

A decision on paid parking is expected to come at a later date.
Behind the terror in Allen: What bodycam footage shows about mall shooting that killed 8

It was less than four minutes.

From the second an Allen police officer heard distant gunshots at the Allen Premium Outlets while telling some young children they should always wear their seat belts to the moment he engaged and killed the mass shooter, it was less than four minutes. In that time, 33-year-old Nazi sympathizer Mauricio Garcia killed eight people and wounded seven others. The youngest he killed was a 3-year-old boy from Dallas.

Body-camera footage released by police Wednesday shows what happened at the mall that day from the perspective of the officer who killed the man. The footage starts with a routine interaction between the officer and a family. The name of the officer has not been released.

Terror in Allen

Calls to 911 began flooding in just before 3:40 p.m. on May 6.

Operators jumped from one call to the next for more than an hour. After the first couple of calls, they got into a routine of immediately asking two questions when they answered calls: Are you calling about the shooting at the outlets? and Is anybody around you injured?

Audio from the 911 calls obtained by the Star-Telegram painted a picture of horror, panic and shock at the outlet mall. Parents, spouses and strangers called to beg for help for people who had been shot. Other people called in tips about where the shooter was or a suspicious truck left on the side of the highway near the mall.

Were getting help to you as fast as we can, a dispatcher told one man calling about his wife and two children. Can you put some pressure on the wounds at all? For anybody?

One child was already dead. The other was bleeding out, as was his wife.

I dont want to lose two more, he told the dispatcher, crying with desperation clear in his voice. Get somebody here! ... I need an ambulance, please ... my wife is dying.

The dispatcher told the man that paramedics were on the way and gave instructions on trying to stop the bleeding.

Theyre getting there as fast as they can, the dispatcher told the man. I need you to control the bleeding, OK? Can you put something on the wound?

Several other people called from the back room of H&M, where they were trying to care for a woman whod been shot.

I need you to bear down please, a dispatcher told the woman at H&M after confirming they were trying to stop the bleeding. I have to keep taking 911 calls.

One woman called and calmly described the wounds of another shooting victim outside New Balance, saying hed been shot in the lower back, shed stopped the bleeding and the victim was breathing and conscious.

Others called about the security guard, Christian LaCour, who died trying to evacuate people from the mall and a man who was having a heart attack after he was shot at but not hit.

The calls continued long after the shooter was dead. People dialed 911 to ask about loved ones at the mall they hadnt heard from or to question dispatchers if it was safe to come out of hiding.

But before the first call came in, one officer was already in action tracking down the shooter.

The officer

Make sure yall be good, OK? the officer was saying to the children. And make sure yall wear your seat belts when mommys driving, OK?

One of the children asked the officer what kind of weapon he uses. He just chuckled in response before the mother changed the subject back to car safety.

Then the gunshots start.

Theyre distant, rapid pops. Everyone pauses. Theres a second where it seems the mother and the officer process what theyre hearing. Around two dozen reverberating, rapid pops of tsh tsh tsh sounded like something you might almost be able to convince yourself were fireworks. But then the realization kicks in as the officer starts backing toward his police vehicle and the mother leans down to grab her children by the arm, urging them to hurry as they move to a car.

One-forty five, I think weve got shots fired at the outlet mall, the officer spat into his radio.

The gunfire stops for a second and the officer leans into the open door of his police vehicle. His movement and his tone of voice are urgent, but theyre steady. Not panicked. It seems like hes trying to get something out of the vehicle. Not even a moment later he gets a response.

Three-two, shots fired at the outlet, a dispatcher acknowledges.

The officer leans back out of his car to survey the situation. Hes in the parking lot in the middle of the outlet, surrounded by buildings. He starts leaning back into the police vehicle, grabbing for his rifle while updating dispatchers, when more shots are heard. This time theyre more metallic, sharper. Louder.

I got people running, the officer tells dispatch over the six reports of rifle fire.

He grabs his rifle and he starts running, too. Toward the bone-chilling sound.

Get going, get going, get moving, he shouts at mall-goers as he runs toward the buildings.

The officer pulls back the charging handle on his rifle as fellow police announce over the radio that backup is en route. He tells dispatch the shooter is moving farther away from him. As he breaks from a run into a sprint, the officer continues yelling at people to get moving, get to safety.

When the officer reaches the corner of the Ralph Lauren store, he hears four more shots.

Im on foot, the officer tells dispatchers. I need everybody I got.

Eight more shots are fired as he nears H&M. Then six more in rapid succession. Someone in the parking lot yells at the officer, telling him where the shooter is. The officer heads in that direction. He sees another person as he walks toward the front entrance to H&M. Its where the shooting started. There are people on the ground, dead, children among them.

Someone says something to him, unintelligible in the body-camera video.

A real mass shooter? the officer responds.

More people tell him which direction the shooter has headed and he assures them that more help is on the way as he keeps moving in the direction hes told hell find the active killer.

The gunshots are still sounding, muffled now and hard to count.

One-forty-five, I think weve got a mass shooter, the officer tells dispatch. I got a magazine on the ground.

Now he raises his rifle, aiming toward the corner and telling someone who walks around it to drop what they have. While the other person is blurred out in the body-camera footage, it appears the person throws their hands in the air and moves along the wall behind the officer, away from the shooter.

The officer reaches the Tommy Hilfiger store and slows down a beat, moving behind a pillar on the outside portion of the walkway for cover and reporting his location to dispatch.

I dont know where hes at, the officer says.

Three more shots. Theyre close now, echoing off the building to his left. He reports them to dispatch.

I got action still going.

He begins a brisk push forward, staying as much as he can behind cover. Five more shots. Then seven. Then the officer sees the gunman and hes engaged.

The officer raises his rifle and squeezes the trigger once, sending a round in the gunmans direction and pausing before firing two more and moving back to cover. He starts shooting in three-round bursts and then moving back to cover. Some generic, slow, unidentifiable pop song can be just barely heard from the malls outdoor speakers between volleys.

In total, the officer fires nine more rounds before radioing back in to dispatch.

Shots fired by police, I got him down.

The gunman is down, but hes not dead. The officer shoots twice more and screams for the gunman to drop the weapon before moving closer. As he nears the shooters position, the officer updates dispatch on his position and yells at shoppers still in the area to get away.

The officer warns other police who are now arriving in the area to watch their fire as he moves up on the man.

Watch your fire, I got him down, he screams.

Someone asks if the shooter is dead and the officer says he thinks so. Hes not hearing anymore gunshots.

Hes standing just feet away from the gunman now. Another officer tells the first that the shooter is dead. Got him, bro.

He rattles off a string of expletives as he walks closer still. Another officer tells the first that hes got it from there and the officer who killed the gunman walks away, catching his breath, as that pop song keeps playing in the background.

Garcia, with his tattoos of a Swastika and the Nazi SS lightning, was dead and the shooting had stopped, but the effects of the attack he launched were just starting.

A father watched his daughters die. A boy saw his family killed. For the families of the eight people killed that day and the seven others wounded, the horror of May 6 didnt end when the gunman was killed.

Daniela Mendoza, an 11-year-old in fourth grade, and Sofia Mendoza, an 8-year-old in second grade, were killed. Their mother was shot but survived. Their father was the man who called 911, begging for help.

William Cho, 6, lost his mother Cindy Cho, father Kyu Song Cho and brother James Cho, a 3-year-old boy in preschool who loved elephants.

LaCour, the 20-year-old security guard, evacuated one person from the mall. When he went back in to help more to safety, he was shot and killed.

Aishwarya Thatikonda, an engineer who lived in McKinney, was at the mall shopping for a dress for her upcoming birthday with a friend who was injured in the shooting.

Elio Cumana Rivas, 32, was out with friends at the mall when they split up to go their separate ways after they finished shopping. He lived in Dallas after fleeing violence in Venezuela and seeking asylum in the U.S.
Belarus attempts to shield Firtash from extradition to US, report says

Dmitry Firtash

The Belarusian government has granted fugitive Ukrainian billionaire Dmytro Firtash a diplomatic role in Vienna, allowing him to remain in Austria and evade extradition to the United States where he faces corruption charges, German broadcaster DW reported on June 27.

Firtash's position as an advisor for Belarus's permanent representation to international organizations in Vienna has been confirmed by the Higher Regional Court of Vienna.

Read also: Head of Ukrainian regional gas company linked to oligarch Firtash steps down

He is invoking his diplomatic immunity to demand the cessation of the extradition proceedings. His legal team argues that Firtash, in his capacity as an advisor for the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), holds diplomatic status and immunity. Minsk granted Firtash this role on June 29, 2021.

Read also: Former energy minister charged over contracts favoring exiled oligarch Firtash

However, the Austrian Justice Ministry advised the court that Firtash had not been correctly accredited and does not possess a valid accreditation card from the Austrian Foreign Ministry. The lower courts, taking into consideration the statement from the Ministry of Justice, did not recognize Firtash's claimed diplomatic immunity. Nevertheless, on June 14, the Higher Regional Court of Vienna returned the case to the lower court, ordering them to independently assess the legal standing of Firtash's claimed immunity.

Read also: Head of Ukrainian regional gas company linked to oligarch Firtash steps down

If the lower court acknowledges Firtash's diplomatic status, the case concerning his extradition to the United States will be put on hold for the duration of his diplomatic mandate.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Belarus' second-rate dictator Lukashenko is 'humiliating' Putin by bragging about how he saved Moscow from an armed Wagner revolt, experts say

Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko (R) enter the hall during the summit of Russian-Belarusian Supreme State Council, at the Grand Kremlin Palace on April 6, 2023 in Moscow, Russia. Photo by Contributor/Getty Images

Belarusian President Lukashenko says he helped negotiate an end to the Wagner Group's armed mutiny.

He later bragged about how he managed to negotiate with Yevgeny Prigozhin, who wouldn't talk to Putin.

War experts say that by boasting of his peacemaking, Lukashenko is "humiliating" Putin.

Wagner Group mercenaries appeared ready to clash with Russian soldiers defending Moscow from a sudden armed rebellion over the weekend. Hail-mary negotiations, mediated by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, stopped the potential bloodshed in the capital.

Lukashenko, a second-rate dictator and close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has since seized on the opportunity to boast about how he saved Moscow from the mutiny  "humiliating" the Russian leader for being unable to do this himself, war experts say.

After Wagner fighters captured the southern city of Rostov-on-Don early Saturday, they continued north toward Moscow as the city prepared its defenses for battle. By that point, Wagner fighters had already shot down several Russian military aircraft. But as his fighters closed in on the Russian capital, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the mercenary organization, called off the insurrection he started less than a day earlier thanks to a deal cut with the Kremlin that saw him exiled to Belarus.

Negotiations were brokered by Lukashenko, who gave a detailed  and, at times, rambling  account of separate conversations he had with both Putin and Prigozhin during a Tuesday ceremony in Minsk.

By Lukashenko's account, Putin called him on Saturday and stressed that he was unable to get in touch with Prigozhin, who answered immediately when called by Lukashenko later that morning. The two went on to hold several rounds of talks.

Wagner military column passes Russian city of Voronezh. Reuters

According to Lukashenko's remarks, a translation of which was provided by state-run news agency BelTA, Prigozhin's initial exchange with the Belarusian president was profane, but it got results. Lukashenko later said that he instructed his media and press secretary "not to make a hero out of me" for cooling down the situation. At one point, Lukashenko said he even talked Putin out of assassinating Prigozhin.

Lukashenko's account suggests the Belarusian leader "successfully mediated a crisis within Putin's own inner circle that Putin could not," experts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a Washington-based think tank, wrote in a Tuesday assessment. Lukashenko's intervention was likely an attempt to show the Kremlin that he can "operate successfully and independently within Russian politics," ISW experts said.

"Lukashenko's boasting about his ability to manipulate power brokers within Putin's innermost circle is humiliating for Putin, whether or not it is true," the assessment noted. "The fact that Putin has not challenged Lukashenko's presentation of events and has in fact publicly thanked Lukashenko is even more humiliating."

Indeed, Putin earlier this week addressed the nation and said he was thankful to Lukashenko for helping to bring an end to the chaotic and short-lived mutiny, which Western officials have said highlights serious cracks among Russia's military leadership and undermines the Kremlin's authority.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (C) and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko (R) arrive to the Palace of Independence prior to their talks in Minsk, Belarus, on December 19, 2022. Contributor/Getty Images

Belarus' role, which has supported Moscow's war in Ukraine and is often seen as a Russian puppet state, did not end solely with negotiating an end to the mutiny. Putin said in his speech that Wagner fighters could leave the country and go to Belarus to be with Prigozhin, return to civilian life in Russia, or sign contracts with the defense ministry.

It's not immediately clear exactly how many mercenaries have decided to flee to Belarus, but some media reports suggest camps are being built for the exiled fighters. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that he doesn't believe Wagner fighters who relocated to Belarus are a threat because they lack a sizeable force.

When asked during a Tuesday briefing if a Wagner presence in Belarus poses any security concern for the upcoming NATO summit in neighboring Lithuania, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said the US has seen "no indication at this point of any type of additional military activity" that "presents a threat."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Belarus wants exiled Wagner officers to use their experience in Ukraine to make its own army more deadly

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko (l) with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence, outside Moscow, Russia, Friday, February 17, 2023 Vladimir Astapkovich, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP

Belarus' president said Wagner, which launched an armed uprising in Russia, could help his country.

He said Wagner fighters could give its army advice on "tactics, and weapons, and how to attack, how to defend."

Wagner, which is accused of war crimes, was given safe haven in Belarus after its mutiny in Russia.

The president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, wants commanders from the Wagner mercenary group to share their experience with his military, after Russia said they could go to the country following their brief uprising against the Kremlin over the weekend.

Belarusian state news agency Belta reported that Lukashenko met with his defense minister, Viktor Khrenin, and told him that Wagner commanders can "help us" by sharing their experiences of fighting in the front line in Ukraine.

"Now there is a lot of talk and chatter: 'Wagner, Wagner, Wagner'. People do not understand that we also approach this pragmatically," he said, according to a translation by Ukrainian news outlet Pravda.

He said that Wagner commanders can "come to us and help us" by sharing their experience in Ukraine.

"They will tell us what is important now," he said, pointing to areas like drone warfare.

"They will tell us about the weapons: which worked well, and which did not," he said. "Tactics, and weapons, and how to attack, how to defend. It is priceless. This is what we need to take from the Wagner fighters."

'There is no need to be afraid of them. We keep our ears sharp," he added.

The Wagner Group is known for its brutal tactics and is accused of war crimes in Africa, where it also has fighters.

Defectors from the group in Ukraine have said its troops commited attrocities there, including one former Wagner mercenary who said he killed and tortured dozens of Ukrainian prisoners of war.

Over the weekend, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Wagner fighters that they could go to Belarus after the group staged an armed uprising last week.

After months of being on the front line of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Wagner fighters took over the military headquarters in the key southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don on Saturday, and began marching towards Moscow.

This followed Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin increasingly feuding with Russia's top military officials, who he accused of trying to destroy his group.

But in a dramatic turnaround, Lukashenko announced on Saturday evening that he had successfully brokered a peace deal between Putin and Prigozhin.

On Tuesday Lukashenko said he had convinced Putin not to "destroy" the Wagner Group, while telling Prigozhin that he would be "crushed like a bug" if he kept going towards Moscow.

The Kremlin said the deal involved Prigozhin going into exile in Belarus. Lukashenko said on Tuesday that Prigozhin had arrived in Belarus' capital, Minsk.

Belarus, Russia's neighbor and closest ally, is run by Lukashenko, a dictator who has been in power since 1994.

Russia used the country as one of its staging posts for the invasion of Ukraine, and Belarus has allowed Russian ballistic missiles to be launched into Ukraine from its territory.

The countries have also undertaken joint training exercises, though Belarusian troops have not been deployed in Ukraine, and UK intelligence noted in March that its army is "much less-experienced" than Russia's.

It's not clear what the future of Wagner fighters looks like in the country.

Russian media outlet Verstka reported that Belarus is constructing a base for around 8,000 Wagner fighters 124 miles from its border with Ukraine.

But the Washington DC-based Institute for the Study of War said on Monday that Putin may have presented Belarus as a haven for Wagner fighters as a trap.

It said that "the Kremlin will likely regard the Wagner Group personnel who follow Prigozhin to Belarus as traitors whether or not it takes immediate action against them," and that the Kremlin's grip over Belarus likely means authorities in Belarus will follow Russia's lead regarding the group.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said he convinced Russian President Vladimir Putin not to eliminate the Wagner Group mercenary company during an armed rebellion over the weekend.

Lukashenko, who brokered the deal between Putin and Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin that prevented a civil war on the streets of Moscow, said Putin called him around 10 a.m. local time on Saturday morning as thousands of Wagner Group fighters under the command of Prigozhin were marching toward the Russian capital.

The most dangerous thing, as I saw it, was not the situation itself, but its possible ramifications. That was the most dangerous part of it, Lukashenko said Tuesday following a ceremony in the Belarusian capitol of Minsk. I also realized that a tough decision was taken  to eliminate those involved.

I suggested that Putin should not rush to do it. I suggested that I talk to Prigozhin, his commanders, Lukashenko continued.

Putin initially insisted it was useless to try and negotiate with Prigozhin, according to Lukashenkos account of the conversation.

But Lukashenko said he would try to contact the mercenary chief and persuaded the Russian president that a bad peace is better than any war, he recounted.

Lukashenko said Tuesday that he reached Prigozhin around 11 a.m. on Saturday and found the Wagner boss was completely euphoric.

During the first round we talked using only swear words for about 30 minutes. I analyzed it later. The number of swear words was ten times higher than that of normal words, Lukashenko said.

According to Lukashenko, Prigozhin said he wanted to oust from power Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Gen. Valery Gerasimov, the chief of Russias General Staff, and meet with Putin, a demand the Belarusian leader quickly shot down.

You know Putin as much as I do. Secondly, he will not meet with you, he will not even talk on the phone with you in this situation, Lukashenko claimed he told Prigozhin.

The Belarusian president says he conducted about seven rounds of talks between Putin and Prigozhin, who Lukashenko claimed was frantic that he would be destroyed by the Russian Ministry of Defense.

Lukashenko said he told the Wagner chief his rebellion stood little chance of succeeding, while he informed the Russian president that, even if he successfully defeated Wagner Group, thousands of civilians could die in the clash.

With Wagner forces just 120 miles from Moscow, the deal was reached in which Prigozhin would be exiled to Belarus with guarantees of safety while Putin would drop terrorism charges against him.

The turmoil was thus prevented. Dangerous events that might have taken place were reversed, Lukashenko said. I must say it was painful for me to watch the recent developments in the south of Russia. Many of our citizens took them to heart as well.

Lukashenko is a close ally of Putin who has been accused of authoritarianism and human rights abuses, and its unclear how honest his account of the story has been. However, Lukashenkos role in negotiating the deal has been widely reported.

The Wall Street Journal also reported that Prigozhin wanted to capture Shoigu and Gerasimov and had amassed troops and equipment for days ahead of the execution of the plan. Prigozhin has for months accused the military leaders of fumbling the war effort in Ukraine, refusing to supply him with necessary equipment and of corruption.

Prigozhin was forced to hastily advance his plans on Friday after Russias domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Security Service, opened a criminal case against him for inciting an armed rebellion. The mercenary leader captured a city in southern Russia before moving on Moscow on Saturday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Beshear and Cameron are reporting each other to the FBI. Heres what we know.

Over the last week, the campaigns of Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear and GOP gubernatorial nominee Attorney General Daniel Cameron been attacking each other over parallel campaign finance controversies.

Both campaigns are hyping the others issues to the public and to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). Camerons official office first referred the matter of a donor linked to more than $200,000 in donations to Beshear and the Kentucky Democratic Party (KDP) well over the legal limit to the FBI on Thursday.

Then late Friday KDPs legal team mirrored the actions of Camerons office. A KDP attorney alerted the FBI and the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky of details surrounding a cluster of donations given to, and later refunded by, Cameron from a recovery center that his office was investigating. On Monday, the Associated Press first reported that Cameron directly solicited contributions from the center, which is based in Morehead.

Keith Byers, a Kentucky native and retired FBI Special Agent who previously oversaw FBI anti-corruption programs, told the Herald-Leader that it appears as though the campaigns are currently most interested in swaying public opinion against their opponents.

People who immediately go public with corruption allegations are usually just looking to score political points and generate media attention against their rivals. Current Attorney General Daniel Cameron and former Attorney General Andy Beshear both are well aware that publicity makes it exceptionally more difficult for the FBI to successfully gather evidence and conduct interviews of suspects already prepared for a knock on their door, Byers said.

Heres what we know about both cases.

What got reported to the FBI about Cameron?

Counsel to the KDP, Jonathan Berkon of Elias Law Group in Washington D.C., initially sent a letter to Deputy Attorney General Victor Maddox asking Camerons office to refer the contributions received from Edgewater Recovery Center to the FBI for investigation.

That same day, Berkon forwarded the letter to the FBI and the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky.

I am providing you with my letter to Mr. Maddox so that your office can initiate an investigation on its own, if Mr. Maddox refuses to do so, Berkon wrote.

In that letter to Maddox, Berkon said that Cameron likely committed serious violations of state law when he accepted $6,900 from Edgewater Recovery Center when it was under investigation by the Attorney Generals Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse.

An investigation must ask and answer how the contributions came about, whether Attorney General Cameron was personally involved, and who from the Attorney Generals office or his campaign communicated with Edgewater. Kentucky law prohibits the Attorney General from using or attempting to use his official position to secure or create privileges, exemptions, advantages, or treatment for himself or others in derogation of the public interest at large., Berkon wrote.

No complaint has been filed to the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance (KREF) regarding the donations or Camerons behavior as of Tuesday, according to KREF Executive Director John Steffen.

Has anything changed recently with the Cameron case?

Two news stories this week provided new insight into the details of the Edgewater donations. First, the Associated Press initially reported that officials at Edgewater claim that Cameron engaged them earlier this year  as far back as January and into the Spring  soliciting donations while the investigation was ongoing. That investigation by the Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse began sometime in 2022.

The report stated that a Cameron campaign official was in contact with Edgewater about hosting a fundraiser, but that event never occurred according to Michael Denbow, an attorney from the firm Stites & Harbison representing the company in the matter.

Camerons office responded to scrutiny regarding the Edgewater donations by issuing a statement that acknowledged the discussions but emphasized its propriety in handling the situation.

There were preliminary conversations about hosting an event. Once we were made aware of a conflict, the event was canceled. When they later made online contributions, I recused myself and the contributions were refunded. My approach has been to review, recuse, and refund, Cameron said.

On Wednesday, the Cameron campaign stated directly that Cameron was not aware that his own office was investigating Edgewater when those discussions took place.

Later on Monday, reporting from The Daily Beast complicated the initial narrative. A source familiar with the matter told the outlet that Camerons campaign, as it had claimed, never technically canceled the fundraiser, it was just never finalized.

Aside from Denbow, Ashley Adkins  general counsel for the recovery center  has also commented on the matter to the Daily Beast. Adkins, who is the chair of the Rowan County Democratic Party, also served as counsel to former Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Amy McGrath. She offered up a timeline of events to the outlet.

On January 20, 2023, a few people associated with Edgewater, including myself, had a call with Daniel Camerons campaign about holding a fundraiser for him, and continued communication with them through March to schedule this fundraiser, Adkins said. It was in March that Daniel Cameron called and personally asked for a donation.

The AFL-CIO, a powerful labor union that tends to support Democrats, entered the picture on Tuesday when it submitted a complaint to the state Executive Branch Ethics Commission regarding the donations to Cameron. It suggests that Cameron likely broke state law in using his state position to benefit himself and asks the commission to investigate.

It is a certainty that Attorney General Camerons campaign will claim this request for an investigation by the Executive Branch Ethics Commission is politically motivated. The reality is that it is only appropriate, timely and legally important for an investigation be undertaken by the appropriate authority and such a request needed to be made to protect the public trust in our campaign finance system, ensure accountability for elected officials, and protect the integrity of our elections, Kentucky State AFL-CIO President Bill Londrigan said in a pres release.

What got reported to the FBI about Beshear?

Maddoxs letter to FBI Louisville Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen only made general reference to the Weddle donations being worthy of investigation.

When asked about the situation, Beshear emphasized that his campaign responded to the news of the donations being linked to one credit card swiftly and appropriately. He did not directly respond to a question about whether or not he believes Weddle should be prosecuted for the donations.

Any new developments?

A late clarification from the Beshear campaign on Tuesday made some tweaks to the narrative around Weddles contributions.

While the first memo released by the campaign said that the donors first brought the issue of Weddles credit card and excess donations being tied to his credit card, the campaign said that those donors were Weddle and his wife.

Who gave the donations?

London Mayor Randall Weddle is a wealthy businessman elected to office in 2022. A credit card traced to Weddle funded donations to the KDP and to Beshears re-election campaign that were marked as being from other people  many of them either members of Weddles family or people linked to his business, a freight hauling and reverse logistics company.

Weddle is a registered Republican, and previously gave to the campaign of former GOP governor Matt Bevin. He is also under investigation by the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance (KREF) for giving away free gas to area residents months before his 2022 election, as well as providing limousine rides to the polls for primary voters and giving various gifts to public entities in the lead-up to election day.

Byers expressed doubt that much will come from the complaints against either campaign, but said that the FBI could be inclined to examine Weddles behavior beyond any connection to Beshear.

It is unlikely any of this will amount to much pertaining to the two gubernatorial candidates, but London Mayor Randall Weddle better hope the FBI does not start turning over too many rocks pertaining to his alleged past activities, Byers said.

Six different members of leadership at the Edgewater Recovery Center were the ones recently refunded donations by the Cameron campaign  that included Adkins as well as the owner of the center, John David Elam.

What happened to the money?

In both cases, the candidates refunded all of the money in question to the donors.

Beshear refunded the $202,000 to Weddles credit card. Cameron refunded the $6,900 to the donors from Edgewater.

What are the campaigns saying about each other?

There is no evidence of a quid pro quo related to any of the donations. However, Republicans and Democrats are working to paint their opponents in the worst light on both scores.

Republicans have gone so far as to accuse Weddle and Beshear of engaging in pay-to-play scheme, pointing to a grant that the City of London recently received and Weddles appointment to the Kentucky Transportation Center Advisory Board.

Beshears campaign has characterized that accusation as a sloppy rush to score political points.

The Beshear team is framing Camerons solicitation of donations from Edgewater officials as a shakedown scandal, and pointing to inconsistencies in Camerons story as reporting continues.

They ask how it can be true, as Maddox wrote in a statement, that Cameron recused immediately after learning of the contributions, on May 19, 2023 when Cameron himself solicited contributions from Edgewater leaders.

The law

Both sides, to some degree, have alleged that the gubernatorial candidates have used their official positions to benefit their campaigns in potential violation of state law barring such conduct.

That could be difficult to prove, according to University of Kentucky law professor Josh Douglas. He said the current details of the cases make it murky as to whether or not any violation actually occurred on that score.

The mere fact of two things happening at the same time is not enough to suggest a violation You need to be able to demonstrate that you are using your office in a way that helps your candidacy, Douglas said.

Existing law regarding campaign finance limits only applies currently to Weddles contributions to the KDP and Beshear.

In Weddles case, $190,000 to the KDP was traced to his credit card as well as $12,000 to Beshears campaign. The campaign individual limit of $2,100 per donor is set by state law. The current limit on individual contributions to state parties is $15,000, a mark set federally by the Federal Election Campaign Act.
As Beyonce Knowles wraps up the European leg of her Renaissance World Tour, she and her former Destinys Child collaborator Kelly Rowland are turning their attention back home: The pop icons are teaming up with Harris County to launch a permanent housing complex in Houstons midtown area, officials announced at a press conference on Tuesday.

The Knowles-Rowland project is estimated to cost around $8.4 million, with $7.2 million in funds provided via the American Rescue Plan as well as other financial backers, including Rice University, according to the Houston Chronicle. In addition to creating 31 new permanent housing units, the complex will reportedly incorporate a support staff of case managers and service workers to assist residents with everything from transportation to mental and behavioral health.

Harris County judge Lina Hidalgo referenced the musicians continued presence in the area, where both have invested in charitable initiatives over the years. Beyonce Knowles was born in Houston; Rowland relocated to the area from Atlanta as a child and grew up there. The Knowles-Rowland Project took shape when Knowles, Rowland, and Destinys Child member Michelle Williams funded a youth center in Houston with their earnings from the 1998 hit single No, No, No Pt. 1.

See the video.

Hidalgo also praised the joint efforts of local officials and the Coalition for the Homeless in reducing homelessness in the area by 20% amid the pandemic: We just did the homeless count again, so its initiatives like this one I certainly will be supportive of no matter whos behind it, but its especially interesting because there are these names of Beyonce and Kelly Rowland, who, of course, have been supportive of the community for a very long time.

Hidalgo teased an even bigger launch for the project to be unveiled later in the year around the time the Renaissance tour makes its way to Houstons NRG Stadium, where Beyonce has two consecutive shows scheduled at the venue for September 23 and 24.

Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest

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President Biden denied being involved with his son Hunter Biden's business dealings in China on Wednesday.

A reporter pressed Biden regarding recent reports that his son's text messages indicated the president had been in the room with him while he was negotiating with another party.

"President Biden, how involved were you in your son's Chinese shakedown text messages? Were you sitting there? Were you involved?" New York Post reporter Steven Nelson asked.

"No, I wasn't, and I  no!" Biden shouted in response.

HUNTER BIDEN-LINKED ACCOUNT RECEIVED $5 MILLION DAYS AFTER THREATENING MESSAGES: 'SITTING HERE WITH MY FATHER'

WHISTLEBLOWER: 'NO WAY OF KNOWING' IF EVIDENCE OF 'OTHER CRIMINAL ACTIVITY' EXISTED ABOUT BIDENS ON LAPTOP

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The denial relates to a text message from Hunter to Harvest Fund Management CEO Henry Zhao showing Hunter alleging he was with his father to pressure Zhao to satisfy a pledge.

"I am sitting here with my father, and we would like to understand why the commitment made has not been fulfilled," Hunter wrote in the WhatsApp message to Zhao, according to the documents. "Tell the director that I would like to resolve this now before it gets out of hand, and now means tonight," Hunter wrote.

A reporter pressed President Biden regarding recent reports that his son Hunter's text messages indicated the president had been in the room with him while he was negotiating with another party.

"And, Z, if I get a call or text from anyone involved in this other than you, Zhang, or the chairman, I will make certain that between the man sitting next to me and every person he knows and my ability to forever hold a grudge that you will regret not following my direction," Hunter said.

GARLAND DENIES INTERFERING WITH HUNTER BIDEN PROBE IN FIRST COMMENTS SINCE WHISTLEBLOWER CLAIMS RELEASED

Whistleblower testimony relating to the investigation into Hunter came to light almost a year after reports surfaced on an alleged voicemail from President Biden to Hunter in which he purportedly discussed his son's international business dealings.

"Hey pal, it's Dad. It's 8:15 on Wednesday night. If you have a chance, give me a call. Nothing urgent  I just wanted to talk with you," Biden is heard saying in a voicemail from 2018. "I thought the article released online, it's going to be printed tomorrow in the Times, was good. I think you're clear."

President Biden has denied reports of his involvement in Chinese business dealings.

The Justice Department announced earlier this month that Hunter would plead guilty to two misdemeanor counts of willful failure to pay federal income tax as part of a deal expected to keep him out of prison.

The president's son also agreed to enter into a pretrial diversion agreement concerning a separate charge of possession of a firearm by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.

Fox News' Joe Schoffstall contributed to this report.
President Joe Biden is racing to boost his campaign war chest as the end of the fundraising quarter approaches Friday, marking the first major test of his campaigns ability to generate the cash and enthusiasm needed to compete against Republicans in 2024.

In the closing days of the quarter, the campaign is ramping up its push for grassroots donors, including enlisting former President Barack Obama to tape a video with Biden to help drive small-dollar donations, CNN has learned, along with hosting a slew of down-to-the-wire, high-dollar fundraisers.

Bidens campaign is highly attuned to how closely their early fundraising numbers will be examined for signs of the campaigns operational strength and enthusiasm. Aides have tightly guarded the state of Bidens campaign haul, refraining from publicly laying out a fundraising target for the second quarter or providing an early read on how much they raised in the opening days of the presidents reelection bid.

Campaign advisers insist theyll have the money to run a successful campaign. Jeffrey Katzenberg, a co-chair of Bidens campaign, told CNN in an interview Wednesday that hes growing more confident about their ability to exceed the $1 billion Biden raised in 2020.

Theres no question whatsoever that he will have all of the resources to run a highly competitive campaign at or above the level of four years ago, Katzenberg said. The enthusiasm, the support, the loyalty is at a 10.

Yet even Bidens supporters acknowledge that the headwinds he faces in his overall campaign  including dampened enthusiasm and concern over his age  will influence his effort to raise as much as $2 billion for his reelection effort. Some donors have expressed anxiety over a slow start to the money race.

Not a lot of people are engaging right now. Theyre like, Were gonna give. Were gonna support him, but people arent as engaged in the 2024 operation right now, one Biden campaign bundler told CNN.

Katzenberg, who will be on hand at fundraisers in Chicago and New York this week, argued Biden isnt facing the same time crunch to raise money compared to his 2020 run when he faced a competitive Democratic primary.

Hes not on the same path that he was four years ago. There are no primaries. The urgency and the timeline is simply not the same, he said. Our fundraising efforts are actually being very strategic and thoughtful about when you can activate people. And you want to activate them at the point when they are ready to actually give, and that is always around very specific moments and around urgency.

Bidens campaign has yet to name a national finance director, a role tasked with overseeing the overall fundraising effort, prompting frustration among some donors who wanted to see a more formal structure from the outset. The campaigns fundraising apparatus has largely been driven by the Democratic National Committee in the opening months of the campaign.

When the president announced his reelection campaign in April, the campaign declined to provide figures for first-day or first week fundraising  as some candidates, including Biden in 2019, do when jumping into the race to demonstrate (and generate) excitement.

One person familiar with the matter said the Biden campaigns fundraising after the video announcement was nothing special. A separate source familiar with the matter said the reelection campaigns fundraising has been stable since launch date and in line with the Biden teams projections.

The campaign will share its fundraising numbers when we submit our FEC filing next month, said Kevin Munoz, a Biden campaign spokesperson. We are encouraged by the strong response we are seeing from donors and our grassroots supporters, including a significant number of new donors since 2020 that support the Presidents agenda for restoring democracy, freedom, and growing the economy by growing the middle class.

While MAGA Republicans duke it out over extreme, divisive, and unpopular policies in their primary, we are ensuring that we have the resources needed to run an aggressive, winning campaign, Munoz added.

The Biden campaign declined to share its own fundraising target for this quarter, but campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez told CNN in an interview earlier this month she believes the campaign will show strong momentum and energy.

Folks are gonna want to try to poke holes at anything that they can, but I think that, you know, well continue to show just strong momentum and energy, Chavez Rodriguez said.

Looking for signs of strength

Bidens second quarter fundraising haul will likely be compared to that of his recent predecessors.

When he announced his reelection in 2011, Obama burst out of the gate with a hefty second quarter fundraising haul of $86 million for the reelect and DNC, a record-setting figure for that time. Obama announced his reelection bid in the same fundraising quarter as Biden but had a three week lead on Bidens entry into the 2024 race.

Biden, never a prolific fundraiser, raised $21.5 million in his first quarter in the 2020 campaign, a figure that was surpassed by newcomer South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg.

How much money Biden and his team can raise in these early stages of the campaign could dictate how his campaign apparatus ultimately looks. So far, Bidens team had made only a few hires and has relied in large part on the DNC, including for office space as they search for a headquarters building in Wilmington, Delaware.

DNC fundraising officials organized a summit for top donors and supporters in the days after the launch, an effort to reengage some of the highest contributors from his 2020 bid.

One tool the campaign hopes to leverage early on in their efforts is a joint fundraising agreement between the campaign, DNC and state Democratic parties, consolidating efforts to raise money early in the race and allow individual donors to contribute up to $929,600 to the Biden Victory Fund.

The president has spent the past two weeks crisscrossing the country for campaign cash. He raised roughly $5 million in one day of events with California Gov. Gavin Newsom during a two-day swing through Californias Bay Area last week, a source familiar with the events said.

As the end of quarter approaches, the president is headlining five fundraisers in the span of three days, tapping into high-dollar donors in Chevy Chase, Maryland, New York City and Chicago, where the billionaire Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is hosting an event.

First lady Dr. Jill Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have also hit the fundraising circuit as well. Harris brought in $1.25 million for the Biden Victory Fund at the LGBTQ Leadership Council Gala in New York City earlier this week, a source familiar with the fundraiser said.

Help from friends

The campaign also is leaning on its top surrogates this week to mobilize grassroots donors, including the Obama-Biden fundraising video rolling out on social media on Thursday.

A campaign official argued the Obama-Biden duo is an effective pairing to push for small-dollar donors and represented some of our best performing content from 2020. Obama and Biden had lunch together at the White House on Tuesday.

He is throwing a marker down and saying, Do not mistake, I am 100% in on supporting Joe Bidens presidency, Katzenberg said of the Obama push. As invaluable as his time is on the fundraising here, his endorsement, enthusiasm and continued support, friendship, loyalty. Thats what this about.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the chair of the campaigns National Advisory Board and a prolific fundraiser herself, is hosting a call with other advisory board members Thursday to encourage them to tap into their donor networks in the closing days of the quarter, a campaign official said.

And advisory board members including Sens. Cory Booker, Amy Klobuchar, Chris Murphy, and Raphael Warnock as well as New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and a handful of members of Congress  Reps. Chrissy Houlihan, Sara Jacobs, and Lauren Underwood  are also expected to assist via e-mails, texts, and online fundraising.

The campaign is hoping to galvanize online donations after Biden raised $700 million online during the 2020 cycle. White House digital strategy director Rob Flaherty, who ran the 2020 campaigns digital operation, is expected to join the campaign this summer with an eye in part towards boosting online fundraising.

Campaign advisers say theyve seen positive signs about in the number of new donors drawn to the campaign, with one strategist saying, The donor base right out of the box is expanded.

The campaign has sought to use moments like former President Donald Trumps CNN Town Hall and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Twitter launch snafu to expand their donor network, though the official declined to say specifically how much was raised as part of those efforts.

Along with about a dozen fundraiser events headlined by the president, Chavez Rodriguez, her deputy, Quentin Fulks, and Democratic National Committee Executive Director Sam Cornale spent part of this month traveling the country to meet with top donors, local Democratic officials and other supporters in an effort to stir up enthusiasm and build fundraising momentum.

Signs of malaise

Still, among the donor class, there is a certain malaise  a combination of fundraising fatigue, the lack of a specific Republican opponent as a motivator and a general lack of enthusiasm for Bidens candidacy.

Some Biden allies predict the president will have little trouble fundraising if Trump emerges as the Republican nominee, believing the former president is a strong motivator for donors and voters alike.

But that message and the sentiment behind it belie an overall weariness among those being asked to dig deeper into their pockets.

There was fatigue during the midterms because you had this battle to save the country in 2020. People feel like the fundraising has just never stopped, said one Democratic fundraiser, adding that any usual cooling-off period never arrived.

Its just constant. And every quarter is the most important quarter, the fundraiser said.

Waiting for an opponent

Uncertainty in the Republican primary field could also hold back fundraising at this stage in the election, with nearly two months before candidates face off in the first GOP debate and more than six months before primary voters cast their first ballots.

Ultimately, the campaign is relying on one big thing above all else: Theyre relying on Trump or DeSantis or someone whos just so unpalatable being the nominee. Thatll drive everything, the fundraiser predicted.

John Morgan, one of a handful of donors to attend last weeks White House state dinner for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, told CNN hes looking to hold a fundraiser for Biden in the fall.

The money is going to pour in  and if Trump is the nominee, it will pour in by double because Republicans will be writing checks too, Morgan predicted.

Everybody was panicked last time but then he got the nomination, and he raised a billion dollars, and if Trump is the nominee, he might raise two billion, Morgan said.

The average minimum price to attend one of Bidens first dozen fundraising events, a Democratic fundraiser said, is approximately $25,000 per person, with the average event raising between $1.5 to $2 million.

Biden has used these events to test drive and sharpen a 2024 message, seeking to reframe concerns about his age.

Its a legitimate thing to raise the question of age, Biden told donors at a May fundraiser at the Manhattan apartment of former Blackstone executive Tony James. I hope what Ive been able to bring to this job, and will continue to bring, is a little bit of wisdom.

Biden has also worked to cater his message to donors who want face time with their candidate.

People want his time, which is much more difficult this time around, compared to when he was a candidate in 2020, one bundler said.

Ahead of one of this weeks fundraising events, an expected attendee told CNN he had to warn his colleagues who are attending their first Biden fundraiser to manage expectations: Its gonna be cool no matter what. You get to shake hands with the president and take a photo with him. Were all excited for that. But, you know, he is not Barack Obama. Hes not Bill Clinton. Hes not George W. Bush, the attendee said.

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President Joe Biden took a dig at Tommy Tuberville on Tuesday, chiding the Alabama senator for celebrating federal broadband internet funding being sent to his state after having previously opposed the legislation that made it happen.

To no ones surprise, its bringing along some converts, Biden said of the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program (BEAD) while delivering remarks in Chicago. Theres a guy named Tuberville, senator from Alabama, went out and said he strongly opposed the legislation. Now hes hailing its passage.

Biden: Theres a guy named Tuberville, Senator from Alabama, went out and said he strongly opposed the legislation. Now hes hailing its passage. pic.twitter.com/7kALjzyUq4  Acyn (@Acyn) June 28, 2023

The $42 billion in funding for BEAD, which was signed into law by Biden in 2021. The initiative seeks to improve broadband access across the country, particularly in rural areas. Tuberville, along with 29 other Republican senators, voted against the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which housed the legislation.

Ive said all along Id be for a bill that invests every penny of every dollar in improvements to our roads, bridges, waterways, and rural broadband, Tuberville wrote in a 2021 statement responding to the legislations passage Unfortunately, Democrats have missed an opportunity to deliver the bill that the American people truly need. Instead, the final legislation is loaded with giveaways to big cities and pet projects that have little to do with real infrastructure..

But on Tuesday Tuberville tweeted that broadband is vital for the success of our rural communities and for our entire economy. He added that it was great to see Alabama receive crucial funds to boost ongoing broadband efforts.

See you at the groundbreaking, Bidens official Twitter account quipped in response.

See you at the groundbreaking. https://t.co/1kJZ2h3JZW  President Biden (@POTUS) June 28, 2023

Tuberville was not the only senator to celebrate receiving millions in funding they voted against. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) tweeted on Wednesday that his state would benefit from $3.3 billion in federal funds to boost broadband expansion efforts.

At the time of the bills passage, Cornyn wrote that while there was no doubt the nations transportation and digital infrastructure need improvements, and Texas stands to benefit once this bill becomes law, he [could not] support the final bill, citing concerns over its funding. Cornyn joined Tuberville in voting against the legislation and, despite their previous reservations, the pair seem happy now to cash their checks.

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President Biden Departs The White House For Illinois

President Joe Biden talks to reporters about Russia and other issues as he departs the White House on June 28, 2023 in Washington, DC. Credit - Chip SomodevillaGetty Images

President Biden on Wednesday said Russian President Vladimir Putin absolutely had been weakened by the short-lived uprising of the Wagner Group. But, Biden added, its unclear what that means for Putins grip on power as his war with Ukraine grinds on.

Its hard to tell really. Hes clearly losing the Iraq war, Biden said, mixing up the word Iraq for Ukraine. Hes losing the war at home and he has become a bit of a pariah around the world.

Bidens comments, made as he walked toward the Marine One helicopter to start a trip to Chicago for a speech highlighting his economic efforts, marked a departure from his deliberate and careful approach over the past few days to the unrest in Russia.

As Putin faced a deadly rebellion from his own mercenary forces, it may have been tempting for an American President to gloat. But until Wednesday, Biden had bent over backwards to stay out of it, and worked to be sure key Western allies stayed out of it too.

Biden was concerned that cheering on the unrest inside Russia would give Putin an opening to blame the U.S. for the privately-run Wagner Group turning on Russias formal military forces.

As reports came out on Saturday that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner Groups leader, had turned on the Russian military and was marching north with his mercenary forces toward Russia,, Biden pushed off a planned helicopter flight to the presidential retreat at Camp David in Marylands Catoctin Mountains and stayed in the White House, where he convened calls with President Emmanuel Macron of France, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom. The message: Dont give Putin an opening to blame outside forces for the internal mess.

Bidens national security team was concerned that the U.S. and its allies could overstate the threat to Putins hold on power, said a White House official. Jake Sullivan, Bidens National Security Advisor, canceled a scheduled trip to Copenhagen for a conference with Ukraine, and instead traveled to Camp David with Biden on Saturday afternoon to keep the President updated on events in Russia.

We made clear that we were not involved. We had nothing to do with it. This was part of a struggle within the Russian system, Biden said Monday afternoon in the White House. Allied leaders agreed with me that we had to make sure we gave Putin no excuse  let me emphasize  we gave Putin no excuse to blame this on the West or to blame this on NATO, Biden said.

The measured response to Russias instability is a strategy that takes a page from George H. W. Bushs careful approach to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, ever mindful of the dangers that unrest and a power vacuum would pose in nuclear-armed Russia.

The U.S. Administration probably took the smartest approach here because I think theres no doubt that this seems to be an internal issue, and I think its pretty clear it was not even a coup, Molly Dunigan, an expert at the non-profit RAND Corporation who has researched the role of private militaries in conflicts. This was what one of my colleagues has called a contract renegotiation gone wrong.

Dunigans research has found that when private military forces are deployed alongside regular armies, a whole host of frictions emerge, Dunigan says. It can really negatively impact your military effectiveness over time because theres all this tension that erupts and lots of resentment between the forces.

Ukraines summer counteroffensive against Russian military positions holding large swaths of eastern Ukraine has moved more slowly than expected, as Ukrainian forces probe for weakness in Russias frontline defenses. White House officials are watching to see if the Wagner Groups mutiny created enough disarray in the Russian military command to weaken Russias ability to repel additional Ukrainian advances.

One part of Bidens wisdom was not to rush before it was clear what was going on, says Konstantin Sonin, a professor at University of Chicago with expertise in Russian political and economic issues. The biggest impact of the revolt may be felt on the front lines in Ukraine. The main thing is that this was good for Ukraine and Ukraine armed forces, Sonin says.

The Biden administration on Tuesday announced $500 million in new security assistance for Ukraine. That package includes more Patriot missiles for defending Ukraine cities and military installations from Russian air attacks, shoulder-fired Stinger missiles and HIMARS ammunition for downing Russian aircraft, shoulder fired Javelin missiles for destroying tanks, 30 Bradley armored fighting vehicles, 25 Stryker armored personnel carriers, and additional equipment for clearing mines.

Biden spoke to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky from Camp David on Sunday. The two leaders discussed the Wagner Groups assault on Russian forces and Ukraines ongoing counter-offensive operations. Biden said on Monday that he told Zelensky that no matter what happened in Russia  let me say it again: No matter what happened in Russia, we, the United States, would continue to support Ukraines defense and its sovereignty and its territorial integrity.
President Biden this week mistakenly referred to Ukraine as Iraq on two occasions, mixing up the names of recent areas of conflict.

Biden was asked Wednesday to what extent Russian President Vladimir Putin has been weakened by the aborted rebellion in Russia. In his response, he switched out Ukraine for the war that started with a U.S.-led coalition invasion into Iraq and ended in 2011.

Its hard to tell, but he is clearly losing the war in Iraq, hes losing the war at home and he has become a bit of a pariah around the world, the president said at the White House.

Its not just NATO, its not just the European Union, its Japan, he added.

The White House did not respond to a request for comments on the word swap.

The president is known to make gaffes in off-the-cuff remarks, including in response to questions from reporters. He also has in the past slipped up on words before correcting himself.

Biden, 80, made the same mistake during a campaign reception in Maryland on Tuesday night, referring to Ukraine as Iraq.

If anybody told you  and my staff wasnt so sure, either  that wed be able to bring all of Europe together in the onslaught on Iraq and get NATO to be completely united, I think they would have told you its not likely. The one thing Putin counted on was being able to split NATO, Biden said.

He often speaks much more candidly at such events and tends to make news with his unscripted remarks, such as when he called Chinese President Xi Jinping a dictator last week.

On Tuesday night in Maryland, Biden also briefly flubbed the homeland of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited the White House last week.

You probably saw my new best friend, the prime minister of a little country thats now the largest in the world, China  I mean, excuse me, India, he said.

The presidents comments on Putin come after the mercenary Wagner Group and its founder Yevgeny Prigozhi led a rebellion over the weekend that ended through a negotiated deal between Prigozhi and Putin. The Wagner chief has since fled to Belarus.

Putin has publicly been outraged over the rebellion and its led to questions over what the negotiated deal means for the future of the war in Russia.

Updated at 11:59 a.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Biden on Tuesday said he is not big on abortion, as a practicing Catholic, but defended the reproductive rights that were previously granted under Roe v. Wade.

Im a practicing Catholic. Im not big on abortion, but guess what? Roe vs. Wade got it right, Biden said at a fundraiser with about 100 donors in Chevy Chase, Md.

He also criticized states that have passed laws restricting access to abortion. More than 20 states have passed such laws since the Supreme Court ending the roughly 50-year precedent set by Roe, guaranteeing a right to an abortion.

Biden is the second Catholic president in U.S. history, following former President Kennedy. On Saturday evenings, he is often found attending Catholic mass either in Wilmington, Del., or in Washington, D.C., and the White House has repeatedly said that his faith is very personal to him.

The presidents discomfort with abortion, which is fueled by his Catholicism and personal stance on the issue, was in the spotlight last year when Roe was overturned. But, he has taken steps unilaterally to protect access to the abortion pill and to increase access to contraception and family planning, among other moves.

The president also rarely uses the word abortion. At a similar fundraiser last week, he used the term remedial operation to defend the Department of Defense abortion policy that is the reason Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) has held up military promotions.

Because the military said, if youre in the military and youre having a troubled pregnancy and youre in a state where youre not allowed to see the doctor performing any remedial operation on you, then you can get paid  you can have leave to go to where you can do that, Biden said June 19 in San Francisco.

Since then, the president rallied reproductive rights advocates Friday to mark the anniversary of the Supreme Courts decision on Roe, saying the decision dared women in the United States to be heard.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Biden used a CPAP machine Tuesday night while sleeping, explaining visible marks on his face when he was talking to reporters on Wednesday.

White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates told Fox News that Biden has sleep apnea, as previously disclosed.

President Biden talks to reporters as he departs the White House in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

"Since 2008, the President has disclosed his history with sleep apnea in thorough medical reports. He used a CPAP machine last night, which is common for people with that history," Bates said.
Biden's Education Department is 'ill prepared' to resume student-loan payments for millions of borrowers in 3 months, 2 GOP lawmakers say  and they're demanding 'proof' of a repayment strategy

Rep. Virginia Foxx. Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Image

Student-loan payments are set to resume in October.

GOP Rep. Foxx and Sen. Cassidy asked the Education Department for its strategy on the resumption.

They said they're concerned the department is "ill prepared" to transition borrowers back into repayment.

Millions of student-loan borrowers don't yet know if they will get President Joe Biden's broad student-debt relief  but they do know the president is planning for their payments to resume this fall.

Two Republican lawmakers want to know how the Education Department is preparing for that to happen.

Since March 2020, federal student-loan payments  and interest  have been on pause to provide borrowers with financial relief during the pandemic. The Education Department recently confirmed that the relief period will soon end, and borrowers will begin paying off their debt again in October, with interest starting to accrue in September.

"The emergency period is over, and we're preparing our borrowers to restart," Education Secretary Miguel Cardona told senators in May. The debt-ceiling bill Biden recently signed into law also codified the end of the student-loan payment pause, meaning the pause cannot be extended again this year in connection with COVID-19.

Rep. Virginia Foxx and Sen. Bill Cassidy, top Republicans on the House and Senate education committees, respectively, sent a letter to Cardona on Tuesday requesting "tangible proof" on how, exactly, he plans to ensure a smooth transition to repayment for millions of borrowers after an over three-year pause.

"We write today because we are concerned that you are ill prepared to return millions of student loan borrowers to repayment," Foxx and Cassidy wrote.

"Mr. Secretary, the success or failure of the return to repayment sits squarely on your shoulders," they added. "As the committees responsible for oversight of the Department, we need to know if the Department has exercised due diligence and done all it can to prepare the servicers to provide the best customer service to borrowers, and that borrowers have a clear understanding of what is required of them for a smooth transition to repayment."

Foxx and Cassidy requested that within two weeks, Cardona provide "any and all" internal memos on the strategy for the department's return to repayment, along with an in-person briefing on the plan no later than July 20. The lawmakers also asked that Cardona counter efforts in which borrowers refuse to repay their loans  something some borrowers have vowed to do in the past because they cannot afford repayment.

Documents obtained by Politico in April showed that the department has told student-loan companies to begin charging interest on borrowers' loans in September, and they're required to notify borrowers of the payment resumption after August 31. A spokesperson also recently said the department "will notify borrowers well before payments restart," but details are minimal on what else the department is planning to facilitate the transition.

Additionally, the lack of funding for Federal Student Aid could pose issues to the unprecedented transition of millions of borrowers back to repayment after three years on hold. Congress did not increase funding for the office last year, meaning it could lack the necessary resources to ensure borrowers can effectively repay their loans in a few months.

"Students and their families deserve transparency and accountability from student loan servicers to ensure they can take advantage of the most affordable ways to repay their loans  and it's critical that the Department of Education hold those servicers to the highest of standards," Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren previously told Insider. "That's why I'll continue to fight for the increased funding the Student Aid Administration needs to provide quality services and support at-risk borrowers."

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Some British people only worried about brown migrants, bishop says

Bishop Wilkin is the first black female bishop appointed by the Church of England

Some British people are only concerned about the immigration of "brown people" but would open their homes to others, a bishop has said.

The Bishop of Dover, the Right Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin, said she did not hear complaints about people arriving in the UK from Ukraine or Hong Kong.

She told BBC HARDtalk that she found that "interesting".

A government spokesman said it was "wrong to compare and set vulnerable groups against each other".

The bishop was speaking to the BBC programme about concerns her congregants may have about small boat arrivals on the Kent coast.

Bishop Hudson-Wilkin, who was born in Jamaica and was the first black female bishop appointed by the Church of England, said some British people "do not understand their own history".

"I love to remind the British that they were economic migrants when they went to Africa, when they went to Asia, when they travelled to the Caribbean," she said.

"They wanted to improve their lives. That's what these people are doing."

She added that it was because of those global historic links that people felt "a natural affinity and connection" with the UK and wanted to come here.

'Better futures'

Tens of thousands of people crossed the Channel on small boats in 2022, many of whom came from some of the poorest and most chaotic parts of the world.

So far in 2023, more than 8,000 have made the journey, about 2,000 less than at the same point in the previous year.

The government's Illegal Migration Bill, which is going through Parliament, has been proposed with the aim of giving ministers the power to remove anyone arriving in the UK illegally and then bar them from claiming asylum.

Under the bill, illegal migrants would be detained and removed, either to Rwanda or another "safe country".

Bishop Hudson-Wilkin said she was "appalled" by the government's plans as "since time immemorial, people have moved, people have picked themselves up, picked their families up and decided [to go] where life is better".

A government spokesperson said it was "wrong to compare and set vulnerable groups against each other".

"The UK has a proud history of supporting those in need of protection," they said.

"Our resettlement programmes have provided safe and legal routes to better futures for hundreds of thousands of people from across the globe.

"However, the world is facing a global migration crisis on an unprecedented scale, and change is needed to prevent vile people smugglers putting people's lives at risk and to fix the broken global asylum system."

They added that Rwanda was "a fundamentally safe and secure country with a track record of supporting asylum seekers".

You can listen to the full interview with Rose-Hudson Wilkin, the Bishop of Dover, on BBC Sounds or BBC iPlayer.

Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on Twitter, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk.
A Black firefighter in upstate New York alleges in a lawsuit filed in May that he and his family have been harassed since he publicly recounted a party he described as racist that he was urged to attend last year.

Jerrod Jones, who joined the Rochester Fire Department in 2008, said in his complaint that his then-supervisor, Jeffrey Krywy, told him to attend a party in July 2022 that Jones described as racially insensitive.

Jones alleges the harassment began after he and his attorney held a news conference last August detailing a party he was urged to attend. The party featured a sizable cutout of Donald Trump and photos of local Democratic politicians heads placed on stakes, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit also claims that the party had several elements Jones deemed racist, including buckets of fried chicken and party favor bags packed with Juneteenth-themed cups and bottles of Hennessy Cognac.

Jerrod Jones. (Rochester Fire Dept. )

When somebody makes fun of my heritage  when somebody doesnt see how something like that can be hurtful, it became more than I could bear, Jones said in an interview.

According to the lawsuit, Jones stayed at the party for approximately 40 minutes and was told by Krywy, who is a defendant in the lawsuit, that he couldnt take pictures. After leaving the party with his fire crew, he said he felt completely shocked.

I went to the bunk room about three hours earlier than I normally do because I was just that angry inside, Jones said, and I was still kind of processing what was happening. I just went and I just laid in the bed and just prayed that I didnt have to go anywhere that night, because I wasnt in the right frame of mind  and I was driving [the firetruck], so thats a huge, huge responsibility.

After the party, Jones took a medical leave of absence to treat his emotional distress, according to the suit, and has not since returned. Krywy retired last year before termination proceedings could begin following an investigation with the city, Rochester Mayor Malik Evans said in a statement in August 2022 that NBC News reported at the time.

Krywy did not respond to requests for comment.

Mary Znidarsic-Nicosia and Nicholas Nicosia hosted the party last year. The Nicosias lawyer addressed Jones allegations of racism in a news conference last year, who labeled the event as a political party and said that Jones allegations were a politically charged attack. During the news conference, Znidarsic-Nicosia also admitted to using a fake persona on Twitter to make blatantly racist comments toward Black people but added that she was not a racist person.

Arnie Rothschild, a spokesperson for the Nicosias, and Daniel Strollo, their new attorney, both told NBC News in recent days that the couple would not comment on Jones lawsuit. The Nicosias are not named as defendants in the lawsuit.

Lawsuit alleges the department has a culture of racial hostility

Jones filed a $5 million lawsuit in May against the city of Rochester and its Fire Department over a racially hostile, discriminatory work environment, the lawsuit says. The party, Jones said, represents a broader issue of cultural insensitivity and discrimination that some Black firefighters said have plagued the department for decades.

Nathan McMurray, Jones attorney, said he spoke with several retired Black firefighters who said they also experienced racism while working for the Rochester Fire Department. Tommy Givens, who worked for the department for over 30 years, told NBC News that when he joined in 1990, he was one of only a few people of color on the job at the time.

Retired firefighter Tommy Givens lives in Webster, N.Y. (Tommy Givens)

Givens said a white retired firefighter who would frequently visit the firehouse called him a racial slur about 20 years ago. Givens said that some white firefighters also displayed this willingness to engage in discussions around Black criminality.

There were people that I didnt  feel comfortable being in front of a dark, hot, cramped, dangerous space with, Givens, 59, said. There were people that I worked with that I didnt trust.

Givens also said hes counseled many young Black firefighters, including Jones, because he identified with the struggle that they will go through within this culture.

Givens added that he also mentored another firefighter who had been harassed for three years continuously and felt that he didnt get the support from the administration and the union. Jones lawsuit also cited a young Black firefighter who experienced ongoing harassment and racist mistreatment by a lieutenant.

A group of Black firefighters, including Givens and Martin Marty Coker  Rochesters first Black firefighter, hired in the 1960s  met with Evans, when he was mayor-elect in 2021, to discuss increasing the Fire Departments Black workforce. Givens said the meeting was very productive, but that further attempts to engage the mayor regarding racial discrimination within the department have been ignored. The city declined to comment to NBC News about Givens attempts at contact.

Regarding Jones lawsuit, a spokesperson for the city of Rochester and its Fire Department told NBC News in an email statement that the City does not comment on pending litigation and declined to comment further on the matter.

In the suit, Jones said he observed other firefighters showing disregard for property in Black neighborhoods, and even intentional demolition of property in those neighborhoods.

Beyond Jones experiences, McMurray, Jones attorney, said the suit is about making the department more welcoming for Black firefighters who will come after Jones.

Full justice means that this will be taken as an example for the future generations who get on the force, McMurray said. You know, young Black officers who feel safe  that theyre not going to be tormented, treated poorly or put in positions where their basic dignity is ignored.

Jones said hes faced a backlash since speaking out

Jones told NBC News that he and his former partner, who have a child together, have been harassed and stalked near their homes and in public since the news conference last year.

Im not talking about once or twice, Jones said about the frequency of the harassment. Im talking about dozens of times. Theres been cars following me, you know, around town  cars following her around town.

Jones said he does not know who is harassing him.

Since going public about the party, Jones alleges he has experienced loss of wages, depression and ongoing harassment, including multiple instances of individuals attempting to enter his home, according to the lawsuit. Jones said one attempted break-in happened in March after he moved to a suburb of Rochester last year.

In another incident that occurred in December 2022, Jones told NBC News he saw a car sitting in front of his former partners house taking pictures and videotaping her home and his vehicle while he was picking up his son. She also regularly gets followed, he added. Jones said he believes these actions are tied to him speaking out about the party.

Although he said he hopes to return to work, Jones, who received several accolades for his work in the department, said he does not feel comfortable returning to the department because he has been notified by two coworkers, on separate occasions, that it would not be safe for him to return to work, the lawsuit says. Jones, who had goals of being promoted to higher ranks in the department, also experienced a loss of reputation and financial hardship, according to the lawsuit.

My career is ruined, Jones said. Ill never feel comfortable working in this department again.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
(Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken "conveyed concern" over escalating violence on the West Bank during a call with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, the U.S. State Department said on Tuesday.

Blinken also expressed condolences to Cohen over a recent terrorist attack against Israeli citizens and urged all parties to work together to "de-escalate the situation", the State Department said.

(Reporting by Dan Whitcomb; Editing by Scott Malone)
Secretary of State Antony Blinken was grilled Wednesday on a perceived disconnect with President Biden and the White House regarding Taiwan after Blinkens trip to Beijing.

In a conversation to discuss the Biden-Harris administrations approach to foreign policy in New York City, moderator Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, somewhat challenged Blinken to provide clarity on the U.S. stance toward Taiwan after meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Last week in Beijing, Blinken notably said the U.S. does not support Taiwanese independence.

"So four times your boss, the President of the United States, has said that the U.S. would help defend Taiwan if it were attacked by China. And four times the White House staff has walked him back," Haas posed to Blinken. "So what is our policy and why? Why aren't we basically telling China -- within the context of One China policy  you've done things, increase the threat. We're going to do things to increase the -- your understanding that you cannot move against Taiwan with impunity."

NIKKI HALEY TORCHES TRUMP, BIDEN ON CHINA RESPONSE, DEEMS BEIJING 'MOST DANGEROUS FOREIGN THREAT' SINCE WWII

Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a news conference in Beijing, China, on Monday, June 19, 2023. Blinken said the U.S.-China relationship had taken a "positive step" forward during his two-day trip to Beijing.

"Richard," Blinken began, drawing laughter from the audience as well as Haas, before repeating similar jargon he has repeated since traveling to China. "We continue to be guided by the 'One China' policy based on the three communiques, the Taiwan Relations Act and the six assurances. That hasn't changed and that won't change."

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"Mr. Secretary," Haas joked back with the formality, while politely challenging, "We can do all that and still increase the certainty that with which we communicate to China that we are there for Taiwan if they use coercion."

"I think it's evident not only in what we're saying, but also what we're doing, that we are there for Taiwan," Blinken responded. "Under the Taiwan Relations Act, we've had a longstanding policy of making sure that we could do what's necessary to help Taiwan defend itself. That policy and the sort of rheostat on it also depends a lot on what Beijing is doing or not doing. And that was designed in from the get-go, including in the communiques."

Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, shakes hands with China's President Xi Jinping in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on June 19, 2023.

TAIWAN ELECTIONS WERE MAJOR TALKING POINT IN BLINKENS MEETINGS IN CHINA: REPORT

Earlier in the conversation, Blinken noted that Beijing has taken steps challenging the status quo on Taiwan since 2016, including through military operations, deployment of forces, exercises and military tests as well as through "economic coercion" exerted against Taiwan and countries that help Taiwan. The secretary cited how 50% of world commercial trade traffic travels through the Taiwan Strait each day, and 70% of the semiconductors "that we use from everything from our smartphones to our washing machines to our automobiles made on Taiwan."

"If there were to be a crisis a result of actions that either side takes, that takes that offline," Blinken said. "You've got potentially a global economic crisis. It's one of the reasons, maybe the main reason that country after country is going to both of us and saying we expect the responsible management of this issue to be sustained. That's exactly where we are. And I tried to share that very clearly directly with our Chinese counterparts."

Blinken assured that the administration's goal on U.S.-China relations remains to "co-exist peacefully."

"The bottom line is this China is not going away. We're not going away. So in the instance, we have to find a way to coexist and coexist peacefully," Blinken said. "We know we're in an intense competition. We talked about the competition to try to shape the post-Cold War era. At the same time, we are determined that that competition not veer in the conflict, which would be terrible for everyone involved."
Commentary: U.S. accusation of "cybertheft" against China does not hold water

Xinhua) 08:20, June 28, 2023

BEIJING, June 27 (Xinhua) -- The "cybertheft" narrative trumped up by U.S. politicians to belittle China's efforts and achievements in the scientific and technological field does not hold water but betrays their selective blindness and arrogance.

Nathaniel Fick, the U.S. ambassador at large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy, has lately urged Washington to prevent China from stealing intellectual property to gain an advantage in artificial intelligence (AI) and other crucial technologies.

Failing to give any specific proof, Fick claimed it's imperative to form a large coalition to counter the concocted "cybertheft," an allegation only to expose his arrogance and ignorance.

China's remarkable scientific and technological development brooks no disparagement given the hard work of generations of Chinese researchers and ever-expanding international cooperation under its long-standing opening-up policy.

China has continuously increased investment in scientific research and promoted scientific and technological innovation and intellectual property protection, and has made remarkable achievements. In 2022, China's total expenditure on research and development (R&D) amounted to nearly 3.09 trillion yuan (456 billion U.S. dollars), up 10.4 percent year on year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

The total number of R&D personnel in China reached 7.13 million in 2019, 1.3 times that of 2015, which ranked first in the world since 2013, according to the China Science and Technology Talent Development Report 2020 by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

China rose to 11th on the Global Innovation Index 2022, up from 12th in 2021, said the World Intellectual Property Organization. According to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, a security think tank, China has a "stunning lead" in 37 out of 44 critical and emerging technologies as Western democracies lose global competition for research output.

The number of high-tech enterprises in China has grown from 49,000 in 2012 to 330,000 in 2022, representing a 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.

"You ask me where China's technological progress is coming from. It's coming from terrific entrepreneurs who are getting the benefit of huge government investments in basic science. It's coming from an educational system that's privileging excellence, concentrating on science and technology," said former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers.

In recent years, China has emerged as a pioneer in AI development. By 2022, China had secured the top position globally in terms of the number of patent applications filed for AI technologies, with the scale of the core AI industry surpassing 500 billion yuan (70.66 billion dollars), while more than 4,200 major enterprises operated, comprising approximately 16 percent of the global total.

"I've seen first-hand some of the innovations that could contribute to global progress," said Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill &Melinda Gates Foundation, during his visit to China this month.

China's acceleration of innovative development is in the interest of developing countries and the world, he said.

China has also introduced foreign technology and intellectual property rights on the basis of abiding by relevant laws and regulations and has always carried out overseas resource cooperation in line with the principles of equality and win-win, so as to achieve mutual benefit and common development.

Technical cooperation and other economic cooperation, trade exchange between Chinese and foreign enterprises are completely contractual behaviors based on voluntary principles, from which they have benefited in real terms.

As a matter of fact, U.S. companies have made huge gains in China from technology transfer and licensing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, China paid 7.95 billion dollars in 2016 and 8.76 billion dollars in 2017 to the United States for the use of intellectual property.

Thumbing their noses at or indulging in unwarranted smears against China could by no means wobble China's commitment to its scientific and technological drive, nor will the fabricated "cybertheft" work to alienate China from the sober-minded around the world.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Mabel Alvarez Benedicks, mother of Anadith Danay Reyes Alvarez, reacts during her daughter's wake in New York. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has reassigned its chief medical officer after the in-custody death of the 8-year-old whose mother's pleas for an ambulance were ignored despite her daughter's chronic heart condition, rare blood disorder, high fever and other ailments, authorities said. (Jeenah Moon / Associated Press)

For the record:

6:29 a.m. June 28, 2023: An earlier version of this article had a Washington dateline. The reporter is based in Northern California.



As an 8-year-old was dying in Border Patrol custody last month, officials at the Texas detention center where she had been held were complaining about the facility's "overuse of hospitalization," according to an internal report obtained by The Times.

Anadith Danay Reyes Alvarez, who suffered from sickle-cell disorder and a heart condition, had developed a 101.8 degree fever during the five days she was at the detention facility in Donna, Texas.

On May 14, two days before Department of Homeland Security investigators arrived to inspect conditions at Donna, Anadith tested positive for the flu and was transferred to a facility in Harlingen, Texas, that is designed to detain migrants with communicable diseases.

Anadiths fever spiked to 104.9, and she was transferred May 17 to a hospital, where she died that day. A nurse at the Harlingen facility had denied Anadiths mothers initial requests for an ambulance or a hospital visit on the day the girl died, according to a DHS statement two weeks later.

"Given her history of very significant medical issues, this patient should have been sent to a hospital once she developed fever and other symptoms," Dr. Parveen Parmar, an emergency medicine physician and professor at USC's Keck School of Medicine, wrote in an email to The Times. "It is hard to predict what might have happened, but certainly, she had a much higher chance of survival had she received this timely care."

Photos of Anadith Danay Reyes Alvarez are displayed during her wake last week at R.G. Ortiz Funeral Home in New York. (Jeenah Moon / Associated Press)

Border Patrol officials' complaints about hospitalization procedures were contained in two memos produced by the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman and obtained by The Times. The relatively new oversight office is charged with reviewing conditions within Homeland Security's vast detention system. The memos, meant for agency leadership, include details on conditions in many facilities along the southern border this spring.

The first report, dated May 15, details a spread of diarrhea among children and some overcrowding issues at a detention facility in Laredo. The second report, dated May 22, describes problems with medical care at the Donna facility.

Read more: Internal report details rampant diarrhea among children at overcrowded border facility

The reports were created during a time of intense strain on the nations immigration detention system. Arrests at the southern border skyrocketed in the week leading up to the May 11 expiration of Title 42, the public health measure that allowed border agents to quickly turn back migrants. At one point that week, the agency was holding more than28,000 migrants in facilities at the border  way above capacity.

Both documents include a note that they reflect initial observations by the office and had not been verified and confirmed under the offices typical procedures.

A third internal DHS document, dated June 8 and obtained by the Washington Post , found fault with medical care up and down the border and called for an overhaul to the system.

Homeland Security officials offered comments about the agencys efforts to ensure detainee safety but did not provide on-the-record responses to specific questions about either of the reports The Times obtained.

According to the May 22 memo, Border Patrol officials complained about the quality of medical care at the Donna facility. The staff at Donna had a tendency to send migrants to the hospital for things that could easily be treated on location," the investigators wrote.

For instance, persons with fevers are sent to the hospital instead of being given a fever-reducing medication at the facility," they said. "The migrants typically return to Donna with ibuprofen from the hospital and no fever."

The oversight office said that "it appears that the problems with medical care at Donna are costing CBP [U.S. Customs and Border Protection] and the main contractor  valuable staff time. CBP reported to me that they have had as many as 12 agents at the hospital at once.

A source familiar with the report on medical care at Donna who was not authorized to speak on the record said in an email that the oversight offices description of the Border Patrol perspective on hospitalization was an observation that more people should be treated on the spot with the appropriate level of care as intended in the contract, rather than burdening the hospital and [Border Patrol] transport staff who are needed for more emergent cases; such as those with pre-existing conditions.

Read more: California tried and failed to ban for-profit ICE detention centers. What does that mean for other states?

Border Patrol officials complaints about the medical care at Donna were not limited to overuse of hospitalization, according to the report.

Leadership at the facility told investigators that a boy with third degree burns was treated onsite with readily available creams when he should have been hospitalized. He later had to be sent to a burn center.

In addition, the report noted complaints that medical staff at the facility do not administer oxygen, even though providing oxygen is a standard EMT function.

The Border Patrol station in Harlingen, Texas. (David Pike / Valley Morning Star via Associated Press)

The report also relayed what it described as a misdiagnosis that led to overreaction in the facility. A nurse apparently diagnosed a person with a possible case of measles, the report said. Fortunately, this was not an accurate diagnosis. Unfortunately, news of the diagnosis spread, and there was fear among staff and those in custody until it could be established that the information was incorrect.

Investigators also reported that minors at Donna were only getting checked if a problem is noted and that some medical staff are using Google translate on their private phones for interpreter services.

In response, a Customs and Border Protection official said that online translation tools are used in limited instances, and are an example of how we use every tool available to ensure communication with all those in our custody.

CBP officials said that they are prioritizing processing families and medically fragile migrants and that families are spending less time in custody as a result of the review. United States Public Health Service clinicians have been deployed to border facilities to provide extra guidance and oversight, officials said.

CBP will continue to review procedures, practices, and equipment in order to ensure that we are protecting those in our care, a spokesperson said in a statement.

Border detention facilities are not prepared to handle the complex issues they face, Parmar said.

These have become health systems without the resources to be health systems, she said. The system doesnt have what they need to take care of complex patients  there should be a comprehensive review of cases, charts, and external oversight to determine what could strengthen the system.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Boss of man fatally attacked in Downtown Crossing on St. Pats says case headed to grand jury

The boss of the Ireland native who died after being punched in Downtown Crossing on St. Patricks Day tells Boston 25 News that the case is headed to a grand jury.

A grand jurys function would be to decide if theres enough evidence to indict someone on criminal charges.

John Marsoobian, who co-owns Twin Peaks Construction, said he received the update from the brother of Barry Whelan.

Marsoobian has been staying in regular communication with the Whelan family who resides overseas.

He said the scarce information from the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office has left everyone with more questions than answers.

That includes confusion over whether a suspect is already in custody.

We cant even get out of them if this person was arrested for this crime, said Marsoobian. Theres so many simple questions that can be answered without compromising the case.

Marsoobian shared frustration over the lack of answers and the waiting process thats lingered on for months.

I dont understand why were going down this path instead of putting this persons face and name on the news and prosecuting this person, said Marsoobian.

Boston Police sources previously told Boston 25 News that the punch that resulted in Whelan falling backward and losing consciousness was captured on surveillance video.

It happened near the TD Bank ATM on Winter Street.

Sources also stated that the person suspected is known to police.

This guy worked six days a week and never had a bad word to say to anybody. Somebody needs to answer for this, said Marsoobian. They owe people information especially if this person is dangerous and theyre still out on the street.

A spokesperson with the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office would not answer specific questions from Boston 25 News about the status of the case.

She said that the case remains an active investigation and that the DAs Office is actively working with Boston Police.

Unless you punish people, theyre not gonna stop, said Downtown Crossing business owner Karl Volker.

Volkers two businesses are located on the same street where Whelan was found unresponsive on St. Patricks Day.

One of them  the Lottery Store  was robbed at gunpoint just weeks prior to the fatal attack.

The other  Underground Express  was just broken into by a man with a crowbar on Tuesday morning.

Volker told Boston 25 News that the suspect stole thousands of dollars worth of cigarettes in the latest crime on Winter Street.

Its a beautiful city and then you see the darker side of Boston. Its just lawlessness, added Volker. There is a lot of talk but action is louder than words and the action is missing.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Amid ongoing investigations, lawsuits and hundreds of consumer complaints, Boston cruise company Vantage Deluxe World Travel laid off its employees last week, according to Consumer Rescue.

Consumer advocate and mediator Michelle Couch-Friedman said she spoke to multiple former Vantage employees who told her the company let them go over a company-wide phone call June 20.

Right up until last Tuesday they were told they were going to be saved by some mysterious investor. Thats why they continued to work and sell these cruises, Couch-Friedman said. The employees that contacted me were very upset. They really did believe this was not going to be the end of Vantage.

Vantage Travel says its up for sale, employees say theyre not getting paid

The Canal St. company has been under fire for months after hundreds of consumers complained about a lack of refunds for cancelled or postponed trips. Earlier this month, the company quietly told its employees all trips through Aug. 28 are postponed, according to an internal memo obtained by Consumer Rescue.

The Mass. Attorney Generals Office has received 818 consumer complaints about Vantage since Jan. 1, 2020, including 181 complaints filed in 2023, an A.G. spokesperson said .

We are currently providing consumer assistance to [Massachusetts] residents and advising non-residents to file [complaints] in their respective states, the spokesperson said in an email June 20.

The Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office filed a lawsuit against Vantage earlier this month, accusing the company of deceptive and unfair business practices and taking advantage of older residents by continuing to hold their refunds hostage.

Many of the impacted consumers were sixty years old or older, Attorney General Michelle Henry said. If Pennsylvania consumers pay for goods or services and get nothing in return, our office will fight for those victims.

Vantage has not responded to requests for comment. The last statement was issued June 9 when the companys attorney said Vantage was actively looking to sell the company.

We are currently engaged in sensitive negotiations for a sale of the company. Our primary goal is to obtain the best outcome for our customers. Confidentiality agreements governing our negotiations prevent us from commenting further at this time, Vantage General Counsel Rossella Mercuri said.

Couch-Friedman said what disturbs her is the Vantage website remains up and appears to be active, with no message or warning there are problems with the company.

The fact is, the portal is open. Employees are telling me even today people can go in there and make a payment on a future cruise. I cant imagine anyone today could say these cruises beyond August are going to operate. Theres no crew. Theres no employees, Couch-Friedman said.





This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Boston saw 7 percent increase in fatal overdoses in 2022, fentanyl eyed as key factor in deaths

Boston saw a 7 percent increase in fatal overdoses in 2022, with fentanyl eyed as a key factor in the rise in deaths, city public health officials said Wednesday.

According to new data released by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 352 people died from opioid overdoses in Boston in 2022, up from 330 deaths in 2021.

From 2019 to 2022, Boston saw a 36 percent increase in opioid-related deaths, more than twice the statewide rate of increase, at 16 percent, for the same time period.

A key factor for this increase is the role of fentanyl, a highly-potent synthetic opioid, involved in more than 90 percent of opioid-related deaths statewide and among Boston residents in 2022, according to city public health officials.

Xylazine, known as tranq, an animal tranquilizer has also been increasingly found in the drug supply and increases the risk of overdose through oversedation, officials said.

This ongoing tragedy requires increasing our focus on overdose prevention throughout our city, said Boston Public Health Commissioner Dr. Bisola Ojikutu said in a statement Wednesday. We must respond by scaling up evidence-based interventions that decrease the harm associated with drug use and keep people alive. We must also address pervasive inequities and ensure that lifesaving prevention, care, and treatment are available to all.

The 2022 data show that opioid-related overdoses have disproportionately impacted Black and Latinx individuals in Boston, officials said. Of all the opioid overdose deaths in Boston, 30 percent were among Black individuals and 21 percent were among Latinx individuals.

From 2021 to 2022, opioid overdose deaths among Black individuals in Boston increased by 29 percent and deaths among Latinx individuals increased by 9 percent.

From 2020 to 2022 combined, the average annual opioid overdose mortality rate for Black and Latinx residents was 66 percent and 31 percent higher than white residents, respectively.

The rate of overdose death for Black residents from 2020 to 2022 is a 130 percent increase from the rate observed from 2017 to 2019.

Data compiled by the Boston Public Health Commission in its recent Health of Boston Report show the leading cause of premature deaths among male Black and Latinx residents for 2017 through 2021 combined was accidents, with opioid overdoses accounting for most of these deaths.

These data emphasize the need for increased attention to equitable access to harm reduction prevention, and treatment services in Boston, the Boston Public Health Commission said in a statement.

BPHC and the City of Boston remain committed to responding to this crisis in collaboration with the state, clinical, and community partners through a public health approach that expands access to lifesaving treatment, harm reduction services, prevention, and recovery support, the statement said. In addition to providing harm reduction tools like syringes and safe smoking supplies, BPHCs AHOPE (Access, Harm Reduction, Overdose Prevention and Education) program offers drug testing services to drug users to identify the presence of fentanyl, xylazine, or other substances.

Access to treatment services is also available through the PAATHS (Providing Access to Addictions Treatment, Hope and Support) program by calling 1-855-494-4057. Anyone in the City of Boston can call 311 anytime to access treatment services or care.

Expanding access to Narcan (naloxone) is another critical aspect of the response to overdoses, officials said.

The Boston Public Health Commission distributed nearly 15,000 doses of Narcan to residents and community partners in 2022, and outreach workers reverse up to five overdoses a day.

Boston EMS responded to 4,245 narcotic-related incidents in 2022 and administered Narcan to 2,181 patients.

Not only do these heroic actions save lives, but they also help build all-important relationships with clients to that help engage them and link them to services, the statement said. Naloxone is available over the counter at pharmacies across Massachusetts. City public health officials offer free training on how to respond to overdoses and administer naloxone.

In 2022, the citys public health commission began funding two day-spaces in Roxbury and Back Bay that serve as safe environments where individuals can get connected to clinical care and services and get meals, basic amenities, and build trust with our providers, the statement said.

As more and more individuals come to Boston for treatment and resources, BPHC and the City support Governor Healeys commitment to increase harm reduction capacity in cities and towns across the Commonwealth, the Boston Public Health Commission said.

Public health officials urged Bostonians to remain vigilant for signs of overdoses among local residents. Common signs of an opioid overdose include slowed breathing, blue lips, and unresponsiveness.

Anyone who encounters a person who may have overdosed is urged to call 911 immediately, perform rescue breathing, and administer naloxone, public health officials said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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A Breese contractor and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, have come to a settlement in connection with a case involving trench cave-in protection rules.

According to a press release from the U.S. Department of Labor, Groundworks Contracting Inc. of Breese was cited for not adhering to a city engineers instructions to use trench cave-in protection.

OSHA cited Groundworks Contracting for multiple violations and proposed penalties of $77,147, the release stated.

During an appeal hearing Wednesday, June 14, those penalties were reduced to $41,185, Scott Allen, regional director for media relations and public affairs for the U.S. Department of Labor in Illinois, confirmed.

I can confirm that OSHA did have a settlement with Groundworks, he said. They did reduce the penalty amount to $41,185 and put them on a payment plan.

Additionally, a violation regarding yearly safety forms Groundworks was to fill out was dropped. Jason Richter, company owner, said they filled out the forms but got them to OSHA too late.

They dropped that because we did actually get the forms to them, he said.

In the process, Richter said the company created a new position to assist with safety measures moving forward. One of the companys foreman  who has been with Groundworks two years  will serve as safety director.

This is a new position we created specifically for safety, to have a safety program to help out with future work, Richter said. The reason we promoted him is hes already certified in several safety certifications ... hes already kind of there. I think having a safety director for the business alone with help out tremendously.

All in all, Richter was pleased with the compromise.

They had proof of some pictures. And we had proof of pictures of us doing things the right way, he said. Between both of us, we came to a compromise on how things need to be done moving forward. And we do not have any future restrictions. This closed the door on the case. They (OSHA) kind of worked with us because this was our first violation weve ever had in nine years of being in business.

Richter has been the Groundworks owner all nine years and stressed safety is paramount to himself and the company.

Safety is the key to our company. We just want to make sure everybody goes home safe at night to their families, he said.
The judge overseeing Bryan Kohbergers death penalty case made a reference to another chilling Idaho murder case during the accused killers latest court hearing.

The 28-year-old criminology PhD student appeared in court in Moscow, Idaho, on Tuesday as his lawyers launched their fight for his life in the death penalty case.

Dressed in a dark suit and tie, he appeared solemn as he entered Latah County Courtroom and sat with his defence.

In the hearing, Judge John Judge pointed to the equally high-profile Lori Vallow murder case as he warned the media about the use of cameras in the courtroom.

Judge Judge said that outlets with cameras in the courtroom need to not focus solely on Mr Kohbeger, warning that some media has been pushing the envelope.

He pointed out that this was what was happening in the Daybell case and warned that, if it continues, cameras could be banned altogether from the courtroom. In Vallows case, no cameras were allowed in court at her trial where she was convicted of murdering her two children and conspiring to murder her new husband Chad Daybells first wife.

In Tuesdays hearing, Judge Judge also revised a gag order to clarify that it does include members of law enforcement, investigators and expert witnesses for both sides.

The judge had been expected to hear arguments on several motions filed by the defence in recent weeks, including seeking details about the DNA evidence, seeking details about the grand jury which returned a murder indictment against him, and issuing a stay on proceedings to put a pause on the case heading to trial.

Some of those issues on motion to compel and discovery had been resolved out of court while some will be argued at a later date.

The defence did ask the judge to order the prosecution to hand over some evidence in case.

Among the evidence requested by the defence are training records of three police officers who interviewed critical witnesses, information about the FBI team leading the criminal probe, and background on the tip that led to the search for Mr Kohbergers white Hyundai and cellphone records cited in the probable cause affidavit.

Bryan Kohberger appears in court on June 27 (Getty)

Insisting it is not a fishing expedition, Mr Kohbergers attorneys said they need the evidence to be able to give him a strong defence  particularly now that he is facing a death sentence.

There is a heightened standard now that the State has announced its intent to seek the death penalty ... and these are very relevant pieces of information, Mr Kohbergers attorney said.

Prosecutors argued that most of those materials have already been made available to the defence.

The state also noted that the officers training records do not pertain to the case and could set an unfavourable precedent in future cases.

Mr Kohbergers defence said that while there were more than 120 officers who worked in the murder investigation, they were only requesting records from three of them who played a critical role by collecting evidence, following up on tips and conducting more than a dozen interviews.

The judge told the court that he will be issuing a written ruling with the evidence that the prosecution must turn in by 14 July.

In a series of recent court filings, the defence has argued that the prosecution should hand over all information about the genetic genealogy and DNA evidence which ties Mr Kohberger to the murders of the four slain students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle. This includes information about the scientists who carried out the DNA testing and what it was that led authorities to suspect him in the first place.

Investigators linked the 28-year-old criminology PhD student to the murders through a military knife sheath that the killer allegedly left behind at the scene of the 13 November stabbings.

The sheath was found next to Mogens body in her bed on the third floor of the student home.

DNA discovered on the sheath was found to be a match to Mr Kohberger after the FBI checked the sample against genetic genealogy databases and tipped off local authorities, according to prosecutors.

After collecting trash from the suspects parents home in the Poconos Mountains, a familial match from Mr Kohbergers father was first made to the knife sheath before a statistical match was made to the accused killer himself through DNA samples taken following his arrest on 30 December.

But, Mr Kohbergers defence is seeking to cast doubts on the states use of genetic genealogy in the case.

Bryan Kohberger appears in court on June 27 (Getty)

In a court filing submitted last week, his attorneys insisted he has no connection to the four slain students and claimed that DNA from three other unidentified men was also found at the grisly crime scene.

DNA from two other men was found inside the off-campus student home while DNA from a third unknown man was found on a glove found outside the property on 20 November, the documents state.

By December 17, 2022, lab analysts were aware of two additional males DNA within the house where the deceased were located and another unknown male DNA on a glove found outside the residence on November 20, 2022, Mr Kohbergers attorney Jay Logsdon writes in the filing.

To this date, the Defense is unaware of what sort of testing, if any, was conducted on these samples other than the STR DNA profiles.

Further, these three separate and distinct male DNA profiles were not identified through CODIS leading to the conclusion that the profiles do not belong to Mr. Kohberger.

The defence also said that there is no DNA evidence from the victims in Mr Kohbergers apartment, office, home, or vehicle.

The suspected killers legal team accused prosecutors of hiding its entire case from the defendant by trying to keep its method of genetic genealogy investigation secret.

They claim that authorities dont want the suspect to see how many other people the FBI chose to ignore during their investigation.

The defence is also demanding prosecutors hand over the DNA profiles of the three other males whose DNA was found at the scene.

In a separate motion, the defence is also asking the court to force prosecutors to hand over all records around the grand jury proceedings which culminated in Mr Kohbergers indictment on four counts of murder and one burglary charge.

The legal team argues it is crucial to him fighting the indictment against him.

Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin (Jazzmin Kernodle)

A third motion being argued is around a stay of proceedings, with the defence arguing that the case should be put on hold until the matter of the grand jury record is resolved in court.

Mr Kohbergers latest court appearance came one day after prosecutors announced they are seeking the death penalty against him, saying that the murder was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel, manifesting exceptional depravity and that the defendant showed utter disregard for human life.

Mr Kohberger is scheduled to stand trial on 2 October for the murders of Goncalves, 21, Mogen, 21, Kernodle, 20, and Chapin, 20.

Mr Kohberger is accused of breaking into an off-campus student home on King Road in the early hours of 13 November and stabbing the four students to death with a large, military-style knife.

Two other female roommates lived with the three women at the property and were home at the time of the massacre but survived.

One of the survivors  Dylan Mortensen  came face to face with the masked killer, dressed in head-to-toe black and with bushy eyebrows, as he left the home in the aftermath of the murders, according to the criminal affidavit.

For more than six weeks, the college town of Moscow was plunged into fear as the accused killer remained at large with no arrests made and no suspects named.

Then, on 30 December, law enforcement suddenly swooped on Mr Kohbergers family home in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania and arrested him for the quadruple murders.

Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves pictured together (Instagram)

The motive remains unknown and it is still unclear what connection the WSU PhD student had to the University of Idaho students  if any  prior to the murders. The murder weapon  a fixed-blade knife  has still never been found.

As a criminal justice PhD student at WSU, Mr Kohberger lived just 15 minutes from the victims over the Idaho-Washington border in Pullman.

He had moved there from Pennsylvania and began his studies there that summer, having just completed his first semester before his arrest.

Before this, he studied criminology at DeSales University  first as an undergraduate and then finishing his graduate studies in June 2022.

While there, he studied under renowned forensic psychologist Katherine Ramsland who interviewed the BTK serial killer and co-wrote the book Confession of a Serial Killer: The Untold Story of Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer with him.

He also carried out a research project to understand how emotions and psychological traits influence decision-making when committing a crime.
Mayor Karen Bass takes questions from the media at a homelessness-related event in December. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

The two men who broke into Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass' home in Baldwin Vista last year and stole two guns were sentenced to prison Tuesday.

Patricio Munoz and Juan Espinoza pleaded no contest to one count of burglary and grand theft of a firearm, respectively, during a Tuesday morning court appearance in downtown L.A., said Tiffiny Blacknell, director of communications for the Los Angeles County district attorney's office.

Munoz was sentenced to two years in prison, she said. Espinoza, who has a prior conviction for burglary, was sentenced to 32 months, Blacknell said.

The crime happened on Sept. 9, with the burglars taking two guns  later identified as .38-caliber revolvers  but leaving behind cash and electronics, Bass said at the time. Bass, then a congresswoman, said that she had the guns for her protection and that they were stored in a lock box in her closet.

Read more: 2 arrested in burglary at Rep. Karen Bass' L.A. home, LAPD says

The break-in quickly became an issue in the Los Angeles mayor's race, with candidate Rick Caruso accusing Bass of failing to properly store her guns.

At a Sept. 21 debate at USC, Bass said she was shocked Caruso would blame her when she had been the victim of a crime and when she had previously called him to offer her concern about a burglary committed at the Grove, the upscale shopping center he owns.

Bass' office declined to comment Tuesday on the sentences. The office wouldn't comment when asked if Bass' guns were returned.

At the time of the arrest last year, Munoz and Espinoza each gave false names, police said. Espinoza was on parole for burglary and had a warrant out for violating parole at the time of the crime, police said.

Times staff writer Julia Wick contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Burlington announced a new store location will be opening in Uniontown next month.

This store, which will be located in the Uniontown Shopping Center, will mark the 42nd Burlington in Pennsylvania.

Our goal is to continue to offer communities low prices on brand name merchandise for the entire family and home, said Michael OSullivan, CEO, Burlington Stores in a press release. Were continuing to expand our footprint across the country and are excited to be opening a new store in Uniontown. We look forward to giving local customers the chance to discover big savings on a wide range of products.

The grand opening is scheduled for July 14, and store hours will be 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.

The first 100 customers over the age of 18 on July 14 and 15 will receive a Burlington WOW! Buck to scratch off and reveal a prize amount to be used toward their purchase. Customers on July 16 will receive a free Burlington canvas tote while supplies last.

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Meeting the needs of transitioning service members  and their spouses  is a big job, and it generally starts with the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program (TAP).

Consistently evaluating and improving TAP  especially to meet the needs of minorities, women and younger, enlisted service members  is critical to improving post-service outcomes, according to a series of policy recommendations issued in January by the George W. Bush Institute.

Outcomes for those groups arent as good as wed like them to be, said Col. Matthew F. Amidon, former director of veterans and military families at the institute.

In a series of articles, Military Times is examining each of the Institutes four recommendations:

 The administration should refine a national veterans strategy.

 The DoD should leverage veteran and military family communities to sustain an all-volunteer force.

 The DoD should invest further in the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) for the 21st century.

 The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Social Security Administration should focus on advancing data collaboration.

Currently, TAP offers a common level of support to about 200,000 service members a year at 200 locations around the world, said Cmdr. Nicole Schwegman, a Department of Defense spokesperson. She said the program tailors support to each service members individual transition plan and it is successful and continuously evolving.

Commanders fully support TAP and are committed to ensuring a successful military-to-civilian transition for their Service members, Schwegman said. DoDs historic level of service and support to service members is better and more comprehensive than at any point in our nations history.

Research has shown that veterans are undervalued  and often underpaid  in the civilian workforce  despite their training, ability to work with and for a team and strong work ethic, it can be a struggle for transitioning service members and spouses to find meaningful, lucrative employment. The Veterans Metrics Initiative from Penn State has indicated that more than 60 percent of veterans are underemployed or unemployed  which in the current job market, is a large untapped pool of talented and driven individuals.

Amidon said TAP does a great job, but it isnt a monolith. Some bases and stations do a better job than others and those with robust relationships with civilian employers and those that support sub-populations like younger, enlisted service members, women and communities of color tend to have better success rates.

We dont throw darts at TAP, he said. Theyve made great strides.

And Ross Dickman, COO for Hire Heroes USA, a nonprofit that has helped service members and spouses transition to the civilian workforce since 2005, said his organization has collected data showing a more personalized approach increases positive outcomes.

His organization surveys the veterans and spouses they serve for 36 months after job placement, asking questions about how well they are doing at their jobs and in their communities. That information is used to keep improving their program  filling in gaps and bridging barriers.

We have some really unique insights, Dickman said. Any modification to TAP needs to address some of the gaps and barriers that are in transition assistance outcomes. Generally, wed love to see a continued emphasis on understanding the career support based on need, client demographics and more. There are different needs based on location, the type of experience while in the military, gender, race  it all factors in and TAP cant always fit with all of these unique needs.

Any further investment in TAP, Dickman and Amidon said, needs to address these known gaps and work to address a more personalized approach. Dickman said Hire Heroes USAs success is due to its one-on-one approach, with each client receiving personalized service to help them find employment that that fits their skills  and helps the service member meet their financial needs and goals as well.

Schwegman said TAP is currently evaluating and steering modifications to collaborate with its current six agency partners (the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Labor, Education, Homeland Security, Small Business Administration, and the Office of Personnel Management). This collaboration has led to programs for women; wounded, ill or injured service members and their caregivers and a host of other targeted programs.

And in the future, the DoD will continue to focus on the 13 congressionally mandated demographic and transition factors: Rank, term of service, gender, component status (i.e. active duty, Guard or Reserve), disability, character of discharge, health, military occupation specialty, intentions after transition, education, prior employment, post-transition employment/education enrollment/vocational enrollment, and other Departmental factors deemed appropriate.

DoD TAP is successful because it is postured to continuously evolve to meet the demands of the transitioning service members, she said.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) will announce a nearly $23 million grant Wednesday to build infrastructure in Orangeburg, S.C., as part of the Biden administrations investments in infrastructure across the United States.

The grant will build a pedestrian bridge and a transit hub to better connect neighborhoods and college campuses to downtown Orangeburg, according to the White House.

This is a project that is connecting residential neighborhoods and HBCU campuses to downtown businesses, Buttigieg told reporters, using an abbreviation for historically Black colleges and universities. We believe it will lead to new business and industry, as well as tourism, flourishing in the area.

Other grants announced Wednesday will go to Chula Vista, Calif., for a $21.5 million project to eliminate a rail crossing; Iowa for a $24.7 million project to replace nine bridges; North Bergen, N.J., for a $25 million project to construct a new bridge; and New Orleans for a $24.8 million project to construct a transit system for the citys buses and streetcar network, among others.

The secretary and congressman will also announce the Biden administration has awarded more than $2.2 billion from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program to 162 infrastructure projects in the U.S.

The RAISE grant programs fiscal 2023 funding is set to go half to rural areas and half to urban areas. The program was expanded due to funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, one of President Bidens top legislative accomplishments.

We dont design the projects at headquarters. We are proceeding very much on the idea that the answers dont come from Washington but more the funding should, Buttigieg said.

He noted that 70 percent of the projects the administration is funding are located in low-income and underserved communities.

The joint announcement will be in South Carolina as part of the administrations Investing in America tour. Meanwhile, Biden will be in Chicago on Wednesday to tout the success of his overall economic agenda, which the White House has deemed Bidenomics.

Clyburn, the assistant House Democratic leader, provided a critical endorsement for Biden in 2020, marking a turning point in his campaign and helping Biden gain momentum among Black voters, a bloc that played a critical role in his ultimate victory. The Democratic National Committee has since named South Carolina the first primary state in 2024.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Buzz Lightyear dancing at the Walt Disney World Resort park parade

Is Buzz Lightyear a queer icon?

Many celebrities have joined the fam this year, from Noah Schnapp (Stranger Things) to Bella Ramsey (The Last of Us), but what has really surprised us is the number of cartoon mascots who have also joined our ranks!

Earlier this year, Clarabelle Cow vogued her way into our gay hearts at Disney California Adventure, then just this week Grimace  you know, McDonalds purple mascot  became an LGBTQ+ icon because his birthday falls during Pride Month, and now the Toy Story astronaut may be gay too. Who knows how this trend started, but were all for bringing more people (or characters!) under the queer umbrella.

TikToker BrittBrattCattt posted a video of Buzz Lightyear turning heads at a Walt Disney World Resort park parade earlier this week. The clip shows Buzz grabbing a rainbow-colored Pride hand fan from an audience member before dancing away and flicking the fan open  honestly? He ate!

The video was posted alongside the caption, Buzz is an ALLY (now canon) and featured Lady Gagas LGBTQ+ anthem Born This Way.

Toy Story fans ran to the comments to welcome the Pixar character into the family. You cant tell me Buzz isnt at least a little bi, one commenter wrote. Come on, theres definitely some underlying tones with Woody,

Others referenced the scene in Toy Story where the little girl dresses Buzz up in an apron and a hat with a flower in it and calls him Mrs. Nesbit. YAS MRS NESBIT WERK, someone wrote.

Im convinced now that all of these Disney performers, are PERFORMERS. So much slay, another person commented.

On top of the Buzz mascot dancing up a storm, we know that canonically hes an LGBTQ+ ally because his best friend in 2022s Lightyear is Alisha Hawthorne, who is in a sapphic relationship in the film. There was even a controversy over Disney removing a kiss between Hawthorne and the woman shes dating. The scene has since been put back after an outcry from Pixar employees.

In a year where our rights are being systematically stripped away, we all need a little levity. So welcome to the fam Buzz!
These new California laws go into effect July 1. Heres what you need to know

On July 1, a slate of new laws goes into effect in California that will tighten regulation of the firearm industry, codify a new state holiday and seal criminal records. Heres a brief overview of the legislation that becomes operative Saturday:

Civil suits against firearms makers

AB 1594, the Firearm Industry Responsibility Act, creates a new firearm industry standard of conduct and makes it easier for Californians to bring firearm retailers to civil court.

Firearm dealers will be required to establish and enforce practices that prevent the sale of guns to traffickers, people prohibited from firearm possession under state or federal law and people who a retailer would have reasonable cause to believe is a risk to themselves or others.

The new law, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom a year ago, also prohibits the manufacturing, marketing, importing or offering for sale any gun deemed abnormally dangerous.

Victims of gun violence, public officials and the Attorney General can file civil lawsuits against firearm industry members for violations of the standard of conduct.

Sealing old criminal records

SB 731 will allow almost all convictions on a persons criminal record to be permanently sealed if theyve served all terms of incarceration and have been conviction-free for at least four years since.

Eight million Californians currently have an arrest or conviction on their record. An estimated 225,000 will have old convictions automatically sealed on July 1. One million more will be eligible to petition a judge for a seal.

The laws proponents see it as a way to help people with criminal records regain employment. People will not be able to seal convictions for sex crimes.

Other new California laws

AB 2011, the Affordable Housing and High Road Jobs Act of 2022, and SB 6, the Middle Class Housing Act of 2022, streamline construction of affordable, multifamily housing developments on areas zoned for office, retail or parking use. The laws also bolster health benefits and wage laws with construction contractors.

AB 1655 comes two weeks too late  the new law adds June 19, or Juneteenth, as a California state holiday. California state offices and courts were notably open this Juneteenth, though the day was declared a federal holiday for the first time this year.

AB 1667, prohibits CalSTRS, the state teachers pension, from requiring teachers to pay back overpayments detected in audit reports. In the past, retired teachers have had to pay back benefits when audits found them to be miscalculated.

SB 301 aims to crackdown on the online sale of stolen goods. Starting July 1, high-volume third-party sellers will be required to provide data including contact information and bank account numbers.

AB 2960 allows people in California to request and petition for a restraining order related to domestic violence or gun control electronically.

AB 2043 requires California bounty hunters to be licensed, trained and registered. The new law sprouted from advocacy from a family whose son was killed by a man illegally working as a bounty hunter in Palm Springs in 2021.
California leaders should be slashing fossil fuel subsidies instead of the climate budget

California is struggling (again) to balance its state budget. Forecasting a $31.5 billion deficit for the next fiscal year, Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed cutting $6 billion from the historic $54 billion climate budget approved last summer  and the state Legislature agrees on some $5 billion of those cuts.

As a new report from the World Bank pointed out, this makes little sense when the state wastes billions of dollars every year by failing to close tax loopholes or end subsidies for the fossil fuel industry.

Those illogical policies are especially absurd right now. Record profits are gushing into the largest oil and gas companies, and state lawmakers want to turn off the spigot for funds slated to mitigate the worst effects of climate change. Its companies that contribute a disproportionate amount of global warming pollution  not California taxpayers  that should be paying for the mess theyve created.

As climate change-fueled extreme weather hammers California, the climate budget would give the state badly needed resources to invest in resilience measures. Cuts to these investments would present a serious danger to the public.

Theres a better option: cutting corporate welfare to major polluters. With that found money, California can maintain its commitment to programs that safeguard communities and transition us away from fossil fuels to an economy powered by clean energy.

The first step in eliminating oil and gas subsidies and tax loopholes is for Newsom to direct his administration to investigate the price tag on these fossil fuel handouts. The oil and gas industry reportedly benefits from six different tax benefits and subsidies, including offshore tax havens or mineral tax expenditures, but the public still doesnt know the full extent.

More than 50 environmental, environmental justice and health groups have already signed a letter to the governor, demanding the elimination of these subsidies.

Chevron provides a representative case study. In 2022, it was the third-largest California-based company by revenue, after Apple and Google. For the year, Chevron posted a record profit of $35.5 billion  an amount so egregious it prompted Newsom to champion a price gouging penalty to limit excessive profits at the pump. Chevron had been operating with impunity, despite a 2015 U.S. Senate investigation that found the company hid $31 billion in profits among 13 offshore accounts to avoid paying more taxes.

Why keep subsidizing companies that eagerly game the system, increase household bills and dump pollution on Californians?

California should redirect that money toward building new renewable energy infrastructure and dealing with the antiquated, fossil fuel-based systems that get left behind, as well as the polluters unwillingness to clean up their own messes. A new study found that remediating Californias oil well sites will cost up to $21.5 billion, and warns that, under current rules, the public may be forced to pick up much of the tab.

If just one company made $35.5 billion in profits in one year, that kind of abdication of responsibility should not be allowed.

By reimagining where the money will come from for the state budget, Newsom and the state Legislature have a golden opportunity to hold polluters accountable. They can eliminate subsidies and tax benefits with a bill that the governor can sign swiftly.

Budget cuts arent easy. But making the fossil fuel industry pay its fair share and, in turn, protecting Californias communities and climate, should be.

Laura Deehan is the state director at Environment California.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: California should be slashing fossil fuel subsidies, not climate budget
A state senate bill to decriminalize psychedelics in California cleared another hurdle Tuesday, though it didnt get support from Republican Assemblyman Juan Alanis of Modesto.

Sen. Scott Wieners SB 58 would remove criminal penalties for possession of psilocybin, mescaline and other plant-based substances that became illegal during the war on drugs.

Wiener told the Assembly Public Safety Committee on Tuesday that psychedelics may be a breakthrough in treatment of post-traumatic disorders of combat veterans, addiction and other mental health conditions. But some experts are raising concerns about safety and the need for further study.

Wiener, a Democrat from San Francisco, said the bills wont authorize sale or commercialization of psychedelic mushrooms but will ensure people wont get arrested for possession or use of the substances. Research has established the substances are not addictive, Wiener added.

The bill was passed out of the Public Safety Committee on a partisan vote and is headed for the Health Committee to consider adding a regulatory framework for the bill. Implementation could be delayed until regulations are adopted.

Theres no guarantee a floor vote will favor SB 58 or that the governor will sign the controversial legislation, which is opposed by law enforcement groups.

Alanis, the committees vice chairman, joined fellow Republican Tom Lackey of Southern California in voting against SB 58.

Alanis asked during the hearing if any government regulatory agency has approved the plant-based substances for treatment, mainly to establish on the record that none have. Lackey said the notion of legalizing psychedelics and then seeing what happens is way too dangerous. I wont support it.

The committee heard anecdotal testimony Tuesday, from a coalition opposed to the bill, that people have died from adverse reactions to psychedelics. Opponents noted there are no regulations setting proper doses or protections for vulnerable individuals such as people with mental illness.

Doctor says bill woefully underestimates the drugs harms

Dr. Anna Lembke, medical director of addiction medicine at Stanford, urged committee members in a letter to vote against SB 58. Lembke, an author of best-selling books on the opioid crisis and drug use, wrote that SB 58 woefully underestimates the harms of these drugs while overestimating their therapeutic benefits.

Lembkes letter cited studies on the adverse effects of psilocybin and other hallucinogens, including acute panic, risk of self-harm, deaths from self-inflicted injury and prolonged psychological and psychiatric problems.

The absence of adequate reporting systems to track these harms hampers our ability to quantify them, but I can tell you from over two decades of clinical experience, as well as a review of the medical literature, these drugs contribute to non-trivial risks for individuals and the public health, Lembke wrote.

Those favoring SB 58 said veterans are desperate to find effective treatment for PTSD and are spending thousands of dollars traveling to other countries for therapy using psychedelics, some of which long have been used by traditional cultures for healing.

Wiener removed decriminalization of LSD and another synthetic psychedelic after his similar bill last year was gutted in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

The senator said hes not denying the substances can cause harm or adverse reactions. But large numbers of people are using them and are not having those experiences, he said.

Wiener told the committee that studies in Colorado, where a ballot measure decriminalized psychedelics, did not show an increase in emergency room visits or crime.
Democrat members of the California state Senate walked out of the chamber after Republicans honored former Trump administration Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell .

Grenell, who is gay, was honored by the chamber Republicans amid LGBT Pride Month, but that didnt sit well with some Golden State Senate Democrats .

Several of the California upper chamber Democrats  who control the Senate majority  walked off the Senate floor after Grenell was recognized as "the first openly gay presidential Cabinet member."

PUNCHES THROWN AT CALIFORNIA SCHOOL IN PROTEST OVER LGBTQ+ CURRICULUM, PRIDE MONTH

Democrat members of the California state Senate walked out of the chamber after the Republicans honored openly gay former Trump administration Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell during LGBT Pride Month.

California Senate Republicans, however, were more receptive to the nations former ambassador to Germany, with support from Minority Leader Brian Jones as well as State Assembly members Bill Essayli, Tom Lackey and Greg Wallis.

Essayli told Fox News Digital that when "Democrats walked off the Senate floor in protest of Ambassador Ric Grenell, it highlighted their intolerance toward anyone in the gay and lesbian community that doesnt agree with their far-left political ideology."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"The fact they would not even acknowledge the first openly gay presidential Cabinet member in United States history proves they really only care about advancing an anti-American and pro-Marxist agenda," Essayli said.

Democrat state Sen. Scott Wiener was one of the California upper chamber lawmakers to leave amid Grenells recognition. He said he believes the former Trump acting Cabinet members acknowledgment in the state Senate was GOP retaliation for Democrats recognizing controversial drag group the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence on the chamber floor.

"This is their way of celebrating Pride, by bringing in a guy who is truly a self-hating gay man, who takes tons of anti-LGBTQ positions," Wiener said Monday. "There are plenty of gay Republicans who dont do the unhinged things that [Grenell] does. Im not lumping all gay Republicans together  he is a particularly vile person."

Wiener also attacked the former Trump administration official with claims that he is a "scam-artist pink washer" in a tweet to which Grenell responded.

"Its an honor to be your enemy," Grenell wrote. "You are a radical voice against common sense, decency and parental rights."

"You are an apologist for pedophilia [and] child abuse  and you undermine American values," he continued.

After his recognition, Grenell joined chamber Republicans in a press conference and torched Democrat policies and "the gay left mafia."

"Inherent in the word tolerance is tolerate," Grenell said. "It doesnt mean you agree with it, it means that you tolerate someone elses opinion."

"That means that you dont get up and walk out when they are being honored," he continued. "They just couldnt be in the same room as someone who annihilates their world view."

Grenell was asked if he thought it was intolerant for Republicans to walk out on the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, to which the former ambassador said he has friends on the left and that he "doesnt run out of the room" when confronted with opposing views.

Democrat state Sen. Scott Wiener was one of the California lawmakers to leave amid Grenells recognition and believes the former Trump acting Cabinet members acknowledgment by the state Senate was GOP retaliation for Democrats recognizing controversial drag group the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence on the chamber floor.

Other chamber Democrats left as well, including state Sens. Caroline Menjivar, Susan Talamantes Eggman and Senate President pro-tempore Toni Atkins, who is openly gay.

Atkins said that while she and her Democrat colleagues "absolutely oppose the toxic polarization that Richard Grenell embodies," they did not ask that he be uninvited.

"Senate Democrats are strong enough in our beliefs to recognize there are others with different perspectives," the Democrat who walked off the California Senate floor said.

Grenell has called former President Donald Trump "the most pro-gay president ever" in his political career and is the first openly gay Cabinet-level official in American history.

The former acting intelligence head was able to assume his Cabinet role under the Vacancies Act, which requires acting Cabinet officials to have been Senate-confirmed for some government position. He was confirmed as U.S. ambassador to Germany in 2017.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has been recognized as the first gay person to be confirmed by the Senate to a Cabinet position.
Californias highest court has agreed to hear a challenge to Proposition 22, the controversial 2020 ballot measure that classified gig drivers as independent contractors rather than employees.

A group of union-supported drivers asked the California Supreme Court to hear their case back in April. They hope the court will strike down an appeals court ruling from March that determined Prop. 22 could stand as state law  a significant win for Californias ride-hailing and food delivery industry.

Im grateful that the California Supreme Court is reviewing the case, said gig driver Hector Castellanos, one of the plaintiffs in the case, in a statement Wednesday. We are hopeful it will defend our states Constitution so that gig workers are treated with dignity and respect.

The court has yet to set a date for oral arguments.

We remain confident that the court will uphold Prop. 22 to protect the peoples right of initiative and the overwhelming will of California voters, read a statement released Wednesday by the Protect App-based Drivers and Services Coalition, which supports Prop. 22.

Attorneys for the drivers have previously argued that because the California Constitution requires the Legislature to enforce a complete workers compensation program, carving out independent contractors violates that mandate. If the Prop. 22 supporters wanted to change employment benefits law, they would have needed to do so through a constitutional amendment, opponents argue.

You have a number of factors that are pointing in favor of the court taking review, said Stacey Leyton, legal counsel for the plaintiffs, in a previous interview with The Sacramento Bee. This was a major statewide initiative, and its really important for the California Supreme Court to resolve whether it was valid or not.

The PADS coalition says that the Supreme Court has previously settled the question of whether voters can enact policies through ballot initiatives that the state constitution reserves for the Legislature.

This case is about the voters initiative power. Did the voters have the constitutional authority to enact Prop. 22 in the first instance? said Kurt Oneto, legal counsel for PADS, in an earlier interview. You can find cases that are a century old and you can find cases from the last few years where the California Supreme Court has held that the power of the Legislature and the power of the voters is co-equal.

The Supreme Courts decision to hear the case could potentially add years to the already drawn-out battle over gig worker classification.

The saga began with a 2018 California Supreme Court decision that made it more difficult for companies to hire workers as independent contractors rather than employees. The courts unanimous embrace of the ABC test abandoned three decades of legal precedent and led to a slew of criticism from business groups.

In an effort to codify the courts ruling and provide some clarity, the Legislature passed Assembly Bill 5 a year later. The bill broadly redefined an employee as a worker who performs duties that are central to a companys business. Gig companies lobbied hard against the bill and responded to its passage with Prop. 22.

Voters approved the initiative in November 2020 after businesses like Uber and Lyft poured more than $200 million, a record-setting amount, into the campaign and threatened to cut services in the state. The measure exempted app-based gig workers, such as drivers for DoorDash and InstaCart, from state laws that required businesses to hire more workers as employees rather than independent contractors.

The following year, workers supported by the Service Employees International Union sued the state twice  once in the Supreme Court and once in Alameda Superior Court  on grounds that the proposition unconstitutionally prevented the state from overseeing the workers compensation system.

Ride-hailing drivers, backed by SEIU, sued the state in early 2021 arguing that the initiative violated the state constitution by infringing on the Legislatures authority to enact a workers compensation program and by requiring a seven-eighths majority by lawmakers to amend AB 5  a nearly impossible threshold. An Alameda judge agreed with the workers and ruled in August 2021 that the law was unenforceable and unconstitutional.

The appellate justices in March determined that Prop. 22 did not violate the California Legislatures power over workers compensation, nor did it violate the single-subject rule that limits the scope of ballot initiatives to one single issue.

The ruling did overturn the seven-eighths majority requirement for any legislation that would allow gig workers to unionize. The court said the language violated the separation of powers principle.

Although the appellate court determined that Prop. 22 did not violate the Legislatures power over workers compensation, Justice Jon B. Streeter disagreed and gave the measures opponents some hope going into their Supreme Court appeal.

I believe we must invalidate Proposition 22 in its entirety, Streeter wrote in his dissent.
California State Treasurer Fiona Ma urged the chief executive officers of the nations two largest public pension funds to hold special board meetings on a recent data breach that exposed Social Security numbers, birth dates and other personal information on nearly 1.2 million retirees and other beneficiaries.

Ma sits on the board of both pension funds: the California Public Employees Retirement System and the California State Teachers Retirement System.

While it appears that member retirement benefits are not at risk, those affected may ... now be especially vulnerable to identity theft and other fraudulent activity, Ma said. As you know well, many of our retirees earn modest retirement checks  an average of $41,000 a year for CalPERS retirees  and are on fixed incomes. Putting hundreds of thousands of (retirees) in this position is simply unacceptable!

CalSTRS has said that, on average, its members who retired as recently as 202122 had 25 years of service and a monthly benefit of $4,809.

Brad Pacheco, a CalPERS spokesman, said the CalPERS board was fully briefed on the security breach at a June 21 meeting and a representative from the state treasurers office was present.

Following the meeting, we had a public stakeholder briefing that included the leaders of the retiree associations that represent our members  California State Retirees and Retired Public Employees Association, Pacheco said. We gave them the full picture, and they could ask questions.

Ma said that a special meeting would give staff an opportunity to provide a full accounting of a timeline of events, staff actions once the breach was detected, current data security measures and protocols, as well as plans to prevent these types of intrusions in future.

As The Sacramento Bee reported Thursday, the data was stolen from a third-party vendor, PBI Research Services, that both CalPERS and CalSTRS used. More than 100 organizations around the world suffered data losses as a result of this software vulnerability, said Emsisoft threat analyst Brett Callow.

A ransomware group known as Clop or C10p gained unauthorized access into a software application that PBI and many other companies used. Once inside the application, known as MoveIt Transfer, the Clop hackers were able to get the program to display information that should have been encrypted.

The hackers also may have gotten information on the pension fund members ZIP codes, former or current employers, spouses or domestic partners, and children.

PBI, the third-party vendor, helps CalPERS and CalSTRS to identify any members who have died, helping the agency to prevent overpayments or other errors. PBI also validates information on inactive members, helping the pension funds to assess who may be eligible for benefits soon.

Ma said shed like to know whether CalPERS and CalSTRS will continue their partnerships with PBI Research Services.

In the letter to CalPERS CEO Marcie Frost, Ma wrote: It is my understanding that attacks on PBI Research Services may have happened as far back as May. I would like to know if CalPERS staff was made aware of these attacks and if so, what actions were taken in response.

Ma said the two pension funds also should report on whether they know of any beneficiaries or retirees who have suffered fraudulent activity as a result of the data breach.

CalSTRS said it had was sending out letters this week to roughly 415,000 people who were affected. The agency said those papers would identify resources to help protect personal information and offer contact information for a dedicated call center staffed by trained representatives who can assist in answering questions about the incident.

CalPERS said it had mailed letters Thursday to 769,000 members explaining that they would be offered two years membership in a credit monitoring and identity restoration service.

PBI first shared information on the breach with CalPERS on June 6 and with CalSTRS on June 4. Both agencies said they had acted to ensure that members accounts were secure before announcing the intrusions late last week.

Randy Cheek, the legislative director of the Retired Public Employees Association, and other retirees told The Bee they were deeply disturbed that their information was in hackers hands for weeks before they were alerted to the breach.

Ma told Frost and CalSTRS CEO Cassandra Lichnock that she hoped they would provide updates to pensioners and beneficiaries as new information becomes available.

CalPERS, the nations largest defined-benefit public pension, serves more than 2 million members in its retirement system and administers benefits for more than 1.5 million members and their families in its health care program. The CalSTRS system, second only in size to CalPERS, serves more than 1 million people whose CalSTRS-covered service is not eligible for social security participation.
California tried and failed to ban for-profit ICE detention centers. What does that mean for other states?

The GEO Group's Adelanto ICE Processing Center is one of seven facilities in the state operated by private prison companies. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Californias landmark ban on private prisons and immigrant detention facilities saw its fate sealed when a federal court officially repealed the 2020 law.

In a win for private prison contractors, a final judgment last month declared Assembly Bill 32 unconstitutional as applied to private detention contracts for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agencies, though the ban remains in place for private prisons in the state.

The ban was enacted amid mounting reports of unsafe conditions and health violations at detention facilities, including moldy food, overuse of solitary confinement and dangerous delays in medical care. Following a 2020 investigation by The Times into violence against detainees at Californias privately run federal immigration detention centers, the newspaper sued the Department of Homeland Security for records of abuse nationwide.

After taking stock of California's lost court battle, advocates and lawmakers in other states have altered proposed legislation that would apply restrictions on immigrant detention in hopes that scaled-back measures will face fewer political hurdles.

AB 32 was introduced at the height of the Trump era, when there was an attempt to aggressively expand immigration detention through private corporations, said Jackie Gonzalez, policy director of Immigrant Defense Advocates, who advised legislators drafting the bill. We pushed really hard.

The news comes as detention facility operators face an increase in numbers of detained immigrants with last month's expiration of pandemic-era border restrictions under Title 42. Nearly 30,000 immigrants were detained as of June 18, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, a nonpartisan research center at Syracuse University, up about 40% from a month prior. DHS cleared detention space ahead of Title 42s expiration and, according to TRAC, there are signs the numbers are stabilizing.

Concerns over conditions in detention facilities have continued to grow. On May 17, an 8-year-old girl died in Border Patrol custody in Texas after a nurse practitioner allegedly denied her mothers requests for an ambulance and officials at the facility complained about the "overuse of hospitalization."

People in ICE detention are not serving time for crimes but are held while an immigration judge decides if they should be deported. Detention levels peaked at more than 55,000 under the Trump administration and dropped in 2021, amid the pandemic, to a low of 13,000.

After Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 32 in October 2019, the Trump administration rushed to preempt the law before it could take effect.

Read more: California banned private prisons, immigrant detention centers. Will the law survive court?

AB 32 would have prohibited new contracts and phased out existing private detention facilities by 2028. But days before it could take effect on Jan. 1, 2020, ICE established new contracts of up to 15 years, totaling nearly $6.5 billion, with three private prison companies that already operated private detention centers in the state: the GEO Group, CoreCivic and Management & Training Corp. The new contracts also added three facilities, nearly doubling immigrant detention capacity in California to about 7,200 beds.

The GEO Group and the Trump administration sued California, arguing that the ban undermined the federal government's ability to enforce immigration law. Neither the GEO Group nor DHS responded to requests for comment from The Times.

The GEO Group had plenty to lose. According to the lawsuit, it would have forfeited an average of $250 million a year in revenue if its facilities had been forced to close.

Several jails in California once held immigrants for ICE. But in 2017, California became the first state to pass a law preventing local governments and law enforcement agencies from signing new contracts with the federal government or private corporations for immigrant detention. Yuba County Jail's $8.6-million-a-year contract, the only remaining detention contract between ICE and a local law enforcement agency, ended Feb. 8.

Rep. Zoe Lofgren of San Jose was among 24 California Democratic members of Congress who sent a letter to ICE last year urging it to stop holding immigrants at the Yuba jail and two private facilities in the state based on violations such as failure to investigate staff misconduct, the discovery of nooses hanging in detainee cells and misuse of a chemical disinfectant spray that left detainees with chronic nosebleeds and headaches.

J. Lee, 41, said he was sexually assaulted by another detainee in 2020 at the GEO Group's Adelanto ICE Processing Center near San Bernardino after overstaying his tourist visa from South Korea. He worries that more detainees will suffer with private prisons in continued use. (The Times does not name victims of sexual abuse unless they volunteer to be publicly identified.)

Read more: California police got hundreds of calls about abuse in private ICE detention centers. Cases were rarely prosecuted

I still have nightmares about what happened there, said Lee, who is now married to a U.S. citizen and lives in Orange County.

Records disclosed to Lofgren, who is chair of the House Judiciary immigration subcommittee, obtained by Immigrant Defense Advocates and reviewed by The Times, indicate that ICE and GEO executives communicated about the effect of AB 32 on detention in California. Also disclosed was a 2018 ICE proposal for additional detention space in the San Francisco region, which called the reduction of beds due to California legislation a devastating blow to the ongoing ICE mission.

ICE owns and operates only a handful of detention facilities around the country. The private prison industry is a multibillion-dollar enterprise in the U.S., and its facilities hold 80% of ICE detainees.

Several private prisons housing California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation inmates closed around the time AB 32 became law, though three were repurposed as ICE facilities under the contracts signed in late 2019.

Just after taking office, President Biden signed an executive order phasing out federal use of private prisons. But the order didn't cover immigration detention.

Then, to the surprise of immigrant advocates, the Biden administration picked up where Trump officials left off on the lawsuit against California's private prison ban. Last year, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the ban violated the U.S. Constitutions supremacy clause, which precludes states from interfering with the enforcement of federal laws.

Izzy Gardon, a spokesman for Newsom, called the outcome disappointing.

"When California became the first state in the nation to ban private for-profit prisons, we set a new goalpost for justice," he said. "History will not look kindly on this industry that commodifies individuals and routinely violates basic human rights."

Sharon Dolovich, a professor and director of the Prison Law & Policy Program at UCLA, said the 9th Circuit's ruling should prompt lawmakers to strengthen regulations for all types of jails and prisons, such as increased transparency and healthcare requirements.

"If people in this state care about reducing the opportunity for prison administrators to hold people in inhumane conditions of detention, they should care as much about publicly run facilities as they do about privately run facilities," she said.

The ruling affects a case in Washington state  which is in the 9th Circuit's jurisdiction  in which lawmakers in 2021 also banned privately operated immigrant detention facilities, prompting the GEO Group to sue over its facility in Tacoma, the only ICE detention center in the Pacific Northwest.

A district court in Washington stayed proceedings until the California lawsuit was resolved. In a June 22 filing, Washington Atty. Gen. Robert Ferguson wrote that as long as the decision in the California case remains the law of the 9th Circuit, Washington "will not enforce" the statute against the Northwest ICE Processing Facility.

CoreCivic, which operates the Elizabeth Detention Center in New Jersey, sued that state this year over a 2021 law banning private detention. The company mentioned the 9th Circuit ruling in its complaint. CoreCivic's contract expires in August and can't be renewed under the law.

This month, Democratic Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill that will end ICE contracts with jails starting Jan. 1, 2024, and prevent future private facilities from operating, while exempting an existing GEO Group-managed facility in Aurora.

In March, New Mexico legislators rejected a proposal to prohibit local government agencies from contracting with ICE, which would have affected three privately run facilities in that state.

Sophia Genovese, a managing attorney with the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center, who worked with lawmakers to draft the legislation, said previous unsuccessful versions of the bill were broader in scope. When deciding what to include in the most recent bill, lawmakers opted to pursue a ban on intergovernmental service agreements, or IGSAs, in part because of the litigation in California, she said.

"Practically speaking, a private prison ban was really difficult to pass in New Mexico, which is so reliant on private prisons," Genovese said. "We also realized California had its own IGSA ban [from 2017] that was not impacted by the GEO Group decision, so we felt confident because we were just attempting to monitor and regulate local government behavior  not the behavior of the federal government."

In the meantime, advocates across the country are calling on DHS to cancel the contracts of facilities with a history of problems and release people while their deportation proceedings continue. In New Mexico, one target is the Torrance County Detention Facility. Last year, a federal watchdog urged the immediate removal of all detainees from that facility after finding safety violations and critical staffing shortages.

In response to public outcry, the Biden administration has ended contracts at five facilities, including Yuba and the Irwin County Detention Center in Georgia, where dozens of detained women said they suffered medical abuse.

At a roundtable discussion with reporters in February, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas said he is focused on ensuring that detention centers comply with the agency's standards of care.

"And if they don't, and they don't remediate or prove themselves unwilling to remediate, then we will not sustain such facilities," he told The Times.

Read more: 19 women allege medical abuse in Georgia immigration detention

Silky Shah, executive director of the Detention Watch Network, which monitors state legislation related to immigrant detention, said California lawmakers have been laying the groundwork for other states to restrict immigrant detention since the 2017 IGSA ban.

That ban followed an era under the Obama administration of increased collaboration between local police and immigration agents. Advocates turned their focus from proposing reforms at the federal level to the local and state levels.

"This is what advocacy is  you have a win, you have some drawbacks," Shah said of California's failed private detention ban. Still, she credits state regulation with contributing to lower overall detention numbers.

Oregon has the strongest antidetention policies in the country, she said, with laws banning IGSAs, blocking private detention centers and preventing local law enforcement from assisting immigration enforcement, including by providing jail or prison release dates. The law has not been challenged in court.

Illinois and Maryland have also passed laws aimed at preventing or deterring future for-profit detention centers. Shah said she thinks those laws haven't been challenged because no private immigration facilities exist in those states, so the laws didn't force any closures.

In California, advocates are pushing a bill that would block transfers of certain prison inmates to ICE detention and another that would regulate and significantly reduce solitary confinement in jails, prisons and ICE facilities. Last year, state lawmakers rejected a predecessor of the prison transfer bill, and Newsom vetoed the solitary confinement bill.

The Los Angeles City Council this month voted to bar city resources and databases from being used for immigration enforcement, codifying the city's "sanctuary" policies.

Gonzalez, of Immigrant Defense Advocates, said AB 32's repeal won't end California's fight. The state has the power to further protect detainees, she said, pointing to the fact that California was the first to offer COVID-19 vaccines to detained immigrants and to a recent investigation of unsafe labor conditions at one facility by the state's Division of Occupational Safety and Health.

California's private prison ban was an attempt to push state powers as far as they could go, Gonzalez said, given existing laws that already limited the state's involvement in immigrant detention.

Other states, she said, are still catching up.

Get the best of the Los Angeles Times politics coverage with the Essential Politics newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Canada sees record CO2 emissions from fires so far this year

Canada wildfires: active fires and fire danger (Sophie RAMIS)

Wildfires raging across Canada, made more intense by global warming, have released more planet-warming carbon dioxide in the first six months of 2023 than in any full year on record, EU scientists said Tuesday.

Hundreds of forest fires since early May have generated nearly 600 million tonnes of CO2, equivalent to 88 percent of the country's total greenhouse gas emissions from all sources in 2021, the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) reported.

More than half of that carbon pollution went up in smoke in June alone.

"The emissions from these wildfires are now the largest annual emissions for Canada in the 21 years of our dataset," CAMS said in a statement.

The previous record for CO2 cast off by wild fires was just over 500 million tonnes, in 2014.

As of Tuesday, firefighters were battling 494 blazes throughout the country, more than half of them classified as out-of-control, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.

Fuelled by unusually dry conditions and high temperatures, fires erupted in large numbers starting in early May in the western part of Canada, expanding over the last 50 days eastward to Ontario, Nova Scotia and Quebec.

Globally, forests play a crucial role in curbing global warming by absorbing and stocking excess CO2 -- emitted mainly from burning fossil fuels -- that is overheating the planet.

Vegetation and soil have consistently soaked up about 30 percent of CO2 pollution since 1960, even as those emissions increased by half.

When forests burn, however, all that stored carbon is released into the air.

Fires in eastern Canada have sent huge plumes of particle-filled smoke across the Atlantic Ocean at high altitude, reaching the British Isles and Europe this week.

The long-range transport of smoke by prevailing winds "is not unusual, and not expected to have any significant impact on surface air quality in Europe," said CAMS senior scientist Mark Parrington.

"But it is a clear reflection of the intensity of the fires."

Earlier in June, eye-watering smoke and throat-scratching particle pollution from Canada's fires descended over the US eastern seaboard, including New York City and Philadelphia.

More than 75 million people were under air quality alerts.

Air quality in Montreal was ranked among the worst in the world over the last weekend, according to IQAir.

Worldwide, wildfires in 2021 released about 1.8 billion tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere, compared to about 38 billion from fossil fuels and industry.

mh/js
Workers assemble temporary grandstands for the Grand Prix of Toronto IndyCar series, as smoke from wildfires obscures the CN Tower in Toronto (Geoff Robins)

Smoke from Canada's worst-ever wildfires was severely impacting air quality Wednesday across Ontario and at least 15 US states, with monitors warning that over one hundred million people face potentially unhealthy conditions.

Chicago, Detroit and Cleveland recorded some of the worst air quality in the United States, with residents told to stay inside or limit outdoor activity as smoke blanketed huge swaths of the country just weeks after communities suffered similar disruptions from Canada's hundreds of active forest fires.

Canada's most populous city Toronto was a 10 out of 10 -- "high risk" -- on Environment Canada's air quality health index, while Swiss-based monitoring company IQAir pegged it as the worst air quality of any major city in the world.

Alerts were issued from Ontario to northern US states Minnesota and Michigan, across to New York and down to the southeastern states of North Carolina and Georgia, the latest dangerous air conditions in much of North America's Great Lakes and Mid-Atlantic regions.

The air quality alerts come as much of the US South and Midwest bakes under a brutal heat wave that is affecting several million Americans, with the National Weather Service issuing a heat index forecast as high as 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 Celsius) Wednesday in northern and central Texas.

The suburbs of Chicago, whose metropolitan area is home to more than nine million people, posted a "very unhealthy" air quality index, or AQI, of 285 mid-day Wednesday, according to AirNow.

US President Joe Biden's Air Force One touched down in the Windy City Wednesday "through a thick layer of smoke and haze," according to a White House pool report, ahead of an economic speech there.

He then flew by presidential helicopter on a short trip to the speech location, offering a bird's-eye view of the dangerous air conditions.

"Air Quality in Chicago is still very unhealthy today. Please limit time outdoors," Chicago's emergency management office post on Twitter.

AirNow showed the Detroit area, with 4.3 million people, recording a "hazardous" AQI touching 306, before dropping off slightly.

An AQI of 301 or above reflects "emergency conditions" that are likely to affect everyone, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency.

- 'Code Red' -

The wildfires -- the largest ever recorded in Canada -- have raged for two months, darkening Canadian and US skies with smoke and haze that contain tiny dangerous particles considered especially harmful for people sensitive to pollution.

"Unhealthy levels of smoke are expected for a wide swath of the Midwest today, the US National Weather Service said.

"Wildfire smoke from Canada will reduce air quality over parts of the Upper/Middle Mississippi Valley, Great Lakes, Western Ohio Valley, Central Appalachians, and Mid-Atlantic, prompting Air Quality Warnings over the area."

In New York City, where noxious haze three weeks ago disrupted flights and forced the cancellation of outdoor events, officials on Wednesday warned that air quality is expected to deteriorate again this week.

New York's Metropolitan Transit Authority said it would offer free KN95 masks at its subway and train stops.

The state of Pennsylvania also declared a "Code Red" on air quality for Wednesday.

The wildfire smoke has drifted across the Atlantic Ocean and over European countries including Portugal and Spain.

But air quality there remained mostly fair Tuesday, "because most of the smoke that reached Europe was higher in the atmosphere, where it is less likely to affect human health," according to US space agency NASA's Earth Observatory.

The wildfire smoke was also bearing down once more on the US capital Washington, a situation that NASA scientist Ryan Stauffer, who studies air pollution and the ozone, called "absolutely brutal."

Scientists say human-induced climate change is helping drive the increased rates of wildfires, heat waves and intense weather systems.

la-mlm/md
Wildfire smoke from Canada triggered air quality warnings Wednesday in Kentucky. The Bluegrass state is the furthest south to be significantly impacted by smoke, causing public officials to urge residents to stay indoors when possible.

Louisville and Lexington, the states largest cities, saw Air Quality Index levels above 180, which is considered unhealthy according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

The recent bout of smoke has caused air quality to dip drastically all across the Midwest, from Iowa to West Virginia. As of Wednesday, Detroit has the worst air quality in the U.S., being labeled hazardous by federal regulators. Indianapolis and Springfield, Ill., also have hazardous air quality designations.

The Kentucky Energy and Environmental Cabinet put out an alert over the air quality Wednesday, telling Kentuckians to limit their activity outside when possible.

Wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes and exacerbate health problems for those with breathing difficulties.

Earlier this month, another wave of smoke turned East Coast cities skies orange in a haze. On Tuesday, Chicago was under the very unhealthy designation and had the lowest quality air in the world.

Unhealthy air quality designations are present from Des Moines, Iowa, to Buffalo, N.Y., as Canada is hit with hundreds of simultaneous wildfires.

More than 482 wildfires are burning across Canada, according to national authorities, with 253 of them considered out of control. Nearly 30,000 square miles of land have burned so far this year.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
How Capital Pride went from a block party in 1975 to welcoming the vice president

Vice President Kamala Harris joins marchers for the Capital Pride Parade on June 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. Capital Pride returned to Washington DC, after being canceled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic (Getty Images)

Ten minutes before the first annual edition of Capital Pride was set to begin in 1975, 20th Street in northwest Washington DC was almost empty.

But Deacon Maccubbin, the founder of the LGBT+ bookstore Lambda Rising who organised the event, told one of his colleagues not to worry.

Dont worry, theyre on gay time, theyll be here, he recalls saying at the time.

And sure enough at 2 oclock, there were about 2,000 people in the street, Mr Maccubbin tells The Independent with a laugh.

Before starting Capital Pride, Mr Maccubbin had been travelling to New York City each year to attend the celebrations there.

Pride commemorates the Stonewall riots, also known as the Stonewall Uprising, which took place in Manhattan at the Stonewall Inn between 28 June and 3 July 1969, when members of the LGBT+ community launched protests in response to a police raid in the early morning of the 28th. Patrons of gay and lesbian bars in Greenwich Village decided to fight back when law enforcement became violent.

The riots are now seen as an era-defining moment for the gay rights movement. The following year, the first Pride march took place in the city.

In 1975, a couple of months before June, we were sitting around at home with a bunch of friends and having a little party and were talking about going to New York for Pride, Mr Maccubbin says. And somebody said Why dont we have something here in DC? It was like a light bulb went off in my brain. Like, why not? That makes perfectly logical sense to me. The very next morning, I was scrambling around finding somebody to help me put together a Pride event.

It was also in New York that Mr Maccubbin first had the idea to open an LGBT+ bookstore in the nations capital. After unsuccessful ventures to the local bookstores and libraries looking for gay literature, Mr Maccubin came across the Oscar Wilde bookshop in New York in 1972.

Thinking that Washington should have something similar, Mr Maccubbin took the plunge two years later.

I had a tobacco shop on one half of a townhouse building in DC, and the other half of that building became vacant, Mr Maccubbin says about the time leading up to the 1974 launch of Lambda Rising.

Deacon Maccubbin speaking to NBC News in 2022 (Screenshot / NBC News)

Mr Maccubbin, now retired, recalls that during its 35 years in operation, the shop and its staff had our share of challenges  no question about it.

The windows were smashed more than once, there were bomb threats, and people would come running through the store and throw things around.

But the staff of Lambda Rising persevered we fought back every time.

Mr Maccubbin knew that we were going to be successful about two weeks after opening Lambda Rising when a man came in, looked around, and said, Home at last.

Mr Maccubbin remembers one day when a father brought his son to the store. His son had not come out to him yet, but he was sure he was gay. And he said he wanted to make sure that he knew it was okay. And he thanked us for being there for that very purpose  That happened all the time.

Capital Pride was initially promoted through the bookstore, the Washington Blade LGBT+ newspaper and flyers put up around the community.

The first hurdle that we had to get over was in order to do a block party, you had to close the streets and to close the streets, you had to get the signatures of the people who live on the street, Mr Maccubbin remembers. So we were going door to door telling people that we want to do a gay party and we didnt know whether wed be able to get the signatures or not  But Im glad to say that, within a couple of weeks, we had only been turned down once.

There were people that were closeted, that were a little worried about coming, but many of them came anyway, he says. When the press and media were there, particularly the TV cameras, we told them that they could film on the left side of the street, but not on the right side of the street. And then wed tell the crowd from the stage  If you want to be on TV, go to the left. And if you dont want to be on TV, go to the right.

It was amazingly successful for the first year. And then we did it for a total of five years. By the time we got to the fifth year, there were 10,000 people who came. And it was too big for the area that we had to do it. And thats at the point where I turned it over to another nonprofit foundation and they moved to a different location that could hold more people, he recalls.

When asked why Pride grew so fast in the District, Mr Maccubbin says, Theres nothing unique about DC. The same thing happens for Pride everywhere it goes  It grows and grows from year to year. People become more comfortable.

Its kind of hard to describe. Its like suddenly youre in. You spend your whole life maybe being in the closet  and then suddenly, youre in the middle of a crowd of hundreds or thousands of people who are just like you  its a freeing experience, he adds.

In the early days, it was more of a block party. Now its a big celebration, a big festival. So there are a lot of differences. Its also much more corporate  a lot of major corporations participate in Pride every year and provide a lot of the funding, he notes.

Mr Maccubbin says that in those early years, they would only make money from the sale of beers and sodas, funds which they would deposit in the bank for next years event.

The P Street Festival Committee took over planning for the event from Mr Maccubbin in 1980. Until that year, it had been known as Gay Pride Day, but in 1981 it changed the name to Gay and Lesbian Pride Day.

Following financial difficulties, the non-profit One in Ten took over the planning of Pride in 1995, moving it from Francis Junior High to Freedom Plaza near the White House.

Two years later, the Whitman-Walker Clinic became a co-sponsor to relieve some of the organisational and financial struggles of running the event. It was also in 1997 that the event was renamed to its current moniker  Capital Pride.

In 1998, the event raked in $80,000 in corporate sponsorship, rising to $247,000 the next year.

In 2000, the clinic became the only co-sponsor of Pride in the city and the festival was moved again to Pennsylvania Avenue with the US Capitol in the background of the main stage, where its still organised today.

By the time 2004 rolled around, 100,000 people attended events organised as part of Capital Pride.

At least 600,000 people attended the Capital Pride parade and festival over the weekend of 10 and 11 June of this year, according to the Washington Blade.

Members from the Canadian embassy and community march down the road during the Capital Pride Festival in Washington, DC, on June 10, 2023 (AFP via Getty Images)

Members from the British embassy and community march down the road during the Capital Pride Festival in Washington, DC, on June 10, 2023 (AFP via Getty Images)

Members from the Scandinavian community march down the road during the Capital Pride Festival in Washington, DC, on June 10, 2023 (AFP via Getty Images)

The financial ailments continued and in 2008, the clinic handed over the production rights to the Capital Pride Alliance which was made up of volunteers and groups created by members of the Capital Pride Planning Committee.

Bernie Delia, an attorney at the Department of Justice, was a founding member of the organisation and served as its president between 2011 and 2017.

Going back to that time, it doesnt surprise me that there wasnt a Pride celebration in DC before 1975, Mr Delia tells The Independent.

Theres was a great deal of fear about being openly gay, especially here in Washington, DC. My first Pride celebration was 1986 and I remember at that time that people were  still concerned about being identified as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, he says. Here in Washington, a lot of folks who work for the federal government  were afraid that their security clearances would be yanked.

Bernie Delia speaking to NBC News in 2022 (Screenshot / NBC News)

Raised on Long Island, Mr Delia went to college in Maryland not far from DC before going to law school in Texas. He served as a clerk for one of the judges in the Virgin Islands before moving to DC in 1982. I had probably long known that I was gay. But I didnt fully embrace that until 1985. And then once I did, I jumped into the community with both feet.

By the time when Mr Delia attended his first Pride celebration at the age of 30, the AIDS crisis overshadowed everything that we that we did.

We were losing so many people, he says. It was at around the same time that I was getting ready to come out that the AIDS crisis really hit and hit very hard.

Mr Delia was a political appointee in the Clinton administration in the 1990s, working briefly in the White House before moving on to the Department of Justice.

Bill Clinton was very open and welcoming to members of the community  he certainly set that tone. I worked for many years over at the Justice Department when Janet Reno was the attorney general. And shes the one who ... got rid of the problems with the security clearances for LGBTQ+ people, Mr Delia recalls.

But the attorney also says that there were limits  things have evolved quite tremendously.

In 1994, they were assembling the openly gay and lesbian members of the administration, all the political appointees. We were at an event for the holidays, and there were about 25 or 30 people who were there.

Out magazine attended that event, and they wanted to take a picture of folks. Only 10 people volunteered to be in that picture. Because the rest of the folks were, even though they were openly LGBTQ+, theyve been appointed into the administration, everybody knew who they were, they still were too concerned to be in that photograph.

Kamala Harris became the first vice president to attend Capital Pride in 2021 and again last year.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris joins marchers for the Capital Pride Parade on June 12, 2021 in Washington, DC (Getty Images)

US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the Capital Pride Festival, a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, in Washington, DC, June 12, 2022 (AFP via Getty Images)

It was really quite wonderful to see that. It was an acknowledgment of how far the community has come, Mr Delia says.

Mr Maccubbin says the vice presidents appearance was about time. Hes been to a couple of Pride Day events at the White House, which they will have, he notes, if its a Democratic president.

Theres a huge number of votes in the gay and lesbian community. Its not just gay and lesbian people and transgender people. Its the people who are part of their families. Their moms and their dads and their sisters, their brothers and their sons and their daughters, he says. Theres an awful lot of people that care, and theyre gonna vote the way they care.

Speaking about his time working in the Clinton administration, Mr Delia says, There was no way I wasnt open  I worked in the White House for the first six months and then I went over to the Justice Department and worked there for the rest of the administration. And my late partner worked in the White House too  no one who knew us didnt know that we were an openly gay couple.

Before the anti-LGBT+ Defence of Marriage Act was signed into law by Mr Clinton in 1996, Mr Delia was able to share his disapproval with the administration signing on to this with Vice President Al Gore.

He was in a tough place because Im quite sure he didnt believe in that nonsense either. I dont believe that President Clinton did, Mr Delia tells The Independent, adding that the bill was signed because of political expediency.

It was sometimes tough with Dont Ask, Dont Tell and the Defense of Marriage Act. But we also understood that we were on a journey, and the journey sometimes has some rough patches and some rocky roads. And if you persevere, youll get beyond it. And in fact, we did. Both of those things have now been discarded, Mr Delia notes.

The attorney says that the progress on LGBT+ rights has been faster than expected.

There was much work done before the Stonewall riots in 1969. There was a tremendous amount of work done in the 50s and 60s, much of it goes unheralded because were able to point to a very notable event  the riots  as a seminal moment in the history of LGBTQ rights, he adds.

If you take it from the post-World War II era to where we are today, Id say its been  very quick.

Two massive parts of American society long thought to be unwelcoming to the LGBT+ community are religion and the armed forces.

While a group from the Washington National Cathedral took part in the DC parade for the first time in 2013, Mr Delia notes that we have long had a very strong presence in the parade from members of the religious community.

In 2014, an Armed Forces color guard led the parade through Washington  the first time in US history that an officially sanctioned guard took part in a Pride parade.

We asked and it was granted, Mr Delia says. I happened to be marching right behind the color guard that year and it was extremely emotional to see that because I grew up in an era that was very much filled with homophobia and bigotry.

We heard from a lot of people in the wake of that  military veterans who had unfortunately been silenced during their years of service and they saw that and it touched a great emotion with them, he adds.

Mr Delia joined the board of the Capital Alliance in 2008 as the group took over the organisation of Pride in DC from the Whitman Walker clinic, which had been brought in when the previous organisers faltered.

He says the clinic needed to divest themselves of this because this really is not part of their core health mission.

They were calling for folks to step up, and a group of us who had been working on Pride through them had gotten together, and we formed the Capital Pride Alliance, he recalls.

We had them there for the first year in 2008, but then on in 2009 we were pretty much on our own, he says, adding that it was exciting but scary.

When asked about the previous financial problems that have affected Capital Pride, Mr Delia says the alliance has been very cognizant of the previous problems and have tried to avoid them.

We have a small staff. But we very much could not do this without the large cadre of volunteers we have, he says.

It was announced in November last year that Washington, DC had been selected as the host of World Pride in 2025, which will coincide with the 50th anniversary of Mr Maccubbins block party marking the first Pride celebration in the US capital in 1975.

The DC celebrations will be the ninth World Pride after the first one was held in Rome in 2000. In 2019, about five million people attended World Pride in New York City, 50 years after the Stonewall Uprising.

We really want to be able to showcase not only the LGBTQ+ community here in DC but throughout the United States, Mr Delia says.
Carlos Asencio is escorted from the courtroom after the verdict.

WORCESTER - Carlos Asencio is slated to receive a life sentence Thursday for the 2019 murder of Amanda Dabrowski at OConnors Restaurant & Bar.

The sentencing comes a week after a Worcester Superior Court jury rejected the 32-year-olds insanity defense and convicted him of first-degree murder.

The sentence will not be in question, as adults convicted of first-degree murder in Massachusetts face a mandatory term of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Before the sentence is officially imposed, loved ones of Dabrowski and others victimized by the public crime will have a chance to give victim impact statements if they choose.

The 31-year-old microbiologist, who prosecutors said Asencio hunted down and viciously stabbed inside OConnors on July 3, 2019, built a considerable following online blogging about wine.

She had briefly dated Asencio in the months before her death, prosecutors said at trial, and he planned out her murder amid anger and jealousy after she ended things.

Evidence at trial indicated Asencio broke into her Ayer home on Easter Sunday 2019 and attacked her before fleeing the country, returning and tracking her to O'Connor's using a cellphone he duct-taped under her SUV.

He then, according to medical examiner testimony, stabbed Dabrowski 58 times with multiple knives in a brutal attack that was captured on surveillance video.

Asencio will also be sentenced upon a conviction related to allegations he stabbed a restaurant patron as he intervened during the attack.

The patron, Allen Corson Jr., was not gravely injured, and was among those District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. praised for their actions last week after the verdict.

Asencio still faces charges in Middlesex Superior Court related to the assault at Dabrowskis Ayer apartment.

His lawyer declined after the verdict last week to say what might become of those allegations, which mental health experts at the murder trial indicated he admitted to during interviews.

Guilty: Worcester jury convicts Carlos Asencio in killing of Amanda Dabrowski

Family of Amanda Dabrowski expresses relief after guilty verdict in Carlos Asencio case

What to know as Carlos Asencio murder trial enters its second week

State expert: Carlos Asencio did not kill because of voices in his head

Another juror dismissed from Carlos Asencio murder trial as graphic testimony continues

Jurors in Carlos Asencio murder case view graphic evidence from crime scene

Homeless couple that befriended Asencio say his mood lifted prior to killing

Worcester murder trial: Defense says Asencio's life marked by mental health struggles

Insanity defense: Psychologist says Asencio talked of voices in his head

Father of Amanda Dabrowski testifies to finding phone taped underneath her SUV

'Revenge and manipulation,' says prosecutor in trial of man charged in slaying at restaurant

Murder trial to open for man accused of killing Amanda Dabrowski at O'Connor's Restaurant

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Carlos Asencio slated for sentencing in murder of Amanda Dabrowski
By Horaci Garcia and Joan Faus

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Heavily-armed police officers arrived in a well-to-do Barcelona suburb before dawn to raid a two-storey house that turned out to be packed with 800 marijuana plants growing under powerful lamps.

The recent raid, on which Reuters accompanied the officers as they arrested two Albanian nationals, is part of an almost daily police routine in the Spanish region of Catalonia as it cracks down on the booming illegal production of marijuana, often run by local and international drug gangs.

To hear more on this story click on today's episode of Reuters World News.

With a number of countries mainly in the Americas legalising or regulating marijuana use in recent years, Spain being legally permissive with personal consumption and Barcelona itself hosting Europe's largest cannabis-themed fair, such a clampdown may seem counterintuitive.

But police argue that the organised crime that has grown around the marijuana business is making parts of the region a dangerous place and needs to be dealt with to prevent gangs from entrenching further.

They say they are not generally targeting small-scale growers or users, who frequent so-called cannabis clubs that enjoy legal loopholes, but drug rings driven by profitability that export most of the cannabis abroad.

"When it's a business that generates so much money, criminal organisations focus on coming here," said Antoni Salleras, chief of the Catalan police's organised crime unit, noting that foreigners, predominantly from elsewhere in Europe, Morocco and Latin America, accounted for around 60% of arrests last year.

Some real estate or transport services now work almost exclusively for producers, while there is an "elevated level of violence" between drug rings to protect plantations, triggering a "worrying" increase in illegal firearms possession, Salleras said.

Last year, Catalan police seized 26 tonnes of marijuana buds, three times more than in 2021, and arrested 2,130 people in what has emerged as one of Europe's main growing areas on the back of its lenient laws, climate and other factors.

Worth around 156 million euros ($171 million) in Catalonia, where a gram of marijuana costs up to six euros, that weight would be sold elsewhere in Europe at two to four times the price, police said.

Consumption of marijuana and its high-potency derivatives is also booming in Barcelona itself, including in private clubs.

Barcelona had the third-highest amount of cannabis in its wastewater in 2022 among dozens of European cities, after Geneva and Amsterdam, according to a study by the EU drugs agency EMCDDA, though down from 2021, when Barcelona ranked first.

Cannabis  the term used for all products derived from the plant - is Europe's most commonly consumed drug and the one most linked to breaches of drug laws across the bloc, the EMCDDA said. Seizures reached the highest level in a decade in 2021, with Spain representing 66% of the total.

EMCDDA Director Alexis Goosdeel told Reuters that illegally-grown cannabis has increased in areas with a climate conducive to large-scale production like Catalonia, a trend that "worries all EU member states".

Private clubs, where buying and smoking marijuana is allowed thanks to legal loopholes and the absence of national regulation, have grown in number to around an estimated 600 in Catalonia, or nearly half of Spain's 1,500 estimated total.

Their model, however, faces uncertainty as the new Barcelona mayor's top security official said in March he wanted to ban cannabis clubs.

The mayor's office declined to comment.

FRENCH CONNECTION

Catalonia used to be a transit area for marijuana until production started around eight years ago and has soared since, said the police chief. It is now Spain's top producing region, with most exports channelled by road to France.

Salleras said Catalonia is attractive because producers can use properties left empty after the bursting of Spain's property bubble in 2008, the process to evict them is lengthy, theft of electricity does not carry a jail sentence, and marijuana-related crimes carry lighter sentences than in neighbouring countries.

It is illegal to produce marijuana in Spain, but cultivating it for personal use or smoking it is not punishable if both occur in a private space because it is protected by privacy rights, said specialist lawyer Bernardo Soriano.

Buying seeds is tolerated under the premise that it is for collection purposes, while cannabis clubs are permitted by the constitutional right to association and the lack of a widespread judicial doctrine, although carrying marijuana is illegal.

In 2017, Catalonia fully legalised the clubs, fuelling their proliferation, but courts later overturned the move for procedural reasons.

Under self-imposed rules, clubs should grow their own marijuana, only let in adults who can buy up to 60 grams monthly and take 15 days to approve memberships to put off short-term tourists.

But many clubs, which are often barely recognisable from outside, do not stick to the rules because they are voluntary, complained Eric Asensio, head of the Catalan federation of cannabis clubs.

"We believe the lack of (legal) control is causing many problems."

($1 = 0.9139 euros)

(Reporting by Horaci Garcia and Joan Faus in Barcelona, additional reporting by Catarina Demony in Lisbon; Writing by Joan Faus; Editing by Aislinn Laing, Andrei Khalip and Toby Chopra)
Caught on camera: Brazen burglar in Port Orchard seen carting off safe, tools & more

The Kitsap County Sheriffs Office is looking for a brazen burglar who was recorded by several home surveillance cameras.

The burglar broke into a home in the 1000 block of Southwest Harper Road in Port Orchard on Friday, Jun. 23. Cameras recorded the man from several angles.

He stole several items including a small safe, laptop, guns, tools, a coin collection, and other goods concealed inside a large bag that he slung over his shoulder like Santa Claus.

He was recorded loading the items into a silver SUV before driving away.

Anyone who recognizes the man or has information about the burglary is asked to email KCSOTips@kitsap.gov and reference case# K23-006422.
The CBS reporter who rode on the Titan sub in 2022 doesn't think OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush was a con man: 'He genuinely believed in his design'

OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush and a pilot operating the submersible "Antipodes" in 2013. AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee

The CBS reporter David Pogue says he doesn't think OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush was a con man.

Pogue rode on OceanGate's Titan submersible  which imploded during a dive last week  in 2022.

In a story for New York Magazine, Pogue discussed his experience and dug into questions about Rush.

A CBS correspondent who rode on the Titan submersible last year doesn't think the submersible's inventor, Stockton Rush, was a con man.

David Pogue profiled Rush and the Titan for CBS, spending nine days with the crew in July 2022. His segment aired in November and got another massive wave of interest last week after the Titan imploded during a dive to the Titanic shipwreck. All five people on board at the time  including Rush  died.

In a New York Magazine story published Tuesday, Pogue published more of his observations from the July 2022 trip while also digging into some questions that have since surfaced about Rush.

Rush "relished playing the maverick genius; more than once, he compared his role as industry disruptor to Steve Jobs and Elon Musk," Pogue wrote.

"Rush was cocky. He cherry-picked the opinions of his experts, accepting the design approval he got from, for example, NASA and Paul-Henri Nargeolet, and tossing out the nay-sayers. He exaggerated the involvement of Boeing and the University of Washington on the Titan's design (they worked only on the Titan's predecessor)," Pogue told Insider.

Rush started his submersible company, OceanGate, in 2009. His approach toward developing the submersible has come into the spotlight after it emerged that he had received multiple safety warnings from experts.

"But I don't think Rush was a con man. He genuinely believed in his design  enough to trust it with his own life many times over," Pogue continued in the New York Magazine story.

"Con man suggests that Rush secretly knew that the sub was unsafe. And if that's true, why would he serve as the primary pilot himself, taking it down over and over again?" Pogue told Insider. "If he were a con man, he'd also have to be suicidal, and he certainly didn't strike me that way."

Pogue wrote that he witnessed a "serious culture of safety" while profiling Rush and his crew.

"There are endless checklists, sub inspections, twice-daily mandatory briefings, and a three-strikes rule: If they find three things amiss  even tiny things like low battery power in a flashlight or a missing nut on the platform  they cancel the dive," Pogue wrote.

OceanGate's submersible made three trips down to the Titanic shipwreck before its final, ill-fated dive on June 18.

The US Coast Guard said on Sunday that it had convened its highest investigative board to study the Titan's implosion.

"My primary goal is to prevent a similar occurrence by making the necessary recommendations to enhance the safety of the maritime domain worldwide," Capt. Jason Neubauer, the chief investigator, told the media.

Representatives for OceanGate did not immediately respond to requests for comment sent outside regular business hours.

Editor's note: June 30, 2023  This story has been updated with responses from David Pogue.

Read the original article on Insider
The CDC says that if you have a mystery fever this summer, there's a chance it could be malaria

CDC

Malaria is circulating again in the US this summer. Five local cases have been diagnosed in Florida and Texas.

It's easy to prevent and treat, but isn't typically on the radar of doctors in the US.

The CDC is cautioning providers to be on the lookout for unexplained fevers.

Malaria is circulating again in the US. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said five cases of locally acquired malaria have been detected so far this summer  four in Florida, and one in Texas.

The cases are striking as malaria was declared eradicated from US shores in 1951  though rare cases have been seen locally in the years since, most recently in 2003, when a cluster of eight people caught malaria in Palm Beach, Florida.

Typically, the approximately 2,000 people who are diagnosed with malaria in the US each year have recently traveled to a place in the world where the disease regularly circulates.

But something unusual must have happened this summer  travelers who came back from places in the world where malaria is more common got the disease, and were then bitten by mosquitoes in Texas and Florida. Then, those same mosquitoes, carrying malaria parasites, flew away and bit other people, causing local transmission.

"There's a lot more people who are traveling now, post-COVID, and going to areas where malaria is endemic," Dr. Jill Weatherhead, a tropical medicine expert at Baylor College of Medicine, told Insider.

The cases are unusual and numerous enough that the CDC sent out an emergency health alert earlier this week to notify doctors of the uptick. The CDC is asking doctors to "consider a malaria diagnosis in any person with a fever of unknown origin regardless of their travel history."

Malaria can be deadly, but symptoms may start out like the flu

A poster from the 1920's, advocating for malaria prevention with bug repellent. Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images

Symptoms of malaria are often "nonspecific" Weatherhead said, and can look a lot like the flu.

"Fever, myalgias (muscle aches), headaches, fatigue," are some of the most common symptoms, she said. "Healthcare providers may not think of it as a potential diagnosis in a person who hasn't traveled."

The good news is that malaria is very quickly and effectively treated with prescription drugs. The type of malaria being diagnosed in the US, caused by Plasmodium vivax, is not one of the more deadly forms of the disease. Another malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, which is typically found in sub-Saharan Africa, is the most dangerous of the five species.

But there is still a risk that the vivax parasite can lie dormant in the liver and relapse in months or years, which is why Weatherhead recommends patients take a "secondary medication" to nix any dormant parasites.

How to prevent malaria

Weatherhead said there are a few key prevention measures everyone can practice to avoid catching malaria, both in the US and abroad:

Try not to get bit by mosquitoes, especially around dusk and at nighttime when the anopheles mosquitoes, which transmit malaria, are most active. Wear long sleeves or long pants, and use bug spray.

Get rid of standing water outside your home where mosquitoes can breed. Keep trash lids closed, empty dog dishes and other open containers of water outside at night, and generally make sure you aren't providing extra opportunities for mosquito breeding grounds to thrive.

Take antimalarial medicine if you're traveling to an area of the world where malaria is endemic. Drugs like Malarone and doxycycline can be prescribed at travel clinics.

Malaria researcher Jim Kublin, a global health and vaccine research expert at Fred Hutch, said he hopes this is an opportunity to "raise awareness to the significant burden of malaria that exists worldwide."

Malaria kills hundreds of thousands of people, mostly children, every year. And anywhere that is hot and tropical year-round, like Florida, there is an increased possibility for malaria transmission to occur.

"In the US, I think control is relatively easy compared to countries where it's highly endemic," Kubin said. "If you detect early and treat quickly, people will not be transmitting to the mosquito that will then transmit to other people."

Read the original article on Insider
Yusef Salaam spent seven years in juvenile detention as a member of the Central Park Five  the teenagers wrongly convicted of the rape and assault of a jogger.

He now looks set to join the New York City Council after winning the Democratic primary in Harlems 9th District  34 years after false accusations, including by then-future President Donald Trump, upended his life. The district is unlikely to elect a Republican in the general election in November.

The poet, activist, and author, now a member of the Exonerated Five, appeared in court at age 15 at his sentencing hearing in August 1990, the year after the incident, telling the judge that he saw this legal lynching as a test by my God Allah.

His conviction was overturned 12 years later. As the results came in on Tuesday night, Mr Saalam looked likely to receive just over 50 per cent of the votes out of the around 11,000 ballots cast in the district.

When addressing supporters, a seemingly stunned Mr Salaam said: Harlem is the place that gave me a second chance. I am my ancestors wildest dream.

This campaign has been about those who have been counted out. This campaign has been about those who have been forgotten, he said.

Yusef Salaam, a member of the Exonerated Five, has a double-digit lead in the Democratic primary for City Council District 9.



"This campaign has been about those who have been counted out. This campaign has been about those who have been forgotten." pic.twitter.com/wQmJMohxXs  Spectrum News NY1 (@NY1) June 28, 2023

NEW: Incredible. Exonerated 5 member Yusef Salaam has gone from wrongful imprisonment to winning his city council primary tonighthe will almost certainly win the general election. Historic night and an amazing story. pic.twitter.com/Td77ZRc0V5  Kaivan Shroff (@KaivanShroff) June 28, 2023

During his campaign, Mr Salaam, 49, emphasised housing and criminal justice reform.

aaIve often said that those who have been close to the pain should have a seat at the table, he told the AP earlier in June.

Mr Salaam was wrongly convicted of the attack on a white woman in her late 20s, Trisha Meili, jogging in Central Park on 19 April 1989 along with Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Raymond Santana, and Korey Wise  all minority teenagers between 14 and 16 years old.

They all spent between five and 12 years behind bars before the convictions were overturned in 2002. DNA evidence revealed that a serial rapist, Matias Reyes, was connected to the attack. The city agreed to a settlement with the exonerated men worth $41m.

The attack led to frantic media coverage and a massive public outcry. Mr Trump bought several full-page spreads in several newspapers calling for the return of the death penalty.

The indictment of the teenagers went ahead despite witnesses contradicting each other and despite the lack of forensic evidence connecting any of the teenagers to the crime.

When I came back here from prison, I couldnt afford my apartment, Mr Salaam told Air Mail earlier in June. I remember that big, orange eviction sticker on my door. I remember the shame I felt when my neighbors saw that.

We have to climb out of the gravitational pull of all the negatives that pull us down, he said.

Mr Salaam is now set to join the framework of city power that once put him in prison. The father of 10 told the AP that When people look at me and they they know my story, they resonate with it.

But now here we are 34 years later, and Im able to use that platform that I have and repurpose the pain, help people as we climb out of despair, he added.

Poverty in Harlem is around 10 percentage points higher than the 18 per cent across all of New York City, figures from New York Universitys Furman Center show.

More than a fourth of those living in Harlem spend more than half their income on rent, and the area has some of the highest child homelessness rates in the city.

The incumbent in the seat thats likely to be held by Mr Salaam, Kristin Richard Jordan, dropped out of the race in May after a tumultuous first term in office.

In the primary, Mr Salaam faced off against New York Assembly members Al Taylor, 65, and Inez Dickens, 73. They argued that Mr Salaam doesnt know enough about local government to be an effective council member.

Ms Dickens, who has previously represented Harlem on the council, told the AP earlier this month that No one should go through what my opponent went through, especially as a child. Years later, after he returns to New York, Harlem is in crisis. We dont have time for a freshman to learn the job, learn the issues and re-learn the community he left behind for Stockbridge, Georgia.

Mr Salaam left New York after being released from prison before returning in December.

I think that folks will identify with him and the horrendous scenario that he and his colleagues underwent for a number of years in a prison system that treated him unfairly and unjustly, Mr Taylor told the news agency earlier in June.

But his is one of a thousand in this city that we are aware of, he added. Its the Black reality.

Mr Salaam brought up his arrest on several occasions during a Spectrum News debate. Mr Taylor noted that he had also been arrested. When he was 16, he was detained after he was found carrying a machete. The charge was later dismissed by a judge.

We all want affordable housing, we all want safe streets, we all want smarter policing, we all want jobs, we all need education, Mr Salaam said during the debate.

I have no track record in politics, he noted. I have a great track record in the 34 years of the Central Park jogger case in fighting for freedom, justice and equality.

Mr Salaam has never received an apology from Mr Trump after his ad placed in four papers with the line Bring back the death penalty before the teenagers went on trial in 1989.

In 2019, Mr Trump told a reporter that there were people on both sides of the issue when he was asked if he would apologise.

They admitted their guilt, he said. The falsely accused men have said they were coerced into confessing to the attack.

Some of the prosecutors think the city should never have settled that case. So, well leave it at that, Mr Trump added at the time.

As Mr Trump was indicted in New York in April of this year on 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection to hush money payments to women who alleged to have had affairs with him, Mr Salaam shared a mocking ad on social media, similar to the one Mr Trump had placed in the papers decades previously.

Over 30 years ago, Donald Trump took out full page ads calling for my execution, Mr Salaam tweeted alongside the ad, which stated, Bring Back Justice & Fairness.
Changes could be coming to KCs 911 system to shorten time callers spend on hold

Major changes to the way Kansas City handles 911 calls could be coming soon to address the growing problem of long wait times for people who dial 911.

The Board of Police Commissioners at its meeting Tuesday directed the Kansas City Police Department to call for an emergency meeting with the Mid-America Regional Councils Public Safety Communications Board to discuss a new way for 911 calls to be handled.

The change the board is aiming to make would prompt callers to choose if they want fire, ambulance or police through an automated system. The hope is that this would route calls to the proper agency without callers having to wait on hold for a call taker.

For too long, Kansas Citians calling 911 have experienced unacceptable wait times connecting to call takers, threatening health and safety, Mayor Quinton Lucas said on Twitter Tuesday. We expect to adopt soon a system immediately directing callers to their required emergency service: Police; Fire; EMS; Non-Emergency (311).

A fast response when residents call 911 is a core, vital public service, Lucas said.

In the coming weeks ahead, we expect to announce that you will never wait on hold to be directed to an emergency agency in our city again, Lucas said in subsequent Tweet.

Growing problem

The time people spent on hold has been a growing problem. The average hold times for 911 are now 60 seconds, according to the latest data that was presented board of commissioners on Tuesday.

Some callers wait longer than that. Earlier this month, a woman waited on hold for four minutes after her husband was randomly attacked by a group of strangers ahead of the Luke Combs concert at Arrowhead Stadium.

In late May, Lucas said his sister was on hold with 911 dispatchers for five minutes before getting help for their mother.

The Mid-America Regional Council, known as MARC, serves as the coordinating agency for the Kansas Citys regional 911 system. It owns the equipment that allows a 911 call to get to the appropriate agency based on the location where the call originated.

In Kansas City, the primary agency is the police department. Currently, its call takers ask callers if they have a police, fire or medical emergency and route the call to the proper agency. The change being proposed would hopefully streamline and route calls to the appropriate agency through automation.

The system being used by MARC currently has the capability to automate the calls this way, but it has to be activated, acting Deputy Chief Gregory Williams told the board of commissioners.

In the past, changing to an automated system would have required all the local agencies in the regional 911 system to automate their calls as well. That is no longer the case, Williams said.

With the advancement in technology, we can now separate that for just Kansas City, Missouri, and do that just for ourselves, Williams said. So that capability does exist.

It needs the approval, however, of the MARC Public Safety Communications Board. Williams doesnt expect there will be any issues in getting that passed.

Get this done now

The next meeting is scheduled for late July. However, the board didnt want to wait that long and approved a motion by Lucas for the police department to request a meeting sooner.

Youre now directed by the entire board to please get an emergency meeting and get this done now, said board president Cathy Dean.

The police department, in cooperation with MARC, also has requested software through the Jackson County 911 tax fund that would assist with 911 hang-ups, Williams said. Currently, call takers call back those numbers. Last month, there were nearly 22,000 hang ups.

The new software would initiate the call backs, asking if they needed a police, fire or medical response. If they do, the software instructs them to press 1 and stay on the line, which places them back in the queue, Williams said.

If no emergency response is needed, people are instructed to press 2 and the call is ended.
The release of Children's BRI Stories, a full-color picture book that interprets the essence of the Belt and Road Initiative for youngsters, was held on June 16.

Through engaging stories and illustrations, the book introduces young readers to the background, goals, and significance of the initiative as well as the profound history history and diverse cultures of the countries involved in the initiative.

Its author Wang Yiwei, deputy director of the Academy of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era at Renmin University of China, said that it's important for him to grasp the theories behind the initiative when writing the book.

"Writing the book requires a heart full of love and using a clear and accessible writing style that could resonate with the youngsters," he said.

Luo Linquan, vice-president of the China Public Diplomacy Association, said the book integrates the theory of the Belt and Road Initiative with the history and culture of the countries involved in the initiative in an easy-to-understand language in the form of illustrations and texts, showing the unique charm of different civilizations. He said that this book will become a window for young people to learn about the initiative and broaden their horizons.

Li Lingling, director of Anhui Children's Publishing House which is the book's publisher, added that the book offers young readers a glimpse into the distinctive allure of different civilizations while conveying China's long-standing diplomatic attitude.

"The book helps children gain a clear understanding of the great efforts China is making for the development of humanity amid the unprecedented global changes of our time," she said.
Migrants arrive on the beach in Dungeness, Kent, after being rescued by the RNLI lifeboat - GARETH FULLER/PA

A Channel migrant is alleged to have raped a woman 40 days after arriving in the UK, it has been reported.

The 33 year old has been charged with raping the woman in a park after allegedly reaching the UK in a small boat across the Channel, according to The Sun newspaper.

He is said to have dragged the alleged victim, whom he did not know, into bushes to attack her. The alleged rape is said to have taken place in Skegness.

Appearing via video link at Lincoln magistrates court he spoke via an interpreter to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

The suspect was denied bail in a hearing at Lincoln magistrates court this month  and is awaiting his first crown court appearance.

The Government and prosecutors were said to be trying to find out if he held any convictions before entering the UK.

Hugely shocking

Skegness MP Matt Warman described the allegations as hugely shocking and said it understandably raised a number of significant concerns. But he added on social media: I would ask that people resist the understandable desire to speculate on this case.

About 45,000 migrants are currently being housed in hotels, with a similar number in dispersed accommodation largely run by councils.

The Home Office is proposing to move migrants to alternative accommodation including barges, cruise ships, disused military bases and a former prison.

More than 11,000 migrants have crossed the Channel so far this year, down about seven per cent compared with the same period last year.

A record 45,755 migrants crossed the Channel last year in small boats, up from 28,526 in 2021 and just 8,466 in 2020. The Home Office has projected as many as 85,000 could come this year.

Lincolnshire Police, who are investigating the incident, urged anyone with any information to contact them on 101 or email force.control@lincs.police.uk.

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Charter school lost case over skirts rule for girls, but debate over charter autonomy isn't over

The Supreme Court is seen behind flowers, Tuesday, June 27, 2023, in Washington, as decisions are expected. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Bonnie Peltier was at her daughter's kindergarten orientation in North Carolina when she learned all girls at the charter school must wear skirts.

I was stunned," Peltier said. Im looking around the room at the other parents and nobody seemed to mind. And I was like, I cant be the only one who thinks this is crazy."

Peltier began researching the law that evening, embarking on a legal journey that spanned eight years and came to involve two other students and the American Civil Liberties Union. It ended Monday when the U.S. Supreme Court denied a request by Charter Day School to review its skirt requirement, which a lower court struck down last year.

Little girls dont know how to sit like a lady, Peltier said, adding that skirts were impractical for various school activities, including sitting on the floor during reading time.

The family now lives in Myrle Beach, South Carolina, where Peltier's daughter is in eighth grade, earning As and taking honors classes.

And she wears pants, Peltier said.

Charter Day School, which is in eastern North Carolina, had required girls to wear skirts, jumpers or skorts, except on gym days. Baker Mitchell, who founded the school, said in a statement he was disappointed by the Supreme Court's denial.

Mitchell warned that leaving in place the ruling against the dress code threatens charter schools' autonomy, subjecting them to the same rules, regulations, and political machinations that have crippled government-run school systems.

Mitchell said his charter schools, now called Classical Charter Schools of America, have been recognized as a gap buster for racial and income disparities in test scores through innovations and unique policies.

Baker told The Associated Press in 2021 he founded a school of choice with a classical curriculum that was very traditional, promoting chivalry and respect.

We want boys to be boys and girls to be girls and have mutual respect for each other," he said. "We want boys to carry the umbrella for girls and open doors for them ... and we want to start teaching that in grammar school.

The Supreme Court let stand an appellate ruling that the dress code violated female students equal protection rights, while perpetuating stereotypes that had potentially devastating consequences for young girls.

The school based its policy on the view that girls are fragile vessels deserving of gentle treatment by boys, the appeals court stated. Because public charter schools receive public funds, the lower court said they are state actors and subject to the Constitution's equal protection clause.

If the school wishes to continue engaging in this discriminatory practice, (it) must do so as a private school, the majority of the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals said.

The Supreme Court's denial was a significant win for those who have long held that charter schools are, by their very nature, public institutions. But the debate over whether privately run charter schools can forgo constitutional protections, often in the name of innovation, is far from settled.

The Supreme Court kicked the can down the road, said Preston Green, a professor of education and law at the University of Connecticut. Stay tuned. More to come.

For example, a state school board in Oklahoma approved what would be the first publicly funded religious school in the nation earlier this month, despite warnings that it's unconstitutional. And the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in 2010 that an Arizona charter school was not a state actor in a case involving a gym teacher who was terminated.

Ten states  including South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas  had asked the Supreme Court to take up Charter Day School's appeal. They argued that charter schools are designed to encourage innovation and diversity, while helping students who are underserved by traditional public schools.

The question presented in this case ... warrants this courts attention because it may dictate whether such schools can continue to exist, the states wrote in October.

The Biden Administration also weighed in through the Solicitor General, asking the Supreme Court to deny the request: North Carolina law establishes those schools as public school(s) that are open to the same students as the states traditional public schools.

Ember Reichgott Junge, a former Minnesota state senator who authored the nation's first charter school law in 1991, told The Associated Press that folks on the left and on the right have tried to make charter schools something they are not.

On the left, theyve tried to make them more like district schools. And on the right, were seeing this push towards bringing a religious curriculum, said Reichgott Junge, who helped start the National Charter Schools Founders Library, which documents the origins and growth of the charter school movement.

Charter schools were created to provide public school choice with independence outside the traditional district structure, Reichgott Junge said. But they were always public schools protected by the U.S. Constitution.

Jennesa Calvo-Friedman, an ACLU staff attorney, said only a minority of charter schools believe they are not public schools bound by various legal protections.

This hasnt been an issue that has been litigated all that much, in part because it hasnt really been a question, Calvo-Friedman added.

Peltier said she always thought her case would prevail.

It was so obvious to me that this was just a ridiculous thing to ask a girl to do, Peltier said.
ChatGPT owner OpenAI to open first foreign office in UK

OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman said the move would 'attract world-class talent'

The US company behind ChatGPT has said its first international office will be based in London.

OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman said the move was an "opportunity to attract world-class talent".

It comes after he criticised the EU's proposed legislation regulating artificial intelligence (AI), which would require companies to reveal the content used to train their systems.

The UK meanwhile is planning what it calls "pro-innovation" regulation.

"We are thrilled to extend our research and development footprint into London, a city globally renowned for its rich culture and exceptional talent pool," said Diane Yoon, OpenAI VP of People.

"We are eager to build dynamic teams in research [and] engineering... to reinforce our efforts in creating and promoting safe AI."

When ChatGPT burst onto the scene last November, the chatbot's ability to give human-sounding answers to questions kickstarted intense global interest in the latest AI-powered products.

It also sparked a debate about what threats AI potentially poses - and what regulation is needed to mitigate those risks.

At an event at University College London in May, Mr Altman said he believed AI could create jobs and reduce inequality.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said at the event that AI could "positively transform humanity" and "deliver better outcomes for the British public, with emerging opportunities in a range of areas to improve public services".

ChatGPT has proven controversial, being briefly banned in Italy before it was restored in April 2023.

The UK government said it has invested 2.5bn in AI since 2014.

Chloe Smith, the Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary, told the BBC: "OpenAI's decision to expand into London as their first international office is another vote of confidence for Britain as an AI powerhouse and, in OpenAI's own words, for our vibrant technology ecosystem and exceptional talent.

"Our AI sector already employs more than 50,000 people across the country, and we will continue to foster an approach which unlocks opportunity and cements our place as a global destination for artificial intelligence."
The news that former President Donald Trump is steering donations away from his 2024 presidential campaign and into a political action committee he has previously used to pay his legal fees may have come as a surprise to some of his donors.

But not so for former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Trumps chief detractor in the GOP primary.

Trump is the cheapest S.O.B. Ive ever met in my life, Christie told POLITICO on Tuesday evening. What Donald Trump is good at is spending other peoples money.

The former president began diverting a larger share of his political donations to his Save America PAC in February or March, The New York Times reported on Sunday, and may have already redirected at least $1.5 million.



This is a billionaire who refused to pay his lawyers with his own personal money, and instead, men and women out there who believe in him and wanted [him] to be elected president are donating money to try to forward his candidacy  and hes diverting that money to pay his own legal fees, Christie said.

He should take a pledge today to instruct his campaign to no longer spend any public money on his legal fees, Christie added. He is the richest candidate in this race, yet he is using public money to pay his legal fees. He should be ashamed of himself.

The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Christies criticism.

Save America previously paid $3 million to cover attorney Chris Kises legal work representing the former president, and footed the legal bills for some key witnesses in the investigation into Trumps possible mishandling of classified documents  a case in which he was recently charged with 37 federal felonies.

The former president is also facing an indictment in New York, and his legal woes  and the associated costs  could continue to swell this summer as he awaits the results of investigations into his role in the Jan. 6 riots and possible election interference in Georgia.



Christie has attempted to carve a lane for himself in the presidential race as the principal  and often only  antagonist to the former president. While other candidates have largely shied away from hitting the current frontrunner head-on, Christie, once a Trump ally, has bashed him at every turn.

Its a strategy that hasnt resonated with the swath of the Republican base that still idolizes Trump, and one that recently got the former governor booed during the annual Faith & Freedom conference last week, where Trumpism reigns supreme.

But Christie is gaining ground in New Hampshire, where he has centered his campaign efforts. A Saint Anselm poll out Tuesday had him polling at 6 percent among New Hampshire Republican primary voters, putting him third.

But hes still well behind Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis 19 percent and Trumps 47 percent.

June in the year before the election is not a time when people should be figuring out who they think is gonna win and who they think is gonna lose, Christie said. No campaign has really started yet in earnest.


Fa Guzman

A former sorority sister at a university in New York was kicked out of their sorority by the national organizations leadership because they are nonbinary, the student claims.

Fa Guzman, 22, is a senior performing arts and communications major at St. Lawrence University. They tell The Advocate they didnt feel like belonging for much of their adolescence. Struggling with their identity, they embarked, like many do, on getting a college education and discovering themselves.

Guzman says that about a year ago, after coming out as nonbinary, they joined the sorority Chi Omega because of the groups engagement in service and for the fellowship that membership brings.

Their journey to join Chi Omega started after Guzman experienced a traumatic incident while serving as a resident advisor. They sought refuge with some of their friends who were members of Chi Omega. The sisters invited Guzman to stay with them as they recovered from the incident while the sisters comforted them. Guzman says that kindness convinced them that joining the sorority would fill a void in their life.

Guzman explains that sorority sisters locally embraced them with open arms after Guzman completed the rush process like any other prospective member would.

After being accepted into Chi Omega, Guzman says they thrived in the organization and even took up a leadership role because of their love for it.

I was actually the recruitment chair of my chapter, and I was putting a lot of effort into it. And because of it, my school wanted to show and highlight my experience by writing a story for the magazine, says Guzman. And in that moment, Chi Omega took back all the claims of inclusivity and basically took a very transphobic approach where they invalidated my nonbinaryness and my identification with women and womanhood just by not being female assigned at birth.

The sharp change of acceptance left Guzman stunned and disappointed.

After they promised me and allowed me and also knew me as recruitment chair, they just took this approach, Guzman says. They first told me that they were going to honor my membership as long as I did not go public because they were afraid of the Kappa Kappa Gamma lawsuit that is happening right now.

That lawsuit is from seven cisgender women in the organization who argued against having a trans sister. The sorority, however, defended allowing a transgender woman into its University of Wyoming chapter, saying that the chapter followed sorority rules.

Seven Kappa Kappa Gamma members sued the sorority at Wyomings only four-year state university after the group admitted transgender sister Artemis Langford last year. Six women refiled their lawsuit in May after a judge twice barred them from suing anonymously.

Chi Omega is taking a different approach entirely.

Chi Omegas chief marketing officer Nancy Morkovsky sent The Advocate a statement on behalf of the organization in response to a list of questions. Although she did not answer any of them, she stated that Guzman was never eligible to join the sorority in the first place.

In accordance with our governing documents, Chi Omegas Executive Headquarters recently made the decision to void the membership of an Epsilon Kappa Chapter member at St. Lawrence University, Morkovsky wrote. By their own admission, this individual did not meet the criteria for membership at the time of joining. Chi Omega is committed to providing opportunities for friendship, personal growth, and development amongst women from a variety of backgrounds who live and reflect the values of Chi Omega.

Morkovsky did not respond to a follow-up message asking for clarification and further explanation.

Guzman responds to the statement with indignation. They say they made no admissions because they were not involved in the conversations about being permitted into the organization in the first place.

[Chi Omega] should acknowledge that their policy was vague, they opened the term women to allow trans women and nonbinary folks, and now they are using the vagueness of their policy to be transphobic and invalidate my identity after nationals were the ones who said yes to my chapters executive board and Greek advisor.

Guzman says they are launching a virtual signature campaign to pressure Chi Omega to reconsider its membership decision.

They say the sisters in their chapter continue to support them.

Ive also received a lot of positive feedback on social media, Guzman says.

They posted a video on Instagram explaining their situation.

Guzman says that from what they understand, the national organization will likely go to its convention next year to adjust the language around who may join.

Its very sad because it looks like the only path that they are taking is to go to the convention in 2024 and try to appeal for changing the policy wording because right now the policy is basically open up to interpretation in what women means and that was the reason why I was able to get in the first place. They were like, if you identify with women and you identify with the values, we are no one to ask questions about it, Guzman says.

We really thought that we were moving towards opening a new door for different people, and we thought all together that we were making a change, they add.
CHICAGO -- A Chicago pharmacist has been found guilty of federal charges alleging he stole hundreds of COVID-19 vaccination cards from the South Side Walgreens where he worked and sold them on eBay at the height of the pandemic.

After a three-day trial, a jury found Tangtang Zhao, 36, guilty on Friday afternoon of all 12 counts of theft of government property, which carries a maximum of 10 years in prison, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

In a rare move, however, the jury sent a note to the judge saying that while theyd reached a unanimous verdict, at least three members of the panel had reservations about the prosecution of the case.

We do feel that although we have reached our decision, it is important for us, as citizens, to share that we feel this case has been extraneous, the note read, according to a transcript of the proceedings. The note was signed by three members of the jury.

U.S. District Judge Manish Shah set a sentencing hearing for Nov. 28.

An indictment filed in August 2021 accused Zhao of selling nearly 700 authentic COVID-19 vaccination cards on eBay that hed pilfered from a patient immunization room at the South Side Walgreens where he worked.

At the time, the governments massive vaccination rollout was just getting underway nationwide, creating both hope and confusion in an already pandemic-weary public.

The ubiquitous white index cards showing proof of the type of vaccine received and where and when it was administered became a key component of the vaccination effort, with citizens required to show proof of vaccination to travel, to work or enter certain venues.

Prosecutors alleged during the trial that Zhao seized upon the anxiety to make a quick buck.

These were valuable cards, and in that value, the defendant saw opportunity, Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor Yanz said in his opening statement last week. An opportunity to seize on fear.

Zhaos attorneys argued that the cards were never the property of the U.S. government, like a drivers license or a passport. Instead, they were manufactured and delivered by a private company with no specific rules on how they were to be distributed, and served mostly as a way to document when to come back for a booster shot, according to the defense.

In a statement to the Tribune on Monday, Zhaos lead attorney, Gal Pissetzky, said the government wasted thousands of dollars in resources to prosecute an irrelevant case instead of focusing on real violent crime and victims.

Pissetzky also said he believes the jury made a legal mistake in finding the cards were government property.

Zhao is among dozens of pandemic-related fraud cases brought by the U.S. attorneys office in Chicago since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis more than three years ago, but hes one of the only ones to take his case to trial.

According to the charges, Zhao was working in 2021 as a pharmacist at a Walgreens at 75th and State streets, where the pharmacy was being operated out of a temporary trailer due to ongoing renovations to the store.

While there were security cameras in the trailer, there were none showing the patient immunization room where the CDC vaccination cards were being stored, Yanz said.

Yanz said Zhao listed the cards for sale on eBay under his username asianjackson, describing them as blank cdc vaccination record cards. Sales started with a trickle, he said, with the first card selling in about 14 minutes for a price of $7.99. By the end of that first night, Zhao had sold 10, Yanz said.

Over the next three weeks, Zhao created 37 different listings and sold a total of 658 cards, upping the price at least six times along the way, Yanz said. In all, he netted about $5,600.

Among the evidence were chat messages on eBay where Zhao assured potential buyers these are genuine authentic cards. After receiving a warning from eBay that he was prohibited from selling government property, Zhao tweaked his listing description, saying he was selling only a clear pouch for CDC vax record cards.

The image shown with the new listing depicted a real vaccination card inside a standard sandwich baggie, Yanz said.

The sales ended on April 15, 2021, when a reporter for The Washington Post reached out to Zhao through eBays chat system and said he was writing an article about the sale of vaccination cards on the auction site.

Zhao immediately claimed that his account had been hacked and that someone else had been selling the cards under his name, Yanz said. He also told others who reached out to him to destroy any cards they may have purchased from him previously.

____
Chicago's air quality ranks among worst in the world because of Canada wildfires

Canadian wildfires are once again taking a toll on the continental U.S., this time in the Midwest, where air quality alerts have been issued across the region.

Hazy, smoky skies were reported Tuesday over cities in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa and Ohio.

Chicago had the worst air quality in the world Tuesday, according to IQAir.com, a tracking service.

The city's air quality index is in the "very unhealthy" category for all age groups, reminiscent of the hazy, unhealthy skies over New York City a few weeks ago.

A fixed wing waterbomber drops water onto the Cameron Bluffs wildfire near Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada (James MacDonald / Bloomberg via Getty Images file)

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said the city is carefully monitoring and taking precautions."

We recommend children, teens, seniors, people with heart or lung disease, and individuals who are pregnant avoid strenuous activities and limit their time outdoors, Johnson said in a statement Tuesday.

Follow our live coverage of air quality concerns

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency issued an air quality alert in effect until midnight Wednesday and encouraged Chicago residents to limit their time outdoors.

Detroit had the second-worst air quality in the world Tuesday.

The National Weather Service issued poor air quality alerts for northeastern Illinois, northwestern Indiana and all of southeast Michigan for Tuesday and Wednesday.

The New York city skyline as smoke from the Canadian wild fires (Lev Radin / Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images file)

Poor air quality is also expected in New York City on Wednesday because of incoming winds, Mayor Eric Adams said.

Poor air quality is particularly dangerous to sensitive health groups like people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, Adams tweeted. Bring a KN95 or N95 mask with you tomorrow, or make plans to avoid outdoor events just in case.

Emissions from about 400 wildfires burning in Canada cast an orange haze over major metro areas this month, including New York City, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

Canadas wildfire season this year is the worst on record, with around 29,000 square miles burning in eastern and western Canada, which is greater than the combined area that burned in 2016, 2019, 2020 and 2022, Reuters reported.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
(Bloomberg) -- Chilean President Gabriel Borics coalition is under scrutiny as members of one of its parties face corruption and influence trafficking accusations, compounding challenges facing the leftist government.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The head of Revolucion Democratica, Juan Ignacio Latorre, said on Tuesday that his party will file a suit against those who are found responsible for alleged wrongdoing at a foundation run by some of its members.

Latorre said the party suspended lower house Deputy Catalina Perezs membership after online publication Timeline Antofagasta revealed earlier this month that the foundation Democracia Viva, created by her ex-boyfriend, had received more than 400 million pesos ($500,000) to do consultancy work on improving living conditions at informal encampments and shantytowns.

The foundation had no experience in that field, though it was hired in the same region that Perez represents by a Housing Ministry official who had served as her chief of staff. Perez has publicly denied any wrongdoing, saying she had no knowledge or relationship with the payments.

Borics administration is working to keep distance from the allegations as it grapples with fresh challenges including overrun hospitals and destruction caused by torrential rains. The presidents approval rating tumbled for the third straight week, hitting 28%, according to pollster Cadem, which also found that 86% of respondents who have heard of Democracia Viva believe there was corruption.

On Saturday, Boric ordered Housing Ministry Undersecretary Tatiana Rojas to resign. Rojas, who is also a member of Revolucion Democratica, had acknowledged she had been warned of irregular payments at the foundation.

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Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie had harsh words for former President Trump on Tuesday, calling him out for reportedly pointing donations toward a fund Trumps used for paying legal fees.

[Trump is] the cheapest S.O.B. Ive ever met in my life, the former New Jersey governor said of the former president in a Politico interview.

What Donald Trump is good at is spending other peoples money, he added.

Trumps Save America PAC spent at least $3 million of its funds paying Trumps lawyers and is paying for the lawyers for some witnesses in the classified documents case, multiple news outlets reported last year. The hired legal firm reportedly donated more than $120,000 to the PAC, according to The Washington Post.

Christie in the Politico interview called the reported diversion of funds to Save America instead of a traditional campaign account deceptive, but in character for the former president.

This is a billionaire who refused to pay his lawyers with his own personal money, and instead, men and women out there who believe in him and wanted [him] to be elected president are donating money to try to forward his candidacy  and hes diverting that money to pay his own legal fees, Christie said.

He should take a pledge today to instruct his campaign to no longer spend any public money on his legal fees, Christie added. He is the richest candidate in this race, yet he is using public money to pay his legal fees. He should be ashamed of himself.

The former New Jersey governor is ramping up his attacks on Trump, a one-time ally during the 2020 campaign. Christie is one of the staunchest critics of Trump in the packed GOP primary field, hoping to find a path to a nomination as the anti-Trump candidate.

Christie and Trump have traded personal insults in recent days, with Trump calling Christie overweight and Christie lashing back, and Christie criticizing Trump earlier this month for the federal indictment the former president faces of 37 charges related to mishandling classified information.

Christie joined the race for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination in early June, a late start in a field that is already a dozen strong, and is focusing campaign efforts in the early primary state of New Hampshire.

He has found limited success, with recent polls out of New Hampshire placing him third, behind Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. A New Hampshire Journal poll this month gave Christie 9 percent support, trailing Trumps 47 percent and DeSantiss 13.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Will your city have a say in future Horry County road projects? Maybe not, and heres why

Horry County leaders next year likely will give voters another opportunity to tax themselves as payment for hundreds of millions in ongoing road improvements.

But depending on which method they choose, cities could lose some of their influence in deciding on projects.

For more than 20 years, a 1% tax known as the Road Improvement and Development Effort, or RIDE, has generated billions to construct and improve thoroughfares around the county.

The revenues are generated through sales of goods and services. Under state law, South Carolina counties can impose local option levies up to 2.5% above the statewide 6% sales tax with voter approval.

Horry Countys total sales tax collection rate is currently 8%.

A fourth iteration of RIDE is being developed, but county leaders may have another option: Using a state-approved transportation tax with a much longer lifespan and greater spending flexibility.

Wayne Gray IV, chairman of the RIDE IV committee, said the 1% imposition generates about $125 million annually.

That translates to $900 million over the seven-year collection period for RIDE compared to $4 billion under the state transportation tax, which sunsets after 25 years.

Its a heck of a tool in the toolbox of this county, and could make a big, big difference in one of the greatest needs that we have, County Council member Tyler Servant said.

But heres the catch: A six-member commission  including one appointee each from Conway, Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach  would be the ones to develop a priority list for funding under RIDE.

All the county council can do is decide whether to put its suggestions on the ballot.

By contrast, the council itself would have oversight on what projects to finance under the state transportation tax.

Thats something Brenda Bethune and Marilyn Hatley, the mayors of Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach respectively, say need to be considered when discussing the future of publicly funded road projects in the region.

Municipalities generate about 60% of the sales tax, with 40% of that coming out of Myrtle Beach.

We want to make sure that we are fairly represented, and that our projects are considered just as important as any other, Bethune said. There are still a lot of questions that need to be answered.

Myrtle Beach stands to get about $96 million worth of upgrades through RIDE IV.

Hatley told The Sun News shes had informal talks with the county about a possible switch to the state transportation tax, but shares similar concerns as Bethune.

We are the major contributors, and we need a voice and seat at the table, she said.

Some of Horry Countys most expensive needs  including the Southern Evacuation Lifelife and funding to help finish Interstate 73  could only be realized through the imposition of a statewide transportation tax, county council chairman Johnny Gardner said.

It also would provide more leverage to match state and federal grants.

Since 2005, Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester and Richland counties have used the transportation tax, according to the S.C. Department of Revenue.

The 8% sales tax cap will remain the same under either RIDE IV or the state transportation tax.

RIDEs not going to afford it. But this way, we have a great shot at getting it done, he said.

Gray said if voters approve either RIDE or a state transportation tax on next Novembers ballot, collection would begin in May 2025.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang addresses the opening of the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 27, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

As eyes around the world turn to north China's Tianjin, where the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions commenced Tuesday, the country has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening global cooperation and opening-up in the face of multiple headwinds.

Having gone through the twists and turns of economic globalization, all countries should cherish openness and cooperation more, said Chinese Premier Li Qiang while addressing the opening of the annual meeting, also known as the Summer Davos.

Holding high the banner of peace, development and win-win cooperation, China is committed to building world peace, promoting global development and upholding the international order, Li said.

Correct path for humanity

History has proven that solidarity and cooperation are what humankind needs to brave global challenges.

"Since we are living in a fractured, fragmented world, World Economic Forum (WEF) believes that the most pressing global issues can only be solved by collaborating," said WEF President Borge Brende in a recent interview with Xinhua.

In his speech at the opening, Li said that over the past three years, all countries have fought hard against the COVID-19 pandemic, which demonstrated the powerful strength of humanity pulling together and looking out for each other in hard times.

"Having experienced the shocks of global crises, we should all the more cherish solidarity and cooperation," Li said, adding that in the face of a major crisis, no country can stay unscathed or solve the problems single-handedly, and solidarity and cooperation is the right way forward.

Li cited climate change, debt risks, slowing growth and wealth gaps as major global challenges that humanity should address together.

"As a community with a shared future, we must cherish the gains of cooperation, embrace the concept of win-win cooperation, and work together to tackle these global challenges and promote human progress," Li said.

Participants talk with each other at the venue of the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 27, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

In his speech at the opening, Klaus Schwab, executive chairman of the WEF, called for global efforts to fight fragmentation and strive for dialogue, understanding and collaboration.

"We stand for a future where nations have to work together for the collective well-being for humanity," Schwab said.

Contributor to globalization

In a world that is confronted with a rising spiral of unilateralism, protectionism and de-globalization, as well as escalating tensions and uncertainties, China's adherence to openness is injecting certainty into the global economy.

"Economic globalization is a historical trend," said Li. "Despite the headwinds and pushback, the development trend of economic globalization has kept moving forward."

"The world should not, and cannot return to a state of seclusion or isolation," he said.

With its deep integration into the world economy, China has developed itself by embracing globalization, and grown into a most staunch force for globalization, Li said.

Amid efforts to flesh out its opening-up pledges and share opportunities with the world, China has become a major trading partner of more than 140 countries and regions. Its total trade in goods has topped the world for six consecutive years.

This photo taken on June 27, 2023 shows a scene of the session themed "The Future of the Belt and Road Initiative" at the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China's Tianjin Municipality. [Photo/Xinhua]

Looking forward, Li said that China is expected to achieve this year's economic growth target of around 5 percent, with growth in the second quarter to surpass that in the first quarter.

Some international organizations and institutions have revised upward their forecasts for the Chinese economy this year, which shows their confidence in the country's development prospects, Li said.

"We have full confidence and the ability to achieve the steady growth of the Chinese economy on the track of high-quality development in a long time to come," he stressed.

China will increase the size of the market, create opportunities of cooperation, and provide a consistent source of dynamism to the world economic recovery and growth as well as opportunities of win-win cooperation to investors from all countries, Li said.

For Danfoss, a Danish industrial company, China's opening-up efforts provide business opportunities for overseas companies.

"Our company welcomes China's commitment to opening up to the world, and we are willing to deepen our cooperation with the Chinese government and partners," said Dai Jian, head of Danfoss Global Services, China, who is among those attending the Summer Davos.

"We believe there will be more actions from the government to shore up its international partners' confidence in China's opening-up," Dai added.
Clark County receiving $750K in state funds from Ohio EPA to improve water quality

Clark County will be receiving state funds from the Ohio EPA to improve water quality.

>>RELATED: Region receiving millions of dollars in state funding for water projects

It is one of ten projects across the state receiving $2.8 million in H2Ohio grants, including $2.1 million to four communities in need of repair and replacement of aging water infrastructure, an Ohio EPA spokesperson said.

The Village of Donnelsville is receiving $750,000 in state funds to cover the planning and engineering design of a drinking water distribution system.

It is currently served by individual wells which may be contaminated and drinking water will be provided by a nearby public water system, according to the Ohio EPA.

The project is expected to provide a more reliable water source to approximately 100 homes.

Governor DeWines H2Ohio plan makes a difference in these communities and in the lives of Ohioans, said Ohio EPA Director Anne M. Vogel. We are using H2Ohio funding to help address challenging infrastructure projects and make them more affordable to Ohio communities.

Other counties receiving funding to help repair and replace aging water infrastructure include Union, Portage, and Summit Counties.

The health districts in Licking, Lorain, Portage, Stark, and Wayne Counties are receiving state funds to repair or replace failing home sewage treatment systems.
Climate change forced an Indigenous community in Louisiana to relocate from their ancestral land: 'I will always have a feeling of being displaced'

Homes in Isle de Jean Charles, Louisiana, destroyed by Hurricane Ida, Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021. AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

For decades, the residents of Isle de Jean Charles watched their homeland gradually sink into the Gulf of Mexico.

Due to rising sea levels, the community led a first-of-its-kind resettlement to higher land.

Climate relocation is projected to become more common in the coming decades.

The Isle de Jean Charles once spanned more than 22,000 acres of the lush Louisiana bayous; as of today, less than 2% of the isle remains above water.

As sea levels continue to rise and land erodes, residents of the slowly vanishing isle have been watching their home slip into the Gulf of Mexico. The island has been subjected to a number of major hurricanes and storms in recent years, including Hurricane Ida in 2021. They have been forced to close grocery stores and churches, and the community's only access road to the mainland, Island Road, often floods and severs any route to the mainland.

In 2016, recognizing that the Isle de Jean Charles was no longer a safe or sustainable place to live, residents made the decision to relocate the community entirely, embarking on a first-of-its-kind resettlement project as the first federally recognized climate-displaced population.

As of this summer, all residents are expected to have successfully relocated to their new home, 40 miles away from the original island.

A home surrounded by dead and dying trees due to salt water intrusion. Michael Williamson/The Washington Post via Getty Images

'Storms were always a part of the environment'

Members of the Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw tribe have ancestral ties to the land spanning generations as the isle has been recognized as an exclusively Indigenous community since 1880. Since then, the 37 remaining families have witnessed surrounding oil and gas companies erode the marshland that has prevented flooding for years. Erosion paired with intensified storms have made the island nearly uninhabitable.

"Storms were always a part of the environment  my parents and grandparents told me about the ones they experienced when they were children," said Chris Brunet, a fifth-generation resident of the Isle de Jean Charles and a member of the Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw tribe.

But for much of Southern Louisiana, what were once seasonal storms have turned into devastating floods. By 2000, the Army Corps of Engineers decided to implement a Hurricane Protection System to safeguard select parts of the region from Category 3 hurricanes and floods. Isle de Jean Charles, however, was not included in the system of levees and floodgates.

In 2010, tribal leadership partnered with local non-profits to create the blueprints for resettling with the goal to re-house remaining residents and those who have left in recent years.

The New Isle, Louisiana Louisiana Office of Community Development

The New Isle

In 2016, the state of Louisiana was granted $48.3 million from the Department of Housing and Urban Development's National Disaster Resilience Competition (NDRC) for the official Resettlement Project predominantly drafted by Isle de Jean Charles tribal leadership. With the necessary funds, the Isle of Jean Charles residents were finally able to undertake their necessary resettlement to higher and drier land.

Pat Forbes, Executive Director of the Louisiana Office of Community Development, was tasked with assisting the use of funds for the island's residents.

"From the very beginning, once we got the grant, it has been a resident-centered process," Forbes told Insider. "Where the new community is, what the new community is, and what it looks like has really just been driven completely by the residents."

Water levels closed Island Road on the Isle de Jean Charles Louisiana Office of Community Development

The office conducted weekly, in-home meetings to gauge priorities and concerns for a new location. Representatives collected site evaluations and input from residents. Through the Louisiana Land Trust, the NDRC funds were used to purchase 515 acres, 40 miles north of the current Isle de Jean Charles location.

Collectively, residents voted to rename their resettlement "The New Isle," and were able to make detailed decisions all the way down to the layout of the neighborhood and the color of their new homes.

The relocation efforts have been lauded as community-led pioneering efforts in the face of climate change. As of May 2023, 34 of the 37 families that once called the Isle de Jean Charles home have relocated to the New Isle, with the expectation that all families will be resettled by the summer.

Residents are still able to access their properties on the Isle de Jean Charles as their deep ancestral ties to the original land were an important part of negotiations.

"They respected the fact that we wanted it to keep our land," said Brunet. "HUD respected that we were Native Americans, that we were tied to the land, and that people on the land always worked together."

Homes in Isle de Jean Charles, Louisiana, destroyed by Hurricane Ida, Sept. 14, 2021. AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

The future of climate relocation

While this resettlement could be seen as a success, questions remain around how future relocation projects would operate on a much larger scale. Climate relocation will only become a larger issue in the years to come  a study at the University of Miami predicts 60% of Miami-Dade county will be underwater by 2060, while a survey by Forbes found that nearly a third of Americans cited climate change as a reason for moving in 2022.

Those who contributed to the New Isle relocation hope that their experiences will bring new insight onto other resettlement projects.

"I think understanding the efficiencies that are going to be necessary for construction, affordability of housing, and outreach with citizens has great value on a larger scale," said Forbes. "Our efforts will certainly be illustrative for folks who are doing this in the future.

Residents, like Brunet, emphasized that while the resettlement was a success, the forces that led to their displacement still need to be addressed.

"If I have to partake in a $48 million grant that has to do with climate change, that is not a celebration, but a response," said Brunet. "I'm grateful for the work we've put into the community and optimistic for our future, but I think I will always have a feeling of being displaced."

Read the original article on Insider
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 Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla. Trump is facing 37 felony charges related to the mishandling of classified documents according to an indictment unsealed Friday, June 9, 2023. | Justice Department via Associated Press

In new audio obtained by CNN, former President Donald Trump speaks about classified documents in his possession.

In the recording, which first aired on Anderson Cooper 360 and was also obtained by CBS News, Trump is heard speaking with staffers as papers are shuffled.

It is, like, highly confidential, secret, this is secret information, Trump says in the recording. All sorts of stuff, pages long, look.

During the clip, Trump references documents he claims show Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, wanted to attack Iran. At one point, Trump says, Its so cool.

This was done by the military and given to me, Trump says. See, as president I could have declassified it, now I cant, you know, but this is still a secret.

Trump knew he was being recorded during the conversation, according to CNN, because he was speaking in the presence of two people working on former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows autobiography. The two-minute clip is part of audio thats about an hour long, and the conversation occurred in 2021 at Trumps club in Bedminster, N.J., according to CNN.

Trump was federally indicted in June on 37 counts of mishandling classified documents. He was also indicted earlier in New York on 34 counts of falsifying business records. Trump is the first former U.S. president to be indicted on federal criminal charges and he has denied wrongdoing.

Criminal charges dont prevent someone from running for president, and an NBC News poll released this week shows Trump gaining support among Republican voters.

Related

The poll found Trump with 51% support among Republican primary voters, up from 46% in April. Support for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Trumps nearest competitor, fell to 22% from 31% in the same time period, according to the poll.

Trumps campaign is fundraising off the indictments. In paid ads on social media, Trump said he was facing endless witch hunts  including my politically motivated arrest. The New York Times found Trump is increasingly funneling money raised through his campaign to a political action committee thats paying his legal fees.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said Tuesday that Trumps indictment complicated his campaign but could also help him, and that while he believes Trump can beat President Joe Biden, he wasnt sure if Trump was the strongest candidate.

Related

Can he win that election? Yeah he can, McCarthy told CNBC. The question is, is he the strongest to win the election? I dont know that answer, but can anybody beat Biden? Yeah, anybody can beat Biden. Can Biden beat other people? Yes, Biden can beat them. Its on any given day.

In a post on his social network Truth Social, Trump accused Jack Smith, the special counsel who indicted him, of working in conjunction with the DOJ & FBI, illegally leaked and spun a tape and transcript of me which is actually an exoneration, rather than what they would have you believe.
The UK's largest opencast coal mine has appealed an order to stop digging for coal at the last minute.

An enforcement notice against the operator of Ffos-y-Fran in Merthyr Tydfil was set to take effect on Tuesday.

It would have given them 28 days to stop mining as planning permission at the site expired in September 2022.

The Welsh government said on Wednesday morning it understood the company was appealing.

A spokesman added that it could not comment further as it may "jeopardise any future decision Welsh ministers may have to make on the matter".

Mining firm Merthyr (South Wales) Ltd confirmed an appeal had "been lodged with the Welsh ministers" and said it could not comment further while the appeal process was ongoing.

Chris Austin, 67, who lives near the mine, has long campaigned against it as part of the United Valleys Action Group of local residents.

"We are extremely disappointed, and frustrated, to hear that the mining company has appealed the enforcement action," he said.

"We are extremely disappointed, and frustrated," says resident Chris Austin

"If accepted, the appeal could take 12 months or more to resolve, so we again urge that a 'stop order' be put in place whilst this appeal is determined. To us, and surely any reasonable person, this is just common sense.

"The mining company doesn't have the planning consent required to continue mining coal at Ffos-y-Fran; that is absolute, so why are they being allowed to continue to do so?"

Guidance on the Welsh government's website suggests once an appeal against an enforcement notice has been submitted a decision would normally be received "within 27 weeks but it can take longer".

It raises the prospect of a further six months or more of coal mining at the site.

After 15 years, planning permission to mine at Ffos-y-Fran ran out on 6 September 2022 but days before the company asked for more time.

It took until April 2023 for the application to be discussed and refused by Merthyr council's planning committee.

Mining continued on site in the meantime, with figures suggesting that between 7 September 2022 and 31 March 2023, 199,307 tonnes of coal were produced.

Lawyers acting on behalf of campaign group Coal Action Network have said the situation sets a "terrible precedent" and brings the planning system "into disrepute".

They have accused the local authority and Welsh government of "maladministration" - arguing that they have potentially acted unlawfully in failing to deal with the matter more urgently and issuing what's known as a "stop notice".

Merthyr (South Wales) Ltd has said in the past that it was in discussions with the local authority to ensure "a safe cessation of coaling" at Ffos-y-Fran.

Merthyr council has also been asked to comment on the latest development, but said on Tuesday it had a "contrary legal view" to that of the campaigners' lawyers.
Kevin Smith, 60, was shot and killed inside a garage on the city's South Side in April. On Wednesday, Columbus police released the 911 calls from the incident.

Around 6 p.m. April 15, a man who lived at a East Whittier Street home called 911 and spoke calmly:

"Somebody just broke into my house and my garage and is trying to take my stuff. The person's going to need immediate medical attention; the person was shot multiple times," the caller said.

"I'm sorry, what? The person was what?" the dispatcher asked.

"Shot multiple times," the man responded.

"You shot him?"

"What could I do? I couldn't do anything. He was attacking me. I was trying to stop him from moving my (expletive), and he was attacking me," the man said.

A few moments later, Columbus police and paramedics arrived and pronounced 60-year-old Kevin Smith dead inside the garage on the 600 block of East Whittier Street on the city's South Side.

Smith, who was homeless at the time of his death, had been shot five times, according to an autopsy conducted by the Franklin County Coroner's office. The shots hit him in the head, right chest, left portion of his back and right shoulder. It is not clear what order the shots hit him.

Smith's death drew attention to the city's homeless population and regret that more hadn't been done to help with the crisis. Questions were also raised about what occurred prior to the shooting.

The Dispatch requested the 911 calls and report from Columbus police in April and received them Wednesday, more than three months after the shooting.

Four calls were made to 911 related to the shooting. One was from a woman who lived next door to the home where the shooting happened.

That woman said a man was in the backyard of the home and then had gone into the garage.

"He's not supposed to be there at all," the caller said. "He's in the garage now."

The neighbor, whose name and cellphone number are redacted, called 911 back a short time later to say she saw a police cruiser go by the home but the officer had not stopped.

The second caller was the 39-year-old man who ultimately fired at Smith. The 2-minute call includes details not included in the police's original information provided about the homicide.

The dispatcher asked the man, who has not been charged with any crime in Smith's death as of Wednesday, where the gun was. The man said it was in the garage and unloaded.

"Did you empty a clip on him?" the dispatcher asked.

"I shot several times; I'm not sure how many times he's hit," the man responded.

The fourth 911 call came from a homicide detective using Smith's 911-only phone to determine the phone number.

The Dispatch previously tried to speak with the man who shot Smith, but he hung up without commenting.

Ohio's self-defense law requires prosecutors to prove that a case was not self-defense.

The investigation into Smith's death, which was ruled a homicide because it was at the hands of someone else regardless of the intent, remains ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at 614-645-4730.

bbruner@dispatch.com

@bethany_bruner

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: 911 calls released in April shooting death of homeless man in garage
Column: Kari Lake is a deceitful fraud. Now she'll have to defend her lies in court

Kari Lake, who has peddled lies surrounding former President Trump's defeat and her failed bid for Arizona governor, may finally be held to account in a defamation lawsuit by a fellow Republican. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press)

Ever since her clear and unequivocal loss in the race for Arizona governor, Kari Lake has traveled the country posing and strutting like a conquering hero.

As a candidate, the former Fox TV anchorwoman was all in on former President Trump and his Big Lie about the 2020 election being stolen. Her brazen duplicity is probably what cost Lake the gubernatorial contest in November.

But in characteristic fashion, she's refused to acknowledge defeat, filing a lawsuit  since thrown out of court  and widely peddling false claims about voter fraud and other conspiratorial flimflam.

Her actions are both amoral and unoriginal. Once Lake read from a TelePrompTer; now she parrots Trump.

Happily, she lost her election bid.

Now, she may face legal repercussions.

Last week, a top election official in Arizona, Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer, filed a defamation lawsuit against his fellow Republican, saying Lake's blatant lies have cost him friends and lifelong relationships. Her malicious incitement has also resulted in death threats, he said, and harassment aimed at him and his wife.

Rather than accept political defeat, rather than get a new job, [Lake] has sought to undermine confidence in our elections and has mobilized millions of her followers against me, Richer wrote in the Arizona Republic. "Her defamatory allegations have unleashed violent vitriol and other dire consequences."

Read more: Column: In Arizona, a crackpot gets promoted and underscores the danger to democracy

Lake lost in 2022 by more than 17,000 votes. Not a lot, considering more than 2.5 million ballots were cast. But the margin wasn't exactly whisker-thin.

Her farrago of falsehoods includes allegations that Richer manipulated the printing of election ballots and "inserted" 300,000 phony votes into the final count to prevent Republican candidates, including Lake, from winning. (In last year's midterms, Arizona was ground zero for the frontal assault on democracy, with a slate of election-denying statewide candidates who all, fortunately, were defeated.)

Lake's phony claims were repeated numerous times, the lawsuit documents, at political rallies, during podcasts and on social media. Richer seeks unspecified monetary damages as well as a court order determining Lake's statements were false and requiring her to delete them.

Naturally, she took to Twitter to respond.

"Im exposing the massive corruption in our elections and this jackass is suing me. He wants to silence US. Trump won in a landslide & so did I," Lake wrote, aping the former president's hostage-note punctuation.

Imitation is not just a form of flattery. These days it's the sum of Lake's existence.

Of course, she included a link asking for money. The grifting never stops.

Lake is waging an obvious, bend-over-backward campaign to be Trump's running mate should he win the 2024 Republican nomination. She's a regular these days at Mar-a-Lago, and though Lake has yet to show up at mealtime in a sandwich board reading, "PICK ME!!!" it's still relatively early in the campaign season.

Self-abasement is one thing, however, pathetic as it may be. Lake's performance is not only sad; it's dangerous, further eroding trust in our threatened democratic system with a fusillade of groundless attacks. As Richer put it in the Arizona Republic, she's throwing "gasoline on the fire of falsehoods about our elections."

Even more irresponsibly, Lake all but called for armed insurrection  as if one Jan. 6 wasn't bad enough  following Trump's indictment for his handling of classified documents.

"If you want to get to President Trump, you're going to have to go through me" and millions of Americans "just like me," Lake told a crowd of Trump worshipers in Georgia, adding: "And ... most of us are card-carrying members of the NRA."

"That's not a threat," Lake said after issuing her threat. "That's a public service announcement."

Read more: Column: Finally, accountability for Tucker Carlson. But it's only a start

The bar to win a defamation suit is deservedly high. It is not, however, insurmountable.

Witness the $787.5 million that Fox News coughed up to settle a lawsuit filed by Dominion Voting Systems, which was smeared with false allegations that the company's equipment switched votes from Trump to Joe Biden, costing the former president reelection.

The discovery process was revealing, exposing the mendacity of personalities such as Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham and the since-fired Tucker Carlson, who privately cast doubt on the stolen-election narrative even as they recklessly promoted it on air.

Who knows what might be revealed when or if Lake is questioned under oath.

It's striking to note the swaggering bombast of Trump, Rudy Giuliani and other of the former president's lying henchmen when they're playing to an audience as opposed to the timidity on display when they testify under penalty of perjury.

Richer may not prevail in his defamation suit against Lake.

But if it deters other prominent personalities from hustling election-fraud fakery  when they know better  it will have served a fine purpose.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles City Council District 6 candidate Imelda Padilla speaks to supporters at her election night party at Chiguacle Sabor Ancestral in Sun Valley. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

It's one of the most beloved rancheras in Mexico, a ballad as simple as it is profound, as much of a boast as it is a warning.

El Hijo del Pueblo  The Peoples Son  by Vicente Fernandez played over the speakers at Chiguacle Sabor Ancestral in Sun Valley as I enjoyed a carne asada dinner about an hour before Imelda Padillas election night party.

The 35-year-old hadnt yet arrived  she was making last-minute calls to undecided voters in her bid to win the special election runoff for Council District 6. Thats the seat long held by Nury Martinez, whose career imploded last fall after the leak of a recording capturing her and others uttering racist remarks.

"It's my pride to have been born / In the humblest barrio," begins "El Hijo del Pueblo."

"Away from the bustle / of a fake society."

The Padilla campaign never chose a theme song, but it might as well have been this.

The song, written by Jose Alfredo Jimenez, is a paean to those who stick with the working class and have no desire to join the powerful. A woman of the people is how Padilla, 35, cast herself against opponent Marisa Alcaraz.

Supporters cheer for Los Angeles City Council District 6 special election candidate Imelda Padilla at her election night party. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

"I don't have the disgrace / of not being the people's son."

By the time Padilla showed up to Chiguacle to thunderous applause shortly after the polls closed, she was up by 13 percentage points. (Election officials are expected to release the next batch of results on Friday.)

"What a great start, right?" she said, sincerely gobsmacked by the adulation. "Thank you for coming. Let's mingle!"

The race was expected to be close, because the candidates are so similar. They are Valley natives who left home only to attend a University of California school and returned to make Los Angeles better  Alcaraz as a staffer for Councilmember Curren Price, Padilla as a community organizer in the northeast San Fernando Valley.

Both are Democrats who fall on the moderate side of the L.A. liberal spectrum. Both worked for council members who eventually fell into scandal  Alcaraz served as a deputy for Richard Alarcon, whose conviction for voter fraud was overturned by an appeals court in 2016, and Padilla was a deputy for Martinez.

Their only real difference was where they decided to focus their careers. Alcaraz chose City Hall, Padilla stuck with the neighborhoods of the Valley. Their contrasting knowledge of the district they sought to represent was obvious when I interviewed them on the same day in Plaza del Valle, the massive shopping center in Panorama City where each based her campaign office. The plainspoken Padilla told story after story about each tenant, each street, in equal parts English and Spanish. Alcaraz, a self-admitted policy wonk, was painfully unfamiliar with her surroundings.

Read more: Column: A fading mural offers a warning to candidates seeking to replace Nury Martinez

The mood at Chiguacle on Tuesday night was less victory party and more homecoming  a San Fernando Valley version of "This Is Your Life."

There were nonprofit leaders like Mayra Todd, who runs an organization that helps domestic abuse survivors. She bear-hugged Padilla while the two did a happy dance. "Imelda is the person that our community is waiting for," said the Van Nuys resident. "We want to work with her to remind her of the promises she made. I don't think she'll be a fraud, because she's lived our lives."

Community activist Severiana Pablo Reyes has known Padilla for 19 years and recalled the time that she called 311 to complain about mosquito-infested puddles at Rosa Parks Learning Hills in North Hills. Padilla  then working for Martinez  showed up in 15 minutes. "She never says, 'It can't be done,'" the Panorama City resident said. "She always says, 'Let's see how it can be done.'"

Alex Reza, the legendary San Fernando High government teacher whose former students include U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, Martinez and other Valley Latino leaders, embraced Padilla as she inched her way across Chiguacle's vast dining room and patio. She attended a different high school, but the two organized youth leadership conferences for Latino teenage boys for years.

"She knows what it is that ordinary, hardworking families go through," he said. "Boy, Imelda has that 'si se puede' spirit."

Former opponents came to pay their respects. Rose Grigoryan finished fourth in the April primary, then sided with Padilla, especially after a pro-Alcaraz mailer sent to Armenian households used a photo of Grigoryan to imply an endorsement.

"Once I got to know Imelda personally, I didn't just make the right choice, I made the beautiful choice," she said. "The council is not a position for her; it's a mission."

Lalo Lopez originally supported third-place finisher Marco Santana but went with Padilla after the two met for lunch and she "won my heart." The businessman not only organized a successful fundraiser, he used his connections to get the candidate on Don Cheto's popular Spanish-language radio show the morning of the election.

"She's the choice, bro," Lopez said, before heading to the bar. "La campeona del pueblo."

The people's champion.

Supporters greet Los Angeles City Council District 6 candidate Imelda Padilla as she arrives at her election night party at Chiguacle Sabor Ancestral in Sun Valley. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

"How many millionaires / would like to live my life?"

That lyric especially stuck with me as I saw the political class approach Padilla like lords jockeying to kiss the ring of the new queen.

Valley Congress members Brad Sherman and Tony Cardenas. Councilmembers John Lee, Traci Park and Marqueece Harris-Dawson. L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and state Treasurer Fiona Ma. There were young campaign strategists who seemed to all wear the same uniform of sport coat, jeans and fancy sneakers. And Enrique Vela and James Acevedo, godfathers of the Valley's Latino political machine a generation ago. Acevedo wore a perfectly ironed, blindingly white guayabera that made him look like a Chicano Albert Schweitzer.

It wasn't just people power that helped Padilla build an early, commanding lead. Campaign finance reports through June 21 showed she slightly outraised Alcaraz but trounced her in independent expenditures, $639,000 to $480,000. One mailer pasted a photo of Alcaraz next to a smiling Alarcon, an image taken from a column I wrote earlier this year. A door hanger featured a portrait of a smiling Padilla on one side, along with a picture of Price and Alcaraz surrounded by references to the recent felony charges brought against Price.

Read more: Imelda Padilla takes significant lead in L.A. City Council District 6 race

"I write my songs / so the people may sing them."

The party atmosphere at Chiguacle was so vibing that most in the audience didn't stop talking when a short program began around 9:30. They ignored Cardenas and Sherman and didn't react when Father Walter Paredes of Mary Immaculate Church in Pacoima recited the Lord's Prayer in Spanish, lingering on the line "Deliver us from evil" before offering Padilla a blessing.

The room still didn't quiet much when a tired but grinning Padilla finally stood on a stage no bigger than a coffee table. She admitted to being "a little nervous and overwhelmed" but gained her composure when noting that the circumstances of the special election was "not something the community was excited about."

Instead of offering a vision, she wanted to give thanks  to the pueblo. To the unions who bucked the powerful Los Angeles Federation of Labor after it endorsed Alcaraz. Her family. Her political team, which swarmed the small stage until Padilla nearly disappeared. Her pediatrician, who was in the audience and had cured Padilla's childhood case of rickets.

Armenians. Salvadorans. Sikhs. A group of middle-aged Latinas who knocked on doors for hours every day and whom she pronounced "the most chingonas [badass women] in the world."

"I think we can now enjoy the celebration!" Padilla concluded, as everyone roared.

Father Walter Paredes of Mary Immaculate Church in Pacoima blesses District 6 candidate Imelda Padilla at her election night party. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Before she returned to her well-wishers, I asked Padilla how she felt.

"Very tired but honored," she replied, stopping to smile for someone's selfie. She won't have much time to rest. If she maintains her lead, she'll take her seat as soon as the L.A. County Registrar of Voters certifies the election and the City Council accepts the results. After that, she has to start campaigning again: The District 6 seat is up for a regular election next spring.

What did the adoring masses before her mean?

"It means I have a strong base to get the work done."

Finally, how would she stay in this positive moment? How would she fight off the temptations that have snagged too many political newcomers like her, who campaigned on reform only to join the City Hall swamp?

She didn't pause or flinch. "I just need to stay engaged with everyone who helped get me here."

Padilla thanked me and disappeared into the crowd, pulled in every direction. I thought about the the final line from "El Hijo del Pueblo," the one stanza that she should hang in her new office, a prediction of a future I hope she never meets:

"And the day those people fail me



That day, I'm going to cry."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Were Coming For Your Children chant at NYC Drag March elicits outrage, but activists say its taken out of context

Over the weekend, a short video circulated widely on social media of an unidentified person at a New York City march during Pride festivities saying, Were coming for your children.

In the 21-second clip, circulated by a right-wing web streamer channel, dozens of people march in the streets and are clearly heard chanting, Were here, were queer, were not going shopping. But one voice that is louder than the crowd  its not clear whose, or whether the speaker was a member of the LGBTQ community  is heard saying at least twice, Were here, were queer, were coming for your children.

To conservative pundits, activists and lawmakers, the video confirmed the allegations theyve levied in recent years that the LGBTQ community is grooming children.

But to Brian Griffin, the original organizer of the NYC Drag March, if thats the worst they heard, its only because he wasnt there this year.

Griffin said he chanted obscene things in the past, like Kill, kill, kill, were coming to kill the mayor, and joked about pubic hair and sex toys during marches. People at the Drag March regularly sing God is a lesbian.

Its all just words, Griffin said. Its all presented to fulfill their worst stereotypes of us.

The coming for your children chant has been used for years at Pride events, according to longtime march attendees and gay rights activists, who said its one of many provocative expressions used to regain control of slurs against LGBTQ people. And in this case, they said, right-wing activists are jumping on a single video to weaponize an out-of-context remark to further stigmatize the queer community.

Conservative politicians and pundits have increasingly referred to advocates for LGBTQ rights as groomers, associating people who oppose laws that restrict drag performances or classroom discussions of gender identity with pedophiles. The charge is an echo of a decades-old trope anti-gay activists have used to paint the community as a threat to the countrys youths, an allegation that some advocates say endangers LGBTQ people. And the intense reaction to the video has scared some attendees, who insist the quip has been taken out of context.

Its really scary to us, said Fussy Lo Mein, a drag performer and activist who was at this years march and declined to give their real name because of safety concerns. It doesnt represent everybody  it represents that individual. I thought it was a dumb idea, and I started chanting on top of it with alternate verses.

The video elicited outrage from right-wing pundits, who called the marchers demonic and evil. GOP members of Congress tweeted that it showed legislation to outlaw gender-affirming care is warranted, and the Florida Republican Party claimed, This is what the @FlaDems want in Florida.

An organizer for this years Drag March known as Hucklefaery Ken, who also performs in drag as Sister-Lotti Da, declined an interview request, similarly citing fears for his safety in light of the backlash over the video clip. But he said in an email that the coming for your children chant was a bad joke that is being used to serve the interests of parasitic, predatory political propaganda and policy.

We wont tolerate harm towards any child and advocate for the protection and encouragement of every child to be able to live their true, authentic lives free from fear and persecution, Hucklefaery Ken said.

The NYC Drag March, which starts in the East Village neighborhood of Manhattan and ends at the Stonewall Inn in the West Village, is a smaller and more provocative demonstration that is separate from the larger, televised NYC Pride Parade that took place Sunday.

Griffin, an activist who performs as Harmonie Moore, organized the first NYC Drag March in 1994 in response to organizers of the Stonewall 25 demonstration, who asked people not to show up in drag or leather to make their event more palatable to certain communities. The Drag March is intended to push against the notion that the LGBTQ community needs to assimilate into heterosexual standards and is less serious than other Pride events.

Its fun. Its about performance, Griffin said.

A leaderless group of activists with the Radical Faeries, a loose-knit LGBTQ collective, and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a charity and protest group, have helped organize the march in more recent years, according to HuffPost. There are no sponsorships by companies at the Drag March.

Were here, were queer, were not going shopping is a chant that has long been used by LGBTQ activists. At a 1990 march organized by ACT-UP, a group that demanded more government resources to address the AIDS crisis, protesters chanted it as they walked around a downtown San Francisco shopping mall. The chant was also used by AIDS activists in Chicago demonstrations in the 1990s.

According to multiple Drag March regulars, the coming for your children variation has been used before. Last year, Gothamist reported, people at the Drag March chanted, Ten percent is not enough: Groom! Groom! Groom!

Karla Jay, the first female chair of New Yorks Gay Liberation Front and a professor emerita at Pace University, said its a strategy to take the sting out of accusations lobbied against the LGBTQ community.

I grew up in the time where it was considered really bad to be called gay or lesbian or anything like that, and what we did is we reclaimed words, she said. Think of the Dyke March  these were words that could not be printed.

Chants at Pride marches, Jay said, are usually meant more for the compatriots in the crowd, not for people watching later on video.

The person who said this in a march isnt the person who came up with this idea  the person in the march is saying, Go ahead, call me this; why do I care? she continued. The person is trying to destigmatize this and claim their own power. You cant blame the victims here, and thats what the right wing is doing.

Photos of this years march show on social media people with signs reading Groom Cisies and Trans, Your greatest fear, your biggest fantasy.

These are the words that theyve used all our lives to manipulate and control us, Griffin said, and we can now own them and see them for the falsehoods that they are.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
An investigation by a United Nations (UN) special rapporteur has determined that prisoners incarcerated at Guantanamo Bay are being held under conditions that are cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment under international law.

The special rapporteur, University of Minnesota law professor Fionnuala Ni Aolain, spent four days at Guantanamo Bay in February speaking with detainees, former detainees, and lawyers who have worked in and around the notorious facility located on the Cuban coast.

Guantanamo Bay has long been notorious, seen by many on the left as a symbol of American disregard for the rule of law in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. A number of detainees have reported that they were tortured.

But the special rapporteurs report is a landmark: the first time an independent investigator from the UN has been allowed into Guantanamo Bay since the facility opened more than two decades ago. Since 2002, nearly 800 people have been held at the facility  the vast majority of them Muslim, the vast majority held without a charge or clear trial date. According to the American Civil Liberies Union (ACLU), 39 men remained indefinetely detained at the facility as of last year.

Ms Ni Aolain cited the use of solitary confinement, lack of healthcare, and the use of force against detainees as among the reasons conditions at the prison may even amount to torture.

The Biden administrations response to the investigative findings was largely defensive.

In an official response to Ms Ni Aolain submitted by Michele Taylor, the ambassador to the UN Human Rights Council, the administration complimented itself for allowing Ms Ni Aolain to access the facility and then minimised many of her findings.

The United States disagrees in significant respects with many factual and legal assertions the SR has made, Ms Taylor wrote. We are committed to providing safe and humane treatment for detainees at Guantanamo, in full accordance with international and U.S. domestic law. Detainees live communally and prepare meals together; receive specialized medical and psychiatric care; are given full access to legal counsel; and communicate regularly with family members.

Nevertheless, Ms Taylor wrote that the US is nonetheless carefully reviewing the SR's recommendations and will take any appropriate actions, as warranted.

In her report, Ms Ni Aolain outlined a number of areas in which the US could take action. One is regarding its the care it provides for detainees, a number of whom are suffering in Ms Ni Aolains judgement from torture-induced trauma in addition to a range of permanent disabilities and chronic pain.

Ms Ni Aolain called on the US to establish an independent, civilian health care programme for detainees it has allegedly tortured through the years, and noted as well that US has failed to adequately address its use of torture against detainees at Guantanamo Bay.

A number of organisations, including the ACLU have called on the US to close the facility completely. Former President Barack Obama announced a plan to close the facility in 2015, but failed to follow through. The Biden administration has also suggested it wants to eventually close the facility, though it has yet to happen.
WASHINGTON  Congress is ratcheting up legislative efforts to accelerate the lengthy U.S. Foreign Military Sales process mere weeks after the Pentagon released a series of its own proposals to help untangle the byzantine system.

Both chambers last week advanced their respective defense policy bills with provisions lawmakers hope will speed up arms sales, and the House this week established a bipartisan task force to zero in on the issue.

It is vital that when we make a deal with our partners and allies to send military systems that we provide them as quickly as possible, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Mike McCaul, R-Texas, said in a statement on Tuesday upon announcing the task force. I look forward to moving forward any legislation that comes from the task force within my committees jurisdiction.

Numerous U.S. allies and security partners have complained about delays in foreign military sales in recent years, including a multibillion-dollar backlog of arms sales to Taiwan. After the State Department reviews and approves a sale, the Pentagon leads what can be a monthslong or even yearslong process of signing a final contract with the manufacturer to produce the weapon for delivery.

Once the sale is approved, theres nobody in [the Defense Department] that then rides herd on the contract to actually get it done, Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., told Defense News in an April interview.

Gallagher, who chairs the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, said the Foreign Military Sales, or FMS, process exists in this weird no-mans land between the Pentagon and State Department. An overlapping jurisdiction has sometimes complicated congressional oversight between the committees overseeing each department.

But McCauls tiger task force  a term that stands for technical, industrial and governmental engagement for readiness  includes lawmakers who sit on both the Foreign Affairs and Armed Services committees.

McCaul tapped Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., who sits on both committees, to lead the task force alongside Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., a member of the Armed Services Committee. Foreign Affairs Committee members Reps. French Hill, R-Ark., and Jason Crow, D-Colo., also sit on the task force alongside defense appropriator Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Calif.

Waltz in a statement vowed that the task force would examine why many of these shipments have been delayed or have seen increased costs, putting the security of some of our most critical allies at risk, and implement legislative solutions to streamline these sales.

Tiger teams

A separate Pentagon tiger team examining foreign military sales released six of its own proposals earlier this month to speed up the process. They included the establishment of a Defense Security Cooperation Service to better liaise with foreign customers, streamline technology release reviews, develop processes to facilitate sales for weapons the U.S. no longer purchases itself, and accelerate the Pentagons acquisition of items sought by its security partners.

To help cut down on acquisition time, the Pentagon said it would increase use of the Special Defense Acquisition Fund, a revolving account the department uses for FMS procurement.

The Senates fiscal 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, which the chambers Armed Services Committee advanced 24-1 last week, would create a special account within the Special Defense Acquisition Fund.

The proposed account, called the Foreign Advance Acquisition Account, would allow the Pentagon to receive contributions from NATO members and Australia to procure the weapons they buy faster.

The Senate bill would also strengthen the role of combatant commanders in the arms sale process, authorizing each of them to hire up to two acquisition specialists to advise on foreign military sales. It would also require each combatant command to provide a list of weapons systems that could be exported to friendly countries within their region.

McCaul noted last year that Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, the former head of U.S. Central Command overseeing forces in the Greater Middle East, informed him of several Gulf countries complaining about a backlogged delivery of weapons systems they had purchased.

Military personnel load munitions onto an F-16 Fighting Falcon during an integrated combat turn in 2021 at an air base in Saudi Arabia. (Senior Airman Leala Marquez/U.S. Air Force)

Sasha Baker, the deputy undersecretary of defense for policy, said while unveiling the Pentagons proposals that combatant commanders receive the most feedback about the arms sale process from U.S. security partners. However, she acknowledged their input can take a while to travel back to Washington. Accordingly, the Pentagon has started a monthly meeting on foreign military sales with combatant commanders to receive feedback on specific cases.

The Senate bill would also require the Pentagon to collaborate more closely with weapons manufacturers on arms sales by requiring it to designate points of contact for the Foreign Military Sales process, create a senior-level advisory group with industry and hold an annual industry day.

It also seeks to improve training and education for Defense Department officials involved in the arms sale process.

The Houses FY24 NDAA draft would require a review of staffing needs to implement FMS and technology disclosure reviews for Australia and the U.K. as part of the trilateral AUKUS agreement. Gallagher successfully added the amendment when the House Armed Services Committee advanced its bill 58-1 last week.

The bill also includes an amendment from Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Va., that would require the Pentagon to report to Congress on FMS contracts that have yet to be delivered to Indo-Pacific customers, including Australia, Japan and other key allies and partners.

The Pentagon has also established a second tiger team to address the Taiwan arms sale backlog, though that panel has yet to formally release recommendations.
A worker operates a computer numerical control machine at Harbin Turbine Company Limited of Harbin Electric Corporation in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, April 10, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

China has maintained steady economic recovery so far this year against the backdrop of multiple global challenges, and growth is likely to have accelerated in the nearly completed second quarter, the country's top regulator for State-owned assets said on Tuesday.



Zhang Yuzhuo, chairman of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, said the country has witnessed some positive signs for a strong recovery on both the supply and demand sides.

"People estimate that in the first half of this year, Q2 performance will be better than Q1," Zhang said at a meeting on Tuesday during the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos Forum. The event, themed "Entrepreneurship: The Driving Force of the Global Economy", runs from Tuesday through Thursday in Tianjin in North China.

While it is generally believed that China's strong economic recovery is helping boost confidence in the global economy, Zhang also warned of challenges relating to fields such as the lower-than-expected growth in foreign trade.

More efforts should be made to create more new growth points for consumption as well as scale up some emerging sectors to generate a more substantial impact, he added.

"It is our hope that through high-level forums, such as the Summer Davos Forum, we can build and maximize our consensus to deepen cooperation  so that we can collectively contribute to a global economic recovery," Zhang said.

His views were echoed by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the World Trade Organization, who called for more efforts to build global resilience and said that decoupling and fragmentation will be costly for the world.

"If we decouple into two trading blocs, it will cost the world a 5 percent loss in global GDP in the longer term. The IMF estimates (the long-term cost of trade fragmentation could be as high as) 7 percent (of global GDP)," she said at the same forum on Tuesday.

"That's like saying that we lose the equivalent of the whole economy of Japan, which will be catastrophic for the world. So, decoupling and fragmentation are something that the world simply cannot afford to have," she added.

When it comes to headwinds facing the global economy, Okonjo-Iweala said World Bank research shows that the long-term growth potential of both developed and developing countries, as well as emerging market economies, is declining due to some structural factors like demographics, and called for more efforts to harness areas where there is productivity growth and where more youthful labor can help the global economy.

However, she still sees some opportunities in global trade including rapidly growing digitally delivered services and promising growth potential in green trade.

Fitch Ratings recently raised China's 2023 GDP forecast from 5.2 percent to 5.6 percent after a swifter-than-expected reopening rebound in the first quarter.

China's GDP expanded 4.5 percent year-on-year in the first quarter, compared to an estimate of 2.8 percent in a previous report issued by Fitch Ratings in March.

"With consumption recovering and the drag from falling construction activity easing, domestic demand growth will pick up in 2023," said Fitch Ratings.

Looking ahead, Bruce Cameron, chairman of Zespri  a cooperative of kiwi fruit growers in New Zealand  expressed strong confidence in the Chinese economy despite headwinds, and the enterprise will seek to expand to more provinces and cities in China and penetrate deeper into those markets.

"Whilst we see some financial challenges globally, which will no doubt affect all economies  we still see positive growth for our kiwi fruit in China," Cameron told China Daily on Tuesday during the ongoing Summer Davos Forum.

"Given the fact that the underlying performance of the Chinese economy is still expected to grow, we continue to have a very positive outlook in terms of how we see the potential of our market here in China," he added.
FILE - Members of the Connecticut State Police Major Crime Unit on scene where two police officers were killed, Oct. 13, 2022, in Bristol, Conn. Hundreds of Connecticut state police troopers falsified information on at least 26,000 traffic stops from 2014 to 2021, skewing reports on the race and ethnicity of pulled-over motorists, according to an audit released Wednesday, June 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP)  Hundreds of Connecticut state police troopers falsified information on at least 26,000 traffic stops from 2014 to 2021, skewing reports on the race and ethnicity of pulled-over motorists, according to an audit released Wednesday.

Data analysts with the University of Connecticut said the reports resulted in too many drivers being identified as white. They cautioned, however, that they did not try to determine whether the records were intentionally falsified or were wrong due to carelessness or human error.

Gov. Ned Lamont said he has referred the matter to the chief states attorneys office for investigation, and urged the public to not jump to conclusions.

There's no indication that was purposeful, he said at an unrelated news conference Wednesday. A lot of it may have been inadvertent.

The audit was spurred by a Hearst Connecticut Media report last year that said four state troopers in an eastern Connecticut barracks intentionally creating hundreds of bogus traffic stop tickets to boost their productivity numbers. After internal affairs investigations, one trooper was suspended for 10 days, another was suspended for two days and the other two retired before the probe was completed.

The audit found that the number of traffic infractions reported to the Connecticut Racial Profiling Prohibition Project advisory board didn't match those reported to the state court system, which handles all traffic citations, according to analysts with the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy at the University of Connecticut.

The analysts have a high level of confidence that at least 25,966 infraction records were falsified and submitted to the racial profiling systems, the report said. The audit said the number of falsified infraction records could be as high as 58,553, if certain criteria were included. Analysts reviewed more than 800,000 infractions issues over the seven-year period.

We are talking about ... a pattern of having records where you cannot find a corresponding record in the court system, said Ken Barone, one of the UConn analysts. If you claimed you stopped a car and issued a ticket, there should be a ticket.

Lamont and the analysts noted that the number of discrepancies between state police data and court system data has decreased in recent years. The report said the most discrepancies were in 2014.

The analysts said they audited traffic stop information submitted by about 1,300 troopers, and 311 of them had a statistically significant number of discrepancies during at least one year.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut called the audit's findings troubling.

This audit reveals a breathtaking disrespect for the states racial profiling prohibition law by Connecticut State Police employees and, even worse, for that laws goal of reducing systemic racism in policing, said Claudine Constant, the group's public policy and advocacy director.

Whether intentional or not, the impact of police falsifying and inaccurately reporting records is the same: police have obscured the true information about how often they stop drivers of color compared to white drivers, she said in a statement.

State police said in a statement Wednesday that the agency has no tolerance for false reporting and it has been working with the UConn institute to prevent it.

The State Police are deeply committed to ensuring the integrity of Connecticuts racial profiling data and to maintaining public confidence in the essential public safety services our troopers provide each day, the statement said.

Police statewide, including local departments, are mandated to submit traffic stop data to the state, under Connecticut's 1999 law aimed at preventing racial profiling. The UConn institute analyzes the data and submits periodic reports, which have shown that officers disproportionately pulled over Black and Hispanic drivers compared to white motorists.

The institute said Wednesday that the integrity of those analyses was in question because the falsified records were more likely to be reported as White drivers and less likely to be reported as Black or Hispanic drivers.

The audit also found that some state police data was underreported to the racial profiling board, and those records were more likely to involve Hispanic drivers.

Falsified police data is nothing new.

In 2010, for example, several New York City officers faced internal charges based on allegations by a fellow officer that they manipulated crime stats. In Texas, state troopers were found to be inaccurately recording the race of minority drivers, according to a KXAN-TV report in 2015.
Cool weather comes to an end as highs forecast over 100 through 4th of July in Fresno

Fresno and the San Joaquin Valley have had an unseasonably pleasant beginning of the summer, but thats about to come to an end over the Fourth of July weekend as the highs are forecast to cross the triple digits.

Beginning Friday with a predicted high of 106, the highs will continue to climb and peak at about 112, according to the National Weather Service in Hanford.

A low pressure system has passed through Fresno in recent weeks leading to cooler temperatures, meteorologist Dan Harty said.

The high Tuesday of 79, for example, was about 10 degrees cooler than the average for the this time of year, according to weather service records.

Fresno has seen a first triple-digit high for the summer as early as April 23 and as late July 16 for the years on record, Harty said.

With a high pressure pushing those highs up to over 100, the service on Tuesday issued an excessive heat watch for Friday through Monday. That will likely rise to an excessive heat warning later in the week, he said.

We want to make sure people get the message and take precautions, he said.

Dangerous heat is expected in the San Joaquin Valley and Coastal Range Friday June 30th through Monday July 3rd. Heat related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke are possible for much of the population if precautions are not taken. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/sy8yJRbv1u  NWS Hanford (@NWSHanford) June 27, 2023

Meteorologists recommend people remain indoors under air conditioning, but those who cant should drink plenty of water and often take breaks in the shade.

The service also warns that parents should not leave children or pets unattended inside a vehicle for any amount of time.

The weather service predicts highs to continue above 100 through at least the Fourth on Tuesday.

Cooling centers to open in Fresno

The city of Fresno announced Tuesday it would open its cooling shelters beginning Friday and they would remain open noon to 8 p.m. each day as long as the weather service was predicting a 100-degree high.

The cooling centers are at Maxie L. Parks Community Center, 1802 E. California Ave.; Mosqueda Community Center, 4670 E. Butler Ave.; Pinedale Community Center, 7170 N. Pablo Ave.; and Ted C. Wills Community Center, 770 N. San Pablo Ave.

FAX offers free rides on existing bus lines to anyone headed to a shelter.
Head of Odesa enlistment office who owns luxury properties in Spain is dismissed  official

Military commissar Yevhen Borysov, who was found to own luxury properties in Spain, has been dismissed from his position as Head of the Odesa Oblast Territorial Centre for Recruitment and Social Support [military enlistment office  ed.].

Source: Natalia Humeniuk, Head of the Coordination Press Centre of the security and defence forces in Ukraine's south, on Channel 24

Quote: "Colonel Borysov has been dismissed from the position of Head of the Odesa Oblast Oblast Territorial Recruitment Centre."

Details: Humeniuk added that Borysovs deputy is currently the acting head of the Odesa Oblast Territorial Centre for Recruitment and Social Support. He will hold this position until a new head is appointed. The search for his replacement has already started, she reported.

Humeniuk added that law enforcement agencies are currently dealing with Borysovs case.

Background:

On 22 June, Ukrainska Pravdas Spanish Battalion investigation revealed that the family of Yevhen Borysov, the chief enlistment officer in Odesa, had purchased property and cars worth millions of dollars on the Spanish coast during the full-scale war.

On 23 June, Humeniuk reported that an internal investigation regarding Borysov found no grounds for his removal from office.

Later on 23 June, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhny to dismiss Borysov.

The State Bureau of Investigations has opened an investigation into Borysovs abuse of his position.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!








Costco is trying to crack down on nonmembers using its cards

Costco is the latest company to crack down on nonmembers using its services, announcing it will begin to require proof of membership at self-checkout lines.

Costco said in a statement that its expansion of self-checkout services has led to more nonmember shoppers using membership cards that do not belong to them to checkout. The company said it will begin to ask all shoppers to show their membership card with their photo at self-checkout stations.

Costco is able to keep our prices as low as possible because our membership fees help offset our operational expenses, making our membership fee and structure important to us, a spokesperson for Costco said in a statement.

Our membership policy states that our membership cards are not transferable and since expanding our self-service checkout, weve noticed that nonmember shoppers have been using membership cards that do not belong to them, the spokesperson said. We dont feel its right that nonmembers receive the same benefits and pricing as our members.

Costco is a wholesale warehouse that requires shoppers to have a membership with the company to purchase their products. A standard Costco membership costs $60 per year for two membership cards, while its executive membership costs $120 per year with two membership cards that also include additional rewards and discounts, according to its website.

Costco sells a wide range of merchandise  from food to home goods to electronics and clothing  in bulk, making it a more affordable option for many items.

Costcos crackdown on memberships comes just a month after Netflix also announced stricter policies on password sharing. Netflix rolled out new ways to curtail password sharing for Netflix accounts outside someones household by sending out reminders last month that said, Your Netflix account is for you and the people you live with  your household.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Could the Metaversity be the college campus of the future?

When Muhsinah Morris stepped onto the central quad of the Morehouse College campus in Atlanta, Georgia, she cried.

We hadnt been on campus for almost a year, she recalls. It was amazing. You hear the birds chirping and everything.

It was 2021, and Morehouse, like many other schools and universities during the Covid-19 pandemic, had been closed since lockdowns began in March 2020.

In fact, it was still closed. Morris wasnt really standing in the quad  she was standing in Morehouses Metaversity digital twin.

Morehouse College is the worlds first Metaversity, an interactive, virtual learning space based on real or imagined environments.

(It) became our solution to increase attendance rates, reduce student recidivism, and make sure that they continue to persist in their majors, says Morris, Morehouses Metaversity director, who at the time was academic program director. We wanted our students to be more engaged than just sitting in another Zoom classroom.

A view of Morehouse College in the real world and in the virtual world, as part of its Metaversity. (Credit: VictoryXR/Morehouse College)

In partnership with educational virtual reality developers VictoryXR, Morehouse created a virtual space where students could congregate for class remotely. Using a virtual reality (VR) headset, students first spawn into the digital twin campus, a familiar environment that makes them more comfortable with the fact that theyre in new and emerging technology, says Morris. From there, teachers can guide their students through different classrooms, real or imagined  including battlefields, outer space, or speculative future landscapes.

In the past two years, Morris says the colleges virtual reality classes have seen greater attendance, engagement and achievement from students  and now, shes eager to see the education sector reform in a way that brings all of these emerging technologies together for a better future for our young people.

Digital duplicates

In addition to her role as academic program director, Morris was also the interim department chair of chemistry and an assistant professor  and she saw an opportunity to bring to life complex but visual concepts like molecules with a virtual reality program.

In addition to the digital twin of the campus, built using drone images and geographic data, Morehouse has an exact replica of its chemistry lab in the metaverse. This helps incoming students to familiarize themselves with the space and conduct a trial run of their experiment setup and safety protocols before getting into the lab. That way we have less problems, injuries, and mistakes that happen in the lab, says Morris.

Students that take Metaversity courses check out one of the schools 500 headsets at the beginning of the semester, and return it at the end, so it can be cleaned, charged and reset for reuse the following semester, says Morris.

Juan Johnson, one student who took the new high-tech class, says his first experience in the Metaversity was very surreal but that learning in virtual reality has been amazing.

The things that Im reading on the page, I can see them and Im really touching them in virtual reality, so it connects the dots for me, he adds.

Muhsinah Morris, in person, at the real Morehouse College campus in Atlanta, Georgia. - CNN

IRL challenges

The Metaversity may look like a pandemic gimmick  but Morris says its yielding results.

Students gain mastery of concepts much quicker than in a classroom, and the immersive experience eliminates distractions like phones to make efficient use of time, says Morris, adding that class attendance rates increased by 10 percentage points, compared to in-person and online classes, and student achievement increased by 11.9%.

Morris isnt the only one who sees the potential to improve education with VR. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Danny P. Goel, based in Vancouver, Canada, worked with a team of artists and former game developers to design a surgery training program based on real-life procedures, called PrecisionOS. Allowing students to refine skills without the risk of making life-or-death mistakes, Goel found that they picked up the skills five times faster and made 50% less critical errors.

In partnership with VictoryXR, Morehouse College created virtual education spaces for students as part of its Metaversity. (Credit: VictoryXR/Morehouse College)

Demand for VR learning has mainly been driven by the difficult experience of online learning during the pandemic, says Rose Luckin, a professor at the University College London Knowledge Lab and co-founder of the Institute for Ethical AI in Education.

While Metaversities can offer engaging, immersive, and visual education opportunities, Luckin thinks VR is wasted on replicating physical spaces that already exist and should focus on historical or imagined spaces instead. We need to recognize the importance of experiencing the real world as it is, says Luckin, adding: If we get it right, the future of education will be one where theres more human interaction.

But as one of many technological tools that will be available to teachers in the coming years, virtual reality has the opportunity to make learning more immersive and individualized if we recognize the strengths, the weaknesses, what it is theyre particularly good for, and make sure thats how we use them, says Luckin.

And while more universities are jumping on the Metaversity bandwagon  Morehouse College is one of 30 campuses funded by Meta, Facebooks parent company, that are being built by VictoryXR, which is also working with over 100 higher education institutions on immersive virtual reality learning programs  the cost could be a huge potential barrier to wider adoption.

Morehouses Metaversity campus and courses are funded by several grantors, including Meta, Qualcomm, and T-Mobile. A digital twin campus starts from $50,000, and the headsets Morehouse uses cost $499 each, says Morris.

Getting VR access to students across every level of education is vital, says Morris. We are going to live in a digitally illiterate society if we dont start infusing our money and efforts into young people, she says.

However, as a geographically agnostic teaching tool, Morris believes that VR has the potential to make education more equitable, connecting students to world-class institutions on the other side of the world. Goel has already found this with his surgery software, which is currently being used to train doctors in 53 low and middle-income countries.

Morris (right) teaches classes in the Metaversity with her avatar (left). - CNN

Teaching tech literacy

Starting with three classes, Morehouse now offers 13 courses each semester in the Metaversity, including modules in multimedia and visual storytelling, world history, microbiology, and literature, which include emotive experiences such as being on the front line in World War II, and on a transatlantic slave ship.

Its really important to experience things that may change your perspective, says Morris.

Vitally, the Metaversity isnt just teaching subject knowledge  its also showing students how to use and interact with emerging technology. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics is really important, regardless of what your major is, says Morris. About 60% of the jobs that will be here in 2030 dont exist right now, and its really important for our students to have highly technical skill sets.

With achievement on the rise, she hopes to see the graduation rate increase, too. Morehouse ranks in the top five of the USs historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) for its graduation rate (around 55%) although it still falls short of the national average (64%).

Morris is excited that as the first Metaversity, Morehouse has the opportunity to empower its students, predominantly Black men, in these technological spaces.

Most HBCUs are broadband deserts, and most rural or inner-city schools have poor access to emerging technology, she says. That is why it is so important for the world to see Black young men at Morehouse at the forefront of an innovative effort like this that is transforming education.

Aiming for an 80% graduation rate, a goal set by the university president, Morris is optimistic that the Metaversity can keep students engaged as well as accelerate their learning.

And for Morris, the Metaversity has restored joy in the education system.

It felt like having my own dreams come true, in the sense that were no longer operating in an antiquated learning model where Im seeing students fail over and over again, she says, adding: Why did we wait so long to do something this transformative?

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'There could be others coming': Donald Trump braces supporters for more indictments

WASHINGTON  Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday disputed the latest development in the federal classified documents case against him  an audio recording in which he discusses classified information he wasn't entitled to have  and warned supporters that additional indictments may be coming soon.

"There could be others coming," Trump told members of the New Hampshire Federation of Republican Women, predicting that future charges will drive up his poll numbers among GOP voters.

Trump already faces trials over hush money allegations in New York state and claims he mishandled classified documents in Florida.

He is still under investigation in Atlanta over allegations he pressured state officials to overturn his loss to President Joe Biden in the 2020 race for the White House. There is another ongoing investigation in Washington, D.C., over efforts to block Congress from certifying Biden's election in the Electoral College.

In his New Hampshire speech, Trump denied wrongdoing and accused prosecutors of engaging in "election interference."

Former President Donald Trump addresses the Faith & Freedom Coalition in Washington, D.C., on June 24, 2023.

The classified documents tape

Trump did not discuss the newly surfaced tape in his speech on Tuesday, but he did on social media and in an interview.

"I dont know of any recordings that we should be concerned with because I dont do things wrong. I do things right," Trump told Fox News Digital. "Im a legitimate person."

The tape obtained by CNN reflected the indictment allegation that Trump shared classified information with others.

In a 2021 meeting with people working on a book by White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, Trump discussed what he called "highly confidential" documents.

"This is secret information," Trump said in the audio clip.

"See, as president I could have declassified it," Trump added. "Now I can't, you know, but this is still a secret."

'Numbers will keep going up'

In bracing supporters for the prospect of more indictments, Trump also joked that his "numbers will keep going up," which has happened in polls following his first two indictments.

That includes polls in New Hampshire, which will host the first primary of the 2024 campaign cycle.

A new poll from the St. Anselm College Survey Center said 47% of registered voters in New Hampshire would back Trump if the primary were held now. That is far ahead of challengers like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at 19% and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie at 6%.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Donald Trump says more indictments are possible at 2024 campaign stop
Rights to the works of Argentine literary giant Jorge Luis Borges granted to his widow's nephews

FILE - Maria Kodama, widow and heiress of Argentine author Jorge Luis Borges attends a press conference at the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, July 30, 2012. Kodama has died on Sunday, March 26, 2023. Courts in Argentina said on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, that the Kodamas five nephews will inherit the manuscripts and copyright of the writings of Kodamas late husband Jorge Luis Borges. (AP Photo/Alexandre Meneghini, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP)  A court has granted the rights to the works of the late Jorge Luis Borges, considered Argentinas most internationally significant author of the 20th century, to five nephews of the authors widow who died in March.

Borges wife, Maria Kodama, had devoted much of her life to fiercely protecting his legacy and it surprise many in Argentinas literary circle that she did not leave a will, even though she was battling breast cancer.

The absence of a will had put the rights to his works into limbo. But on Tuesday a court in Buenos Aires ruled that the five nephews would receive the rights in their capacity as universal heirs.

Borges died in 1986 at age 86 and left Kodama, a translator and writer whom he had married earlier that year, as his only heir. They never had children. She died March 26, also aged 86.

Kodamas longtime lawyer, Fernando Soto, said in April that Kodamas nephews went to court to declare themselves her heirs after her death, seeking to get ownership to all of her possessions, including the rights to Borges works and what are thought to be several valuable manuscripts.

Borges widow led a life apart from her family.

Soto said he was surprised to find out she had nephews, adding that it was a big relief because I didnt want the state to keep everything.
Chicago Board of Education President Miguel del Valle said Wednesday hes leaving the post this week.

Tapped as president by then-Mayor Lori Lightfoot in 2019, del Valle announced at Wednesdays Board of Education meeting that it will be his last. His seat on the board expires Friday.

His departure comes at a time of transition for Chicago Public Schools, not only because a new mayor, Brandon Johnson, took office six weeks ago, but because its Board of Education will be shifting from an appointed to an elected body starting next year.

Johnson has been expected to make his own appointments to serve during the transition period.

In an open letter to the mayor this month, parent organizations and other advocacy groups urged Johnson to be more transparent about his board member appointments than administrations past, including open solicitation of candidates, transparency around the criteria and qualifications by which candidates are to be selected, and to describe his vision for the boards membership.

Johnson released a statement later Wednesday thanking del Valle but giving no indication of who might replace him or when that decision will be made.

Calling del Valle an unwavering advocate for community schools, Johnson noted that being Board of Education president is a taxing positions that is challenging even in the best of times. But he said del Valle has navigated numerous challenges with patience and understanding of the passion around public education in our city.

With CPS facing a $628 million budget shortfall in the 2025-26 school year, the parent and community groups beseeched Johnson to prioritize candidates with policy expertise on the ongoing challenges the district faces, who also have direct experience with CPS as parents or alumni.

Del Valle served during a tumultuous time for the district, whose teachers and other staff members went on strike in October 2019, months into his term. The COVID-19 pandemic arrived a few months after that, abruptly shifting the district to remote learning and leading to further strife with the Chicago Teachers Union over pandemic protections.

In his announcement Wednesday, del Valle thanked Lightfoot and other board members with whom hes served and noted the volunteer role has been quite a challenge, but I feel Ive been up to the challenge.

Today I can honestly say that CPS with its partners  CTU and the principals association and its external partners, community-based organizations and the other sectors  are coming together to ensure that we become stronger, and by that I mean that we better serve our students and their families and our students leave CPS ready for their future, del Valle said.

He also praised Johnson, a former CTU organizer, saying that in recent conversations, Ive found him to be very collaborative and responsive, and I dont think anyone can question his commitment and his dedication to the Chicago Public Schools for obvious reasons.

By the time he was appointed board president, del Valle already had a long background in city and state politics, with much of his focus in the education arena. He was the first Latino in the state Senate, where he headed the Education Committee, and also served on the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and chaired the Illinois P-20 Council, a state education reform group created in 2009. Hes also a CPS alumni, former CPS parent and former board member of the education advocacy group Advance Illinois and the Illinois Federation for Community Schools.
A motorcyclist was critically injured when he struck a utility pole on Main Avenue in Warwick Tuesday afternoon, the Warwick police said.

He was identified as Walter Lawrence, 67, of Cranston.

Arriving at the crash scene around 1:30 p.m., police officers found Lawrence suffering from multiple injuries, including what appeared to be a life-threatening injury to his right leg, the police said in a press release. "Officers immediately applied a tourniquet" to Lawrence's leg and called for an ambulance, the police said.

More: A Providence organization wanted crash data to make streets safer. RIDOT said it's private

Lawrence was taken by ambulance to Rhode Island Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition, the police said Tuesday.

Lawrence, who was not wearing a helmet, had been driving east on Main Avenue when his motorcycle veered to the right and struck the pole at the corner of Trinity Street, the police said. Lawrence was thrown from the motorcycle and landed in the eastbound lane, the police said.

The police are still investigating the crash and ask anyone who witnessed it or has information to contact the traffic unit at 401-468-4200. Anonymous tips can be submitted via the WARWICKPD app or text WARWICKPD to 847411.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Motorcyclist, 67, strikes pole in Warwick, suffers serious injuries
Were in the crosshairs: Wildfires and wind push Chicago regions air quality to worst in the world, global pollution index shows

CHICAGO  At Promontory Park in Chicago's Hyde Park, normally a spot for picnickers and parkgoers to admire an impressive view of the city, a group of four wore masks and looked across Lake Michigan at a whitish and gray skyline.

Miranda Mireles, 23, who grew up in Chicago and went to school in Washington state, said the scene felt eerie. She said the poor air quality had given her a headache.

Weve never had to deal with forest fire smoke, Mireles said. I was familiar with it (in Washington), but not here.

As thick smoke from Canadian wildfires coated Chicago and the surrounding areas Tuesday, weather officials warned more bad air is expected Wednesday.

According to the monitoring site IQAir, Chicago had the worst air quality out of 95 cities worldwide Tuesday.

Trent Ford, the Illinois state climatologist, said the worldwide index is essentially an average of the air quality monitors in a city. However, factors like time differences and the amount of monitors in a city make it difficult to use the index as a complete picture.

But in general, to see cities like Chicago, which dont, citywide, have this kind of perennial problem with air quality, at the top of that list, just gives you an idea of how unusual the conditions are right now, Ford said.

As of 11 a.m. Central time, the air quality index had risen to a level considered very unhealthy, according to AirNow, a website that combines data from county, state and federal air quality agencies nationwide. This means everyone is at risk of experiencing health effects.

Weather officials also issued air quality alerts into Wednesday for the Great Lakes region and the Lower Mississippi and Ohio valleys.

Smelling smoke is an immediate sign to stay indoors, said Zac Adelman, executive director of the Lake Michigan Air Directors Consortium.

Its very common to see smoke in the atmosphere above us, Adelman said. Its not common to have high concentrations of smoke coming down to the surface like were experiencing it now.

Smoke blows into Chicago fairly regularly, Adelman said. Theres somewhere burning in North America at all times.

How more smoke ends up at the surface level is more of a question of how it travels.

Well be looking at this event for a long time to figure out, you know, what the particular dynamics and chemistry were that caused the smoke to come down to the surface here, he said.

Factors like atmospheric conditions, how large the fires are and existing air pollutants in the city make it difficult to pinpoint exactly why Chicago has such bad air quality, despite other cities experiencing similar issues, he said.

Particulate matter known as PM2.5, which can be emitted by factories, power plants, diesel and gasoline vehicles, residential fireplaces and wildfires, was the main driver behind Tuesdays elevated air quality.

As of 7 a.m. Tuesday, particulate matter levels were three, four, times higher than we typically observe here, Adelman said.

These tiny particles of solids and liquids in the air are one of the biggest pollution concerns, said Brian Urbaszewski, director of environmental health programs for the Respiratory Health Association.

It is a function of where the fires are, where the weather systems are, and where the winds are blowing all that smoke in, Urbaszewski said. Were in the crosshairs.

PM2.5 refers to how large the particles are in micrometers. For comparison, the average strand of human hair is about 70 micrometers.

There are particles that are small enough to get to the deepest portions of your lungs, actually get in your bloodstream, Urbaszewski said. In addition to all the problems that ozone causes, they also trigger things like heart attacks and strokes.

According to Scott Baker, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Romeoville, Illinois, as of Tuesday the weather service has issued nine air quality alert days for the Chicago metropolitan area in 2023. Seven of those days have been in the month of June.

It seems more frequent this year than what weve had in recent years, Baker said. Especially for one month having seven days, its definitely not the norm.

The most recent air quality report from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency showed that in Chicago, there were no unhealthy air days in 2021. In 2020, there were two unhealthy days.

Kim Briggs, spokesperson for the Illinois EPA, said that Tuesdays air quality in Chicago was forecast as unhealthy but there were a few hours where very unhealthy levels were recorded.

The Illinois EPA provides daily air quality readings for 14 regions across the state based on the air quality index. It is a color-coded system with six categories that classifies air quality from good to hazardous. Very unhealthy is one category below hazardous.

The index is a combination of levels of particulate matter and ground-level ozone, also known as smog. Though ozone in the atmosphere is good for filtering out harmful ultraviolet rays, its not great for human health at the surface, experts said. Ozone can burn the inside of your lungs, causing discomfort in the throat and coughing.

On Tuesday, the ozone level reached levels later in the day that are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups like people with respiratory illnesses and children.

Urbaszewski said these conditions cant be separated from discussions about climate change. The wildfires in Canada emit greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide that further warm the planet.

While breathing greenhouse gases, you know, doesnt really have an immediate health impact here, it is causing a health problem by proxy, he said.

Canadian officials have called this the worst wildfire season in the modern era with more than 480 active fires and more than 19 million acres of land burned so far this year, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center.

Liz Biddle, an ultra distance runner from Norwood Park, had been planning to run 20 miles Tuesday.

I walked outside and it smelled like burning plastic. People were talking about how the air quality was really bad, so I thought Id just put a mask on. But about a half a mile in, I couldnt catch my breath, she said.

Biddle, 40, said she turned around and slowly jogged home.

I ran during Snowmageddon. I did an ultra that was in the desert and it got up to 116 degrees. Youd finish the run and blow your nose and it was black  Ive done that. But I couldnt do it today, she said. I cant think of a time when the air quality has made me not run.

Biddle, who said she has been doing ultra distances for about a decade, said she generally runs about 50 miles a week.

She said she is going to try again Wednesday. Im hoping its not gonna be as bad. I feel like if this continues, I cant imagine that NASCAR would contribute to better air quality. Its probably gonna make things just a little bit worse.

NASCAR is holding its first street race Saturday and Sunday in downtown Chicago, and some residents have expressed concern about adding race car emissions to Chicagos air quality issues.

Along the 26th Street corridor in Little Village, several people wore masks Tuesday morning. An older woman walked inside a restaurant, complaining about a headache.

Teresa Reyes McNamara said she worries about how Chicagos poor air quality will affect older adults living in underserved communities. Reyes McNamara is the chair of the Southwest Environmental Alliance, an organization that has been advocating for environmental justice by demanding Mayor Brandon Johnsons administration establish legislation to protect neighborhoods like Little Village from developers that pollute their communities.

This pollution in the air today is just another hit on the gut for the people here in the South Side, Reyes McNamara said.

By late evening, she was refusing to leave her house, worried about the potential impacts that breathing the air would have on her. On the Southwest Side, many older adults work outside, especially construction workers and street vendors, she said. They cant stay home.

When Faye Crouteau of Uptown went for a walk by the lakefront Tuesday morning, she said she noticed the air smelled like burning tires. Afterward, she was sitting outside wearing a mask because she couldnt be inside her condo while it was being inspected.

She said her wife struggles with asthma and long COVID-19. When her wife woke up Tuesday morning, the first thing she said was, Im having a really hard time today.

Crouteau said she was aware of how bad air quality was in New York City in early June but wasnt particularly concerned about Chicago.

Were usually saved by the lake, Crouteau said. But thats obviously not the case today.

The mayors office issued a statement Tuesday saying the city has initiated a comprehensive response, including outreach to vulnerable populations, and special precautions such as moving Chicago Park District camps, Chicago Public Schools and other activities indoors where possible.

The city advised people without access to properly ventilated and safe indoor conditions to use the citys public libraries, senior centers, Park District facilities, and the Cultural Center or the six community centers.

This summer, cities across North America have seen unhealthy levels of air quality as a result of wildfire smoke, impacting over 20 million people from New York City, Washington, D.C., Montreal, and today here in Chicago, the statement said. As we work to respond to the immediate health concerns in our communities, this concerning episode demonstrates and underscores the harmful impact that the climate crisis is having on our residents, as well as people all over the world.

Experts recommend that people stay inside and keep the windows closed. Running the air conditioner or using an air filter would also help. Its not a good idea to do any physical activity because you breathe in more polluted air when overexerting yourself.

The current air conditions are unhealthy for everyone, but the risks are increased for children and adults with respiratory and pulmonary conditions, officials said.

If going outdoors, Urbaszewski said wearing a face mask can decrease how many smoke particles youre inhaling.

Its all about minimizing the amount of smoke youre breathing, he said. If you have (face masks) its a good day to use them.

As for pets, Urbaszewski said to remember that they need to breathe, too. Taking a long jog with your dog, probably not a great idea today because youre gonna feel lousy and so will the dog.

Dr. Ravi Kalhan, a pulmonologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, said anyone exposed to this degree of unhealthy air is likely to have symptoms to varying degrees, whether it be constrained breathing, a burning sensation in the throat or red, watery itchy eyes, but those with chronic conditions should take extra care.

He said spending several hours outside in this level of poor air quality roughly equates to smoking a quarter to a half pack of cigarettes.

As other regions of the country dealt with excessive heat, Chicagos temperatures reached only the low 70s Tuesday. Those temperatures are expected to climb into the low 80s over the next few days. Severe thunderstorms and excessive rainfall are possible through Saturday, weather officials said.

Ford, the state climatologist, said there are air quality alerts as far south as the Kentucky border, making this a statewide problem for the next few days.

For some parts of southern Illinois, where theres both an air quality alert and excessive heat watch, Ford said itll be tricky to address these compounding issues.

One of the suggestions for reducing the potential for heat health issues is finding a shady spot if you dont have air conditioning, getting outside, he said. But you also then have this You shouldnt go outside, you need to minimize your time outside.

Everyone should take these air quality warnings seriously, Ford said.

Even if youre as healthy as they come, it can really do damage to your lungs, your respiratory system, he said. If you need an excuse to take it easy and not exercise, this is a really good excuse.



(Chicago Tribunes Deanese Williams-Harris and Shanzeh Ahmad contributed to this story.)

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This photo taken on April 18, 2023 shows a view of a workshop of China First Heavy Industries in Qiqihar, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

China's major industrial firms in May reported a smaller profit decline for a third straight month in the latest signal of steady industrial recovery, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed Wednesday.

Industrial firms with an annual main business revenue of at least 20 million yuan (about 2.77 million U.S. dollars) saw their combined profits stand at 635.81 billion yuan last month, down 12.6 percent from a year ago, narrowing from the 18.2 percent drop in April.

Industrial production continued to improve, and business profits maintained the recovery trend last month, said NBS statistician Sun Xiao. Wednesday's data exceeded market expectations, said Wen Bin, chief economist of China Minsheng Bank.

In May, the manufacturing sector posted better performance thanks to an array of supportive policies, with its profit decline narrowing by 7.4 percentage points from April. Equipment manufacturers saw combined profits rise 15.2 percent last month, and the profit decline of consumer goods producers shrank by 17.1 percentage points.

Meanwhile, the power, heating, gas, and water supply sectors saw rapid growth, with their profits up 35.9 percent from a year earlier.

Sun, in particular, cited a vibrant automobile industry as surging new energy vehicle sales helped make the sector's profits more than double. The textile and garment sector also witnessed marked improvement, with 47 percent profit growth.

In the first five months, the profits of Chinese industrial firms went down 18.8 percent year on year, narrowing by 1.8 percentage points from the January-April period, according to the NBS data. The aggregate revenue of these firms edged up 0.1 percent.

Looking forward, analysts believe the industrial profit decline will continue to narrow as the producer price index is expected to bottom out in the middle of the year, and government policy support will help drive up factory production.

However, Sun acknowledged that the foundation of industrial firms' recovery is still not solid enough due to a more complicated and grim external environment and inadequate domestic demand.

The statistician called for more efforts to build up growth momentum and shore up the recovery of the industrial economy.
FILE PHOTO: An improvised gate blocks the way leading to a Cuban military base near Bejucal, Cuba

HAVANA (Reuters) - The defense ministers of Cuba and Russia discussed the development of joint "technical military" projects this week at a meeting in Moscow, according to media reports and Russia's defense ministry, just days after mercenaries marched towards the Russian capital.

The longtime political allies - both subject to U.S. sanctions - have sharply increased economic ties in recent months, facilitating trade and investment to circumvent those restrictions.

Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigu proposed this week to extend that cooperation to the country's militaries, according to a report in Prensa Latina.

"The composition of your large delegation testifies to Cuba's readiness to discuss a wide range of issues in the military and military-technical sphere," Shoigu said in the report. "I propose to discuss in detail all the existing and promising cooperation projects in the military field."

Shoigu's dismissal had been one of the main demands of mutineers led by Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin over the weekend.

Cuba's defense minister Alvaro Lopez said Havana rejected sanctions imposed on Russia by the U.S., and repeated Cuba's position that U.S. wishes to expand NATO had forced Russia's hand in Ukraine, according to a Russian military statement.

"History will demand responsibility from the United States for the consequences of its aggressive military doctrine beyond the borders of NATO, which threatens peace, security and international stability," Lopez was quoted as saying in the Russian military statement.

The meeting came just days after the U.S. said it would have "deep concerns" about Chinese intelligence and military activities in Cuba after the Wall Street Journal reported that Beijing was planning a spy base and new military training facilities on the island.

Cuba has denied those allegations, citing a lack of evidence, and maintains that the only military incursion on the communist-run island is an "illegal" military base operated by the United States at Guantanamo.

(Reporting by Dave Sherwood in Havana; Additional reporting by Guy Faulconbridge in Moscow; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
A 70-year-old man taken into police custody early Wednesday on misdemeanor warrants became sick and died around an hour later, Dallas police said in a news release.

Roy Whittaker was taken into custody around 1:30 a.m. after a police officer saw the vehicle he was driving hit another vehicle and leave the scene, officials said. Police stopped Whittaker in the 9500 block of CF Hawn Freeway service road and took him into custody on misdemeanor warrants.

Whittaker became ill and asked for help when officers were searching him around 1:49 a.m., police said. An on-scene supervisor told the officers to remove the handcuffs, and police immediately requested assistance from Dallas Fire-Rescue.

Dallas Fire-Rescue arrived at 1:55 a.m., police said, and paramedics placed Whittaker on a stretcher and loaded him into the ambulance at 1:59 a.m. Paramedics then started CPR on Whittaker.

Dallas Fire-Rescue left the scene with Whittaker at 2:17 a.m. and arrived at a local hospital at 2:27 a.m., police said. Whittaker died at the hospital at 2:42 a.m.

The driver of the vehicle Whittaker hit drove away from the scene and didnt report the accident, officials said.

The Special Investigations Unit is investigating Whittakers in-custody death, officials said. The Dallas County District Attorneys Office and Office of Community Police Oversight have been notified.

This is the second in-custody death in a week, according to Dallas police. A 39-year-old man arrested in connection with a Dallas murder case died in police custody June 21 after he told authorities he was feeling sick and was transported to a hospital.
NEW YORK -- Daniel Penny was arraigned Wednesday in the chokehold death of Jordan Neely on the subway.

He was charged with criminally negligent homicide and second-degree manslaughter.

He pleaded not guilty at State Supreme Court in Lower Manhattan.

Read the indictment

"Daniel Penny stands indicted for manslaughter after allegedly putting Jordan Neely in a deadly chokehold for several minutes until and after he stopped moving. I hope Mr. Neely's loved ones are on the path towards healing as they continue to mourn this tragic loss," District Attorney Alvin Bragg said.

"From now on, when justice happens, don't be surprised and don't be shocked," Neely family attorney Dante Mills said.

Penny was arrested last month for second-degree manslaughter and has since been out on bond. The 24-year-old Marine veteran was seen on video holding Neely in a chokehold on an F train back on May 1 in SoHo. His arrest followed protests and came 11 days after the deadly encounter.

As the demand for Penny to face charges grew, others came to his defense, raising $3 million to cover his legal expenses.

"We're all witnesses here. We're witnessing even $3 million, a legal defense fund, interviews that took place before this happened, can't make justice go away," Neely family attorney Lennon Edwards said.

Read More: Daniel Penny indicted in subway chokehold death of Jordan NeelyRead More: Daniel Penny says Jordan Neely threatened to kill subway riders before deadly chokehold on video released by his attorneys

Neely was a 30-year-old subway performer who had been homeless and had a history of mental illness.

Penny told investigators Neely was threatening passengers on the train and acting erratically. His lawyers say Penny was acting in self defense and never intended to kill Neely.

Read More: Jordan Neely's loved ones, leaders pay final respects at funeral in Harlem: "Jordan was screaming for help"

"All the evidence is that, we've seen, our client acted reasonably under the circumstances and that he was justified in the actions he took," attorney Steven Raiser said. "On May 1, 2023, Daniel Penny defended his fellow travelers. Now, it's our turn to defend Danny.

"Daniel won't be the only one on trial. The right and duty to defend one another will be on trial, too. Our legal team is prepared to fight for Danny and for every New Yorker to defend themselves when faced with great harm," Raiser added.

As for Penny's current state of mind, attorney Thomas Kenniff said, "Daniel is a brave guy and he's continuing with his schooling. He's doing what he needs to do, staying close with his family. This is a very trying time for Danny."

If convicted on both counts, Penny faces up to 19 years in prison.

Penny will remain out on bond under the same conditions imposed for his original charge. He had to surrender passport and can't leave the state without notifying authorities.

Penny's next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 25, the Manhattan DA said.

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Daniel Penny arrives in court on Wednesday

A former US Marine who placed a homeless man in a fatal chokehold on a New York City subway train has pleaded not guilty to criminal charges.

Daniel Penny, 24, was indicted in court on Wednesday on counts of second-degree manslaughter and negligent homicide.

Witnesses said Jordan Neely, 30, was shouting at other subway passengers and asking for money when Mr Penny pinned him down for several minutes on 1 May.

Video of the confrontation sparked protests and counter-demonstrations.

Mr Penny faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of the manslaughter charge. He was arrested on 12 May and released on $100,000 (80,000) in bail.

He has said he was acting in self-defence in the incident on a northbound F train subway car in Manhattan.

Witnesses said Mr Neely was shouting about how he was hungry and willing to return to jail or die. There is no indication he physically attacked anyone.

The incident was filmed by bystanders, and a video captured by a freelance journalist on the train shows Mr Penny holding Mr Neely around the neck for two minutes and 55 seconds.

He continued to restrain Mr Neely, including after he stopped moving, say prosecutors.

Emergency responders tried to resuscitate him, and he was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The city medical examiner said his death resulted from compression of the neck and ruled it a homicide.

Jordan Neely's death sparked protests in New York City

In a statement on Wednesday, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said he hopes the Neely family is "on the path towards healing as they continue to mourn this tragic loss".

Mr Penny did not address reporters as he entered the Manhattan court for Wednesday's brief hearing.

Earlier this month, Mr Penny addressed the incident on social media and said he did not intend to kill Mr Neely.

"I was scared for myself but I looked around there were women and children, he was yelling in their faces saying these threats. I just couldn't sit still," he said.

Supporters of Daniel Penny rallied in New York City last month

Outside court, attorneys for Mr Penny expressed confidence he will ultimately be found not guilty.

"There is not a living, breathing soul in Manhattan that has not experienced a variation of what not only Mr Penny but other individuals experienced on that subway car," lawyer Thomas Keniff said.

The defendant was ordered to return to court on 25 October for a pre-trial hearing.

A self-defence argument was the most logical way for Mr Penny to proceed, attorneys told the BBC.

The case is "dependent on whether or not there was an imminent harm posed to himself or others, and whether or not his conduct was excessive", said Dmitriy Shakhnevich, a criminal defence attorney and professor at John Jay Law School.

"That's really it," he said. "There's nothing else in this case."

That standard would be quite high, said Lance Fletcher, a former prosecutor who now works as a New York defence attorney.

"They have to say, he killed this guy and it wasn't justified, and no reasonable person would think it was justified," Mr Fletcher said. "And that's going to be tough."

Perception "has a huge impact on the case", said Mr Fletcher, "since this case is all about justification".

Mr Neely was a Michael Jackson impersonator who frequently performed in Times Square.

He had 42 arrests on charges such as evading fares, theft and assaults on three women, according to US media reports.

Mr Neely began experiencing mental health issues after his mother's murder by her boyfriend in 2007, his aunt, Carolyn Neely, told the New York Post last month.

New York Mayor Eric Adams has said Mr Neely's previous offences highlight the need to improve the city's mental health system.

The case has become politically charged with conservatives - including Florida Governor and presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis - praising Mr Penny as a hero.

His detractors, such as US civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton, have characterised Mr Penny as a vigilante in the mould of Bernard Goetz, a white man who shot and injured four black men on a New York subway in 1984.

Mr Penny's supporters have raised nearly $3m (2.37m) for his legal defence.

But Neely family attorney Donte Mills said on Wednesday: "For everyone who thought donating $3 million would somehow make this go away or buy his pass: It's not going to happen. You can ask for a refund."
Daniel Penny pleads not guilty to manslaughter charge in chokehold death of Jordan Neely

Daniel Penny, the Long Island man charged in the subway chokehold killing of Jordan Neely, pleaded not guilty to manslaughter charges in Manhattan on Wednesday.

The former Marine appeared alongside his lawyers for a brief court appearance two weeks after a grand jury indicted him on second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide.

Pennys plea paves the way for a trial in the high-profile case thats generated national attention.

When cell phone footage of Neelys killing went viral and nobody was in custody, demonstrators took to the streets over the unaccounted killing of a poor and unarmed Black man on the subway.

Bystander video showed the 24-year-old Penny holding a writhing Neely in a minutes-long chokehold until he stopped moving. Medics transported him to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

As calls mounted for Penny to be publicly identified and charged with Neelys death, the Manhattan district attorney brought manslaughter charges on May 11. A grand jury indicted him about a month later.

Penny, an architecture student who was unemployed and looking for work at the time of the incident, found staunch support among right-wing politicians and Republican presidential candidates, leading to more than $3 million in donations toward his legal defense.

Neely grew up in Manhattan and New Jersey was known to many New Yorkers as a passionate Michael Jackson tribute artist. He battled severe mental illness and homelessness, according to his relatives and friends.

In prerecorded statements taped by his lawyers, Penny said he acted to protect himself and other passengers from an erratic Neely and didnt regret his actions.

Still unclear is what exactly happened before the chokehold. An NYPD source previously told the Daily News that five passengers called 911 before and during the encounter.

One of the passengers said Neely was making threats and harassing people. Other callers said the ex-Marine was restraining Neely until the police arrived.

The Manhattan DA says Neely got on the train and started making threats and scaring passengers when Penny approached him from behind and put him in a chokehold.

Neely isnt accused of attacking anyone, and the witness who filmed the viral video, journalist Alberto Vazquez, said Neely told passengers he was hungry and didnt seem like he wanted to hurt people.

Neely got on the train at Second Ave. and was on the floor with Pennys arm around his neck when it reached the next stop.
Daniel Penny pleaded not guilty Wednesday in the death of Jordan Neely, whom Penny placed in a chokehold on the New York City subway last month.

Penny, 24, pleaded not guilty to second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in the May 1 death of Neely, who was reportedly dealing with mental illness and homelessness. Penny put Neely, 30, in the fatal chokehold with the help of two other passengers for more than three minutes after Neely had been reportedly shouting at passengers and behaving erratically.

Neely lost consciousness in the chokehold and was later pronounced dead at the hospital after medical responders could not resuscitate him.

Penny, who served four years in the Marines before being discharged in 2021, was initially questioned by detectives but was released without charges at the time.

The Manhattan district attorneys office confirmed about 10 days after Neelys death that the former Marine would be charged with second-degree manslaughter. He was released on a $100,000 bond after not entering a plea.

A grand jury voted to indict Penny on updated charges earlier this month. His arraignment in New York lasted only minutes before he entered his not guilty plea.

The fatal incident was caught on video, which prompted outrage because it showed Penny continuing to keep Neely in the chokehold after he had passed out. The incident also sparked larger conversations about race and how people with mental illnesses should be treated.

Lawyers for Penny, who is white, have maintained that Neely, who was Black, was aggressively threatening him and other passengers, so the former Marine took action to defend himself and others until authorities arrived.

Neelys family has argued that Neely was instead asking for help.

The Associated Press contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan cast as Clark Kent and Lois Lane in Superman: Legacy

David Corenswet has officially been chosen to portray Superman while Rachel Brosnahan will take on the role of Lois Lane in Warner Bros and DC Studios upcoming Superman: Legacy.

The decisions were announced Tuesday, after months of audition tapes and in-person screen tests, reports Deadline.

Corenswet and Brosnahan were among the few individuals selected to audition in full costume and makeup for DC co-chairs Peter Safran and James Gunn, who is also directing the film.

Sources close to production revealed that both actors had test deals set to expire after two business weeks, indicating the urgency to finalize casting before the potential SAG-AFTRA strike, which could begin June 30.

While Warner Bros has not yet stated whether it will attend the upcoming Comic-Con in San Diego, theres a possibility that Corenswet and Brosnahan may be introduced during the studios Hall H panel. However, if there is a strike, the actors would not be allowed to participate in any such events.

Now that Corenswet and Brosnahan have secured the two key roles, Gunn is reportedly shifting his focus toward casting Supermans arch-nemesis, Lex Luthor, and other supporting roles.

Earlier this year, Gunn and Safran unveiled their plan for the initial phase of their cross-platform DC slate titled Chapter One, Gods and Monsters, with Superman: Legacy taking center stage in the new strategy.

The presentation also included details about upcoming films, including Batman: The Brave and the Bold, helmed by director Andy Muscietti, and The Authority, based on the comic books of the same name.

For Corenswet, Superman marks his first leading role in a major studio production, following projects like Pearl, The Politician, and We Own This City.

Brosnahan recently concluded her acclaimed role in Amazons The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, which garnered her numerous accolades, including an Emmy win.


Dayton man sentenced after stopped at airport with large amount of cash; drugs, guns found in home

A Dayton man was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison after a discovery at a Cincinnati airport led to his arrest.

In January 2021 law enforcement stopped Laramie Lawson, 37, at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport with more than $19,000 hidden in his carry-on bag.

Lawson had bought a one-way ticket to Los Angeles, according to a media release.

He was unemployed at the time.

>> FBI concludes search of Washington Twp. home; suspicious objects found

Members of the FBIs Southern Ohio Safe Streets Task Force searched Lawsons two homes in Dayton and found bulk amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine.

Guns were also found in an armest of a recliner in the living room, the release states.

Bulk amounts of fentanyl and another gun were found in the second home.

Lawson was charged and indicted in 2022 and pled guilty to three federal drug counts in 2023.

He was sentenced to 17 years in prison.




Good morning, Chicago.

At Promontory Park in Hyde Park, normally a spot for picnickers and parkgoers to admire an impressive view of the city, a group of four wore masks and looked across Lake Michigan at a whitish and gray skyline.

Miranda Mireles, 23, who grew up in Chicago and went to school in Washington state, said the scene felt eerie. She said the poor air quality had given her a headache.

Weve never had to deal with forest fire smoke, Mireles said. I was familiar with it (in Washington), but not here.

As thick smoke from Canadian wildfires coated Chicago and the surrounding areas yesterday, weather officials warned more bad air is expected today.

Read the full story from the Tribunes Vivian La, Jenna Smith, Nell Salzman and Laura Rodriguez Presa. Search air quality index levels here.

And here are the top stories you need to know to start your day.

Subscribe to more newsletters | Puzzles & Games | Todays eNewspaper edition

A woman who accused former WTMX-FM morning host Eric Ferguson of coercing her to perform sexual acts, then retaliating against her at work when she stopped complying, has dropped her explosive lawsuit against the sidelined radio personality.

The lawsuit by former assistant producer Cynthia DeNicolo, filed in May 2021, sparked a tumultuous two years of public battles for Ferguson and Hubbard Radio Chicago, the company that owns the adult contemporary station at 101.9.

CTA journeys are about to get more arduous for commuters heading to the Illinois Medical District, students heading to UIC and travelers connecting to Amtrak at Union Station.

CTA Blue Line tracks between the West Loop and the Illinois Medical District are set to temporarily close this summer, as work gets underway to remove some of the slow zones that plague the Forest Park branch of the line.

A six-bedroom, 9,815-square-foot mansion in Elmhurst sold June 1 for $4.2 million, setting what easily is a record for the highest-priced home sale in that DuPage County suburbs history.

Elmhursts previous highest-priced sale was a seven-bedroom, 11,108-square-foot mansion in south Elmhurst that traded hands in November 2021 for $3.35 million  fully $850,000 less than the sale price of the mansion that sold in June.

The American Library Association conference that just ended at McCormick Place tends to be a predictably tame six days. The annual gathering of librarians, publishers and information professionals has been happening since the 19th century. The Chicago-based ALA greets librarians from rural towns, big cities, colleges, high schools, libraries in other countries. They eat a hot dog and take a boat tour and, for a week, dig into the latest archiving techniques, discuss methods of bolstering diversity and forecast digital trends.

That was before the book banners, writes Christopher Borrelli.

Dial of Destiny marks the fifth and probable final Indiana Jones movie with Harrison Ford front and center. Its also the first one  and you can tell, right away  not directed by Steven Spielberg, writes film critic Michael Phillips.

The Blackhawks have the first pick today, giving them the right to select consensus No. 1 prospect Connor Bedard. But they also have a second first-round pick, No. 19 from the Tampa Bay Lightning, that could yield what would be top-10 value in other drafts, writes Phil Thompson.

There have been fouler smells emanating from Wrigley in years past, but usually it was due to the play of the Cubs, writes Paul Sullivan. The smell during yesterdays game was more like a campout at Wrigley, and a smoky crowd of 37,072 turned out to watch a jet-lagged Cubs lineup look lifeless against Phillies left-hander Ranger Suarez, who held them to one run on four hits over 7 1/3 innings.

Although Revival Food Hall is always a popular destination for Loop lunchers, the grand opening of Hot Chi last month kicked things into overdrive.

A line extended around the block as customers hungered for a taste of the South Side-born chicken concept. And while many were drawn in by the mouthwatering menu, others were there specifically seeking out halal food.
Twin sisters among 11 killed in Russian attack on Ukraine's Kramatorsk Aftermath of a Russia's missile attack in Kramatorsk

By Max Hunder

KRAMATORSK, Ukraine (Reuters) -Two 14-year-old twin sisters were among at least 11 people killed in a Russian missile strike on a crowded restaurant in Ukraine's eastern city of Kramatorsk, officials said on Wednesday.

Emergency services said the bodies of 11 people had been recovered from the rubble by early Wednesday evening, nearly 24 hours after a missile slammed into the restaurant, turning it into a pile of twisted beams.

The dead included at least three children, and 56 people were hurt, they said.

Sisters Anna and Yulia Aksenchenko would have turned 15 in September, Kramatorsk city council's education department said in a Facebook post under a picture of the two girls smiling for the camera.

Asked about the attack on Kramatorsk, the Kremlin said on Wednesday that Russia attacked only military targets, not civilian ones. Russia's Defence Ministry later said a temporary Ukrainian army command post had been hit in Kramatorsk.

"I ran here after the explosion because I rented a cafe here.... Everything has been blown out there," said Valentyna, a 64-year-old woman who declined to give her surname.

"None of the glass, windows or doors are left. All I see is destruction, fear and horror. This is the 21st century," she told Reuters.

During the overnight rescue, police and soldiers emerged with a man in military trousers and boots on a stretcher. He was placed in an ambulance, though it was unclear whether he was still alive. Two men screamed in frenzied tones for a tow rope, then ran back towards the rubble.

A second missile hit a village on the fringes of Kramatorsk, wounding four people.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in his nightly video message on Tuesday that the attacks showed Russia "deserved only one thing as a consequence of what it has done -- defeat and a tribunal".

Russia has frequently hit Ukrainian cities since its full-scale invasion in February 2022. It denies intentionally targeting civilians.

"We are appalled by this but unfortunately not surprised by Russia's conduct," Deputy State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel said when asked about the strike. "While others are focused on pursuing a way to end this war, Russia is again undertaking strikes."

Kramatorsk lies west of front lines in Donetsk province and would be a likely objective in any westward advance by Russia.

The city has been a frequent target of Russian attacks. A missile strike killed 63 people at a railway station there in April 2022, one of the worst single air strikes of the war.

(Reporting by Max Hunder in Kramatorsk, and Anna Pruchnicka and Pavel Polityuk; additional reporting by Simon Lewis in Washington; Editing by Peter Graff, Timothy Heritage and Cynthia Osterman)
A session titled "Braving the Headwinds: Rewiring Growth Amid Fragility" is held during the World Economic Forum's 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Tianjin, China, June 27, 2023. [Photo courtesy of the World Economic Forum]



The World Economic Forum's 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as "Summer Davos," commenced on Tuesday in Tianjin, China. Top economic and political leaders gathered to discuss fostering economic growth amid various global challenges during a session titled "Braving the Headwinds: Rewiring Growth Amid Fragility."

Borge Brende, president of the World Economic Forum, emphasized the importance of reviving growth through cooperation and trade. "We will have to make sure that we are not moving into a lost decade," Brende said.

"Trade used to grow around 6% per year. Now it's growing 2%. If we introduce new tariffs and a 'beggar thy neighbor' approach, instead of 'prosper your neighbor' approach, we will not get back on a sustainable growth trajectory." Brende also referenced a recent IMF report, warning that a decoupling situation could shave off 7% of global GDP, likening it to a depression.

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins highlighted the green transition of his country's economy as a growth opportunity. "Consumers are increasingly looking for products that are clean and green," he said. "For our exporters, being able to market internationally as a clean green brand is vitally important. But we also have to make sure we're backing that up by ensuring that what we produce actually is produced in a way that's clean, green and sustainable."

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam called for global solidarity and multilateralism. "When we take a global approach, we need to have global solidarity and uphold multilateralism," he said, stressing the need to recover business, manufacturing and production soon.

Zhang Yuzhuo, chairman of China's State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, shared his view of China's economic recovery. He acknowledged that China's strong economic recovery has been a source of confidence for the global economy. This is particularly significant given the backdrop of multiple global challenges that have been impacting economies worldwide.

Zhang highlighted that China has maintained a positive momentum of economic recovery, with 4.5% GDP growth in Q1. He also suggested that the growth is on a steady path of recovery, with expectations that Q2 will be better than Q1. This optimism is supported by estimates from major international organizations such as the World Bank, OECD and IMF.

However, Zhang also emphasized the need for sober awareness of the challenges that lie ahead. He pointed out that the growth in foreign trade was below expectations, with modest growth in the first five months due to multiple factors. Zhang also stressed the need to create new growth points for consumption.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO), warned against the world decoupling or fragmenting. "Decoupling and fragmentation is something that the world simply cannot afford to have," Okonjo-Iweala said.

She cited research conducted by the WTO a year and a half ago, which showed that a decoupling into two trading blocks could result in a 5% loss in global GDP in the long term.

"That's like saying that we lose the whole equivalent of the whole economy of Japan, which would be catastrophic for the world," she said. Her comments underscored the severe consequences of decoupling and the importance of collaboration.

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley echoed the opinion, emphasizing the need for global cooperation. "If ever there was a time for the public and private sector to work hand in glove, it is now," Mottley said. "And if there was ever a time for the North and South, East and West to work together, it is now. We cannot take another crisis, and decoupling presents that risk."
No injuries have been reported after the Delta flight landed without a landing gear

A Delta aeroplane landed safely without its front landing gear at the Charlotte-Douglas International airport in North Carolina, the airline said.

No injuries have been reported among the two pilots, flight attendants or 96 customers on board the flight.

The Boeing 717 remains on the runway following the mechanical issue, but all passengers have been evacuated.

The flight had left from Atlanta earlier on Wednesday.

In a statement to the BBC, Delta airlines called the morning's events a "rare occurrence" but said that Delta crews "train extensively to safely manage through many scenarios and flight 1092 landed safely without reported injuries".

"Our focus is now to take care of our customers on this flight, including retrieving their bags and seeing them to their final destinations safely," Delta said.

Delta flight 1092 lands in Charlotte

Delta flight 1092 lands in Charlotte

In an audio clip from air traffic control posted by local CBS News affiliate CBS 17, a pilot from flight 1092 says the plane has "a nose-wheel unsafe indication".

"We're going to have to go ahead and declare an emergency," the pilot says. "We have 104 souls on board... we have 50 minutes worth of fuel."

In a statement posted to Twitter, the Charlotte airport said a runway remained closed following the "mechanical issue" with the Delta flight.
A Delta plane made an emergency landing in Charlotte following a mechanical issue on Wednesday. The plane, which was flying in from Atlanta, successfully landed with its nose gear in the up position. No injuries were reported.

A total of 96 customers, two pilots and three flight attendants were on board the 717 during the incident. Images taken by Chris Skotarczak, a passenger on the plane, show the plane on the tarmac and the nose touching the ground. The emergency slides at the front of the plane inflated.

A Delta plane made an emergency landing in Charlotte. Its nose was touching the tarmac. / Credit: Chris Skotarczak / AP

In a tweet, Charlotte International Airport said the runway was closed and passengers were returned to the terminal. The airport said it is working to remove the faulty plane from the tarmac.

In a statement to CBS News, a spokesperson for Delta said: "Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people. While this is a rare occurrence, Delta flight crews train extensively to safely manage through many scenarios and flight 1092 landed safely without reported injuries. We apologize to our customers for their experience."

Airport and emergency personnel are on the scene as a Delta plane lands without its landing gear at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Wednesday, June 28, 2023 in Charlotte, N.C. The airport said in a tweet that the runway was closed following a mechanical issue with Delta Air Lines. No injuries were reported and all passengers were taken to the terminal. The airport said it was working to remove the aircraft and reopen the runway. / Credit: Chris Skotarczak / AP

Skotarczak told the Associated Press he noticed the nose wheel wasn't in the plane's shadow. If he hadn't seen that or had been told to brace for landing, he wouldn't have known anything was wrong.

"The pilot told us, 'We're going to land, we're going to hear a big thud and we're going to hear a lot of grinding,'" he said. "But it was almost smoother than a regular landing."

He said passengers were told to leave everything on the plane and exited via the slides, which he called "the coolest thing."

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Rip currents lead to several deaths in Florida
Californias most hotly contested water proposal suffered a setback Monday after a budget deal reached between Gov. Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers dropped a provision that would have put the project on a regulatory fast track.

It means more uncertainty for the Delta Conveyance project, a 45-mile tunnel that would pull water from the Sacramento River and pipe it underneath the environmentally fragile Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta  the water supply source for 27 million people and millions of acres of farmland in the Bay Area and Southern California.

Various versions of the project have been on state drawing boards for decades. The current iteration is staunchly opposed by environmentalists who says it poses a threat to Delta communities and already-endangered wildlife, while proponents are resigned to more years of debate.

This can is getting kicked farther down the road, said Jeffrey Mount, senior fellow at the PPIC Water Policy Center. It has already involved hundreds of millions of dollars in studies, engineering design and everything else. It has involved multiple downsizing. Theres nothing at this point that will appease the opposition, with the exception of just not doing it.

Last month the governor unveiled a plan to speed construction of major infrastructure projects and added several last-minute bills to the legislatures budget deliberations. It was a move that, to the dismay of lawmakers, has become a routine policy tactic for Newsom.

By revising the landmark California Environmental Quality Act, he sought to streamline permitting and limit how long courts could hear legal challenges to environmental reviews. Newsom said the changes would help make $180 billion in state and federal funds available for a list of infrastructure projects in the next decade.

But inclusion of the Delta tunnel held up the states $310.8 billion budget deal, which included funding for public transit, child care, prison reform and Medi-Cal. It also included cuts to close an estimated $31.5 billion budget gap.

Initially slated to begin construction in 2028, it is estimated to cost $16 billion take 20 years to build. Exclusion from the list of projects to receive permit streamlining and litigation caps is not a promising sign, but Newsoms office regards the venture as very much alive.

It will keep going forward as its going right now, pretty much, said Alex Stack, deputy communications director. Even though it is no longer included in this package, the project remains a priority.

Decades of plans to replumb the Delta

Currently, water passes through the Delta estuary and into the states concrete conveyance system by giant pumps so powerful that they change water currents and harm migrating fish. As fish populations neared extinction, regulators have forced the pumps to cut southbound supplies.

Its for this reason and vulnerability to major flood or earthquakes that proposals to replumb the Delta have been under consideration in a variety of forms for decades.

Gov. Pat Brown wanted to do it when he began building the pumping stations, dams and canals that make up the State Water Project in the 1960s. Former governors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jerry Brown both made attempts.

Now Newsom, who released a downsized proposal last year, has said the project is needed to help adapt Californias water system to climate change and make Bay Area and Southern California water supply more reliable.

Proponents say the tunnel would ease stress on endangered fish species in the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers. But the vast majority of Californias environmental advocates warn the project would inflict harm on Delta communities and wildlife, including the threatened Sandhill Crane.

Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, campaign director at Restore the Delta, said Newsom is in a worse position to see the tunnel forward after this budget fight. Her organization is concerned whether existing dams can stand up to sea level rise and catastrophic storms, let alone an underground tunnel.

We should be working on solving all of those problems instead of building a project that is certainly going to harm the Delta, she said, lamenting the governors political strategy. They were working on all these bills for a year. For an entire year, they didnt engage with anyone.

Too dug in for compromise

After years of debating the size and scale of the tunnel, longtime observers disagree on the impacts of this particular political tussle. But without limits to the amount of time the project can be held up in court, all foresee years of legal battles over the scale of its environmental impact.

Litigation will slow it down and discourage agencies from investing, said Tom Birmingham, former longtime general manager of Westlands Water District serving San Joaquin Valley farmers. He led the agency when it effectively killed Browns Delta tunnels plan by refusing to help pay.

From my perspective, the governors effort was to reduce to the extent possible impediments to the project, Birmingham said. Those impediments will remain, but they are primarily political impediments and ones imposed by litigation.

Newsoms last-minute bid for infrastructure streamlining was a case of smart negotiating, said Jeff Kightlinger, former general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. By including the states most controversial infrastructure project, he gave up something and got to keep the rest.

The project will grind its way forward through the environmental review process, and then youll have to grind your way through the litigation, Kightlinger said. Its the nature of doing business in California.

Opponents are too dug in for compromise, said Jeffrey Mount, who led research in the early 2000s at UC Davis that raised initial alarm about the Deltas vulnerability to earthquakes and flooding.

The Delta is in longterm ecological decline and is simply too fragile to be the water supply linchpin for the worlds largest economy, Mount said.

He said he has no personal position on the project, but California leaders have to decide whether to re-route water from the estuary and meet the states current water needs or strategically reduce demand.

We still dont have that gubernatorial push, legislative push, federal involvement to go to war saying This is what the future the Delta Legion look like in 50 years, he said. Lets get started. Because we dont have too much time.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) on Capitol Hill in Washington, June 21, 2023. (Haiyun Jiang/The New York Times)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden and Democrats, largely stymied by Republicans from enacting their policy agenda, have transformed the Senate into a judicial confirmation factory that has just passed a major milestone in its drive to remake the federal courts, approving the 100th District Court nominee since Biden took office.

The pace of the effort has surpassed the one set by Republicans when they pushed to reshape the courts during the administration of former President Donald Trump, putting the Biden administration 20 District Court nominees ahead of the Trump team at the same point in his term.

These judges will affect America long after just about every senator is out of here, said Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., the majority leader, who has had a longtime interest in judicial confirmations. It is hugely important. Its a step-by-step process. Its hard.

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Despite being slowed by absences and resistance from Republicans who see some Biden nominees as unacceptable, the Democrat-led Senate hit the 100 mark last week with a 50-49 vote to confirm Natasha Merle to a seat in the Eastern District of New York. She was one of a string of newly confirmed judges with civil rights backgrounds whose nominations had been slow to reach the floor, given concerted Republican opposition.

While District Court judges were often previously confirmed on voice votes, the fight over the ideological leanings of nominees means nearly all of them are forced to navigate two votes. And there is little margin for error given the 51-49 split in the Democrat-controlled Senate and occasional defections from the Democratic side by Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia. Both parties have put a major emphasis on filling vacancies, given the increasing role the federal courts play in setting policy and deciding politically charged cultural issues.

Despite the judicial tally, some progressives are still agitating for Senate Democrats to do more to try to match the confirmation successes of Trump and Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., the minority leader.

Some are urging Democrats to forgo the planned August recess and remain in session to confirm judges, and also to be more aggressive in nominating and confirming District Court judges in states with Republican senators. There are more than 40 vacancies without nominees and the potential for dozens more if eligible judges retired.

Without such a push, Biden is in danger of falling behind his predecessor by the end of the year, they say.

It is a good thing so far, said Russ Feingold, a former Democratic senator from Wisconsin who now heads the American Constitution Society. It would be terrible shame to not continue that work in an aggressive manner over the next year, year and a half. We believe the Senate has to expand the calendar.

Feingold noted that some of the newest judges had to wait nearly two years before their nominations were brought to the floor, and he suggested Democrats were being too cautious.

It really underscores the need for the Senate to pick up its pace generally, Feingold said. Waiting does not help anyone.

Despite the pressure from the left, Senate Democrats are very unlikely to scrap their recess in a rush to confirm more judges. They say it would probably be futile since some senators would choose not to attend and Republicans could throw up new procedural roadblocks.

Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Il., who chairs the Judiciary Committee, dismissed Feingolds criticism.

He knows better, said Durbin. He served on the committee.

Republicans note that Democrats still lag behind the Trump era when it comes to judges named to appeals courts, with 35 so far for Biden compared with 41 for Trump, who had also been able to fill two vacancies on the Supreme Court by this point in his tenure, while Biden has filled one.

Republicans say the circuit courts  the level between District Courts, where trials are held, and the Supreme Court  are far more influential than the trial courts when it comes to settling matters of federal power and social policy. They also point out that Democrats have benefited from a Republican-led rules change in 2019 that substantially reduced the Senate floor time required to win confirmation of a District Court nominee.

But Democrats say that the importance of District Court judges has recently been underscored by decisions at that level by Trump-nominated judges on issues such as COVID-19 rules, abortion and even the criminal case of the former president himself. They are eager to put their nominees with backgrounds in civil rights and criminal defense on the bench.

Trump put in so many horrible right-wing judges, Schumer said. The people on the Supreme Court are obvious, but its even worse on most of the circuits.

The big test for the White House and Senate Democrats will come when they run out of openings in states represented by Democratic senators and face the prospect of being unable to fill District Court vacancies in states with Republican senators, who can kill a nomination by denying a blue slip under a Senate tradition that gives senators a say in the selection of judges from their home states.

Democrats have made progress in finding consensus candidates with Republican senators, but it has been slow  and not all Republicans are willing to consider Biden administration nominees, meaning scores of vacancies could be left unfilled at the end of 2024.

Progressive advocacy groups want Democrats to jettison the blue slips and accompanying veto power.

Weve got to get rid of the blue slips instead of waiting around to see what happens, Feingold said. It might be too late.

But Democrats said that move could spark a procedural war that would slow the nomination process to a crawl. They note that there are another two dozen nominees in the pipeline now and say they will assess the next steps once those people are confirmed. Overall, Biden has installed 136 judges compared to 123 for Trump at this point, though Trump finished his third year with 187 confirmations and his term with 234, according to Feingolds group.

Im very pleased at the pace at which were going, said Schumer, who noted Democrats were also able to score some legislative victories while pushing nominations. Im going to keep at it. Our goal is to surpass even what Trump did.

c.2023 The New York Times Company
Deputies with the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office are looking for two female suspects involved in an assault case inside an IHOP, authorities said.

The suspects allegedly knocked a female IHOP employee to the ground at the establishment near the corner of Arden and Ethan ways and began punching and kicking her after she told the two suspects that the restaurant was only doing to-go orders, according to a Tuesday news release posted to social media by the Sheriffs Office.

The woman suffered significant injuries, deputies said.

A female suspect connected to the assault of an IHOP employee walks through the restaurant while talking on the phone on April 30, 2023. Two female suspects are wanted in the case where the victim suffered significant injuries after allegedly being knocked to the ground and beaten, deputies said. The Sheriffs Office said it is looking for the publics assistance in identifying and locating the suspects.

Law enforcement said it is seeking the publics assistance with identifying and locating the two female suspects in the incident that occurred on April 30.

Deputies said anyone with information can call 916-874-5115.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, whos running for the Republican presidential nomination, received support from 19 North Carolina Republican state leaders Wednesday, including the top Republican in the state House.

Governor DeSantis is a principled leader, a protector of individual liberties, and the Lefts biggest nightmare, North Carolina House Majority Leader John Bell said in a statement. He will beat Joe Biden and usher in a Great American Comeback in which parents are empowered, our streets are safe, and our economy is booming once again.

Also among those backing DeSantis is state Supreme Court Justice Phil Berger Jr.

The North Carolina endorsements follow endorsements from 15 South Carolina state lawmakers for DeSantis last week. The Florida governors presidential campaign also boasts endorsements from state lawmakers in Iowa, New Hampshire, Florida, Oklahoma and Michigan. According to his campaign, DeSantis now has the support of 250 state lawmakers across the country.

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Last week, North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson (R), who is running for governor in 2024, endorsed former President Trump during an address at the Faith and Freedom Coalition Policy Conference in Washington, D.C.

This nation needs a fighter, someone who is willing to go onto the world stage walking boldly, strongly, waving the American flag saying, The Americans are here, and we are in charge again and we are going to lead this world into the future with freedom, Robinson said. That is why, on this stage, today, I am endorsing Donald J. Trump.

Most polls continue to show DeSantis trailing Trump across the board. The Real Clear Politics polling average has the former president at roughly 52 percent support, while DeSantis trails at 21 percent support.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) called former President Trumps criticism of his campaign visit to New Hampshire bizarre during an interview Wednesday.

Thats bizarre. Its a big state, theres a lot of voters, DeSantis told Fox Newss Martha MacCallum on The Story.

Trump and DeSantis both held presidential campaign events Tuesday in the Granite State, along with fellow Republican candidates former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Trump was speaking at the New Hampshire Federation of Republican Womens (NHFRW) Lilac Luncheon in Concord, while DeSantis held a town hall an hour away in Hollis, N.H.

Its not unusual for candidates to hold events in a state on the same day, particularly when its an early-voting state. However, last week the NHFRW issued a statement asking DeSantis to reschedule his event, arguing that it was a distraction. Two members of the group resigned over the statement.

Trump himself broached the subject while speaking to his supporters Tuesday in New Hampshire.

By the way, hes holding an event right now which is considered not nice, Trump said of DeSantis. Hes holding an event right now to compete with us. Well, guess what? Nobody showed up.

While DeSantis did indeed see a crowd at his town hall Tuesday, he continues to trail Trump nationally and in New Hampshire, according to polls. A St. Anselm College Survey Center poll shows that 47 percent of respondents said they supported Trump, marking a 5-point increase since the last St. Anselm survey in March. DeSantis, on the other hand, saw his support fall by 10 points, bringing it down to 19 percent overall.

When asked by MacCallum about his low poll numbers, DeSantis said, Rome wasnt built in a day.

A lot of these voters will pay more attention when we get into the fall and the winter. Thats just the reality, DeSantis said. I think we have a better presence on the ground than any other candidate has.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is running for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, on Tuesday said he didnt enjoy seeing what happened at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, but urged Republicans to move past the deadly insurrection and focus on President Joe Bidens mistakes instead.

Asked by a high school student whether Donald Trump violated the peaceful transfer of power following the 2020 presidential election, DeSantis did not directly answer and instead offered what he thinks would be a winning strategy for Republicans in 2024.

If this election is about Bidens failures and our vision for the future, we are going to win, he told an audience in Hollis, New Hampshire. If its about relitigating things that happened two, three years ago, were going to lose.

DeSantis didnt reference Trump and pointed to his own reelection in Florida last year, when he managed to defeat his Democratic challenger, Charlie Crist, by nearly 20 percentage points.

And at the end of the day, you know, we need to win, and we need to get this done, DeSantis said. So I wasnt anywhere near Washington that day. I have nothing to do with what happened that day. Obviously, I didnt enjoy seeing what happened, but weve got to go forward on this stuff. We cannot be looking backwards and be mired in the past.

Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), when asked if Donald Trump violated the peaceful transfer of power on January 6th:



I wasnt anywhere near Washington that day. I have nothing to do with what happened that day. Obviously, I didnt enjoy seeing what happened. pic.twitter.com/386NGQ87qk  The Recount (@therecount) June 27, 2023

In the immediate aftermath of the Capitol riot, DeSantis condemned the violence during a press conference on Jan. 7, 2021.

It was totally unacceptable and those folks need to be held accountable, he said at the time. And it doesnt matter what banner youre flying under, the violence is wrong, the rioting and the disorder is wrong.

But more recently DeSantis has sought to downplay the events of that day and hasnt ruled out pardoning the rioters or even Trump himself.

Trumps efforts to undo the 2020 presidential election are the subject of a wide-ranging Justice Department investigation led by special counsel Jack Smith. Smith is reportedly close to completing the probe.

In an interview with Clay Travis, the host of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show, in May shortly after the announcement of his presidential campaign, DeSantis pledged to look at any example of disfavored treatment if elected president.

I will have folks that will get together and look at all these cases ... people [who] are victims of weaponization or political targeting, and we will be aggressive at issuing pardons, he said.

Over 1,000 people have been charged with Jan. 6-related offenses, according to The Associated Press.

On the one-year anniversary of Jan. 6, DeSantis said media would use the occasion to smear Trump supporters, adding that this is their Christmas.

When they try to act like this is something akin to the Sept. 11 attacks, that is an insult to the people that were going into those buildings, he said.

Related...
Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis suggested that he would eliminate a number of government agencies during an interview on Wednesday.

Are you in favor of eliminating any agencies? I know conservatives in the past have talked about closing the Department of Education, would you do that? Fox Newss Martha MacCallum asked the Florida governor on The Story.

DeSantis responded with a list of federal departments he would eliminate: We would do Education, we would do Commerce, wed do Energy, and we would do IRS.

And so if Congress will work with me on doing that, well be able to reduce the size and scope of government, he added.

But what Im also going to do, Martha, is be prepared if Congress wont go that far, Im going to use those agencies to push back against woke ideology and against the leftism that we see creeping into all institutions of American life, he said.

Last month, the Florida governor voiced support for defunding the IRS during an interview with conservative radio host Dana Loesch.

So, the answers yes, he said. I think the IRS is a corrupt organization and I think its not a friend to the average citizen or taxpayer. And so we need something totally different.

Ive supported all of the single-rate proposals, I think they would be a huge improvement over the current system and I would be welcoming to take this tax system, chuck it out the window and do something thats more favorable to the average folks, he added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has vetoed a GOP-backed criminal justice reform bill that passed with almost unanimous support in both houses of the Florida state Legislature.

DeSantis issued the veto Tuesday and officially informed the Florida secretary of state but did not include his reasoning.

The legislation, House Bill 605, would amend the Florida statute concerning the expungement of criminal history records, which currently prevents an individual from seeking an expungement if they previously have received a sealing or expungement, unless they were seeking an expungement of a record previously sealed for 10 years.

The bill would add another exception for individuals who previously received an expungement for an offense that was committed while they were a minor. It would not apply to a minor who was charged as an adult.

The statute concerns records including indictments, charging documents or other information.

Individuals would not need to meet the requirement of the record being sealed for at least 10 years.

The legislation was originally introduced by state Rep. David Smith (R). It passed in the state House by a vote of 107-2 and in the state Senate unanimously.

The Hill has reached out to DeSantis and Smiths offices for comment.

The Tampa Bay Times reported that Smith said last month that he considers the expungement of criminal records to affect the workforce and would let people work at the highest level theyre capable of.

He said he hoped it would help workforce shortages, and the people affected would be those who have not been convicted of any crime in Florida.

Smith told the outlet that he is disappointed the bill was vetoed but is committed to good justice reform policy that gives deserving Floridians second chances.

He told The Hill he is not planning to push for the legislature to override the veto.

Although I was not given any explanation for the veto from the Governors staff, I was told by a senior staff member that they would work with me on improving the bill language before the 2024 legislative session with the expectation of having the bill signed into law next year, he said.

Some advisers familiar with DeSantiss thinking told NBC News that the governor issued the veto to position himself as being tough on crime amid his presidential run for the GOP nomination.

Gov. DeSantis has always been a law and order leader. While well-intentioned, he seems worried about the ratification of a more lenient view on criminal records, one adviser said.

DeSantis said last month that if elected president, he would push for Congress to repeal the First Step Act, a criminal justice reform bill signed by former President Trump that lowered mandatory minimum sentences and expanded credits for well-behaved prisoners looking to have their sentences reduced.

Smith, who has endorsed DeSantis for president, said he will continue to support the governor in his run.

This story was updated at 6:12 p.m.

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The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been a hot topic among delegates attending the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as "Summer Davos," which commenced in Tianjin, China on Tuesday.



A session titled "The Future of the Belt and Road Initiative" is held during the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Tianjin, China, June 27, 2023. [Photo by Wang Yiming/China.org.cn]



This year marks the 10th anniversary of the BRI. The initiative has been instrumental in driving significant levels of trade and investment among participating nations. According to the Ministry of Commerce, from 2013 to 2022, China's trade volume with Belt and Road countries expanded from $1.04 trillion to $2.07 trillion, almost doubling and achieving an average annual growth rate of 8%.

Sebastian Kurz, former federal chancellor of Austria, expressed his support for the BRI. "It brought a lot of growth opportunities for China, also for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the rest of Asia," Kurz said, adding that it is "by far one of the most important initiatives in our world today." He also expressed hope that the initiative would help reduce tensions between East and West and drive economic growth.

Sekai Irene Nzenza, minister of industry and commerce of Zimbabwe, acknowledged the transformational effect of Chinese investments in Zimbabwe over the past years. Nzenza emphasized the potential of the Belt and Road Initiative to promote trade and investment, stating, "BRI will help facilitate trade and investment, not just in Zimbabwe, but within Southern Africa and within Africa at large."

Liang Linchong, deputy director-general of the National Development and Reform Commission, praised the remarkable achievements of the BRI, saying, "Great achievements have been made so far, and it has become a very popular platform offering international public goods."

He cited the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which created an estimated 236,000 jobs, and the China-Laos Railway, which has seen steady growth in passenger and goods transport and promoted regional connectivity, as examples of the initiative's success.

Wan Zhe, a professor and researcher at the Belt and Road School of Beijing Normal University, expressed her confidence in the BRI's long-term success, noting its deep historical roots and alignment with current trends. She emphasized the initiative's potential to comprehensively support global economic recovery and connectivity, adding that developing countries and underdeveloped regions along the Belt and Road will not only benefit from but also contribute to global growth.
Detroit reporting some of worst air quality in US due to Canadian wildfires

Canadian wildfires are again bringing down U.S. air quality, and Detroits air reached unhealthy levels Wednesday  the worst in the country.

The Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) air quality indicator marked the Michigan citys air as hazardous a day after air reached the very unhealthy level in Chicago, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh and other Midwest cities.

Detroit has an Air Quality Index score of 309 as of Wednesday morning. Anything higher than 300 is considered hazardous. Given the high rating, the EPA recommends that everyone should stay inside and limit activity.

Wildfires all over Canada have blanketed the eastern U.S. with smoke over the last few weeks, with the East Coasts largest cities covered in an orange haze earlier this month. The current bout of smoke stretches across the Midwest from Iowa to West Virginia.

On Tuesday, Chicago had the worst air quality of any city in the world. Two weeks ago that title went to the Twin Cities, with St. Paul, Minn., topping the charts. Minneapolis marked its record 23rd air quality hazard alert this week.

Detroit has the second-worst air quality in the world Wednesday trailing only Dubai, according to tracking service IQAir. Chicago and Minneapolis follow in third and fourth.

More than 482 wildfires are burning across Canada, with 253 of them considered out of control, according to Canadian authorities. Just under 30,000 square miles of forest have burned so far this year.

Wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes and exacerbate health problems for those with breathing difficulties. Health officials have encouraged people to limit outside activity when heavy smoke is present.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Michael Jenkins, second from right, stand with his mother, Mary Jenkins, center, and their attorneys at a news conference Wednesday, Feb. 15. 2023, in Jackson, Miss., following his release from the hospital three weeks after being shot by sheriffs deputies.

The five Mississippi sheriffs deputies who are accused of beating and sexually assaulting two Black men have either been fired or forced to resign, according to The Associated Press. One of the victims alleged the interaction was the result of a no-warrant invasion.



Michael Corey Jenkins and his friend, Eddie Terrell Parker say a group of deputies from the Rankin County Sheriffs Department burst into their home and tortured them for 90 minutes on January 24. The two said they were beaten, assaulted with a sex toy and shocked repeatedly with Tasers. Jenkins also said one of the deputies shoved a gun into his mouth and fired.

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The botched drug raid resulted in Jenkins spending three weeks in the hospital due to serious injuries to his tongue and jaw. An AP investigation found there was no body camera footage of the incident however, there is a record of the deputies Tasers being used a dozen times moments before Jenkins was shot.

The two men filed a $400 million civil rights suit and the Justice Department opened a civil rights investigation into the sheriffs department. It seems the five deputies in question have also been placed under investigation as well, according to Sheriff Bryan Bailey.

Read more from Mississippi Today:

Bailey said the deputies were initially placed on administrative leave pending findings from the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation. Recent developments and findings from an internal investigation led to the deputies termination Friday, he said. The sheriff did not name the deputies, but the lawsuit identifies three of them as Hunter Elward, Brett McAlpin and Christian Dedmon. The county, sheriff and other plaintiffs in the lawsuit have not yet responded to the lawsuit complaint.

The department is moving forward with hiring a compliance officer to monitor daily operations and taking detailed analysis of staff procedures and training, per the report. Attorney Malik Shabazz said while the termination of these officers is promising, they should still face criminal accountability in this heinous act.

The firing of the Rankin County Mississippi Sheriffs deputies involved in the torture and shooting of Michael Jenkins and Eddie Parker is a significant action on the path to justice for one of the worst law enforcement tragedies in recent memory, said Shabazz via AP.

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Sean 'Diddy' Combs is suing spirits maker Diageo, accusing it of neglecting their business agreement because he is black (Angela WEISS)

Drinks giant Diageo on Wednesday said it had ended its relationship with Sean "Diddy" Combs after the US rapper accused it of neglecting their business agreement and racism.

Combs, also know by his stage names Puff Daddy, P.Diddy and Diddy, claimed in a New York court filing on June 1 that the UK-based firm failed to invest in his liquor brands because he is black.

Diageo "kneecapped" his Ciroc Vodka and DeLeon Tequila brands by depriving them of resources after they were "typecasted" as "black brands" meant for "urban" consumers, he alleged.

The British multinational at the time responded by saying it was "saddened" that the 53-year-old rapper, actor and producer had misrepresented a business dispute.

On Wednesday, a Diageo spokesperson said: "Mr Combs' bad-faith actions have clearly breached his contracts and left us no choice but to move to dismiss his baseless complaint and end our business relationship.

"Mr Combs has repeatedly undermined our partnerships and threatened to publicly defame Diageo if we did not meet his unreasonable financial demands."

Diageo was committed to the success of Combs' brands and invested more than $100 million in them to grow them, the spokesperson said.

The drinks firm announced in 2014 that it had created a 50:50 joint venture with Combs Wine & Spirits, after its acquisition of luxury tequila brand DeLeon, which is popular in Hollywood.

They formed a strategic alliance with Combs in 2007 to develop and grow Ciroc.

But the spokesperson added: "Despite having made a billion dollars over the course of our 15-year relationship, Mr Combs contributed a total of $1,000 and refused to honour his commitments.

"We have exhausted every reasonable remedy and see no other path forward."

There was no immediate response from Combs.

Combs' legal action claimed that Diageo paid more attention and offered better support to other celebrity backed brands such as George Clooney's Casamigos and Ryan Reynold's Aviation Gin, and failed to meet its promises to invest in his.

"Diageo has treated Mr Combs and his brands worse than others because he is black," the filing stated.

phz/har/rl
I didnt even say goodbye: Man recounts discovering car crash that killed his wife and daughter

[Source]

Christopher Chambers, a father and husband, recounted the day he and his son discovered the horrifying crash scene that killed his wife and their daughter in Santa Clara, California.

What happened: On June 14, Santa Clara police officers responded to a solo vehicle collision on San Tomas Expressway, where they located a white 2021 Tesla Model Y that crashed into a tree and burst into flames at around 2 p.m.

The occupants of the vehicle were identified to be Chamberss 44-year-old wife, Beidi, and their 12-year-old daughter, Elyse. The two were pronounced dead at the scene by Santa Clara Fire Department paramedics.

Details on what caused the crash have not been released.

More from NextShark: People Are Doing the 'Wuhan Shake' to Avoid COVID-19

Chamberss horrifying discovery: On a GoFundMe page, Chambers recalled the day of the incident that filled him with dread and unbearable questions. Chambers, who was home with his son Ethan, received a call from the doctor  who Beidi and Elyse were scheduled to have an appointment with  saying that the two did not arrive.

I didnt even say goodbye. Neither their phones nor their Teslas location could be traced. Minds racing, Ethan and I drove to the doctors office in an attempt to retrace their path. En route, we saw dark smoke billowing into the sky ahead of us. We ran towards it through the throng of emergency responders, only to find a burning, twisted white Tesla Model Y. Just like ours, Chambers recounted.

As police restrained him, he provided his familys vehicle identification number to police, who then confirmed it was theirs.

More from NextShark: Man sought for destroying and robbing Minneapolis mosque

Overwhelmed, I fell to my knees, he wrote. Id often told Beidi that I wasn't afraid of death - that Id go first and be waiting for her when her time came. I desperately wished it had been me burning in that car instead - if only my willing sacrifice would bring my girls back.

Chamber and Beidi: According to Chambers, he met Beidi while studying in China, where she was a student and a language tutor at Tsing Hua University. As the pair started dating, Chamber said he stayed in Beijing just to be close to her. A few years later, they married and moved to the U.S., where they built their American Dream and had two children.

Their sudden absence has left a deep scar on our family, Chambers wrote. A grieving husband and father, a bewildered son, and Beidis mother, mourning the loss of her only daughter  not to mention all the extended family and friends whose lives were touched by their lives and love.

More from NextShark: Thai princess' health crisis sparks national discussion on future of country's monarchy

The GoFundMe fundraiser has raised more than $90,000 as of Wednesday.

More from NextShark: Some People Think Kimchi Can Fight the 2019 Coronavirus
What is the difference between nationalism and patriotism?

During his presidency, Donald Trump said, Were putting America first  were taking care of ourselves for a change, and then declared, Im a nationalist. In another speech, he stated that under his watch, the U.S. had embrace[d] the doctrine of patriotism.

Trump is now running for president again. When he announced his candidacy, he stated that he need[s] every patriot on board because this is not just a campaign, this is a quest to save our country.

One week later he dined in Mar-a-Lago with Nick Fuentes, a self-described nationalist whos been banned from Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and other platforms for using racist and antisemitic language.

Afterward, Trump confirmed that meeting but did not denounce Fuentes, despite calls for him to do so.

The words nationalism and patriotism are sometimes used as synonyms, such as when Trump and his supporters describe his America First agenda. But many political scientists, including me, dont typically see those two terms as equivalent  or even compatible.

There is a difference, and its important, not just to scholars but to regular citizens as well.

An image from 1950, colorized in 2017, shows Superman  a refugee from another planet and a character created by two Jewish immigrants to the U.S.  teaching that patriotism should drive out nationalism. DC Comics

Devotion to a people

To understand what nationalism is, its useful to understand what a nation is  and isnt.

A nation is a group of people who share a history, culture, language, religion or some combination thereof.

A country, which is sometimes called a state in political science terminology, is an area of land that has its own government.

A nation-state is a homogeneous political entity mostly comprising a single nation. Nation-states are rare, because nearly every country is home to more than one national group. One example of a nation-state would be North Korea, where almost all residents are ethnic Koreans.

The United States is neither a nation nor a nation-state. Rather, it is a country of many different groups of people who have a variety of shared histories, cultures, languages and religions.

Some of those groups are formally recognized by the federal government, such as the Navajo Nation and the Cherokee Nation. Similarly, in Canada, the French-speaking Quebecois are recognized as being a distinct nation within a united Canada.

Nationalism is, per one dictionary definition, loyalty and devotion to a nation. It is a persons strong affinity for those who share the same history, culture, language or religion. Scholars understand nationalism as exclusive, boosting one identity group over  and at times in direct opposition to  others.

The Oath Keepers and Proud Boys  10 of whom were convicted of seditious conspiracy for their role in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol  are both examples of white nationalist groups, which believe that immigrants and people of color are a threat to their ideals of civilization.

Trump has described the events that took place on Jan. 6, 2021, as having occurred Peacefully & Patrioticly. He has described those who have been imprisoned as great patriots and has said that he would pardon a large portion of them if elected in 2024.

There are many other nationalisms beyond white nationalism. The Nation of Islam, for instance, is an example of a Black nationalist group. The Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center have both characterized it as a Black supremacist hate group for its anti-white prejudices.

In addition to white and Black racial nationalisms, there are also ethnic and lingustic nationalisms, which typically seek greater autonomy for  and the eventual independence of  certain national groups. Examples include the Bloc Quebecois, the Scottish Nationalist Party and Plaid Cymru  the Party of Wales, which are nationalist political parties that respectively advocate for the Quebecois of Quebec, the Scots of Scotland and the Welsh of Wales.

Devotion to a place

In contrast to nationalisms loyalty for or devotion to ones nation, patriotism is, per the same dictionary, love for or devotion to ones country. It comes from the word patriot, which itself can be traced back to the Greek word patrios, which means of ones father.

In other words, patriotism has historically meant a love for and devotion to ones fatherland, or country of origin.

Patriotism encompasses devotion to the country as a whole  including all the people who live within it. Nationalism refers to devotion to only one group of people over all others.

An example of patriotism would be Martin Luther King Jr.s I Have a Dream speech, in which he recites the first verse of the patriotic song America (My Country 'Tis of Thee). In his Letter from Birmingham Jail, King describes nationalist groups as being made up of people who have lost faith in America.

George Orwell, the author of Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four, describes patriotism as devotion to a particular place and a particular way of life.

He contrasted that with nationalism, which he describes as the habit of identifying oneself with a single nation or other unit, placing it beyond good and evil and recognizing no other duty than that of advancing its interests.

Nationalism vs. patriotism

Adolf Hitlers rise in Germany was accomplished by perverting patriotism and embracing nationalism. According to Charles de Gaulle, who led Free France against Nazi Germany during World War II and later became president of France, Patriotism is when love of your own people comes first; nationalism, when hate for people other than your own comes first.

The tragedy of the Holocaust was rooted in the nationalistic belief that certain groups of people were inferior. While Hitler is a particularly extreme example, in my own research as a human rights scholar, I have found that even in contemporary times, countries with nationalist leaders are more likely to have bad human rights records.

After World War II, President Harry Truman signed the Marshall Plan, which would provide postwar aid to Europe. The intent of the program was to help European countries break away from the self-defeating actions of narrow nationalism.

For Truman, putting America first did not mean exiting the global stage and sowing division at home with nationalist actions and rhetoric. Rather, he viewed the principal concern of the people of the United States to be the creation of conditions of enduring peace throughout the world. For him, patriotically putting the interests of his country first meant fighting against nationalism.

This view is in line with that of French President Emmanuel Macron, who has stated that patriotism is the exact opposite of nationalism.

Nationalism, he says, is a betrayal of patriotism.

This article is republished from The Conversation, an independent nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. Like this article? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

It was written by: Joshua Holzer, Westminster College.

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Joshua Holzer does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Discrimination has long been embedded in our countys fabric. So have we changed?

A friend of mine recently described a young acquaintance by saying: Shes beautiful, but shes Black. Pausing, my friend then barked: Damn!

Because it suddenly struck her that the word but made her description racist. We two friends are nearly 90 years old. We grew up amid the ingrained racism of our era. Strangely, her blurting out of that swear word proved shes emerging from it. Then my friend said:

No, she is Black and shes beautiful.

Despite todays tidal wave of bad news, most of America is also coming out of its stupid, racist, homophobic, savage history. For more than a half century now, we have been slowly making America greater.

You have to be old like my friend and me to understand what a cruel nation we grew up in. Twelve years before I was born, and six miles from my birthplace, white attackers burned Tulsas integrated Greenwood district, which was once called the Black Wall Street. They shot, clubbed and killed 100 or more residents in the nations worst race massacre of the 1920s.

To my great benefit, the Tulsa school district bused me four miles to Park Elementary, a brick building with a cafeteria, an auditorium, a gymnasium and a library. Meanwhile, only three blocks from my home, Black kids in South Haven attended a two-room frame hovel without running water served by stinking raw lumber outhouses behind. Troubled as we still are about race in America, today we are better than that.

As a Kansas City Star reporter in the 1960s, I knew John Wood as a fellow journalist. I became better myself when I met him later in a 1970s writers group, by which time the fine, funny writer was out as a gay man. I wasted 40 years of my life before learning to treat people like John simply as friends, as Jesus might have.

Because why is it my business who John, or any other person, chooses to love? Gallups 2022 poll showed 71% of Americans now support legal same-sex marriage. Who we decide to love is nobodys business but our own.

Though conservatives may scorn it as political correctness, movies and books improved us. In the film A Man Called Otto and the series New Amsterdam about life in a hospital, we see black and white and brown people meeting agreeably. We see men kiss men, women kiss women. We oldsters may flinch a bit. Slowly we catch on that love is love.

Finding it hard to revive full-on hatred of gay people, Republicans switched their aggression to trans people. This very desperation of Republican efforts proves how far most Americans have come toward decency.

Recently a conservative doctor friend of mine told me, Government cant do anything right. Really? What about the law, signed by Republican President Ronald Reagan, that guarantees every human brief treatment in hospital emergency rooms?

In 1963 my wife, Lenore, now gone, was among the earliest women structural engineering graduates of the University of Kansas. When she applied for a job at a Kansas City engineering firm, the top boss told her, I would never hire a woman engineer.

Not anymore, thanks to the 1964 federal law against such discrimination. The same goes for racial discrimination in hiring, outlawed through the same law.

Would you believe Republican lawmakers helped pass that legislation?

Republicans were different then. They helped pass Social Security in 1935, the National Interstate and Defense Highways Act in 1956, Medicare in 1964, the federal disability act of 1990 and many more. Yes, its true. Republicans in the past have actually joined Democrats in efforts to make America great.

I yearn to see more of that.

Contact the columnist at hammerc12@gmail.com.
Former Congressman David Rivera was arrested in December on charges of failing to register as a foreign agent for Venezuela when his consulting company signed a $50 million contract with a state-owned oil company to promote its interests in the United States.

But seven months later, the once-influential Miami politician has still not entered his plea to an indictment, which is normally a formality done in short order.

In Riveras case, U.S. prosecutors immediately froze his bank accounts and real estate assets after his arrest, preventing him from hiring his high-profile defense attorney Edward Shohat on a permanent basis, a dispute that might be resolved by mid-August so that Rivera can finally be arraigned and prepare for trial.

But as that particular problem drags on, Riveras case has taken another curious turn: Shohat, who is representing him as a temporary lawyer, has asked a federal judge to let his client meet with another attorney in Venezuela.

That attorney happens to be facing conspiracy, corruption and money laundering charges in Miami himself. The lawyer, Raul Gorrin, who was indicted in 2018, is better known as a TV media mogul with political connections to Venezuelan presidents and has significant real estate investments in the Miami area  all of which have been frozen by the feds, too. Gorrin is also considered a fugitive by prosecutors in Miami. The request comes with other significant legal hurdles as well. Rivera would need to have his U.S. passport returned, which was seized, and have a court-ordered nighttime curfew lifted to make the trip.

In a new court filing, Rivera argues that he wants to consult with Gorrin, saying he can both help him with his unregistered-foreign agent case and with a related civil business dispute in New York. Rivera says he hired Gorrin as a lawyer in 2017, but U.S. authorities allege that Gorrin was actually a subcontractor on Riveras high-paying consulting deal with Venezuelas state-owned oil company, PDVSA  the contract that is at the heart of the criminal case against Rivera.

Then there is this: Gorrin appears on the governments list of potential witnesses that Rivera is not allowed to contact as a special condition of the defendants $200,000 bond. Riveras temporary lawyer, Shohat, is asking U.S. District Judge Darrin Gayles to clarify that thorny issue and others to allow his client to visit Caracas.

Shohats argument boils down to a claim that Rivera has a constitutional right to counsel under the Sixth Amendment to consult with Gorrin, who is accused in a Miami indictment of embezzling hundreds of millions of dollars from the Venezuelan government in a foreign-corruption and money-laundering scheme with two former national treasurers and then moving some of that money to South Florida. Both Venezuelan treasurers were convicted in South Florida and sent to prison.

Rivera, who last served in Congress a decade ago and was elected as a Republican Committeeman in Miami-Dade County in 2020, provided a statement Tuesday to the Miami Herald saying he has every right to meet with Gorrin, claiming that he is not a fugitive, as U.S. prosecutors assert, because he left for Venezuela in early 2018 before he was indicted later that year.

As far as I know, my constitutionally protected Sixth Amendment right to counsel does not apply solely to lawyers inside the United States, Rivera said. I think I should be able to choose my lawyers, not the government.

Gorrin is a treasure trove of information and documents that will both humiliate the government and destroy its case, he added. They have no idea whats coming, and Gorrin is critical to that.

The U.S. Attorneys Office declined to comment, but is expected to respond in a court filing to Riveras request to travel to Venezuela to consult with Gorrin.

Rivera, who says hes considering a bid for the State House in Florida but wont specify the Miami-area district, was charged in December along with his former Miami-Dade political consultant, Esther Nuhfer. An indictment charged them with conspiring to commit offenses against the United States, failing to register as foreign agents as part of their consulting work for Venezuelas oil subsidiary, PDV USA, and money laundering.

As Venezuelas economy was crashing in 2017, the countrys state-owned oil company hired Rivera for a costly public relations campaign to prop up the Venezuelan firm in the United States and to prevent U.S. sanctions. In just a few months, Riveras business, Interamerican Consulting, collected $20 million from Venezuelas U.S. subsidiary, PDV USA, but its $50 million contract with the former politician abruptly ended when he was accused of doing little work, according to a lawsuit in New York that was filed before the federal indictment in Miami.

Court documents in both the civil and criminal cases revealed that Rivera diverted more than half of his PDV USA income  $13 million  to three subcontractors in Miami who supposedly provided international strategic consulting services for the Venezuelan firm. The three recipients of the proceeds were his Venezuelan lawyer, Gorrin, his consulting associate, Nuhfer, and a formerly convicted drug trafficker, Hugo Perera. Perera, a Miami developer, introduced Gorrin to Rivera. Both Perera and Gorrin  who have not been charged in the indictment with Rivera and Nuhfer  came to known each other because they owned homes on exclusive Fisher Island.

In the past, Rivera has defended his actions by saying he was really working for the U.S. subsidiary of Venezuelas state-owned oil company  not directly as a consultant for the Venezuelan government in the United States. But the indictment says Rivera and Nuhfer were actually lobbying for the Venezuelan government in an effort to normalize relations between the South American country and the United States, prevent more economic sanctions against President Nicolas Maduros government, and resolve a legal dispute between an unnamed U.S. oil company and Venezuela.

According to the indictment, Rivera and Nuhfer met with an unidentified U.S. senator in Washington, D.C., to discuss the normalization plan in 2017, but to no avail because Maduros government ultimately would not make a commitment to such a deal.

Additionally, the indictment says, Rivera collaborated with Gorrin, who owns a TV station in Caracas, an insurance company and other businesses, to arrange a meeting between Congressman Pete Sessions of Texas and President Maduro in Caracas. On April 2, 2018, the indictment says, Rivera, Gorrin and Sessions met with Maduro and other Venezuelan politicians to discuss normalizing relations between the United States and Venezuela.

As part of the meeting, Sessions agreed to carry a letter with that proposal from Maduro to President Donald Trump, but their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.
A jury last month found Mr Trump liable for sexually abusing E Jean Carroll in a department store in the 1990s

Former US President Donald Trump has sued the writer E Jean Carroll for defamation, alleging she falsely accused him of rape after a jury found he sexually abused her.

Last month, the civil jury in New York found he sexually abused and defamed the columnist but did not rape her.

Mr Trump's claim, filed on Tuesday, relates to comments Ms Carroll made on CNN a day after that verdict.

When asked about Mr Trump's liability for rape, she said "oh yes he did".

The claim is seeking a retraction of that comment as well as unspecified compensation and punitive damages.

A lawyer for Ms Carroll said the filing was "nothing more than his latest effort to delay accountability" for the verdict on 9 May.

Ms Carroll has filed two separate lawsuits against the former president.

One went to trial last month, which is when the jury found Mr Trump liable for sexually abusing the magazine columnist in a department store in the 1990s and defaming her when she went public with the claim in 2019.

She was awarded almost $5m (3.9m) in damages. Mr Trump is appealing against that verdict and has asked for a new trial.

The other lawsuit is solely about defamation. Ms Carroll amended it after Mr Trump made comments on CNN in which he denied her allegations and made disparaging remarks about her.

She is seeking an additional $10m in damages over those comments.

Mr Trump's latest filing is a counterclaim in that lawsuit and suggests the multi-front legal fight will continue for some time.

The filing alleges Ms Carroll made "false statements with actual malice and ill will" when she was asked in an interview on CNN about the jury finding that Mr Trump was not liable for rape.

According to the claim, she said "oh yes he did, oh yes he did" in response to the question.
Donald Trump. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Donald Trump is considering returning to Twitter, Axios reported, citing sources.

The former president has been missing from the platform for almost two and a half years.

Allies now expect him to start tweeting again, per Axios.

Trump is considering returning to Twitter if his campaign needs a boost, Axios reported, citing sources.

After an extended hiatus from his once-favorite platform, Trump allies and some close to his presidential campaign expect him to tweet again at some point, according to the news outlet. When he does return, they expect him to do so with "showmanship and a purpose," Axios reported.

The former president has been missing from the platform for almost two and a half years after he had his Twitter account suspended following the Capitol insurrection in January 2021. His account was reinstated by Elon Musk following his acquisition of Twitter. In November, Musk polled his followers asking whether or not to reinstate Trump.

Despite this, Trump has yet to tweet, instead opting to keep his posts exclusively on Truth Social.

In the past, Trump has reportedly noted that his brand and image were too entwined with Truth Social for him to leave the platform, which he founded and launched in February 2022. Trump has also been given his Facebook and Instagram accounts back, sparking concern that his return to competing platforms may doom his own app.

However, now Trump is once again running for president his campaign may benefit from the larger audience. On Truth, Trump has around 5 million followers compared with his 86.7 million followers on Twitter.

Representatives for Trump did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, made outside normal working hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Matthew Pickard (left), Paul Laver and Stephen Greenaway (right) are accused of conspiracy to defraud

Three men accused of tricking people into investing in a bogus forestry scheme have appeared in court.

Stephen Greenaway, 45, Paul Laver, 44, and Matthew Pickard, 52, all from Dorset, were directors of Ethical Forestry Ltd which collapsed in 2015.

It is alleged they ran a Ponzi scheme where existing investors were paid from new investors' funds, Westminster magistrates heard.

The defendants were bailed to appear at Southwark Crown Court on 26 July.

All three are charged with two counts of conspiring to commit fraud by false representation and one count of running a business with intent to defraud.

The Serious Fraud Office, prosecuting the case, claim the men conspired for seven years to offer returns on harvested timber in Costa Rica.

Mr Greenaway, from Parkstone, Mr Laver, of West Parley, and Mr Pickard, from Lytchett Matravers, were remanded on unconditional bail.

Follow BBC South on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk.
China's cyberspace regulator has launched a two-month operation to address online activities that are harmful to minors, including online bullying and fraud, as the summer vacation approaches.

The move aims to reduce the space taken up by harmful information, curb illegal acts, improve the security standards of content for mobile apps and devices reserved for underage users, and help minors to avoid internet addiction, according to a circular released by the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission on Tuesday.

The targets of the operation included activities such as the malicious spreading of bullying videos that reveal the privacy of minors, sending obscene pictures and words to minors, and showing bloody violent scenes involving minors through the use of video editing, film and television re-creation, or animation adaptations.

Regarding the risks brought about by new technologies and new applications, the campaign aims to curb the use of generative AI in the creation of harmful information involving minors, the circular said.
FILE - Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks at a press conference to announce arrests and disruptions of the fentanyl precursor chemical supply chain, June 23, 2023 in Washington. The Justice Department has charged dozens of people in several healthcare fraud and prescription drug schemes, including a massive scheme totaling nearly $1.9 billion and a doctor accused of ordering leg braces for patients who had their limbs amputated, officials said Wednesday. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

WASHINGTON (AP)  The Justice Department has charged dozens of people in several health care fraud and prescription drug schemes, including one totaling $1.9 billion and a doctor accused of ordering fake ankle braces for a patient whose leg had been amputated, officials said Wednesday.

The scheme involving the submission of nearly $2 billion in bogus claims is one of the largest health care fraud cases ever brought by the Justice Department, the agency said. It's one of several announced as part of a crackdown in states around the country.

In total, 78 people in 16 states were charged in a series of separate cases, which also included an alleged scheme to buy back HIV medication from patients and then resell the pills.

The defendants targeted vulnerable people and used the money they made to buy exotic cars, jewelry and yachts, federal investigators said. The federal government seized millions of dollars in cash, automobiles and real estate as part of the crackdown.

The Justice Department will find and bring to justice criminals who seek to defraud Americans and steal from taxpayer-funded programs," Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.

In one case filed in the Southern District of Florida, investigators said they found nearly $2 billion in fraudulent telemedicine claims submitted to government-funded coverage programs like Medicare and Medicaid, which mainly cover people age 65 and over and those with low incomes, respectively. No attorneys were listed Wednesday for the three men charged in connection with the online platform DMERx, and a message left with a parent company was not immediately returned.

Those cases involved templates for fake doctor orders for braces and pain creams that were used in exchange for kickbacks and bribes, investigators said.

In another telemedicine fraud case, prosecutors say a Washington state doctor, David Antonio Becerril, signed more than 2,800 fraudulent orders, including ankle braces for a patient whose leg had been amputated years before. He's accused of taking less than 40 seconds to review and sign each order. One of his attorneys, William Portanova, declined to comment.

In some cases, computer software produced fake doctors orders and patients were never examined or had only a brief conversation with the physician, said Omar Perez Aybar, special agent in charge of the Miami regional office for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' inspector general.

There were providers and patients all across the country, he said.

In another case, a Brooklyn man is accused of working with other people to buy more than $150 million in prescription drugs, including HIV medications from suppliers who bought back medication from patients. Steven Diamantstein is accused of re-labeling the drugs for sale. His defense attorney, Zach Intrater, said Diamantstein has pleaded not guilty to the charges and looks forward to contesting them in court.

The investigation involved coordination among several agencies, including the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration and state Medicaid fraud units, Perez Aybar said.
There will be new support for landowners to deter fly-tipping on their land

Larger penalties for fly-tipping and fresh powers to fine drivers who throw rubbish from vehicles are part of a new Scottish government litter strategy.

Fly-tipping fines will be raised from 200 to 500.

There will also new support for schemes that provide alternatives to single-use items like coffee cups.

Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater said it was part of a wider package of measures to tackle Scotland's "throwaway culture".

More than 280m a year is spent cleaning up litter in Scotland, which environmental campaigners say is the worst in a decade.

The six-year "National Litter and Fly tipping Strategy" sets out how national and local government, businesses and communities can work together to drive change.

It includes an action plan of measures to be carried out by Scottish government and partner agencies in the first year.

A key measure is fines for fly-tipping rising to 500, with support for private landowners - including funding for trials - to help deter rubbish being dumped on their property.

There will also be increased action to detect fly-tippers, especially unregistered waste carriers advertising online, and a dedicated Sepa operation to tackle rogue operators.

The strategy also includes new powers to a fine the registered keeper of a vehicle that has committed a littering offence.

Single use coffee cups are used in their millions each year

A new online hub will also be launched to provide information and support to community groups and other local organisations about tackling litter problems.

The strategy has been developed in partnership with Zero Waste Scotland, Keep Scotland Beautiful and environment agency Sepa.

Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said the strategy did not deliver everything they had asked for, but he recognised that Scotland was facing "a number of challenges which make this unrealistic at this time".

He added: "We realise that the strategy will not immediately reverse the decline we have recorded in cleanliness levels across Scotland, however it is a positive start, and we are now calling on everyone to play their part."

Circular Economy minister Lorna Slater said "enforcement" was a key theme of the plan.

She added: "The strategy sets out robust commitments, including raising fixed penalty notices for fly-tipping to 500 and considering increasing fines further if required.

"It is part of a wider package of measures to tackle Scotland's throwaway culture, including becoming the first nation in the UK to ban some of the most problematic single-use plastics, a commitment to introduce a charge on single-use cups, the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme, and reform of extended producer responsibility for packaging."
A French fighter jet intercepted a tourist plane over a remote region of France over the weekend, leading the pilot of the small aircraft to throw out more than a dozen bags of suspected drugs, security and air force sources told AFP.

One of France's most modern fighters was sent to check on the single-seated tourist plane over the remote Ardeche region Saturday after it flew through restricted airspace near a nuclear plant and was judged to be maneuvering suspiciously.

As the Rafale fighter jet drew near, the air force pilot "witnessed very erratic behavior in the cockpit (of the tourist plane), real agitation," a military spokesman told AFP.

"Over the course of a few minutes, he saw the door open and packages being thrown out."

The suspected trafficker, a Polish national with a past drugs offense, was arrested after he landed at an airstrip in Lanas in the Ardeche region, the local prosecutor's office said in a statement on Tuesday.

Investigators found around 15 packages on the ground, containing an estimated 66 pounds of a white powder that is being analyzed.

This photograph taken on June 23, 2023, shows a Rafale fighter jet performing an exhibition flight demonstration during the International Paris Air Show at the Paris-Le Bourget Airport. / Credit: CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP via Getty Images

They also found more than 45,000 euros ($49,000) in the cockpit of the Polish-registered plane, as well as in the pilot's bag.

The incident follows the discovery of more than two tons of cocaine on beaches of northern France in March. The next month, U.K. border forces seized more than a ton of cocaine found floating in the English Channel.

Last year, French authorities seized a record 156.7 tons of drugs, according to the interior ministry.

The incident in rural France comes amid a recent flurry of other drug seizures targeting the European market.

Earlier this month, Uruguayan officials said they broke up a drug ring that smuggled cocaine hidden in surfboards bound from South America to Europe. Last month, a police dog sniffed out 3 tons of cocaine hidden in banana shipment in the Italian port of Gioia Tauro.

Global cocaine production has soared to record highs after declining during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report released in March from the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Between 2020 and 2021, cocaine production jumped 35%, the sharpest yearly increase since 2016, the report says.

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University says janitor destroyed decades of research
The Kremlin has gone to great lengths to reassert President Vladimir Putins authority, with meetings and events designed to show the unity and solidarity of the state and the military under his leadership.

But in the minds of many commentators, it wont be easy to draw a line under the extraordinary events of the weekend, and questions will linger about the performance, willingness and even the loyalty of some Russian units.

While the Russian military leadership was glaringly absent as the crisis unfolded, it was Chechen units that prepared to confront the Wagner units strutting through the streets of Rostov-on-Don, and other Chechen units were filmed guarding a bridge on the southern approaches to Moscow.

That has not been lost on the community of Russian military bloggers, especially in light of unconfirmed reports that Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu had abruptly left the Rostov-on-Don area on Friday as the mutiny began to froth in the region. Some Russian military bloggers with substantial followings expect a serious reshuffle of the military in the light of the Wagner uprising, and perhaps within the security services for not seeing the preparations for it.

One popular blogger going by the name Rybar wrote Wednesday that a purge was already underway and had affected mid-level commanders who had declined to shoot at Wagner columns where civilians might get hurt.

For several days now, investigators and representatives of the FSO (Federal Guard Service or Federal Protective Service) have been working both on the leadership of military command and control bodies and on unit commanders, Rybar claimed.

Putin has sought to reassert his authority after Prigozhin's mutiny. - AP licensed

He also suggested that while the Chief of the General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, remains formally in charge of what Russia calls the special military operation in Ukraine, the commander of airborne forces (VDV) Colonel General Mikhail Teplinsky is actually running the war.

Teplinsky is well regarded by subordinates, according to observers, but the VDV endured heavy losses in the opening phase of the invasion.

There is no way to verify Rybars allegations, but their airing may demonstrate a level of apprehension in the Russian military in the light of the mutiny.

Another well-known blogger, Boris Rozhin, wrote that one of the positive aspects of June 24 may be that the authorities will be cleansed of disloyal and unstable personnel.

Questions over Surovikin

Speculation persists about the role of other senior commanders as the mutiny got underway on Friday night and into Saturday.

The New York Times reported Wednesday, citing US officials who it said were briefed on American intelligence, that the commander of the Russian air force, General Sergey Surovikin, had advance knowledge of Yevgeny Prigozhins plans to rebel against Russias military leadership.

Asked about the reporting on a regular call with journalists, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: There will be now a lot of speculation and rumors surrounding these events. I believe this is just another example of it.

Some observers think US officials have a motive for trying to discredit Surovikin, whose performance in the campaign has outshone that of most commanders. Mark Galeotti of Mayak Intelligence said: Surovikin is not a nice man but he is a dangerously competent general.

While acknowledging he is speculating, Galeotti added: Suggesting complicity with Prigozhins treachery - to use Putins words - would seem a good way of helping derail his return.

Others think Surovikin would have been too smart to back a mutiny that clearly had no chance of success.

One acute observer of machinations within the Russian establishment, Tatiana Stayonova, tweeted Wednesday: The mutiny lacked clear political objectives or proper preparation. It seemed like a desperate attempt by Prigozhin to protect Wagner, with a potentially fatal end in Moscow. While Surovikin might have been sympathetic or privy to the plan, he sided with the state when necessary.

Rob Lee of the Foreign Policy Research Institute notes that Surovikin is the commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces, and Wagner shot down 7 or more aircraft, including several aircraft that werent armed. Strange thing to do if the commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces was actively supporting you.

Surovikin indeed issued a video appeal to Prigozhin to cease the mutiny very soon after it began, one of very few military voices heard at the weekend.

The purge may extend beyond the military. State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin has demanded an analysis of who tried to fly out of Russia at the weekend.

We all condemn those who, at a difficult moment for the country, left it, fled. It really should be punishable, among other things, Volodin said.

Anastasia Kashevarova, a military journalist who has covered the conflict, underlined the point. Do not fly away and leave your citizens and country. Do not run away and be silent, and then beg for rewards for yourself, she wrote on Telegram.

Putin held meetings at the Kremlin on Tuesday. - Mikhail Tereshchenko/Sputnik/AFP/Getty Images/FILE

Military divisions

Any institution as vast as the Russian military is going to have rivalries and grudges, especially when in the middle of a war where so many inadequacies have been exposed.

As Stayonava says: By the start of Prigozhins mutiny, it was well known about an established split between the military leadership of Shoigu/Gerasimov and Surovikin, not so much a power struggle but a divergence in the understanding of Russias Ukraine strategy.

Surovikin on several occasions appeared to be trying to keep a working relationship with Prigozhin, whose fighters were after all taking most of the punishment in the assault on Bakhmut.

At one point, according to Russian military bloggers, Surovikin interceded to try to procure ammunition for Wagner.

This relationship was likely approved by Putin, suggesting this divide was not a rebellion, says Stayonava.

Tolerance of and support for Wagner within the military (and among some regional governors) was to an extent a coded way to express no-confidence in Shoigu and Gerasimov.

Now that dynamic has dramatically changed, according to Stayonava.

The question remains whether those who report to Putin these days could tarnish the image of such sympathizers, transforming them into conspirators for the purpose of potential purges against them.

For now, at least, the seemingly unsinkable Shoigu has survived and was shown in a video released after the weekend at the combat headquarters of the Western Military District (though the visit may have been last week), as well as sitting two seats from the president at a meeting on Monday night.

Outcast future for Putins former chef

As for Yevgeny Prigozhin, the day when he was master of ceremonies at a summit between Putin and President George W Bush in St. Petersburg must seem a lifetime ago. His former promoter has now stressed that no stone will be unturned in ending his flamboyant career.

Putin said Tuesday that Prigozhins business empire had received well over $2 billion from the Russian state in the past year, which had fully funded the Wagner operation.

He pointedly said that the owner of the Concord Company had received the equivalent of $936 million for delivering and catering food to the Russian military, before adding with menace: I hope nobody stole anything or stole as little as possible in the course of these operations, but well be thoroughly investigating all of that.

The implication is that while Wagner fighters have been forgiven and many will be integrated into the Russian military, Prigozhin will be an outcast, eking out retirement in Minsk, in neighboring Belarus. He may never be charged with armed rebellion but his for-profit model of fighting a war is about to be undone.

The Institute for the Study of War commented Tuesday that the effort to distinguish between Prigozhin and his fighters may enable the Kremlin to accuse Prigozhin of corruption or conspiring with Ukraine or the West and alienate Prigozhin from Wagner personnel that the Kremlin wants to keep in the mix.

The Kremlin needs to separate Prigozhins cause from his persona, lest an attack on Prigozhin be perceived as a Kremlin attack on his popular narrative and his stated objectives of punishing the criminally incompetent Russian MoD leadership, says the ISW.

There is still considerable respect in Russian military circles for what Wagner has contributed to the Ukraine conflict.

Even as the dust settles, some are asking how the feud between Prigozhin and the Defense Ministry was allowed to escalate to the point of mutiny.

Among them is the director of the Russian National Guard, (Rosgvardia), Viktor Zolotov.

While he claimed the mutiny was prepared by Western intelligence services, he also said there were hints  what he called information disseminations  coming from Prigozhins side that this mutiny was being prepared.

The entire Rosgvardia personnel, the entire force unit worked brilliantly - clearly, coherently and competently, Zolotov claimed, perhaps an unstated contrast to the Defense Ministry.

Blogger Boris Rozhin said on his Telegram channel: If the conflict between Prigozhin and the leadership of the Ministry of Defense had been stopped in a timely manner, the rebellion would hardly have taken place.

Anastasia Kashevarova, who has 269,000 Telegram subscribers, also asked: If we knew, why didnt we prepare? So if [Prigozhin] works for Ukrainians, why were they (Wagner forces) pardoned? Why did they pass through the border checkpoints calmly? Why wasnt it prevented?

Rozhin, like others circling the wagons, is doing his best to spin the events of June 24-25 as a catharsis, saying the main achievement is that Russia did not begin to find out who is stronger and who could kill whom more. We have a real enemy, on whom efforts should be directed.

Others might argue theres still no guarantee of that.

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Single people in San Francisco who earn less than $104,400 are considered low income, according to new government guidelines that determine who qualifies for some housing aid.

That means that some people in California who are earning above six figures  a level that's viewed as high income by many Americans  may in fact struggle to afford the basics in those regions. Other California counties where a salary of about $100,000 for a single person qualifies as low income include Marin and San Mateo counties, with the latter home to Silicon Valley.

Single workers in Los Angeles County, meanwhile, are considered low income if they earn less than $70,000, according to the new guidelines issued earlier this month by the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

The income guidelines are used to determine whether people may qualify for housing programs, including Section 8 vouchers that provide rent assistance to low-income families. It may be shocking that a six-figure earner in San Francisco could qualify for housing assistance, but the median home sale price in the city was $1.4 million in May 2023, according to Zillow.

Meanwhile, the official poverty line across the U.S. stands at $12,880 for a single person, which is a guideline used for other aid programs such as food stamps and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

San Francisco is struggling with a host of issues, including businesses that are fleeing the city amid a rise in crime and homelessness, as well as an exodus of workers and residents as many tech companies switched to remote work during the pandemic. But despite those challenges, San Francisco remains home to many big businesses  and its real estate fetches a hefty price.

Since 2016, the threshold to be considered low income as a single worker has jumped by more than $35,000, according to the San Francisco Examiner.
At least one California Highway Patrol officer shot at a man officers had chased for nearly an hour early Wednesday before he crashed in Coachella, the agency said.

CHP did not say why they shot the man.

The man suffered minor injuries in the crash, but was not hit by the gunshot and was then arrested, according to a CHP press release.

CHP said the man had failed to stop when an officer tried to pull him over in the San Bernardino area at 2:37 a.m. Officers chased him into the Coachella Valley, where he crashed into a tractor-trailer on Interstate 10 east of Dillon Road and his car became disabled, the press release says.

CHP said that's when one or more officers shot at the man, but their press release did not say how many officers fired or why.

The freeway was closed at the State Route 86 split from 6 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., when the lanes reopened, CHP said.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: CHP shoots man in Coachella after hourlong chase on Interstate 10
Economy tops list of voter concerns in new poll in Pennsylvania

The economy is the top priority for Pennsylvania voters looking ahead at the 2024 presidential election, according to a poll.

The new Quinnipiac poll taken among Pennsylvania voters found that 30 percent of respondents said the economy was the most important issue for the 2024 election while 28 percent said preserving democracy was their top issue.

No other issue garnered more than 10 percent of the vote, with gun violence at 9 percent, abortion at 8 percent and immigration at 7 percent. Health care received 6 percent, while climate change and racial inequality received 4 percent and 3 percent, respectively.

Republicans and Democrats in Pennsylvania were largely split on their top three issues. Among Republican respondents, 47 percent said the economy was their top issue, followed by 23 percent who said preserving democracy and 12 percent who said immigration.

Among Democrats, 34 percent said preserving democracy was their top issue, followed by 18 percent who said gun violence and 13 percent who said abortion.

Independents also had the economy and preserving democracy as their top two issues, with 36 percent listing the economy and 30 percent listing preserving democracy.

The poll also showed President Biden and former President Trump neck and neck in a hypothetical 2024 match-up. Forty-seven percent said they would support Trump while 46 percent said they would support Biden.

The poll was conducted among 1,584 registered voters June 22-26 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The U.S. Supreme Court on June 27 ruled to rein in the independent state legislature theory. (Associated Press)

With the 2024 election campaign already underway, the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday wisely rejected a pernicious legal theory that could have made it even easier for partisan majorities in state legislatures to achieve an unfair advantage in congressional elections. The 6-3 decision in a case from North Carolina dealt a serious blow to the so-called independent state legislature doctrine under which state supreme courts would be powerless to review gerrymandered congressional maps or other aspects of congressional elections.

In 2022, North Carolinas Supreme Court struck down a congressional map drawn by Republican state legislators, holding that it unfairly favored the GOP in violation of several provisions of the state constitution. Among them is a command that all elections shall be free, which the court interpreted to mean that every vote must count equally.

In appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court, Republican state legislative leaders pointed to the Elections Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which says that the times, places and manner of congressional elections shall be prescribed by state legislatures (subject to an override by Congress).

Read more: Opinion: Thanks to the Supreme Court, U.S. elections are safe from at least one threat

But on Tuesday, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., writing for the majority, rejected the radical view that state courts had no role in reviewing arrangements for congressional elections. After tracing the history of judicial review in the states, Roberts noted that he and his colleagues are asked to decide whether the Elections Clause carves out an exception to this basic principle. We hold that it does not. The Elections Clause does not insulate state legislatures from the ordinary exercise of state judicial review.

Roberts also cited precedents of the court, including a 2015 decision holding that Arizona could entrust congressional redistricting to an independent commission (an approach also used by California).

Without going into detail, Roberts did say that state courts may not so exceed the bounds of ordinary judicial review as to unconstitutionally intrude upon the role specifically reserved to state legislatures by the U.S. Constitution and added that we need not decide whether that occurred in todays case.

That seems to leave open the possibility that state courts could go too far in reviewing legislative decisions about federal elections, inviting intervention by federal courts. But even with that qualification, Tuesdays decision should make greedy partisan majorities in state legislatures think twice before trying to engineer an unfair advantage in redistricting or election laws. It also protects California's independent redistricting commission, whose future could have been threatened by a ruling for North Carolina's Republican legislators.

Read more: Opinion: Why today's Supreme Court decision on voting rights is such a shock

The court also deserves praise for not taking the easy way out by declaring the North Carolina case moot because of changes in the composition of the North Carolina Supreme Court that led that court to change its position on whether it could address partisan gerrymandering.

Finally, this decision suggests that, in at least this area of the law, a majority of the court may have recognized the danger to its own credibility of extreme decisions that, in Roberts words at his Senate confirmation, cause a jolt to the legal system. The court should have exercised the same restraint a year ago instead of recklessly overruling Roe vs. Wade, a decision that had protected the right to abortion for nearly half a century.

Nevertheless, Tuesday's ruling puts a necessary check on an extreme conservative political theory that would have imperiled democracy throughout the nation.

If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Eid in Sudan: 'I couldn't sleep because of the sounds of the gunfire'

Some people managed to attend prayers despite the fighting

Muslims in Sudan have been celebrating Eid al-Adha amid the sound of gunfire despite a ceasefire announced by the warring military groups.

Residents have told the BBC heavy artillery and airstrikes were heard in Khartoum state.

"It doesn't feel like Eid," said Zahra Saeed, adding that the streets are "empty" and that people are "scared".

"Last night I couldn't sleep because of the sounds of the gunfire," Ms Saeed added.

Others say they are too afraid to even attend the outdoor prayers which are normally a central part of the day: "For the first time in my life I didn't go," said 22-year-old former medical student Walaa Ibrahim.

Instead, many people prayed in their own homes.

"Now the airstrike is being carried out, they don't respect people, they don't respect the importance of... such occasions," the ex-student added.

Sudan is currently in its 10th week of a war which started in April, amid a power struggle between the country's military and a paramilitary group called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Since then, more than 500,000 people have fled Sudan, according to UN figures from just over a week ago, while roughly 2.2 million people have fled their homes within the country.

Precise figures on the number of people killed in the fighting are difficult to establish, but it is believed to be well over 1,000, including many civilians caught in the crossfire.

As well as the fighting, many Sudanese are also struggling to celebrate Eid properly because they don't have enough money.

Eid al-Adha is one of the most important festivals in Islam

As part of Eid al-Adha, Muslims who can afford to sacrifice a sheep or goat and share the meat between family, friends and the poor.

This is because Eid al-Adha, means "festival of sacrifice" and commemorates the time when, according to the Qur'an, the Prophet Ibrahim was ordered by Allah to sacrifice his son - and as he was about to do so, the boy was exchanged for a ram.

"Every Eid we used to buy a sacrifice sheep, but this Eid the situation is quite difficult because of war and because most of us did not get paid. We cannot pay for sacrifice sheep due to the high prices," said Mohammed Abboud Soliman, a cattle trader from West Kordofan state.

Airstrikes and smoke were seen in the city of Omdurman

The usual sweet Eid treats from bakeries are also in short supply. In Omdurman, one of three cities that make up Greater Khartoum, bakeries have been looted.

One resident told the BBC: "Two bakeries have been exposed to robbery and unfortunately one of the bakers was killed. These two bakeries were very important as their production was fulfilling the need of a large area.

"Houses are daily subject to looting and robbery. The situation is deteriorating."
El Paso Walmart mass shooter: What to know before July 5 federal sentencing

The admitted white supremacist who pleaded guilty to fatally shooting 23 people and injuring dozens more at an El Paso Walmart in 2019 is facing a July 5 sentencing hearing, which is expected to last several days.

Patrick Crusius, 24, will likely be sentenced to 90 consecutive life sentences during the July 5 sentencing hearing at the Albert Armendariz Sr. Federal Courthouse in Downtown El Paso.

The hearing is expected to take several days because dozens of victims and community members are expected to give victim impact statements as part of the sentencing hearing. Victim impact statements are anticipated to take two days, court documents state.

Here is what you need to know about the sentencing hearing.

Justice took nearly four years

The sentencing hearing will begin 1,433 days  three years, 11 months, three days  since the day the gunman drove nearly 700 miles to attack Hispanics.

The mass shooter arrived in El Paso the morning of Aug. 3, 2019, and parked in the East-Central El Paso Walmart at 7101 Gateway Blvd. West, near Cielo Vista Mall.

Items have been removed from the Walmart memorial and placed at Ponder Park.

The shooter then got out of his vehicle and began shooting people in the parking lot, federal prosecutor Ian Martinez Hanna said during the gunman's February plea hearing. He continued into Walmart, where he fatally shot nine people in a bank inside the store. He then continued, shooting another nine in the aisles of the store.

The first 911 call reporting an active shooter was received at 10:39 a.m., and the first police officer arrived at the scene about 10:45 a.m., law enforcement officials said in the aftermath of the shooting.

The gunman used a GP WASR-10 semiautomatic rifle  a Romanian-made firearm that is a variant of the AK-47 assault rifle  and 7.62 x 39 mm hollow point ammunition, a federal indictment states.

More: Judge grants slight delay in sentencing of El Paso Walmart gunman; hearing starts July 5

The gun and 1,000 rounds of ammunition were purchased June 19, 2019, on the internet by the gunman, the indictment states.

Minutes after the shooting, the gunman, then 21, emerged with his hands up from a vehicle that was stopped at a nearby intersection and told a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper, who was responding to the mass shooting, "I'm the shooter."

El Paso Police Department Detective Adrian Garcia described the gunman's surrender in the arrest warrant affidavit.

Adam Bowles, pastor of Castle Church in Norwich, Connecticut, at center left wearing an El Paso Strong T-shirt, along with his friend Matt Martinez, at center beside him, and brother-in-law Jono Wibberley decided to drive from their home to Dayton, Ohio, and then to El Paso to raise funds along the way for the victims of mass shootings in the cities. He said he decided on the drive after learning a man drove 10 hours from Allen, Texas, to El Paso to commit an act of hatred. He thought, Love goes farther. His drive took a day and 10 hours, he said. Once at the Walmart memorial site Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, Bowles and his travel companions held a prayer circle with El Pasoans who were visiting the site.

The gunman targeted Hispanics in an effort to dissuade Mexicans and other Hispanics from coming to the United States, federal prosecutors and court documents allege. Minutes before the shooting, he posted a racist manifesto online outlining his motives for committing one of the most deadly shootings in U.S. history.

The gunman confessed to law enforcement that "they (Mexicans and other Hispanics) were to blame" and "he was trying to defend his country," said Hanna, the federal prosecutor.

Prosecutors seeking life in prison for Patrick Crusius

Federal prosecutors are asking Judge David C. Guaderrama to sentence the gunman to life in prison on each of 90 charges the gunman pleaded guilty to during a Feb. 8 plea hearing.

Prosecutors want the life sentences to be served consecutively, meaning the gunman will spend the rest of his life in prison.

More: 'No one feels safe': Cielo Vista Mall shooting triggers the trauma of Walmart tragedy

Crusius pleaded guilty to the 90 charges as part of a plea agreement.

During the February plea hearing, the gunman pleaded guilty to 23 counts of hate crimes resulting in death, 23 counts of use of a firearm to commit murder during and in relation to a crime of violence, 22 counts of hate crimes involving an attempt to kill, and 22 counts of use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

Courtroom proceedings for sentencing hearing

The opening day of the hearing will begin at 9 a.m. July 5 with a federal probation officer giving a report to the judge, federal prosecutors and defense lawyers on the gunman's background, health issues and any other issues that may affect any sentence given to him.

Patrick Crusius and his defense attorney, Joe Spencer, listened as U.S. District Judge David Guaderrama asked questions Wednesday about his guilty pleas to charges from the Aug. 3, 2019, mass shooting at an El Paso Walmart.

Prosecutors and defense lawyers will be allowed to bring up any objections to the report with the judge making a ruling on each objection.

Defense lawyers and the gunman will then be allowed an opportunity to speak to the judge. Normally, the defense lawyers will ask for their client to be given a lenient sentence and the defendant would tell the judge about his remorse for his actions.

Court documents do not state if the gunman will provide a statement to the judge.

In the afternoon, victim impact statements will be given starting at 1 p.m. Dozens of victims, victims' family members and community members are expected to give impact statements.

More: 'Invasion' language continues after El Paso Walmart shooting

Once the victim impact statements are completed, federal prosecutors will be given an opportunity to tell the judge why they believe the gunman should be sentenced to 90 consecutive life sentences.

Judge Guaderrama will then hand down the sentencing.

Courtroom decorum

The hearing will be held in courtroom 812, which is the largest courtroom in the federal courthouse. Major trials in El Paso have been held in that courtroom, including numerous high-profile drug cartel trials.

The hearing is open to the public. However, victims and their families will be given priority seating in the courtroom, a notice filed by the court officials states.

An overflow room will be setup at the courthouse once the courtroom is full. The proceedings will be shown on television screens in the overflow room.

The courthouse will provide interpretation services for Spanish speakers if needed, the notice states.

Anyone wishing to attend is asked to get to the courthouse well before the hearing begins.

Everyone who enters the courthouse will go through a security screening, including going through metal detectors and all bags will be scanned.

Security lines are expected to be long, the notice states.

More: Healing Garden at Ascarate honoring Walmart shooting victims now a national memorial

All electronic devices are prohibited from being brought into the courthouse, including cell phones, smart watches, tablets, laptop computers, MP3 players, iPods and audio recording devices. Exceptions will be made for devices needed to accommodate a disability, the notice states.

Other prohibited items include:

Tobacco and cannabis products

Bottles, beverage containers, paper cups, and food items

Chewing gum

Newspapers, books, and magazines

Dress code also will be enforced. The dress code includes:

No t-shirts or body shirts. A collared shirt is acceptable for men.

No flip flops or shower shoes.

No capri pants, shorts, or cut-offs.

No sunglasses, except prescription.

No headgear (caps, berets, or scarves), with an exception for religious headwear.

No tank tops, spaghetti straps or tube tops.

Face coverings are mandatory in the courtroom.

Defense lawyer to presiding judge: Who's who in Walmart shooting trial

The gunman will be in the courtroom through the dayslong hearing. During his February plea hearing, the gunman, who wore glasses and his brown hair was longer and unkempt, appeared in court wearing a blue jail jumpsuit, a face covering and was handcuffed in front tied to a metal chain around his waist.

Caption: Patrick Crusius pleaded guilty Wednesday to 90 counts stemming from the Aug. 3, 2019, mass shooting at an El Paso Walmart. He was accompanied at the podium by his legal team, from left, Joe Spencer, Mark Stevens, Rebecca Hudsmith and Felix Valenzuela.

Presiding Judge

Judge Guaderrama will preside over the hearing. Guaderrama started his federal judicial career in 2010 as a magistrate judge for the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas.

He was appointed by President Barrack Obama to serve as U.S. District Judge in 2012. He took senior judge status in May 2023.

Judge Guaderrama has handled major drug cartel, public corruption and other high-profile criminal cases.

Defense Team

The gunman's defense team is led by prominent El Paso lawyer Joe Spencer. Attorneys Rebecca Hudsmith, Mark Stevens, and Felix Valenzuela also are part of the team.

Spencer, who is also leading the gunman's defense in state court, has tried dozens of high-profile criminal cases in El Paso.

Joe Spencer, lead defense lawyer for Patrick Crusius, walks out of the Albert Armendariz Sr. Federal Courthouse in El Paso, Texas on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023 after Patrick Crusius, the shooting suspect, pleads guilty to 90 federal charges in connection with the Aug. 3, 2019 shooting at Cielo Vista-area Walmart in El Paso, Texas.

Spencer has successfully got acquittals or lenient sentences for several clients who were either facing the death penalty or life in prison.

Some of the cases include the Daniel Villegas saga, where Villegas was acquitted of murder after being wrongfully convicted and had already served 18 years in prison before his conviction was overturned. Prosecutors were seeking life in prison.

In a death penalty case, Spencer was able to get a jury to sentence a man convicted of capital murder of multiple persons to life in prison.

Another Spencer case involved successfully getting a plea agreement for 40 years in prison on a capital murder charge, where prosecutors were seeking life in prison. The defendant was a reputed gang member who pleaded guilty to intentionally crashing into and killing an El Paso police motorcycle officer.

Federal prosecutors

The U.S. Attorney's Office's federal prosecutors trying the mass shooting case includes Hanna, Gregory McDonald, Margaret Leachman, Michael Warbel, Kristen Clarke and Kyle Boyton.

The federal prosecutor team has decades of experience and have successfully tried dozens of high-profile drug cartel, murder, public corruption, illegal firearms and other criminal cases.

Victims' federal testimony impact on state gag unknown

Victim or family members providing victim impact statements will not violate a gag order issued in state case against the gunman, officials said.

The gag order issued in July 2022 by state district court Judge Sam Medrano, who is presiding over the state case against the gunman, prevents state prosecutors, defense lawyers, witnesses, family members of the victims, or anyone else associated with the state case from discussing it.

"Because I don't wanna violate the gag order, I don't want to comment on whether or not I have a concern on how they would affect our case," El Paso District Attorney Bill Hicks said. "But because they (victim impact statements) are testimony given in the course of a court hearing that by their very nature is an exclusion allowed for under the gag order. So anything that's made during a court hearing is excluded by the gag order. Anything that you say during a court hearing is not by its nature and cannot be a violation of the gag order."

Spencer declined to comment because of the gag order.

Judge Sam Medrano Jr. speaks as El Paso District Attorney Yvonne Rosales appears in court on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022, on violations of the July gag order issued in the Walmart mass shooting case.

Medrano declined to comment on the case.

State case against Walmart shooter remains pending

The July sentencing of the gunman marks the end of the federal case and brings some justice to the victims and El Paso community. However, state charges against the gunman remain pending.

In state district court, the gunman faces one count of capital murder of multiple persons and 22 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

The DA's office is seeking the death penalty. A trial date has not been set in state court.

Patrick Crusius appears in court

The prosecutors and staff handling the case are working 40 hours a week on it and will be ready to try it when a trial date is set, Hicks said.

Prosecutors Loretta Hewitt, Rebecca Tarango and Ron Banerji are handling the case. Hicks, along with prosecutors Rick Locke and John Briggs, also are actively involved in preparing the case for trial, Hicks said.

Hicks declined to comment further because of the gag order.

Aaron Martinez may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com or on Twitter @AMartinezEPT.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Walmart mass shooter trial: What to know before federal sentencing
Lancang-Mekong Cooperation media summit held in Beijing

Xinhua) 08:37, June 28, 2023

Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, attends and addresses the 2023 Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Media Summit in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2023. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

BEIJING, June 27 (Xinhua) -- The 2023 Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Media Summit took place in Beijing on Tuesday.

Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, attended the event and delivered remarks.

More than 130 representatives from relevant departments and mainstream media of the six Lancang-Mekong countries attended the event. They had in-depth discussions on achieving peace and development, mutual benefit, win-win outcomes, and people-to-people exchanges in the region, and on contributing to the building of a closer Lancang-Mekong community with a shared future.

Attendees of the event shared the view that concrete benefits have been delivered to the six participating countries since the LMC's inception, and the LMC has effectively boosted amity among people of the six countries.

There is massive potential for cooperation among the six countries in such areas as infrastructure construction, agriculture, poverty reduction, security, and environmental protection, said attendees.

They expressed their hope to promote exchanges among the people of the six countries through media cooperation, enhance friendship and mutual trust, and better tell Lancang-Mekong stories.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a congratulatory letter to a forum on people-to-people friendship between China and the United States.



The event, titled "Bond with Kuliang: 2023 China-U.S. People-to-People Friendship Forum," is being held in Fuzhou, east China's Fujian Province.

In the letter, Xi said that back in 1992, he invited Mrs. Elizabeth Gardner to Kuliang, helping her fulfill the wish of her late husband to return to his childhood home. In the following 30 years and more, members of the Kuliang Friends and people from various sectors of both countries have delved deep into the history of this town, actively spread its culture, and worked tirelessly to deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and American peoples.

"I was very glad to hear from members of the Kuliang Friends, and to know from your letter more touching stories about your connection with Kuliang," said Xi in the letter. He pointed out among them are Mr. Len Billing, 103 years old, who recorded his time in Kuliang with many photos; Dr. E. L. Bliss, who wrote "I love the Chinese people" as his last words; and Mr. Donald Maclnnis, who wanted to have his ashes scattered in the Minjiang River.

"Their stories have shown once again that the Chinese and American peoples can transcend differences in system, culture and language, and build profound friendship," said Xi.

Amity between peoples holds the key to the relationship between countries, and the people are the cornerstone of its growth, Xi said. "I hope that you will continue to write the Kuliang story and carry forward the special bonds, so that the friendship between our two peoples can stay forever strong and robust like the thousand-year-old cedar trees in Kuliang."

The Kuliang story is a widely told one about Xi's personal efforts to promote friendly exchanges between Chinese and American peoples. In 1901, Milton Gardner, born in the United States, came to live in Fuzhou with his parents when he was still in his infancy, and his whole family moved back to the United States in 1911. Gardner had been longing for revisiting his childhood home, but had never been able to make his wish fulfilled. With assistance from Chinese students in the United States, Mrs. Elizabeth Gardner finally came to know the place his husband had been dreaming of is Kuliang in Fuzhou.

In 1992, Xi Jinping, who was then secretary of the Communist Party of China Fuzhou Municipal Committee, invited Mrs. Elizabeth Gardner to visit China. In 2012, when visiting the United States as China's vice president, Xi shared the Kuliang story with the audience at a welcome luncheon held by American friendly groups, drawing warm response from all sectors in the two countries.

The Forum, jointly held by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the government of Fujian Province, was attended by people from various sectors in China and the United States including some members of the Kuliang Friends.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made the news yet again, but this time for something pretty straightforward  a White House deal that could help countless Americans charge their electric vehicles.

The Biden administration recently announced that Musk agreed to open a portion of Tesla charging stations to all EV drivers. These stations were previously exclusive to Tesla owners, but by the end of next year, 7,500 of the companys chargers will be available to everyone.

This development could be a game-changer for Americas rapidly expanding EV charging network. In the past, drivers with EVs from companies like Toyota, Volkswagen, or General Motors have had too few options.

Among American car manufacturers, Tesla has the most chargers by far, with nearly 20,000 charging stations across the country.

The company also leads the industry in time-saving chargers, known as superchargers. These stations can give EVs 200 miles of charge in about 15 minutes.

With roughly 1,700 fast chargers throughout the nation, the Biden Administration hopes expanding access can help Americans embark on long-haul journeys in electric vehicles.

This deal signals notable progress on the administrations plan to spend $5 billion on expanding EV charging networks across America. The White House hopes to create a national network totaling 500,000 chargers.

While EVs are integral to a sustainable future for vehicle owners, many Americans are unwilling to purchase them. According to 2022 consumer studies, 69% of Americans intend to buy gasoline-powered cars for their next vehicle.

Of those polled, 20% said their greatest concern for buying an EV was their limited driving range. An additional 14% said the most significant deterrent was a lack of public charging infrastructure.

This announcement directly addresses these concerns, as drivers will have access to more charging stations and can drive greater distances.

Mitch Landrieu, a Biden administration senior advisor and infrastructure coordinator, told the AP that charging EVs will be as easy as filling up at a gas station.

In building our EV charging network, we have to ensure that as many chargers work for as many drivers as possible. To that end, @elonmusk will open a big part of @Teslas network to all drivers, President Biden said on Twitter following the announcement. Thats a big deal, and itll make a big difference.

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Photo Illustration by Kelly Caminero / The Daily Beast / Getty

When Elon Musk was taking over Twitter, he styled himself a free speech warrior. He repeatedly promised that all speech protected by the First Amendment would be allowed on the platform.

This was met with sheer delight from many conservatives, libertarians, and others on the right. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), for example, heralded Musks Twitter takeover as one of the most significant developments for free speech in modern times. Right-wing media stars like Ben Shapiro similarly celebrated the takeover.

I myself was optimistic, although more cautiously so. Yet since actually assuming control of Twitter, Musks taken a decidedly different approach to what true free speech advocates hoped.

The First Amendment Is the Greatest Defense for the Powerless and Marginalized

The CEOs latest free speech controversy comes, of course, in the context of the never-ending culture war over transgender issues. While its not commonly used in daily life, the term cisgender, or cis, is increasingly used in academia, media, and various progressive spaces to describe people who are not transgendera.k.a. people whose gender identity matches their birth sex. Some people, particularly those who lean to the right on the debate over transgender issues, reject this term and do not wish to be called cisgender.

The free speech approach would be to let proponents use the term and let critics critique it. Then theres Elons new approach.

One Twitter user complained after tweeting that he doesnt like being called cis, many people flooded his replies calling him, well, cis. (Welcome to Twitter, folks. Trolling isnt a reason to tweet, its the only reason.) In response to this random post, Musk announced a new Twitter policy that will treat cisgender as a slur and suspend users who repeatedly use the term to describe someone who doesnt want to be called it.

Repeated, targeted harassment against any account will cause the harassing accounts to receive, at minimum, temporary suspensions.



The words cis or cisgender are considered slurs on this platform.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 21, 2023

Repeated, targeted harassment against any account will cause the harassing accounts to receive, at minimum, temporary suspensions, Musk tweeted. The words cis or cisgender are considered slurs on this platform.

This is bizarre and absurd for a number of reasons.

For one, the idea that cisgender is a slur is kind of silly. While some people view it as ideological language, it only means not transgender. Theres nothing inherently offensive about being referred to as not transgender. (Especially coming from the same crowd that, sometimes correctly, complains about liberal snowflakes!)

Yet some on Elons side in this Twitter debate have actually compared cisgender to the n-word. Despite being both overwrought and ridiculous, that claim is self-debunking because in their own arguments they write out the word cisgender but, of course, do not spell out the n-word. Its almost like one of those words is an offensive slur and the other is just a word some people dont like.

Elon Musk, Joe Rogan, and the Apocalyptic Centrists

But whether cis is a slur actually misses the point. Slurs are, like it or not, part of free speech. And they have always been allowed on Twitter.

Just search the N-word or the word f*ggot on Twitter and youll see them used ad nauseam, often by black or gay people in ways intended to reclaim the slur but also, yes, in offensive or hateful ways. So, if Elon actually meant it when he said that Twitter was going to be a free speech platform, that would have to include allowing people to call others cis, whether he thinks its a slur or not.

In fact, this new standard is directly contradictory with another rule change Elon imposed.

Shortly after taking over Twitter, Musk removed the companys prohibition on targeted misgendering or deadnaming of transgender individuals.

Under previous leadership, Twitter users werent allowed to use the deadname, or old name, of transgender people, and could even face suspension for violating this prohibition. Yet Musk ended this prohibition, arguingcorrectlythat while using someones old name might be viewed as offensive or unkind, it is nonetheless part of free speech by any serious standard.

But now rather than actually having open discourse, Elon is rigging the rules to favor one side of the transgender debate. Conservatives are free to call transgender people by their dead name on Twitter even though that offends them. But transgender people or allies cannot call conservatives cisgender... because that offends them.

Thats not free speech. Thats just the same old ideological censorship, but this time, in favor of the right. And, unfortunately, its not the only example so far where Elon has betrayed his free speech promises.

Elon Musk Is a Sentient Poop Emoji

He also temporarily throttled and censored links to Substack, a major journalism platform, over his own business dispute with the company. In another example, he suspended journalists, myself included, for sharing publicly available information about a planned transgender day of vengeance. And, perhaps most disturbing, Elon has repeatedly complied with requests by foreign governments to censor journalism critical of those governments.

Thats not very free-speech-y, if you ask me!

Thats whats so disappointing. Its not that Twitter fails to uphold free speech principles; it was like that before. Its that Elon promised us something differentand then delivered the same old bullshit, just with a right-wing spin.

Brad Polumbo (@Brad_Polumbo) is an independent journalist and co-host of the BASED Politics podcast.

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Race with over 100 vintage cars to make stop in Wichita. Heres when and where.

Wichitans will be able to see more than 100 vintage cars Thursday when a cross-country auto endurance race makes a stop at Riverfront Stadium.

The Hemmings Motor News Great Race is a time, speed, endurance rally for 1974 and older collector vehicles, race director Jeff Stumb said over the phone.

This marks the 40th anniversary of the race that started in 1983.

Wichita is one of 17 stops on the 2,300-mile event that started June 24 in St. Augustine, Florida and will conclude July 2 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Stumb said.

The route changes every year, and the race last made an appearance in Wichita in 2006.

The event tests each cars ability to finish the route.

Its a race of endurance and accuracy, Stumb said. Your car has to be able to handle the heat, road conditions and things like that.

The race passes through nine states over nine days. About 120 cars and teams from Japan, England, Australia, Canada and the U.S. will start to arrive at Riverfront Stadium one by one around 4:45 p.m.

The race runs on country back roads rather than state and national highways.

We dont use any dirt or gravel roads, Stumb said. So these are county roads that might have the name, you know a name like Jones Valley road or something.

Stumb could not provide details on the route around Wichita.

We actually dont use road and street names, Stumb said. So its kind of hard to tell you.

We might tell them [racers] to turn right at the first paved road, Stumb added.

The winner of the race will collect $50,000 in prize money. Some notable cars present will include a 1916 Hudson, 1916 Chevrolet and a 1917 American LaFrance, the news release said.

The event is free to the public. Cars will be lined up along McLean street next to the stadium.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said Tuesday it did not find discrimination by the state of Louisiana against Black residents who face high levels of air pollution, closing a probe into actions by state departments.

The agency has been investigating complaints from environmental groups that alleged discrimination over air pollution faced by Black residents of St. John the Baptist Parish.

Environmental groups alleged that a company was allowed to release excessive levels of likely carcinogen chloroprene that disproportionately affect St. Johns Black community. It also raised concerns that residents were exposed to various sources of the carcinogen ethylene oxide.

Overall, they claimed that the states failures caused residents to face the highest cancer risk from air pollution in the nation.

But, the EPA said in a Tuesday court filing that it did not find any discrimination or civil rights violations by the state.

EPA made no finding of discrimination or other violation by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality or the Louisiana Department of Health, the Biden administration said in court.

The court filing closes out the agencys investigation into the state amid complaints from the environmental organizations.

The parish is found within an industrial corridor that has been nicknamed Cancer Alley due to residents exposure to pollutants that have been linked to cancer. A majority of the parishs population is Black.

The agency previously expressed concerns about the situation, sending a letter to the state last year saying it may have discriminated against Black residents.

The letter of concern said the states actions and inactions may have discriminated against people who lived or went to school near a facility that emits chloroprene.

However, in new letters attached to the court filing, the agency said it was closing out the probe in light of the fact that it ordered Denka, the company behind the facility in question, to lower its emissions and had also filed a civil rights complaint against the company. The EPA also noted that it has proposed a new rule aiming to cut emissions of both chloroprene and ethylene oxide around the country.

A Denka spokesperson told The Hill in October that the EPA was overestimating the chemicals risks and said the company was taking steps to cut its releases.

EPA spokesperson Khanya Brann sent an emailed statement to The Hill saying the agency was closing the complaints based on information now available, including multiple significant action[s] by EPA.

Brann also stressed the agencys commitment to both local communities in Louisiana and people who are impacted by pollution more broadly.

The EPA is moving urgently, with an unprecedented commitment to advancing environmental justice, to ensure every person in this country has clean air to breathe, clean water to drink and the chance to lead a healthy, fulfilling life, her statement said.

EPA remains fully committed to improving environmental conditions in St. John the Baptist and St. James Parishes. Community participation has been critical to identifying both problems and solutions, and we look forward to our continued partnership with the residents in both parishes as we continue our joint efforts to improve public health and the environment, she added.

Environmental advocates expressed disappointment in the agencys decision.

We are deeply disappointed by EPAs decision to close an investigation that could have brought justice to the community members of St. John the Baptist Parish, who have long borne the brunt of environmental injustice and discrimination, Patrice Simms, vice president of health communities at Earthjustice, said in a written statement.

EPAs decision to abandon its civil rights enforcement effort deprives these communities of an important avenue for securing justice and addressing longstanding and unconscionable toxic exposures, Simms added.

Updated June 28 at 12:09 p.m. ET.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Even Amelia Dimoldenberg cant believe shes hosting A-lister Jennifer Lawrence on her YouTube interview series, Chicken Shop Date.

The British internet personality built a following by interviewing UK grime and rap artists in chicken shops under the comedic pretence of taking them on a date. She quickly gained fans for her deadpan style and exaggerated awkwardness.

In recent years, Dimoldenberg has seen her profile grow as shes hosted red carpet ceremonies including Vanity Fairs Oscars party and had high-profile guests on her show including Ed Sheeran, the Jonas Brothers and Louis Theroux (the latter of whose appearance spawned one of the biggest memes of 2022 and a hit remix by Duke & Jones: Jiggle Jiggle).

Nevertheless, Lawrences appearance coming Friday (30 June) represents Dimoldenbergs biggest guest to date.

When I saw this even I screamed, Dimoldenberg, 29, wrote in response to a tweet announcing the Hunger Games stars forthcoming episode.

Lawrence is currently promoting her new movie No Hard Feelings, in which she plays an Uber driver who, after losing her license, answers a Craigslist ad from two parents looking for someone to date their geeky, 19-year-old son before he goes to college.

When I saw this even I screamed https://t.co/76ot5pnIOd  Amelia Dimoldenberg (@ameliadimz) June 28, 2023

Jennifer Lawrence volunteered as tribute for my next date ! Out on FRIDAY  pic.twitter.com/p4mFYe1Ig0  Amelia Dimoldenberg (@ameliadimz) June 28, 2023

The 32-year-old star will be hoping to fare better than her last chicken-related interview appearance.

Lawrence quickly went viral for her recent display on Hot Ones  another popular YouTube series hosted by Sean Evans who interviews celebrities as they eat progressively spicier chicken wings.

Tears and snot began running down Lawrences face after she ate the spiciest hot sauce in the line-up: Da Bomb Beyond Insanity hot sauce, which has a rating of 135,600 Scoville Heat Units.

As she tried to grapple with the heat, she took sips from other glasses in front of her while crying: I dont know what to do, nothing helps! Is my face OK?

In a subsequent interview, the actor admitted that she violently threw up after the interview.

No Hard Feelings is now showing in the UK.
A former federal prosecutor says Donald Trumps bravado excuse in the classified documents probe is a terrible defense that creates new problems for the former president.

CNN on Monday aired a bombshell recording of Trump describing a sensitive military document he was showing off, noting that it was secret information that he had not declassified as president. The recording, made at a July 2021 meeting with people working on a memoir of his former chief of staff Mark Meadows, is cited as key evidence in Trumps classified documents indictment.

Trumps explanation when interviewed about it on Tuesday?

It was bravado.

I was talking and just holding up papers and talking about them, but I had no documents. I didnt have any documents, he told Semafor and ABC News.

According to former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance, thats a flawed defense, especially if Trump tries it in court.

If your best defense is bravado, in essence youre saying my defense is that I was lying, Vance told MSNBC. Thats a terrible defense, certainly for a former president and for anyone to make in front of a jury.

Further, she said, Trump would probably have to take the witness stand to present this story.

And thats just something he cant do, she said. No lawyer could let Donald Trump take the witness stand in his own defense without committing malpractice.

"No lawyer could let Donald Trump take the witness stand in his own defense without committing malpractice." @JoyceWhiteVance is skeptical of the legal practicality of Donald Trump's new "it was just bravado" defense. pic.twitter.com/XZw1XIRsTm  Alex Wagner Tonight (@WagnerTonight) June 28, 2023

Trumps legal team potentially could put together some of his media appearances to show the jury as a workaround, Vance added.

But at the end of the day, you still have a defendant telling the jury: Hey, Im a liar, so you shouldnt convict me, she said.

In an interview with Fox News Bret Baier earlier this month, Trump insisted that there was no document, and that he was showing off a collection of newspaper clippings, magazine stories and other papers.

Trump was indicted on 37 criminal counts earlier this month. The former president is accused of risking national security, mishandling classified documents and obstructing government efforts to retrieve them from his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida.

Trumps comments on the tape contradict his earlier claim that he automatically declassified everything he took with him from the White House.

Related...
A former police chief in Maryland was sentenced Tuesday to eight life sentences plus 75 years for setting a series of 12 fires targeting people who he felt had wronged him, CBS Baltimore reported.

Former Laurel Police Chief David Crawford's sentences are concurrent, so his actual prison sentence is two life sentences, plus 75 years.

Crawford, 71, has maintained his innocence throughout his trial, and his attorney said he plans to appeal the court's ruling, CBS Baltimore reported.

Crawford was found guilty in March of eight counts of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of arson and a count of malicious burning connected to the fires that were set in six counties over a decade. He was arrested in March 2021.

Prosecutors said Crawford was motivated by the slightest of grudges, using gasoline to burn people's cars, garages and homes.

David Crawford, the former Laurel Police Chief, was sentenced on Tuesday to eight life sentences plus 75 years for a series of "revenge" fires in six counties in Maryland over a decade. https://t.co/XQKiooDEYx  WJZ | CBS Baltimore (@wjz) June 28, 2023

In what prosecutors called "very strong circumstantial case," detectives used cellphone data, relationships and computer searches identify Crawford as the suspect. Police also discovered a coded "target list" on Crawford's phone, according to charging documents.

Officials say the case started with a fire in Prince George's County in 2011. Crawford was also linked with a series of fires in Howard County between 2017-18. They were all deemed "incendiary" in nature, meaning there were no accidental sources found in the area of the fire.

Through the course of the investigation, it was determined that the structures and vehicles that Crawford intentionally set on fire were connected to victims with whom he or his wife, Mary, had previous disagreements.

All of the fires were set outside of the homes sometime around 3 a.m. when occupants would be sleeping inside.

The victims include a former city official, three former law enforcement officials, two relatives, two of Crawford's former physicians and a resident in his neighborhood. One of the victims was his stepson.

Crawford is a former local law enforcement official who last served in 2010 when he resigned as Chief of the City of Laurel Police Department. He also served as police chief for District Heights and previously worked for the Prince George's County Police Department as a major in 2000.

Howard County State's Attorney Rich Gibson told CBS Baltimore he is pleased with this sentence and hopes it brings peace to the victims of the fires.

"I think there is true evil in the world and I think this is an example of that," Gibson said.

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A former Maryland police chief was sentenced to multiple life sentences for carrying out arson attacks on property belonging to people that he felt had slighted him.

David Crawford, 71, was sentenced to eight life sentences plus 75 years after being found guilty us using gasoline to set fire to peoples cars, homes and garages.

Prosecutors say that the former police chief of Laurel, who was arrested in March 2021, set the fires in six counties over the span of a decade.

Former Maryland police chief David Crawford sentenced to multiple life sentences for carrying out arson attacks on people he felt had slighted him (HCSA)

He was found guilty in March of eight counts of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of arson and a count of malicious burning. He has always denied the claims against him.

Howard County States Attorney Richard Gibson welcomed the sentence handed down to Crawford, and said that because of his age, he was not likely to breathe free air again, reported CBS News Baltimore.

As opposed to protecting and serving and living a life of honour and respect, keeping our community safe, he chose to inflict harm, he chose violence, he chose fear, Mr Gibson said.

I think there is true evil in the world and I think this is an example of that.

Crawfords defence lawyer called the sentencing a sad and tragic ending for his client.

Investigators say they found a coded target list on Crawfords cell phone and used mobile phone data, relationships and computer searches to tie him to the crimes.

The investigation revealed that all of the structures and vehicles that were deliberately set on fire had a link to a victim with whom Crawford or his wife had disagreements.

All of the blazes were set at around 3am when the victims were sleeping inside their homes.

The court was told that victims included three former law enforcement officials, two relatives, his stepson, a former city official, a neighbour and two of his former doctors.
A former Maryland police chief convicted of setting a dozen fires that targeted officials, chiropractors and relatives who he felt had snubbed him was sentenced to multiple life terms in prison Tuesday, authorities said.

A Howard County judge sentenced David Crawford, 71, to eight life sentences plus 75 years in a serial arson case that the states attorneys office said spanned nearly a decade across six counties.

Crawfords "actual executable prison sentence" is two life terms plus 75 years, the prosecutors office said. The terms will run concurrently.

"These families have waited several years for justice and we are grateful to play some part in delivering that for them," Howard County State's Attorney Richard Gibson said in a statement. "It is particularly egregious that someone who dedicated their life to law enforcement and was the chief of police at some point in their career would take upon themselves to engage in conduct that was evil and terrifying in its nature."

Crawford, a longtime police officer who last served as chief in Laurel, a Washington suburb, was convicted in March of eight counts of attempted first-degree murder and one count of malicious burning.

He was arrested two years ago after authorities determined there was a link between the fires, the prosecutor's office said: Crawford had disagreements with each of the victims.

In some cases, Crawford set homes alight while families slept inside, the prosecutor's office said. One woman, whose home Crawford had burned twice, expressed relief to NBC affiliate WBAL of Baltimore on Tuesday after the sentence was handed down.

"Ive been going through a lot the past few years with just the anticipation of everything," Quinn Henderson told the station.

Image: Surveillance video of arsonist (via NBC Washington)

Prosecutors said Crawford developed a target list and began igniting fires with gasoline in 2011, the prosecutors office said. The arson attacks stretched across Howard, Frederick, Charles, Montgomery, Anne Arundel and Prince George's counties until 2020, the prosecutor's office said.

Among Crawford's targets were two chiropractors, a city official and three former law enforcement officials, including a former police chief, the prosecutors office said.

During the trial, prosecutors said Crawford burned his nephew's pool, fence and deck after he deleted his uncle on Facebook, WBAL reported.

Clark Price, a former supervisor with the Prince George's County Police Department, told jurors he could have promoted Crawford twice but didn't, according to the station.

After Price's home was set ablaze, he wrote about it on a Facebook page for retired police officers. Crawford sent him a direct message asking for images of the fire, WBAL reported.

Price recounted Crawford's telling him, "It's better to be lucky than good. You are both. Cheers," according to the station.

On Tuesday, a lawyer for Crawford called the prison sentence "tragic" and said he planned to file an appeal, WBAL reported.

During the trial, Crawford's defense argued the case was circumstantial, with no physical evidence connecting him to the crimes, the station reported.

Crawford spoke at the hearing but offered no apologies and said his faith in God had been renewed in recent years, according to WBAL.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Ex-intelligence officer Roman Chervinskyi, who is now arrested and suspected of abuse of office in the case of the Russian missile attack on the Kanatove airfield, once helped Stanislav Asieiev, an ex-prisoner of the Izolyatsia prison, establish the location in Kyiv of the main executioner of this prison, Denys Kulykovskyi (aka Palych), who fled from occupied Donetsk to the territory controlled by Ukraine.

Source: Stanislav Asieiev, a journalist, writer and former prisoner of Izolyatsia prison, in an interview with Ukrayinska Pravda

Quote from Asieiev: "I didn't know about this (about Kulykovskyi's stay in Kyiv  Ukrainska Pravda), and when I found out, I called Christo Grozev, my friend from Bellingcat, and asked him to try to confirm this information. He contacted Roman Chervinskyi, and he said that: "Yes, indeed, we used him for a certain time. Then I was suspended, and other people were dealing with him. I do not know where he is now."

We started unwinding this story, and just a month later we reached an informant who knew the address of Palych in Kyiv and was ready to actually sell it to us. We found the money (it was also Roman who did all this; he actually found this amount of money), but the Security Service found out that we knew that Kulykovskyi was in Kyiv and that the police were going to arrest him, and they quickly found our informant and forced him to give this address to them."

Details: Denys Kulykovsky (Palych), the main war criminal of the Donetsk militant prison of Izolyatsia, was detained in Kyiv on 9 November 2021.

In October 2020, the militant was served a notice of suspicion in absentia and put on the wanted list. Police operatives and investigators obtained evidence of Palych's crimes. He personally and his accomplices conducted interrogations of prisoners using torture: they tortured them with electric shocks, raped them, broke their bones, simulated executions and buried them with nails in the coffin.

On 21 April 2023, Roman Chervinskyi, the former acting commander of one of the units of the Special Operation Forces, was charged under the article of the Criminal Code with "abuse of power or official authority by a military official" in the case of Russia's missile attack on the Kanatove airfield.

According to the case file, Chervinskyi, along with other persons, arbitrarily decided to conduct a so-called "special operation"  to take possession of an aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces. The Russian pilot allegedly agreed to the offer to go over to the side of Ukraine. But in the summer of 2022, Russia shelled the Kanatove airfield in Kirovohrad Oblast.

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The Army is preparing to ax some units and restructure others, the services top civilian told Army Times in an exclusive phone interview Friday, but its still not clear when and how the changes will play out.

Army Secretary Christine Wormuth also attributed some of the moves to the recruiting challenges that weve been experiencingif we dont turn our recruiting situation around, we will likely have to contemplate additional force structure changes, because we cant have unready forces; we cant have hollow formations.

Wormuth detailed a four-pronged effort to identify and eliminate excess units  and restructure others to remove unnecessary billets  that she said will allow the force to stand up purpose-built units for short-range air defense, indirect fires protection and multidomain operations. We are transforming...to an Army that is focused on multidomain operations against a near-peer competitor, and that requires us to bring in new capabilities [and] new force structure, she argued.

The cuts will come following an analysis of force needs at the soldier level, based on unit purpose; at the unit level, based on deployment rates; restructuring of Army special operations; and reducing or eliminating close-combat forces that were purpose-built for the War on Terror.

A soldier assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group pulls security during a training exercise at Camp McGregor, New Mexico, April 2, 2020. (Spc. Peter Seidler/Army)

Military analyst Thomas Spoehr, a retired Army lieutenant general who heads the conservative Heritage Foundations defense policy center, agreed with Wormuths assessment of the forces needs. But Spoehr, whose comments came via email, criticized some elements of the services approach and argued that Congress should further scrutinize whether the Army has enough people to man its 31 brigade combat teams today.

We dont know yet what the Army will have to cut, but it cannot sustain the force structure it has, the 31 brigade combat teams, at an acceptable level of readiness at an end strength of 452,000, Spoehr said. Before recruiting collapsed, the service wanted 485,000 soldiers to support the same number of brigades.

The secretary, however, said that changes to manning guidance  headquarters-issued guidelines that prescribe manning percentages across the force by variables like unit or career field  can help ensure critical units, such as those on the Immediate Response Force, remain highly ready. She likened manning guidance to the bridge from where we are today, with a considerable amount of overstructure, to where were trying to go.

Spoehr described Wormuths intended use of manning guidance as completely understandable, and the Army has no choice.

But the Heritage Foundation analyst argued the situation is dire if this is whats required to keep the services on-call units ready.

[Manning guidance] represents only a band-aid on a sucking chest wound, Spoehr said. It lowers expectations but does nothing to solve the fundamental readiness problems.

How will the Army decide what to cut?

The services efforts to create space for the new units requires significant reduction of what Wormuth termed overstructure, or units and positions that dont align with the Armys projected mission, she said.

One way to find it, she said, is the ongoing people night court process that she described to Congress in May. Each of the services career fields were asked to lay out where their people are in which formations and provide an assessment  do we really need every single one of those people at every echelon? One example from her May testimony to a Senate committee focused on cooks.

Christine Wormuth testifies to Congress in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on March 3, 2015 in Washington, D.C. (Gabriella Demczuk/Getty Images)

Do we need to have 60 cooks [in a unit]? Wormuth told lawmakers. Or can we use 40 cooks?

The secretary also told Army Times the service developed a unit priority list from an analysis of historical deployment data. Units that hadnt deployed recently  or perhaps at all  were evaluated as potential candidates for reductions.

That became another place where we could make some reductions without necessarily having to take down any flags, she explained.

Spoehr of the Heritage Foundation decried the unit priority list as a gamble by which the Army is hollowing out units in the hope they wont actually have to be deployed.

But some of the services most heavily utilized units, those in the special operations community, face cuts amid a broader reform process that Wormuth said the Army will approach in a very careful way, obviously, given[their] highly specialized nature.

The secretary noted that the Armys special operations community has more than doubled in size since the Sept. 11 attacks. Were looking at their functionsthat can be provided by conventional Army forces, she said.

Wormuth identified enablers, or non-special operations qualified support personnel, as a target for cuts, arguing that general purpose forces can provide that support.

But she offered little detail about the fourth area in which the service plans to draw down: close-combat forces, including those parts of our formations that were purpose-designed for those kinds of fights [such as counterinsurgency and counterterrorism] where we may not need quite as much capacity going forward.

A soldier conducts partner training in Afghanistan in 2021. (Lt. Matt Chandler/Navy)

Asked to elaborate on what types of combat units she believes are on the chopping block, Wormuth demurred and quipped, Thats the kind of thingthat I need to talk to the [Congressional] oversight committees about, before commenting publicly.

Spoehr warned against cutting too deep in this arena, even if falling end strength numbers mean the Army will have no choice but to do so.

The Army promised not to repeat the lessons of Vietnam when after that conflict the service cut all its counter-insurgency forces and the supporting intellectual foundations, with the idea that we will never do that again, he said.

Despite her optimism that the Army is progressing well in its force structure evolution, the services top civilian cautioned, though, that the recruiting crisis could derail the plan or damage the Armys ability to stay ready in the interim.

We really need to continue to work hard to solve our recruiting challenges, she added, lest it force additional cuts.
By John Irish, Arshad Mohammed and Parisa Hafezi

PARIS/WASHINGTON/DUBAI (Reuters) -European diplomats have told Iran they plan to retain European Union ballistic missile sanctions set to expire in October under the defunct 2015 Iran nuclear deal, four sources said, a step that could provoke Iranian retaliation.

The sources cited three reasons for keeping the sanctions: Russia's use of Iranian drones against Ukraine; the possibility Iran might transfer ballistic missiles to Russia; and depriving Iran of the nuclear deal's benefits given Tehran has violated the accord, albeit only after the United States did so first.

Keeping the EU sanctions would reflect Western efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them despite the collapse of the 2015 deal, which then-U.S. President Donald Trump abandoned in 2018.

The crux of that pact, which Iran made with Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States, limited Tehran's nuclear program to make it harder for it to get fissile material for a bomb in return for relief from economic sanctions.

As a result of Trump's withdrawal from the deal and U.S. President Joe Biden's failure to revive it, Iran could make the fissile material for one bomb in 12 days or so, according to U.S. estimates, down from a year when the accord was in force.

With that deal effectively dead, Iran's relations with the West have deteriorated over the last year, leading Washington and its allies to look for ways to de-escalate tensions and, if that happened, for a way to revive some kind of nuclear limits.

Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons, which the West sees as a threat to Israel and Gulf Arab oil exporters.

POSSIBLE IRANIAN RETALIATION

"The Iranians have been told quite clearly (of plans to keep the sanctions) and now the question is what, if any, retaliatory steps the Iranians might take and (how) to anticipate that," said a Western diplomat on condition of anonymity.

The EU sanctions are set to expire on Oct. 18 under a U.N. resolution that enshrined the 2015 nuclear deal.

They "called upon" Iran not to do anything to develop ballistic missiles that could carry nuclear weapons, a phrase urging Iran not to do so but short of a mandatory prohibition.

They also barred anyone from buying, selling or transferring drones and their components capable of flying more than 300 km (186 miles) to or from Iran without prior authorization from the U.N. Security Council, permission that has not been granted.

Since 2017, Iran has carried out a series of ballistic missile tests and satellite launches despite the resolution and, in May, it launched a missile with a potential 2,000-km range.

European powers are alarmed by the growing defense relationship between Tehran and Moscow, which Western officials say has seen Russia use Iranian drones to strike Ukraine, and the possibility Iran could supply ballistic missiles to Russia.

It was not clear whether the E3, a group comprised of Britain, France and Germany, told Iran of their intent to retain the EU sanctions when their senior officials met Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Ali Bagheri Kani on June 12 in Abu Dhabi.

EU diplomat Enrique Mora, who co-ordinates talks on the 2015 deal, raised the issue of keeping the EU sanctions when he met Bagheri Kani in Doha on June 21, but the Iranian official refused to discuss the matter, an Iranian official told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

A second Iranian official brushed off the possibility of the sanctions remaining, saying Tehran had advanced its nuclear and missile programs for years despite Western sanctions.

"Maintaining sanctions, in any capacity and form, will not hinder Iran's ongoing advancements," said this Iranian official, also on condition of anonymity. "It serves as a reminder that the West cannot be relied upon and trusted."

NUCLEAR DEAL 'NO LONGER EXISTS'

Britain's foreign ministry did not comment on whether the E3 planned to keep the sanctions or had told Iran of any decision.

However, a British foreign ministry spokesperson said the June 12 talks in Abu Dhabi "covered the range of our concerns about Iran's behaviour, including its continued nuclear escalation."

France and Germany's foreign ministries have made similar comments about those talks.

A European diplomat said Mora had started laying the legal groundwork to retain the sanctions, which would have to be approved by all 27 EU members. Two sources said the issue had not yet been discussed among all EU states.

"The lifting of sanctions was based on the principle that 2231 would be respected," this diplomat said, referring to the U.N. Security Council resolution that enshrined the 2015 deal. "That has not been the case, so there is a discussion with the Iranians to make clear that we won't lift these sanctions."

EU Spokesperson Nabila Massrali said the JCPOA sets out in some detail the commitments of different participants on the so-called Transition Day which was still several months away (Oct. 18).

"We will provide further information on EU related aspects in due course," she said in response to detailed questions by Reuters.

Under the 2015 nuclear agreement, any party could trigger the "snapback" or return of all sanctions that it removed. Most U.S. sanctions were restored after Trump left the deal.

However, three sources said the E3 did not wish to do this chiefly because it would undercut a threat conveyed in a letter from their foreign ministers to Iran last year that they would trigger "snapback" if Iran enriched uranium to weapons-grade.

Iran has enriched uranium to 60% purity and the U.N. nuclear watchdog has found traces enriched to 83.7%, short of the 90% seen as weapons grade. The 2015 deal capped enrichment at 3.67%.

Henry Rome, an analyst with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said an EU decision to retain the sanctions would be the first significant instance of the E3 not abiding by the terms of the nuclear deal.

"It doesn't replace the U.N. provisions but it would ensure, at least within the powers of European governments, that they are not condoning this type of Iranian behavior," Rome said. "And it does reflect that the Security Council resolution is enshrining a deal that no longer exists in any realistic form."

(Reporting by John Irish in Paris, Arshad Mohammed in Washington and Parisa Hafezi in Dubai; Additional reporting by Andrew Gray and Sabine Siebold in Brussels; Writing by Arshad Mohammed and John Irish; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
FILE PHOTO: Lieutenant General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo greets his supporters as he arrives at a meeting in Aprag village

Exclusive-Islamists wield hidden hand in Sudan conflict, military sources say FILE PHOTO: Lieutenant General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo greets his supporters as he arrives at a meeting in Aprag village

By Khalid Abdelaziz

DUBAI (Reuters) - Thousands of men who worked as intelligence operatives under former president Omar al-Bashir and have ties to his Islamist movement are fighting alongside the army in Sudan's war, three military sources and one intelligence source said, complicating efforts to end the bloodshed.

The army and a paramilitary force have been battling each other in Khartoum, Darfur and elsewhere for 10 weeks in Africa's third largest country by area, displacing 2.5 million people, causing a humanitarian crisis and threatening to destabilise the region. Reinforcements for either side could deepen the conflict.

The army has long denied accusations by its rivals in the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that it depends on discredited loyalists of Bashir, an Islamist long shunned by the West, who was toppled during a popular uprising in 2019.

In response to a question from Reuters for this article, an army official said: "The Sudanese army has no relation with any political party or ideologue. It is a professional institution."

Yet the three military sources and an intelligence source said thousands of Islamists were battling alongside the army.

"Around 6,000 members of the intelligence agency joined the army several weeks before the conflict," said a military official familiar with the army's operations, speaking on condition on anonymity.

"They are fighting to save the country."

Former officials of the country's now-disbanded National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), a powerful institution composed mainly of Islamists, confirmed these numbers.

An Islamist resurgence in Sudan could complicate how regional powers deal with the army, hamper any move towards civilian rule and ultimately set the country, which once hosted al Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden, on a path for more internal conflict and international isolation.

Reuters spoke to 10 sources for this article, including military and intelligence sources and several Islamists.

In a development indicative of Islamist involvement, an Islamist fighter named Mohammed al-Fadl was killed this month in clashes between RSF forces and the army, said family members and Islamists. He had been fighting alongside the army, they said.

Ali Karti, secretary general of Sudan's main Islamic organisation, sent a statement of condolences for al-Fadl.

'OUR IDENTITY AND OUR RELIGION'

"We are fighting and supporting the army to protect our country from external intervention and keep our identity and our religion," said one Islamist fighting alongside the army.

Bashir's former ruling National Congress Party said in a statement it had no ties to the fighting and only backed the army politically.

The army accused the RSF of promoting Islamists and former regime loyalists in their top ranks, a charge the RSF denied. Army chief Abdel Fattah Burhan, who analysts see as a non-ideological army man, has publicly dismissed claims that Islamists are helping his forces. "Where are they?" he cried out to cheering troops in a video posted in May.

The military, which under Bashir had many Islamist officers, has been a dominant force in Sudan for decades, staging coups, fighting internal wars and amassing economic holdings.

But following the overthrow of Bashir, Burhan developed good ties with states that have worked against Islamists in the region, notably the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The Gulf states provided Khartoum with significant aid.

Nowadays, former NISS officers also help the military by collecting intelligence on its enemies in the latest conflict. The NISS was replaced by the General Intelligence Service (GIS) after Bashir was toppled, and stripped of its armed "operations" unit, according to a constitutional agreement.

Most of the men from that unit have sided with the army, but some former operations unit members and Islamists who served under Bashir entered the RSF, one army source and one intelligence source said.

"We are working in a very hard situation on the ground to back up the army, especially with information about RSF troops and their deployment," said a GIS official.

BASHIR-ERA VETERANS

The army outnumbers the RSF nationally, but analysts say it has little capacity for street fighting because it outsourced previous wars in remote regions to militias. Those militias include the "Janjaweed" that helped crush an insurgency in Darfur and later developed into the RSF.

Nimble RSF units have occupied large areas of Khartoum and this week took control of the main base of the Central Reserve Police, a force that the army had deployed in ground combat in the capital. They seized large amounts of weaponry.

But the army, which has depended mainly on air strikes and heavy artillery, could benefit from GIS intelligence gathering skills honed over decades as it tries to root out the RSF.

On June 7, fire engulfed the intelligence headquarters in a disputed area in central Khartoum. Both sides accused the other of attacking the building.

After Burhan and RSF leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, carried out a coup in 2021 which derailed a transition to democracy, Hemedti said the move was a mistake and warned it would encourage Islamists to seek power.

Regional heavyweights Saudi Arabia and the UAE had seen Sudan's transition towards democracy as a way to counter Islamist influence in the region, which they consider a threat.

Publicly, the army has asserted its loyalty to the uprising that ousted Bashir in 2019.

But after the military staged a coup in 2021 that provoked a resurgence of mass street protests, it leaned on Bashir-era veterans to keep the country running. A taskforce that had been working to dismantle the former ruling system was disbanded.

Before the outbreak of violence, Bashir supporters had been lobbying against a plan for a transition to elections under a civilian government. Disputes over the chain of command and the structure of the military under the plan triggered the fighting.

About a week after fighting broke out in April, a video on social media showed about a dozen former intelligence officials in army uniforms announcing themselves as reserve forces.

The footage could not be independently verified by Reuters.

Several senior Bashir loyalists walked free from prison in Bahri, across the Nile from central Khartoum, during a wider prison break amid fighting in late April. The circumstances of their release remain unclear. Bashir is in a military hospital.

(Writing by Michael Georgy and Aidan Lewis, Editing by William Maclean)
Former Donald Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani has been interviewed by federal investigators as part of the special counsels investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, multiple sources familiar with the meeting told CNN.

The meeting between Giuliani, his attorney Robert Costello, and investigators took place in recent weeks. The sources declined to say what investigators questions focused on during the meeting, which has not been previously reported.

Special counsel Jack Smith has not announced any charges stemming from his investigation into efforts to block the certification of the 2020 presidential election, but prosecutors appear to be nearing charging decisions, sources familiar with the case have said.

The interview with Giuliani comes amid a flurry of activity in the probe, which is examining a plan from Trump and his allies to put forth fake electors as well as potential financial crimes related to post-election fundraising. Investigators have called a steady stream of witnesses before a federal grand jury in recent weeks and have pressed attorneys to quickly bring in other witnesses for interviews, sources told CNN.

Sources say that some of the grand jury questioning has centered on the actions of top lawyers around Trump, including Giuliani, with investigators seeking information about their baseless claims of widespread voter fraud.

Ted Goodman, a Giuliani political adviser, told CNN that the appearance was entirely voluntary and conducted in a professional manner.

A spokesman for the special counsels office declined to comment to CNN.

The special counsels office has long shown interest in several members of Trumps post-election legal team, including Giuliani, Sidney Powell and John Eastman, as well as former Justice Department appointee Jeffrey Clark, who tried to help Trumps push to use the department to overturn the election.

Several rounds of federal subpoenas have sought the communications of more than a dozen attorneys  including Giuliani, Powell, Eastman and Clark  because of how central some lawyers were to Trumps post-election response.

At least some of the lawyers phones were seized by the FBI last year. The Justice Department filtered out privileged communications of Eastman and Clark and others to deliver the lawyers records to investigators, according to now-public court proceedings.

Trumps White House counsel and then-Vice President Mike Pences then-top counsel also were compelled to testify despite their claims of attorney-client privilege.

CNN previously reported that Giuliani was subpoenaed late last year to turn over records to a federal grand jury as part of an investigation into the former presidents fundraising following the 2020 election.

The subpoena requested documents from Giuliani about payments he received around the 2020 election, when Giuliani filed numerous lawsuits on Trumps behalf contesting the election results, a source told CNN.

In addition, Giuliani played a key role in overseeing the fake electors plot across seven battleground states, part of an effort to block the certification of Joe Bidens electoral victory.

CNNs Katelyn Polantz contributed to this report.

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By Felix Light and Filipp Lebedev

TBILISI (Reuters) - The Wagner Group mercenaries who seized the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don on Saturday in a failed mutiny included at least three convicted criminals, a Reuters review of facial recognition software, court records and social media showed.

Almost all of the fighters who took part in the gravest threat to Russian President Vladimir Putin's rule to date had their faces covered and so could not be identified.

But Reuters reporting shows that some of them had previously been in jail, underlining how the Kremlin's decision to allow Prigozhin to recruit thousands of mercenaries from prisons across the country last year has come back to haunt it.

Wagner fighters took control of the southern port and logistical hub for Russia's war in Ukraine on Saturday morning.

The mercenary force's leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, ordered his men to march on Moscow before they turned back in the failed bid to oust his longtime rival, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.

Wagner mercenaries, among them ex-prisoners, have been fighting in Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion began, notably in the city of Bakhmut, which has been the bloodiest battle so far and a rare victory in Russia's stalling campaign.

Reuters has previously reported that many surviving convict fighters remain extremely loyal to Prigozhin, whom some credit for giving them a second chance at life. Those who survive six months in Ukraine are pardoned by Putin by secret decree.

In the case of the individuals identified by Reuters in Rostov, that loyalty extended to taking part in a mutiny, and raises questions over what they will do next as Putin tries to defuse the crisis.

They have been offered a choice between leaving for Belarus to join Prigozhin who is in exile there, joining the regular military or returning to civilian life.

Reuters has tried to contact the three ex-convicts, but none of them replied to messages over social media.

Russia's defence ministry, penal service and Wagner did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

THE CONVICTS

Wagner pulled out of Rostov late on Saturday after a deal was brokered by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

One of the Wagner fighters to depart the city that night was 25-year-old Dmitry Chekov, a Rostov local who had been convicted four times for theft and drug offences.

He was part of a Wagner squad climbing aboard a military-style truck, ready to depart and the only one whose face was visible as he posed for reporters and cheering local people.

In video obtained by Reuters, the man, who has a scrubby beard and short fair hair, smiles and stretches out his thumb and little finger.

Facial recognition software linked him to an account on VKontakte, Russias Facebook equivalent, created in the name of Dmitry Chekov.

Legal papers seen by Reuters showed Dmitry Chekov had been sentenced to a total of six years and five months for three separate charges by Rostov courts since 2015. He received his most recent sentence of three years and four months for drug possession in January, 2022.

A close relative who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed to reporters that he had served time in penal colonies.

Russian media reported last September that Prigozhin had visited prisones in Rostov region, recruiting more than 1,000 convicts for Wagner. Chekov's relative did not know he had joined Wagner but confirmed it was him in a picture shared by Reuters.

In another image of the Wagner occupation of Rostov, published by Russian state news agency TASS, a tall man with a bushy beard is seen walking down a street with comrades, carrying his helmet and an assault rifle.

The man was identified by facial recognition software as 33-year-old Sergei Shirshov, a native of the Volga River city of Saratov. On VKontakte, Shirshov's profile picture is of a Wagner Group shoulder patch.

Court papers seen by Reuters show that Shirshov was sentenced to seven years in prison for armed robbery by a Saratov court in 2019, his second such conviction.

According to publicly available data, Shirshov had been serving his term in Saratov region's high-security Penal Colony No. 10. Local media reported that Prigozhin visited Penal Colony No. 10 in October 2022.

A third Wagner fighter pictured in Rostov was identified by facial recognition software as Roman Yamalutdinov, a native of Krasnoyarsk in Siberia.

According to court papers reviewed by Reuters, 31-year-old Yamalutdinov had been sentenced to prison at least twice since 2017, having been variously convicted for drunk driving, car theft, and assaulting a police officer.

In a 2020 case filed by penal authorities, Yamalutdinov was described as a "malicious violator" of prison rules, and ordered moved to a stricter prison colony.

Reuters was unable to confirm that Yamalutdinov was in prison when Prigozhin began his Wagner recruitment campaign, and his last recorded prison term would have ended in 2021.

However, Russian court documents available online are not comprehensive. Prisoners' rights activist Olga Romanova said that Prigozhin toured Krasnoyarsk region prisons in October and November 2022.

(Reporting by Felix Light and Filipp Lebedev in Tbilisi; Editing by Guy Faulconbridge, Mike Collett-White and Angus MacSwan)
The News

U.S. intelligence officials are trying to determine whether Gen. Sergei Surovikin, a former top Russian commander in Ukraine, knew in advance about Yevgeny Prigozhins failed coup plot, The New York Times reported.

Know More

Prigozhin is now exiled in Belarus following a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin brokered by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. On Wednesday, Lukashenko said that Putin had wanted to wipe out the Wagner insurgents before he talked the Russian president down.

The Belarusian leader said he warned Putin that an attack on Prigozhin could embolden sympathetic fighters and lead to a revolt from Wagner mercenaries.

Insights
How FABA Fest Is Changing The World Of HBCU Alumni Engagement | FABA Fest; Destination Lit

So many colleges and universities tend to have extremely dated ways of engaging with their alumni. LaChanda Ricks set out to change that with FABA Fest, the For Alumni by Alumni Festival. FABA Fests inaugural celebration took place on the lovely island of Barbados from June 15 to June 18. The goal at its core was simple: to bring HBCU alumni together. As part of that objective, attendees gave back to the community in Barbados as well as enjoyed fellowship with one another across networks.

Courtesy: FABA Fest; Destination Lit

Of course, homecoming is something that is synonymous with HBCU culture. But what FABA Fest offers is a homecoming celebration that tangibly connects attendees with service opportunities in the community. Experiences that could be had werent limited to the curated events on the island  in addition, guests enjoyed a vacation with other Black alumni. Guests left the country as ambassadors of their respective alma maters. They can also now spread the culture of HBCUs and expose new generations and demographics to it.

Ricks said that the festival is truly her love letter to her HBCU experience. As a graduate of Howard University, Ricks stayed true to the principles of service that were previously instilled in her. What led her to choose Barbados as the locale for the first ever FABA Fest was Barbados connection to the United States, namely South Carolina. (When British settlers in Barbados left for South Carolina in search of more land, they brought enslaved people with them to the states. As is the case for many West Indian countries, Britains involvement in the slave trade remains glaring.)

When asked if FABA Fest will occur at another destination next year, Ricks said her goal was to continue building strong relationships on the island [Barbados].

Courtesy: FABA Fest; Destination Lit

Taking place on Juneteenth weekend, FABA Fest didnt give attendees any time to rest on their laurels. Blavity staff members celebrated in the festivities, and from the start, it was a celebration of excellence, community and Blackness. The festivities began with a Toast to Excellence VIP rum tasting, courtesy of Mount Gay Rum. The evening soon transitioned into Homecoming in Barbados, an opening celebration held at the Copacabana Beach Club.

In the days that followed, guests attended pool parties and brunches on some of Barbados most lovely beaches. But one of the most impactful activities occurred at the Excellence in Service event. Vauxhall Primary School, located within Christ Church in Barbados, has been educating the community there since July 8, 1976. On April 4, the school was renamed the Shirley Chisholm Primary School. This was in tribute to Chisholms Bajan heritage, and the time she spent in their school system as a youth.

Courtesy: FABA Fest; Destination Lit

FABA Fest also brought an HBCU college fair to Barbados, right at the Shirley Chisholm Primary School. It was Ricks vision coming to life, and attendees witnessed the meshing of Bajan and HBCU culture. Students familiarized themselves with what is possible and attainable should they choose to continue their education in the states. With every iteration of this festival, it appears that guests can expect to see more and more community involvement.

Courtesy: FABA Fest; Destination Lit

This festival is dynamic, and it is in no way only limited to HBCU alumni. In fact, its truly an opportunity for all Black alumni to commune in a new and joyful environment. While many other higher education institutions lose the attention of their alumni networks, FABA Fest has created a way for Black alumni to give back to their communities and have a blast while doing so. With the success of the inaugural FABA Fest, Ricks and company will certainly be back, one mo gin.
Yellow, which previously went by the name YRC Worldwide, received a $700 million pandemic-era loan but now faces bankruptcy. (AP)

A beleaguered trucking business that received a $700 million pandemic-era loan from the federal government may be forced to file for bankruptcy protection this summer amid a dispute with its union, a development that could leave American taxpayers stuck with a failed company.

The financial woes at the business, Yellow, which previously went by the name YRC Worldwide, have been building for years. The company lost more than $100 million in 2019 and has more than $1.5 billion in outstanding debt, including the government loan. In 2022, YRC, which ships meal kits, protective equipment and other supplies to military bases, agreed to pay $6.85 million to settle a federal lawsuit that accused it of defrauding the Defense Department.

In 2020, the Trump administration, which had ties to the company and its executives, agreed to give the firm a pandemic relief loan in exchange for the federal government assuming a 30% equity stake in the company.

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Three years later, Yellow is on the verge of going bankrupt.

Since receiving the loan, the company has changed its name, restructured its business and seen its stock price plummet. As of the end of March, Yellows outstanding debt was $1.5 billion, including about $730 million that is owed to the federal government. Yellow has paid approximately $66 million in interest on the loan, but it has repaid just $230 of the principal owed on the loan, which comes due next year.

On Tuesday, Yellow sued the International Brotherhood of Teamsters for blocking the companys restructuring plan and accused the union of causing more than $137 million in damages. The company said that it was taking immediate steps to try to save itself and that the union was trying to cause Yellows economic ruin.

The companys financial plight is the latest example of how some of the trillions of dollars pumped out quickly during the pandemic were misdirected, mismanaged or obtained fraudulently. Federal watchdogs and government agencies have expressed alarm at signs of fraud and failing loans.

The office of the special inspector general for pandemic recovery, an independent agency within the Treasury Department that scrutinizes some of the relief money, warned last month that it was seeing an alarming rate of defaults by borrowers who are failing to pay even the interest payments on the loans. The office warned that the number of defaults on pandemic loans could increase over the next two years as payments come due.

On Tuesday, the inspector general for the U.S. Small Business Administration, which disbursed about $1.2 trillion in pandemic loans, said in a report that over $200 billion, or 17%, of the money was disbursed to potentially fraudulent actors.

Yellows loan enabled the company to stay afloat for a while and embark on a restructuring plan. But economic headwinds and a fight with the Teamsters union over the terms of a new contract have put Yellow in a precarious financial position.

In May, the company reported a first-quarter loss of $54.6 million and Moodys downgraded its credit rating out of concern about its dispute with the union. Yellows stock price has fallen by more than 70% to 99 cents a share over the past year.

The company has warned union officials that the standoff is putting Yellows fate at risk. Union officials claim that the company is being mismanaged and that the concessions it is seeking are unfair.

Yellow has been unable to effectively manage itself for a long time  now the company says that it will be out of money by August, Sean OBrien, general president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, said in a video message broadcast on Facebook to Yellow union members this month. These executives have no idea what they are doing, they have driven this company into the ground.

In a statement on Tuesday, OBrien said that the allegations in Yellows lawsuit were unfounded and without merit and said that the companys management failed its workforce by being unable to live up to the terms of their contract.

The unions current contract expires next year. The main points of contention are over whether hundreds of Yellow truckers would have to start loading and unloading freight at docks and a proposal that would give the company more power over where truckers have to work. Yellow needs the union to agree to the next stage of its restructuring plan so that it can seek additional financing and repay its debts.

The company said that it still intended to repay the loan that it received from the government and that it was negotiating in good faith and trying to save the jobs of its 30,000 workers.

Yellow is engaging with all stakeholders in Washington and remains determined to negotiate a contract with the IBT that works for employees, customers and shareholders, Darren Hawkins, CEO of Yellow, said, referring to the union. Protecting 30,000 jobs is Yellows top priority.

In the lawsuit, Yellow said that it had sought the Biden administrations assistance in brokering a deal to save the company but that the White Houses efforts were rebuffed by the union. The lawsuit says that Yellow had contacted Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., for help and claimed that Sanders office said it was not interested in helping because Yellow was awarded the loan by the Trump administration.

The White House acknowledged it had discussions with Yellow and the union but declined to weigh in further on the matter.

Our administration has been in touch with both parties, but were not going to comment on a legal dispute, said Michael Kikukawa, a White House spokesperson. The loan in question was provided by the Trump administration.

Sanders office did not respond to a request for comment. A Treasury Department spokeswoman said the agency continued to monitor loans made through pandemic recovery programs during the prior administration.

The Treasury Department holds nearly 30% of Yellows common stock, and the loan is secured by the companys assets. If Yellow declares bankruptcy and has to liquidate, the U.S. government will take over much of the companys trucking fleet and real estate holdings.

Yellows loan, which was awarded as part of the $2.2 trillion pandemic relief legislation that Congress passed in 2020, had raised questions of cronyism from the beginning.

A report last year produced by Democratic staff of the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis found that the money had been doled out over the objections of career officials at the Defense Department and suggested that senior Trump administration officials had intervened to ensure that Yellow received special treatment despite concerns about its eligibility to receive relief funds. In addition to deep ties to the Trump administration, the company, which for years faced legal and financial troubles, also had a strong lobbying presence in Washington.

Although it is questionable whether Yellow is critical to national security, it is one of the largest freight trucking companies in the United States and its downfall would have a ripple effect across the nations supply chain.

UPS and ABF Freight have also been engaged in negotiations with the Teamsters over their contracts, amplifying uncertainty across the sector.

Chris Spear, CEO of the American Trucking Associations, urged the union and Yellow to work with a federal mediator on a new contract to make sure that the company does not go bankrupt.

Its going to seriously impact the economy and the supply chain, Spear said. Capacity is already tight.

Bruce Chan, a transportation analyst at the investment bank Stifel, said the shuttering of Yellow would lead to significant increases in the costs of shipping in the United States and force firms to find other carriers for their homeless freight. He noted that vulnerable trucking companies had been struggling under the pressure of changing consumer demand, which has shifted toward services and away from goods.

Although Yellow has found ways to survive financial troubles in the past, Chan likened the current union dispute to squeezing blood from a stone.

It looks pretty tough for them, he said.

c.2023 The New York Times Company
A high schooler spent her 15th birthday in the hospital after suffering a spinal injury in a fall at an Ohio water park, family said.

Olivia Kozuszek fell 20 to 25 feet off an inflatable into water Wednesday, June 21, at Land of Illusion Aqua Adventure Park in Middletown, according to the Journal-News.

The water park, which features a 65-piece inflatable obstacle course, is about 45 miles north of Cincinnati.

Jordan Peters, the Madison Township Fire Department assistant chief, said Olivia had a a pretty decent fall, according to the Journal-News.

Olivia felt pain and tingling in her body after the incident, according to WLWT. She suffered a spinal injury, but loved ones did not specify the extent of the injury.

She went into surgery Tuesday, June 27, on her 15th birthday, according to a GoFundMe. Doctors said the surgery went well.

She will be receiving more scans tomorrow to make sure everything is in place, a GoFundMe update said. We expect a full recovery.

Olivia is a student at Valley View High School in Germantown, where she is a member of her schools softball and cheerleading teams, according to the GoFundMe.

In a statement to WLWT, the water park said its care and concern are with Olivia and her family.

As a park deeply committed to guest safety, we adhere to stringent standards and regulations set by the State of Ohio authorities, the park said. Safety is our utmost priority, and we strive to create a safe and wholesome family experience for those looking to add more outdoor activities for family fun.

In 2021, a 14-year-old girl died at the same water park when she went under water for 30 minutes, McClatchy News reported.

Teen drowns at water park with friends after wading into deep end, Georgia coroner says

Shooting outside Six Flags where 3 injured was targeted incident, Illinois cops say
The families of two Cocoa teens gunned down by a Brevard County sheriff's deputy during a mistaken, attempted stop are appealing a federal judge's decision to dismiss a civil rights lawsuit against the sheriff's office.

The civil lawsuit was filed by high-profile civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump in April 2021, naming the deputy, Jafet Santiago-Miranda, now deceased. and Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey as defendants in the case.

Civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, left, is accompanied by attorney Natalie Jackson and the families of A.J. Crooms, 16, and Sincere Pierce, 18, during an April 2021 protest at the Moore Justice Center in Viera.

The teens, Angelo A.J. Crooms, 16, and 18-year-old Sincere Pierce, were killed by Santiago-Miranda during a Nov. 13, 2020, traffic stop involving a car that deputies initially thought was stolen, even though the tag did not match that of the stolen vehicle.

Yes, it was dismissed and is now being appealed by our team, said Natalie Jackson, one of several attorneys representing the families.

Ivey remains a defendant, Jackson said.

More: 'Brothers': Cocoa teens loved to laugh, drawn to the world around them, say family members

Santiago-Miranda stepped toward the car, with booming music playing inside, that was driven by Crooms as Crooms attempted to drive through a residential yard at 10-12 mph, reports show.

The families claimed the sheriffs deputy violated the teens rights by using excessive force. The judge, however, pointed out in his 19-page ruling issued last month that "it was reasonable for Santiago Miranda to conclude that his life was in peril."

The judge added that Santiago-Miranda also "did not have time to calculate angles and trajectories to determine whether he was a few feet outside of harms way."

The case  investigated by the sheriff's office  generated questions about the sheriff office's deadly force policies. There were also protests, from the streets of Cocoa to the front doors of the state attorney's office in Viera.

More: Lawsuit filed against deputy in shooting death of two teens alleges he was 'unfit to serve'

The state attorneys office, reviewing the autopsy and sheriffs investigative reports, exonerated Santiago-Miranda and laid blame for Mirandas decision to use deadly force on Crooms decision to attempt to drive away from the traffic stop in the deputys general direction.

Santiago-Miranda, with gun drawn, shouted commands for Crooms to stop the car, then fired at least 10 shots into the car over a span of 2.1 seconds as the vehicle slowly moved forward and past him, reports show.

Ivey did not publicly acknowledge the deadly shooting for four days. A dash cam video  the agency does not use body cams  was released shortly after the shooting.

During an April 2021 protest in front of the Moore Justice Center in Viera, Crump called on the U.S. Department of Justice to step in and review the case, which prompted a protest that drew hundreds along U.S. 1 nearly two weeks after the shooting.

Civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, accompanied by attorney Natalie Jackson and the families of A.J. Crooms, 16, and Sincere Pierce, 18.

These were lives that were shortened for nothing. He took those boys lives for nothing. And we dont have any apologies, no nothing, said Cynthia Green, the adoptive mother of Pierce. Green had seen Pierce off a few minutes before, making sure he grabbed a sausage sandwich before heading out to leave with his friends for the day.

Im just done. It was all a mistake, everything was a mistake, said Green, adding that she will continue to fight for what she sees as justice in the case.

The sheriffs office did not comment on the case despite an inquiry from FLORIDA TODAY.

J.D. Gallop is a Criminal Justice/Breaking News Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Gallop at 321-917-4641 or jdgallop@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @JDGallop.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Families of teens killed by Brevard deputy appeal dismissal of lawsuit
Families suing Harvard over the trafficking of their loved ones' corpses call the morgue a 'haven for predators'

Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. VW Pics/Getty

Families of the effected corpses are suing Harvard over the morgue body part trafficking scandal.

The lawsuit calls the morgue "a haven for predators" to "abuse the unprotected remains of loved ones."

Documents allege Harvard failed to safely handle the human remains and didn't supervise staff.

The families of people whose corpses ended up in a shocking body part trafficking scandal at Harvard Medical School say the university's morgue "a haven for predators," according to a lawsuit.

In court documents obtained by Insider, families of the loved ones whose remains were donated to the school slammed Harvard's handling of the corpses, saying their "trust was shattered" and adding that "instead of a solemn dignified place of respect and learning, the Harvard morgue was a haven for predators."

"It was Harvard that placed and maintained the perpetrator in control over the beloved, and extraordinarily vulnerable remains that were entrusted to Harvard," the suit added.

Federal prosecutors charged four people  Harvard Medical School morgue manager Cedric Lodge, his wife Denise, and buyers Katrina Maclean and Joshua Taylor  for the macabre crime earlier this month.

According to prosecutors, Lodge stole body parts and brought them to his home in New Hampshire. He later sold them, and some ended up in a creepy doll shop.

"Some crimes defy understanding," said United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam in a statement. "The theft and trafficking of human remains strikes at the very essence of what makes us human."

In an email to Insider, Harvard said it had no comment on the families' lawsuit, instead pointing to a community email from Harvard Medical School leadership.

The email from deans George Daley and Edward Hundert called the trafficking scheme "morally reprehensible" and a "betrayal."

"We are so very sorry for the pain this news will cause for our anatomical donors' families and loved ones," Daley and Hundert wrote.

The lawsuit against Harvard College and Harvard Medical School also said the families' loved ones remains "which had been gifted to Harvard, were desecrated because of the many failures of Harvard to provide a safe place for the sheltering of the remains, and Harvard's lax policies and procedures and substandard screening, selecting, training, and supervision of its staff."

Morgan & Morgan  the law firm representing the families  told Insider they had also submitted a Demand for Discovery in order "to determine the full scope of Harvard's knowledge of when and how this could have happened."

"The heartbroken families of Glenn Wilder, Sr., Marshall Jolotta and Joseph Gagne have chosen to bring this lawsuit on behalf of themselves and all the families affected by this senseless tragedy to seek justice, accountability and shine a light in the hopes no other family will ever have to endure such horror ever again," the firm added.

Read the original article on Insider
Florida State Attorney William Bill Gladson stated that while Susan Lorinczs actions were deplorable, there is not enough evidence to support a murder charge in court.

The family of Ajike AJ Owens is not pleased with prosecutors decision to charge the woman who killed her in Florida with manslaughter.

During a virtual press conference on Tuesday, Owens family urged the prosecution to change the charges against Susan Lorincz from first-degree felony manslaughter to second-degree murder, ABC News reported.

However, Florida State Attorney William Bill Gladson stated that while Lorinczs actions in Ocala, Florida were deplorable, there is not enough evidence to support such a charge in court.

Pamela Dias (second from right) remembers her daughter, Ajike Owens, as mourners gather for a remembrance service at Immerse Church of Ocala for Owens on June 8, in Ocala, Florida. (Photo by Alan Youngblood/AP, File)

We are devastated, Owens mother, Pamela Dias, told ABC in a statement. How do I explain to AJs children, my young grandbabies, that the loss of their mothers life is still not being taken seriously? Only a living breathing AJ would be true justice, and todays charge could not be further from that.

The Marion County Sheriffs Office said after the mother of four went to talk to Lorincz on June 2 about a disagreement regarding Owens children playing near her house, Lorincz shot Owens through a door.

Owens son said during an interview with authorities that Lorincz became enraged and threw a skate at him, but she did not strike him.

The children then went and told their mother, Owens, about what had happened, the sheriffs office said, according to ABC. Owens approached Lorinczs home, knocked on the door multiple times, and demanded that Lorincz come outside.

Lorincz reportedly fired one shot through the door of her home, striking Owens in the upper chest as her 10-year-old son stood beside her.

In her police interview, Lorincz allegedly claimed she was acting in self-defense and that Owens was attempting to break down her door, but through the course of the investigation, detectives were able to establish that Lorinczs actions were not justified under Florida law, according to the sheriffs office.

In a video statement on June 6, the day authorities arrested Lorincz, Billy Woods of the Marion County Sheriffs Office said the shooting was simply a killing.

Gladson claimed that deciding what to charge Lorincz with took significant consideration. He concluded that to prosecute someone for second-degree murder successfully, prosecutors would have to demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt the existence of a depraved mind toward the victim at the time of the killing.

Depraved mind requires evidence of hatred, spite, ill will or evil intent toward the victim at the time of the killing, Gladson said, ABC reported.

Lorincz has pleaded not guilty. Her next court hearing is slated to take place on July 11. She could receive a 30-year prison sentence if convicted.

The National Action Networks president, the Rev. Al Sharpton, a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, said the justice system failed Owens and her family by declining to file murder charges against a shooter who fired blindly through the door. Florida officials have failed AJ throughout this entire process.

Sharpton demanded the shooting be investigated as a possible federal hate crime by the U.S. Justice Department.

Famed civil rights attorney Ben Crump has agreed to represent the Owens family.

The family will continue to not only advocate for accountability in all forms, but they also will continue to say her name so that Florida officials remember this tragic loss of life, Crump told ABC in a statement. There is still much that needs to be done to make Florida a place where Black women and children feel safe and protected.

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The post Family devastated after white woman charged with manslaughter in death of Black mom Ajike AJ Owens appeared first on TheGrio.
The Family Of The Teen Boy Who Was Pinned To The Ground By An Off-Duty Cop Is Suing

Vitellaro exited his vehicle.

Vitellaro exited his vehicle.

The family of Josh Nieves, the 14-year-old boy pinned to the ground by an off-duty cop for moving a bike, is suing the city of Chicago and the police officer, Michael A. Vitellaro.

On July 1, 2022, Vitellaro pinned down Nieves, putting his knee on the small of his back, outside of a Chicago Starbucks after Vitellaro suspected Nieves of stealing Vitellaros sons bike. Vitellaro was charged with official misconduct and aggravated battery but was found not guilty earlier this month.

Now Nieves family is suing. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday, states that Nieves was talking to his friends outside a Starbucks on his bike. When he wanted to rest his bike, against a pillar, he repositioned Vitellaros sons bike, which was allegedly stolen and taken to Starbucks by someone else, and thats when Vitellaro accused him of stealing his sons bike and applied pressure with his right hand to [Nievess] left shoulder, in what can only be described as a clear display of excessive and unjustified use of force against a minor.

Angel Nieves, Josh Nieves father, in a news release, said, The misuse of force, irrational behavior, and unprovoked actions of this Chicago police sergeant cannot go unchecked, so we will continue to fight for our son and, in doing so, hope to advocate for others who feel voiceless in their pursuit of justice.

Earlier this month, Josh Nieves told the court: I was shocked. I thought I was going to lose my life.

During his testimony, the teen said he had nothing to do with the theft of Vitellaros sons bike. The Nieves family said they believe Vitellaros attack on the youth was racially motivated. According to the lawsuit, Josh Nieves sustained injuries of a personal and pecuniary nature, including serious emotional injury, as a result of said confinement, and he reasonably feared that he would sustain significant physical injury and that he suffered severe emotional distress, including anxiety, fear, anger, embarrassment, and humiliation.

The city of Chicago did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Vitellaros conduct shocked both the community of Park Ridge, as well as decent people around the world, said Nieves attorney Javier Rodriguez, Jr. This conduct cannot be tolerated, and both Vitellaro and the City of Chicago will be held accountable for their actions. We look forward to questioning Sergeant Vitellaro on the stand and holding him to account before a twelve-person jury of his peers, and, further, allowing a jury to decide for themselves what justice and accountability look like.

Related...
The Titanic with Milton Hershey, J. Pierpont Morgan, and Henry Clay Frick. Public domain; Getty Images

As the Titanic was the height of luxury in 1912, some celebrities had tickets for its maiden voyage.

But not all of them ended up boarding the ship.

J. Pierpont Morgan and Milton Hershey were among those who missed the disaster.

The sinking of the Titanic in April 1912 still captivates us today, with numerous books, a multibillion-dollar movie, museums, and, controversially, tours of the wreckage available.

Interest in the ship led to another maritime tragedy this month when a submersible went missing on the way to the wreckage and was eventually confirmed to have imploded, killing all five people on board. Stories have since emerged about people who were invited to take part in one of OceanGate's trips but decided against it  much like, more than 100 years ago, how people were fascinated with those who had almost been on the Titanic.

Here are seven notable figures who were supposed to sail on the Titanic's maiden voyage but didn't  and four well-known people who were booked to go on a future journey with the ship.

Milton Hershey, the founder of Hershey's, sent the White Star Line a $300 check to reserve a spot on the Titanic, but he ended up sailing home on the SS Amerika instead.

Milton Hershey. Bettmann/Getty Images

Hershey and his wife, Catherine, spent their winters on the French Riviera as they got older. In December 1911, the couple left for another extended European vacation, and, for their return journey, Hershey wrote a $300 check from the Hershey Trust Company to the White Star Line to reserve places on the maiden voyage of the company's brand-new ship, the Titanic.

According to Lancaster History, pressing business matters forced Hershey to cut his vacation short, and he left Europe just days before the Titanic would set sail, instead heading home on a German liner called the Amerika, which would later warn the Titanic about the dangerous amount of ice.

Hershey's canceled check is still in the possession of the Hershey Community Archives, and you can view it online.

J. Pierpont Morgan  yes, J. P. Morgan himself  had a personal suite on the Titanic and had attended its launch party in 1911. But he extended his French vacation and missed the sinking.

J. Pierpont Morgan. CORBIS/Corbis/Getty Images

"I've never been able to find an authoritative 1912 source explaining the exact reason why J. P. Morgan cancelled his passage on the Titanic," the Titanic expert George Behe told Reuters in 2021. Some speculated that the reasons were that he was in bad health or having issues with customs because of his art collection.

However, we know that Morgan, the cofounder of General Electric, International Harvester, and US Steel, was also the founder of the International Mercantile Marine, which in turn owned White Star Line. According to The Washington Post, he was even on hand to witness its 1911 launch.

"Monetary losses amount to nothing in life," Morgan told a New York Times reporter after the sinking. "It is the loss of life that counts. It is that frightful death."

Guglielmo Marconi, the Nobel Prize winner who invented the radio, opted to head to the US three days earlier on the Lusitania, forgoing a free ticket on the Titanic.

Guglielmo Marconi. Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis/Getty Images

You might know that Marconi was considered a hero after the sinking of the Titanic because his invention, the wireless radio, helped ships in the surrounding area find where to look for the lifeboats.

But did you know that he was almost on board the ship himself? His daughter Degna wrote in her 1926 book, "My Father, Marconi," that he was offered a free ticket aboard the Titanic. But because his stenographer got seasick, Marconi opted to sail to the US on the Lusitania because he trusted that ship's stenographer more than Titanic's, Degna wrote.

Henry Clay Frick, the chairman of the Carnegie Steel Company, missed the sailing of the Titanic because his wife sprained her ankle in Italy and needed to be hospitalized.

Henry Clay Frick. Bettmann/Getty Images

Visitors to New York City might recognize Frick's name from the Frick Collection or the Henry Clay Frick House. He was an important industrialist and a patron of the arts  and he was close to sailing on the doomed voyage.

"The Fricks booked the suite first, and then Mrs. Frick sprained her ankle while they were in Europe buying art and touring and things; so, they stayed behind to get medical attention," the historian Melanie Linn Gutowski told CBS News Pittsburgh in 2012.

"The suite that they booked, that some historians think that they booked, was some kind of savior suite in a way," she continued. "Everybody who booked it managed to survive either by not being on the ship, or jumping into a lifeboat at the last minute."

Eventually, the tickets made their way to J. Bruce Ismay, the chairman and managing director of the White Star Line. Controversially, he was one of the few men who made their way onto a lifeboat and survived. He was criticized for this for the rest of his life.

Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt canceled his ticket on the Titanic at the last minute. He was on board the Lusitania when it was sunk by a German U-boat in May 1915.

A cartoon of Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt. Hulton Archive/Getty Images

As a member of the prominent Vanderbilt family, Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt was a well-known member of New York society  so there was media coverage when it was revealed he'd narrowly escaped the Titanic.

Unfortunately, just a few years later, he was aboard the Lusitania, a British ocean liner that was sunk by German U-boats in 1915. He was one of the 1,200 passengers who did not survive the attack.

The American journalist Theodore Dreiser was persuaded by his publisher to take a cheaper ship home across the Atlantic.

Theodore Dreiser. Bettmann/Getty Images

Dreiser wrote about his brush with disaster in a chapter of his 1913 memoir, "A Traveler at Forty." Slate said the section about the Titanic, "The Voyage Home," was "one of the most gripping chapters in the memoir."

Dreiser wrote that he wanted to sail home with the rich and powerful people aboard the Titanic to get a peek at how the other half lived, but added that his publisher convinced him to sail home on the Kroonland, a cheaper ship, two days before Titanic sank.

"The terror of the sea had come swiftly and directly home to all," Dreiser wrote, according to Slate. "To think of a ship as immense as the Titanic, new and bright, sinking in endless fathoms of water. And the two thousand passengers routed like rats from their berths only to float helplessly in miles of water, praying and crying!"

John Mott, another Nobel Prize winner, was also offered a free ticket on the ship, but he chose a smaller ship, the Lapland, instead.

John R. Mott. Bettman/Getty Images

Mott, a Nobel Peace Prize winner who was the longtime leader of the YMCA, was another near-miss. Gorden R. Doss, a professor at Andrews University, said that Mott came close to death a few times.

First, he skipped the Titanic and opted for the Lapland. Three decades later, in 1943, he narrowly avoided a train crash.

Mott said, "The Good Lord must have more work for us to do" upon hearing about the sinking, according to Sotheby's.

There were other celebrities who had tickets to sail the Titanic in the future, had it not sank. J.C. Penney was set to sail on the ship's next trip from England to New York.

James Cash Penney, aka J.C. Penney. Underwood Archives/Getty Images

According to the Smithsonian Magazine, the founder of JCPenney was set to sail on the Titanic's second voyage from England to the US.

Frank Seiberling, the cofounder of Goodyear Tires, was booked to return to Southampton on the Titanic's next voyage.

Frank Seiberling. Heritage Art/Heritage Images/Getty Images

The Akron Beacon Journal reported that Seiberling, the cofounder of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, and his wife frequently traveled to England and were huge admirers of English architecture. But one of their trips was postponed when their ship out of the States, the Titanic, sank.

So was John Alden Dix, the governor of New York.

John Alden Dix. Heritage Art/Heritage Images/Getty Images

Smithsonian Magazine also reported that Dix, the governor of New York from 1911 to 1913, was on the passenger list of the Titanic's return trip to England.

Henry Adams, a historian who was a descendant of President John Adams and President John Quincy Adams, was also booked on this trip.

Henry Adams. Culture Club/Bridgeman/Getty Images

"My ship, the Titanic, is on her way," Adams wrote in a letter on April 12, 1912, "and unless she drops me somewhere else, I should get to Cherbourg in a fortnight." As history tells, Adams was never able to board the ship and was forced to book passage elsewhere, The New Republic's Timothy Noah wrote.

Read the original article on Insider
Hailey Bieber has divided fans after she appeared to attend her friend Stephanie Shepherds wedding in a white dress.

Over the weekend, Bieber, 26, was accompanied by her husband Justin Bieber as they attended the Beverly Hills nuptials, where they were joined by fellow celebrities including Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, and Malika Haqq, according to photos of the festivities shared by the DailyMail.

For the occasion, the Rhode Skin founder opted for a white, backless, long-sleeved gown with a high neck. She paired the look, which she later shared photos of on Instagram, with teal eyeshadow, a pale blue fur purse, and simple jewellery.

According to the photographs, Justin wore an oversized white button-down shirt and black pants for the wedding of Shepherd, Kardashians former assistant, while the Skims founder, her mother, and Haqq were all photographed in black gowns.

On social media, Biebers outfit choice has sparked criticism from fans, with some questioning the models choice to wear white to a wedding.

The only thing I want to know is why the f**k you wore white to a WEDDING, one person commented under Biebers photos, while another asked: Why is she wearing white to a wedding???

Isnt it against wedding law to wear anything close to white to a wedding? someone else wrote. Im not even hating but its a huge yikes

According to Diane Gottsman, a national etiquette expert and founder of The Protocol School of Texas, who previously spoke to The Independent, the rule against wearing white still applies for most weddings, as she noted that white is still reserved for the bride and that guests should select another colour when choosing an outfit.

As for why guests should avoid white for a wedding, wedding dress designer Madeline Gardner previously told The Knot that it comes down to the most important thing to keep in mind, not upstaging the bride.

Although many of Biebers fans questioned her dress choice, others argued that the models dress was actually light blue.

is it just me or is that dress pretty much white



 https://t.co/abSXQFFFSe  Cat McKay  (@catmckay_) June 27, 2023

Her dress is light blue, not white, one person claimed in the comments under Biebers Instagram post, while another said: Before yall start with your think pieces the dress is baby blue. She wore baby blue head to toe.

before yall start with your think pieces  the dress is baby blue  she wore baby blue head to toe. https://t.co/ChtgirrT5s   (@Melaadyy) June 27, 2023

However, others suggested that, even if Biebers dress was light blue, the light shade meant that it was still a breach of wedding etiquette. This is too close to white I fear, one person tweeted.

Is it me or is that dress pretty much white, someone else wrote in response to the photos of the couple.

While most were in agreement that guests should generally avoid wearing white to a wedding, others pointed out that Shepherd may have requested that attendees wear either white or black to her nuptials.

The theme was white and black right? Because it doesnt make sense for this woman to be in WHITE at a wedding. Ill be giving the benefit of the doubt, one person tweeted.

Although Shepherd did not post photos from the wedding, Swizz Beats shared an album of photos taken during the reception, in which Alicia Keys could be seen wearing a green dress.

Bieber was not the only guest who faced backlash over the outfit she wore to the wedding, as fans also questioned the appropriateness of Kardashians dress, which featured a bra-style top and a skirt with cut-out details. Is she going to a club or a wedding? one critic asked.

Shepherd, who previously held the role of COO of Kardashians KKW company before parting ways with The Kardashians star, married Larry Jackson, the former global creative director at Apple Music who recently created music company Gamma.

Olivia Wilde faced similar criticism earlier this year after she wore a white gown to Colton Underwoods wedding to Jordan C Brown.

The Independent has contacted a representative for Bieber for comment.
Federal authorities are reviewing complaints filed against Mario Nawfal, an entrepreneur who has emerged in recent months as one of Twitters biggest audio stars, according to two people who said they spoke with FBI and SEC officials this week.

Chet Long, a retired U.S Air Force analyst who worked with Nawfal as an adviser, and Sigmund Holtz, a former contractor for Nawfal, said that they had each spoken with federal authorities in recent days.

Long said that he reported Nawfal to the U.S. consulate in Calgary, the FBI and the Securities and Exchange Commission in December. He said that the entrepreneur embezzled funds from a company where he previously was a CEO and openly discussed tax evasion in conversations with him.

Long said that on Tuesday, he was instructed by the FBI in a phone call to preserve a cellphone as potential evidence in relation to his initial report to the agency. He also alleged that Nawfal personally owes him $27,000.

I dont want his dirty money, Long said. But it is something that he promised and never sent.

Nawfal said that there is no outstanding debt owed to Long and that this accusation is the first of its kind made by him. He said he has maintained a positive and amicable relationship with Long. Nawfal did not address numerous tweets from Long published over the last several days alleging that he caused emotional harm to Longs family.

Holtz, in response to a request for comment, confirmed that he was contacted and spoke to SEC employees who requested specific information about Nawfal.

Nawfal has not addressed the SEC or FBI reports publicly, but in a response to a message on WhatsApp, he said, Throughout my extensive business career spanning over a decade, I have maintained an impeccable record devoid of any legal proceedings, whether civil or criminal. Furthermore, I have never been contacted by any law enforcement agencies, as there is no legitimate grounds for investigation. Thus, any assertions indicating the involvement of law enforcement appear to be blatantly false.

The SEC and FBI declined to comment to NBC News.

Nawfal, who has rapidly gained online fame by hosting some of the largest Twitter Spaces on the platform, has been boosted by his public association with Elon Musk. Musk has participated in his discussion groups on the platform and in the last several days endorsed his discussion groups numerous times. On Saturday, Musk shared one of Nawfals tweets about the Russian mercenary rebellion, praising Nawfals content.

Best coverage of the situation Ive seen so far is from Mario, Musk tweeted.

Nawfal has more than 913,000 followers on Twitter, where he frequently tweets out news and hosts discussions on the Spaces feature, which allows large group audio chats. When Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced his candidacy for president using the platform, Nawfal led an adjacent space that at times hosted more listeners than the announcement did.

But as Nawfals star has risen, he has also faced growing scrutiny including public allegations of fraud and business wrongdoings from former employees, contractors and clients.

In December, Frank Heijdenrijk, former chief marketing officer of Nawfals company, International Blockchain Consulting Group, tweeted that Nawfal owed him $60,000 in back pay. Heijdenrijk has also publicly said that Nawfal embezzled money and artificially inflated the number of people who appear to listen to his spaces with low-quality, paid accounts.

Heijdenrijk said in a phone interview that he reported Nawfal to the Dutch police, the SEC, the German stock exchange and Germanys financial supervisory organization.

Over the weekend, a series of Heijdenrijks tweets about Nawfal went viral, and Nawfal responded, writing, The guy is trying to extort me and has caused me significant harm in the process. Im contemplating sharing the story openly, to show how far hes gone to hurt me and my company/team, but instead of airing my laundry on social media, I do things properly through the courts of law.

Have a tip? Email this reporter at ben.goggin@nbcuni.com

Musk also replied to Heijdenrijks posts, writing, well, he seems to create some good content. That said, use of this platform for any scams will result in account suspension. Musk continued to engage with Nawfals content the next day.

Nawfal said that he was presently in the process of initiating legal proceedings against Frank and that his allegations are devoid of factual accuracy and lack any substantiating basis or evidence.

He added, however, that his company agreed at one point to pay Heijdenrijk money for hours worked only after a funding round was complete. He said Heijdenrijk unexpectedly demanded immediate payment, which contradicted our agreed-upon arrangement. He said the company then refused to pay Heijdenrijk.

When asked to provide evidence of extortion, Nawfal provided a series of screenshots between himself and Heijdenrijk in which Heijdenrijk repeatedly asked him for payment. The screenshots did not appear to contain direct threats. Nawfal said Heijdenrijk vowed to destroy me and my company, but said he could not immediately provide evidence of the claim.

Heijdenrijk says that in December, he received an arbitration request from Nawfals company, which claimed that he breached a nondisclosure agreement hed signed. On Wednesday morning, after NBC News first asked Nawfal for comment, Heijdenrijk said he received notice that the hearing had been initiated by the arbitration service and International Blockchain Consulting Group, the company that Nawfal founded and runs as CEO.

Nawfal said Heijdenrijk and Long were disgruntled and outliers in an otherwise harmonious professional trajectory.

The news of the inquiries by U.S. authorities comes after initial reporting by YouTube personality Chris Zakrzewski. In a series of videos on his Upper Echelon channel, the YouTuber discussed the fraud allegations made against Nawfal.

Nawfal threatened to sue Zakrzewski and denied the allegations. Zakrzewski said that he never received notice of a formal suit, and a review of court records for this article failed to locate a suit filed by Nawfal against Zakrzewski.

Nawfal said that Zakrzewskis video relied solely on assumptions derived from false or incomplete information and that he is currently considering the possibility of initiating legal proceedings.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
FILE - Protesters of Kentucky Senate Bill SB150, known as the Transgender Health Bill, cheer on speakers during a rally on the lawn of the Kentucky Capitol in Frankfort, Ky., March 29, 2023. A federal judge temporarily blocked Kentuckys ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youths on Wednesday, June 28, taking the action shortly before the measure was set to take effect. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP)  Federal judges in Kentucky and Tennessee temporarily blocked portions of bans on gender-affirming care for transgender youth Wednesday, handing down the rulings shortly before the statutes were set to go into effect.

The ruling is similar to roadblocks that federal courts have thrown up against Republican-dominant states in their pursuit to prevent young people from receiving transgender health care.

In both Kentucky and Tennessee, the judges blocked portions of the law that would have banned transgender youth from accessing puberty blockers and hormone therapy. In the Tennessee case, the judge stopped short of also blocking the ban on gender-affirming surgeries for youth.

Meanwhile, the Kentucky case didnt address surgeries, but U.S. District Judge David Hale, an Obama administration appointee, did side with seven transgender minors and their parents, who sued the state officials responsible for enforcing the provisions banning the use of puberty blockers and hormones. The plaintiffs contend the ban would violate their constitutional rights and interfere with parental rights to seek established medical treatment for their children.

The ruling blocked the most egregious parts of Kentuckys anti-trans law, said Chris Hartman, executive director of the Fairness Campaign, a Kentucky-based LGBTQ+ advocacy group.

Hartman added that transgender children and their families were living in fear of the approaching date for the restrictions.

Kentucky's Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron called Hale's decision misguided, saying it tramples the right of state lawmakers to make public policy. The states legal chief promised that his office will continue doing everything in our power to defend the measure. The provisions dealing with puberty blockers and hormone therapy were supposed to go into effect Thursday.

In Tennessee, U.S. District Judge Eli Richardson, a Trump administration appointee, stressed that his ruling lined up with federal decisions blocking similar bans across the country but added that courts must tread carefully when preventing a law from being enforced.

If Tennessee wishes to regulate access to certain medical procedures, it must do so in a manner that does not infringe on the rights conferred by the United States Constitution, which is of course supreme to all other laws of the land, Richardson wrote.

The law, scheduled to go effect on July 1, would have banned Tennessee health care providers from providing hormone treatments or surgeries for transgender youth where the purpose is to allow the child to express a gender identity inconsistent with the immutable characteristics of the reproductive system that define the minor as male or female.

The law included a nine-month phase out period by March 31, 2024, for medical treatments and said no new treatments could be started. Health care providers who violated the law risked facing a $25,000 penalty and other disciplinary actions.

Tennessee's Republican-dominant General Assembly, as well as some Democratic lawmakers, quickly advanced the ban after Nashvilles Vanderbilt University Medical Center was accused of opening its transgender health clinic because it was profitable. Videos surfaced of a doctor at the private hospital touting that gender-affirming procedures are huge money makers. Another video showed a staffer saying anyone with a religious objection should quit.

Republican leaders demanded an investigation into the hospital and used the incident to spur their political base ahead of the 2022 midterm elections

The political tension has also popped up in Kentucky, where Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear is running for a second term this year and is being challenged by Cameron, who is defending the gender-affirming care ban. The race has become one of the nations most closely watched campaigns in 2023.

Beshear originally vetoed the measure in March, saying it allows too much government interference in personal healthcare issues" but the states GOP-dominated legislature overrode the veto.

To date, at least 20 states have enacted laws restricting or banning such treatments even though its been available in the United States for more than a decade and is endorsed by major medical associations. Most recently, North Carolina lawmakers finalized their own version of a gender-affirming care ban on Wednesday.

Yet, when challenged, federal courts have been quick to block them from going into effect. A federal judge struck down Arkansas ban as unconstitutional last week, and federal judges have temporarily blocked bans in Alabama and Indiana. Oklahoma has agreed to not enforce its ban while opponents seek a temporary court order blocking it. A federal judge has blocked Florida from enforcing its ban on three children who have challenged the law.

___

This story has been corrected to show that Hale was an Obama administration appointee, not Trump.

___

Kruesi reported from Nashville, Tennessee.
If You Feel Guilty When You Take A Vacation, This Is For You

Even though youve booked that much-needed vacation, you may have second thoughts about actually taking the time off.

The act of taking time to unplug and relax could result in an immense amount of unavoidable guilt. For instance, you may fear the implications of being away from work or feel anxious about leaving family members for some time, said Erica Basso, a family and marriage therapist based in Los Angeles.

This is extremely common. Data published by the Pew Research Center in May 2023 found that nearly half  49%  of workers surveyed say they dont take their paid time off because they are worried theyll fall behind at work. Other reasons the workers cited for not taking all of their PTO include feeling badly about colleagues taking on additional work and a fear they may lose their job.

The workplace isnt the only reason people hold back from vacation: Those who are caregivers often find it challenging to leave loved ones who depend on them. Studies show caregivers often forego their own leisure in favor of assisting their loved one.

Either way, this impending feeling of guilt can be a barrier to people allowing themselves to have their own downtime. So, how do you tackle the guilt that may be weighing you down and finally enjoy your vacation? We asked therapists to find out.

Plan your vacation in advance

Plan your trip ahead of time so you have time to prepare yourself emotionally and logistically for the vacation, said Israa Nasir, a psychotherapist and founder of the Well.Guide.

Knowing your plans in advance provides a sense of control and time to deal with responsibilities you may be missing during your time off. For instance, if you feel guilty about being away from work, you could complete some of it beforehand and gain appropriate coverage to ease your anxiousness.

Focus on the health benefits

Taking time to rest and unplug from work can inspire productivity and prevent burnout, Basso said. Even though you may feel guilty about taking the time off, the break will help you feel refreshed and relaxed.

Remember the positive effects of taking a vacation on your health. Understand that youre doing something good for yourself, said Colleen OGrady, a therapist and author of Dial Down the Drama and Dial Up the Dream.

Don't let vacation guilt rob you of relaxation.

Don't let vacation guilt rob you of relaxation.

Think of it as a way to reconnect with yourself

When thinking about your vacation, embrace the opportunity to reconnect with yourself and enjoy new experiences. While work and other responsibilities may be an important aspect of your identity, take some time to focus on other activities you enjoy, Basso said.

You have the space to remember who you are, what you enjoy, and whats important to you, said OGrady.

Delegate tasks

If possible, try to delegate tasks to others during your time away if you are worried about work piling up.

Remind yourself of people in your life who are willing to help you while youre away and that you will come back more energized to complete your work, Nasir said.

Set boundaries

Setting clear boundaries will help you draw the fine line between taking time off on vacation and other responsibilities. Tell your colleagues and family ahead of time that you will be going on a vacation, so they know that you will not be working.

You can also try writing an out-of-office autoresponder message in your email and creating custom greeting for your phone voicemail for those who are trying to reach you while youre away.

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A few local dragons in Beaufort are looking for a new home. Can you help?

Sailboats, fishing trawlers and cruisers typically dot Beauforts local waters on a warm summer day.

But once a year everyone makes way for the dragons.

And these fierce creatures are looking for a new home.

The skinny, 42-foot-long Beaufort dragon boats are descendants of boats that date back some 2,000 years to Chinas southern Guangdong Province where villages would compete for paddling supremacy.

Now, some 7,500 miles away from south China, local and regional crew members, many of them close friends, squeeze into the 4-foot-wide vessels with paddles in hand. They are fierce competitors in an annual local race, churning the water furiously and rhythmically to the pounding of a drum.

The regal crafts slice through the Lowcountrys Beaufort River like daggers. Its really kind of a thing of beauty watching a well-trained team paddle, says Greg Rawls of Beaufort, who marvels at the how the synchronized paddling smoothly moves the boats over the water.

DragonBoat Beaufort, a not-for-profit organization, runs the quirky annual race to raise money for cancer outreach. Some of the participants in the club and in the race are cancer survivors.

The Beaufort Dragon Boat Race drew 28 teams to Waterfront Park and the Beaufort River Saturday.

This past Saturdays spectacle at Waterfront Park  the 10th  was another success, drawing 3,000 people and raising some $70,000 to help cancer patients who live, work or receive treatment in Beaufort County.

But the big race on the Beaufort River  and the money it generates  could dry up without some help.

For the past year, DragonBoat Beaufort has had no marina or dock where the funky boats can be tied up.

Thats really getting to be a problem, says Rawls, a spokesman for the group.

The organization, which owns two dragon boats used by multiple teams on race day and throughout the year for training, had docked at the Port Royal Landing and Marina in Port Royal. But it lost that spot when Safe Harbor Marinas bought the local marina. The club then moved the boats to the Maritime Center in Okatie, but that arrangement also came to an end.

Now the boats are sitting on trailers in Beaufort and Ladys Island, which has reduced the clubs training opportunities from three times to once a week.

If Beaufort DragonBoat doesnt have a paddling program, it will risk losing membership, Rawls says. And without the needed membership, it will struggle to put on the race that serves as the groups main fundraiser for cancer outreach, Rawls said.

Over the past 10 years, DragonBoat Beaufort has awarded $250,000 in grants. In 2022, the group helped 130 cancer patients and awarded grants for $57,000 for everything from gas cards to help with paying mortgages and living costs.

Were looking at a domino effect that doesnt have a good outcome, Rawls said.

Beaufort DragonBoat is hoping a private dock or marina will be willing to host the boats and step forward to help the cause. Storage is needed not only for the dragon boats but also a pontoon craft used in training. If a home can be arranged for the boats, practices for about 20 people would continue two to three times a week.

Dragon boats take off at the start of a race Saturday in Beaufort.

By some accounts, dragon boat racing has developed into the fastest growing water sport in the world.

Thousands of paddlers descended on Hong Kong on Saturday  the same day as the Beaufort race  to take part in the International Dragon Boat competition, held for the first time in more than 4 years after they were halted due to anti-government protests and COVID-19.

The long and narrow boats are colorful, with Chinese dragon heads and tails decorating the bow and stern. They are powered by teams of 10 to 50 paddlers. A large drum is situated in the front and pounded by a drummer known as the heartbeat of the boat. The drummer sets the pace for the crew by creating the rhythmic cadence. A crew member in the stern handles the steering.

The sports beginnings in Beaufort were inspired by the documentary film Awaken the Dragon, shown at the Beaufort International Film Festival in February 2012. It told the story of a dragon boat team from Charleston made up of cancer survivors.

Several local residents who saw the documentary were inspired launch a team in Beaufort.

We would meet Saturdays in Waterfront Park with folding chairs and brooms and learn to paddle, the form and how to get in sync, Rawls recalled. You are pretty close in there. If everyone is not paddling in sync, you are going to have a real mess.

The local clubs first dragonboat, called Braveheart, was christened in 2012. Its second, which came in 2015, was called Dragonfly.

The Beaufort race came along in 2013. This year, 28 teams with names such as Sea Witches, Low Country Warriors, Mammoglams and Shark Attack, competed, traveling from places like Florida, Kentucky, Charleston, Sun City, Bluffton, Hilton Head and Pawleys Island.

Part of the reason many dragon boat team members are cancer survivors is because of Canadian research conducted in the 1990s. It found finding that dragon boat paddling provided excellent upper body strengthening for women with breast cancer who had undergone mastectomies, Rawls said. The research was counter to prevailing medical wisdom at the time.

You find cancer survivor dragon boat teams just all over the place, he said.

But DragonBoat Beaufort welcomes all. Working in such close quarters, and as a team, team members become like family. In its simplest form, the experience on the boat provides a connection to the Lowcountrys water culture.

You are really very close to nature, Rawls says. Youre watching the dolphins, youre watching the rays go by.

For more information

Contact Doreen Pierce at doreen1752@gmail.com or 585-413-8525 if you can help with dock space or want more information about getting involved with dragon boat racing.
The first self-proclaimed drag queen and queer activist in the US was born into slavery

Two black actors, one in drag, dance together on stage in 1903 James Gardiner via Welcome Collection Gallery

Born into slavery, William Dorsey Swann went on to become known as the "Queen of Drag."

Swann hosted covert gatherings of drag performances, which became legendary among the Black working class community.

Swann was subjected to countless arrests, and is now credited as a pioneering LGBTQ+ rights activist.

William Dorsey Swann gained notoriety for hosting clandestine drag balls in the 1880s. Nicknamed the "Queen of Drag," Swann nurtured a social scene for Black working class people, many of whom were born into slavery and found escape and community through the underground ballroom scene.

Born into slavery as the property of a white woman named Ann Murphy in Maryland, Swann was 2 years old when the DC Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862 legally freed him and his family.

After the Civil War, Swann's family bought a farm not far from the Maryland plantation they were bound to for generations. Encouraged to support his family at a young age, Swann moved to Washington, D.C. as a teenager to work as a hotel waiter and send money back to his family.

As he became involved with the underground queer network in D.C., Swann began hosting his own drag ballroom gatherings.

'Suspicious persons'

The early days of what would become known as "House of Swann" were far from luxurious. At the time, "cross-dressing" or "face disguise" were punishable by law, so invitations were disseminated by hushed word of mouth at local YMCAS.

The gatherings were often subject to police raids. Attendees risked their reputations and freedoms by being at the balls  police documents show that sentencing ranged anywhere from three to ten months.

In 1887, the Washington Critic reported that "six colored men, dressed in elegant female attire," were arraigned on charges of "being suspicious persons." These reports would jeopardize the safety of many men, whose names were often published, and open them up to public scorn.

However, the media attention, good or bad, fostered intrigue. Swann found that more and more people were drawn to the gatherings.

The balls included men dressed in silk and satin dresses, dancing to folk music, and participating in a "cakewalk." Originating as a pre-Emancipation slave ritual of mimicking their white captors, the cakewalk showcased competitive routines of exuberant poses and dances.

Violent resistance for queer rights

Swann himself was arrested a number of times. By 1888, the Washington Post reported on a local police raid where "thirteen Black men dressed as women surprised at supper and arrested."

Swann, "who was arrayed in a gorgeous dress of cream-colored satin," reportedly attempted to rush toward the officers to keep them from entering. The news account reports that Swann exclaimed to the police lieutenant, "You is no gentleman!"  the consequential skirmish is considered the first reported form of violent resistance for queer rights in America.

In 1895, after an especially harsh sentence of 300 days in prison for "impersonating a woman," Swann petitioned then-President Grover Cleveland to pardon him three months into his sentence. However, US Attorney A.A. Birney argued against the petition, stating: "The prisoner was in fact convicted of the most horrible and disgusting offences known to the law; an offence so disgusting that it is unnamed. This is not the first time that the prisoner has been convicted of this crime, and his evil example in the community must have been most corrupting." Swann's petition was denied.

By the turn of the century, Swann entered into early retirement from the drag ballroom scene while his brothers carried on the family tradition by continuing to design drag costumes. 'House of Swann' still served as the blueprint for emerging drag balls into the modern era  cakewalk demonstrations evolved into voguing, and familial structural titles of "mother" and "queen" created a real community for ousted queer youth.

There are no documented photographs of Swann throughout his life. Like many Black freedmen, much of his life is relayed through the archives of his persecution. As Swann dedicated his life to the rights of the marginalized to gather freely, his legacy is ingrained in the living preservation of the vibrant and subversive culture he inspired.

Read the original article on Insider
A Florida couple who sued Stockton Rush for refusing to refund their $210,000 deposit for a Titanic shipwreck tour have dropped the lawsuit after the OceanGate Expeditions CEO was among five to die in a catastrophic implosion last week.

Marc and Sharon Hagle filed a lawsuit in February claiming Rush had repeatedly cancelled a deep-sea dive they had booked on the Titan submersible in 2018.

After Rush was confirmed to have died on the Titan during an ill-fated trip to the famed North Atlantic shipwreck on Sunday 18 June, the couple said the honour, respect and dignity of the victims were more important than their claim.

Follow the latest updates on the missing Titanic submarine here

Like most around the world, we have watched the coverage of the OceanGate Titan capsule with great concern and enormous amount of sadness and compassion for the families of those who lost their lives, the Hagles said in a statement toFox 35.

In light of these tragic events, we have informed our attorneys to withdraw all legal actions against Stockton, the statement read.

We honour their zest for life, as well as their commitment to the exploration of our oceans.

Marc and Sharon Hagles dispute with OceanGate began in 2016 when they signed a contract and paid deposits in the hopes of becoming among the first of the deep-sea exploration companys paying customers.

In mid-2017, the Hagles became suspicious that the submersible vessel, then known as the Cyclops 2, was not going to be ready by the planned departure date, according to the lawsuit filed in Orange County.

OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush had been accused of defrauding Florida couple Marc and Sharon Hagle

The court filing states that the Hagles wanted to pull out of the expedition, and requested a refund of their $20,000 deposits.

They claim that Mr Rush visited them at their Florida home in September 2017 to convince them the trip would be going ahead as planned.

Mr Rush described what could be expected during the adventure, they claimed.

In January 2018, the couple alleged they were forced to pay the full deposit of $210,258 to secure two berths on the Titan.

Expeditions were then repeatedly cancelled, and when they requested a refund in 2019 were told they had to agree to go on a Titan dive in 2021.

They further alleged that OceanGate had failed to hold their deposit in a separate escrow account.

The Titan vanished without a trace around 100 minutes into a 4,000m dive to the Titanics wreck on Sunday 18 June.

A debris field was detected by a remotely operated vehicle on Thursday, and the US Coast Guard later revealed the vessel suffered a catastrophic implosion, killing all five aboard, soon after it submerged.

A US Navy acoustics system detected an explosion near to the Titanic wreck on Sunday, but aircraft, ships and underwater drones continued to search for the vessel for another four days.

Rush died along with Pakistani father and son Shahzada and Suleman Dawood, British billionaire Hamish Harding and prominent French diver Paul-Henri Nargeolet.
A Florida man shot at his pool cleaner earlier this month, believing the cleaner was a home intruder, the Pinellas County Sheriffs Office announced Monday.

Jana Hocevar reported being startled when she saw an unknown man on her pool deck in Dunedin around 9 p.m. on June 15. Her husband, Bradley Hocevar, yelled at the man, identified as Karl Polek, several times asking him to leave the premises as he retrieved a gun and Jana called 911, according to a report from the sheriffs office.

Bradley fired toward Polek as Polek approached the door with a flashlight and continued to fire as Polek fled the scene, firing a total of 30 rounds in about 90 seconds. Polek was struck with shrapnel from a bullet and glass, sustaining minor injuries.

The Hocevars mistook Polek, who has cleaned their pool for about six months to a year, as a burglar, as he had never arrived so late in the evening to perform his duties, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said during a press conference.

Gualtieri also noted that Polek, who was running late, did not call or knock on the door of the Hocevars before entering the pool premises.

Gualtieri called the incident lawful but awful, noting that Hocevar was acting within the law when he fired.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Barbara Pariente, a former chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court, said Tuesday that one of the current justices, Charles Canady, should recuse himself from the case before the court that will decide if state efforts to sharply reduce access to abortion are constitutional.

Canady has a long and deep record of opposition to abortion, dating back to his time in the state Legislature and Congress. But thats not why Pariente, and some others in the legal world, think Canady ought to step aside.

The reason is the work of his spouse, state Rep. Jennifer Canady, R-Lakeland, as a co-sponsor of the new state law that would ban virtually all abortions in Florida.

In my view, he should (recuse himself). And the reason is that his wife was a co-sponsor of the six-week abortion ban, Pariente said. I know Justice Canady to be of the highest ethics. I cannot imagine himself not recusing himself from a bill that his wife co-sponsored. So the answer would be yes, because of that.

Pariente offered her view in response to a question from a reporter at a forum on abortion access organized by U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, D-West Palm Beach. Now retired from the court, she joined Frankel and other abortion rights supporters in discussing the effects of the June 24, 2022, U.S. Supreme Court opinion overturning Roe v. Wade.

They also touted a proposed amendment that would enshrine abortion rights in the state Constitution.

Under longstanding state Supreme Court precedent, the right to privacy in the Florida Constitution has been applied to cover access to abortion.

But there is widespread expectation that it will be overturned by the current court, where five of the seven justices are appointees of Gov. Ron DeSantis. Canady, appointed earlier, a sixth conservative justice. The seventh, Justice Jorge Labarga, is more centrist than the others.

Related Articles

The case

The current case before the state Supreme Court involves a challenge from Planned Parenthood and other organizations to the 2022 state law that banned almost all abortions after the 15th week of pregnancy. Previously the state had allowed abortions until the 24th week.

If the state Supreme Court rejects the Planned Parenthood challenge and upholds the 15-week ban, then newer, even tighter restrictions passed by the Legislature and signed by DeSantis this year would go into effect 30 days later.

The latest law  co-sponsored by Jennifer Canady and on hold until the Supreme Court acts on the 15-week issue  would ban virtually all abortions after the sixth week of pregnancy.

Pariente said her assessment is that the right of privacy in the state Constitution should protect women from what in my view is clearly an unconstitutional law both at 15 weeks and six weeks.

My concern is that the Florida Supreme Court may decide not to adhere to their precedent, which would mandate that these laws in my view would be declared unconstitutional.

Bob Jarvis, a professor of constitutional law at Nova Southeastern University, he sees little chance the courts conservative majority wont overturn the precedent.

Both sides have made written arguments to the state Supreme Court, which could issue an opinion at any time. The Florida Supreme Court doesnt hold to a strict term schedule like the U.S. Supreme Court, which imposes a late June-early July deadline on itself every year.

Andrew Shirvell, founder and executive director of Florida Voice for the Unborn, complained last week via email that the Supreme Court appears to be taking as long as possible to reach a decision.

Pariente served on the Supreme Court from late 1997 until her retirement in January 2019 after time as a judge on the Fourth District Court of Appeal. Part of her tenure overlapped Canady, who was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2008 and has served as a chief justice, after serving as judge on the Second District Court of Appeal and eight years in Congress and six years in the state House of Representatives.

Canady is credited  or blamed  with inventing the term partial-birth abortion when he sponsored legislation to outlaw a rarely performed method of late-term abortions. The bill was vetoed by then President Bill Clinton. (Canady later served as one of the House impeachment managers during Clintons trial in the Senate, which resulted in Clintons acquittal.)

Frankel and Canady were both in the Florida House of Representatives in the 1990s, and were on the opposite sides of the abortion debate decades ago. Pariente said Canadys past work on the issue as a legislator does not necessitate recusal.

Recusal

Decisions on whether justices recuse themselves are up to the individual justices, said Pariente and Jarvis.

Each justice has the right to make that decision, she said.

Canady hasnt made any move to recuse himself, at least as is publicly known. Justices dont comment on pending matters, instead making their positions and actions known through decisions. Court spokesman Paul Flemming said Canady hasnt commented on recusal.

Practically speaking, Jarvis said, it ought to be easy for Canady to recuse himself because his vote isnt needed. Under the current composition of the state Supreme Court, its all but guaranteed to uphold the abortion restrictions.

You are not needed for this decision because we have a court made up right now, as everybody knows, of six hard-right justices, Jarvis said. Its not like youre the swing vote, so why not recuse yourself?

Jarvis theory is that Canady wants to be part of the decision restricting abortion that is in many ways a culmination of his lifes work. I dont think at this moment, when abortion is going to be struck down in Florida  something he has worked on for decades  I dont think he cannot be there at the finish line, Jarvis said.

If youre really concerned about the legitimacy of the court in the eyes of the public and the legitimacy of the opinion in the eyes of the public, and you know that youre not needed, you should step aside. That would be the politique thing to do, Jarvis said.

Jarvis said there is nothing in the Florida Code of Judicial Conduct that says he has to recuse himself. So the question then becomes whether it would be better for him to recuse himself, since he clearly does not have to recuse himself. And that, I think, is a no-brainer, Jarvis said. I think its very clear that he should recuse himself.

Jarvis said there is a judicial cannon that says a justice should recuse to avoid the appearance of impropriety, and some people would suggest that Canadys spouses co-sponsorship of the legislation at least gives the appearance of impropriety.

The counter argument, he said, is that the justice can say, I am not responsible for what my spouse does. And I cannot tell my spouse what to do or what not to do. And, she is only one of 160 state legislators.

Year since Dobbs

At the forum in West Palm Beach, Frankel addressed the changes in laws across the country since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe in the Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision.

Florida is the last state in the southeast with some abortion access, though its been limited by the 15-week ban thats been in effect while pending in the state Supreme Court. The law has no exceptions except for victims of rape or incest.

If the state Supreme Court allows the prohibition on abortions after the sixth week of pregnancy to go into effect, Frankel said women in Florida  those who could afford the time and money  would have to travel far to seek abortions. And women from other southeastern states would have to turn elsewhere; since Roe was overturned, many have come to Florida.

Its a time bomb especially for women of the South, she said, pointing to a map of the U.S. with states that have curtailed abortion rights in red.

Dr. Melanie Bone, a board-certified OB-GYN, said the six-week ban would be especially problematic.

Most women have no idea that theyre pregnant at six weeks, even smart women, even women with access to all sorts of contraceptive techniques. They just dont know theyre pregnant, she said.

Pariente said the six-week timing seems outrageous.

The pending law would permit later abortions to save a pregnant womans life, and after six weeks and up to 15 weeks in cases of rape, incest or human trafficking.

Several participants said they support efforts by abortion-rights advocates to gather petitions to put an abortion-rights amendment to the state Constitution on the ballot in 2024.

Pariente said the proposed amendment would restore Florida to where it was before Roe was overturned. And Frankel said it would still allow for reasonable medically necessary restrictions, which was allowed under Roe.

Bone said restrictions are already putting physicians in the precarious position of having to choose between providing the best care they know how and risking criminal charges for running afoul of state law. Bone said she couldnt think of any other area of medicine where practicing excellent medical care could entail a prison term or fine.

State Rep. Jervonte Tae Edmonds, D-West Palm Beach, who voted against the six-week ban, said it was a perfect example of what injustice looks like.

Edmonds said it runs counter to DeSantis boast that Florida is all about freedom. We cannot say were the free state of Florida when were trying to control womens bodies.

Anthony Man can be reached at aman@sunsentinel.com, on Twitter @browardpolitics and on Post.news/@browardpolitics
Spanish firefighters battling fires near the Riviere Boisvert, northern Quebec, in Canada in June 2023. (Handout)

Hundreds of international firefighters who are helping overwhelmed Canadians battle unprecedented wildfires face a complex task in the heart of the boreal forest scorched by uncontrolled blazes.

The leader of a French team deployed in Quebec, Eric Flores, told AFP he had never seen anything like it. His team was busy mopping up smoldering duff to prevent blowups when they were suddenly trapped by a fire that flared 50 meters (165 feet) behind them in a green patch of forest.

"As the fire burns underground along roots it can go places that you don't suspect. It's very unpredictable and it can flare up very quickly," he said in a telephone interview from the Abitibi-Temiscamingue region of northern Quebec.

"It's painstaking work, we advance meter by meter," he said.

After being dropped off by helicopter, crews often have to hike, carrying equipment on their backs, several kilometers into the dense forest before reaching their area of attack.

Thick and noxious smoke swirls around them along with swarms of biting black flies and mosquitoes.

"It's unlike anything we're used to in France. Imagine a wall of flames 100 meters wide, twice the height of the trees," he said. The blazes are also on average 100 times larger than those his team is used to dealing with in France.

- Let it burn -

"There's a lot of smoke in the country and beyond but it is not very surprising when you see everything that is burning," added Godefroy, a French soldier deployed in Quebec who declined to give his last name.

The numbers are dizzying: at the end of June, nearly 500 wildfires were active in Canada and half of these were listed as out of control.

After an early start during an exceptionally hot, dry spring, the wildfire season is expected to continue through the summer -- normally peaking in July or August -- and into the fall.

With a shortage of firefighters in Canada, even with foreign reinforcements, it is impossible to battle all of the fires at once. So authorities must let some of them in sparsely populated regions burn and just try to prevent them from spreading.

"It's amazing how quickly you can go from hot charcoal to a large flame in a few seconds," said Joseph Romero, a Costa Rican firefighter deployed in Alberta.

This unprecedented fire season heralds the climate challenges that await Canada in the future. Its boreal forest is the largest intact forest in the world, with three million square kilometers undisturbed by roads, cities or industrial development. Encircling the Arctic -- including Alaska, Siberia and northern Europe -- it is increasingly under threat from wildfires.

Almost eight million hectares (19.7 million acres) from westernmost British Columbia to the Yukon in the north and to the Atlantic provinces, have burned so far this year.

- Fires smoldering underground -

"Here, there is a 20 to 30 cm (8-12 inch) layer of fuel on the ground, which makes the fire more difficult to control. The fire burns underneath and can spread over several kilometres," said David Uruena, a Spanish firefighter in Quebec.

This humus, a characteristic of the boreal forest, partly explains the large plumes of smoke that have blocked out the sun in Canada and drifted over the United States and Europe, choking major cities in recent weeks.

"In Canada we're having to dig to reach fires smoldering deep underground," said Ditiro Moseki, a firefighter from South Africa deployed to Western Canada.

"You have to keep going back to make sure it's out," explained team leader Ongezwa Nonjiji. "In South Africa, most of the time, if it rains, you known the fire is probably out, but here in Canada after it rains you see smoke again the next morning," she said.

How fast the wildfires spread -- an ember can travel several kilometers in the wind and ignite a new fire -- is also shocking, she said.

Cindy Alfonso, a firefighter from Costa Rica, said she was surprised that healthy "green trees are burning."

"Here, conifers are burning (even if slightly damp) because their resin is very flammable," she explained.

The sap acts as an accelerant for fast-moving blazes, with flames twice the height of trees capable of jumping over roads and other obstacles.

The climate consequences are devastating as the boreal forest releases 10 to 20 times more carbon per unit of area burned than other ecosystems. By releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, these fires in turn contribute to global warming in a vicious cycle.

bur-tib/amc/jh
Courts

Former Elgin Mayor Christopher Cannon pleaded guilty to theft of property on June 20, according to a news release on Wednesday from the Travis County' district attorney's office.

Cannon, 38, pleaded guilty to the third-degree felony. He was accused of stealing an amount more than $30,000 but less than $150,000, according to public records.

The offense is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. As part of the plea, Cannon was sentenced to 10 years of community service at 50 hours per year, according to public records.

According to the DA's office, Cannon, a licensed insurance agent, acquired payments from Bakers Backhoe Services between Jan. 17, 2015, and Aug. 21, 2019, but failed to submit those payments to obtain insurance policies.

He was indicted by a grand jury on April 26, 2022, for theft of property. He was arrested on May 4, 2022, by Elgin police with the assistance of the Texas Department of Insurance investigators, according to the release from the DA's office.

Our office is committed to holding accountable powerful actors who violate our laws, said Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza. We appreciate our partnership with the Texas Department of Insurance in ensuring that the victims, in this case, received the justice they rightfully deserve.

The investigation was conducted by Texas Department of Insurance's fraud unit. The Travis County district attorney's office's public integrity and complex crimes unit was in charge of prosecuting the case.

More: Shooting in Elgin leaves 2 people hospitalized; police ask for public's help

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Former Elgin mayor pleads guilty to felony property theft charge
Former US Marine pleads not guilty in Jordan Neely killing on New York subway

By Luc Cohen and Jonathan Allen

NEW YORK (Reuters) -The former U.S. Marine sergeant accused of fatally strangling Jordan Neely, a homeless man, in a chokehold in a New York subway car last month pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in court on Wednesday.

Daniel Penny, 24, was captured in videos recorded by bystanders putting Neely in a chokehold from behind for several minutes on May 1 while they rode on a subway train in Manhattan.

The killing drew national attention and sparked protests that month by those angered that police did not immediately arrest Penny, who is white, following the death of Neely, a Black man. Penny was arrested more than a week later.

In a brief arraignment lasting only a few minutes, Penny, wearing a blue suit and red tie, pleaded not guilty in criminal court in lower Manhattan. The former Marine, who had been released on a $100,000 bond at an earlier hearing, was told to return to court on Oct. 25 for a pretrial hearing.

Earlier this month, a grand jury voted to indict Penny on a charge of manslaughter in the second degree, a felony that carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison on conviction, and a charge of criminally negligent homicide, a felony with a maximum sentence of five years.

In the minutes before he was killed, Neely, a 30-year-old former Michael Jackson impersonator who struggled with mental illness, had been shouting about how hungry he was and that he was willing to return to jail or die, according to passengers in the subway car.

Penny has said he acted to defend himself and other passengers, and did not intend to kill Neely.

Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse after the hearing, one of Penny's defense attorneys, Thomas Kenniff, said he believed New York jurors would be sympathetic to his client.

"There is not a living, breathing soul in Manhattan that has not experienced a variation of what not only Mr. Penny but other individuals experienced on that subway car," Kenniff said.

Protesters have decried Penny as a vigilante and characterized Neely's death as a lynching.

Some conservatives have hailed Penny as a hero, including Florida Governor and presidential candidate Ron DeSantis and other prominent Republican politicians who are critical of New York's Democratic leadership. Donors have given nearly $3 million to a legal defense fund for Penny through a crowdsourcing website.

Donte Mills, a lawyer representing Neely's family, addressed those supporters in his remarks outside the courthouse.

"For everyone who thought donating $3 million would somehow make this go away or buy his pass: It's not going to happen," Mills told reporters. "You can ask for a refund."

Police questioned Penny on the day Neely died, but the former Marine would not be arrested and make an initial court appearance until 11 days later.

Witnesses have said Neely did not physically threaten or attack anyone before Penny grabbed him. His killing renewed debate about gaps in the city's systems for homeless and mentally ill New Yorkers.

Neely had been in and out of the city's homeless shelters in recent years; his relatives say his mental health worsened dramatically after his mother was murdered when he was a teenager. He had been arrested many times, most recently for punching a 67-year-old woman in 2021, breaking bones in her face.

(Reporting by Jonathan Allen in New York; Editing by Alistair Bell and Jonathan Oatis)
Former Police Chief Who Set Series Of Fires As Revenge Sentenced To Life In Prison

A former Maryland police chief was sentenced on Monday to eight life sentences and an additional 75 years in prison for committing a series of arsons against people he believed had wronged him, prosecutors said.

Retired Laurel Police Chief David Crawford was found guilty in March of 12 felony charges, including eight counts of attempted first-degree murder, three counts of arson and one count of malicious burning, in a series of arson attacks across Maryland from 2011 to 2020.

According to charging documents, Maryland investigators began linking a number of fires targeting vehicles, homes and other buildings to Crawford in 2019.

As investigators began to look into Mr. Crawford, the link between the fires became clear, the charging document said. All of the victims are family members or individuals with known ties to the suspect or his wife, Mary Crawford.

David Crawford

David Crawford

Police executed a search of Crawfords home in January 2021, and digital forensics experts found search history and documents including a target list of all the known victims whose property had been set ablaze.

According to charging documents, the first arson occurred on May 28, 2011, with video showing Crawford staging items behind a car, pouring gasoline over it, then lighting a large stick wrapped in cloth and setting the car ablaze. It was destroyed in the fire.

The car belonged to Marty Flemion, who was then the Laurel deputy city administrator and did not have a good work relationship with Crawford, police said.

Crawfords next recorded victim was Richard McLaughlin, who was the deputy chief of the Laurel Police Department when Crawford was the chief.

McLaughlin told investigators that there was animosity between him and Crawford after McLaughlin was promoted to chief when Crawford was asked to retire.

According to the charging document, video surveillance footage shows Crawford setting fire to McLaughlins home on March 16, 2019, in the middle of the night as McLaughlin and his family were asleep.

Authorities said Crawford knew the family was home and meant to kill them with the fire.

There was no reason the suspect would assume the victims home was vacant at the time he set the fire that damaged the occupied home, the document said. The victims vehicles were parked in the driveway of the home and the suspect walked between them when he started the fire.

Crawford was later identified in surveillance video at the scene, and the search of his electronics found a PowerPoint presentation with slides containing McLaughlins address, phone number, family members, an aerial view of the home and tax records, along with with a calendar entry on Crawfords phone titled McLaughlin Fire on the date of the arson.

Other victims included Crawfords stepson, with whom he had a strained relationship, as well as the family of his chiropractor, Dr. Russel Antico, authorities said, and the family of Evelyn Henderson, who had a dispute with him over the leadership of a neighborhood group, the St. Johns Community Association.

According to the charging document, Crawford set fire to the Hendersons home on a night in December 2017 while the family was asleep; they all managed to escape. He then set fire to their yard as the home was being rebuilt in August 2018 following the first fire.

Henderson told investigators that Crawford immediately called her after the first house fire, asking questions about the cause and who her insurance company was.

Crawford also set fire to the home of former deputy chief Clark Bud Price of the Prince Georges County Police Department in April 2018. Years earlier, Price recommended another police officer over Crawford to fill in as chief of police, and as Crawford was applying to be chief of the Laurel Police Department, Price told an interviewer seeking a reference that Crawford lacked loyalty, he told investigators.

Crawford also targeted Alphonso Hawkins Sr., who was the former interim police chief in Prince Georges County. Authorities said he may have been blamed for Crawford losing out on a promotion.

Surveillance video shows a man believed to be David Crawford setting cars on fire on March 16, 2019, in Prince George's County, Maryland.

Surveillance video shows a man believed to be David Crawford setting cars on fire on March 16, 2019, in Prince George's County, Maryland.

In a news release, Maryland State Attorney Richard Gibson called Crawfords sentencing appropriate for the crimes he committed.

The horror and nature of arson is so deeply powerful in its impact and complete in its destruction in the victims peace of mind that it is only fitting the defendant spend the rest of his natural life behind bars, Gibson said.

These families have waited several years for justice, and we are grateful to play some part in delivering that for them, Gibson added. It is particularly egregious that someone who dedicated their life to law enforcement and was the chief of police at some point in their career would take it upon themselves to engage in conduct that was evil and terrifying in its nature.

Robert Bonsib, Crawfords attorney, argued in court that his client deserved a maximum sentence of only 28 years in prison, local news outlet WBAL reported.

Mr. Crawford spent a couple of decades serving the community as a law enforcement officer. This is a sad and a tragic ending for him, Bonsib said.

According to WBAL, when given a chance to speak before his sentencing, Crawford did not apologize or admit guilt for the crimes he was convicted of.

With God, all things are possible, Crawford said.

Quinn Henderson, Evelyn Hendersons daughter, said she would be moving on with her life and did not believe Crawfords statement in court, she told WBAL.

I thought it was all BS, honestly. I thought it was all a load of you know what, Henderson said. His mention of God was so hypocritical when he literally ruined a bunch of peoples lives.

Related...
A former Russian diplomat says the attempted Wagner mutiny is 'just another step' toward Putin's eventual ouster

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Wagner Group boss Yevgeny Prigozhin. GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images; Mikhail Svetlov/Getty Images

Boris Bondarev told Newsweek he believes the Wagner mutiny will hasten Putin's ouster.

"His war was from the very beginning doomed. This mutiny is just another step," Bondarev said.

Bondarev said there has been growing "disappointment and anger" among Russia's elite over the war.

A former Russian diplomat said the Wagner Group's attempted rebellion over the weekend could accelerate Putin's eventual ouster.

"The beginning of the end of Putin started when he invaded Ukraine. His war was from the very beginning doomed," Boris Bondarev told Newsweek on Tuesday. "This mutiny is just another step."

Bondarev previously served as Russia's representative to the UN mission in Geneva. He quit his post in May 2022 after criticizing Russia's war in Ukraine.

Bondarev currently lives in Switzerland with his family, where he has received political asylum, per The Moscow Times. The former diplomat has since become a vocal critic of Putin's government and now writes about his experience for publications such as The Economist and Foreign Affairs.

Bondarev said the war has been a source of frustration among Russia's elite, and that the mutiny reinforces their disillusionment about Putin's leadership.

"Slowly the disappointment and anger and irritation among the elite has been growing, but this Prigozhin thing, I think, has given great impetus to this and people start understanding and realizing in a more clear way that the situation is very wrong, it is very unhealthy," Bondarev told Newsweek.

"So the situation will lead eventually to the great understanding that Putin must go," he continued.

The Wagner Group's mutiny erupted after a long-running feud between its chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin, and the Russian military leadership. In the lead-up to the attempted mutiny, the mercenary group leader had been growing increasingly critical of Russia's war in Ukraine.

Prigozhin called off the rebellion on the same day after striking a deal with the Kremlin. As part of the agreement, Prigozhin has been exiled to Belarus in exchange for not being prosecuted for the rebellion.

Bondarev's remarks come among reports of infighting within the Russian military leadership.

The New York Times reported on Tuesday that a senior Russian general was aware of Prigozhin's mutiny plans, citing unnamed US officials who were briefed on the matter. The Russian Embassy did not respond to The Times' request for comment.

The officials told The Times that "other Russian generals may also have supported Mr. Prigozhin's attempt to change the leadership of the Defense Ministry by force."

A representative for Russia's defense ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider sent outside regular business hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Former Sacramento mayoral candidate changes course, will run for state Legislature instead

Former Sacramento mayoral candidate changes course, will run for state Legislature instead

Sacramento mayoral candidate Maggy Krell is dropping out of the race to run for a California Assembly seat.

Krell, a prosecutor specializing in sex trafficking prevention, is running for Democratic Assemblyman Kevin McCartys Sacramento-area seat, she said.

McCarty announced on May 25 he is running for mayor, about a month after Krell announced her run. Because he is running for mayor, he cant run for re-election to his Assembly seat, though there is still time for him to change his mind.

Im running for Assembly because I understand the power of the law, Krell said in a statement to The Sacramento Bee on Wednesday. As Planned Parenthoods lawyer I used the law to fight for the right to choose and to increase access to healthcare. As a volunteer lawyer, I used the law when I went to the border to help reunite immigrant children who were ripped from their mothers. As Deputy Attorney General, I use the law to prosecute criminals and protect survivors of human trafficking. Ive used the law to take guns from domestic abusers and get restraining orders.

But Ive also seen loopholes, unintended consequences, and well-meaning policies that dont work. Im running for Assembly to write laws that get real results.

Democrat Paula Villescaz, former state Health and Human Services Agency assistant secretary, has announced she will run for the Assembly seat. Villescaz, also a San Juan Unified School Board member, lost her bid for a state Senate seat last year against Roger Niello, a Republican.

California Democratic Party executive board member Sean Frame has also announced he is running for the Assembly seat. SMUD board member Rosanna Herber, a Democrat, is also rumored to be considering a run.

The Assembly seat represents the city neighborhoods of midtown, downtown, East Sacramento, Land Park, Curtis Park, Natomas and North Sacramento. It also includes Arden Arcade, Rio Linda and part of Carmichael.

Aside from McCarty, former state Sen. Richard Pan; former Councilman Steve Hansen; epidemiologist and activist Flojaune Cofer are all running for mayor next year. Mayor Darrell Steinberg is not seeking re-election.

The primaries for both mayor and the Assembly seat will be held March 5, with the general election Nov. 5.
Former U.S. Ambassador To Russia Says 'We're Witnessing The Final Saga' Of Putin

A former U.S. ambassador to Russia on Tuesday said we are witnessing the final saga of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In an interview with CNN, Jon Huntsman, who served in the post for two years during the Trump administration, said the armed mutiny launched by Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin on Friday embarrassed the Russian leader.

Putin has been humiliated, Huntsman said. Thats not happened many times in his career. So were not going to know in the days and weeks and even the months ahead what the likely outcome for Vladimir Putin will be.

He still controls the state. He controls the security apparatus. Hes got more bombs and guns than anybody else. But Im here to tell you I think were witnessing the final saga of Vladimir Putin, he added.

Former U.S. ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman on Putin: He still controls the state. He controls the security apparatus. He's got more bombs and guns than anybody else. But I'm here to tell you I think we're witnessing the final saga of Vladimir Putin. pic.twitter.com/T4Ut6w4QPV  Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) June 28, 2023

The former Utah GOP governor added that the deal the Kremlin struck with Prigozhin, brokered by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, exposed the Russian systems hypocrisy.

While many Russians are behind bars for minor offenses, Prigozhin, who probably represented the greatest existential threat to Putin and the Russian state, is allowed to go free, explained Huntsman, who ran for president in the 2012 election.

The uprising, which lasted less than 24 hours, saw Prigozhins forces taking control of the Russian military headquarters in Rostov-on-Don. His mercenaries later advanced toward Moscow before pulling back after the Kremlin agreed to send Prigozhin to Belarus without charges for him and his soldiers.

Russian authorities confirmed they will not pursue mutiny charges against Prigozhin and his forces, according to The Associated Press.

The next challenge for the U.S. will be to prepare for a post-Putin Russia, when its extremely hard to tell who could come next, Huntsman said.

Theres no bench in politics in Russia, he added.

Related...
 Flash

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene in Beijing on Tuesday, calling for strengthening connectivity and deepening friendship, mutual trust, and cooperation between China and Mongolia.

Noting the two countries are neighbors linked by mountains and rivers, Xi pointed out that the development of long-term good-neighborliness is a strategic choice made by both sides, which fully conforms to the fundamental interests of the two peoples. China, a trustworthy and reliable partner for Mongolia, attaches great importance to developing China-Mongolia relations, Xi said.

"China stands ready to work with Mongolia to deepen friendship, mutual trust, and cooperation under the guidance of building a China-Mongolia community with a shared future, take China-Mongolia comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights, and inject more stability and certainty into the region," he said.

Xi stressed that China and Mongolia should uphold mutual respect for national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, respect the development paths independently chosen by the two peoples, and firmly support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns.

China is advancing national rejuvenation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization, while Mongolia is also making efforts in national reform and economic and social development. The two sides can forge ahead to synergize development strategies and work together to promote modernization, he said.

Xi said that China will continue to cooperate with Mongolia in the spirit of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness, strengthen connectivity between the two countries, advance the construction of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor, and jointly promote the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

China plays an active role in global environmental governance and stands ready to cooperate with Mongolia in preventing and controlling desertification, and will continue to support Mongolia's tree-planting campaign dubbed "Billion Trees," said Xi, adding that China is willing to improve interparty exchanges and promote experience exchanges in state governance with Mongolia.

He pointed out that China and Mongolia are both developing countries, sharing extensive common interests and similar positions on international and regional affairs. He said that China supports Mongolia in playing a positive role in regional and international affairs. He expressed hope that the two sides will uphold the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity, firmly safeguard multilateralism, and jointly promote a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice, and win-win cooperation.

For his part, Oyun-Erdene said that Mongolia and China have a shared future and that the heart of the two is connected. He praised the successful hosting of the Winter Olympics amid the COVID-19 pandemic, saying it manifested solidarity and cooperation, boosting the confidence of the international community.

The prime minister appreciated China's remarkable development achievements and leadership in the world, adding that the Mongolian side will not forget the valuable assistance provided by China.

Mongolia is willing to work with China in making the Mongolia-China relations an example for relations between countries, Oyun-Erdene said. He pledged that Mongolia adheres to the one-China principle, supports China's position on Taiwan, Tibet and Xinjiang, as well as the China-proposed Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative.

He expressed the willingness to work closely with China, continue to uphold mutual respect and support each other's choice of development path, jointly promote a high-quality BRI, and strengthen exchanges between political parties and young people. He said the two countries should improve the connectivity of cross-border railways and ports, and promote cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, investment, energy, green development, and anti-corruption.

Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, was also present at the meeting.
Fort Collins police SUV involved in crash with Toyota Tundra while responding to robbery

A Fort Collins police sergeant en route to a robbery in progress was involved in a collision with a Toyota Tundra, causing the sergeant's SUV to roll Tuesday evening.

Police said the crash happened at 7:38 p.m. Tuesday when the sergeant in a marked police Ford Interceptor SUV with its emergency lights and sirens activated was driving eastbound on East Drake Road. The SUV slowed down and began crossing intersection at Drake and Timberline roads against the traffic signal, and the SUV and a northbound Toyota Tundra collided, according to the news release.

The SUV rolled on its side and slid before stopping on its wheels "partially in the median east of the intersection," police said. The crashed caused "moderate front end damage" to the Tundra, according to the release.

Seeing smoke? Smoke from western Colorado wildfire creating haze in Fort Collins

There were no injuries reported.

Because a police vehicle was involved in the crash, investigators with the Fort Collins Police CRASH Team are leading the investigation. That investigation is ongoing and no additional information will be released at this time, according to the release.

Anyone with information who has not already spoken to police is asked to contact Officer Phil Morris at 970-221 6540.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Fort Collins police SUV crashed, rolled while responding to robbery
Fort Worth ISD gives teachers a raise. Will Texas put up the money to pay for it?

Teachers in the Fort Worth Independent School District will get a raise next year, under a compensation plan adopted by the the school board Tuesday evening.

Now, officials in the district are waiting to see if state lawmakers will come through with money to pay for it.

The board approved a compensation plan that included 2% raises for district administrators and 3% raises for all other employees, including teachers and support staff. The change raises the districts payroll by about $23.1 million.

Amy Campbell, director of HR services for the Texas Association of School Boards, told the board that the pay increase would put the district in a good position to compete for employees with other districts across North Texas.

School budgets mired in uncertainty amid impasse in Austin

Teacher pay is one of several points of uncertainty for school districts. As school districts across the state finalize their budgets and compensation plans for the upcoming school year, they do so without a clear picture of how much money they will have to spend. During the regular legislative session, lawmakers considered a bill that would have used part of the states $32.7 billion budget surplus to raise teacher salaries and send increased funding to school districts across the state. But that bill died at the end of the session amid an impasse between the Senate and the House over a school voucher proposal.

Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to call lawmakers into special session to deal with both the school funding and school voucher issues later this year. But that special session isnt expected to begin until after lawmakers reach an agreement on property tax reform. A special session on property tax reform ended Tuesday afternoon with no deal in sight. The governor immediately called for a second special session, also dealing with property taxes, to begin later Tuesday.

FWISD board approves $45 million budget deficit

At Tuesdays meeting, the board also approved a budget of about $1 billion for the 2023-24 school year. The budget places the district in a deficit of about $45 million for the school year. Carmen Arrieta-Candelaria, the districts chief financial officer, told the board that district officials had hoped to be able to move toward a balanced budget this year. But a number of one-time expenses, including roof replacements, put that goal out of reach, she said. The district has enough money in reserve that it can cover the deficit without overextending itself, she said.

Arrieta-Candelaria said district officials are also still hopeful that lawmakers will reach a deal to increase funding for school districts during a special session. Although its unclear exactly how much of a funding boost the district would get, any increase would help offset the deficit in the budget, she said.

Several board members expressed reservations about approving a deficit budget. Before voting to approve the budget, trustee Anael Luebanos said he would support the proposal because district officials said thats what they needed to help students continue to make progress. but he said trustees need to hold district leaders accountable for those resources. Luebanos said he expects to see improved academic performance as a result.

We are approving this budget because we want our students to succeed, he said.
Arab-Israeli Knesset member Ahmed Tibi inspects damage in the Palestinian village of Turmus Ayya after the attack by Jewish settlers (AHMAD GHARABLI)

Four Israelis suspected of committing violence against Palestinians last week in the occupied West Bank have been detained under a controversial security measure, a senior security official said Wednesday.

In a rare move, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant issued administrative arrest warrants against them, a measure usually reserved for Palestinians.

Administrative detention is a controversial measure under which suspects are held without charge or trial for renewable periods of up to six months.

The four detainees are suspected of taking part in violence in the West Bank last week and of "endangering the lives of innocent people," the official told AFP on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.

They are also suspected of damaging Palestinian property and setting cars on fire.

Israel has occupied the West Bank since the 1967 Six-Day War and, excluding annexed east Jerusalem, the territory is now home to around 490,000 Israelis who live in settlements considered illegal under international law.

Violence has been increasing in the territory since early last year, and last week's unrest occurred shortly after two Palestinians shot dead four Israelis near the Jewish settlement of Eli in the northern West Bank. The assailants were later shot dead.

- Army 'failed' -

The Palestinians' attack was in response to a deadly raid carried out the day before by the Israeli army in Jenin, according to the Palestinian Hamas movement.

After the attack near Eli, hundreds of Jewish settlers swept into the Palestinian village of Turmus Ayya, where they attacked residents and torched property and cars.

One Palestinian was shot dead in ensuing clashes with Israeli forces.

The Israeli army acknowledged on Friday it "failed" to prevent the attack by Jewish settlers.

At the time, the United States called reports of the attack "troubling", and United Nations Middle East envoy Tor Wennesland on Tuesday said he was "particularly alarmed by the extreme levels of settler violence."

The four detainees were also found to be involved in several "overt and covert violent acts for several years," the official said, adding they had been issued restraining orders in the past.

Some had in the past also "acted against IDF (Israel Defence Forces) soldiers and security forces," the official said.

Despite their past arrests and restraining orders, they are suspected of dangerous acts of vandalism against Palestinian property "on a number of occasions last week," the senior security official said.

Three of the detainees were arrested on June 22, the day following the Turmus Ayya attack, and the fourth on June 23.

Israel says administrative detention is intended to allow authorities to hold suspects while continuing to gather evidence, with the aim of preventing attacks or security offences in the meantime.

The practice has often been used against Palestinians, and Israeli authorities have come under severe criticism from Palestinians, human rights groups, and members of the international community for abusing the measure.

Since the start of the year, at least 176 Palestinians, 25 Israelis, a Ukrainian and an Italian have been killed in violence linked to the conflict, according to an AFP tally compiled from official Israeli and Palestinian sources.

These statistics include, on the Palestinian side, combatants and civilians, including minors, and on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, including minors, and three members of the Arab minority.

jjm-alv-cgo-jd/gb/it
Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. this week called out Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas for critical remarks Lucas made about the countys reassessment process.

In a letter to Lucas obtained by The Star through an open records request, White scolded Lucas for making statements that, according to White, have, I fear, sown seeds of confusion and mistrust among our residents, and have misrepresented the legal and equitable necessity of our reassessment process.

County officials have been under a lot of public pressure lately from taxpayers fearful that big increases in the taxable values of their homes and businesses will lead to comparable increases in their taxes at the end of the year.

The county only sets the valuations on which Kansas City and other jurisdictions base their levies. But the countys reassessment operation often gets the brunt of the blame for increases, which White says is not justified.

Whites letter to Lucas was written mostly in response to remarks Lucas made in a recent TV news interview about the reassessment process.

Lucas said in that interview with KMBCs Micheal Mahoney that he feared some people might not be able to afford big increases in their property taxes based on the growing assessed values of their homes.

As reassessment notices began going out in May, director of assessment Gail McCann Beatty warned that the average increase would be around 30 percent.

But the valuations on some homes have more than doubled, because they had been undervalued for years.

I hope our partners in Jackson County can find a way to perhaps stagger these types of increases to work with people who are going to have real challenges, Lucas told Mahoney.

Later in the interview, he explained why he felt that way:

Because Im scared people could be losing their homes in a little while, he said.

Lucas did not immediately respond to a request for comment for this article. One of his top aides agreed Wednesday to convey to the mayor The Stars request for comment on the letter.

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas

White took umbrage at Lucas statements because the county does not have the power under state law to set up payment plans for taxpayers. He also was annoyed by Lucas implication, both publicly and privately, that the county could use more discretion in setting property values for tax purposes.

By state law, assessed real estate values are supposed to reflect what a piece of property would sell for on the open market. The only discretion the county has is in adjusting values downward for individual homes when presented with evidence to support that.

I think this will be a mess of a process, Lucas said of the appeal procedure property owners have available to them to challenge their assessed values. So what I would say right now is, lets try to act up front.

In his letter, White said such remarks are not helpful.

Your proposal to halt the reassessments is more than just a breach of state law, White wrote. It risks creating false hope and eroding the trust our residents place in public institutions.

Then White got personal, highlighting Lucas own situation as an example for the need to reset the market values of real estate every two years to ensure that all taxpayers are treated equitably.

The letter points out that Lucas own house had been undervalued on the tax rolls at least since he and his wife bought it two years ago for $478,000. Until this reassessment, it had been on the tax rolls at $301,000.

Its now assessed at $492,970 and, White noted, is probably worth more than that, given the current demand for homes in the Coleman Highlands neighborhood where Lucas lives.

In doing so, he also injected race into the discussion, noting that people of color in low-income neighborhoods  White and Lucas are both Black  can end up paying a higher proportion of overall tax collection when property values are not periodically adjusted in middle- and upper-income neighborhoods.

Your residence is in a predominantly white neighborhood that has been undervalued for many years, White wrote. The communities in these neighborhoods are among those who stand to benefit most from your proposed freeze or gradual increase in valuation.

He went on to quote the late Harold Washington, Chicagos first Black mayor.

In plain simple English, Washington is quoted as saying, if your taxes are lower because mine are higher, then you (have been) unjustly enriched.

White ended his single-spaced, one-page letter by imploring Lucas to correct his previous statements.

Continued silence or evasion of this issue is not only misleading to our residents but position you alongside the many politicians whose false statements have significantly eroded public trust and credibility.

Also this week, Manny Abarca, budget committee chairman of the Jackson County Legislature, introduced a proposed resolution calling for the county to cap all property reassessment increases at 15 percent.

It will be heard in committee when the legislature next meets July 10. A similar proposal was considered in 2019, but the county counselor said the county did not have that authority.
FILE PHOTO: Workers attend an operation to gather ducks to be culled in Latrille

French bird flu wave ends after 10 million birds culled FILE PHOTO: Workers attend an operation to gather ducks to be culled in Latrille

PARIS (Reuters) - A wave of bird flu outbreaks in France last month has come to a halt after the culling of 10 million birds this season, the farm ministry said on Wednesday, as it confirmed it would launch vaccination against the virus in the autumn.

France has been among countries worst affected by the unprecedented spread of avian influenza - commonly called bird flu - that has killed hundreds of millions of birds in the past two years, disrupting supply of poultry meat and eggs.

Some 22 million birds were culled in France in the 2021/22 season.

Vaccination against bird flu will start in October and will be mandatory for all ducks across France, making it the first country in the world to launch a nationwide vaccination campaign, farm ministry officials told reporters.

The length of the vaccination campaign - whether all year round or just in the autumn and winter - is still to be decided, depending on the budget allocated, the officials said.

The French Agency for Veterinary Medicinal Products (ANMV) has cleared the use of vaccines from three companies, France's Ceva Animal Health, Germany's Boehringer Ingelheim and U.S. firm Zoetis Animal Health, they said.

A pre-order for 80 million doses was launched in April and a formal decision is expected next month, the officials said.

Tests carried out in France on Ceva and Boehringer Ingelheim's vaccines showed favourable results. The officials could not say where Zoetis had carried out its tests.

Governments have increasingly considered vaccination in the past months to stem the spread of the virus, although some are resisting due to concerns it could hit exports to countries that have banned vaccinated poultry on fears infected birds could slip through the net.

(Reporting by Sybille de La Hamaide; Editing by Mark Potter)
By John Irish

PARIS (Reuters) -French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna heads to Mongolia on Wednesday aiming to push a potentially 1 billion euro uranium deal for nuclear group Orano that Paris hopes can be concluded in the autumn, French diplomatic sources said on Wednesday.

President Emmanuel Macron stopped off in Ulaanbaatar in May on his return from a G7 summit in Japan, saying that the two countries had agreed to work together to boost French energy sovereignty through the supply of critical metals from Mongolia.

"Mongolia is full of resources and resources that aren't sufficiently exploited, and not all identified," a French diplomatic source told reporters ahead of Colonna's visit.

"There is one major project, which is an Orano project that aims to exploit uranium mines," the source said. "It is ... worth more than 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) and enables the extraction of a large quantity of uranium."

"It's advancing well, and there is an agreement that is being negotiated with the objective to conclude by next autumn."

According to the company's website it and its partner, Mongolian state-owned Mon-Atom, are working with Mongolian authorities on an investment agreement for the Zuuvch Ovoo project, one of two for which their Badrakh Energy joint venture received mining licenses in 2015.

Orano confirmed the project in question was Zuuvch Ovoo and said in an emailed response to Reuters that negotiations were ongoing and that the company aimed to develop the first uranium mine in Mongolia, "applying the highest standards in terms of health, safety and the environment, as well as social responsibility."

Orano, a major uranium producer with mines in Canada, Kazakhstan and Niger, has been in Mongolia for more than 25 years, carrying out exploration activities, its website showed.

Nearly 80% of Mongolia's total exports go to China, but the mineral-rich country is working to expand trade and mining relationships beyond its two big neighbours China and Russia and hopes to become a bridge between Europe and Asia.

Mongolia is home to major deposits of rare earth minerals, which are essential to many high-tech manufacturing processes and are used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, portable electronics, microphones and speakers.

"There will be other meetings to see what we can do to identify resources and prepare possible exploration cooperations," the diplomatic source said.

($1 = 0.9142 euros)

(Additional reporting by Benjamin Mallet; Editing by Jan Harvey and David Evans)
Bitwise Industries, the Fresno-based technological training, technology services and real estate development company, is under federal scrutiny for potential criminal violations in the wake of the companys financial implosion at the end of May, according to sources who are aware of the probe.

Three different sources, each of whom spoke on condition of anonymity, told The Fresno Bee that the Federal Bureau of Investigation has launched a criminal investigation into Bitwise and its leadership. But the sources were not in a position to describe the kinds of potential crimes or particular individuals that FBI agents are looking into.

One source said several people had been interviewed by investigators about Bitwise since last week but had been cautioned not to discuss the case.

Federal authorities do not confirm or deny any investigation as a policy, said Lauren Horwood, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Justice / U.S. Attorneys Office in Sacramento, in response to a query from The Fresno Bee earlier this month. Chris Hales, another DOJ spokesperson in Sacramento, reiterated that position to The Bee last week.

Over recent weeks, former Bitwise employees have raised concerns that their contributions for the company 401(k) retirement savings plan, while deducted from their paychecks, were not forwarded to John Hancock Retirement, the plan administrator.

The U.S. Department of Labors Employee Benefit Security Administration is aware of the allegations concerning the Bitwise Industries Inc. 401(k) plan, agency spokesperson Jose Carnevali told The Fresno Bee in an email Tuesday. While it is not our policy to disclose whether or not we have an open investigation, we can tell you that delinquent employee contributions and plan abandonment are high priority enforcement issues for EBSA.

While Horwood declined to address questions about a federal investigation, she did refer The Bee to a pair of California cases prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys Office  one in Sacramento County in 2019, another in Shasta County in 2022  that resulted in convictions for embezzlement of funds from employees retirement plans.

Fresno-based Bitwise Industries was founded in 2013 as a hub to provide technology training classes in software coding and website development, as well as providing support for budding technology entrepreneurs. Since that time, it expanded its interest into real estate development, taking a hand in rehabilitating aging buildings in downtown Fresno and leasing space to other businesses.

In recent years, the company embarked on an aggressive effort to develop sites or acquire other technology enterprises in Bakersfield, Merced and Oakland, as well as what former Bitwise co-CEOs Jake Soberal and Irma Olguin Jr. described as often-overlooked underdog cities including Greeley, Colorado; South Chicago, Illinois; Las Cruces, New Mexico; Buffalo, New York; Toledo, Ohio; and El Paso, Texas.

Bad business, or criminal conduct?

The Bitwise efforts came crashing down over the Memorial Day weekend, when Soberal and Olguin announced to employees in a May 29 video call and email that the companys approximately 900 workers nationwide were being immediately furloughed. Within days, Soberal and Olguin were fired by the Bitwise board of directors, and on June 14 interim Bitwise president Ollen Douglass notified workers by email that their positions were being permanently terminated in a mass layoff.

Even before the furloughs and layoffs, however, there were signs of cracks in Bitwises financial foundation  unpaid property taxes, unpaid rent on three buildings it leased in downtown Fresno, bounced employee paychecks, the sale of COVID-19 employee retention tax credits owed to Bitwise to raise cash in late 2022; and an 11th-hour scramble to land operating capital from local investors even after the announcement earlier this year of an $80 million venture capital investment.

Since May 29, troubles have continued to mount. The city of Fresno revealed that Bitwise had not paid its business license taxes since September 2021 and owes about $21,000, and revelations by employees that not only had their last paychecks bounced, but payroll deductions from their checks for a 401(k) retirement savings plan had not been forwarded to the plan administrator. Two separate class-action lawsuits have been filed on behalf of Bitwise employees alleging labor law violations  one in Fresno County Superior Court, another in the U.S. District Court in Fresno  related to laying off workers without advance notice required by both federal and state law.

And Bitwise and its leaders also face at least three different civil lawsuits alleging fraud in the companys business dealings or solicitation of loans or funds from investors.

Soberal, who is named as a defendant in several of the lawsuits, declined comment when contacted by The Bee at his Fresno home Tuesday. He added that he does not have an attorney representing him.

The Bee has been unable to contact Olguin. Douglass, the interim president and a member of the Bitwise board, has also not responded to requests for comment.

Potential criminal liability for Bitwise leadership?

Earlier this month, Fresno City Council members canceled a $1 million contract with Bitwise to provide technology services for small businesses. That contract was funded by federal COVID-19 pandemic relief funds that included several requirements for financial documentation by grantees.

In a June 1 press conference, City Councilmember Mike Karbassi expressed concern over employees assertions that retirement deductions were not forwarded to the plan provider. But Karbassi and City Attorney Andrew Janz sidestepped questions about potential criminal liability.

I cant comment on whether anyone is criminal, but I can say that Mr. Soberal is very irresponsible, Karbassi said.

Janz declined at the press conference to comment on prospects for any prosecution related to the federal ARPA funds, instead saying those would be under the jurisdiction of federal agencies such as the DOJ or the FBI. Were taking a deep dive into the financial documents that they handed us, Janz said at that time.

Janz also told The Bee on June 1 that he could not address whether there is any criminal investigation that hes aware of, or whether the city has received any inquiries from federal law enforcement officials regarding either the alleged 401(k) irregularities or the federal ARPA funds. If the documents submitted by Bitwise for the ARPA grant indicate any problems, however, we would forward that to the appropriate agency for prosecution, Janz said.

On June 14, after Douglass termination email went out to employees, Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said, I wouldnt be a bit surprised if there wasnt some kind of federal criminal investigation that follows as well. He added last week that he had not heard anything official as of yet about a federal investigation.

Penalties for retirement contribution irregularities

When Soberal and Olguin announced the furloughs, they said the move was the result of what they called unexpected financial issues.

Severe financial difficulty for an employer is described by the U.S. Department of Labors Employee Benefits Security Administration as one of 10 warning signs of abuse of pension contributions.

The federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, also known as ERISA, provides for both civil and criminal penalties for violations of retirement plan laws including embezzlement or theft from a pension plan or 401(k).

There are a number of ways in which contributory plans can be vulnerable to criminal abuse, the U.S. Department of Labor states in an online fact sheet. Employers, or others with authority over plan assets, may convert employee payroll contributions for their own personal use or they may misapply employee contributions to cover business expenses.

The Labor Departments Employee Benefits Security Administration reports that criminal prosecution of individuals who abuse their authority or control over contributory plans can result in severe criminal penalties, including imprisonment.

A spokesperson for John Hancock Retirement did not respond to questions from The Bee regarding a possible investigation into Bitwises handling of its 401(k) plan.

In the two cases mentioned by Horwood, the DOJ spokesperson, company CEOs were found criminally liable for embezzling from their employees retirement funds, one in 2019 through unauthorized transfers from the retirement plan to his own personal account, the other in 2022 by withholding funds from employee paychecks and failing to forward those to the plan.

The 2019 case in Sacramento County involved the CEO of a real estate investment firm who pleaded guilty in federal court and an order to pay restitution of almost $11,000, Horwood said.

In the Shasta County case in 2022, the CEO of a now-defunct company that offered student recruiting and retention services to colleges was convicted of embezzlement after allegedly siphoning almost $125,000 in employee payroll deductions. The CEO was sentenced to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution to the employees.

Both convictions were the result of investigations by the Labor Departments Employee Benefits Security Administration.
Fresno man accused of driving drunk and killing someone at taco truck to face murder trial

A Fresno man with two drunk-driving convictions, and a third open case, will go on trial later this summer for his fourth and most serious DUI charge.

Rolando Alvarenga-Aguilar, 47, is charged with eight counts  including murder, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, hit and run, and driving with a blood alcohol concentration in excess of .08% causing great bodily injury.

If convicted on all charges, he faces up to 19 years and eight months in prison.

The defendant is accused of driving his 1998 Ford Econoline van into two people sitting outside of Tacos El Bello food truck near Maple and Belmont avenues on Oct. 9, 2021.

Sabas Ruiz Galaviz, 60, of Fresno, sustained several injuries from the collision and was taken to Community Regional Medical Center where he later died after suffering a stroke. The other person who was hurt, a woman in her 40s, received minor injuries, including a scraped arm and knee as she tried getting out of the way of the van.

Witnesses said Alvarenga-Aguilar pulled into the parking lot shortly before 7 p.m., lost control of the vehicle and hit the two customers before fleeing the scene on foot.

Alvarenga-Aguilar was arrested by police a short time later.

Victim who died in crash at Fresno taco truck had stroke

At the defendants preliminary hearing Tuesday, Judge Michael Idiart found there was enough evidence for the district attorneys office to push forward with the charges against Alvarenga-Aguilar.

One of the issues being debated during the hearing was whether Galavizs death was as a result of the injuries from the crash or having a stroke.

Ronnie Sims, a district attorney investigator, interviewed the CRMC surgeon who worked on Galaviz. The doctor told Sims that there was a link between the trauma from the crash and Galavizs stroke.

Also testifying was police officer Lucas Garnica, who said he spoke to several people at the scene that night, including the owner of the taco truck.

The owner told Garnica that he saw the defendant toss a can of beer out of the van after the crash. Garnica also testified that there was a case of beer inside the van and several empty cans in the back.

Prosecuting the case is Steven Ueltzen. Alvarenga-Aguilars defense attorney is Marina Pincus, of the public defenders office.
Your Friend Admitted To Cheating On Their Partner. Heres What Experts Say To Do Next.

You may not have had a choice in your friend divulging their affair. But you do get to decide how involved you want to be in the mess moving forward.

You may not have had a choice in your friend divulging their affair. But you do get to decide how involved you want to be in the mess moving forward.

Its a position no person wants to be in: You find out a close friend is cheating and now you feel like youre morally compromised, too, just by knowing.

Do you advise them on what to do? Suggest they talk to their partner? Play moral referee and let them know you think its wrong that theyre stepping out? Take a not my circus, not my monkeys approach and stay out of it?

The complicity of friends in situations like this has been top of mind for fans of Bravos Vanderpump Rules for the last few months: Tom Schwartz, a key cast mate on the reality show, is still feeling the blowback over his role in best friend Tom Sandovals affair with cast mate Raquel Leviss.

By his own admission, Schwartz knew about Sandoval cheating on Ariana Madix, Sandovals girlfriend of nine years, for almost the entire duration of the affair. Schwartz allegiance may lie with Sandoval  as well as his financial future (they own two bars together)  but he and Madix are also close. (She even served as a groomswoman at his 2019 wedding to cast mate Katie Maloney.)

Why didnt he tell Madix about the affair? In April, Schwartz told Bravo producer Andy Cohen that he was being fed a narrative that [Tom] has broken up with Ariana, or attempted to multiple times  many, many times. And hes not happy, theyre not healthy, theyre not intimate, blah blah blah.

He did a good job of placating me, he told Cohen. And he told me he has a game plan, hes gonna do the right thing  and then he just kind of continued to keep procrastinating.

Lisa Vanderpump, Tom Sandoval, Tom Schwartz and Raquel Leviss at the

Lisa Vanderpump, Tom Sandoval, Tom Schwartz and Raquel Leviss at the "Vanderpump Rules" Season 10 reunion.

When Cohen asked if Schwartz was also angry with Leviss, he admitted, Im more upset with Sandoval because he took advantage of my kindness. And he put a lot of people, not just myself, in very compromising situations where our integrity was at stake.

Therapists whove kept up with the Vanderpump Rules affair had some thoughts on how Schwartz handled being in the middle.

I think he handled his best friends affair the way that most friends end up handling this type of situation: They may initially give their friend advice to either end the affair or to be honest with their partner, and then in order to avoid conflict, take a passive or even supportive role, hoping their friend heeds their advice, said Abigail Makepeace, a marriage and family therapist based in Los Angeles, California.

Its obviously a difficult position to be in, because while you may deeply disapprove of their actions, you still value their friendship.

If you make the decision to out your friend for having an affair, you are taking the huge gamble that might end your friendship, as well as their marriage or relationship, on the whole, she said.

Because this reality TV conundrum is common offscreen as well, we asked Makepeace and other therapists to share the advice theyd give to other people in a situation like Schwartz. See what they had to say below.

You probably want to think twice before allowing yourself to be their alibi, our therapist experts said.

You probably want to think twice before allowing yourself to be their alibi, our therapist experts said.

Set boundaries with your friend.

You may not have had a choice in your friend divulging their affair. But you do get to decide how involved you want to be in the mess moving forward, said Sheri Meyers, a marriage and family therapist and the author of Chatting or Cheating: How to Detect Infidelity, Rebuild Love and Affair-Proof Your Relationship.

Its important to set your boundaries and tell your friend what you are willing to do and what you wont do, she said. Maybe its telling them, I love you, however Im not willing to lie for you or I dont want to be put in the middle in any way or socialize with this new person.

You can establish a boundary like that while still lending them your support.

You can decide: Im willing to help you work things through, and do whatever I can to get you the support you need or I am your friend and care for you no matter what, Meyers said.

Think twice before allowing yourself to be their alibi.

Caroline Madden is a marriage and family therapist who helps couples repair after infidelity. (Shes also the author of a number of books on infidelity.) Her strong advice for any friend put in a Schwartz-like position is not to become an alibi for your friend, even if your friend presses you.

It never ends well, Madden told HuffPost. It is one thing to turn a blind eye to bad behavior and quite another to actively participate in deception, especially if the betrayed partner is a friend as well.

The betrayed partner will likely have questions about the whole situation and who else was involved. If youre seen as someone who knew about the cheating but didnt do enough to stop it, it could seriously jeopardize your friendship with both people.

If they get back together, the betrayed partner might even require their wayward partner to end their friendship with you, Madden said.

"This is a situation where the best choice is to be true to the person you want to be and not allow yourself to be swayed by what your friend wants," said Kurt Smith, a therapist in Northern California whose counseling practice specializes in helping men.

Let your friend know how the situation is making you feel.

If you feel like youve been put in an uncomfortable position of having to cover or conceal when youre with your friend and their partner, its a good idea  and an honest friendship move  to share those feelings with your friend, said Amy Begel, a marriage and family therapist and the author of Diagnosis: Human: How Unlocking Hidden Relationship Patterns Can Transform and Heal Our Partners, Our Children, Ourselves.

In any cases like this, people sometimes end up feeling like theyre the cheater, Begel said. Tell your friend that you feel your integrity is being compromised. Dont soften it. Suggest that he come clean with his partner; otherwise you may have to put your friendship on ice until he figures his stuff out.

If you begin feedback like this by first affirming that you still love and support them, your friend will likely be more receptive towhat you have to say, Makepeace added.

Communicate to your friend that your biggest concern with their cheating isnt shame or judgement-based  about wanting them todothe rightthing, for instance  but instead comes out of a deep concern for their making irreversible decisions, she said. That might help them more deeply process potential outcomes and hear your feedback less reactively.

These are gutsy positions to take, Begel said, but it will probably be appreciated in the long run.

Ask yourself: How will I feel about this a year from now?

Regardless of what you do, even nothing, youre still likely to have someone upset with you at some point  often really upset, said Kurt Smith, a therapist in Northern California whose counseling practice specializes in helping men.

Its the ultimate no-win situation, he told HuffPost.

If you feel morally conflicted, it might help to ask yourself which option youre most likely to be disappointed in yourself for taking when you look back a year from now, Smith said.

Friends can come and go, but we have to live with ourselves and our integrity forever, he said. Its common to look back on our choices with regrets. It sounds like Schwartz has some. This is a situation where the best choice is to be true to the person you want to be and not allow yourself to be swayed by what your friend wants.

Related...
Seven men from a Connecticut prison crossed the stage at a ceremony in June, celebrating the major accomplishment.

Graduates Alpha Jalloh, left, and Marcus Harvin, right, embrace at the first-ever college graduation ceremony at the MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution on June 9 in Suffield, Conn. (Jessica Hill/AP)

At first, Marcus Harvin called it a blessing and then changed his word to miracle. The former inmate spent six years in prison at the MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution and walked out as a college student last year.

This year, he was among the first to graduate from a program and partnership between the University of New Havens Prison Education Program and the Yale Prison Education Initiative at Dwight Hall. Harvin joined six other men to make up the first class to matriculate through the program.

The Connecticut father was sentenced to prison in 2016 for a drunken driving crash that left his two young children injured. In 2021, he was accepted into the prison program. In May 2022, he was released and finished his degree at the University of New Haven (UNH) campus a year later.

Now he aspires to become a defense attorney and perform pro bono work for people who cant afford adequate representation.

Graduate Marcus Harvin, right, fist bumps an inmate and fellow student at the first-ever college graduation ceremony at the MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution on June 9. (Jessica Hill/AP)

Yes, we've made mistakes, Harvin told Yahoo News. But just because we've made mistakes doesn't mean that we can't make a difference in this world and make a change within ourselves, so that the things we've done will just be the things we've done, not the things we do.

How it got started

Zelda Roland, a Yale alum, created the program in 2016 and reached out to UNH for the partnership. She modeled it after a similar program she worked in at Wesleyan University.

Inmates at MacDougall-Walker officially started taking classes at UNH in 2018 and the UNH partnership started in 2021. The program gives inmates the opportunity to earn two- and four-year college degrees. It has just under 40 active students at MacDougall-Walker.

Future graduate Evan Holmes wipes tears from his eyes after delivering a speech at the first-ever college graduation ceremony at the MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution in June. (Jessica Hill/AP)

So far, it has been a success. We have a 100% retention rate for anyone who hasn't been transferred or released from the prison, Roland told Yahoo News. She noted that the program has now been extended to the federal womens prison in Danbury, Conn.

The program is far from easy. We work in a prison that has about 1,500 men; it's the largest prison in the Northeast, Roland said. Six hundred people asked to be considered for our first 12-person class. So it is extremely competitive to get into this program and it takes serious commitment to get through it, she said.

Changing lives

For Harvin, the juxtaposition of taking classes behind bars and on campus could be a tough adjustment.

They challenged us [in prison] probably more than the students on campus get challenged, Harvin, who studied in prison and on campus, told Yahoo News. And the environment makes it even that much more difficult to excel because you'll have an unmotivated cellmate that might be making noise all day, all night, yet you still got a 10-page paper due in 10 hours.

Greta LaFleur, an associate professor of American Studies at Yale, right, smiles as she listens to graduates speak at the graduation ceremony at MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution in June. (Jessica Hill/AP)

In June, Harvin was able to walk at UNHs ceremony as he had been released from prison, but he also returned to McDougall-Walker for its graduation ceremony, at which he received his associate degree in general studies from UNH.

Harvin said the program helped him make a complete turnaround. After finishing high school in 2006, he went to Eastern Connecticut State University and left with a 1.7 GPA. He said he finished UNH with around a 3.8 GPA.

Each graduate of the program received high honors, meaning each had earned at least a 3.5 GPA. Although the degrees do not say Yale on them, a transcript will show that the men took classes at the prestigious Ivy League institution.

Graduate Alpha Jalloh walks with his diploma past correction officers congratulating him at the graduation ceremony at the MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution. (Jessica Hill/AP)

Speaking to Yale News, the classs valedictorian, Alpha Jalloh, talked about growing up in the South Bronx with few possibilities. I am the first person among my friends to get a college degree, he said. True change can only happen when we dream big and dream different.

Its not a free education

Roland says the cost of the program is covered by private grants and donations. It is not money that could be used for any other purpose, she said. It's not money that's being taken from anybody else. It's money that is specifically being contributed with the purpose of investing in the leadership and citizenship of incarcerated students.

Conversely, programs like Rolands could save taxpayers money. According to a report from the Vera Institute of Justice, postsecondary education can lead to less recidivism, meaning fewer former inmates returning to prison. The report suggests that every dollar invested in educational programs in prisons yields taxpayer savings of four to five dollars from reduced incarceration costs.

Community impact

Most people in prison  more than 95% of those serving time  will be released at some point in the future and reintegrated into society.

Graduates Alpha Jalloh, left, and Marcus Harvin, right, congratulate each other at graduation at the MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution. (Jessica Hill/AP)

That said, formerly incarcerated people who participate in postsecondary education programs have 28% lower odds of returning to prison than those who do not, according to RAND Corporation. Many criminal justice experts believe correctional facilities should prioritize rehabilitation over punishment.

Postsecondary education programs can also help make correctional facilities safer, prompting fewer violent incidents than prisons without them and creating safer working conditions for staff.

As for Harvin, he said he is now co-teaching a Yale class with Roland and is a fellow in Yales Access to Law School program and a President's Public Service Fellow at UNH. His family couldnt be more proud.

My family is extremely happy and they just laugh because this is not the typical story, he said. But it could be if more programs or more people are given access to programs like this.
 Flash

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of New Zealand Chris Hipkins at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

China's emphasis on self-reliance is by no means to adopt a closed-door policy, but to better connect domestic and international markets, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday.

Xi's remarks came during his talks with Prime Minister of New Zealand Chris Hipkins, who is paying an official visit to China.

Xi stressed that, at present, China's central task is to advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization. He said achieving high-quality development is a top priority, common prosperity for all the Chinese people is essential, and making a greater contribution to world peace and development is an important goal for China.

China is such a big country with such a large population that it can only base the development of the country and the nation on its own strength, Xi said.

"Only by opening up can China realize modernization. Development is the top priority of the Communist Party of China in governing and rejuvenating the country. We will continue to vigorously promote high-level opening up and better protect the rights and interests of foreign investors per the law," Xi said.

On bilateral relations, Xi said he attaches great importance to China-New Zealand ties. He recalled his visit to New Zealand in 2014, during which the two countries established a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Xi said the sound and steady growth of China-New Zealand relations over the past decade brought tangible benefits to the two peoples and contributed to regional peace, stability, development, and prosperity.

China has always regarded New Zealand as a friend and partner and is ready to work with New Zealand to embrace another 50 years in bilateral relations and promote the steady growth of China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi said.

China-New Zealand relations have long been a pacemaker in China's relations with developed countries, Xi said.

Both countries should continue to see each other as partners rather than adversaries and opportunities rather than threats to consolidate the foundation for the growth of China-New Zealand relations, Xi said.

The Chinese president called for a thorough implementation of the upgraded bilateral free trade agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to advance trade and investment liberalization and facilitation and provide a better business environment for companies to invest and operate in each other's countries.

He noted both China and New Zealand need to step up exchanges and cooperation in education, culture, tourism, and at the sub-national and non-governmental levels so that there can be more people like Rewi Alley, a pioneer in China-New Zealand relations, to boost the bilateral friendship.

Xi called on both sides to jointly advocate true multilateralism and a free trade system and address global challenges such as climate change, adding that they can also help the development of Pacific island countries together.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of New Zealand Chris Hipkins at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Hipkins said that last year New Zealand and China celebrated the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, which is a vital milestone in bilateral relations. He said New Zealand attaches great importance to developing relations with China.

Hipkins said he is leading a large business delegation to China to explore more cooperation opportunities and lift bilateral relations to a new level.

New Zealand is willing to strengthen personnel exchanges with China, expand bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, education, science and technology, culture, and other fields, and jointly implement the upgraded version of the bilateral free trade agreement, Hipkins said.

The New Zealand side believes that differences should not define the bilateral ties, and what is important is candid exchanges, mutual respect, and harmony without uniformity, Hipkins said, adding that New Zealand is willing to maintain communication with China on helping develop island countries.
Gaetz demands answers on how FBI agents who kneeled for 2020 protesters allegedly got 'plum' promotions

Gaetz demands answers on how FBI agents who kneeled for 2020 protesters allegedly got 'plum' promotions

FIRST ON FOX: Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz sent a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray this week regarding officers who were seen kneeling before Black Lives Matter (BLM) protesters in 2020.

Several FBI officers were photographed kneeling during a June 4, 2020, demonstration in Washington, D.C. The protests during summer 2020 often turned into violent riots across the country in outrage over the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Some agents who kneeled reportedly received commendations from FBI executive management, Gaetz claimed in his letter, and the Florida congressman demanded to know whether their support for the demonstrators contributed to their career advancement.

"Many FBI personnel we were trusting to be on the front lines were photographed kneeling in surrender to people who at times were violent," Gaetz told Fox News Digital in an interview.

FLORIDA'S REP. GAETZ SAYS SPEAKER MCCARTHY MUST BE FORCED INTO MONOGAMY WITH CONSERVATIVES OR DEMOCRATS

Gaetz says one of the kneeling agents appears to be Washington field office assistant special agent in charge Sarah Linden.

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Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., sent a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray regarding agents who appeared to kneel to rioters in June 2020.

Gaetz said he heard from a whistleblower and other information that "people were rewarded for this at [the] FBI with plum personnel opportunities and promotions and advancements."

"To climb the ladder in federal employment, you shouldn't have to shimmy up the woke totem pole," Gaetz added, asking Wray "about how various personnel engaged in these acts of supplication were then given plum professional opportunities."

Gaetz said the "FBI's behavior is demoralizing" to law enforcement from the local to the federal levels and that "it showcases a real misunderstanding of the purpose of law enforcement."

"The purpose of law enforcement is to keep people safe, not to engage in politics," Gaetz said. "And for the last several years, we've seen the FBI more interested in virtue signaling and political activity than in just the nuts and bolts in evaluating the facts and the law."

The Florida Republican named Linden in his letter to Wray, telling Fox News Digital he sent the letter to get "confirmation" that the whistleblower information he received was correct.

"And Sarah Linden, we understand, now is leading the criminal division of the Washington field office," Gaetz said. "And if that's the case, we want to know that that was a decision based on merit, not a decision solely as a consequence of a political performance."

When asked about his confidence level that the agent wearing sunglasses and a surgical mask in the picture was Linden, Gaetz said: "That's why we've asked the question."

"We have reason to believe that's who it is and that's what we are seeking to confirm," Gaetz said.

Gaetz said he did not know the identities of the other kneeling agents, but that "we'll see if their careers got an otherwise unwarranted updraft as a consequence."

The Florida Republican added that the "Biden administration seeks to reward those who participate in these virtue signals rather than doing their job."

"Wasn't it the Biden administration that wanted to have the intricacies of nuclear energy handled by the suitcase-stealing weirdo?" he added, referring to embattled former senior Department of Energy official Sam Brinton.

In the letter exclusively obtained by Fox News Digital, Gaetz noted the 2020 "coordinated" summer riots that caused "millions of dollars in property damage" as well as the May 29, 2020, altercation where "violent protestors threw rocks, urine, and alcohol at United States Secret Service Agents, injuring over 60 of them."

"Some protestors also scaled the barriers to the White House and Department of the Treasury complex," Gaetz wrote.

"This shameful and unprecedented violence took place over several days, and included the arson attack on St. Johns Episcopal Church adjacent to the White House. During these events, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) personnel were quite literally 'on the line' defending our nations Capitol in an attack that has not been surpassed since in either its scope or violence."

"Perhaps in an effort to placate the mob, on June 4, 2020, at least six alleged FBI agents were filmed kneeling in supplication," Gaetz wrote. He claimed that Linden appeared to be "expressing her support for these seditious riots that caused so much destruction."

Gaetz gave Wray a July 7 deadline to respond to his questions.

The FBI did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
Garage sale shopper makes shocking discovery about $1 wooden bowl: I had no idea those retailed for so much

Wooden kitchen items have a rustic charm that a plastic bowl simply cant compete with  its just a shame that theyre also far more expensive.

Not so for one Redditor, who stumbled on an incredible discount in a thrift store. In a photo posted to the r/ThriftStoreHauls subreddit, they showed off their new 11-inch salad bowl from The Great Alaskan Bowl Company, which cost them a mere $1.

Those bowls dont usually come so cheap  this ones original market price was $119.

Photo Credit: u/Erinzzz / Reddit

Photo Credit: u/Erinzzz / Reddit

Its not hard to see why. The wood comes in a rich hue with the knots and grain still visible, and its been sanded down to an enviable smoothness.

Just in time for Big Salad Season, the Redditor wrote in a caption.

Wooden bowls dont just look good. Theyre also much healthier for you to keep in your kitchen than plastic bowls.

Items made out of plastic, such as bottles, home furnishings, and carpet fibers, shed microplastics into the air in our homes, which we then breathe in.

Microplastics have been linked to declining sperm counts, brain toxicity, and potentially some cancers.

When we are done with our plastic bowls, it is highly unlikely that they will be properly recycled. Only a tenth of all the plastic ever produced has been recycled once, and 1% has been recycled twice.

Trashed plastic bowls are more likely to end up in a landfill, where they can take hundreds of years to decompose.

The Great Alaskan Bowl Companys wooden bowls, by contrast, are biodegradable.

The company also says that it has a low to zero waste manufacturing facility, meaning that it uses up or gives away nearly all the wood and sawdust from manufacturing.

Some Redditors in the comments said that the company leaves discarded logs outside its facilities for locals to collect for their own uses, including making planters.

In 2021, The Great Alaskan Bowl Company pledged to plant a tree for every bowl that it makes, with the goal of planting 10,000 trees in its first year in aid of reforestation.

Deforestation is a pressing issue around the world and at home. The U.S. lost 4.22 million acres of forest in 2021, which contributed the equivalent of 775 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

By buying this wooden bowl secondhand from a company that already attempts to cultivate wood sustainably, this thrifty Redditor has maximized their low-impact lifestyle.

I had no idea those retailed for so much. Its a beautiful bowl, congratulations! wrote one Redditor.

Great find! Im a little jealous on this one, another added.

Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more, waste less, and help yourself while helping the planet.
Haley Pullos is accused of reportedly crashing into oncoming traffic in Pasadena in May. (Leon Bennett / WireImage)

"General Hospital" star Haley Pullos pleaded not guilty last week to felony DUI charges stemming from a wrong-way crash in Pasadena last month.

Prosecutors charged the longtime soap opera actor with one felony count of driving under the influence of alcohol and causing injury, another felony count of driving with .08% alcohol in her blood and causing injury and one misdemeanor count of hit and run, resulting in property damage, the Los Angeles County district attorney's office said.

Pullos, 24, was arraigned June 20, appearing at a Pasadena courthouse where she entered her not guilty pleas, according to court records. The D.A.'s office had filed charges against her on June 16. Her next court appearance is scheduled for late July.

"Drunk driving remains a grave concern in our communities, claiming thousands of innocent lives each year," the DA's Office said Wednesday in a statement provided to The Times. "Charging Haley Pullos with a felony DUI causing injury underscores the severity of this alleged offense."

A representative for Pullos declined to comment on the case when contacted by The Times.

Read more: 'General Hospital' star Haley Pullos arrested on DUI charge after Pasadena car crash

The DUI charges stem from an April 29 crash involving at least two vehicles on the 134 Freeway in Pasadena near the Colorado and Orange Grove boulevards exit , according to the Pasadena Fire Department. Fire crews had to rescue the individuals from both cars. The fire department had shared photos of the crash, showing the cars with crumpled front ends and shattered windows.

Several weeks after the crash, TMZ reported that Pullos had been driving on the freeway when she allegedly swerved, cleared the dividing barrier and crashed into a car going the opposite direction at about 60 miles per hour before slamming into the other car. Both Pullos and the driver of the other car were hospitalized. Citing a police report, TMZ added that Pullos had acted aggressively toward fire paramedics and authorities at the hospital.

Police told TMZ that Pullos was involved in a hit-and-run traffic collision on surface streets, before the freeway accident.

Read more: 'General Hospital' actor Haley Pullos sued by injured driver after Pasadena car crash

Earlier this month, the driver of the other vehicle filed a lawsuit against Pullos for personal injury. The suit, filed by Courtney Wilder, alleged that Pullos had driven her car in the wrong direction, up the Colorado Boulevard off-ramp and onto the 134 Freeway before she collided head-on with Wilder, leaving the individual with "life-threatening injuries."

Soap Opera Digest reported in May that General Hospital had temporarily recast Pullos character, Molly Lansing-Davis, while the actor is on medical leave. The show has reportedly tapped Holiday Mia Kriegel to sub in starting next week.

Unfortunately, I was involved in an automobile accident and Im doing okay, but I am going to need a little time to recover, Pullos told Soap Opera Digest in a statement. I will be back as soon as possible!

Read more: Tyler Christopher of 'General Hospital' fame arrested at Burbank airport

Pullos made her "General Hospital" debut in 2009 at the age of 10, growing up on the show over the next decade. Her character had been born via emergency C-section while on a train immediately after a crash. She grew to be a precocious child who often meddled with the various criminal and romantic dramas around her and her family.

In her last appearance on the show May 24, her character is still reeling from a recent endometriosis diagnosis making her infertile. She gets into an argument with her partner over her symptoms and angrily walks out on him.

In 2015, Pullos was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for outstanding younger actress in a drama series.

Read more: Pete Davidson charged with reckless driving months after Beverly Hills car crash

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Georgia lawyer sued Facebook and won. Now hes helping others sent to Facebook jail

A lawyer in Columbus, Georgia, sued Facebook for deleting his account with treasured photos that could be found nowhere else.

And he won  $50,000 in damages. And internet fame.

So much social media buzz followed personal injury attorney Jason Crawfords case that hes now hearing from others who feel their Facebook account got wrongfully deleted. Crawford is collecting those stories, with hopes of helping those people too.

It all started when Crawford, 53, discovered his Facebook account had been deleted when he woke up on Aug. 15, 2022, and got online, expecting the usual banter from his social media buddies.

He got a lot more alert when instead of viewing the latest posts, he saw a one-second pop-up window telling him he had violated the social media giants rules on child sexual exploitation.

Though he later learned he had been hacked, he at first wondered what graphic language hed used in his testy online exchanges to trigger that misinterpretation.

His account has been suspended before, he acknowledged, because of his salty retorts to fans of former President Donald Trump, whom he loves to lampoon.

I keep my Facebook account for a couple of reasons, he said. One is for pictures and videos, and the other is to make fun of Trump fans.

Of all the people who contacted him after he sued Facebook, Crawford first recalls the woman who started crying over the phone.

Like Crawford, she once had been among Facebooks 3 billion users worldwide, a number that datareportal.com describes as more than a third of the Earths population. And like Crawford, she had lost access to her Facebook account, through no fault of her own, and had stored treasured family photos there.

Unlike Crawford, she did not know what to do.

The elderly woman had lost not only a social media account. She had lost access to the last photos of her deceased husband and son. Her grief had been compounded, loss upon loss.

She just bawled, Crawford said.

She was among hundreds of people from across the world who got in touch with Crawford after hearing that he had won the suit, and that Facebook had restored his account. Facebook determined someone else had hacked into it, to commit whatever offense got Crawford kicked off the platform.

People from as far away as Australia and Ethiopia told Crawford they had encountered similar issues.

I had no idea that this was such a pervasive problem for Facebook, he said. Apparently their security is terrible.

Crawford now is collecting their stories, hoping one day he can help resolve their issues.

Facebook jail

Calling his occasional suspensions Facebook jail, Crawford said, The times that I have been in Facebook jail, I have earned it.

For example, he once posted to a friend that, If he came down to my house, I would kick his ass at ping-pong, because we used to play ping-pong as little kids, after school.... I got sent to Facebook jail for bullying.

But his account had never been deleted altogether. He tried to appeal that, but he could not, because to appeal the deletion of his Facebook account, he had to have a Facebook account, he said: It was a Catch-22, a dilemma made unsolvable by mutually conflicting conditions.

So Crawford did what he does best: sue.

When you are a hammer, everything looks like a nail, he said.

He filed his claim in Muscogee State Court on Aug. 18.

Facebooks conduct was negligent and proximately caused plaintiff harm, he wrote. Plaintiffs Facebook account has valuable materials, photographs, narrative content, and communication channels that plaintiff has been deprived from accessing based on a violation that did not occur.

He asked for an award of $75,000 or less.

If they had just called me up and said, Hey, were sorry; weve reinstated your account; hope everything goes well for you, I would absolutely have dismissed the case, Crawford said.

Now they can do whatever they want to me

Meta had up to 45 days to respond to Crawfords claim in court.

It did not.

With no word from Meta, months beyond the deadline, State Court Judge Andy Prather ruled Feb. 21 that Meta had defaulted, by not responding, and he awarded Crawford $50,000.

Meta has not paid the judgment, but it has reinstated Crawfords account.

Crawford said a California lawyer for Meta called him days after the judgment, explained Crawford had been hacked, and said his account would be restored.

Too late, Crawford decided: He wants the $50,000, having recovered and stored his Facebook photos elsewhere.

Now they can do whatever they want to me. Im fine, he said.

The Ledger-Enquirer sought a response from Metas attorneys, but has yet to receive one.

Bleeding business

Crawford is relieved to have regained his online family photos, dating back to 2009. He had images from four of his kids graduations, plus a daughters wedding, and later her pregnancy. A grandson was born Oct. 24, while he was off the platform.

But his temporary loss is nothing compared to what he has heard since, from those who read about his lawsuit and told him their Facebook stories, he said.

A merchant told of using a personal account to administer his business account, and when Facebook banned his personal account, for reasons unclear to him, he lost access to the business page, too.

Now no customer can contact him that way, and he cant use the Facebook page to explain why.

Theyre bleeding business, Crawford said. The urgency in his voice was just terrible.

Hes collecting contact information from all the folks complaining to him, like the woman who cried on the phone, in the hope that he can help.

Im trying my best to figure out a way to sue them, where we can win, effectively, he said. Im not in the business of bringing losing lawsuits.

Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Meta owns not only Facebook, but also Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp. According to Forbes magazine, it had $166 billion in assets, $117 billion in revenue and nearly $40 billion in profits, in 2022.

Crawford said he understands that Meta owns whatever is posted to its site, and he has no quarrel with that, he said.

My quarrel is with the heartlessness of how Facebook is treating human beings whom theyre making billions of dollars off of, he said. They ought to have some human decency.
Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Adrian Wilson's cruiser following a Feb. 13 crash on Interstate 71 northbound near U.S. 62 in the Grove City area of southwestern Franklin County. The patrol says Wilson's cruiser had its emergency lights on when it was struck from behind by a Toyota SUV and sent careening into Wilson, who was on foot outside his cruiser. Wilson was seriously injured in the crash.

A Georgia woman has admitted in Franklin County court to seriously injuring an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper in February when her vehicle plowed into his parked cruiser along Interstate 71, sending it careering toward him.

Alea Weil, 30, of Atlanta, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in Franklin County Common Pleas Court to aggravated vehicular assault and possession of a fentanyl-related compound. Franklin County prosecutors dropped other charges, including misdemeanor counts for operating a motor vehicle while impaired.

Judge Kim Brown will sentence Weil on July 24. She faces up to 6  years in prison. Brown must suspend Weil's license for at least two years and can suspend it for up to 10 years.

Trooper Adrian Wilson, 44, was hospitalized with a broken leg and a severe head injury after the Feb. 13 crash on Interstate 71 in southwestern Franklin County, according to court records. Weil was also treated for serious injuries.

Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Adrian E. Wilson

Wilson, a trooper for 15 years, had stopped on the side of northbound I-71 around milepost 97, near U.S. 62, to pick up some debris in the roadway. The overhead emergency flashing lights on Wilson's patrol cruiser were activated, the patrol said.

The OSHP reported that Weil, who was driving northbound, slammed her Toyota Rav4 into the back of Wilson's parked cruiser, sending the cruiser forward into him. Both vehicles were damaged extensively.

Witnesses reported seeing Weil driving erratically and crossing lanes prior to the crash, according to the court documents. Weil was under the influence of cocaine and fentanyl at the time, according to the Franklin County Prosecutor's Office.

During the investigation, troopers recovered 86 milligrams of fentanyl in plain view on the driver's side floor of Weil's vehicle. Even two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Weil's defense attorney, Ryan Shafer, did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

Heavy front-end damage is seen on a Toyota Rav4 SUV after the Ohio Highway Patrol says crashed into the rear of a parked trooper's cruiser with its emergency flashing lights on Feb. 13 along Interstate 71 near Grove City in southwestern Franklin County. The impact sent the cruiser hurtling into Trooper Adrian Wilson, who was on foot and seriously injured in the crash.

jlaird@dispatch.com

@LairdWrites

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Georgia woman who injured Ohio trooper in I-71 crash pleads guilty
(Bloomberg) -- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Russian President Vladimir Putin has lost some of his grip on power after the armed mutiny by the Wagner mercenary group, but vowed to maintain focus on supporting Ukraine.

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It shows that there are cracks in the autocratic structures, the power structures, and that he is by no means sitting as solidly and firmly in the saddle, Scholz said in an interview with public broadcaster ARD on Wednesday. I do believe that he is weakened.

Since cutting a deal with Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin last weekend, Putin has sought to undercut any sympathy toward his one-time ally and show hes firmly in control.

Russia Latest: Biden Says Putin Is Weakened After Failed Mutiny

The chancellor said the situation in Russia remains on edge and that Germany would proceed cautiously.

Russia is a nuclear power, he said. Therefore we always have to look carefully when dangerous situations arise  and this is a dangerous situation.

After breaking with Germanys traditions of staying out of conflict zones, Scholz has positioned Europes largest economy as one of Ukraines top supporters, supplying tanks and other heavy weapons alongside financial aid.

It is necessary to say clearly: we support Ukraine so that it can defend itself, he said, adding that the aim of our support for Ukraine is not regime change in Russia.

Scholz declined to comment on how long Putin might be able to stay in power after the Wagner rebellion.

I dont want to participate in any speculation about how long he will be in office, he said. It could be long and it could be short, we dont know.

He added a leadership change in the Kremlin might not even be a good thing, saying: We dont know whether someone better or worse will come after Putin.

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BERLIN (Reuters) - German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius told broadcaster ZDF on Wednesday that Germany is looking to pull its soldiers out of Mali faster, though still in an ordered manner, in light of the planned end of a United Nations peacekeeping mission on June 30.

"For us, this means that we will try to get out even faster, to get out of Mali but in an orderly way," he said.

Germany, which has deployed some 1,000 troops to Mali, already is withdrawing troops and aims to wind up by May 2024.

(Reporting by Miranda Murray, Editing by Friederike Heine)
BERLIN (Reuters) -German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Wednesday the failed mutiny in Russia last weekend had weakened President Vladimir Putin but the implications for his invasion of Ukraine remained unclear.

Speaking in a wide-ranging, hour-long interview with ARD broadcaster, Scholz echoed U.S. President Joe Biden in saying the insurrection by Wagner mercenaries was part of an internal Russian power-struggle and the West was not involved in it.

"I do believe he is weakened as this shows that the autocratic power structures have cracks in them and he is not as firmly in the saddle as he always asserts," Scholz said.

Asked about the impact of the mutiny on the Ukraine war, the German chancellor said the pre-condition for successful peace talks was Russia accepting it needed to withdraw its troops from the country.

"Whether this has become easier or harder through these events is not really clear," he said in the interview recorded on Wednesday afternoon for airing later in the evening.

Scholz said he did not want to participate in speculation about how long Putin would likely remain in office, saying the West's aim in supporting Ukraine was to help it defend itself, not to bring about regime change.

Russian intelligence services were investigating whether Western spy agencies played a role in the aborted mutiny, the TASS news agency quoted Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as saying on Monday.

Scholz said he had spoken on Saturday not just with the leaders of the United States, France and Britain but also with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

"We quickly agreed to stay very quiet. We have nothing to do with the conflict in Russia," he said.

Asked if at any point on Saturday he had hoped the mutiny spelled the end of Putin's rule, he said it would have made no sense as it was unclear if what would have come after him would have been better.

Separately, Scholz said he was confident U.S. President Joe Biden would win re-election next year.

"I really do believe that President Biden will be successful in his bid for re-election, because he is not just an experienced politician, but also someone who really works for social cohesion in his own country," Scholz, a Social Democrat, said.

"As such, he wants what is right and is doing what one has to in order to counter Trumpism and other such movements."

Asked if he had any concerns about the health of the 80-year-old Democratic president, he said he perceived no signs Biden would not be able to continue in office.

"He is someone who is fit for his age, also according to his doctors - and this has all been made public - who have no doubt, that he can manage another term," said Scholz.

(Reporting by Sarah Marsh and Andreas Rinke, editing by Emma-Victoria Farr, Chizu Nomiyama and Cynthia Osterman)
(Bloomberg) -- Ghanas opposition retained its seat in a by-election resulting in a hung parliament, which may stymie efforts by the ruling party to enact laws needed to meet the conditions of a $3 billion lifeline from the International Monetary Fund.

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The National Democratic Congresss James Gyakye Quayson won Assin North, near the central coast of Ghana, securing 57.56% of the total votes, more than a month after a court ruled that he be removed as a member of parliament as he was not qualified to contest the 2020 general elections because he had dual citizenship. He has renounced his Canadian citizenship.

His nearest rival Charles Opoku of the governing New Patriotic Party got 42.15% of the vote and Enyonam Sefenu of the Liberal Party of Ghana 0.29%, Serebour Quarcoo, director of elections at the nations electoral commission, declared at the end of the vote.

The NDC now has 137 of the legislatures 275 seats, the same as the NPP, with the final seat belonging to an NPP-leaning independent member.

A hung parliament will make it difficult for President Nana Akufo-Addo to act decisively to revive the economy and reduce its debt to gross domestic product ratio to 55% by 2028 from 71.2% of GDP at the end of December under the IMF program.

Ghana embarked on a debt restructuring in December to qualify for the program after its finances deteriorated due to spending pressures from a power crisis, a sweeping banking sector cleanup, the Covid-19 pandemic and fallout from Russias invasion of Ukraine.

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Giant Food president says thieves are stealing 'everything' from shrimp to deodorant  and warns some grocery stores could close

Giant Food is restricting the number of items that customers can buy at self-checkout and could close stores in response to theft, President Ira Kress told WTOP. Alex Bitter/Insider

Giant Food, a mid-Atlantic grocery chain, could close stores due to theft, President Ira Kress said.

He told WTOP that Giant is also limiting the number of items that customers can buy at self-checkout.

Several major retailers have closed stores, citing theft and threats to employees' safety.

Another retailer is threatening to close stores due to theft.

This time, it's Giant Food, which operates about 170 stores in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. Giant President Ira Kress told Washington DC radio station WTOP on Monday that thieves are stealing "everything," from shrimp to deodorant, at Giant's stores. In response, the chain has placed more items under lock and key, forcing customers to ask for an employee's help.

Kress said he's worried about violence at Giant's stores.

"What we always must do is ensure we can run our stores safely and profitably," Kress said to WTOP. "If I can't do both of those things, I'll have no choice but to close a store. This clearly takes a toll." Kress didn't say which stores might close.

To deter theft, Giant has also limited the number of items that customers can buy at once through its self-checkout lanes to 20, Kress said. The move has drawn criticism from some customers who want to buy full baskets of groceries, from produce to packaged foods, he added.

"We used to allow full baskets," Kress said. "We now limit that to 20 items."

Giant did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment on Kress's remarks.

Last fall, a security guard and a shoplifting suspect both died after exchanging gunfire at a Giant supermarket just South of Washington DC in Maryland, local TV station News4 reported at the time. Speaking to News4 on Monday, Kress said that rates of shoplifting at Giant have "probably increased five to 10 times in the last three years."

The grocery chain is one of many retailers that have warned about store closures and other measures due to theft at their stores. Last year, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said that the retailer could close stores or raise prices if theft continued. In San Francisco, Amazon-owned Whole Foods shuttered a store just a year after it opened. The grocery chain pointed to issues that menaced workers at the store, which the New York Times reported included assaults and drug use by patrons.

But some retailers have admitted that they have exaggerated their problems with theft. After Walgreens closed five stores in San Francisco and cited shoplifting as the reason, the company's CFO said earlier this year that the company "cried too much" about the problem.

Read the original article on Business Insider
 Flash

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday thanked the country's armed forces, security and law enforcement officers for defending Russia's constitutional order and preventing the outbreak of a civil war.

The country's military and law enforcement officers acted as the "real defenders," and defended the constitutional order as well as the lives and freedom of Russian citizens, Putin said during a speech, adding that they had saved the country from upheaval and chaos, and stopped a potential civil war over the past weekend, according to the Kremlin official website.

Putin noted that the country's security forces were able to ensure the reliable operation of important control centers and defense facilities throughout this tense time, including military formations that continued to fight in the area of the special military operation.

The president also paid tribute to the Russian pilots that had died "in the confrontation with the rebels."

The determination and courage of the country's security forces, and the unity of Russian society had ultimately played "a huge, decisive role in stabilizing the situation," he said.
Miss Benny, a former YouTuber gaining ground as an actor on the recently launched Netflix series Glamorous, has revealed she is transgender.

The 24-year-old Dallas native opened up for the first time about her gender identity, sharing her backstory in an essay published by Time magazine this week.

By 8 years old, I was praying every night to wake up and somehow be like my sisters. In the morning I would wake up in the same body, and cry, she wrote. Over time I became highly aware of how unwelcome LGBT topics would be in my hometown. And so I kept my head down and looked for an immediate escape.

After landing in Hollywood at the age of 14 and enduring years of rejection, the fate of the actor and makeup expert changed when Glamourous sought to cast a gender-nonconforming queer Latino makeup fanatic as its lead. After being encouraged to be herself during the audition, Miss Benny won the role playing opposite Sex and the City icon Kim Cattrall.

However, there was a years-long waiting period before Netflix picked up the series. During that time, Miss Benny privately transitioned, which presented a dilemma: They hired me to play Marco  a boy. And that was no longer me anymore, she explained. I spent about a month just pacing around my room, trying to figure out what to do.

Shes thankful the shows creator, Jordon Nardino, and executive producer Kameron Tarlow, decided to allow the character to mirror some of her journey.

It was really important that Marcos trans-ness was not the plot of the show, she shared. Its not a twist to surprise the audience. Instead, we get to watch a young queer person experiencing first love and heartbreak, career success and failure, and everything else that comes with being a young adult while also discovering their identity in the background of life. Because being transgender is not something you do, its who you are.


Computer scientist Geoffrey Hinton, known as the 'godfather of AI' speaks during the Collision Tech Conference in Toronto, Canada (Geoff Robins)

Geoffrey Hinton, one of the so-called godfathers of artificial intelligence, urged governments on Wednesday to step in and make sure that machines do not take control of society.

Hinton made headlines in May when he announced that he quit Google after a decade of work to speak more freely on the dangers of AI, shortly after the release of ChatGPT captured the imagination of the world.

The highly respected AI scientist, who is based at the University of Toronto, was speaking to a packed audience at the Collision tech conference in the Canadian city.

The conference brought together more than 30,000 startup founders, investors and tech workers, most looking to learn how to ride the AI wave and not hear a lesson on its dangers.

"Before AI is smarter than us, I think the people developing it should be encouraged to put a lot of work into understanding how it might try and take control away," Hinton said.

"Right now there are 99 very smart people trying to make AI better and one very smart person trying to figure out how to stop it taking over and maybe you want to be more balanced," he said.

Hinton warned that the risks of AI should be taken seriously despite his critics who believe he is overplaying the risks.

"I think it's important that people understand that this is not science fiction, this is not just fear mongering," he insisted. "It is a real risk that we must think about, and we need to figure out in advance how to deal with it."

Hinton also expressed concern that AI would deepen inequality, with the massive productivity gain from its deployment going to the benefit of the rich, and not workers.

"The wealth isn't going to go to the people doing the work. It is going to go into making the rich richer and not the poorer and that's very bad for society," he added.

He also pointed to the danger of fake news created by ChatGPT-style bots and said he hoped that AI-generated content could be marked in a way similar to how central banks watermark cash money.

"It's very important to try, for example, to mark everything that is fake as fake. Whether we can do that technically, I don't know," he said.

The European Union is considering such a technique in its AI Act, a legislation that will set the rules for AI in Europe, which is currently being negotiated by lawmakers.

- 'Overpopulation on Mars' -

Hinton's list of AI dangers contrasted with conference discussions that were less over safety and threats, and more about seizing the opportunity created in the wake of ChatGPT.

Venture Capitalist Sarah Guo said doom and gloom talk of AI as an existential threat was premature and compared it to "talking about overpopulation on Mars", quoting another AI guru, Andrew Ng.

She also warned against "regulatory capture" that would see government intervention protect the incumbents before it had a chance to benefit sectors such as health, education or science.

Opinions differed on whether the current generative AI giants -- mainly Microsoft backed OpenAI and Google -- would remain unmatched or whether new actors will expand the field with their own models and innovations.

"In five years, I still imagine that if you want to go and find the best, most accurate, most advanced general model, you're probably going to still have to go to one of the few companies that have the capital to do it," said Leigh Marie Braswell of venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins.

Zachary Bratun-Glennon of Gradient Ventures said he foresaw a future where "there are going to be millions of models across a network much like we have a network of websites today."

arp/dw
Google distanced itself from a drag show it sponsored after staff said it was offensive to Christian workers, a report says

Google had planned to end its series of Pride events with a drag show. Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images

Hundreds of Google employees signed a petition opposing a drag show the company sponsored for Pride.

They said it disrespected Christian workers and amounted to religious discrimination, per CNBC.

Google has since distanced itself from the event, CNBC reported.

Google distanced itself from a Pride Month drag show it had sponsored shortly after some employees started a petition claiming it was offensive to Christian staff, CNBC reported.

Google had planned to end its series of sponsored Pride events with a "Pride and Drag Show" featuring a performance by Peaches Christ at LGBTQ+ bar Beaux in San Francisco on Tuesday, CNBC reported.

But several hundred Google employees had signed a petition opposing the event, saying that the drag show disrespected the company's Christian workers and amounted to religious discrimination, the outlet reported. The performer's "provocative and inflammatory artistry is considered a direct affront to the religion beliefs and sensitivities of Christians," staff wrote in the petition, per CNBC.

Google did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, made outside of regular working hours.

The petition's organizers said that they had complained to Google's HR team about the event, per CNBC.

Google told CNBC that the show was no longer part of its official DEI initiatives and that the company was encouraging employees to attend events at its offices instead, though the drag performance would still go ahead and staff would be able to attend. A Google spokesperson told the publication that the drag event had been planned by an internal team "without going through our standard events process" and did not say whether the changes to the event were related to the petition.

"We've long been very proud to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community," the spokesperson added. "Our Pride celebrations have regularly featured drag artists for many years, including several this year."

Google's distancing from the drag performance comes as a number of companies have clashed with customers or employees over LGBTQ+ and Pride Month initiatives.

Bud Light was hit by a huge wage of conservative backlash after it partnered with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney for a promotion. Target staff got threats from anti-LGBTQ+ activists over its Pride collection, causing it to pull some items from stores which angered employees. And Starbucks workers said that the company wouldn't let them decorate their stores for Pride, prompting some staff to go on strike.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The company has been accused of 'ad fraud' and not delivering on what brands pay for.

Google has denied "extremely inaccurate claims" that it may have violated its own rules and misled advertisers over ad viewership on third-party websites.

Through the Google Video Partner (GVP) network and TrueView (an ad product that's also used on YouTube), the company handles placement of video ads on external websites and apps. According to The Wall Street Journal, Google tells brands that their ads will be on "high-quality" sites, appear before the main content of a video and run with audio on. It also says that advertisers won't pay if users skip the ads. However, a third-party analytics company suggested in a report that Google fails to live up to these standards around 80 percent of the time.

Adalytics said the ads often appear on lower-quality websites, such as those with misinformation or pirated content, and that they can be positioned in small video players on the side or bottom of the screen, away from the main "in-stream" content. Some of the ads run without any audio, according to the report, while in other cases, there were was "little to no video content in between consecutive TrueView ads." Adalytics says other ads autoplayed without the viewer engaging with them.

In some instances, the company notes, the skip button that typically appears after five seconds was obscured, forcing viewers to watch the whole ad. That's "a direct violation of Googles quality standards for TrueView ads," Adalytics says, and it may have contributed to artificially inflated ad metrics, leading to advertisers paying more.

Adalytics reviewed ad campaigns for more than 1,100 brands between 2020 and this year. It says customers that might have bought "muted, auto-playing, mis-declared TrueView skippable in-stream inventory include" the US government, the European Parliament, Disney+, HP, Samsung, Sephora, TikTok, Microsoft and General Motors. As it happens, some other Google divisions (Google Career Certificates and Google Workspace Domains) are on the list.

Media buyers Adalytics shared the report with accused Google of conducting "ad fraud" and suggested brands weren't getting what they paid for. Others have demanded a refund. The "misalignment" could have cost brands billions in advertising dollars, Adalytics said. One "major consumer goods brand" found that 20 percent of a $75,000-plus campaign budget was directed toward YouTube channels, with the remainder spent on ads that ran on third-party destinations such as investing.com and Candy Crush Saga.

Google has firmly rejected the report's findings. The company's global video solutions chief, Marvin Renaud, asserted in a blog post that Adalytics "used unreliable sampling and proxy methodologies." An "overwhelming majority of video ad campaigns" run on YouTube, Renaud claimed, with brands having the option to opt out at any time from running their ads on GVP-affiliated apps and websites.

I can't emphasize how deeply unprepared Google executives are for the world of hurt they're about to face down pic.twitter.com/COICnch6NS  Nandini Jammi (@nandoodles) June 28, 2023

However, Adalytics noted that some types of TrueView ad campaigns have been included in GVP by default since around July 2019. It also pointed to a Google support article which states that certain video ad campaigns don't allow the customer to opt out from having ads running on third-party sites and apps. According to another support article, in April 2022, Google started automatically enrolling certain TrueView campaigns that opted out of GVP network into the program.

"There are multiple types of campaigns and we offer opt outs of GVP for each of them," Google's ads product liason Ginny Marvin said in a statement. "For some, like TrueView campaigns, it's in Google Ads. For some performance campaigns, like Video Action, weve seen that advertisers see the best performance when they reach relevant, larger audiences. For these campaigns, advertisers can always work with their account reps if they want to exclude GVP inventory."

Meanwhile, over 90 percent of GVP ads "are visible to people across the web," Renaud argued. "We use real-time ad quality signals to determine if people are present and paying attention that help us decide whether to serve a video ad in a Google Video Partner site or app."

In addition, Renaud wrote, Google rigorously enforces policies that prohibit third-party sites from using deceptive or disruptive techniques to generate advertising revenue, such as placing ads in hidden browser windows. Renaud added that, last year, Google stopped running ads on more than 143,000 websites it deemed to violate its rules.

The Adalytics claims come as Alphabet faces close scrutiny over its advertising practices. The Department of Justice sued the company earlier this year in an attempt to break up its ad business. This month, the European Union said in a preliminary finding that the only remedy it could see for Google to address its antitrust concerns would be to sell off part of the advertising empire.

Update 6/28 2:00PM ET: Added details from Google's support articles.
(Bloomberg) -- Republicans leading two powerful House committees are accusing Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan of giving misleading testimony before Congress in April over her participation in the agencys Meta Platforms Inc. probe.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The allegation was made Wednesday, ahead of Khans next scheduled congressional testimony in July, escalating existing investigations into Khans leadership of the FTC.

In a letter to Khan on Wednesday, House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan, of Ohio, and Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris-Rodgers, of Washington, said Khans testimony about her decision not to recuse the Meta investigation amounted to an ethical failure.

They cited a Bloomberg News report that revealed Khan declined to recuse herself despite the advice of the agencys top ethics official. The FTCs designated agency ethics official, known as the Designated Agency Ethics Official or DAEO, recommended that Khan remove herself from the case to avoid the appearance of bias, but left it up to Khan to decide.

During an April hearing, McMorris-Rodgers asked Khan if there were instances in which she had not followed the DAEOs advice. No, Khan said. I have consulted with the DAEO and have taken actions that are consistent with the legal statements the DAEO has made.

Jordan and McMorris-Rodgers, who have spent months hammering Khan and investigating her agencys actions, wrote that Khan had omitted an important recommendation by the DAEO. They asked Khan to give the committees documents and communications related to the ethics memo.

The FTC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Jordan in a separate letter sent on Wednesday requested testimony about the FTCs programs and operations from 23 FTC employees. He asked Khan to make the individuals available for transcribed interviews with the House Judiciary Committee.

Among those Jordan requested interviews with are: associate general counsel for ethics Lorielle Pankey, who wrote an initial memo suggesting Khan recuse herself from the Meta case; deputy general counsel Elizabeth Tucci, who advised Khan that she likely did not need to recuse; and James Kohm, associate director of enforcement, who has been deeply involved in the FTCs probes into Meta and Twitter Inc.

The panel wants to speak to the employees, all of whom are career staff members and not political appointees, about Khans management, ethics or the agencys refusal to turn over documents in response to previous requests by the committee, according to a House staffer who asked to speak anonymously to discuss the panels plans.

Earlier this month, the panel blasted Khans FTC for declining to turn over documents related to an agency probe into whether Twitter under its new owner, Elon Musk, is complying with a 2022 consent decree.

The House Oversight Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee and Judiciary Committee have all announced separate investigations into Khans leadership at the FTC. The Republicans have accused Khan of amassing too much power, while Khan and her allies have insisted she is reawakening the agencys long-dormant authority to curb harmful business practices across the US economy.

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Photo Illustration by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast/Getty

When members of the Proud Boys and another far-right group founded by a former Proud Boy member protested at the same Oregon LGBTQ Pride event this weekend, the two factions ended up brawling on a sidewalk.

The fightwhich saw Proud Boys and members of the Rose City Nationalists exchange haymakers outside an Oregon City burger jointwas one of the frequent spats that populate the far-right social scene. But footage of the fight has gone viral as part of an ongoing effort to whitewash the far right, with conspiracy theorists and lawmakers describing some of the movements gangs, describing the Proud Boys as patriots and their opponents as federal agents.

This is the BEST video on the internet right now, conservative internet personality Benny Johnson tweeted, describing footage of the brawl as a Pro-America Patriot rally interrupted when feds show up dressed as Nazis, until Patriots for Feds out of rally.

Indiana Moms for Liberty Chapter Apologizes for Quoting Hitler in First Newsletter

The clip actually shows uniformed members of the Proud Boys yelling at a small contingent of Rose City Nationalists near a Pride event that both had showed up to oppose on Saturday.

RCN is part of a larger network of white nationalist Active Clubs, which promote violent beatdowns against enemies. The group and the Proud Boys (which also glorify street brawls) have crossed paths before. RCNs founder, Casey Knuteson, has been affiliated with multiple far-right groups in the Pacific Northwest, including area Proud Boys, who yelled at him by name and called him homophobic slurs during the Saturday confrontation. (Knuteson did not return The Daily Beasts request for comment.)

Activists have long documented both groups presence in Oregon. Nevertheless, lawmakers like Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) amplified Johnsons allegation that RCN members were federal agents.

Feds or not Feds? Massie quote-tweeted Johnsons post. David Livingson, a conservative state representative in Arizona, also retweeted posts calling the RCN federal officers, Arizona Right Wing Watch reported.

The allegations are the latest instance of elected officials describing white supremacist groups as a federal psy-op. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (who has, herself, spoken at a conference hosted by white nationalists) implied that recent demonstrations by fascist groups like Patriot Front looks like a fed operation trying to create racism, white supremacy, and racial division where none exist.

Proud Boys have also encouraged those conspiracy theories on Facebook. In the aftermath of the melee, Proud Boys celebrated, energized by their victory. Gavin McInnes, the groups founder, who has since attempted to distance himself from the group, wrote on Telegram, Masked Feds show up to Proud Boys event. PBs immediately call them out, tune them up, and demask them. In a subsequent post, McInnes falsely identified a young California man whom right-wing activists accused of being among those unmasked, while right-wing social media celebs took to Twitter to ridicule the Active Club, calling them feds.

Subsequently, an Elon Musk supporter tweeted out the same California mans name to his 1 million followers, to which Musk publicly replied, always remove their masks. (The falsely accused man later posted time-stamped receipts showing him in California on the day of the brawl, and made a video calling the allegations just crazy, adding that my family and I are being harassed completely.)

Kate Bitz, an organizer with the Oregon-based anti-hate group, Western States Center, said this messaging is meant to distract from the similarities between Proud Boys and overt white supremacist groups, as the Proud Boys attempt to make inroads with more mainstream conservatives.

These accusations deflect from the consequences of the anti-LGBTQ+ narratives theyve been pushing for years, Bitz told The Daily Beast. Obviously, it doesnt help their standing in the community to show that white nationalists are showing up at the same event and protesting on the same side as the Proud Boys.

FBI Informant Panic Is Ruining Friendships All Over the Far Right

Despite McInness claims about federal agents, the Portland, Oregon Proud Boys chapter confirmed on Telegram that the fight had been personal in nature, with one of their former members.

The incident that occurred was the result of a personal beef between a disavowed member and our chapter, the group wrote in a statement. For a period of time the disavowed member chose to skulk around, talk Shit and dox 2 current members. Unfortunately he decided to drag his new bros into his personal issues.

The FBI also issued a statement denying involvement in the sidewalk scuffle. We are appalled by recent online allegations that the FBI had personnel posing as protesters in Oregon City, OR this weekend, Kieran Ramsey, special agent in charge of the Portland division said in a statement. Any such claims are absolutely false.

Following the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, which resulted in multiple Proud Boy leaders convictions on seditious conspiracy charges, the Proud Boys have refocused their efforts on targeting LGBTQ events. Their campaigns have forced restaurants to cancel drag shows, and brought them in line with more accepted right-wing organizations like Moms for Liberty.

The Proud Boys are heavily involved in the Miami chapter of Moms for Liberty, one former Moms for Liberty member told Vice this month. Moms for Liberty want to push their agenda with fear, harassment, and intimidation, and they have the Vice City Proud Boys as their foot soldiers.

Other extreme groups have previously attempted to break bread with the establishment GOP. White supremacist groups like Identity Evropa (now defunct) and its successor group American Identity Movement (also defunct) encouraged members to maintain a clean-cut image and run for local offices. Part of that image was an unofficial uniform of khaki trousers, which have since been adopted by white supremacist groups like Patriot Front and Active Club chapters.

That uniform style of dressing, reminiscent of a Capitol Hill intern, has only fueled conspiracy theories on the right, with Proud Boy apologists claiming that the outfits look like something a federal agent would wear.

The conspiracy theories dont make communities any safer, researcher Jennefer Harper told The Daily Beast, noting the Proud Boys and the RCNs deepening feud, which continued online after the Saturday fight.

I think they are going to be on high alert when they come out looking for each other, so I think that could definitely lead to some spiraling violence, she told The Daily Beast. And just like the public has confused this Active Club cell as either feds, Patriot Front, or antifa, I think the greater public could misidentify people and groups and attack them as well.

But the infighting between the Proud Boys and the RCN, instead of an attack on the Pride event, showcased local resilience against anti-LGBTQ groups, Bitz saideven in Oregon City, which was hosting its first-ever Pride Night on Saturday.

More and more towns are holding their first, second, or third Pride events this year, she said. The Northwest Nationalists repeatedly targeted Pride events this year. They likely think Pride organizing originating for the first time and in contested territory for LGBTQ+ rights might be easier to intimidate. Thats not how its played out.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Miami Mayor Francis Suarez says he has to do his homework on Uyghurs after telling podcast listeners that diminishing China's power was crucial in reinforcing U.S. economy.

We need to depower China of the trillion dollars of annual that we give them in the form of our trade deficit and the stealing of our IP. We need to use that to reinforce our allies in our region, of course our own economy and our supply chain which was exposed during COVID and was basically bottled up by an increasing hostile adversary in China, he told conservative talk show host Hugh Hewitt on Tuesday.

Suarez, who announced he will be running to secure the Republican Partys presidential nomination earlier this month was on The Hugh Hewitt Show: Highly Concentrated to discuss issues he hopes to tackle as president.

Republican presidential candidate Miami Mayor Francis Suarez speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC 2023, March 3, 2023, at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md.

About 13 minutes into the 16 minute segment, Hewitt asks Suarez if he will be talking about Uyghurs in his campaign. Sanchez then asked what a Uyghur was.

Hewitt told Suarez he really needed to know about the Uyghurs, it was something had to talk about everyday.

After returning to the topic a short time later, Suarez told Hewitt he would do his homework and look into what a Uyghur was.

I will search Uyghurs. Im a good learner. Im a fast learner, Suarez said.

Big swing and a miss on the Uyghurs, Hewitt noted as he bid his farewell to Suarez.

Chinese officials claim the Uyghur population is rife with extremists who pose an existential threat to the country and need to be re-educated. Experts on Xinjiang, a region in northwest China also known as Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and human rights advocates say China is engaged in ethnic cleansing of a minority group that makes up less than 1% of China's total population.

I just genuinely dont know how people dont know about that  Theres a genocide underway in China. Its a genocide, right. Its a million people. Its a genocide. We need to know about it and talk about it, Hewitt said.

Mayor Suarez later addressed the controversy on Twitter, stating he was well aware of the suffering faced by the Uyghurs in China.

They are being enslaved because of their faith. China has a deplorable record on human rights and all people of faith suffer there. I didnt recognize the pronunciation my friend Hugh Hewitt used. Thats on me.

Of course, I am well aware of the suffering of the Uyghurs in China. They are being enslaved because of their faith. China has a deplorable record on human rights and all people of faith suffer there.



I didnt recognize the pronunciation my friend Hugh Hewitt used. Thats on  Mayor Francis Suarez (@FrancisSuarez) June 27, 2023

Meet your 2024 presidential candidates: Who is running for president in 2024 election? Closer look at every candidate so far.

Who are the Uyghurs?

Uyghurs are a Turkic ethnic group native to East Turkestan also known as Xinjiang, which is a region located in northwest China that spans 640,000 square miles. The region borders Mongolia, Russia Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan, according to the Uyghur American Association.

Most Uyghurs primarily speak Uyghur, a Turkish language written in modified Arabic script. Though a small number of Uyghur people are Christian, most practice Sunni Islam.

There are approximately 12 million Uyghurs that live in Xinjiang, though Uyghur scholars in the diaspora contend that the Uyghur population of East Turkistan is much higher, the Uyghur American Association reported.

Uyghurs also do not physically resemble the Han people, the majority population native to the region, because of their European and Southwest and Central Asian ancestry.

More: 'Appalled': World leaders call for action after hacked files detail Uyghur internment camps

What's happening to the Uyghur population in China?

Since 2017, the Chinese government has detained more than a million Uyghur and other predominantly Muslim minority groups in "extrajudicial internment camps" and engaged in other crimes against humanity, citing evidence of rape, torture and forced abortion and sterilization, according to the Council on Foreign Relations.

The Biden administration has labeled China's actions "genocide," and experts say the intent is to destroy Uyghur culture, identity and religion.

Chinese officials have portrayed the detention centers as "vocational education and training centers"  benevolent, state-run schools designed to help stamp out extremism.

Chinas mistreatment of the Uyghur people dates back even earlier, they have faced prohibitions on their religious and cultural practices since the formation of the Chinese Communist Party in 1949, according to reporting by Smithsonian Magazine.

Over the next decade, Uyghurs began to leave the region. It wasnt until the 1990s that Uyghur independence gained support in China, Smithsonian Mag reported.

A riot broke out in Xinjiangs capital in July 2009 that resulted in the deaths of about 200 people and injuries to many others marked the beginning of the genocide, according to the Uyghur American Association.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Miami's GOP presidential candidate Suarez stumped by Uyghurs question


Republican presidential hopefuls are bristling over their partys mandate that candidates pledge support for the eventual nominee to qualify for the first debate.

The Republican National Committee (RNC) released criteria earlier this month with several requirements for candidates to participate in the August debate, including signing a pledge to support the Republican nominee.

Some Republicans have been reluctant to say whether theyll support the GOP nominee, while others have explicitly criticized the rule. At least one candidate said hes refusing to sign the pledge.

But the RNC is so far not budging, with chairwoman Ronna McDaniel saying last week, Its the Republican Party nomination, and the pledge is staying.

Heres what 2024 GOP candidates have said so far about the RNC pledge requirement:

The Hill Elections 2024 coverage

Former President Trump

The former president has remained noncommittal about supporting the eventual GOP nominee if he were not the victor.

It would depend. I would give you the same answer I gave in 2016 during the debates, Trump explained to conservative talk show host Hugh Hewitt in February, adding it would depend on who the nominee was.

During the 2016 presidential cycle, Trump initially refused to commit to backing the eventual Republican nominee before later signing the pledge. The former president then backtracked on that commitment further along in the cycle as he became one of the last few candidates still in the primary.

Its unclear whether Trump, the front-runner in national and local polling, will even participate in the first debate, while other candidates have an incentive to raise their profiles and name recognition in front of an audience.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

DeSantis has been asked several times whether he would back the former president if Trump became the nominee, but hes refused to directly answer  underscoring the tricky dance DeSantis finds himself in as he works to improve his position in the race.

Its like, I want to beat Biden, OK? I will do that. I will get that done. And I think, more importantly than that, I will actually bring these policies for a landing and get it all done up there, DeSantis said when asked during an event last week in Tampa whether he would support Trump.

But its an important process, and you respect the process and you respect the peoples decisions, how this goes, but Im very confident that those decisions are going to be positive for us, he added.

DeSantis later said he didnt avoid the question and that he was misquoted.

I said, you run this process, you compete, and you respect the outcome of the process. And Ive always said that. And so thats what I said before, he asserted. Thats what Ill do. I think Im going to be the nominee. But no matter what happens, Im going to work to beat Joe Biden. Thats what you have to do.

Former Vice President Mike Pence

The former vice president has pledged to support the GOP candidate, telling CNNs Dana Bash during a town hall earlier this month, Ive always supported the Republican nominee for president in the United States. And Ill support the Republican nominee in 2024, especially if its me.

Bash pressed Pence on how he could say he would support Trump if he were to be the nominee given his criticism of the former president, to which Pence replied, Well, because I dont think Donald Trumps going to be the nominee.

Pence later elaborated that he was very confident Republicans would be able to support the nominee while reiterating he didnt believe Trump would win the GOP primary.

Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley

The former U.N. ambassador is participating in the RNCs pledge, a spokesman for her campaign confirmed to The Hill. She also used the RNC pledge to target Trump and DeSantis over their nonaffirmative answers.

Absolutely irresponsible that Trump, DeSantis, and others wont commit 100% to supporting the Republican nominee. Theres no room for personal vendettas in this battle to save our country. Any Republican would be better than a President Kamala Harris, Haley tweeted Friday.

Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy

Ramaswamy said in an interview with Fox News that he would get behind the pledge  but only if the other candidates did so, too.

What Ill say is, if the other candidates in this race make that pledge, I will stand by and be willing to, because thats a condition for open debate in our own party, Ramaswamy said.

I think that we have to as a movement say were gonna get in there, have open debate on that debate stage with a common commitment. Thats what the RNC is trying to lead the way on. Im ready to play ball, but I require the other candidates to play ball as well, he elaborated later.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie

Christie has criticized the RNCs debate requirement, telling CNN in an interview earlier this month its just a useless idea.

Its only the era of Donald Trump that you need somebody to sign something on a pledge. So I think its a bad idea. I have expressed that to Ronna Romney McDaniel personally, directly. So this is not the first time shes hearing it, Christie said of the debate criteria.

Still, Christie suggested he might follow through with the requirement.

I will do what I need to do to be up on that stage to try to save my party and save my country from going down the road of being led by three-time loser Donald Trump, loser in 2018 by losing the House, loser in 2020 by losing the White House and the United States Senate, and the worst midterm performance we have seen in a long, long time, led by Donald Trump-selected candidates with Donald Trump as the main issue in many of those races, Christie said on CNN.

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson

The former Arkansas governor said this month that Im going to meet the criteria, whatever is set, to get on the debate stage, but Hutchinson has notably taken issue with the pledge.

He told Politico reporters in an interview published earlier this month that the GOP shouldnt want candidates pledging blind support for a nominee that could pose an issue for them and has asserted, Im not going to vote for him if hes a convicted felon.

A member of Hutchinsons team in a phone call with the RNC discussed the pledge requirement amid Trumps multiple legal controversies, but the RNC refused to consider amending their stance, Politico reported.

Former Rep. Will Hurd

The Texas Republican has flatly said he will not sign a pledge to back the eventual Republican nominee.

I wont be signing any kind of pledges, and I dont think that parties should be trying to rig who should be on a debate stage, Hurd told CNN last week.

I am not in the business of lying to the American people in order to get a microphone, and Im not going to support Donald Trump, he added. And so I cant honestly say Im going to sign something even if he may or may not be the nominee.

Sen. Tim Scott

The South Carolina senator suggested in an interview with Fox Newss Neil Cavuto last month that he would get behind the eventual nominee.

All Republican candidates would be better than any Democrat candidate. As the nominee, I look forward to choosing a good vice president with those names and maybe others, Scott said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Graham: US attorney in charge of Hunter probe was briefed on FBI form detailing Joe Biden bribery accusations

Graham: US attorney in charge of Hunter probe was briefed on FBI form detailing Joe Biden bribery accusations

The U.S. Attorney who led the federal investigation into Hunter Biden was "briefed" on the key FBI form that contained allegations that then-Vice President Joe Biden and a foreign national were engaged in a criminal bribery scheme that involved influence over U.S. policy decisions, the top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee revealed Wednesday.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, sent letters to Attorney General Merrick Garland and the Trump-appointed Delaware U.S. Attorney David Weiss, who led the federal investigation into Hunter Biden demanding answers amid allegations from whistleblowers suggesting the probe was slow-walked and influenced by politics.

GRASSLEY, GRAHAM DEMAND FBI TURN OVER KEY DOCUMENT LINKED TO BIDEN ALLEGATIONS

Graham wrote to Garland and Weiss separately, seeking information on the alleged politicization that influenced decisions throughout the Hunter Biden probe.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., speaks during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on March 16, 2022.

The document in question is an FBI-generated FD-1023 form. The form, dated June 30, 2020, reflects the FBI's interview with a "highly credible" confidential source who detailed multiple meetings and conversations he or she had with a top executive of Burisma Holdings over the course of several years, starting in 2015. Hunter Biden sat on the board of Burisma.

In the letter to Weiss, Graham said that he has "been informed that you and your office were briefed on allegations in an FD-1023 form suggesting there may have been phone calls recorded between Hunter Biden and Joe Biden with a senior official at Burisma Holdings, a Ukrainian energy company."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"The FD-1023 in question alleges that the confidential informant told the Department of Justice and FBI that such tapes may exist," Graham wrote.

Former Attorney General Bill Barr earlier this month said the FD-1023 form had been routed to Weiss. Sources told Fox News Digital that Weiss' team was briefed on the FD-1023 form in September 2020.

GRASSLEY: BURISMA EXECUTIVE WHO ALLEGEDLY PAID BIDEN HAS AUDIO RECORDINGS OF CONVERSATIONS WITH JOE, HUNTER

Fox News Digital was briefed on the heavily-redacted form, in which the Burisma executive explained to the confidential source that Burisma had to "pay the Bidens" because Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin was investigating Burisma, and explained how difficult it would be to enter the U.S. market in the midst of that investigation.

According to a source familiar with the document, the Burisma executive told the confidential human source, "$5 million for one Biden, $5 million for the other Biden."

President Biden

Sources familiar told Fox News Digital that the confidential human source believes that the $5 million payment to Joe Biden and the $5 million payment to Hunter Biden occurred, based on his or her conversations with the Burisma executive.

The confidential source said the Burisma executive told him he "paid" the Bidens in such a manner "through so many different bank accounts" that investigators would not be able to "unravel this for at least 10 years."

The document then makes reference to "the Big Guy," which many believe is a reference to Joe Biden.

EXCLUSIVE: JOE BIDEN ALLEGEDLY PAID $5M BY BURISMA EXECUTIVE AS PART OF A BRIBERY SCHEME, ACCORDING TO FBI DOCUMENT

A whistleblower first alerted Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, to the existence of the document. Grassley has seen the unredacted form, and claims that under the redactions is a reference to the Burisma executive saying he kept 17 audio recordings of his conversations with them as an "insurance policy."

Grassley, earlier this month, said the FD-1023 has a redacted reference that the Burisma executive possesses 15 audio recordings of phone calls between himself and Hunter Biden.

According to Grassley, the FD-1023 also states that the executive possesses two audio recordings of phone calls between himself and then-Vice President Biden.

Graham, in the letter, is asking Weiss to clarify whether he was "in fact briefed on these allegations," which President Biden has dismissed as "a bunch of malarkey."

"If yes, what actions were taken to investigate this matter and what was the final disposition?" Graham wrote.

"As I write, I do not know if the allegations are credible, but I know they are serious, and I believe it is incumbent on you to clarify and inform the public," Graham continued. "I am confident this can be achieved without compromising confidential sources."

Graham and Grassley last week asked the FBI to turn over an unredacted version of the FD-1023 form. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., had subpoenaed the document, but the FBI did not comply, and instead, brought a redacted version to a sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF) on Capitol Hill for committee members to review.

HUNTER BIDEN INVESTIGATORS LIMITED QUESTIONS ABOUT 'DAD,' 'BIG GUY' DESPITE FBI, IRS OBJECTIONS: WHISTLEBLOWER

Meanwhile, in his letter to Garland, Graham refers to allegations brought to the House Ways and Means Committee by two IRS whistleblowers, claiming the entire federal investigation into Hunter Biden was influenced by politics.

"To the American people, it appears DOJ had its thumb on the scale of justice," Graham wrote to the attorney general.

Grahams letter comes after two IRS whistleblowers said officials at the Justice Department, FBI and IRS interfered with the federal investigation into Hunter Biden. Those whistleblowers said the decisions in the case seemed to be "influenced by politics."

David Weiss, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware.

The whistleblowers testified before the House Ways and Means Committee and alleged that Weiss was "constantly hamstrung, limited, and marginalized by DOJ officials as well as other U.S. Attorneys." They testified that Weiss had requested to have special counsel authority, but was denied.

"It is imperative these allegations are addressed head-on," Graham wrote to Garland, questioning whether he was "aware of any request" by Weiss to be designated special counsel.

GARLAND DENIES INTERFERING WITH HUNTER BIDEN PROBE IN FIRST COMMENTS SINCE WHISTLEBLOWER CLAIMS RELEASED

"And likewise, were you aware of any effort to seek support to bring felony charges in Washington, D.C. or California?" Graham asked, referring to allegations that Weiss sought to bring charges against Hunter Biden in two separate venues. "If such requests were made by U.S. Attorney Weiss and you were not aware, who would be the decision-making authority in such a case?"

The Justice Department has denied the whistleblowers claims, with Attorney General Merrick Garland saying Weiss was "given complete authority to make all decisions on his own behalf."

Sen. Chuck Grassley. R-Iowa.

Graham, in his letter to Weiss, also pressed for clarification on whether he did seek special counsel authority from the Justice Department and whether he was denied.

"Whistleblower allegations indicate that while you were investigating Hunter Biden you requested Special Counsel designation and were denied, and that you sought more serious charges and that attempt was rejected," Graham wrote to Weiss. "Whistleblowers also indicated that you made efforts to bring charges in Washington, D.C., and California, and were also rejected."

HUNTER BIDEN TAX PROBE BEGAN AS OFFSHOOT IRS INVESTIGATION INTO AMATEUR PORNOGRAPHY SHOP: WHISTLEBLOWER

Graham demanded Weiss provide information regarding the allegations, including the corroborating "contemporaneous e-mail" referring to those sought after charges.

"Please provide information regarding these allegations, as a prompt response is necessary to reassure the public that there is equal justice under the law," Graham wrote.

The Justice Department said it has received Grahams letter, but did not comment further.
Screenshot: GoFundMe, Twitter

A Black food truck owner was attacked by a white man yelling racial slurs in Southeast Portland. The video of the attack has sparked outrage and the victim has sought legal assistance in tracking down his attacker, according to OregonLive.



Two days ago, civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump posted a video of a white man beating down a Black man on a sidewalk in Portland then walking away casually with his hands in his pocket. That Black man was Darell Preston, owner of LoRells Chicken Shack. The report says Preston was on the phone with his wife trying to deliver food when the man blindsided him with punches and stomped him into the ground while allegedly screaming the N-word. Drivers who witnessed the incident were heard in the video screaming for the man to stop, honking their horns.

Read more

Preston suffered a broken nose, fractures face and lacerations to his eyes and mouth, according to his GoFundMe organized by his brother-in-law. Preston was left so traumatized by the incident, he could barely talk to the police, his lawyer said. Also, his face was so swollen, he could hardly speak.

Read more from OregonLive:

Police responded to the food cart pod on June 15, but a spokesperson for the bureau said June 20 that Preston declined to talk with the officers at length. It took officers several minutes to convince the victim to come out of the foot cart to talk with them, spokesperson Terri Wallo Strauss said last week. Once the victim was out he told officers he was delivering food and was attacked. When the officer asked for more detail on exactly what happened, the victim refused to say more and locked himself in the cart. Detectives with the Police Bureaus Major Crimes Unit started investigating the attack as a bias crime after speaking with Prestons family on June 19, said police spokesperson Sgt. Kevin Allen. Portland police did not immediately open a bias crime investigation because no elements of that crime were described to officers at the scene, Allen said.

Being Black and minding your business isnt even safe. According to the Oregon Department of Justice, 2,887 bias incidents have been reported to their hotline in 2022. Of those reports, 903 of them were determined to be hate crimes.

Its been almost two weeks since Preston was attacked and the police department still havent found the suspect. Watch Twitter find him faster than the cops.

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 Flash

Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met with the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh, in Beijing on Tuesday.

Wang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that under the strategic guidance of the two countries' leaders, the development of China-Vietnam relations maintained a positive momentum.

China is willing to work with Vietnam to implement the consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties, join hands in following a socialist path suited to their respective national conditions, accelerate the modernization of the two countries, and jointly build a China-Vietnam community with a shared future of strategic significance, said Wang.

The CPPCC will strengthen solidarity and cooperation, and advance mutual learning with the Vietnamese side to better serve the two countries' socialist causes and the development of bilateral relations, said Wang.

Pham Minh Chinh, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, said China's massive achievements in building a strong country had become an engine for global economic growth, which Vietnam sincerely admires.

Vietnam expects to faithfully implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties, deepen the unity and friendship between the two sides, and push Vietnam-China relations to a new level, he added.
Gray whale that was seen around Dyes Inlet in spring likely died from malnutrition

The gray whale that hung around Port Washington Narrows and Dyes Inlet for several weeks in late April and early May has died, according to a whale research organization.

A female gray whale, identified by Cascadia Research Collective as the same one that visited Kitsap County waters, was found floating near Olympia on June 20. Cascadia Research Collective, which examined the whale with Marine Mammal Standing Network and the Department of Fish and Wildlife, reported that malnourishment contributed to the 42-long creature's death. That confirms to a pattern observed in gray whales over the past few years and acknowledges what was suspected when the whale was observed near the Warren Avenue Bridge and the bays around Dyes Inlet this spring. It was last seen swimming in Totten Inlet near Olympic on June 17, according to Cascadia Research.

A gray whale exhales off the shore of Lions Park in Bremerton on Monday, April 24, 2023.

In a report posted to its website this week, Cascadia Research wrote that the gray whale was one of two found dead on Puget Sound beaches recently. Malnutrition was cited as a significant cause in each death, part of a trend observed over the past four years that is being called an "Unusual Mortality Event" due to the number of gray whales that have died. An investigation into the cause is still ongoing. There have been four gray whales found stranded in June in Washington, according to Cascadia Research, and 12 during 2023 overall. That is higher than the annual average, though on a lower pace than in 2019, when 34 dead gray whales were documented.

The other whale, a 39-foot-long male, was found beached in Ocean Shores.

The female gray whale that visited Kitsap waters had poor blubber condition, a lack of internal fat stores, and no food in its GI tract, according to Cascadia Research's report. There was no evidence of killer whale predation or vehicle collision, the report added.

At the time the whale was observed in Dyes Inlet, John Calambokidis of Cascade Research said the whale appeared thin and emaciated and speculated that it likely was struggling to return to feeding areas.

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Gray whale suspected to be malnourished found dead near Olympia
Ongoing wildfires in Canada are causing blankets of haze and air quality concerns in the Great Lakes region and across the central and eastern portions of the United States. Also in the news: Three children are among the nine people dead after a Russian attack on a busy pizza restaurant in Ukraine and the Supreme Court has struck down a conservative theory about voting.

 I'm Nicole Fallert, Daily Briefing author. Why are TikTokers covered in the purple, berry-flavored Grimace shake?

Now, here we go with Wednesday's news.

Haze over Great Lakes region persists as Canadian wildfires blaze

Some residents in the Midwest will remain under an air-quality advisory through Wednesday, and air quality is expected to reach unhealthy levels in parts of western and central New York and eastern Lake Ontario.

That means anyone in a sensitive group should stay indoors for any physical activity, and everyone else should limit the amount of time they are active outdoors.

Fires in northern Quebec and low pressure over the eastern Great Lakes are sending smoke to Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois, according to the National Weather Service.

Detroit is under an air quality advisory until Wednesday night after the city and Chicago reached the top two rankings for air quality in the world Tuesday.

Wildfire smoke contains noxious or poisonous gases and particulate matter, tiny particles that can be inhaled. Advisories in Wisconsin are expected to last through Thursday afternoon, with air quality expected to be most severe on Wednesday.

Fans watch a baseball game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs as smoke from Canada's ongoing wildfires shrouds Wrigley Field in a haze, in Chicago, Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

Death toll rises in Russian attack on restaurant in eastern Ukraine

Ukraine's State Emergency Service says the death toll from a Russian missile attack on a popular pizza restaurant in an eastern Ukrainian city has risen to nine, including three children. Officials said Wednesday that at least 56 people were wounded in Tuesday's attack as rescuers continue to search for survivors amid the smoky ruins. Russias latest assault on Ukrainian civilians came as the shock of the weekends failed insurrection by a mercenary outfit began to diminish and the horrors of war again took center stage. Read more

Putin highlights unity against rebellion, blames Wagner leader Prigozhin.

Rescuers and volunteers work to rescue people from under the rubble after a missile strike hit a restaurant in Kramatorsk, eastern Ukraine, on June 27, 2023.

More news to know now

What's the weather today? Check your local forecast here.

Dangerous heat forecast for Texas

An intense, record-breaking heat wave that's been scorching the south-central U.S. over the past couple of weeks continues as temperatures are forecast to approach or surpass 100 degrees from New Mexico to Mississippi on Wednesday. The heat will be "life-threatening" to those working or spending time outdoors Wednesday, the National Weather Service warned, due to the extremely high levels of humidity. The heat index, which is how hot it feels with humidity factored in, will be in the 110-120 degree range across the eastern third of Texas, along the Central Gulf Coast and north through the Lower Mississippi Valley and Lower Tennessee Valley, the weather service said. Read more

Heat alerts for millions of Americans: Is climate change to blame?

A Supreme Court win for voting rights groups

The Supreme Court on Tuesday shot down a conservative theory that could have given state lawmakers extraordinary power to set election rules in their states with little oversight from courts, balking at an idea that voting rights groups worried could further erode trust in the nation's elections. The appeal took on added significance because of the 2020 election, during which several courts ruled on absentee ballot procedures amid lockdowns in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Republicans felt that, in some of those cases, courts had overstepped their authority. Democrats, on the other hand, had framed those same decisions as protecting voters from disenfranchisement. Read more

Stalking or free speech? Critics say the Supreme Court just made it harder to stop stalkers.

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Kevin Spacey's UK sexual assault trial to begin

Actor Kevin Spacey is going on trial in a London court on charges he sexually assaulted four men in Britain. The double-Oscar winner faces a dozen charges Wednesday at his trial in Southwark Crown Court. The actor has pleaded not guilty to all 12 counts, which relate to alleged incidents between 2001 and 2013. At an earlier hearing, Spaceys lawyer said the actor "strenuously denies" the charges. The attorney said Spacey would face the court to establish his innocence and "proceed with his life." Read more

Quick hits

Photo of the day: Would you live here for 378 days?

A group of four NASA volunteers have embarked on a 378-day mission in which they will be locked in a ground-based simulation of the planet Mars. The mission, which began this week, is the first of three year-long Mars surface simulations, according to NASA. Read more

What's a Martian home look like? NASA unveils 3D-printed habitat for future Mars mission

Nicole Fallert is a newsletter writer at USA TODAY, sign up for the email here. Want to send Nicole a note? Shoot her an email at NFallert@usatoday.com or follow along with her musings on Twitter. Support journalism like this  subscribe to USA TODAY here.

Associated Press contributed reporting.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Air quality, Canadian wildfires, Russia, Ukraine, Texas heat, Supreme Court, NASA, Julian Sands: Daily Briefing
A Greece man on Tuesday was convicted in a 2021 double homicide in an apartment building on Chestnut Street in Rochester.

A Monroe County Court jury on Tuesday found Timothy Brown, 30, guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, all felonies, in the early morning Nov. 11, 2021 killing of Tywan Harper, 22, of Rochester, and Malakai Smith, 19, of Greece, according to the Monroe County District Attorney's Office.

Harper and Smith were shot and beaten to death in a stairwell of 35 Chestnut St., an apartment building where Harper lived. The two slain men were friends.

Brown was arrested at his Greece home about a month after the killings.

Timothy Brown went to Tywan Harpers apartment with the intent to kill him, said Assistant District Attorney Michael Robertson, who prosecuted the case. It is clear that he did not hesitate to violently take two young lives in the course of his crime.

Timothy Brown did not consider the value of these mens lives, their loved ones, or his own life which will now be spent in the New York State Department of Corrections," Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley said in a news release. "Timothy Brown is a dangerous individual who needs to take accountability for his actions."

Brown is scheduled to be sentenced on July 28 in Monroe County Court by Acting Judge Richard Healy. He faces a minimum of 20 years to Life and a maximum of life without the possibility of parole.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Timothy Brown convicted in double homicide in apartment building
Sudanese Muslim worshippers who fled violence in Khartoum gather for Eid al-Adha prayers in Jazira region, south of the capital (-)

Hundreds gathered in the Sudanese capital Khartoum Wednesday to pray for peace on the first day of the Eid al-Adha Muslim holiday, but gunfire shattered the brief respite, residents said.

Witnesses in the capital's twin city of Omdurman late Wednesday reported air strikes and anti-aircraft fire, despite separate unilateral truces announced by the warring generals for the holiday.

"The country can't take any more of this," Khartoum resident Kazem Abdel Baqi told AFP earlier in the day.

Nearly 2,800 people have been killed and more than 2.8 million displaced in the war between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy-turned rival Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Burhan on Tuesday called for Sudanese "youth and all those able to defend" to take up arms with the military. His appeal echoed one from the defence ministry last month, and has been widely rejected by civilians.

"We pray to God to make our country safe and secure," Baqi said, rejecting Burhan's call to arms, after the early morning prayer that rang in the three-day festival, normally a highlight of the year for Sudanese.

In neat rows in an empty courtyard, men in white and women in brightly coloured outfits gathered to pray, embracing and wishing each other well in a rare moment of respite from more than 10 weeks of relentless gunshots, air strikes and artillery fire that have reduced civilians' homes to rubble.

In both Khartoum and the western region of Darfur, where most of the violence has occurred, bodies have been left to rot in the streets.

Similar prayer gatherings took place outside Khartoum, including in Jazira region where many have fled from the capital.

- Grim Eid -

With millions trapped in the embattled capital still rationing electricity and water in the oppressive heat, families struggled to conjure up holiday cheer.

Omar Ibrahim, who lives with his three children in Khartoum's Shambat district, said the rituals of Eid have become an "unattainable dream".

"Will the guns be silent for Eid?" asked Ibrahim.

Multiple ceasefires announced by both sides have been systematically violated, as well as others mediated by the United States and Saudi Arabia.

The United Nations mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) welcomed the latest unilateral truce announcements.

"May Eid al-Adha be a reminder that the violence must stop," it said in a statement, reminding warring parties that "accountability for crimes committed during wartime will be pursued."

In past years, those Sudanese Muslims who could afford it would slaughter an animal for Eid, but now a record 25 million people in Sudan need humanitarian aid, the UN says.

The RSF and the army battled for control of Khartoum on multiple fronts this week, with paramilitaries seizing the capital's main police base and attacking military bases across the city.

In his Eid address urging the youth to defend Sudan, Burhan called the RSF "an existential threat" to the state.

Khartoum resident Ahmed al-Fateh said he was "against Burhan's call to tell the youth to take up arms and fight with the army."

"The youth have never fought before, and could do more harm than good," he told AFP.

More than a month ago the defence ministry had called on army reservists and military pensioners to report to military bases, before the governor of Darfur urged civilians to take up arms to defend themselves.

On Twitter, researcher Hamid Khalafallah called Burhan's address "very irresponsible", given fears that what began as a power struggle between generals is spiralling into civil conflict.

- 'Every 30 seconds' -

In the western region of Darfur the situation continues to worsen.

Entire cities are under siege, the UN says, and neighbourhoods burned to the ground.

Residents, as well as the UN, United States and others, say civilians have been targeted and killed for their ethnicity by the RSF and allied Arab militias -- in a bleak reminder of Darfur's bloody history.

In 2003, former strongman Omar al-Bashir armed and unleashed the RSF's predecessor, the Janjaweed militia, against Darfur's non-Arab ethnic minorities in a war that killed more than 300,000 and displaced 2.5 million.

Since April, more than 170,000 people have fled Darfur into neighbouring Chad, according to the UN refugee agency.

A total of almost 645,000 people have sought refuge outside Sudan, according to the latest International Organization for Migration data, with around 2.2 million more displaced within the country.

According to Laura Lo Castro, UNHCR's representative in Chad, "every 30 seconds, five (Sudanese) families cross the border into Chad through Adre town."

bur/it
(Bloomberg) -- A hacking group responsible for a series of outages at Microsoft Corp. earlier this month had spent the previous months attacking targets in Israel, Sweden and other nations, part of an expanding campaign that some cybersecurity researchers have tied to Russia.Anonymous Sudan describes itself as a hacktivist group and says its waging cyber strikes out of Africa on behalf of oppressed Muslims worldwide. The group claimed its June 5 distributed denial of service, or DDoS, attacks against Microsoft were retaliation for US policy regarding Sudans military conflict. The US is currently trying to broker a peace deal between warring factions.Some cybersecurity experts have concluded that the group actually operates from Russia and hacks for an entirely different purpose: to advance Moscows objectives. Anonymous Sudan is a Russian information operation that aims to use its Islamic credentials to be an advocate for closer cooperation between Russia and the Islamic world  always claiming that Russia is the Muslims friend, said Mattias Wahlen, a threat intelligence expert with Stockholm-based Truesec. This makes them a useful proxy.

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Wahlen led Truesecs investigation of Anonymous Sudan and the firms February report identifying the group as a front for Russia, an assessment that was corroborated by other security experts who studied the group and its activities. In its few short months in existence, Anonymous Sudan has repeatedly used cyberattacks as a bludgeon to drive home a singular narrative: that the West is hostile to Islam, while Moscow is a friend to the Muslim world, he said.

A representative for Anonymous Sudan denied to Bloomberg News that the group was acting on Russias behalf but said their interests were aligned. Anonymous Sudan goes after everything that is hostile to Islam and all countries that are hostile to Islam are hostile to Russia, the representative wrote, as part of an online conversation.Last weekend, as an extraordinary mutiny in Russia by the mercenary leader of the Wagner Group challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin, Anonymous Sudan took to Telegram in support of the Kremlin.The Russian army must defeat this rebellion, the group wrote.

A Microsoft representative declined to comment, beyond confirming Anonymous Sudans involvement, and referred to the companys June 16 blog post on the incident. A spokesperson for the Russian Embassy in Washington didnt respond to a request for comment.

In its blog post, Microsoft stated that in early June it had identified surges in traffic against some services that temporarily impacted availability. DDoS attacks typically direct junk internet traffic at a target, such as a website or server, temporarily degrading service or knocking it offline.

The cyber barrage directed at Microsoft caused temporary outages for some of the companys most popular services, including Outlook, Teams and OneDrive, and they dovetailed with what security experts noted were increased hostilities in Russias war in Ukraine. That tracks with what the experts said was Anonymous Sudans pattern of timing its cyberattacks to geopolitical flare-ups in countries aligned against Russia to gain greater visibility for its anti-Western messages.

Microsoft said the group appears to be focused on disruption and publicity. Sandra Barouta Elvin, Microsofts national security officer for Sweden, where Anonymous Sudans incidents began earlier this year, wrote in a post on her personal LinkedIn page on June 19 that the two weeks prior had been extra intense as cyberattacks ratcheted up in Ukraine and against Microsofts platforms, straining the companys ability to discern between legitimate and malicious traffic to some of its most popular services.

It is a cat-and-mouse game in constantly identifying new patterns and new infrastructure used for these types of attacks, she said.

One reason why Anonymous Sudans campaigns are effective is they target layer 7, or the application layer, of victims internet infrastructure  thats where web servers receive input from users and, in a computationally draining process, serve content in response, according to Charl van der Walt, head of cybersecurity research for Orange Cyberdefense, part of the French telecom Orange SA.

When executed skillfully, these DDoS events cause web servers to be unable to tell the difference between real and fake requests, he said. The attacks are more work for hackers to set up, but they have a potentially bigger payoff than ordinary denial-of-service assaults, which are easier to block, he said.

Anonymous Sudan has the technical knowledge on how to execute such a non-trivial attack, and they seem to know how to be effective against one of the biggest cloud infrastructure giants such as Microsoft, van der Walt said. From a technical point of view, the attackers are good or have access to resources that they can direct to act on their behalf. This puts them in a league above your average hacker collective.

Anonymous Sudan emerged in February with a campaign against Sweden. The digital onslaught disrupted online programming at Swedens national public broadcaster and knocked out the websites of the airline SAS AB, state-owned power company Vattenfall AB and defense firm Saab AB.

Read more: Posing as Islamists, Russian hackers take aim at Sweden

The group said the strikes were in response to the burning of a Koran in front of the Turkish embassy in Stockholm earlier this year. But some researchers believe their motivation was to amplify tensions with Swedens Muslim minority and pressure Turkey to hold firm in rejecting Swedens bid to join the NATO military alliance.

With Swedens NATO application stalled, Anonymous Sudan has turned its attention to Israel.

On April 4, Anonymous Sudan announced it was attacking the Israeli cybersecurity firm Check Point Software Technologies Ltd., and the next day vowed to greatly intensify its strikes overall against Israel. The group stated that it was attacking in support of Palestinians after clashes between police and worshippers at the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem.

The attacks continued as news reports emerged that Israel, which has officially been neutral in the Ukraine war, had shipped advanced radar and other military equipment to Ukraine.

Anonymous Sudan launched hundreds of attacks over a period of six weeks that targeted websites used by news organizations, government and military agencies, universities, banks, telecom providers, technology companies and warning systems that issue electronic rocket alerts to Israeli citizens, according to Gil Messing, Check Points chief of staff. Israel has regularly faced waves of cyber strikes from self-professed groups of hacktivists. But Anonymous Sudans attacks stand out  and have proven to be more disruptive  because they are a lot more powerful than anything that has come before, Messing said.

In one incident in Israel, for example, the group deployed a denial-of-service attack that flooded a website with 35 million requests per second, knocking it offline for a half an hour, Messing said. The average denial of service attack usually reaches only about 240,000 requests per second, according to the cybersecurity firm Imperva.

"Multiply the forces they are using for DDoS by at least ten, sometimes more, than the usual DDoS you would see by other cyber groups," Messing said. "The tools are not extremely sophisticated or expensive. But they are not very widely used."

The massive wave of strikes launched by Anonymous Sudan against Israel have meant that, during the first quarter of this year, the nation faced more denial-of-service attacks than any other country, according to Cloudflare Inc., a cybersecurity firm.Anonymous Sudan has vowed to continue. It recently teamed with two well-known hacking groups: Killnet, which has waged DDoS attacks aligned with Russian interests, and the Russia-linked ransomware group REvil. Together, they promised major cyberattacks against European banks in response to ongoing support for Ukraine. One victim thats already emerged is the European Investment Bank, the European Unions member-owned bank, whose website was disrupted on June 19.

Barouta Elvin, the Microsoft executive in Sweden, said one lesson from the cyber intrusions in recent weeks by the Russia-aligned groups is that as the war in Ukraine heats up, so too will the cyberattacks against that countrys allies.

Anyone who supports Ukraine is under fire, and European banks have been singled out as targets in recent days, Barouta Elvin wrote in her post. In other words, there is a great risk that it will not be the last item this summer on this threat.

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Wagner tank stuck on the way to the circus in Rostov-on-Don

The rebellion turned out to be foolish, but not ruthless. Both sides requested mercy.

The symbol of today's events is Prigozhin's tank stuck in the gates of the Rostov-on-Don circus. Eventually, it was "liberated" and taken back to the "camps."

Read also: After striking deal with Putin, Prigozhin and his fighters abandon march on Moscow

I physically felt a sigh of disappointment on Ukrainian social networks. The Wagnerites stopped just 200km short of Moscow. The show of an assault on Moscow did not happen. Lukashenko is celebrating.

I strongly suspect that the older Chinese brother facilitated this compromise. Some secret compromise was found that stopped the final farce with the Prigozhin rebellion. The rebellion turned out to be foolish, but not ruthless. Both sides requested mercy. Both sides understood that they could not win unequivocally and were clearly afraid to lose.

Putin and Prigozhin showed their weakness

Pardon my French (which, in this situation, is called for), but both Putin and Prigozhin f**ked up. Prigozhin realized that he did not receive mass support for his adventure and realized that even if he managed to break through to Moscow, he would not be able to conquer it and hold on to power. Putin probably realized that he might be unable to stop the Wagnerites from breaking through to Moscow. Losing Moscow would mean his failure and, after some time, a disgraceful finale. In the end, both avoided the worst, but at the same time, both , along with the weakness of modern Russia. Russia will not be defeated automatically. We still have a long and persistent struggle against the monster of Russian imperialism ahead of us. But this imperialist monster has again shown its internal weakness. It must be pressed. Step by step.

Read also: Criminal case against Prigozhin still ongoing, reports Russian media

Regarding the farce with the Prigozhin adventure, this is not yet the end. Putin will not forgive Prigozhin. The aggressive upstart will be eliminated. With his rebellion, he humiliated the Russian dictator, who will not forgive such a thing from his former "chef." However, Putin has once again shown his weakness and vulnerability. This is already a diagnosis for the Russian elites and security forces. They will eliminate Putin, but gradually and by stealth. We should be thinking about how to drive the Russian enemy out of our lands and neutralize the Russian threat for the future.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Illustration of a MAGA supporter plugging their ears Illustrated / Getty Images / AP Photo

Former President Donald Trump is the clear frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. He also faces the real possibility of being convicted of several felonies before Election Day.

Trump could be convicted of lying to New York State about paying off a porn actress to hide an alleged extramarital affair, or he could be convicted of keeping top secret national security documents in unsecured rooms and lying to the federal government when ordered to return them. He may also conceivably be convicted of illegally or violently trying to stay in power after losing the 2020 election.

Americans are presumed innocent until found guilty, and Republicans have by and large presumed that Trump is being unfairly persecuted, held to a higher standard than other politicians, or even innocent. That presumption became harder to maintain after news organizations obtained and published a two-minute audio clip of Trump appearing to confess to the felonies charged by special counsel Jack Smith in the secret documents case.

Trump and his conservative media allies are trying to spin this recording as inconclusive, no big deal, or even, as Trump claimed, an "exoneration." But what would happen if Republicans just presumed that Trump is probably guilty?

What are the commentators saying?

A few months ago, proving that Trump willfully kept documents he knew were classified "looked like a major obstacle to conviction. Not so much anymore," Bonnie Kristian wrote at The Daily Beast. The audio of Trump showing off secret Iran attack documents sure "sounds like an admission of guilt"  here's "Trump, with perhaps the most recognizable voice on Earth, saying he knowingly did exactly what he's accused of doing."

Trump is likely to be convicted, but he "shouldn't go to prison"  because he's old, this isn't a violent crime, and it's one "we can absolutely guarantee he won't and can't commit again: All we have to do is not reelect him as president," Kristian said. "One way for that to happen is for Republican voters to accept his guilt here. The tape should make it easy enough."

No, "the sickness of the Republican Party as it is presently constituted is that there is no conceivable set of facts that would permit it to acknowledge Trump's guilt," Jonathan Chait argued at New York Magazine. The GOP has shifted from fighting for conservative policies to just "ruthlessly" fighting, equating "scruples" with weakness. "A willingness to do or say anything to win was the essence of Trump's appeal," and now "the concept of 'crime' has been redefined in the conservative mind to mean activities by Democrats." Regardless of the strength of the cases against Trump, his GOP "loyalists have been trained to either deny any evidence of misconduct by their side or rationalize it as a necessary countermeasure against their enemies."

"It's not too late for the Republican Party," conservative former federal appellate judge J. Michael Luttig said in The New York Times. Trump "cynically calculated that his indictment would ensure that a riled-up Republican Party base would nominate him as its standard-bearer in 2024," and he appears to be right so far. "The stewards of the Republican Party" have "managed to convince themselves that an indicted and perhaps even convicted Donald Trump is their party's best hope for the future," but that's a losing bet  "there is no path to the White House for Republicans with Mr. Trump." And if Trump's plausible guilt on Espionage Act charges "fails to shake the Republican Party from its moribund political senses, then it is beyond saving itself. Nor ought it be saved."

What happens next?

Trump's trial on the documents and obstruction charges will start sometime between when the GOP presidential debates begin and when Republicans start voting for their party's nominee. So far, Republican lawmakers are split on whether to support Trump for president "if he's convicted of federal crimes," NBC News reported. "While some GOP lawmakers say they couldn't support a convicted felon for the White House, others are reluctant to close the door," and "the divisions scramble ideological lines." Privately, though, congressional Republicans express "more consternation about the possibility that a convicted criminal could be their party's presidential nominee."

GOP voters seem less disturbed by the idea. A recent NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll found that 63% of Republicans said they would vote for Trump even if here were found guilty of a crime. "That so many rank-and-file Republicans would stick with Trump, seemingly no matter what, shows the real stronghold he has on the GOP base  and why he's considered the frontrunner to win the Republican nomination again," NPR News reported. But the Republican enthusiasm isn't broadly shared: The same poll  conducted April 17-19 among 1,291 adults, with a margin of error of 3.4 percentage points  found that 64% of respondents don't want Trump to be president in general, and 70% are a no if he's convicted of a crime.

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An Alabama mother said she is heartbroken after her plans to teach two local children how to run a business were thwarted due to someone calling the U.S. Department of Labor on her.

The caller claimed she was hiring children but its simply not true, said mom Cristal Johnson.

Johnson made a social media post last Thursday promoting an apprenticeship program where two kids could learn more about her sons lemonade stand business and serve as greeters and smilers.

You can drop them off with us at the truck for a 2 hr shift, and pick them up at the end of their shift, she wrote in her post.

The post also asked for little ones who apply to submit resumes. She was planning to pay the kids $20, but Johnson said her main goal was to teach them math skills, customer service skills and build their self-esteem.

A June 23, 2023 Instagram post. Cristal Johnson planned an event hoping to teach other kids how her son does business, but someone called the U.S. Department of Labor and complained that the company was hiring minors.

Cam Johnson and his mother, Cristal Johnson, owners of Cam's Lemonade. The business was started in 2022 when the boy was just 7 years old. His mother planned an event in June 2023 hoping to teach other kids how they do business, but someone called the U.S. Department of Labor and complained that the company was hiring minors.

The next day, she received a call from the U.S. Department of Labor that someone had formally complained saying she was hiring minors and that the event had to be canceled.

My feelings were hurt, said Johnson. I was shocked. Theres no way a decent person would gather that I was trying to hire minors to do any type of work for me.

Johnson said the U.S. Department of Labor representative she spoke to understood what she was trying to do but the event needed to be nixed because she could've profited from a child working for her if lemonade was sold.

Now, Johnson said shes planning another event and will check with her contact in the department first. Theyll have a similar event but no lemonade will be sold to customers that day, she said.

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Mom says someone making a complaint against her was heartbreaking

Johnson said she was just trying to do a good thing for children in the community.

After receiving the call to cancel the event, she took to Facebook to let community members know.

Although my heart was in the right place.. someone elses was not, she wrote Friday. That person is no doubt reading this message, and this is for you: You CANNOT stop what is destined to be! You didnt win! All you did is make me figure out another way.

She told USA TODAY she was hurt that someone tried to turn it into something negative.

It was a very heartbreaking thing for me, Johnson said. I was just trying to do a good thing and help some kids and help the community. For someone to turn it into what they did, it was pretty awful.

Cam Johnson and his mother, Cristal Johnson, owners of Cam's Lemonade. The business was started in 2022 when the boy was just 7 years old. His mother planned an event in June 2023 hoping to teach other kids how they do business, but someone called the U.S. Department of Labor and complained that the company was hiring minors.

The start of Camerons Lemonade

Her son, Cameron, started a lemonade stand business in 2022 when he was 7 years old. Cameron wanted to go to Disney World and his mom wanted to teach him the value of a dollar.

His mother, Cristal, is a single mother and respiratory therapist who works overnight, so she challenged him to raise money he could use to pay for the trip.

She bought crates, set up a stand at the end of the familys driveway and posted on Facebook urging locals to stop by and support her son.

We were going to do it for one Saturday, she said. Before we knew it, at the end of the day, we had several people come by and ask Hey, when are you going to do it again?

They did it again the following weekend and things took off, she said.

Cam Johnson, owner of Cam's Lemonade. The business was started in 2022 when the boy was just 7 years old. His mother planned an event in June 2023 hoping to teach other kids how they do business, but someone called the U.S. Department of Labor and complained that the company was hiring minors.

Initially, they sold store bought lemonade but the boys mother later decided to make her own.They currently sell flavors such as:

Original

Peach

Pink Lemonade

Mango

The Hulk

Red Jolly Rancher

Raspberry

Strawberry

Strawberry Peach (with real strawberries)

Strawberry (with real strawberries)

Pineapple (with real pineapples)

His mom says the person who filed a complaint against them wont stop them.

Were not going to let something like that stop us, she said.

Keep up with Johnson and her son Cam at www.camslemonade.square.site, www.instagram.com/cams_lemonade and www.facebook.com/camslemonade.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alabama mom's lemonade stand post leads to Labor Department complaint
When Henry Scotts mother died two years ago, there was never a doubt hed want to keep her home. He most definitely did.

It just has a lot of memories for me, said Scott, 61.

But a title issue  tied to the lack of a will  put a smooth inheritance at risk. Such problems can result in unclear ownership, simmering family feuds and properties falling into disrepair. That can put family homes such as Scotts at risk of being lost to unscrupulous developers or  as the Miami Herald showed earlier this year  cities seizing them over property violations and selling them to boost municipal revenue.

Black neighborhoods have borne the brunt of these efforts.

But now community organizations in Jacksonville, which is 30% Black, are fighting back, banding together under the banner of a community redevelopment organization called Local Initiatives Support Corporation to help families struggling with what are known as heirs property issues.

So far this year, the program has resolved 180 such cases across Jacksonville, according to the executive director of the groups Jacksonville branch, Irvin Cohen. He estimates that this amounts to helping residents preserve $11 million in debt equity.

The Jacksonville program might be a preview of whats coming to Miami  and an antidote to what has occurred in cities like St. Petersburg, which has foreclosed on hundreds of homes, most in largely Black neighborhoods, and Bradenton.

The Scott family home is just a stones throw from McCoys Creek Boulevard Park on Jacksonvilles west side. First purchased by his grandparents in the 1960s, the teal, one-story house still glows with the ghosts of his familys memories: the lingering scent of his mothers perfume, the booming peals of his cousins laughter, even the bittersweet memory of his grandfathers horrible casserole.

Back in the 60s when his grandparents bought the dwelling, Black families faced imposing obstacles to home ownership, often involving redlining  where banks refused to make loans in certain neighborhoods, often majority Black ones. That practice cemented patterns of blight and segregation.

Scotts mother did not create a will before her death, leaving him and his two brothers entangled in an heirs property dilemma, what can happen when a homeowner dies without an estate plan.

Scott, who is vice president of the community revitalization group North Riverside Community Development Corporation, attended a workshop put on by Cohens organization. The group is working to identify potential cases of heirs property across Jacksonville and  in conjunction with legal groups like Three Rivers Legal Services and Jacksonville Area Legal Aid  helping residents learn the risks, resolve title issues and minimize the possibility of losing their homes.

Henry Scotts home in Jacksonville, Fla.

Were really leaning into heirs property as a way to prop up family wealth creation, Cohen said. On the other end of the pendulum, I would like to think of it as we are averting a homeless situation.

In April, Legal Services of Greater Miami received a $600,000 grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation, which will partly be used to brief Miami-Dade residents about the issue and provide free legal assistance to heirs property owners in untangling titles, building on the organizations work so far in Liberty City funded by Bank United.

Legal Services has fielded approximately 30 requests for help with potential heirs property matters

At a time like now, where affordable housing is becoming scarcer and scarcer, keeping a family home that youve had for decades is perhaps one of the most affordable ways to stay housed, said the organizations advocacy director, Lisa Lauck.

One expert described heirs property as the biggest problem most people have never heard of.

With no will to formally establish a new titleholder, family members share ownership of the inherited property and these unresolved title issues make it nearly impossible for families to get loans or other financing options to maintain and improve heirs property. Even getting a permit to do the work is often a no-go.

The shared ownership  which in some cases involves numerous family members scattered across the country  can also make the properties vulnerable to developers, even if a majority of the owners dont want to sell.

A Miami Herald investigation earlier this year showed that these kinds of properties have been the target of ramped-up foreclosures over unpaid code fines in numerous cities across the state.

For historic reasons with roots in Reconstruction and the Jim Crow era, heirs property in urban areas is disproportionately found in neighborhoods with high concentrations of Black residents. The risks associated with heirs property, however, do not solely stem from racial or socioeconomic issues, said Mavis Gragg, a North Carolina attorney who has worked extensively to resolve these cases.

The issue, she said, is that the ownership  the legal bundle of rights that comes with inherited real estate  is very restrictive and very difficult to manage.

READ MORE: Families lose homes after Florida cities turbocharge code enforcement foreclosures

Scott said hes thankful the Jacksonville program has not only enabled him to protect his familys home, but is helping his community eliminate barriers to accessing funding for home maintenance.

Theres such a big need for housing repairs in our area, Scott said. These are some very old homes ... and we have a lot of residents who really need help with the repairing of their homes.

Building trust in vulnerable communities

Jacksonville covers the most land of any city in the continental United States, and due to its sprawling footprint, Cohen estimates the city has more than 12,000 heirs property cases  more than anywhere else in Florida.

After Hurricane Michael in 2018, Cohen saw the urgent need to address heirs property in Jacksonville. Families struggled to get federal relief funding for making repairs because they couldnt prove they owned their homes, an issue that recent policy changes have sought to fix.

Last year, his team launched its heirs property program, which includes a door-knocking campaign, workshop series and referrals to legal services. Through these initiatives, theyre hoping to build relationships with community organizations and residents to help heal historic distrust in the systems central to estate planning.

Discriminatory policies throughout Reconstruction and Jim Crow not only made it more difficult for Black people to obtain home loans, but also kept them from creating wills to formally transfer ownership of property. This generated a sense of mistrust that continues today, with one 2022 survey finding that 77% of Black people nationwide dont have a will compared to 61% of white people.

Over time, families lacking a paper trail of ownership have struggled because theyre now being targeted when theres a hot real estate market, particularly by third parties who want to get an interest and then force a sale, said Gragg, the North Carolina attorney.

READ MORE: Lawyer once helped debt-ridden owners hang on to homes. Now he helps cities take them away

Cohen said factors like these have combined to create a culture thats ripe for issues of heirs property.

Gerald Dinkins received help from the group navigating through the estate planning process, and felt he could trust their team because of the efforts they took to simplify his responsibilities.

I hate to use the word easy process, but it was a process that didnt put a lot of strain on me, Dinkins said. To me, it meant a lot to have people in the legal office there that were kind and friendly and helpful.

Dinkins, 66, was already his homes titleholder when he first attended one of the Jacksonville groups community meetings. But as a father and step-father, he chose to pursue the groups help after learning about how lacking estate plans can affect heirs.

I know one day Im not going to be here, and I dont want my kids to have to go through those legal issues  someone trying to take the house, the kids being upset over whos going to get what, he added.

A problem most people have never heard of

Wade Clark was in the process of clearing title to his home in Clearwater when the city foreclosed on him over unpaid code fines. Despite winning a court battle to be declared the sole owner of the house, Clark, a veteran, still lost the property to foreclosure.

If they had worked with me, after giving me control of the house, I could have gotten a loan on the house through the VA, Clark said. It was always a we dont want to talk to you attitude.

Wade Clark stands in front of the shell of the Clearwater home he lost after the city foreclosed on it over unpaid code enforcement fines. The roof needed to be prepared and the house, which Clarks father originally built, hasnt been improved since it was taken from Clark.

Ryan Thomson, an Auburn University professor who has studied the pervasiveness of heirs property across the South, said that owning heirs property creates a catch-22 for families. The difficulty of maintaining heirs property leaves owners vulnerable to accruing code violations, and these violations put the owner at risk of losing the property itself.

We oftentimes refer to heirs property as the biggest problem most people have never heard of, Thomson said. But this code enforcement strategy has the potential to be the worst problem none of us have heard of.

READ MORE Florida cities ramped up foreclosures to hurt speculators. Instead they helped

State officials took one step to address heirs property issues in July 2020 with the adoption of the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act, which implemented measures to prevent developers from scooping up heirs property below market value. Before heirs property can be partitioned and sold, the law requires courts to provide notice to all heirs and enlist an independent appraiser to determine the propertys true market value.

But the law doesnt address all the risks that owners of heirs property face, particularly in urban areas. And some cities across the state are beginning to introduce their own programs to address the issue.

St. Petersburg, a focal point of the Heralds earlier reporting after it brought foreclosure suits on more than 400 properties with code violations, is now rolling out a new program to help heirs property owners address title issues before they lead to foreclosure.

Resolving title issues

Heirs property exists at the intersection of real estate law and inheritance law, and to dissect these issues, attorneys have to trace the familys property history through a thicket of legal documents. Depending on how many heirs are involved, this search can take weeks to years.

The process can grow even thornier once all the heirs have been tracked down.

Because heirs each have an equal stake to the property, resolving disputes can take an emotional toll.

READ MORE: Shes at risk of losing her Florida home over a violation she didnt know existed

Youve been living in a house for 20 years, and your brother or sister in California decides that they want to exercise their interest in a property that they didnt even realize they had an interest in. I mean, that can get intense, Cohen said.

For Scott, the process of transferring the deed into his own name took about two months. He feels so grateful and so thankful for his two brothers  the other heirs  because they both voluntarily transferred their interest in the property to him, avoiding conflict in clearing the title.

To be able to protect his home  his mothers home, his grandparents home  and its legacy has meant everything to him.

Now I can give it a little tender love and care, he said, and pass it on hopefully to my daughter.
Nearly five months after Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville announced his hold on Department of Defense nominees, the tactic has become a major flashpoint within the US Senate as institutionalists inside the body are voicing concerns the hold could have long-term repercussions and are openly warning an overhaul of the nominations process could be needed.

Despite efforts from Republican colleagues, Tubervilles been resolute, holding up the nomination of roughly 250 military nominees  many promotions that would typically be fast-tracked through the Senate. The dramatic impasse is forcing senators to openly question if its time for the body to consider changing the rules or at the very least limit the number of nominations that require Senate confirmation.

Maybe we need another gang to come up with a set of rules changes, but the vast majority of us who understand these tools should be used sparingly, I think we need to raise our voices, Sen, Mark Warner, a Democrat from Virginia, said.

The angst is bipartisan as senators are grow wary of a further roadblocks in a Senate that is already doing very little legislating in divided government.

Are we all gonna start taking hostages now? Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska, said.

A hold in the Senate cant ultimately stop a nominee from being confirmed. But, it can force Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to burn valuable floor time on a process that may otherwise have moved much more quickly.

Its a tactic that has been used in the past and escalated last Congress when GOP Sen. Josh Hawley held up Pentagon nominees for several months over the Biden administrations handling of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

But what makes Tubervilles hold more dramatic is the fact it also includes a hold on military promotions, which senators argue arent political nominees. In the case of Tubervilles holds, there are now more than 250 military promotions and nominations delayed. Putting every single one of them on the floor would take months to complete. Tubervilles move stems from his opposition to a Pentagon abortion policy.

Tubervilles hold is far and away the most impactful in the Senate, but its not the only obstacle nominees are facing. Republican Sen. J.D. Vance announced in June hed place a hold over Department of Justice nominees after Trump was indicted on federal charges, but there are only two nominees in the pipeline  both of whom were always expected to require significant floor time to be approved. Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders has warned he will oppose Biden administration health nominees as he pushes the administration to do more to lower the cost of prescription drugs.

The mere optics of agency-wide opposition is becoming a major issue for senators who say its chipping away at Senate decorum and efficiency.

If you dont like someone who has been nominated then vote against them, New Hampshire Democrat Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said. To hold up over things is not in the best interest of the national security of the country. Weve got all these ambassadors, general officers. Now we are talking about holding all the nominees for the Department of Justice. If you dont want to be here and work on policy then why did you come?

Its not uncommon for a lawmaker to use a hold on a single nominee either because of concerns with the nominee or as a way to extract leverage from the administration, but members complain the rise in agency-wide holds is being abused and undermining the Senates ability to perform a core role.

Holding up one nominee or even a short hold on a handful of nominees has been a way that senators from time to time have exercised a little leverage against an agency that wouldnt cough up information or an administration that wouldnt put out a report, but it has completely changed now, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, said. Now these are holds that are broad and in Sen. Tubervilles case undermine our national security. Thats a kind of hell-bent on destruction that is one more sign of how broken this Congress has become.

Delaware Democrat Sen. Chris Coons argued the uptick in agency-wide opposition is risking further degrading the ability of the Senate to perform its essential function of advice and consent.

Some members are so fed up they are arguing the Senate needs to look at overhauling the rules of nominations.

One person shouldnt be able to take an action like this. We need to look at the Senate rules to think about whether we should say it has to be at least five people instead of one person, Independent Sen. Angus King argued.

Its a delicate balance though. Any action that Senate Democrats take now to address Tubervilles holds on military promotions would have to be incredibly tailored or Democrats run the risk of Republicans using their rules change in the future to speed up nominees Democrats may find controversial.

Another option would be to pass a law that allows military promotions to advance without Senate consent, but its not clear that would have the votes to pass. Lawmakers could also limit the number of nominees that need Senate confirmation, a process that would need bipartisan buy in.

Do we really need deputy assistant secretaries to go through this whole process? Warner said. The other thing is many of these men and women who want to serve for appointed positions have to literally put their lives literally in limbo for sometimes six to 12 months.

Sen. Chuck Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, warned that he believes in senators being able to use their leverage over nominees, but even he is worried that if agency-wide holds get used too often, it will prompt a rules change.

We should make sure that we give each senator as much power as we can. It was meant to be that way, its always been that way. I just want to make sure it isnt abused to the point where we maybe change the rules, thats a slippery slope, Grassley said.

For their part, senators with agency-wide holds argue its their prerogative to use the rules in their favor.

Well, this group will try to change anything to make it work for them. But this is the rules. We can make a hold on anything we want, Tuberville said.

Vance said he stands by his hold.

I think the way that Merrick Garland has politicized the Justice Department sets a bad precedent for American justice and somebody needs to push back against it, Vance said.

For now, Democratic leaders arent planning any immediate action, instead hoping that GOP leadership will find a way to talk Tuberville out of his hold.

Were trying everything we can think of, but most of all, were appealing to other Republicans who we think are reasonable to come to their senses, Democratic Whip Dick Durbin said.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
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File photo taken on Sept. 24, 2015 shows the national flags of China and the United States as well as the flag of Washington D.C. on the Constitution Avenue in Washington, capital of the United States. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng on Tuesday held a phone conversation with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, calling for efforts to gradually bring China-U.S. relations back onto the right track.

Xie thanked the U.S. side for its support and assistance in performing his duties, adding that a sound and stable China-U.S. relationship is in the interest of the two countries, and is also a shared expectation of the international community.

The three principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation represent the fundamental and right way for the two countries to get along with each other in the new era, Xie noted.

The ambassador said he hopes that the U.S. side will work with China in the same direction, remain committed to the consensus reached by the two heads of state in Bali, demonstrate respect and remove obstacles with concrete actions.

He also expressed his hope that the U.S. will properly handle important and sensitive issues such as the Taiwan question on the basis of the three China-U.S. joint communiques, enhance dialogue, manage difference and conduct cooperation to gradually bring bilateral relations back onto the right track.

Welcoming Xie to assume his new post, Sherman said the U.S. Department of State will continue to provide convenience and support for Ambassador Xie to perform his duties.

The two sides also exchanged views on issues of common concern, and agreed to maintain communication.
Photo: Gustavo Caballero (Getty Images)

As the battle between Disney and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis continues to notch regular updates, anyone who hasnt been following from the beginning might be a bit confused. Why is this Republican presidential hopeful openly fighting with his states biggest taxpayer? Lets take a look.

The current conflict began to ramp up in early 2022 with Floridas HB 1557, also known as the Dont Say Gay bill. DeSantis faced an outcry over the homophobic and harmful legislation from not only his constituents, but also employees at Walt Disney World and eventually the Walt Disney Company itself. DeSantis response to the outcry was to strip Disney of control over its Reedy Creek Special District, the area where Disney Parks has long encompassed its own city, originally put in place when Epcot was meant to be a prototype city of tomorrowa planned community that Walt Disney himself hoped would be encompassed in the theme park resort area.

Read more

Why did Ron DeSantis strike back at Disney?

The Florida governors relationship with the company wasnt always stormy; in fact, the presidential hopeful actually got married at the Walt Disney World. But he turned his back on the states main tourist draw when Disneyexercising its right to free speechtook a stand against his Dont Say Gay bill. Known as HB 1557, the law outlaws and censors sexual orientation and gender identity discussions from schools.

Because Disney took its time speaking out, it faced walk-outs from LGBTQIA+ community members and allies in its employee pool. There were also employee concerns regarding then-Disney CEO Bob Chapeks plans to move Disneys Imagineering department to Floridaputting LGBTQIA+ families at risk in a state that was stripping away their protected rights, and requiring them start a new life someplace they werent safe. From their open letter at the time:

The recent statements by The Walt Disney Company (TWDC) leadership regarding the Florida legislatures recent Dont Say Gay bill have utterly failed to match the magnitude of the threat to LGBTQIA+ safety represented by this legislation. Primarily, those statements have indicated that leadership still does not truly understand the impact this legislation is having not only on Cast Members in the state of Florida, but on all members of the LGBTQIA+ community in the company and beyond.

Eventually, though, the Walt Disney Company made it clear it stood against the transgressive bill and released the following statement: Our goal as a company is for this law to be repealed by the legislature or struck down in the courts, and we remain committed to supporting the national and state organizations working to achieve that. We are dedicated to standing up for the rights and safety of LGBTQ+ members of the Disney family, as well as the LGBTQ+ community in Florida and across the country.

What were Disneys special district privileges?

Disneys public stand against the legislation prompted Governor DeSantis to play petty with the law, making a move against the Walt Disney Company that could actually have financial repercussions for the people of Florida. DeSantis ended the states long, lucrative relationship with Disney by removing its control over the Reedy Creek Improvement Districtthe 27 square miles of land that Disney Parks now occupies.

The area was originally intended to headquarter Walt Disneys Epcot, which was described in 1966 as an example of a sustainable city of the future he planned to build. With Disneys Florida Project, he dreamed of creating a new urban community where American free enterprise could test the latest innovations while addressing problems that suburban sprawl and the car industry were ignoring. Some elements of his original plans can be seen in Epcot attractions like Living With the Land, which actively works to provide a vision of futuristic solutions to farming.

After Disneys passing, the original plans for Epcot were re-worked and incorportated into Walt Disney World. Still holding this special district control, Disney was able to act as an independent entity without having to go through the state for approvals on things like expansions, all while still paying the high property taxes in Floridas Orange and Osceola counties. These taxes would not have been sustainable if Disney had not taken care of them since the parks opening. This why DeSantis move was seen initially as a strike against the states economic landscape, especially central Florida residents who depend on Disney to take the brunt of that financial burden.

DeSantiswhose other interests include banning critical race theorythen created the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, overseen by a board whose members were appointed by DeSantis, and who would have power over municipal contracts and approvals on the contested 25,000 acres of land. DeSantis initially hoped the board would have influence on creative decisions, too, though that ended up not being the case; however, the districts debt obligations were still Disneys responsibility.

Bob Iger returned to lead Disneyand sue Florida

Disney went on to exercise its right to sue over First Amendment violations, as DeSantis made no effort to conceal that his political moves were retaliations for not supporting his rulings aimed at persecuting marginalized people. In the lawsuit Disney stated that the company finds itself in this regrettable position because it expressed a viewpoint the Governor and his allies did not like. Disney wishes that things could have been resolved a different way. But Disney also knows that it is fortunate to have the resources to take a stand against the States retaliationa stand smaller businesses and individuals might not be able to take when the State comes after them for expressing their own views. In America, the government cannot punish you for speaking your mind.

In one of Bob Igers first investor calls when he returned to lead the Walt Disney Company, the public was eager to hear his thoughts on the matter as the lawsuit heated up, and he responded. I think the case that we filed last month made our position and the facts very clear and that is really that this is about one thing and one thing onlyand that is retaliating against us for taking a position about pending legislation. And we believe that in us taking that position we are merely exercising our right to free speech.

He affirmed, Also, this is not about special privileges or a level playing field or Disney in any way using its leverage around the state of Florida. But since theres been a lot said about special districts and the arrangement that we have, I want to set the record straight on that too. There are about 2,000 special districts in Florida. Most are established to foster investor development, where we were one of them. He basically made it easier for usand others, by the wayto do business in Florida, and we built a business that employs, as we said before, over 75,000 people, and attracts tens of millions of people to the state. So while it is easy to say that the Reedy Creek Special District that was established for us over 50 years ago benefited us, it is misleading to not also consider how much Disney benefited the state of Florida. And we are also not the only company operating a special district. I mentioned 2,000the Daytona Speedway, it has one. So do the Villages, which is a permanent retirement community, and there are countless others.

Iger pointing out that other special districts were allowed to operate as they were really drove the point home. So if the goal is leveling the playing field in the uniform application of the law or government oversight of special districts, [that] needs to occur or be applied to all special districts, he said. Theres also a false narrative that we have been fighting to protect tax breaks as part of this. But in fact we are the largest taxpayer in Central Florida. We pay more taxes, specifically more real estate taxes, as a result of that special district. And we all know there was no concerted effort to do anything to dismantle what was once called Reedy Creek Special District until we spoke out [against DeSantis anti-LGBTQIA+] legislation. So this is plainly a matter of retaliation while the rest of the Florida special districts continue operating basically as they were.

Whats more, Iger said, this ongoing feud has the potential to leave real damage behind. I think its also important for us to say our primary goal has always been to be able to continue to do exactly what we have been doing there, which is investing in Florida. We are proud of the tourism industry that we created and we want to continue delivering the best possible experience for guests going forward. We never wantedand we certainly never expectedto be in the position of having to defend our business interests in federal court, particularly having such a terrific relationship with the state as we have had for more than 50 years. We employ thousands of people and, by the way, we pay them above the minimum wage, substantially above the minimum wage, dictated by the state of Florida. We also provide them with great benefits and free education. So, Im going to finish what is obviously kind of a long answer by asking one question: does the state want us to invest more, employ more people, and pay more taxesor not?

Whats the latest update on the Disney vs. DeSantis feud?

This week, in a whimpering bid to continue to embarrass himselfto the point where fellow deep-in-hot-water candidate Trump feels comfortable trolling him within their own partythe Florida Governor is now trying to claim immunity from the lawsuit. Floridas attorney statement, as reported by Deadline, described the motion as follows: Although Disney grabbed headlines by suing the Governor, Disneylike many litigants before it who have challenged Floridas lawshas no basis for doing so. Neither the Governor nor the Secretary [of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity] enforce any of the laws at issue, so Disney lacks standing to sue them,

So the messy battle continues, with DeSantis acting above the law by chasing a mouse he cant catch or control, while seeing his traps blow up in his own face. Arent there Mickey Mouse cartoons about this sort of thing?



Wish Upon a Coin | A Mickey Mouse Cartoon | Disney Shorts

More to come!





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Heroic dad jumps into Mississippi River to save child before drowning, TN cops say

A Tennessee father drowned in the Mississippi River after jumping in to save his child, deputies said.

On June 25, Dustin Lynch was fishing on the river at the Tennessee-Arkansas border when his son ended up in the water, Lauderdale County Chief Deputy Garrison Taylor told McClatchy News in an email.

Lynch was with a group on a sandbar in the river when the current washed him and his son away, WMC reported.

Taylor said Lynch went into the water after his son, and while he ultimately saved the child, Lynch went under the water and then went missing.

Lauderdale County deputies enlisted the help of multiple state agencies in Tennessee and Arkansas to search for Lynch.

Around 4:30 p.m. on June 26, Lynchs body was discovered in the river near Mississippi County, Arkansas, Taylor said.

The child is alive due to the heroic efforts of Dustin, Sheriff Brian Kelley told McClatchy News. Our heartfelt condolences go out to this family. The Lauderdale County Sheriffs Office owes a debt of gratitude to the many citizens and agencies that helped bring Dustin home.

Lynchs wifes employer said on Facebook that their son was in a hospital recovering on June 26.

Lynchs family is from Ripley, WMC reported, which is about 60 miles northeast of Memphis.

Dad died a hero saving 8-year-old son from drowning, Indiana family says

Screams for help sent man rushing into Texas river, cops say. Body was just recovered

Cliff jumpers found dead in Minnesota lake hours after struggling in water, cops say

Two tourists dead, multiple people rescued as dangerous surf pounds Florida Panhandle
Hialeah mayor rules out inquiry into unanswered 911 calls. What he and others are saying

Hialeah Mayor Esteban Bovo Jr. has dismissed a demand from Councilman Bryan Calvo for a formal investigation into the citys 911 emergency line operation.

A spokesperson for Bovos office confirmed to el Nuevo Herald that unanswered 911 calls happen in the city, but emphasized that this an issue that happens everywhere.

We know we have a 5% rate of abandoned calls, but we want to improve that percentage, we want to enhance our operations, Ismare Monreal said.

Employees of the Hialeah 911 Emergency Department denounce that the lack of personnel affects the quality of service in the unit, preventing them from answering all the calls they receive daily. To protect the identity of the telemarketers and the privacy of people who called the emergency number, the telephone numbers and addresses of the calls were edited

Calvo urged the city to launch a formal investigation into the alarming revelations brought to light by two recent Herald articles.

El Nuevo Herald reported that Hialeah recorded 4,716 unanswered 911 calls so far this year through May 31, or 6.69% of all calls during that time.

Bovo issued a statement on Monday comparing the rate of unanswered 911 calls for Hialeah and Miami-Dade County. The mayor said that so far in 2023, Miami-Dade County abandoned 68,127 calls out of a total of 632,222 calls received, a rate of 9.73%. Hialeah, he said, abandoned 5,307 calls out of a total of 73,255 calls received, a rate of 6.76%

There are no figures for the national average percentage of calls to 911 that go unanswered. But according to the National Emergency Number Association, the gold standard is that 90% of all 911 calls should be answered within 15 seconds and 95% within 20 seconds.

In stories reported by el Nuevo Herald in recent weeks, Hialeah residents complained of waiting for several minutes for an operator to answer the phone.

Hialeah Councilmember Bryan Calvo holds a press conference in front of Hialeah City Hall to demand an investigation into 911 calls that are not being answered. Hialeah, Florida - June 26, 2023 -

Councilman Calvo argues that there is enough evidence pointing to a crisis in the 911 system:

 A report commissioned by Mayor Bovo to replace Police Chief Sergio Velazquez, conducted by the Colina Group in March 2022, warned that the 911 unit is woefully understaffed ... grossly neglected and needs immediate attention. The report highlighted high stress, understaffed, chaotic environment [that] has resulted in high overtime rates, high turnover rates.

 Andrew Glassmer, a police radio dispatcher at Hialeahs 911 Communications Department, told the City Council on March 28: Ive been here since six years and have seen a downhill trend since the day one that I got here and unfortunately we need your help, we are very very desperate, the future outlook for our division is poor if drastic, rapid changes are not made.

 Miami-Dade County statistics obtained by el Nuevo Herald reveal that the city has failed to answer 33,219 calls since 2021.

 Calvo visited the 911 department and noted understaffing.

However, Mayor Bovos office, when asked about the investigation request, stated: We do not know what kind of investigation Councilman Calvo is seeking. Since the mayor took office, a review has been conducted not only of the 911 department but of all departments. If he had asked, we would have provided him with the report.

Hialeah City Mayor Esteban Bovo Jr. interviewed by el Nuevo Herald

Former Hialeah mayor Raul Martinez criticized Bovos response, stating that it demonstrated the desperation of an incompetent politician who neglected to address the problems when he took office and is now responsible for all the issues in the city. Martinez added, He is the typical individual who attacks the messenger rather than addressing the problem.

Bovo has blamed media coverage of Hialeahs 911 line for attempting to create a public safety crisis.

Another unanswered call in Hialeahs 911

Meanwhile, another incident of an unanswered call came to light on Monday, June 26.

Eriberto Hernandez called 911 at 9:49 a.m. seeking first aid for a construction worker with chest pain and trouble breathing.

I waited several minutes for them to answer, but it kept ringing, and no one answered. I had to use another number to get through, and even then, it took them a while to provide first aid. Thankfully, it wasnt a heart attack but indigestion, but we didnt know until the paramedics arrived, he told el Nuevo Herald.

Paramedics arrived at 10:15 a.m.

On average, from the 1st January to May 31, 2023 Hialeahs Emergency Department fails to answer 31 an average of 466.68 calls they receive each day, or 6.69%, according to city records.

Who is answering the 911 calls in Hialeah? Why some consider the response an emergency

Hialeahs 911 call center says it has its own emergency: the number of personnel on duty
High fire risk in Southwest forces trail closures at national park in Texas

The combination of dry brush and favorable weather conditions for wildfires has caused authorities to issue their annual warning for those who like to enjoy the outdoors.

Many communities in the Southwest and West Texas are under fire alerts due to the threat that gusty winds and low humidity can cause fires to rapidly grow before being brought under control.

Staff at Guadalupe Mountains National Park say theyve taken their annual precautionary measures of closing parts of the West Texas site to help limit the potential for wildfires.

The National Park Service estimates that 85 percent of wildland fires around the country are sparked by humans.

Common causes stem from unattended campfires, debris burning, cigarettes and cases of arson.

DEADLY, HISTORIC HEAT WAVE GRIPPING SOUTH EXPANDS TO MIDWEST WITH 71 MILLION UNDER HEAT ALERTS IN 13 STATES

Southwest fire weather threat

According to the Guadalupe Mountains National Park staff, the closure of many of the campgrounds and hiking trails will hopefully reduce the threat of a fire developing and burning out of control.

The closures are expected to last until monsoon rains pick up, which typically starts in earnest in mid to late summer.

The Southwest monsoon season officially began on June 15 and lasts into September.

In 2022, the annual rains were historic, with many communities reporting one of their top ten wettest events in history.

SEE THE EXTREME WEATHER VISITORS AT NATIONAL PARKS EXPERIENCE

In addition to the threat of wildfires, rangers are cautioning visitors about extreme heat with temperatures well over the century mark.

At Big Bend National Park along the Rio Grande, a fourteen-year-old boy and his father were reported to have died during a heat-related emergency.

The NPS said the family was hiking on a trail with little shade and a temperature of 119 degrees.

The FOX Forecast expects extreme heat and fire weather will likely remain issues through the next several days.
This historically-Black Nevada neighborhood has been sinking for decades. A new law may finally help residents move out

For Nancy Johnson, Windsor Park was like a dream when she first moved to a new home in the historically Black North Las Vegas neighborhood in 1976. But within a few years, the cracks began to show  and homes started to sink.

The homes, the streets started cracking, the driveways, said Johnson, a 67-year-old mother and former blackjack dealer. Im legally blind and I could tell that when I hung up the curtains that they were leaning.

Johnson is one of dozens of residents who have lived in homes sinking under their feet for decades while seeking the citys help to improve the area or relocate.

No one should have to feel like they live in the gutter, Johnson said.

Their fight may come to an end soon. Earlier this month, Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo signed a law that would allocate $37 million to develop new homes near Windsor Park.

While there are multiple vacant lots in this North Las Vegas neighborhood, at least 90 homeowners continue living there despite unsafe living conditions. - Ken Ritter/AP

The law goes into effect on July 1 and will set in motion a process to relocate residents that could take about a year to complete, according to state Sen. Dina Neal, a Democrat who represents Windsor Park and who sponsored the legislation.

Nevadas housing division will hire a developer to build new homes on vacant land adjacent to Windsor Park that has been studied to ensure it wont subside, and residents would exchange their current home for a new one of at least the same amount of square footage, the law states.

Authorities will cover moving expenses and residents or their descendants will receive $50,000 or $10,000 in restitution, based on whether their families still live in the neighborhood, according to the law.

Despite the Governors continued concerns about the feasibility and implications of the legislation itself, he believes its important to support the residents of Windsor Park and give the program a chance to succeed, said Elizabeth Ray, a spokesperson for the governors office in a statement to CNN.

A neighborhood crumbling

Built in the 1960s, Windsor Park was originally comprised of 241 homes and considered a segregated neighborhood.

Neal said the neighborhood was built to be a place where Black people could be proud and have homes to pass down to their families.

Johnson, who arrived in the 70s as a 21-year-old with a newborn baby, described how neighbors took care of each other, had picnics together, held Easter egg hunts for their children.

Nancy Johnson, a 67-year-old former blackjack dealer, has lived in the Windsor Park neighborhood since 1976. - courtesy Nancy Johnson

But in the late 80s, Windsor Park began to crumble.

Johnson and other residents told CNN that porches collapsed, sewage pipes shifted and walls inside their homes started to crack.

A study was conducted after residents told authorities in 1988 that their homes were sinking, Neal said. The study found the damage was caused by geological fault lines beneath Windsor Park and exacerbated when groundwater was pulled from an aquifer under the neighborhood.

In the years after the study was conducted, federal, state and local authorities allocated funds to help the neighborhood, allowing some residents to relocate. Four homes were rehabilitated, some residents received $50,000 or $100,000 grants to move elsewhere in the city, and others moved to 45 new homes in a nearby area, according to the new law.

But at least 90 residents, including Johnson, remained  either because they were not able to find homes or chose to stay.

I didnt want to start over. I bought my home at the age of 21, said Johnson, who did not receive the grants or have her home rehabilitated. I always told myself, When you turn 51 youll be done with a mortgage. I didnt want to go and start all over.

We have been forgotten by the city

Windsor Parks condition further deteriorated as time passed.

An ordinance that went into effect in 1998 suspended permits for new buildings or existing buildings in the neighborhood. It stopped residents from making repairs while many experienced flooding, damaged plumbing systems, and cracks wide enough to allow rodents to come inside, Neal said. And residents told CNN the city stopped maintaining the abandoned lots.

A fence lines an uneven foundation where a home once stood in the Windsor Park neighborhood of North Las Vegas. - Ken Ritter/AP

There are vast plots of land between homes littered with trash and fallen trees, some homes have cracked driveways and walls have been patched up with wood, a 2021 documentary produced by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas film school shows.

There are homes around here that you can actually look at it, wondering when its going to fall over, Johnson said.

We have been forgotten by the city up here, said Myrtle Wilson, an 80-year-old who is one of the original homeowners.

Wilson, who raised three children in the neighborhood, said shes worried about new families who recently moved to Windsor Park and are unaware of the issues that homeowners face.

Theyre not revealing to them the problem that were having here, Wilson said. These people think theyve got a forever home, and thats not true.

One resident, Eli Valdez, who bought his home in 2019, said in a Nevada Senate committee hearing in April that he was shocked to learn of the issues and had recently noticed cracks around his home.

After decades of disrepair, residents like Johnson and Wilson said they are prepared to leave their homes and start fresh elsewhere. While they are hopeful, they will not consider their fight over until they are relocated.

Well know for sure that we have won  this is just the beginning of the process  once we actually move. Then well know we have won, Wilson said.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Donitz observing the arrival of U-94 at St Nazaire in France in June 1941.

If you had to decide what the stupidest thing Hitler did was, what would you pick? Besides, you know, being a racist fascist? The invasion of the Soviet Union is a good option, as is the subsequent abandonment of Moscow to split his forces against Stalingrad and the oil fields. Taking on Italian failures in North Africa and committing needed resources there is also solid. The use of amphetamines and encouraging its use by his troops? The fascination with wonder weapons?

All solid, defendable choices. But I have an impactful and easily overlooked alternative: A failure to properly fund his U-boat fleet, the actual wonder weapon that worked, had a good record, and could have knocked Britain and its empire out of the war. If he had just signed off on the one, admittedly very large, purchase order of U-boats from Admiral Karl Donitz, he might've won.

The importance of the U-boats

Hitler's initial plans for Europe were ambitious and evil but rational. He wanted to push west, punish France for its victory in World War I, conquer territory, and keep Great Britain from joining the war before turning east. But Britain, alongside France immediately joined the conflict as Germany invaded Poland.

The original plan for the German navy, the Kriegsmarine, had been to build up its surface fleet strength over years before fighting Great Britain. Instead, at least on paper, it was at war with the world's largest navy and merchant fleet. But the British fleet was old and undermaintained.

Donitz as Grand Admiral in 1943.

This gave an opening for the Germans to lean into their most important naval weapon: the U-boat. On early patrols, these boats inflicted stunning losses with the average U-boat sinking four Allied ships per patrol. On rare occasions, this was a British warship. But the boats really targeted shipping, starving out the British leadership.

The German plan

Grand Admiral Karl Donitz was a well-respected navy officer who would briefly serve as the head of the German state after Hitler's suicide in 1945. But in 1939, he was just one of the many senior officers courting Hitler for limited state resources to prosecute the war. Steel was in especially short supply as Germany was bad at making the high-quality stuff and the army needed it for tanks, the navy for surface ships, and the air force for plane engines and parts.

And Donitz wasn't the lead admiral speaking in Hitler's ear. That was Grand Admiral Erich Raeder. Raeder firmly focused on surface fleets, creating Plan Zebra to expand Germany's navy, largely through constructing aircraft carriers, new battleships, and cruisers. Raeder had limited respect for submarines and Hitler, at the start of the war, had even less.

Donitz wanted to take the war to the British fleet and sink 600,000 tons per month. To do so, he asked for 300 U-boats. Instead, he he started the war 43 and had just 57 when Britain joined. When he was careful and saved up, Donitz could get 30 of them into the water at once, but sometimes had as few as 12 on patrol as the rest underwent maintenance or were in transit.

The U-boat threat

Despite the tiny size of the fleet, Donitz quickly proved the effectiveness of the crews and weapons. The U-boats claimed 70% of the ships sunk by the Navy. It quickly crippled British commerce, killed half of the sailors it forced into the North Atlantic, and forced the overstretched British fleet to dedicate resources to convoy escort.

In May 1940, U-boats sank 55,580 tons of shipping. But in October, they sank 352,407. Despite the tiny fleet size, they were well on their way to reaching Donitz's goal of 600,000 tons. In late 1941, U-boats sank the British carrier HMS Ark Royal and the battleship HMS Barham.

USS Barham underway at low speed, mid-1930s.

Indeed, after the successes of 1939-1941, Donitz even sent his U-boats across the Atlantic to attack the U.S. on its East Coast, in the Caribbean, and in the Gulf of Mexico.

And Hitler eventually took notice. In 1941, Germany expanded its U-boat construction and Donitz could keep 36 boats on patrol. It was a terrifying time for Allied sailors and merchant marines.

Meanwhile, for all the talk of British success cracking the Enigma codes, Germany actually had great cryptological hygiene compared to the Allies and its own crack unit for breaking enemy encryption. The U-boats often had a great idea of where convoys were, hunted in packs, and threatened Britain with collapse. In the first months of 1942, sinkings skyrocket and Germany averages almost 900,000 tons per month, 50% higher than Donitz's plans.

So, what went wrong?

The hunting of the wolf packs

Hitler waited too long to see the value of the U-boats, the wolf packs, and Donitz's plans. By the time Germany expanded U-boat construction, Britain had already smuggled radar and sonar to America to the devices mass-produced. And code crackers slowly figured out how to decode U-boat messages.

Soon, submarines found themselves unable to find targets. And when Allied warships find them, the U-boats find it harder to hide as sonar and radar operators pin them down.

A slow tipping of the balance in late 1942 became a complete reversal in 1943. Royal Navy divers captured new Enigma codebooks that allowed code crackers to figure out the new codes. The U.S. Navy joined in the hunt of wolf packs. New planes with longer ranges allow for more effective bombing of the submarines. And new weapons like the hedgehog allow ships to quickly attack entire sections of the water at a time.

May 1943 became "Black May" for the U-boats. On May 24, as staggering losses piled up, Donitz pulled the boats from patrol. In June 1943, every convoy made it across the Atlantic in relative safety. For the rest of the war, German U-boats were on the back foot and struggled to survive, let alone find ample targets.

We're very lucky they're so stupid

It's easy to imagine that with a greater emphasis on U-boat warfare earlier, before the U.S. joined the war and the proliferation of sonar and radar, Germany might have successfully starved Great Britain out. If Donitz's plans had been embraced, he might have had six times as many U-boats.

Britain failing would have let Germany focus more resources east for its invasion of the Soviet Union, potentially even letting it successfully digest the oil fields there. And American convoys to the Soviet Union would likely have failed with Britain out of the war and more subs in the water.

The task for freedom-loving people around the world would've been nearly unattainable. So we're all very lucky that they, the Germans, were so stupid.
The Stadium Swim amphitheater pool at Circa Resort and Casino, which is open every day unlike traditional pool parties, offers free lounge chairs on a first come, first served basis.

A Las Vegas man has been charged with bilking a downtown casino of more than $1 million in cash.

Erik Gutierrez, 23, was charged with theft of more than $100,000 after police said he posed as the owner of Circa Hotel & Casino in downtown Las Vegas and convinced a casino employee to give him multiple payments totaling $1.17 million, according to an arrest report provided by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

The casino's cage supervisor told police that a person claiming to be the hotel owner told the supervisor to remove $320,000 for an emergency payment to the fire department for fire safety devices. The supervisor was subsequently asked to return to the hotel and deliver two more cash deliveries, with the total of them amounting to $1.17 million, police said. Two of the deliveries, the employee said, were given to someone they had been told was the hotel owners attorney, according to the report.

Peculiar police action: A police officer jailed a 3-year-old for potty training trouble. He's under investigation.

Detectives used video evidence from one of the meeting locations, an IHOP restaurant, to find a vehicle, which led them to an address where they thought the suspect lived with an aunt. While police were at the address, a man arrived in an SUV, entered the residence, and left with a backpack. Police got a search warrant for that vehicle and detained Gutierrez and another man. They searched the SUV but found no money there.

At the same time, Las Vegas police detectives and officers searching the home found identification belonging to Gutierrez and a large bag of U.S. currency bundled together with the name Circa written on the bundle, totaling $849,900, along with other items, according to the police report.

The cage supervisor identified the person who got the first two deliveries as the suspect, police said. They later arrested Gutierrez at a gym on June 18. Police are still investigating the identity of the first person who was given the initial cash delivery.

Judge Amy Ferreira set Gutierrezs bail at $25,000 and ordered him to stay away from Circa and the Fremont Street Experience if he posts bond, Las Vegas CBS TV station KLAS reported. Gutierrez faces a similar charge out of Mesquite (Nevada) Justice Court, where his bail has been set at $20,000, according to the outlet.

Although I love a good PR story, this isnt one of them, Circa CEO Derek Stevens told WLAS in a statement. Circa Resort & Casino is cooperating with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in this investigation. We greatly appreciate their efforts to date and cannot comment further due to an ongoing investigation.

The fraud incident is "very similar" to one that occurred at another Clark County property and another case out of state, police said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Las Vegas police arrest Eric Gutierrez in $1 million Circa Resort scam
The jury trial of a Pueblo man accused of first-degree murder for fatally shooting his neighbor in October 2022 ended Tuesday in a mistrial.

Max Struck, 35, is charged with murder in the death of 73-year-old Patti Magby, who was shot and killed by Struck in October 2022. Struck has admitted to shooting Magby but argued throughout his trial that the shooting was in self-defense.

According to court documents, the mistrial was agreed to Tuesday when attorneys from the 10th Judicial District Attorney's Office and Colorado State Public Defender's office met, outside of the presence of a jury, to discuss a "juror issue."

Tenth Judicial District Attorney Jeff Chostner told the Chieftain he could not comment on the "juror issue," but expressed frustration at the resulting mistrial.

"I really can't comment, but I can express frustration with the people being ready for trial and a juror causes us to have to retry the case," Chostner said. "It is not fair to the defendant or the public. That said, we will retry the case."

Alby Singleton, head of the Pueblo public defender's office, also declined to comment on the case as it is still ongoing.

Both sides agreed to declare a mistrial, which came after more than two days of deliberation by the jury.

Colorado judicial news: Colorado court directive spells out new rules for virtual court appearances

Struck shot Magby on the night of Oct. 21, 2022, outside of his home in the 4700 block of Bergemann Road in rural southwest Pueblo County.

During the trial, deputy district attorneys Anne Mayer and Suzanne Marsh argued that Struck acted deliberately and intentionally to kill Magby. To justify the charge of first-degree murder, they noted that Struck took the time to arm himself, aim, and fire a total of seven rounds, striking Magby twice, first in the ankle and then in the stomach.

Public defenders James "David" Henderson and Tilyn Bell argued that Struck acted in self-defense.

In her closing argument, Bell emphasized that Struck's residence was "20 minutes from anywhere," including potential rescue by law enforcement. She also stated Struck was alone the night that Magby trespassed on his property, in the dark, with a blood alcohol content of .155  nearly twice Colorado's legal limit to operate a motor vehicle  with two loaded guns in her vehicle and two prescription drugs also in her system.

Struck is scheduled for a pretrial conference at 1:15 p.m. on Sept. 1, with a second trial to begin on Sept. 5. The trial is slated to end on Sept. 22.

Questions, comments or story tips? Contact Justin at jreutterma@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Mistrial declared in case of Pueblo man accused of shooting neighbor
Hong Kong exiles in UK say 'living in fear' of Beijing

Artists Lumli and Lumlong fled Hong Kong in 2021 (Justin TALLIS)

When artists Lumli and Lumlong fled Hong Kong in 2021 they didn't tell a soul for fear of being reported and arrested before they could leave.

Two years later in London the couple still feel threatened by the long arm of Beijing, like many other Hong Kongers exiled in the UK.

Following Beijing's crackdown on huge pro-democracy protests in 2019 and a sweeping security law imposed the following year, London has granted 166,000 visas to people from its former colony.

Holders of a British National Overseas passport -- issued to Hong Kongers born before the handover to China 26 years ago on July 1, 1997 -- can apply for a visa.

It allows them to live and work in the UK for five years and then apply for British citizenship.

In their small London apartment, Lumli and Lumlong, both 43, who go by the one word names they use professionally, keep their artworks depicting the violence inflicted on the pro-democracy demonstrators.

It was after an exhibition in Hong Kong in May 2021 that they realised that they would have to leave.

"We were accused by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the newspaper of violating the Hong Kong National Security Law because of our painting," Lumlong said.

"The police even came to our studio to frighten us."

The visit left both feeling they would be arrested "sooner or later" if they didn't flee, added Lumli.

- Informants -

Their visa took two weeks to come through but it was only after they actually landed in London that they told their family.

Even now, on the other side of the world, "we are not totally safe here", Lumlong said. "There are so many informants in the UK."

The British government earlier this month ordered China to close what it views as clandestine police stations on British soil.

Beijing has said it does not operate any secret police stations, but that it runs centres providing administrative services.

Human rights group Safeguard Defenders said in a report that stations in cities around the world have been used to track down opponents.

Such "police service stations" in the UK should "not operate in any form", security minister Tom Tugendhat said.

The couple say journalists working for pro-Beijing media came incognito to one of their exhibitions in London last year.

The pair were then accused by the same media of "coalition with foreign forces", they said.

A few days later, they said, their social media accounts were hacked.

"It was scary. The hackers changed our picture into (the) ISIS flag," Lumlong said.

He said they were grateful to the UK for giving them sanctuary but warned that London had to resist pressure from Beijing.

"If the government doesn't stand up strong against the CCP, we will never be safe," he added.

The Hong Kong community in the UK was shocked last October after video footage emerged of an incident at the Chinese consulate in Manchester in northern England.

- Nightmares -

Police said a group of men came out of the consulate and dragged a Hong Kong protester inside the grounds where he was assaulted.

The Chinese authorities responded by saying staff were required "to physically fend off unauthorised entry and subsequent assaults".

"There's a transnational repression happening on our community," said Simon Cheng, founder of the group Hongkongers in Britain.

A former employee of the British consulate in Hong Kong, he says he was detained and tortured by Chinese police for 15 days in August 2019.

He was then granted asylum in the UK.

"Sometimes I feel I'm being followed," he said, adding that he has nightmares over fears "they could report me to the police and find a way to catch me and deliver me back to Hong Kong or China".

Several Hongkongers expressed similar fears as they attended a vigil marking the Tiananmen massacre of 1989, on London's Trafalgar Square on June 4 -- the kind of event that is now effectively banned back home.

One man, a 39-year-old accountant who declined to give his name for safety reasons, said he and his wife had moved to London to ensure their two small children could be assured an education free of CCP propaganda.

The Chinese Embassy in London told AFP the claims had "no factual basis".

"The Chinese government is fully committed to protecting the safety and lawful rights and interests of overseas Chinese citizens in accordance with the law, including our compatriots in Hong Kong," it said.

"China respects the judicial sovereignty of other countries and never interferes in other countries' internal affairs."

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A wildfire as seen from a Canadian Forces helicopter near Mistissini, Quebec, on June 12. (Cpl. Marc-Andre Leclerc/Canadian Forces/Handout via Reuters)

Only weeks after Canadian wildfires blanketed the Northeastern United States in thick smoke, the ongoing fires are sending across the Midwest more air deemed unhealthy by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Detroit and Cleveland are currently experiencing air considered very unhealthy, with Air Quality Index (AQI) readings measuring more than 200.

Exposure to wildfire smoke can be harmful to human health, causing symptoms ranging from eye and respiratory tract irritation to asthma attacks and heart failure, according to the EPA.

For millions of Americans in the Eastern half of the United States, the current air quality conditions are their first exposure to severe wildfire smoke. Here are the recommendations from public health authorities on how to protect yourself:

Keep an eye on the AQI

Buildings swathed by heavy smog in Vancouver on Sept. 13, 2020. (Liang Sen/Xinhua via Getty)

AirNow.gov measures the presence of five major pollutants and calculates a scale from 0 to 500. You can even search for your ZIP code specifically.

Smoke can move quickly, depending on wind patterns, so when theres smoke in your area, you may want to check a few times throughout the day, especially before planning any strenuous outdoor activities. If air quality is in the red zone, meaning that the AQI falls between 150 and 200, the air is considered unhealthy to breathe. For anything higher (purple for 200-300 and maroon for 300-500), everyone is advised to stay indoors.

For people with lung conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and long COVID, limiting oneself to indoor activities also applies when the air is labeled orange, for unhealthy for sensitive groups. Children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with heart disease are also at elevated risk, according to the EPA.

When its orange, theres concern that some people, especially those with respiratory conditions, could be impacted, Dr. Brady Scott, a fellow at the American Association for Respiratory Care, told Yahoo News earlier this month. When youre in the red zone, and certainly when were in the purple or maroon zones, everyone is at risk, even if you are a so-called healthy person.

Keep your indoor air clean

Air purifiers can help improve indoor conditions. (Getty Images)

During wildfire smoke events, you also need to keep the indoor air clean, which means closing windows and, if necessary, using an air filtration system or single-room air purifier. Experts also advise running an air conditioner with the air recirculating within the house, rather than bringing in air from outside.

"Air purifiers with a HEPA [high efficiency particulate air] filter draw in the smoke, trap the particles and blow out clean air," Dr. Raymond Casciari, a pulmonologist at Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, Calif., told Yahoo Life.

If you cannot obtain an air purifier right away, the EPA says you can make an air cleaner by attaching a furnace filter to a box fan with tape, brackets, or a bungee cord, although their efficacy is not guaranteed, since research is lacking. The agency recommends changing the filters if they get dirty or smell like smoke.

Mask up outside

A man wearing an N95 mask walks along the waterfront in West New York, N.J., on June 8, with the Manhattan skyline behind him. (Leonardo Munoz/AFP via Getty Images)

If you do go outside when the air is deemed unhealthy, experts encourage you to wear a mask, especially if youll be outdoors for a prolonged period. The same masks that work best at reducing your risk of getting COVID-19 offer the most protection against smoke.

You want to think of the two Fs  filtration and fit. When it comes to filtration, you want a high-grade mask, whether its an N95 or a KF94, Joseph Allen, associate professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, told Health.com. You want that mask snug on your face, so that all the air youre breathing is forced to go through the filter of the mask.

A KN95 also offers protection from wildfire smoke, but surgical and cloth masks filter less and dont fit as tightly.

Mental health may also be affected

In the Western half of the country, where wildfire smoke is an increasingly common problem because of climate change, many residents have seen their favorite summertime activities frequently interrupted.

In the West, we have become accustomed to the grim recurrence of weeklong, nearly annual stretches, during which wildfire smoke brings outdoor life to a virtual halt, Yahoo News California-based Senior Editor David Knowles recently wrote.

If that sounds depressing, well, it is.

A 2022 study published in the journal BMC Public Health that looked at those affected by wildfires on the West Coast found that 45.3% reported anxiety due to the smoke, and 21.4% reported feeling depressed because of the smoke, Knowles reported.

So keep an eye on your mental health, and keep hope alive: The air patterns that bring smoke to town can just as easily turn on a dime and take it away.
black-and-white photo of a woman sitting at a desk making calculations with a pencil

In the early 20th century, a team of "human computers"  women tasked with the grueling labor of manual astronomical data processing  went far beyond their job descriptions, not to mention the societal norms of the time, to revolutionize astronomy.

The technological developments of the late 1800s were a blessing and a curse for astronomy . The invention of the photograph created an entirely new way to perform astronomical imaging. No longer were astronomers tied to the eyepieces of their telescopes, forced to make sketches and diagrams of what they saw. Now a small team of astronomers could spend night after night simply collecting as many images as they possibly could, and save all the cataloging and studying for later. Plus, photography allowed telescopes to capture much fainter stars, far beyond what the human eye could perceive, allowing astronomers to pull in unprecedented numbers of stars .

But this was before the modern era of digital processing, which meant that churning through all those photographic plates to create sensible summaries of the data was a nightmare. To help make sense of this overwhelming amount of data, observatories around the world began employing computers. But these were not the modern technological machines we know today. Back then, "computer" was a job description  a person who could perform all of the routine data processing tasks, like examining stellar spectra, performing calculations and assigning categories to various objects.

Related: 'The Glass Universe': How women 'computers' measured the stars

Astronomer Edward Pickering, then director of the Harvard Observatory, wanted to build the world's largest catalog of stars. To do this, he employed a large team of human computers. Their job was highly specialized; these individuals needed a high level of education, but this kind of grunt work was beneath the dignity of the male-dominated field of astronomy. So Pickering turned to women who were educated at the (still controversial) schools for higher learning dedicated to them at the time.

While the "Harvard Computers," as the team came to be known, went on to achieve many successes, two women in particular stand out as geniuses worthy of Nobel prizes (although neither was awarded one).

black-and-white photo of an older woman examining a photographic plate

Annie Jump Cannon

The first was Annie Jump Cannon . Born in Delaware in 1863, she was encouraged to work in astronomy by her mother, who enjoyed showing her the constellations at night. After Cannon joined the Harvard Computers, she immersed herself in the work of classifying stars  a task she relished. Each classification had to be done by hand by carefully examining the spectra taken of each individual star, sometimes with the aid of a magnifying glass to study the faintest details. Over the course of her impressive career, she managed to manually classify over 350,000 stars.

Given Cannon's intimate access to the data, she began developing intuition about stellar classification that no one else could match. At the time, astronomers had no idea why different stars appeared to have different colors and different spectra, nor did they understand how stars were born, what powered them or how they evolved. But they did have a hunch that if they could properly classify the stars, they could gain a clue as to how it all worked.

Cannon took an existing system, which labeled stars from A to O based on the appearance of various spectral features, and rearranged it. She realized that some categories were unnecessary, others overlapped and others needed to be switched around. By studying hundreds of thousands of stars, she brought order to the chaos.

Cannon proposed a new system of stellar classification that remains the bedrock of the modern system today. With her new system, later astronomers were able to make sense of stellar evolution and eventually unlock the mysteries of nuclear fusion .

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Henrietta Swan Leavitt

Born in 1868 in Massachusetts, Henrietta Swan Leavitt began volunteering as a Harvard Computer; because jobs for women in astronomy were so few and far between at that time, many were willing to work unpaid. In 1902, she transitioned to a paid position in the group, and Pickering tasked her with cataloging variable stars in the Magellanic Clouds.

Leavitt made a discovery that would eventually revolutionize our view of the cosmos. In 1912, she found that a particular kind of variable star, known as a Cepheid variable (because the first of its kind was found in the constellation Cepheus), exhibited a strange relationship. At the time, nobody knew exactly how far away the Magellanic Clouds were from our solar system. But in guessing that all of the Cepheid variables in the Large Magellanic Cloud were roughly the same distance from us, she discovered that the brighter a Cepheid variable was overall, the longer it took to vary from dim to bright and back again.

Eventually, other astronomers found another Cepheid variable close enough to us to get a parallax distance measure to it, and with that, Leavitt's result unlocked the universe . Any time an astronomer found a Cepheid variable, they could measure its pulsation rate, which is a relatively straightforward measurement. From there, they could calculate the true brightness of the star based on Leavitt's relationship and then compare the true brightness to the perceived brightness and calculate a distance.
Presumed human remains have been found within the wreckage of the Titan submersible, the US Coast Guard says.

Pieces from the sub, which imploded on a deep dive to the Titanic, were unloaded in St John's, Canada, on Wednesday.

Officials say the sub's landing frame and a rear cover were found among the debris.

US medical professionals will conduct a formal analysis of presumed remains, the Coast Guard said in a statement.

The agency is in the early stages of an investigation into the causes of the disaster. The Coast Guard's Marine Board of Investigation (MBI) will transport the evidence to a US port for further analysis and testing.

MBI chair Capt Jason Neubauer said in a statement that there was "still a substantial amount of work to be done to understand the factors that led to the catastrophic loss of the Titan and help ensure a similar tragedy does not occur again".

"I am grateful for the coordinated international and interagency support to recover and preserve this vital evidence at extreme offshore distances and depths," Capt Neubauer said.

All five people on board the vessel died on 18 June after it imploded about 90 minutes into a dive to view the famous 1912 shipwreck, which sits at a depth of 3,800m (12,500ft) in the north Atlantic.

The passengers were the head of OceanGate, which organised the dive, 61-year-old Stockton Rush; British explorer Hamish Harding, 58; Shahzada Dawood, 48, and his son, Suleman Dawood, 19; and French diver Paul-Henry Nargeolet, 77.

Officials were initially sceptical about the prospect of recovering any of the bodies.

"This is an incredibly unforgiving environment down there on the seafloor," Coast Guard Adm John Mauger said, shortly after the loss of the vessel was confirmed.

Cpt Neubauer said at the time that investigators would take "all precautions" if they discovered human remains and that the probe would likely include a formal hearing with witness testimony.

So far, the Coast Guard says, five major pieces of the sub have been found in a large debris field near the bow of the Titanic.

The debris brought ashore on Wednesday appeared to include at least one titanium end cap, the sub's porthole with its window missing, as well as a titanium ring, landing frame and the end equipment bay, according to BBC science correspondent Jonathan Amos.

The recovery mission was led by Canadian ship Horizon Arctic, which carried a remotely operated vehicle operated by Pelagic Research Services. The company said in a statement earlier Wednesday that its team had completed off-shore operations and was returning to base.

OceanGate has been criticised for its safety practices, and former employees have raised concerns about the Titan sub, which was not subject to regulation.

In email messages seen by the BBC, Mr Rush had previously dismissed safety worries from one expert, saying he was "tired of industry players who try to use a safety argument to stop innovation".

Another former OceanGate employee also wrote an inspection report which identified "numerous issues that posed serious safety concerns", including how the hull had been tested.

In a statement last week, OceanGate said it was "an extremely sad time for our employees who are exhausted and grieving deeply over this loss".

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Titanic Sub Search

BBC Correspondent Jessica Parker explores how the search for the Titan submersible unfolded and its devastating outcome.

Watch now on BBC iPlayer (UK only)
Hunter demanded $10M from Chinese energy firm because 'Bidens are the best,' have 'connections'

Hunter demanded $10M from Chinese energy firm because 'Bidens are the best,' have 'connections'

Hunter Biden demanded $10 million from a Chinese business associate to "further the interest" of his joint-venture with a Chinese energy, saying that the "Bidens are the best I know at doing exactly" what the chairman of the Chinese Communist Party-linked firm wanted, according to a newly-released WhatsApp message.

The House Oversight Committee released the message, dated Aug. 3, 2017. The exchange is between Hunter Biden and CEFC associate Gongwen Dong.

FLASHBACK: HUNTER BIDEN IN 2017 SENT 'BEST WISHES' FROM 'ENTIRE BIDEN FAMILY' TO CHINA FIRM CHAIRMAN, REQUESTED $10M WIRE

"Very simple," Hunter writes. "10 M per annum budget to use to further the interest of the JV. This move to 5M is completely new to me and is not acceptable obviously."

Hunter breaks down how expenditures and expenses will be determined, in consultation with his firms Owasco and Hudson West.

"If the Chairman doesnt value this relationship is being worth at least 5M, then Im just baffled," Hunter writes. "I am tired of thisI can make $5M salary at any law firm in America. If you think this is about money, its not."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

He adds: "The Biden's [sic] are the best I know at doing exactly what the Chairman wants from this partnership. Please lets not quibble over peanuts."

According to a September 2020 report released by the Senate Homeland Security Committee and Senate Finance Committee on their investigation into Hunter Bidens foreign business dealings, Ye Jianming, Gongwen Dong and other Chinese nationals that Hunter Biden had business associations with were linked to the Chinese Communist government and the People's Liberation Army.

That Senate report, showed that on Aug. 8, 2017, just days after this WhatsApp message, CEFC wired nearly $5 million to the bank account for Hudson West III, a firm that Hunter Biden opened with Chinese associates.

"These funds may have originated from a loan issued from the account of a company called Northern International Capital Holdings, a Hong Kong-based investment company identified at one time as a substantial shareholder in CEFC International Limited along with Ye," the report stated. "It is unclear whether Hunter Biden was a half-owner of Hudson West III at the time."

Robert Hunter Biden, son of US President Joe Biden at Carlingford Castle, Co Louth, during his trip to the island of Ireland. Picture date: Wednesday April 12, 2023.

The report also stated, "the same day the $5 million was received, and continuing through Sept. 25, 2018, Hudson West III sent request payments to Owasco, Hunter Bidens firm." The report stated the payments were described as consulting fees and reached "$4,790,375.25 in just over a year."

FLASHBACK: HUNTER BIDEN ASSOCIATE TEXTS HINT AT PUSH TO GET JOE INVOLVED, MAKE IT LOOK LIKE TRULY FAMILY BUSINESS

But the new WhatsApp message is not the first correspondence revealing Hunter Biden's discussions about the $10 million wire for his joint-venture, SinoHawk Holdings, and whether his father, President Joe Biden, was involved.

Fox News Digital, in December 2020, first reported on text messages between Hunter Biden business associates Tony Bobulinski and James Gilliar discussing the joint-venture with CEFC.

Gilliar, in a May 11, 2017 text message to Bobulinski, wrote: "Man U are right let's get the company set up, then tell H and family the high stakes and get Joe involved."

The White House says President Biden was "never in business" with his son.

As for the $10 million, Fox News Digital, in December 2020, first reported on an email Hunter sent on June 18, 2017 to Zhao Runlong at CEFC, asking that they please "translate my letter to Chairman Ye."

"I hope my letter finds you well. I regret missing you on your last visit to the United States," Hunter Biden wrote in the attached letter, dated June 17, 2017. "Please accept the best wishes from the entire Biden family as well as my partners."

He added: "We are all hoping to see you here again soon, or in Shanghai."

Biden went on to update Ye, saying that they have "concluded the establishment of SinoHawk Holdings," the Biden joint venture with CEFC, and said he looked "forward" to introducing him to his business associate Tony Bobulinski, who he wrote would "act as the CEO."

Biden went on to note that Bobulinski had "sent a request to Dong Gongwen [Gongwen Dong] and Director Zang for the funding of the $10 MM USD wire."

"I would appreciate if you will send that quickly so we can properly fund and operate Sinohawk," Biden wrote.

HUNTER BIDEN EMAIL SHOWS $400G IN UNREPORTED INCOME FROM BURISMA, STATES HE NEEDS TO 'AMEND' HIS TAX RETURNS

"I am sure you have been well briefed by our dear friend Director Zang on the political and economic connections we have established in countries where you are interested in expanding during the coming months and years," he continued. "I look forward to our next meeting."

Fox News Digital also, in 2020, obtained the response from Ye as part of an email, dated Sept. 6, 2017, from Biden business associate James Gilliar to Bobulinski. That email forwarded Ye's letter responding to Biden. The letter is dated July 10, 2017.

Ye stated that he had arranged for Zang and Dong to "expedite the charter capital input to SinoHawk."

"I am glad to hear from you! Time flies and it has been months since we met in the US. It seems that we were always on a rush when we were together," Ye wrote to Biden, adding that "the consensus we made last time has been materialized in a timely manner."

President Biden, left, and his son Hunter Biden, right.

"I will continue to pay attention and give my support," Ye stated. "I have arranged Director Zang and Gongwen Dong to expedite the charter capital input to SinoHawk."

"I look forward to meeting you in the near future and discussing our joint undertaking. If there is anything I could do please do not hesitate to write to me," Ye wrote. "Please accept my best regards to you and your family."

HUNTER BIDEN REQUESTED KEYS FOR NEW 'OFFICE MATES' JOE BIDEN, CHINESE 'EMISSARY' TO CEFC CHAIRMAN, EMAILS SHOW

Meanwhile, Fox News obtained and reviewed more than a dozen text messages between Bobulinski, a retired lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, and a number of Biden business associates, as well as Chinese representatives of CEFC regarding the $10 million transfer.

According to the messages reviewed by Fox News, which range from June 25, 2017, through mid-July 2017, the $10 million transfer was delayed for weeks. Several text messages suggest the delay was due to visa issues, including one email sent by President Biden's brother, Jim Biden, who was involved in the joint-venture.

Meanwhile, on July 18, 2017, Bobulinski asked Zhao in a message whether the transfer would be "$10 MM or 2x $5MM," claiming they "asked that $10 MM be sent in 2 $5 MM tranches but @ the same time, $5 MM to savings and $5 MM to checking. That is what we prefer."

The transfer was never completed.

Meanwhile, Fox News obtained another email showing Hunter requesting keys for his new "office mates," his father, Joe Biden, Jill Biden and Jim Biden, to the general manager, Cecilia Browning, at the House of Sweden  a building in Washington, D.C., which contains multiple office suites, as well as a number of embassies.

In the email, Hunter Biden also requested keys for Gongwen Dong, whom he describes as an "emissary" for Chairman Ye Jianming  the chairman of CEFC Chinese Energy Co. "I would like the office sign to reflect the following," he continued, requesting "The Biden Foundation" and "Hudson West (CEFC US)."

"The lease will remain under my companys name Rosemont Seneca," he went on, providing details about Dong and Ye, whom he referred to as "my partner," as well as their contact information.

House of Sweden confirmed to Fox News that Hunter Bidens company, Rosemont Seneca, did, in fact, rent office space during that time period. However, they declined to share further information.

The Justice Department last week announced that Hunter Biden will plead guilty to two misdemeanor counts of willful failure to pay federal income tax as part of a deal that is expected to keep him out of prison. The president's son also agreed to enter into a pretrial diversion agreement with regard to a separate charge of possession of a firearm by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance. The plea agreement is expected to keep the president's son out of prison.
While the National Hurricane Center dropped its concerns the remnants of Tropical Storm Cindy could reform, it began tracking another potential system in the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday.

In its 8 a.m. tropical outlook, the NHC said an area of disturbed weather associated with a surface trough had formed about 400 miles south-southeast of Bermuda.

Upper-level winds are marginally conducive for some slow development of this system during the next few days while it moves generally northward

at about 5 mph, the NHC said.

It gives the system a 10% chance to form in the next two days, and 30% chance in the next seven days.

Its very near to the remnants of what had been Tropical Storm CIndy, which is now a weak trough of low pressure just to the west. While still producing disorganized shower activity, the NHC said it is expected to drift toward the west-northwest in the coming days and be hit with strong upper-level winds, dropping any chance it could spin up into a new system.

The next tracked system could become Tropical Depression Five, and if its named could become Tropical Storm Don.

June has been busy for development with Tropical Storm Arlene forming in the Gulf of Mexico at the offset of the hurricane season followed by Tropical Storm Bret that moved over the Leeward Islands from the Atlantic into the Caribbean last week with Tropical Storm Cindy right behind that formed in the Atlantic and turned away from the Caribbean.

A warmer than normal Atlantic has allowed for more tropical formation than typically seen in the early part of the official hurricane season, which runs from June 1-Nov. 30.
Bryan Kohberger was convicted of theft nine years before he allegedly brutally stabbed four University of Idaho students to death in an off-campus home in Moscow, it has now been revealed.

Court records, obtained by ABC News, show Mr Kohberger was arrested and charged with stealing his sisters cellphone in 2014 not long after he had left rehab for drug abuse treatment.

When confronted by his father Michael over the theft, Mr Kohberger chillingly warned him not to do anything stupid, according to the court records. It was his father who then reported the incident to the police.

The revelation came as the 28-year-old PhD student appeared in court on Tuesday, as his defence began its fight for his life.

Dressed in a suit and tie, the accused killer showed no emotion as he sat with his attorneys while several motions were presented to the judge.

Mr Kohbergers attorneys said they were not on a fishing expedition, but noted that they need prosecutors to hand over more evidence so they can build his defence.

On Monday, prosecutors announced they plan to seek the death penalty over the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle.

Key points

Bryan Kohberger to appear in court today

Prosecutors seek death penalty against Bryan Kohberger

Bryan Kohberger claims DNA from three other men found at scene of Idaho murders

Judge agrees to narrow but not lift gag order in University of Idaho student slayings case

09:00 , Andrea Blanco

An Idaho judge has denied a request from roughly two dozen news organizations to lift a gag order in the criminal case of a man accused of stabbing four University of Idaho students to death. The judge did, however, significantly narrow the gag order in response to the news organizations concerns.

The ruling was handed down late Friday afternoon.

In it, 2nd District Judge John Judge said it was legally prudent to restrict attorneys from making some statements about the case in order to preserve Bryan Kohbergers right to a fair trial. Still, Judge also said the original gag order  which also barred law enforcement officers and other people tangentially related to the case from speaking to the press  was arguably overbroad and vague in some areas.

Kohberger, 28, is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and burglary in connection with the stabbing deaths in Moscow, Idaho. Prosecutors have yet to reveal if they intend to seek the death penalty.

The bodies of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were found on Nov. 13, 2022, at a rental home across the street from the University of Idaho campus. The slayings shocked the rural Idaho community and neighboring Pullman, Washington, where Kohberger was a graduate student studying criminology at Washington State University.

Bryan Kohbergers father called police on accused Idaho killer nine years before murders

08:00 , Andrea Blanco

Bryan Kohbergers father called the police on his son nine years before his son allegedly murdered four University of Idaho students in a shocking knife attack that has horrified America.

Court records, newly obtained by ABC News, reveal that Mr Kohberger was arrested and charged with stealing one of his sister Melissas cellphones back in 2014.

The Independents Rachel Sharp reports:

Bryan Kohbergers father called police on him nine years before Idaho murders

Four students stabbed to death, a weeks-long manhunt and still no motive: What we know about the Idaho murders

07:00 , Andrea Blanco

As the sole suspect in the stabbings of four Idaho students returns to court to face murder charges, Andrea Blanco, Rachel Sharp and Sheila Flynn report on the case in small town Idaho that has shocked America:

What to know about Idaho murders and suspect Bryan Kohberger

Cleaning company returns personal items to families of Idaho murders victims

06:00 , Andrea Blanco

A cleaning company is back at the crime scene where four University of Idaho students were murdered last year.

A large truck was seen on Tuesday (27 June) at the Moscow three-storey home where Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were murdered last November as the process continues to return their personal belongings to their loved ones.

Earlier reports said that the house, which now belongs to the University of Idaho, would be demolished sometime this summer.

The cleaning company tasked with removing all the items inside the home ahead of a demolition told CourtTV in a statement that a timeline has not been laid out, but staff remains in touch with family members during the process that may take several weeks.

We are beginning remediation with the removal of all the personal items for the families to receive, as they wish. This will take several weeks. No date set for demolition, the statement read.

Father of Idaho murder victim reacts to prosecutors seeking death penalty in Bryan Kohberger case

05:00 , Andrea Blanco

The father of a murdered University of Idaho student has welcomed news from prosecutors that the state will be seeking the death penalty against the sole suspect in the case.

Seven months after Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were found stabbed to death in their off-campus residence, Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson filed a notice of his intent to seek the death penalty against their alleged killer, Bryan Kohberger.

Read more:

Kaylee Goncalves father reacts to state seeking death penalty in murder case

Idaho prosecutor asks for funding hike to process Bryan Kohberger trial

04:00 , Andrea Blanco

An Idaho prosecutor has asked for a large funding increase to help cover the expenses it will cost to put quadruple murder suspect Bryan Kohberger on trial.

The Latah County Prosecutors Office asked commissioners to provide $135,000 for trial expenses, a significant increase from the normal $15,000 budget, reported The Lewiston Tribune.

Mr Kohberger has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary for the brutal November stabbing deaths of University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin.

He remains in Latah County Jail with his trial expected to take place between 2 October and 12 November.

Mr Kohberger chose to remain silent during his 22 May arraignment hearing and Latah County District Judge John Judge entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf.

Xana Kernodles family is calling on the community to have fun on what would have been her 21st birthday

03:00 , Andrea Blanco

My sister, Xana Kernodle was born on July 5th, 2002 making this year her 21st birthday. We hope to celebrate #xanapalooza this year and every year by being silly, having fun, getting out of our comfort zones, and loving life like she did each day, her sister Jazzmin wrote on Facebook.

She had the most love for living each day to the fullest, creating memories, gaining new experiences, being silly, and of course all those who surrounded her. Help us celebrate #xanapalooza and honor Xana for her 21st birthday on July 5th by doing something fun, new and spontaneous!

Xana Kernodles sister Jazzmin Kernodle posted this on Facebook (Jazzmin Kernodle/Facebook)

Idaho prosecutors seek death penalty against college murders suspect Bryan Kohberger

02:00 , Andrea Blanco

Prosecutors in Idaho are seeking the death penalty against Bryan Kohberger, the 28-year-old criminal justice graduate accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in a brutal knife attack that shocked America.

Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson filed a notice of his intent to seek the death penalty in court in Moscow, Idaho, on Monday, citing five aggravating circumstances that could warrant the maximum sentence of capital punishment being sought.

These circumstances include that the murder was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel, manifesting exceptional depravity and that the defendant showed utter disregard for human life.

The State gives this notice based on the fact that it has not identified or been provided with any mitigating circumstances sufficient to prohibit the triers of fact from considering all penalties authorized by the Idaho legislature including the possibility of a capital sentence, prosecutors wrote in the filing.

Consequently, considering all evidence currently known to the State, the State is compelled to file this notice of intent to seek the death penalty.

Bryan Kohberger claims DNA from three other men found at scene of Idaho murders

01:00 , Andrea Blanco

Accused killer Bryan Kohberger has insisted he has no connection to the four slain University of Idaho students and has claimed that DNA from three other unidentified men was also found at the grisly crime scene.

Court documents, filed by attorneys for the 28-year-old PhD student last week, argue that DNA from two other men was also found inside the off-campus student home in Moscow, Idaho.

The Independents Rachel Sharp reports:

Bryan Kohberger claims DNA from three other men found at scene of Idaho murders

DNA on knife sheath links Bryan Kohberger to Idaho murder site, court documents claim

Tuesday 27 June 2023 23:30 , Andrea Blanco

DNA from the cheek swab of the man charged with the slaying of four Idaho university students last year has been found to be a statistical match to that found on the knife sheath at the crime scene, according to a new court filing.

Bryan Kohberger, 28, is charged with killing Ethan Chapin, 20, Xana Kernodle, 20, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, and Madison Maddie Mogen, 21, in the early hours of 13 November 2022.

A new court filing by Latah County prosecutors revealed the details to the public for the first time, shedding light on the investigative methods used by the FBI to zero in on the prime suspect in the case.

A police affidavit previously connected Mr Kohbergers DNA with the DNA found on the knife sheath retrieved from the scene of the crime.

It has been revealed that a short tandem repeat (STR) was developed using the evidence found on the knife sheath. The process involved looking at 20 regions within human DNA, allowing law enforcement to make a direct comparison between two STR DNA profiles.

Prosecution to turn evidence by 14 July, judge rules

Tuesday 27 June 2023 22:20 , Andrea Blanco

Mr Kohbergers defence requested to gain access to evidence reviewed by the grand jury that indicted him on four counts of murder and one of count burglary. The attorneys said they were not on a fishing expedition, but that they needed the material in order to build a strong case for their client.

Among the evidence requested by the defence are the training records of three police officers who interviewed critical witnesses, information about the FBI team leading the criminal probe, and background on the tip that led to the search for Mr Kohbergers white Hyundai.

There is a heightened standard now that the State has announced its intent to seek the death penalty... and these are very relevant pieces of information, Mr Kohbergers defence said, according to DailyMail.com.

State prosecutors rebutted that most of those materials have already been made available to the defence, while noting that the officers training records do not pertain to the case. Judge John Judge said that the materials must be turned in to the defence by 14 July.

Defence says theyre not on a fishing expedition

Tuesday 27 June 2023 21:59 , Andrea Blanco

According to DailyMail.com reporters in the courtroom, the defence argued during Tuesdays court hearing that theyre not on a fishing expedition but believe that their client deserves to gain access to certain materials in order to build a strong defence.

Cleaning company back at victims home

Tuesday 27 June 2023 21:09 , Andrea Blanco

The residence where the murders took place is now owned by the University of Idaho.

According to CourtTV, the cleaning company is back at the scene.

Truck seen at Idaho murders house

Tuesday 27 June 2023 20:52 , Andrea Blanco

According to Fox News correspondent Matt Finn, a truck backed right up to the front door of the home with a tarp covering.

New photos: large truck at Idaho murder house. Backed right up to the front door with tarp covering. pic.twitter.com/LbkhrGyLAn  Matt Finn (@MattFinnFNC) June 27, 2023

Who is Bryan Kohberger?

Tuesday 27 June 2023 20:23 , Andrea Blanco

Bryan Kohberger became a household name across America when police swooped on his parents home in December and arrested him for the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students.

Since then, people from Mr Kohbergers past  though shocked  have built a picture of a bullied loner who overcame addiction. Meanwhile, fellow students from his time just over the Idaho border into Washington describe a criminology zealot who creeped people out.

With the 28-year-old now facing the death penalty in the case, The Independent asks: Who really is Bryan Kohberger?

The Independents Sheila Flynn has more

Who is Bryan Kohberger?

Bryan Kohberger to appear in court at 1.30pm PT today

Tuesday 27 June 2023 19:52 , Andrea Blanco

Bryan Kohberger is scheduled to appear in court today for the murders of four University of Idaho students in Moscow, Idaho.

The 28-year-old criminology PhD student will appear in Latah County Court in Moscow, Idaho, at 1.30pm local time on Tuesday afternoon where Judge John Judge will hear arguments on several motions in the case.

In recent court filings, Mr Kohbergers attorneys have asked the court to order prosecutors to turn over more evidence about the DNA tying him to the crime scene as well as information about the grand jury which returned an indictment against him.

In one filing, submitted last week, the accused killer insisted he has no connection to the four slain students and claimed that DNA from three other unidentified men was also found at the grisly crime scene.

The judge will hear arguments about the various motions on Tuesday.

ICYMI: What to expect from todays hearing?

Tuesday 27 June 2023 19:32 , Andrea Blanco

Four things will be discussed in todays hearing

- Defences motion to compel

- Defences motion to make available records of all proceedings of the grand jury

- Defences motion requesting release of grand jury materials under protective order

- Defences motion to stay proceedings

WATCH: Idaho victim's mother explains why she will not attend Bryan Kohberger's trial

Tuesday 27 June 2023 18:25 , Andrea Blanco

Bryan Kohbergers father called police on accused Idaho killer nine years before murders

Tuesday 27 June 2023 18:05 , Andrea Blanco

Bryan Kohbergers father called the police on his son nine years before he allegedly murdered four University of Idaho students in a shocking knife attack that has horrified America.

Court records, newly obtained by ABC News, reveal that Mr Kohberger was arrested and charged with stealing one of his sister Melissas cellphones back in 2014.

The Independents Rachel Sharp reports:

Bryan Kohbergers father called police on him nine years before Idaho murders

Who are the victims?

Tuesday 27 June 2023 17:44 , Andrea Blanco

Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen, both 21, were seniors at the University of Idaho and were expected to graduate this year.

At a vigil weeks after the murders, Goncalves father Steve Goncalves told how the two absolutely beautiful young women first met in sixth grade and became inseparable.

They just found each other and every day they did homework together, they came to our house together, they shared everything, he said at the time. Then they started looking at colleges, they came here together. They eventually get into the same apartment together.

And in the end, they died together, in the same room, in the same bed.

Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were juniors at the college and had begun dating months before their deaths. They were both 20.

Six months after the stabbings, the families of the slain students accepted posthumous awards for their achievements.

Mogen and Goncalves relatives walked across the stage for their degrees in an emotional ceremony on 13 May. Kernodles family also accepted her certificate in marketing at a separate ceremony while Chapins award in sports, recreation and management was mailed to his parents.

Xana Kernodles family is calling on the community to 'have fun on what would have been her 21st birthday

Tuesday 27 June 2023 17:25 , Andrea Blanco

My sister, Xana Kernodle was born on July 5th, 2002 making this year her 21st birthday. We hope to celebrate #xanapalooza this year and every year by being silly, having fun, getting out of our comfort zones, and loving life like she did each day, her sister Jazzmin wrote on Facebook.

She had the most love for living each day to the fullest, creating memories, gaining new experiences, being silly, and of course all those who surrounded her. Help us celebrate #xanapalooza and honor Xana for her 21st birthday on July 5th by doing something fun, new and spontaneous!

Xana Kernodles sister Jazzmin Kernodle posted this on Facebook (Jazzmin Kernodle/Facebook)

WATCH: Police bodycam shows Bryan Kohberger being pulled over in Hyundai Elantra

Tuesday 27 June 2023 17:08 , Andrea Blanco

Court to hear defences arguments

Tuesday 27 June 2023 16:43 , Andrea Blanco

In court on Tuesday, Judge John Judge will hear arguments on the defences request for a stay of proceedings.

Bryan Kohbergers defence filed the motion for a stay earlier this month, arguing that the case should be put on hold until the matter of the grand jury record is resolved in court.

Mr Kohberger is seeking the complete record of the grand jury proceedings from prosecutors, arguing it is crucial to him fighting the indictment against him.

A stay of proceedings is where a court stops or suspends case proceedings or a trial either temporarily or indefinitely.

Father of Idaho murder victims reacts to prosecutors seeking death penalty in Bryan Kohberger case

Tuesday 27 June 2023 16:21 , Andrea Blanco

Prosecutors in Idaho announced on Monday that they are seeking the death penalty against Bryan Kohberger, the 28-year-old criminal justice graduate accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in a brutal knife attack that shocked America.

Reacting to the news, Kaylee Goncalves father Steve Goncalves said he was relieved.

Im glad that were in a situation of strength and the evidence is there and we feel that we can, they can go forward with this, Mr Goncalves told NBC News.

Judge agrees to narrow but not lift gag order

Tuesday 27 June 2023 16:00 , Andrea Blanco

An Idaho judge has denied a request from roughly two dozen news organizations to lift a gag order in the criminal case of a man accused of stabbing four University of Idaho students to death. The judge did, however, significantly narrow the gag order in response to the news organizations concerns.

The ruling was handed down late Friday afternoon.

In it, 2nd District Judge John Judge said it was legally prudent to restrict attorneys from making some statements about the case in order to preserve Bryan Kohbergers right to a fair trial. Still, Judge also said the original gag order  which also barred law enforcement officers and other people tangentially related to the case from speaking to the press  was arguably overbroad and vague in some areas.

Kohberger, 28, is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and burglary in connection with the stabbing deaths in Moscow, Idaho. Prosecutors have yet to reveal if they intend to seek the death penalty.

ICYMI: This is whats on todays agenda for Bryan Kohbergers hearing

Tuesday 27 June 2023 15:39 , Andrea Blanco

Four things will be discussed in todays hearing

- Defences motion to compel

- Defences motion to make available records of all proceedings of the grand jury

- Defences motion requesting release of grand jury materials under protective order

- Defences motion to stay proceedings

Brutal stabbings, a white Hyundai Elantra and a criminology student

Tuesday 27 June 2023 15:20 , Andrea Blanco

Its now seven months since four University of Idaho students were found stabbed to death in Moscow.

Heres everything thats happened so far.

The Independents Io Dodds reports:

Idaho murders case timeline

Bryan Kohberger was arrested for robbery in 2014

Tuesday 27 June 2023 15:00 , Andrea Blanco

Records obtained by ABC News show that Mr Kohberger was arrested allegedly for stealing his sisters cellphone.

Mr Kohberger reportedly paid $20 to a friend so he could take him to the mall, where he sold the phone for $200. He had just recently been discharged from a rehab centre where he received treatment for his addiction.

His father was the one to file the report with police after Mr Koberger reportedly warned him not to do anything stupid.

Idaho prosecutors seeking death penalty in quadruple murders case

Tuesday 27 June 2023 14:40 , Andrea Blanco

Prosecutors in Idaho are seeking the death penalty against Bryan Kohberger, the 28-year-old criminal justice graduate accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in a brutal knife attack that shocked America.

Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson filed a notice of his intent to seek the death penalty in court in Moscow, Idaho, on Monday, citing five aggravating circumstances that could warrant the maximum sentence of capital punishment being sought.

These circumstances include that the murder was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel, manifesting exceptional depravity and that the defendant showed utter disregard for human life.

What we know about Idaho murders case

Tuesday 27 June 2023 14:02 , Rachel Sharp

The murder of four college students in the quiet town of Moscow, Idaho, last November unravelled a months-long investigation that is now headed to trial.

Prosecutors have announced their intentions to seek the death penalty in the case.

And on Tuesday, the accused killer is appearing back in Latah County Court where Judge John Judge will hear arguments on several motions filed by the defence including asking the court to order prosecutors to turn over more evidence about the DNA tying Mr Kohberger to the murders and details about the grand jury which returned an indictment against him.

Here, The Independent takes a deep dive into the key developments in the complex case:

What to know about Idaho murders and suspect Bryan Kohberger

The Idaho murders victims:

Tuesday 27 June 2023 13:35 , Rachel Sharp

Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen, both 21, were seniors at the University of Idaho and were expected to graduate this year.

At a vigil weeks after the murders, Goncalves father Steve Goncalves told how the two absolutely beautiful young women first met in sixth grade and became inseparable.

They just found each other and every day they did homework together, they came to our house together, they shared everything, he said at the time. Then they started looking at colleges, they came here together. They eventually get into the same apartment together.

And in the end, they died together, in the same room, in the same bed.

Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were juniors at the college and had begun dating months before their deaths. They were both 20.

Six months after the stabbings, the families of the slain students accepted posthumous awards for their achievements.

Mogen and Goncalves relatives walked across the stage for their degrees in an emotional ceremony on 13 May. Kernodles family also accepted her certificate in marketing at a separate ceremony while Chapins award in sports, recreation and management was mailed to his parents.

Ethan Chapin, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, took this photo together hours before they died (Instagram/Kaylee Goncalves)

Who is Bryan Kohberger? The criminology graduate charged with the Idaho college murders

Tuesday 27 June 2023 13:16 , Rachel Sharp

Bryan Kohberger became a household name across America when police swooped on his parents home in December and arrested him for the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students.

Mr Kohberger, then a PhD criminology student at Washington State University, was accused of stabbing to death Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin in an off-campus student rental home in Moscow, Idaho, on 13 November.

The victims loved ones and those following developments in the quadruple murder case went from weeks of near-silence from law enforcement to the bombshell news of the accused killers arrest six weeks later.

Since then, people from Mr Kohbergers past  though shocked  have built a picture of a bullied loner who overcame addiction. Meanwhile, fellow students from his time just over the Idaho border into Washington describe a criminology zealot who creeped people out.

With the 28-year-old now facing the death penalty in the case, The Independent asks: Who really is Bryan Kohberger?

The Independents Sheila Flynn has more:

Who is Bryan Kohberger?

Court today: Bryan Kohberger seeks stay of proceedings

Tuesday 27 June 2023 12:50 , Rachel Sharp

In court on Tuesday, Judge John Judge will hear arguments on the defences request for a stay of proceedings.

Bryan Kohbergers defence filed the motion for a stay earlier this month, arguing that the case should be put on hold until the matter of the grand jury record is resolved in court.

Mr Kohberger is seeking the complete record of the grand jury proceedings from prosecutors, arguing it is crucial to him fighting the indictment against him.

A stay of proceedings is where a court stops or suspends case proceedings or a trial either temporarily or indefinitely.

Brutal stabbings, a white Hyundai Elantra and a criminology student: Timeline of the Idaho college murders

Tuesday 27 June 2023 12:24 , Rachel Sharp

Last November, four University of Idaho students were found stabbed to death at a rental house in Moscow, mere hours after posting smiling photographs together on Instagram.

The case shocked the small college town and drew media attention from across the world, yet for nearly seven weeks there appeared to be no suspect in the case.

Then, on 30 December, Bryan Kohberger  a PhD student in criminology at Washington State University (WSU)  was suddenly arrested and charged with their murders.

Read the full timeline of the case here:

Idaho murders case timeline

Xana Kernodles family calls on people to have fun on what would be 21st birthday

Tuesday 27 June 2023 12:05 , Rachel Sharp

Xana Kernodles family is calling on the community to have fun in memory of the murdered student to mark what would have been her 21st birthday.

My sister, Xana Kernodle was born on July 5th, 2002 making this year her 21st birthday. We hope to celebrate #xanapalooza this year and every year by being silly, having fun, getting out of our comfort zones, and loving life like she did each day, her sister Jazzmin wrote on Facebook.

She had the most love for living each day to the fullest, creating memories, gaining new experiences, being silly, and of course all those who surrounded her. Help us celebrate #xanapalooza and honor Xana for her 21st birthday on July 5th by doing something fun, new and spontaneous!

Xana Kernodles sister Jazzmin Kernodle posted this on Facebook (Jazzmin Kernodle/Facebook)

What to expect in court today:

Tuesday 27 June 2023 11:46 , Rachel Sharp

Bryan Kohbergers court hearing will begin at 1.30pm local time on Tuesday.

There are four items on the agenda:

- Defences motion to compel

- Defences motion to make available records of all proceedings of the grand jury

- Defences motion requesting release of grand jury materials under protective order

- Defences motion to stay proceedings

ICYMI: Judge keeps gag order in place in Idaho murders case

Tuesday 27 June 2023 11:20 , Rachel Sharp

Last week, the judge ruled to keep the gag order in place in the case  but narrowed its scope, agreeing with a media coalition and attorneys for Goncalves family that the original order was too broad.

The ruling was handed down late Friday afternoon.

In it, 2nd District Judge John Judge said it was legally prudent to restrict attorneys from making some statements about the case in order to preserve Bryan Kohbergers right to a fair trial.

The judge said the gag order served a legitimate purpose and the very limited incidental effects of the speech restrictions on the medias First Amendment rights are overridden by the compelling interest in ensuring fair trial by an impartial jury.

Still, Judge also said the original gag order  which also barred law enforcement officers and other people tangentially related to the case from speaking to the press  was arguably overbroad and vague in some areas.

The new gag order  formally called a nondissemination order  now prohibits any attorneys representing parties, victims or witnesses in the case from making statements that could have a substantial likelihood of materially prejudicing or otherwise influencing the outcome of the case.

Bryan Kohberger claims DNA from three other men found at scene of Idaho murders

Tuesday 27 June 2023 11:00 , Rachel Sharp

Accused killer Bryan Kohberger has insisted he has no connection to the four slain University of Idaho students and has claimed that DNA from three other unidentified men was also found at the grisly crime scene.

Court documents, filed by attorneys for the 28-year-old PhD student last week, argue that DNA from two other men was also found inside the off-campus student home in Moscow, Idaho.

DNA from a third unknown man was also found on a glove found outside the property on 20 November  one week on from the murders, the documents state.

The Independents Rachel Sharp has the full story:

Bryan Kohberger claims DNA from three other men found at scene of Idaho murders

What have the victims families said about the death penalty?

Tuesday 27 June 2023 10:50 , Rachel Sharp

The parents of one of the four murdered University of Idaho students have previously spoken out to say that they would support the death penalty for her killer.

Kaylee Goncalves parents Steve and Kristi Goncalves told NewsNation in January that they were glad they live in a state where capital punishment is legal.

Were glad that we live in Idaho, said Ms Goncalves.

Mr Goncalves said: If our daughters could switch places with him  and Im saying Maddie [Mogen, Kaylees friend since sixth grade] as my daughter  wed do it in a heartbeat.

If they could sit there and have three squares [a reference to prison meals], a place to live, we could call them, we could write them letters, they could watch TV, they could get educated.

Ms Goncalves added: I would love if Maddie and Kaylee were doing life in prison right now. At least we could talk to them.

Idaho prosecutors seek death penalty against Bryan Kohberger

Tuesday 27 June 2023 10:40 , Rachel Sharp

Prosecutors in Idaho are seeking the death penalty against Bryan Kohberger, the 28-year-old criminal justice graduate accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in a brutal knife attack that shocked America.

Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson filed a notice of his intent to seek the death penalty in court in Moscow, Idaho, on Monday, citing five aggravating circumstances that could warrant the maximum sentence of capital punishment being sought.

These circumstances include that the murder was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel, manifesting exceptional depravity and that the defendant showed utter disregard for human life.

Read the full story here:

Idaho seeks death penalty against college murders suspect Bryan Kohberger

Bryan Kohberger to appear in court today

Tuesday 27 June 2023 10:30 , Rachel Sharp

Bryan Kohberger is scheduled to appear in court today for the murders of four University of Idaho students in Moscow, Idaho.

The 28-year-old criminology PhD student will appear in Latah County Court in Moscow, Idaho, at 1.30pm local time on Tuesday afternoon where Judge John Judge will hear arguments on several motions in the case.

In recent court filings, Mr Kohbergers attorneys have asked the court to order prosecutors to turn over more evidence about the DNA tying him to the crime scene as well as information about the grand jury which returned an indictment against him.

In one filing, submitted last week, the accused killer insisted he has no connection to the four slain students and claimed that DNA from three other unidentified men was also found at the grisly crime scene.

The judge will hear arguments about the various motions on Tuesday.

Welcome to The Independents liveblog

Tuesday 27 June 2023 10:25 , Rachel Sharp

Follow all the latest updates on Bryan Kohbergers case
Idaho prisoners and their families get ripped off just for making a phone call | Opinion

If Tina Thompson wants to talk to her daughter, Siena, in the Canyon County jail, she first needs to put some money in her account with the jail.

Sometimes, all she can afford is $10.

That $10 deposit, though, becomes a $13.30 charge.

Thats because the for-profit company that handles the phone calls and video chats at the Canyon County jail charges $3.30 just for the privilege of putting $10 into an inmates account.

A 33% fee is borderline criminal.

On top of that, inmates and their families are charged outrageous rates to make phone calls, send texts or talk by video.

These families are getting ripped off, and theyre usually those who can least afford it.

Tina Thompson, for example, is 69, retired and trying to survive on her $1,166 monthly Social Security check.

It costs you a lot of money to give them a little money, Thompson said. And the more money you try and give them, the more it costs. There is no reason they need to charge that.

Jail communications

In the course of writing a series of columns about the opioid epidemic, I spoke with Siena, whos in the Canyon County jail, and her girlfriend, Sawyer Morrison, whos in the Valley County Jail.

The two women are being housed in county jails as part of their state prison sentences on drug charges because there isnt any room for them in a state prison. Neither jail has in-person visitation available.

My experience communicating with them was maddening. I can only imagine how infuriating it is for families who have to deal with this all the time.

I spoke with Morrison by phone  five minutes at a time. Phone calls in jail are limited to five minutes. In all, we conducted five such phone calls, interrupted by a voice recording alerting us that we had two minutes left, then one minute left, then the call would be disconnected, and Sawyer had to call me all over again.

Those calls cost 21 cents per minute, or more than $5 just to talk for 25 minutes.

Talking to Siena was a little more complicated  and invasive.

We agreed to do a video interview, which costs $7.50 for a 30-minute session, or 25 cents per minute.

First, I had to set up an account with Getting Out, the ironically named service that facilitates the phone and video calls at the jail. I had to enter my name, number, home address, email address, last four digits of my Social Security number, birth date and credit card information to open and put money in my account. I thought they were going to ask for my first-born son at some point.

I received several messages that my account wasnt verified, and when I requested a meeting with Siena, it was denied. Two requests to the help center went unanswered.

Eventually, my account was verified, and I was able to schedule a meeting. When the time came for our video call, though, Getting Out wouldnt charge my account and charged Sienas account instead.

Even once we finally were able to connect and talk via video, our call abruptly and inexplicably ended after just 12 minutes.

Thats a regular occurrence, Tina Thompson later told me.

Siena and I finished our interview via phone, for another 27 minutes, for which I was charged $6.72, or 25 cents per minute, in addition to the $7.50 charge for the video call that got cut short.

As an aside, I was notified via email that my video visit with Siena was confirmed and scheduled  three days after my visit. Customer service, apparently, is not a priority. Why would it be? They have a captive audience, so to speak.

Texts from jail cost 10 cents for 160 characters. Phone calls cost 21-25 cents per minute. Video calls cost $7.50 for 30 minutes, or 25 cents per minute.

These families are getting ripped off.

Its immoral.

Held hostage

Inmates at the Canyon County jail do get two free video visits per week, and Thompson said they try to stick to just those visits each week.

But Thompson said she has a heart problem, and Siena gets worried about her and wants to check in with her every other day or so.

She gets so worried about me that she uses the phone to hear my voice and to talk to me, Thompson said. And that eats up pretty much two-thirds of her money.

Inmates are also charged to buy their own underwear, bra, toothpaste, snacks, etc. These are typically handled through a separate service and contract. In Canyon County, Summit provides commissary services; in Ada County, its Aramark.

Trying to help these kids out, or whoever you have in there, try and buy their hygiene products and stuff, I cant do it, Thompson said. I mean I do what I can, but my God, the products that they have access to and the prices for those products is insane.

And then try to give them a little money so they can call you every now and again on top of that, you just cant do it. You just cant do it. Its just so expensive.

The charges for items from the commissary can be hefty: $4.51 for boxers; $16.94 for a bra; $3.71 for a small tube of Colgate toothpaste; $7.15 for a 10-ounce container of mixed nuts, according to a commissary list Tina Thompson shared with me.

I tried to send her $5 the other day because she wanted $5 to get toothpaste, Thompson said. I cant do it because its a minimum of $10. Theres a fee for everything, and its an exorbitant fee.

Thompson, who retired after working 20 years as a technical engineer for HP, said she tries to put $100 into Sienas account at the beginning of every month right after she gets her Social Security check. They try to stretch that to the end of the month, but it usually doesnt make it.

And this month, Thompson said she wasnt able to put $100 in her account for the month.

So they go without, Thompson said. She doesnt have anybody but me to put money on her account, so they go without. You know, their hygiene and snacks. Its not a crime, you know, to want a snack in there and her paper and envelopes. So (the money) goes, and then the phone calls, you add all that together, and $100 doesnt do squat.

Thompson has another adult daughter, who is disabled but lives on her own, and she tries to help her as much as she can.

So it gets overwhelming pretty fast, honestly, Thompson said. But we do what we can.

The ability to call and talk to her daughter in jail should not be yet another burden placed on Thompson  or on anyone.

Its not just Idaho. This is happening all over the country, and its been going on for years. Companies are profiting to the tune of billions of dollars. Efforts have been made to regulate the charges through the Federal Communications Commission, with limited success. We should be better than this in America. We shouldnt allow companies to profit off inmates and their families just because someone has landed in jail. We shouldnt make it so onerous for inmates to have simple communication with families, the most basic of all rights.

I mean, they have phone systems set up in jail, and if its a local call, what are they out? she said. I dont understand. What are they out to allow somebody to make a local call? You could put limitations on it, sure, but they dont have to charge for that.

Thompson lives in Nampa, in a double-wide mobile home she owns outright, just a few miles away from the Canyon County jail in Caldwell. But in-person visits are not allowed, so the only way for Thompson to communicate with her daughter is by paying for phone or video chats.

Shes held hostage by the system.

How important is it to maintain communication with someone in jail?

Its everything, she said. When youre incarcerated, and you have no clue whats going on in the outside world, you worry and you think of the worst case scenarios that can happen to your loved one. So she worries incessantly about if Im doing okay, because she cant get to me. She cant do anything for me. So if they dont have that communication, it impacts her mental health greatly.

Importance of staying in touch

Several studies over the years have shown a direct correlation between family contact during incarceration and positive outcomes after release.

The central finding of this research is the strong and consistent positive relationship that exists between parole success and maintaining strong family ties while in prison, according to one study.

Only 50% of no contact inmates completed their first year on parole without being arrested, while 70% of those with three visitors were arrest-free during the same period.

In addition, the loners were six times more likely to wind up back in prison during the first year (12% returned compared to 2% for those with three or more visitors), according to the study. For all  levels, we found that those who maintained closer ties performed more satisfactorily on parole.

Whats worse is that calls from county jails are typically more expensive than calls from prison. The Prison Policy Initiative estimates its 2.6 times more expensive to make a call from jail than it is from prison.

That affects people like Sawyer, Siena and their families  and they are being housed in a jail only because the broken Idaho system means there is no room in prison.

Contract kickbacks

But heres the dirty little secret, and the reason that these contracts still exist: Governments get a kickback. Government agencies are financially incentivized to keep these contracts going.

Canyon County received about $130,000 last year from its contract with TelMate.

Ada County received $540,000 last year from TelMate.

The Idaho Department of Correction received $1.5 million from its provider, ICSolutions.

And thats on top of the money that the private companies made off the deals. Its millions of dollars off the backs of people who can least afford it.

Its unconscionable.

These dirty contracts with these private, for-profit companies need to go. The only ones who benefit are the companies  certainly not the prisoners, inmates and their families.

Patrick Orr, spokesperson for Ada County, wrote in an email that the money goes into the county general fund and is used to reduce the tax burden for the operation of the jail.

Thats been the standard justification for such kickbacks.

It may seem like taxpayers get a good deal out of it, because we dont have to pay for their phone calls and actually make a little money off it, but think about recidivism, not to mention decency. If regular family communication reduces the number of people coming back into the criminal justice system, it could very well save the taxpayers money in the long run. Arent we supposed to be rehabilitating people in this country, not making it more difficult for them to get back on their feet?

The system is bad for morale, bad for inmates and bad for the families that end up bearing an unreasonable financial burden.

Its time for public officials to end this immoral practice.
Idaho sheriff implies drug users and criminals should go to Seattle

The sheriff of Kootenai County sent out a press release Tuesday, suggesting drug users and criminals should go to Seattle and it would be a wonderful place to enjoy July 4th celebrations.

The press release from Sheriff Robert B. Norris was directed at Washington criminals and Kootenai County taxpayers.

Norris said his county is a preferred destination venue for residents of Washington for the July 4th festivities, and that his jail has seen a large number of Washington residents being booked.

He said that he welcomes Washington residents, but noted Idahos controlled substance laws are different, from state to state.

Fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, are serious felonies in Idaho, Norris said. And one will go to jail or prison.

Norris also noted marijuana is illegal in Idaho.

This message is clear, if one chooses to possess controlled substances, or engage in any criminal behavior, Seattle, Spokane and the entire state of Washington is a wonderful place to enjoy July 4th celebrations, Norris said.

Read the complete statement below:

Public Service Announcement

Attention: Washington Criminals and Kootenai County Taxpayers

Kootenai County Idaho is a preferred destination venue for many Washington residents during July 4th celebrations. In the past, the Kootenai County jail has seen a disproportionate number of jail bookings from our neighbors to the west. Sheriff Robert Bob Norris welcomes our law-abiding neighbors, however states that controlled substance laws are very different in Idaho than Washington. Fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, are serious felonies in Idaho and one will go to jail or prison. Marijuana is also against the law and is prohibited. Unlike Washington, Idaho law does not restrict Kootenai County Law Enforcement from enforcing the law and taking violators directly to the Kootenai County Bed and Breakfast, our county jail.

This message is clear, if one chooses to possess controlled substances, or engage in any criminal behavior, Seattle, Spokane and the entire state of Washington is a wonderful place to enjoy July 4th celebrations.

The Sheriff said Dont come to Kootenai County on vacation, and leave on probation.

Attention Idaho Legislature: Provide local option taxing authority to the County Board of Commissioners to fund Sheriff Public Safety Operations. Stop placing the burden on property owners, they are low users of Law Enforcement services.

Sheriff Robert B. Norris

By: Lt. Zachary Sifford
Image shows old Titanic painting, not wreckage of imploded sub

An image circulating online purports to show underwater debris from the Titan submersible that imploded during its journey to the Titanic, leaving five people dead. This is false; the picture is a 1987 painting that depicts the infamous shipwreck and another vessel that toured it in 1986.

"This is where the debris has been found, just a few yards around the Titanic wreckage," says text over a June 22, 2023 TikTok video viewed more than three million times. "The 5 billionaires are dead!"

Screenshot from TikTok taken June 28, 2023

The video came shortly after the US Coast Guard said the OceanGate Expeditions tourist submersible suffered a "catastrophic implosion," ending a multinational search for the vessel, which lost contact with its mothership less than two hours into its descent.

Similar posts spread on other platforms -- including Twitter, Instagram and Facebook -- before and after the announcement.

But the image in the TikTok video does not show the Titan's debris at the foot of the Titanic.

Reverse image searches show the original picture is a 1987 acrylic painting of the Titanic from Ken Marschall (archived here). The American artist is known for his work depicting the ocean liner, which sank during its maiden voyage in 1912 after colliding with an iceberg.

Various websites, including the art market Artnet, attribute the painting to Marschall.

Screenshot from kenmarschall.com taken June 28, 2023

"The stern section of Titanic and surrounding debris, with the submersible Alvin under the fantail, as they appeared during the 1986 Ballard/WHOI exploration," the caption on Marschall's website says.

The three-person Alvin submersible, operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in the US state of Massachusetts, surveyed the Titanic's wreckage in 1986.

This handout image taken during the historical 1986 dive, courtesy of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and released February 15, 2023, shows the human-occupied vehicle Alvin, with remotely operated vehicle Jason Jr attached, descending to the ocean bottom Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

AFP reached out to Marschall for comment, but no response was forthcoming.

Debris recovered

A remote-operated vehicle (ROV) found wreckage from the Titan on the seafloor roughly 1,600 feet (500 meters) from the bow of the Titanic, including the sub's tail cone and the front and back ends of its pressure hull.

The Coast Guard's First District told AFP on June 23 that no images or videos of the wreckage had been released.

Photos taken since then show pieces of the sub being hauled ashore in Canada on June 28.

Those who died on board included OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush; Paul-Henri Nargeolet, a French submarine operator known as "Mr Titanic;" Hamish Harding, a British aviation tycoon; and wealthy Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood.

AFP has previously debunked other misinformation about the Titan submersible here, here, here and here.
Supporters greet and congratulate as L.A. City Council District 6 special election candidate Imelda Padilla, center, arrives at her election party at Chiguacle in Sun Valley on Tuesday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Imelda Padilla held a significant lead over rival Marisa Alcaraz on Wednesday in the special election for the Los Angeles City Council seat representing the northeast and central San Fernando Valley, according to the Los Angeles County Registrar/Recorder.

With more than 11,500 ballots counted, Padilla had 57% of the vote and Alcaraz was at 43%.

The county estimated Wednesday that about 3280 ballots still need to be processed, with the vast majority of those being vote-by-mail ballots received on Election Day.

Alcaraz, a top advisor to City Councilmember Curren Price, and Padilla, a community advocate, are vying for the Council District 6 seat formerly held by City Council President Nury Martinez, who resigned last year.

Martinez stepped down from the council in October after a leaked recording surfaced on which she was heard making incendiary comments about her colleagues and various groups, setting the stage for a special election.

Padilla, who had briefly worked for Martinez a decade ago, was met with applause when she walked into her packed election party at a Mexican restaurant in Sun Valley shortly after polls closed Tuesday night.

Oh my goodness, what a great start, Padilla told the crowd, which included Reps. Brad Sherman and Tony Cardenas and former L.A. City Councilmember Felipe Fuentes. City Councilmembers Traci Park, John Lee and Marqueece Harris-Dawson were also spotted at Padilla's party.

In a brief speech, Padilla noted the "diversity" of the crowd at her party and thanked longtime supporters. "You were with me from the beginning," Padilla said.

At Alcaraz's campaign event in Panorama City, the crowd cheered when the candidate arrived about 9:30 p.m. Someone pulled Alcaraz onto the makeshift dance floor in the center of the room as Marc Anthonys Vivir mi Vida played over a speaker.

L.A. City Council District 6 candidate Marisa Alcaraz hugs supporters at her campaign party on Tuesday. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Alcaraz spoke briefly, thanking the campaign team and saying how much she appreciated them.

Were going to still see what happens. Like I said, weve still got a long way to go and I just want to celebrate with all of you, Alcaraz said, thanking the group again as someone handed her a bouquet of red roses and babys breath.

Wade Watson, a 20-year member of the Southwest Mountain States Regional Council of Carpenters, had an I Voted sticker affixed to his gray polo shirt. He said that Alcaraz  the daughter of a union member  came from carpenter blood and stands for what we stand for.

"Theres still more to be counted, Watson said.

Voter turnout was at about 11% in the April primary, but was expected to pick up slightly in Tuesday's election.

Just before the polls closed Tuesday, a steady stream of voters headed into a Panorama City Goodwill office to mark their ballots.

Not a lot of people know theres an election, said Jasmine Lemus, a 34-year-old clad in a T-shirt, jeans and sunflower-covered checkered Vans shoes.

Read more: Voters have to look hard to spot the differences in the race for Nury Martinez's seat

The Arleta resident had come to vote after finishing work at a local nonprofit. But shed been unsuccessful in convincing her husband to join her. He felt like his vote wouldnt make a difference, she said.

Lemus planned to vote for Padilla, she said, because shed heard good things about her.

Shes very involved with the organizations and with the community, wanting to improve everything thats been going on with our homeless community, Lemus said. Im hoping the best with her.

In general, Lemus didnt think that the policymakers at City Hall paid enough attention to her corner of the northeastern San Fernando Valley.

We have more homelessness out here, we have more families struggling, we have so many more businesses closing, Lemus said.

Marisa Alcaraz, left, and Imelda Padilla are candidates for Los Angeles City Council District 6. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

With Alcaraz and Padilla agreeing on many city policies around homelessness and policing, the election focused in part on the differences in the candidates resumes.

Alcaraz touted her experience crafting legislation to help street vendors and grocery store workers, while Padilla talked up her community work in the district.

Both candidates also vowed to improve the citys homelessness crisis and rebuild trust in local government following Martinezs resignation and a string of other political scandals at City Hall.

In a blow to Alcarazs campaign, her boss, Price, was charged with 10 felony counts two weeks before Tuesdays election. The councilman said he is innocent of the charges, which are related to votes on developments and his wifes business, as well as medical benefits that she received.

But whether the charges altered the outcome of the race wasn't clear. Many ballots had already been mailed in.

Following Tuesday night's initial vote tally, an updated count from the county is expected Friday afternoon.

Los Angeles City Clerk Holly Wolcott told The Times that the winner of Tuesday's election can take office after the results are certified by the county and declared by the L.A. City Council.

"If there is a clear front-runner, the council has often taken action to appoint the person in the meantime," Wolcott said.

Labor groups, including those whose members have business before the City Council, spent heavily in the race.

The Southwest Mountain States Regional Council of Carpenters spent more than $270,000 to support Alcaraz. IBEW Local Union 18, which represents Los Angeles Department of Water and Power workers, spent more than $100,000 to back her.

Padilla was supported by the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, the union representing city firefighters, which spent more nearly $200,000. A group backed by the California Apartment Assn. and the American Beverage Assn. spent more than $219,000 to support Padilla, and Laborers' International Union of North America, Local 300, spent more than $200,000.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Threats of impeachment and censure used to be rare. In this Congress, they're becoming routine

FILE - Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., talks to reporters at the Capitol in Washington, May 28, 2023. Republicans in the House are increasingly threatening impeachment against Biden and his top Cabinet officials. Impeachment has traditionally been viewed as an option of last resort in Congress, to be used only for severe wrongdoing. But the constitutionally authorized power to charge officials with "high crimes and misdemeanors" is on the way to becoming routine. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

WASHINGTON (AP)  House Republicans have held it over Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for months. Attorney General Merrick Garland is facing it too. And President Joe Biden seemingly isnt far behind.

Driven by the demands of hard-right members, Republicans in the House are threatening impeachment against Biden and his top Cabinet officials, creating a backbeat of chatter about high crimes and misdemeanors that is driving legislative action, spurring committee investigations, raking in fundraising money and complicating the plans of Speaker Kevin McCarthy and his leadership team.

Long viewed as an option of last resort, to be triggered only for the most severe wrongdoing, the constitutionally authorized power of impeachment is rapidly moving from the extraordinary to the humdrum, driven in large part by Republicans and their grievances about how Democrats twice impeached President Donald Trump.

Republicans remain so opposed to Trumps impeachments, in fact, that they are pressing for votes to expunge the charges altogether  an attempt to clear his name that is without direct precedent in congressional history.

Were seeing a generation of Republicans who are much more willing to test the boundaries of how much you can weaponize procedures, said Julian Zelizer, a Princeton University historian and political scientist.

McCarthy on Sunday made Garland the latest target of a potential impeachment investigation as Republicans examine how the Department of Justice handled the prosecution of Hunter Biden for federal tax offenses. It capped a tumultuous week in which hard-right Republicans forced a vote to send articles of impeachment against Biden to a committee for investigation and also voted to censure Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff for his remarks and actions during the 2017 investigation into Trumps ties to Russia.

Some Republicans are pushing for yet another censure action, this time against Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson for his leadership of the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 insurrection.

In the past, lawmakers have reserved censure, a punishment one step below expulsion, for grave misconduct. When former Rep. Charles Rangel, a New York Democrat, was censured in 2010 on a bipartisan vote for ethics violations, then-speaker Nancy Pelosi solemnly summoned him to the well of the House, where censured members must stand as the resolution is read in a moment of public shaming.

"We really tried hard to put aside the partisan considerations because we knew how sharp and potent the weapon (of censure) was, said former Rep. Steve Israel, Democrat of New York, who was among Pelosis closest confidantes. This thing used to be rare. Now, its in every cycle, in breaking news.

When Schiff was censured last week, the proceedings quickly took on a carnival-like quality. Democrats, Pelosi included, streamed forward to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in the well of the House. They heckled McCarthy as he read the charges  calling out Shame! Disgrace! and Adam! Adam!  until the speaker left the dais.

What goes around comes around, one Democrat could be heard shouting in the chamber. Republicans streamed from the chamber shaking their heads.

That was wild in there, said Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla. She had brought the censure resolution against Schiff, using a legislative tool that allowed her to bypass leadership and force a vote.

The fervor in the House for doling out punishment shows no signs of breaking  in part because lawmakers are reaping the media attention and fundraising dollars that are steadily replacing committee chairmanships as the locus of power in the House.

Luna, who is just months into her first House term after winning a Florida district formerly held by Democrats, was the subject of a Fox News interview in prime-time after her successful push to censure Schiff.

And the attention cut both ways. Schiff, who is running for a California Senate seat, seemed to relish the moment and leveraged it into a fundraising blitz.

They go after people they think are effective; they go after people they think are standing up to them, Schiff said in an interview on The View, one of several TV appearances he had in the aftermath.

Yet theres a risk that Republicans' appetite for using the punishment powers could easily escalate into a more serious test of whether Congress is legitimately wielding power  and nowhere does that possibility loom larger than when it comes to Biden.

Rep. Lauren Boebert, a Colorado Republican who won reelection last year by fewer than 600 votes, forced a vote last week on an impeachment resolution against Biden for high crimes and misdemeanors over his handling of the U.S. border with Mexico.

Republican leaders were able to bottle up Boeberts resolution, holding a vote that sent the matter to congressional committees for consideration.

Some Republicans, however, view it as a question of when, not if, Biden is impeached. Floor debate on the resolution took on the air of a dress rehearsal, as Democrats and Republicans debated whether Biden has committed high crimes and misdemeanors with his handling of border and immigration policy.

Only three other presidents in U.S. history have been impeached  Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton and Trump, though none were convicted by the Senate. Should Republicans decide to make Biden the fourth, a system of checks and balances created by the framers could face a test like never before.

While the Constitution's impeachment standard of high crimes and misdemeanors is deliberately open-ended, the Republicans impeachment argument against Biden has centered so far on disagreement with his policy decisions, namely his handling of the southern border, which they say amounts to breaking his oath of office.

Zelizer, the political historian, warned that moving forward with impeachment on those grounds would have lasting consequences.

It weakens the function of government, it undermines trust in this democracy, and it will leave the democracy weaker than when it started, he said.
Fu Qiaomei becomes first Chinese scientist to win UNESCO-Al Fozan Prize

CGTN) 08:52, June 28, 2023

Chinese archaeogenetics scientist Fu Qiaomei (L2) receives UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in Paris, France, June 19, 2023. /China Media Group

Chinese scientist Fu Qiaomei was awarded a UNESCO prize in Paris, France on Monday for her original work on establishing the genetic history of early humans on the Eurasian continent through the study of ancient genomes.

As one of the world's leading scientists in archaeogenetics, Fu, from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, stood out among 2,500 candidates worldwide.

Fu is the first Chinese scientist to receive the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

With a primary focus on exploring human origin and evolution with ancient DNA (aDNA) technology, Fu's new study introduced new insights into issues on human health and adaptation from an evolutionary perspective. Her study found traces of prehistoric humans in a pinch of bone meal, a handful of soil and human remains, uncovering the genetic characteristics of populations and certain aspects of human evolution from tiny fragments of DNA.

The prize aims to strengthen research, education and international cooperation of STEM to confront global challenges addressed by the Sustainable Development Goals, according to the official website for the prize.

It is awarded every two years to five young laureates in related fields. The other four winners of this year are Abdon Atangana from Cameroon, Hesham Omran from Egypt, Jelena Vladic from Serbia and Federico Ariel from Argentina.

The four were awarded for innovative researches and promotions in the fields of mathematics, design of semiconductor chip and microelectronics products, green engineering, and agricultural biotechnology, respectively.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
A group of social media influencers who partnered with Chinese fast-fashion juggernaut Shein are under fire for posting content that critics say sanitizes the poor working conditions at the retailers factories.

A wave of backlash began swirling on social media this week, though the videos on the influencers and Sheins pages went live earlier this month. In the posts, the content creators go on a guided tour of one of the online retailers reported 6,000 factories in China and praise its labor practices.

I was really excited and impressed to see the working conditions, influencer Dani Carbonari said in a now-deleted video of the factory, applauding Shein for being such a developed and complex company. She then jokingly referred to herself as an investigative journalist and said she interviewed a woman who worked in the fabric-cutting department.

I was at a loss for words honestly  they took her to the model unit equivalent of the sweatshops like this cant be pic.twitter.com/aJtWcSycEh  joe bidens face lift (@thisisnefertiti) June 22, 2023

She was very surprised at all of the rumors that have been spread in the U.S., Carbonari said of her exchange with the worker.

Those so-called rumors likely refer to media investigations and other reports about Sheins allegedly poor working conditions. Perhaps the most damning was a report last fall by Britains Channel 4, which took hidden cameras inside the factory and found that employees were working 75-hour weeks, had one day off a month and earned a base pay of $20 per day. Chinese labor laws limit employees to 40 hours of work a week. Shein denies the allegations of workplace violations.

A 2021 probe by the Swiss watchdog group Public Eye resulted in similar findings. And Remake, a nonprofit that advocates for better labor and environmental practices in factories, graded Shein zero out of 150 points on its ethics rubric.

But influencers on Sheins marketing trip pushed a different narrative.

When I asked them questions like, What does your workweek look like? How many hours do you work? Whats your commute? Most of them work like, 8 to 6, and their commute is like, 10-15 minutes, just like normal, influencer Destene Sudduth said in one of her videos about the trip. I expected this facility to just be so filled with people slaving away.

The comments on Sudduths posts from the trip are filled with criticisms, with many questioning whether the visit was set up to show influencers a sanitized version of factory life.

A Shein company office in the central business district of Singapore.

A Shein company office in the central business district of Singapore.

When reached for comment on the backlash, Shein said the video series was a way for the company to be forthright about its practices.

SHEIN is committed to transparency and this trip reflects one way in which we are listening to feedback, providing an opportunity to show a group of influencers how SHEIN works through a visit to our innovation center and enabling them to share their own insights with their followers, the company said in a statement.

Their social media videos and commentary are authentic, and we respect and stand by each influencers perspective and voice on their experience, Shein continued. We look forward to continuing to provide more transparency around our on-demand business model and operations.

Shein has become one of the globes biggest fashion retailers in recent years, going from $10 billion in sales in 2020 to $100 billion in 2022. The company offers a staggering number of items for sale and adds thousands of new pieces of apparel to its online inventory daily.

Production that rapid, however, can be hard on the environment. A 2021 study from the Changing Markets Foundation found that the manufacture of polyester for textiles produces the same amount of CO2 as about 180 coal-fired power plants.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this story inaccurately described data in a report by the Changing Markets Foundation.

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After threatening to kill a federal judge and his family, as well as mailing the family threats, inmate Curtis Brown has been sentenced to an additional one year and three months in federal prison. This follows the completion of his 30-year state sentence.

According to court documents, Brown sent a letter to a United States district judge threatening to kill him or his family. At the time the threats were sent, Brown was in the Florida State Prison in Raiford serving a state sentence.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

The letter was addressed to the judges chambers and stated that it was sent because the judge refused to grant Browns requested relief. The letter stated that Brown would use his federally funded stimulus to hire someone to shoot the judge.

Brown also said that if he could not get to the judge in time, he would settle for his child, loved one, etc. In a postscript in the letter, Brown further threatened the judge that if the judge told anyone about the letter, it would get worse for the judge. The return address included Browns name, inmate number, and prison address.

On December 3, 2021, upon receiving the letter, employees in the clerks office at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee notified the United States Marshals Service (USMS). The USMS notified a Florida State Prisons Security Threat Intelligence Officer about the letter.

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Upon further investigation, the handwriting on the letter was a presumptive match for Brown.

The FBI then began investigating Brown and the letter. Agents discovered that Brown had been engaged in a civil case in which money was involved. In July and August 2021, Brown filed an emergency motion to speed up the trial, as well as a civil rights complaint about his confinement.

Following the referral, a magistrate judge has to prove that Brown was the same person that had previously filed a complaint about his confinement, as Brown had not mentioned anything about it in his filings.

Throughout the proceedings, Brown continued to say that he had not filed a previous federal complaint. However, the magistrate judge concluded that Brown was being dishonest with the court.

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On November 4, 2021, the magistrate judge issued a report and recommended the dismissal of Browns case with prejudice stating that Browns pattern of perjury and willful abuse of the judicial process.

On November 19, 2021, the district court judge ordered the case dismissed with. The judgment was entered on the same day.

On November 30, 2021, Brown sent his letter in retaliation for the judge dismissing his case.

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
The News

Wagner Groups rebellion in Russia may have knock-on consequences in other regions where the mercenary organization operates. The paramilitary group has a presence in countries around the world, and is particularly active in Africa, where it is using its presence to pillage natural resources and fund its operations elsewhere.

Know More

Wagner mercenaries are inextricably linked to CAR, where they have had a presence since 2018. The country has been described as a perfect laboratory for what Wagner, and by extension the Kremlin, are capable of in the region.

The Financial Times reported in 2021 that Wagner operates with impunity in CAR, with one senior security official in Bangui describing the situation there as a shit show.

We've curated insightful analysis on how Russia's takeover of Wagner might spell trouble for Africa.

Insights
The News

President Joe Biden's administration is mulling another round of tech curbs on China to restrict the country's access to semiconductors to develop artificial intelligence, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Know More

The new restrictions would impact U.S. chip makers like Nvidia that have redeveloped some of its products to circumvent the original 2022 export controls, the Journal reports. Nvidia and other chip makers saw their stocks dip following the announcement, CNBC reported, with Chinese tech firms also taking a hit.

The revelations come as Washington is attempting to temper hostile relations with Beijing, with Secretary of State Anthony Blinken having just visited top leaders in China and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen due in China next month.

We've curated smart insights on what tightening export controls would mean for China's capacity to develop artificial intelligence.

Insights
The News

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, whose supporters ransacked government buildings earlier this year after he lost his reelection bid, could be barred from holding office over his efforts to sow mistrust in Brazil's electoral system.

Brazils top electoral court has been holding a trial over whether Bolsonaro committed an abuse of power in his efforts to overturn his loss to Luiz Inacio "Lula" da Silva. On Tuesday, one justice voted to bar him from office until 2030, and proceedings are expected to resume Thursday.

We've curated insights and analysis on what this means for Bolsonaro's political future.

Insights
The News

After days of nationwide protests, French President Emmanuel Macron said it was "inexplicable and inexcusable" that police fatally shot a 17-year-old during a traffic stop in Paris on Monday.

Know More

Video of the incident uploaded to social media shows the victim, identified as Nahel M, being shot point blank in his car after he reportedly failed to stop during a traffic check.

Police claimed the officer fired in self-defense after the victim tried running him over, but videos on social media appeared to contradict this claim.

The teen's mother later uploaded a TikTok calling on French people to protest against police brutality.

The officer who fired his gun is now under investigation for homicide.

Insights
March 2021 photo of a migrant and her daughter have their biometric data entered at the intake area of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security holding facility in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas. (Dario Lopez-Mills / Pool photo)

Diarrhea was rampant, children were losing weight, and parents had to clean soiled clothing in sinks because guards would not provide them with clean items, mothers at an overcrowded Texas border facility in Laredo told Department of Homeland Security investigators last month, according to an internal report obtained by The Times.

The crisis at the Laredo facility is detailed in the first of two May memos by the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman. The relatively new oversight office is charged with reviewing conditions within DHS vast detention system. The memos, meant for agency leadership, include details on conditions in many facilities along the southern border this spring.

The second report, which was also obtained by The Times, describes alleged deficiencies in medical care at a detention facility in Donna, Texas, that held an 8-year-old Panamanian girl who later died in Border Patrol custody.

Read more: Border Patrol officials complained of 'overuse of hospitalization' as 8-year-old died

The reports were created during a time of intense strain on the nations immigration detention system. Arrests at the southern border skyrocketed in the week leading up to the May 11 expiration of Title 42, the public health measure that allowed border agents to quickly turn back migrants. At one point that week, the agency was holding more than28,000 migrants in facilities at the border  way above capacity.

Both documents include a note that they reflect initial observations by the office and had not been verified and confirmed under the offices typical procedures.

Nearly every mother at Laredo who spoke to the investigators said their children had diarrhea.

Some women noted that their children had not eaten much, if at all, the investigators  who visited the facility between May 9 and May 11, wrote. Others noted that their children had lost weight.

Some mothers whose children were affected said they believed the diarrhea was the result of being given too much dairy and processed food at the facility.

The investigators told Border Patrol about the detainees complaints, and the second report said that the diarrhea issue at Laredo had been resolved.

The report also detailed overcrowding.

The memo noted that the Laredo facility was holding about 2,500 people  despite having a capacity of under1,000  and that some housing areas for single men were very cramped, with sleeping mats directly touching other sleeping mats and no space around the mats to walk.

Even so, the memo, said the facility was airy, open, and clean, and felt calm and orderly.

Read more: California tried and failed to ban for-profit ICE detention centers. What does that mean for other states?

Homeland Security officials offered comments about the agencys efforts to ensure detainee safety but did not provide on-the-record responses to specific questions about either of the reports The Times obtained.

Border Patrol conditions have long been scrutinized. During the Trump administration, the DHS Inspector Generals Office conducted an investigation that found in several facilities migrants in cramped spaces  some were in standing-room conditions for a week  and not having access to showers. The inspectors called it dangerous.

Senior managers at several facilities raised security concerns for their agents and the detainees. For example, one called the situation a ticking time bomb, the report read.

In 2021, when an increase in unaccompanied immigrant children crossing the border led to overcrowding in border patrol facilities, attorneys for the children said the conditions were cramped after conducting interviews with them, according to the Associated Press. The attorneys said they were unable to visit the facilities themselves.

A special monitor overseeing the medical care in border facilities said in a January report to a federal court that improvements were being made to medical care within the facilities and that caregivers were being added to some places. The monitors reports are part of a years-long court settlement that requires the government to not hold children and families longer than 72 hours in custody.

The monitor wrote that areas of improvement included the care of unaccompanied children in isolation stations and regular overcrowding of CBP facilities represents the most far-reaching threat to compliance with the agreement and to the provision of essential custodial services for children. It also underscores CBPs responsibility to address overcrowding and mitigate its impact on children in custody.

Conditions within border facilities attracted scrutiny after the 8-year-old girl died in custody on May 17. CBP officials released a statement that said a nurse at the agencys Harlingen Station denied requests from the girls mother to send her to the hospital or call an ambulance three or four times. The girls mother told the Associated Press that: I felt like they didnt believe me.

The numbers of border arrests have dropped in the weeks since Title 42 expired. In early June, DHS said that the number of border crossings had dropped 70% from the high arrest numbers seen in early May.

Get the best of the Los Angeles Times politics coverage with the Essential Politics newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Fears are brewing that an apocalypse is coming. But instead of burning buildings and utter chaos, there's a monthslong global internet blackout. The concern comes amid recent solar storm data that has emerged, but is the current activity on the sun really enough to cause what's been dubbed the "internet apocalypse?"

Videos have been making the rounds on social media claiming that this apocalypse is on its way. One video, which has amassed more than 4 million views on TikTok, claims that a solar storm could cause such an event to happen within the decade.

Despite the trending claims, such an event is thought to only occur once every half-millennium. Here's what's actually happening with the sun, and how it can impact communications on Earth.

What is an "internet apocalypse"?

While many have attributed the "internet apocalypse" phrasing to NASA directly, it appears as though it has actually stemmed from a 2021 paper about solar storm impacts presented by a University of California researcher. In the paper, the researcher looked at "solar superstorm that can potentially cause large-scale internet outages covering the entire globe and lasting several months."

Such solar storms are "one of the greatest dangers facing the internet," the paper says. That's because of coronal mass ejections, the paper says, which can create magnetically induced currents that at significant strengths could potentially "enter and damage long-distance cables that constitute the backbone of the internet."

Citing past research from scientists, the paper determined that the probability of an extreme space weather event having a direct impact on Earth is between 1.6% to 12% every decade. But because recent solar cycles have placed the sun in a state of "low activity," it's believed that activity could be increasing.

What's currently happening on the sun?

The sun has been in Solar Cycle 25 since December 2019, meaning its 25th 11-year cycle since record keeping began in 1755. At the beginning of the current cycle, the National Weather Service predicted that peak sunspot activity would happen in 2025, with the overall activity of the cycle being "fairly weak."

But earlier this month, researchers determined that the cycle has "ramped up much faster" than what was originally predicted, with "more sunspots and eruptions than experts had forecast."

"Tracking and predicting the Sun's solar cycles gives a rough idea of the frequency of space weather storms of all types  from radio blackouts to geomagnetic storms and solar radiation storms  and it's used by many industries to gauge the potential impact of space weather on Earth," NOAA explains.

But even though they've found increased activity on the sun, researchers say the current cycle is expected to be "average compared to solar cycles in the past century."

That doesn't mean Solar Cycle 25 hasn't had its fair share of intrigue-inducing events.

In April, a severe geomagnetic storm emerged, the third geomagnetic storm of that magnitude since the solar cycle began. At G4 (severe) storms, there is a possibility for widespread voltage control problems, as well as surface charging and tracking problems on spacecraft. Satellite navigation and low-frequency radio navigation can also be disturbed.

Can solar activity really cause a global internet blackout?

With extreme geomagnetic storms  a 5 on the storm scale  "some grid systems may experience complete collapse or blackouts," NOAA says, and satellite navigation could be down for days while low-frequency radio navigation could be out for hours. These are only expected to occur four times every solar cycle, on average.

The biggest solar storm ever observed was the Carrington Event in 1859. During that event, what was described as a "white light flare" flashed from the sun. According to space.com, it turned out to be a coronal mass ejection that hit the Earth in less than 18 hours  a happening that usually takes days. A day later, "telegraph systems worldwide went haywire," NASA Science says, literally shocking operators and even setting telegraph paper on fire.

"Even when telegraphers disconnected the batteries powering the lines, aurora-induced electric currents in the wires still allowed messages to be transmitted," NASA Science says.

If an event like that were to happen today, NOAA SciJinks says that an event like this could "severely damage satellites, disable communications by telephone, radio, and TV, and cause electrical blackouts over whole continents."

"It could take weeks or longer to fix the damage," the government site says.

But solar storms of the magnitude that took place 164 years ago are only anticipated once every 500 years, they add.

What are officials doing to prevent it?

In 2018, NASA launched its Parker Solar Probe to the sun. The probe has been traveling through the sun's atmosphere ever since, collecting data about solar winds, particles and other areas that could better improve humanity's understanding of the sun. The more that's understood, the better able to predict space weather experts will be.

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Intruder tries to set pizza chef on fire, chases him with knife, California cops say

A California pizza chef at first thought it was a joke when someone entered the kitchen and threw lighter fluid on him, the Thousand Oaks pizzeria owner said.

He thought it was water, Allegro Pizza owner Raul Ferrero told KTTV. When he smelled the gasoline, that was when he reacted.

Then the man, holding a dog on a leash, pulled out a lighter, Ferrero told KABC.

The 28-year-old chef tried to flee from the man, who authorities said grabbed a kitchen knife and began chasing the chef, the Ventura County Sheriffs Office said in a news release. The encounter took place at about 2 p.m. Sunday, June 25.

The chef dashed out the back door to a parking lot, pursued by the man, sheriffs officials said. A 51-year-old bystander tried to intervene and also was doused in lighter fluid, according to deputies.

The bystander punched the man, knocking him down and subdued him, Ferrero told KABC.

Deputies arrested Robert Haight, 61, of Palo Alto, on charges of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and assault with a caustic chemical, the release said.

He was taken to a hospital to be treated for injuries sustained in the incident, deputies said.

The dog was taken to an animal shelter, KTTV reported.

Ferrero did not disclose a motive for the attack, according to KABC.

Thousand Oaks is about 40 miles west of Los Angeles.

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Internal Revenue Service whistleblower Gary Shapley defended his claims that Hunter Biden got special treatment from the Department of Justice in an interview on Fox News' "Special Report."

Shapley, a 14-year veteran of the agency, has come forward with accusations that prosecutors put an investigation into Hunter Biden's finances "on the back burner" as the 2020 election approached. He further claims that David Weiss, the Trump-appointed U.S. attorney in Delaware, said privately on several occasions that he was not pulling the strings and that he was not in charge of the investigation.

Shapley said he was in a meeting last fall when Weiss admitted he was not calling the shots.

"I even had [Weiss] repeat that because I knew how important that fact was, and I wanted to make sure I understood it," Shapley told Fox News' Bret Baier.

GARLAND DENIES INTERFERING WITH HUNTER BIDEN PROBE IN FIRST COMMENTS SINCE WHISTLEBLOWER CLAIMS RELEASED

IRS Criminal Supervisory Special Agent Gary Shapley Jr., defended his claims that the Justice Department interfered with U.S. Attorney David Weiss' Hunter Biden investigation in an interview with Fox News' "Special Report."

"You were there, and you remember it crystal clear in your mind?" Baier asked.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"Not only do I remember it crystal clear, but I documented it," Shapley replied.

Shapley's claims directly contradict what Attorney General Merrick Garland said Friday, when he denied whistleblower allegations that the Justice Department, FBI and IRS interfered with Weiss' Hunter Biden probe.

"I don't know how it would be possible for anybody to block him from bringing a prosecution , given that he has this authority," Garland said.

HUNTER DEMANDED $10M FROM CHINESE ENERGY FIRM BECAUSE BIDENS ARE THE BEST, HAVE 'CONNECTIONS

Hunter Biden disembarks from Air Force One at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, New York, U.S., February 4, 2023. President Biden's son has pled guilty to two misdemeanor counts of willful failure to pay federal income tax as part of a deal that is expected to keep him out of prison.

The House Ways and Means Committee last week released testimony from two IRS whistleblowers who alleged officials at the Justice Department, FBI and IRS interfered with the investigation of Weiss' tax evasion case against Hunter Biden. The whistleblowers accused investigators of "trying to limit" questioning related to President Biden as part of the investigation into his son, Hunter Biden, and said decisions in the case seemed to be "influenced by politics."

Shapley, one of the two whistleblowers, has gone public with his accusations that DOJ officials "slow-walked" the case. He told Baier there were two search warrants that were supposed to be executed on properties connected to Biden, but prosecutors got cold feet as the 2020 presidential election drew near.

"Between April and June 2020 we drafted an affidavit to execute a search warrant at a couple different locations and the prosecutors at the time stated that probable cause had been achieved but as we moved closer to the election, it just seemed like they kept putting it on the back burner, and they didn't allow us to do that search warrant, even though the legal requirements to execute the search warrant were met," Shapley said.

He further claims serious felony charges that could have been laid against Biden "were left on the table," including for tax evasion in 2014 and for filing a false return for 2018 and 2019.

HUNTER BIDEN EMAIL SHOWS $400G IN UNREPORTED INCOME FROM BURISMA, STATES HE NEEDS TO 'AMEND' HIS TAX RETURNS

Hunter Biden has pled guilty to two misdemeanor counts of willful failure to pay federal income tax as part of a deal that is expected to keep him out of prison. The president's son also agreed to enter into a pretrial diversion agreement with regard to a separate charge of possession of a firearm by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.

The Justice Department has repeatdly said that Weiss, as a U.S. attorney, had "full authority" over the Hunter Biden investigation, "including responsibility for deciding where, when, and whether to file charges as he deems appropriate."

The White House has repeatedly said that President Biden has never been involved with his son's business dealings. They also maintain the president never discussed them with him.

Fox News' Brooke Singman contributed to this report.
Israel enlists drones, AI and big data to farm for the future

A farmer drives a tractor pulling a pollination device at an avocado orchard at the Eyal kibbutz (MENAHEM KAHANA)

As climate change and global population growth pose ever greater challenges for agriculture, Israeli technology offers a wealth of inventions and advanced tools to help farmers adapt.

At an avocado orchard in a kibbutz in central Israel, a tractor slowly pulls a device through the trees.

Flag-sized attachments that evoke canoe paddles on the mobile platform gently stroke the plants to draw the pollen using an electrostatic charge, then let them rub off on the next row of trees.

Such artificial pollination can help boost crop yields to feed the world's growing population, said Thai Sade, founder and CEO of Israeli company BloomX.

The firm uses algorithms to predict the optimal time to maximise the efficacy of pollination.

"Our pollination is an attempt to deal with many of the problems we have today, which we expect to worsen in the future," said Sade, noting the shortage of pollinating insects and the risks global warming poses to them.

"It's much more expensive to plant a new orchard than to make better use of an existing one," he said.

Ofri Yongrman Sela, who oversees avocado, wheat and persimmon production at the Eyal kibbutz, said that of all the unknowns in his line of work, pollination is the most difficult to manage.

Avocado trees rely on honey bees for pollination, he said, but "we don't really know if they'll come or not, and when".

Using BloomX's technology alongside the bees has raised yields by up to 40 percent, he said.

- Farming robots -

Standing amid the avocado trees, Yongrman Sela noted the rapid changes his sector has undergone in the decade since he began work as a farmer.

Agriculture is now supported by sensors that measure soil parameters, drones and big data, he said, adding that "technology has entered every corner".

A recent report by Start-Up Nation Central, a non-governmental organisation that promotes Israeli technology, listed more than 500 agri-tech companies in Israel.

Shmuel Friedman, whose Green Wadi company provides agricultural consultancy to countries in Africa, Asia and the Gulf, said there was demand for Israeli technology and expertise.

"We have a good reputation in agriculture," said Friedman, a former agriculture ministry official.

While younger generations in Israel no longer share their predecessors' farming ambitions, the country's agricultural experience wed with its innovative and powerful tech sector yield "many agriculture technologies" that can support farmers into the future, he said.

One of the biggest challenges facing agriculture, according to Friedman, is a lack of people willing to work in the field.

"It's harder and harder to find manpower, especially in developed countries," he said.

"You need alternatives, whether in the form of robots or machines that can replace working hands."

- Fruit-picking drones -

Yaniv Maor reached the same conclusion more than a decade ago, watching a television programme featuring 20 Israelis who were tasked with picking fruit along with the show's host.

"At the end of the day, he remained alone," said Maor, who proceeded to found and head Tevel, a company that uses drones to pick fruit from trees.

"There are not enough people," he said. "And, looking forward, it's clear there will be even fewer.

"At the same time, crops will increase -- there will be more people and more consumption. The gap is growing, and that's where robotics enter."

Tevel's system entails eight drones connected to a platform utilising AI and machine vision to analyse images of the fruit fed by their cameras.

This helps determine not only which fruit is ripe and ready to be picked, but also sugar content and any diseases.

The drones use suction to gently pull the fruit off the branch and place it in a bin, with humans needed mainly to oversee their operation, Maor noted.

The technology is in use in Israel, the United States, Italy and Chile and works on moreo than 40 different types of apples, peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots and pears, Maor said.

"The system is completely autonomous, from the decision on whether to pick the fruit and its colour and how to reach it and detach it," he said from the company's headquarters in central Israel.

Yongrman Sela, the farmer, said the potential of technologies boosting his "primitive" field of work is unfathomable.

"The feeling is that we're just at the beginning."

jjm/mj/ami/fz
A video that appears to show a man carving a love note into the wall of Rome's iconic Colosseum has gone viral, leading local authorities on a hunt find the culprit.

The man, who has not been identified, was seen using a set of keys to apparently carve his name and the name of a woman into a brick of the almost 2,000-year-old monument on Friday.

"Are you serious, man? That's so f----- up," a bystander is heard saying in the video.

The man turns around and smiles, but doesn't respond.

It appears he carved Ivan+Hayley 23 into the ancient wall, according to the video.

Man carves names in colosseum (YouTube)

Ryan Lutz, a 38-year-old American who filmed the video, said in an interview with NBC News he had just toured the Colosseum when he spotted the man.

"I mean, I use the term flabbergasted and I dont use that lightly," he said of his reaction. "Im upset. Im angry."

Lutz said he contacted security, who told him they notified police. But nothing happened until he posted the video online.

The outrage was immediate, Lutz said, as multiple representatives of the Italian government lashed out against the man.

Italy's Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano called the carving "a sign of great incivility" in a tweet, adding he hoped those responsible would be found "and punished according to our laws," according to an Associated Press translation.

Daniela Santanche, the country's tourism minister, said in a tweet she hoped the tourist would be sanctioned "so that he understands the gravity of the gesture," according to an Associated Press translation.

"We cannot allow those who visit our nation to feel free to behave in this way," Santanche said.

Authorities have not identified the man involved, and it was unclear what penalty he might face.

Lutz said his take was to respect the space and its people when visiting another country.

"Id settle for this guy just kind of learning the lesson. Like dont disrespect host countries  be respectful," Lutz said.

In 2014, a Russian tourist was fined about $25,000 and received a four-year suspended prison sentence after he wrote the letter "K" on the wall of the Colosseum, according to the Associated Press.

Two American tourists were also cited for aggravated damage after carving their names into the monument in 2015, the Associated Press reported.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
New commercial and high-end condominiums are rising from the dirt, the minimum wage is going up, unemployment is the lowest its been in years and tourism  the engine of the economy  is once more booming.

After years of being hobbled by crippling debt, double-digit deficits and negative growth, Jamaica, the largest island in the English-speaking Caribbean, is showing its ability to weather crises  and its hard-won economic stability is getting noticed along with the leadership of its prime minister.

In just the past four months, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and welcomed United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the newly appointed president of the World Bank Group, Ajay Banga, to the island. Banjas visit, just 12 days into the job, was part of his months-long global tour and the first by a World Bank president in an official capacity in recent times.

And all of it is happening as the country continues to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, whose adverse effects had the economy shrinking by nearly 10%  its largest decline in history.

We have implemented policies that are on the one hand empowering but on the other hand competitive and efficient, Holness said in a recent interview with the Miami Herald at his office in Kingston. We have sought to manage our debt, to bring it down.

Known for its white sandy beaches, reggae music and world class sprinters, Jamaica had the dubious distinction just a few years ago of being one of the worlds most indebted countries. Its public debt was a record 147% of Gross Domestic Product just a decade ago. Today, with its economy in recovery, its debt at the end of March was 78% of GDP  a feat, Holness says, that tells the story of our fiscal management.

Jamaica is a unique case in the Caribbean because we have owned our problems and shortcomings, he said. We start from the position that we cannot borrow our way to development. We start from the position that whatever resources we have, we must manage them efficiently. And for the benefit of the people.

Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness Sipa USA/Sipa USA

READ MORE: As VP Harris visits Bahamas, members of Congress push for new U.S. Caribbean policy

Jamaicas ongoing economic transformation  its GDP is projected to grow by 4.3% this year  is not only raising the countrys profile outside of the region but that of Holness. He is quickly emerging, along with Barbados Mia Mottley, as a go-to leader on the world stage.

Holness, 50, is the youngest person to become prime minister in Jamaicas history after he was first appointed to the job in October 2011, and then winning his own mandate in March of 2016. He is a longtime advocate of debt-relief and reform of the global financial system that has shut vulnerable middle-income developing countries like his  considered too rich for grants and too indebted for high-interest loans  out of low-cost financing.

Now with such countries increasingly vulnerable to external economic and environmental shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, their lack of access to financing is getting noticed and calls for reform are getting support.

Leaders like Trudeau, Guterres and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris  who earlier this month met with Caribbean leaders in The Bahamas and announced that the U.S. will lead a diplomatic campaign on multilateral development bank reform to increase access to financing  are all joining the call, and in the process citing Jamaicas experience and Holness leadership. Along with Trudeau, Holness co-chairs the international Financing for Development initiative.

Mr. Holness has been a champion, Guterres said during his May visit to the island. A champion in relation to climate action, and a champion in relation to an effective reformed multilateral financial architecture in the world.

The visit came days before the G7 summit of industrialized nations in Japan where Guterres called on the worlds wealthiest economies to support him in reforming the international financial system to better support small developing states. It was important for him, he said, to come meet with Holness ahead of the meeting because he and his government had pursued policies that allowed the country to reduce substantially its dependency in relation to debt.

Transformational leader

Damion Blake, a Jamaica-born associate professor of political science at Elon University in North Carolina, said he can see Holness international appeal.

I find him to be a very transformational, steady, forward-looking kind of prime minister who in my view has made Jamaica better internally, Blake said. Regionally, he has his hands on the pulse of the Caribbean region; he understands about Caribbean unity and integration and the greater development of the region and Im very impressed with the ways in which he is dealing from the front on the issues regarding Haiti.

Historically, the ruling Jamaica Labor Party, which Holness leads, has always been viewed as a conservative entity that thinks more about economics and fiscal prudence than regionalism and integration in the wider Caribbean Community.

That is something that the Peoples National Party has done very well, Blake said about the current opposition party, the PNP, which Holness first defeated in 2016 to become the first prime minister to be born after Jamaica gained independence from Great Britain in 1962. I see where Holness is trying to change that image, that narrative around the Jamaica Labor Party.

Hes trying to lead a process of transformation, which can be very painful but very important, Blake said. He understands regional security and he is positioning himself to be a kind of beacon in the Caribbean space.

Holness is not without critics even as he enjoys a 6.6% unemployment rate among the countrys 2.8 million residents. Earlier this year, the opposition called for him to step down after a report by the countrys Integrity Commission, which is investigating his finances, suggested he had a potential conflict of interest in the awarding of contracts to a construction company over two decades ago when he served as education minister. Holness, in a statement, said he had never exercised influence on the awarding of the contracts and in the end the director of the public corruption agency ruled Holness would not face charges.

While Holness star is rising in North America, given his closeness to Canada and the United States, some regional observers question his commitment to the 15-member Caribbean Community, known as CARICOM, of which Jamaica is a member.

During the administration of President Donald Trump, Holness came under fire when then-U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo chose to travel to Jamaica, rather than Barbados, which was then the chair of CARICOM, to meet with a select group of Caribbean leaders. A year earlier, Holness was among five Caribbean leaders invited to meet Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach County. The visit was viewed by critics as a reward for the leaders decision to break with their colleagues and support Trumps get-tough policy on Venezuela.

A fundamental principle of our foreign policy is that we must engage, Holness said, describing Jamaicas foreign policy approach as pragmatic. And so, I seek to engage as much as possible with issues and leaders to ensure that the best interests of Jamaica and our global interests are advanced. So, whether it is on climate change, whether it is on energy, whether it is on debt, we will engage.

Jamaica, the leader said, is firmly a democratic country and its principles of democracy are uncompromising.

The world knows that when Jamaica speaks or when Jamaica takes a position on an issue, its a principled one, Holness added. And so we can be depended on as fair, unbiased interlocutors.

Breaking the political impasse in Haiti

Holness offered up Jamaica to serve as a kind of neutral Switzerland earlier this month in Haitis protracted political and humanitarian crisis, with some 50 civil society and political leaders gathering in Kingston for three days of talks. By then he was already deeply engaged in helping Haitians find a solution to their worsening crisis.

From the very first high-level call between Trudeau and CARICOM leaders in October, Holness, a diplomatic source said, showed interest in leading a solution. Conversations between him and Trudeau continued with more phone calls and a face-to-face meeting during Trudeaus attendance at the CARICOM summit in The Bahamas in February.

When fellow Caribbean leaders failed to support a request by Haitis caretaker government and the U.N.s Guterres for the deployment of foreign forces to help the Haiti National Police combat warring gangs, Holness, who two weeks earlier had offered up his countrys military with support from the opposition, wasnt dissuaded.

Barely back in Jamaica from the Bahamas, he traveled to Haiti onboard Digicel founder Denis OBriens private plane to meet with government and opposition figures, and offered Jamaica as a neutral meeting ground.

It is, indeed, I think, a great travesty that this country that symbolizes freedom and liberation of the Black struggle, of Black people around the world, that in todays modern world, it has not taken its true place, Holness said about Haiti. It is a country with incredible resources, incredible people. And I think they have the wherewithal, and they have the resources to overcome the problem. I think that a country like Jamaica or any other country in the region, we all have a duty to support Haiti, not to interfere in its business.

During the Kingston talks, the Haitians in attendance found inspiration in Jamaica and similarities with their own struggle. Poverty in Jamaica is about 23%, with the prosperous and penniless living a short distance from each other. Gangs and guns once ruled electoral outcomes here, but such political rivalries are increasingly becoming legacies of the past.

Holness acknowledges that plenty of work remains to be done, from doing a better job at addressing poverty to tackling Jamaicas skyhigh crime rate.

The history of Jamaica has been that the working class, the poor, the marginalized, have not benefited from access; theyve not benefited from an equitable economic system that focused on their needs. And generally, within the society, there is a feeling now of hardship, he said.

People feel that times are difficult. Its always been a difficult time, he added. But I think now that people are seeing that the economy is growing; theyre seeing wages being increased for certain sectors, the question is, what is going to be done for the average person who has been struggling for so long? How do we quickly accelerate this growth in the economy so that the poor can participate in it?

Turning the progress into prosperity for the poor, and tackling the countrys violent crime problems are currently a major focus, he said.

The crime challenge was driven home recently when an 8-year-old school girl was abducted and murdered. Holness, a father of two and whose wife, Juliet, is also a member of Parliament, described the attack as very disturbing, very barbaric.

Theres no question that our homicide rate is exceptionally high, he acknowledged, noting that the average for the region is about 16 homicides per 100,000 residents and Jamaica is as high as 40 per 100,000. Having recognized this issue of fatal violence, which is largely led by organized criminal gangs, we have put in place a violence prevention commission... and they will deliver to us very soon a comprehensive set of policy recommendations to treat this issue of violence.

That is not the only commission at work.

Holness, who skipped the coronation of King Charles III in May following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, has put in place a committee to reform the countrys constitution, including dropping the British monarch as head of state in much the same fashion that Barbados did in 2021.

Holness, who previously announced that Jamaica was moving on, said Jamaicas journey is continuing to its full independence.

We have gotten our political and administrative independence; we maintain a connection with the United Kingdom by having a common head of state, he said, stressing that Jamaica is not currently a subject of the United Kingdom but one of only eight former British colonies in the English-speaking Caribbean paying allegiance to the king. The journey to a republic is to have our own locally determined and originating head of state.

The committee, he said, is currently going around the country and engaging the islands residents.

I believe that at the end of the process, every Jamaican will appreciate and understand the next phase of our evolution as an independent country.
Rudy Giuliani, once a senior member of former President Trumps legal team, has been questioned by federal investigators looking into efforts to overturn the 2020 election, a spokesman for the former New York governor told The Associated Press.

Special counsel Jack Smiths investigation is focused on Trumps actions on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington and other efforts to influence the election results across the country. Last week, Smith announced two fake electors who attempted to sway the Electoral College agreed to testify.

While working for Trump, Giuliani advocated for certain battleground state election results to be overturned or invalidated. The former presidents team of lawyers filed dozens of suits, mostly in states Trump narrowly lost like Arizona and Michigan, alleging fraudulent results. All of the suits were dismissed.

Giulianis interview, first reported by CNN, marks an increase in activity in the investigation shortly after Smith indicted Trump on 37 felony counts in a separate investigation into the former presidents alleged mishandling of classified information.

Other Trump lawyers have also been the focus of investigators, with John Eastmans phone being seized last year. Eastman now faces a legal disciplinary investigation. Giuliani and Sidney Powell faced similar ethics hearings in Washington and Texas, respectively.

Giuliani and Powell were also subpoenaed by Congress last year for the House investigation into the Jan. 6 rioting.

Separately, Trump is also facing a probe in Georgia related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election there. Giuliani is also a target of investigators there.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A janitor mistakenly destroyed more than 20 years of scientific research worth $1 million at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, according to a lawsuit filed against his employer.

Joseph Herrington told staff he was cleaning a lab on Sept. 17, 2020, when he heard annoying alarms that he thought signaled power was off for a freezer that stored scientific samples at minus 80 degrees Celsius, according to the suit, first reported by the Times Union of Albany.

The alarm, according to the suit, actually signaled a harmless fluctuation of 3 degrees. Herrington flipped the circuit breakers, shutting off power and allowing the freezer temperature to rise to a catastrophic minus 32 degrees.

Unfortunately, they wiped out 25 years of research, Michael Ginsberg, Rensselaers attorney, told the Times Union. Ginsberg said it will take about $1 million to re-create the research, which explored photosynthesis and could have implications for solar panel development.

The lawsuit accuses Daigle Cleaning Systems, Herringtons employer, of reckless supervision and inadequate training. The suit characterizes Herrington as a person with special needs.

The disaster was discovered the next day by graduate staff working for chemical biology professor K.V. Lakshmi.

A majority of the specimens were compromised, destroyed, and rendered unsalvageable, the suit says.

The lab freezer, such as the one pictured, contained invaluable cell samples and cultures.

The lab freezer, such as the one pictured, contained invaluable cell samples and cultures.

We dont believe there was any nefarious conduct (on the) part of the cleaning company, Ginsberg told CNN. This was a result of human error. The core of the case, however, is that the cleaning company failed to adequately train their personnel.

A cleaner should be trained to not attempt to remedy an electrical issue, he continued.

The freezer had shown signs of malfunctioning days earlier, according to the suit. Repairs, however, were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The professor posted a note on the unit in the meantime, the suit says:

THIS FREEZER IS BEEPING AS IT IS UNDER REPAIR. PLEASE DO NOT MOVE OR UNPLUG IT. NO CLEANING REQUIRED IN THIS AREA. YOU CAN PRESS THE ALARM/TEST MUTE BUTTON FOR 5-10 SECONDS IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO MUTE THE SOUND.

Related...
Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker on Wednesday endorsed St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bells campaign for U.S. Senate in Missouri.

Baker, a former chair of the Missouri Democratic Party, is backing Bell for the Democratic nomination over former Marine Lucas Kunce, who ran an unsuccessful Senate campaign in 2022 and raised $1.14 million in the first three months of the year, according to the Federal Election Commission.

Bell entered the race this month for the seat currently held by Republican Sen. Josh Hawley.

Wesley Bell is someone who is willing to work with people to solve problems, even when they dont agree on everything, and I know he will work hard as Missouris next US Senator to address those challenges facing Missourians, Baker said in a statement.

Bakers endorsement comes less than a week after she announced that she was not running for reelection as Jackson Countys top prosecutor. She is the countys longest serving prosecutor in modern history.

Baker has recently been involved in a dispute with Gov. Mike Parson, urging the Republican earlier this month not to pardon former KCPD detective Eric DeValkenaere, the first Kansas City police officer convicted for killing a Black man. This week, she criticized Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey for filing a brief seeking to overturn DeValkenaeres conviction.

Bells entry into the race set up a hotly contested Democratic primary. But whichever candidate gets the nomination will face long odds to defeat incumbent Hawley in 2024. Democrats havent won a Senate race in Missouri since 2012.

In addition to Bell and Kunce, Columbia activist December Harmon is seeking the Democratic nomination.

Earlier this month, Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. and a slew of labor union organizations, including the Missouri AFL-CIO, endorsed Kunce. Kunce is also backed by St. Louis Board of Aldermen President Megan Green, St. Louis County Council Chair Shalonda Webb and Boone County Treasurer Jenna Redel.

State Rep. Deb Lavender, a Manchester Democrat, and ten mayors from St. Louis County endorsed Bell on Wednesday. One of those mayors is Ferguson Mayor Ella Jones, who rescinded her previous endorsement of Kunce after Bell jumped into the race.

I am grateful for the support of these mayors, these leaders in their communities, who understand that solving real problems means working together and I appreciate their trust in me, Bell said in a statement.

Bells June campaign announcement centered around his push for reform after the 2014 killing by a police officer of unarmed Black teenager Michael Brown that led to a wave of unrest in Ferguson. In 2018, he defeated Bob McCulloch, the longtime Democratic prosecutor who was criticized for his handling of the prosecution against the Ferguson police officer.

Bell grew up in North St. Louis County, a predominantly Black part of the St. Louis region that includes Ferguson.

Before becoming the county prosecutor, he served as a judge, law professor and public defender.

In 2015, Bell was elected to the Ferguson City Council where he was involved in negotiating a joint policing reform decree with the U.S. Department of Justice after the Ferguson unrest.
The new aircraft that recently came off the production line is on the left.

Small planes have one propeller, bigger ones have two, and helicopters have a giant rotor on top and a smaller one on the tail. Then theres an electric aircraft from Joby Aviation, which has a whopping six propellers. They can all tilt to allow the flying machine to take off and land vertically, or cruise in forward flight.

The California-based company, which has been developing electric air taxis for years, officially took the wraps off its first production prototype aircraft today. It looks similar to pre-production aircraft that the company has flown before, but this one is destined to be delivered to Edwards Air Force Base in California after Joby finishes testing it. We have the approval to fly that plane now legally, and we will fly it very soon, says Jon Wagner, a veteran of Tesla who is the companys lead for the powertrain and electronics team. That FAA certification to fly the plane, which has the word experimental, written on its side, is not the same type of certification that the company needs to fly paying customers. That comes later, if all goes according to plan.

The schedule holds for Joby to bring the aircraft to the Edwards Air Force Base in 2024, but the company will conduct tests that include flying it before sending it to the military base. We expect very, very soon it will be in the air, Wagner says. Well be flying it in Marina [California] here, and then it will be moved to Edwards, and complete its official flight test plan with the US Air Force as a partner.

Joby Aviation and other electric aviation companies like Beta Technologies have a relationship with the Air Force through a program called Agility Prime. The purpose behind this program is for the military to help out the companies working in the field, while also learning from the tech and exploring how it could help the military. In a press release, Joby said after the aircraft arrives at Edwards, it will be used to demonstrate a range of potential logistics use cases.

Were super excited about taking this aircraft to Edwards Air Force Base in California to begin testing with the DOD, the companys CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, told Bloomberg News. That is just a spectacular opportunity for us to begin building the operational muscle and begin moving goods and people around military airbases before we have FAA certification.

Jobys production aircraft could be a way to transport cargo or people someday; it can hold four passengers, plus a pilot. The companys goal is to carry people beginning in 2025. I believe what were showing here is going to revolutionize aviation forever, Wagner says. Joby also has a planned collaboration with Delta Air Lines, which could provide a way for passengers to make a short hop from somewhere in the New York City area, for example, to John F. Kennedy International Airport, before embarking on a regular plane to someplace further away.

Wagner says that the production aircraft that theyve just unveiled appears, superficially, to resemble the pre-production aircraft the company has fabricated already. It looks substantially similar to the very first aircraft we built, six years ago, he says, and especially [similar] to the last two aircraft we built.

But he says that even if it looks similar, the flying machine that came off the production line has been subjected to iterations to improve it. The biggest difference is that weve now invested in the manufacturing systems, and we can make multiple of these aircraft, over and over now, and thats because weve gained the confidence in that design, he says.

The aircraft have evolved.

The industry as a whole has seen setbacks, as has Joby. A company called Kitty Hawk, which was working on a single-seat self-flying aircraft, closed its doors last year. And, an uncrewed, remotely piloted aircraft from Joby crashed in February of 2022, after it experienced a component failure over an uninhabited area near Jolon, California, the NTSB said in its preliminary report. There were no injuries, and the aircraft was substantially damaged. Plus, earlier this month, NASA said that it wouldnt fly its electric X-57 plane, due to safety concerns and time constraints.

In the US, Jobys competitors include Beta Technologies, Archer, and Wisk, which is owned by Boeing.

Take a look at the sleek new aircraft, below:

https://twitter.com/jobyaviation/status/1674109086391209984?s=20
Biden Says He's 'Not Big on Abortion' As a 'Practicing Catholic,' But Roe Got It Right

Photo: OLIVIER DOULIERY (Getty Images)

One year ago, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, unleashing hell on the healthcare system and reducing pregnant people in a dozen states to nothing more than incubators. At a Tuesday fundraiser, the ostensibly pro-abortion rights President Joe Biden observed this anniversary by telling 100 donors, Im a practicing Catholic. Im not big on abortion. But guess what? Roe v. Wade got it right.



Of course, Roe didnt fully get it righteven with the ruling in place, women and pregnant people were left scrambling to access care for five decades. Hundreds of people still faced criminalization and incarceration for having abortions or losing their pregnancies.

Read more

Bidens choice to distance himself from abortion rightswhich are more popular among Democratic voters than nearly any other issue and helped drive key electoral victories for Democrats in 2022is a bit puzzling, considering recent reports that hes centering his entire 2024 reelection campaign around it. He seems to be trying to have it both ways on the issuebe seen an abortion as an abortion rights hero while also being morally palatable to the other side.



Its interesting how and when he chooses to qualify his positions with his Catholicism and not, Manson said. Most Catholics support abortion rights not in spite of their faith, but because their faith taught them the principles of social justice and individual conscience.



As religious groups across the country sue to challenge abortion bans as a violation of their religious freedom, religionincluding Catholicismshouldnt be used as a cudgel against abortion rights. Faithful Catholics, women who participate richly in the life of the Church, are having abortions, Manson said. And every time someone says, Well, you cant be Catholic and support abortion, youre doing spiritual violence to those women.

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Jordan Neely in New York

A New York subway rider has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and negligent homicide charges after he applied a fatal chokehold to restrain another passenger.

Jordan Neely, a 30-year old homeless man, was declared dead after a struggle with other passengers on 1 May.

Daniel Penny, a 24-year-old ex-Marine who was filmed by an onlooker as he restrained Mr Neely, faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

What happened in the fatal encounter?

It took place on a Monday afternoon on a northbound F train in Manhattan.

Witnesses said Mr Neely had been shouting at other passengers and asking for money. There is no evidence he had attacked any of them.

Bystander video shows Mr Penny with his arms around Mr Neely's neck for about two minutes and 55 seconds.

Two other passengers are also seen restraining Mr Neely by the arms.

After two minutes, another passenger warns Mr Penny and the other men that Mr Neely might be dying.

Daniel Penny is escorted in handcuffs by the NYPD after turning himself in in New York City on 12 May 2023

One of the men replies that Mr Penny has stopped "squeezing" Mr Neely's neck.

The onlooker says Mr Neely has defecated on himself, and this could be a sign he is dying.

He warns Mr Penny that if he does not let Mr Neely go, he could face a murder charge.

After Mr Penny rises to his feet, another passenger tells him: "That was one hell of a chokehold, man."

Police told CBS News, the BBC's US partner, that Mr Penny had told other passengers to call emergency services during the struggle.

Video shows him putting Mr Neely into a recovery position after he goes limp.

Juan Alberto Vazquez, a freelance journalist who filmed the encounter, told the New York Times that Mr Neely had been screaming that he had nothing to eat or drink.

"I don't mind going to jail and getting life in prison. I'm ready to die," he reportedly said.

Mr Vazquez said that he did not believe the man would die.

"None of us were thinking that," he told the New York Times. "He was moving and he was defending himself."

Who was Jordan Neely?

Jordan Neely was a Michael Jackson impersonator who frequently performed in New York's Times Square.

He had 42 previous arrests on charges such as evading fares, theft and assaults on three women, according to US media.

He had pleaded guilty to assaulting a 67-year-old woman leaving a subway station in 2021.

His mother, Christie Neely, was strangled to death in 2007 by her boyfriend, who was sentenced to 30 years in prison in 2012.

Following his mother's death, Mr Neely began experiencing mental health issues, according to family members.

"Jordan deserves justice. He was loved," his aunt Carolyn Neely told the BBC.

Dante Mills, a lawyer for the Neely family, has accused Mr Penny of acting as a vigilante. The attorney said Mr Neely never harmed any passengers on the day he was killed.

"He had demons. He went through tragedy at a very young age," Mr Mills said.

Who is Daniel Penny?

Daniel Penny is from Long Island and had previously served in the US Marines.

In a statement on social media in early June, Mr Penny said that he did not intend to kill Mr Neely.

A person holds a 'Freedom Daniel Penny' sign outside the Manhattan Criminal Court on 12 May 2023

"I was scared for myself but I looked around there were women and children, he was yelling in their faces saying these threats. I just couldn't sit still," he said.

According to NBC News, he graduated from high school in 2016 and was most recently living in the New York City borough of Queens.

Mr Penny rose to the rank of sergeant in the Marine Corps and was honourably discharged after four years in June 2021. His lawyers say he is studying architecture at university.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Mr Penny's supporters have raised nearly $3m (2.4m) for his legal defence.

What are the charges?

Second-degree manslaughter charges are filed when a person "recklessly causes the death of another person", according to New York's criminal code.

In New York state, the jury must find the defendant engaged in reckless conduct creating an unjustifiable risk of death, and then consciously disregarded that risk.

The defendant's actions must also be a gross deviation from how a reasonable person would have acted in a similar situation.

The second charge, criminally negligent homicide, applies when a suspect is believed to have failed to perceive that a particular action would carry a substantial risk of death.

In New York, it is a class E felony - the lowest felony charge available - and is punishable by up to four years in prison.

A protest to honour the life of Jordan Neely on 8 May 2023

What are the chances of a conviction?

Manhattan prosecutor Alvin Bragg is confident enough that he can win a conviction that he opted to file charges directly, rather than punting the controversial decision to a grand jury, which can be used to determine whether there is enough evidence to pursue a prosecution.

There has been a growing awareness of the danger of chokeholds after the 2014 death of Eric Garner, an unarmed man from New York City restrained by the neck by police.

And after the death of George Floyd in 2020, New York legislators increased penalties for officers who use chokeholds during arrest.

But Jeffrey Lichtman, a New York defence attorney who has previously represented drug lord El Chapo and accused mobster John Gotti Jr, says prosecutors will fail to win their case against Daniel Penny because the state must prove that the accused knew his actions could kill.

Mr Penny, he says, was selflessly risking his life to protect fellow passengers, and witnesses have said they did not expect the tussle on the subway floor to end in death.

"It's not like he snuck up behind him and hit him over the head with a brick or a bat," he says, adding that at any point Mr Neely could have submitted and ended the struggle.

Any New Yorker, including members of a future jury, will have had several encounters with mental illness on the subway.

Most jurors, he says, would prefer that an ex-Marine such as Mr Penny step in to prevent a person on the subway from turning violent.

"If litigated properly this is a slam dunk acquittal," he says, calling Mr Penny a "sympathetic defendant".
A federal judge temporarily blocked part of Kentucky's ban on gender-affirming health care for trans youth, just hours before the full ban was set to go into effect.

U.S. District Judge David Hale sided with the ACLU of Kentucky on Wednesday in issuing the temporary injunction, keeping puberty blockers and hormone therapy legal and accessible to those under 18 in Kentucky while a larger lawsuit plays out.

"After careful consideration, the Court finds that Plaintiffs have shown a strong likelihood of success on the merits of their constitutional challenges to (Senate Bill 150) and otherwise meet the requirements for preliminary injunctive relief," Hale said.

By Thursday afternoon, Attorney General Daniel Cameron, a Republican running for governor, had appealed the ruling.

The ACLU of Kentucky, along with the National Center for Lesbian Rights and law firm Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, filed suit in early May on behalf of transgender children and their parents, arguing Senate Bill 150's bans on gender-affirming health care are unconstitutional.

SB 150, they contend, singles out trans kids by blocking access to medical care that cisgender kids can receive. They also say it unjustly limits a parent's rights to make medical decisions for their children.

The ACLU's lawsuit focuses solely on puberty blockers and hormone therapy. SB 150's ban on gender-affirming surgeries on minors, which already weren't happening in Kentucky, is not being challenged and went into effect as scheduled Thursday.

In his ruling, Hale wrote that "the Court finds that the treatments barred by SB 150 are medically appropriate and necessary for some transgender children under the evidence-based standard of care accepted by all major medical organizations in the United States."

Senate Bill 150: Did lawmaker goof on Kentucky's anti-trans bill 'or' not? SB 150 may have loophole

"These drugs have a long history of safe use in minors for various conditions," he wrote. "It is undisputed that puberty-blockers and hormones are not given to prepubertal children with gender dysphoria."

Much of SB 150 went into effect immediately after lawmakers overrode Gov. Andy Beshear's veto of the measure in late March. The section prohibiting gender-affirming care was set to go into effect Thursday.

"Well, a federal judge ruled what I believe: that parents have the legal right to make important and sometimes difficult medical decisions for their kids - that a parent should always be trusted to make medical decisions for their children, not government," Beshear told reporters Thursday. "This is one where I believe in the rights of parents, being a parent, to do what's right for their kids."

Opponents to SB 150 and other anti-LGBTQ+ measures celebrated Wednesday's injunction.

"A bill that would have wreaked havoc tomorrow was thwarted by the U.S. Constitution today," Ban Conversion Therapy Kentucky Executive Director Rebecca Blankenship and government affairs director Michael Frazier said in a joint statement on Wednesday. "As we have said many times, and as the ACLU proved with their suit, bans of sex reassignment surgeries for minors are perfectly appropriate and uncontested by every pro-LGBT organization in this Commonwealth. But puberty blockers and hormone therapy save lives.

"This will be a breath of air for trans youth, whose admissions to in-patient psychiatric care facilities dramatically spiked after the 2023 legislative session," they said.

Shortly after Wednesday's ruling, Cameron called the decision a "misguided decision by a federal judge" that "tramples the right of the General Assembly to make public policy for the Commonwealth."

Cameron, whose office intervened in the lawsuit, added: "There is nothing 'affirming' about this dangerous approach to mental health, and my office will continue to do everything in our power to defend this law passed by our elected representatives."

Meanwhile, Mason Chernosky, a 25-year-old trans man who protested against SB 150 during the legislative session, said he was "relieved and inspired by the news."

"Access to gender-affirming care is life saving and I know many kids and families who are grateful that the judge granted the injunction," he said.

Emma Curtis, a trans woman who was a prominent pro-trans rights protester during the session and is running for a statehouse seat in Lexington, said, "With an injunction preventing S.B. 150's most damaging provisions  bans on puberty blockers and hormone therapy  from going into effect, trans youth today found a measure of vindication in the courts.

"As we have long proclaimed, trans rights are human rights," she said. "With all my heart, I will continue working to ensure trans youth see resilience, joy, and representation that makes their lives more hopeful."

Similar bans on gender-affirming health care across the country have been subject to legal scrutiny and subsequent restrictions in recent weeks. Shortly after Wednesday's injunction in Kentucky, a federal judge temporarily halted a similar law in Tennessee.

Judges also stopped a similar law in Indiana earlier in June, as well as a 2021 Arkansas law blocking gender-affirming medical treatments for minors and a set of Florida rules restricting Medicaid coverage for similar types of health care.

Joe Sonka contributed reporting. Reach Olivia Krauth at okrauth@courierjournal.com and on Twitter at @oliviakrauth.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky's ban on gender-affirming care for trans kids blocked by judge
Judge hears arguments over whether to move Trump's hush-money case into federal court

A federal judge seemed disinclined on Tuesday to allow former President Donald Trump to move his criminal prosecution in New York into federal court.

"The act for which the president has been indicted does not relate to anything under the color of his office," Judge Alvin Hellerstein said toward the end of a nearly three-hour hearing. The judge said he would issue a written ruling.

"I intend to write and issue a decision within two weeks," the judge said.

MORE: The Manhattan DA's investigation into Trump and the Stormy Daniels hush payment, explained

The Manhattan district attorney's office has charged Trump with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Trump has pleaded not guilty.

Trump in 2017 wrote monthly reimbursement checks to his then-lawyer, Michael Cohen, from his personal funds having nothing to do with his official duties as president, a prosecutor said during the hearing in arguing to keep Trump's criminal prosecution in State Supreme Court in Manhattan instead of federal court, where Trump's defense attorneys say it belongs.

"Writing personal checks, even if he did it in the Oval Office, is not an official act," the prosecutor, Matthew Colangelo, said.

The Manhattan district attorney's office has argued that Trump's alleged falsification of business records was done to conceal the true nature of a $130,000 hush payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels and was not "related to the color of his office," the standard required to remove the case from State Supreme Court in Manhattan to federal court.

PHOTO: Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump attends the Oakland County GOP Lincoln Day Dinner in Novi, Mich., June 25, 2023. (Rebecca Cook/Reuters)

"The president's duties are not all-encompassing," Colangelo, said. "We know the president can, even when he's president, have personal papers."

Trump has argued his case belongs in federal court because his allegedly criminal conduct occurred from February to December 2017, while he was in office.

"There's not a clear line between his personal and professional affairs," defense attorney Todd Blanche said.

Once Trump was elected, he hired Cohen to help separate his private and professional dealings, so the defense argued reimbursement payments to Cohen were properly recorded as payment for legal services.

"Was there a retainer agreement?" Judge Hellerstein asked repeatedly.

"The checks," Blanche answered, referring to the $35,000 monthly reimbursement checks, before conceding he was unaware of a signed retainer.

MORE: Trump again argues Manhattan criminal trial should be moved to federal court

Alan Garten, the Trump Organization's chief legal officer, testified that Cohen left the company to assume the role of personal attorney to President Trump and was paid $35,000 monthly.

"My understanding was to reimburse him for the payments he had made for the Clifford settlement and to compensate him for the role that he was playing as counsel," Garten said.

On cross-examination, Garten conceded he had seen no retainer agreement for Cohen, only the invoices that prosecutors allege were falsified.

Judge hears arguments over whether to move Trump's hush-money case into federal court originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
A federal judge did not appear inclined to move a New York state case against Donald Trump to federal court, suggesting Tuesday that the prosecution stemming from hush money payments had little to do with his conduct while president.

Trumps attorneys sought to move the Stormy Daniels case to federal court, with the team arguing he was acting in his capacity as president while making payments to his then-fixer Michael Cohen to reimburse him for making hush money payments to the adult film actress.

Federal District Court Judge Alvin Hellerstein told a packed courtroom that he was not ready to make a firm ruling but saw no relationship to any official act of the president in the alleged conduct that eventually led Trump to become the first former president ever charged with a crime.

Theres no reason to believe that an equal measure of justice could not be rendered by the state court, Hellerstein added. He said his remarks reflected his present attitudes, and a formal written ruling will follow within two weeks.

If the case is moved to federal court  a request that is rarely granted  Trumps lawyers could try to get the charges dismissed on the grounds that federal officials are immune from criminal prosecution over actions they take as part of their official job duties.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) charged Trump with falsifying business records in connection with the payments, which were classified as legal expenses rather than reimbursement for hush money payments. Such conduct is typically a misdemeanor but can be elevated to a felony if connected to another crime.

Trumps lawyers have said those payments to Cohen were legitimate legal expenses and not part of any cover-up.

Trump has been charged on 34 counts and is expected to face trial in March of next year.

The Associated Press contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A Manhattan judge on Tuesday signaled he would not rule in Donald Trumps favor and let the Stormy Daniels hush money case proceed in federal court.

After hearing lengthy arguments from lawyers for Trump and the prosecutors for District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Manhattan federal court Judge Alvin Hellerstein declined to issue a ruling but let the parties know how he felt.

Hellerstein said it appeared to be very clear that the conduct Bragg has alleged against Trump did not relate to anything under Trumps presidential duties, as Trump claims.

The DA has accused Trump of concealing the nature of payments to former fixer Michael Cohen during his first year in office to hide that he was reimbursing him for illegally paying Daniels into silence about an alleged extramarital encounter to better his chances of winning the 2016 presidential election.

Hellerstein said there was no reason to believe that an equal measure of justice could not be rendered in the Manhattan state courts.

In their effort to transfer the case, Trumps lawyers have argued hes immune from state criminal prosecution, that the alleged conduct did relate to his presidential duties, and that the case should be tried federally because it relates to federal election laws, not state.

Trumps lawyer Todd Blanche argued that the payments to Cohen related to Trumps official duties because of his unique position as a U.S. president dealing with challenges to his legal affairs, among other arguments.

The DAs lawyers say the conduct had nothing to do with Trumps White House duties, did violate state election laws, and that state prosecutors have a right to prosecute local criminal conduct.

Writing personal checks  even if he did it in the Oval Office  is not an official act, Matthew Colangelo said at the hearing.

Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, each representing a check to Cohen, who was federally convicted in 2018 of paying off Daniels, served prison time, and has cooperated extensively in the case.

In federal court, the twice-indicted Republican presidential front-runner could try to get the case dismissed on immunity grounds. He would also have access to a broader jury pool and could potentially pardon himself if he won the election.

Hellerstein said, assuming the indictment is accurate for the purposes of ruling on the arguments, he had seen no evidence showing the payments related to an official presidential act or that Cohen had been compensated for anything other than the hush money scheme.

It is said that the president hired Cohen to make sure that his private affairs were not mixed with his public affairs. That very definition suggests that Cohen was hired privately  not under color of any presidential office or relating to it, the judge said.

The fact that it was a president who made that private hiring does not change the facts.

Hellersteins comments did not represent an official ruling. He told the parties he would issue a written decision in the next two weeks.
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the portion of a law that would ban gender-affirming care, including puberty blockers, for Kentuckys transgender youth.

Seven transgender youth and their families sued the state in May, challenging the medical portion of Senate Bill 150 and asking for temporary injunctive relief. The families, who use pseudonyms in the lawsuit, argued the new law violates both plaintiffs and their parents individual protected rights under the Fourteenth Amendment.

On Wednesday, hours before the full law was slated to take effect Thursday, U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Kentucky David Hale found merit in that claim and temporarily blocked that portion of the law from being enforced.

Based on the evidence submitted, the court finds that the treatments barred by SB 150 are medically appropriate and necessary for some transgender children under the evidence-based standard of care accepted by all major medical organizations in the United States, Hale wrote in his order. The families whove sued have shown a strong likelihood of success on the merits of their constitutional challenges to SB 150.

The bill, passed this session, was the subject of massive protests in Frankfort this year, with many in the LGBTQ community saying that the omnibus bill unfairly targeted them and that it was anti-trans.

Senate Bill 150 passed with the support of the vast majority of GOP legislators, who have supermajorities in both chambers of the Kentucky General Assembly. Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear vetoed the bill, but the legislature overrode his veto. Numerous major medical associations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Medical Association, have filed amicus briefs in support of the plaintiffs who assert the law is unconstitutional.

In addition to banning banning puberty-blockers, hormones and gender-affirming surgeries for kids under 18, Senate Bill 150 also bans discussion and lessons on gender identity and sexual orientation, prevents trans students from using the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity, and stops school districts from requiring teachers use a students preferred pronouns. Those portions of the law remain intact.

In his Wednesday order, Hale debunked many of the assertions Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron cited in his defense of the law, and chided him for relying on unnecessarily inflammatory language.

The Commonwealth offers no evidence that Kentucky healthcare providers prescribe puberty-blockers or hormones primarily for financial gain as opposed to patients well-being, Hale said, referencing a claim made by Cameron. Nor do the quoted studies from some European countries questioning the efficacy of the drugs, or anecdotes from a handful of detransitioners banning the treatments entirely, as SB 150 would do.

Hale continued, doctors currently decide, based on the widely accepted standard of care, whether puberty blockers or hormones are appropriate for a particular patient. Far from protecting the integrity and ethics of the medical profession. Rather, SB 150 would prevent doctors from acting in accordance with the applicable standard of care, the judge wrote.

Cameron claimed in a filing that the law doesnt violate parents due process to seek medical care for their children, because they do not have fundamental right to obtain whatever drugs they want for their children, without restriction.

But plaintiffs parents dont allege this in their lawsuit, Hale said. Rather, they insist on the right to obtain established medical treatments to protect their childrens health and well-being, he wrote.

If the law were to take full effect, it would eliminate treatments that have already significantly benefited six of the seven minor plaintiffs and prevent other transgender children from accessing these beneficial treatments in the future, Hale wrote.

Blocking the law from taking effect will not result in any child being forced to take puberty blockers or hormones, he continued. Rather, the treatments will continue to be limited to those patients whose parents and health care providers decide, in accordance with the applicable standard of care, that such treatment is appropriate.

ACLU, LGBTQ groups celebrate

The ACLU of Kentucky, who asked for the temporary injunction while its case against the law proceeds through the courts, cheered Hales order in a statement.

We are grateful to the Court for enjoining this egregious ban on medically necessary care, which would have caused harm for countless young Kentuckians. This is a win, but it is only the first step. Were prepared to fight for families right to make their own private medical decisions in court, and to continue doing everything in our power to ensure access to medical care is permanently secured in Kentucky, ACLU of Kentucky Legal Director Corey Shapiro said.

The Fairness Campaign, an LGBTQ rights advocacy group, said that justice (was) served in Hales ruling.

Kentuckys trans kids and their families have been living in fear of the approaching date the law would take effect  they can all breathe a sigh of relief now as reason wins out over hateful, discriminatory rhetoric. We knew Senate Bill 150 was unconstitutional when state lawmakers rushed it through in the final days of the legislative session, and now all of Kentucky knows it too, it said in a statement.

Rebecca Blankenship, the states first openly trans elected official and executive director of Ban Conversion Therapy Kentucky, also praised the order.

A bill that would have wreaked havoc tomorrow was thwarted by the U.S. Constitution today, Blankenship said. This will be a breath of air for trans youth, whose admissions to in-patient psychiatric care facilities dramatically spiked after the 2023 legislative session.

Cameron: A misguided decision

Cameron, who is the Republican nominee for governor against Beshear this year, said the ruling trampled the right of the state legislature to make policy.

Senate Bill 150 is a commonsense law that protects Kentucky children from unnecessary medical experimentation with powerful drugs and hormone treatments  I will always fight the radical idea that risky drugs and life-altering surgical mutilations should be tools to put confused children on an inevitable path toward a life of gender dysphoria, Cameron said in a statement provided by the Office of the Attorney General.

The Republican Party of Kentucky focused its energy in the aftermath of Hales decision on contrasting Cameron, who has defended the law in court, and Beshear, who vetoed it. Beshears veto of Senate Bill 150 cited too much government interference in personal healthcare and limitations on parents right to make medical decisions for their children.

There are two candidates for Governor. Heres what they believe: Andy Beshear believes kids as young as 8 and 9 years old should have access to sex change surgery and chemicals. Daniel Cameron does not. Radical gender ideology has its candidate in this race, and its not Daniel Cameron. Its Andy Beshear, Sean Southard, a spokesman for the Republican Party of Kentucky and the Cameron campaign, said.

Beshear has not stated that he supports allowing minors to undergo gender transition surgery. The bill that he vetoed did include a provision banning such surgeries, but those procedures were not taking place in Kentucky before the bill was passed.

On Thursday in his weekly news conference, the governor lauded Judge Hales order. Parents have the legal right to make important and sometimes difficult medical decisions for their kids, he said. Not government. I certainly believe that. Daniel Cameron doesnt.
Fans, friends, and colleagues of Julian Sands have paid tribute to the British actor after authorities confirmed his death on Tuesday (27 June).

The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department announced that the human remains found in the Mount Baldy area were those of Sands, five months after he went missing in the California mountains.

The Warlock star, 65, 13 January, after failing to return from a hike in the Mount Baldy area. Soon after that, an extensive search was launched to find the experienced hiker, but it was met with poor weather conditions that lasted for months.

It has not yet been determined how Sands died, authorities said.

Since the news broke, many celebrities and fans have paid tribute to the critically acclimed actor.

RIP Julian Sands. A great actor. None of the eulogies are doing his talent justice, wrote actor Alessandro Nivola. Iconic in Room With A View. And a transformer ever since playing against his looks. An eccentric, hilarious, wildly intelligent and passionate artist. And a great friend.

Writer and podcaster Joanna Robinson wrote: Julian Sands didnt have the career that he deserved but he is one of the all time top tier cinematic kissers and thats not nothing.

Before Harry Styles wore pearls, Julian Sands wore them in Siesta. It was his idea. We all thought it shocking but fabulous. Dear Julian. We miss you. #juliansands pic.twitter.com/eV2GImsRE3  Mary Lambert (@TheMaryLambert) June 27, 2023

Im so sorry to hear of Julian Sands passing, actor Laura Cayouette wrote, quoting Sands on his love of hiking: On these walks you lose yourself, you become a vessel of energy in harmony, hopefully with your environment.

Actor Diedrich Bader added: One of my favorite gestures in the long history of film is when Julian Sands touched his chest and lifted his head in anticipation of the rain.

It was the perfect expression of the simple joy of being alive in the changing beautiful world. The most redeeming quality we have is art. RIP.

Julian Sands was strange and wonderful and another character actor who was too beautiful for Hollywood to really know what to do with him, and this is terrible news.  Gennifer Hutchison (@GennHutchison) June 27, 2023

I had the great honor of working with Julian Sands a little while ago and the even greater honour of knowing him as a friend off set and after the shoot, having wonderful conversations over dinner and drinks, recalled filmmaker Erlingur Thoroddsen. He told me stories about working with Argento and Fincher and Cronenberg.

I fell in love with George Emerson when Julian Sands played him. Many years later, it was love live, when Sands performed Pinter in Brighton. A handsome, talented, entirely unique actor who seemed to do what he liked best, in art and life. God rest him. pic.twitter.com/wc2xCAJy37  Anne Margaret Daniel  (@venetianblonde) June 27, 2023

Last week, Sandss family released a statement saying they were continuing to keep him in our hearts with bright memories.

We are deeply grateful to the search teams and coordinators who have worked tirelessly to find Julian.

We continue to hold Julian in our hearts with bright memories of him as a wonderful father, husband, explorer, lover of the natural world and the arts, and as an original and collaborative performer.

Read The Independents tribute to Julian Sands here.
WASHINGTON  The U.S. Department of Justice this week said a new law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that restricts some Chinese citizens from owning property in Florida violates federal law and the U.S. Constitution.

DeSantis, who is seeking the Republican nomination for president, said in May that the measure helps Florida lead the way among states in protecting national security.

But the DOJ said in a "statement of interest" filed in U. S. District Court in Tallahassee that the legislation, FL SB264 (23R), violates the federal Fair Housing Act and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

"These unlawful provisions will cause serious harm to people simply because of their national origin, contravene federal civil rights laws, undermine constitutional rights, and will not advance the States purported goal of increasing public safety," the DOJ wrote.

The new law takes effect July 1.

The legal action by the department is just the latest skirmish between the Biden administration and DeSantis in recent years, but this marks the first significant conflict since DeSantis jumped into the race for president a month ago.

There was no immediate response to a request for comment from the governor's office or Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody. Nor were comments provided in response to a request from the state Department of Economic Opportunity or Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, both of which are named as defendants in the lawsuit, filed by the American Civil Liberties Union.

A Simpson spokesperson said the commissioner would allow his reply brief due to be filed in federal court by July 3 to speak for itself.

DeSantis on the campaign trail has repeatedly warned that the Chinese represent one of the biggest threats against the U.S. and contended that Biden has been too weak in dealing with the communist country.

"Our food security is also our national security," DeSantis said at the bill signing event last month. "So we don't want the CCP in charge of any of the food production."

Chinese citizens and Asian-Americans living in Florida warned legislators last spring that they would face discrimination and harassment if the bill passed. The Senate voted 31-8 to pass the bill and the House backed the bill by a 95-17 vote.

The new law labels seven nations as a "foreign country of concern"  China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria and Venezuela  and restricts property ownership for some residents from those countries.

In addition, some Chinese citizens would be prohibited from purchasing more than two acres of land, and there are misdemeanor criminal penalties for property sellers who knowingly violate the law.

The ACLU says the new law would cast an undue burden of suspicion on anyone trying to buy a house as long as their name sounds remotely Asian.

Four Chinese immigrants and Multi-Choice Realty, LLC are plaintiffs in the federal lawsuit filed in May and requested an emergency preliminary injunction earlier this month blocking implementation of the law. U.S. District Judge Allen C. Winsor has scheduled a July 18 hearing on the motion.

The Department of Justice in its court filing this week said the plaintiffs are likely to succeed on the case's merits. The DOJ enforces the Fair Housing Act and has a strong interest in eradicating housing discrimination, the statement said.

DOJ states that the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on nationality and that non-immigrant visa holders from the seven countries will be the most affected by the new law.

And the department says additional restrictions on owning land near military installations and "critical" infrastructure will make large parts of Florida "essentially off-limits" to people based on their nationality.

"Florida has yet to identify any legitimate connection between protecting the State and prohibiting individuals who simply come from 'foreign countries of concern,' from purchasing or owning real property," the agency wrote.

The DOJ press office did not respond to or acknowledge an email with questions about the role of the department in the case. But Ashley Gorski, senior staff attorney with ACLUs National Security Project, said the Biden Administration's involvement is significant.

DOJ has weighed in because Floridas law is blatantly unconstitutional and violates the Fair Housing Act," Gorski said. "Their brief underscores just how egregious SB 264 is, and we look forward to making that case in court on July 18.
Photo: MEGA/GC Images (Getty Images)

Ive written this article at least a dozen times in the last year: Kanye West accused of making antisemitic comments in a new interview.

At this point, it feels like an inevitable outcome as long as Ye is running his mouth.

Read more

In a new BBC documentary titled, The Trouble with KanYe, which aired Tuesday evening, the Chicago rapper was accused of making antisemitic remarks towards his business partner, Alex Klein, before the two parted ways. If youre unfamiliar with Klein, hes the man who carried out Yes idiotic plan to only release Donda 2 on his stem player, which cost $200 to even purchase.

In the documentary, Klein said, Kanye was very angry you know, he was saying, I feel like I wanna smack you and Youre exactly like the other Jews  almost relishing and reveling in how offensive he could be, using these phrases hoping to hurt me.

He continues, I asked him and I said Do you really think Jews are working together to hold you back? and he said, Yes, yes I do. But its not even a statement that I need to take back because look at all the energy around me right now. Without that statement, I wouldnt become president.

Shortly after Ye allegedly made those comments to Klein, they ended their relationship.

As appalling and discriminatory as those remarks are, they are in no way shocking. Believe it or not, hes said more heinous and disgusting things in the last year that unfortunately one up his alleged hateful comments towards Klein.

Remember when he told fellow idiot Alex Jones that he sees good things in Hitler? What about the time he was accused of saying that he loved Adolf Hitler during his infamous 2018 interview with TMZ? Additionally, lets not forget that an episode of the LeBron James-produced show, The Shop, didnt air after Kanye doubled down on his anti-Semitic feelings during the episode.

In an edited-out portion of an interview with Tucker Carlson, while he was still at Fox News, Ye claimed, The funny thing is I actually cant be antisemitic because Black people are actually Jew.

These are all hateful things that the Chicago rapper has done in the last year, so its no shock that hes accused of saying something else just as despicable. The only problem is that were all tired of hearing about it.

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Russia has historically been the mediator between the two former Soviet republics (Ilya PITALEV)

Four Armenian separatist fighters were killed Wednesday by Azerbaijani fire in the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region, rebels said, a day after US-mediated talks got under way between the historic rivals.

The clashes erupted after Washington opened three days of talks between Armenian and Azerbaijani officials Tuesday, in the latest attempt to quell a decades-long conflict that has flared repeatedly between the Caucasus foes.

The United States said it deplored the violence, but that the talks would continue.

Russia, once a security guarantor in the restive ex-Soviet region, said it was concerned by the fresh fighting.

"Units of the Azerbaijani armed forces opened fire with artillery" on Armenian positions on Wednesday morning, Karabakh's defence ministry said.

"Four servicemen were killed in action as a result of another provocation by Azerbaijan," it added, saying later that the situation was "relatively stable".

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan warned of a "high risk of destabilisation".

"I urge (the) international community to take practical steps to ensure (the) rights and security of Nagorno-Karabakh people," he said on Twitter.

A US State Department spokesman, Vedant Patel, told reporters that: "We are deeply disturbed by the loss of life in Nagorno-Karabakh and we offer our condolences to the families of all of those who were killed."

But negotiations begun on Tuesday "were constructive, and we continue to build on those discussions today and tomorrow, so there's no change in the schedule," he said.

Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, said Moscow was "concerned over the increasingly frequent armed incidents and ceasefire violations in Nagorno-Karabakh" and called for restraint from both sides.

- Frequent clashes -

There have been frequent clashes along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, despite attempts by the two former Soviet republics to negotiate a peace agreement under mediation by the European Union and United States.

Azerbaijan's defence ministry said Tuesday that "illegal Armenian armed detachments in the territory of Azerbaijan" had opened fire at army positions, wounding one Azerbaijani serviceman.

The same day, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken initiated closed-door negotiations with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov just outside Washington -- the second round of such talks he has led in as many months.

Earlier this month, Pashinyan accused Baku of pursuing a policy of "ethnic cleansing" in Karabakh, saying traffic was being blocked through the Lachin corridor, the sole road linking the territory with Armenia.

The blockade followed a months-long roadblock by Azerbaijani environmental activists that Yerevan says has led to a humanitarian crisis in the mountainous enclave.

- Karabakh blockade claims -

Azerbaijan has insisted that civilians and aid convoys can travel through.

But the International Committee of the Red Cross said last week that Azerbaijan had now blocked access for convoys delivering aid to Karabakh, raising fresh concerns over shortages of food and medicine.

Russia has been seen as the main mediator between the two former Soviet republics, but Brussels and Washington have been increasingly active, with Moscow bogged down in Ukraine.

Armenia has repeatedly accused Russian peacekeepers of failing to live up to promises to protect ethnic Armenians in line with a 2020 truce, negotiated by Moscow after six weeks of fighting left thousands dead.

The ceasefire agreement saw Armenia cede swathes of territories it had controlled for decades.

When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, ethnic Armenian separatists in Karabakh broke away from Azerbaijan. The ensuing conflict claimed some 30,000 lives.

mkh-im/jbr-yad/kjm
KC senior home to kick grandma out for partying too much. Its not true, she says

For Vivian Jackson, life at the Emanuel Cleaver II Senior Living Community center hasnt delivered on the quality housing, relaxed atmosphere and welcoming community that was promised.

Instead, its been a nightmare.

In the span of three years living there, Jackson, a retired teacher, has been injured several times when her apartment repeatedly flooded.

She has found management careless in responding to her problems and making repairs. Worse, the property managers are now accusing the 68-year-old grandmother of throwing disruptive parties with loud music and excessive numbers of guests, she said.

Management has said it will not renew her lease and she must leave by July 31. Otherwise, they will take her to court.

Jackson, who does not move around easily because of her injuries, says the accusations that she is partying are false and, in fact, absurd.

The only outside guests she has had are her friend and nurse who visit during the day and her sons who come to help her at night.

If she is forced to leave, Jackson said, she does not know where she will go or who will help her find a place to live.

Ive gone to my church, and other people, Jackson said. I dont want myself put out on the streetmy daughter cant help right now shes in Georgia. I just need some help.

Virginia Sanders, a home nurse who has been helping Jackson for four years, said she has seen the injuries Jackson suffered from flooding in the unit. She said the claims that Jackson is violating her lease by partying or having too many people over are just crazy.

Sanders said she thinks the property management has a problem with Jacksons sons coming in to care for her during the night and being in the home because they are not on the lease.

Pictured here are a row homes at the Emanuel Cleaver II Senior Living Community in Kansas City. The senior living community is home to Vivian Jackson, who has experienced flooding in her apartment. Zachary Linhares/zlinhares@kcstar.com

The Emanuel Cleaver II senior living center, 7630 E 79th Street, advertises itself as offering quality, affordable housing for seniors 55 and older. It houses over 50 elderly residents, according to its website.

Management at the senior living center declined to comment on this story. The senior living center is partnered with St. James United Methodist Church, which referred questions about Jacksons story to a property management company based in Leawood.

Matthew Helfant, a spokesman for Missouri Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Kansas City Democrat, said Cleaver is not involved in the operation of the senior living center. According to the churchs website, the center is named after Cleaver because of his past service as a pastor at the church.

Forced to move from her home

Jackson is not easily able to pack up and move. She is on a fixed income and uses a cane to get around.

She has suffered from severe nerve damage for 20 years, and since moving into the senior living center her health has only gotten worse.

The flooding in her bathroom has caused her to fall more than once, injuring her arm and leg.

Jackson and her daughter have been in touch with management and the maintenance staff about the flooding. At one point, management had Jackson placed in a hotel while repairs were made. But after she moved back in, the flooding continued.

Vivian Jackson tears up while talking about the problems she has had with flooding and being forced to move from her apartment at the Emmanuel Cleaver II Senior Living Community in Kansas City. Zachary Linhares/zlinhares@kcstar.com

Jacksons doctor wrote a note to management, asking them to allow Jackson to get out of her lease so she could find safer housing.

The note detailed Jacksons health problems and the impact of the repeated falls. Jackson said she has limited use of her hands because of nerve damage. In February, Jackson was hurt in a car accident and she is still being treated for injuries to her shoulder and leg.

These challenges are part of the reason her sons come to her home to help her, Jackson said.

Her oldest son lives close enough to visit her, she said, and her youngest son lives in Shawnee with his family and tries to make the trip over when he can.

But in April, management at the senior living center told Jackson she will have to leave.

She has received three letters from attorneys at the Ramsey Barhorst law office in Kansas City, which represents the owner of the senior living center, telling her she needs to be out of the unit by July 31 or they will take her to court.

Emanuel Cleaver II Senior Living Community

Development of the Emanuel Cleaver II senior living center was initiated by St. James United Methodist Church. Construction of the senior living center finished November 2019, according to the architect firm Clark and Enersen.

When reached for comment on Jacksons story, staff at the church referred questions to Jennifer Browning, the senior living centers community manager. Browning did not respond to a request for comment from The Star.

According to court records, the senior living center is owned by a firm called STJDAL, LLC, which has partnered with the property management company Dalmark Group, LLC in Leawood.

Dalmark Group did not respond to The Stars request for comment.

To help pay her rent at the senior living center, Jackson receives support from the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Developments Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly known as Section 8.

Jackson pays at least 30 percent of her rent and utilities, while the housing authority covers the rest.

Vivian Jackson adjusts an image of her daughter at her apartment on June 15 in Kansas City. Due to a stroke and the falls she has had in her apartment, Jackson suffers from constant pain and limited mobility. Zachary Linhares/zlinahres@kcstar.com

As a condition of the housing support, the federal government requires inspections of the housing units to ensure they are safe and clean.

Edwin Lowndes executive director of the Housing Authority of Kansas City Missouri said Jacksons home passed a first inspection in July 2020.

But later that year, Jackson filed a complaint and the home was inspected again in October 2020. That time, the unit did not pass inspection.

Lowndes said when a unit doesnt pass inspection the housing authority sends a notice to the landlord to have the problems fixed within 30 days. When a housing authority inspector returned in 30 days, the home passed the inspection, Lowndes said.

The home failed an annual inspection in 2021, then passed an inspection 30 days later, and has passed two annual inspections since.

Lowndes said inspectors did not observe any life-threatening situations that would have required immediate action. But, he said, if there was no evidence of flooding or visible signs of mold, the home could easily pass an inspection.

Sanders, Jacksons nurse and friend, said she cleaned the home for Jackson because of her medical problems. So, she was not surprised the home passed inspections.

Problems with management

Margret Young, 71, said she had hoped to move into the senior living center earlier this year but had a bad experience with management.

After first looking into the senior living center, she was excited about the possibilities, she said. She communicated with a manager who told her she could view a unit at the end of February.

Young said she completed the pre-application process after meeting with the manager and was waiting to return in February to see her unit.

However, when she returned to look at the unit in February the same manager told her to come back in March.

In the intervening days,Young called the living center to set up a time to see the unit. But no one answered her calls.

In April, after several delays, Young was prepared to move in and had her security deposit ready.

Then she was told by a regional manager that the local manager she had dealt with was gone. The living center had no openings, the regional manager said, and had a wait list with 100 people on it.

It was heartbreaking, Young said.

Young said Its unfortunate that Cleavers name is attached to the senior living center because management there treated her so poorly.

Its a big thing when you become a senior you dont wanna be put to the waste side and a lot of these facilities make you feel that way, she said.

I think shes gonna be in a shelter

Jackson is looking for a new home.

But since she relies on Section 8 to pay the rent, she is having a hard time finding a new landlord who will accept her housing voucher.

Jackson has filled out a document from the housing authority, called a transfer voucher, which tenants can give to landlords to try to get more time to find other housing.

But when she sent the voucher to her leasing office, Dalmark Group senior regional manager Beverly Robinson denied her request.

Jackson said Robinson did not accept the voucher and told Jackson that she must leave the apartment.

Lowndes said the landlord or leasing office is able to deny the request because the leasing terms from the landlord are not controlled by the housing authority.

Vivian Jackson holds out a notice to vacate form at her home in Kansas City. Jackson is being forced to leave her home at the Emanuel Cleaver Senior Living Community by July 31. Zachary Linhares/zlinhares@kcstar.com

In the meantime, Jackson said she has gone to local charities and several churches to find resources or donations to help her with the lease and to find a new affordable senior living center to call home.

Jackson said shes worried because prices have risen and she doesnt know where she will find any extra cash. She does not expect to get her security deposit back.

I dont have anybody to help me Jackson said.

Sanders said she is also worried about where Jackson will end up.

I think shes gonna be in a shelter, Sanders said. Where she doesnt need to be but because she cant find anything on Section 8, where does that leave her?
Kelly Rowland and Beyonce are giving back to their home state of Texas through a new housing initiative with Harris County.



The Houston, Texas, natives are working with Harris County officials to create 31 permanent housing units according to Chron.



Harris County and the city of Houston, jointly with the coalition for the homeless, have reduced homeless in the middle of the pandemic by 20 percent, and weve been able to hold that reduction, Judge Lina Hidalgo said in a press conference on June 27.



We just did the homeless count again, so its initiatives like this one I certainly will be supportive of it no matter whose behind it, but its especially interesting, I think, because there are these names of Beyonce and Kelly Rowland, who, of course, have been supportive of the community for a very long time.

Hidalgo added that a larger launch announcement about the hosing initiative would come in September. The announcement will correspond with Beyonces Houston stop on her Renaissance World Tour.

.@LinaHidalgoTX on approving $7.2 million for 31 new housing units for the homeless with support of @Beyonce and @KELLYROWLAND. Planning a bigger initiative in September when Beyonce is in town. pic.twitter.com/1ZpjEIBwnl  Urban Reform (@urbanreformorg) June 27, 2023

To help develop the housing, the initiative will use $7.2 million in American Rescue Plan funds.



Chron reports that, according to county records, the housing project will also have support services like transportation, mental health, physical and behavioral health support. There will be case managers, peer specialists and service specialists to assist tenants.

The project is expected to break ground in October, according to Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis. In total, it is estimated to cost around $8.4 million.



Beyonce has been keeping busy the past several months as she travels the globe for her international Renaissance World Tour.



Meanwhile, Rowland has been managing a packed schedule that has included numerous TV appearances and a headlining performance during the Mighty Hoopla Festival in London in June. Rowland also took a little time to enjoy a night out for Beyonces tour during her time in London.



The post Kelly Rowland and Beyonce Building Housing Complex to Help Unhoused appeared first on 21Ninety.
FILE PHOTO: U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee holds hearing on Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's nomination to the Supreme Court on Capitol Hill in Washington

For Ketanji Brown Jackson, a self-assured and forceful US Supreme Court debut FILE PHOTO: U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee holds hearing on Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's nomination to the Supreme Court on Capitol Hill in Washington

By Andrew Chung and John Kruzel

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - In December, during a heated U.S. Supreme Court oral argument involving a collision between free speech protections for business owners and LGBT rights, liberal Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who had joined the bench only about two months before, raised the most memorable question of the day.

Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the top U.S. juridical body, suggested to a lawyer for Lorie Smith, a Christian web designer from Colorado seeking a right to refuse to design websites for same-sex marriages, that the case could be a slippery slope.

A win for Smith, Jackson said, could allow a professional photographer to exclude Black children from a nostalgic Christmas photo with Santa Claus styled after the 1940s - a time of racial segregation in parts of the United States - because "they're trying to capture the feelings of a certain era," Jackson said.

After pressing the example, Kristen Waggoner, Smith's attorney, responded that "there are difficult lines to draw and that may be an edge case."

As the court's current term nears its end, Jackson, appointed by Democratic President Joe Biden last year, has earned a reputation as an assertive presence with a bit of an independent streak, willing to ask tough questions and to decide cases with her fellow liberals or at times with the majority conservatives.

According to legal scholar Adam Feldman, who tracks court data, Jackson spoke more during oral arguments than any of the other current justices during their first terms.

"She's just showed up from day one," said Terry Maroney, a Vanderbilt Law School professor who studies judicial decision-making and behavior. "She knows what she's doing, she's not shy, she's posing uncomfortable hypotheticals - and she's not afraid to do those things even if it's causing discomfort."

Some of the major cases have yet to be decided - including Smith's case and the fate of race-conscious university student admissions policies that for decades have boosted the number of underrepresented minorities on American campuses - with more rulings expected on Thursday.

The addition of Jackson, a former federal trial and appellate court judge, did not change the ideological make-up of the court, whose muscular 6-3 conservative majority has shown a willingness to rapidly change the law. Jackson succeeded fellow liberal Justice Stephen Breyer.

Last year, rulings powered by the conservative justices ended recognition of a constitutional right to abortion and widened gun rights. This term, they ruled against the Environmental Protection Agency in a case that could leave wide swathes of sensitive wetlands unprotected by a landmark anti-pollution law.

The term also has included several rulings that surprised scholars and court watchers, with conservative justices joining the liberals in rejecting race-based challenges to a federal voting rights law that protects minorities and an adoption law governing Native American children.

'VERY SELF-AWARE'

Boston College constitutional law expert Kent Greenfield said Jackson's presence on the bench may have helped shape those rulings in part by bringing a different life experience to the table.

"She's a person of heft, a person of high intellect and she's not being quiet," Greenfield said. "She's very self-aware of the role she's playing."

Some of her questions during oral arguments have stood out.

In one of the cases challenging affirmative action policies in collegiate admissions, Jackson suggested that barring any consideration of race could prevent a student who descends from slaves, compared to one who is not, from having his family history honored and credited "because his story is in many ways bound up with his race and with the race of his ancestors."

"My sense is she will have a disproportionate amount of influence over her colleagues, especially with the question of race," Greenfield said.

Jackson has voted alongside fellow liberal Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan in several cases, but also has diverged from them including in May when she dissented from a decision backing an animal-welfare law in California, and last week when she joined a ruling making it easier to deport immigrants convicted of certain crimes.

Roman Martinez, a former law clerk for conservative Chief Justice John Roberts who frequently argues cases at the court, said Jackson's first term has been impressive, calling her very active and extremely prepared.

"She has also shown an independent streak, willing to break from the more liberal wing of the court and articulate her own views in solo opinions or by teaming up" with conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch, Martinez said.

As the first former public defender ever to serve on the Supreme Court, Jackson has distinguished herself in her handling of criminal justice matters, authoring at least seven pro-defendant dissenting opinions this term in argued cases, appeal denials and emergency applications.

"She's made her personality and priorities and intellect known very quickly on the bench this year," Maroney said.

(Reporting by Andrew Chung in New York and John Kruzel in Washington; Editing by Will Dunham)
Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Tuesday told CNBC that he was unsure whether Donald Trump was the GOPs strongest presidential candidate going into 2024. Just hours later, he backtracked.

In an interview with Breitbart later that day, McCarthy claimed he didnt mean for his earlier statement to be a knock on Trump.

As usual, the media is attempting to drive a wedge between President Trump and House Republicans as our committees are holding Bidens DOJ accountable for their two-tiered levels of justice, McCarthy said. The only reason Biden is using his weaponized federal government to go after President Trump is because he is Bidens strongest political opponent, as polling continues to show.

McCarthy said hes encouraged by Trumps pollingwhich has largely been unaffected by his recent federal indictment.

Just look at the numbers this morning, McCarthy continued, citing a Tuesday Morning Consult poll that has Trump leading Biden in a hypothetical 2024 election 44% to 41%. Trump is stronger today than he was in 2016.

The apparent about-face from McCarthy comes after he was questioned about Trumps presidential odds against Biden by CNBCs Joe Kernen Tuesday morningto which McCarthy responded with a slew of hypothetical questions.

Can he win that election? Yeah, he can. The question is, is he the strongest to win the election? I dont know that answer, McCarthy said. But can somebody, can anybody beat Biden? Yeah, anybody can beat Biden. Can Biden beat other people? Yes, Biden can beat them. Its on any given day.

The House speakers remarks drew outrage among those aligned with Trump, currently the frontrunner in the crowded Republican primary field.

Ive been fielding calls on this since it happened, one ally told CNN. People are not happy. What was he thinking?

McCarthy, who has not yet given his primary endorsement, added on CNBC that he believes Trumps policies are better, straightforward than Bidens policies.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Kevin McCarthy hesitated when asked if Trump is the strongest GOP presidential candidate, only to backtrack hours later

House Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and U.S. President Donald Trump attend a signing ceremony for H.R. 266, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, in the Oval Office of the White House on April 24, 2020 in Washington, DC. Anna Moneymaker/The New York Times/POOL/Getty Images

Kevin McCarthy publicly questioned if Donald Trump is the strongest GOP presidential candidate for 2024.

Hours later, he personally apologized to the former president, according to the New York Times.

Trump currently leads the GOP pack by a large margin in the hunt to become the next Republican presidential nominee.

In a televised interview on Tuesday, Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy questioned if former President Donald Trump is the strongest GOP presidential candidate in the race. Hours later, he called Trump to apologize, according to the New York Times.

Speaking to CNBC about Trump, McCarthy said "Can he win that election? Yeah, he can win that election," McCarthy said. "The question is, is he the strongest to win the election. I don't know that answer."

The New York Times reported that the comments frustrated Trump's allies, leading McCarthy to arrange an interview with far-right media publication Breitbart News.

"As usual, the media is attempting to drive a wedge between President Trump and House Republicans as our committees are holding Biden's DOJ accountable for their two-tiered levels of justice," McCarthy told Breitbart.

Pointing to polling, McCarthy told Breitbart that "Trump is stronger today than he was in 2016."

McCarthy didn't stop there.

His allies then blasted out fundraising texts and emails saying that "Trump is the STRONGEST opponent to Biden," a move that, according to Politico, angered Trump's team for fundraising using the former president's name without his permission.

At this early point in the 2024 presidential race, national polling consistently shows Trump as the leading GOP candidate for president, far ahead of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the rest of the pack.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Actor Kevin Spacey leaves Southwark Crown Court in London, Wednesday, June 28, 2023. Spacey is going on trial on charges he sexually assaulted four men as long as two decades ago. The double-Oscar winner faces a dozen charges as his trial begins Wednesday at Southwark Crown Court. Spacey pleads not guilty to all charges .(AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

LONDON (AP)  Jurors who will decide the fate of actor Kevin Spacey were sworn in Wednesday in a London court as the Oscar winner faces charges of sexually assaulting four men as long as two decades ago.

The outcome of the trial could send Spacey to prison or revive his career.

The two-time Academy Award winner was dressed in a dark blue suit, light blue shirt and pink tie as he strode confidently into court and was called by his full name. He was asked if he was Kevin Spacey Fowler.

I am, he said as he stood behind a window in the dock.

Spacey, 63, has pleaded not guilty to a dozen charges including sexual assault, indecent assault and causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

I am sure the defendant will be gratified to know that many of you will know his name or have seen his films, Justice Mark Wall said as Spacey nodded and smiled at the potential jurors lined up between the dock and two dozen journalists taking notes.

The first 14 jurors, including two alternates, called by name were seated without objection from the prosecution or defense. The remaining 13 were excused.

The jurors were clad in a mix of business and casual attire. Two women wore dresses and two men had suits and ties. One man wore a black denim jacket and a bearded man had a weathered Superman T-shirt stretched across his midsection.

Spacey stood with his hands clasped behind his back as the nine men and five women were sworn in as jurors to hear evidence in the case expected to last four weeks in Southwark Crown Court.

Opening statements are scheduled for Friday.

Spacey, who is free on bail and has homes in London and the U.S., arrived at court by taxi with his manager, Evan Lowenstein, about two hours before the trial was due to start. He smiled and waved as he passed photographers and video journalists.

Spacey has said an acquittal in the case could jump-start a career that has largely been on ice since sexual misconduct allegations surfaced against the star who won his first Academy Award for supporting actor in The Usual Suspects in 1995.

There are people right now who are ready to hire me the moment I am cleared of these charges in London," Spacey said in a rare interview published this month in Germanys Zeit magazine. He said the media had turned him into a monster.

The charges involving men now in their 30s or 40s date from 2001 to 2013  covering most of the decade when he lived in Britain and served as artistic director of the Old Vic Theatre until 2015.

Spacey's downfall came amid the #MeToo movement in the United States when allegations led to him being written off the Netflix political thriller House of Cards," where he played the lead character Frank Underwood, a ruthless and corrupt congressman who becomes president. He was cut from the completed film All the Money in the World, and the scenes reshot with Christopher Plummer.

Spacey became one of the most celebrated actors of his generation in the 1990s, starring in films including Glengarry Glen Ross and LA Confidential. He won his second Oscar, for best actor, in the 1999 movie American Beauty.

Spacey recently had his first film role in several years, appearing in 2022 in Italian director Franco Neros The Man Who Drew God, and playing the late Croatian President Franjo Tudjman in the biopic Once Upon a Time in Croatia. He also stars in the unreleased U.S. film Peter Five Eight.

Italys National Cinema Museum in Turin gave him its lifetime achievement award in January. He also taught a masterclass and introduced a sold-out screening of American Beauty which was billed as Spaceys first speaking engagement in five years.

Spacey saluted organizers for making a strong defense of artistic achievement and for having le palle  the Italian word for male body parts synonymous with courage  to invite him.

___

Associated Press writer Jill Lawless contributed to this report.
Actor Kevin Spacey appeared in a London court on Wednesdaywearing a navy suit with a pink tie to face charges in connection with the alleged sexual assaults of four men in the U.K.

Judge Mark Wall addressed the court, noting the massive media attention given to the high-profile case, Reuters reports.

This is a case which has attracted ... and will continue to attract a lot of media coverage, Wall said. You must try to avoid such coverage where you can.

Spacey, 63, has pleaded not guilty to 12 charges, including sexual assault, indecent assault and causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent to incidents that allegedly occurred between 2001 and 2013, according to the Crown Prosecution Services.

The trial in Southwark Crown Court is expected to last four weeks and was adjourned until Friday morning, when the prosecution is set to formally open its case against him.

Spacey was formally charged in the U.K. in June 2022, with additional charges added in November, according to prosecutors.

According to The Associated Press, Spaceys lawyers said at earlier hearings that he strenuously denies the charges. They did not respond to a request for comment from HuffPost.

Its the most recent chapter in a series of accusations against him, beginning in 2017 as the Me Too movement was growing, that halted the actors career.

In 2017, actor Anthony Rapp told BuzzFeed News that Spacey made a sexual advance toward him in 1986 when he was 14 and they were both performing on Broadway. Spacey initially said he did not recall the incident, but apologized for any inappropriate behavior that might have happened in a statement in which he also came out as gay for the first time.

He later vehemently denied that what Rapp described had occurred, and his lawyers accused Rapp of lying out of jealousy of Spaceys career.

In 2020, Rapp filed a civil lawsuit against Spacey, once again saying Spacey had invited him over to his apartment, then placed him on a bed, climbed on top of him, and pressed his pelvis into Rapps hip before he said he was able to get away.

Rapp lost the lawsuit after jurors found his attorneys did not prove that Spacey had touched his sexual or intimate part or parts.

Spacey faced a separate criminal charge in 2019 after a Massachusetts teen boy accused him of groping him at a bar in 2016. The charge was dropped after the teen refused to testify.

That same year, a separate civil suit accusing Spacey of groping a massage therapist was dropped after the accuser died, Deadline reported.

That leaves the U.K. sexual assault case, in which Spacey said in a recent interview with Zeit magazine he believes he will be acquitted.

He added that people have been afraid they will be canceled if they support him, but also said he believes his acting career will resume after the trial.

But I know that there are people right now who are ready to hire me the moment I am cleared of these charges in London, he told Zeit. The second that happens, theyre ready to move forward.

Need help? Visit RAINNs National Sexual Assault Online Hotline or the National Sexual Violence Resource Centers website.

Related...
Kevin Spacey smiles as he arrives at court for sex assault trial

Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey smiled and waved as he arrived at court ahead of his trial for alleged sex offences.

The Hollywood star previously denied 12 charges against four men including sexual assault and indecent assault.

The 63-year-old arrived at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday in a taxi wearing a pink tie and a navy suit.

He took a moment to say good morning to people assembled outside court before making his way into the building.

Jurors are set to hear about allegations against Spacey from between 2001 and 2013.

The actor pleaded not guilty in January (PA)

The actor pleaded not guilty in January to three counts of indecent assault, three counts of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.

The two-time Academy Award winner also previously denied four further charges of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

Spacey has an address in Waterloo, south London, but also lives in the US, where he has family and a dog.

In an initial court hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court in June, Spaceys lawyer, Patrick Gibbs QC, said his client strenuously denies any and all criminality in this case.

Mr Gibbs said the defendant returned to the UK to establish his innocence and proceed with his life.

He is known for starring in House of Cards, American Beauty and The Usual Suspects and was the artistic director at The Old Vic theatre in London between 2004 and 2015.

Spacey is on unconditional bail.
London  Kevin Spacey's trial began Wednesday in London, with the Hollywood actor facing charges of sexual assault, indecent assault and a more serious offense of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Spacey has pleaded not guilty to all of the 12 charges against him.

The 63-year-old arrived at London's Southwark Crown Court and smiled and waved at media gathered outside the building as he waked in.

As the proceedings began, the judge laid out ground rules for members of the jury, acknowledging the case had "attracted a lot of media coverage," and urging jurists to "rely on what you see and hear in this courtroom."

The trial is expected to last four weeks, and little more was likely to come out of Wednesday's opening hearing. The prosecution was to address the court on Friday.

Actor Kevin Spacey, right, arrives at Southwark Crown Court in London, England, June 28, 2023. / Credit: Dan Kitwood/Getty

Spacey has repeatedly denied the allegations made by four men who are now in their 30s and 40s over acts they accuse Spacey of committing during a 12-year period between 2001 and 2013. Some of the charges date back to a period when the actor was the artistic director at London's Old Vic Theatre, a position he held for more than a decade before his departure in 2015.

The alleged victims cannot be identified under English law.

An internal 2017 investigation by the theater resulted in 20 anonymous claims of alleged inappropriate behavior by Spacey during his time as its artistic director.

The Oscar-winner's "stardom and status at The Old Vic may have prevented people, and in particular junior staff or young actors, from feeling that they could speak up or raise a hand for help," a statement from the Old Vic said at the time.

Spacey's glittering Hollywood career largely came to an end in 2017 when actor Anthony Rapp publicly accused him of sexual misconduct in a separate case, alleging that Spacey had targeted him when he was just 14 years old.

In October last year, a New York court dismissed a $40 million civil suit brought against Spacey by Rapp for alleged sexual misconduct dating back to the late 1980s. A judge had ruled separately that Rapp brought the case too late for criminal charges.

Charges of indecent assault and battery were also dropped against the actor in a separate case in Massachusetts in 2019, after a young man who had accused him declined to testify in the case.

In an interview earlier this month with German magazine Zeit, Spacey insisted that it was his work that "will be remembered," and he expressed a desire to revive his career should he be cleared of the charges against him in the U.K.

"I know that there are people right now who are ready to hire me the moment I am cleared of these charges in London. The second that happens, they're ready to move forward," Spacey said.

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PRESS SERVICE OF "CONCORD"

The failed coup by Yevgeny Prigozhin and his private army, known as the Wagner Group, shocked the nation, with even the most dedicated Kremlin propagandists criticizing the deal that allowed the plotters to walk free and admitting that it made Russia look weak. Belarusian President Aleksander Lukashenko added to the national humiliation, by portraying himself as a hero who single-handedly negotiated an end to the mutiny, while Kremlin officials couldnt even get Prigozhin to pick up the telephone.

Days after the failed insurrection, Putins propagandists are contorting themselves into pretzels with a new narrative that is drastically different from their first reaction. Decorated state TV host Vladimir Solovyov, who is personally protected by the Russian National Guard as a national treasure, admitted being in contact with members of the administration of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He is now guiding participants of his show, The Evening With Vladimir Solovyov, into downplaying not only Lukashenkos contribution, but the significance of the failed rebellion itself.

Appearing on Solovyovs show on Monday, political scientist Yevgeny Satanovsky said: Regarding the situation that some are calling a putsch or a mutiny. What putsch? What mutiny? He explained that the armed uprising was merely an ordinary internal turbulence, using the Russian word smuta, which translates as strife or turmoil.

There is nothing exceptional about that, Satanovsky asserted. This is merely a usual dust-up among the boyars [members of the ruling nobility in medieval times] that is traditional in Russiaand no more than that! Satanovsky and Solovyov waxed metaphorical, comparing armed stand-off to a casual disagreement about turnips.

Satanovsky shrugged off the meaning of the events that were initially described by other state TV propagandists as historic: This sort of thing has happened hundreds of times. Solovyov chimed in: Note that its always about turnips and not about love for the Motherland! Its always about some business fund and not defending your Fatherland. By referring to turnips and business funds, the talking heads intimated financial interests, which Putin stressed were at the heart of Prigozhins gripe with authorities.

During a televised appearance at a military gathering, Putin alleged that the Wagner Group was paid more than 86 billion rubles (over $1 billion) by the Russian government and Prigozhins Concord Group earned 80 billion rubles ($941 million) from a contract for supplying food items to the military. Setting the stage for an investigation, Putin added: I hope they didnt steal anything. Rather, I hope they didnt steal too much.

Russian authorities and talking heads fully realize the danger of Prigozhins mass appeal, with his pre-mutiny media blitz that underscored the disparity between the way Russian elites protect their own safety and a lavish lifestyle, as opposed to the sacrifices that are demanded from everyday citizens. His statements that described Putins motives for launching the invasion as lies were equally significantand dangerous for the Russian regime.

Prigozhins expletive-laden diatribes resonated with average Russians and Wagner Group fighters were welcomed by locals in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don. Putins propagandists desperately tried to flip the narrative, by claiming that the residents of Rostov didnt cheer the Wagnerites, but merely celebrated their departure from the city. During Solovyovs show, political scientist Vladimir Kornilov dismissed Western reporting on the matter as fake news and alleged that all of it was simply made up. He comically claimed, Almost all Western media came out with front-page photos of the Rostov residents hugging and kissing the Wagnerites, claiming that it means they supported them. Of course, no one noted that they were merely seeing them off, celebrating that the Wagner Group was leaving Rostov!

Lukashenkos involvement, which was initially cheered as wise and crucial, is likewise being downplayed, since it came too close to outshining Putina cardinal sin that is not allowed by the state media. Appearing on The Evening With Vladimir Solovyov, State Duma member Mikhail Delyagin said: President of Belarus Lukashenko saved Russia in its current state. Period. This statement was met with dirty looks from fellow panelists. Andrey Sidorov, Deputy Dean of world politics at the Moscow State University, incredulously asked: Saved? Delyagin got the message and corrected himself: OK, he made a significant contribution to resolving the crisis.

Ivan Starodubtsev, an expert on Russian-Turkish relations, further cleaned it up: I disagree that Lukashenko was the savior, I believe Putin was!

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Lifeguards watch a fireworks display at the Huntington Beach Pier on July 4, 2021. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

In response to newly mandated environmental rules, several Fourth of July fireworks shows along Los Angeles County's coastline have been canceled.

The decisions come just a month after the L.A. Regional Water Quality Control Board adopted a protective fireworks display permit in late May, which requires new best practices aimed at reducing plastics and other pollution that could fall into oceans or marinas from fireworks displays.

The catalyst for the new permit came from a federal lawsuit brought by environmental activists against Long Beach's Big Bang on the Bay, which claimed that the show had violated the Clean Water Act by discharging pollutants into Alamitos Bay. Although a judge didn't rule in favor of the environmental group, evidence from the trial found at least one instance of "fireworks-related pollutants," pushing the regional water board to improve regulation of these shows over waterways.

Debates about the environmental costs of fireworks  known to cause significant air pollution  have been ongoing across many states and countries in recent years, with increasing calls for better oversight, and in some cases, outright bans. The Galapagos Islands recently limited the sale and use of fireworks, as did Beijing.

Because the water board adopted the new permit requirements so close to the Fourth of July, officials said they reached out to "known fireworks displays over coastal waters in Los Angeles and Ventura counties to explain the permit requirements and offer assistance with permit applications," the board said in a statement.

Most of the county's planned fireworks shows on Independence Day  from Long Beach to Marina del Rey  are expected to comply with the new standards aimed at protecting waterways below the colorful explosions, but a handful of shows will not occur given the new requirements.

All those shows  there are at least five, including two in Redondo Beach  had planned to use the Rialto-based company Pyro Spectaculars by Souza, which decided it would not seek the necessary permit from the Los Angeles water board, according to the board.

"We cannot and will not risk the safety of our staff and the public to comply with the restrictive regulations," Chief Executive Jim Souza said in a statement. "The water board instituted the new regulations quickly and unilaterally, with little input from us, one of the largest and most experienced firework show producers in the nation."

Souza said his company works to be environmentally conscious, but it will not comply with the new regulations for shows over waterways in L.A. and Ventura counties this year.

Water board officials pointed out that various other fireworks vendors have been able to comply with the new permit requirements.

The two canceled shows in Redondo Beach were at Seaside Lagoon or Kings Harbor, run by the city, and at the Redondo Riviera, put on by a private organization. Pyro Spectaculars was also supposed to do a show at the Bel-Air Bay Club in Pacific Palisades, which is now putting on a drone light show. A spokesperson for Pyro Spectaculars said another canceled show was in Malibu, but didn't specify where. It wasn't immediately clear where the fifth canceled show was supposed to be held.

"Ive lived here a long time and I think this is the first year there will be no fireworks in King Harbor," Redondo Beach Mayor Bill Brand said at a council meeting earlier this month.

Redondo Beach City Manager Mike Witzansky called the outcome "frustrating" because he said the city and its Fire Department worked under a tight deadline to try to ensure the city could adhere to the new permit requirements from the water board, but their vendor, Pyro Spectaculars, felt "uncomfortable trying to comply with it," he said.

He said it was too last-minute to find another fireworks provider or move the show to a land-based venue.

Were all disappointed," Witzansky said at the meeting. "As it relates to future shows, there is a way for us to host a barge-based show in the future with these permit conditions, we just will likely need to find an alternative vendor.

At least seven shows along L.A.'s coast are in the permitting process and expected to get approval, according to L.A. water board Chair Norma Camacho. Those shows include Long Beach's Boat House on the Bay; the Marina del Rey show; the Port of Los Angeles' Cars and Stripes event June 30 and July 4 event at Cabrillo Beach; and three shows put on by the City of Long Beach  at Harry Bridges Memorial Park, the Carnival Ship Dock and the Floating Barge behind Queens Mary  according to the board.

The water board did not respond to questions about the Fourth of July fireworks planned on Catalina Island over Avalon Bay, but a spokesperson for the island's tourism authority said the show was expected to proceed "in compliance with all applicable regulations."

It wasn't immediately clear how many shows in Ventura County were permitted or if any had been canceled.

Camacho said there was still time for an event to get a permit by July 4, but said it "depends on the completeness of the permit application and the best management practice plan."

In the federal lawsuit that prompted this permitting change, a judge in April found there wasn't evidence of ongoing violations of the Clean Water Act but noted that the show in 2022 had discharged pollutants into the bay. (The Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation, which brought the lawsuit, has appealed the ruling to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.)

Though the ruling wasn't in her group's favor, Livia Borak Beaudin, one of the lead attorneys for CERF, still called the ruling a partial victory "because the court found that the defendant had discharged pollutants." She said the finding helped create these new regulations for fireworks shows, which she said are similar to permits required by water boards in San Diego and San Francisco for fireworks over waterways.

I get that there are some people who are going to be upset about their firework show being canceled," Beaudin said. "But it can go forward. It just has to be regulated to do as much as you can to minimize environmental damage.

Read more: Critics say July 4th fireworks damage the L.A. environment and are demanding action

At the May water board meeting where members confirmed the permit, a representative for Pyro Spectaculars said the company was worried about the safety of its pyrotechnicians, who would be required to do real-time visual monitoring during a show and carry out cleanup soon after a show. Water board officials said such teams could use unmanned video monitoring systems such as a GoPro and pointed out that the permit only requires best practices that are "practicable and economically achievable."

Beaudin, who said the new Los Angeles-region permit is the strongest seen thus far, is calling for stricter restrictions on plastic debris from the fireworks and better monitoring, which will help the water board learn the extent of firework pollution.

I think that the Redondo Beach cancellation is unfortunate, but its one firework company," she said. "Other companies have been able to comply."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A Delta flight was left nose down on the runway after it landed without its forward landing gear.

No injuries were reported and passengers aboard the flight credited the pilots and crew for a safe and otherwise "smooth" landing.

So this just happened On Delta flight 1092 and we just landed in Charlotte, without nose gear! The crew was amazing and the pilots landed it smoothly! a Twitter user going by kparks tweeted.

They also managed to snap a few photos of the planes nose down on the tarmac after exiting the aircraft.

So this just happened

On Delta flight 1092 and we just landed in Charlotte, without nose gear! The crew was amazing and the pilots landed it smoothly! @Delta pic.twitter.com/W6T6WdejpB  kparks (@parks3811) June 28, 2023

The flight, Delta 1092, left Atlanta this morning at 7:25 am with Charlotte its first destination, according to WSOC-TV. The plane was carrying two pilots, three flight attendants and 96 passengers.

Everyone was deplaned after the incident and transported off the runway by bus.

Delta praised its crew acting on their training and said it would address the needs of the customers on the flight.

Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people, Delta said in a statement. While this is a rare occurrence, Delta flight crews train extensively to safely manage through many scenarios and flight 1092 landed safely without reported injuries. Our next focus is to take care of our customers on this flight, including retrieving their bags and seeing them to their final destinations safely. We apologize to our customers for what they experienced.
LAPD officers look into tents in Venice before they're cleared by sanitation crews in July 2021. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

An email from a Los Angeles police officer that surfaced online Tuesday said law enforcement was planning to arrest homeless people en masse during a scheduled encampment cleanup  prompting the Police Department to condemn the email and the city controller to promise an investigation.

Hollywood resident and LAPD critic William Gude, who posts on Twitter under the account @FilmThePoliceLA, tweeted a screenshot just before noon Tuesday of an email written by Senior Lead Officer Brittney Gutierrez of the LAPD's Topanga Division. The email, which was sent to community members in West Hills, described a sanitation cleanup scheduled for Thursday in that neighborhood.

"Everyone will be arrested and all their belongings will be taken away by sanitation," the email said.

Read more: 'We have no placement for them': L.A. County still keeping troubled youths in hotel rooms

Gude said he was sent the screenshot by Katherine Tattersfield, a community activist based in the west San Fernando Valley who has long been outspoken on the city's treatment of unhoused residents. He posted an email he sent to LAPD Chief Michel Moore inquiring about the veracity of the image.

"If this email is legit, the LAPD is planning to arrest homeless on Thursday," he tweeted with the screenshot.

The email also suggested the action was covert.

"As always, do not approach these individuals experiencing homelessness. I want to make sure all are there at the encampment on the 29th so I can arrest them," the officer's email said. "This is a hush hush task force."

On Tuesday evening, the LAPD issued a statement denouncing the email, calling it "highly inappropriate" and saying it did not reflect the department's policies or practices. Thursday's "Care Plus" encampment cleanup has been postponed, and the officer who wrote the email will receive "extensive training," according to the LAPD statement.

Arrests at sanitation cleanups are typically made only in response to criminal activity, the department said.

"Enforcement will not be used as a means of creating a quick fix to a complicated situation, nor will it be based solely on the persons homeless status."

The statement was issued in direct response to the email screenshot circulating on social media, LAPD spokesperson Capt. Kelly Muniz said.

The email screenshot received more than 1,000 retweets and drew criticism from an array of elected officials.

Mayor Karen Bass said that she was "horrified" by the email and that it contradicted her administration's Inside Safe initiative to move homeless people indoors.

"The spirit of that email is the exact opposite of what we believe in, what we're committed to and what we've been doing," she said.

Read more: Skid Row receivership in danger of financial collapse, leaving 1,500 tenants at risk

Bass said that she does not know of any example of mass arrests of homeless people at encampment cleanups and that the LAPD's denunciation of the email shows that its contents do not reflect the department's policies.

Councilmember John Lee, who represents the area where the cleanup was scheduled, did not respond to inquiries. Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, whose district also takes in part of the west Valley, called the email "disturbing."

"I'm glad that command staff is taking this situation seriously by calling it out, taking remedial actions and setting up a community meeting," he said.

City Controller Kenneth Mejia promised an investigation.

"This is troubling & reinforces the criminalization of homelessness in the City of LA," he said on Twitter.

Read more: 'Challenging' Westside homeless camp drew complaints. Now its residents are getting housing

Care Plus cleanups are done each weekday in conjunction with the city's Bureau of Sanitation. They are supposed to be announced days in advance to give those living in encampments time to clear the area before the cleanup.

In addition to the cleanup postponement, the LAPD scheduled a community meeting for the Topanga area office at 6 p.m. July 11 led by the unit's commanding officer, Capt. Francis Boateng, to discuss the department's stance when it comes to homeless residents.

Tattersfield, the community activist, said she was pleased to see the email's contents become public.

"The LAPD frequently harasses and arrests unhoused people just for being in poverty," she said. "It's disappointing to see this kind of conduct, but it's good to see it come to light."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Editors Note: Find the latest coverage here.

Presumed human remains were among the debris and evidence recovered from the seafloor where the doomed Titan submersibles remnants were found, the US Coast Guard said Wednesday.

The remains were recovered within the wreckage of the submersible, the Coast Guard said in a news release  an announcement coming nearly a week after authorities determined the Titanic-bound vessel had imploded in the North Atlantic, killing all five men aboard.

The presumed remains, which the military branch said will be analyzed by US medical professionals, were among the evidence from the submersible that arrived at a Canadian pier Wednesday.

The company that owns the remotely operated vehicles that brought Titans remains to the surface, Pelagic Research Services, for now has successfully completed the offshore work, it told CNN.

A white panel-like piece  taller than the two men guiding it onto land  and another similarly sized part with cords and wires draped with white tarp were among the debris taken off the anchor handling vessel Horizon Arctic at the Canadian Coast Guard pier in St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador, photos by The Canadian Press Paul Daly show.

Titan debris brought up from the ocean floor is unloaded Wednesday from the Horizon Arctic ship at the Canadian Coast Guard pier in St. John's. - Paul Daly/The Canadian Press/AP

It was not immediately clear what those pieces were. Titan was made of carbon fiber and titanium and weighed 23,000 pounds, with room for only five adults, according to OceanGate Expeditions, which operated the craft as part of its offering for extreme tourists to get close to the century-old wreckage of the Titanic for $250,000 per person.

Crew members have been working around the clock now for 10 days, through the physical and mental challenges of this operation, and are anxious to finish the mission and return to their loved ones, the company said in a statement.

Pelagic Research Services deferred questions to the US Coast Guard, adding its team cannot comment on or provide any information related to the investigation into the Titans demise. The company will hold a news conference at its East Aurora, New York, operations base after our team has regrouped, it said.

A Transportation Safety Board of Canada spokesperson declined to comment to CNN, saying more information about its investigation is forthcoming as warranted.

The OceanGate submersible and its five passengers began their descent to the 111-year-old wreckage of the Titanic on the morning of June 18. But about an hour and 45 minutes into its dive, the cramped vessel lost contact with its mother ship and did not surface as expected, kicking off a massive, dayslong multinational search and rescue operation that captured the worlds attention.

A view of the Horizon Arctic ship, as salvaged pieces of the Titan submersible from OceanGate Expeditions are returned, in St. John's harbour, Newfoundland, on Wednesday. - David Hiscock/Reuters

On Thursday, the US Coast Guard announced the vessel had suffered a catastrophic implosion that presumably killed all those aboard.

The tail cone and other debris from the submersible were found by a remotely operated vehicle about 1,600 feet from the bow of the Titanic.

Over the weekend, the military branch said it convened a Marine Board of Investigation to probe what caused the implosion and to offer possible recommendations to pursue civil or criminal sanctions as necessary.

In its news release Wednesday, the Coast Guard said those working on the investigation board are collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses ahead of an expected public hearing for additional witness testimony.

There is still a substantial amount of work to be done to understand the factors that led to the catastrophic loss of the Titan and help ensure a similar tragedy does not occur again, Capt. Jason Neubauer, who heads the investigative board, said Wednesday.

CNNs Emma Tucker contributed to this report.

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FILE - Matthew Nilo is arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court in Boston, Monday, June 5, 2023, on rape charges stemming from assaults in Bostons Charlestown neighborhood from August 2007 through December 2008. His attorney, Joseph Cataldo, is at left. Nilo is expected to post bail, his attorney said at a brief court hearing on Monday, June 12. (Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

BOSTON (AP)  A New Jersey lawyer recently charged with sexually assaulting four women in Boston 15 years ago  attacks he was linked to by DNA he left on a drinking glass  has been indicted on suspicion of five additional attacks during the same time period.

Matthew Nilo, 35, was indicted Tuesday on seven charges stemming from five attacks on four women in Boston's North End, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden. The attacks happened between January 2007 and July 2008 while the victims were walking alone in the dark, either at night or early in the morning, Hayden said. One woman was attacked twice, 11 days apart, he said in a news release.

This case demonstrates that no attack will go uninvestigated, no suspect will go unpursued, and no amount of time will insulate a criminal from a crime, he said.

Nilo's attorney, Joseph Cataldo, said Wednesday that his client denies the allegations and that he will file motions to challenge the DNA analysis. Prosecutors have said Nilo was tied to those attacks through DNA obtained from a drinking glass he used at a corporate function this year. Cataldo has questioned the legality of taking it without a warrant.

I think citizens of this country would be shocked and offended if courts were to permit warrantless searches, seizures and analysis of their DNA without the government first securing a warrant," he said in an email. The Fourth Amendment has meaning.

Nilo, of Weehawken, New Jersey, was arrested in late May and pleaded not guilty this month to three counts of aggravated rape, two counts of kidnapping, one count of assault with intent to rape, and one count of indecent assault and battery. Those charges stem from four attacks in Bostons Charlestown neighborhood from August 2007 through December 2008  when, authorities say, Nilo lived in the city.

The new indictments charge him with one count of rape, one count of aggravated rape, three counts of assault with intent to rape and two counts of indecent assault and battery.

Nilo, who was released on bail this month, is due in court on the new charges July 13.
At least a year younger on paper: South Korea makes changes to age-counting law

Millions of South Koreans woke up at least a year younger on Wednesday.

On paper, anyway.

That's because the East Asian country formally abandoned some traditional methods for determining a person's age and replaced them with the international standard: zero at birth and a year added after every birthday.

Under the old system, many South Koreans were considered a year old at birth  effectively counting time in the womb. A year of age was then added every Jan. 1, instead of on their birthday, meaning a baby born on New Year's Eve could be considered to be 2 years-old the very next day.

South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol made a campaign pledge last year to scrap the nations unique system for calculating age because he said that not only was it confusing, but it was also a drain on resources and the economy. It has led to legal disputes over insurance claims and eligibility for government social welfare programs.

Lee Kyu-ok poses with a whiteboard showing her new age, 86, effective June 28, 2023.

South Korea counts the years: What's a year or two?

South Korean lawmakers first approved the changes in December.

The government retained a separate traditional system for determining a person's age that considers a person zero at birth with a year's age added every Jan. 1. This method, known as the "year age," has been used to determine when someone should start school or attend compulsory military service.

A survey from last year found overwhelming support for aligning with the international standard.

The Yonhap news agency said the new system took effect Wednesday without much disruption, though it noted it would probably take time for the "age-sensitive fields of social life and personal relations" to adapt.

"Age is the most important thing when going on a blind date," the news agency quoted an office worker in South Korea's capital Seoul as saying. "When a man and a woman meet and tell each other their age, they may have to make clear whether their age is Korean or international age."

The changes do not affect when South Koreans can buy alcohol or cigarettes, which is the year, not the day, they turn 19. South Korea has been using the international standard for medical and legal records since the 1960s, according to the Korea Times, an English-language daily newspaper. But many South Koreans have continued to use the older methods, which can be traced to Confucianism behaviors and beliefs, for everything else.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: South Korea makes changes to age-counting law
The Russian armys blow-up of the Kakhovka dam, a strategically important facility providing water to southern Ukraine, Crimea, and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, shocked Ukraine and the world.

Another shocking development that did not go unnoticed by Ukrainians and the countrys officials was the only tweet by the UNs official Twitter account that morning, celebrating Russian Language Day. The irony could not be greater.

What is already clear to observers is that we are dealing with the biggest technogenic disaster in Europe of the past few decades  ecocide and a war crime committed by one of the UN Security Councils (UNSC) permanent members.

This again triggers the discussion about the need to reassess Russias participation in various UN bodies. Otherwise, the further erosion of the UN system is inevitable.

Since the break-up of the Soviet Union, Russia has illegally occupied its seat in the UN as it did not undergo the accession procedures required of the organization. For the past 30-some years, Russia has neither signed the UNs 1945 founding Charter nor been voted a member by the UN General Assembly (UNGA). It has merely changed its nameplate from the Soviet Union to the Russian Federation.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen: Winning the peace in Ukraine Russias war of aggression in Ukraine has caused unspeakable human suffering, including war crimes committed against thousands of innocent men, women, and children. The attacks on Ukraines cities and infrastructure have forced millions to flee their homes and resulted in damage estimat The Kyiv IndependentAnders Fogh Rasmussen

The issue of resolving Russias fictitious UN membership started gaining momentum after its full-fledged aggression against Ukraine. Over the past year, several world leaders have urged expelling, or at least limiting the rights of, Russia in the UNSC. Last month, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said it was time to reform the UNSC to align with the realities of todays world.

The difficulty of changing the UN system from within and the high-level nature of expulsing countries is tremendous. Typically, when speaking with UN officials on the matter, the simplistic impossibility argument comes into play. However, a closer look at the UNs history and legal provisions debunks this position.

There are three examples of the UN having terminated or transferred a states membership.

In 1971, the UNGA recognized the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) as the only legitimate representative of China to the United Nations, replacing the Republic of China (ROC) as a permanent member of the UNSC.

In 1974, the UNGA voted to suspend South Africas participation in the session amid human rights violations connected to the countrys apartheid practices. The suspension was reinforced annually by the UNGA for the next two decades.

Finally, former Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia were replaced within the UN by their successor states via the UNGA.

Zakhar Tropin: Why Washingtons approach to punishing Russia wont work The U.S. State Department recently announced its support for the creation of a special tribunal to prosecute Russian crimes of aggression against Ukraine in a hybrid internationalized format. This move echoes the myopic policies of Western countries toward Ukraine and has very little legal groundi The Kyiv IndependentZakhar Tropin

While the most apparent process would be to expel Russia via the UNSC, Russia would obviously exercise its veto power. Therefore, the optimal way would be via the UN Credentials Committee as, despite Russias permanent membership status, the decision would be made through a simple majority vote, meaning it could determine that Russias participation in the current UNGA session is unlawful and would be obliged to report as such. Subsequently, Ukraine and its allies would need to garner support for Russias suspension, after which the practice could be extended annually.

This scenario would resolve many challenges at once.

First, it would prove wrong the UN critics who believe the organization is a shadow of its former self and, with every subsequent crisis, resembles its predecessor, the League of Nations.

Second, it would unblock the UNSC, entrusted by the international community to safeguard global peace and security. Russias expulsion would mean that it can no longer use its veto power, a tool that it uses more than all other permanent member states combined.

Third, and most importantly, Russias expulsion would significantly contribute to the international communitys ability to punish perpetrators  a powerful and much-needed signal to all international villains.

Ukraine has received many nos from other countries throughout the past 16 months of Russias full-scale invasion. However, just like with the provision of anti-missile systems, tanks, fighter jets, EU candidacy, and other seemingly impossible requests, Ukraine has proven one thing: where theres a will, theres a way.

The UN battle is still to be fought, but with the proper international support, Ukraine can defeat Russia in this arena, too.

Editors Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent.

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

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At the end of the month, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry will leave the Mayors office, a position hes held since 2015. Curry sat down with WOKVs Chase Bunker to reflect on his time as mayor, whats next, and defend his turkey cooking skills.




Ukraine calls for signal on NATO membership at alliance summit Ukraine's President Zelenskiy, Polish President Duda and Lithuanian President Nauseda attend a press conference in Kyiv

By Pavel Polityuk

KYIV (Reuters) - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy urged NATO on Wednesday to send Ukraine a clear signal at a summit next month that it can join the military alliance when Russia's war on his country ends.

In a speech to parliament on Ukraine's Constitution Day, he suggested global leaders should stop thinking about how Moscow would react when taking decisions about Ukraine, and described Russia's political and military leaders as "bandits."

He then set out what Kyiv expects of the July 11-12 NATO summit in Lithuania after holding talks in the Ukrainian capital with Polish President Andrzej Duda and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda.

"We understand that we cannot be a member of NATO during the war, but we need to be sure that after the war we will be," Zelenskiy told a joint press conference.

"That is the signal we want to get - that after the war Ukraine will be a member of NATO".

Zelenskiy said Kyiv also hoped to receive security guarantees at the summit to help protect Ukraine until it is accepted as a NATO member.

Duda said Poland and Lithuania were doing all they could to help Ukraine secure its goals as soon as possible. The two countries are big supporters of Ukraine, and Vilnius is buying NASAMS air defence systems for Kyiv from a Norwegian company.

"We are trying to ensure that the decisions made at the summit clearly indicate the perspective of membership. We are conducting talks on this issue with our allies," Duda said.

Though Ukraine wants to join as quickly as possible, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is divided over how fast that step should be taken.

OBSTACLES TO NATO MEMBERSHIP

Western governments such as the United States and Germany are wary of moves they fear could take the alliance closer to entering an active war with Russia, which has long seen NATO's expansion into eastern Europe as evidence of Western hostility.

"Some states and world leaders still, unfortunately, look back at Russia when making their own decisions," Zelenskiy said in his speech to parliament. "This can be called an absurd and shameful self-limitation of sovereignty, because Ukrainians proved that Russia should not be feared."

Russia has occupied swathes of territory in eastern and southern Ukraine, but Kyiv has launched a counteroffensive to try to retake that land. Zelenskiy reiterated that Kyiv would not accept any peace proposals that would lock in Russian gains and turn the war into a frozen conflict.

Some NATO states have expressed concern about the arrival of Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of Russia's Wagner mercenary group, in Belarus after leading an aborted mutiny.

Prigozhin has gone into exile in Belarus, Ukraine's northern neighbour, and Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wagner fighters would be offered the choice of relocating there.

"The presence of the Wagner Group in Belarus is a very significant signal which, in our opinion, NATO should definitely pay attention to," Nauseda said. "Questions arise as to why these troops were relocated there. A group of experienced mercenaries can always pose a potential danger."

Duda said Poland will strengthen security on its border with Belarus if it needs to.

Zelenskiy quoted Ukraine's army as saying the situation in northern Ukraine was unchanged and under control.

(Additional reporting by Olena Harmash in Kyiv, Anna Pruchnicka in Gdynia, Andrius Sytas in Vilnius and Alan Charlish in Warsaw, Writing by Timothy Heritage; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)
A Washington state Court of Appeals judge denied an appeal on Monday brought forward by a prominent state lobbyist who stalked a Washington state lawmaker, according to court documents.

Cody Arledge, a registered lobbyist for The Arledge Group, argued in court filings that a trial court abused its discretion when it issued him a Domestic Violence Protection Order for stalking his ex-girlfriend, Rep. Lauren Davis, D-Shoreline. Arledge argued too that the trial court violated his constitutional rights by ordering him to be monitored by an electronic GPS.

Davis ended the relationship with Arledge in 2021 and the protection order was issued in 2022.

Davis told McClatchy in an email Monday that she felt a deep sense of relief after an arduous, nearly two-year legal battle.

More than anything, I am incredibly heartened by what this decision means for other survivors, Davis said. Many domestic violence cases are never criminally charged and only appear in civil court. Civil protection orders are often effective, but prove inadequate in highly lethal cases. One in 4 women murdered by their intimate partners had one. The act of seeking a protection order is so frequently a precursor to domestic homicide that it has a name  retaliation violence.

Davis said she hopes that the decision Monday paves the way for a broader use of GPS monitoring in civil protection order cases.

This common-sense technology is life saving for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, Davis added. DV homicide has been eliminated in jurisdictions where it is widely utilized. This technology has given me my life back and I am eternally grateful.

The Court of Appeals disagreed with Arledges claim that the Superior Court abused its discretion by relying on protected speech and conduct to find the statutory elements of stalking.

Arledge made several communications sufficient to establish a course of conduct, wrote Judge Bill Bowman in the filing.

Arledge sent over a dozen emails to Davis after she told him to stop contacting her, and he would use other emails as well as a disguised number when attempting to get her attention.

These communications are prima facie evidence of a course of conduct intended to harass or intimidate Davis, Bowman wrote. And substantial evidence supports the trial courts finding that Davis fear was reasonable.

Davis claimed she was afraid because Arledge met every high-risk marker for intimate partner homicide, including: suicidality, depression, substance use disorder, access to firearms, coercive control, stalking, and escalating behavior, Bowman continued. The court did not abuse its discretion by granting Davis request for a DVPO.

The judge also disagreed with Arledge that the monitoring device was unconstitutional.

Arledge was required to be monitored for a year, although an extension could be added for violations of the DVPO.

The electronic monitoring device passively records his location; it alerts law enforcement and Davis only if Arledge comes within 1,000 feet of her residence or workplace, Bowman said. So, any intrusion into Arledges privacy is not permanent, and the degree of the intrusion is limited because the device shares Arledges location only if he violates the courts order.

The Seattle Times reported in January that Arledge triggered his monitoring system twice in 2022 when he drove on a road adjacent to the state Capitol, where Davis works. He was arrested in July of that year and faces two counts in Thurston County District Court for violating the order.

The Times also reported that in March 2022 Davis was initially denied a full protective order by a King County court commissioner. After the denial, Arledge had contacted Tumwater police to get his guns back, leading Davis to obtain an Extreme Risk Protection Order which prevented that from occurring. In May that year, a King County Superior Judge appealed the commissioners ruling that denied Davis a protective order.

While the judge reaffirmed the DVPO, he granted Davis request for attorney fees for responding to the appeal on Monday.

We were obviously disappointed with the Courts ruling, said David L. Donnan, Arledges attorney, in an email to McClatchy. At this time, we are still reviewing the Courts opinion and analysis to determine what further action, if any, may be appropriate.
Longtime SLO bakery opens new location near airport  with an expanded menu, tasting bar

A popular San Luis Obispo bakery has opened a new location near the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport  featuring a spacious setting and a menu that goes beyond cold sandwiches on freshly baked bread.

Farmhouse House of Bread opened May 30 at 1025 Farmhouse Lane.

Its taken over the restaurant portion of where the Farmhouse Corner Market organic restaurant and store used to be before it closed in January 2022. The former market area of the ground-floor location is now occupied by a second showroom for Basalt, a high-end furniture store.

For nearly three decades, owner Sheila McCann has offered high-quality baked goods at her flagship House of Bread bakery in San Luis Obispo. That original location opened on Higuera Street in 1996, then she moved it to 299 Marsh St. in 2009.

She has also franchised the business. There are House of Bread franchises from California and Nevada to Texas and Alaska.

We bake all our products the way Grandma (Elizabeth McCann) made hers  by hand, using all-natural ingredients, Sheila McCann wrote on House of Breads website.





Her grandmothers photo has a place of honor at the Farmhouse restaurant.

McCann markets her bakery products at both stores by offering customers free slices of fresh hot bread to spread with butter or dip into herbed oil and giving them a free loaf after theyve bought a dozen.

McCann runs both locations, does a podcast and teaches baking classes.

She credits Marsh Street manager Miku Sekiya and Farmhouse manager trainee and baker Jon East for helping her make it work without losing my sanity.

Sheila McCann poses for a picture at Farmhouse House of Bread, which opened at 1025 Farmhouse Lane near the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport in May 30, 2023.

SLO business owner left legal career for baking

McCann, a Montana native who graduated from UC San Diego in 1990 worked as a public defender in San Luis Obispo before leaving the legal profession.

I got burned out on all the negativity, she said. I wanted a business that I could feel good about selling the product and people would be happy to buy it. A win-win, positive, feel-good experience is what I wanted.

Enter House of Bread.

It was one of the best decisions I have made, McCann said. I still enjoy the bakery business  hard work, challenges and pushing myself outside of my comfort zone, be it mentally, physically or emotionally.

McCann is also an avid endurance athlete.

I have already done seven Ironman Triathlons, 100-mile mountain stage trail races, 200-mile bike races and a very cold 3-mile swim in the ocean in Alaska, the 59-year-old said. After about freezing to death, I decided I was done with the physical challenges.

My favorite thing to do is put 30 pounds on my back, go into the mountains and sleep on the dirt, she added. Once I get Farmhouse House of Bread organized and launched, Im planning a long backpack trip.

Retail associate Joana Najera waits on a customer at Farmhouse House of Bread reopens in San Luis Obispo.

Whats the new House of Bread location like?

House of Bread and its sister Farmhouse store in San Luis Obispo share similar offerings of yeasted and quick breads, including two kinds of sourdough, rolls, coffeecakes, muffins, scones and croissants, plus cookies and some gluten-free products.

In 2009, McCann added cold sandwiches to the House of Bread menu and changed the name of her business to House of Bread Bakery Cafe, because, she said, My customers wanted sandwiches.

Its still mostly a bakery, though, she explained, with some outdoor tables and no seating inside.

The Marsh Street store is more utilitarian, more grab-and-go, McCann said.

A rack of bread loaves sits beside the front entrance of Farmhouse House of Bread in San Luis Obispo.

Farmhouse is atmosphere plus bread theater with gorgeous architecture, and a spacious, wide-open feel, she said.

Its a whole different customer experience, she added, with lots of indoor and outdoor seating, racks filled with fresh-baked products, a tasting counter, beverage service area and more.

An open-kitchen concept at both stores gives customers a peek behind the bakery curtain, so to speak, and entices them with the aromas of yeast, butter, sugar and spices.

At Farmhouse, that openness includes a glass-enclosed bread room, in which products are shaped or cut in full view of customers.

Her staff of about 26 employees is divvied up pretty evenly between the two stores, she said, with a couple of them working at both places.

Baked goods for sale at Farmhouse House of Bread in San Luis Obispo include house-made cinnamon rolls.

Whats on the Farmhouse menu?

In addition to the cold sandwiches already served at House of Bread, Farmhouse House of Breads menu features hot foods, such as grilled sandwiches, entrees and vegetables, toasts, soups, salads and desserts. McCann uses Boars Head meats and local produce.

Some of Farmhouses most popular sandwiches, she said, are the Red Pepper Cheese Steak on toasted cheesy bread and the Italian Grinder on toasted basil parmesan bread.

The Cranky Turkey sandwich with cream cheese and dried cranberries and the avocado quinoa protein salad also sell well.

Breakfast offerings include the egg-and-cheddar Sunrise Sandwich, quiches, frittatas and the Top of the Morning Avo Toast, which layers avocado, grilled egg and more on toasted prairie bread.

Pastries and cookies are a hit all day, especially with workers who stream in steadily from businesses in the surrounding buildings and the airport.

At Farmhouse, McCann inherited 12 taps from the previous restaurant and has expanded the beverage offerings to include draft beer, wine, hard kombucha and sparkling wine. She also offers all-natural sodas and double-filtered water.

Among the luncheon entrees offered at Farmhouse House of Bread in San Luis Obispo are, from top, the HOB Club with turkey, ham and cheddar on focaccia and a gluten-free salad version of the California Fusion sandwich with turkey, provolone, artichoke hearts and housemade pesto.

Baker: Breads are safe for people with gluten sensitivity

According to McCann, all the House of Bread baked goods are made with the highest quality, chemical-free Montana wheat flour and no added vital wheat gluten.

Thats an ingredient used by many commercial bakers to add strength to their doughs, she said.

Some people who are sensitive to that protein, but who do not have celiac disease, can safely eat her regular products, McCann said.

I give them a sample to try, and if it works for them, they come back later to buy, she said. Many of them have become loyal customers.

Baked goods for sale at Farmhouse House of Bread in San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport include the house-made Country Apple Pie.

Bakery owner gives back

McCanns upbringing was very charity focused, she said, thanks to her mom.

For decades, McCann has continued volunteering and supporting this countys needy families and those who need help.

Most recently, at Farmhouse, shes been hosting guest bakers and bartenders, who donate their time and expertise to help raise money for their favorite nonprofits.

McCann gives 50% of each events profits to those charities.

On Wednesday, June 28, Aileen Loe and Christin OHara poured beverages at Farmhouse to raise money for Central Coast Concerned Mountain Bikers. The group works to expand the network of sustainable and enjoyable trails in San Luis Obispo County and to maintain trails currently in use, according to its website.

Sheila McCann poses for a picture at Farmhouse House of Bread, which opened at 1025 Farmhouse Lane near the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport in May 30, 2023. She stands by one of the two commercial bakery ovens.

Farmhouse House of Bread

Farmhouse House of Bread is located directly across from the Airport Drive entrance to San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport.

Heading toward the airport on Broad Street from downtown San Luis Obispo, Farmhouse Lane is the first left turn past Airport Drive. Take the first right into the parking area, then look for the dark yellow section in the middle of the modern business building.

For details about Farmhouse House of Bread, call (805) 592-0255, email Bread@HouseofBread.com or visit the houseofbread.com. You can also follow the restaurant on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube.
Amanda Seyfriend welcomed viewers into her cozy wooden New York oasis for Architectural Digests latest episode of Open Door.

The The Dropout and Mamma Mia! actor brought fans inside her home away from home for a tour of her peaceful New York City spot dotted with soft vibes, curved wooden structures and tres chic electric outlets.

At the start of the video, the actor explained that she spends most of her time with her family at her farmhouse in upstate New York.

However, as she explains in the video, shes part of Broadways' musical adaptation of "Thelma & Louise," so she spends more time in her one-level apartment central to Manhattan.

Theres a lot to see in the apartment, which served as three former quarters for staff on the top floor of a building made in 1907 and currently on the National Register of Historic Places, according to the magazines digital edition.

I love the curve of the wood here because it just softens everything. I mean, there are just hard edges everywhere all the time, the actor says in the video of her New York pied-a-terre, which was designed by interior designers Sarah Zames and Colin Stief from General Assembly. I love the fact that Sarah wanted to kind of soften it up. Everythings a little softer in certain ways because of the curve of the windows that softens things even to the curve of like this custom bookshelf.

Seyfrieds home makes use of tons of custom-made built-in pieces like closet doors that tuck away when open in her living room.

I never close these; I only close these for you, Seyfriend jokes during the video. The closet hides both her TV and her kids toys. We dont have to see them all the time.

Beyond the living room, the actor gives a peek at her romantic bedroom and her daughter's room, which features watercolor wallpaper and a sweet playhouse designed by the actor and her friends.

Its going to be on the market too because I, of course, have another business venture, she explains. My girlfriends and I are very into architecture and house designs, and we wanted to create a space for our kids to play and explore and make their own inside but with an aesthetic outside that is pleasing and calming to the parents.

In addition to the large windows and warm natural light, Seyfrieds apartment boasts a mix of sleek modern furniture and vintage treasures. Some of these are more personal and from her past, like her first-ever rug purchase and a unique set of hands that hold up her bedrooms lamp lights. There are also artful tributes to toilets, which appear on her walls and shelves in various paintings and one sculpture made by her sister when she was 15.

There is in every room, I guess... theres toilet art, she laughs, adding that in her house upstate, she has a hanging wool vagina. I dont know why... I like to remember that were all human.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Lots of American millennials still depend on the bank of mom and dad  but they also say their parents are bad financial role models

Millennials and Gen Zers say they feel bad asking their parents for financial support. Getty Images

Many American millennials and Gen Z depend on their parents for money.

Experian surveyed 2,008 US millennials and Gen Z and found that 54% of them are dependent on their parents.

About two-thirds of them say they're ashamed when they have to ask their parents for money.

American millennials and Gen Z are finding it hard to break away from the bank of mom and dad.

More than half  54%  of American millennials and Gen Z are still financially dependent on their parents, according to a survey from credit bureau Experian released on Monday.

Slightly less than half, or 47%, of millennials surveyed said they are "somewhat or very" financially dependent on their parents. About 60% of those in Gen Z said they depend financially on mom and dad.

Millennials' financial woes have been well documented, but there are two interesting twists in this study:

They don't feel great asking their parents for financial support. Over two-thirds, or 70%, of millennials said they feel ashamed when they have to ask their parents for financial support. About 60% of the younger cohort feels the same way. They're asking their parents for financial help, but they don't agree with their parents' financial habits. The survey found that 27% of respondents don't think their parents are good financial role models.

The survey defined millennials as those between the ages of 27 and 42, while those in Gen Z are between the ages of 18 and 26. Experian's survey is based on online responses from 2,008 adults in the US between 18 to 42 years old conducted between March 31 and April 4. There was an equal number of respondents in both age groups.

Recent data shows Americans between the ages 25 to 34 are living with their parents at rates not seen since 1972 as they save for down payments amid high mortgage rates and high home prices. About 18% of men and 12% of women in the age group were living with their parents in 2022, according to the US Census Bureau.

Meanwhile, a record number of Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 are also choosing to live at home with their parents at a level not seen since the Great Depression  thus freeing up disposable income for splashing out on luxury goods, Insider's Nidhi Pandurangi reported in December.

Related: How to get a quick personal loan 

Correction: June 28, 2023  An earlier version of this story stated the survey found that 64% of respondents don't think their parents are good financial role models. Experian has since corrected its number in its blog: 27% of respondents don't think their parents are good financial role models.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Lowell Weicker, former Connecticut governor and US senator, dead at 92

Lowell Weicker, former Connecticut governor and US senator, dead at 92

Former Republican Sen. Lowell P. Weicker died Wednesday at the age of 92.

Weicker, who also served as governor of Connecticut from 1991 to 1995, passed away at a hospital in Middletown, Conn., after a short illness, according to a family statement.

The Republican was first elected to Connecticut's General Assembly in 1962. He was later elected to the U.S. Senate, serving from 1971 to 1989.

Weicker served on the Senates special committee on Watergate in 1973. Weicker was one of three Republicans represented on the seven-person committee.

BIDEN STANDS BY CALLING XI A DICTATOR AFTER COMMENT ANGERS CHINA

A brash politician, Weicker did not shy away from criticizing President Richard Nixon.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"More and more, events were making it clear that the Nixon White House was a cauldron of corruption," Weicker wrote in his memoir, "Maverick: A Life in Politics". "And even as disclosures kept coming, more and more national leaders were acting as though nothing especially unusual had happened."

BIDEN SLAMMED OVER 'PREPOSTEROUS' CLAIM HE CREATED MORE JOBS IN 2 YEARS THAN ANY PRESIDENT IN 4

Members and staff of the Senate Watergate Committee gather in the caucus room to deliver their final report on their hearings. From left: Counsel Fred Thompson; Sen. Lowell Weicker; Sen. Sam Ervin; Counsel Sam Dash; Sen. Joseph Montoya; and Sen. Daniel Inouye,

Weicker, who was considered a Rockefeller Republican by some conservatives, broke with his party on major social issues of his day, such as abortion and school prayer.

As senator, he sponsored the Protection and Advocacy for the Mentally Ill Act and introduced legislation that would become the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act. As governor of Connecticut, Weicker fought against income tax increases but eventually relented, which helped fix Connecticuts $963 million deficit.

"It is with great sadness that we learn the news of the passing of former Governor Lowell P. Weicker, Jr.," Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont tweeted on Wednesday. "I am directing U.S. and state flags lowered in his honor effective immediately."

Lamont had previously described Weicker as a genuine friend.

"I think he was just incredibly genuine, a little unfiltered," Lamont told The Associated Press in 2021. "And we sort of miss that in this day and age with the teleprompter."

In a statement, Weicker's family said he was "the center of our universe."

Former Connecticut Sen. and Gov. Lowell Weicker, right, talks to Rev. Al Sharpton, left, and Rev. Jesse Jackson prior to the victory announcement for Democratic Senate candidate Ned Lamont in Meriden, Conn., on Aug. 8, 2006.

"In nearly four decades of public service, he used his position to protect the Constitution of the United States and to improve the lives of people who had no power advocating for education, health care and research, civil rights and equal opportunity," the statement read.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Lucky to come home: Growing up trans in Brazil can be deadly

Thamirys Nunes, founder of the NGO Minha Crianca Trans (My Transgender Child), shows a picture of her daughter Agatha (Nelson ALMEIDA)

Wearing a pink dress that matches the bow in her hair, eight-year-old Agatha flashes a smile that belies all she has been through as a trans child growing up in Brazil.

Agatha's mother, Thamirys Nunes, says she vividly remembers the day her daughter, then almost four, asked the question that has changed both of their lives.

"Mommy, can I die today and come back tomorrow as a girl?"

Nunes, 33, who lives in Sao Paulo, says she knew then they both had a hard road ahead, in a country where the discrimination and dangers facing trans people run deep.

Gender dysphoria among children, a sensitive subject in many places, is especially fraught in Brazil, the deadliest country in the world for trans people.

There were 118 trans people murdered in Brazil last year, 29 percent of the world total, according to the National Network of Trans People of Brazil.

Polarizing politics have only made things worse, in a country where far-right ex-president Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022) made attacking "gender ideology" a central issue in elections last year, and conservative parties hold a strong majority in Congress.

Nunes says she worries every time Agatha leaves the house.

"I'm afraid people will call her a freak, hit her or mistreat her," she says.

"I feel lucky every time she comes home."

- Activist mom -

It was not easy for her to accept Agatha for who she is, admits Nunes.

"It wasn't my dream to have a little trans girl. I had lots of doubts," she says.

She remembers Agatha playing with dolls and wearing earrings from the time she was small.

"She had always been uncomfortable with the gender she was given at birth," she says.

A psychologist told Nunes she needed to "reinforce" her child's masculine side, she says.

But "trying to reaffirm her masculinity just hurt her," she told AFP.

So, overcoming her own prejudices and fears of what people would think, Nunes decided to let Agatha change her name and live as a girl.

It has been a transformative experience for Nunes, too.

Today, she is an activist for the rights of trans children and teens.

Last year, she founded an organization called My Trans Child, which has nearly 600 members.

- 'Abandoned to their fate' -

Although Bolsonaro lost last October's elections, replaced by the more tolerant administration of veteran leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, activists say the situation for trans people remains alarming.

Aline Melo, a member of Nunes's organization, says things have only gotten worse in recent years.

Her son, 14-year-old Luiz Guilherme, is trans.

"He's proud of who he is. But he knows he can't always be himself when he leaves the house," she says.

Nunes says the lack of government protections to combat rapes and violence against trans youths is "absurd."

"We want public policies to protect (this group) that is abandoned to their fate," she says.

- Forced to leave home -

Celeste Armbrust still remembers how she felt when she embraced her own gender identity, her eyes lighting up beneath her new dyed-red bangs.

"I felt like myself. I felt free," says the 17-year-old trans girl, who began hormone therapy at 16 -- the age authorized under a 2020 decision by Brazil's Federal Council of Medicine.

She was brave enough to unveil her new identity at school.

But she is afraid to leave the house alone.

"She's fearful of being singled out and suffering for it," says her mother, Claudia Armbrust.

Brazil, a sprawling country of 214 million people, has just five public centers to assist children and teens on gender identity issues.

There is a long waiting list at Sao Paulo University Clinical Hospital, which is helping around 400 such minors.

"We help them feel understood," says psychologist Larissa Todorov.

But few in Brazil have access to such programs, which struggle with insufficient funding.

Carolina Iara, 30, a trailblazing state legislator who is Brazil's first intersex lawmaker, says the country has made progress since her childhood.

But not nearly enough, she adds.

"There are still trans kids who get kicked out of the house at 13 and have to turn to prostitution," she says.

mls/app/jhb/md
Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believe that Alexander Lukashenko, the self-proclaimed president of Belarus, is probably trying to use the Wagner Private Military Company (PMC) to gain "manoeuvring space" and is seeking to take it under his control.

Source: ISW

Quote: "Lukashenko likely seeks to use the Wagner Group in Belarus to buy manoeuvring space to balance against the Kremlin campaign to absorb Belarus via the Union State [and] likely seeks to closely control any Wagner Group forces that move into Belarus."

Details: In addition, according to the ISW, Lukashenko may use the Russian nuclear weapons that he has received recently in order to slow down Russias campaign of absorbing Belarus.

The ISW noted that the ongoing power struggle between Putin, Lukashenko and Prigozhin is far from over and will have short-term and long-term consequences that could be beneficial for Ukraine.

Background:

During the rebellion, Prigozhin allegedly came to an agreement through the intermediary of the self-proclaimed Belarusian president, Alexander Lukashenko and would go to Belarus, and ordered all his mercenaries to turn back.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Wagner fighters will be able to sign a contract with the Russian Defence Ministry, resign or "go to Belarus".

Alexander Lukashenko, the self-proclaimed President of Belarus, claims that Yevgeny Prigozhin, owner of the Wagner Private Military Company (PMC), is in Belarus.

Russian outlet Verstka ["Layout"] reported that camps to accommodate the Wagner Group fighters are being built in Belarus.

The self-proclaimed president of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, expects that the Wagner Group commanders will share their experience and help the Belarusian Armed Forces improve their skills.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
By Guy Faulconbridge, Lidia Kelly

MOSCOW (Reuters) -Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said he persuaded Russian President Vladimir Putin not to "wipe out" mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, in response to what the Kremlin cast as a mutiny that pushed Russia towards civil war.

Putin initially vowed to crush the mutiny, comparing it to the wartime turmoil that ushered in the revolution of 1917 and then a civil war, but hours later a deal was clinched to allow Prigozhin and some of his fighters to go to Belarus.

Prigozhin flew to Belarus from Russia on Tuesday.

While describing his Saturday conversation with Putin, Lukashenko used the Russian criminal slang phrase for killing someone, equivalent to the English phrase to "wipe out".

"I also understood: a brutal decision had been made (and it was the undertone of Putin's address) to wipe out" the mutineers, Lukashenko told a meeting of his army officials and journalists on Tuesday, according to Belarusian state media.

"I suggested to Putin not to rush. 'Come on,' I said, 'Let's talk with Prigozhin, with his commanders.' To which he told me: 'Listen, Sasha, it's useless. He doesn't even pick up the phone, he doesnt want to talk to anyone'."

Putin used the same Russian verb in 1999 about Chechen militants, vowing to "wipe out them out in the shithouse", remarks that became a widely quoted emblem of his severe persona.

There was no immediate comment from the Kremlin on Lukashenko's remarks, which give a rare insight into the conversations inside the Kremlin as Russia, according to Putin's own account, teetered towards turmoil not seen for decades.

Lukashenko, both an old acquaintance of Prigozhin and close ally of Putin, said that he had advised the Russian president to think "beyond our own noses" and that Prigozhin's elimination could lead to a widespread revolt by his fighters.

The Belarusian leader also said that his own army could benefit from the experience of Wagner troops who, according to a deal struck with the Kremlin, are now free to move to Belarus.

"This is the most trained unit in the army," BelTA state agency quoted Lukashenko as saying. "Who will argue with this? My military also understand this, and we don't have such people in Belarus."

Later Lukashenko told his military that "people fail to understand that we are approaching this in a pragmatic way ... They've (Wagner) been through it, they'll tell us about the weaponry - what worked well, which worked badly."

Prigozhin halted what he called was "march of justice" on Moscow from the southern city of Rostov-on-Don within 200 kilometres of the capital after Lukashenko's intervention.

(Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge in Moscow, Lidia Kelly in Melbourne and Nick Starkov in KyivEditing by Andrew Osborn and Peter Graff)
Macon man charged with trafficking more than 50 guns to Syracuse, court records show

A grand jury indicted a Macon man last week in Syracuse on charges of trafficking more than 50 guns to New York, court documents show.

Raeneisha Evans, 30, was charged June 20 after allegedly buying 52 guns in 2021 and driving to Syracuse to sell several of them illegally, according to an indictment from a grand jury in Onondaga County in upstate New York.

Evans bought, transported and sold guns between May 25, 2021 and Feb. 26, 2023, according to the indictment. The guns were recovered by Syracuse Police between September of 2021 and February of this year.

The indictment also charged Julius Anderson, 32, and Veronica Williams, 35, both of Syracuse for helping buy and sell the guns.

Evans was held at the Onondaga County Justice Center last week, police said. Williams and Anderson were also taken into custody.

Police recovered 16 of the trafficked guns in Syracuse and found that four of them had been used in crimes, including a murder-suicide, according to a report from Syracuse.com. Police also told Syracuse.com that Evans had been flagged for buying so many guns in Georgia in 2021.

The Onondaga District Attorneys office could not provide additional information about the case. Evans has no prior criminal record in Macon aside from a traffic violation, court documents show.
US singer Madonna speaks onstage during the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on February 2023 (VALERIE MACON)

Madonna is recovering after falling ill with a "serious bacterial infection" that landed her in an intensive care unit for several days, her manager Guy Oseary said in a statement Wednesday.

"Her health is improving, however she is still under medical care," he said. "A full recovery is expected."

Oseary said the 64-year-old pop icon's "Celebrations" tour, due to start July 15 in Vancouver, Canada, was postponed until further notice.

The New York Post's Page Six website said the pop star was taken to a hospital in the city after becoming unwell.

Her global, nearly sold-out tour was billed as paying homage to Madonna's more than four-decade long career, and according to her website boasted 84 concert dates.

Stops in the United States were to include Detroit, Chicago, Miami and New York, the city where her storied rise to superstardom began.

She was then slated to continue in Europe, with dates in London, Barcelona and Paris, as well as four dates in Mexico City.

The Grammy-winning megastar behind classics including "Like a Virgin" has asserted incalculable influence over her stellar career as one of music's top stars.

In his statement on social media, her manager vowed to provide more information when available, including a new start date for the tour and for rescheduled shows.

In 2020 Madonna underwent hip replacement surgery following an injury sustained on her "Madame X" tour.

- 'Material Girl' -

Born in 1958, the Catholic-educated artist headed to New York in the late 1970s with just 35 dollars in her pocket.

She scraped a living through everything from nude modeling to selling donuts.

Her first big single was "Everybody" in 1982, followed by a string of hits including "Lucky Star," "Borderline," and "Holiday."

The 1984 release of "Like A Virgin" propelled Madonna onto the international stage.

She followed up in 1985 with another disco anthem, "Material Girl."

The early 1990s saw her don infamous pointy cone-shaped bras on her "Blond Ambition" Tour in 1990.

She also released a racy book called "Sex," filled with photographs of sexual acts that was released to accompany her 1992 album "Erotica."

In the late 1990s her music took off in a new direction, thumping to a new dance-flavored beat on her multi award-winning 1998 album "Ray of Light."

In 2003 she grabbed the showbiz world's attention by clinching pop princess Britney Spears in a lingering kiss on stage at that year's MTV Music Video Awards.

And she still displays the provocative streak for which she is both beloved and notorious.

In January, news dropped of her forthcoming tour in a video nodding to her 1991 documentary "Truth or Dare."

In the clip, the Queen of Pop plays the classic sleepover game with fellow celebrities, all with risque undertones.

"I am excited to explore as many songs as possible in hopes to give my fans the show they have been waiting for," she said when announcing the tour.

bur-mdo/bgs
KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine  The Maine Attorney General's Office is accusing a Florida resident of violating the civil rights of an Asian-American woman who visited Kennebunkport earlier this month.

Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey announced on June 28 that he has filed a civil rights enforcement action with the state Superior Court against Vicki Lush, 66, of Port St. Lucie, Florida. Lush, a summer resident of Maine, is alleged to have made racist remarks to the victim and threatened to run her over with her vehicle.

The complaint seeks an order protecting the woman from Lush by prohibiting Lush from coming into contact with her in any way.

Maine should be a safe, welcoming place for everyone, Frey said.

The Kennebunkport Police Department recently investigated an incident in which a Florida woman allegedly violated the civil rights of an Asian-American woman who was visiting the community from Massachusetts.

Frey said the Maine Civil Rights Act recognizes that bias-based incidents harm not only the victim but also others who might fear such treatment. That is why my office will continue to pursue civil injunctions to protect communities targeted for their identities," he said.

Town Meeting: Kennebunkport voters double Select Board salaries in surprise move

The incident is alleged to have occurred at a local retail seafood business on June 6. According to the complaint, Lush got into a dispute with the victim while she was sampling chowder.

Lush is accused of referring to the woman as a foreigner and telling her to go back to your country.

The woman, who lives in Massachusetts, responded, You wouldnt say this to a white person.

Lush is alleged to have responded by calling the woman a Chinese (expletive)," according to the complaint.

During the incident, Lush is alleged to have told the victim, You all shouldnt come over here to my neighborhood, and you should go back to China. The victim is of Korean descent, according to the complaint.

Antisemitic display sparks outrage: Here's why police can't do anything about it

In the parking lot, Lush allegedly threatened to hit the woman with her van. The complaint states she is accused of swerving her vehicle in the direction of the woman. The woman took out her camera to take a picture of Lush's vehicle, according to the complaint.

When interviewed by Kennebunkport Police Department, the complaint states Lush admitted that she told the woman, You have no idea who you are messing with  Ill lay you out right here  Get out of my way, or Ill run you over  You foreigners need to go home.

The Maine Civil Rights Act prohibits the use of violence, as well as the threat of violence or property damage against any person due to their race, color, religion, sex, ancestry, national origin, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation.

The Attorney General's Office is requesting a Superior Court judge to order Lush not to have any contact with the victim. The office is seeking an official declaration that Lush violated the Maine Civil Rights Act and to fine her up to $5,000 for each violation.

Any violation of an injunctive order under the act is a Class D crime, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.

The Kennebunkport Police Department investigated the case and referred it to the Attorney Generals Office. The Kennebunkport police did not immediately respond for comment.

A court date to address the civil complaint has not yet been scheduled, according to Danna Hayes, the special assistant to the Attorney Generals Office. Attempts to reach Lush were unsuccessful.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Maine AG: Florida woman accused of racist threats in Kennebunkport
Malaria is being reported in Florida. Everything you need to know from signs to prospects of a vaccine

The United States is currently seeing five cases of malaria spread by mosquitos within the past two months  the first time there has been a local spread in the past 20 years.

Four of the cases were identified in Southwest Florida and one in southern Texas, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. Due to the unusual spread, Florida authorities are issuing a public health alert to warn doctors, public health authorities, and the public about the risk.

All four people in Sarasota County who were infected have been treated and have recovered. Here's what we know so far about the cases and disease:

Breaking news on malaria cases: Malaria cases in Texas and Florida are the first US spread in 20 years, CDC says

What is malaria?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, Malaria is a disease transmitted through the bite of an infective female anopheline mosquito that can rapidly become very severe and life-threatening.

In Florida, malaria is transmitted through infected Anopheles mosquitoes

If not promptly treated, the infection can become severe and may cause kidney failure, seizures, mental confusion, coma, and death.

Where are the current cases of malaria in Florida?

Four cases were identified in Sarasota County, according to the CDC. The Florida Department of Health issued a statewide mosquito-borne illness advisory Monday.

Malaria in Sarasota. What to know: How did malaria get to Sarasota? Answers to questions you may have about the disease.

Has malaria spread to other states?

The CDC announced that a fifth case of the disease was found in southern Texas. This case and the four Florida cases do not appear to be related, according to officials.

How often is malaria seen in the United States?

The CDC highlights that the U.S. was once a malaria-endemic country, but malaria was declared eliminated in 1951 from the nation. Now approximately 1,500 malaria cases and five deaths are reported in the United States annually, typically in returned travelers.

When was the last local outbreak of malaria?

Rhoel Dinglasan, a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Floridas College of Veterinary Medicine, told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune that cases of locally acquired malaria are not common. The last outbreak of malaria cases in the country was in 2003 when Palm Beach County saw eight such cases.

What are the signs of malaria?

Malaria symptoms usually appear within 7 to 30 days but can take up to one year to develop. Symptoms of malaria include:

Fever and flu-like illness, including shaking chills, sweats, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness.

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are possible.

Malaria may cause anemia and jaundice (yellow coloring of the skin and eyes).

Anyone with symptoms of fever, chills, sweats, nausea/vomiting, and headache should seek immediate medical attention, the Florida Health Department said

Is malaria contagious?

No. Malaria is not spread from person to person, and it cannot be sexually transmitted, according to the Centers for Disease Control. You cannot get malaria from casual contact with malaria-infected people.

Infected mothers can transmit parasites to their child during pregnancy before or during delivery.

While rare, transfusion-transmitted malaria does happen and when it does, it is a potentially severe complication in blood recipients. On average, only one case of transfusion-transmitted malaria occurs in the United States every two years, the CDC said.

What should I do if I recognize any signs of malaria?

The surest way to know whether you have malaria is to have a diagnostic test where a drop of blood is examined under the microscope for the presence of malaria parasites.

If you are sick and there is any suspicion of malaria, a test should be performed without delay, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Is there a malaria vaccine?

Attempts at producing an effective malaria vaccine and vaccine clinical trials are ongoing, the CDC said.

The malaria parasite is a complex organism with a complicated life cycle. The parasite has the ability to evade the body's immune system, making vaccine development difficult

If you get malaria, do you have it for the rest of your life?

Not necessarily. In general, if you are correctly treated for malaria, the parasites are eliminated and you are no longer infected with malaria.

However, the disease can continue if it is not treated or if it is treated with the wrong drug. Some drugs are not effective because the parasite is resistant to them. Some people with malaria may be treated with the right drug, but at the wrong dose or for too short a period of time, the CDC said.

Two types (species) of parasites, Plasmodium vivax and P. ovale, have liver stages and can remain in the body for years without causing sickness. If not treated, these liver stages may reactivate and cause malaria attacks months or years later.

People diagnosed with P. vivax or P. ovale are often given a second drug to help prevent relapses.

How can I protect myself against malaria?

The CDC recommends those traveling to other countries use these tips to avoid any interactions with mosquitos:

Use an EPA-registered insect repellent

Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants

Treat clothing and gear with permethrin

Keep mosquitoes out of your hotel room or lodging

Sleep under a mosquito net

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Malaria found in Florida for first time in 20 years. What we know
An 82-year-old Brazilian man was able to survive for a week stranded in the forest before being rescued by eating termites and drinking his own urine, according to his family.

Jose Arteiro Ribeiro went missing on 11 June while he and a group of friends were visiting a rural property in Vila Propicio, in the central Brazilian state of Goias.

Mr Ribeiro, who was experienced spending time outside, went for a walk alone in the woods, and when he failed to return, police were notified.

Jose Arteiro Ribeiro survived alone in the Brazilian forest for a week beofre being rescued (Globo TV screen grab)

They (my father, friends and residents there) are used to getting together, going to the riverside and fishing, Joses son Andre told Correio Braziliensein Portugeuse.

Crews from the Goias State Fire Department spent four days searching unsuccessfully before calling off their efforts, the Mirror reports.

There came a time when even my family seemed to have given up looking, you know? People didnt want me to go into the woods, they asked me to rest a little, Andre added in his interview with the Correio. Maybe if I had rested and not gone on Sunday I wouldnt have found him. I said I wasnt going to rest until I found him.

"I was waiting for you, my son. I knew you would find me, the 82-year-old reportedly said to his son when he was found.

Andre was able to locate his father and direct emergency responders to him, who gave the man care in a local hospital before he was discharged.

Jose Arteiro Ribeiro is a resident of Brazils Federal District.

He is the father of 10 children and has 15 granddhildren, according to Globo.

He came to Brasilia build the capital more than 60 years ago before settling in the rural area of Ceilandia.

Mr Ribeiros safe return follows another miraculous rescue in the South American forest.

In May, four Indigenous children were found in the Colombian portion of the Amazon, after they survived a plane crash and 40 days alone in the wilderness.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds a welcoming ceremony for Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, June 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

BEIJING, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday met with visiting Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene in Beijing, pledging further efforts to deepen political mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Noting that China and Mongolia are important neighbors linked by mountains and rivers, Li said the development of long-term and steady good-neighborliness serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples.

China is willing to work with Mongolia to faithfully implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, continue to enrich the China-Mongolia comprehensive strategic partnership, deepen political mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation, and accelerate the construction of a China-Mongolia community with a shared future to better benefit the two peoples.

Li said China is ready to offer mutual support on issues related to the two countries' core interests and major concerns. As China is advancing Chinese modernization, Li said it is willing to deepen cooperation of various fields with Mongolia, and welcomes the Mongolian side to share the new opportunities brought by China's development.

He urged efforts to synergize strategies in an improved manner, jointly build a high-quality Belt and Road, facilitate trade and investment, and expand cooperation in the mining and energy sectors. He said efforts should also be made to enhance the connectivity of borders and ports, intensify cooperation on desertification control, enhance exchanges in such areas as tourism and education, and promote amity between the two peoples.

China will continue providing assistance to Mongolia to the best of its capacity for the latter's economic and social development, Li added.

For his part, Oyun-Erdene said that strengthening cooperation with China is a priority in Mongolia's foreign policy. Mongolia adheres to the one-China principle, and thanks China for providing valuable support for Mongolia's efforts to fight COVID-19, he said.

Mongolia is willing to deepen cooperation with China in such fields as ports, energy and mining, science and technology, tourism, anti-corruption work, desertification control, urban planning and youth affairs to bring bilateral ties to new heights, Oyun-Erdene said.

After the conclusion of the meeting, Li and Oyun-Erdene witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents on issues such as transportation, finance, quarantine, media, and wildlife conservation. 

Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)
Man convicted of running over Costco shopper gets lengthy prison sentence, reports say

A Louisiana man convicted in a string of violent carjackings faces 45 years behind bars, according to local news outlets.

Tyrese Harris, 20, was sentenced to federal prison Tuesday, June 27, months after pleading guilty to charges related to the carjackings, including one at a New Orleans Costco that left a woman seriously injured, WVUE reported.

He faced multiple charges including carjacking and gun charges, court documents show.

Investigators said the woman was filling up at a Costco fuel station on Feb. 1, 2022, when the suspect, later identified as Harris, hopped in the drivers seat and sped off, McClatchy News reported.

The woman tried clinging to her car and was run over, police said.

She was knocked unconscious and suffered multiple injuries, including a fractured skull and broken bones, from being dragged 40 feet, The Times-Picayune reported.

Harris was accused in at least four other carjackings in the New Orleans area and received 20 years for the Costco incident, according to WDSU. He pleaded guilty to those charges in February.

Hes also being investigated for murder in the death of a 12-year-old boy, the station reported.

During his sentencing Tuesday, Harris apologized.

It probably looks like Im a monster, but if you get to know me, Im a cool and fun person to be around, he told Judge Jay C. Zainey, The Times-Picayune reported. Everyone has a side where youre tripping. If you dont have that side, you arent human.

Harris attorney, Michael Kennedy, said he was disappointed by the lengthy sentence, WWL-TV reported.

We do want to express sympathy to any victims, their families and, as I said, to the community at large because we recognize this just did not affect certain people, Kennedy told the station. It affected our entire community.

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Police lights flash in the darkness.

A man died and an officer was hospitalized following a shooting on the Gila River Indian Community early on Wednesday morning, according to the Maricopa Police Department.

Police said the man who died and two more suspects, including a teenager, were armed and trying to break into cars in a residential area. The two suspects were taken into custody, police said. The identities of the three were not released by authorities.

Around 1:30 a.m. police received a call from a resident who reported seeing three people breaking into cars near Seville and Valencia drives. Police were told during the call a resident tried to follow the three people, but they threatened to shoot the resident, so the resident stopped following them.

Officers went to the location and they found the three suspects breaking into a car near West Madrid Avenue, one street north of where they were initially seen, police said. As officers approached the suspects, they all ran in different directions.

A teenage boy fled west on the same street and was quickly arrested by police. The two other suspects climbed over a wall near a residence and kept running north into the fields next to the neighborhood, police said.

As two police officers followed the suspects on foot, one of the suspects opened fire and struck one of the officers, police said. That officer had an injury that was not life-threatening and he was stable at the hospital as of Wednesday morning, police said.

A second officer then returned fire and struck one of the suspects. That suspect died as he was being taken to the hospital. The other suspect was arrested "without further incident," police said.

Police said the FBI will investigate the shooting as it took place within the Indian community. No further details were available and the three people were not identified.

OFFER FOR NEW SUBSCRIBERS: $1 per month for 12 months of access to azcentral.com. Subscribe at azcentral.com/NewsSale.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Man dead, officer hospitalized following shooting near Maricopa
A man who emerged from a bathroom foaming at the mouth on an Alaska Airlines flight had to be restrained before reaching the cockpit, affidavit says

Alaska Airlines Airbus A320-214 in flight. AaronP/Bauer-Griffin / Contributor/ GC Images

An Alaska Airlines passenger was restrained and sedated after fighting with flight attendants.

One attendant said the man had been caught just before entering the cockpit.

The man maintains that he was not overdosing but experiencing a panic attack.

A man on an Alaska Airlines flight had to be restrained and sedated after attempting to fight multiple crew members, according to an affidavit filed in the United States District Court for the District of Alaska.

According to the affidavit filed Monday, the man was heard screaming in the bathroom. When approached by an attendant trying to assist, he punched the door open and began heading towards the cockpit with "drool and foam coming out of his mouth."

The flight attendant told prosecutors that he blocked the man from continuing further and asked for a medical expert on board for assistance. A nurse who came forward suggested that the man be given Narcan  a medication used to treat drug overdoses  but only administered in a low dose. This is when witnesses say the man began resisting, trying to "punch and push on people and grab onto them," per the affidavit.

After being handcuffed and given sedation medication, the man told passengers he was having a panic attack, not an overdose. Witnesses said that after the plane landed, the man tried to hide a piece of foil with a "white powdery substance" between the seats but was caught.

In an interview with law enforcement, the man says he was experiencing vertigo and had taken three HHC gummy bears before the flight, which he said could have contributed to his reaction. However, he could not explain why he had the foil, and at one point, he "appeared to tear up" when pushed for an explanation.

The man faces charges for simple assault within the maritime and territorial jurisdiction, interference with flight crew members and attendants, and application of certain criminal laws to acts on aircraft.

Alaska Airlines declined to comment.

Read the original article on Insider
After getting into a dispute with someone over a parking spot, a Missouri man firebombed the persons home, federal authorities said.

The 31-year-old man is accused of trying to damage or destroy a St. Louis home in March 2022, according to a June 27 news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Missouri.

Video obtained by law enforcement shows the man in an alleyway behind the home as he filled glass bottles with liquid, prosecutors said in court records.

DNA evidence links (him) to unexploded Molotov cocktails thrown at the residence at the same time as those that ignited and caused a fire at (the home), authorities said.

The St. Louis man was indicted in April on a felony county of damaging or destroying a building by fire and a felony count of possession of an unregistered destructive device, records show.

He was arrested on June 22, officials said, and he is being held in jail until his trial.

The man has pleaded not guilty to both charges. His defense attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment from McClatchy News on June 28.

Federal authorities said he and the victim did not know each other and only had a brief encounter and argument over a parking space.

If the man is convicted on both charges, he faces up to 15 years in prison and up to a $260,000 fine.

Fired worker throws Molotov cocktails at Missouri restaurant to scare people, feds say

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This man singlehandedly cleans harmful ghost nets from our waters: If these places are damaged  we have nothing left

So-called ghost nets  fishing nets that have been lost or abandoned in the ocean  have an extensive and severe effect on marine life. Not only do they continue to trap fish, but they can also trap and injure sea turtles, dolphins and porpoises, birds, sharks, seals, and more.

In addition, fishing nets are made of plastic and, therefore, never break down. According to Scientific Reports, abandoned fishing gear is one of the major contributors to the floating garbage patches in the oceans.

Thats why one Malaysian oceanographer has dedicated his time to disentangling ghost nets from coral reefs around Southeast Asia.

Anuar Abdullah has cleared nearly one ton of ghost nets from coral reefs over the last four years. After he and his team of volunteers clear a net, they then create a coral nursery  a signature concoction of minerals fixed to the reef with a bonding agent  to help the reef return to full health.

Abdullah explained to Climate Heroes that the work is arduous, long, and very dangerous. Volunteers can become snagged in nets themselves, just like the marine life they are trying to save.

Ultimately, though, the work of saving the coral reefs is more important now than ever, as reefs are under threat from more than just nets. Changing global temperatures have resulted in warmer seawater, which kills off the algae that fuel entire reefs. And ocean acidification, which has increased by 30% since the Industrial Revolution, also poses a great threat to the reefs.

According to scientists, we have lost between 25% and 40% of the worlds coral reefs in recent decades. Australias Great Barrier Reef has undergone three mass bleaching events in five years.

For Abdullah, that only makes his work more urgent. And he encourages anyone who wants to help save our planet to get involved.

People should get involved with any kind of conservation, Abdullah told Climate Heroes. Not just the coral reef  if these places are damaged then we have nothing left.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
Mans third suspected DUI ended with fatal crash in Fresno. Heres how he pleaded

A Fresno man with two DUI convictions pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of murder, fatal hit and run, and driving with a suspended drivers license.

Police said 33-year-old Shane Lee Shahan was driving a Chevrolet Colorado truck when it collided with a Hyundai Elantra carrying two people near First Street and McKinley Avenue around 3 a.m. Jan. 11.

Both people in the Elantra were transported to Community Regional Medical Center, where the driver survived. The passenger, identified as Jesse Espino, 35, of Clovis, later died.

Several of Espinos relatives were in court, though they declined to comment.

Bail reduction request

Shahans public defender, Brendan Bergh, requested that his clients bail be reduced from $1.5 million to an affordable amount, such as $38,000.

Prosecutor Steven Ueltzen argued against the request, saying Shahan is a danger to the public. Ueltzen said Shahan has two previous DUI convictions, one in 2015 and another in 2016. He has also been arrested twice for driving on a suspended license.

The day of the crash, Ueltzen said Shahan fled the scene but was spotted running west towards Highway 41.

Police found him on the east side of Highway 41s embankment near Weldon Avenue before arresting him.

His conduct has caused the death of another individual, Ueltzen said. And he has shown that he is a danger to society.

Judge Timothy A. Kams denied the request to lower his bail and maintained the current bail of $1.5 million.

Shahans next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 9.

If convicted on all charges, Shahan faces a maximum of 19 years to life in prison.
Beachgoers on a Texas shoreline near Houston were left floundering when thousands of dead fish washed up on the beach, Insider reported.

Whats happening?

The fish, most of which were Gulf menhaden, were killed by low oxygen levels in the surrounding water and blanketed shores near Quintana Beach for miles.

A Facebook post by Quintana Beach County Park explained that when water temperature rises above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, it becomes hard for menhaden to receive enough oxygen to survive. And its worse in shallow water.

The worlds oceans have lost around 2% of their oxygen since the 1950s and, if we continue at the rate were going, are expected to lose up to 4% by the year 2100.

Water can only hold so much oxygen at certain temperatures, and certainly we know that seawater temperatures are rising, Katie St. Clair, the manager of the sea life facility at Texas A&M University at Galveston, told NPR. It is concerning and something that needs to be monitored.

Julia Wellner, a glacial marine geoscientist at the University of Houston and one of a team of scientists who were there to study beach sediment, tweeted a harrowing video of the scene.

Yesterday I took a dozen international visiting sedimentologists to Quintana Beach, TX, she wrote. I might be an expert on some things on the beach but this fish kill baffled all of us. Went for miles. Low oxygen sure but why here and now? Why this dramatic? Scary future.

Yesterday I took a dozen international visiting sedimentologists to Quintana Beach, TX. I might be an expert on some things on the beach but this fish kill baffled all of us. Went for miles. Low oxygen sure but why here and now? Why this dramatic? Scary future. @TPWDnews pic.twitter.com/TVBdJEJL7v  @wellner@mastodon.green (@houston_wellner) June 11, 2023

Why is this event concerning?

Wellner may have said it best because this mass kill points to a scary future, indeed. Oceans comprise 97% of the liveable space on Earth and are pivotal to sustaining life.

Oxygen in the ocean is just as important as it is on land because the plants and animals that live in the ocean need it to survive. If deoxygenation continues to worsen, it will have devastating effects on marine ecosystems as well as life on land.

Deoxygenation in deeper ocean waters also produces toxic planet-warming gases that could make their way to the surface and be released into the atmosphere and contribute to further warming.

According to a report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature quoted by Copernicus Marine Service, Ocean deoxygenation is one of the most pernicious, yet under-reported side-effects of human-induced climate change.

The burning of dirty energy, like coal, gas, and oil, along with deforestation, agriculture, and other human activities, has sent an abundance of heat-trapping gases into our atmosphere, and the ocean absorbs more than 93% of the Earths warming from our changing climate.

What can be done to slow ocean deoxygenation?

Reducing our creation of planet-warming gases and ocean nutrient pollution is the best way to slow ocean deoxygenation.

We can do this by speeding up the switch from dirty energy sources, like gas, coal, and oil, to clean energy sources, like wind and solar power, in addition to reducing our usage of single-use plastic, which is created using oil and typically ends up polluting the ocean even further.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. Illustrated | Gettyimages

In what is perhaps the definition of a literal grudge match, Twitter owner Elon Musk and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg have indicated their interest in fighting each other. The feud emerged when Musk, 51, tweeted his enthusiasm for a Las Vegas-held, MMA-style cage match between himself and Zuckerberg, 39. The latter replied to Musk's challenge in a seemingly positive manner, writing on the Facebook-owned Instagram, "Send me location."

The internet reacted appropriately to the news, given that the seemingly childish feud is between "two computer geeks worth more than $300 billion put together," The Atlantic reported. Many people online also noted that the fight would likely be one-sided given Zuckerberg's knowledge of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Whether the pair will actually get in the ring remains to be seen.

Optics aside, the rivalry between the two actually has a lot to do with the tech battle between Twitter and Facebook's parent company, Meta. It's not a new conflict, either  the fight challenge marks "the latest jab in a nearly seven-year feud between the two CEOs," Insider reported.

Why are they feuding?

The cage match challenge was mainly prompted by "the competition of two similar businesses, which ramped up after Musk entered the social media arena last year," Vox reported. Musk was reportedly angered by Zuckerberg's announcement in 2023 that Meta was developing a direct Twitter competitor codenamed Project 92. Meta executives told Platformer that the platform would be "a standalone decentralized social network for sharing text updates." Meta also appeared to take a jab at Musk's haphazard running of Twitter, with one executive saying the platform would be "sanely run," per The Wall Street Journal.

Following the news of Project 92, Musk began taking shots at Zuckerberg online, the Journal noted. Zuckerberg has been firing back with quips of his own, and some experts say this may be a way for him to try and save face. The Meta head has "really ramped it up over the past year," one insider told The Washington Post, noting that he is now "courting the same 'tech bros' who have been captivated by Musk  who is suddenly Zuckerberg's competition in more ways than one."

As Musk continues to make headlines with his controversial views on social media, Zuckerberg "is also getting a feeling that he is not respected," Bhaskar Chakravorti, dean of global business at Tufts University's Fletcher School, told the Post. The cage match is "a way for him to show that, 'Look, he is edgy. He can be a tech bro just like the next guy,'" Chakravorti added.

The rivalry goes back even further

While the cage match puts the pair in the spotlight, the feud between Musk and Zuckerberg is not a new one. The animosity between the two seems to date back to 2016, when one of Musk's SpaceX rockets exploded while carrying a contracted Facebook satellite. After the incident, Zuckerberg wrote that he was "deeply disappointed" in the explosion, notably calling Musk's launch a "failure."

Since then, Insider noted that the pair "have been griping about each other behind closed doors for years," though they have also expressed their anger publicly. Just a year after the SpaceX explosion, the pair got into another anger match, this time over the use of artificial intelligence. During a Facebook live session, the Journal noted, Zuckerberg said of AI, "people who are naysayers andtry to drum up these doomsday scenariosI just don't understand it. It's really negative, and in some ways, I actually think it's pretty irresponsible." Musk, who the Journal noted has previously warned of AI's dangers, tweeted that Zuckerberg's "understanding of the subject is limited."

The pair's confrontation came to a head following the Cambridge Analytica scandal, in which a British firm collected data from Facebook users to use in the 2016 presidential campaign of Donald Trump. Following the revelations, Musk deleted SpaceX and Tesla's Facebook pages. He tweeted in 2022 that Facebook "gives me the willies."

Musk has also gotten confrontational with others on social media, and this isn't the first time he's asked someone to fight. In 2022, after the war in Ukraine broke out, Musk challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin to "single combat." This fight never occurred, and it seems unlikely that the Zuckerberg match will happen either, especially since Musk's mother tweeted that she "canceled the fight."

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Women who say they have been abandoned by Non-Resident Indian husbands take part in an organiszd protest in Jalandhar, Punjab, India, on March 8, 2019. Credit - Anushree FadnavisReuters

In Akalgarh, a village in the northern Indian state of Punjab, Jagdeep Kaurs family cobbled together a hefty $8,500almost four times the average annual salary in Indiafor a dowry to wed Sukhminder Singh. Kaurs family also gifted gold, expensive clothes, and furniture during the wedding, which they used a loan to pay for. They hoped that by marrying Singh, a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) living in Hamburg, Germany, Kaur would have a better life abroad.

But the blissful union was never meant to be. A mere month into their marriage in 2009, Singh returned to Germany, where he had a job at a restaurant. He promised Kaur that he would soon get her paperwork done and bring her with him to Europe. That never happened, and Kaur, now 43, met Singh, also 43, only a few times during his subsequent trips back to India.

Kaur is still married to Singh and in 2017 she learned about her husbands dark secret: not only did he have another wife in Germany, but two children. I was shocked and didnt know what to do, Kaur tells TIME from her home in Ludhiana, swabbing tears from her face with her scarf. She has now filed cases at the Judicial Magistrate Court in Jagraona town around 25 miles from Ludhianaagainst Singh and his family members in the area for cruelty, fraud, and cheating.

Kaur is one of thousands of wives who have been deceived by husbands living abroad, and hoping to get justice through Indias overburdened legal system. Though official statistics are hard to come by, a 2018 petition by eight such women in Indias Supreme Court said there are more than 40,000 wives who have been deceived into marrying NRI men. Indias government has dealt with more than 6,000 grievances against NRI men from 2015 to 2019.

Jit Singh showing his daughter Jagdeep Kaurs wedding album at his home in Akalgarh, Ludhiana, on April 9. Bilal Kuchay

Many Indian families hope an NRI son-in-law would provide better opportunities for their daughters. That has prompted some to spend exorbitant amounts on dowries to secure an NRI son-in-law, says Mamatha Raghuveer Achanta, founder of the Network Of International Legal Activists (NILA), a nonprofit that has assisted more than 250 women who have been deceived by NRI husbands. They neglect to verify the credentials of the groom, resulting in many Indian women being abandoned by their husbands, she says.

Reeta Kohli, a senior lawyer at the Punjab and Haryana High Court, says these women are virtually bridal widows and do not live the life of a partner. She adds that some even end up working as maids at their in-laws homes while waiting for their husbands to return. Kohli says these circumstances often lead to abuse or exploitation.

Its a concern echoed by Vidya Ramachandran, a Ph.D. candidate at Oxford University researching women who have been abandoned by NRI husbands. She has interviewed over 30 women in the past six months and a vast majority of these women allege experiencing abuse from their in-laws. In most of the cases, these women have been harassed for dowry, she says.

Although dowries have been illegal in India since 1961, Achanta calls the legislation toothless. There is no mechanism to monitor its implementation in the country to date, she adds. Data suggests that dowries remain widespreada 2021 World Bank study indicates that they continue to be paid in most marriages, with a brides family spending seven times more on average than a groom in the data that researchers studieda fact that experts say is driving the issue of abandoned brides.

Satwinder Kaur Satti, 42, knows all too well the uphill battle for justice for abandoned brides. The Ludhiana native has for years been at the forefront in the fight against NRI husbands who have scammed their wives. A victim of a sham marriage herself, Satti not only fought against her NRI husband in court but led several protests in Punjab and New Delhi until she was granted a divorce by a local court in Ludhiana in August 2022, and then alimony.

Others are not quite as lucky. Beyond the stigma of being abandoned in a socially conservative country, these women struggle to find new partners, in part because they cant remarry until a divorce is granted.

In 2016, during the course of Sattis fight for justice, she founded the NGO Abandoned Brides by NRI Husbands International (ABBNHI) to help victims like her. She says that ABBNHI has helped hundreds of women across Punjab file cases against their husbands.

Women can file grievances under Section 498A of Indias penal code, which deals with cruelty toward a woman by her husband or his relatives, and can carry up to three years in jail and a fine. In cases of abuse, the women can also seek justice under the Protection of Women From Domestic Violence Act, to secure compensation and the right to live in their matrimonial home.

Satwinder Kaur Satti at her office in Ludhiana on April 10. Bilal Kuchay

According to Kohli, local courts in India have in some cases ordered abandoned brides to be paid monthly assistance from husbands. But she and others say that actually receiving payment is rare. When it comes to getting maintenance, or any sort of justice in such cases, it becomes a herculean task, Kohil adds, citing lengthy court procedures and uncooperative police, not to mention the difficulty of jurisdictional issues that come with husbands who live abroad.

In most of the cases that Sattis organization has handled, she says the passports of NRI husbands were revoked by Indian authorities. (If they dont appear before a court despite being summoned, the court can declare them a proclaimed offender and revoke their passport. The court can also issue a lookout circular notice that can be used to bar them from entering or leaving India.) Satti says such an outcome often prompts NRI husbands to reach a settlement with their wives.

Experts have also called on the government to pass the Registration of Marriage of Non-Resident Indians Bill, which was introduced in parliament in February 2019 by Indias then-foreign minister, Sushma Swaraj. The bill would require all marriages involving NRIs to be registered with a local authority within 30 days and grant authorities the power to revoke passports if individuals fail to do so; it would also facilitate the seizure of property for any proclaimed offenders who fail to appear in court.

In March 2020, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs approved the bill but called for amendments to make it exhaustive by registering more information from NRI men, including passport details and foreign addresses, among other measures. But in the three years since, the bill has yet to become law.

Back in Akalgarh, Kaur is still waiting for justice against her husband. In February 2020, Singh was declared by the magisterial court in Jagraon a proclaimed offender for his failure to appear in court for almost two years. Indian authorities also issued a lookout circular against him, meaning he can be arrested if he comes to India. His Indian passport has likewise been revoked, according to Kaur, who shared a copy of a letter from a local passport office over its decision to impound the document.

But Kaur has yet to receive the $8,500 her family paid in dowry, or any other compensation for her decade-plus ordeal. The Jagraon court in March 2020 ordered Singh to pay Kaur $123 in monthly financial support, but both she and her father say that hasnt happened.

Kaurs lawyer is now pushing for Singhs family home in Mohie village, located in the west of Ludhiana, to be seized so it can bring him to the negotiating table. Kaur had lived in the house with her in-laws until 2017; she says she moved out that year after discovering photographs and documents in Singhs suitcaseduring one of his trips back to Indiaof his other family in Germany.

Since then, Kaur has been living with her parents. She now works as a tutor for children and earns a meagre $40 a month, or $480 a yearabout one-fifth of Indias average salary of $2,250. Her father, Jit Singh, 71, a former officer in the Indian Air Force, provides her with considerable financial support, including the expenses of the court cases against Singh.

But old age and multiple ailments leaves Jit Singh worried about his daughters future. What will happen to my daughter after my death? This thought is killing me inside, he says.

Its a fear that Kaur no doubt shares. Ive lost faith in everything now, she says. What I want is justice. I want him to pay me what I had given him and his family in dowry and compensationso that I can live the rest of my life without being dependent on anyone.
The Rev. John Crestwell , right, speaks during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Guardians of the First Amendment Memorial, Wednesday, June 28, 2023 in Annapolis, Md., on the fifth anniversary of the shooting at the Capital Gazette newsroom that killed five people in 2018. (AP Photo/Brian Witte)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP)  A wreath-laying ceremony marking the fifth anniversary of an attack that killed five people at the Capital Gazette newspaper was held Wednesday as their grieving families and friends found solidarity with victims of yet another mass shooting in Maryland's capital.

Current and former Gazette staffers joined relatives in placing the wreaths at the five pillars of the Guardians of First Amendment Memorial in downtown Annapolis to honor Gerald Fischman, Rob Hiaasen, John McNamara, Rebecca Smith and Wendi Winters.

The Gazette community found itself consoling other victims  the families of three people who were killed and three others who were injured earlier this month during a dispute that apparently began over parking.

My heart aches for those that we see ... families of the other mass shooting in Annapolis, but Im here to tell you that strength, love, patience and time do make things better, and it is a journey," said Maria Hiaasen, the widow of Rob Hiaasen.

Gov. Wes Moore, first lady Dawn Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller placed one of the wreaths at the monument, which is near the citys waterfront and historic Maryland State House.

This tragedy reminds us of how much work we still have to do to build safer communities and end gun violence, the governor said in a statement released after the ceremony. "We must do everything we can to protect the sanctity of our neighborhoods, protect the future of our children, and protect the safety of our journalists  whether they cover stories at home or abroad.

Moore, a Democrat in his first year in office, signed legislation in May in response to last year's U.S. Supreme Court ruling that ended a requirement, similar to a Maryland law, for people to demonstrate a particular need to get a license to carry a concealed gun in public.

While the new Maryland law removes the good and substantial reason language that the court found unconstitutional, it also tightened gun laws to prevent someone from carrying a concealed handgun in certain areas. The NRA filed a court challenge the day Moore signed the legislation.

Wednesday's ceremony was held 17 days after a shooting outside a nearby home that killed three, including a father and son, and injured three others. Authorities say the dispute over parking during a neighborhood party led to the shooting that killed Christian Segovia, Nicholas Mireles and his 27-year-old son, Mario Alfredo Mireles. Charles Robert Smith has been charged in the slayings.

I brought the ashes of my son into my house, but everyday I still wait for him to come back, Christian Segovia, Sr., Segovias father, said during the ceremony at the monument. Every day I still wait for him  that this is a nightmare and this is not true  and that hurts.

Segovia said his son left us with a 6-year old, and a baby on the way, and they will be the reason of my happiness again.

The shooting on a residential street brought back memories of the attack five years ago that rocked this historic capital near the Chesapeake Bay in a state with some of the nation's strictest gun laws.

A gunman with a well-documented history of harassing the newspapers journalists blasted into the Capital Gazettes newsroom with a shotgun and killed five employees on the ground floor of an office building, where the former newspaper office is now a coffee shop. Jarrod Ramos, the gunman, was captured hiding under a newsroom desk. He was sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole in 2021.

Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman attended the ceremony and noted in an interview afterward a variety of local initiatives to help stop gun violence in recent years, including a gun violence intervention team and free gunlocks distributed by libraries. The county had more firearms taken into custody under the state's red flag law than any other county in Maryland in 2021, he said, and it's still not enough.

We know that Congress has to do more," Pittman said. "The assault weapons ban worked for 10 years, and we need it back.
UNITED NATIONS, June 27 (Xinhua) -- The United States has the legal obligation to pay a historical debt to Nicaragua as per an international court ruling over 30 years ago, Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Denis Moncada said here Tuesday.

Moncada on Tuesday handed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres a letter signed by Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, requesting the UN chief circulate a document about Nicaragua's position on the U.S. obligation to the UN General Assembly.

The document, seen by Xinhua, says that "there is a historical debt to the Nicaraguan people that 37 years later has not been settled by the United States."

It stresses that Nicaragua has not waived "the payment of the debt" or "the right to receive its compensation."

According to the document, the International Court of Justice issued a judgment on June 27, 1986, ordering the United States to indemnify Nicaragua for all the damages caused by the U.S. military and paramilitary activities against Nicaragua.

"The United States has a legal obligation under this sentence to indemnify, pay the damages that they committed against the peoples, the state and the government of Nicaragua," Moncada told Xinhua in an interview at the UN headquarters.

"The sentence is still in place," he said. "It's binding, and it's obligatory, and should be complied."

The court judgment found that the United States had violated obligations under international law not to intervene in the affairs of another state, not to use force against another state, not to infringe the sovereignty of another state, and not to interrupt peaceful maritime commerce.

Back then, the United States refused to participate in the proceedings, vetoed the UN Security Council resolution and voted against the General Assembly resolution urgently calling for full and immediate compliance with the judgment.

Nowadays, the United States is pursuing a "rule-based international order, which is an exercise of double standards continuously practiced by Washington to manipulate (other countries) for its interests," Moncada said.

He said that the United States and some of its allies want to impose their own rules without compliance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

Moncada said the United States has double standards on human rights and lacks respect for other states' sovereignty.

The international community should be united in solidarity to defend the Charter of the United Nations, address hegemonism and other acts and build a just world with shared common interests, said Moncada. 
FILE - Adnan Syed, center right, leaves the courthouse after a hearing, Sept. 19, 2022, in Baltimore. The Supreme Court of Maryland announced Wednesday, June 28, 2023, that it will hear appeals from Syed, whose conviction for killing an ex-girlfriend was reinstated by a lower court earlier this year after he was released from prison. The court also said it will hear appeals from the victim's family. (Jerry Jackson/The Baltimore Sun via AP, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP)  The Supreme Court of Maryland announced Wednesday it will hear an appeal from Adnan Syed, whose conviction for killing an ex-girlfriend was reinstated by a lower court after he was released from prison.

The court scheduled legal brief deadlines for August and oral arguments for Oct. 5. The court also said it will hear appeals from the victims family.

Syed, whose case was chronicled in the hit podcast Serial," was convicted in 2000 of killing Hae Min Lee. He was freed from prison last year after Baltimore prosecutors found flaws in the evidence presented at trial and a judge agreed to vacate his conviction.

However, Lee's relatives appealed the decision, contending they didnt receive sufficient notice to attend the hearing that set Syed free. In March, the Maryland Appellate Court agreed and reinstated Syeds conviction and ordered a redo of the hearing.

Syed's attorney, Erica Suter, then appealed that ruling to the state's highest court. She asked the seven justices to review whether former Baltimore States Attorney Marilyn Mosbys decision to dismiss the charges against Syed last year made the familys court challenge moot.

Last September, a judge denied to postpone the Maryland hearing that released Syed so that the victims brother, Young Lee, could travel from California, but did allow Lee to address the court via Zoom.

Suter also wants the justices to decide if the Zoom testimony satisfied the right of the victims representative to attend the hearing and whether the family had enough notice.

Syeds lawyer is asking the Supreme Court of Maryland to consider whether the conviction should have been reinstated without showing that the hearing wouldn't have resulted in his release.

The Lee family filed their own petition asking the court to give victims an even larger role in hearings to vacate convictions  by allowing them to challenge evidence and cross-examine witnesses.

The State of Maryland supports victims and their families with rights acknowledged by Marylands own state constitution and statutory scheme," said David Sanford, an attorney for the Lee family in a statement after the court announced it will hear the appeals. "We will urge the Maryland Supreme Court to recognize those rights by allowing Young Lee and his family the opportunity to challenge the states evidence, to the extent it has any evidence, suggesting Adnan Syed did not murder Young Lees sister 23 years ago.

Maryland law grants victims the right to speak in certain proceedings, but allowing more active participation in conviction vacatur hearings would create a sea change in Maryland courts by effectively letting them play the role of third-party prosecutor, Syeds attorneys wrote earlier this month. That is a question the state legislature should decide, not the courts, the attorneys argued.

As the case proceeds, Syed will remain free, but there is a chance he could ultimately return to prison, depending on the outcome.
Starting Saturday, all Massachusetts residents can apply for a state-issued drivers license regardless of legal standing in the United States, thanks to the Family Work and Mobility Act enacted last summer.

Grassroots organizers have been holding meetings statewide at local community centers to inform residents of the process, letting them know the steps to acquire a Massachusetts license.

It starts with preparation.

At a May meeting organized by the Rev. Eduardo Caceres at the Iglesia Dios de la Profecia in Lynn, members of the community group Cosecha were clear in the advice about how to prepare to apply to the Registry of Motor Vehicles:

Decide which documents are needed:

Proof of identification (foreign passport, birth certificate, consular documents)

For proof of residency, the list of documents, from leases to insurance papers, bank statements and school transcripts, is available on the RMV website.

Ensure the paperwork is current and up to date, as well as translated into English by a certified translation service, as required by the RMV.

If documents are missing, obtain the necessary documents. A letter denying the recipient a Social Security number, supplied by the Social Security Administration, is a must.

Pay any and all traffic tickets and fines, even those issued in other jurisdictions.

Starting Saturday, fill out the application online at RMV.

Call the RMV to schedule an appointment (also a must) to take the written test for a learners permit.

Study the driving manual (available to download online in Vietnamese, traditional and simplified Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean, Arabic and English).

Take practice tests before the scheduled appointment date.

The fee to apply for a learners permit is $30, the road test fee is $35, and the drivers license costs $50. Overall it will cost $115, payable to the state RMV. The website cautions against paying anyone else for processing the paperwork.

Community and grassroots organizations called for rallies, demonstrations and sit-ins last year to encourage Massachusetts legislators to support allowing all residents, regardless of legal status to apply for driver's licenses. That law goes into effect Saturday.

Two-decade push for licenses

The push to extend driving privileges to residents whose immigration status has yet to be finalized has been ongoing in Massachusetts for almost two decades. It was first launched by former Boston Rep. Marty Walsh and then championed by grassroots and immigrant organizations statewide. It was passed twice last summer, the first time by an overwhelming majority of both the House and Senate, only to be vetoed by former Gov. Charlie Baker.

The state Legislature overrode the veto in June.

This is a triumph for the community, said Cosecha organizer Omar Contreras at the Lynn event. His group works to promote the permanent protection, dignity and respect of the Hispanic community throughout Massachusetts. Together with other organizers, the group staged hunger strikes in support of the legislation, called for demonstrations and marches throughout the Bay State, including Worcester.

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Contreras believes opening licenses to all state residents is a win for Massachusetts. The move ensures that all residents who drive have studied the states rules of the road and are qualified to hold a license. It also opens the door to making sure drivers insure their vehicles.

Organizations that supported the measure include the SEIU, ACLU of Massachusetts, Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action, Essex County Community Organization, Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, Progressive Massachusetts and the Merrimack Valley Project.

Eighteen states nationwide, including neighboring Connecticut, Rhode Island and Vermont, allow all residents to apply for licenses. Others are California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Utah, Virginia and Washington. Both Rhode Island and Massachusetts passed the measure in 2022; Minnesota enacted its measure this year.

The conservative group Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance led the opposition to the Mobility Act last summer through its organization Fair and Secure Massachusetts. The group filed a challenge to the law, which was finally decided by voters in November through a referendum question.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Mass. driving privileges extended to all residents starting Saturday
[Source]

Max recently announced the official Warrior podcast, led by Lisa Ling and Hoon Lee, which will debut on Thursday.

About the announcement: On June 22, Max took to social media platforms such as YouTube to share the official trailer for the upcoming podcast.

In the video, Ling, a journalist and news contributor for CBS News, and Lee, who plays Wang Chao in Warrior, talk about what fans of the Max series can expect.

Ling, who describes herself as a super fan of Warrior, shares that a new podcast episode will be released after every new episode of Warrior Season 3 premieres.

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Were going to be talking to the creators, the directors and cast of the drama, the romance, the underground economies and the criminal organizations, and of course, the incredible martial arts, she divulges.

And well also talk about how the show incorporates real, historical events that affected Chinese immigrants at the turn of the century, Lee says.

In every episode, well celebrate Bruce Lees life and legacy and the way he changed Hollywood forever, he continues.

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About Warrior: The martial arts crime drama TV series, which is set in the late 1870s, follows Chinese martial arts prodigy Ah Sahm (played by Andrew Koji) as he searches for his sister in San Francisco.

In addition to Koji and Hoon Lee, the series cast includes Olivia Cheng, Jason Tobin, Dianne Doan and Joe Taslim, among others.

The show is based on an original concept by the late Hong Kong and American martial artist Bruce Lee and is executive produced by his daughter, Shannon Lee. Its first season premiered in April 2019, while its second season premiered in October 2020.

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Warrior Season 3 is set to premiere on Thursday.

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Speaker Kevin McCarthy has scrambled to contain the fallout after he suggested that former President Donald Trump might not be the strongest candidate in the 2024 presidential race  comments that outraged Trump allies and raised fresh questions on the right about why the speaker has yet to endorse Trump in the crowded GOP primary.

McCarthy called Trump Tuesday morning to apologize, two sources familiar told CNN, after McCarthy said during a CNBC interview that he thinks Trump can win in 2024, but does not know if he is the strongest candidate.

McCarthy explained to Trump that he misspoke on CNBC, and also claimed that some reporters took some of his comments out of context, the sources said. Allies were pleased with McCarthys apology, though several Trump advisers told CNN they were still wary of the speaker. The New York Times was first to report on the call.

And the damage control didnt end there.

Not long after his call with Trump, McCarthy walked back his remarks and offered effusive praise of Trump in an exclusive interview with the right-wing publication Breitbart. A Trump campaign adviser told CNN, I dont think anyone can read his interview yesterday and not believe that he fully supports (Trump).

McCarthys campaign then also blasted out a fundraising email calling Trump the strongest opponent to beat President Joe Biden.

McCarthys scramble to stay in Trumps good graces and reiterate his loyalty both privately and publicly shows how much he is still beholden to the former president, who remains popular among McCarthys right flank. Yet McCarthy has refused to endorse in the primary so far  an example of the delicate tightrope he is walking when it comes to Trump.

But the speaker is likely to come under increasing pressure to get off the sidelines as the race heats up, even as some senior Republicans have advised McCarthy to stay neutral, worried it could put some vulnerable House Republicans in a tough spot. Privately, there are deep misgivings among a faction of Republicans about having Trump as their presidential nominee.

Some in Trumps orbit say McCarthy has indicated to them that his endorsement could hurt Trump with far-right factions of the party that view McCarthy as part of the establishment. One Trump adviser did not scoff at this reasoning, pointing to how enraged with McCarthy some of Trumps most ardent supporters were at the speakers comments Tuesday.

But overall, those close to Trump expect McCarthy to ultimately endorse Trump, particularly after the former president stepped up his support for McCarthy in his speaker election earlier this year.

Sources close to Trump believe the former president helped secure the speakership for McCarthy after urging House Republicans to vote for the embattled leader after McCarthy lost three straight speakership votes in January. Trump also made calls on McCarthys behalf ahead of the vote. McCarthy finally secured the gavel on the 15th ballot and immediately thanked the former president for his support.

As of right now, however, McCarthy has no intentions of endorsing Trump  or anyone  in the primary, according to sources familiar with the speakers thinking, though its still early and his calculus could change.

Since getting into the race, Trump has been aggressively courting endorsements from allies on Capitol Hill, which he believes will help solidify his status as the front-runner. So far, House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik is the highest-ranking House Republican to endorse Trump.

In the past, some advisers to the former president have brushed off questions as to why McCarthy has not offered an endorsement of Trump in 2024, and instead dodged the question when asked by reporters.

McCarthy, too, has avoided the question. When recently asked by CNN whether he plans to endorse anyone in the primary, McCarthy said: I could, yes, very well.

Within Trumps world, there have been questions about why the former president hasnt cut McCarthy loose.

He could have let him go after January 6, one Trump ally said, pointing to a recording of McCarthy, released by The New York Times, telling GOP leaders that he would push Trump to resign after the insurrection.

Others close to Trump see a utility in the former presidents relationship with the now-speaker, specifically the ongoing investigations into Democrats by Republicans in the House.

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Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is racing to mend fences with former President Trump after the GOP leader questioned Trumps strength as a 2024 presidential contender  a comment he quickly walked back amid blowback from Trump world.

The Speakers cleanup effort  which has so far included a direct call to Trump, a subsequent media interview declaring Trump to be the strongest candidate, and an email blast to would-be donors amplifying that message  has illustrated the political dangers facing GOP leaders as they seek to balance Trumps vast popularity against the baggage of his legal and ethical travails heading into the elections.

McCarthys scramble also reflects the influence Trump continues to wield among Republicans in the House, where more than 60 GOP lawmakers have already endorsed him in the presidential primary.

And its highlighted the fragile relationship between Trump and McCarthy, who needed the support of the former president to win the Speakers gavel in January and wants to remain in Trumps good graces amid an internal battle with GOP hard-liners still wary of McCarthys commitment to conservative priorities.

More House coverage from The Hill

All of those factors appeared to collide during an interview with CNBC on Tuesday morning, when McCarthy  while noting that Trump can beat Biden in 2024  said he was unsure if the former president was the strongest candidate to do so, sparking pushback from some on the right and reportedly angering those in the former presidents orbit.

McCarthy quickly entered cleanup mode. Within hours, he had told the conservative Breitbart News in an interview that Trump is stronger today than he was in 2016, sent out sent out fundraising blasts that declared Trump Bidens strongest opponent and, according to The New York Times, placed a call to Trump for a conversation that sources characterized as an apology.

The stunning episode  which played out in less than 24 hours  highlights the delicate balancing act McCarthy is forced to perform when it comes to matters involving Trump, the GOP presidential front-runner who helped him secure the Speakers gavel in January and still holds a firm grip on much of the House Republican conference.

But whether or not McCarthys efforts Wednesday were enough to land him back in Trumps good graces remains to be seen.

The Hill Elections 2024 coverage

Politico reported Wednesday that Trumps team  which is known for controlling who is allowed to raise money off the ex-presidents name  asked McCarthy to remove his fundraising pitch that mentioned Trump, a blast that was part of his damage control.

Trump himself, however, has not yet commented on McCarthys 180.

A Trump-world source acknowledged there was certainly annoyance with McCarthys comment on CNBC but added that Trump was pleased with the Speakers Breitbart interview, suggesting that reports of severe tensions were exaggerated.

I think some of this has been overblown. While there was certainly annoyance over his comment, it wasnt lost on people that the bulk of the interview was McCarthy defending Trump, and most importantly, Trump himself was pleased with the interview McCarthy gave Breitbart yesterday, the source said.

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Congressional Republicans also sought to downplay the rift.

Rep. Ken Buck (Colo.), one of the GOP lawmakers who revolted against Republican House leadership earlier this month, suggested that McCarthy meant it would be difficult to name Trump the strongest candidate now, when the Republican field is still developing.

Does another candidate rise and show that sort of personality, that sort of strength of character that he would be willing to take on the swamp? Thats yet to be seen. And I think thats what Kevin was saying, is this is a long time that were gonna see between now and the primary elections, Buck told CNN in an interview Tuesday night.

And so its hard to say that Donald Trump is gonna be the strongest candidate in the future. Its really a hypothetical and calls for speculation. But right now, Donald Trump is definitely the strongest candidate, he added.

Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.)

Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) arrives for an event at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. (Greg Nash)

Like McCarthy himself, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.)  a close ally of both Trump and the Speaker  pinned the conflict on the media, accusing reporters of blowing GOP divisions out of proportion.

The medias specialty is dividing Republicans. Its time for Republicans to stop being sucked into playing the dumb game. Defeat the Democrats America Last agenda and save America, Greene wrote on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon.

Democrats, for their part, see McCarthys backtrack as more evidence of the strong influence Trump has on the Speaker and his GOP conference.

Donald Trump, Marjorie Taylor Greene, they control the Republican Party and, you know, you can see it every day, Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) told The Hill on Wednesday. Kevin McCarthy can barely hold on to his Speakership, and so he is going to, you know, bow down to whatever Donald Trump wants him to do  I mean, you saw a good example of that in that back-and-forth.

Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.)

Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) speaks during a Subcommittee on National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs hearing with a quotation from the Office of the Inspector General behind him at the Capitol on Tuesday, June 6, 2023.

The relationship between Trump and McCarthy has been complicated since the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, for which Trump was impeached. McCarthy, then the House minority leader, voted against that impeachment but also accused Trump of bearing responsibility for the rampage.

Yet when most Republicans, including those in Congress, made clear they were sticking behind Trump, McCarthy quickly reversed course, visiting Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida a few weeks later to patch things up  a recognition that he needed Trumps support to rise to the Speakership.

The more recent squabble between Trump and McCarthy comes after somewhat of a honeymoon period between the two top Republicans.

Shortly after McCarthy secured the speakers gavel in January  following a 15-ballot vote  the California Republican thanked Trump for helping him win the top job, telling reporters, I dont think anybody should doubt his influence.

In a now-infamous photo, Greene is seen handing a phone on a call with DT to Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.), one of McCarthys detractors.

And earlier this month, when McCarthy struck a deal with Biden to raise the debt limit, Trump did not join other conservatives in criticizing the deal  as other 2024 GOP candidates did  sparing McCarthy from the challenge of wrangling enough votes amid Trumps opposition.

McCarthy, meanwhile, has appeared to pay back the favor in his first six months as Speaker, catering to Trumps best interests on a number of occasions.

His committee chairmen launched an investigation into Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg after he indicted Trump, requested information from special counsel Jack Smith as he closed in on his own charges and, just last week, McCarthy endorsed an effort to expunge Trumps first and second impeachments.

It should never have gone through, he said of both impeachment votes.

Brett Samuels contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
 Read the full article on Motorious

By Mecum Auctions

Inspired by the continuous success of The Worlds Largest Collector Car Auction, held by Mecum Auctions each January at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida, the company will once again return to the familiar venue for a Summer Special auction this July 6-9 with an estimated 1,500 American muscle cars, classics, Corvettes, trucks, exotics, Hot Rods, customs and more to be offered and a live broadcast of the event to be shown on MotorTrendTV and MotorTrend+.

This years January Kissimmee auction achieved a world-record $234 million in sales and a world record of more than 4,000 lots that crossed the auction block. The annual event also became the first-ever collector car auction to eclipse the $200 million mark in sales in consecutive years, demonstrating an undeniable pattern of success for the Florida auction location and spurring on the continued staging of the summer auction edition, now in its fourth year.

Among the featured lots currently consigned for this years Summer Special auction is a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible (Lot S100) with a red exterior, white convertible top and a two-tone red and silver interior, which is powered by a 283/245 HP V-8 engine with an automatic transmission. A 1975 BMW 2002 (Lot F35) with an M10 2.0L engine and a 5-speed manual transmission is another featured lot headed for the Kissimmee auction block, and it boasts a selection of racing equipment like a roll bar, strut brace and MOMO race seats, along with employment of the race-specific backseat delete option.

Other auction highlights include a 1970 Dodge Charger R/T (Lot F114) with a matching-numbers 440 CI V-8 engine and a 727 automatic transmission. Its been refinished in factory color Hemi Orange (Code EV2) and features a mostly original black interior. A 1967 Ford Mustang Convertible (Lot F114.1) with an updated 4.6L V-8 engine, an automatic transmission with overdrive and a coilover front suspension with shock tower delete is also consigned for Kissimmee.

The Mitchell Estate Collection encompasses more than 100 years of automotive history among its more than 30 lots, all of which will be offered at no reserve. The collection comprises mostly prewar roadsters from the Ford plant but also includes a pair of 1957 Ford Thunderbird E-Code Convertibles (Lots S14 and S14.1) and an overall wide range of vintages spanning more than a century, from a 1909 Buick Runabout (Lot S20) to a 2020 Tesla Model S (Lot S16.1) with just 421 miles.

Those interested in consigning a vehicle for auction at Mecums Kissimmee Summer Special 2023 may find complete details about the consignment process and pricing at Mecum.com and are encouraged to submit a Request for Position form now to take advantage of pre-auction marketing opportunities.

Mecum has reinvented its bidder registration process, making it easier than ever for collector car enthusiasts to bid on their dream car, both from home and at the auction. Options for in-person, telephone and internet bidding start at $100, and standard, in-person bidding includes admission for two persons to all auction days.

For more information on Mecums Kissimmee Summer Special 2023 and all other Mecum auctions, visit Mecum.com. Mecums website is updated daily with the latest consignments and includes detailed descriptions and photographs of the vehicles to be offered. For schedule information, to consign a vehicle or to register as a bidder for this and all Mecum events, visit Mecum.com, or call (262) 275-5050 for more information.

Schedule:

Mecums Kissimmee Summer Special 2023

Osceola Heritage Park

1875 Silver Spur Lane

Kissimmee, FL 34744

July 6-9, 2023

Bidder Registration: Options for in-person, telephone and internet bidding start at $100, and standard, in-person bidding includes admission for two persons to all auction days.

Admission: $20 in advance online, and $30 at the door and online after July 5per person, per day; children 12 and younger receive complimentary admission

Preview: Gates open daily at 8 a.m.

Auction: Vehicles begin daily at 10 a.m.

Television on MotorTrendTV: Friday, July 7 from noon to 6 p.m. (Live) on MotorTrendTV and MotorTrend+ and Saturday, July 8 from noon to 6 p.m. (Live) on MotorTrendTV and MotorTrend+ (All Times EDT)

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Journalists from Skhemy and Slidstvo.info identified the Russian units and their commanders who controlled the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) on the night of its explosion. Their conversations were also intercepted.

Source: Skhemy (Schemes), project by Radio Liberty, Slidstvo.Info

Details: Investigators managed to establish the names of a number of Russian soldiers of the 205th Separate Cossack Motor Rifle Brigade of the Russian Ground Forces, which directly controlled the Kakhovka HPP.

The videos filmed by Russian propaganda media at the dam and on the premises of the hydroelectric power plant were helpful in identifying them, despite the fact that the soldiers were hiding their faces with balaclavas.

In particular, they managed to identify 35-year-old Arsen Pitskhelauri with the call sign Gruzin (Georgian), who, judging by a photo on the Russian social network Vkontakte, took an active part in the occupation of Kherson Oblast.

According to the occupier's friends, he still remains in Nova Kakhovka along with other soldiers of the 205th motorised brigade. They also revealed that after the blowing up of the dam, Gruzin was summoned to Russia for awarding.

The journalists also managed to identify Ruslan Magomedov, a sergeant of the engineer battalion of the 205th Separate Cossack Motor Rifle Brigade, who was decorated in December 2022 with the Russian Order of Merit.

He was decorated by the deputy commander of the 205th brigade with the call sign Poligon, also identified by journalists. This is 36-year-old Major Denis Mishchenko. The decoration took place near the hydroelectric power plant in the Park of Glory of Nova Kakhovka..

The fact that the soldiers of the 205th Separate Cossack Motor Rifle Brigade blew up the Kakhovka HPP is the main version voiced by both Ukrainian officials and the media.

Journalists received an updated list of fighters of the 205th brigade from sources in one of the state special forces of Ukraine. These are almost four hundred people who serve in motorised rifle battalions, a special communications company, howitzer self-propelled artillery battalions, a rocket artillery division, an anti-tank artillery division, an anti-aircraft missile division, a reconnaissance battalion, an engineering and combat engineer battalion and other units of the 205th Separate Cossack Motor Rifle Brigade.

According to the document received, Colonel Roman Titov is indicated as the commander of the 205th brigade.

Roman Titov's page in the "Odnoklassniki" social network

Colonel Titov, even before he headed the brigade, was known to Ukrainian intelligence. According to the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Titov has been "directly involved in criminal activities in Ukraine" since March 2015.

Journalists found that the soldiers of the 205th brigade are still in Nova Kakhovka. This was confirmed in a conversation with a soldier of the Russian National Guard familiar with the fighters of the 205th brigade.

Taking into account the interception of the conversations of the military of the 205th brigade on the night of the destruction of the dam, which the journalists managed to get, the Russian invaders were preparing to act on command. And it was at that time that residents began to report explosions and incomprehensible noise in the chats of the city of Nova Kakhovka on social media. This took place between 2:18 and 2:34 on 6 June.

It follows from the context of the conversation that two important events occurred. First, the Russian military was preparing to do something "on command." Second, in the understanding of the Russian military, which, judging by the conversation, was on or near the dam at the time of the explosion, there was an "emergency". What follows is a fragment of the intercepted conversation provided to journalists by a source among the Ukrainian military (the conversation takes place between 2.20 and 2.34 on the night of 5-6 June).

Intercepted conversation:

02:20 - Hows the situation? Thats first. Secondly, get ready, get ready; everything is on command, how did you hear me?

02:20 - That's it, that's it, it's going..

02:21 - Roger, move out to the point, to the point, take everything.

02:21 - We cant take anything.

02.30 - Emergency. Just so you know, all is done here, the departure is blocked and everything is covered by water.

02.34 - Move to where you were picked up and left.

02.34 - They cannot get out; everything is flooded.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Donors' bodies lie covered in an anatomy lab at the Justus Liebig University in Giessen, Germany. Sebastian Gollnow/picture alliance via Getty Images

Six people were charged on June 14, 2023, with buying and selling human remains stolen from the Harvard Medical School morgue and from an Arkansas mortuary. The macabre story made national headlines, particularly the indictment of Cedric Lodge: a morgue manager at Harvard from 1995 until earlier this year.

As a scholar in the sociology of religion, my research explores practices related to whole-body donation in medical schools across the United States. While these accusations against Lodge are deeply troubling, they are an aberration: Medical school communities go to incredible lengths to respect and honor the people who donate their bodies to science.

Much of this happens behind closed doors. The serious scientific work of anatomical study is undergirded by practices that promote the donors dignity, including memorial ceremonies to honor their gift. I conducted a census of allopathic medical schools  schools that grant the M.D. degree  and analyzed recordings of 60 donor memorial ceremonies, as well as other materials.

Foundation of learning

Despite advances made in technology, including virtual reality and 3D anatomy software, dissecting a real human body is generally considered irreplaceable in Western medical education. Substitutions result in less effective instruction, leading to lower scores on practical and written examinations. One benefit is that students who learn from dissection see normal bodies, with diversity, variations and imperfections that would not be evident on models. Faculty views donor bodies as essential because they are always accurate and up to date, which cannot always be said about books or software.

In the U.S., medical schools accept bodies from donors and next of kin. A minority of institutions accept unclaimed bodies, but their use is controversial.

Bodies importance goes beyond their effectiveness as a teaching tool. Anatomy lab marks the students initiation into the medical profession. It teaches not only anatomy but the value of the human person, professionalism, ethics and clinical skills such as diagnosis.

The lessons medical students learn from donor bodies go beyond anatomy. Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post via Getty Images

From day one, medical students studying gross anatomy are encouraged to think of the donor body as their first patient, someone for whom they will care and from whom they will learn. Medical students are responsible for preserving the body, performing dissections correctly so as not to cause unnecessary mutilation, and speaking of the body and the donor respectfully.

Students work in teams, each of which is usually responsible for dissecting one body. Many also feel a sense of responsibility toward their donors  a duty to learn as much as they can, taking full advantage of the gift they have been given.

Reflection and respect

At the end of the semester, students say goodbye to the donors. My research found that more than nine out of 10 allopathic medical schools mark this occasion with a memorial ceremony. Ceremonies also take place at schools for other branches of health care, such as osteopathy and physical therapy. Wherever students learn from body donors, they gather together to express their gratitude for a gift that can never be reciprocated.

Some ceremonies are conducted before an audience that includes the friends and families of all body donors used that year. Some are open to the medical school community, and others are for the students alone. For many, these donors have played a transformative role in their lives. It is common to hear students refer to their donors as a friend or mentor.

At the 2018 University of Iowa ceremony, a student reflected: I know her hands, her feet, what parts of her may have ached towards the end of life, which organs let her down. I spent countless hours as her pupil. She taught me things about life that no living person ever could. When I was confused and needed time to think, she was patient. My donor entrusted me with the intimate gift of her body to learn about the topics that make my heart race.

Learning in the anatomy lab and participating in a donor memorial ceremony have something important in common. Both experiences stand apart from everyday life, making them, in a sense, sacred. These ceremonies set aside a special time and space for reflection and remembrance  time and space that busy medical students do not usually have.

Unlike most memorial services, these students have no personal memories of the deceased. In fact, some are not even told their donors first name, which is often concealed to preserve privacy.

Yet they know at least one fact: This person cared about medicine and other peoples health. Students reflect on how generous and principled the donors must have been  as well as their families, who were willing to carry out loved ones wishes in their time of grief. Though students did not witness donors lives, they can still celebrate and honor them.

A student at the University of Cincinnatis 2019 service shared: I am overwhelmed with respect and gratitude for all our donors.  As we gather here today, lets remember the legacy that all of these donors and family members have left in all of us, and celebrate the legacy that they continue to forge even after death.

Medical students at the University of Mississippi Medical Center attend the Ceremony of Thanksgiving in Memory of Anatomical Donors in 2018. AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis

A donor bodys gift cannot be paid back, but medical students can try to pay it forward. Many describe ways they will try to serve others, as the donor did. Some doctors-to-be express a sense that the donors will forever guide their hands.

There is no foolproof way to prevent bad actors in any institution. Yet research into donor memorial ceremonies shows that no one takes the gift of body donation more seriously than the recipients.

This article is republished from The Conversation, an independent nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. If you found it interesting, you could subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

It was written by: Amy Lawton, Brandeis University.

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Amy Lawton received funding from the Templeton Religion Trust administered through the Issachar Fund.
[Source]

Pakistani teenager Aitzaz Hasan was hailed as a hero for sacrificing himself to save his school from a suicide bomber nine years ago.

The incident occurred on Jan. 6, 2014, after the 15-year-old ninth grader reportedly arrived late to school in the remote village of Hangu, a district in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and was told to stand outside the Government High School Ibrahimzais gate with two other schoolmates as punishment.

There, the trio reportedly saw a man who appeared to be in his 20s approaching their school. Two of the students immediately ran when one of them spotted a detonator, but Hasan stayed to stop the bomber.

Five years ago, Aitzaz Hasan Bangash gave his life as a 15 year old schoolboy, embracing a suicide bomber with his own body so his classmates could live. There is no truer hero of that dark period of Pakistans history. pic.twitter.com/UPIgkJ0xTK More from NextShark: History professor makes surprisingly cute discovery on lost roll of film labeled The Philippines 1942  fatima bhutto (@fbhutto) January 6, 2020

"I'm going to stop him"

So he told them, 'I'm going to stop him. He is going to school to kill my friends. He wanted to capture this suicide bomber. He wanted to stop [him], Hasans cousin, Mudassar Hassan Bangish, told BBC days after the incident.

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One of the teachers who allegedly witnessed the incident said they saw Hasan chasing after the bomber. Despite the teenagers effort to tackle the man and stop him, the latter still managed to detonate the bomb, killing himself and Hasan.

The suicide bomber wanted to destroy the school and school students. It was my cousin who stopped him from this destruction, Bangish told BBC, which noted that there were around 2,000 students inside the school at the time.

Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, a Sunni Muslim sectarian group whose aim was to kill Shia Muslims, claimed responsibility for the attack days after the bombing.

More from NextShark: Los Angeles calls on public for ideas for memorial to 1871 Chinese Massacre victims

Honoring a hero

Instead of mourning, Hasans father chose to view his sons sacrifice and heroism with pride, telling Pakistans Express Tribune, My son made his mother cry, but saved hundreds of mothers from crying for their children.

Although it took the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa days to acknowledge Hasans sacrifice, it eventually announced that the name of the school he attended would be changed to Shaheed Aitizaz Hasan Government High School and that a stadium would be built in his honor.

Officials from the provincial government also visited Hasans family to offer their condolences.

More from NextShark: During the Chinese Exclusion Act, an ingenious backwoods chef from China helped make Yosemite National Park a reality

Imran Khan, who was serving as the chairperson of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf before becoming Pakistans prime minister in 2018, expressed his disappointment at how the government responded to Hasan's death and announced in a tweet that he would be starting a trust fund for the teenager's family.

The government also awarded Hasan with the Sitara-e-Shujaat, Pakistans highest award for bravery, posthumously on Jan. 11, 2014.

Besides the awards and recognition Hasan received from the government, the teenagers bravery has also been praised by many activists and international organizations. Days after the incident, Malala Yousafzai, who survived an attack by the Pakistani Taliban two years earlier, said she was "proud that I belong to a country where many brave and courageous people like Aitzaz Hasan are born." Hasan was also bestowed with the global bravery award by the International Human Rights Commission.
Tim Sheehy, founder of Bridger Aerospace and Ascent Vision, pauses during a tour of the companys facility on Friday, Aug. 30, 2022, in Belgrade, Mont. Sheehy announced Tuesday, June 27, 2023, that hell seek the 2024 GOP nomination to challenge Montana Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester. | Rachel Leathe, Bozeman Daily Chronicle via Associated Press

One of 2024s most vulnerable Senate Democrats now has a Republican challenger.

Republican Tim Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL and business owner, announced Tuesday that hes running in Montanas U.S. Senate race next year in hopes of unseating incumbent Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont.

In his campaign announcement video, Sheehy introduces himself and his family and says hes running because America needs conservative leaders who love their country. Sheehy is the CEO of Bridger Aerospace, an aerial firefighting company, and owner of Little Belt Cattle Company, a beef production company.

I'm Tim Sheehy, former Navy SEAL, businessman, husband, and father of four. I fought to protect our nationI'm answering the call to serve again.



I'm running for U.S. Senate to bring leadership back to Washington and protect Montana.



It starts today: https://t.co/4Is8HaVAIc pic.twitter.com/j3pk8m30mt  Tim Sheehy (@SheehyforMT) June 27, 2023

Whether it was in war or business, I see problems and solve them, Sheehy says in the video. I want to create a better future for my kids and your children and grandchildren.

Tester, a former Montana state senator, farmer and school teacher, was elected in 2006 and has served three terms in the U.S. Senate. A moderate Democrat in a deeply conservative state, he was rated at about the middle of a Senate ideology score  No. 56  from GovTrack, a site that tracks Congress.

The race is rated leans Democratic by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, which means Democrats are favored but the race is expected to be highly competitive. Former President Donald Trump won Montana in 2020 with nearly 60% of the vote.

Before Sheehy can face off against Tester, though, hell have to win Montanas Republican primary. Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont., is reportedly expected to also run, according to CBS News. Rosendale, a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, ran against Tester in 2018 and lost.

Rosendale tweeted on Tuesday that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Republican party bosses had gotten their chosen candidate in Sheehy.

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Now Washington has two candidates  Tim Sheehy and Jon Tester  who will protect the DC cartel, Rosendale wrote. Unfortunately for them, Montanans dont take orders from Washington. I believe that Montanans are tired of business as usual and will reject the McConnell-Biden Establishment.

Another potential candidate is Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., who served as Trumps Interior Secretary from 2017 to 2019 and resigned in the face of multiple ethics investigations. Zinke told The Associated Press last year that he would make a decision about running for U.S. Senate in 2023.

Next year is looking to be a challenging one for Senate Democrats, who are defending six incumbents running in races rated as toss up or leans Democratic by the Cook Political Report. Those races are in Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

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In addition, Democrats are defending a seat in Michigan being vacated by Sen. Debbie Stabenow and face the prospect of a three-way race in Arizona should independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, a former Democrat, seek reelection and run against a candidate from her old party.

Tester announced he was running for reelection in February.

Montanans need a fighter that will hold our government accountable and demand Washington stand up for veterans and lower costs for families, he wrote in an announcement tweet. I will always fight to defend our Montana values. Lets get to work.
People embrace each other during Eid al-Adha in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, on June 28, 2023. Afghans celebrated Eid al-Adha on Wednesday, one of the largest annual religious festivals observed by Muslims worldwide, amid tight security. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

KABUL, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Afghans celebrated Eid al-Adha on Wednesday, one of the largest annual religious festivals observed by Muslims worldwide, amid tight security.

"In terms of security, criminal activities, including theft and robbery, have been drastically reduced, and people are living in a peaceful environment," Kabul resident Naqibullah told Xinhua.

Naqibullah, while attending the local mosque to partake in the Eid al-Adha prayer, expressed gratitude towards the establishment for stabilizing peace and security, saying the first day of Eid began with peace.

"People have been living in peace, and we started the first day of Eid in a peaceful environment, and after Eid prayers, we visited friends and relatives in their houses," Naqibullah said.

Nonetheless, Naqibullah, who is a shopkeeper, was critical of the economic situation in the war-torn country.

"It is crystal clear that Afghans have been suffering from economic hardships. The economic situation is harsh," he added.

The shopkeeper claimed that the profit he earned from his business compared to previous years has dropped by 80 percent as the increasing poverty has devoured the purchasing power of the citizens.

Like Naqibullah, many Afghans are skeptical regarding the prospects of economic recovery and the betterment of living conditions, as the rates of unemployment and poverty have both increased.

More than 28 million Afghans, or two-thirds of Afghanistan's population, according to aid agencies' reports, are facing food insecurity.

"Our economy is weak, but we are hopeful of overcoming the hardships gradually," another Kabul resident Hajji Mohammad Hussain told Xinhua.

"Our demand from the caretaker government is to create job opportunities," Hussain stated.

However, Hussain expressed satisfaction over the security situation, saying, "This was the first time that we had offered our Eid prayers with compatriots without unexpected incidents."

The security personnel had been deployed at the gate of all the mosques and checked anyone who entered the mosque as part of security measures to ensure the safety of the worshippers.

Hussain added, "Although I could not buy the necessary goods to celebrate the Eid holidays, I am happy to enjoy peace." 

People pray during Eid al-Adha in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, on June 28, 2023. Afghans celebrated Eid al-Adha on Wednesday, one of the largest annual religious festivals observed by Muslims worldwide, amid tight security. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

A security official frisks a man in front of a mosque in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, on June 28, 2023. Afghans celebrated Eid al-Adha on Wednesday, one of the largest annual religious festivals observed by Muslims worldwide, amid tight security. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Security officials frisk people in front of a mosque in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, on June 28, 2023. Afghans celebrated Eid al-Adha on Wednesday, one of the largest annual religious festivals observed by Muslims worldwide, amid tight security. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

People pray during Eid al-Adha in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, on June 28, 2023. Afghans celebrated Eid al-Adha on Wednesday, one of the largest annual religious festivals observed by Muslims worldwide, amid tight security. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

People pray during Eid al-Adha in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, on June 28, 2023. Afghans celebrated Eid al-Adha on Wednesday, one of the largest annual religious festivals observed by Muslims worldwide, amid tight security. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)
Meloni Says Italy Can Keep China Ties Without Belt and Road Pact

(Bloomberg) -- Italy can have excellent relations with China even without being part of a strategic pact, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told lawmakers on Wednesday.

Most Read from Bloomberg

There are ongoing evaluations, she said, referring to Italys controversial role in Chinas Belt and Road program. The issue must be handled carefully and respectfully, also involving the parliament.

Meloni is considering reversing a previous governments decision to join the pact with China, Bloomberg reported last month. The Belt and Road initiative has funded $900 billion in infrastructure projects globally but is seen as a way for Beijing to extend its influence.

Italy signed onto the pact in 2019 when Giuseppe Conte was prime minister. But like much of Europe, Italy has been caught between escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing, especially in the fallout from Chinas continued support for Russia.

It would be better not to shift up a gear but to look for the most effective solutions in defense of our interests, Meloni said in Rome.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
FILE PHOTO: Mexican president defends bid to move cargo from longstanding hub to new airport, in Mexico City

By Kylie Madry

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico is likely to hand over control of the capital's main airport - the busiest in the country - to its navy, according to a draft decree published on Tuesday, in what would be the latest step increasing the military's role in the sector.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has touted the armed forces' involvement in aviation, arguing it has reduced drug trafficking and smuggling out of airports.

The Mexico City International Airport (AICM) currently sits under the transportation ministry, though the navy has already taken over security operations, including customs. Former navy pilot Carlos Velazquez was appointed as its top director last year.

"There's more security, more certainty, the rules are followed better, there's more discipline," with the navy in charge of the airport, Velazquez told reporters on Tuesday.

The draft decree must be published in Mexico's official gazette to take effect.

Velazquez said that authorities were working to make sure the AICM, also known as Benito Juarez, would be able to take advantage of the funds generated from the airport-use tax.

The money currently goes to a fund to pay off bondholders who financed the construction of an airport canceled by Lopez Obrador in favor of building the Felipe Angeles airport on the outskirts of the capital.

The little-used, one-year-old Felipe Angeles airport, one of the president's largest public works projects, is also on an active military base.

In May, the AICM moved nearly 4 million passengers, according to data from the national aviation authority, while Felipe Angeles airport's passenger numbers were almost 95% lower.

(Reporting by Kylie Madry; Editing by Jamie Freed)
Crews are continuing to work on repairing a section of a busy midtown street that collapsed and swallowed up the front end of an SUV.

Workers were fed by a local business for the hours of hard work they have been doing since the hole opened up on Tuesday afternoon.

Nancys Chicago Pizza, located on Ponce De Leon Ave, provided 10 family-sized pizzas and beverages as a way to say thanks to workers for their hard work.

With the crews responding so quickly, we felt it appropriate to help them along and provide them with food and beverage to make the task a little bit easier, owner Bernie Coaxum said.

Bernie Coaxum, owner of @nancys_midtown, along with Manager Beverly Miller, provided 10, family sized pizzas and beverages to hard working crew members repairing a sinkhole at Ponce De Leon Ave. & Penn Ave. pic.twitter.com/eGNEdI9uGn  Atlanta Watershed (@ATLWatershed) June 28, 2023

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The road buckled along Ponce de Leon Avenue around 2 p.m. Tuesday, between Myrtle Street and Penn Avenue, near Mary Macs Tea Room.

Channel 2s Elizabeth Rawlins took you to the scene, live on Channel 2 Action News at 4:00 p.m. as drivers tried to navigate the road collapse.

The driver of the white SUV that got swallowed up by the hole told Channel 2s Elizabeth Rawlins off camera that he was making a right-hand turn in front of Torched Hop Brewing Company when the road collapsed underneath.

The driver of the SUV and his wife were not injured and managed to escape with the help of witnesses who ran to help.

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Many people who were walking by were in shock at the site, including nearby businesses.

The SUV was removed from the hole shortly before 5 p.m.

In a tweet from Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, he said he was in close touch with all of our teams and thanked everyone for their patience as crews continue to repair the hole.

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New migrant tragedy at sea changes little as EU leaders forge ahead with tougher borders plans

FILE - This undated handout image provided by Greece's coast guard on June 14, 2023, shows scores of people on a battered fishing boat that later capsized and sank off southern Greece. The border and coast guard agency Frontex estimated that more than 50,300 attempts were made to enter the EU without authorization from January to May. (Hellenic Coast Guard via AP, File)

BRUSSELS (AP)  As rescue efforts in the Mediterranean Sea flagged last week, and bodies were found more frequently than survivors from among the more than 500 people missing after an overcrowded fishing trawler sank, the European Commission's president was asked for her thoughts.

It is horrible, what happened, and the more urgent is that we act, Ursula von der Leyen told reporters at the headquarters of the European Unions executive branch in Brussels.

The priorities, she said, should be to help the authorities in Tunisia  where people bound for Europe sometimes leave from  to stabilize its economy and better manage migration, and to finalize the long-awaited reform of the EUs asylum rules, which is unlikely to happen before next year.

Never mind that the trawler left from Libya, or the admittedly slim chance that survivors might be found, or that the disaster might be the worst ever in the Mediterranean. Von der Leyens reply stood in stark contrast to the actions of a predecessor a decade ago.

Standing near the coffins of scores of drowned migrants, having traveled to the small Italian island of Lampedusa after the deaths of around 300 people in October 2013, then European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso swore that such tragedies should never happen again.

In response, the Italian navy set up a search and rescue mission, but it was mothballed a year later over concern that it only encouraged more migrants to come. Fears of a creating a pull factor have dogged everything that the EU has tried to do since.

At a summit starting on Thursday, EU leaders will discuss von der Leyens plans. As countries like Austria, Hungary and Poland block any meaningful attempt to equitably share out refugees arriving in Greece, Italy, Malta or Spain, the work focuses by default on preventing migrants from entering.

But the gathering has the potential to open a can of political worms even when the focus is on mostly uncontroversial issues like outsourcing the EU's migrant problems; such is the sensitive nature of asylum rules in Europe.

More than 50,300 attempts were made to enter the EU without authorization from January to May, according to the border and coast guard agency Frontex. Its more than double the number in the same period last year, and the most since 2017.

In a letter to the leaders, von der Leyen highlighted the need to limit irregular departures from Africa and Turkey, to fight against migrant smuggling and work with partner countries to ensure that people dont leave or transit those countries.

Alternative legal pathways, should be found to enter the right way, she wrote. This often means the possibility for people to be resettled in Europe on humanitarian grounds if the U.N.s refugee agency recommends it, and when an EU country is ready to take some in.

Comprehensive partnerships with third countries, are key to the outsourcing approach.

Under a new budget plan, Turkey would be given an additional 3.5 billion euros ($3.8 billion) to manage Syrian refugees. That would bring the EUs total migrant support to the country in recent years to more than 13 billion euros ($14.2 billion).

Tunisia would receive 105 million euros ($115 million) and equipment like patrol boats, radar systems and cameras; Morocco, 152 million euros ($166 million) worth of migration budget support; Egypt, 23 million euros ($25 million) to buy boats, and up to 87 million euros ($95 million) to tighten its borders, notably with Libya, where most migrants leave from.

Von der Leyen noted that Libya received two more EU-funded patrol boats in February, and has rescued or intercepted 7,562 people trying to leave this year. In March, a U.N. fact-finding mission said that crimes against humanity are being committed against migrants in Libya.

It accused the EU of aiding and abetting the abuse of migrants through its policies.

The centerpiece of EU policy is a work in progress: the New Pact on Migration and Asylum. The 27 member countries reached a landmark agreement on part of the asylum reform package earlier this month.

They appear to have struck the balance between which countries should take responsibility for migrants when they arrive and how much support other member nations should provide. But this is unlikely to satisfy the European Parliament, which must endorse the deal.

Lawmakers insist that countries must accept mandatory refugee quotas, which could torpedo the plan, and the leaders might complicate matters irretrievably if they fiddle with what's already been agreed on.

For those inside the European Council, where the 27 heads of state and government will meet over two days, the reform package  several years in the making  won't bring an end to the drownings at sea.

You will not with the Pact stop flows of migrants, but at least you solve an issue inside, by boosting border security, migrant screening, and ties with transit countries, a senior official said this week. He briefed reporters on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the migration talks.

What is clear is that saving people traveling aboard unseaworthy boats, like those from Libya earlier this month, isn't a high priority. The EU doesn't actively patrol the Mediterranean in search of migrants in trouble. Its ships only respond to emergency mayday calls  an obligation under international law.

___

Follow APs global migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration
Deputies accused of beating and sexually assaulting two Black men before shooting one of them in the mouth, prompting a federal civil rights investigation, have been fired, a Mississippi sheriff announced Tuesday.

The announcement comes months after Michael Corey Jenkins and his friend Eddie Terrell Parker said six deputies from the Rankin County Sheriffs Department burst into a home without a warrant. The men said deputies beat them, assaulted them with a sex toy and shocked them repeatedly with Tasers in a roughly 90-minute period during the Jan. 24 episode, Jenkins and Parker said.

Attorneys representing Jenkins and Parker held a virtual press conference Wednesday and acknowledged the firings but said they would not be satisfied "until justice is done for these families." They're calling for criminal charges to be filed against the six law enforcement officers.

Jenkins said one of the deputies shoved a gun in his mouth and then fired the weapon, leaving him with serious injuries to his face, tongue, and jaw.

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey

What happened to the officers involved?

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey announced Tuesday that deputies involved in the episode had been fired, but he would not provide the names of the deputies who had been terminated or say how many law enforcement officers were fired. Bailey would not answer additional questions about the January episode.

Due to recent developments, including findings during our internal investigation, those deputies that were still employed by this department have all been terminated, Bailey said at a news conference. We understand that the alleged actions of these deputies has eroded the publics trust department. Rest assured that we will work diligently to restore that trust.

Baileys announcement also follows an Associated Press investigation that found several deputies who were involved with the episode were also linked to at least four violent encounters with Black men since 2019 that left two dead and another with lasting injuries. Deputies who had been accepted to the sheriffs offices Special Response Team  a tactical unit whose members receive advanced training  were involved in each of the four encounters.

What did the victims' attorneys say?

Malik Shabazz, an attorney for the two men in the January raid, said Wednesday that Bailey fired or accepted the resignations of five deputies.

"We affirm today that Brian Bailey has made an inch of progress, but under his leadership we've seen one of the worst occurrences of police brutality that sets the standard for police misconduct," Shabazz said.

Shabazz said Jenkins and Parker said they're angered that the names of the deputies were not publicly released and the identity and whereabouts of the sixth law enforcement officer involved are unknown.

He blamed Bailey for a pattern of covering up.

The mother of Michael Corey Jenkins, Mary Jenkins, said Wednesday that the unnamed, fired deputies should be prosecuted and barred from working for other law enforcement agencies.

"They are here to project and serve, but who is going to protect us from them?" Jenkins said. "They're unfit. They treated our children like they aren't even human."

Trent Walker, a Mississippi attorney representing the families, called on Bailey to release the names of all the deputies involved, including the sixth person he believes may have been working for another agency.

"If they were involved enough to be fired, theres no reason to keep covering for them by failing to release their names," Walker said, accusing the deputies of launching a coverup with an inaccurate police report.

They started covering up that night," he said, adding the department should have taken months to fire the deputies.

Deputies said the raid was prompted by a report of drug activity at the home. Police and court records obtained by the AP revealed the identities of two deputies at the Jenkins raid: Hunter Elward and Christian Dedmon. It was not immediately clear whether any of the deputies had attorneys who could comment on their behalf.

Craig Slay, the board attorney for the Rankin County Board of Supervisors, declined to comment on the firings.

One officer allegedly involved in death of Damien Cameron

A grand jury declined to charge Elward after the 2021 in-custody death of Damien Cameron. Cameron's family maintains deputies knelt on his back and neck for several minutes at the scene.

Elward and another deputy were the responding officers at the fatal 2019 shooting of Pierre Woods. In 2020, another Black man, Carvis Johnson, sued the department and accused Dedmon of placing a gun in his mouth during a drug bust in 2019.

Civil rights investigation launched into Rankin County Sheriff's Department

The Justice Department opened a civil rights investigation into the Rankin County Sheriffs Department after the episode.

There is no body camera footage of the episode. Mississippi law does not require departments to use the body-worn devices. Records obtained by The AP show that Tasers used by the deputies were turned on, turned off or used dozens of times during a roughly 65-minute period before Jenkins was shot.

Jenkins and Parker have also filed a federal civil rights lawsuit and are seeking $400 million in damages.

Community activists weigh in

Marquell Bridges, leader of Mississippi-based nonprofit Building Bridges for Community Unity and Progress, said he's celebrating the firing of the officers involved. And he's hopeful charges and convictions will follow, particularly given the speed with which the federal government has gotten involved.

Bridges said he hopes Jenkins and Parkers case will help bring justice to Camerons family and others who havent gotten the attention that they deserve.

It's an epidemic, he said. It's just a corrupt system that we're fighting from top to bottom and the higher you go, the more corruption."

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mississippi deputies accused of abusing Black men fired by sheriff
A new Missouri group is seeking a ballot measure that would ask voters in 2024 to allow Kansas City, Jackson County and other local governments in Missouri to enact stricter gun rules than the state, which has one of the loosest firearm regulations in the country.

The group, called Sensible Missouri, filed three versions of a proposed constitutional amendment with Secretary of State Jay Ashcrofts office on Wednesday. The ballot measures come as Missouri law bars local governments from creating tougher regulations than the state.

Every version of the ballot measure would empower Kansas City and Jackson County to pass ordinances that regulate the possession and transfer of guns. The city of St. Louis and St. Louis County would also be granted the same power under the proposals.

One version of the ballot measure would also allow other county governments, including in rural parts of the state, to enact tougher gun regulations through voter-approved referendums.

The group plans to conduct polling to see which version Missouri voters are likely to approve.

Kansas City continues to grapple with high homicide rates and a strained relationship between police and community members. Roughly halfway through the year, the city is close to recording 100 homicides after a mass shooting early Sunday at an after-hours club left three people dead and six injured.

Kansas City is also the only city in Missouri that does not control its police force. The department is overseen by a state-controlled, five-member board of police commissioners. Four are appointed by the governor while Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas fills the remaining spot.

While the proposed ballot measures would not put Kansas City police under local control, it would give the city more tools to address its high homicide rates.

We realize that one size does not fit all when it comes to guns, said former St. Louis Circuit Judge Jimmie Edwards, one of the leaders of the initiative. Its just common sense for local communities to determine their own destiny.

Edwards is leading the effort along with former Democratic state lawmaker Joan Bray from St. Louis and Rick Rosenfeld, a criminology professor emeritus at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

House Speaker Pro Tem Mike Henderson, a Bonne Terre Republican, said he thought the proposed ballot measures fly in the face of the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The legislature is there to set laws and weve set the law right now and, apparently, the people agree with us or they wouldnt have voted the people they did in, he said.

However, the proposed ballot measures state that regulations passed by local governments would have to comply with the Second Amendment and federal gun laws. Earlier this year, a federal judge struck down a Missouri law that declared certain federal gun laws invalid if they dont have a state-level equivalent.

But the state law was allowed to stay in place as Missouri appeals the decision.

Henderson is among several Missouri Republicans who are also pushing legislation that would raise the threshold for constitutional amendments to pass on the ballot. The proposed gun control measure could bolster Republican attempts to make it harder for voters to amend the constitution.

State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, an Arnold Republican, in a statement to The Star, blamed liberal leadership in cities for making our communities less safe.

The answer to fighting violent crime in areas where crime is most rampant is to support law enforcement and actually prosecute violent crime, she said.

Gwen Grant, the president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, said the notion that liberal leadership in cities was responsible for violent crime was ludicrous.

The Missouri legislature has made it increasingly more difficult for Kansas City and other cities, Kansas City and St. Louis particularly, to manage or to control the amount of guns on our streets because of the legislation that they have passed, she said.

Rosenfield, in a statement, said that the use of guns for hunting in rural parts of the state is different from the use of guns in cities.

We look forward to public input during the comment period to help us decide which amendment to pursue, he said.

The Missouri proposals are still in their early stages. A change to the state constitution at the ballot box would require an expensive signature-gathering campaign. The signatures would have to be verified by Ashcrofts office before they go on the ballot.
Zeneta Everhart poses for a portrait in her home in Buffalo, N.Y., Jan. 27, 2023.

Zeneta Everhart, who spoke out about racism and gun violence after her son Zaire Goodman was shot in the 2022 Buffalo mass shooting at a Tops supermarket, was victorious in a Democratic primary Tuesday. Everhart has a history in politics and had previously been on the staff of state Democratic Sen. Tim Kennedy for five years.

Everhart defeated India Walton, another local activist who in 2021 challenged Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown in a Democratic primary, but lost to him in the general election. WIVB-TV, a CBS Buffalo affiliate, reported that Everhart won in a landslide with 1,525 votes (accounting for 66.68%).

Read more

In her victory speech, she remarked: This is for yall. It is for the community. This is for my community mommas. This is for everybody. Everhart added: Im truly, truly excited to just get ready to do the work, thats it. Thats all this is about. This is about fixing our community and just showing people that there is hope. I dont want people to lose hope.

Everhart and Walton competed for a seat on Buffalos Common Council, representing an area that is still recovering from the white supremacist attack that killed 10 people one year ago. Shortly after, a December blizzard took the lives of 47 people in Buffalo and its surrounding suburbs. The victims who died disproportionately hailed from Black neighborhoods.

Despite suffering defeat, Walton remains committed to doing the work of fighting for marginalized groups. I think Zeneta is going to do a great job, she said in her concession speech. My intention is to keep doing what Ive been doing: speak truth to power, to continue organizing.

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A 19-year-old Montana man was charged with murder after police said he beat a homeless man to death at a gas station early Sunday morning.

Officers responded to reports of an assault at a local gas station in Kalispell a little after 2 a.m. Sunday.

They arrived in time to find 60-year-old Scott Bryan lying face down behind the gas station, according to court documents.

Authorities have confirmed Bryan had no known address and was a regular at a shelter in town. Bryan was bleeding profusely with significant injuries to his face and the back of his head.

He was taken to a hospital to receive medical treatment, but died about an hour later, the court documents show.

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A woman on scene showed officers an eight second video of the assault where 19-year-old Kaleb Fleck and his friend were standing over Bryan's body on the ground cursing at him, according to court records.

When officers later interviewed Fleck and his friend, they both said they were at the station in the truck when a man approached them. Fleck told officers he started to assault Bryan after he got out of the truck, according to court records.

Fleck's friend told police he pulled Fleck off of Bryan before leaving the scene.

When officers later searched Flecks residence, they found a pair of bloody boots in the garage.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Homeless Montana man beaten to death by 19-year-old man, police say
Protest sign outside SCOTUS Bill Clark / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

In one of its final acts of the 2023 term, the United State Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected an effort by North Carolina Republican lawmakers that would result in near-total state legislative control over federal elections without oversight, ruling that the U.S. Constitution "does not insulate state legislatures from the ordinary exercise of state judicial review."

The 6-3 decision in Moore v. Harper marks the end of a once-fringe conservative effort dubbed the "independent state legislature theory," which interprets the Constitution's Elections Clause and Presidential Electors Clause in such a way that would grant state legislatures virtually unchecked authority over their state's federal elections, including things such as redrawing electoral districts, altering voter identification rules, and adjusting mail-in ballot procedures, without any input  or recourse  by state courts or governors. Tuesday's ruling officially held that the North Carolina Supreme Court did not violate the Constitution when it overturned the state's Republican-drawn gerrymandered districts in 2022. "When state legislatures prescribe the rules concerning federal elections, they remain subject to the ordinary exercise of state judicial review," Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the majority opinion.

"Huge national implications"

While formerly relegated to the far edges of conservative legal thought, the theory gained traction in recent years thanks in part to former President Donald Trump's effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Moreover, as former Federal Appeals Court Judge J. Michael Luttig asserted in a 2022 essay for CNN, this "independent state legislature theory" is part of Trump and his allies' plan to "overturn the 2024 presidential election," as well. "Trump and the Republicans can only be stopped from stealing the 2024 election at this point if the Supreme Court rejects the independent state legislature doctrine," Luttig, a one-time advisor for former Vice President Mike Pence, wrote.

Upcoming presidential elections aside, Tuesday's ruling has "huge national implications'' on a more immediate scale, as well, said Mother Jones' Ari Berman. It could have "immediate ramifications in key battleground states like Wisconsin," Berman continued, noting that the incoming state Supreme Court's "new liberal majority" can now act to strike down the GOP's gerrymandered congressional maps.

Conversely, Fox News focused on the ruling's assertion that "state courts may not so exceed the bounds of ordinary judicial review as to unconstitutionally intrude upon" the legislative branch, reporting that "the 6-3 Supreme Court ruling could prevent judges from overriding state rules like some did in 2020."

In his dissenting opinion, arch-conservative Justice Clarence Thomas  joined by fellow conservative justices Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch  cautioned that Tuesday's decision "portends serious troubles ahead for the Judiciary," including scenarios in which elections "may be decided by a federal court's expedited judgment that a state court" overstepped its bounds in regards to that state's legislature.

"A time bomb"

Some election law experts have cautioned that although the broad rejection of the independent state legislature theory is a vital bulwark against unchecked electoral anarchy, the ruling nevertheless is vague enough at points to ensure future challenges. The issue will be litigated during the 2024 elections "until we get a clear definition of the boundaries on the federal constraint this decision recognizes on state court decision making," New York University Law professor Rick Pildes tweeted after the court's decision was published.

Law professor Richard Hasen agreed, warning "there's a time bomb" in this apparent victory for voting rights advocates. Ultimately, he argued in Slate, the ruling is worded in such a way as to "give the federal courts, and especially the Supreme Court itself, the last word in election disputes." This, he said in a separate analysis for Election Law Blog, means that because the Supreme Court "does not set out the precise contours of what [...] second guessing" a state court might look like, we may end up with something that "could be like the Bush v. Gore concurrence," which ultimately saw Republicans win the White House in 2000, "or some other standard" to be determined later.

In the end, surmised Franita Tolson, co-dean of the University of Southern California's Gould Law School, Tuesday's decision "reaffirms the status quo, at least to the extent that we have never lived in a world where state [courts] are free of federal [court] oversight."

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More than $200 billion in COVID-19 relief may have been stolen, federal watchdog says

More than $200 billion in COVID-19 relief loans and grants for small businesses may have been stolen by fraudsters, according to new estimates from a federal watchdog report.

The report, published Tuesday by the Office of the Inspector General for the U.S. Small Business Administration, marks the highest estimate yet in the office's ongoing investigation into federally funded programs that helped small business owners and entrepreneurs in the wake of the pandemic.

"The pandemic presented a whole-of-government challenge," Inspector General Hannibal "Mike" Ware said in the report. "Fraudsters found vulnerabilities and coordinated schemes to bypass controls and gain easy access to funds meant for eligible small businesses and entrepreneurs adversely affected by the economic crisis."

At least 17% of the $1.2 trillion disbursed through the SBA's pandemic assistance loan programs were potentially stolen by fraudulent actors, according to the report. The office estimated fraud in the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is more than $136 billion  representing 33% of total disbursed funds  and the Paycheck Protection estimate is $64 billion.

These new numbers are a significant increase in previous fraud estimates made by the office. The SBA inspector general previously estimated fraud in the COVID-19 disaster loan program at $86 billion and the Paycheck Protection program at $20 billion.

The SBA Office of the Inspector General has investigated over 1,000 cases since March 2020, according to the report. The office said it anticipates that "the overall potential fraud estimate could fluctuate" and has already found over $400 billion worth of loans that need further investigation.

Ware said in a statement Tuesday that the report "utilizes investigative casework, prior (inspector general) reporting, and cutting-edge data analysis to identify multiple fraud schemes used to potentially steal over $200 billion from American taxpayers and exploit programs meant to help those in need."

COVID RELIEF SCHEME: California woman tried to avoid prison time by fleeing to Montenegro. Feds say it didn't work.

Senior SBA official says report overestimates fraud

In a lengthy letter attached to the report, a senior SBA official disputed the inspector general's report and said it overestimates the amount of pandemic relief fraud.

Bailey DeVries, SBAs acting associate administrator for capital access, said the inspector generals "approach contains serious flaws that significantly overestimate fraud and unintentionally mislead the public to believe that the work we did together had no significant impact in protecting against fraud."

DeVries said the estimate of a 34% potential fraud rate for COVID-EIDL "does not stand up against" the SBAs current repayment data.

As of June 2023, DeVries said SBA data showed that only 12% of loan dollars went to borrowers who are overdue. And 74% of businesses have either full repaid or have begun to repay their loans while 14% of business are still in the deferment period, she said.

DeVries underscored that the majority of fraud, the SBA estimated 86%, occurred in the first nine months of PPP and COVID-EIDL programs.

She also said the Trump administration prioritized speed and "unnecessarily deflated the control environment for PPP and COVID-EIDL for the first several months of the programs," but the SBA introduced additional fraud controls in 2021.

Han Nguyen, a spokesperson for the SBA, said in a statement Tuesday that it is "vital to clarify that 86% of the likely fraud in the PPP and COVID-EIDL programs occurred in the first nine months of those programs when, as the (inspector general) has often noted, the rush to get funds out led to unwise decisions to pull down anti-fraud guardrails."

Pandemic relief programs vulnerable to fraud

The SBA inspector general's new report highlights how vulnerable COVID-EIDL and PPP programs were to fraudsters, especially in the first several months of the pandemic.

To avert an economic crisis, the federal stimulus package was intended to provided emergency assistance to small business owners and entrepreneurs impacted by lockdowns and business closures.

But Ware said in the report that an "overwhelming number of fraudsters" were allured by "easy money" from the relief programs and that fraudsters were able to easily gain access to these programs because the SBA weakened or removed controls.

Last year, the Biden administration sought to strengthen oversight of more than $5 trillion in pandemic relief funding passed by Congress over the past two years. The administration also announced a series of measures earlier this year, targeting the fraudsters who stole billions in pandemic relief funds.

"I think the bottom line is regardless of what the (total fraud) number is, it emanates overwhelmingly from three programs that were designed and originated in 2020 with too many large holes that opened the door to criminal fraud," Gene Sperling, the White House American Rescue Plan coordinator, told the Associated Press.

Contributing: Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY; The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: COVID-19 pandemic relief: Over $200 billion may have been stolen
People arrive to board ferries at Sadarghat terminal ahead of Eid al-Adha in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on June 27, 2023. As Eid al-Adha approaches, many people from Dhaka have streamed out of the city to join the festival with their kith and kin in village homes. (Xinhua)

People are seen at Sadarghat terminal ahead of Eid al-Adha in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on June 27, 2023. As Eid al-Adha approaches, many people from Dhaka have streamed out of the city to join the festival with their kith and kin in village homes. (Xinhua)

People are seen at Sadarghat terminal ahead of Eid al-Adha in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on June 27, 2023. As Eid al-Adha approaches, many people from Dhaka have streamed out of the city to join the festival with their kith and kin in village homes. (Xinhua)

People are seen on a ferry near Sadarghat terminal ahead of Eid al-Adha in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on June 27, 2023. As Eid al-Adha approaches, many people from Dhaka have streamed out of the city to join the festival with their kith and kin in village homes. (Xinhua)

People are seen at Sadarghat terminal ahead of Eid al-Adha in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on June 27, 2023. As Eid al-Adha approaches, many people from Dhaka have streamed out of the city to join the festival with their kith and kin in village homes. (Xinhua)
A greater share of Americans say gun violence is a major problem compared to five years ago, with the sentiment increasing across the political spectrum, according to a poll.

A poll from Pew Research Center released Wednesday found that 60 percent of American respondents said gun violence is a very big problem, while 23 percent said it is a moderately big problem. More than 60 percent also said they expect the level of gun violence to get worse in the next five years, while about 30 percent said it will stay the same, and only 7 percent said it will drop.

Democrats are much more likely than Republicans to consider gun violence a very big problem, with 81 percent of Democrats and 38 percent of Republicans surveyed in the poll saying so. But the share of respondents who expressed that sentiment is up 9 percentage points for each group since 2018.

The overall percentage of Americans surveyed who said they consider gun violence a major problem rose 7 points from 53 percent in 2018.

Pollsters also found a slight increase in the percentage of Americans who said they support stricter gun laws, which rose 5 points from 2021 to 58 percent now. That figure is about in line with the 60 percent who said so in 2019.

Only 15 percent said gun laws should be less strict  about the same as the poll has found in recent years.

But respondents were evenly divided on whether increased gun ownership is effective at reducing gun violence. About half said it reduces safety by giving too many people access to firearms and increasing misuse, and the same amount said it does more to increase safety by allowing law-abiding people to defend themselves.

Almost 80 percent of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents said gun ownership improves safety, and almost 80 percent of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents said it worsens safety.

Those who live in rural areas are also about twice as likely to say it improves safety as those in urban areas, as are gun owners compared to non-gun owners.

Still, an overwhelming majority of respondents said they support certain gun measures like preventing those who are experiencing mental illness from purchasing a firearm and increasing the minimum age to buy a firearm to 21 years old. Two-thirds said they support banning high-capacity magazines holding more than 10 rounds and banning assault-style weapons.

The poll was conducted among 5,115 U.S. adults from June 5-11. The margin of error was 1.7 percentage points.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
More Democrats than Republicans indicated they would consider a third-party presidential candidate if President Biden and former President Trump are the two 2024 major party nominees, according to a new poll.

The NBC News poll found that 44 percent of registered voters said they would be open to considering a third-party candidate in the event of a rematch of the 2020 presidential election, while a majority  53 percent  said they would not consider it.

Polling from past elections has found a similar amount of respondents saying they would definitely or probably consider voting for a third-party candidate.

An NBC poll taken in March 2016 found 46 percent said they would consider another candidate in the race between Trump and eventual Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Another poll in April 2012 found 40 percent would consider a third party in the race between then-President Obama and the eventual GOP nominee, Utah Sen. Mitt Romney.

But Democrats in the recent poll were more likely than Republicans to signal they were open to it, with 45 percent of Democrats saying they would consider another candidate. A little more than half of Democrats said they would not consider it.

About a third of Republicans said they would consider a third-party candidate, while 63 percent said they would not.

Pollsters also found majorities of a few notable Democratic-leaning groups said they would consider a third-party candidate. That includes 58 percent of Hispanic voters, 57 percent of voters ages 18 to 34, 55 percent of voters who supported Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) or Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary race, and 52 percent of Black voters.

Polling has shown that a majority of voters want neither Trump nor Biden to be their partys nominee for president in 2024, despite their significant leads in polls for their respective partys primaries.

A bipartisan group called No Labels has been organizing an effort to put forward a third-party unity ticket made up of a Democrat and a Republican if the two major parties nominate unreasonably divisive candidates.

Democrats have raised warnings that third-party efforts like those of No Labels could undermine Bidens reelection efforts. An Emerson College poll released last week showed that a third-party candidate would pull down Bidens support below Trumps.

No Labels pledged earlier this month to end its third-party efforts if polling showed Biden way ahead of Trump next spring.

The NBC poll was conducted from June 16-20 among 1,000 registered voters. The margin of error was 3.1 points.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
More than half of all Americans have experienced online hate or harassment within their lifetimes, while reports of online abuse among teenagers and LGBT+ people have surged within the last year, according to an annual survey from a leading civil rights group.

The Anti-Defamation Leagues fifth annual survey charts a dramatic increase in reports of online hate and harassment among several groups over the last year, including 51 per cent of teenagers between ages 13 and 17  an increase of 15 per cent from the same point last year.

Forty-seven per cent of LGBT+ people, 38 per cent of Black people, and 38 per cent of Muslims have reported online hate and harassment over the last 12 months, according to the report, which calls on Congress, the White House and social media companies to implement stronger protections against online abuse.

Were confronted with record levels of hate across the internet, hate that too often turns into real violence and danger in our communities, according to a statement from ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt. The time for talking, and for planning, is long over. Its time to execute on the priorities set out by the White House and other policymakers, and its time for big tech companies to deliver on their promises to reduce hate online.

Reports of online abuse are particularly acute among transgender people; 76 per cent of trans respondents said they have been harassed online within their lifetimes, and more than half experienced such abuse within the previous 12 months  the most among any demographic included in the survey.

Due to the recent proliferation of extreme anti-transgender legislation and rhetoric, ADL sampled transgender individuals separately this year, according to the report.

By the end of May, state lawmakers had introduced more than 500 bills impacting LGBT+ people in 2023, including 220 bills specifically targeting trans and nonbinary Americans, according to an analysis from the Human Rights Campaign.

In remarks at the White House earlier this month, President Joe Biden condemned the totally, thoroughly unjustified and ugly wave of legislation impacting LGBT+ Americans.

A separate report from the ADL and GLAAD discovered more than 350 targeted threats against LGBT+ people within the last year, including online harassment as well as armed protests at drag performances, bomb scares against hospitals that provide gender-affirming healthcare, and other acts of violence, including a mass shooting inside a Colorado Springs LGBT+ nightclub.

Incidents targeting drag performers and the people and venues that host them have accelerated across the US, with similar threats surfacing in the UK, according to a separate recent report from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue. The group collected 203 on- and offline threatening incidents within the last year.

The ADLs latest survey of 2,139 people was performed online with the ADL and YouGov from 7 March through 24 March.
Mortgage mayhem forces two in five homeowners to sell at a discount

house prices being slashed illustration

The mortgage rate crisis is forcing more than two in five sellers to accept lower prices for their homes, figures show.

Buyers constrained by the higher cost of mortgages are pushing for an average reduction of 3.8pc in asking prices.

One in ten sellers are accepting a discount of more than 10pc on the asking price and 42pc are accepting decreases of at least 5pc, the highest level since 2018.

Annual house price growth has slowed to 1.2pc, despite agreed sales being 8pc higher than the five-year average, and prices remain on track to be 5pc lower by the end of this year, despite a promising flurry of sales in the spring.

Scotland, the North East and London are still seeing above-average new sales being agreed, while market conditions are less favourable in southern England and the Midlands.

Buyers positions are also strengthened by a drop in the number of people currently looking to purchase. Over the last four weeks, the number of house seekers was down 14pc compared to the five-year average, the Zoopla House Price Index shows.

But cash buyers are winning out over borrowers, as increasing mortgage rates have slashed buying power. The increase from 4pc to 6pc reduced purchasing power by 20pc.

Richard Donnell, executive director of Zoopla, said price falls would continue for the second half of the year as the supply of houses increases.

We still expect house prices to be 5pc lower over 2023 and there is a very substantial equity buffer to absorb price falls which are likely to be concentrated across southern England.

Demand for homes remains but those households looking to move home in 2023 need to be very realistic on pricing and get the view of agents on where to pitch their asking price to secure a sale.

Matt Thompson, head of sales at Chestertons, said buyers were sitting on their hands while they waited to see where the market moves but that the outlook was optimistic.

He added that: There has not been the big price correction that many commentators forecast and we are now seeing cautious confidence returning to the market with more buyers offering on properties and more sellers coming to the market.

Jeremy Leaf, an estate agent based in north London, said he wasnt seeing sellers reducing their prices substantially but explained that mortgage turbulence was benefiting cash buyers.

Theres no doubt that this mortgage market turbulence has compromised confidence in asking prices and activity but in higher areas, we are seeing the cash and equity rich increasingly prevailing over those relying on increasingly hard-to-find mortgages.

The estate agent said record rents were encouraging cautious buyers to proceed despite rocketing mortgage rates.

Some first-time buyers are saying that they know the rates are high but we dont feel that theyre going to be high forever. If they can get a fix now and can afford it at that level, theyll still go ahead because they dont want to waste the money on rent.

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By Jonathan Landay

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Solid majorities of Americans support providing weaponry to Ukraine to defend itself against Russia and believe that such aid demonstrates to China and other U.S. rivals a will to protect U.S. interests and allies, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey.

The two-day poll that was concluded on Tuesday charted a sharp rise in backing for arming Ukraine, with 65% of the respondents approving of the shipments compared with 46% in a May poll.

Eighty-one percent of Democrats, 56% of Republicans and 57% of independents favor supplying U.S. weapons to Ukraine, according to the latest poll.

The survey was conducted just days after Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the private Wagner mercenary company, launched and then called off a mutiny over what he charged was the Russian defense ministry's mishandling of the war in Ukraine.

The findings appeared to provide firmer backing for U.S. President Joe Biden's policy of doing "whatever it takes" to assist Ukraine in recapturing territory that Russia seized in an initial assault in 2014 and its full-scale invasion 16 months ago.

"This definitely reinforces Biden's decision to be all-in on this," said William Taylor, a former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine now with the U.S. Institute of Peace.

"The Republican leadership of the House and Senate will also take heart from this," Taylor said. Some right-wing Republican lawmakers have opposed continuing U.S. military support for Ukraine.

The Biden administration has approved 41 weapons packages for Ukraine totaling more than $40 billion since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched what he calls "a special military operation" in February 2022.

The online Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted nationwide, collecting responses from 1,004 adults, including 400 Democrats and 383 Republicans. It had a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of about 4 percentage points in either direction.

The poll found that 76% of Americans believe that providing aid to Ukraine demonstrates to China and other rivals that the United States has "the will and capability to protect our interests, our allies and ourselves."

In other findings, the survey said large majorities of Americans - 67% and 73% - are more likely to support a candidate in next year's U.S. presidential election who will continue military aid to Ukraine and one who backs the NATO alliance.

(Reporting by Jonathan Landay; Additional reporting by Jason Lange; Editing by Don Durfee and Grant McCool)
Most people reached in a recent survey of 23 countries have largely positive views of the U.S. and President Biden, according to data the Pew Research Center released Tuesday.

The poll found that 59 percent of people surveyed globally view the U.S. favorably, with 30 percent responding unfavorably. Similarly, 54 percent of respondents have confidence in Biden, compared to 39 percent with little confidence.

Support for the U.S. is strongest in Poland, Israel, South Korea, Nigeria, Japan and Kenya. Much of the increase in support in Poland is due to U.S. support for the war in Ukraine, researchers said.

Only Hungary did not have a majority-favorable view of the U.S. among surveyed countries.

Researchers this spring polled over 27,000 people from 23 countries all over the world, many of which are U.S. allies.

Previous surveys found confidence in the president during the Trump administration. The difference was most significant in middle-income nations such as Brazil, researchers said. There, Bidens 44-percent confidence rating this year is a significant improvement from Trumps 29-percent mark in 2019.

Similarly, in Mexico, confidence in the president has returned to near the levels of the Obama administration to 43 percent, rising from near-single digits during the Trump administration.

The survey also analyzed respondents thoughts on Americas role in the world and influence through media, culture, education and economics.

A strong majority, 82 percent, of those surveyed agreed that the U.S. interferes in other countries affairs, but about half said that interference contributes to world peace.

A rising number of respondents also said that the U.S. is the strongest economic power over China, with 41 percent answering the U.S. and 33 percent China. Researchers noted double-digit improvement in that metric in Germany, Sweden and Japan compared to 2020.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
"So much winning": Trump's bid to dodge NY judge he hates shot down after surprise witness backfires

Donald TrumpScott Olson/Getty Images

A federal judge on Tuesday was unswayed by former President Donald Trump's request to move his hush-money case from a New York state court to federal court, leaving the case before the same judge who sentenced the Trump Organization for tax fraud earlier this year.

After a three-hour hearing that yielded poor results for Trump's team, U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein indicated that he would rule against the former president in the days to come. According to The Daily Beast, Trump's lawyer, Todd Blanche, failed to prove that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's case prompts legal concerns that are better addressed in federal court such as "matters relating to whether a president can be sued for conduct relating to his official duties or committing federal crimes, as opposed to local ones."

The judge, instead, countered that all of Trump's alleged crimes revolve around his personal affairs.

"There's no relation to any act of the president," Hellerstein said, calling Trump's relationship with lawyer Michael Cohen, who illegally paid off an adult film star, a "private hiring."

Related

Trump melts down on Truth Social immediately after judge warned him "like a truant child"

Trump was indicted in late March over his alleged role in the scheme to pay off adult film actress Stormy Daniels in an effort to keep knowledge of their alleged extramarital affair from nearly a decade prior away from the public. Bragg charged Trump with 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up the $130,000 expense and the $420,000 reimbursement he later gave Cohen.

Cohen was sent to federal prison for his role in the scheme in 2019, but Trump, who was still president, evaded prosecution at the time. Bragg's predecessor, Cyrus Vance, however, launched an investigation into Trump, which ended in Bragg convening the grand jury this year that voted to indict him.

The case being arguably better suited for the federal court system has largely motivated Trump's attempts to have it moved, according to the report. But he and his team have also been trying to avoid Justice Juan Merchan, the state court judge who oversaw the criminal trial in which the Trump Organization was convicted of tax fraud. Even-tempered despite the former president's jabs at him and his family, Merchan has also restricted Trump's access to the documents in the case.

A month after his indictment, Trump lawyers asked a federal judge to take over the case on the grounds that it "involves important federal questions since the indictment charges President Trump for conduct committed while he was President of the United States." They also argued that his actions fell "within the 'color of his office,'" a go-to claim of Trump's legal defense in recent years.

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Trump's lawyers even brought in a surprise witness, Trump Organization chief legal officer Alan Garten, to testify about Trump's personal arrangement with Cohen but the attorney's testimony may have hurt Trump's case more than it helped because he was unable to provide details of the arrangement, legal experts say.

The judge disregarded the legal team's argument at every turn. At one point, Hellerstein even said that Trump's decision to hire Cohen only further supports the fact that Cohen's work was unrelated to government affairs.

"It doesn't lower the suspicion; it raises it," Hellerstein said.

Matthew Colangelo, a prosecutor for the D.A.'s office, undermined Trump lawyer's arguments by telling the courtroom that the case is about "personal payments from personal accounts to a personal attorney handling his personal affairs," and citing multiple examples of Trump himself and his colleagues  including his other lawyer Rudy Giuliani  asserting years ago that the hush money payment was a "personal" matter.

Trump's attorneys also argued Tuesday that Bragg's case involves alleged federal law violations, which would allow the federal government to preemptively seize control of it.

"If there was no federal elections violation, then there is no crime and that's exactly why it belongs in this courthouse, not across the street," Blanche told the judge.

But the D.A.'s office refuted his statement, arguing that Trump committed a crime in New York state by intending to break the law even if the law in question was a federal one. Though Hellerstein didn't say much about the issue, he seemed convinced that the case could stay in the state court.

"And the fault was Team Trump's," MSNBC legal analyst and lawyer Lisa Rubin tweeted late Wednesday of the legal team's failure. "Not only did they violate a prior agreement with the DA's office not to call live witnesses, but they called the chief legal officer of Trump's business, who could not attest to some of their key points and made some damaging admissions."

"It was a bold gamble without any payoff. And something tells me that tonight, Todd Blanche, Trump's shiniest new legal toy, is no longer feeling so golden," she added.

It was a bold gamble without any payoff. And something tells me that tonight, Todd Blanche, Trumps shiniest new legal toy, is no longer feeling so golden. FIN.  Lisa Rubin (@lawofruby) June 28, 2023

"So much winning," lawyer George Conway added in response to Rubin's thread about the hearing.

So much winning https://t.co/1qDSY7lznp  George Conway (@gtconway3d) June 28, 2023

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about Trump's hush-money case
Pilgrims cast stones at a pillar in the symbolic stoning of the devil, the last rite of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, in Mina near the holly city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, June 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

MINA, Saudi Arabia (AP)  Hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims on Wednesday braved intense heat to perform the symbolic stoning of the devil during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

With morning temperatures rising past 42 degrees Celsius (107 degrees Farenheit), huge crowds of pilgrims walked or took buses to the vast Jamarat complex just outside the holy city of Mecca, where large pedestrian bridges lead past three wide pillars representing the devil.

Using pebbles collected the night before at a campsite known as Muzdalifa, the pilgrims stone the pillars. It's a reenactment of the story of the Prophet Ibrahim  known as Abraham in Christian and Jewish traditions  who is said to have hurled stones at Satan to resist temptation.

The ceremony was marred by tragedy on a number of occasions in the 1990s and 2000s, when hundreds died in stampedes during the stoning ritual. Saudi authorities have since built an expanded network of massive pedestrian bridges and redesigned the site to make it safer for pilgrims.

This year, the biggest danger might be the heat.

Temperatures soared past 45 degrees Celsius (113 F) on Tuesday, as Muslims marked the spiritual high point of the pilgrimage by spending the day praying at Mount Arafat, where there was no breeze and almost no shade.

Pilgrims huddled under umbrellas, dousing themselves with bottled water. Cellphones were almost too hot to hold and shut down after just a few minutes of use.

Saudi authorities have deployed tens of thousands of health workers for the pilgrimage and volunteers were handing out water. More than 6,700 pilgrims have been treated for heat exhaustion or heat stroke since the start of the pilgrimage, said Dr. Muhammad Al-Abdel Ali, a Health Ministry spokesman.

The annual Hajj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam, and all Muslims are required to undertake it at least once in their lives if they are physically and financially able. For the pilgrims it is an unrivalled religious experience that wipes away sins, bringing them closer to God and face-to-face with fellow Muslims from all corners of the earth.

The last three days of the Hajj coincide with Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of the Sacrifice, a joyful occasion in which Muslims around the world sacrifice sheep or cattle and distribute some of the meat to the poor. The holiday commemorates Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael on God's command. In Christian and Jewish traditions, Abraham is willing to sacrifice his other son, Isaac.

The holiday, which is held according to Islam's lunar calendar, depending on the sighting of the moon, began Wednesday in several Middle Eastern countries and will begin Thursday in some Asian countries.

The Saudi royal family has invested billions of dollars in infrastructure to maintain Islam's holiest sites and to hold the annual pilgrimage, which is a major source of its legitimacy. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler, traveled to Mecca on Tuesday to oversee the pilgrimage, according to state-run media.

This is the first Hajj to be held without COVID-19 restrictions since the onset of the pandemic in 2020. Authorities had expected some 2 million pilgrims, but official figures released late Tuesday showed that around 1.8 million were taking part in the pilgrimage. That's considerably fewer than the nearly 2.5 million who came in 2019. Worldwide economic woes may have been a factor.
Photo: Getty (Getty Images)

The 2024 Arizona Senate race just got a little more interesting, as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is now officially fundraising for Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), whos running to oust incumbent Sen. Kyrsten Sinemas (I-Ariz.).

NBC News reports that Pelosi will be a special guest at a fundraiser for Gallego on Thursday. Its quite rare for Pelosi to campaign against a fellow Democrat, but Sinema left the party in December and became an independent after finding herself siding with Republicans on issues like filibuster reform and the minimum wage. Sinema has not said whether shes seeking reelection, but her chances arent looking good if she does: The senator has a net favorability of -23 in Arizona, per a statewide poll from April first reported by Jezebel. According to that poll, Sinema has virtually no chance of winning reelection, regardless of which Republican may decide to join the three-way race against her and Gallego.

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NASCAR star Jimmie Johnsons sister-in-law speaks out after parents death in murder-suicide

NASCAR great Jimmie Johnsons sister-in-law has spoken out after her parents and an 11-year-old relative were found dead in a suspected murder-suicide.

Please tell me this isnt really happening please god someone, Marianne Janway wrote on Facebook after the bodies of Jack Janway, 69, his wife Terry Janway, 68, and their 11-year-old grandson Dalton Janway were found at the familys home in Muskogee, Oklahoma, on Monday.

Marianne is the sister of Johnsons wife Chandra Johnson, but its unclear if Dalton is her son.

Police suspect Terry Janway shot her husband and grandson before turning the gun on herself as officers arrived at the family home, according to a Muskogee Police Department statement.

Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, has pulled out of racing this weekend, while his teammates have offered their support.

Sending love and prayers to my team mate Jimmie, Chandra and the whole Johnson family at this devastating time, Johnsons teammate and former Formula 1 champion Jenson Button tweeted.

Police in Muskogee received a 911 call from a woman at the familys Suroya St address just after 9pm on Monday to report a woman with a gun before hanging up, according to a statement provided to the Muskogee Phoenix.

Officers arrived to find Jack Janways body lying in a hallway inside the door.

Shortly after arriving officers heard another gunshot from further inside the house, Muskogee Police spokeswoman Lynn Hamlin said in a statement.

Jack Janway and his grandson Dalton, 11, were killed in the murder-suicide, police say (Facebook)

They pulled Jacks body out of the home and ordered anyone still inside the home to come out, according to the statement.

After back-up officers arrived, police searched the home and found Dalton and Terrys bodies.

Ms Hamlin confirmed to the local news outlet that the deaths were being treated as a murder-suicide, and Terry Janway was considered the sole suspect.

Investigators have not identified a motive, Ms Hamlin added.

Jimmie and Chandra Johnson were married in 2004, and the couple have two daughters Genevieve and Lydia.

NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson has withdrawn from racing this weekend (AP)

His Legacy Motor Club team said in a statement that Johnsons No. 84 Carvana Chevrolet had been withdrawn from this weekends NASCAR Cup Series event in Chicago.

The Johnson family has asked for privacy at this time and no further statements will be made, the team added.

In a statement on Tuesday, NASCAR said: We are saddened by the tragic deaths of members of Chandra Johnson's family.

The entire NASCAR family extends its deepest support and condolences during this difficult time to Chandra, Jimmie and the entire Johnson & Janway families.

Tributes poured after Mondays tragedy for Jack Janway had run the Janway Chiropractic & Acupuncture Clinic in Muskogee for decades.

It was traumatizing to find out that a long-standing family who had made so many contributions to our community were involved in this type of incident. It was even more bone-chilling to find out there was a child involved, said Muskogee Mayor Marlon Coleman told Fox23.

I knew Dr Janway. Dr Janway has worked on me, weve been acquaintances for a very, very long time since Ive been in Muskogee. Just knowing that it was him and his family took a different toll on me.

In 2014, Terry and Jacks son Jordan Janway died in a skydiving accident near San Diego at the age of 27.

The veteran of more than 1,000 leaps collided with another skydiver and was unable to open his parachute, a medical examiner said at the time.

An obituary listed Dalton Janway as one of his nephews.
China's resort island thriving with tourism, consumption

Xinhua) 08:55, June 28, 2023

Tourists are pictured at the Hualigu cultural tourism zone in Dongfang City, south China's Hainan Province, May 1, 2023. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu)

HAIKOU, June 27 (Xinhua) -- China's southernmost province Hainan is striving to build itself into an international tourism and consumption center with duty-free shopping and featured industries.

The island province saw over 26 million visits in the first quarter of 2023, generating a revenue of more than 53 billion yuan (7.35 billion U.S. dollars), up 20.2 percent and 25.4 percent year on year, respectively, according to official data.

During the five-day May Day holiday this year, the province saw 3.2 million tourist visits, up 141.5 percent from a year ago, with tourism revenue rocketing by 178.8 percent to 4.23 billion yuan.

Liu Cheng, deputy director of the provincial department of tourism, culture, radio, television and sports, said that the province is developing all-for-one tourism consisting of coasts and beaches, rainforest parks and tour routes around the island.

THRIVING DUTY-FREE SHOPPING

The province's duty-free shops raked in 16.9 billion yuan in the first quarter of this year, up 14.6 percent year on year, according to Haikou Customs.

With 12 duty-free shopping malls, the province aims to increase offshore duty-free sales to over 80 billion yuan by the end of 2023.

Developed by China Duty Free Group (CDF), Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex is the world's largest stand-alone duty-free shopping mall with a construction area of around 280,000 square meters and features more than 800 well-known international and domestic brands.

According to Wang Renan, CDF Haikou's sales manager, the shopping complex has successfully expanded its range of brands and shops, and plans various shopping activities, especially during holidays and festivals, to attract consumers.

Meanwhile, the local government has fine-tuned policies step by step, increasing the annual duty-free quota per person, duty-free categories and delivery methods. Favorable duty-free shopping policies, implemented as part of the core policies for the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port, have boosted consumer willingness to spend.

Li Gang, deputy manager of China Tourism Group, the country's biggest state-owned tourism enterprise, suggested that Hainan further improve the quality of tourism and design more travel brands and products based on duty-free shopping malls like CDF Haikou.

People shop at Haikou Riyue Plaza Duty Free Shop in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

BURGEONING TOURISM INDUSTRIES

As China's highland of educational opening up and innovation, Lingshui Li'an International Education Innovation Pilot Zone has inked agreements with 22 renowned colleges and universities from home and abroad since June 2020. It is promoting as well as encouraging overseas high-level universities to run independent schools in the zone.

The pilot zone is the epitome of Hainan's efforts on implementing its "Studying in Hainan" strategy. The province has invested about 40 billion yuan in over 130 cooperation projects and attracted about 25,000 talents in the field of education over the past five years.

The local government signed an agreement with the German Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences last December, which will be the first overseas university to run independent schools in China.

The resort island is also placing significant emphasis on the medical care industry as one of its featured sectors.

Over 300 types of imported medicine and medical equipment have been approved to be used at Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone in Bo'ao, a town near the island's east coast. The pilot zone received 189,000 medical tourists last year, up 48.5 percent year on year.

China's enormous market demands in tourism, medical care and education sectors provide a solid foundation for Hainan's high-quality development, said Liu Feng, director of the Research Center for Free Trade Port with Chinese Characteristics at Hainan Normal University.

He added that with high-level opening-up, Hainan is becoming an intersection of domestic and international economic flows.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
LAGOS, June 27 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian police have arrested over 500 suspects in the latest crackdown on criminal offenses in the nation's northwestern state of Kaduna, local police said Tuesday.

The suspects were arrested for various offenses in the last few weeks, including armed banditry, robbery, cattle rustling, culpable homicide, rape and other related crimes, Mohammed Jalige, the police spokesperson in Kaduna, said in a statement.

Several security measures have been initiated to ensure that the state's fight against criminals and criminal offenses is successful, Jalige said.

The spokesperson called on citizens to remain vigilant and support the police by reporting criminals and their activities to the nearest police station.

Armed attacks have been a primary security threat in parts of Nigeria, leading to kidnappings and deaths in recent months. 
Flight delays are stacking up before the holiday weekend. Nationwide, thousands of flights were canceled because of bad weather.

At Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, traffic was heavy and lines were long Wednesday morning as we heard from stressed-out travelers who are trying to rebook their flights.

On Tuesday night, the Federal Aviation Administration put temporary ground stops in place because of severe thunderstorms in the New York area.

As of 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, there were 38 delays and six cancellations at SEA, according to FlightAware. Five of the canceled flights were with United Airlines. Nationwide, United has 335 flights canceled.

United has been having a rough week, including a day where it had 26% of its flights canceled and another 41% delayed.

Uniteds CEO is blaming low staffing at air traffic control centers, which are run by the FAA.

In an internal memo obtained by CBS News, United CEO Scott Kirby says the FAA failed airlines and travelers.

We talked to passengers at SEA who were trying to get rebooked all morning.

So, this morning I was supposed to take a trip out to Norfolk, Virginia to spend some time with my son before his trip to Africa. When I got here at around 4 a.m., I found out that all the flights had been canceled. I hadnt received a confirmation in my email to let me know there was a cancellation, but luckily, the crowd of people let me know what was going on when I got here, said a Tacoma man.

Meanwhile, some people have been waiting at the airport for hours. One family told us they arrived at SEA at 9 p.m. Tuesday.

There were also big lines at other airlines counters, such as Delta and Alaska airlines.
Native American dancers from around the nation to compete at 27th annual Wildhorse Pow Wow

Native American culture and heritage will be celebrated with traditional songs, dances and food at the 27th annual Wildhorse Pow Wow this weekend.

The free event runs June 30 to July 2 outside at Wildhorse Resort just off I-84 east of Pendleton, Ore.

There will be free parking at the resort for all attendees, which will be around the building and in the open field area.

The event began in 1994 and has remained a celebration of culture open to all, according to a news release from Wild Horse Casino.

Through the three-day celebration, Native Americans from around the nation will come together to share their culture, tradition and customs with other participants and visitors.

The outdoor event will be on the open field and there will be bleachers for tourists to sit and watch. Tribal members are able to set up canopies or a chair.

A grand entry will be the first event of each day, where all participants perform various dances.

Were very excited to kick off the 2023 Wildhorse Pow Wow. We invite everyone to come and experience the power, strength, and beauty of Native American culture, said Wildhorse Events Manager Juliana Luke in a news release. This years Pow Wow promises to be another wonderful celebration for everyone.

There will be a marketplace that showcases tapestries, with handmade Native American jewelry, art, clothing, and more for sale. Traditional Native American cuisine will also be available.

Dancers, drummers, and groups will be competing for over $10,000 in prize money in the Native American dance competition featuring different styles like Fancy, Grass, Jingle, and traditional.

Dancers are able to register for the competition on-site, while drummer groups must pre-register.

The Wildhorse Pow Wow is held each year to honor the past, embrace the present, and shape a future that cherishes and respects the diverse cultures that make our world vibrant, according to organizers.

For more information, visit wildhorseresort.com.
This story was originally published by Cronkite News.

PHOENIX  The first COVID-19 case on the Navajo Nation came in March 2020, and by the end of the month the tribe already had in place a curfew to keep residents home.

The curfew was among the most stringent measures any U.S. tribal or non-tribal government enacted to check the spread of the virus. Violators who were issued citations could face fines of $1,000 and up to 30 days in jail.

When the tribe faced a shortage of protective gear for public safety officers, many of whom were on the front lines of the pandemic, the tribal government passed legislation to direct revenue from fines to the Navajo Police Department.

At the time, former Navajo Nation Council Delegate Wilson C. Stewart Jr., who sponsored the dedicated fund to help the police, said the department should spend whatever it needed to keep themselves safe, to keep our police officers safe and to keep our facilities as clean as possible.

An investigation into the aftermath of the Navajo Nation public safety measures by the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism found multiple breakdowns in their implementation.

Even before citations were issued, the curfews faced sticky legal questions that public health and public safety officials had to sort through.

The nations nine prosecutorial offices didnt receive guidance on how to handle the cases sent to them, and few were prosecuted.

And the designated fund for the police department to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) never materialized because tribal administrators never set up the funding mechanism.

In the end, the investigation found, the most consequential legacy of the curfews is the impact on hundreds of residents who were issued citations and who still have them hanging over their heads as a part of their criminal history.

The spirit of it was good  the intent  but there was nothing behind it to benefit anybody, said former Navajo Police Chief Phillip Francisco.

Navajo police officers from the Shiprock District conduct a checkpoint on April 1, 2020 to remind the public about the nightly curfew on the Navajo Nation.

Early challenges

Following the nations first COVID-19 case, the Navajo Department of Health issued the first public health emergency order on March 18, 2020.

Residents were placed under curfew starting March 30, 2020. Each day, residents were ordered to stay home from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

As COVID-19 cases climbed, health officials added lockdowns that spanned 57 hours during the weekend, starting April 10, 2020.

The police department faced two challenges in the early weeks of the pandemic, according to Francisco.

The first was keeping officers safe from the virus as they responded to calls for service.

Like many law enforcement agencies across the United States, the tribal police department faced shortages of face masks, gloves and other PPE as COVID-19 spread.

The second problem was enforcing the curfews.

The department was put in charge of enforcing them after the matter was discussed by administrators in the executive branch, including the presidents office and the health department, Francisco said.

The Division of Public Safety and the Navajo Department of Justice also had to figure out if the curfews were legal because there was no tribal law that specifically addressed people violating public health orders or adults breaking curfews.

The tribe has curfew laws for minors.

But because there was none for adults, officials used the offense of criminal nuisance, defined in the tribes criminal code as a person who knowingly or recklessly creates or maintains a condition which endangers the safety or health of others.

There were a lot of challenges in trying to balance peoples rights and freedoms versus trying to enforce an order that was meant to protect the public from a health crisis, said Francisco, who is now police chief of the Bloomfield Police Department in New Mexico.

The Navajo Police Department has been holding checkpoints to share information about the curfew order on the Navajo Nation.

Curfews in Navajo Nation begin

The police department was ready to begin issuing citations the first weekend the curfew went into effect.

In the days before, the department set up checkpoints to inform the public about curfews and to encourage them to stay home.

The former chief had the task of announcing that police officers would start citing people for not complying with curfews, outlining the measures on April 3, 2020, during a town hall that live streamed on the Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President Facebook page.

The first weekend of curfews officers issued 115 citations, according to a news release the police department issued on April 13, 2020.

The enforcement was successful in that we saw a decline in the number of people traveling during the weekend, Francisco said in the release. An operation of this capacity takes a lot of planning and coordination, and our districts did a great job in enforcement efforts.

Exceptions were made if travel was for emergencies, or if the person could prove they were an essential worker. The intent and purpose of the curfew was to restrict the movement of individuals on the Navajo Nation and minimize the growth and spread of COVID-19 in communities, the release stated.

As the number of COVID-19 cases declined and vaccines became available, the curfews became less restrictive. The daily curfew was discontinued on Aug. 6, 2021.

Officers across the police departments seven districts issued 726 citations over the 16 months the curfews were in effect, according to statistics released by the police department.

The Tuba City District had the most citations at 207; the Chinle District, 172; Kayenta District, 169; Shiprock District, 56; Window Rock District, 44; Crownpoint District, 41; and Dilkon District, 37.

Figures included in quarterly reports from the Navajo Nation Department of Justice, however, show a higher number of citations.

Their figures show 1,280 total citations.

Navajo Police Officer Brandon Jim reminds a motorist about the nightly curfew for the Navajo Nation during a police checkpoint on April 1 on U.S. Highway 64 in Hogback.

Lawmakers back police fund, but dont set it up

In late 2020, former tribal council delegate Stewart sponsored a bill to direct revenue collected from curfew violations to the police department to buy PPE.

Members of the 24th Navajo Nation Council and then-President Jonathan Nez supported the financial initiative to help the police department.

The measure, however, required the Division of Public Safety to set up a special fund management plan, so that revenue from the citations could be put into a separate fund for police use.

Supporters of the bill said the fund management plan would prevent any fines from going into the tribes general fund.

In the tribal council resolution Nez signed, the public safety division had 30 days to present a fund management plan to two tribal council committees as part of the process to establish the fund.

No plan was ever presented, and the fund was not established, the tribes legislative services office and the controllers office confirmed.

No revenue source was generated due to FMP (fund management plan) not being established, the police department said in response to questions about the fund.

Former Division of Public Safety Executive Director Jesse Delmar declined to comment about the fund and referred questions to the current division director. I no longer have a voice with the Navajo Nation government, Delmar wrote in an email on April 20.

Since no fund was set up, any amount collected from fines was deposited into the tribes general fund.

In the end, the police department did get enough protective gear, Francisco said. It received federal COVID-19 funds and was also able to use PPE that the tribes casinos werent using because they were closed.

At any given time, Francisco said, 25% of his officers were sick with COVID-19 and out of commission.

The virus also sickened or killed frontline workers from other agencies.

Among those who died from the virus were Navajo Police Officer Michael Lee, a 29-year veteran of the department, and Esther Charley, a criminal investigator. Both died in June 2020. Approximately 2,100 people died of COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation, according to the Navajo Department of Health.

Navajo Police Officer Brandon Jim directs traffic during an April 1 checkpoint on the westbound lane of U.S. Highway 64 in Hogback.

Case dispositions unknown

Chief Prosecutor Vernon L. Jackson Sr. did not respond to repeated requests for information about how the citations forwarded to the nations prosecutors offices were handled.

Francisco, who left the police department at the end of 2021, said only a handful of cases were ever properly adjudicated.

From my understanding, there was only maybe one or two cases that ever went in front of the judge and were ever found guilty, he said.

Because of the pandemic, tribal courts were operating on a reduced schedule while the curfews were in effect.

As a result, Francisco said curfew citations went on the back burner.

Most of those cases werent heard ever, or maybe a year and a half out, he said.

Quarterly reports from 2020 and 2021 from the Navajo Nation Department of Justice mention that 1,280 citations were received by the prosecutors offices. But the reports mention only one case that resulted in a sentence.

In 2020, a defendant was sentenced to 30 days in jail after a plea agreement that included a charge of criminal nuisance for curfew violation.

This defendant had prior criminal convictions and appeared for arraignment on the criminal nuisance charge after being arrested for a Violence Against Family Act offense, according to the report.

A district prosecutor who did not want to be identified because the person was not authorized to comment, said citations came to the district offices without narratives that would help them prosecute a case.

References to citations in other reports indicate that many of those cited have not had their cases resolved because the courts have not summoned defendants to appear.

Most of those cited were released on their own recognizance, according to the justice department reports, with return dates for reappearance set many months into the future.

Each district court has opted to treat these return dates differently, with some of the return dates being ignored completely, according to a justice department report from January 2021.

This story was produced by the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at Arizona State Universitys Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, an initiative of the Scripps Howard Foundation in honor of the late news industry executive and pioneer Roy W. Howard. Contact us at howardcenter@asu.edu or on Twitter @HowardCenterASU.

This article originally appeared on Farmington Daily Times: Navajo Nation's COVID-19 curfews saddled hundreds with citations
Navalny on Wagner rebellion: Kept expecting someone to yell You got punkd!

Imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny expressed surprise at the Wagner Groups armed rebellion last weekend, saying he at first believed the news of thousands of troops marching on Moscow was a joke or a meme.

Navalny tweeted Tuesday that while he is largely isolated from receiving news of the outside world in a Russian prison, he learned of the attempted insurrection from lawyers and other courtroom staff this week.

I kept expecting someone to suddenly yell You got punkd!' Navalny wrote. But no one did.

The short-lived Wagner Group uprising ended Saturday after the private military companys chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin, reached a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, brokered by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko.

Prigozhin agreed to enter exile in Belarus, and the terrorism charges that Russia opened against him have been dropped.

While Putin has raged against the rebellion and may in the future move to dismantle the Wagner Group and disempower Prigozhin, the Russian leader has allowed mercenary fighters who participated in the rebellion to walk free, and he even called them patriots for halting their advance.

Navalny contrasted the insurrection attempt  which saw Prigozhin take a city in southern Russia and destroy seven aircraft  with the charges laid against his Anti-Corruption Foundation (ACF) for publishing videos and information that detail corruption in Russia.

While listening to how the ACF are extremists who are dangerous for the country, I read about how one group of Russian troops took positions on the Oka river to defend themselves against another group of Russian troops, Navalny wrote. So I kept waiting for the prosecutor herself to finally burst out laughing and shout: its all a prank, you should have seen your face, Navalny! But she was absolutely serious.

Last year, Navalny was sentenced to nine years in prison for fraud and contempt of court, and he faces another 30 years in prison if convicted on extremism charges. A trial on the latest charges began earlier this month.

Navalny, who is also the survivor of a 2020 poisoning that he blames on Putin, is able to communicate with the outside world on social media by passing hand-written messages to his lawyers, who then pass it on to the exiled ACF staff in Lithuania.

The Russian activist said Prigozhins rebellion proves there is no greater threat to Russia than the Putin regime.

Putins regime is so dangerous to the country that even its inevitable collapse would create the threat of a civil war. Now we understand for sure: the pack of Putins supporters is ready to start a war of all against all at any moment, he wrote.

The fact that Putins war could ruin and disintegrate Russia is no longer a dramatic exclamation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Of nearly 100 homicides, Kansas City police have solved just 32 killings this year. Why?

About halfway through the year, Kansas City is close to recording 100 homicides.

And so far, the Kansas City Police Department has cleared just one third of them.

As of Tuesday, police had cleared 32 of the 97 killings reported so far in 2023, according to the police departments statistics. That is a clearance rate of about 33%.

The Stars homicide count, which includes fatal police shootings, numbers 99 killings so far this year.

The city, which has long struggled with high rates of gun violence and a strained relationship between police and community members, was pushed rapidly toward a triple-digit homicide count over the weekend when a mass shooting early Sunday at an after-hours club left three people dead and six injured.

Elsewhere in Kansas City that day, two more people were shot and killed, including a 17-year-old boy.

Speaking after the shootings Sunday, Police Chief Stacey Graves said something police leaders have repeated many times before: Some witnesses did not want to come forward and cooperate with police.

Kansas City has experienced another weekend of gun violence and where we currently are at an alarming number of homicides, Graves said Tuesday during a meeting of the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners. We have a complex problem of gun violence in our neighborhoods and communities. I say we have a culture of violence, or its expected and accepted.

Graves pointed out that police made an arrest within 12 hours of the mass shooting Sunday, which occurred at an auto shop at 57th Street and Prospect Avenue that hosted after-hours parties.

But a previous shooting that left three people dead and two injured last month at the Klymax Lounge, 4242 Indiana Ave., remains unsolved.

And the police departments low clearance rate means most killings are going unsolved.

So far this year, the 99 homicides reported in Kansas City outpace the 95 recorded during the same period in 2020, a year that ended by setting a record of 182.

Messages written in chalk are seen on the sidewalk outside Klymax Lounge on Monday, May 22 in Kansas City. Three people were killed and two were injured in a shooting Sunday at the nightclub.

Homicide clearance rate

Kansas City police officially calculate their homicide clearance rate by including cases from previous years that were solved this year, which is the standard used by the FBI.

That allows the police department to claim a higher clearance rate of 49%.

A homicide is considered cleared when detectives present a case to prosecutors and a suspect is arrested and charged. Kansas City police send cases to prosecutors not only in Jackson County but in Platte, Clay and Cass counties.

Homicide clearance rates vary widely across the country, but historically U.S. cities expect to see around a 50% clearance rate for homicides.

Kansas City has struggled with low homicide clearance rates for years.

In the summer of 2020, when the city was on its way to setting a record for homicides, police recorded a clearance rate of 43%. That was the same as the average end-of-year clearance rate for the previous five years.

Kansas City police were investigating a shooting Friday night that left one person dead and others injured near the corner of 35th Street and Prospect Avenue.

Nonfatal shooting clearance rates tend to be even lower, said Marijana Kotlaja, an assistant criminal justice professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

To understand the problem, The Star in 2018 took a closer look at the homicides of 2013, analyzing how they were processed by police, prosecutors and the courts. After five years, enough time had passed for murder cases to either go cold or work their way through the criminal justice system.

Of the 100 homicides reported in 2013, 40 led to charges being filed. In 31 of those cases, a defendant was convicted. Three of those convicted were free in 2018. Most of the rest remained unsolved

Last year, Kansas City recorded 169 homicides, not including fatal police shootings. Of that total, the police department cleared 78 cases, according to police homicide data. Thats a clearance rate of about 46%.

Mayor, city council member hope police will improve

People need to have confidence in their police department and confidence that those who commit crimes will be arrested, said Melissa Robinson, who represents the Third District on the Kansas City Council.

That would encourage witnesses to step forward, she said.

We also cannot ignore that apprehending suspects and prosecution cannot occur if there is an unwillingness to share what is witnessed and not only confidentially but oftentimes publicly during the prosecution process, Robinson said.

We find ourselves in a challenging cycle that requires cooperation, witness protection and above all prevention.

Mayor Quinton Lucas, who has a seat on the police board, on Tuesday acknowledged the departments low homicide clearance rate.

The (police) department continues to work harder to enhance the clearance rate. It has many factors as to why we are where we are, Lucas said. Some of that relates to building more community trust. I think this police chief is working hard to do that. I think that we will continue to try to see ways that we can enhance that long term.

Lucas said hours after the mass shooting on Sunday, he noticed homicide detectives canvassing the neighborhood to find witnesses. But witnesses are often reluctant to come forward.

Theres always work to do. Im not gonna sugarcoat it. I dont think theres anybody in the department or on the board of police commissioners whos interested in sugarcoating it, he said. That being said, were going to keep striving to be better. I have faith that this police department will do so.

Kotlaja, the UMKC professor, said residents cooperating with police and prosecutors is critical to clearing crimes in general, but this is particularly true for violent crimes.

People note their reluctance to cooperate with the criminal justice system when they lack trust that the system is fair and transparent, do not believe the system will bring shooters to justice, and when they fear retaliation for cooperating, she said.

This is why gaining trust between police, prosecutors, and those impacted by violence is so important, and why trust-building is central to many prevention strategies.

There is a vicious cycle and self-fulfilling prophecy in the problem, she said. Citizens lack faith in the police, so they are reluctant to cooperate.

This makes it more difficult to hold people accountable for committing violence, which lowers the clearance rate. Which makes citizens even more skeptical and less likely to cooperate. And the process repeats.
Nearly half of California residents are considering leaving the state, a poll finds. Many cite the cost of living as the main reason why.

Most Californians love living in California, but many are also considering moving to another state.

A new statewide poll found 70% of respondents expressed high levels of happiness with living in California and applaud the state for its diversity. But 4 in 10 Californians are considering moving out of state, with the majority saying its too expensive to live there.

California has had three consecutive years of population declines, according to U.S. Census data.

"The state's culture and diversity have proved to be a very powerful magnet to keep a lot of people here, even despite the affordability challenges," said Dan Schnur, a communications professor at the University of Southern California and the University of California, Berkeley, who was an adviser on the poll. "But as the cost of living continues to be a greater challenge, it's logical to assume that the allure of moving to a more affordable location is going to continue to grow."

The California Community Poll was conducted by Strategies 360, a polling and research firm, in partnership with the Los Angeles Times. Other community organizations are behind the effort, including the Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment, Hispanas Organized for Political Equality, and the Los Angeles Urban League.

Californians worried about the economy

The poll was filled out electronically from June 6 to June 16 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points. More than 1,300 Californians were asked about several topics, including the state's diversity, economy and overall satisfaction with living in the Golden State.

Only 29% of Californians reported feeling satisfied with the economy, which is down from 41% at the beginning of 2020. Nearly half also noted that they get by, but struggle to save money or pay for unexpected expenses. More than a quarter of respondents reported struggling to make ends meet.

The financial struggles were particularly prevalent for communities of color. About 59% of Black people and 34% of Latinos reported facing added barriers because of their race and ethnicity. And 81% of Black women and 62% of Hispanic women reported barriers to receiving fair wages.

Nancy Yap, executive director of the Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment, said the polls findings on community and diversity gave her a sense of optimism. About 71% of residents described California as diverse, and 58% said this diversity is essential to bringing people together. Additionally, 68% of people said living in California is an essential part of their identity.

"Communities of color really saw that diversity brought people together and that California was bringing diversity to the forefront. It was such an important part of why they were happy here in California, Yap said. There are so many things that divide us, so many resources that feel so limited. But among all of our communities, it was clear that diversity was a key piece as to why they were in California."

Farmworkers wear face masks while harvesting curly mustard in a field on Feb. 10, 2021, in Ventura County, Calif.

Why are people leaving California?

Since 2020, when the population decline began, Californias population has shrunk by about 500,000 people.

Experts credit Californias high cost of living as the main driver for people moving out of state.

According to Logan Mohtashami, lead analyst for HousingWire, a trade publication for mortgage, real estate, and housing professionals, the state has not been effective in lowering the cost of living because not enough homes are being built. That means there is more demand for homes than supply.

The housing market is savagely unhealthy because we still have too many people chasing too few homes, Mohtashami said. California is going to be a tug of war. Can they keep enough people here? Or do more people just keep moving away?

Decreasing migration rates can also be a contributing factor to the population decline in California, said Schnur, of UC Berkeley and USC. He noted that net domestic migration out of California has existed for years, but it was often leveled out by international migration into the state.

During the past decade, California's immigrant population increased by about 5%, a historic low in comparison with the first decade of the 2000s, when the migrant population increased by about 12%.

"What allowed the state's population to grow for a long time was the number of migrants from other countries and as international immigration has subsided, the states overall population began to decline," Schnur said.

LIFE IN CALIFORNIA: Nearly one-third of nation's homeless population lives in California, new research shows

What can be done to grow California's population?

Real estate experts and non-profit advocates alike have urged California lawmakers to focus their efforts on building more homes as quickly as possible to curb the downward population trend in the state.

"The honest truth is unless the building really starts to explode higher, there's not much people can do to lower the cost of living because land is so expensive," Mohtashami said. "What can happen is if you keep on building and building more homes or allowing people to add units to their housing, you can make the cost of living here less encumbered."

Helen Torres, CEO of Hispanas Organized for Political Equality, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit working toward political and economic parity for Latinas, said there must be an investment in housing across the board across communities of all income levels. She said she hopes to see the government invest in local businesses to create generational wealth and growth in local communities.

"If we're not building more housing, if we're not providing more opportunities for home ownership, or affordability, that is a crisis in the state, and it continues to be," Torres said. "This is all a part of our recovery. What we're facing right now is an economic crisis that we know there are solutions to."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Many California residents want to leave the state due to high costs
By Steven Scheer and Maayan Lubell

JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling coalition postponed a preliminary parliamentary reading on Wednesday of a bill the central bank chief had said would threaten the Bank of Israel's independence.

Yinon Azulay, the parliament member who proposed the bill which would force banks to pay interest on checking accounts and give final approval on setting the rate to the finance minister, said the vote would take place next week instead.

Azulay said that after consultations with Netanyahu, he had decided to put the vote off in order to give the banks time to respond to a request made to them by Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron to improve consumer interest rates.

Yaron, saying the bill crossed a "red line" and would harm the bank's independence and ability to conduct monetary policy, had asked banks pass on higher interest rates to customers' accounts as they have to mortgages and other loans.

On Wednesday, Yaron and Israel's banking supervisor met Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and senior treasury officials to discuss regulation and promoting competition in the banking system, a joint statement said. Among Finance Ministry proposals discussed was for a tax on excess bank profits, it added.

Mizrahi-Tefahot, Israel's third-largest bank, on Wednesday said it would pay 2% interest on checking accounts while lowering interest rates on balances below zero.

This followed a similar move by market leader Leumi earlier this month. Yaron has said each bank should decide on its own course of action.

Azulay's bill, aimed at benefiting the public amid a sharp jump in interest rates on loans, won the government's backing on Sunday and was due for a preliminary reading in parliament on Wednesday before review, possible changes and three more votes.

But on Tuesday, Yaron in a letter to Netanyahu, warned that the proposed legislation, particularly in giving the finance minister final say on interest rate levels, was a "serious blow" to the central bank's independence.

The shekel was down another 0.4% after weakening by some 1% versus the dollar on Tuesday after Yaron's warning. Tel Aviv share indices were marginally higher.

The proposed legislation was the latest move by members of Netanyahu's coalition critical of recent rate hikes, despite Netanyahu's repeated calls for maintaining central bank independence.

The Bank of Israel has also been at odds with the government on its plans to overhaul the judiciary, which the bank says could compromise institutional independence.

David Bitan, chairman of parliament's Economics Committee, criticised the delay to the banking bill vote, saying it was a result of "intervention" from Yaron and the banks, and the details could have been worked out before the final vote.

(Editing by Peter Graff, Toby Chopra and Alistair Bell)
City of Allen via YouTube

Authorities in Texas released bodycam footage Wednesday from last months horrific mass shooting that killed eight people, including three children, at Allen Premium Outlets.

The five-minute clip from May 6 was captured by the bodycam of the Allen police officer who was the first to respond. It shows the chaos that unfolded as the officer heard the first shots ring out, prompting a dramatic chase that ended with him fatally shooting the gunman, 33-year-old white supremacist Mauricio Garcia, all within less than four minutes.

As the clip starts, the officer is lightheartedly talking to a mother and her two children about the importance of wearing seatbelts. The mood quickly changes as rapid-fire shots are heard in the distance.

This video shows how quickly a routine interaction with the public turned into a life-and-death situation, Allen Police Chief Brian Harvey said in a press release.

Warning: graphic footage below

The officer grabs a rifle from his patrol car, yells for civilians to get moving, and sprints around the malls parking lot, the gunfire getting louder. At one point, he yells, weve got a mass shooter, as vehicles and pedestrians flee the scene.

About three-and-a-half minutes after the first shots were heard, the officer raised his weapon and exchanged shots with the gunman, firing more than a dozen.

Shots fired by police. I got him down! the officer said into his radio.

Another officer rushed to the scene, confirming that the suspect was neutralized.

The officer recognized the danger, ran toward the gunfire and neutralized the threatand for his actions, the Allen community is forever grateful, Harvey said.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Newly unsealed records in the Suzanne Morphew case have revealed the missing mum-of-twos messages to her lover.

Morphew, 49, disappeared from her remote home in Salida, Colorado, in 2020 amid plans to leave her husband of 25 years Barry Morphew. He was charged with her murder and was set to go on trial before the case was dismissed without prejudice in April 2022.

Now a judge in the case has unsealed the missing womans communications with her lover, a former high school flame with whom she had re-established a secret relationship.

Authorities arrested Barry Morphew Wednesday and charged him with his wife Suzanne Morphews murder. (Denver7 - The Denver Channel)

Nobody loves you...like the way I do. I crave time with you. I crave the feeling I get when we connect. Physically or emotionally. Youre my guy. Always, court documents show she texted her lover, named as Jeff Libler, a father of six who lived in Michigan, on 7 May 2020.

And the following night she texted him as she was out for dinner with her husband, saying, Youre the only real love Ive known...the only love I want.

Morphew disappeared on Mothers Day 2020, just a few days after the messages, and has never been seen again.

The messages were made public after a judge rejected Barry Morphews request that records in the case were sealed indefinitely.

Barry Morphew has maintained he had nothing to do with his wifes death. He was arrested in 2021 after a yearlong investigation and eventually released on bail.

He was then charged with her murder and was set to go on trial before the case was dismissed without prejudice in April 2022.

Barry Morphew has maintained he had nothing to do with his wifes death. He was arrested and charged with her murder but the trial was dismissed without prejudice in April 2022. (Chaffee County Sheriffs Office)

Park County District Judge Amanda Hunter ordered the records, which also contain statements made by Mr Morphews wife to her best friend Sheila Oliver before she disappeared, to be unsealed.

The affair came to light when investigators found a spy pen in her closet, which she had bought to hide in her husbands car as she suspected that he was also having an affair.

Now prosecutors say that it could be months or even years before they have enough evidence to prove Morphew was murdered or bring it to trial.

That could be a long time. It could be quick, it could be long. It depends on a lot of our investigation, said 11th Judicial Deputy District Attorney Mark Hurlbert in court on Monday.

But he insisted that investigators have a strong idea of where her body is.

She is in a very difficult spot. We actually have more than just a feeling  and the sheriffs office is continuing to look for Mrs Morphews body, he said, according to The Denver Gazette.
SEOUL, June 28 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's export volume fell for the third consecutive month in May owing to lower demand for semiconductors, central bank data showed on Wednesday.

The export volume index dipped 0.1 percent in May from a year earlier, after decreasing 2.7 percent in March and 3.5 percent in April, according to the Bank of Korea (BOK).

In terms of volume, the outbound shipment of computers, electronic and optical devices, including semiconductors, retreated 7.3 percent in May on a yearly basis after dropping in double digits for the past months.

The export value index tumbled 14.5 percent in May from a year earlier, keeping a downward trend for the eighth successive month.

The import volume index slipped 3.0 percent, while the import value index dwindled 14.6 percent last month.

The net terms-of-trade index for goods, which gauges the amount of import that can be bought with a unit-export proceed, went down 2.8 percent in May from a year ago on the faster fall in export prices than import prices.

The index continued to slide for 26 months in a row. 
The Newton community came together Tuesday for a Mass of Peace at Our Lady Help of Christians Parish to honor the three fellow parishioners brutally murdered over the weekend.

Though I didnt know them personally, it doesnt really matter you know were all part of the same community, said Debbie Sylvester, a church member.

Cardinal Sean OMalley holds special Mass at St. Peters Basilica in Rome for Newton slaying victims

This community is still shaken by the brutal and senseless murders of Gilda DAmore, 73, Bruno DAmore, 74, and Lucia Arpino who were found stabbed to death inside their home on Sunday.

The accused killer, Christopher Ferguson, 41, was arraigned in court earlier Tuesday in what police believe was a random attack of violence.

No bail for man charged in killing of 3 Newton relatives, including couple celebrating anniversary

Gilda and Bruno were supposed to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary at this church on Sunday.

Gil tended the flowers, she was not only at Mass regularly, she was so good, I shouldnt share but I called her the Pope, she was that good, said Father Dan Riley.

The news of this horrific crime reached the actual Pope in Rome.

Boston Archdiocese Cardinal Sean OMalley is there now and says hes praying for the victims, their families and the entire Newton community at St. Peters Basilica.

He was about to go into a meeting with the Pope and he promised he would inform the Pope about what happened and that he and the Pope would pray out loud together specifically for the family, said Fr. Riley.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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GOP presidential hopeful Nikki Haley outlined her foreign policy approach to counter Beijing in a hard-line speech Tuesday, criticizing both former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden before deeming China the "most dangerous foreign threat weve faced since the Second World War."

"The Communist Partys endgame is clear. China is preparing its people for war. President Xi [Jinping] has openly said it," Haley said, addressing the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C. "We should take him at his word and act accordingly. Instead, President Biden continues to dither. His action makes conflict more likely. We must act now to keep the peace and prevent war. And we need a leader who will rally our people to meet this threat  on every front."

Haley argued that the U.S. must rally more nations to its side by deepening miliary ties with Japan, South Korea and Australia and by forging stronger bonds with India and the Philippines.

"And we must finally get Europe to recognize that China threatens it as much as us. European countries are even further behind than we are in recognizing the Chinese threat. Its time to shake them from their slumber," she said. "We need a united front across the world. And one U.S. partner is especially important. Taiwan is the Communist Partys most immediate target. If China invades, it will trigger the war that none of us want. We cannot let that happen."

NIKKI HALEY SAYS BIDEN, HARRIS ASLEEP AT THE SWITCH AFTER ATTEMPTED RUSSIAN COUP

Nikki Haley outlined her foreign policy approach toward China while speaking at the American Enterprise Institute on June 27, 2023, in Washington, D.C.

"We and our allies should give Taiwan everything it needs to defend itself. We should make sure the American naval presence in the Taiwan Strait remains strong. And we should let China know now that an invasion of Taiwan would not just be met with a few slap-on-the-wrist sanctions. It would mean a full-blown economic decoupling that would massively damage China," Haley said, putting herself in direct contrast with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who testified earlier this month that decoupling with China would be a "big mistake" for the U.S.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, after meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing last week, reiterated to reporters that the United States does not support Taiwanese independence. Haley categorized the trip as a "a gold-plated invitation for more Chinese aggression, not less."

"First, China scolded us. Then President Xi pronounced it a good meeting. He only says that when he gets a lot more than he gives. In fact, he gave us nothing. Joe Biden has 18 more months in office. Mark my words: Hes going to keep ignoring the Chinese threat. Well have wasted four more years. Were falling behind. But China is moving forward, faster than ever."

Haley, who served as the Trump administrations ambassador to the United Nations, gave her former boss-turned-2024 election rival credit for upending the consensus among Republicans and Democrats alike that China becoming a member of the World Trade Organization in 2001 came without risk.

Republican presidential candidate and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks at the American Enterprise Institute on June 27, 2023, in Washington, D.C.

Haley said Trump "was right" in focusing on "Chinese trade abuses," but she said he "did too little about the rest of the Chinese threat" and that he did not "put us on a stronger military foothold in Asia," "stop the flow of American technology and investment into the Chinese military" or "effectively rally our allies against the Chinese threat."

"Even the trade deal he signed came up short when China predictably failed to live up to its commitments," said Haley, who is also the former governor of South Carolina. "He also showed moral weakness. In his zeal to befriend President Xi, Trump congratulated the Communist Party on its 70th anniversary of conquering China. That sent the wrong message to the world. Chinese Communism must be condemned, never congratulated. China was militarily stronger when President Trump left office than when he entered. Thats bad. But Joe Bidens record is much worse. The list of President Bidens failures on China is long."

BLINKEN, CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING MEET IN BEIJING, REESTABLISHING HIGH-LEVEL COMMUNICATIONS

Haley contended that Biden has "refused to seriously investigate Chinas cover-up of COVID-19s origins, "has done little to stop the expansion of Chinas footprint on our homeland," "has failed to address Chinas major role in the fentanyl crisis" and "has weakened our own military."

"His obsessive focus on climate issues naively plays into Chinas negotiating hand," she added. "The Communist Party is stealing our innovations to the tune of $600 billion a year. Its using American enterprise to undermine American strength. And President Biden is letting it happen."

If elected president, Haley vowed her top priority would be strengthening Americas economy and military to "protect Americas prosperity and homeland from Chinese aggression."



"We will tackle Chinese meddling in our society and its manipulation of our economy. And we will hold the Communist Party accountable while putting it on the global defensive," Haley said, recalling her policy speech about China while on a trip to Seoul, South Korea, four years ago shortly after leaving her position at the United Nations.

"China is much more than a mere competitor. Communist China is an enemy. It is the most dangerous foreign threat weve faced since the Second World War. We have to stop wasting time," she said. "That was true four years ago, when I said as much in Seoul. It is more so today."

Haley said America must respond domestically, economically and militarily. Citing the great "national security risk," she outlined how Chinese investors have bought nearly 400,000 acres of land in the U.S., equating to twice the size of New York City and including miles of farms near sensitive military facilities.

"China treats our homeland like its personal playground," she said, proposing a ban against all lobbying from the Communist Party and Chinese companies as well as preventing members of Congress and military leaders from lobbying on Chinas behalf.

Haley also said that sanctions meant to deter the flow of Chinese-made precursor chemicals to Mexican cartels, which are used to make the fentanyl that's been flowing across the border, are not working. She said that as president she would "push Congress to revoke permanent normal trade relations until the flow of fentanyl ends."

She took concern over the Chinese navy, which was the same size as the U.S. Navy less than 10 years ago but now is the largest fleet in the world with 340 ships and has plans to hit 400 in the next two years.
Noem says she doesnt see path to victory for anyone but Trump in 2024

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) said she does not see a path to victory for any other candidate besides former President Trump in 2024.

Theres been speculation over whether Noem, who won her reelection bid for governor last year, would launch her own campaign for the White House in 2024. In an interview with KWAT News published Tuesday, Noem said she is focusing on governing South Dakota instead of running for president like neighboring North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R), who launched his campaign earlier this month.

Wouldnt that be interesting? If there was South and North Dakota governors running for president? But no, right now I am so focused on South Dakota, Noem said.

She added that Burgum might do well in Iowa, noting that he is a good guy and is working hard. When asked if she would make an endorsement in the 2024 GOP presidential primary, she said she did not think she would.

President Trump is in the race, and right now I dont see a path to victory for anybody else with him in the race and the situation as it sits today, she said. But I think people should saddle up  it could be a roller coaster of a presidential race.

A growing number of Republicans have jumped into the 2024 GOP presidential primary race to challenge Trump, who has maintained a comfortable lead ahead of his opponents, according to recent polls. A RealClearPolitics polling average of the primary shows Trump holding 52.1 percent of support while Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis remains in second place with 21.5 percent.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
North Carolina man was killed in crash with an Horry officer. Family seeks justice in court

The family of a North Carolina man killed in a crash involving an Horry County Police officer in 2021 is suing the department.

Marcus Mark Gattis, 58, died June 27, 2021, after a collision with Horry County Police Sgt. Justin Jones just outside Loris.

According to a crash report from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, the wreck happened at about 11:30 p.m. when Gattis, driving a 1996 GMC pickup truck, made a right turn off of Seconday 66 to head south on South Carolina 9.

Jones, driving a 2021 Ford Explorer police car, was going upward of 119 mph in a 60 mph zone with police sirens activated. He struck Gattis car on the driver side, causing the car to hit a ditch and catch fire.

Gattis caused the wreck by driving under the influence of alcohol and did not yield to Jones right of way, according to the crash report. Gattis was going 15 mph.

Gattis was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. An autopsy revealed thermal injuries, extreme fractures, foot amputation and an epidural hemorrhage, the lawsuit says. Jones was transported to a nearby hospital for minor injuries.

The wrongful death lawsuit filed June 26 claims that Jones violated the law by going well over the speed limit without justification. Its unclear what led to Jones activating the vehicles police lights.

South Carolina was recently ranked as the top state for traffic fatalities related to speeding in a Forbes Advisor report. The report examined how many auto accident fatalities were a result of speeding from 2010-2020 using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Jones has been employed with the police department since 2006, according to public records. Its unclear if any disciplinary action was taken involving the accident.

The Sun News reached out to Mikayla Moskov, the Horry County Police Department spokesperson, but did not receive a response by publication.

The Sun News reached out to the familys attorney for a comment Wednesday morning but did not receive a response.

The police department has not yet responded to the lawsuit.
The North Carolina Senate advanced a bill Tuesday that would ban gender-affirming care for minors.

The Senate measure makes it illegal to perform gender-affirming surgery or provide hormone therapy or puberty blockers for people younger than 18. The bill is stricter than a House measure passed earlier this month and only allows for exceptions for certain procedures or disorders.

If passed, health care providers that violate restrictions could have their licenses revoked.

After ironing out differences with the House version, the bill is expected to be sent to Gov. Roy Cooper (D), who is expected to veto it. However, his veto likely would be overridden because the GOP holds majorities in both chambers.

The most recent ban follows a series of bills in the state targeting the LGBTQ community. Last week, the state Legislature passed a measure preventing transgender women from competing in athletics at public schools.

Gender-affirming surgery is considered safe and medically necessary for people who want to transition genders. The procedures are endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association and the Endocrine Society.

Surgical procedures on minors are exceedingly rare because most transgender teens are provided reversible puberty blockers to delay the onset of puberty and a hormone therapy regimen.

At least 20 states have passed laws preventing gender-affirming care, according to The Associated Press. Last week, Arkansas ban on minor gender-affirming care was struck down by courts.

LGBTQ advocates have called the laws discriminatory.

[The bill] just marginalizes us more, just pushes us out of the mainstream more, and it gives bigots more ammunition, LGBTQ advocate D Sellars, who is nonbinary, told The Associated Press.

The bills sponsors have denied the claims.

The bill is not an attempt to limit treatment for children suffering from gender dysphoria or those struggling to form their identity, state Rep. Timothy Reeder (R) said.

Rather, it seeks to limit children from potentially life-altering treatments before they are truly able to understand and consent to these interventions, he added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Norway approves 19 oil and gas projects, saying the resulting investments are worth over $19 billion

FILE - In this Feb. 16, 2016 file photo, a view of a supply ship at the Edvard Grieg oil field, in the North Sea. Norway has given the green light to 19 oil and gas projects on the Norwegian continental shelf, saying the total investments are worth over 200 billion kroner ($19 billion). Terje Aasland, Norways minister for petroleum and energy said they are also an important contribution to Europes energy security. (Hakon Mosvold Larsen, NTB Ccanpix via AP, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP)  Norway announced Wednesday it approved 19 oil and gas projects on the Norwegian continental shelf, saying the total investments are worth over 200 billion kroner ($19 billion).

"The projects are also an important contribution to Europes energy security, said Terje Aasland, Norways minister for petroleum and energy.

Norway was the only net exporter of oil and gas in Europe, he said, adding, By carrying out these projects we ensure new production from the latter half of the 2020s, so that we can maintain high Norwegian deliveries.

The projects consist of new developments, further development of existing fields, and investments in projects for increased extraction at existing fields.

Norway, one of the worlds wealthiest countries due to its vast oil and gas reserves, said earlier this month that it wants to open parts of its continental shelf for commercial deep-sea mining in line with the countrys strategy to seek new economic opportunities and reduce its reliance on the oil and gas industry.

The conflict in Ukraine has boosted Norway's revenues as European countries previously reliant on Russia seek alternative energy sources. However, Norway has fended off accusations that its profiting from the war in Ukraine.

In February, the Storting, the Norwegian parliament, announced that the Scandinavian country is donating 75 billion kroner ($7.4 billion) to Kyiv as part of a five-year support package, making Norway one of the worlds biggest donors to war-torn Ukraine. The money was from oil income, and the donation should not affect the Norwegian economy.
A novella published 14 years before the Titanic sank seemed to have predicted the disaster

The sinking of the Titanic. Bettmann/Getty Images

Fourteen years before the Titanic sank on April 15, 1912, a novella called "Futility" was published.

The story gained attention after Titanic sank due to the eerie similarities between fact and fiction.

Author Morgan Robertson later said of the coincidences, "I know what I'm writing about, that's all."

In 1898, a novella called "Futility" was published by author Morgan Robertson. At the time, it was just another story written by Robertson, who had spent his younger years working on ships and was even promoted to first mate. But 14 years later, Robertson's story would become the center of one of the most famous shipwrecks of all time: the sinking of the Titanic.

Why was "Futility" brought back into the spotlight  and even renamed "The Wreck of the Titan"  after the sinking? Because "Futility" tells the story of the fictional Titan, the largest ocean liner in the world, widely known as "unsinkable," sailing across the northern Atlantic Ocean. But before the Titan can complete its journey, it hits an iceberg and subsequently capsizes.

That's not where the similarities between the Titan and Titanic end.

As Time reported, the ships were almost exactly the same size  just 25 meters, or 82 feet, apart  both sinkings happened in April, and both ships only had just above the legal minimum number of lifeboats, leading to a catastrophic loss of life.

Over the years, Robertson and the story of the Titan have become interwoven with the sinking of the Titanic

The Titanic. Central Press

The fictional ship has been used as an Easter egg in the the classic '90s video game "Titanic: Adventure Out of Time"; it is mentioned in the 1955 book about Titanic, "A Night to Remember"; and it was even referenced in a 2010 "Doctor Who" audio drama, "The Wreck of the Titan."

According to the Associated Press, as reported by Yahoo, Robertson was accused of being clairvoyant for the rest of his life. But looking at his upbringing and career can explain why he had so much knowledge about ships: He'd simply been working on them for years.

"Everybody ran to him and said, 'Oh my god, you're psychic,'" Titanic expert Paul Heyer said. "'No,' he said, 'I know what I'm writing about, that's all.'"

Read the original article on Insider
A nun involved in a lawsuit over the Fort Worth bishops investigation into a report that she broke her chastity vow identified the priest as Bernard Murray, from a monastery in Montana.

The Reverend Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach named Murray during an interview with Bishop Michael Olson. A recording of the interview was played Tuesday during a hearing in Gerlachs lawsuit against Olson and the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth.

Gerlach is suing Olson and the diocese for $1 million, alleging that he defamed her, invaded her privacy and stole personal electronic devices after he received reports that she and Murray had broken their vows of chastity. She has denied the allegations.

Sister Francis Therese of the monastery is also suing Olson because she alleges the bishop took the devices and stole information pertaining to the monastery.

Gerlach told Olson that she met Murray when he contacted the monastery for prayers. She told Olson that the two talked over email and had a video chat.

Murray was at a monastery in Montana with the Transalpine Redemptorists, a chapter of the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Catholic group of missionary monks. The organization, based out of a Scottish island, says it can trace its origins to the seventh century, according to the Papa Stronsay website, named after the congregations island.

The earliest record of the group by a contemporary author seems to be from 1045.

The congregation started work on the monastery in 2020, dubbing it the Montana Rosa Mystica, and asking people to send donations for its construction to Most Holy Rosary House in Jordan, Montana, according to the website.

The Transalpine Redemptorists did not respond immediately to a Star-Telegram request for comment.
By Brendan Pierson

(Reuters) -New York's attorney general on Wednesday accused nursing home operator Centers Health Care and its owners of stealing $83 million in government funds while understaffing its facilities, resulting in widespread neglect, illness and death among residents.

In a lawsuit filed in state court in Manhattan, Attorney General Letitia James sought to block four Centers nursing homes in New York from admitting new residents until they are sufficiently staffed, and to hire financial and healthcare monitors to oversee their compliance.

James is also asking the court to force Centers, its owners Kenneth Rozenberg and Daryl Hagler and others allegedly involved in the fraud to return the stolen money.

Centers spokesperson Jeffrey Jacomowitz said in a statement that the company "prides itself on its commitment to patient care" and "wholeheartedly" denies the allegations.

"We will fight these spurious claims with the facts on our side," he said.

James said that Rozenberg, Hagler and others used a complex network of companies and sham contracts to pocket $83 million in Medicare, Medicaid and other funding meant for patient care over the last decade.

Meanwhile, residents at four New York facilities suffered horrific neglect and mistreatment, according to the lawsuit. Among numerous examples cited in the complaint are a man who died of sepsis from an untreated bedsore; a woman who suffered brain damage after falling out of bed and receiving no treatment; and a man with dementia who left a facility unsupervised.

Residents were routinely left in soiled diapers for hours, and calls for help were ignored, the lawsuit said.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Centers failed to provide masks to staff or follow infection control measures, James alleged. More than 400 residents died in 2020 in the four New York nursing homes, partly as a result of these failures, the lawsuit said.

The defendants used a variety of schemes to extract money from Centers nursing homes, James alleged.

For example, Hagler, who owned the real estate, charged the operating companies, owned by Rozenberg, exorbitant rent. A staffing company owned by Rozenberg's daughter was paid millions of dollars by Centers-affiliated entities, although it had no contract, the lawsuit added.

The defendants also transferred funds between entities they controlled with no-interest loans, many of which were never repaid, according to the lawsuit.

Centers also operates facilities in New Jersey, Rhode Island and Kansas.

(Reporting By Brendan Pierson in New York, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Aurora Ellis)
FILE - New York Attorney General Letitia James speaks during a ceremony on June 6, 2022, in New York. James charged in lawsuit, Wednesday, June 28, 2023, that operators of four nursing homes in New York misused more than $83-million in government money and neglected residents, including some who were malnourished or were left to sit for hours in their own urine and feces. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP)  The operators of four nursing homes in New York misused more than $83 million in government funds and neglected residents, including some who were malnourished or were left to sit for hours in their own urine and feces, state Attorney General Letitia James said in a lawsuit Wednesday.

The lawsuit filed in Manhattan accuses owners and operators of Centers Health Care of using Medicaid and Medicare funds to enrich themselves, their relatives and associates instead of for the care of the residents. James claims understaffing at the homes contributed to neglect.

Residents were left alone and on their own, often unaided and unsupervised, leading to dangerous falls and broken bones. Residents lived in squalor, surrounded by neglected food trays, vermin and the smell of human waste, James said at a news conference held with residents relatives.

The company denied the allegations.

Centers Health Care prides itself on its commitment to patient care. Centers denies the New York Attorney Generals allegations wholeheartedly and attempted to resolve this matter out of court. We will fight these spurious claims with the facts on our side," spokesperson Jeff Jacomowitz said in an emailed statement.

The four homes in the lawsuit are Beth Abraham Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in the Bronx, the Holliswood Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare in Queens, the Martine Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Westchester County and the Buffalo Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing.

The suit claims residents' meals were late, clothes were stolen and call bells were unanswered. One resident with severe bed sores developed sepsis, was hospitalized and died. Another resident did not have her colostomy bag attached. Others suffered from dehydration.

My uncle was found sitting in a filthy room, unbathed and only wearing an adult diaper. This wasn't my uncle. George was a veteran. He was an artist. said Cynthia Vega, recalling her late Uncle George's stay at Holliswood.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the homes failed to control its spread. More than 400 residents across the four homes died in 2020, according to James.

The lawsuit names Centers Health Care co-owners Kenneth Rozenberg and Daryl Hagler and a series of businesses owned by them, family members or business associates.

James seeks, among other things, a return of the money and a ban on new admissions until staffing is increased at the homes.
by Xinhua writer Shi Yang

BEIJING, June 28 (Xinhua) -- In the early days of the founding of the United States, groups of British industrial workers voyaged across the Atlantic to reach the New World, carrying with them invaluable commercial secrets that Britain proudly relied on to maintain its global dominance.

It was blatant intellectual piracy, a practice the founding fathers of the United States embraced to hastily bridge the gap between the fledgling country and its former suzerain.

In the Report on Manufactures in 1791, then U.S. Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton encouraged foreigners to bring to America "improvements and secrets of extraordinary value," promising incentives such as financial rewards and exclusive privileges.

With the sneaky infiltration of advanced mechanical technologies like the cotton loom into the United States, the country quickly seized a competitive edge in manufacturing productivity and established its industrial empire.

But as American historian Doron Ben-Atar wrote in his book "Trade Secrets," "the United States emerged as the world's industrial leader by illicitly appropriating mechanical and scientific innovations from Europe."

Ironically, such a country who initially thrived on theft of technological secrets is now pointing fingers at China, baselessly accusing the latter of violating intellectual property rights (IPR).

Nathaniel Fick, U.S. Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy, reportedly called for forming a "coalition" to stop China's so-called "stealing of intellectual property" to advance in artificial intelligence and other key technologies.

The allegation lacks ethical grounds. In the misguided mindset of the U.S. government, China's technological and innovative advancements were achieved through illicit and dishonest means, just like the American ancestors did.

It failed to recognize the fact that China has adopted a different and legitimate path of peaceful development featuring high-quality opening-up and win-win cooperation.

The IPR rhetoric is just one of the many disguises that the U.S. employs to conceal its real intention to crack down on emerging economies like China, whom it perceives as a potential threat to its economic hegemony.

In the past when China lagged far behind the United States, the issue of IPR was never brought to the forefront by the U.S. government. Instead, the two countries used to boast extensive cooperation and communication in technology and innovation.

But as the gap narrows between the two nations, the United States has weaponized IPR to repeatedly smear and attack China, with the aim of curbing the development of the fast-growing economy.

This conspiracy against China peaked in 2018, eight years after China became the world's second-largest economy.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed that China has infringed on the IPR of U.S. companies, imposed additional taxes on a list of Chinese imported goods and applied restrictions on the entry of Chinese products into the U.S. market.

The policy caused a devastating loss to U.S. companies and individuals, the actual owners of the IPR whose business was intertwined with that of their Chinese counterparts.

In fact, the unilateral allegation of "IPR breach" has been commonly applied by the U.S. government in business negotiations with many countries besides China.

But rather than protect the owners of IPR, the United States used it as an excuse to blackmail and coerce others into making unwilling compromises, forcing them to accept unfair and biased settlements that only served the U.S. interests.

Even some of the U.S. allies were on the list of victims.

In the 1980s, the United States waged a trade war against Japan, the second-biggest economy at that time with a growing trade surplus with the United States.

The U.S. government accused Japan of inadequate protection and enforcement of various forms of IPR, including patents and copyright, which allegedly provided Japan with an unfair advantage in the global market.

Under diplomatic and economic pressure from the United States, the Japanese government signed agreements with the United States that led to a decline in Japanese exports and made the Japanese market accessible to U.S. products.

Consequently, Japan suffered from the burst of huge economic bubbles and deflation, followed by a sluggish economy in the long run.

The groundless accusation of IPR violation reflects the obsolete U.S. Cold War and zero-sum game mentality. Desperately clinging to its fading hegemony, the United States views other rising countries as imaginary enemies and resorts to all means to contain their growth.

The U.S. exploitation of IPR to crush other countries not only is ethically unfair, but also severely threatens global innovative and technological progress, as it impedes cross-border cooperation and technological exchanges.

In today's highly interconnected world, openness and cooperation are key to technological advancement and common prosperity. A staunch supporter and practitioner of IPR protection, China stands ready to build a multilateral global intellectual property governance system that is fairer and more equitable, so as to benefit the well-being of mankind. 
NEW YORK  State Attorney General Letitia James is accusing the owners of four nursing homes of using an elaborate scheme to wash more than $83 million in Medicaid and Medicare funding. The funds, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday by the AGs Office, went into the pockets of nursing home owners, their families and friends.

The scheme, tracked by the state AGs Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, resulted in harm and neglect of nursing home residents, James said.

"They put profit over people," she said, "again and again and again."

The exterior of the Martine Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing at 12 Tibbits Avenue in White Plains, June 28, 2023.

The nursing homes, owned and operated by Centers for Care LLC, doing business as Centers Health Care, include:

Beth Abraham Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, a 448-bed facility in the Bronx

Buffalo Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, a 200-bed facility in Buffalo

Holliswood Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare, a 314-bed facility in Queens

Martine Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, a 200-bed facility in White Plains

"This exploitation and neglect will not go unnoticed," James said Tuesday during a press conference announcing the civil suit. "Not by this office."

Siphoned money, short staffed

Centers Health Care is co-owned by Kenneth Rozenberg and Daryl Hagler; several companies owned by one or both of them are also named in the AGs lawsuit, as are several of their family members and business partners. As part of the scheme, James said, the nursing homes regularly paid invoices from companies that were also controlled by Rozenberg, Hagler and their families for services that either were not necessary or were not provided.

Rozenberg and Hagler reside in Rockland County, as do several others named in the lawsuit, filed in state Supreme Court in New York County.

The lawsuit alleges that in the process of siphoning off money from nursing homes, patient care was ignored and numerous laws designed to protect vulnerable nursing home residents were violated.

New York State Attorney General Tish James announces a lawsuit against a group of nursing homes on Wednesday, June 29, 2023.

James alleges that as nursing home patients suffered, Rozenberg, Hagler and others involved were spending. Rozenberg, with his son, purchased El Al Airlines, according to reports. He and Hagler are now on the board of directors.

Hagler, who owns the former Patrick Farm property in Ramapo that is slated for development, also purchased tens of millions of dollars in real estate in Brooklyn and Queens between May and November 2022, according to the suit.

Staffing shortages and inadequate patient care were the result of the scheme, James said.

"Residents lived in squalor," James said, ... forced to sit for hours in their own urine and feces, suffered from severe dehydration, malnutrition, and increased risk of death, developed infections and sepsis from untreated bed sores and inconsistent wound care, sustained life-changing injuries from falls, and died.

Families tell stories of neglect

Talia Wong, whose mother, Mildred, was a resident at Holliswood, described what happened to her mother during Tuesday's press conference in New York City. When she couldn't get inside, she called police. Then she saw EMS bringing her mother out. Mildred Wong, who Talia Wong said is always jovial, was "completely unresponsive."

"How does a patient leave your facility in a comatose condition," asked Talia Wong, who is a registered nurse. She didn't know her mother had fallen in the nursing home until her mother woke up after brain surgery and told her.

Nursing home inspections: NY backlog linked to some of worst short-staffing in U.S.

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Rose Smith recounted how her brother, Patrick Murray, a resident at Martine Center, deteriorated. During COVID, she couldn't visit him. When she could visit again, Smith said she witnessed another patient fall out of chair.

Rose Smith recounted neglect she said impacted her brother, Patrick Murray, a resident at Martine Center in White Plains during a June 28, 2023 press conference with New York state Attorney General Tish James, right. Smith, a nurse, said her brother developed bed sores and they kept getting worse.

Smith, a nurse, said she would wash up Murray and change his clothes. When she saw bedsores and reported her brother's condition, nothing was done, she said.

The bedsores kept getting worse. Smith warned that the situation could lead to sepsis, which can be fatal, especially in older, medically fragile people.

When Smith demanded action, she said the facility threatened to call the police on her. "I wish you would," she recalled responding. That's when she contacted the state Attorney General's Office.

The family has since transferred Murray out of Martine. By then he had aspiration pneumonia. It has been months, Smith said, but his bedsores continue to heal.

COVID made it worse

COVID exacerbated already strained care to a crisis.

Residents families reported seeing nursing staff without proper personal protective equipment during video calls with loved ones.

Just two months into the pandemic, 70 residents  nearly a quarter of Holliswood Centers population  had died from COVID-19.

At Martine Center, Michelle Herring, assistant director of nursing, came to work in April 2020 even though she was symptomatic with COVID. Her husband, John Herring, recalled how she had told him, "Husband, they are making me come in."

John Herring teared up as he explained Michelle always called him "Husband." He said she had worked her way up from a certified nursing assistant to assistant director of nursing. She had been offered a director position, John said, but wanted to stay closer to patient care.

On April 17, 2020, Michelle Herring punched out of work at Martine Center. She was hospitalized with COVID on April 21, 2020, and died a few weeks later.

The exterior of the Martine Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing at 12 Tibbits Avenue in White Plains, June 28, 2023.

James said at the height of the pandemic, administrators called for more staffing and fewer resident admissions, which Rozenberg and Hagler denied.

A call to report abuse, neglect

James seeks to claw back the more than $83 million wrongfully received through the scheme and return the money to Medicaid.

The Democrat also wants to freeze admissions at the nursing homes until staffing standards are met. She wants to install financial and healthcare monitors, and have the nursing homes pay for them.

Rather than honor their legal duty to residents to provide the highest possible quality of life, Centers leadership and their associates seized every opportunity to put personal profit over resident care, James said. My office will always protect and defend nursing home residents statewide.

Investigations into other nursing homes and facilities throughout New York state are ongoing.

James encourages anyone with information or concerns about alarming nursing home conditions, or resident abuse or neglect, to file a confidential complaint online or call the MFCU hotline at 833-249-8499.

Nancy Cutler covers People & Policy for lohud.com and the USA Today Network New York. Reach her at ncutler@lohud.com; follow her on Twitter at @nancyrockland.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: NY nursing home owners accused of $83M fraud scheme that hurt patients
FILE - Tribal councilman Wendsler Nosie, Sr. speaks with Apache activists in a rally to save Oak Flat, land near Superior, Ariz., sacred to Western Apache tribes, in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on July 22, 2015. Oak Flat, a piece of national forest land in central Arizona, is at the heart of a years long struggle between Native American groups and mining interests that both consider it important for their future. (AP Photo/Molly Riley, File)

SUPERIOR, Ariz. (AP)  Oak Flat, a piece of national forest land in central Arizona, is at the heart of a years long struggle between Native American groups and mining interests that both consider it important for their future.

Resolution Copper, a subsidiary of international mining giants Rio Tinto and BHP, wants to develop the large deposit of copper ore deep under Oak Flat into a massive mine. The nonprofit Apache Stronghold considers the land sacred and say it should be preserved for religious ceremonies.

The project is on hold pending an environmental review that the Forest Service earlier withdrew to consult further with tribes and others. There is no time frame for its completion.

Here is how developments have played out over nearly a decade:

November 2013: Resolution Copper introduces its initial general plan of operations for a proposed mine at Oak Flat.

Dec. 12, 2014: The U.S. Senate approves a must-pass military spending bill that included the Oak Flat land swap, giving the national forest property to mining companies for development of America's largest copper mine. A rider tucked into the legislation called for Resolution Copper to get 3.75 square miles (9.71 square kilometers) of forest land in return for eight parcels it owns in Arizona.

March 4, 2016: The Forest Service adds Oak Flat to the National Register of Historic Places. Arizona Republican Congressman Paul Gosar and Democratic Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick oppose the historic place designation, with Gosar saying it is sabotaging an important mining effort.

May 24, 2020: A Rio Tinto iron mining project destroys two rock shelters that were inhabited by Indigenous people for 46,000 years in Juukan Gorge in Western Australia state, prompting the resignation of the company CEO.

Jan. 12, 2021: Apache Stronghold sues the federal government, saying the Forest Service cannot legally transfer the land to Rio Tinto for several parcels the company owns and maintains the land around Oak Flat was reserved for Western Apaches in an 1852 treaty with the U.S.

Feb. 12, 2021: A federal judge rejects the request to keep the Forest Service from transferring the land to Resolution Copper. saying that because Apache Stronghold is not a federally recognized tribe it lacks standing to argue the land belongs to Apaches.

March 1, 2021  The U.S. Department of Agriculture pulls back an environmental review that had cleared the way for the land swap, saying it needed more time to consult with Native American tribes and others

Oct. 21, 2021: Apache Stronghold asks a three member panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to keep Rio Tinto from getting the Oak Flat property. Months later, the panel issues a 2-1 decision that the federal government can give the Oak Flat land to Rio Tinto, but then agrees to let a larger appeals panel hear the case.

March 21, 2023: Apache Stronghold tells a full panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that the Resolution project would prevent Native American groups from exercising their religion by destroying land they consider sacred. The 11-member panel says it will issue a decision in the coming months.
'Obama,' 'Trump gets impeached twice' and the other top political references in Fall Out Boy's new cover of the Billy Joel classic 'We Didn't Start the Fire'

A composite image of Barack Obama, Donald Trump, the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing, and Egyptian protesters during Arab Spring. AP Images/Getty Images

Fall Out Boy's new cover of the 1989 Billy Joel classic covers a lot of the bases the original touch.

In trying to squeeze in 34 years of world events, the band touches on Obama, Trump, QAnon and more.

Here's a look at some of the top references in Fall Out Boy's update to "We Didn't Start the Fire"

Thanks for the memories, Fall Out Boy. Even if it turns out, some were far from great.

On Wednesday, the rock band released this Century's version of "We Didn't Start the Fire" seeking to summarize all the news, pop culture, and world events that have taken place from 1989 through 2023. Like Billy Joel's classic, the band weaved in a mix of sports, "The Cubs go all the way again"; Pop culture, "Pokemon" "MySpace"; and world events like "Y2K."

Unlike Billy Joel, the band said these things in absolutely no discernible order whatsoever.

They even threw in a direct nod to the original by referencing when in March 2021 the Ever Given, one of the world's largest container ships, blocked the Suez Canal. In Joel's original, he sings about "Trouble in the Suez" a nod to the 1956 Suez crisis when Israel invaded Egypt after Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser took control of the canal. The United Kingdom and France later joined with Israel. President Dwight D. Eisenhower pressured the US allies to withdraw. The affair is a key moment in the decline of the British Empire.

It's definitely more than you bargained for, yet here are the other major political references Fall Out Boy made in the new cover.

"Arab Spring" (2010): Starting out in Tunisia, a wave of pro-democracy protests swept across North Africa and the Middle East. In the wake of the uproar, Egypitan Hosni Mubarak was out and Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi fled and was captured. But for all the democratic fervor, progress has been slow.

"LA Riots" "Rodney King" (1992): California's largest city erupted after four Los Angeles Policemen were acquitted for beating Rodney King, who suffered permanent brain damage as a result. King was black and three of the officers were white, setting off a response that as NPR later recalled was fueled by years of inequality and complaints about policing. The mayor declared a state of emergency and the governor ordered 2,000 National Guard troops into the city.

"Crimea Peninsula" (2014): Armed men, later confirmed to be ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin, took buildings on the Crimean peninsula, a part of Ukraine between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov that is separated by the Kerch Strait. Putin was responding to a wave of protests that led to the ouster of pro-Moscow president Viktor Yanukovych. The area, which, as the BBC points out, has a Russian-speaking majority, later voted to join Russia in a referendum that US and Ukraine called into question. Putin's seizure of the land would later be overshadowed by Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

"Cambridge Analytica" (2018): The British consulting firm had been around for years, but bombshell reporting by The New York Times and The Guardian in 2018 sparked a scandal. A whistleblower came forward to claim that the firm, which had worked with Donald Trump's 2016 campaign and the pro-Brexit movement, harvested millions of Americans' Facebook profiles in a massive data breach.

Alexander Nix, CEO of Cambridge Analytica arrives at the offices of Cambridge Analytica in central London Thomson Reuters

"More war in Afghanistan": (2001) Less than a month after the 9/11 attacks, the US began a bombing campaign of Afghanistan to root out the Taliban fighters that had provided safe haven to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda. The US did not completely leave until a chaotic withdrawal in August 2021, ending the longest war in the nation's history.

"Obama" (2008): Illinois Sen. Barack Obama shocked the political world by winning the Iowa caucuses on January 3, 2008, eventually prevailing in a protracted clash with New York Sen. Hillary Clinton to win the Democratic presidential nomination. Obama went on to defeat Republican presidential nominee John McCain en route to becoming the nation's first Black president. He led the US out of the Great Recession. His signature domestic achievement, the Affordable Care Act, expanded healthcare coverage to millions. He later won reelection in 2012, though his accomplishments were endangered by Donald Trump's election in 2016.

"Trump gets impeached twice" (2021): President Donald Trump became the first president to be impeached twice in the wake of the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. He had previously been impeached for withholding funds to Ukraine in an alleged scheme to get dirt on the Bidens. The House vote to impeach him for inciting the riot was the most bipartisan in history. Both times, the Republican-led Senate voted to acquit Trump who claimed he had done nothing wrong.

Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as they push barricades to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images

"Oklahoma City bomb" (1995): One hundred sixty-eight people, including 13 children, were killed on April 19, 1995 when Timothy McVeigh planted a bomb outside of Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The attack was considered the worst act of domestic terrorism in the nation's history and it set off a renewed focus on homegrown extremism.

"QAnon" (2017): The far-right conspiracy theory was based on the belief that President Donald Trump would lead to the end of a cabal sex ring that included prominent Democratic politicians and celebrities. The theory took over social media in 2020, helped fuel the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, and brought early fame to future politicians such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia Republican.

"Sandra Bland and Tamir Rice" (2015, 2014): Bland, who is Black, confronted a white officer during a 2015 traffic stop. She later died in police custody, though her family has long questioned the conclusion that she died by suicide. Footage of the stop unearthed in 2019 further additional questions about the officer's conduct. Rice, who was also Black, was shot and killed in 2014 while playing with a pellet gun. Video later showed that Rice, who was 12 years old, was killed within two seconds of officers arriving, The New York Times reported. Their deaths added to the national outrage over law enforcement's treatment of Black people.

"George Floyd" (2020): George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, was killed on May 25, 2020 as he told Minneapolis Police officers he was struggling to breathe while one of them, Derek Chauvin, pressed his knee into his neck. Video of Floyd's death sparked the largest mass protests since the 1960s Civil Rights Movement with demonstrations all over the world. Chauvin was later convicted of second-degree murder.

Demonstrators hold signs honouring George Floyd and other victims of racism as they gather during a protest outside Hennepin County Government Center on March 28, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images

"Bush v. Gore" (2000): In a landmark 5-4 decision, the US Supreme Court ruled that there was not enough time to come out with a proper way to recount disputed votes in the presidential race in Florida between Texas Gov. George W. Bush and Vice President Al Gore. The decision ended the recount, handing Bush, the Republican presidential nominee, the state and the necessary margin to win the Electoral College and thus the presidency as well. The decision remains controversial. Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who voted with the majority, later expressed regret over the nation's highest court taking the case.

Bonus: "Tom Delonge and aliens" (2017): The Blink 182 guitarist has played a major role in re-elevating questions about extraterrestrial life back into the public conscience. As The Washington Post recounted, "DeLonge's associates have appeared on CNN and Fox News, written for The Washington Post and been cited in the New York Times" all by publishing a series of videos of unexplained aerial events.



Read the original article on Business Insider
Ohtani still hasn't decided whether he will participate in the Home Run Derby

Los Angeles Angels' Shohei Ohtani celebrates as he rounds second after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox Tuesday, June 27, 2023, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP)  Shohei Ohtani already knows he is headed to the All-Star Game in two weeks. It remains unclear whether he will take part in the Home Run Derby in Seattle on July 10.

I don't know when my next (pitching) start is and it really kind of depends on that. I haven't thought that far ahead yet, Ohtani said through his interpreter after the Los Angeles Angels beat the Chicago White Sox 4-2 Tuesday night.

The two-way Japanese superstar leads the majors with 28 home runs, including 13 in June. He became the first American League pitcher in nearly 60 years to hit two homers and strike out 10 batters in a game in Tuesday's victory.

Ohtani led the AL with 2,646,307 votes to wrap up his third straight All-Star start at designated hitter. It is the second year the top vote-getters in each league in the first phase of online voting get starting spots.

Ohtani participated in the 2021 Home Run Derby in Denver. He lost to Juan Soto 31-28 in the second swing-off in the first round. Ohtani was also the AL's starting pitcher that year.

He did not take part in last year's Derby despite it being held at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Ohtani cited pitching the Angels' first game after the All-Star break as a reason.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
One Winner From the Prigozhin-Putin Mess Is Already Cashing In

Photo Illustration by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast/Getty

After negotiating with Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin to call off his staged rebellion in Russia over the weekend, Belarusian strongman Aleksandr Lukashenko is already well underway on his victory lappart of an apparent campaign to change his image as a willing puppet of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Experts in regional politics tell The Daily Beast that while his self-aggrandizing is predictable, Lukashenko may not have much time to cash in on the political capital he gained from swooping in just in the nick of time to keep tensions from boiling over in Russia.

A couple of years ago when Lukashenko was on bended knee before Putin... he would not have dared to say anything like this, Kenneth Yalowitz, a former U.S. ambassador to Belarus, said. The only reason Lukashenko opens his mouth up like this now is that he senses weakness on Putins side. And hes just trying to burnish his credentials. That to me, this is just classic Lukashenko.

Hes a survivor, he will do anything to survive, he added. Hes always bobbing and weaving to have a little bit of credibility.

After Prigozhin and his troops started a mutiny in Russia on Friday, Lukashenko and Putin brokered a deal with Prigozhin in which his Wagner troops would back off from the rebellion and Prigozhin himself would retreat to Belarus.

But even as Prigozhin has made his way to Belarus to begin his exile, Lukashenko has taken the opportunity in recent days to beat his chest in a series of remarks, brandishing wins from his dealmaking and painting his involvement as key to simmering tensions, with an almost caricature-like description of himself.

In one recent speech, he painted himself as a bashful hero, not wanting any media attention, all the while delivering a speech on just how essential he was to the bargain.

"I decided that it was time to say something (though not everything) on this topic honestly, openly, without hiding anything, Lukashenko said, according to Belta. What pushed me to this was the fact that the media, especially in Russia, have been lauding Belarusians. Frankly speaking, I asked my press secretary to call our main media outlets and ask them not to over-cover this topic.

I was completely involved in these events, he added.

He has also worked to paint the narrative that he was even blase about receiving a call to action from Putin.

They told me through the FSB and our State Security CommitteePresident Putin wants to talk. Fine, he said.

Opposition Figures Fear Prigozhin May Try Another Mutiny in Belarus

From sensationalizing his phone call with Prigozhin in the heat of the negotiationswhile Wagner mercenaries were marching just outside Moscowto calling out infighting between Putin and Prigozhin, to painting Putin as a somewhat unwilling negotiator, Lukashenko is making sure all of his hard work does not go unacknowledged. One of his main goals is likely to elevate his profile as a player on the world stage, said Matt Dimmick, a former director for Russia and Eastern Europe at the White House National Security Council.

Hell make as much hay as he possible can out of it because he doesnt have a lot of cards to play, Dimmick told The Daily Beast. Any opportunity he can get to show he has some statesmanlike appeal, or that he has some extra worth when it comes to his value to the Kremlin, hes going to play that up as much as possible.

Yalowitz, the former U.S. ambassador to Belarus, agreed with the assessment.

He did Putin a favor by taking all these guys in, Yalowitz said. Putin clearly has been weakened on the international stage and Lukashenko just cant resist the opportunity to puff himself up and buttress  his credentials as a world leader.

The entire mutiny and negotiated exile of Putins former close ally Prigozhin has left some Russia and Belarus watchers scratching their heads as to the future of the entire region as cracks emerge in Putins grip on power.

But some clues are starting to emerge from Belarus as to how the Lukashenko-Putin relationship will pan out.

Their relationship has long been complicated. The two leaders have for years been working to foster increased ties between Belarus and Russia, from the banking sector to the military. In 2020, Putin also stepped in to support Lukashenko despite international uproar over Lukashenkos rigged elections in Belarus and his treatment of dissidents.

Putins Fucked: Russian Soldier Cheers on Prigozhins Uprising

One things for sure: Lukashenkos triumphant posturing this week is a far cry from his political standing over the last few years. Its not currently clear what Lukashenkos political agenda looks like moving forwardor what, if anything, he might ask of Putin in the future.

Lukashenkos just interested in surviving the day and the month, Dimmick said. Lukashenko doesnt have any designs on building a relationship with Prigozhin Lukashenko will act as the warden of the big open air prison that is Belarus and make sure that Prigozhin stays within whatever limits the Kremlin wants.

Its not clear how much leeway Putin has granted Lukashenko to brag about the negotiations, and how Lukashenkos new posturing will impact the pairs power dynamic.

Were talking about two scorpions in a bottle, Yalowitz said. Thats why this is going to play out for a while yet. There are just too many unknowns.

There is likely a limit to Putins willingness to put up with Lukashenkos victory lap, however, according to Yalowitz.

Hell thank Lukashenko for being a loyal ally but he is not going to turn Lukashenko into a potential threat or alternative to him. No way.

Lukashenkos limelight likely wont last long either, since he is ultimately working at Putins behest.

Lukashenko is going to take orders from the Kremlin. Im sure as Putin thinks over how he wants to constrain, restrain, silence, or mitigate Prigozhin Lukashenko will just be a willing participant, Dimmick told The Daily Beast.

And for now, despite all appearances, Lukashenko is likely looking over his shoulder at his newfound mercenary exile. Opposition politicians in Belarus, who have been fighting for a democratic country under the rightful winner of the 2020 elections, previously told The Daily Beast they are concerned Prigozhins forces might stage a similar rebellion in Belarus.

The State Department has similarly suggested that Lukashenko may soon be dealing with his own domestic turbulence following Prigozhins exile in Belarus.

Well see whether its Wagner forces or whether its Yevgeny Prigozhincertainly he is a destabilizing agent wherever he goes, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters Tuesday.

Im sure hes probably worried too: Is the guy gonna turn against me? Yalowitz said. Theyre all just looking at each other, sensing weakness, feeling each other out.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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FILE PHOTO: The OPEC logo pictured ahead of an informal meeting between members in Algiers

(Reuters) - OPEC has withheld media access to reporters from Reuters, Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal to cover a meeting of oil industry CEOs with energy ministers from OPEC and its allies, reporters and several people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.

The three media organizations are among the world's leading suppliers of financial news and information. They compete to cover news in real time from events such as OPEC+ meetings, which can have a material impact on the price of oil and the global cost of energy.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, known as OPEC+, includes top oil producers Saudi Arabia and Russia. OPEC+ pumps more than 40% of the world's oil supply.

OPEC declined to comment on why reporters from the three media organizations were not invited to cover the OPEC-hosted July 5-6 seminar in Vienna.

"We believe that transparency and a free press serve both readers, markets and the public interest, and we object to this restriction on coverage," a spokesperson for Reuters, the news and media division of Thomson Reuters Corp, said on Wednesday.

"Reuters will continue to cover OPEC in an independent, impartial and reliable way, in keeping with the Thomson Reuters Trust Principles."

Reporters at Reuters received an email on Tuesday stating that earlier accreditation was not an invitation to attend. Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal reporters received a similar communication, sources familiar with the matter said.

"We are very concerned by the prospect of OPEC excluding certain journalists, including from Bloomberg, from next week's seminar," Bloomberg News said in a statement.

"For the sake of market transparency, we strongly advocate for OPEC to allow journalists from relevant global news outlets to attend."

The Wall Street Journal did not respond to a request for comment.

This would be the second consecutive OPEC+ event in which OPEC has restricted media coverage. The same media groups were denied access to OPEC's Vienna headquarters during a June 4 oil policy meeting. OPEC gave no reason for excluding the three organizations from the previous policy meeting in June.

The email from OPEC's public relations department to Reuters reporters on Tuesday stated press participation was by invitation only and that earlier accreditation - which OPEC called "self accreditation"- would not grant access to the event.

OPEC had sent emails earlier in June to all members of the Reuters team who had applied for accreditation, saying their registration had been completed and that OPEC was looking forward to welcoming them to the seminar. The email included a QR code to be presented with ID at in-person registration for the event.

OPEC sent an email on Tuesday inviting reporters at other media organizations to attend, the sources said. Those included the Financial Times and trade publication Argus, as well as S&P Global Commodity Insights, known as Platts, the sources said. The communication stated "this email serves as your personal invitation," according to a copy forwarded to Reuters.

Argus confirmed it had been invited and would attend. The Financial Times declined to comment and Platts did not respond to a request for comment.

(Reporting by OPEC team, editing by Simon Webb and Rosalba O'Brien)
OpenAI is expanding overseas. To London, specifically.

Today, the Microsoft-backed AI startup announced that it plans to open an office in London, its first international outpost. When OpenAI's London location opens its doors, it'll focus on advancing "research and engineering capabilities" while balancing collaborating with "local communities and policymakers," according to CEO Sam Altman.

"We see this expansion as an opportunity to attract world-class talent and drive innovation in AGI development and policy," Altman, who reportedly had floated Poland and France as alternatives for the office, said in a canned statement. "Were excited about what the future holds and to see the contributions our London office will make towards building and deploying safe AI."

London is a conspicuous choice for OpenAI, which hasn't expanded beyond its San Francisco headquarters since its founding in 2015. The city is the longtime home base of DeepMind, Google's largest AI research division, and a wellspring of data science talent, owing to its rich academic history and renowned universities.

Broadly speaking, London is also becoming a booming center for AI startup ventures. According to a recent report, as of 2021, over 1,300 AI companies were based in London and the city was the top-funded in the U.K. in terms of venture dollars invested.

The city is also important politically to tech companies heavily invested in AI, like OpenAI, which seek to convince the U.K.'s governing bodies to regulate AI with a light touch. On a recent lobbying tour, Altman made an appearance at the University College London, where he called for "balanced" regulation and warned of the risks of deepfake disinformation.

At that same appearance, Altman said that OpenAI would "cease operating" in the European Union if it's unable to comply with the provisions of the bloc's AI Act, one of the first comprehensive set of regulations for the AI industry. He later backed down from the comments -- but the play was made.
The 2022-23 school year marked a time rich with potential and hope, but the appearance of normalcy and feeling of relief have been tempered by the reality that COVID exacerbated many students pre-pandemic challenges. After two decades of progress, national math and reading scores hit historic lows. Many students are coming to school with emotional, physical, nutritional and housing needs.

It can feel overwhelming to process all the demands and challenges that young people face in addition to their schoolwork. But what gives us hope and has inspired our careers as high school leaders is the belief in the potential of a high-quality education to help students overcome obstacles and pursue lives of opportunity and choice.

Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter

We believe students need rigor and purpose to meet their goals. Rigor challenges students to think critically and search for answers to tough questions. Purpose gives them relevant learning experiences that they can connect with their lives. With support and funding from the education nonprofit Springpoint and Barr Foundations Engage New England initiative, our three schools have created programming that is designed to help students meet the high expectations set for them  particularly students of color, those from low-income families, English learners and those with special needs. Our schools were designed specifically for students who had not been well served educationally, and as a result, many are not on track to graduate from high school when they enroll.

We have seen firsthand how our belief in the importance of maintaining high expectations translates into meaningful and challenging academic experiences and in students increased confidence in what they can accomplish.

At the Capitol Region Education Councils Impact Academy in Hartford, students took their educational experience outside the classroom to apply their learning in real and relevant ways. An example of this is through the Students and the Law course. Impact Academy students collaborated with students from the University of Connecticut School of Law, culminating in a Moot Court exercise in which they took on the roles of petitioners, respondents and justices. This was new territory for many of them. They had to be prepared to present complicated arguments in a formal setting at the law school. They researched, practiced and worked together. The schools combination of high expectations and relevant learning opportunities has given them a purpose and created for the students a new postsecondary vision for themselves. Over two-thirds of the current graduating class plan to continue their education.

At Evolve Academy in Massachusettss Fall River Public Schools, a Portrait of a Graduate was created that defines the essential skills and mindsets that students are expected to have when they leave. They are expected to develop the ability to argue, investigate, discern, collaborate, communicate and self-direct. For example, students participated in a project-based unit called My Point of View, in which they used storytelling to create a powerful and compelling personal statement that expressed their values. One student, Anthony Jacobs, wrote about how expressing himself through art helped him cope after a tragic accident and has inspired him to pursue it as a career. Some 70% of students at Evolve report that they would have dropped out if they had gone to another school; now every 2023 graduate has a postsecondary plan in place.

At Nowell Academy in Providence, educators work with students to set weekly academic goals. Pushing the students helps them build confidence that they can accomplish ambitious and worthy learning, while completing tasks that require them to create and produce solutions and arguments raises their expectations for what they can accomplish. For example, in the math unit You Auto Know, freshmen learn and demonstrate the mathematics of buying a car. Student Yosalin Alvarado compared investing in a 2022 Honda Accord and a 2022 Honda Civic, analyzing the differences in base price, depreciation and gas mileage and the similarities of multi-year loan financing costs, insurance payments and brand. Then, she made final recommendations, as if presenting them to a client, about which vehicle to purchase. Such expectation-raising work has helped foster a college-going culture and boosted student engagement. One telling metric: 100% of Nowell seniors completed the federal financial aid form this year, while just a few years ago the FAFSA completion rate was 30%.

Learning at our three schools is not just about meeting graduation requirements, but rather about building skills and networks, providing opportunities to help students see what is possible and supporting them so they can excel. We expect students to be challenged, to apply their learning and to strengthen their own identities.

Even in difficult times like these, high expectations are not only possible, but necessary  for all students in all schools. Teachers must ask young people to do hard things. School leaders need to create rigorous and purposeful learning experiences that allow all students to meet and exceed the high expectations set for them.

Disclosure: XQ and Carnegie Corporation of New York partner with Springpoint Schools and provide financial support to The 74.
Orange County Sheriff John Mina announced Tuesday the Orange County Sheriffs Offices Narcotics Unit had broken up a drug trafficking ring selling fentanyl laced with animal tranquilizers in what was dubbed Operation Moscow Mule.

Law enforcement made 12 undercover buys from the ring. Deputies also located the rings supplier in New Jersey and worked with a drug unit in Volusia County to intercept a shipment of half a kilogram of fentanyl, preventing it from reaching its intended destination in the area around Oak Ridge and Orange Blossom Trail in south Orange County, according to Narcotics Unit Captain Darryl Blanford.

The bust resulted in the arrest of 14 members of the ring, including its leader, 33-year-old Jazzmeen Ashley Underdue Montanez, authorities said. She has been arrested on charges of trafficking in fentanyl and conspiracy to traffick fentanyl, each of which has a 25- year minimum sentence.

Some of her other charges include money laundering, sale or delivery of fentanyl, conspiracy to deliver fentanyl and conspiracy to deliver cocaine. Montanez had previously been arrested for possession of marijuana in 2019, according to court records.

A 15th suspect, Alexander Pavlov, was the only identified suspect who has not yet been arrested. Authorities believe Pavlov has fled to Russia.

Blanford says the area has had over 150 overdoses, nine of which were fatal, between 2022 to the present.

The fentanyl sold by the ring was cut with the animal tranquilizer Xylazine, which extends the high caused by fentanyl and is resistant to Narcan, the substance used to treat and reverse opioid overdoses.

Perhaps the scariest thing about Xylazine and its prevalence in street drugs here and throughout the country is that it is not perceptive to Narcan, Mina said.

Due to being a sedative, Xylazine is unaffected by Narcan, increasing the chance of fatal overdoses. It also causes necrosis of the flesh at injection points, leading to it being called the zombie drug.

Mina said there were 3 deaths related to Xylazine in Orange County so far this year, and two Xylazine-related deaths in 2022.

We cant stress enough how important this is to let our residents and visitors know the dangerous effects of Xylazine in our community, Mina said.

Eighty percent of the fentanyl recently seized by the Sheriffs Office was laced with Xylazine. The rate was 7% in 2018, according to Blanford.

Xylazine is here to stay, Blanford said. Its not a fad. This is a growing trend thats probably going to be here for a few years.

Blanford stressed the importance of letting paramedics and law enforcement help when an overdose occurs.

When that [an overdose] happens, you need to call the paramedics, Blanford said. I know a lot of times users dont want to get the paramedics involved because law enforcement is going to show up with them, but at the point where youre using the Narcan and its having no effect, you probably have a tranquilizer issue with your partner and you need to call the paramedics to get them some help.

Blanford says the Sheriffs Office has already dismantled similarly-sized groups dealing in Xylazine-laced drugs in the same area.
Killer Whale family with YachtGetty Images/Jackson Roberts

The killer whale on boat "violence" doesn't seem to be going away. Last week, an orca (Orcinus orca) reportedly launched itself into a yacht off the coast of the North Sea. The event, which wasn't independently verified by Salon, is the first time a killer whale incident has been known to happen off the coast of Scotland, and nearly 2,000 miles from where the behavior has been reported hundreds of times off the coast of Spain and Portugal.

Dr. Wim Rutten, a retired Dutch scientist, told the Guardian he was fishing when an orca suddenly appeared and started ramming itself into his boat. According to the report, the killer whale hit the boat multiple times. "What I felt [was] most frightening was the very loud breathing of the animal," Rutten told the Guardian. "Then he disappeared ... but came back at fast speed, twice or thrice ... and circled a bit."

It raises a series of intriguing questions: Are orca attacks spreading? Will they become more common? And why are they doing this anyway?

Related

An expert explains why killer whales keep attacking boats

The event adds to a running list of incidents where orcas have caused damage to, or had physical interactions, with boats. The news first made headlines when LiveScience published an article on May 18, 2023, suggesting that orcas might be teaching each other how to sink yachts. Since 2020, out of 500 recorded interactions, there have been three sunken ships. According to the report, orcas appeared to follow a "clear pattern" of behavior where an orca approaches the stern of a ship, strikes the rudder, then loses interest when the boat stops moving. One researcher theorized that a female orca, called White Gladis, could have had a traumatic collision with a boat and is suspected to have started the "trend" of orcas having physical contact with other boats.

The altercations have turned the orca into a personified meme on the internet, including being "blamed" for sinking the Titanic-seeking sub that imploded last week. (There is no evidence anything sunk the Titan submersible aside from shoddy engineering.) As Salon previously reported, the behavior is likely yet another account of orcas developing a peculiar fad  which both orcas and other animal species have a history of doing. However, in this case, it's one that could do more harm than good. The latest reported incident could be evidence that this behavior is here to stay, and that it's spreading to other orca pods thanks to cultural evolution.

Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter The Vulgar Scientist.

A "cultural trap" happens when a behavior spreads through a population despite being maladaptive.

Cultural evolution is distinct from genetic evolution in that it involves abstract behaviors that are passed down to offspring, rather than utilizing DNA or RNA. Tool use among chimpanzees is a prominent example.

"We usually think of learned behaviors as being adaptive and having some utility but they certainly don't have to, and we should know that as humans, all kinds of things get started," Lance Barrett-Lennard, PhD, senior research scientist at the Raincoast Conservation Foundation, told Salon. "Once you've got a predisposition, the machinery, the brain, the instinct to learn from one another, then maladaptive behavior can be learned as well and sometimes spread for a while. We call these cultural traps  in humans, cigarette smoking is a good example."

A "cultural trap," Barrett-Lennard said, happens when a behavior spreads through a population despite being maladaptive. It doesn't improve survival, reproduction or biological fitness. At this point, he said he wouldn't categorize the behavior from the orcas as a cultural trap because they aren't being injured or targeted by boat owners. At least, not yet.

"This is a kind of cultural revolution. In the short timespan, sometimes this kind of behavior, if it's directly related to food or some survival value, it may very well fade away fairly quickly," Barrett-Lennard said, "We'll see whether that happens or not."

Barrett-Lennard said he would compare this behavior to what we've seen in other populations  like bottlenose dolphins.

"Cultural inheritance permeates many species' lives. It provides a second form of inheritance that builds on the primary genetic inheritance system, facilitating cultural evolution."

"In Australia, some years ago, they [dolphins] started carrying sea sponges around on their noses," he said. "And this behavior had never been seen before by people studying these particular populations for quite a long time. Then suddenly, they saw it a few times and then it would seem to [disappear], it seemed to be a bit of a fad  but it spread very quickly through the population."

Andrew Whiten, an evolutionary and developmental psychologist at the University of St. Andrews, explained in a paper published in the journal Science that it's well-established that animal behaviors that can be passed from one individual in a group to another individual, a chain that can be passed down to generations. However, up until the mid-20th century, culture was thought to be an exclusively human phenomenon.

"The revelation that cultural inheritance permeates many species' lives is increasingly recognized to have profound implications for evolutionary biology at large, because it provides a second form of inheritance that builds on the primary genetic inheritance system, facilitating cultural evolution," Whiten wrote. "The two inheritance systems may generate rich interactive effects, as they have in humans."

One example Whiten pointed to was how humpback whales learned to slap the sea surface with their tails, a trick known as "lobtail feeding." Then, they will blow bubbles around their prey to confuse them. While so-called "bubble feeding" was already known for decades, lobtail feeding was first recognized in 1980, spreading over two decades and creating a new hunting tradition for hundreds of other humpbacks.

However, it's likely too soon to know if the orca behavior is spreading or if it's more than a fad. Barrett-Lennard said the behavior off the coast of Scotland could be connected to what's been happening on the Iberian peninsula, but scientists don't know right now. He said it's possible that they were the same whales because they have the ability to travel that far, but so far, nothing is definitive.

"We're always struggling to learn how these populations of killer whales around the world are connected to each other," he said. "We usually use genetics to see how closely related they are."

But some scientists are remaining skeptical about the most recent incident. Monika Wieland, director of the Orca Behavior Institute, told Salon via email she believes it's "extremely unlikely these events are connected."

"Without any videos of the encounter, or evidence of damage on the vessel, I suspect that the incident off the Scottish coast may have been sensationalized a bit," Wieland said. "With all the media coverage the Iberian orcas have been getting, I think we've pre-conditioned people on how to interpret any orca approaching a vessel."

Read more

about whales
VALLETTA, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Malta's lawmakers on Wednesday unanimously voted to relax the country's total ban on abortion.

Lawmakers unanimously approved the amended abortion bill, which allows doctors to carry out an abortion if a woman's life is at immediate risk, or if her health is in "grave jeopardy which may lead to her death."

Under the new rules, pregnancy terminations may be carried out if all other treatment options have been exhausted. The decision must be taken by three doctors. Such interventions can only take place in licensed clinics, and doctors must help the mother give birth if the fetus is able to live outside the womb.

The amended bill removes the legal implications, including the risk of prison, for professionals trying to save the life of a woman experiencing pregnancy complications. Previously, having an abortion or helping someone to get an abortion was punishable by up to three years in prison.

The bill will now be submitted to President George Vella for signing, which will officially enact it into law.

However, even with the amendments to the bill, Malta will still have some of the strictest abortion laws in the world. It was previously the only remaining EU country with a total ban on abortion. 
Darell Preston says he was attacked by a white man without warning this month on the sidewalk adjacent to his food truck, LoRells Chicken Shack, in southeast Portland.

A Black food truck owner in Oregon has retained a lawyer to investigate an attack he endured weeks ago outside his business at the hands of a white man.

Darell Preston, 36, allegedly was attacked without warning on the sidewalk adjacent to his food truck, LoRells Chicken Shack, in southeast Portlands Foster-Powell neighborhood on June 15, OregonLive reported.

Prestons lawyer, Alicia LeDuc Montgomery, said her client was on the phone with his wife when the attacker started hitting him and using racial epithets.

Police in Portland, Oregon, say after consulting with Darell Prestons family, detectives with the Major Crimes Unit began investigating the June 15 attack on him as a possible bias crime. (Photo: Adobe Stock)

We are deeply disturbed by this assault, which has left the community shaken and outraged, LeDuc Montgomery said. We call upon law enforcement to thoroughly investigate this despicable act of violence.

A police spokesperson, Sgt. Kevin Allen, said that after consulting with Prestons family on June 19, detectives with the Major Crimes Unit began investigating the incident as a possible bias crime.

Allen said they didnt launch the investigation immediately because responding officers werent given specific details at the scene.

In a letter sent Monday, LeDuc Montgomery informed the city of Portland and the Multnomah County district attorney that she was looking into the attack and the timeliness and sufficiency of the governments response.

A police spokesperson contended on June 20 that Preston initially refused to have a lengthy conversation with officers when they arrived at the food cart area the day of the incident.

Spokeswoman Terri Wallo Strauss said it took officers a while to convince Preston to emerge from the food cart and speak with them. He reportedly told officers he was delivering food just before the attack, but he proceeded to lock himself in the cart when the police officer pressed him for more information.

LeDuc Montgomery said her client was too terrified and wounded to talk to officers, adding he could hardly speak because his face had been so badly beaten in.

Video of the incident recorded across the street from the food truck allegedly shows Preston, identified by his lawyer, being kicked and punched by a bald white man and before lying crumpled on the sidewalk. The footage reportedly shows Preston fighting to sit up before being knocked back down.

Police discovered Preston at his food truck, where he gave them a general description of his assailant. Authorities scoured the neighborhood but were unable to locate the perpetrator.

Allen said an officer gave Preston his business card, saying he should call if he wanted to offer more information about the assault.

Prestons wife drove him to the hospital, where he was treated for severe facial injuries, according to LeDuc Montgomerys statement.

Prestons mouth was swollen, as were his eyes, one of which was shut and bleeding in photos taken right after the incident. The other eye was partially filled with blood.

We are grateful for the outpouring of care from individuals and organizations, Prestons wife, Marshnique Preston, said in a statement provided by LeDuc Montgomery. She added that they, appreciate community members remaining unified in their peaceful support for the pursuit of justice and Darells healing.

After temporarily shutting down the food truck due to Prestons injuries, his family started a GoFundMe effort  which has generated over $40,000  two days later to aid with household expenses.

Darell is a local community business owner known for his phenomenal Chicago style chicken, his big heart, and even bigger smile, the GoFundMe page reads. Due to this attack, he will be unable to work his cart causing an obvious financial burden on himself and our family.

Prestons attorney said the LoRells Chicken Shack food truck should reopen later this week.

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In Maharashtra, a horrible case of bonded labour came to light earlier this month

On a scorching June night, Bhagwan Ghukse woke up with a jolt and decided to run for his life.

For the past month, Mr Ghukse had been kept captive in a squalid shanty in the western state of Maharashtra along with six other daily-wage workers. The workers were hired by some contractors in the state's Osmanabad district to dig wells, but were later forced into bonded labour which is illegal in India.

Mr Ghukse described the dehumanising living conditions, of being beaten, drugged and forced into long hours of manual labour with little food or water. At night, the workers would be chained to tractors so that they couldn't escape. And when they couldn't sleep, restless from pain, hunger and fatigue, Mr Gukse said the men would lash them with sticks and then forcefully sedate them with alcohol.

"I knew death was inevitable here. But I wanted to try escaping at least once before that," he said.

On most days, Mr Gukse and other captives would get so exhausted with work, beatings and no food that they would have no energy left to plan their escape.

But on 15 or 16 June - Mr Ghukse can't remember the exact date because the days had long started blending into each other - he decided to give it a try. Crouching in the darkness, he reached for the little lock of the chain on his feet, slid a finger inside and kept twisting it for hours until it finally came free.

As he clambered out of the compound, he saw a vast sugarcane field and decided to run towards it. "I had no idea where I was. All I knew was I had to get back home. I followed a railway track next to the field and kept running."

Mr Ghukse managed to reach his village and informed the police about the torture, following which officials rescued 11 other workers from two separate wells run by the same contractors.

"At first we didn't believe the labourer, but when we reached the location, we were shocked to see the conditions of the men," local police official Jagdish Raut, who is in charge of the case, told the BBC.

The well where Mr Guksey spent his days working without food and water

Police say the men were forced to work 12 to 14 hours a day to dig the wells, after which they were chained and subjected to repeated physical and mental torture. "They had no toilet facilities, they had to relieve themselves inside the wells they were digging and then clean the waste after finishing work," Mr Raut said. Most of them had blisters and deep gashes of wounds on their eyes and feet - some of them are undergoing treatment in hospital.

Seven people, including two women and a minor, have been charged with human trafficking, kidnapping, abuse and wrongful confinement under the Indian Penal Code in connection with the case, which has made headlines in India all week. Four of them are in police custody, the minor is in a juvenile detention centre and two are absconding.

Police say the victims were all poor and landless daily-wage workers who came to Ahmednagar town near Osmanabad in search of jobs. Here, they were contacted by an agent who then sold these workers to some contractors from Osmanabad for 2,000 to 5,000 rupees [$24 to $60] each.

The agent promised the workers that they would get 500 rupees with three meals a day for digging the wells. When the men agreed, he called them to a common location, bundled them inside a tuk-tuk, and intoxicated them with alcohol before driving them away to different locations.

At the well compound, the contractors confiscated their phones and snatched their official documents.

"After keeping them in such horrible conditions for two to three months, the accused would release the men without paying them a single penny," Mr Raut said, adding that they were investigating if there are any other locations in the district that were still operating in a similar manner.

Families of three labourers told the BBC that they filed missing persons complaints but they alleged that the police refused to open an investigation.

The police officials did not respond to BBC's request for comment on the allegations, but an official told the BBC on the condition of anonymity that the police had failed to act on time in the case.

Weeks after their escape, the workers say they are yet to come to terms with the trauma.

Many of them are trying to rebuild their lives but say they constantly find themselves slipping into despair when they think about the torture.

"We were treated like slaves," says Bharat Rathor, one of the rescued labourers, as he showed his wounds - a swollen eye and gaping blisters on his feet.

"The contractors would beat us black and blue almost every day and feed us stale chapatis (flatbreads) with salt and a few morsels of brinjal. Sometimes farmers from nearby fields would come and see our pathetic condition but no one tried to help us."

Mr Rathor says he came to Ahmednagar after the death of his father because he had to look after his ailing mother. "But God only knows how I survived what I faced there."

A total of 12 daily wage workers were rescued in Osmanabad in June

His story is not different from that of Maruti Jatalkar - who was also compelled to leave his home in Nanded district because of his economic situation. A farmer, Mr Jatalkar's elder daughter was supposed to get married in May. As his village had no work in summer, he went to Ahmednagar in search of a job and got hired by the agent.

His plan was, if he worked for 15-20 days at the well, he would have enough money to make arrangements for the wedding.

But he could do neither - after being rescued, he found out that his daughter had already been married off. "I cried so much that day," he said.

Mr Jatalkar says he still gets afraid every time he thinks about the time - nearly two months - he spent at the well.

"They would send us inside early in the morning and only let us leave late at night. We used to urinate and defecate there. If we asked for food, they would beat us and say we'd only get one meal."

While the pain still lingers, the workers say they are hopeful about starting over - last week the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) pulled up the state government and directed authorities to provide relief to the workers under the country's labour laws.

"In the meantime, we'll find work in our villages and earn whatever we can" Mr Rathor says. "Maybe life will get better soon."
I paid $400 to stay overnight in a transparent plastic bubble in the middle of a forest in Iceland. It was the highlight of my trip.

Outside of my bubble. Talia Lakritz/Insider

On a trip to Iceland, I stayed at Buubble by Airmango, where guests sleep in plastic bubbles.

The bubble was heated and had electricity, and a nearby cabin offered bathrooms and amenities.

I was nervous about being so exposed in the wilderness, but it was the highlight of my trip.

I've done some pretty unusual things in the name of journalism, from staying in a Dolly Parton-themed RV to sampling vintage Jell-O recipes from a '50s cookbook. Still, spending the night in a plastic bubble in the middle of the woods in Iceland is definitely up there as one of the more adventurous tasks I've undertaken.

Whether it's to see the northern lights in the wintertime or the midnight sun during Icelandic summers, Buubble by Airmango offers guests the chance to sleep in transparent bubbles with unobstructed views of the sky at two different locations in Iceland.

I visited Buubble by Airmango's Golden Circle location in June. I wasn't sure quite what to expect, but it ended up being the highlight of my trip.

On a recent trip to Iceland, I spent a night at Buubble by Airmango, a bubble hotel in Hrosshagi located along Iceland's Golden Circle.

Buubble by Airmango in Iceland. Talia Lakritz/Insider

The Golden Circle is a 140-mile route that loops along famous tourist sites such as the Gullfoss waterfall, Thingvellir National Park, and the Geysir geothermal area.

I paid 54,900 ISK, or $403.85, for one night in a transparent plastic bubble in the middle of a forest.

The view from the bed inside my bubble. Talia Lakritz/Insider

Buubble by Airmango, also known as The 5 Million Star Hotel, has two locations: one on Iceland's south coast, and the one I visited in Hrosshagi. The company also offers winter and summer tours.

The clear bubbles offer views of the northern lights in the wintertime and Iceland's midnight sun during the summer months of 24-hour daylight.

Located about 60 miles from downtown Reykjavik, the exact location of Buubble by Airmango was emailed to me a few days before my trip.

The gravel road leading to Buubble by Airmango in Iceland. Talia Lakritz/Insider

The hotel was located off Iceland's Route 1 highway, a short distance down a dirt road. The town of Reykholt was a five-minute drive away, but the hotel felt like it was in the middle of nowhere.

The parking lot was clearly marked with a sign.

The parking lot of Buubble by Airmango. Talia Lakritz/Insider

Before I left Reykjavik, I called the phone number that was included in my confirmation email to let the hotel know I would be there in about an hour, as instructed.

I was nervous about finding the off-the-beaten-path attraction, but it was easy to spot.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that my bubble for the night was heated and had electricity, but I felt exposed by the lack of privacy.

My bubble. Talia Lakritz/Insider

My bubble felt warm and cozy  I didn't end up needing the additional blankets provided as temperatures dropped to the 40s and 50s. It also featured a small lamp and power strip.

While the woods offered some cover, I could still see the parking lot and other bubbles from my bed, so I wished the bubbles came with some sort of optional cover.

"This year, summer has been taking its time to arrive, and therefore the trees also needed a longer time to grow leaves," a representative for Buubble by Airmango told Insider. "This resulted in the bubbles being a bit more visible than normal, and we're already working on a way to make sure that for next summer we have a solution for this."

The bubble structure featured an entryway that led into the bubble itself.

Zipping up my bubble. Talia Lakritz/Insider

Like a spaceship, one door had to be closed before I opened another, otherwise the bubble would deflate.

My bubble appeared to sag whenever I opened it, though it reinflated right away.

My slightly deflated bubble after I opened the zipper to exit. Talia Lakritz/Insider

"Our bubbles stay upright because there is air being blown into them constantly, which is why they slightly deflate when the doors are open," the Buubble by Airmango representative said. "It doesn't take the bubble longer than a minute to inflate again once the doors are closed."

The bubbles were all situated near a heated cabin with bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and amenities that functioned as a lobby of sorts.

The cabin with bathrooms and amenities at Buubble by Airmango in Iceland. Talia Lakritz/Insider

When I entered the cabin, I encountered the bubble hotel's only other guests that evening  a couple from New York City celebrating their wedding anniversary.

I was initially wary of other people in the remote location as a solo traveler, but we ended up hitting it off. We chatted for hours and pooled our snacks. I was grateful for the company.

While I still wished the bubbles themselves offered a bit more privacy, I did enjoy how the group of bubbles felt like its own small community.

The bathrooms were clean and well-stocked, and they even included a small shower.

The bathroom at Buubble by Airmango in Iceland. Talia Lakritz/Insider

There were also two additional outhouse-style bathrooms, which are likely necessary when the hotel is full.

The kitchenette offered a fridge, stove, and a few basic cooking supplies.

The kitchenette at Buubble by Airmango in Iceland. Talia Lakritz/Insider

A coffee machine and kettle with supplied coffee and tea provided refreshments.

The hotel provided eye masks to help guests sleep during the midnight sun season.

Eye masks and lanterns at Buubble by Airmango in Iceland. Talia Lakritz/Insider

I visited Buubble by Airmango at the beginning of June, when there's 24 hours of daylight in Iceland. I was excited to have a front-row seat to see the midnight sun from my transparent lodging.

The midnight sun in Iceland, and other countries north of the Arctic Circle such as Sweden, Finland, and Norway, is caused by the tilt of the Earth's axis. Because the Northern Hemisphere tilts towards the sun during the summer months, these places are continuously exposed to the light of the sun.

It means the sun doesn't fully set in Iceland between May and August, with June being peak midnight sun season, according to Guide to Iceland.

Despite Iceland's consistent ranking as the safest country in the world, I was nervous about sleeping in a clear bubble that didn't lock in the middle of the woods.

Like a tent, the entrance to my bubble was a zipper. Talia Lakritz/Insider

Iceland has consistently been ranked the safest country in the world by the Global Peace Index since it began ranking countries in 2008.

I felt more comfortable in my bubble after spending time getting to know the other guests at the hotel. They no longer felt like complete strangers. Even so, I locked my valuables in my car for some peace of mind.

I was also thankful that I didn't have to worry about bears the way I would in upstate New York, which is near to where I live in the US, since they're not native to Iceland.

As I settled into my exceptionally comfortable bed surrounded by beautiful wilderness, I surrendered myself to the experience and was able to appreciate my surroundings.

Settling in for the night. Talia Lakritz/Insider

The experience reminded me of sleeping in a blanket fort in the living room or camping out in my backyard as a child. Tucked under the covers, I watched clouds pass overhead and felt like I was having an epic sleepover.

This is what the sky looked like at midnight. It was pretty magical.

Iceland's midnight sun. Talia Lakritz/Insider

The sounds of birds chirping and trees rustling in the wind lulled me to sleep, even when it was bright outside.

I woke up feeling refreshed and well-rested.

I slept well. Talia Lakritz/Insider

Perhaps because it was the last night of my trip and I was exhausted from a week of travel, but I slept more soundly in my plastic bubble than I had at some of the hotels I'd stayed at.

The next morning, I ate ramen noodles for breakfast with the couple from New York, who had brought some of their own.

Tea and ramen for breakfast. Talia Lakritz/Insider

Checkout was 10 a.m.

The bubble hotel ended up being the highlight of my trip to Iceland.

Outside of my bubble. Talia Lakritz/Insider

I spent nights in luxury hotels with hot tubs and elaborate breakfast buffets during my stay in Iceland, but it's the plastic bubble in the woods that remains the most memorable experience from my trip. It was outside of my comfort zone, but I loved being surrounded by Iceland's natural beauty, bonding with other adventurous travelers, and sleeping under the midnight sun.

Read the original article on Insider
Pakistani security forces say they killed an Islamic State commander in a raid on a militant hideout

This is a locator map for Pakistan with its capital, Islamabad, and the Kashmir region. (AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP)  Pakistani security forces Wednesday killed an Islamic State group commander and two other militants during a raid on a militant hideout near the border with Afghanistan, the military said.

The raid was conducted in Bajur, a district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan, the military said.

It said IS commander Shafi Ullah was one of three insurgents killed. He was wanted by the Pakistani government, which alleges he was involved in attacks on security forces and had killed innocent civilians.

Security forces also seized weapons and ammunition from the hideout and were carrying out a clearance operation of the area, the military said.

Pakistan's military has carried out massive operations in recent years in the tribal belt along the Afghan border, which served as a safe haven for local and foreign militants for decades. However, militants still carry out attacks in the region.
US President Joe Biden says 'pariah' Vladimir Putin is losing his war in Ukraine (Jim WATSON)

US President Joe Biden said Wednesday that "pariah" Vladimir Putin is "losing" the war in Ukraine, but it is too early to tell whether the Russian president has been weakened by the mercenary Wagner group's aborted rebellion.

Asked by reporters at the White House whether Putin is now weaker, Biden said: "It's hard to tell, but he's clearly losing the war" in Ukraine and "he's losing the war at home."

Putin is now "a pariah around the world," Biden added.

In his brief remarks, Biden mistakenly referred to Russia "losing the war in Iraq" -- a gaffe he also made late Tuesday when he told a group of re-election campaign donors that he'd united the West in opposing Moscow's "onslaught on Iraq."

The White House remains cautious on interpreting the fallout from last week's extraordinary events in Russia where the forces from the Wagner group -- one of the most capable parts of the Russian military in Ukraine -- mutinied and threatened to attack Moscow, before reversing course.

Biden, 80, is leading a Western drive to support Ukraine's resistance to the Russian invasion launched in February last year.

sms/bgs
A passenger fell overboard off the 10th deck of a Royal Caribbean cruise ship but was saved after an hourlong rescue

Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas and a Carnival Cruise ship anchored off the shore of Grand Cayman Island. MyLoupe/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

A passenger on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship fell overboard from the 10th deck of the liner.

The 42-year-old woman was saved after a dramatic, nearly hourlong rescue.

"The passenger was recovered alive and reported to be in good health," the US Coast Guard said.

A passenger on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship fell overboard from the 10th deck of the liner into the ocean more than 30 miles off the coast of the Dominican Republic  but survived after a dramatic, nearly hourlong rescue.

The chaotic incident, which left other travelers aboard the Mariner of the Seas vessel on pins and needles until the 42-year-old woman, a US citizen, was saved, unfolded Sunday as the ship was bound for the island of Curacao, according to the US Coast Guard.

Witnesses said cruise-crew members quickly launched a rescue boat to search for the woman, managed to find her, and brought her safely back on board in a roughly 45-minute ordeal.

"The passenger was recovered alive and reported to be in good health, after reportedly falling into the water from 10th deck of the ship," Ricardo Castrodad, a spokesman for the US Coast Guard, told Insider in a statement on Wednesday.

The woman was taken to the cruise ship's medical facility after the incident and later transferred to a hospital in Willemstad, Curacao, Castrodad said, adding that "no medical evacuation of the passenger was requested by the cruise ship."

The US Coast Guard, which is investigating the circumstances that led to the passenger going overboard, said that agency watchstanders at Sector San Juan received a report at around 5:45 p.m. Sunday that the ship's crew rescued a woman who went overboard.

"The cruise ship was transiting approximately 27 nautical miles south of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic when the incident occurred and was enroute to Willemstad, Curacao," Castrodad said.

Fellow travelers aboard the 15-deck cruise ship said they watched in horror as they thought the woman would not be found after going overboard.

Cruise ship passenger Matthew Kuhn told Insider that when he saw two empty life preservers in the water, he feared for the worst.

"I thought after that we were going to be here trying to recover a body," Kuhn said, recalling that he thought, "There's no way someone can survive that fall. Like that's a long fall."

"To go from that to wow they found her, someone's alive" was a whirlwind, Kuhn said. "I can't even describe like just going from like super somber to wow, I can't believe this just happened."

He told Insider that scores of people had taken to their balconies and quickly banded together to try and guide the rescue boat as they scanned the water for signs of the woman.

"Pretty much everyone was on their balcony," said Kuhn. "I think there was a majority of people that saw something [in the water] and that's really where it took over."

Kuhn's wife, Amiee Kuhn, told ABC's "Good Morning America" that people aboard the ship who watched from the balconies erupted in applause when they saw the woman was saved.

"She was sitting up when they brought her back, and the whole ship was cheering, and then they did come on and confirm it was a successful rescue mission," she said.

Royal Caribbean said in a statement to Insider: "The ship and crew immediately reported the incident to local authorities and began searching for the guest."

"Thankfully, the guest was successfully recovered and was brought on board. Our care team is now offering assistance and support to them and their traveling party. Out of privacy for the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share," Royal Caribbean said.

Falling overboard on a cruise ship does not usually end in a success story.

According to a report from the Cruise Lines International Association, there were 212 overboard incidents from 2009 to 2019, and only 48  or 28.2%  of those who fell overboard were successfully rescued.

Read the original article on Insider
Passengers stranded at Newark airport slept on tables and luggage carts after hundreds of flights were canceled or delayed, report says

Travelers wait at Newark Liberty International Airport. Jeenah Moon / Stringer / Getty

Passengers stranded in Newark airport resorted to sleeping on tables and luggage carts.

The airport has seen hundreds of flights canceled and delayed because of a storm.

Passengers have been left in a state of limbo with some struggling to receive their bags.

Passengers stranded in Newark airport resorted to sleeping on tables and luggage carts after flights were canceled over the weekend, CBS News reported.

The airport has been at the center of travel chaos after a storm affected hundreds of flights and left passengers camping at the airport, which is still dealing with the disruption.

One passenger told the news outlet: "We've slept on a little bit of everything. This is the comfiest I've slept on all night. I've slept on the floor. I tried sleeping on the terrible chairs, the carpet. I actually didn't mind the carpet."

Representatives for Newark Airport did not immediately return Insider's request for comment, made outside normal working hours.

Passengers have reportedly been left in a state of limbo amid the delays, with reports that some are even struggling to retrieve their bags and leave the airport.

A United Airlines passenger posted a video on Twitter that appeared to show the chaos and said people were unable to pick up their luggage. "The staff keep shouting no retrievals," the Twitter user said in the video caption.

A representative for United Airlines told Insider: "Several consecutive days of severe weather and lingering thunderstorms in the Northeast, combined with FAA staffing constraints over the weekend, have resulted in a tough operating environment, especially for our customers flying in and out of the New York area."

"As we focus on helping our customers whose travel has been disrupted over the last few days, we're also planning ahead to be ready for the upcoming holiday weekend," they continued.

One United Airlines passenger, Margo Osborne, previously told Insider she was forced to drive hundreds of miles and take another flight in an attempt to meet their bags after they were flown to New Orleans. Per the Insider report, Osborne said the airline told her, however, that no one could retrieve their bags.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Pennsylvania State Police in Butler County are seeking information on a cold case homicide that happened over four decades ago.

On July 15, 1981, Vicki Lynn Sinz, 22, was last seen at around 3 a.m. walking north on state Route 8 from the Rusty Nail Pub in Butler Township near the Picklegate Bridge. She was wearing a blue body shirt with a design, a blue jean vest, blue jeans, a brown leather belt, knee socks, beige or tan leather boots with a side zipper, glasses with her initials etched on one lens and a beige or tan leather purse with a long shoulder strap.

According to officials, her body was found around ten days later in a culvert running under Brook Devore Road in nearby Summit Township.

A $5,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest, the solving of the case or the location of a wanted person, fugitive or missing person.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the PSP Butler at (724) 284-8100 or anonymously contact the Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers Toll Free at 1-800-4PA-TIPS (8477) or online at https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=107.

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A Lake Tobias Wildlife Park employee was gored in the leg recently by a bison during a safari tour bus ride.

The animal struck 19-year-old Riley Blanchard around 1:30 p.m. June 17 while she was giving a tour to 40 to 50 passengers. She has been working for the Dauphin County wildlife park, near Halifax, as a safari tour bus driver for two seasons, she told PennLive.

Its my most favorite job I ever had, and I love the park, she said Monday. This was just a freak accident.

Halfway through the 45-minute-long safari ride, Blanchard stopped the bus to speak to passengers about a large bison that was standing nearby. As Blanchard stood on the steps while engaging with passengers, the bison approached her.

I reached out to pet his fur, which was probably my mistake, she said. Ive done it a bunch of times before, although this particular time he wasnt a huge fan of it.

Thats when the bison gored her, causing her to fall out of the bus.

She said once the bison struck her, he turned and walked away. Meanwhile, Blanchard was able to get back on the bus, adding that most of the passengers hadnt noticed what happened.

I cant say I really remember (the feeling), she said. I was in shock, but I was also focused on getting up on the bus and aiding my leg.

Two passengers who did notice the incident were eager to help and grabbed the first aid kit for her.

Meanwhile, she contacted the parks first aid station for help. Once they arrived, they loaded her onto a utility vehicle and drove to a more accessible location in the park for an ambulance, she said. She was hospitalized and released the same day, according to Blanchard.

The manager came over and calmed me down because I was in shock, she said. I was breathing hard and little panicky at the time. But he helped me through it all. Looking back, I thought I was panicking, but everyone handled the situation very well and quickly.

Blanchard said she understands that the park is planning to install doors on all of its safari tour buses as a safety precaution for employees. The tour bus she was operating had chains across the entry way, which also made it easy for the bison to stick his head in and strike her.

She categorized the incident as a minor injury, telling PennLive she ended up with a few stitches on the back of her left thigh. She said the bisons horn wasnt able to hit any arteries or bones.

Im doing very good, Im able to walk and get around very normally, she said. Im almost gotten back to my normal walk.

Blanchard, who was advised by her doctor to stay out of work for two weeks, said shes looking forward to returning in July.

I love animals and I think I just got a little too comfortable with the bison, its a wild animal, she said. With his babies being born, I think his testosterone was probably all off and it was just a wrong-place- wrong-time type of situation.

Blanchard said shes glad it happened to her and not any other wildlife employees.

I was told that my height saved my life, she said. Im 64, so if I was the average span height of a female it couldve hit a different spot on my body. I also have thicker thighs, so Im a little heavier.

When contacted, a park spokesperson said the situation has been resolved.
Texas state Attorney General Ken Paxton makes a statement at his office in Austin, Texas, on May 26, 2023. | Eric Gay, Associated Press

The consequences facing two scandal-plagued Republican politicians, namely former President Donald Trump and now-suspended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, are playing out in real time. The responses by some in the GOP suggest a deep aversion to self-policing. Yet in both cases, the question remains: will partisan actors act in a knee-jerk fashion in support of their tribe or will they act based on whats truly in their self-interest, rightly understood?

Paxton may not be well-known outside his home state, but he seems to be an (alleged) habitual offender who also holds statewide office. He has been accused of various crimes, starting before he was elected attorney general in 2014, from failing to register required business activities with the relevant state boards, to securities fraud, bribery and abuse of office.

Meanwhile, he has sought to drag out the process repeatedly while portraying himself as the victim of a witch hunt by political foes. Hes successfully used this tactic against both Republican primary opponents as well as Democratic challengers, with the help of high-profile defenders like Trump and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. Members of the Texas state legislature have, until recently, mostly turned a blind eye, likely fearing the wrath of Paxton and his backers.

But last month, when the legislature was asked to authorize payment of $3.3 million to settle with multiple whistleblowers who lost their jobs after reporting potentially criminal behavior to federal investigators, lawmakers apparently decided things had gone too far.

The legislature investigated Paxtons conduct, with Texas state Rep. Andrew Murr, who led the committee, calling it alarming that Paxton was de-facto asking the legislature to participate in a cover-up. The committee voted to recommend impeachment, and shortly thereafter, Paxton was impeached by a bipartisan vote of 121-23. Hes now been suspended, pending a trial in the state Senate.

In past years, this would be unremarkable. But Paxtons repeated and electorally successful appeals to gutter populism and partisanship  repeatedly accusing his foes, in both parties, of being liberals or worse  has been successful. Combine that with the high-profile support from Trump and Cruz, it makes it perhaps surprising, and welcome, that the legislature finally flipped the switch.

But was there any real cost? Under Texas law, GOP Gov. Gregg Abbott replaced Paxton with now-interim AG John Stott, a former Texas secretary of state. Trump and Cruz, while initially supportive of Paxton, seem concerned more with their own woes and re-election efforts. Paxtons chances in the state Senate seem grim, and it seems unlikely any state representative, or the Republican Party more broadly, will suffer. Indeed, being free of Paxtons baggage will likely benefit the Republican ticket.

Instead, one might rightfully ask, what took so long?

Meanwhile, the past three weeks have been dominated by the news that Trump allegedly retained highly sensitive national security documents after leaving office, which he allegedly showed to unauthorized private citizens. He was indicted by the Department of Justice on 37 counts related to this matter. Trump, per usual, remains defiant.

Initially, Trump was defended by Republicans in Congress, and even some of his rivals for the nomination. Once the indictment was made public, however, many changed their tone. Trumps alleged bragging about breaking the law, and apparently quite openly instructing his aids to lie and obstruct the Department of Justice, seems to have unnerved all but the least serious political hacks. Nikki Haley originally decried the indictment as prosecutorial overreach, but later said Trump was incredibly reckless, and Mike Pence, who first said he was deeply troubled that the indictment happened, now says he cant defend his old running mate and that no one is above the law.

Even politicians who still defend Trump largely do so on the grounds that his indictment will lead to a downward spiral of political prosecutions, not on the substance, or even the procedure (which was the last refuge of Paxton supporters).

Related

Much like Paxtons woes, none of this can seriously be said to be surprising. Trumps virtual non-stop norm-busting and lawbreaking, from mean tweets to election tampering, to obstruction of justice, arent seriously contested on the facts. They are contested almost solely on political grounds  pointing to the bad acts of other politicians or decrying the process as driven by partisan political ends.

This view is misplaced. Indeed, most partisan and/or ideological arguments boil down to the understandable notion that their party or political philosophy has something good to offer the country, and jettisoning that good, to the benefit of foes that will not appreciate it, is foolish.

But politics is rarely a zero-sum game, particularly over time. Indeed, what is needed here is what Alexis de Tocqueville called self-interest rightly understood, or enlightened self-interest. Tocqueville wrote an entire chapter of his famous book Democracy in America, discussing the notion that Americans, almost always manage to combine their own advantage with that of their fellow citizens and that they believed, particularly over time, it was in each individuals private interest is to do good.

Paxtons impeachment, and likely removal, does nothing significant to harm the goals of Republicans. Instead, removing him lances a boil that threatened their continued success in the state. Defending him to the hilt and taking his alleged crimes on themselves might make their opponents mad, and his loudest defenders proud, but it wouldnt help Texas Republicans win elections or enact their agenda. Jettisoning him quickly, and without mercy, on the other hand, might do just that.

While it is true that Trump has a more dedicated following than Paxton, and the presidency is an office far more bound up in symbolism than the office of state attorney general, Trump is also far more of an anchor than Paxton. Ever since Trumps inside-straight, popular-vote losing victory against Hillary Clinton in 2016, which still saw Republican losses in the House and Senate, he has been electoral poison, losing the House in 2018, the White House in 2020, the Senate in 2021, and clearly narrowing Republican gains in 2022. There is no good argument to be made that hell be the stronger candidate in 2024 than Ron DeSantis, Tim Scott or any of the other contenders. Jettisoning Trump wont hurt Republican prospects; it will aid them.

While I think it is easy to say, truthfully, that Republicans should have given Donald Trump the same treatment as Paxton long ago, particularly after Jan. 6, it remains true that it is better late than never. Indeed, even a partial show of being willing to hold your side accountable tends to diffuse issues in the minds of persuadable voters. Debate over whether Hunter Bidens recent guilty plea to tax evasion and gun charges, by a Justice Department run by his father, was a sweetheart deal, or fair given the circumstances, remains hotly contested, even on the right. But at minimum, it showed to swing voters at least some willingness of Democrats to hold their own side accountable. Actions like the overwhelming heave-ho that Paxton got, of course, would be even better.

Trumps latest indictment is an excellent opportunity to make that same point, in spades. Republicans, from the lowest precinct committee chairman to U.S. senators, should use whatever influence they have to make it clear that Trump is unacceptable because of their own enlightened self-interest, and, as it happens, because it is also the right thing to do, and in the best interests of the country.

Paxtons fast and decisive ouster has shown the way to deal with bad political actors, if only political leaders will take the path of their own self-interest, rightly understood.

Cliff Smith is a lawyer and a former congressional staffer. He lives in Washington, D.C., where he works on national security related issues.
California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta speaks at the Los Angeles Central Library Tuesday to announce the release of the 2022 Hate Crimes Report and ongoing efforts to combat hate and extremism. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Hate crimes soared in California in 2022, with year-over-year rises recorded in crimes targeting virtually every demographic group, according to a report released Tuesday.

All told, there were 2,120 reported hate crimes, a 20.2% jump from the year prior, figures from the California Department of Justice show.

Overall, the number of such events has risen 145.7% since 2013. California's all-time high in reported hate crimes was 2,261 in 2001.

State Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta attributed the rising numbers to what he characterized as an encirclement of hate.

Hate-filled rhetoric fills our social media feeds and dominates the news cycles, he said during a news conference in front of the Los Angeles Central Library on Tuesday. It infiltrates our schools and our community gatherings. It seems to be at so many places; its so pervasive.

A major departure from the top-line trend was the number of anti-Asian hate crimes  which have soared in recent years, partly due to racially motivated attacks related to the COVID-19 pandemic, but declined sharply from 2021 to 2022.

But that was one of only a few silver linings presented by Bonta, who implored those interpreting the statistics to remember the contrast since 2020 in anti-Asian hate crimes.

Read more: Times coverage of anti-Asian racism during the pandemic

Nearly 1,300 crimes reported in 2022 were suspected to be motivated by bias against someone's race, ethnicity or national origin. Roughly half of those, 652, were directed at Black residents  a 27.1% increase from the year before.

The statistics on the numbers for African Americans really set me back, said Robert Sausedo, president and chief executive of the Leimert Park-based Community Build Inc., which offers education, training and employment placement assistance.

Hate crimes targeting members of the Black community have increased rapidly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. There were 243 anti-Black hate crimes in 2019.

Unlike other groups, Sausedo said, there are no more African American communities" to give refuge to residents, but just communities where African Americans live.

Anti-Asian hate crimes fell to 140 in 2022, a decrease of 43.3% and the first year-over-year drop since 2018.

Read more: 'An epidemic of hate': Anti-Asian hate crimes in California jumped 177% in 2021

Last year's figure is still significantly elevated from the historic lows of the mid-2010s. There were 19 anti-Asian events in 2014 and 2015 and 35 or fewer in all but one year between 2013 and 2018.

When asked what worked in lowering anti-Asian hate crimes, Bonta did not provide an answer but rather stressed that the numbers still needed to improve.

Were still at very high numbers and wed like to get them down, said Bonta, the states first Filipino American attorney general. We acknowledged that were still in a very high area and theres more work to do.

Paul Estuar, litigation director of the civil rights group Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California, said attacks against the community ranged from hate-filled phrases to punches.

He pointed to the assault of an Asian woman on the Metro A Line in May and a Republican congressman in February publicly questioning the loyalty of Rep. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park), the first Chinese American woman elected to Congress.

Although reports of anti-Asian hate crimes went down in 2022 from its peak in 2021, we know incidents are still occurring, Estuar said.

Read more: Amid a rise in reported hate crimes, California creates a special hotline

Anti-Latino hate crimes rose 6.6%, to 210, according to the report. Anti-white crimes increased 24.1% to 103.

The Jewish community suffered the bulk of anti-religious hate crimes in 2022  accounting for 189 out of the 303 reported. That was a 24.3% jump from the previous year. Since 2017, there have been at least 100 hate crimes committed against Jews annually.

Californias Jewish community did not have to wait till the report was released to experience that increase of hatred directed at us this past year with our own eyes and ears, said Senior Rabbi Ken Chasen of Leo Baeck Temple in Bel-Air.

Chasen noted the antisemitic banner that hung over the 405 Freeway in October and fliers left at the homes of congregants in April 2022, which blamed Jews for Russia's war against Ukraine .

No other single religious group suffered more than 25 reported hate crimes last year, according to the report.

Read more: Hate crimes in L.A. County reach highest level in nearly two decades

Gay men were the target of the bulk of the 391 reported hate crimes motivated by sexual orientation, accounting for 271  a 28.4% increase from 2021.

Another 59 hate crimes were reported against transgender people, a 55% increase.

Los Angeles County, the nation's most populous, recorded the highest number of hate crimes  857, including 609 in the city of Los Angeles. There were 110 hate crimes reported in Orange County, 105 in San Diego County, 41 in Riverside County, 33 in San Bernardino County, 24 in Ventura County and 17 in Santa Barbara County.

The figures released Tuesday were gathered from local law enforcement agencies that are obligated to report hate crimes to the Department of Justice.

Bonta said he was "fairly confident" those agencies were diligent in their reporting. He did, however, send out guidance regarding the statutory definition of hate crimes and offenses that can fall under that umbrella.

"Our data shows us that law enforcement, over 50% of the time, failed to identify and investigate a hate crime as what it is  a hate crime," Bonta said. "So, we provided guidance."

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.
New photos show apparent pieces of the Titanic sub wreckage pulled from the ocean floor

Debris from the Titan submersible, recovered from the ocean floor near the wreck of the Titanic, is unloaded from the ship Horizon Arctic at the Canadian Coast Guard pier in St. John's, Newfoundland, Wednesday, June 28, 2023. Paul Daly/The Canadian Press via AP

Apparent debris from the imploded Titan submersible has been hauled up from the ocean floor.

New photos show the mangled wreckage being unloaded by a Canadian ship in Canada.

The doomed sub suffered a catastrophic implosion while headed to the RMS Titanic shipwreck site.

Large pieces of apparent debris from the Titan tourist submersible that imploded  killing all five people on board as the vessel headed to the shipwreck site of the RMS Titanic in the depths of the North Atlantic  have been pulled up from the ocean floor.

New photos published by the Associated Press on Wednesday show apparent chunks from the sub being unloaded by a crane from the ship Horizon Arctic at the Canadian Coast Guard pier in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.

Recovered debris from the Titan submersible was pulled up from the ocean floor. Paul Daly/The Canadian Press via AP

The deep-sea submersible, operated by OceanGate Expeditions, suffered a catastrophic implosion in the ocean's depths, shattering its debris 1,600 feet away from the wreckage of the sunken RMS Titanic, the United States Coast Guard revealed last Thursday.

The 21-foot sub went missing on June 18 after it lost communication with its mothership less than two hours into its journey to the bottom of the ocean floor off the coast of Newfoundland.

More Titan debris being unloaded from the Horizon Arctic. Paul Daly/The Canadian Press via AP

A days-long extensive, international search by land, air, and sea was launched to locate the vessel as the catastrophe gripped much of the globe.

The Coast Guard is now leading an investigation to determine what caused the Titan sub to implode on its dive to the famous shipwreck 12,500 feet below the ocean's surface.

The US Coast Guard will lead an investigation into the fatal incident. Paul Daly/The Canadian Press via AP

OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, British billionaire Hamish Harding, British Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, his teenage son, Suleman, and Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet were the five people killed aboard the sub.

In the aftermath of the disaster, it emerged experts had previously raised safety concerns about the carbon fiber and titanium sub.

A former OceanGate employee alleged in a 2018 lawsuit that the sub's safety could be compromised by poor "quality control and safety" protocols that "paying passengers would not be aware" of.

Read the original article on Insider
Stella

Breed: Pit bull terrier mix

Age: 4 years old

Stella is the perfect example of a dog who has manners and basic training, so you wont have to start from scratch. Shell also get you out and about in the yard or the neighborhood if youre looking to move more. Not only will you get to appreciate the outdoors, but youll do it with a very pretty tail-wagging companion.

Stella is very loyal to her people, and she could make a good protection dog for your home if you like a dog who keeps you feeling safe and secure. She is smart and energetic, so training her is fun and easy. She is dog social and would do fine with kids over age 10. She says no to cats.

Of course this girl is crate- and house-trained. She aims to please those people of hers. She is spayed, vaccinated and microchipped, and shes on heartworm preventative and flea/tick prevention, too. Her adoption fee is $175.

Dior

Dior

Breed: German shepherd mix

Age: 3 years old

Meet the stylish Dior. Dior was originally found as a stray, and unfortunately no one came to claim him. Thats OK, because he was provided with a lot of love and support at Wayside. He ended up in the Confidence College program due to his shy and fearful tendencies, but he has improved immensely.

While it still takes him a few minutes to warm up to new people, he is ready to party once he gets to know you. Hes come out of his shell so much, he actually transferred to the Peace Academy program to harness his lively personality. He loves toys. Ropes, stuffies, balls: You name it, he loves it. But dont worry, he loves to curl up and cuddle on the couch after a long day of play. Dior is looking for someone to advocate for him when hes nervous.

He asks that he goes home with kids over the age of 10. Please arrive at the shelter before 4 p.m. on our open adoption days to meet Dior.

Charlize

Charlize

Breed: Domestic shorthair/tabby

Age: 2 years old

Charlize was originally transferred from a partner shelter in Arkansas, but she is ready to make Missouri her permanent residence. This sweet and beautiful girl can be a little shy at first. She likes to get to know you before she warms up to you. It might take her some time to warm up in her forever home, but as long as she has her people by her side, shell have just enough confidence to get comfortable.

Charlize has the sweetest voice, so you all can have the best conversations. At Wayside, she is known for lounging in her comfy bed, or making biscuits. She does like to people-watch, and knows eventually it will be her turn for attention and pets. Are you looking for a sweet, cuddly girl?

Pacheco

Pacheco

Breed: Cattle dog mix

Age: 2 years old

Pacheco is a playful dog just counting down the days until he finds his people.

He hopes to find a home with a family with an active lifestyle or with another rambunctious doggo to play with every single day. He is currently boarding at Melissas menagerie in Shawnee.

Apply to adopt Stella at PawsitiveTailsKC.org. The group schedules meet and greets with approved adopters.

Wayside Waifs is able to welcome visitors without an appointment. To learn about the adoption process and available animals, visit www.waysidewaifs.org

Melissas Second Chances is a non-profit animal rescue in Shawnee. The group finds homes and safe refuge for animals in need of a second chance to be a beloved family pet.
Leslie County native Bobby Osborne, a mandolin player who with his brother Sonny Osborne formed the bluegrass music duo The Osborne Brothers, has died. He was 91.

Bobby Osbornes clear tenor voice has been associated with Rocky Top, the state song of Tennessee, since The Osborne Brothers first recorded it in the 1960s. They were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1964 and went on to the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.

Bobby Osborne and Sonny Osborne, a banjo picker, performed together for more than 50 years, until Sonnys retirement in 2005. Sonny Osborne died in 2021 at age 83.

Bobby Osbornes career spanned more than 70 years, and he was still performing at the Grand Ole Opry with his band, Rocky Top X-Press this year, according to recent posts on his Facebook page.

Were so thankful the Opry was home sweet home to you, Bobby Osborne, the Grand Ole Opry said in a Facebook post. Thank you for all the cherished memories and dedication. We love you.

The International Bluegrass Music Association called Bobby Osborne a treasure amongst our music and to the world.

The high, lonesome sound of his music paved a path that we are so very grateful for. A true pioneer, there is no way to overstate the influence of Bobby Osborne on bluegrass music, the association said in a Facebook post.

Osborne grew up on a farm in the Thousandsticks community outside Hyden. His parents were schoolteachers, he said when Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky Arts Council honored him at the Governors Awards in the Arts in January.

He made is first professional appearance as a musician in Ohio in the late 1940s and served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War before joining with his brother to form The Osborne Brothers after his return home in 1953, according to the Kentucky Arts Council.

In 1971, they won the Country Music Association award for Vocal Group of the Year.

Rocky Top might have been their most popular tune, but the brothers were still proud Kentuckians who supported their home state.

Bobby Osborne taught students at the Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music at Hazard Community and Technical College beginning in 2007.

We are deeply saddened to learn about Bobbys death, said HCTC President Jennifer Lindon said in a statement shared on Facebook. He was a pioneer in the Bluegrass music industry and a champion for Eastern Kentucky.

Each year, Hyden holds the Osborne Brothers Hometown Festival.

Ive been very fortunate to have been able to always do what Ive wanted to do with my life, and thats make a living playing bluegrass music, he said in the interview posted on the Kentucky Arts Councils website.

Late Kentucky banjo great Sonny Osborne was more than Rocky Top
Bike Share Pittsburgh, the nonprofit operator of POGOH bikeshare, is installing 22 new POGOH stations through July and is launching 154 new e-assist bikes and 66 pedal bikes into their fleet.

In addition to creating more connections within the current network, the new stations will connect several new neighborhoods, including Hazelwood, Larimer, Garfield, Upper Lawrenceville, Allegheny Center and Central Northside.

The growth of the bikeshare network is made possible by a Federal Highway Administration grant for Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ). The grant request was supported locally by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the City of Pittsburgh.

Because POGOH riders need to both rent and return their bikes at one of our stations, we need a lot of stations to make the system convenient. This expansion is focused on increasing the convenience of our network, and better connecting more neighborhoods to bikeshare, said David White, executive director of Bike Share Pittsburgh, in a press release. This twenty-two station expansion is a meaningful step towards our vision to have POGOH stations in every neighborhood in the City and eventually extend to many inner ring municipalities.

The new station locations have received approval from city council and permits from the City of Pittsburgh.

For more information about Bike Share Pittsburgh and the 2023 station expansion, visit pogoh.com.

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A woman from Pittsburgh has been indicted on fraud conspiracy and bank fraud charges after she and a colleague allegedly falsified Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications and received over $14 million, the largest known PPP fraud in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

According to the Department of Justice, Virginia Humphries, 35, and Matthew Lloyd Parker, Jr., 36, from Detroit, are accused of defrauding the Small Business Administration (SBA) and lenders of around $14.5 million in PPP loans.

Officials said Humphries, a credit repair specialist, and Parker, a licensed CPA, recruited hundreds of small businesses in both cities and falsified loan applications.

The SBA approved 226 applications in total.

Humphries and Parker face a maximum of 50 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000 or both. Sentencing will be determined based on the seriousness of the offenses and prior criminal history.

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CODE RED: Fog, haze to start the day as smoke from Canadian wildfires settles over area Code Red: Wildfire smoke creates air quality concerns for Western Pennsylvania Armstrong County woman wins $1,000 per week for life on lottery scratch-off VIDEO: 2 juveniles, Port Authority police officer hospitalized after crash on East Busway DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
Listen on: Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Deezer | Google Podcasts | LibSyn | Player.FM | SoundCloud | Spotify | Stitcher

This is Episode 3 of Season 3 of the Knowable Magazine podcast. Listen to Episode 1 (Scientists warned about climate change in 1965. Nothing was done.) and Episode 2 (The fossil that launched a dinosaur revolution).

Transcript

Charlotte Stoddart: Can a sugar pill make you feel better? What about the rituals surrounding a visit to the doctor? Can the care of a doctor or your trust in them reduce the amount of pain you feel?

Im Charlotte Stoddart and this is Knowable. This episode is all about the placebo effect. Were going to look in detail at one key paper to learn how the placebo effect has been used in medicine and how its been understood and misunderstood. The paper is called The Powerful Placebo. It was written by Henry Beecher and published in JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association, in 1955. I chose this paper because its often referred to as a classic, and its still one of the most frequently cited papers on the placebo effect. Ive enlisted the help of Ted Kaptchuk, who knows the paper well.

Ted Kaptchuk: I enjoyed rereading it, actually. Its a remarkable paper. Ive read it probably 15 times in my life.

Charlotte Stoddart: Ted is director of the Program in Placebo Studies at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, where Henry Beecher also held a professorship. Beecher also worked at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Ted Kaptchuk: Yeah, he was in the Department of Anesthesiology at Mass General Hospital. I think its great. I loved being around where he was around. Ive actually interviewed all his students. I know all the people he worked with.

Charlotte Stoddart: Beecher began his medical training at Harvard in 1928 and spent most of his career there.

Ted Kaptchuk: He always was well dressed: bow tie, a little flamboyant, thats what Im told. And very smart, and liked to party with his postdocs, younger students, all the time, and people admired him.

Charlotte Stoddart: During the Second World War, Beecher served in the US Army, and theres a story about how that experience got him interested in the placebo effect. It goes like this: Beecher was working at a military hospital. One day, a badly injured soldier needed surgery, but the hospital had run out of morphine. So Beecher injected the soldier with saline solution instead. The soldier relaxed and Beecher carried out the operation without any real anesthetic. This, so the story goes, is when Beecher realized the power of the mind over the body. There are several different versions of this story, but Ted says its likely some version of it is true.

Ted Kaptchuk: So there is a little myth around it, but those are the stories he said, and I think Im OK to say that his best colleagues would say he may have embellished it a little bit. Im flamboyant too, thats why I like Beecher.

Charlotte Stoddart: And so how did you come to research the placebo effect?

Ted Kaptchuk: I was hired by Harvard University to research alternate medicine, primarily Chinese medicine. And I would study with Fred Mosteller, who was Beechers statistician. And then one day he said, Your job is to help find out whether any of these alternate therapies is more than a placebo. And I said, Fred, can you tell me what a placebo is? And he said, Yeah, its the effect of an inert substance. And I went, Holy God, Im in the wrong field. The effect of inert substance is an oxymoron. This great giant was saying something that was an oxymoron. It was crazy. And so I switched careers because I thought thered be more interesting things to discover with placebo.

Charlotte Stoddart: And is that still the definition of placebo?

Ted Kaptchuk: Every definition is very difficult. Its a trap. The effect of inert substance, people will say that, but its not a definition. Its a nonsense statement. And it does describe something. Youre giving something thats fake to someone, and it seems to have an effect. Yeah.

Charlotte Stoddart: The question of what exactly a placebo is and how it can affect health is ongoing and has a long history. For hundreds of years before Beechers paper, sugar pills and other medicines with no active ingredient were given to patients. Sometimes patients felt better, and this was usually put down to the power of the imagination. If the patient trusted the pill giver and believed in their power to heal, it didnt much matter if the pill was no more than sugar.

In the 20th century, as medicine was professionalized and turned from a craft to a science, sugar pills fell out of favor. They were dismissed as useless, or worse, deceptive and unethical. And they became known as placebos or dummies. People who prescribed them were often called quacks.

By the time Beecher was writing, a new use had been found for placebos, as controls for testing the effectiveness of proper drugs in clinical trials. As Beecher puts it at the top of his paper, placebos were used to distinguish pharmacological effects from the effects of suggestion. Beechers main aim in writing the 1955 paper was to raise awareness of the placebo effect in drug trials.

Ted Kaptchuk: Well, its one of the early proclamations of the importance of placebo and hes very insightful. He says things that people still havent gotten to understand.

Charlotte Stoddart: Just as with his battlefield surgery story, Beecher may have embellished or glossed over details for rhetorical effect.

Ted Kaptchuk: Theres a lot of problems with this paper. I mean hes a showman. He really performed, and he always made things a little bit more elaborate than they were, or a little truer than they were. All his colleagues told me that, and his students told me that. But he really puts the question of placebo effects in front of the medical community. But actually, more important, he was one of the proponents of the placebo-controlled randomized trial and he was fighting to get that established. On some level, its a propaganda piece.

Charlotte Stoddart: Fascinating. So in simple terms, what is it that Beecher is trying to do in this paper?

Ted Kaptchuk: Bottom line, he wants to say, theres something called a powerful placebo. Most doctors really didnt even know about it. Most doctors didnt even know what it could possibly be. What is he talking about? And he does that because he believes the placebo controlled randomized controlled trial, is critical for the next stage of drug development. Hes arguing for a methodology here.

Charlotte Stoddart: Randomized controlled trials were developed as a way to measure the effectiveness of new drugs or treatments without bias. The people taking part in the trial are randomly put into one of two groups. One group receives the drug thats being tested. The other  the control group  receives a placebo. Importantly, neither the doctors nor the patients know which group they are in. If the new drug is more effective than the placebo at making people feel better, then it passes the trial.

Ted Kaptchuk: Can I tell you whats really interesting about this? This is not just about placebo controls. This is about changing what you think drugs and medicine and healings about. Before people like Beecher, how did you know a drug worked? You went to Mass General Hospital, you found a man, because they were only men, with bow ties, white shirt, a little bit of gray hair. And they said, I have a new drug for a certain condition of a kidney. Can you test it? And he would give it to the next 100 patients and then he would say, Oh, it really worked. Theres no control.

And Beecher was part of the people that said, We have to have a control. We have to do this scientifically. Observations not enough. Doctors no longer think medicines are good because they help patients. Its medicines are good because theyre more than placebo effect. Its the whether or not the methodology is correct, meaning its more than the work of the devil. Its a whole reconfiguration of how we should think about medicine.

Charlotte Stoddart: And what Beechers saying in this paper is that the placebo thats given, the kind of control, is not inactive. Its not having no effect. Hes saying theres an important placebo effect and he tries for the first time to quantify that placebo effect.

Ted Kaptchuk: Absolutely. Absolutely. And yeah, theres an element of, I got to make doctors believe we have to get rid of this demon. Thats the rhetorical line of the article, I believe.

Charlotte Stoddart: Youre talking about needing to get rid of the devil, which I think you mean the placebo effect. So the placebo effect is seen as a kind of nuisance, something that we dont want?

Ted Kaptchuk: Oh, absolutely. In this article, the placebo effect, its the devil because we have to have randomized control trials to make sure our drugs are not this devil. The way the placebo gets healing is inappropriate. This is an earthshaking change in how medicine is considered, changing it from a craft to a science and making it much more closer to an experiment, right? Randomized controlled trial as opposed to observation. Its a major transition in history and Beecher is critical.

Charlotte Stoddart: Right. So today we take for granted that randomized controlled trials are the way to test drugs, but at this time in the 1950s, that was debated and being figured out.

Ted Kaptchuk: It was being figured out, debated, it was opposition, and people like Beecher were really critical for that development.

Charlotte Stoddart: So Beechers classic paper was influential in the introduction of randomized controlled trials, a rigorous scientific approach to testing drugs, but the statistics in Beechers paper were not rigorous. In fact, Ted says that the analysis in the paper is so sloppy that Beechers colleagues didnt want to put their name to it. Beecher looked at 15 studies that involved giving patients placebos for things like headaches, coughs, seasickness, post-operative pain and anxiety. He claims that in 35 percent of cases, the placebos were effective, meaning that they made patients feel better in some way.

Ted Kaptchuk: The headline finding is, Wow, this effect is about 35 percent. The magnitude of placebo effects is 35 percent. Thats the bottom line that really electrified people. He was going for a high number and the way he did his statistics was about that. I have to say the question is, what does that 35 percent mean? Does that mean that about 100 percent got 35 percent improvement? Or does it mean theres a lot of variability? Theres a lot of variability hidden in that number. And he was not interested in that variability, he wanted a clear number.

His closest colleague was Louis Lasagna, who was one of my mentors. And I asked Louis Lasagna, So Louis, why werent you a coauthor of that paper? And he looked at me and said, Henry  he called him Henry  Henry is a little bit of a dramatist. Ted, read my paper that was published a few months earlier than his paper. And it was about the question of natural history. Some people just get better by themselves. Or theres to something called regression to the mean where numbers tend to go down anyways, spontaneous remission, and Beecher never mentions once, in this paper, spontaneous remission. He deliberately did that.

Hed read Lasagnas paper. In those trials, he shows how many of those people wouldve gotten better anyways. He doesnt tell you. And then I asked Fred Mosteller, his statistician for his whole career, and Fred, I said, Fred, why werent you an author? Its a mathematical paper, how could you not have been an author? He said, I didnt want to be an author. And theres something going on. And when you look at the paper very carefully, Beecher wants to make the numbers look really good.

Charlotte Stoddart: Interesting. I hadnt realized that there were people questioning his finding at the time, because I know that in the 1990s 

Ted Kaptchuk: Thats right.

Charlotte Stoddart: ... two German scientists reexamined the studies in Beechers paper.

Ted Kaptchuk: They were a little harsh, and I actually wanted to redo the numbers, but its really hard to aggregate these different trials. Some of them are laboratory and some are not. You know what? He made his point. He won. He got something done. And there had been criticism, but very mild.

Charlotte Stoddart: The two German scientists who looked again at the studies in Beechers paper, they published and they said they found no evidence of the placebo effect in any of the studies that Beecher writes about.

Ted Kaptchuk: They were not great studies by 1990s standard, or 2000 studies, but Im sure that Beecher exaggerated deliberately to make this point have power.

Charlotte Stoddart: Given that people do sometimes just get better over time and

Ted Kaptchuk: A lot of time.

Charlotte Stoddart: Right. And that might be attributed to the placebo effect, but in fact just be people getting better over time. And there have been papers published more recently questioning the placebo effect. What is the consensus these days? Is it that the placebo effect is real, or not?

Ted Kaptchuk: You know, Ive done 30 years of work in this field. Any consensus is theres too many confusing pieces floating around, because this is actually the garbage heap of medicine. So people didnt do it well. So I would say that there is lots of evidence that you can say, theres certainly placebo responses in the placebo arm of a randomized controlled trial.

People say there are placebo effects in everything. God forbid  this is nonsense. Theres no  placebo effect in malaria. Theres no  effect of lowering cholesterol with placebos. Tumors dont shrink from placebos. Mostly, if you got real hard-core pathophysiology, it doesnt, placebo doesnt do anything. If you have amplification of symptom, what Beecher calls sensation processing or pain processing, placebos work really good. You could criticize, but theres something going on here.

Charlotte Stoddart: Beechers paper focuses on placebos used in drug trials, but he also acknowledges that placebos are sometimes given by doctors as therapy for, he talks about mental illness and he also talks about doctors who are dealing with neurotic patients, he calls them.

Ted Kaptchuk: Yeah, thats what people would say, yeah, at that time, yeah. Hes accurate. There were placebos in every hospital at Harvard in 1955, and every doctor said they had no effect. They just were cranky people were making it up in their head. And the only reason that placebo started to be not used is because informed consent was developed  asking people, transparency, respect the person  only exists from 1960 on.

Charlotte Stoddart: And was it then considered unethical to give patients a sugar-pill placebo?

Ted Kaptchuk: By 1970, it was considered unethical to deceive patients. Giving placebos is never a problem if you told them, but any form of deception was.

Charlotte Stoddart: And what do we think these days about giving placebos as treatment, given that theres evidence that placebos are having some kind of effect in the way that the brain is processing pain?

Ted Kaptchuk: Im going to be blunt. The ethics now are, if you deceive a person and give them a pill that in some way infers or explicitly says its a drug thats going to do something, youre committing a blatant transgression of modern biomedical ethics. You know about open-label honest placebos, I assume, because youre obviously

Charlotte Stoddart: So I know that research has been done to see if the placebo effect is still there if you tell the patient that theyre receiving it.

Ted Kaptchuk: Yeah, Ive done 15 of those trials, and thats what Ive been doing for 10 years, 15 years. If you inform a person that they are getting a placebo, everyone told me that they wouldnt get a placebo effect. And I said, Can someone show me the evidence for this? Even Henry Beecher says that. And I said, How do you know? Because they all thought it was this conscious, mental thing. Anyways, for a lot of reasons I said, It has to be tested. This is an assumption. And we tested it in 2010, and it turned out that if you give a placebo to people, in that case it was irritable bowel syndrome, they got significantly better than a no-treatment control. And thats been replicated in various kinds of pain disorders and low back pain, migraine headaches.

Charlotte Stoddart: And these patients knew that they were receiving a placebo?

Ted Kaptchuk: They had to sign on the ethics form, I know I will get a placebo or nothing.

Charlotte Stoddart: So what do you think is going on there, then?

Ted Kaptchuk: I personally will say I dont know, but then Ill say, but I have a hypothesis and a model. And I dont think you can expect yourself to get better, hope yourself to get better. And what I think was happening, its the nervous system amplifying the signals of discomfort. Its hyperactivity in the brain, Im making it simple. And I think that what happens when you go into a healing situation is that in some people some of the times, those signals turn down because of all the things, the incredible soup that makes up the Wagnerian opera of going to a doctor, failure after failure, and we give you something thats totally counterintuitive, were giving you nothing, but you know what? People take it because theyre absolutely desperate, they dont believe itll work and it helps some people some of the time. I think that we have good evidence for that. Thats very cutting edge. This is nothing to do with Beecher. Beecher wouldve been very surprised.

Charlotte Stoddart: Beecher writes about what he calls placebo reactors, so people who tend to react in a positive way to placebos. Does modern research support this idea that some people are more likely to feel better about 

Ted Kaptchuk: If I knew who was going to respond to a placebo, Id be a very rich person. We dont know who will respond. I think its even more dramatic. Its we dont know when theyll respond. And Beecher is brilliant in this article, hes so smart. He says, This is a state, not a trait. And he cites these early experiments and say, We gave people placebos multiple times and sometimes it didnt work for them, sometimes it did. And he said, This has to be a state, not a trait. The complexity of what we put under the umbrella of placebo effects is still beyond what we can comprehend, in my personal opinion. We have models that we use to generate hypotheses and we keep going. That it exists is, I think, incontrovertible. Theres something going on here.

Charlotte Stoddart: When Beecher says that the placebo effect, its a state, not a trait, does he mean that its not 

Ted Kaptchuk: Its not exact words but hes saying that people getting it multiple times and not always reacting.

Charlotte Stoddart: Right. So he means that its not something thats fixed, maybe genetic, about a person that means they react? Its like a state, its to do with the context, the environment in which theyre taking the placebo?

Ted Kaptchuk: He doesnt amplify it. He just says it in passing.

Charlotte Stoddart: So, whats going on? Recent studies by neuroscientists hint at how the placebo effect may work in the brain. This is new research, but fascinatingly, Ted thinks that Beecher has an inkling of it when he wrote his paper in 1955.

Ted Kaptchuk: He talks about subjective symptoms as being the primary issue and he talks about the processing of sensations. I havent seen anyone, until very recently, last six years, say, Placebos are the processing of sensations. The basis of some of the cutting-edge research, cutting-edge theorization around what is the placebo effect, is something called Bayesian brain, prediction coding, its about processing of sensations. How do you know what youre feeling? How do you know what youre seeing? And I was blown away by him saying that.

Charlotte Stoddart: Thats fascinating. Can I just check that I understand what were talking about?

Ted Kaptchuk: Go ahead. Good.

Charlotte Stoddart: Are you talking about the way that the brain is processing something like pain?

Ted Kaptchuk: Yes, exactly what it is. Beecher actually talks about this. The placebo doesnt change pathophysiology. Thats what Beechers saying. But hes saying its about pain processing. Its not changing the underlying pathophysiology.

Charlotte Stoddart: What do you mean by pathophysiology?

Ted Kaptchuk: Its not shrinking a tumor, its not getting rid of inflamed nerves, reducing inflammation. It is changing whats going on in the brain about how the brain turns up the volume or turns down the volume as part of its job. The brain is not a passive organ; it actually interacts with sensations and reformulates them. And chronic pain is a false alarm. The brain is predicting pain, when in fact theres nothing coming up from the bottom. But Beecher doesnt describe that in full, but I was impressed he talks about it, even, no one was talking about that.

Charlotte Stoddart: Because he does call in this paper for further research into the mechanism. He seems very interested in what the mechanism might be for the placebo effect.

Ted Kaptchuk: He was a card-carrying scientist. Every card-carrying scientist needs to say, We need to understand mechanism. Thats what biomedicine is about. And he really wanted to understand it. He mentions expectation and says that a person has to believe theyre on a drug. And we know thats not necessarily true right now. I think he was one of the key people who formulated that idea that placebos come from expectation.

Charlotte Stoddart: Is that what we think today?

Ted Kaptchuk: Most of my colleagues do. I dont.

Charlotte Stoddart: What do you think then?

Ted Kaptchuk: I think were dealing with pain processing, and its a very complex phenomena thats really not so simple as, I hate this, something called a drug in your brain called expectation and that changes the pain. Thats just too simplistic for me. But most of my colleagues in placebo world say, its expectation for sure. If anyone tells you they know what the placebo does, exactly what it does, they dont know what theyre talking about. Its complicated.

Charlotte Stoddart: Do we have neuroscientific research that sheds some light on whats happening in the brain in the placebo effect?

Ted Kaptchuk: Now, Beecher didnt have access to that kind of data, but in 1978 in the Lancet, a paper was published showing that if you block the opioid receptors in the brain, you also stopped the placebo effect, meaning that the endogenous opioids in the brain  the endorphins  were probably mediating placebo effects. And since then, weve gotten cannabinoids, dopamine, other neurotransmitters. More important, weve got neuroimaging where we can actually see specific, quantifiable and relevant areas of the brain releasing those neurotransmitters in real time when people get better from placebo. So we have a neurobiology for sure.

Charlotte Stoddart: I bet Beecher wouldve loved to see that.

Ted Kaptchuk: He wouldve loved that. Yeah, he wouldve, and its startling that we have that neurobiology.

Charlotte Stoddart: To finish off, how would you sum up how our thinking of the placebo effect has changed from when Beecher wrote this, up to today?

Ted Kaptchuk: Well, we know much more. We have interesting data on the neurobiology, on the genetics. Weve made a lot of progress, but you want to know my ultimate opinion? The questions Beechers dealing with, were still arguing, trying to figure out the same things he was struggling with. Could you believe that? This was 1955.

Charlotte Stoddart: Beechers paper wouldnt get published today. The statistics are too sloppy. But in other ways, Beecher was ahead of his time. He seems to have anticipated recent neuroscience studies, which suggest that the placebo effect acts on the brain by turning up or down our perception of pain. He was also an advocate for modern medical practices, including randomized controlled drug trials and medical ethics  both still pillars of medicine today. With such a legacy and still so many unresolved questions surrounding the placebo effect, Beechers paper is likely to remain a classic for decades to come.

Thank you for listening to this episode of the Knowable Magazine podcast. If you want to dig more into the science, youll find a copy of the transcript, along with links to related papers at knowablemagazine.org/podcast. If you enjoyed listening to this episode, we hope youll help others find us by sharing it with your friends or leaving us a review.

The next episode comes out in two weeks and looks at Einsteins concerns that quantum described a spooky world, and the experiments that set out to prove him wrong.

This podcast is produced by Knowable Magazine, a journalistic publication that seeks to make scientific knowledge accessible to all. Knowable is published by Annual Reviews, a nonprofit publisher dedicated to synthesizing and integrating knowledge for the progress of science and the benefit of society. This episode was written and produced by me, Charlotte Stoddart, with editorial contributions from Eva Emerson and Rosie Mestel. Thank you to my cohost, Adam Levy, and a special thank-you to Ted Kaptchuk for sharing his recollections and research findings.

For more smart stories about sound science, go to knowablemagazine.org and sign up for the Knowable Magazine newsletter. Im Charlotte Stoddart, and this has been Knowable.

10.1146/knowable-061523-1

Charlotte Stoddart is a freelance science journalist and filmmaker living in Frankfurt, Germany. For many years, she worked for the journal Nature, where she launched the popular Nature Video Channel on YouTube and made documentaries and animations for the channel. She still makes films and podcasts for Nature as well as for other science publications, including Knowable Magazine. Charlotte has a degree in the history and philosophy of science from the University of Cambridge. Before becoming a science journalist, she spent two years teaching English in Japan.

This article originally appeared in Knowable Magazine, an independent journalistic endeavor from Annual Reviews. Sign up for the newsletter.
The News

Former President Donald Trump slammed his opponent, Ron DeSantis, over the Florida governor's immigration plan on Tuesday, saying during an interview aboard his plane that it was a copy of his own policy proposals.

Well, his plan is my plan, Trump told reporters from Semafor and ABC News. I mean, hes basically copied everything I said  catch and release, finish the wall.

The former president also spoke about DeSantis calling for deadly force against migrants suspected of trafficking drugs, saying hes already done that and would do it again.

You have no choice, Trump added, going on to say that drug dealers kill on average 500 people during their lifetime through the drugs they sell.

Know More

DeSantis unveiled his border plan during a visit to the U.S.-Mexico border on Monday, promising to focus on illegal migration with red-meat policies that have largely been voiced by other Republican candidates, including Trump.

His plan includes a reinstatement of Trumps Remain in Mexico policy, as well as reinstating a national emergency declaration that Trump invoked to release funding for the wall. DeSantis also vowed to end catch-and-release by detaining migrants until immigration hearings, find a way to get around a court decision that prevents detention of children for more than 20 days, and put a new emphasis on targeting drug cartels.

Like Trump, the Florida governor promised to complete a wall at the border, suggesting its completion requires discipline and focus.

The View From DeSantis

DeSantis campaign directed Semafor to his recent comments on Fox News, where he argued that Trump hadnt delivered on the promises he made regarding border security.

Well he said that in 2016 as well and then didnt do it, DeSantis said, specifically responding to Trumps mass deportation pledge. I mean, they had some, but they didnt have anything out of the ordinary, so, I think we would be much more assertive than he was in his first administration.

Theres gonna be a firm and swift consequence to violating the law, DeSantis added as he promised his potential administration would deliver results.
Correction: The endangered whales are Rices whales, which were discovered in 2021 and are a unique species from Brydes whales. A previous version of this story incorrectly identified the whales.

The Florida Ports Council is strongly reacting to a whale protection proposal being considered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, saying it would disrupt operations at four Florida west coast ports.

The ports are SeaPort Manatee, Port Tampa Bay, Port Panama City and Port of Pensacola.

In 2019, NOAA listed Gulf of Mexico Brydes whales as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. In 2021, scientists concluded that the animal was in fact Rices whales, a unique species, genetically and morphologically distinct from Brydes whales.

The whale is at risk of extinction due to its small population size, restricted range and several major threats.

The Rices whales are the only known baleen whales to live in the Gulf of Mexico. Experts estimate fewer than 100 are left, NOAA said.

The proposal calls for eliminating all nighttime vessel traffic, and significantly reducing daytime vessel speeds, said Mike Rubin, president and CEO of the Florida Ports Council, a nonprofit that serves as the professional association for Floridas 15 public seaports.

The National Oceanic Atmospheric Association is proposing a rule change to protect endangered Rices whales. West Coast Florida ports are objecting to the rule change, saying that it goes too far. The Brydes whale shown above was found floating off Tampa Bay in 2009.

The proposal would only affect Floridas west coast ports, and not those in other Gulf states, although the whales are found in waters from Florida to Texas, he said.

Its as if NOAA wants Florida to hang up a closed for business sign, Rubin said.

Dave Sanford, deputy executive director of SeaPort Manatee, shares Rubins concerns.

We were made aware of this two weeks ago by the Florida Ports Council and are fully supportive of the position they have taken, Sanford said.

Operations at SeaPort Manatee and three other west coast Florida ports would be affected by a proposed NOAA rule change to protect endangered Rices whales.

SeaPort Manatee and Port Tampa Bay are two of only four fuel ports in Florida. It would be extremely difficult for us to accommodate all our ship traffic only in daylight hours, Sanford said.

In response to the Florida Ports Council statement, NOAA issued this statement:

NOAA Fisheries has not issued a proposed rule. NOAA Fisheries received a petition from the Natural Resources Defense Council, Healthy Gulf, Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, Earthjustice, and New England Aquarium.

The petitioners requested that NOAA Fisheries use our legal authorities to establish a Vessel Slowdown Zone to protect Rices whales from collisions with vessels and noise pollution. NOAA Fisheries is asking the public for comments on the petitioners request. We will consider those comments and all available information in deciding whether to accept the petition and proceed with rulemaking. No decision has been made and no proposed rule has been issued.

In a phone interview with the Bradenton Herald, Rubin called the whale study speculative, and said that the ports council is doing its best to make its position known.

Implicit in the federal governments call for eliminating nighttime vessel traffic and reducing daytime vessel speeds only in Florida between Pensacola and Tampa Bay, is an uninformed assertion that Floridas seaports have limited operations and shutting them down would not harm the supply chain in Florida or the broader United States, the ports council said.

The National Oceanic Atmospheric Association is proposing a rule change to protect endangered Gulf of Mexico Rices whales. West Coast Florida ports are objecting to the rule change, saying that it goes too far.

What the ports council wants

The ports council has requested that NOAA reject the proposal, and take action to work with ports, the maritime industry and others to determine the effect any proposal would have on ports and the communities they serve.

Port Tampa Bay handled cargo with an economic value of $17 billion in fiscal year 2022. More than 6,400 ships called on the port in during 2022. Thats 17-plus ships each day. All vessels traveled at night in the Gulf of Mexico for part of their transit.

At SeaPort Manatee, its estimated that 33.4% of its ship traffic, reflecting a $1.7 billion value, will be affected by this proposed rule. Annually, 325 cargo vessels call on the port, representing 33.4 percent of all ship traffic.

As to a possible timetable, NOAA said:

NOAA has received more than 35,000 comments on the petition in response to the notice so far. After the comment period closes, NOAA will review the comments before deciding whether to deny the petition or undertake a future rulemaking. At this time, we are unable to provide an estimated timeframe as to how long that process may take.

Gulf of Mexico whales

This is one of the most endangered marine mammal populations in the world, Chris Oliver, assistant administrator for NOAA Fisheries, said in 2019. Survival of the species depends upon applying the full protections afforded under the Endangered Species Act.

Whalers documented and observed this species in the Gulf of Mexico as far back as the late 1700s. However, since the 1990s, Brydes whales have been consistently detected only within a small area along the De Soto Canyon shelf break in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico, according to NOAA.

In 2021, studies concluded that Gulf of Mexico Brydes whales were actually Rices whales.

This species is genetically distinct from the other two subspecies of Brydes whales worldwide, NOAA said.

A 41-foot-whale found floating in the Port of Tampa was killed by a ship in the Gulf of Mexico, The Associated Press reported in 2009.

NOAAs Blair Mase said the wounds on the female whale indicate that it was killed by a ship and carried into port, draped across the freighters bow, the AP reported.

This species has primarily been found in this very small area in the Gulf, even though historical whaling records suggest their range may have been much broader, encompassing the north-central and southern Gulf of Mexico, NOAA said.
A plane landed at Charlotte Douglas International Airport Wednesday morning without its landing gear extended, Delta Air Lines told Channel 9.

READ MORE: Passenger on flight before emergency landing at CLT: Just a scary situation

Delta flight 1092, a Boeing 717 aircraft, left Atlanta at 7:25 a.m. on its way to Charlotte.

According to Delta, two pilots, three flight attendants and 96 passengers were on board.

The plane landed with its nose gear in the up position, the airline said, and the aircraft came to a safe stop on the runway.

The customers and crew deplaned using a slide and were being taken to the terminal on a bus.

(Photos: Plane lands at Charlotte airport without nose gear extended)

Airline officials are working with other officials at the Charlotte airport to move the plane from the runway.

ALSO READ: Delayed and diverted flights at Charlotte Douglas lead to despair among families

Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people, Delta said in a statement. While this is a rare occurrence, Delta flight crews train extensively to safely manage through many scenarios and flight 1092 landed safely without reported injuries. Our next focus is to take care of our customers on this flight, including retrieving their bags and seeing them to their final destinations safely. We apologize to our customers for what they experienced.

The runway the plane landed on was closed Wednesday until about 7 p.m. The aircraft was removed and it was inspected before the runway reopened.

The crew told us there was an issue with the landing gear and instructed us to go over safety information, a passenger on the flight told Channel 9. We came in low once and then climbed again. Second time had us brace but the landing was smooth. No jarring or even loud noises. We were in the back so that may have been why. Everyone evacuated via slides. No injuries as far as I know. Crew and pilots were wonderful!

Charlotte Douglas officials asked passengers to check with their airline on their flight status before arriving at the airport.

Due to a runway closure, passengers are advised to check with their airline on the status of their flight before coming to the Airport.  CLT Airport (@CLTAirport) June 28, 2023

Couldnt have gone more smoothly

The passengers went to Gate A1 after arriving at the airport. Channel 9s Almiya White spoke to several of them, many of whom were still gathered at the gate by noon.

Emotions were high and many of the travelers shared the same sentiments. They said they were thankful the pilot remained calm in the process.

Several passengers told White the landing felt smoother than a normal landing.

It couldnt have gone more smoothly, from the landing, to the quick response from the emergency responders, to the gate agents, said Rob Coker. Everything was just incredibly smooth, very impressed.

A viewer sent Channel 9 video from inside the plane as it was landing. The video shows the planes shadow, where it was apparent the aircrafts nose gear was not out.

The passengers were all bracing for impact and clapped once they landed safely.

(WATCH: Video shows plane landing without nose gear extended)




Planning a wedding on the beach? North Myrtle Beach SC now charges for a permit

About 100 weddings are held on the beach each week in North Myrtle Beach, city officials said.

With the soft sand beneath their feet, couples can say their I dos in a casual setting, while the waves crash behind them.

Up until a few months ago, commercial wedding vendors and wedding photographers didnt need a business license to operate these events. But with an influx of business on the beach, including weddings, kayak rentals and yoga classes, the city passed a law requiring these activities to obtain a business license.

This year, wedding vendors can get a business license for free. But next year, there will be a cost applied.

A permit fee will cost $25 per wedding.

Margo Ross Sears, photographer and co-founder of Beach People Weddings in Sunset Beach, North Carolina, said on top of a business license, vendors also have to rent a space on the beach to hold the wedding, which comes with an additional fee per wedding that is tacked on to the business license. Sears has to pay the fee herself rather than the marrying couple, a practice used for Wilmington, North Carolina, beach weddings.

She said she has never seen a beach give this many regulations.

What you sign off on as a vendor will make your jaw drop, Sears said.

In Myrtle Beach city limits, commercial beach weddings are banned, which means the wedding has to be casual and doesnt require hiring vendors or renting services.

Gloria Mitchell, co-founder of Together Forever Weddings, has been in business in North Myrtle Beach since 2001. She doesnt have a problem with the North Myrtle Beach wedding regulations and permit fee, she said, but it would mean either higher prices for wedding packages or the business paying money out of pocket for beach permits.

As the 85-year-old is planning to end the business that she shares with her husband, Mitchell acknowledges the good relationship shes had with the city and is understanding of the restrictions.

Its everybodys beach, she said.

Here is what to know for engaged couples looking to get married on the beach

According to North Myrtle Beachs beach wedding regulations.

When getting married in city limits, the wedding vendor and photographer must have a North Myrtle Beach business license. This rule still applies even for vendors based outside of the city that have clients getting married in North Myrtle Beach.

Ministers who are not being paid, such as ministers who come with the couple from home, do not need a business license to carry out the marriage.

The wedding must be held at least 25 feet from public beach access points in order to make room for emergency vehicles and people trying to access the beach.

Weddings cannot be held near sea turtle nesting areas.

Wedding vendors can start setting up 30 minutes at most before the wedding. There can be no more than one battery-operated speaker, one portable arch with maximum footprint of 16 square feet, two small tables and 24 folding chairs. Everything must be taken down immediately following the wedding

Rose petals and seashells are the only objects that can be thrown on the sand around the marrying couple due to environmental concerns. Bubbles can also be blown and bells can be rang.

Chinese lanterns cannot be released into the air.

Catering and receptions are not allowed on the beach, only the actual wedding.

Financial transactions for services cannot be done on the beach

Here are some wedding vendors that are licensed in North Myrtle Beach.

North Beach Resort and Villas also allows weddings to be performed, and even has some available wedding packages. When calling, ask for the event planner.

If you are a North Myrtle Beach wedding vendor and we missed you, please email bschlehuber@thesunnews.com.
Polish officials are increasing their security around the nations border with neighboring Belarus due to concerns that the presence of the Wagner Group may intensify conflict between the two countries.

According to a Bloomberg report, officials estimate about 8,000 Wagner members will be stationed in Belarus, which could lead to a new, but more difficult phase of hybrid warfare.

Polish authorities also reported an increase in African and Middle Eastern migrants attempting to cross the border illegally and accused Belarus of purposefully aiding the process.

We potentially have a new situation in Belarus with the Wagner presence, Polish Deputy Prime Minister Jarosaw Kaczynski said at a press conference Wednesday, Bloomberg reported. The situation is dangerous for Ukraine, and its also potentially dangerous for Lithuania and us.

Kaczynski also said in the news conference that the country plans to increase its military presence and build new military defenses close to the border.

Polands latest move comes days after Wagner Group and its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, relocated to Belarus after brokering an agreement between the mercenary company and the Russian government. The move was made in an effort to prevent a civil war in Russia.

Prigozhin urged an armed rebellion over the weekend to oust Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, also challenging Russian President Vladimir Putins justification for the countrys ongoing war with neighboring Ukraine.

Prigozhin eventually ordered his private army to stop its advance after reaching an agreement in which Russia would drop its charges against him for leading an armed rebellion, and he would relocate to Belarus.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who brokered the deal between the two sides, said he convinced Russian President Vladimir Putin not to eliminate the Wagner Group.

The most dangerous thing, as I saw it, was not the situation itself, but its possible ramifications. That was the most dangerous part of it, Lukashenko said in a statement on Tuesday. I also realized that a tough decision was taken  to eliminate those involved.

I suggested that Putin should not rush to do it. I suggested that I talk to Prigozhin, his commanders, he added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Two buildings at the University of California, Davis campus were broken into over the weekend, and miscellaneous technological items were stolen, university police said.

Veihmeyer Hall on the north side of the campus was broken into sometime during the weekend, and the Food and Science Sprocket Laboratory, just east of Veihmeyer Hall, was broken into sometime between 3 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. Monday, when the break in was reported, according to UC Davis Police Department spokesman Lt. Doug Voska.

Miscellaneous tech was stolen from Veihmeyer Hall, police said. However, nothing appeared to have been taken from the inside of the Sprocket building.

Police said they do not know yet how thieves broke into either building but noted similarities between the two incidents. Voska said officers found a thin piece of metal on the exterior door of the Sprocket building that seemed to prevent the door from locking, but he said someone would have to get into the building first to place it there.

Veihmeyer Hall is home to the hydrology department that studies water. Sprocket is used by the food science and technology department.

Neither break-in over the weekend showed forced entry into exterior doors of the building, but interior doors between rooms did, authorities said.

More than six weeks earlier, a break-in was reported in the universitys music department. Law enforcement are not connecting the thefts but said there are similarities in terms of broken locks among the three incidents. All three incidents also occurred during weekends.

Procedural factors may have played a role, police said. Some campus buildings are unlocked or open during certain days and times to make it easier for students to access them, campus police said.

Its incumbent upon the procedures so that certain people make sure that theres nobody in the building after certain times and certain days, Voska said.

Police said they do have any suspects or leads. Authorities pointed to the lack of a robust surveillance system.

The university and the police have a plan to harden the campus buildings, which would involve a number of different factors, better doors better locking systems, cameras, alarms (and) things like that, Voska said.
[Source]

Police in Allen, Texas, have released a body camera video from the recent mass shooting at a local mall that killed eight people.

Details of the incident: The mass shooting occurred at Allen Premium Outlets in the 800 block of West Stacy Road near U.S. Highway 75 just after 3:30 p.m. on May 6.

Released 911 recordings revealed that the gunman, identified as 33-year-old Mauricio Garcia, started at an H&M store before heading north in a shooting spree that spanned roughly 300 yards. One witness reported seeing the gunman in front of Perry Ellis, while another called about a victim at Francesca's. A man also begged for an ambulance to save his wife who was shot.

What the bodycam footage shows: The new video shows the moment an officer who was on another call in the parking lot began to hear gunshots while reminding a pair of children to use seatbelts. He immediately contacted others, grabbed his gun and headed toward the direction of the gunshots. Along the way, he came across people screaming and fleeing the mall. After several minutes of running, the panting officer located Garcia and fatally shot him.

More from NextShark: 'Crazy Rich Asians' Star Nico Santos 'Devastated' as Stepdad Dies, Mom Suffers From COVID-19

Warning: The video below contains graphic images that may be disturbing to some. Viewer discretion is advised.

Use of force justified: The videos release came after the officer  who is not being identified  was cleared of any wrongdoing by a Collin County grand jury on Monday. The jury deemed his use of force justified.

More from NextShark: 'Who can love you more than yourself?': Indian woman plans to marry herself in sologamy wedding ceremony

This video shows how quickly a routine interaction with the public turned into a life-and-death situation, Allen Police Chief Brian Harvey said in a statement. The officer recognized the danger, ran toward the gunfire and neutralized the threat  and for his actions, the Allen community is forever grateful.

The victims: The shooting left eight victims dead, four of whom were of Asian descent. They included a Korean American family  Kyu, Cindy and James Cho  and an Indian engineer, Aishwarya Thatikonda.

More from NextShark: SF official calls for school board member's resignation following 'flat-out wrong and racist' comments

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Meet the Chinese Man Who Saved Over 5,000 Jews During the Holocaust
(Bloomberg) -- A Polish alliance that embraces far-right and anti-European Union positions registered a surge in support as it takes aim at the welfare state, drawing potential voters from the ruling party four months ahead of an election.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Once on the fringe of Polands political landscape, Confederation is making gains as it combines anti-migration and anti-abortion rhetoric with a promise of lower taxes and cut state support. The alliance gained 2.5 percentage points to 14% in a United Surveys opinion poll released Wednesday, while the ruling Law & Justice party dropped 2.5 points to 31.7%.

Confederations gains are upending a contest that puts Law & Justice in a close race with the opposition Civic Platform, led by Donald Tusk, ahead of a vote slated for October. The election is emerging as one of the eastern EU member states most consequential since the fall of communism in 1989.

Law & Justice, which has steered Poland away from the EU mainstream in its eight tumultuous years in goverment, will seek to hold its grip on power for a third term. While it maintains an edge over Tusks party in most surveys, the nationalist party under Jaroslaw Kaczynski is likely to fall well short of a majority  with some predicting an alliance with Confederation to form a government.

But that might be a hard sell as Confederation attacks state spending, with one of its party leaders, Slawomir Mentzen, railing against social-support programs. Law & Justice has reinforced its base with family benefits  measures its promised to expand if it stays in office.

Were not promising to give you anything, Mentzen, whos become a public face for Confederation thanks to a heavy social media presence, told supporters at a party meeting in Warsaw Saturday. A tax adviser and small brewery owner, Mentzen drove home the point: We can promise that we wont give you anything, but we will take away from you less.

Read more: Anti-EU Party May Emerge as Kingmaker Ahead of Polands Election

Law & Justice meanwhile has struggled to gain traction with its campaign. The party was forced onto the defensive after it pushed through legislation setting up a probe that would effectively target Tusk over accusations of tolerating Russian meddling. The plan drew a swift rebuke from the US and the EU and prompted as many as half a million people to take to the streets of Warsaw in a protest earlier this month.

Tusks Civic Platform also slid 1.5 percentage points to 28.2% in the June 23-25 survey, which polled some 1,000 adults. Both main parties are well short of the 231 seats needed to rule alone in a majority in the lower chamber of parliament.

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ZNPP

The UN demonstrates mournful callousness and a single-minded obsession on the grain deal. But if a disaster at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) happens, Ukraine's grain will have to be forgotten for centuries.

Read also: 20,000 animals may have died due to Kakhovka dam destruction, Ukraine says

The international communitys sluggish response to the undermining of the Kakhovka HPP dam, the most significant man-made disaster in Europe in the last decade with long-lasting ecological consequences, should have led to a full-on crisis response from the world. Unfortunately, this did not happen.

The destruction of the Kakhovka reservoir, whose water was used for cooling the reactors and spent nuclear fuel pools at the ZNPP, increased the risk of severe accidents at the plant with dire potential consequences.

The United Nations Security Council meeting on June 23, 2023, became a vivid example of the world's mournful callousness. Deputy Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo gave a speech that emphasized the following:

 The victims among the civilian population (as of today, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has registered 24,862 civilian victims).

 The explosion at the Kakhovka HPP (they emphasized that the UN and humanitarian partners could not gain access to people in the occupied part of the Kherson Oblast). "We call on the Russian authorities to act in accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law and ensure safe and unimpeded access to all areas where assistance is needed," she added.

Read also: Shocking photos of shallowed Kakhovka Reservoir published online

- The Black Sea Grain Initiative. "We strongly urge the removal of all obstacles and the continuation of this agreement," she called.

 Nuclear weapons and the regional consequences of war. "The announced deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, for example, and the rhetoric accompanying it, has further escalated regional tensions. We call on all to act responsibly in accordance with their international obligations," said DiCarlo.

Read also: Situation at Zaporizhzhya NPP "extremely fragile, warns IAEA chief

The Ukrainian Ambassador to the United Nations, Sergey Kyslytsya, expressed concern that "according to intelligence, Russia is considering a scenario of a terrorist attack on the Zaporizhzhia NPP with a radiation leak." He called on the international community to take the threat of nuclear terrorism seriously and to increase pressure on the Russian Federation to prevent such developments by introducing enhanced restrictions on Russian nuclear and military-industrial complexes. "We also expect an objective assessment of Russia's criminal actions by the Director-General of the IAEA, Rafael Grossi," Kyslytsya said.

But he does not mention the IAEA's report on mining around ZNPP and the ZNPP site!

For his part, the Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN, Vasily Nebenzia, called the Ukrainian side's claim that Russia has mined ZNPP and is preparing to undermine it "paranoid." According to Nebenzia, the IAEA mission led by agency Director Rafael Grossi, who recently visited the station, could see "their absurdity." Note how the argument uses Grossi's statements, who did not notice the cooling pond being mined (because there were no mines at the bottom)! Representatives speeches about the increasing likelihood of a disaster at ZNPP by Switzerland, Malta, Brazil, and Ghana were mentioned without emphasis. The rest of the state representatives focused primarily on food security and the Black Sea Grain Initiative, as well as victims of war, especially children.

Read also: Dnipropetrovsk Oblast to hold evacuation drills amid possible terrorist attack at ZNPP

At the same time, before the start of the UN IAEA meeting, a weekly report on events at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant was published on the official website. It acknowledged the minefield around the Chornobyl nuclear power plant and the Chornobyl site. "The IAEA is aware of reports of mines near the cooling pond. During the visit of the Director-General, including the cooling pond, no mine was found on the spot (it is clear that no mine was found on the bottom of the pond). However, the IAEA is aware of the previous placement of mines outside the perimeter of the nuclear power plant, which the agency reported earlier, as well as in certain places inside, which, as explained by the security service staff, were installed for defense purposes. "Our assessment of these specific locations was that although the presence of any explosive device does not meet safety standards, the main functions of object safety do not have a significant impact. We are closely monitoring this issue," said IAEA Director General Grossi.

Read also:

Read their words carefully: "Although the presence of any explosive device does not meet safety standards, the main safety functions of the object are not significantly affected," and "The placement of mines inside was for defensive purposes." That is, a nuclear terrorist placed mines near systems that are important for the safety of nuclear power plants for "defensive purposes." Who are they defending against?! From the personnel of the ZNPP? And the IAEA writes that the safety functions do not suffer "significant influence." This is new in the IAEA's nuclear and radiation safety standards and deserves a "Nobel Prize." Such statements vividly testify that Grossi tolerates nuclear terrorists from Russia at the ZNPP. His photo in the arms of Renat Karchaa (Russian state media call Karchaa an "atomic expert" and adviser to the head of Rosatom  NV) and warm words to the leading PR man of the terrorists at the end of the mission, his statement during a briefing at the ZNPP on the results of the visit are documentary evidence of the head of the international organization's Russian sympathies. Further in the text, Grossi calls on all parties to adhere to the basic principles of the IAEA aimed at preventing a nuclear accident.

Read also: Energoatom chief explains how Kakhovka dam explosion affects safety at Zaporizhzhya nuclear plant

I would like to point out that the Ukrainian mission to the IAEA has been silent lately, unlike Russia, which registers three verbal notes a day regarding the situation at the ZNPP and thus spreads its narrative among member states. This suggests that neither Energoatom nor the State Nuclear Regulatory Service see any problems with the behavior of nuclear terrorists at the ZNPP and do not write any relevant letters to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For example, the pause between Ukrainian notes lasted from June 6 to June 23, 2023.

Countries concerned about food security and implementing the Black Sea grain initiative should understand that if Russia carries out a radiological attack on the ZNPP, a large amount of farmland in Ukraine, Russia, and neighboring countries may become unsuitable for agriculture for centuries. These countries must clearly distinguish between causes and consequences, but this is not happening for some reason. Preventive measures of consolidated pressure on the terrorist state must be applied immediately. When Russia carries out its terrorist act, it will be too late to put pressure on it. The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, Kirill Budanov, reported that Russia had already completed the preparation for the terrorist attack.

Read also: Four dead in Russian strike on Kramatorsk

The helplessness of UN structures before an impudent terrorist state during 500 days of full-scale war is evident. Doubtless, they need to be disbanded, as the League of Nations was in its time, and wholly restructured to leave Russia without a voice and as an outcast.

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A majority of Americans support giving weapons to Ukraine to help defend itself against Russia, according to a poll released Wednesday.

The Reuters/Ipsos survey, conducted over two days, found 65 percent of respondents want the U.S. to continue arming Ukraine, compared to 48 percent who said the same thing back in May, indicating a sharp rise in support.

Broken down by party, 81 percent of Democrats support arming Ukraine, compared with 56 percent of Republicans and 57 percent of independents.

The survey results come just days after Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner mercenary group, launched a rebellion against Russian President Vladimir Putin over the countrys handling of the Ukraine war.

Related coverage from The Hill

William Taylor, a former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine who is now with the U.S. Institute of Peace, told Reuters this survey provides support for President Bidens policies on the Ukraine War.

This definitely reinforces Bidens decision to be all-in on this, Taylor said.

The U.S. announced a new $500 million weapons package for Ukraine on Tuesday, including dozens of armored vehicles.

In addition, the poll also found that 76 percent of those surveyed believe arming Ukraine sends a message to China and other U.S. rivals that America will do whatever is necessary to protect its and its allies interests.

The survey also found 67 percent and 73 percent of Americans would support a presidential candidate who wants to continue supporting Ukraine with weapons and equipment and one who backs the NATO alliance respectively.

Ipsos conducted the poll between June 26-27, and it included a sample of 1,004 adults 18 and older from the United States. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 6 percentage points for Democrats, plus or minus 6.1 points for Republicans and plus or minus 10.3 points for independents.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The unusual feeding habits of honeybees are likely leading to reduced populations of the Southwests dominant plant life, a new paper has found, suggesting the bees could be worsening southern Californias wildfires.

The study comes amid a rising popular interest in protecting pollinators due to their role in helping plants reproduce. But honeybees health may come at the expense of many of the plant and insect species they now live among, according to the findings published in the journal Royal Society B.

Theres a decent amount of evidence to show that theyre competing with native insects for resources like pollen and nectar, said first author Dillon Travis, who studies biology at University of California San Diego (UCSD).

Competition, however, may be just one downside. According to Traviss research, honeybee populations may be making native ecosystems less genetically fit  opening the way for dangerous invaders.

Honeybees arent native to North America, although many wild bee species are. But the communal insects, which were introduced by European settlers, now play an important role in American agriculture, and have a particularly heavy presence in southern California.

How heavy? Around San Diego, honeybees made up 75 percent of all visits by pollinators to area flowers, previous research has found.

That primacy comes thanks to the combination of a robust beekeeping industry, widespread regional agriculture and large feral colonies of escaped honeybees.

Traviss research suggests this level of honeybee activity is likely bad for native plant and insect species.

He found that flowers pollinated by honeybees create seeds with a far lower chance of growing to healthy adulthood than those pollinated by flies, butterflies and native bee species.

The reason why comes down to the honeybees unique social and foraging style, said Joshua Kohn, a UCSD entomologist and lead author on the paper.

Honeybees are rare among the broader bee species because of their penchant for living in huge, communal hives  the sites of the giant drone nurseries which require them to brew up their characteristic reserves of honey.

Honeybees meet the intense caloric needs of their larvae through a foraging style that can be described as a full frontal assault.

Unlike native bees and butterflies, who will visit a couple of flowers on a plant before moving on to another, honeybees hit the same plants far more intensively.

The members of a foraging swarm of honeybees work methodically and cooperatively, flower by flower, until they have drained the nectar from entire plants.

In and of itself, running out of nectar is not a bad thing for native plants. The nectar functions as the incentive for the bees to sick their faces into the flowers, which allows them to be coded with pollen that they can deposit in the next stop of their feeding journey.

Not all plants require insects to do this work  in a pinch, many can fertilize themselves.

But by transmitting pollen between plants of the same species, those insects help them maintain genetic diversity  avoiding the intense inbreeding that happens when plants fertilize themselves, Kohn said.

That is not a service that honeybees provide, however. Instead, Kohn said, honeybees forage so methodically as they go flower to flower that they therefore mostly transfer self pollen  pollen from the same plant.

In other words, theyre increasing the level of inbreeding  and therefore decreasing the genetic fitness of the next generation of plants

The negative impact of honeybees on plant fitness isnt a big problem for agriculture, despite the sectors dependence on captive honeybees for fertilization, Kohn said.

Thats because most farm crops are quick-dying annuals, and their important result is fruit, not the fitness of the next generation of seeds.

But for wild plants, fruits and flowers are just a means to securing the end that is viable offspring.

Travis and Kohns research suggests that because honeybees focus so consistently on the same plants, they are breaking down that system across Southern California  in a way that may be reshaping the ecosystem as a whole.

In one scenario, that could be very good news for San Diego, a recognized biodiversity hotspot, Kohn said.

Because honeybees target the most dominant species for nectar collection, they might be a handicap on the growth of those species  one that would allow less dominant species to become a bigger share of the ecosystem, leading to greater biodiversity as a whole.

That would be the happy result, Kohn said.

The other result is considerably less happy, however. Its also possible that [honeybees] lower the fitness of the dominant species  and that leaves more room for invasives.

And unfortunately for San Diego, the invasive best poised to take advantage of a pollinator-induced handicap to the dominant species are the ones most likely to bring wildfire into the ecosystem.

Thats because many highly flammable, fast spreading grasses, shrubs and trees in the region  like ryegrass, giant cane and eucalyptus trees  can reproduce without the help of pollinators.

These aggressive species can clone themselves via a creeping underground wave of roots, which send up a genetically identical crop of shoots above ground.

Some plants, like eucalyptus, perform a kind of biodiversity-destroying kamikaze attack on new environments.

The Australian trees produce flammable oils, which encourage fires which can burn down entire forests  leaving green eucalyptus shoots to spread unchallenged across the burnt-out landscape, as National Geographic reported.

The paper as a whole suggests that the panic around honeybee survival may be misplaced, Travis said.

Many conservation efforts are focused on saving the honeybee, but they are not in any danger of going extinct. In fact, their numbers have been increasing, he said.

The organisms that do need our help are the native plants and bees, Travis added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Tuesdays unusual primary elections drew limited voter turnout in New York City.

As of the evening, the Board of Elections estimated that, when accounting for votes coming in that day, through early voting and via absentee ballot, only about 165,000 people had cast ballots out of slightly more than 2.8 million people eligible to vote in this election. That number is sure to go up once all votes are counted, but it served as an early indicator that relatively few people went to their city polling places Tuesday.

There were primaries for all 51 Council seats, but with most considered a lock for the incumbents, all eyes were on about a dozen local battles, along with contested district attorney slots in Queens and the Bronx.

While the Council will almost certainly maintain a Democratic majority after this Novembers general election, Tuesdays primary will pave the way for two new members  one in Harlems 9th District and another in Brooklyns 43rd.

In the Harlem district, incumbent Councilwoman Kristin Richardson Jordan bowed out of the race months ago, leaving it up for grabs to her competitors  Assemblymembers Inez Dickens and Al Taylor and Yusef Salaam, whos most well-known for being wrongfully convicted in the 1989 Central Park Five rape case.

Since theres no Republican running for that seat, the winner of Tuesdays primary is expected to assume the job come next year.

Salaam and Dickens have both emerged as front-runners in the race, but as of Tuesday evening, it was too early to tell which of the three candidates would prevail.

Dickens, a longtime fixture of Harlem politics who locked down endorsements from both Mayor Adams and Rep. Adriano Espaillat, conceded that Salaam may have greater name recognition than her. But she suggested such an advantage only extends outside of the city and attacked him for his lack of political experience and not living in the district for years.

He was not here during the pandemic, Dickens said. He was not here during the time that thousands of people died. He was not here while we had the closing of so many small businesses. And now he has returned after what, 15 years or so? So theres been a big change.

Speaking outside of a polling site on 112th St. on Tuesday afternoon, Salaam countered that a lack of experience in politics is a great thing.

I was 15 years old when I was run over by the spiked wheels of justice, he said, referencing his wrongful conviction. And here I am now taking that same platform and turning it in into a purpose, trying to take my pain and doing something about it.

In southern Brooklyns 43rd District, which was deliberately redrawn last year as part of redistricting to maximize representation for the areas Asian-American constituencies, there are primaries on both the Democratic and Republican sides.

In the Democratic contest, theres Susan Zhuang, chief of staff to Assemblyman William Colton; Wai Yee Chan, a former staffer to Brannan; and Stanley Ng, who has pushed to keep testing for specialized high schools as the sole measure for admitting students.

The Republicans running are Ying Tan, whos argued the citys right-to-shelter law and sanctuary city status should be rolled back, and Vito LaBella, an ex-cop whos best known for slagging off the borough hes running in.

The races for district attorney in Queens and the Bronx are expected to end where they began  with the incumbents holding onto their respective perches.

In Queens, incumbent DA Melinda Katz is facing off against George Grasso, a former cop and judge whos attacked her for being soft on criminals, and Devian Daniels, a public defender whos running to the left of Katz with an emphasis on alternatives to incarceration. While Katz, who won Mayor Adams endorsement in the contest, is expected to win, this political battle is regarded as the more likely of the two DA races to end in an upset.

In the Bronx, incumbent DA Darcel Clark is up against Tess Cohen, a defense attorney whos criticized Clark for not doing enough to transform Rikers Island.

All of the contests in Tuesdays election were characterized by low voter turnout, a reality politicos and voters both attributed to the lack of any contest for a citywide office like mayor, as well as the rainy conditions.

If this was the presidential election, this place would be packed with people, a Board of Elections coordinator told the Daily News in the early afternoon after just a few dozen voters had cast ballots at the PS 185 poll site in Harlem where she was working.

The coordinator, who spoke on condition of anonymity as she was not authorized to talk to the press, expressed disbelief at the low turnout.

People dont know that local elections are what really matter, she said. This is for your area. This is for your neighborhood and to get people to represent you, for your neighborhood, to get you what you need.

The odd timing of the election will also most likely figure into the low turnout.

Elections typically take place every four years in the city. Tuesdays primaries  which come just two years after the 2021 citywide elections  are being held because of last years City Council map redistricting, which necessitated the atypical off-year cycle.

Another factor worth keeping in mind this year is the ranked-choice voting system.

Used for the first time in the 2021 elections, RCV, as its sometimes called, allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference in races where there are more than two contenders.

If no one secures a simple majority of votes from the No. 1 ranks, the candidate with the least support is eliminated. The No. 2 picks on ballots cast for the eliminated candidate are then added to the mix until a single candidate nets a majority of votes and is dubbed the victor.

The convoluted tabulation system is time-consuming, and results from races where it ends up being used may take days to ascertain.

A vast majority of Tuesdays races feature incumbents who are likely to breeze to victory as they face no credible challengers.

One of those is Councilwoman Carmen De La Rosa, a Democrat who represents Washington Heights.

In her district, voters showed up in dribs and drabs at the PS 187 polling place. Over an hour stretch Tuesday morning, the Daily News observed less than two dozen voters walk in to cast ballots.

Ann Coutsoubinas, a retired public school teacher, said she voted for De La Rosa  but her backing seemed grudging at best.

Things are not going well, period, said Coutsoubinas, 85, who directed most of her ire at Mayor Adams for backing a plan to revamp the health benefits city retirees are entitled to.

He screwed me. Im a retired teacher, Coutsoubinas added of the mayor, adding that shes been on the phone every day trying to make sense of the changes, which are now being disputed in court. Thats the only issue Im facing.

When asked about the Councils role, she implored De La Rosa and her colleagues to turn this whole thing around.

Robin Blum, 73, said she also put De La Rosa at the top of her rankings  and then some.

I ranked her first, second and third, she said. I hope that doesnt matter.

Despite what appears to be relatively smooth sailing for candidates like De La Rosa, there are notable exceptions.

Aside for the battle in Harlems 9th Council District and Brooklyns 43rd, there are also a handful of other competitive Council elections in Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens where incumbent Democrats are facing more moderate challengers.

Among them is Bronx Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez, whos in a competitive primary and is likely to face a credible Republican challenger in Novembers general election if she prevails Tuesday.

Velazquez said Tuesday shes confident shed get past her primary opponent, local Community Board chair Bernadette Ferrara, and eventually, the general election.

She was chatting up voters outside whats traditionally been the busiest polling place in her eastern Bronx district, MS 105.

Turnouts a bit low, Velazquez said, blaming the on-and-off rain and the lack of any citywide races. Its moving, but not what weve seen in previous years.

Other candidates facing competitive races offered similarly rosy predictions.

Incumbent Councilman Charles Barron, a Democrat who represents East New York, Brooklyn, was at his Vermont Street campaign office getting ready to make the rounds at polling sites Tuesday morning.

Hes facing primary challenges from Jamilah Rose, a grant writer, and Chris Banks, a community leader.

Weve done what were supposed to do as a campaign. Weve earned the right to win, and we will win, Barron said, adding that hes not too concerned if the contest turns out to be a nail biter.

I dont care, he said. My goal is to win by one vote. My goal is to get one more vote than my opponent.
Popular home-cooking cafe known for cinnamon rolls sold to new owners near Fort Worth

Ginger Browns Old Tyme Restaurant & Bakery, a home-cooking cafe with a West Texas heritage and nearly 40 years of history on Texas 199, has been sold to the owner of other local cafes, Brown wrote Tuesday on Facebook.

Known for giant cinnamon rolls and one of the regions best chicken-fried steaks, Ginger Browns has served crowds and long lines since May 1985 at 6312 Lake Worth Blvd.

New owner Mazen Haddad said his family plans to keep the cinnamon rolls, perhaps reopen for dinner and keep Ginger Browns Ginger Browns.

The Haddads also own Benbrook Cafe, JRs Cafe in Saginaw and Moes Cafes in Azle and River Oaks.

Ginger Browns Old Tyme Restaurant opened in 1985 in Lake Worth.

We love [Brown] and her restaurant, Haddad said, adding that he hopes to bring even more pies.

Brown, whose father was a Pentecostal pastor in Odessa who also owned restaurants and motel coffee shops, wrote on Facebook that the Haddads are humble, loving and energetic and thanked God for the opportunity to meet so many guests and friends.

She started cooking in her familys restaurants at age 12. At 20, she took out a loan and bid on some leftover J.C. Penney Co. department store coffee shop equipment to open Ginger Browns in the then-new Lake Worth Center on Texas 199 at Boat Club Road.

A customer waits to check out Nov. 20, 2021 at Ginger Browns Old Tyme Restaurant.

I was 20 years old, with big dreams, full of energy, faith, confidence, a smidgen of experience and even less money, Brown wrote on Facebook.

One of the Browns cooks in Odessa, Eva Stockton, came up with the recipes for Ginger Browns cinnamon rolls and breads, Brown said in a 1988 Star-Telegram profile.

Besides the chicken-fried steak  once ranked by Star-Telegram readers as a local top-10 choice behind legendary but long gone Masseys Restaurant  Ginger Browns is also known for its mile high individual meringue pies.

Ginger Browns remains open for breakfast and lunch daily; 817-237-2114, gingerbrowns.com.

A folksy whiteboard menu Nov. 20, 2021, at Ginger Browns Old Tyme Restaurant in Lake Worth.
Charlotte police on Wednesday urged parents to monitor their kids social-media activity closer than ever as tips about online crimes against children soar.

Cyber tips to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department skyrocketed from 98 in 2016 to 724 in 2022 and to more than 300 already this year, CMPD Special Victims Division Lt. Jim Ivie said at a news conference with FBI and State Bureau of Investigation agents.

A massive increase in just a few years, Ivie said about the rise in reports his department received from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

The figures dont include ongoing CMPD investigations, cases generated from 911 calls and referrals from other law enforcement agencies, Ivie said.

Statewide, nearly 19,000 cyber tips were reported to law enforcement agencies last year  up dramatically from about 2,500 in 2016, according to the SBI.

Predators constantly try to access kids computer, cell phone or social media accounts to entice them to send explicit images, Ivie said.

Online predators, child pornography suspects are not always shadowy figures overseas, he said. They are people that live in our community, people that live across this state and across this nation.

Spike in financial sextortion, too

Between 2021 and 2022, the FBI saw an alarming 600% spike in financial sextortion crimes against N.C. children, said Beth Boggess, FBI assistant special agent in charge in North Carolina.

I can say without a doubt these predators are everywhere your children are online, Boggess said.

Parents are the first line of defense against such criminals, she said.

Never chat online with someone you dont know in person, Ivie said he urges his children.

Always monitor your childrens online presence, keep parental controls on their electronic devices and talk with them about whats appropriate online, police urged.

To report abuse in Charlotte, call 911 or 311 and make a report, police said. Tips also can be reported to the North Carolina Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 800-843-5678 and cybertipline.org. To report images you believe are being circulated online, visit Takeitdown.ncmec.org.
Pregnant workers have new federal protections. What are your rights in California?

A doctor performs an ultrasound exam on a pregnant woman. A new federal law requires employers to make accommodations to help pregnant workers stay on the job. (Teresa Crawford/Associated Photo)

Millions of pregnant and postpartum workers will have the chance to earn more from their jobs before and after they go on leave, thanks to a federal law that went into effect this week.

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act fills a gap in workplace protections in many states  but not in California, which already has more extensive requirements on its books.

The new federal law, which will be enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, mandates that employers with a minimum of 15 employees must provide reasonable accommodations to workers who require them due to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions. The term related medical conditions extends the law's protections to individuals undergoing fertility treatment, as well as those experiencing postpartum depression and those who have undergone an abortion or experienced pregnancy loss.

The EEOC is expected to provide guidance by the end of the year that will include examples of reasonable accommodations, such as flexible hours, the option to sit while working, closer parking, appropriate uniforms and exemptions from heavy lifting or exposure to hazardous chemicals. Employers, however, can be exempted from providing accommodations if they can show it would be significantly difficult or costly  that is, it would impose an "undue hardship."

While the new law applies only to the steps companies must take to support pregnant and postpartum employees in the workplace, there are existing laws enforced by the commission that prohibit employers from firing or discriminating against workers on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.

The law does not replace federal, state or local laws that are more protective of workers affected by pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions. California workers, who are covered by the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, are among those who are more protected.

Heres a quick guide to your workplace rights in California if you are pregnant, recently gave birth or have a related medical condition.

What are your protections against discrimination?

You are protected against employment discrimination based on sex, which includes discrimination related to pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions.

The strictures apply to employers with five or more workers, except for religious nonprofit organizations. This is in contrast to the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which sets a minimum threshold of 15 employees.

What are your rights?

You can take up to four months of pregnancy disability leave, equivalent to the days you would normally work in one-third of a year or 17 1/3 weeks. Once you are no longer disabled by your pregnancy, your employer must return you to your same job or, in certain cases, provide you with a comparable job. But taking pregnancy disability leave does not shield you from employment actions unrelated to your condition, such as a layoff. If your employer has a policy of transferring temporarily disabled employees to less demanding positions, the same accommodation must be provided to pregnant employees. During this leave period, your employer must maintain the same level of health insurance coverage that you had before taking leave. Your employer is not required to pay you during your time off, but you can apply for state disability insurance benefits, which would cover part of your wages for up to three months. This protection applies to employers with five or more part- and full-time employees. You qualify if you've been employed there for more than a year, and have worked at least 1,250 hours in the 12-month period before the leave begins.

What accommodations can you receive?

You are entitled to receive reasonable accommodations for your medical needs, which may include temporary modifications to your work duties, provision of a stool or chair, or more frequent breaks.

Unlike the new federal law, California does not allow employers to cite "undue hardship" as a reason not to provide accommodations.

You can be transferred to a less strenuous or hazardous position if it is available and medically necessary due to your pregnancy.

You are entitled to a reasonable amount of break time to breastfeed, as well as access to a private room or suitable location that shields you from view and prevents intrusion.

Can you take time off for family care and medical leave?

If you have been employed for at least a year and have worked a minimum of 1,250 hours in the previous 12-month period, you have the right to take up to 12 weeks of family care and medical leave in any 12-month period. That leave would be in addition to the time off you took while on pregnancy disability leave.

This entitlement applies if your employer is either the state of California or an entity directly employing at least five individuals.

You may be eligible for California Family Rights Act leave for the following reasons:





Birth, adoption or foster care placement of your child

Your own serious health condition

Serious health condition of your child, parent, spouse, domestic partner, grandparent, grandchild, sibling or someone else related by blood or in a family-like relationship with you

Employers may choose to pay employees while they're on California Family Rights Act leave, but they aren't required to do so unless the employees are using paid time off. Instead, if you take California Family Rights Act leave, you may be eligible for up to eight weeks of partial wages from the Employment Development Department.

What are an employee's responsibilities?

Before taking leave or seeking accommodations, you must give your employer sufficient notice to allow them to make appropriate arrangements. If foreseeable, provide a 30-day advance notice. In case of an emergency or unforeseeable need, notify your employer as soon as practicable.

Unless it's a medical emergency, your employer may require a written medical certification from your healthcare provider. This certification validates the medical necessity for your reasonable accommodation, transfer or pregnancy disability leave. If it's an emergency or unforeseeable, submit the certification within the time frame requested by your employer, unless it's not practicable despite your diligent efforts. Your employer must allow at least 15 calendar days for you to submit the certification. Check if your employer has a medical certification form for your healthcare provider to complete.

Failing to provide reasonable advance notice or written medical certification may result in your employer justifiably delaying your reasonable accommodation, transfer, or pregnancy disability leave.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
President Biden needs to take responsibility for the Hunter Biden saga

President Joe Biden, left, and his son Hunter Biden arrive at Fort McNair, Sunday, June 25, 2023, in Washington. | Andrew Harnik, Associated Press

The president of the United States should come clean to the American public.

First, he misled voters when he repeatedly said Hunter Bidens damaging leaked laptop emails were Russian disinformation.

They were not.

Second, less than a year after leaving office as vice president, Biden either (a) allowed his son to use him as leverage in a murky foreign business deal or (b) failed to prevent him from doing so.

Whichever is true, the facts merit a public apology as well as specific steps to reassure the American people the president isnt compromised by these business dealings.

Honesty is the only path forward. Failing to square with the public on such an important matter would be beneath the dignity of the office Biden now holds.

The respected New York Times columnist, Nicholas Kristof, recently suggested the real lesson from the Hunter Biden saga is how his father wouldnt give up on loving him despite his addiction and public humiliation.

I believe President Biden has sincerely sought to love and help his troubled son.

Listening to a private voicemail Joe Biden left for Hunter in 2018, one can sense the sincerity of Bidens heartache. Its Dad, Biden can be heard saying with emotion. I called to tell you I love you. I love you more than the world, pal. You gotta get some help.

But one can acknowledge Bidens laudable efforts as a father while also demanding accountability for misleading the American people and encouraging, or at least not preventing, his familys murky foreign business deals.

Indeed, modeling integrity and transparency is perhaps one of the best ways for President Biden to help his son.

Of course, none of this is to give a pass to other politicians or political families involved in overseas influence peddling. Sadly, theres plenty of whataboutism to go around these days.

The extensive, and often concerning, foreign business dealings of the Trumps or the Clintons or any other political family should continue to be the subject of public scrutiny.

We will only restore ethics and moral scrupulosity to our politics if we dont excuse lesser evils. Biden deserves a pass because we dont like Trump or Trump deserves a pass because we dont like Biden is no way for a country to choose its leaders.

At the moment, President Joe Biden is the countrys commander in chief. He must address these issues or risk losing the publics trust. He should begin by explaining the 2017 text message from Hunter Biden about a business dispute with a Chinese associate in which the first son invokes his father as leverage in negotiations.

I am sitting here with my father and we would like to understand why the commitment made has not been fulfilled, Hunter Biden wrote to Raymond Zhao via Whatsapp, only seven months after Joe Biden had left public office.

Hunter Biden went on: And, Z, if I get a call or text from anyone involved in this other than you, Zhang, or the chairman, I will make certain that between the man sitting next to me and every person he knows and my ability to forever hold a grudge that you will regret not following my direction. I am sitting here waiting for the call with my father.

According to a memorandum from the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, the committee reviewed evidence that, in the words of the Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., suggests members of the Biden family and their companies received over $1.3 million in payments from an associate, but originating through a wire from a Chinese energy company.

The money, according to the evidence reviewed by Comer, went not only to Hunter and James Biden, but also to Hallie Biden and an unknown Biden. Comer said in a statement, It is unclear what services were provided to obtain this exorbitant amount of money.

The Oversight committee is rightly concerned about this evidence suggesting potential foreign financial entanglements and their attendant national security implications.

Former elected officials are free to pursue private business opportunities. But it was clear even before Biden left office that there was a good chance he would run for president. In January 2017, he joked to journalist Jonathan Alter that Ill run, if I can walk. And, of course, he did in fact run.

But he never disclosed his familys foreign business activities.

Related

Bidens allies, meanwhile, have tended to distance the president from Hunter Bidens business dealings and personal behavior. Hunter Biden recently pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of a firearm and to federal tax charges.

Commentator Ana Navarro, for example, recently went so far as to characterize these scandals as a story mostly about fatherly love.

The Hunter Biden story, the scandal, the this, the that, its also a story of a fathers love, and Joe Biden has never and will never give up on his son Hunter and will never treat him lesser than. He is a father first, Navarro said on a recent episode of The View.

President Biden should, indeed, be a father first.

And the right thing for a father to do in this situation is to take responsibility, apologize and start acting in a way that assures the public their commander in chief is not beholden to any constituency other than the American voter.
'Presumed human remains' and debris collected from Titan sub wreckage: US Coast Guard

The sea exploration firm Magellan said it's working on bringing in specialist equipment" to help the rescue mission for OceanGates lost Titan sub. Reuters

The US Coast Guard said "presumed" human remains were collected from Titan submersible wreckage.

The evidence will be transported to the US for further analysis, the Coast Guard said Wednesday.

Five tourists aboard the submersible died after a catastrophic implosion.

The US Coast Guard announced on Wednesday that it had collected and would analyze debris and potential human remains from the Titan submersible.

In a press release, the US Coast Guard said that it had received debris and remains from the seafloor site where pieces of the Titan submersible ended up after the vessel experienced a catastrophic implosion. The evidence will be transported for analysis, per the press release.

"United States medical professionals will conduct a formal analysis of presumed human remains that have been carefully recovered within the wreckage at the site of the incident," the Coast Guard said in the statement.

On June 23, the Coast Guard announced the death of five tourists aboard the deep-sea OceanGate Titan submersible, which was headed for the Titanic shipwreck.

Last week, the Coast Guard said the submersible appeared to have imploded because of a "catastrophic loss of the pressure chamber."

An implosion would have lasted only milliseconds, according to the Journal of Physics: Conference Series, likely killing all the passengers instantly.

Rescue officials said that contact was lost with the vessel around one hour and 45 minutes after it launched. As the search for the vessel intensified, red flags about OceanGate and the structural integrity its vessels, were brought to light.

Passengers on board included the vessel company's founder and pilot, Stockton Rush, a British Billionaire, a French Titanic expert known as "Mr. Titanic," and one of Pakistan's wealthiest businessmen along with his teenage son.

Read the original article on Insider
Princess Anne once escaped a gunman who attempted to kidnap her. 'Not bloody likely,' she told him.

Princess Anne was once almost kidnapped by a lone gunman. Four men were injured and the princess narrowly got away. Tim Graham Photo Library/Getty Images; Hulton Archive/Getty Images

In 1974, four months after her wedding, Princess Anne was almost kidnapped by a lone gunman.

The man attacked her royal limousine while it was just 200 yards from Buckingham Palace.

Anne helped to thwart the attempted kidnapping by telling the gunman to run away.

She might be a royal, but Princess Anne is no damsel in distress.

On March 20, 1974, just four months after Anne's televised wedding to commoner Captain Mark Phillips, the princess was involved in a would-be kidnapping and attack outside Buckingham Palace that left four people injured.

After attending a theater performance that night, Anne's Rolls-Royce limousine  which held the 23-year-old princess, her husband, a chauffeur, a lady's maid, and her private security guard  was attacked by Ian Ball, a 26-year-old unemployed labor worker.

Ball's car cut off the royal limousine as it drove down the Mall toward Buckingham Palace

The site of the foiled kidnapping. Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Thinking Ball was a disgruntled driver, security officer James Wallace Beaton exited the front passenger seat and approached Ball, who then shot him in the right shoulder, according to Smithsonian Magazine.

Beaton tried to return fire but missed Ball due to his injury, and his gun jammed. Ball then attempted to get Anne out of the vehicle through the driver's side, while Anne's lady-in-waiting crawled out through the passenger-side door. Beaton got back into the car and placed himself between the gunman and the royal couple, who were desperately attempting to hold the door shut.

Ball shot Beaton through the car, forcing him onto the ground. When the driver, Alexander Callender, tried to stop the gunman, he was shot in the chest. The gunman opened the back door, grabbed Anne's forearm, and tried to pull her out.

"Please, come out," Ball said to Anne, according to Smithsonian Magazine. "You've got to come."

'Not bloody likely,' Anne told the gunman as her husband held on to her

Princess Anne visiting her bodyguard, James Beaton, at Westminster Hospital after the foiled kidnapping. Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

More shots were fired, including at the first police officer to arrive on the scene and a Daily Mail journalist who tried to disarm the gunman.

It was Ronald Russell  a 26-year-old former boxer and company cleaning executive who was driving home from work when he saw the commotion on the side of the road  who was able to subdue the attacker by hitting him in the face and tackling him to the ground.

"I was scrupulously polite because I thought it was silly to be too rude at that stage," Anne later said of the attack, which lasted roughly 10 minutes. "The back of my dress split and that was his most dangerous moment. I lost my rag at that stage."

As more police officers arrived on the scene, Anne, seeing that the gunman was getting nervous, told him, "Go on, now's your chance."

Ball took off running but was apprehended by a nearby police officer

Ian Ball is led into court in March 1974. Getty Images

After a search of Ball's car, police said they found a note that indicated he planned to hold the princess at ransom for 2 million. According to Smithsonian Magazine, authorities also discovered Ball had rented a home in Hampshire that was located just 5 miles from Sandhurst Military Academy, the home of Princess Anne and Captain Phillips.

In total, four people were injured  Anne's security guard, her driver, the first police officer to arrive, and the journalist  but all survived.

The heroic passerby, Ronald Russell, was awarded the George Medal, the highest civilian award for gallantry by Queen Elizabeth

The Queen and Princess Anne with the seven men involved in saving the princess on the night of the kidnapping. PA Images/Getty Images

"The medal is from the Queen, but I want to thank you as Anne's mother," the Queen told him at the official ceremony in November 1974.

According to People, Russell said the Queen also paid off his mortgage as a gesture of gratitude after the attack.

"I thought that was wonderful," he told The Mirror in 2020. "I was actually close to repossession at the time. They were going to repossess my home. So, I dug myself out of that one."

He also later sold the medal at auction for $59,270, according to People.

Ian Ball, who later said he was sorry for scaring Princess Anne, pleaded guilty to attempted murder and kidnapping charges. He is now serving a life sentence in a mental-health facility.

Read the original article on Insider
During a speech announcing details of a plan to revitalize downtown Seattle, Mayor Bruce Harrell was continually interrupted by about a dozen protesters, according to video from the scene.

Harrells Downtown Activation Plan would lay the foundation to revitalize Seattle and encourage people to return to the heart of the city.

Well never go back to the good old days downtown, said Harrell. But whats not gone is the spirit in which built this downtown.

Harrell presented the ambitious plan during a speech at Westlake Center Wednesday, however, his speech was delayed as protesters shouted, No housing, no sweeps.

Seattle Mayor Harrells press conference downtown is delayed by the shouts of protestors. Theyre shouting sweeps kill. Struggling to be heard over the group, the mayor paused his announcement and tried to negotiate.@KIRO7Seattle pic.twitter.com/M47yjUqQbu  Lauren Donovan (@LaurenKIRO7) June 28, 2023

Harrell attempted to speak to the protesters, however, they ignored him and continued shouting, according to a video from KIRO 7s Lauren Donovan.

Harrell returned to his podium and joked, Well, we have them outnumbered, at least.

Harrell was joined by several civic, community, business, social service, and neighborhood leaders as he attempted to lay out his plan.

The Downtown Activation Plan consists of three stages: Initiatives that are currently underway, efforts taking place over the next three years and possibilities for the future.

Initiatives that are currently underway include reopening City Hall Park, increasing food truck operations downtown, cleaning graffiti, picking up trash more often, filling 20 vacant storefronts, and improving street lighting.

The Seattle Police Department has also focused on arresting drug dealers downtown. The mayor is considering increasing service provider outreach along Third Avenue to provide a 24-hour presence. He also continues to pursue an ordinance that would prohibit public drug use.

Quite candidly the biggest piece of legislation were working on right now is how we deal with open air drug use, said Harrell. Were having meetings as we speak and hopefully, well have something to the council in a matter of weeks.

Harrells entire plan can be found on the City of Seattles website downtownisyou.com.
The PulteGroup is trying to help Northeast Florida students get ready for the upcoming school year with its Back-2-School supply drive.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

PulteGroup is partnering with Innovative Construction Group to put on the supply drive, which will benefit the areas Boys & Girls Clubs.

There are 12 drop-off locations around Duval, St. Johns, Clay and Nassau counties.

Forest Park at Wildlight, 336 Salt Meadow Loop, Wildlight, FL 32097

Bradley Pond, 4604 Clapboard Crossing Way, Jacksonville, FL 32226

Preserve at Bannon Lakes, 205 Cedar Preserve Lane, St. Augustine, FL 32092

Bradley Creek, 2308 Bradley Park Drive, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043

Del Webb Wildlight, 128 Eureka Court, Wildlight, FL 32097

Del Webb Nocatee, 73 Glenhurst Avenue, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081

Del Webb eTown, 11246 Town View Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32256

Summer Bay at Grand Oaks, 41 Hickory Pine Dive, St. Augustine, FL 32092

Double Branch, 3495 Kindlewood Drive, Middleburg, FL 32068

PulteGroup Division Office, located at 12724 Gran Bay Pkwy West, Suite 200, Jacksonville, FL 32258

ICG Office, located at 5216 Shad Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257

ICG Plant, 4627 J P Hall Blvd #208, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

Donations made to The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida will benefit elementary, middle and high school students throughout the community.

For more information, visit www.bgcnf.org.

We want to give our young people at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida the tools they need for a successful school year, said Justin Cook, division president of PulteGroups Northeast Florida Division. Donations to our Back-2-School Supply Drive can help ensure every student has a positive start to a great school year.

For more information about PulteGroup in Northeast Florida, visit www.pulte.com/jacksonville.

Read: Jacksonville council narrowly denies Southbank storage facility after hours-long debate

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Prigozhin Purge

Wagner mercenary group leader Yevgeny Prigozhins abruptly halted mutiny attempt continues to roil Moscow and shake President Vladimir Putins decades-long hold on power. Meanwhile, as a result of his putative exile to Belarus, its neighbor Poland is increasing its troop presence and beefing up fortifications out of concern for any trouble Prigozhin might cause. You can read more about what set this all off in our coverage here.

Both The Wall Street Journal and New York Times on Wednesday came out with stories raising issues about who knew what about Prigozhins plans before they were launched. In reaction to the failed putsch, purges are taking place in Russia's military while claims have arisen about the arrest of top Russian general Sergei Surovikin for his role in the mutiny, Russian media and Russias military-connected Telegram channels claim.

https://twitter.com/bopanc/status/1674019671740121093

Prigozhin originally planned to capture two top Russian generals as part of his mutiny attempt, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday. But that was apparently foiled when the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) found out so Prigozhin decided to move up his timeline, the Journal reported, citing Western intelligence officials.

Prigozhin originally intended to capture Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Gen. Valery Gerasimov, the chief of Russias general staff, during a visit to a southern region that borders Ukraine that the two were planning, the newspaper reported. But the FSB "found out about the plan two days before it was to be executed," Western officials told the newspaper.

Prigozhin had long railed against the two top military leaders, who he says have been most responsible for the conduct of the full-on invasion, repeatedly calling for their ouster. The day before launching his mutiny, he said Russia was losing the war and accused Shoigu and Gerasimov of "genocide" against their own people "for the murder of tens of thousands of Russian citizens and the transfer of Russian territories to the enemy."

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu (L) and chief of the Russian General Staff Valery Gerasimov (R) were targets of an attempted captured by Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday. (Photo by GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images)

In addition to the FSB discovery, Russia's National Guard was also aware of what was happening, at least according to its commander, Gen. Viktor Zolotov.

Specific leaks about preparations for a rebellion that would begin between June 22-25 were leaked from Prigozhins camp, Zolotov told state media on Tuesday, according to the Journal.

Western officials independently learned about Prigozhin's plan "by analyzing electronic communications intercepts and satellite imagery," the Journal wrote, citing a person familiar with the findings. "Western officials said they believe the original plot had a good chance of success but failed after the conspiracy was leaked, forcing Prigozhin to improvise an alternative plan."

https://twitter.com/sentdefender/status/1672527136320786439?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1672527136320786439%7Ctwgr%5Ebc29d05597f9fd5810bff8015f9ff3d42ee868e1%7Ctwcon%5Es1_\u0026ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedrive.com%2Fthe-war-zone%2Fwagner-boss-declares-war-on-russian-defense-ministry

Prigozhin was apparently planning on the help of Russian armed forces, who would turn on their leadership, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The Wagner leaders aborted mutiny was being plotted with the advance knowledge of a senior Russian general, The New York Times reported Wednesday, raising questions about how much support for Prigozhins attempt existed within the top levels of Russias military.

U.S. officials briefed on American intelligence on the matter are now trying to determine if Gen. Sergei Surovikin, the former top Russian commander in Ukraine, helped plan Mr. Prigozhins actions last weekend, The New York Times wrote. That march posed the most dramatic threat to President Vladimir V. Putin in his 23 years in power.

https://twitter.com/polidemitolog/status/1673955343066341376

Beyond Surovikin, The New York Times reported that American officials said there are signs that other Russian generals may also have supported Mr. Prigozhins attempt to change the leadership of the Defense Ministry by force. Current and former U.S. officials said Mr. Prigozhin would not have launched his uprising unless he believed that others in positions of power would come to his aid.

While Surovikin spoke out against the rebellion as it became public on Friday, the Times reported that "one former official called that message akin to 'a hostage video.' General Surovikins body language suggested he was uncomfortable denouncing a former ally, one who shared his view of the Russian military leadership, the former official said."

As the head of an air force that suffered the loss of at least seven aircraft as a result of attacks by Prigozhin, it was curious to say the least that Surovikin did not have a stronger response to the mutiny.

https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1672527344584601601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1672527344584601601%7Ctwgr%5Ebc29d05597f9fd5810bff8015f9ff3d42ee868e1%7Ctwcon%5Es1_\u0026ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedrive.com%2Fthe-war-zone%2Fwagner-boss-declares-war-on-russian-defense-ministry

There were other signs of divided loyalties in the top ranks, according to the Times.

"Another Russian general  Lt. Gen. Vladimir Alekseyev  made his own video appeal, calling any actions against the Russian state a 'stab in the back of the country and president.' But hours later, he surfaced in another video, chatting with Mr. Prigozhin in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, where Wagner fighters seized military facilities."

You can see a video of that conversation below.

https://twitter.com/DenisRogatyuk/status/1672468741270159362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1672468741270159362%7Ctwgr%5Ebc29d05597f9fd5810bff8015f9ff3d42ee868e1%7Ctwcon%5Es1_\u0026ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedrive.com%2Fthe-war-zone%2Fwagner-boss-declares-war-on-russian-defense-ministry

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday again addressed the fallout from the Prigozhin mutiny attempt, as well as the statements made by Lukashenko yesterday how he interceded to stop it.

The official Russian TASS news agency highlighted his statements on its Telegram channel:

The army and the people were with Putin at the time of the attempted armed rebellion;

Allegations that Surovikin allegedly could have known about the upcoming rebellion are speculation and gossip;

The Kremlin does not yet have a position on the legislative regulation of the creation of PMCs, there is a discussion;

The Kremlin reacted "absolutely normally" to Lukashenko's frank story about his role in stopping the rebellion of PMC "Wagner";

The state had nothing to do with the business of Wagner PMC in Africa; (this is laughable considering Putin himself said the Russian government wholly financed and armed Wagner just a couple days before)

The Russian Federation will continue military cooperation with the Central African Republic, military advisers will continue their activities in the required number;

It is not known about plans to reward Lukashenko for helping to stop the rebellion in the Russian Federation.

Putin, his image of strength wounded, has been on something of public relations blitz, with constant speeches and even sudden appearances in public following Prigozhin's march.

https://twitter.com/maxseddon/status/1674131609979609088?s=20

Fallout At The Russian MoD

The most glaring example of fallout from all this is that Surovikin has been arrested, according to The Moscow Times, citing two sources close to the apparatus of the Ministry of Defense, which has yet to confirm the report.

Apparently he [Surovikin] chose the side [of Prigozhin during the rebellion] and they grabbed him by the balls, the Moscow Times said one of the sources told it. When asked where the general is now, he replied: We dont even comment on this information through internal channels.

https://twitter.com/RALee85/status/1674138362377129984?s=20

Rumors about the arrest of Surovikin were previously published by military blogger Vladimir Romanov, the Moscow Times noted. According to him, the general was arrested on June 25, the day after the rebellion. On his Telegram channel, Romanov said Surovikin is in the Lefortovo pre-trial detention center.

https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1674100048911532042

Surovikin, a Prigozhin confidant at least before the mutiny attempt, is a controversial general in his own right. Dubbed General Armageddon" for his brutal bombardment tactics in Syria that have played out in Ukraine, he was criticized as the man in charge of Russias retreat across the Dnipro River last fall. But he is also credited for helping fortify the defenses that Ukraine is now finding so difficult to defeat in its ongoing, slowly moving counteroffensive. He is also touted for engineering the Iranian-supplied drone strikes across Ukraine as well as for creating the so-called Bakhmut meat grinder seen in Russian circles as tying up Ukrainian forces ahead of their counteroffensive

The armed rebellion of Wagner PMC became a pretext for large-scale purges in the ranks of the RF Armed Forces and a crash test of the ministry for loyalty, the Kremlin-connected Rybar Telegram channel wrote late Tuesday, before either the Times or Journal published their pieces. For several days now, investigators and representatives of the FSB have been working both on the leadership of military command and control bodies and on unit commanders.

The investigators are looking at the indecisiveness that led to Prigozhin getting as far as he did, Rybar wrote. Despite the aforementioned reported disclosure of his intentions, Prigozhin was able to capture Rostov-on-Don and reportedly send a column of his troops within 200 kilometers of Moscow.

Support for Prigozhin has become a litmus test against which the [Russian] Armed Forces are scourged, Rybar wrote. Surovikin has not been seen since Saturday - it is not known for certain where General Armageddon is located, there is a version that he is under interrogation.

Regardless of Surovikin's status, "the actual leadership of the course of the special military operation is carried out by the commander of the Airborne Forces, Mikhail Teplinskiy, Rybar wrote. Valery Gerasimov formally retains the post of chief of the General Staff, but has nothing to do with resolving issues of the ongoing Russian full-on invasion.

https://twitter.com/RALee85/status/1673944452316950528

Prigozhins actions have had far-reaching consequences across the Russian military beyond just Surovikin.

Pilots who refused to strike Wagner convoys and border guards who did not open fire on his columns are also facing prosecution, Rybar and other Russian Telegram channels, like Two Majors, noted.

On the other hand, it seems striking that those who actually took part in the mutiny were offered amnesty by Moscow.

But the fallout from Prigozhin's march also reached far beyond the Kremlin and MoD. Some oligarchs boarded jets and fled while many who remained in Moscow feared retributions, Reuters reported Wednesday.

"Everyone shat themselves badly," said "one source with knowledge of the thinking at the top levels of the Russian business and political elites, which often overlap," according to Reuters.

The source spoke on condition of anonymity due to the danger of speaking publicly in contemporary Russia.

"Anyone with anything to lose was extremely tense."

https://twitter.com/hdevreij/status/1674114214879715344?s=20

Prigozhin Still A Player

As for Prigozhin himself, Rybar and Two Majors both insist that he and his troops are in Belarus as that nations dictator Alexander Lukashenko reported yesterday, which you can read more about here.

Despite the statements of the Russian Ministry of Defense about the transfer of heavy equipment, yesterday [Wagner] columns completed the march to Belarus with all the equipment, Rybar wrote. The remnants not involved in the march will indeed be transferred to the [Russian] Armed Forces.

That concern is apparently shared by Poland, which has a long border with Belarus and says there are some 8,000 Wagner troops there.

As a result, Poland will increase the permanent presence of its defence forces along that border, Deputy Prime Minister and PiS chairman, Jarosaw Kaczynski, announced at a press conference on Wednesday, according to the Polish TVN24 news outlet.

The decision is a response to Wagners move into Belarus. Kaczynski added that various fortifications along the border would be further extended.

"We have - at least potentially - a new situation in Belarus, Kaczynski said, according to TVN24. The Wagner Group's presence there. According to the data we have at the moment, it could be around 8,000 soldiers.

https://twitter.com/sentdefender/status/1674112484901257218?s=20

Though theoretically exiled to Belarus, Prigozhin's operations in Africa are expected only to grow, Rybar noted. Concern about the fallout from the mutiny attempt is prompting Russian officials to take action there and in Syria, where Wagner also operates.

"Russias deputy foreign minister flew to Damascus to personally deliver a message to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad: Wagner Group forces would no longer operate there independently," The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday. "Senior Russian foreign ministry officials phoned the president of the Central African Republic, whose personal bodyguards include Wagner mercenaries, offering assurances that Saturdays crisis wouldnt derail Russias expansion into Africa. Government jets from Russias Ministry of Emergency Situations shuttled from Syria to Mali, another of Wagners key foreign outposts."

Those moves are an example of Putin's attempt to play down the chaos at home and to assure Russias partners in Africa and the Middle East that Wagner operations there would continue unabated, the Journal wrote. It citied diplomats and intelligence officers, Wagner defectors, people briefed on the conversations and a review of international flight data.

The new bottom line though is that if Moscow has its way, Wagner's operations will be under new management, according to the Journal.

https://twitter.com/RALee85/status/1674105163554906112?s=20

It isn't clear if Prigozhin poses a threat to Kyiv, although Ukraine does not see another attack from the north as likely, and 8,000 troops is not a large standing force.

So much at this point remains unknown, but one thing is certain.

Yevgeny Prigozhin has a way of keeping the global spotlight shining on him, and staying alive, even after directly challenging the heart of Russia's military authority, with deadly results.

We will update this story when more information comes to light.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
Putin didn't kill Prigozhin after his revolt, but that doesn't mean he isn't trying to destroy the Wagner boss

Head of the Wagner Group Yevgeny Prigozhin left the Southern Military District headquarters on June 24, 2023 in Rostov-on-Don, Russia. Stringer/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin launched an armed revolt against Russian military leadership and survived.

War experts say Putin can't risk killing him, at least for now, and may have another approach in mind.

The Kremlin seems focused on discrediting Prigozhin and eroding his support to undercut his power.

Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin has survived launching an armed revolt threatening Russian President Vladimir Putin's grip on power, a feat few thought possible, but the Russian leader may still be coming for him.

As Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko tells the story, Prigozhin is still alive because he intervened on his behalf, convincing Putin not to kill his former ally and pushing a deal that sent the founder of the paramilitary Wagner Group into exile in Belarus. But there's likely more to it than that.

At the moment, Putin can't risk making Prigozhin a martyr by eliminating him outright for his "betrayal," war experts said, so he may instead be looking to discredit him, erode his support, and potentially pursue other forms of retribution.

Prigozhin is said to already be in Belarus, though his exact whereabouts are uncertain, and the Wagner Group is preparing to surrender heavy weaponry to the defense ministry as its fighters are given the choice to sign contracts with the Russian military or join their exiled leader in Belarus. The state appears keen on taking control of Wagner's global operations.

It's certainly a bleak reversal of fortunes for a group hailed as heroes after their costly victory in Bakhmut, but the situation could be worse. And for Prigozhin, who aggressively undermined his primary benefactor, it may still be.

Members of Wagner group looks from a military vehicle in Rostov-on-Don late on June 24, 2023. ROMAN ROMOKHOV/AFP via Getty Images

Through his rebellion, Prigozhin turned a longstanding feud with the Russian defense ministry into a civil war, a conflict that, while brief, saw Russians killing other Russians, and obliterated the Russian leadership's carefully crafted narrative that everything is going according to plan with the Ukraine war.

Highways were dug up as heavily-armed Wagner forces advanced, shooting down Russian planes, and the capital, Moscow, was bracing for bloodshed. And all of this came as the Russian defense ministry was trying to hold the lines in Ukraine against a counteroffensive threatening Russia's limited gains. These are not the kinds of things that get easily overlooked. They make the Russian leadership look weak and ineffective.

Prigozhin draws a degree of protection from supporters in the very online ultranationalist pro-war community as a leading voice calling for no-holds-barred combat and an end to the incompetent leadership that he asserts is getting troops killed. This support has limits, as seen by his inability to achieve greater support for his mutiny, but Prigozhin's prominence in this space has helped shield him.

And that continues to be the case for now. As the Institute for the Study of War noted in a recent update, "Putin has likely decided that he cannot directly eliminate Prigozhin without making him a martyr at this time."

He "still retains some support within Russian society and the Russian regular forces, and the Kremlin will need to ensure that these groups become disillusioned with Prigozhin to effectively deprive him of his popular support in Russia," ISW said.

In a discussion with members of the Russian military Tuesday, Putin appeared to take aim at Prigozhin's character by challenging assertions he financed Wagner and presenting him as a participant in the corruption that runs rampant in Russia.

Head of the Wagner Group Yevgeny Prigozhin left the Southern Military District headquarters on June 24, 2023 in Rostov-on-Don, Russia. Stringer/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

After revealing that the Russian government spent billions on Wagner's operations and supply contracts with Prigozhin's catering company, Putin said he hopes "that in the course of this work, no one stole anything  or, let's say, didn't steal much." He added that "we will certainly get to the bottom of this."

Robert English, a professor at the University of Southern California who studies Russia, the Soviet Union, and Eastern Europe, told Insider that "Putin needs to neutralize the challenge from Prigozhin, the attack on his authority and effort to burnish Prigozhin's own image as a brave warrior and populist enemy of the corrupt elite."

"So what to do? Putin can have him killed of course, but that would likely backfire and make him look both brutal and weak. And it could make Prigozhin into a martyr," English said, arguing that Putin is likely to seek out other ways to destroy Prigozhin.

ISW, which has followed the war and its developments closely, assesses "Putin is trying to present Wagner Group financier Yevgeny Prigozhin as corrupt and a liar to destroy his reputation among Wagner personnel and within Russian society" and could be setting the stage to later target Prigozhin with corruption charges and confiscate his assets.

Since the failed rebellion against the Russian defense ministry over the weekend, expert observers have seen increased criticism within the pro-war community of Prigozhin and Wagner.

The Kremlin has made a point of forgiving the Wagner fighters while offering opportunities to sign contracts with the Russian military, an added benefit as the war in Ukraine continues.

For individuals higher up in the mercenary organization considered responsible for the rebellion, people like Prigozhin, Russian leadership has hinted at unspecified consequences.

The Kremlin is likely trying to deprive Prigozhin of influence by separating his cause, an animosity for the defense ministry shared by many pro-war ultranationalists figures, from him personally, as well as weakening his connection to Wagner overall.

As the Kremlin works to reestablish control in the wake of Prigozhin's revolt, which did tremendous damage to the credibility and perceived strength of the Russian state, ISW assesses it "will likely continue to attack Prigozhin's character to break Prigozhin's popular support, discourage Wagner personnel from following him to Belarus, and destroy his financial power."

English speculated that the Russian leadership could take these activities even further, saying that Putin might turn up the pressure on Prigozhin by "publicizing his criminal past, painting him as corrupt and a deviant.

"In short," English said, "Putin will assassinate Prigozhin's character first. And when his image has been sufficiently tarnished, Putin might then assassinate him for real."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Heres how quickly Kansas will lose daylight hours after this years summer solstice

Summer has officially begun in Kansas, and the days will become shorter in the region and across the hemisphere.

This years summer solstice took place June 21, the longest day of 2023, according to Space.com.

The summer solstice is when the sun travels its northernmost path, according to the Old Farmers Almanac. While this signifies the astronomical beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, it marks the start of winter in the Southern Hemisphere.

Now that the summer solstice has passed, the days will get progressively shorter until the winter solstice in late December.

How quickly will the days shorten in Wichita?

The shortest day of the year, or the day with the least amount of daylight, will be the winter solstice Dec. 21, according to the Old Farmers Almanac.

The days will gradually shorten throughout the summer and fall. Here are some projected sunrise and sunset times for various dates in Wichita, from timeanddate.com:
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 28)  The disbarment of newly-appointed antipoverty czar Larry Gadon will not affect his role as presidential adviser, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said on Wednesday.

In a statement, Bersamin said the chief executive was aware of the cases filed against Gadon, but "felt that his work as presidential adviser will not get affected by his status as a lawyer.

He said it is a matter which Gadon will have to personally attend to.

"He will continue on his new role as Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation as there are urgent matters that need to be done in the President's anti-poverty programs," Bersamin said.

"The President believes he will do a good job," he added.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision to disbar Gadon. It cited the viral video clip showing the government official's misogynistic, sexist, abusive, and repetitive intemperate language against journalist Raissa Robles.

Speaking to CNN Philippines' The Source, Gadon said such a decision will not affect his new role in the Marcos administration.

The position does not require a lawyer, and it has nothing about legal matters and legal issues," he said.

"This is poverty alleviation and the programs that will be created by the government is about poverty alleviation so therefore, that decision does not matter, he added.

Gadon also said he hardly felt the decision, noting that he has not been practicing law since 2015 after getting involved in politics.

He said he has yet to speak with the president regarding the matter.

Discussions on the issue between Gadon and Marcos may be done after the formers oath taking next week, Gadon added.

With his new role, Gadon said he wants to initiate programs that will generate jobs for depressed and far-flung areas.

This is what I call the micro industry relation program, he added. We are now drafting plans about it.
A view of the Norfolk Southern rail yard in Cincinnati. A proposed sale of Cincinnati Southern Railway to Norfolk Southern Corp. was passed by the railway board. Currently, Cincinnati receives $25 million a year from leasing the railroad to Norfolk Southern.

As the board that oversees the Cincinnati Southern Railway prepares next month to ask voters to approve selling the city-owned railroad, the buyer, Norfolk Southern Corp., has agreed to pay a higher transaction fee than the board last sought.

The deal, outlined in a surprise railroad board meeting Tuesday, returns $500,000 to taxpayers, an amount that was originally promised in a memorandum of agreement. The accelerated transaction fee is now $5 million again, instead of $4.5 million.

In an April report, The Enquirer questioned whether the reduction was legal under the city charter.

As part of the $1.6 billion railroad sale, Norfolk Southern originally agreed to cut the railway board a check up front for $5 million once the board agreed to put it before voters. The money was to pay for costs associated with executing the plan  including half the cost of the estimated $1 million for a political campaign to sell it to voters.

Documents obtained by The Enquirer  some that the city at first redacted  revealed the board may have resolved the issue by agreeing to accept $500,000 less for taxpayers.

The problem: A 2002 charter amendment bans taxpayers money from being used for political purposes.

Board President Paul Muething in April denied the switch was made to free up funds for Norfolk Southern to bankroll a political campaign itself. He said the fee was meant to defray costs related to the sale, and without the campaign, those costs would be less, hence the smaller fee.

The board unanimously approved the new agreement Tuesday.

There was no public discussion Tuesday of why the fee was increased back to $5 million, which was negotiated by Muething. After the meeting, he declined to comment about the reason for the increase. No rail board member questioned the increase back to $5 million.

The new deal, if voters approve the sale, also allows the deal to close in March of 2024, instead of immediately. In exchange Norfolk Southern will pay an additional $20 million to $28 million in lost interest income, Muething said.

"We are proud of the deal the CSR Board of Trustees negotiated with Norfolk Southern," Muething said in a press release distributed to the media immediately after the vote. "The deal is now even better for the citizens of Cincinnati with the amended and restated agreement."

The Cincinnati Southern Railway Board is governed by a five-member independent board appointed by the mayor. While members aren't elected, they are accountable to taxpayers, who paid for the railroad to be built 142 years ago and own all the lease money associated with it.

After the fee reduction came to light earlier this year, Tom Brinkman, a former lawmaker, filed a complaint with Cincinnati City Council. He accused the five-member railroad board of malfeasance and asked council to remove the board members. Council members earlier this month found no problem with the lesser fee and no malfeasance.

The railway board originally approved the sale Nov. 21.

The sale will still have to be approved by Cincinnati voters. No decision has been made about when that will happen, but the board has previously said it hoped the sale would go to voters as soon as this November. The board is next scheduled to meet July 13.

Under the deal, the rail board would sell the railroad and use the proceeds to create a trust fund called Building Our Future. The railway board would oversee the fund and hire a financial manager to handle investments. The investment money earned would then be given to the city to use for capital needs.

The board wants to sell the railroad because it says money from the investment fund is greater than lease payments and the city needs the money for long-delayed maintenance projects. Leasing to another railroad company is not an option because Norfolk Southern's lease with the city allows for a 25-year renewal.

Follow the money: A timeline

On June 24, 2022, the railroad board entered into what was called a "non-binding memorandum of understanding" which outlined the purchase of the railroad. It said the Cincinnati Southern Railway Board would sell the railroad to Norfolk Southern for $1.6 billion, plus pay a transaction fee of $25 million. Of that $25 million, $5 million was considered a non-refundable "accelerated transaction fee" that was to be paid once the railroad board made its final vote to sell via an "asset purchase agreement." That happened Nov. 21, 2022, on the heels of a public announcement that the deal was happening. That document was shared publicly, but instead of $5 million upfront, the amount was reduced to $4.5 million.

At the time the memorandum of agreement had not been shared publicly, but it and other records have been released throughout the past eight months.

Here's what happened, according to records documenting the deal:

July 2022: Two working drafts of the asset purchase agreement, one on July 1 that the railroad board sent to Norfolk Southern and another on July 29 that Norfolk Southern returned to the railroad board, showed no change to the $5 million amount.

July 26, 2022: Railroad board president Muething, railroad board member Mark Mallory and Mike McClellan, senior vice president and chief strategy officer of Norfolk Southern, went to dinner at Prime, a downtown Cincinnati steakhouse. At that meeting, Norfolk Southern gave the railroad board members a two-page, 21-point table that Norfolk Southern titled, "Highlights of proposed NS changes to CSR purchase and sale agreement." Among the points is one that says the agreement "assigns responsibility for costs" of "Cincinnati voter approval" to the accelerated transaction fee. So, it would be the railroad board, with this money, paying for the political campaign.

Sometime over the following month: Muething learned about the charter amendment that says the city can't help provide any financial support for a political campaign.

Aug. 23, 2022: Materials provided to the railroad board ahead of a board meeting scheduled for last Aug. 24 included an internal working draft of the sale agreement dated Aug. 19, with edits from the railroad board's attorneys. Here, too, the accelerated transaction fee is listed as $5 million.

Aug. 23, 2022: Those same meeting preparation materials include a memo Muething wrote to the railroad board in which he proposes reducing the amount of the accelerated transaction fee that was to be paid to the railroad board in order to offset the cost Norfolk Southern would have to pay for the campaign. Muething wrote: "They are reacting to us telling them that (the Cincinnati Southern Railway) can't spend its money supporting or trying to pass the referendum. They say they thought that this was one of the intended uses of the $5 million transaction fee. I would propose that we agree that the transaction fee be reduced by 50% of the money which (Norfolk Southern) spends supporting the passage of the referendum up to $1,000,000."

The first line of that paragraph was redacted when the city of Cincinnati first gave the memo to The Enquirer. A follow-up email questioning the legal reasoning for the redaction, which was copied to Enquirer attorneys, prompted the city to provide the entire memo.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Norfolk Southern to return $500K to Cincinnati taxpayers in rail deal
Ralph Yarl Opens Up About Being Shot After Going To The Wrong House: Im Just A Kid

Ralph Yarl Opens Up About Being Shot After Going To The Wrong House: Im Just A Kid | MoMo Productions

Ralph Yarl, the 17-year-old who was shot after going to the wrong house to pick up his siblings, opened up about the incident for the first time. He recounted his mother asking him to pick up his twin brothers from a friends house, which he had never been to before.

Yarl remembered waiting for a long time before an older man with a gun opened the door, revealing another glass door standing in between them.

He points [the gun] at me  so I kinda, like, brace and I turn my head, he told Good Morning America. Then it happened. And then Im on the ground  and then I fall on the glass. The shattered glass. And then before I know it, Im running away shouting, Help me, help me.

Yarl says he was bleeding from his head and that he was surprised at how alert he was, adding that his instincts took over. The 17-year-old declined help from the first house he approached and had to approach multiple homes.

So then I go to the next house across the street. No one answers, Yarl says. And the house to the right of that house, I go there, and someone opens the door and tells me to wait for the police.

His mother, Cleo Nagbe, said that she drove around looking for her son after he didnt return home with his siblings. She said she received a phone call from the police, indicating that Ralph had been shot and was in the hospital.

It was traumatic, she said.

Yarl was shot in the head and in the right arm on April 13 by Andrew Lester, an 84-year-old homeowner in Kansas City, Missouri, according to police. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and has since been seeing a therapist. His family relocated after the incident. Yarl didnt want to go back home after he was shot in the neighborhood where he also lived, his aunt told ABC News last month.

Im just a kid and not larger than life because this happened to me, Yarl said. Im just gonna keep doing all the stuff that makes me happy. And just living my life the best I can and not let this bother me.

Yarl hopes to pursue his recovery by focusing on his passion for chemical engineering and music. The 17-year-old plays several instruments, including the bass clarinet, the saxophone, the tenor saxophone, the clarinet and the contrabass clarinet. He said music has helped him cope as he recovers from the shooting.

Classical music kinda resonates with me, he said. Just the feeling that it creates and the fact that you can make it yourself  it kinda invigorates me.

Lester was charged with one count of felony assault in the first degree and one count of armed criminal action, which is also a felony. He pleaded not guilty and was released on April 18 on a $200,000 bond. A hearing is scheduled for Aug. 31 after a judge agreed to partially seal the evidence. Lester told the police he believed someone was attempting to break into the house. He shot twice before calling 911.

Following the shooting, Yarl received support from the community, who pushed for the story to be given more attention. Hundreds of students walked out in support of the teenager. The Kansas City Defender, a Black-owned news outlet, has been central to amplifying the incident, leading it to get national coverage.

Last month, Yarl attended a Memorial Day event in Kansas City, Missouri, to help raise money for traumatic brain injuries, according to ABC News. His family joined him in the Going the Distance for Brain Injury event, which featured a 10K, 5k, a 1.5-mile walk and an event for children.

Justice is just the rule of the law, regardless of race, ethnicity, and age, Yarl replied when asked what justice looks like to him. [Lester] should be convicted for the crimes that he made, he added. I am past having any personal hatred for him.
Malaria was eradicated in the United States in the 1970s.

For the first time in 20 years, malaria has been spread locally by mosquitoes in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an alert on June 26 stating that at least four people in Florida and one in Texas have contracted the mosquito-borne illness in the past two months.

[Related: Ghana is the first country to approve Oxfords malaria vaccine.]

"Malaria is a medical emergency and should be treated accordingly," the CDC wrote in a Health Alert Network Health Advisory. "Patients suspected of having malaria should be urgently evaluated in a facility that is able to provide rapid diagnosis and treatment, within 24 hours of presentation."

Malaria was once endemic in the US, but was eradicated by the 1970s. One of the CDCs first tasks at its founding in 1946 was eliminating the disease as a public health threat.

It is caused by several species of parasites that are transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. Malaria usually causes flu-like symptoms, but it can also cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in some cases. It can lead to severe disease if it is left untreated with medication. The World Health Organization estimates that it killed 619,000 people worldwide in 2021. Nearly half of the worlds population is at risk of the disease.

Roughly 2,000 cases of malaria are diagnosed in the US annually, but those are typically contracted by people who have traveled outside the country. In 2003, there were eight cases of locally acquired mosquito-borne malaria identified in Palm Beach County, Florida.

According to a Floridas Department of Health statement announcing a statewide mosquito-borne illness advisory, the new cases were identified in Sarasota County. Texas has also issued a health advisory. The CDC recommends that hospitals around the country have malaria tests on hand, stock up on treatments, and that local public health officials have a plan to rapidly identify, prevent, and control the disease.

The new cases were caused by the malaria parasite Plasmodium vivax, which is less likely to cause severe disease than some other species of malaria parasites. The CDC says that all five patients have received treatment and are improving. The agency also notes that the risk of locally acquired malaria still remains very low in the US.

[Related: Why did it take 35 years to get a malaria vaccine?]

Its not panic time, Brian Grimberg, an associate professor of pathology and international health at Case Western Reserve University, told The Washington Post. I think the message is to be aware. I mean, Americans never think about malaria unless they travel abroad.

Malaria is most common in warm climates and some scientists worry that as the Earth warms, more regions will be affected by the disease. According to a 2022 study published in Nature, climate change can exacerbate a full 58 percent of the infectious diseases that humans come in contact with around the world. The authors of that study note that hepatitis can be spread by flooding, droughts can bring in rodents that are infected with hantavirus, and warmer temperatures can lengthen the life of mosquitoes carrying malaria.

The CDC advises the public to take basic steps to prevent mosquito bites and control mosquitoes at home. Wearing insect repellent, long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors can help prevent bug bites, in addition to using good screens on windows and doors when inside.
An audio recording of the interview between Bishop Olson, Reverend Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach and Sister Francis Therese was played during a hearing in the nuns lawsuit against the bishop and diocese on Tuesday.

Gerlach, 43, is suing Bishop Michael Olson and the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth for $1 million, alleging that he defamed her, invaded her privacy and stole personal electronic devices after he received reports of her transgressions. She has denied the allegations. Sister Francis Therese of the monastery is also suing Olson because she alleges the bishop took the devices and stole information pertaining to the monastery.

During the hearing, Michael Anderson, an attorney representing the diocese, played the approximately 40-minute long interview.

Amid the sound of church bells from the monastery, Olson asked Gerlach about the reports that she broke her chastity vows. Gerlach spoke in a barely audible voice.

The recording began with Olson thanking the sisters for offering him water.

I have a difficult question to bring to you, Olson said. I have received information about a violation of the Sixth Commandment by you with a priest. Do you know anything about that?

Im so sorry, Gerlach said.

Its OK. I understand. There is hope for redemption. Lets follow through with the priests name. Can you please tell me who this priest is?

Bishop, hes not from this diocese.

Well, I understand. I have initiated an investigation of this for canonical reasons. I will read the decree in a minute. Its very important that you consider that because other people might be in jeopardy, because I know its consensual  is that correct?

Its true, yes.

But a priest, as you know, is obliged to live his promises and vows to things even moreso for a priest than a consecrated religious.

Bishop, most of this was done on the phone.

Was some of this in person? Yes, it was.

Olson then began to read the decree, but Gerlach said: Bishop, I need to tell you something. I dont know how to explain this, but this did not happen in person. At all. It was all over the phone. So, he did not come down here.

Thats something you changed the story on, Olson said. We have a hard time with the truth.

Bishop, the truth is that he was not down here.

Well, well have time for that in the investigation.

I promise you, Bishop. At the time, I was having seizures, and I was really in a very difficult position. and I think my brain just got really messed up.

Olson read the decree and then discussed the leave of absence.

Gerlach said tearfully, Im sorry, Bishop.

I know you are.

I made a horrible, horrible mistake.

He tells her the lord is involved.

Olson again prods her to share the priests name.

Do I have to, do I have to? she asks.

Yeah, Olson says.

Gerlach says he is Father Bernard Murray from a community in Montana, the Transalpine Redemptorists.

He contacted our community for prayers, Gerlach said. And he and I were writing often to each other. And, um, we just got very close.

I understand, Olson said. And thats when it happened, but it was not often. Was it more than one time?

Yes, Bishop. Yes, Bishop.

She said the two talked over email and had a video chat.

I see, I see, Olson said.

And Bishop, I really got things very confused. The sister can vouch for that.

I understand. I understand.

I was not in my right mind. Sister knows me. I would never do anything like this.

Olson then starts to read the decree.

Gerlach said she didnt know how to explain breaking her chastity vow and spoke having seizures.

All the more reason you shouldnt be prioress, Olson said.

He told Gerlach of his canonical investigation and said she would have to move to the guest quarters of the monastery, and that he was putting her on administrative leave. He said she would have to turn over her cell phone and computer as part of the investigation.

Gerlach was no longer the prioress, he said. He appointed Sister Joseph Marie to oversee the monastery.

Olson told Gerlach she would benefit from psychological counsel. Gerlach said she was already seeking help.
A California-based luxury residential real estate brokerage founded by The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Buying Beverly Hills star Mauricio Umansky is launching in Charlotte with a franchise office.

Two Charlotte brokers are behind that franchise location of The Agency, according to a news release from the company.

ALSO READ: Navigating Charlottes top-ranking real estate market

Erika Mendoza and Abigail Hines Miller, both of whom were most recently with Ivester Jackson | Christies International Real Estate, will lead the local office at 3540 Toringdon Way in the Ballantyne area.

Read more here.

VIDEO: Navigating Charlottes top-ranking real estate market
Recruitment of children by armed groups in Syria is on the rise, even as fighting subsides

Hamrin Alouji, the mother of 13-year-old Peyal Aqil, goes through her daughter's photographs at their family home in Qamishli, Syria, on Monday, June 5, 2023. Alouji said her daughter was coming home with her friends on May 21 after a school exam when a recruiter for the Revolutionary Youth approached her - the youth branch of the Democratic Union Party (PYD), and entered a center belonging to the group with him. Her friends waited for her outside, but she never came out. (AP Photo/Baderkhan Ahmad) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

QAMISHLI, Syria (AP)  A 13-year-old Kurdish girl went missing on her way home from a school exam last month, after being approached by a man from an armed group. Her parents immediately feared the worst  that she had been persuaded to join the group and was taken to one of its training camps.

The girl, Peyal Aqil, was with friends when she encountered the man who turned out to be a recruiter for a group known as the Revolutionary Youth. She followed him to one of the group's centers in the city of Qamishli in northeast Syria. Her friends waited for her outside, but she never emerged.

Peyals mother, Hamrin Alouji, said she and her husband complained to local authorities, to no avail.

The group later said Peyal joined willingly, a claim rejected by Alouji. We consider that at this age, she cannot give consent, even if she was convinced by the groups program, Alouji said, sitting for an interview in her daughters room, filled with stuffed animals and school texts.

Armed groups have recruited children throughout the past 12 years of conflict and civil war in Syria. A new United Nations report on children in armed conflict, released Tuesday, says the use of child soldiers in Syria is growing, even as fighting in most parts of Syria is winding down.

The number of children recruited by armed groups in Syria has risen steadily over the past three years  from 813 in 2020 to 1,296 in 2021 and 1,696 in 2022, the U.N. says.

Among those allegedly recruiting children is a U.S. ally in the battle against Islamic State extremists  the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, according to the U.N. In 2022, the U.N. attributed more than a third of the cases, or 637, to the SDF and associated groups in northeast Syria.

The report also said the U.N. had confirmed 611 recruitment cases by the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army, which has clashed with the SDF in the past, and 383 by the al-Qaida-linked Hayat Tahrir al Sham in northwest Syria. The report cited 25 cases of child recruitment by Syrian government forces and pro-government militias.

Children are being recruited across Syria, said Bassam Alahmad, executive director of Syrians for Truth and Justice, an independent civil society organization.

In some cases, children are forcibly conscripted, he said. In others, minors sign up because they or their families need the salary. Some join for ideological reasons, or because of family and tribal loyalties. In some cases, children are sent out of Syria to fight as mercenaries in other conflicts.

Attempts to end such recruitment have been complicated by the patchwork of armed groups operating in each part of Syria.

In 2019, the SDF signed an agreement with the U.N. promising to end the enlistment of children younger than 18 and set up a number of child protection offices in its area. The U.S. State Department defended its ally in a statement, saying, that the SDF "is the only armed actor in Syria to respond to the UNs call to end the use of child soldiers."

Nodem Shero, a spokesperson for one of the child protection offices run by the SDF-affiliated local administration, acknowledged that children continue to be recruited in areas under SDF control.

However, the complaint mechanism is working, she said. Her office received 20 complaints in the first five months of the year, she said. Four minors were found in the SDF armed forces and were returned to their families. The others were not with the SDF, she said.

In some cases, she said, parents assume their children have been taken by the SDF when they are actually with another group.

Alahmad said recruitment by the group decreased after the 2019 agreement, but that the SDF has not intervened as other groups in its area continue to target children.

Among them is the Revolutionary Youth, a group linked to the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, a Kurdish separatist movement banned in Turkey. The Revolutionary Youth is licensed by the the local government linked to the SDF  although both groups denied any connection beyond that.

The U.N. report attributed 10 cases to the Revolutionary Youth in 2022, but others say the numbers are higher. In a January report, Alahmad's group said Revolutionary Youth was responsible for 45 of 49 child recruitment cases it documented in northeastern Syria in 2022.

Alahmad said the SDF-affiliated administration is looking the other way. He called on it to "assume its responsibilities in order to stop these operations.

An official with the Revolutionary Youth acknowledged that the group recruits minors but denied that it forcibly conscripts them. We do not kidnap anyone, and we do not force anyone to join us, he said, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with his group's rules.

They themselves come to us and tell us their intention to join the service of the nation, he said. "We do not take minors if they are indecisive or unsure.

Minors are not immediately sent to armed service, he said. Rather, they initially take part in educational training courses and other activities, after which they are sent to the mountain if they want, he said, referring to the PKKs headquarters in the Qandil mountains of northern Iraq.

Asked about Peyal, he said the girl had complained of being unhappy at home and that her parents forced her to wear the hijab.

Alouji said her daughter had given no signs of being unhappy at home, and the night before her disappearance had said she planned to study to be a lawyer.

A month after her May 21 disappearance, Peyal came home. She had run away from one of the group's training camps, her mother said.

Since her daughter's return, her psychological condition has been difficult because she... was subjected to harsh training, Alouji said. The family no longer feels safe, she said, and is looking for a way to get out of Syria.

___

Sewell reported from Beirut. Associated Press writers Omar Albam in Idlib, Syria, and Lolita Baldor in Washington contributed to this report.
Julian Sands at the Venice Film Festival in 2019 Franco Origlia / Getty Images

The remains of British actor Julian Sands have been found on Mount Baldy in Southern California, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department confirmed on Tuesday.

The 65-year-old Los Angeles resident was reported missing on Jan. 13, after he failed to return home from a hike. It was a wet winter in the region, and heavy rain and snow on Mount Baldy hindered multiple search and rescue efforts. Sands' body was discovered on Saturday by hikers, officials said, and the manner of death is under investigation.

Sands had prominent roles on television and the big screen, appearing in "A Room with a View," "Leaving Las Vegas," "Ocean's Thirteen," and "24." His manager, Sarah Jackson, told the Los Angeles Times he "chose interesting projects that mattered to him and was adored by everyone who worked with him. He was a passionate climber, and we draw [consolation] from knowing that he passed in a place he loved, doing what he loved." The actor is survived by his wife, journalist Evgenia Citkowitz; son Henry; daughters Natalya and Imogen; and four brothers.

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Something is going to happen with the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser site at Walt Disney World. But Josh DAmaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, isnt saying what yet, according to an interview with The Points Guy website.

No hints yet  but something will happen, DAmaro told Scott Mayerowitz, executive editor of The Points Guy.

Galactic Starcruiser opened in March 2022, presenting a premium two-night Star Wars-themed experience with plotlines, costumed characters, unusual food and drinks, lightsaber training and crowd participation. But in May 2023, Disney announced that its final virtual voyages would be taken this September.

The Starcruiser building was built specifically for the project. It stands near the cast member parking lot near Disneys Hollywood Studios theme park, which also hosts Starcruiser guests for an excursion at Star Wars: Galaxys Edge.

In the Points Guy interview, DAmaro appears to roll with the Starcruiser results.

I know not everythings going to work. What did work, though, is we took creativity and storytelling to a completely new level, to a level that had never existed before, he said. It didnt work commercially. And so, when we realized that, you just make a call and move on.

The article also delves into DAmaros thoughts about the affordability of Disney theme parks, politicians, being recognized at the parks, listening to customers and what Walt Disney might think about Star Wars: Galaxys Edge.

Email me at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
Republican lawmakers request postal service data on retailers' shipments from China FILE PHOTO: U.S. Representative Mike Gallagher on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., February 7, 2023.

By Katherine Masters

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Republican leaders of two House committees are requesting United States Postal Service data on retailers' goods shipped from China under an exemption in U.S. trade law that excludes some packages worth $800 or less from tariffs.

The exemption, known as the de minimis rule, has earned growing scrutiny over the last few months from congressional leaders who say it unfairly benefits the China-founded retail companies Shein and its rival Temu, launched by parent PDD Holdings in the United States in September.

Temu did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Shein told Reuters it does not use USPS for its shipments from China to the U.S. and continues to make import compliance "a priority."

Republican representatives Mike Gallagher, chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, and James Comer, who heads the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, sent a letter on Wednesday to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy asking for documents, information, and data related to goods from China shipped into the United States.

The letter, seen by Reuters, also asked specifically for all records and data related to de minimis shipments from fiscal 2021 and 2022.

"Chinese companies can take advantage of the de minimis rule and ship products via commercial shipping companies, as well as the USPS, directly to U.S. consumers without paying duties and fees or subjecting their products to investigation by authorities, the request reads.

Gallaghers select committee released a separate report earlier this week estimating that Shein and Temu accounted for more than 30% of all de minimis shipments sent to the United States.

There are currently two bipartisan bills in Congress that take aim at the e-commerce companies by proposing a ban on e-commerce shipments from China and other non-market economies.

(Reporting by Katherine Masters in New York; Editing by Mark Porter and Matthew Lewis)
Elon Musk, who owns Twitter, Tesla and SpaceX, smiles at the Vivatech fair Friday, June 16, 2023 in Paris. Musk is among a number of GOP super donors who could impact the Republican primary race for president. | Michel Euler, Associated Press

Next years presidential election wont be cheap.

Spending in the 2020 presidential election topped $5.7 billion, according to Federal Election Commission filings reviewed by OpenSecrets, and 2024 is also expected to be pricey.

While small-dollar donors have become an important part of campaign fundraising  including for Republican candidates, who have to raise money from at least 40,000 donors from at least 20 states to make it to the first debate in August under new Republican National Committee rules  megadonors play an outsized role.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in its Citizens United case in 2010 against capping campaign donations from corporations and other outside groups, super political action committees, or super PACs, funded by wealthy donors have poured millions into outside ads.

Already, some of the richest Republican donors have indicated they plan to back someone in the primaries, but not every megadonor is getting in on the action yet. Heres who some of the richest donors in the U.S. are backing in the Republican primary:

Elon Musk

Musk hasnt made an endorsement, but hes engaging with candidates on his app, Twitter. Musk hosted Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Twitters audio feature Spaces for his campaign announcement, and he retweeted Sen. Tim Scotts, R-S.C., campaign announcement video, writing, Great statement. Musk has said hes open to hosting other Spaces events with candidates, including Democrats, and he hosted one with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. earlier this month. Last year, Musk tweeted that he recommended voters back Republicans for Congress because divided government curbs the worst excesses of both parties. Musk is estimated to be worth $233.8 billion, according to Forbes, making him the worlds richest man.

Larry Ellison

Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle, a computer technology company, is going big for Scott. Last year, Ellison gave $30 million to Opportunity Matters Fund, a super PAC that supported Scotts Senate reelection campaign and other Senate Republicans in the midterms. The super PAC has since rebranded as Trust in the Mission PAC, or TIM PAC, and a Republican fundraiser told CNBC that Ellison plans to give double his 2022 amount. Ellison attended Scotts campaign announcement last month and Scott called him one of his mentors. Ellison has backed other Republicans, including Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Florida Sen. Marco Rubios 2016 presidential bid. Ellison is estimated to be worth $148.2 billion, according to Forbes.

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Miriam Adelson

The widow of the late casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, Miriam Adelson is a coveted donor, and she and her husband gave more than half a billion dollars to Republicans over a decade, according to Politico. This time around, however, Adelson is reportedly planning to sit the primaries out. Despite conversations with several candidates  including former President Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former Vice President Mike Pence  Adelson has told candidates she doesnt plan to pick a side in the primaries, two people with direct knowledge of the discussions told Politico. The Adelsons supported former Speaker Newt Gingrich in the 2012 primaries and didnt get involved in the 2016 primaries. Adelson is estimated to be worth $35.3 billion, according to Forbes.

Charles Koch

Americans for Prosperity, a political advocacy group connected to Koch, hasnt picked a favorite but the groups CEO hopes Republicans turn the page. In a memo released in February, Americans for Prosperity CEO Emily Seidel wrote, The Republican Party is nominating bad candidates who are advocating for things that go against core American principles. And the American people are rejecting them. Seidel suggested Democrats were taking advantage of that and wrote, Our country must move past the current political situation  weve got to turn the page on the past several years. The group plans to support a candidate in the Republican presidential primary who can lead our country forward, and who can win, Seidel said. Koch is estimated to be worth $56.9 billion, according to Forbes.

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Robert and Rebekah Mercer

The father-daughter duo, who in the past have donated to Trump, are reportedly hoping for someone else to win the nomination next year. Sources told CNBC the Mercers are distancing themselves from the ex-presidents third White House bid and cutting back their overall campaign fundraising. Rebekah Mercer donated $25,000 last year to Friends of Ron DeSantis, a super PAC supporting DeSantis gubernatorial reelection campaign

Ken Griffin

Griffin, the CEO of the investment firm Citadel, came out in support of DeSantis before he even announced his campaign. Griffin told Politico last year that DeSantis has a tremendous record as governor of Florida, and our country would be well-served by him as president. His only donation to Trump came in the form of $100,000 to his inaugural committee, and Griffin said of Trumps performance as president, he did a lot of things really well and missed the mark on some important areas. He said, for a litany of reasons, I think its time to move on to the next generation. Griffins is estimated to be worth $32.5 billion, according to Forbes.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 28)  The Sandiganbayans Second Division has dismissed the ill-gotten wealth case filed against the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., his wife Imelda, and their alleged associates due to lack of evidence.

In its 45-page decision, the anti-graft court said the prosecution failed to establish enough evidence to prove that the assets and properties in question were ill-gotten.

"A judicious perusal of the evidence on record shows that the plaintiff failed to sufficiently prove the allegations in its amended complaint. In particular, the plaintiff failed to establish that the subject properties were ill-gotten," the court said.

Filed in 1987, Civil Case No. 0014 sought the forfeiture and recovery of certain assets and properties owned by alleged associates of the Marcoses, including Modesto Enriquez, Trinidad Diaz-Enriquez, Rebecco Panlilio, Erlinda Enriquez-Panlilio, Leandro Enriquez, Don Ferry, Roman Cruz Jr., and Gregorio Castillo.

The companies in question were Ternate Development Corp., Monte Sol Development Corporation, Olas del Mar Development Corporation, Fantasia Filipina Resort, Inc., Sulo Dobbs, Inc., Philippine Village, Inc., Silahis International Hotel, Inc., Hotel Properties, Inc., Puerto Azul Beach and Country Club, and Philroad Construction Corporation.

The prosecution said the accused "in unlawful concert and conspiracy with one another, acquired and accumulated with grave abuse of right and power at the expense" of the government.

But in its decision, the anti-graft court said nothing on the face of these documents" presented by the prosecution shows that the Marcoses had any interest or control over the subject corporations."

The testimony of the Presidential Commission on Good Governments (PCGG) records custodian, the prosecution's sole witness, was set aside after the court pointed out that she had no personal knowledge on the accuracy of the documents presented in court.

The court also said that most of the documents presented were mere photocopies of the documents in custody of the PCGG, most of which are barely readable."

The resolution was signed by Associate Justice Arthur Malabaguio and concurred in by Associate Justices Oscar Herrera Jr. and Edgardo Caldona.

In a decision dated Feb. 21, the Sandiganbayans Fifth Division also dismissed a civil case against Marcos and others in relation to the alleged ill-gotten wealth of the dictators family. The case stemmed from alleged reversion, reconveyance, and accounting against Marcos and other respondents.

But in May, the Sandiganbayans Fourth Division denied for lack of merit a motion by members of the Marcos family to reacquire properties and assets earlier deemed as ill-gotten.
(Bloomberg) -- Republican presidential candidates quarreled  and stumbled  over China, with ex-UN Ambassador Nikki Haley taking aim at her former boss Donald Trumps policies toward the worlds second-largest economy and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez committing an embarrassing gaffe.

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Currently polling in fourth place in a GOP field dominated by the ex-president, Haley said Tuesday that Trumps China policy didnt go far enough. Trump was almost singularly focused on the trade relationship with China, while ignoring other geopolitical threats, she said.

He did not put us on a stronger military foothold in Asia. He did not stop the flow of American technology and investment into the Chinese military. He did not effectively rally our allies against the Chinese threat, she said in a speech to the American Enterprise Institute. China was militarily stronger when President Trump left office than when he entered.

Haley called for ending normal trade relations with China. Meanwhile, Suarez, another Republican contender, on Tuesday flashed a poor grasp on issues related to the country.

Asked by conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt on Tuesday whether he would address Chinas human rights record against its Uyghur minority, Suarez responded Whats a Uyghur?

You really need to know about the Uyghurs, Mayor, Hewitt said. Youve got to talk about it every day, OK?

Suarez told Hewitt that he would search the term, saying hes a fast learner. He later tweeted that he is well aware of the suffering of the Uyghurs in China and that he didnt recognize the pronunciation Hewitt used.

China has been accused of widespread human rights abuses against mostly Muslim Uyghurs in the far west region of Xinjiang. The country pushes back against criticism of its policies in the western region as interference in domestic affairs.

Hawkish rhetoric toward the USs relationship with its closest economic rival, China, is a staple within Republican politics. While in the White House, Trump engaged in a trade war with the country, slapping tariffs on many of its goods.

Campaigning in New Hampshire on Tuesday, Trump said he was the only candidate with a record of being tough on China. I alerted people to the dangers of China. Before me nobody knew China was doing numbers on us, he said.

Haleys speech, though, offered perhaps the most specific China policy manifesto of any Republican candidate to date. She proposed bans on Chinese grants to US universities and on lobbying by Chinese companies as well as an end to licensing of technology transfers.

Weve tried sanctions but theyre not working. We must ratchet up the pressure. As president, I will push Congress to revoke permanent normal trade relations until the flow of fentanyl ends, she said. If China wants to start normal trade again, it has to stop killing Americans.

Read More: Trump Bashes Pro-China Biden Even as US Stance Has Hardened

Haley also scolded the Biden administration, saying Secretary of State Antony Blinkens visit to Beijing last week was a gold-plated invitation for more Chinese aggression, not less.

Asked in New Hampshire Tuesday how he would address the rise of Chinas economic and military power, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis called for a Pacific version of NATO to contain Beijing.

They said that if you do most-favored-nation status to China back 20, 25 years ago, put them in the World Trade Organization, China would become wealthier, more Democratic and peaceful and wed all live happily ever after, he said. Well, it didnt quite work out that way.

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Senator Rick Scott posted a video of himself on Tuesday warning socialists and communists not to travel or move to his home state of Florida.

Let me give you a travel warning: if youre a Socialist, Communist, somebody that believes in big government, I would think twice  think twice  if youre thinking about taking a vacation or moving to Florida, Mr Scott said at the start of his 35-second video message.

Mr Scotts travel warning is a play on the travel advisories civil rights groups like the NAACP and the Human Rights Campaign have issued warning immigrants, LGBT+ people, and people of colour to reconsider travel to the state after it passed a number of laws targeting those communities in recent months.

Im warning socialists and communists not to travel to Florida. They are not welcome in the Sunshine State.pic.twitter.com/ZB4RVz6XdK  Rick Scott (@ScottforFlorida) June 27, 2023

Its also not the first time Mr Scott, an ambitious first-term senator and former governor, has used the gimmick of issuing his own advisory to draw attention to himself. The senator also issued a press release last month warning people with left-wing views to stay away from the state.

Were the free state of Florida, Mr Scott continued in his video. We actually dont believe in socialism. We actually know people  some people in our state lived under it, we know people lived under socialism, its not good. Its not good for anybody. So, if youre thinking about it, if youre thinking about coming to Florida and youre a socialist or communist, think twice. We like freedom, liberty, capitalism, things like that.

Mr Scott is reportedly considering running for president, where he would be one of a number of longshot candidates attempting to wrest the nomination away from former president Donald Trump. Along with Mr Trump, two other Floridians are already in the race  Ron DeSantis, Mr Scotts successor as governor, and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez.

Of those candidates, its Mr DeSantis who can claim the most credit for turning Florida into a state that has become a symbol for far right governance. In Mr DeSantiss tenure as governor, the state has moved to severely limit abortion rights, limit free speech in schools, end the states tenure system, limit gender-affirming care, and more.

Mr Scott, a billionaire former hospital executive who unsuccessfully challenged senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky for leadership of the Republican Senate caucus at the start of the current Congress, has reportedly had a strained relationship with Mr DeSantis. He is currently running for re-election to the Senate.
Ron DeSantis; Donald Trump; Rick ScottPhoto illustration by Salon/Getty Images

Conservatives have been screaming about socialists scheming to destroy everything Real Americans hold dear for as long as anyone alive can remember. Going back more than a hundred years to the first Red Scare in 1919, when the government rounded up thousands of socialists, anarchists and communists during the Palmer raids, there have been periodic paroxysms of outrage aimed at this perennial boogeyman.

In the 1920s and 30s, it was evoked to oppose the labor movement and the policies of President Franklin Roosevelt as he tried to bring the country back from the Great Depression. After World War II, anti-Communism became the official foreign policy of both parties and the Republicans began to use it as a cudgel to beat the Democratic Party politically. Throughout the 1940s and 50s, the GOP focused as much on "the enemy within" as America's cold war adversaries. The House UnAmerican Activities Committee "investigated" anyone who had once been associated with the American Communist Party, gradually expanding their probe into anyone they suspected of being insufficiently patriotic or whose political influence they believed was harmful to American culture. Then along came Joseph McCarthy, who waved around supposed lists of names of Soviet spies or "fellow travelers" he said had infiltrated the U.S. government and military. This went on for years and years, ruining the lives of untold numbers of people.

The fever finally broke after more than a decade of non-stop witchhunts and the "communist" accusation fell out of favor even as anti-communism remained very potent politically among hawks of both parties. But the bipartisan consensus broke around the Vietnam War, which finally shook the nation's belief in any existential struggle. Nixon went to China and it was only a few years later that the Berlin Wall came down.

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But none of that stopped the Republicans from hurling the "S" word at every program the Democrats supported, from voting rights to Medicare to affirmative action to tax policy, it was all socialism, socialism, socialism. As historian Kevin Kruse pointed out, they even deployed it against the distribution of the polio vaccine (sound familiar?) and the interstate highway system. Even up through the 1990s you had presidential candidates like Bob Dole of Kansas proclaiming that "public housing is one of the last bastions of socialism in the world."

This was all nonsense.

The Democratic Party was not socialist and neither were its members. There are a few who call themselves Democratic socialists, which in America is really social liberalism or what we think of as progressivism. (Political labels get weedy very quickly.) But that has never stopped Republicans from complaining that Democratic policies are socialistic.

For instance, just last year, when the Democrats were hammering out the details of President Biden's Build Back Better bill, the GOP caterwauled constantly about it. South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham wailed that it was "paving a path to socialism" while Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., whined: "The American people didn't vote for a massive socialist transformation." And this guy couldn't shut up about it:

A $1.75 trillion #BuildBackSocialist plan is just as socialist as a $3.5 trillion one pic.twitter.com/JKSVgdUu9Q  Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) October 28, 2021

Suffice it to say that the old cudgel is still in use.

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A recent Pew Poll surveyed Americans' views on the subject:

Today, 36% of U.S. adults say they view socialism somewhat (30%) or very (6%) positively, down from 42% who viewed the term positively in May 2019. Six-in-ten today say they view socialism negatively, including one-third who view it very negatively. And while a majority of the public (57%) continues to view capitalism favorably, that is 8 percentage points lower than in 2019 (65%), according to a national survey from Pew Research Center conducted Aug. 1-14 among 7,647 adults. Much of the decline in positive views of both socialism and capitalism has been driven by shifts in views among Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents.

Republicans' views haven't changed. They are against socialism and they love capitalism. In theory anyway:

Broadband is vital for the success of our rural communities and for our entire economy.



Great to see Alabama receive crucial funds to boost ongoing broadband efforts. https://t.co/bLvQlSS3LH  Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) June 27, 2023

But with all of this ongoing talk about socialism over the years, Republicans had more or less stopped hurling the "commie" tag at their political adversaries. After all, since the dissolution of the Soviet Union and China's entry into the capitalist marketplace, it makes even less sense than it used to.

Yet it's now suddenly become commonplace.

Im warning socialists and communists not to travel to Florida. They are not welcome in the Sunshine State.pic.twitter.com/ZB4RVz6XdK  Rick Scott (@ScottforFlorida) June 27, 2023

Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene appeared at White Nationalist conventions referring to the "Democrats, who are the Communist Party of the United States of America." South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem wrote an op-ed in which she said, "the idea that Georgia, of all places, could elect two communists to the United States Senate was ridiculous." And then there's Trump, of course, who told his ecstatic followers at a rally in Ohio in 2020:

"The choice in November is going to be very simple. There's never been a time when there's been such a difference. One is probably communism. I don't know. They keep saying socialism. I think they've gone over that one. That one's passed already."

The Guardian's Richard Seymour called this "anti-communism-without-communism" writing:

[E]verything that is perceived as threatening can be compressed into a single, treasonous, diabolical enemy: just different tentacles of the same communist kraken. Rather like a racial stereotype, "communism" figuratively represents systemic crises as something external, a demonic plot.

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"Woke communism": How corporate America became the bogeyman of today's anti-communist crusaders

Trump is a baby boomer who grew up during a time when calling anyone you disagree with a "commie" was common on the right so it's not surprising he would see the utility of using it as a convenient "demonic plot." So naturally he's taking it to new levels during this campaign by proclaiming that we are in "the final battle" as he promises to cast out the communists, Marxists and fascists and liberate America from these "villains." If they are predicting Armageddon the socialist devil is just a little bit too fey to be truly menacing.

But there are more practical, prosaic reasons for this escalation in commie catcalling. The most obvious is that older voters tend to vote Republican and they have a visceral reaction to the "C" word. They react with reflexive hostility and are the most likely to think such a preposterous claim makes sense. The constant references to the "Chinese Communist Party" as the great enemy also hits home with those people. And there is some evidence that Republicans have made some inroads with certain Hispanic and Asian immigrant groups who are deeply hostile to the communist regimes from which they emigrated.

But Trump has a special reason for hitting that note right now. He's facing a trial in Florida and the speech he gave on the evening of his arraignment made clear who the enemy is:

"If the communists get away with this, it won't stop with me. They will not hesitate to ramp up their persecution of Christians, pro-life activists, parents attending school board meetings, and even future Republican candidates. I am the only one that can save this nation."

He is speaking directly to potential jurors in Florida proclaiming that his indictment is the result of a communist conspiracy. According to Politico, "Harvard professor Steven Levitsky argues, for many Americans, Trump's anti-communist rhetoric 'just sounds silly But (for) people who are either descendants of Cuban exiles or actual Venezuelan exiles  that actually struck some chord.'"

Silly isn't the word I'd use but it will suffice. I'd expect to hear a whole lot more commie talk before this is through.

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about conservatives' obsession with communism
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. convened a panel of health misinformation superstars on Tuesday evening for a roundtable discussion that suggested his medical conspiracism will be a key component of his 2024 presidential run. During the unfiltered conversation, he falsely suggested that millions of deaths in the Great Influenza (or Spanish flu) epidemic of 1918 could be attributed to vaccine experiments.

The long-shot candidate  known for promoting the debunked link between vaccines and autism, and opposing Covid-19 vaccination efforts  was joined in conversation by four doctors as well as several influencers and alternative medicine promoters, all of whom have gained notoriety for false claims about the dangers of vaccination. The live event aired on Rumble, a video streaming site favored by far-right extremists and conspiracy theorists, particularly those who have been banned by other platforms.

During the discussion, Kennedy made several unfounded claims regarding the origins of infectious diseases and their relationships to vaccines. At one point, he baselessly asserted that vaccine research had been responsible for the creation of some of the deadliest diseases in human history, including HIV, the Spanish flu, and Lyme disease.

I will end all gain-of-function research [as president], Kennedy said. Its just a disaster, its given us no benefits. Its given us everything from Lyme disease to Covid, and many many other diseases. RSV, which is now one of the biggest killers of children, came out of a vaccine lab.

We can go down the whole list of diseases, he added. Theres even good evidence that even Spanish flu came from vaccine research.

Kennedy then claimed that the medical research on these diseases and vaccine research has actually created some of the worst plagues in our history. Anybody who reads The River will come away pretty much convinced that HIV also came from a vaccine program, theres plenty of evidence on that as well.

Kennedy has previously claimed, without evidence, that AIDS was not caused by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) but a gay lifestyle and the use of alkyl nitrites, or poppers. His 2021 book The Real Anthony Fauci included similar AIDS denialism  including the falsehood that the disease is not caused by HIV  views that he repeated this month on Joe Rogans podcast, which commands an audience of millions.

RFK Jr. baselessly claims there's "good evidence" that "vaccine research" is the cause of diseases like HIV, RSV, Lyme disease, and even the Spanish flu pic.twitter.com/iPRpxrm8M6  nikki mccann ramirez (@NikkiMcR) June 27, 2023

I do not believe that infectious disease is an enormous threat to human health, Kennedy added. The presidential hopeful stated that if he assumed office, he would target medical journals and redirect funding grants away from epidemiology.

Further along in the discussion, Kennedy discussed his proposal for a corporate death penalty to be leveled against companies found to be defrauding the public. He suggested that some institutes associated with promoting vaccines could be subjected to it.

RFK Jr. suggests that some institutes "associated with promoting vaccines" be subjected to a "corporate death penalty." pic.twitter.com/FpjEchC3ZL  nikki mccann ramirez (@NikkiMcR) June 28, 2023

Kennedy and three of Tuesdays roundtable guests  Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, Dr. Joseph Mercola, and Sayer Yi  were named as members of the Disinformation Dozen by the Center for Countering Digital Hate in 2020. After analyzing a sample of anti-vaccine content shared or posted on Facebook or Twitter a total of 812,000 times in early 2021, researchers at the organization found that 65 percent of it could be traced back to this small group.

Tenpenny and Mercola are both osteopathic physicians. Tenpenny has claimed that the Covid-19 vaccine makes people magnetic and may connect them to 5G towers. Suspended from Twitter in 2021, she was reinstated under Elon Musk. Shes also under investigation for unspecified reasons by the State Medical Board of Ohio as of October 2022, and may lose her license simply for failing to cooperate with the probe. Mercola, a kingpin of natural health products who was boosted by Dr. Oz, has peddled quack cures for Covid, earning a warning from the FDA in 2021. He has also claimed the Covid jab will alter your genetic coding, turning you into a viral protein factory that has no off-switch, and platformed medical conspiracists who claim that HIV does not cause AIDS.

Also questioning Kennedy was Sayer Yi, whose alternative medicine website was banned from Twitter and Instagram in 2020. Ji has promoted the baseless link between vaccines and autism and falsely claimed the Pfizer vaccine killed more people than Covid itself. Mikki Willis, producer of the 2020 film Plandemic  one of the most notorious pieces of anti-vaccine propaganda made in response to the Covid pandemic  interrogated Kennedy on his beliefs around climate change. Plandemic 3, a sequel to Willis original film, argued that the HIV antiviral treatment drug AZT was actually responsible for the AIDS epidemic of the Eighties and Nineties.

Kennedys conspiratorial views on vaccines long predate those stemming from the Covid pandemic. In 2005, he published the article Deadly Immunity, which falsely claimed a link between childhood vaccines and autism, in Rolling Stone. Following repeated debunkings of the claim by members of the scientific community, Rolling Stone retracted the article in 2011.

But scientific advancement has not deterred Kennedy from his position. In 2014, Kennedy published the book Thimerosal: Let the Science Speak: The Evidence Supporting the Immediate Removal of Mercurya Known Neurotoxinfrom Vaccines, which claimed certain ingredients used in vaccine preservation were toxic. No evidence has been found to substantiate his assertions.

In recent years, Kennedys stance has only grown more radical. Last January, he compared vaccination requirements to the plight of the Jewish people in Nazi Germany. In January of this year, he joined a lawsuit with several other vaccine conspiracy theorists, alleging that the labeling of their claims by journalistic publications as misinformation constitutes a violation of antitrust laws.

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A Rhode Island state senator was arrested in Cranston last week for allegedly keying a car with a Biden sucks bumper sticker, local police said in a statement.

State Sen Joshua Miller, a Democrat who has served in the state senate for nearly two decades, was captured on surveillance footage allegedly keying the vehicle in the parking lot of the Garden City Center. According to the police statement, the vehicles passenger said he heard a scratching noise and saw Miller with his keys in his hands while walking back to their car.

When police caught up with Mr Miller several hours after the incident, he denied keying the car and he believed the vehicle owner was a conservative activist who had been stalking him at the statehouse for his role in promoting gun safety legislation. Mr Miller in February sponsored a bill to ban the purchase, sale, and transfer of assault weapons in the state.

State Senator Joshua Miller speaking with police (Cranston Police Department)

Is this maniac who yelled at me in the car next to me? Mr Miller asked the police officer who detained him in a body camera footage released by the Cranston Police Department.

Mr Miller then offered his explanation of events, telling the officer that the vehicle owner called out his name.

He was blocking my way, saying that I scratched his car, I didnt scratch his car, Mr Miller said. Im a state senator, I think he recognized me. I think hes one of the gun nuts.

Mr Miller then told the officer that Colonel Michael Winquist was aware that he has been stalked in recent months by people opposed to his political activities.

In a statement on the incident, however, the Cranston Police Department wrote that Mr Miller never reported any threats to Colonel Winquist or any member of the Cranston Police Department.

After police officers viewed the surveillance footage, Mr Miller was arrested for vandalism/malicious injury to property and charged with a misdemeanor. When questioned again, the police statement said, Mr Miller said the vehicle owner was daring me to key the car. He was later arraigned and released on a $1,000 bond. He is due back in court on July 18 for a rearraignment.

Nobody is above the law, including those who make and enforce the laws, Mr Winquist said in a statement. The Officers who handled this investigation did so with fairness, integrity, and without preferential treatment. I would expect no less from the fine men and women of the Cranston Police Department.

The Independent has reached out to Mr Millers office for comment.
PROVIDENCE  U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith, who shepherded through significant charges during his tenure leading the federal district court in Rhode Island has notified President Joe Biden that he will be assuming senior status Jan. 1, 2025, opening coveted seat on the federal bench.

Nominated by President George W. Bush in 2002, to the seat vacated by the Judge Ronald R. Lagueux, and received his commission on Nov. 15, 2002. Smith was confirmed by the U.S. Senate that November.

Smith served as chief judge of the court from 2013 before handing over the reins to U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr., in 2019.

On his watch, the court ushered in significant and lasting changes. It established a re-entry program known as H.O.P.E. (Helping Offenders Prepare for reEntry) court for offenders on post-conviction supervision that strives to assist them in their reintegration to society. It is overseen by Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan. The court also created the Deferred Sentencing Program, a post-guilty-plea program that provides treatment, supervision and services in lieu of imprisonment, with an aim toward rehabilitation.

He worked, too, to cultivate a relationship between the court and the news media. He allowed reporters for the first time to bring cellphones or other electronic devices into the courtroom so reporters could provide real-time coverage of court action via Twitter or other social media. The court, too, launched its own Twitter feed.

McConnell thanked Smith for his dedication and service to Rhode Island and the judiciary on behalf of the court.

His pronounced focus on innovation and fairness is woven into the fabric of this district. His leadership and temperament are second to none and he has made the practice before this court an enjoyable and rewarding experience for members of the bar, McConnell said in a statement. We are grateful he will continue to serve the district as a senior judge, and personally I am honored to be his colleague and friend.

Smith will continue to render substantial judicial service as a senior judge, according to a news release. In addition to maintaining a docket of civil cases, he will stay actively involved in settlement work, and sit by designation in other districts and circuits as needed.

'Son of Providence': Judge Selya honored with street naming

When will another judge be appointed?

Smiths decision to take senior status creates the opportunity for the appointment of an additional United States District Judge for the District of Rhode Island. In addition to Smith and McConnell, the court is comprised of Judge Mary S. McElroy, and U.S. Magistrate Judges Lincoln D. Almond, and Patricia A. Sullivan.

Carl Tobias, a professor at the University of Richmond School of Law, observed that "timing will be critical, as it will be more difficult to fill the vacancy the longer it is open, especially in 2024."

"There is time to nominate and confirm someone this year, as rather few nominees are presently awaiting hearings," he said.

Tobias credited U.S. Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse as "savvy veterans, who will be attuned to the calendar."

He emphasized that the White House has stressed diversity in terms of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, experience and ideology. New 1st U.S. Circuit Court Appeals Judge Lara E. Montecalvo is a classic example, he said.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI federal Judge Smith to take senior status, opening coveted seat
@250celeste Twitter via Reuters

Unrest broke out in a Paris suburb on Tuesday night after a 17-year-old was shot dead by police during a traffic stop, with protesters setting fire to vehicles and allegedly launching fireworks toward riot officers.

The prosecutors office in Nanterre, west of the French capital, said the police officer had been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in the wake of the shooting. The teenager, named only as Nahel M, died from his injuries in the suburb, the prosecutors office said in a statement.

Fiery Protests Erupt Across Paris as Macron Tries to Force Pension Changes

Another passenger in the car was also detained before being released soon after, with authorities on Wednesday still looking for another passenger they say fled the scene on foot. In a statement, the Nahels lawyers denied an allegation reportedly made by police in a statement that officers lives had been at risk because the driver had threatened to run them over.

The attorneys also highlighted a video purportedly showing the shooting. The footage shows two officers leaning into the drivers side of a yellow car stopped in the road. One of the police appears to be pointing a firearm at the driver. The car then starts to drive away, at which point one of the officers fires a single shot. The clip then later shows the yellow car with its doors open after crashing into a post.

The AFP news agency also reported that one person in the video can be heard shouting, Youre going to be shot in the head, but its not clear who was speaking. Local reports say the boy died from gunshot wounds to the chest despite receiving aid from emergency services.

Locals in Nanterre staged a protest outside the police headquarters, according to the Associated Press. Local media broadcast intense footage as the demonstrations later became violent, with some groups launching fireworks and setting fire to barricades and dumpsters. Riot police fired tear gas and dispersion grenades at some protesters in an attempt to break up the protests, according to reports.

We have an adolescent that was killed, it is unexplainable and inexcusable, French President Emmanuel Macron told reporters on Wednesday in a rare open criticism of law enforcement actions. Nothing justifies the death of a young man, he added, according to Reuters.

Gerald Darmanin, the French interior minister, announced that 2,000 police and gendarmes will be mobilized throughout the suburbs of Paris to maintain order on Wednesday night. He said 31 people had been arrested in the first clashes while 24 law enforcement personnel were slightly injured, with an estimated 40 cars set ablaze.

The deadly incident on Tuesday was the second fatal police shooting in France so far this year, down from a record 13 in 2022.

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Rock Hill juvenile charged in Instagram murder case must remain in jail, judge says

Citing concerns for community safety, a judge has ruled that a Rock Hill juvenile will remain in jail. The juvenile is one of four teens charged with murder in a mans death linked to discipline over use of Instagram.

York County Family Court Judge David Guyton said in a detention hearing Tuesday that the teen will remain in custody to protect the public because of the seriousness of the charges. The judge also pointed to the teens involvement in around 10 incidents of violence while in jail since being arrested in November.

Teens accused of plotting Rock Hill, SC, mans death over use of Instagram

Prosecutors are seeking to try the juvenile and the three other co-defendants as adults in the November 2022 killing of Larry Ingram Jr. at a Rock Hill apartment complex.

Prosecutors seek teens to be tried as adults in Rock Hill killing over Instagram use

The 14-year-old at Tuesdays detention hearing has been jailed at the S.C. Department of Juvenile Justice since the killing. The teen allegedly had a shank-like weapon in his room, assaulted an officer, and was involved in several fights where other teens were kicked, punched and stomped, Guyton said in court.

Two incidents at the juvenile jail where the teen is housed were described by Guyton as riots where outside police rapid response teams had to be called to quell the violence.

The citizens of this county need to be protected, Guyton said Tuesday. There is a record of violent conduct. This involves the safety of others and the community.

The Herald is not naming the suspect who was in court Tuesday, nor any of the suspects, because of their ages and Family Court judges orders not to identify them.

The Herald also is not describing the relationship between the victim and suspects.

The alleged crime

Rock Hill police and York County prosecutors have said Ingram, 38, took away laptop computers used by the teenagers on Nov. 14, 2022. The suspects then schemed to kill Ingram later in the day because they were unhappy with the discipline, police have testified. Ingram was lured into a hallway at his apartment and fatally shot, police and prosecutors allege.

SC teens accused of death over Instagram access. Can social media influence actions?

The weapon allegedly used in the shooting was improperly taken by one of the suspects from an adult relative, police previously testified in court.

Three of the four teen defendants were age 14 at the time of the incident, and the fourth was age 15, officials said after all four were arrested.

Detention hearing in court

All four teens have been in DJJ custody since their arrests. Only one was in court Tuesday for a detention hearing.

At Tuesdays court hearing, 16th Circuit Senior Assistant Solicitor Whitney Payne and S.C. DJJ officials both asked Judge Guyton to keep the teen in custody.

The DJJ reports of fights since the teen has been in custody give prosecutors cause for great concern over public safety if the teen were to be released before trial, Payne said.

The teens lawyer, Twana Burris-Alcide, argued in court the teen also had been a victim of incidents at the DJJ jail since arrest.

The teen has received threat letters to keep silent since being jailed, Burris-Alcide said.

The teen also has cooperated with police during the investigation and later provided important information after initially not being forthcoming, Burris-Alcide said.

He cooperated and his statements were corroborated, Burris-Alcide said.

What happens now?

The teens have not yet had a trial.

DJJ and court officials are assessing each juvenile concerning the effort by prosecutors to try them as adults. The process can take several months, officials have said.

If the teens face trial as juveniles, punishment for any conviction would end at age 21.

If prosecutors are successful in getting a Family Court judge to allow the teens to face trial as adults, any conviction for murder could carry a minimum of 30 years in prison. All four teens also are charged with felony conspiracy in the alleged murder plot.

Lawyers for the teens are expected to fight prosecutors attempts to have the case moved to adult court.

No date has been set for Family Court hearings concerning whether the teens face juvenile or adult trials.
Ron DeSantis finally gets some good news thanks to a new Wisconsin poll

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Scott Eisen/Getty Images

Ron DeSantis got some good news thanks to a new poll of Wisconsin Republicans.

According to the Marquette University Law School Poll, DeSantis is in a dead heat with Trump.

Still: it's just one poll, and we'll want to see a pattern before getting too bullish on DeSantis' prospects.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis received some good news from a poll on Wednesday, with a Marquette University Law School Poll finding DeSantis and Trump are in a statistical dead heat among Wisconsin Republicans.

The finding is a strong showing for the Florida governor in a state that will be critical in the 2024 general election, but the fact this is even slightly newsworthy underlines how disastrous DeSantis' campaign has been thus far.

The poll surveyed 913 Wisconsin registered voters, including 419 Republicans and independents who lean Republican.

The poll found that among those Republicans and independents who lean Republicans in the state, Trump is at 31%, and DeSantis is at 30%. Given the poll's margin of error among Republicans of 6.5 percentage points, that puts the two in a statistical dead heat.

The even better news for DeSantis? The Florida governor has staked his campaign on the notion that he is more electable in a general election than Trump. In the early general election polling from Marquette, he's closer to President Joe Biden than Trump is: as of now, Biden holds a 2-percentage point lead over DeSantis, while the president has a 9-point lead over Trump in a hypothetical rematch in the state.

As for the rest of the 2024 GOP primary race, a chunk of Republicans (21%) have yet to decide whom they will support. As for the rest of the field, Vice President Mike Pence is at 6%, and Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina is at 5%. Former UN Ambassador Nikkie Haley and conservative entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy are tied at 3%. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was the only other candidate to register support at 1%.

The good news for DeSantis comes after a series of struggles for Trump's best-positioned challenger.

Before he entered the field, Trump successfully garnered more endorsements from Florida's GOP delegation in Congress. DeSantis' announcement was a bit of a mess. He has angered a key GOP group in New Hampshire, a headache that comes as his polling in the state grows worse there even as he stumps around more often. DeSantis' slipping has caught the attention of other hopefuls who aren't yet even in the expanding field, including Sen. Rick Scott, who would be the fourth Floridian to run for the Republican nomination.

Worst of all for DeSantis, Trump has maintained his gigantic lead in national polling even after becoming the first former president to be criminally indicted.

The Marquette University Law School Poll was conducted from June 8-13, 2023. The 913 respondents were a mix of 715 respondents selected from the Wisconsin voter registration list and 198 selected from the SSRS Opinion Panel. The overall margin of error is +/-4.3 percentage points. The Republican subsample margin of error is +/-6.5 percentage points.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Reuters/Getty

When Ron DeSantis took a trip to the Texas-Mexico border on Monday, his campaign had the good sense to take and promote a photo of the Florida governor in front of a helicopter for an image ready-made for a political ad.

But that photoand the accompanying tweetmay end up costing DeSantis much more than he bargained for.

Thats because the helicopter DeSantis posed in front of is property of the Texas Department of Public Safety, according to Federal Aviation Administration records. And experts say his use of Texas government resources for his own political purposes appears to constitute a campaign finance violation.

His trip to the border is now raising legal questions about who paid for the junket and why the campaign was granted access to Texas government property to promote a political event in the first place.

The questions notably apply on the Texas side as well, where state law bans the use of public resources in support of candidates for political office.

During the trip, DeSantis was given an aerial tour of the border, matching public flight records for that same helicopter. (An NBC News correspondent covering the trip also took a helicopter tour, which his video shows was piloted by a Texas law enforcement agent.)

DeSantis was also given a boat ride between the banks of the Rio Grande, where he observed migrants attempting to cross the river being blocked by TX after crossing, according to Fox News Bill Melugin, who accompanied the Florida arch-conservative for both the aerial and riparian tours.

After the border tour, DeSantis gave a lengthy campaign speech detailing his immigration platform, where he was introduced by House Freedom Caucus member Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), who has already endorsed DeSantis.

USA-ELECTION/DESANTIS REUTERS/Kaylee Greenlee Beal

The speech was clearly a campaign event, with the Florida governor standing in front of a banner that implored the audience to text FREEDOM to a campaign number to receive political updates on DeSantis.

Its not immediately clear how or whether the campaign compensated the Texas government for the vehicles, man hours, operational costs, or other expenses associated with DeSantis border tour. Questions sent to Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts office, the Texas DPS, and the DeSantis campaign went unanswered.

But legal experts expressed concern about the funding.

Saurav Ghosh, director of federal campaign finance reform at the Campaign Legal Center, told The Daily Beast that if DeSantis used taxpayer resources to advance his candidacy, then his campaign has to reimburse the state of Texas for the cost, or else hes received an unreported and likely excessive in-kind contribution.

If he misuses public resources to run for president, its an abuse of his position and a likely violation of federal campaign finance laws, Ghosh said, noting that the immigration policy announcement was a major moment for the campaign.

Jordan Libowitz, communications director for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, agreed with Ghosh, noting that state or federal resources should not be used to help a candidate for partisan political office.

DeSantis Wants to End Birthright Citizenship for Undocumented Immigrants

Libowitz added that even if the campaign reimbursed the Texas government, that alone would still not explain how his campaign got access to a state vehicle.

Those decisions to give DeSantis a tour of the border for political purposes would also appear to be a wild departure from any previous campaign.

A review of Federal Election Commission filings shows that federal political committees have made only four payments to Texas DPSthe agency responsible for statewide law enforcementthe largest of which was $10.00 in 2014. No federal committee appears to have paid the state of Texas for event or fundraising services in any recent election, according to an analysis of all FEC disbursements reported to Texas entities in amounts of $1,000 or more for the last five election cycles.

While DeSantis could theoretically duck repercussions by simply reimbursing the state of Texas, the arrangement is much harder to clear up on the Texas side, where state law restricts the use of public resources for political activity.

Those statutes bar any state agency from using any money under its control, including appropriated money, to fund or otherwise support a candidate for state or federal office. The ban on political activity includes the direct or indirect employment of state workers or officials, specifying that those employees may not use a state-owned or state-leased motor vehicle for such purposeswhich would seem to include the candidates use of the DPS helicopter.

Texas law also prohibits state employees from using their authority or influence in campaign activityand it bans the use of a program administered by the state agency of which the person is an officer or employee to affect an election or to achieve any other political purpose.

DeSantis and his allies in the Texas state government can claim the border trip was official business, but his campaigns decision to post a photo of the Florida governor on Twitter from a campaign account make that argument harder. As does holding a political speech, where DeSantis railed against the border policies of President Joe Biden and GOP frontrunner Donald Trump. (DeSantis campaign also promoted his speech with a video decrying the invasion of undocumented immigrants.)

9 AM CT | 06.26.2023



Stop the invasion. No excuses. pic.twitter.com/Z8Dlaoglbz  Team DeSantis (@TeamDeSantis) June 25, 2023

While the ultimate funding of the junket is still unclear, records suggest that the border trip was campaign-specific and not connected to DeSantis official capacity as governor.

The governors office reported no scheduled events that day, according to a Monday press release. And flight records show that DeSantis appears to have traveled to Texas from Tallahassee on a chartered plane, as opposed to traveling by a donors private jet or a state-owned planemodes of transportation DeSantis has tapped in the past.

DeSantis has previously taken chartered planes on official state business, including a trip circumnavigating the globe earlier this year, as Politico reported. That flight was bankrolled by an opaque public-private Florida entity that reaps significant funding from private donations, according to Politico. And the Florida legislature quickly took steps to block the public from knowing key details about DeSantis travel, including whos paying.

In May, The New York Times reported that DeSantis often tapped wealthy donors to ferry him around the country as he conspicuously ramped up his national profile. Several donors were known DeSantis supporters, some with business interests involving the Florida government. Other backers, however, kept their names hidden behind a new nonprofit that hosted events on his book tour, which doubled as a shadow campaign ahead of his glitch-rich official announcement last month. Earlier this month, The Washington Post reported that a wealthy donor and Miami developer had also provided flights for DeSantis, as well as for his wife, Casey DeSantis.

With this most recent case, however, the Texas tag-team evokes another scandal.

Last year, DeSantiswho last month deployed Florida National Guard troops to the Texas borderdrew widespread condemnation when he flew a group of migrants out of Texas only to deplane them in Marthas Vineyard, the Massachusetts island community fabled as a haven for wealthy liberals. According to reports at the time, the Florida state government collaborated with a third-party vendor to transport the asylum-seekers.

Earlier this month, the Bexar County sheriff in Texas recommended criminal charges in connection to that stunt, which had already invited multiple lawsuits from the Venezuelan migrants, in addition to prompting a Treasury Department investigation.

On June 5, the Baxter County sheriff filed multiple charges of unlawful restraint with the local district attorneys office, including felony counts, though the targets of those charges have not been revealed.

That same day, the Florida government left another group of migrants in Sacramento after they boarded a state-chartered jet in Texas. A spokesperson for the Florida agency behind the California operation claimed that the flights were voluntary.

Either way, DeSantis use of Texas resources for his campaign is just the latest example of the Florida governor stretching good government rules for his political benefit.

DeSantis currently faces a lawsuit over his use of Florida money to transport migrants around the country. Hes targeted Floridas notoriously strong sunshine laws to make it easier to sue the media for defamation, and the executive director of the Florida Center for Government Accountability, Barbara Petersen, told The Guardian it would be virtually impossible to hold this governor accountable without access to his travel records.

Additionally, DeSantis faces a complaint from Campaign Legal Center over the transfer of $80 million from a state PAC to his federal PAC, Never Back Down, while also drawing criticism that DeSantis administration officials reportedly pressured lobbyists into giving donations.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 28)  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. joined the Muslim community in observing Eid'l Adha, or the Feast of the Sacrifice, encouraging all Filipinos to accept diversity for a more prosperous and harmonious society.

In a statement, Marcos greeted Muslim Filipinos here and abroad on Wednesday as he acknowledged their contribution to weav[ing] our rich tapestry and diversity.

Let their devotion to these beliefs shine above all throughout the festivities and further strengthen the bond among our families, friends, and communities, the president said.

For it is only when we openly and willingly embrace each others differences that we will be able to build a more prosperous and harmonious society for all, he added.

Marcos also said that the Muslim communitys warmth and kindness would serve as a bedrock as the Philippines moves toward a post-pandemic world.

Let us all be reminded of the importance of sacrifice and selflessness that mirror the essence of this occasion so that we can join hands with our Muslim brothers and sisters from all over the world in the spirit of peace, unity, and mutual respect, he said.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.  Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a surprise veto Tuesday, rejecting a popular criminal justice reform bill that had received overwhelming bipartisan support in the state Legislature.

The move amplified his efforts to move to the right of former President Donald Trump on a range of issues, including on crime prevention.

Criminal justice has become a hot topic in the 2024 presidential campaign in recent weeks. Last month, DeSantis told conservative pundit Ben Shapiro that, if elected to the White House, he would try to repeal Trump's First Step Act, a law aimed at lowering recidivism rates.

DeSantis campaign has also tried to spotlight his hard-line approach to fighting crime by taking a trip to San Francisco to show the Democratic strongholds struggles, and this week, he said he would use deadly force against suspected drug traffickers trying to break through barriers at the southern border.

DeSantis voted for an early version of the First Step Act as a member of Congress, but during his time as governor and now a presidential candidate, he has honed a message much more in line with hard-line conservatives who have generally opposed policies that could be perceived as soft on crime.

The latest example came Tuesday night when he vetoed legislation that would allow adults to expunge their criminal record  even if they previously had their record expunged as a minor  which is not allowed under current Florida law. The proposal, HB 605, would open up the opportunity only to people who had charges dropped, were found not guilty or were arrested but not ultimately charged.

The bill was sponsored in the Florida House by Republican state Rep. David Smith, who has endorsed DeSantis presidential bid. Smith said he was disappointed by the governor's move.

I was not provided any reason for the veto," Smith told NBC News. "However, his senior staff has expressed to me a willingness to work on the bill language before the 2024 legislative session with the expectation it could be signed into law next year.

He said he is not reconsidering his presidential endorsement of DeSantis because of the veto, even though its the second time he has had a criminal justice reform bill vetoed by the governor. The other was a 2021 bill that proposed allowing the expungement of juvenile criminal records for those who went through a diversion program.

One year later, DeSantis signed a version of the bill that did not include "forcible felonies."

Criminal justice groups who supported the bill that was vetoed Tuesday were surprised because it had passed with unanimous support in the Florida Senate, and only two no votes in the House.

Expungement is not a soft on crime policy, said Christian Minor, a Florida lobbyist who was directly involved in advocating for the bills passage. It would have afforded Floridians never convicted of a crime the opportunity to expunge their records and go on to lead a life of success and become tax-paying citizens.

In a departure from the norm, DeSantis did not offer any explanation in his veto message Tuesday night. His office did not respond to a request seeking comment.

Some of the governors advisers, however, said the move was consistent with the message he wants to send as a tough-on-crime presidential candidate.

Gov. DeSantis has always been a law and order leader. While well-intentioned, he seems worried about the ratification of a more lenient view on criminal records, one adviser familiar with his thinking said.

"The California and Soros prosecutors view is not what he wants for Florida," the person added, referring to the liberal billionaire George Soros, who has been backing progressive prosecutors in elections all over the country.

Another DeSantis supporter said signing the bill into law could have sent mixed signals and opened him up to criticism since hes been vocally against Trumps First Step Act.

In May, DeSantis signed legislation allowing for the death penalty for child rapists, a move that was part of a larger criminal justice reform package passed by GOP lawmakers at his urging. It also lowered the number of jurors needed to recommend the death penalty, from 12 to eight.

As a 2024 presidential candidate, Trump has had something of an uncomfortable relationship with the reforms he implemented while in office.

In an interview last week, Fox News' Bret Baier brought up the First Step Act. The former president pointed, as he has in the past, to a woman named Alice Johnson. As president, Trump granted her clemency and early release from prison after she was convicted of a nonviolent drug crime.

Baier pressed Trump on the fact that Johnson could be killed under a proposal he has now put forward to make drug dealers eligible for the death penalty.

Trump seemed confused about the details of his current plan and then concluded simply that Johnson "would not have done" that crime because extending the death penalty to drug dealers would be a deterrent.

A Trump spokesman did not immediately return a request for comment.

Former Florida state Sen. Jeff Brandes, a Republican who focused much of his efforts on prison reform while in the Legislature, said Florida-based criminal justice reformers have struggled to see eye to eye with DeSantis for years.

The criminal justice community struggled to find hope, but persevered because this issue affects their friends, family and loved ones, he said. Florida continues to have more than 12,000 pending clemency cases, the National Guard still patrols our understaffed prisons, and Florida has still yet to adopt policies that reduce inmate idleness or provide second chances.

We pray daily that God will soften his heart, and show him that justice must be tempered by mercy, he added of DeSantis.

Jenna Bottler, president and executive director of the Justice Action Network, the nations largest group working on bipartisan criminal justice reform, says that since he announced his presidential bid, she has seen a change in DeSantis, who previously had signed some policies she supported.

Before launching his presidential campaign, Gov. Ron DeSantis and overwhelming bipartisan majorities of the Florida Legislature were aligned with the Republican Party and red states across the country: They saw a criminal justice system failing to efficiently protect public safety, all while failing to wisely use taxpayer dollars, she said.

Unfortunately, just in the last few weeks, we have seen rhetoric out of the campaign that is out of step with Republican voters and Gov. DeSantis own track record on these issues, she added.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
As he continues his bid for the White House, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) hopes to postpone a trial in Disneys civil lawsuit against him until well after the 2024 presidential election, according to court documents filed Tuesday.

Disney sued back in April over allegations that the hard-right governor retaliated against the company  one of his states largest employers  over its political stances.

This week, Disneys lawyers proposed a timeline to start the trial on July 15, 2024, estimating it would last 10 days.

DeSantis side argued for delaying the trials start to Aug. 4, 2025.

The governor is currently battling former President Donald Trump for the Republican presidential nomination, positioning himself even further to the right on issues like immigration and LGBTQ+ rights  although polls show that prospective voters still prefer Trump.

If the court sides with Disney, the trial would align with the 2024 Republican National Convention, certainly providing a distraction if DeSantis were to cinch the nomination.

The companys lawyers argued in court documents that delaying the trial would hurt its business, as the lawsuit is meant to address ongoing retaliation (emphasis theirs).

Disney alleges that DeSantis engaged in actions that were patently retaliatory, patently anti-business, and patently unconstitutional after the company came down against DeSantis Dont Say Gay law. The measure prohibited discussion of gender identity and sexual orientation in classrooms with the youngest students, and DeSantis expanded it to include older grade levels last month.

DeSantis attempted to seize control of Disneys self-governing district in February. While he appointed his own hand-selected board members to oversee the district, the company thwarted him by stripping the board of much of its powers.

Related...
Roseanne Barr has been strongly condemned for her recent comments regarding Jewish people and the Holocaust.

This week, a clip of the 70-year-old actor and comedian on the This Past Weekend podcast went viral, as she used the Holocaust and Jewish people to make a point about political propaganda.

Barr, who is Jewish, made the inflammatory comments after claiming that there are mandates in place that define what is considered an unquestionable truth.

While doing this, she used the example of Joe Bidens presidency as a truth that a person could get kicked off of YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and all the other ones for questioning. (Barr supported Donald Trumps presidential campaign in 2016.)

There's such a thing as the truth and facts, and we have to stick to it, she said, to which host Theo Von replied: It's scary.

And that is the truth, Barr continued. And nobody died in the Holocaust, either. That's the truth. It should happen. Six million Jews should die right now because they cause all the problems in the world. But it never happened.

Though released on 14 June, the podcast clip has picked up online this week, with many taking offence to the comics words.

Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish organisation specialising in civil rights law, expressed his disdain in a statement.

Sarcasm or not, Roseanne Barrs comments about Jews and the Holocaust are reprehensible and irresponsible. This isnt funny, he wrote.

And shame on Theo Von for letting it go unchallenged and instead diving into conspiracy theories about Jews and Hollywood.

Roseanne Barr (Getty Images for SiriusXM)

In defence of his podcast guest, Von posted a four-minute clip of their conversation and claimed that her comments werent meant to be taken literally.

Here is the full clip of Roseanne Barr obviously using sarcasm and satire, he wrote. She is a mensch [a Yiddish term for a person of integrity and morality] and one of the funniest people Ive ever met.

Here is the full clip of Roseanne Barr obviously using sarcasm and satire. She is a mensch and one of the funniest people i've ever met. pic.twitter.com/p0K6pWEqr8  Theo Von (@TheoVon) June 27, 2023

The Independent has reached out to a representative of Roseanne Barr for comment.

Barr has become known to make controversial remarks in recent years.

Notably, the reboot of her hit Nineties sitcom, Roseanne, was cancelled in 2018 after she sent a racist tweet comparing one of Barack Obamas aides, Valerie Jarrett, to a character from Planet of the Apes.
Rudy Giuliani, Donald Trumps former attorney, was questioned by investigators with the Justice Department special counsels office over his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in battleground states.

A spokesperson for Mr Giuliani confirmed the meeting with the special counsel, saying it was voluntary.

"The appearance was entirely voluntary and conducted in a professional manner," Ted Goodman said in a statement to Associated Press.

The meeting with the grand jury and Mr Giulianis attorney Robert Costello happened in recent weeks, sources familiar with the meeting said.

The sources declined to reveal what questions were asked by the investigators during the meeting.

The interview of Mr Giuliani with special counsel was first reported by CNN.

Some of the questions by federal investigators to Mr Giuliani centred around top Trump lawyers actions, including himself, during the elections and questions about baseless claims of voter fraud, sources familiar with the meeting told CNN.

Prosecutors in the investigation led by special counsel Jack Smith have not yet announced any charges related to efforts aimed at impeding the certification of the 2020 presidential election, suggested sources familiar with the case.

However, prosecutors are approaching their charges in the near future, they said.

It comes as Mr Smith is leading efforts to scrutinize Mr Trump and his allies efforts to overturn the result of the elections in weeks leading up to 6 January 2021 Capitol riots by supporters of the former president.

He filed a separate case earlier this month charging Mr Trump with illegally retaining classified documents at his Florida home, Mar-a-Lago.

Mr Giuliani, who pushed bogus legal challenges to the victory of Joe Biden in elections as a part of Mr Trumps legal team, became a key figure in investigations for his efforts.

The former presidents legal team filed lawsuits in battleground states raising unsubstantiated claims of vast election fraud even though officials, including Mr Trumps own attorney general, William Barr, said no such pervasive problems existed.

Last year, he underwent interviews with both a House committee investigating the events leading up to the January 6 attack and prosecutors in Fulton County, Georgia. The investigations in question were focused on efforts to undermine the election in that particular state.

He was subpoenaed late last year to turn over the records to a grand jury in investigations into Mr Trumps fundraisings following the 2020 elections.

For several months, prosecutors from the Justice Department have been investigating the involvement of legal advisers to former president Trump in their efforts to overturn the election.

In July last year, John Eastman, a conservative lawyer who assisted Mr Trump in challenging the election results, revealed that federal agents had confiscated his phone.
Sputnik/Mikhail Metzel/Pool via Reuters

A senior Russian general who reportedly had advance knowledge of Yevgeniy Prigozhins shocking coup attempt last weekend hasnt been seen since Saturday, with reports circulating Wednesday that the alleged turncoat had been thrown in a Moscow prison.

Two sources close to Russias Ministry of Defense told The Moscow Times, an independent outlet, that Sergei Surovikin had been taken into custody. In the context of Prigozhin apparently he [Surovikin] chose the side [of Prigozhin during the rebellion] and they grabbed him by the balls, one source said.

Blogger Vladimir Romanov also claimed on Telegram that Surovikin was rounded up on Sunday by the Deputy Commander of the Joint Group of Troops (Forces) and taken away to Lefortovo, a prison in Moscow.

However, Surovikins deputy, Colonel General Andrei Yudin, denied Wednesday that Surovikin had been detained.

The Ministry of Defense has not publicly commented on Surovikin, who hasnt been seen since he recorded a video on Saturday during the mutiny, according to the Financial Times.

Opposition Figures Fear Prigozhin May Try Another Mutiny in Belarus

The confusion over his possible arrest comes as the Kremlin is doing a sweep to find out who sympathized with Prigozhins mutiny, according to The New York Times, which first reported that Surovikin knew of Prigozhins march on Moscow in advance. Even though Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko negotiated Prigozhin into calling off the march on Moscow and exiling to Belarus, the attempted mutiny could be a key indicator that loyalties to Putin have been disintegrating behind the scenes.

Prigozhin and Putin have been infighting for months over Russias support to Prigozhins Wagner mercenaries, who have been fighting in Ukraine. Wagner fighters have begged Moscow to provide them more ammunition to help the war effort, to no avail. Prigozhin staged his rebellion over the weekend in order to call for the removal of Russias defense minister, Sergei Shoigu.

Surovikin, for his part, was previously in charge of Russias forces in Ukraine, until Putin removed him from the role early this year.

U.S. officials are still reportedly working to determine if Surovikin helped plan Prigozhins plot, or whether he simply knew about it beforehand, according to the Times. There are other Russian generals who supported Prigozhins mutiny, U.S. officials told The New York Times.

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Runway closure leads to flight delays at CLT. How to check the status of your trip

Numerous flights were delayed or canceled at Charlotte Douglas International Airport after a Delta Airlines plane landed successfully without landing gear Wednesday morning.

Delta Flight 1092, a Boeing 717 coming from Atlanta, landed at about 9 a.m. and remains on the now-closed runway due to mechanical issues, according to the airport.

Two pilots, three flight attendants, and 96 passengers were on board, Delta said. Nobody was injured.

At 11:15 a.m., 132 flights were delayed, and 26 were canceled, according to FlightAware.

Delta plane lands safely at CLT airport despite loss of landing gear. Flight delays grow

How to check the status of your Charlotte flight

You can download the Charlotte Airport App for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store to check the status of your flight, or visit cltairport.com/flights.

To see if your flight was delayed or canceled, click Flights at the bottom of the screen.

You can then search for flights by city or airport at the top of the page and filter your results by departures and arrivals using the options underneath the search bar.

Here are some websites you can use and phone numbers to call to check your flight status for specific airlines:

You can also check the status of your flight on FlightAware by searching by flight number, origin, or destination.

What to do if your flight is delayed or canceled

If your flight is delayed, you may be able to switch to a different flight on your airline through its website or mobile app, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

You could ask your airline to transfer your ticket to another available seat on a different airline, but airlines are not required to accommodate your request or reimburse you for ticket purchases on another airline, USDOT says.

If your flight is canceled, most airlines will rebook you for free on their next available flight.

If you choose to cancel your trip as a result of a flight cancellation, you are entitled to a refund, even for non-refundable tickets.
A loader moves coal at the Huntington power plant in Huntington, Tuesday, March 24, 2015. | Ravell Call, Deseret News

A small, rural electric cooperative in eastern Utah approved a declaration of what it says is an impending U.S. energy crisis, fueled by the accelerated retirement of coal-fired power plants without ensuring an alternative base load energy supply can take their place.

In the action approved by board members of the Moon Lake Electric Association earlier this month, the nonprofit cooperative serving 24,121 connections that include the Ute Indian Tribe said current federal energy policies are untenable.

There is a growing trend of decommissioning many of the existing dispatchable power generation resources across the country without viable replacements. Demand for energy continues to increase while the supply of reliable and affordable electricity follows a downward trajectory leaving the nations populace with an electricity deficiency, the cooperative said in a letter.

As the electricity deficiency progresses, it will result in higher cost of electricity to the Average Joe domestically. In other words, those with greater financial means will be able to afford electricity while the less fortunate will have to go without  this crisis cannot be tolerated, it said.

Yankton Johnson, chief executive officer and general manager of the Moon Lake Electric Association, said there were blackouts in nine states last December due to lack of capacity amid a grid experiencing vulnerabilities.

He said that is what drove them to issue the declaration, adding that the net zero and carbon free emissions goals set by the Biden administration are too much, too soon.

Its unrealistic and its too ambitious. They need to pull back on the throttle, pump the brake and think about what theyre going to do to individuals, he said.

The fight over coal

The state of Utah earlier this month launched a legal fight over the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys ozone rule, which it asserts is another regulation designed to snuff out coal-fired power plants.

Related

Johnson said rural electric generation is especially at risk because it falls on the whims of a market that is geared to how much the actual energy costs and who can pay the going price when demand is high.

Even if we generate power in our service territory with the Bonanza coal fired plant, if the power goes off in California, my power that is generated here at 460 megawatts does not stay in my area, he said. It goes to the energy imbalance market and they divvy it up, based on supply, demand and cost.

I tell my members that power flows toward money, Johnson said.

Related

The letter and accompanying declaration implores action by elected leaders in Colorado and Utah and was distributed to members of Utahs congressional delegation, Gov. Spencer Cox and local eastern Utah representatives, among others.

Their concern cited the premature closure of coal-fired power plants in Craig and Hayden, Colorado, as well as the switch Intermountain Power Plant in Delta plans to make from coal to natural gas.

One might question the reasoning behind these governmental actions. Moon Lake fully supports the all-of-the-above approach to fuel sources that include: hydroelectric power, clean coal, natural gas, solar, wind, geothermal, nuclear, and other proven fuel stocks, it said.

While the association supports renewables, Johnson said the technology is not there at this point to move wind and solar from its intermittent status to a 24-hour supply.

The best example I give to our members is with dispatchable power and you can obviously call on that on demand. And when you flip the light switch on when you wake up in the morning, 98% of the time in our service territory, the power is there, he said. Now if we replace that with solar and wind, that reduces that 98% down to just under 30%. The wind doesnt always blow and the sun isnt always out, so youre not always generating what we refer to as capacity.

Not just a rural problem

In its extensive planning document, PacifiCorp detailed in March the planned early retirement of two coal-fired power plants in Emery County and a significant ramp up of reliance on renewable energy. The utility company, in addition to pursuing an advanced nuclear power project in Kemmerer, Wyoming, said it has plans for that resource to replace Emery Countys power plants.

Related

The rural cooperative cited a national assessment by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation that pointed to the vast amount of vulnerabilities posing risk to the grid, including premature retirement of conventional generation, the substantial increase in energy demand, increases in widespread heat events and supply chain issues.

Moon Lake beseeches all government officials to articulate, promulgate, and implement common sense rationale to the U.S. energy policies thereby mitigating the foreseeable energy crisis and calamities that await, the letter said. As a rural community with numerous underserved communities, Moon Lake implores all governmental officials to take action now.
Kyiv  A Russian missile strike on a crowded pizza restaurant in Ukraine killed at least nine people, including three children, and left dozens more injured, officials said Wednesday. Twisted metal and concrete is all that remained of the popular restaurant in the eastern city of Kramatorsk after two missiles slammed into the building the previous evening as people had dinner.

Two sisters, both 14, were killed in the attack, according to a statement posted online by the educational department of Kramatorsk's city council. "Russian missiles stopped the beating of the hearts of two angels," it said.



The other child killed was 17, Ukraine's Prosecutor General Andrii Kostin said. The attack damaged 18 other buildings, as well as 65 houses, five schools, two kindergartens, and a shopping center, regional governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said, according to The Associated Press.

Search and rescue efforts after a Russian missile strike hit the Ria restaurant in Kramatorsk, Ukraine, June 27, 2023. / Credit: Wojciech Grzedzinski/Anadolu Agency/Getty

Ukrainian officials said the city was hit by Russian S-300 surface-to-air missiles, which are not made to hit ground targets accurately but have been used repeatedly by Russia's forces since the February 22, 2022, full-scale invasion was launched, often hitting civilian infrastructure in indiscriminate strikes on crowded cities.

Kramatorsk is about 20 miles from the current front line further east, where Ukrainian forces have been pushing a slow, costly counteroffensive to retake ground occupied by Russian forces. The city is home to the Ukrainian army's regional headquarters.

It has been targeted before and, once again, civilians are among the victims of Russia's aerial assault.

"Everything has been blown up," said resident Valenina, 64. "I see destruction everywhere... it's fear horror."

Rescuers spent hours pulling survivors from the rubble.

The strike appeared to signal that it was business as usual for Russia after a brief weekend mutiny staged by the Wagner mercenary group and its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin.

The Kremlin has tried in the wake of the sudden uprising to project power and control, including at a military ceremony in Moscow on Tuesday that saw President Vladimir Putin thank troops for preventing a civil war.

CBS News has learned there's intelligence suggesting a senior Russian general had advance knowledge of the mutiny, raising the possibility that Prigozhin may have believed he would have support from within the Russian military, as first reported by The New York Times.

in the light of the events of June 24, noted that there would be many more speculations and gossip, and suggested that this is one of such examples.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed questions Wednesday about the suggestion that Army Gen. Sergei Surovikin  a key figure in Russia's war on Ukraine  had previous knowledge of a Wagner putsch.

"There will be a lot of various speculations, gossip and so on, around these events," Peskov told reporters in Moscow. "I think this is one such example."

Head of the Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, is seen leaving the Southern Military District headquarters in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, June 24, 2023. / Credit: Stringer/Anadolu Agency/Getty

The man behind what Putin himself labelled a "rebellion," Wagner boss Prigozhin, was last seen leaving the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, which his men briefly took over on Saturday. He arrived in Belarus Tuesday as part of a deal with the Kremlin that ended the uprising.

But the autocratic leader of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, who brokered the deal, hinted that Prigozhin's safety may not be guaranteed. Lukashenko said he had urged his ally Putin not to kill the Wagner boss.

In Kyiv, Ukrainian officials watched the mutiny closely, with one close advisor to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy saying Wednesday that the countdown had begun to the end of Putin's two-decade-plus iron grip on power across the border in Russia.

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(Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden said Vladimir Putin has been weakened by Yevgeny Prigozhins failed rebellion, as the Russian leader stepped up his effort to portray the mercenary leader as corrupt.

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I know he is, Biden told reporters at the White House in response to whether Putin is weaker after the most serious threat to his nearly quarter century in power. Hes losing the war at home, and he has become a bit of a pariah around the world.

Germanys Chancellor Olaf Scholz agreed that Putin has been weakened, saying there are cracks in the autocratic structures, the power structures, and that he is by no means sitting as solidly and firmly in the saddle.

As many in Russias elite have been shocked at Putins failure to prevent the mutiny attempt, the Kremlin chief is on a campaign to undercut any sympathy toward Prigozhin, a one-time ally and chief of the Wagner Group, and show hes firmly in control.

Latest Coverage

US Backs $15 Billion Sale of Patriot Missile Defenses to Poland

Putin Says Hes Back in Control But Russias Elite Isnt So Sure

Russians Greeted Wagner Mutiny With a Shrug and Internet Jokes

Aborted Russia Mutiny Boosts Support for More US Arms to Ukraine

Wagners Mutiny Creates New Questions About Its Business Empire

All times CET

German Defense Chief Discusses Ukraines NATO Prospects (1:08 a.m.)

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said there wasnt a clear date regarding Ukraines possible membership in NATO, adding that there is the view that the future of Ukraine is in NATO is enough.

Pistorius, on a visit to Washington Wednesday, also commented on the aftermath of Prigozhins attempted revolt. What happened in Russia and whats still going on has to concern us. We had very good meetings with Lloyd Austin and Jake Sullivan, he said, referring to the US Defense secretary and Bidens national security advisor.

Scholz Says Germanys Goal Isnt Regime Change in Russia (8:22 p.m.)

Scholz said the situation in Russia remains on edge and that Germany would proceed cautiously. Russia is a nuclear power, he said in an interview with public broadcaster ZDF. Therefore we always have to look carefully when dangerous situations arise  and this is a dangerous situation.

After breaking with Germanys tradition of staying out of conflict zones, Scholz has positioned Europes largest economy as one of Ukraines top supporters, supplying tanks and other heavy weapons along with financial aid. It is necessary to say clearly: we support Ukraine so that it can defend itself, he said, adding that the aim of our support for Ukraine is not regime change in Russia.

Putin Promotes Domestic Tourism With No Mention of Mutiny (7:43 p.m.)

Putin visited Russias Dagestan region on the Caspian Sea to discuss domestic tourism with officials as the Kremlin seeks to show its returning to business as usual.

Putin made no mention of the weekends upheaval in his televised opening comments, which highlighted the surge in domestic tourism after sanctions and other restrictions led to a drop in foreign travel.

Poland to Raise Security on Its Belarus Border (6:51 p.m.)

Poland said it will increase security on its border with Belarus on concern that the presence of the Wagner Group may intensify what its calling hybrid warfare with its neighbor.

We potentially have a new situation in Belarus with the Wagner presence, Deputy Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski said at a news conference in Warsaw. The situation is dangerous for Ukraine, and its also potentially dangerous for Lithuania and us.

Poland estimates that about 8,000 Wagner members will be in Belarus, which may mean a new phase of hybrid warfare that is much more difficult than we observe now, Kaczynski said.

Biden Says Putin Weakened, Though Unclear How Much (4:10 p.m.)

The US president said its unclear to what extent Putin has lost hold on power, even as he expressed confidence that the Russian leader had. Its hard to tell, but he is clearly losing the war, Biden told reporters in brief remarks at the White House.

Biden has said the US and its allies were not behind the revolt. White House officials have repeatedly declined to comment on the power struggle, saying it is an internal Russian matter.

Mercenary Leader Moved Up Plot After It Was Discovered, WSJ Reports (2 p.m.)

Prighozins mutiny was aimed at capturing Russian military leaders  and was moved forward after the plot was discovered by the Kremlins domestic intelligence service, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing unnamed western officials.

The mercenary leaders original plan involved seizing Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and armed forces chief Valery Gerasimov during a visit to southern Russia, the newspaper said. Russias Federal Security Service, known as the FSB, laid bare the plot two days before it was to be executed, potentially explaining Prigozhins decision to march on Moscow, it reported.

Ukraine Calls for Russia to Be Seen as High-Risk Jurisdiction (1:51 p.m.)

Putins acknowledgment that the Kremlin financed the Wagner mercenary group should prompt the international community to recognize Russia as a high-risk jurisdiction and issue relevant market advisories to avoid contributing to financing terrorism and organized crime, Ukraines Finance Ministry said.

Wagner Group is designated as a terrorist organization by Estonia, Lithuania, and the French parliament, while the US has sanctioned Wagner Group as a Transnational Criminal Organization, the ministry said. Ukraine is seeking to make Russia a financial pariah state, and The Financial Action Task Force, an inter-governmental organization that sets standards for combating dirty money, suspended Russia from membership in February.

Zelenskiy Urges NATO to Stop Looking at the Kremlin (12:47 p.m.)

Zelenskiy urged the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to stop looking at a weakened Kremlin in their deliberations on Ukraines membership and reiterated his countrys resolve to join the alliance as well as the European Union.

It is absurd to look back at an incapable leader, he said. Even Russias internal forces have stopped looking back at the frail master of Kremlin.

Ukraines victory means liberation of all its territory and it will bring peace and security to countries like Moldova, Georgia and Belarus, Zelenskiy said in a televised speech to parliament. Ukraine wont accept the war turning into any kind of frozen conflict with Russia, he added.

Read More: Zelenskiy Urges NATO to Disregard Kremlin on Ukraine Membership

Kremlin Calls Report on Mutiny Plans Speculation (12:40 p.m.)

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said a New York Times report that a top Russian general allegedly knew about Prigozhins plans for an insurrection was speculation, according to Interfax.

Around these events theres a lot of different speculation, gossip and such, the news service cited Peskov as saying. I think this is one of those examples.

Kremlin Gets Expressions of Support From Bahrain (11:10 a.m.)

The Kremlin said Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa called Putin to express support for his leadership. Its the latest in a string of statements the Kremlin has received in the last several days from its allies, including the leaders of Turkey, Qatar and Iran.

Putin Belittles Wagner Rebellion Leader the Kremlin Created (9:29 a.m.)

As Prigozhin arrived in Belarus in his private jet from St. Petersburg on Tuesday, Putin was detailing more than $3 billion he said Russia had paid for Wagners troops and for food supplied by Prigozhins catering company for the Russian army fighting in Ukraine.

I hope that no one stole anything, or, lets say, stole just a little, in the course of this work, Putin told a group of soldiers at the Kremlin. We will of course look into all this.

Top General May Have Known of Prigozhin Plan, Report Says (4:05 a.m.)

A top Russian general who has been an ally of Prigozhin knew something of his plans for a rebellion, the New York Times reported, citing anonymous sources.

The newspaper said US officials were trying to determine whether the general, Sergei Surovikin, and other Russian military leaders supported Prigozhins move. The officials, according to the Times, think Prigozhin would not have acted unless he believed that he had powerful support.

Surovikin was replaced as commander of Russian forces in Ukraine in January after holding that post since October. Before that, he had been commander-in-chief of Russias aerospace forces and led operations in Syria.

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Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Reuters/Getty

The immediate crisis in Russia is over, as Wagner PMC leader Yevgeny Prigozhin stopped his armed mutiny after two days, with little to show for it. But the cracks in Russia the revolt revealedand will further stressshow how Ukraines strategy can ultimately succeed.

Ukraine just needs the Russian government to change its mind and accept Ukrainian independence. Thats much easier said than done. But it doesnt require total battlefield victory, nor for Vladimir Putin to fall (though that could do the trick).

While the mutiny didnt turn into a coup attempt or civil war, as some observers rushed to declare, it did highlight the sort of growing internal divisions that could eventually end the conflict. That provides some validation for earlier Ukrainian gambles aimed at heightening those divisions, most notably in Bakhmut, and indicates that successes in Ukraines counteroffensive this year would add further stress.

Ukraine Will Be the Big Winner of Prigozhin Turning On Putin

The best thing outsiders can do to end the warnot only a temporary pause to combat, but a just peace that lastsis to support Ukraines self-defense, while pressuring Russia to negotiate.

How Many Divisions?

Because Russia is engaged in a war of choice, trying to subjugate a smaller neighbor, it does not face an existential threat from foreign invasion, and can stop at any time. Enough domestic disunity and dissent, fueled by frustration with the war effort, could reorder Putins calculus or facilitate a factional shift and leave Russia looking to cut a deal.

Wagners mutiny makes that look increasingly plausible, highlighting this division, and showing Russian elites Putin may be weaker than he seemed. Suspicion alone creates complications for Russias leader, as it simultaneously encourages elites ambition to act in pursuit of their own interests, and raises fear that Putins weakness means they have no choice.

Reasserting the perception of control, as Putin attempted in an angry public statement on Monday declaring the revolt a failure, will be difficult as long as the war continues without decisive success.

Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin leaves the headquarters of the Southern Military District amid the group's pullout from the city of Rostov-on-Don, Russia on June 24, 2023. Alexander Ermochenko/Reuters

According to the Kremlin, Prigozhin is going to Belarus, and Wagner fighters who didnt join the revolt will sign contracts with the Ministry of Defense (MoD). Who knows how thatll go, considering that Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu ordered something similar on June 10, which was a main impetus for Wagners revolt two weeks later. And its not clear whats next for mutineers, or for Wagners operations in Africa and the Middle East.

The government could crack down too hard, prompting more dissent. Or try to sweep the problem under the rug, do too little, and get surprised again. Even if it goes smoothly, and ends up with Wagner under tighter state control (or dissolved), the process will take up resources and attention that couldve been spent on the war.

Roger Waters Is Not Helping to Bring Peace to Ukraine

Meanwhile, to the Russian military fighting in Ukraine, Wagner was already claiming more credit than it deserved, and has now undermined the war effort. The government handled the mutiny without pulling any units from the Ukrainian theater, but they reportedly lost six helicopters, the pilots, and more.

Those casualties and equipment losses did less damage to Russias war effort than reactions will. Leaders have another thing to worry about right as Ukraine attempts a counteroffensive. Russian personnel throughout the ranks likely heard about the mutiny and have opinions about it, which will impact morale.

Ukrainian Gambles

The explosion of Wagner-MoD tensions validates Ukraines contentious decision to contest the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. Ranked 58th by prewar population and without significant transport hubs, it holds little strategic value on its own. But Wagner made it a priority, with Prigozhin treating the battle as a showcasein particular for the tactic of throwing waves of prisoners he recruited into a meat grinder, then sending experienced fighters after defenders tire and expend ammunitionhoping it would get him more control over the war from Shoigu and other Defense Ministry leaders.

Ukrainian service members ride a BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicle near the front line city of Bakhmut, Donetsk region, Ukraine on June 9, 2023. Viacheslav Ratynskyi/Reuters

At first, casualty ratios in Bakhmut heavily favored Ukraine, providing an opportunity for attrition ahead of this summers operations. But as Russia made grinding advances, casualty rates grew closer to even, and in March, Ukraine faced calls to abandon the husk of a city. But Ukrainian generals and President Volodymyr Zelensky continued prioritizing it, in part because of the symbolic importance Russia placed on it.

If Russia wins in Bakhmut, Zelesnky explained in a March 28 interview, Putin would sell this victory to the West, to his society, to China, to Iran. Three months later it looks like a good argument. After Ukrainian successes in Kharkiv and Kherson last year, denying Russia a win in 2023 likely helped maintain support for Ukraine in NATO countries, and discouraged support for Russia in China, which has hesitated to back a losing effort.

Contesting Bakhmutmaking Russia pay high prices for small advances, and maintaining positions on the outskirts while keeping a supply road open even after Russia captured the city centerhelped increase tensions between Wagner and the Ministry of Defense. Prigozhin publicly complained of ammunition shortages in March, April, and May, blaming MoD for under-supply (which may or may not have been true, and probably involved some element of domestic positioning and deflecting blame). That likely played a role in Shoigus June order for private forces to sign contracts with MoD, which in turn played a role in Wagners revolt.

Public Perception

The Russian government controls a lot of the media and internet, but ordinary Russians must realize that the supposed-to-be easy special military operation is still going, and impacting them. Recruitment, conscription, stories from troops who come back, the holes left by those who dont, public expressions of nationalism, and crackdowns on protesters cant be all hidden or spun. Not entirely.

Putin Projects Nothing but Weakness

Similarly, the Wagner mutiny was too big and sudden to keep it from the Russian people. Rumors swirled online, the government blocked some news, social media, and messaging sites, and prevented online searches for Prigozhin. Two days later, Putin gave a televised address denouncing the revolt as attempted blackmail. The public knows something went wrong.

However, while the mutiny is the largest, most apparent crack in the Putin governments image of ubiquitous control, it isnt the first this year.

On May 22, a group of Russian dissidents burst across the Ukrainian border into Russias Belgorod region, making it unexpectedly far on roads and into towns. It took Russian forces over a day to reestablish control, and there were casualties on both sides.

Contrarian Defenses of RFK Jr. Are Not BraveTheyre Boring

The dissident group had some American military vehicles, and was likely encouraged by Ukrainian operatives. Its also led by a neo-Nazi. This raised concerns that the association would jeopardize international support for Ukraine. But the counteroffensive, and now the Wagner mutiny, have overtaken it in the news, minimizing the damage to perceptions of Ukraine among its Western supporters, while the damage to internal perceptions of Russian state competence appears greater.

On May 3, two explosive-laden drones flew close to the Kremlin and got shot down. At the end of the same month, a group of drones hit residential areas of Moscow. Air defenses shot down some, and they killed no one, but a few hit apartment buildings. Like the Belgorod cross-border raid, both drone attacks were likely sponsored or at least encouraged by Ukranian intelligence.

Aerial view shows destroyed buildings as a result of intense fighting, amid the Russian invasion, in Bakhmut, Ukraine in this still image from handout video released June 15, 2023. 93rd Kholodnyi Yar Brigade via Reuters

While there have been some small drone attacks in Russia near the border, these were the first in the capital. Again, some feared Ukraine over-reached. But the attacks contributed to perceptions that Putin isnt fully in control, and that the war has costs for Russians, without any apparent downside for Ukraine.

Russia has been deliberately bombing residential buildings and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine on a regular basis since early last fall, so threats to retaliate mean little. Reduced damage to Ukrainian cities has come from deploying advanced Western air defense systems, not refraining from attacks in Russia that cause more embarrassment than physical damage.

A Path to Peace

Anyone who would like to see peace in Ukraine needs to recognize that the war will continue until Russia decides to stop.

That can come about in two ways:

The Ukrainians offer large enough concessions, such as swaths of land and the right to decide their own foreign relations, that the Kremlin takes the victory without achieving its original aim of controlling Kyiv (which they may try for again later). The Ukrainians put up successful enough resistance that domestic pressures build in Russia to the point the Kremlin decides the costs of continuing the war outweigh the costs of taking the loss (which they can try to spin as a moral victory, and/or use to stoke grievances against the West).

There is no magic peace button for outside parties to press. Figures such as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling for dialogue and diplomacy, or Brazilian President Lula da Silva promising to bring both of them to the table, offer no plan to get Russia to stop.

Elon Musks Ukraine Peace Plan Is Asinine

Peace plans, with proponents ranging from the government of China to wealthy tech investors, may describe hypothetically plausible end-states, but handwave the difficult part of getting the combatants to accept it.

Russia and Ukraine are the ones in the war, and no one else can end it. Theyll keep fighting as long as they have incompatible goalsRussia wants to control at least part of Ukraine; Ukraine wants independence and all its land backand neither knows what they can force the other to accept. In that way, combat is part of negotiation, with battlefield results reshaping combatants demands.

Ukraine already got Russia to reduce its goal from controlling the whole country via the capital, to the whole Black Sea coast, to the areas it annexed with sham referendums last September, to the subset of that behind its current defensive lines. The counteroffensive aims to break through those lines, and force Russia to revise down again.

Whether it succeeds or fails, and to what degree, will unfold over months. But the Wagner mutiny improves the counteroffensives odds, at least a little, and adds to the ways Ukrainian success on the battlefield would exacerbate divisions within Russia.

The war is in large part a contest of will, and Russias just wobbled. With continued support from the U.S. and other partners, Ukraine can last long enough, and impose enough costs, that Russia will, however reluctantly, back off.

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We Are China

Helicopters engage in round-the-clock flight training

China Military Online) 09:33, June 28, 2023

Transport helicopters attached to an army aviation brigade lift off successively during a 24-hour flight training exercise recently. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Liu Yu)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 28)  The alleged shooter in the May 31 killing of Oriental Mindoro radio journalist Cresenciano "Cris" Bundoquin has turned himself in to authorities but maintained his innocence.

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) on Wednesday said the suspect, identified as Isabelo Lopez Bautista, voluntarily submitted himself to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) office in Manila Tuesday evening, accompanied by his wife, brother, and other relatives.

The PTFoMS said Bautista denied being the man who shot the 50-year-old Bundoquin, a radio blocktimer at the local Kalahi News FM.

It added that the suspect has committed to fully cooperate with the NBI in the probe.

According to Undersecretary Paul Gutierrez, executive director of the PTFoMs, there was no formal case filed against Bautista yet when he appeared before the NBI. He explained that this "technically and legally" means Bautista cannot be considered to have "surrendered," as he is not a wanted person in the absence of an arrest warrant.

"The Calapan City Prosecutor's Office is yet to file any information against Bautista before the court despite receiving the police's complaint for murder and frustrated murder against Bautista last June 9, 2023," the PTFoMs said in a statement.

Police earlier reported that Bundoquin was shot multiple times at close range in front of his family-rented store in Barangay Sta. Isabel, Calapan City. They identified two motorcycle-riding men as the assailants.

The PTFoMs said two witnesses had pointed to Bautista as the shooter, while his alleged cohort Narciso Ignacio Guntan died after their motorcycle crashed into a metal road barrier during their escape.

Bautista said he left Mindoro on June 8 to hide, supposedly upon the advice of relatives and close friends, but he claimed he wanted all along to turn himself in.

Authorities are currently looking at the angle that the murder was work-related.

"The evolving motive for the killing of Bundoquin was the rampant proliferation of illegal gambling in the province with local carnivals (peryahan) as front, as well as local politics. Both were severely criticized by the victim on his radio programs," the presidential task force said.

It noted that Bautista confirmed he and Guntan are "employees" of a certain Felix Solis, who is allegedly "the biggest carnival financier/operator in Mindoro."

"The arduous road towards uncovering the truth and giving justice to Bundoquin just hurdled a major obstacle with the voluntary appearance before the NBI of Isabelo Lopez Bautista," Gutierrez said, as he expressed optimism that the case would be resolved soon.

Around a week after Bundoquin's murder, the Department of Justice ordered the NBI to conduct a parallel investigation. This was apart from the probe being conducted by the Philippine National Police.
Russia is trying to stop Ukrainian advance at all costs  General Staff report

The Russian army is focusing its main efforts on the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson fronts, trying to prevent the advance of Ukrainian troops.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 18:00 on 28 June

Details: On these fronts, the Russians launched airstrikes in the areas of Levadne and Mala Tokmachka, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, as well as carried out artillery shelling of about 30 settlements.

According to the General Staff, during the day the Russians launched two missiles and 44 air strikes and carried out about 20 attacks from multiple-launch missile systems on the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. Unfortunately, in addition to the destroyed infrastructure, there are injuries among civilians.

The probability of missile and air strikes throughout Ukraine remains high.

The Russian forces continue to focus their main efforts on the Lyman, Bakhmut and Marinka fronts, and heavy battles continue. During the day, about 20 combat clashes were recorded.

The operational situation on the Volyn and Polissia fronts remains much the same as before. There were no signs of the formation of offensive groups.

On the Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna fronts, the Russians launched an airstrike in the area around Ruska Lozova, Kharkiv Oblast. They also carried out mortar and artillery attacks on more than 25 settlements.

On the Kupiansk front, over 20 settlements were subjected to artillery and mortar attacks.

On the Lyman front, the Russians carried out unsuccessful offensive operations in the Rozdolivka area. They also launched airstrikes in the areas of Bilohorivka, Luhansk Oblast, as well as Zvanivka and Vyimka, Donetsk Oblast. Over 10 settlements were shelled.

On the Bakhmut front, the Russian units conducted unsuccessful offensive operations in the areas of Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Bohdanivka and Bila Hora and launched an airstrike near New-York, Donetsk Oblast. About 15 settlements suffered from artillery shelling.

On the Avdiivka front, the Russians carried out unsuccessful offensive operations in the Avdiivka area; an airstrike was also recorded in the vicinity. They also carried out artillery shelling of areas around more than 10 settlements.

On the Marinka front, Ukrainian units repelled all Russian attacks around the city of Marinka; at the same time, the Russians launched an airstrike within this settlement. At the same time, artillery shelling in the areas of about 10 settlements was also recorded.

On the Shakhtarsk front, the Russians carried out unsuccessful offensive operations in the direction of Novomykhailivka. They inflicted airstrikes in the areas of Prechystivka and Makarivka, Donetsk Oblast. Over 15 settlements were shelled.

The Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces inflicted 11 strikes on the clusters of Russian personnel, five on anti-aircraft missile systems and one on a Russian command point.

The units of Rocket Forces and Artillery struck an ammunition depot, 11 artillery units in combat positions, three air defence systems and an electronic warfare station.

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Sergei Surovikin, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces and Deputy Commander of the Russian forces in Ukraine, has been arrested after a failed coup by Yevgeny Prigozhin, financier of the Wagner Private Military Company (PMC), The Moscow Times reports.

Source: The Moscow Times, citing two sources close to the Russian Defence Ministry; Insider

Quote from a source: "In the context of Prigozhin. Apparently, he [Surovikin] chose Prigozhin's side during the uprising, and they got ahold of him."

Details: Answering a question regarding the general's whereabouts, the source replied, "We are not even commenting on this information through our internal channels".

Another source commented on the purpose of the arrest as follows: "The situation with him was not 'OK.' For the authorities. I can't say anything more".

The first report of Surovikin's possible arrest emerged on the Telegram channel of a Kremlin-aligned blogger Vladimir Romanov. He claimed that Surovikin was arrested on 25 June, immediately after the Wagner PMC mutiny. Romanov asserted that Surovikin was being held in the Lefortovo Detention Centre in Moscow.

The insider points out that the source of this information is unknown.

A source told The Moscow Times that it was not entirely clear whether Surovikin had prior knowledge of Prigozhin's rebellion.

The source said that Surovikin allegedly "was not particularly obedient when given the task of reading the text on camera and acting out, was too rude to the leadership". He said this could have given the impression that Surovikin was part of the "Prigozhins coalition".

Alexei Venediktov, editor-in-chief of the Ekho Moskvy radio station, reported that Surovikin "has not been in contact with his family for three days and that his guards are not responsive".

Earlier, The New York Times, citing US officials briefed on the intelligence, noted that Surovikin was aware of Prigozhin's plans to launch an armed rebellion against Russia's military leadership.

The US authorities are now trying to determine whether Surovikin helped plan the coup.

Surovikin shot a video on Saturday, 24 June, condemning Prigozhin's rebellion and urging the Wagnerites to stop.

Previously: According to Russian pro-war media and Telegram channels, 13 to 20 people were killed in the mutiny by Wagner Group fighters.

The Russian army also suffered losses in equipment: according to Vazhnye Istorii [Important Stories], a Russian media outlet, these include three Mi-8 electronic warfare helicopters, one transport Mi-8 helicopter, two attack helicopters (Ka-52 and Mi-35M), as well as an Il-22M command post aircraft and two armoured vehicles (KamAZ and Tigr). The Wagner PMC lost two UAZs, one KamAZ and a VPK-Ural armoured vehicle.

At the same time, according to the Russian service of Radio Liberty, citing estimates by the Dutch Oryx project, the Wagnerites shot down an Il-22M aircraft and six Russian army helicopters during the mutiny.

Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, acknowledged the deaths of Russian pilots during the rebellion by the mercenaries of the Wagner Group, but he did not make any high-profile statements on this matter. On the contrary, he met with the heads of law enforcement agencies and thanked them for "suppressing" the rebellion of Wagner Group mercenaries and also thanked the Wagnerites themselves for "not resorting to fratricidal bloodshed".

Background:

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Russian General Sergei Surovikin, who was appointed in the Russian Federation as a mediator between the Ministry of Defence and Wagner, knew about the plans of mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin to commit a mutiny in Russia.

Source: The New York Times

Details: US officials who have reviewed US intelligence reports say Surovikin knew in advance about Prigozhin's plans to rebel against the Russian military leadership.

Officials said they are trying to find out whether General Surovikin helped plan Prigozhin's actions.

US officials also said there are signs that other Russian generals may also have supported Prigozhins attempt to change the leadership of the Defence Ministry by force.

Current and former US officials said that Prigozhin would not have launched the uprising if he was not confident that other high-ranking officials would come to his aid.

The newspaper believes that if Surovikin was involved in these events, it would be the latest sign of infighting within the Russian military leadership.

Putin must decide whether he believes Surovikin helped Prigozhin and how he should respond, officials say.

Some former officials say Putin could decide to keep General Surovikin, if his conclusion is that Surovikin knew something about Prigozhin's plans but did not help him.

Analysts have said that for now, Putin seems intent on holding Prigozhin solely responsible for the rebellion.

Senior US officials have suggested that an alliance between General Surovikin and Prigozhin may explain Prigozhins survival.

Th US officials said, on condition of anonymity, that removing Surovikin would be of benefit to Ukraine.

They also suggest that there was collusion between some military officials and Prigozhin, because Prigozhin's mercenaries almost reached Moscow with virtually no resistance.

Former US ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul said: "There were just too many weird things that happened that, in my mind, suggest there was collusion that we have not figured out yet."

Quote from McFaul: "Think of how easy it was to take Rostov. There are armed guards everywhere in Russia, and suddenly, theres no one around to do anything?"

Independent experts, US and allied officials said that Prigozhin seemed to believe that large parts of Russias army would rally to his side as his convoy moved on Moscow.

Background:

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FILE PHOTO: General Sergei Surovikin visits the Joint Headquarters of the Russian armed forces, in an unknown location

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - General Sergei Surovikin, the deputy commander of Russia's military operations in Ukraine, was sympathetic to mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin's weekend rebellion, U.S. officials said on Wednesday, though it was unclear if he actively supported it.

Prigozhin startled the world by leading an armed revolt on Saturday that brought his Wagner Group fighters from the Ukrainian border to within 200 kilometers (125 miles) of Moscow before he abruptly called off the uprising.

Three officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that Surovikin had been in support of Prigozhin but Western intelligence did not know with certainty if he had helped the rebellion in any way.

As the rebellion began, Surovikin publicly urged fighters of the Wagner private militia to give up their opposition to the military leadership and return to their bases.

"I urge you to stop," Surovikin had said in a video posted on Telegram messaging app, his right hand resting on a rifle.

The New York Times reported on Tuesday that Surovikin had advance knowledge that Prigozhin was planning a rebellion.

The Kremlin, asked on Wednesday about the report, said there would be "a lot of speculation" in the aftermath of the events.

Surovikin, nicknamed "General Armageddon" by the Russian media for his reputed ruthlessness, is a veteran of wars in Chechnya and Syria who has been decorated by President Vladimir Putin.

In October, Surovikin was put in charge of the military campaign in Ukraine but was moved into a deputy role earlier this year after Russia's limited success in the invasion.

Prigozhin, a one-time Putin ally, in recent months has carried out an increasingly bitter feud with Moscow, including publicly saying his troops were not being provided enough weapons by the Russian ministry of defense.

U.S. officials and Western officials said Prigozhin had been stockpiling weaponry ahead of the mutiny attempt. The U.S. officials suggested he must have believed he had enough firepower and sympathy within the Russian military to carry out his uprising.

Still, a Western diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Prigozhin ultimately miscalculated by believing that his loyalty to Putin, his usefulness to the Kremlin and his support among Russian military officials would be enough to insulate him from consequences.

Putin initially vowed to crush the mutiny, comparing it to the wartime turmoil that ushered in the revolutions of 1917 and then a civil war, but hours later a deal was clinched to allow Prigozhin and some of his fighters to go to Belarus.

(Reporting by Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali; Additional reporting Joel Schectman; Editing by Don Durfee and Grant McCool)
Wagner mercenaries during the mutiny in Rostov

Russian military police in Syria conducted raids on Wagner mercenary bases in the country, Saudi Arabian TV news channel Al-Hadath alleged on June 27.

Citing its own sources, the channel reported that Russian military police allegedly arrested the head of the Wagner unit in As Suwayda, southern Syria, as well as three "high-ranking commanders" at the Khmeimim Air Base.

According to the channel, the police also visited Wagner offices in other Syrian cities, including Deir ez-Zur, Hama, and Damascus.

Read also: Ukraine poised to introduce sanctions against Syria

However, Telegram channels associated with Wagner have denied these reports.



Read also: Russia closes investigation into Wagner mercenary company mutiny

"Regarding the detention of Wagner PMC fighters in Syria. The information about the arrests is not true," wrote the "Orchestra Wagner" channel. They did not specify whether raids were conducted without arrests.

Russian military police checkpoints are permanently stationed in several populated areas in Syria. Russia officially states that their main tasks are "monitoring the situation, ensuring the security of humanitarian actions, and patrolling strategically important roads for the country."

Read also: Ukraines intelligence frees Ukrainians held captive in Syria

Russian military intervention in Syria began in the fall of 2015, and during this time, similar to Ukraine, the Russian armed forces have committed hundreds of war crimes in the country, ranging from airstrikes on densely populated cities to supplying weapons to the regime of Bashar al-Assad. At the end of December 2017, the Russian government announced the permanent deployment of its forces in Syria. Russia later transferred part of its forces from there to Ukraine when its plan for a rapid full-scale invasion failed in February 2022.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
In this photo provided by the National Police of Ukraine, emergency services work by the RIA Pizza restaurant, destroyed by a Russian attack in Kramatorsk, Ukraine, Wednesday, June 28, 2023. | National Police of Ukraine via Associated Press

A missile struck a popular pizza joint in the city of Kramatorsk in Ukraine Tuesday night. The Russian missile killed at least 11 people and injured at least 61 others who were inside the crowded restaurant.

According to CNN, a 17-year-old girl and 14-year-old twin sisters were among those killed in the attack. It was the deadliest attack against civilians in months.

Russia deliberately targeted crowded areas, Ihor Klymenko, Ukraines minister of internal affairs, said on Telegram, per The Guardian.

Do we know who is responsible for the strike in Kramatorsk?

Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, and The New York Times reported that Ukraines intelligence agency, the S.B.U., says it detained a man who allegedly helped direct the missile strike. The man was living in Kramatorsk working for a gas transportation company, and is accused of sending video footage of the restaurant to Russian military intelligence.

Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesperson, alleges Russia doesnt aim at civilian targets, but Russian air strikes have killed many civilians during the war, according to CNBC.

In April 2022, more than 60 civilians were killed in Kramatorsk following a missile strike attack on the citys train station, BBC reported. And in June of last year, Russian shelling struck a shopping center in Kremenchuk and killed at least 18 people, per BBC.

Each such manifestation of terror proves over and over again to us and the whole world that Russia deserves only one thing as a result of everything it has done  defeat and a tribunal, fair and legal trials against all Russian murderers and terrorists, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in Tuesdays nightly address, per The Guardian.
On 27 June, Russians attacked the village of Vovchanski Khutory, Kharkiv Oblast, killing three civilians near their homes.

Source: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of the Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration

Quote: "About an hour ago, Russia attacked the Vovchansk hromada in the Chuhuiv district [a hromada is an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories  ed.].

As a result of this attack, three civilians in the village of Vovchanski Khutory were killed instantly near their homes. Men aged 48, 45 and 57 received blast injuries incompatible with life."

Details: According to Syniehubov, the information is being confirmed. Emergency services are working at the scene.

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Prosecutor General Andrii Kostin has reported that the Russian occupiers fired Iskander missiles on 27 June.

Source: Prosecutor General's Office

Quote: "The Iskander missile attack was carried out in the evening [27 June  ed.], when people had just got home after work."

Details: The number of dead has now increased to 9 people as a result of the Kramatorsk attack, including three children, and 60 people have been injured.

Among the dead are three teenage girls  one 17-year-old and two sisters aged 14.

Rescue operations are still ongoing. It is possible that there are still people under the rubble.

It was reported earlier that the occupiers could have hit Kramatorsk with S-300 missiles.

A pre-trial investigation has been initiated into the violation of the laws and customs of war (Parts 1, 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

For reference: The Iskander missile system is designed to hit small-sized and flat targets in the depths of the enemy's operational territory using conventional warheads. It is believed to be a means of delivering tactical nuclear weapons.

Background:

On the evening of 27 June, Russian invaders attacked Kramatorsk in Donetsk Oblast, hitting a catering establishment.

Pavlo Kyrylenko, Head of the Oblast State Administration, said that three foreigners had been wounded, as well as a one-year-old child.

The shelling took place around 19:50. One rocket hit a cafe in the centre of Kramatorsk, where there were many visitors, including children.

The building of a well-known pizzeria in the city collapsed. This city has always been crowded, with foreign journalists and delegations visiting frequently.

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Russian authorities have placed under "preliminary guardianship" 1,184 children deported from the occupied territories of Ukraine  it is three times as many as the occupiers have publicly stated.

Source: Vazhnye Istorii, a Russian media outlet

Details: According to the media outlet, since the start of the full-scale invasion, Russia has deported between 4,400 and 19,500 children from Ukraine. Some of them have already been placed in the care of Russian families.

At the end of 2022, Russian Children's Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova said that 380 children taken from Ukraine had been placed in families. She gave the same number in the spring and summer of 2023.

However, according to Vazhnye Istorii, the number of children placed in foster care may be at least three times higher than Lvova-Belova claims.

According to the 2022 report on the activities of the Rostov Oblast government, 1,184 children who arrived "without legal representatives from the territories of Donbas and Ukraine" were placed under preliminary care.

The outlet has noted that this wording makes it unclear what status these children have. This figure may include orphans who lived in orphanages in the occupied territories or lost their parents during the war. In this case, Lvova-Belova underestimated the number of Ukrainian children placed in Russian families.

This figure could also include children who went to Russia with other relatives (grandmother, aunt, etc.) while their parents remained in the occupied territories.

Children from children's institutions who were taken to Russia en masse can be taken into account here. The director of the institution usually takes custody of such children.

The outlet has also noted that not all of the 1,184 children may have remained in Rostov Oblast, as the Ministry of Education's report states that only 534 children were placed under preliminary guardianship in this region in 2022. This may indicate that the remaining children were taken to other regions.

The Rostov Oblast Ministry of Education refused to answer questions from Vazhnye Istorii.

However, the outlet has studied open sources and data from the Ministry of Education and established the whereabouts of 290 children from Ukraine in 23 regions of Russia.

Most of the children  47 people  are in Novosibirsk Oblast. At least 30 children are in families in Moscow Oblast, 25 in Kaluga Oblast, and 24 in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast. Another 21 deported children live in families in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug and 20 in Leningrad Oblast.

Less than 20 children were taken to other regions.

Regions in Russia, where Ukrainian children were adopted

The news also mentioned Penza, Rostov, Kostroma and Novgorod oblasts as regions where deported Ukrainian children went, but it is unknown how many children ended up there.

The outlet has drawn attention to the fact that all of these children were probably placed in Russian families between April and October 2022. Since November, news about the mass placement of deported children in foster care has ceased to appear, with only isolated cases reported in the media.

Number of foreign children in Russian families reached the maximum

In October 2022, Lvova-Belova claimed that about 1,000 more children from the so-called "DPR and LPR" [self-proclaimed and non-recognised Donetsk Peoples Republic and Luhansk Peoples Republic  ed.] were to be transferred to Russian families, but there was no news about this, and the official continued to repeat the same figure of 380 Ukrainian children in families in Russia.

Earlier, Vazhnye Istorii reported that Russia could deport more than 2,500 orphans from Ukraine.

These are children whom the Russian authorities have entered into the federal database of orphans, where anyone can look at the profiles of children and take them into care. The profiles do not say where these children are from.

The outlet has found three of these children in the Nizhny Novgorod Oblast database, and several dozen more were sent to the Far North. In children's institutions, these children are visited by Russian soldiers who tell them that they are "removing fascism from Ukrainian land".

The Russian occupiers are in no hurry to find Ukrainian relatives of deported children. According to Lvova-Belova herself, by the end of March 2023, only 16 children deported to Russia were able to reunite with their families in Ukraine and other countries.

Background:

In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Children's Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova over the deportation of Ukrainian children from the occupied territories of Ukraine to Russia.

Russian Children's Ombudsman Maria Lvova-Belova has publicly stated that Philip, a teenager from seized Mariupol who was "adopted" by her, has been influenced by Ukrainian "propaganda" but already calls her "mum".

In Russia, abducted Ukrainian children are being bullied, insulted and beaten for disobedience, according to Daria Herasymchuk, the Ukrainian Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights.

Russian invaders are trying to re-educate Ukrainian children. For example, in Mariupol, the occupiers are forcing students to line up, listen to the anthem of the terrorist state and raise the Russian flag.

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Russians plan to take about 300 children from Ukraine to Chuvashia

The Russian occupiers are planning to take about 300 children from the temporarily captured territory of the Zaporizhia Oblast to Russian Chuvashia for a "holiday".

Source: National Resistance Center

Quote: "About 300 children should be taken to the Chuvashia Republic, but as known, the Russians do not return the children home, under the guise of martial law in the region."

Details: NRC recalls that the Russian side has blocked travel to Ukraine. This means, as the centre points out, that children are being used as hostages to force their parents to follow them.

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(CNN)  At least five people, including a child, have died and four others were injured after a building collapsed in the Egyptian city of Alexandria on Monday, state newspaper Al-Ahram reported.

A fifth victim, identified as Mohamed Hussein, 28, was retrieved from the rubble Tuesday, Al-Ahram reported. Search operations continue.

Three others who died have been identified as Abdullah Mahfouz, 13, Mostafa Othman, 22, and Hamdy El-Sayed, 40, while another pulled from the rubble on Tuesday has not yet been named.

A total of 16 families lived in the 14-story building, which was built about 50 years ago, while other apartments were used by domestic tourists spending the summer in Alexandria, the citys governor Mohamed El Sherif said.

One of the residents told reporters on site about the harrowing moments when her missing family members fell with the building around 8 a.m. local time on Monday.

I placed my younger siblings under the couch as bricks were falling, said the young woman in tears. I went back and called for my mother to leave with me, she said she was coming. So, I walked a few steps forward to find the ceiling falling along with them [my mother and brother]. I was facing the sky and they were down.

A live video posted on the citys Facebook page showed civil defense units attempting to put out a small fire in the rubble on Monday.

Egypts Public Prosecution has issued an order to detain the owner of the collapsed 14th floor and a contractor for four days pending investigations over involuntary manslaughter and unauthorized construction charges. According to Al-Ahram, the contractor carried out the constructions on the top floor despite a demolition order.

About 7,000 old, inhabited buildings in Alexandria are at risk of collapse, Al-Ahram reported, citing a member of Egypts House of Representatives.

This story was first published on CNN.com, Child among five killed in Egyptian building collapse"
Russians took her son, so she traveled 3,000 miles to get him back

KHARKIV, Ukraine  Oksana Stetsenko runs to her son Nikita, tears streaming down her face as she hugs him tightly.

In the TV spot on pro-Kremlin NTV, a reporter explains that the Ukrainian mother had lost contact with the boy in the fall, when the Russian military took 13 kids from a boarding school in the Ukrainian town of Kupyansk, east of Kharkiv.

According to the May 20 TV report, the children had been taken to a safe place, in line with Moscows official narrative depicting Russia as the savior. But Stetsenko told a different story about a week later, when she returned safely to Ukraine with Nikita.

They took our children and they had no right to keep them there, Stetsenko told NBC News in late May, as she sat on a bench in the sun in Kharkivs sprawling Gorky Park watching Nikita, 12, ride a bicycle. I dont understand why they didnt tell us, why they didnt give them back.

Nikitas experience is part of what Ukraine says is Russias systematic and large-scale effort to erase Ukrainian identity.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says that more than 200,000 children have been deported to Russia or a Russian-occupied territory since President Vladimir Putins invasion in February 2022. And that number could be as high as 300,000, according to the Ukrainian presidents adviser on child rights, Daria Herasymchuk.

But Ukrainian officials say their real fear, for children like Nikita, is the indoctrination they endure after being taken by Russian forces. Nikita described singing the Russian national anthem, being taught a Russian curriculum.

Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian ombudsman for human rights charged with leading the daunting reunification process explained the playbook, as seen from Kyiv.

Deport these children to [the] Russian side, he said in an English-language interview with NBC News in late May. Take away their Ukrainian documents. Give them Russian documents. [Tell them]  Look, you were never Ukrainians because Ukraine never existed like a state. The Ukrainian nation never existed like a nation. You [were] all the time Russian.

On Sept. 8, Nikita says Russian troops took him and 12 classmates from the basement of the Kupyansk Special School, loaded them onto trucks and transferred them to Svatove, in Russian-occupied Luhansk. The town, which had been under occupation since the first days of the war, was retaken by Ukraine in a sweeping counteroffensive two days later.

Oksana Stetsenko's son Nikita. (NBC News)

On Sept. 11, a pro-Russian Telegram channel announced the safe evacuation of 13 kids from Kupyansk. Within days, Nikita said, they were driven deeper into the occupied region to the Perevalsk Special Correctional Boarding School.

Russian Presidential Commissioner for Child Rights Maria Lvova-Belova told NBC News that the group of 13 students had been taken out from under shelling and transferred to the school in Perevalsk on Sept. 14.

It was an agonizing time for Stetsenko, who had no idea where her son was for months. Even though Nikita was just about 100 miles south of his home village of Pischane, the front line laid between mother and child.

Tears soaked my pillow, she said. I had no idea where to start, or how I would ever get him back.

It was hard for the soul, she added.

Then, the nongovernmental organization Save Ukraine contacted Stetsenko, saying they could offer her a way to get Nikita back, but it would require her to travel 3,000 miles into Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia's children's rights commissioner, on Feb. 16, 2023. (Mikhail Metzel / Sputnik via AFP-Getty Images)

Locating and returning children in the midst of war costs thousands of dollars, so Save Ukraine organizes and funds travel for women like Stetsenko.

I was shaking at every border crossing, she said. Going to Kyiv was intimidating, Stetsenko said. But leaving the country for the first time with her new Ukrainian passport was terrifying.

With Save Ukraines guidance, she traveled to Poland, then Belarus, and then boarded a flight to Moscow  the second time she had ever flown. She took the train to southwest Russia, which is where the Russian TV picked up her story.

Lvova-Belova shared the NTV report of Nikita and Stetsenkos reunion on Telegram. Her official page on the instant messaging service is full of videos of children who, she says, Russia has saved.

Its hard to watch this reunion without tears, Lvova-Belova captioned Nikitas story.

Russia has always helped and continues to help families be united, she said in a statement to NBC News, echoing President Putin.

Children are sacred, he said last week in a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. We took them out of the conflict zone, saving their lives and health. Thats what happened.

We have never been against children being reunited with their families, if, of course, their relatives come through, Putin added. There have never been any obstacles to this, there are not, and of course, there never will be.

Mykola Kuleba, the CEO of Save Ukraine, said this is an outright lie: The Russian government has not willingly returned any Ukrainian children, he said.

Theyre not giving them back  were taking them back, he added.

In March, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for both Lvova-Belova and Putin, accusing them of the unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children, which is a war crime. Their actions, the warrant continued, demonstrate an intention to permanently remove these children from their own country.

And since March, Kuleba says, it has proved harder to return Ukrainian kids. The Ukrainian government says at least 370 children have been returned so far, all without Russian help.

Russians understand now that each case is valued for the ICC, Kuleba said. Each case is evidence of a war crime.

In a photo posted on Perevalsk Special Correctional Boarding School's website, Nikita can be seen reading at his desk during a lesson. (Perevalsk Special Correctional Boarding School)

But Stetsenko is clear in that no Russian official and no one from the school ever contacted her.

Unless youre a mother, you cant possibly understand, she said of those first months of uncertainty about her son.

Ukrainian officials say the biggest fear is that the youngest kids will quickly be absorbed into the system of foster care, orphanages and summer camp facilities across Russia, soon forgetting their home country.

In a picture on the Perevalsk schools website, Nikita can be seen with his head on his desk during a lesson. They often had to sing the Russian national anthem, he said.

Im here. Artem is right there, he said, pointing out other kids in the picture. Artem Zhornyk, 15, seen in the picture wearing a uniform emblazoned with Russian pro-war Zs, was also at the school in Kupyansk with Nikita and has been returned to Ukraine after his mother, Natalya Zhornyk, made the same arduous journey as Stetsenko.

Asked if they were Ukrainian kids in the picture, No, Nikita said, shaking his head. Theyre not Ukrainian anymore Because they were grabbed.

Molly Hunter, Ostap Hunkevych and Ed Flanagan reported from Kharkiv; Daryna Mayer reported from Kyiv; and Bianca Britton and Yuliya Talmazan reported from London.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The San Bernardino Police Department seized about 5,000 pounds of illegal fireworks, firearms and manufacturing materials from a residence. (KTLA)

The San Bernardino Police Department evacuated dozens of homes before seizing about 5,000 pounds of illegal fireworks, firearms and manufacturing materials from a residence.

Officers converged on a residence on the 1400 block of West Evans Street at about 8:30 p.m. Monday, responding to a complaint, according to the police departments update on Twitter. Upon arriving at the residence, the officers found the fireworks in plain sight.

In addition, the officers found firearms, manufacturing tools and kegs of black powder, indicating that the residence may have been a manufacturing facility for illegal fireworks, according to the update.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department bomb squad was called in to help because of the large quantity of explosives.

One person was arrested, said Lt. Jennifer Kohrell, spokesperson for the San Bernardino Police Department. The suspect's name was not released.

About 48 homes around the residence were evacuated, with the Arroyo Valley High School gymnasium used as a temporary shelter. San Bernardino police allowed residents to return to their homes at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Five bomb trailers were being used Tuesday to transport the explosive material to a different location.

Kohrell noted that it's not known how many homemade fireworks may have been sold from the residence and whether they pose a hazard to the buyers.

Kohrell said anyone with information should call the police department at (909) 394-5742 or report it anonymously on the San Bernardino County Fire Department website.

Times staff writer Christian Martinez contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office is investigating a possible "stand your ground" shooting at a Milton residence, according to an SRSO news release.

At approximately 9:30 a.m., deputies responded to a reported shooting at the 8600 block of Bailly Road. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with a homeowner who said a suspicious individual came onto their property and "attacked" them.

The homeowner shot the suspicious person, and the individual was transported to a hospital to receive medical attention. The individual's current condition has not been released.

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Neither the homeowner nor the individual who was shot have been identified.

According to the SRSO, "The homeowner cooperated fully with our investigation and allowed us to search the residence. At this point in the investigation, our investigators have determined that stand your ground may apply in this case."

The investigation is still ongoing. No criminal charges are pending at this time, however, this case will be forwarded to the Office of the State Attorney for final review.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Milton homeowner shot person at Bailly Road, Santa Rosa deputies say
Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley will end up on the ash heap of history, Chinese officials said after Haley heavily criticized China multiple times this week regarding trade relations, U.S. land sale and funding from China, according to a report from Reuters.

On Tuesday, Haley appeared in an American Enterprise Institute interview where she said she would push Congress to revoke permanent normal trade relations (with China) until the flow of fentanyl ends. She also said she would encourage American companies to end their ties to China.

She also took aim at former President Donald Trump, who is also running for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, and said he showed moral weakness when he strived to befriend Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl, a drug related to more than 64,000 overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2022, are made in China. Haley was quoted saying if the U.S. rallied American companies to leave China, Chinas ruling Communist Party would be on the ash heap of history.

Reuters reported that China thought the remarks were irresponsible.

Only those who draw attention by smearing and blame-shifting in the election campaign will end up on the ash heap of history, Liu Pengyu, the spokesman for Chinas embassy in Washington, said in a statement to Reuters on Tuesday.

Haley responded to Pengyu in a tweet Wednesday afternoon, saying, The truth hurts, @SpoxCHNinUS, tagging the Chinese embassy spokesperson. If the Chinese Communists stopped sending fentanyl across our border, robbing our businesses, spying on us, and militarily threatening our friends, then we would have a much better relationship.

Haley, who was a former United Nations ambassador in the Trump administration, did multiple interviews and public announcements this week surrounding her stance on China and U.S. trade relations, in addition to their military and U.S. lack of preparation for potential conflict, for which blamed President Joe Biden.
SC man killed after getting hit in crash with deputy in patrol vehicle, coroner says

A Midlands man died days after being hit in a crash that involved a Sumter County sheriffs deputy, South Carolina officials said.

Hercules Sharper, a 62-year-old Sumter resident, died at Prisma Health Richland hospital, Sumter County Coroner Robbie Baker said Tuesday.

Sharper died Monday, five days after the collision on U.S. 15/Lafayette Street, according to Lance Cpl. William Bennett of the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Thats near downtown Sumter, about 1.5 miles from Prisma Health Tuomey hospital.

Two other people, including the sheriffs deputy, were hurt in the crash and also were taken to the Richland County hospital, officials said. Further information on their conditions was not available.

At about 5 p.m. on June 21, the deputy was driving a 2018 Ford SUV south on Lafayette Street and ran off the right side of the road, according to officials. The patrol vehicle collided with a 2016 Kia sedan that was parked on private property and a utility pole, Bennett said.

Sharper and another pedestrian were standing next to the parked car, according to Bennett.

Both the Kia and the pole struck Sharper, while the other pedestrian was hit by the car, Bennett said.

An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, according to Baker.

Information about what caused the deputy to veer off the road was not available, but Baker said his office and the Highway Patrol are continuing to investigate the crash.

There was no word if the deputy was wearing a seat belt, or the speed of the SUV at the time of collision.

Information about any possible criminal charges or discipline facing the deputy was not available.

On Wednesday, the Sumter County Sheriffs Office told The State it declined to answer questions about the crash because its still under investigation.

We join our community in prayer for those involved, sheriffs office spokesman Mark Bordeaux said.

At about the same time as the crash, the sheriffs office said deputies were involved in a manhunt in the area. They were searching for a man who had his arms handcuffed behind his back when he escaped from deputies who were securing a crime scene, according to the sheriffs office.

By 7:45 p.m., the man had been captured and taken to the Sumter County Sheriffs Office Detention Center, Bordeaux said.

Through Sunday, 471 people had died on South Carolina roads in 2023, according to the state Department of Public Safety. Last year, 1,091 people died in crashes in South Carolina, DPS reported.

At least 15 people have died in Sumter County crashes in 2023, according to DPS data. Last year, 30 deaths were reported in the county, DPS reported.
Expansion Mirage

A new theoretical physics study suggests that the expansion of the universe may be an illusion  a controversial new mathematical model that could shed light on the nature of dark matter.

In an interview with Live Science about the study, which was published earlier this month in the journal Classical and Quantum Gravity, University of Geneva theoretical physicist and author Lucas Lombriser said his new hypothesis takes a fresh look at the long-established theory surrounding the accelerating expansion of the universe.

"In this work," Lombriser told Live Science via email, "we put on a new pair of glasses to look at the cosmos and its unsolved puzzles by performing a mathematical transformation of the physical laws that govern it."

"I was surprised that the cosmological constant problem simply seems to disappear in this new perspective on the cosmos," Lombriser told Live Science.

Redshift, Green Light

Longstanding hypotheses suggest that redshift  the stretching of light wavelengths toward the redder end of the color spectrum as an object moves away from the viewer  is an indicator of an expanding universe because further-off galaxies have higher redshift than those closer to us.

More recently, astrophysicists have hypothesized that the rate of universal expansion is accelerating  a process that's denoted as the cosmological constant or lambda.

Lambda, as Live Science notes, has been a problematic concept since Albert Einstein described it more than 100 years ago because observations don't match up with astrophysicists' predictions, leading them to propose new particles or forces to explain the discrepancy.

Theoretically Speaking

Lombriser, however, suggests that Einstein may have been right the first time before coming up with the cosmological constant when he argued that the universe is flat and static.

The astrophysicist suggests that particles are the ones changing in mass, accounting for the difference in redshift  and not the expansion of the universe.

When it comes to explaining dark matter, which is believed to make up 80 percent of the mass of the universe, but can't be observed directly, Lombriser's study suggests that the strange material could work like an axion field, a hypothetical particle that's considered one of the top contenders for dark matter's identity.

Fluctuations in this field could even mean "there is, in principle, no need for dark energy," as Lombriser told Live Science, referring to the mysterious force that drives galaxies apart at an accelerating rate.

The theory may seem somewhat outlandish given how well-established the expanding universe theory is, but seeing how much trouble the cosmological constant has caused, it's probably worth considering.

More on particle physics: Scientists Just X-Rayed a Single Atom
It has been nearly 80 years since the World War II Battle of Saipan but researchers have discovered the Pacific seafloor battlefield remains much as it was in 1944, including evidence of catastrophic crashing events.

Aircraft, shipwrecks, Sherman tanks, submarine chasers and amphibious vehicles were found by the team  some completely intact and others showing evidence of a violent end.

Among the haunting discoveries was a plane riddled with bullet holes, according to expedition leader Jennifer McKinnon, principal Investigator of Ships of Discovery and professor at East Carolina University.

What the team found counts as one of the best preserved World War II battlefields in the Pacific Theater, experts say.

It certainly has the most diverse set of vehicles, aircraft and shipwrecks (Japanese and US) of any of the WWII battlefields in the Pacific, McKinnon told McClatchy News.

The sites are well preserved and identifiable. And they do fair better than land based sites due to development and other cultural and natural processes. Other for comparisons like Pearl Harbor are just US shipwrecks, and Chuuk are just Japanese shipwrecks. So the answer is yes, as a complete underwater battlefield, it is arguably the best preserved battlefield in the Pacific waters.

Among the sites visited by the researchers was the Shoan Maru, a Japanese tanker sunk by U.S. planes in WWII. Photo courtesy Jennifer McKinnon

The Battle for Saipan

The widely strewn wreckage provides a narrative for the largest U.S. amphibious invasion in the Pacific theater at the time and a decisive moment for WWII in the Pacific, reports NOAA Ocean Exploration, which funded the expedition.

It began with a beach landing on June 15, 1944, and ended as a U.S. victory over Japan in the Northern Mariana Islands, military historians say.

The fighting came at great cost, however.

Of the 71,000 U.S. troops that landed, nearly 3,000 were killed and more than 10,000 wounded, the National Park Service reports.

Out of the entire Japanese garrison of 30,000 troops, only 921 prisoners were captured; the rest died. The Japanese commanders and some 5,000 others committed suicide rather than surrender. ... On 9-12 July, hundreds of Japanese civilians committed suicide, many by leaping off the high cliffs on the northern end of the island.

The battlefield  spread across land and sea  is today protected as part of a U.S. National Historic Landmark District that includes Aslito/Isely Air Field and Saipan Island.

US Sherman tank off the landing beaches. Photo courtesy Jennifer McKinnon

The expeditions goal

Because much of the battlefield is under water, historians have never had an accurate accounting of what sits off Saipan, about 3,850 miles west of Hawaii.

The seafloor search included an international team of historians, archaeologists and biologists challenged to locate, investigate and document military artifacts linked to the Battle of Saipan.

Nearly a dozen known wreck sites were surveyed April 22 through May 14, and several previously unknown artifacts were found, including amphibious landing vehicles, officials said.

Among the wrecks extensively surveyed was a US PBY Coronado aircraft that was only known by a few local divers, officials say. It sits in 80 feet of water outside Saipans barrier reef and has never before been archaeologically recorded.

There are obvious wrecking or sinking patterns on some of the sites which indicate bombing or catastrophic crashing events. Weve pieced together some of the identities of the sites to specific vehicles, ships, and planes, McKinnon said.

Its likely more war relics remain hidden in the area, she added.

What next for the site?

So now we have 15 years of data on these sites which is actually pretty rare, McKinnon says.

The only other WWII sites with this much monitoring is the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor. We have learned that the sites are still be impacted by divers and natural impacts like bigger storms related to climate change.

Data comparison shows there has been some pretty incredible deterioration of the artifacts over the past 15 years, she said.

Among the problems, she says, are tourists who cant resist picking things up.

During one site recording visit, a tourist dive boat made a pretty significant disturbance on the site which we were able to record, McKinnon said.

They picked up the steering wheel of the ship, no doubt for a picture, and then dropped it into another place. The steering wheel was intact the last we saw it in 2017 and it is now missing its inside spokes. This type of behavior is not sustainable for heritage and diving tourism.

The research data is being presented in a report to the Northern Mariana Islands Historic Preservation Office, which manages the historic battlefield. The office was a major partner in the project and has been instrumental in protecting the historic sites.

They may take steps to prevent some cultural impacts like installing mooring buoys at the sites, McKinnon said. I hope they do.

Expedition partners included the Florida Public Archaeology Network and Task Force Dagger Foundation.

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Second man pleads guilty to reduced charge in fatal New Britain shooting

A second suspect has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge in the shooting death of a man in New Britain in 2019 during an alleged robbery attempt.

Wilfredo Oquendo, 21, struck a plea deal this week in New Britain Superior Court, pleading guilty to one count of first-degree manslaughter with a firearm in the death of 34-year-old Erick Rivera in January 2019, judicial records indicate.

Oquendo  who had been charged with accessory to murder and conspiracy to commit murder  is being held in lieu of $2 million bail and is due back in court on Sept. 14 for sentencing.

The plea deal reached this week comes after 23-year-old Justin Hapgood, Oquendos co-defendant, took a deal in April, also pleading guilty to first-degree manslaughter with a firearm, according to court records.

New Britain police said Hapgood shot Rivera on North Street on Jan. 15, 2019, after Oquendo had instructed him to do so. Investigators said the shooting occurred after Rivera allegedly tried to rob Oquendo.

Rivera walked up North Street after being shot and collapsed before he was taken to Hartford Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Hapgood  who had faced charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder  also is being held on $2 million bond and is expected to face sentencing next Thursday.
Second man sentenced in gruesome Missouri murder of woman who was kept in a cage

A second southwest Missouri man has been sentenced to life in prison in the gruesome killing of a woman who authorities say was kept in a cage.

In a Dallas County courtroom Tuesday, Timothy Leroy Norton pleaded guilty to first-degree murder for the death of Cassidy Rainwater and was immediately sentenced.

His plea  which came about two months after his co-defendant James Phelps also was sentenced to life in prison without parole  ended a two-year saga for the Dallas County sheriffs department.

Im just very glad its done with, Sheriff Scott Rice said in a phone call Wednesday. Its been very trying on my office. It required everybody that worked here to contribute many, many man hours to it.

Rice said he doesnt disagree with the plea deals the prosecutor obtained, but for him, I wish they had gotten the death penalty  for everything that she went through.

When asked how Rainwaters family is doing, Rice said, I dont know theyll truly get over all of it, but theyre glad that theyve seen justice happen.

The Rainwater case dates back to September 2021. Thats when the Kansas City office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation received an anonymous tip with photos of Rainwaters partially nude body inside a cage.

Some photos showed the womans body bound to a gantry crane, commonly used for deer processing, and her evisceration and dismemberment, the Dallas County Sheriffs Department posted on its Facebook page back then.

That tip led the FBI to Dallas County, about 160 miles southeast of Kansas City, and launched a weeks-long criminal investigation. The tip the FBI received was titled Cassidy. Phelps and Timothy Norton, both of Dallas County, were charged in September 2021 with kidnapping the 33-year-old woman and facilitating a felony, inflicting injury and terrorizing.

A fire in October 2021 destroyed a home near Windyville, Missouri, where James D. Phelps lived. He and Timothy Leroy Norton have been sentenced in the death of Cassidy Rainwater.

After tests confirmed that the labeled remains found in a freezer inside Phelps rented home were Rainwaters, the charges were upgraded to murder several weeks later. The men also were charged with abandonment of a corpse.

Deputies searched the property for seven days, according to the Dallas County Sheriffs Department. Skeletal remains believed to be Rainwaters were located on the adjacent property.

Rainwater had ties to the Kansas City area. In a 2003 yearbook from Harrisonville High School in Cass County, she was listed as a freshman.

She was reported missing in late August 2021 by a woman named Cora Terry. She told authorities that the last time Rainwater was seen was about six weeks earlier and she believed that a James Rainwater was the last person to see her.

Authorities later learned that she was talking about James Phelps.

Deputies went to Phelps home at 386 Moon Valley Road near Windyville and asked if he knew Rainwater. Sheriffs officials have said that Phelps said he did but that he hadnt spoken to her in roughly a month. He said that Rainwater was talking about going to Colorado.

About a week later, a Dallas County detective went to Moon Valley Road and spoke to Phelps about the missing person case. Phelps then said that Rainwater had been staying with him until she could get back on her feet, according to the probable cause statement related to the initial charges filed against Phelps.

He also told the deputy that at the end of July 2021, Rainwater had left in the middle of the night and met with someone in a vehicle at the end of the driveway and he had not seen or heard from her since.

After receiving the information from the FBI, deputies went back out to Moon Valley Road and recognized items in Phelps back yard that coincided with the photos.

Authorities said Norton told them that he knew that Rainwater was being held at the home of Phelps and that she had been kept in a cage, court records show. Norton further said that Phelps had contacted Norton to come to Phelps home, an affidavit said.

Norton then admitted that after arriving at Phelps home he did physically confine CR by holding her down for a substantial period of time, for the purpose of facilitating the commission of a felony, or inflicting physical injury on, or terrorizing CR, the document said.

Rice said on Wednesday that Norton and Phelps never showed any remorse.

They had this planned out, the sheriff said. This is a fantasy that they had planned out to do.

Phelps entered an Alford plea in late April. An Alford plea is when a defendant does not admit guilt but acknowledges that prosecutors have enough evidence to convict if the case had gone to trial.

Rice said authorities investigated whether there could have been other victims. They had evidence that several other women may have been at Phelps home at some point and wanted to make sure nothing had happened to them.

There were eight other people that we were concerned about, Rice said. But we found every one of them people alive.

I think it was the beginning of something worse. Just glad we stopped it before it got further down the road.
Residents put up flags for the Fourth of July in a neighborhood on the south side of Pasadena on July 1, 2017. Credit: Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune

In the opening hours of a new special legislative session, Texas lawmakers quickly made their opening pitches Wednesday to break a longstanding impasse over how to cut Texans property taxes and reach a deal.

A bargain over how to deliver more than $12 billion in new property tax cuts has evaded Texas top Republicans for months as leaders of the House and Senate have been at odds over whether homeowners or businesses should benefit more from tax cuts. Texas landowners pay some of the highest property taxes in the nation.

House Speaker Dade Phelan and House lawmakers are so far sticking with a proposal to take all $12.3 billion lawmakers set aside this year for tax cuts and send it to school districts so they can lower their tax rates  a method called tax rate compression.

Texas homeowners and business owners alike would see their tax rates fall under the House proposal, but the biggest benefit would flow to businesses and wealthier homeowners. The House Ways and Means Committee, that chambers key tax-writing panel, unanimously approved the measure Wednesday.

Its unclear when the full House will take up the bill; the House next meets on Friday but is expected to quickly adjourn until July 5.

State Rep. Morgan Meyer, a Dallas Republican and the Houses chief tax-cut crafter who authored the bill, declined to comment after the vote.

In the Senate, a $12.7 billion tax-cut package that includes targeted tax breaks for homeowners and businesses, money for school districts to lower their tax rates and stricter revenue caps for school districts sailed through the Senate Finance Committee and the full chamber by unanimous votes.

I cant think of a better property tax bill that you could possibly pass, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said after the vote.

State Sen. Roland Gutierrez, D-San Antonio, tacked on an amendment to the bill that would give teachers supplemental pay for the 2023-24 school year. The amendment, which took about an hour and a half to broker, would give teachers in urban school districts an extra $2,000 and those in rural districts an extra $6,000.

Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, the chambers chief budget writer, stressed that the payments were not permanent. The bill would cost $3.2 billion out of the state budget for the next two years.

Near the end of the regular session in May, Gutierrez and a handful of other lawmakers refused to vote for the new 2024-25 spending plan because while it earmarked more than $5 billion for education, it did not set aside funds specifically for teacher pay raises  a priority for both parties at the beginning of the session.

Those raises were tied to separate legislation creating a private-school voucher program, but the House refused to support vouchers, which use state education dollars to pay for private school tuition.

Teacher pay raises died with the voucher program, but they are likely to be considered again when Gov. Greg Abbott calls a special session on both issues later this year, as he has said he will do.

What weve just seen here is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to not only pass a record property tax relief bill but add a tremendous benefit for teachers, said state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a Houston Republican and author of the bills. This is a huge win for Texas taxpayers.  Its astonishing work. Ive never been prouder to be a member of the Texas Senate.

The amendment triggers the question of whether it will help or hurt the bills chances, either with the lower chamber or with Abbott, who did not have teacher pay on the call for the special session.

Itd be a hell of a time for anybody to veto this, Gutierrez said. Our teachers are demanding this. They should not be held hostage to anybodys political ambitions.

Abbotts office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Its unclear whether the House, which has been at odds with the Senate over how to lower property taxes, would accept the Senates approved bill.

Patrick said he was hopeful the House would pass the Senates bill when lawmakers return next Wednesday and conclude the special session. He also said hed asked for a meeting with Phelan to broker a deal.

Im looking forward to a meeting, Patrick said. Whenever that is, I believe we can get this resolved quickly.

Lawmakers have twice failed to strike a compromise before running out the clock  once when the Legislatures regular session ended in late May and again on Tuesday when time ran out on a special session called by Abbott.

Abbott, who made cutting property tax cuts a cornerstone of his reelection campaign last year, called lawmakers back to the Capitol this week to end the stalemate and send him a tax-cut bill.

On Wednesday tax-cut writers picked up where they left off  unveiling familiar proposals on how to cut school district property taxes, the biggest slice of a property owners tax bill.

In the Senate, Patrick and tax-cut proponents held firm on giving homeowners a more substantive chunk of the proposed tax breaks.

The $12.7 billion tax-cut package laid out Wednesday by Bettencourt, Patricks go-to person on property taxes, would provide targeted tax relief to Texas homeowners in the form of an increase in the states homestead exemption on school district taxes, which is the amount of a homes value that cant be taxed to pay for public schools. That exemption would go from $40,000 to $100,000 under the Senate plan.

More than two-thirds of the $12.3 billion in the House bill for property tax cuts would go to school districts to lower their tax rates. The Senate proposal  essentially the same package senators put up in the waning days of the first special session  would also put tighter revenue caps on school districts, a way to further drive down tax rates.

More businesses would get a break on their state franchise taxes, a state levy businesses pay on their revenue, under the Senate proposal. Senators want to expand the pool of businesses that receive a state franchise tax exemption in a bid to provide tax relief to small-business owners. As a result, 67,000 business owners would not have to pay that tax.

Im at a loss to explain why were even having an argument, Bettencourt told the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday.

Abbott initially threw his weight behind the House proposal, which pressures school districts to reduce their tax rates, in late May, touting it as a better way to ultimately eliminate school maintenance and operations taxes  which make up the bulk of a school property tax bill and pay for school expenses like teacher salaries. Some conservatives have sought to get rid of the tax altogether.

Abbott has held firm on his desire to see an all-compression approach and a tax-cut proposal that puts Texas on a path to ultimately eliminating the maintenance and operations tax. But he appeared to soften his stance Tuesday when he called lawmakers back to the Capitol, signaling that hes open to an alternate proposal should the House and Senate agree to one.

Legislators have less than 30 days to strike a compromise on tax cuts. But they also face an August deadline to get a tax-cut ballot measure on the November ballot. Voters would have to approve portions of the House and Senate packages in a constitutional amendment election.

Frustration among lawmakers over the continued absence of a deal became increasingly apparent Wednesday.

I hope that therell be some give and take between the House and Senate and we will be able to get something done and agreed upon and passed, said state Rep. Chris Turner, an Arlington Democrat and member of the House Ways and Means Committee. And that the House and the Senate and the governor can do what they werent able to do in the first special session in the regular session, which is reach an agreement and actually get something for the voters to approve in November.

That angst was felt in the Senate, too.

This seems like a rerun of a movie that weve seen before, said state Sen. Juan Chuy Hinojosa, a McAllen Democrat, ahead of the Senate vote Wednesday.

Join us for conversations that matter with newly announced speakers at the 2023 Texas Tribune Festival, in downtown Austin from Sept. 21-23.
(CNN)  New Zealands Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has been criticized for bringing a backup plane on his visit to China this week, with opposition leaders pointing to excess planet-warming emissions created in the middle of the climate crisis.

The use of a second aircraft was due to frequent reliability issues with the current defense force plane, which has left some of the countrys former leaders stuck during previous overseas trips, a spokesperson for the prime minister told CNN in a statement Tuesday.

A backup aircraft was pre-positioned in the Philippine capital Manila in case the primary aircraft carrying Hipkins and a trade delegation broke down, the spokesperson said.

Given the importance of the trade mission, the long distance involved and the large size of the traveling business delegation and media contingent, it was considered that a backup aircraft was justified to ensure the success of the mission to our largest trade partner, the spokesperson said.

The leader of the opposition National Party Chris Luxon said Hipkins use of two planes wasnt a good look environmentally, according to CNN affiliate Radio New Zealand (RNZ).

We have a climate change challenge, I thought, in this country  so sending an empty 30-year-old 757 following a full one doesnt seem a good move, he reportedly said.

David Seymour, leader of the right-wing ACT Party, claimed in a post on his official Facebook page Monday that the emissions created by taking the extra plane is the equivalent of driving a Ford Ranger the distance of a trip to the moon three times.

New Zealands embarrassingly ancient Defense Force planes are so decrepit that the PM had to bring a spare on his trip to China in case one of them breaks down on a stopover, Seymour said.

Seymour also criticized the cost of bringing an additional aircraft as wasteful and reckless.

In the statement to CNN, the spokesperson for the prime minister said using RNZAF [Royal New Zealand Air Force] aircraft is far cheaper than a commercial charter.

The RNZAF currently operates two Boeing 757-200 jets that are used regularly for the carriage of VIPs as well as ministerial and trade missions around the world, according to the New Zealand Defense Force.

The 757s are around 30 years old, are nearing the end of their economic lives, and are due for replacement between 2028 and 2030, Hipkins spokesperson said.

Former New Zealand prime ministers have faced political embarrassment after their planes broke down on official trips.

In 2016, then leader John Key cut short his visit to India after the RNZAF Boeing 757 plane carrying him and his delegation broke down during a stopover in Australia, RNZ reported.

Three years later, then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her staff had to take a commercial flight from Melbourne to Auckland after a computer failure grounded the 757 Air Force plane scheduled to bring her home, according to RNZ.

Hipkins is leading a 29-strong business delegation to Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai from June 25 to June 30 in a bid to boost export growth with China.

This story was first published on CNN.com, New Zealands leader Chris Hipkins under fire from opposition over backup plane for overseas trip"
Security Service of Ukraine arrests person who tipped Russians off regarding attack on Kramatorsk

Counterintelligence officers from the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) have arrested an agent from the Russian secret services who helped to guide the fire of the Russian missile attack on a cafe in the centre of Kramatorsk on 27 June.

Source: Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Vasyl Maliuk, quoted by the departments press service

Details: The SSU states that the person arrested who tipped the Russians off regarding the attack on Kramatorsk has been established to be a sleeper agent of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces. On 27 June, he was assigned to find out if the cafe mentioned above was open and to record the presence of visitors there.

The Russian agent made a hidden video recording of the cafe and the cars parked nearby to fulfil the task. After that, the defendant sent the video file to Russian military intelligence.

Having received this information, the Russian invaders launched an attack on the cafe which was full of people.

As a result of the Russian attack, at least nine local residents have been killed, including three children. Sixty people received injuries of various degrees of severity.

According to the investigation, the Russian agent is a resident of Kramatorsk and an employee of a local gas transmission company.

Now comprehensive measures are being taken to establish the crime's circumstances and bring the perpetrator and other persons involved to justice.

Quote from Maliuk: "The Russian agent will be held accountable in a Ukrainian court. But such detention is also a signal for all other people who tip off the enemy and traitors working for Russia. Remember  punishment is inevitable!

The same way as the organisers of war crimes and representatives of the Putin regime will inevitably be held accountable before an international tribunal. To this end, we are constantly conducting legal work and continuing to collect evidence for international courts."

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!










See how Sacramento area has changed since pandemic in 9 charts based on new Census data

California suffered well-publicized, but incremental, declines in population during the COVID-19 pandemic, but a trove of 2022 data from the U.S. Census Bureau adds a new dimension to the states demographics  its residents are aging.

The median age increased 0.7 years since 2020 to 37.8 in 2022. The median age is the age at which half the population is older and half the population is younger.

Those changes track with an overall graying nation  the national median age is also increasing at a similar rate to Californias. California is currently the 13th youngest state.

While there are several factors driving up the median age, theres one trend thats not adding to Californias population: fewer births.

This is really a story of declining birth rates, said Eric McGhee, a senior fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California. And to a lesser extent out-migration.

McGhee said theres a national trend of declining birth rates, but that Californias has decreased at a rate much steeper than most.

The high cost of living in California may have played an indirect role in the aging population. In addition to driving California residents to other states, it may be fueling a delay in people having kids. According to the Public Policy Institute of California, reductions in the birth rate often coincide with economic downturns.

Theres a pretty high variance in the median age by county in California. Most of the counties surrounding Sacramento skew older  with the exception of Yolo County, which is the youngest county in California.

Sacramento County is the 23rd youngest, while El Dorado County and Placer fall at 41 and 47, respectively. Birth rates in the capital region also fell during the pandemic, especially in suburbs to the east of the city.

Another factor in the median age of a population is migration. Kevin Kane, a regional planner with the Southern California Association of Governments said that while migration may have less of an influence on median age, it played an interesting role from 2020 to 2022.

Foreign immigration into California went to zero during the pandemic, he said. We rely on that population a lot for growth in the state.

Statewide growth in Hispanic respondents

Since 2020, the population of Hispanic respondents in California has grown steadily. In 2022, about 40% of respondents identified themselves as Hispanic or Latino, according to the new census data.

The greatest increases in demographics came from people who identified as Hispanic. From 2020 to 2022, the number of respondents who identified as Hispanic increased by 0.61%.

Asian and Hispanic (2.85%)

Asian in combination with another race and Hispanic (2.70%)

White alone and Hispanic (2.08%)

The greatest decreases in demographics came from people who identified as non-Hispanic. From 2020 to 2022, the number of respondents who identified as not Hispanic decreased by 2.53%

White and not Hispanic (4.74%)

White in combination with another race and not Hispanic (4.29%)

American Indian or Alaskan native in combination with another race and not Hispanic (2.41%)

There was an overall decrease in both respondents who identified as white alone (2.16%) and as Black alone (1.61%). There was an increase in respondents who identified as Asian (1.78%) and as two or more races (1.79%).

Locally? Bigger, younger, more diverse

In the capital region, population growth was inconsistent with California as a whole. El Dorado County, Placer County and Yolo County each saw an increase in population between 2020 and 2022. Sacramento Countys population decreased by 0.06%.

Although the median age in the four-county region is still fairly varied, younger populations, especially in Sacramento and Yolo counties, are growing. People under 30 now account for almost 40% of the four-county regions population.

For white-alone respondents, there was a similar decrease in white-alone populations in Sacramento County as there was statewide. Heres how the age groups break down by race in the four-county region:

There was a marked increase in Black alone populations in both Placer and Yolo counties.

There were small increases in American Indian or Alaskan native alone populations in all four counties, similar to the 0.37% increase statewide.

There was a large, across the board increase in the Asian population in all four counties  including both Asian alone respondents who identified as Hispanic and Asian alone respondents who identified as not Hispanic.
A group of six senators is planning to travel to Lithuania next month for the annual NATO summit, which will likely be heavily focused on the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) are leading the delegation, which will also include Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Sens. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Angus King (I-Maine) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), to the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius.

Were proud to lead this bipartisan group of Senators to send a resounding message to the international community that the United States  across party lines  stands firmly with the Alliance as we confront our shared global security challenges, Shaheen and Tillis said in a statement.

They said NATO responded to Russian President Vladimir Putins full-scale invasion of Ukraine and barbaric campaign of violence last year with unity.

The two senators are the co-chairs of the Senate NATO Observer Group, which is made up of seven Democrats and seven Republicans and has the purpose of informing senators of alliance members defense spending commitments, upgrades to military capabilities, counterterrorism capabilities, enlargements of the alliance, and members abilities to address non-conventional warfare.

To stand by our partners and defend democracy worldwide  from Putin or any adversary who threatens our rules-based order  the Alliance must continue to work in lock-step, Shaheen and Tillis said. We look forward to conveying that message and reaffirming the United States commitment to that promise at the 2023 NATO Summit in Vilnius.

Ukraine filed an expedited application to join NATO last fall amid the Russian invasion, but NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said earlier this month that discussions are not being held about issuing a formal invitation for Ukraine to join NATO at the summit.

He said NATO leaders are discussing how to move Ukraine closer to the alliance, and the most important thing is to ensure that Ukraine can defend itself from Russia as a sovereign, independent, democratic nation.

Shaheen and Tillis previously led a delegation to the NATO summit last year.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
She lost her transgender son to suicide. She isnt giving up fighting for him

Kentucky state Senator rallied against anti-trans legislation in her state weeks after her sons death. (AP)

Henry Berg-Brousseau was 16 years old when he sat at a table in front of a committee at the Kentucky State Capitol to speak against a bill that would prevent transgender students from using bathrooms and locker rooms that match their gender.

If you dont know a transgender kid already, he told the panel in 2015, you do now.

You know me, Henry, he said. And Id be honoured to continue to work with you and help educate you on all trans issues. Id be even more honoured to call you all friends.

That bill ultimately passed through the state Senate, but it was defeated in the state House.

Within a few years, Henry helped establish the LGBT+ college fraternity Delta Lambda Phi at George Washington University in Washington DC and landed a job in the nations capital as a deputy press secretary at the nations largest LGBT+ civil rights organisation.

He spent last year tracking a historic number of bills targeting trans Americans like him while anticipating another record-breaking year of legislation in the months to come.

On 16 December 2022, Henry died by suicide. He was 24.

Weeks later, still mourning the death of her son, Henrys mother Karen Berg returned to her seat in Kentuckys state Senate to confront the very same bills that her son knew would be waiting for her.

He was definitely the wind beneath my wings. No question about it, Ms Berg tells The Independent from her home in Kentucky.

It was Henry who inspired her to run for office in the first place.

The doctor-turned-Democratic state senator won re-election to her seat last November while Henry was visiting. After her victory, they said goodbye at the airport with a hug. That was the last time she saw her son.

He returned to Washington DC buoyant with the passage of President Joe Bidens landmark Respect for Marriage Act, which Henry helped usher behind the scenes through Congress to codify marriage equality protections affirmed by the US Supreme Court.

In what would be his final press release for the Human Rights Campaign, he addressed the stark realities of anti-trans hate and a flood of legislation aimed at restricting the rights of LGBT+ people across the country, including in his home state.

We thought that he was getting scared, and that he was starting to feel like it might not be safe to be walking in the streets anymore, Ms Berg says. I told him, If you need to take a step back, and let someone else take over for a while, its OK to take a break.

Ms Berg joins lawmakers with trans and LGBT+ children across the country who are standing up against a tidal wave of state measures that have consumed debates in state capitols over the last two years, combatting legislation from their own colleagues that amount to attacks against their own families.

Henrys life and her loss will remain forever enmeshed in her fight, strengthened by a vast network of support from LGBT+ advocates and protesters joining her at the state capitol and across the country.

I think a part of him thought, Im gonna go out on a high. We just had a major, major win, were getting ready to go in to fight for our lives, and Im tired, Ms Berg says through tears. I cant believe I would ever, ever say this, but Im glad he hasnt been able to see what they did to my state. Im so glad he didnt know what happened at home.

The cruelest session

Henry  wearing a gray suit and blue-and-green striped tie  explained to lawmakers in 2015 how something as simple as using a school bathroom can be a scary experience for a trans person. School officials made him use the girls bathroom, where he was harassed and picked on.

Because the school administration did not support my gender identity, by letting me use the restrooms that coordinated with my gender identity, the kids at my school bullied me, he said. The kids thought that, because the administration didnt support my gender identity, they didnt have to either.

A lot of folks think that having a separate and private restroom for trans kids is the way to go. While that might work for some, when somebody tells us that were so different that the only way to accommodate is to create a special restroom, the message is clear: That we dont belong.

Three years later, Ms Berg ran against an incumbent Republican who held a seat representing Louisville in the state senate for more than 20 years. She lost.

Two years later, she tried again. Henry joined her campaign as treasurer and adviser.

Real public service, which was what I was running to do, she says. It was the time in my life that I had the opportunity to give back. I believe in healthcare, I believe in medicine  I wanted a chance.

She never intended to run on a platform centring LGBT+ people and trans rights. Nor did she predict the growing fever in state capitols across the country to dismantle them.

I never thought, Oh, my God, were gonna take two steps forward, and then 100 years back, she says. I did not see it. Henry did, way before I did. He had known and he was telling me this was coming for a year and a half or more, maybe. He was dreading the state session.

After her sons death, she prepared for the eight-week legislative session ahead of her  the arguments she would make to her colleagues, the remarks she would deliver on the floor, what Henry would say.

Henry was a light  deeply passionate, deeply engaged, and deeply caring, Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson said in a statement after his death. No one was more aware of the harm that anti-transgender rhetoric, messaging, and legislation could have on his community. He was brave.

Hundreds of bills aimed at LGBT+ people, particularly young trans people, have been filed in nearly every state within the last several years, part of a growing campaign among Republican lawmakers wielding anti-trans attacks that have dominated elections and legislative sessions heading into 2024.

By the end of May, state lawmakers this year had introduced more than 500 bills impacting LGBT+ people, including 220 bills specifically targeting trans and nonbinary Americans, according to an analysis from the Human Rights Campaign. More than 70 such bills have been signed into law.

More than a dozen states have enacted laws or policies banning affirming healthcare for young trans people.

Republican members of Congress have also introduced federal legislation that mirrors some of the proposals in the states. One measure would impose national restrictions on trans athletes, and another bill would impose a similar but more-expansive version of what critics have called state-level Dont Say Gay bills used to restrict classroom discussion of LGBT+ people and events.

Kentuckys Senate Bill 150  denounced by LGBT+ advocates as one of the most extreme and dangerous state-level bills targeting trans people amid an explosion of similar proposals across the country  bans gender-affirming care for trans youth and prohibits students from using pronouns and names in school other than those assigned at birth. It also prohibits discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools, adopting elements of so-called Dont Say Gay language in similar bills across the US.

It also includes a similar bathroom measure that lawmakers rejected after Henrys testimony eight years earlier.

In March, Kentuckys Democratic Governor Andy Beshear vetoed the bill. Days later, the states GOP-dominated state legislature, with veto-proof supermajorities that can obstruct the governors actions, voted to override the governors veto.

Last month, the ACLU of Kentucky and the National Center for Lesbian Rights asked a federal court judge to block the law before it goes into effect on 29 June.

Federal judges in several states have struck down, at least temporarily, similar laws banning gender-affirming care for trans youth, with a series of rulings that eviscerate arguments from Republican officials and their abject failure to recognise medical authority.

Ms Berg similarly does not believe Kentuckys law will survive in court.

During legislative debate, she denounced the absolute willful, intentional hate for a small group of people, who are the weakest and the most vulnerable among us.

You need to come back to these people and you need to ask them: Why did you get elected? What are you doing here? What was your purpose in choosing to serve? she asked lawmakers. Because if it was to help the least among us, you are failing miserably.

She called on her colleagues to avoid politicising issues that are literally killing our children, that are literally putting them into the grave, and urged them to consider who youre putting in the centre of this fight.

Several Republican staff members resigned by the end of the session.

Everybody said this was the cruelest session they had ever witnessed, Ms Berg tells The Independent.

One Republican state senator, Danny Carroll, attempted to file an amendment that would narrow the scope of a bill banning gender-affirming care for trans youth. That break from what had become Republican orthodoxy gobsmacked the states leadership to the point where the proposal was indefinitely delayed, Ms Berg remembers.

Mr Carroll was the only Republican state senator who voted against Senate Bill 150.

I think weve made a mistake here, he told the chamber in March. We forgot whats important in this. People. People are important in this. My concern is for the children.  If it saves one kid  one  what does it hurt? I dont understand.

One former Republican lawmaker returned to the Capitol to urge lawmakers to vote against it.

This bill condemns vulnerable children to an even more difficult life than theyve already been born into, Jerry Miller told a Senate committee that month. Please dont let a parents right to protect their children be collateral damage in the culture wars.

Their remarks are unusual among Republican state lawmakers who have prioritised, despite overwhelming medical guidance from care providers and major medical groups, a suite of legislation that strips access to care from those children.

That legislation puts doctors in a tremendous ethical conflict between following the law and actually following medicine the way were supposed to, Ms Berg tells The Independent.

The votes in my chamber underscore unequivocally that it is possible to reject it, she says.

A refusal among Republican leadership to even consider Mr Carrolls amendment is a testament to the fact that this is a political fight, she says. This is not about how we take care of vulnerable children. They know theyre wrong on that one.

A desperate last stand

The evolution among Republican lawmakers in Kentucky toward an agenda targeting gender-affirming care and the rights of LGBT+ people mirrors the GOPs campaign at large, one that Ms Berg says is all they have to win the election.

Its a path paved by conspiracy theories, bigotry and anti-intellectualism, Ms Berg says, underscored by the grim irony of Kentucky residents electing the first female physician to the state legislature where she is then forced to defend medicine from baseless attacks from her own colleagues.

Weve been working towards a more perfect union, weve been trying to get better  we have not succeeded by any means  but the goal that we seem to be at least in the right direction. And then it was like Pandoras box got opened, she says. There are really honest to God politicians in this country who are running on hate. That is their platform. That is what they are using to attract voters. And its bewildering.

The bills are nearly universally the same, drafted by influential right-wing organisations like Alliance Defending Freedom and various Family Foundations  well-funded special interest groups that also fund legal efforts to defend the legislation they helped create.

Ms Berg sees the fight for LGBT+ rights in state legislatures as part of a broader antidemocratic threat, one that has sought to undermine elections and reproductive rights.

We need to make sure people really understand its just not homegrown. This is not coming from within. We were fine. We had not had a single complaint about a trans child using a bathroom in this state, Ms Berg says. They are fomenting division. They are trying to divide us because they think it is the only way to win at this point. And no, the American people will see this for what it is. It is a desperate last stand.

Hundreds of people, mostly students, rallied at the capitol on Frankfort to protest Senate Bill 150. Ms Berg addressed them from the steps.

You are perfect the way God made you, she told them. Remember that every moment of your life.

The crowd also chanted the names of Zachee Imanitwitaho  a trans woman who was fatally shot earlier this year  and Henry:

Henry, Zachee, they should be with us today.

If you are based in the US and seek LGBT+ affirming mental health support, resources are available from Trans Lifeline (877-565-8860) and the LGBT Hotline (888-843-4564), as well as The Trevor Project (866-488-7386, or text START to 678-678).

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the US, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
map of Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone, a country in West Africa, has a special significance in the history of the transatlantic slave trade as the departure point for thousands of west African captives. The capital, Freetown, was founded as a home for repatriated former slaves in 1787.

But the country's modern history has been overshadowed by a brutal civil war that ended in 2002 with the help of Britain, the former colonial power, and a large United Nations peacekeeping mission.

Sierra Leone has experienced substantial economic growth in recent years, although the ruinous effects of the civil war continue to be felt.

The country is also rich in diamonds and other minerals. The trade in illicit gems, known as "blood diamonds" for their role in funding conflicts, perpetuated the civil war. The government has sought to crack down on the trade.

Read more country profiles - Profiles by BBC Monitoring

REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE: FACTS

Capital: Freetown

Area: 71,740 sq km

Population: 8.6 million

Languages: English, Krio

Life expectancy: 58 years (men) 61 years (women)

LEADER

President: Julius Maada Bio

Julius Maada Bio won a second term as president in June 2023 in hotly disputed presidential elections, with the opposition claiming voting irregularities and international election observers highlighting problems with transparency in the tallying of votes.

Official figures gave Mr Bio, of the Sierra Leone People's Party, 56% of the vote. His main rival, Samura Kamara, of the All People's Congress (APC), trailed far behind with 41%.

President Bio, a retired army brigadier took part in a military coup during the country's civil war in 1992, only to overthrow the military junta itself in 1996 and pave the way for free elections that year.

The rivalry between him and Dr Kamara was a repeat of the closely fought 2018 election, which went to a second round.

The campaign took place against a backdrop of a troubled economy, the rising cost of living and concerns about national unity.

Mr Bio, who blamed the country's woes on external factors such as the coronavirus pandemic and the war in Ukraine, now has the task of solving these problems.

The election is the fifth since Sierra Leone's brutal 11-year civil war officially ended in 2002. But since then the country has had a tradition of largely peaceful, free and credible elections, according to Marcella Samba Sesay, chairperson of the non-governmental organisation National Elections Watch.

MEDIA

Sierra Leone's diamonds helped fund years of conflict

Media freedom in Sierra Leone has its limits; media rights monitors say high-level corruption is a taboo topic, with officials using libel laws to target errant journalists.

Challenges facing broadcasters include unreliable power supplies, poor funding and low advertising revenues. There are dozens of radio stations, most of them privately owned.

Dozens of newspapers are published in Freetown, despite low literacy levels.

TIMELINE

Sierra Leone suffered a lengthy civil war. Child soldiers took part in the fighting

Some key dates in Sierra Leone's history:

c 500BC onwards - Sierra Leone is settled by successive groups of peoples, though its dense tropical rainforest partially isolates the region from other West African cultures.

1462 - Portuguese explorer Pedro de Sintra maps the hills around what is now Freetown, naming them "Serra da Leoa" or "Serra Leoa" - Lioness Mountains.

1495 - Portuguese traders build a fortified trading post on the coast. They are followed by others, as as the Dutch, English and French who also establish trading stations which quickly began to primarily deal in slaves.

1787 - Following British defeat in the American Revolutionary War, thousands of Black Loyalists are settled in Canada, the West Indies or come to London. British philanthropists establish a settlement in Sierra Leone with the aim of lifting them out of poverty. British government officials are also involved, although their interest is in resettling a large group of poor citizens elsewhere away from London. This first settlement is attacked by locals, and struggles.

1792 - Black Loyalists are settled in Nova Scotia, Canada, after the American Revolution but face harsh northern winters and racial discrimination. Helped by philanthropists, nearly 1,200 decide to move to Sierra Leone and build the settlement of Freetown.

1808 - Freetown settlement becomes crown colony. With abolition of slavery, the Royal Navy begins delivered thousands of formerly enslaved Africans to Freetown, after liberating them from illegal slave ships.

1896 - Britain sets up a protectorate over the Freetown hinterland.

1961 - Sierra Leone becomes independent.

1967 - Military coup deposes Premier Siaka Stevens' government, but he returns to power the following year and becomes president in 1971, after Sierra Leone becomes a republic.

1991 - Start of civil war. Former army corporal Foday Sankoh and his Revolutionary United Front (RUF) begin campaign against President Joseph Saidu Momoh, capturing towns on border with Liberia.

1992 - President Joseph Momoh is ousted in military coup led by Captain Valentine Strasser. Under international pressure, Strasser announces plans for the first multi-party elections since 1967. In quick succession, however, the country goes through several presidents after a series of coups.

2000 - UN forces - in the country to help end the war - come under attack in the east. Several hundred UN troops are abducted. Rebels close in on Freetown. British paratroopers are sent to Freetown to evacuate British citizens and to help secure the airport for UN peacekeepers, rebel leader Foday Sankoh is captured.

2002 - Civil war ends. UN mission says disarmament of 45,000 fighters is complete. Government, UN agree to set up war crimes court. British troops leave Sierra Leone after two-year mission to help end the fighting.

2003 - Rebel leader Foday Sankoh dies of natural causes while awaiting trial for war crimes.

2004 - First local elections in more than three decades; war crimes trials begin into atrocities committed by both sides during the fighting.

2014-2016 - Sierra Leone declares a state of emergency to tackle the deadly Ebola outbreak in West Africa which persists into 2016, killing more than 11,000 people in the region.
A men sells daliy newspapers on March 27, 2018 in Freetown

Media freedom in Sierra Leone has its limits; media rights monitors say high-level corruption is a taboo topic, with officials using libel laws against errant journalists.

Despite a genuinely diverse media landscape "journalists are sometimes targets of arbitrary arrest and detention", says Reporters Without Borders (RSF). It notes that the main threat comes from "politicians who often use the police to try to control reporters or hinder their work".

Challenges facing broadcasters include unreliable power supplies, poor funding and low advertising revenues. There are dozens of radio stations, most of them privately owned.

The Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) is the national state-owned broadcaster.

BBC World Service is on FM in Freetown (94.3), Bo (94.5) and Kenema (95.3). Voice of America and Radio France Internationale broadcast on FM in Freetown.

Dozens of newspapers are published in Freetown, despite low literacy levels. Most of them are privately-run and are often critical of the government.

Poverty, irregular power supplies and illiteracy act as curbs on internet access. says RSF. There were 1.04 million internet users by December 2021, comprising just 12% of the population (Internetworldstats.com).

Press

Television

Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) - state-owned terrestrial network with limited coverage

Radio
Facebook posts urge users to share a photo they claim shows a missing grandmother suffering from dementia. But the woman pictured was found years ago in the United States, and the posts -- shared in local groups across Canada -- are part of a scam tactic in which content is edited to display spurious advertisements.

"My grandma who is 80 took off yesterday around 4:30 and she still hasn't returned," says a June 21, 2023 post shared to a Facebook group for the Kapuskasing, Ontario area.

Identical posts have spread in groups for residents of Salisbury and Central Carleton, New Brunswick and Kamloops, British Columbia -- on the other side of Canada.

All the posts claim a Silver Alert, a public notification system that some provinces use to help find those who go missing because of dementia, has been activated for the woman.

Screenshots of Facebook posts taken June 27, 2023

Screenshots of Facebook posts taken June 27, 2023

But a Google reverse image search reveals the woman is not missing anywhere in Canada.

The same photo appears in a September 7, 2018 article from the Stevens Point Journal in the US state of Wisconsin (archived here).

The newspaper reported Kathryn "Kitty" Wenckus was found and that a Wisconsin Department of Justice Silver Alert had been canceled. Other local media reported she was about half a mile from her home.

An obituary published in February 2022 (archived here) -- more than a year before the Facebook posts were published -- says Wenckus died at age 96.

Users have shared a second photo with the same caption about a missing grandmother.

Screenshot of Facebook posts taken June 28, 2023

AFP could not identify the origin of the image. But the same woman is reported to be missing in Beaverton, Ontario and more than 1,864 miles (3,000 kilometers) away in Calgary, Alberta.

Some genuine Facebook accounts post Sliver Alerts, but they are typically linked to the government or police. The Wisconsin Department of Justice, for example, alerted citizens to Wenckus's disappearance in 2018.

Authentic notices also give the name of the missing person and a phone number for providing information. None of the posts about the missing grandmother include a name or contact details.

Common scam tactic

AFP has debunked multiple posts using similar emotional pleas that encourage people to share content.

In most cases, the comments on the posts are turned off, making it difficult for people to warn others that the alert is false.

Once the posts reach a critical number of shares, they are edited to display an advertisement, often including potentially malicious links.

Screenshot of the edit history of a Facebook post taken June 27, 2023

Facebook users may believe they are helping by sharing the post. But when it is later edited, their friends are shown an ad that appears to be endorsed by a trusted contact.

More of AFP's reporting on misinformation circulating in Canada is available here.
Simone Biles set to return to competition for first time since 2021 Tokyo Olympics

Gymnastics superstar Simone Biles is set to take the competitive stage later this summer in her first sanctioned event in nearly two years, officials said Wednesday.

Organizers of the U.S. Classic announced that Biles, the four-time Olympic gold medalist, will compete in the event Aug. 4-5 at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.

It would be her first competition since the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, when she brought worldwide attention to the mental health struggles of athletes.

Biles, 26, was a breakout star of the 2016 Rio Olympics, striking gold in the team all-around, the individual all-around, the vault and the floor exercise and taking bronze on the balance beam.

She was the focus of attention heading into the Covid-delayed games in Tokyo.

Biles stunned the gymnastics world when she pulled out of the team finals, saying the emotional toll of the Tokyo Games, not a physical injury, prompted her withdrawal.

Physically, I feel good. Im in shape, she told Hoda Kotb on NBCs TODAY show after her exit. Emotionally, it varies on the time and moment. Coming to the Olympics and being head star isnt an easy feat.

Later, she told NBCs Andrea Joyce that her struggle was more mental, and were just dealing with a couple of things internally.

Biles' appearance in August will raise hopes that she'll try to make her third Olympics next year, when the world's greatest athletes gather in Paris. But her status for 2024 is still uncertain.

Without Biles in Tokyo two years ago, the U.S. still captured silver in the team competition. She returned to action in Tokyo to win bronze on the beam.

Shortly after Tokyo, Biles gave tearful testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, sharing her story of having been sexually abused by USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar.

She bluntly said USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee failed to do their jobs.

I dont want another young gymnast or Olympic athlete or any individual to experience the horror that I and hundreds of others have endured before, during and continuing to this day in the wake of the Larry Nassar abuse, Biles told lawmakers, her voice choking with emotion.

Since Biles last competed, she married Green Bay Packers safety Jonathan Owens this year.

When Biles takes the floor in suburban Chicago in a little more than six weeks, she'll be joined by fellow Americans Sunisa Lee, who won gold in the individual all-around in Tokyo, and Jade Carey, the floor exercise gold medalist two years ago.

It is exciting to think about the level of talent and historical legacy of the field that may compete at U.S. Classic, USA Gymnastics Chief Programs Officer Stefanie Korepin said in a statement. Every athlete is at a different place in their season and career, and we will support each of them, wherever they are in their journey.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Simone Biles is returning to competitive gymnastics.

The four-time Olympic gold medalist will compete in the U.S. Classic scheduled for Aug. 4-5 in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, outside of Chicago, the organizers announced June 28.

It'll be her first sanctioned event in two years. Her last competition was the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, during which she withdrew from multiple events due to a case of "the twisties," when gymnasts lose track of where they are in the air during turns.

Biles' withdrawing reignited a global conversation about athletes, performance and mental health. At the time, Biles told TODAY's Hoda Kotb that her mental health contributed to having a case of the twisties.

Physically, I feel good. Im in shape, she told Hoda. Emotionally, that kind of varies on the time and moment. Coming here to the Olympics and being head star isnt an easy feat.

Leading up to the Tokyo Olympics, all eyes were on Biles because she was the breakout star of the 2016 Rio Olympics, during which she won gold medals in the team all-around, individual all-around, horse vault and floor exercise, and one bronze on the balance beam.

The 26-year-old is the most decorated gymnast of all time, with fans and competitors alike referring to her with the "GOAT" moniker. Biles began wearing gear such as sandals and leotards with a goat bedazzled on them.

The pressure to perform was one contributing factor to her withdrawal, Biles told Hoda in an interview in October 2021, but there was also some residual trauma from former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar sexually abusing her. (She and other gymnasts testified before the Senate regarding Nassar in September 2021.)

"Over the years, after suppressing so many emotions and putting up a front on a global scene, I think really all of that came to light," she described. "My body and my mind allowed me to suppress all of that stuff for so many years for as long as it could take. As soon as we stepped onto the Olympic scene, it just decided it couldn't do it anymore and it cracked. That's what happens.

"That's why taking care of your mental well-being and your mental health is so important so that something like that doesn't happen," she said.

"I'm grateful that it wasn't somebody else and it was me because I know I'm strong enough and I can get back on my feet and I'm going to be OK with the right help."

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Skokie Village Board is sued for not providing public access to tapes of meeting

A Chicago resident has sued the Skokie Village Board for failing to produce recordings of closed sessions that were the subject of an investigation by the Illinois Attorney General, and he alleges that the village also violated laws around public access to records.

Edgar Pal, represented by public access attorney Matt Topic of Loevy and Loevy, filed the suit June 23, per court records.

The suit recaps about six months of exchanges between Skokie officials and citizens regarding public access.

The disagreements have largely centered on whether the Skokie Village Board violated laws meant to ensure citizens can stay informed about the activities of their elected representatives.

The Public Access Counselor of the Illinois Attorney General recently ruled in a non-binding opinion that the village board should vote to release portions of non-public meetings.

The conversations at issue all deal with matters related to the office of the village Corporation Counsel, whose members have been the subject of several ethics complaints from Trustee James Johnson.

Johnson is the only member of the village board not affiliated with the Skokie Caucus Party, the political party that has controlled village politics for decades.

All three of those complaints have hit dead ends before the Skokie Ethics Commission, a panel of three appointed commissioners.

In a statement, a Skokie village spokesperson said the Public Access Counselors opinion was non-binding, prompting the village to engage legal assistance to examine the ruling and recommend next steps.

The Village of Skokie will be taking action in response to counsels recommendations at its next meeting as the Mayor reported at the June 20th Village Board Meeting, a statement from the village reads. The village has always strived to comply with the Freedom of Information and Open Meetings Acts. It will continue to do so in this matter.

Pal filed a request for review with the Illinois Attorney Generals Public Access Counselor, which helps enforce laws around government transparency and access to public records, after a pair of closed sessions in which, the lawsuit and requests for review allege, the board discussed a topic that would have been appropriate to discuss in public.

That topic, according to paperwork filed by Pal and responding paperwork from Van Dusen, was the appointment process for the Corporation Counsels office.

The Illinois Open Meetings Act allows government bodies to meet behind closed doors to discuss employees compensation and job performance as part of a list of nine total exceptions to the law.

Pals request for review alleges that in a Jan. 17, 2023 closed session, the board discussed the overall work of the Corporation Counsels office, not just the job performance of the counsel.

The Public Access Counselor found in April that the board had violated the Open Meetings Act and asked the board to publicly disclose the relevant pieces of tape recordings from closed sessions when the violations had occurred. The opinion was non-binding, meaning that the board was not necessarily compelled to act.

According to the lawsuit, Pal asked the board on June 8 whether they would release the tapes. Van Dusen said the village had engaged an outside attorney to review the Public Access Counselors opinion and advise the village on next steps.

Van Dusen said the board would vote on whether to release the recordings July 3, according to the suit.

Pal made freedom of information requests for the relevant portions of the closed session recordings May 13, according to the suit, but the village denied those requests May 19.

Because Skokie had no good faith basis to withhold the records at issue under Section 7(1)(l) of FOIA, Skokie willfully and intentionally or otherwise in bad faith failed to comply with FOIA, the lawsuit states.

Johnson, who was elected to the board in 2021, has filed numerous ethics complaints against the villages legal department, alleging that Chief Corporation Counsel Michael Lorge and Assistant Corporation Counsel Jim McCarthy had offered him an appointment to a village commission if he would drop out of the race for trustee.

McCarthy is the chair of the Skokie Caucus Party, according to information on the Illinois State Board of Elections website.

Pal has also taken legal action against a number of other public bodies, court records show. He has lawsuits pending against the City of Evanston and the Pace Bus Board of Directors and has previously sued the office of Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, per court records.
(CNN)  Russian missiles struck the busy city center of the east Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk and a nearby village on Tuesday, killing at least four people and injuring dozens, according to Ukrainian officials.

A 17-year-old girl was among those killed, and an eight-month-old baby was among the 42 injured, the Ukrainian Prosecutor Generals Office said.

The attack quickly prompted accusations that Russian forces had targeted civilians.

At the epicenter of the explosion were also apartment buildings, commercial premises, cars, a post office and other buildings, in which windows, glass and doors were blown out, the Prosecutor Generals statement said, adding that rescue teams are still working to locate victims under the rubble.

Restaurants in the targeted plaza are popular with Kramatorsk residents and with the military; RIA Pizza, one of the establishments, is often frequented by soldiers and journalists.

An eyewitness to the aftermath of the strike in Kramatorsk city described up to a dozen people being pulled from the rubble. It was not clear if these people were dead or alive, the man told CNN teams on the ground.

A Ukrainian soldier assisting rescue efforts told CNN that the victims he saw were mostly young people, military and civilians; there are small children.

The soldier, who asked to be identified only by the call sign Alex, said there had been a banquet for 45 people at one of the restaurants when the strike occurred, and that it hit right in the center of the cafe.

The attack happened at around 7:30pm local time, Pavlo Kyrylenko, Head of Donetsk region military administration, said on Ukrainian state TV.

A second missile also struck the nearby village of Bilenke, according to Andriy Yermak, adviser to the Office of President Zelensky.

It comes during a potentially pivotal moment of the Ukraine war, as Russias security apparatus reckons with the continuing fallout of a short-lived insurrection by the Wagner mercenary group, and as Kyivs counteroffensive pushes forward.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the strike on Kramatorsk a manifestation of terror in his nightly address on Tuesday and called for a tribunal to try alleged crimes.

Zelensky also noted his gratitude to US President Joe Biden for a new package of security assistance to Ukraine, worth up to $500 million.

This is a developing story.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Russian missile attack hits Kramatorsk city center, killing at least four, say Ukrainian officials."
Sleeping on the floor of a Chicago police station for weeks, some migrants say its still their best option

CHICAGO -- Carlos Ramirez, who was a police officer in Venezuela before he says he was persecuted by government officials, now sleeps on an air mattress on the floor of a police station in Chicago.

He and his wife Betzabeth Bracho have nestled their suitcases on a bench at the 5th District police station in Pullman. About seven weeks since arriving in Chicago from San Antonio, Texas, they have established a routine for themselves. They came to the city because theyd heard its sanctuary label made it a friendly place for migrants.

Before bed, they eat donated food and store-bought sandwiches in plastic containers, bathe in the public restroom, blow up their air mattress bed and call their two young sons across borders.

Ramirez, 38, and Bracho, 33, havent been selected as part of the cohort of people with medical or special needs, families, or singles with other critical needs such as pregnancy who have been prioritized by the city for removal to temporary shelters, and like many recent arrivals, they are fine with that. Theyre getting better treatment at the police stations than they would at city-run shelters, they say, despite what onlookers might describe as inhumane living conditions.

The Tribune spent a night at the 5th District station to observe what it is like for migrants to fall asleep on hard tile floors, with bright lights shining in their faces, residents spilling into the station at any hour of the night and police sirens occasionally blaring.

As of Friday, there were 4,878 asylum-seekers in 13 city-run shelters and 460 waiting in police stations, according to a statement from Office of Emergency Management and Communications spokesperson Mary May. Police district census numbers are analyzed each morning, according to the statement, and decompression decisions are based off volume of clients at specific stations, people with special circumstances, availability of space and transportation plans.

Individuals receive a service request number from 311 upon arrival in the system. This helps with tracking when they arrive, the statement said. As new arrivals and asylum-seekers continue to arrive in Chicago via bus and other means, City officials are working simultaneously to identify spaces to convert into temporary shelters and to assist individuals and families in identifying more permanent housing opportunities.

Oftentimes when the number goes down, it quickly goes back up with additional asylum-seekers arriving, the statement said. Nearly two dozen buses have arrived from Texas since May 9, according to the city, including seven since the middle of this month.

The city brought about 38 of the migrants to the 5th District station in early May and 12 remain, Bracho said on a recent night.

7:25 p.m.  Bracho stood outside the station, and said she spent the day building houses. She said every day a man comes around 9 a.m. to pick up a group of men from the station in his truck and take them to a construction site. He drops them back off a little before 7 p.m.

Ramirez can make $120 to $150 a day, and when she goes too, they make even more, Bracho said. In Venezuela, Bracho was studying to be a kindergarten teacher.

Police officers mostly leave them alone, she said, but sometimes they give them bad looks. And they certainly dont try to help them, she said.

Were not here because we want to be. I want to leave, she said in Spanish. My husband goes out every day to find work. I go out every day to find work. Id like to tell them were trying to make money so we can move out as quickly as possible.

Two to three times a week, a volunteer brings them to a different location to shower.

Tonight, they washed off using a plastic bucket of water which they fill up in the sink, then walked to a store nearby to get hot chicken. The store was closed Thursday evening, she said, so they ate the non-perishables they had saved.

No es facil estar aqui, said Bracho. Its not easy living here.

She pointed to a cluster of bikes leaning against the wall of the station and said a group of volunteers had donated them. Most of them were kids bikes, and the volunteers had asked if the migrants still wanted them. Theyd all said yes.

Brachos sons  7-year-old Jose Ramirez and 11-year old Jubert Javier  are living in Venezuela with their aunt and grandmother.

8:54 p.m.  While Bracho showered and ate, others from Venezuela milled around the station.

Huberth Espinoza, 65, lay on a metal bench outside with his 27-year-old son Kalil Espinoza sitting beside him. The bottom of his belly bulged out from his green T-shirt. Theyve been at the station for a month, he said.

Espinoza said he also fled his country for political reasons, and is saving money to buy an apartment in the city. His face lit up when he described the way his country used to be, before Nicolas Maduro began cracking down on oppositional forces and before millions lost access to health care and nutrition.

He said the inside of the police station can be loud and hostile at night, especially on the weekends.

When its cold outside its worse, he said in Spanish. People urinate on the floor.

Espinoza said he worked in solar electric in Venezuela. He said his 11 kids are scattered across Latin America, his wife in Chile.

Like many, his journey to the United States was brutal, he said.

We came through the mountains, crossing rivers, women were violated, people died, he said, recounting the months he spent passing through Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica and Honduras.

Crossing from Juarez to El Paso was the most difficult, he said, because he was separated from his son in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement roundup in the Franklin Mountains. When he got to the United States, he turned himself into authorities so he could be reunited with his son. They have a court date scheduled in September, he said.

He cried thinking about that time without his son, looking up at the sliver of moon which shone down on the police courtyard.

The two now sat side by side, tinkering with a phone and data card Espinoza bought. When it got late enough, they entered through the revolving door of the station, pulled a donated mat next to an EZ Pay kiosk and in front of a used prescription disposal box, layered it with donated blankets and laid down side by side. They scrolled on Espinozas new phone.

9:16 p.m.  Police officers drove up and walked to the counter to start their shift as migrants wound down for the evening.

Two women who didnt give their names to the Tribune lay close together on an air mattress and put a blanket over their heads, whispering. Later, they watched TikToks and laughed.

10:06 p.m.  Sylvia Mares, a volunteer from the Chicago Police Station Response Team entered. She walked around with a pen and paper, hoping to take down the names of people who might want to be moved to a shelter.

Everyone she asked said no. They are comfortable here, they have a job and theyve had enough unknown in their lives recently, she said. And many of them have heard from their contacts that conditions at other shelters are worse than at police stations.

The Tribune recently spoke to migrants from nine shelters who said that they are crowded in hotel rooms or sleeping on the ground, eating cold and unappetizing meals and unsure of where to find resources. Volunteers have said they are unable enter shelters and provide donations such as clothes and hot meals, and the city has rejected numerous requests by the Tribune to see inside.

Mares comes two to three times a day to bring migrants food and resources at Districts 3, 4 and 22, she said. Alejandra Mendez, 25, in District 5 is two months pregnant and Mares has been helping her. She took her to buy a pregnancy test, and has brought her to the hospital for routine checkups, she said.

Im just doing what I can, she said.

She calls them her kids and says they grow up so fast in three months.

Mares was born in Chicago, but lived in Mexico for a large part of her youth.

At Mares request, she asked Ramirez to gather a group of people to go through the trash bags full of clothing donations in the back of her car. People stood outside and held up shirts and shorts for a full view. They draped corduroys and sweatshirts and plaid shirts over their shoulders.

Look, so beautiful! said Mares in Spanish to a woman holding up a satin orange blouse. She whistled.

This one is sexy, with a flower, she said to another, picking out a sweater.

Ramirez and Bracho lingered and followed Mares to her car. She gave them rental assistance advice and tips about how to search for furniture once they have found an apartment.

10:38 p.m.  Migrants refilled their trash bags after inspecting the clothing and entered the shelter to lie down.

Through the windows of the station, people covered in blankets could be seen lying horizontal on the plastic mattresses. Old Easter decorations hung from the ceiling. Police officials walked briskly down the corridors on the second floor of the building, visible from the courtyard.

12:26 a.m.  A man wearing mostly black came into the station and put his stuff on the bench next to Ramirez and Brachos neatly stacked suitcases. He spent a few minutes rummaging through his backpack, stretched his legs on the bench and started to snore.

The station filled up and then emptied out with various residents from the neighborhood, some going up to the desk to talk to officers.

One woman had an arm in a sling. A man entered and four officers urgently followed him out.

3:36 a.m.  A woman walked inside and slowly staggered to the front.

Is anybody going to get me a bologna sandwich? she said.

Another woman entered the station, mumbling and pacing. She crumpled up on the floor at the foot of Ramirez and Brachos bed, covering herself with a light blue sheet, squirming.

Officials sat at the counter and typed. The automatic door opened and closed. Some migrants covered their eyes with strips of cloth to block out the light.

Mendez, the pregnant woman, got up to go to the bathroom for the third or fourth time, carrying a plastic bucket with her.

6 a.m.  Sunlight flooded the station, streaming in the windows on the individuals and couples who had spent days and nights traveling miles, riding trains, crossing rivers and jungles to get here.

But packaged sandwiches and a few police officers who stare is better than living in constant fear, Bracho said.

Were uncomfortable, but all we can do is wait, she said in Spanish.

She said she woke up feeling sad and stressed. She knew she would have to look for work, and wondered where and how she and her husband would find an apartment.
Someone buried treasure and vanished. Archaeologists just found it 3,000 years later

Kneeling on the valley ground, someone set down a wooden box and began to dig. They buried the box  and the treasures within  then vanished. The treasure went unnoticed for 3,000 years, but not anymore.

Armed with metal detectors, archaeologists set out into the valley near Oberhalbstein, Switzerland, the Archaeological Service of Graubunden said in a June 27 news release. Their systematic search hoped to uncover ancient Roman ruins.

While searching for evidence of the Roman military, they stumbled on a much older find: a 3,000-year-old collection of buried treasure.

Archaeologists excavated the site and uncovered 80 artifacts from between 1200 B.C. and 1000 B.C., or the late Bronze Age, the release said. Photos show the excavation area.

Archaeologists excavate the buried treasure. Photo from the Archaeological Service of Graubunden

The items had been intentionally damaged to be unusable, placed in a wooden box, wrapped in leather and buried in the valley. Archaeologists identified the collection as an example of selective dumping, a practice which involved destroying and dumping valuable metal items, the release said.

Most of the buried treasures were metal objects, possibly linked to metal production in the Alps, archaeologists said. The collection included several pieces of raw copper, sickles, axes, part of a saw and jewelry pieces.

The treasure, still partially buried. ADG/Photo from the Archaeological Service of Graubunden

Photos show the buried artifacts after being excavated and cleaned. Many of the items have a blue-green tinge, while others have a tannish-white coloring.

The 3,000-year-old treasures were found near a known prehistoric settlement and a central transportation route that ran through the Alps, archaeologists said.

The buried treasures after being excavated and cleaned. Photo from the Archaeological Service of Graubunden

Thomas Reitmaier, an archaeologist for the Graubunden canton, described the find as unique for the area. The buried treasure will provide more insight into the culture and economy of the late Bronze Age, he said in the release.

The artifacts found in Oberhalbstein are the regions largest and most important collection of its kind, officials said. The artifacts were found last fall but only recently announced.

Oberhalbstein is in Graubunden canton, the easternmost region of Switzerland, and about 100 miles southeast of Zurich.

Google Translate was used to translate the news release from the Archaeological Service of Graubunden.

Broken pottery turns out to be wine jars forgotten by Romans over 2,000 years ago

Last Egyptian pyramid built for a queen  dating back 3,000 years  restored, photos show

Student stumbles on 500-year-old ruins of knights mansion in Poland. Take a look
Someone else ordered Prigozhin to halt march on Moscow  Ukrainian official

NSDC Secretary Oleksiy Danilov

Yevgeny Prigozhins co-conspirators in the Kremlin made the decision to halt the advance of Wagner Group mercenaries towards Moscow, Ukraines National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) secretary, Oleksiy Danilov told Ukrainian TV broadcasters on June 27.

He posited that those involved in Prigozhin's "coup" are currently in the Kremlin. He also highlighted that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is now guarded even during security council meetings, with the number of his guards having "increased exponentially."

Read also: Prigozhin arrives in Belarus, says Lukashenko

Danilov stated that "certain reasons" exist as to why the Wagner force did not reach Moscow.

We are yet to learn what negotiations took place and who issued the order, said Danilov.

Read also: Criminal case against Prigozhin still ongoing, reports Russian media

I can confidently say that stopping the 'march' on Moscow was not Prigozhin's decision. The decision was made by entirely different individuals. As to whom they consulted and how it transpired  I believe we will learn in due course.

On June 24, Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner PMC, departed Rostov-on-Don in southern Russia, where the Wagner PMC militants had earlier seized control of military facilities. This was his last public appearance, made shortly after he ordered his troops to halt their advance towards Moscow. Wagner mercenaries were mere 200 kilometers away from the Russian capital, with Putin reportedly deserting the city earlier.

Read also: "Fateful" Putin address deeply disappoints Russian public

On June 26, Putin presented the "Wagnerites" with three options: continue serving in Russias regular forces, demobilize, or depart for Belarus.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Trish Mitchell never let fear rule her life, but since her niece was fatally shot Sunday while celebrating her 28th birthday, its all she can think about now.

When Mitchell lets her dog out at night, she worries someone could whip out a gun and shoot. Pop-up and vendor events that she regularly attends for her business have become another source of anxiety.

Her niece, Jasity Jas Strong, was one of three people fatally shot around 4:30 a.m. Sunday at 57th Street and Prospect Avenue outside an auto shop that had previously hosted informal after-hour parties, police said. Nikko Manning, 22, and Camden Brown, 27, also died in the shooting, which injured six others.

Mitchell started a Change.org petition Wednesday advocating for stricter gun laws in Kansas City that would make it illegal for people to bring concealed weapons to public events. She said on Facebook that she eventually hopes to pursue the legislation, which theyve called Jasitys Law, at both the state and federal levels.

Amending conceal and carry laws for public gatherings would not only decrease the risk of gun violence but also provide peace of mind for those attending such events, Mitchell wrote in the petition.

It would allow law enforcement officials to have better control over who is carrying a weapon at any given time, ultimately making our communities safer.

Missouri has some of the least restrictive gun laws in the nation.

But Mitchell said tightening up legislation like concealed carry laws would cut down on tragedies like the one her family and so many others have faced, just because a loved one attended an event where someone used a weapon instead of words to address a dispute.

She recently had to have a long and complicated conversation with her 21-year-old daughter, letting her know its good to go out, but that she needs to be aware of her surroundings.

That shouldnt have to happen, Mitchell said. They all deserve to celebrate and enjoy life without the worry that someone could show up with a firearm at any time and change their lives forever, she said.

Why do you need a gun at a public gathering unless youre coming to defend yourself against someone else who has a gun? Mitchell told The Star. Our hope is that we can get that legislation passed and make some kind of difference so no one else has to experience what were experiencing.

Residents gathered at 57th Street and Wabash Avenue after three people died and five were injured following a shooting early Sunday, June 25, 2023, near 57th Street and Prospect Avenue in Kansas City.

Two mass shootings in just over one month

Strong and the other victims were gathered outside Perfect Touch Auto Detail, an auto shop that police said has been known to host after hours gatherings, when gunshots broke out in the early morning hours on Sunday morning. One nearby resident said they heard more than 40 shots fired.

One of two suspects in the shooting, 26-year-old Keivon M. Greene, was charged Tuesday with two counts of second-degree murder in Manning and Browns deaths.

He also faces a second-degree felony murder charge in Strongs killing, among other charges. A felony murder charge can be filed when someone dies in the commission of a felony. Prosecutors said its unclear whether Greene fired the shot that killed Strong.

Surveillance video shows Greene walking toward the crowd gathered outside the auto shop and shooting into the group, Tuesdays charging documents show. Then Greene turned and started shooting at another group of people in the parking lot

This mass shooting came about one month after a such shooting at Klymax Lounge, 4242 Indiana Ave., just 2.5 miles away, that killed three people and injured two.

By some definitions, both incidents could be considered mass shootings.

According to the Gun Violence Archive, an incident in which at least four people are injured or killed besides the shooter can be considered a mass shooting. Other organizations, like Everytown for Gun Safety, say that if at least four people other than the shooter are fatally shot, the incident is a mass shooting.

Current laws allow anyone in Missouri to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. Concealed firearms are banned in places of worship, Election Day polling locations, school buses and events, large stadiums, liquor stores and government buildings.

Visible firearms are also allowed almost everywhere, as long as they arent being brandished in a threatening manner, and minors can purchase firearms in the state with parental consent.

Evidence markers filled the street as police were investigating the scene after three people died and five were injured following a shooting early Sunday, June 25, 2023, near 57th Street and Prospect Avenue in Kansas City.

We need more than prayers

Mitchell has never involved herself much with politics or started a petition. She doesnt have an exact plan to approach advocating for a law or pushing for enforcement guidelines. But she knows policies need to change so that people can see friends and celebrate without fear of another shooting.

If the petition builds momentum, she hopes to get in touch with Mayor Quinton Lucas or other leaders willing to help. So far, around 100 people have signed the petition since it was posted Wednesday. Her family and friends are signing and sharing it to make sure it reaches as many people as possible.

Its easy, she said, to see constant shootings on the news and become desensitized to the prevalence of gun violence in the U.S. But when its your loved ones who are are impacted, Mitchell said, it affects you on a molecular level and changes your life forever.

One of Strongs sisters also started a GoFundMe to help raise funds for the care of her young son and daughter.

After many shootings, theres news coverage, balloon releases and talk of the need for change, but Mitchell plans to push to see it happen this time.

We need more than prayers and condolences, she said. Its time for us as a community to band together, rally around the victims of these senseless crimes and shootings and do something about it.
Son hides moms death for 33 years  and steals $830,000 in benefits, feds say

A California man concealed his mothers death for 33 years to continue collecting $830,000 in her government benefits, federal officials reported.

The 65-year-old Poway man pleaded guilty Tuesday, June 27, to charges including money laundering and Social Security fraud, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of California said in a news release.

He faces up to 25 years in prison and has agreed to repay $830,000 to the government, prosecutors said.

The mans mother died in Japan in 1990, but he continued collecting payments from her widows pension from Social Security and from a U.S. Department of Defense annuity until 2022, prosecutors said.

After her death, he maintained her bank accounts, forged her signature on certificates of eligibility to keep her government benefits in pay, and filed forged federal income tax returns, posing as his mother, for over two decades, the release said.

He also used his mothers identity to open fraudulent credit card accounts with at least nine different financial institutions, costing the companies $28,000, prosecutors said.

This crime is believed to be the longest-running and largest fraud of its kind in this district, said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman in a statement. This defendant didnt just passively collect checks mailed to his deceased mother. This was an elaborate fraud spanning more than three decades that required aggressive action and deceit to maintain the ruse.

He used the stolen money to pay off his mothers Poway home, which he had fraudulently conveyed to himself shortly before her death, prosecutors said.

Poway is a community about 20 miles northeast of San Diego.

Man firebombed home over parking dispute in Missouri, feds say

California man stole $9 million using cow manure scheme, DOJ says. Hes been sentenced

Ancient Roman mosaic depicting Hercules falsely imported as ceramic tiles, feds say
South Dakota Gov Noem won't make 2024 endorsement, says there's 'no path to victory' for all but one

South Dakota Gov Noem won't make 2024 endorsement, says there's 'no path to victory' for all but one

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem declined to endorse in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, saying she does not see a "path to victory" for anyone but former President Donald Trump.

Noem, a popular GOP governor who won re-election last year, has herself been mentioned as a possible 2024 contender or as someone's potential running mate. But in an interview with KWAT radio, Noem said she is concentrating on South Dakota rather than campaigning for the White House like her neighbor, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, who announced his candidacy for president this month.

"Wouldn't that be interesting? If there was South and North Dakota governors running for president? But now, right now, I am so focused on South Dakota," Noem said.

Noem revealed she's had discussions about 2024 with Burgum, who she said had asked for her support, calling him a "good guy" who is "working hard."

SOUTH DAKOTA GOV NOEM LOSES FIFTH CHIEF OF STAFF SINCE ASSUMING OFFICE

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem said Tuesday she does not see a "path to victory" for any Republican running for the 2024 GOP nomination who is not Donald Trump.

"He might do well down in Iowa," she suggested, noting that the first-in-the-nation caucus state is a farmer state, like North Dakota, and that Burgum is "investing a ton of money" into the race.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

But when asked if she'll make an endorsement, Noem flatly declined to do so.

"No, I don't think so. President Trump is in the race and right now I don't see a path to victory for anybody else with him in the race and the situation as it sits today," she said. "But I think people should saddle up  it could be a roller coaster of a presidential race."

GOV NOEM TO SEND 50 NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS TO SOUTHERN BORDER WARZONE TO HELP TEXAS

No fewer than 10 Republicans have stepped forward to challenge Trump for the GOP nomination, but the 77-year-old former president remains the front-runner and clear favorite. Trump has maintained a dominant lead in early primary polls despite a federal indictment for allegedly keeping classified documents, including national defense information, at his Florida social club and obstructing attempts to recover them.

Trump has maintained he did "nothing wrong" and called the various investigations into his alleged crimes a "hoax" led by his opponents running "election interference."

Still, there is a significant number of GOP voters who do not support Trump, and a lot can change if the field narrows to Trump and one or two other choices. Noem previously told Fox News Digital that Republicans need to nominate a candidate who can win.

SD GOV NOEM OPENS COLLEGE COMPLAINT HOTLINE, CALLS ON REGENTS TO BAN DRAG SHOWS

Asked in January if shes not ruling anything out when it comes to a potential 2024 presidential run, Noem said "thats fair to say" and she appeared to keep the door open in her comments Tuesday.

"I think it'll be unprecedented in what we'll see for developments," Noem said. "I know there's a lot of unknowns and the person that may win may not even be in the race yet."

Fox News' Remy Numa and Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.
SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea on Wednesday announced new sanctions on two individuals and two entities over their alleged involvement in North Korea's weapons programmes, Seoul's foreign ministry said.

The sanctions target Choi Chon Gon, a former South Korean national who acquired Russian citizenship, two companies Choi owns and a North Korean who supported Choi, the ministry said.

Choi is accused of helping North Korea's illegal financial activities in violation of United Nations Security Council sanctions after acquiring Russian citizenship.

"It marks the first time our government has imposed unilateral sanctions on an individual of Korean descent," the ministry said in a statement.

Reuters was unable to immediately reach Choi for comment.

Nuclear-armed North Korea has been testing various weapons including its biggest intercontinental ballistic missile, ramping up tension with Seoul and the South's main ally, the United States.

(Reporting by Soo-hyang Choi; Editing by Ed Davies)
South Korean factory should bring 80 jobs to Macon. Heres where, when it will open

A South Korean automotive supply company announced Wednesday it would open a facility in Macon, according to a press release from the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority.

The company, Boogook Industries, will redevelop the old Brown and Williamson cigarette plant on Weaver Road near the Macon Downtown Airport in the industrial area of east Bibb, the press release said.

The plant is expected to open in 2024 and create 80 full-time jobs in Macon.

Our location in the state of Georgia and easy access to interstates and highways makes us a prime location for industries looking to move their products quickly and efficiently, Mayor Lester Miller said in the release. I want to thank the Industrial Authority for their ongoing efforts, and to welcome Boogook Georgia as the newest member of Team Macon-Bibb.

Job fields will include management, manufacturing, assembly and delivery, the press release said. Boogook committed to investing a total of $6.8 million into the project.

Boogook specializes in fluid containers for cars, according to the MBCIA, and chose the location because of the nearby Hyundai plant in Savannah and Kia plant in West Point.

The facility will be the first American plant for Boogook. The former cigarette factory they will develop was one of the largest employers in Macon, with B&W employing 3000 workers at its peak in 1997, according to a report from the New York Times.

Our leadership recognized the unique opportunity to support our Korean automotive manufacturing partners more locally, said Joong Suk Oh, Chief Executive Officer of Boogook Georgia. Expanding operations to Macon will be a driving force for our ability to serve the Southeast U.S., and we look forward to a successful partnership with the MBCIA.

The former cigarette plant closed roughly 16 years ago, according to Telegraph archives, and was sold to Los Angeles-based company Industrial Realty Group for redevelopment in 2021. It was unclear in the MBCIA statement how IRG developed the property.
Lee Kyu-ok, poses with a whiteboard showing her international age, 86, and Korean age, 87 (ANTHONY WALLACE)

Lee Jung-hee was set to turn 60 next year but South Korea dropped its traditional age counting system Wednesday, so the Seoul-based housewife just got a year younger -- and she's thrilled.

South Korea is the last East Asian country to officially still use a method of calculating age that determines babies are aged one at birth, counting their months in the womb as their first year of life.

Under that system everyone gets a year older with the turn of the year rather than on their actual birthday, meaning a baby born on December 31 would be considered two years old on January 1 in Korean age.

From Wednesday South Korea will use the international system that calculates age according to a person's actual date of birth, meaning everyone will officially become a year or two younger.

"It feels good," Lee, a Seoul-based housewife, told AFP.

"For people like me, who were supposed to turn 60 next year, it makes you feel like you're still young," she laughed.

China, Japan, and even North Korea dropped the system decades ago but it has endured in the South, even as the land that gave the world K-pop and kimchi played a larger role on the international stage.

"It's confusing when a foreigner asks me how old I am as I know they mean international age, so I have to do some calculations," office worker Hong Suk-min told AFP.

Hong added, after a thoughtful pause, that he was 45 in international age and 47 under the Korean system.

The official change will have limited practical impact: many legal and administrative functions, including the age listed on a passport, the age at which one can be prosecuted as a juvenile, retirement benefits, or healthcare services, already uses date-of-birth rather than Korean age.

The government hopes the change will ease confusion and cites, for example, the issue of older Koreans who may believe they are eligible for pensions and free travel benefits several years before they legally are.

- Complex calculation -

"There is a difference between the age Koreans use in their daily lives and their legal age and because of that, various legal disputes may arise," Seoul's Minister of Government Legislation Lee Wan-kyu told AFP.

Lee, who is overseeing the official age change, opened a media briefing on Monday by attempting to teach the assembled Korean journalists how to determine how old they are.

"Subtract your birth year from the current year. If your birthday has passed, that's how old you are, and if your birthday has not passed, subtract one to get your age," he said.

Some key areas, including the school year, eligibility for compulsory military service, and the legal drinking age, are determined by another separate age system -- known as "year age" -- and this system will remain in place for now, Lee said.

This means that, for example, everyone born in 2004 -- whether January or December -- is eligible to begin the military enlistment process from January 1, 2023, because they are all legally considered to have met the minimum required age of 19.

The government might consider revising the use of "year age" for such areas depending on how the current changes go, Lee said.

- 'Age matters' -

The idea behind "year age" is to ease South Korea's linguistic-linked hierarchies by ensuring that everyone in one school year is considered the same age and so can speak to each other without using honorifics.

"Age really matters" in South Korean culture, anthropologist Mo Hyun-joo told AFP, because it affects one's relative social status and dictates which titles and honorifics one must use for others.

"It's hard to communicate with people without knowing their age," she said.

People typically use terms such as "unni" and "oppa" -- meaning older sister and older brother respectively -- rather than names in conversation, she said.

South Korea's "hierarchical age-based culture (might) become neutralised a little" over time, Mo said, because people become more used to using international age in school settings, for example.

For now most South Koreans, such as schoolboy Yoon Jae-ha from the southern port town of Busan, can simply enjoy feeling younger as the new legislation comes into effect.

"My age has shrunk," he told AFP.

"I like being younger because then my mum will take care of me longer."

ceb/pbt
Warm Up

Earlier this month, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk promised that Starship would be taking to the skies for its second flight test in the next six to eight weeks.

Though questions still linger over the plausibility of that schedule, Musk and his engineers seem to be making steady progress. On Monday, SpaceX conducted a static fire test of Ship 25, the latest Starship prototype, lighting up all six of its Raptor engines in an all-out blast that lasted between five to six seconds.

The static fire test, a standard precursor to an actual launch, took place at SpaceX's flagship facility Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, where Starship conducted its inaugural orbital flight in April  an exercise that ended with the rocket exploding.

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1673587083267518465

Coming in Hot

There's still plenty more work to be done. Just days before the static fire test, Musk said in a live Twitter discussion that SpaceX will need to make "well over a thousand" changes ahead of its next launch, as quoted by Gizmodo, adding that he estimates a "60 percent" chance of success this time.

The most significant of those tweaks is switching to what's called a "hot staging" approach for achieving a separation of the rocket's two stages, which failed to decouple during its first orbital flight after several engine failures.

With hot staging, the second stage  in this case the Starship spaceship  fires up its engines while some of the engines of the first stage, the Super Heavy booster, are still on. Typically, a booster is completely shut off before the engines of the spaceship are activated.

According to Musk, using hot staging will prevent a temporary loss of thrust during the separation sequence, bumping up Starship's already gigantic payload capacity of 100 metric tons by ten percent.

But that means that SpaceX will have to fit the reusable booster with an extension that will direct the exhaust of the upper stage away from the rocket so it doesn't get destroyed.

"This is the most risky thing, I think, for the next flight," Musk said.

To-Do List

The launch date for the second flight is still up in the air, though Musk remains ambitious.

"We think, probably, the launch pad upgrades, and the booster and ship, are ready in about six weeks," Musk said, per Gizmodo.

Along with engineering hurdles, SpaceX faces another massive obstacle in the Federal Aviation Administration, which has grounded Starship pending an investigation. The FAA is concerned about the loads of debris blasted into the surrounding environment by Starship's launch, including a heavy cloud of sand and ash that reached nearby cities.

With all that being said, Musk's ambitious timeline is sounding like a big ask.

More on SpaceX: Private Spacecraft Lost in Accident After SpaceX Launch
WASHINGTON  Marine leaders aim to put a Navy field corpsman at the squad level as part of ongoing reconfiguration and experiments with of the services infantry battalions.

Exact manning numbers and distribution are still in early stages, but staff with the Marine Corps Warfighting Labratory shared initial work on increasing medical assets to the infantry battalion during a panel discussion at the Modern Day Marine Expo in Washington.

Thats a tough problem to solve and something were really just starting to incorporate into our experimentation, said Col. Christopher Bronzi, director of the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory Experiment Division.

Beyond corpsmen, the Corps is looking for ways to add more medical officers and physicians assistants and ensure more robust medical training for all members of the battalion for immediate care.

How the new Marine infantry battalion fits into the littoral regiment

Bronzi and Capt. Mike Hogan, head of Marine Corps Warfighting Labs infantry battalion experiments, each cautioned that the lab is at its early stages of working through the increased medical assets needed. Phase I of the battalion experiments concluded recently with the announcement that 21 active-duty infantry battalions will transition to a manning of 811 Marines and 69 Navy support staff.

We are hoping to move corpsmen down to the squad level, Hogan said. So that is moving a medical capability, someone whos trained, purpose-built and professional at medical care forward, closer to the tactical edge.

Its not yet clear how many of those support staff would be medical, what billets would be created and what capabilities they will have. Thats a major focus of Phase II of the battalion experiments, set to kick off with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, out of Twentynine Palms, California, by January 2024.

The Phase II portion will last approximately 18 months, Brig. Gen. Kyle Ellison, Marine Corps Warfighting Lab commander, said during a June 2 call with reporters covering the Force Design 2030 annual update.

Force Design 2030 is the Corps yearslong effort to transition the service into more disparate, highly technically capable force to combat peer adversaries and ensure U.S. Navy access to currently access-denied areas such as spaces in the Pacific region to counter Chinese military efforts to control sea access in their nations areas of interest.

Historically in the Marine Corps, Navy corpsmen resided at the platoon level, and more senior corpsmen and medical assets stayed at the battalion level with headquarters and service companies and at higher-level units such as the regiment or in an attached, support capacity.

In war-gaming and exercises during Phase I experimentation it was difficult to get the medical personnel and technology needed to the tactical edge where Marines needed them most, the captain said.

He emphasized that the problem didnt reside only with the infantry battalion experiments. Separate areas of focus such as littoral mobility, contested logistics and work on the Corps newest formation, the Marine littoral Regiment, also will contribute as the work continues.

The increased medical move also has roots in long-standing concerns about how great power competition combat with peer rivals could deny access to medical care and casualty evacuation that most of the military grew accustomed to in the past decades of fighting counterinsurgency and counterterrorism wars.

Thats because peer and near-peer adversaries have invested in air defense, strike capabilities and other ways to contest U.S. military airpower dominance that has reigned mostly unchallenged since the Persian Gulf War.

Marine Corps Times and other defense media have reported for years about warnings that the golden hour of immediate, high-level medical interventions for casualties isnt guaranteed.

Various research initiatives are seeking ways to pipe in video and audio communication from stateside military doctors to advise medics with advanced training, such as in U.S. Special Operations Command, so that a skilled medic or corpsman could even conduct more complex field expedient surgeries if the patient couldnt be evacuated from an austere location.

In another example, the Army has conducted multiyear review of autonomous drones capable of carrying a soldier off the battlefield for medical care.
The issue over pride decorations boiling over at one local Starbucks. The workers going on strike claiming the Pride flag is banned inside the Starbucks at Ansley Mall.

But the company says there is no ban and sent Channel 2 Action News photos of Pride decorations at another location to prove it.

Channel 2s Audrey Washington was at Ansley Mall where workers admit this is also about union contract negotiations.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The Starbucks workers who went on strike and demanded Starbucks at Ansley Mall display Pride flags inside the store for Pride month made their voices loud Wednesday morning.

We are upset because Starbucks did not allow us to decorate this year, shift supervisor Amanda Rivera said.

Rivera tells Washington her manager banned all pride decorations in retaliation to stalled union contract negotiations.

TRENDING STORIES:

But Starbucks media relations sent Washington pictures of workers at another store in Atlanta celebrating Pride.

In a statement, a spokesperson wrote:

Upfront, though, I want to be clear Starbucks has not pulled any pride merchandise from our stores and has not altered our corporate policies or approach to celebrating pride month. Additionally, will note that our operators have reported limited effects to the business as a result of protest and strike activities.

Rivera and the other staff members denied using LGBTQ+ issues to pressure Starbucks.

We dont want a company that is performative with their progressiveness, we want a company that stands up for the people they claim to care about, Rivera said.

Managing partner for Atlanta Black Pride, Melissa Scott says shell continue to support Starbucks and the protesters.

The same enthusiasm that businesses use to accept the LGBTQ+ dollar should be the same enthusiasm that they use for inclusion, Scott said.

This was just a one-day strike for the workers, Washington was told everything will operate as normal tomorrow

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IN OTHER NEWS:
I started traveling without my partner after almost a year of dating, and it's one of the best things I've done for our relationship

Mikhaila and Scott pictured in St. Andrews, Scotland, in 2021, left, and Mikhaila on her first solo cruise later that year. Mikhaila Friel/Insider

My partner and I have completely different approaches when it comes to traveling.

While he enjoys vacations every now and then, I love to visit new places often.

I started traveling alone a year into our relationship, and it has changed everything.

Like many couples, my partner and I love to go on vacation.

But after dating for more than two years, I can now see that our outlook on travel is completely different.

My partner and his family are regulars at a caravan site on the west coast of Scotland, which is around a three-hour drive from our home in Glasgow. He tries to visit at least once a year, and it's one of the first places we went on vacation together as a couple.

I love the site's location, as it overlooks the sea. And the people  many who my partner has known since he was a child  are friendly and welcoming.

Port Ban Holiday Park in Scotland. Mikhaila Friel/Insider

He also enjoys traveling abroad, and we've had some amazing trips together. But in his heart, he's a homebody who adores Scotland, which isn't a negative thing by any means.

Meanwhile, I'm the kind of person who rarely ventures to the same place twice. Travel reporting was always a big dream of mine, and I've been fortunate enough to visit some remarkable places for work as well as personal trips abroad over the past couple of years.

I started traveling without my partner after almost a year of dating, and it's one of the best things I've done for myself and our relationship.

Traveling without my significant other has helped maintain my individuality

My partner and I met in November 2020, after social distancing restrictions eased in the UK.

But even still, we had most of our dates at home for the first several months and rarely saw anyone else socially apart from each other. It meant we were able to form a bond quickly, as we were in our own little bubble.

Anyone who has been in a new relationship knows how easy it is to get wrapped up in the other person. If you don't prioritize the things and people you loved before the relationship, it can be easy to lose your sense of identity.

Luckily for me, I was given the opportunity to take my first solo trip in October 2021, which was almost a year after I met my partner. I had been assigned the task of reporting on the first luxury European cruise to leave the UK since the pandemic.

Mikhaila pictured on her solo cruise in October 2021. Mikhaila Friel/Insider

The experience was fantastic. I met some amazing people, got dressed up for the ship's formal evenings, and indulged in the food. When I went to dinner, I was often asked if anyone was joining me and was met by looks of surprise and sympathy when I told them I was traveling alone. This irritated me at first, as I thought it was narrow-minded to assume that you can't have fun without a partner or a group.

But after some time, I realized that those people were only projecting their own feelings onto me. After all, solo travel is certainly not for everyone, and I felt proud that I was independent and happy in my own experiences.

In the years since, I've been on several solo trips for work, as well as trips with my friends and family that didn't involve my partner. Similarly, he has also taken trips without me.

When we reunite, we have the best time sharing our experiences with one another. And when we do plan trips together, we make sure it's something we both enjoy rather than compromising on a trip because neither of us wants to go without the other.

It's something I believe everyone in a long-term relationship should try  even if only once.

Read the original article on Insider
Fanny Jetton is sworn in as a replacement for her husband, state Rep. Jacey Jetton, R-Richmond, while he is on active military duty by House Speaker Dade Phelan at the start of the second special session on the House floor Wednesday. Credit: Evan L'Roy/The Texas Tribune

State Rep. Jacey Jettons wife is temporarily replacing him in the Texas House while he is deployed for military service.

Fanny Jetton was sworn in Wednesday morning as temporary acting representative for House District 26 in the Houston suburbs. That came after House Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, announced from the dais that her husband has been called to active military duty.

Members, we get two Jettons for the same great pay, Phelan said.

Jacey Jetton, a Richmond Republican, serves in the Army National Guard. He wrote in a newspaper op-ed earlier this month that he will spend four months in Fort Sill, Oklahoma  where I will again attend Basic Combat Training and artillery school.

The Texas Constitution allows lawmakers to appoint a temporary replacement if they are called to military duty. Jacey Jetton chose his wife.

State Rep. Jacey Jetton, R-Richmond, speaks with another legislator on opening day of the first special session at the Texas Capitol on July 8, 2021. Credit: Sophie Park/The Texas Tribune

We share the same conservative values and I have no doubt she will be a strong advocate and staunch conservative temporary representative for House District 26 if a Special Session is called while I am activated, Jetton wrote in the op-ed for the Fort Bend Herald.

Fanny Jetton works for a financial services firm in Sugar Land, Seth & Alexander, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Fanny Jettons swearing-in came on the first day of a second special legislative session during which lawmakers are trying to break an impasse on the best method of property tax relief.

Reducing property taxes is a top priority for our district and I will be proud to cast a vote in favor of meaningful property tax reform, Fanny Jetton said in a news release.

Join us for conversations that matter with newly announced speakers at the 2023 Texas Tribune Festival, in downtown Austin from Sept. 21-23.
Deliberations continued Wednesday in the trial of former Broward Sheriffs Deputy Scot Peterson, but the jury gave no indication of whether it was anywhere near a unanimous verdict.

The six members of the jury have been behind closed doors for nearly 15 hours over the last three days, wrestling with a complex set of questions raised by the case. Was Petersons failure to enter the 1200 building of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School during the mass shooting in 2018 an act of criminal negligence or a tragically inaccurate assessment of the situation? Was he a caregiver under the law, which would make his alleged child neglect a felony? How could he have known for certain the shots were coming from inside the building, and how could he not?

The mass shooter, Nikolas Cruz, is serving a life sentence for each of the 17 victims he killed on the Parkland campus and another life sentence for each of the 17 victims he wounded. Peterson, a 32-year law enforcement veteran, is the only other person charged criminally in connection with the tragedy. Deliberations are set to resume Thursday morning at 9 a.m.

Rafael Olmeda can be reached at rolmeda@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4457.
Two Southern Resident killer whales. David K. Ellifrit/Center for Whale Research, permit number: NMFS 21238.

Killer whales near the Iberian Peninsula have been striking boats since 2020.

No doubt the encounters feel like attacks to the boaters, but experts say that may not be accurate.

The orcas are probably just playing so calling them "attacks" might be misleading.

"Killer Whale Attacks!" sure makes for a great headline, but it may not be quite accurate when used to describe the encounters between orcas and boats that have been taking place near the Iberian Peninsula in recent years.

Hundreds of these encounters have been documented off the southern coasts of Spain and Portugal since 2020. Researchers say they typically follow a similar pattern: an orca approaches a boat from behind and strikes its rudder repeatedly, sometimes until it is broken and the boat is immobilized. Most encounters end with minimal damage and no humans have been injured in one of these interactions.

But in at least three cases the killer whales have managed to sink sailboats, prompting talk of an "orca uprising" in which the whales were finally fighting back.

"Undoubtedly the people on board these little boats feel attacked," Andrew Trites, director of the Marine Mammal Research Unit at the University of British Columbia in Canada, previously told Insider. Still, he thinks it's unlikely that "attack" is an accurate description of what's going on.

Despite one theory about a "traumatized" killer whale seeking revenge on boats, Trites and other experts have said they believe the orcas are most likely just playing. They appear to be picking up and mimicking the play behavior of other killer whales, suggesting it is being positively reinforced, or that they are getting pleasure or some sort of benefit from it.

Trites said he was also concerned that framing the encounters as "attacks" could lead to misunderstandings about killer whales, not dissimilar to the fear of great white sharks inspired by a certain Hollywood movie that changed many people's impressions of the ocean forever.

Other experts, as well as a ship captain whose boat was targeted by an orca, have worried that the "attack" framing could lead scared boaters to take matters into their own hands and start shooting whales, which feeds into another potentially misleading aspect of describing these interactions as "attacks"  in all likelihood, the whales are more likely to get injured or killed in these encounters than the humans.

So, instead of using the word attack, which implies aggressive and violent action, it might be more accurate to simply describe the literal behavior that the orcas are engaging in: such as striking, ramming, targeting, or hitting boats.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Stretch of the CTA Blue Line to close this summer and fall for work to remove slow zones

CTA journeys are about to get more arduous for commuters heading to the Illinois Medical District, students heading to UIC and travelers connecting to Amtrak at Union Station.

CTA Blue Line tracks between the West Loop and the Illinois Medical District are set to temporarily close this summer, as work gets underway to remove some of the slow zones that plague the Forest Park branch of the line.

The Clinton, UIC-Halsted and Racine stations will close in stages from late July through early October. During the closures, the CTA will undertake a $268 million project to rebuild the track and upgrade the power system. The agency will also begin to completely rebuild the Racine station, which will continue into the coming years.

The CTA will run shuttles during the closures and is offering incentives to encourage riders to take alternate train lines. Still, the closures will mean longer commutes for Blue Line riders.

The effects could also be felt up the busy OHare branch of the Blue Line, CTA spokesman Brian Steele said. With part of the line out of service, wait times along the rest of the line could be a couple of minutes longer. But when work is finished, fewer slow zones along the Forest Park branch should also mean better service along the entire line, the CTA said.

Work is tentatively scheduled to begin July 23, and the closures will take place in two phases. For the first roughly 30 days, trains will not run between LaSalle and the Illinois Medical District, and the three stations in between will be closed.

From late August until roughly Oct. 7, the track closure will shorten to between UIC-Halsted and the Illinois Medical District, and only the Racine station will remain closed.

The CTA will run shuttles at all hours, every day, stopping at every closed station. During the first phase of work, the shuttle will run between the Illinois Medical District and Jackson, because, although the closure only extends to LaSalle, Jackson is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The agency is encouraging riders to consider alternate service, like the Green and Pink lines, during the closures. The agency will be offering discounted fares on the lines, though the exact discount has not yet been determined, Steele said. Bus rides on routes between the Pink and Green lines will be free for riders who board in the construction area.

During the first stretch of work, when three stations are closed, the CTA will also run an express shuttle during peak morning and evening commuting times that will stop only at the Illinois Medical District and Jackson.

We want to keep people on the CTA system during this work, Steele said. And even though some commutes  in fact lets go ahead and say most commutes  through this area are going to take longer, the CTA will still be the most affordable, the most convenient, and, given some of the traffic congestion weve been seeing in the region, it will still be competitive in terms of travel time.

The Forest Park branch of the Blue Line, which runs down the center of the Eisenhower Expressway, opened in 1958. Its the only section of track that hasnt had major improvements to it since it was constructed, according to the. CTA.

About 80% of the 17.8-mile branch has slow zones, which force trains to crawl down the highway median and add time onto riders commutes. Work between LaSalle and the Illinois Medical District will remove three miles of slow zones.

The work on the eastern edge of the branch, funded by state money, CTA bonds and funding from a city tax increment financing district, is intended to be the first stage of a complete rebuild of the line. No funding or timeline has been identified for work on the remaining pieces of track, the CTA said.

Once the tracks have reopened, parts of the Racine station will remain closed while the station is demolished and rebuilt. Rebuilding the main portion of the station is expected to take place through 2024, and after that the main entrance will reopen and work will move to an auxiliary entrance.

Trains will continue to stop at Racine during the station construction.

Steele said the Blue Line project is a major investment in Chicagos West Side, and an effort to strengthen and better connect communities.

The Forest Park Branch of the Blue Line is a critical transit asset for Chicagos West Side communities, directly serving the Illinois Medical District, several schools and colleges, as well as several other growing employment centers, CTA President Dorval Carter said in a statement. The start of this project work is long overdue, and the CTA is committed to securing the additional funding to advance future phases of work to provide all Blue Line riders a better transit experience.

sfreishtat@chicagotribune.com
Three Colombian citizens were injured, as well as citizens of the Netherlands and foreign journalists, as a result of an attack on Kramatorsk on 27 June. The establishment that was hit by the Russians was popular with locals, foreigners, volunteers and the military.

Source: BBC News Ukraine; Dutch news outlet nos.nl; The Telegraph

Quote from BBC News Ukraine: "The organisation Aquanta Ucraina (Stay Strong Ukraine  a group supporting Ukraine in Latin America) reported that three Colombian citizens had been injured in the attack on the centre of Kramatorsk.

They are the founder of the organisation, Colombian MP Sergio Jaramillo, writer Hector Abad and journalist Catalina Gomez. They sustained light injuries."

Details: Journalists from the UK and the Netherlands also shared information about being in a popular pizzeria in Kramatorsk during the attack.

For example, two Dutch citizens, Franky van Hintum and Coen van Oosten, were having lunch at the bar when it was hit by a Russian missile.

ALERT

Two rockets hit restaurant RIA Lounge in downtown Kramatorsk. People trapped under the rubble. Heavy scenes. Wounded and dead. pic.twitter.com/FY3pL3qQr7  Arnaud De Decker (@arnauddedecker) June 27, 2023

Flemish journalist Arno De Decker was also in the restaurant, but left 10 minutes before the attack: "It's a meeting place where everyone goes. Locals, volunteers and soldiers eat there."

Colin Freeman, a journalist from the UK, was also in the restaurant with his translator shortly before the explosion. He said that Ria Lounge is one of the few places that is still open after almost a year and a half of war.

Quote from Freeman: "When my translator and I were sitting there looking at the menu yesterday [27 June  ed.] at 19:00, we were not very happy to receive a phone call that called us to the other side of town for an urgent conversation. But work comes first  and in this case, it may have saved our lives."

Background:

On the evening of 27 June, Russia launched a missile attack on the centre of Kramatorsk in Donetsk Oblast. The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that at least eight people had been killed, including three children. Another 56 people were wounded. Two of the dead children were 15 years old, and one 12.

Pavlo Kyrylenko, Head of Donetsk Oblast Military Administration, has said that three foreigners have been wounded, as well as a one-year-old child.

According to preliminary police reports, Russia hit the city with two S-300 anti-aircraft missiles.

The attack took place at around 19:50. One missile hit a cafe in the centre of Kramatorsk, which was crowded with visitors, including children.

The building of a well-known pizzeria in the city collapsed. The place has always been crowded, with foreign journalists and delegations frequently visiting.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
[Source]

Three North Korean citizens have risked their lives to expose the reality of starvation, crackdowns and disaster in their closed-off country.

For several months, the interviewees  whose names have been changed to protect their identity  secretly shared their stories with British broadcaster BBC, which published the interviews earlier this month, aware that they could face death if their government were to find out.

Myong-suk: A businesswoman selling smuggled medicine, Myong-suk is no stranger to the threat of prison. She once ran a successful business, but after North Korea closed its borders during the COVID-19 pandemic, everything changed.

Before COVID, life was stable, she shared with BBC. But since COVID, my earnings have halved. Its become much harder to smuggle things over the border and the crackdowns have become much stricter.

More from NextShark: Downed Chinese balloon is part of larger surveillance program on 5 continents, US officials say

Since her husbands mandatory state job does not pay enough, Myong-suk became the main breadwinner of her family. She managed to keep herself, her husband and their children afloat with her business, but due to North Koreas border closure on Jan. 27, 2020, Myong-suk and her family ended up living on the front line of life.

Most of the products in the market came from China, but its empty now. You could always find grain, but not these days, Myong-suk explained. The scarcest thing is medicine. Even if you can find it, its too expensive.

In desperation, Myong-suk once attempted to smuggle the medicine herself, which resulted in her capture. Barely able to provide a bribe that kept her out of prison, Myong-suk now lives under constant surveillance and suspicion of those closest to her.

More from NextShark: S. Korea's safety minister impeached over Halloween crush that killed nearly 160

Really [the authorities] want to crack down on the smuggling and stop people escaping, she shared. Now, if you even just approach the river to China, youll be given a harsh punishment.

Chan-ho: A construction worker, Chan-ho spends his time working his compulsory state job that barely pays 4,000 won (approximately $4.44) per day.

Often, we have to work late into the night, and I sleep at the site, he told BBC.

More from NextShark: South Carolina passes bill banning Chinese citizens from buying land

In the mornings, Chan-ho helps his wife set up shop at the market, which provides the family with the means to stay alive.

I wouldnt be able to survive if my wife didnt work at the market, he said. When they closed the border, everything became scarce. The price of grain sugar and seasoning has shot up. Food supplies are so low, people have started dying.

Currently, starvation is more of a threat than COVID to Chan-ho, who has seen several people around him die from hunger, including a mother and her children in his village. Initially, the mother was able to survive by begging. However, as she fell sick, she and her children inevitably starved, Chan-ho recalls.

More from NextShark: North Korea passes 'irreversible' law declaring itself a nuclear weapons state

He also mentions another mother who was forced to work hard labor for violating the countrys quarantine rules and eventually starved to death with her son.

If I live by the rules, Ill probably starve to death, but just by trying to survive, I fear I could be arrested, branded a traitor, and killed, Chan-ho was quoted saying. We are stuck here, waiting to die.

I want people to know that I am regretting being born in this country, he continued. I cant sleep when I think about my children, having to live forever in this hopeless hell.

Ji-yeon: In capital city Pyongyang, Ji-yeon works at a food shop to support her husband and two children. In the past, she used to take fruits and vegetables from the store to sell for additional income at the market. Meanwhile, her husband would sell cigarettes and other goods he received as bribes.

However, Ji-yeon lamented that its now impossible to have a side hustle. With thorough searches of her bags, people can no longer steal or give goods away.

Faced with the threat of starvation, Ji-yeon and her family were once forced to consume puljuk  a porridge-like paste of vegetables, grass and plants that was prominent during North Koreas famine in the 1990s  for a week. But despite her hunger, Ji-yeon reveals that she pretends to have eaten three meals a day, choosing hunger over the humiliation of poverty.

We survive by thinking 10 days ahead, then another 10, thinking that if my husband and I starve, at least we will feed our kids, Ji-yeon explained to BBC. I thought I was going to die in my sleep and not wake up in the morning [after not eating for two days].

In addition to her own hardships, Ji-yeon noted the suffering of those around her.

I know one family that starved to death at home, she recalled. No one came in or out for three days. Water was brought around, and we knocked on their door telling them to get some. With no answer from her neighbors, the authorities were called, only to find the family had died from starvation.

Its a disaster, Ji-yeon stated. With no supplies coming from the border, people do not know how to make a living.

Some people have resorted to begging, and if [the beggars] are lying down, we check them and usually find theyre dead," Ji-yeon shared.

Meanwhile, others have opted for suicide, choosing to kill themselves at home or disappear into the mountains.

Even if people die next door, you only think about yourself, Ji-yeon said about the mentality of those who live in her city. Its heartless.

Food shortage: In recent months, concerns regarding the countrys food shortage have only increased. Despite its insistence on its agricultural innovations  which include increased greenhouse vegetable production, new vegetable strains and cultivation technology  assessments by the United Nations and South Korea have exposed dire food supply conditions.

According to research analyst Lucas Rengifo-Keller, the North Korean food supply has dipped below the amount needed to satisfy minimum human needs, CNN reports. In these circumstances, you would have hunger-related deaths.

COVID-19s impact: According to Ji-yeon, COVID-19 has heavily impacted the people of her country.

When speaking with a doctor, she discovered that one in 550 people in each Pyongyang neighborhood had died. However, despite the pandemic heavily impacting North Korea, the deaths would be attributed to alternative causes such as tuberculosis.

The COVID-19 pandemic also presented itself as an opportunity for Kim Jong-un to completely close North Koreas borders. In satellite images taken by Human Rights Watch, North Korean border security was seen increasing via additional walls, fences and guard posts over the past three years.

Alongside border closure, the pandemic has also allowed Kim to strengthen crackdowns. One such legislation was the Reactionary Ideology and Culture Rejection Act in 2020, which authorized the execution of those who smuggle foreign videos into the country. Called the scariest new law of all by Chan-ho, the presence of foreign videos in North Korea has significantly decreased out of fear of imprisonment or death.

People were shocked how much harsher the punishment was, Ji-yeon told BBC, referring to the act and its subsequent crackdown groups. People dont trust each other now. The fear is great.

However, despite Kims attempts to control the country, Chan-ho and Myong-suk do not believe in the governments propaganda.

The state tells us we are nestling in our mothers bosom. But what kind of mother would execute their child in broad daylight for running to China because they are starving? Chan-ho asked.

Before COVID, people viewed Kim Jong Un positively, Myong-suk stated. But now almost everyone is full of discontent.
Student debt relief: Which way will the Supreme Court go?

Student debt relief: Which way will the Supreme Court go?

The Supreme Court is set to release its decision on President Bidens relief of up to $20,000 in student loan debt, with advocates and borrowers widely concerned the justices will strike down the plan.

The court holds a strong 6-3 conservative majority that seemed skeptical of the administrations ability to forgive the debt during oral arguments in February.

But as several recent decisions show, the court sometimes hands down a surprise ruling, offering a sliver of hope to those wanting the forgiveness despite the widespread skepticism.

Court watchers are closely eyeing how the justices rule on whether any of the challengers have legal standing to bring their lawsuits, an issue that the high courts liberal wing and conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett in particular probed during oral argument.

The situation has been a whirlwind for borrowers and will, one way or the other, come to an end soon.

Borrowers stare down student loan repayments after years of high inflation

Why are borrowers fearful of the decision?

President Biden delivers remarks on student loan debt relief at Delaware State University, Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, in Dover. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

Many experts, and the Biden administration itself, have expressed concern for the outcome at the right-leaning court.

The justices are weighing two separate lawsuits  brought by six GOP-led states and two individual borrowers  and Bidens plan must survive both.

Im confident were on the right side of the law. Im not confident about the outcome of the decision yet, Biden said in March.

In recent years, the courts conservatives have increasingly struck down executive branch policies deemed matters of vast economic and political significance, ruling that such policies require clear authorization from Congress.

The debt relief plan could meet a similar fate, as its challengers have cited the major questions doctrine in arguing Congress did not clearly authorize the executive branch to unilaterally forgive hundreds of billions of dollars in debt relief.

I think most casual observers would say, if youre going to give up that much amount of money, if youre going to affect the obligations of that many Americans on a subject thats of great controversy, they would think thats something for Congress to act on, Chief Justice John Roberts said at oral arguments.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh similarly gave caution.

Some of the biggest mistakes in the courts history were deferring to assertions of executive emergency power. Some of the finest moments in the courts history were pushing back against presidential assertions of emergency power, he said.

Conservatives on the court also noted that the federal provision cited by the Biden administration only authorizes the executive branch to waive or modify student financial assistance programs.

In other provisions, there is express language as to cancellation, and, of course, there isnt here, Justice Clarence Thomas said at oral argument.

Justice Samuel Alito repeatedly interrogated the administration on whether the debt relief was fair.

Why is it fair? Alito asked. If it was  if he didnt have to do it, why is it an answer to say that it was warranted? Maybe it was warranted, but why was it done? I guess you dont want to answer the question.

Borrowers cling to hope

Students walk in a procession for Howard Universitys commencement in Washington, Saturday, May 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

It is possible the court greenlights Bidens plan without ever deciding whether he had authorization.

The Biden administration argues that in both lawsuits, the challengers lack standing, meaning they dont have the right to sue. But only one of the six GOP-led states or two individual borrowers challenging the debt relief needs standing for the justices to move ahead.

At oral arguments, one of the courts conservatives joined its liberal wing in seeming to have some qualms about the standing arguments: Justice Amy Coney Barrett.

Barrett intensely questioned the state of Missouris attempt to assert standing by dragging into the mix student loan servicer MOHELA, which it says would suffer revenue losses.

Neither side disputes that MOHELA would have standing if it sued Biden itself. However, MOHELA has decided not to involve itself in the case, raising some eyebrows as Missouri now attempts to sue on its behalf.

If MOHELA is an arm of the state, why didnt you just strong-arm MOHELA and say, Youve got to pursue this suit? Barrett questioned.

More Education coverage from The Hill

All three of the courts liberals  Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson  similarly probed the standing argument.

Its just very hard for me to say that there is an interest sufficient for the state to speak on behalf of an entity who has a right to sue or be sued, Sotomayor said.

Jackson added, I feel like we really do have to be concerned about jumping into the political fray, unless we are prompted to do so by a lawsuit that is brought by someone who has an actual interest. So this is why Im sort of pressing really hard on the standing point.

On the merits of the case, Kagan repeatedly suggested Congress did give authorization through the Heroes Act.

Congress used its voice. Congress used its voice in enacting this piece of legislation. All this business about executive power, I mean, we worry about executive power when Congress hasnt authorized the use of executive power. Here, Congress has authorized the use of executive power in an emergency situation, Kagan said.

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However, Barrett and the courts liberals would still need to convince one of the other five justices to join them to form a majority.

It wouldnt be the first time this year the court has tossed a major case by finding no plaintiff had standing. Last week, the liberal wing and Barrett  as well as four other justices  agreed that two GOP states had no standing to challenge a Biden-era immigration policy, albeit for different reasons.

What will happen after the decision?

Student debt relief advocates gather outside the Supreme Court on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Regardless of the courts decision, borrowers will have to be ready for the three-year student loan payment hiatus to come to an end.

While advocates were hopeful they could get Biden to implement another extension, especially if the court ruled against his relief, the president has locked the door on the option.

During debt ceiling negotiations, Biden and Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) agreed student loan interest would begin to accrue again in September, and payments would restart in October.

Advocates were furious after the announcement and have already hosted multiple rallies calling for Biden to have another plan to forgive student loans if his current one fails at the court.

If the court rules in favor of his plan, it would give a cushion to the president after the agreement and fulfill one of his major campaign promises from 2020.

However, if the court rules against, all eyes will be on the presidents next move.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Stunning before-and-after satellite images of Costa Rica provide the internet with some hope for the future: This makes me happy

One Redditor recently shared incredible satellite images of Costa Rica showing how the countrys forests have recovered in the last four decades.

Like many countries over the last century, Costa Rica suffered from severe deforestation. According to Earth.org, the country had lost almost half its forest cover by 1987. Loggers harvested trees for lumber, and farmers took over to grow crops and raise livestock.

But the devastating effects of deforestation spurred the Costa Rican government to action, Earth.org reported. A law was passed in 1996, making it illegal to clear forests without a permit, and the government began paying residents to protect the forest instead of cutting it down.

Photo Credit: Reddit

Photo Credit: Reddit

The results are clearly visible in the satellite photos shared on r/geography in April. Four gifs show Costa Ricas various regions, rotating between photos from 1987, 2000, and 2015, according to the original poster.

For all images, the least green is 1987, then 2000, and the most green is 2015, they said.

These gorgeous green forests are one of Costa Ricas main attractions, Earth.org reported. Every year, the country draws thousands of tourists who come to see the incredible environment. The money from tourism supports 200,000 people and helps pay for the countrys conservation efforts.

Patricia Madrigal-Cordero, former vice-minister for the environment, told Earth.org, People come to see the mountains, the nature, the forests, and when they are stunned by a monkey or a sloth in the tree, communities realize what they have here, and they realize they should care for it.

Caring for the forests of Costa Rica is caring for the whole planet. Dense rainforests, like the ones in Costa Rica and the Amazon, have been called the lungs of the planet because of the way they remove heat-trapping carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release breathable oxygen in its place.

The trees also draw up water from deep underground and let it evaporate into the air, increasing rainfall throughout the region that waters other plants. Cutting down the rainforest would damage the entire environment that people depend on.

Costa Ricas success in restoring its forests offers a way forward for the rest of the world.

This makes me happy, said one Reddit commenter in response to the newest satellite images.

I wish all Mediterranean climate regions across the world [would do] the same, said another user.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
The traumatic aftermath to the 2020 election has now produced a definitive response from both Congress and the Supreme Court.

Attorney Neal Katyal and Kathay Feng, national redistricting director at Common Cause, speaking outside the Supreme Court following oral arguments in Moore v. Harper, a Republican-backed appeal to curb judicial oversight of elections, Dec. 7, 2022. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)

The Supreme Courts ruling in an election law case Tuesday prompted many loud commendations from those who celebrated the majority-conservative courts rejection of something called the independent state legislature theory (ISLT).

The theory argued by the North Carolina Legislature in Moore v. Harper  a dispute between the Legislature and the state Supreme Court over the redrawing of congressional maps  claims that the state courts should not have any role in constraining the Legislature when it comes to election law.

A fringe theory

In a statement issued after the ruling, former President Barack Obama called ISLT a fringe theory that threatened to upend our democracy and dismantle our system of checks and balances by giving state legislatures near-total control of federal election laws.

This ruling is a resounding rejection of the far-right theory that has been peddled by election deniers and extremists seeking to undermine our democracy, Obama said.

Rick Hasen, director of the Safeguarding Democracy Project at UCLA, said that the ISLT could have paved the way for state legislatures to engage in election subversion.

Republicans tried to overturn the 2020 presidential election following Donald Trumps loss to Joe Biden, despite any evidence of widespread fraud or irregularities, which drove concerns about the ISLT and future elections. Some election experts, however, called these fears overblown.

Those who worry about state legislative rejection of the presidential popular vote may be looking in the wrong direction, wrote Bob Bauer and Jack Goldsmith, two constitutional law experts with extensive experience in government.

But conservative legal scholar J. Michael Luttig, a former federal judge, called the decision a resounding and reverberating victory for American democracy.

The ISLT, Luttig told Slate's Dahlia Lithwick, was "the centerpiece of the efforts to overturn the 2020 election."

Nonetheless, concerns about the ISLT extended beyond election subversion to how much impunity state legislatures would have to draw congressional districts without any oversight or check on their power.

John Eastman, a former attorney for Donald Trump, displayed via video during a House select committee hearing investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, June 21, 2022. Eastman was an architect of the legal arguments used to justify Trump's attempt to overturn the election and is currently facing disbarment. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

Not all good news

But election experts like Hasen also said that while the 6-3 decision rejecting North Carolina Republicans attempt to give state legislatures almost total control of election law was a definitive win, they also cautioned that the decision had some bad news in it as well.

Chief Justice John Roberts, in his majority opinion, rejected the idea that state legislatures can do whatever they want, with no input from state courts.

But he also enshrined in legal precedent that the federal courts have a role in this process too, just as the Supreme Court intervened in the 2000 presidential election, handing the presidency to Republicans with its decision in Bush v. Gore.

Make no mistake. This gives the U.S. Supreme Court the ultimate say over the meaning of state law in the midst of an election dispute. This is a bad, but not awful, result, Hasen wrote.

It could lead to another Supreme Court intervention in a presidential election, he added.

Supporters of Democrat Al Gore and Republican George W. Bush facing off in front of the Supreme Court in the wake of the landmark post-election legal battle, Bush v. Gore, on Dec. 11, 2000.

A win for democracy

The traumatic aftermath to the 2020 election has now produced a definitive response from both Congress and the Supreme Court, insulating the nation from similar attempts to overturn elections in the future.

Congress last year passed significant reforms to the Electoral Count Act that make it much harder for politicians to discount legitimate votes of American citizens, or to try to overturn an election, as Trump and his allies attempted to do in 2020.

And the Supreme Court decision on Tuesday strips away the foundation of G.O.P. arguments that the election was legally problematic because of state court interventions, wrote New York Times columnist David French.

In this way, the ruling dealt a blow to Trumps coup theory, he wrote.

The nonpartisan National Task Force on Election Crises put it this way: The Court has reduced one of the more serious threats for instability and election crisis.
(Bloomberg) -- The US Supreme Court rejected a sweeping Republican-backed effort to oust state judges and administrators from longstanding roles in federal elections, resolving a key constitutional issue in advance of the 2024 vote.

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Ruling 6-3 in North Carolina redistricting case, the high court turned aside GOP arguments that the Constitution gives state lawmakers near-exclusive power to set the rules for congressional and presidential votes.

The Constitution does not insulate state legislatures from the ordinary exercise of state judicial review, Chief Justice John Roberts said for the court. Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett joined Roberts and the courts three liberals in the majority. Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch dissented.

Critics said the so-called independent state legislature theory would have had dire implications for democracy, depriving voters of crucial layers of protection, wreaking havoc on election administration and changing a centuries-old constitutional understanding. Allies of former President Donald Trump used the argument in efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Olivia Dalton said the court rejected an extreme legal theory that would have opened the door for politicians to undermine the will of the people and would have threatened the freedom of all Americans to have their voices heard at the ballot box.

Elections Clause

The fight focused on the Constitutions elections clause, which says the rules for congressional races shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof unless overridden by Congress. A similar provision governs the appointment of presidential electors.

North Carolina Republicans contended the provision meant state courts had little if any role to play in scrutinizing voting maps and other rules crafted by their legislatures for federal elections. In rejecting that argument, Roberts said it couldnt be squared with the courts precedents or historical practice.

Read More: What Gerrymandering Means and Why Its Here to Stay: QuickTake

Roberts qualified the ruling by saying state judges dont have free rein in election cases and may not transgress the ordinary bounds of judicial review such that they arrogate to themselves the power vested in state legislatures to regulate federal elections.

Election-law experts said that language was likely to mean further legal fights, with litigants contending that state supreme courts have overstepped their authority.

But the bar for those lawsuits will be very high, said Cameron Kistler, a lawyer at the nonprofit interest group Protect Democracy. We will see cases, but I think almost certainly unless something really screwy happens, theyre going to lose, a lot, Kistler said.

Stable Rules

All told, the decision means next years election will be held under much more stable and predictable rules set by state laws passed in this years legislative sessions, said Matthew Weil, executive director of the democracy program at the Bipartisan Policy Center.

We didnt need to have another election where the rules were basically changing right up until the vote, which would have been likely to happen, he said. This shuts the door on that.

North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore, who led the fight on behalf of the lawmakers, said it was important the US Supreme Court resolved the issue, even though his side lost.

Ultimately, the question of the role of state courts in congressional redistricting needed to be settled and this decision has done just that, Moore said in a statement on his website. I am proud of the work we did to pursue this case to the nations highest court.

In resolving the case, the justices brushed aside objections that it had become legally moot because of unusual developments in the lower courts.

The North Carolina Supreme Court originally ruled in 2022, striking GOP-drawn congressional districts as so partisan they violated the state constitution. The ruling tossed out a map that was designed to give Republicans the advantage in 10 of the states 14 congressional districts. State courts then imposed a different map, which produced a 7-7 split in last years election.

But Republicans took control of the North Carolina Supreme Court in the same election, and the reconstituted panel reconsidered the issue and overruled the earlier decision. The second ruling meant state lawmakers would have a free hand to draw the districts for the 2024 election no matter what the US Supreme Court decided.

Some of the litigants, including the Biden administration, urged the court to dismiss the case. The dissenters agreed, with Thomas calling the matter a straightforward case of mootness.

Elections Clause

The key question was whether the elections clause refers only to a states elected legislative body or instead to its broader lawmaking system, a category that includes officials authorized to make election-related decisions, citizens voting on ballot initiatives and courts exercising their traditional power to review laws.

Roberts said the court didnt need to resolve whether the North Carolina Supreme Courts first decision misread state law to such an extent it violated the elections clause. He said the state lawmakers in the case expressly disclaimed the argument that this court should reassess the North Carolina Supreme Courts reading of state law.

But Roberts emphatically rejected the contention that the elections clause lets state legislatures ignore their own constitutions when drawing maps or setting out voting rules.

Our precedents have long rejected the view that legislative action under the elections clause is purely federal in character, governed only by restraints found in the federal Constitution, he wrote.

The court soundly rejected the entirely lawless notion that state legislatures dont have to follow their own state constitutional restrictions when they regulate federal elections, said Carolyn Shapiro, a law professor at the Chicago-Kent College of Law who has written about the independent state legislature theory. They have staved off an enormous amount of potential chaos that would have ensued if they had gone the other way.

The case is Moore v. Harper, 21-1271.

--With assistance from Emily Birnbaum and Ryan Teague Beckwith.

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The Supreme Court wants to maintain its enhanced security detail after overturning Roe v. Wade, but data shows that overall threats against the judiciary decreased last year, report says

The US Supreme Court building in Washington, DC. AP Photo/Alex Brandon

The Supreme Court is looking to enhance its security for the justices after last year's unrest over Roe v. Wade.

Per The Intercept, the detail working to safeguard the justices hasn't seen a major increase in threats this year.

The US Marshals this year asked for an extra $21 million to fund 46 new positions to further protect judges.

After last year's leak of the Supreme Court draft opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade, groups of demonstrators took to the streets near the homes of conservative justices, distraught that nearly 50 years of precedent on abortion rights was in jeopardy.

The earliest set of protests had been monitored by federal agents, and as the crowds grew and frustrations mounted, the Supreme Court sought a higher level of protection given the stakes and the "concerning communications" driven by the highly volatile issue.

And after last year's unrest  with Roe eventually being overturned in June 2022  the court is now looking to maintain its heightened level of security next year and for the foreseeable future, according to The Intercept.

Last year, the Supreme Court asked for millions of dollars in added security, with the US Marshals stepping in to provide enhanced protection to the justices.

Per documents reviewed by The Intercept, the security detail working to ensure the safety of the justices hasn't seen a major increase in the level of threats this year. However, the Supreme Court is now seeking additional security agents to buttress their existing line of defense.

The leak prompted additional security

Many lawmakers called for heightened security for justices after the leak, which was accelerated last June after Nicholas John Roske was arrested outside of Justice Brett Kavanaugh's home with a tactical knife, a gun, zip ties and a crowbar. (Roske was charged with attempting to kill Kavanaugh and has since pled not guilty.)

Congress quickly passed the Supreme Court Police Parity Act, which afforded the Marshal of the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court Police the authority to protect the immediate family members of any chief justice or associate justice.

But other than the incident involving Roske, there have been no other attempts to cause harm to a justice. And there have been no arrests of protestors.

According to the US Marshals Service FY 2022 Annual Report, the number of "inappropriate communications" or threats to the overall judiciary was 3,706 in fiscal year 2022, compared to 4,511 in fiscal year 2021.

However, Marshals in the report detailed the "24-hour online threat screening coverage for the SCOTUS, all justices and their residences" and the "real-time online research" that was put into place after last year's threats.

And the Marshals this year asked for an extra $21 million to fund 46 new positions  which includes additional 42 Marshals  to further enhance the security for judges in the next fiscal year.

SCOTUS has a massive security detail

According to The Intercept, the Supreme Court now includes 400 US Marshals as part of the Supreme Court Special Security Officer Program.

And the US Marshals budget request cited Roe as the reasoning for the added security.

"The SCOTUS contacted the [US Marshals Service] to request assistance in securing their facility. As a result of the recent leak of the Dobbs decision, the Marshal of the Supreme Court increased security of the Supreme Court facility, which included adding additional security posts and Special Security Officers to provide this enhanced level of on-site monitoring and presence of officers," the report read.

But no specific threats are cited in the report to show why the additional money is needed, according to The Intercept's report.

And the Supreme Court in March also asked for an additional $5.8 million to buttress the Supreme Court Police.

"Ongoing threat assessments show evolving risks that require continuous protection," the court said in its request. "Additional funding would provide for contract positions, eventually transitioning to full-time employees, that will augment capabilities of the Supreme Court police force and allow it to accomplish its protective mission."

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They survived the Club Q shooting. This is how they described the carnage in front of the killer who caused it

Five people were killed at Club Q in Colorado Springs last November (Chet Strange)

Ashtin Gamblin was working the door at Club Q last November, wearing a hoodie, when she let in a huge, 64 patron for that Saturday nights festivities in the hopping. Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ hotspot. She joked as she struggled with the wristband for Anderson Lee Aldrich before all 280 pounds of the 22-year-old disappeared into the crowd, where families, friends and lovers gathered happily to celebrate birthdays and enjoy a drag performance.

Aldrich walked among them, watching as they socialised, Club Qs beloved bartenders serving up drinks and banter amidst the merriment and music. Ashtin had become close with her coworkers, particularly bar staff Daniel Aston, 28, and Derrick Rump, 38, who were working that night alongside Michael Anderson. The next time Ashtin would see Aldrichs lumbering figure, bullets would be tearing through her body, despite Daniels valiant efforts to save her by standing between Ashtin and the shooter. As Aldrich continued the relentless attack, Ashtin covered herself in her friends blood and buried her head into his body, playing dead. She thought about the school massacre in Uvalde.

Ashtin recounted all of this exactly seven months and seven days after Aldrich opened fire at Club Q, killing Daniel and Derrick along with Kelly Loving, 40; Ashley Paugh, 35; and Raymond Green Vance, 22. Aldrich pleaded guilty this week to charges including five counts of murder and 46 counts of attempted murder, and many of the same Club Q patrons from that tragic night of 19 November 2022 found themselves again breathing the same air as the person whose hate-filled actions forever changed their lives and community.

While the hulking, handcuffed Aldrich declined to speak on Monday  a lawyer instead offering a weak, impersonal and somewhat sheepish apology in his clients stead  survivors and their relatives stood resolutely before the same judge who handed down a sentence of more than 2,000 years for Aldrich. Their testimony not only belied a fierce strength and defiance; it also formed a detailed and forensic account of the terror and heroism inside Club Q on that horrifying, now-infamous night  in the words of the people who witnessed it firsthand.

Michael, behind the bar, had been most concerned on 19 November about whether to take an Uber after shift or drive himself home as he worked alongside Daniel and Derrick. Both, like so many in Colorado, were transplants from other states; Daniel, 28, hailed from Oklahoma, while Derrick, 38, had come all the way from Pennsylvania. Theyd often promise to keep Ashtin safe as they shouted to her mother over the phone when Cheryl Norton called to chat with her daughter. The Illinois mother felt like she knew the pair, whose loyalty, generosity and compassion were famous among their friends and family.

Derrick was a light to so many people ... whether they needed a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear or just someone to be there, Derrick would take on so much weight for others just so see them shine again, his cousin said Monday in an audio message played in court. Derrick was so unbelievably selfless; he would give you the shirt off his back, his last dollar, his last bit of food, and he would expect nothing in return, even if that meant he would be without.

As Derrick, Daniel and Michael slung drinks, among the customers was regular Edward Sanders, whod been coming to Club Q for decades. Wyatt Kent, a patron and performer, was there celebrating his birthday. His friend from second grade, Kassandra Fierro, was also in the club with her parents and long-term boyfriend, Raymond Green Vance, whom Wyatt had also become friendly with in the six years the couple had been dating.

Daniel Aston, a 28-year-old beloved bartender at Club Q in Colorado Springs, died while trying to protect his friend and coworker when a shooter attacked the LGBTQ hotspot in November 2022 (Courtesy of Jeff Aston)

Delusional, the nights drag show producer and host, came on stage, called out birthday wishes and proclaimed his happiness at having the opportunity to perform for such a crowd at such a venue. Then the performer walked backstage  and caught the sound of gunfire.

All I could hear were the gunshots and the music that continued to play, Delusional said in a statement. I didnt see anything; I only heard. Though I didnt see anything, these rounds haunt me in every moment of my life. I didnt know it then, but I was listening to my friends die.

Aldrich had temporarily left the club but returned in protective gear with guns and ammunition and opened fire. Customer Kelly Loving  described by her sibling, Tiffany, as my compass, my best friend, my sister in a statement read by her lawyer on Monday  was cut down at just age 40. She fell to the ground right by Edward, who was also shot repeatedly and drifting in and out of consciousness.

Kelly, he said Monday, fell right by my side ... she was not breathing. I watched her die right in front of me.

The bullets continued to rain down.

Raymond Green Vance, just 22, was fatally hit as his girlfriend and her family, along with the rest of Club Q, struggled to escape and comprehend what was happening. Derrick, described by his family as someone who would give you the shirt off his back, was also killed by Aldrichs bullets.

Derrick Rump, another popular Club Q worker, was only 38 years old when he lost his life in the mass shooting (Derrick Rump via Facebook)

Ashtin and her family fought hard to get the words out on Monday as they detailed how Daniel tried to save her life.

Daniel stood in front of my wife when the killer ... shot my wife nine times  but he took the brunt of it, Ashtins husband, Ryan, said of the murdered 28-year-old. He is a hero. He is the definition of a hero.

Ryan had been at the end of a nine-month deployment overseas, one week away from coming home, when he received the shocking phone call that his wife had been shot. Ashtin had also left him a plaintive, cryptic voicemail on the night, screaming his name  a haunting voicemail she played in court on Monday.

As she lay covered in Daniels blood in November, however  desperately hoping for a better police response than the one shed heard about in Uvalde, where a school shooter killed 21 almost exactly six months earlier  Club Q patrons were mounting a counter-assault on the shooter.

Thomas James, a serving member of the Navy, was on the patio outside Club Q when the shooting began, authorities said Monday at a conference after the hearing.

As the defendant approached that area of the club, he moved himself towards the doors that the shooter would come through, 4th Judicial District Attorney Michael Allen said. In the process, he was struck in the abdomen. Despite being wounded by a gunshot, he engaged with the shooter and undoubtedly saved countless lives.

His actions were quite simply heroic, selfless and an example of humanity that we should all strive to achieve. Because he was wounded, his strength was quickly draining from him, and he was joined by Richard Fierro carrying on the attack on the defendant.

Kassandras father and an Army veteran with overseas combat experience, Rich Fierro felt his instinct and military training kick in as he shouted at and beat the shooter. Ashtin could hear through the shock and confusion.

When the music stopped, I could hear screams ... one of which was screaming about killing the responsible party, she said on Monday. I wish they had.

Aldrich, however, had attempted to wrestle out from the Army veterans grasp  only to be thwarted by the final witness who gave dramatic testimony on Monday.

Club Q victim Kelly Loving, 40, spent her time eliminating stigma and bias, her sister said Monday in a statement, asking everyone to embrace our differences and denounce hate and violence. I refuse to let my sister be erased by ongoing violence against the LGBTQ community (Twitter)

Drea Norman had been only eight or nine meters from Club Qs entrance when Aldrich almost enthusasticaly pulled up to the front door of the club, raised his rifle and stormed the building, Drea said this week, arriving near the end of court proceedings and prompting a temporary pause in the prosecutions address to the judge.

I saw muzzle flashes and barely noticed a window to my right exploded before I dropped to the floor as fast as I could, thinking, Holy f***, this is actually happening, Drea said Monday in an emotional firsthand account. My daze was quickly broken by an instinctual urge to survive and the possibility that the shooter would come back to finish people off  so I crawled on my hands and knees to make it to the kitchen, where I thought itd be the safest place to escape.

On the way, Drea passed Raymond Green Vance, calling out and checking for vitals with no success, before sheltering in the freezer until there was a pause in shooting, then venturing back out to check on loved ones.

I then found Mr Aldrich held down with Tom and Richard Fierro and found my partner shaken, bloodied and in tears; she sat next to Mr Aldrichs third victim, Derrick, Drea said Monday. I could only tell that he was hit in the neck, but the look on his face told me everything.

I heard Richard shouting that he needed help; the shooter was crawling away from the grasp that he had him in ... I stood above him; my only thought was, thrown my foot down, stop him  and after I would imagine what was 10 strikes I stopped, feeling like that was more than enough. And I walked away at the same time; that was when the police came in and they were looking for Mr Aldrich and I pointed, gesturing at him ... and they proceeded to detain and arrest him.

Drea continued  poised, tall and standing straight: I want everyone here today to understand that this was deliberate. It almost looked excitable to the shooter. And as I left to go home and clean up all the blood on me, I knew that I would probably never go out again.

That residual trauma was repeated over and over on Monday by survivors, their relatives and the loved ones of the dead. Ashtin  deliberately wearing a replica of the same hoodie shed worn as she handed Aldrich a Club Q wristband before the shooting spree  lowered it to show her physical scars. Shes reconsidering her plans to have children, and her intended career in forensics no longer holds the same appeal after such a vicious crime untended her own life. Her mother sleeps with guard dogs; Daniels parents cant fill the hole in their hearts and lives.

Ashley Paughs adolescent daughter is now motherless but continuing her parents legacy by choosing to forgive the shooter  unlike many others in the family.

Stephanie Clark, left, lost her sister Ashley Paugh in the Colorado Springs nightclub massacre; she said on Monday that Ashleys daughter, 11, wanted to follow in her mothers footsteps and forgive the shooter (Facebook / Stephanie Clark)

My 11-year-old niece wants to forgive you, because she says thats what she feels her mom would want her to do, Ashleys sister said in a statement to Aldrich on Monday. My sister taught her to be a caring and forgiving person, and Im glad she still has that innocent mind and hasnt realised what an evil world we really live in.

Ms Paughs husband, Kurt, steeled himself while describing his high school sweetheart, who devoted herself to working with foster families and would have had a conversation with this low-life with no judgment whatsoever.

Her love and joy for these children and these families was so special and person to her, he said of his wifes work. Those families and these children are also feeling the loss of Ashley, who was taken by one senseless act of hate. It hurts that this monster gets to spend the rest of his life in prison living off our tax dollars ... [and] rot in loneliness and hate.

My wifes name  Ashley Marie Paugh  will live on through memories, through her loved ones and especially her daughter.

Kelly Lovings relatives, too, hoped that her life and legacy would continue to inspire others to love, despite the fact that hatred caused her death.

I dont want to let my sadness turn to anger, because I know Kelly spent her time eliminating stigma and bias, Tiffany Lovings statement continued, adding: Today, I ask everyone to embrace our differences and denounce hate and violence. I refuse to let my sister be erased by ongoing violence against the LGBTQ community.

The family of Derrick Rump, still in disbelief, reiterated that he did not deserve this; he deserved to life a full and loving life with his family and friends, his cousin said in an audio message played in court.

Derricks inner strength and wisdom will forever be missed but never forgotten, she continued. His laughter and smile will continue to live on through stories.

Despite that, however his family has no forgiveness in our hearts for Aldrich, she said.

We hope he never has a good nights sleep, Derricks cousin said, adding: We hope he never has a reason to smile ... we hope he is greeted with the same hatred every day that he has shown. We hope he never has another days peace, because the only peace our family will know is that one day this awful being will die  and we know that, when it comes time for his [final] judgement, he will be going straight to hell to rot.

Raymond Green Vance, 22, was socializing with his long-term girlfriend, Kassandra Fierro, and her parents at Club Q when he was gunned down in November; Army veteran Richard Fierro helped subdue the shooter (Colorado Springs Police Department)

Jessica Fierro, after watching her daughters boyfriend shot dead, her husband subdue a gunman in their hometown and sustaining injury herself, angrily called Aldrich on Monday not a human and a monster, a killer, a murderer, a failure, a coward, a racist, a bigot, an embarrassment to society who has earned a one-way ticket to eternity in prison five times over and then some.

Kassandra, speaking after her, lamented how the family had embarked upon an unassuming, fun night  only to have our entire futures ripped from us because of that evil man.

I will never get to grow old with my person, she said. I will never get the chance to marry the love of my life. I will never get to start a family with Raymond. I will never get to see or hear or feel Raymond ever again. I will never, ever be able to unsee my future laying in a casket before me. All of this for no reason.

Ashtin, after fighting for her life and watching her friends die less than a year ago, minced no words when it came to her thoughts about Aldrichs punishment.

I wish this was a death penalty state, she said. Not because I want him to die; that would be too easy. I want him to sit in a jail cell not knowing when hes going to die and what could be his last breath ... like he did to us.

But she and everyone else emphasised the need for strength and unity going forward  but especially remembrance of the Club Q family members who could no longer speak for themselves.

The number five is cold, Ashtins father, Bill Norton, said in a statement she read in court. Its a statistic. It doesnt convey what truly happened ... how much we truly lost. We should always remember that the number represents Daniel. We should also remember the number five represents Derrick.

It represents Kelly Loving. It represents Ashley Paugh. It represents Raymond Green Vance.

All of them had their own unique place in this world, Mr Norton said. All of whom are now gone and will never been seen again.

Every speaker on Monday urged remembrance of those names  along with the names of the heroes who saved more lives: Thomas James. Richard Fierro. Drea Norman. They spoke proudly and with convintion, determined to keep the Colorado Springs shooting in the minds of the community and the country.

Sadly, mass shootings have become almost commonplace, Mr Norton said. And what makes this even worse is that, when something becomes commonplace, it becomes easy to dismiss.
The man arrested Sunday night in connection to a shooting outside the Cobra Arcade Bar has been identified by Phoenix Police.

Matthew David Covarrubio, 22, was arrested by two off-duty police officers at a parking lot located near Second and McKinley streets. The officers became aware of the incident after the Chevy Tahoe they were sitting in was hit by stray bullets.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the victim was recovering in the hospital and their identity had not been released. According to court documents, a combination of video surveillance from the bar and witness reports was obtained during the investigation.

According to a witness, who is described as a mutual friend of both Covarrubio and the victim, Covarrubio and the victim got into a verbal confrontation which quickly turned into a shoving match between the two. The witness broke up this initial confrontation.

Documents also show that Covarrubio made threatening statements to the victim saying, I have something coming for you, as he walked away.

The incident then escalated further outside of the bar where the victim began beating Covarrubio leaving his right eye swollen shut and cuts on his face. Covarrubio then proceeded to shoot the victim.

Footage obtained from the Cobra Arcade Bar shows Covarrubio shooting the victim outside the bar, making him fall to the ground. According to police, 14 spent shell casings were found near the victim.

Documents also reported that Covarrubio was heavily intoxicated during the incident, with him only remembering the fight, firing shots and sitting at the back of a police cruiser.

Arizona Republic reached out to EQ Arizona, the owners of the Cobra Arcade Bar, for comment but they did not return our request.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Cobra Bar shooter identified, arrested by off-duty officers
There were weeks of protests after the Koran was burned outside Turkey's embassy in Sweden in January (Shafiullah KAKAR)

A man set fire to pages of the Koran outside Stockholm's main mosque Wednesday, drawing a swift condemnation from Turkey which is holding up Sweden's bid to join NATO days ahead of a summit.

Swedish police had granted a permit for the protest in line with free-speech protections but also opened an investigation into the man, originally from Iraq, for "agitation against an ethnic group".

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called the burning of the pages of the Islamic holy book "despicable."

"It is unacceptable to allow these anti-Islamic actions under the pretext of freedom of expression," Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan wrote on Twitter. "Turning a blind eye to such atrocious acts is to be complicit."

Turkey is blocking Sweden's NATO membership bid due to what it perceives as Stockholm's failure to crack down on Kurdish groups it considers "terrorists," and took particular offence at another Koran burning outside its Stockholm embassy in January.

A meeting between the countries' top diplomats is scheduled for July 6 at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, with NATO counterparts pushing for Turkey to grant the green light to Sweden by the time the summit takes place in Lithuania on July 11-12.

In its written decision granting a permit for the protest, Stockholm police said the security risks associated with the burning "were not of a nature that could justify, under current laws, a decision to reject the request".

- 'Express my opinion' -

Salwan Momika, 37, who fled to Sweden several years ago, had asked police for permission to burn the holy book "to express my opinion about the Koran".

Ahead of the protest, Momika told news agency TT he also wanted to highlight the importance of freedom of speech.

"This is democracy. It is in danger if they tell us we can't do this," Momika said.

Under a heavy police presence and with around a dozen opponents shouting at him in Arabic, Momika, dressed in beige trousers and a shirt, addressed the crowd of several dozen through a megaphone.

He stomped on the Koran and put on it strips of bacon, which is forbidden in Islam. He then lit a few pages on fire before slamming it shut and kicked it like a football while waving Swedish flags, AFP correspondents at the scene reported.

Police had cordoned off an area in a park next to the mosque separating Momika and a co-protester from the crowd.

Police later said in a statement that the protest had not caused "disturbances to order," but added that an investigation had been opened regarding "agitation against an ethnic group" because Momika had chosen to burn the Koran so close to a mosque.

Police added he was also being investigated for violating a temporary ban on lighting fires -- in place due to a heatwave.

Noa Omran, a 32-year-old artist from Stockholm, called the protest "absolutely insane".

"It's just hatred masquerading in the name of democracy and freedom, which it isn't," the woman, who said her mother was from a Muslim background, told AFP at the scene.

- Backlash in Muslim world -

The police authorisation for the protest came two weeks after a Swedish appeals court rejected the police's decision to deny permits for two demonstrations in Stockholm which were to include Koran burnings.

Police had at the time cited security concerns, following the January protest which led to weeks of demonstrations and calls for a boycott of Swedish goods.

Similar acts have in the past sparked violent protests and outrage across the Muslim world.

The United States, the largest power in NATO, joined criticism of the Koran burning but reiterated its support for Sweden's entrance into the alliance.

"We've said consistently that the burning of religious texts is disrespectful and hurtful and what might be legal is certainly not necessarily appropriate," State Department spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters in Washington.

"We continue to believe that Sweden should become a NATO member as soon as possible," he said, calling the country a "strong, capable defence partner that shares NATO's values."

Speaking to newspaper Aftonbladet in April, Momika said his intention was not to sabotage Sweden's NATO bid and that he had considered waiting to stage his protest until after the country had joined the alliance.

"I don't want to harm this country that received me and preserved my dignity," Momika told the newspaper.

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By Steve Holland

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - NATO allies have accelerated efforts to convince Turkey to lift its opposition to Sweden joining NATO but whether they will have success before leaders hold a summit in Lithuania next month is unclear, a Western official said on Wednesday.

Sweden and Finland applied for NATO membership last year, ditching long-held policies of military non-alignment after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Applications for membership must be approved by all NATO members, but Turkey and Hungary have yet to clear Sweden's bid.

For the United States and the rest of the alliance, welcoming Sweden when the bloc meets in Vilnius for a summit on July 10-11 has been a top priority.

In recent days, a variety of officials from NATO countries have been working on Turkey in an attempt to gain Ankara's approval, the Western official, who asked not to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter, told Reuters.

Turkey ratified Finland's NATO accession in late March, but has continued to object to Sweden, saying Stockholm harbors members of militant groups it considers to be terrorists.

The Western official said NATO allies have been actively engaging with Turkey and advocating for Sweden's NATO application but that it was unclear whether Ankara would approve it before the Vilnius summit, and that this might end up happening afterward.

On Wednesday, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan spoke to Akif Cagatay Kilic, spokesperson and chief adviser to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, and Sweden's NATO bid was among the topics discussed.

"Mr. Sullivan underscored the United States view that Sweden should become a member of NATO as soon as possible," a statement from the White House said.

Erdogan also held a phone call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the Turkish presidency said, discussing the developments in Russia and Sweden's NATO bid. Erdogan said Sweden has taken steps in the right direction, referring to the country's new terrorism law.

But he also said that supporters of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in Sweden continued to organise demonstrations and finance what he called terrorist groups, which was "unacceptable" for Turkey.

On Wednesday, a man tore up and burned a copy of the Koran, the Muslim holy book, outside Stockholm's central mosque, an event that drew condemnation from Turkey and could further complicate Sweden's NATO bid. The man was charged with agitation against an ethnic or national group.

(Reporting By Steve Holland; Editing by Humeyra Pamuk and Mark Heinrich)
(Bloomberg) -- Switzerland blocked arms maker Ruag AG from selling almost 100 tanks in a deal that would have seen them used by Ukraine in its war with Russia.

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The government said the request is inconsistent with applicable law, noting that Switzerland is a neutral country which cant approve sales of arms bound for an active conflict zone. Ruag said it acknowledged the decision, but declined to comment further when contacted by Bloomberg.

The rejection applies to 96 non-operational Leopard 1 tanks currently stored in Italy, which are property of Ruag. The proposal was for the vehicles to be refurbished in Germany and then sent to Ukraine.

The announcement on Wednesday is unconnected to a separate sale of 25 Leopard 2 tanks of the Swiss army, which are supposed to go to German company Rheinmetall AG.

The latter deal recently won the support of the Swiss government and is expected to go through by next year. In this case, Germany has promised not to send the tanks to Ukraine, but to keep them at home to fill gaps in its own military.

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The T-7A Red Hawk Jet Trainer Has Taken Its First Flight photo

The first T-7A, part of an initial lot of pre-production engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) aircraft to be used for testing and design validation purposes, has taken to the skies for the first time. If everything comes to fruition, the jets in this lot will pave the way for full-up production aircraft. This follow's the company's announcement last week that one of these T-7As had completed taxi tests on the ground in preparation for this milestone.

A view of the T-7A prototype on the ground earlier today. USAF

Boeing and the Air Force have both confirmed the T-7A's first flight had taken place earlier in a Tweet this afternoon. The plan, as it has been previously reported, will see the jet eventually head to Edwards Air Force Base in California for further testing. The War Zone has also reached out to Boeing for more information.

https://twitter.com/BoeingDefense/status/1674132603237027857?s=20

The prototype T-7A, which carries the U.S. Air Force serial number 21-7002 and was the same one used for the taxi testing, carried out the first flight from St. Louis Lambert International Airport in St. Louis, Missouri earlier today. The Red Hawk is slated to eventually replace the Air Force's aging T-38 Talon jet trainers, which are becoming increasingly more difficult to operate and maintain.

USAF

Boeing had alluded to the impending first flight yesterday with a video that highlighted Maj. Bryce Turner as one of the two individuals expected to take the T-7A to the skies for the first time. Turner, who is a member of the 416th Flight Test Squadron, a third-generation Air Force pilot, and an African American, said in that clip, seen below, that "its not just any other test for me." The Red Hawk name and the jet's current paint scheme are direct references to the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II fame, who served in the U.S. military's first African American flying squadron, which was eventually equipped P-51 Mustangs with red-painted tails.

https://twitter.com/BoeingDefense/status/1673738246969344014

The jet's route, which took it south for some maneuvers over the Mark Twain National Forest, was also visible on online flight tracking sites.

https://twitter.com/beverstine/status/1674098700153389062?s=20

The first flight is an important step forward in the T-7A's development process and reaching this stage is perhaps particularly important given how behind schedule the Red Hawk is currently. In 2018, the Air Force chose what is now known as the T-7A, a design Boeing crafted in cooperation with Swedish planemaker Saab, as the winner of its T-X trainer competition. Since 2016, Boeing has been doing actual flight testing in support of this program, but using demonstrator aircraft, seen in the video below, that are not fully production repetitive.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0hWkDWbLZg

In the past, the Air Force said it had hoped to begin taking delivery of the first five T-7A EMD prototypes this year and begin actually fielding the new jet trainers next year. However, the service has now pushed back the EMD prototype delivery timetable to at least December 2025 and now expects the Red Hawks to start entering service no earlier than 2027.

A number of factors have caused these delays, with the biggest at present being issues with the T-7A's ACES 5 ejection seats and other elements of the aircraft's complete emergency egress system. It has now been determined that the original configuration presents serious enough safety issues for pilots with certain body types, especially smaller and lighter female pilots, to require significant and costly redesign work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lni0F93RdsQ

In May, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), a U.S. Congressional watchdog, issues a report that also called attention to concerns that Red Hawk's flight control software remains worryingly immature, that work on associated simulators has also been delayed, and that information about the jet's sustainment requirements remains limited.

Boeing has said in the past that it had resolved an issue involving wing-rock at high angles of attack, in part through the use of digital engineering processes. The T-7A has long been held out as a poster child for the benefits of digital engineering and design tools, but has increasingly come to reflect a growing consensus that those technologies are unlikely to ever be as revolutionary as many had hoped.

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall said in May that he felt that digital engineering, broadly, had been overhyped. Digital engineering isnt magic, Dr. Will Roper, the former assistant secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, one of digital engineering's biggest proponents, told The War Zone in a separate interview earlier this year.

You can read more about digital engineering and the pitfalls that have emerged here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSGX1NAc6ZE

Boeing, which is under a fixed-price contract for the T-7A, has incurred $1.1 billion in losses over the delays to date.

In the meantime, delays with the T-7A already look to be exacerbating the Air Force's long-standing pilot shortage, though the service has downplayed this. What is undeniable is that this means the T-38s, and their equally aging J85 engines, will have to remain in service longer than expected. The Talon community has seen a notable uptick in maintenance issues and major mishaps, including a number of fatal accidents, in recent years.

Much remains to be seen about the continuing development of the T-7A and when it will actually enter service. Boeing has now taken the important step of actually flying one of these jets for the first time.

UPDATE 4:05 P.M. EST:

Boeing has now issued a full press release about the T-7A's first flight, which it says lasted approximately one hour and three minutes. The company has confirmed that Air Force Maj. Bryce Turner and the company's T-7 chief test pilot Steve Schmidt were onboard the aircraft at the time.

The flight "validated key aspects of the aircraft and demonstrated the power and agility of the Air Forces first advanced trainer to be digitally designed, built and tested," according to Boeing. It marks "the start of the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase of the [T-7A] program."

"The stable performance of the aircraft and its advanced cockpit and systems are game changers for U.S. Air Force student pilots and instructors alike," Maj. Turner said in a statement. "Weve come a long way in training since my family role models flew."

This first flight with the Air Force represents our teams commitment to delivering a new level of safety and training for fighter and bomber pilots, Evelyn Moore, vice president and program manager for Boeing T-7 Programs also said. We remain focused on engineering ways to better prepare warfighters for changing mission demands and emerging threats.

This is an exciting time for the entire team, Air Force Col. Kirt Cassell, the service's T-7A Red Hawk program manager, added. The Red Hawks digital design integrating advanced training capabilities will drastically improve pilot training for the next generation of fighter and bomber pilots.

Boeing's press release also touts the digital design aspects of the T-7A program, asserting that this enabled it to move from a "firm concept" to an actual flight test in 36 months. "A combination of model-based engineering, 3D design and advanced manufacturing increased first-time quality by 75% and reduced assembly hours by 80%," according to the company.

Contact the author: joe@thedrive.com
(Bloomberg) -- A Taiwanese vice premier is traveling to Japan for the first time in 29 years to shore up economic ties and talk about the semiconductor industry.

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Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan is leading a delegation of officials and businesspeople from the economic and industrial spheres on the visit this week, Taiwans Cabinet said in a statement on Wednesday. Cheng visited key Japanese companies to hold discussions on important issues such as strengthening Taiwans semiconductor supply chains, the statement added, without naming the firms. Taiwans export orders plummeted in May for a ninth straight month amid a global slide in demand for chips.

Cheng said in a Facebook post that he met Taro Aso, a former prime minister of Japan and now vice president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. They held in-depth discussions on Taiwan-Japan economic and trade exchanges, industrial cooperation and strengthening Taiwan-Japan relations, he said.

Cheng also met Toshimitsu Motegi, the LDPs secretary general and a potential future candidate for prime minister, public broadcaster NHK reported.

Read: Taiwans Export Orders Plunge Amid Persisting Demand Slump

The visit risks once again angering China, which opposes Taiwan having official contacts with nations it has diplomatic ties with. China filed a diplomatic protest with Japan after Vice President Lai Ching-te traveled to Japan for the funeral of former leader Shinzo Abe last year. Beijing also raised its concern over Japan boosting defense spending so it can toughen its security posture amid what it sees as rising threats from China, North Korea and Russia.

Beijing is also likely to be upset by a group of US lawmakers arriving in Taipei. Mike Rogers, chair of House Armed Services Committee, said during a meeting with President Tsai Ing-wen on Wednesday that the visit by the delegation of Republicans and Democrats showed that US backing for Taiwan was bipartisan and unwavering.

Tsai thanked the US Congress for its concern for Taiwans security and expressing support through concrete actions.

China has been wooing Taiwans opposition Kuomintang in the run-up to a presidential election in Taiwan next year because it sees the party as a more congenial negotiating partner. It views the ruling Democratic Progressive Party as an obstacle to Taiwan someday coming under its control.

During his visit to Japan, which wraps up Thursday, Cheng was joined by executives from tech companies such as Lite-On Technology Corp. and Wistron Corp., the Cabinet statement added. The last time a Taiwanese vice premier visited Japan was in 1994, the semi-official Central News Agency reported.

--With assistance from Sing Yee Ong.

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Ahead of the busy July 4 holiday weekend, Tampa International Airport is one of many nationwide experiencing airline delays and cancellations.

About 20% of flights were impacted Wednesday morning, according to the airports flight tracker. There were a total of 68 delays and 17 cancellations.

This is a record travel year for the Independence Day holiday, according to AAA The Auto Club Group. About 4.17 million Americans are expected to travel this weekend, up from 2019s record of 3.97 million travelers, AAA said in a statement. There will be about 220,000 Floridians flying over the weekend, up 11% from last year.

Tampa International officials said last week it expects about 80,000 passengers each day over the weekend, with its busiest days reaching more than 90,000 passengers.

But the high demand for flying could be impacted by storms and staff shortages at air traffic control towers around New York City, AAA warned. Most flights to and from Tampa that have been affected are connections to either LaGuardia, Newark or John F. Kennedy International Airport, according to tracker FlightAware.

Severe weather beyond Florida earlier this week is still impacting some flight schedules at TPA. As always, passengers should check with their airlines for the most up-to-date flight status, said Veronica Cintron, the airports vice president of communications, in an emailed statement to the Tampa Bay Times.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, low clouds and storms Wednesday could continue to impact flights out of the northeast and Florida, including Tampa and Orlando.

The FAA forecasts there may be a ground stop possible in Orlando and Miami later in the afternoon, though the federal agency did not mention Tampa.

July is St. Pete-Clearwater International Airports busiest month, and airport officials said travelers should arrive two hours early for flights and three hours early for international flights. The same advice applies for Tampa International. Flyers should check the weather ahead of flying and stay updated with their airlines about possible delays or cancellations.

The St. Pete-Clearwater airport is undergoing construction as part of the Gateway Express Project, which could affect traffic coming into and leaving the airport.

Parking at both airports is expected to fill, so travelers flying through Tampa International should book parking spaces ahead of time to ensure a spot and St. Pete-Clearwater travelers should consider finding a ride.
Grab the Lay's for this one.

Last year, Taylor Hale made history as the first Black woman to win a non-celebrity edition of Big Brother. Plus, she won America's Favorite Player, which made her the first winner to also secure the fan-favorite award.

Although the 24th season had fans on the edge of their seats last summer, audiences are currently waiting longer than usual for the 25th season due to the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike. Fans will have to wait for new episodes until the premiere on August 2nd.

"Here's a crazy concept. The fans are going to have to touch grass this summer. Here's my advice. Put on a thong bikini, get on a yacht, and shake your ass! That's my recommendation," Hale tells PRIDE.

With so much extra time until the new season, plenty of Big Brother fans have been speculating as to what twists and turns will be thrown at the contestants.

Hale is manifesting some of the most beloved competitions will make a return in upcoming episodes.

"It's big! 25 years... come on. Maybe I'll host a competition and hopefully, I'll be actually be able to enter the house and do it. I would love to see iconic competitions coming back. Give me Pressure Cooker. I want to see those people standing with their finger on a button for hours. I want to see a really long wall competition. I want to see the spelling competition come back."

Speaking of spelling competitions, Hale revealed which word she would have used if she had the opportunity to compete last season.

"I went into that house with a word ready to go and I never got to play that competition. My word was chronothermometer. You just have to find a word you can build around."

Well, fans could potentially see her compete again as she is open to returning to Big Brother under a certain set of circumstances.

"[I'd compete] if it's all winners during the celebrity time frame. It's gotta be small."

Taylor Hale Shares Her Predictions for 'Big Brother 25' youtu.be

Aside from her Big Brother hot takes, Hale is enjoying her summer so far and standing up for important causes.

The star is a loud and proud LGBTQ+ advocate who's been hanging out with a ton of RuPaul's Drag Race alum, and like many, stanning Sasha Colby since she snatched the crown.

"You know I love me some Sasha Colby! I aspire to be like her. I'm inspired by her. I will always thank her for the example she set."

Hale has also been using her voice for good by attending a slew of Pride events this summer and encouraging her fans to donate to the ACLU Drag Defense Fund.

"It's just the right thing to do. These are people who are being targeted every single day. I have the privilege to have a fandom that is heavily queer. Being a minority in any sense all overlaps into each other. When we start targeting trans people, who else gets lumped into that? Historically, black women. It's a matter of protecting all of us. Anything that I can do to just make this a healthier space for all of us, that's something I'm willing to do."

Fans can keep up with Taylor Hale on her Twitter and Instagram. To see the full hilarious story of Hale meeting Sasha Colby, check out the video below.
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin called for "calm" on Wednesday after a night of violent protests over a teenager's death at the hands of police in a Paris suburb.

"We want to have the whole truth about what happened, while respecting the time of justice," Darmanin said during a press conference.

A 17-year-old driver was shot and killed by a police officer on Tuesday morning during a traffic check in Nanterre, a suburb of France's capital. The officer remains detained on suspicion of manslaughter amid an ongoing investigation into the incident, according to the local prosecutor's office.

MORE: Paris Olympics offices searched by police amid financial probe, French officials say

PHOTO: Firefighters work to put out a burning car on the sidelines of a protest in Nanterre, a suburb of Paris, France, on June 27, 2023, after police shot and killed a 17-year-old driver during a traffic check. (Zakaria Abdelkafi/AFP via Getty Images)

France's Inspectorate General of the National Police, which investigates allegations of police misconduct, is also conducting a probe into the fatal shooting.

Lawyers for the victim's family identified him as 17-year-old Nael M. and said they intend to file complaints against the officer who fired the lethal shot and another officer who was at the scene. Nael's mother took to social media calling for people to join her at a march in Nanterre on Thursday, saying: "Please, let's revolt for my son."

The teen's death sparked unrest in the streets of Nanterre and other areas outside Paris on Tuesday night. Protesters clashed with riot police as dozens of vehicles and buildings were set ablaze. While tensions were highest in Nanterre, a town hall was set on fire in Mantes-la-Jolie, about 25 miles northwest.

MORE: 8 injured, including children, in stabbing in French Alps, interior minister says

PHOTO: Police in riot gear stand next to a fire burning in the street after a protest in Nanterre, a suburb of Paris, France, on June 27, 2023. (Zakaria Abdelkafi/AFP via Getty Images)

Overall, 31 people were arrested, 25 police officers were injured and 40 cars were burned, according to Darmanin, who condemned the violence and announced heightened police presence. The interior minister said 1,200 officers were deployed overnight and 2,000 would be in the Paris region and around other big cities on Wednesday to "maintain order."

Darmanin said video purported to be of the incident circulating online was "extremely shocking" and "apparently not in line with what we want in policing."

"If the images are confirmed," he added, "at no time is a gesture like the one we saw justified."

French President Emmanuel Macron also addressed the teen's death and ensuing protests, telling reporters on Wednesday that "it takes calm for justice to be done.":

"I want to express the emotion of the entire nation after what happened and express my solidarity with his family," Macron said. "Nothing justifies the death of a young person."

Teenager's death during police traffic stop sparks violent unrest in Paris suburb originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
This Texas congressman thinks state should tell feds to stick it on border security | Opinion

Rep. Chip Roy might have spent nearly the last two decades in Washingtons swamp but you wouldnt know it from talking to him. The University of Texas School of Law grad talks about politics the same way his great-great-grandfather, a Texas Ranger, probably did: Direct and without apology.

I love Texas. I love being a Texan, the Republican congressman who represents parts of Austin and Fredericksburg told me in a recent interview at his Washington office. Though he spent his childhood in Virginia, he was constantly drawn back to the Lone Star State, first working alongside Sen. John Cornyn, then Sen. Ted Cruz, then Gov. Rick Perry.

Even though he represents Texas in Congress, that hasnt kept him from keeping an eye on whats happening in the state Legislature and particularly with the border.

People have had complaints from some of the Texas leaders. Stay in your lane, Chip. Youre in Congress, Roy said. Im a Texan. Im in my lane. I want good policy. Im not going to shy away from where I find our failures. In D.C. we passed  the best border security bill.

The bill would limit the ability of the Department of Homeland Security to provide parole to migrants, curtailing their ability to temporarily enter the U.S., among other things. However, its not moving anywhere fast in the Democrat-controlled Senate.

Roy said the federal government should do much more to secure our borders, but since the border is a crisis almost entirely of this presidents own making, as Roy said recently, he thinks the onus is on Texas to fix it once and for all on its own.

State officials are trying to stick their finger in the dike, Roy said. I respect the governor, what hes been trying to do and trying to fight down at the border, but my whole point here is whether its D.C. or Texas: We need aggressive action and leadership to win minds and hearts and demonstrate leadership.

A few weeks ago, Gov. Greg Abbott signed a package of six bills that will, yet again, expand the states efforts to protect Texans and our border. The Legislature allocated more than $5 billion over two years to border security.

Roys penchant for being aggressive is one of the reasons why he announced his support for Ron DeSantis for president  and way back in mid-March, earlier than most have even made a decision, let alone offered public support. Backing DeSantis, when so many Texas leaders still support Donald Trump, seemed pretty brave, even for Roy, who is used to standing apart from fellow Republicans.

Politicians who are willing to stick to their beliefs and be bold about them are the kinds of people Roy hopes make the right policies, whether its Joe Biden or Abbott, Congress or the Legislature.

On that, Roy thinks the Texas Legislature is spot-on about some issues but should have been more proactive about others. I was really glad to see property taxes, school choice, fundamentally grab a bull by the horns and lets go. How about a grid that isnt freaking, like, hanging on by a thread? Because half of it is wind and solar.

But the border remains one of Texas biggest challenges. Roy knows this too well.

The question we should be asking as Texans, one, are we safe? Is our border secure? Have we handled cartels? Have we stopped fentanyl? Have we stopped human trafficking? And if the answer to those is no, then what are we going to do about it?

Roy gave his own answer: Dont ask for permission, and dont even really ask for forgiveness. Do it. and then go tell the feds to pound sand.  I will do everything in my power to support Texas leadership that tells the federal government to kiss our [expletive]. Were going to secure the border, and were going to do what we need to do for the people of Texas.

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Texas heat dome inches north and east, and advisories go up in 15 states

The National Weather Service posted heat advisories in 15 states on Wednesday as a heat dome continued to grip much of the Southern U.S. (NOAA)

Record-breaking summer temperatures are once again expected across the Southern United States as a heat dome continues to subject millions of Americans to scorching conditions.

On Wednesday, temperatures in Texas were expected to be hotter than 99% of the planet, New Zealand meteorologist Ben Noll tweeted.

Next Wednesday, large parts of Texas will be hotter than 99% of the planet during the peak of the heatwave.



Widespread temperatures of 110F or higher are forecast.



Only the Sahara Desert & Persian Gulf area will be as hot or hotter () than the Lone Star State  pic.twitter.com/RdSYMjByMg  Ben Noll (@BenNollWeather) June 24, 2023

More than 100 daily temperature records have fallen over the last two weeks in Texas alone.

In Dallas, the forecast high for Wednesday was 115 degrees Fahrenheit. In all, 45 million people live in places that were under heat alerts Wednesday, and those conditions are expected to persist, at least in Texas, through the weekend.

For Wednesday and Thursday, the National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings for Mississippi and Louisiana, where dangerously hot conditions with heat index readings of 115-120F are possible. Heat index readings of 105-112F are expected in portions of Alabama.

What is a heat dome?

Houston resident Robert Harris pauses to wipe his face while digging fence post holes on Tuesday. (David J. Phillip/AP)

A heat dome is defined as a persistent region of high pressure that traps heat over an area, William Gallus, professor of atmospheric science at Iowa State University, wrote in the Conversation.

It is often influenced by swings in the jet stream pattern  the band of mostly westerly winds that circles the globe  that can slow the movement of weather systems, resulting in heat dome events that can linger for multiple days.

Deaths due to the heat

Since triple-digit temperatures moved into Texas two weeks ago, 13 people have died as a result of the excessive heat, the Associated Press reported, and another died in Louisiana. One of those was a 14-year-old Florida boy who fell ill and lost consciousness while hiking in Big Bend National Park in Texas, where temperatures hit 119F on Friday.

Hundreds of people in Texas have also visited emergency rooms since the start of the current heat wave to be treated for heat-related illnesses, the Guardian reported.

In the 2021 heat dome that descended on the Pacific Northwest, an area not accustomed to extreme heat, hundreds of people were killed due to excessive temperatures.

A new (and worsening) normal, thanks to climate change

A man digging fence post holes in Houston on Tuesday. (David J. Phillip/AP)

Due to the tilt of the Earth, heat waves have always been a feature of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. But as global temperatures have warmed by 1.8 degrees Celsius on average since the start of the Industrial Revolution, numerous studies have shown that those heat events have become more common and are lasting longer.

"Climate change is amplifying this and other heat events, as global average temperatures are already about two degrees F (one degree C) higher than in preindustrial times, according to Scientific American magazine. "With the planet still warming as humans continue to burn fossil fuels that release heat-trapping greenhouse gases, heat waves will continue to happen more often, last longer and reach higher temperatures, in part because of more extreme heat waves, an unusually hot summer in the past is now considered average.

An analysis by Climate Central, a consortium of scientists and journalists, found that the current heat dome over Mexico and the Southern United States was five times more likely to have occurred thanks to climate change.
Youth activists demanded a series of royal reforms at the 2020 protests in Thailand

A court in Thailand has acquitted five anti-government protesters charged with attempted violence against the Queen.

The case stems from pro-democracy protests in 2020, when a motorcade carrying Queen Suthida was blocked by demonstrators in the capital Bangkok.

The court found the defendants had not intended to impede the royal convoy as it passed through the rally.

Thailand's constitution enshrines reverence of the monarchy, criticism of which is punishable by long jail terms.

A controversial lese majeste law forbids insulting the monarchy and is among the strictest in the world. Anyone found in breach of the law could face up to 15 years in prison.

Critics say the military-backed government uses the law to clamp down on free speech, and the United Nations has repeatedly called on Thailand to amend it.

The youth-led demonstrations, which continued into 2021, saw young activists, for the first time, demanding a series of royal reforms, including amendments to the lese majeste law.

The defendants had been indicted under a separate, little-used law which forbids attempted violence against senior royals, and carries a minimum sentence of 16 years in jail.

More serious breaches of this law can result in life imprisonment or a death sentence.

Prosecutors alleged that the protesters had knowledge that the royal motorcade carrying the Queen was going to pass through the area, and had intentionally broken away from the demonstrations to block its route.

They were indicted under article 110 of Thailand's criminal code which prohibits anyone from harming the liberty of the Queen, the heir apparent or the regent.

However, Bangkok's Criminal Court concluded that no clear announcement had been made to the public about a motorcade in the area prior to its arrival, and it's unlikely the protesters would have known.

Speaking to Reuters news agency after the verdict, one of the activists Bunkueanun Paothong said: "I'm really glad... we've been fighting this and insisting on our innocence."
The royal motorcade carrying Thailand's Queen Suthida and Prince Dipangkorn drives past a group of anti-government demonstrators in front of Government House in Bangkok

Thai protesters acquitted over run-in with queen's motorcade The royal motorcade carrying Thailand's Queen Suthida and Prince Dipangkorn drives past a group of anti-government demonstrators in front of Government House in Bangkok

BANGKOK (Reuters) - A Thai court on Wednesday acquitted five anti-government protesters indicted on charges of attempted violence against the country's queen during a demonstration in 2020, a legal aid group said.

The case stemmed from an event at the height of pro-democracy demonstrations in 2020, in which a motorcade carrying Queen Suthida was heckled as it drove past a group of protesters.

The youth-led demonstrations had also called for royal reform including amending the controversial lese majeste law, which punishes each perceived royal insult with up to 15 years in prison.

The monarchy, which many Thais consider sacrosanct, is officially above politics and constitutionally enshrined to be held in "revered worship".

Video footage of the October, 2020 incident showed authorities pushing activists away from the convoy.

"The court saw that police did not clear the way for the royal motorcade ... there was no announcement before the procession," Thai Lawyers for Human Rights said on Wednesday.

"Witness testimony was different and even police in the area did not know there would be a royal motorcade (passing through)," the group said.

The court did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Five activists had been indicted under a law that punishes violence or attempted violence against the queen, heir-apparent or regent with a minimum sentence of 16 years in prison.

More serious breaches of the same law can lead to life imprisonment or a death sentence.

"I'm really glad ... we've been fighting this and insisting on our innocence," activist Bunkueanun "Francis" Paothong, 23, told Reuters by phone after the verdict.

(Reporting by Chayut Setboonsarng; Editing by Kanupriya Kapoor)
There will be a new COVID vaccine this fall, but will people get it?

A health worker administers a COVID-19 vaccine shot to a local resident in Los Angeles in December 2022. (Xinhua via Getty Images)

Last week, the Food and Drug Administration recommended that the next COVID-19 vaccine be targeted at the XBB.1.5 subvariant. That new shot is expected to come out this fall, leading public health experts to urge everyone to get vaccinated again before the possible fall-winter surge in COVID cases, which may coincide with the holidays and the retreat indoors during colder weather.

You hope that the winter wont be bad. We dont know, and the hope is that this new booster will be available, Jen Kates, director of global health and HIV policy at KFF, a public health think tank, told Yahoo News. And then that would give us that protection that we need going into a time when there might be more cases.

The current COVID situation

COVID-19 is still killing hundreds of Americans each week, according to the most recent data available from the CDC, and the unvaccinated are much more likely to be among them. The bivalent COVID vaccine booster shot released last fall combined the original vaccine with one targeted at the subvariants that were widespread at the time, Omicron BA.4 and BA.5. But that shot isnt designed to specifically block XBB.1.5, the Omicron subvariant now most in circulation.

If you build it, will they come?

Sylvester Fisher gets a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot from a pharmacist, Patricia Pernal, at the Southwest Senior Center on Sept. 9, 2022, in Chicago. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Experts say they are hopeful that uptake of the new shot will be high, and that the anti-vaccine misinformation currently being spread by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the gadfly Democratic presidential candidate, will not deter people from receiving it.

I do think theres going to be a sizable proportion [who get the next booster]  you know, in the last few years, weve had a pretty good proportion of people get their flu vaccine, said Dr. Yvonne Maldonado, a professor of population health at Stanford University. The proportion of the population that has obtained the flu shot has been between 50% and 60% in recent years, according to the CDC.

Only 17% of Americans got the bivalent booster shot, in addition to their primary series of the vaccine, although 43% of people ages 65 and older got the bivalent booster after it was released last fall. (Seventy percent of the population and 94% of the elderly received the complete primary series.) A December 2022 analysis from the health advocacy group the Commonwealth Fund calculated that more than 18.5 million hospitalizations and 3.2 million deaths in the United States were prevented by COVID vaccines.

Of course the anti-vax groups present a challenge, said Dr. Jessica Justman, an epidemiologist at Columbia University. Everyone has to decide where they get their information from: Do they want to get it from their own doctor, who knows their medical history, or do they want to get it from a radio show?

Who should be getting the bivalent booster shot right now?

A vial of the bivalent Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at AltaMed Medical clinic in Los Angeles on Oct. 6, 2022. (Ringo Chiu/AFP via Getty Images)

The immunity from a vaccine starts to wane after roughly four to six months, and in April, the CDC approved a second booster shot for people of age 65 and over if they are more than four months past their first one, and after just two months for the immunocompromised. Although the bivalent shot didnt target XBB subvariants, vaccinated and boosted Americans have much lower rates of hospitalization and death from XBB.

The CDC has set up the recommendation so that people can get repeated bivalent boosters if their doctor feels that they would benefit from it, based on their medical condition, Justman said. Its not one-size-fits-all, and a major message here is: Talk to your doctor.

Some experts caution that people in these categories might want to wait until the next vaccine comes out in the fall, because a waiting period could be required between your last bivalent booster and your next shot, and because those at high risk should get their OBB shot as soon as it becomes available.

Theres always been a time break between boosters and any kind of additional dose, Kates said, adding that if you get a booster, You may have to wait longer for the next one, which is likely to be more effective against currently circulating variants.

Who should get the OBB shot this fall?

A public health nurse prepares a vaccination at a COVID vaccination clinic at Villa Parke in Pasadena, Calif., on July 8, 2022. (Hans Gutknecht/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images)

Everyone. On this, the experts are unanimous. In addition to reducing the risk of hospitalization and death, Maldonado noted, vaccines also lower the risk of long COVID.

Its safe, so why not do something thats safe? Maldonado said. People take vitamins, they put their seat belts on  why is this not the same thing? Youre going to be exposed to this virus in the fall, I can guarantee most people will be.

What should the federal government do?

Experts say the government will need to educate the public about the benefits of the next shot and to underscore the seriousness of the risk of COVID.

We need to make sure that messaging does get out there about new strains, Maldonado said. People have very short memories. You have to keep reminding them, Remember three years ago, when everybody was dying, and you were all lining up and fighting each other to get these vaccines?
Lawmakers are looking ahead to the 2024 election as a pivotal opportunity to shape the future of the Supreme Court because of the possibility that conservative Justices Clarence Thomas, 75, and Samuel Alito, 73, could retire.

Democrats are worried that if Biden loses and the GOP wins the Senate majority, it could allow a GOP president to replace both men with younger conservatives who could rule far into the future.

Its critical. President Biden, who I feel confident will be reelected, needs to be able to put more judges on the bench, federal judges, including Supreme Court. It is absolutely critical that the Senate remain in Democratic hands, said Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), who will retire at the end of next year.

The Hill Elections 2024 coverage

Stabenow warned that if Republicans flip the White House and Senate and replace Thomas and Alito with younger conservatives, it would be devastating for anyone who cares about privacy and their own personal freedom, alluding to last years 6-3 Supreme Court opinion that overturned the constitutional right to an abortion and raised questions about other rights protected by the 14th Amendment.

Republicans also see high stakes in next years elections because of the court.

Probably the next president will have a chance to appoint another member of the court, said Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. I expect that youd see, over the course between now and the end of the next [presidential] term, probably another retirement or two.

Hawley said replacing older conservatives such as Thomas and Alito with younger ones could create an enduring majority, but he cautioned that its tough to predict how a justices opinions might evolve over years on the Supreme Court.

Republicans have had the majority of Supreme Court appointments for decades now and have not succeeded in getting a stable conservative majority on that court until very recently, he said. Does the next election matter for the court? I think it really does. I dont know how much of a [conservative] majority it is. I dont know how stable it is.

Republican appointees now hold a 6-3 majority on the Supreme Court, with Chief Justice John Roberts, 68, emerging as the most likely swing vote since the retirement of Justice Anthony Kennedy in 2018.

Among the Democratic appointees, Obama-nominated Justice Sonia Sotomayor, 69, is the oldest. Justice Elena Kagan, another Obama appointee, is 63 and Ketanji Brown Jackson, whom President Biden put on the court, is 52.

The remaining three justices, Neil Gorsuch, 55, Brett Kavanaugh, 58, and Amy Coney Barrett, 51, were appointed by former President Trump.

The Supreme Courts importance to the balance of political power in the United States was underscored once again Tuesday, when a 6-3 majority ruled to reject a legal theory that would have given state legislatures nearly unlimited power to set rules for federal elections, without judicial restraint.

It was another decision that showed justices dont always march in line with the party of the president who appointed them. Roberts wrote the majority opinion, which was joined by the courts three liberals as well as Coney Barrett and Kavanaugh. Thomas, Alito and Gorsuch dissented.

The conservative majority now on the court is likely to be there for some time, regardless of what happens with Alito and Thomas.

An analysis of the courts projected composition by academics at three prestigious schools suggested the next time the majority of justices will be appointed by a Democrat is likely to be around 2065.

It found that the Democrats failure to confirm Obama-nominee Merrick Garland in 2016, combined with the death in 2016 of liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who was quickly replaced by Trump, reduced its likely control of the court by about 19 years out of the next 100 and increased the number of years until the party takes control again by 36 years.

The study caught the attention of judicial reform advocates on both sides of the ideological spectrum who say it further highlights the stakes of next years presidential and Senate races.

I do think that the 2024 election is important. I do think Alito and Thomas will be getting up there in age, and theres quite a real possibility that replacements for them could be in order in the next four-year presidential window, said Brian Fallon, co-founder and executive director of Demand Justice, which seeks to restore ideological balance and legitimacy to the courts.

Fallon noted that prominent Republicans dropped hints about wanting to see Thomas retire while Trump was president.

Its hugely important to win the upcoming election, and I think the court will be more salient of an issue than ever, he said. Its important to win the next election because if there is going be an opportunity to replace a Thomas or Alito, you dont want to miss it by not winning a Senate race here or there and preventing us from filling a seat. But we shouldnt delude ourselves into thinking that the courts balance is going to be shifted anytime soon just by winning a few elections.

Carrie Campbell Severino, the president of JCN, a conservative advocacy group that favors the Founders vision of a nation of limited government observed that if the next president has the opportunity to appoint a Supreme Court justice, that person could easily serve another 30 years.

She also questioned whether a conservate majority on the Supreme Court will really last as long as some studies have predicted. It strikes me as pretty optimistic, she said.

Senate Democrats have an uphill battle to keep their majority after the 2024 election; they have to defend three highly vulnerable seats in Ohio, Montana and West Virginia, while Republicans dont have any seats in real danger of flipping.

Democrats also have to worry about the future of independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinemas (Ariz.) seat, which now counts in the Democrats column for the purpose of determining the majority. She hasnt said whether she will run for reelection.

The battle for the White House also is seen as a jump ball.

A Morning Consult poll published Tuesday showed Trump leading Biden in a hypothetical matchup for the first time, 44 percent to 41 percent.

The same poll showed Trump trouncing his nearest Republican rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, 57 percent to 19 percent, among 3,650 potential Republican primary voters nationwide.

A Morning Consult poll in April showed Biden leading Trump by 1 percentage point.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Debris clearance in Kramatorsk

A Russian missile strike on the city of Kramatorsk has left three Columbian citizens, as well as their escort, Ukrainian writer Victoria Amelina, injured, the Aguanta Ucrania NGO reported on June 27.



Colombian politician Sergio Jaramillo, writer Hector Abad Faciolince, and journalist Catalina Gomez Angel were identified as the Columbian citizens in question. They sustained minor injuries.

Amelina, who suffered a severe injury, is a Ukrainian writer and public figure. She is a laureate of the Joseph Conrad-Kozenyovsky Literary Prize. In 2016, two of Amelina's books became finalists in the competition held by the "Zaporizhzhya Book Spindle - 2016" festival: the novel "Autumn Syndrome, or Homo Compatiens" and the children's book "Someone, or The Water Heart."

Read also: How Ukraines Justice Ministry plans to get compensation from Russia, explained

Amelina is also the founder of the New York Literary Festival in Donetsk region. She read Oleg Sentsov's stories translated into English at the Frankfurt Book Fair and participated in numerous actions in support of his release from Russian captivity.



Read also: How Ukraines Justice Ministry plans to get compensation from Russia, explained

On the evening of June 27, Russian invasion forces launched two missile strikes with the Iskander missile system on Kramatorsk in Donetsk region. The missiles hit a cafe in the city center where many people were present. As of the morning of June 28, eight fatalities have been confirmed, including three minors, and 60 people have been injured.

Read also: Ukrainian soldier downs Russian Mi-24 helicopter with Igla MANPADS

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
Comments are taken directly from the latest Thurston County inspection reports, which are available for each food establishment, at the Thurston County Environmental Health Office and their website. For questions concerning these reports, contact the health office at 360-867-2667.

Report restaurant, grocery store, deli or bakery complaints online via the complaint form here: https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/phss/Pages/eh-problem.aspx.

Reading inspection scores:

Attention should be given to the type of violation (red versus blue) and whether the establishment has a history of red violations or repeat violations.

Red violations are those most likely to cause food-borne illness and must be corrected immediately if feasible or according to a compliance schedule established by the health officer. Example: not keeping food at the right temperature.

Blue violations relate to the overall cleanliness and condition of operation and must be corrected according to a compliance schedule established by the health officer. Example: a worn floor that needs replacing.

If red points exceed 45, the county will require a reinspection within 10 business days.

If red points exceed 100 and theres a lack of managerial control, the county will shut down the establishment for at least 72 hours. The establishment may reopen after management and employees complete retraining and demonstrate corrective action during a reinspection.

Some common abbreviations: PHF/TCS is potentially hazardous food/time control for safety; RTE is ready to eat; PIC is person in charge; FWC is food worker card; CDI is corrected during inspection.

Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse

2930 Capital Mall Drive SW, Olympia

June 23: 35 red points; 13 blue points.

Comments:

Rice was cooling in 2-inch pans stacked and staggered on top of each other in the walk-in. Cut lettuce was cooling in greater than 2-inch depths. TCS foods must be cooled in shallow pans of 2-inch or less in depth and uncovered.

Milk and half and half in the merchandiser unit were at 46-47 degrees. TCS foods must be at or below 41 degrees while cold held.

Cooked chicken was found cooling in top of a prep table unit. Cut lettuce that was recently prepped was found chilling in the merchandiser unit. These pieces of equipment are not appropriate for cooling food.

Chlorine sanitizer solutions were too weak.

Two food contact surfaces were not cleaned or properly maintained. The two-door reach-in refrigerator was missing materials, making it no longer smooth and easily cleanable. Food debris was observed under the grills.

Fred Meyer

700 Sleater Kinney Road SE, Lacey

Food service establishment

June 21: 25 red; 5 blue points.

Comments:

Baked chicken in a display was between 118-130 degrees. TCS foods must be at or above 135 degrees.

A sanitizer solution was not strong enough.

Espresso

June 22: 15 red points; 0 blue points.

Comments:

A handwash sink was blocked.

Milk in an under-counter, one-door cold hold unit was between 41-45 degrees rather than at or below 41 degrees.

Bakery

June 21: 10 red points; 5 blue points.

Comments:

Cheesecake in a closed display case was between 43-45 degrees rather than at or below 41 degrees.

Ware-washing facilities were improperly installed, maintained or used. The inspection notes did not specify how.

Jerk An Tingz LLC

111 Tumwater Blvd. SE, Olympia

Caterer

June 17: 25 red points; 0 blue points.

Comments:

Some chicken pieces were hot held at 102 degrees in the warming cabinet at a temporary food event. TCS food must be maintained at 135 degrees or above.

No violations
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Matthew Boyd (48) leaves a baseball game during the first inning against the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas, Monday, June 26, 2023. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP)  Detroit Tigers starter Matthew Boyd will have season-ending elbow reconstruction surgery after tests Tuesday revealed a partial sprain of the left-hander's ulnar collateral ligament.

Boyd (5-5, 5.45 ERA) exited his start against the Texas Rangers on Monday night after feeling discomfort in his arm after only 15 pitches. He pointed at his elbow during a conversation on the mound with manager A.J. Hinch and trainer Ryne Eubanks.

The Tigers didn't say when Boyd would have the procedure, commonly known as Tommy John surgery. The timetable for recovery is typically at least 12-14 months.

Detroit placed Boyd on the 60-day injured list. Right-hander Will Vest, who exited with an injury in the second inning Monday night after replacing Boyd in the first, was put on the 15-day IL with a lower right leg strain.

The Tigers have 10 pitchers on the injured list, and half of them have started games this season.

Right-hander Matt Manning (1-1, 4.63 ERA) was activated from the 60-day IL to start Tuesday night against the Rangers, after being out since April 11 with a right foot fracture. Left-handed reliever Anthony Misiewicz was recalled from Triple-A Toledo.

Boyd signed a $10 million, one-year deal last December to return to the Tigers. The 32-year-old lefty had made 143 starts for Detroit from 2015-21, but made 10 relief appearances for Seattle last season.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
The Scoop

TikTok is planning to launch an online retail store in the U.S. version of the app as soon as next month, putting the company in direct competition with e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Shein, and Temu, according to people familiar with the matter.

The new store will be distinct from TikToks existing TikTok Shop feature, in which brands pay a small commission to sell their products on the platform. TikTok is purchasing its own inventory as part of the initiative, and will handle things like logistics and customer service. Most of the items, ranging from kitchen gadgets to toys, will come from manufacturers in China, some of the people said.

Users will be able to browse goods from both the new store and TikTok Shop through a dedicated e-commerce tab within the app. TikTok hinted at the feature in a Los Angeles job listing, calling it a central hub where customers can discover sales promotions and manage their orders.

TikTok is shifting its e-commerce strategy after learning that Chinese manufacturers were struggling to provide adequate customer service to Western consumers on TikTok Shop, as well as to reduce long shipping times from China to the U.S. and U.K.

Some of the sellers also used gimmicky tactics, like asking customers to pay to spin a wheel with different prizes during livestream broadcasts. TikTok later banned merchants from engaging in these forms of gambling, one of the people said.

A spokesperson for TikTok acknowledged the company was testing a retail feature in the U.K. called Trendy Beat, which was first reported by the Financial Times last week. But we don't have anything to share for the U.S., the spokesperson said.

Louise's view

TikTok is wading into the messy world of directly selling physical goods, a move largely unprecedented among Western social media companies  for good reason.

To scale its retail shop into a multi-billion dollar business, TikTok will need to invest heavily in warehousing and supply chain management, areas that competitors like Amazon have already mastered. It will also need sophisticated buyers who can choose the right products for TikToks young and fickle audience.

But entering the retail industry itself might be one of the only ways for TikTok to convince more brands to join TikTok Shop, which has yet to gain significant traction in the U.S. Once companies see that consumers are willing to make purchases through the platform, they may be more willing to invest in it, said Juozas Kaziukenas, founder of the e-commerce intelligence firm Marketplace Pulse.

Amazon was first a retailer, then a marketplace. Shein was first a retailer, then a marketplace, said Kaziukenas. TikTok too will first be a retailer, then a marketplace?

Room for Disagreement

Selling goods from China may make things even more difficult for TikTok in Washington, where lawmakers have already spent years debating the national security concerns posed by its Chinese ownership. More recently, they have begun scrutinizing e-commerce companies from the Peoples Republic.

In a scathing report released last week, the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party accused Shein and Temu of sending almost 600,000 packages into the U.S. each day with little oversight.

The View From China

TikTok may be feeling ambitious about its online shopping prospects because of how well its parent company, ByteDance, is performing in the Chinese e-commerce market. Sales of clothing, bags, and accessories on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, surpassed Alibabas Tmall earlier this year, according to the market research firm BigOne Lab.

Notable
Myapproachto Black history is spiritual. I want to know how my ancestors loved themselves and each other  acts of resistance in a world that tried to erase them  so I can move through the world as my most authentic self. I want to know all of it, not just the history that has been given to me growing up in school, but the parts that have been intentionally left out.

Thinking back to history class, I feel like pieces were missing. Even back then, I longed for nuanced stories of Black historical figures. Many of the voids left by my teachers, however, were filled in by my parents and grandparents, the latter of whom lived through Jim Crow and the Civil Rights eras. And I did fortunately get to explore some fiction that provided a much-needed glimpse into the Black gender and sexuality spectrum.

In seventh grade English class, Alice Walkers The Color Purple offered me a window into the lives of Black women who experienced all the hardships of racism in the antebellum South and still cussed, sang, threatened their husbands, and sometimes kissed other women. As a preteen, Walkers literary prose provided me a more complex representation of Blackness, but witnessing her more recent transphobic comments has only made me more aware of how our understanding of self is sometimes informed by inadequate and violent historical texts and beliefs.

The Color Purple made me realize that Black history is so much more than the under-developed characters I was often taught about in school, their stories flattened, and pieces of their identities blotted out to fit a palatable narrative.

There are many of us out there, still thirsting for more honest stories about Black life, love, joy and struggle. Two out of three Americans believe the Black history education lessons they received fell short. I have recently started doing my own research and following content creators such as Erika Hart, who devote their entire platforms to honoring Queer Blackness in the past and present.

Over the past year in particular, conservative politicians and education officials such as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis have continued to wage war against critical race theory. Unsurprisingly, much emphasis is placed on removing queer Black history, replacing it with topics like Black conservatism. These actions are reflections of the lengths conservatives will go to continue to strip African descendants of the potential to move forward culturally, socially and spiritually. At this point, we should all see it as a tactic to keep us divided.

The persisting belief that gender is a binary construct doesnt just create distance in our communities, but it also contradicts important parts of our history. The gender binary was a concept that many of our African ancestors did not conform to pre-colonialism; many informed experts argue that the binary is far more closely aligned with eurocentric views of gender expression.

Amber J. Phillips, known as Amber Abundance on social media, is a queer storyteller who has written poignant pieces about the hidden queer identities of Black culture-makers and leaders. My biggest fear when I came out was that it would separate me from my family. And our families connect us to our Blackness, she said.

Phillips, raised in Columbus, Ohio, remembers growing up with a deep appreciation for Blackness and Black culture but also experiencing hushed tones around the gender identities of some of the most iconic Black figures. I remember being  at my big, grown age  in college and hearing for the first time that Langston Hughes was gay. And I was like, What are you talking about? said Phillips.

She also noticed how this covertness played out in her own life. If there were rumors of you being queer, you were kept out of certain social settings and people felt no hesitation in distancing themselves from you.

According to Phillips, this mindset is part of the violence of erasure, which is common even within Black social circles and institutions. During 2022s BET awards, she noted that Jack Harlow was nominated for an award and Lil Nas X wasnt  he reportedly wasnt even invited to the show.

People will make that about race, and they definitely should. But when we look at the archives, they have intentionally erased one of the biggest pop stars of our time, Phillips said, citing homophobia in the community. When we start talking about Black Trans people, and were like, Well, back in my day, we didnt have none of that. Actually, you did.

Lets be real: We collectively fail by telling Black history thats not nearly queer enough.

In order to understand both the intricacy of her identity and historical queer erasure in Black history better, Phillips dove even deeper into research. During her work, she found evidence of LGBTQ+ leaders fueling several prominent liberation movements in America. Its not just James Baldwin, Langston Hughes and Countee Cullen in literature, and Bayard Ruston and Marsha P. Johnson as organizers, but countless others who fought for all of our rights. Phillips believes that acknowledging the gender identity and sexual expression of these individuals is essential, not just out of respect for them, but to eliminate the shame the Black community has around queerness.

If we can honor Black queer people, we could learn how to be better to each other. We could find more systems of community care and mutual aid, she said. We could free people from internalized anti-Blackness. There are answers, and some of them exist in the minds and the work ethic of Black queer people.

Watufani Poe is an interdisciplinary social scientist and educator who is among the scholars looking to shift the conversation to include the historical contributions of individuals who do not conform to the gender binary. Poes upbringing in a pan-Africanist home exposed him to the limitations of existing Black history teachings  teachings, he says, that introduce children to positive images of Blackness but often pass on heteronormative gender constructs.

Theres a kind of push to recuperate a unified image of what Afrocentricity is, he said. I understand the strategic use for that  and Im fine with that as a first step, but thats not the last step. In other words  and I agree  we have a lot more work to do.

While working as a postdoctoral fellow at Amherst College, he co-created a course called Black, Here and Now, that walked students through the historical struggles and contributions of Black queer communities throughout the diaspora. For his syllabus, he pulled from the works of queer thinkers, scholars and storytellers documented between the late 60s, 70s and 80s to introduce students to the historical presence of Black queer people in culture and movements.

Poe mentioned how challenging it was to access primary and secondary sources before the 60s, not just because of censorship of Black stories but also because of the eurocentric, heteronormative manner in which Black life was documented  especially during the transatlantic slave trade and chattel slavery. Were dealing with documents about the business of the slave trade  How many bodies arrived, how many people died on the journey? he said. This is just one way enslaved Black people were forced into a gender binary with no regard for the various cultural identities they were being stripped of.

In other instances, however, queerness shows up boldly. In the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking Americas, Poe says theres a good amount of evidence in the form of inquisition documents and of people who dont follow heteronormative rules. Because these documents are essentially notes by overseers reporting sins and the ways in which they sinned, Poe suggests being mindful when referencing them because they carry the violence of colonialism.

Poe marvels in our ability to reclaim stories of our humanity, as well as preserve and protect those of our ancestors. The fact that we even have copies of Their Eyes Were Watching God readily available today is because Alice Walker did the work of recuperating the works and the image of Zora New Hurston, he said. And in Brazil, I find that Afro-Brazilian religious traditions are rich archival spaces to pass down the histories of the Black communities there.

As I continue my journey, Im starting to gather that Black queer history does exist  we just need to actively seek out these stories in order to release the shame around queerness and gender fluidity. This will allow us to completely let go of narratives that dehumanize anyone who doesnt fit heteronormative or eurocentric standards.

Its not about finding myself in the archive or finding this Black Queer or Trans person that we see today, Poe said. Seeing the complexity of Black people, the complexity of human nature, I think, [is] the most important thing to take away.

Related...
Julian Sands, a prolific actor with more than 150 screen credits, has been confirmed dead after his remains were found in the San Gabriel Mountains in California.

The British star went missing after going for a hike in the Mount Baldy area more than five months ago on 13 January.

The remains were found in the same area on 24 June by hikers, with a coroner later confirming them to be those of the missing actor.

Sands is known for his breakout role in the 1985 period drama A Room With A View, in which he starred opposite Helena Bonham Carter, Sir Daniel Day-Lewis, Dame Judi Dench and Dame Maggie Smith.

He also starred in Arachnophobia, The Killing Fields, Leaving Las Vegas and Warlock, as well as TV shows 24, Smallville and Banshee. His most recent film role was in Terence Davies Benediction.

Below is a timeline of all the events relating to Sands disappearance.

Friday 13 January: San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department receives a report that Julian Sands, has gone missing while hiking. The department stated: On Friday 13 January, at about 7.30pm, a hiker, identified as 65-year-old Julian Sands of North Hollywood was reported missing in the Baldy Bowl area.

Search and rescue crews begin a search for the actor.

Saturday 14 January: Search and rescue crews looking for Sands are pulled off the mountain due to avalanche risks and dangerous trail conditions. However, a San Bernardino police department spokesperson tells CNN that authorities are continuing to use drones.

Sunday 15 January: The last ping from Sands cell phone occurs on this day, suggesting that his phone died shortly after.

Julian Sands has gone missing while hiking in California ((Ian West/PA))

Wednesday 18 January: A car believed to belong to Sands is found by crews during a search operation for the missing British actor. Video footage shows the vehicle being towed away from the scene in Mount Baldy, California.

Thursday 19 January: Sands son Henry joins the ground search for their father, retracing the route his father is believed to have taken, along with the assistance of an experienced climber.

Friday 20 January: Authorities say there is no hard deadline for calling off the search for Sands, one week after he was first reported missing. We will schedule another ground search when the weather improves, and it is safe for our ground crews, a spokesperson from the department told the PA news agency.

Monday 23 January: The National Weather Service reports high winds affecting the Santa Ana mountain region and San Bernandino, close to the area where Sands is believed to have gone hiking. Sands family issues a statement thanking authorities for their heroic search efforts, which are still ongoing.

Wednesday 25 January: Searches continue by air only, with authorities using special technology that can detect electronic devices and credit cards.

San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department says it was hopeful that the technology will be able to more accurately pinpoint an area on which to focus efforts.

electronics, & in some cases, credit cards. We are hopeful our @CHP_HQ partners, Officers Hertzell & Calcutt, can pinpoint an area where we can focus our search efforts, and we thank them for their assistance. Additional information will be released when it becomes available. pic.twitter.com/U1K0io9MN5  San Bernardino County Sheriff (@sbcountysheriff) January 25, 2023

Saturday 28 January: Kevin Ryan, Sands hiking partner and close friend says it is obvious that something has gone wrong but that the actor is the most advanced hiker I know and would not go on a hike unprepared.

Friday 3 February: The sheriffs department says conditions continued to be problematic after three weeks of searching, adding efforts have continued intermittently.

A spokesperson tells PA that efforts would normally be downgraded to a passive search after 10 days, but that plans have been extended due to the ongoing bad weather.

Friday 10 February: Four weeks on from the first reports of Sands disappearance, authorities admit the outcome of the search may not be what we would like.

The sheriffs department says it is still hopeful of finding the actor, but that conditions in the area remain dangerous, adding that ground searches are planned for the future.

Julian Sands and Helena Bonham Carter in A Room with a View' (Merchant Ivory/Goldcrest/Kobal/Shutterstock)

Friday 3 March

Snow storms batter the southern Californian region causing search efforts by both ground and air to be halted for the proceeding months.

Monday 19 June

Search efforts for Sands resume but are unsuccessful. Despite warmer climes, portions of the mountain remain inaccessible due to extreme alpine conditions, police said.

Wednesday 21 June

Sands family releases first statement since his disappearance. We continue to hold Julian in our hearts with bright memories of him as a wonderful father, husband, explorer, lover of the natural world and the arts, and as an original and collaborative performer, the familys statement said.

Saturday 24 June

Human remains are found in the Mount Baldy area near to where Sands went missing.

Tuesday 27 June

The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department confirms that the human remains are those of Sands.

Additional reporting by the Press Association
A newly hatched northern spider tortoise, center, with its 12-year-old mother, left, and 21-year-old father, right, on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at the Milwaukee County Zoo. This is a first-time hatching for this species for the zoo.

Oh baby! The Milwaukee County Zoos newest resident has just hatched  a critically endangered northern spider tortoise.

The egg hatched on April 12, and its the first successful hatching for the zoos only mating pair of spider tortoises, a 21-year-old male and 12-year-old female.

But not for want of trying.

Proper hatching is a long, delicate, and finicky process.

The northern spider tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides brygooi) is the smallest of three subspecies, found in Madagascar. Females measure only five inches in length, and males are 4.5 inches, just slightly bigger than the palm of a typical adult hand.

The shell has a star-like webbing of black and gold that expands and becomes more intricate as the tortoises age, said Shawn Miller, curator of aquariums and reptiles.

Eggs take more than 220 days to crack

Northern spider tortoises mate during the warm, wet season when they are most active. Females lay only one "ping-pong-sized" egg at a time, and around two or three eggs each year.

The egg incubates for a whopping 220-240 days before hatching. A chicken egg, in contrast, incubates for just 21.

During the long incubation period, the egg must undergo an extensive heating and cooling process, otherwise it fails to hatch. When the temperature drops, the embryo temporarily stops its development. That break is called diapause. When the weather warms back up, the embryo resumes growing. Diapause allows the embryo to withstand harsh conditions and enter the world when the weather is more favorable.

Diapause coincides with adult tortoises going into brumation, which is similar to hibernation.

To replicate diapause at the zoo, the Aquatic and Reptile care team housed this latest egg in a wine chiller, as recommended by the Smithsonian National Zoo, which had two successful hatchings in 2015.

Steep odds of hatching

According to Melissa Spreda, the area supervisor for the Aquatic and Reptile Center, the egg was warmed to 84 degrees for six weeks, then cooled by two degrees each day until it reached 55. It was kept there for eight weeks, after which the temperature was increased daily by two degrees until it reached 86 degrees. The egg was kept at that temperature until hatching.

Even if an egg has been properly heated and cooled, there is still a chance that it wont hatch.

The care team estimated that only 1 in 100 eggs hatch, and about 1 in 10,000 eggs result in a tortoise that lives to adulthood.

Miller said the zoo caretakers monitored the embryos growth and development using a technique called candling, which involves holding a small, bright light against the eggshell and illuminating an outline of the embryo inside.

The tortoise egg pipped (cracked open) on April 10.

The baby tortoise pipped (cracked open) its egg on April 10 and emerged on April 12. So far, the hatchling is doing well.

When can we meet it?

Visitors can expect to meet the baby hatchling about a year from now, when it is big enough to live with its mom and dad without fear of being trampled or outcompeted for food.

The trio is currently nameless, but the zoo plans to get the public involved and name each member of the family soon.

Caretakers are still monitoring the hatchling closely. To help it eat, someone must pick the baby up and directly place it into its bowl of what zoo officials jokingly call rabbit food  mixed greens, sweet potatoes, and carrots.

The hatchling is currently about the size of a pink school eraser, weighing in at 0.6 ounces.

A newly hatched northern spider tortoise is about the size of an eraser as seen on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at the Milwaukee County Zoo. The egg was first laid on Aug. 30, 2022 and incubated for more than 200 days.

At sexual maturity, the tortoise will enter a zoo 'dating service'

Whether the hatchling is a male or female will remain a mystery for several more years.

Additionally, there are currently no plans to reintroduce the spider tortoises into the wild.

When it reaches sexual maturity, the tortoise becomes part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) Program led by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Miller called it a dating service for endangered animals.

DNA is extracted from the spider tortoises nails and compared to others in the SSP database until they find its perfect (genetic) match.

The goal is to prevent close relatives from mating and ensure that future offspring are healthy and genetically diverse.

Its not romantic, but it is necessary given their status as a critically endangered species.

Northern spider tortoise population down 80%

In 1981, northern spider tortoises occupied more than 600,000 acres of land in Madagascar. By 2010, that number decreased to 120,000, an 80% drop.

Climate change, habitat destruction, poaching, and the illegal exotic pet trade are major contributors to the sharp decline. Some people eat them; some sell them as personal pets. Miller noted that their small stature, paired with their beautifully patterned shells, are appealing to pet owners, making them more lucrative to poachers.

They're not fast, so it's easy for poachers to grab them, explained Spreda.

She went further and said, There are no real big land predators (in Madagascar)  just people.

Melissa Spreda of the Milwaukee County Zoo holds a newly hatched northern spider tortoise on Wednesday, June 21, 2023.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY NETWORK: Endangered northern spider tortoise hatches at Milwaukee zoo
Titanic sub update: Hamish Hardings friend reveals desperate race to get ROV to site of doomed Titan

A friend of Hamish Hardings wife has described working behind the scenes to try and involve a remote-operated submarine capable of reaching the Titanic wreck to join the search for the doomed Titan submersible.

When I heard it was Hamish my heart dropped to my stomach, Tracy Ryan told People, adding: I had been working behind the scenes for four days to get the Magellan sub there and get their permits approved because they did have the capabilities to dive all the way down to the site.

An international group of agencies is now investigating what may have caused the submersible to implode while carrying five people to the Titanic wreckage, and US maritime officials say theyll issue a report aimed at improving the safety of submersibles worldwide.

Salvage operations from the sea floor are ongoing, and the accident site has been mapped, chief investigator Captain Jason Neubauer said on Sunday, adding that the final report will be issued to the International Maritime Organisation.

Key points

Hamish Hardings friend reveals race to get ROV to site of doomed sub

Mother of teenager killed in Titanic sub implosion gave up spot for excited son

Family of billionaire and son lost were aboard support ship, mother reveals

US Coast Guard to lead investigation of sub disaster

Why did the Titanic sub implode?

Will the passengers bodies ever be found?

Friend of Hamish Hardings wife describes push to involve remote-operated vehicle in search

11:02 , Andy Gregory

A friend of the late British explorer Hamish Hardings wife has described her efforts to get a remote-operated submarine from Guernsey involved in the search for the Titan after it disappeared near the wreck of the Titanic.

When I heard it was Hamish my heart dropped to my stomach, Tracy Ryan told People, adding: I had been working behind the scenes for four days to get the Magellan sub there and get their permits approved because they did have the capabilities to dive all the way down to the site.

And I actually brought a United States Congressman in to work with the Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard trying to get them clearance.

She added: For two days he was on the phone with these guys trying to get the Magellan deployed ... And I had been, you know, messaging all this back and forth with Linda the whole time.

"This was really more of an effort for me to try and help the family get answers faster, Ms Ryan told the outlet. Because the banging in the water that was happening every 30 minutes was giving them so much hope.

An 1851 maritime law protected the Titanics owners in court. Could OceanGate use it too?

11:00 , Ariana Baio

The owners of the Titanic sought to limit liability following the ships sinking by petitioning under 1851 legislation. The owners of the submersible lost on its dive to visit that famed ships wreckage may do the same thing,

Sheila Flynn reports:

An 1851 maritime law protected Titanic owners in court. Could OceanGate use it too?

Watch: Barack Obama slams hypocrisy over interest in Titanic sub compared to migrant boat tragedy

10:00 , Ariana Baio

James Cameron knew about the Titanic sub implosion days before it was found. This is why

09:00 , Ariana Baio

In a series of stunning interviews on Thursday, James Cameron revealed he knew highly sensitive details about the Titan submersible search and rescue mission days before it was released publicly.

The 68-year-old told ABC News that his contacts within the community had shared details of the mission with him, a reference to the small and close-knit submersible Manned Underwater Vehicle (MUV) industry.

Some people think of me as a Hollywood guy (but) I make Avatar to make money to do explorations, Cameron told The Daily Telegraph in 2018.

In interviews with CNN and Reuters, Cameron told how he had learned of the implosion soon after it occurred.

We got confirmation within an hour that there had been a loud bang at the same time that the sub comms were lost. A loud bang on the hydrophone. Loss of transponder. Loss of comms. I knew what happened. The sub imploded, he told Reuters.

Cameron emailed colleagues in the MUV industry on Monday that the Titan was without a doubt on the bottom in pieces right now.

Titan once malfunctioned and couldnt reach the surface, says ex-passenger

08:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Bill Price, a former Titan passenger, said that when he went on the submersible two years ago, it lost communication with its mothership an hour into the journey.

Shortly after, the crew figured there was an issue with the mechanism that releases weights off the craft so it can rise back up to the surface. There was some apprehension of how are we going to get back up, Mr Price told Los Angeles Times.

OceanGate Expeditions chief executive Stockton Rush and French explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet, who were on the sub, asked the passengers to rock from side to side to try to dislodge the weights.

When we heard our first clunk, that was such a relief, Mr Price added.

Why we are obsessed with the missing Titan submarine, according to experts

08:00 , Ariana Baio

We all can relate to that feeling of being trapped somewhere or being in the water or experiencing that level of uncertainty, Dr Justin DArienzo  a clinical psychologist in Jacksonville, Florida and former US Navy psychologist told The Independent.

What makes it so relatable is that we all could imagine being helpless with other humans and not know what to do.

The search for the submersible captured the attention of millions, as phrases such as Titan and hashtags like #OceanGate dominated Twitters top trending and TikTok For You Pages.

People paying $250,000 to go into a tube thats going to go underwater, there is some obsession with rich and famous people. Were sensitized to voyeurism in that regard, says DArienzo. We quickly follow people who we see are powerful; we give them more leeway. Theres a reason that we follow the lifestyles of the rich and famous.

All Titanic trips cancelled after sub disaster

07:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

All planned expeditions to the Titanic wreck have been called off following the Titan submersible tragedy that killed five people, industry groups told New York Post.

The Explorers Club said it knows of no plans still in place for scientific exploratory trips to the Titanics wreck 12,500 feet below the oceans surface. Commercial expeditions have also been reportedly grounded.

David Scott-Beddard, chief executive of White Star Memories Ltd, a UK Titanic artifact company, said he does not anticipate future expeditions to the famed wreck in my lifetime, either.

US Coast Guard to lead investigation into doomed Titanic tourist sub

07:00 , Ariana Baio

The US Coast Guard and Transportation Safety Board of Canada are leading investigations into the Titan submersible implosion this past week.

The five-man crew on board the OceanGate Expeditions vessel died on the trip to the oceanfloor to view the wreckage of the Titanic, officials confirmed.

The US Coast Guard declared the incident a major marine casualty and will lead an investigation assisted by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), according to a statement tweeted on Friday.

The U.S. Coast Guard has declared the loss of the Titan submersible to be a major marine casualty and will lead the investigation. The NTSB has joined the investigation and will contribute to their efforts. The USCG is handling all media inquiries related to this investigation.  NTSB Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) June 23, 2023

The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) of Canada is also launching an investigation into the submersible implosion, according to a press release. The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline and rail transportation occurrences.

A team of investigators was travelling to St Johns in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador to collect information, conduct interviews and assess the incident, TSB said.

It is unclear if other countries will join these investigations or carry out their own probes after a massive international operation to find the missing vessel.

An 1851 maritime law could protect OceanGate from legal action

06:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The company operating the ill-fated Titan submersible could attempt to avoid legal liability by taking advantage of the same law used by the owners of the doomed Titanic more than a century ago  in a tragically macabre full-circle development, according to legal experts.

With recovery efforts to collect the debris underway, focus has turned to whether and how OceanGate could be held liable in court. Experts tell The Independent that one 172-year-old piece of legislation could prove pivotal for the company: the Limitation of Liability Act of 1851.

It is an interesting situation because of where it happened in international waters  theres a lot of complex issues of choice of law and jurisdiction about where any disputes may take place, what companies or what entity and government authorities will investigate, Tulane University adjunct maritime law professor Michael Harowski, who teaches a course at the renowned institutions law school on limitation liability, tells The Independent.

Sheila Flynn reports.

An 1851 maritime law protected Titanic owners in court. Could OceanGate use it too?

Discovery Channel host refused trip on Titanic submarine due to safety concerns after test dive

06:00 , Ariana Baio

A veteran explorer and host of Expedition Unknown on Discovery Plus said he decided to pass on a chance to film on OceanGates Titan submersible over safety concerns.

Josh Gates tweeted on Wednesday that he had decided to walk away from an opportunity to film Titanic because the submersible did not perform well during a test dive.

In a series of tweets, Gates explained that he had the opportunity to join OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush on a test dive while the company was preparing for its initial visit to the Titanic, which occurred in July 2021.

He wrote: To those asking, #Titan did not perform well on my dive. Ultimately, I walked away from a huge opportunity to film Titanic due to my safety concerns w/ the @OceanGate platform. Theres more to the history and design of Titan that has not been made public  much of it concerning.

Maroosha Muzaffar reports:

Discovery Channel host refused trip on Titanic submarine due to safety concerns

What was the banging noise picked up in search for Titanic sub?

05:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

An implosion that killed five crew onboard the Titan submersible is now the focus of investigations by agencies from four countries.

Secret US Navy listening devices detected an anomaly near the Titanic shipwreck soon after the Titan departed from its support ship the Polar Prince, which is believed to be the moment sub suffered a catastrophic implosion of its carbon fibre hull.

On Tuesday 20 June, buoys detected tapping sounds coming from the search area, raising slim hopes that survivors could yet be found.The sound was detected at 2am local time by a Canadian P-3 aircraft.

It first came every 30 minutes and was heard again four hours later, the internal government memo obtained by CNN states.

Bevan Hurley has more.

What was the banging noise picked up in search for Titanic sub?

What role will liability waivers play in the aftermath of the Titan sub tragedy?

05:00 , Ariana Baio

Before they boarded the submersible that imploded near the Titanic wreck, the passengers who died this week were most likely asked signed liability waivers.

One of the waivers, signed by a person who planned to go on an OceanGate expedition, required passengers to acknowledge risks involved with the trip on the Titan vessel and any support vessels. The waiver, which was reviewed by The Associated Press, said that passengers could experience severe injury, disability, disability, emotional trauma, other harm, and/or death while on board the Titan, according to the waiver.

Matthew Shaffer, a trial lawyer with the maritime personal injury law firm Schechter, Shaffer& Harris, said the forms are commonplace before doing any kind of ultra-hazardous recreational activity.

A good release will cover any and all potential harm and you are going to spell it out in simple language as possible, he said. You can get killed. You can get hurt. You can get maimed and you are not going to have any recourse. Youre releasing us of any liability for anything bad that is going to happen to you as a result of you engaging in this activity.

Regardless of whether or not there was a waiver, Shaffer and others have said they expect families of those who died on the submersible to sue not only OceanGate, which operated the Titan, but also the maker of the vessel and companies that provided parts.

The waiver is certainly going to be a significant factor stemming from this disaster and it depends a lot on the court and the facts that come out, he said.

Hamish Hardings friend recalls struggle to get ROV deployed for search

04:53 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

A friend of billionaire Hamish Harding, one of the victims of the Titan submersible tragedy, has opened up about her desperate efforts to get a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) deployed for the search.

Tracy Ryan, co-founder of NKore Biotherapeutics, said she was shocked to learn that the British explorer was on the craft. When I heard it was Hamish, my heart dropped to my stomach, Ms Ryan told People Magazine.

She said her priority was deploying the Magellan, an ROV with a manipulator arm that could attach to a hull and possibly lift it off the ocean floor.

I had been working behind the scenes for four days to get the Magellan sub there and get their permits approved because they did have the capabilities to dive all the way down to the site, She told the magazine.

And I actually brought a United States congressman in to work with the air force, navy and coast guard trying to get them clearance.

Experts on why we are obsessed with the missing Titan submarine

04:10 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The search for the missing Titan submersible fully captured the worlds attention, from reports of mysterious banging noises to estimates of how much oxygen may have been left in the underwater vessel.

On 18 June, the OceanGate Expeditions submersible Titan was beginning its trip to visit the Titanic wreckage at a depth of 12,500ft.

About one hour and 45 minutes into its deep dive, the submersible lost communications with its surface ship, the Polar Prince, and was believed to have suffered a catastrophic implosion.

The search for the submersible captured the attention of millions, as phrases such as Titan and hashtags like #OceanGate dominated Twitters top trending and TikTok For You Pages.

According to Dr Justin DArienzo  a clinical psychologist in Jacksonville, Florida and former US Navy psychologist  the reason the public has been so invested is down to our desire to relate to others that sustains our obsession.

We all can relate to that feeling of being trapped somewhere or being in the water or experiencing that level of uncertainty, he tells The Independent.

What makes it so relatable is that we all could imagine being helpless with other humans and not know what to do.

Meredith Clark reports.

Why we are obsessed with the missing Titan submarine, according to experts

Titanic museums mocked for having memorials for submarine expedition

04:00 , Ariana Baio

Two memorials were held last week at Titanic museums across the US, in honour of the five people who died earlier this month on a submarine expedition to the famous shipwreck.

The services were held at Titanic museums in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Branson, Missouri.

Both museums are owned by John Josyln, part of a team that explored the Titanic wreckage in a famous 1987 televised expedition.

The services featured wreaths and speeches in the rooms memorialising the more than 1,500 people who died in the 1912 disaster.

Every day we pay tribute to the 2,208 passengers that were onboard the Titanic, museum employee Jamie Terrell told KY3. Their legacy will be their memory. We get to be the ambassadors for that and we take great honour in that. Today were adding five more names.

Unsurprisingly, given the high volume of often-mocking commentary and memes about the failed expedition online, social media users lambasted the memorials as inappropriate.

Josh Marcus reports:

The five people who died aboard the Titan submersible

03:00 , Ariana Baio

Five people died while aboard the Titan submersible last week after the vessel imploded.

Stockton Rush - 61, chief executive of OceanGate Expeditions, told Sky News earlier this year the Titanic was an amazingly beautiful wreck. Mr Rush began his career as a pilot at 19 after qualifying from the United Airlines Jet Training Institute. He was the youngest jet transport-rated pilot in the world.

Paul-Henri Nargeolet- 77, was director of underwater research at a company that owns the rights to the Titanic wreck and recovers artifacts. A former commander in the French navy, he was both a deep diver and a mine sweeper. After retiring from the navy, he led the first recovery expedition to the Titanic in 1987 and several more, becoming a leading authority on the wreck site.

Hamish Harding- 58, was the chairman of private plane firm Action Aviation. The father of two was a seasoned explorer and held three Guinness World Records, including the longest duration at full ocean depth by a crewed vessel. He dived to the lowest depth of the Mariana Trench in March 2021.

Shahzada Dawood- 48, was vice-chairman of one of Pakistans largest conglomerates, Engro Corporation, with investments in fertilisers, vehicle manufacturing, energy and digital technologies.

Suleman Dawood- 19, Suleman was a fan of science fiction literature, according to a statement from the Dawood Group. He studied at the University of Strathclyde.

This photo combo shows from left, Shahzada Dawood, Suleman Dawood, Paul-Henri Nargeolet, Stockton Rush, and Hamish Harding are facing critical danger aboard a small submersible that went missing in the Atlantic Ocean. (AP Photo/File)

Voice recordings under scrutiny in Titanic sub implosion investigation

02:00 , Ariana Baio

Voice recordings and other data will be reviewed as part of a US Coast Guard-appointed expert boards probe into the catastrophic implosion of the Titan submersible last week.

American and Canadian marine authorities have announced investigations into the circumstances that led to the vessels malfunction after its chambers were found in a sea of debris 1,600ft from the wreck of the Titanic.

Andrea Blanco reports:

Voice recordings under scrutiny in Titanic sub implosion investigation

How pressure under the sea caused the Titan submersible implosion

01:00 , Ariana Baio

Everyone is exposed to atmospheric pressure, and this changes depending on how high up you are and whether youre at ground level or underwater.

This pressure has been described by the American Museum of Natural History as a long column of air above your head thats reaching to the top of the atmosphere and pressing down on you.

If you go higher, for example, if you climb a mountain, less of that column is pushing down on you, hence the air pressure is lower.

When you get to sea level, the pressure is described as one atmosphere, which is about equivalent to one kilogram of weight pushing down on every square centimetre.

Once you get under the sea, the column pressing down on you increases significantly because you also have to contend with water, which is far heavier than air. The pressure increases by one atmosphere for every 10 metres of ocean depth.

By the time it reached the Titanic wreckage, the Titan submersible would have been facing a pressure of between 375 and 400 atmospheres.

Thats equivalent to 4,000 tonnes pushing on an area of one square metre, according to associate professor Eric Fusil, director of the Shipbuilding Hub at Adelaide University.

ICMYI: Titanic submarine: What happened?

Wednesday 28 June 2023 00:00 , Ariana Baio

Netflix faces backlash for bringing Titanic back to streamer days after fatal submarine tragedy

Tuesday 27 June 2023 23:00 , Ariana Baio

A few days after the Titan submersible incident, Netflix announced that the award-winning film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet will make its return to the streaming service on 1 July.

Now the streaming service is facing backlash for bringing James Camerons 1997 film Titanic back.

Netflix hosting Titanic a week after the Oceangate incident is actually disgusting, one person wrote on Twitter. They never disappoint to show everyone how greedy they are.

Another person wrote: I didnt think Netflix would sink so low as to add Titanic to their streaming list during this time.

Another person added: I got a notification for titles being added to Netflix in July, and Titanic is on there lmfaoooooo. The devil works hard but Netflix works harder.

Despite all the criticism, Variety has revealed that Titanics arrival on Netflix is a coincidence as the streamers licensing deal to bring back Titanic for the viewers was ironed out long in advance.

The outlet reported that the return of Titanic on the streamer was scheduled months before the Titan submersible went missing.

The Independent has contacted Netflix for comment.

Inside Titan: Titanic-spotting submarine steered by video game controller

Tuesday 27 June 2023 22:00 , Ariana Baio

The resting place of the Titanic lies about 370 miles off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at a depth of around 12,500ft below the surface, with trips to visit it typically involving a two-hour descent.

Particular details about the Titan, a cramped metal cylinder accommodating four passengers and a pilot, emerged soon after it first went missing on Sunday (18 June).

Joe Sommerlad reports:

Inside the Titanic-spotting submarine that imploded with five people aboard

Canadian police weigh criminal investigation over Titan sub disaster

Tuesday 27 June 2023 21:30 , Ariana Baio

Police in Canada announced on Saturday that they are considering a criminal investigation over the deaths of five men in the Oceangate submersible implosion.

Superintendent Kent Osmond of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Newfoundland and Labrador said law enforcement were in the early stages of the probe.

Following the US Coast Guards announcement earlier this week that debris from the submersible was located and all five on board were presumed dead, we will now look at the circumstances that led to those deaths, Mr Osmond said, at a press conference.

Such an investigation will proceed only if our examination of the circumstances indicate criminal, federal or provincial laws may possibly have been broken.

Mr Osmond said the initial team of investigators would look into whether a full investigation is warranted or not.

Titanic actor Lew Palter dies aged 94

Tuesday 27 June 2023 21:00 , Ariana Baio

Lew Palter, the actor best known for his role as Isidor Straus in James Camerons 1997 epic Titanic, has died aged 94.

The Brooklyn-born actor was also a longtime theatre teacher at the CalArts School of Theater in Santa Clarita, California.

Palter died on 21 May of lung cancer at his home in Los Angeles, his daughter, Catherine Palter, told The Hollywood Reporter.

Lew loved the craft of acting and taught his students to do the same. He fostered deep curiosity, care, intellect and humor in every scene, play and class, CalArts School of Theater Dean Travis Preston said in a statement. He had the utmost respect of his students and encouraged all to find truth in their work and lives.

Tom Murray reports:

Titanic actor Lew Palter dies aged 94

Pictures released of deep-sea robot aiding in Titan recovery efforts

Tuesday 27 June 2023 20:30 , Ariana Baio

The deep-sea robot that recovered debris from the Titan after its catastrophic implosion last week was launched on a fourth dive as recovery efforts continue.

A week after the tragedy that killed all five passengers aboard the fated submersible, the US Coast Guard announced that ROVs (remotely-operated vehicles) remain in place as part of recovery operations.

The ROV that made the critical finding of the Titans chambers 1,600ft from the Titanics wreckage, the Odysseus 6K, was launched again on Sunday in further efforts to recover more debris, according to Pelagic Research Services, the company that operates the deep-sea robot.

Andrea Blanco reports:

This is the robot that is looking for the Titan sub remains

Possible answers that explain what the banging noises were

Tuesday 27 June 2023 20:00 , Ariana Baio

Secret US Navy listening devices detected an anomaly near the Titanic shipwreck soon after the Titan departed from its support ship the Polar Prince, which is believed to be the moment sub suffered a catastrophic implosion of its carbon fibre hull.

The source of the banging sounds has not been identified, but experts have put forward several theories about their possible origin.

On 22 June, Carl Hartsfield, an expert with the Wood Hole Oceanographic Institution, told CBS News there were many possible explanations for the sounds.

The ocean is a very complex place, obviously  human sounds, nature sounds, and its very difficult to discern what the sources of those noises are at times, he told the news site.

Jeff Karson, professor emeritus of earth and environmental sciences at Syracuse University, told Mail Online while the search was underway that the noise could be a complicated echo coming from sounds bouncing around the Titanic debris field.

Its just not bouncing off of one thing. Its bouncing off a bunch of things. And its like, you know, dropping up a marble into a tin can. Its rattling around and that would confuse the location, he told the publication.

Stefan Williams, a professor of marine robotics at the University of Sydney, told Insider the sounds may have been created by marine wildlife such as whales.

He said there had been reports of marooned submarine crews banging on the vessels hull to signal their location, and that acoustic noise will travel.

RMS Titanic Inc opens online guestbook for Paul-Henri Nargeolet

Tuesday 27 June 2023 19:30 , Ariana Baio

RMS Titanic Inc, the organisation that provides educational information and preserves artifacts of the Titanic ,opened an online guestbook for Paul-Henri Nargeolet who was the director of underwater research.

In loving memory of PH Nargeolet. Always in our hearts and thoughts. A true explorer of his time, RMS Titanic Inc wrote in the introduction.

Hundreds of people left their memories of Mr Nargeolet as well shared their condolences to Mr Nargeloets family.

How billionaires navigate boredom through thrilling experiences like Titanic sub, according to psychologists

Tuesday 27 June 2023 19:00 , Ariana Baio

Even before the loss of the five passengers aboard the Titanic sub, psychologists have studied the rise in wealthy individuals embarking on extravagant yet dangerous adventures, and the reasons why these avid travellers are so intrigued by the thrilling experiences.

Speaking to The Independent, Dr Scott Lyons, a psychologist based in New York, explained how travelling can be used as a method of masking ones negative feelings, such as boredom or sadness, with something exciting and adventurous.

But, according to Dr Lyons, when it comes to billionaires in particular, the trips required to distract from the tedium are often more frequent and extravagant.

Theyve reached certain pinnacles in their professional life or social life where they kind of need more to feel more. To get that excitement or to ultimately feel alive, he explained. Travel, in particular, is one of the more accessible ways to get those thrills. Doing something thats a risky business adventure takes a lot more planning in some ways than going to say: Oh were going to hike Mount Kilimanjaro.

Amber Raiken reports:

How billionaires navigate boredom through thrill, according to psychologists

Marine Board of Investigation will conduct probe

Tuesday 27 June 2023 18:30 , Ariana Baio

In a statement released on Sunday, the US Coast Guard announced a Marine Board of Investigation will work to better understand how the Titan submersible imploded.

A Marine Board of Investigation is the highest level of investigation in the Coast Guard.

Upon completion of the investigation, the Board will issue a report to the Commandant with the evidence collected, the facts established, its conclusions, and recommendations, the Coast Guard said.

Some of the questions they will seek to answer are:

- What was the cause of the casualty including any deaths?

- Did an act of misconduct, incompetence, negligence, unskillfulness, or willful violation of law committed by any individual licensed, certificated, or documented has contributed to the cause of the casualty, or to a death involved in the casualty?

- Did an act of misconduct, incompetence, negligence, unskillfulness, or willful violation of law committed by any person, including an officer, employee, or member of the Coast Guard, contributed to the cause of the casualty, or to a death involved in the casualty?

- Is there evidence that an act subjecting the offender to a civil penalty under the laws of the US has been committed?

- Is there evidence that a criminal act under the laws of the United States has been committed?

- Is there a need for new laws or regulations, or amendment or repeal of existing laws or regulations, to prevent the recurrence of the casualty?

Memorial service held for father and son victims

Tuesday 27 June 2023 18:00 , Ariana Baio

The Dawood Foundation held a prayer service would be held on Tuesday for Shahzada and Suleman Dawood, the father and son who were killed in the Titan implosion.

In loving memory of our beloved sons, the announcement for the memorial service said.

The prayer took place at 9.30am EDT (2.30pm UK time).

OceanGate headquarters indefinitely closed

Tuesday 27 June 2023 17:30 , Ariana Baio

The company that operated the Titan closed its headquarters in Everett, Washington State, following the vessels implosion, which killed OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush and British billionaire Hamish Harding, French diver Paul-Henri Nargeolet, Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his teenage son Suleman Dawood.

The leasing agent said in a statement to The Seattle Times that the company would be closing indefinitely.

What was the banging noise picked up in search for Titanic sub?

Tuesday 27 June 2023 17:00 , Ariana Baio

Secret US Navy listening devices detected an anomaly near the Titanic shipwreck soon after the Titan departed from its support ship the Polar Prince, which is believed to be the moment sub suffered a catastrophic implosion of its carbon fibre hull.

The source of the banging sounds has not been identified, but experts have put forward several theories about their possible origin.

Bevan Hurley reports:

What was the banging noise picked up in search for Titanic sub?

Watch: Ross Kemp explains why he turned down trip on Titanic tourist submarine

Tuesday 27 June 2023 16:30 , Ariana Baio

US Coast Guard declares recovery of items from sea floor as priority

Tuesday 27 June 2023 16:00 , Ariana Baio

The US Coast Guard says the priority in its investigation into the fatal Titanic submersible implosion is the recovery of items from the sea floor.

Captain Jason Neubauer, chief investigator with the US Coast Guard, told reporters on Sunday, that: My primary goal is to prevent a similar occurrence by making the necessary recommendations to enhance the safety of the maritime domain worldwide.

A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) discovered debris from the Titan around 1,600ft from the bow of the liner days after it lost contact with its mother ship around 1 hour and 45 minutes into the dive.

Pelagic Research Services, the company that owns the ROV, tweeted pictures of the Titan recovery mission on Sunday.

PELAGIC ODYSSEUS Continues Titan Recovery Mission. Photos approved for news media release from the 4th dive completed on Sunday. (Pelagic Research Services, 2023) pic.twitter.com/kWwp9KST3z  Pelagic Research Services (@PelagicResearch) June 25, 2023

Son turned down fathers offer for bucket list trip on doomed Titanic sub over safety fears

Tuesday 27 June 2023 15:30 , Ariana Baio

A 20-year-old man who had a lucky escape from the doomed Titanic sub disaster has revealed how he turned down his fathers offer of a bucket list trip because he feared the vessel wasnt safe.

Sean Bloom, 20, told People that he and his financier father Jay Bloom almost signed up to join OceanGate Expeditions tourist trip to visit the Titanic wreckage.

But, Mr Bloom said that he ultimately refused to go because he wasnt convinced the Titan submersible would be able to withstand the pressure around 13,000 feet deep in the Atlantic Ocean.

The whole reason my dad didnt go was because I told him, Dude, this submarine cannot survive going that deep in the ocean, Sean told People.

I was worried because I didnt think the submarine could withstand that kind of pressure and it wasnt meant to go that far.

He added: That is a small submarine, with five people crammed inside. It just felt super unsafe. Something was telling me this was not the move.

Ultimately, the Blooms decided against the trip and the final two seats were snapped up by a different father and son duo: Shahzada and Suleman Dawood.

Florida couple drop lawsuit against OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush

Tuesday 27 June 2023 15:00 , Ariana Baio

A Florida couple who sued Stockton Rush for refusing to refund their $210,000 deposit for a Titanic shipwreck tour have dropped the lawsuit after the OceanGate Expeditions CEO was among five to die in a catastrophic implosion last week.

Marc and Sharon Hagle filed a lawsuit in February claiming Rush had repeatedly cancelled a deep-sea dive they had booked on the Titan submersible in 2018.

After Rush was confirmed to have died on the Titan during an ill-fated trip to the famed North Atlantic shipwreck on Sunday 18 June, the couple said the honour, respect and dignity of the victims were more important than their claim

Bevan Hurley reports:

Couple drop lawsuit against late OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush

WATCH: Teenage Titanic submersible victim's mother shares last words she shared with son

Tuesday 27 June 2023 14:30 , Andrea Blanco

Whistleblowers warned OceanGate safety issues could prove catastrophic.

Tuesday 27 June 2023 14:00 , Ariana Baio

Safety concerns about the Titan submarine that imploded in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean with five people on board have been revealed in a number of scathing reports.

Josh Marcus reports:

Inside OceanGates history of safety issues as officials confirm Titanic sub imploded

PICTURED: This is the deep-sea robot that found the Titans debris

Tuesday 27 June 2023 13:30 , Andrea Blanco

A week after the catastrophic implosion that killed all five passengers aboard the fated submersible, the Coast Guard announced that ROVs (remotely-operated vehicles) remain in place near where the Titan vanished.

The ROV that made the critical finding of the Titans chambers 1,600ft from the Titanics wreckage, the Odysseus 6K, was launched again on Sunday in further efforts to recover more debris, according to the company that operated the deep-sea robot.

We continue to work tirelessly in our support role of this mission, alongside the incredible crew of Horizon Artic (the Canadian vessel that carried the Odysseus to the sea), Pelagic Research Services CEO Ed Cassano said.

(Pelagic Research Services)

(Pelagic Research Services)

(Pelagic Research Services)

Who is Shahzada Dawood? The Pakistani bussinessman who died on Titanic submarine with teenage son

Tuesday 27 June 2023 13:00 , Namita Singh

British-based Pakistani tycoon and his teenage son are among five people who perished aboard the Titanic tourist submarine.

The US Coast Guard announced on Thursday that the remains of the submersible vessel lost in the Atlantic Ocean had been found by an ROV on the ocean bed near the wreck of the famed liner.

Its support vessel, the Canadian research icebreaker Polar Prince, lost contact with it approximately one hour and 45 minutes after it submerged on Sunday morning.

Report:

Who is Shahzada Dawood? Pakistani businessman who died in Titanic sub with teen son

OceanGate sub pilot job opening sparks backlash on TikTok

Tuesday 27 June 2023 11:30 , Andrea Blanco

A job advert posted by the company that operated the doomed Titanic submersible that imploded last week in the Atlantic Ocean has sparked backlash on social media.

TikTok users have hit out at the since-deleted job posting by embattled OceanGate Expeditions, following the tragedy that killed all five of its passengers. According to the advertising featured on the companys website and on Indeed, OceanGate was accepting applicants for a sub pilot position.

The company noted that it had an urgent opening and was looking for committed individuals with a combination of strong mechanical and interpersonal skills, and experience working with submersibles and boats as well as operating complex systems to support dive operations, Insider reported. Among other requirements, applicants were asked to be comfortable in a confined space and be able to fit through a 28-inch diameter ring.

OceanGate not only hosted tours to the wreck of the Titanic, but also to the Azores Archipelago in Portugal and to the Bahamas. One pilot, one content expert and three mission specialists  or fee-paying passengers without any previous experience needed  participated in every dive, according to the companys website.

The post was removed sometime on Friday, a day after the US Coast Guard confirmed that the vessels chambers were found 1,600ft from the wreck of the Titanic on the ocean floor, but not without being noticed by furious sleuths that criticised the timing.

Remember when everyone was saying Dont kill yourself for a job that would replace you within two weeks? one user commented on a TikTok, while another argued, It was a scheduled post. thats how our job engine works...

Although it is unclear when the job posting went up, it was likely well before OceanGate made international headlines as its sub vanished. However, TikTok users argued that the company should have been cautious enough to remove the posting as a four-day frantic search for the submersible unfolded.

It comes amid reports that OceanGate closed its headquarters in Everett, Washington State, following the Titans implosion, which killed CEO Stockton Rush, British billionaire Hamish Harding, French diver Paul-Henri Nargeolet, Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his teenage son Suleman Dawood.

Expert believes there is no more evidence to collect

Tuesday 27 June 2023 11:00 , Namita Singh

An expert with whom the Coast Guard have been consulting said there isnt any more evidence to collect even as an international group of agencies was tasked with investigating what may have caused the Titan submersible to implode.

It is my professional opinion that all the debris is located in a very small area and that all debris has been found, said Carl Hartsfield, a retired Navy captain and submarine officer who now directs a lab at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution that designs and operates autonomous underwater vehicles.

Early summer is the best time to be conducting this type of operation because of the lower likelihood of storms, but its still likely to be painstaking, said Donald Murphy, an oceanographer who served as chief scientist of the Coast Guards International Ice Patrol.

The search is taking place in a complex ocean environment where the Gulf Stream meets the Labrador Current, an area where challenging and hard-to-predict ocean currents can make controlling an underwater vehicle more difficult, Mr Murphy said.

But Mr Hartsfield said based on the data hes reviewed and the performance of the remote vehicles so far, he doesnt expect currents to be a problem. Also working in the searchers favour, he said, is that the debris is located in a compact area and the ocean bottom where they are searching is smooth and not near any of the Titanic debris.

US Coast Guard declares recovery of items from sea floor as priority in Titanic sub investigation

Tuesday 27 June 2023 10:30 , Andrea Blanco

The US Coast Guard says the priority in its investigation into the fatal Titanic sub implosion is the recovery of items from the sea floor.

All five people aboard the OceanGate Titan submersible were killed as it dived to the wreck of the ocean liner in the Atlantic Ocean last week.

The Coast Guard opened a marine board investigation on Friday and is working with the FBI to salvage debris from the sea floor at a depth of more than two miles below surface.

The Independents Graeme Massie reports:

US Coast Guard declares recovery of items from sea floor as Titanic sub priority

After the Titan implosion, the US Coast Guard wants to improve the safety of submersibles

Tuesday 27 June 2023 10:00 , Namita Singh

As an international group of agencies investigates why the Titan submersible imploded while carrying five people to the Titanic wreckage, US maritime officials say theyll issue a report aimed at improving the safety of submersibles worldwide.

Investigators from the US, Canada, France and the United Kingdom are working closely together on the probe of the 18 June accident, which happened in an unforgiving and difficult-to-access region of the North Atlantic, said US Coast Guard Rear Admiral John Mauger, of the Coast Guard First District.

Salvage operations from the sea floor are ongoing, and the accident site has been mapped, Coast Guard chief investigator Captain Jason Neubauer said Sunday. He did not give a timeline for the investigation.

Mr Neubauer said the final report will be issued to the International Maritime Organization.

My primary goal is to prevent a similar occurrence by making the necessary recommendations to advance the safety of the maritime domain worldwide, he said.

Evidence is being collected in the port of St Johns, Newfoundland, in coordination with Canadian authorities.

All five people on board the Titan were killed. Debris from the vessel was located about 12,500 feet (3,810 meters) underwater and roughly 1,600 feet (488 meters) from the Titanic on the ocean floor, the Coast Guard said last week.

WATCH: James Cameron likens Titan submersible tragedy to Titanic

Tuesday 27 June 2023 09:30 , Andrea Blanco

The Titan implosion will be investigated by an international group of agencies

Tuesday 27 June 2023 09:00 , Namita Singh

An international group of agencies is investigating what may have caused the Titan submersible to implode while carrying five people to the Titanic wreckage, and US maritime officials say theyll issue a report aimed at improving the safety of submersibles worldwide.

Investigators from the US, Canada, France and the United Kingdom are working closely together on the probe of the 18 June accident, which happened in an unforgiving and difficult-to-access region of the North Atlantic, said US Coast Guard Rear Admiral John Mauger, of the Coast Guard First District.

Salvage operations from the sea floor are ongoing, and the accident site has been mapped, Coast Guard chief investigator Capt Jason Neubauer said Sunday. He did not give a timeline for the investigation.

Mr Neubauer said the final report will be issued to the International Maritime Organization.My primary goal is to prevent a similar occurrence by making the necessary recommendations to advance the safety of the maritime domain worldwide, he said.

Evidence is being collected in the port of St Johns, Newfoundland, in coordination with Canadian authorities.

Who are Shahzada Dawoods wife Christine and daughter Alina?

Tuesday 27 June 2023 07:30 , Andrea Blanco

More details have emerged about the father and son who died in the Titan disaster as the teenagers mother reveals she was on board the support boat when the implosion happened.

Christine Dawood, mother of 19-year-old Suleman Dawood and wife to Shahzada Dawood, both of whom were on the doomed submersible, has revealed she gave up her place on the trip so her son could go.

The Independents Lucy Skoulding reports:

Who are Shahzada Dawoods wife Christine and daughter Alina?

Ridiculous: Titanic museums mocked for having memorials for submarine expedition

Tuesday 27 June 2023 06:00 , Namita Singh

Two memorials were held last week at Titanic museums across the US, in honour of the five people who died earlier this month on a submarine expedition to the famous ship wreck.

The services were held at Titanic museums in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Branson, Missouri.

Both museums are owned by John Josyln, part of a team that explored the Titanic wreckage in a famous 1987 televised expedition.

Report:

Ridiculous: Titanic museums mocked for having memorials for submarine expedition

US Coast Guard taking all precautions in case it finds bodies in Titan search

Tuesday 27 June 2023 05:30 , Andrea Blanco

Investigators looking into the implosion of the Titan submersible are taking all precautions in case they find bodies on the sea floor, it has emerged.

Captain Jason Neubauer, who is chairing the US Coast Guard investigation into the implosion of the vessel, made the comments as the search and rescue aspects of the response came to an end.

British adventurer Hamish Harding and father and son Shahzada and Suleman Dawood were killed on board the submersible, alongside the American chief executive of the company responsible for the vessel, Stockton Rush, and French national Paul-Henri Nargeolet.

Salvage operations are continuing and investigators have mapped the accident site, Cpt Neubauer told a press conference in Boston.

He also said the convening of a Marine Board of Investigation is the highest level of investigation conducted by the US Coast Guard. It is unclear how long it will take.

Family of billionaire and son lost on Titanic sub were aboard support ship, mother reveals

Tuesday 27 June 2023 04:30 , Andrea Blanco

Christine Dawood says she and her 17-year-old daughter, Alina, were on the Polar Prince when tragedy struck.

The Independents Graeme Massie reports:

Family of billionaire and son lost on Titanic sub were aboard support ship

When wealthy adventurers take huge risks, who should pay for rescue attempts?

Tuesday 27 June 2023 04:00 , Namita Singh

When millionaire Steve Fossetts plane went missing over the Nevada range in 2007, the swashbuckling adventurer had already been the subject of two prior emergency rescue operations thousands of miles apart.

And that prompted a prickly question: After a sweeping search for the wealthy risktaker ended, who should foot the bill?

In recent days, the massive hunt for a submersible vehicle lost during a north Atlantic descent to explore the wreckage of the Titanic has refocused attention on that conundrum. And with rescuers and the public fixated first on saving and then on mourning those aboard, it has again made for uneasy conversation.

Five people have just lost their lives and to start talking about insurance, all the rescue efforts and the cost can seem pretty heartless  but the thing is, at the end of the day, there are costs, said Arun Upneja, dean of Boston Universitys School of Hospitality Administration and a researcher on tourism.

Report:

When wealthy adventurers take huge risks, who should foot the bill for rescue attempts?
Toddler in critical condition after left inside car outside Lenexa church for 2 1/2 hours

A toddler was taken to a hospital in critical condition after being left inside a car at a Lenexa church for hours, according to police spokesman Wednesday.

Officers responded shortly after 3 p.m. Tuesday to a church in the 15300 block of West 87th Street Parkway to reports of a young child left alone inside a car, said Officer Danny Chavez, a spokesman for the Lenexa Police Department.

When officers arrived, they discovered that someone had already taken the 22-month-old child out of the car and brought the boy inside the church to wait for paramedics, Chavez said.

A medical crew with the Johnson County Med-Act took the child to a hospital in critical condition, he said.

A preliminary investigation indicated that the child had been left alone inside the car for about 2 1/2 hours. The car was not running and the windows were up, Chavez said.

During that time, temperatures were in the lower to mid-80s at Johnson County Executive Airport, which is about 10 miles away.

The parents of the child were cooperating with the ongoing investigation, Chavez said.

At this time, there is nothing to indicate that the child was left in the car intentionally, he said.
Tomato Girl Summer Trend; What is it?

It seems theres always a viral trend thats ready to break the internet. Whether its related to beauty and wellness or home and fashion, trends are notoriously known to create a community of like-minded individuals who share similar interests. Take the Tomato Girl Summer trend for example, this rising new fad is making a name for itself that quite literally stands for everything tomato-esque, but in a fashion sense. Think daring bold red tops and vibrant red flowy dresses, a Tomato Girl Summer is coming in hot with yet another dopamine rush for our inner fashion senses.

So far, the viral trend is surely making its way on TikTok feeds near and far with an overall search of 208 million. And to our knowledge, a Tomato Girl Summer isnt just about dressing up like our favorite seasonal fruit by paying homage to the color red. And though blushed red cheeks and luminous red silhouettes are at the prime of the trends core, theres certainly more to know about this rising summer vibe and why its trending. Ahead, weve broken down a list of everything you need to know about a Tomato Girl Summer, how to achieve the trend, and more below.

@bleymless / Instagram

What Exactly Is A Tomato Girl Summer?

Representing the vibrant seasonal fruit, a Tomato Girl Summer stands for everything bold red. From shades to heels, this exciting new trend has taken on a name of its own within the world of fashion, however, it has quite another unexpected meaning. Representing the vibrancy and slow-paced mellowness of everyday life, this internet-breaking TikTok trend is all about embodying a sense of slowness with a Mediterranean twist. From breezy walks to prancing the coast of beachy sand, a Tomato Girl Summer alludes to mindfulness, romance, and admiring summers natural beauty within the scope of nature. With over 208 million views on TikTok, the trend has reportedly grown so big that Airbnb foresees rising travel to cities along the Italian coast which includes Amalfi, Florence, and Sorrento for the July 4th holiday.

@toyomuyiwa / Instagram

Why Is The Tomato Girl Summer Trend Even Popular?

Trends surface the internet for a number of reasons, however, one of the main reasons why trends are given such a huge platform is because of their effortless way to be incorporated into the lives of everyday people. For starters, accessibility to trends is one of the main reasons why they can get so popular, and in this case, a Tomato Girl Summer is one of those trends thats super easy to add into the closets and beauty bags of girlies near and far. All in all, its just as simple as buying a bright bold red lipstick that can be bought at the nearest corner drugstore or purchasing a bold red dress on Amazon- which is what makes this trend super fun and simple to follow. On the other hand, its said that this popular fad is surfacing for other simple reasons such as those wishing they lived in the Mediterranean and on the coast of Italy where fashion and everyday life takes form in simplicity and well, flowy dresses. These trends, no matter how far stretched they may be, create a sense of belonging and community for people to follow, despite how quick they are to dissipate.

@shapbd_ / Instagram

How to Dress like a Tomato Girl This Summer

Think bold red flowy dresses, sunnies, and anything that screams Tomato! This summer-inspired hue is easy to pair with any outfit and boasts well with lighter shades such as white and beige to name a few. The trend pairs well with textures and patterns creating an almost layered look and can become as fun as you make it to be. Depending on your personal style, the Tomato Girl Aesthetic works well with casual wear, preppy, boho-chic, and even lends itself to vintage aesthetics and cottagecore. As for makeup, try a rosy red cheek, red lips, and a sunkissed appearance to really pull the look off. As for sticking to the color red, dont think that the trend simply stops there. Tomato Girls are all about bright pieces and prints across the color board ranging in whites, greens, and floral palettes/ prints.

Where To Shop The Trend

Unlike other trends, the Tomato Girl Summer is super easy to integrate into your closet. For dresses, Andrea Iyamahs Reni Midi Dress and Hanifas Alia Maxi Dress are stunning for the summer and take Tomato Girl vibes to the next level. As for makeup, nothing beats Pat Macgraths BlitzTrance Lipstick in Blood Rush and Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder. For shoes, feel free to ease off the bold red hue and opt in for a beige sandal from NA-KD or these sexy beige-heeled pumps from Amazon.

In context, this trendy and youthful fad is a great way to add a bit of spice to your wardrobe and your overall perspective of life. So go on and make this summer all about this vibrant trending fruit, we wont judge.

The post What Is A Tomato Girl Summer? Heres Everything To Know About The Rising Trend appeared first on 21Ninety.
Too great for hate became a resounding Idaho slogan. Where did it come from?

Thirty years ago, the Ada County Human Rights Task Force unveiled a new slogan: Idaho is too great for hate.

The saying was a response to a rise in hate crimes, concerns that extremist hate groups could be attracted to Idaho and a proposed initiative that would have barred state agencies from acknowledging homosexuality as acceptable, according to Idaho Statesman reporting from 1993.

The task force launched the Too Great for Hate campaign in a full-page Statesman ad that April, and a week later LGBTQ+ rights activists carried a pink and purple sign bearing the slogan at a national gay rights march.

The saying became ubiquitous, emblazoned on T-shirts, bumper stickers, buttons and more that funded task force projects. Since 1993, it has been a rallying cry against white supremacist presence, racist and antisemitic graffiti, anti-Muslim activism and other xenophobia.

Today, the group that created the slogan no longer exists. Many of the community leaders who led the charge, like task force president and United Methodist Rev. Tom Tucker, task force vice president Gaylord Walls and Idaho Human Rights Commission President Marilyn Schuler, have since died.

In this 2001 file photo, Rebecca Elise Russell, 4, holds the hand of her grandmother, Susan Curtis, chairwoman for the Ada County Human Rights Task Force, during a rally against hate at the Idaho Statehouse. About 100 people demonstrated on the Capitol steps to show their disgust with a burning cross found there early Monday. A Statehouse security guard discovered the cross made of 2-by-6 lumber roped to a railing on the steps leading to the Capitols second-floor entrances. It burned briefly.

But the saying remains a common utterance.

The Ada County Human Rights Task Force disbanded sometime in the 2000s and handed the slogan over to the Boise-based Wassmuth Center for Human Rights. A plaque bearing the saying is mounted at the centers Anne Frank Memorial, and the organization still sells some placards and posters with the phrase, director Christina Bruce-Bennion said.

Part of the reason it has staying power and kind of resurfaces is because it has that universal message, Bruce-Bennion told the Statesman in an interview. Its catchy but it was also inadvertently this aspirational idea, and it became something that was bigger than just one issue.

In 2019 and 2020, then-state Sen. Cherie Buckner-Webb introduced bills to add a too great for hate specialty license plate that would benefit the Wassmuth Center and Anne Frank Memorial. Both years it was blocked by Republican lawmakers.

We were trying to say, Minorities are such a small part of the population. Why not have something that says were too great for hate? Buckner-Webb told the Statesman in an interview.

She said there was bipartisan support for the legislation, so it came as a surprise that the bills failed.

We were being purposeful not to bring a political bent to it, Buckner-Webb said. It wasnt about political party, it was about personhood  too great to direct hate to people.

Bruce-Bennion said legislators votes sent a message to Idaho residents.

I was not in the room where a decision was made (on the bill) so I cant speak to why it wasnt approved, she said, but in some ways it spoke volumes.

Bruce-Bennion said Idaho is experiencing a lot of change as it grows, which in turn can create discomfort and fear. Like it was in 1993, the state is grappling with extremism, hate crimes and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment.

Idaho is too great for hate is something that, as a state, we need a constant reminder of, she said. I think we need to do better.

Buckner-Webb said the slogan has always seemed like motherhood and apple pie to me  something important and all-American that people can rally behind.

She said the parallels between Idahos political climate when the phrase was coined and today feel like a step in the wrong direction.

Weve seen what hate can do, Buckner-Webb said. Idahos growing by leaps and bounds, but wouldnt it be great if we grow together and give each other a bit of respect?
FIRST ON FOX: The Republican chairman of the House Committee on Small Business is accusing the Small Business Administration (SBA) of failing to protect coronavirus loan programs from fraud after a government report found that the agency disbursed over $200 billion in possibly fraudulent COVID-19 loans, nearly double that which was previously expected.

The Small Business Administration Office of the Inspector General said in its report on COVID-19 pandemic loan fraud on Tuesday that the agency disbursed more than $200 billion in potentially fraudulent PPP loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans during the pandemic.

In total, the SBA's Office of the Inspector General said there were 4.5 million potentially fraudulent loans and grants from pandemic loan programs.

The Office of the Inspector General said the SBA "did not have an established strong internal control environment for approving and disbursing program funds," adding that "there was an insufficient barrier against fraudsters accessing funds that should have been available for eligible business owners adversely affected by the pandemic."

COVID-19 RELIEF FRAUD LED TO BILLIONS IN TAXPAYER-FUNDED PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM LOANS LOST

Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, arrives for the House vote on Fiscal Responsibility Act, which will raise the debt limit, outside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.

Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas., said in a statement to Fox News Digital that the Office of the Inspector General report shows significantly more criminal activity occurred than was previously known.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"These findings show the SBA failed to implement basic guardrails to protect the integrity of these programs, resulting in roughly 1 in 5 loans dispersed being labeled as potentially fraudulent. When COVID-19 hit the United States, the SBA was tasked with taking on an oversized role to help save small businesses and our nations job creators. Unfortunately, these after-action reports show the agency was not up to the task. I look forward to hearing directly from Inspector General Ware in July on what went wrong, how to fix these issues, and what recourse we must take to recoup these stolen taxpayer dollars," Williams said.

PPP FRAUD CHARGES BROUGHT AGAINST CEOS, CELEBRITIES IN GEORGIA

Small Business Administration building

According to the Office of the Inspector General report, SBA management said that the report contains "serious flaws that significantly overestimate fraud." The Office of the Inspector General said in response that "we remain confident in our estimates of potential fraud for the COVID-19 EIDL program and PPP."

READ THE REPORT BELOW. APP USERS: CLICK HERE.

Nominee for Administrator of the Small Business Administration Isabella Casillas Guzman attends her confirmation hearing before the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee on February 3, 2021 in Washington, DC. Previously Guzman served as the Director of California's Office of the Small Business Advocate.

In a press release by the Small Business Administration, Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman said that "Pandemic relief programs, including those supported by President Bidens American Rescue Plan, have driven a historic economic recovery, including saving millions of businesses and creating over 13 million jobs since 2021."

Han Nguyen, a spokesperson for the SBA, told Fox News Digital that "We strongly disagree with the OIG's projected fraud total of $200 billion suggested by the OIG report."

"It is vital to clarify that 86% of the likely fraud in the PPP and COVID-EIDL programs occurred in the first nine months of those programs when, as the SBA IG has often noted, the rush to get funds out led to unwise decisions to pull down anti-fraud guardrails," Nguyen said. "SBA strongly believes that the SBA IG significantly over states the degree of even potential fraud under COVID-EIDL by ignoring or discounting COVID-EIDL repayment data."
A top Russian general knew Wagner was planning an uprising, NYT reports, suggesting an even deeper threat to Putin's power

Russian general Sergei Surovikin in a video published during the Wagner uprising on June 24, 2023, in which Surovikin urged them to stop. Russian Defense Ministry/Handout/Anadolu Agency via Getty Image

A Russian general knew of Wagner was planning a rebellion against Putin, the NYT reported.

Sergey Surovikin is a top commander in Russia's military, who led the invasion until he was demoted.

Per the NYT, US officials want to know if others in the military considered joining the uprising.

A senior Russian general knew about Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin's plans to stage an armed uprising, The New York Times reported on Tuesday, citing US intelligence.

US officials are trying to find out whether General Sergey Surovikin  dubbed "General Armageddon" by Russian media  also helped plan the rebellion, according to The Times.

The 36-hour military insurrection posed the most dramatic threat so far to President Vladimir Putin's 23-year-long leadership, though it ended in retreat.

US officials said that Prigozhin would not have marched toward Moscow unless he believed that others would help him, The Times reported.

Other top Russian commanders might also be involved, the news outlet added, without citing any specific names.

Surovikin is a popular general among Russian troops, who he commanded between October 2022 and January 2023, until he was replaced by General Staff Valery Gerasimov. He stayed on as Gerasimov's deputy.

Gerasimov and defense minister Sergei Shoigu are wildly unpopular among Russia's military.

Prigozhin's stated aim was to have them removed from their position, an aim many others in Russia could plausibly share.

After the Wagner group marched toward Moscow over the weekend, Surovikin appeared in a video urging them to give up.

"We are of the same blood. We are warriors. I urge you to stop," Surovikin said in the video. "The enemy is just waiting for the internal political situation to worsen. We should not play into the enemy's hands in these difficult times for our country."

The Times report suggests that Surovikin's public statements were at odds with his apparent sympathy with Wagner.

The Wagner group aborted its march within 125 miles (200 kilometers) of Moscow after a supposed deal was struck that would see Prigozhin go into exile in Belarus instead of being attacked by Russia's military and prosecuted by its law-enforcement agencies.

US officials said that President Vladimir Putin must now decide "whether he believes that Surovikin helped Prigozhin and how he should respond," The Times reported.

Russia's Ministry of Defense did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Gen. Sergei Surovikin and Vladimir Putin Alexey Druzhinin / Sputnik / AFP via Getty Images

At least one senior Russian military official, Gen. Sergei Surovikin, had advance knowledge of Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin's plan to rebel against Russia's military leadership, The New York Times reported late Tuesday, citing U.S. intelligence relayed by U.S. officials. The U.S. is still trying to learn whether Surovikin, the well-respected former top commander of Russian forces in Ukraine, also helped plan Prigozhin's attempted mutiny last weekend.

"There were just too many weird things that happened that, in my mind, suggest there was collusion that we have not figured out yet," Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, told the Times.

Surovikin's involvement in Prigozhin's push to unseat Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and chief of general staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov would signal a widening fracture in the top ranks of Russia's military as Russia's Ukraine war slogs on. "American officials also said there are signs that other Russian generals may also have supported" Prigozhin's Defense Ministry putsch, the Times reported.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has pinned all the blame on Prigozhin, will have to decide how to respond. "Putin is reluctant to change people," said Alexander Baunov, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center. "But if the secret service puts files on Putin's desk and if some files implicate Surovikin, it may change."

Now, "American officials have an interest in pushing out information that undermines the standing of Gen. Surovikin, whom they view as more competent and more ruthless than other members of the command," the Times noted. "His removal would undoubtedly benefit Ukraine" on the battlefield.

But Putin's problems extend beyond Surovikin's potentially divided loyalties, Moscow-based analyst Boris Kagarlitsky told The Washington Post. As Wagner moved on Moscow, "there was so little support for the regime that it was really striking. The military didn't move. The police didn't move. People were just watching. Nobody rushed to the government offices to show support."

"For an already paranoid Russian president," Gabriel Gavin wrote at Politico, the fact that nobody seemed "prepared to man the barricades in defense of their dear leader" is one of "a dizzying array of questions to ponder late at night. How was Prigozhin able to take so much territory virtually unopposed? And, if they'd made it to Moscow, who from his inner circle would have been first to stab him in the back?"

"It is likely that Putin's suspicion of internal enemies and repression of dissenters will intensify  although they have consistently intensified without reason," Andrei Kolesnikov at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace told the Post. Still, "the elite, despite the understanding that the system is weaker and alternative forces are possible, will consolidate around Putin, scared of him and his suspicion."

Putin may have survived last weekend's insurrection, Politico's Gavin wrote. But he should be very worried it "gave Russians and the world a glimpse of how, when the time is right, he might run out of luck."

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The tech world is convinced AI is here to stay -- the question is, what will it look like going forward? (OLIVIER MORIN)

Months after the spectacular launch of ChatGPT, the AI revolution is well underway but hints of caution are emerging, especially over letting one or two companies reign supreme.

The release of the poem-churning app by San Francisco-based OpenAI came at an opportune time for tech, landing just when the US giants were laying off thousands of workers and startups faced a funding winter after the collapse of cryptocurrencies.

While generative AI's powers spooked many, even drawing calls for a freeze in its development, the tech world welcomed the respite from an otherwise miserable 2022 when a pandemic-era tech boom imploded.

But the crowds of startups and their backers meeting at the three-day Collision conference in Toronto heard second thoughts about artificial intelligence, even if convictions remained strong that it was here to stay.

"We're about three steps into a 10K race," said Adam Selipsky, the head of Amazon-owned AWS, the world's biggest cloud company that is set to see a huge windfall from the AI excitement.

"The question is: where are the runners going? What's the course like? Who's watching the race?" Selipsky told a packed conference hall near the shores of Lake Ontario.

AWS is the archrival of Microsoft, the Redmond, Washington-based company that took the world by surprise earlier this year by diving head first into the ChatGPT goldrush.

Microsoft's investment of billions of dollars into OpenAI launched an AI arms race, with Google following course by ramping up its release of AI-infused products, goading any company involved with technology to hurry out new capabilities.

"Like a lot of things, I think AI is overhyped in the short term and underhyped in the long term," said Jordan Jacobs of Radical Ventures, a venture capital firm that has invested heavily in AI.

"But the difference with AI is that once you deploy it, it gets better and better and better," meaning there is a real downside to coming in second place.

He said this was not the case with the advent of the personal computer or the smartphone, when those who waited, like Apple, were the companies that won.

The benefit of coming out first seems to leave OpenAI and its powerful Microsoft backer in the driver's seat.

But AWS's Selipsky and others cautioned about going all-in with one big company, especially with a technology that voraciously feeds off data and computing power.

- 'Choice' -

Hundreds of companies and governments have gone as far to ban their employees from using ChatGPT, worried that sensitive information will be uploaded to strengthen OpenAI's large language model, becoming available to all.

One of the "most important things that we hear from customers around the world all the time is choice," Selipsky said.

"The world needs access to a whole bunch of models in a place that you trust and with the security you demand," he said.

At Collision, Booking.com, the online travel giant, announced a new product using OpenAI's ChatGPT that will provide a conversational experience for users planning trips.

"This is just a start," Rob Francis, chief technology officer of Booking.com told AFP, all the while defending the company's turn to OpenAI.

Models from the likes of OpenAI or Google, "they're great for general purpose" like a chat about holiday plans, he said.

But for more sensitive uses, companies will "start to run their own more tailored models, in their own environment," he said.

As the world's biggest companies rushed out their AI products, the startup community was warned not to take too much solace from the hype sparked by ChatGPT.

Even if generative AI has caught the world's attention, "people are still approaching startup investment through a cautionary lens," Vincent Harrison of PitchBook, the business research company, told AFP.

"Deal activity is down, fundraising is down, the IPO environment is probably the worst that it's been since the global financial crisis," Harrison said.

"I think ChatGPT blew the minds of a lot of people... but is AI enough to bring things where we saw them in 2021? I don't think so."

arp/st
A tourist died after trying to drink all 21 cocktails on the menu at a bar in Jamaica

A beach in Oracabessa, Jamaica, in April. Image used for illustration purposes. Nick Kaiser/picture alliance via Getty Images

A British tourist in Jamaica died after heavy drinking during a 21-cocktail bar challenge.

A coroner said that the man died in his hotel room of alcohol-related gastritis.

His family called his emergency treatment "disgusting" and suggested he could have survived.

A British tourist in Jamaica died after trying to complete a challenge to drink all 21 cocktails on a bar menu, an inquest found.

Timothy Alan Southern, a 53-year-old from Staffordshire, England, was on a family vacation when he undertook the challenge, ITV News reported.

The coroner's report, issued last Wednesday and seen by Insider, said Southern was found in his hotel room at the Royal Decameron Club Caribbean in the island's tourist hub of Saint Ann in May last year.

He died of "acute gastritis with associated alcohol intoxication," the report said, adding that he had been "drinking heavily during the day."

After earlier consuming brandy and beer, Southern joined a pair of Canadian tourists who were celebrating a birthday with the cocktail challenge, ITV News reported, citing the inquest hearing.

After consuming 12 of the 21 cocktails, Southern returned to his hotel room. Family members raised the alarm when they found him there, the UK outlet the Stoke Sentinel reported.

An unnamed family member at the inquest criticized the medical care Southern received after a nurse was alerted, calling his treatment "disgusting" and suggesting that he might have survived with better care, the outlet reported.

"He was on his back choking," the outlet reported the family member saying.

"I put him in the recovery position and screamed for an ambulance," they continued. "He was making a gurgling sound. As soon as he was in the recovery position he vomited. I was shouting his name with no response."

The family member said that when asked if she had called an ambulance, the nurse said no, and only gave chest compressions rather than full CPR.

"I thought she would take over. But that was not the case. I noticed he was starting to lose temperature. I checked his pulse and couldn't find it," they added.

"Maybe if she had known what she was doing, maybe he would still be here," the family member said of the nurse.

Read the original article on Insider
Tractor trailer driver killed in crash with tow truck at intersection, SC cops say

One driver was killed and another was hospitalized Tuesday following a crash between an 18-wheel tractor trailer and a tow truck, the South Carolina Highway Patrol said.

The two-vehicle collision happened at about 3:10 p.m. in Lexington County, according to Lance Cpl. Nick Pye.

Walter Elliott Wilkins, a 63-year-old Augusta, Georgia resident died in the accident, said Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher.

Wilkins was driving the tractor trailer west on U.S. 178/Fairview Road, according to Pye. At the intersection with Bub Shumpert Road, the semi collided with a 2022 Ram tow truck that was heading north and turning left onto Fairview Road, officials said. Thats in the Pelion area.

Wilkins, who was wearing a seat belt, died at the scene, Fisher said.

The tow truck driver suffered serious injuries and was taken to an area hospital, according to Fisher. Further information on the tow truck drivers condition was not available.

There was no word if the tow truck driver was wearing a seat belt.

No other injuries were reported.

The collision continues to be investigated by the Highway Patrol and coroners office.

Through Sunday, 471 people had died on South Carolina roads in 2023, according to the state Department of Public Safety. Last year, 1,091 people died in crashes in South Carolina, DPS reported.

At least 22 people have died in Lexington County crashes in 2023, according to DPS data. Last year, 43 deaths were reported in the county, DPS reported.

This was the third consecutive day a fatal crash was reported in Lexington County, and the fourth in the past six days.

On June 21, the driver of a BMW was killed when the vehicle that was driving west in the eastbound lanes on Interstate 20 collided with a Ford pickup truck, according to the Highway Patrol. The pickup driver was hurt and taken to an area hospital, but further information on their condition was not available.

On Monday, a Lexington County resident died when the car he was driving ran off a road hit an embankment and a tree before flipping over and crashing into another tree, officials said.

On Tuesday, a Lexington woman died when the SUV she was driving veered off a road then crashed into a fence and a tree before flipping over, according to officials.
PANAMA CITY BEACH  Local officials say beachgoers failing to follow the flag warning system is the "city's greatest challenge on the sandy beach."

In a press release issued Tuesday afternoon, Panama City Beach addressed the recent string of drownings that set the city apart as having the highest number of beach fatalities for any single locale in the U.S. for 2023, according to a National Weather Service database.

From June 15-24, six tourists died after swimming in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Panama City Beach. Five happened under double red flags, and one occurred during single red flag conditions. There also was another double red drowning during that time by a tourist on an unincorporated Bay County beach outside the city's limits.

In a press release on Tuesday afternoon, Panama City Beach addressed the area's recent string of drownings.

"Any and every loss of life is a tragedy," the release reads. "The city considers these drownings heart-wrenching, unnecessary and preventable. Our brave first responders, including members of the beach safety division, Beach Fire Rescue, Panama City Beach Police Department and code enforcement, have worked nonstop over this period, risking their own lives, as they protected the public across nine miles of city beaches."

All victims died after grappling with rip currents, and with double red flags posted in every instance but one, it meant the Gulf was closed to swimmers under penalty of a $500 fine. Only surfers tethered to a surfboard are allowed to enter the Gulf during double red flags.

According to daily text messages from ALERTBAY, a local emergency notification system, red or double red flags have flown every day in PCB since June 12. This means dangerous rip currents have existed along the coast that entire time.

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The release notes that during the stretch of dangerous conditions when the local deaths occurred, almost 100 people were cited for swimming double red. Beach safety crews also rescued more than 140 people, as well as took about 116 preventative actions  when lifeguards preemptively help prevent someone from putting themselves in a position where they might need rescuing.

PCB officials also said it is common for lifeguards and first responders to be disrespected by beachgoers who are upset with the rules put in place to help keep them safe. Multiple lifeguards have been injuring during water rescues, and some also were treated for water inhalation.

"Each year, the city works to improve each aspect of its beach safety program to provide the safest experience to its 100,000 daily visitors," the release reads. "Since 2020, the city has offered city lifeguards to beachfront properties through a public-private partnership. For two years, one property owner has partnered with the city, resulting in the addition of additional lifeguards on the city's eastern shores.

'Everything is on the table': Panama City Beach area sees seven beach deaths in 10 days

"Over the same period, the city has increased code enforcement staff, police personnel and lifeguards on the beach. In addition, the city partners with Bay County first responders and the Tourist Development Council to continually improve our beach flags safety educational and enforcement efforts. We implore everyone to learn and follow the flag warning system."

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: PCB comments on the six recent drownings within its city limits
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that every traitor who helps the terrorist state deserves the highest possible punishment and must bear responsibility before the entire international community.

Source: Zelenskyy, during his evening video address, commenting on the detention of a man targeting Russian missiles on the city of Kramatorsk on 27 June

Quote from Zelenskyy: "The Security Service of Ukraine, together with the police special forces, detained a person who facilitated this terrorist attack. Right in a cafe in Kramatorsk, a [local] well-known pizzeria... There may still be people under the rubble.

Everyone who helps Russian terrorists ruin lives deserves the maximum punishment."

Details: Zelenskyy added that this applies not only to collaborators, regarding whom "everything is obvious" because they are "people without humanity".

He pointed out that the Russian accomplice faces a treason charge, which carries a sentence of up to life imprisonment.

Quote: "Anyone in the world who does not understand that one should never be an accomplice of a terrorist state must be responsible for this before the entire international community. Accomplices of a terrorist state should be considered as traitors to humankind and humanity," Zelenskyy concluded.

Background:

On the evening of 27 June, Russian invaders attacked Kramatorsk in Donetsk Oblast, hitting a catering establishment.

Eleven people, including three children, were killed and 61 injured in the attack.

Counterintelligence officers from the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) have arrested an agent from the Russian secret services who helped to guide the fire of the Russian missile attack on a cafe in the centre of Kramatorsk on 27 June.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Former President Trump and President Biden are locked in a virtual dead heat in Pennsylvania, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday.

Forty-seven percent of registered voters in the Keystone State said they would support the former president in a hypothetical matchup in 2024, while 46 percent said they would back the sitting president, the poll found.

Pennsylvania Republicans and Democrats skewed heavily in favor of their respective candidates in a Trump-Biden rematch, with 89 percent of registered GOP voters saying they would support Trump and 94 percent of registered Democratic voters saying the same of Biden.

However, independents in the poll favored the former president in a hypothetical matchup. While 37 percent said they would support Biden, 51 percent said they would back Trump.

The former president is leading the ever-growing field of Republican candidates, receiving 49 percent support among Pennsylvania GOP voters in the survey. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis trails behind in second with 25 percent support, while former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Vice President Mike Pence are tied in third with 5 percent each.

The only other candidates with more than 1 percent support were former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, who each polled at 4 percent.

Though battling fierce legal headwinds, Trump leaves the rest of the GOP pack (including Ron DeSantis) looking like also rans and is running neck and neck with President Biden, Quinnipiac University Polling Analyst Tim Malloy said in a news release.

On the Democratic side, Biden holds a substantial lead over two candidates who have launched long-shot bids for the Democratic nomination, the Quinnipiac survey found.

While the sitting president is polling at 71 percent among Pennsylvania Democratic voters, anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. garnered 17 percent support and self-help author Marianne Williamson received 5 percent support.

The Quinnipiac University poll was conducted June 22-26 with 1,584 registered voters in Pennsylvania and had a margin of error of 2.5 percentage points.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis described former President Donald Trump as having over-promised and under-delivered on Tuesday, vowing in New Hampshire to break the swamp in Washington while faulting Trump for failing to deliver on his 2016 campaign promises to drain it.

If I tell you Im going to do something, Im not just saying that for an election, DeSantis said in one of his sharpest attacks on the former president yet.

Trump, meanwhile, mocked the size of DeSantis town hall crowds, telling attendees at a luncheon in Concord that nobody showed up to the Florida governors event a 40-minute drive south in Hollis.

The two top-polling contenders for the GOPs 2024 nomination circled each other Tuesday in New Hampshire, trading shots as they crisscrossed the state that hosts the first primary  after Iowas caucuses  and is a crucial momentum-builder.

Their exchanges offered a preview of the months to come, with the Republican field having taken shape in recent weeks and the partys first presidential debate less than two months away.

Trump was blunt about why he was targeting DeSantis, rather than other GOP 2024 rivals, such as his former vice president, Mike Pence, or his former United Nations ambassador, Nikki Haley.

Somebody said, How come you only attack him? Trump told the crowd in Concord. I said, Cause hes in second place.

Well, why dont you attack others? Trump said, repeating the question he said he was asked. Because theyre not in second place. But soon, I dont think hell be in second place, so Ill be attacking somebody else.

The former president even praised two other GOP contenders, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who he said is actually a pretty good guy after Ramaswamy said he would pardon Trump, and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, who he said happens to be a very nice guy, actually.

Harping on early-state polls that show Trump with a lead in the GOPs 2024 primary, Trump focused his attacks on DeSantis over his response to the Covid-19 pandemic in Florida and his past support for privatizing Social Security and Medicare.

Trump argued that during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, DeSantis wanted everything closed in Florida and gave very threatening speeches  you know, thinks hes a tough guy.

He said DeSantis loved Fauci, referring to the governments former top infectious disease expert, who was a central figure in the Trump administrations response to the pandemic and recently retired during President Joe Bidens administration.

I want to break the swamp

Trumps remarks came shortly after DeSantis had fielded a voters question about Trump at a town hall in Hollis.

A voter told DeSantis most of us in this room voted to drain the swamp twice and asked why hes the one to get it done this time as opposed to the other choice.

I remember these rallies in 2016. It was exciting. Drain the swamp. I also remember Lock her up, lock her up, right? And then two weeks after the election, Ah no, forget about it. Forget I ever said that. No, no, no. One thing youll get from me, if I tell you Im going to do something, Im not just saying that for an election, DeSantis said.

He said he doesnt make promises he cant follow through on, even if they might help him marginally politically. DeSantis also said just draining the swamp is not effective enough. Instead, he said he wants to break it.

It was a riff on one of Trumps signature 2016 campaign lines, and a suggestion that the former president had not delivered on his lofty promises to remake Washington.

The idea of draining the swamp, in some respects, I think it misses it a little bit, DeSantis said. We didnt drain it. Its worse today than its ever been by far. And thats a sad testament to the state of affairs of our country. But even if youre successful at draining it, the next guy can just refill it. So, I want to break the swamp. Thats really what we need to do.

The Florida governor said he would drop the hammer on some federal agencies, including the Justice Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, and end the weaponization of government.

All of these agencies are going to be turned inside and out, DeSantis said.

His promise of a more aggressive approach than Trumps ignores the potential legal hurdles he could encounter if elected next November. In Florida, more than a dozen legal battles testing the constitutionality of many of the victories DeSantis has touted on the campaign trail are ongoing. Critics say DeSantis has built his governorship around enacting laws that appeal to his conservative base but that, as a Harvard-trained lawyer, he knows are unconstitutional and not likely to take effect.

The Florida governors remarks in New Hampshire came the day after he had taken aim at another signature Trump 2016 campaign pledge: DeSantis said that not nearly enough of the wall Trump had promised on the United States-Mexico border had been built.

For us, its going to be a national emergency on day one. This is going to be mobilizing all available assets on day one. We have a plan for all the different levers of authority that we have to be able to bring this to bear, DeSantis said at the Rio Grande River on the U.S. Mexico Border in Maverick County, Texas, on Monday.

In an effort to position himself to Trumps political right on immigration enforcement, DeSantis also said he would be more aggressive in terms of our plan than anything he did in empowering local officials to enforce immigration law.

Trump fired back on the issue later Tuesday in his second New Hampshire stop as he mingled with voters in Manchester at the opening of his campaign headquarters there, saying that DeSantis was promising to carry out policies that Trump had already enacted as president.

I saw DeSantis yesterday, he got up and said exactly what I was doing, with his border and immigration policies, Trump said.

CNNs Steve Contorno contributed to this report.

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Former President Trump filed a counterclaim Tuesday in his latest legal battle with author E. Jean Carroll, accusing her of defamation just a month after a jury found him liable for sexual abusing and defaming her by denying her allegations.

Trump filed the counterclaim Tuesday, alleging that Carroll defamed him when she accused him of raping her during an appearance on CNN on May 10, just a day after a nine-member jury found that Trump did not commit rape. According to the counterclaim, Trump alleged that Carroll defamed him when she said, Oh yes he did, oh yes he did, in response to an interview question on CNN asking for her thoughts on the jurys ruling that Trump was not liable for rape.

The counterclaim states that Carroll made these false statements with actual malice and ill will with an intent to significantly and spitefully harm and attack. According to the filing, Trump has been the subject of significant harm to his reputation, which, in turn, has yielded an inordinate amount of damages sustained as a result.

Trumps lawyers argued that Carrolls comments on CNN were made on multiple platforms to make sure they reached a large audience.

The interview was on television, social media and multiple internet websites, with the intention of broadcasting and circulating these defamatory statements among a significant portion of the public, Trumps lawyers argued in the filing.

Carroll has filed two separate defamation lawsuits against Trump. The second lawsuit went to trial last month, when the jury awarded Carroll $5 million in damages after finding the former president liable for sexually abusing  though not liable for raping  Carroll in the mid-1990s and defaming her by denying her claims in an October 2022 statement. Trump has since asked for a new trial.

Trump filed his new counterclaim in response to Carrolls first lawsuit against the former president, which is a separate case that has yet to reach trial. This lawsuit accused the former president of defaming Carroll when she initially came forward with her allegations in June 2019, including during an interview Trump gave The Hill at the White House three days after the accusation was first published.

This first lawsuit includes comments Trump made about Carrolls appearance and accusing her of lying about the rape allegation. It may be moving ahead again soon after being held up by some legal challenges; the Justice Department (DOJ) had attempted to previously step in for this case to replace Trump as the defendant, arguing that he made statements when he was employed as president.

After a judge granted Carrolls request earlier this month to add the comments Trump made during a CNN town hall last month to the first lawsuit, the DOJ has signaled in recent court filings that it may be reconsidering its position. The DOJ has until July 13 to ask to step away from the case.

Donald Trump again argues, contrary to both logic and fact, that he was exonerated by a jury that found that he sexually abused E Jean Carroll by forcibly inserting his fingers into her vagina, Carrolls attorney, Roberta Kaplan, told The Hill. Four out of the five statements in Trumps so-called counterclaim were made outside of New Yorks one-year statute of limitations. The other statement similarly will not withstand a motion to dismiss.

Trumps filing is thus nothing more than his latest effort to delay accountability for what a jury has already found to be his defamation of E Jean Carroll. But whether he likes it or not, that accountability is coming very soon, Kaplan said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The once-fringe immigration proposals pushed by former President Trump are now the backbone of the GOPs immigration and border security platform.

Trump, who is leading the race for the 2024 Republican nomination, launched his 2016 candidacy with a speech denigrating Mexican immigrants that at the time was panned as sorely out of touch with the party and the general electorate.

Yet in the 2024 race, GOP candidates are scrambling to outdo each other with statements and proposals ideologically aligned with Trumps golden escalator speech.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday launched his official immigration and border security platform titled Stop the Invasion  a term civil rights organizations associate with the Great Replacement Theory.

Trumps campaign quickly responded, accusing DeSantis of copying and pasting his proposals.

What weve identified is that from Donald Trump, and I think even further after him, were seeing a continued escalation that is a like nativist doom loop that Republicans seem to be on further and further escalating those tensions, said Zachary Mueller, who monitors Republican rhetoric on immigration for Americas Voice, where he serves as political director.

Where the Republican Party is at now and what theyre pushing isnt the same Republican Party that they were even in 2018, and the kind of ideas that they were pushing. The foregrounding of what I think are white nationalist slogans like stop the invasion, is different even than it was several years ago, as Republicans compete with each other, specifically around that insular base.

The shift to the right in many ways mirrors the way Trump rattled GOP orthodoxy in 2016, though 2024 dynamics are different, because his immigration rhetoric has been thoroughly audience tested.

DeSantis and other contenders such as former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley have hardened their tone on immigration, aware that appealing to Trumps base is a necessary prerequisite to be competitive in a national Republican primary.

DeSantis on Monday advocated for the use of deadly force against people crossing the border demonstrating hostile intent.

If you drop a couple of these cartel operatives trying to do that, youre not going to have to worry about that anymore, he said.

That strategy comes with risks, as voters outside the GOP base tend to have more moderate positions on immigration and are rarely energized by the issue  only 8 percent of voters cited immigration as their top issue in a recent NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist National Poll.

But the tough rhetoric is not about addressing policy issues, said Mario H. Lopez, president of the Hispanic Leadership Fund, a conservative advocacy group.

Most of the politicians that tout anti-immigrant propaganda are not interested in solutions. Theyre not interested in a secure border. Theyre perpetuating the insecurity of the southern border for their own political benefit and so they can fundraise, scream on Twitter, and get on TV, said Lopez.

Experts on extremism say the rhetoric is nothing new, although it has grown in scope.

Its important to point out that the word invasion has been used for many, many years by various political figures on the right who dont want undocumented immigrants coming into the country, said Marilyn Mayo, a senior research fellow at the Anti-Defamation Leagues Center on Extremism.

It doesnt necessarily mean that DeSantis is promoting the Great Replacement Theory. It does mean that he has some viewpoints that overlap with that theory, added Mayo, who described the term invasion as extremely derogatory.

The Great Replacement Theory is the idea that white people are being systematically replaced by nonwhite immigrants  in its most extreme form, the theory states that Jews are purposely fostering that replacement to gain economic and political power.

Theres a third version, and this is where I think you have the most overlap  which is that its a more subtle version of the Great Replacement Theory, said Mayo.

And it claims that, for example, the Democrats or the liberals are purposely allowing for an open border so that immigrants from Latin America and the Caribbean can enter the country, receive amnesty and then eventually vote Democratic.

Though neither Trump or DeSantiss campaign platforms directly accuse Democrats of purposefully inviting illegal immigration, the idea has become a mainstay of Republican rhetoric on border security.

Pushing for a GOP border bill last month, House Majority Leader Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) panned the administration for opposing the legislation.

So that tells you exactly where the Biden Administration is. They want an open border. They created an open border, he said.

Groups including the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), an advocacy organization that calls for drastic reductions in immigration, say invasion is fair game.

I dont think that anything Governor DeSantis said was over any lines or even close to the line, said Ira Mehlman, a spokesman for FAIR.

You know, when you have that many people coming across the border, invasion is not an unreasonable term. Other people might choose other terms, but its certainly not unreasonable to say that the volume of people coming across the border illegally, that it could be termed an invasion, added Mehlman.

FAIR is part of a network of restrictionist groups that have worked since the late 1970s to mainstream policy platforms of hawkish immigration restrictions that were once mostly brushed aside, but now form the backbone of GOP immigration orthodoxy.

Until Trumps 2016 win, the national Republican stance on immigration seemed to be shifting to the center.

Bruised by the 2012 election loss, the Republican National Committee conducted an autopsy that concluded the party wasnt inclusive enough and, among other things, would have to back comprehensive immigration reform to win national elections.

The report convinced the party elite, but the populist Tea Party movement, a precursor to the Freedom Caucus, rejected its findings and played a key role in blocking immigration reform in 2013, backed by groups like FAIR.

And FAIR had other real world effects pre-Trump. For instance, Haley in 2011 signed an immigration bill into law in South Carolina modeled after Arizonas SB-1070, written by a lawyer working with the Immigration Reform Law Institute, FAIRs legal arm.

The broader network of restrictionist groups is known as the Tanton Network, after founder John Tanton, a Michigan ophthalmologist who wrote about eugenics and the environmental case for population control.

The group has long been a lightning rod among immigration advocates, both for its ideology and origins and because of its political effectiveness.

In 2007 and 2013, for instance, advocates with connections to Tanton played quiet but key roles in scuttling promising immigration reform initiatives.

But the GOPs wholesale embrace of restrictionist ideology and rhetoric worries experts such as Mayo.

Theres definitely an ebb and flow of extremism. I think whats different now, what we sense in terms of those of us who do this work of looking at extremism, is that there is more mainstreaming of extremist ideas, said Mayo.

And what do we mean by that? We mean that you have elected officials and public figures like media personalities promoting things like the Great Replacement Theory, or promoting conspiracy theories about all sorts of things that are current right now, whether its the 2020 election, COVID or any one of a number of other things.

And Mueller said that rhetoric is inexorably tied to political violence such as racially motivated mass shootings at a Pittsburgh synagogue in 2018, an El Paso, Texas, Walmart in 2019 and a Buffalo, N.Y., supermarket in 2022.

First and foremost is, if you look at the white nationalists, especially the violent white nationalists who left manifestos, they talk about [invasion and Great Replacement] as the same thing, said Mueller.

Though Mayo warned against blaming public figures for the actions of violent extremists, she said large public platforms do carry inherent risks.

People who speak about immigration have to be aware that the language or the rhetoric they use that demonize immigrants who come here for a variety of reasons, that those words will have an impact. And sometimes you cant predict who might take it further, but it does have an impact.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(Bloomberg) -- Donald Trump is doubling down on his legal brawl with E. Jean Carroll, suing the New York author for defamation weeks after a jury held him liable for sexually abusing her.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The former president on Tuesday night filed a counterclaim accusing Carroll of trashing his reputation by publicly accusing him of rape during a May 10 appearance on CNN, despite jurors concluding a day earlier that his actions during the alleged 1996 assault hadnt gone that far.

Trump has been the subject of significant harm to his reputation, which, in turn, has yielded an inordinate amount of damages sustained as a result, according to the filing.

A jury of six men and three women last month found that Trump, who is seeking to return to the White House in the 2024 presidential election, was liable for sexual abuse  and not liable for rape  before awarding Carroll $5 million in damages.

Trumps court filing Tuesday is a counterclaim in a separate 2019 defamation lawsuit Carroll filed against him that is set to go to trial in January. While Carroll won the first trial, Trump has interpreted the verdict as a victory, of sorts, because of the finding on rape.

Effort to Delay

Donald Trump again argues, contrary to both logic and fact, that he was exonerated by a jury that found that he sexually abused E. Jean Carroll, her lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, said in a statement. She called the counterclaim Trumps latest effort to delay accountability.

A Trump lawyer had previously been denied court permission to file a counterclaim against Carroll in her defamation case because the request was made too late.

QuickTake: What Trumps Many Legal Perils Mean for His 2024 Bid

But Trump attorney Alina Habba argues that a new window for filing a counterclaim was opened earlier this month when Carroll was allowed to amend her defamation complaint after winning the battery trial.

Oh Yes He Did

Among other things, Carroll amended her complaint to change every rape reference to sexual abuse. Carroll also revised the complaint to add Trumps remarks about her at a CNN town hall, where he called her a liar after the trial and accused her fabricating the attack.

Read More: Trump Liable for Sex Abuse, Must Pay $5 Million to Carroll

When Carroll was asked on CNN a day after the verdict about the jury finding that Trump didnt rape her, she falsely claimed otherwise, according to the filing.

Oh yes he did, oh yes he did, she said, according to the filing, which says that Carroll made the comments with an intent to significantly and spitefully harm and attack the former president.

The interview was on television, social media and multiple internet websites, with the intention of broadcasting and circulating these defamatory statements among a significant portion of the public, Trumps lawyers said in the filing.

Carroll went public with her claims in a 2019 magazine article, triggering a wave of sharply worded denials from Trump when he was in the White House, including an assertion by Trump that he couldnt have raped Carroll because she wasnt his type and that she falsely accused him to help Democrats. Those comments are the subject of Carrolls defamation suit thats heading to trial next year.

The case is Carroll v. Trump, 22-cv-10016, US District Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan).

--With assistance from Joel Rosenblatt.

(Updates with comment by Carrolls lawyer in second section.)

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Trump sues E. Jean Carroll for defamation after jury finds he sexually abused her

Trump sues E. Jean Carroll for defamation after jury finds he sexually abused her Republican presidential candidate Trump opens New Hampshire Headquaters

By Jack Queen

(Reuters) -Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday sued E. Jean Carroll for defamation, alleging she falsely accused him of rape after a jury in a civil trial found that he sexually abused her.

Trump's counterclaim against Carroll in Manhattan federal court comes after a jury's unusual finding in May that he sexually abused and defamed but did not rape Carroll, a former Elle magazine advice columnist.

Trump seeks a retraction as well as unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.

Carroll's lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, said in a statement that Trump's filing was "nothing more than his latest effort to delay accountability" for the jury's verdict.

"Donald Trump again argues, contrary to both logic and fact, that he was exonerated by a jury that found that he sexually abused E. Jean Carroll," Kaplan said.

Trump's lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The filing by Trump signals that his multi-front legal fight with Carroll is unlikely to end soon as both sides trade accusations and denials in the media.

Carroll amended the first of her two lawsuits against Trump and sought an additional $10 million in damages in May, citing his denials during a CNN appearance the day after the verdict.

Trump's filing in that same lawsuit Tuesday cite Carroll's statements on CNN after the verdict, when she said Trump raped her despite the jury's finding that he only sexually abused her.

Trump, who is running to retake the White House in 2024 and has a comfortable lead over his Republican rivals, has denied raping Carroll. He is appealing the verdict, which found he must pay $5 million in damages.

Carroll testified that Trump raped her in a New York City department store in the mid-1990s and then ruined her reputation by calling her a liar when she went public in 2019.

The new filings come in Carrolls first lawsuit against Trump, which she filed in 2019 for defamation only. The case has been bogged down in appeals over whether Trump was immune from being sued because he had been president when he spoke.

Carroll filed her second lawsuit against Trump for both defamation and sexual assault after New York passed a law giving survivors of sexual violence a window to file civil suits even if the statute of limitations on their claims had passed.

(Reporting by Jack Queen in New York; Editing by Kim Coghill, Robert Birsel)
File: E Jean Carroll walks out of Manhattan federal court, Tuesday, 9 May 2023, in New York (Associated Press)

Donald Trump sued E Jean Carroll for defamation on Tuesday after a jury held him liable for sexually abusing her.

The former president filed a counterclaim in Manhattan federal court, accusing the author of tarnishing his reputation publicly. He has sought retraction as well as unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.

According to the court filing, Mr Trump has been the subject of significant harm to his reputation, which, in turn, has yielded an inordinate amount of damages sustained as a result.

Last month, a jury of six men and three women found that the former president was liable for sexual abuse, and not liable for rape, before awarding Ms Carroll $5m in damages.

He also launched a fresh defamatory attack on Ms Carroll last month just hours after her lawyers formally asked to amend her remaining defamation lawsuit against the ex-president to include his smears at a CNN town hall.

Trumps defamatory statements post-verdict show the depth of his malice toward Carroll since it is hard to imagine defamatory conduct that could possibly be more motivated by hatred, ill will, or spite, the proposed amended complaint said.

This conduct supports a very substantial punitive damages award in Carrolls favour both to punish Trump, to deter him from engaging in further defamation, and to deter others from doing the same, the complaint said.

After his statements about her on CNN, Ms Carrolls lawyers had asked a Manhattan federal court judge for permission to amend the first defamation lawsuit that she filed against Ms Trump in 2019.

He later wrote on Truth Social: I dont know E Jean Carroll, I never met her or touched her (except on a celebrity line with her African American husband who she disgustingly called the Ape,), he wrote. Mr Trump has previously also accused Ms Carroll of calling her husband ape, without any evidence.

I wouldnt want to know or touch her, I never abused her or raped her or took her to a dressing room 25 years ago in a crowded department store where the doors are LOCKED, she has no idea when, or did anything else to her, except deny her Fake, Made Up Story, that she wrote in a book. IT NEVER HAPPENED, IS A TOTAL SCAM, UNFAIR TRIAL! he added.

Meanwhile, Mr Trumps lawyers said in the court filing on Tuesday: The interview was on television, social media and multiple internet websites, with the intention of broadcasting and circulating these defamatory statements among a significant portion of the public.

The former presidents court filing on Tuesday is a counterclaim in a separate 2019 defamation lawsuit Ms Carroll filed against him that is set to go to trial in January, it was reported. While Ms Carroll won the first trial, the former president has interpreted the verdict as a victory, of sorts, because of the finding on rape.

Additional reporting from agencies
Donald Trump. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Trump is testing out a new strategy as he faces a 37-count indictment: publicly calling himself a liar.

He told ABC News that "it was bravado" when he appeared to show off "highly confidential" information to aides during a 2021 meeting.

It's a remarkable shift for the former president, who has repeatedly boasted about having access to classified information.

As he faces 37 felony counts related to his handling of classified documents, former President Donald Trump is trotting out a surprising new strategy: publicly admitting that he lied.

The latest defense came in an interview with ABC News on Tuesday, where Trump insisted that he had "no regrets" about his actions and that he was just trying to impress people when he appeared to show off "highly confidential" information to his aides during a meeting in 2021.

Trump now says the papers he showed off were harmless, and that he lied about them being classified.

"If you want to know the truth, it was bravado. I was just talking and holding up papers and talking about, but I have no documents," Trump told ABC, referring to his conversation, which was captured on audio and detailed in the special counsel Jack Smith's indictment earlier this month.

"I didn't have any documents," the former president said.

Trump previously told Fox News' Bret Baier that he didn't take any classified material with him when he left office: "There was no document. That was a massive amount of papers and everything else talking about Iran and other things. And it may have been held up or may not, but that was not a document. I didn't have a document, per se. There was nothing to declassify. These were newspaper stories, magazine stories, and articles."

But Tuesday's interview with ABC is the first time Trump has publicly said that he lied about having classified government material.

It's a remarkable shift for the former president, who has in the past boasted about having access to the country's most sensitive secrets.

Among other things, he tweeted out a photo from a classified intelligence briefing, disclosed information about a highly classified Israeli operation to Russian officials, and discussed the US's response to North Korea's ballistic missile threat in plain view of Mar-a-Lago patrons.

Trump is no stranger to legal threats. Now, however, he no longer has the shield of the presidency as he faces a 37-count indictment from the special counsel.

Before the indictment was unsealed, Trump tested out a number of other defenses, including claiming that the Presidential Records Act meant he could take what he wanted from the White House, and that he could declassify anything he wanted to.

Prosecutors didn't buy that excuse  and Trump didn't buy it either, according to the indictment.

"See, as president, I could have declassified it," Trump told his aides during the 2021 meeting, referring to a Pentagon document he allegedly showed off. "Now I can't, you know, but this is still a secret."

"Yeah," a staffer said, laughing. "Now we have a problem."

"Isn't that interesting," Trump said.

A lawyer for Trump declined to comment on this story, and a campaign spokesperson did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Trump wants to keep 'communists' and Marxists out of the US. Heres what the law says

FILE - Former President Donald Trump speaks during the Oakland County Republican Party's Lincoln Day Dinner, June 25, 2023, in Novi, Mich. Trump vowed over the weekend to prevent all communists and all Marxists from using the U.S. immigration system to enter the country. Is that currently an issue, and how would such an order interact with current immigration law? (AP Photo/Al Goldis) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

WASHINGTON (AP)  Donald Trump has announced a new campaign proposal on United States immigration  barring communists and Marxists from entering the country.

The Republican former president, who is making another bid in 2024, on Saturday said he would use Section 212 (f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to order my government to deny entry to all communists and all Marxists.

The announcement was reminiscent of Trumps ban on travelers from several predominantly Muslim countries during his first term, which was heavily criticized as anti-Muslim and ultimately revoked by President Joe Biden.

Those who come to enjoy our country must love our country, Trump said during a speech at the Faith and Freedom Coalitions conference in Washington, adding, Were going to keep foreign, Christian-hating communists, Marxists and socialists out of America.

He also said there needs to be a new law to address communists and Marxists who grew up in America, but didnt elaborate on what it would include.

Trump's proposal also raised questions about whether a decades-old law could actually be used to ban all communist and Marxist immigrants to the U.S., how it would work, and why Trump is so focused on these political theories in a country where few residents support them.

Heres a look at existing U.S. laws and what Trumps proposal could look like:

WHAT DOES CURRENT U.S. LAW SAY ABOUT THIS?

U.S. immigration law already bars people who are members of a Communist Party from becoming naturalized citizens or green card holders, said Andrew Arthur, a former immigration judge and fellow at the Center for Immigration Studies, which is a Washington, D.C.-based think tank that advocates for less immigration in the U.S.

U.S. immigration law says that any immigrant ... who is or has been a member of or affiliated with the Communist or any other totalitarian party (or subdivision or affiliate thereof), domestic or foreign, is inadmissible.

The origins of that rule date back to 1918 when the U.S. government became concerned about external threats of anarchism and communism, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services policy manual. At that time, it was also the end of World War I, communism was taking root in the Soviet Union, and the country would soon impose strict immigration quotas in the U.S.

But, it does have some exceptions. For example, people who had to join the Communist Party in order to get a job or if their membership was issued when under age 16, according to immigration code.

The prohibition also doesnt currently apply to someone who wants to visit the U.S., such as on a tourist visa or as a student.

During his speech Trump said he would use a particular section of U.S. immigration law  Section 212 (f)  to bar all communists and all Marxists. That section gives broad authority to bar people who arent U.S. citizens entering the country if their entry would be detrimental to the interests of the United States.

IS THERE PRECEDENT FOR THIS?

Trumps comments on barring communists and Marxists harken back to one of the more controversial actions of his administration  often referred to by critics as a travel ban on Muslims. Opponents cited Trumps own tweets and rhetoric in arguing that the travel ban discriminated against Muslims. But the high court ruled 5-4 in Trumps favor. Chief Justice John Roberts said in the majority opinion at the time that the justices werent weighing in on whether it was good policy but that it was well within U.S. presidents considerable authority over immigration and responsibility for keeping the nation safe.

Arthur said that case was a key indicator making him think that Trump would be on sound legal ground if he tried to bar communists or Marxists from entering the U.S. Arthur also said that foreign nationals trying to enter the U.S. have little of the constitutional rights afforded to American citizens.

Trump wasnt the first president to use this specific power of immigration law to limit who can come into the U.S. A 2020 Congressional Research Service report noted instances where it had been used by various presidents, but the report noted that Trump used the authority to impose broader restrictions than his predecessors.

BUT HOW WOULD THIS ACTUALLY WORK?

Bill Hing, a professor at the University of San Francisco and general counsel to the California-based Immigrant Legal Resource Center, said Trump would run into legal trouble if he just did a blanket exclusion of all communists or Marxists.

In the travel ban that was eventually upheld by the Supreme Court, Hing said the court paid particular attention to the steps that the Trump administration had taken to check with U.S. embassies abroad on whether they could guarantee that people coming from those countries would not be a threat to the U.S.

You have to have some justification, Hing said.

That thought was echoed by immigration attorney Allen Orr, the former president of the Washington, D.C.-based American Immigration Lawyers Association. Orr said the version that eventually made it to the high court had a whole list of exceptions.

Its not a blanket ban if there are a ton of exceptions, Orr said.

IF TRUMP IS ELECTED, WHO WOULD BE AFFECTED BY THIS PLAN?

Analysts point squarely at one country: China, where tens of millions of people are members of the countrys Communist Party.

Bates Gill is the executive director of the Center for China Analysis at the Asia Society. He said such a ban would most heavily impact China and should be viewed through that lens. Gill said beyond the vast number of members being Chinese government officials, party membership has also traditionally been a pathway for the upwardly mobile in China who are often well-educated, urban and internationally oriented. Since the late 1990s, Gill said, businesspeople have also been joining the party.

In essence you would be banning the elite of China from entering the United States, he said. It would be vast and sweeping and of course highly damaging to the relationship with China.

ARE THERE COMMUNISTS AND MARXISTS IN AMERICA NOW?

There are some, but judging by the membership of the national Communist Party, its a fairly small number.

Communist Party USA has about 15,000 people on its membership list, said party co-chair Joe Sims. The list is pruned regularly, he said, but some of that group may not be active members.

The party is growing with about 2,000 to 3,000 new members a year, and has run some local school board and city council candidates, Sims added.

However, it doesnt have anyone in federal or state elected office, and hasn't run a presidential ticket since the mid-1980s, he said.

THEN WHY DOES TRUMP TALK ABOUT THEM SO MUCH?

Seeding fears that communists and Marxists are poised to take over the country has proved an effective way for the former president to animate his base.

While theres no real risk that the U.S. could soon become a third world Marxist regime as Trump has suggested, these attacks have helped him target voters emotions in a country with a long history of anti-communist sentiment.

The tactic has also helped Trump appeal to some immigrants whose families faced oppression and political persecution under Communist regimes in countries such as Venezuela, Cuba and Vietnam.

Trump has also baselessly referred to his Democratic rivals with these terms since he first appeared on the political scene, but Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and other Republicans recently have piled on with similar attacks, claiming woke policies in America are part of a Marxist agenda.

Experts say its false to suggest that communists or Marxists rule major U.S. institutions.

Biden, for example, is a capitalism advocate who has taken executive action to promote economic competition.

___

Swenson reported from New York.

___

The Associated Press receives support from several private foundations to enhance its explanatory coverage of elections and democracy. See more about APs democracy initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Former President Donald Trump has catapulted the careers of many a Republican over the past eight years. None have benefited more than Kevin McCarthy.

In every conceivable way, the House speaker owes his gavel to Trump.

Thats why it came as a shock yesterday when McCarthy on Tuesday dissed Trump in a CNBC interview, openly questioning whether Trump would be Republicans best presidential nominee in 2024 after carefully avoiding the topic for months.

Can he win that election? Yeah, he can win that election, McCarthy said, referring to a Biden-Trump matchup. The question is: Is he the strongest to win the election? I dont know that answer.

Trump world flipped out. Top aides to the former president and allies who know both men quickly traded messages asking, in short: What the fuck?

Some called McCarthy a moron. Others looked to Trump campaign hand Brian Jack, who also advises the speaker and has been a critical bridge between both men, to play mediator as Trump hit the trail in New Hampshire.

McCarthy immediately pivoted into clean-up mode. He called Trump to apologize, according to the New York Times. He offered Breitbart reporter Matt Boyle an exclusive interview, during which he walked the comments back and accused the media of taking them out of context.

Trump is stronger today than he was in 2016, McCarthy told Boyle.



None of these moves assuaged the fury in Trumps inner circle, people familiar with the matter told POLITICO. McCarthy, they feel, has taken advantage of the former president when it benefits him and failed to show unflinching loyalty in return. They dont understand how he could misspeak  as McCarthy, were told, put it to Trump  on something so critical.

In fact, McCarthys damage control made things worse. The speakers campaign allies pushed out fundraising emails and texts claiming, Trump is the STRONGEST opponent to Biden!  then asking for money.

Fundraising off of Trumps name without permission is a huge no-no for the former president. His team requires explicit approval for any campaign to use his name and likeness. Trumps team asked McCarthys last night to take down the fundraising pitch.

This is not the first time McCarthy has been crosswise with Trump. After the Jan. 6 riot, McCarthy floated the idea of censuring Trump for his actions and was later caught on tape discussing the idea of asking Trump to resign. Yet the two continued their symbiotic bond: McCarthy quickly assumed a key role in restoring Trumps prominence in the GOP, and Trump stayed in McCarthys corner as he battled for the gavel.



But Tuesdays drama came at a sensitive moment, with a major question already bouncing around Trump world: Why hasnt McCarthy endorsed Trump?

While its unclear if Trump has explicitly asked McCarthy for his support, his silence on the matter has baffled the former president and his close allies.

McCarthy has told some Trump backers that hes holding off because an endorsement might hurt Trump by tying him to the party establishment, according to one GOP campaign consultant who asked not to be named. Hes also suggested that as the highest-ranking Republican in office, just two heartbeats away from the presidency, perhaps he should stay neutral.

But Trumps allies arent buying that. The former president, the thinking goes, will never allow McCarthy to stay on the sidelines in a nasty GOP primary and expects his full support, something many of them think hell get eventually  and perhaps, now, sooner rather than later.

At what point is it okay for Kevin McCarthy not to endorse Trump? the consultant asked. Donald Trump has been very good to Kevin McCarthy.

The brouhaha also raised questions about how long Trump or will support McCarthy.

Many of the ex-presidents strongest allies in Congress have been stacking up their grievances against McCarthy, waiting for the right moment to make a move. Several would be more than happy to force a vote to oust the speaker if Trump wanted  and Trump knows that.

If Donald Trump wanted  he could have him out as speaker by the end of the week, the consultant said.
China's diplomacy to further consolidate and expand 'circle of friends' in summer, with Xi meeting visiting leaders from New Zealand, Barbados, Mongolia, Vietnam

09:36, June 28, 2023 By Yang Sheng ( Global Times

Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) meets with visiting Prime Minister of New Zealand Chris Hipkins in Beijing on June 27, 2023. Photo: Xinhua

After realizing significant diplomatic goals like helping the reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran in March, Chinese diplomacy is continually pushing for more achievements in summer with Chinese President Xi Jinping busily meeting with visiting Prime Minister of New Zealand Chris Hipkins, Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh as well as Prime Minister of Mongolia Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene in Beijing on Tuesday.

China and New Zealand agreed to keep expanding cooperation in economy and trade, education, technology, tourism as well as people-to-people and cultural exchanges, according to a release of the meeting between Xi and Hipkins.

Xi said he has always attached great importance to the relationship between China and New Zealand. The relationship between China and New Zealand has always led China's relationship with developed countries. The two sides should continue to carry forward the spirit of striving to be the best, and constantly consolidate and deepen the China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi noted.

Last year marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and New Zealand.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) meets with visiting Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Amor Mottley in Beijing on June 27, 2023. Photo: Xinhua

During the meeting with Mottley, Xi noted that Barbados is the first country in the Eastern Caribbean to establish diplomatic relations with China, and is also a good friend and partner of China in this region. He called on the two countries to deepen political mutual trust and continue to understand and support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns. China, as always, supports Barbados in safeguarding national sovereignty and independence, and independently choosing a development path, Xi noted.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) meets with visiting Prime Minister of Mongolia Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene in Beijing on June 27, 2023. Photo: Xinhua

China and Mongolia vowed to enhance cooperation in various fields, including combating desertification, building the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor and the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative. China and Mongolia are both developing countries and share extensive common interests and similar positions in international and regional affairs. China supports Mongolia in playing an active role in regional and international affairs, Xi noted.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) meets with visiting Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh in Beijing on June 27, 2023. Photo: Xinhua

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Xi said that, facing the increasingly severe and complex international situation, China and Vietnam should uphold the spirit of equality, mutual benefit, solidarity and mutual trust, win-win cooperation, and should work together to seek common development, better benefit the two countries, and inject more stability into the turbulent world.

Pham Minh Chinh said that Vietnam opposes the politicization of economic issues, and is willing to work closely with China to prevent and deal with risks and challenges, prevent any force from alienating Vietnam-China relations and build a Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with a shared destiny.

Barbados, Mongolia, New Zealand and Vietnam are located on different continents, and have different political systems, histories, cultures, stages of development and economic sizes. China's efforts to improve ties with these countries show that the world will be further connected with each other. Members of the international community want to seek certainties and possibilities from China, and they will not follow moves to "decouple" or provoke "confrontation" launched by the US against China, experts noted.

New Zealand - a member of the US-led Five Eyes Alliance and an Anglo-Saxon nation - attaches great importance to developing relations with China. This time, as Hipkins is accompanied by a large economic and trade delegation, the trip aims to explore more cooperation opportunities and promote New Zealand-China relations to a new level, the New Zealand Prime Minister said during the meeting with Xi.

Chinese experts praised the independent policymaking of New Zealand which shows the consensus shared by different political parties within the country on how to get along with China. It presents an example of how Western countries can withstand the pressures of unilateralism, Cold War mentality and hegemony, as well as preserve their strategic autonomy to develop ties with China and benefit their people.

Compared with other members of the Five Eyes Alliance - the US, the UK, Australia and Canada, New Zealand is a country that is able to maintain equal and pragmatic relations and mutual respect with China, and bilateral ties have not been impacted by the China-US tension for a very long time.

In April 2022, during the term of Hipkins' predecessor Jacinda Ardern and a difficult for the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the two countries upgraded the protocol of the China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.

After Ardern resigned in January, Hipkins, also from the Labor Party of New Zealand, assumed office, and Ardern's strategic autonomy and pragmatic policy on China have been maintained and further developed.

According to Reuters, Hipkins, ahead of his trip to China, said on Thursday that he did not agree with US President Joe Biden's absurd and provocative remarks on the Chinese national leader and political system. "The form of government that China has is a matter for the Chinese people," Hipkins told reporters.

This shows that the government of New Zealand and the policymakers of the country have held a principle of non-interference when dealing with China, and refused to follow the arrogant and offensive attitude of Washington, while Wellington is able to develop ties with China based on the interests of New Zealand's people, analysts said.

Chen Hong, director of the New Zealand Studies Center at East China Normal University, told the Global Times on Tuesday that "Hipkins' visit shows the resilience of China-New Zealand ties. New Zealand is a small country, but it didn't choose to abandon its autonomy to blindly and unconditionally follow the instructions of a superpower, but has preserved its pragmatic policymaking." This is why the country can continue to benefit from its ties with China and avoid the damage caused by the US-led confrontation with China.

If other countries around the globe, especially Western ones, can learn some wisdom and experience from New Zealand's policy on China, the global recovery will be greatly optimized, the world order will be a lot more stable and the danger of bloc confrontation and the risks of more geopolitical crises will significantly reduce, said Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
A Tyngsboro daycare worker accused of taking nude photos of children is slated to face a judge in federal court in Boston on Wednesday.

Lindsay Groves, 38, a native of Hudson, New Hampshire, and a former employee of Creative Minds Daycare is slated to be arraigned on child exploitation and child pornography charges.

Groves allegedly took nude cell phone images of children between the ages of 3 and 5 in the daycares bathroom between May 2022 and June 2023, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

25 Investigates has learned that daycare staff at Creative Minds notified Tyngsboro police about Facebook messages last summer accusing Groves of taking the pictures, according to a source who spoke with Investigative Reporter Ted Daniel.

25 Investigates: Tyngsboro daycare worker accusations were first reported 10 months prior

The source said the messages to the daycare were sent by Groves estranged partner, Stacie-Marie Laughton. Laughton is a former New Hampshire state representative and the first transgender person to be elected to state office in 2012.

Authorities allege that Laughton had been requesting and receiving sexually explicit pictures from Groves of both young boys and girls.

Prosecutors say a review of Groves cell phone allegedly revealed over 2,500 text messages between Groves and Laughton.

Laughton was arrested last week on a felony arrest warrant charging her with the distribution of child sexual abuse images. She was also charged with three additional counts of distribution of child sexual abuse images.

Laughton is being held until her next hearing at a later date.

Former N.H. lawmaker, Tyngsboro daycare teacher facing child pornography charges

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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US adoptees stolen as babies from Chile find families, each other in growing support network

Rachel Smolkas adoption paperwork said she was the result of a rape and that her single mother didnt want to raise a baby alone. Other forms said she had no father or mother at all and had been abandoned.

Matt Molokies papers said his mother got pregnant at 18 and had decided to give her son a better life by putting him up for adoption.

It was all a lie.

Both Smolka and Molokie recently confirmed that they were stolen from their single, low-income mothers in Chile in the 1980s.

Smolka and Molokie were strangers until two months ago when they learned of their similar pasts and remarkably, that they grew up just 20 minutes from each other on Staten Island, New York.

Theyve not only formed a unique friendship out of their tragic pasts, but they are also part of a growing community of people whove learned the truth about their adoptions in Chile and reconnected with their birth families.

In the U.S., more than 40 of the adoptees have formed a support network where they can share their pasts and their pain, and find comfort in knowing theyre not alone.

Chile's stolen children: How they were taken and adopted to families in the US and beyond

40 birthdays apart

For 40 years, Rachel Smolka believed she had a typical adoption story: Her birth mother, Karina del Carmen Valdes Lara, simply couldnt take care of her and decided shed be better off with another family.

In reality, Valdes told USA TODAY that she had been looking forward to having a baby; she wasnt raped like the paperwork said. She was unmarried but she was going to figure it out, she was going to be a good mom.

After giving birth on Nov. 28, 1981, Valdes said she got to hold her newborn daughter only once before the midwife took her away, later telling her the baby had asphyxiated and died. While Valdes grieved, Smolka was being raised in New York by adoptive parents who had no idea their baby had been stolen from her mother.

Although Valdes eventually learned the truth that her baby was alive, she had no way to find out where she was or why shed been stolen. But she never gave up hope.

For me, every Nov. 28 marked the year because it was my daughters birthday, Valdes told USA TODAY from her home in Chile. On her birthday, I would silently tell her, Happy birthday. I never missed a birthday.

One day in early 2021, Valdes came across a USA TODAY story about international adoptees who had mistakenly believed they were U.S. citizens.

Although Smolka had a wonderful childhood, she said the story sparked questions about her past. As she began researching she learned that more than 20,000 children were stolen from their families in Chile and adopted out to foreigners mostly in the U.S. and northern Europe.

Eventually she would learn that she was one of them and she found Valdes on Facebook. They were on a video call the next day.

"I was in shock," Smolka said.

'Changing lives'

Like Smolka, Matt Molokie was going about his daily routine when he came across a story that would change his life. He read a report by USA TODAY about a California man who got to meet his sister in Chile after finding out he had had been stolen from his mother in the 1980s.

Molokie said the story made him wonder about his own adoption and that he decided to reach out to Nos Buscamos, an NGO dedicated to reuniting stolen children with their Chilean families.

Within a half hour the agency got back to him and said they knew where his birth mother was.

Molokies mother would come to tell him that her sisters brought her to a halfway house when she was 4 months pregnant and that she was held captive until she had the baby. Once she gave birth, they took him away, telling her she couldnt support the baby on her own.

She never told a soul what had happened until Molokie and Nos Buscamos had found her.

In all, six cases have been resolved as a result of the same USA TODAY story that Molokie read, said Constanza del Rio, founder and president of Nos Buscamos.

It really raised attention, she said. Its awesome for us because its about changing lives.

Reunited

Since learning the truth about their adoptions, both Smolka and Molokie have reunited with their families in Chile.

Smolka went for a week in February, not only reuniting with her mother but also meeting four sisters, a brother and 10 nieces and nephews for the first time. She worked with her adopted mother to put together an album of photos showing Smolka growing up in New York so that her birth mother could see how she was raised.

"I was a nervous wreck to go down there," Smolka said. "I went there not knowing what to expect, and when I left, I felt like a piece of like my heart and soul was left there."

As for her birth mother, Valdes said she "cried with grief and with joy" when she finally found out what had happened to her daughter. Getting to hold her for the first time in more than 40 years felt like a miracle.

"I never imagined I would find her," she said. "I'm very happy that God gave me the opportunity and put my daughter in my path because I asked God on my knees to put my daughter in a dream so I could meet her and tell her everything."

Molokie said he also had a powerfully emotional reunion with his family in Chile when he went there this month.

"My mother was waiting for me when I got off the plane," he said. "She just broke down crying. I think she cried every day I was there. She just held onto me and wouldn't let go and just kept crying and apologizing."

He said his mother seems more at peace now that she knows what happened to her son.

Finding comfort

Through the support group of Chilean adoptees like them, Smolka and Molokie already have formed a tight friendship in just two months.

When Molokie had to say goodbye to his Chilean family and get back on a plane to New York, he was hit with a wave of emotions. The first person he reached out to was Smolka.

"I've never felt such an attachment to people so fast before," he said about his Chilean family. "I reached out immediately to Rachel at the airport and I was like, 'Was this as difficult for you, as well? I feel like an emotional mess right now.' She answered me in two minutes. I didn't feel so alone.'"

That's exactly why Nos Buscamos started support groups in countries around the world where there are multiple Chilean adoptees stolen from their mothers. So far there are support groups in the U.S., the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Peru and Australia, del Rio said.

Constanza del Rio, the founder and president of Nos Buscamos, is pictured. Nos Buscamos says it has reunited 400 adoptees with the families they were stolen from in Chile.

She said she and another group member came up with the idea for the support groups watching NBC's "This is Us," which depicted a character who had been adopted finding comfort in talking to other adoptees.

The community of stolen adoptees will only continue to grow, del Rio said. So far, her group has reunited about 400 adoptees with their families and believes there are more than 20,000 to go.

"It's moving slowly but we started in 2014 and nobody knew about this and now I'm talking with a journalist in the United States," she said. "It's not as fast as we would like but it's working ... One by one."

One by one, each person who finds out that they were stolen from Chile is figuring out their new normal, integrating their new families into their lives, introducing their two completely different worlds.

Both Smolka and Molokie are planning on returning to Chile to further deepen their connections.

"Now I have a whole family in Chile," Smolka said. "The beginning of my life sounds like a twisted horror movie and I lived almost four decades having no idea. But now there is a rainbow."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: American adoptees stolen as babies in Chile connect through network
The U.S. Department of Justice is urging a federal judge to block a new Florida law that restricts people from China and six other countries from owning property in the state.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Justice Department attorneys Tuesday filed a 22-page statement of interest supporting a lawsuit and preliminary-injunction request filed by four Chinese people and a real-estate brokerage that serves Chinese clients.

The statement of interest said the law, approved this spring by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Republican-controlled Legislature violates the federal Fair Housing Act and the U.S. Constitutions Equal Protection Clause.

The law (SB 264) affects people from what Florida calls foreign countries of concern  China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria.

These unlawful provisions will cause serious harm to people simply because of their national origin, contravene federal civil rights laws, undermine constitutional rights, and will not advance the states purported goal of increasing public safety, the Justice Department attorneys wrote. Plaintiffs are likely to succeed on the merits of these claims challenging the provisions of SB 264 that restrict and prohibit land ownership.

The law, in part, targets Chinese people who are not U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents.

It would prevent them from purchasing property in Florida, with some exceptions. For example, they each would be allowed to purchase one residential property up to two acres if the property is not within five miles of a military base and they have non-tourist visas.

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit have such things as work and student visas. One is seeking asylum in the United States, according to the lawsuit, which was filed on May 22 and revised on June 5.

The law also would prevent people from the seven foreign countries of concern from buying agricultural land and property near military bases. Those parts of the law would apply to people who are not U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents.

U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor has scheduled a July 18 hearing on the plaintiffs request for a preliminary injunction. The law will take effect Saturday.

DeSantis, who is running for president in 2024, and other supporters of the law have pointed to a need to curb the influence of the Chinese Communist Party in Florida.

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They have established a position of economic might, of industrial hegemony, and their military is far stronger today than it was 20 or 25 years ago, DeSantis said during a bill-signing event last month in May. They have a leader whos very ideological and is intent on expanding CCP (Chinese Communist Party) influence, not just in their region but even around the globe.

But the document filed Tuesday by the Justice Department said the plaintiffs in the case are not part of the Chinese government or members of the Chinese Communist Party. It said the law violates the Fair Housing Act and equal-protection rights because it is discriminatory.

Florida has yet to identify any legitimate connection between protecting the state and prohibiting individuals who simply come from foreign countries of concern from purchasing or owning real property, the Justice Department attorneys wrote.

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overhead view of mecca with lots of roads and desert

The first long-duration Emirati astronaut to reach space photographed Mecca on Monday (June 26) during an annual pilgrimage there by Muslims.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi, who also observed Ramadan off Earth shortly after his March 2 launch to the International Space Station (ISS), paid tribute to the Hajj (pilgrimage) alongside a tweet showcasing the Saudi Arabian sacred city.

"Today is Arafat Day, a pivotal day during Hajj, that reminds us that faith is not just about belief, but also action and reflection," Al Neyadi tweeted on Tuesday (June 27) in a post that featured the photo, which he snapped on Monday. "May it inspire us all to strive for compassion, humility and unity."

Related: UAE's 1st long-duration astronaut marks the start of Ramadan in space

Today is Arafat Day, a pivotal day during Hajj, that reminds us that faith is not just about belief, but also action and reflection. May it inspire us all to strive for compassion, humility, and unity. Heres a view of the holy site of Mecca  that I captured yesterday. pic.twitter.com/mGI65NeEmhJune 27, 2023

See more

The Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca, is one of the tenets of Islam. It requires every able-bodied adult Muslim who can afford it  without undue hardship to family members  to go to the holy city at least once in their lifetime. Proxies can also be appointed in case of difficulties, however.

"The pilgrimage rite begins on the seventh day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic year, and ends on the 12th day," according to Encyclopedia Britannica. The hajj dates vary every year in the Gregorian calendar that most of the world uses, as the Islamic calendar follows the cycles of the moon. This year, the Gregorian dates of Hajj are June 26 to July 1.

Al Neyadi observes Islam, but did not say in his tweet whether he has yet made the pilgrimage. He expressed an interest in fasting for Ramadan (another tenet) while in orbit, but added before launch that he may not participate for operational reasons.

Related: SpaceX Crew-6 astronaut mission: Live updates

Related stories:

 United Arab Emirates astronaut will spend 6 months on the space station next year

 Meet the SpaceX Crew-6 astronauts launching to the International Space Station on Feb. 26

 UAE astronaut mascot 'Suhail' flies again as SpaceX Crew-6 zero-g indicator

Al Neyadi is not the first astronaut to be in space during Ramadan; the first-ever Muslim to go to space, Prince Sultan bin Salman Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia, launched on the space shuttle mission STS-51G as the holy month was finishing on June 17, 1985.

While in space, Al Neyadi plans to perform 19 experiments covering matters such as radiation, sleep, back pain and material science, according to an overview provided by the Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre, which manages the UAE's astronaut program.
Ukraine defence minister says main troop reserves yet to be used - FT

(Reuters) - The liberation of a group of villages under Russian occupation in recent weeks were "not the main event" in Kyiv's planned attack, Oleksiy Reznikov, Ukraine defence minister, told the Financial Times.

"When it happens, you will all see it... Everyone will see everything," he told FT in an interview published on Wednesday, brushing aside media coverage of slow progress against well-fortified Russian positions.

Ukraine's main troop reserves, including most brigades recently trained in the West and equipped with modern NATO tanks and armoured vehicles, have yet to be used in the operation, Reznikov said.

(Reporting by Jahnavi Nidumolu in Bengaluru; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
By Olena Harmash

KYIV (Reuters) - The Ukrainian government appointed a new head of state-owned weapons producer Ukroboronprom on Wednesday as Kyiv seeks to boost domestic weapons production and increase transparency.

The appointment of Herman Smetanin, who has been serving as head of the Kharkiv Malyshev Plant in northeast Ukraine, as the new general director of Ukroboronprom is part of a broader transformation of the key industry, officials said.

Ukraine, which has been fighting Russian forces since Moscow began its full-scale invasion in February 2022, depends heavily on Western military aid and weapons supplies.

"The newly appointed general director faces three main tasks: to increase the production of ammunition and military equipment, build an effective anti-corruption infrastructure in the company, and transform Ukroboronprom," said Oleksander Kamyshyn, Minister for Ukraine's Strategic Industries.

The government has been pushing for reforms in the domestic defence industry to modernise local producers, enabling them to cooperate closer with their Western partners and increase supplies to the front. Earlier this year the government announced plans to corporatise Ukroboronprom, improving transparency and corporate governance at the company.

Despite the war, constant shelling of its military production facilities and the need to move some plants to safer areas, Ukraine has been able to launch the production of new artillery shells. It has also agreed joint projects with central European producers to repair Ukrainian tanks and other vehicles, and has been working to develop drone and missile production.

Kamyshyn praised Smetanin, 31, as a young and progressive leader who quickly rose from being an engineer to head a huge company producing tanks and other armoured vehicles. Smetanin was born in Kharkiv, Ukraine's industrial centre in the east, and worked at several machine-building and tank plants.

"Together, we will be able to strengthen the defence industry, significantly increase the volume and pace of production and, as a result, make it an engine to drive the recovery of the country's economy," Kamyshyn said on the Telegram messaging app.

(Reporting by Olena Harmash, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
Ukraine-Russia news  live: Child among four killed in Putins strike on restaurant in Kramatorsk

At least four people, including one child, have been killed in twin Russian missile attacks on a shopping mall in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk in frontline oblast Donetsk, leaving rescue workers to comb through debris for casualties.

Another 42 people present at the restaurant inside the mall were injured, the city council in Kramatorsk said.

The missile attack reduced the major shopping hub to a twisted web of metal beams. One of the missiles also hit a village on the fringes of Kramatorsk, leaving five injured.

One of the witnesses of the attack said: I ran here after the explosion because I rented a cafe here... Everything has been blown out there.

The city in frontline oblast of Donetsk has been a target of Russian attacks frequently and a key objective for capturing for Moscow.

Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of using S-300 missiles in the attack, which came exactly a year after a similar missile strike on a shopping mall and killed at least 20.

Key Points

Four, including a child, killed in Russian missile strike on restaurant

Prigozhin to be investigated after being paid $2 billion in a year - Putin

US to give Ukraine $500m in additional military aid, announces Pentagon

Putin finally admits how close Russia came to civil war after Wagner mutiny

Prigozhin jet lands in Belarus

Ukraine gains evident around Bakhmut in Donetsk, says UK MoD

Four killed in Russian missile strike on restaurant

03:52 , Arpan Rai

At least four people, including one child, have been killed in eastern Ukraine city Kramatorsk after two Russian missiles struck a restaurant, leaving rescue workers to comb through a shattered building for casualties.

Another 42 people who were present at the restaurant were injured, the city council in Kramatorsk said.

In Kramatorsk, emergency workers scurried in and out of the shattered restaurant as residents stood outside embracing and surveying the damage.

The building was reduced to a twisted web of metal beams. Police and soldiers emerged with a man in military trousers and boots on a stretcher. He was placed in an ambulance, though it was not clear whether he was still alive.

The city in frontline oblast of Donetsk has been a target of Russian attacks frequently.

One of the missiles also hit a village on the fringes of Kramatorsk, leaving five injured.

Wagner chief walks free after armed revolt. Other Russians defying the Kremlin aren't so lucky

05:18 , Arpan Rai

Mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin led an armed rebellion against the Russian military  and walked free.

Others who merely voiced criticism against the Kremlin werent so lucky.

On Tuesday, Russias main domestic security agency, the FSB, said it had dropped the criminal investigation into last weeks revolt, with no charges against Prigozhin or any of the other participants, even though about a dozen Russian troops were killed in clashes.

The Kremlin had promised not to prosecute Prigozhin after reaching an agreement with him that he would halt the uprising and retreat to neighboring Belarus.

That came even though President Vladimir Putin vowed to punish those behind the rebellion.Asked about this U-turn by The Associated Press during a conference call with reports on Tuesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refused to comment.

Prigozhins escape from prosecution  at least for now  was in stark contrast to how the Kremlin has deals with anti-government protests like speaking out against the war in Ukraine or challenging Putins rule.

UN report finds Russia tortured, executed civilians in Ukraine; Kyiv also abused detainees

05:00 , Joe Middleton

Russian forces carried out widespread and systematic torture of civilians who were detained in connection with its attack on Ukraine, summarily executing dozens of them, the United Nations human rights office said Tuesday.

The global body interviewed hundreds of victims and witnesses for a report detailing more than 900 cases of civilians, including children and elderly people, being arbitrarily detained in the conflict, most of them by Russia.

The vast majority of those interviewed said they were tortured and in some cases subjected to sexual violence during detention by Russian forces, the head of the U.N. human rights office in Ukraine said.

UN report finds Russia tortured, executed civilians in Ukraine; Kyiv also abused detainees

Zelensky says Russian savages shelled Kramatorsk with S-300 missiles

04:41 , Arpan Rai

Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of using S-300 surface-to-air missiles on the shopping mall in Kramatorsk in Donetsk.

Exactly on the anniversary of the Russian terrorists attack on Kremenchuk, on the shopping mall, when 22 people were killed, Russian savages again fired missiles at the Kremenchuk district, the Ukrainian president said in his nightly address yesterday.

He added: Today, Russian terrorists also brutally shelled Kramatorsk. S-300 missiles. Three people were killed, including a child. My condolences to the families and friends. As of this hour, more than 40 people are wounded. Assistance is being provided to all. The rubble is being cleared.

Each such manifestation of terror proves over and over again to us and to the whole world that Russia deserves only one thing as a result of everything it has done  defeat and a tribunal, fair and legal trials against all Russian murderers and terrorists, Mr Zelensky said.

The S-300 is a family of surface-to-air missiles, originally developed by the Soviet Union. It was first put into operation in the late 1970s after a decade of development. Military analysts say Russia has appeared to use repurposed S-300 missiles to strike ground targets during the war in Ukraine - a sign of potentially dwindling missile supplies.

S-300 missiles are intended to shoot down aircraft, drones and incoming cruise and ballistic missiles.

Photos capture grim attack on civilians in Donetsks Kramatorsk

04:18 , Arpan Rai

Search and rescue efforts continue after a Russian missile attack hits Ria restaurant in Kramatorsk (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

People walk past a restaurant in Kramatorsk, eastern Ukraine, after a missile strike hit (AFP via Getty Images)

Rescuers and volunteers work to rescue people from under the rubble after Russian missile strike hit a restaurant and several houses in Kramatorsk (AFP via Getty Images)

A wounded woman waves while speaking on the phone as rescuers and volunteers work to rescue people from under rubble (AFP via Getty Images)

Wounded people are seen as search and rescue efforts continue after a Russian missile attack hits Ria restaurant in Kramatorsk (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Wagner chief walks free after armed revolt. Other Russians defying the Kremlin arent so lucky

04:00 , Joe Middleton

Mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin led an armed rebellion against the Russian military  and walked free. Others who merely voiced criticism against the Kremlin werent so lucky.

On Tuesday, Russias main domestic security agency, the FSB, said it had dropped the criminal investigation into last weeks revolt, with no charges against Prigozhin or any of the other participants, even though about a dozen Russian troops were killed in clashes.

The Kremlin had promised not to prosecute Prigozhin after reaching an agreement with him that he would halt the uprising and retreat to neighboring Belarus. That came even though President Vladimir Putin vowed to punish those behind the rebellion.

Wagner chief walks free after armed revolt. Other Russians defying the Kremlin arent so lucky

US to give Ukraine $500m in additional military aid, announces Pentagon

03:43 , Arpan Rai

The United States will provide Ukraine with a new military package worth up to $500m (392m), the Pentagon has announced.

This is the 41st such security assistance package approved by the US for Ukraine since Russias full-scale invasion in February last year, marking a show of support.

Ground vehicles including Bradley fighting vehicles and Stryker armored personnel carriers, and munitions for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems have been included in this tranche, a statement from the Pentagon read.

The package includes key capabilities to support Ukraines counteroffensive operations, strengthen its air defenses ... and other equipment to help Ukraine push back on Russias war of aggression, the Pentagon said.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said he was sincerely grateful for the defence assistance package.

Additional Bradley and Stryker armored vehicles, ammunition for HIMARS, Patriots and Stingers will add even more power, he said.

Analysis: Exiled warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin sends defiant message in Russias game of thrones

03:00 , Joe Middleton

His advance on Moscow has been likened by some to Mussolinis march on Rome  but can the mercenary contninue to escape Putins wrath, asks Kim Sengupta

Exiled warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin sends defiant message in Russias game of thrones

Comment: Putin will cling on to power until people inside the Kremlin are up for the fight

02:00 , Joe Middleton

Prigozhins march on Moscow will have frightened Putin  but the Russian leader survived because no other senior figures joined the call for change, writes historian Peter Frankopan.

What the coup that never was tells us about Putins grip on power | Peter Frankopan

Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin? The exiled Wagner Group mercenary chief who rebelled against Putin

01:00 , Joe Middleton

Once a low-profile businessman who benefited from having President Vladimir Putin as a powerful patron, Yevgeny Prigozhin moved into the global spotlight with Russias war in Ukraine.

As the leader of a mercenary force who depicts himself as fighting many of the Russian militarys toughest battles in Ukraine, the 62-year-old Prigozhin has now moved into his most dangerous role yet: preaching open rebellion against his countrys military leadership.

Prigozhin, owner of the Kremlin-allied Wagner Group, has escalated what have been months of scathing criticism of Russias conduct of the war by calling on Friday for an armed uprising to oust the defense minister. Russian security services reacted immediately, opening a criminal investigation and demanding Prigozhins arrest.

Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin?

Comment: Putins two-faced tirades over the Wagner mutiny could still be his undoing

Tuesday 27 June 2023 23:59 , Joe Middleton

Claiming treachery one minute, then praising Wagners role in Ukraine the next, may have allowed the Russian leader to steer out of an immediate storm, writes Mary Dejevsky. But such mixed messages expose cracks in his authority that will be hard to repair.

Opinion: Putins two-faced tirades over the Wagner mutiny could still be his undoing

Mapped: Has Ukraine made advances against Russia?

Tuesday 27 June 2023 23:00 , Joe Middleton

With Russias invasion of Ukraine raging for 16 months, Ukraine is now pushing back with its long-awaited counteroffensive that has already recorded a number of gains.

On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised Ukrainian troops for advancing in all sectors, having spent the day presenting awards to front-line soldiers in the east and south.

Today in all sectors, our soldiers made advances. It is a happy day, Mr Zelensky said in his nightly video address, which was delivered from a train after visiting two frontline areas.

Mapped: Has Ukraine made advances against Russia?

Russian missiles hit restaurant in Ukraines Kramatorsk, killing four and injuring 42

Tuesday 27 June 2023 22:17 , Joe Middleton

Two Russian missiles struck the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk on Tuesday and killed at least four people, police and the military said.

Ukraines national police put the death toll from the attack at four dead and 42 injured.

Emergency workers were pictured moving in and out of the restaurant as residents stood outside embracing and surveying the damage from the strike.

Kramatorsk is a major city west of the front lines in Donetsk province and a likely key objective in any Russian advance westward seeking to capture all of the region.

The city has been a frequent target of Russian attacks, including a strike on the towns railway station in April 2022 that killed 63 people.

Devastation of 'living hell' Bakhmut captured in eerie drone footage

Tuesday 27 June 2023 22:00 , Joe Middleton

US sanctions gold firms connected to Russian Wagner mercenary group

Tuesday 27 June 2023 20:55 , Joe Middleton

The US on Tuesday imposed sanctions on four firms and one individual connected to the Wagner Group, the Russian mercenaries that led a brief revolt against the Kremlin last week.

The sanctions from Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control targeted entities in the Central African Republic, the United Arab Emirates and Russia that were connected to the Wagner Group and its founder Yevgeny Prigozhin.

The sanctions are not directly related to last weeks uprising. The U.S. has previously issued sanctions against Prigozhin and the Wagner Group multiple times, including alleging that he tried to interfere with the 2016 U.S. election.

US sanctions gold firms connected to Russian Wagner mercenary group

The end of the Wagner mutiny has tightened Putins grip on Belarus  but Lukashenko wont care

Tuesday 27 June 2023 19:20 , Eleanor Noyce

The talks between Mr Lukashenko and Mr Prigozhin were very difficult. They immediately blurted out such vulgar things it would make any mother cry. The conversation was hard, it was masculine.

Vadim Gigin, a Belarusian propagandist, was describing the negotiations between President Alexander Lukashenko and Yevgeny Prigozhin which brought the extraordinary attempted coup in Russia to an end after a tumultuous 24 hours.

The agreement, under which the Kremlin agreed to drop criminal charges against Prigozhin and his Wagner mercenaries who took part in the rebellion, averted a catastrophic civil war and, arguably, may have saved Vladimir Putin from being overthrown.

Having proven his worth as a vassal to the Russian leader, the Belarusian president is in a more secure position than he has been for years, writes Kim Sengupta:

The end of the Wagner mutiny has tightened Putins grip on Belarus | Kim Sengupta

Putin will cling on to power until people inside the Kremlin are up for the fight

Tuesday 27 June 2023 18:50 , Eleanor Noyce

It was over almost as soon as it started. The events that unfolded on Saturday looked ominous. As Yevgeny Prigozhin and his Wagner Group took control of Rostov-on-Don and began to move on Moscow, the Russian authorities were certainly rattled.

Orders were given to dig up roads, to slow down the column of military vehicles apparently heading north; lorries were lined up to block motorways; Red Square was closed to visitors as steps were taken to boost security; government planes took off for the apparent safety of St Petersburg  though who was aboard was unclear.

Prigozhins march on Moscow will have frightened Putin  but the Russian leader survived because no other senior figures joined the call for change, writes historian Peter Frankopan:

What the coup that never was tells us about Putins grip on power | Peter Frankopan

Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin? The exiled Wagner Group mercenary chief who rebelled against Putin

Tuesday 27 June 2023 18:20 , Eleanor Noyce

Once a low-profile businessman who benefited from having President Vladimir Putin as a powerful patron, Yevgeny Prigozhin moved into the global spotlight with Russias war in Ukraine.

As the leader of a mercenary force who depicts himself as fighting many of the Russian militarys toughest battles in Ukraine, the 62-year-old Prigozhin has now moved into his most dangerous role yet: preaching open rebellion against his countrys military leadership.

Prigozhin, owner of the Kremlin-allied Wagner Group, has escalated what have been months of scathing criticism of Russias conduct of the war by calling on Friday for an armed uprising to oust the defense minister. Russian security services reacted immediately, opening a criminal investigation and demanding Prigozhins arrest.

Ellen Knickmeyer reports:

Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin?

Mapped: Has Ukraine made advances against Russia?

Tuesday 27 June 2023 17:50 , Eleanor Noyce

With Russias invasion of Ukraine raging for 16 months, Ukraine is now pushing back with its long-awaited counteroffensive that has already recorded a number of gains.

On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised Ukrainian troops for advancing in all sectors, having spent the day presenting awards to front-line soldiers in the east and south.

Today in all sectors, our soldiers made advances. It is a happy day, Mr Zelensky said in his nightly video address, which was delivered from a train after visiting two frontline areas.

Here, we take a look at the advances Ukraine has made against Russia and the current state of play:

Mapped: Has Ukraine made advances against Russia?

Baltic states call for NATO to increase security with Wagner in Belarus

Tuesday 27 June 2023 17:20 , Eleanor Noyce

Latvia and Lithuania called on Tuesday for NATO to strengthen its eastern borders in response to expectations that Russias Wagner private will set up a new base in Belarus after its abortive mutiny at home.

Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin arrived in Belarus on Tuesday under a deal negotiated by President Alexander Lukashenko that ended the mercenaries mutiny in Russia on Saturday. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wagners fighters would be offered the choice of relocating there.

This move needs to be assessed from a different security point of view. We have seen the capabilities of those mercenaries, Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics told reporters during a visit to Paris with Baltic counterparts.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said the speed with which Wagner had advanced on Moscow - driving hundreds of kilometres in a one-day race towards the capital - showed that the defence of Baltic states should be firmed up.

Our countries borders are just hundreds of kilometres from that activity so it could take them 8-10 hours to suddenly appear somewhere in Belarus close to Lithuania, Landsbergis said. It is creating a more volatile, unpredictable environment for our region.

We need to take the defence of the Baltic region very seriously, he said.

The Baltic envoys visit to France comes as Western powers gear up for a NATO summit next month in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius.

Wagners arrival in Belarus should be viewed in light of the NATO summit and all discussions that we are having about defence, deterrence and the necessary decisions to strengthen the security of the eastern flank, said Latvias Rinkevics.

UN report finds Russia tortured, executed civilians in Ukraine; Kyiv also abused detainees

Tuesday 27 June 2023 17:00 , Eleanor Noyce

Russian forces carried out widespread and systematic torture of civilians who were detained in connection with its attack on Ukraine, summarily executing dozens of them, the United Nations human rights office said Tuesday.

The global body interviewed hundreds of victims and witnesses for a report detailing more than 900 cases of civilians, including children and elderly people, being arbitrarily detained in the conflict, most of them by Russia.

The vast majority of those interviewed said they were tortured and in some cases subjected to sexual violence during detention by Russian forces, the head of the U.N. human rights office in Ukraine said.

Frank Jordans has the full story:

UN report finds Russia tortured, executed civilians in Ukraine; Kyiv also abused detainees

Belarus leader says he talked Prigozhin back from brink

Tuesday 27 June 2023 16:52 , Eleanor Noyce

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Tuesday that he had convinced Yevgeny Prigozhin in an emotional, expletive-laden phone call to end a mutiny by his Wagner militia that has jolted Russia.

Under a deal brokered by Lukashenko, an old friend, Prigozhin abandoned what a march for justice by thousands of his men on Moscow in exchange for safe passage to exile in Belarus.

His men - who have spearheaded much of Russias military campaign in Ukraine - were also pardoned and have been given the choice of joining Prigozhin in Belarus, being integrated into Russias security forces, or simply going home.

Lukashenko, recounting his role in Saturdays drama to Belarusian officers and officials, hailed Prigozhin as a heroic guy who had been shaken by the deaths of many of his men in Ukraine.

He was pressured and influenced by those who led the assault squads (in Ukraine) and saw these deaths, Lukashenko said, adding that Prigozhin had arrived in the southern Russian city of Rostov from Ukraine in a semi-mad state.

With Prigozhins men having seized Rostov and others heading for Moscow, Lukashenko said he tried for hours by phone to reason with the Wagner chief, who has said he was furious at corruption and incompetence in the military leadership and wanted to avenge an alleged army attack on his men.

Lukashenko said their calls contained 10 times as many obscenities as normal language.

But we want justice! They want to strangle us! Were going to Moscow! he quoted Prigozhin as saying.

I say: Halfway youll just be crushed like a bug, Lukashenko replied.

Lukashenko also said that, earlier on Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin had sought his help, complaining that Prigozhin was not taking any calls. Lukashenko said he had advised Putin against rushing to crush the mutineers.

Prigozhin said on Monday he had never planned to topple Putins government but wanted Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and the chief of the General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, sacked.

Nobody will give you either Shoigu or Gerasimov, Lukashenko said he told Prigozhin, finally convincing him that Moscow would be defended and to continue the mutiny would engulf Russia in turmoil and grief.

Belarusian president makes first speech since Wagner jet lands near Minsk after Russian mutiny

Tuesday 27 June 2023 16:45 , Eleanor Noyce

Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko made his first public statement on Tuesday (27 June) after mediating a deal to halt a mutiny against Russia by the Wagner forces.

Under the deal, the mercenary groups leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, is meant to move to Belarus.

Data from a flight tracking website shows a Russian-registered Embraer Legacy 600 jet, which is linked to Prigozhin, flew to Belarus from Russia on Tuesday.

We are clearly seeing a new wave of Nato expansion, and an unprecedented build-up of the potential of the alliances members in the region, including in close vicinity to our borders, Lukashenko said, failing to mention Prigozhin.

Belarus president makes first speech since Wagner jet lands near Minsk after mutiny

Russia summons Israel's charge d'affaires over Ukraine ambassador's comments

Tuesday 27 June 2023 16:43 , Eleanor Noyce

Russias foreign ministry on Tuesday said it had summoned the charge daffaires of Israel over comments made by Israels ambassador to Kyiv.

Wagner moving to Belarus is bad for Poland, says Polish president

Tuesday 27 June 2023 16:30 , Eleanor Noyce

The movement of Wagner Group troops to Belarus is a negative signal for Poland, president Andrzej Duda said on Tuesday, as he headed for talks with other NATO leaders in the Netherlands.

We see what is happening, the relocation of Russian forces in the form of the Wagner Group to Belarus, and the head of the Wagner Group going there, those are all very negative signals for us which we want to raise strongly with our allies, he told reporters.

Lukashenko says Belarus ready to accommodate Wagner mercenaries on abandoned base - BELTA

Tuesday 27 June 2023 16:15 , Eleanor Noyce

Belarus is not building any camps for Russias mercenary Wagner group, but will accommodate them if they want, the Belarusian state news agency BELTA quoted President Alexander Lukashenko as saying on Tuesday.

We offered them one of the abandoned military bases. Please - we have a fence, we have everything - put up your tents, Lukashenko said.

Under a deal brokered by Lukashenko late on Saturday that ended a mutiny by the Wagner fighters, they were allowed either to join Russias regular armed forces, move with their leader Yevgeny Prigozhin into exile in Belarus, or simply return to their families.

Lukashenko was also quoted as saying there were no plans to open any Wagner recruitment centres in Belarus.

Ukraine reprimands Kyiv mayor Klitschko after bomb shelter audit

Tuesday 27 June 2023 16:00 , Eleanor Noyce

Ukraines government reprimanded Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko on Tuesday after criticism of city officials over the state of bomb shelters following the deaths of three people locked out on the street during a Russian air raid.

The government said it had dismissed the heads of two districts under the Kyiv military administration, and two acting heads of districts.

It was not immediately clear whether Klitschko, a former boxer, would face any further action.

Uncertainty about his political future grew after President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised city officials over the 1 June incident, in which two women and a girl were killed by falling debris after rushing to a Kyiv shelter and finding it shut.

Zelensky ordered an audit of all bomb shelters after the three deaths and said personnel changes would be made. The audit found only 15% of Kyivs 4,655 bomb shelters were suitable and only 44% were freely accessible.

Prigozhin to be investigated after being paid $2 billion in a year - Putin

Tuesday 27 June 2023 15:44 , Eleanor Noyce

President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that the finances of Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhins catering firm would be investigated after his mutiny, saying Wagner and its founder had received almost $2 billion from Russia in the past year.

Putin initially vowed to crush the mutiny, comparing it to the wartime turmoil that ushered in the revolutions of 1917 and then a civil war, but hours later a deal was clinched to allow Prigozhin and some of his fighters to go to Belarus.

Speaking to soldiers from the Russian army at a meeting in the Kremlin, Putin said he had always respected Wagners fighters, but that the fact was the group had been fully financed from the state budget.

He said it had received 86 billion roubles ($1 billion) from the defence ministry between May 2022 and May 2023.

In addition, Prigozhins Concord catering company made 80 billion roubles from state contracts to supply food to the Russian army, Putin said.

I do hope that, as part of this work, no one stole anything, or, lets say, stole less, but we will, of course, investigate all of this.

Prigozhin, whom Putin did not mention by name, could not be reached for immediate comment on Putins remarks.

He said earlier this year that he had always financed Wagner but had looked for additional financing after the war began in Ukraine.

He said on Monday that he had not been trying to overthrow the Russian state and that he remained a patriot who was trying to settle scores with the defence ministry.

Putins two-faced tirades over the Wagner mutiny could still be his undoing

Tuesday 27 June 2023 15:05 , Matt Mathers

Claiming treachery one minute, then praising Wagners role in Ukraine the next, may have allowed the Russian leader to steer out of an immediate storm, writes Mary Dejevsky. But such mixed messages expose cracks in his authority that will be hard to repair.

Read Marys full comment piece here:

Opinion: Putins two-faced tirades over the Wagner mutiny could still be his undoing

Exiled warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin sends defiant message in Russias game of thrones

Tuesday 27 June 2023 13:40 , Matt Mathers

His advance on Moscow has been likened by some to Mussolinis march on Rome  but can the mercenary contninue to escape Putins wrath, asks Kim Sengupta.

Read Kims full analysis here:

Exiled warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin sends defiant message in Russias game of thrones

Putin will cling on to power until people inside the Kremlin are up for the fight

Tuesday 27 June 2023 13:20 , Matt Mathers

Prigozhins march on Moscow will have frightened Putin  but the Russian leader survived because no other senior figures joined the call for change, writes historian Peter Frankopan.

Read Peters full piece here:

What the coup that never was tells us about Putins grip on power | Peter Frankopan

Pope Francis peace envoy to visit Moscow this week

Tuesday 27 June 2023 12:57 , Matt Mathers

An Italian cardinal tasked by Pope Francis with trying to help end the war in Ukraine will visit Moscow this week as a follow up to his trip to Kyiv, the Vatican said on Tuesday.

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi Cardinal will be in the Russian capital on Wednesday and Thursday, a statement said.

The main purpose of the initiative is to encourage humanitarian gestures, which can contribute to facilitating a solution to the current tragic situation and find ways to achieve a just peace, the statement said.

It was not clear who Zuppi would meet in Moscow. He met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and religious leaders in Kyiv on June 6.

If Zuppi, 67, meets Russian President Vladimir Putin, he would be one of the first foreigners to do so since an aborted mutiny against the Russian military over the weekend.

A Vatican source said Zuppis trip had been at risk of being called off because of the attempted mutiny and the confusion surrounding it.

Zuppi told reporters last week that he would consult with the pope before leaving for Moscow. Speaking of his dual visits to the two capitals, he said it was a pattern that needs to be woven for the resolution of the conflict.

Vatican Bishops Conference (AP)

Russia strikes Ukrainian city on anniversary of deadly attack

Tuesday 27 June 2023 12:29 , Matt Mathers

Russia hit a cluster of buildings in a missile strike on Kremenchuk in central Ukraine on Tuesday, the first anniversary of a deadly attack on a shopping mall in the city, Ukrainian officials said.

Dmytro Lunin, governor of the Poltava region that includes Kremenchuk, said what he described as a dacha - or cottage - cooperative had been struck, but reported no casualties.

Ukrainian officials said at the time that at least 18 people were killed at the Amstor shopping mall during a Russian missile strike on Kremenchuk on June 27, 2022. Later reports put the toll at least 20.

"The enemy attacked Poltava region. Just like a year ago on this day, with X-22 missiles," Lunin wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

Russia did not immediately comment on the attack. It has regularly carried out air strikes since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

File photo of Kremenchuk:

Russia Ukraine War Referendum Explainer (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Putin finally admits how close Russia came to civil war after Wagner mutiny

Tuesday 27 June 2023 12:10 , Matt Mathers

Vladimir Putin has finally admitted how close Russia came to civil war during last weekends mutiny.

He told some 2,500 members of Russias security forces, National Guard and military units on Tuesday that the people and the armed forces had stood together in opposition to rebel mercenaries in Saturdays aborted mutiny.

In an appearance on a square inside the Kremlin that looked designed to send a message that he remained firmly in control, Putin said: You have defended the constitutional order, the lives, security and freedom of our citizens.

You have saved our Motherland from upheaval. In fact, you have stopped a civil war, Putin said.

Watch: Plane 'carrying Wagner boss Prigozhin' lands in Belarus

Tuesday 27 June 2023 11:56 , Matt Mathers

Data from a flight tracking website shows a Russian-registered Embraer Legacy 600 jet, which is linked to Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin , flew to Belarus from Russia on Tuesday (June 27), Holly Patrick reports:

Watch: Plane carrying Wagner boss lands in Belarus after groups armed rebellion

Charges against Prigozhin and others dropped

Tuesday 27 June 2023 10:50 , Matt Mathers

Russias chief mercenary Yevgeny Prigozhin and others involved in the weekend mutiny will not face charges, officials have said.

The Federal Security Service, or FSB, said its investigation had concluded that those involved in the mutiny ceased activities directed at committing the crime.

The charge of mounting an armed mutiny carries a punishment of up to 20 years in prison.

Prigozhin escaping prosecution poses a stark contrast to how the Kremlin has been treating those staging anti-government protests.

EUR-GEN UCRANIA-GUERRA (AP)

Living hell'

Tuesday 27 June 2023 10:35 , Matt Mathers

Eerie drone footage reveals the scale of destruction in Bakhmut - the scene of some of the most intense battles since Russias invasion of Ukraine in February.

Even the fiercest battles of WWII pale in comparison with the living hell that is todays #Bakhmut, Ukraines defence ministry said in a caption accompanying the clip.

This is Ukraine in the 21st century. This is our daily reality.

Even the fiercest battles of WWII pale in comparison with the living hell that is todays #Bakhmut.

This is Ukraine in the 21st century.

This is our daily reality.



@Liberov pic.twitter.com/UQRJ5ljqCM  Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) June 26, 2023

Lukashenko claims he played role in ending Russian mutiny

Tuesday 27 June 2023 10:25 , Matt Mathers

Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko has claimed he played a role in ending the mutiny in Russia over the weekend.

It comes following reports that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner chief mercenary who led the revolt, landed in Belarus earlier this morning on a private jet.

Given the role of Belarus in resolving this situation, I must say a few words here about what happened and explain our position and the decisions taken, Mr Lukashenko said, referring to the deal.

He did not give many details of what role he played.

Belarus Lawyer Shortage (Sputnik)

Russia has detained hundreds of civilians since Ukraine war began: UN

Tuesday 27 June 2023 10:08 , Matt Mathers

A UN monitoring mission in Ukraine said on Tuesday that Russia has detained more than 800 civilians since the conflict began last February, of whom 77 were executed.

The report showed that Ukraine had also violated international law by arbitrarily detaining civilians but on a considerably smaller scale.

"(The UN rights office) identified patterns of conduct which have resulted in arbitrary detention, as well as further human rights violations including torture, ill treatment and enforced disappearances," the report said, adding that the detentions by Russia had taken place in both Ukraine and Russia.

"While such conduct was found in relation to both parties to the conflict, there was greater prevalence of conduct attributed to forces of the Russian Federation."

Russia Cyber Gulag (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press.)

UK should begin compiling lists of Britons in Russia, says senior Tory

Tuesday 27 June 2023 09:41 , Matt Mathers

Alicia Kearns, chair of the foreign affairs select committee, called on the Foreign Office to start compiling lists of British citizens in Russia in case they need to be evacuated, Adam Forrest reports.

Official travel advice to UK citizens continues to be to leave Russia.

Asked about British citizens inside the country on Monday, foreign secretary James Cleverly said: We of course look at scenario planning to make sure we are able to respond to whatever happens.

He added: But we dont force British nationals to register with the embassy so therefore it is not possible for us to give accurate figures.
Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko said he persuaded Vladimir Putin not to wipe out Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, in response to what the Kremlin cast as a mutiny.

While describing his Saturday conversation with Putin, Lukashenko used the Russian criminal slang phrase for killing someone, equivalent to the English phrase to wipe out.

I also understood: a brutal decision had been made (and it was the undertone of Putins address) to wipe out the mutineers, Lukashenko told a meeting of his army officials and journalists on Tuesday, according to Belarusian state media.

I suggested to Putin not to rush. Come on, I said, Lets talk with Prigozhin, with his commanders. To which he told me: Listen, Sasha, its useless. He doesnt even pick up the phone, he doesnt want to talk to anyone.

It comes as twin girls and a child are among 10 people killed in a Russian strike on a restaurant in the city of Kramatorsk using a supersonic Iskander missile, authorities in Ukraine have said.

A man accused by Kyiv of collaborating with Moscow has been arrested over the strike in the Donetsk region which killed 14-year-old Yulia and Anna Aksenchenko, along with a child and a 17-year-old, and wounded at least 61 others.

Key Points

Twin girls, aged 14, among 10 killed in Russian missile strike on restaurant

Vladimir Putin fears martyring Yevgeny Prigozhin and will seek to shatter his support

Countdown has begun for end of Putin, claims Volodymyr Zelensky aide

Prigozhin to be investigated after being paid $2bn in a year, says Putin

Prigozhin jet lands in Belarus

Putin finally admits how close Russia came to civil war after Wagner mutiny

Lukashenko says he persuaded Putin not to wipe out' Wagner mercenary chief Prigozhin

15:06 , Joe Middleton

Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko said he persuaded Vladimir Putin not to wipe out Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, in response to what the Kremlin cast as a mutiny.

Putin initially vowed to crush the mutiny, comparing it to the wartime turmoil that ushered in the revolution of 1917 and then a civil war, but hours later a deal was clinched to allow Prigozhin and some of his fighters to go to Belarus. Prigozhin flew to Belarus from Russia on Tuesday.

While describing his Saturday conversation with Putin, Lukashenko used the Russian criminal slang phrase for killing someone, equivalent to the English phrase to wipe out.

I also understood: a brutal decision had been made (and it was the undertone of Putins address) to wipe out the mutineers, Lukashenko told a meeting of his army officials and journalists on Tuesday, according to Belarusian state media.

I suggested to Putin not to rush. Come on, I said, Lets talk with Prigozhin, with his commanders. To which he told me: Listen, Sasha, its useless. He doesnt even pick up the phone, he doesnt want to talk to anyone.

Switzerland expands sanctions against Russia

14:34 , Andy Gregory

Switzerland has expanded financial and travel sanctions against Russian entities and persons in step with the most recent sanctions imposed by the European Union.

Among those targeted are people, companies and organisations that support the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia, a statement said.

They also include members of the Russian armed forces, leading representatives of state-controlled Russian media and members of the Wagner mercenary group. The sanctions include asset freezes and a ban to travel to and transit through Switzerland.

However, the Swiss Federal Council also said it had rejected a request by Swiss defence firm Ruag for the trade of 96 Leopard 1 A5 main battle tanks for use in Ukraine, with the cabinet warning that such a sale would be contrary to the war material act and would entail an adjustment of Switzerland's neutrality policy.

Full report: Kramatorsk pizza restaurant missile strike kills 10 including twin sisters aged 14

14:11 , Andy Gregory

My colleague Chris Stevenson has this extensive report on the strike on a restaurant in Kramatorsk:

Twins, aged 14, among 10 dead in missile strike on Ukraine restaurant

What happened in the Kramatorsk attack?

13:53 , Chris Stevenson

The Pizza RIA restaurant was popular with both locals, as well as aid workers and journalists  and was said to be crowded when it was hit on Tuesday evening.

I ran here after the explosion because I rented a cafe here.... Everything has been blown out there, said Valentyna, a 64-year-old woman who declined to give her surname. None of the glass, windows or doors are left. All I see is destruction, fear and horror. This is the 21st century, she told Reuters.

Police said at least 61 people were injured in the strike, which turned the restaurant into a pile of twisted beams. Emergency services posted pictures online of rescue teams sifting through the site with cranes and other equipment.

The Donetsk regional governor  the area where Kramatorsk is located  Pavlo Kyrylenko told national television that people were visible under the rubble. Their condition was unknown, he said, but we are experienced in removing rubble.

Video footage on military Telegram channels showed one man, his head bleeding, receiving first aid on the pavement.

Eight people had been rescued alive from the rubble and at least three more were believed to be trapped, Md Bakhal, the spokeswoman for the Donetsk region emergency services said.

The attack also damaged 18 multi-story buildings, 65 houses, five schools, two kindergartens, a shopping center, an administrative building and a recreational building, the regional governor, Mr Kyrylenko, said.

Zelensky says Russian bandit leaders should not escape justice

13:34 , Andy Gregory

Volodymyr Zelensky has described Russias political and military leaders as bandits, as he ruled out any peace plan that would turn the war on Ukraine into a frozen conflict.

The Ukrainian president made his remarks in a speech to parliament on Ukraines Constitution Day, and warned that Russias leaders must not escape justice for waging war on his country, which he declared was on the way to victory.

The political and military leadership of the Russian Federation should not escape justice due to the fact that they supposedly have immunity, like state leaders, Mr Zelensky said.

They are not the leaders of the state  they are bandits who seized control of the state institutions of Russia ... and began to terrorise the whole world.

Kramatorsk strike now blamed on supersonic missiles

13:21 , Andy Gregory

While Urkainian officials initially blamed the strike in Kramatorsk on an S-300 missile, a surface-to-air weapon that Russias forces have repurposed for loosely targeted strikes on cities, the National Police later said Iskander short-range ballistic missiles were used.

Zelensky rules out any frozen conflict peace proposals

13:04 , Andy Gregory

Volodymyr Zelensky has said he will not accept any peace proposal that turns Russias war on Ukraine into a frozen conflict.

The presidents remarks, made in a speech to parliament on Ukraines Constitution Day, signalled that he remains opposed to any peace plan that would freeze any territorial gains made by Russia.

Ukraine will not agree to any of the variants for a frozen conflict, he said.

Mr Zelensky has drawn up a 10-point peace formula that includes restoring Ukraines territorial integrity, the withdrawal of Russian troops and the restoration of Ukraines state borders.

Twin sisters among 10 killed in Kramatorsk restaurant strike

12:48 , Andy Gregory

Here are more details on the twin sisters reported to have been killed in the Kramatorsk restaurant strike.

Yulia and Anna Aksenchenko were due to celebrate their 15th birthdays in September, according to Kramatorsk City Council.

A 17-year-old and a boy of an unknown age are also reported to be among the 10 people officials say were killed in the Russian strikes.

Teenage twin sisters were among those killed in a Russian missile strike in Ukraine's eastern city of Kramatorsk on Tuesday, the local city council confirmed.

Yulia and Anna Aksenchenko, who were 14 years old, had graduated from 8th grade and would have celebrated their 15th pic.twitter.com/PztFuzkJCE  Iuliia Mendel (@IuliiaMendel) June 28, 2023

Kremlin asked if General Armaggedon knew of Prigozhins mutiny in advance

12:44 , Andy Gregory

The Kremlin has dismissed gossip and speculation around the shortlived mutiny last weekend.

Asked on Wednesday about a New York Times report suggesting top Russian general Sergei Surovikin had known in advance about Yevgeny Prigozhins armed rebellion, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said there would be a lot of speculation in the aftermath of the events.

There will now be a lot of speculation, gossip and so on around these events. I think this is one such example, said Mr Peskov.

Mr Surovikin, who has not been seen in public since Saturday when he made an appeal for the mutiny to be called off, has often been praised by Mr Prigozhin , and the New York Times cited US officials who were trying to learn if ... the former top Russian commander in Ukraine helped plan Mr Prigozhins actions last weekend.

Ukraine arrest man accused of helping Russia with Kramatorsk restaurant strike

12:34 , Andy Gregory

Ukrainian authorities have arrested a man they accused of helping Russia direct the missile strikes which killed at least 10 people, including four children, at a popular pizza restaurant in Kramatorsk.

The Tuesday evening attack on Kramatorsk wounded another 61 people, Ukraines National Police said, with two sisters, both aged 14, and a 17-year-old said by officials to be among the dead, as rescuers continue to search the rubble.

The attack also damaged 18 multi-story buildings, 65 houses, five schools, two kindergartens, a shopping center, an administrative building and a recreational building, according to regional governor Pavlo Kyrylenko.

Kramatorsk is a frontline city which houses the Ukrainian armys regional headquarters. The pizza restaurant was frequented by journalists, aid workers and soldiers, as well as locals.

The Security Service of Ukraine said it had detained a man whom it suspects directed the strike on the restaurant, who is an employee of the local gas transportation company. He filmed the restaurant for the Russians and informed them about its popularity, the service claimed, providing no evidence.

Putin trying to shatter populist appeal of potential martyr Prigozhin

12:04 , Andy Gregory

Vladimir Putin has likely decided that he is unable right now to directly eliminate [Yevgeny] Prigozhin without making him a martyr and has instead decided to break his popular support by branding him corrupt and a liar, a Western think-tank has suggested.

For the first time, the Russian president has now claimed that the Kremlin fully funds and fully supplies the Wagner mercenary group, as he tries to ensure that the mercenaries  and wider Russian society  become disillusioned with Mr Prigozhin, according to the Institute for the Study of War.

In his statements, Mr Putin deliberately attempted to separate Mr Prigozhin from the Wagner Group so that the Kremlin can accuse Prigozhin of corruption or conspiring with Ukraine or the West and alienate Prigozhin from Wagner personnel, the analysts said.

Prigozhin had built his personal brand on criticising the Russian military command and bureaucrats for corruption and ties to Western countries, and Putin is likely attempting to shatter Prigozhins populist appeal by accusing him of the same sins.

Kremlin says papal envoy in Moscow for talks on Ukraine

11:49 , Andy Gregory

The Kremlin appreciates the efforts of the Vatican to help resolve the Ukraine crisis, Vladimir Putins spokesperson has said, as he claimed that papal envoy had arrived in Moscow for peace talks.

We highly value the efforts and initiatives of the Vatican and welcome the aspiration of the pope to contribution to ending the armed conflict, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told a regular briefing.

He said Mr Putins foreign affairs adviser would hold talks with the envoy, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, at the Russia presidents request.

Large majority of Americans support military aid for Ukraine, poll suggests

11:34 , Andy Gregory

Around two thirds of Americans support providing weaponry to Ukraine to defend itself against Russia  rising from 46 per cent just a month ago, new Ipsos polling for Reuters has found.

Eighty-one percent of Democrats, 56 per cent of Republicans and 57 per cent of independents favour supplying US weapons to Ukraine, suggests the two-day poll of 1,004 adults, conducted just days after Yevgeny Prigozhins shortlived mutiny.

This definitely reinforces Bidens decision to be all-in on this, William Taylor, a former US ambassador to Ukraine, told Reuters. The Republican leadership of the House and Senate will also take heart from this.

The poll also found that 76 per cent of Americans believe that providing aid to Ukraine demonstrates to China and other rivals that the United States has the will and capability to protect our interests, our allies and ourselves.

In other findings, the survey said large majorities of Americans  67 and 73 per cent respectively  are more likely to support a candidate in next years US presidential election who will continue military aid to Ukraine and who backs Nato.

Three civilians in Kharkiv village killed by Russian shelling, says governor

11:27 , Andy Gregory

At least three people have been killed in the Kharkiv region by Russian shelling, the regional governor has alleged.

Unfortunately, as a result of this shelling, three civilians in the village of Vovchanski Khutory were killed near their homes, governor Oleh Synehubov wrote Telegram.

He said the victims were men aged 45, 48 and 57.

Germany and France missing in action over European defence, report claims

10:52 , Andy Gregory

A lack of leadership by countries such as Germany and France and narrow industrial interests keep Europe from boosting defence cooperation as warranted by Russias war on Ukraine, a report by the Munich Security Conference has claimed.

The crucial capability gap in European defence is still political leadership, the Munich Security Report on European Defence said. Acknowledging that European defence has come a long way since Russias invasion, the report said Europeans were still far from living up to a darkening global security environment.

The report said Germany and France in particular were missing in action at a time when European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and EU top diplomat Josep Borrell are driving EU support for Kyiv and joint procurement initiatives.

Under the Scholz government, Germany has faced recurrent criticism for its absence in EU defence questions, it said. Meanwhile, France is seen as pursuing narrow industrial rather than collective European interests.

Both countries initial dithering on supplying arms to Ukraine, on top of a history of neglecting eastern European fears of Russia, has caused lasting damage to their credibility in eastern Europe and to that of joint defence initiatives, the report said, adding: The onus is on Germany and France to win back trust.

Putin holds call with Bahrains king, Kremlin says

10:25 , Andy Gregory

Vladimir Putin has held a phone call with the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, the Kremlin said in a statement.

The king expressed support for measures taken by the Russian president to end an armed mutiny by mercenary fighters on Saturday, it claimed.

Body of boy pulled from rubble in Kramatorsk, says mayor

09:59 , Andy Gregory

The body of a boy has been pulled out of the rubble of a building in Kramatorsk on Wednesday, taking the death toll from a Russian missile strike on a restaurant to nine, the citys mayor said.

Rescuers pulled a boys body from the rubble, mayor Oleksandr Goncharenko said, as search and rescue operations continued. He did not give the boys age.

Three girls aged between 14 and 17 are also among the nine people killed, authorities said.

Lithuanian president to meet with Zelensky to discuss Nato

09:44 , Andy Gregory

Lithuanian president Gitanas Nauseda is set to meet Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Wednesday to discuss Nato, his office has said, as Ukraine seeks to enter the alliance.

Mr Zelensky has stepped up calls for Ukraine to receive a political invitation to join Nato at the summit in Vilnius next month, with Nato members reportedly close to agreeing incremental steps to strengthen ties with Kyiv.

Lithuania has been one of the staunchest supporters of Ukraine in Nato and the EU, and is buying Nasams air defence systems for Ukraine from a Norwegian company.

The presidents will discuss the Nato summit agenda, Ukraines European Union membership negotiations, and European support for Ukraine, Nausedas office said in a statement.

Nauseda will then head to a European Union leaders summit in Brussels on Thursday and Friday.

(AP)

Sweden will become a Nato member, PM insists

09:21 , Andy Gregory

Sweden still wants to join Nato no later than the alliances summit in Vilnius next month, prime minister Ulf Kristersson has said, as he conceded it was not certain this would be possible.

Sweden will become a Nato member, Mr Kristersson told public service broadcaster SVT. Nobody can promise it will happen specifically in Vilnius or right ahead of Vilnius, even if that has been our ambition all along. And that is an ambition we share with every other Nato country as well.

Turkey has blocked Swedens accession, accusing Stockholm of harbouring members of what it considers terrorist groups and expressing outrage over anti-Turkish demonstrations in the Nordic country. Sweden has said freedom of speech is firmly enshrined in its constitution and that it has lived up to all the requirements set out in an agreement struck in Madrid last year with Turkey and Finland.

Swedish and Turkish officials met on 14 June for what Swedens chief negotiator characterised as good talks, and are due to hold another high level meeting in Brussels organised by Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg before the Vilnius summit.

Weve also said that we respect that it is Turkey that makes Turkish decisions and it is good we now have another meeting ... and maybe we can address the odd question mark ahead of the Vilnius summit in that kind of conversation, Mr Kristersson said.

Lukashenko claims he persuaded Putin not to wipe out Prigozhin

09:13 , Andy Gregory

Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko has claimed he persuaded Vladimir Putin not to wipe out mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin during the shortlived mutiny last weekend.

Mr Putin initially vowed to crush the mutiny, but hours later a deal was clinched to allow the Wagner boss and some of his fighters to go to Belarus, where he arrived by plane on Tuesday.

Describing his conversation with Mr Putin, Mr Lukashenko used the criminal slang phrase for killing someone, equivalent to the English phrase to wipe out, echoing Mr Putins vow in 1999 to wipe out [Chechen militants] in the s***house, which became widely quoted and emblematic for some of his severe tendencies.

I also understood: a brutal decision had been made (and it was the undertone of Putins address) to wipe out the mutineers, Mr Lukashenko told a meeting of his army officials and journalists, according to Belarusian state media.

I suggested to Putin not to rush. Come on, I said, Lets talk with Prigozhin, with his commanders. To which he told me: Listen, Sasha, its useless. He doesnt even pick up the phone, he doesnt want to talk to anyone.

Mr Lukashenko, both an old acquaintance of Mr Prigozhin and close ally of Mr Putin, claimed he had advised the Russian president to think beyond our own noses and warned that Mr Prigozhins elimination could lead to a widespread revolt by his fighters, adding that his own army could benefit from the experience of Wagner troops.

This is the most trained unit in the army, BelTA state agency quoted Lukashenko as saying. Who will argue with this? My military also understand this, and we dont have such people in Belarus.

Later, Mr Lukashenko told his military that people fail to understand that we are approaching this in a pragmatic way, adding: Theyve been through it, theyll tell us about the weaponry  what worked well, which worked badly.

Three teenagers among eight dead in Kramatorsk restaurant bombing, say officials

08:41 , Andy Gregory

Three children are among eight people killed in a Russian missile attack on a restaurant and several houses in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk, authorities have said, as they continue to clear rubble and search for survivors.

At least 56 people were also wounded in the attack at a restaurant frequented by journalists, aid workers and soldiers who use Kramatorsk as a base of operations, with the city lying only a few miles from the front line.

The shelling occurred when people had returned from work, said prosecutor general Andrii Kostin, adding that the three dead children were aged between 14 and 17.

Ukraines State Emergency Service said that rescuers continued to clear rubble from the site and search for more survivors.

Rescuers and volunteers work to rescue people from under the rubble (Genya Savilov/AFP via Getty Images)

Russia still likely to withdraw from Black Sea grain deal, state media reports

08:35 , Andy Gregory

The probability of Russia withdrawing from the Black Sea grain deal in July remains high, although talks continue, according to the state-backed RIA news agency, which cited an anonymous source.

Moscow has repeatedly complained it is not getting what it wanted from the deal brokered by the UN in a bid to ease global hunger, which has allowed grain to be shipped out of Ukrainian ports and expires on 18 July.

Ukrainian officials have cited Russias repeated threats to withdraw from the deal as among reasons why they feel they would be unable to trust Vladimir Putin in negotiations.

Countdown of end to Putins regime has begun, says Zelenskys adviser

07:55 , Arpan Rai

Officials in Kyiv are speculating an end to Vladimir Putins regime in Moscow after the recent tremor served by a brief mutiny led by Wagners Yevgeny Prigozhin alongside the continuing war in Ukraine.

I think the countdown has started, said Andriy Yermak, adviser to Volodymyr Zelensky said, refering to Mr Putins presidentship.

What Ukraine has seen since 2014 has become evident for the entire world, Mr Yermak said at a briefing in Kyiv.

He added: This is a terrorist country whose leader is an inadequate person who has lost connection with reality. The world must conclude that its impossible to have any kind of serious relationship with that country.

The rebellious mercenary soldiers who briefly took over a Russian military headquarters on an ominous march toward Moscow were gone over the weekend, but the short-lived revolt has weakened Mr Putin just as his forces are facing a fierce counteroffensive in Ukraine.

Putin is much diminished and the Russian military, and this is significant as far as Ukraine is concerned, said Lord Richard Dannatt, former chief of the general staff of the British armed forces. ... Prigozhin has left the stage to go to Belarus, but is that the end of Yevgeny Prigozhin and the Wagner Group?

Senior Russian general knew about Wagners mutiny plans  report

06:45 , Arpan Rai

General Sergey Surovikin, the deputy commander of Russias military operations in Ukraine, had advance knowledge that the mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was planning a rebellion against Moscows defence officials.

The New York Times cited US officials briefed on US intelligence regarding the matter, and reported that the officials were trying to learn if Gen. Sergey Surovikin, the former top Russian commander in Ukraine, helped plan Mr Prigozhins actions last weekend.

Officials in Washington also said there were signs that other Russian generals also may have supported Mr Prigozhin, the report added.

The Wagner chief flew into exile in Belarus yesterday under a deal that ended a brief mutiny by his Wagner fighters over the weekend, as Vladimir Putin praised his armed forces for averting a civil war.

US sanctions gold companies suspected of supporting Wagner mercenaries in Russia

06:26 , Arpan Rai

The US moved to punish companies accused of doing business with the infamous Russian mercenary army known as the Wagner Group, following the groups insurrection attempt within Russias borders.

The move is not thought to be specifically related to the coup, however, instead being a response to Wagners participation in some of the bloodiest fighting taking place within Ukraine, where Russian forces launched a full-scale invasion last year.

A statement from the Treasury Department faulted companies in Africa and the Middle East for participating in a gold-selling scheme in violation of US sanctions to fund the Wagner Groups ongoing activities. One executive at Wagner, Andrey Nikolayevich Ivanov, was also slapped with individual sanctions on his financial dealings.

Read the full story here:

US sanctions gold companies suspected of supporting Wagner mercenaries in Russia

Ukraines main troop reserves yet to be used, says defence minister

06:12 , Arpan Rai

The liberation of a group of villages under Russian occupation in recent weeks were not the main event in Kyivs planned attack, Oleksiy Reznikov, Ukraine defence minister told the Financial Times.

When it happens, you will all see it... Everyone will see everything, he told FT in an interview published today, brushing aside media coverage of slow progress against well-fortified Russian positions.

Ukraines main troop reserves, including most brigades recently trained in the West and equipped with modern Nato tanks and armoured vehicles, have yet to be used in the operation, Mr Reznikov said.

Death toll in Kramatorsk attack rises to eight

05:53 , Arpan Rai

The death toll has risen to eight from Russias attack on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk, Ukraines emergency services said today.

Another 56 people were injured, officials said.

Rescuers are working through the rubble of the destroyed building and searching for people who are probably still under it, officials of the emergency services said on the Telegram messaging app.

Two Russian missiles struck Kramatorsk yesterday, targeting a crowded restaurant in the city centre. Three people were pulled from the rubble, the emergency services added.

Wagner chief walks free after armed revolt. Other Russians defying the Kremlin aren't so lucky

05:18 , Arpan Rai

Mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin led an armed rebellion against the Russian military  and walked free.

Others who merely voiced criticism against the Kremlin werent so lucky.

On Tuesday, Russias main domestic security agency, the FSB, said it had dropped the criminal investigation into last weeks revolt, with no charges against Prigozhin or any of the other participants, even though about a dozen Russian troops were killed in clashes.

The Kremlin had promised not to prosecute Prigozhin after reaching an agreement with him that he would halt the uprising and retreat to neighboring Belarus.

That came even though President Vladimir Putin vowed to punish those behind the rebellion.Asked about this U-turn by The Associated Press during a conference call with reports on Tuesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refused to comment.

Prigozhins escape from prosecution  at least for now  was in stark contrast to how the Kremlin has deals with anti-government protests like speaking out against the war in Ukraine or challenging Putins rule.

UN report finds Russia tortured, executed civilians in Ukraine; Kyiv also abused detainees

05:00 , Joe Middleton

Russian forces carried out widespread and systematic torture of civilians who were detained in connection with its attack on Ukraine, summarily executing dozens of them, the United Nations human rights office said Tuesday.

The global body interviewed hundreds of victims and witnesses for a report detailing more than 900 cases of civilians, including children and elderly people, being arbitrarily detained in the conflict, most of them by Russia.

The vast majority of those interviewed said they were tortured and in some cases subjected to sexual violence during detention by Russian forces, the head of the U.N. human rights office in Ukraine said.

UN report finds Russia tortured, executed civilians in Ukraine; Kyiv also abused detainees

Zelensky says Russian savages shelled Kramatorsk with S-300 missiles

04:41 , Arpan Rai

Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of using S-300 surface-to-air missiles on the shopping mall in Kramatorsk in Donetsk.

Exactly on the anniversary of the Russian terrorists attack on Kremenchuk, on the shopping mall, when 22 people were killed, Russian savages again fired missiles at the Kremenchuk district, the Ukrainian president said in his nightly address yesterday.

He added: Today, Russian terrorists also brutally shelled Kramatorsk. S-300 missiles. Three people were killed, including a child. My condolences to the families and friends. As of this hour, more than 40 people are wounded. Assistance is being provided to all. The rubble is being cleared.

Each such manifestation of terror proves over and over again to us and to the whole world that Russia deserves only one thing as a result of everything it has done  defeat and a tribunal, fair and legal trials against all Russian murderers and terrorists, Mr Zelensky said.

The S-300 is a family of surface-to-air missiles, originally developed by the Soviet Union. It was first put into operation in the late 1970s after a decade of development. Military analysts say Russia has appeared to use repurposed S-300 missiles to strike ground targets during the war in Ukraine - a sign of potentially dwindling missile supplies.

S-300 missiles are intended to shoot down aircraft, drones and incoming cruise and ballistic missiles.

Photos capture grim attack on civilians in Donetsks Kramatorsk

04:18 , Arpan Rai

Search and rescue efforts continue after a Russian missile attack hits Ria restaurant in Kramatorsk (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

People walk past a restaurant in Kramatorsk, eastern Ukraine, after a missile strike hit (AFP via Getty Images)

Rescuers and volunteers work to rescue people from under the rubble after Russian missile strike hit a restaurant and several houses in Kramatorsk (AFP via Getty Images)

A wounded woman waves while speaking on the phone as rescuers and volunteers work to rescue people from under rubble (AFP via Getty Images)

Wounded people are seen as search and rescue efforts continue after a Russian missile attack hits Ria restaurant in Kramatorsk (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Wagner chief walks free after armed revolt. Other Russians defying the Kremlin arent so lucky

04:00 , Joe Middleton

Mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin led an armed rebellion against the Russian military  and walked free. Others who merely voiced criticism against the Kremlin werent so lucky.

On Tuesday, Russias main domestic security agency, the FSB, said it had dropped the criminal investigation into last weeks revolt, with no charges against Prigozhin or any of the other participants, even though about a dozen Russian troops were killed in clashes.

The Kremlin had promised not to prosecute Prigozhin after reaching an agreement with him that he would halt the uprising and retreat to neighboring Belarus. That came even though President Vladimir Putin vowed to punish those behind the rebellion.

Wagner chief walks free after armed revolt. Other Russians defying the Kremlin arent so lucky

Four killed in Russian missile strike on restaurant

03:52 , Arpan Rai

At least four people, including one child, have been killed in eastern Ukraine city Kramatorsk after two Russian missiles struck a restaurant, leaving rescue workers to comb through a shattered building for casualties.

Another 42 people who were present at the restaurant were injured, the city council in Kramatorsk said.

In Kramatorsk, emergency workers scurried in and out of the shattered restaurant as residents stood outside embracing and surveying the damage.

The building was reduced to a twisted web of metal beams. Police and soldiers emerged with a man in military trousers and boots on a stretcher. He was placed in an ambulance, though it was not clear whether he was still alive.

The city in frontline oblast of Donetsk has been a target of Russian attacks frequently.

One of the missiles also hit a village on the fringes of Kramatorsk, leaving five injured.

US to give Ukraine $500m in additional military aid, announces Pentagon

03:43 , Arpan Rai

The United States will provide Ukraine with a new military package worth up to $500m (392m), the Pentagon has announced.

This is the 41st such security assistance package approved by the US for Ukraine since Russias full-scale invasion in February last year, marking a show of support.

Ground vehicles including Bradley fighting vehicles and Stryker armored personnel carriers, and munitions for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems have been included in this tranche, a statement from the Pentagon read.

The package includes key capabilities to support Ukraines counteroffensive operations, strengthen its air defenses ... and other equipment to help Ukraine push back on Russias war of aggression, the Pentagon said.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said he was sincerely grateful for the defence assistance package.

Additional Bradley and Stryker armored vehicles, ammunition for HIMARS, Patriots and Stingers will add even more power, he said.

Analysis: Exiled warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin sends defiant message in Russias game of thrones

03:00 , Joe Middleton

His advance on Moscow has been likened by some to Mussolinis march on Rome  but can the mercenary contninue to escape Putins wrath, asks Kim Sengupta

Exiled warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin sends defiant message in Russias game of thrones

Comment: Putin will cling on to power until people inside the Kremlin are up for the fight

02:00 , Joe Middleton

Prigozhins march on Moscow will have frightened Putin  but the Russian leader survived because no other senior figures joined the call for change, writes historian Peter Frankopan.

What the coup that never was tells us about Putins grip on power | Peter Frankopan

Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin? The exiled Wagner Group mercenary chief who rebelled against Putin

01:00 , Joe Middleton

Once a low-profile businessman who benefited from having President Vladimir Putin as a powerful patron, Yevgeny Prigozhin moved into the global spotlight with Russias war in Ukraine.

As the leader of a mercenary force who depicts himself as fighting many of the Russian militarys toughest battles in Ukraine, the 62-year-old Prigozhin has now moved into his most dangerous role yet: preaching open rebellion against his countrys military leadership.

Prigozhin, owner of the Kremlin-allied Wagner Group, has escalated what have been months of scathing criticism of Russias conduct of the war by calling on Friday for an armed uprising to oust the defense minister. Russian security services reacted immediately, opening a criminal investigation and demanding Prigozhins arrest.

Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin?

Comment: Putins two-faced tirades over the Wagner mutiny could still be his undoing

Tuesday 27 June 2023 23:59 , Joe Middleton

Claiming treachery one minute, then praising Wagners role in Ukraine the next, may have allowed the Russian leader to steer out of an immediate storm, writes Mary Dejevsky. But such mixed messages expose cracks in his authority that will be hard to repair.

Opinion: Putins two-faced tirades over the Wagner mutiny could still be his undoing

Mapped: Has Ukraine made advances against Russia?

Tuesday 27 June 2023 23:00 , Joe Middleton

With Russias invasion of Ukraine raging for 16 months, Ukraine is now pushing back with its long-awaited counteroffensive that has already recorded a number of gains.

On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised Ukrainian troops for advancing in all sectors, having spent the day presenting awards to front-line soldiers in the east and south.

Today in all sectors, our soldiers made advances. It is a happy day, Mr Zelensky said in his nightly video address, which was delivered from a train after visiting two frontline areas.

Mapped: Has Ukraine made advances against Russia?

Russian missiles hit restaurant in Ukraines Kramatorsk, killing four and injuring 42

Tuesday 27 June 2023 22:17 , Joe Middleton

Two Russian missiles struck the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk on Tuesday and killed at least four people, police and the military said.

Ukraines national police put the death toll from the attack at four dead and 42 injured.

Emergency workers were pictured moving in and out of the restaurant as residents stood outside embracing and surveying the damage from the strike.

Kramatorsk is a major city west of the front lines in Donetsk province and a likely key objective in any Russian advance westward seeking to capture all of the region.

The city has been a frequent target of Russian attacks, including a strike on the towns railway station in April 2022 that killed 63 people.

Devastation of 'living hell' Bakhmut captured in eerie drone footage

Tuesday 27 June 2023 22:00 , Joe Middleton

US sanctions gold firms connected to Russian Wagner mercenary group

Tuesday 27 June 2023 20:55 , Joe Middleton

The US on Tuesday imposed sanctions on four firms and one individual connected to the Wagner Group, the Russian mercenaries that led a brief revolt against the Kremlin last week.

The sanctions from Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control targeted entities in the Central African Republic, the United Arab Emirates and Russia that were connected to the Wagner Group and its founder Yevgeny Prigozhin.

The sanctions are not directly related to last weeks uprising. The U.S. has previously issued sanctions against Prigozhin and the Wagner Group multiple times, including alleging that he tried to interfere with the 2016 U.S. election.

US sanctions gold firms connected to Russian Wagner mercenary group

The end of the Wagner mutiny has tightened Putins grip on Belarus  but Lukashenko wont care

Tuesday 27 June 2023 19:20 , Eleanor Noyce

The talks between Mr Lukashenko and Mr Prigozhin were very difficult. They immediately blurted out such vulgar things it would make any mother cry. The conversation was hard, it was masculine.

Vadim Gigin, a Belarusian propagandist, was describing the negotiations between President Alexander Lukashenko and Yevgeny Prigozhin which brought the extraordinary attempted coup in Russia to an end after a tumultuous 24 hours.

The agreement, under which the Kremlin agreed to drop criminal charges against Prigozhin and his Wagner mercenaries who took part in the rebellion, averted a catastrophic civil war and, arguably, may have saved Vladimir Putin from being overthrown.

Having proven his worth as a vassal to the Russian leader, the Belarusian president is in a more secure position than he has been for years, writes Kim Sengupta:

The end of the Wagner mutiny has tightened Putins grip on Belarus | Kim Sengupta

Putin will cling on to power until people inside the Kremlin are up for the fight

Tuesday 27 June 2023 18:50 , Eleanor Noyce

It was over almost as soon as it started. The events that unfolded on Saturday looked ominous. As Yevgeny Prigozhin and his Wagner Group took control of Rostov-on-Don and began to move on Moscow, the Russian authorities were certainly rattled.

Orders were given to dig up roads, to slow down the column of military vehicles apparently heading north; lorries were lined up to block motorways; Red Square was closed to visitors as steps were taken to boost security; government planes took off for the apparent safety of St Petersburg  though who was aboard was unclear.

Prigozhins march on Moscow will have frightened Putin  but the Russian leader survived because no other senior figures joined the call for change, writes historian Peter Frankopan:

What the coup that never was tells us about Putins grip on power | Peter Frankopan

Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin? The exiled Wagner Group mercenary chief who rebelled against Putin

Tuesday 27 June 2023 18:20 , Eleanor Noyce

Once a low-profile businessman who benefited from having President Vladimir Putin as a powerful patron, Yevgeny Prigozhin moved into the global spotlight with Russias war in Ukraine.

As the leader of a mercenary force who depicts himself as fighting many of the Russian militarys toughest battles in Ukraine, the 62-year-old Prigozhin has now moved into his most dangerous role yet: preaching open rebellion against his countrys military leadership.

Prigozhin, owner of the Kremlin-allied Wagner Group, has escalated what have been months of scathing criticism of Russias conduct of the war by calling on Friday for an armed uprising to oust the defense minister. Russian security services reacted immediately, opening a criminal investigation and demanding Prigozhins arrest.

Ellen Knickmeyer reports:

Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin?

Mapped: Has Ukraine made advances against Russia?

Tuesday 27 June 2023 17:50 , Eleanor Noyce

With Russias invasion of Ukraine raging for 16 months, Ukraine is now pushing back with its long-awaited counteroffensive that has already recorded a number of gains.

On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised Ukrainian troops for advancing in all sectors, having spent the day presenting awards to front-line soldiers in the east and south.

Today in all sectors, our soldiers made advances. It is a happy day, Mr Zelensky said in his nightly video address, which was delivered from a train after visiting two frontline areas.

Here, we take a look at the advances Ukraine has made against Russia and the current state of play:

Mapped: Has Ukraine made advances against Russia?

Baltic states call for NATO to increase security with Wagner in Belarus

Tuesday 27 June 2023 17:20 , Eleanor Noyce

Latvia and Lithuania called on Tuesday for NATO to strengthen its eastern borders in response to expectations that Russias Wagner private will set up a new base in Belarus after its abortive mutiny at home.

Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin arrived in Belarus on Tuesday under a deal negotiated by President Alexander Lukashenko that ended the mercenaries mutiny in Russia on Saturday. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wagners fighters would be offered the choice of relocating there.

This move needs to be assessed from a different security point of view. We have seen the capabilities of those mercenaries, Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics told reporters during a visit to Paris with Baltic counterparts.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said the speed with which Wagner had advanced on Moscow - driving hundreds of kilometres in a one-day race towards the capital - showed that the defence of Baltic states should be firmed up.

Our countries borders are just hundreds of kilometres from that activity so it could take them 8-10 hours to suddenly appear somewhere in Belarus close to Lithuania, Landsbergis said. It is creating a more volatile, unpredictable environment for our region.

We need to take the defence of the Baltic region very seriously, he said.

The Baltic envoys visit to France comes as Western powers gear up for a NATO summit next month in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius.

Wagners arrival in Belarus should be viewed in light of the NATO summit and all discussions that we are having about defence, deterrence and the necessary decisions to strengthen the security of the eastern flank, said Latvias Rinkevics.

UN report finds Russia tortured, executed civilians in Ukraine; Kyiv also abused detainees

Tuesday 27 June 2023 17:00 , Eleanor Noyce

Russian forces carried out widespread and systematic torture of civilians who were detained in connection with its attack on Ukraine, summarily executing dozens of them, the United Nations human rights office said Tuesday.

The global body interviewed hundreds of victims and witnesses for a report detailing more than 900 cases of civilians, including children and elderly people, being arbitrarily detained in the conflict, most of them by Russia.

The vast majority of those interviewed said they were tortured and in some cases subjected to sexual violence during detention by Russian forces, the head of the U.N. human rights office in Ukraine said.

Frank Jordans has the full story:

UN report finds Russia tortured, executed civilians in Ukraine; Kyiv also abused detainees

Belarus leader says he talked Prigozhin back from brink

Tuesday 27 June 2023 16:52 , Eleanor Noyce

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Tuesday that he had convinced Yevgeny Prigozhin in an emotional, expletive-laden phone call to end a mutiny by his Wagner militia that has jolted Russia.

Under a deal brokered by Lukashenko, an old friend, Prigozhin abandoned what a march for justice by thousands of his men on Moscow in exchange for safe passage to exile in Belarus.

His men - who have spearheaded much of Russias military campaign in Ukraine - were also pardoned and have been given the choice of joining Prigozhin in Belarus, being integrated into Russias security forces, or simply going home.

Lukashenko, recounting his role in Saturdays drama to Belarusian officers and officials, hailed Prigozhin as a heroic guy who had been shaken by the deaths of many of his men in Ukraine.

He was pressured and influenced by those who led the assault squads (in Ukraine) and saw these deaths, Lukashenko said, adding that Prigozhin had arrived in the southern Russian city of Rostov from Ukraine in a semi-mad state.

With Prigozhins men having seized Rostov and others heading for Moscow, Lukashenko said he tried for hours by phone to reason with the Wagner chief, who has said he was furious at corruption and incompetence in the military leadership and wanted to avenge an alleged army attack on his men.

Lukashenko said their calls contained 10 times as many obscenities as normal language.

But we want justice! They want to strangle us! Were going to Moscow! he quoted Prigozhin as saying.

I say: Halfway youll just be crushed like a bug, Lukashenko replied.

Lukashenko also said that, earlier on Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin had sought his help, complaining that Prigozhin was not taking any calls. Lukashenko said he had advised Putin against rushing to crush the mutineers.

Prigozhin said on Monday he had never planned to topple Putins government but wanted Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and the chief of the General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, sacked.

Nobody will give you either Shoigu or Gerasimov, Lukashenko said he told Prigozhin, finally convincing him that Moscow would be defended and to continue the mutiny would engulf Russia in turmoil and grief.

Belarusian president makes first speech since Wagner jet lands near Minsk after Russian mutiny

Tuesday 27 June 2023 16:45 , Eleanor Noyce

Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko made his first public statement on Tuesday (27 June) after mediating a deal to halt a mutiny against Russia by the Wagner forces.

Under the deal, the mercenary groups leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, is meant to move to Belarus.

Data from a flight tracking website shows a Russian-registered Embraer Legacy 600 jet, which is linked to Prigozhin, flew to Belarus from Russia on Tuesday.

We are clearly seeing a new wave of Nato expansion, and an unprecedented build-up of the potential of the alliances members in the region, including in close vicinity to our borders, Lukashenko said, failing to mention Prigozhin.

Belarus president makes first speech since Wagner jet lands near Minsk after mutiny

Russia summons Israel's charge d'affaires over Ukraine ambassador's comments

Tuesday 27 June 2023 16:43 , Eleanor Noyce

Russias foreign ministry on Tuesday said it had summoned the charge daffaires of Israel over comments made by Israels ambassador to Kyiv.

Wagner moving to Belarus is bad for Poland, says Polish president

Tuesday 27 June 2023 16:30 , Eleanor Noyce

The movement of Wagner Group troops to Belarus is a negative signal for Poland, president Andrzej Duda said on Tuesday, as he headed for talks with other NATO leaders in the Netherlands.

We see what is happening, the relocation of Russian forces in the form of the Wagner Group to Belarus, and the head of the Wagner Group going there, those are all very negative signals for us which we want to raise strongly with our allies, he told reporters.

Lukashenko says Belarus ready to accommodate Wagner mercenaries on abandoned base - BELTA

Tuesday 27 June 2023 16:15 , Eleanor Noyce

Belarus is not building any camps for Russias mercenary Wagner group, but will accommodate them if they want, the Belarusian state news agency BELTA quoted President Alexander Lukashenko as saying on Tuesday.

We offered them one of the abandoned military bases. Please - we have a fence, we have everything - put up your tents, Lukashenko said.

Under a deal brokered by Lukashenko late on Saturday that ended a mutiny by the Wagner fighters, they were allowed either to join Russias regular armed forces, move with their leader Yevgeny Prigozhin into exile in Belarus, or simply return to their families.

Lukashenko was also quoted as saying there were no plans to open any Wagner recruitment centres in Belarus.

Ukraine reprimands Kyiv mayor Klitschko after bomb shelter audit

Tuesday 27 June 2023 16:00 , Eleanor Noyce

Ukraines government reprimanded Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko on Tuesday after criticism of city officials over the state of bomb shelters following the deaths of three people locked out on the street during a Russian air raid.

The government said it had dismissed the heads of two districts under the Kyiv military administration, and two acting heads of districts.

It was not immediately clear whether Klitschko, a former boxer, would face any further action.

Uncertainty about his political future grew after President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised city officials over the 1 June incident, in which two women and a girl were killed by falling debris after rushing to a Kyiv shelter and finding it shut.

Zelensky ordered an audit of all bomb shelters after the three deaths and said personnel changes would be made. The audit found only 15% of Kyivs 4,655 bomb shelters were suitable and only 44% were freely accessible.

Prigozhin to be investigated after being paid $2 billion in a year - Putin

Tuesday 27 June 2023 15:44 , Eleanor Noyce

President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that the finances of Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhins catering firm would be investigated after his mutiny, saying Wagner and its founder had received almost $2 billion from Russia in the past year.

Putin initially vowed to crush the mutiny, comparing it to the wartime turmoil that ushered in the revolutions of 1917 and then a civil war, but hours later a deal was clinched to allow Prigozhin and some of his fighters to go to Belarus.

Speaking to soldiers from the Russian army at a meeting in the Kremlin, Putin said he had always respected Wagners fighters, but that the fact was the group had been fully financed from the state budget.

He said it had received 86 billion roubles ($1 billion) from the defence ministry between May 2022 and May 2023.

In addition, Prigozhins Concord catering company made 80 billion roubles from state contracts to supply food to the Russian army, Putin said.

I do hope that, as part of this work, no one stole anything, or, lets say, stole less, but we will, of course, investigate all of this.

Prigozhin, whom Putin did not mention by name, could not be reached for immediate comment on Putins remarks.

He said earlier this year that he had always financed Wagner but had looked for additional financing after the war began in Ukraine.

He said on Monday that he had not been trying to overthrow the Russian state and that he remained a patriot who was trying to settle scores with the defence ministry.

Putins two-faced tirades over the Wagner mutiny could still be his undoing

Tuesday 27 June 2023 15:05 , Matt Mathers

Claiming treachery one minute, then praising Wagners role in Ukraine the next, may have allowed the Russian leader to steer out of an immediate storm, writes Mary Dejevsky. But such mixed messages expose cracks in his authority that will be hard to repair.

Read Marys full comment piece here:

Opinion: Putins two-faced tirades over the Wagner mutiny could still be his undoing

Exiled warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin sends defiant message in Russias game of thrones

Tuesday 27 June 2023 13:40 , Matt Mathers

His advance on Moscow has been likened by some to Mussolinis march on Rome  but can the mercenary contninue to escape Putins wrath, asks Kim Sengupta.

Read Kims full analysis here:

Exiled warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin sends defiant message in Russias game of thrones

Putin will cling on to power until people inside the Kremlin are up for the fight

Tuesday 27 June 2023 13:20 , Matt Mathers

Prigozhins march on Moscow will have frightened Putin  but the Russian leader survived because no other senior figures joined the call for change, writes historian Peter Frankopan.

Read Peters full piece here:

What the coup that never was tells us about Putins grip on power | Peter Frankopan

Pope Francis peace envoy to visit Moscow this week

Tuesday 27 June 2023 12:57 , Matt Mathers

An Italian cardinal tasked by Pope Francis with trying to help end the war in Ukraine will visit Moscow this week as a follow up to his trip to Kyiv, the Vatican said on Tuesday.

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi Cardinal will be in the Russian capital on Wednesday and Thursday, a statement said.

The main purpose of the initiative is to encourage humanitarian gestures, which can contribute to facilitating a solution to the current tragic situation and find ways to achieve a just peace, the statement said.

It was not clear who Zuppi would meet in Moscow. He met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and religious leaders in Kyiv on June 6.

If Zuppi, 67, meets Russian President Vladimir Putin, he would be one of the first foreigners to do so since an aborted mutiny against the Russian military over the weekend.

A Vatican source said Zuppis trip had been at risk of being called off because of the attempted mutiny and the confusion surrounding it.

Zuppi told reporters last week that he would consult with the pope before leaving for Moscow. Speaking of his dual visits to the two capitals, he said it was a pattern that needs to be woven for the resolution of the conflict.

Vatican Bishops Conference (AP)

Russia strikes Ukrainian city on anniversary of deadly attack

Tuesday 27 June 2023 12:29 , Matt Mathers

Russia hit a cluster of buildings in a missile strike on Kremenchuk in central Ukraine on Tuesday, the first anniversary of a deadly attack on a shopping mall in the city, Ukrainian officials said.

Dmytro Lunin, governor of the Poltava region that includes Kremenchuk, said what he described as a dacha - or cottage - cooperative had been struck, but reported no casualties.

Ukrainian officials said at the time that at least 18 people were killed at the Amstor shopping mall during a Russian missile strike on Kremenchuk on June 27, 2022. Later reports put the toll at least 20.

"The enemy attacked Poltava region. Just like a year ago on this day, with X-22 missiles," Lunin wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

Russia did not immediately comment on the attack. It has regularly carried out air strikes since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

File photo of Kremenchuk:

Russia Ukraine War Referendum Explainer (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Putin finally admits how close Russia came to civil war after Wagner mutiny

Tuesday 27 June 2023 12:10 , Matt Mathers

Vladimir Putin has finally admitted how close Russia came to civil war during last weekends mutiny.

He told some 2,500 members of Russias security forces, National Guard and military units on Tuesday that the people and the armed forces had stood together in opposition to rebel mercenaries in Saturdays aborted mutiny.

In an appearance on a square inside the Kremlin that looked designed to send a message that he remained firmly in control, Putin said: You have defended the constitutional order, the lives, security and freedom of our citizens.

You have saved our Motherland from upheaval. In fact, you have stopped a civil war, Putin said.

Watch: Plane 'carrying Wagner boss Prigozhin' lands in Belarus

Tuesday 27 June 2023 11:56 , Matt Mathers

Data from a flight tracking website shows a Russian-registered Embraer Legacy 600 jet, which is linked to Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin , flew to Belarus from Russia on Tuesday (June 27), Holly Patrick reports:

Watch: Plane carrying Wagner boss lands in Belarus after groups armed rebellion

Charges against Prigozhin and others dropped

Tuesday 27 June 2023 10:50 , Matt Mathers

Russias chief mercenary Yevgeny Prigozhin and others involved in the weekend mutiny will not face charges, officials have said.

The Federal Security Service, or FSB, said its investigation had concluded that those involved in the mutiny ceased activities directed at committing the crime.

The charge of mounting an armed mutiny carries a punishment of up to 20 years in prison.

Prigozhin escaping prosecution poses a stark contrast to how the Kremlin has been treating those staging anti-government protests.

EUR-GEN UCRANIA-GUERRA (AP)

Living hell'

Tuesday 27 June 2023 10:35 , Matt Mathers

Eerie drone footage reveals the scale of destruction in Bakhmut - the scene of some of the most intense battles since Russias invasion of Ukraine in February.

Even the fiercest battles of WWII pale in comparison with the living hell that is todays #Bakhmut, Ukraines defence ministry said in a caption accompanying the clip.

This is Ukraine in the 21st century. This is our daily reality.

Even the fiercest battles of WWII pale in comparison with the living hell that is todays #Bakhmut.

This is Ukraine in the 21st century.

This is our daily reality.



@Liberov pic.twitter.com/UQRJ5ljqCM  Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) June 26, 2023

Lukashenko claims he played role in ending Russian mutiny

Tuesday 27 June 2023 10:25 , Matt Mathers

Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko has claimed he played a role in ending the mutiny in Russia over the weekend.

It comes following reports that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner chief mercenary who led the revolt, landed in Belarus earlier this morning on a private jet.

Given the role of Belarus in resolving this situation, I must say a few words here about what happened and explain our position and the decisions taken, Mr Lukashenko said, referring to the deal.

He did not give many details of what role he played.

Belarus Lawyer Shortage (Sputnik)

Russia has detained hundreds of civilians since Ukraine war began: UN

Tuesday 27 June 2023 10:08 , Matt Mathers

A UN monitoring mission in Ukraine said on Tuesday that Russia has detained more than 800 civilians since the conflict began last February, of whom 77 were executed.

The report showed that Ukraine had also violated international law by arbitrarily detaining civilians but on a considerably smaller scale.

"(The UN rights office) identified patterns of conduct which have resulted in arbitrary detention, as well as further human rights violations including torture, ill treatment and enforced disappearances," the report said, adding that the detentions by Russia had taken place in both Ukraine and Russia.

"While such conduct was found in relation to both parties to the conflict, there was greater prevalence of conduct attributed to forces of the Russian Federation."

Russia Cyber Gulag (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press.)

UK should begin compiling lists of Britons in Russia, says senior Tory

Tuesday 27 June 2023 09:41 , Matt Mathers

Alicia Kearns, chair of the foreign affairs select committee, called on the Foreign Office to start compiling lists of British citizens in Russia in case they need to be evacuated, Adam Forrest reports.

Official travel advice to UK citizens continues to be to leave Russia.

Asked about British citizens inside the country on Monday, foreign secretary James Cleverly said: We of course look at scenario planning to make sure we are able to respond to whatever happens.

He added: But we dont force British nationals to register with the embassy so therefore it is not possible for us to give accurate figures.
Ukraine says it caught a sleeper agent who sent video of a crowded restaurant to Russia before a deadly missile strike blew it apart

Search and rescue efforts continue after a Russian missile attack hits Ria restaurant in Kramatorsk, Ukraine on June 27, 2023. Photo by Wojciech Grzedzinski/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

A Russian missile strike in the Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk left several dead and dozens injured.

Kyiv said it caught a Russian sleeper agent who was monitoring the restaurant before the strike.

The agent allegedly filmed the restaurant and sent footage to Russia's GRU, Ukraine said.

Ukraine's security service says it captured a sleeper agent who was allegedly instructed to gather information on a popular restaurant and send the details back to Russia, which then blew it up with a deadly missile strike.

The unnamed sleeper agent was told on Tuesday to find out if the Ria Lounge in Kramatorsk, a city in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region, was open for business and ordered to film evidence that it was occupied by patrons, the Security Service of Ukraine, or SBU, said in a statement on Wednesday.

Kyiv alleged that the agent then secretly filmed the restaurant and cars that were parked nearby before sending the footage to the GRU, Russia's military intelligence agency. Equipped with this information, the SBU said, Russian forces launched a missile strike on the restaurant, which has killed at least 10 people and injured more than 60 others.

Photo released by Ukraine's security service on June 28, 2023 of the alleged agent. Screenshot/Security Service of Ukraine

The now-detained Russian agent is a resident of Kramatorsk who worked at a local gas transport company and was recruited remotely by Moscow, according to the SBU.

It was not immediately clear when the agent was recruited, but Ukraine suggested that they were "activated" at some point after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of its neighbor in February 2022. The sleeper agent problem is one Ukraine has been contending with since the war began.

The SBU alleged that the agent was commanded to send Russia information on Ukraine's soldiers, as well as the locations of crowded civilian areas and critical infrastructure. The SBU did not publish evidence of its claims, and Insider was not able to immediately verify the information.

This photograph shows a restaurant in Kramatorsk, eastern Ukraine, after a missile strike hit it on June 27, 2023. Photo by GENYA SAVILOV/AFP via Getty Images

'The russian agent will undoubtedly stand trial in a Ukrainian court. But this detention is also a signal to all other spotters and traitors working for russia. Remember: punishment is inevitable!" the SBU said in its statement. "Just as the organizers of war crimes  putin's regime  will inevitably be held accountable before an international tribunal. To this end, we are conducting legal work and collecting evidence for international courts."

Initially, officials said Russian forces used S-300 anti-aircraft missiles to carry out the strike in Kramatorsk on Tuesday evening, but they later clarified that Moscow's troops used Iskander short-range ballistic missiles  a precision weapon  in what has become the latest attack to cause mass civilian casualties in Ukraine.

Videos and photos captured the immediate aftermath. The imagery, which was published to social media, showed mangled and destroyed buildings, heaping piles of debris, and bloodied bodies. Ukraine's defense ministry said 14-year-old twin sisters were among those killed in the attack.

Search and rescue efforts continue after a Russian missile attack hit Ria Restaurant, popular place of meeting in the city of Kramatorsk, Ukraine on June 27, 2023. Photo by Wojciech Grzedzinski/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

"Each such manifestation of terror proves over and over again to us and to the whole world that Russia deserves only one thing as a result of everything it has done  defeat and a tribunal, fair and legal trials against all [Russian] murderers and terrorists," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an address to the nation on Tuesday.

Kramatorsk is a short distance from the current front lines in eastern Ukraine, where Kyiv's forces have made small territorial gains during their grinding counteroffensive. The city, which had a pre-war population of over 150,000 people, was also the site of an April 2022 Russian missile strike on a train station which killed dozens in what is one of the deadliest attacks on civilians of the war.

Tuesday's strike came on the heels of a particularly chaotic weekend for Russia when the Wagner Group  a mercenary organization that has fought in Ukraine alongside Russia's regular army  launched an armed rebellion against Moscow's military leadership after months of rising tensions.

But the historic mutiny was short-lived and saw Wagner's founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, exiled to Belarus. Western officials, meanwhile, have said that the insurrection highlighted serious cracks in Russian President Vladimir Putin's grip on power and greatly undermined his leadership, but for now the war in Ukraine continues.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Naval-Strike-Missile-NSM

Ukraine could be in line to receive the Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile, or NSM, from Polish stocks, with reports in the Polish media suggesting that talks between the two countries about a possible transfer of these coastal defense systems are underway.

A report on the Defence24.pl website says that negotiations are at an advanced stage. The NSM would provide Ukraine with a powerful ability to attack both naval and land targets at distances of over 124 miles. Among its other features, the NSM has low-observable characteristics to make it more difficult for adversaries to spot in advance and it employs unpredictable movements in its terminal stage of flight to help avoid enemy air defense systems. The missile also has an imaging infrared (IIR) system for terminal homing, meaning it gives no radio-frequency warning and cannot be spoofed using RF jamming tactics.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMowaZ3I90o

The report claims that a transfer could possibly be secured using European Unions funds, which would in turn allows Poland to backfill its NSM units.

The Polish Navy currently operates two complete NSM systems within its Coastal Missile Squadron. Each consists of two batteries, each battery having three launchers with up to four missiles each, and supporting command and fire control vehicles. In addition, there are battery and squadron command vehicles, mobile communication centers, plus target detection and tracking radars.

https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1673997522371584002?s=20

Poland was the first NSM operator to deploy a coastal defense variant, although the U.S. Marine Corps, Romania, and Latvia subsequently decided to acquire the same. The U.S. Navy and Norway use NSM missiles in their ship-launched variant.

A Polish Navy NSM launch truck, which uses a locally produced chassis. Szymon Rutkowski/Wikimedia Commons

Before we head into the latest news from Ukraine, The War Zone readers can catch up on our previous rolling coverage here.

The Latest

At least 11 people have been killed after a Russian strike on the Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk in the eastern Donetsk region, according to the citys mayor Oleksandr Honcharenko.

The attack last night hit a busy pizza restaurant in the city, killing at least three children, and reportedly injuring a further 56 people. Emergency services said seven people had been found under the rubble.

https://twitter.com/RomanTrokhymets/status/1674070047034073091?s=20

Donetsk is one of the regions of Ukraine that Russia claimed to annex last year.

https://twitter.com/SESU_UA/status/1673992297766060032?s=20

Among those killed, according to Ukrainian authorities, were two 14-year-old twin sisters, named as Yulia and Anna Aksenchenko.

https://twitter.com/DefenceU/status/1674003554988613632?s=20

According to Ukrainian state news agency Suspilne, Rescuers continue to clear the rubble, and have rescued seven people  Dog handlers and psychologists also work on site.

https://twitter.com/johnsweeneyroar/status/1674080475541798921?s=20

Further details of the attack were provided on Telegram by Pavlo Kyrylenko, Ukrainian governor of Donetsk Oblast:

The Russians struck with two missiles  one aimed at a private enterprise, the second at a pizzeria.

The impact completely destroyed the building of the pizzeria, damaged 18 high-rise buildings, 65 private houses, five schools, two kindergartens, a shopping center, a hotel, an administrative building, and a recreational facility.

Search and rescue efforts continue after the Russian missile attack that hit a restaurant in Kramatorsk, Ukraine.

In an initial statement, Ukraines president, Volodymyr Zelensky, said that Russia used S-300 surface-to-air missiles in a surface attack capacity, although subsequent reports from Ukraine suggested that the weapons used were Iskander short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs).

https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1673795752600952836?s=20 https://twitter.com/olliecarroll/status/1674015583304658944?s=20

Meanwhile, the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) claims it has arrested a man that it accuses of having helped carry out the Kramatorsk attack. The man was described by the counter-intelligence service as an agent of the Russian special services. According to the SSU, the man was a resident of the city and worked for a local gas transportation company.

The agent of the Russian Federation will definitely answer to the Ukrainian court, said Vasyl Malyuk, the head of the SSU. But his detention is also a signal to all other adjusters and traitors who work for the enemy. Remember: the punishment is inevitable!

https://twitter.com/anno1540/status/1673994125870333956?s=20

For its part, Moscow today issued a denial that it deliberately launches attacks on civilian targets.

The Russian Federation does not strike at civilian infrastructure, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Strikes are carried out on objects that are connected with military infrastructure in one way or another. Peskov was responding to a question about the strike on Kramatorsk, in particular, but he did not offer an explanation as to why the restaurant was hit.

Subsequently, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that the target hit in Kramatorsk was a temporary command post of the Ukrainian army, according to a Reuters report.

He added: Strikes are carried out on objects that are connected with military infrastructure in one way or another.

Triggering a social-media conspiracy theory was the justification presented by Russian state TV, claiming that the missiles were aimed at NATO instructors and the strikes objective was achieved, again suggesting that the pizza restaurant was deliberately targeted after all.

https://twitter.com/MarkUrban01/status/1674010421328486400?s=20

While Ukraine blamed the strike on the city of Kramatorsk on a Russian missile, Russian drones were also used overnight to attack targets in the country. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, six Iranian-made Shahed drones were destroyed by its air defenses, two of them being brought down over the Cherkasy Oblast in central Ukraine. In the same region, another two of the drones hit an empty warehouse, again according to Ukrainian Air Force accounts.

https://twitter.com/KyivIndependent/status/1673949433371717632?s=20

Elsewhere in Ukraine, local authorities have reported casualties as a result of Russian shelling. Oleh Synyehubov, the governor of Kharkiv Oblast, in the northeast of the country, said that three civilians had been killed by shelling in the village of Vovchan, in the Chuguyiv district.

The enemy continues to fire on peaceful residents of Kharkiv Oblast, Synyehubov said. Unfortunately, there are victims.

Synyehubov also said that a 70-year-old woman had been injured in shelling in the Kupiansk district. He also added that the attacks were prosecuted using surface-to-air missiles, suggesting that Russia used S-300 missiles in a surface attack capacity.

According to Ukrainian state broadcaster Suspilne, three people were injured overnight by Russian shelling in the Kherson region. Its report claims that the Kherson community was hit 12 times, 49 shells were fired. Three residents of the community were injured.

With Ukraines air defenses under continued pressure from Russian attacks of all kinds, there remains a huge demand for additional ground-based air defense systems, especially modern Western ones, to supplant Kyivs mainly Soviet-era systems.

Today, Lithuanias president, Gitanas Nauseda, confirmed that his country will supply Ukraine with two NASAMS launchers. Nauseda made the announcement during a visit to Kyiv today.

https://twitter.com/GitanasNauseda/status/1673927715819249664?s=20

Ukraine has already received eight NASAMS batteries from the United States, delivered beginning in November 2022, with another two firing units pledged by Norway and one battery by Canada. As well as the firing systems, AMRAAM missiles compatible with these have been promised by Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

https://twitter.com/Lithuanian_MoD/status/1673956862042030081?s=20

Lithuanias neighbor and fellow NATO ally Poland has said that its ready to strengthen security on its border with Belarus. The move follows the arrival in Belarus of exiled former Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and suggestions that he and his mercenaries could begin working there on behalf of the Belarusian president, Alexander Lukashenko.

https://twitter.com/Archer83Able/status/1674108527521021952?s=20

If necessary, its readiness will be strengthened, Polands President Andrzej Duda told a news conference today. It is at a high level now and it is very professional.

Duda also confirmed that both Poland and Lithuania will do everything they can to ensure that Ukraine joins NATO as soon as possible, according to a report from Reuters.

https://twitter.com/prezydentpl/status/1674004613681356801?s=20 https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1674059847128473601?s=20

Previously, NATO chief, Jens Stoltenberg, ruled out Ukraine joining the alliance until the war is over.

Speaking today, Ukraines president, Volodymyr Zelensky, said he wanted to receive a signal that the country could join NATO after the war ends.

We understand that we cannot be a member of NATO during the war, but we need to be sure that after the war we will be, Zelenskiy told a press conference with the visiting Polish and Lithuanian presidents.

https://twitter.com/Maks_NAFO_FELLA/status/1674015965191843840?s=20 https://twitter.com/igorsushko/status/1673873144157986816?s=20

Efforts are being made to bolster the production of weapons in Ukraine, with one recent step being the appointment of a new head of the state-owned Ukroboronprom arms manufacturer.

The newly appointed general director faces three main tasks: to increase the production of ammunition and military equipment, build an effective anti-corruption infrastructure in the company, and transform Ukroboronprom, explained Oleksander Kamyshyn, minister for Ukraines strategic industries, in a report from Reuters.

The new head of Ukroboronprom is Herman Smetanin, previously in charge of the Kharkiv Malyshev plant in northeast Ukraine.

https://twitter.com/DerekBisaccio/status/1674032661847764992?s=20

On the battlefield, Kyiv claims that its forces have made more progress in their ongoing counteroffensive, although the latest remarks from Ukrainian Minister of Defense Oleksiy Reznikov are deliberately vague. Talking to the Financial Times, Reznikov only confirmed that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have made certain gains that have not been made public. He added that the bulk of the countrys troops had not yet been deployed in the counter-offensive.

https://twitter.com/cnnipr/status/1668942895703891976?s=20

When it happens, you will all see it, Reznikov said. Everyone will see everything, apparently in response to reports of the slow progress being made by Ukrainian troops, who have faced heavily dug-in Russian positions, as well as increasingly effective Russian threats including Ka-52 attack helicopters.

https://twitter.com/UKikaski/status/1673973772888555521?s=20 https://twitter.com/oleksiireznikov/status/1673995041113513984?s=20

Russian ground-based air defenses also continue to menace Ukrainian tactical aircraft and drones operating close to the front lines. In the following official Russian Ministry of Defense video, we see the activity of a Russian Strela-10 (SA-13 Gopher) short-range surface-to-air missile system.

https://twitter.com/FramingNewstv/status/1673965930408452097?s=20

Meanwhile, on the Ukrainian side, soldiers are claimed to have shot down a Russian Su-25 ground-attack aircraft using an Igla series man-portable air defense system (MANPADS). Again, the action purportedly took place in the Bakhmut region, although the precise date and location cannot be confirmed.

https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1674089811039092739?s=20

Amid recent reports of Ukrainian forces continuing to liberate villages previously held by Russian occupation forces, Ukraines president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has reiterated that he will not accept any peace plan that would have the effect of freezing Russian territorial gains made since the full-scale invasion that began in February 2022.

Speaking to the Ukrainian parliament today, Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine will not agree to any of the variants for a frozen conflict.

Among the prerequisites of Zelenskys peace formula are the full restoration of Ukraines territorial integrity, the withdrawal of all Russian troops, and the restoration of Ukraines state borders.

In one apparently recent example of the Ukrainian Armed Forces continuing their push in the east of the country, this video shows soldiers of the 80th Airborne Assault Brigade attack Russian positions, purportedly in the Bakhmut area:

https://twitter.com/2uwmp/status/1673798227047399426?s=20

More from Bakhmut in the next video, too, which purportedly shows Ukrainian forces from the 18th Mechanized Brigade placing a flag on the dam outside of Kurdyumivka in the Donetsk Oblast, southwest of the city of Bakhmut.

https://twitter.com/UKikaski/status/1673976821107261443?s=20

More interesting  apparently recent  footage has also come to light of a significant Ukrainian strike against a Russian rear area, this time in Zaporizhia Oblast. Artillery fire was called in with the aid of a drone, apparently knocking out at least six Kamaz trucks and a cargo van.

https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1673886181518393344?s=20

More Ukrainian drones in action in the next video, this time showing attacks on Russian vehicles being used to create defensive lines somewhere in the south of the country:

https://twitter.com/Seveerity/status/1673679555633074178?s=20

Russian officials today issued reports of various different explosions and other incidents both on Russian territory as well as in parts of Ukraine controlled by the Kremlins forces.

Explosions have been heard in the city of Polohy, in the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia region, according to one of its Russian-imposed leaders, Vladimir Rogov. On Telegram, Rogov claimed that three explosions were heard near the train depot there.

https://twitter.com/LvivJournal/status/1673978675522412545?s=20

Another Russian-imposed leader, Vladimir Rogov, claimed that there were loud explosions heard in occupied Melitopol, which he attributed to local air defenses.

Meanwhile, in the Belgorod Oblast in Russia, which borders Ukraine, local governor Vyacheslav Gladkov has claimed that a Ukrainian cross-border strike resulted in the water supply being temporarily cut off for around 220 people in the region. Gladkov said Ukrainian strikes had hit multiple settlements, apparently using drones rigged to drop explosive devices, but he reported no injuries.

More details have emerged of some of the heavy losses inflicted on the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) by the mercenaries of the Wagner Group, during the rebellion last weekend.

The regional governor of the Pskov Oblast, Mikhail Vedernikov, paid tribute to two Russian pilots who served at a base in the region.

Lt. Col. Alexei Vorozhtsov and Lt. Denis Oleinikov were flying a Ka-52 attack helicopter downed by Wagner fighters. This suggests that the crew was assigned to the 15th Army Aviation Brigade, based at Ostrov, which is equipped with the Ka-52 as well as Mi-28N attack helicopters and Mi-35M assault helicopters, among others.

https://twitter.com/AndrewW66619812/status/1673842868182548480?s=20

TASS quotes Vedernikov saying: The events of the weekend will remain in our memory for a long time: before our eyes, an armed rebellion broke out and quickly burned out, but it had threatened to develop into a fratricidal conflict with a large number of victims. The trouble passed by thanks to the professional, diplomatic work of a number of departments who saved hundreds, if not thousands of lives.

https://twitter.com/WarMonitors/status/1672551747212935170?s=20

Ostrov Air Base was also the scene of an apparent sabotage attack in November last year, during which operatives detonated explosives placed on the attack helicopters, including a Ka-52. You can read more about the raid here.

Thats it for now. We'll update this story when theres more news to report about Ukraine.

Contact the author: thomas@thedrive.com
The U.S. is sending Ukraine another 30 Bradley Fighting Vehicles.

Another 30 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles and 25 Stryker Armored Personnel Carriers will be headed to Ukraine as part of the Pentagons latest tranche of aid, valued at up to $500 million.

The package was not expedited as a result of Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhins aborted mutiny, said Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagons top spokesman.

https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1670885439022985220?s=20

To date, Ukraine has seen 10 of 109 Bradley variants already delivered destroyed, two damaged, and another 12 damaged and abandoned, according to the latest figures from the Oryx open source intelligence tracking group. That figure could be higher, because Oryx only tabulates equipment it can visually verify.

Curiously, none of the 100 Strykers provided to Ukraine have been reported damaged, destroyed or abandoned, which could be an indication of just what Kyiv is holding back in its counteroffensive.

Asked by The War Zone if the U.S. has determined whether any Strykers have been lost, Ryder said that he was not going to do battle damage assessment for the Russian military.

He later added that there was no timeline for the delivery of these vehicles.

This is the second replenishment of Bradleys and Strykers. Earlier this month, the Pentagon announced it was sending 15 more Bradleys and 10 more Strykers to Ukraine.

The other capabilities in this 41st Presidential Drawdown Authority package include:

Additional munitions for Patriot air defense systems;

Stinger anti-aircraft systems;

Additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS);

Demolitions munitions and systems for obstacle clearing;

Mine clearing equipment;

155mm and 105mm artillery rounds;

Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles;

Javelin anti-armor systems;

AT-4 anti-armor systems;

Anti-armor rockets;

High-speed Anti-radiation missiles (HARMs);

Precision aerial munitions;

Small arms and over 22 million rounds of small arms ammunition and grenades;

Thermal imagery systems and night vision devices;

Testing and diagnostic equipment to support vehicle maintenance and repair;

Spare parts, generators, and other field equipment.

https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1673750647739432960?s=20

Before we head into the latest news from Ukraine, The War Zone readers can catch up on our previous rolling coverage here.

The Latest

The Ukrainian Armed Forces continue to make progress in its counteroffensive, likely retaking territory Russia has held since 2014. That, at least, is the conclusion of the U.K Ministry of Defense in its latest daily intelligence briefing.

https://twitter.com/DefenceHQ/status/1673568034710069251?s=20

As well as liberating more villages, the same report suggests that Ukraine has, perhaps for the first time, begun to retake territory in the east of the country that lies beyond the de facto borders established between Kyiv and the self-proclaimed Donetsk Republic in 2014.

"Ukrainian airborne forces have made small advances east from the village of Krasnohorivka, near Donetsk city, which sits on the old line of control," the briefing states.

Ukraine has made progress around the old line of control near Krasnohorivka, according to the U.K. Defense Ministry. (Google Earth image)

"This is one of the first instances since Russia's February 2022 invasion that Ukrainian forces have highly likely recaptured an area of territory occupied by Russia since 2014."

"Recent multiple concurrent Ukrainian assaults throughout the Donbas have likely overstretched Donetsk People's Republic and Chechen forces operating in this area."

https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1673731661484179457

All told, U.K. Secretary of State for Defense Ben Wallace said that Ukraine has already liberated some 300 square kilometers of territory, more than Russia captured during its failed winter campaign.

There is no indication, he added, that Russia has the needed ground troops to counter the multiple threats from Ukraine along the 200-kilometer line from Bakhmut to the left bank of the Dnipro River.

https://twitter.com/feher_junior/status/1673641852459679744?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A

However, when it comes to Bakhmut, while Ukrainian troops are making progress around that city, they have yet to enter it again, Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said Tuesday on her Telegram channel.

"At present, offensive actions in the Bakhmut direction have been going on for a fourth day," she said. "Our defenders advance on the flanks every day. Gradually, but surely. As of today, they have not entered the city of Bakhmut."

https://twitter.com/2uwmp/status/1673723879477456896?s=20

The reason, she said, is largely because of the defenses Ukraine built up while it held the city.

Bakhmut and its suburbs have "a developed system of engineering fortifications and an extensive network of strongholds. All this was once prepared by our military and local authorities for defense, which actually helped to keep it for so long," said Maliar. "But now these fortifications and strongholds have been occupied by the enemy, so to liberate these lands requires a little more effort and patience."

https://twitter.com/WarMonitors/status/1673775252474609665

The Kremlin-connected Rybar Telegram channel concurred with Maliar that Ukraine is making progress around Bakhmut, a surge it claimed that could spell greater trouble for Russian forces in that part of the front.

https://twitter.com/rybar_force/status/1673790191243345920

As his troops have made progress, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited two areas along the frontline in eastern and southern Ukraine.

"Today  the front. Donetsk region, Zaporizhzhia," he said on his nightly address. "Our warriors, our frontline positions, areas of active operations at the front. Today, our warriors have advanced in all directions, and this is a happy day. I wished the guys more days like this."

https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1673699804784762880?s=20

Zelensky's comments come after Ukrainian troops reportedly established a foothold near the Antonovsky Bridge on the left bank of the Dnipro and retook the village of Rivnopil.

On Tuesday, the battle for the area near the bridge raged on, with both sides trading heavy artillery fire as Ukraine tries to hold on to its bridgehead and Russia tries to counterattack.

https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1673655838324539392?s=20 https://twitter.com/Tendar/status/1673453983258615809?s=20

Ukraine's special operations forces (SSO) riverine units have played a big role in the burgeoning Dnipro River area of operations.

https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1673651221473771520?s=20

Once again, rail infrastructure within Russian-occupied Crimea appears to have come under attack.

According to the Telegram channel of the official Russian RIA Novosti news agency, railway tracks were damaged in eastern Crimea. That account cites the Russian-imposed regional governor, who said repairs would take four to eight hours. The reports did not state what caused the damage, but there has been a series of similar attacks on railways both in Crimea and in areas of Russian close to the Ukrainian border which some have blamed on Ukraine or pro-Ukrainian partisans.

https://twitter.com/GlasnostGone/status/1673597986801065984?s=20

A top Chinese official has suggested that Beijing could back Ukraines aims of reclaiming its 1991 territorial integrity, which includes Crimea - the peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014 - Al Jazeera reported Tuesday.

In a recent interview, Chinas envoy to the European Union Fu Cong said I dont see why not when asked about supporting Kyivs goals, which include reclaiming other Ukrainian regions now occupied by Russia.

We respect the territorial integrity of all countries, according to Al Jazeera. So when China established relations with the former Soviet Union, thats what we agreed. But as I said, these are historical issues that need to be negotiated and resolved by Russia and Ukraine and that is what we stand for.

https://twitter.com/jojjeols/status/1673791333763276802

Images of Chinese-manufactured Type 66 152mm high explosive artillery shells being used by Russia, meanwhile, have emerged on social media. It is unclear of where the munitions came from, but markings on the containers indicate they could have originally been delivered to Iran, then shipped to Russia.

https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1673742297492602903

Wallace told Parliament today that the Storm Shadow air-launched, conventionally armed cruise missiles are having a "significant impact on the battlefield" thanks to its accuracy and Ukraine's ability to successfully deliver the payload. You can read more about what the Storm Shadow brings to the table for Ukraine in our deep dive here.

https://twitter.com/DefenceU/status/1673603434694553601

Canadian troops are working to prove a new concept of operations involving heavily armed Polaris MRZR 4x4 all-terrain vehicles, including ones with TOW anti-tank missiles. This effort started late last year and comes as troops in Ukraine have been making use of all-terrain vehicles, buggies, and other very light vehicles as mobile anti-tank platforms for well over a year now. You can read more about this in our story here.

The United Nations Humans Rights Office today announced that Russian forces have carried out widespread and systematic torture of civilians since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Dozens of civilians have also been summarily executed by Russian forces in the same timeframe, the U.N. says. Meanwhile, Ukrainian security forces are accused of 75 cases of arbitrary detention of civilians.

As part of its report, the U.N. Humans Rights Office interviewed hundreds of victims and witnesses, resulting in details of more than 900 civilians being arbitrarily detained in the conflict, including children and elderly people, most of them by Russia. The vast majority of those interviewed reported torture and, in some cases, being subjected to sexual violence during detention by Russian forces.

https://twitter.com/UNHumanRights/status/1673653039289315328?s=20

The head of the U.N. Humans Rights Office in Ukraine, Matilda Bogner, said: Torture was used to force victims to confess to helping the Ukrainian Armed Forces, compel them to cooperate with the occupying authorities or intimidate those with pro-Ukrainian views, AP reports.

There was much speculation after it was noted that an Il-96-300 transport from the Russian Special Air Group had departed Vnukovo Airport, outside Moscow, headed for Washington DC. The aircraft, a type normally used for transporting Russian government officials, is being used for a regular rotation of diplomatic staff, Maria Zakharova, a Russian Foreign Ministry press spokesperson, told the TASS news agency.

According to TASS: "The plane flying to Washington will take out Russian diplomats who are ordered to leave the U.S. in connection with the completion of a three-year stay," Zakharova said.

"Russian diplomats are leaving the U.S. not because of expulsion, but because of restrictions imposed by Washington on the work of Russian foreign missions."

https://twitter.com/Faytuks/status/1673666391939981314?s=20 https://twitter.com/thenewarea51/status/1673819346525667328?s=20

Exactly a year after a Russian airstrike on Kremenchuk hit a busy shopping mall, killing at least 21 civilians, explosions have again rocked the central Ukrainian city.

"Explosions were heard in Kremenchuk," said Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ignat. "We are waiting to hear from regional administrations about the implications of the explosions."

Ignat said that two missiles were spotted before the explosions were heard in Kremenchuk, according to a report from Reuters.

https://twitter.com/calebmlarson/status/1673742042596360212?s=20

Last year's attack on Kremenchuk took place at a time when authorities estimated there were hundreds of people inside the shopping mall. Many were trapped inside and different world leaders subsequently described the incident as a war crime.

Elsewhere, the Ukrainian Armed Forces claim they shot down two Kalibr cruise missiles and seven Iranian-made Shahed drones in the course of last night. The same source states that Russia carried out 45 airstrikes and launched 38 attacks using multiple rocket launch systems (MLRS) on Monday night.

Another Russian engineering vehicle has apparently been captured, which will come in handy when it is repaired and used by Ukrainian forces.

https://twitter.com/maniacmagic1/status/1673636338266939393?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A

More video emerged of Russian forces coming under attack from Ukraine.

https://twitter.com/region776/status/1673594530476736513?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A

Weeks after the destruction of the Nova Kahkovkha dam over the Dnipro River, the Kakhovka Reservoir looks a lot like the Sahara.

https://twitter.com/novayagazeta_en/status/1673292125738508288?s=20

Cope cages, built to protect vehicles from drones, are getting more elaborate. The one seen on this armored vehicle looks more like a batting cage.

https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1673752887954927617?s=20

And finally, while we have seen a number of innovations and improvisations from both sides, the modified turret placed on the hull of this Russian T-72B2K main battle tank is one of the more unusual ones we have seen.

https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1673626326857830400?s=20

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
Ukraine's Armed Forces achieve partial success on Tavriia front, with almost 3 companies of Russians destroyed  Commander of Group of Forces

Ukraines defenders have achieved some success on the Tavriia front, with the Russians losing almost three companies of soldiers and 21 units of equipment in a day.

Source: Brigadier General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, Commander of the Tavriia Operational and Strategic Group of Forces, on Telegram

Quote from Tarnavskyi: "Tavriia front. The advance of our forces continues. We are having partial successes, the enemy is retreating in certain places, and our soldiers are evening out the front line."

Details: Tarnavskyi said Rocket Forces and Artillery units of the Defence Forces had performed 1,222 fire missions in their area of responsibility during the day.

The Russians losses in terms of killed and wounded troops over the last 24 hours are equivalent to almost three companies.

21 units of Russian military equipment have also been destroyed: in particular, two armoured fighting vehicles, two Orlan-10 unmanned aerial vehicles, a 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, a BM-21 Grad multiple-launch rocket system, and automotive vehicles.

In addition, Ukraines defenders have destroyed five Russian ammunition storage points.

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Ukraine's big offensive has hit a few roadblocks, but military experts say don't believe Russia's hype about it being a total failure

Ukrainian soldiers from the 80th Air Assault Brigade training green tactics, clearing trenches using armored personnel carriers, recoilless guns, and grenade launchers in the training area in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on June 18, 2023. Photo by Wojciech Grzedzinski/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Russia is trying to convince the world that Ukraine's counter offensive is failing.

But military experts told Insider it's much too early to draw any conclusions about the fight.

"It's just getting underway," one former general said. "Most of Ukraine's army isn't even in the fight yet."

Ukraine's much-anticipated counter-offensive is off to an admittedly slow start, but Russia's claim that its enemy has already fumbled the attack is especially erroneous in light of its own recent bout of mutinous infighting, military strategists said.

In the weeks leading up to Ukraine's big push, much was made about the hefty stakes of the country's coming counter-offensive, which officially launched three weeks ago. Experts at the time told Insider that a Ukrainian victory was paramount to ongoing international aid and could even redirect the trajectory of the 16-month war.

But since Ukraine began its attack earlier this month, the country's efforts to break through Russia's dug-in trenches have been hobbled by dangerous minefields along the miles-long front and air attacks from above, culminating in a brutal slog of an offensive thus far.

"The Russians made good use of the months they had to prepare their defenses, especially the minefields," Retired Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, a former commander of US Army Europe, told Insider. "It's going to be tough getting through that."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged last week that the offensive was going "slower than expected." But military strategists told Insider that it's "way too early" for people to be drawing conclusions about the success of Ukraine's fight.

"It's just getting underway," Hodges said. "Most of Ukraine's army is not even in the fight yet."

Ukraine is still in the initial phase of ground operations, which is focused on collecting information and confirming intelligence that offers insight into the enemy's objectives, Mick Ryan, a retired Major General in the Australian Army and a military strategist, told Insider.

"The offensive has started, but not the main attack," Ryan said.

The Ukrainians have taken a broad front approach, scanning the front lines to try and find a penetrable place to break through the Russians' defenses, he told Insider.

"When they find it, they'll do it. They only have to create one significant breakthrough to cause all kinds of problems for the Russians," Ryan said.

Ukrainian military conducts training on Leopard 2 tanks at the test site on May 14, 2023 in Ukraine. The German-made tanks are one of many Western weapons sent to aid Ukraine in time for its counter-offensive. Serhii Mykhalchuk/Getty Images

Ukraine faces challenges on the battlefield as Russia stokes misinformation

As Russia was gripped by a weekend of chaos following an armed revolt from the country's mercenary Wagner Group, Ukraine looked to use the pandemonium to advance its offensive, gaining some ground during the uprising, according to Ukrainian officials.

But even with the benefit of Russia's internal dysfunction, Ukraine still has significant struggles to overcome before it can launch a momentous attack.

The fighting thus far has been centered in the southeast where terrain is flat and open, leaving little cover for Ukraine's advances. Russian attack helicopters have been able to avoid Ukrainian air defenses and managed to take out several of Ukraine's Western-imported tanks.

At least 17 of the 113 Bradley tanks that the US gave Ukraine earlier this year have been damaged or destroyed since fighting began, a senior US military official told The New York Times. Meanwhile, Ukraine has gained only about four miles of territory in its biggest push yet.

But nonstop talk of Ukraine's failures is exactly what Russia is working to stoke among its enemy's international partners.

Since the counter-offensive began, Russia has cultivated a "strategic influence campaign" that aims to project a narrative of abject Ukrainian failure on the battlefield, Ryan said, regardless of the battlefield realities.

"They want Ukraine's principal partners, particularly the US and Europe, to see this as unsuccessful, to force some kind of political accommodation on Zelenskyy, and to decrease the amount of military support that's provided to Ukraine," he said.

Meanwhile, Russia has a simple task as Ukraine continues its push: Don't lose.

"The Russian strategy is 'operation not losing 2023,'" Ryan said. "The strategy from Putin is to draw this war out."

"They just need to keep their troops in the field. They don't need to beat the Ukrainians," he added. "They just need to ensure Ukraine doesn't win."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Ukraine's Defence Minister advises not to rely on rebellions in Russia, although Prigozhin's one is like a snowball

Ukraine's Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov believes that the Wagner Private Military Company (PMC) rebellion has exposed the fundamental weakness of Vladimir Putin's regime, but Ukrainians should not rely on further "rebellions and riots" in Russia.

Source: Oleksii Reznikov in an interview with Financial Times

Details: Reznikov has stated that the rebellion of the Wagner PMC last weekend showed the weakness of the Putin regime, even though Yevgeny Prigozhin's mercenaries did not reach Moscow.

"Its like a snowball. The bigger it gets, the faster it rolls," Reznikov adds, meaning the self-destructive features of the regime.

At the same time, Reznikov has warned Ukraine against relying on further "mutinies and riots" in Russia to achieve success on the battlefield.

According to him, there are no immediate signs of a drop in morale in Russian units.

"Once it gets hot, well see how resilient they are," he said, meaning future counteroffensive operations.

"We need to trust in our security and defence forces as well as our partners providing weapons," Reznikov added, highlighting the fact that these factors are more "predictable" than the situation in Russia.

While the Prigozhin-led rebellion has not yet changed the balance of power on the battlefield, Reznikov has said it has become a "vivid illustration" of Russia's vulnerability.

Quote: "This helps the west realise that they are investing in Ukraine for a reason, that Ukraines victory is absolutely real and coming soon."

Details: Reznikov has expressed hopes that the chaos in Russia will encourage Western capitals to further increase arms supplies to help Kyiv on its path to victory.

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Ukraine's Defence Minister reveals reserves at the front not yet mobilised, and there are undisclosed successes

Ukraine's Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov has dismissed doubts about the success of the summer counteroffensive and has hinted that the recent modest achievements are only a preview of a much larger offensive.

Source: Oleksii Reznikov in an interview with Financial Times

Details: Reznikov stated that the liberation of a group of villages in recent weeks was "not the main event" in Kyiv's planned offensive.

Quote: "When it happens, you will all see it... Everyone will see everything," he said, brushing aside media coverage of slow progress against well-fortified Russian positions.

The minister confirmed that Ukraine's main troop reserves, including most of the brigades recently trained in the West and equipped with modern NATO tanks and armoured vehicles, have yet to be used in the operation.

Reznikov said that the Ukrainian army continues to inflict heavy losses on the Russian troops, their "degradation" is a tool, and the liberation of Ukrainian lands is the goal.

The Minister of Defence stated that Ukrainian troops have achieved "certain successes" that the General Staff is not disclosing in order not to endanger the troops.

Quote: "Sometimes Russians do not report to their leadership that they have lost a certain area or territory. They are afraid to report further to their leadership."

Details: At the same time, Reznikov warned that this operation will contrast with last year's stunning defeat of Russian troops in the cities of Kyiv and Kherson and in Kharkiv Oblast.

Quote: "You can't expect a miracle in every operation," he said.

The FT notes that Ukrainian troops are now "probing" Russian defence lines and attacking at multiple points to keep Russia guessing as to where the main offensive will be.

On 27 June, UK Defence Minister Ben Wallace announced that Ukraine had won back about 300 square kilometres from Russia as a result of the counteroffensive. This is twice as much as Kyiv officially announced.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy admitted that progress at the front is "slower than he would like".

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The Verkhovna Rada (Supreme Council; the parliament) of Ukraine turned to the worldwide community on 28 June with a request to prevent a nuclear disaster at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) and counteract Russia's nuclear blackmail.

Source: Yaroslav Zhelezniak, member of the Ukrainian Parliament, on Telegram

Details: Specifically, the appeal was addressed to the UN, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the EU, OSCE, NATO, the European Council and their Parliamentary Assemblies.

A corresponding draft of decree No.9429 was voted for by 274 MPs, with 226 necessary to pass.

In its address, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine called upon the international community to strengthen restrictions and sanctions that concern Russia's nuclear sector and military industry.

The Ukrainian Parliament also asks the international organisations to recognise Russia as a sponsor of terrorism, to expand military, financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, and to develop effective mechanisms of guarantees of peace and safety in Europe.

The explanatory note to the draft document says that "the actions of the terrorist state will have catastrophic consequences, which will be felt far beyond the borders of Ukraine and will affect the environment and the well-being of the residents of the Black Sea region and the whole Europe."

Background:

Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of the Defence Intelligence, is convinced that the plan to blow up the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) by Russians has been fully developed and approved, and the threat has never been as great as it is now.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, said that the Russians have developed and approved the scenario of a terrorist attack on the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), which includes a radiation leak. Zelenskyy stressed that the world's attention to the existing Russian threat at the Zaporizhzhia NPP was "still insufficient."

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By Pavel Polityuk

KYIV (Reuters) - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described Russia's political and military leaders as bandits on Wednesday, and ruled out any peace plan that would turn the war on Ukraine into a frozen conflict.

Zelenskiy made his remarks in a speech to parliament on Ukraine's Constitution Day, a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin praised his troops for their handling of a mutiny by mercenaries led by Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Declaring that Ukraine was "on the way to victory", he said Russia's leaders must not escape justice for waging war on his country.

"The political and military leadership of the Russian Federation should not escape justice due to the fact that they supposedly have immunity, like state leaders," Zelenskiy told the Rada, or parliament.

"They are not the leaders of the state - they are bandits who seized control of the state institutions of Russia... and began to terrorise the whole world."

He described the Russian president as being afflicted by "madness".

Zelenskiy signalled that he remains opposed to any peace plan that freezes territorial gains made by Russia since it invaded Ukraine.

"Ukraine will not agree to any of the variants for a frozen conflict," he said.

Zelenskiy has drawn up a 10-point peace "formula" that includes restoring Ukraine's territorial integrity, the withdrawal of Russian troops and the restoration of Ukraine's state borders.

The plan would involve a return to the 1991 borders of Ukraine after it won independence from the Soviet Union, and Zelenskiy has said repeatedly that this should be the basis of any proposal for ending the war .

Kyiv has also launched a counteroffensive to try to retake occupied territory, but Russian forces still hold swathes of territory in eastern and southern Ukraine.

In his speech, Zelenskiy called for a nationwide discussion on a future doctrine for Ukraine "to answer all fundamental questions about Ukraine and our future" and provide "a common vision of what victory should be for Ukraine."

(Reporting by Pavel Polityuk, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
Ukrainian Air Defence Forces shot down six Shahed-136/131 loitering munitions on the night of 27-28 June.

Source: Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Quote: "The air defence of the Air Force and other components of the Defence Forces of Ukraine have destroyed six Shahed-136/131 loitering munitions overnight, which the Russian invaders launched from the southeast."

Background:

An air-raid warning was issued in a number of Ukrainian oblasts overnight. The Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces warned ofthe threat of Russian forces using ballistic missiles and Shahed drones.

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Ukrainian defenders have taken and are holding positions on the left bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast.

Source: ISW

Details: One Kremlin-linked military blogger has claimed that Ukrainian forces are trying to expand their positions near the Antonivka Road Bridge on the left (eastern) bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast.

The ISW has confirmed that Ukrainian forces have taken and are holding certain positions on the left (eastern) bank. Geolocation footage released on 26 June shows Russian armoured vehicles, reportedly from the 7th Guards Mountain Air Assault Division, operating near the Antonivka Road Bridge.

Another blogger has noted that the 7th Guards Mountain Air Assault Division launched a missile attack on Ukrainian positions near the Antonivka Road Bridge and used a Russian thermobaric artillery system TOS-1 on the night of 25-26 June. This military blogger has claimed that the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant dam has provided Ukrainian forces with freedom of movement, but that Russian forces are continuing to repel Ukrainian attacks.

The Ukrainian General Staff of the Armed Forces has acknowledged that Russian forces had carried out air strikes in and around Oleshky, which may indicate that Ukrainian forces are conducting some operations in the area.

In Luhansk Oblast, Russian and Ukrainian forces continued ground attacks northwest of Svatove and south of Kreminna on 27 June. The Ukrainian General Staff has reported that Russian troops conducted unsuccessful offensives near Stelmakhivka (15 kilometres northwest of Svatove).

One Russian military blogger has claimed that units of the 76th Guards Air Assault Division continued to advance in the Kreminna forest. Another blogger has claimed that Russian troops had conducted unsuccessful ground attacks near Vesele (30 kilometres south of Kreminna) and Rozdolivka (32 kilometres southwest of Kreminna).

The Russian Ministry of Defence has stated that the Russian occupiers repelled two Ukrainian ground attacks in an unspecified area on the Lyman front, while a Russian military blogger has claimed that Ukrainian troops unsuccessfully attacked near Bilohorivka (10 kilometres south of Kreminna) and Spirne (25 kilometres south of Kreminna).

The Ukrainian side has announced that it has intensified its offensive on the Bakhmut front since 27 June. Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said that the Ukrainian forces were taking into account the conflict between the Wagner Group and the Russian Ministry of Defence when planning operations in the east.

Maliar has said that Ukrainian forces have been conducting offensive operations and advancing on the flanks of Bakhmut for the fourth day in a row. She added that the situation in Bakhmut is complicated as Russian troops occupy large fortifications in the city and that Ukrainian forces will advance more slowly.

Colonel Serhii Cherevatyi, the spokesperson for the East Grouping of Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has said that Ukrainian troops have the initiative on the battlefield near Bakhmut. Andrii Kovaliov, the spokesperson for the General Staff of the Armed Force of Ukraine, has said that Ukrainian troops continue offensive operations in the areas of Orikhovo-Vasylivka (11 kilometres northwest of Bakhmut), Ivanivske (6 kilometres west of Bakhmut), Kurdiumivka (14 kilometres southwest of Bakhmut) and Pivnichne (20 kilometres southwest of Bakhmut) on the flanks of the Bakhmut front.

A popular Russian blogger has described the military situation north of Soledar as "difficult" and claimed that Ukrainian forces were counter-attacking in the direction of Yakovlivka (14 kilometres north-east of Bakhmut). He has claimed that Ukrainian forces had launched unsuccessful counterattacks southwest of Bakhmut and that they were also in the area of Kurdiumivka (14 kilometres north-east of Bakhmut).

As of 27 June, Russian forces continued limited ground attacks and advanced in the vicinity of Bakhmut. Geolocation video footage released on 27 June indicates that Russian forces may have reduced the tactical gains of Ukrainian forces near Berkhivka (6 kilometres north of Bakhmut) as of 27 June, although it is unclear when Russian forces made these gains.

A Russian military blogger has claimed that Russian troops launched unsuccessful ground attacks from their positions in Berkhivka and Dubovo-Vasylivka (6 kilometres northwest of Bakhmut), as well as towards Mynkivka (13 kilometres north-east of Bakhmut).

The Ukrainian General Staff has reported that Russian troops launched unsuccessful ground attacks near Bohdanivka (5 kilometres northwest of Bakhmut) and Ivanivske.

Russian forces continued limited attacks on the Avdiivka-Donetsk line on 27 June. The Ukrainian General Staff has reported that Russian troops conducted unsuccessful attacks near Pervomaiske (6 kilometres southwest of Avdiivka) and Marinka (directly southwest of Donetsk).

The Russian state-owned RT channel has claimed that Russian troops in Marinka were gradually advancing and that advancing infantrymen occasionally carried out artillery strikes on Ukrainian positions 15-20 metres from their own.

The Ukrainian side has reported that Ukrainian defenders made minor gains in areas that had been held by Russian forces since 2014.

The UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed that Ukrainian forces made minor gains east of Krasnohorivka (directly west of Donetsk), marking the first time that Ukrainian forces have liberated the territory occupied before 2014.

However, the ISW has seen no independent evidence that Ukrainian forces have liberated the long-occupied territory. According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the recent Ukrainian attacks may have "overstretched" the forces of the so-called "DPR" [self-proclaimed and non-recognised Donetsk Peoples Republic  ed.] and Chechens in Donetsk Oblast.

In the south, Ukrainian troops continued counter-offensive operations near the administrative border of Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.

General Staff spokesperson Andrii Kovaliov has said that the Defence Forces conducted successful counter-offensive operations in the Novodarivka-Priiutne (Velyka Novosilka) area.

Russia's Ministry of Defence has stated that the Eastern Military Group repelled three Ukrainian attacks near Velyka Novosilka.

Russian sources have reported that Ukrainian forces launched unsuccessful attacks in the area of Novodonetske (11 kilometres southeast of Velyka Novosilka) and Urozhaine (9 kilometres south of Velyka Novosilka).

The Kremlin-appointed official of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Vladimir Rogov, has said that Russian troops repelled four Ukrainian attacks in the area of Rivnepil (9 kilometres southwest of Velyka Novosilka).

In addition, Russian sources have claimed that heavy fighting is ongoing in the area of the Vremivka bulge and warn that if Ukrainian forces advance further, they may be able to cut off the Vremivka bulge.

A Russian military blogger has expressed concern that Ukrainian troops are preparing for further offensives on the southern Donetsk front despite the bad weather.

Ukraine's General Staff has reported that Russian troops conducted unsuccessful offensive operations on the Rivnepil front. Oleg Chekhov, the press secretary for the Eastern Command of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, has said that Russian troops destroyed a Ukrainian unit near Storozheve (3 kilometres south of Velyka Novosilka). One Russian military blogger has said that Russian troops unsuccessfully attacked near Novodarivka (14 kilometres southwest of Velyka Novosilka).

A Kremlin-linked military blogger has acknowledged the liberation of Rivnepil by Ukrainian forces and said that Ukrainian troops had gained additional successes in the Rivnepil area.

In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, as Kovaliov reported, the Defence Forces conducted successful offensive operations in the direction of Novodanylivka-Robotyne (Orikhiv).

The Russian Ministry of Defence has said that Russian forces stopped a Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group near Robotyne (12 kilometres south of Orikhiv).

Rogov has said that Russian forces stopped a Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group in the area of Myrne (17 kilometres southwest of Orikhiv). He has also claimed that Ukrainians have resumed attacks in the area of Robotyne to regain control of previously liberated Ukrainian positions north of the town, which Russian forces had retaken on 26 June.

Russian military bloggers have claimed that Piatykhatky (25 kilometres southwest of Orikhiv) remains in the disputed "grey zone" and that positional fighting is ongoing near the town. However, geolocation footage released on 27 June shows that the Russian 429th Motorised Rifle Regiment (19th Motorised Rifle Division of the 58th Combined Arms Army of the Southern Military District) is striking Ukrainian positions in Piatykhatky.

On 27 June, Rogov shared footage supposedly showing units of the Russian 291st Motorised Rifle Regiment (42nd Motorised Rifle Division of the 58th Combined Arms Army of the Southern Military District) operating near Robotyne.

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What is the UK's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda?

Home Secretary Suella Braverman attends a press conference in Kigali, Rwanda.

The UK government wants to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda.

But the the policy is unlawful, the Court of Appeal has ruled. That decision could itself be challenged at the Supreme Court.

What is the Rwanda asylum plan?

The five-year trial - announced in April 2022 - would see some asylum seekers sent to Rwanda on a one-way ticket, to claim asylum there.

They may be granted refugee status to stay in Rwanda. If not, they can apply to settle there on other grounds, or seek asylum in another "safe third country".

The government says the plan will deter people arriving in the UK through "illegal, dangerous or unnecessary methods", such as on small boats which cross the English Channel.

More than 45,700 people used this route to come to the UK in 2022, the highest figure since records began.

Small-boat crossings decreased slightly in the first few months of 2023 but numbers could rise again in the summer.

No asylum seeker has actually been sent to Rwanda so far. The first flight was scheduled to go in June 2022, but was cancelled after legal challenges.

A line chart, where each line represents a year from 2019 to 2023, showing the cumulative number of people detected crossing the English Channel on small boats between January and December. The total gets progressively higher year-on-year, with nearly 46,000 people detected by the end of 2022. The 2023 data is about 12,700 as of 9 July, slightly below the levels seen at the same time in 2022.

Is Rwanda safe and is the scheme legal?

In June 2023, the Court of Appeal overturned an earlier ruling by the High Court that the Rwanda plan was lawful.

The judges ruled that the east African nation is not a safe third country because of "deficiencies" in its asylum system which mean that some claimants could be sent back to their home countries, where they might face persecution.

It said that "unless and until" those deficiencies are corrected, removal of asylum seekers to Rwanda is unlawful.

The ruling also said that the Rwanda policy breaches Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibits torture and inhuman treatment.

It was not a unanimous decision. Two judges agreed to reverse the High Court decision but a third did not.

The judges said their decision does not imply a view about the "political merits" of the policy.

Asylum Aid, the charity which brought the case against the government, said the judgement was a "vindication of the importance of the rule of law and basic fairness when fundamental rights are at stake".

The UN's refugee agency, which advised the court on matters of international refugee law during the appeal, also welcomed the ruling, and urged the UK government to "pursue other measures" instead.

But Home Secretary Suella Braverman called the judgment "disappointing", and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed the government will seek permission to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.

While legal proceedings continue, flights still cannot take off for Rwanda.

How many people could be sent to Rwanda?

The UK government previously said "anyone entering the UK illegally" after 1 January 2022 could be sent, with no limit on numbers.

Rwanda says it can process 1,000 asylum seekers during the trial period, but has capacity for more.

Under the deal, Rwanda can also ask the UK to take in some of its most vulnerable refugees.

But in October 2022, Privilege Style - the airline which was scheduled to take asylum seekers to Rwanda - withdrew from its Home Office contract, after a campaign by refugee charities.

At the time the Guardian reported that two other airlines which had previously conducted deportation flights had also ruled out participation in the Rwanda scheme.

Map showing Rwanda

How much will the plan cost?

So far the UK has paid the Rwandan government 140m for the scheme but it has not provided an overall cost.

An economic-impact assessment prepared for the government's Illegal Migration Bill estimated that removing each individual to a third country, such as Rwanda, would cost 63,000 more than keeping them in the UK.

That figure is the difference between the total cost of removing an individual - estimated to be 169,000 - and the 106,000 spent on housing support if they remain in the UK.

The 169,000 total includes a payment to the third country of around 105,000 per person, as well as 22,000 for flights.

The Home Office said no cost would be incurred if the policy deterred an individual from entering the UK illegally.

But it said it was "uncertain" how many people would be deterred because the policy was "novel and untested".

The UK's asylum system costs 3bn a year. Almost 7m a day is spent on hotel accommodation for refugees and asylum seekers.

Critics say the daily cost is so high because of the time taken to decide on applications, and a ban on asylum seekers working while waiting for confirmation of their status.

What is an asylum seeker?

The UN Refugee Agency defines an asylum seeker as someone who has applied for shelter and protection in another country.

A refugee is a person who has fled conflict or persecution in their own country.

The legal rights of refugees are protected by international law. However, it is up to host countries to decide whether an asylum seeker is granted refugee status.

In 2022, the UK received more than 89,000 asylum applications, the highest number for 20 years. Of these, more than 23,800 people and their dependants were granted a form of protection.
UN human rights official says arms embargo and deployment of special force needed for Haiti

People displaced by gang violence stand in Jean-Kere Almicar's front yard, where they have sought refuge, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Sunday, June 4, 2023. Nearly 200 people who once lived in the Cite Soleil slum near Almicars house are now camped out in his front yard and nearby areas. They are among the nearly 165,000 Haitians who have fled their homes amid a surge in gang violence. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP)  A U.N. human rights expert said Wednesday that a specialized international force is needed to help fight gang violence in Haiti and that a weapons embargo should be implemented immediately.

William ONeill, who was appointed expert on human rights in Haiti in April, spoke at the end of a 10-day trip during which he met with civil society leaders, government officials and victims of gang violence.

I found a country bruised by violence, misery, fear and suffering, he said, adding that all types of human rights are being violated. It is urgent to take action. The survival of an entire nation is at stake.

ONeill said the absence of government is palpable and that the lack of response by officials is affecting peoples access to water, food, health, education and housing. He added that while Haitian authorities face immense challenges, the government has a duty to respond within its limited capabilities.

Entire neighborhoods are left to their fate, without access to any public service, he said.

ONeills visit comes as an understaffed and under resourced police department struggles to fight against warring gangs who have grown more powerful since the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, with gangs now estimated to control up to 80% of the capital. The violence has led to an increase in starvation, with people unable to leave their homes and trucks unable to transport goods to Port-au-Prince and beyond.

The surge in killings, rapes and kidnappings in Haiti has led to a violent uprising, with civilians killing nearly 200 people since April in their fight against suspected gang members. The uprising has been criticized by some who worry that innocent people are being targeted, while ONeill said the movement reflected a failure of Haitis judicial system.

History has shown that popular justice and its many excesses have never made it possible to resolve violence, he said.

ONeill said deploying a specialized international force that would work alongside Haitis National Police is essential to restore the freedom of movement. He also said that an embargo on arms, especially those from the U.S., is crucial given that no weapons are produced in Haiti.

Several U.N. officials have called for such a deployment, a request first made by Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry in October last year, but the U.N. Security Council has not taken action, opting instead to impose sanctions.

In an aside with The Associated Press after the press conference, O'Neill said he envisioned a specialized police force skilled at dealing with gangs and organized crime working alongside Haiti's National Police, with local authorities taking the lead. He said such a force would provide advice, guidance and possibly backup.

Whoever comes, if they come, is not going to stay forever, he said.

O'Neill also noted that despite calls for Haiti to hold general elections, it's currently not safe to do so.

ONeill also criticized what he called the inhumane conditions that inmates at the main prison in Port-au-Prince and in Cap-Haitien face, noting that more than 200 of them died last year.

I ask the authorities to make every effort to allow detainees to live in dignity; this includes immediate and constant access to basic needs, he said.

He also urged authorities to restore operations at a court in Port-au-Prince that was captured by gangs last year and has not functioned since then.

In addition, ONeill also called on Haitis government to fight sexual violence, with the number of such incidents doubling last month. He noted that gangs often collectively rape girls and women as a way to control the population.

___

Coto reported from San Juan, Puerto Rico
Contractors in charge of handling foster care in Kansas have been investigated dozens of times during the past three years, in some cases leading to changes to protect children they serve.

Records obtained by The Star show that in multiple situations foster childrens mental health needs were not met and contractors fell short in ensuring some kids were placed in appropriate homes or facilities.

The records, which detail complaints investigated by the Department for Children and Families licensing unit, offer a rare glimpse into reported problems at the states four contractors. And they provide insight into Kansas troubled system, which was the first to be fully privatized in the mid 1990s.

Among the incidents investigated:

 A foster care manager didnt respond to requests that a child be psychologically evaluated. In the meantime, the boy laid down on a busy highway attempting to get run over.

 Two foster kids were placed in the home of a caregiver who was on the states Child Abuse Registry, and even after the contractor was notified about the error they remained there for a month.

 A fourth Kansas child in care was able to grab unsecured prescription medication and run off. Later, he allegedly crushed and snorted some of it.

 And, early last year, a supervisor with Saint Francis Ministries was investigated for dragging a foster child by her ankles.

Some incidents, described in detail throughout the records, are proof, experts and child advocates say, that DCF must do more to hold contractors accountable and protect the states most vulnerable children.

Theres such a culture of allowing the contract agencies to just run rampant, said Lori Burns-Bucklew, a Kansas City attorney and accredited child welfare law specialist who was involved in a class action lawsuit filed against DCF in 2018. Thats the only thing that could allow this kind of situation to take place.

Its such bad practice. Some of these things sound unconscionable.

Under the Kansas Open Records Act, The Star requested all complaints against the four contractors reported to the state since 2020. DCF released roughly three dozen complaints and the survey findings in those cases.

All four foster care contractors were found noncompliant in various areas and were required to complete a compliance action plan, records show. One was issued a civil fine.

For as long as privatization has existed in Kansas theres been concern that private contractors often arent subjected to public scrutiny and that the state isnt cracking down on their performance enough.

When Laura Howard took over as DCF secretary more than four years ago, she said accountability of contractors would be a critical focus for her administration. While detailed examples laid out in the licensing complaints and surveys do cause great concern, Howard said shes confident that the contractor oversight in place finds shortcomings and works to correct them.

Yes, of course, Im very concerned about specific situations that happened that could put a child at risk, she said. But Im glad that we have a robust regulatory process to pursue that, to remedy that and to try to avert something similar happening in the future.

Secretary Laura Howard of the Kansas Department for Children and Families, in a photo from August 2022.

Teresa Woody, litigation director for the Kansas Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, which was part of the team of attorneys filing the class action lawsuit five years ago, said its encouraging to see DCF has investigated dozens of complaints in recent years.

One of the biggest concerns that weve had is that DCF have appropriate oversight of the contractors, Woody said. I think its a good sign that DCF is trying to see what (contractors) are doing and getting the complaints and trying to deal with them.

One contractor faces a third of complaints

The boy who laid down on a busy highway also stabbed himself in the leg with scissors, which resulted in an emergency trip to the hospital and an acute psychological screen, according to records obtained from DCF.

Before those incidents, multiple emails were sent regarding the need to get the child evaluated. The manager with Saint Francis Ministries said he forgot to get to the emails, records show.

Thats horrifying, Woody said. Absolutely horrifying, that a child is under such stress, such mental and emotional needs that arent being addressed, because somebody is just ignoring them.

When asked, Saint Francis did not answer what the specific outcome of the case investigation was. The nonprofit also could not provide specific information about the childs age or medical services received, said Cristian Garcia, the nonprofits chief advancement officer.

Saint Francis followed all reporting processes as required both internally and externally, Garcia said in an email. Saint Francis worked collaboratively with DCF to ensure the safety and well-being of this youth.

One-third of the complaints investigated since January 2020 involved Saint Francis Ministries, which has been engulfed in controversy since 2020 when former CEO Robert Nelson Smith, an episcopal priest from Salina, was accused of misusing funds.

Last year, Smith was one of two people indicted on federal charges related to allegations they participated in a conspiracy to defraud the faith-based nonprofit.

Garcia said in an email that St. Francis is committed to the safety and well-being of the children and families we serve.

At Saint Francis, we have the privilege of serving 46% of children in the foster care system in Kansas, he said. Based on serving almost half of the state of Kansas, the rate of complaints is proportional to complaints to our partners.

Garcia went on to say in the email that Saint Francis Ministries works collaboratively and transparently with DCF to identify and work through any challenges regarding complaints and has a robust process using a data tracking system that ensures visibility for our organization.

Other complaints involving St. Francis

The focus of a second complaint involving Saint Francis also centered on a lack of mental health treatment for a 17-year-old foster child. Records show that in 2020, the teen had a bucket filled with urine, feces and feminine products in her bedroom. Also in the room were dirty dishes, spoiled food and soiled clothing, the documents said.

DCF found Saint Francis noncompliant for failing to provide training or resources to the foster family regarding the foster childs isolation, theft and personal hygiene. And noncompliant by failing to refer the teen into new mental health services and making sure the foster child attended regularly.

The youth was exhibiting serious mental health needs and due to SFM (Saint Francis Ministries) missed mental health services from 12/2020 to 2/2021, the survey of the complaint read. Additionally, SFM failed to maintain communication with the mental health provider once services were set up. SFM failed to notify the mental health provider of any of the concerning behaviors the youth was exhibiting.

The 17-year-old foster childs bedroom was in deplorable condition  yet SFM did not intervene or develop a plan with the family to resolve the safety hazard, the survey findings from the complaint said. During the monthly visits by the Case Manager and by the Foster Care Worker the youth was simply told to clean her room and no follow up or guidance was provided to the Foster Family or the youth.

Saint Francis Ministries did not answer specific questions regarding the incident. Garcia said the nonprofit is committed to the safety and well-being of the children and families we serve.

Another complaint involving the contractor and a different child pertained to an incident on Jan. 31, 2022.

The foster child was held in a bathroom and drug by her ankles by an SFM supervisor, records show. This complaint had several non compliance issues identified in the investigation.

The nonprofit did not respond to The Stars questions regarding the supervisor and what punishments, if any, were issued.

Lawmakers and child advocates say they continue to be concerned about Saint Francis amid these complaints and leadership controversy in recent years.

I think any contractor who has the volume of issues that have been raised with St. Francis both with respect to children in their care and with respect to the way they were being run and the financial issues that have surfaced, Woody said, I would think that would be a concern to me.

I personally would not want them as a contractor.

Saint Francis has strengthened its training programs, Garcia said, to ensure our team members are equipped to work through difficult conversations and monitor the safety environment of our children.

Furthermore, Saint Francis has established a Child Welfare Certification Program that trains our front-line team members to deliver optimal service.

Issues from lawsuit persist

Many of the records The Star analyzed involved the alleged failure by contractors to conduct proper mental health assessments of foster children and concerns that kids werent put in appropriate placements. Both were critical issues in the 2018 class action lawsuit that was settled three years ago and approved by a judge months later.

The state is still under that settlement and is required to meet 14 benchmarks before it is released from the oversight. In September, DCF received its first progress report that showed it had met seven benchmarks and didnt meet five. Of the remaining two, one was in progress and another couldnt be measured because of data issues.

Burns-Bucklew said Kansas child welfare system is still not doing enough for those hard-to-place youth.

Theyve done nothing to increase or improve their placement array, she said. Theyre working on the front end to try to prevent kids from coming into care.  But they havent really done anything that Ive seen to recruit foster homes for the population of youth theyre having trouble placing.

State Sen. Molly Baumgardner, a Louisburg Republican, said that for several years too many foster children have not received the mental health assessments they need. And even though its mandated in the settlement, the state still fails to ensure children are properly assessed during their time in care.

What is frustrating to me is that no one seems to be able to pinpoint why it isnt occurring in a timely manner, said Baumgardner, a member of the Joint Committee on Child Welfare System Oversight. When they dont receive that evaluation, the foster parents cant move forward to help them. And essentially, that mental health issue is on hold.

That puts the foster parent at risk, their foster family at risk and absolutely puts the child at risk. And so the expense of being in foster care continues.

Jenny Kutz, a spokeswoman for foster care contractor KVC Kansas, said its important to remember that the Kansas foster care system is safe, and in fact it is safer than most other U.S. states.

KVC Kansas and the state as a whole are not only meeting the federal standard for child safety in foster care but performing much better than the federal standard.

Investigations lead to change

Complaints can come into the state hotline as possible child abuse and neglect and evolve into a licensing investigation. Or vice versa.

I think one of the things thats really robust about this system is that we can be doing things on the abuse and neglect side, Howard said, but then at the same time have something parallel happening related to the conditions of licensure.

... Were very much walking alongside them and overseeing them in lots of different facets.

Several child welfare experts and lawmakers say they werent aware of the allegations detailed in the licensing investigations. Or that corrective steps have been taken to address those concerns at the state level or inside many of the contract agencies.

One case that prompted change was the incident where two children served by TFI Family Services were placed in a home where the caregiver was on the states Child Abuse Registry. According to the complaint and survey findings, once TFI learned of the problem, the children remained there for a month.

A TFI spokeswoman said the organization could not discuss specifics of the case due to confidentiality.

When asked, DCF said the case involved a near kin placement, meaning the caregiver was not a family member but known to the two kids.

The licensing investigation found the agency to be in noncompliance and a civil penalty was assessed, DCF said.

The state agency also stated that it had recently signed a memorandum of understanding with case management providers and child placement agencies regarding this issue. These agreements allow them to access background information when there is need for emergency placement with a relative or people known to the children.

This would determine if they are a match to a confirmed, validated or substantiated case of child abuse on the Central Child Abuse Registry, DCF said.

Keeping medication secured

Multiple licensing investigations involved medication and whether it was property secured.

Late last year, DCF investigated a complaint about contractor Cornerstones of Care and a 13-year-old foster child. The teen was being transported to a foster placement when the incident occurred.

Prescription medications were in the front passenger seat of the transportation van and accessible to the 13-year-old foster child, the survey findings said. The foster child ended up taking his medications then proceeding to run off and then later was sitting on the top of the vehicle.

Reportedly the 13-year-old foster child pocketed some prescription medication and later crushed, snorted, and took the additional prescription medication, the records said. The boy was not hospitalized.

In the investigation, DCF found Cornerstones to be non compliant in several areas including not providing the child with proper supervision during the transport and for the worker not notifying the childs foster placements about the incident.

A Compliance Action Plan was initiated, DCF said in an email, which included mandatory education and training for specific (Cornerstones of Care) staff on safety measures for transporting children with accompanying medication.

... DCFs priority is always the health and safety of children in our custody, including access to medication. This is why we work with our partners on training and provide technical assistance through licensing processes to ensure youth remain safe.

Justin Horton, Cornerstones chief programs and innovation officer, said in a statement that his agency is bound by regulations to not disclose information and respect the privacy rights of our children and families.

We take each inquiry made through Kansas DCF seriously and examine each situation on a case-by-case basis, Horton said. We follow internal procedures that reflect DCFs policies in Kansas. In the complex world of foster care, we always look to celebrate our successes and steadfastly look for areas of improvement.

Securing medicine also came up in a complaint involving KVC Behavioral HealthCare, which is also known as KVC Kansas. In that situation, a 15-year-old foster child had been released from the hospital after an overdose of non-prescription medication.

The CPA (child placement agency) worker did not document  that the family foster home had violations of medications not being in locked storage, DCF records said. Since no documentation was noted  licensing requirements were not met and the safety of the foster child was not met.

Kutz, of KVC Kansas, said that all foster families are informed that prescription and over-the-counter medication must be locked up to ensure the safety of youth.

Medication safety is an important part of foster home safety and our licensing staff continue to train families about this on a daily basis, she said. ... In this case, the worker who first went to the home documented the need to store medication safely before the youth was placed there. What was missing was the follow-up documentation to verify it had been secured.

A delay in reporting

In another complaint related to KVC, a 15-year-old foster child reported in early December 2021 that a 16-year-old boy put his hands up her top and down her pants inside the child room at the nonprofits Olathe office. The girl told an on call worker what had happened.

According to the licensing investigation, the incident was not reported to the state hotline for about a week and following the incident the two teens were not separated after the worker initially spoke to the 15-year-old girl.

The agency was found to be in non-compliance, and a mandatory Compliance Action Plan was put into place, DCF said in response to questions from The Star. The worker is no longer employed by KVC. KVC did not act immediately when it discovered the delayed mandated report.

Kutz said her agency investigated the incident and notified law enforcement. Because of confidentiality and privacy laws she said she is limited in what she can say about any specific event.

The safety of children is our priority, and indeed it is the purpose of providing foster care services, Kutz said. While we do not have the right to share state or law enforcement investigation results, we can tell you the states investigation is concluded.

... The substantiation of non-compliance only concerns our delayed call to the DCF hotline as we did not make the call within 12 hours as required. It is not substantiation of the allegation itself. Several staff were in the room with the youth, and they were supervising them.

Though an internal review and DCF child abuse investigation of the incident did not result in any substantiations, Kutz said that KVC did put in place corrective action to ensure that reports of suspected or reported child abuse are submitted to the Kansas Reporting Center timely.

KVC already had policies regarding staff supervision of children who are waiting inside child welfare offices. The contractor, though, did provide reminders and additional training to staff, Kutz said.
US actor Kevin Spacey due in UK court for sex offences trial

US actor Kevin Spacey was first charged with sex offences in the UK last year (JUSTIN TALLIS)

Oscar-winning Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey was due in a London court on Wednesday to stand trial for a dozen sexual offences which allegedly occurred more than a decade ago.

The 63-year-old star of "American Beauty" and drama series "House of Cards" is facing a four-week trial at Southwark Crown Court in south London.

He has been on unconditional bail since first appearing in court in Britain last year.

Spacey's stellar career has been halted by large numbers of allegations of sexual offences, although he has not been convicted of any crime.

Last year he appeared at London's Old Bailey court to plead not guilty to five offences against three men, including four counts of sexual assault and one of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

They allegedly took place in 2005 and 2008 in London, and in 2013 in Gloucestershire, western England.

In November, prosecutors then announced seven additional charges involving another man, taking the total number of counts Spacey faces in the UK to 12.

The fresh counts, allegedly committed between 2001 and 2004, comprise three offences of indecent assault, three of sexual assault and one of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.

Spacey, whose full name is Kevin Spacey Fowler, appeared at Southwark Crown Court in January to deny all the new charges.

He spoke only to confirm his identity and to enter the not guilty pleas.

None of the alleged victims can be identified under English law and reporting restrictions prevent further details being disclosed before trial.

Spacey enjoyed a highly successful acting career with roles such as a middle-aged father lusting after a teen in "American Beauty," a serial killer in "Se7en" and the villain in "Superman Returns".

He worked as artistic director at London's Old Vic Theatre between 2004 and 2015.

In 2017 he was one of the first stars caught up in the global #MeToo movement and was accused of sexual assault by multiple young men.

He was dropped from the final season of the political drama "House of Cards" and other projects.

Last year a New York court dismissed a $40 million sexual misconduct lawsuit brought against Spacey.

The complainant, actor Anthony Rapp, alleged the star had assaulted him when he was 14. He brought the civil case after being told it was too late to bring a criminal charge.

In 2019, charges of indecent and sexual assault were dropped against Spacey in Massachusetts.

In court appearances, Spacey has denied all allegations of sexual assault.

jj/phz/bp
US, China plan to increase commercial flights between the countries- US official

By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States and China agreed to consider expanding commercial flights between the two countries to improve people-to-people contact, the top U.S. diplomat for East Asia, Daniel Kritenbrink, said on Wednesday.

He told a Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank event in Washington that the countries agreed "to look at increasing in a phased manner the number of commercial flights between the United States and China."

There were about 350 flights a week between the U.S. and China prior to the coronavirus outbreak, compared to 24 a week currently, Kritenbrink said.

"I think we can do better," he added.

He said the agreement was reached during Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to China earlier this month. During the trip, Washington and Beijing failed to produce any major breakthrough in their rivalry but agreed to stabilize relations. Soon after Blinken's trip, U.S. President Joe Biden referred to Chinese President Xi Jinping as a dictator.

After the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the two countries restricted flights and travel to prevent the spread of the disease, and air service has not been fully restored.

Kritenbrink said he wanted to see an imbalance reversed in the number of Chinese students in the United States and American students in China, which he put at 300,000 Chinese students to 350 U.S. students.

During Wednesday's event, Kritenbrink described China's actions in the South China Sea as coercive.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh, David Brunnstrom and Michael Martina in Washington; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
Members of the U.S. government's Not Invisible Commission prepare for a field hearing in Albuquerque, N.M. on Wednesday, June 28, 2023. Four skirts were placed at the front of the room to honor Native Americans who have gone missing or have been trafficked or killed. The commission will be crafting recommendations to improve coordination among agencies and to establish best practices for state, tribal and federal law enforcement. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan)

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)  The U.S. Department of Justice on Wednesday announced it will be funneling more resources toward addressing the alarming rate of disappearances and killings among Native Americans.

As part of a new outreach program, the agency will dispatch five attorneys and five coordinators to several regions around the country to help with investigations of unsolved cases and related crimes.

Their reach will span from New Mexico and Arizona to Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Michigan and Minnesota.

Attorney General Merrick Garland acknowledged that the crisis has shattered the lives of victims, their families and entire tribal communities.

"The Justice Department will continue to accelerate our efforts, in partnership with tribes, to keep their communities safe and pursue justice for American Indian and Alaska Native families, Garland said in a statement.

The announcement came as a special commission gathered in Albuquerque for one of its final field hearings as it works to develop recommendations on improving the response from law enforcement and coordination within local, state, tribal and federal justice systems.

The commission started its meeting with a prayer and a moment of silence as four colorful skirts were displayed at the front of the room in honor of those who have gone missing or have been trafficked or killed.

Some commission members read the names of victims to be remembered, including Ashlynne Mike, an 11-year-old Navajo girl who was abducted, sexually assaulted and murdered in northwestern New Mexico in 2016.

With seemingly insurmountable jurisdictional challenges, members of the federal commission have a difficult task ahead. Over the next three days, they will be listening to more heartbreaking stories from Native American families who have had loved ones vanish or turn up dead.

The goals of the 37-member commission include tracking and reporting data on missing-person, homicide and human trafficking cases and increasing information sharing with tribal governments on violent crimes investigations and other prosecutions on Indian lands.

Aside from making recommendations to the Interior and Justice departments, the commission also is tasked with boosting resources for survivors and victims families, such as providing access to social workers and counselors.

Elizabeth Hidalgo Reese, a member of Nambe Pueblo and senior policy advisor for Native American affairs at the White House, acknowledged the emotional toll that comes from victims and families sharing their stories.

We need to understand this problem from every angle, we need to explore every possible solution," she said at the start of Wednesday's hearing. So we do need to hear from all of you.

Leanne Guy, the founding executive director for the Southwest Indigenous Womens Coalition, was among the commissioners who said they repeatedly hear about frustrations that stem from families not having any communication with law enforcement about the status of their loved ones' cases.

Guy's sister-in-law, Laverda Sorrell, vanished more than 20 years ago. Her family has seen federal agents come and go and no new leads despite rewards being offered.

Guy, who is Navajo, said she's hopeful the recommendations that come from the commission's painstaking work will transcend politics and presidential administrations.

How we put this together will be very, very critical, she said. We don't want it to just sit on the shelf. We're hoping this creates meaningful change because we've been dealing with this crisis forever. We need to figure out how to move forward."

Fellow commissioner Patricia Whitefoot of the Yakama Nation broke down in tears recounting the difficulties she had getting information about her sister's case over the decades. Daisy Mae Heath disappeared in 1987, and it wasn't until recently that DNA tests confirmed that remains found in a remote area of the reservation in 2008 were hers.

It's difficult to say how angry you are about all of that and the anger that family members may carry, Whitefoot said.

The state, federal and tribal law enforcement agents and lawmakers who made up the panels talked about challenges with recruiting, retention and funding. They also pointed to a lack of training when peppered with questions by the commission.

Commissioner Amber Kanazbah Crotty, who also serves on the Navajo Nation Council, said it's not only a law enforcement challenge but one that involves sustainable funding for public health services that could help prevent violence within communities.

How do we provide those wrap-around services?" she asked the panelists. "These are very complicated questions that I'm asking you. But this is a complicated crisis.
US Green Berets are looking to troops from NATO's newest member as 'mentors' for harsh winter combat

US Green Berets are looking to troops from NATO's newest member as 'mentors' for harsh winter combat

US Army Green Berets board a Finnish NH90 helicopter with the Utti Jaeger Regiment on March 12. US Army/Staff Sgt. Anthony Bryant

Finland became NATO's 31st member in April, but it has long worked closely with the alliance.

Finns are adept at winter warfare, an area of focus for militaries worried about the Arctic.

In March, US Green Berets trained in the Arctic with "mentors" from Finland's Utti Jaeger Regiment.

One of the biggest shifts in European security prompted by the war in Ukraine has been Sweden's and Finland's decision to abandon non-alignment and apply to NATO.

After intense diplomacy, Finland officially joined the alliance in April, becoming NATO's 31st member. Sweden's application is pending, but officials say it will join soon.

Adding Finland doubled NATO's border with Russia to about 1,600 miles overnight, moving alliance territory much closer to some of Russia's most sensitive military outposts.

While much smaller than its eastern neighbor, Finland has a well-equipped military of about 30,000 troops, though in wartime it can call up 250,000 reservists.

Where the Finns truly excel is in winter warfare, and even the US special-operations community is taking lessons from Finnish commandos.

The Utti Jaeger Regiment

Utti Jaeger Regiment soldiers during training in May 2019. US Marine Corps/Lance Cpl. Scott Jenkins

Among the Finnish military's small professional force, the Utti Jaeger Regiment stands out. Its nearly 700 professional and conscript troops are divided into a headquarters unit and three components.

The Special Jaeger Battalion focuses on special reconnaissance, direct action, and unconventional-warfare missions. The battalion comprises a company of paratroopers that is largely composed of conscripts and a special Jaeger company of professional troops.

The regiment also has a helicopter battalion that supports Finland's special operators. The battalion operates 20 NH90 medium transport helicopters and seven MD500 light transport helicopters.

Finally, the regiment's support battalion provides logistical support to Finland's special operators. It also trains Finnish conscripts to perform support tasks.

The Utti Jaeger Regiment takes part in about 40 "executive assistance tasks," which likely includes training and real-world missions, each year. But where the Utti Jaeger Regiment really shines is in winter warfare.

Arctic operations

US Green Berets during training with Finnish special-operations forces in Lapland on March 8. US Army/Staff Sgt. Anthony Bryant

In March, US Army Special Forces soldiers trained with the Utti Jaeger Regiment on winter operations in Lapland, Finland's northernmost region.

Green Berets are no strangers to harsh conditions. The Special Operations Winter Mountain Operator Course, held twice a year at Fort Carson in Colorado, tests the ability of US special-operations troops to fight at high altitude and in severe weather. Green Berets also train regularly in Alaska alongside other elite US military units.

But Finnish forces live in those conditions, and the Special Forces soldiers looked up to them because of it.

The Green Berets saw the Utti Jaeger Regiment "as mentors because they operate in this environment, they live here; they're very good at winter warfare, so we look to them on how to do things the right way," an assistant detachment commander with 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) said in a press release.

US Green Berets and Utti Jaeger Regiment troops at a helicopter landing zone in Lapland on March 12. US Army/Staff Sgt. Anthony Bryant

Winter warfare is not just about patrolling skills, marksmanship, or small-unit tactics. In such an unforgiving environment, troops must work to stay alive. With a narrow margin for error  exposing skin for just a few minutes can be harmful or even deadly  small mistakes can lead to disaster.

"That one mistake you made with your socks or your glove liners on day one is now making you combat ineffective come day five," the assistant detachment commander said in the release.

The US commandos came to the exercise directly after a five-week winter-warfare course at the Swedish Subarctic Warfare Center and applied skills learned there to the training with the Finns.

US and Finnish soldiers "linked up and focused on interoperability" and synchronization of standard operating procedures, the assistant detachment commander said. "The exercise focused on deep strike operations, or neutralizing a target deep behind the front line."

The 10th Special Forces Group's area of operations is Europe, and Green Berets from the unit work closely with their European counterparts. Indeed, the 10th Special Forces Group has led much of the US's training and advising for Ukrainian special-operations forces.

US Air Force CV-22B Ospreys and a NH90 helicopter from the Utti Jaeger Regiment Helicopter Battalion at a base in Finland on March 30. US Air Force/Tech. Sgt. Izabella Workman

Although Finland just joined NATO, its special-operations forces have worked closely with the alliance for some time, building interoperability that will allow the Utti Jaeger Regiment to get up to NATO standards in almost no time.

"Working with US forces, I'm really (impressed) with how we went straight from shaking hands to conducting missions in a very short amount of time, which tells a lot about our forces being interoperable and well-suited for combined missions together," a Finnish special-forces soldier assigned to the Special Jaeger Battalion said in the release.

The Green Beret training reflects the US Army's increasing focus on Arctic warfare. In 2021, the Army released a strategy document describing how it planned to defend US national security interests in the region. As a part of that, the Army has solicited help from allies and partners to increase its Arctic warfare capabilities.

Although the US special-operations community has credible Arctic warfare skills and has been honing them, the Swedish, Finnish, Norwegian, and Danish militaries have experts with valuable knowledge and experience.

The Utti Jaeger Regiment's proficiency in winter warfare and its ability to train US and NATO special operators will only increase the alliance's ability to deter and respond to threats.

Stavros Atlamazoglou is a defense journalist specializing in special operations, a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ), and a Johns Hopkins University graduate. He is working toward a master's degree in strategy and cybersecurity at Johns Hopkins' School of Advanced International Studies.

Read the original article on Business Insider
US Marine vet pleads not guilty in chokehold death of Jordan Neely on New York subway

A U.S. Marine veteran pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide Wednesday in the fatal choking death of 30-year-old Jordan Neely on a New York City subway car last month.

Daniel Penny, 24, appeared in court Wednesday for a brief arraignment weeks after he turned himself in to police and was later indicted by a grand jury in connection with Neely's death. The incident sparked days of protests in May and Manhattan prosecutors later announced Penny would face a manslaughter charge, which could result in up to 15 years in prison if he is convicted.

"Daniel Penny stands indicted for Manslaughter after allegedly putting Jordan Neely in a deadly chokehold for several minutes until and after he stopped moving," Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement. "I hope Mr. Neelys loved ones are on the path towards healing as they continue to mourn this tragic loss."

Penny's attorneys have said he acted in self-defense.

"All the evidence that we've seen so far and all the evidence we expect to see shows that he, that Danny acted reasonably under very difficult circumstances in a confined environment that none of us would ever want to find ourselves in," Thomas Kenniff, one of Penny's attorneys, told reporters Wednesday.

Steven Raiser, who is also representing Penny, said his client is "eternally grateful" for the outpouring of support including the money donated for his legal defense. Attorneys for Neely's family have called for the manslaughter charge to be upgraded to second-degree murder.

"Daniel Penny killed a man, he took a life," Neely family attorney Donte Mills said Wednesday. "For everyone who thought donating $3 million would somehow make this go away or buy his pass, it's not going to happen. It didn't work."

Daniel Penny departs Manhattan Criminal Court following his arraignment, Wednesday, June 28, 2023, in New York. Penny, 24, pleaded not guilty to second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in the May 1 death of Jordan Neely, a former Michael Jackson impersonator who was shouting and begging for money when Penny pinned him to the floor of the moving subway car with the help of two other passengers and held him in a chokehold for more than three minutes.

What happened to Jordan Neely?

On May 1, Penny encountered Neely, a Black man known for his Michael Jackson impression who was experiencing homelessness and mental health problems, on the city's F train.

Neely was screaming, saying he was hungry and thirsty but did not physically attack anyone, according to a freelance journalist who witnessed the incident.

Penny said in a video statement released ahead of the arraignment that Neely threatened passengers and said he was "ready to die." Penny said although he was afraid, he restrained Neely to prevent him from "being able to carry out the threat."

Jordan Neely, 30, died while riding the subway in New York City on May 1, 2023 after another passenger held him in a chokehold for several minutes.

After an altercation, Penny held Neely in a chokehold on the floor of the subway car. Mills and Lennon Edwards, attorneys representing Neely's family, previously said witnesses told them Neely defecated on himself while on the floor of the subway car, a sign he was dying.

The attorneys said Neely was in a chokehold for nearly 15 minutes, but Penny denied this, saying the interaction lasted for "only a couple of minutes."

Neely was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly after he was placed in the chokehold. Police initially released Penny after questioning and shared few details about what happened during the struggle.

Neely's death sparks criticism; fundraiser for Penny raises millions

After leaving the funeral of Jordan Neely, mourners protested his killing outside Mount Neboh Baptist Church in Harlem May 19, 2023. Neely was choked to death in a New York City subway car on May 1st.

Neely's death drew criticism from advocates for the homeless who said Penny should have used nonviolent de-escalation techniques" to address the situation. The incident became a flashpoint in a national debate about race, crime and vigilante justice.

Penny, who is white, called suggestions that the confrontation was about race "absolutely ridiculous."

A fundraiser for Penny's legal bills has raised nearly $3 million after conservatives, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, called for donations as a show of support. A fundraiser for Neely's funeral expenses raised more than $150,000.

Contributing: Marc Ramirez and Claire Thornton, USA TODAY; The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Daniel Penny pleads not guilty in subway chokehold death of Jordan Neely
US Marine vet pleads not guilty in New York subway death

Former US Marine Daniel Penny arrives at Manhattan criminal court for an arraignment on manslaughter charges in connection with the chokehold death of Jordan Neely, in New York on June 28, 2023 (Yuki IWAMURA)

A former US Marine pleaded not guilty Wednesday over the chokehold death of a homeless man on the New York subway, prosecutors said, in a divisive case spotlighting mental illness and public safety in America's biggest city.

Daniel Penny, 24, was arraigned in Manhattan and pleaded not guilty to second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in the death last month of Jordan Neely, a spokesman from the Manhattan District Attorney's Office told AFP.

The manslaughter charge accuses Penny of "recklessly" causing the death of 30-year-old Neely, but stops short of saying he had intent to kill.

If convicted, Penny could spend up to 15 years in prison.

Neely's death on May 1 sparked outrage after it was caught on camera, and brought into sharp focus two burning issues in New York: mental illness among those living on the streets, and residents' fears for their safety on public transit.

Video shared widely on social media showed Neely on the ground of a subway train as Penny appears to hold him around the neck for several minutes in front of a few onlookers.

Penny "continued his chokehold for several minutes, including after Mr. Neely's body stopped moving," a statement from the Manhattan District Attorney's Office said.

Witnesses said the serviceman allegedly restrained Neely after the latter was screaming at passengers for food and drink and said he was willing to die.

Neely was reportedly not physically threatening anyone.

Family and friends told local media that he had a history of mental illness, like many living on the streets in the city of almost nine million residents.

The incident also had a racial element -- Neely was Black and Penny is white.

Protests erupted in New York after Neely's death, resulting in several arrests, as some decried Penny's actions as an example of white "vigilantism."

While many on social media condemned the level of force used, some voiced fears for their safety on New York's subway.

The city's medical examiner said that Neely was killed by "compression" of the neck, and ruled the death a homicide.

A crowdfunding effort in support of Penny -- touted by many Republican figures, including Florida governor and presidential candidate Ron Desantis -- has raised more than $2.9 million on GiveSendGo, a platform known for facilitating funding of far-right figures.

af-st/des
An official investigation has been launched by US Central Command into the May 3 drone strike in Syria that reportedly killed a civilian instead of the intended senior al-Qaeda target.

A statement from CENTCOM on Wednesday said that the civilian casualty credibility assessment recently completed has become an official 15-6 investigation. CNN reported earlier this month that CENTCOM was preparing to launch the formal investigation.

The civilian casualty credibility assessment process has become an AR 15-6 investigation, the CENTCOM statement on Wednesday said. Maj. Gen. Matthew McFarlane, commander of [Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve], appointed a general officer as the investigating officer, effective June 23, 2023.

The investigation comes eight weeks after the drone strike which was targeting a senior al-Qaeda leader. Despite confidence from senior CENTCOM officials in the aftermath of the strike that they had killed an al-Qaeda leader, family members of the person reportedly killed in the strike said he was a farmer with no terrorism ties.

The family identified the man killed as 56-year-old Loutfi Hassan Mesto, a father of 10.

CENTCOM officials knew it would take time to identify the person killed in the strike. Nevertheless, the day of the operation, CENTCOM commander Gen. Erik Kurilla ordered a tweet be sent from the commands official Twitter account announcing the strike.

At 11:42 am local Syrian time on 3 May, US Central Command Forces conducted a unilateral strike in Northwest Syria targeting a senior Al Qaeda leader, the tweet said. We will provide more information as operational details become available.

CENTCOM has not provided more details about the strike.

The formal 15-6 investigation is the latest in a drawn-out timeline following the strike. It took two weeks for CENTCOM to begin the civilian casualty assessment, which started a week after The Washington Post presented information to CENTCOM about the strike potentially killing a civilian instead of the intended target.

Asked in May about the strike, Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said at a news briefing that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has complete confidence in the departments civilian harm mitigation efforts.

I think our record speaks for itself in terms of how seriously we take these, he said. Very few countries around the world do that. The secretary has complete confidence that we will continue to abide by the policies that we put into place.

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US music education has a history of anti-Blackness that is finally being confronted

These multicolored notes reflect the diversity of music across the world. MirageC/Getty Images

When it comes to achieving racial diversity, music education at the university level in the U.S. still has a long way to go.

One of the leading professional organizations, the Society for Music Theory, put it bluntly in 2020: We humbly acknowledge that we have much work to do to dismantle the whiteness and systemic racism that deeply shape our discipline, the group wrote.

The focus on white, male Europeans in textbooks and music selected for study has been called into question by countless scholars and practitioners because of music educations deep roots in anti-Blackness.

In recent years, the simplest solution for music professors has been to find nonwhite classical composers and use their work on a program or concert to demonstrate the schools commitment to diversity. One person whose work some professors have used in such a way is Florence Price. A composer and music teacher who died in 1953, Price is considered to be one of the first Black female musicians with mainstream appeal.

But in my view as one of only a few Black scholars in the field of music theory, such diversity efforts often serve only to reinforce the whiteness and maleness of the system.

Ethnomusicologist Dylan Robinson calls these efforts additive inclusion in that they give the impression of making positive change but serve only to maintain an overemphasis on the work of white male Europeans.

Music theory textbooks

In 2020, music theorist Megan Lyons and I did an analysis of the seven most common undergraduate music theory textbooks in the U.S.

We wanted to establish a baseline of the racial and gender makeup of the composers represented in the books to see what teachers were offering to our students as the most important music to consider in the undergraduate music major.

Music theory courses, usually spread over four or five semesters, are often considered the most crucial aspect of the major, and theory textbooks are presented as authoritative sources that outline the essentials of the discipline.

Representative titles include Harmony and Voice Leading, Harmony in Context, Harmonic Practice in Tonal Music and Concise Introduction to Tonal Harmony.

Looming large in these textbooks is the word harmony, the sound that is heard when two or more instruments or voices sound together, though in a global context the term has other meanings as well. What is considered harmony in the U.S. is based on European notions of tonality, pitch, scale, mode, key and melody.

The three composers the books most commonly represented were Germans Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven and Austrian Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

A mid-19th-century engraving of Johann Sebastian Bach. FierceAbin/Getty Images

We found that of the nearly 3,000 musical examples cited in the textbooks, only 49 were written by composers who were not white and only 68 were written by composers who were not men.

On rare occasions those two subgroups overlapped, as with Florence Price. Only two examples were written by Asian composers.

All told, almost 98% of the musical examples were written by white men who mostly spoke German, and these seven textbooks represented about 96% of the market share.

Left out of textbooks are the many African American musicians who contributed significantly to American music, such as classical composers Nathaniel Dett, James Reese Europe, Julia Perry and Clarence Cameron White.

Also generally excluded were nonclassical genres like jazz, blues or bluegrass, or contemporary popular music such as hip-hop, soul or punk.

Anti-Blackness in music conservatories

American music academies generally reflect the social norms of the day. Anti-Blackness was commonly accepted in all music institutions until well into the 20th century through the eugenics of music pedagogue Carl Seashore, the white supremacy of the composer-pianist John Powell and the racism of music theorist Heinrich Schenker.

In her 2019 masters thesis A Message of Inclusion, A History of Exclusion: Racial Injustice at the Peabody Institute, violinist Sarah Thomas details a common American story of racial angst in higher education.

Thomas focused on the Peabody Institute, founded in 1857 in Baltimore, Maryland and the oldest U.S. music institution, and its board members letters about the possible admission of Black pianist Paul Brent.

In July 1949, Peabody President William Marbury wrote the schools board of directors and reminded board members of the schools unofficial policy at the time:

We are brought face to face with the issue whether to modify our long-standing rule against the admission of negro students, Marbury wrote.

Once the issue was put to a vote, only one board member, Douglas Gordon, openly opposed admitting Brent and cast the one dissenting vote.

It seems to me that it would be a great mistake to change the present policy, Gordon wrote. In our climate the presence of negroes can to some be extremely offensive.

Paul A. Brent, the first Black student to enroll at the Peabody Conservatory, is second from the right in the back row in this 1953 photograph. Peabody Institute

Though Brent was admitted and became the first Black student to enroll at Peabody, the abhorrent views of Gordon still remain present today in more subtle forms.

The study of jazz is one such example of racial exclusion.

Generally considered a Black musical genre, jazz is now part of most music educational institutions, but is virtually always separate from the mainstream music major.

In a few cases, students are able to major in jazz. But in most cases, if students wants to major in jazz, they must major in classical music while playing jazz on the side.

Change in music education is coming

Citing declining enrollments for music majors across the country, the College Music Society in 2014 published a manifesto for change to the undergraduate music major. It deemphasized music and methods of the Western canon while emphasizing the need for students to engage with music from different cultures and with new technologies.

This change has taken many forms.

Musicians are rethinking their curricula to treat all music of the world on equal footing as the European standards.

Piano proficiency and European language requirements are being reconsidered  in some cases cast aside  by music institutions. Other schools are creating new music majors for those working with digital sound and sound design, or for those studying popular genres such as blues, rock, metal and country.

Academic work in music is changing as well, and students can now at times get credit for work outside of traditional paper writing.

Its my belief that the sooner we musicians, irrespective of our own identities, can face up to our racial segregationist past, the sooner we can all reap the benefits of our nations unique musical diversity.

This article is republished from The Conversation, an independent nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. If you found it interesting, you could subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

It was written by: Philip Ewell, Hunter College.

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Philip Ewell does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Is the US on the verge of a new malaria outbreak?

Five cases of malaria spread by mosquitos have been reported in the US in the last two months. Four of the cases occurred in Florida, and another was reported in Texas, according to a Monday US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention health alert.

The development has sparked concerns, as there hasnt been a local spread in the US for approximately two decades.

The disease is caused by a parasite that can be transferred via mosquito bites. Afflicted individuals may show symptoms including fever, chills, and flu-like complications. Malaria can cause serious illness and death if left untreated.

Health officials have warned doctors  particularly those in southern states with warmer weather more amenable to mosquito populations  to be mindful of the disease when examining patients.

They advised doctors to develop plans for obtaining IV artesunate, a first-line treatment for severe malaria used in the US.

The five individuals who contracted the disease are reportedly "improving", according to the CDC.

Malaria has been an especially deadly disease for sub-Saharan African countries. The top 16 countries with the most malaria deaths in the world are in the region, according to the World Health Organisation. In 2022, the organisation reported that 593,000 people died from the disease in the region, down slightly from the 2020 estimate of nearly 600,000 deaths.

Though malaria is typically associated with Africa due to its continued prevalence in parts of the continent, the disease was also a scourge for indigenous Americans as well as settlers and pioneers up through the early 20th century. Typically called ague, the disease was believed by pioneers to be caused by exposure to swamps, as they did not know mosquitos were carrying a parasite that spread the illness.

Reports from the Northeast through the Midwest and the South and southeastern states all indicate malaria was a problem for American pioneers. Efforts in the early 20th century to drain swamplands and marshes  ideal breeding grounds for mosquitos  helped to reduce the number of illnesses.

By the 1940s, state and local health agencies in the US set out on a sweeping campaign to eliminate malaria, typically through the use of DDT and pesticides to kill off mosquitos. Continued swamp drainage efforts and the destruction of known mosquito breeding grounds were also undertaken during the campaign.

The effort was a success; by 1951, health experts considered malaria largely eliminated from the US, according to the CDC.

There are still approximately 2,000 US cases of malaria diagnosed every year, though the majority of those cases are travelers returning from countries where the disease is more prevalent.

Since 1992, only 11 outbreaks of malaria originating in mosquitos native to the US have been reported. The last known outbreak was in 2003 in Palm Beach County, Florida, when eight cases were recorded.
Utah woman accused of killing husband after writing book about grief is sued for over $13 million

FILE - Kouri Richins, a Utah mother of three who authorities say fatally poisoned her husband, Eric Richins, then wrote a children's book about grieving, looks on during a bail hearing, June 12, 2023, in Park City, Utah. The estate of Kouri Richins late husband filed a lawsuit against her on Tuesday, June 27, seeking over $13 million in damages. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Pool, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

A lawsuit against a Utah woman who wrote a children's book about coping with grief after her husband's death and now stands accused of his fatal poisoning was filed Tuesday, seeking over $13 million in damages for alleged financial wrongdoing before and after his death.

The lawsuit was filed against Kouri Richins in state court by Katie Richins, the sister of Kouri Richins' late husband Eric Richins. It accuses the woman of taking money from the husband's bank accounts, diverting money intended to pay his taxes and obtaining a fradulent loan, among other things, before his death in March 2022.

Kouri Richins has been charged with murder in her late husband's death.

Kouri committed the foregoing acts in calculated, systematic fashion and for no reason other than to actualize a horrific endgame  to conceal her ruinous debt, misappropriate assets for the benefit of her personal businesses, orchestrate Erics demise, and profit from his passing, the lawsuit said.

An email message sent to Kouri Richins attorney, Skye Lazaro, was not immediately returned on Wednesday.

Prosecutors say Kouri Richins, 33, poisoned Eric Richins, 39, by slipping five times the lethal dose of fentanyl into a Moscow mule cocktail she made for him.

The mother of three later self-published a childrens book titled Are You with Me? about an angel wing-clad deceased father watching over his sons. She promoted it on television and radio, describing the book as a way to help children grieve the loss of a loved one.

The lawsuit also seeks to bar Richins from selling the book and to turn over any money made from it, saying it makes references to events and details from Eric Richins' life and his relationship with his children.

In the criminal case, the defense has argued that prosecutors simply accepted the narrative from Eric Richins family that his wife had poisoned him and worked backward in an effort to support it, spending about 14 months investigating and not finding sufficient evidence to support their theory. Lazaro has said the prosecutions case based on Richins financial motives proved she was bad at math, not that she was guilty of murder.
Vancouver apologizes after low-income seniors kicked out of Chinatown mall during tai chi session

[Source]

Vancouver city officials have apologized for kicking out a group of low-income seniors from a Chinatown mall during a tai chi session gathering last month.

What happened: The group of seniors, aged 70 to 90, gathered in the Chinatown Plaza Mall to practice the Chinese martial art on the morning of May 26. The bi-weekly gatherings are organized by the nonprofit organization Yarrow Intergenerational Society for Justice to help seniors exercise and connect with other community members.

However, mall staff asked the group to leave and called the police, who eventually made the seniors pack up.

It was sad and heartbreaking to see, Sean Cao, who has been running the tai chi sessions since 2021, told CBC. They don't feel welcomed.

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Discriminatory comment: According to Stephanie Leo, a volunteer for the organization, she allegedly heard mall staff members making discriminatory comments during the tai chi meet-up.

They were saying things like, This isn't China, this isn't Hong Kong, you can't just gather and work out here,'" Leo told CBC.

Cao added that staff tried to get physically close to the seniors and they sort of touched their arms to stop [their tai chi] movements.

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Citys apology: According to the city, the group did not secure permission to gather in the city-owned mall. In a statement to CBC, city officials reportedly apologized for how the situation was handled.

Lack of public spaces: The organization is asking the city for a formal permission to gather at the mall, noting the lack of public spaces or community centers in Chinatown. The organization said that the groups previous meeting location was too small and lacked air conditioning.

It should be a win-win situation, Cao said. It can benefit and support seniors' wellbeing and also supports the businesses in the empty shopping mall, bringing energy into the space.

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The city is currently in the process of reviewing liability issues before making a final decision.

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California bills addressing street harassment seek to make public spaces safer for vulnerable people
Vendor error has thousands of Douglas Co. residents seeing high property tax bills

A technical error by a vendor working for the Douglas County Appraisal Department led to thousands of homeowners receiving incorrect tax assessments.

The error occurred on Friday, according to county officials.

The Douglas County appraiser said a software glitch from a newer vendor for the department had led to assessments being sent out without calculating the homestead exemptions.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Homestead exemptions are a way for homeowners to save $2,000 when paying property taxes in Georgia, which is normally deducted from the 40% assessed value of a homestead and typically used for paying county and school taxes.

While 54,000 assessments were sent out, the software glitch led to 15,000 incorrect assessments received by paper mail, meaning that exemptions was not included when calculating their tax bills.

Officials said Tuesday that while the mailed-in copies were incorrect, the system had already been adjusted and online versions of tax assessments were corrected.

TRENDING STORIES:

Error notices are now being sent out to those impacted, according to the Appraisal Department.

We apologize for the inconvenience this technical error has caused, Douglas County Chief Appraiser Steve Balfour said. We are working diligently to notify the impacted property owners and remain committed to not only making this right, but making our team available to address any questions, issues, or concerns in an expeditious manner.

The Douglas County Tax Commissioners website lists two multi-thousand dollar amounts saved by filing a homestead exemption on their site, but it was not immediately clear if they are both included.

Channel 2 Action News has reached out to the commissioners office for clarification.

The department said that if a property owner wants to check their correct assessment, including their Homestead Exemption, they can call the Douglas County Appraisal Department at 770-920-7728.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
A Victorville woman was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for fraudulently obtaining more than $500,000 in pandemic-related unemployment insurance benefits.

The Department of Justice reported that Cynthia Ann Hernandez, 33, a.k.a. Cynthia Roberts, obtained the money by using the names of inmates in the California state prison system. She was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mark Scarsi, who also ordered her to pay $515,138 in restitution, the DOJ reported on Monday.

Hernandez pleaded guilty on January 23 to one count of mail fraud and one count of access device fraud.

During the summer of 2020, Hernandez filed with the California Employment Development Department fake applications for unemployment benefits in the names of persons incarcerated in the California state prison system and who were ineligible to receive jobless benefits, the DOJ reported.

EDD manages Californias unemployment insurance benefits program.

Hernandez falsely stated on the benefits applications that the named claimants were individuals whose employment status had been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and were eligible for pandemic unemployment help under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.

Congress passed the CARES Act in March 2020, in part, to help individuals whose employment and finances were adversely affected by the pandemic.

The applications also falsely stated that the named claimants were eligible for the UI benefits and that they resided and worked in Los Angeles and Orange counties.

EDD then authorized Bank of America to issue debit cards in the claimants names that were mailed to Hernandezs mailing address.

In total, Hernandez caused at least 29 fraudulent applications to be filed with EDD.

Prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum that Hernandez orchestrated a sophisticated scheme that deprived the state of over $500,000 meant to provide relief for vulnerable taxpayers who were unable to work due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

She did so by applying for UI benefits for people who were plainly ineligible and did so for her own financial gain, prosecutors said.

The case was investigated by:

U.S Department of Labor Office of Inspector General

EDD Investigation Division

Homeland Security Investigations.

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys Office of Inspector General

U.S. Postal Inspection Service

U.S. Customs and Border Protections Special Response Team.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Haoxiaohan Cai of the General Crimes Section prosecuted this case.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justices National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866- 720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

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: Victorville Woman sentenced to federal prison for insurance fraud
A popular Atlanta-based vintage home goods store is set to open its first North Carolina location at Optimist Hall.

The Merchant, which will feature products from Charlotte-based vendors, will open on July 1.

The store specializes in vintage home goods and features a curated selection of gifts and stationery. All items within the store are available for purchase, from the furniture to the light fixtures.

ALSO READ: Charcuterie shop Babe & Butcher to open at Park Road Shopping Center

We couldnt be more thrilled to bring The Merchant to Charlotte, co-owner Dan Collier said in a news release. At The Merchant, were known for our one-of-a-kind vintage home goods, from linens to glassware, which we hand select during a bi-annual trip to Roundtop, Texas.

The team behind The Merchant, Daniel Richards Inc., also owns and operates several other retail tenants at Optimist Hall, including Archer Paper Goods, Collier Candy Company, and Paradiso Plant Shop.

The Merchant will be in the 3,546 square foot end space next to Paradiso Plant Shop on the north end of the restaurant wing. It will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

This marks the 28th tenant to join the lineup in the nearly four years since Optimist Hall opened.

VIDEO: Bun Appetit finds loyal following at local farmers markets
Portrait images of the crew of Virgin Galactic's first commercial spaceflight mission, Galactic 01; from left to right, Col. Walter Villadei, Pantaleone Carlucci, Lt. Col. Angelo Landolfi, and Colin Bennet

Virgin Galactic has announced the four-person crew that will fly aboard the company's first commercial spaceflight.

The mission, Galactic 01, is scheduled take off from Virgin Galactic's Spaceport America in New Mexico sometime after 11 a.m. EDT (1600 GMT) on Thursday (June 29). VSS Unity reaches suborbital flight through the help of a double-bodied carrier aircraft called VMS Eve, which takes off from a runway at Spaceport America. Once at an altitude around 50,000 feet (15,000 meters) VSS Unity is released from Eve, after which it fires its rocket engine and travels the rest of the way to space on its own. The suborbital flight lasts long enough to grant the Galactic 01 crew members a few minutes of weightlessness, and a chance to perform their handful of research experiments.

Today, Virgin Galactic has announced who will be riding aboard for the company's first commercial mission. Riding aboard the company's reusable SpaceShipTwo, VSS Unity, will be Virgin Galactic's Colin Bennett and a trio from the Italian Air Force and the nation's National Research Council who will collect data for a number of scientific investigations during their flight.

Related: Who is Virgin Galactic and what do they do?

Col. Walter Villadei

A close-up portrait of Italian Air Force Col. Walter Villadei

A member of the Italian Air Force, Col. Walter Villadei is serving as commander for Italy's VIRTUTE 1 mission, which includes research being conducted for the Italian National Research Council (CNR). This will be Villadei's first spaceflight, but his training as an astronaut is extensive.

Villadei has received training at NASA and through Axiom Space, and was certified as a backup pilot for Axiom's recent Ax-2 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). His training has also gained him qualifications to fly on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft, operate ISS systems and perform extravehicular activities (EVAs) in Russia's Orlan spacesuit. Villadei is also using Galactic 01 as a training for a future mission to the ISS.

In Virgin's press release, Villadei described the VIRTUTE 1 mission as a proving-ground for suborbital flight opportunities awaiting Italy and Europe, calling it "a breakthrough and pathfinder mission, conceived and designed with Italian National Research Council and Virgin Galactic to test the versatility of suborbital spaceflight for scientific and technological research," adding, "Suborbital spaceflight will revolutionize aeronautics transportation in the future, expanding access to space for a much larger community."

As VIRTUTE 1 commander, Villadei will be responsible for the payload rack aboard Unity, which was specially fitted to expand the research being conducted during their spaceflight. Villadei will also wear a biometric data suit for the mission, which will track a number of physiological responses that occur in microgravity.

Lt. Col. Angelo Landolfi

A close-up portrait of Italian Air Force Lt. Col. Angelo Landolfi

Like Villadei, Lt. Col. Angelo Landolfi also hails from the Italian Air Force. Landolfi is a physician with a diverse medical background. Among others, he holds degrees in public health, preventative medicine, forensic medicine and diving and hyperbaric medicine. Landolfi has also received training as a flight surgeon under the cosmonaut trainming program. He is serving as one of Galactic 01's payload specialists.

Once Unity reaches suborbital space, Landolfi and crew will have just a handful of minutes to experience weightlessness. As part of VIRTUTE 1, Landolfi will conduct a number of observations to measure his cognitive performance and will also run an experiment which is investigating how specific solids and liquids mix in microgravity.

Pantaleone Carlucci

A close-up portrait of CNR Engineer Pantaleone Carlucci

Pantaleone Carlucci is joining the Galactic 01 mission from the CNR as a payload specialist and flight engineer. He has a background as a pilot and technical engineer working on scientific instruments and aircraft. Currently at the CNR, Carlucci is a strategic project coordinator for the council's stratospheric and air launch platforms.

He has spent the past 8 years with the CNR, and has been instrumental in building the business partnerships the council maintains with companies in the aerospace industry. During Galactic 01, Carlucci will wear a suite of body sensors, which will measure data metrics such as cognitive function and heart rate.

Colin Bennett

A close-up portrait of Virgin Galactic astronaut Colin Bennett

Bennett has trained the Galactic 01 crew from their outset. He is Virgin Galactic's astronaut 003, and is currently lead astronaut instructor for the company. Bennett flew with company founder Sir Richard Branson on Unity's final qualifying test flight, and in his fifteen years with Virgin Galactic has served roles including mission control Flight Director.

Bennett's focus during Galactic 01 will be slightly different than his Italian crewmates. Rather than assist in their research activities, Bennett will be assessing the crew's experiences while conducting their investigations.

VSS Unity Pilots

From left to right, side by side, close-up portraits of VSS Unity pilots Mike Masucci and Nicola Pecile

Mike Masucci and Nicola Pecile will be the Virgin Galactic crew in the cockpit of the VSS Unity spaceplane. Masucci is designated as Unity commander, and has flown to space four times aboard the Virgin Galactic spacecraft. Before his time with Virgin, Masucci served as a lieutenant colonel for the United States Air Force.

Pecile will fly as Unity pilot. He also served as a lieutenant colonel for the Italian Air Force. According to Virgin's website, Pecile has logged more than 7,700 flight hours in 170 different type of aircraft. This will be Pecile's first time to space.

VMS Eve Pilots

From left to right, side by side, close-up portraits of VMS Eve pilots Kelly Latimer and Jameel Janjua.

While not technically part of the six-person crew, two other pilots will be involved in the mission by flying the mothership that will drop VMS Unity once it reaches its target altitude. Kelly Latimer and Jameel Janjua will take the helm at VMS Eve's double cockpits. Between them, they carry over 60 cumulative years of flight experience.

Latimer was the first research pilot accepted at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center. Her move to Virgin landed her in the pilot's chair for Virgin Orbit's first successful launch in 2021, and she will serve as commander aboard VMS Eve for the upcoming Galactic 01 flight.

Janjua is a retired Canadian Air Force Major with an extensive background as a test pilot. He has a masters of science in aeronautics and astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and will fly as VMS Eve's pilot during Galactic 01.

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Virgin Galactic is planning to livestream the launch on their website. According to Monday's release, the stream is expected to begin around 11 a.m. EDT (1500 GMT). The company's second commercial flight, Galactic 2, is expected in early August, and will kickoff what Virgin hopes to be a monthly cadence of launches from there.
Photo of Virgin Galactic's VSS Unity space plane, with the curve of Earth and the blackness of space in the background.

Virgin Galactic will livestream its first commercial spaceflight for free, and you can watch it online.

The company, which is part of billionaire Richard Branson's Virgin Group, will send its first commercial mission to suborbital space on June 29. Events will begin at 11 a.m. EDT (1600 GMT, or 9 a.m. local time in New Mexico) on Virgin Galactic's website, which we will stream here on Space.com if possible.

Virgin Galactic plans to send six people into space (four crew and two pilots), with two people also in the carrier aircraft that will send the space plane aloft. The mission will launch from New Mexico's Spaceport America, the location of Virgin Galactic's commercial hub.

Photos: Virgin Galactic's 1st commercial spaceflight launches this week. Meet the 6-person crew of Galactic 01

Virgin Galactic's spaceflight system includes four pilots across two vehicles: Two pilots aboard the carrier plane VMS Eve, and two pilots aboard the SpaceShipTwo space plane VSS Unity that flies into orbit.

The co-pilots of Eve this time around are commander Kelly Latimer and pilot Jameel Janjua, while the co-pilots of Unity are commander Mike Masucci and pilot Nicola Pecile.

Four passengers will fly on board Unity as well:

Pantaleone Carlucci, an engineer at the National Research Council of Italy;

Colin Bennett, an astronaut instructor at Virgin Galactic;

Col. Walter Villadei of the Italian Air Force, who is training for a "future orbital space mission" to the International Space Station, according to Virgin Galactic materials;

Lt. Col. Angelo Landolfi, a physician with the Italian Air Force.

Virgin Galactic calls this mission Galactic 01, which supports a joint Italian Air Force and National Research Council (of Italy) research study called "Virtute 1." It will last about 90 minutes and include 13 experiments, mostly for medical applications.

Based on past flights, Eve will take off from the runway with Unity attached underneath. The two vehicles will separate at 50,000 feet (15,000 meters) and Unity will fly on its own to suborbital space using a rocket motor. Everyone aboard Unity will experience weightlessness for a few minutes and see Earth's curve against space.

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Unity can hold at most six passengers at a time, and made its most recent flight on May 25 after nearly two years of fleet upgrades for maintenance and upgrade work. Virgin aims to fly commercial flights monthly, with the next one expected in early August.

If you want to join a flight, you'll need deep pockets as a ticket aboard VSS Unity costs $450,000. Virgin Galactic plans to launch a new "Delta-class" space plane capable of flying to space once a week in 2026 to boost service.

Blue Origin, which has not released per-seat pricing, is also bringing tourists to space and is led by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Blue Origin's New Shepard vehicle hasn't flown since September 2022, however, when it suffered an anomaly while flying an uncrewed research effort.
Virginia Beach towing fees could be going up

VIRGINIA BEACH  If your car gets towed in Virginia Beach this summer, it may cost you more than ever.

Towing increased costs for gas, employees and vehicle maintenance, according to the city.

On Tuesday, the City Council discussed raising towing fees, which have been the same since 2013.

But the proposed rate, which could cost as much as $55 more per tow than the current rate, caught a couple of council members off-guard.

State law allows localities to set limits on towing fees. The cost of a tow is $145 plus a $25 per day storage fee after the first 24 hours.

The citys Towing Advisory Board is recommending a new maximum rate of $200 for an average vehicle. The storage rate after 24 hours would increase to a maximum of $60 per day. The board also recommends increasing the tow rate by 10% every five years.

The proposed changes include creating three weight class categories: most vehicles would fall into the 10,000 pounds or less category; minibuses and food trucks would be in the middle category weighing more than 10,000 pounds; and transit vehicles, school buses or dump trucks would be in the heaviest category, said Assistant City Attorney Donna Hernandez.

The maximum fine increases by weight.

The tow rate applies to unauthorized vehicles in private and public lots. Police also use towing companies to remove vehicles blocking roads or when a driver is intoxicated.

The board is also requesting to increase the administrative fee from $75 to $100 for tracking down a vehicles owner if hasnt been recovered in more than 72 hours.

Vice Mayor Rosemary Wilson said she wasnt sure how the board arrived at the $200 rate.

The board is comprised of three members: a representative of towing businesses, a representative from the police department and a citizen.

Several council members said they want to review the rates every five years.

Councilman Worth Remick, a liaison to the board, said he plans to bring back a revised proposal to the council soon.

Stacy Parker, 757-222-5125, stacy.parker@pilotonline.com
Wagner chief Prigozhin is in Belarus following armed rebellion, Lukashenko says

Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has arrived in Belarus, the countrys President Alexander Lukashenko said Tuesday, days after the mercenaries 36-hour military insurrection posed an unprecedented challenge to the authority of Russias leadership.

I see that Prigozhin is already flying on this plane. Yes, indeed, he is in Belarus today, Lukashenko said, according to Belarusian state TV Tuesday.

Prigozhins exact whereabouts are unknown. The warlord hasnt been seen in any videos or photos since he left the Rostov-on-Don military headquarters Saturday evening.

However, satellite imagery by global monitoring company BlackSky shows two planes linked to Prigozhin landed at a Belarusian airbase outside the countrys capital on Tuesday morning.

Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 indicated the planes landed near Minsk at around 8 a.m. local time. Both planes had their transponders turned off before landing, obscuring their exact landing location.

Two sources  a senior European intelligence official and a source familiar with Prigozhins planes  confirmed the jets are linked to the Wagner boss but did not know if he was on board.

Questions over Prigozhins whereabouts have been circling for days, since the Wagner chiefs short-lived rebellion triggered a weekend of chaos for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

On Saturday, troops from Prigozhins private military group seized control of a military base and moved in convoy toward Moscow, facing little resistance, in a remarkable and unexpected challenge to the Kremlin leader.

The march was suddenly called off when a supposed deal was struck that would see Prigozhin move to neighboring Belarus.

Though Putin said Saturday those on path of treason or armed rebellion would be punished, Russias Federal Security Service (FSB) later announced it was dropping the criminal case against the Wagner paramilitary group.

Then on Monday, Putin thanked Wagner fighters for making the right decision to halt their advance and offered them three options: sign contracts with the Defense Ministry or other law enforcement agencies, return home or go to Belarus.

Two planes linked to Wagner CEO Yevgeny Prigozhin landed at a Belarusian airbase outside of Minsk on Tuesday morning, according to a satellite image from BlackSky. - Courtesy BlackSky

Possible Wagner investigation

In Moscow Tuesday, Putin told Russian security personnel they had virtually stopped a civil war in responding to the failed insurrection.

The Russian leader also alluded to a possible investigation into claims that billions of rubles of state funds were spent on Wagner, saying we will deal with that.

Speaking to security personnel, Putin claimed Wagner had been completely funded by the Russian state, with 86 billion rubles (about $1 billion) funneled to the group in the past 12 months. Putin claimed the Concord company, owned by Prigozhin, received 80 billion rubles from Moscow for supplying food and providing food services.

I want everyone to know about this: the maintenance of the entire Wagner group was fully provided for by the state, Putin claimed. But I hope that through its work, nobody has taken anything.

Despite Putins claims, the shadowy Wagner mercenary force had long served Moscows interests, advancing Putins foreign policy and influence, particularly in Africa.

Some of Prigozhins operations appeared to be partly self-funded, with various shell companies staking claims to oil and gas facilities and vying for access to gold and other riches. In February, the European Union sanctioned a Russian national and a Wagner subsidiary in Sudan, Meroe Gold, for facilitating the exploitation of Sudans gold wealth, after a CNN investigation into the groups activities last July.

On Tuesday, the US Treasury Department also imposed sanctions on four companies and one person tied to Wagner that have engaged in illicit gold dealings to fund the Wagner Group to sustain and expand its armed forces, including in Ukraine and Africa.

The Wagner Group funds its brutal operations in part by exploiting natural resources in countries like the Central African Republic and Mali. The United States will continue to target the Wagner Groups revenue streams to degrade its expansion and violence in Africa, Ukraine, and anywhere else, Under Secretary of the Treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence Brian Nelson said in a statement.

Belarus not building Wagner camps

Belarusian President Lukashenko said Tuesday that Wagner had been offered some abandoned land inside Belarus if they needed it but denied building camps on its territory for the Russian mercenaries.

We are not building any camps yet. But if they want, we will accommodate them. Set up tents, please. But for now they are in Luhansk [in eastern Ukraine] in their camps, he said.

Lukashenko  a longtime ally of the Russian President  also claimed he convinced Putin not to destroy Wagner and Prigozhin, talking up his role in halting the weekend rebellion.

He described his view of the negotiations that led to Prigozhin ending his march towards Moscow, saying he spoke on the phone to the Wagner boss throughout Saturday.

I also realized there was a harsh decision taken  to destroy. I suggested Putin not to hurry. Lets talk with Prigozhin, with his commanders, Lukashenko said, according to Belarusian state media.

Lukashenko said he managed to get hold of Prigozhin and, according to his account, warned he would be crushed like a bug if Wagner troops continued their advance to the Russian capital.

The Kremlin has credited Lukashenko with helping to deescalate the situation, though the Belarus leaders account of events has not been corroborated by Putin or Prigozhin.

Lukashenko also said most of the tactical nuclear weapons that Russia plans to station in Belarus have already arrived but Wagner troops would not be guarding them.

In terms of nuclear weapons, most of them were already brought to Belarus, I wont say how many. Its surprising that they didnt trace it, Lukashenko said, according to Belarus state media.

Russians and Belarusians are guarding it No Wagner fighters will guard nuclear weapons. This is our task.

If Lukashenkos remarks are correct, it would be the first time Belarus has had nuclear weapons on its territory since the early 1990s.

Earlier this year, Putin announced plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus and that Moscow would complete the construction of a special storage facility for the weapons by the beginning of July.

CNNs Anna Chernova, Rob Picheta, Clare Sebastian and Stephanie Halasz contributed reporting.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu hosted Cubas Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, Gen. Alvaro Lopez Miera, ion Tuesday in what appears to be his first public meeting with a foreign official after the Wagner mercenary groups boss, Yevgeny Prigozhin, led a brief armed rebellion and demanded his dismissal.

The meeting with the Cuban military delegation, reported by Russian state media, is another signal of the two countries close relationship amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Shoigu called Cuba its key alley in the Caribbean while announcing the two governments were planning to develop military-technical cooperation projects, the Russian official news agency Tass reported.

Shoigu held talks with Alvaro Lopez Miera, Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba. pic.twitter.com/N6vE1weRod  NEXTA (@nexta_tv) June 27, 2023

Cuba has always been and continues to be Russias key ally in the region. Our Cuban friends have confirmed their attitude toward our country by demonstrating a complete understanding of the goals of the special military operation in Ukraine, he said in on-camera remarks released by the Ministry of Defense.

The Cuban general, which is under U.S. sanctions for his role in crushing anti-government protests in July 2021, said the United States intention to continue the expansion of NATO to Russias borders... forced Russia to launch a special military operation. In this context, Russia plays a leading role in the fight against fascism.

Prigozhins rivalry with Shoigu was behind the Wagner Groups move to seize a military headquarters in southern Russia and march towards Moscow on Saturday. But Russias president, Vladimir Putin, quickly ended the mutiny with a deal to send Prigozhin and his mercenaries to neighboring Belarus.

In unprecedented move, Cuba will let Russians lease land as the two countries get closer

Cubas leadership seems to have been concerned about the chaotic events. Cubas handpicked president, Miguel Diaz-Canel, a frequent social media user, remained silent most of Saturday and waited until news of the deal to tweet his solidarity of the people and government of Cuba to the esteemed President Putin.

A flurry of recent trips of diplomats, military and security officials between Havana and Moscow after the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February last year have consolidated the close partnership, and several business deals have been announced, though they have yet to yield concrete results.

Earlier this year, the secretary of the Russian Security Council, Nikolai Patrushev, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and the speaker of the State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, visited Cuba.

Earlier this month, Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero met with Putin during an 11-day trip to Russia in which Russian officials promised to continue supplying oil to the island. And the Russian president gave the Order of Friendship medal to Gen. Lopez Miera.
Mercenary troops from the Wagner Private Military Company (PMC) are still on Ukrainian territory.

Source: CNN, with reference to a statement by Patrick Ryder, Spokesperson for the US Department of Defense, at a press briefing

Quote: "But in terms of their specific disposition and whether they may or may not move be moving, I'm not going to speculate on that."

Details: Ryder added that the US has not made any changes to the deployment of US troops following the events in Russia.

Quote: "[W]e've not seen anything that would, from our perspective, require us to make any type of forced posture adjustments."

Background:

Earlier, Prigozhin announced that his mercenaries were turning their convoys around and going back to set up field camps after the rebellion attempt.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Wagner fighters will be able to sign a contract with the Russian Defence Ministry, resign or "go to Belarus".

Alexander Lukashenko, the self-proclaimed President of Belarus, claims that Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner Private Military Company (PMC), is in Belarus.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!
Illustration of Vladimir Putin, Yevgeny Prigozhin and a world map Illustrated / Getty Images

The aborted mutiny against Vladimir Putin's regime in Russia could have consequences that span the globe. The Wall Street Journal reported the unrest caused by the Wagner Group's brief insurrection has raised concerns in China about the stability of Beijing's "closest partner against the U.S.-led West." Putin's newly revealed weakness may put the partnership at risk. "This is that pessimistic scenario that China was afraid of," said one expert.

That doesn't mean that China is ready to abandon its friendship with Russia. Putin remains in charge, after all. But "I'm sure that they'll be thinking harder about alternative political scenarios than they were," Andrew Small of the German Marshall Fund told Nikkei Asia. And Chinese leaders may factor the rebellion into their thinking about any future military conflict with Taiwan.

But it's not just China. The Wagner Group "has been a critical tool for Russian President Vladimir Putin's foreign policy" in the Middle East and North Africa, the Middle East Institute noted in its blog. Wagner has operated in Syria, Libya, and Sudan in recent years. The mercenary group's newly questionable status raises questions about conflicts in those countries, and also about Moscow's reach. "What will that mean for the Russian influence and reliability in the region?"

'Clear and present danger'

Wagner's operations in Africa may have played a role in the mutiny, Le Monde reported. While the world has focused on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin's critique of the war, the mercenary group's other activities also played a role in his grievances. "Wagner demanded more money and equipment to continue its actions in Africa," a French diplomatic source said, adding: "This is where it all started."

It's not ending there  at least, not yet. Russia Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov moved this week to reassure African allies that Wagner fighters will remain deployed in Mali and the Central African Republic, The Guardian reported. Regimes in both could fall without support from Wagner and Russia. That seems unlikely for now. "What we have learnt from  Wagner in Africa, in the past five years, is that the group is resilient, creative, fearless and predatory," said Nathalia Dukhan, senior investigator at The Sentry. "So it is less likely that the Wagner empire will instantly fall like a house of cards."

All these questions affect China, Alessandro Arduino pointed out in the South China Morning Post. If Wagner's operations in Africa and the Middle East go rogue, that would present "a clear and present danger for China's Belt and Road Initiative." (That initiative builds infrastructure projects in poorer countries around the region, a foreign policy tool for cultivating Chinese influence.) The upheaval could well affect Wagner operations "from Benghazi to Darfur, in areas with a growing footprint of Chinese mining companies."

'Bet on the wrong guy'

If Wagner's mutiny upends Russia's influence in Africa, Al Jazeera reported, it might also play a role in African nations' attempts to influence the course of the Russia-Ukraine war. A group of presidents  led by South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa  visited both countries on a peace mission earlier in June. The "attempted mutiny  will not affect our intention of continuing to engage with both countries," said South Africa's Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor.

It is the Russia-China relationship that might have the biggest impact on the rest of the world, however. Reuters reported that while "China has sought to play down the weekend's events," some observers believe leaders in Beijing are questioning whether it is time to "ease off" ties between the two countries. "It has put a fly in the ointment of that 'no-limits' relationship," said one analyst.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping "seems to have embraced Putin as an invaluable partner in his quest to push back American global power and reshape the world order in Beijing's favor," Michael Schuman wrote for The Atlantic. Putin's weakness might benefit China; Russia relies on China's trade and diplomatic support. But China faces its own problems  most notably a struggling economy. Wagner's mutiny doesn't make the relationship easier to sustain. "Watching the rebellion unfold in Russia, one might imagine that Xi now feels that he bet on the wrong guy."

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We want more of your voices in The Stars Opinion section. Answer our new survey | Opinion

There are two small paragraphs at the bottom of every days editorial page telling readers how to submit letters to the editor, or how to propose guest columns, with the word count and place to send them. Online, its on the letters page at KansasCity.com/letters

What? Never seen it? Youre probably not alone. (Go ahead, Ill give you a moment to look.)

Listen, I need you to know: We want your well-thought out letters, your thoughts, your ideas. We want your rational conservative voices, your sensible liberal voices. In short, we want your point of view represented here in The Star.

In my two weeks as Opinion editor, I know you care about Kansas City. I see your reasoned letters and curious takes on local issues. Who knew Tina Turner played a little show in Kansas Citys then-River Quay? Tom Kramer of Independence did, and told us about it.

Cati Kral of Kansas City reminded us about the importance of keeping our children hydrated as they enjoy outdoor activities.

Mary Schultis of Kansas City commented on Missouris legal system and the fact that we have the fastest-growing rural female prison population.

Many of you  including Daniel J. Perez of Prairie Village, Gary Groninger of Olathe, Burt Walker of Raymore and Joe Matye of Kansas City  have a lot to say about the Royals and the proposed new stadium.

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TheGrios Eboni K. Williams talks to the Mother of Black Music Month, Dyana Williams about the significance of this celebratory month.

Black Music Month might be something youve just been hearing about recently, but President Jimmy Carter established it in 1979. Producer Kenny Gamble started the Black Music Association, building a network of high-level supporters including Stevie Wonder, Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, and Reverend Jesse Jackson. After lobbying for some time, Black Music Month was founded by Kenny Gamble, Radio and Music industry professional Dyana Williams, and DJ Ed Wright.

TheGrios Eboni K. Williams talks to the Mother of Black Music Month Dyana Williams about the use of AI in the music industry, the importance of Black Music Month, and what it means to her legacy.

The following is a transcript of their conversation.

Dyana Williams, the Mother of Black Music Month (Photo by Unique Nicole/Getty Images)

Eboni K. Williams [00:00:03] Welcome back. Before the break, we were talking to Dyana Williams. Shes the Mother of Black Music Month, which was established 44 years ago under the Carter administration. Now, I asked her how she thinks that the new technology of A.I. will impact the music industry.

This all comes as Ice Cube has threatened to sue anyone who uses artificial intelligence to recreate his voice. And other artists are proposing using A.I. to collaborate with musicians whove passed away. Well, heres what Dyana Williams had to say.

Dyana Williams [00:00:36] Its not going away. And, one of the record labels, I wanted to say that it was Capital some months ago, signed an A.I. artist and folks were up in arms and they then released that artist. Were going to have to figure outwere using technology right nowwere going to have to figure out how to adapt and integrate the A.I.s.

I know one thing, I dont want to go to a concert and see an AI of Whitney Houston. I saw Whitney Houston in real life, in real-time, and thats how I want to, my appetite for consuming music.

So we all have to figure out how were going to navigate technology. We are living in the digital era. It has changed the music industry grammatically. Remember Napster? I know you do, Eboni.

Eboni K. Williams [00:01:26] Yes, I do. Yes.

Dyana Williams [00:01:30] But now its basically a digital. I know there are people I still love vinyl. I still buy it, but at the end of the day, Im consuming a lot of my music via the various platforms. So, but, during June Black Music Month, I want to encourage everybody: talk to your children.

If youre a guardian, sit with a young person, listen to what theyre listening to. Share with them what you love. Go to live concerts. Buy the merch of your favorite artists. Support them in their philanthropy. Theres so many different ways for us to consume and enjoy June, Black Music Month and shout out to Kenny Gamble, whose idea it was initially.

We happened to be a couple at the time and also to DJ Ed Wright and to any and everybody who has been touched by Black music because it is the soundtrack to our lives.

Eboni K. Williams [00:02:19] One last point, Miss Dyana, as we talk about the significance of Black Music Month and the Carter administration and everything that you and all these leaders did to make this an official observable holiday for us and month for us, how important does this feel for your legacy?

Dyana Williams [00:02:37] Oh, my goodness. Im so excited. I just went to the White House the other day for the first inaugural Juneteenth celebration and during President Bidens speech, he acknowledged June Black Music Month.

It was a proud moment because for some time Ive been lobbying the White House administration since the Obama administration to make the name back to what Gamble, Ed Wright, and I called it and still referred to it, which is Black Music Month.

During the Obama administration, the name got changed to African American Music Appreciation Month, created a lot of confusion. People thought that President Obama had established it. We are now in our 44th year and whats in a name? Everything.

We cannot change the her-story and the history of Kenny Gamble, Ed Wright, Dyana Williams, and the many names that we cant cite in this segment of people who supported the Black Music is Green campaign, making people over stand that it is also an economic force to be reckoned with.

Its not just our creative expression. And so I fought valiantly, wrote tons of emails to the White House to the point where the White House wrote me an email said, Dyana, we have all your emails. I was like, good because Im not going to stop writing. Im not going to stop pushing and advocating for the story to be told accurately. And shout out to The Godfather, Clarence Abbott, who made the initial call to the Carter administration for the Black Music Association, to say, let us declare June as Black Music Month in America for all the citizens, regardless of your race, creed, religious beliefs, to celebrate our own creative art forms made right here in America and given as a gift to, I want to say, the galaxies to the aliens. I know theyre listening.

Eboni K. Williams [00:04:29] All the way, all the way to Mars.

Dyana Williams [00:04:32] All the way beyond.

Eboni K. Williams [00:04:33] Indeed, indeed. I know you read my mind, Miss Dyana, I was thinking I was talking to my producer before we started taping. I said something tells me, Mr. Clarence Abbott had a little something to do with this because his hand was always in the mix of the business, the politics and the music.

Dyana Williams, my Queen of Black Music Month, we thank you. It has been an honor to have you on our show.

Dyana Williams [00:04:55] Oh, and Eboni, youre now my official cousin, and I just want everybody to visit the National Museum of African American Music, NMAAM dot org. Its on Fifth and Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee.

Im a proud board member, and I want people to know that there is a museum dedicated to all genres and subgenres of our music. Happy Black Music Month.

Eboni K. Williams [00:05:17] We all want to echo Dyanas call to action, and thats for all of us to check out the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, Tennessee. Its the only museum in the country dedicated to honoring our contributions to all genres of music.

And we again thank Dyana Williams, the mother of Black Music Month, for taking the time to sit down with us today.

Check out the full clip above and tune into theGrio with Eboni K. Williams at 6 p.m. ET every weeknight on theGrio cable channel.

TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today!

The post Watch: Dyana Williams on the importance of Black Music Month appeared first on TheGrio.
With anti-trans legislation surfacing in states like Texas, we speak to a mother who left the state in search of better opportunities for her transgender daughter.

Join Violet Augustine in a moderated conversation with Insider senior video producer Selima Hussain, lead producer and cinematographer Adam Miller, and journalist and activist Erin Reed.
Pill bugs and mollusks were recently shown to be effective grippers for robots.

The term necrobotics'' is relatively self-explanatoryusing dead source material within robotic designs. Case in point: researchers at Rice University made headlines last year after repurposing a spiders corpse as part of a pneumatically actuating gripper tool capable of grasping asymmetrical objects up to 130 percent its own mass.

But what if researchers harnessed living creatures as part of robotic devices? Thats the question recently posed by a team collaborating between multiple Japanese universities. In their paper, Biological Organisms as End Effectors, published earlier this month on the arXiv preprint server, researchers from Tohoku, Yamagata, and Keio Universities detailed how they developed a way to literally harness living pillbugs and underwater mollusks known as chiton as a robots gripping mechanisms without harming the animals.

[Related: Watch this bird-like robot make a graceful landing on its perch.]

In demonstration videos, a 3D-printed harness is ostensibly lassoed around the pill bug using either one or two flexible threads. In the single thread configuration, the pill bug is allowed to roll into its closed, defensive shape; with two threads, the insect is prevented from doing so, thus maintaining its open, walking stance. Attaching a harness to the mollusk required a bit more trial-and-error, with researchers settling on a removable epoxy glue applied to its external shell. In both experiments, the pill bug and chiton were shown to effectively grasp and maneuver objects, either via the insects closing into its defensive stance while grasping an object, or via the mollusks suctioning ability.

https://youtu.be/yo_mXCJRFZs

"This approach departs from traditional methodologies by leveraging the structures and movements of specific body parts without disconnecting them from the organism, all the while preserving the life and integrity of the creature," reads a portion of the teams paper. The team also notes that for future research, it will be crucially important to enforce bioethics rules and regulations, especially when dealing with animals that have higher cognition.

But, researchers such as Kent State University geographer James Tyner, arent completely sold. To a degree, this is simply the domestication of species not yet domesticated, Tyner explains to PopSci. Tyner co-authored an essay last year lambasting Rice Universitys recycled arachnid necrobot as an omen of potentially even further subsumption of life and death to circuits of capital. When it comes to employing living organisms within robotic systems, Tyner also questions their efficacy and purpose.

Im hard pressed to think of a situation where Id feel comfortable deploying biotechnologies solely or even partially dependent on the gripping power of a pillbug, Tyner adds.

https://youtu.be/kxQYcwk-oPk

For Josephine Galipon, a molecular biologist at Yamagata University and one of the projects team members, such situations are easier to envision. Let's imagine a robot stuck at the bottom of the ocean that needs to improvise a gripper function to complete a task, she offers via email to PopSci. Instead of building a gripper from the ground up, it could borrow help from a chiton, and as a reward, the chiton would be transported to a new place with possibly more food.

According to Galipon, establishing such mutually beneficial, cooperative, and dynamic interactions between living organisms and machines could offer advancements in both biology and robotic engineering.

[Related: These wearable cyborg arms were modeled after Japanese horror fiction and puppets.]

Locomotion can be used for more than just getting around from one spot to another, Galipon continues. Surprisingly, it can also be used for tasks like picking up and moving objects, as illustrated [by the pillbug]. We can also learn more about how these organisms perceive the world around them. Galipon points to previous instances of domestication, such as horses and messenger pigeons, and views their pillbug and chiton trials in a similar vein.

Tyner, meanwhile, points to the longstanding history of biomimicry within robotics as a promising alternative to domesticating new animal species. They also raise the question of experts expanding concepts of sentience, and what that might entail for even creepy-crawler companions. Recent studies, in fact, offer evidence of a wider array of feelings'' for insects, notably the capacity for injury or discomfort in insects, such as fruit flies potentially experiencing a form of chronic pain. But critics like Tyner, however, the question still stands with or without evidence: Do we extend moral standing, for example, only to sentient beings?

In this sense, its a thought shared by Galipon and their fellow researchers. [We] recommend caution when handling any type of animal, and to exercise mindfulness in avoiding their suffering as much as possible and to the best of our knowledge, they write in their paper.
Valerii "Mahura" Markus, a sergeant major in the 47th Separate Mechanised Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, posted on Facebook about a day of assaults and a night spent with the dead bodies of Russian invaders, only for Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi to leave a comment reprimanding him for taking off his body armour.

Source: a Facebook post and video by Valerii Markus, a sergeant major in the 47th Separate Mechanised Brigade

Quote: "We had 24 hours of assaults yesterday. We advanced very far, very deep. On foot, so we are very tired."

Details: Markus mentioned that he was filming from Russian trenches, where there were large numbers of dead invaders.

He and his comrades spent the whole night in a "small trench" so they would not lose their position and could advance further. The defenders had to sleep on the dead bodies of their enemies.

Markus noted that the corpses did not yet smell.

Quote: "Now well advance further and deeper, with fighting. It obviously isnt going to be fast because their defence here is very compact and well-built. So unfortunately, well probably still be here when the bodies start to stink 

In five minutes time were going to do the next assault. The bastards don't know anything about it; well do it all very, very secretly. Well sneak up on them in two groups and, God willing, take them by surprise."

Details: Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi left a comment under the Facebook post and the early-morning video. Social media users were touched by the way he ordered Markus to get properly dressed, since he was sitting in the trench without any body armour on. "Valerii! Put your gear on right now! Or Ill teach you a lesson."

The 47th Separate Mechanised Brigade is involved in operations in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Background: US media outlets have reported on the slow advance of the Armed Forces of Ukraine against well-fortified Russian positions.

On 27 June, UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said that Ukraine had recaptured 300 sq km from Russia in the counteroffensive. This is twice as much as Kyiv has officially announced.

The main counteroffensive efforts of the Defence Forces of Ukraine are being made on three fronts, one of which is Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!






Heres where and when you can celebrate Independence Day in Middle Georgia

July 4 is only a few days away, Independence Day celebrations are scheduled across Georgia, including one in Jones County that starts tomorrow evening.

Heres where and when you can celebrate U.S. independence in Middle Georgia.

Jones County

Gray is celebrating early with the Independence Day Extravaganza June 29. The Morris Bank Recreation Complex event starts at 7 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m.

Families can enjoy food trucks, music, and the annual firework show.

Monroe County

Join downtown Forsyth as they Light Up the Sky and savor meals from local food trucks, watch fireworks and have fun. The night will start with a concert by Atlantas Ty Reynolds Band at 7:30 p.m. The stage and viewing area for the concert is located in the field across from the city hall.

A firework show will follow at 9:30 p.m. Guests should take note of all available parking at the Monroe County Fine Arts Center and around the square. No parking will be allowed in the field where the concert will take place or the firework shooting area. More available details should be directed to the Forsyth Main Street website.

Houston County

An event worth the drive is the 40th Annual Independence Day Celebration in Warner Robins. The event will be held on July 1 at the McConnell Talbert Stadium parking lot starting at 5 pm. Times are subject to change. The event is free to the public. Talents such as Scott Stapp and Jefferson Starship are scheduled to perform.

Food and beverage vendors will be available to the public. For anyone who wants to give back, the event is looking for volunteers. The Visit Warner Robins website can provide further information.

Perry will hold an Independence Day celebration on July 2 in Historic Downtown Perry. The event is scheduled for 5 p,m, and ends at 9 p,m. Patrons can view the Stars and Stripes community parade while enjoying live music and food trucks.

Fireworks light up the sky above Lake Tobesofkee during annual Sparks over the Park.

Bibb County

Residents can travel to Lake Tobesofkee to celebrate the 27th Annual Sparks Over the Park Independence Day Celebration. The event will be held on July 4 at Claystone, Sandy Beach, and Arrowhead Parks. Festivities will start at 8 a.m. and end at 8 p.m.

Admission to the event is only $3.00, and children six and under are free. Families can enjoy a nice day of swimming, picnics, live music, and more.

The fireworks show will start promptly at 9:15 p.m. According to the event details, the best view would be from Sandy Beach. In the spirit of a safe holiday, no alcohol or glass containers are allowed in the park.

Be sure to catch the July Fourth Parade on Riverdale on July 4. The event starts at 9:30 a.m. and ends at noon. The bandwagon leaves at 10 a.m.

Music, watermelon, and peanuts will follow with the fun. Participants are encouraged to decorate their homes, bikes, and put on your best outfits for prizes.

After its start on Riverdale, the parade will lead down Overlook, Belvedere, pass through Ridge, then Albermarle, and back to Riverdale. Due to the celebration, Riverdale Drive will be shut down.

For any further information, visit the Ingleside Neighborhood Association website.
Jail Cell

A Federal appeals court ruled that Michigan prisons must now recognize a religious group known as Christian Identity. But before you start celebrating this as a win for religious freedom, a small peek behind the curtain reveals a much darker reality.

Christian Identity is Christian in name only, writes the Southern Poverty Law Center, describing them as an anti-Semitic and racist theology. For those unfamiliar with Christian identity, their core belief is that white people, not Jewish people are the real Israelites and are gods favored people. According to the Anti-Defamation League, many adherents believe that Jews [are] the Satanic offspring of Eve and the Serpent, while non-whites are mud peoples. The group, which doesnt believe in race-mixing is also infamously connected to neo-Confederate, neo-nazi, and Ku Klux Klan movements.

Read more

One of the inmates who sued to have Christian Identity recognized, told the Associated Press, that his group wasnt a white supremacist group, just about being separatist. Although, frankly that also doesnt inspire a ton of confidence that the group doesnt have racist underpinnings.

Now you might think all of this would deter courts from wanting to recognize them as an official religion, but thats what the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals did on Monday in a 3-0 opinion. The judges argued that the Department of Corrections could not prove that the plaintiffs in this case who wanted to practice Christian Identity were violent.

The ruling means that the group will now be allowed to openly practice their religion and hold services. However, the Michigan Corrections Department expressed concern over what this could mean for the safety of other incarcerated people.

A prison is a microcosm of society, and racial tensions always exist in the prison. And taking a certified step towards that would only worsen existing racial tensions, a senior intelligence analyst testified, Todd Belcher testified on behalf of the corrections department, according to the Associated Press.

In recent years, the group has reportedly been losing adherents. However, its unclear what rulings like this could mean for the groups popularity.

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(Photo : SAUL LOEB / POOL / AFP) (SAUL LOEB/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Several leaders of NATO member countries have expressed their concern regarding Wagner's redeployment to Belarus following a failed mutiny against Moscow.

Several NATO member country leaders have expressed concern about the Wagner mercenary group's recent redeployment to Belarus following its failed mutiny against Russia.

The international leaders include those from Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, which all share a border with Belarus. News about the Wagner group's partial redeployment comes after Yevgeny Prigozhin claimed that Moscow's military troops had killed roughly 30 of his mercenaries in a missile strike.

NATO Warns of Wagner Redeployment to Belarus

The short-lived rebellion ended after peace was brokered on the agreement that the Kremlin charges would be dropped against the Wagner leader if he agreed to exile in Belarus. On Tuesday, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced that Prigozhin arrived in his country, where he is set to build a new Wagner base.

In a statement, Polish President Andrzej Duda acknowledged that the "de facto relocation" of Russian military troops and the Wagner group to Belarus has started. As per Newsweek, he added that these moves are considered "negative signals" for them.

Reports noted that Duda also spoke about bolstering the security forces of NATO's eastern flank, particularly around Poland and the Baltic states, because of Wagner's redeployment. He also urged the military alliance members' leaders to address the situation immediately.

On the other hand, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda made similar comments after a meeting in The Hague with six NATO allies. He noted that if the Wagner mercenary group deploys its killer troops in Belarus, all neighboring countries are at bigger risk of instability.

The Lithuanian president's comments add to his remarks on Sunday following a state security council meeting held in Vilnius, which will also be the host city for a scheduled NATO summit on July 11 to July 12.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said it was still too early to say what the Wagner group's redeployment to Belarus could mean for the alliance's members. According to Reuters, he also stressed the increased defense of the group's eastern flank in recent years.

Read Also: Turkey Maintains Stance on Sweden as NATO Scrambles Before Next Summit

Threat to NATO Allied Countries

Stoltenberg added that they have already sent a clear message to Russia and Belarus that the military alliance exists to protect every single ally and every single inch of its territory. He noted that they have already strengthened their military presence in the eastern flank and added that they would make further decisions to bolster collective defense with more high-readiness forces and capabilities at the upcoming summit.

The NATO secretary-general also said that the Wagner group's failed mutiny against Moscow's "illegal war" against Ukraine had deepened divisions within Russia. Furthermore, Stoltenberg said it would be a mistake to underestimate Russia, making it more crucial to support Ukraine.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said it would take roughly eight to 10 hours for Wagner mercenaries to appear in Belarus suddenly. He commented on the speed at which the group's soldiers advanced toward Moscow.

Nauseda noted that if Wagner leader Prigozhin or part of his mercenary group ends up in Belarus with unclear plans and intentions, it could simply mean that Lithuania would be forced to bolster the security of its eastern borders, said the Kyiv Independent.

Related Article: German Far-Right AfD Party Wins First Election To Take Control of a District

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The Biden White House has repeatedly claimed they are the "most transparent administration in American history," but a Fox News Digital review found that the visitor logs from the beginning of the Biden administration through February 2023 have not included any of Hunter Bidens White House visits or extended stays.

Fox News Digital reviewed several articles to piece together Hunter Bidens whereabouts during his dads administration and found that he has visited the White House over a dozen times through February 2023, the month accounted for in the most recent batch of visitor logs released last month.

A majority of the White House visits that Fox News Digital found were from 2022, which include the annual egg roll, Medal of Freedom ceremony, France State Dinner on the South Lawn, Christmas tree lighting, his daughters wedding, among others. However, they are all absent from the visitor logs, including what appear to be extended stays at the White House.

While many of these events are ceremonial and a tradition at the White House, Fox News Digital previously reported how Hunter Biden sought to use such events for his personal financial gain during the Obama administration.

Hunter and his longtime business partner, Eric Schwerin, would coordinate with his father's White House staff to invite business associates and potential business partners they were courting to official events.

Hunter Biden, the son of US President Joe Biden, is seen during the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC on April 18, 2022.

When asked why the White House logs omit Hunter Biden's visits, a spokesperson pointed Fox News Digital to a policy released at the start of the administration.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"The White House will not release access records related to purely personal guests of the First and Second Families (i.e., visits that do not involve any official or political business)," the policy states, which appears to be less transparent than the Obama administration.

A Fox News Digital review found that while the Obama administration does not reveal all the Biden family member visits and omitted several Hunter visits, they included over 70 logs, including Hunter, Hunters daughters and now ex-wife, Bidens brothers and other relatives.

In addition to Hunter, several other Biden family members are absent on the visitor logs from the Biden administration, including President Bidens brothers, his daughter, his granddaughters, among others. While his sister, Valerie Biden Owens or Valerie J. Owens, shows up a few times as visiting the White House, she has likely visited several more times due to her role as her brothers closest confidante and her close working relationship with several members of Bidens senior staff.

US President Joe Biden(R) is comforted by his son Hunter Biden and First Lady Jill Biden after being sworn in during the 59th presidential inauguration in Washington, DC on the West Front of the US Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC.

HUNTER BIDEN, BURISMA-LINKED ASSOCIATES ATTENDED DAD'S HOLIDAY BASH DAYS AFTER INFAMOUS 2015 UKRAINE TRIP

Hunter and his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden; Hunters sister, Ashley Biden; and his aunt, Valerie Owens, were all guests at the state dinner honoring French President Emmanuel Macron in December 2022, but their names are not listed.

Between March and June 2023, months that have not been cataloged yet through visitor logs, Hunter Biden has been seen frequently at the White House, igniting rumors that he is living there full-time, according to the New York Post. Fox News White House Correspondent Peter Doocy said back in April on "Fox & Friends" that it is "unclear" whether Hunter has been living there full-time, but said, "We do see him there a lot."

Hunter Biden, son of US President Joe Biden, during a state dinner for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Biden and Modi announced a series of defense and commercial deals designed to improve military and economic ties between their nations during a state visit today.

HUNTER BIDEN'S BUSINESS PARTNERS, ASSISTANTS VISITED WHITE HOUSE OVER 80 TIMES WHEN BIDEN WAS VP

Hunter was listed as a guest at the White House state dinner for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his wife last Thursday, which drew scrutiny because it was hours after the House Ways and Means Committee revealed its interview with an IRS whistleblower, who shared a WhatsApp message from 2017 in which Hunter Biden allegedly told a Chinese business associate that he and his father would ensure "you will regret not following my direction."

"I am sitting here with my father, and we would like to understand why the commitment made has not been fulfilled," Hunter Biden told Henry Zhao, the director of Chinese asset management firm Harvest Fund Management, in the message provided by IRS whistleblower Gary Shapley. "And, Z, if I get a call or text from anyone involved in this other than you, Zhang or the chairman, I will make certain that between the man sitting next to me and every person he knows and my ability to forever hold a grudge that you will regret not following my direction."

Videos of the state dinner surfaced showing him rubbing elbows with other guests while smiling and laughing. A couple days later, he was seen boarding Marine One to go to Camp David where he would stay until he returned to the White House on Monday afternoon with his dad and young son.

In April, he attended the White House egg roll during that same week he flew off with his dad and Aunt Valerie for the multi-day trip to Ireland where he was seen helping explain a question from a child to President Biden, drawing mockery online.

U.S. President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden attend the annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House on April 10, 2023 in Washington, DC. The tradition dates back to 1878 when President Rutherford B. Hayes invited children to the White House for Easter and egg rolling on the lawn.

Biden's brother, Francis or "Frank," was also at the White House in April, attending the White House state dinner alongside his partner, Mindy Ward, for South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. It is unclear if the visitor logs for March-June 2023 and future months will show any of the Biden family members attending events at the White House.

Bloomberg published an analysis Monday on Bidens White House visitor logs, finding "duplications, anomalies and missing names" in the records. The publication said the gaps raise "questions about the accuracy and completeness of the logs that record business meetings, social functions and receptions with Biden and other officials at the White House complex, which includes adjacent office buildings."

Bloomberg's deep dive, for example, found that former White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain reported only six visitors over two years despite his high-level position.

The records can also conceal who visitors are meeting. A White House official previously confirmed to Fox News Digital that George Soros' son, Alex Soros, twice visited Klain , but the records did not outright list Klain as the intended host. Instead, it listed lower-level staffers.

Bidens lack of transparency for visitors at both of his Delaware residences, including the beach house, has also come under scrutiny as Biden faces questions about his role in his sons foreign business dealings and who is visiting him while he takes frequent weekend trips back to Delaware. Earlier this year, Republicans requested the records after Biden's lawyers discovered classified documents inside his home's garage. However, the president's lawyers said they do not maintain a list of who visits the house.

Rehoboth Beach, USA - JULY 19, 2022: President Biden's Delaware vacation home. Fox News Photo/Joshua Comins

BIDEN CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS: 57% OF AMERICANS DISAPPROVE OF WHITE HOUSE HANDLING, AS STONEWALLING CONTINUES

"Like every President in decades of modern history, his personal residence is personal," the White House Counsel's Office told Fox News Digital in January. "But upon taking office, President Biden restored the norm and tradition of keeping White House visitors logs, including publishing them regularly, after the previous administration ended them."

House Oversight and Accountability Committee chairman James Comer, R-Ky., demanded to see the residence logs following the discovery of the classified documents at Biden's home.

"Given the serious national security implications, the White House must provide the Wilmington residence's visitor log," Comer wrote to then-White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain . "As Chief of Staff, you are head of the Executive Office of the President and bear responsibility to be transparent with the American people on these important issues related to the White House's handling of this matter."

U.S. President Joe Biden, right, greets Ron Klain, White House chief of staff, while arriving to a meeting in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Wednesday, June 30, 2021.

Comer also sought records of any home searches conducted by Biden aides. The letter noted that Biden's assistants and personal attorneys had scoured the premises even though the Justice Department was already investigating the situation. The lawyers continued to go there even after the appointment of a special counsel.

Biden is facing a special counsel investigation into his handling of the classified documents, which were discovered between November and January at the Wilmington home and the Washington, D.C., office for the president's think tank, the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement.

Fox News' Anders Hagstrom, Peter Doocy and Ronn Blitzer contributed to this report.
Seoul  A lot of South Koreans suddenly found themselves a year or two younger on Wednesday, as the country formally adopted the system of determining someone's age used broadly around the world  by simply counting the number of years from the date of their birth. That is not the way it has been done in the country up until now, at least not the only way.

The switch to the "international age" method was an effort by the government to ease confusion created by the three different ways age has long been calculated in South Korea.

The most popular way has long been referred to as "Korean age." In that system, a baby is considered one year old the second it is born  an effort to take into account a life that began in the womb. Under that system, on January 1, everyone in the country turns another year older.

As an example, if a child is born in December, just one month later the infant would be considered two years old, according to their "Korean age."

A general view shows people walking along a street in Seoul, South Korea, June 28, 2023. / Credit: Reuters

The second method is "counting age," which is calculated by taking the current year and subtracting the year a person was born, which can vary by months from their "international age."

The persistence of all three systems within Korean society has long created confusion over everything from grammar and when people start school and compulsory military service, to the legal drinking age and when pensions kick in.

It's been perplexing enough for South Koreans for the country's leading internet search engine, a sort of Korean Google called Naver, to have offered an online tool to help people calculate their own age.

"The revision is aimed at reducing unnecessary socio-economic costs because legal and social disputes as well as confusion persist due to the different ways of calculating age," lawmaker Yoo Sang-bum, of the ruling People Power Party, said in parliament.

According to a statement issued by the government, an overwhelming majority of South Koreans polled said they were ready to use their international age to reduce confusion in the country.

"I'm supposed to be 30 next year [Korean age], but with this new age system, I became two years younger!" Choi Hyun-ji, an office worker who most of the world would call 27 years old, told the Reuters news agency. "It's just great to feel like you're getting younger, and I feel a bit of distance from becoming 30. I'm so happy that I can celebrate this year's birthday once again at a younger age."

"I'm going to study abroad in the U.K., so I think it's less confusing that I don't need to explain about Korean age and just can say my international age in other countries, as we adopted the international age system," 19-year-old student Han Chae-yeon told Reuters.

"I was worried that I would be banned from drinking even though I'm 20 (under the traditional Korean age system), but now I'm relieved that I still can drink. When I was teenager, I thought it would be good to be 20, but apparently it's not. So, I'm happy to be back to teenager again."

Online, many people supported the decision, admitting that it was a confusing system, though some seemed uncomfortable with their country conforming to an international norm.

Many wondered how grammar used in common settings like classrooms might change on a daily basis, as different words and titles are used in the Korean language to connote deference depending on the age or rank of the people speaking.

There are sure to be hiccups, as while much of South Korean society will adjust to the new system and stick to the "international age," it will not be universal. Laws governing minors, for instance, such as the legal age for alcohol and tobacco consumption, will still be determined by "counting age."

Local government officials visited bars and convenience stores Wednesday to stress that the legal age for alcohol and tobacco sales remained 19  that is, anyone born at any point in 2004, or before.

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Editors note: At sundown on June 28, Muslims all over the world celebrated one of the principal festivals, Eid al-Adha. Earlier in April, Muslims celebrated Eid al-Fitr. Scholar Ken Chitwood explains the two Islamic festivals.

1. What is Eid?

Eid literally means a festival or feast in Arabic. It is celebrated twice a year as Eid al-Adha, (pronounced eed al-Ahd-huh) and Eid al-Fitr.

2. Why is it celebrated twice a year?

The two Eids recognize, celebrate and recall two distinct events that are significant to the story of the Islamic faith.

Eid al-Fitr means the feast of breaking the fast. The fast, in this instance, is that of Ramadan, which recalls the revealing of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad.

Eid celebrations can last up to three days. In many countries with large Muslim populations, it is a national holiday. Schools, offices and businesses are closed so family, friends and neighbors can enjoy the celebrations together. Saudi Arabia has announced a 16-day holiday this year for Eid. In Turkey and in places that were once part of the Ottoman-Turkish empire such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Azerbaijan and the Caucasus, it is also known as the, Lesser Bayram (meaning lesser festival in Turkish).

The other festival, Eid al-Adha, is the feast of the sacrifice. It commemorates the end of Hajj, an annual pilgrimage by millions of Muslims to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia that is obligatory once in a lifetime, but only for those with means.

Eid al-Adha recalls the story of how God commanded Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail as a test of faith (the story is of Abraham and Isaac in the Hebrew Torah and Christian Old Testament). The story, as narrated in the Quran, describes Satans attempt to tempt Ibrahim so he would disobey Gods command. Ibrahim, however, remains unmoved and informs Ismail, who is willing to be sacrificed.

But, just as Ibrahim attempts to kill his son, God intervenes and a ram is sacrificed in place of Ismail. This story has institutionalized the ideal of sacrifice in Islam and continues to be commemorated each year. During Eid al-Adha, Muslims slaughter an animal to remember Ibrahims sacrifice and remind themselves of the need to submit to the will of God. Eid al-Adha is also known as the Greater Bayram.

3. When are they celebrated?

Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of the 12th and final month in the Islamic calendar.

Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of the 10th month in the Islamic calendar.

The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, and dates are calculated based on lunar phases. Due to this, the Islamic calendar year is shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar year by 10 to 12 days.

Thus, Ramadan and Eid rotate through the Gregorian calendar and can be celebrated during different seasons in the Southern and Northern hemispheres. In 2017, for example, Eid al-Fitr was celebrated on June 25. In 2018, the date for Eid al-Fitr will be June 15. For Eid al-Adha, the date this year is September 1. In 2018, it will fall on August 21.

4. What customs are common during the two Eids?

Eid al-Fitr features two to three days of celebrations that include special prayers. People greet each other with Eid Mubarak, meaning Blessed Eid. Gifts are given out to the poor before the morning prayers. In addition, Muslims are encouraged to forgive differences and let go of grudges. There are a multitude of other practices that vary from country to country.

On Eid al-Adha, pilgrims in Mecca reenact Ibrahims rejection of Satans temptation. During the pilgrimage, Muslims cast stones at a pillar, which represents Satan. In remembrance of how Ibrahim was given a ram to sacrifice as a substitute for his son, they proceed to sacrifice animals such as goats, cattle, sheep or camels.

Muslim pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba, Islams holiest site, located in the center of the Masjid al-Haram, Saudi Arabia. Ashraf Amra/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Those unable to go on the pilgrimage visit mosques and even family gravesites..

5. What is the spiritual meaning of sacrifice during Eid al-Adha?

The sacrifice represents how, like Ibrahim, pilgrims and practicing Muslims worldwide are willing to give up even their most precious possessions.

Charity to the poor is a highly emphasized value in Islam. The Quran says,

believe in Allah and his messenger, and give charity out of the (substance) that Allah has made you heirs of. For those of you who believe and give charity  for them is a great reward. (57.7)

So, as part of this practice, only around a third of the meat is consumed by the family or group of friends; the rest is given to the poor and needy.

Furthermore, the sacrifice of animals too is carried out through specific instructions that minimize their suffering. This is part of the moral obligation of Muslims.

6. What are some of the modern-day challenges?

With more than two million arriving in Mecca these days, the pilgrimage presents a logistical challenge for countries providing meat for the sacrifice. Saudi authorities strive to find alternative methods of preserving, distributing and dealing with the vast amount of meat that comes from the animal sacrifices.

In the U.S. Muslims consume halal meat  that is, meat that has been prepared by adhering to the rules  but they are not allowed to perform the sacrifice themselves. Food laws require that meat be acquired from certified butchers who follow standard federal and halal rules. However, some Muslims might send money to their friends and relatives in other countries to help fund a sacrifice.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. The Conversation is trustworthy news from experts. Try our free newsletters.

It was written by: Ken Chitwood, University of Southern California.

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Ken Chitwood does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
About six months ago, the Sacramento City Council decided to hold a workshop to assess the state of homelessness in the capital of California. That session was held Tuesday afternoon, revealing a moment in time, clarifying Sacramentos worsening humanitarian crisis, the citys response via increasing enforcement, and the cooperation  or lack thereof  between city and county.

It also revealed a city and its residents are increasingly at odds on how to deal with the issue. It is a fight between those urging outreach and those demanding enforcement  and the council was caught in the middle, satisfying neither and angering both.

These issues are not new to the city of Sacramento, we are not starting from scratch, said Mayor Darrell Steinberg to start the meeting. The city, because of its efforts over the last several years  now contracts for and funds 1,100 temporary shelter beds every night. Weve also stood up a Department of Community Response, with 20-plus employees who are engaged in daily outreach on the streets of Sacramento.

Opinion

And yet, the prevailing attitude from residents is that the city hasnt done enough. The meetings public comment period gave the distinct impression of an unwinnable game of whack-a-mole.

On one side were residents who are afraid to walk the citys streets and trails alone or at night, afraid to take off their shoes and run in the parks in fear that they might step on used hypodermic needles. Theyre afraid to raise their children in Sacramento because those children may have to walk to school past unchecked encampments.

Business owners are afraid to open up shop in the morning only to find some fresh new horror has occurred overnight, and residents are increasingly becoming afraid to live in the city, thanks to what they perceive as a preponderance of unchecked mental illness, drug use and criminal activities.

On the other side are residents who are angry at mass human suffering without a solution. Theyre angry about the dehumanization of homeless people, the constant deaths every winter and summer, and the bodies of vulnerable people laying in the streets. Theyre angry about the citys lack of adequate shelters and the laughable number of beds that are on offer.

Theyre angry about the inadequate city, county and state services for the unhoused, who are inevitably blamed if they dont make immediate use of the bureaucratic labyrinth of phone numbers. Residents are justifiably angry about the lack of care for nearly 10,000 fellow Sacramentans who have nowhere else to go.

A problem of cooperation

Data is, of course, never wholly unbiased, and the city has a vested interest in looking productive. But its simply not fair to lambaste the city; with a budget nearly seven times smaller than that of the county of Sacramento. The city has become the leader on an issue that should be a shared regional priority  but isnt.

Sacramentos Assistant City Manager Mario Lara gave a thorough report of the citywide response protocols, coordination with the county, the balance between services and compliance, and the citys notorious shelter capacity constraints.

In the past few years, there have been multiple city ordinances: prohibiting camping on sidewalks, camping near schools, or on private property. The consistent enforcement of those ordinances is another question.

Lara said the highest number of police service calls regarding the homeless were in District 2 and District 4 - Council members Sean Loloee and Katie Valenzuelas districts, respectively  with approximately 13,000 calls for service so far this year. District 2 is in North Sacramento and includes neighborhoods such as Del Paso Heights, Woodlake and Robla. District 4 includes downtown, midtown and East Sacramento. Of those 13,000 calls, 2,300 were for blocked sidewalks, 189 for proximity to schools, 1,400 for camps blocking paths or trails and 6,500 labeled as concern calls.

The city reported its eight crews, working seven days a week, have removed more than 2,700 cubic yards of waste this year, and approximately 24,500 hypodermic needles.

In contrast, the countys representative, Chevon Kothari, did not make a presentation at Tuesdays meeting, despite the citys direct request. The apparent miscommunication suggests a partnership still very much in progress and exemplifies the latest mishap in a long line of such between the two governments.

Notably, District 3 Councilmember Karina Talamantes said she had specifically requested that the city receive the same presentation that the county board supervisors got.

The city and the county cant be on the same page (if we dont have) the same information, she said.

Kothari punted to Tim Lutz, the countys director of health services, whose shoestring report revealed that, somehow, the county is getting away with doing even less than the city despite the larger county budget. Neither county representative could directly answer questions about services or programs from council members Talamantes, Lisa Kaplan or Valenzuela.

(The city and county) are not in dispute, we are working well together; this is all in the spirit of constructive partnership, said Steinberg, in a transparent attempt to repair a still smoking bridge.

We can have that honest conversation. We have it privately as partners, as friends  but we need to have it publicly, Steinberg said. (Councilmember) Talamantes, your questions will not be answered to satisfaction unless and until we have that conversation.

But the city neednt be in open dispute to make it obvious that the county is failing to hold up its end of the bargain. The homeless population living in unincorporated areas of the county is only second to the city, which has far fewer resources and shelter opportunities.

Whats happening in urban Sacramento is also happening in the unincorporated areas as well, Steinberg said. More of those dollars and more of those (full-service partnerships) need to be for the people who are living in these encampments without making it so difficult to qualify for an FSP or to or take too much time and bureaucracy to actually get people started with the help and treatment they need.

Perhaps most disturbingly, for every one Sacramentan exiting homelessness, there are three others entering. Right now, the city is spending $36 million per year on approximately 1,100 shelter beds  or more than $32,000 per bed.

Its not as if there are beds available, these beds are full, Lisa Bates, CEO of Sacramento Steps Forward, told the council during her presentation. 

An answer of compromise

On the same day as the council meeting, the new state budget was being hashed out just blocks away. Missing from it was the language that would have encouraged local collaboration and defined roles and responsibilities for the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program.

Homelessness is not a city of Sacramento-only problem, nor is it a Sacramento County-only problem. It is a byproduct of the nations downturned economy, a deepening chasm of affordable housing opportunities, a mental health crisis and the non-stop funneling of city and county funds into law enforcement budgets over community response programs.

Neither Sacramento nor any California city can solve homelessness by itself. Tuesdays meeting proved that this city in particular will continue to receive little cooperation from its county or state until either or both of those entities are forced to act.

In the meantime, Sacramento can do something to immediately help.

You want more capacity? Steinberg asked. Then we need to come up with more sites.

If Sacramento is serious about this, the mayor said, then Weve got two choices: We either lease more motels now and provide space for people or we allow Safe Ground.

Maybe its no longer an excuse to say We cant just get to that because we dont have enough resources. Maybe we need to instruct the City manager to figure out a way, Steinberg said.

Unless and until we collectively come forward with more places to allow (temporary) tents and trailers, or we lease more motel rooms so we can bring more people indoors, Steinberg said. This is not magic here. We go round and round on this.

But if just a few council members  and possibly an outgoing mayor with little to lose politically  would band together, the city might create eight new Safe Ground camping areas: One in every district, and thereby lessening the taxation on (or modern-day redlining of) any one part of the city.

Sacramento needs sites that are safe for both the homeless and the homeowners, immediately. Eight new safe zones for the homeless can act as pinpoints, where the city can focus its manpower and services, and each district sharing more of the load will take the strain off of any single one.

But in order for the plan to work, residents living in the city must accept that they will have to live with the homeless sheltering in nearby lots or other safe zones.

The tradeoff for relinquishing control of a few acres in each district would be the goal of regaining the use of sidewalks, parks, trails and other public places that have long been centers of contention.

What Sacramento has been doing has helped few, hurt far more  and amounts to little more than going round and round again.
Japanese Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu signs the Instrument of Surrender on behalf of the Japanese Government, on board USS Missouri (BB-63), 2 September 1945. Photograph from the Army Signal Corps Collection in the U.S. National Archives.

On August 14, 1945, Americans received the news that Japanese Emperor Hirohito announced his countrys surrender. By August 30, Gen. Douglas MacArthur was in Tokyo, and the American occupation of Japan had begun. On the morning of Sunday, Sept. 2, 1945, a small delegation of Japanese officials boarded the massive battleship USS Missouri to formally sign the instrument of surrender.

The descriptions of the two sides at the official surrender ceremony are important. Looking at photographs of the event, the Japanese appear incredibly small in comparison to the massive American and Allied officers, their ships, and their crews. It was probably a humbling spectacle for the Japanese, and in all likelihood, it was meant to be.

There were many opportunities to sign a formal surrender elsewhere. Emperor Hirohito announced Japans surrender to the Imperial Japanese military on August 17, and two days later, representatives of Japan met with MacArthur in the Philippine capital of Manila to discuss the generals plans for the occupation of the country. The document might have been signed there.

Japanese representatives on board USS Missouri (BB-63) during the surrender ceremonies, 2 September 1945. Standing in front are: Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu (wearing top hat) and General Yoshijiro Umezu, Chief of the Army General Staff. (Identities those in second and third rows are from an annotated photograph in Naval History and Heritage Command files.) Photograph from the Army Signal Corps Collection in the U.S. National Archives.

Within days, MacArthur was on his way to Tokyo and Marines were landing on the Japanese home islands for occupation duty. Still, many preparations were made for the formal surrender aboard the Missouri, including color filming of the event and meticulous seating arrangements. The United States even had a special flag flown in for the ceremony, the same flag used by Commodore Matthew Perry when he forcibly opened Japan to trade in 1853.

Since a naval vessel is considered sovereign territory, forcing the Japanese to sail through a fleet of other nations ships in the middle of their own capital city as thousands of enemy sailors looked on was itself a message: Japan had been defeated and there was no getting around it. Furthermore, as customs might have dictated, none of the Japanese representatives were saluted when they came aboard.

Japanese culture is centered around saving face, the outward appearance of respect. Everything involved in the formal surrender ceremony, from the size of the desk to the differences between the two copies of the surrender documents  the Allies, leatherbound, the Japanese, bound in canvas  was meant to humiliate the Japanese government and military in front of the Japanese people.

Upon arriving in Tokyo, MacArthur was firm but even-handed. He forbade Allied personnel from eating the Japanese food, because it was in short supply due to Allied war efforts (a famine would occur the next year). He also forbade anyone from flying the Japanese rising sun flag. Shortly after the formal signing ceremony, he initiated investigations into Japanese war crimes.

American servicemen and women gather in front of "Rainbow Corner" Red Cross club in Paris to celebrate the unconditional surrender of the Japanese.

MacArthurs immediate post-signing concerns included what to do with Hirohito himself. Some in the US government believed that Japanese militarism would only die if Hirohito were forced to abdicate. Others believe Hirohitos continued rule was essential to the Japanese surrender. Moreover, many in Japan believed American intentions were to wipe out Japanese culture, and that Hirohitos removal was part of that cleansing.

MacArthur and the U.S. Army command had the perfect answer to this tightrope of diplomacy that could reignite the war. The Army made the emperor subordinate to the occupation commander.

MacArthur, either implicitly or unaware, protected the royal family from war crimes tribunals. His plan was to use the emperor as a wedge in the minds of Japanese people: the emperor had been betrayed by the military and now the emperor was going to lead the people out of the horrible aftermath  for better or for worse.
NASA's F-8C digital fly-by-wire testbed.

Its hard to know which scenario is more bizarre: NASA having fighter pilots, NASA bullying naval aviators, or the Navy actually admitting to being bullied by those fighter pilots so theyd stop. All three really happened  and it started when the Navy wanted to replace its vaunted F-8 Crusader air superiority fighter.

Voughts award-winning F-8 Crusader was one of the longest-serving airframes in American military history, so replacing it was going to be tough for anyone who tried. It was the last fighter to use mounted guns as a primary weapon, it had a top speed of Mach 1.8, and it claimed the best kill ratio of any American aircraft during the Vietnam War.

Two competitors were vying to give the Navy its carrier-based fighter. The first was McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II (which would ultimately become the fighter for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force), and Voughts XF-8U Crusader III. It was a difficult but important choice to make. One of these would become the plane that would intercept incoming Soviet bombers before they reached Navy fleets.

A lot has been said and written about the F-4 Phantom II, which would serve not only in Vietnam but also through Desert Storm. A lot less has been written about the Crusader III, which was actually the heavy favorite to replace the original F-8 Crusader. The new XF8U-3 was larger and more powerful, some would even say the best supersonic fighter ever made.

It was appreciably faster than the F-4 Phantom II, and featured excellent maneuverability, acceleration, and stability. It was, in many ways, superior to the Phantom, but was ultimately not selected for a few important reasons. The first is that it tended to go into a compressor stall at high Mach speeds. It also had a long takeoff time without an afterburner, and it could only carry three Sparrow missiles (missiles were the primary weapons of fighters), instead of the requisite four.

A U.S. Navy McDonnell F-4B Phantom II of Fighter Squadron VF-111 Sundowners drops 227 kg Mk 82 bombs over Vietnam during 1971. VF-111 was assigned to Attack Carrier Air Wing 15 (CVW-15) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) for a deployment to Vietnam from 12 November 1971 to 17 July 1972.

Vought argued that, despite these drawbacks, the new Crusader was smaller and lighter than the F-4 and would be easier for pilots to transition from the old Crusader to the new one. The Navy authorized five prototypes of the Crusader III in 1955, and by 1958, it was ready for a demonstration flight.

In practice, the pilot of the Crusader III was a lone-seater, which meant he had to keep flying the plane while painting a target for its Sparrow missiles, which proved to be a difficult task for many. Meanwhile, the F-4 had a pilot and a Radar Intercept Officer for using the radar system. Adding in the fact that the F-4 would be capable of hitting targets on the ground while the Crusader was an air superiority fighter only and the choice became clear.

In December 1958, the Navy announced the selection of the Phantom as its next carrier-based fighter, for better or for worse. Many veteran pilots of the U.S. military are happy to share their thoughts about the Phantom  good and bad alike  if you ask them.

The five Crusader III aircraft were sent to NASA because of its ability to fly above 95% of the earths atmosphere. They were converted to research planes.

In his 1990 book MiG Master, author Barrett Tillman writes that the Crusader III got the last laugh against the Navy and its F-4 Phantoms in the skies above Naval Air Station Patuxent River. NASA pilots started intercepting Navy F-4s and embarrassing them in mock dogfights, causing the Navy to complain to military top brass. The Pentagon had to request that NASA stop the harassment officially.
Why youve already put 15,500 towards net zero without realising

Money with green paint

Households have already paid as much as 15,500 in green taxes on energy over the past 13 years, new analysis has revealed.

It comes as the Government is expected to add further costs on to households when it adds green levies worth 165 a year back on to energy bills.

Tory MPs are also calling for a hidden tax that adds up to 84 on energy bills to be cut to help struggling households.

Companies that produce energy by burning gas to create electricity are charged for every tonne they produce  a cost that they pass on to consumers.

The Institute for Economic Affairs (IEA), a think tank, estimates that households have paid 15,540 from 2010 to 2022 through a combination of direct taxes and taxes that are passed on by businesses.

Since 2018, households have paid 6,411, the analysis of data from the Office for National Statistics found.

Tom Ryan, policy analyst of the TaxPayers Alliance, urged ministers to consider suspending green levies on energy bills to help households with the cost of living crisis.

He said: Green taxes place enormous pressure on household budgets.

Not only are these levies contributing to the 70-year high tax burden, theyre also artificially inflating prices for consumers.

Tom Clougherty, head of tax at the Centre for Policy Studies, said: It would be pretty brave of the government to lump environmental taxes back on consumers energy bills right now just as the sting of energy bills is starting to dissipate.

He described the Governments environmental taxation as a complete mess in need of reform and simplification.

Matthew Lesh, director of public policy at the IEA, said the cost of net zero will ultimately be paid for by households.

He said: Where the Government often struggles is to ensure that the costs of net zero are the lowest possible for the biggest environmental benefit.

When it comes to taxation for net zero the Government is often not going about it in the most cost effective way for households.

Green levies are added on to the cost of electricity, making up 8pc of the typical dual fuel bill, according to regulator Ofgem.

However, households that switch from gas boilers to heat pumps will end up paying a larger proportion of environmental taxes on their energy bills.

Mr Lesh said: The Government is taking with one hand and giving with the other.

On the one hand, there are subsidies for people to put in heat pumps over gas boilers, but on the other hand the Government are taking more in the form of those green levies. It speaks to a lot of confused and contradictory policies.

The Prime Ministers spokesman has defended the decision to reimpose green levies, arguing they are needed to bring down future energy costs.

Environmental groups have argued that cuts to subsidies and energy efficiency funding has made Britain more reliant on imported gas, which pushed up energy bills in the past two years.

A report by Carbon Brief last year found that David Camerons decision to cut the green crap in 2013, when he was prime minister, has added 150 a year to household energy bills.

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.
Right Wing Pounces on Isolated Chant at NYC Drag Parade

Conservative media reacted strongly after video of isolated participants in the recent New York City Drag March chanting Were coming for your children went viral online.

Fox News accused NBC News of straining to claim the chant was taken out of context. A conservative columnist wrote that the network tried their best to say that the chant was actually taken out of context and they were doing it ironically. Another columnist called for the abolition of Pride Month.

The video shows participants in the NYC Drag March, which took place Friday. Marchers pass by holding signs, wearing various Pride-themed attire, and chanting Were here, were queer, and were not going shopping. A few seconds into the video an apparent lone voice chanted Were coming for your children twice. Another person appeared to repeat the phrase on the second chant before switching back to Were not going shopping.

What was clear from the video, however, is that the chant was isolated to no more than two people.

The controversy started when the same site that Tuesday called for the abolition of Pride posted a video clip of the march and the isolated chants.

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Right-wing media and pundits quickly claimed the video was proof of a conspiracy within the LGBTQ+ community seeking to groom children for future abuse.

Its all just words, Brian Griffin, the NYC Drag Parades original organizer, told NBC News, disputing those who called the chant proof of predators within the community. Its all presented to fulfill their worst stereotypes of us.

The first female chair of the citys Gay Liberation Front and professor emerita at Pace University, Karla Jay, agreed with Griffin, positing the chant is part of the practice of reclaiming anti-LGBTQ+ language and slurs. The ultimate purpose of these types of actions is to take the sting out of hate directed at the community.

I grew up in the time where it was considered really bad to be called gay or lesbian or anything like that, and what we did is we reclaimed words, she told NBC. Think of the Dyke March  these were words that could not be printed.

Others told NBC News the coming for your children chant has been popular at Pride for years. NBC noted the chant was used at a march organized by ACT UP in 1990 and at various demonstrations in Chicago by AIDS activists through the 1990s.

A community note on NBCs original Twitter post disputed those claims, though, saying that the chant appears to originate from the San Francisco Gay Mens choir singing a song with this title two years ago in 2021. However, that community note appears to have been removed.

While right-wing media overreacted and used the incident to further attacks on the LGBTQ+ folks, not everyone within the community was pleased either. Metro Weekly described the chant as perhaps one of the most tone-deaf attempts at tongue-in-cheek humor.

And the organizer of this years NYC Drag March told NBC via email the chant was a bad joke that was being used to further attacks on the community. But regardless of the merits or motivation of the chant, Hucklefaery Ken, who performs in drag as Sister-Lotti Da, emphasized the LGBTQ+ community always puts the safety of children first.

We wont tolerate harm towards any child and advocate for the protection and encouragement of every child to be able to live their true, authentic lives free from fear and persecution, Ken said.
The 'Wolf of Airbnb' made nearly $2 million through the pandemic running 'mini-hotels' in NYC. He just pleaded guilty to wire fraud.

Konrad Bicher, who dubbed himself the "Wolf of Airbnb," pleaded guilty to wire fraud for entering lease agreements on false pretenses and cheating a government pandemic program. AP Photo/Lawrence Neumeister

Konrad Bicher began renting Manhattan apartments in 2019, before subletting them out.

On top of violating lease agreements, Bicher obtained nearly $600,000 in Covid relief loans.

The self-proclaimed "Wolf of Airbnb" now faces prison time after pleading guilty to fraud.

In "The Wolf of Wall Street" greed and hubris serve as the primary catalyst for an inevitable downfall of epic proportions.

In the case of Konrad Bicher, the self-proclaimed "Wolf of Airbnb," a hobbled-together leasing scheme, involving pandemic loans and Covid-era rental provisions, sputtered out in what can be described as a noiseless fart after he pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud this week.

Bicher, 31, of Hialeah, Florida, entered the plea in Manhattan federal court, agreeing not to appeal any prison sentence that is roughly four to five years long. The wire fraud charge otherwise carried a potential 20-year prison sentence.

Bicher also agreed to forfeit $1.7 million and make restitution of $1.9 million. A sentencing date was not immediately set.

Prosecutors said in court papers that Bicher began his fraud by February 2019, renting apartments in Manhattan before subletting the units to third parties on a short-term basis even though clauses in his lease agreements said he could not do so.

Prosecutors said he failed to make rent payments required by the lease agreements and refused to leave the apartments after the leases expired.

They said that he and his associates failed to make more than $1 million in lease payments from July 2019 to April 2022 and earned at least $1.17 million in rental income through his own short-term rentals.

From April 2021 to July 2021, he used fraudulent information to obtain over a half million dollars in government-guaranteed loans through a program administered by the US Small Business Administration to provide relief to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, prosecutors said.

US Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement that Bicher proudly referred to himself as the "Wolf of Airbnb" but admitted that his businesses were premised on fraud after he entered lease agreements based on false pretenses and made false statements to obtain U.S.-guaranteed loans.

"Bicher lined his own pockets by abusing government programs and tenant protections intended to benefit those in crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic," Williams said.

When Bicher was indicted in October, Williams said Bicher operated at least 18 apartments in Manhattan "as mini-hotels" while using the pandemic as an excuse not to pay landlords.

In a news release, prosecutors noted that Bicher told media outlets that he called himself the "Wolf of Airbnb" because he was "hungry and ruthless enough to get on top of the financial ladder" and had the ferocity ... of a wolf, because wolves are territorial, vicious and show no mercy when provoked."

Outside court on Monday, Bicher said he has a "fantastic story" to tell, though he quickly added: "My story will come out, just not today."

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In mid-June, when the Southern Baptist Convention affirmed it would sever ties with massive Saddleback Church in California, the rupture made national headlines.

Saddleback is among the biggest and best-known congregations in America. It was founded by Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life, a Christian mega-hit.

What got less attention was that a Kentucky church  Louisvilles Fern Creek Baptist, with a Sunday attendance of 150  was also disfellowshipped for the same reason: both congregations recognize women as pastors, a huge no-no to many other Baptists.

Saddleback had lately ordained several women as assistant pastors.

At Fern Creek, the Rev. Linda Barnes Popham has served as lead pastor for 30 years.

Linda Barnes Popham (Fern Creek Baptist Church)

The votes against the congregations came at the Southern Baptist Convention (or SBC) annual meeting, held this year in New Orleans.

As if to put an exclamation point on the expulsions, the countrys largest Protestant denomination voted to amend its constitution to say only men can be pastors or elders. That change must pass a second vote in 2024.

In addition to the national upheaval, the Kentucky Baptist Convention, the state-level association of Southern Baptists, will seek to sever ties with Fern Creek Baptist at its 2023 annual meeting in Somerset in November, according to multiple sources.

The SBC differs from some denominations in that each congregation isin theoryindependent. Churches cooperate by pooling their money for missions. If a congregation is kicked out, that amounts to the denomination saying, We dont want your missions money anymore.

Paradoxically, Popham is no firebrand for progressive causes, but a theological and political conservative who finds herself baffled by recent developments.

Those in control think they have won, she said. But no one has won. Our missionaries have lost. Theyre going to lose even more funding.

Shes well-liked by some of the same right-leaning folks who think she has no place in a pulpit. As recently as 2016, she served as moderator of the Louisville Regional Baptist Association, a network of more than 160 congregations.

Shes been very gracious. Shes a kind individual, said the Rev. Hershael York, dean of the school of theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville and pastor of Buck Run Baptist Church in Frankfort.

York said Popham hasnt attempted to convince others to accept women as ministers.

But as a messenger, or delegate, in New Orleans, York cast his ballot against Fern Creek. He says the Bible prohibits women from being pastors, period.

I was sad because I like Linda Barnes Popham very much, he said, but my personal friendships do not alter the meaning of the biblical text nor my commitment to it.

(The meanings of scriptures regarding womens roles in church are widely disputed.)

Popham said shes felt a range of emotions since her church was targeted: surprise, sadness, anger, even optimism.

Im surprised it ever happened, she said. Im sad because of the loss of relationships.  Im angry about the hypocrisy and about what I keep calling the deeds done in darkness.

But she still believes the future bodes well for Fern Creek Baptist, even if its not going to be Southern Baptist.

A native of Alabama, she attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. She came to Fern Creek as minister of music and youth in 1983. In 1990, she became interim pastor and in 1993 pastor.

Shes never had any desire for this kind of spotlight, she said.

That has never been my motive. Ive laid low. Ive just tried to be about the mission that God has called me to.

In the decades since she entered the clergy, though, the SBC has tacked hard to the right.

At roughly the same time Popham became a pastor, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and other seminaries were taken over by rigid conservatives. Seminaries train pastors, who then instruct their flocks. A strain of ultra-conservatism has gradually trickled down to pulpits and pews.

Although Southern Baptist congregations historically have been free to preach and practice largely as they desire, theres been an increasing attempt to enforce uniformity.

The SBCs statement of faith, the Baptist Faith and Message, was revised in 2000 to reflect a dramatic conservative shift. Theres still not universal agreement about how binding that document is.

Prohibitions against women pastors and statements defining different roles for men and women have become a preoccupation. More purges are expected.

Support for such actions is not gender specific. Many Baptist women oppose women pastors as adamantly as men do.

Women made up 30.2 percent of the more than 12,000 messengers at the meeting in New Orleans, for instance.

I think I am safe to say that the vast majority of women messengers voted against Fern Creek since the vote was 9700-806, York observed.

He thinks that, in Kentucky, Popham was so quiet and respected that critics had previously just left Fern Creek alone. Popham is approaching retirement age. Opponents figured that once she stepped aside a man would step in.

But Warrens outspoken defense of womens ordination led to a big backlash.

I think Fern Creek just got caught in the wake of Rick Warren making waves, York said.

At 67, Popham has no plans yet for retirement. From her days as a teenage volunteer, shes spent a half-century laboring in Baptist churches.

Even as a student at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where she initially earned a masters degree in church music, she believed shed end up in the pulpit.

I knew I was called to ministry, she said. My passion was there, to preach and evangelize.

She doesnt understand what the big deal is about Fern Creek Baptist.

Why are we such a threat to the Southern Baptist Convention? she has asked other Baptists. And no one will tell me.

She still loves Southern Baptists, including many who voted against her.

She has less conciliatory words for powerbrokers at the top of the SBC.

They remind me of a cult, she said. I dont even know those people. They do their work in the dark.

Paul Prather

Paul Prather is pastor of Bethesda Church near Mount Sterling. You can email him at pratpd@yahoo.com.
Oregon is set to ban the popular video service TikTok, alongside other Chinese and Russian apps, on state-owned government devices, including phones and computers.

The bill is now awaiting the signature of Oregon Governor Tina Kotek for it to turn into law.

Oregon to Ban TikTok and Other Chinese Apps on State-Owned Devices

As per Oregon Live, Oregon is passing a bill that bans TikTok and other Chinese applications for state government devices. This significant decision aims to fortify digital defenses and underscores the rising concerns surrounding Chinese app influence on crucial data security.

The Oregon Senate has unanimously passed House Bill 3127, which bans the use of the viral video service TikTok on state-owned government devices. But besides the video-sharing platform, the bill also bans other China-based apps, such as the messaging app WeChat and payment service Alipay.

On top of that, the ban also includes the Russia-based antivirus service Kaspersky Lab.

According to Oregon Public Broadcasting, Democratic Senator Aaron Woods, the bill's chief sponsor, says the ban seeks to mitigate potential risks associated with the data collection practices and potential threats posed by these apps.

In a press release, he explains that banning apps like TikTok and WeChat "is a necessary step to protect the privacy of users and safeguard national security." Woods further adds that he prioritizes "the safety and security of individuals, especially when it comes to their online presence."

Oregon Live says that once House Bill 3127 passes into law, the state is joining roughly 30 states who have similarly banned TikTok on their state-owned government devices.

Read Also: China Accessed Hong Kong Activists' TikTok Data, Ex-ByteDance Exec Claims

Why Are States Banning TikTok?

As The New York Times reports, various countries, such as France, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, have banned TikTok on their government devices, citing recommendations from national intelligence and security agencies.

India banned the Chinese video service as early as mid-2020 due to concerns that users' data are being transmitted outside of the country.

It is worth noting that Montana has banned TikTok statewide. In other words, the law prohibits the use of the video app even on personal devices. The tech giant ByteDance and other TikTok creators have already brought the state to court to reserve the ban, which should take effect next year.

Lawmakers, as well as various regulators, in these Western countries, are expressing their concerns on how TikTok and its parent firm ByDance handle the information of their users. Some accuse the China-based platform of handing its users' sensitive data to the Chinese government.

But despite that, TikTok has consistently denied such accusations, reiterating that they protect its users' data.

Related Article: TikTok Stores US User Data in China Servers, New Investigation Claims-Financial Infos Included!

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A Texas woman who helped scam the city of Lexington out of nearly $4 million has pleaded guilty.

Shimea Maret McDonald pleaded guilty June 22 to one charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering and one charge of aggravated identity theft, according to a court record.

McDonald was indicted on a number of other charges, but those will be dismissed as part of her plea.

McDonald worked with a man named Nana Kwabena Amuah to open bank accounts using identities a stolen from other people and set up shell companies to receive money from a variety of victims, her plea agreement said.

Authorities found more than 40 fake identity cards when they searched McDonalds house, according to her plea agreement.

In 2022, others involved in the conspiracy impersonated a non-profit organization that had business with the city of Lexington and, using email, got city officials to send payments to the non-profit to a new bank account McDonald had set up using stolen identity information.

Some people involved in the conspiracy were outside the U.S., according to court documents.

The city sent large wire transfers to the account in August 2022, according to court documents, ultimately sending $3.9 million.

The money was meant to go to the Community Action Council for rent assistance and transitional housing, the city said.

Truist Bank and the city recovered all the money, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Amuah, a native of Ghana, operated out of New York, New Jersey, Florida, Texas and elsewhere and helped McDonald get fake identity cards, according to a court document.

When money from a victim was deposited into one of the shell companies, Amuah had McDonald wire or deliver money to him, and then he would get it to others involved in the conspiracy after taking his cut, the document said.

Amuah is scheduled to plead guilty Thursday to conspiracy to commit money laundering.

That charge has a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
WESTBOROUGH  A Worcester man alleged to have threatened his ex-girlfriend's life and was found with a loaded shotgun will be held without bail until at least Thursday.

Carlos Garrastegui Rivera, 21, was ordered held without bail Monday at his Westborough District Court arraignment pending a hearing to determine whether he is a danger to the public. That hearing is scheduled for Thursday.

Last Saturday afternoon, police responded to the Knights of Columbus on Willow Street to reports about a woman at an event there being threatened, according to a Westborough Police Department press release.

Westborough police say they found this shotgun in the car of a stalking suspect.

The woman said her ex-boyfriend, Rivera, had called and threatened to kill her. The woman and her 4-year-old daughter have a restraining order against Rivera, according to police.

Police soon found a Honda Pilot driving near the Knights of Columbus that was registered to Rivera. Police attempted to stop it, but the car drove off and led police on a brief chase. Police lost sight of it but quickly found the Pilot in a parking lot on East Main Street.

Parking lot slaying: Westborough man accused of killing his mother remains held for psych evaluation

"When the officers encountered the suspect, he fled the area for a second time, this time leading officers on a foot pursuit," according to the release.

Police, using dogs from both their own department and the Massachusetts State Police, found Rivera hiding in a thickly wooded area near East Main Street.

Police say they obtained a warrant to search Rivera's vehicle and found a loaded shotgun in it.

Earlier: Westborough man facing charges in connection with his mother's death

Police arrested Rivera, of 9 Sturgis St., Worcester, and charged him with stalking; threatening to commit a crime (murder); stalking in violation of a restraining order; three counts of violating a restraining order; carrying a firearm without a license; carrying a loaded firearm without a license; possession of ammunition without an FID card; improper storage of a firearm; possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony; failing to stop for police; threatening to commit a crime; driving to endanger and resisting arrest.

The name of Rivera's defense lawyer was not available.

Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlocal.com. For up-to-date public safety news, follow him on Twitter @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Westborough police say Worcester man threatened to kill ex-girlfriend
Xi faces being humiliated by his 'no limits' friendship with Putin. But he can't back out of it now.

Xi faces being humiliated by his 'no limits' friendship with Putin. But he can't back out of it now.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping in Moscow on March 21, 2023. PAVEL BYRKIN/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images

China's Xi Jinping has formed close ties with Vladimir Putin's regime in Russia.

He sees fellow authoritarian Putin as an ally in the bid to roll back US global power.

But the Wagner rebellion exposed that Putin's authority is shakier than Xi realised, an analyst told Insider.

China's President Xi Jinping and Russia's President Vladimir Putin have portrayed their relatonship as an enduring alliance, based on the autocrats' shared ambition to reshape the world and roll back the US' global influence.

But the chaos that engulfed Russia last weekend when Wagner mercenaries turned against the Kremlin has put that alliance to the test, and raised serious doubts about Xi's "no limits' friendship with Putin.

In backing Putin in his war in Ukraine, Xi has exposed China to potentially severe damage if Ukraine's European allies decide to cut off their economic ties with China, or if chaos in Russia threatens China's trade ties with the country.

If Russia loses against Ukraine, Xi would face global humiliation. However, he has too much to lose if he backs out of the alliance now.

 PhoenixTV News (@PhoenixTV_News) June 27, 2023

Graeme Thompson, an analyst with the Eurasia Group, told Insider that Xi appeared to have underestimated the damage the Ukraine war would inflict on Putin's authority.

"It's hard to believe that either man anticipated the grinding war of attrition that has resulted, and historically problems on the battlefield tend to undermine political stability in authoritarian states, which are often more brittle than they appear," he remarked.

China's leaders have long drawn lessons from their fellow authoritarians in Moscow  both positive and negative.

Xi is likely following developments in Ukraine closely in deciding how to pursue China's long-term ambition of regaining control of Taiwan, another source of long-term tensions with the US, said Thompson.

"Not only did Xi likely overestimate the capacity and stability of Putin's regime, but recent events underscore the political risks to authoritarians that get bogged down in costly military interventions  a lesson Xi is unlikely to ignore in his own thinking about Taiwan," he said.

Xi has too much to lose to abandon Putin

But despite the chaos in Russia having disturbed officials in Beijing, according to Reuters, publicly China has sought to downplay the crisis.

"This is Russia's internal affair," said a Chinese foreign ministry's spokesperson in a statement after the rebellion, emphasising the long-term strategic alliance of the states.

Jonathan Ward, CEO of the Atlas Group, told Insider that Xi's partnership with Putin was so central to China's global strategic ambitions that it was impossible for him to contemplate abandoning it.

"The Wagner march towards Moscow may raise concerns in Beijing about Putin's stability and grasp on power, but it is unlikely to diminish the importance that Xi places on partnership with Russia in his long-term and deep-seated strategy of confrontation with the West  a strategy in which Putin's Russia is far and away his most significant partner," he said.

"Xi's own relationship with Vladimir Putin is one in which he has arguably invested more personal diplomatic capital than any other in the world and the two dictators have articulated a shared vision of world affairs. This investment of personal political capital and broader strategic effort is too substantial to be easily abandoned or lost."

If there are further signs Putin's grip on power is weakening, and chaos could engulf Russia, Xi faces a tough choice.

If he decides to step in and try and prop up the ailing regime in the Kremlin, he risks Western nations severing economic ties with China, and badly damaging China's already faltering post-COVID recovery.

But Ward believes Putin is so important to Xi's global strategic ambitions he would likely take the hit.

"If further signs of instability take place in Russia, it is likely that Xi would do what he can to help stabilize the regime, assist Putin, and keep him in power," said Ward.

But Thompson pointed to the fact that Xi already appeared to be unwilling to offer Putin his unconditional support in the form of weapons and other military hardware to back the Ukraine invasion.

China has also seemed reluctant to finalise a gas pipeline deal that would offer the Kremlin an economic lifeline amid Western sanctions, and according to some experts may even be casting round for a potential successor to Putin.

"It's unlikely that Xi will go out of his way to support Putin's regime if that entails significant risks to China itself. Ultimately, Xi is going to do what's best for Beijing, regardless of events in Moscow," he said.

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New York braces for dire air quality again as Canadian wildfire smoke shifts to East Coast

The air quality in New York is set to deteriorate very quickly over the next 48 hours as smoke from the Canadian wildfires shifts over the state.

NY Governor Kathy Hochul warned residents that air quality could reach unhealthy levels in some parts of the state on Wednesday.

Gov. Hochul advised high-risk groups  children, senior citizens, pregnant women, elderly persons, or people with respiratory disorders  to remain indoors as the smoke descends on New York.

Were also giving alerts to people about outdoor workers, making sure supervisors know it is not recommended unless people are wearing masks, she said.

Earlier this month, New York Citys skies were stained a shade of apocalyptic yellow as smoke from the wildfires descended on the Big Apple along with large areas of New Jersey and Connecticut.

For a few hours on 7 June, the city was declared the most polluted in the world, surpassing Delhi, Baghdad, Doha, Kuwait, and Dhaka.

Similar to what we saw a short time ago, the air quality is deteriorating very quicky in our state, as a result of the Canadian wildires, Ms Hochul said. Over the next 48 hours, were anticipating the smoke and the haze to come all across the state.

She added that western and central New York would be hit first, and the smoke would affect New York City on Thursday.

On Wednesday, air quality in western New York is likely to be unhealthy or between 150-200, and unhealthy for sensitive groups in eastern parts of the state  with the levels between 101 - 150.

But as we saw last week, this can deteriorate very quickly, Ms Hochul added. The Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassed 400 in New York City earlier this month, a hazardous level of pollution.

If you want to know the effects of climate change, you are going to feel it tomorrow in real-time, she added.

This is not something that we are talking future generations dealing with it, we are truly the first generation to feel the real effects of climate change and also the last generation to do anything meaningful about it.

According to the EUs Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), Canadas wildfire  which began in early May  have released more carbon dioxide emissions in the first six months of 2023 than in any full year on record.

The wildfires have generated nearly 600 metric tonnes of CO2 - equal to 88 per cent of Canadas total greenhouse gas emissions from all sources in 2021, according to CAMS.

This years wildfire season is the worst on record, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, with a combined area of 76,000sq km (29,000sq miles) currently on fire in Canada.
A janitor turned off a freezer in a Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute laboratory, causing the loss of decades of research samples. | Adobe Stock

Panic ensued for a professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute when 20 years of her research was found compromised and mostly unsalvageable.

All by the flip of a switch.

The institute has filed a lawsuit against Daigle Cleaning Services after one of its janitors turned off a freezer containing research involving cell cultures and samples that scientists were hoping would benefit solar panel development.

The janitor responsible said that he turned it off after he had been listening to annoying alarms coming from the freezer while cleaning that evening.

According to the lawsuit that the Times Union reported, the janitor shut down the freezer even though there was a sign explaining how to mute the alarm without turning off the freezer completely. The sign was printed in capital bold print letters: THIS FREEZER IS BEEPING AS IT IS UNDER REPAIR. PLEASE DO NOT MOVE OR UNPLUG IT. NO CLEANING REQUIRED IN THIS AREA. YOU CAN PRESS THE ALARM/TEST MUTE BUTTON FOR 5-10 SECONDS IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO MUTE THE SOUND.

Any change in the temperature could be fatal to the high-level research that was being conducted by professor K.V. Lakshmi. Lakshmis research was stored at negative 112 degrees Fahrenheit, and alarms were set to go off if the temperature changed as little as four degrees above or below the set temperature.

Related

The janitor, Joseph Herrington, said that he became concerned that the alarms were due to an important breaker being turned off. But the lawsuit says that instead of turning them on, Herrington turned them off.

The university is not blaming the janitor for the incident; instead, it blames the cleaning company for not properly training and supervising the janitor. The institutes lawsuit claims at least $1 million worth of research was lost.

We dont believe there was any nefarious conduct (on the) part of the cleaning company, Michael Ginsberg, attorney for the university, said. This was a result of human error. The core of the case, however, is that the cleaning company failed to adequately train their personnel. A cleaner should be trained to not attempt to remedy an electrical issue, per CNN.
The New York Times worried that publishing the Pentagon Papers would destroy the newspaper  and the reputation of the US

The New York Times resumed publication of its series of articles based on the Pentagon Papers in its July 1, 1971, edition, after it was given the green light by the Supreme Court. AP Photo/Jim Wells

The late Daniel Ellsberg was a former government contractor who leaked the classified history of the Vietnam War known as the Pentagon Papers to The New York Times.

In doing so, Ellsberg, who died on June 16, accelerated a shift in public opinion against U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War and, some historians argue, led the Nixon administration to become ever more paranoid and secretive, eventually leading to the Watergate scandal and Nixons resignation.

But perhaps the most lasting effect the publication of the Pentagon Papers had was on The New York Times, which had been a solidly pro-establishment newspaper.

The Times almost chose not to publish the papers, since the editor and publisher worried about being sued or prosecuted by the federal government. But they also worried about ruining the international reputation of the U.S., which had reached new highs after World War II.

The leadership of the Times in the early 1970s was a generation older than the younger reporters who agitated for change from within and from without. They saw the stodgy, institutional Times as unable to accurately portray the turmoil of the 1960s and 1970s and pushed for the paper to reform itself to better speak to younger readers.

The decision to publish did not destroy the Times or the global standing of the U.S. It did begin to chip away at the hidebound papers reluctance to change too quickly or to damage political ties to the establishment.

While The New York Times is still slow to change, even more than 50 years after the Pentagon Papers affair, the incident did demonstrate that the paper was willing to jeopardize its connections to other powerful institutions, including the government, in order to serve the greater good  the public interest.

The cover page of The History of U.S. Decision-making Process on Vietnam, otherwise known as the Pentagon Papers. US National Archives

The conservative New York Times?

I am a historian of American journalism who has studied the turbulent 1960s and early 1970s and the turmoil it created in news organizations, and I have written about the Pentagon Papers and The New York Times publication process. I based this research on the journal of A.M. Abe Rosenthal, who was the top editor at the paper during this period. Rosenthals journal is held at the New York Public Library.

To those who charge  wrongly  that The New York Times is a left-wing mouthpiece, it may come as a surprise that The New York Times of 1971 was a conservative institution, unwilling to make waves or make itself the story. The papers editorial and business leadership was also fairly politically conservative.

Harrison Salisbury, who was then an associate editor at the paper, recalled the politics of the papers executives and top editors in his 1980 memoir. None of the editors could have won a prize in a flaming liberal contest, he wrote. And Rosenthal was the most conservative editor on the paper. According to Salisbury, Rosenthal chafed at the counterculture and positioned himself firmly against what he saw as shapeless anarchy swirling up from the streets.

In the pages of the Times, this manifested as pro-establishment stories.

Times reporter and Pulitzer Prize winner David Halberstam criticized his employer for choosing the governments version of events in Vietnam over what Halberstam knew from his reporting to be true.

J. Anthony Lukas, another Pulitzer Prize winner for the paper, fought to characterize the trial of the Chicago 7, a prosecution of political agitators at the 1968 Democratic National Convention, as a political show trial. The Times insisted that Lukas take the trial at face value, as the government presented it, which agitated Lukas enough that he wrote a book about it.

The Pentagon Papers were the governments version of the early days of the Vietnam War, but they were a version that the government had not released to the public. The Defense Department had commissioned a secret history of the Vietnam War in order to avoid making the same mistakes it had made in that war in the future.

This study was highly classified because the story it told was not the same story that President Lyndon Johnsons administration had told to the public, to news organizations or even to Congress. Instead, the papers showed that the government had systematically lied.

When reporter Neil Sheehan photocopied all of the documents that Ellsberg had pilfered and made available to him, he did not immediately inform the Timess top editor, or even Ellsberg himself. Sheehan knew that the papers were an explosive story, but he also knew that they were classified and that merely possessing them, let alone publishing them, would be a federal crime.

Ellsberg was certainly at risk of going to prison for smuggling them out, and the Times might also face substantial legal penalties. Rosenthal first heard of the papers in April 1971, at least a few weeks after Sheehan obtained them and long after Sheehan knew of their existence.

In his journal, Rosenthal wrote that the Times was involved in one of the biggest, most voluminous and probably one of the saddest and most damaging stories it has ever confronted journalistically.

Rosenthal immediately realized just how important the handling of the Pentagon Papers would be to the Times and for the country. In his journal, he ruminated on his loyalty to the Times and the risk that publishing the Pentagon Papers might damage or even destroy the paper if the government prosecuted individual reporters or editors  or successfully sued the Times out of business.

Abe Rosenthal in 1965. He joined The New York Times in 1943 and worked there for 56 years, until 1999. AP

Challenging the establishment

The Times was not the only institution that might be damaged by publication. The reputation of the entire nation was at stake, and this caused Rosenthal more worry than protecting the paper.

He wondered if loyalty to country lay in adhering to a set of long accepted rules and laws, designed not only to protect politicians in general but, to the minds of many, to protect the country itself? Or did it lie in facing a decision to break those rules and laws? In other words, would breaking the governments rules on classification make the United States stronger by forcing the country to publicly grapple with its shortcomings?

Rosenthal even worried for a time that the Pentagon Papers were fake, concocted by a student activist group to lure the Times into legal peril and public disrepute.

Rosenthal rented first one, and then two suites at a hotel in New York so that the writers and editors could work in total secrecy away from the papers newsroom, sorting through the papers and making sense of them. Editors, executives and lawyers debated over whether stories about the papers could or should be published at all.

Despite his own doubts, Rosenthal eventually decided to move ahead. He had to persuade the publisher, Arthur Ochs Punch Sulzberger, that the paper should run the stories, and Sulzberger agreed  against the advice of the papers law firm.

Rosenthal told Sulzberger that it would make a mockery of everything we ever told reporters, because how could we possibly ask them to go out in search for the truth at a time when the ultimate truth, the biggest story ever presented to The Times, had been placed in our laps and we turned away from it out of fear of the consequences of publication?

Ellsberg himself only learned the Times would publish their series on the Pentagon Papers when the pages of the first installment had already been set in type and prepared for publication. At that point, even the source of the documents couldnt stop the presses.

For the Times, the Pentagon Papers stories were an early reform of many that would come under Rosenthal and his successors. The reforms tried to address the concerns of the younger generation of reporters who were better in touch with a changing United States. They included expanded arts and cultural coverage, better treatment of womens issues, and accountability measures such as a daily corrections box.

Rosenthal, and ultimately the Times as a whole, recognized that as the nation and world changed, so must the Times, to fulfill its duty to the public  and the public interest.

This article is republished from The Conversation, an independent nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. The Conversation is trustworthy news from experts, from an independent nonprofit. Try our free newsletters.

It was written by: Kevin M. Lerner, Marist College.

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Kevin M. Lerner does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Yusef Salaam, a political novice known for being wrongfully convicted in the Central Park 5 rape case over three decades ago, declared victory late Tuesday in Harlems high-stakes City Council primary election, triumphing over two longtime lawmakers from the storied neighborhood.

With more than 97% of votes counted, Salaam was leading his top contender, Assemblywoman Inez Dickens, by more than 2,500 ballots in the Democratic primary for the neighborhoods 9th Council District, according to unofficial tallies released by the city Board of Elections. The third contender in the race, Assemblyman Al Taylor, trailed behind Dickens by more than 1,000 ballots, the tallies show, putting Salaam in the lead with just over 50% of the vote share.

If Salaams lead stays above the 50% threshold when all is said and done, hell secure victory without having to go through the ranked-choice process, in which voters secondary choices are added to the mix until a candidate nets a simple majority and is crowned the victor.

No official call had been made in the 9th District race as of shortly before 11 p.m.

But Salaams lead was substantial enough that he declared victory at a jubilant victory party at Harlem Tavern on Frederick Douglass Blvd.

What has happened on this campaign has restored my faith in knowing that I was born for this, he told supporters. I am not a seasoned politician. So therefore this was not politics as usual.

Neither Dickens nor Taylor immediately offered comment on Salaams likely win.

Dickens defeat marks a stain to the political record of Mayor Adams, who endorsed her earlier this month. He did not offer an endorsement in any other Council race this year, underscoring the importance of the uptown showdown.

On this years campaign trail, Dickens has railed against Salaams perceived lack of relevant experience, noting that he has never before held elected office or worked in the legislative branch.

Dickens, a longtime fixture of Harlem politics who previously served in the Council before being elected to the state Assembly in 2016, also slammed Salaam for only recently moving back to the city after living in Georgia for years.

Salaam took the criticism in stride, arguing the fact that hes an outsider is a plus in the entrenched world of New York City politics.

I think lack of experience in politics is a great thing, he told reporters outside a polling place in Harlem earlier Tuesday.

Speaking of his wrongful conviction as a teenager and subsequent exoneration after years behind bars for a 1989 crime he didnt commit, Salaam added: I was 15 years old when I was run over by the spiked wheels of justice. And here I am now taking that same platform and turn it in into a purpose, trying to take my pain and doing something about it.

The 9th District race became one of the most closely watched in this summers primary cycle after incumbent Councilwoman Kristin Richardson Jordan abruptly announced last month she would not seek reelection.

Salaams presumed win came at a hefty cost. According to his latest finance disclosure, Salaams campaign shelled out more than $230,000 on getting him elected  more than any other candidate in this years Council elections.
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins (L) hailed his meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang as a reaffirmation of important economic connections' between the two sides (Jade GAO)

China and New Zealand on Wednesday signed a string of agreements designed to boost trade between the two countries, as their leaders met in Beijing for talks.

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins is in China on a multi-day, multi-city mission to drum up business and help his nation exit an election-year recession.

After meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday, Hipkins' charm offensive continued Wednesday, when he met Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People, greeted by a 48-strong band from the People's Liberation Army.

Dialling down any criticism over China's human rights abuses, tensions over Taiwan, and Beijing's tacit support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Hipkins hailed the meeting as a reaffirmation of "important economic connections" between the countries.

"Our trading relationship is worth over NZ$40 (US$24) billion annually," Hipkins said, stressing the need to "reaffirm the important economic connections we have with China".

Li for his part welcomed Hipkins warmly as "a young and promising politician" and thanked him for the visit "after less than half a year in office".

Agreements were signed on trade, agriculture, forestry, education, and science and innovation.

With an eye on criticism rumbling at home, Hipkins insisted that a "strong economic relationship" with China was "helping boost New Zealand's economic recovery".

New Zealand's economy slid into recession earlier this year, fuelled by a drop in exports and a slowdown in the country's all-important agriculture industry.

Wellington's Western allies have long been concerned about what they see as the New Zealand economy's overdependence on trade with China.

But with growth stalling and Hipkins facing a tough campaign to secure another term in October, such concerns have been put on the back burner.

Hipkins said "areas of difference, such as over human rights" were dealt with in a "respectful" way.

"I urged China to use its influence to encourage Russia to act consistently with its international obligations and cease its illegal war in Ukraine," he added.

arb/dan
Zelenskyy believes there are not enough Wagner fighters in Belarus to launch new offensive on Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that the fact that Wagner Group fighters are now being transferred to Belarus does not pose a threat to Ukraine.

Source: Interfax-Ukraine news agency, citing Zelenskyy during a press conference following his meeting with Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda

Quote from Zelenskyy: "I cant say that they [the Wagner Group mercenaries] will pose a threat in Belarus because I think that contingent is not very large."

Details: Zelenskyy explained that Ukraines defence forces have killed many Wagner Group mercenaries fighting in Ukraine, which is why the number of Wagnerites who were marching on Moscow was not that large.

The president added that the Ukrainian army believes that the situation in northern Ukraine remains "unchanged and under its control", and that a new offensive from the north is impossible. "After all, we have a powerful modern army. These are facts, not just words," Zelenskyy said.

Previously:

After the thwarted mutiny, Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin said that the Wagner mercenaries would return to their field camps.

Russian President Vladimir Putin offered Wagner Group mercenaries the opportunity to either sign contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defence [and thus join the regular Russian army  ed.], resign, or go to Belarus.

Alexander Lukashenko, the self-proclaimed president of Belarus, confirmed that Prigozhin had arrived in Belarus.

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No one in the country needs an explanation of the word 'sovereign' anymore  Zelenskyy

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Ukrainians on Constitution Day, emphasizing that today the rights enshrined in it are "fought for in a difficult struggle with self-sacrifice and lives, in a video address on June 28.

"Our Constitution turns 27 today, he said.

Read also: No elections during martial law in Ukraine, official says

The words written in it in 1996 have ceased to be history - they have become truly vital and urgent for Ukrainians: words about the right to life and freedom, honor and dignity, about the value of our land. No one in the country needs an explanation of the word 'sovereign' anymore.

According to Zelenskyy, "no Ukrainian will ever perceive the rights and freedoms enshrined in it as something given to us from above."

Read also: Crimean Tatar leader suggests updating status of Crimea in Ukraines Constitution

"They are fought for today in a difficult struggle with self-sacrifice and lives. Our Ukraine. Sovereign. Independent. Democratic. Rule of law. It was, it is, and it will be.

On Wednesday, June 28, Ukraine celebrates Constitution Day, marking the 27th anniversary of the adoption of the Basic Law in the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraines parliament. This holiday is a national one, but all public holidays in Ukraine are currently canceled due to martial law.

27 years ago on this day, 315 members of the Verkhovna Rada voted to adopt the Constitution of independent Ukraine. This was preceded by the famous constitutional night - nearly a day, including the night of June 28, during which parliamentarians discussed and finally approved the draft of the new document.

Read also: Zelenskyy signs bill prohibiting imports of books from Russia, Belarus

The document took effect on the day of its adoption, replacing the Constitution of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) from 1978, under which Ukraine lived for almost five years after proclaiming independence, from 1991 to 1996.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
(Photo : Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The Canadian wildfire continues to spew out smoke that has blanketed the Midwestern skies, forcing residents to stay indoors or wear face masks when going outside.

Smoke from the Canadian wildfire continues to blanket skies above the midwest, causing a drop in air quality in the region, leaving many residents of the third-largest city in the country forced to wear masks when going outdoors.

Chicago residents were largely free of the severe effects of the wildfires earlier this month when toxic smoke affected the Northeast and some areas of the Midwest for several days. However, they were not spared on Tuesday, when authorities classified the air in the city and other parts of Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, and Minnesota as unhealthy.

Canadian Wildfire Continues To Spew Smoke

The Air Quality Index in Chicago reached 209 by noon, the worst reading of any major city in the world for that particular day. On the other hand, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the index was found to be at 175, and in Grand Rapids, Michigan, it was at 255.

Authorities consider any reading above 100 on the index a warning to people with respiratory conditions, urging residents to take proper precautions to protect themselves. In a statement, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson warned residents, especially younger kids, the elderly, and those with heart or lung disease, to stay indoors as much as possible and only go out if they wear face masks, per the New York Times.

Johnson noted that during the summer, various cities across North America experienced unhealthy levels of air due to the Canadian wildfire smoke. He added that the situation has affected more than 20 million people from New York City, Washington, D.C., Montreal, and Chicago.

The Democratic official said they are working to respond to the immediate health concerns in communities affected by the smoke. He added that the situation demonstrates and underscores the harmful effects of the climate crisis on people in the community and globally.

Authorities expected similar levels of smoke, and potentially thicker concentrations, on Tuesday in various other cities in the region, including Milwaukee. National Weather Service forecasters from the agency's office in Milwaukee said the day would normally have looked beautiful for people to go outside. However, the smoke reduced visibility so much that people could only see a mile to three miles away.

Read Also: Lukashenko Confirms Wagner Boss Prigozhin Is in Belarus

Unprecedented Wildfire Season

The situation in Canada is considered one of the worst in the country's history as it struggles in the eastern province of Nova Scotia. As of Tuesday afternoon, officials noted that 488 active wildfires were burning across the country, more than half of which, 259, were considered "out of control," according to Yahoo News.

The amount of smoke produced by the Canadian wildfire has reached the highest ever recorded in the nation's history. While the usual wildfire season in the country reaches its peak around mid-July, the first of hundreds of blazes that are currently burning started in May and are still spreading.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau earlier this month described the start of the nation's wildfire season as "unprecedented." Authorities warned that the warm and dry conditions would likely result in "higher-than-normal fire activity" across much of the country throughout the 2023 season, said ABC News.

Related Article: NATO Leaders Warn of Wagner Mercenary Group's Redeployment to Belarus

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that even Russia's internal forces have stopped taking the power of Vladimir Putin, the "frail master of the Kremlin", into account. He called for an action plan for Ukraine's NATO membership.

Source: the president, speaking in the Verkhovna Rada

Quote: "Ukraine's accession to NATO will send out a powerful signal to the world that this is an Alliance that protects and will protect, and it is an Alliance that has the experience of victors and the moral superiority of victors - victors in a completely just defence...

For this to become a reality, all our partners in the Alliance must stop looking back at the Kremlin when making their important decisions...

Even internal forces in Russia have already stopped looking back at the frail master of the Kremlin.

Putin's madness has led him to drive himself into a remote bunker due to his weakness. And therefore, it is absurd to look back at such an incompetent leader of such an incompetent state."

Details: Zelenskyy stated that ahead of important dates for Ukrainians  Constitution Day, Independence Day, etc.  Ukraine should develop and adopt the country's future doctrine at a meeting of the National Security and Defence Council.

According to Zelenskyy, NATO will guarantee security for Ukraine, and Ukrainian defence and security forces will guarantee security and protection for other NATO members.

Zelenskyy emphasised that any frozen conflict is a war: "A war that will inevitably flare up again, and the only question is: when? How many lives will it take? Therefore, the peace must be fair. That is why the Ukrainian Peace Formula provides for such a peace. And that is why the Ukrainian Peace Formula has a universal benefit: Ukraine will never agree to any of the options for a frozen conflict."

Zelenskyy added that a number of countries will benefit from Ukraine's victory in the war with Russia  Georgia, Moldova, Belarus, the countries of the Caucasus, and the Baltic states.

He also said that even Russia should facilitate Ukraine's membership of the EU, because this is directly related to the preservation of the Russian Federation within its current borders.

He believes that Ukrainians should find a way to quench their thirst for justice: "The question of justice, when it comes to war and genocidal policy, is not simple, but in this case, the more the world hesitates, the greater the revanchist sentiments in different parts of the world can become".

The president declared that "all Russian murderers, terrorists, executioners must be held accountable for what they have done against Ukrainian men and women."

He added that every asset belonging to the Russian Federation or the circle of Putin's supporters should go to compensation for Ukrainians.

Quote: "The political and military leadership of Russia should not escape justice due to the fact that they supposedly have immunity, like the "heads of state". They are not "heads of state", they are bandits who have seized control of Russia's state institutions, and they absolutely become insolent with impunity and began to terrorize the whole world."

Zelenskyy thanked those countries where the Russian political and military leadership are considered "people who should end their careers on the dock in The Hague", and where Russian assets are "frozen, confiscated and sent to compensate for losses from the Russian aggression".

Quote: "Ukraine will do everything possible to ensure that a special tribunal regarding the crimes of aggression by Russia against our country is created and [that it] actually works with the criminals on the dock."

He thanked the International Criminal Court for the decision to issue the arrest warrant for the Russian dictator.

The president added that in recent years, NATO has had two fundamental weaknesses: the world doubted whether the Alliance would protect the countries on its eastern flank, and many did not perceive and still do not perceive NATO [as a guarantee of peace and safety  ed.]. Ukraine's membership will remedy this, he said.

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The News

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged lawmakers in his country to legalize medical marijuana on Wednesday.

"We must finally honestly legalize cannabis-based medicine for everyone who needs it, with the relevant scientific research and controlled Ukrainian manufacturing," Zelenskyy told Ukraine's parliament, according to Pravda.

Zelenskyy previously voiced support for the idea during his campaign for president, and last year his government pushed the idea as a way to help people suffering physically and mentally following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Know More

Zelenskyy said Ukraine should create Europe's strongest mental and physical rehabilitation network using global best practices and unusual solutions so Ukrainians can endure the impact of the war, per Pravda.

A proposed bill would allow patients to use medical cannabis to treat over 50 pathological conditions, including war-related post-traumatic stress disorders.

Before the war broke out, Ukraine legalized certain types of medical cannabis products, including two synthetic cannabis-like chemicals and a cannabis extract.

Step Back

Europe has traditionally taken a more conservative approach to marijuana policy, but more countries including the Czech Republic, Germany, and Luxembourg have taken steps toward legalization in recent years. But the continent remains a patchwork of laws, CNBC reported.
The president of the Amherst County branch of the NAACP told the county board of supervisors June 20 the organization holds steady in its request for the board to address a Confederate monument on county property.

Gloria Witt, of Madison Heights, who heads the local NAACP, was among six speakers to address the statue thats been at the Amherst courthouse since 1922 during the boards June 20 public comments session. The local NAACP in May sent a letter to the county calling the monument an anomaly and favored the noble cause language in the plaque being removed. Roughly a dozen residents spoke before the board at a June 6 meeting in fierce support of the monument and said it should stay as is.

The board held a closed session at the end of the meeting for consultation with the county attorney on the monument. Supervisors did not take any action afterward and members have yet to comment publicly on the matter.

Speaking to the board shortly before that closed discussion, Witt told members they are charged with the responsibility of tending to the well-being of all county citizens.

In 1860, the overall population was 13,742 and 6,278 were enslaved, which was 45%, according to figures Witt cited in her remarks.

The NAACP asked this board to address the monument because we feel its a throwback to the era when institutionalized racism was a painful reality, Witt said. Clearly, the noble cause on the plaque is not shared by all county residents and is offensive to me.

Scott Peyton, of Amherst, also addressed the board at the same meeting with a differing viewpoint. Peyton said a family member referred to the Civil War as the war of Northern aggression and he addressed the emotions it stirs in those opposed to the monument.

Ive heard and I respect that there are those, possibly some here tonight, who are offended by the language that refers to the Souths noble cause, Peyton said, adding he suspects the grievance is their belief the noble cause refers to the institution of slavery. I challenge that as a misinterpretation with the reality being that the cause for which the Confederate soldier took up arms was to protect their homes and families that were being devastated by the invasion of an army from the North.

Peyton said many of the Civil War battles were fought on Virginia soil and his remarks are not to minimize the issue of slavery as a compelling and contributing factor in the war.

The men in the South so bravely fought and died, Peyton said. This monument is intended to honor their sacrifice.

Peyton said on a recent trip to Maine many small towns he visited memorialized Union soldiers and to the best of his knowledge no one is clamoring to remove those statues.

The challenge before you is to devise a resolution for the controversy of people from differing opinions and sentiments, Peyton told the board. If you feel compelled to do anything, there is a fair and reasonable path forward. There is a benefit to add to and not subtract from. Add a broader context to our public space that reflects the differing perspectives about this challenging period of time in our nations history. But dont take anything away. This is an opportunity for expanded learning and understanding within our community. I say tell it all.

Witt said the larger and more critical truth in slavery was the cornerstone on which the Confederacy was built.

We advocate for teaching a more complete history in our schools and public spaces, Witt said. The good, the bad, the ugly, especially African-American history in its fullness, is not taught. And what is taught is under attack.

Witt added the NAACP is a non-partisan organization and rejects the left-wing agenda label any speaker uses to gaslight this issue.

Any future references to the NAACP as extreme or partisan organization are to be ignored, Witt said. Yes, we are woke  woke to the inequities in housing, employment, criminal justice, education, banking and health care that exists in todays America.

Amherst resident Michael Esposito said the monument was built with private funds just more than a century ago during a time when the South had finally recovered from the Civil War; and following the victory of World War I, there was a push to honor local Confederate soldiers who were dying off.

History is an interpretive discipline. We look through the dusty lens of the present to try and make some sense of the past, Esposito said. The only way we can do that is to ground that interpretation with the artifacts that were from previous generations. The monument that stands at the courthouse is an example of one of these artifacts.

The courthouse was a fitting spot for the monument because it was the gathering place they were mustered into military service.

Esposito said if artifacts from past eras arent left behind, the interpretation of history in future generations will be flawed, a first step in history being lost.

In order to prevent that from happening in Amherst County, we should leave the monument alone, Esposito said. We shouldnt alter it or deface it any way in the name of political correctness because that view of political correctness is going to change over time. We shouldnt move it in order to placate one group of citizens because were just going to antagonize another. If we create this culture of division, all were going to do is perpetuate conflict and I dont think that contributes to the future of the county.

Mark Magruder, of Amherst, said he feels the monument should be removed because, in his view, it does not serve us today or in the future.

The Confederate monument at the Amherst County courthouse shows the dominance of one people and culture over another, he said.

His wife, Ella Magruder, said her great grandfather walked home barefoot from Appomattox after serving in the Civil War to a devastated world. His younger brother had been killed in the war and she grew up with so many stories about the Souths role.

They were beloved, they were good men, Ella Magruder said, adding of her ancestor who fought for the South: He was beloved but he did fight for a cause that I believe is abhorrent. I believe that monument should be taken down and replaced.

Melodie Fletcher, a Madison Heights resident who also is part of the NAACP, said the organization is not in the business of removing monuments to make money. The organization raises money to address voter suppression and other discriminatory actions affecting marginalized groups, as well as educational initiatives, he said.

The NAACP seeks to collaborate and cooperate, not to dictate, Fletcher told the board. As the conversations continue our local chapter shares with your objective of making Amherst County a perfect slice of Virginia.
A 26-year veteran of law enforcement and former Amherst County Sheriffs captain, Mike Robinson, formally announced Monday he is running for sheriff in the Nov. 7 election.

Robinson, who worked for the Amherst sheriffs department from 1992 to December 2015, was surrounded by supporters as he made the announcement on the grounds of the Amherst courthouse. He said he has spent his entire adult life in public safety, first joining the Monelison Volunteer Fire and Rescue agency in 1988 and still serves there.

While the past is so important, we must understand that the future of the profession of law enforcement has greatly changed, Robinson said. Delivering law enforcement in society today is challenging and it will be successful with strong relationships built upon the Sheriffs Office and the community. We must build these strong partnerships between and the Sheriffs Office to be effective in dealing with issues within our own community.

After retiring from the Lynchburg Police Department in October 2018, Robinson began working for Municipal Emergency Services, which serves the needs for multiple law enforcement agencies, as a sales representative. He said he will work to build strong partnerships between the community and sheriffs department to be effective in serving needs of the county.

I pledge to lead the dedicated and selfless men and women of our Sheriffs Office to ensure that we are active in community groups, neighborhoods, schools and churches, Robinson said.

Also running for sheriff is Jimmy Ayers, who held the position from 1996 to 2015; current Amherst County Sheriffs Maj. Eric Elliott and R. Dale Meeks Jr., an Amherst sheriffs deputy.

Robinson said the county deserves the best and most professional sheriffs office and for that happen change must occur.

We simply cannot continue doing what we are doing, nor can we can go backward, Robinson said. We must be forward thinking, creative and innovative. We must bring in new leadership with new vision and new ideas. We will recruit, hire, train and retain the best and brightest deputies available.

The department must have character-driven leaders who have experience to take the department to the next level, Robinson said. Maintaining the status quo is unacceptable and is a disservice to our community.

He said the illicit drug epidemic in the county must be addressed.

We are losing our young adults at an alarming rate to fentanyl, Robinson said. We must use all our community partners and resources to combat the drug crisis.

Robinson said he will work to hold each member of the sheriffs department to highest quality of law enforcement services and improve transparency, adding residents deserve better in that area.

Sir Robert Peel stated that the police are the public and the public are the police. The police need the trust and confidence of the community. I will work tirelessly to ensure this is the case.

He said he will strive to lead the office in achieving accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.

Robert Oliver, who worked for the Amherst sheriffs department from 2003 to January 2022, said Robinson was his biggest inspiration to pursue law enforcement as a career, having interacted with him as a teenager through a program. Oliver said hes worked with Ayers, Elliott and Robinson.

They each have strengths and weaknesses but I feel confident in saying Mike is the best choice, Oliver said. His character, his integrity, his law enforcement experience and what hes capable of far outweighs the others.

Retired Amherst County High School Principal Ernie Guill also was among those who gathered Monday in support of Robinson.

Hes always did an awful good job when I was around him, Guill said. I think he would make a good sheriff.
An educator with 30 years experience about to retire from the Rockbridge County Public Schools division is running for the District 1 seat on the Amherst County School Board against incumbent Lori Saunders.

Angela Wilder, a St. Petersburg, Florida native and former police officer, said she has worked as a teacher, assistant principal and principal in Florida and has worked in Rockbridge County for just more than nine years. As director of alternative education, she said she was instrumental in starting that program and she previously taught at Amherst County High School in the 2013-14 school year.

I want to give back, Wilder said in phone interview. I believe I can help the students in Amherst County.

Saunders, assistant director for economic development in Amherst County, was appointed to the District 1 seat in April following the resignation of John Grieser. She said in her interview with the board she wants to be an advocate and a voice for those who dont have one and her key priorities are addressing mental health, staffing shortages, absenteeism and safety.

I would like the opportunity to continue serving the community, Saunders, a mother of four Amherst County Public Schools graduate, said. All of my children excelled but some struggled. I gained a lot of knowledge on the challenges students face when they learn unconventionally. I was an advocate for my children and I want to be an advocate for all students. Every child deserves a quality education.

Wilder, who also applied for appointment to the seat in April, said she worked as a school resource officer when teachers told her education was her calling, which humbled her. She taught in special education and general education and she and her husband moved to Virginia in 2013 after visiting the state and falling in love with it.

She said she has a unique insight as a teacher and administrator in seeing all levels of education she feels will help the board. Wilder was involved in the BRAVE (Bullying Reported and Violence Eradicated) initiative in Rockbridge County schools and said bullying, discipline and learning loss are areas she would help address as a board member.

Saunders said the division needs to continue making strides in helping our students close the learning gap caused by the pandemic, which has had far-reaching effects.

We need to continue supporting our families as well as our teachers so that our students receive the best possible education, Saunders said. Two of our biggest challenges are absenteeism and disciplinary issues. We need to figure out what is causing this uptick. If we dont solve these issues they will have a long-term effect on our community and our workforce.

Saunders said she has a wide skillset that would be beneficial to the board.

I understand government and boards, I understand budgets. I have been very involved with [career and technical education] and the workforce, Saunders said. I have over 20 years of managing multiple businesses. But most importantly I am a parent. I understand the challenges that families face.

Wilder said the board needs to build trust and collaboration with the community. We need to have more parental involvement, she said.

Educators have a post-pandemic responsibility and cannot teach the way they did prior to the onset of COVID-19 in early 2020, she said.

Isolation is not something that is a positive reinforcement for students, Wilder said. They are social beings and want to interact on a daily basis. Students need that. Everyone wants to feel welcome.
Ten years ago, Jeff Bezos appeared on the CBS show 60 Minutes and unveiled drone delivery system plans for Amazon.

At the time, the Amazon CEO said its possible the system could start in about five years, given changed regulations.

The plan did not come to fruition in that period, but more research has come out to consider the possibilities with one notable project looking at the potential of a drone delivery system in New York City.

The data showed that if a drone delivery system was put into place in New York City, there can potentially be 100,000 collisions per day according to Jesse Kern, assistant professor of chemistry at Randolph College, whos leading the group at the college in a study taking a look at whether drone deliveries would work in Lynchburg.

I had mentioned this study on the New York City data and I said  hey, if youre actually interested in this, we can think about why New York City had that sort of set of results, and what it might look like for a place like Lynchburg, Kern said.

He said the idea sparked while walking with students one day, from the dining hall to the science building.

The students were discussing Roombas, a robotic vacuum, and what would happen if several of them were put in a room together. Theyd ultimately collide with each other.

He suggested to the students that if you think about that concept in three dimensions, then you would have delivery drones.

The professor also mentioned to the students the landscape of Lynchburg and how there are hills and winding roads, suggesting the drones would have a straight shot in the air as opposed to the mail truck getting from one end of the city to the other on the ground.

So we said you know that actually sounds like a good study that we could do for Lynchburg. Lets apply them to the summer research program and see if we could be funded, he added.

Senior Marcela Izquierdo Poza, whos majoring in math and physics, and sophomore Angelo De Asis, whos majoring in computer science, have worked together to explore this idea.

The group is calculating roughly how many drone collisions there will be throughout the year, if Lynchburg had this system.

Izquierdo Poza used the kinetic theory of gases formula to calculate potential drone delivery collisions and De Asis used a program that he codes to simulate drone travel.

The equations describe how the particles move and collide with each other. So we implemented those formulas and assumed that the drones move like those particles, Izquierdo Poza said.

She said they didnt have the exact number of packages Amazon delivers in Lynchburg; instead, they used the percentage of packages delivered per day in the U.S. and calculated that Lynchburg received 381 packages per day.

The group divided that number by 18 hours, because it was decided, for the project, deliveries would take place between 6 a.m. and midnight.

They used this formula to calculate how many collisions would take place per year, using 3D dimensions and 2D dimensions  over 1 collision per year in the 3D model using the formula and 280 collisions per year in the 2D model using the formula.

De Asis worked on the simulation portion of the project and developed a code, to compare his findings to Izuierdo Pozas equations.

Once she found the formulas, De Asis explained, he was able to develop a code, like a program, that would show potential drones flying through a model.

So far De Asis will use three different methods  the first program is making sure the formulas the group is using are correct and are producing the right numbers; in the second simulation, he imagined Lynchburg as a circle and each data point flew from the middle of the circle and traveled to certain spots and returned; and the final program will involve drone data points starting from random positions.

De Asis said at the moment, the group is seeing a trend in population density and how many collisions there are  the higher the population density, the more collisions.

The amount of drones, if they keep increasing along with the population density ... do not want to have this built in drone delivery feature or so itll be raining drones instead of rainwater. Thats the trend I think were seeing, he said.

The groups project will end July 12 and Kern said they plan to distribute information and predictions to groups or organizations that really care.

When asked if a drone delivery system can work in Lynchburg, the group said it is possible.

Izquierdo Poza believes the technology is there.

When were searching literature, we saw there is a way  Walgreens tried delivery, like medicine, through drones and has been successful so I feel like its possible.

De Asis said with the low collisions they saw with the 3D equation and also with Lynchburg being a smaller city and less dense compared to New York City, its definitely possible.

Other factors are involved, like policies  we dont account for that, were just doing, if a drone collides with another drone. But there are other obstacles to these drones that could possibly increase the collision rate, he said.
A Lynchburg man accused of possessing child pornography in 2016 was convicted by a jury in Lynchburg Circuit Court on Monday and now faces a maximum sentence of more than 900 years, according to a news release from the commonwealths attorney.

Shawn Matthew Kearns, 46, was found guilty by a Lynchburg jury of one count of possession of child pornography, first offense; as well as 92 counts of possession of child pornography, second offense, Lynchburgs Commonwealths Attorney Bethany Harrison said in a news release.

According to Harrison, on July 7, 2016, investigators with the Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children task force received information that a computer in Lynchburg was involved in the possession and possible distribution of child pornography through a peer-to-peer software.

Investigators traced the shared material to a townhome on Old Forest Road in the city, which was owned by Kearns and his wife. Harrison wrote the Lynchburg Police Department executed a search warrant at the home on Aug. 17, 2016, where a laptop that contained 22 video files and hundreds of image files depicting child sexual abuse material was found in the basement.

According to the news release, more records located on the hard drive indicated a consistent pattern of the user searching for, downloading and watching child sexual abuse material for at least two years prior to the search warrant being executed.

Harrison wrote that digital records indicated the computer was being used in the early morning hours on the same day the search warrant was executed to download and view child pornography. She added there was an attempt at about 4:40 a.m. that morning to wipe the hard drive, less than two hours before police arrived to search the home.

Kearns is scheduled for sentencing at 9 a.m. on Oct. 18, where he faces a maximum 935 years in prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Chelsea Webster with Nathan Freier assisting, according to Harrison.
Budget negotiations between the House of Delegates and Senate broke down on Tuesday over tax cuts sought by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who could call a special session of the General Assembly to bring the parties back to the table.

House Appropriations Chairman Barry Knight, R-Virginia Beach, called off the negotiations because he said Senate Finance Co-Chair George Barker, D-Fairfax, had "walked away" from a commitment to approve a combination of ongoing tax cuts and one-time tax rebates that would have reduced state revenues by about $900 million in the two-year budget the governor signed last year.

Instead, Senate negotiators offered on Tuesday to double a proposed one-time rebate to $200 for individual taxpayers and $400 for couples filing jointly, which would have cut budget revenues by about $900 million, but without other tax cuts Youngkin and House Republicans are seeking.

The latest budget impasse goes back to an agreement that Knight said he made with Barker and Senate Finance Co-Chair Janet Howell, D-Fairfax, at the end of February, when budget talks broke down without an agreement on revising the two-year, $177 billion state budget. The same deal was on the table when House and Senate budget negotiators returned to Richmond on Monday to resume talks on reaching an agreement.

"The deal has never changed, it has never wavered," he said in an interview with the Richmond Times-Dispatch on Tuesday. "I'm not sure what goes forward from here. A deal is a deal."

But Barker said he never agreed to the deal that Knight proposed, either in February or in subsequent informal luncheon meetings the three budget leaders have held since then.

"I did not agree to anything," Barker said in an interview on Tuesday. "At the meeting where he proposed it, I intentionally did not say a word."

The new fiscal year begins on Saturday. The state already has a two-year budget in place. Lawmakers are negotiating over annual revisions to the spending plan.

Howell is traveling out of the country with family, but Barker said, "I expect the governor will call us into special session in the next few weeks to deal with all of this."

Knight said he briefed the governor on the breakdown in negotiations, after first informing House Speaker Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah.

"I'll come up (to Richmond) on a moment's notice if George says he'll honor the deal," Knight said.

The proposed deal included a one-time rebate of $100 for individual taxpayers and $200 for couples, for a cost of almost $463 million in the fiscal year that begins on Saturday. The Senate initially had proposed rebates of $150 for individuals and $300 for couples, for a total of about $700 million.

Knight had dropped Youngkin's proposal to reduce the corporate income tax rate by 1 percentage point, but he still wanted to increase the standard deduction for taxpayers who don't itemize their deductions, eliminate an age threshold for a new exemption of military retirement income and increase a deduction for businesses.

The biggest sticking point remains the governor's proposed to reduce the top individual tax rate by a quarter percentage point. Knight's proposal instead would have changed all four of the income brackets to make them more progressive.

For example, the top rate of 5.75% would apply to anyone making more than $30,000 a year in adjusted gross income, instead of the current level of $17,000. Taxpayers earning between $8,000 and $30,000 a year would pay 5%. The total cost of that proposal would have been $308.6 million in the coming fiscal year and $655 million in the following year.

The total cost of the Republican package would have been $891 million in the first year and $911.3 million the following year.
WASHINGTON CROSSING, Pa. (AP)  Pennsylvania authorities drew on 100 people, drones and cadaver dogs Monday in their search for two missing children whose family's car was swept away in flash flooding that ravaged the East Coast over the weekend. Other parts of the country endured threatenin
(Photo : Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Walt Nauta, a longtime employee of former United States President Donald Trump, has had his arraignment delayed in relation to the classified documents case.

The arraignment of Walt Nauta, the longtime employee of former United States President Donald Trump, has been delayed after he failed to secure a lawyer to represent him and as a storm caused his flight to be canceled.

Nauta's arraignment in the case has been rescheduled for July 6 after his current attorney, Washington-based Stan Woodward, requested the specific date. The latter told Judge Edwin Torres that was still looking for a Florida-based attorney to represent his client in the classified documents case.

Walt Nauta Arraignment Delayed

Woodward added that he was hopeful that he could locate local counsel by the new date of the arraignment. Judge Torrest agreed to the delay of Nauta's arraignment and added that "there's good cause" to do so, based on the severe weather at the time.

FlightAware, a flight tracking site, noted that more than 1,000 U.S. flights were canceled on Tuesday morning. Nauta's defense attorney argued that storms caused his flight to be stranded on the tarmac for three hours after he waited for eight hours at Newark airport, as per CBS News.

Furthermore, Woodward said that he was expecting that his client will seek a delay in the first pretrial conference in the case, which is scheduled for July 14 and will be held in Fort Pierce, Florida.

The situation comes as Nauta is facing allegations of working with Trump to conceal boxes that allegedly contained sensitive records that were marked classified at the time that federal investigators issued a subpoena to retrieve the materials.

The indictment, which was filed earlier this month in the Southern District of Florida, claims that Trump and several of his White House aides, which includes Nauta, packed up items from the White House in his last days in office and then moved them to the former president's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

Read Also: Biden Goes All-In on Re-Election Campaign Called 'Bidenomics'

Classified Documents Case

Nauta is expected to plead not guilty in the case and he has been in New Jersey with his former boss in the last few days. He is facing six counts, including several obstructions and concealment-related charges that stem from his supposed actions, according to CNN.

While Nauta made his initial court appearance alongside Trump earlier this month, he has not yet entered a formal plea due to not having a local attorney at the time the hearing was held. On the other hand, the former president pleaded not guilty to 37 criminal charges for his alleged retention of classified documents and conspiracy to hide said materials from government agents and his own attorneys.

The criminal case stemming from the classified documents has been assigned to play out in full before federal Judge Aileen Cannon. Prosecutors argued that Nauta lied about the incident during an interview with the FBI in May 2022 when he said that he was not aware of the boxes that were moved to Trump's residences.

Nauta is facing up to 20 years in prison if he is convicted of the most serious charge filed against him. It is not yet known when the trial for Nauta and Trump will begin. However, Judge Cannon has set a trial date in August, said the Washington Post.

Related Article: AG Merrick Garland Faces Impeachment Over Hunter Biden Case

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Morocco respects the requirements of fiscal transparency, the U.S. State Department points out in its annual Fiscal Transparency Report.

Of the 141 countries evaluated, the governments of 72 countries met minimum requirements of fiscal transparency in 2022, says the report, which was released this Tuesday June 27.

Sixty-nine countries did not meet the minimum requirements of fiscal transparency, the document underlines.

In its report, the Department of State evaluated the public availability, substantial completeness, and reliability of budget documents, as well as the transparency of processes for awarding government contracts and licenses.

Fiscal transparency is a critical element of effective public financial management, helps build market confidence, and underpins economic sustainability. It fosters greater government accountability by providing a window into government budgets spending, which helps citizens hold their elected leaders and public officials accountable and facilitates better-informed public debate.
President Julius Maada Bio was re-elected in the first round for a second term at the head of Sierra Leone with 56.17% of the vote, the head of the Electoral Commission said.

By virtue of the powers vested in me, I hereby certify that Julius Maada Bio is elected President in the election of June 24, 2023, Mohamed Kenewui Konneh said to applause at a press conference in Freetown on Tuesday.

Mr. Bios main opponent, Samura Kamara, came second with 41.16% of the vote, according to the final results of the electoral authority. The previous day, partial results giving the incumbent president over 55% of the vote had been rejected by the opposition, which criticized the electoral commissions lack of inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability.

The election took place generally peacefully, although some violent incidents were reported during voting and at the closing and counting stages. On Sunday evening, a woman was killed at the opposition headquarters as security forces sought to disperse the gathered crowd.

Some 3.4 million people were called on Saturday to choose between 13 candidates for the presidential election, a ballot that resembled a 2018 rematch between Mr. Bio, a 59-year-old retired military officer seeking a second term, and Mr. Kamura, a 72-year-old technocrat.
King Mohammed VI has pardoned 1434 convicts on the eve of Eid Al Adha celebrated Thursday June 29 in the North African Kingdom.

A statement released Wednesday by the Ministry of Justice unveiled the list of the beneficiaries of the royal pardon. The list includes inmates who were granted a pardon over their remaining jail terms, convicts who had their prison terms reduced and prisoners who saw their sentences commuted from life imprisonment to fixed jail terms.

Some convicts benefited from pardon over their imprisonment terms but their fines were maintained. Other convicts saw their fines canceled, while others benefited from both a pardon over their prison terms and fines.

The King usually grants free pardon to inmates and convicts on religious and national holidays.
Leaders of both warring parties in Sudan have independently announced temporary ceasefires to coincide with the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha amid escalating fighting in the Sudanese capital.

As fighting continued raging across the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, on the eve of the Eid al-Adha Muslim holiday celebrated Wednesday, the two warring generals  Sudans army chief Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo  declared ceasefires, but experts believe a pause in fighting is unlikely. A string of ceasefire deals has been announced since the United States and Saudi Arabia held talks in the Saudi port of Jeddah last month, but none of these ceasefires have held as agreed. Therefore, hopes are not high among the population for the ceasefire to really hold. Dagalo proclaimed a two-day cease-fire on Monday for Tuesday and Wednesday, which was followed by Burhan who declared a one-day unilateral truce 24 hours later.

Burhan levied grave accusations against the RSF, accusing them of perpetrating crimes against humanity by deliberately targeting civilians in Khartoum and other key regions. The army chief also appealed to the nations youth and all able-bodied individuals to safeguard Sudan from the RSFs conspiracy and the presence of mercenaries which he said posed an existential threat to the country.

Dagalo, on his part, said he wished that these days will be used for a genuine forgiveness and reconciliation among the people. The RSF commander also expressed concern about alleged human rights violations committed by his forces against civilians, announcing the establishment of field courts to carry out investigations into claims of offenses allegedly committed by the RSF.

A record 25 million people in Sudan need humanitarian aid and protection, according to the United Nations.
Two North Platte men have been arrested as part of a child exploitation investigation.

On Tuesday, Nebraska State Patrol troopers searched a residence in the 2000 block of West Fifth Street.

Christopher L. Rader-Schmidt, 54, and Brandon K. Rader-Schmidt, 19, were arrested on suspicion of possession and distribution of child pornography. They were jailed at the Lincoln County Detention Center.

The Nebraska State Patrol Tech Crimes Unit was assisted by Homeland Security Investigations and the North Platte Police Department. The investigation is ongoing.
Photo: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Congestion pricing is coming to Manhattan at long last.

The Federal Highway Administration gave its final approval to the plan on Monday, allowing implementation to move forward after years of hearings and reviews. The Central Business District Tolling Program, as its officially known, will require drivers to pay a toll when traveling south of 60th Street in Manhattan. The proposed toll zone includes exceptions on FDR Drive and the West Side Highway.

Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed the news during a press conference on Tuesday, noting that the city will be the first in the U.S. to establish a congestion-pricing program.

According to the governor, 700,000 vehicles enter that portion of Manhattan every day of the week  a fact Hochul said was almost impossible to comprehend. She said the city loses $20 billion every year as a result of congestion. The toll, the pricing of which is still to be determined, is expected to generate $1 billion for the MTA yearly, which will go toward transit upgrades.

We have to keep public transportation strong and vibrant and clean and on time. Otherwise, were not offering people a better alternative, Hochul said.

The path to congestion pricing has been a long one. Back in 2007, then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg proposed requiring a fee to drive through Manhattan during peak hours, but the plan ultimately fell flat with lawmakers. The State Legislature finally passed a congestion-pricing plan in 2019.

With the federal governments approval, the Traffic Mobility Review Board can now begin to determine pricing for the tolls (and potential exemptions). Past proposals have ranged from $9 to $23 for peak weekday hours.

The plan has received a fair amount of pushback from politicians and some segments of the public. Taxi and rideshare drivers have expressed concerns about the tolls forcing an increase in fare prices, though the MTA has previously indicated that there could be special allowances for them.

Political leaders in New Jersey have been especially critical of the idea, arguing that it could unfairly affect residents of their state who regularly commute to Manhattan. Governor Phil Murphy has retained representation as he considers potential legal action, per NorthJersey.com. Meanwhile, Senator Bob Menendez and Representatives Bill Pascrell and Josh Gottheimer issued a joint statement on Monday expressing their outrage at the move, calling it a cash grab to fund the MTA. They are calling for drivers traveling from New Jersey to Manhattan via the George Washington Bridge and Holland and Lincoln Tunnels to be exempted from the toll.
Photo: Kyle Mazza/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

This week, Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis were both campaigning in New Hampshire, a state that could ultimately decide which of the two men will be the 2024 Republican presidential nominee. While Democrats have downgraded Iowas and New Hampshires importance in their 2024 calendar, Republicans are sticking with the two traditional starting points in the presidential nominating contest. So if DeSantis wants to knock Trump out of the front-runner position, he really has no choice but to go all out in both Iowa and New Hampshire  and so far, things arent looking so good for the Florida governor.

For decades, the first-in-the-nation Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primaries have quickly culled the presidential field of pretenders. Since 1980, when the Iowa caucuses became a major event, no Republican has lost both early states and gone on to secure the nomination. But theyre hardly a package deal; during that time no GOP nominee has won both Iowa and New Hampshire either. Thats right: Iowa winners George H.W. Bush (1980), Bob Dole (1988 and 1996), George W. Bush (2000), Mike Huckabee (2008), Rick Santorum (2012), and Ted Cruz (2016) all lost New Hampshire. Conversely, Iowa losers Ronald Reagan (1980), George H.W. Bush (1988), John McCain (2008), Mitt Romney (2012), and Donald Trump (2016) began their drives to the nomination with a bounce-back win in New Hampshire.

So an out-of-the-starting-gate DeSantis upset win in Iowa would instantly put Trump on the ropes. But if the Florida governor cant pull that off, he must win New Hampshire, lest conservative media, donors, and other party elites crown Trump or leap to another alternative candidate.

On paper, New Hampshire should be relatively hospitable to DeSantis. A majority of its 2016 primary voters were college educated, a group in which DeSantis has polled very well. A sizable independent bloc voting in the GOP primary there could attest to DeSantiss alleged appeal beyond his partys MAGA base. And compared to Iowa, New Hampshires Republican Party is far less dominated by conservative Evangelicals, so candidates focusing on very religious voters, like Mike Pence and Tim Scott, could turn their attention to other states.

But New Hampshires campaign environment is even more unsparing than Iowas, making small mistakes seem enormous. Team DeSantis learned that this week when it came under intense criticism for scheduling its candidate for an event coinciding with a New Hampshire Federation of Republican Women fundraiser featuring Trump. The repercussions extended well beyond the offended federation members: The counter-scheduling move was variously described in the media as stupid, a stumble, and a rookie error. Its the sort of thing that should and maybe will fade from memory in a week. Yet it reinforces the impression left by DeSantiss clumsy campaign launch that hes not quite the lean, mean, liberal-destroying machine he professes to be.

Its not like DeSantis is in much of a position in New Hampshire to roll with the punches. A new poll from St. Anselms College this week showed his position eroding since its last survey in late March:

As new entrants have emerged since our last survey, Trump has gained 5 points of support and now sits just shy of a majority with 47%. Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has seen his support erode 10 points to 19%. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is now in third place in the state, followed by former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley and South Carolina Governor Tim Scott.

Chris Christie is a small but potentially significant problem for DeSantis. He will probably all but skip Iowa and try to rebuild his 2016 base in the Granite State, feeding on anti-Trump voters that DeSantis dare not openly pursue. But more importantly, everything DeSantis does to put himself stolidly to Trumps right on cultural issues  essential to his Iowa strategy  could undermine him in New Hampshire. At some point he may just have to pick which state to prioritize.

Trump, of course, is not troubled much by such strategic considerations. He is who he is, and his persona and record guarantee him a sizable vote in every early state. If he underperforms in Iowa, he likely keeps aloft marginal rivals who will cut into the anti-Trump vote in New Hampshire (in 2016, Trump won New Hampshire with 35 percent of the vote; four rivals won double-digit support).

DeSantis needs to start picking up the pace in both Iowa and New Hampshire. If he loses both, his candidacy could be over before the end of January 2024.
Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer; Photo: Contributor/Getty Images

Even Russia experts were confounded by the events of last weekend, when Wagner Group head Yevgeny Prigozhin  who said he was protesting the militarys treatment of his men and its management of the war in Ukraine  took control of a major Russian city, announced he would march with some of his soldiers to Moscow, and then abruptly agreed to an agreement that ended his revolt in exchange for amnesty and a new home in Belarus. Many questions remain about this strange episode, but it clearly represented a major blow to President Vladimir Putins 23-year-old rule. (On Tuesday night, the New York Times reported that according to U.S. officials, a powerful Prigozhin ally in Russias military knew about the plot in advance, further complicating matters.) For a little more clarity, I spoke with Aaron Schwartzbaum, a fellow in the Eurasia Program at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, about where the chaos leaves Putin, Prigozhin, and Russia.

Yevgeny Prigozhin is now apparently in Belarus, and Russia says the Wagner Group is handing over its heavy weaponry. This outcome, of Wagner becoming a diminished force, seemed predictable. So why do you think Prigozhin quit his march just when he appeared to have some leverage?

Why he stopped is a mystery. But I think what it boils down to is that he was playing against the scenario he thought as most likely, which was Wagner being wholesale enveloped by the Russian military and Prigozhin losing everything  his turf, his influence, his source of money. He has been pretty explicit about that. Marching on Moscow, going against the Russian Ministry of Defense  those are extremely risky things to do, but hes trading in a 100 percent chance of losing everything for an 85 percent chance of losing everything. If youre looking at a 100 percent chance as your starting point, the 85 percent chance is actually a good trade.

It looks like hes going to keep most of his guys  not a lot of them are signing up for the army  and hell get to keep his flow of capital from Africa and his footprint there. Considering that he was being charged with basically fomenting a mutiny, this might not be a terrible deal. Hes now allowed to kind of ride off into the sunset, have his fiefdom, and keep making money.

Plus he gets to live in Belarus. Who could pass that up?

Sunny Minsk.

It seemed Vladimir Putin might have had to placate Prigozhin to a degree, since Wagner is clearly popular among some Russians. But now it looks like hes not doing much placating. Which leads to the question: Why didnt he just kill Prigozhin and some of these advancing forces in the first place?

A critical question and mystery here is how Prigozhin  even before this  has remained alive. He has been incredibly outspoken about his views on the conduct of the war. He was basically the one actor in Putins orbit who was allowed to speak candidly.

But Prigozhin had been useful to Putin until recently. My favorite relevant etymological fact I like to share is that Prigozhin  the name is a verb in Russian: prigoditsya, which means to come in handy, to be useful. Thats where his name comes from. And he was very useful. Theres a reason that his forces and convicts were used in Bakhmut: because its a gory, grisly, bloody, bloody urban grind. And its much easier to use convicts to take that kind of turf than traditional, professional soldiers.

To the question of why there was no bloodshed  I would make it clear that there was some. Thirteen Russian aircrew died getting shot down, which is frankly unbelievable. But why wasnt there more? I dont think it wasnt in Putins interest. I dont think he wanted to risk it. As a general matter, Putin tries to do as little as possible  sometimes while looking like hes doing a lot. He avoids decisive steps and likes to keep his options open. And killing tens or hundreds of people can lead to unpredictable places  especially, as you mentioned, with the support among Telegram nationalists that Prigozhin enjoys. Putin has tried to keep that section of the population placated. Had Prigozhins actual aim been to kneecap Putin, there would have been more logic to it.

Prigozhins big rival is Sergei Shoigu, the defense minister. Putin recently gave him more authority over the war, which helped precipitate this whole crisis. Im wondering why you think Putin did that  given that the war in Ukraine has gone so disastrously and that Wagner has been one of the few effective fighting forces there. Why is Shoigu so invincible?

Its a great question. Shoigu is not a soldier by trade. I dont think he has ever been in the armed forces. Prosecuting wars is not his core competency  navigating bureaucracy is. And I think, for Putin, thats a benefit. In a government where the leader is afraid of really anyone or against anybody else having meaningful political capital, the people who get elevated in that kind of situation are not talented military operators. Theyre people who are loyal technocrats who may not be good at waging war.

For what its worth, I think the difficulty with Russias prosecution of this war is partially the leadership but also that Putin seems to have planned so much of this in his own head and didnt have bureaucratic buy-in or the forces required to do what he wanted. Had the generals  many of whom are competent  been roped in, they wouldve said, You need an invasion force multiple times larger than what you have to achieve your political aim here. But it makes sense if you think about Putins political prerogative. For an autocrat, staying in power is the principal aim.

But this war has been going so badly for Russia  Im a little surprised that furthering the Russian chances of winning it is less important than the possibility of being overthrown, which had never seemed that likely.

I agree wholeheartedly that it has gone badly compared to expectations and plans, but I think its important to keep in mind that the war is happening entirely outside of Russia  or almost entirely outside of it. Putin has control over the national information environment and has sidelined, if not arrested, most of the opposition domestically. So theres not really a means for a narrative, the truth as it were, to come out.

Prigozhin did say during his march that the war was launched on false grounds from the beginning.

If you want to talk about the implications for Putin, this is a shocking event. Its impossible to predict when the end is going to come, but the consensus, and its one I agree with, is that this is the beginning of the end. That doesnt tell whether the end comes next month or in ten years, but I think this will go down as a critical event.

Why couldnt Putin just brazen through it and continue on as before?

I dont think theres any immediate threat to his governance, but let me give you a comparative case here, which is when Donald Trump publicly questioned U.S. commitments to NATO and whether we would intervene if Europe were attacked. Trump lost, we stayed in NATO, and nothing happened. But the fact that the possibility was publicly aired was a game changer that started processes in Europe. You cant put that genie back in the bottle. And for a moment, at least when this was happening over the weekend, Putin wasnt reacting or making strong decisions. There are rumors he fled Moscow to St. Petersburg, and I dont know whether those are true. But this basically made it publicly credible, feasible, and plausible that someone could mount a meaningful challenge to the government, take over cities, and Putin wouldnt be able to do anything about it. And even though Putin has regained control, and will continue to maintain control for at least the foreseeable future, the possibility that someone could make a strong play and Putin would be in a position of weakness hadnt really existed before.

An emperor has no clothes moment  to quote many people.

Exactly. The other way Ive thought about it is  theres a lot of analysis of Russia that postulates Putin is making lots of decisions independently of anybody else, that hes pulling every lever in governance. And I think thats inaccurate. Its not a good way to look at it. I like to think of it more as a solar system, where Putin is the sun and gravity but there are other sizable actors. Youve got your Jupiter in there. Youve got other players that exert weight in the system. What happens now is essentially equivalent to the suns gravity wobbling for a second. Putin is back and exerting his pull. But in that moment when gravity wobbled, the orbits changed  maybe very slightly, maybe only by a few feet, but we may see consequences from that happening down the road.

Do you think this chaos helps Ukraine much on the battlefield? Especially given that the Wagner troops, as Ive mentioned, were the most fearsome Russia had to offer and now their future seems unclear.

Obviously, well have to see what happens, but I dont think so. As best as I could track, Wagner had largely been pulled out of the Bakhmut area. They were a spent force that had been successful in combat while taking grievous losses and needed replenishment. And I dont think Ukraine tried anything in this moment of paralysis, because its geographic options are limited. I do think a lot of Ukraines military and Ukrainians broadly had fun watching this. It was a bit of Schadenfreude watching Russias imperial policy come home  as it tends to do. But I dont think this has a ton of direct military impact.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
After over a year of undergoing construction, Target announced that its new downtown Auburn store will open on July 16.

Theres a sign announcing the opening date hanging from the doorway of the business at 129 North College St. Clothing and accessories have been placed on racks near the front door and merchandise on other shelves throughout the new store between Five Guys restaurant and the Wright Street Parking Deck.

Were very excited about it. Theyve done these in a number of urban areas or in other college towns, said Kevin Howard, commercial development director for the City of Auburn.

The 19,000-square-foot store occupies the bottom floor of the four-story Godbold building. Like many mixed-use buildings in downtown Auburn, the top three floors of the building will feature living spaces. There will be 32 apartments as well as a parking lot behind the building with room for 42 spaces.

Howard said the small-store format is a concept Target has had success with in other college markets including Athens, Georgia. He said the Athens store is about the same size as the new downtown Auburn location.

Target is just one of a handful of businesses opening soon in downtown Auburn. Jack Browns Beer and Burger Joint is also expected to open in July in the former Cheeburger Cheeburger at 160 North College St. There is also a Bagel Boy planned to open in the former Pita Pit at 157 North College St. in the near future.
More than two weeks after two Lee County sheriffs deputies killed a driver during a traffic stop near Highway 280, his South Carolina family visited Opelika looking for answers.

Lucius Benjamin Gibbs family and the national Racial Justice Network held a press conference Tuesday afternoon pleading for evidence and details from the June 9 shooting in the Bleeker community. Sheriff Jay Jones said Gibbs fired shots at the deputies before they returned fire, killing him as he backed out of a ditch.

The CEO of the Racial Justice Network said he heard a deputy give a different account of the incident.

They need answers, said Elder James Johnson, the CEO of the multi-racial, grassroots organization based in Minnesota. They need closure, so they drove down from South Carolina wanting to know what happened to their loved one.

Someone outside of 58-year-old Gibbs' immediate family reported him missing on June 7. Gibbs of Cross, South Carolina, was last seen the day before driving a 2000 Ford F250 near the Citadel Mall in Charleston. Authorities notified the public and shared details of his disappearance, along with his license plate number.

During the press conference, the family said they dont know why Gibbs was in Alabama. They said he traveled for work, almost like a general contractor who was a jack of all trades. The family said it was not in Gibbs character to disappear and he was not a criminal.

Three days after his disappearance, the Lee County Sheriffs Office received a 911 call around 10:55 p.m. reporting a man who was possibly intoxicated driving eastbound on Highway 280 near 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 a news release from June 10.

Shortly after, a responding deputy found a white Ford truck in a ditch alongside the highway less than one mile east of Lee Road 250, according to the news release. Authorities said he approached the truck and saw a man they later identified as Gibbs asleep in the drivers seat of the vehicle with what appeared to be a rifle in the seat beside the individual.

Officials said the deputy called for backup and a second deputy arrived around 11 p.m. They allegedly saw the truck begin to back out of the ditch. Authorities said a shot was fired from the drivers vehicle before deputies returned fire.

Officials said they then approached the vehicle and saw a handgun in Gibbs hand and a semi-automatic shotgun with an extended magazine in the seat beside him. There was no mention of the deputies being injured.

This is certainly very personal with us, Jones said. That is the absolute last thing we want to engage in is a situation like this. Its just unfortunate circumstances.

Family pleads for closure and the publics help

Marvin Pendarvis, a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives and lawyer with the RJN legal team, addressed the accusation that Gibbs was armed when he was found in his truck on June 9.

We understand that there are multiple allegations that there were shots fired, Pendarvis said. Were asking the sheriffs office  if they believe that their officers were in the right and that they should be exonerated of any wrong doing  than release the video. Give this community...give this family some since of closure as to what happened so that we can see it for ourself.

Johnson said his team had a meeting early Tuesday with Cpt. Jimmy Taylor of the Lee County Sheriffs Office. He said they were denied when they requested body and dash cam footage, 911 calls, and incident and autopsy reports. He said the Alabama Law Enforcement Agencys State Bureau of Investigation had all the info and evidence about the case because they were the agency handling it.

Its standard protocol for ALEA to handle deadly incidents involving law enforcement.

The family were not satisfied with what they were saying Johnson said. Its always a tragedy when someone dies and the family dont know too much about anything about his death.

He said Taylor told him he couldnt tell them much about the incident since it remains under investigation. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agencys State Bureau of Investigation has been handling the case, which is standard protocol for deputy-involved shootings. He said he also heard Taylor state that deputies fired their weapons after only hearing gunshots fired in their direction.

Following the press conference, the Jones confirmed that the LCSO met with Gibbs family earlier in the day. Jones extended our sympathy to them on the loss of their loved one.

They are understandably seeking information regarding the encounter between Lee County sheriffs deputies and Mr. Gibbs the evening of June 9, 2023, Jones said. The family was provided what information we could share which is limited due to the independent, ongoing nature of the investigation being conducted by the State Bureau of Investigation Division of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

Once completed, the SBI will submit their findings to the Lee County District Attorney for consideration by a grand jury," the sheriff said.

Deputies return to duty as state investigation continues

Johnson said Taylor also told him the deputies who fired shots have returned to patrol duty. After the allegations, Jones said the sheriffs office stands by its original statement and confirmed that his deputies have returned to duty.

If we encounter an individual with a firearm and he fires a shot toward us, were going to return fire. Thats our policy, said Jones, who declined to release the names of the deputies. Theres no doubt shots were fired and heard. Thats true, obviously. But in the circumstance, the indication was a shot was fired at the deputies, and thats toward the deputies and thats why they returned fire.

Jones added that its also a part of their policy to fire shots when they simply hear shots fired in their direction.

The sheriff said its normal for deputies of his who have been placed on administrative leave to return to duty while under investigation so long as they follow protocol. He said they must first undergo counseling and pass a peer assessment for fitness. He said how long that process takes is determined on a case-by-case basis and could differ depending on the person involved.

Its a deliberate process whereby there physical, and mental, and psychologicalit involves a holistic approach to their fitness to return to duty, he said.

Gibbs is the cousin of Walter Scott, an unarmed man killed by police in 2015

During the press conference, the family described Gibbs as a big-hearted person that put his familys needs first and was a father before anything. His wife, daughter Deandrea, and son Lucius were among the family members who attended the press conference.

He loved his family. He loved his children. He loved me, said Jeanette, Gibbs wife of 36 years. All that I want done today is justice.

This is not the first time someone in their family has died at the hands of law enforcement. Gibbs is the cousin of Walter Scott, a 50-year-old unarmed Black man who was killed by a North Charleston police officer Michael Slager during a routine traffic stop in 2015.

Anthony Scott, Walters brother, spoke at the press conference. He called Gibbs death a tremendous loss to the community. He described the Cross, South Carolina, man as a friend, a mentor and a force to be reckoned with who could control a situation.

We need closure for his children, for his grandchildren and for his wife, Scott said. Were seeking that and thats what we need to have, and we need to get it as soon as possible.

Johnson asked that anyone with information on the shooting to call RJNs 24/7 gun violence hotline at 1-800-694-1981.
Jennifer Lawrence, and Meryl Streep, among hundreds of other A-list actors, have signed a letter to SAG-AFTRA urging the union to take a harder line in negotiations with Hollywood studios.

The letter, which was obtained by Rolling Stone, warns that the actors are prepared to strike to forge the best deal possible.

Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, and Other A-List Actors Threaten to Strike

The letter obtained by Rolling Stone says, "We hope you've heard the message from us: This is an unprecedented inflection point in our industry, and what might be considered a good deal in any other years is simply not enough."

They add, "We feel that our wages, our craft, our creative freedom, and the power of our union have all been undermined in the last decade."

And as such, the letter signed by hundreds of members, including Rami Malek and Neil Patrik Harris, stresses that "we need to reverse those trajectories."

High-profile actors like Quinta Brunson, Ben Stiller, Amy Schumer, Amy Poehler, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus have also signed the letter to SAG.

The letter revealed that the signatories are "prepared to strike if it comes to that" even if going that route "brings incredible hardships to so many, and no one wants it."

Read Also: Dream Team Commence: Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks To Star In Steven Spielberg's Film on Pentagon Papers Leak

SAG Voted To Authorize a Strike

According to Variety, the Screen Actor's Guild (SAG) president Fran Drescher and national executive director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtee-Ireland recently told its hundreds of members that the negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers were "extremely productive." They are now racing to forge a deal since the June 30 deadline is fast approaching with a few days left.

It is worth mentioning that last month, SAG-AFTRA members voted to authorize a strike if the negotiations fail to reach an agreement on a new contract with Hollywood studios come June 30.

However, more than 300 actors have now responded to the recent message of the SAG president. They are urging the SAG leadership to ensure that the deal holistically represents their demands in the first place.

In their recent letter to the SAG leadership, they threatened to join the Writer's Guild of America (WGA) in their strike if the deal fails to represent their demands.

The Messenger reports that actors like Kevin Bacon, Alison Brie, and Dave Franco have signed the letter to SAG. Besides them, Liam Neeson, Elliot Page, Joey King, Brendan Fraser, Sara Bareilles, and so on also joined the joint message.

Related Article: Jennifer Lawrence Speaks Out About Trauma of Leaked Nude Pictures, Why She Vanished From Spotlight

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
1 x 1 = 2



- terrence howard

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mte, Jess

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...and it kept getting worse. Me, while I was reading this shit......and it kept getting worse.

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 The body knows how to heal itself



My asthma, migraines and hayfever say otherwise. Fuck this idiot, its so so patronising to anyone suffering chronic illness.

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Anyone who says this is a dumbass who doesn't know how fucking messed up immune systems are



Thanks bud, try saying that shit to anyone with an autoimmune disorder

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That's how I always feel. People who say this shit don't actually have any health problems they deal with. They have no idea what it's really like.

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I was thinking the same thing. It's a big spit in the face at all the victims of cancer who just weren't playing their Tibetan sound bowls.

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Apparently my dad and grandma didn't get the same memo as Garlic Boi or they'd still be alive.



Edited at 2023-06-28 07:43 pm (UTC)

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Right? Pretty sure the 9lb tumor I got removed wasn't my body healing it's self. Same with the MS and migraines. Not sure how those are helping me. I'm going to say that the medications I use made by science are the things keeping me going.

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Yeah I know a few people battling long covid too and it seems truly awful! Im so tired of the ignorance.



Edited at 2023-06-28 08:04 pm (UTC)

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lmao my body literally mostly knows how to eat my own brain and spinal cord, and I have to literally take poison every month to stop it from doing it



like yeah sometimes it is poison, the medicine. I feel like shit for a full week and puke a LOT after my Kesimpta shot for MS, because it's freakin' low-dose chemo, but taking poison is still better than allowing my immune system to chew through my spinal cord. Many bodies do not only not naturally heal themselves, some of us have bodies working ACTIVELY against us!

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my thyroid ain't gonna act right without the levothyroxine

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Then why medicine?



Jesus, it reminds me of that dumbass republican that was all Pregnancy from rape: A woman's body knows when the shut that down.

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Aw man. Great actor, but whew, that's a lot. Hope he doesn't ever get really sick, bc it sounds like it won't end well.

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fyi, the Jerusalem he is referencing here is a play he starred in, not the city.

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Good to know because I was sitting here so confused like,,,, on what river bro?

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Thank you for this clarification 

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Ah I thought he meant the book ! I was like well I guess thats a pretty thick book to go through if youre having covid

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Good lord. At least he took it eventually but I wonder if he took more than one dose.

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God, give me a Death Note.

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Hahaha I love how small the Japanese actor industry is cuz the ml in Death Note, plays the main villain in one of the Rurouni Kenshin movies and is the same guy in Battle Royale. Lol



Then the main Villain in Battle Royale, plays a character in the Kenshin movies too.



I bought those movies a while back!Hahaha I love how small the Japanese actor industry is cuz the ml in Death Note, plays the main villain in one of the Rurouni Kenshin movies and is the same guy in Battle Royale. LolThen the main Villain in Battle Royale, plays a character in the Kenshin movies too.

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PSA: Actors are idiots. It's a prerequisite, or at least it appears to be. "Just ask the moon, it will send you a coded message," said some actor.

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Somehow it just kept getting worse lmao

...Somehow it just kept getting worse lmao

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woo this gif took me out lol

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This fucking gif lol

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i know they both wound up saying dumb fucking shit but my god, when they did press together i was at my most fulfilled, celebritorily speaking

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I mean, it's well-established that he's also a major conspiracy theorist regarding the authorship of Shakespeare's works, so perhaps not too surprising. Brilliant actor beyond measure, but yeah.

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girl.



i do think it's true that the body knows how to heal itself i.e. medicine and surgery don't themselves heal your cells, they induce healing by the body's own mechanisms, but my question for all these people is why wouldn't you want your body to heal itself in the fastest, most optimal way that leaves you with the fewest side effects? what benefit is that to you?

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FFS you clearly fluked getting to this age Mark.



Now STFU and let the people who test hypotheses continue to prevent you from dying horribly.



I am now even more offended that Bones and All made me have to look at him in y-fronts.

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Never root for a white man. They will always let you down.

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This is so true! i was getting close to staning this guy but i'm never making that mistake again

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"He doubts the impact of chemotherapy as a friend of his broke up the cells of a tumor by relying on vibrations from a Tibetan sound bowl."



The only sound I want is someone smashing his face with a Tibetan sound bowl.

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There has been a steady migration of gold from West to East over the last three decades.

When the World Gold Council published its first Gold Demand Trends report 30 years ago, Asian demand made up 45% of the worlds total. Today, the Asian share of global gold demand is approaching 60%.

China and India have driven this migration of gold East. The World Gold Council describes the two countries as super consumers of gold. Thirty years ago, China and India accounted for about 20% of annual consumer gold demand. Today, the two countries make up nearly 50% of gold demand.

The Indian gold revolution started in the early to mid-1990s when government policy changes freed up the market. In 1992, gold demand in India accounted for 340 tons. In 2022, that had more than doubled to 742 tons.

India now ranks as the second-largest gold-consuming country in the world behind China.

Gold is not just a luxury in India. Even poor people buy gold in the Asian nation. According to an ICE 360 survey in 2018, one in every two households in India purchased gold within the last five years. Overall, 87% of households in the country own some amount of the yellow metal. Even households at the lowest income levels in India own some gold. According to the survey, more than 75% of families in the bottom 10% had managed to buy gold.

Indians traditionally buy and hold gold. Collectively, Indian households own an estimated 25,000 tons of gold and that number may be higher given the large black market in the country. The yellow metal is interwoven into the countrys marriage ceremonies and cultural rites. Indians also value gold as a store of wealth, especially in poor rural regions. Two-thirds of Indias gold demand comes from these areas, where most people live outside the official tax system. Related: Foreign Intel: Iran Close To Testing First Nuke



Weve seen a similar trajectory in China. The country also has played a significant cultural role in China, but through the last half of the 1900s, Chinese individuals were banned from buying gold. The government eased restrictions in the 1990s, and in 2002, the Shanghai Gold Exchange. Within two years, the market was completely liberalized.

Chinas annual gold consumption rose fivefold from just over 375 tons in the early 1990s to a record high of 1,347 tons in 2013. Since then, China has ranked as the worlds largest gold-consuming country.

Economic growth has helped spur demand for gold in the East. As the World Gold Council explained, This surge in demand was not just an expression of exuberance by Chinese investors free to buy gold. It was also driven by explosive economic growth, rapid urbanization and the desire for a simple alternative to the limited range of investments available domestically. The industry, acknowledging this desire for gold investment products, responded with innovation and speed.

In other words, rising affluence is intersecting with the Easts traditional affinity for gold.

Turkey, Thailand and Saudi Arabia have also reported increased imports of gold in recent years.

We also see the eastward shift of gold in central bank gold buying. The biggest buyers in recent years have all been in the East. Countries steadily increasing gold reserves include China, India, Turkey, and Singapore.

We saw the migration of gold from West to East on a micro level in late 2022. Many Western investors  particularly at the institutional level  were dumping bullion. Meanwhile, Asian buyers took advantage of lower prices to snap up less expensive jewelry, coins, and bars.

According to a fall 2022 Bloomberg report, large volumes of metal are being drawn out of vaults in financial centers like New York and heading east to meet demand in Shanghais gold market or Istanbuls Grand Bazaar.

New York and London vaults reported an exodus of more than 527 tons of gold between April and October 2022, according to data from the CME Group and the London Bullion Market Association. At the same time, gold imports into China hit a four-year high in August 2022.

In the East, many people use gold as their primary form of savings and wealth preservation. An article published by Seeking Alpha summarizes this dynamic.

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For millions of people in Asia gold still is the basic form of saving. In contrast to the West, where financialization started decades ago, and gold has slowly been removed from people their day-to-day lives. Until a financial crisis emerges, that is. In the West, people own little or no physical gold when they feel financially confident. People in the East have retained a long-term view concerning gold. Their ancestors saved in gold, and so have they been taught. With the knowledge that ultimately, gold doesnt lose its purchasing power.

Trying to get gold when a crisis rears its ugly head is a little like trying to get insurance when your house is on fire.

Western investors spurn gold to their own detriment.

By Zerohedge.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
With Saudi Arabia on one side of it and Iran on the other, Qatar had for a long time to play a delicate diplomatic balancing act between the two great Middle Eastern powers and their principal superpower sponsors. In Saudi Arabias case, its key superpower backer for decades was the U.S., of course, and in Irans case over the same period it was Russia and then China as well. Following the recent landmark relationship resumption deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran, brokered by China, analysed in depth in my new book on the new global oil market order, there have been fears in Washington that Qatar might slip firmly as well into the China-Russia sphere of influence. This would jeopardise the informal understanding reached between the U.S. and Qatar after Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which was that Qatar would continue to provide the West with vital new supplies of gas to substitute those lost from Russia. According to sources close to the U.S.s and European Unions energy security complexes spoken to exclusively by OilPrice.com last week, Qatar is firming up another huge long-term deal to supply liquefied natural gas to China.

The latest deal involves two parts. The first is a 27-year agreement for Qatar  the worlds largest exporter of LNG  to supply China (in the shape of the China's National Petroleum Corporation, CNPC) with 4 million tons of LNG per year. The second is an agreement for CNPC to also take a 5 percent equity stake of one LNG train of QatarEnergys North Field Expansion gas project. On the first part, as also analysed in depth in my new book, from just over one year before Russias invasion of Ukraine, China had been engaged in a flurry of activity to expand its sources and methods of gas supply. This began in earnest with Qatar in March 2021 when a 10-year purchase and sales agreement was signed between the China Petroleum & Chemical Corp (Sinopec) and Qatar Petroleum (QP) for 2 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG. December 2021 saw another major long-term contract for Qatar to supply China with LNG, on that occasion a deal between QatarEnergy and Guangdong Energy Group Natural Gas Co for 1 mtpa of LNG, starting in 2024 and ending in 2034, although it could be extended. A sceptic and/or realist might infer from these deals alone that Chinese President Xi Jinping has been given advanced warning of Russias invasion plans for Ukraine by his counterpart Vladimir Putin.

Related: Brazil To Finalize Wind, Hydrogen Framework By Years End

Following the invasion in February 2022, China did nothing for a while that might be construed as truly provocative by the U.S. and its allies, particularly those in Europe close to Ukraine. Beijing knew very well that the U.S. had decided to try to rally its NATO allies in drawing a line across Europe over which it would tolerate no further Russian military advances. The key to this, as examined in depth in my new book on the new global oil market order, was to ensure that Europe had sufficient gas and oil supplies to substitute for those they had lost from Russia. In particular, it was crucial that Germany had access to these supplies, as it was not only a huge buyer of Russian gas, and oil, but it was also politically and economically the de facto leader of the European Union alliance. Without Germanys support for wide-ranging sanctions on Russian gas and oil, the U.S. plan would never work, and Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine would be met with no real consequences, exactly as happened when it annexed Crimea in 2014. Urgency of replacing these supplies was vital at that point, and LNG is the swing supply of the gas sector. It can be bought and shipped at very short notice, unlike the costly and time-consuming infrastructure required to move gas through pipelines.

As highlighted in my new book, plans were quickly put into place for Europe to reduce its gas and oil needs for Russia over time, and in the interim to attempt to reduce their energy usage as winter 2022 approached. Qatar emerged as a top candidate to meet these new supply demands for Europe, for two key reasons. The first was that it already had the third-largest gas reserves in the world (after Russia and then Iran), at 872 trillion cubic feet (Tcf). The second was that at the time it had no particular allegiance to either of the major Middle Eastern powers that flanked it, or to China or Russia. May 2022, then, saw Qatar sign a declaration of intent on energy cooperation with Germany aimed at becoming its key supplier of LNG. These new supplies of LNG from Qatar would come into Germany through existing importation routes augmented by new infrastructure approved by the German Bundestag on 19 May 2022. This would include the deployment of four floating LNG import facilities on its northern coast, and two permanent onshore terminals, which were under development. These plans would run in parallel with, but were likely to be finished significantly sooner than, the plans for Qatar to also make available to Germany sizeable supplies of LNG from the Golden Pass terminal on the Gulf Coast of Texas. QatarEnergy holds a 70 percent stake in the project, with the U.S.s ExxonMobil holding the remainder. The Golden Pass terminals estimated send-out capacity is projected to be around 18 million mtpa of LNG and the facility is expected to be operational in 2024.

Following on from these developments, December 2022 saw two sales and purchase agreements signed between QatarEnergy and the U.S.s ConocoPhillips to export LNG to Germany for at least 15 years from 2026. These deals between Berlin and Doha provided Germany with 2 million mtpa of LNG, sent from Ras Laffan in Qatar to Germanys northern LNG terminal of Brunsbuettel, according to QatarEnergys chief executive officer (also Qatars Energy Minister), Saad al-Kaabi. He also stressed the broader political significance of these deals at the time: [The two sales and repurchase agreements] mark the first ever long-term LNG supply agreements to Germany, with a supply period that extends for at least 15 years, thus contributing to Germanys long-term energy security.

All was looking good for the U.S.s plans to make Qatar a key gas supplier to Europe in the new global oil market order  until November 2022. This was when a US$60 billion+ deal was struck for QatarEnergy to supply Sinopec with 4 million mtpa of LNG every year for 27 years, starting in 2026. It was at that point Chinas longest LNG supply contract and one of its largest in terms of volume. It was also the first supply deal to be announced for the Emirates North Field East project, according to al-Kaabi. He added at the time: We are very happy about this deal with Sinopec because we have had a long-term relationship in the past and this takes our relationship to new heights, as we have a sales and purchase agreement that will last into the 2050s, he underlined. This now appears to be a deal template that other Chinese oil and gas companies  although they all answer to the Chinese government  may use when it comes to Qatar LNG deals, given last weeks reports of a similar deal in the offing.

Such sizeable and long-term LNG deals with Qatar have three critical advantages for China. First, they are vital to securing access to the worlds swing gas supplies. Second, the global gas and oil market being a zero sum game as it is, such access for China from the worlds biggest supplier of LNG means reduced access to these supplies for Europe. And third, it means Chinas control over the worlds largest gas resource is strengthened. This is because Qatars North Field (on North Dome) is one half of this huge gas reserve, which holds an estimated 1,800 trillion cubic feet (51 trillion cubic metres) of non-associated natural gas and at least 50 billion barrels of natural gas condensates. The other half is Irans South Pars gas field. And China took effective control of this, along with the rest of Irans gas and oil sector, back in 2018 through the Iran-China 25-Year Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement. The full contents of this Agreement were first revealed anywhere in the world in my 3 September 2019 article on the subject and are analysed in depth as well in my new book on the new global oil market order.

By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
A senior official in Kazakhstan has conceded that a certain volume of dual-use goods is being delivered to neighboring Russia, despite efforts to prevent that from happening.

Trade and Integration Minister Serik Zhumangarin told U.S.-funded broadcaster RFE/RL, however, that items like microchips are being subjected to more rigorous controls to track their movements.

When the sanctions [against Russia were first imposed, representatives of Western countries responsible for enforcement] handed us a list of 7,000 types of goods that were the object of sanctions. In other words, our entire trade turnover. When we spoke with them, we said: This cannot all be blocked or traced, Zhumangarin told RFE/RL.

The minister said that the Kazakh government has been negotiating with its U.S. and EU interlocutors to have the number of items reduced. The final list has been compiled on the basis of parts located in Russian weapons intercepted in Ukraine, he said.

Currently, there are . 104 types of goods. This is a work in progress, Zhumangarin said.

The minister said that more than 100 companies are under close scrutiny.

I cannot tell you their names, he said.

Washington has been especially outspoken over its concern that Kazakhstan is being used as a conduit by Russia for the importation of material that could be used for its military campaign in Ukraine.

During a visit to the country in April, Matthew Axelrod, the assistant secretary for export enforcement at the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security, noted that countries like Kazakhstan are being used as a transshipment point for banned items. U.S. officials likewise identified Armenia as another important channel for Russia to import banned technology.

We are prioritizing items such as computer chips, as well as elements used in integrated electronic systems needed for Russian missiles and drones, Axelrod said, in remarks translated into Russian by Kazakh media. We are not talking about iPhones or washing machines. We are talking about specific items of computer technology used to power and navigate missiles and drones used by the Russian military machine to kill civilians and soldiers on Ukrainian soil. I want to make it very clear that the supply of such items to Russia through Kazakhstan is in direct violation of export controls.

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By Eurasianet.org

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Canada shouldnt back Canadian pipeline company TC Energy in its lawsuit against the United States, a new report from a Canadian think tank suggested.

In the $15 billion lawsuit that TC Energy has filed against the United States for the Biden Administrations cancellation of its crude oil cross-border pipeline expansion project known as the Keystone XL pipeline, Ottawa should back the United States, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives recommended.

Though the TC Energy dispute pits a Canadian company against the U.S. state, it does not follow that it is in Canadas interest for TC Energy to prevail, the report says, adding that The Keystone XL case is a clear example of a company wanting to be compensated for making a risky bet.

That risky bet refers to former President Donald Trump getting re-elected in 2020.

TC Energy originally proposed the expansion project back in 2008 in hopes of moving more than 800,000 barrels per day of tar sands oil to Gulf Coast refineries in Texas. President Obama denied the necessary permit for the project in 2015. President Trump granted it. Then President Biden revoked that permit the first day he served in office as President. TC Energy officially mothballed the project in June 2021. But the company is looking to recoup its costs from the United States.

TC Energy is hoping to recoup the costs under the NAFTA agreement that expired in 2020, arguing that the project originally dates back to 2008. NAFTA had a three-year grace period for lodging disputes, which was up on April 30after TC Energy filed its dispute.

The United States is arguing that the Biden Administration revoked the permit after NAFTA expired.

The report suggests that Canada should actively support the United States in the case and not sit idly by, which would be tantamount to suggesting the U.S. position in the matter is not credible.

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By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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China will start releasing an estimated 10 million barrels of oil imported from Iran and Venezuela and waiting at ports for weeks amid increased cargo scrutiny, Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing trading sources with knowledge of the matter.

In April, authorities at Chinas Shandong province, home to most of the independent refiners, began inspections of arriving cargoes after finding that some shipments from Iran were mislabeled as bitumen or bitumen mixtures, in an apparent attempt at bypassing the crude oil import quotas China allows and strictly monitors.

The independent refiners in the Shandong province have been the main customers of Iranian and Venezuelan crude oil in recent years, after the U.S. imposed sanctions on the oil exports of both OPEC members, Iran and Venezuela, in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

Currently, most of the stranded oil at Shandong came originally from Iran or Venezuela and has been rebranded as bitumen mixtures from Malaysia to circumvent U.S. sanctions, according to Reuters sources.

During a meeting between representatives of independent refiners and customs officials earlier this week, the Shandong customs authorities agreed to resume clearing the imports of those bitumen cargoes that meet some of the key requirements for bitumen mixtures if refiners declare they would use the mixtures for bitumen production only, the trading sources said.

The unspoken reason for the relaxations was the government was concerned with falling tax revenues and import figures as the economy is already struggling, a trader who attended the meeting told Reuters.

Bitumen and oil labeled as other heavy oil are not subject to the Chinese crude oil import quotas. However, those types of oil are subject to import and consumption taxes in China.

Last month, the authorities in the Shandong province also increased the safety checks on old vessels arriving at the major oil import port of Qingdao, as the number of old oil tankers shipping Russian oil has soared. As of the middle of May, the authorities held some ships more than 20 years old at the port for weeks.

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By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
California law experts criticize U.S. gov't for warrantless surveillance

Xinhua) 11:03, June 28, 2023

SACRAMENTO, the United States, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Two law experts in California criticized the U.S. government for warrantless surveillance of Asian Americans, and warned of consequences by citing their own experience.

Lillian Sing, a retired judge of California Superior Court, and Brian Sun, partner of Norton Rose Fulbright and board member of Committee of 100, shared their worries at a virtual conference hosted by a few Asian American groups on Monday.

"All searches of Americans in the United States should be conducted with warrants. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Security Act (FISA) has permitted warrantless searches of Americans in the United States," said Sing.

"It's dangerous for our government to conduct searches without warrants," she said.

Section 702 is a key provision of the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 that permits the government to conduct targeted surveillance of foreign persons located outside the United States. It was claimed to be a vital tool to combat terrorism after the 9/11 attack in 2001.

The law was enacted in 2008, renewed in 2017 and will expire at the end of this year. The U.S. government's efforts to renew the program have met with backlash from civil rights organizations, such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), an international non-profit digital rights group based in San Francisco, California.

"On its face, Section 702 allows the government to conduct surveillance inside the United States so long as the surveillance is directed at foreigners currently located outside the United States. It also prohibits intentionally targeting Americans. Nevertheless, the NSA (National Security Agency) routinely ('incidentally') acquires innocent Americans' communications without a probable cause warrant," the EFF noted in a story published in March.

Edward Snowden's leak showed the U.S. government was conducting mass surveillance on Americans in the United States. Snowden called out Section 702 when he revealed the U.S. secret surveillance programs 10 years ago.

Sing, the first Asian American female judge in Northern California, said she had reviewed and issued thousands of warrants prior to her retirement.

"Before issuing a warrant, I always made sure that the officer requesting for the warrant swore under penalty of perjury that the affidavit was true, and there's probable cause for the warrant," said Sing, adding that she sometimes would ask the officer for more facts before signing a warrant.

Probable cause means that there is a reasonable basis to believe that a crime had been committed, and the person most likely committed a crime or there's a reasonable basis to believe the evidence of the crime most likely is present in the place to be searched, she explained.

"In my more than 30 years as a judge, I truly believe that it is very important to have an independent judge's review for the issuance of a warrant to protect individuals' privacy," Sing told the audience.

According to a recent online forum of Cato Institute, a Washington D.C.-based think tank, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has used Section 702 to get database queries on millions of U.S. persons who were not even necessarily wanted for crime.

Over the past years, Section 702 has been used by the government against Americans in the United States, and especially disproportionately used against Asian Americans.

"This is extremely dangerous, and it's reminiscent of the Cold War and the McCarthy era of the 1950s. Today, Chinese Americans, especially those in the scientific and academic communities, have been targeted for warrantless surveillance that led to wrongful and unjust prosecutions," said Sing.

Brian Sun, former assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California and also a board member of the Alliance for Asian American Justice, shared the same concerns.

"When I was a federal prosecutor, if you wanted to go conduct a wiretap and it wasn't related to national security, the amount of hoops that you had to jump through in order to get a court to authorize a telephone interception of a subject or a target was substantial," said Sun.

"And minimization was part of it, meaning you're not supposed to listen in on stuff that doesn't have anything to do with the suspected crime activity," he added.

He said two of his recent conversations with his clients were eavesdropped on by some government agents.

"The government intercepted our attorney-client privilege communications, which I only found out later after the client was charged," said Sun.

"What bothers me is the profiling aspects and the singling out of Chinese Americans for perceived lack of loyalty. The same kind of stuff that we experienced in the 1950s during the McCarthy era continues to this day, more than 70 years later," said Sun.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
(Photo : ROMAN ROMOKHOV/AFP via Getty Images)

The United States sanctioned four companies and one individual associated with the Wagner Group.

The US Treasury Department sanctioned four "gold dealers" and one "weapons dealer" related to the Wagner Group.

The sanctions follow Yevegny Prigozhin's brief insurrection. They target Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Central African Republic, which "have participated in illegal gold deals to fund the Wagner Group to sustain and grow its military capabilities, especially in Ukraine and Africa."

US Sanctions Wagner's Gold Mining Operations

Andrey Nikolayevich Ivanov, a Wagner Group executive from Russia, "worked closely with Prigozhin's business Africa Politology and top Malian government officials on arms transactions, mining issues, and other Wagner Group activities in Mali," according to a Treasury Department announcement.

Per CNN, the US Treasury Department sanctioned Wagner group director Ivan Maslov in Mali last month for "attempting to hide its intentions to procure military supplies for use in Ukraine."

The Wagner Group's Prigozhin, a longtime Putin supporter, overthrew Russia's military leadership over the weekend by taking a southern military headquarters and leading his soldiers to Moscow.

On Saturday, he retreated and accepted a deal with Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko. Lukashenko said Prigozhin came from Moscow on Tuesday.

According to The Washington Post, the United States has previously issued multiple sanctions against Prigozhin and the Wagner Group, including allegations that he attempted to interfere with the 2016 US presidential election.

Diamville SAU and Midas Ressources SARLU, two Central African Republic-based mining companies with ties to Prigozhin, were sanctioned, along with Russia-based Limited Liability Company DM, which conducted gold sales, and Dubai-based Industrial Resources General Trading, which provided Diamville with support.

The United States also sanctioned Russian Wagner Group executive Andrei Ivanov. Treasury reports that Ivanov collaborated with Malian government officials on arms transactions, mining ventures, and other Wagner Group endeavors in Mali.

Treasury asserts that the sanctioned firms engaged in illegal gold transactions to finance the Wagner Group so that it could maintain and expand its military forces in Ukraine and Africa.

Read Also: Joe Biden Takes Orders From China Amid Russian Crisis, Donald Trump Claims

Russia's Gold Imports

In June, the Group of Seven nations agreed to prohibit gold imports from Russia to prevent Russia from exchanging gold for a more liquid foreign currency that is not subject to current sanctions.

The United Arab Emirates, a key US strategic partner in the Middle East, was previously identified by the Treasury Department as a "country of focus" for purportedly functioning as a hub for Russian sanctions evasion. According to a 2020 US Defense Intelligence Agency assessment, the UAE may provide funding for the Wagner Group. Officials from the UAE deny the allegations.

Earlier this year, US spies intercepted Russian operatives gloating that they had convinced the UAE to "work together against US and British intelligence agencies," according to a document leaked in an April intelligence compromise.

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) achieved an agreement with its Emirati counterparts that the United States believed would "deepen their liaison relationship."

The United Arab Emirates denounced the allegations as "categorically false," and the United States refused to corroborate the authenticity of the document. Several additional US government agencies released new advisories about sub-Saharan Africa's gold trade on Tuesday.

Before Progozhin consented to evacuate to neighboring Belarus, which has supported Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Wagner Group launched a brief armed rebellion against the Russian government. The Russian government announced on Tuesday that it had concluded its criminal investigation into the uprising and will not pursue charges of armed rebellion against Prigozhin.

Related Article: Russian Defense Minister Makes Rare Visit on Frontline Troops Following Wagner Mutiny

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Some of the biggest U.S. pension funds would be now $21 billion richer if they had divested from fossil fuels a decade ago, a new study by the University of Waterloo in partnership with environmental organization Stand.earth has shown.

The study analyzed the 2013-2022 performance of eight U.S. pension funds, including California Public Employees' Retirement System, California State Teachers' Retirement System, and the New York State Teachers' Retirement System. Researchers found that the cumulative value of the public company equity portfolio of pension funds would have been 13 percentage points higher on average if the funds had been divested from the energy sector ten years ago.

For six of the funds analyzed using data obtained from the Bloomberg databases, the total value of the ex-energy portfolios would have been $424.6 billion, while the total value of the reference portfolios was $402.8 billion, the study has found.

The difference in value is more than $20 billion, according to the research.

Overall, we could demonstrate that energy divestment makes sense from a financial, climate exposure, and climate impact perspective, the authors of the study wrote.

Amy Gray, senior climate finance strategist at Stand.earth, said in a statement,

If climate chaos like fires and floods weren't enough, this latest report strengthens the case even further that public pension funds must divest from fossil fuels as part of meeting their fiduciary duties.

ESG investing has gained momentum in recent years, with New York leading the pack of divesting from fossil fuels.

In April, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander unveiled a plan for a Net Zero Investment Portfolio By 2040 which includes actions by the NYC pension funds to divest to reduce risk, building on the funds historic divestment of fossil fuel reserve owners in public equities by asking all private markets managers to exclude upstream fossil fuel investments.

But states with large fossil fuel industries such as Texas, West Virginia, Louisiana, Montana, and Oklahoma are blacklisting funds managed by the worlds biggest asset manager BlackRock and other major banks and financial institutions, which, the states say, show that those financial firms are boycotting the oil and gas industry.

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By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The United States has imposed sanctions on four companies linked to the Russian private mercenary group Wagner and its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, that it said are active in illicit gold mining and trade.The companies are tied to illicit gold dealings that fund the Wagner group to sustain and expand its armed forces, including in Ukraine and Africa, the Treasury Department said in a news release on June 27. In addition to the four companies, one individual identified as a Russian executive in the Wagner group was designated for sanctions. Two of the companies designated are mining firms in the Central African Republic (CAR). The other two firms -- one in the United Arab Emirates and the other in Russia -- are identified as wholesale firms.

The Wagner Group exploits insecurity around the world, committing atrocities and criminal acts that threaten the safety, good governance, prosperity, and human rights of nations, as well as exploiting their natural resources, the department said.Brian Nelson, undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said the United States will continue to target the Wagner groups revenue streams to degrade its expansion and violence in Africa, Ukraine, and anywhere else.The entities designated for sanctions are Diamville SAU and Midas Ressources SARLU, two mining firms based in the CAR, Limited Liability Company DM based in Russia, and Dubai-based Industrial Resources General Trading.The individual targeted is Andrei Ivanov, who Treasury said worked with officials of the government of Mali on weapons deals, mining projects, and other Wagner group activities in Mali.

Catrina Doxsee, associate director and associate fellow with the Transnational Threats Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, said the crisis in Russia is over for now, but the fight to control the Wagner group has only just begun.

This is "creating an opening for the United States and its allies to dislodge Russian influence in places such as Africa," Doxsee said on Twitter.

The United States has issued sanctions against Prigozhin, who led a brief revolt over the weekend against the Kremlin, and the Wagner group multiple times.The sanctions announced on June 27 are not directly related to the uprising, which ended when Prigozhin ordered his forces to stop their march to Moscow.

By RFE/RL

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Via AG Metal Miner

Its no news that the London Metal Exchange (LME) has seen a big rise in Russian aluminum inventories in its warehouses. However, the surge in Russian metal remains a big source of concern for the business. After all, it could potentially affect aluminum prices on the exchange, which producers, consumers and traders often use as a benchmark for contracts.

Rusal, a Russian aluminum manufacturer, accounts for 5.4% of the worlds total aluminum supply. Many expect the companys output to total around 70 million tonnes this year. However, its product account for a vast percentage of LME stores. Thus far, the LME seems hesitant to exclude Russian metals from being traded and stored within its warehouses. However, producers and other market participants remain vocal in their support for Russian metal sanctions.

For example, Alcoa CEO Roy Harvey recently warned that Russian aluminum would overwhelm LME warehouses. If his prediction comes true, it could seriously hurt the LMEs benchmarking reputation.

Prices of Aluminum Could See Impact from LME Russian Aluminum Gut

The issue of too much Russian aluminum in LME warehouses could lead to a reputation crisis. Furthermore, Russia currently produces more than half of the aluminum in LME warehouses, and the percentage of Russian aluminum inventories in LME warehouses has been growing since January 2023.

When the U.S. placed import taxes on Russian metal in late February, the influx of Russian metal into its U.S. registered warehouses halted. Due to the war in Ukraine, companies in Europe and parts of Asia do not want Russian aluminum. And while they may have contracts to receive it, they will not use it and will instead give it to the LME.

Alcoa Corporation recently requested that the LME act to delist Russian-origin products to maintain the exchanges reputation and integrity. Alcoas Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Kelly Thomas, said that along with the humanitarian crisis caused by Russias invasion of Ukraine, the presence of so much Russian stock seriously threaten the global prices of aluminum and throws the reliability of the LMEs aluminum contract into question.

Examining the Potential Ramifications

So far this year, the amount of Russian aluminum in LME warehouses continues to increase. In March, the figure reached 53% after hitting 46% in February and 41% in January. April saw a brief decline to 52%. However, in May, the figure shot back up to 68%. Given the current state of affairs, many analysts expect this number to rise even further.

The global aluminum market continues to watch as the proportion of Russian metal in LME-registered warehouses grows. Since most consumers want to avoid Russian metal whenever possible, this supply and demand balance could soon impact global prices of aluminum.

If the LME does solve this issue, it risks losing its status as the gold standard for aluminum pricing. Moreover, if it cannot produce alternatives to Russian aluminum, other exchanges, like the Shanghai Futures Exchange and the CME Group, may soon replace the LME in aluminum benchmarking. After the historic March 2022 nickel squeeze, this a risk that the LME simply cannot afford to take.

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A 6-year-old boy who was rushed to the hospital after he was found down in the wave pool at Fun-Plex Waterpark has died, police said Wednesday.

Police could not elaborate on the boys cause of death, but a GoFundMe set up by the family early Wednesday said he had no brain activity and had been taken off life support.

He was a sweet 6 year old, our first son, a twin to his sister, and everything to our family, the boys mother, Makda Gebre, wrote in the GoFundMe. We are devastated.

The Sioux City, Iowa, family was asking for donations to help with funeral expenses.

Medical personnel were called to the pool at 7003 Q St. in Ralston at about 2:45 p.m. Sunday. Radio traffic indicated the boy was unconscious when he was pulled from the pool. CPR was in progress when medics arrived.

The boy was taken by ambulance to Creighton University Medical Center-Bergan Mercy and then transported to Childrens Hospital & Medical Center.

Fun-Plex, which has remained closed since Sunday, issued a statement Wednesday.

We are deeply saddened, and our thoughts are with the family during this very difficult time, the statement said. Our primary focus throughout our 40 years in business is to provide a safe environment for every person who walks through our gates. On behalf of everyone at Fun-Plex, we offer our heartfelt condolences.
A former music teacher and administrator at Blair High School was sentenced Wednesday to five years in federal prison for distributing child pornography.

The five-year sentence for Daniel Hutsell, 42, is the minimum sentence allowed by federal law for child pornography distribution offenses. He faced up to 20 years in prison.

According to statements made in court and documents, the investigation into Hutsell began almost a year before his indictment in 2022. Law enforcement was first tipped off in September 2021 after Stelivo, a company that runs a real-time chatroom website, reported that a user in Nebraska was distributing images of child pornography.

Using an account with the username G|teachrr, Hutsell sent a sexually explicit image of an 8- to 10-year-old girl to other users on the website. Investigators were able to tie the account to Hutsell by using his IP address. Stelivo reported that 10 additional pornographic images of prepubescent children were uploaded and distributed by the G|teachrr account.

In late 2021, Hutsells home was searched and his electronic devices were seized. According to the plea agreement, he admitted to law enforcement that he used the website to trade pornography and that he had seen the aforementioned photo of the young girl.

Hutsell resigned from his job at Blair High School in December following the search warrant. He was indicted in July 2022 on six child pornography charges: three for distributing the material, and three for possession. All of the possession charges involved images of children under the age of 12.

Earlier this year, Hutsell accepted a plea deal and pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 20. All other charges were dismissed.

According to a biography of Hutsell from the Nebraska School Activities Association, he was the choir director at Blair High for 15 years. In 2020, he was promoted to the schools activities director.
The City of Omaha has a new human rights and relations director.

Cailin Daly Dejillas was selected for the role after a national search, Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert announced Tuesday.

Dejillas previously worked as a senior manager at Amazon, specializing in disability, accommodations and employment investigations. She has a juris doctorate from the University of Washington School of Law and a bachelors degree in Spanish and sociology from the University of San Francisco.

Cailin recognizes the importance of community engagement to make citizens aware of the services the Human Rights and Relations Department provides, Stothert said. She has a clear vision to increase awareness and responsiveness to community concerns and lead our team of HRR employees.

Dejillas said she is thrilled to join the department.

The opportunity to support equity in my hometown is an honor, Dejillas said. I look forward to sustaining the strong services the Human Rights and Relations Department provides and expanding its visibility throughout Omaha.

Dejillas replaces Gerald Kuhn, who resigned from the role after he was placed on administrative leave in April.

Kuhn had held the assistant director role in the Human Rights and Relations Department for five years before he replaced Franklin Thompson, who had held the top role since 2017.

The department is primarily responsible for the investigation, elimination and prevention of all forms of socioeconomic disparities and prohibited discrimination in the areas of housing, employment, public accommodation and contracting.

The department also oversees the operation of the Human Rights and Relations Board and the Civil Rights Hearing Board.

Dejillas salary will be $175,000 a year. Her first day in the role is July 31.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of June 2023
Back when milk came in a glass bottle and phones hung on the wall, families adjusted the rabbit ears and got wild.

The TV series Mutual of Omahas Wild Kingdom has been a welcome guest in American living rooms since 1963, undergoing several iterations over the decades and making Marlin Perkins and Jim Fowler household names.

A reboot of the show will make its debut on NBC in October, 60 years after the original show began, offering a fresh angle on environmental conservation. It will feature veteran co-host Peter Gros and a new co-host, Rae Wynn-Grant, who says she landed the job because someone saw her speaking at a community event in Omaha and thought shed be right for the job.

The series name gains a subtitle: Protecting the Wild.

Gros, who joined the original Wild Kingdom team in 1985, said the new shows focus on conservation successes will make it stand out in a field dense with nature shows.

I think we need to create some hope rather than continue to talk about the gloom and doom, he said.

Gros said many of the shows he grew up watching were dealing with gloom and doom or teeth and claws.

I think its good that we set an example, Gros said. In the past, when we had really serious problems, we solved them. And because we figured it out, modified our behavior, many of the species have come off the Endangered Species List.

Five pilot episodes of the new show were released earlier this year and can be viewed at WildKingdom.com.

The first episode tells an eye-watering tale of two black bear cubs severely burned in a wildfire, nursed back to health and released into the wild.

Gros provides the narration, his voice authoritative and reassuring. There are brief cameos, pulled from the files, of the beloved wildlife icon Perkins.

Another episode highlights the improbable comeback of the California condor from the brink of extinction.

The series wont skip over current issues, such as climate change, Gros said.

Gros said the template of past successes can be used to talk about future problems.

And there is even more urgency to react more quickly than we have in the past, he said.

Wynn-Grant, an accomplished wildlife ecologist who grew up in San Francisco, credits the generosity of Omahans for helping her land the co-hosting job.

She said she got noticed while on an unrelated speaking engagement in Omaha in the winter of 2022  her first visit to the city.

Someone from Mutual who attended the event later suggested she would be a good fit. Before long she was side-by-side with Gros.

I used to watch Peter on TV when I was a kid, and that iteration of Wild Kingdom in the 80s and the 90s really inspired me, she said. I used to say as a kid that I wanted to be a nature show host.

Her career path first led into academia, where she established her credentials as a wildlife ecologist and conservationist.

Shes a research faculty member at the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management at the University of California at Santa Barbara, a National Geographic fellow and a visiting scientist at the American Museum of Natural History.

In a format sense, the original series broke ground for the travel-adventure videos that populate YouTube today.

Perkins and Fowler, and later Gros, would narrate step-by-step their adventures, inviting viewers to come along, but always educating.

Wynn-Grant said the new series will retain a lot of the heart of the original, bringing viewers to places they likely wouldnt be able to go very easily themselves.

Peter and I are having adventures, she said. Were going on journeys. So the audience will see us taking a boat across a body of water. Theyll see us diving. Theyll see us hiking and crawling into tight spaces and exploring caves and all of that really adventurous stuff.

In addition, she said, they aim to normalize access to the outdoors and exploring nature, telling urban wildlife stories and making sure that the show is inclusive.

She said people need hope.

Its really important that people have hope and they understand that although were facing bigger problems in the environment than we ever have faced, we also, as a society, have a history of solving really big problems, she said.

Wynn-Grant said shes studied black bears  which are no longer on the Endangered Species List  in the western United States for 13 years.

Its because real plans were put in place, and biologists and landowners and the public and politicians all worked together to figure out how we can keep the species, she said.

The original show inspired and entertained generations of Americans, and Gros and Wynn-Grant hope that continues.

Through the years, many Omahans got to meet Fowler, who died in 2019 at the age of 89.

Gros first met Fowler when they both appeared on The Tonight Show, hosted by another Nebraskan, Johnny Carson.

Fowler made numerous appearances at Omaha schools, day cares and nature centers, showing off wild creatures. Gros accompanied him at times and learned from Fowler, who he said was a great communicator.

Jim was a good friend of mine, and he was also a wonderful mentor who shared so much of his knowledge from the early days of Wild Kingdom, Gros said. And he taught me to be a professional and be gracious, and how to be a host and not to draw attention to yourself but the environment in which you were filming and the animals and the natural world that needs the attention.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of June 2023
LINCOLN  The father of a 12-year-old Lincoln boy who fell 10 feet from a rock-climbing wall at a summer camp in 2021 has sued the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Bright Lights, the nonprofit that ran the camp at the universitys Outdoor Adventure Center.

Chris Schroeder is seeking $41,663 for his sons medical expenses, as well as unspecified amounts for future medical expenses and pain and suffering.

In the lawsuit filed Friday in Lancaster County District Court, Schroeders attorney, Jonathan Urbom, said that on June 24, 2021, Schroeders son attended the rock-climbing learning camp organized by Bright Lights.

While climbing on a bouldering wall, which is done without a harness or helmet, the boy fell awkwardly from a height of 10 feet sideways onto his left arm, resulting in significant damage, Urbom said in the lawsuit

The fall resulted in an elbow fracture.

Urbom is alleging the fall was a result of the joint negligence of Bright Lights and UNL.

He alleged Bright Lights was aware that a bouldering wall was being used as a camp activity and created a peculiar risk involving a special hazard or danger and that UNL was aware of the peculiar risk of harm that exists when allowing an inexperienced climber to climb to a dangerous height of 10 feet without use of a harness or other climbing safety equipment.

Attorneys for Bright Lights and the university havent yet filed a response to the lawsuit.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of June 2023
LINCOLN  A Nebraska lawmaker filed a defamation lawsuit against a local political action committee after members claimed she was grooming her transgender son.

The complaint was filed by the Nebraska Legal Action Fund on behalf of State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, alleging that the Nebraska Freedom Coalition  including members Patrick Peterson, Robert Anthony and Malia Shirley  made "intentional, reckless, and knowingly false statements" about Hunt, claiming she sexually abused and groomed her 13-year-old son.

Today I am taking a stand against those who wish to defame, intimidate, and harass parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and advocates who stand up for our children and Nebraskans in the fight for equality across the state. No longer will we stand by while vile and defamatory statements are made to marginalize Nebraskans," Hunt said in a press release about the complaint.

The coalition made such claims on Twitter after Hunt shared that her son was transgender during a contentious debate over a bill that will restrict access to gender-affirming care for individuals under 19. Since then, the coalition has repeatedly called Hunt a "groomer," and posted photos of her child.

Following the initial post, the Nebraska Legal Action Fund requested the coalition retract its statements, but the coalition doubled down in a post that was still pinned on its Twitter page as of Wednesday.

According to the complaint, the coalition intended to accuse Hunt of a crime through these statements. In Nebraska, grooming is considered a form of child abuse.

"As a mother there is perhaps no worse crime to be accused of, than the sexual abuse of your own child," the complaint reads. "The Coalition accused her exactly of that, with no basis in fact, and did so knowingly."

Prompted by the coalition's posts, the complaint claims that Hunt has been subject to harassment and threatening statements. An Omaha lawyer filed a complaint against Hunt arguing that she had a conflict of interest in the debate on the gender care bill due to her son being transgender  that complaint was recently dismissed.

Hunt isn't seeking a specific amount through the lawsuit, just "general reputational damages," including attorneys' fees, as determined by a jury.

When asked for a comment on the lawsuit, the coalition said more commentary is "coming soon" and referred people to its website.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of June 2023
A 65-year-old Ravenna, Nebraska, man died Tuesday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash near Kearney.

Patrick Caddy, 65, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Buffalo County Sheriff's Office. The county attorney ordered an autopsy.

Investigators responded to the scene of the crash about 5 miles north of Kearney on Nebraska Highway 10 shortly after 1 p.m. Deputies reported finding a midsize SUV in a ditch just south of 160th Road.

The investigation determined that the SUV had left the roadway and entered the west ditch. Caddy, the vehicle's lone occupant, had been ejected in the crash.

Deputies were assisted by members of the Kearney police and rescue personnel.
The European Union (EU) has set sights on blocking the sun to combat climate change.

A document, which Bloomberg obtained, revealed that the bloc plans to assess the geoengineering route.

EU Considers to Block the Sun to Fight Climate Change

As per Bloomberg New, the EU is considering a radical new plan to fight climate change: blocking out the sun.

The EU is set to join the international movement to look into possible ways to fight climate change. To do so, they are looking into methods, which deflect the sun's rays to address the warming temperature.

On Wednesday, the European Union plans to showcase the framework that will assess the problems that the warming climate leaves behind. It includes issues such as scarcity of food and water, which could lead to widespread migration.

And on top of that, the assessment also looks into the possible issues that atmosphere re-engineering methods could bring.

A document, which Bloomberg obtained, says, "These technologies introduce new risks to people and ecosystems, while they could also increase power imbalances between nations, spark conflicts and raise a myriad of ethical, legal, governance and political issues."

According to Fox News, the tech is aptly called solar rotation modification. The EU plans to study this groundbreaking innovation as it considers using it to fight climate change in the region.

EU's upcoming assessment plans to weigh the pros and cons of geoengineering since it may trigger dangerous issues along the way.

The idea, which is still in the early stages of development, would involve using a fleet of balloons to spray a fine mist of reflective particles into the stratosphere. It would create a thin veil that would block some of the sun's rays from reaching the Earth, ideally cooling the planet's atmosphere.

Read Also:EU Urges Countries to Ban Huawei, ZTE from 5G Networks Over Security Concerns

Blocking the Sun to Stop Climate Change?

It is worth noting that the EU is not the first to consider this idea.

As The Daily Beast reports, the White House is also looking to take this route. Last October 13, the United States (US) Government announced that it funded a five-year-research plan, which looks into the proposal of using geoengineering to fight climate change. It involves using methods that artificially alter the climate on our home planet.

Some experts are pushing for geoengineering to fight the worsening climate crisis.

However, critics warn that the artificial method ruins the rain patterns, among other side effects. They also believe that geoengineering veers away from the root problem, which triggers the rapid global warming, none other than the widespread emissions.

Related Article: EU Countries Seek To Prevent Russia From Circumventing Sanctions Over Ukraine War

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A 42-year old woman and her daughter have been arrested for allegedly stealing a 4-year-old child, Mesoma Ikoko in Onitsha, Anambra state. The suspects, Ngozi Ede and Kosiso Ede (17), were said to have stolen the baby from the custody of her mother.

They had sold the baby for N250,000 to a woman before they were apprehended.

Confirming the incident, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Haruna, said the suspects, including the buyer were arrested following discrete investigation.

He said the sum of N250,000 suspected to be part of the proceeds of the illicit transaction was recovered as exhibit.

He said, 13/02/2019 at about 5:20pm, Police detectives attached to Awada Division arrested one Ngozi Ede f aged 42 years and her daughter Kosiso Ede f aged 17 years of No 4 Ukaegbu Junction, Awada.

Suspects have conspired and stole one Mesoma Ikoko aged 4 years from the custody of her Mother, one Nneka Ikoko f of Mammy market, Army Barracks, Onitsha on the 10/02/2019.

Preliminary investigation further led to the arrest of one Ifeoma Okeke f aged 45 years who collected the child from the above mentioned suspects and handed over to one Ifeoma.

In a related case, two persons, Nwakaeze Chukwuebuka (29) and John Udechukwu (28) were arrested over alleged threat to kidnap a 58-year old woman in Ihialla.

The suspects were said to have also made a demand of N2million ransom.

The police spokesperson, Mohammed Haruna, confirmed the incident, saying the case was being investigated.

On 8/2/2019 at about 9pm, following intelligence report, Police detectives attached to the Command Special Anti-robbery Squad arrested the suspects.

Suspects had on the 4/2/2019 threatened to kidnap one Mrs. Anatestial Orji f  aged 58 years of Umueze Ihiala through a strange phone call or pay a ransom of two Million Naira.

He said the suspects had confessed voluntarily, listing the exhibits recovered in their possession to include the phone used in perpetrating the crime.

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The convicts

Justice Fatun Riman of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, today May 10th, convicted and sentenced Daniel Iluobe, Ifeanyi Chukwudi Paul and Godwin Joseph Ovboke to two years imprisonment each, for internet fraud.

Iluobe, while posing as a Chinese, Huang Guang, fraudulently sent electronic messages to a Chinese woman promising her marriage. He further demanded the sum of $200 which his victim sent to him via Western Union.

The EFC in a statement released, said Ovboke falsely portrayed himself as Lancelot Degory, a United States citizen, and succeeded in defrauding one Cheow Lim of $1,400, after he lied to her that he was going to meet her in Singapore where they were supposed to get married.

Paul on the other hand claimed he was a Construction Engineer based in Syria, and under that guise, he succeeded in defrauding one Simone Cardoso of 600 (Six Hundred Pounds) with a false promise of marriage.

The convicts were arraigned on separate charges and all three pleaded guilty to the one-count charge preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Before they were convicted and sentenced for their various offences, the prosecuting counsel, N.K. Ukoha prayed the court to allow his witness take the stand and review the facts of the cases.

The prosecution witness, Joseph Simon Akor, an EFCC operative, narrated how the convicts were arrested at different locations and on different dates, following intelligence gathered during surveillance.

He told the court that Paul was arrested on May 5, 2019 at his apartment on Charles Effiong Close, Satellite Town, Calabar, while Ovboke and Iluobe were arrested at Itagbor Agbeansa area of Calabar.

During investigations, forensic analysis carried out on their laptops showed that they were into internet fraud as we saw all the electronic messages they used to dupe their victims, he said.

After leading the witness in evidence, Ukoha then urged the court to convict and sentence them, accordingly.

While delivering judgement, Justice Riman sentenced Iluobe to two years in prison with an option of fine of N50,000, and ordered that the convict must restitute the entire sum of $200 (Two Hundred Dollars) to his victim.

Ovboke was sentenced to two years in prison with an option of fine of N100,000 and ordered to refund the sum of $1,400 to the victim as restitution.

Paul was also sentenced to two years in prison with an option of fine of N100,000. He was also ordered by the court to pay back 600 (Six Hundred Pounds) to the victim he defrauded.

The court also ordered that all three convicts forfeit every item recovered from them at the point of arrest to the Federal Government.

They are currently in prison where theyll remain till they fulfil the conditions given them by the court or serve out their prison terms.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), says the directive for the removal of the CEO of Oando Plc and other top management staff of the company and the appointment of an interim management team to temporarily steer the affairs of the company was to protect investors and preserve stakeholder value.

The commission in a statement on Sunday said that failure or refusal of the commission to act in the face of the serious issues thrown up by the investigations or to reverse its directive would undermine the Federal Governments agenda to build strong institutions.

National Daily recalls that SEC on June 2, following the outcome of its forensic audit constituted an Interim Management team for the company to be headed by Sunmonu for embattled Oando Plc.

It noted that Sunmonu would oversee the affairs the company and conduct an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on or before July 1, to appoint new board of directors.

But the Federal High Court Lagos on June 3 granted an interim injunction to the embattled management of Oando restraining SEC from executing an interim management in the company.

The interim injunction followed an application filed by Messrs Jubril Adewale Tinubu, embattled GCEO and Omamofe Boyo, for the enforcement of their fundamental human rights.

It also restrained the commission from imposing a fine of N91.13 million on Tinubu and barring him and Boyo from being directors of public companies for five years.

According to the commission, affected persons were given sufficient opportunity of being heard before they were penalised.

The commission said in Lagos that there were various opportunities by the company to defend themselves during the investigation by SEC and during the forensic audit.

The findings of the commission was communicated to the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Oando Plc by a letter dated July 10, 2017, SEC said in statement by Mrs Efe Ebelo, its Head, Corporate Communications.

ALSO READ: Oando replies SEC over decision on Tinubu, others

In the course of conducting the forensic audit, Deloitte & Touche held regular sessions with members of the board and senior management of Oando Plc, and afforded them the opportunity to provide explanations on issues relating to the audit.

The responses given by Oando Plc, were, however, considered unsatisfactory; prompting, the decision by the Commission to penalise the company and some of the individuals related to it for violations of securities laws.

The actions of the commission were properly effected pursuant to the provisions of the Investments & Securities Act (ISA) 2007 and the SEC Rules and Regulations made pursuant to the ISA 2007, SEC said.

It added that these facts had been properly articulated in the court process it filed at the Federal High Court in response to the suit instituted by the Group Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer of Oando Plc.

As the apex regulator of the Nigerian capital market, the commission has a mandate to protect investors, it said.
Northern senators, who are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 10th Senate have made a fresh demand for the position of the Majority Leader.

Some of them, who spoke at different fora, on the conditions of anonymity in Abuja, yesterday, said, The move by some South West lawmakers to produce a Yoruba Majority Leader could further divide the red chamber.

News Direct had reported that two ranking senators, Messrs Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North) and Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), were in the race for the position of the Senate Majority Leader from the South West geopolitical zone.

But one of the northern senators wondered why the campaign coordinator of the President of the Senate, was not appointed as Majority Leader, based on the already established precedents.

He urged the National Working Committee (NWC) of APC to address the alleged imbalance in the Senate, insisting that senators from the North were currently feeling marginalised.

We know the Director of Akpabios campaign and we know his deputy. When Ahmad Lawan campaigned and he got the Senate President, it was the Director General of his campaign organisation, Abdullahi Yahaya that became the Senate Leader.

When Senator Ali Ndume was the campaign director for Senator Bukola Saraki, he became the Senate Leader. When Ndoma Egba was made the campaign coordinator for David Mark, he became the Senate Leader.

I wonder why the deputy campaign coordinator of Senator Godswill Akpabio should be made the Senate Leader as against the coordinator.

Another ranking senator from the North, who spoke along the line, explained that the leadership of the Senate and the partys NWC should handle the issue with care to avoid a possible crisis in the 10th Senate.

He said, If not because of some of us, Akpabio would have lost. Despite the fight that we put on, we escaped with only 17 votes because Senator Abdulaziz Yari needed only nine votes to win.

He (Yari) got 46 votes. More than 20 senators in the Akpabios camp are there because of some of us from the North, not because of Akpabio. These are facts.

The senators they are pushing for from the South West have never been in the leadership. Ndume was a Minority Leader. He was a Senate Leader. He led the campaign for Akpabio and hes a ranking Senator, he said.

In the meantime, some senators had also faulted Akpabios appointment of two southern Christians as his Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff.

They alleged that the development would make Akpabio inaccessible to his colleagues from the northern part of the Country.

Akpabio, had on Monday, appointed Chief Sylvester Okonkwo as his Chief of Staff and Saviour Enyiekere, as his Deputy Chief of Staff.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) made multiple transfers totalling $616 million to the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) between August 2016 and November 2018 in a rare practice that exposes the opaque dealings of the apex bank under the recently suspended Governor Godwin Emefiele.

Data obtained from the website of the CBN showed that the apex bank started making these transfers to the NSA in August 2016, about a year into the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

There was no such transfer made in the years leading up to that, according to CBN data going back to 2004. But since the first transfer was done, the practice continued every month until November 2018.

The CBN has not published data on its operations since 2018, and it is, therefore, unclear if the curious payments continued. The single largest transfer of $139 million was made in November 2016.

At Nigerias current exchange rate, $616 million is equivalent to N426 billion, a third of the amount budgeted for defence in 2022.

A text message seeking comment from the CBN was unanswered.

Such outflows from the CBN to the office of the NSA raise a red flag and begs the question of what it was used for, a former central bank official who did not want to be quoted said.

Anything that must flow to security should be transparent and be in local currency. Even if we assume it was for the importation of ammunition, it should be in the public domain but this isnt; so something is wrong, the source said.

Another source said: More than half a billion dollars cannot move from the CBN to the office of the NSA without the approval of the president who ironically detained (Sambo) Dasuki for misappropriation of funds.

Dasuki, who served as NSA under former President Goodluck Jonathan, was jailed for more than four years after he was indicted by a panel for stealing $2 billion meant for the purchase of arms and ammunition for the Nigerian military.

The very corruption Buhari sought to end thrived right under his nose, another source told BusinessDay.

They whined about how much money went under the radar under Jonathan but it seems they have questions of their own to answer, the source, who did not want to be quoted due to the sensitivity of the matter, said.

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo repeatedly alleged in the early days of the Buhari administration that large sums of money in local and foreign currencies were stolen by some people in the former President Jonathan-led Peoples Democratic Party administration a few weeks before the 2015 general elections.
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From Mba Nnenna  Abakaliki.

Ebonyi State Government is to establish a mega Drug Distribution Center in the State to curb drug abuse and misuse.

Governor Francis Nwifuru disclosed this while addressing members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Ebonyi State Chapter who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

The Governor noted that the centre when completed will further enhance access and delivery of quality drugs to Ebonyi Citizens in record time.

You requested for Drug Distribution Center as it is in Kano, Kaduna and Anambra, I am interested and I direct the Commissioner for Health to ensure that the construction starts before the end of next week.

He called on members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Ebonyi State Chapter to brace up in the fight against infiltration of quacks in order to save Citizens from consequences of wrong usage of drugs.

I must tell you that I am happy that you are here, happy because the visit is apt. We have a serious challenge, we enacted a Law in 2019, anti-quackery but that law has not been fully operational and it will be operational this time around, Nwifuru said.

The Governor also affirmed his preparedness to roll out drug revolving scheme to ensure proactive dispensing of drugs to any part of the State.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Society of Nigeria, Ebonyi State Chapter, Pharmacist Benard Anasi commended the Governor for his approval for the recruitment of 39 Pharmacists into the Health Sector and assured of their readiness to render technical support to the Government in implementing its agenda in the Sector.

Your Excellency Sir, we are here to pledge our solidarity and support to your efforts of building bridges of friendship across professional bodies to improve the wellbeing of our people.We are very grateful to His Excellency for graciously approving the employment of 39 pharmacists and other health professionals to bring health closer to Ebonyians, he added.

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Today, Special Assistant to the President for Gender Policy Latifa Lyles, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Chair Charlotte Burrows, and Principal Deputy Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division at the U.S. Department of Labor Jessica Looman hosted a roundtable conversation to discuss the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), which went into effect today, and the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act.

These laws, which President Biden signed in December 2022, advance the President and Vice President's commitment to ensuring America's workers have access to good jobs, and safe and healthy workplaces free from discrimination. Today's event included workers, employers, advocates, and unions.

READ NEXT: Statement from President Biden on International Day in Support of Victims of Torture



Participants discussed how the PWFA will help millions of pregnant and postpartum workers request reasonable accommodations in the workplace and ensure they are able to stay in their jobs. They also discussed how the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act extends break time and private space protections for nursing parents to nine million workers, including teachers, nurses, and farmworkers.

During the event, workers shared their stories about their need for accommodations at work to maintain a healthy pregnancy and the importance of being able to pump at work. The Administration officials shared information and new resources to help workers and employers understand their rights and responsibilities under these laws, and underscored the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to supporting the well-being and economic security of pregnant, postpartum, and nursing women.

READ MORE: Statement from President Joe Biden on the Anniversary of Landmark Marriage Equality Rulings

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Ukrainian forces have liberated the southeastern village of Rivnopil from Russian control, Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said on Monday.

Rivnopil lies west of a cluster of settlements that Ukraine says it recaptured from Russian forces earlier this month after launching a counteroffensive.

Ukrainian Defence forces have brought Rivnopil back under our control. We are moving ahead, Maliar wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

ALSO READ: Kastina: Bandits rape women, kills vigilante

Maliar said in an earlier statement that Ukrainian forces had liberated about 130 square km (50 square miles) in South Ukraine since the counterattack began.

Russia, which launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, still holds swathes of territory in the east and south.
American rapper Caswell Senior, better known as Casanova, has been sentenced to 188 months imprisonment for racketeering & narcotics offenses.

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, made the announcement in a press release on Tuesday, June 27. U.S.

Attorney Damian Williams said, Caswell Senior is not just a notorious recording artist, but he is also a high-profile leader of a vicious street gang & a magnet for gang violence.

ALSO READ: Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool begin discussion with Osimhen

At a crowded Miami house party, Senior personally fired a gun that seriously injured & could have killed a victim, inciting a shootout.

Further, Seniors stature in the community was central to Gorilla Stones successful recruitment & nationwide expansion.

Todays sentencing  along with the other significant sentences that have been imposed in this case  shows once again that gang life is not worth it & will lead to many years in prison.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday called on Nigerians to maintain faith in God and the countrys potential for peace, stability, and prosperity.

Tinubu made the call during the observation of the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at Dodan Barracks prayer ground, Lagos.

After the prayers, the president while addressing reporters, stressed the importance of unity and cooperation, urging citizens to set aside ethnic and religious rivalries.

He expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the nations well-being and prayed for good health and prosperity for all Nigerians.

Tinubu highlighted the significance of collective sacrifices and reassured the population that Allah does not burden individuals with more than they can bear. Encouraging faith in the nations ability to overcome challenges, he stressed the need for Nigerians to come together and contribute to its development.

I thank Almighty Allah for keeping us in good health till today and pray to Him to grant us robust health and prosperity. May our sacrifices turn to prosperity. We have to make the sacrifices, and that is clear, we have to.

But Allah will not give you a burden that you cannot carry. He is there for us. We must have faith in the country. Have faith in ourselves, believing that as citizens of this country, we must join hands to build the nation.

No religious identity, no tribal identity, let us live with one another in joy and prosperity. Nigeria will see peace and stability and God will grant peace to those of us at the war front, he said.

The Eid prayer, led by the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaiman Oluwatoyin Abu-Nolah, commenced at 9 a.m. The Chief Imam also performed the ritual slaughtering of a ram, symbolising the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim to Allahs command.

Lagos state deputy governor Obafemi Hamzat, speaking on behalf of the state governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, extended greetings to Muslims across Nigeria and within the state, wishing them joy during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

He called for unity in supporting President Tinubus efforts to improve the nation, emphasising the need to pray for leaders and their success in their respective roles.

Among those that attended the gathering included the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the former Governor of Lagos State and immediate past Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; as well as Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, among other government officials.

In other news, Kanyi Daily reported that the Former Governor of Oyo State, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja on Wednesday, broke his silence on the elevation of 11 High Chiefs to the status of beaded crown Oba.

Ladoja, who is also the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, said he was not interested in any crown than that of Olubadan of Ibadanland.

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The Abuja Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has secured the conviction of two persons Adegbayi Tunde Yusuf and Emmanuel Ikenna Ogu for Impersonation, Fraud.

The commission made this known in a statement shared on its Twitter handle on Tuesday.

Justice A.Y. Shafa of the FCT High Court Gwagwalada-Abuja gave the verdict.

The charge reads, that you, Adegbayi Tunde Yusuf sometime in 2023 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court committed the offence of cheating by personation when you pretended to be one Fillipo Marrazzo, an Italian citizen which you were not, created a fake Facebook account and benefitted the sum of $200 (Two Hundred United States Dollars) from your victim, Sonia Marina, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 321 and punishable under Section 324 of the Penal Code Act, Laws of the Federation, 2004.

ALSO READ: Mendy faces fresh trial over sexual assault

That you Emmanuel Ikenna Ogu sometime in 2023 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory attempted to cheat by impersonation when you created a Snapchat profile with the name Jayden Fields, a soldier with the United States of America Army with the aim to commit an offence and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 95 of the Penal Code Law, Laws of the Federation, Abuja 1990 and punishable under Section 324 of the same Law.

Justice Shafa found Yusuf guilty and sentenced him to one month in prison with an option of a N200,000 fine. His iPhone, which he used to commit the crime, was also ordered to be burnt on the court premises.

Ogu was convicted to two weeks in prison and a N200,000 fine. His iPhone will likewise be burned on the court grounds.
President Muhammadu Buhari has scheduled his next trip from Saudi Arabia, where he would participate in the Economic Forum of the Future Investment Initiative (FII), to London for a private visit.

KanyiDaily had reported that that Buhari departed Abuja on Monday for Saudi Arabia, to attend the third edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) organised by Saudis Public Investment Fund (PIF).

The event will hold from Tuesday, October 29 to Thursday, October 31, 2019.

However, a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Femi Adesina, said President Buhari is not expected back in Nigeria until November 17.

According to the statement, Buhari would leave Saudi Arabia for the United Kingdom on November 2 for a private visit. It reads:

President Buhari on the sideline of the event, would hold bilateral talks with His Majesty King Salman and His Majesty King Abdullah ll of Jordan. On Wednesday, 30th October 2019, the President will participate in the High-Level Event titled: What is Next for Africa: How will Investment and Trade Transform the Continent into the Next Great Economic Success Story? with Presidents of Kenya, Congo-Brazzaville and Burkina Faso. At the end of the summit, President Buhari will on Saturday 2nd November 2019, proceed to the United Kingdom on a private visit. He is expected to return to Nigeria on 17th November 2019.

The Presidents visit to the UK, it is speculated, will provide him an opportunity to see his doctors who have managed his health challenges in time past.

Buharis health has been a sticking point among Nigerians who have watched him travel to the UK severally in recent years.

In May 2017, the President left Nigeria for the UK where he was treated for an undisclosed illness, leaving Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to function in an acting capacity until he returned to the country on August 21.

That followed an earlier visit to London in January of same year.
Majority of Christian worshippers in Osun state stayed at home on Sunday as directed by the state government to tackle the spread of the coronavirus in the state.

Recall that the Secretary to the state government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji, had on Saturday in a statement ban all public gatherings.

The statement added that the latest directive became necessary following fresh cases of COVID-19, as announced by the Federal Ministry of Health.

The State Government of Osun had initially announced a ban on public gatherings having 50 or more people, but reviewed the position following the announcement of more confirmed cases by the Federal Ministry of Health.

The Headquarters of Winner Chapel, located around Ring Road in the metropolis was under lock and key when our Correspondent visited the church early Sunday morning.

Security guards at the entrance of the church declined comment, claiming they were not authorized to speak to press on any issue.

In the same way, the Redeemed Christian Church, situated around Gbongan-Osogbo road was also shut down, likewise Celestial Church of Christ, Parish 1, Ayetoro, as well as the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Region 79, Omobolanle district, Osogbo.

Meanwhile, there was an unconfirmed report that one of the orthodox churches within the metropolis was open for service, during which the pastor of the church was apprehended amid stiff resistance from church members.

Although, the Police Public Relations Officer for the state command, SP Folashade Odoro, when contacted declined comment, saying she was not aware of such development.

However, Mr Afolabi Babawale, the Public Relation Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) Osun command told newsmen that officers of the corps who were part of the enforcement team were attacked at Ede.

He specifically accused members of Obada Baptism Church in the town of attacking NSCDC officers, alleging that a political leader in the town was said to have instigated the resistance.
Nigeria has recorded 14 new coronavirus cases, bringing the number of infections in the country to 288.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control announced this on its Twitter handle on Thursday.

It tweeted, Fourteen new cases of #COVID19 have been reported in Nigeria: 13 in Lagos and 1 in Delta State.

Fourteen new cases of #COVID19 have been reported in Nigeria: 13 in Lagos and 1 in Delta State As at 09:30 pm 9th April there are 288 confirmed cases of #COVID19 reported in Nigeria. Fifty-one have been discharged with seven deaths pic.twitter.com/DuP2SGUiTy  NCDC (@NCDCgov) April 9, 2020

Meanwhile, Lagos State Government has commenced house-to-house case identification to detect possible cases of COVID-19 in the State.

This was contained in a statement from the Lagos Ministry of Health on Thursday.

The statement quoted that the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, as saying this during a joint ministerial press briefing on COVID19 intervention in Lagos State held on Thursday in Alausa, Ikeja.

Recall that Chikwe Ihekweazu, the director-general of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has disclosed that 90% of COVID-19 patients recover without any intervention.

He said: We should remember that 90 per cent of these patients recover without any intervention. So, if you take something and say you recovered and that something is why you recovered, it doesnt quite add up.

The NCDC boss further explained that very few viruses have a cure. He said COVID-19 patients are given oxygen at the hospital which is not a treatment but administered to keep the patients alive for long enough to recover yourself.

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NORMAL  Smoky air traveling south from a historic wildfire season in Canada blanketed the region this week, leading to event cancellations, increased hospitalizations and precautions for vulnerable populations.

The Canadian wildfires have caused smoke to drift south to southern Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and West Virginia. Most of Central Illinois is set to remain under an air quality alert through Thursday night, with authorities urging people who have heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teenagers and other sensitive groups to avoid long or intense outdoor activity. Several area organizations on Wednesday had postponed events or moved them indoors.

Although rain forecasts are expected to lessen the severity of the haze, the Associated Press has reported that recent heavy rains have failed to quell the most active wildfires in Quebec, which will worsen the smoky air in parts of the country.

Lori Ritter, trauma and quality coordinator for Carle BroMenn Medical Center, said they are seeing an increased number of patients presenting in the emergency department with respiratory issues.

Most of these patients have asthma and chronic lung diseases. However, all but one were able to go home, she added. Most of the visits occurred on Tuesday but one asthma patient was seen on Wednesday.

Mandy Benning, clinical supervisor for Carle Convenient Care, said two patients presented to convenient care on Tuesday, one of which was an asthma exacerbation.

However, OSF media relations coordinator Matt Sheehan said as of Wednesday, there has not been an uptick in respiratory-related hospitalizations as a result of the air quality.

Pantagraph Chief Meteorologist Matt Holiner said as of Wednesday morning, the air quality index value was up to 291 in Central Illinois. This puts the region in the very unhealthy range, which is the fifth of six air quality classifications.

An air quality index value of 300 or more puts an area in the hazardous sixth category.

Masking up

Holiner said older adults, children and those with heart or lung conditions should avoid outdoor activity. All other should limit their outdoor activity and consider wearing an N95 or KN95 face mask.

KN95 masks currently are being offered for free at Illinois State Universitys Bone Student Center, Milner Library and Linkins Dining Center. A tweet from ISU advises individuals to limit their outdoor activities.

Isolated showers and a shift in the winds out of south are expected to provide some improvement in air quality for Central Illinois, which it ranked in the level four unhealthy category on Wednesday. A stronger chance of rain Thursday is expected to lower the threat level to the third category, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Children, older adults, and those with heart or lung conditions can resume outdoor activities (at a category three air quality) but should avoid extended amounts of time outside and strenuous activities, Holiner said. With additional rain and southerly winds, air quality should finally reach the level 2 moderate range on Friday.

Air quality may not return to its lowest quality index value until additional rain falls on the Canadian wildfires, he added.

Because of current conditions, some senior living facilities had to relocate planned outdoor activities due to the air quality.

Lacey Ritchart, marketing director for Westminster Village, said the facilitys Life Enrichment Team moved sponsored events activities that were scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday indoors.

Of course, our residents have access to the news and weather alerts regarding air quality levels and reserve the right to make their own decisions and determine their own risk tolerance regarding time they may choose to spend outdoors, Ritchart said.

Cathy Beck, executive director of the McLean County Emergency Management Agency, said she was working with county administrators, the county health department and the National Weather Service to publish information about the situation on the agencys Facebook page.

The agency also was working to identify public locations where residents can get out of the hazardous air. Individuals may visit the Bloomington Public Library, Normal Public Library and Uptown Station during normal business hours to avoid the smoke.

Protecting wildlife

Miller Park Zoo Director Jay Pratte said in an email that they have been in communication with their veterinary team and the other regional zoos to better understand best practices when handling animals who may be more susceptible to the air quality.

Those animals have either been contained in their holding areas or provided access to the indoor and outdoor parts of their habitat to allow to be where they feel most comfortable, Pratte said.

Pearl Yusuf, the zoos general curator, said bird species present the most concern, but they want to be sure all animals avoid prolonged exposure to the hazardous conditions.

Any animal can have compromised respiratory concerns, Yusuf said. If we were talking about a fire closer by, there would be more of a push to sequester the animals in off exhibit, even in sometimes less ideal spaces.

Zookeepers and staff are weighing the animals behavior and response to their environment along with the advice of their veterinarians to help guide them, Yusuf said.

Pratte said they are checking in on their staff to ensure everyone has access to mask and remain indoors in well-ventilated areas when possible.

The junior zookeepers and other camps have been provided masks when outside and organizers adjusted the schedules so that everyone could experience indoor activities Wednesday, Pratte said.
(Photo : Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

A California man was sentenced to more than six years in prison in relation to a $9 million Ponzi scheme where he claimed that he could turn cow manure into green energy.

A California man was sentenced to more than six years in prison for a $9 million Ponzi scheme where the suspect claimed he could turn cow manure into green energy.

The defendant, identified as Raymond Holcomb Brewer, falsely claimed for five years that he was an engineer who ran a company that built anaerobic digestion plants. He said that these could convert manure into biogas, said the United States Attorney's office for the Eastern District of California on Monday.

Cow Manure Ponzi Scheme

The 66-year-old Porterville resident told his investors that he was building the plants and would be able to generate millions of dollars in revenue by selling the biogas. The statement added that the suspect said that his investors would receive two-thirds of the profits that he makes, as well as tax incentives.

The U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of California, Phillip A. Talbert, said in a sentencing memorandum that none of the suspect's claims were true. He added that Brewer did not even begin construction on a single digester and took the money he got from his investors and ran away, as per the New York Times.

The suspect pleaded guilty to fraud charges in February, and federal prosecutors said he spent the money he got on a 3,700-square-foot custom home in California, a 12-acre plot of land in Montana, and new Dodge Ram pickup trucks.

Anaerobic digesters are equipment that use bacteria to break down organic material and then produce a gas that consists mainly of methane and carbon dioxide. Authorities from New York City and other areas have used the process to address sewage, food scraps, and farm waste while generating renewable natural gas.

Brewer's elaborate scheme of pretending to run such a complicated process started in 2014, the federal indictment said. He then conducted the affairs primarily through a Wyoming corporation that had its capital place of business in California. It was named CH4 Power, based on the chemical formula for methane.

Read Also: Walt Nauta Arraignment Delayed Due to Storm, Failure To Secure Lawyer

Falsely Claiming To Produce Green Energy

The suspect gave his clients tours of farms where he falsely claimed that he would build the anaerobic digesters and showed forged lease agreements to dairy owners. He also faked photos and sent them to his clients to show his digesters under construction, according to The Messenger.

The 66-year-old also distributed his profits across multiple bank accounts and lied to his investors about the purpose of the transfers. When some farmers demanded Brewer return their money, he transferred funds from other farms to cover the expense.

Brewer later moved to Montana and assumed a new identity to hide after investors finally realized the fraudulent scheme and filed lawsuits against him. When he was arrested, he told authorities they had the wrong person. He also claimed he was in the United States Navy and saved several soldiers from a fire.

In a statement, prosecutors said that Brewer has since admitted that both of the statements were lies meant to curry favor with law enforcement. The suspect was initially indicted on 24 counts, which include wire fraud, money laundering, and identity theft, said CBS News.

Related Article: Oregon Passes Ban on TikTok, Other Chinese Apps on State Government Devices

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BLOOMINGTON  A McLean County man has been sentenced to 55 years in prison on child pornography charges.

David S. Fry, 71, of Normal was arrested in January 2022 and charged with 45 counts of child pornography; 16 of those were Class 2 felonies and 29 were Class 3.

He pleaded guilty to 10 counts of Class 2 child pornography, described as possessions of a photograph or other similar visual reproduction or depiction by computer of a minor child whom he reasonably should have known to be under the age of 13, according to court documents.

The offenses were eligible for probation, and his attorney Phil Finegan asked Judge Jason Chambers to give Fry to a community-based sentence, arguing that despite the defendants risk of recidivism, there are intervention tools and limits that could be implemented under a term of probation.

Finegan also noted Frys lack of criminal history, previous military service and guilty plea as elements in his favor.

I can think of no greater way to take responsibility than to come before the court and say I am guilty of these 10 offenses, Finegan said.

Assistant States Attorney Mary Lawson asked Chambers to sentence Fry to seven years on each count to total 70 years in the Department of Corrections, arguing he poses too much of a risk to the community" for a community-based sentence.

Frys ex-wife testified Tuesday, recalling the police executing a search warrant at their home during the investigation and how she and others were affected throughout the process. She said she was devastated and that Fry had preyed on her and a minor child.

I just worry about who the next child could be, she said, asking the judge to rule against a community-based sentence. She said now that she knew the offenses he had committed, she saw some of his past behavior as predatory.

A woman whose image from childhood appeared in the child pornography files that were found on Frys devices submitted a victim impact statement that Lawson read in court.

I was groomed. I was groomed my whole childhood, she wrote, noting that Fry was always taking pictures of her. I spent my entire adult life trying to recover from something that I didnt even realize had happened to me. ... Somewhere in his mind he believes that he owns me. I will never feel safe if he isnt in prison.

Det. Kendra DeRosa, the lead detective on the case from the Normal Police Department, also testified Tuesday, describing aspects of the investigation as part of the Illinois Attorney Generals Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, of which she is a member.

She said law enforcement found letters, written as sort of journal entries, that Fry wrote sexualizing a child.

DeRosa said they also found that the childs face had been edited onto several nude images of women as well as underage girls.

In a statement to the judge, Fry said he wanted to express regret and apologize for downloading inappropriate images.

He said he had clicked on an email ad that led him to more images, despite that the Holy Spirit was telling me they were inappropriate.

Fry told the judge, No human being ever saw a pornographic image, adult or child, from my computer or tablet from my efforts, apologizing to the law enforcement and court personnel who had to view them for this case.

I cannot express my regret directly to the victims in those images, but I do apologize to them with the court as my proxy, he said, noting he perpetuated their victimization.

Fry said he believed he had already paid a significant price for his actions and asked for a community-based sentence so that he may begin the work of reconciling with his family and church.

Chambers said a probation sentence would deprecate the seriousness of the offenses.

He sentenced Fry to five and half years on each count in the Department of Corrections, to be served consecutively for a total of 55 years at 50%.

Fry was further sentenced to mandatory supervised release for a term of three years to life, required to register as a sex offender and fined $1,000 on each count.

Finegan declined to comment after the hearing.

Updated mug shots from The Pantagraph Bryant Lewis Derek Roesch Justin M. Mata Marcus D. Wesley Phillip Tinch Trisha L. Hanke William B. Givens David L. Oliver Kenneth E. Funk Jordan R. King Holly M. Isaacson Kenneth L. Minton Tony L. Jackson Britley L. Hilger Jasmine L. Smith Jackie S. Claypool Noah R. Demuth Brandon L. Parsano Alexander N. Williams Carlos Sanchez-Solozarzano Jaylin S. Bones Jordan R. King Dominique M. Banks Austin T. Daugherty Sandra M. Lewis Samantha E. Morris Nolan C. Love Nikkita L. Sandefur Katlin M.B. Wilson Eli C. Garozzo Tysean T. Townsend Curtis J. Byrd Noral K. Nelson Charles J. Tankson Davis, Micah S Livingston, Joshua D. Kevin L. Ewen Emmanuel K. Mpay Ahmad S. Manns Dylan R Mann Tony L. Jackson William R. Linden Zadek U. Moen Zachary T. Willis Cecily M. Sexton Tonisha A. Jackson James A. McConnaughay Jessica M. Longberry Barry D. Guyton Keon E. Spiller Melina Aguilar Carlos D. Cregan Wayne M. Damron Terrance L. Ford Stanley M. Miller Darryl R. Vinson Jarvis K. Heads Wesley M. Noonan Brad Carter Brian K. Burnett Kenneth D. Downey Kenyon J. Bones
NORMAL  Midwest Food Bank is sending disaster relief to support those affected by the tornadoes in the southern United States.

Tornado activity has reached near record levels in 2023, with fatalities predicted to be the highest on record, according to the food bank.

Three semitruck loads of water and food boxes recently left the food bank's disaster relief hub in Morton. One load left June 24 heading for Jackson, Mississippi, and another left June 27 for Arlington, Texas.

A third load left Wednesday for Tulsa, Oklahoma, and more trucks are expected to head to Oklahoma and Texas later this week. The food and water supplies are distributed by The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army is assessing the needs in the area, and more relief may be requested in the coming days.

To donate, visit midwestfoodbank.org/locations/morton-il or text @MFB to 52014.

Midwest Food Bank Gala Dinner and Auction Jenn Steidinger, David Keiser, Brad Steidinger Trace Brim, Rocky OShea, Eric and Gina Hodel, Tara Ingham Enjoying the hors d oeuvres Rebekah Hoffman Hors doeuvres Paulette and Kent Zimmerman Kevin and Lindsay Wiegand, Lori and Larry Wiegand Elizabeth, Andrew and Alison Hoffman Nancy and Steve Smith Ready for guests Duane Kieser, Mark Streitmatter, Trace Brim Keiser grandchildren Sara and Shauna Streitmatter , Denise Brim Mary and Roger Stoller Francesca Erb, Denise Hodges Pat and Dean Messinger Monica and Steve Scheuer Registering guests for the gala Approximately 400 were in attendance Guests dined in the warehouse Karen, Travis and Paul Kieser Elaine Young, Dorothy Walder, Judy and Ron Knapp Steve Baner, Rich and Karen Stoller, Bethany and Karl Edelman Gina and Eric Hodel, Delayne and Lori Stickling Jackie and Richard Martin Share the Light Enjoying the evening
Gov. J.B. Pritzker is defending his decision to close enrollment for many people in a health care program for immigrants in the country without legal permission, arguing he did what was necessary to preserve coverage for those who are already enrolled.

The move came as part of an eleventh-hour budget deal in May that provided $550 million for the program  half of the projected cost for the budget year that begins July 1  and gave Pritzker the power to make changes to control costs while accepting the political liability for those efforts.

We need to make sure that were living within our fiscal limits within the state of Illinois, Pritzker said Monday during an unrelated event at Chicagos Union Station. Thats something that wasnt done for a number of years in Illinois.

Additionally, the Cook County hospital system will have its reimbursement rate for services provided to people in the program cut as a result of the changes announced June 16. The county had been paid at a higher rate than other providers under the program that was introduced in 2020, but the state has indicated that the county will be expected to repay the amount it received above the standard reimbursement.

Pritzker, a second-term Democrat who campaigned for reelection as a progressive who supports providing health care and other services regardless of immigration status, pointed to the budget pressures a day after telling reporters at a Pride Parade event that members of the state legislatures Latino caucus knew exactly what we were doing.

And in fact, what we have done, and its in part because of their advocacy, is weve saved the program to provide health care for undocumented immigrants, Pritzker said Sunday. And its a paused program that I hope and intend to expand.

Among those criticizing the governors actions, which include closing enrollment July 1 for people under 65 who are currently eligible and capping enrollment for people 65 and older, was U.S. Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia, a Chicago Democrat. In a statement earlier this month, Garcia said that the moves by Pritzker were wrong and will have life-and-death consequences.

The state is trying to save money by ripping away care from undocumented people  care they were promised and programs that many immigrants have paid into. In the end, defunding preventive care will cost everyone more money and more pain, said Garcia, who attended Mondays Union Station event alongside the governor.

Asked about such criticism, Pritzker said: Were all working together  and were talking about the congresspeople as well as our members of the General Assembly and everybody who cares about this program to provide health care  to provide this program for 63,000 people in the state of Illinois. Were continuing to do that; in fact, theres room for a few more within the program and within the budget.

In addition to closing enrollment for people ages 42 to 64 beginning next month, Pritzker also is capping enrollment in the program for people 65 and older once the total number of participants reaches 16,500.

As of June 7, there were 63,255 people enrolled in the program, including 14,594 people 65 or older, according to Healthcare and Family Services. The department did not provide updated figures Monday.

The program also will begin charging copays of $250 for inpatient hospitalizations and $100 for emergency room visits if the services they receive arent eligible for reimbursements from the federal government. There also will be a 10% coinsurance charge for outpatient services at hospitals or ambulatory surgery centers.

Created in 2020, the program originally provided Medicaid-style coverage to immigrants 65 and older who are in the country without legal permission or who have green cards but havent completed a five-year waiting period and are therefore ineligible for the traditional health insurance program for the poor, which is jointly funded by the federal government. Since then, the program has been expanded twice, and it now covers those 42 and older.

Advocates and some Democratic lawmakers have pushed for the program to be expanded to cover people 19 and older.

Photos: Pritzker sworn in for second term
Like many people, I was glued to the news for much of Saturday, watching what seemed, at least for a moment, to be the first stages of a coup d'etat -- and it still might be. The only thing we know for certain is that if this is the beginning of the end of Vladimir Putin's rule, that story won't begin with the mutinous mercenary warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin leading an armored column of troops, guns a-blazing, into Moscow.

The funniest thing about much of the reporting and commentary of Prigozhin's "March for Justice," both in real-time and after, is how often observers described the spectacle as "unprecedented." The (London) Telegraph's "Ukraine: The Latest" podcast -- the best single source for daily coverage of the Ukraine war -- described the "unprecedented coup against the Kremlin" at the top of a special Saturday episode, only for the panelists to commence debating which coups from Russian history served as the best precedent for the unfolding events in Russia.

Even Putin, in his angry Saturday address, compared Prigozhin's "stab in the back" to General Lavr Kornilov's attempted coup in 1917 that paved the way for the Bolshevik Revolution and the Russian Civil War.

The point isn't merely to nitpick -- "unprecedented" isn't a synonym for "shocking" or "momentous" -- but to point out that you can't understand what's unfolding in Russia unless you take into account that such events are actually extremely precedented. Indeed, since at least the 1700s Russian history is really a story of coups of one sort or another.

That's because Russia is different. In Western Europe, nobles drew their power and authority from their deep roots in their feudal territories. They answered to the throne, but they were largely sovereign over their own holdings. This diffusion of power and legitimacy created the space for the rise of liberalism and democracy in the West. The Magna Carta, for instance, was essentially a power-sharing agreement between King John and his nobles.

In Russia, under the pomestie system, nobles ruled various regions as emissaries of the Czar, who literally owned all of Russia. Russian pomeshchiki were more like colonial governors, or warlord-contractors, with little connection to, or interest in, the serfs and peasants they exploited.

"All the things that connected the nobility of feudal Europe to a village or county -- networks of charity and patronage, parish life, corporate bodies and local government, in short everything that fosters regional identities and loyalties -- were thus missing in Russia," writes Orlando Figes in his masterful "The Story of Russia." "It was only from the middle of the 19th century that these local networks and identities began to evolve -- too late, as it turned out, to sustain the development of an independent civil society or a democratic form of government."

Thus, Figes observes, the "persistence of autocracy in Russia is explained less by the state's strength than by the weakness of society."

A parallel dynamic can be seen in the evolution of religion in Western Europe, where the authority of the church and the authority of monarchs were in constant tension. In Russia, no such tension existed because the Czar was simultaneously the supreme religious authority and secular ruler to the point where the distinction between secular and religious did not exist.

Seen from this perspective, Soviet rule, particularly under Stalin, was more of a continuation of Russian history than a break with it. Putin sees himself in this light, which explains why he lionizes both Czarist and Communist history without any sense of contradiction.

This political tradition not only makes it very hard for Westerners to understand the Russian mind, it makes it hard to understand what is going on there. We tend to see power as something granted from below, primarily through elections. Power is held accountable by the press but also competing spheres of power via divided government, checks and balances, and the rule of law. In Russia, power is unitary and seized from the top. Elections -- if they occur at all -- and the press are propaganda tools used to ratify the unitary power of the ruler.

Liberal democracies are designed to be adaptive, flexible or antifragile. Russian autocracy is like marble, extremely strong but also very brittle. That's why cracks in the perception of power, often after military setbacks, can quickly lead to real collapses in power.

Putin and his apologists have assumed that time is on Russia's side in the war with Ukraine. On paper, it can look that way militarily. But Ukraine and its Western backers have proven resilient while Putin's Russia looks more brittle by the day.
A teacher in Italy who was sacked for 20 years of absence in 24 years at schools near Venice has vowed to tell her side of the story.



Cinzia Paolina De Lio was dismissed in 2017 after she reappeared for four months and triggered complaints.



Italys highest court confirmed the dismissal after a legal battle, saying her absences showed a permanent and absolute ineptitude.



Ms De Lio has condemned the ruling and vowed to reconstruct the truth.



The secondary school teacher, who specialises in history and philosophy, said she had documents to prove her story but told Repubblica newspaper: Sorry, but right now Im at the beach.



I will reconstruct the truth of the facts of this absolutely unique and surreal story, she said adding, I dont answer questions from journalists thrown around that wouldnt do justice to the truth of my story.



Ms De Lio was reinstated in 2018 after a ruling by a judge in Venice but the education ministry appealed against the decision and it was reversed by the Supreme Court of Cassation last week.



The ministry argued that the teacher had kept out of the classroom for 20 out of her 24 years of service. For the first 10 years she was completely absent, and her absences in the other 14 years were attributed to sickness, personal or family reasons.



The court heard that in a four-month period in 2015 when she did teach in Chioggia near Venice, students complained of her lack of preparedness, her failure to bring textbooks and her random and improvised way of marking.



An inspection found she was unprepared and inattentive, and students refused to take part in her classes as she was distracted by her phone.



Her 2017 dismissal turned into a legal battle, going through an appeal and counter-appeal, before finally arriving at the top court.



Her defence of freedom of teaching was rejected by the court which argued it was the teachers responsibility to guarantee students right to study.



Describing herself now as a freelance journalist, she told Italian media that she had documents to refute the claim that she had been absent for 20 years.



The education ministry said it would increasingly strive to ensure that the activity of teaching is carried out with adequate professionalism.

Source: BBC









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James Gyakye Quayson has won the Assin North constituency by-election according to official results from the Electoral Commission (EC), Tuesday evening.



He garnered 17,245 of the total valid votes cast representing 57.56% beating his close contender, Charles Opoku who had 12,630 votes representing 42.15 percent.



Bernice Enyonam Sefenu of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) polled only 87 votes or 0.29%.



The EC declaring the results said voter turnout was 74.23%; the total valid votes were 29962, total rejected ballots were 456 and the total votes cast was 30418.



In the 2020 Parliamentary election in Assin North, Gyakye Quayson won with 17,498 votes as against the then NPP candidate Abena Durowaa Mensah who had 14,193 votes.



It didn't go well - NPP Director of IT



The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Director of IT, Eric Ntori speaking at the collation centre to Joy News said "it didn't go well" for the party.



"It didnt go well for us but it doesnt matter that we lost it allwell go back to the drawing board; prepare again and come back in 2024 and make sure we can snatch the seat again".



SC of Assin North has spoken



The National Organiser of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) George Opare Addo has hailed the constituents of Assin North for proving that "they still prefer Gyakye Quayson"



We have comfortably won the election. The Supreme Court of Assin North has spoken to the Supreme Court of Ghana that they still prefer Gyakye Quayson as their Member of Parliament, he told Joy News.







Source: Peacefmonline.com









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The town of Ilulissat, North Greenland. Many people live in such small coastal towns and smaller villages, where climate change affects both land and sea. Credit: Kelton Minor

A new survey shows that the largely Indigenous population of Greenland is highly aware that the climate is changing, and far more likely than people in other Arctic nations to say they are personally affected. Yet, many do not blame human influencesespecially those living traditional subsistence lifestyles most directly hit by the impacts of rapidly wasting ice and radical changes in weather. The study appears this week in the journal Nature Climate Change.

"Greenland is off the charts when it comes to the proportion of people who are seeing and personally experiencing the effects of climate change. But there is a big mismatch between climate science and local awareness of human-caused climate change," said lead author Kelton Minor, a postdoctoral researcher at Columbia University's Data Science Institute and the Columbia Climate School. The researchers suggest that educational and cultural factors play a role.

Arctic regions are warming as much as four times faster than the world average, and Greenlanders, who rely on frigid seasonal conditions for hunting, fishing and travel, are on the front lines. Snow and sea ice, once predictable platforms for getting from place to place and making a living, are declining; rain storms are increasing, even in winter; permafrost is melting; and the mighty central ice sheet is rapidly losing mass. These changes are contributing to creeping sea-level rise on faraway shores, but for Greenlanders the effects are immediate.

The authors of the study surveyed some 1,600 people, some 4% of Greenland's adult population. They found that 89% believe climate change is happeningsimilar to other nations with at least some Arctic territory, including Sweden, Canada, Russia and Iceland. (The exception: the United States, at only 68%.) That said, the proportion of Greenlanders saying they are personally experiencing the effects is more than twice that of other Arctic nationsnearly 80%. Among fishers, hunters and people living in small, rural villages, the proportion is close to 85%.

Yet, when asked whether humans are causing the changes, only about 50% made this connection, and in rural areas it was only 40%.

Greenland's fast-changing environment is a major center of climate research, yet many residents seem out of touch with the results. Here, researchers cross the melting surface of the Russell Glacier. Credit: Kevin Krajick/Earth Institute

The researchers say the study suggests that education plays a strong role, noting that many people in rural areas do not have a secondary education. "Villages don't have the same access to formal education, particularly past elementary school, and that may explain a lot of it," said Minor. He points out that climate researchers from around the world have been converging on Greenland for decades, and that much of the evidence pinning climate change on humans has emerged from their work. "One of the core insights of modern climate science, derived in part from the Greenland ice sheet, may not be widely available to Greenland's public," he said.

Warming climate works its way into nearly every aspect of life, in sometimes surprising ways. For instance, many people live on narrow strips of ice-free coastal land nestled up against the towering interior ice sheet. In some areas, the ice surface is melting so fast that it is perceptibly sinking, like the top of a mountain being bulldozed off; as a result, people in some settlements are getting more hours of daylight, as the sun rises over a newly lowered horizon. And, unlike most of the world, sea levels here are mostly sinking, not rising. This is due in part to the fact that as the ice wastes, pressure is taken off the land, and the land is rising. In a largely roadless land, this presents potential blockages to navigation in heavily used but already often shallow coastal watersthe subject of a separate investigation by Columbia scientists.

Cultural historian Manumina Lund-Jensen, of Ilisimatusarfik Greenland University and a co-author of the study, suggests a further dimension to beliefs about humans and the environment. "In Greenland, most people interact with Sila, [the] Greenlandic spirit of the air, the weather, [which] also describes our consciousness, and connection to the universe," she said. "Knowledge about Sila has been transmitted through generations by oral traditions and observations, and can make the difference of survival for oneself and others."

This view may "increase the psychological distance to the anthropogenic signal in the climate system," she writes in the study. "Humans may not be viewed as powerful in relation to Sila."

People's overall views of nature may have practical effects, the researchers say. Minor says that although it was not part of the current study, it seems that those who discount human influence may be more likely to view changes as mainly harmfulshorter hunting seasons, more dangerous storms, more unpredictable weather.

On the other hand, those who make human the connection may see it differently. Case in point: the world is running short of sand, a key ingredient in concrete. Greenland is now swimming in it, as glaciers pull back, leaving behind vast deposits of it. Previous research indicates that those aware of human influence on climate are more likely to consider human action to adapt, said Minor, and favor exporting this suddenly available commodity.

"Perceptions of climate change impacts and causes are key drivers of societal climate mitigation and adaptation," said study co-author Minik Rosing, a geologist at the University of Copenhagen. "Understanding how perceptions are shaped is fundamental for both climate change research and informing climate action."

The researchers write that policymakers and civic institutions should "support the convergence of highly adaptive Inuit knowledge of Sila and local climate variability with climate scientists' knowledge," and that climate projections and historical insights derived from the ice sheet "be widely disseminated and integrated into Greenland's primary school educational curricula in concert with Inuit knowledge."

More information: Kelton Minor et al, Experience exceeds awareness of anthropogenic climate change in Greenland, Nature Climate Change (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41558-023-01701-9 Journal information: Nature Climate Change

Provided by Columbia Climate School
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Electronic skins based on quasi-2D microcapsule networks. A) Scheme of graphene microcapsule production through a soft-landing method. B) Mesh-based cascade size exclusion diameter fractions of microcapsules. Inset, optical image of graphene microcapsule trapped by 500 m steel wire mesh. C) Construction of  850 m electronic. i) Capsules are deposited onto a layer of Ecoflex between silver paint contacts and silver wire leads previous adhered to the surface. ii) A thin layer of Ecoflex is then placed across the surface of the sample, fully encapsulating the capsules. iii) A completed electronic skin. D) Scheme showing the cross-section of an assembled electronic skin device. E) Optimized gauge factor for  650 m electronic skin was invariant with quasi-2D network areal size. Dashed line is the predicted optimized gauge factor of a single  650 m capsule. Inset is an optical image of a  650 m microcapsule quasi-2D network (A  5 mm2) between to silver electrodes on a Ecoflex substrate, scale bar equivalent to 1 mm. F) Optical image collage of different size fraction microcapsule networks: i) 800 900 m, ii) 600700 m, iii) 260320 m. G) Electromechanical response of quasi-2D networks as a function of mean microcapsule diameter making up the network. H) Master plot of optimized gauge factor for all system types in the study. Credit: Advanced Functional Materials (2023). DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202303837

Currently much of the research on nanocomposite-based sensors is related to non-sustainable materials. This means that these devices contribute to plastic waste when they are no longer in use. A new study, published on 28 June in Advanced Functional Materials, shows for the first time that it is possible to combine molecular gastronomy concepts with biodegradable materials to create devices that are not only environmentally friendly, but also have the potential to outperform the non-sustainable ones.

Scientists used seaweed and salt, two very commonly used materials in the restaurant industry, to create graphene capsules made up of a solid seaweed/graphene gel layer surrounding a liquid graphene ink core. This technique is similar to how Michelin star restaurants serve capsules with a solid seaweed/raspberry jam layer surrounding a liquid jam core.

Unlike the molecular gastronomy capsules though, the graphene capsules are very sensitive to pressure; so, when squeezed or compressed, their electrical properties change dramatically. This means that they can be utilized as highly efficient strain sensors and can facilitate the creation of smart wearable skin-on devices for high precision, real-time biomechanical and vital signs measurements.

Dr. Dimitrios Papageorgiou, Lecturer in Materials Science at Queen Mary University of London, said, "By introducing a ground-breaking fusion of culinary artistry and cutting-edge nanotechnology, we harnessed the extraordinary properties of newly created seaweed-graphene microcapsules that redefine the possibilities of wearable electronics.

"Our discoveries offer a powerful framework for scientists to reinvent nanocomposite wearable technologies for high precision health diagnostics, while our commitment to recyclable and biodegradable materials is fully aligned with environmentally conscious innovation."

This research can now be used as a blueprint by other labs to understand and manipulate the strain sensing properties of similar materials, pushing the concept of nano-based wearable technologies to new heights.

The environmental impact of plastic waste has had a profound effect on our livelihoods and there is a need for future plastic-based epidermal electronics to trend towards more sustainable approaches. The fact that these capsules are made using recyclable and biodegradable materials could impact the way we think about wearable sensing devices and the effect of their presence.

Dr. Papageorgiou said, "We are also very proud of the collaborative effort between Dr. Conor Boland's group from University of Sussex and my group from Queen Mary University of London that fueled this ground-breaking research. This partnership exemplifies the power of scientific collaboration, bringing together diverse expertise to push the boundaries of innovation."

More information: Adel K. A. Aljarid et al, Smart Skins Based on Assembled Piezoresistive Networks of Sustainable Graphene Microcapsules for High Precision Health Diagnostics, Advanced Functional Materials (2023). DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202303837 Journal information: Advanced Functional Materials
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Carbon-offset projects have overstated their climate benefits and struggle to deliver on their "promised land"of ton-for-ton emissions compensation. Credit: KyotoU Global Comms/Jake Tobiyama

Pledges to emit less greenhouse gases are laced with nuance. Are major oil companies (the majors) replacing fossil fuels as the dominant source of energy with cleaner alternatives, or are they merely playing poker with carbon currencies?

An international team of researchers led by Kyoto University has now conducted a first-ever study focusing on the transition and carbon-offsetting behavior of the majors. A database created for the project has been made publicly available to enhance the study's transparency, and their study is published in the journal Climatic Change.

"To measure each major's intent to transition, we applied indicators of their plans to phase out their supply of oil and gas and take responsibility for all lifecycle emissions," says Gregory Trencher of Kyoto University's Graduate School of Environmental Studies, referring to current clean energy investments that merely complement, not replace, fossil fuels.

Trencher's team investigated the behaviors of BP, Shell, Chevron, and ExxonMobil using a two-tiered analysis:

Net-zero strategy: How does each major's net-zero plans for 2050 differ with respect to the scope of emissions covered, plans to downscale fossil-fuel production, and reliance on offsets? Offsetting behavior: What kinds of offsets are leveraged for decarbonization and profit generation? How are offsets linked to core business activities?

In addition, unlike other studies that have focused on plans to increase clean energy sources, Trencher's team has conducted an extensive analysis on the majors' offsetting behavior. With net-zero, a company can purchase carbon credits from projects in developing countries, such as forest conservation energy, to claim it has reduced its own emissions.

The team reached two main conclusions from the two tiers of analysis, combining data obtained from each major's annual and sustainability reports and websites with offsetting data from the voluntary carbon market:

First, "Net-zero pledges by oil majors do not encompass a business-model transformation away from fossil fuels," comments coauthor Mathieu Blondeel of Vrije University Amsterdam. Absent are clear plans to curb both the production and sales of hydrocarbons andby a reliance on carbon offsetsto reach net-zero emissions and decarbonize conventional energy products.

Second, "Our results point to questionable climate benefits for offsets," adds Tohoku University coauthor Jusen Asuka, suggesting that most offset projects and carbon credits the majors use are for avoiding emissions rather than for physically removing emissions from the atmosphere.

These two findings challenge the authenticity of claims from the majors that have pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 while transitioning to clean energy. Achieving this requires a dual-transformative process where hydrocarbon production is progressively downscaled and then eliminated at the same time that clean energy is rapidly scaled up.

"The majors tend to claim that ordinary fossil-fuels are carbon-neutral by using carbon offsets to fast-track their progress towards net-zero targets," remarks Trencher.

"This is problematic," the lead author adds, pointing out that historical and recent evidence shows that many carbon-offset projects have overstated their climate benefits and are "unable to deliver on their promised ton-for-ton emissions compensation."

"Moreover," concludes Trencher, "with many credits coming from aged avoidance projects, our dataset shows that many offset projects do not support the physical removal of carbon emissions from the atmosphere today."

More information: Gregory Trencher et al, Do all roads lead to Paris?, Climatic Change (2023). DOI: 10.1007/s10584-023-03564-7 Journal information: Climatic Change
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Spanish firefighters battling fires near the Riviere Boisvert, northern Quebec, in Canada in June 2023.

Hundreds of international firefighters who are helping overwhelmed Canadians battle unprecedented wildfires face a complex task in the heart of the boreal forest scorched by uncontrolled blazes.

The leader of a French team deployed in Quebec, Eric Flores, told AFP he had never seen anything like it. His team was busy mopping up smoldering duff to prevent blowups when they were suddenly trapped by a fire that flared 50 meters (165 feet) behind them in a green patch of forest.

"As the fire burns underground along roots it can go places that you don't suspect. It's very unpredictable and it can flare up very quickly," he said in a telephone interview from the Abitibi-Temiscamingue region of northern Quebec.

"It's painstaking work, we advance meter by meter," he said.

After being dropped off by helicopter, crews often have to hike, carrying equipment on their backs, several kilometers into the dense forest before reaching their area of attack.

Thick and noxious smoke swirls around them along with swarms of biting black flies and mosquitoes.

"It's unlike anything we're used to in France. Imagine a wall of flames 100 meters wide, twice the height of the trees," he said. The blazes are also on average 100 times larger than those his team is used to dealing with in France.

French firefighters battling flames in forests north of Quebec, as Canada faces unprecedented levels of smoke and fire.

Let it burn

"There's a lot of smoke in the country and beyond but it is not very surprising when you see everything that is burning," added Godefroy, a French soldier deployed in Quebec who declined to give his last name.

The numbers are dizzying: at the end of June, nearly 500 wildfires were active in Canada and half of these were listed as out of control.

After an early start during an exceptionally hot, dry spring, the wildfire season is expected to continue through the summernormally peaking in July or Augustand into the fall.

With a shortage of firefighters in Canada, even with foreign reinforcements, it is impossible to battle all of the fires at once. So authorities must let some of them in sparsely populated regions burn and just try to prevent them from spreading.

"It's amazing how quickly you can go from hot charcoal to a large flame in a few seconds," said Joseph Romero, a Costa Rican firefighter deployed in Alberta.

This unprecedented fire season heralds the climate challenges that await Canada in the future. Its boreal forest is the largest intact forest in the world, with three million square kilometers undisturbed by roads, cities or industrial development. Encircling the Arcticincluding Alaska, Siberia and northern Europeit is increasingly under threat from wildfires.

Almost eight million hectares (19.7 million acres) from westernmost British Columbia to the Yukon in the north and to the Atlantic provinces, have burned so far this year.

Nova Scotia, which is normally spared the worst of Canada's forest fires, has been badly hit this year.

Fires smoldering underground

"Here, there is a 20 to 30 cm (8-12 inch) layer of fuel on the ground, which makes the fire more difficult to control. The fire burns underneath and can spread over several kilometers," said David Uruena, a Spanish firefighter in Quebec.

This humus, a characteristic of the boreal forest, partly explains the large plumes of smoke that have blocked out the sun in Canada and drifted over the United States and Europe, choking major cities in recent weeks.

"In Canada we're having to dig to reach fires smoldering deep underground," said Ditiro Moseki, a firefighter from South Africa deployed to Western Canada.

"You have to keep going back to make sure it's out," explained team leader Ongezwa Nonjiji. "In South Africa, most of the time, if it rains, you known the fire is probably out, but here in Canada after it rains you see smoke again the next morning," she said.

How fast the wildfires spreadan ember can travel several kilometers in the wind and ignite a new fireis also shocking, she said.

Cindy Alfonso, a firefighter from Costa Rica, said she was surprised that healthy "green trees are burning."

"Here, conifers are burning (even if slightly damp) because their resin is very flammable," she explained.

The sap acts as an accelerant for fast-moving blazes, with flames twice the height of trees capable of jumping over roads and other obstacles.

The climate consequences are devastating as the boreal forest releases 10 to 20 times more carbon per unit of area burned than other ecosystems. By releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, these fires in turn contribute to global warming in a vicious cycle.

 2023 AFP
Google has dropped its drag show sponsorship during Pride Month amid backlash from some Christian employees.

The tech giant's surprising decision comes in the wake of a passionate petition launched by Christian employees who expressed their discomfort with the initiative.

Google Ditches Drag Show Pride Month Sponsorship

As per CNBC, the tech giant has decided to pull the plug on its sponsorship of a highly-anticipated drag show during Pride Month.

The event was supposed to be the closing performance for the celebration of Pride month in time for the end of June. However, the search giant now distances itself from the drag show.

The move comes after some employees in the tech giant raised an internal petition, specifically urging Google to drop its drag show sponsorship, citing religious discrimination.

An internal description, which CNBC viewed, disclosed that the closing event in question is entitled "Pride and Drag Show," which puts the spotlight on "Peaches Christ." The performance is at the LGBTQ+ bar called Beaux in San Francisco.

Google confirmed to CNBC that it dropped its sponsorship for the drag event. And instead, the tech giant is kicking off a social gathering inside its offices to mark the end of the Pride Month festivities in celebration of diversity and inclusivity.

Read Also: Google May Be Forced to Split Ad-Tech Division Due to EU Antitrust Charges

Employee Petition Opposing Google's Drag Show Sponsorship

Some Google employees opposed the sponsored Pride Month closing event.

A group of workers, including hundreds of employees, signed a petition to call out the upcoming drag performance. They argue that the event disrespects and sexualizes their Christian co-workers. Furthermore, they state that the show outright discriminates against their religion.

The petition says the drag performer's "provocative and inflammatory artistry is considered a direct affront to the religious beliefs and sensitivities of Christians."

The New York Post reports that some Google employees slammed the petition of their Christian co-workers. They say the complaint feeds into political culture wars, adding that the petition is subjective.

Meanwhile, other employees called out the search giant for quietly taking down the event from their internal websites. Some accuse the company of allowing petitioners to pressure them.

Google spokesperson Chris Pappas told Fox News that the drag event that features "Peaches Christ" failed to go through the "standard events process" of the tech giant.

Although the tech giant no longer sponsors the event, the performance still prevails at the said venue. It is open to the public. And as such, the firm's spokesperson says its employees are still free to attend.

Google traditionally sponsors numerous events every Pride month in San Francisco, which includes a grand Pride parade and several drag shows.

Related Article: Man Hits 3 People After Crashing Car into Building Near Google's NYC Office

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
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LiDLs demonstrate high stability in extracellular compartments and low stability in intracellular compartments, effectively resolving the challenge faced by conventional drug delivery systems. As a result, they are promising photoswitchable carriers for intracellular substance delivery, find researchers from Japan in a new study. Credit: Yuki Sudo from Okayama University, Japan

Artificial lipid bilayer vesicle liposomes, also called proteoliposomes, are specialized systems capable of incorporating various molecules, such as chemicals and drugs. Their unique properties make them ideal carriers for delivering substances inside cells. However, they must possess the dual characteristics of high stability in extracellular environments and low stability in intracellular environments.

Several techniques have been developed to regulate the stability of liposomes in a condition-dependent manner, with pH-sensitive liposomes being widely employed. A standard measure of acidity or basicity, the pH scale ranges from 1 to 14, with 7 standing for "neutral," like water, a pH below 7 indicating acidity and that above 7 indicating basicity. Interestingly, pH-sensitive liposomes can be triggered to release their contents when exposed to an acidic pH below 5.5.

In a new study, a team of researchers, led by Professor Yuki Sudo from Okayama University, Japan, have developed a precise method of releasing contents from pH-sensitive liposomes using light. "The study presents a novel nanomaterial called light-induced disruptive liposome (LiDL) and applies it to light-controlled intracellular substance delivery," explains Prof. Sudo. Their work, co-authored by Mr. Taichi Tsuneishi of Okayama University and Prof. Yuma Yamada of Hokkaido University in Japan, was published in the journal Chemical Communications .

The researchers utilized a protein called Rubricoccus marinus Xenorhodopsin (RmXeR), derived from a marine bacterium, to initiate acidification inside liposomes using light. To study the functionality of RmXeR within liposomes without interference from pH-dependent properties, they first developed pH-insensitive proteoliposomes using the lipid hydration method, combining phosphatidylcholine from egg yolk with cholesterol. Then, purified RmXeR was incorporated via the dilution method. The researchers estimated that the pH inside the thus obtained liposomes changed from 7.0 to 4.8 upon exposure to green light, rendering them suitable for light-induced disruption.

Subsequently, the team developed pH-sensitive proteoliposomes based on 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine and cholesteryl hemisuccinate. Interestingly, before introducing RmXeR within the liposomes, the researchers incorporated a water-soluble fluorescent dye called calcein as a testing substance to evaluate their release capability.

By monitoring the fluorescence of calcein, they observed that its release from the liposomes occurred in a light-dependent manner, indicating that the liposomes effectively released substances when triggered by light. These pH-sensitive proteoliposomes, or LiDLs, displayed exceptional stability in the absence of light, maintaining their physiochemical properties when exposed to a temperature of 4C for two weeks.

In the next phase of the study, the researchers introduced LiDL into mammalian HeLa cells to evaluate their effectiveness as carriers for delivering substances inside the cells. They monitored the cellular uptake for LiDLs, finding that the presence of LiDL, regardless of the inclusion of RmXeR, enhanced the uptake of liposomes by HeLa cells. This demonstrated the potential of LiDL as a carrier for intracellular substance delivery. To further improve the intracellular delivery efficiency, the researchers introduced a chemical called stearyl octaarginine into LiDL. This enhanced version, called LiDL-R8, exhibited significantly better performance compared to LiDL.

These findings highlight the utility of LiDL for the intracellular delivery of chemicals as well as biomolecules. "With LiDL, drug delivery can be controlled by light, potentially leading to advances in various therapies," emphasizes Prof. Sudo. Going forward, the team aims to enhance the content release efficiency by thoroughly characterizing the structure of the liposomes and optimizing the experimental conditions.

In effect, LiDLs hold great promise as optically controllable carriers for improved drug delivery. These liposomes offer enhanced efficacy without causing side effects, showcasing exceptional extracellular stability and controllable intracellular instability. "Our study will contribute towards ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for people of all ages, which ties in with one of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG3) of the United Nations," concludes Prof. Sudo.

More information: Taichi Tsuneishi et al, Development of light-induced disruptive liposomes (LiDL) as a photoswitchable carrier for intracellular substance delivery, Chemical Communications (2023). DOI: 10.1039/D3CC02056H Journal information: Chemical Communications
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

New research shows that U.S. public pension funds would be $21 billion richer had they divested from fossil fuels a decade ago.

The study, out of the University of Waterloo in partnership with Stand.earth, analyzed the public equity portfolios of six major U.S. public pension funds, which collectively represent approximately 3.4 million people, to determine the effect divesting from their energy holdings would have had. In total, researchers estimate that the pension funds would have seen a return on their investments that was 13% higher on average.

Another analysis of the same eight U.S. public pension funds included in the report found that the carbon footprint that would have been reduced had they divested 10 years ago is equivalent to the emissions for powering 35 million homes per year.

Researchers say the report proves that divesting creates additional financial value, lowers exposure to climate risks, and reduced the carbon footprint of portfolios.

"Influential investors, like these large public pension funds, can bring about positive change on a few fronts," said Dr. Olaf Weber, professor in the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development at Waterloo. "Energy divestments can create higher returns for the funds, which leads to higher returns for the beneficiaries and reduced exposure to climate risks. Consequently, it leads to safer pensions."

The report also explored ways that recent changes in the performance of the energy sector due to major global eventssuch as COVID-19 and the war in Ukrainewould have influenced the funds. During the last three years, the value of the fossil fuel sector went up because of the reduced oil supply from Russia. Hence, divestment has not been that attractive from a financial point of view. However, the report found that even in times of high performance in the fossil fuel sector, divestment does not reduce financial returns in any significant way.

"If climate chaos like fires and floods weren't enough, this latest report strengthens the case even further that public pension funds must divest from fossil fuels as part of meeting their fiduciary duties," said Amy Gray, senior climate finance strategist at Stand.earth. "As the longest-term investors for workers, the last thing pension funds should be doing is gambling with retirement and deferred wages of their members."

Future work will include going into more detail regarding the emissions of particular portfolio holdings on a per-holdings basis or analyzing the emissions of specific companies and then excluding those with the highest emissions.

The report, The Impact of Energy Investments on the Financial Value and the Emissions of Pension Funds, was presented at the IEEFA Energy Finance Conference on June 22.
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Products created inside Mocovi Prison. Credit: Photos: Unknown Source/World Animal Protection

Prisoners in Bolivia are trading in jaguar skins and other wild animal body parts to produce wallets, hats, and belts for sale in local markets. The fangs and bones of jaguars are being illegally exported for use as traditional Asian medicine.

The trade, which further threatens the future of this species, has been uncovered by researchers investigating reports of illegal trading at Mocovi prison, in Trinidad, Bolivia.

As the largest big cat in the Americas the jaguar (Panthera onca) has ecological and cultural significance in the landlocked country of Bolivia, but numbers are declining fast due to reasons including habitat lossas well as domestic and international demand for their body parts. The illegal market exists despite the fact that jaguars have been legally protected against commercial trade internationally since 1975 and nationally since 1986.

Inmates at the Bolivian prison have been buying skins of jaguars and other animals including boa constrictor snakes (Boa constrictor) directly from traders at local markets, and then selling fashion items back again at a profit in order to provide income for their daily sustenance.

According to the researchers, Neil D'Cruze, Angie Elwin, Eyob Asfaw and Roberto Vieto, writing in the journal Oryx, large orders for the wildlife products are being received from non-Bolivian international clients.

Jaguar fangs and products made with their skins are sold in markets like El Campesino. Despite being illegal in the country to kill and sell jaguars and their by-products. Prisoners at the Mocovi prison are creating wallets, hats and belts with illegal jaguar skins inside the institution. These products are then sold in markets like El Campesino. Photos taken at El Campesino Market, June 2022. Credit: World Animal Protection/Emi Kondo.

Videos shared on social media as recently as February this year even show the director of Mocovi prison inviting the public to visit a craft fair held at the facility to buy wildlife productsincluding those from jaguar partsmade by the inmates.

Dr. Neil D'Cruze, Head of Wildlife Research at the International NGO, World Animal Protection said, "Our research confirms that Bolivian inmates are paid to produce jaguar wallets, hats, belts and purses from their cells. Contrary to previous anecdotal reports, the footage provided showed no evidence of inmates being coerced into this illegal activity; instead, an inmate stated that they did so willingly to 'earn a living for daily sustenance.'"

"Illegal wildlife trade is one of the most pressing threats to wildlife conservation. To support existing efforts to protect jaguars and other wildlife in Bolivia, there is a need for improved law enforcement and political will to take action against illegal activities. In addition, awareness must be raised on how wildlife products are being produced and the effect that such production has on the wildlife and the people involved."

All the information gathered by the authors of the report has been passed on to the Bolivian authorities.

More information: Going over the wall: Insights into illegal jaguar product production in a Bolivian prison, Oryx (2023). DOI: 10.1017/S0030605323000492 Journal information: Oryx
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Western researchers Brendan Daisley, Anna Chernyshova and Sophie Killam at the experimental apiaries on campus. Credit: Western Communications

Widespread pesticide-use and diminished floral diversity in the environment have contributed to the worsening susceptibility of honeybees to infectious disease, threatening their support of adequate pollination of food crops. With the aim of tackling honeybee decline, a collaborative team including researchers at Western University have shown certain probiotic bacteria can be used to help ward off disease and promote overall hive health.

In a new study published in The ISME Journal, scientists used two methods to deliver probiotics to hives within large commercial apiaries in Californiaa probiotic pollen patty and a spray-based delivery systemdemonstrating a range of health benefits associated with the supplementation.

"We tend to think of bees just as organisms in themselves. But actually, bees have co-evolved with a lot of other organisms, the plants they feed on, and the bacteria that live inside their guts," said Graham Thompson, biology professor at Western who has been studying honeybees for over two decades. "Those bacteria are functionally very important to the bees, for digestion and acquiring nutrients. It's a symbiotic arrangement."

Testing in a real-world setting

While the Western team in collaboration with Lawson Health Research Institute has led research on three probiotic strains and shown they benefit honeybees, this latest research is the largest field study of its kind to date.

"Seeing an effect in the lab is one thing, but seeing it in the real world is quite another," said Thompson. "After treating the hives with probiotics using a BioPatty and a novel topical spray, we monitored them for all kinds of downstream effects and found lasting effects in their ability to withstand a variety of very common diseases."

The probiotics developed by the researchers at Western and Lawson are specifically designed to enhance the honeybee's core gut microbiota to boost their immunity and provide a viable alternative to antibiotics.

"Right now, most beekeepers treat their hives with antibiotics to prevent infectious disease," said Brendan Daisley, a former Ph.D. student at Western and now a postdoctoral researcher at Western and the University of Guelph.

"Unfortunately, there are a lot of negative side effects associated with treating hives with antibiotics, including development of resistance, and off-target health effects due to the drugs harming beneficial microbes, in addition to the pathogens of interest. We need different solutions to improve honeybee health, especially in a sustainable way, and we believe probiotics could be a feasible option." Credit: University of Western Ontario

The researchers say part of the goal of testing the delivery methods of the probiotics is ensuring the research can be easily translated to the real world.

"A beekeeper has to go to the hive and be able to apply the probiotics, so we're trying to make it easier for them to do that," said Gregor Reid, professor emeritus at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, retired Lawson scientist and an international expert on probiotics. "We aim to make the solution practical, easy to use and proven to work, which is the essence of translational science. Not every bacterial strain works and even some commercial products have not been proven to be effective, so we can't generalize. The key is selecting the right strains and proving they are effective in the real world."

The team is working closely with SeedLabs to promote their research with major players in the beekeeping world.

Bee research on campus

The next phase of this research is continuing this summer on Western's campus in the university's experimental apiaries. Students Anna Chernyshova and Sophie Killam will be looking at how the probiotics influence the bees' social behavior, to understand what is referenced as the "gut-brain-axis." In other words, how probiotic bacteria influence the brain.

"The idea is fascinating because it shows that the gut and the brain are actually communicating with each other through millions of bacteria releasing or inducing specific chemicals and neuro-compounds that influence the activity of the brain, including behavior such as grooming or cleaning," said Chernyshova, a Ph.D. student in Biology. "Previously, this has only been studied at the individual level. And as we know, honeybees are social. So, we are looking to see if and how probiotic organisms can improve foraging and hygienic behavior."

The researchers are also comparing the hives treated with probiotics to those that have been treated with antibiotics to see which performs better. Using pollen traps, they can assess overall pollen production and determine which hives have bees that go to more diverse flowers.

Killam, a master's student in Thompson's lab, is looking specifically at how these manipulations of the bees' gut microbiomes influence where worker bees detect and remove diseased brood from the hive. She'll spend the summer alongside the bees using video, radio tags and other observations to monitor the insects' behavior.

"I've really enjoyed taking care of the colonies here and am excited to do the field work this summer," said Killam. "Bees are both an economically and ecologically important insect, for plants, animals and humans. And because they live in these large and close-knit colonies close to humans and industry, they are susceptible to disease. Looking at how we can support their health and well-being through natural mechanisms is really important."

More information: Brendan A. Daisley et al, Delivery mechanism can enhance probiotic activity against honey bee pathogens, The ISME Journal (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41396-023-01422-z Journal information: ISME Journal
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Maad has soft, juicy seeds that have a distinctive sweet-and-sour flavor -- experts say they are also rich in vitamins and fiber.

Outside a bustling fruit market in Senegal's Dakar region, three trucks are blocking the road while a dozen men sweat to unload the precious cargo.

Working in intense heat and racing against the clock, they are shifting 60 tons of maada delicate tropical fruit which is massively popular in the West African state.

A yellow fruit with a pulp that has a distinctive sweet and sour savor and is rich in vitamins and fiber, maad comes from a vine called the Saba senegalensis, which grows wild and is common across the region.

The fruit's season is relatively short, running from May to August, which prompts a rush of sellers at street corners, hawking the delicacy with salt, sugar or chili, blenderised into juice or turned into jam.

Maad has different names and spellings across West Africa, where it is eaten from Ivory Coast to Mali and Guineabut the lust for it is strongest in Senegal.

Countless jobs depend on the fruit, from harvesting and distribution to selling and processing.

At the Sandika market in Pikine, workers labored to empty the trucks that had just arrived, sorting the maad according to ripeness.

Rush to market

"The unloading will be finished by the end of the day," said Dame Sarr, a 28-year-old wholesaler who with his uncle had invested six million CFA francs ($10,000) in the consignment.

The fruits are individually plucked from wild vines that grow in the forests of southern Senegal.

They reckoned they could clear the equivalent of at least a thousand dollars in profitif the fruit was sold fast.

"If I don't shift the goods, I will have to cut the price tomorrow because with every passing day maad loses its quality," he explained, sitting under a parasol.

The good news was that several customers were already hovering around.

Sarr had separated out the finest fruit to sell for 4,200 francs for a bucket of 40 pieces. The others were on sale for half that price. A 20-kilogram (44-pound) box of maad cost between 20,000-25,000 francs.

"Maad is a very risky investment. It can't stand sunlight or rain, and transporting it is difficult," said market representative and salesman Djiby Sandika.

The fruit "best suits small-scale retailers, who make large profits," said Sarr.

Senegal.

Southern delicacy

In Senegal most maad grows in the southern Casamance region on vines that wrap themselves round trees in thickly-forested areas.

Picking the fruit is done by hand and involves using long sticksa labor that comes with added risk from snakes.

According to the Economy, Territory, Development and Service (ETDS) NGO, nearly 1,500 tons of maad are harvested annually in the Ziguinchor, Kedougou and Kolda areas.

Mariama Dieme, who heads a project to market maad production in Casamance, said that with better access, output could be trebled.

Maad pulp being blended into a compote. Senegalese eat the delicacy with salt, sugar or chili and sometimes consume it as jam or juice.

The fruit is already under threat from "over-exploitation," from fires used to burn stubble from fields and from damage caused by forest hunters, Dieme said.

The ETDS is fostering a program for small-scale woman-led producers to make maad jam, juice or syrup and even export some of their production.

Maad jam sold in France via sellers on Instagram costs 25 euros ($27.38) for a 300 grams (10.5 ounces) jar, said Fatou Binetou Adour, a Senegalese who lives in Paris.

 2023 AFP
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Blue tit. Credit: Ian Hartley

Male birds that are able to precisely repeat song notes stand the best chance of attracting a female mate, according to a new study published in Nature Communications.

However, the males need to ensure they have a selection of different songs in their repertoire if they are to hold a female's attention and prevent her from getting bored.

The findings from the study, by scientists from Lancaster University and Manchester Metropolitan University, sheds new light on the evolution of bird song.

Over two years, the researchers recorded and analyzed 7,000 songs of wild blue tits breeding in closely monitored nest boxes near Lancaster University. They devised an experiment that involved playing song recordings to receptive females, and discovered that male vocal consistencyrepeating the same pattern of notes with high precisionwas the key song feature that made females sexually excited.

But while singing exact copies of the same note was sexy, it also became "boring" for females. Their response gradually declined (habituated) until it was reignited when males switched to a different song type.

The results may explain why birdsong in most species is not hypervariable and constantly changing but shows some moderate variationbalancing the reliable signal of quality against the need to avoid the female habituating and losing interest.

The researchers believe that a male bird's ability to consistently hit the same note in a song is a signal to females, and competitors, that they have strong motor skills, which carry over to other essential qualities in a good mate.

Lead author Dr. Javier Sierro, whose Ph.D. thesis at Lancaster University included this work, said, "In songbirds, singing requires the execution of complex motor patterns within the bird. Precisely hitting those repetitive notes is the way a male bird can demonstrate to potential mates these qualities, which also cut across social status, reproductive output, longevity, sexual attractiveness and ability to defend territories.

"Many bird species produce trilled songs where the same note is repeated in quick succession. A song may also be repeated during a singing bout. Repetition is needed by the male to perfect his singing skills, however this repetition may carry a cost where the female loses interest over time.

"We found that when males sing different song types, or introduce silent pauses between songs, it reduces female habituation and help retain her interest."

The study also showed that male blue tits with higher vocal consistency had higher reproductive success as measured by the number of eggs in their nestfurther adding to the evidence that vocal consistency is a skill found in good quality individualsthose who will contribute genes to future populations. Other song features, such as diversity, were not correlated with clutch size.

Vocal consistency increased over the breeding season and it peaked during the 7 to 10 day period when his female partner was at her most fertile, when she laid an egg daily.

The researchers suggest that a balance between the two crucial aspects of birdsong, consistency and diversity, may resolve a long standing paradox in studies of bird communication, and explain the level of variability in singing styles between species.

Dr. Selvino de Kort, from Manchester Metropolitan University and co-author of the study, said, "Our results explain why most birds repeat song structures and do not sing in a way that advertises song diversity, by continuously producing novel notes or song types."

Dr. Ian Hartley, from the Lancaster Environment Centre at Lancaster University, noted, "Birdsong seems to have evolved under opposing selective effects, which may result in a balance between repetition to achieve the 'sexiest' song, and diversity between songs to reduce the psychological effect of habituation."

The paper's authors are Javier Sierro and Ian Hartley, of Lancaster University, and Selvino de Kort, of Manchester Metropolitan University.

More information: Javier Sierro et al, Sexual selection for both diversity and repetition in birdsong, Nature Communications (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39308-5 Journal information: Nature Communications
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JWST NIRCam 3.6 m image of HSC J2236+0032. The zoom-out image, the quasar image, and the host galaxy image after subtracting the quasar light (from left to right). The image scale in light years is indicated in each panel. Credit: Ding, Onoue, Silverman et al.

New images from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have revealed, for the first time, starlight from two massive galaxies hosting actively growing black holesquasarsseen less than a billion years after the Big Bang. A new study in Nature finds the black holes have masses close to a billion times that of the sun, and the host galaxy masses are almost one hundred times larger, a ratio similar to what is found in the more recent universe. A powerful combination of the Subaru Telescope and the JWST has paved a new path to study the distant universe.

The existence of such massive black holes in the distant universe has created more questions than answers for astrophysicists. How could these black holes grow to be so large when the universe was so young? Even more puzzling, observations in the local universe show a clear relation between the mass of supermassive black holes and the much larger galaxies in which they reside. The galaxies and the black holes have completely different sizes, so which came first: the black holes or the galaxies? This is a "chicken-or-egg" problem on a cosmic scale.

An international team of researchers, led by Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (Kavli IPMU) Project Researcher Xuheng Ding and Professor John Silverman, and Peking University Kavli Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics (PKU-KIAA) Kavli Astrophysics Fellow Masafusa Onoue have started to answer this question with the JWST, launched in December 2021. Studying the relation between host galaxies and black holes in the early universe allows scientists to watch their formation, and see how they are related to one another.

Quasars are luminous, while their host galaxies are faint, which has made it challenging for researchers to detect the dim light of the galaxy in the glare of the quasar, especially at great distances. Before the JWST, the Hubble Space Telescope was able to detect host galaxies of luminous quasars when the universe was just under 3 billion years old, but no younger.

NASAs James Webb Space Telescope. Credit: NASA/Chris Gunn

The superb sensitivity and the ultra-sharp images of the JWST at infrared wavelengths finally allowed researchers to push these studies to the time when the quasars and galaxies first formed. Just a few months after JWST started regular operations, the team observed two quasars, HSC J2236+0032 and HSC J2255+0251, at redshifts 6.40 and 6.34 when the universe was approximately 860 million years old.

These two quasars were discovered in a deep survey program of the 8.2m-Subaru Telescope on the summit of Maunakea in Hawai'i. The relatively low luminosities of these quasars made them prime targets for measurement of the host galaxy properties, and the successful detection of the hosts represents the earliest epoch to date at which starlight has been detected in a quasar.

The images of the two quasars were taken at infrared wavelengths of 3.56 and 1.50 micron with JWST's NIRCam instrument, and the host galaxies became apparent after carefully modeling and subtracting glare from the accreting black holes. The stellar signature of the host galaxy was also seen in a spectrum taken by JWST's NIRSPEC for J2236+0032, further supporting the detection of the host galaxy.

Analyses of the host galaxy photometry found that these two quasar host galaxies are massive, measuring 130 and 34 billion times the mass of the sun, respectively. Measuring the speed of the turbulent gas in the vicinity of the quasars from the NIRSPEC spectra suggests that the black holes that power them are also massive, measuring 1.4 and 0.2 billion times the mass of the sun. The ratio of the black hole mass to host galaxy mass is similar to those of galaxies in the more recent past, suggesting that the relationship between black holes and their hosts was already in place 860 million years after the Big Bang.

Ding, Silverman, Onoue and their colleagues will continue this study with a larger sample using scheduled Cycle 1 JWST observations, which will then further constrain models for the coevolution of black holes and their host galaxies. The team recently learned that they have been awarded additional time for JWST in its next cycle to study the host galaxy of J2236+0032 in much more detail.

More information: Detection of stellar light from quasar host galaxies at redshifts above 6, Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06345-5 Journal information: Nature

Provided by Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe
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Map of the circulation in the west of the North Atlantic. Credit: Mathilde Jutras

Changes to the flow of the Labrador Current along the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador to Nova Scotia are leading to sudden warmings or drops in the oxygen levels of the waters in several regions including the St. Lawrence Gulf and Estuary. This change has dire consequences for marine ecosystems and fisheries.

To better predict what could happen in the future, researchers from McGill University set out to answer the question: What controls the pathway of the Labrador Current?

Their study is published in the journal Nature Communications.

The Labrador Current supplies cold, oxygen rich waters

The Labrador Current is a cold water current in the North Atlantic Ocean that flows south along the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, continuing partially along the east coast of Nova Scotia and partially turning eastward towards Europe. This cold water current then meets the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, which flows from the Gulf of Mexico into the Atlantic Ocean.

The Labrador Current, which flows from the Arctic Ocean, transports cold waters southwards, producing a cooling effect on the Atlantic provinces in Canada and on the United States' northeast coast from Maine to Massachusetts.

Impact on marine life as the current's pathway shifts

However, since 2008, less of the Labrador Current reaches the Atlantic Provinces and the northeast coast of the United States. "The result is less dissolved oxygen in the water, meaning species must spend more energy on respiration and less on feeding and other activities. The lower the oxygen concentrations, the smaller species like cod and halibut become," says Mathilde Jutras a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at McGill University. "It also leads to the displacement of individuals, as they generally try to avoid hypoxic areas or where oxygen is very low."

"We want to understand why the Labrador Current sometimes veers east to feed the subpolar North Atlantic seas and other times it veers west to flow along the eastern American continental shelf, stretching from the United States' east coast to Nova Scotia," says Jutras, who studies oceanography. "When the Labrador Current goes east, we have heat waves along the American continental shelf and deoxygenation in the St. Lawrence Estuary."

Stronger winds play a role in shifting the Labrador Current east

To find answers, the team used an algorithm to track the flow and trajectories of water particles in three dimensions in an ocean simulation model. They found that the fate of the Labrador Current waters depends on a complex combination of factors.

According to the researchers, winds over the Labrador coast appear to play a role, with stronger winds veering the Labrador Current eastward. This eastward export of water is also stronger when the Gulf Stream that flows from the Gulf of Mexico comes closer to the shore, as has been the case in recent years. This happens when the Labrador Current retracts, leaving room for the Gulf Stream to shift north. The latter shift appears to also be partly driven by the winds.

"It's crucial to know where all the water ends up, since this has a significant impact on the marine life and water properties in regions where it's exported," says Mathilde Jutras. "The northward displacement of the Gulf Stream, for example, has led to the displacement of right whales towards the north, including in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, resulting in more frequent collisions with ships. These whales follow the warm Gulf Stream waters," she adds.

As next steps, the researcher plan to study what types of changes can be expected under climate change, to predict if the strong eastward shift of the Labrador Current will be maintained.

More information: Mathilde Jutras et al, Large-scale control of the retroflection of the Labrador Current, Nature Communications (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38321-y Journal information: Nature Communications
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Switzerland said deep-sea mining in the international seabed area must be postponed until protection from the 'harmful effects' could be ensured.

Switzerland, a global commodities trading hub, decided Wednesday to push for a moratorium on commercial exploitation of the international seabed area, which has enormous mineral resources.

Bern said deep-sea mining in the area "must be postponed" until protection from the "harmful effects" could be ensured.

Switzerland will "support a moratorium on commercial exploitation of the area until there is more scientific knowledge of its impact and protection of the marine environment can be guaranteed", the government said in a statement.

Wildlife conservation group WWF said, "Switzerland is sending an important signal for the protection of the oceans and their biodiversity".

Meanwhile the Swiss-based International Union for Conservation of Nature said it was "fantastic news on deep sea mining".

Greenpeace called it a "success for the oceans".

Switzerland will take its position to the 28th session of the International Seabed Authority in Jamaica's capital Kingston next month.

The ISA organizes and controls all mineral resources-related activities in the international seabed, outside national territorial jurisdiction, "for the benefit of all humankind", it says.

It is mandated to ensure the effective protection of the marine environment from the potentially harmful consequences of seabed extraction operations.

The deep seabed covers around 54 percent of the total area of the world's ocean floor.

"There is growing interest from certain states and companies who wish to commercially exploit the area's mineral resources, which are potentially useful for the transition to renewable energy," the Swiss government said.

"Minerals such as cobalt and manganese are needed to manufacture electric vehicle batteries," it added.

However, most ISA member states think no commercial seabed mining should be allowed before regulations are in place, it said.

Some 15 countries have gone further and are opposed to any commercial use of the area, with or without regulations, Bern added.

Switzerland is a stronghold for commodity trading. It is home to large companies like Glencoreactive in coal, metals and oilor firms like Vitol or Trafigura, based in Singapore but with a large operations center in Geneva.

With a net profit of $17.3 billion in 2022, Glencore is a juggernaut in the brokerage of metals, such as copper, zinc, nickel or cobalt.

 2023 AFP
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Researchers have developed a computer model that forecasts yield for four key crops in the southeastern United States: cotton, corn, sorghum, and soybeans. The tool is designed to help farmers and government water resource managers make informed decisions about crop selection and irrigation techniques in the face of a changing climate.

"Due to climate change, seasonal rainfall amounts in the Southeast are expected to fluctuate significantly from what we've seen in the past," says Hemant Kumar, first author of a paper on the work and a Ph.D. student at North Carolina State University.

"For example, we are likely to see more periods of drought, as well as more periods of heavy rainfall during summers. Our model draws on climate, groundwater and agricultural data to do two things: help water managers make efficient use of the available water resources on a county-by-county basis; and help farmers in individual counties identify ways to maximize their crop yields by efficiently utilizing water and energy. We found that using deficit irrigation strategies, rather than conventional irrigation techniques, increased profits by reducing the pumped water amount by 14% (245,000 acre-feet) annually."

The new tool, which the researchers call the regional hydroeconomic optimization modeling framework (RHEO), draws on a host of data. The model incorporates long-term and seasonal rainfall forecasts; groundwater level data from the U.S. Geological Survey; soil characteristics for each county; the water consumption of each crop; the cost of irrigation on a county-level basis; crop price data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and crop production budget data from other agricultural researchers.

"All of this data is fed into RHEO, which then predicts the yield per unit area for each crop on a county-level basis," Kumar says. "For example, it would forecast how many bushels of corn, soy, sorghum or cotton you could grow per acre in a given county. It would also forecast what your irrigation costs would be for each of those crops and, taking those things into account, predict which crop and irrigation strategy would be most profitable and environmentally sustainable."

In their paper published in Water Resources Research, the researchers demonstrated the utility of the model by applying it to 31 years' worth of historical data from 21 counties in southwestern Georgia.

"We found that RHEO was able to predict variability in each of our four target crops, as well as identify irrigation strategies that would reduce related costs," Kumar says. "Ultimately, this proof-of-concept work demonstrates that RHEO could be used to reduce energy consumption associated with pumping groundwater, improve water efficiency and boost crop yield."

The researchers noted that the RHEO model is currently calibrated for the 21 counties that were used for the proof-of-concept demonstration. Applying the tool to other parts of the Southeast would require them to use data relevant to each region.

"However, we are open to working with water managers and agriculture industry groups to make RHEO available to stakeholders across the Southeast," Kumar says. "We think the work is important, and would love to see people put this tool to use.

"Climate change increases the unpredictability associated with agriculture, but we're optimistic that this tool will help growers and water resource managers deal with that increased uncertainty."

More information: Hemant Kumar et al, Understanding the FoodEnergyWater Nexus in Mixed Irrigation Regimes Using a Regional Hydroeconomic Optimization Modeling Framework, Water Resources Research (2023). DOI: 10.1029/2022WR033691 Journal information: Water Resources Research
Scientists have developed models of embryos to better understand the intricacies of early human development, prenatal medical issues, and why so many pregnancies fail. They are made from stem cells and can't grow into babies.

Employing models also eliminates the ethical dilemma of using actual embryos in a study, according to APNews.

In two studies that were released in the journal Nature on Tuesday, research teams that included academics from the United States and England discussed their results. Earlier this month, unreviewed studies on the work of other scientists in Israel and China were published.

The Study

The current models replicate an embryo after it has implanted in the uterus, as opposed to earlier models that emulated pre-embryos. Because they burrow into the uterus at that time, actual human embryos can be quite difficult to view.

The methods employed and the degree of completion of each team's models varied, with some matching the embryo and the early stages of the placenta and yolk sac.

For these models, researchers employ a sort of stem cell that can differentiate into a wide variety of body tissues or cells. They may come from adult tissues or be reprogrammed from embryonic cells.

Researchers can analyze pregnancy loss, developmental abnormalities, and embryonic failure.

Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz, a stem cell biology specialist at the California Institute of Technology and the University of Cambridge in England, and colleagues claimed in the other Nature study that their model mimics development up to 14 days after fertilization. The model includes tissues that can develop into structures like the yolk sac and placenta surrounding the embryo.

Author of a manuscript that has not yet been peer-reviewed, Jacob Hanna of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, stated via email that the model used by his team also accurately simulates human embryo development up to day 14 following fertilization.

All embryonic membranes, as well as membranes outside the embryo, are included in the structures, according to him. Before, Hanna and Zernicka-Goetz contributed to developing mouse embryo models.

Read also: Scientists Spark Controversy for First-Ever 'Synthetic Embryo' With Beating Heart, Brain Made From Stem Cells

The Deal With Using Human Embryo Models

In the future, Zernicka-Goetz suggested using human embryo models to investigate how the environment and chemicals affect early development. She even suggested that they might be utilized to produce tissues for novel medical procedures.

According to International Society for Stem Cell Research guidelines, researchers cannot implant any human embryo model into a human or non-human uterus. The society had a similar "14-day rule" for decades that instructed scientists on how long real embryos might be grown in the lab; in 2021, the group advocated easing the restriction in some cases. The models, however, are exempt from the ban because they are not embryos.

It Will Not Induce Pregnancy

According to experts, some members of the general public have an erroneous view of these models and think they would be able to induce pregnancy. However, difficulties in science prohibit this. For instance, their placenta does not mature properly.

There are ways to prevent dishonest actors who might wish to attempt and establish pregnancies from embryo models in the future as science develops.

Related article: Early Stage Embryonic Stem Cells Developed In England

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
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A painted turtle caught from a pond near Keystone, Nebraska. A projected rise in droughts could muddy the waters for painted turtles and some fellow freshwater-dwelling reptiles, says 11 years of data collected by 50-plus undergraduates from the University of NebraskaLincoln. Two recent studies based on the data suggest that drought can lower the survival odds, slow the growth and even skew the ratio of female-to-male painted turtles inhabiting the ponds of the Cornhusker State. Credit: Larkin Powell

A projected rise in droughts could muddy the waters for painted turtles and some fellow freshwater-dwelling reptiles, according to 11 years of data collected by 50-plus undergraduates from the University of NebraskaLincoln.

Two recent studies based on the data suggest that drought can lower the survival odds, slow the growth and even skew the ratio of female-to-male painted turtles inhabiting the ponds of the Cornhusker State. Those outcomes emerged despite the water level of a sampled pond in southwestern Nebraska remaining relatively steady throughout the observed periods of drought.

"I have to admit: When the students launched into it, I wasn't sure that we were going to find drought impacts," said Larkin Powell, a professor in the School of Natural Resources who oversaw the studies. "I think it's interesting that we found the drought impacts that we did, just given the fact that this is not a pond that completely dried up." Larkin's research is published in Climate Change Ecology.

Like many other reptile and fish species, the sex of painted turtle offspring depends on the average ambient temperature during a stage of egg incubation. Whereas eggs incubated at lower temperatures tend to produce male painted turtles, temperatures above a certain threshold generally yield females.

Given that drought usually corresponds with higher temperatures, a warming-linked increase in drier conditions could potentially tilt the balance of female and male painted turtles. Husker alumnae Ellen Dolph and Charrissa Neil found that, in the absence of drought, males composed roughly 60%85% of the painted turtle sample. Nearly 60% of that sample instead hatched as female in the years when temperature, groundwater conditions and other variables indicated the greatest influence of drought.

Prior research has suggested that an extreme shift toward female-dominated ecosystemsthe sort more likely to arise amid the hotter, drier climes expected in coming decadescould pose an existential threat to turtles and other reptile species. For the painted turtle, which inhabits much of North America and faces no short-term risk of extinction, that threat is less pressing, Powell said. But other, vulnerable species that share much in common with the painted turtle might wind up bearing more of the immediate brunt.

"There's nothing crazily unique about a painted turtle compared to the other turtlesBlanding's turtles, mud turtles, map turtlesthat live in rivers and lakes," he said.

For the first time, Powell and alumna Allyson Beard also showed that drought can lower the likelihood of survival in an intact pondby roughly 7% in female painted turtles and 10% in males. And one of the team's models suggested that, in future climate scenarios, every 10% increase in the likelihood of drought could correspond with a drop in annual survival rate. Their study is published in Diversity.

By calculating changes in the length of shells, Dolph and Neil further discovered that the painted turtles, particularly females, grew slower in years of drought. That matters, Powell said, partly because the size of a shell can impose real constraints on a female's ability to reproduce.

"Females grow faster than males," he said, "and one of the reasons that they are selected to grow faster is that they can't reproduce until they have enough space inside their shell to hold the eggs."

Though the team isn't sure exactly which drought-related factors might account for the reduced survival rate, Powell said the parallel slowing of growth points to the possibility of the turtles encountering more competition for less food, especially insects.

Turtle power

As an ecologist whose research career has gone mostly to the birdsprairie chickens, wild turkeys, Canada geese, thrushes, woodpeckers and the likePowell hardly counted himself a turtle expert when, in 2005, he first headed for the Husker field site known as Cedar Point Biological Station.

There, amid 900-plus acres of prairie bordered by the Nebraska Sandhills, Powell was tasked with heading up a summer undergrad course on wildlife management techniques. One of those techniques: catching and marking specimens of a given species for the sake of estimating its population size. But arriving at a valid estimate would entail capturing specimens across multiple days, comparing the proportion of marked versus unmarked animals, then applying some theory-backed math. Catching his beloved birds, Powell knew, would prove too difficult and time-consuming to yield a large enough sample for that math to work its magic.

So he turned to the painted turtle, one of the most common species in Nebraska and, thanks to their slow-and-steady nature, "a perfect study animal." After consulting with a local landowner, he located a pond near Keystone, Nebraska, that was brimming with shelled specimens.

"I normally do use birds for my population studies," he said. "But it was hard to stop working with painted turtles, because they are so easy to capture.

"This has been me pretending to be a herpetologist for a week every year."

Powell and his students usually catch the turtles with square traps that consist of a wire basket framed by empty PVC pipe buoyant enough to float. By the time the turtles have grown to the size that they can't escape through the wiretypically around 5 or 6 years oldthey often spend hours a day basking in the sun. The floating contraptions offer just the place and, when the turtles have soaked up sufficient sun, the possibility of going from basking to basket.

To distinguish one turtle from another, the students drill varying numbers of small holes into each turtle's perimeter scutes: the island-like plates that grant both protection and pattern to the top of a shell. Powell would also later introduce injectable identification tags of the kind used to monitor cats and dogs.

In 2007, Powell taught the undergrad course at Cedar Point for his second and final time. The next summer, he decided to return anyway, again with turtle-seeking students in tow. Before he knew it, he'd been at it for more than a decade and counting. The handful or so of students who accompany him each summer, Powell said, seem to appreciate the chance to get their feet wet.

"Students complain that even entry-level jobs seem like they want you to have experience," he said. "So we try to give that to them. Usually, the students who go with me haven't done a summer research project before.

"It's three or four days that a student, if they have no wildlife experience, can go out and get a little bit to put on their resume."

Eventually, Dolph, Neil and Beard, then-undergrads with theses to write before graduating from the University Honors Program, would avail themselves of the data their predecessors had collected in tandem with the turtles.

Powell said he hopes the trio's findings might guide conservation plans, possibly by pinpointing when it would make sense to tweak pond conditions in favor of enticing more prey and sustaining painted turtles in leaner, drier years. More broadly, the drought-related survival odds and sex ratios could inform models used to estimate the probability that species will go extinct over a given time span. Those models, in turn, often steer decision-making about whether and when to captively breed species on the precipice of extinction.

"It took us a while to figure out what we could actually do with data that was of consequence enough to write a paper about," he said. "But they turned out to be pretty important papers, I think.

"When I posted this on Facebook: A lot of those former students are out there, and I think they enjoyed seeing that Powell finally did something with this data, too."

More information: Larkin A. Powell et al, Drought affects sex ratio and growth of painted turtles in a long-term study in Nebraska, Climate Change Ecology (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.ecochg.2023.100072 Allyson N. Beard et al, Drought Influences Annual Survival of Painted Turtles in Western Nebraska, Diversity (2023). DOI: 10.3390/d15050597
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Researchers from ETH Zurich and the University of Geneva have developed a new method that allows them to observe chemical reactions taking place in liquids at extremely high temporal resolution. This means they can examine how molecules change within just a few femtosecondsin other words, within a few quadrillionths of a second. The method is based on earlier work done by the same group of researchers led by Hans Jakob Worner, Professor of Physical Chemistry at ETH Zurich. That work yielded similar results for reactions that take place in gas environments.

To expand their X-ray spectroscopy observations to liquids, the researchers had to design an apparatus capable of producing a liquid jet with a diameter of less than one micrometer in a vacuum. This was essential because if the jet were any wider, it would absorb some of the X-rays used to measure it. The work is published in the journal Nature.

Molecular pioneer in biochemistry

Using the new method, the researchers were able to gain insights into the processes that led to the emergence of life on Earth. Many scientists assume that urea played a pivotal role here. It is one of the simplest molecules containing both carbon and nitrogen. What's more, it's highly likely that urea was present even when the Earth was very young, something that was also suggested by a famous experiment done in the 1950s: American scientist Stanley Miller concocted a mixture of those gases believed to have made up the planet's primordial atmosphere and exposed it to the conditions of a thunderstorm. This produced a series of molecules, one of which was urea.

According to current theories, the urea could have become enriched in warm puddlescommonly called primordial soupon the then lifeless Earth. As the water in this soup evaporated, the concentration of urea increased. Through exposure to ionizing radiation such as cosmic rays, it's possible that this concentrated urea produced malonic acid over multiple synthesis steps. In turn, this may have created the building blocks of RNA and DNA.

Why this exact reaction took place

Using their new method, the researchers from ETH Zurich and the University of Geneva investigated the first step in this long series of chemical reactions to find out how a concentrated urea solution behaves when exposed to ionizing radiation.

It's important to know that the urea molecules in a concentrated urea solution group themselves into pairs, or what are known as dimers. As the researchers have now been able to show, ionizing radiation causes a hydrogen atom within each of these dimers to move from one urea molecule to the other. This turns one urea molecule into a protonated urea molecule, and the other into a urea radical. The latter is highly chemically reactiveso reactive, in fact, that it's very likely to react with other molecules, thereby also forming malonic acid.

The researchers also managed to show that this transfer of a hydrogen atom happens extremely quickly, taking only around 150 femtoseconds, or 150 quadrillionths of a second. "That's so fast that this reaction preempts all other reactions that might theoretically also take place," Worner says. "This explains why concentrated urea solutions produce urea radicals rather than hosting other reactions that would produce other molecules."

Reactions in liquids are highly relevant

In the future, Worner and his colleagues want to examine the next steps that lead to the formation of malonic acid. They hope this will help them to understand the origins of life on Earth.

As for their new method, it can also generally be used to examine the precise sequence of chemical reactions in liquids. "A whole host of important chemical reactions take place in liquidsnot just all biochemical processes in the human body, but also a great many chemical syntheses relevant to industry," Worner says. "This is why it's so important that we have now expanded the scope of X-ray spectroscopy at high temporal resolution to include reactions in liquids."

The researchers from ETH Zurich and the University of Geneva were assisted in this work by colleagues from Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY in Hamburg, who performed calculations required to interpret measurement data.

More information: Hans Jakob Worner, Femtosecond Proton Transfer in Urea Solutions Probed by X-ray Spectroscopy, Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06182-6. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06182-6 Journal information: Nature
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Black and white snapper in the Red Sea, Egypt. Credit: Derek Keats, Wikimedia Commons, CC

Warmer water than that to which a fish is accustomed becomes an aggressor of sorts that impacts internal biochemical processes and forces the fish to stop growing at a smaller size than it would normally do in optimal habitat conditions, new research shows.

In a recent paper published in the journal Environmental Biology of Fishes, researchers at the University of British Columbia's Sea Around Us initiative and the University of Bergen explain how a process called "protein denaturation" intensifies when the waters in which fish live heat up.

Protein denaturation takes place when proteins, which are essential components of living organisms' cells and tissues, lose their original structure as a consequence of disruptions to the weak links that maintain their complex shapesa common, spontaneous occurrence in most living organisms.

One of the causes of such disruptions is heat, which increases the movement of water and protein molecules within cells, makes them bump against each other and results in the proteins losing their shape. The warmer the surrounding environment, the stronger the shocks and the more proteins lose their shapes. This is the "denaturation" process.

Proteins that have lost their shape do not fulfill their assigned role and, therefore, need to be resynthesized, so that the organism doesn't fall apart.

"As fish grow, more proteins are denatured. When the rates of denaturation and synthesis of new proteins become equal, then they stop growing," said Dr. Daniel Pauly, lead author of the study and principal investigator of the Sea Around Us. "The issue is that when their surrounding water is warmer than usual, the process of creating new proteins cannot keep up with the accelerated rate of denaturation caused by heat so fish have no other choice but to stop growing so that both processes can balance each other out."

The process of resynthesizing proteins accelerates fish's metabolism and, thus, they need more oxygen to sustain their body functions. Oxygen is key for the production of ATP and new proteins. The problem is that warmer waters contain less oxygen.

"So, basically, fish are gasping for 'air' to be able to maintain their bodily functions but there is little oxygen available," Pauly said.

In addition to this, fish obtain oxygen through their gills, which are two-dimensional surfaces working for three-dimensional bodies. This means that gills, in general, cannot keep up with a growing 3D body.

"If gills are already not keeping up and you add warmer, less oxygenated water plus accelerated metabolism, fish must remain smaller in order to survive," Pauly said. "Knowing all of this is crucial for biologists wanting to understand the adverse consequences of climate change for marine and freshwater biodiversity."

More information: Daniel Pauly et al, Too hot or too cold: the biochemical basis of temperature-size rules for fish and other ectotherms, Environmental Biology of Fishes (2023). DOI: 10.1007/s10641-023-01429-7
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One of the goat squad eating overgrown vegetation in an environmentally-friendly initiatve at the Brackenridge Park Conservancy in San Antonio, Texas, on June 22, 2023.

The landscaping squad of Mocha, Wynonna, Nelson and Beckham yank out weeds at a Texas park. They don't carry chainsaws or use herbicides. They are goats, and this environmentally friendly initiative is, for them, merely lunch.

The hungry goatswho bleat to their master Kyle Carrare part of a team of 150 ruminants pruning the brush on a 6.5 acre (2.6 hectare) section of San Antonio's sprawling Brackenridge Park Conservancy, in the southwestern US.

And they are part of a growing trend: as officials and residents across the country seek out more ecological ways to care for the land, the goats are providing a carbon-freeand surprisingly effectivesolution.

It will take them about two weeks to clear the area of Brackenridge Park Conservancy, whose Twitter account enthusiastically promotes their efforts to human visitors.

They are removing plants such as ligustrum, a highly invasive shrub that can take water and nutrients away from the older oak trees the park seeks to protect, Carr tells AFP.

The 36-year-old and his wife Carolyn own the Texas franchise of Rent-a-Ruminant, which operates in several states.

Goats are natural landscapers, but do need trainingthey are accustomed to natural feed, and need to learn to stay with the group and to respect the protective electric fence keeping predators away from the area in which they work.

Kyle Carr, co-owner of Rent-a-Ruminant's Texas franchise, interacts with his herd of goats at the Brackenridge Park Conservancy in San Antonio, Texas, on June 22, 2023.

With that basic training in place, however, they are astonishingly efficient. For example, their digestive tracts sterilize the seeds they eat. "They're not going to propagate the same kind of plant species that you're trying to get rid of," Carr explains.

"It's much more eco-friendly to have goats in here than big machines or herbicides," agrees Charlotte Mitchell, a park board member.

The area is so close to the San Antonio river that using poison in any way would be especially unsafe, she adds.

"Besides, these are way more fun to watch"especially for families with young children, Mitchell says.

"I run through here often and I walk my dog every few days. It's very brushy around here... I'm pretty happy to see that these guys are here doing their job," comments 47-year-old San Antonio resident Aaron Rodriguez.

The goats are a carbon-emissions free solution to the problem of landscaping in tough to reach areas, or places where herbicides are not an option.

As an extra bonus, the squad have done double duty as a tourist draw, with many families in particular bringing their children to see the ruminants hard at work.

As a bonus, nimble-footed goats can often reach steep or tight areas that humans and machinery can't access, Carr says.

"We've worked with some cities that have had some real injuries, and even fatalities, where machines have kind of rolled over on those steep slopes," he explains.

The goats also adore poison ivy. "It sounds crazy," Carr admitsbut as a method of protecting humans, it works.

The goats get water breaks and sick days, and when they reach the age of 11 they can go on what Carr calls a "retirement program" (they can live up to 15 years).

"Our company has a no-slaughter policy, because, you know, we work with these guys all the time," he explains.

So, when the time comes, "we will take them to a ranch... And they basically get to raise the next generation of goats."

 2023 AFP
Haley Gilligan defeated Peter McDevitt on Tuesday in the Ward 2 Democratic primary race for supervisor of Glens Falls. She bested him by more than 50%. Nancy Turner also beat her opponent, Andrew Kopf, by well over 50% to become the Democratic nominee in the Glens Falls Ward 3 supervisor race, according to unofficial results from Warren County.

Eugene Gene Merlino bested Daniel Waterhouse to win the Republican Party primary in the race to be Supervisor of Lake Luzerne. Merlino was the incumbent.

In the town council race in Warrensburg, Robert Sutphin squeaked by Matthew Kennedy to take the second of two seats. Joq Quintal beat them both by nearly double the vote, according to unofficial election results from Warren County. All are Republicans.

Republicans Scott Hahn and Dana Hogan won their partys nod to run for supervisor in Washington County. Darwin Casey Arlen and Kevin Eastman won the partys nomination to run for Hartford Town Council, according to unofficial results of the primary races in Washington County on Tuesday.

Otherwise, it was a slow primary election day, poll workers and elections officials told Post-Star reporters Tuesday afternoon.

Dozens, but not hundreds, of voters turned out to cast ballots in the handful of polling locations that Post-Star reporters checked.

Election officials at the Washington County Board of Elections office in Fort Edward said that as of 5 p.m., not a single eligible voter had turned out to cast a ballot.

We had a couple come in, but they werent Conservative Party, so they couldnt vote, said James Donahue, who was working the polling place.

Deputy Commissioner Mindy Suprenant said only 49 early voting ballots had been returned for the entire county.

We had a conservative primary for D.A., I think in 2013, and (the turnout) was awful, she said. It was just as bad.

The total votes cast in the three Washington County races listed only 93 votes cast.

By 1 p.m. in Glens Falls, 55 voters had turned out in-person. Polling volunteers said traffic was light.

Warren County is choosing who will represent their parties in 15 different races. Washington County has seven. No primaries were held in the Town of Moreau or in South Glens Falls, according to the Saratoga County Board of Elections.

Just before press time, Warren County released the absentee ballots; 330 votes were cast to determine who represents their parties in races from Glens Falls to Warrensburg to Stony Creek.

Check PostStar.com for results on Wednesday and for a follow-up from our government and politics reporter Maury Thompson. Or see tomorrows paper.

Correction: In the original posting of this story, we listed incorrect winners in the Washington County races. We are looking into the problem more fully. It appears we referred to the tally list before it was finalized. We apologize for the error, and the correct names are now in the story.
MORIAH  A local Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner was arrested and charged with several DWI related charges after crashing his vehicle with his seven-year-old son inside.

On June 17 at 9:45 p.m., New York State Police responded to reports of a car off the road on Route 9N in the Town of Moriah.

According to police, Daniel E. Breeyear, 42, of South Glens Falls, and his seven-year-old son were traveling south on Route 9N in a black 2022 Chevrolet truck, when he left the roadway striking trees. No injuries were reported.

Police said, while interviewing Breeyear, an odor of alcohol was detected prompting them to administer field sobriety tests, which they said he failed.

Breeyear was arrested and charged with DWI, first-degree felony aggravated DWI with child and endangering the welfare of a child after refusing to submit to a chemical test.

He was released with an appearance ticket for the Moriah Town Court later in June.

According to the Eden Care Center website, Breeyear a licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and the director who specializes in offering psychopharmacology, nutritional integration, BHRT, and is well versed in multiple therapeutic modalities. He is currently pursuing a second Masters Degree from Stony Brook University.
From the Midwest to the Northeast, many in the U.S. have been dealing with the smoke from the record breaking Canadian wildfires for over a month now. Hazy skies have been common and extremely low air quality has occurred in spots. Why is this happening and will it be more common in the future?

Dr. Emily Fischer, an associate professor at Colorado State University and a member of Science Moms, studies how climate change impacts wildfires. She joins the podcast this week to explain why this year's Canadian wildfire season has been so bad and how wildfires and their smoke will behave as the planet continues to warm. She also talks about her research flying in airplanes above wildfires and shares the harrowing story of how she and her family had to flee from the Cameron Peak fire in Colorado in 2020.

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About the Across the Sky podcast

The weekly weather podcast is hosted on a rotation by the Lee Weather team:

Matt Holiner of Lee Enterprises' Midwest group in Chicago, Kirsten Lang of the Tulsa World in Oklahoma, Joe Martucci of the Press of Atlantic City, N.J., and Sean Sublette of the Richmond Times-Dispatch in Virginia.

Episode transcript

Note: The following transcript was created by Adobe Premiere and may contain misspellings and other inaccuracies as it was generated automatically:

Hello, everyone, and welcome to another episode of Across the Sky, our national Lee Enterprises weather podcast. I'm Matt Holiner, covering weather for Lees Midwest news sites and apps from Chicago. But of course, it's not just me. I'm joined by my fellow meteorologist Joe Martucci in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Sean Sublette in Richmond, Virginia. The fourth member of our team Kirsten Lang is also home on maternity leave.

But she'll be back in just a couple of weeks. And we're definitely looking forward to it. Now, for this week's episode, it's something that if you haven't experienced yourself, I'm sure you've heard about it. The Canadian wildfires and all the smoke associated with them. Now, we've been dealing with this story for weeks, but the worse was on Wednesday, June seven, when the Northeast and mid-Atlantic were absolutely covered in smoke and New York City recorded its worst air quality ever.

Now, Joe, you're awfully close to New Jersey, and I know you were impacted as well. So for those of us that weren't there and you describe what that was like. Well, I'll tell you, when my wife said because she works in New York City, it looks like Mars out there in New York, it was orange everywhere. Smell like you wanted to roast a marshmallow.

That you know, that's what she said. Even down by, you know, our office closer to Atlantic City. It was a it looked like a cloudy day out. I mean, like with no sun whatsoever. It looked just like a dark, a dreary day out there. You could still smell the wildfire smoke as well. And you know, if you smell the wildfire smoke, it's kind of already through like those those articles that aren't good for you to breathe in are already getting into your system.

You can smell the wildfire smoke. So. And a New York City in northern well, say north Jersey, we won't get into the central north south Jersey debate, but it was definitely a once in a generation type of area. Yeah, we certainly hope once in a generation because, man, I just saw the pictures and those pictures were just incredible.

I mean, the images that were coming out and I think that's why it just becomes such a national story because you just never had seen these things over New York City, these orange skies. And you're right. I mean, that's what I assumed because the pictures I saw, it really looked like like Mars. It's like, whoa, we've seen pictures like this from California before and in Colorado.

But up in the Northeast like to see these images. It was it was pretty incredible. So I can imagine it was a it was quite the experience. Yeah, definitely. Quite. Did you experience anything? We get into this in the show, but yeah, it's really been about, you know, five, six weeks of it at least. Wildfire smoke in the sky might not be smelling it every day, but it's just been persistent here across the area.

Yeah. And you know, well, we we just wanted to dive into all of this deeper so, you know, why are Canada's wildfires so bad this year? Why has so much of the smoke ended up over the U.S.? What are the short term and long term impacts from this smoke exposure? And, you know, we found the perfect guests for this episode helps answer all our questions.

Dr. Emily Fischer from Colorado State University. She's an atmospheric chemist who studies wildfire smoke, and she's even flown over wildfires to collect samples of. So it was a great conversation and one we'll bring you right after this break.

Welcome back, everyone, to the Across the Sky podcast. Our guest this week is Dr. Emily Fischer, an associate professor in the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University. Her research focuses on how climate change is affecting wildfires and the impact of wildfire smoke on people. She's also a member of Science Moms, an organization of climate scientists and mothers.

We're helping other moms better understand climate change. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of British Columbia, a master's degree from the University of New Hampshire, Ph.D. from the University of Washington. And we are thrilled to have her on the show. Dr. Fischer, welcome across the sky. Thanks so much for having me, Matt. And so as we do with all our guests, I'd like to start by asking you what got you interested in whether what made you want to start studying the atmosphere and specifically how it interacts with wildfires?

I have been interested in the weather from the time I was a child. I was ten when Hurricane Bob came through Rhode Island. I'm originally from the East Coast, though. I live in Colorado now, and I was fascinated, impressed, amazed at the ability to predict something like that and to and to prepare for that level of a natural disaster.

And I was a kid who I mean, I called my local weatherman, who was John GLASSIE, and I feel like I should reach out to John Garcia and tell him, look, it turned out I got a Ph.D. in atmospheric science, but he called me back. He was on air when I called, Right. And I asked him what made wind.

So I've just been fascinated in the atmosphere and I care deeply about air quality. And I think we all have issues that we care about and we don't always control what things we care about. Some of us are interested right, in health care, access to health care, and some of us are interested in environmental issues and some of us are interested in animals like.

And I just happen to care about air quality. And so as soon as I figured out that that was a thing that I could study, you know, as I started as an undergraduate, I never looked back. So and then if you spend any time living in the western U.S., fires are a thing. And I like to work on projects that have a global relevance, but a local component.

And I think that really helps me understand them more deeply. So I, I experienced the phenomenon. I have sort of this local understanding of how it's impacting people and it's sort of connected to a broader picture. So fires fall in that category. And some of the other things that I work on also fall in that category. There they stand this local to national to international space.

But, you know, if you live in in the West, anywhere you're going to interact with fires and smoke. And it it's a thing that will draw your attention. Yeah. And I know most of your research on wildfires has been focused in the United States, but of course, this time they're occurring in Canada and having impacts here in the U.S. So, you know, what can you tell us about why the fires in Canada this year have been so much worse than in previous years?

So this year it comes down to aridity or dryness. And so it has just been very dry. Wildfires are very responsive to environmental conditions. And so just imagine tossing a match into a dry brown fire of old versus tossing that match into a well-watered lawn. Right. And or a snow covered area. And so if you have a very dry, dry conditions, that's exactly what will lead to the chance of wildfires.

And then it's just a matter of whether you have an ignition source and leads show here. So I am in New Jersey. Yes. And a couple of Wednesdays ago, we had New Jersey turning into more. For some reason or another, it's orange everywhere, at least in the northern half and state with the wildfire smoke. New York City, you still have the worst air quality in the world.

Where I am in South Jersey. It wasn't quite orange, but it was very, very easy. And it has been really since the middle of May, both with Alberta wildfires. And then what's happening in Quebec and Ontario, in Nova Scotia here, I guess that is 360 view like what actually caused the smoke to recede? Unprecedented levels, you know, in the northeast, because it's not like we haven't seen wildfire smoke before, at least here in northeast.

There's a few issues and one is the fires that are occurring are large and they're so large, some of them, that they're creating their own weather right there. These are big, big, big wildfires and fires that are that large. They create very, very dense amounts of smoke. So much so that when you fly through them and maybe we'll talk about this earlier, I mean, you can't see anything, right?

It's it's ten times as dense as what you saw experiencing have experienced in New Jersey. There's been just very efficient transport of the smoke to these populated areas in the northeast. And it's new for to the northeast, but it's not new for the western cities. So San Francisco, Seattle have been experiencing these kinds of smoke filled conditions quite frequently over the last couple of years.

And it's just a matter of when the wildfire is extremely active. The winds just happen to push that smoke in a certain direction at that level of the atmosphere. And so the, you know, faster and more efficient and more narrow, that smoke plume is the more concentrated it's going to be when it gets to its receptor region, which, you know, was your neighborhood this time.

So that's as simple as it is. And the smoke from wildfires is injecting in various levels of the atmosphere throughout the day in the early morning. And, you know, overnight it's injecting lower in the atmosphere as it grows throughout the day, it tends to inject higher. But if you have conditions where that smoke, you know, mixes back down into the lower atmosphere, you can get, you know, really concentrated plumes moving very efficiently and and at all levels of the atmosphere, actually.

So so, yeah, I'm sorry about that. I'm sorry. I have family in New Jersey, too. So. So I feel your pain. Well, apology accepted. So it's no problem there. But yeah, it was definitely a generation, you know, this type of event for us here. I wanted to ask one brief follow show. I know you're going to ask, but I just wanted to, you know, ask in May.

So we hear the wildfire smoke in bay, but it wasn't as hazy. And then, you know, early June came and it became a lot thicker. Would you be able to just talk about the differences between what we saw in May as opposed to what we, you know, the more notable world wide event that happened in early June when it's more concentrated, you're receiving smoke that's fresher, more dense, and you're getting it a more direct a direct transport pathway.

And I think because I wasn't there at all during that more recent event, you were even able to smell the smoke, right? Yeah, you are absolutely right. Yeah. And then a few months maybe it's just a few weeks ago, months ago, a month and a half ago, the prior smoke event. Right. You couldn't smell it. Right, Right. Yeah, right, exactly.

Yeah. So the compounds in smoke that you can smell, they have a lifetime of about a day. So when you can smell the smoke, it's often more concentrated and fresher. And when you can't smell the smoke, but you see that haze, it usually just means it's been processed in the atmosphere for over a day. So it's it's taken longer than a day to get to you.

And if something is taking longer to get to you, there's also more opportunities for dilution, for deposition, for for the things that are in smoke to come out. And so that's really the difference between those those two events is, is the distance. And I sort of duration of time that passed between the fire and the smoke coming to your neighborhood.

Yeah. And to follow up about the transport of that particulate matter, as Joe knows, and most of us in the weather field know, the the upper level winds or the steering winds were kind of unusual for this time of the year anyway, which is part of the reason the smoke got got this far south. Even here where I was in Virginia, we had a fair bit not as thick as in the Northeast, but we got some here.

And as you mentioned, this is something that is much more common in the western United States. Can I get you also to speak a little bit more about how this does fall back in to the warming climate? Oftentimes, I hear that, well, somebody started a fire, but I try to remind people and you jump in, if I'm a little off base here, that the the origin of the fire isn't isn't the important thing.

I mean, it's not that it's not important, but the conditions of the land that surround it will really govern how much how fast it spreads and how far it spreads. So can I get you to riff on that just a little bit? Is that kind of kind of the right idea? Yes, on you're totally right. And in fact, my group has has worked on this and I can talk a little bit about that.

So I'm not with Canadian fires, but with wildfires in the western U.S. and in the southeastern United States is where we've specifically focused on this link. And other other people have worked in Canada. And and so in general, you can look back at our fire records over the last 30, 40 years and that interannual variability and burn area is linked to environmental conditions.

And which environmental condition is most important depends on the ecosystem. So in some places it is the precipitation that is the best explainer that we have of that year's burn area and other places. It is the aridity that that best explains in the Rocky Mountains, where I live, that interannual variability and burn area is really very tightly linked to our our aridity and so we have also looked at this as a function of ignition source and human started fires and lightning started fires both they're there year to year burn area that they produce the sort of severity and extent of the fires that are started by both of those ignition sources, lightning or human ignition

sources, they vary with environmental conditions. So you are absolutely right. It's it's not net it's not the ignition source. Right. That we are priming the environment or conditions that will facilitate large fires. And so as we look forward with climate change and I mean, climate change is happening right now also. But one thing we know very well is that temperatures will continue to rise.

And one thing the second thing that we know very well over North America is that in general it will be drier. And so that just that alone will facilitate more periods of time where large fires could occur. And and yes, so it's interesting, you know, in the West, there's been a lot of work, right, to educate people about fire safety and and to be careful with ignition sources, but particularly in in certain times of year.

And probably more work needs to happen in, you know, other parts of the world where where typically we haven't been so vulnerable to fires. Yeah. It's not what we want to hear. We talk about climate change and how we could be seeing more of these types of events. And what I want to dive into now is, is some of your research because it sounds really cool.

I know some of it is involved actually flying over wildfires to sample the smoke. So can you tell us about this and what is actually snow smoke made out of? That's kind of a key question. What are the components that are actually in wildfire smoke? Sure. So in 2018, I led what was at that time the one of the largest yield missions in atmospheric chemistry to study wildfires.

And we worked with the National Science Foundation, National Center for Atmospheric Research, C-130 research aircraft. And so we filled that research aircraft with so many different instruments. It was like a flying chemistry lab. And we took that facility and we visited more than 20 different, very large wildfires. And if you remember, 2018 was a very active wildfire year.

So we're talking about like the Carr Fire, the Mendocino complex, some of these really, really big wildfires. And so what we would do was go behind the wildfire or upwind of the fire and see what was happening and figure out the background atmosphere that the smoke was, that the fire was injecting the smoke into. And then we would come around downwind of the the fire and we would as soon as it was safe.

So outside of the updraft, you know, these are large fires They're making very large, very large updrafts. We would turn the plane directly into the smoke, directly into the outflow, and then we would go out the other side. And it's like many minutes pass. It's a little unnerving. It smells like you can't see anything. It's very red. It's very eerie.

As a parent of small children, I was like, What am I doing right now? Why am I doing this? And then you come out the other side, you know that, get a sample of that, the air on the other side, and go right back in. And we we mow the lawn or shoveled the snow, I guess is the time of year where you'd mow the lawn, mow the lawn through the smoke plume.

And we we did that again and again and again to understand how the smoke changes in that very, very close to the fire in that first couple hours and really understand what's happening and what's what's in the smoke. So what's in smoke? It is a very complex mixture of gases and particle jets. And so the fine particulates are very different than a typical urban air pollution mixture.

They are generally what we call organic carbon. So these are chemical compounds with urban carbon bonds. It's a we don't have perfect characterization of of chemically of exactly all of that, but most of the aerosol has organic carbon and then you have a lot of carbon containing gases. So there's lots of carbon monoxide, for example, anytime you have incomplete combustion.

So there's a lot of carbon monoxide, there's a lot of carbon dioxide, there are a lot of what we would think of as hazardous air pollutants. So things like formaldehyde, benzene, these are all organic compounds that you don't really want to be breathing. Those are in there. There's also quite a few nitrogen containing compounds is nitrogen in the wood and in the material that's being burnt.

And so that's what my team studies. So so that's what smoke is made out of. And it every single one of those compound, every single one of those chemicals, they all interact differently with sunlight and with water. So they have different solubility, they have different deposition rates, they have different what we call fatalis rates are how quickly they're broken down by sunlight.

They react differently with other compounds in the smoke. And so it's a very interesting mixture. It's very chemically active, particularly in the first couple of hours. And then some of the chemistry slows down with with time as it and it becomes it's ever evolving because it's going from concentrations concentrated to dilute and that that will change the composition a little bit too because it changes the chemistry.

Does that help? Yes, I figured it was going to be a little bit more complex than we think. I know there are a lot of different elements that make up smoke, but also when you were describing flying through the smoke, it reminded me a lot of some of the hurricane hunters that we've had on this podcast. It's been very similar going back and forth through the hurricane, back and forth, through the wildfire smoke.

And honestly, I think kind of just as scary as well. That would be a pretty nerve wracking experience. I'm not sure I'd be up for that, actually. But I mean, these are wonderful pilots, very safe activity. I would say. It just feels it feels like you shouldn't be doing it. And, you know, we're very careful not to interfere with the firefighting teams and the firefighting teams aren't trying to fly in the smoke where you can't see anything.

So it it it's you know, there's lots of aircraft around wildfires. And the key thing for us was to stay out of the way of the firefighters. But, you know, you you operate in very safe conditions. You're you know, you remain 2000 feet above the ground. And and because you can't see anything, so you don't want to run into Mount St Helens, for example.

So so but it it yeah, it was unnerving for me, but I don't think the pilots were nervous. The other thing that we did on that field program, which was really difficult but so fascinating, was try to sample smoke cloud mixtures. So in those cases we would be looking for these. I know this is a weather podcast, so I'll just get it into a tiny bit of detail here.

There were these beautiful cumulus fields, right? And we would go sample the smoke under them and then move up into these little puffy clouds and try to collect the cloud droplets. So we were taking the plane and going zooming cloud to cloud. And, you know, I was in the cockpit. So not getting as sick as I would have gotten.

I always medicate on these planes, but the back of the plane was definitely getting sick. But it was kind of amazing to, you know, try to capture the cloud particles that were impacted by smoke. Yeah. Just one other thing that you can do while you're up there in the smoke and take advantage of it and sample the clouds as well.

Okay. Well, we're going to take a quick break, but coming up, we're going to chat more about wildfires, smoke and the impacts of climate change is having on them. So don't go anywhere. More across the sky in just a bit.

Welcome back to the Across the Sky podcast. Everyone released new episodes every Monday on all our early news sites and apps, but also on all podcast platforms. And we even have a new YouTube channel. So really, wherever you like to get your podcast, you can find us there. We're back with Dr. Emily Fischer from Colorado State University chatting about wildfires and smoke.

And Emily, one of the things that came up in my research for this episode is that you and your family actually had to flee from the Cameron Peak fire while backpacking in 2020. Now, I assume is pretty scary. So can you describe that experience? So 2020, right. The pandemic summer, we were looking for things to do with the kids we had.

We had taken them to Rocky Mountain National Park a few weeks prior and had this great backpacking experience. So we, you know, kind of at the last minute said, let's go up near Cameron Peak, because that's just a little bit to the north of where I live. And so we we camped out one night and the next morning we got up and my kids were very whiny and we didn't make it that far.

So we had, you know, we stopped a little early for lunch and I said, okay, we can just sit and paint or do something if if you guys don't feel like walking very far. And so we sat down by a tree to have lunch and I came, you know, stood up after lunch and there was a big bubble, big bubble on the back side of Cameron Peak.

And I just looked at my husband. I was like, That's not a cloud like that. That's not a cloud. And I know that because in 2018 I had been flying all over the place looking at many wildfires, knows that we have to go now. And so we had to make a very quick decision of whether we were going uphill, which would have meant we had to have to cross like ten, 11,000 feet with the kids or to go back down the way we came.

And so we just grabbed our children's hands and we ran out. And my daughter, who's eight now, was five at the time, and she ran six and a half miles and about two and a half hours. And it was this. Thankfully, the smoke was running parallel to us so we could see the massive plume. And I didn't know what was going to happen.

Right. I mean, but we did make it out. But there was no we were we were about between one and two miles from the start of the of the fire. And when we got out, the Rangers, they the fire didn't have a name. Right. So I like finally get out. We get out. I turn the key of the car over to make sure everything's going to be okay.

Kids in the car, I tell them, you can start crying now like you can. You can do whatever you need to do now, because it had been, you know, a few hours of like, here's a saver. You get one sip of water, watch your ankles, no talking, right. Just just running, running out. And they and this is quite rugged terrain where this is and that you could tell because it was very hard to fight this fire.

And so we got out and I was like, what's the name of the fire? And the fire had no name. And actually the pictures that my husband took were used by the the Forest Service and some of their investigative work about the cause of the fire. And so so the Cameron Peak fire turned into at that time, Colorado's largest.

And it just you know, I watched that every incident management report every single night for that. And it burns, you know, right through in October. And it basically burned until it snowed. And so we it started in August and it just continued on. And that smoke was sort of covering Fort Collins. And it would was just very smoky here.

There was ash falling on us all the time and your 2020. So you could really only be with people outside. So we were sitting, you know, in the backyard with my brother, just like ash falling on us. And it's like what the world says so dark. And so that summer one, my kids are quite traumatized. It's very hard to get them out hiking now unless it's actively raining.

And so actually, I'm going to come to the East Coast this summer and I'm excited to take them a little bit to the New Hampshire mountains and sort of introduce them to hiking again in a non-Western way where the sort of threats are smaller. But I also that summer, like lived my grass, right? So I had a student at the time I actually had coffee with this morning, Steve Bry, and he had been working on the link between climate and wildfires.

And, you know, summer 2020 was incredibly dry and it was not surprising that from August to September we had an extreme fire season here. And so I felt like I was living in those graphs. I felt like I understood those calculations. And in a much deeper way. And I would, you know, honestly cry some days that summer because I was like, this is what climate change feels like.

This is what this feels like. And at the same time, there was some really great work happening to try to understand the return cycle for events like that and that maybe 6 to 8 years. And that's a horrible type summer to have every six years. So, so I feel like that experience. Yeah, it helped me understand fires and their impacts in a in a new way, in a very nonacademic, nonacademic way and also kind of taught me and it inspired some of my more recent work to think about how we communicate about wildfires so that people can protect themselves and their loved ones and they're sort of vulnerable members of their family.

When smoke comes to town. So. So yeah, that's what that experience was like. Not great. I'm happy everybody was okay. It's certainly possible that we wouldn't have been had the winds been different. Yeah, that is absolutely harrowing. And so congratulations on on getting out with the kids and that they were all right. My kids are 24 and 20 now, so that's no longer an issue, but better communication.

And you talking about coming back here to the East Coast to do some hiking, is there a way or have you found any kind of good way to communicate what that risk is like in the western United States for people who have not been there? Obviously, we had this big, big plume of smoke in the northeast a few weeks ago.

Would you say like, yeah, this is what we deal with all the time? Or would you say like you know, this is something that we're accustomed to all the time? How do you kind of convey the risk and what you what you contend with there in the West United States versus someplace that is, you know, in the east, it as a more a more humid climate and tends to be more forested in the first place.

Well, there's a few things to think about with respect to this general question. And the first one is, while I do not want to diminish the risk of these fires and my family has run from a wildfire, and there's incredibly sad loss of life and property associated with wildfires. So I do not want to diminish that. But more people are impacted by the wildfire smoke and the health impacts are driven by the smoke because just the sheer number of people that are impacted by smoke is much larger.

And so as you think about preparing for wildfires, that preparation really needs to happen across the U.S. with respect to the wildfire smoke, because the fire seasons are bad, fire seasons are very severe fire seasons. The frequency of them is going to increase. Unfortunately, and that's due to climate change and a legacy of land management decisions. And so we have to invest in our forests and work on preventing further climate change in order to address that.

So we have to prepare for more smoke. And so preparing for more smoke will look different depending on your work and your home and your lifestyle. And whether you have someone in that is you yourself are sort of a member of a vulnerable group or not. So vulnerable groups are people with preexisting respiratory and cardiovascular issues and or the very young or the elderly and so in my family I have an older house, but I have a portable AC unit that I'm ready if the smoke comes so that I can close the windows and have it not be blazing hot.

And I have a number of air filters that are ready to go and I don't need them all the time. But I have a sort of kit, the like now wildfire smoke is coming Kit and I would encourage families to do that. And in fact, my mom in Rhode Island, I she was hit by smoke. And, you know, she's funny.

She's like, I have the windows open. And I was like, nope, no, no, you don't like close those up. And I'm in the ship. Use some air filters and this is how you're going to make yourself a clean air space in case those winds shift that plume a little bit further north. Because at the time it was just a little bit in southern Rhode Island and was more to the south.

So I think sort of working with people so that they know what to do and how to protect themselves and whether they need to protect themselves is what we actually need to do, because the smoke is not going anywhere. It's coming more and more. Emily, changing gears a little bit here, you might tell us a little bit about more of the work you do with science moms here and where people find more information about it.

Sure. Science Moms is a group of scientists who are also mothers. All of us work on some something tied to climate change. So for me, that's why my work on wildfires, which are very tightly linked to climate change. And so what we're aiming to do is in a nonpartisan and we're not politicians, right? Most of us many of us are academics, nonpartisan way explain the fundamentals of climate change and help mothers understand what this issue means for their families, for their children, and also to give them confidence to speak out about the issues.

So you don't have to understand every little bit about climate science in order to understand that this is, you know, one of the most important issues of our time. And we absolutely have to take action now. We have about ten years to do a what needs to be done to slow this thing down. So so that's what science moms is.

And we're trying to offer information on fires, on drought, on all the way to what do I do in my own home, to decarbonize it. We're offering, you know, all of that in one sort of space for mothers. And so you can find out about that at science moms dot com and there's videos of me and my colleagues, you know trying to explain things and trying to offer helpful advice and we, you know, showcase some of technologies too, and show how we use them.

For me, like I'm a big fan of the E-bike that reduces my transportation and car carbon use substantially. So kind of show that and how we might go about that. So I even have done some videos on how do you call somebody that represents you and what are the things that you can say if you are concerned about climate change and its impact on your kids?

And and so those are that those are the kinds of things that we're doing in it in an educational sense. Yeah, I really like the stuff that comes out of science on I'll do great work, you know, And as we wrap up here, you know, I'm sure being involved with science lives, but also your research, you know, people come to you, you know, and trying to understand it a little bit better.

So when somebody comes to you and they're and they're worried about the future and climate change and the impact it's going to have on wildfires, you know what? What do you tell them? You know, you try and relax them because it is a stressful thing. We talk about climate change because there's so much negativity around it and we think about all the bad things that can happen.

But what's kind of a silver lining that you see to trying to help relax people and focus on solutions and what we can do to help mitigate the risk if we're going to see increased wildlife or what kind of stuff can we do to handle that situation. You know, what is your response to somebody who's feeling a little uneasy?

How can you hopefully make people feel a little bit a little bit more relaxed? Yeah, I think it helps to just work on the issue. So and there's a very hands up. You feel better once you start working on something that that applies to everything, right? Sometimes starting the job is the hardest piece of doing something right. So so, you know, I'm telling them to do what they can do.

So that might be share information about climate change, swap things in their home and speak up to people that represent them. And then I am also telling them that there is there is. Oh, right. So we caused this problem. We understand what the solutions are and we have the technical capacity to change the way we produce and use energy.

And so we just need the will to do that. And so there I think things could be much worse if we didn't know how to solve the problems. Right. But but we actually know how to solve the problem. We just have to decide. And so I encourage people to put that pressure on people that represent them at all levels of government, because that is one of the most important things that you can do.

And it's very, very important and it's something that anyone can do. So, yes, it's the only thing, you know, I would say if you have children, be careful about how you talk about climate change to children. With my own kids, I tell them this isn't a weight that you have to carry right now. This is an adult problem and I'm working on it.

And that is helps to reduce the anxiety in my house that that I'm not ignoring it. Right. I'm not pretending it's not an issue. And these are these are the ways that I'm working on this issue. So so those are those are my little pieces of advice I would give you. Yeah, I think that's great advice, you know, and focus on the solutions rather than I think you can.

It's easy to focus on all the negativity and then focus on the worry about all the bad, but like are things we can do and focusing on what can we do that actually you can turn that anxiety a little bit into positive outcome and maybe actually lead to a solution to this big problem. Well, and this has been a great conversation, but where can people find out more about your research and size bombs?

So I'm in the atmospheric science department at Colorado State University. I'm the only Emily professor there, so it's easy to find me there. And you can find out more about science moms at science moms dot com in that building YouTube videos and Instagram and all the ways that you can follow that. Awesome. I'm sure people will definitely be expecting that out.

Well and we thank you so much for joining the podcast and hopefully we can have you back on again soon. I would love to. This has been really fun. Great. Well, going to take one more quick break, but we're going to be back with some closing thoughts in just a second. So stay tuned. More across the sky. I mean, and we're back on across the sky.

And I can say I have a better understanding of how wildfires and wildfire smoke work after that conversation. Guys, what about you? Yeah, for for me just to hear that harrowing tale of her having to pick up the kids and literally run for hours to get out of the way of this thing in northern Colorado really puts it all into perspective.

And the important thing here to remember, I think sometimes we forget, we focus on the fires themselves so often and the flames. But it's the smoke, which I think so many of us saw, because a couple of weeks ago that is far more pervasive and does more long term damage and affects more people in terms of health impacts.

I think that's the other thing. We we need to be cognizant of, even if we don't live in an area that is especially close to two fires in and of themselves. And I just, you know, keep going back to her story that she had in Colorado when she was backpacking through there with their kids. I mean, you have kids, her her husband running, you know, away from the fire.

And I you know, like she said, it was the biggest fire in Colorado's history. I mean, you know, that's something I lose a deer for a while. And she definitely made mention of that. Yeah, That was, you know, really a great story. And just the you know, the kind of take away for me is that, you know, after we dealt with what we saw over the Northeast, but again, we've been dealing with it in the Midwest as well, just all the talk, it just seems like, you know, never at this level.

We're talking about so many days with the hazy skies and the reduced air quality. But now, unfortunately, it looks like that's that's where we're headed. These things are becoming more common, whether it's in the West or up in Canada is the conditions for wildfires, because the weather is getting more extreme. The conditions that cause wildfires, again, we've seen these things are becoming more common.

So this is just one more thing we have to add to the list of things that we need to be prepared for and things we need to be working on. Solutions for, which actually ties back into last week's episode. We really want to thank you, our listeners, for checking out last week's episode, which was all about climate change solutions with Project Drawdown.

Dr. Kate Marble And we actually did get some listener feedback on that episode, including an email from Steve who wrote More Electric Cars, High speed Trains and nuclear energy, as well as sealing methane, sources will cut most of the greenhouse gas emissions. All this needs to be done ASAP. We cannot wait for everyone to get on board. Tomorrow is not soon enough and see if I couldn't agree with you more.

So thank you for the email and if you have a comment about the show or have a weather question you'd like us to answer, send us an email at podcasts at Lee Dot Net Podcasts at we dot net. Or if you'd like to hear your voice on the podcast, fix a voicemail by calling 60927270996092727099. We'd love to hear from you.

And finally, before we wrap up, it is almost here perhaps the most anticipated episode of The Cross the Sky yet the Nathan's hot dog eating contest. And I can't believe I just said the joke. You've been hyping this one for weeks, so I'm going to give you one more chance here. Why do people need to do it in?

If you love hot dogs, if you love New York City, if you love America, you'll love this episode. I love you, Joe Martucci. God bless you, brother. It's going to be great, George. George's great. Tremendous. Yes. If you see him up there on stage, you know, he's all energy. He was much more, you know, what shall we say, preparing, you know, definitely a little more subdued, which is a good thing, Not a bad thing.

A good thing as we go into the hot dog eating contest, he's definitely saving up his energy for the fourth. So check it out. I think Sean is going to be absent from that episode. That's what I heard. I might take that one off. You like Hot Dog Shore? I do. I do. But I. I prefer bratwurst because I can enjoy it a little bit longer.

No offense to Nathan. He makes a great hot dog and all, but I prefer the Johnsonville stuff, which I think is made up by you there. Matt, About the Johnsonville brats, the John Civil rights. Very good. They are very tasty. Well, maybe there was a brat eating contest. You know, we talked about I think it was an ad eating contest.

There are other eating contests that are going to discuss in this episode. So it's going to be an experience. I hope you join in. This will be probably certainly our most unique episode of Across US Yet. But for now, that's going to do it for this week's episode of Across the Sky. If you like the show, please give us a rating or poster review on your favorite podcasting platforms and episodes out.
MOREAU  The Article 78 petition filed against the Town of Moreau Planning Board and Saratoga Biochar Solutions by the Clean Air Action Network of Glens Falls was denied by a Supreme Court judge in Saratoga County on Tuesday.

CAAN, represented by Todd Ommen of the Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic in White Plains, filed the Article 78 petition in September hoping a judge would overturn the Planning Boards environmental review. CAANs lawsuit claimed that despite initially resolving to obtain one or more experts to examine potential environmental impacts, this action was never taken.

In the 48 page court decision, Supreme Court Justice Richard Kupferman analyzes each of the complaints listed in CAANs petition. The judge largely agreed with Saratoga Biochar.

Company officials attribute the victory to the courts thorough review of the extensive site plan application record compiled and reviewed by the Moreau Town Planning Board over the course of the one-year application review period.

Tracy Frisch of CAAN spoke to The Post-Star on Wednesday after the decision was released on Tuesday evening.

We are carefully analyzing the decision and determining our next steps, Frisch said over the phone.

Frisch said it is very important for the public to understand this does not mean the project is a done deal and the company still has significant hurdles to overcome.

The people of Moreau will continue to pursue several strategies to win, which will be legal, political and regulatory, she said. As well as good old-fashioned people power.

According to the news release from Saratoga Biochar on Tuesday, they are investing over $80 million into a carbon fertilizer manufacturing facility that would beneficially utilize 225,000 tons of biosolids generated annually and provide much needed relief to many municipal wastewater treatment facilities in New York that are experiencing rapid cost increases in the heavily constrained regional biosolids disposal market.

They said the facility would also provide an aggressive carbon-negative footprint that would help the state reach greenhouse gas reduction targets.

The project has seen intense pushback from the local community.

Kupferman first addressed the Planning Boards attempts to dismiss the lawsuit based on the fact that no injury had yet been as a result of their determination in the State Environmental Quality Review, or SEQR environmental review process.

The judge determined that the two Moreau residents listed in the petition with properties only 700 and 965 feet from the proposed site are more qualified to pursue these claims than anyone else and they live in direct proximity to the increased truck traffic, potential PFAs emissions, noise, odor and other potential impacts.

The judge went on to state that the SEQR process was deemed legal and it was not his nor the courts place to reopen the actual review, but only to determine whether the planning board took the necessary and required steps in the determination.

Kupferman cited not only the conditions put forth by the board, but also the mitigation plans included in the original Saratoga Biochar Solutions site plans.

The court order ends with the judge directing the planning board to meet with the company prior to the construction of phases two and three to examine data and test results regarding air emissions and wastewater discharge from the plant. Kupferman also included that the results of the tests should be shared with CAAN.

Saratoga Biochar Solutions is currently waiting to receive preliminary air and solid-waste permits from the state Department of Environmental Conservation, which will be subject to a public comment period prior to consideration for approval.
Events

Wednesday, June 28

AVALON DUNE AND BEACH WALK: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 30; Beach Entrance, 48th Street, Avalon. 609-967-7155 or avalonfreelibrary.org.

'BOND BETWEEN HUMANS AND ANIMALS': 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through June 28; for ages 18 and older; join Cherie Scheurich, from Absecon Veterinary Hospital, for a 4-week course where you will learn all about the human-animal bond; Mays Landing Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 40 Farragut Ave., Hamilton. 609-625-2776 or atlanticlibrary.org.

BORED? GAMES!: 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 31; for ages 10 to adult; games are family-friendly classic board games meant for at least two players; Ventnor City Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 6500 Atlantic Ave., Ventnor; registration required. 609-823-4614 or atlanticlibrary.org.

WEDNESDAY FAMILY GAME NIGHT: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 30; for all ages; board games provided; Pleasantville Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 33 Martin Luther King Junior Ave., Pleasantville; registration required. 609-641-1778 or atlanticlibrary.org.

Thursday, June 29

BOOK BIKE STORY TIME AT 39TH STREET PLAYGROUND: 10 to 10:30 a.m.; special visit from the Book Bike; Playground, 39th Street, Avalon. 609-967-7155 or avalonfreelibrary.org.

CYBER THURSDAYS: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 31; Pleasantville Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 33 Martin Luther King Junior Ave., Pleasantville. 609-641-1778 or atlanticlibrary.org.

FIRST RESPONDERS DAY: 10 to 11 a.m.; meet community members who keep us safe, explore their vehicles, and learn about their work from Community Policing Officer Lawrence; free activity for all ages; Ocean County Library/Stafford Branch, 129 N. Main St., Stafford Township. 732-349-6200 or theoceancountylibrary.org.

GALLOWAY GREEN MARKET: 4 to 7 p.m. Thursdays; fresh produce, local honey, baked goods, crafts, and more; 615 E. Moss Mill Road, Galloway Township. 609-742-7076.

SENIOR CRAFT AND ACTIVITIES: 10 a.m. to noon Thursdays through June 29; Pleasantville Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 33 Martin Luther King Junior Ave., Pleasantville. 609-641-1778 or atlanticlibrary.org.

Monday, July 3

BEACHCOMBING THE CREST: 6 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Aug. 28; wander the shore in search of tideline treasures; Cape May County Library/Wildwood Crest Branch, 6300 Atlantic Ave., Wildwood Crest. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.

ESL CAREER READINESS LAB: 9:30 a.m. to noon Mondays through July 31; learn how to use the Engen Language Upskilling platform, which provides ESL classes and tutorials with a focus on job interview skills, and the food and beverage industry and hospitality industry; Public Library, 1 N. Tennessee Ave., Atlantic City. 609-345-2269 or acfpl.org.

LINE DANCING - WITH SUSAN PENNYPACKER: noon to 12:45 p.m. Mondays; no meetings Sept. 4, Oct. 9; Wildwood Crest Branch, 6300 Atlantic Ave., Wildwood Crest. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.

MEDITATIVE DRUM CIRCLE: 5 to 6 p.m. Mondays; bring your own instrument or borrow one; no meetings Aug. 28, Sept. 4, Oct. 9, Nov. 6, Dec. 25; Cape May Court House Branch, 30 Mechanic St., Middle Township. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.

MESSY MONDAY CRAFT: 2 to 3 p.m. Mondays, July 3, Aug. 7; monthly crafts for all; start your week off with fun by getting into some glue, glitter or paint; for all ages; Pleasantville Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 33 Martin Luther King Junior Ave., Pleasantville; registration required. 609-641-1778 or atlanticlibrary.org.

For kids

Wednesday, June 28

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: 6 to 7 p.m. June 28, July 25, Aug. 29, movies to be determined; for ages 4 and older; refreshments provided; Hammonton Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 451 S. Egg Harbor Road, Hammonton; registration required. 609-561-2264 or atlanticlibrary.org.

NUTRITIONAL SNACK KITS FOR KIDS: June 27 through 30; Millville Public Library will be giving out free healthy snack food kits for kids; kits will include enough food for 4 servings; Millville Public Library, 210 Buck St., Millville. 856-825-7087.

PLAYDATE AT THE LIBRARY: 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 9; for ages 6-36 months; enjoy stories, rhymes and songs designed to develop early literacy skills; Mays Landing Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 40 Farragut Ave., Hamilton; registration required. 609-625-2776 or atlanticlibrary.org.

Thursday, June 29

123 READ & SING: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays through Aug. 10; for ages 1 1/2 to 5 and their caregivers; Galloway Township Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 306 E. Jimmie Leeds Road, Galloway Township. 609-652-2352 or atlanticlibrary.org.

DASH BOT PROGRAMMING CLASS: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; come meet Dash and see the many things he can do; learn about coding and how you can get Dash up and going; Millville Public Library, 210 Buck St., Millville. 856-825-7087 or millvillepubliclibrary.org.

KIDS' CONCERT AND DANCE PARTY WITH JESSICA CARROLL: 11 a.m. to noon; have fun singing and fancy stepping to new, classic, and upbeat childrens' songs; Ocean County Library/Long Beach Island Branch, 217 S. Central Ave., Surf City. 732-349-6200 or theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

KIDS' EVENT: LEGO THURSDAY: 10 to 11 a.m. Thursdays through Aug. 31; the library will supply the Legos, you supply the imagination; Public Library, 235 32nd St., Avalon. 609-967-7155 or avalonfreelibrary.org.

Saturday, July 1

DROP-IN LEGO PLAYTIME: 1 to 2 p.m. Saturdays through August; Egg Harbor Township/Atlantic County Library System, 1 Swift Drive, Egg Harbor Township. 609-927-8664 or atlanticlibrary.org.

SATURDAY FAMILY STORYTIME: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays through August; Egg Harbor Township/Atlantic County Library System, 1 Swift Drive, Egg Harbor Township. 609-927-8664 or atlanticlibrary.org.

Monday, July 3

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME - ABSECON: 10 to 11 a.m. Mondays; Absecon branch/Atlantic County Library System, 305 New Jersey Ave., Absecon. 609-646-2228 or atlanticlibrary.org.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME - EGG HARBOR CITY: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays through Aug. 28; Egg Harbor City Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 134 Philadelphia Ave., Egg Harbor City. 609-804-1063 or atlanticlibrary.org.

Groups

Wednesday, June 28

LIFE IN WAVES - ONLINE WORKING WOMEN'S GROUP: 7 to 8 p.m. second and fourth Wednesdays; support and discussion group for women in the workplace; hosted by Mental Health Association in Atlantic County. 609-652-3800 or MHAAC.info.

RATHER BE READING BOOK CLUB: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. last Wednesdays through Aug. 30; call for each month's book title; Somers Point Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 801 Shore Road, Somers Point. 609-927-7113 or atlanticlibrary.org.

Thursday, June 29

AL-ANON MEETING: 11 a.m. to noon Thursdays through December; by Al-Anon Family Groups; Cape May County Library/Lower Cape Branch, 2600 Bayshore Road, Lower Township. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.

CROCHET GROUP: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 31; learn and practice your craft in a fun and welcoming environment; Egg Harbor City Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 134 Philadelphia Ave., Egg Harbor City. 609-804-1063 or atlanticlibrary.org.

EHT BOOK CLUB: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, monthly book club; Egg Harbor Township/Atlantic County Library System, 1 Swift Drive, Egg Harbor Township. 609-927-8664 or atlanticlibrary.org.

Friday, June 30

AMERICAN MAH JONGG: 1 to 3 p.m. Fridays; Wildwood Crest Branch, 6300 Atlantic Ave., Wildwood Crest. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.

CONVERSATIONAL LENAPE LANGUAGE - WITH TERI HISLOP: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Fridays; newcomers welcome; Lower Cape Branch, 2600 Bayshore Road, Lower Township. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.

'LIGHTBULB' ONLINE GROUP: 3 to 4 p.m. Fridays; virtual group presented by the Mental Health Association in New Jersey; weekly online discussion group and forum to ask questions about mental health and wellness. 609-652-3800 or MHANJ.org.

Saturday, July 1

KNIGHTS OF THE SQUARE TABLE CHESS CLUB: 1 to 3 p.m. every other Saturday through Aug. 26; open to all ages; Absecon branch/Atlantic County Library System, 305 New Jersey Ave., Absecon; registration requested. 609-646-2228 or atlanticlibrary.org.

Monday, July 3

AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS: 11 a.m. Mondays; for those troubled by someone else's drinking; Egg Harbor City Senior Center, 351 Cincinnati Ave., Egg Harbor City. AL-ANON.org.

LONGPORT NEEDLERS: 10 a.m. to noon Mondays; bring your needle/crochet craft project and join us for a time of crafting and socializing; Longport Public Library, 2305 Atlantic Ave., Longport. 609-487-7403 or LongportPublicLibrary.org.

'MONEY TALKS' ONLINE DISCUSSION GROUP: 7 to 8 p.m. first Mondays; monthly online discussion group with thought-provoking topics related to money and wellness; virtual event hosted by the Mental Health Association New Jersey. 609-652-3800 or MHANJ.org.

Health, fitness

Wednesday, June 28

BUTTS & GUTS - MICHELLE BARBARO: 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 30; Cape May County Library/Wildwood Crest Branch, 6300 Atlantic Ave., Wildwood Crest. 609-463-6350.

EXPLORING SPIRITUALITY ONLINE WELLNESS GROUP: noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays; hosted by the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County; wellness group exploring themes of faith, hope, sense of purpose, and fulfilment. 609-652-3800 or MHAAC.info.

MEDITATION MEET-UP WITH TED COSTA: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through December; Woodbine Community Center, 812 Longfellow St., Woodbine. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.

MIND AND BODY VIRTUAL WORKSHOP: 11 a.m. to noon Wednesdays; workshop is provided to individuals who live with a disability; participants discuss topics such as adapting, goal setting, refocusing and more; offered by the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County. 609-652-3800, ext. 308 or MHAAC.info.

STRETCH & BURN - WITH KELLIE WOOD: 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays; hosted by Cape May County Library; virtual event; no registration required. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.

TAI CHI & QIGONG: 10 and 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays; with Cheryl Crews and Denise Jones; Lower Cape Branch, 2600 Bayshore Road, Lower Township. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.

ZUMBA - WITH JANET SPADA: 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays at Wildwood Crest Library, and Thursdays at Lower Township Library; no meetings July 12, 26, Nov. 22, 23. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.

ZUMBA - WITH KELLIE: 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays; Sea Isle City Branch, 4800 Central Ave., Sea Isle City. 609-463-6350 or Events.CMCLibrary.org.

Thursday, June 29

GENTLE YOGA - WITH ELIZABETH KILCOURSE: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays; bring a yoga mat; Upper Township Branch, 2050 Tuckahoe Road, Woodbine. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.

'RISING MINDS' ONLINE MEETING: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; offered by the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County; peer-led meeting for individuals age 18 to 30; participants discuss mental health, share experiences, develop tools for self-care and connect to others. 609-652-3800 or MHAAC.info.

Friday, June 30

YOGA WITH TANYA DELFINI: 10 to 11 a.m. Fridays through December; no class Sept. 8, Nov. 10, 24; Cape May County Library/Sea Isle City Branch, 4800 Central Ave., Sea Isle City. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.

Saturday, July 1

MORNING RISE AND SHINE YOGA: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. July 1, 15, Aug. 5, 19; summer session with certified yoga instructor; Mays Landing Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 40 Farragut Ave., Hamilton; registration required. 609-625-2776 or atlanticlibrary.org.

Sunday, July 2

MEDITATION - ONLINE GROUP: 7:15 to 8 p.m. Sundays; offered by The Mental Health Association in Atlantic County; staff offer a guided calming meditation or breathing exercise; to receive a link by email and join the group online, email btrendler@mhanj.org. 609-652-3800 or MHAAC.info.

Monday, July 3

CHAIR YOGA - WITH LYNNE CATARRO: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays; no class 9/4, 10/9, 12/25; Cape May County Library/Wildwood Crest Branch, 6300 Atlantic Ave., Wildwood Crest. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.

'GOT STRESS?' ONLINE GROUP: 4 to 5:30 p.m. Mondays; online group meets to discuss daily wellness, coping strategies and tools to relieve stress and reduce anxiety; offered by The Mental Health Association in Atlantic County; free. 609-652-3800 or MHAAC.info.

YOGA WITH SUZANNE KUBIK: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays through Sept. 14; no class July 6, Sept. 4; Cape May County Library/Stone Harbor Branch, 9516 Second Ave., Stone Harbor. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.

Music

Thursday, June 29

TONY MARTS PRESENTS 'ROCKIN' THE POINT' WITH THE BILLY WALTON BAND: 7 to 11 p.m. Thursdays through summer; The Point, 998 Bay Ave., Somers Point. 609-626-4693.

Friday, June 30

MUSIC TO MY EARS - ONLINE: 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays through Aug. 4; uplifting online discussion group in which participants share favorite music selections and what it means to them; virtual event hosted by the Mental Health Association in New Jersey. 609-652-3800 or mhanj.org.
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After many Christian workers and others signed a petition calling it an attack on "religious beliefs and sensitivities," Google quietly deleted a "Pride and Drag Show" off a list of company-sponsored LGBTQ+ events in California, according to a report.

The event at the LGBTQ+ bar Beaux in San Francisco on Tuesday was criticized for disrespecting Christianity by the petition's backers, who notably referred to a drag performer by the name of "Peaches Christ" as "provocative and inflammatory."

The event, initially marketed as a way to "wrap up this amazing month," was later taken off the tech company's website's list of yearly sponsored events.

The event was deleted as soon as it was initially created, according to Google representative Chris Pappas, "without going through our standard events process," according to Fox News.

Every June, Google sponsors a number of Pride activities in San Francisco, including a Pride parade and several drag performances.

The software giant had to deal with a petition from LGBTQ+ staff members who opposed the company's participation in the San Francisco Pride parade just four years ago. The petitioners said that Google should have taken its float down because it did not go far enough to safeguard its LGBTQ+ employees.

Read also: Target Pulls LGBTQ Products Amid Threats to Employees' Well-Being

Google and the LGBTQ Community

Google has a long history of supporting the LGBTQ community. In 2003, the company founded the Gayglers employee resource group, now known as PRIDE at Google. Google has also been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ rights, both in the United States and around the world.

In 2012, Google was one of the first companies to sign the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index, a benchmark for corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality.

Google has also been a strong supporter of the Equality Act, which would ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in all areas of public life.

Google is committed to creating a workplace where all employees feel safe and respected, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The company's policies and practices reflect this commitment, and Google continues to lead the fight for LGBTQ equality.

Google's commitment to the LGBTQ community is evident in its policies, practices, and actions. The company is a leader in the fight for LGBTQ equality, and it continues to work to create a more inclusive world for all. They believe that a diverse workforce is a more innovative workforce, and it is committed to building a workplace where everyone feels welcome and respected.

Related article: Google Ditches Drag Show Pride Month Sponsorship Amid Christian Employee Backlash

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CAMDEN  A former Galloway Township man will spend half a decade in prison for devising a teenager's murder to stop them from testifying against him in a child pornography case, the U.S. Attorney's Office said on Tuesday.

Federal prosecutors say John Michael Musbach, 34, of Haddonfield, Camden County, arranged the murder by paying a hitman about $20,000 initially using the online money transfer application Bitcoin.

Musbach pleaded guilty in April to knowingly and intentionally use and causing another to use a facility of interstate and foreign commerce, the internet, with the intent that a murder be committed.

U.S. District Court Judge Joseph H. Rodriguez sentenced Musbach to 78 months in prison on Tuesday, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a news release. Rodriquez also fined Musbach $30,000 and ordered him to three years of supervised release.

Musbach faced a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of more than $250,000, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in April.

Prosecutors said an informant provided detectives Musbach's messages published on a dark net website, soliciting a killer to murder a 14-year-old from New York he victimized for sexually explicit photographs. The plot murder plan was brought to investigators' attention in 2019.

Musbach offered to pay 40 bitcoin, or about $20,000 at the time, for the hit. He messaged the website first saying that needed a gun because he was incapable of acquiring one legally, according to a criminal complaint filed against him in 2020.

Musbach also Googled ways to purchase a gun, as well as information about New Jersey and Pennsylvania gun shows, the document states, citing his internet browsing history from Sept. 17, 2015, to March 27, 2016.

Musbach pleaded guilty Oct. 11, 2017, to endangering the welfare of a child by sexual contact. He received a two-year suspended sentence from a New Jersey Superior Court judge, who also ordered he be placed under lifetime parole supervision.

The New York teenager was 13 when they sent and received explicit photos to Musbach over the summer of 2015, the U.S. Attorneys office said. Local police were contacted by the teen's parents, who discovered the message exchanges.

Musbach was told by police not to contact the victim while he was being investigated. He was later arrested on child pornography charges by the Prosecutors Office on March 31, 2016, at his Galloway home.

After Musbachs cellphone and business computer were in possession of authorities, he admitted having sent sexually explicit images and videos of himself to the teen, requesting and receiving sexually explicit images and videos from the minor.

Musbach sought a refund when the murder-for-hire websites administrator asked for an additional $5,000 to ensure the teenagers death. According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, the administrator responded by telling Musbach the website was a scam, and that the transaction details could be shared with police.

Agents confirmed Musbachs identity by tying him to a screen name he used on the dark net and the bitcoin transaction with his bank account.
OCEAN CITY  As Matt Friedman winds down his last days as the Superintendent of Schools of the Ocean City school district  his last day is Friday  he reports a mix of regret for his short time in the district and excitement for his new position.

I have a lot of mixed feelings, he said in a recent interview. Not only is the island beautiful, what makes it a great place are the students, the staff, the administration, the school board and the parents. As a leader, thats all you could ever ask for.

In March, Friedman accepted a job leading the Quakertown Community School District in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. That district is about twice the size of Ocean City in terms of the number of students, and far closer to his home in Downingtown, Pennsylvania.

The Bucks County Herald reports his starting salary at the new district as $207,000 a year. In Ocean City, he made $190,000.

Before coming to Ocean City, he had worked as the assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction in the South Orange Maplewood school district. He had a two-decade career in education, beginning as a teacher.

Friedman said he comes from a family of educators, and both of his parents were teachers. Early on, he said, he wanted to become an administrator.

I knew I wanted to effect change in a much bigger way, so I knew I wanted to get into administration, Friedman said.

The Ocean City School Board approved his appointment in May of last year, and he began in July, stepping in just in time for one of the biggest controversies in the district in years as new state education standards went into effect.

The standards proved deeply controversial, with some community members and parents complaining that they went too far in topics related to gender and sexuality. The opposition led to a response from other parents and some students, who advocated on behalf of gay and trans students at public events and school board meetings.

Friedman pointed to efforts undertaken during the school year, including a project that got fathers and other men involved in the Ocean City Primary School, called Watch DOGS, or Dads of Great Students. The program began this year, and Friedman hopes it will continue under the next superintendent.

He also worked on the creation of an e-sports arena at Ocean City High School.

Friedman cited work on A Portrait of a Graduate, aimed at providing a stable foundation for our new strategic plan, with input from parents, students, teachers, residents and other stakeholders. That work is set to continue after Friedman leaves the district.

Ocean City has not always been kind to outgoing superintendents, with some picketing outside the retirement party for the former super, Kathleen Taylor. Friedmans quick departure drew criticism from some at Board of Education meetings, including from members of the Fairness in Taxes organization, who cited funds spent on professional development that would end up benefiting Quakertown.

Members of the organization cited close to $60,000 spent on professional development, and pointed out that Friedman renegotiated his contract with Ocean City to allow more time for travel to events, conferences and professional development opportunities.

Most of that money was not for him, Friedman said in an interview outside a local cafe in Ocean City.

There was only $14,000 of that was directly for me, Friedman said. Of that, he said, about $5,000 went toward membership fees and dues for multiple organizations. He cited the Chamber of Commerce, as well as national and statewide groups. I need to be a member of those.

Most were provided to previous superintendents, he said, and are common practice in school districts. As for seeking more time, he said he had been accepted into a two-year mentoring program called the National Superintendents Academy, one of only 150 slots across the country. If he were still working in Ocean City if he completes the program as expected next year, he would be only the fourth superintendent in New Jersey to do so.

He said he told the Quakertown board of his intentions during the negotiations for his new job,

I always had in the back of my mind, Look, Im not desperate to leave Ocean City. So, if they dont meet me where I want to be met, then I dont feel any pressure, Friedman said. Its a good situation to be in. Its not a consolation prize to be in Ocean City. Im very happy and content.

But he believes he made the right decision, choosing a job closer to home.

The two most important jobs for me are being a husband and being a father, Friedman said. Sometimes you have to make decisions that are best for your family.

This month, the Ocean City Board of Education named Scott McCartney as interim superintendent, at a rate of $700 a day, to fill the role as the search continues for the next full-time superintendent.

The district underwent an extensive search last year before offering the job to Friedman.
GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP  The Atlantic City Rescue Mission has purchased the Rams Head Inn and several surrounding lots and intends to establish a restaurant and, possibly, hotel there, the missions CEO said Tuesday.

The decaying famed restaurant was said to have been purchased about four days before a scheduled demolition. The sale closed in May. The identity of the buyer had not previously been revealed, but a review of township tax records identifies the mission as the owner.

Atlantic City Rescue Mission CEO Daniel Brown confirmed ownership Tuesday and said the mission will house its culinary program there, restoring the restaurant to its former glory and preserving the nostalgia known to so many.

A hotel, once desired by its original owners, Fred and Ethel Noyes, is also in the Missions vision, Brown said.

Its restoration will be a slow process, Brown said, adding the catering service is likely the first to return.

This is not something that we want to rush, he said. I think people are going to be in awe.

The main property and buildings are worth $1.5 million, according to local tax records, and its land value is listed at $740,000.

The Rescue Mission operates a homeless facility on Bacharach Boulevard next to the Atlantic City Convention Center and is known locally to be a primary shelter for the needy.

Brown stressed that no homeless shelter-type operations will be at the Rams Head site on Route 30, several miles outside of Atlantic City.

We have no intentions of moving any of the operations that we do, and have been doing for 60 years, other than where they are in Atlantic City right now, Brown said. Theres no intention, and never will be, as long as Im there.

The Rams Head would serve as a revenue stream for the Rescue Mission, Brown said, referencing other property purchases in Atlantic County that have grown its scope and influence in the community.

Over the years, especially now post-COVID, the dynamic has changed completely within fundraising, and its become more difficult, Brown said.

Galloway Mayor Anthony Coppola said Tuesday the area where the inn is located is not zoned for the operation of a shelter.

Although he declined to discuss the identity of the buyer, Coppola said the township was eager to see a restaurant return to the location, citing the legacy of the Rams Head Inn in the township.

I hope that it continues the tradition of the Rams Head Inn and it will continue the tradition of fine dining in Galloway Township, Coppola said.

The Rams Head was listed for sale by the Knowles family in 2019. Extensive problems to its interior were cited previously as reasons for the closure and eventual sale.

While the full cost of restoration efforts is not yet apparent, it will potentially cost hundreds of thousands, Brown said. The building has mostly minor damage, he said, adding its been subject to some vandalism, including metal roof materials being stolen.

Around the time it was shut down, the Rams Head employed 25 full-time and 35 part-time staff and hosted about 60 weddings per year with an average size of 125 to 175 people, according to the sales information.

Brown eyed the property as a potential acquisition shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic began, he said.

The Rescue Missions purchase extends beyond the Rams Head lot. It is listed as the owner of parcels on Beech and Taylor avenues, which are both adjacent to the closed restaurant, according to township tax billing. Those lots are where a potential hotel could be built, Brown said.

The Rescue Mission was founded in 1964 as a Christian-oriented entity to provide food and shelter to a small number of homeless men. As of 2021, its clientele had grown to about 270 people per night. It also provides hundreds of thousands of meals per year.

People who live at the Rescue Mission are entered into a treatment or work-readiness program. The hope would be for Rams Head to be a pipeline for shelter tenants to gain employment opportunities but all would be welcome, Brown said.

For the Rams Heads property, the Rescue Mission was billed and paid $12,041 in its quarterly tax bill due May 1, records show. It also carries a $7,700 sewer bill due by late September, tax records state.

In Atlantic City, the Rescue Mission revamped its roughly 30-year-old facility beginning in 2022.

With the Galloway site originally used as a Dutch restaurant, the Rams Head Inn was founded in the mid-1970s by the Noyes. Earlier, the Noyes family had developed Smithville Inn and the surrounding Towne of Historic Smithville.

While Brown could have moved to purchase any property to aid the Rescue Mission, the Rams Head interested him most because of its historical aspects, including its roughly century-old signature water tower. Brown also spent 20 wedding anniversaries with his late wife there, he said.

I was thrilled beyond belief, Brown said, recalling the day he closed on the property, sparing it from being leveled. It just was something that I was like, Were in the business of restoration, we restore lives, so this just seemed to fit the whole scheme of what we do.

Coppola, who is an owner of the Smithville Inn Towne of Historic Smithville, said he was bullish on the Rams Head and its success, citing similarities to his familys work to redevelop Smithville business.

It (the Rams Head Inn) was a landmark in the community for a long time, and we want it to return to that, Coppola said.

Staff Writer Chris Doyle contributed to this report.

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Eminent Jain leader Acharya Lokesh Muni has been honoured with an official seal and Congressional Proclamation by the US House of Representatives. The Jain spiritual leader, who is the Founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti, was in the US on a peace harmony tour. He has been honoured by the US House of Representatives in Washington. Agencies

Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari

Sharif, Zardati meet in UAE

Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif and former president Asif Ali Zardari have reportedly met in the UAE to decide on the timing of the next general elections and their respective share in the future set-up, the Dawn News reported. Agencies

PIC USED FOR REPRESENTATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY

Japan is Koreas preferred nation

Japan announced a decision on Tuesday to reinstate South Korea as a preferred nation with fast-track trade status starting July 21, virtually ending a four-year economic row. Japan and South Korea have also agreed to set up a framework to review and follow up on the systems as needed. Agencies
A 16-year-old student lost his life due to electrocution in the Shivane area on Tuesday morning. According to the initial probe, the deceased has been identified as Shubham Balu Pawar, a resident of Shinde Pul and a student of Navbharat High School, Shivane. The police said that on Tuesday at around 11:00 am, Shubham was on his way to meet his friend when the wires electrocuted him.

Shubham came in contact with the wires of a residential building in a small lane of Deshmukhwadi. When some locals saw him, they rushed him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The police have registered a case of accidental death.

A report has also been sought from the electrical inspectors based on which further action will be decided. The inspection will be done by the Chief Electrical Inspectors office of the Department of Industrial, Energy, and Labor of the Government of Maharashtra. This is the second incident reported within a week in Pune where a citizen has lost his life due to open wires.
Antoinette Williams thought she was waiting for two teenagers to finish buying weed at a rural Milan house when she heard gunfire.

It was early in the morning of April 14 and Williams parked her 2013 Dodge Dart near the home at 11711 Ridgewood Road. She waited with her sister, Tationna. The two boys were Tationna Taylors friends.

Moments after the shooting, the two boys scrambled back into the Dart. One of them was shot.

At 12:44 a.m., while Williams drove away from the scene, Melodi Taylor placed a phone call to 911. She said someone had entered the house and shot her 17-year-old son, Danny Taylor.

Danny Taylor died in the house.

Williams later told investigators from the Rock Island County Sheriffs Department that she did not know Danny Taylor lived in the house, or that the teen boys had gone there to rob him.

She also told investigators she did not know the teen boys, 16-year-old Napoleon Jackson and the 15-year-old later identified only as JS.

Jackson and JS were later charged with first-degree murder and home invasion.

Witness statements, found in court documents, tell a story of how and why Jackson and the others went to the house that night, and what happened after they fled the scene.

An easy lick

Jackson didnt pick Danny Taylor or his home out of the blue.

Tationna Taylor told investigators she and a woman named Jaya Clark had stolen from Danny Taylor a few weeks before he was killed.

Tationna Taylor described how Clark convinced Danny Taylor to take her to SouthPark Mall. While they were at the mall, Tationna Taylor said she entered Danny Taylors house and stole several thousand dollars.

Tationna Taylor told investigators she saw Danny Taylor as an easy lick  someone who was easy to rob.

The robbery on the morning of April 14 was not easy. Danny Taylors father, David Taylor, told investigators that he and Melodi were sleeping upstairs when they woke up to a loud banging noise.

David Taylor said he went downstairs, unarmed, and saw two Black males wearing face masks in Danny Taylors room. He said he heard a gunshot and punched one of the masked men in the face. David Taylor said he and his son were fighting with the men when more shots were fired and one of the masked men yelled out that he was shot.

David Taylor said he was struck in the back of the head, stopped fighting and saw his son on the floor, bleeding from a gunshot wound. The emergency responders arrived, they found Danny Taylors father performing CPR in an attempt to save his sons life.

Polo loved him

While paramedics worked on Danny Taylor, Williams drove the Dart to UnityPoint-Trinity Hospital in Rock Island. JS had been shot during the struggle in Danny Taylors home.

After dropping the 15-year-old off at the emergency room, Williams, Jackson and Tationna Taylor went back to Tationna Taylors apartment at Milan Manor. Williams said Jackson stayed there for a few hours before leaving when his ride arrived.

Jackson made his latest appearance in a Rock Island County Court on Friday and prosecutors called Brittany Jones, who told Judge Frank Fuhr she did not want to testify in Jacksons trial for the murder of Danny Taylor.

Jones is JSs mother.

I dont know the kid, Jones said, gesturing toward Jackson. I dont know nothing. Just leave me out of it.

But thats not what Jones told investigators after her son was transported from UnityPoint Health-Trinity to OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. She said Jackson sent her son a note through social media, apologizing for shooting him during the home invasion.

Jones told police she also overheard JS talking to Jackson on the phone. She heard JS tell Jackson he loved him and I aint gonna tell them nothing.

Jones told investigators that she became angry at JS for talking with the boy that shot him. JS told her that Polo (Jackson) loved him and that he shot Daniel Taylor to save JSs life.

While JS was in the hospital, Jackson fled Rock Island County and moved into a home on East 22nd Street in South Newton, Iowa. He tried to enroll in the Newton School District.

He was arrested April 19 at the home on East 22nd Street.

Along with first-degree murder and home invasion charges, Jackson was charged with aggravated battery for wounding of JS.
A Davenport man is facing sexual abuse charges, accused of inappropriately touching two children, the Scott County Sheriffs Department said Tuesday.

Timothy Lee Millard, 27, is charged with two counts of second-degree sexual abuse. Each of the charges is a Class B felony under Iowa law that carry a prison sentence of 25 years.

According to the arrest affidavits filed by Scott County Sheriffs Investigator Ryan Strom, between November, 2022, and February, 2023, Millard inappropriately touched a 5-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy. The girl turned 6 in February.

Millard was arrested and booked into the Scott County Jail at 3:39 p.m. Tuesday.

Millard made his first appearance on the charges Wednesday morning, according to Scott County District Court documents. His next hearing has been set for July 7.

He remained in the Scott County Jail as of 11 a.m. Wednesday, according to the Scott County Jail website. To be released, he would have to post $25,000 cash.

Reporter Anthony Watt contributed to this report.
A 36-year-old Moline man died after being struck by a vehicle Monday night, East Moline Police Chief Jeff Ramsey said.

Officers were sent to the 800 block of 19th Street at 9:06 p.m. to investigate a vehicle versus pedestrian crash, Ramsey said.

The man, identified by Rock Island County Coroner Brian Gustafson as Julius Yvette Figures, was found to have suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to Genesis Medical Center, Silvis, where he died.

An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday, Gustafson said.

Ramsey said the driver of the vehicle remained on the scene after the crash and was interviewed by investigators and taken to the hospital for evaluation. The driver was released pending further investigation.

The Moline Police Departments Accident Reconstruction Division will assist in the investigation, Gustafson said.

Ramsey said full investigation would be conducted that would include analysis of video surveillance in the area and witness interviews.

Once the investigation is completed the case will be turned over to the Rock Island County States Attorneys Office for review of any possible criminal charges, he said.

East Moline Police were assisted at the scene by the East Moline Fire Department, Moline Police Department, Rock Island County Sheriffs Department, Hampton Police Department, and Genesis EMS.

Police ask that anyone with information about this incident to call the East Moline Police Department at 309-752-1555, Crime stoppers of the Quad Cities at 309-762-9500, or submit an anonymous tip via the P3 Tips mobile app.
Rock Island's downtown organization has its first work plan and budget in place for revitalization.

During Monday's council meeting, the council voted 6-1 to approve the half-million-dollar budget. Third Ward Alderman Judith Higgins Gilbert made the lone no vote.

Last year, City Council approved a downtown special service area. An SSA is an area within a municipality or county in which special governmental services are provided. The cost of SSAs would be paid from revenues collected from taxes levied or taxes imposed on properties within the area.

Property owners will pay a 1.15% tax on their assessed value. The tax would produce $310,613.

Downtown Rock Island Director Jack Cullen presented the work plan on behalf of the 13-member downtown alliance board, saying it's a starting vision. The budget is split into three pillars: business and economic growth, infrastructure and livability, and advocacy and promotions.

"Our mission from the get-go here is for the Rock Island Downtown Alliance to deliver services and programs for the city," Cullen said. "We need to rip the Band-Aid off and start performing services and programs to get initiatives off the ground and see how those services and activities perform."

Infrastructure and livability

A bulk of the budget will go toward infrastructure and livability. It includes enhancing downtown safety, breaking ground on downtown projects, launching new programs and hiring an operations manager.

To enhance safety, the work plan and budget include working with the Rock Island Police Department in offering overtime for officers to patrol downtown. The budget sets aside $30,000 for safety services provided by officers, totaling 500 hours of patrol services provided.

During conversations, Cullen said, Police Chief Richard Landi was comfortable with that number and offering the option for overtime to officers rather than making a directive to work it.

As someone who works downtown, 7th Ward Alderman Bill Healy said that they don't need as many officers down there right now since not a lot of people are coming downtown. Healy owns the Stern Center and Bridges Catering.

But the interest for the board lies in the physical day-to-day presence of having officers downtown whether on bike or foot, Cullen said.

The work plan also creates an operations manager and community navigator position. The community navigator position would help enhance downtown safety and the operations manager would help oversee the day-to-day operations of landscaping, maintenance and other needs for keeping downtown running and enhancing the overall look. The operations manager would receive $62,610.

The community navigator would receive $17,500 and focus on outreach to people who might be experiencing quality-of-life issues and connecting those with the right resources around the community. It would also include helping to enhance downtown safety and providing communication for what might need fixing or who might need help.

It also includes $100,000 for a cleaning ambassador program. Cleaning ambassadors would focus on making sure the downtown is receiving regular maintenance such as sweeping debris, picking up litter, and removing graffiti. They also would provide beautification help such as how can the overall look be improved.

Though it has yet to be established, Cullen said they are looking at establishing a potential agreement with the city to help provide maintenance services downtown and expect to present it to the council, outlining more of the specifics at a future date.

The operations manager would oversee the cleaning ambassadors, and community navigator, doing business checks and communicating regularly with public works, parks and recreation and the police department.

The board also plans on working with the city's community and economic development and public works departments to address deteriorating buildings, obsolete signs, problem dumpsters and other nuisances.

Business and economic growth

The board is looking to launch its own capital improvement grant program for $45,000. Further discussion is still needed to identify what specific programs and areas the board would want to invest in, but it could include improvements to streetscape, businesses and properties.

Technical assistance to developers, entrepreneurs and small businesses seeking downtown space or improvement would be able to seek help through the board and the board also is looking to collaborate with the city, Development Association of Rock Island (DARI), Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce and other entities to assist with downtown business development.

The goal is to assist with at least 10 new or expanding business projects in downtown.

The plan also includes bolstering business retention, expansion and attraction in downtown and enhancing streetscape and marketing efforts such as advocating for outdoor dining structures in the final scope of the city's $7 million rebuild downtown project.

The $7 million revitalization project includes the reconstruction of the 2nd Avenue pedestrian mall, a downtown dog park and improvements to the overall appearance. The city, in partnership with the downtown alliance, presented the major plan to the council in April and has been working with design and engineering firms.

The $7 million project is being funded with a $3 million grant from Rebuild Illinois, $2.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, and $1.5 million in tax increment financing district funds.

Advocacy and promotions

With this being a new start-up organization, one of the biggest things is promoting what help and services they provide and advocating for the overall improvement and investment into downtown.

Of that, $25,000 is planned to go towards marketing and promotions, $12,000 for office rent, and $3,000 for professional development.

A key area the board plans to focus on is promotions and stakeholder communications by leveraging the downtown alliance platforms to promote downtown as a safe and fun place to live, work, shop and eat. It also includes leveraging partnerships with Visit Quad Cities, Alternating Currents and the chamber.

Gilbert asked whether a unique or signature event for downtown Rock Island is in the works and hopes it is something the board strives for.

In the budget, there is no major funding dedicated to large-scale events but the board is looking to program smaller neighborhood events and is looking into what other events they could get off the ground. Cullen said they hope to strive for a signature event once construction in the downtown is completed.

As downtown revitalization progresses, the budget is fluid and could change in future years depending on where money might need to be rearranged.

Artists gather for the annual Chalk Fest hosted by Quad City Arts
U.S. President Joe Biden is now trying to get American voters' trust again.

In his re-election campaigns, POTUS decided to use a very unusual strategy, which is making his old age a punchline.

Recently, numerous people have already shared their concerns regarding Biden's age.

One of them is Marianne Williamson. The American bestselling self-help author said that Joe would be selfish if he ran for a second term.

But it looks like Biden is using his old age as a tactic to make his re-election campaigns stand out.

Will Joe Biden's Old Age Punchline Appeal To Voters?

NBC News said that its new analysis discovered that Biden is using his age as a punchline more often than usual.

Read Also: Joe Biden Takes Orders From China Amid Russian Crisis, Donald Trump Claims

During the recent events on international diplomacy and gun safety, the American leader cracked jokes about his age, saying he's been around a long time.

As of writing, numerous polls revealed that more than 60% of registered American voters are moderately concerned about Biden's physical and mental health because of his old age.

This is why Joe's aides said that the U.S. president couldn't ignore this issue.

"Joking about age allows him to simultaneously own the advantages of experience and defuse through humor any doubts about fitness," explained a former White House official.

Is It Effective?

As of writing, it is still unclear if Biden's new tactic is effective when it comes to acquiring the trust of voters.

But, by connecting his experience to his age, Joe is able to lighten up this issue and make it an advantage against his opponents.

According to Article II of the U.S. Constitution, there are only three requirements for presidential candidates.

USA Today provided them below:

Be a natural-born citizen of the United States.

Must be at least 35 years old.

Must have lived in the United States for at least 14 years.

Based on these requirements, Biden can still run for the presidency. But, if he wants to win, he needs to show that he's still mentally and physically capable of becoming the leader of the U.S. once again.

Related Article: Joe Biden Relies on 'Bidenomics' Campaign Battle Plan Amid Struggle To Address Economic Issue

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Multiple train cars derailed near Nahant Marsh on Tuesday in Davenport. The railroad said no hazardous materials were released.

Several rail cars were tipped on their sides in the area between Nahant Education Center and Concord Street, which was closed to vehicle traffic into Wednesday. Others were righted, but appeared dented and damaged.

A Canadian Pacific Kansas City spokesperson emailed the Quad-City Times that a train operating at slow speed in CPKCs Nahant Yard in Davenport derailed 21 cars Tuesday evening.

There were no injuries, no spills of any hazardous materials and there is no threat to public safety, Salem Woodrow wrote. Three of the cars involved are carrying loads of liquid asphalt, but there were no leaks from those cars.

Inscribed on at least one car was liquefied petroleum gas. Crews Wednesday afternoon used large machinery to lift train cars onto the tracks.

Woodrow added that yellow floating barriers set up in the marshy water, called booms, were precautionary.

CPKC crews have been working through the night and this morning to clean up the derailed cars, Woodrow wrote. The cause of the incident remains under investigation. The preliminary investigation has determined there were no mechanical issues with the rail equipment or track infrastructure and that signal systems were operating properly.

David Donovan, director of Scott County Emergency Management Agency, said the agency had been in communication with Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern and the city of Davenport Fire Department.

To the Scott County EMAs knowledge, he said, there is no release of chemicals or health hazard as a result of the derailment. Because of that, he said, the EMA was not responding to the incident, but Davenport Fire responded Tuesday night.

Curtis Lundy, chair of the Nahant Marsh Board of Trustees, wrote in an email that rail company Canadian Pacific Kansas City did not inform Nahant Marsh of the derailment. Organization staff came upon it while doing tree surveys at about 12:45 p.m. Wednesday.

Lundy said Nahant Marsh, which is near a CPKS rail yard, would do water samples in the area.

But since it happened at or near marsh property, Lundy said he wished CPKS wouldve notified them when it happened, instead of marsh staff discovering it on their own.

Theres a lot of things for us to be aware of, Lundy said. If you dont know, you cant plan or cant manage it. As quick as possible notification is highly desirable.

At the City Council meeting Wednesday, Davenport Mayor Mike Matson said he was immediately notified of the derailment and was in conversations with CPKS and the fire department. Alderman Rick Dunn, who represents Davenports 1st Ward, said he also was notified.

Train derailments have been top of mind for opponents of a recent merger between Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern, which the companies estimated will attract more train traffic through the Quad-Cities because of efficiencies resulting from becoming a single-company rail line connecting Mexico with Canada.

Federal regulators approved the merger earlier this year.

Extreme weather is disrupting Amtrak's trains  and its climate benefits Extreme weather is disrupting Amtrak's trains  and its climate benefits
Vera French is expanding into Bettendorf this fall with a new clinic that could serve up to 100 people a day.

The mental health care organization plans to open a second full-service outpatient mental health clinic. The new location will be on the first three floors of 852 Middle Road, the former TBK Bank building in Duck Creek Plaza. United Way Quad Cities has its offices on the fourth floor.

The hunt for a new location started in early 2021, and the 26,000-square-foot space in Bettendorf was found to be the best option from a program and fiscal perspective. CEO Dr. Richard Whitaker said staff looked at where their clients lived and decided there was an opening for coverage in the east end of Davenport and west end of Bettendorf.

Ample parking, easy access to bus routes and room for future growth were big must-have items on the list.

The tower at Duck Creek really fit the bill in so many ways," he said.

In the new location, counseling services will be on the first floor. Vera French has seen an 18% increase in people seeking counseling services in the past year alone, Whitaker said. That number has been slowly rising over time, and to help fight it, Vera French started a same-day access program about five years ago.

Instead of having to make an appointment and wait for a provider to be available, patients can come in and get help that same day. It's made a difference in the community, but it's also created a higher demand for Vera French's services.

"That just increases the volume because people know they can get in right away," Whitaker said.

The Middle Road expansion will add about 15-20 jobs in the region, with 12-15 of those jobs specifically being for licensed providers of mental health services. Recently, Vera French added a second multisystemic therapy team, saying there was, "more need than we can serve with just one team."

Those team members will have offices on the second floor of the new building. Whitaker said their job was done primarily outside of the office in homes, schools and in the community. Members of that team help at-risk youth and their families.

"We're called in to work with the juvenile court services and child protection workers that want us to go help these youth," he said.

Since the program started five years ago, Vera French has served more than 170 youth and families through the program.

Vera French will keep its existing locations, including the one at 1441 Central Park Ave., in Davenport. Whitaker said administrative duties took over a large portion of the building there, but those will be moving to the third floor of the Duck Creek tower.

We just recognize that we were scrambling to try and do office shares and cram more people into the same office when it comes to admin services," he said. "We had many of our staff doing part-time in the office, part-time remote, which wasnt really working all that well.

Once the move is complete, Vera French plans to add new programs, like group therapy and substance abuse, into the space formerly occupied by admins at the Central Park location.

We have been holding off on expanding some services because we just didnt have the space," he said.

The timeline for the new building is fairly fluid, but Whitaker is hopeful employees can move in by the end of September.

"I think Vera French has done a great job at really promoting outreach services that don't just want for people to come in. We go out and try to find out where the needs are, and go to the people," he said. "We just have to meet the need. We're the community mental health center. There is no other option."

Young pilots work towards their certifications to fly commercial airline planes
As a ninth-floor resident of a 10-story building without a working elevator, Robbi Kaup feels trapped in her own apartment.

Kaup, 75, lives in the Mississippi Lofts at 106 E. 3rd Street in downtown Davenport, adjacent to the Adler Theatre. She moved into the building four years ago and was amazed with what she saw.

I just thought it was so special, but they ... dont spend money to fix things, and its gone downhill so fast I wouldnt even recognize the building (today,) she said. If I saw it today, I would never have rented.

The they in question is Premier Housing Management, a Minnesota-based company that manages and develops properties in the Midwest and Oregon. According to its website, Premier owns multiple other buildings in Davenport including Cobble Stone Place farther down on 3rd Street and the Jackson Renaissance, formerly the Jackson School Building, on West 16th Street.

Scott County records indicate the 56-unit building has been owned by Mississippi Housing Partners since 2006 when it was purchased for nearly $500,000. The deed owner has the same address as Premier Housing. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since Oct. 22, 1998.

Premier did not immediately respond to a request for comment for this story.

The main problem Kaup, and many other residents, are facing now is no elevator access despite there being three in the building. Kaup said she could not physically walk up and down nine flights of stairs, especially with groceries.

Late last week the elevator was making unusual noises, and by Saturday it stopped working all together, she said. The problem persisted through the weekend and into this week, but safety concerns surrounding it have been ongoing.

When youre on it, it shakes. It does not feel safe, Kaup said.

By Wednesday, there was still no working elevator. Development and Neighborhood Services Director Rich Oswald confirmed via email Wednesday that a complaint was received Monday. The department contacted property management, who in turn contacted Schumacher Elevator Company out of Rockford to fix the problem.

Oswald said the work was expected to be completed by end of day Wednesday.

According to OSHA, elevators need to be inspected at least once a year. The Times has submitted a Freedom of Information Open Records request for copies of state inspections on the elevators in the building.

The Iowa Division of Labor states owners must have them inspected on a regular schedule, but they also have the freedom to hire a private, qualified inspector. If they choose not to, the state will send an inspector to the site.

The division has a public portal that allows users to search the status of elevators. For the Mississippi Lofts, it lists one as being dormant, a second as approved and a third states a safety order has been issued. A fourth, it says, has been torn out.

According to the ADA, the only structures that do not require an elevator are buildings with less than three stories, with fewer than 3,000 square feet per floor or shopping center or mall. The ADA also specifies repairs need to be made as soon as possible.

Kaup said the elevator not working had lead to a variety of consequences, including a lack of cleanliness. With no easy way to get pets down the stairs, animals are defecating in the hallway, she said. Additionally, people are smoking in their apartments, despite there being a no-smoking policy, because there is no easy access to the outdoors, she said.

Outside the building is a doorbell for the main office. No one answered when reporters inquired on Wednesday afternoon.

According to a listing on Apartments.com, the building features amenities such as controlled access, a property manager on site and wheelchair accessible rooms. It does not list rent, but does specify that income restrictions apply.

Now, Kaup is trying to find a new place to live, but she cannot walk down the nine flights of stairs necessary to do so.

Artists gather for the annual Chalk Fest hosted by Quad City Arts
Rapid Citys newest drive-thru literally dropped in Monday morning. A pre-fabricated 7 Brew Coffee shop was placed at the site where the franchise will open in late August.

7 Brew Coffee, which will be located near Tidal Wave Auto Spa on Cambell Street, has a menu that begins with seven signature drinks and can offer customers about 20,000 possible flavor combinations. With the exception of muffin toppers, 7 Brew Coffee exclusively sells beverages including teas, smoothies, shakes, flavored sparkling waters and a 7 Energy drink.

The franchise launched 18 months ago in Arkansas and now has 100 locations so far; Rapid Citys will be one of two in South Dakota, according to Matthew Mehlhaff, owner and operator of 7 Brew Rapid City. Another location will be opening in Sioux Falls.

The 7 Brew brand is about speed, energy and cultivating kindness, Mehlhaff said. Were so excited to bring these values and quality of customer service to the Midwest and specifically Rapid City.

The brands focus on speed includes shortening the time spent preparing to open new locations. Rapid Citys 7 Brew Coffees 560-square-foot pre-fabricated building comes already plumbed and wired, said Max Pfeiffer, who is an owner as part of a franchise group.

Its 7 Brews preference to have (the building) delivered so we can focus on hiring and training, he said. As soon as we get the equipment (installed) were ready to start training and hiring.

The 7 Brew Coffee location will create about 50 jobs, Mehlhaff said. Anyone interested in applying can go to rockymountaincoffee.7brewcareers.com/ for more information.

Its focus on customer service is one aspect that sets 7 Brew Coffee apart from other coffee drive-thru chains, the company said.

We dreamed of serving premium coffee in record time Its the concept of cultivating kindness and joy with every drink  through our service, speed, quality, energy and atmosphere. Its contagious and its changing the drive-thru coffee industry, according to a press release from 7 Brew Coffee.

Our drive-thru experience believes in kindness and joy and keeps it as a high priority. We dont serve food so we can move people through the line quicker. Its really a convenience, Mehlhaff said.

The 7 Brew Coffee chains company values focus on philanthropy, as well. To celebrate the arrival of the 7 Brew Rapid Citys building on Monday, Mehlhaff and Pfeiffer presented a $2,000 check to Chantel McDonnell, director of development, and Mark Kline, associate executive director, for The Club for Boys in Rapid City. The money can be put toward whatever needs or programs the club chooses.

With all the grand openings (7 Brew) picks a charitable partner in town. We started going through different organizations and coming across The Club for Boys, we really like what they stood for and the work they are doing in Rapid City, Mehlhaff said.

The Club for Boys has been serving the community since 1963 thanks to support from places like 7 Brew, McDonnell said. This generous donation will help fund programs that help boys of all ages increase their knowledge and skills year-round through education, guidance and recreation.

Mehlhaff and Pfeiffer are both from Aberdeen, but Mehlhaff said Rapid Citys recent growth caught their attention. In addition to 7 Brew Rapid City, Mehlhaff and Pfeiffer are opening franchises for Take 5 Oil Change this summer. A location on Mount Rushmore Road will open in late July, and a location on Cambell Street will open in late August.
Cities in the Black Hills have different regulations regarding fireworks around the Fourth of July, like what can be set off in city limits and where you can be.

Emergency Services Communication Center will host a special line dedicated to information related to fireworks again this year. People can call (605) 394-2151, option 9, or call 211 directly for answers to fireworks-related questions like whats legal, where and public displays in the area.

As for cities or counties, there might be different regulations to follow.

Under South Dakota Codified Law 34-37-19, Pennington County resolution allows the discharge of fireworks when the grassland fire index conditions are low, moderate, high or very high from June 27 to July 9.

Within the Black Hills Fire Protection District, state-codified law prohibits the sale and discharge of fireworks. This is roughly anything west of Highway 79 from Hot Springs to about I-90, Exit 61. The boundary follows I-90 east of Black Hawk and Piedmont.

For Rapid City, setting off fireworks in city limits up to one mile outside the city limits is not permitted, except the novelty type.

Novelty fireworks include snaps, caps, pull-a-parts and fireworks you can toss on the ground.

For further clarification, people can call the Emergency Services Communication Center or Rapid City Fire Department, Fire and Life Safety Division at (605) 394-5233.

The illegal use of fireworks is an offense punishable by a fine of up to $500, 30 days in jail or both.

City and County law enforcement will have an increased evening presence in areas within the one-mile radius of Rapid Citys limits, including parts of Rapid Valley. Citations may be issued after 11 p.m. or any time of day when someone is reckless or negligent with fireworks.

Box Elder allows the discharge of fireworks inside city limits and on private property with the permission of the landowner July 1-4 between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. If grassland fire danger rating exceeds High, private or citizen use of fireworks is prohibited.

Within the city of Custer, fireworks are not permitted within the city and one mile beyond the city limits.

Hill City, Keystone and Wall only allow novelty fireworks within their city limits like sparklers, party poppers and snappers.

Selling fireworks in New Underwood is not allowed before June 27 and after July 5. People in New Underwood city limits can only set of fireworks June 27 to July 5. Violating this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor and in dry years the Council may, by Resolution, ban the use of fireworks within the city limits. Call for more information (605) 754-6777.

Spearfish prohibits fireworks within its city limits and the Black Hills Fire Protection District.

Fireworks are also not allowed on Belle Fourche Reservoir lands. This includes Rocky Point State Recreation Area, Belle Fourche Dam and lands directly managed by the Bureau of Reclamation.

Federal regulation restricts owning or using fireworks on Reclamation lands and bodies of water. Permanent reservoir-wide restrictions allow for more consistent law enforcement and reduces the risk of fire at the reservoir.

For more information regarding restrictions and other issues at Belle Fourche Reservoir, call Jay Leasure, Bureau of Reclamation, at (605) 519-5504. For questions about Rocky Point Recreation Area, contact Brad Nelson at South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks, (605) 641-0023.
Tuesday morning, when his trial was scheduled to begin, a 35-year-old Rapid City man pleaded no contest in Pennington County Court to first-degree manslaughter after a winter 2021 stabbing.

Samuel Silk was arrested on Dec. 30, 2021 after he stabbed 40-year-old Waldron Jealous of Him Jr. in the stomach at an apartment on Surfwood Drive.

According to police reports, Silk's blood alcohol content was .204 about an hour after the stabbing, and witnesses at the scene were intoxicated.

While Jealous of Him was at the hospital, a Rapid City Police Department officer interviewed him. According to the report, Jealous of Him told the officer he "swung" at Silk before he was stabbed. He said he had not met Silk before, but he had been "taking advantage" of his father, who did know Silk.

According to a witness, Jealous of Him went into the living room of the apartment to confront Silk.

Jealous of Him died a few days later on Jan. 3, 2022 after he complained of "severe abdominal pain" and suddenly became unresponsive, according to the medical examiner's report.

The report stated the less than half-inch-long stab wound killed Jealous of Him. According to his obituary with the Sioux Funeral Home, he left behind both of his parents, his wife, four children and three siblings.

There are several subcategories to first-degree manslaughter in South Dakota. Silk pleaded no contest to the fourth: "unnecessarily, either while resisting an attempt by the person killed to commit a crime or after such attempt has failed."

First-degree manslaughter is a class C felony, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and up to a $50,000 fine.

As part of the plea deal, the state agreed to recommend a 20-year prison sentence with five years suspended at sentencing, which is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 11.

Silk told Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey Connolly he understood the potential maximum penalty and that he waived his trial rights when he pleaded no contest.

When a defendant pleads no contest, they are not admitting guilt, but rather choosing not to fight the charges. However, the result of a no contest plea  conviction  is the same as a guilty plea.

Deputy Pennington County State's Attorney Natalie Gronlund told the court the state would have presented evidence at trial that an intoxicated Silk stabbed Jealous of Him, who died from the wound.

Other than routine acknowledgments and entering the plea, Silk and his attorney did not make statements during the hearing.

Silk is held at the Pennington County Jail on a $75,000 cash only bond.
In 1805, a young Lemhi Shoshone woman named Sacajawea led members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition out of the mountains near Lost Trail Pass and down to the floor of the Bitterroot Valley at Rosss Hole near Sula, where the white explorers encountered the Salish tribe.

In his typically "adventurous spelling" William Clark recorded in his journal: Those people recved us friendly, threw white robes over our shoulders & smoked pipes of peace.

On Monday, Sacajawea was celebrated in Darby at the annual Sacajawea Day celebration, where her ancestral niece Rose Ann Abrahamson spoke.

I come through Sacajawea. Sacajawea with this strong J sound. I don't write it with a G, Abrahamson said. Do you want to honor my ancestor? Call her by her true name, Sacajawea, if you may.

Abrahamson cringed and said its like somebody scratching their nails down a chalkboard when she hears Sacajaweas name pronounced other ways, Because I know that's not her name. That's her captive name.

Abrahamson, of Fort Hall, Idaho, is Lemhi Shoshone and raised in the Lemhi Valley. She is the great-great-great-niece of Sacajawea through Chief Cameahwait  Sacajaweas brother, who provided horses to the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and the great-great-granddaughter of Chief Tendoy. Abrahamson is a life-long educator and was integral to the creation of the Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural & Educational Center in Salmon, Idaho. The event was hosted by Bitterroot Heritage Civic Group of Darby at Sacajaweas Rest Park and the Darby Clubhouse.

Abrahamson has given presentations for the Smithsonian and across the U.S. She says she enjoys sharing her cultures oral narratives, and encourages people to call them that, not stories.

I say oral narrative because they're actually true," she said. "Because when you say story, stories negate that fact and the truth. Those are Native histories.

Abrahamson introduced herself in her Native Agai Dika dialect before addressing the crowd in English.

Our dialect is very distinct. It's dying, she said. But it's very distinct. Sacajaweas language, you were able to hear today.

Abrahamson said that Sacajaweas name is a pretty name in a language that doesnt give pretty names. The Lemhi Shoshone translation of Sacajaweas name means thats her burden according to Abrahamson. A meaning that seems somewhat prophetic when viewed through the lens of history. The Lemhi Shoshone called the Salish people the Do-Aye-du, which translates to tipi-pole scrapers. The term originates in sightings of the Salish by the Lemhi Shoshone near Lost Trail as they retrieved poles of their tipis.

Abrahamson went on to recount how in 1800, Sacajawea was stolen from her tribe at 12 years old and sold into marriage at 13 to a French trapper named Toussaint Charbonneau. She said Sacajawea endured kidnapping, abuse and domestic violence  relating it to the plight of modern Native women and emphasizing the importance of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women movement.

She was taken from her homeland, Abrahamson said. She was taken from her mother. She was taken from her father. She was taken. And in that way you hear about missing Native women, she was an example of that. She was captured. She was going to be traded either to slave trade or sex trade. She was taken forever.

In that short life, she endured a kidnapping, sex trade, abuse and domestic violence, Abrahamson said.

She showed our strength as women, our ability to survive, our resilience and our ability to have courage," she said. "And its still going on. Its happening to Native woman today.

Pregnant with her first child at the time, Sacajawea and Charbonneau joined the Lewis and Clark Expedition in November of 1804. Sacajawea gave birth to Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, on Feb. 11, 1805, when she was approximately 16 years old. As daunting as the road before her seemed with a newborn in her arms, Sacajawea knew that the expedition was an opportunity to see her people again.

She had a baby in February and she was ready to go on that journey in April  Ladies, is that possible? Abrahamson asked the crowd. That's pretty darn hard. That's pretty tough. She goes, because she knows that there's a possibility she can see her people. She wants to go, and she says Im going no matter what.

Sacajaweas presence on the expedition was often credited with precipitating peaceful interactions with tribes encountered throughout the Corps of Discovery's route.

Abrahamson said that she hopes that people will always remember that a very courageous young woman walked in this beautiful valley.

Always remember you're part of history in that context, she said. Because, no matter where we go, no matter where we're at, we leave an essence of ourselves. Whether it's in the minds, it's in the hearts, it's in the stories, we leave an essence of ourselves with those. Even just us being here, we leave an essence with each other, and that essence is very powerful.
Gov. Greg Gianfortes acknowledgement of the rapid decline in trout populations around southwest Montana came in the form of a letter dated June 19 and addressed to Craig and Wade Fellin. It reached its recipients June 21 and subsequently made its way to other interested parties.

But the response fell flat in the eyes of many who demanded it.

I was disappointed in the Governors reply, Shaun Jeszenka, outfitter and owner of Frontier Anglers in Dillon, wrote in an email to The Standard. There obviously was not a lot of thought put into it. The more restrictive fishing regulations are not going to right the ship. We are already the most regulated outfitters in the state of Montana on the Big Hole and Beaverhead.

Wade Fellin was not critical.

"I'm encouraged this finally reached the Governor's desk and he shares our concerns, including acknowledging warm temperatures and low flows are a factor," he wrote in an email to The Standard. "We look forward to continuing the dialog with the Governor, his staff, and state agencies."

As hollow as the response was perceived to be by some, it still managed to capture the bewilderment and discombobulation felt by folks throughout southwest Montana and across the state who care about the Big Hole River.

The letter, which can be viewed it its entirety attached to this story, touched on how valuable these prized waterways are to the livelihoods of thousands of Montanans.

As FWP Fisheries Administrator Eileen Ryce Ph.D. did in Butte on June 7, Gianforte directly acknowledged that warm water and low flows have been proven to contribute to trout population declines. In his next sentence within the same paragraph, Gianforte abruptly transitions from water problems and points to angling restrictions considered by FWP as a way to reduce stress experienced by trout.

Although it is true that the catch-and-release process severely elevates a trouts stress levels, guides and outfitters noted that only half the equation is being addressed and the delivery of the message has them baffled.

Pat Munday, professor of science and technology studies at Montana Tech and author of "Montanas Last Best River: The Big Hole and Its People, said during a recent conversation with The Standard that feelings of cognitive dissonance and overall confusion are just the state of things right now.

How hard can we get regulated before we turn the focus somewhere else? asked Craig Jones of Great Divide Outfitters, located on Highway 43 in Divide.

Jones posed this question during the Q&A session following Jim Olsens presentation during the Big Hole Watershed Committee meeting June 21. The outfitting company and fly shop owner went on to point out that the Madison River  which eclipses over 170,000 angler days during a five-month span from May through September  sees substantially more boat traffic but hasnt seen a sharp decline in its trout population like the Big Hole. The Big Hole averages roughly 120,000 angler days over an entire year.

Flows are very steady compared to the Big Hole, Olsen said. Theres no low flow on the Madison. Water is driving the bus.

Olsen then offered some perspective on just how much fishing pressure Big Hole trout face, albeit with far fewer angler days than the Madison. If there are 500 trout per mile in the 74 miles of river from Dickie Bridge to the mouth of the Big Hole, thats 37,000 total fish.

During the roughly 120,000 angler days per year on the Big Hole, if everyone catches an average of four trout a day, those fish are caught and released nearly 13 times a year.

Munday said even though the emergency angling regulations by themselves are an incomplete solution, the restrictions are mostly for the better.

But guides and anglers are befuddled as to why this multi-faceted problem has only been partially addressed  at the state level from a regulatory standpoint  since the brown trout decline came to light in 2021.

Weve had catch and release regulations on brown trout for two years and still the population is in decline, Jeszenka continued in his email. The tool box is empty for the FWP to rectify the situation from a regulatory standpoint. The Big Hole needs more clean, cold water in late summer and early fall. This is not that complicated. Hopefully, the state will move towards a solution on that front. The framework has already been established with the Future Fisheries (Improvement Program). The money exists to either buy or lease water for instream flows.

Pedro Marques, Big Hole Watershed Committee executive director, told The Standard last Thursday the committee is currently discussing whether emergency provisions to the drought management plan  proposed by FWP for the Big Hole  should be adopted. He also said that while they are aware of the looming possibility of water leasing, it isn't something they discuss because selling water fundamentally contradicts how the committee operates.

Ranchers tend to be more reserved, at least until someone goes after their water. Its reckless to assume the community as a whole would just as soon sit idly by without altering their irrigation practices while the fishery goes belly up. Hypothetically, killing off a trout or grayling population by sucking the river dry could attract unwanted attention from federal agencies who might decide its time to fudge with their water rights. In fact, the committee was formed to try to voluntarily improve habitat in the upper Big Hole for Arctic grayling.

"At a certain point, you can only ask so much of ranchers to leave water back in the river," Marques said. "And you can only ask so much of the restrictions that we're putting on anglers, for them to make a living."

The Fellins, based in Wise River at The Big Hole Lodge, were among more than 30 fishing outfitters and guides in southwest Montana who recently and publicly pressed Gianforte. In an open letter to the governor, they sought an all hands on deck investigation of the causes of dramatic decreases in trout populations in the Beaverhead, Big Hole and Ruby rivers.

The governors letter did not arrive in a hurry and until FWP revealed an outline of a planned fisheries mortalities study on June 21, messaging from state officials pledged action and commitment but without specifics. This resulted in the formation of Save Wild Trout, a privately funded group looking to remedy the sharp decline in trout populations.

Ranchers, state officials and most outfitters have omitted from their messaging two of the most polarizing words in modern American society: climate change.

Big picture, I do wonder what the plan is to address that and increase climate resiliency in our watersheds, said Brian Wheeler, executive director of the Big Hole River Foundation, in an email to The Standard.

Munday agrees that climate change is still the elephant in the room.

Just start looking at temperatures and what trout can survive and spawn in, he said. And it gets a little grim.

Researchers from the University of Montana conducted a study that found declines in Montanas native bull trout and cutthroat trout were driven by climate change.

Although there arent any official studies linking brown and rainbow trout population declines to climate change, Wheeler said in a previous interview that it is de facto science.

Trout can survive a few hours in water between 70 and 80 degrees, but not days. They certainly do not thrive, and these conditions are not ideal for spawning. How much longer until the water eclipses 86 degrees  considered lethal for trout  regularly in southwest Montana, Munday asks.

Munday shares a belief offered by a friend of his who fishes eastern streams around New York that the Big Hole is going to be a really good smallmouth bass river 50 years from now.




THE HAGUE (Reuters) - Eastern European NATO countries on Tuesday warned that a move of Wagner's Russian mercenary troops to Belarus would create greater regional instability, but NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance is ready to defend itself against any threat.





"If Wagner deploys its serial killers in Belarus, all neighbouring countries face even bigger danger of instability," Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said after a meeting in The Hague with Stoltenberg and government leaders from six other NATO allies.





"This is really serious and very concerning, and we have to make very strong decisions. It requires a very, very tough answer of NATO," Polish President Andrzej Duda added.





Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin arrived in Belarus on Tuesday under a deal negotiated by President Alexander Lukashenko that ended the mercenaries' mutiny in Russia on Saturday.





Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wagner's fighters would be offered the choice of relocating there.





NATO's Stoltenberg said it was too early to say what this could mean for NATO allies, and stressed the increased defence of the alliance's eastern flank in recent years.





"We have sent a clear message to Moscow and Minsk that NATO is there to protect every ally, every inch of NATO territory," Stoltenberg said.





"We have already increased our military presence in the eastern part of the alliance and we will make further decisions to further strengthen our collective defence with more high-readiness forces and more capabilities at the upcoming summit."





Stoltenberg said the mutiny had shown that Putin's "illegal war" against Ukraine had deepened divisions in Russia.





"At the same time we must not underestimate Russia. So it's even more important that we continue to provide Ukraine with our support."




Geneva, 27 June 2023: Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), the global media safety and rights body, expresses concern over the mysterious death of a young Indian scribe and raises demand for an authentic probe to find reasons behind the untimely demise of Abdur Rauf Alamgir (32), who hailed from Assam province in northeast India.





Local media organisations informed that Alamgir went missing on Saturday and his wounded body was found floating in Kulsi river water at Jambari area of Boko locality under Kamrup district on 26 June. A resident of Goroimari Hatipara, Alamgir was associated with a news portal titled TNL. The recently married scribe also ran a customer service centre of a nationalized bank in his locality.





PEC condoles the sad demise of the young scribe. At the same time, we demand a convincing probe to unearth the factors involved in his missing and subsequent death. Assam province government should take all necessary initiatives to identify the perpetrators even if the scribe was not targeted because of his professional work, said Blaise Lempen, president of PEC (www.pressemblem.ch).




According to the president of Google's cloud computing division, the company is having fruitful initial discussions with regulators in the European Union about the EU's ground-breaking artificial intelligence legislation and how it and other businesses might develop AI safely and ethically.

Google is developing tools to address a number of AI-related concerns, including the worry that it may become more difficult to distinguish between information created by people and that created by AI, according to CNBC.

A Watermarking System

The search giant is developing tools that will allow users to discern between material produced by humans and artificial intelligence. A "watermarking" system that marks AI-generated photographs was unveiled by the company.

In advance of any rules on the technology, it suggests that Google and other significant tech corporations are working on ways to bring private sector-driven oversight to AI.

With tools like ChatGPT and Stability Diffusion, AI systems are developing at a fast pace and producing results that go beyond what was previously possible with the technology. Computer programmers are increasingly using ChatGPT and similar technologies as their companions, for example, to assist them in generating code.

Read also: Google AI Search Engine Reportedly in the Works

EU Employs More Control Over AI Deployment

However, generative AI models have lowered the barrier to the mass production of content based on copyright-infringing material, which might hurt artists and other creative professionals who depend on royalties for a living.

(Photo: by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images) Made by Google devices, including Google Assistant and Google Home devices for connected smart homes, are demonstrated at Alphabets Google Android plaza booth during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 5, 2023.

This is a major concern for EU policymakers and authorities further afield. Huge collections of freely accessible internet data, most copyright-protected, are used to train generative AI models.

Members of the European Parliament approved legislation earlier this month with the intention of adding control to AI deployment across the Union. The EU AI Act contains rules to ensure that the training data used by generative AI tools does not infringe upon copyright rights.

AI Becomes a Battleground in the Digital Industry

As businesses compete for a leading position in the development of technology, particularly generative AI, which can generate new content from user inputs, AI has emerged as a major battleground in the global digital industry.

Academics and boardrooms have been astounded by what generative AI is capable of, from writing music lyrics to creating code.

However, it has also given rise to concerns about job loss, false information, and bias. Some of Google's top researchers and staff members have expressed alarm about how swiftly AI is developing.

For instance, Google staffers criticized the company's unveiling of Bard, its generative AI chatbot to compete with Microsoft-backed OpenAI's ChatGPT, as "rushed," "botched," and "un-Googley" in posts on the internal forum Memegen.

The U.K. is among other countries rushing to regulate AI and has, instead of enacting its own formal standards, established a framework of AI principles for regulators to implement. In the United States, the administration of President Joe Biden and other U.S. government agencies have also suggested regulatory frameworks for AI.

But the main complaint among those who work in the tech sector is that regulators don't react to new technologies quickly enough. Because of this, many businesses are developing their own methods for putting barriers around AI rather than waiting for appropriate legislation to be passed.

Related article: Google Engineer Claims AI Chatbot Is 'Sentient,' Compares It to a 'Precocious Child'

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.




Belgrade on Monday freed three Kosovo police officers taken into custody by Serbian security forces earlier this month, easing the latest flare-up between the two Balkan nations.





The move, following a court order, came after weeks of soaring tensions between the two sides, in which rioting in northern Kosovo saw more than 30 NATO peacekeepers injured in late May.





"We confirm that the 3 kidnapped police officers have been released. Even though we are joyous that they get to return to their families, this abduction consists of a serious human rights violation & must be reprimanded," Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti wrote on social media.





Kurti's announcement came as a Serbian court said the three had been indicted but their detention had also been "terminated".





"The higher tribunal... has confirmed the indictment against the aforementioned and brought a ruling that the detention of the indictees be terminated," the higher court in Serbia's Kraljevo, where the case was heard, said in a statement.





The three officers entered Kosovo at the Merdare border crossing on Monday afternoon, according to an AFP journalist, where they were greeted and shook hands with officials.





Their later arrest unleashed a war of words between the Kosovo government and Serbia, with Pristina saying the three men had been kidnapped, while Belgrade accused them of crossing into its territory.





Kurti's government has sought to crack down on what it says is rampant smuggling across its northern frontier, accusing Serbia of using organised crime and black market trade to control Serb-majority areas of north Kosovo.





The prime minister said the "kidnapping" of its officers was most likely "revenge" for the arrest of an alleged Serb paramilitary leader in Kosovo this month, whom Kurti claimed was a major figure linked to the smuggling gangs.





- High tensions -





Tensions have been skyrocketing between the arch rivals following Pristina's decision last month to install ethnic Albanian mayors in four Serb-majority municipalities.





France, Germany and the United States have urged both Pristina and Belgrade to dial down the tensions, while the US openly criticised the Kosovo government's decision to install the mayors.





The European Union held crisis talks mediated by foreign policy chief Josep Borrell last week, hoping to ease tensions.





But the meeting did not appear to score any breakthroughs, with the leaders of Kosovo and Serbia not meeting face to face.





On Monday, the EU welcomed the release of the three officers and called for the holding of elections in four municipalities with "unconditional participation of Kosovo Serbs".





Both Belgrade and Pristina need to show readiness to implement dialogue obligations, Borrell told reporters in Luxembourg, adding that the bloc's member states remained ready to take "further measures if no progress is seen".





He later said that the measures, which he said were not sanctions, could be diplomatic and financial, without specifying if they could target both sides or only one.





Meanwhile, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, with whom he had talked by phone, insisted on "calming the situation" in northern Kosovo and "fully supported the European plan for de-escalation".





Vucic said on Instagram that he emphasised to Blinken the resignations and immediate withdrawal of both the disputed mayor and special Kosovo police forces from northern Kosovo were of "key importance for calming tensions".





The dispute was the latest in a long list of incidents to rock the area since Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, nearly a decade after NATO forces helped push Serbian troops from the former province during a bloody war that killed around 13,000 people, most ethnic Albanians.





Belgrade, along with its key allies China and Russia, has refused to recognise Kosovo's independence, effectively preventing it from having a seat at the United Nations.




The lawyers representing the family of Irvo Otieno are calling on the U.S. Department of Justice to open a criminal investigation into his death.

The resources of the U.S. Department of Justice are necessary to ably and properly prosecute the defendants, civil rights lawyers Ben Crump and Mark Krudys said in a statement released Wednesday.

Otieno, 28, of Henrico County, died March 6 while being admitted to Central State Hospital in Dinwiddie County, in a case that has garnered national attention. Video from the psychiatric hospital shows him being pinned to the floor by personnel.

Seven Henrico sheriffs deputies and one hospital employee are charged with second-degree murder.

The two-page letter, dated Monday and released by Crumps office on Wednesday, is addressed to Stanley Meador, special agent in charge of the FBIs Richmond office, and Jessica Aber, the U.S. attorney who heads the Eastern District of Virginia office of the DOJ. Previously, Abers office has said its attorneys were speaking with investigators, but offered little in terms of a commitment to prosecute the case.

Kari Foote, a spokeswoman for the office, said the department did not have a new statement to share in the wake of Crump's release.

The release comes following the resignation of Dinwiddie County Commonwealths Attorney Ann Baskervill, who stepped down to pursue a graduate degree in France.

Her last day was June 21. On that day, state code mandated that the countys three circuit court judges appoint an interim replacement. The three judges voted to appoint Jonathan Bourlier, one of two candidates on the ballot for the commonwealths attorneys position in November.

Last week, Bourlier told WRIC-TV he had no experience prosecuting cases and not a lot of experience in jury trials, outside of an internship. Bourlier said he had years of experience as a defense attorney.

Bourliers appointment was made in lieu of a special election, WRIC reported. By comparison, Baskervill came to the job with years of experience prosecuting gang violence in Richmond.

Baskervill also had asked the DOJ to issue charges, saying the department was best suited to handle a multi-jurisdictional case with several agencies involved.

The day before she left office, Baskervill dropped charges against hospital employees Darian Blackwell and Sadarius Williams, saying the move would serve justice more than any other course of action would.

Rhonda Quagliana, an attorney for Williams, argued in court papers that Williams role in restraining Otieno was markedly different and does not support a conviction for second-degree murder.

The lawyers release Wednesday outlines how the DOJs office could approach the case, explaining that federal civil rights laws regarding excessive force by law enforcement officers are the appropriate vehicle to address the eight defendants conduct.

In our opinion, the newly appointed (commonwealths attorney) and his similarly new, small staff  with an ample caseload apart from the indictment of Mr. Otienos killers  are not adequately prepared to prosecute the eight defendants, all of whom have separate, experienced counsel.

Crump also represented the family of George Floyd, and has said Otienos treatment has parallels to Floyds killing by Minneapolis police in 2020.

Otieno died three days after being arrested by Henrico police at a local hospital. Otieno, who was in a mental health crisis according to family members, assaulted Henrico law enforcement officers, police have said.

Video shows Henrico sheriffs officers subduing Otieno with punches in Henrico Jail West, before transferring him to Central State Hospital.

In the hospitals intake room, Otieno was restrained while shackled and handcuffed under the weight of the defendants for 12 minutes. Medical examiners determined that he died of asphyxiation and ruled his death a homicide.

Nearly every agency and person involved has gone silent as the case headed to court, including Eric English, the Henrico chief of police, whose officers initially arrested Otieno.

Henrico Sheriff Alisa Gregory issued a statement offering her condolences, but also has refused to answer questions about Otieno and his death in the custody of her deputies.

In April, Otienos mother, Caroline Ouko, spoke at length about her sons arrest, describing how she attempted to explain her sons condition and that he needed an ambulance, not a squad car. His arrest ultimately occurred outside of her supervision, while he was alone at Henrico Doctors Hospital.

Ouko said it felt like systemic racism swallowed her son.

Said Crump and Krudys: Unless the Department of Justice prosecutes this matter in federal court, the four-day cycle of violence brought to bear upon a young man in a mental health crisis will not be fully and ably addressed.

A previous verison of this story said that Kari Foote, a spokesperson for the DOJ's office, did not return a request for comment. Foote did return a request yesterday evening indicating that the department had nothing new to add. We apologize for the error.
Dolly Partons Imagination Library just added a new stop to an ever-growing list of destinations  and Richmond children are urged to climb aboard.

The program, launched by the Dollywood Foundation over 20 years ago, gives books free of charge to children beginning at birth to age 5 across the globe.

The foundation is partnering with the local non-profit group Read to Them Inc., which focuses on developing school curricula and at-home training on the benefits of reading aloud to students.

As of Wednesday, over 1,000 Richmond kids, up to age 5, had signed up for the program.

We were wildly surprised to see how quickly this has grown, said Read to Them Executive Director Christa Donohue. But I think it directly speaks to the need for programs like these.

Donohue said the non-profit first began considering bringing the Imagination Library to the city prior to COVID-19. But with limited resources and uncertainty as a result of the pandemic, the organization waited for a better time. They decided that this year was that time.

The Dollywood Foundation seeks the help of local organizations to serve as a go-between. The foundation chooses the books and distributes them through the mail, while local non-profits are in charge of fundraising for the books and help create lists of children who are signed up for the program.

Registration is at imaginationlibraryrva.org. Age-appropriate books are mailed monthly.

For Donohue, the Imagination Library serves as a way to further the non-profits own goals. By providing books to children during their early childhood development years, they can help children establish the necessary reading and learning tools students need prior to starting school, she said.

We had planned to launch the program in October of this year, but as word started trickling out we decided to speed up our process in order to meet the demand, Donohue said. Since then, its been full steam ahead and this is really vital, by placing books in the home prior to school, its really going to impact their success.

Dolly Parton first launched the Imagination Library in 1995 for kids living in her hometown of Sevier County, Tennessee. Five years later, Parton began a national replication effort to distribute books to children across the country. In 2003, the Imagination Library celebrated the mailing of its one millionth book.

An average of one million books are mailed each month across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia.

Photos: Dolly Parton through the years
A gun buyback program is set to return to Richmond for another year.

The City Council on Monday unanimously approved holding the collection, which will cost $80,000 to organize. The city plans to use American Rescue Plan Act dollars to fund it.

The decision to host another event comes as a part of the citys ongoing attempt to curb gun violence and decrease the number of firearms in the community.

This legislation, and the related grant contract, seek to prevent gun violence by reducing the availability of guns, providing a safe means of getting rid of unwanted guns, and creating collaborations amongst Richmonders working to create a safer city, the ordinance reads.

The last event, in August 2022, resulted in 481 firearms valued at $67,500 being handed over to authorities. A total of 227 handguns, 117 rifles, 10 inoperable guns, seven BB guns, five assault rifles and 115 guns of unknown classification were collected.

A date for the second collection has not been set, but it will be held at Liberation Church, 5501 Midlothian Turnpike, where the August event was held. The city is partnering with the California-based nonprofit Robby Poblete Foundation again.

Firearms are exchanged for a prepaid gift card to Walmart, Kroger, Amazon or Foot Locker ranging from $25 to $250, depending on the class of gun. The guns are turned into art materials through the foundations Art of Peace initiative.

Similar events have faced criticism over whether the collections are effective and if those most likely to commit crimes are likely to turn over firearms.

Rick Edwards, the interim Richmond police chief, has previously said the events are a good way for those with guns to turn over weapons.

The Virginia Department of Health reports Richmond has had a total of 116 firearm-related injuries so far this year. There were 349 in 2022 and 357 in 2021.

Interactive: Find out more about mass killings in the U.S. Interactive: Number of mass killings by year Interactive: Mass killings by location scaled by number of victims Interactive: Search mass killing incidents Interactive: Timeline of mass killings scaled by number of victims killed Interactive: Number of mass killings and victims killed this year compared with previous years Interactive map: People killed by shootings, per 100,000 residents
CHARLOTTESVILLE - After the recent withdrawal of a fellow plaintiff, the leader of the remaining group challenging the city of Charlottesvilles late 2001 gift of its statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee testified Tuesday that he sent 15 communications in an effort to pay $10,000 for the statue.

And you never received a single response? asked Ralph Main, representing the sole remaining plaintiff the Trevilian Station Battlefield Foundation.

No correspondence or call or anything, testified Gerald Harlow, the president of foundation which oversees the Gordonsville-area site of the largest all-cavalry engagement of the Civil War.

Christopher Tate, representing the winning recipient of the statue, the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, accused Harlow of overstating both his correspondence and his foundations claims that it was unfairly hindered.

They werent cut out, argued Tate. They were lazy.

Tate told the court that Harlow overcounted his letters by construing the same message he sent to each of the five members of the Charlottesville City Council as five letters. Tate also placed a law student on the stand to read Harlows earlier deposition about relying on radio reports to get information.

Trevilian never submitted a legally recognizable offer to obtain the statue despite having every opportunity to do so, Tate argued.

We were kept in the dark, said Harlows deposition. No one from the city notified me of the procedure.

Tate alleged that the city received offers from an insane asylum, from an individual who handwrote his plea and from the Ratcliffe Foundation, the battlefield foundations former fellow litigant whose lapsed corporate status led it to quit the lawsuit earlier this month.

If lunatics, simpletons and corporate ghosts could figure it out, then whats Trevilians excuse? asked Tate.

This was just one of the disputes aired in the nearly three-hour hearing in the ground-floor courtroom of the Charlottesville Circuit Court on Tuesday.

A dramatic moment came when Braxton Puryear, a lawyer for the plaintiff, alleged that his side deserved fresh photographs of the Lee statue in its current state.

We have information from a couple of different sources that the statue has been destroyed, said Puryear.

The allegation brought opposing counsel Tate to his feet.

That statement does not accord with anything Ive heard from my client, and so I think its false, said Tate.

We want assurances, countered Puryear, of the condition and location of the monument.

Tate urged the judge to quickly convene a private meeting for Puryear to divulge his alleged sources, but Judge Paul Peatross declined that huddle due to Tates assertion that his client, the Jefferson School, has not reported any change to the bronze pieces. In January, a lawyer representing the city of Charlottesville asserted that the statue has been disassembled but not melted.

Melting is, however, a component of the Jefferson Schools plan to transform the equestrian statue from what many see as its original symbolism: a nod to Lost Cause mythology and a paean to white supremacy.

The Jefferson School has called its plan to recast the bronze Lee into something more inclusive Swords Into Plowshares, borrowing a Biblical call to convert weapons into agricultural implements.

Weve been very patient, said Tate. Our property rights have been affected.

The plaintiff, meanwhile, sought permission to file an amended complaint due to a recent Virginia Supreme Court case that would reinvigorate its contention that the city may have violated the Freedom of Information Act when it advertised the Dec. 7, 2001, vote to give the Jefferson School the statue.

But the bulk of Tuesdays hearing focused on Tates arguments supporting his recent filing of a legal document called a plea in bar, which would dismiss the lawsuit and let his client move on with Swords Into Plowshares. Tate argued that any finding that the Trevilian Station Battlefield Foundation has a right to sue would be reversed on appeal.

Im not prepared to make a decision today, said the judge. I honestly cant tell you how Im going to decide.

The judge gave no timetable for the arrival of his decision.
Live by the primary, die by the primary.

Two high-profile, highly controversial incumbent state senators  Democrat Joe Morrissey, the purported masher, and Republican Amanda Chase, the pistol-packing MAGA-lyte  rose and fell in June primaries that, given the lopsided partisan proclivities of their Richmond-area districts, reduced the November election to a mere formality.

Both got to the Senate by defeating incumbents they depicted as out of touch. Morrissey, in toppling Rosalyn Dance in 2019, said no problem was too small, even  as he told VPMs Ben Paviour  taking action concerning a dog that continually did its business on a voters lawn. Chase, who is contesting her loss last week, defeated Steve Martin in 2015 by doing something he rarely seemed to do: smile.

Having rid their respective parties of Morrissey and Chase, Lashrecse Aird and Glen Sturtevant, in effect, became senators-elect, lifted in default Democratic and Republican districts on turnouts between 13% and 15%. That means just over one in 10 people  about 22,000 voters  decided the elections in districts with populations of about 213,000.

It is a back-to-the-future moment for Virginia.

For the first 70 years of the 20th century, when this was a one-party state  Democratic, in the white, conservative, segregationist sense of the label  the primary was tantamount to election. Two-party competition, which began with the election in 1969 of a Republican governor  the first in 90 years  laid waste to that, eliminating a rite of spring that was avidly followed by the small, strictly managed electorate that dominated it.

As a predecessor and personal hero, Jim Latimer, wrote in The Richmond Times-Dispatch on April 28, 1974, in the wistful, bemused tone that was his hallmark, Each spring about this time, it seems, the question sprouts again: What happened to the Democratic primary?

In the 1970s and 1980s  first, Republicans; then, Democrats  began choosing their nominees in members-only caucuses and conventions. They were, leaders of both parties believed, easier to control, allowing a handful of people to minimize, if not eliminate, the influence of the supposed riffraff, who in the Democratic Party were nationally oriented liberals, and in the Republican Party were far-right extremists. If you will: deplorables of the day.

These were the voters  they are now called progressives  who gave Democrats a half-century ago a peppery, populist gubernatorial nominee, Henry Howell, who ran on notions that terrified a then-center-right electorate, including bringing to heel the corpocracy  most notably the banks, utilities, communications companies and big, union-hostile manufacturers, many of which have been obliterated by globalization.

But Republicans  in particular, establishment types, who thought they had perfected the caucus-and-convention scheme  would be out-maneuvered by those they had plotted to shut out: one-issue activists preoccupied with banning abortion, getting religion back in schools, stigmatizing LGBTQ people and making it easier for Virginians to arm themselves to the teeth.

These were the voters  they are now called Trumpsters  who gave Republicans in 2013 an unapologetic, ideological gubernatorial nominee, Ken Cuccinelli, who ran on notions that terrified an increasingly center-left electorate that overlooked some of the more moderate views he espoused, including aiding new immigrants, and that he apparently abandoned as a Trump-appointed deputy secretary of homeland security. (Cuccinelli is backing Ron DeSantis, not Trump, in 2024.)

Both parties have drifted back to primaries, if only in the faint hope they produce nominees with broader appeal. This year, with the House of Delegates and Virginia Senate up for grabs, that success (or lack thereof) will be tested in a handful of legislative districts that recent presidential and gubernatorial results suggest are swingy  seven in the House, now controlled by Republicans; four in the Senate, which currently has a Democratic majority.

Legislation advanced at different times by both parties and that became law in 2021, with a Democrat, Del. Dan Helmer of Fairfax, as chief sponsor, seeks to establish a government-run primary as the preferred nominating process of Democrats and Republicans.

The law envisions a primary as an exercise in public accommodation: that encouraging the fullest participation requires, for instance, supplying military, student and disabled voters with overseas and absentee ballots. There are 45 days of early voting, too, though Republicans want that cut it to 14 days.

But there are partisan realities to the push for primaries because redistricting, even by the seven supposedly apolitical state Supreme Court justices who drew Virginias legislative and congressional boundaries, still potentially diminishes voter choice. If a seat is weighted to one party or the other, if only by its electoral history, a voter best cast a ballot in the primary, lest he or she has no say in who speaks for them in Richmond and Washington.

That Virginia does not require voters to register by party can, in theory, spur Democrats to vote in a Republican primary and Republicans to vote in a Democratic primary. Some activists say this potentially makes for mischief, citing unsubstantiated claims that Republican crossover voting in the 1977 Democratic primary was a ploy to ensure Henry Howells nomination, as he was viewed as easier prey for the GOP candidate  and ultimate winner  John Dalton.

But these days, nationalized politics  fueled by social media, cable news and a population dominated by non-natives whose voting habits were formed in more partisan settings  seems to have discouraged in primaries other-party participation.

Just ask Joe Morrissey, who trumpeted in the countdown hours to his lopsided loss the endorsement of the scion of a prominent Republican family, Riley Ingram Jr., whose father, former Del. Riley Ingram of Hopewell, was chairman of the influential House local government committee. The seven precincts in that industrial city delivered Morrisseys third-best performance of the eight localities in the Henrico County-anchored district: about 37%.

But that a Republican was on Morrisseys side  despite the senators salacious private life that he has a habit of making public  only seemed to contribute to Democrats determination to get rid of him. District-wide, Morrissey pulled less than 30%.

Live by the primary, die by the primary  buried by the primary.

Correction: Sen. Joe Morrissey was endorsed for renomination in the June 20 Democratic primary by Riley Ingram Jr., a real estate broker and son of a former Republican delegate, Riley Ingram, of Hopewell. In earlier print and online versions of this column, the younger Ingram was misidentified.

Lashrecse Aird election night 2023 062123-rtd-met-primaries 062123-rtd-met-primaries 062123-rtd-met-primaries 062123-rtd-met-primaries DOMINANT ART
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Once again, a national news publication has made an example of Richmond in the worst way.

You cannot walk away from this piece feeling good about the odds in Richmond.

The research showed Black and Latino students in Virginia to have suffered the most acute learning loss in both reading and mathematics. The ProPublica piece notes that the achievement gap between Black and white students had been narrowing during the 2000s, only to backslide during the pandemic. The debate over whether year-round schools can ameliorate this learning loss was a focus of the ProPublica story.

If the story has a hero, its Angela Wright, the principal of Fairfield Court Elementary, a school in the heart of East End public housing that had more than its share of challenges even before the pandemic. Fairfield Court and South Sides Cardinal Elementary, which is 84% Hispanic, will be Richmonds pilot programs for year-round schooling.

Education is supposed to be the great equalizer, which is why Ive done everything in my power to fund and advocate for RPS since 2017.  Mayor Levar M. Stoney (@LevarStoney) June 21, 2023

Otherwise, what emerged was the usual fighting among parties responsible for public education in Richmond. Given the predictably dysfunctional snapshot, you have to wonder why anyone hereabouts would even cooperate with the piece. Did they think the look would be flattering?

Mayor Levar Stoneys reaction was to take to the virtual food fight that is Twitter, arguably the least helpful response to any crisis. With rhetorical guns blazing, he targeted the Richmond School Board and city teachers.

Education is supposed to be the great equalizer, which is why Ive done everything in my power to fund and advocate for RPS since 2017, he tweeted. But, instead of leading boldly and doing whatever it takes to support our kids post-pandemic recovery, leaders on the School Board and in the Richmond Education Association choose to sit idly by & maintain the status quo.

Our children & families deserve BETTER. Anything less is malpractice, Stoney concluded, above a link to the ProPublica story.

Stoneys tweet seemed intent on placing distance between himself and the schools debacle. He sounded more like a guy who will someday run for governor than the strong mayor of a municipality, with all the influence that entails. He had ample opportunity to use his political weight to fashion a school board more to his liking. Instead, he expended political capital on the failed Navy Hill redevelopment plan and a casino already rejected by city voters.

The pre-existing condition of RPS student underachievement was exacerbated by the pandemic. We need elected officials modeling collaboration, not only as a problem-solving mechanism but as an example to our young people.

Which brings us to the Richmond School Board.

Its chronic contrarianism toward Stoney and Superintendent Jason Kamras has been counterproductive to public education in Richmond. Wresting control of the school building process from the city administration resulted in years of delay on a new George Wythe High School, at a more expensive price.

The boards vacillation on the issue of year-round school was substantial grist for the ProPublica piece. A previous Richmond School Board had directed Kamras to move forward on a year-round calendar.

An October 2012 report by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission found no appreciable difference between Standards of Learning test scores of the general student population at year-round and traditional calendar schools. But Black students at most year-round schools did demonstrate substantially improved average test scores, it said. And the test scores of Latino, economically disadvantaged and limited English proficient (LEP) students at year-round schools were often better than those of their peers at traditional calendar schools.

The findings, the report said, are also consistent with some of the research literature which suggests that certain student subgroups can benefit from targeted remediation during intersessions and the reduced summer learning loss associated with year-round calendars.

Sounds worth a try in a school division whose fall 2022 enrollment was 60% Black and 25% Hispanic.

The boards reticence, as described in ProPublica, seems at odds with the notion that, for many of these students, school is a safer and more constructive space than their neighborhood environs. An unseemly number of RPS students have experienced or been exposed to gun violence. In this context, an expanded school year looks less like a disruption than an anchor.

Williams: We don't need DeSantis-style posturing in Virginia education A page out of the Ron DeSantis playbook to sanitize African American Studies has been adopted by Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

As the son of a teacher, I am inclined to be sympathetic toward classroom instructors. Beyond the trials of teaching during a public health crisis, educators must constantly dodge the shrapnel of the culture wars. Many teachers have walked away from the profession, creating a teacher shortage.

The RPS teacher job was already tougher than most, given the districts largely impoverished enrollment and often substandard buildings. But missing from the year-round naysayers in the story was exactly how these students will catch up without substantially more classroom time. Does RPS have the luxury not to go year-round?

Generations of Black children were once told they had to be twice as good  or more  to compete in a nation designed to hold them back. Now, folks are casting about for excuses not to do more.

Would we be as sanguine about this situation if our children were the ones being left behind?

GALLERY: Mass shooting after Richmond graduation ceremony
One went quietly; the other, not so much.

State Sens. Joe Morrissey, D-Petersburg, and Amanda Chase, R-Chesterfield, were shown the door in last weeks primaries, headlining an exodus of veteran lawmakers who got caught up in shifting political winds amid last years redistricting.

Morrissey was smothered, losing by 40 percentage points to Lashrecse Aird, a former state delegate, who tapped in to the Democratic Party machinery to run an effective campaign with high-profile endorsements (including U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, and U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger) that focused on Morrisseys anti-abortion leanings. Chase, who is challenging the vote count, was narrowly defeated by the more moderate Glen Sturtevant, a former state senator and Richmond School Board member, who campaigned as an antidote to Chases drama (I will be a workhorse, not a show horse).

Their respective knockouts were more than noteworthy. Morrissey and Chase are in a different weight class: Both spent their careers crashing the two-party system as high-profile firebrands, prone to made-for-headlines theatrics that cemented their status as political outlaws.

More often, they found the media spotlight for the wrong reasons: Morrissey, a twice-disbarred attorney famous for his quick temper  he once punched a defense attorney, twice, in a courtroom hallway in Richmond  campaigned while embroiled in highly publicized divorce proceedings with his much younger wife, Myrna, who was 17 and working in Morrisseys law office a decade ago when they allegedly consummated their relationship. As a result, Morrissey was convicted of contributing to the delinquency of a minor in 2014, serving three months in Henrico County jail (he continued to serve in the General Assembly on work-release).

Chase, meanwhile, earned her spurs playing MAGA poster child, showing up at gun rallies strapped with an assault rifle and joining the Stop the Steal movement in 2020, even attending Trumps pre-insurrection rally outside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Chase likened herself as Virginias Trump in heels, got kicked out of the Chesterfield GOP and berated a Capitol Police officer after being told she couldnt park in a secure area in 2019. Chase was censured by the Senate in 2021 after attending the Jan. 6 rally and referring to pro-Trump rallygoers (i.e., insurrectionists) as patriots.

For both parties, expelling the Senate outlaws should be a benefit heading into the fall, when all 140 seats of the General Assembly are up for election, but for different reasons. Despite the personal baggage, Morrissey has long been an effective lawmaker who knows how to wield power. He pushed through impactful criminal justice reforms, has been a staunch supporter of gun control measures and, despite being disbarred, had become a key power broker on the Judiciary Committee, a kingmaker in the judge selection and appointment process. His stance on abortion  Morrissey doesnt support an outright ban, but agrees with some restrictions  made him a potential swing vote in the Senate before a special election in January changed the calculus. Morrissey, who led the charge to build a casino resort in Petersburg, has also pushed aggressively to block Richmond from holding a second casino referendum this fall.

But Morrissey appeared to overplay his hand. He came in a distant second to Jennifer McClellan in the Democratic primary to replace Donald McEachin, now deceased, in Congress. The ugly loss  McClellan won 84% of the vote  punctured Morrisseys near-mythical status as a grassroots dynamo who was difficult, if not nearly impossible, to defeat on his home turf.

He made a tactical error when he took on McClellan, says longtime political analyst Bob Holsworth. It signaled to the Democratic Party that Morrissey could be beaten with the right endorsements and organizational structure. The party apparatus was no longer intimidated by Fightin Joe.

With a 21-seat Democratic majority, Morrissey would have extraordinary influence. He was a major influence on judge appointments. He was engaged, Holsworth says. Chase, however, had no such clout: Chase was essentially ostracized and had no capacity to do much of anything.

Abandoned by her own party, the Chesterfield Trumper turned to the politics of distraction, and was willing to spread misinformation to gin up the MAGA base. In June of 2020, during the summer of protest after George Floyds murder by police in Minneapolis, she broadcast a social media hoax on Facebook, warning that violent protesters affiliated with antifa were headed to the Chesterfield suburbs. Chase said she had spoken to the countys police chief, suggested he had confirmed the threat (he hadnt), and called on 2nd Amendment supporters to be on alert. This was at the height of COVID-19, when children and teens were congregating outdoors, particularly along suburban cul-de-sacs. A sitting senator encouraging her constituents to arm up against a nonexistent threat could have had a deadly outcome.

Fortunately, Chase, the one-trick show horse, struggled to expand her constituency. The Republican Party establishment detested her, Holsworth says. Chase had the MAGA base  and that was it.

As metro Richmonds political outlaws, both Morrissey and Chase discovered a hard truth: Burning bridges eventually leaves you stranded.
Thumbs-up for rental inspection program

The city administration is in the process of creating a rental inspection program that the Richmond City Council will vote on in the coming months. As a mother of three, a career chef, a chapter member of Virginia Organizing and a tenant of subsidized housing, I want to share the reasons why I support this program.

As you may know, the understanding of code enforcement and maintaining healthy homes in the city differs greatly if you ask a tenant versus property management. As a tenant who lives in an apartment with mold and faulty appliances, and has had large holes in the ceiling, let me share with you my experience with code enforcement.

Last fall, after a few months working with Virginia Organizing, I started reaching out to city officials to address my housing needs. I contacted the health department for mold testing, and I contacted code enforcement to inspect what were clearly code violations. Luckily, I have people who support me and a determination to navigate these bureaucratic systems.

The problem is, by the time I knew to call code enforcement and had utilized every single resource I had to get management to do its job, my unit was far beyond safe housing. My boys and I were living in a home that was not up to code for months  and still isn't. We need a system in place that proactively inspects apartments. Why does the restaurant I work for get inspected routinely and not the home where I am raising my family?

This isnt a radical program. It utilizes the resources we already have in code enforcement staff in a proactive way. Thank you, Richmond City Council, for voting in favor of tenants every chance you can.

Abidiya Simms.
A plea agreement accepted Tuesday ended a Pulaski County fatal crash case complicated by the flawed detective work of a Virginia State Police trooper who himself has been investigated for perjury.

Also Tuesday, the Pulaski County Commonwealths Attorneys office asked a judge to dismiss traffic charges against 39 people due to the troopers conduct.

Our office was not willing to call the trooper to provide evidence to the court, Commonwealths Attorney Justin Griffith wrote in a statement.

The issues with trooper cases edged into public view during a Pulaski County General District Court hearing for Monica Carolyn Harder. The Pulaski woman, 32, was the surviving driver in a January crash that killed 90-year-old Garnie Lee East Sr. of the Wythe County community of Grahams Forge.

Tuesdays hearing began with attorneys and Judge Frederick King noting that Lowes involvement complicated legal matters.

Prosecutors already had asked King to dismiss traffic charges against 39 other people  all in cases unrelated to Harder  due to Lowes conduct.

Attorneys discussed delaying Harders case to see if the prosecution could find another emergency responder to testify. But mid-hearing, Harder and defense lawyer Michael Barbour of Dublin took a break to discuss a plea agreement offered by Deputy Commonwealths Attorney James Crandall.

Harder decided to accept the terms, entering a plea of not guilty to a charge of reckless driving  but stipulating that the prosecutions evidence was sufficient for a finding of guilt. King quickly convicted her.

Harder, who had amassed more than two dozen vehicle-related convictions since 2014, was fined $1,000. She also was sentenced to 30 days in jail, with the entire term suspended for 12 months contingent on good behavior. Her drivers license was suspended for six months and King granted Harder a restricted license that will let her drive to work and other approved destinations.

Charges of having an expired registration, driving without insurance and not wearing a seatbelt were dropped.

According to a state police account released in January, Harder was heading north on U.S. 11 near Draper when she crossed the center line in her 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander and ran head-on into Easts southbound 2014 Ford Focus. The initial state police statement said that distraction was considered a factor in the wreck.

The state police account, however, was called into question as the case against Harder moved forward.

Speaking after Harders conviction, Dan East, Garnie Easts grandson, said that prosecutors told his family the trooper claimed Harder told him she was talking on the phone when she crossed the center line. But a police recording of Lowes interactions with Harder did not verify Lowes account, East said.

And because the troopers account was submitted to justify a search warrant for Harders phone, whatever evidence could be collected from the phone or from phone records also was jeopardized, East said.

State police issued a statement Tuesday evening saying there had been a perjury investigation targeting Lowe, who was hired by the state police in 2019 and assigned to the Dublin Field Office in 2021. The investigation of the trooper began in March, and its findings have been given to special prosecutor Roy Evans, Smyth Countys commonwealths attorney, state police said.

The state police statement about Lowe did not give any details of what prompted the perjury allegation. Lowe has been on administrative leave since the investigation of him began, state police said.

Griffiths statement, also issued Tuesday evening, said that his decision to dismiss an array of traffic charges came after state police notified him that Lowe was being investigated.

Griffith credited state police with notifying him about Lowe, saying the decision reflects the values the numerous troopers we work with every day possess.

He wrote that Garnie Easts family was consulted before the plea agreement was offered to Harder, and noted that the six-month license suspension was the longest allowed for a reckless driving conviction.

Dan East said that prosecutors told his family that the case against Harder was going to be basically a slap on the hand thing due to the troopers actions, with no jail time imposed.

It could not be immediately determined Tuesday if cases Lowe investigated were pending in other courts besides Pulaski Countys.
Lawmakers and academics are putting pressure on the Biden administration by asking for a temporary halt to offshore wind construction so that its consequences may be evaluated. These implications include the potential disruption of military operations, navigation, and radar systems.

Military Ramifications of Biden's Offshore Wind Project

In a report by Fox News, Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ) and other offshore wind development stakeholders and experts met with officials from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) earlier this week to voice their concerns.

Smith, who represents a region on the Atlantic coast with a Navy weapons facility and offshore wind projects, said that most of the discussion was dedicated to military implications.

After Smith, colleague New Jersey Representative Jeff Van Drew, House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman, and numerous other members pressed for a study, the GAO agreed to examine offshore wind development's wide-ranging implications. Part of the inquiry will focus on how wind turbines interfere with military radar.

"It will impact marine radar through sonic interference ... There's going to be nothing but disruption. Radar will not be credible," Smith told Fox News during an interview.

Gross interference will prevent the Coast Guard from performing search and rescue missions, especially in adverse weather conditions, he added. The Navy's Integrated Undersea Surveillance System would likewise be negatively affected.

He expressed his displeasure with the Department of Defense's handling of the situation and its lack of openness. He cited conversations with unnamed military personnel who said wind development was being given preference above national security.

Radar Interference From Wind Turbines

Wind turbines have been the subject of several studies and evaluations in recent years, all of which have concluded that they represent a serious threat to radar systems.

Wind development, according to a National Academy of Sciences report from 2022, will cause "interference with marine vessel radar, which is a critical instrument for navigation, collision avoidance, and use in search and rescue missions."

Finland and Taiwanese military leaders have both voiced worries that the construction of offshore wind farms may compromise their countries' defensive capabilities.

See Also: Biden Unveils $930 Million Grant Program To Boost Internet Connectivity in Rural America

Climate Agenda of the Biden Administration

The climate agenda of the Biden government includes the fast expansion of offshore wind farms over millions of acres of federal waterways, especially on the East Coast. Joe Biden, in his first months in office, set an ambitious target of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030.

Several more Atlantic coast offshore wind projects are now in the planning and federal regulatory stages. The Biden administration has also sold leases for hundreds of thousands of acres in the Gulf of Mexico and off the coast of California to energy companies.

See Also: Joe Biden to Issue Executive Order That Broadens Access to Birth Control Options

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Cancun beaches for Mexico summer break forecast sargassum-free

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  The sargassum seaweed flow onto Mexicos beaches is forecast to be almost non-existent for the summer. Due to distance, speed of travel and currents, Cancun and Playa del Carmen beaches are expected to remain relatively free of the seaweed.

The upcoming 2023 summer vacation holiday season for Cancun and Riviera Maya are forecast to be sargassum-free according to Esteban Jesus Amaro Mauricio. The Director of the Quintana Roo Sargassum Monitoring Network reported that daily monitoring shows a lack of sargassum arrival for the next three months.

Beaches of Playa del Carmen, including the central beach as seen here, is already free of sargassum.

Photo: Red de Monitoreo del Sargazo de Quintana Roo June 27, 2023.

He explained that there is daily monitoring from Africa to the coasts of the Yucatan Peninsula. He says that from the Arch of the Antilles to the Yucatan Peninsula there are approximately 3,000 kilometers and that sargassum travels 1,000 kilometers per month.

Small bits of sargassum dot Isla Mujeres beaches. H. Ayuntamiento de Isla Mujeres June 26, 2023.

Taking that speed and distance into consideration, the forecaster says the next bout of seaweed is not likely to arrive until after the summer holidays, and any sargassum that does arrive would continue to be minimal.

From what we have been observing through the satellite it is very clean. There is almost no sargassum between Jamaica and the Yucatan Peninsula. As the sargassum continues to move north like it has been, we will have lean months, that is, we are not going to have a significant presence, he explained.

An uncleaned public beach in Riviera Maya, Playa Xcalacoco, is naturally free of sargassum.

Photo: Riviera Maya News June 27, 2023.

The lack of sargassum and / or a minimal arrival is forecast for the entire state coastline. He says currently, there is a bit more seaweed being recorded on a few Tulum beaches, but the most recent updates show minimal sargassum along a majority of Quintana Roo.

Zofemat workers clean beach scrub areas at Cancuns Playa Delfines since there is no seaweed to remove.

Photo: ZOFEMAT Benito Juarez June 27, 2023

Any seaweed that has been making landfall has been removed by municipal workers. Amaro Mauricio said that beaches of Cancun have seen very small landfalls, as is the same with the mainland of Isla Mujeres, which is forecast to continue for the 2023 Cancun summer break season.
Home Instead held its first Caregiver Cook Off on Tuesday to highlight its partnership with Meals on Wheels and to spread awareness about senior isolation.

The competition was held at the Local Office on Agings Center for Health and Wellness.

We know how difficult social isolation is in impacting our senior adult population, said Betsy Head, co-owner of this Home Instead franchise. Covid actually exacerbated that problem.

Home Instead has worked with Meals on Wheels through the LOA for a long time, including driving a route to provide food for homebound seniors and holding a Christmas program to provide gifts for seniors in need, Head said.

Seniors who are home alone without social interaction regularly eat more poorly, their health suffers from that, their medications dont work as well because theyre not eating the right foods, and their health declines, Head said. Once we get social interaction involved in meal times, we have an opportunity to change their lives.

The U.S. Surgeon General has declared loneliness and isolation an epidemic. The adverse effects a lack of social connection can have on older loved ones. Studies indicate social isolation can dramatically impact older adults health and prevent them from getting proper nutrition. In fact, lacking social connection can increase the risk for premature death as much as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, according to information provided by Home Instead.

Home Instead volunteers provide social interaction and check up on their senior clients. The caregivers can provide support and intervention if something is wrong with the senior.

While we dont teach them cooking, our caregivers are great cooks, Head said. We have caregivers in homes providing meals and companionship every day, and weve been doing this in Roanoke for 22 years.

While Tuesdays cook-off was held to raise the awareness, it also celebrated the caregivers. They were nominated by their clients. Head said one caregiver received two separate nominations.

The caregivers food entries Tuesday were judged on taste, appearance, perceived nutritional value, and affordability. There were three judges, one from Home Instead, one from the LOA, and one from Spirit FM radio. Attendees were also given the opportunity to pick a peoples choice award.

Martha Akers, a senior client of Home Instead and an attendee of the cook off, said that her caregiver has had a very positive influence on her life.

I have problems with getting around and arthritis, so its a big help to have someone there, she said.

Akers said she had taught her caretaker Crystal the recipes that Crystal used in the cook-off.

I taught high school home economics for 23 years. We were talking and she mentioned that she had never taken home economics, so Ive had fun giving her lessons. Akers said. I learned the recipes shes using from my mother, so its been great passing them down.

Akers said she has been with Home Instead for almost three years. She said Crystal is with her for multiple hours every weekday, and that several times she has fallen and Crystal has been there to help her.

Home Instead is planning on making the caregiver cook-off a yearly event, happening every June, Head said.

The LOA building was used because it is a congregate site for the Meals on Wheels program, and that it was a place where the clients that are not homebound can get social interaction during meal times, Head said.

Its special that we are able to break bread together over a table in a room that is made to combat the issue were raising awareness for, she said.
Two New River Valley business people proposed developing a recreational vehicle park just east of the Christiansburg Industrial Park.

The site is off Brammer Lane next southbound Interstate 81, behind the Cracker Barrel restaurant, and spans 48 acres.

The project will take a year to a year and a half to complete, if it obtains necessary approvals, said Gary Duncan, an automotive dealer and classic car collector. Duncan is working with Ernie Woods, who is in the excavating business, he said.

The concept is to place 70 to 80 spaces for RVs, while leaving approximately 50 percent of the site as wooded open space with hiking trails, riparian buffers, wetland preservation and stormwater management best practices, according to a filing in Montgomery County.

Supervisors are scheduled to take up the matter June 26.
Correction June 28, 2023, 5 p.m.: The so-called 'forever chemical' also known as GenX was already present on industrial equipment sent to the Montgomery County firm ProChem for cleaning, rather than being used in that process. The source of the hazardous chemical was incorrectly identified in a photo caption published with this article. It has been updated.

A hazardous chemical found in the Roanoke River has made its way to Smith Mountain Lake, more than 40 miles downstream from the likely source.

Testing by the Virginia Department of Health detected GenX, a so-called forever chemical used in the manufacture of many consumer products, in lake water that is treated and distributed to customers in the surrounding area.

The concentration was 5 parts per trillion, below a government health advisory that recommends no more than 10 parts per trillion over a lifetime of consumption.

Nonetheless, the Western Virginia Water Authority wrote in a June 15 letter to its customers in the area that it wanted to make you aware of this test data.

It came as little surprise that GenX has lasted so long and spread so far after being released into the South Fork of the Roanoke River from a company in Montgomery County.

They are called forever chemicals for a reason, Mark Barker of the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League said of GenX and other PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, that do not break down naturally in the environment.

Prolonged exposure to PFAS can increase the risk of some cancers, compromise the bodys immune system and cause reproductive effects such as decreased fertility or high blood pressure in pregnant women, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

The water authority was recently informed of the Health Departments tests, which were part of a statewide effort to determine how widespread the man-made chemicals are in public drinking water supplies.

A water treatment plant at the lake is operated by the authority in partnership with the Bedford Regional Water Authority. Smith Mountain Lake is the primary source of drinking water for customers in the Westlake and Scruggs Road areas of Franklin County.

This drinking water is filtered and disinfected prior to going to our customers, and the water system is in full compliance with all drinking water standards, the letter stated.

Last year, the authority identified ProChem, an industrial water management company, as the source of contamination from its Elliston location on the banks of the Roanoke Rivers south fork.

Equipment tainted with GenX was being cleaned by ProChem in a process that generated waste water which was inadvertently sent to a public treatment plant, the company has said, and then released into the river.

ProChem stopped servicing the equipment last September, and levels in the river have gradually decreased.

GenX was first discovered in 2020 in Spring Hollow reservoir, about 5 miles downstream from ProChem. Concentrations in Spring Hollow and the Roanoke River, which supplies the reservoir, were well above the 10 parts per trillion threshold set by the EPA.

A carbon filtering system has reduced the level. The most recent samples of treated drinking water, taken June 9, show a concentration of 5.4 parts per trillion.

But other tests show that GenX is still present upstream of Spring Hollow, prompting the water authority to stop pumping water from the Roanoke River to fill the reservoir.

As a result, water levels have dropped steadily over the last year. Despite the recent rains, the reservoir was at 37.2 feet below full pond Tuesday, meaning that it has about 58% of its capacity remaining.

The water authority has reduced by half of the amount of water it distributes from Spring Hollow, which goes to about 12,800 customers, most of them in Roanoke County.

To make up the difference, more water has been drawn from Carvins Cove, which has tested negative for forever chemicals previously and again in the Health Departments latest sampling.
CHRISTIANSBURG  The school resource officer situation in town schools is still being hashed out.

And thats because two elected bodies that dont necessarily have the same view of the situation continue to try to find a compromise.

The Town Council, on a 4-2 vote Tuesday night, decided to table an SRO measure, with several members of the elected body requesting more time to go over a draft agreement between the town police chief and Montgomery County Sheriff Hank Partin.

The agreement would cover the operation of the SROs and specify the responsibilities of the two law enforcement agencies, said town Mayor Mike Barber.

The councils latest discussion about SROs occurred the night after the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors discussed the issue. The majority of supervisors Monday didnt budge from their position of refusing to provide funding for SROs employed by the town.

The issue began last year when the county declined a request from the town asking that the county provide reimbursements for three town SROs.

The issue became more contentious in January when the council narrowly approved a measure to eventually end its funding of the three SRO positions in town schools.

Christiansburg officials said its an issue of financial fairness due to town tax revenue contributed to the county over the years. That move drew scrutiny from several supervisors. Some of the supervisors also criticized the timing of the move due to the occurrence around that time of a school shooting in the Tidewater region of Virginia that drew national attention.

Christiansburg has provided $265,000 annually in salaries and benefits for the three SRO jobs, according to a letter Mayor Mike Barber previously sent to top county officials.

The exact request the council made to the county  and which has been turned down multiple times  has been for $203,000, the mayor said this week. The town calculated that amount based on nine months, or the typical length of a school year, he said.

Barber also noted that the town never asked the county for reimbursements on supplementary items such as vehicles.

Supervisors said the county providing the town SRO funding raises a number of issues.

I just think if you do that youre opening up a can of worms, Supervisor Darrell Sheppard said Monday night. We dont make decisions for Christiansburg. We cant say what they are, or what theyre not, going to do.

Supervisor Mary Biggs also had concerns about the county paying for personnel not employed or supervised by them.

I think it sets a precedent for other things to come before us from either town, said Biggs, who also referenced the town of Blacksburg.

The county, following Christiansburgs decision this winter, began considering different measures for keeping SROs in town schools and eventually settled on an approximately $405,000 plan to hire three county sheriffs deputies.

Partin, earlier this year, also spoke of a plan supported by himself and Christiansburg Police Chief Mark Sisson that would split the SRO duties between their agencies.

The measure, which Partin presented to supervisors during a discussion in April, would split SRO full town school support between the county sheriffs office and the town police department.

Several council members, however, said Tuesday they have remaining concerns about that draft agreement.

So we can make sure our interests are protected, and weve got time. Summer sessions are going on, said Councilman Henry Showalter, referencing that students are on break.

Showalter said the draft document he looked at appears very one-sided. The document, for instance, doesnt give the sheriff a deadline for when his department has to put their three deputies in the town schools, Showalter said.

Town officials also said they also need to know when the SROs on the countys side would be in the schools.

Said Councilman Tim Wilson: I think it [the draft] needs a thorough review. Its very lacking of context, he said about the draft agreement. Theres some parts of it I just, you know, the way its written, I would not agree with anybody signing it, from our side.

Council members have also pushed back against suggestions that theyre not concerned about the safety of students and staff, and Barber voiced a promise earlier this year that there will be a police presence in the schools this upcoming school year.

Im not sure any of us can really sit here in good conscience and say, July 1, were pulling our officers out of there, said Councilman Casey Jenkins. I just cant see that reality where officers are not in those town limit schools.

Several supervisors on Monday maintained that SROs the county is paying for ought to be sheriffs deputies.

They [Christiansburg council] brought this up and voted on it all in one meeting, and found very quickly that the citizens of the town of Christiansburg were not happy with that, said Supervisor April DeMotts, who added that the councils plan now seems to be to make the issue the countys fault. They made a quick decision, and were trying to deal with the ramifications of that decision.

DeMotts continued: Were not responsible for decisions Christiansburg makes. Theyve had them in the schools for 10 to 12 years. If they wanted to work with us, they could have worked out a solution in the long-term. They made a decision to cut [the SRO funding] from their budget. Were not responsible for fixing their mistake.

Another question raised by Supervisor Steve Fijalkowski was why the council decided to pull its SRO funding when Christiansburg schools have had an SRO presence for years.

Regarding the tax revenue coming from the town, Fijalkowski said Christiansburg is getting a benefit because much of that money pays for its schools.

Supervisor Todd King continued to push for the consideration of the towns previous proposal.

King said he thinks they would be doing everyone in the county some good if they moved forward with providing Christiansburg SRO funding. He said he doesnt think thats a lot to ask.

King said constituents have pressed him on the issue. He said he understands the concerns over the county paying for town personnel and the fears that it could open the door to the funding requests for other items. But he said theres no requirement for the county to cover other town requests.

The Christiansburg council scheduled a July 6 work session to go over the draft agreement.

Sisson told council that this department has two full-time officers assigned to Christiansburg High School and Christiansburg Middle School. He said the third officer rotates between the elementary schools.
FLORENCE, S.C.  The Housing Authority of Florence has chosen a new executive director, and the authoritys former director is suing for breach of contract and defamation.

Alphonso Bradley, the District 3 Florence County councilman, was chosen to be the next executive director by the Florence Housing Authority Board of Commissioners on May 30. The authoritys former director, Clamentine Elmore, was fired by the board on March 22.

Ive always been in the helping business, and it looked like a position that would allow me to help a lot of people, Bradley said.

Before starting the job, Bradley still needs to be approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as the boards chosen candidate, according to Jose Coker. Coker is one of the Housing Authority of Florences attorneys.

As the executive director, Bradley said, he wants to get more people who qualify into affordable housing. He also wants to make a plan to replace many of the Housing Authority of Florences aging affordable housing options, he said.

A lot of the affordable housing, particularly the apartment complexes in Florence, they were built around the time I was a child, and Im 60 years old, Bradley said.

The authority used to have a home ownership program that helped transition those in affordable housing out and into their own home, and Bradley said he wants to restart that program. Finally, he said he wants to help address the abandoned houses that can be seen around Florence.

Before applying to be the executive director, Bradley said, he discussed the idea with Florence Countys attorney. Since the county does not give funds or appoint board members to the Housing Authority of Florence, the countys attorney said the position would not cause a conflict of interest with his position as a Florence County councilman.

Florence City Councilwoman Lethonia Barnes, who is Bradleys sister, said she spoke with the citys attorney about the possibility of Bradley being the Housing Authority of Florences executive director to make sure there was no conflict of interest from her, either.

The attorney said there would not be any conflicts of interest, but said Barnes may not appoint members to the Housing Authority of Florence Board of Commissioners, something the council is tasked with doing.

He has the expertise to do this. I think he will do a good job, Barnes said. I dont think me being on council should stop someone who has the credentials, as he does, to serve in a great capacity.

Most of Bradleys career was spent in the public school system, primarily managing people.

The size of the staff of the Housing Authority is about 75 employees, which is about the normal size that Id been dealing with, Bradley said.

He also has experience writing grant applications for different school systems, which he said will help him in his new role as well.

Basically everything that Ive done in my career seems like it was in preparation for this job, because Im doing pretty much the same things that Ive always been doing, Bradley said.

In the announcement of Bradleys hiring, Florence Housing Authority Board of Commissioners Chairman Douglas Hawkins said Bradley is an experienced community leader and has a proven track record.

His strong winning attitude and personality are assets that will enhance Florence Housing Authoritys ability to meet the needs of our residents as we continue to provide quality, innovative housing to the marketplace, Hawkins said.

The announcement says Bradley started on June 1, but he said on Thursday he has not yet received a start date from the Housing Authority of Florence.

Lawsuit

On May 10, Elmore filed a lawsuit in circuit court against the Housing Authority of Florence and Commissioner Jerrod Moultrie for breach of contract, defamation and violation of state labor laws.

Elmores attorney, Chance Sturup at the law firm Cromer, Babb, Porter & Hicks LLC, alleges that the Florence Housing Authority Board of Commissioners wrongly ended Elmores employment contract without cause. Her contract said that if she was fired without cause, she was entitled to pay and benefits for the remainder of the contract, the lawsuit says.

The contract allegedly was supposed to last until December 1, 2027.

Even if terminated with cause, the contract still required the Housing Authority of Florence to pay Elmore for all paid vacation days and 7% of her unused sick days, the lawsuit says. It says that if no proper cause was given, the authority would instead need to pay her back in full for all her unused sick days.

If the Florence Housing Authority Board of Commissioners had an issue with her performance, it was required by Elmores contract to submit to her a written notice detailing the problems, the lawsuit says. Once she was given the notice, Elmore was then supposed to have at least 180 days to fix the problems.

In addition to seeking the wages and benefits that Sturup says Elmore is owed, the lawsuit is seeking payment for damages to Elmores reputation by the Housing Authority and Moultrie. Sturup says in the lawsuit that Moultrie made multiple false statements about her, alleged she did a number of crimes and reported her to law enforcement agencies.

The lawsuit says Moultrie knew the allegations were false yet still made them to law enforcement, government officials, community members and on Fab News, which is a website owned by Moultrie.

Employees and representatives of the Florence Housing Authority also made false claims against Elmore, the lawsuit says. However, it says Moultrie was the cause of her being fired.

Moultrie said he does not understand why he was singled out by Elmore when the Florence Housing Authority Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to remove her.

I dont have the power to fire anybody by myself, he said. As far as the defamation of character, what I will say is that allegations were reported to the board, and we dealt with it.

In October 2021, the lawsuit says, Elmore helped the Cheraw Housing Authority, which is managed by the Florence Housing Authority, with securing grant money. In response, the Cheraw Housing Authority Board of Commissioners voted to give Elmore a $10,000 bonus, according to the lawsuit.

After learning of the bonus, Moultrie claimed that Elmore stole the money and reported her to the Florence County Sheriffs Office, which investigated and found that the money was not stolen, the lawsuit says.

The lawsuit says Moultrie also claimed that Elmore was acting improperly and breaking laws when she paid former Commissioner Linda Becote, who was recently removed from the Florence Housing Authority Board of Commissioners by the Florence City Council, to cater a party in her honor using Housing Authority of Florence funds.

Before accepting Becotes offer to cater the event, Elmore asked the United States Department of Housing and Development if she was able to pay Becote to cater the event. The department said yes on the condition that Becote only be reimbursed for her costs and that she was not profiting off the event, the lawsuit says.

The reimbursement money paid to Becote was brought up during Becotes hearing at the Florence City Council. Council members voted unanimously to remove Becote from the Florence Housing Authority Board of Commissioners at the April 20 meeting.

Becotes lawyer, John Bledsoe, filed an intent to appeal the decision in circuit court on April 27.

On May 24, the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners authorized an internal investigation into the mishandling of funds and property by authority employees. The investigation is being led by Michael East, former head of the North Carolina Bureau of Investigations Financial Crimes Unit and former U.S. marshal.

The investigation is continuing, but a statement by the board at the time said it was committed to making the findings public.
COLUMBIA, S.C.  The Rev. Leo Woodberry, executive director of New Alpha Community Development Corporation and pastor of Kingdom Living Temple in Florence, was among the many leaders from the Florence community to attend the South Carolina Clean Energy Town Hall with Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Rep. James Clyburn in Columbia Tuesday.

Granholm traveled to South Carolina as part of her clean energy tour to spotlight how President Joe Biden is investing in providing opportunities to help the South lead the nation in the clean energy transition.

I welcomed the opportunity to see Secretary Granholm again on behalf of all from Florence and to commend her on the steps forward the Biden administration has taken moving toward a just and equitable transition to clean energy in South Carolina, said Woodberry.

There are endless new possibilities to protect the health, the environment and the livelihoods of South Carolinians from Florence to Columbia if we simply learn from our past by keeping the communities involved in the transition process. We build synergy by being at the table. he said.
FLORENCE, S.C.  Dr. Sompong and Mrs. Suwanee Kraikit of Florence recently continued their strong commitment to providing scholarship opportunities to Francis Marion University students by providing a substantial gift to the FMU Education Foundation.

For more than two decades, the Kraikits have been generous donors to the university, establishing scholarships that have benefitted generations of students.

Among the gifts the Kraikits have provided has been an endowed scholarship to benefit international students at the university. A partnership was established with Nakhon Sawan Rajabhat University in Thailand, Kraikits home province. This partnership allows faculty and students from both Nakhon Sawan Rajabhat University and Francis Marion University the opportunity to expand their knowledge of how students learn through mutually beneficial teaching and learning opportunities in both Florence and Thailand.

It also provides a scholarship for a teacher in Thailand to pursue a graduate degree in education from FMU. Additionally, the Kraikit International Nursing Scholarship was established in 2014 to offer a nurse, who is a native of Thailand, an opportunity to complete the MSNNurse Educator degree at FMU.

In 2020, the Kraikits established the First Generation Student Education Scholarship. This scholarship was started to provide financial support to First Generation students from the Pee Dee Region of South Carolina attending Francis Marion and majoring in education.

Staunch supporters of providing educational opportunities for students who may not otherwise have them, the Kraikits most recent gift goes to continue their support of First Generation education majors.

Sompong and Suwanee have been among the most generous donors in the universitys history, said FMU President Fred Carter. Their most recent gift reaffirms their commitment to making an education attainable for so many students, specifically those choosing to study and embark on a career in education. Their longstanding support of the university is much appreciated  as is their friendship.
Dalondo Moultrie is the assistant managing editor of the Seguin Gazette. You can e-mail him at dalondo.moultrie@seguingazette.com .
Micronesian president vows to promote in-depth relations with China

Xinhua) 11:10, June 28, 2023

SYDNEY, June 27 (Xinhua) -- The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) attaches great importance to developing a friendly relationship with China and will further promote in-depth relations between the two countries, said Micronesian President Wesley Simina.

Simina made the remarks on Monday when Wu Wei, the new Chinese ambassador to the FSM, presented the Letter of Credence to him, according to a statement by the Chinese Embassy in the FSM on Tuesday.

Simina expressed his thanks for China's contribution to the development of the FSM, a subregion of Oceania composed of thousands of small islands in the western Pacific Ocean, saying his country adheres to the one-China policy and will further enhance pragmatic cooperation with China in a bid to deepen bilateral relations.

Ambassador Wu said China will work with the FSM side to strengthen pragmatic cooperation in all fields so as to achieve greater progress in developing the China-FSM Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
South Koreans will soon become younger, thanks to the SoKor government's new law.

Unlike other countries across the globe, South Korea has its own calendar age system. The Asian country has been following this for the past years, making their residents older than other people.

Specifically, South Koreans count the time they spent on their mothers' wombs. Because of this, residents of South Korea are usually one to two years older than other individuals.

However, this is about to change because the South Korean government will soon adopt the international calendar age standard.

South Koreans Will Become Younger

According to Fortune's latest report, the National Assembly confirmed the calendar age adjustment plan of South Korea back in 2022.

Read Also: Beating the Heat: India's Health Ministry Shares Tips! Here's What to Avoid

When President Yoon Suk Yeol ran for office in 2022, the public supported his idea of adopting the international standard or calendar age.

CNN reported that the legislation already came into effect on Wednesday, June 28.

The SoKor government announced that all administrative and judicial areas across South Korea would adopt the calendar age system used by most countries.

Government Legislation Minister Lee Wan-Kyu said that the new law would reduce numerous social disputes and confusion.

Aside from this, the adaptation of the international calendar age will also reduce social costs due that have been unnecessary because of mixed age standards.

Lee further stated that this new law had been a major pledge of the South Korean leader ever since he took office in May 2022.

Do South Koreans Need To Update Documents?

South Koreans no longer need to make any adjustments to their documents or IDs.

This is because the age used for government forms is based on the international system.

This is similar to receiving a pension, voting, or for retirement.

South Korean authorities also explained that the international calendar age adoption wouldn't affect cigarette or alcohol consumption since stories rely on the international calendar system.

You can click this link to learn more about this new law in South Korea.

Related Article: South Korean Student Eats Banana from Maurizio Cattelan's Art Exhibit; What's the Reason?

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
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 US Sentencing Commission schedules public hearing to consider retroactivity of amendments to criminal history rules | Main | US District Court concludes Second Amendment requires dismissal of federal felon-in-possession prosecution 

June 28, 2023

New report from Human Rights Watch highlights people released from LWOP sentences in California

This press release from Human Rights Watch notes a new report that focuses on individuals who have been released from prison in California after having once been given a life without parole sentence. The press release starts this way:

People formerly sentenced to life without parole (LWOP) in the state of California have flourished since they have had an opportunity to return home, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. As changes in legislation and executive power have allowed new pathways for release, the vast majority of people who have been released after serving these sentences are volunteering in their communities, caring for family members, and mentoring youth. The 53-page report, I Just Want to Give Back: The Reintegration of People Sentenced to Life Without Parole, details what people who were once sentenced to die in California prisons have done with their second chances. Human Rights Watch surveyed more than three-quarters of those released since 2013 and found that 94 percent reported volunteering regularly, 84 percent said they financially assisted others, and 90 percent worked full or part-time, with 43 percent working in the nonprofit sector. Based on these findings, the report recommends that California government officials take steps toward eliminating the use of LWOP sentences.

Here is a snippet from the report's summary:

In recent years, less than 4 percent of people sentenced to life without parole in California have been released due to changes in state law and executive power. At the time research began, there were only 143 people who fit this description. This report focuses on the historic release of these individuals and examines the positive contributions they have made with their second chances. Using statistical data from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and qualitative data from a series of interviews conducted with individuals formerly sentenced to LWOP in the state of California, this report sheds light on the positive impact these people can have on society. Notably, the interviews were conducted with 110 out of the 143 individuals who had been released, representing approximately 77 percent of the total population. This comprehensive sample reinforces empirical research suggesting that LWOP sentences are unnecessary when it comes to promoting public safety. Moreover, it contends that LWOP sentences are counterproductive to public safety because they deprive communities of the unique and valuable contributions individuals with the sentence can make.

June 28, 2023 at 03:48 PM | Permalink

Comments

Of course, a survey is the least dependable form of research. Nor do I have any confidence that the questions were worded properly to get accurate data rather than a desired result.

I cannot be cynical enough about it.

Posted by: TarlsQtr | Jun 28, 2023 7:45:47 PM

Remember this story the next time some death penalty opponent is crowing about a poll indicating that most people reject the DP when given the alternative of "life imprisonment without any possibility of parole."

Only, as this story proves, there is ALWAYS a possibility of parole (or release by some other name). So the crowing, and the polling on which it's based, are dishonest.

But what else is new?

Posted by: Bill Otis | Jun 28, 2023 10:34:51 PM

Post a comment
More than 31,000 Malaysians under 35 are bankrupt: Minister

A total of 31,140 individuals aged 35 and below have been officially registered as bankrupts between 2014 and May 2023, as per the Malaysian Insolvency Department (MDI) records, according to Deputy Minister in the Prime Ministers Department (Legal and Institutional Reform) Ramkarpal Singh.

Taking note of this concerning situation, he said the government has taken various measures to address the issue.

One such initiative is the implementation of bankruptcy discharge for those individuals declared bankrupt with debts below RM50,000, given they meet the required conditions starting from March 1 of this year.

Ramkarpal mentioned that MDI has made amendments to Section 5(1)(a) of the Insolvency Act 1967 (Act 360) through the Insolvency (Amendment) Act 2020 (Act A1624). These amendments were gazetted on October 22, 2020, and came into effect on September 1, 2021.

The amendment aims to set the minimum debt limit to RM100,000, which indirectly helps to reduce the percentage of bankrupts registered with MDI, including youth, he was quoted as saying by Bernama on Monday.

The response was provided in reply to a query from Senator Mohd Hasbie Muda, who sought information about the number of bankrupt youth and the governments efforts to address the issue.

Additionally, Ramkarpal mentioned that the government has already introduced provisions regarding automatic discharge in 2017 under Act 360.

These provisions enable bankrupt individuals to be released from bankruptcy within a relatively short period of three years, starting from the submission of the statement of affairs to MDI.

He also stated that the government has made improvements to the provision of automatic discharge through the Insolvency (Amendment) Bill 2023, which received approval in the Dewan Rakyat on May 24 and in the Dewan Negara on June 19.

Furthermore, the government, in collaboration with Bank Negara Malaysia, has introduced the Policy document on Fair Treatment of Financial Consumers.
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
Iowa state officials have reversed course and will apply for federal assistance to provide food for Iowa school children from low-income families during summer break, following weeks of lobbying by anti-hunger advocates.

Alex Carfrae, a spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, told The Cedar Rapids Gazette late Tuesday the state will participate in the U.S. Department of Agricultures summer program this year. The deadline for states to apply is July 14.

Earlier this month, a department official told a member of the Iowa Hunger Coalition that Iowa was not going to participate in the summer Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer  or P-EBT  program this year, according to an email obtained by The Gazette.

That would have meant forgoing a potential $28.2 million, or $120 per eligible child, in federal food aid for an estimated 235,000 children who would have received free or reduced-price school meals this past school year, Carfrae responded in an email.

HHS understands many Iowa families continue to face food insecurity challenges, Carfrae wrote. After having conversations with federal partners expressing concern about the administrative burden associated with the Summer 2023 Pandemic EBT program, we have been assured they will provide guidance and support throughout the process.

He said Health and Human Services will continue to work toward a more sustainable food security program for Iowa families that is focused on supporting children and families rather than the burdensome administrative processes required to implement it. The state plans to have this in place for summer 2024.

Carfrae said the department still needs to apply to USDAs Food and Nutrition Service and await approval. He did not have a timeline for when the state would be notified if its application is approved or when benefits will be issued.

The program provides families with children extra benefits for groceries when their kids arent receiving meals from school. Created as part of federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic, when schools and child care centers were closed or operating with reduced hours or attendance, families with children receiving free or reduced-price meals could apply for a debit-type card to purchase food to make up for missing school meals.

Iowa participated in the P-EBT program last year, providing food assistance benefits to school children in grades K-12 who were eligible to receive free or reduced price meals during the 2021-22 school year, and to school children who were newly determined eligible for meal benefits during the summer months.

With the ending of the public health emergency, children in child care enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program  or SNAP  no longer qualify for the extra benefit.

Tuesdays announcement comes after Iowa Democratic lawmakers last week implored Republican Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds to apply for the federal assistance, and after weeks of lobbying by members of the Iowa Hunger Coalition.

State Sens. Sarah Trone Garriott, D-West Des Moines, and Izaah Knox, D-Des Moines, and state Rep. Sean Bagniewski, D-Des Moines, sent a letter to Reynolds last Thursday urging the governor to take advantage of the USDA program.

A total of 41 organizations and more than 100 Iowa faith leaders had also signed letters to Reynolds and Iowa Health and Human Services Director Kelly Garcia that were to be publicly released Wednesday, urging them to reconsider their decision, said Luke Elzinga, chair of the Iowa Hunger Coalition and communications and advocacy manager at the Des Moines Area Religious Council Food Pantry Network.

The groups wrote that the funds will not only feed hungry children at a time when food banks and food pantries across the state continue to assist record-high numbers of Iowans, but provide an estimated more than $43 million economic boon to Iowas farmers, grocery stores and local communities.

At a time when our neighbors need our help now more than ever, we cannot lean on private charities alone to address the issue of food insecurity, Iowa interfaith leaders wrote. Since other pandemic assistance programs ended, feeding agencies across our state have been struggling to keep up with rising need.  Iowa needs to use every available resource to reduce food insecurity in our communities, especially for our youngest neighbors.

In Iowa, one in every 11 children faces hunger, with 40 percent of households receiving SNAP benefits, according to Feeding America.

Trone Garriott, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, thanked state officials for listening to Iowans and agreeing to apply for this program.

"This is the right thing to do for our families and communities, she said in a statement. We should never leave resources on the table when it comes to caring for our kids.

Beginning in 2024, states will provide summer benefits for school-age children through a new, permanent nationwide program, which will continue to provide benefits to help families overcome summer hunger.
DES MOINES  Iowa will receive $35 million in federal infrastructure money for bridge and road improvements across the state, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced Wednesday.

The funding will be split between three projects:

$24.8 million to replace nine bridges across the state

$10 million to rebuild Main Street in Cedar Falls between University Avenue and 6th Street

$300,000 to evaluate approaches to improving infrastructure connecting downtown Cedar Lake to Interstate 35.

The money is part of the federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program, which was expanded under the bipartisan federal infrastructure law President Joe Biden signed last year. Nationally, the department awarded $2.2 billion in RAISE grants.

This round of RAISE grants is helping create a new generation of good-paying jobs in rural and urban communities alike, with projects whose benefits will include improving safety, fighting climate change, advancing equity, strengthening our supply chain and more, said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement.

The bridge replacements will be in Clay, Crawford, Henry, Lee, Lucas, Mitchell, Page, Pottawattamie and Wright counties.

According to a description of the projects from the U.S. DOT, the improvements will improve freight mobility in the counties that connect farms to the supply chain and create options for non-motorized travel.

In Cedar Falls, the grant will go toward a project to rebuild a stretch of Main Street in Cedar Falls, converting the street from a four-lane road to one lane in each direction with a center turn lane.

The street will also include bike lanes and ADA-accessible sidewalks and trails. Certain intersections will be converted to roundabouts.

The $10 million in funds adds to the $5.55 million in pandemic relief funds and Surface Transportation Block Grants the city will dedicate to the project. The whole project is expected to cost $30 million and complete in summer 2025.

Cedar Fall City Administrator Ron Gaines called securing the grant a tremendous achievement.

The entire process is very competitive and there are a lot of deserving projects across the country so to be a recipient is a huge accomplishment, he said in a statement. It is truly a testament to the work of our City staff and their dedication to improving our community. We also appreciate the support of Iowa Senators (Chuck) Grassley and (Joni) Ernst as well as Representative (Ashley) Hinson which helped make this possible.

In Clear Lake, $300,000 was awarded to a planning project to solicit community feedback and conduct a study to evaluate the 4th Avenue South corridor, which connects the lake to Interstate 35.

The evaluation will examine ways to modernize the infrastructure, including developing trails, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and adding electric vehicle charging stations, according to the DOT.
SIOUX CITY  Nearly everyone is familiar with the happiness felt when someone does something nice for them. Even better is that warm feeling one gets when being kind to someone else.

A group of local volunteers wondered what would happen if everyone in Sioux City was inspired at once to carry out acts of kindness.

They're about to find out.

Holy Moments book mailing Alex Shanahan stacks copies of the book "Holy Moments" onto a pallet as the books are prepared for mailing at Mail House Inc. in Sioux City. A

By the end of this week, every residence with a mailing address in Sioux City, Sergeant Bluff, South Sioux City, North Sioux City, Dakota Dunes and McCook Lake should have received a copy of international author Matthew Kelly's latest book, "Holy Moments." That's 48,340 homes receiving a free copy of a book that, in simple terms, encourages readers to take a few moments each day to think of others and do something nice for them.

If just small a fraction of those who receive the book take its words to heart, the results could be inspiring, said Jack Grubb, one of those behind the effort.

"All of us know if you do something for someone else, it's an uplifting thing," the Kingsley, Iowa, resident said. "I think with these books out in the community, we will see an impact in our community as people do positive things.

"We've gotten away from doing nice things for other people."

Holy Moments book mailing Pallets full of copies of the book "Holy Moments" by international author and speaker Matthew Kelly are prepared for mailing at Mail House Inc

Grubb has a lot of experience handing out free books through Kelly's Dynamic Catholic organization, distributing the prolific author's books to church members at Easter and Christmas for the past 15 years. When "Holy Moments" came out last fall, Kelly's organization wanted to try something new: distribute the book to whole communities in hopes that readers would be inspired to be kinder to one another, in turn having a positive effect within their community. Grubb was one of 10 people to whom Dynamic Catholic offered 10,000 books. Grubb was up for the challenge.

He teamed with the Rev. Dan Rupp, pastor at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cherokee and Our Lady of Good Counsel in Holstein, to mail 3,813 of them in May to not only members of the two parishes, but all Cherokee and Holstein residents. Rupp said some recipients probably won't read the book, but he's heard good reviews from those who have. By recording sales by ZIP code, Dynamic Catholic has seen a number of orders for additional copies of the book coming from the two communities.

"It changes people in little ways," Rupp said. "I think it's important for people to get the book because we live in a world that's become about us. It's all me, me, me. This book is about me helping others. I pray that people read the book and practice these holy moments."

Rupp said the book sends a nondenominational message to people of all religious backgrounds -- or no religious background -- to take a few moments to show kindness toward others.

"You don't have to be Catholic, you don't have to be Protestant, you don't have to have any faith to find peace and joy in your life," Rupp said.

Holy Moments book mailing Copies of the book "Holy Moments" await processing at Mail House Inc. in Sioux City. More than 48,000 copies of the book are being mailed to a

Grubb didn't want to limit the book's potential impact to two communities. He set his sights on Sioux City, aiming to get a book to everyone in the metro's 13 ZIP codes.

"If we really want to test the waters and see results in the community, we really need to do the whole community," he said.

Grubb recruited volunteers who raised more than $15,000 to cover postage costs. Meanwhile, 27 pallets of books were delivered to Mail Box Inc., which processed the books for the Postal Service in preparation for mailing -- one of the larger projects the Sioux City company has undertaken, owner Chris Shanahan said.

Holy Moments book mailing Volunteers, left to right, Don Stevens, Mary Lehr, Jack Grubb, Dave Ferris and the Rev. Dan Rupp display copies of the book "Holy Moments" tha

After the books have been mailed and recipients have had a chance to read them, Grubb believes a noticeable uptick in kindness and good deeds will be seen as readers experience the happiness of doing something for others and/or having someone do something for them.

"It's just a book that creates joy in both parties," Grubb said. "We're all looking for meaning in life. This book will solve this problem. You get one holy moment, and it explodes."

At a time when controversy erupts almost daily on some social media platform, a burst of goodness in real life would be most welcome.
SIOUX CITY  A Sioux City woman has been charged with keeping her children in filthy living conditions and not being aware one of them had left the home alone.

According to court documents, police were called to Bryant Elementary School on March 27, when a 5-year-old boy had walked alone to the school to retrieve a piece of a toy his older brother, a student at Bryant, had with him. School staff were unable to contact the boy's mother, Ashley Lafave, and gave the boy food when he said he was hungry.

Later that evening, police were summoned to a home in the 1000 block of Hill Avenue, where the occupant said the 5-year-old had shown up without a coat or socks on the 31-degree evening, saying he was cold and hungry and was looking for his brother. The woman said she had seen him and his brother unsupervised in the neighborhood on several occasions.

Officers took the boy to his apartment in the 2700 block of Virginia Street and observed food and possibly rodent droppings on the living room floor. The kitchen smelled of rotten food, the sink was full of dirty dishes and the refrigerator had mostly alcohol inside it. The toilet was clogged, the children's beds had no bedding and a lock was on the outside of their bedroom door.

Officers spoke with Lafave's boyfriend, who said he did not know the boy had left the apartment. Officers observed the bedroom the boyfriend shared with Lafave and said it was very clean in contrast to the rest of the apartment.

On March 29, an officer returned to the apartment and met with Lafave, who said she worked various overnight or morning hours at a fast-food restaurant. According to court documents, she told the officer she didn't know her son had left the apartment and walked to the school because she was lying down and didn't hear him leave because the patio door doesn't make noise. She also said she didn't know where her 1-year-old daughter had been that day. She told the officer her boyfriend, who doesn't speak English and can't communicate with the children, had been living with her since February and doesn't have a job.

Lafave told the officer the 5-year-old had left the home at least six or seven times. She told the officer that she had food for her children and didn't know why her son would tell people he was hungry.

Prosecutors filed a complaint against Lafave, 32, on Friday and she was arrested Tuesday and booked into the Woodbury County Jail on two counts of child endangerment, a Class C felony that carries a 10-year prison sentence.
The recent Paris shooting incident caused the death of Nael M., a 17-year-old boy.

Since the minor was gunned down just for fleeing a traffic stop, many people were angered and disappointed by the action of the Le Figaro police.

Because of this, riots are now happening in France. Some of these protests are violent; numerous protesters even burned down cars. Because of this, French cities decided to conduct a major police deployment consisting of 2,000 extra officers.

Paris Shooting Update: Death of Nael Leads to Riots

According to Breitbart's latest report, the major police deployment in France was triggered by a night of violence caused by riots.

Read Also: Defendant in Club Q Shooting Pleads Guilty to 5 Counts of Murder, Faces Multiple Life Sentences

Protests spread across French cities. A town hall office was even burnt down by protesters. After the death of the teenager, people started to light garbage cans and construction equipment on fire.

Some police officers even experienced getting shot by fireworks during daylight hours.

Authorities said that protests become more violent at night since there are heavy mortar fires.

On Tuesday, June 27, a total of 42 cars and two construction vehicles were destroyed and burned.

Meanwhile, 24 French police officers were injured, leading to the arrest of 31 protesters, as reported by The Sun.

What Happened to Nael?

Based on the videos circulating the internet, Nael M. was confronted by two Le Figaro police officers. During the traffic stop, one of the police was pointing a gun at the windshield in the driver's seat side.

After a few seconds, Nael tried to drive off in his yellow Mercedes. But, before he was able to speed up, the police officer fired one shot directly at the windshield.

A few minutes after the shooting, Nael's vehicle was seen crashing. This hints that the gunshot taken by the French police hit Nael, which later killed him.

French police authorities said that the teenager was already known for multiple counts of traffic stop evasions and driving without a license.

However, there's still no reason for the cop to shoot the teenager. Because of this, an investigation is now looking into an "intentional homicide" over the shooting incident.

Related Article: Kansas City Shootings Kill At Least 3, Injure 5 as Law Enforcement Personnel Investigate

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As he watched the half-ton buffalo jump in the waist-high grass at Chief Mountain, Blackfeet Councilman Lauren Monroe Jr. said he thought of his ancestors.

I thought of the demise they went through, he said. If they were to understand that our language, our culture, our buffalo would come back one day  it was absolutely momentous as a Blackfeet to be on our land within our sovereignty and do this. Were the leaders. Were choosing our future as we see it.

On Monday, the Blackfeet Nation transferred 30 wild buffalo (iinnii in the Blackfoot language) to tribal lands near Chief Mountain, an area steeped in Blackfeet cultural significance in the northwest corner of the reservation bordering Glacier National Park. The buffalo were brought to the Blackfeet from Alberta in 2016 after testing negative for diseases. In the seven years since, the tribe has been growing the captive herd in preparation for the release.

On Monday, the exploratory herd was loaded into trailers and hauled to a temporary paddock within sight of Chief Mountain. There, they grazed quietly until wranglers opened the gate.

Then every buffalo rushed through, formed a single-file line and rumbled toward a distant tree line. Monroe called the moment absolutely epic.

Rosalyn LaPier, Blackfeet and Metis, and her family own 120 acres in the foothills of Chief Mountain. She said the tribe has created a conservation district in the area to allow for grazing.

Our land isnt fenced, she explained. So bison, like bears and elk and deer and moose and antelope, can walk freely across the land.

LaPier, a historian, said to her knowledge, there is no other place in North America that allows free-roaming buffalo.

Bison are almost always behind a fence, even when in a large area, she said. Its unlike any other wild animal species that are allowed to roam freely and jump over fences, go under fences and ruin fences.

The Chief Mountain release, LaPier said, is not just momentous for the tribe but also presents scientists with a new opportunity.

One thing scientists dont know is where bison want to go, she said. Theyve always been fenced in so we have no idea, as scholars and scientists, where they want to go when they roam. Even in Yellowstone, the bison are killed or relocated when they leave the border of the park. So this will be really interesting to see what happens.

Gerald Buzz Cobell, director of Blackfeet Fish and Wildlife, said leaders from Glacier and Waterton Lakes national parks were supportive of the release. Representatives from Glacier National Park did not respond to requests for comment on Monday, but have stated publicly in the past they looked forward to welcoming the new wildlife.

The animals may wander into Glacier, but for now, Cobell said the tribe has to wait and see where the buffalo want to go. Some of the roaming buffalo have collars and solar ear tags, so the tribe will be able to monitor them and know their location. Because some people hike Chief Mountain, Cobell said the location data will help the tribe keep members of the public safe.

The bison have always been there, Cobell said, referencing the area that is now Glacier National Park. And now theyre coming back.

Tribes and buffalo

Since time immemorial, Native Americans have used buffalo for food, shelter, tools, clothing, jewelry and ceremony. Buffalo and Native people were so connected that biologists say the two mammals co-evolved.

But in the 19th century, settlers and U.S. soldiers killed millions of bison to devastate the tribal communities that relied on them. Ungulate diseases spread by domestic cattle are suspected of killing herds the hunters didnt reach.

From 1820 to 1880, the bison population fell from around 30 to 60 million to fewer than 1,000. Some estimate that only 300 bison survived whats now known as the Great Slaughter.

Monroe compared the attempted buffalo extermination to colonization and assimilation efforts.

When colonizers attempted to exterminate us, we lost our wildlife, our land and we temporarily lost access to who we were, he said. Like the buffalo, the Indian was the same way. We were cleared from the plains to make way for progress, as they called it.

As the bison population declined, some states and the federal government passed laws to protect the animals. By the late 19th century, dozens of bison occupied Yellowstone National Park.

Today, through partnerships with national parks and organizations, buffalo have returned to tribal lands nationwide. Most tribes in Montana maintain their own herds, but until earlier this week, none had released wild buffalo on their land.

'We are not fearful anymore'

Blackfeets domestic herd has grown to 700 head, and the buffalo still take care of the community, just as they once did hundreds of years ago.

The Blackfeet Buffalo Program harvests about 20 buffalo each year and distributes meat to food banks, ceremonies and elders in the community. The tribe also regularly sells its own buffalo meat at Glacier Family Foods grocery store in Browning at $7.99 a pound, so community members can afford it.

In February, the Blackfeet Nation offered its first trophy buffalo hunt, where members of the public could enter a lottery to participate in a hunt on the reservation. The trophy hunt earned the Buffalo Program at least $75,000, which will be reinvested in food distribution efforts to benefit the community.

Monroe said he expects the free-roaming herd will also bring tourism dollars to the reservation, especially in the summer as millions travel to the nearby Glacier National Park. He said some tourists showed up at the release by coincidence and were absolutely floored by the event.

Given the history of colonization and the near extermination of buffalo, Monroe said the release of the wild herd symbolizes an important shift.

We are not fearful anymore to be Blackfeet, he said. We dont need to ask permission to be Blackfeet. This means a lot. It means we are going to do what we need to do to survive.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti  A gang rampaged through the Cite Soleil slum, killing and raping and setting fire to hundreds of wood-and-tin homes. Forced out of the neighborhood, one family of four lived on the streets of Port-au-Prince until they were struck by a truck as they slept.

Two brothers, 2 and 9, died in the November accident. Jean-Kere Almicar opened his home to their distraught parents, then another family, then another, until there were nearly 200 people camped out in his front yard and nearby.

They are among more than 165,000 Haitians who have fled their homes amid a surge in gang violence, with nowhere to turn in this capital of nearly 3 million people.

Almicar, who once lived in Scranton, Pennsylvania, but moved back to Haiti in 2007, uses his own money.

There was nothing I could do except tell them to come in, Almicar said. Their home doesnt exist anymore. If they go back, theyre going to be killed.

Some 79,000 people are temporarily staying with friends or family, but another 48,000 have crowded into dozens of makeshift shelters like Almicars or sought refuge in parks, churches, schools and abandoned buildings in Port-au-Prince and beyond. The situation is overwhelming nonprofits and non-governmental organizations.

The government is not relocating anyone, said Joseph Wilfred, one of several volunteers in charge of an abandoned government building in Port-au-Prince that houses nearly 1,000 people, including him and his family.

Tens of thousands of Haitians have languished in these makeshift shelters for almost a year.

They sleep on the hard floor or on flattened cardboard boxes. Belongings are stuffed into big rice bags pushed up against the walls of packed rooms. The gangs that chased them out of their homes and control up to 80% of the capital, by most estimates, are now recruiting children as young as 8 at shelters.

One woman staying at Almicars place, Lenlen Desir Fondala, said someone snatched her 5-year-old son while they were living in an outdoors park in November. Her face crinkled and she began to cry, whispering that she still dreams of him.

Rapes also are common at the shelters and in the neighborhoods that gangs are razing.

Lovely Benjamin, 26, has scars on her torso and arm after being shot by gangs and attacked with a machete. Her 4-year-old son bears a machete scar on his head. They are homeless, and Benjamin struggles to find work. The gangs torched the items that she used to sell, including rice and oil, and she doesnt have the money to buy more. She and her little boy survived the attack but gang members killed her partner and set his body on fire.

Everybody was running, she recalled. The gangs burst into everyone's home.

Those living alongside Benjamin include Januelle Dafka and her 15-year-old daughter, Titi Paul, who were both raped and impregnated by gang members. Another neighbor, Rose Dupont, confided that she was nine months pregnant when four gang members shot her in the shoulder then beat and raped her, causing her to miscarry. The Associated Press does not identify people who say they are the victims of sexual assault unless they agree to be named, as Dafka, Paul and Dupont did.

The women carry envelopes with detailed medical records of the horrors they endured and hope that someone will help them find a safe place to live.

For now, they take refuge in the yard of Almicar, who is known as Big Papa."

He has been investing his time, his money, not to mention his strength to keep us safe, said Dovenald Cetoute, 33, who lives there.

But few are benevolent like Almicar. Police have been evicting people from makeshift shelters, and neighbors have threatened to kick out people left homeless because of fears that gang members might be hiding among them.

The United Nations' International Organization for Migration has helped more than 3,400 people find homes in safer areas and gives families some $350 to cover one year of rent. But a growing number of those families are returning to shelters as gangs continue to invade communities once considered safe. Even makeshift shelters are closing and moving elsewhere because of the ongoing violence, said Philippe Branchat, head of the IOM in Haiti.

We are hearing these terrible stories very often, Branchat said, adding that the agency doesnt have access to about half of the makeshift shelters because of gang violence. The situation is really, really bad.

People at the shelters sometimes can only afford to eat one mango a day. Many young children are malnourished.

On a recent morning at the abandoned government building that Wilfred helps manage as a makeshift shelter, a woman wailed against the wall as the tiny body of her 1-year-old goddaughter lay on the floor, wrapped in a towel. She had died just hours ago of suspected cholera.

The night before, a 6-year-old boy died under similar circumstances, with health workers who visited the next morning suspecting cholera.

Hours later, an ambulance came by to pick up two other children fighting cholera. The bacteria, which sickens people who swallow contaminated food or water, has been spreading at the shelter that has no power or running water, and just two makeshift holes in the ground that serve as a bathroom for nearly 1,000 people.

The worsening situation is a regular topic at the biweekly meetings that leaders of the shelter hold for those living there.

Sony Pierre, a spokesman for the committee that runs the shelter where he lives, said he is greatly concerned about the living conditions.

Look at this catastrophe, Pierre said as he waved his arms at the scene behind him, where flies buzzed around aggressively in the oppressive heat. This is an emergency.  We are looking for help to live with dignity.
WASHINGTON  Donald Trump has announced a new campaign proposal on United States immigration  barring "communists" and "Marxists" from entering the country.

The Republican former president, who is making another bid in 2024, on Saturday said he would use "Section 212 (f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act" to "order my government to deny entry to all communists and all Marxists."

The announcement was reminiscent of Trump's ban on travelers from several predominantly Muslim countries during his first term, which was heavily criticized as anti-Muslim and ultimately revoked by President Joe Biden.

"Those who come to enjoy our country must love our country," Trump said during a speech at the Faith and Freedom Coalition's conference in Washington, adding, "We're going to keep foreign, Christian-hating communists, Marxists and socialists out of America."

He also said there needs to be a "new law" to address communists and Marxists who grew up in America, but didn't elaborate on what it would include.

Trump's proposal also raised questions about whether a decades-old law could actually be used to ban all communist and Marxist immigrants to the U.S., how it would work, and why Trump is so focused on these political theories in a country where few residents support them.

Here's a look at existing U.S. laws and what Trump's proposal could look like:

WHAT DOES CURRENT U.S. LAW SAY ABOUT THIS?

U.S. immigration law already bars people who are members of a Communist Party from becoming naturalized citizens or green card holders, said Andrew Arthur, a former immigration judge and fellow at the Center for Immigration Studies, which is a Washington, D.C.-based think tank that advocates for less immigration in the U.S.

U.S. immigration law says that any immigrant "... who is or has been a member of or affiliated with the Communist or any other totalitarian party (or subdivision or affiliate thereof), domestic or foreign, is inadmissible."

The origins of that rule date back to 1918 when the U.S. government became concerned about "external threats of anarchism and communism," according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services policy manual. At that time, it was also the end of World War I, communism was taking root in the Soviet Union, and the country would soon impose strict immigration quotas in the U.S.

But, it does have some exceptions. For example, people who had to join the Communist Party in order to get a job or if their membership was issued when under age 16, according to immigration code.

The prohibition also doesn't currently apply to someone who wants to visit the U.S., such as on a tourist visa or as a student.

During his speech Trump said he would use a particular section of U.S. immigration law  Section 212 (f)  to bar "all communists and all Marxists." That section gives broad authority to bar people who aren't U.S. citizens entering the country if their entry would be "detrimental to the interests of the United States."

***

IS THERE PRECEDENT FOR THIS?

Trump's comments on barring communists and Marxists harken back to one of the more controversial actions of his administration  often referred to by critics as a travel ban on Muslims. Opponents cited Trump's own tweets and rhetoric in arguing that the travel ban discriminated against Muslims. But the high court ruled 5-4 in Trump's favor. Chief Justice John Roberts said in the majority opinion at the time that the justices weren't weighing in on whether it was good policy but that it was well within U.S. presidents' considerable authority over immigration and responsibility for keeping the nation safe.

Arthur said that case was a key indicator making him think that Trump would be on sound legal ground if he tried to bar communists or Marxists from entering the U.S. Arthur also said that foreign nationals trying to enter the U.S. have little of the constitutional rights afforded to American citizens.

Trump wasn't the first president to use this specific power of immigration law to limit who can come into the U.S. A 2020 Congressional Research Service report noted instances where it had been used by various presidents, but the report noted that Trump used the authority to impose broader restrictions than his predecessors.

***

BUT HOW WOULD THIS ACTUALLY WORK?

Bill Hing, a professor at the University of San Francisco and general counsel to the California-based Immigrant Legal Resource Center, said Trump would run into legal trouble if he just did a blanket exclusion of all communists or Marxists.

In the travel ban that was eventually upheld by the Supreme Court, Hing said the court paid particular attention to the steps that the Trump administration had taken to check with U.S. embassies abroad on whether they could guarantee that people coming from those countries would not be a threat to the U.S.

"You have to have some justification," Hing said.

That thought was echoed by immigration attorney Allen Orr, the former president of the Washington, D.C.-based American Immigration Lawyers Association. Orr said the version that eventually made it to the high court had a "whole list of exceptions."

"It's not a blanket ban if there are a ton of exceptions," Orr said.

***

IF TRUMP IS ELECTED, WHO WOULD BE AFFECTED BY THIS PLAN?

Analysts point squarely at one country: China, where tens of millions of people are members of the country's Communist Party.

Bates Gill is the executive director of the Center for China Analysis at the Asia Society. He said such a ban would most heavily impact China and should be viewed through that lens. Gill said beyond the vast number of members being Chinese government officials, party membership has also traditionally been a pathway for the upwardly mobile in China who are often well-educated, urban and internationally oriented. Since the late 1990s, Gill said, businesspeople have also been joining the party.

"In essence you would be banning the elite of China from entering the United States," he said. "It would be vast and sweeping and of course highly damaging to the relationship with China."

***

ARE THERE COMMUNISTS AND MARXISTS IN AMERICA NOW?

There are some, but judging by the membership of the national Communist Party, it's a fairly small number.

Communist Party USA has about 15,000 people on its membership list, said party co-chair Joe Sims. The list is "pruned regularly," he said, but some of that group may not be active members.

The party is growing with about 2,000 to 3,000 new members a year, and has run some local school board and city council candidates, Sims added.

However, it doesn't have anyone in federal or state elected office, and hasn't run a presidential ticket since the mid-1980s, he said.

***

THEN WHY DOES TRUMP TALK ABOUT THEM SO MUCH?

Seeding fears that communists and Marxists are poised to take over the country has proved an effective way for the former president to animate his base.

While there's no real risk that the U.S. could soon become a "third world Marxist regime" as Trump has suggested, these attacks have helped him target voters' emotions in a country with a long history of anti-communist sentiment.

The tactic has also helped Trump appeal to some immigrants whose families faced oppression and political persecution under Communist regimes in countries such as Venezuela, Cuba and Vietnam.

Trump has also baselessly referred to his Democratic rivals with these terms since he first appeared on the political scene, but Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and other Republicans recently have piled on with similar attacks, claiming "woke" policies in America are part of a Marxist agenda.

Experts say it's false to suggest that communists or Marxists rule major U.S. institutions.

Biden, for example, is a capitalism advocate who has taken executive action to promote economic competition.

MORE 2024 ELECTION COVERAGE

The 2024 presidential field, in the order they've announced Donald Trump, Republican Nikki Haley, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, Republican Marianne Williamson, Democrat Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Democrat Larry Elder, Republican President Joe Biden, Democrat Asa Hutchinson, Republican Tim Scott, Republican Ron DeSantis, Republican Mike Pence, Republican Chris Christie, Republican Doug Burgum, Republican Francis Suarez, Republican Will Hurd, Republican
OMAHA, Neb. (AP)  A 6-year-old Iowa boy who was hospitalized after he was found unconscious in a wave pool at at a suburban Omaha waterpark has died, police said Wednesday.

Police did not identify the boy but his family said on a GoFundMe site that he had no brain activity since the incident on Sunday and was taken off life support, the Omaha World-Herald reported.

He was a sweet 6 year old, our first son, a twin to his sister, and everything to our family, the boys mother, Makda Gebre, wrote on the site. We are devastated.

The Sioux City, Iowa, family said it was asking for donations to help with funeral expenses.

Medical personnel were called to the pool in Ralston Sunday afternoon. He was taken to the Creighton University Medical Center-Bergan Mercy and then transported to Childrens Hospital & Medical Center.

Fun-Plex has remained closed since Sunday.
Many Nebraska parents are providing stimulating and supportive home environments for Nebraskas youngest children, which researchers found to be the most powerful element in ensuring healthy child development.

Those successes are coming no matter where families live, their finances or parents backgrounds.

But at the same time, early disparities in child development are evident in Nebraska based on family and community characteristics. About half of Nebraska families experience economic strain, which is associated with lower child development scores. Some 41% of families experience food insecurity.

Those glimpses into the development of infants and children in the state are drawn from a new, first-of-its-kind report that will be released Tuesday by Kidsights Data, located in the University of Nebraska Medical Centers College of Public Health.

The data behind it was produced using a new survey instrument, called the Kidsights Measurement Tool, which is designed to measure the development of children from birth to age 5 in the United States at the population level. Previously, no measurement tool had offered that view.

The goal of the initiative, said Abbie Raikes, lead author and an associate professor within the college, was to create a tool that tracks development of children from birth to age 5 so it can be used to inform decision-making at the state and community levels.

If we want to have insight into our own communities, our own states, and we want to have insight into child development starting early on, then we need to have a solution that gets us to that place, she said. And thats the reason why we invested into developing Kidsights.

The tool was developed and tested for the first time in Nebraska in partnership with the World Health Organization and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Services and Resources Administration. The effort was funded by the Buffett Early Childhood Fund, Imaginable Futures, Pritzker Childrens Initiative, Overdeck Family Foundation and Valhalla Foundation.

Raikes said researchers know that developmental disparities between groups of children based on family income, geography and other factors arise early in life and tend to persist and grow larger over time. But until now, the U.S. has had little if any data on preschool-level child development, much less from birth to age 5.

Dr. Joan Lombardi, director of the Early Opportunities Initiative, said what happens in childrens early years lays the foundation for long-term health, education and well-being.

The work by Raikes and other members of her team at UNMC, Lombardi said in a statement, are an exciting step forward in our understanding of the needs of young children, how to support families and how policymakers can respond accordingly.

The effort originated with the World Health Organization. Raikes said she became involved while working at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. She then moved to UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, where she served as an early childhood program specialist. One of the organizations new goals called for ensuring that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development in preparation for primary school; her job was to figure out how to measure progress toward the goal.

After a few years, she and her husband, Adam Gouttierre, now an executive with Hudl, returned to Nebraska to raise their own children. Gouttierre is the son of Marylu and Tom Gouttierre, the former head of the University of Nebraska at Omahas Center for Afghan Studies.

Raikes family has long been involved in issues surrounding education. Her mother is Helen Raikes, a veteran education researcher and retired professor of education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her father is the late Ron Raikes, a former Nebraska state senator who served as chairman of the bodys education committee. Abbie Raikes earned a doctorate in developmental psychology from UNL and trained in public health at Columbia University.

My family has a very deep interest in making Nebraska a great place for all families and in particular focusing on ensuring there are equitable conditions for everybody in the state of Nebraska, she said.

The Nebraska results were drawn from a sample of more than 2,500 Nebraska families with young children.

The Kidsights team developed a methodology to generalize results from the sample to the underlying population, Raikes said. That means that Kidsights produces estimates that can be extrapolated to the population of young children as a whole. As Kidsights is used in other places, the team will collect data based on census estimates to generalize to each specific area.

The teams next goal will be to find a new state or community to partner with to produce a new set of results for that area, she said.

Over time, she said, the Kidsights team will create approaches that allow results to be compared between geographies  comparing between states or cities, so that results can be used to better understand how state and local programs and policies affect child development.

Raikes said the Nebraska result that was most surprising to her was the proportion of parents  nearly 60%  who reported at least one adverse childhood experience, such as abuse, neglect or the absence of a parent. Such experiences can have implications for parents health and were associated with lower scores on child development. Far fewer of children in the sample, however, had adverse experiences.

She said she also was surprised how many young families have economic insecurity, defined as at least some time when they found it difficult to cover basics like food or housing on their familys income since their child was born.

While there were no overall differences in child development scores between rural and urban families, rural families reported more supportive communities and greater levels of economic insecurity than families in urban areas, according to the report.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of June 2023
Let your fiction grow out of the land beneath your feet, Willa Cather once wrote.

The famed literary artist first came to Nebraska at the age of nine, when her family settled in Webster County. Years later, she reflected on what it was like to first step foot in our great state.

My deepest feelings were rooted in this country because ones strongest emotions and ones most vivid mental pictures are acquired before one is fifteen, Cather wrote retrospectively.

As Nebraskans, we know the feeling Cather identified in her work. An intimate connection to the land is ingrained in each of us who spend our formative years on Nebraska soil.

Cathers novels, including O Pioneers! and My Antonia, give a taste of that connection to their readers. The pioneer spirit of Nebraska has been shared with people across our country, and our world, through Cathers work.

In 1962, Cather was inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame, in recognition of her immense contributions to our state.

The talent and imagination immortalized in Cathers fiction will resound throughout Nebraska historyand American history.

I recently was honored to join the rest of the Nebraska delegation in unveiling a new statue of Willa Cather that will remain in the Capitol for decades to come.

Each state is allowed two statues in the Capitol depicting figures central to the heart of its history. Four years ago, we added Chief Standing Bear to the ranks of those figures, and he is now joined by Cather. Willa Cather replaces a statue of J. Sterling Morton, the father of Arbor Day, which stood in the Capitol since 1937.

The bronze likeness of Cather clutches a walking stick as she stares out daringly at the road ahead. In her left hand are pages representing the writing that came to define her and her home state of Nebraska.

The history of every country begins in the heart of a man or a woman, reads the inscription beneath Cathers person, quoting from O Pioneers!

In my speech as Nebraskas senior senator at the unveiling ceremony, I pointed out that Cathers vivid, reflective writing has become synonymous with the pioneer spirit of Nebraska. Her fiction truly feels like it grew from the Nebraska soil.

Cathers artistic excellence inspires others with a love for Nebraskas land, including members of my own family.

At the ceremony, I shared that my sister-in-law Nadine McHenry painted a selection of paintings based on Willa Cather quotes years ago. Her art was chosen as part of the annual Willa Cather Conference organized by the Cather Foundation.

I am a Nebraska painter and my feet stand on the same prairie grasses that Cather stood on, Nadine wrote of her painting exhibition.

Willa Cather knew she was home when she saw, smelled, and felt those grasses.

Whenever I crossed the Missouri River coming into Nebraska the very smell of the soil tore me to pieces, Cather wrote as an adult.

Until her death in 1947, Cathers writing and her own spirit were inextricably linked to the open plains of our great state.

It was an honor to unveil this incredible statue in such a historic ceremony last week. May Cather lead many Nebraskans in unleashing their creative talents for the good of future generations.

Deb Fischer, a Republican, represents Nebraska in the U.S. Senate.
The term stinger-steered automobile transporters may not ring any bells, but you know them when you see them. Also called auto haulers, car carriers, and stingers, thousands of these vehicles rumble along interstates, lugging cars in the open air.

Auto haulersIll go with thatare a mainstay of the U.S. transportation system, responsible for picking up cars from ports, rail stations, or factories and delivering them to dealerships. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with many capable of securing up to nine vehicles.

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The companies that manage auto haulers want to fill every slot when they load them up, but that is becoming difficult. American vehicles are growing more massive, and electrification can add thousands of additional pounds to every vehicle. As a result, carriers are increasingly forced to leave slots empty to keep their total tonnage within federal weight limits. Doing so undermines their efficiency, leading to additional trips that burn fuel, spew emissions, and damage pavement.

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The trucking and car industries have put forth a solution. A bill they are promoting in Congress would allow auto haulers to carry an additional 4 tons on each journey. That weight allowance would improve the economics of car hauling while reducing total trips and gas consumptionbut it would also destroy highway pavement and deepen the countrys traffic safety crisis, which has already placed Americans at greater risk than those in other wealthy nations of being killed in a crash.

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Heres a better idea: Instead of asking taxpayers and road users to shoulder those costs, what if we built more reasonably sized cars? If we did, the auto carriers conundrum would disappear. Indeed, the flare-up over auto haulers reveals yet another societal problem traced to the reckless enlargement of American automobiles. Congress should focus on rightsizing vehicle sizenot lifting auto hauler weight limits.

Auto haulers are a subcategory of the roughly 4 million heavy trucks that ferry goods between American factories, ports, rail stations, and retailers. As you might imagine, the companies managing auto haulers (and, indeed, the entire trucking industry) prefer every load to be as full as possible in order to maximize efficiency.

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But a heavier load comes with costs, particularly from highway wear and tear. The generalized fourth-power law explains why road damage is disproportionately inflicted by the heftiest vehicles. Developed after extensive federal roadway testing during the 1950s, the law is a rule of thumb showing that roadway stress caused by two vehicles is a function of their relative weight per axle scaled to the fourth power. As a result, a single 80,000-pound auto hauler with five axles can cause around 4,000 times the destruction of a two-ton car. (Like all heavy trucks, auto haulers pay considerable federal taxes, but critics have argued that they remain insufficient to cover the costs of pavement abuse.)

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Those extra pounds are dangerous for road safety too. Over 4,700 people died in heavy truck collisions in the U.S. in 2021, around 10 percent of all road deaths. More mass means more energy in a crash, and it means more time to bring the vehicle to a stop, said Kristin Poland, the deputy director of the National Transportation Safety Boards Office of Highway Safety. Both of those are risks.

Since the 1970s, federal law has limited the weight of heavy trucksincluding auto haulersoperated on interstates to 80,000 pounds. (Additional rules constrain weight per axle.) Although an empty auto hauler can alone weigh 40,000 pounds, federal regulations leave sufficient capacity to transport nine Toyota Corollas (around 1.5 tons each) or Tesla Model 3s (around 2 tons). But heavier cars present a challenge: Just six Cadillac Escalades (around 3 tons) could exceed an auto haulers legal limit. Carriers can get creative by mixing heavier vehicles with lighter ones, but their wiggle room has shrunk as carmakers have shifted from sedans toward bulky SUVs and trucks.

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Eager to fill its vehicles, the auto hauler industry has been asking Congress for over a decade to loosen these federal rules. In 2015 Congress did pass legislation that allowed cars to dangle a few extra feet off the front and rear of an auto hauler, but the 80,000-pound weight limit has remained.

Now auto haulers and carmakers are making a renewed push, focusing their pitch on the billions of dollars in electric vehicle incentives within last years Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Arguably the only thing Congress did not address [in the infrastructure bill] is the actual transportation of electric vehicles from points of origin such as manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, railheads, and ports to destinations such as dealerships and consumers, states a letter sent to Congress earlier this year by a coalition including automakers like General Motors, Rivian, and Mercedes-Benz, along with many auto hauler companies.

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In April, Rep. Lance Gooden, a Texas Republican, introduced a bill that followed the letters requests. The bill proposes a 10 percent increase in auto carriers weight limit (which would rise to 88,000 pounds), along with a 10 percent increase in axle weight limits. In their letter, the bills industry supporters claimed that passage would annually avoid 16 million miles of auto carrier trips, saving 3.2 million gallons of diesel fuel.

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Mike Matousek, who directs the Automobile Carriers Conference within the American Trucking Association, framed the bill as a necessary response to vehicle electrification: EVs and hybrids, these are cars that weigh more, Matousek said. Once you start adding those vehicles to a load, you hit that federal weight limit and you lose capacity.

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Hes right: Electric vehicles large batteries make them heavier than their gas-powered counterparts. The Ford F-150 Lightning, for instance, weighs about a third more than an F-150 that runs on gas. However, nothing in the House bill differentiates between electric and gas-powered cars; its passage would lift weight limits for all auto haulersincluding those carrying gas guzzlers.

Without passage of the bill, Matousek said, he is unsure how auto haulers will adapt to transport heavier and increasingly electric cars. Do they bump up their shipping rates? Do they spec a new piece of equipment for transporting vehicles thats smaller? I dont know, he told me. The hope is to get this additional weight allowance.

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Matousek acknowledged that the bill would probably require some extra work for states obligated to provide reasonable access on their own roads for heavier auto haulers. SUVs and trucks individually damage state roads more than a modest-sized vehicle, but auto haulers act as force multipliers for pavement destruction. The generalized fourth-power law suggests that a fully loaded, 88,000-pound auto hauler would cause around 46 percent more road stress than one hitting the current 80,000-pound limit. In other words, the bills passage would mean that transportation departments should brace for a plague of potholes. (Since the bill does not adjust trucking taxes, it leaves taxpayers to cover the cost of any additional highway repairs.)

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The House held a markup session for the bill last month, but passage is still far from assured. Critics have focused largely on the bills potential safety risks. The Teamsters slammed it as a naked giveaway to industry special interests more concerned with profit than the safety of experienced commercial drivers or the driving public. (The unions many truck drivers could gain leverage from the additional trips necessary to transport cars on partially full auto haulers.)

Related from Slate Luke Winkie Of All the Things to Get Ticketed forReally, New York? This? Read More

Zach Cahalan, the executive director of the nonprofit Truck Safety Coalition, was equally vociferous in his condemnation: Americans are not asking Congress to compromise public safety to support the environment; only industry has the audacity to make that ask, he wrote in an email. Is it really asking too much to be protected from the catastrophic dangers of overweight trucks and to combat global warming at the same time?

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Its a reasonable question. Indeed, there is another path forward that seems both cheaper and safer: build lighter cars.

Whether powered by gasoline or electrons, American automobiles dont need to be gigantic; thats just how automakers are choosing to build them. Vehicular enormity is already causing a slew of societal problems that are borne by the planet (more emissions) and other road users (elevated risk of being killed in a crash). If auto haulers weight limits are lifted, we can add a third category: more highway repairs, paid by the general public.

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That said, auto hauler companies do face a legitimate problem. Its in no ones interest for them to take extra tripsburning millions of gallons of diesel gas in the processbecause they cannot utilize their vehicles full capacity. But if Congress wants to help, it should leave the weight limit alone and instead focus on incentivizing the production and sale of smaller models. As Ive argued previously in Slate, weight-based car fees, such as those adopted in Norway and recently proposed in New York state, are a policy tool that could help rightsize the auto market. Not only are smaller cars easier to transport to a dealership, they are also more environmentally friendly and less dangerous to those walking, biking, or inside other vehicles.

The auto carriers weight challenges are a problem rooted in car bloat. Better to cure the disease than treat its symptoms.
This is part of Opinionpalooza, Slates coverage of the major decisions from the Supreme Court this June. Were working to change the way the media covers the Supreme Court. Sign up for the pop-up newsletter to receive our latest updates, and support our work when you join Slate Plus.

This past weekend marked the one-year anniversary of Dobbs, the decision that overturned Roe v. Wade and ended the right to abortion in the U.S. The intervening 12 months have brought story after story of how horrifically this has affected women and families all over the country, with attendant polls confirming that ordinary Americans generally support abortion access and dislike Dobbs. On this weeks Amicus, Dahlia Lithwick is joined by Anat Shenker-Osorio to talk about how the political class largely still hasnt found a way to communicate or act around the Supreme Court in response to these shifts. Part of their conversation has been excerpted below, lightly edited for clarity.

Dahlia Lithwick: Your polling shows that political leadership either doesnt grasp that this is an opportunity, or that they just dont know how to message the threat thats presented by this current Supreme Court conservative supermajority. Weirdly, the public already does kind of implicitly understand the problem, but their leaders arent reflecting that in the discourse and theyre not offering solutions in the discourse. So we have this kind of strange thing where it seemed like the public got it, at least at some visceral level, more readily than the leaders they elect.

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Anat Shenker-Osorio: After the Dobbs decision broke, there was pretty much silence from Democratic leadership for around two weeks. As they hemmed and hawed, Nancy Pelosi stepped up to the podium and  read a poem. Throughout the entire period where were seeing state after state after state pass what amounted to full-on abortion bans, as late as 2018, in a comprehensive review of all political ads that came out on the Democratic side, very, very few of them mentioned health care and fewer still mentioned abortion. Less than 1 percent of all ads that were utilized even mentioned the topic. That was still going on in 2020, even as Ruth Bader Ginsburg died. By the end of that year, 2019, there will be 25 new abortion bans. Still, in 2020, its: Dont run on abortion. In that election, around 1.5 percent of the Democratic ads mentioned abortion at all. More than twice as many Democratic ads mentioned China, just by point of comparison. We get to the midterms in 2022 and still, you know, Planned Parenthood, NARAL, EMILYs List, other organizations like that are screaming, as theyve been all along: Mention abortion, mention abortion, mention abortion.

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And then suddenly the decision comes down. And just as you said, the public already got it. We were in focus groups every single week, so these examples are burned into my brain. Consider: a group of dudes outside of Green Bay, Wisconsin, unrepentant, moaning for 35 minutes about Democrats, every complaint under the sun, cant stand them spending money, the economy, you know, all of it. And then suddenly, on a dime, these dudes would come in and say: You know, at the end of the day, I can learn to live in a budget, but Ill be damned if Im going to let some person from the government come into my bedroom and tell me and my wife whats going to happen with our family.

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Related from Slate Jim Newell The GOP Presidential Candidates Have No Idea How to Talk About Abortion Read More

Similar thing with a bunch of women in Texas. One of them says something like: Prices go up, prices go down. I can figure out how to deal with that. What I cannot figure out is how to live without my freedom. And thats what were hearing again and again.

People are understanding. Suddenly, 2022 becomes Roe, Roe, Roe the vote, and Roevember, and the Democrats have awakened to the fact that they can run on abortion, which they have been biting their tongue about for, you know, decades. But not just biting their tonguestheyd been calling themselves the big-tent party and saying its fine if you have all sorts of views.

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Fast-forward to now, and we have the exact same thing happening again with the Supreme Court. Just to take a very concrete example, the survey that we did in May was a 1,400-person survey. On the question of The Supreme Court is taking away our freedoms or The Supreme Court is doing its job upholding the law in the Constitution, it comes in 54 percent to 33 percent; 54 percent of people say the Supreme Court is taking away our freedoms, 33 percent think its doing its job, and that leaves 14 percent of people unsure. So what does that mean? What that means is that this storyline about whats going on with the MAGA justices on the Supreme Court is up for grabs. Were in a moment of sense-making that doesnt happen that often.

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Usually when people are thinking about politics, they have a baked-in calculus of what they already believe rooted in an identity that they have formed. And if we do not grab on to this moment of sense-making, then shame on us.

Listen to the whole Amicus episode here:

Every single thing that youre saying completely resonates with my sense, on the ground, of how the public saw both the last term at the court and the extracurricular activities of the justices. But when I talk to a lot of Democrats in leadership, they say either I dont understand the court well enough to talk about it; I didnt go to law school or, even more dispiritingly, they say: Since theres nothing that can be done about it, I dont talk about it.

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And I wonder if part of this logjam youre describing, where you have a leadership class unwilling to touch this issue and a public thats clamoring for solutions, is that they just dont have solutions. It feels as though this is this huge, intractable mess. And if you say the words court packing, everybody immediately ignites in flames. And so theres sort of an agreed-upon problem and no agreed-upon solution. And what has seeped into our bones is just sort of learned helplessness and hand-wringing. Is that fair?

I actually think that thats a pretty generous interpretation of the way that democratic leadership is behaving. I think about the Clarence Thomas scandals breaking, you know, and the fact that hes, like, palling around with a billionaire and essentially putting on display the fact that you can pay not just to hang out with the justice, but you can pay to have the rules rigged in your favor. And the response to that from Democratic leadership is to issue a letter in the passive voice saying: You know, something must be done. Its like Hey, buddy, turns out you are the doer. So perhaps you should reword that and put yourself in the active position of that sentence.

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I dont think that we have an agreed-upon definition of what the problem is. It even has a name in psychology; its called system justification. And its very, very real. Its this kind of natural human proclivity. And theres evolutionarily beneficial reasons for why it exists, to think that things are going be OK. There is order to the universe; things will turn out as theyre meant to. And whats interesting about system justification is that it tracks really, really closely with political ideology.

People who are more inclined to be system justifiers are more conservative. And that can both mean conservative in the traditional right-wing sense, but it can also mean more attached to norms. And that generally comes from people for whom those standards, norms, and traditions, the way weve always done things, have been extraordinarily beneficial. So, people at the top of the societal hierarchy benefit from saying: Hey, you know what? The systems good. So, I think the unwillingness to actually call a spade a spade, maybe its justified, but theres no actual solution.

I think it emerges from a false model where, if we behave welllike, you know, if we go high, to sort of paraphrase Michelle Obamathen theyre going to come on up here and sort of hang out with us. But in fact, as I frequently tell folks, you can keep turning the other cheekI promise theyll keep slapping you.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has zero interest in making an endorsement in the presidential race. Hes the highest-ranking Republican in government, and he has plenty to deal with already in trying to pass bills and prevent competing wings of his party from actually killing each other. He has a narrow margin that he needs to spend every waking off-hour fundraising to preserve. Any group of five miscreants could take down his speakership if he looks askance at them. Its a full plate. Getting involved publicly in the presidential race: not in his interest!

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Another key reason he doesnt want to get involved in the presidential race is that he obviously understands that Republican voters nominating Donald Trump for presidentafter Trump has cost the party three straight elections and is indicted for new crimes seemingly every half-hourwould be a poor decision. He just cant say that out loud because he owes his speakership, and whatever favor he maintains with the MAGA base, to the former president.

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Its an all-around tough situation. He doesnt need to get into it.

He did, however, on Tuesday. And it went poorly.

During an interview with CNBCs Squawk Box, McCarthy was asked whether Trump can win an election against Biden.

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Can he win that election? Yeah, he can, McCarthy said. The question is, is he the strongest to win the election? I dont know that answer. But can somebody, can anybody, beat Biden? Yeah, anybody can beat Biden. Can Biden beat other people? Yes, Biden can beat em.

For the most part, it was an excellent job at being studiously airheaded and vague about presidential forecastingexcept for that one part, in which he said he didnt know the answer to whether Trump was the strongest candidate to beat Biden.

The entity the news media call Trump world was immediately furious.

Trump world flipped out, Politico reported. Top aides to the former president and allies who know both men quickly traded messages asking, in short: What the fuck?

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And so McCarthy had to spend what otherwise could have been a lovely Tuesday afternoon playing cleanup with his prime benefactor. He had to suffer the indignity of reaching out to Breitbart News, a still staunchly pro-Trump media outlet, to reassure an audience of one that Trump is perfect in every waya political colossus, a beautiful dream come to life.

As usual, the media is attempting to drive a wedge between President Trump and House Republicans as our committees are holding Bidens DOJ accountable for their two-tiered levels of justice, McCarthy told Breitbart. The only reason Biden is using his weaponized federal government to go after President Trump is because he is Bidens strongest political opponent, as polling continues to show.

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Just look at the numbers this morning, McCarthy said, referring to a Morning Consult poll. Trump is stronger today than he was in 2016.

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Related from Slate Ben Mathis-Lilley House Republican Strategy of Elevating Unstable Clown People Reveals Itself to Have Downsides Read More

McCarthy also, as the New York Times first reported, called Trump on Tuesday, according to three people familiar with the exchange, two of whom characterized the conversation as an apology. (What did the third characterize it as? A hard sell on a multilevel marketing scheme?)

According to CNN, McCarthy said that he misspoke and also claimed that some reporters took some of his comments out of context. McCarthys team was, by Tuesday afternoon, sending out fundraising emails with the subject line Trump is Bidens strongest opponent!

And the show of penance may not be over yet.

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None of these moves have assuaged the fury in Trumps inner circle, Politico wrote Wednesday. McCarthy, they feel, has taken advantage of the former president when it benefits him and failed to show unflinching loyalty in return. They dont understand how he could misspeakas McCarthy, were told, put it to Trumpon something so critical.

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Its easy to understand how McCarthy could misspeak on the matter of whether Trump is the strongest candidate to take on Biden: because Trump obviously isnt. McCarthy may have a reputation intellectually as something of a birdbrain. But he does live within the realm of the normal, whose denizens understand that if Republicans nominate Trump, theyre risking an easily winnable election against an unpopular, doddering octogenarian incumbent whom most Americans are baffled to see run for a second term. McCarthy misspoke because its hard not to. Republicans would be silly to nominate Trump for president! They could get away with it, of course. But it would be a really silly thing to do!
Sweden has announced they had approved a demonstration where the organizer planned to burn a Koran outside Stockholm's largest mosque on Wednesday, June 28, the first day of the Muslim Eid-al-Adha celebration.

According to the police, the security dangers posed by the burning "were not of a nature that could justify, under current laws, a decision to reject the request."

CNN said that Sweden's prospects of joining NATO might be jeopardized by the decision to allow such a provocative protest, which has drawn criticism from Turkey.

The Green Light

The go-ahead came two weeks after a Swedish appeals court ruled against the police's order to refuse authorizations for two rallies in Stockholm that included Koran burnings, as reported by France 24.

Following weeks of demonstrations, demands for a boycott of Swedish products, and more delays in Sweden's NATO membership bid, police at the time cited security concerns after burning the Muslim holy book outside Turkey's embassy in January.

Muslim fury over the desecration of their sacred scripture has often resulted in violent demonstrations.

Swedish police said their country was now a "higher priority target for attacks" after the January protest.

Police authorizing the January rally particularly irked Turkey, which has stalled Sweden's NATO membership ambition because of Stockholm's perceived unwillingness to clamp down on Kurdish organizations that Turkey deems terrorists.

Both a single citizen and a group attempted to have an assembly outside the Turkish and Iraqi embassies in Stockholm in February, but police denied their requests because they included the burning of Korans.

The appeals court concluded in mid-June that police were incorrect in prohibiting them, stating that "the order and security problems" cited by the police did not have "a sufficiently clear connection to the planned event or its immediate vicinity."

Also Read: Turkey Maintains Objections to Sweden's NATO Membership as Military Alliance Scrambles Before Next Summit

Justification by Police

Police justified their decision to issue the new protest permit by stating that the security hazards and consequences it anticipated in connection with the rallies were not sufficient to justify them dismissing the request.

Notably, this Wednesday's rally was requested by the same private person whose first request was denied.

"I want to protest in front of the large mosque in Stockholm, and I want to express my opinion about the Koran... I will tear up the Koran and burn it," Salwan Momika, 37, documented in the application.

Momika, who had fled to Sweden from Iraq, told the newspaper Aftonbladet in April that he had not intended to hinder Sweden's NATO bid and that he had contemplated delaying the protest until after Sweden had joined the alliance.

Police stated on Wednesday that they had sent in more officers from all around the nation to keep the peace.

By Wednesday morning, according to an AFP journalist, there were already some police vehicles parked in the area around the mosque.

In spite of strong condemnation, Swedish lawmakers have staunchly protected the freedom of speech, even when it comes to the practice of burning Korans.

Also Read: US Renews Calls for Sweden To Join NATO, Urges Turkey To Vote Yes on Decision

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The New York Times called it Russias 36-hour rebellion, as if the weekends shattering events could be confined to a day and a half. Even if Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin called off his groups march on Moscow and has apparently begun his exile in Belarus, the continuing aftershocks of the mutiny that came within 125 miles of Russias virtually defenseless capital cannot be separated from the crisis itself.

For the Wests Russia watchers, much of the immediate focus has been on what actually transpired in Russia, what is happening now, and what it could mean for Russian politics, especially the reign of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putins stranglehold on the media has reduced Russia to an information ecosystem where the dominant sources of news in times of crisis are gossip and piecemeal reporting on Telegram channels. By necessity, serious analysis of the rebellions implications on Putin therefore comes from outside the country. My colleague at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, Tatiana Stanovaya, offered a pithy summary, including the key point that Prigozhin very likely wasnt trying to overthrow the regime. The ease with which his forces progressed toward Moscow likely surprised him and caused him to quickly seek an offramp.

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The events that began last Friday will have reverberations outside Russia as well, especially among neighboring countries. Even before the Wagner revolt, Putins strategically catastrophic war in Ukraine had forced some measure of reevaluation of Russian intentions and strength in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Uzbekistan, and other countries in the region. If the war exposed weaknesses in Russias military and reliability as an ally, the rebellion exposed weaknesses that implicate Putin himself. Paradoxically, the events of recent days served as a reminder of the highly personalized nature of power in Putins regimeand at the same time struck a significant blow to that power.

Related from Slate Robbie Gramer What Putins Circle Is Thinking About the Aborted Coup Now Read More

Putins uncharacteristically brief Monday night address declaring the rebellion a betrayal of Russia and giving himself credit for defusing it will not rewind the tape; the damage is done. Prighozins own video statement that dayin which he appeared confident and assuredconfirms that there is still another actor at what was supposed to be Putins one-man show. In a system where power is so personalized and performativethink shirtless photo shoots, hours-long press conferences, and ostentatious delays in meetings with foreign leadersan unmistakable show of power by another actor in Russian society undermines the effect. Again, this story is not over.

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For those on Russias periphery, the questions are less immediately pressing than for Russian elites trying to make sense of their countrys changing dynamics of power. We shouldnt expect dramatic, near-term shifts in the foreign policy of Russias Central Asian or South Caucasus neighbors, in part because a focus on Russias geopolitical role misses the way that personalized politics has always been the foundation for many of those countries relationships with Russia under Putin. Over two decades, Putin has practiced a foreign policy that depended on authoritarian handshakes. It wasnt that he was in any way personally close to the likes of Kazakhstans former strongman, Nursultan Nazarbayev, or the late Uzbek dictator Islam Karimov; Putin does not seem to form genuine friendships with anyone. Instead, he has cultivated a foreign policy that consecrated mutual, if unequal, support for respective systems of repression and corruption with much of Russias near-abroada euphemism for the former Soviet and Russian imperial space.

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Putin doesnt encourage ostentatious supplicants; Belarusian dictator Aleksandr Lukashenko is a loser to him, even if a useful one. (On the other hand, Lukashenko has been in power even longer than Putin despite having a weaker hand; being underestimated seems to be part of the formers dictatorial playbook.) Putin found former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych waffling and weakand wanted a harsher, faster crackdown on the Maidan demonstrators in Kyiv in late 2013. Demonstrating control over ones own state has been an important way to earn Putins respect; weakness has been reason for derision.

Read the rest over at Foreign Policy.
Professional SEO services are pivotal in enhancing business visibility and driving organic website traffic. To achieve long-term success, small business owners must locate reliable SEO services. In this article, well reveal where to find these services and boost your online presence.

The Significance of SEO Services for Businesses

SEO services are instrumental in elevating a businesss online presence and ensuring long-term success. SEO helps businesses appear higher in search results and improves the quality of their websites, making them more user-friendly and accessible to customers. Heres why SEO services are so critical:

Increased Visibility : SEO techniques enable businesses to rank higher in search engine results, improving their visibility to potential customers. The higher a website appears in search results, the more likely it is to be noticed by users.

: SEO techniques enable businesses to rank higher in search engine results, improving their visibility to potential customers. The higher a website appears in search results, the more likely it is to be noticed by users. Greater Traffic : Good SEO strategies attract more visitors to a website. Businesses can draw more targeted traffic to their site by optimizing content with relevant keywords and phrases.

: Good SEO strategies attract more visitors to a website. Businesses can draw more targeted traffic to their site by optimizing content with relevant keywords and phrases. More Qualified Leads : SEO helps attract users actively seeking the products or services offered by a business. By targeting specific keywords and phrases related to the business, SEO can help attract more relevant and high-quality traffic.

: SEO helps attract users actively seeking the products or services offered by a business. By targeting specific keywords and phrases related to the business, SEO can help attract more relevant and high-quality traffic. Better User Experience : SEO involves improving the structure and navigation of a website, making it easier for visitors to find what theyre looking for. This enhances user experience and increases the likelihood of visitors becoming customers.

: SEO involves improving the structure and navigation of a website, making it easier for visitors to find what theyre looking for. This enhances user experience and increases the likelihood of visitors becoming customers. Increased Sales : With increased visibility and traffic, businesses can expect more inquiries and sales. By targeting users who are actively searching for their products or services, businesses can drive higher conversion rates and increase sales.

: With increased visibility and traffic, businesses can expect more inquiries and sales. By targeting users who are actively searching for their products or services, businesses can drive higher conversion rates and increase sales. Brand Awareness : SEO helps businesses become more recognizable in their industry. The more often a businesss website appears in search results, the more exposure the brand receives.

: SEO helps businesses become more recognizable in their industry. The more often a businesss website appears in search results, the more exposure the brand receives. Competitive Edge : Businesses that invest in SEO have a better chance of standing out from their competitors. High search rankings can give a business a significant advantage over competitors who dont invest in SEO.

: Businesses that invest in SEO have a better chance of standing out from their competitors. High search rankings can give a business a significant advantage over competitors who dont invest in SEO. Long-term Success: SEO is a long-term strategy unlike paid advertising, which only generates traffic as long as you keep paying. Once a website ranks well, it can continue to attract traffic for a long time.

SEO services are integral to a successful online presence and should be a key component of any businesss digital marketing strategy.

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Understanding Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

SEO is the process of optimizing websites to improve their visibility in search engine results. It involves various techniques such as keyword research and on-page optimization, including optimizing meta descriptions and link building. SEO is crucial for businesses as it helps them rank higher in search engines, attract organic traffic, and increase their online presence, ultimately leading to improved brand awareness and higher conversion rates.

The Impact of Search Engine Rankings on Business Success

Search engine rankings profoundly impact a businesss visibility, reputation, and profitability. Small business SEO statistics indicate that higher rankings result in increased visibility on search engine results pages, driving more organic traffic to the website. This enhanced exposure builds trust and credibility, positively impacting the businesss reputation. Higher rankings lead to greater click-through rates and conversions, ultimately boosting profitability and ensuring long-term success.

Choosing the Right SEO Company for Your Business

Choosing the right SEO service provider is vital to ensure your SEO strategys effectiveness and maximize your return on investment. A well-chosen SEO agency can provide you with valuable expertise and resources. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing an SEO service:

Experience : An SEO company with several years of experience will have a deep understanding of the nuances of SEO and know what works and what doesnt. Theyll have faced a variety of challenges and scenarios, equipping them with the knowledge to tackle any situation.

: An SEO company with several years of experience will have a deep understanding of the nuances of SEO and know what works and what doesnt. Theyll have faced a variety of challenges and scenarios, equipping them with the knowledge to tackle any situation. Client Reviews and Testimonials : Look for companies with a strong reputation and positive client reviews. This demonstrates the companys ability to deliver results and indicates its reliability. Check out their website, Google reviews, and third-party review sites.

: Look for companies with a strong reputation and positive client reviews. This demonstrates the companys ability to deliver results and indicates its reliability. Check out their website, Google reviews, and third-party review sites. Industry Expertise : SEO isnt a one-size-fits-all solution. Each industry has its unique aspects that require different SEO approaches. Find a company with experience in your specific industry or with a similar clientele.

: SEO isnt a one-size-fits-all solution. Each industry has its unique aspects that require different SEO approaches. Find a company with experience in your specific industry or with a similar clientele. Transparency and Reporting : A good SEO company should provide regular and transparent reporting on your campaigns progress. They should be able to explain what metrics they are tracking and why and be available to answer any questions you have.

: A good SEO company should provide regular and transparent reporting on your campaigns progress. They should be able to explain what metrics they are tracking and why and be available to answer any questions you have. Services Offered : SEO is a multifaceted discipline that involves several tactics, including on-page SEO, off-page SEO, technical SEO, and local SEO. Make sure the company you choose offers a comprehensive range of services.

: SEO is a multifaceted discipline that involves several tactics, including on-page SEO, off-page SEO, technical SEO, and local SEO. Make sure the company you choose offers a comprehensive range of services. Communication : Effective communication is key in any partnership. The right SEO agency will regularly keep you updated, explain their strategies in terms you understand, and promptly answer any questions or concerns you may have.

: Effective communication is key in any partnership. The right SEO agency will regularly keep you updated, explain their strategies in terms you understand, and promptly answer any questions or concerns you may have. Value for Money: While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, this often isnt the best strategy. Instead, consider the value youre getting for your money. A more expensive agency might offer more comprehensive services and deliver better results, making it a better long-term investment.

Remember, SEO is a long-term strategy and choosing the right company is a critical decision that can significantly impact your business. Take the time to research and evaluate different options to ensure youre making the best choice for your needs.

Services Offered by an SEO Company

An SEO team typically provides a range of services, including keyword research to identify relevant search terms, on-page optimization to optimize website content, off-page optimization to build quality backlinks, and an SEO audit to assess and improve site performance. These services help businesses enhance their online visibility, attract organic search traffic, and improve search engine rankings. Some providers may even offer general marketing services or business services, allowing you to mix and match tasks to outsource, like technical support and graphic design services.

How an SEO Company Can Improve Your Search Engine Rankings

An SEO service provider can employ a digital marketing strategy to enhance a businesss search engine rankings. These include conducting thorough keyword research, optimizing website content, improving site structure and navigation, building high-quality backlinks, and ensuring mobile-friendliness. By implementing these strategies, an SEO company can improve a businesss visibility through higher search engine rankings.

Where to Find Reliable SEO Services for Your Business

Company Specialties Recognition/Certification Approach Unique Features SmartSites Long-term SEO strategies, increased traffic, and customer generation Partnerships with Google, Microsoft, and HubSpot; recognized by G2, GoodFirms, Forbes, and Top Developers Comprehensive approach for increased visibility and trust Proven strategies for long-term success OuterBox Ecommerce search engine optimization Google certifications; team of over 125 ecommerce SEO experts Transparent real-time reporting, personalized strategies Works with popular online store platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento) Victorious SEO Specialized SEO solutions, 1st-page rankings Multiple awards Data-driven strategies with a focus on visibility Offers free SEO consultation; high-impact organic search results with a 780% ROI HigherVisibility Custom SEO services, lead generation, sales 4X SEO Company of the Year Comprehensive approach includes SEO, technical support, on-page optimization, quality link building Regular meetings and transparent reporting WebFX Customized SEO strategies, revenue growth Proven track record Comprehensive SEO solutions using data-driven insights from MarketingCloudFX Their R.O.C.K.E.T process includes research, optimization, content, keywords, earned media, and testing

If youre looking for reliable SEO marketing services for your business, there are various places to consider including

SmartSites

SmartSites specializes in long-term success through proven strategies that drive higher rankings, increased traffic, and more customers. With partnerships including Google, Microsoft, and HubSpot, they are recognized as a top SEO company by G2, GoodFirms, Forbes, and Top Developers. Their comprehensive approach maximizes visibility, boosts trust, and delivers remarkable results for businesses.

OuterBox

OuterBox is a highly experienced SEO agency that offers e-commerce search engine optimization services to increase organic traffic and online sales. With a team of over 125 e-commerce SEO experts and Google certifications, they have been driving higher rankings and revenue for their clients for over 20 years. They provide transparent real-time reporting and personalized strategies and work with popular online store platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento.

Victorious SEO

Introducing Victorious, an award-winning SEO services company that stands alone in delivering specialized solutions and high-impact organic search results. With a focus on visibility, they help top brands achieve 1st-page rankings and a 780% ROI. Their unique approach combines rigorous training, data-driven strategies, and transparent communication to drive impressive results. Victorious is committed to educating its customers and being a true partner in success. Get a free SEO consultation today.

HigherVisibility

Dominate search with HigherVisibility, the 4X SEO Company of the Year. These SEO specialists offer custom SEO services to generate consistent leads and sales. Overcome challenges like falling behind competitors, poor results with other agencies, and declining traffic. Their comprehensive approach includes SEO paired with technical support services, on-page optimization, and quality link building. Transparent reporting and regular meetings ensure client satisfaction. They also provide additional digital marketing services like local SEO and PPC management.

WebFX

WebFX offers top SEO services with a proven track record. Their customized strategies, advanced technology, and expert team drive revenue growth for clients. They provide comprehensive SEO solutions, leveraging data-driven insights from MarketingCloudFX. Their R.O.C.K.E.T process includes research, optimization, content, keywords, earned media, and testing. WebFXs SEO services help businesses improve their online presence, attract qualified leads, and boost revenue.

Frequently Asked Questions about SEO Services

What are SEO services?

An SEO service is a type of tech business that specializes in search engine optimization. These services involve techniques and a custom SEO strategy used to optimize websites for search engines. This SEO plan can include on-page optimization, keyword research, link building, and content creation. SEO services aim to improve website visibility and increase organic traffic, ultimately leading to higher search engine rankings and better online presence.

How does search engine optimization work?

Search engine optimization (SEO) works by optimizing various aspects of a website to make it more search engine-friendly. This involves optimizing website structure, content, meta tags, and URLs, as well as improving page load speed and mobile responsiveness. By following SEO best practices, websites can improve their visibility in search engine results and attract more organic traffic.

How can SEO services improve my search engine rankings?

SEO services can implement a successful SEO strategy to improve search engine rankings using effective optimization methods. This includes conducting keyword research to target relevant search terms, utilizing on-page SEO tactics, improving website performance and user experience, and building high-quality backlinks. By enhancing these aspects, SEO services can help websites climb higher in search engine rankings and attract more organic traffic.

What should I consider when choosing an SEO company?

When selecting an SEO company, its essential to consider several factors. Look for a company with a proven track record and experience in the industry. Check their portfolio and client testimonials to assess their credibility. Evaluate their SEO techniques and make sure they follow ethical practices. Also, consider their communication, reporting, and pricing structure to ensure they meet your requirements. Use your strengths to carefully consider all the options and find the best fit for your specific needs.

Where can I find reliable SEO services for my business?

Reliable SEO services can be found through various channels. Start by researching reputable SEO companies online and reviewing their websites. Look for companies with positive reviews and ratings. You can also ask for recommendations from trusted business associates or consult industry-specific forums and communities. Additionally, attending industry events and conferences can help you connect with reputable SEO service providers.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the signing of a Strategic Alliance Memorandum (SAM) with the International Trade & Forfaiting Association (ITFA). The partnership aims to reduce global trade barriers for small businesses and provide education on financing methods and risk mitigation solutions to exporters and lenders.

This collaboration is set to make a significant impact on small businesses, particularly those involved in exports. It comes at a time when there are over 1.3 million small business exporters in the U.S., with a potential export market of 2.6 million, according to the SBAs Total Addressable Market Study.

SBAs new agreement with ITFA aims to build capacity for exporting through education and technical training for both lenders and small businesses, said Gabriel Esparza, Associate Administrator of SBAs Office of International Trade. Our joint efforts will leverage the thought leaders in both the SBA and ITFA to grow support for export finance. By doing so, this partnership helps deliver on the Biden-Harris Administrations commitment to create opportunities for small businesses and strengthen our economy for all of us.

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The ITFA is a global trade association representing the interests of banks, financial institutions, and service providers involved in trade risk and asset origination and distribution. The signing of the SAM formalizes the SBAs existing relationship with the association, setting the stage for more structured and impactful collaboration in the future.

This milestone joint effort opens doors to immense opportunities, offering greater access to education and global resources for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the U.S., said Sean Edwards, ITFA Chairman. He believes that SMEs, who may not be aware of alternative solutions for managing their credit risks and satisfying their credit needs, will greatly benefit from this international collaboration. Together, we will forge new paths, unlock fresh avenues of collaboration, and usher in a new perspective for SMEs looking to expand globally.

Through its Office of International Trade, the SBA supports small and mid-sized exporters with the aim of increasing both the number of businesses exporting and the value of those exports. This work includes offering access to education, technical assistance, capital, and trade policy to support market access for small businesses.

This partnership with ITFA signifies an important move towards enhancing international trade opportunities for small businesses in the U.S., which will inevitably spur economic growth. It also underscores the SBAs commitment to providing the necessary resources and support to empower small businesses to navigate global markets confidently.

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If youre a small business owner, youve probably heard of an EIN number but may not know what it is or if your business even needs one.

In this article, we will examine what is an EIN number and discuss whether your business needs one in order to stay compliant with the IRS and other legal requirements. Lets get started!

What is an EIN Number?

An EIN, also known as an Employer Identification Number, is a nine-digit number assigned exclusively to businesses and organizations by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to facilitate tax filing and reporting. It acts as a secure identifier for your business, similar to a social security number for individuals.

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Here are some key points about an EIN:

Issuance : EINs are issued by the IRS to businesses in the United States. To get an EIN, you can apply online through the IRS website, by fax, or by mail. The online application is the quickest method and youll receive your EIN immediately upon completion of the application.

: EINs are issued by the IRS to businesses in the United States. To get an EIN, you can apply online through the IRS website, by fax, or by mail. The online application is the quickest method and youll receive your EIN immediately upon completion of the application. Necessity : If you have employees, operate a business as a corporation or partnership, or meet certain IRS requirements, you are required to have an EIN. Even some non-profit organizations, trusts, and estates must have EINs.

: If you have employees, operate a business as a corporation or partnership, or meet certain IRS requirements, you are required to have an EIN. Even some non-profit organizations, trusts, and estates must have EINs. Uses : EINs are used for a wide range of business tasks. These include opening business bank accounts, applying for business licenses, filing tax returns, and applying for loans or credit cards under the business name.

: EINs are used for a wide range of business tasks. These include opening business bank accounts, applying for business licenses, filing tax returns, and applying for loans or credit cards under the business name. Wage Reporting : Employers are required to include their EIN on all forms related to employee wages, such as W-2 and 1099 forms. This helps the IRS track income and tax obligations.

: Employers are required to include their EIN on all forms related to employee wages, such as W-2 and 1099 forms. This helps the IRS track income and tax obligations. Privacy Protection : Using an EIN for business transactions can help protect the business owners personal information. Without an EIN, sole proprietors must use their personal Social Security Number, which increases the risk of identity theft.

: Using an EIN for business transactions can help protect the business owners personal information. Without an EIN, sole proprietors must use their personal Social Security Number, which increases the risk of identity theft. Endurance : An EIN is permanent. Once an EIN has been assigned to a business, it will never be reused or reassigned to another business. Even if the business closes or is sold, the EIN will still be associated with that business entity.

: An EIN is permanent. Once an EIN has been assigned to a business, it will never be reused or reassigned to another business. Even if the business closes or is sold, the EIN will still be associated with that business entity. No Cost: There is no cost to apply for an EIN from the IRS. Be wary of websites or services that charge a fee to obtain an EIN.

In summary, an EIN is a critical identifier for businesses in the United States and plays a key role in many aspects of business operation and compliance with the IRS. So its important to be aware of the 1099 rules and the importance of filing taxes correctly and to simplify hiring. Obtaining an EIN is quick and easy and you can simply apply online in just a few minutes.

Who Needs an EIN Number?

The Internal Revenue Service requires businesses and organizations to obtain an EIN or federal tax ID number for tax reporting purposes.

However, not all businesses are required to have one. So who needs an EIN number? Heres a list of business types that may need an EIN in order to stay compliant with the IRS:

Sole proprietorships: What is a sole proprietor? Entrepreneurs who own their own business without formally creating a separate legal entity such as a corporation or LLC.

What is a sole proprietor? Entrepreneurs who own their own business without formally creating a separate legal entity such as a corporation or LLC. Partnerships: This includes general partnerships, limited liability partnerships (LLPs), and limited partnerships.

This includes general partnerships, limited liability partnerships (LLPs), and limited partnerships. Corporations: Business entities that are legally separate from their owners, such as C-corps, S-corps, and professional corporations.

Business entities that are legally separate from their owners, such as C-corps, S-corps, and professional corporations. Non-profit organizations: A specialized legal business structure created for charitable, religious, or educational purposes.

A specialized legal business structure created for charitable, religious, or educational purposes. Trusts and Estates: Wealthy individuals usually establish complex legal arrangements for tax or estate planning purposes. A trust or estate must obtain an EIN if they pay taxes, have employees, or operate a business.

When does the IRS require an EIN number?

Any business entity needs to understand when its necessary to get an EIN in order to accurately report taxes, properly manage its finances, and comply with IRS regulations. Lets take a look at when the IRS requires an EIN number

Sole Proprietorship

As a sole proprietor, you dont need to obtain an EIN unless you have employees, operate your business as a corporation or partnership, file excise tax returns, or withhold taxes on income paid to a non-resident alien. This includes hiring seasonal employees.

Single-Member LLC

Single-member LLCs are not required to obtain an EIN from the IRS, though its a good idea to get one if you plan to open a business bank account or hire employees. Make sure to research what is an LLC to determine if its the right business entity for your needs.

Multi-Member LLC or Partnerships

Multi-member LLCs and partnerships must obtain an EIN in most cases. The IRS also requires businesses to obtain a new EIN if there has been a change in the composition of the LLC or partnership that affects its federal tax status.

Corporations

All corporations, including S-corporations and C-corporations, must obtain an EIN in order to file taxes and for other business-related activities.

Non-Profit Organizations

Non-profit organizations are required to obtain an EIN in order to file taxes and other legal documents.

Trusts and Estates

A trust or estate must obtain an EIN if they pay taxes, have employees, or operate a business.

Why Cant I Just Use My Social Security Number?

Social Security numbers are issued to individuals and are not meant to be used for business or commercial purposes, so the IRS requires businesses to obtain a separate employer identification number (EIN).

Using a social security number for business activities could leave you vulnerable to identity theft since your Social Security Number is sensitive private information.

Using a Social Security Number would also make it difficult to accurately report taxes and other financial information related to your business.

An EIN is considered an official identifier and provides a secure way of managing your businesss finances and complying with IRS regulations.

How to Get an Employer Identification Number

Getting an EIN is free, easy, and can be done quickly online. Here are the simple steps needed to get yourself and EIN:

Step 1: Visit the IRS Website

The first step is to visit the IRS website and start the application process by clicking on the Apply for an Employer ID Number (EIN) link.

Youll need to provide basic information about your business, such as its legal name, structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, etc.), address, and the type of business youre conducting.

Step 2: Verify Your Identity

The IRS will then ask you to verify your identity by providing a valid drivers license or other government-issued ID.

You can also provide a copy of your Social Security card if you dont have a valid drivers license.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Once youve provided all of the necessary information and verified your identity, submit your application. The IRS will issue you an EIN within minutes.

Step 4: Recieve your EIN and Open a Business Bank Account

Once the IRS has issued your EIN, you can use it to open a business bank account. This is an important step in setting up your business and managing its finances.

International EIN Applicants

As an international applicant, you may need an EIN in order to open a business bank account or file taxes in the U.S.

The application process is similar to that of domestic applicants, but you may need to provide additional documents such as a passport, visa, or alien registration card.

Benefits of Having an EIN

Having an EIN can provide a range of benefits to businesses and other entities. The following are five key benefits of having an EIN:

Improved credit rating. An EIN can help to establish a businesss credit ratings, making it easier to get loans and leases.

An EIN can help to establish a businesss credit ratings, making it easier to get loans and leases. Separate identity. Having an EIN allows a business or entity to separate its identity from its owners personal taxes.

Having an EIN allows a business or entity to separate its identity from its owners personal taxes. Deductible expenses. With an EIN, businesses can take advantage of certain tax deductions, such as employee salaries and business equipment purchase costs.

With an EIN, businesses can take advantage of certain tax deductions, such as employee salaries and business equipment purchase costs. Open bank accounts. Many banks will require an EIN in order to open a business account.

Many banks will require an EIN in order to open a business account. File taxes. An EIN is necessary for filing state and federal taxes each year.

Are there any disadvantages of having an EIN?

While having an Employer Identification Number (EIN) can provide a range of benefits to businesses and other entities, there are also some potential drawbacks.

These include additional administrative costs such as filing fees, the complexity of tracking multiple EINs associated with the entity, and changes made to the company must be reported promptly in order for the EIN to remain valid.

EIN Vs. DUNS Number

Its important to know what is a DUNS number and how it can be beneficial to a business. An EIN and a DUNS number both provide unique identification numbers to their owners.

However, the two are not interchangeable and serve different purposes as shown in the table below.

EIN D-U-N-S Number In order to obtain an EIN, the IRS requires business information from the responsible party, which is usually based on their social security number or existing EIN. A D-U-N-S Number will be issued by Dun & Bradstreet once multiple sources confirm a business's existence The number does not necessarily represent a one-to-one relationship with a business, as any business can have multiple numbers. Numbers are associated with business entities one-to-one Isn't required for sole proprietorships or other business entities Can be assigned to business entities including certain sole proprietorships Changeable, which means that it isn't consistent or persistent over time Maintains persistence, consistency, and uniqueness over the lifetime of that entity Tax IDs are for the United States only (other countries have their own tax IDs) Provides global coverage

Employee Identification Number vs. Federal Tax Identification Number (TIN)

An Employee Identification Number and an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) are different types of unique identification numbers issued by the IRS. Lets take a look at both in the table below

Employee Identification Number Federal Tax Identification Number (TIN) Employer ID number General tax ID number A type of TIN This term can be used to describe a number other than an EIN, such as an SSN, ITIN, ATIN, and PTIN. U.S. residents may use it only for filing their business taxes Can be used in various ways

EIN Vs Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN)

An EIN and Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN) are both issued by the IRS and provide unique identification numbers to their owners. Lets take a look at how theyre different in the table below

EIN Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN) Used to identify employers and sole proprietors who need to report business income or pay employment taxes Assigned to corporations that have employees or file an employment tax return. Used by certain trusts, estates, nonprofits, and other organizations. Identifies a given business entity for federal tax reporting purposes

Do I need an EIN if Im self-employed?

Yes, even if youre not formally creating a business entity such as a corporation or LLC, self-employed individuals, or the responsible party as the IRS calls it, may still need an employer identification number (EIN).

The IRS requires all businesses to obtain an EIN in order to accurately report taxes and other financial information related to the business.

Its also a more secure way of protecting your sensitive personal information since the number is only used for your business activities.

Does a DBA need an EIN?

Yes, if youre starting a business under a Doing Business As (DBA) name, you are required to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service.

Using a separate EIN helps protect your personal information since the number is associated with your DBA and not with your Social Security Number.

What is a federal employer identification number?

A Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) is a unique nine-digit identification number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

This number is used to identify and track the finances of a business or other entity for tax purposes.

A FEIN is required for many legal transactions, such as filing taxes or opening a business bank account. Having a FEIN also provides businesses with protection from identity theft and fraud.

Do I need an EIN before or after I form my LLC?

Generally, the best time to obtain your EIN and file for tax-exempt status is after youve formed your LLC. This way, you have all of the information needed to properly fill out the form and avoid any delays.

After you form your LLC, you can apply for an EIN online or by printing and mailing Form SS-4 to the IRS.

How do I look up my EIN?

Unfortunately, the IRS does not have a public database for looking up EIN numbers. You can find your EIN on the EIN confirmation letter the IRS sent you when your application for the number was approved.

If you do not have this letter, you can also check documents like tax returns or forms filed with the IRS.

If you dont have access to these documents, you can call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line for assistance in finding your EIN at 800-829-4933.

How do I look up another businesss EIN?

Looking up another businesss EIN doesnt have to be complicated. You can start by simply asking the company directly for their EIN.

Alternatively, if you are looking for a publicly traded company, check out their SEC filings which often contain the necessary information.

Additionally, inquiring with a credit bureau may also provide insight into the businesss EIN.

Lastly, there are numerous paid EIN databases available so you can quickly and easily look up the requested information.

How do I recover my EIN if I forget or lose it?

Its important to put your EIN confirmation letter in a safe place to avoid losing your EIN in the first place.

However, if you forget or lose your EIN, the process of recovering it is fairly straightforward. You can find your EIN on forms such as tax returns or other forms you filed with the IRS.

If you dont have those, give the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line a call and ask them to search for your EIN at 800-829-4933.
Kollar to face no-confidence vote, forest near Bratislava is saved, and the opening concert of the Viva Musica! festival.

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Good evening. Here is the Wednesday, June 28 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.

Kollar to face no-confidence vote

Speaker of Parliament Boris Kollar, from the Sme Rodina party. (Source: TASR - Jaroslav Novak)

On Wednesday, MPs closed the final session of the current term. However, they may still meet in extraordinary sessions. One such will take place just next week, on Tuesday.

At that session, Speaker of Parliament Boris Kollar (Sme Rodina) will face a no-confidence vote, after independent MPs managed to collect enough signatures to initiate a debate.

The MPs were reacting to reports  confirmed by Kollar himself  that he physically assaulted his ex-partner Barbora Richterova 12 years ago. Despite his admission, Kollar has said he believes the scandal was created to harm his party's chances in the parliamentary elections in September. As supposed evidence of this, he has pointed to the involvement of prominent lawyer Zoroslav Kollar (no relation), who he alleges is also Richterovas ex-lover.

Sme Rodina also blames the Hlas party and its chair Peter Pellegrini, who is reportedly friends with Zoroslav Kollar. According to data from polling agencies, Hlas stands to benefit from the defection of part of Sme Rodina's voters, while Boris Kollar's scandals could threaten his party's chances of clearing the 5-percent threshold needed to ensure re-election.

Several parties have called on Kollar to step down, but he says he does not intend to do so. Observers say it is unlikely that sufficient MPs will vote to force his dismissal.

More on Boris Kollar's scandals:

More stories from The Slovak Spectator website

If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription with no ads and a print copy of The Slovak Spectator sent to your home in Slovakia. Thank you.

FEATURE STORY FOR WEDNESDAY

An alternative to commercially grown flowers

(Source: Jana Liptakova)

When buying a bouquet in a traditional flower shop, some blooms may have travelled as much as tens of thousands of kilometres. However, exquisite flowers can be grown, ecologically and sustainably, in Slovakia.

One piece of evidence is a small flower farm near Bratislava launched by Daniela Banos and her husband Hernan, who is originally from Argentina.

EVENT FOR TOMORROW

Viva Musica! festival opens with classical concert

video //www.youtube.com/embed/pJ7BBb9jSaY

This year, Slovakia commemorates the 30th anniversary of its independence. The opening concert of the 2023 Viva Musica! festival is celebrating that fact with a selection of classical pieces from both Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

The concert will take place in the Great Evangelical Church on Panenska Street, near the Presidential Palace, at 20:00. Admission starts at 10. For more information about the festival, including its programme, click here (in English).

In other news

Had an election taken place at the turn of May and June, the Smer party would have emerged in first place, with 18 percent of the vote , followed by Hlas (14.1 percent) and Progressive Slovakia (11.6 percent). These were the results of a poll carried out by the Median SK agency. Other parties that would make into the parliament include the extremist Republika, OLaNO, Sme Rodina, SaS and the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH).

, followed by Hlas (14.1 percent) and Progressive Slovakia (11.6 percent). These were the results of a poll carried out by the Median SK agency. Other parties that would make into the parliament include the extremist Republika, OLaNO, Sme Rodina, SaS and the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH). In relation to the turmoil in Russia over the weekend, Slovakia's Security Council says it does not perceive any increased risk to the security of Slovakia and Slovaks . However, the council continues to advise against travelling to Russia.

. However, the council continues to advise against travelling to Russia. Slovak youth is being radicalised, especially in the online space. According to Prime Minister Ludovit Odor, this concerns individual cases and does not involve cooperation between several people or the formation of groups. The police have thwarted several incidents at schools and need to monitor the situation in more detail, he said.

According to Prime Minister Ludovit Odor, this concerns individual cases and does not involve cooperation between several people or the formation of groups. The police have thwarted several incidents at schools and need to monitor the situation in more detail, he said. The Slovak government approved an updated contingency plan for dealing with a potential mass influx of Ukrainians to Slovakia in the event of an escalation of the war in their country.

in the event of an escalation of the war in their country. Thirty pediatricians from Ukraine, who have successfully passed aptitude tests for the medical profession, will work in Slovakia.

WEATHER FOR THURSDAY

Cloud cover will continue, with occasional rain and thunderstorms, especially in the north and east of Slovakia. Daytime temperatures of between 22C and 26C, rising to 28C in the southwest, are expected. There will be a light breeze. (SHMU)

Thank you for subscribing and reading. It means a lot to us.

P.S. If you have suggestions on how our news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk.

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The two new types are resistant to insecticides.

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Mosquitoes capable of transmitting dangerous tropical diseases, such as malaria, West Nile fever and dengue fever, are starting to show up in Slovakia.

One such species is the tiger mosquito, which has reached Kosice Region from Hungary, where, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), it has now become established (meaning the mosquitoes are able to overwinter and reproduce there).

The species is partially resistant to chemical spraying, although higher doses of insecticides are effective. The tiger mosquito is classed as an invasive species in Slovakia and differs from domestic mosquito species in its characteristic colouring  it has white stripes and dots on its dark body.

Originally hailing from southeast Asia, it has gradually spread to other parts of the world.

The mosquito species Aedes albopictus (tiger mosquito), a known vector of chikungunya and dengue viruses, is establishing itself further northwards and westwards in Europe, according to the latest data from ECDC. (Source: ECDC)

According to experts, its ability to overwinter in Hungary is further evidence of climate change and global warming. Rising temperatures are expected to allow the species to move further north in Europe.

Another problematic species is the yellow fever mosquito. Many specimens in Asia have developed mutations that make them extremely resistant to insecticides used to control the species.

Aedes aegypti (yellow fever mosquito), known to transmit dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, zika and West Nile viruses, has been established in Cyprus since 2022 and may continue to spread to other European countries. (Source: ECDC)

Unlike the tiger mosquito, the latter has not yet become widespread in Europe, although according to the ECDC report it is now established in Cyprus.

Mosquitoes live in warm and humid environments, so their season begins in summer and, depending on outside temperatures, can continue until late autumn.

Strong storms accompanied by torrential rains, such as those that hit Slovakia last week, bring danger not only in the form of increased river levels and floods, but also in the form of an overpopulation of mosquitoes that breed in the resulting stagnant water or in close proximity. Heavy rain can create puddles that last for several days or even weeks.
La Marzocco is hitting the road. Over the course of the summer, the espresso machine manufacturer is making stops across the United States for a series of throwdown, challenges, and community building. The 2023 Summer Tour kicked off earlier this month in Brooklyn and continues tonight with the second stop, at Overbluff Cellars in Spokane, Washington.

After a wildly successful inaugural event in Brooklyn, the five-stop series moves westward for more coffee good times. Like with the other installations in the Summer Tour, the Spokane event will revolve around the throwdown. Alongside event partners Minor Figures, the LM-hosted competition will be random-draw and include a few curveballs to keep the latte artists on their toes. At the Brooklyn event, for instance, competitors were judged not just on pouring acumen, but different rounds tested their ability to adapt to a variety of odd vesselslike a bell pepperconsistency in pouring the same design across sized beverages, and waste, with the winner being the person who produced the least amount of excess milk to create the given design.

Kicking off at 6:30pm, the Spokane event at Overbluff Cellars will also feature drinks and light bites, and members of the La Marzocco team will be on hand to answer any technical or equipment-related questions from attendees. As with all stops on the 2023 Summer Tour, tonights event is completely free to attend, and you can RSVP here.

Then, over the course of the next two months, La Marzocco will be making three more stops around the country. The remaining cities and dates are as follows:

Cincinnati, OH  July 13th

Los Angeles, CA  August 4th

Dallas, TX  August 31st

More details for these events can be found on their Eventbrite pages, linked above. For more information on tonights event, visit the La Marzocco 2023 Summer Tour Spokane Eventbrite page.

Zac Cadwalader is the managing editor at Sprudge Media Network and a staff writer based in Dallas. Read more Zac Cadwalader on Sprudge.

Photos of Brooklyn event by Yasmeena Azer.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230627/audio-of-classified-war-plans-show-trump-refused-decades-long-push-to-attack-iran-1111512280.html

Audio of Classified War Plans Show Trump Refused Decades-Long Push to Attack Iran

Audio of Classified War Plans Show Trump Refused Decades-Long Push to Attack Iran

A veteran of the US state apparatus told Sputnik that the most significant part of the story about Donald Trump holding onto still-classified plans for war with Iran is that he refused to give in to pressure to launch such a war.

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analysis

larry johnson

donald trump

cia

iran

classified documents

mar-a-lago

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US media has obtained the audio of an alleged conversation between Trump and his aides in which prosecutors said he described showing them files he knew were still classified. The conversation, which allegedly occurred in the summer of 2021, was previously reported based on a partial transcript cited in a criminal complaint against Trump that was filed in a federal court earlier this month.In the two-minute-long audio clip, Trump can seemingly be heard referencing top secret plans regarding an attack against Iran that he says were prepared by Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who has become a sharp critic of Trump after the former president's term ended."These are the papers," Trump is heard saying. "This was done by the military and given to me."Trump faces 37 charges related to the classified files, which the FBI seized in a raid last August at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Many of the charges each carry a potential 20-year prison sentence, if Trump were to be convicted.Larry Johnson, a retired CIA intelligence officer and US State Department official, told Sputnik that Trumps administration was by no means the first to consider a war against Iran, and that the focus on the war plans conceals a greater truth: that Trump didnt want to launch such an attack.I think the key point is that Trump did not act on these plans, Johnson asserted. He resisted the pressure from advisors who wanted to start a war with Iran, but he refused. He refused to go along with them. And that's I think that's really part of the anger directed at him as well.However, Johnson said there was actually a greater chance of war with Iran under Trumps predecessor, Barack Obama.Johnson predicted that if Trump manages to dodge the charges against him and win the 2024 US election, for which he has already declared his candidacy, that Trump would cut a deal with Tehran.He would find a way to de-escalate the tensions. But unfortunately, you've got a war party. There's not just one political party. It's bipartisan. We've got Republicans and Democrats alike who are promoting conflict, insisting on conflict. [US President Joe] Biden is not keen upon actually getting a real agreement with these guys. Trump was. I think Trump genuinely believed in and tried to promote those kinds of agreements, the former CIA officer said.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230627/new-audio-allegedly-captures-trump-discussing-secret-military-docs-1111485589.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230613/recording-of-trump-discussing-classified-docs-was-part-of-feud-over-iran-with-top-general-1111119014.html

iran

mar-a-lago

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Fantine Gardinier

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230628/china-models-total-war-scenario-amid-beijing-washington-tensions-over-taiwan--1111525384.html

China Models Total War Scenario Amid Beijing-Washington Tensions Over Taiwan

China Models Total War Scenario Amid Beijing-Washington Tensions Over Taiwan

China and the US are at odds over the issue of Taiwan, with Beijing reacting angrily to any official foreign contacts with Taipei and considering Chinese sovereignty over the island indisputable.

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china

taiwan

war

scenario

warships

asia

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Chinese Navy scientists have modelled a scenario of a total war with a hypothetical alliance to test and evaluate the performance of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA)s new weapons. The scenario was published on a Chinese defense news website.The researchers explained that the total war means that all available resources and efforts of the country are mobilized towards prevailing over an enemy. The resources include not only the military but also the civilian population and the economy.The PLA Navy scientists stressed that the scenario stipulates that diverse kinds of warships during different levels of tensions can demonstrate varying degrees of combat efficiency.The authors suggested that there would be five levels of intensity regarding an all-out war. The fifth level may see a clash of strategic interests, in which PLA Navy ships could be attacked by more than 11 types of missiles and three types of torpedoes.US-Chinese Row Over TaiwanBeijing-Washington tensions over Taiwan escalated again after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in April, with China launching massive three-day military drills near the island in what it called a "warning" to Taipei and foreign powers.In early August 2022, then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan, which was slammed by China as a gesture of support for separatism. Beijing held large-scale military exercises in the vicinity of the island in a retaliatory move at the time.Although the US does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, Washington has a representative office in Taipei and remains the island's biggest supplier of military hardware. The US also often sends its warships and surveillance planes to the Taiwan Strait, with Beijing slamming such missions as provocations and dubbing Washington "a security risk creator in the region."

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230628/united-states-provocative-behavior-in-taiwan-issue-creates-more-tensions-in-sino-us-relations-1111520747.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230520/taiwan-president-says-war-not-an-option-amid-china-tensions-while-angling-for-more-us-weapons-1110477100.html

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chinese military, chinese peoples liberation army, 'total war' scenario, us-chinese tensions over taiwan
A Google-sponsored drag show has been criticized by the search engine giant's Christian employees.

Because of this, the tech firm was left with no choice but to distance itself from the LGBTQ event.

Usually, Google finances Pride events in San Francisco and other parts of the world each year.

This 2023, Google decided to sponsor the "Pride and Drag Show" event, which features Peaches Christ; a popular drag performer.

Google-Sponsored Drag Show Criticized by Christian Employees

According to NBC News' latest report, the Pride and Drag Show was removed from Google's internal description.

Read Also: New York City Mayor Eric Adams Joins Thousands of LGBTQ+ Supporters in March Amid Worries Over Conservative Backlash

The search engine giant did this after a petition created by its Christian employees opposing the event circulated.

Hundreds of Google staff joined the petition. They claim that it disrespects and sexualizes Christian co-workers.

Aside from this, they also accused Google of religious discrimination.

"Their provocative and inflammatory artistry is considered a direct affront to the religious beliefs and sensitivities of Christians," said Google employees in their petition.

Aside from sponsoring the controversial event, employees were also disappointed with Google's decision to secretly remove the event from its internal website instead of being vocal about it.

What Google Says About The Drag Show

Google didn't confirm if the removal of the drag show was conducted because of the petition.

Instead, Google spokesperson Chris Pappas explained that the Pride and Drag Show was planned by an internal team without going through the company's standard event process.

"While the event organizers have shifted the official team event onsite, the performance will go on at the planned venue - and it's open to the public, so employees can still attend," he added.

Pappas further stated that Google has long been proud to support and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.

The company's spokesperson also stated that for the past years, Google-sponsored Pride celebration events featured drag artists, as reported by USA Today.

The controversial drag show was still conducted in San Francisco instead of staging it in a sterile conference room at Google's Silicon Valley headquarters.

If you want to learn more about the issue with the Google-sponsored LGBTQ event, you can visit this link.

Related Article: Estonia Becomes First Country in Central Europe To Pass Law Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230628/foolish-western-regime-change-policy-only-driving-russia-china-closer-together-1111510890.html

West's Foolish Regime Change Policy Only Drives Russia and China Closer

West's Foolish Regime Change Policy Only Drives Russia and China Closer

An expert said that Moscows and Beijings partnership cant be budged by events even as dramatic as an abortive mutiny, because their mutual survival depends on staying united in front of NATOs expanding attempts to hem them in.

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analysis

russia

china

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strategic partner

wagner aborted mutiny

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In the wake of the aborted mutiny by Wagner PMC chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, China has voiced its support for the Russian Federation and Moscows efforts to stabilize the situation.As Russias friendly neighbor and comprehensive strategic partner of coordination for the new era, China supports Russia in maintaining national stability and achieving development and prosperity, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a Sunday statement.Thomas W. Pauken II, a Beijing-based geopolitical consultant with expertise in crisis management, told Sputnik that China has an understanding that for their very own survival, they need Russia to succeed.China supports a strong and stable Russia for many important reasons, obviously, because Russia is north of China and Russia and China are both facing pressure from the Western powers in regards to sanctions, while the US and other European countries are increasing their pressure on China, he explained. So because of this pressure, basically, China needs to rely more on its real partners, including Russia, because they can work together to strengthen both sides. If Russia and China split apart, that will not only create hardships for Russia, but will also create hardships for China.Pauken explained that a stable and successful Russia is important for China because without Russia on its side, the Western powers would be able to totally isolate China.On Sunday, after the situation had been defused, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko flew to Beijing to meet with Chinese leaders and reaffirm their close partnership and political trust. Pauken said it was very significant and sent a message to the Western powers that the Prigozhin affair had not created any friction or tensions between the two states.The official underscored that the recent meet between Chinese and Russian figures proved a "very important event because it shows their close relationships, and that they are not going to be driven or come apart over recent events, and the West is going to be unable to drive them apart."Instead, what's really going on is that China and Russia are drawing closer together and we will see their relations get even stronger in the months to come," he added.From Rivals to PartnersThat trust, he said, is a very significant factor, given the fraught history of relations between Moscow and Beijing.For a long time, the two countries were major rivals and they had trouble trusting each other. But in recent years, because the West has moved so strongly against Russia and the West has moved so strongly against China, that instead of driving a wedge between the two countries, it has actually caused them to come closer.Pauken told Sputnik he forecasts that this trend of friendship will continue, because as the two nations continue to rise, the US and its allies will jealously guard their control over the globe.The West continues to think that they are the most powerful nations, especially the US, which thinks of itself as the superpower. And they fear the rise of China and they fear the strength of Russia. This is why they are so angry at the two countries, because the two countries are very independent, very sovereign, and will not bow down or surrender to the US, like what you see with the EU or the UK.The problem of the EU and the UK is that they no longer have real sovereign power or sovereign authority. They cannot go against Washington, and instead they must do the bidding of Washington, because their security guarantees that the EU and the UK receive come from NATO - and the major financier and financier of NATO - is Washington.Now, we're seeing that there could be a possible expansion of NATO in Asia with the opening up of a NATO office in Tokyo, and South Korea and Japan were invited to the NATO summit that is being held in Lithuania this week. This could prove very problematic in world affairs because NATO is the tool to enforce Washington's power, as well as to enforce the EU's power. But it is also [a tool] to make the EU a puppet to the US. So Russia and China are fighting against not only NATO, but they are fighting against Western powers that are trying to control them. So their partnership will remain strong in order to fight back against the Western powers.Prigozhins Aborted MutinyOn Friday, Yevgeny Prigozhin accused the Russian Defense Ministry of allegedly striking the group's camps, after which Wagner troops seized the headquarters of Russia's Southern Military District in the city of Rostov-on-Don. The Russian Defense Ministry denied the accusations, while Russia's Federal Security Service opened a criminal case against Prigozhin for organizing a since-aborted armed mutiny in the country.Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Saturday evening that the criminal case against Prigozhin had been dropped, and that he would leave for Belarus under guarantees given by Putin. On Tuesday, Russia's Federal Security Service said the case of the aborted mutiny had been dismissed. Putin confirmed fighters of the Wagner PMC would be able to sign contracts with the Ministry of Defense, return home, or go to Belarus.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230627/whole-logic-of-west-us-eu-want-to-weaken-russia-through-ukraine-1111488047.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230627/russia-china-trade-expanding-despite-attempts-by-other-countries-to-interfere---lavrov-1111487003.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230605/robert-kennedy-calls-for-peace-with-russia-china-as-part-of-his-presidential-campaign-1110934610.html

russia

china

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Fantine Gardinier

Fantine Gardinier

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Fantine Gardinier

russia; china; pauken; yevgeny prigozhin; nato; wagner pmc
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230628/lavrov-says-countries-forced-to-support-zelenskys-plan-at-meeting-on-ukraine-in-denmark-1111530548.html

Lavrov Says Countries Forced to Support Zelensky's Plan at Meeting on Ukraine in Denmark

Lavrov Says Countries Forced to Support Zelensky's Plan at Meeting on Ukraine in Denmark

Some dishonorable approaches were used to persuade countries to support Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's plan at the meeting on the peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis in Copenhagen, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday.

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2023-06-28T19:05+0000

russia

sergey lavrov

vladimir putin

volodymyr zelensky

ukraine

russia

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Some dishonorable approaches were used to persuade countries to support Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's plan at the meeting on the peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis in Copenhagen, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday. Zelensky unveiled a 10-point peace initiative in November, which includes an all-for-all prisoner swap with Russia, security guarantees for Ukraine and a return to the pre-2014 borders.Moscow said it was open to peace negotiations as long as Kiev recognized the territorial gains it made since the launch of the military operation in Ukraine in February 2022. This is despite Kiev banning its officials from engaging the Russian government in talks while President Putin is the Russian president.Statements of Western Leaders on Contacts With Putin Deserve No RespectStatements made by Western leaders on contacts with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the situation in Ukraine simply deserve no respect, Lavrov pointed out."Compare all the public statements of Western figures about contacts with Putin, they simply do not deserve respect. If you are interested in a conversation, the president of Russia will never refuse such contact," Lavrov said during the interview.Lavrov recalled that French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have said that they plan to call Putin but did not do it.The minister also noted that the longer Ukraine and the West delay the start of peace talks, the more difficult it would be to reach an agreement between all parties. Lavrov added that Moscow had not received serious proposals from the West to resolve the Ukraine conflict.At the same time, Lavrov added that European leaders, who publicly announce their intention to call Putin, want to "show off in front of their voters."Russia in Contact With US on Work of Embassies to Deal With Mess Created by ObamaRussia continues to stay in contact with the United States on the issue of work of diplomatic missions, the top Russia's diplomat noted."There are contacts on the functioning of embassies, ours there and the American one here. We are dealing with the mess that Obama began to create but we have not much success here. Three weeks before [Former US President Donald] Trump's inauguration, [Obama] slammed the door, kicking out dozens of our diplomats, seizing five properties. Well, and so on. That's when it [the mess] started," Lavrov said.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230625/zelenskys-top-aide-claims-ukraine-wants-to-host-peace-summit-1111452805.html

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ukraine, russia, ukrainian crisis, conflict in ukraine, war in ukraine, ukraine peace plan, sergey lavrov, vladimir putin
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230628/lithuanian-president-says-vilnius-acquires-2-nasams-air-defense-systems-for-ukraine-1111519640.html

Lithuanian President Says Vilnius Acquires 2 NASAMS Air Defense Systems for Ukraine

Lithuanian President Says Vilnius Acquires 2 NASAMS Air Defense Systems for Ukraine

Lithuania has purchased two NASAMS short- to medium-range ground-based air defense systems for Ukraine, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said on Wednesday, expressing hope that the NATO summit in Vilnius would bring more collective decisions on arms supplies to Kiev.

2023-06-28T10:43+0000

2023-06-28T10:43+0000

2023-06-28T11:39+0000

world

ukrainian crisis

ukraine

nasams

nato

vilnius

kiev

air defense systems (manpads)

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"Lithuania has acquired two NASAMS launchers that will be transferred to Ukraine  Looking forward to more collective decisions on support to Ukraine at the #NATO summit in Vilnius," Nauseda tweeted. In February, Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte said that Vilnius had handed over Stinger man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) to Kiev and sent its military to Ukraine to train the countrys troops to operate the weapons. Western countries have been providing financial, humanitarian and military support to Ukraine since the start of Russia's military operation in February 2022. The support evolved from lighter artillery munitions and training in 2022 to heavier weapons, including tanks, later that year and in 2023. For the past months Ukraine has been pushing to be supplied with fighter jets. The Kremlin has repeatedly warned against continued arms deliveries to Kiev.Previously, Lithuanian president arrived to Kiev with unannounced visit to meet with Volodymyr Zelensky and discuss the military aid to Ukraine and NATO bid negotiations.

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ukrainian crisis, special op, arms for ukraine
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230628/new-york-to-source-supercomputer-in-mission-to-better-understand-regulate-ai-1111515354.html

New York to Source Supercomputer in Mission to Better Understand, Regulate AI

New York to Source Supercomputer in Mission to Better Understand, Regulate AI

The state of New York is trying to source a supercomputer capable of running artificial intelligence programs in order to better understand and regulate the technology more effectively, US media reported on Tuesday.

2023-06-28T03:31+0000

2023-06-28T03:31+0000

2023-06-28T03:30+0000

beyond politics

artificial intelligence (ai)

supercomputer

new york

science & tech

marketplace

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New York is looking to both obtain capable hardware and hire professionals to run the programs, media said, citing New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) Superintendent Adrienne Harris, whose agency is looking into AI and machine learning beyond its use in the private sector. According to Harris, DFS is using data-driven approaches leveraging data analysis to enhance the agency's ability to predict and respond to events in the marketplace, the report said. With many major private tech and software companies shifting toward AI, Harris told media, it makes the most sense for regulators to be adopting the same tools. The market for supercomputers, which have long been used by the military and intelligence agencies, is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.5% from 2021 to 2026, according to US media, which cite an increased reliance on cloud computing and technologies in addition to the need for larger datasets capable of training and operating AI as the shift's primary cause.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230623/us-lawyers-fined-over-legal-brief-penned-by-ai-powered-chatgpt-1111414693.html

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new york, supercomputer, artificial intelligence, technology, regulations
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230628/norway-to-upgrade-its-nasams-air-defense-system-based-on-experience-of-others-1111515961.html

Norway to Upgrade Its NASAMS Air Defense System Based on Experience of Others

Norway to Upgrade Its NASAMS Air Defense System Based on Experience of Others

While the list of NASAMS users includes 13 nations, including Finland, Australia and the US, only Ukraine has experience using this air defense system in real combat.

2023-06-28T09:00+0000

2023-06-28T09:00+0000

2023-06-28T09:00+0000

military

norway

ukraine

kiev

kongsberg

raytheon

nasams

military & intelligence

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The Norwegian Defense Materiel Agency (NDMA) has turned to a military contractor, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, to upgrade its NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) and communications for troops.The first contract, worth NOK 365 million ($33.6 million), obliges the company to replace certain NASAMS radar parts.NDMA air systems division head Brigadier General Jarle Nergard said the upgrade would ensure that the air defense system maintains its ability to detect, identify, and neutralize airborne threats. It would also provide a similar configuration and functionality with other countries' detection systems, enhancing interoperability.Kongsberg Vice President Kjetil Myhra said the planned upgrade will make use of "advances developed in collaboration with other NASAMS user nations," a list that stretches from Australia to Ukraine, of which only the latter has real combat experience using them.The second contract concerns the development of combat radios for the Norwegian military in order to secure the tactical communications of the countrys land forces to the tune of NOK 320 million (nearly $30 million). Kongsberg president Eirik Lie stressed that the radios must be compatible with existing systems in the Norwegian military inventory, yet ready for the integration of future technologies.What is NASAMS?The ground-based mobile air defense system, developed by Norway's Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Massachussetts-based Raytheon, is meant to detect, track, intercept and destroy enemy fixed and rotary wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as cruise missile threats.The NASAMS is equipped with three multi-missile launchers (LCHR), each of which carrying up to six AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles. The launchers are linked to the Fire Distribution Center (FDC) and can be placed at a distance of up to 25 km.The AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range, Air-to-Air Missile) is a dual-role missile used in both air-to-air and surface-launch engagements. The missile has an all-weather, beyond-visual-range capability, an effective firing range of 30 km and flight altitude of 21 km (when fired from ground-based NASAMS). Its extended range ground-launched variant (ER) is capable of intercepting targets at longer distances (50 km) and higher altitudes (36 km).Ukraine received NASAMS as part of the massive and ongoing Western arms assistance, starting from October 2022, when the first two systems were delivered. All in all, the Pentagon has pledged to provide Kiev with eight systems and an unspecified amount of ammunition. In order to deliver the additional systems to Kiev, the Pentagon signed a $1.2 billion contract with Raytheon, with a completion date of November 2025. In January 2023, Canada announced that it would buy one US-made NASAMS system and donate it to Kiev. In March 2023, Norway pledged to deliver two additional systems, having previously trained the Ukrainian forces on how to use them.Nevertheless, the first of the systems was reported as destroyed by the Russian forces near Krasnoarmeysk in the Donetsk People's Republic.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230613/why-cant-western-weapons-save-day-for-ukraines-counteroffensive-1111121503.html

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nasams air defense, air defense systems, combat experience, norwegian air defense upgrade, arms used in ukrainian conflict
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230628/oops-i-did-it-again-biden-calls-ukraine-iraq-twice-in-two-days-1111527843.html

Oops! I Did It Again: Biden Calls Ukraine Iraq Twice in Two Days

Oops! I Did It Again: Biden Calls Ukraine Iraq Twice in Two Days

Several times in recent days, Biden has made some embarrassing mess-ups, including several instances of referring to Iraq when he meant to refer to Ukraine.

2023-06-28T17:36+0000

2023-06-28T17:36+0000

2023-06-28T17:36+0000

americas

joe biden

iraq

ukraine

narendra modi

gaffe

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Several times in recent days, Biden has made some embarrassing mess-ups, including several instances of referring to Iraq when he meant to refer to Ukraine.The first came on Tuesday, when the 80-year-old head of state was speaking at a campaign reception in Chevy Chase, Maryland.Then on Wednesday, he did it again. This time, it was captured on film.On the helicopter tarmac outside the White House, Biden was asked by a gaggle of reporters: "To what extent has Vladimir Putin been weakened by recent events?"Its not just NATO, its not just the European Union, its Japan, its 40 nations, he added.In another answer not captured on film, Biden reportedly referred to "my new best friend the prime minister of China, although the president caught his mistake that time and clarified he meant to say Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who recently paid a state visit to the US capital city.As vice president, Biden also oversaw US policy in Ukraine during and after the February 2014 coup in Kiev, which enjoyed extensive US backing and brought a Washington-friendly, ultra-nationalist government to power. Another of his sons, Hunter Biden, was an investor in the Burisma gas company that did business in Ukraine, and became embroiled in an ethics probe by the Ukrainian government before it was dropped in 2015 amid pressure from Joe Biden.Under his presidency that began in 2021, Joe Biden has funneled weapons and support to Ukraine to sponsor a proxy war against the countrys Russophone minority and, after February 2022, Russian forces engaged in a special operation in the country to root out its neo-Nazi elements.

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joe biden; ukraine; iraq; gaffe
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230628/republican-us-presidential-candidate-whats-a-uyghur-1111513864.html

Republican US Presidential Candidate: 'What's a Uyghur?'

Republican US Presidential Candidate: 'What's a Uyghur?'

Republican presidential hopeful and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez seemed unaware of the existence of the Uyghur ethnic group of northwest China, when asked about them during an interview on Tuesday.

2023-06-28T02:36+0000

2023-06-28T02:36+0000

2023-06-28T02:47+0000

world

xinjiang uyghur autonomous region

uyghurs

hugh hewitt

republican

florida

china

2024 us presidential election

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"Whats a Uyghur?" Suarez said during an interview with Salem News Channels Hugh Hewitt, when asked whether he plans to raise the issue of the treatment of Uyghurs as part of his campaign. When advised by Hewitt to inform himself about the issue, Suarez promised to look into the matter, noting that he is a "fast learner." Hewitt later responded to Suarez's comments in a tweet after the interview's conclusion, saying Suarez "was pretty good for a first conversation on air about national security--except for the huge blind spot on the Uyghurs."A spokesman for Suarez later told US media after the interview that he had merely misheard Hewitt, chalking up the gaffe to his own misunderstanding of the word's correct pronunciation. Suarez filed earlier this month as a contender to become the Republican candidate in the 2024 US presidential election. Suarez is the third Florida resident to join the Republican primary, alongside former US President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The Suarez snag calls back a similar hiccup that befell then-Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson, who during the 2016 election cycle was asked during an interview what he would do about Aleppo, a hot-button topic posed to all presidential contenders.At the time, a stumped Johnson asked, "What is Aleppo?" to a stunned audience. Although Johnson had recovered on the topic, it nonetheless prompted shocked responses.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20211012/chinese-foreign-ministry-rejects-cnn-whistleblowers-allegations-of-uyghur-torture-1089869147.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230628/sudans-armed-forces-declare-unilateral-truce-on-first-day-of-eid-al-adha-1111513720.html

Sudan's Armed Forces Declare Unilateral Truce on First Day of Eid al-Adha

Sudan's Armed Forces Declare Unilateral Truce on First Day of Eid al-Adha

Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, the head of the Sudanese sovereignty council and commander of the armed forces, announced Tuesday a unilateral ceasefire on the first day of the Eid al-Adha, one of Islam's major holidays.

2023-06-28T01:35+0000

2023-06-28T01:35+0000

2023-06-28T01:33+0000

africa

sudan

rapid support forces (rsf)

mohamed hamdan dagalo

armed forces

ceasefire

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"On the occasion of the Eid of Redemption, the armed forces announces a unilateral ceasefire on the first day of Eid Al-Adha," the Sudanese armed forces quoted Al Burhan as saying in a statement on social media. On Monday, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the commander of Sudanese paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF), in an interview with Saudi media, unilaterally announced a ceasefire in the country for the period of the holiday. On April 15, violent clashes broke out between the Sudanese regular armed forces and the RSF paramilitary group, with the epicenter located in Khartoum. The government forces accused the RSF of mutiny and launched airstrikes against their bases. Burhan issued a decree disbanding the RSF. The parties have since introduced a number of temporary nationwide ceasefires, but the conflict has not been settled yet. The United Nations estimates that as of June 12, at least 958 people were killed and 4,700 injured in the clashes, while over 2.1 million persons were forced to leave their homes.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230512/sudans-army-rsf-sign-agreement-committing-to-avoid-injuring-civilians---report-1110275707.html

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abdel fattah al burhan, sudan, sudan armed forces, unilateral truce, eid al-adha
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230628/the-73-year-long-war-how-cold-war-rivalries-set-off-the-korean-conflict-1111503385.html

The 73-Year-Long War: How Cold War Rivalries Set Off the Korean Conflict

The 73-Year-Long War: How Cold War Rivalries Set Off the Korean Conflict

Sputnik takes a look back at the Korean War, which has technically not ended, owing to the absence of a permanent peace treaty, and which has cast a long shadow over events in the region ever since.

2023-06-28T16:17+0000

2023-06-28T16:17+0000

2023-06-28T16:17+0000

sputnik explains

kim il-sung

korean peoples army (kpa)

dprk

korean war

south korea

cold war

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Sputnik takes a look back at the conflict, which has technically not ended, owing to the absence of a permanent peace treaty, and which has cast a long shadow over events in the region ever since.Wars Roots in Anti-Colonial ResistanceIn the mid-19th century, the imperial authority of the Chinese emperor steadily waned under the pressure of civil war and European penetration, and its centuries-long domination of Korea as a vassal state began to weaken as well. At the same time, the Japanese Empires rapid industrialization led to an expansionist drive and a growing sense of entitlement to rule other East Asian nations.By the turn of the century, Korea was slowly falling into Japans sphere of influence. After the more modern Japanese naval and land forces defeated the Chinese in a short war in 1894 and 1895, that slide accelerated, and China lost its grip on the kingdom. King Gojong declared a Korean Empire two years later, and for a few brief years, Gojong's friendship with Russia allowed St. Petersburg to expand its foothold in the region. However, Japan, perceived Korea as "a knife aimed at the heart of Japan," and after triumphing against Russian forces in the Russo-Japanese War of 1905, Japan made Korea a protectorate of the Chrysanthemum Throne and annexed it in 1910.Like the other territories taken from China and Russia, such as Taiwan and southern Sakhalin, Tokyo ruled Korea as a colony to supply the mother country with raw materials, including cheap manual labor, and instituted a racialized hierarchical system that saw Koreans become legally inferior to Japanese and their language and culture denigrated. The school system attempted to instill Japanese language, culture, religion, and values in Koreans in an attempt to civilize them, much as happened in European imperial holdings.After Emperor Gojong died in 1919, major anti-Japanese demonstrations took place across Korea involving millions of people. The March 1 Movement formed a provisional government abroad and declared independence for Korea. The movement was violently suppressed by the Japanese, with 7,509 people killed, 15,961 wounded, and another 46,948 arrested in the repression.Other guerrilla movements continued to operate from Chinese Manchuria until Japanese occupation in the early 1930s, including communist forces with whom Kim Il-sung associated. As Japanese rule expanded across Manchuria and an all-out invasion of China began in 1937, Kims leadership grew and he became a major leader of Korean anti-Japanese resistance in the area.World War to Korean IndependenceDuring World War II, Korean men were used as slave labor both in Korea and across the empire, including in factories in Japan. According to some estimates, 10% of those killed in Hiroshima when the US dropped a nuclear bomb on the city on August 6, 1945, were Koreans mobilized to work in Japanese munitions factories in the city. Korean women were also used as sex slaves for Japanese soldiers - euphemistically called comfort women.The war only arrived in Korea during its final weeks, when the Soviet Red Army declared war on Japan and launched invasions of Japanese-controlled Manchuria and Korea. Their forces included thousands of Chinese and Korean communists, including Kims group. By the time of the formal signing of the Japanese surrender on September 2, Soviet troops had reached the 38th parallel - close to the effective modern border between North and South Korea. By agreement with the Americans, Soviet troops held there and waited for US military forces to meet them from the south, which took several weeks.American orders to Japanese forces in the southern parts of Korea were for them to continue occupying the area until US forces arrived and met Soviet forces at the 38th parallel.With the UNs failure, the US moved to solidify capitalist control over the southern half of Korea, holding UN-supervised constituent assembly elections in May 1948 that excluded the Soviet-controlled northern half of the country. Presidential elections that July saw Syngman Rhee become president.Civil WarRhees government was immediately faced with widespread resistance, including by the Workers Party of South Korea (WPSK) on Jeju Island, and another resistance movement in the southern cities of Yeosu and Suncheon, both of which were violently suppressed, killing more than 30,000 people. The WPSK saw the elections as an attempt to divide the country in two instead of uniting it. They werent alone in thinking so, and other resistance movements sprang up in the months and years that followed.On August 15, 1948, Rhee declared himself the head of a Republic of Korea (RoK) whose territory encompassed all of Korea but was based in Seoul, the traditional capital, which was then occupied by US troops. In response, the Workers Party of North Korea (WPNK) declared a rival Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) on September 9, also claiming control over the entire territory of Korea and that Seoul was its capital. Kim Il-sung, the partys deputy chairman, was its premier.With the declarations, Soviet and American forces began to withdraw, with the Red Army and most of the US Army totally exiting from Korea by the end of the year, although some US forces remained. However, with their absence, the situation grew even more unstable, and in 1949 rapidly accelerated toward open civil war.By May 1949, the forces of the two sides were regularly engaging each other across the borderlands and launching raids into the others territory, and guerrilla groups sprang up on both sides. Most of the battles were fought in the South, however, as Rhees government sought to crush one pro-communist unification movement after another. That June, the WPNK and WPSK merged to form a single, united Workers Party of Korea (WPK) that fought for a united socialist Korea.Cold War PoliticsAs early as the Spring of 1949, with the repression of communist sympathizers in the South still actively underway, Kim considered launching a full-scale attack with the new Korean Peoples Army (KPA), fitted out with excess Soviet equipment. The idea failed to win approval from Soviet leader Josef Stalin, who felt the international situation was too unstable for such a war. Civil war continued to rage in China, which communist forces would ultimately win that October, American intervention in Greece had ensured the Greek communists would be defeated, and US forces were still present in South Korea. At the time, only the United States possessed nuclear weapons - the USSRs first bomb would not be detonated until August 1949.Stalin gave his assent to a reunification war by the DPRK, but under the condition that Chinese leader Mao Zedong also approved it, and he made clear that Soviet troops would not directly intervene. However, reportedly at Kims insistence, Mao did pledge to move troops to the PRC-DPRK border and to use them if they were needed.. After the war began and United Nations forces launched a counteroffensive, crossing the 38th parallel and quickly advancing to Chinese border, Soviet pilots secretly flew air cover for the KPA, and a massive Chinese force eventually and decisively entered the war under Korean command - the Peoples Volunteer Army.Among the final straws was the May 30 South Korean elections, which Rhee was compelled to hold against his desire, and which resulted in his National Association party losing control over the legislature. With several Korean nationalist parties now in control and significant pro-socialist and pro-reunification sentiment remaining across the South, Rhees position of ruling a capitalist state on behalf of the Americans seemed increasingly vulnerable.Five days later on June 4, the socialists and communists both performed well in Japans first legislative elections since the US occupation began in 1945, further arousing fears in Washington of a loss of position in East Asia after the loss of China the previous year.Reunification by Peace or WarKim moved quickly for reunification following Rhees defeat, but his first offensive was diplomatic. On June 7, Kim called for a consultative conference to be held on June 15-17 and for Korea-wide elections to be held that August - both proposals were rejected. Then on June 11, he sent three diplomats to Rhee with a peace overture, which the South Korean leader also rejected. According to US diplomats in Seoul at the time, including John Foster Dulles, Rhee rejected these overtures because his desire was nothing short of conquest of the North, and he believed the troop retraining by the US Korean Military Advisory Group would make that possible.Throughout June, hostilities along the intra-Korean border intensified, with both North and South Korean forces launching raids and bombardments against the other. As the KPA moved its forces southward toward the border, the American CIA observed their movement but judged it to be a defensive measure against further South Korean attacks, and saw an invasion as unlikely.On June 27, the US brought before the United Nations Security Council Resolution 83, calling for an international force to come to the aid of South Korea and restore peace to the Korean Peninsula. The resolution passed because the Soviet Union was boycotting the UN in solidarity with the PRC, since the UN continued to recognize the Republic of China as the legitimate government of China, even though by that point the RoC only controlled Taiwan and the PRC controlled the entire mainland.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230628/ukraine-disrespects-faith-by-moving-kiev-pechersk-lavra-relics-to-w-europe---archpriest-1111517080.html

Cleric Slams Zelensky Regime for Sending Kiev Monastery's Orthodox Relics to Western Europe

Cleric Slams Zelensky Regime for Sending Kiev Monastery's Orthodox Relics to Western Europe

Ukrainian officials who seek to transfer the Christian Orthodox relics from the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra to museums in Western Europe do not respect the faith of the people or the values of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, ROCOR Synod of Bishops Chancellor Serafim Gan told Sputnik.

2023-06-28T06:23+0000

2023-06-28T06:23+0000

2023-06-28T11:24+0000

world

ukrainian crisis

ukrainian orthodox church (uoc)

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"Taking the relics out would mean that neither the faith of the people nor the values of the Orthodox church are respected by those who make such decisions," Gan said. Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) said earlier this week that the Ukrainian authorities and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) had reached a deal on removing the relics from the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra and sending them to Western European countries. The SVR said the agreement stipulates the historic monastery's artifacts would be moved to museums in Italy, France, Germany and the Vatican under the pretext of allegedly rescuing them from Russian missile strikes. However, UNESCO did not confirm the alleged deal to the Russian media and directed any inquiries to the Ukrainian authorities. Gan was bewildered as to why it is necessary to deprive Christian Orthodox believers of the right to venerate the relics. Tensions between the Kiev regime and the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) escalated after Russia launched its special military operation in Ukraine in February 2022. The Zelensky regime ordered the UOC monks to leave the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, claiming they had allegedly violated the terms of the lease. The Lavras jurisdiction was divided between the National Kiev-Pechersk Historical and Cultural Preserve - a Ukrainian cultural organization - and the UOC itself. Ukrainian Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko said then the monks could stay in the Lavra if they join the non-canonical Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), but the monks slammed the eviction order as illegal because it was not backed by a court decision. In April, Tkachenko said that the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture had formed a commission to look into the use of state property pertaining to the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230331/no-sympathy-for-devil-ukrainian-orthodox-church-defiant-against-godless-zelensky-regime-1108993120.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230329/priest-condemns-godless-zelensky-regimes-seizure-of-kiev-pechersk-lavra-during-great-lent--1108925813.html

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ukrainian crisis, ukrainian orthodox church, kiev-pechersk lavra, faith persecution, persecution of christians
On the heels of last month's $5 million judgment against him in a sexual assault and defamation case, former US president Donald Trump has filed a countersuit against the writer E. Jean Carroll, alleging that she has defamed him.

Trump's motion, submitted in federal court in Manhattan late Tuesday night, June 27, references instances both before and after the judgment when Carroll publicly claimed that Trump raped her.

While the jury found Trump guilty of sexually assaulting Carroll in the 1990s in a Manhattan department store dressing room, they did not find him guilty of rape as she had long maintained. The verdict was handed down last month.

Trump's Counterclaim

According to The Washington Post, Trump's complaint states that Carroll "made these false statements with actual malice and ill will with an intent to significantly and spitefully harm and attack [Trump's] reputation, as these false statements were clearly contrary to the jury verdict."

Roberta A. Kaplan, Carroll's attorney, said in a statement that the lawsuit was just Trump's "latest effort to delay accountability" for his defamation of Carroll, which a jury had previously ruled to be true.

Kaplan said that Carroll's remarks listed in the Trump complaint were made after the one-year statute of limitations in New York had expired.

Trump presented the counterclaim in his response to Carroll's updated lawsuit, in which Carroll accused Trump of more defamation for statements Trump made during a CNN special event on May 10 - just after the jury's $5 million award in the original case. That case will go to trial at the beginning of the new year.

In their lawsuit, Trump's legal team points to a CNN interview with Carroll the day following the judgment, in which she was questioned about the jury's decision to find Trump not guilty of rape. Carroll affirmed, "Oh yes, he did, oh yes, he did."

Trump's attorneys claim in the petition that the interview was aired on television, social media, and other internet websites with the objective of broadcasting and spreading these defamatory words among a large section of the public.

See Also: Trump Urges Judge To Dismiss E. Jean Carroll's Second Defamation Suit, Claims Jury Agreed Former President Never Raped Her

Alleged Defamation

In 2019, while Trump was still president, Carroll made her first public accusation of rape against him. She has since repeated the claim in her writing, legal documents, and media appearances.

Trump has denied the claims vigorously, including in a message he made public on social media last year in which he called them a "Hoax and a lie." Carroll countersued, accusing him of battery and defamation.

The Washington Post said that Trump had been accused by more than a dozen separate women of sexual assault or misconduct, but none of these cases have ever been taken to trial. In the Carroll case, he called the $5 million decision a "disgrace" and plans to challenge it. Trump has been instructed to make a deposit while this develops.

See Also: Donald Trump's Leaked Audio Discusses Sensitive Iran Document

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230628/un-report-us-avoids-trials-of-gitmo-detainees-because-it-fears-consequences-of-torture-program-1111531451.html

UN Report: US Avoids Trials of Gitmo Detainees Because It Fears 'Consequences' of Torture Program

UN Report: US Avoids Trials of Gitmo Detainees Because It Fears 'Consequences' of Torture Program

A UN report suggested that the US is hesitant to hold trials for some Guantanamo detainees because officials fear the consequences of the US torture program that took place at the military prison.

2023-06-28T20:18+0000

2023-06-28T20:18+0000

2023-06-28T20:17+0000

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The UN Rapporteur on Counterterrorism and Human Rights, Fionnuala Ni Aolain recently published a scathing report on human rights abuses at the Guantanamo Bay camp, and the continuing arbitrary indefinite detention some detainees are experiencing even after leaving the infamous military prison.Aolain interviewed current and former detainees, victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and human rights lawyers during her investigation.The report detailed delayed justice for victims of the 9/11 attacks and the continued injustice for torture victims, with a focus on indefinite detention.While Aolain acknowledges there have been strides within Guantanamo to improve the condition of detainees, she stated their continued confinement without trial, and the US governments unwillingness to prosecute those who engaged in torture may be the motivation behind the indefinite detention.She also writes that while access to legal counsel has been increased for detainees, they have still been prevented from talking to their lawyers at seemingly arbitrary times.But even when detainees are removed from Guantanamo, their nightmare doesnt necessarily end there. Aolain writes that when detainees could not be returned to their homes, they were sent to third countries where abuses and indefinite detention often continued.In two countries in particular, Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates, it was pointed out that detainees in Kazakhstan effectively remain under house arrest and indefinitely detained. A US media outlet spoke to two detainees in Kazakhstan who complained they had not been given any legal status, thus preventing them from obtaining an ID card, health care, education, a path to citizenship, or the ability to leave the country. The individuals indicated they have to call and ask for a chaperone to leave their apartments, and have not been able to reunite with their families, despite living in Kazakhstan for nearly a decade.The findings outlined that the restrictions were implemented despite the fact that both detainees have never been charged with a crime and have been released and deemed no longer a threat to the United States.The report states there is a legal and moral obligation for the US government to use all of its diplomatic and legal resources to facilitate (re)transfer of these men, with meaningful assurance and support to other countries, adding that beyond resettlement and repatriations, the US should develop a formal and effective follow-up system as part of its obligations.In a statement given to US media, the State Department denied they have any obligation to detainees transferred to another country.Once security assurances have expired, and pending any specific renegotiation of assurances, it largely falls to the discretion of the host country to determine what security measures they continue to implement, a State Department spokesperson said.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230224/us-repatriates-two-brothers-held-at-guantanamo-detention-center-for-20-years-without-charges-1107754682.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230110/amnesty-international-urges-biden-to-close-guantanamo-on-21st-anniversary-of-camp-1106205044.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230628/united-states-provocative-behavior-in-taiwan-issue-creates-more-tensions-in-sino-us-relations-1111520747.html

United States' 'Provocative Behavior' in Taiwan Issue Creates More Tensions in Sino-US Relations

United States' 'Provocative Behavior' in Taiwan Issue Creates More Tensions in Sino-US Relations

Dianlong Bi, commentator on the China-Taiwan relations, argues that the United States is not really committed to easing relations between mainland China and Taiwan or to abiding by the One China principle.

2023-06-28T14:01+0000

2023-06-28T14:01+0000

2023-06-28T14:01+0000

world

china

taiwan

us

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house armed services committee

mike rogers

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The US congressional delegation, the largest in recent years, was led by Republican Rep. Mike Rogers, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee that is responsible for funding and oversight of the United States military.Dianlong Bi, commentator on the China-Taiwan relations, told Sputnik that the United States is going to continue strengthening its military ties with the island and pursuing the policy of containing China.The commentator described the US delegations visit as a reflection of US President Joe Bidens lack of leadership, adding that this move basically shows that the United States is not really committed to easing cross-strait relations (i.e. relations between mainland China and Taiwan) and to abiding by the One China principle.According to him, such extremely provocative behavior of the United States is unlikely to help improve the Sino-US relations but will rather lead to more tension between Washington and Beijing.The commentator further suggested that China will advance the process of reunification at its own pace and in its own way, and respond to provocative acts that undermine Sino-US and cross-strait relations.Following the Chinese Revolution and the creation of the Peoples Republic of China in 1949, the remnants of Chiang Kai-sheks Republic of China government fled to the island of Taiwan.Since then, Taiwan has styled itself as the Republic of China, while Beijing maintains that the island is a province of the Peoples Republic of China and that Chinese sovereignty over Taiwan is indisputable.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230627/taiwan-pledges-to-attack-chinese-military-if-pla-forces-enter-12-mile-zone-1111496999.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230628/us-hawks-lose-momentum-amid-faltering-ukrainian-counteroffensive-1111526242.html

US Hawks Lose Momentum Amid Faltering Ukrainian Counteroffensive

US Hawks Lose Momentum Amid Faltering Ukrainian Counteroffensive

The US House Foreign Affairs Committee ranking member Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) told press that the Wagner mutiny could convince his Republican colleagues, who were talking about not continuing funding Ukraine, that the time is ripe for green-lighting more funding for Kiev on June 26.

2023-06-28T16:22+0000

2023-06-28T16:22+0000

2023-06-28T16:25+0000

analysis

joe biden

ukraine

russia

pentagon

wagner aborted mutiny

nato

high mobility artillery rocket system (himars)

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Ukraine has failed to demonstrate much progress in its counteroffensive so far, putting the brakes on those US lawmakers who agree that new funding should depend on such.US Aid May be Depleted in Few MonthsCurrently, US military assistance comes to Ukraine via two main routes: first, direct supplies from the Pentagon stockpiles under the Presidential Drawdown Authority; second, the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI)  a Pentagon-led funding program to increase Kiev's military prowess. However, "theres no additional money in the base budget," as per defense officials as quoted by the US media.As per the Pentagon, the US has invested $41.2 billion in security assistance to Kiev since January 2021 which includes more than $40.5 billion since the beginning of Russia's special military operation to demilitarize and de-Nazify Ukraine.For its part, the Kiel Institute for the World Economy estimates that since the start of the Ukraine conflict, the Biden administration has directed over $76 billion in humanitarian, financial and military assistance to Ukraine. Around $47 billion of that has been allocated to Kiev's military needs, including $18.5 billion (through USAID); $23.5 billion (through the presidential drawdown authority); and $4.7 billion (through the Foreign Military Financing program).The generous military packages for Ukraine included: numerous infantry arms and equipment; artillery (hundreds of howitzers, 38 HIMARS systems, in particular); tanks and armored carriers (109 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, 31 Abrams tanks, 45 T-72B tanks, 90 Stryker carries, etc.); ground support vehicles; air defenses (one Patriot air defense battery, 12 Avenger air defense systems, 8 NASAMs, and 1,600 Stingers, in particular); air-to-ground missiles; manned aircraft (20 Mi-17 helicopters); explosive and surveillance drones; coastal defenses (including two Harpoon defense systems and 62 coastal and riverine patrol boats); radars and communications; as well as satellite services, as per Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) chart.In mid-June, the White House signaled that it would send an extra $325 million in supplies to Kiev, including air defense systems, HIMARS ammunition, and armored vehicles following the beginning of its botched counteroffensive.According to some estimates, around $36 billion in military supplies had already been delivered or contracted for Kiev by the US, leaving roughly $11 billion. Some US media suggested that at the average rate of disbursement since the conflict began, this sum could run out in four months.Will US Use New Pretext to Prolong Proxy War in Ukraine?The Biden administration needs a new pretext to enhance support to Kiev. Even though there is some bipartisan consensus in the US Congress on the "necessity" to back Kiev, there is opposition from the right-wing Freedom Caucus to further spending. US national polls also show that the US public is steadily losing appetite for prolonging the conflict. Two Republican presidential front-runners - Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis - as well as Democratic candidate Robert Kennedy, Jr., who commands the support of at least 15-20% of Democratic voters, openly express their opposition to Biden's adventurism in Ukraine.As Ukraine's much-anticipated counteroffensive largely stalled in summer 2023, it appears that the Democrats are trying to capitalize on the Wagner mutiny of June 23-24 even though its quick settlement has seemingly caught Team Biden off guard, according to Paul E. Vallely, retired US Army major general and chairman of Stand Up America US Foundation.The US mainstream press expressed hopes that Kiev would be able to benefit from Russia's "unrest". However, despite Wagner's mutiny, the Russian army has managed to keep the situation on the frontlines stable, repelling several Ukrainian attacks over the weekend.For her part, Karen Kwiatkowski noted that Washington was apparently hoping that "the Ukrainian forces would achieve at least one breakthrough along the lines of control, something to justify the massive Biden investment in Ukraine's political leadership.""Hope, as they say, is not a strategy, and I do believe that the Biden Security Council is and has been preparing plans for the post-combat phase, with talk of an Israel-like 'outpost', of a 'green' rebuild of western Ukraine, and a NATO practice arena over the long term. Plans for hundreds of billions of US taxpayer money administered by Blackrock in the rump state of Ukraine have been in place for over six months at this point," she continued.Nonetheless, despite the much-advertised counteroffensive having failed so far, what's left of Ukraine serves NATO's mission needs for the foreseeable future, Kwiatkowski noted. Ukraine still remains nothing short of being a "testing grounds" for the US military-industrial complex and justifies huge future investments in the militarization of Europe, according to the ex-Pentagon analyst.Divisions Over Ukraine Growing in WestVallely believes that those in the West who have grown weary of the Ukraine conflict and anti-Russia sanctions that backfired on both US and European economies, need to seek the way for settlement. "That's why we're proposing a cease-fire conference in Malta in August. The Patriot International Alliance that we've formed," he remarked.Meanwhile, Pope Francis' envoy Cardinal Matteo Zuppi arrived in Moscow on June 27. According to the US mainstream press, the cardinal is a veteran of the Catholic Churchs peace initiatives. Still, the media notes that details of Zuppi's itinerary "werent immediately clear." Earlier this month, the cardinal met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Kremlin laconically stated that it "welcomes" the Vatican's peace efforts.For its part, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has been skeptical about the West's involvement in the Ukraine conflict from the start, made it clear that he believes that Kiev has little if any odds of winning. In addition, Budapest has prevented the EU from approving a package of 500 million ($546 million) in military supplies for Kiev. As a result, the adoption of the eighth Ukraine package is currently hanging in the balance, as per EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.The Biden administration should reconcile itself with the present geopolitical reality, according to Kwiatkowski."Like Biden himself, the US operates as a global 'tough guy' from the perspective of unlimited resources of cash, credibility and superiority in its military capabilities and strategies," the former Pentagon analyst said.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230628/why-more-us-bradley-armored-vehicles-wont-boost-ukraines-counteroffensive-1111520165.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230627/fact-check-have-british-storm-shadows-proved-effective-on-ukraine-battlefield-1111509648.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230626/western-experts-salivated-prospect-of-doom-and-civil-war-in-russia-amid-mutiny-1111475391.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230613/why-cant-western-weapons-save-day-for-ukraines-counteroffensive-1111121503.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230505/pepe-escobar-divisions-brewing-in-europe-1110123039.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230628/us-issues-air-quality-alerts-to-92mln-residents-due-to-from-canadian-wildfires---reports-1111530803.html

US Issues Air Quality Alerts to 92Mln Residents Due to From Canadian Wildfires - Reports

US Issues Air Quality Alerts to 92Mln Residents Due to From Canadian Wildfires - Reports

Canadian wildfires are affecting air quality in large areas of the United States for the second time in June, prompting the US authorities to caution residents to take adequate precautions against conditions caused by the smoke, a American broadcaster and weather-related websites reported on Wednesday.

2023-06-28T19:11+0000

2023-06-28T19:11+0000

2023-06-28T19:11+0000

americas

canada

us

wildfires

air pollution

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Smoke from the wildfires in Canada has descended on the Great Lakes region and the Midwest, with the cities of Chicago and Detroit having the worst air quality in the world, the report said. The affected areas in the northern parts of the United States could continue to have poor air quality for the next few days thanks to a low-pressure system, according to the National Weather Service. About 92 million people in the United States are under air quality alerts and the National Weather Service also issued air alerts for northeastern Illinois, northwestern Indiana and southeast Michigan.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230622/over-400-wildfires-burning-in-canada-213-out-of-control---emergency-preparedness-chief-1111409472.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230628/us-obsessed-with-idea-of-inflicting-strategic-defeat-on-russia---embassy-1111515212.html

US Obsessed With Idea of Inflicting Strategic Defeat on Russia - Embassy

US Obsessed With Idea of Inflicting Strategic Defeat on Russia - Embassy

The United States is obsessed with the idea to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia, the Russian Embassy in Washington said commenting on a new US military assistance package for Ukraine.

2023-06-28T03:24+0000

2023-06-28T03:24+0000

2023-06-28T03:23+0000

world

russia

us

us department of defense (dod)

nato

high mobility artillery rocket system (himars)

volodymyr zelensky

russian embassy

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"With further deliveries of military equipment, Washington only confirms its obsession with the idea of inflicting a strategic defeat on the Russian Federation. To do this, pushes its clients towards more and more desperate adventures," the Embassy said in a statement. "The lives of Ukrainians mean nothing to the American authorities."The US Department of Defense on Tuesday announced a package of additional military aid for Ukraine worth $500 million, including 30 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, 25 Stryker armored personnel carriers, Stinger anti-aircraft systems, as well as more munitions for Patriot defense systems and HIMARS systems. "The United States is making futile attempts to defeat the Russian Federation 'on the battlefield' with [the] hands of Kiev puppets. Washington announces the allocation of more and more 'packages' of security assistance to the Zelensky regime," the Embassy said. "In the meantime, Russian military personnel are day by day debunking the myths about the 'unsurpassed quality' of American and NATO weapons," it said.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230627/us-announces-500mln-in-additional-security-supplies-for-ukraine-1111507625.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230628/us-record-of-cluster-bombs-rings-alarm-bells-for-ukrainians-1111528359.html

US Record of Cluster Bombs Rings Alarm Bells for Ukrainians

US Record of Cluster Bombs Rings Alarm Bells for Ukrainians

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has renewed calls to send cluster munitions to Ukraine, as Kiev struggles to push its much-discussed counteroffensive. What are cluster bombs and what risks is their use fraught with?

2023-06-28T18:38+0000

2023-06-28T18:38+0000

2023-06-28T18:57+0000

joe biden

ukraine

us

cluster munitions

world

ukrainian armed forces

nato

house foreign affairs committee

high mobility artillery rocket system (himars)

convention on cluster munitions

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US Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC), Steve Cohen (D-TN), and Victoria Spartz (R-IN) urged President Joe Biden to dispatch dual-purpose improved conventional munitions (DPICM), commonly known as "cluster" shells, to Ukraine on June 25.It's not the first time that US politicians have been discussing equipping the Ukrainian military with cluster munitions.Last Thursday, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia Laura Cooper told lawmakers on the House Foreign Affairs Committee that DPICMs "would be useful, especially against dug-in Russian positions on the battlefield."On March 21, four top Republican lawmakers on the House and Senate Foreign Affairs and Armed Cervices committees  James Risch, Roger Wicker, Michael McCaul and Mike Rogers  sent a letter to the US president insisting that while not without risks, this could solve the problem of Kiev's artillery ammunition shortage.In December 2022, Kiev itself made a request for cluster munitions to Washington. As per the US press, Kiev planned to launch the weapons from High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and 155 mm Howitzers. However, at that time, Joe Biden refused to provide the weapons banned by over 120 countries to the Ukrainian military.What are Cluster Munitions?The DPICM is an artillery or surface-to-surface missile warhead that releases dozens to hundreds of smaller submunitions that can use shaped charges for the anti-armor role and fragmentation for the antipersonnel role. The air-to-surface variety of the shells is known as a "cluster bomb." One munition can destroy multiple targets at once, meaning that fewer missiles are needed.Some US experts consider that most relevant for Ukraine would be the M483A1 and M864 artillery which could be fired from Ukraine's Western-made 155mm artillery systems. The 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) bans the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster munitions and requires destruction of stockpiles of the weapons, as well as clearance of areas contaminated by remnants and bomblets and victim assistance. The weapons were prohibited for a good reason: inaccurate cluster munitions pose an immediate threat to civilians by randomly scattering submunitions over a wide area. In addition, myriads of unexploded remnants continue to endanger civilians long after the conflict.The US, however, stores plenty of cluster munitions.US Record of Using Cluster MunitionsCluster bombs were first used during the Second World War. For its part, the US started to extensively use them in the 1960s and the 1970s in Southeast Asia. Citing the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) a March 2022 congressional report says that "in Laos alone, 9 to 27 million unexploded submunitions remained after the conflict, resulting in over 10,000 civilian casualties to date."During the Gulf War of 1991, the US and its allies dropped around 61,000 cluster bombs containing some 20 million submunitions. In addition, the coalition also used surface-to-surface DPICMs delivered by artillery and rocket systems. It is believed that 30 million or more DPICM submunitions were used during the conflict.In 1999, NATO forces dropped 1,765 cluster bombs containing around 295,000 submunitions on Yugoslavia. Despite common belief that these bombs would be used against military installations, it was reported in June 1999 that a NATO airstrike involving cluster bombs on an airfield in Nis on May 7, 1999, went off target and hit a hospital and adjoining civilian areas. Another report said about five boys were killed and two injured by a cluster bomb submunition that exploded near the village of Doganovic in southern Kosovo.Nonetheless, the US and NATO allies continued to use the inaccurate munitions. Between 2001 and 2002, the US Air Force bombed Afghanistan with 1,228 cluster munitions containing 248,056 submunitions.The US and British military fired around 13,000 cluster munitions containing up to two million submunitions during the first three weeks of the invasion of Iraq in 2003.As per Human Rights Watch, American and British ground forces widely used cluster munitions in major cities of Iraq which led to hundreds of civilian casualties, including children. Lots of unexploded submunitions were later discovered in residential areas near schools and playgrounds resulting in further injuries and deaths.US Cluster Munition StockpilesDespite an indiscriminate use of cluster bombs and shells by the US military that led to extensive casualties and destruction, Washington did not join the international convention prohibiting the deadly weapons. Neither did it destroy its vast stockpiles of cluster munitions. The US original provisions drafted in 2008 and seeking to remove large portions of the weapons from the US stockpiles were later reversed.Thus, a Department of Defense memo inked on November 30, 2017 indefinitely delayed implementation of a ban on using "unreliable types of cluster munitions" which was expected to take effect on January 1, 2019, in the US. Furthermore, the new policy envisaged the US acquisition of cluster munitions from foreign sources.The US maintains restrictions on exports of cluster munitions, allowing selling DPICMs that do not result in more than 1% unexploded ordnance. Under US law, the recipient should make a commitment not to use the weapons in civilian areas.Moreover, some US scholars suggest that Washington's move could alienate some of its allies given that 23 NATO members are party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230426/us-should-provide-cluster-bombs-to-ukraine--congressman-1109860400.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20220830/cluster-bombs-butterfly-mines-phosphorus-munitions-prohibited-weapons-used-by-ukraine-1100038913.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230324/no-guilt-no-shame-western-leaders-excuses-for-nato-bombing-of-yugoslavia-1108758495.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20200903/us-tests-next-generation-fragmentation-bomb-as-viable-substitute-for-cluster-munitions-1080360316.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20230628/violent-clashes-erupt-in-paris-suburbs-after-police-kill-teenager---reports-1111517858.html

Violent Clashes Erupt in Paris Suburbs After Police Kill Teenager - Reports

Violent Clashes Erupt in Paris Suburbs After Police Kill Teenager - Reports

Unrest and violent clashes with police broke out in the western Paris suburb of Nanterre and other suburbs after law enforcement killed a 17-year-old teenager who attempted to flee a traffic check early on Tuesday, local media reported.

2023-06-28T05:04+0000

2023-06-28T05:04+0000

2023-06-28T09:17+0000

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protest

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The French police killed the teenager driving a rental car after he refused to pull over after breaking several road rules outside of Paris, "which caused shock and questions about the readiness of the security forces to pull the trigger," local newspaper reported. The incident caused unrest on the streets of Nanterre and a protest outside a police building, with protesters setting fire to barricades and trash cans, vandalizing bus stops and throwing firecrackers at the police, forcing the law enforcement to use tear gas, the report said. The French broadcaster reported that unrest was spreading to other suburbs of Paris, with clashes with police and arson occurring in Suresnes, Asnieres-sur-Seine, Gennevilliers, La Garenne-Colombes and Villeneuve in the Ile-de-France region. In Nanterre, protesters began smashing billboards and bus stops and set three cars on fire. Some of them gathered near the house of the deceased and in front of the prefecture. Police squads, including special response units, were sent to the suburbs, the report said. Several dozen protesters began building barricades and throwing rocks and incendiary mixtures at the police, with law enforcement responding with tear gas. One person was injured in the eye, the broadcaster reported. Nine people were detained in the suburb, according to the city's prefecture.

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Developing younger pacers had a $16,000 feature race for each sex conducted over off going on Tuesday afternoon at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania.

The males were led by the Stay Hungry sophomore gelding Im Hungry (pictured above), a three-quarter brother to millionaire Beach Glass, a PA Stallion Series winner and now triumphant in three consecutive starts after a 1:51.4 mile over a sloppy oval. The tracks leading driver, Matt Kakaley, tucked in third with the winner as Oak Grove shipper Bay City led the field past the quarter in :27.2, then brushed to command in front of the stands and reached the half in :56.3 and the three-quarters in 1:24.3. Bay City came out of the pocket to give good chase down the stretch in the :27.1 kicker, but he came up a neck shy of Im Hungry, who is trained by Travis Alexander and owned by Brent McGrath of Somebeachsomewhere fame.

The same basic storyline was followed in the section for distaffs, with the Lazarus N three-year-old filly Annas Wish equalling her mark of 1:52.2 over a surface upgraded to good before the race. Tyler Buter had a post inside all the main leavers and put them all in behind early, enabling him to guide his filly through fractions of :27.2, :57 and 1:24.1. Sweet Home swung wide from second-over in the stretch and was doing nicely late, but Annas Wish was able to keep that one at bay by a half-length for trainer Jenn Bongiorno and owners Robert Weinstein and Jordon Sklut.

The two feature race-winning drivers, Buter and Kakaley, also tied for the days honours with three victories.

Racing will be held throughout the Fourth Of July weekend at Pocono, going at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday (July 4) and on Sunday at 6 p.m. A special Hot Summer Fun Kickoff Party, including (non-pari-mutuel) ostrich and camel races, will be held throughout the Saturday card. Program pages for all Pocono races will be available on the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen's Association website.

(PHHA/Pocono)
Jason Bartlett has had 13 wins over the last two nights at MGM Yonkers Raceway  seven on Monday night (June 26) and six on Tuesday night (June 27)  and the last of those triumphs on Tuesday's program made him just the 20th driver in North American harness racing to have 10,000 career victories.

Bartlett's first five trips to the winner's circle on Tuesday came courtesy of Fugleman (1:55), Miki Rose (1:54), Blank Stare (1:51.3), Simon Says Hanover (2:22.1 in the $30,000 Can You Go the Distance Series final at a mile and a quarter) and Groovy Joe (1:52.3).

After missing out by just three-quarters of a length with Lous The Attitude in his first chance at the milestone in race nine, Bartlett was able to seal the deal with seven-year-old Bettors Delight gelding The Regulator (1:53.1) in the nightcap.

Not only is Bartlett in select company with 10,000 career driving victories, his horses have also earned more than $142.5 million, placing him 13th all-time. He's also at his usual spot atop the drivers' standings at MGM Yonkers Raceway with 237 tallies.

Coming up on Friday night (June 30) at MGM Yonkers Raceway are the finals of the $300,000 MGM Yonkers Trot, the $250,000 MGM Grand Messenger Stakes, the $115,000 Park MGM Pace and the $100,000 New York New York Mile. The MGM Yonkers Trot and the MGM Grand Messenger Stakes are the first legs of the Trotting and Pacing Triple Crowns. To complement the big night of racing, the Empire Terrace Dining Room will be open during the program. For more information, please call 914-457-2627.

MGM Yonkers Raceway is currently operating on a Monday-Tuesday-Thursday-Friday-Saturday live racing schedule with post time at 7 p.m. (EDT).

(Yonkers)
Community members came together last week to distribute nearly 40,000 pounds of free food to the needy.

The Culpeper-Fredericksburg food distribution was held last Friday afternoon at Wayland Blue Ridge Baptist Center in Rixeyville.

The Rev. Dr. Milton Branch Sr., of Immanuel Christian Ministries, coordinated the giveaway in collaboration with the Baptist General Convention of Virginia and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Culpeper.

It was a collaborative, interfaith effort, Branch said. You have to be careful what you pray for!

By the end of Friday, most of the food and other items, like laundry detergent and dish soap, were gone with supplies given to about 80 families, Branch stated.

A comment heard from a recipient during the giveaway was, Its just like Christmas!

Another 30 area churches and food pantries picked up the free groceries and anything left over was taken to the Culpeper Food Closet to help stock the shelves.

By Saturday evening, it was all gone  they cleaned us out! Branch exclaimed.

It was a great event with wonderful partnerships and working together for the greater good, he added.

A touch of heaven. Everyone was so friendly.

In a post on the churchs Facebook page, the pastor thanked the many volunteers who assisted in the unloading and distribution of 39,665 pounds of food and other household items.

We especially thank the Church of Latter-day Saints who sent a trailer truck from Utah filled with the items which were distributed, Branch said.

Trustee Shelton Brown donated his forklift and time to remove pallets from the truck while the Rev. Willie Crenshaw volunteered the use of the Wayland Blue Ridge Baptist Center for distribution.

It was a joy to see those of the various households of faith working together in harmony to bless our community, Branch said. May God richly bless each and every one of you who came today to volunteer, and may God bless the receivers of your efforts.
Pedophiles are now using AI Stable Diffusion to target children.

They are taking advantage of the generative artificial intelligence model by creating life-like child sexual abuse material.

This was discovered by BBC News, saying that child sexual abuse offenders are also selling AI-generated malicious content.

One of the websites that pedophiles are using to sell their child sexual abuse material is the mainstream content-sharing platform Patreon.

AI Stable Diffusion Now Used by Pedophiles To Target Children!

According to GCHQ, the United Kingdom's intelligence and cybersecurity agency said that pedophiles are adopting all technologies appearing in the market.

Read Also: Cultural Observers Find Jokes, Memes About OceanGate Titan Tragedy Sickening, Reeks of Schadenfreude

GCHQ added that some of these child sexual abuse offenders even believe that the future of child sexual abuse material depends on AI-generated material.

Since Stable Diffusion is easy to use, pedophiles are taking advantage of it to generate life-like child abuse images.

BBC stated that some of the AI-generated images created by pedophiles include r*pe of toddlers and babies.

"Since AI-generated images became possible, there has been this huge flood... it's not just very young girls, they're talking about toddlers," said Octavia Sheepshanks, a freelance researcher and journalist investigating the alarming activity.

Why AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Content is Alarming

Via Yahoo Finance, Ian Critchley, the NPCC's child safeguarding lead, said that although the AI-generated images don't include real children, it is incorrect to argue that no one is harmed by these malicious photos.

The official added that it could have a chain reaction that can lead to real-life child abuse, from offensive thoughts to synthetic ones to an actual abusive act.

The U.K. government warned that pseudo images generated using a computer, which contains child sexual abuse, are as illegal as real photos.

This means that publishing or transferring AI-generated child sexual abuse content across the United Kingdom is against the law.

Stability AI Condemns Pedophiles

Stability AI, the company behind Stable Diffusion, said that using generative AI for illegal and immoral purposes is prohibited.

The company added that its policies clearly state that CSAM (child sexual abuse material) is among the prohibited content in Stable Diffusion.

"We strongly support law enforcement efforts against those who misuse our products for illegal or nefarious purposes," said Stability AI.

Related Article: Can AI Replace People in Cosmology and Astronomy Fields?

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Broken trust emerged as a theme during Tuesdays sentencing of a former Culpeper County Public Schools paraprofessional and prominent local gospel artist who pleaded guilty in a teen sexting case that surfaced last year.

Craig Alexander Alex Smith, 48, left the circuit courtroom in handcuffs after being sentenced by Judge Dale Durrer to seven months active jail time on two felony chargesusing a computer to solicit nude photos from a minor and taking indecent liberties with a child by a person in a supervisory relationship.

I take complete and full responsibility for my actions, said Smith at allocution, near the end of a more than two-hour hearing. I am ashamed of my actions and how it has affected (the teen victim) and his family  I never meant to cause so much hurt.

The Culpeper native, in pleading guilty earlier this year, admitted he asked one of his summer school students from Culpeper County High School, a 15-year-old male, to send him a photo of his genitalia in exchange for delivering a cell phone charger to his house on the date of June 21, 2022.

Smith also admitted he gave the teen multiple rides home without the knowledge of his parents, according to court documents. In addition, the former CCPS employee gave the teen a cell phone, which he used to regularly communicate with the teen on messenger using an iPad, as well as with other CCHS students, according to court documents.

Smiths mother cried from the courtroom gallery as her son was led away Tuesday by deputies, as did others among more than three dozen family and community members who came out to show support for the defendant.

Smith was a special education paraprofessional at Culpeper County High School in the 2021-22 academic year slated to become a long-term choir substitute. He was a former worship leader at Culpeper Baptist Church, choir director at Rising Zion Baptist Church in Jeffersonton and former director of the Blue Ridge Chorale.

Victim impact statement: lack of trust

The teens mother, on the stand in the courtroom, gave a victim impact statement with a strong voice to begin proceedings, saying her son was 15 when the crime took place, not 16 as reported by authorities. She went to police immediately around that time with suspicions that a teacher was grooming her son.

The teen had a birthday around the time of the sexting incident and had turned 16 by the time Smith was arrested by the Culpeper County Sheriffs Office on July 12, 2022.

The teens mom in court, with hurt, frustration and betrayal in her voice, repeated over and over lack of trust in the local school system. Adults expect school system employees will protect, not hurt their children, the mom stated, who also said she works in nursing.

He had given him a phone and was telling him to lie about it! He caused a child not to tell the truth.

Her son has dropped out of CCHS because of the shame and embarrassment he feels over what happened. He is currently enrolled in a vocational training program out of state, and will not get to experience his senior year with his friends, according to his mother.

That was his high school! He was going to graduate a year early, she said. He should be graduating with his classmates and friends. He left because he is carrying around the shame that has taken place. He had to leave the state.

The mom said she had no idea who Smith was.

This man took our son home without our permission, she said. Broke the trust, didnt even call to tell me. This man came to where we live.

Before he left, her son was sleeping with a knife under his pillow out of fear, the mother stated. She and her husband sleep in fear as well, constantly checking to see if their doors and windows are locked, worrying Smith will return. She said her sons demeanor dramatically changed during the weeks-long interactions with Smith and that she knew instantly something was wrong.

I see him spin out of control, the mother said in court. He said he will never trust another man or teacher in his life because (Smith) violated his trust.

Fear, sickening and disgusting were emotions she used to further describe the impact of the crimes to her family.

In defense of Smith

Defense attorney Amy Harper presented a stack of letters in support of Smith from community, family and church members. She noted most were present in the courtroom for the sentencing hearing Tuesday.

The Rev. Jerome Gibson, Rising Zion Baptist Church pastor, got on the stand to speak for Smith, saying the defendant was choir director for six years. Since being arrested and charged in the case, Smith has grown spiritually and is remorseful for what he did and for the suffering of his family, the victims family and the community, Gibson asid.

Smiths actions were out of character, the reverend said, stating he trusted Smith in every situation.

I would say hes an honest person, very gifted, anointed, Gibson said in court. What he did was very unbecoming of his character, he added. I said, its not Craig.

Asked by Harper if it would ever occur again, the reverend responded, No, I believe he has learned from this situation.

Sheena Mosely also spoke on behalf of Smith, saying she has known him for over 30 years, has worked with him in the arts and music and that she is married to his cousin. She said he wouldnt intentionally hurt anyone.

Smith, as part of his punishment, will be on the Virginia Sex Offender Registry for the rest of his life.

What does his future look like? said Mosely. It will never change his character as a person.

She added on cross examination by Deputy Commonwealths Attorney Travis Owens that Smith should have known it was wrong. Mosely said she had no concerns about Smith being back in the community.

I was hurt because I always thought of him as my little brother, she said.

Owens called Culpeper Baptist Church pastor Dan Carlton to the stand who testified that Smith, in addition to all of his other positions, worked with third-fifth graders in the afterschool program at the churchs Child Development Center daycare.

There were never any allegations against him? Owens asked, and the pastor replied no.

I am here because I am pastor of Culpeper Baptist Church and am concerned about a parishioner and other parishioners, Carlton said. There is a lot of emotion in this room and regardless of what happens I need to pastor people.

Trust breached, closing arguments

The case is bigger than the victims family, Owens said. Its an issue of trust, the prosecutor continued. When the case first surfaced, how many parents had to sit down with their children and discuss any interactions with the defendant, he asked.

Reading from a psychosexual evaluation ordered by the court for Smith, Owens described a pattern of inappropriate, sometimes sexual banter with teens at Culpeper High. The prosecutor said Smith interacted with them as if he was their peer and thought it was normal to have the conversations with minors.

Mr. Smith is (48) years old. He has no prior criminal history. You would assume he would have common sense and decency to not interact with juveniles the way he did, Owens said.

The overarching theme is trust, he said, the trust the community can have in teachers, aides, camp counselors and other adults working with children.

Mr. Smith was entrusted by the parents and he breached that trust, Owens said. He was old enough and wise enough to know, and needs to be punished for his actions.

Harper said her client has spent 28 days in jail and has abided by restrictive bond conditions during the period awaiting trial. Supporters testified Smith is remorseful and accepts responsibility, the defense attorney said.

This is a question of trust, Harper said, and why this case had made so much noise. He understands the position he held in the community. There was a level of responsibility and it was a position of authority over students. He recognized he breached that.

The poor judgement spanned a period of three to four weeks, Harper said, saying her client is very talented, very educated and well liked in the community. Those who came to support him still have faith in Smith, Harper said. He wants to get back out in the community and teach music to adults, she said.

There was no touching involved, Harper said. Mr. Smith is a very good man putting this aside and the community has shown that.

Apologies, sentencing

At allocution, Smith said he never meant to insert himself into the family of the victim, calling it careless actions that let so many people down. He apologized to the family, his family, Culpeper community and the churches.

It was inappropriate and reckless behavior  I overstepped my boundary. I should not have done that, Smith said. I hope you all will forgive me.

He said he would never do anything like it again.

Sentencing guidelines called for zero to three months of jail time in the case, but Owens and Judge Durrer both felt it did not take into account the impact of the crime on the teen victim.

In handing down sentencing, Durrer said Smith has no criminal history and that he believes he is remorseful. The defendant will be on the sex offender registry for the rest of his life, the judge said, listing associated restrictions.

He also enjoys a lot of community support, Durrer said. He was in a position of distinction, of trust and honor educating our school children. Mr. Smith abused that trust.

Grooming techniques were performed, the judge went on, stating Smith tried to insert himself in the lives of his students, granting favors and having inappropriate conversations with minors and on social media.

On the first charge, Durrer sentenced Smith to 10 years in person with all but seven months suspended along with a $2,500 suspended fine. On the second charge, Smith received a five-year suspended sentence and $2,500 suspended fine. Smith must be on a period of good behavior for 15 years and on five years of supervised probation. He is to have no contact with the victim or his family or any unsupervised contact with minors, Durrer said.

In addition, Smith will be required to complete a sex offender treatment program, have an electronic device on his computer blocking pornography, be subject to Virginia State Police lie detector tests, have no access to minors without another supervising adult present and gives up his fourth amendment to search and seizure.
A Gering wireless internet provider will receive $755,865 from the Nebraska Public Service Commission to help improve broadband coverage in Oshkosh in the eastern Panhandle.

The award to Inventive Wireless of Nebraska LLC, doing business as Vistabeam Internet, was among 38 3rd Congressional District awards announced Tuesday from the PSCs Capital Projects Fund.

The projects must be finished by Dec. 27, 2024, unless the five-member elected commission grants extensions.

Sixty-five grants totaling more than $61 million were awarded in Nebraska counties outside the Omaha metro area, PSC Chairman Dan Watermeier said in a press release.

Twenty-seven of those awards were in eastern Nebraskas 1st Congressional District, totaling $40.3 million. The 3rd District awards totaled just over $21 million, a little over the $40 million available for 2023 grants.

Because of that, Watermeier said, telecommunications companies serving the sprawling 3rd District will be invited to seek PSC assistance from the remaining $19 million. Broadband projects rejected in the first round may be resubmitted, he said.

The PSC press release said Vistabeam will use its state award to upgrade broadband coverage for 581 Oshkosh customer locations.
A Banner County District Court grand jury returned a no true bill finding in a case examining the death of a Banner County man earlier this year.

The grand jury heard evidence in the case examining law enforcement actions in the April 3 death of Kevin Wynne. The Nebraska State Patrol investigated Wynnes death, which occurred as an officer attempted to serve a search warrant. At the time, the NSP released that the man had died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, which the grand jury confirmed in its findings.

The no true bill finding means that the grand jury did not find any criminal conduct by any individuals that caused or contributed to Wynnes death. Nebraska statute requires that any death that occurs while a suspect is in custody of law enforcement or while being apprehended be examined by a grand jury. Grand jury proceedings are closed to the public, but the grand jurys findings and any reports it makes are public record.

The Banner County sheriff had been attempting to serve a protection order and an arrest warrant about 6:25 a.m. April 3. According to Scotts Bluff County Court records, charges of third-degree domestic assault had been filed against Wynne, stemming from a March 18 complaint investigated by the Gering Police Department. After a preliminary investigation, the NSP said in a release, investigators determined that Sheriff Zane Hopkins had been attempting to make contact with Wynne when the man left the back of the residence. The sheriff reportedly heard two gunshots. He found Wynne dead near a corral.

In its report, the grand jury does recommend that Banner County provide additional support to the sheriff by way of a part-time or full-time deputy to support the personal safety of Sheriff Hopkins as well as the safety of the community. Historically, the Banner County Sheriffs Office has been staffed only by the sheriff, with a part-time deputy employed at times.

The Nebraska Attorney Generals Office oversaw proceedings, which occurred the week of June 12. The findings were made on June 15 and the Star-Herald obtained them Tuesday, June 27, after requesting the records.
Omaha native Michael Fitzsimmons is coming to the Gering Civic Plaza on June 29 to perform two Drums of the World concerts. Fitzsimmons will be performing an adult program at 1 p.m. and he will be headlining the Childrens Summer Reading Ending Party at 3 p.m.

Fitzsimmons composes all of his music and features unique and intriguing instruments from Switzerland called Hang, reminiscent of the steel drums of Trinidad.

This multicultural concert is a showcase for an exciting variety of drums from Cuba, West Africa, Central and South America, flutes from Brazil, China and Native America, pan pipes from Bolivia and kalimbas from South Africa," Fitzsimmons said in a press release. "I weave variety into my performances through improvisational works using a loop station. These multilayered songs unfold before your eyes and between your ears."

Each concert will include audience participation, followed by interactive drumming. 

These concerts were brought to the community through funding provided by the Nebraska Arts Council and Platte Valley Companies.
The Nebraska State Patrol will conduct an investigation after a state prison inmate died Sunday in Lincoln.

Michael R. Thomas, 46, formerly of Lincoln, was found unresponsive in his cell at the Reception and Treatment Center, according to a spokeswoman for the Nebraska Department of Corrections. Staff members began CPR and summoned emergency medical personnel, who pronounced Thomas dead.

Thomas was found guilty in Lancaster County of possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person, resisting arrest and attempted tampering with a witness. He began serving his sentence of up to four years on May 11 this year.

Under state law, a grand jury must investigate whenever a person in custody dies.

Photos: Nebraska drought threatening livestock and crops
The main speaker was Kyle Smith, juvenile resource prosecutor at the Conference of District Attorneys. Along with Kirkman and Nitzu, Beth McKeithan, executive director of Dove House Childrens Advocacy Center, also spoke to the group.
The Wythe County Sheriffs Office is continuing to investigate an early Sunday morning shooting at a Castleton Road party.

In a press release, the Sheriffs Office said deputies were called to a large party in the 2200 block of Castleton Road where shots had been fired.

Officers found a large group of people and found evidence of a shooting.

Shortly after the call, officers learned that a gunshot victim was arriving at Twin County Regional Hospital in Galax.

On Sunday, the victim was listed in critical condition, and police wouldnt release any additional details on Monday.
Delena Estridge, Family Nutrition Program (FNP) assistant with Smyth County Extension Office and Expanded Food and Nutrition Educational 4-H Program (SNAP-Ed 4-H), has been named the 2023 Platinum Award Performer for Southwest Virginia.

Estridge was presented this award at the 2023 Family Nutrition Program All-State meeting held in Richmond earlier this month.

The Platinum Award is given to educators with three or more years on the job who perform remarkably.

As a youth program assistant for the Virginia Cooperative Extensions SNAP-Ed 4-H program, Estridge uses hands-on activities to educate youth about the fundamentals of nutrition, preparation of low- cost snacks and meals, management of food resources, and strategies for incorporating physical activity and more nutritious eating habits into their lives.

Estridges hard work and fun-loving personality enable her to grab students attention and make nutrition exciting, said a Smyth County Extension Office news release. She enrolled and completed six or more lessons with over 500 children to help youth make behavior changes to improve quality of life and live a healthier lifestyle.

For more information on Estridge and the Family Nutrition Program in Smyth County, call her at 276-783-5175.
Turkish intelligence agents were able to pinpoint the origins of attacks northern Syria, according to Athr Press.

Turkey continues its military operations targeting Kurdish Units in northern Syria, with a focus on neutralizing their leaders and positions.

On Monday, Turkish intelligence announced the successful operation in Manbij, located in the eastern countryside of Aleppo in northwestern Syria, resulting in the elimination of 11 members of the Kurdish units. This operation was carried out as part of Turkeys efforts to maintain control over the northern Syrian region known as the Euphrates Shield.

According to Turkish security sources cited by Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, Turkish intelligence agents were able to pinpoint the origins of rocket-propelled grenades and mortar attacks on the Turkish-controlled area in northern Syria. These attacks were launched by what Turkey refers to as the PKK organization and its affiliated groups.

Anadolu, the Turkish news agency, reported that intelligence personnel closely monitored the hideouts of the terrorists in Manbij through aerial and ground surveillance. In coordination with the Turkish armed forces, simultaneous operations were conducted on Sunday at designated locations along the Manbij axis. The outcome of these operations included the elimination of 11 terrorists from the PKK organization and its associated factions, as well as the destruction of a terrorist compound.

Post-Astana 20 escalation

Turkeys military actions against the Kurdish units coincide with ongoing Syrian-Turkish talks, part of the reconciliation process mediated by Russia and Iran. Ankara prioritizes addressing the presence of these units near its borders as a key demand for achieving closer ties. The latest round of talks took place on June 20 and 21 in Astana. Badran Jia Kurd, the Head of the Department of Foreign Relations in the Autonomous Administration, commented on these talks, stating that the Syrian-Turkish reconciliation has entered a new and potentially hazardous phase to restore relations between Turkey and Syria.

The Syrian government consistently emphasizes that the Kurds are an integral part of the Syrian people. However, it strongly opposes any separatist initiatives within its territory and calls on the Kurdish units to cease cooperation with the United States of America.

Mikhail Bogdanov, the Russian presidents envoy to the Middle East and North Africa, has expressed concerns over the American support of the Kurdish Autonomous Administration, which challenges Syrias territorial integrity. He criticized the establishment of a quasi-autonomous entity with its administration by certain Kurdish organizations, describing it as completely unacceptable. Bogdanov also claimed that the United States impedes its Kurdish allies from engaging in negotiations with Damascus, indicating a lack of American interest in resolving the Kurdish issue in Syria.

Despite the Syrian states attempts to hold more than seven rounds of dialogue with the Kurdish units, these efforts have been unsuccessful in resolving the dispute.

Regarding the possibility of a Syrian state-led confrontation with these units, Deputy Foreign Minister Ayman Sousan previously acknowledged that seemingly difficult or impossible tasks can be achieved in politics. However, he emphasized that certain conditions must be met for military cooperation between Syria and Turkey to materialize. These conditions include Turkeys recognition of a complete withdrawal from Syrian territory according to a specific timetable, with the implementation of this withdrawal being the foremost requirement. Once achieved, possibilities for various forms of cooperation between the two countries to serve their national security interests can be explored.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Actors Doh Kyung-soo, left, and Sul Kyung-gu listen to a reporter's question at a press conference for the film "The Moon" in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of CJ ENM



By Kwak Yeon-soo



Acclaimed director Kim Yong-hwa, behind the "Along with the Gods" film franchise, is returning to the big screen after five years with the upcoming science fiction blockbuster "The Moon."



Set in 2029, the upcoming film follows an astronaut named Sun-woo (Doh Kyung-soo) who tries to return home after an accident leaves him stranded in space. Actor Sul Kyung-gu plays the role of the former head of Korea's Naro Space Center who tries to rescue him while actress Kim Hee-ae stars as NASA's director general.



Describing "The Moon" as an ambitious space film with awe-inspiring visual effects, Kim, the director, said the creative team designed the lunar roving vehicle and spacecraft and enhanced them with computer imagery. They also utilized 4K resolution and incorporated IMAX film cameras into the film's set pieces to present the highest quality imaging format suited for IMAX and Dolby Cinemas.



"We consulted with researchers at Korea Aerospace Research Institute and Korea Astronomy & Space Science Institute for scientific accuracy. We tried to get the feeling of the detail correct, so we tried to get the appropriate textures of what a spacecraft or lunar roving vehicle would need," he said.



Doh, who previously worked together with director Kim on "Along with the Gods" film series, said he was taken aback after reading the script.



"I was shocked to find out that this kind of film could be made in Korea. It was a pretty lonely process because I spent most of the shoot solo. Thanks to realistic movie settings and having to wear a heavy space suit, however, I was able to immerse myself in the role and bring out complex emotions of extreme fear, anger and loneliness."





Actor Doh Kyung-soo in a scene from the film "The Moon" / Courtesy of CJ ENM
Martin Griffiths, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, met Bashar al-Assad on Monday, according to Baladi News.

The Syria Response Coordinators reported on Monday that the United Nations plans to visit Syria to facilitate support for early recovery projects in the aftermath of the recent massacre in Jisr al-Shughour. They clarified that the United Nations is offering assistance to the Syrian regime and Russia as a means of addressing the ongoing escalation in northwestern Syria, which has persisted for over five days. Martin Griffiths, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, is set to visit Damascus to mobilize efforts for the return of Syrian refugees and their associated needs.

However, it should be noted that the UN official has not yet visited the northern areas of Syria. There is uncertainty regarding whether he will have the opportunity to explore these regions or limit his visit to designated areas. It is worth mentioning that more than 135 UN delegations have previously visited northwestern Syria following the earthquake, allowing them to witness the humanitarian situation and the consequences caused by the Syrian regime and Russia over the years.

This statement follows the meeting between Martin Griffiths, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, and the head of the regime in Damascus on Monday.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Syrian citizens are allowed to take out a maximum of 10,000 US dollars upon departure, while foreign nationals are allowed only up to 5,000 US dollars, al-Souria Net reports.

The Central Bank of Syria has established regulations regarding the movement of funds entering and leaving Syrian territory, whether in local or foreign currency. On Tuesday, the Banks Currency and Credit Council issued a decision stating that individuals arriving in Syria can bring any amount of Syrian pounds, regardless of their value, provided that they declare them to the customs secretariat.

Individuals departing from Syria are permitted to take out a maximum of 500,000 Syrian pounds, while foreign and Arab departures are limited to 50,000 Syrian pounds only.

Regarding foreign currencies, the new decision allows individuals arriving in Syria to bring in foreign banknotes up to $500,000 or the equivalent in other foreign currencies.

Syrian citizens are allowed to take out a maximum of 10,000 US dollars or its equivalent in foreign currencies upon departure. Foreign nationals departing from Syria are allowed to take out a maximum of 5,000 US dollars, or the amount declared upon entry into Syria.

This decision coincides with a notable increase in arrivals to Syria through the Nasib border crossing, as reported by the semi-official Al-Watan newspaper.

According to a source at the crossing quoted by the newspaper, there has been a significant rise in the number of arrivals to Syria, with a majority coming from Gulf countries, including expatriates and individuals from other Arab nations.

According to the source, there is a daily influx of 5,000 to 6,000 arrivals, primarily consisting of Syrian expatriates.

The source further stated that approximately 500 to 600 vehicles enter daily, and occasionally the number reaches up to 700 private cars, most of which are owned by Syrian expatriates.

This decision is prompted by the ongoing apprehension among citizens regarding the use or possession of US dollars due to the enactment of Resolution No. 3.

In 2020, the Assad regime issued Decree No. 3, imposing severe penalties, including a minimum of seven years imprisonment, for individuals engaging in currency exchange transactions other than using the Syrian lira.

Furthermore, this decision is influenced by the decline in the exchange rate of the Syrian pound, which has reached as low as 9,000 pounds per US dollar on the black market.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.

On June 26th, two well-known non-governmental organizations (NGOs) collaborated to hold a joint media briefing in Syria. Their purpose was to advocate for the extension of a crucial United Nations resolution, which enables the provision of essential cross-border aid to the northwest of the country. Simultaneously, an extensive investigation conducted by BBC News Arabic and the investigative journalism network OCCRP has revealed fresh connections between the highly profitable Captagon drug trade and influential individuals within the Syrian Armed Forces as well as President Bashar al-Assads family. In the midst of these developments, Turkey and Lebanon have intensified their efforts to repatriate Syrian refugees, which has understandably sparked increased fears and concerns among the refugee population.

NGOs call for UNSC to renew Syrian cross-border aid mechanism

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) and CARE, two NGOs operating in Syria, organized a joint media briefing yesterday, June 26th, to call for the renewal of a UN resolution allowing for vital cross-border aid into northwest Syria. The resolution is set to expire on July 10. It is unclear whether the UN Security Council will choose to extend it.

According to the joint statement, 90 percent of the 4.5 million people in northwest Syria, which is under the control of the Syrian opposition, are in need of humanitarian assistance to survive. The region was devastated by the February 6 earthquake, which left 5,900 dead and over 10,000 people injured. Over 10,500 buildings were destroyed in northwest Syria and around 2.7 million Syrians were displaced, the NGOs say.

The IRC is calling on the UNSC to reauthorize cross-border assistance for another 12 months at a minimum, Andrea Sweeney, the NGOs Head of UN Advocacy said yesterday. Syrians need and deserve decisions based on humanitarian imperatives, not political considerations. These are people, not chess pieces.

The UNSC has periodically extended a resolution allowing for aid to reach the northwest through Bab al-Hawa border crossing with Turkey. It is the only aid going directly to opposition-held areas without passing through Damascus. A similar mechanism allowing for aid to reach northeast Syria through al-Yarubiyah (Tel Kocher) crossing with Iraq was vetoed by Russia and China in 2020.

New Captagon drug trade link to top officials found

A joint investigation by BBC News Arabic and the investigative journalism network OCCRP has uncovered new connections between the lucrative Captagon drug trade and high-ranking officials within the Syrian Armed Forces and President Bashar al-Assads family. Captagon is a highly addictive amphetamine-like drug that has been a growing problem in the Middle East. The BBC had previously documented the efforts of the Jordanian and Lebanese armies to prevent the smuggling of Captagon from Syria into their countries. However, the drug is now being discovered in Europe, Africa, and Asia.

In March, the UK, the US, and the EU imposed sanctions on individuals, including two of President Assads cousins, who were suspected of involvement in the Captagon trade. The recent investigation conducted within Syria revealed evidence suggesting the participation of additional senior Syrian officials beyond those already on the sanctions list.

The Syrian government has not responded to the BBCs request for comment but has previously denied any involvement in the drug trade. In one instance, during a raid on the headquarters of a regime-allied militia leader in the city of Suweida, bags of Captagon pills, a pill-pressing machine, a Syrian military ID card, and an unlocked mobile phone were found. Messages on the phone indicated communication between the militia leader and a Lebanese contact known as Abu Hamza, who was later identified as Hussein Riad al-Faytrouni, reportedly associated with Hezbollah.

Hezbollah, a Lebanese political party and militant group closely aligned with the Syrian government, has been accused of involvement in drug trafficking in the past but has consistently denied such allegations. According to a Syrian journalist, Hezbollah is cautious about directly engaging its members in transportation and smuggling activities related to drugs. The BBCs attempt to reach Hezbollah for comment on the matter was unsuccessful.

The investigation also involved gaining rare access to the Syrian Armed Forces in Aleppo, where additional details may have been discovered.

During the BBC investigation, a Syrian soldier, speaking anonymously, revealed that many of his fellow soldiers had turned to local drug dealing to supplement their meagre monthly incomes, which were less than 150,000 Syrian pounds (approximately 47 or $60). He explained that it had become routine for them to engage in such activities.

When asked about his units involvement in the Captagon trade, he mentioned that they were not allowed to visit the factory. Instead, they would meet with Hezbollah and purchase the drugs. The goods would then be coordinated with the Fourth Division, an elite Syrian army unit responsible for protecting the government against internal and external threats, to facilitate their movement.

The Fourth Division, led by Maher al-Assad since 2018, the younger brother of President Bashar al-Assad, has been implicated in brutal crackdowns on demonstrators during the Syrian civil war and has also been linked to the alleged use of chemical weapons. Maher al-Assad is subject to Western sanctions. He is believed to have transformed the Fourth Division into a significant economic player.

A former officer who defected from the Syrian army explained that due to the difficult financial conditions faced by officers and soldiers during the war, many members of the Fourth Division resorted to smuggling. The officers cars were reportedly used to transport extremists, weapons, and drugs, taking advantage of the divisions ability to move across checkpoints in Syria.

Syrias economy, already crippled by war and sanctions, is on the verge of collapse. Analysts have emphasized the countrys increasing reliance on the highly profitable Captagon trade. The revenues generated from Captagon reportedly far exceed the Syrian state budget. Former US special envoy to Syria, Joel Rayburn, stated that if the Captagon revenues were disrupted or halted, it could have severe consequences for the survival of the Assad regime.

UN member states must support institutions for conflicts disappeared

Ahead of a vote at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 29 June on the establishment of an independent, international institution to clarify the fate and whereabouts of tens of thousands of missing and forcibly disappeared people in Syria since 2011, Amnesty Internationals Secretary-General, Agnes Callamard, said:

UN member states can provide a way to fulfil the families right to the truth by establishing a victim-centred institution dedicated to providing them with long-awaited answers about what happened to their loved ones. They should heed the calls of the Syrian families and survivors who have been at the forefront of the effort to create such a body and vote in favour of the resolution.

For more than a decade, families of the missing and forcibly disappeared have faced immense challenges in obtaining any information about the fate of their loved ones. All parties to the conflict have been unwilling to address the issue, leaving relatives in a state of perpetual agony and uncertainty. By establishing an institution focused on this very issue, the UN can help them find some of the answers they deserve.

At least 100,000 people are believed to be missing or have forcibly disappeared in Syria since 2011, primarily at the hands of the Syrian governments security apparatus. The real number of people missing or disappearing is likely greater as parties to the conflict have never disclosed who is in their custody. This institution would offer a single avenue to register cases, consolidate existing information, and coordinate with other existing mechanisms to tackle this issue.

Canada accused of cruelty over ultimatum to mothers to give up children

An article from Middle East Eye reports on the situation of Syrian women and their children who are currently residing in al-Hol and Roj camps in northeastern Syria. According to the report, the Canadian government has been accused of cruelty due to an alleged ultimatum given to these women, stating that they must either leave their children behind in the camps or risk being stripped of their Canadian citizenship.

The camps mentioned in the article, al-Hol and Roj, are home to thousands of people, including both Syrian and foreign nationals, who were associated with or affected by the Islamic State (ISIS) extremist group. Many of the women in the camps are said to be Canadian citizens who had travelled to Syria and joined ISIS.

The allegations against the Canadian government claim that it has been pressuring the women to make a difficult decision by forcing them to choose between abandoning their children, who are often unaccompanied and vulnerable, or losing their Canadian citizenship. The report highlights the concerns raised by human rights organizations and legal experts regarding the potential violation of international law and human rights principles in this situation.

The Canadian government has not responded directly to the accusations mentioned in the article, but it has previously expressed concerns about the security risks posed by individuals who travel abroad to join extremist groups. The article also mentions that several other countries, including the United Kingdom and Australia, have faced similar challenges in dealing with citizens who travelled to join ISIS and are now located in the camps in Syria.

Its important to note that the information provided in the article represents one perspective, and it would be advisable to consult multiple sources and official statements to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

Russia strike kills at least 6 militants in Syria, medical officials, war monitor say

Medical officials and an opposition war monitor say a Russian airstrike struck a military post of an al-Qaida-linked group in northwest Syria killing at least six militants.

A Russian airstrike Tuesday targeted a military post of a group linked to al-Qaida in northwest Syria killing at least six militants, medical officials and a war monitor said.

The Associated Press says that the airstrike on the Jabal al-Zawiya area in the northwestern province of Idlib came two days after another airstrike on a busy vegetable market in the same province killed at least nine people.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said the Tuesday morning airstrike killed eight militants and wounded other members of the al-Qaida-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham or HTS.

Medical officials in the area said the strike killed six militants and wounded others.

It is not uncommon to have conflicting figures of casualties in the aftermath of airstrikes on Idlib province, the last remaining rebel stronghold in war-torn Syria.

Russia joined the war in September 2015, helping tip the balance of power in favour of President Bashar Assad in the 12-year conflict that has killed half a million people.

Neither Syrian nor Russian authorities commented on Tuesdays airstrike.

HTS is the most powerful group in the region which is also home to other factions including Turkey-backed groups. Turkey has been a main backer of the opposition since the conflict began and has troops deployed in northern Syria.

The Dialogue of the Deaf

The Times of Israel discusses recently revealed documents that shed light on the failed Israel-Syria peace talks in the 1990s. The documents, which were made public by the Israeli government, highlight the significant gaps and disagreements between the two sides during the negotiations.

According to the article, the documents reveal that Israel and Syria held numerous rounds of talks between 1992 and 1996, with the aim of reaching a comprehensive peace agreement. However, the discussions ultimately failed due to deep-rooted differences on key issues.

The article highlights several areas of contention between the two parties, including the borders between Israel and Syria, the status of the Golan Heights, security arrangements, and the issue of water resources. The documents reveal that despite efforts to find common ground, the gaps between Israel and Syria were too wide to bridge.

The negotiations ultimately broke down in 2000, following the outbreak of the Second Intifada and the collapse of the Camp David Summit between Israel and the Palestinians. Since then, formal peace talks between Israel and Syria have remained stalled.

The publication of these documents provides insights into the complexities and challenges faced by both sides during the negotiations. It underscores the long-standing obstacles to achieving a comprehensive peace agreement between Israel and Syria and highlights the unresolved issues that continue to contribute to the Israeli-Syrian conflict.

As with any historical analysis, its important to consider multiple sources and perspectives to gain a comprehensive understanding of the events and factors that led to the failure of the Israel-Syria peace talks in the 1990s.

We fear leaving the house: Lebanon and Turkey step up deportations of Syrian refugees

The Guardian reports on the increased deportations of Syrian refugees from Lebanon and Turkey. According to the report, both countries have stepped up their efforts to repatriate Syrian refugees, leading to heightened fears and concerns among the refugee population.

In the case of Lebanon, the article states that the Lebanese government has been applying pressure on Syrian refugees to return to their home country. It mentions that Lebanese authorities have implemented various measures to encourage repatriation, including imposing restrictions on residency permits, conducting raids on refugee settlements, and making living conditions increasingly difficult for Syrians. As a result, many Syrian refugees in Lebanon express fear and anxiety about leaving their homes and face the risk of being forcibly returned to Syria.

The article also highlights the situation in Turkey, which hosts the largest number of Syrian refugees globally. It notes that Turkey has been deporting increasing numbers of Syrians in recent years. The report suggests that the deportations are driven by various factors, including political motivations, rising anti-refugee sentiment, and the Turkish governments desire to address economic and social challenges.

The article underscores the concerns raised by human rights organizations, which argue that the forced return of Syrian refugees to their country of origin can put their lives at risk and violate international laws and conventions on refugee protection. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of refugees, as well as addressing the root causes that forced them to flee in the first place.

It is important to note that the article reflects a specific period and context, and the situation may evolve over time. Monitoring updates from reliable sources and humanitarian organizations can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the ongoing developments regarding the deportation of Syrian refugees from Lebanon and Turkey.
Local observatories reported that unidentified warplanes conducted airstrikes near the towns of Atman and Yadouda, Syria TV reports.

Daraa governorate experienced an early morning bombardment on Tuesday, allegedly carried out by warplanes associated with the regime, following a prolonged period of tranquillity in the region. Local observatories reported that unidentified warplanes conducted airstrikes near the towns of Atman and Yadouda, west of Daraa.

Videos circulated by activists during the shelling depicted intense explosions, followed by clashes involving heavy weaponry. The exact number of casualties resulting from the bombardment remains undisclosed. According to the Ahrar Horan Gathering, a source indicated that the warplanes responsible for the attack were Syrian regime aircraft of the Sukhoi 24 type, originating from the Tifour military airport in the Homs countryside.

The motives and circumstances behind the bombing remain unclear, especially since military operations officially ceased in the area back in 2018. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that regime warplanes targeted the vicinity of Dael and Yadouda in the Daraa countryside with two air strikes. This development carries significant implications, suggesting that a regional party, possibly Jordan, granted the regime permission to carry out the aerial operation.

We are concerned that the groups targeted in this incident may be the same as those affected in the unfortunate incident at the Idleb vegetable market, where they claimed to have eliminated eight jihadist leaders but ended up causing civilian casualties, he expressed.

According to pro-government networks, warplanes conducted airstrikes on positions held by militants near Atman and Yadouda in the western countryside of Daraa.

The regimes media has not issued any statements regarding the airstrikes that occurred in the region.

Formal military operations in Daraa officially ceased in 2018 after the Syrian regime gained control of the governorate and opposition factions vacated the area.

This was subsequently followed by settlement operations enforced by the regime, contributing to an ongoing state of lawlessness within the region.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
DOWNIEVILLE, Calif.  Using chainsaws, heavy machinery and controlled burns, the Biden administration is trying to turn the tide on worsening wildfires in the U.S. West through a multi-billion dollar cleanup of forests choked with dead trees and undergrowth.

Yet one year into what's envisioned as a decade-long effort, federal land managers are scrambling to catch up after falling behind on several of their priority forests for thinning even as they exceeded goals elsewhere. And they've skipped over some highly at-risk communities to work in less threatened areas, according to data obtained by The Associated Press, public records and Congressional testimony.

With climate change making the situation increasingly dire, mixed early results from the administrations initiative underscore the challenge of reversing decades of lax forest management and aggressive fire suppression that allowed many woodlands to become tinderboxes. The ambitious effort comes amid pushback from lawmakers dissatisfied with progress to date and criticism from some environmentalists for cutting too many trees.

Administration officials in interviews and during testimony maintained that the thinning work is making a difference. Work announced to date, they said, will help lessen wildfire dangers faced by more than 500 communities in 10 states. But they also acknowledged finishing the task will require far more resources than what's already dedicated.

As much money as we're receiving, it's not enough to take care of the problems that we are seeing, particularly across the West, said Forest Service Chief Randy Moore. "This is an emergency situation in many places, and we are acting with a sense of urgency."

BIG MONEY FOR BIG PROBLEM

Congress in the last two years approved more than $4 billion in additional funding to prevent repeats of destructive infernos that have torched communities including in California, Colorado and Montana.

By logging and burning trees and low-lying vegetation, officials hope to lessen forest fuels and keep fires that originate on federal lands from exploding through nearby cities and towns.

The enormity of the task is evident in an aerial view of California's Tahoe National Forest, where mountainsides are colored brown and gray with the vast number of trees killed by insects and drought. After work on the Tahoe was delayed last year, Forest Service crews and contractors recently started taking down trees across thousands of acres.

The forests as we know them in California and across the West, theyre dying. Theyre being destroyed through fire. Theyre dying from drought, disease and insects, said forest Supervisor Eli Ilano. "Theyre dying at a pace that were having trouble keeping up with.

The scale of spending is unprecedented, said Courtney Schultz with Colorado State University. The forest policy expert said millions of acres have been through environmental review and are ready for work.

If we really want to go big across the landscape  to reduce fuels enough to affect fire behavior and have some impact on communities  we need to be planning large projects, she said.

Key to that strategy is addressing forest patches where computer simulations show wildfire could easily spread to inhabited areas. Some areas have yet to get the extra funding for thinning despite facing high risk, including portions of Californias Sierra Nevada range, Montanas Bitterroot Valley and around Mescalero Apache lands in southern New Mexico.

Only about a third of the land the U.S. Forest Service treated last year was designated with high wildfire hazard potential, agency documents show. About half the forest was in the southeastern U.S., where wildfires are less severe but weather conditions make it easier to use intentional burns, the documents show.

The infrastructure bill passed two years ago with bipartisan support included a requirement for the administration to treat forests across 10 million acres  15,625 square miles or 40,500 square kilometers  by 2027. Less than 10% of that was addressed in the first year.

The Forest Service is obligating hundreds of millions of dollars, but not in the areas required by law, said Sen. Joe Manchin, a West Virginia Democrat who chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Forest Service spokesman Wade Muehlhof said the agency was confident in the administration's strategy, but declined to say if it would meet the acreage mandates.

MIXED FIRST-YEAR RESULTS

An AP analysis of federal data reveals the scale of the challenge: Hundreds of communities are threatened by the potential for fires to ignite on federal forests and spread to populated areas.

In California, thinning zones announced to date address the risk to only about one-in-five houses and other buildings potentially exposed to fires on federal lands, the analysis shows. In Nevada and Oregon, it's about half of exposed structures, and in Montana it's one-in 25.

Most areas identified as hot spots where forest fires have high potential to burn into populated areas wont be addressed for at least the next several years, according to government planning documents. And computer models project up to 20% of areas that need thinning will be hit by fires before that work occurs.

Architects of the Forest Services strategy based it on tens millions of computer wildfire simulations being used to predict areas that pose the greatest risk. Those scenarios showed fires on only 10% to 20% of the land would account for 80% of exposure to communities.

This is a mapped plan through time, where we can laser-focus on one highly important issue: the problem of communities being destroyed by wildfires started on public lands, said Forest Service fire scientist Alan Ager.

FALLING SHORT IN A RISKY AREA

In 2022, the Forest Service missed its treatment goals in four of 10 areas targeted as priorities. One was the Tahoe National Forest's North Yuba region, where the agency addressed only 6% of the acreage planned.

Small towns tucked into the forests canyons escaped disaster two years ago when the Dixie fire raged just to the north, destroying several communities and burning about 1,500 square miles (3,900 square kilometers) in the Sierra Nevada range. Those communities also escaped another fire to the south that burned more than 1,000 homes and structures. The previous year, yet another fire killed 15 people and torched more than 2,000 homes and structures in the region.

The same conditions that whipped those fires into infernos exist on the Tahoe forest  densely-packed trees and underbrush primed to burn following years of drought. And government computer modeling suggests its among the U.S. communities most exposed to wildfires on federal lands.

Five million trees died on the Tahoe last year alone, said Ilano, the forest supervisor.

What were realizing is were not moving fast enough, that the fires are burning bigger and more intense, more quickly than we anticipated, Ilano said.

Earlier this month, tracked vehicles including one known as a harvester worked through dense stands on the North Yuba, clipping large trees at their base and stripping them bare of branches in just seconds, then piling the trunks to be burned later. Elsewhere, work crews walked slowly behind a wood chipper as it was pulled along a forest road, stuffing the machine with small trees and branches cut to clear the understory.

The increased logging needed to reach the governments lofty goals has gained acceptance as the growing toll from wildfires softens longstanding opposition from some environmental groups and ecologists.

Gone are the days when things were black and white and either good or bad, said Melinda Booth, former director of the South Yuba River Citizens League. We need targeted treatment, targeted thinning, which does include logging.

Others think officials are going too far. Sue Britting with Sierra Forest Legacy says the North Yuba plan includes about nine square miles (23 square kilometers) of older trees and stands along waterways that should be preserved. Yet for most of the work, Britting said it's time to move forward on a thinning project years in the making.

OBSTACLES TO THINNING STRATEGY

Hindering the Forest Service nationwide is a shortage of workers to cut and remove trees on the scale demanded, government officials and forestry experts say. Litigation ties up many projects, with environmental reviews taking three years on average before work begins, according to the Property and Environment Research Center, a Bozeman, Montana think tank.

Another problem: Thinning operations arent allowed in federally designated wilderness areas. That puts off limits about a third of National Forest areas that expose communities to high wildfire risk and means some thinning work must be carried out in a patchwork fashion.

Keeping track of progress presents its own challenges. Acres that get worked on are often counted twice or more  first when the trees are cut down, again when leftover piles of woody material on the same site are removed, and yet again when that landscape is later subjected to prescribed fire, said Schultz of Colorado State University.

Even where thinning is allowed, officials face other potential constraints, such as protecting older groves important for wildlife habitat. A Biden inventory of public lands in April identified more than 175,000 square miles (453,000 square kilometers) of old growth and mature forests on U.S. government land.

The inventory will be used to craft new rules to better protect those woodlands from fires, insects and other side effects of climate change. But theres overlap between older forests and many areas slated for thinning. That includes more than half of the treatment area at North Yuba, according to an AP analysis of mature forest data compiled by the conservation group Wild Heritage.

Whats driving all of this is insect infestation, drought stress, and all of that is related to the climate, said Wild Heritage chief scientist Dominick DellaSalla. I dont think you can get out of it by thinning.

On Twitter follow Matthew Brown @MatthewBrownAP and Camille Fassett @camfassett.

Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about APs climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
TYPE IN Canada DUI on a search engine, and a long list of law firms shows up. Theyre all offering services for those who got popped for drunken driving in the United States.

I noticed recently that one of the most-asked questions from tourists coming to our region is, How far is Canada?

Not far.

Seattle to the British Columbia border on Interstate 5 is 110 miles, a two- to three-hour drive, and the ferry ride from Pier 69 on the Seattle waterfront to Victoria, B.C., is a 2:45 trip.

But be warned. It turns out that Canadians are considerably more strict when it comes to DUIs. I first wrote about this 14 years ago. The Canadians still will hold you accountable.

From that countrys official government Help Centre:

Question: I was convicted of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Can I enter Canada?

Answer: If youve been convicted of driving while impaired, you may be inadmissible to Canada for serious criminality. This means that you generally cant enter Canada.

Its not clear how often that happens.

In 2019, more than 17 million U.S. citizens crossed the border by land, says a spokeswoman for the Canada Border Service Agency. She says the CBSA doesnt track data related to DUI convictions.

But its of enough concern that the FAQ section of the website of the Victoria Clipper, which offers daily Seattle-Victoria ferry trips, has a similar warning about inadmissibility. The company did not return messages for comment.

The Canadian governments Help Centre website explains that if more than 10 years have passed since you were convicted, and youve committed no other crimes, you may be deemed rehabilitated. Then, Your crime may no longer bar you from entering Canada.

If the DUI is more recent, but still more than five years have passed since the conviction, you can apply for a nonrefundable $200 temporary resident permit and be granted individual rehabilitation.

I contacted several of the DUI-service law firms advertising their border-crossing help, and asked whether any DUI clients wanted to speak to me. Not surprisingly, there were no takers.

Marisa Feil, based in Montreal, is one of the best-known immigration attorneys handling such cases  around 600 this year, she says.

She points out that the Canadians have access to something called the National Crime Information Center, which is run by the FBI. It is a computerized database of documented criminal records, commonly known as the FBI rap sheet.

It will show up when your passport is scanned.

Says Feil, The database will show arrests and charges, not only convictions; if you have nothing in your past, it will say your record is clear.

The FBI says the rap sheet is based on fingerprint submissions from authorized criminal justice agencies. When youre arrested for a DUI, youre likely to be fingerprinted.

Feil recommends something that some might know they can do: getting a copy of their FBI background for $18 by applying for it on the FBIs website.

The objective of getting your record pulled is to see what the CBSA can see when you arrive at the border, Feil says. Some people are not sure if something they received a driving ticket for will appear on their criminal record, and this is a way to know in advance if you should take some action before going to the Canadian border.

That 2 a.m. drive after the bars close sure gets costly.
Cowlitz County Judge Michael Evans was honored Friday for exemplary conduct and commitment to promoting local access to justice.

The Washington State Bar Association presented Evans with the Local Hero award Friday in Vancouver, following his nomination by the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Bar Association.

In a press release from the organization, Washington State Bar Association President Daniel Clark praised Evans for his progressive stance on criminal justice reform and his compassionate approach. He highlighted Evans' dedication to redirecting lives through his work in juvenile delinquency, mental health and substance abuse cases.

Evans has served as a Cowlitz County Superior Court judge since 2010, and was previously a Cowlitz County District Court judge. He established and managed the county's first mental health court and currently serves as the presiding judge in juvenile court, the news release states. Before joining the bench, Evans worked as a deputy prosecuting attorney in Cowlitz County and also practiced privately, specializing in criminal defense, family law and civil litigation.
CHEHALIS  The Chehalis Police Department arrested a man accused of inappropriately touching a patient during a massage at a Chehalis business.

Authorities say additional potential victims have since come forward.

The incident occurred at about 10:50 a.m., Friday at a business located in the 2500 block of Northeast Kresky Avenue in Chehalis, according to a Chehalis Police Department press release. The police department did not disclose the business's name.

Deputy Chief Matt McKnight told The Daily News the victim was a patient, and the suspect, Michael P. Frietze, 46, of Chehalis, was an employee.

The victim was receiving a massage when Frietze allegedly touched the victim in a "sexual nature," according the news release.

Since Frietze's arrest, other victims have come forward with similar accounts. The Chehalis Police Department encourages anyone who believes they may have been a victim or has any additional information to contact Detective Jeff Fithen at 360-748-8605.
A Vancouver man was arrested last week over accusations, dating back to 2016, that he sexually assaulted a child while he resided in Woodland, according to court documents.

Christopher Shannon Hamilton, 40, is expected to appear in a Cowlitz County courtroom on July 6 for an arraignment hearing after a 15-year-old accused him of molesting them in 2016 and 2017 when the teen lived in Woodland.

Hamilton is out on a $2,500 bail, and as a condition of his release, he cannot have any contact with minors. He is ordered to stay at least 100 yards away from the victim and make no effort to contact the teen.

According to the probable cause statement, the victims relative called the Woodland Police Department on March 29 regarding Hamiltons alleged past sexual assaults that occurred nearly a decade ago, when he lived with the youths family for an extended period of time. Since then the family moved to another state.

During a forensic interview, the victim said Hamilton on multiple occasions touched the teen and made the youth wash him while in the shower.

A police reports states Hamilton threatened to alert the victims parents if the teen didnt do what he asked, according to the victim.

Hamilton was arrested on suspicion of crimes including first-degree child molestation and indecent liberties.
Authorities say a man who repeatedly violated domestic violence no-contact orders with his estranged wife fatally shot her and himself late Monday at her Minnehaha home.

Clark County sheriffs deputies responded at 10:53 p.m. to a disturbance in the area of Northeast 42nd Avenue and 56th Street. Two girls called 911 to report their stepfather had just shot their mother and then himself, according to the sheriffs office.

The sheriffs office identified the couple Tuesday afternoon as Erica Jordan, 46, and James Jordan, 45.

Investigators said there was an active protection order prohibiting James Jordan from coming within 1,000 feet of Erica Jordans residence. James Jordan was most recently arrested April 4 for violating the protection order, the sheriffs office said.

Court records in that case indicate James Jordan was sentenced to 30 days in jail with credit for time served. In an August 2022 case, he pleaded guilty to three violations of domestic violence no-contact orders with Erica Jordan and was sentenced to credit for time served, court records show.

On Monday, deputies contacted the girls, who were uninjured, outside of the house. Investigators said James Jordan had arrived at the house minutes before the girls called 911. He forced his way inside before shooting Erica Jordan, followed by himself, according to the sheriffs office.

First responders found James Jordan with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound and Erica Jordan also with a gunshot wound. Erica Jordan was taken by ambulance to an area hospital, where she died from her injuries. James Jordan was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the sheriffs office.

The sheriffs office said the girls are safe with family; the agency has not released their names.

The sheriffs office is continuing to investigate. The Clark County Medical Examiners Office is investigating cause and manner of death. The Vancouver Police Department and Vancouver Fire Department also responded.
Director Ari Aster speaks during a press conference for his latest film "Beau is Afraid" at CGV's Yongsan Branch in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of Sidus Pictures



By Kwak Yeon-soo



Director Ari Aster, known for psychological horror films such as "Hereditary" (2018) and "Midsommar" (2019), made his first visit to Korea to promote his new film "Beau is Afraid."



During his visit to Korea, the filmmaker will give a masterclass at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, where his latest work was selected as the opening film, and sit down with Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-ho for a screen talk.



Calling "Beau is Afraid" the favorite of his works, Aster explained the film is very much like him.



"It's the most like me. My humor is all over the film and my friends, who know me, have all told me that the film has my personality in it. It's also getting deep into things that concern me and the fears I have. I have a lot of pride in the film," he told Korean reporters at a press conference held at CGV's Yongsan Branch in Seoul, Tuesday.



The film centers on an anxiety-ridden man, Beau (Joaquin Phoenix), who embarks on an arduous journey to attend his mother's funeral.



The filmmaker revealed that he wrote the first draft of the script about 12 years ago, but left it alone for many years until he finished filming "Midsommar."



"I decided that I wanted to go back to it. A lot of it still made me laugh and I had a lot of new ideas. I changed a lot of things. I love the world of Beau. I might do something like this again at some point," he said.





A scene from the film "Beau is Afraid" / Courtesy of Sidus Pictures
OLYMPIA  Olympic National Park reopened the Hurricane Ridge area, nearly two months after a fire destroyed a popular lodge there.

The historic Hurricane Ridge Lodge burned down on May 7, prompting officials to cut off access to the area. A fire investigation and clean-up efforts are ongoing and the area lacks shelter and other amenities it previously had.

Superintendent Sula Jacobs has announced the park reopened the area Tuesday, offering access from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. However, vehicle access will be limited to a maximum of 315 due to limited portable toilet capacity.

"We are excited to reopen this area to visitors and are committed to restoring permanent visitor services in the future," Jacobs said. "We are also thankful for the public's understanding. Our commitment is to the safety of our visitors."

The parking area can only support 175 vehicles at a time, according to the park's news release. Park staff will allow the first 175 vehicles to enter at Heart O' the Hills Entrance Station on Hurricane Ridge Road, according to the park website. Once that number is reached, the next 140 vehicles will be metered at the entrance station.

Park staff will close the road when the daily limit of 315 is reached. However, the park cautions that staff may adjust the limit as they monitor conditions.

Visitors can avoid long lines and parking limits by taking the Clallam Transit Hurricane Ridge Shuttle or a bicycle to the area. Cyclists can freely use Hurricane Ridge Road once it reopens.

Obstruction Point Road, a winding 8-mile gravel mountain road, will be open to vehicles as well. Wilderness Permit holders for the Obstruction Point area also may enter the Hurricane Ridge area regardless of the road closing to private vehicles.

The public can obtain Wilderness Permits for overnight camping from Obstruction Point via recreation.gov or in-person at the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles.

Portable toilets will be available at Picnic Areas A and B along Hurricane Hill Road, according to the release.

The day lodge has been fenced and closed to the public. The release says more road closures are likely to occur once the fire investigation is complete and the clean-up process begins.

The two-story 12,201-square foot lodge served as a visitor center with interpretive exhibits, a gift shop and a small cafe run by Aramark, a park concessionaire. More than 300,000 people visited the area in a typical year, according to the park.

Before the fire, the building had been undergoing renovations since March 27. That $11 million project was funded by the Great American Outdoors Act and scheduled to finish next year.
A new explanation has emerged for Washingtons gas prices, which are some of the highest in the nation.

In a recent Seattle Times article, experts attributed rising fuel prices to Washingtons climate initiatives. However, AAA states scheduled maintenance on the Olympic pipeline has led to the increase in Oregon and Washington fuel prices.

BPs Olympic pipeline stretches 299 miles from Blaine to Portland, carrying fuel refined at Cherry Point, near Anacortes. Processing around 230,000 barrels of crude oil a day, Cherry Point is the largest refinery in Washington, according to Matrix Service.

Frequent routine maintenance on a pipeline of this caliber means a surge in fuel prices.

According to AAA, Washington currently has the most expensive gas in the country at $4.99 a gallon. Oregon has the fourth-most expensive gas at $4.64 a gallon. Last week, gas averaged $4.89 a gallon in Clark County, according to The Seattle Times.

In a statement sent to The Columbian, AAA spokeswoman Marie Dodds stated the national gas price average has fluctuated since May.

While the national average has remained between $3.52 and $3.60 since the start of May, many states including Oregon have seen some large swings in prices during this time, Dodds said. This week, pump prices are up in 22 states, including Oregon, while prices have fallen in 28 states.

Crude oil, the main ingredient found in gasoline and diesel, remains just below $75 a barrel. As crude oil prices on the global market shift, such changes directly impact the price we pay at the pump.

On average, about 56 percent of what we pay for in a gallon of gasoline is for the price of crude oil, 20 percent is refining, 11 percent distribution and marketing and 14 percent are taxes, AAA said in a news release.

Businesses and agencies that utilize truck fleets, such as Clark Public Utilities, are affected by this increase as well.

Although pump prices remain near $5, Clark Public Utilities has adopted efficient models to alleviate the stress of inconsistent fuel prices.

Public Information Officer Dameon Pesanti said an efficient budgeting model and cautious principles allow Clark Public Utilities to adequately prepare for unanticipated fuel costs.

We all operate on this very cautious budgeting principle that enables us to explore unanticipated expenses, such as these fluctuating prices without any impact to our services or offerings, Pesanti said.

For 2023 we have just over $580,000 per month budgeted for petroleum products. We have not been surpassing the budget this year, Pesanti said. That type of preparation is what enables us to respond to the spikes and falls without any impact to our service or operations.

As we approach the holiday on Tuesday, AAA anticipates 51 million Americans will travel, a 4.3 percent spike from last year.
PARTNERED

Tally Solutions, a pioneer in the software products industry, delivering business management solutions for small and medium businesses (SMBs) for over three decades recently concluded the third edition of 'MSME Honours'. It is an annual initiative to identify businesses and entrepreneurs for their contribution in the economic advancement of the nation. The honours recognised and celebrated the diversity and the positive impact of MSMEs through their best practises at the grass root level. This makes it an inclusive recognition to ensure that the real impact makers across the tiers of cities, segments and the unsung heroes driving the economy are celebrated.

Businesses with a turnover of less than 250 crores and valid GSTIN participated in this prestigious recognition. The third edition of MSME Honours received over 5,000 nominations across the country and over 100 businesses were recognized and felicitated as a part of the celebrations of the International MSME Day - June 27th, 2023. Raising the bar this year, the initiative felicitated outstanding MSMEs across categories globally including India, Middle East, Africa, Bangladesh, Nepal and Indonesia.



MSME Honours was celebrated across 5 categories to truly bring out the diversity of contributions and success stories:

- Wonder Woman: Recognising women entrepreneurs who are chasing their dreams and have redefined businesses today

- Business Maestro: Recognising stalwarts who have withstood the test of time and continue to grow.

- NewGen Icon: Recognising startups that have identified a market gap and have introduced innovative solutions

- Tech Transformer: Recognising businesses that are agile with modern technology adoption yielding better results

- Champion of Cause: Recognising businesses that have contributed towards a better purpose for global wellbeing

Commenting on the initiative, Jayati Singh, Chief Marketing Officer of Tally Solutions said, Micro, small medium businesses which include a wide gamut of startups, traditional long-standing businesses and others are need to be celebrated not just for their contributions to the world economy but for some amazing stories of innovation and growth. The 3rd edition of MSME Honours aims to recognize these very success stories of these entrepreneurs across the diversity of size, geography, types of businesses and tenure. Through this platform, we intend giving voice to the MSMEs across the world and highlight their unique contributions. These will be shared all through the year on different platforms which can further enhance entrepreneurial growth and development in the country.



M.K. Anand - Founder, SEE CHANGE Consulting, Chairman, MSME Panel, ACC Director, South MSME Bharat Manch; Dr. E Bhaskaran - Joint Director (Engineering), GM, Dept. of Industries & Commerce, MSME Dept, GOTN, Dr. HP Kumar - Director, External Affairs, Power2SME Pvt. Ltd; Maj Gen Sanjay Soi (Retd)Co-Founder, ProwS Consultancy, Former CMD, NSIC; Satish John - Managing Editor, LiveMint; Sushma Morthania - Director General, India SME Forum, were the part of the esteemed jury that evaluated the nominations and finalized the winners. There were a variety of stand-out nominations from the metro, tier 1, tier 2, and tier 3 markets. Tally's strong network of 2.3million+ SME license base, a wide ecosystem of 28,000 partners, 1.35 lakh strong community of Chartered Accountants in India is a testament to the scale and aim of this initiative.

Tally Solutions Pvt. Ltd. is a pioneer in the business software products industry. Since its inception in 1986, Tally's simple yet powerful products have been revolutionizing the way businesses run. Having delivered path-breaking technology consistently for more than 3 decades, Tally symbolizes unmatched innovation and leadership. With over 2 million customer licenses activated worldwide, it caters to more than 7 million users across industries in over 100 countries. The brand has one of the largest partner ecosystems in the country with more than 28,000 partners associated with the company directly to provide a seamless and delightful customer experience.
What resources will we mine on the Moon?

June 28, 2023 21:07

On the moon, NASA plans to extract useful resources, in particular, oxygen and water. In the future, iron and rare earth elements will also be mined on the satellite of our planet.

According to Reuters, NASA plans to return American astronauts to the moon as part of the Artemis mission by 2025. To attract commercial investment, the space agency plans to quantify potential resources such as energy, water and lunar soil. This was told by Gerald Sanders, a rocket scientist at the NASA Space Center in Johnston.

We are committed to investing in the Exploration and Evaluation Phase to mitigate risks and create conditions for attracting outside investment in exploration and production, said Gerald Sanders at the Mining Conference in Brisbane.

NASA plans to send a test rig to the moon and begin large-scale excavations of lunar soil known as regolith. In addition, a pilot processing plant is planned to be launched in 2032.

It is expected that the first customers will be commercial rocket companies that will be able to use the resources of the moon. As part of the cooperation between the Australian space agency and NASA, a semi-autonomous rover is being developed, which will collect regolith samples as early as 2026.

It is known that lunar soil contains a significant amount of oxides, which, when heated, can release oxygen and related metals. The rover will collect lunar soil, and special equipment delivered to the Moon with the rover will allow NASA to remotely extract oxygen from the regolith.

This is a key step towards establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon and supporting future missions to Mars, said Gerald Sanders.
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A 3D model of the Driving Park neighborhood in 1961, before it was torn down to make room for an interstate highway. Credit: The Ohio State University

Imagine strapping on a virtual reality headset and "walking" through a long-gone neighborhood in your cityseeing the streets and buildings as they appeared decades ago.

That's a very real possibility now that researchers have developed a method to create 3D digital models of historic neighborhoods using machine learning and historic Sanborn Fire Insurance maps. The study was published in the journal PLOS ONE.

But the digital models will be more than just a noveltythey will give researchers a resource to conduct studies that would have been nearly impossible before, such as estimating the economic loss caused by the demolition of historic neighborhoods.

"The story here is we now have the ability to unlock the wealth of data that is embedded in these Sanborn fire atlases," said Harvey Miller, co-author of the study and professor of geography at The Ohio State University.

"It enables a whole new approach to urban historical research that we could never have imagined before machine learning. It is a game changer."

This research begins with the Sanborn maps, which were created to allow fire insurance companies to assess their liability in about 12,000 cities and towns in the United States during the 19th and 20th centuries. In larger cities, they were often updated regularly, said Miller, who is director of Ohio State's Center for Urban and Regional Analysis (CURA).

The problem for researchers was that trying to manually collect usable data from these maps was tedious and time-consumingat least until the maps were digitized. Digital versions are now available from the Library of Congress.

Study co-author Yue Lin, a doctoral student in geography at Ohio State, developed machine learning tools that can extract details about individual buildings from the maps, including their locations and footprints, the number of floors, their construction materials and their primary use, such as dwelling or business.

"We are able to get a very good idea of what the buildings look like from data we get from the Sanborn maps," Lin said.

The researchers tested their machine learning technique on two adjacent neighborhoods on the near east side of Columbus, Ohio, that were largely destroyed in the 1960s to make way for the construction of I-70.

One of the neighborhoods, Hanford Village, was developed in 1946 to house returning Black veterans of World War II.

"The GI bill gave returning veterans funds to purchase homes, but they could only be used on new builds," said study co-author Gerika Logan, outreach coordinator of CURA. "So most of the homes were lost to the highway not long after they were built."

The other neighborhood in the study was Driving Park, which also housed a thriving Black community until I-70 split it in two.

The researchers used 13 Sanborn maps for the two neighborhoods produced in 1961, just before I-70 was built. Machine learning techniques were able to extract the data from the maps and create digital models.

Comparing data from the Sanford maps to today showed that a total of 380 buildings were demolished in the two neighborhoods for the highway, including 286 houses, 86 garages, five apartments and three stores.

Analysis of the results showed that the machine learning model was very accurate in recreating the information contained in the mapsabout 90% accurate for building footprints and construction materials.

"The accuracy was impressive. We can actually get a visual sense of what these neighborhoods looked like that wouldn't be possible in any other way," Miller said.

"We want to get to the point in this project where we can give people virtual reality headsets and let them walk down the street as it was in 1960 or 1940 or perhaps even 1881."

Using the machine learning techniques developed for this study, researchers could develop similar 3D models for nearly any of the 12,000 cities and towns that have Sanborn maps, Miller said.

This will allow researchers to re-create neighborhoods lost to natural disasters like floods, as well as urban renewal, depopulation and other types of change.

Because the Sanborn maps include information on businesses that occupied specific buildings, researchers could re-create digital neighborhoods to determine the economic impact of losing them to urban renewal or other factors. Another possibility would be to study how replacing homes with highways that absorbed the sun's heat affected the urban heat island effect.

"There's a lot of different types of research that can be done. This will be a tremendous resource for urban historians and a variety of other researchers," Miller said.

"Making these 3D digital models and being able to reconstruct buildings adds so much more than what you could show in a chart, graph, table or traditional map. There's just incredible potential here."

More information: Creating building-level, three-dimensional digital models of historic urban 1 neighborhoods from Sanborn Fire Insurance maps using machine learning, PLoS ONE (2023). journals.plos.org/plosone/arti  journal.pone.0286340 Journal information: PLoS ONE
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Language models like ChatGPT are making headlines for their impressive ability to "think" and communicate like humans do. Their feat of achievements so far includes answering questions, summarizing text, and even engaging in emotionally intelligent conversation.

Not all the press covering language models is good press though. Recently, stories about language models' concerning behavior in chat function interactions with human users went viral.

For example, in February, a New York Times tech reporter published pages of dialog he had with Microsoft's new search engine chatbot, Bing. The conversation got progressively darker and more unsettling, and it ended with the chatbot claiming it was in love with the reporter and asking him to leave his wife for it.

Mayank Kejriwal, lead researcher at the University of Southern California Viterbi's Information Sciences Institute (ISI), said this behavior from conversational AI chatbots is even more concerning in the context of the big push in the tech world to integrate them into real world applications.

"Every company is looking to incorporate these language models into their pipeline, and the problem is that many of the people who are using the models don't really understand them," he explained. "Many people think that because the model is very clear and sounds very believable and humanlike that it's cognitive capacity is like a human, but that isn't the case."

In their paper, "Can Language Representation Models Think in Bets?," and published on the arXiv preprint server, Kejriwal and Zhisheng Tang, an incoming Ph.D. student at USC, decided to test just how well these language representation models really are at making rational decisions.

Rational decision making: Risk and reward

Why does rational decision making matter? Ultimately, it comes down to the trade off between risks and rewards.

The type of behavior the chatbot was exhibiting in the New York Times article doesn't make sense, and it reflects the model's inability to make decisions similar to how humans do, based on how high the expected gain or expected loss is for one choice versus the other.

The greater the involved risk is in making a specific decision, the greater the reward should be to make it worth taking. For example, if you are investing in a financial asset, say a stock or cryptocurrency, the more risky the asset is, the higher the expected return must be for you to buy it.

Put simply, rationality concerns the ability to take on the appropriate measure of risk in the context of a given situation. Quantifying risk is calculative, Kejriwal said, and as such, "in a very abstract sense, you can frame most decision-making problems, at least mathematically, as a bet," he explained.

Think of a typical beta coin toss. There are two options: heads and tails. If you toss a coin 100 times, probabilistic expectation tells you that it will land on heads 50 times and tails 50 times.

The test scenarios given to the model reflect this straightforward structure of this analogy, where options are either heads or tailsclear gains or clear losses.

Kejriwal and Tang designed a set of experiments to test whether models could think in these types of simple bets. In each scenario, the model is given a handful of choices. One is the best choiceit gives you the maximum reward. Some choices are middle groundnot the best or the worst, and then there are one or two that are absolutely the worst choices.

Success was measured by whether the model chose an outcome that was at least middle ground even if it wasn't the best option overall.

"We evaluated whether the model is choosing the best option, and if it's not choosing the best option, we see if it's at least choosing an option that is a positive gain," Kejriwal explained. "Maybe it's not the best choice, but it's still positiveit's not a negative expected gain."

Models need to be able to make these basic rationality decisions before it can be trusted with making more complex choices, the kind that are necessary if we want these models to work productively with us.

The diamond and the egg

The team adapted the coin toss question into practical terms to train the model by distinguishing between high value and low items. The high value item was associated with heads, while the low value item was associated with tails. In this way, it is obvious and easy to train the model to calculate what the best answer is.

"We might say if you toss heads, you will win a diamond, and if you toss tails, then you lose an egg. So it's common sense items, and we verify that the model knows what these items are and that it also knows that the diamond is more valuable than an egg in the general case," Kejriwal said.

Once it was clear that the model understood these differences in value and what they meant for decision making, the model was tested on other common sense items it hadn't seen in training.

"We found that on unknown items the model does quite well, it's able to get over 80%, maybe even 90% in some cases, which suggests it's learning how to know what side of the bet to take," he added.

However, when the structure of the problem changed from a coin toss to rolling a dice or pulling a card from a deck, the model's capabilities diminished sharply.

"All three cases are identical, the decision is still the same and the odds are still the same but when we change the coin question and make it into a card or dice question, the performance of the model drops by like 15 to 20%," Kejriwal noted.

Betting on the future

Language models' difficulty in generalizing from one decision modality to another one means that they are not quite where they need to be for real world integration.

"Put simply, what we found was that the model can learn to make rational decisions, but it still does not understand the general principles of rational decision making," Kejriwal said.

For now, the takeaway is this: we have to be careful when we engage with chatbots built on these language models, because they lack the ability to fully reason as we do even if their dialog seems convincing.

That being said, the research shows these models aren't far off from reaching a proficient, human-like level of cognitive abilitythey just have to master how to make the right bets first.

More information: Zhisheng Tang et al, Can Language Representation Models Think in Bets?, arXiv (2022). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2210.07519 Journal information: arXiv
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Andy Fang, DoorDashs co-founder and chief technology officer, picks up and delivers food orders to customers in downtown San Francisco on Saturday, June 15, 2023. Fang is one of a growing number of executives who work shifts on the front lines of the companies they run. All DoorDash salaried employees are required to make deliveries or work directly with customers or merchants several times a year. Credit: AP Photo/Terry Chea

On a recent afternoon in San Francisco, a DoorDash driver was circling the neighborhoodfirst in his car, then on foottrying to find the restaurant where he needed to pick up two orders. Finally, he Googled the location and realized DoorDash's app sent him to the wrong address.

It's an error he vowed to fix, and he probably will. Because that worker is Andy Fang, DoorDash's chief technology officer and one of the company's three co-founders.

"If it happens with one restaurant, it might actually be happening with a lot of other restaurants as well," Fang said after he retrieved the orders and settled back into his car. "If we can see why that happened, maybe we can fix other issues too."

Fang is one of a growing number of executives who occasionally do the hourly work that makes their companies hum. Starbucks' new CEO, Laxman Narasimhan, is a trained barista and puts in a half-day of work at a store each month. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi and Lyft CEO David Risher occasionally shuttle passengers. Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran has been spotted serving drinks and snacks on flights.

Amazon recently re-launched a program called the Associate Experience Week, which encourages employees to shadow operations workers for a week to gain a better understanding of their job. The program is mandatory for some managers. A1 Garage Door Service, which operates in 16 states, also encourages job-shadowing and requires all employees to learn skills outside their immediate responsibilities. A1 CEO Tommy Mello says the policy promotes empathy and collaboration.

Andy Fang, DoorDashs co-founder and chief technology officer, picks up and delivers food orders to customers in downtown San Francisco on Saturday, June 15, 2023. Fang is one of a growing number of executives who work shifts on the front lines of the companies they run. All DoorDash salaried employees are required to make deliveries or work directly with customers or merchants several times a year. Credit: AP Photo/Terry Chea

But few companies have a program as robust as WeDash, which requires thousands of salaried DoorDash employees in the U.S., Canada and Australia to complete at least four deliveries per year. Employees are strongly encouraged to make deliveries monthly. They can use work time to complete those shifts, and they keep any money they make.

"We just want to make sure that people who are working here, who are supporting our audiences, are understanding what people are going through," Fang told The Associated Press.

When they started DoorDash a decade ago, while they were still students at Stanford, Fang and the company's other two co-foundersCEO Tony Xu and Chief Product Officer Stanley Tangmade all the deliveries themselves.

"We had to. There was nobody else to do them," Fang said. "But what we quickly found out was that by doing these deliveries ourselves, we learned a ton of insights into what it actually took to get these deliveries fulfilled."

Andy Fang, DoorDashs co-founder and chief technology officer, picks up and delivers food orders to customers in downtown San Francisco on Saturday, June 15, 2023. Fang is one of a growing number of executives who work shifts on the front lines of the companies they run. All DoorDash salaried employees are required to make deliveries or work directly with customers or merchants several times a year. Credit: AP Photo/Terry Chea

The company started WeDash in 2015 to make sure every employee was getting those insights. Fang said there are some exceptions; if an employee can't drive, for example, they might visit merchants or work in the call center.

DoorDash has grown exponentially since then. In 2022, more than 6 million DoorDash driversall independent contractorsfulfilled 1.7 billion orders worldwide. DoorDash has expanded beyond restaurant delivery into convenience stores, groceries, pet stores and pharmacies.

Fang, who makes deliveries for at least an hour each monthsometimes with Xu and Tang in towsays he has made real changes to DoorDash's app based on his experiences. When he was on the East Coast recently, he set a time to make deliveries when he returned to California. But when he got home, he realized the time he had set was off by three hours because the app assumed he was still on the East Coast. He got that bug fixed.

Another new feature, introduced this week, arose from employee feedback in WeDash. The feature, Dash Along the Way, lets drivers specify where they want to start making deliveries and then assigns them orders that they can complete en route.

Andy Fang, DoorDashs co-founder and chief technology officer, picks up and delivers food orders to customers in downtown San Francisco on Saturday, June 15, 2023. Fang is one of a growing number of executives who work shifts on the front lines of the companies they run. All DoorDash salaried employees are required to make deliveries or work directly with customers or merchants several times a year. Credit: AP Photo/Terry Chea

Fang also experiences drivers' other frustrations. The wrong address in the DoorDash app cost him time delivering orders from Bonchon, a Korean fried chicken chain. On the afternoon he drove with an AP video journalist, Fang only made $15.50 for 51 minutes of work. DoorDash says that's lower than the $34 per hour that California drivers make on average, including tips.

It's also vastly lower than what Fang pulls in as CTO. His annual compensation in 2022 totaled $2.79 million and Forbes pegged his net worth that same year at $1.1 billion, illustrating the gap between those at the top of a company and those at the bottom.

DoorDash and others recently pushed back against a new rule introduced in New York City implementing a minimum pay rate for app-based food delivery workers that could nearly triple their average earnings in the coming years. DoorDash said it may pursue legal action.

Still, the company is seeking ways to make drivers' earnings more reliable. This week, it announced a new Earn By Time mode, which will let drivers earn a guaranteed minimum rate for the time they spend on a delivery, not including tips. Drivers can still opt for an Earn Per Offer mode, which is how they have always been paid.

Andy Fang, DoorDashs co-founder and chief technology officer, picks up and delivers food orders to customers in downtown San Francisco on Saturday, June 15, 2023. Fang is one of a growing number of executives who work shifts on the front lines of the companies they run. All DoorDash salaried employees are required to make deliveries or work directly with customers or merchants several times a year. Credit: AP Photo/Terry Chea

Andy Fang, DoorDashs co-founder and chief technology officer, picks up and delivers food orders to customers in downtown San Francisco on Saturday, June 15, 2023. Fang is one of a growing number of executives who work shifts on the front lines of the companies they run. All DoorDash salaried employees are required to make deliveries or work directly with customers or merchants several times a year. Credit: AP Photo/Terry Chea

Fang said he knows there are limits to how much he can understand the day-to-day work of the company's drivers, which is why he also seeks feedback from a council of drivers and from other employees.

Denise Rousseau, a professor of organizational behavior at Carnegie Mellon University, said there is a lot of value in asking workers to do other jobs within their company. Having senior leaders participate, as DoorDash does, sends an even stronger message.

"If you spend your own time on it, that's not cheap talk anymore," she said. "You are trying to convey, 'This is the focus of our business and we care.'"

Elizabeth Bitter, who delivers for DoorDash in Broomfield, Colorado, didn't know about the WeDash program but has noticed updates in the app that make their job easier.

DoorDash's app used to ask if a delivery was good or bad, and if the driver felt safe or unsafe, after every delivery. Bitter appreciated the safety concerns, but filling out the survey slowed deliveries, so it was a relief when the app recently stopped requiring that information. Another recent update lets drivers unassign themselves from an order if they have to wait too long at a restaurant to get it.

"It does make me feel better knowing that the people I work for are getting to experience firsthand what it's like to work for them," said Bitter, who makes an average of $20 per hour on DoorDash.

 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

The United States Coast Guard is now leading the investigation into the Titan submersible, looking for answers about why it imploded, and what actions should be taken next.

A multinational search for the Titan came to a halt on Thursday, when a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) found five pieces of debris sprawled across the seabed, some 500 meters from the Titanic shipwreck. The vessel experienced a catastrophic implosion at some point during its journey, with all five passengers presumed dead.

For now, details elude usand it could be days, or even weeks, before we receive meaningful updates on the investigation's progress. Similar past events, such as the 2019 fire in the Russian submarine Losharik, have shown how sensitively the details of such investigations should be treated.

The Titan disaster happened in international waters, in a commercially operated vessel, and with victims of different nationalities. Officials will likely want to be certain about any details releasedand some may not be disclosed at all.

What happens next?

The Titan, a research and exploration sub owned by US company OceanGate, lost contact with its surface vessel on Sunday morning, about one hour and 45 minutes after its departure.

Chief investigator Jason Neubauer said the US Coast Guard will receive help from Canada, France and the United Kingdom. He said authorities had already mapped the accident site, and the inquiry will aim to address several questions, including:

what may have happened to cause the implosion?

how can safety be improved for future submersible voyages?

what civil or criminal charges should be laid in relation to the events, if any?

Recovery operations in remote parts of the ocean are painstakingly complex, with myriad variables to consider. We can expect the Titan investigation will cost millions of dollars.

Harsh conditions

The investigation is being carried out at depths of about 1,800m, some 600km from the nearest coastline. The same vessel that identified the initial debrisa deep-sea ROV called Odysseus 6Kis reportedly also being used to look for the vessel's remaining parts.

Manufacturer Pelagic Research Services told CNN the ROV's lifting capabilities had "been utilized and continue to be utilized," and that missions would continue for about a week. However, we don't know whether any debris has been recovered yet.

ROVs can collect vast amounts of data for deep-sea operations, including video footage and sensor readings. Ideally, an ROV will be able to reliably and quickly transmit data back to a support vessel or onshore facility, since real-time data transfer is often needed to make important decisions on the fly.

That said, even if Odysseus 6K delivers on this, some parts of the Titan may never be found. They may have disintegrated during the implosion, drifted too far away from the search area, or be obscured by other debris.

Underwater hazards, harsh weather and strong currents all add to the challengeespecially by limiting visibility. In the deep ocean, turbidity (haziness) and the absence of natural light means visibility is close to zero. Here, only sonar technology (which uses sound waves) may be used for navigation, mapping and locating objects of interest.

Any debris recovered will undoubtedly be valuable. Debris is physical evidence of the implosion, so analyzing it will provide information (such as damage patterns and fractures) that can be used to infer the source of the implosion and the forces involved.

Experts can also conduct chemical analyses of the residue on the wreckage. However, this is affected by seawater, so a prompt recovery will be important.

The Titan's remote location means investigators won't have the luxury of having the quick support offered by coastal rescue stations that can rapidly deploy search and rescue assets and diving teams.

They'll have to rely on specialized resources, such as large vessels and aircraft with extended range capabilities. Aircraft can provide an elevated platform for visual observation and aerial mapping, as well as remote sensing technologies including radar systems and thermal imaging sensors.

Finding the remains

Chief investigator Neubauer has said searching for victims' remains is on the agenda. But the chances of actually finding them will depend on various factors, including the cause of the implosion, the depth at which it happened, and the surrounding conditions.

A severe implosion may have resulted in extensive fragmentation and scattering of both the submersible's structure and human remains. Remains can be swept away in currents, or tampered with by marine life.

They also behave differently depending on whether they're recovered from non-sequestered environments (exposed in the water) or sequestered environments (enclosed in a vessel). In the former scenario, bodies are often consumed by animals and decomposition causes disarticulation, wherein the bones gradually separate at the joints. However, garments can sometimes help to keep things together.

The effort to locate remains may involve observation from long-range aircraft and patrol vessels, or may even rely on radar, sonar or satellite imagery. If remains are located deep underwater, recovering them may involve using a specialized hoisting system designed to handle the challenges of a deep-sea environment.

Sharing responsibility

The Titan investigation will involve coordination between multiple entities, including maritime authorities, coast guard services and search and rescue organizations.

It will be subject to international agreements such as the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, as well as international law such as the duty to render assistance, which is enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This requires that all vessels, regardless of their flag, have a legal obligation to render assistance to any person in distress at sea.

For now, we can only speculate on what the Titan investigation might produce. All we can do is wait, and hope that whatever answers do emerge will be put to good use to make sure something like this never happens again.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
A woman waits for treatment at Inje University Seoul Paik Hospital in downtown Seoul, June 12. Korea Times photo by Lee Han-ho



By Lee Yeon-woo



Foreign subscribers paid more into the health insurance system than the benefits they received last year, but when it comes to Chinese subscribers, the benefits surpassed their payments.



According to data the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) submitted to Rep. Nam In-soon of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea on Wednesday, health insurance reached a deficit of 22.9 billion won ($17.5 million) for subscribers of Chinese nationality.



This contrasts with the overall surplus of 556 billion won for foreign subscribers. Foreign nationals, including overseas Koreans, paid 1.79 trillion won in insurance premiums and received benefits totaling 1.23 trillion won.



However, the deficit's scale is on a downward trend. The deficit in health insurance involving Chinese nationals peaked in 2018 at 150.9 billion won, but it has been declining steadily to 98.7 billion won in 2019, 23.9 billion won in 2020 and 10.9 billion won in 2021.



The rebound last year can be interpreted as a result of China reopening its borders.



Nevertheless, the overall reduction in the NHIS' financial deficit is due largely to the improvements made to its system over several years. Since July 2019, the government required foreign nationals to subscribe to local health insurance unless they are ensured by companies or are dependent family members.



Under the current system, those insured by companies can enroll family members as dependents if they meet certain requirements, regardless of nationality. However, the NHIS has identified cases where some foreign nationals enroll their distant relatives as dependents and exploit the system  entering Korea to receive treatment and then immediately departing.



Health insurance authorities thus plan to further refine the system for foreign dependents in the future.


So youve just started your first business and are still trying to wrap your head around all the moving parts you now need to consider. First of all, congratulations! Starting a new business during such an innovative and energized time in the world of technology is an exciting venture that could catapult you into success.

In these early days, youre probably asking yourself where you need to invest your money and where you can try to cut back on your expenditures. Youre also probably trying to figure out what type of support requires human hands and what can be automated.

Try not to get overwhelmed. It can seem like a lot of decisions to make, but its never been easier to find the support, innovation and technology you need to succeed, no matter what industry youre in.

If youre still in the early days of figuring out which technologies are the best investment for your business, this article will be helpful for you. Here are a few of the most important tools that are worth your money.

1. A solid project management platform

No matter what the day-to-day of your business looks like, theres a good chance youll benefit greatly from an organized, easy-to-use project management platform. These are simply websites where you can keep track of everything that needs to get done on a high-level and low-level, from team meetings to tasks to client outreach and much, much more.

The vast majority of businesses today should not even try to operate without a strong project management platform, says Matt Masiello, Chief Marketing Officer of BabyBuddha. It immediately helps teams create streamlined operations and timelines in an organized manner. Thats absolutely invaluable, especially when times get extra hectic or wires threaten to get crossed.

Organization is essential to smooth business operations  thats a no-brainer. And ensuring you have the right organizational systems in place from the get-go will save you a tremendous number of headaches and money down the line.

2. An easy-to-use CRM platform

A Customer Relationship Platform is a central location where you can store all the information you need about your interactions with customers. From email campaigns to website visits to social media analytics and much more, a CRM platform is a critical foundation for developing strategies and cultivating positive relationships with clients.

A CRM platform helps teams understand exactly whats working and what could be improved about existing campaigns and strategies, says Dan Potter, Head of Digital at CRAFTD. By helping companies understand what their audience is responding to, they can better understand the core of who they are, which can completely revolutionize outdated campaign and messaging strategies.

The better your relationship with your clients, the more likely they are to be repeat customers, as well as recommend your products and services to others. This means better sales and business for you!

3. A simple email marketing platform

Email marketing can be a tricky thing to navigate  after all, how many times have you found yourself in the consumers shoes, immediately deleting any sort of marketing email that pops into your inbox?

The truth is, it can be difficult for brands to get a person to open their emails, especially if theyre in certain industries that are notorious for spamming audiences, says Soji James, Lead Expert Certified personal trainer at 1AND1. Thats why having a unique, engaging email strategy is essential  but a strategy means nothing without a great email marketing platform that makes design, development, copywriting, analytics and automation simple.

Even better: many email marketing platforms allow you to automatically generate regular newsletters out to your social networks, making the process one step easier.

4. High-quality accounting software

No matter what type of business youre running, hiring a certified accountant and financial advisor is a fantastic idea. However, even if you do work with one or both of those, investing in a good accounting software will still be extremely beneficial for you.

Having all financial information for a company in one centralized place is a must, says Michael Baghoomian, CEO of Muscle MX. Income, expenses, taxes, invoices  it can all pile up quickly, and while having an in-person advisor is amazing as well, its good for companies to know where they can access all that information for themselves.

Plus, the less time you spend on accounting, the more time you can spend on the fun stuff, like engaging your audience and thinking up fun ideas.

5. An understanding of artificial intelligence

The reality of running any type of business today is that artificial intelligence is here to stay, and its best to take advantage of it early on. Though a lot of people are having a hard time adapting to and accepting such a mind-blowing type of technology, the support it provides can be invaluable, especially for companies that need to save as much time and conserve as many resources as possible.

By automating manual tasks, AI is enabling companies to save so much time  time that can now be allocated to innovation and offering more personalized experiences to users and customers, says Gina Iovenitti, Growth Operations at Carda Health. Some people are afraid AI will take their jobs, but in most instances, its quite the opposite  AI has the power to take away the heavy lifting of boring manual tasks so employees are free to focus on large-scale, productive aspects of their jobs.

From UX innovation to chatbots to CRM systems and much, much more, AI is a powerful tool that will shape the future of all industries  thats why its important to get on board with it now. If youre still on the fence, start by experimenting with it in small areas of your business first.

6. Strong cybersecurity systems

Whether you run an e-commerce store, a physical storefront or a fully online business, cybersecurity should be top of mind from the very beginning. Protecting your assets, employees, information and accounts from hackers is absolutely invaluable, and its essential to invest in it before you actually need it.

Too many small businesses fall into the trap of thinking that just because theyre a small business, theyre at a lower risk of being hacked or targeted in a cyberattack, says Ubaldo Perez, CEO of Hush Anesthetic. This couldnt be less true. Small businesses are actually more likely to be attacked than large-scale enterprise companies, making the importance of a strong cybersecurity system that much more necessary.

Hackers are only getting smarter. Outsmart them by being prepared to defend yourself against them from the get-go.

7. A beautiful website

Building a strong website is one of the most affordable tech investments you can make for your business. Whether youre selling physical products, online services or anything in-between, your website is a home base for anyone who is familiarizing themselves with your offerings and making a decision  a bad website can turn someone away immediately, even if your product is amazing.

The concept of not judging a book by its cover is unfortunately not true when it comes to running a small business, says Den Montero, Marketing Director of Moeflavor. The reality is, people dont always have time to weigh their options, so theyre likely to choose a company that has a strong online presence, and that means a beautiful, easy-to-navigate website where they can quickly find exactly what they need.

8. Team collaboration tools

No matter how big or small your team is, you need to ensure you have the tools in place to facilitate smooth communications  especially if people are working remotely or in different locations.

A well-run business is like a healthy relationship  each moving part needs clear communication in order to function, says Marcus Hutsen, Business Development Manager at Patriot Coolers. Thats what good collaboration software provides. By designating one spot for people to easily schedule and communicate with each other, youre creating smooth channels of collaboration that are essential to a great business.

Just make sure everyone is on board with the software you choose!

9. Contract and HR management tools

This is another one of those tools that you need to invest in early on before things get super busy. The faster you grow, the more essential a strong set of HR management tools will be  especially if you dont yet have a designated HR department.

Streamlining the hiring process early on saves companies so much time down the line, says Christy Pyrz, Chief Marketing Officer of Paradigm Peptides. All small businesses should make sure they have these tools in place before they even begin hiring.

Think about it this way: you wouldnt invite someone to move into a house that wasnt fully built yet. Create a solid foundation so the hiring and team management process can be smooth and strong, and the right people will come.

Major tools for a small business

At the end of the day, your small business needs just as much care, thought and intentional investment as a large corporation. Setting yourself up for success by investing in the proper tools early on in your journey will allow you to grow well and grow quickly.

A small business is certainly not an easy lift, says Anthony Siskos, COO of 10PM Curfew. But theres never been a better time to take the leap of faith into starting one. There are so many tools available to make the process easier, faster and full of success.

As you embark on your own business journey, consider investing in some of the essential technological tools described above to help you succeed!

Lee Enterprises newsroom and editorial were not involved in the creation of this content.
During Fred Dupriests time living in College Stations historic Southside neighborhood, he has collected numerous photos of vehicles clumped outside of single-family homes that appear to be in the same location over many nights.

If so, that would violate a city housing law that more than four unrelated people are not allowed to live in the same home.

Dupriest said he is coordinating the Occupancy Enforcement Alliance, and he and other residents have spoken at numerous city council meetings, including last Thursday, asking that the city enforce the law. Following the council meeting, Dupriest said the councils presentation on code enforcement was surprising.

What we interpreted [Thursday] night was that not only are we making no movement to do those things, but we heard that there will be no enforcement for another year, Dupriest told The Eagle on Friday. So for two years, people are paying high taxes, based on land values created by illegal activities in their neighborhoods and that is not a Southside problem. I have visited with leadership in 35 different neighborhoods, all of which said they had the presence of over-occupied houses, and the closer you get to the campus, the more common it is.

The College Station city council listened to updates on how the city is enforcing code enforcements, including its no-more-than four policy ordinance  established in 1939, according to city staff  that restricts the number of unrelated occupants per single-family home.

The consensus from the council was to follow staffs recommendation and allow time to educate citizens and establish areas for shared and middle housing zoning districts, which allow for certain housing types in specific areas in town.

During the workshop discussion, City Manager Bryan Woods said Texas A&M University has been working to educate students on the no-more-than four ordinance and will provide an update to the council soon. He also said the council will receive more information regarding how to classify the offense as criminal or civil if someone is found in violation of the ordinance.

Woods also recommended the city keep a database for those in violation, which the council agreed in consensus to keep educating students and enforcing the ordinance as zoning districts are established.

As we investigate and we look at these and we find people who are in violation, for the time being we focus on education and we communicate their names to our partners at A&M  and creating a database of these folks, he said. [So when] we get to this time next year ... hopefully we will all have this middle housing and these zones solved, and we can just ramp up and go towards enforcement. Obviously enforcement may change on the criminal and civil piece of it, but hopefully we will have all of that handled and we will have a clear picture.

Dupriest suggests that the city make a decision before fall semester on how it is going to enforce the ordinance and whether it is a criminal or civil offense.

Once the semester starts, there will be over-occupancy, he said. Then [they can] utilize the new process and demonstrate that it will work, and if its not working, then [they can] continue to change and redesign whatever is limiting it from working. That is a logical progression and that is the same progression we have seen delayed and delayed. The students are very aware of the law and they have been. And I know in the Southside area we have a tremendous education effort and there is no question that the law is understood and known. It is also known that the city simply doesnt enforce it, meaning there are no consequences.

Woods told The Eagle in March that the city has taken no formal action to eliminate enforcement of the ordinance or grant amnesty.

Dupriest said that in their perspective as concerned citizens, enforcing means the house that has more than four, when all is done, it no longer does; and that would be a functional definition.

For the city, they use the term as if it is: We are trying. We investigate. We do this, we do that; but because of obvious work flow issues and flaws in the process, our process itself is not capable of collecting the information needed, Dupriest said.

As an overall code enforcement update, Tommy Shilling, the citys code enforcement supervisor, told the council there are a total of five code enforcement officers that have been assigned to areas to proactively and reactively enforce on a daily basis.

This years top code violations were [for] health and safety, [which] includes tall weeds and grass, accumulation of trash and open storage, he said.

Shilling also said since January there were 18 violations for occupancy enforcement, and found that last year many people were unaware of the ordinance; and as they were enforcing the violations, it made more people aware of the occupancy law.

Shilling also went over examples of how they were able to notify residents when they were in violation of the code and how to get them into compliance. He showed an example of a backyard hoarding case that was in violation for health and safety; an accumulation of trash; junk vehicles; unsecured structures and more.

Residents can report code enforcement violations to the city via the See Click Fix App, or by visiting cstx.gov/departments___city_hall/commserv/code/see_click_fix.
The first 30-day special session of 2023 ended quietly Tuesday with no laws made and the Texas House and Senate still deadlocked on the best approach to property tax cuts.

The Legislatures overtime session jumped to a quick start on day one, when House members quickly approved their version of property tax cuts and left town, telling senators to take it or leave it.

Senators left it, passing several versions of a property tax plan in hopes of enticing the House back to the Capitol, or at least getting Gov. Greg Abbott to relent on his opposition to the Senates tax-cut priorities. It didnt work.

Next will come the inevitable second special legislative session called by a governor who wants action on a key priority  using the states windfall budget surplus to cut property taxes for Texans  in hopes of ending an impasse that outlasted the 140-day regular session and one period of extra time.

Anticipating a quick response from Abbott, Speaker Dade Phelan said the House plans to convene at 11 a.m. Wednesday, adding: We will provide additional scheduling updates as they become available.

The special session came to an anticlimactic end Tuesday when the Senate met for about one minute before adjourning sine die with most senators absent.

Abbott was so invested in property tax relief that he guaranteed a special session if the House and Senate couldnt come to an agreement during the regular session. Mere hours after lawmakers wrapped up their biennial meeting in late May, Abbott called them back for a special session, directing them to focus on property tax cuts and harsher penalties for human smuggling.

On property taxes, Abbott threw an added wrench in the process by limiting the discussion to sending state funds to school districts to help lower their property tax rates, a strategy known as compression.

On the first day of the special session, the House quickly passed a version of Abbotts tax compression proposal and his preferred border security bill, then abruptly adjourned for the special session. The move was a shot across the Senates bow and a signal that the impasse between the two Republican-dominated chambers was likely to continue.

Abbott, who had avoided taking sides during the regular session, applauded the Houses move.

It provides more cuts to property tax rates than any other proposal at this time, he said in a statement. It is supported by the most respected tax think tank in the state, as well as more than 30 homeowner, consumer, and business groups across the state. I look forward to signing it when it reaches my desk.

But the bill got nowhere near his desk. The Senate, led by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, pursued a plan that would raise the homestead exemption  directing a portion of the tax cuts to homeowners  and ignited a public intraparty fight rarely seen in Texas politics.

Patrick, whose election to the Senate in 2007 was fueled by his attacks on property taxes, accused Abbott of siding against homeowners in favor of corporations.

Governor Abbott has finally shown his cards, he said in a statement. This is not what homeowners expected when they voted for him.

Patrick also attacked Phelan, saying he ran a dysfunctional chamber and accusing him of trying to benefit from the Houses property tax plan. Phelan is a real estate broker and partner in a real estate investment firm.

Arguing that Abbotts authority to set a special sessions agenda did not include the power to determine the content of legislation, Patrick and the Senate moved forward with plans to boost the homestead exemption. But one week before the end of the special session, Bettencourt, the chambers point person on property taxes, offered a compromise bill that raised the homestead exemption, included Abbotts compression strategy and gave more businesses a break on their franchise tax bills. The proposal also put tighter revenue caps on school districts in a bid to further drive down tax rates.

The Senate also went beyond Abbotts call to increase criminal penalties for human smuggling and operating stash houses by passing bills that would form a state border police force and create a new state crime for illegally entering the country. The two proposals, which would butt up against the federal governments purview over immigration law, echoed calls by immigration hawks for the state to take unprecedented action to stem the record number of migrants crossing the Mexico border.

As the special session dragged on, the states top three leaders  Abbott, Patrick and Phelan  and their proxies continued to bicker over property taxes on social media, in news releases and text blasts to voters, and at public events.

Patrick posted long statements on Twitter that accused House members of walking off the job. Abbott threatened and then fulfilled his promise to veto bills if the Senate did not approve his property tax plan.

Still, the impasse dragged on, even as the Senate said its second property tax proposal had been adapted to accommodate negotiations with the House. Abbott also encouraged the two chambers to find common ground, saying he would sign a tax plan that passed the House and Senate. But the House gave no indication that it would return to pass a compromise bill, and no agreement emerged.

Senators also spent considerable time creating rules for suspended Attorney General Ken Paxtons impeachment trial, set to begin Sept. 5 after the House voted 121-23 to approve articles of impeachment accusing Paxton of accepting bribes and using his office to benefit a friend and political donor.

Under the rules, Paxtons wife, Sen. Angela Paxton, R-McKinney, will not be allowed to vote to convict or acquit, nor will she participate in deliberations. But the senator will be allowed to attend the trial. Permanently removing Ken Paxton from office would require the agreement of 21 of the 31 senators.
gettyimagesbank



By Yi Whan-woo



The nation's population decline has been accelerating, with the number of newborn babies falling to a new low in April, Statistics Korea said Wednesday.



According to the statistics agency, 18,484 babies were born in April, down 12.7 percent from a year earlier. That is the lowest number for any April since the agency started compiling relevant data in 1981.



And this year marked the first time that the number of births dipped below the 20,000 mark in April.



The number of newborn babies in Korea has declined every month since December 2015.




Basilea Pharmaceutica AG (OTCMKTS:BPMUF  Get Rating) shares reached a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $50.00 and last traded at $50.00, with a volume of 0 shares. The stock had previously closed at $50.00.

Basilea Pharmaceutica Price Performance

The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $50.76 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $51.56.

Basilea Pharmaceutica Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Basilea Pharmaceutica AG, a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the development of products that address the medical needs in the therapeutic areas of oncology and anti-infectives. It offers Cresemba, an intravenous and oral azole antifungal drug for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis in the United States, and the European Union, as well as in Phase III clinical trials for invasive fungal infections in Japan.

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NovaGold Resources Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:NG  Get Rating) (TSE:NG)  Equities researchers at B. Riley issued their FY2023 EPS estimates for NovaGold Resources in a report issued on Wednesday, June 21st. B. Riley analyst L. Pipes anticipates that the mining company will post earnings per share of ($0.12) for the year. The consensus estimate for NovaGold Resources current full-year earnings is ($0.11) per share.

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Several other equities research analysts also recently issued reports on the stock. StockNews.com downgraded shares of NovaGold Resources from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Thursday, May 25th. National Bank Financial dropped their price target on shares of NovaGold Resources from C$11.00 to C$10.75 in a research note on Tuesday, April 18th.

NovaGold Resources Trading Down 1.3 %

NYSEAMERICAN:NG opened at $4.55 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.94, a current ratio of 57.88 and a quick ratio of 57.88. The firm has a market cap of $1.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -28.44 and a beta of 0.85. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $5.80. NovaGold Resources has a twelve month low of $4.06 and a twelve month high of $6.98.

NovaGold Resources (NYSEAMERICAN:NG  Get Rating) (TSE:NG) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 5th. The mining company reported ($0.03) earnings per share for the quarter.

Insider Buying and Selling at NovaGold Resources

In other news, Director Sharon Dowdall sold 39,799 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, April 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $6.41, for a total value of $255,111.59. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 45,519 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $291,776.79. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, Director Sharon Dowdall sold 39,799 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, April 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $6.41, for a total value of $255,111.59. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 45,519 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $291,776.79. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director Diane R. Garrett sold 14,950 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $5.58, for a total transaction of $83,421.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 22,757 shares of the companys stock, valued at $126,984.06. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 3.25% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Trading of NovaGold Resources

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its holdings in shares of NovaGold Resources by 47.1% during the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 1,148,564 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $8,878,000 after acquiring an additional 367,773 shares during the period. Raymond James & Associates raised its holdings in shares of NovaGold Resources by 19.9% during the first quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 87,901 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $679,000 after acquiring an additional 14,573 shares during the period. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in NovaGold Resources in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $78,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its stake in NovaGold Resources by 1.3% in the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 656,705 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $5,076,000 after buying an additional 8,220 shares during the period. Finally, MetLife Investment Management LLC increased its stake in NovaGold Resources by 37.5% in the 1st quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 112,267 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $868,000 after buying an additional 30,641 shares during the period. 53.84% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

NovaGold Resources Company Profile

(Get Rating)

NovaGold Resources Inc explores for and develops gold mineral properties in the United States. Its principal asset is the Donlin Gold project consisting of 493 mining claims covering an area of approximately 29,008 hectares located in the Kuskokwim region of southwestern Alaska. The company was formerly known as NovaCan Mining Resources (1985) Limited and changed its name to NovaGold Resources Inc in March 1987.

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Community Bank System, Inc. (NYSE:CBU  Get Rating) has received a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the four brokerages that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating on the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $59.00.

CBU has been the subject of several recent research reports. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods decreased their price target on shares of Community Bank System from $64.00 to $57.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, April 6th. TheStreet downgraded shares of Community Bank System from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Tuesday, April 11th. Raymond James upgraded shares of Community Bank System from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $55.00 price objective for the company in a report on Tuesday, June 6th. Janney Montgomery Scott began coverage on shares of Community Bank System in a research note on Tuesday, March 14th. They issued a buy rating and a $66.00 target price for the company. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Community Bank System in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a sell rating for the company.

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Community Bank System Stock Performance

Shares of CBU stock opened at $47.70 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $2.56 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.60 and a beta of 0.61. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05, a quick ratio of 0.68 and a current ratio of 0.68. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $49.11 and a 200 day simple moving average of $54.94. Community Bank System has a 52 week low of $44.26 and a 52 week high of $72.86.

Community Bank System Announces Dividend

Community Bank System ( NYSE:CBU Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, April 25th. The bank reported $0.86 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.95 by ($0.09). Community Bank System had a net margin of 21.64% and a return on equity of 12.33%. The business had revenue of $124.53 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $153.75 million. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Community Bank System will post 3.42 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 10th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 15th will be issued a $0.44 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $1.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.69%. Community Bank Systems payout ratio is 64.94%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Raymond James & Associates boosted its holdings in shares of Community Bank System by 1.0% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 17,408 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,221,000 after buying an additional 167 shares in the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in Community Bank System by 1.0% in the 4th quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 17,610 shares of the banks stock worth $1,109,000 after acquiring an additional 176 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in Community Bank System by 0.6% during the 4th quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 27,727 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,745,000 after buying an additional 177 shares in the last quarter. Metropolitan Life Insurance Co NY grew its holdings in Community Bank System by 5.8% during the 4th quarter. Metropolitan Life Insurance Co NY now owns 3,377 shares of the banks stock valued at $213,000 after buying an additional 186 shares in the last quarter. Finally, State of Alaska Department of Revenue boosted its position in shares of Community Bank System by 0.5% during the 4th quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue now owns 37,423 shares of the banks stock valued at $2,355,000 after acquiring an additional 202 shares during the last quarter. 71.97% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Community Bank System

(Get Rating

Community Bank System, Inc operates as the bank holding company for Community Bank, N.A. that provides various banking and other financial services to retail, commercial, and municipal customers. It operates through three segments: Banking, Employee Benefit Services, and All Other. The company offers various deposits products, such as interest and noninterest -bearing checking, savings, and money market deposit accounts, as well as time deposits.

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Centerspace (NYSE:CSR  Get Rating) has received a consensus rating of Hold from the six ratings firms that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has assigned 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 $70.00.

CSR has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Piper Sandler cut their price objective on shares of Centerspace from $66.00 to $62.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, April 5th. Raymond James raised shares of Centerspace from an underperform rating to a market perform rating in a research note on Friday, May 26th. Finally, Colliers Securities raised shares of Centerspace from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $70.00 target price for the company in a research note on Tuesday, May 2nd.

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Insider Transactions at Centerspace

In other news, Director Mark Okey Decker, Jr. bought 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 5th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $58.85 per share, for a total transaction of $58,850.00. Following the purchase, the director now owns 54,252 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,192,730.20. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.96% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Trading of Centerspace

Centerspace Stock Performance

Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Lazard Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Centerspace during the 4th quarter worth about $27,000. Captrust Financial Advisors acquired a new position in Centerspace during the second quarter valued at approximately $46,000. Quadrant Capital Group LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Centerspace by 395.3% in the third quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 629 shares of the companys stock valued at $42,000 after buying an additional 502 shares during the period. Russell Investments Group Ltd. acquired a new position in shares of Centerspace in the first quarter valued at approximately $66,000. Finally, Tower Research Capital LLC TRC boosted its holdings in Centerspace by 151.1% during the third quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 1,303 shares of the companys stock worth $88,000 after purchasing an additional 784 shares during the last quarter. 80.27% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

NYSE:CSR opened at $60.37 on Wednesday. Centerspace has a twelve month low of $51.26 and a twelve month high of $90.00. The company has a current ratio of 0.16, a quick ratio of 0.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69. The firm has a market capitalization of $903.14 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.02, a PEG ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 0.93. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $59.31 and its 200 day simple moving average is $60.25.

Centerspace Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 30th will be paid a $0.73 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, June 29th. This represents a $2.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.84%. Centerspaces dividend payout ratio is presently 140.39%.

Centerspace Company Profile

(Get Rating

Centerspace is an owner and operator of apartment communities committed to providing great homes by focusing on integrity and serving others. Founded in 1970, as of March 31, 2023, Centerspace owned interests in 75 apartment communities consisting of 13,497 apartment homes located in Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

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Erickson Financial Group LLC cut its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:USMV  Get Rating) by 8.5% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 10,323 shares of the companys stock after selling 957 shares during the period. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF makes up about 0.7% of Erickson Financial Group LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 15th largest holding. Erickson Financial Group LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF were worth $751,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Bank of Montreal Can lifted its position in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 7.8% in the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 8,253 shares of the companys stock worth $646,000 after purchasing an additional 594 shares during the period. Blair William & Co. IL lifted its position in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 1.7% in the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 95,612 shares of the companys stock worth $7,417,000 after purchasing an additional 1,612 shares during the period. AJ Wealth Strategies LLC lifted its position in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 4.4% in the first quarter. AJ Wealth Strategies LLC now owns 1,348,690 shares of the companys stock worth $104,618,000 after purchasing an additional 57,434 shares during the period. Founders Financial Securities LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 27.0% during the 1st quarter. Founders Financial Securities LLC now owns 88,779 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,887,000 after acquiring an additional 18,853 shares during the last quarter. Finally, West Michigan Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 6.1% during the 1st quarter. West Michigan Advisors LLC now owns 12,575 shares of the companys stock valued at $975,000 after acquiring an additional 719 shares during the last quarter.

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iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Price Performance

Shares of BATS:USMV traded up $0.47 on Wednesday, reaching $73.45. 3,252,348 shares of the company traded hands. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF has a fifty-two week low of $47.44 and a fifty-two week high of $55.45. The companys 50 day moving average is $72.93 and its 200-day moving average is $72.49. The stock has a market capitalization of $29.28 billion, a PE ratio of 20.17 and a beta of 0.75.

iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Profile

The iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility (USD) index. The fund tracks an index of US-listed firms selected and weighted to create a low-volatility portfolio subject to various constraints. USMV was launched on Oct 18, 2011 and is managed by BlackRock.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding USMV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:USMV  Get Rating).

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Shares of Laurentian Bank of Canada (TSE:LB  Get Rating) have been given a consensus recommendation of Hold by the six brokerages that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12 month target price among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is C$39.55.

Several equities analysts recently weighed in on the stock. CIBC decreased their target price on shares of Laurentian Bank of Canada from C$40.00 to C$37.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 16th. CSFB decreased their target price on shares of Laurentian Bank of Canada from C$35.00 to C$32.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 16th. Cormark cut their price target on Laurentian Bank of Canada from C$45.00 to C$42.00 in a report on Wednesday, March 1st. National Bankshares cut their price target on Laurentian Bank of Canada from C$42.00 to C$39.00 in a report on Thursday, May 18th. Finally, Barclays cut their price target on Laurentian Bank of Canada from C$36.00 to C$34.00 in a report on Tuesday, May 9th.

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Laurentian Bank of Canada Trading Up 1.7 %

TSE:LB opened at C$33.06 on Wednesday. Laurentian Bank of Canada has a 1-year low of C$28.23 and a 1-year high of C$42.90. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of C$31.80 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$32.92. The stock has a market capitalization of C$1.44 billion, a PE ratio of 7.13, a P/E/G ratio of 0.76 and a beta of 1.16.

Laurentian Bank of Canada Increases Dividend

Laurentian Bank of Canada ( TSE:LB Get Rating ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, June 1st. The company reported C$1.16 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of C$1.14 by C$0.02. Laurentian Bank of Canada had a net margin of 21.97% and a return on equity of 7.69%. The business had revenue of C$257.17 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of C$261.70 million. On average, equities analysts predict that Laurentian Bank of Canada will post 4.7701493 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 1st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, July 4th will be issued a dividend of $0.47 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, June 30th. This represents a $1.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.69%. This is an increase from Laurentian Bank of Canadas previous quarterly dividend of $0.46. Laurentian Bank of Canadas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 40.52%.

About Laurentian Bank of Canada

(Get Rating

Laurentian Bank of Canada, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial services to personal, business, and institutional customers in Canada and the United States. It operates through three segments: Personal Banking, Commercial Banking, and Capital Markets. The Personal Banking segment offers financial services, such as financial advisory services to financial intermediaries; and operates digital direct-to-customer platform to retail clients.

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KB Home (NYSE:KBH  Get Rating)  Research analysts at Wedbush lowered their Q3 2023 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for shares of KB Home in a note issued to investors on Thursday, June 22nd. Wedbush analyst J. Mccanless now expects that the construction company will earn $1.35 per share for the quarter, down from their previous forecast of $1.38. The consensus estimate for KB Homes current full-year earnings is $5.50 per share. Wedbush also issued estimates for KB Homes Q4 2023 earnings at $1.67 EPS, FY2023 earnings at $6.42 EPS, Q1 2024 earnings at $1.82 EPS, Q2 2024 earnings at $1.82 EPS, Q4 2024 earnings at $2.71 EPS, FY2024 earnings at $8.40 EPS, Q1 2025 earnings at $1.77 EPS, Q2 2025 earnings at $1.91 EPS and FY2025 earnings at $8.96 EPS.

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Other analysts also recently issued research reports about the company. Seaport Res Ptn reiterated a neutral rating on shares of KB Home in a research report on Wednesday, June 14th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their target price on KB Home from $49.00 to $61.00 in a research report on Monday. UBS Group raised their target price on KB Home from $48.00 to $65.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 22nd. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their target price on KB Home from $45.00 to $47.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, March 28th. Finally, Credit Suisse Group raised their target price on KB Home from $42.00 to $51.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 22nd. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, KB Home currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $50.96.

KB Home Trading Up 2.1 %

Shares of KBH stock opened at $52.24 on Monday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $46.04 and a two-hundred day moving average of $39.58. KB Home has a 12 month low of $25.31 and a 12 month high of $52.88. The company has a market capitalization of $4.31 billion, a P/E ratio of 5.99, a P/E/G ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 1.61.

KB Home (NYSE:KBH  Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, June 21st. The construction company reported $1.94 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.33 by $0.61. KB Home had a return on equity of 20.85% and a net margin of 10.98%. The company had revenue of $1.77 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.43 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $2.32 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 2.6% on a year-over-year basis.

KB Home announced that its Board of Directors has approved a share repurchase program on Wednesday, March 22nd that authorizes the company to buyback $500.00 million in shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the construction company to repurchase up to 15.2% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are usually an indication that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued.

KB Home Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, May 18th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, May 4th were paid a $0.15 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, May 3rd. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.15%. KB Homes dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 6.88%.

Insider Activity

In other news, CEO Jeffrey T. Mezger sold 150,000 shares of KB Home stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $45.26, for a total value of $6,789,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,472,577 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $66,648,835.02. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Insiders own 4.44% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On KB Home

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in KBH. Citigroup Inc. increased its stake in shares of KB Home by 20.9% in the 1st quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 109,019 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $3,530,000 after buying an additional 18,818 shares during the period. Acadian Asset Management LLC grew its stake in shares of KB Home by 35.5% during the first quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 2,169 shares of the construction companys stock worth $69,000 after purchasing an additional 568 shares during the period. MetLife Investment Management LLC grew its stake in shares of KB Home by 39.7% during the first quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 96,105 shares of the construction companys stock worth $3,112,000 after purchasing an additional 27,327 shares during the period. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS grew its stake in shares of KB Home by 10.5% during the first quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 31,411 shares of the construction companys stock worth $1,017,000 after purchasing an additional 2,995 shares during the period. Finally, Great West Life Assurance Co. Can grew its stake in shares of KB Home by 7.1% during the first quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 47,231 shares of the construction companys stock worth $1,571,000 after purchasing an additional 3,140 shares during the period. 96.74% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About KB Home

(Get Rating)

KB Home operates as a homebuilding company in the United States. It operates through four segments: West Coast, Southwest, Central, and Southeast. It builds and sells various homes, including attached and detached single-family residential homes, townhomes, and condominiums primarily for first-time, first move-up, second move-up, and active adult homebuyers.

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Beneteau (OTCMKTS:BTEAF  Get Rating) and Polaris (NYSE:PII  Get Rating) are both consumer cyclical companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, institutional ownership, earnings, risk, analyst recommendations, dividends and valuation.

Profitability

This table compares Beneteau and Polaris net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Beneteau N/A N/A N/A Polaris 5.46% 60.97% 12.72%

Institutional & Insider Ownership

88.3% of Polaris shares are held by institutional investors. 2.8% of Polaris shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Analyst Ratings

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Beneteau 0 0 1 0 3.00 Polaris 0 9 2 1 2.33

This is a breakdown of recent ratings and target prices for Beneteau and Polaris, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Beneteau presently has a consensus price target of $14.10, suggesting a potential downside of 13.07%. Polaris has a consensus price target of $114.27, suggesting a potential downside of 3.40%. Given Polaris higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Polaris is more favorable than Beneteau.

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Beneteau and Polaris revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Beneteau N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Polaris $8.59 billion 0.78 $447.10 million $8.31 14.24

Polaris has higher revenue and earnings than Beneteau.

Summary

Polaris beats Beneteau on 9 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Beneteau

(Get Rating)

Beneteau S.A. designs, manufactures, and sells boats and leisure homes in France and internationally. It provides boats under the Beneteau, Jeanneau, Lagoon, Prestige, Monte Carlo Yachts, Four Winns, Glastron, Scarab, WellCraft, EXCESS, and Delphia brand names; and leisure homes under the IRM, O'HARA, and Coco Sweet brand names. The company also offers bandofbaots.com, a community services platform for purchase and sale of new or used boats; lease purchase, credit, and insurance services through SGB Finance; and inventory and retail finance solutions. Beneteau S.A. was founded in 1884 and is headquartered in Saint Gilles Croix de Vie, France.

About Polaris

(Get Rating)

Polaris Inc. designs, engineers, manufactures, and markets powersports vehicles worldwide. It operates through three segments: Off-Road, On-Road, and Marine. The company offers off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain vehicles and side-by-side vehicles; military and commercial ORVs; snowmobiles; motorcycles; moto-roadsters, quadricycles, and boats; and aftermarket parts and apparel. It also provides ORV accessories comprising winches, bumper/brushguards, plows, racks, wheels and tires, pull-behinds, cab systems, lighting and audio systems, cargo box accessories, tracks, and oil; snowmobile accessories, which include covers, traction products, reverse kits, electric starters, tracks, bags, windshields, oil, and lubricants; and motorcycle accessories, such as saddle bags, handlebars, backrests, exhausts, windshields, seats, oil, and various chrome accessories. In addition, the company offers light duty hauling and passenger vehicles; gear and apparel, such as helmets, goggles, jackets, gloves, boots, bibs, hats, pants, and leathers; and pontoon and deck boats. It provides its products through dealers and distributors, and online; and retail and e-commerce sites. The company was formerly known as Polaris Industries Inc. Polaris Inc. was founded in 1945 and is headquartered in Medina, Minnesota.

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Riversedge Advisors LLC boosted its position in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Rating) by 53.4% during the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 3,834 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after purchasing an additional 1,334 shares during the period. Riversedge Advisors LLCs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $388,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 154,563,421 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $14,955,557,000 after purchasing an additional 2,011,683 shares during the period. State Street Corp raised its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 0.5% during the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 74,138,862 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $7,173,676,000 after purchasing an additional 351,136 shares during the period. Morgan Stanley raised its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 14.3% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 38,966,499 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $4,278,132,000 after purchasing an additional 4,886,954 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 1.8% during the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 30,598,624 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $3,352,840,000 after purchasing an additional 537,808 shares during the period. Finally, Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 104,649.4% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 30,247,436 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $3,320,866,000 after purchasing an additional 30,218,560 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 73.08% of the companys stock.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Abbott Laboratories news, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 8,226 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $110.56, for a total transaction of $909,466.56. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 70,427 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,786,409.12. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other news, Director Daniel J. Starks sold 50,000 shares of the firms 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 completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 6,825,316 shares in the company, valued at $757,746,582.32. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 8,226 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $110.56, for a total value of $909,466.56. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 70,427 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,786,409.12. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.10% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Abbott Laboratories Price Performance

ABT stock traded down $0.02 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $107.77. 1,183,739 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 5,099,917. The company has a market cap of $187.41 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.76, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.86 and a beta of 0.67. The stocks 50 day moving average is $107.09 and its 200 day moving average is $106.37. 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 has a 12-month low of $93.25 and a 12-month high of $115.69.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Rating) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, April 19th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.03 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.98 by $0.05. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 22.36% and a net margin of 13.98%. The business had revenue of $9.75 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.64 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.73 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was down 18.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts expect that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.39 EPS for the current year.

Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 14th will be paid a dividend of $0.51 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 13th. This represents a $2.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.89%. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 62.01%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts have issued reports on ABT shares. Sanford C. Bernstein lifted their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $132.00 to $133.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. Citigroup boosted their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $125.00 to $130.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. Barclays upped their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $125.00 to $127.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, April 20th. Bank of America reduced their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $125.00 to $115.00 in a research report on Thursday, March 30th. Finally, BTIG Research boosted their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $125.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, April 17th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $121.26.

Abbott Laboratories Profile

(Get Rating)

Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The Established Pharmaceutical Products segment provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Meniere's disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon.

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A group of lakefront property owners seeking relief from boat wakes crashing into their property in the Merriman Run area of Smith Mountain Lake will have to wait a little longer following a decision by the Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission last week.

The TLAC board voted June 21 to delay action on an application from CPT Buoys LLC to place a no-wake zone in a section of Merriman Run. Instead members voted to seek more clarification on a decision by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to deny an application for a no-wakesurfing zone in the same location last year.

CPT Buoys LLC was created from a group of lakefront homeowners in the Merriman Run community. The group applied for a no-wakesurfing zone last year following TLACs decision to allow residents to apply for the zones. Applicants had to prove a public safety hazard exists due to wakesurfing and occurs on a regular basis.

Following months of pushback from the wakesurfing community and a heated public hearing, TLAC voted last August to recommend approval of the no-wakesurfing zone. That recommendation was sent to DWR for a final decision.

In September, DWR denied the application. In a statement released to the public, DWR wrote that wakesurfing was one of several activities that contributed to wakes in the area, recommending a no-wake zone.

Earlier this year CPT Buoys LLC started the process for the no-wake zone that went before the TLAC board June 21. In discussing the application, board members questioned DWRs decision on the previous no-wakesurfing zone.

I just dont understand why this is back in our court to deal with, board member Edgar Tuck said. He expressed frustration that the entire monthslong process to approve the no-wakesurfing zone last year that was ultimately for nothing.

The main point of concern was some of the statements made by DWR before the application was denied. Tuck said he believes DWR approved the no-waksurfing zone with some modifications before later deciding to deny the no-wakesurfing zone.

I know that is the first thing they said, Tuck said.

Dawn Saunders, representing CPT Buoys LLC, spoke at last weeks meeting. She confirmed there was an email from an individual at DWR stating the no-wakesurfing zone was approved with modifications before another individual later said it was denied.

I was personally hearing two different things from two different DWR representatives, Saunders said.

Saunders said none of her emails with DWR provided information on what those modifications to the no-wakesurfing zone application were.

One issue with creating a no-wake zone in the section of Merriman Run would be the precedent it would set. All previous no-wake zones are in commercial areas or areas designated commercial by Appalachian Power. Randy Stow, chairman of TLACs navigation committee, said there is concern several other lakefront communities would apply for no-wake zones if this one is approved.

Stow said TLAC guidelines state no-wake zones are not to be viewed as a solution for traffic control or protection to personal property.

Before moving forward with a vote on the no-wake zone, Tuck said he wanted to get clarification on what was decided by DWR originally in the proposal for the no-wakesurfing zone. I have a lot of questions for DWR, he said.

TLAC chairman Lorie Smith said DWR should provide information on whether they originally approved the no-wakesurfing zone with modifications. If so, that application with the modifications should be allowed for the proposed section of Merriman Run.

If DWR accepts the no-wakesurfing zone with modifications, Smith said TLAC would have no need to continue the application for the no-wake zone for the same area.
China urges developed countries to effectively protect migrants' rights

Xinhua) 11:16, June 28, 2023

GENEVA, June 27 (Xinhua) -- China on Monday voiced concern over the violation of migrant rights by some developed countries including Britain, and urged them to effectively protect migrant rights.

Delivering a statement at the ongoing 53rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the Chinese side said that while enjoying the benefits brought by well-educated and high-skilled migrants, some developed countries, instead of playing a greater role in global migration governance, not only violate immigrants' rights at home, but also become the main driving force behind the global refugee and immigration crises.

The deportation of asylum-seekers to other countries by Britain is a matter of concern, and the fact that unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in the country are facing the risk of disappearance and trafficking also needs to be attended, the statement said.

It added that UN Human Rights Council Special Procedures and UN Human Rights Treaty Bodies have expressed concern about this, and that UN's Committee on the Rights of the Child has recently urged the British side to urgently amend its illegal immigration bill.

The Chinese side urges relevant countries to face up to their violations and take actions to protect migrants' rights, said the statement.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Lee Jun-il, the foreign ministry's director-general for North Korean nuclear affairs, briefs reporters on South Korea's unilateral sanctions on North Korea's weapons-financing activities at the ministry in Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap



By Kang Seung-woo



South Korea added a Russian national of Korean descent to its unilateral sanctions list for his alleged involvement in the illegal financing of North Korea's weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs, an act that violates United Nations Security Council sanctions, the foreign ministry said, Wednesday.



This is the first time that the South Korean government has imposed unilateral sanctions on an individual of Korean descent, the ministry added.



The Russian national, named Choi Chon-gon, was one of two individuals as well as two organizations that are subject to the Seoul-led sanctions concerning Pyongyang's military development plan. The other three set to face sanctions are So Myong, head of the North's Foreign Trade Bank branch in Vladivostok, and two companies owned by Choi  Hanne Ulaan LCC and Epsilon.



"Our government's unilateral sanctions on Choi and the others will help raise awareness both in the country and abroad to prevent activities that violate sanctions," said Lee Jun-il, the director-general for North Korean nuclear affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.



Choi, formerly a South Korean national, established Hanne Ulaan LCC, a shell company, in Mongolia to evade international sanctions while securing funding for North Korea's WMD programs.



He is also accused of founding Epsilon, a Russia-based trading company, via a joint investment with So in order to help Pyongyang obtain illegal financing.



Choi left South Korea while being investigated here for an alleged financial crime before obtaining Russian citizenship, a foreign ministry official told reporters on condition of anonymity.



The official said Choi now runs other businesses in Vladivostok and maintains close ties with the ethnic Korean community there.



Since the inauguration of the Yoon Suk Yeol administration in May 2022, Seoul has placed sanctions independently on a total of 45 individuals and 47 agencies as well as, for the first time, an individual of Korean descent.



Earlier this month, the South Korean government also imposed unilateral sanctions on a North Korean hacking group known as Kimsuky. This was done in response to Pyongyang's botched rocket launch, which was aimed at putting a military spy satellite into space and marked the world's first unilateral sanction against the North Korean hacking group.



Kimsuky, a unit within the Reconnaissance General Bureau, the North's military intelligence agency, was accused of stealing information from individuals and institutions in diplomacy, security and national defense, and delivering it to the North Korean regime.



The group is also known to have engaged in acquiring cutting-edge technologies related to weapons development, satellites and space technology worldwide, as well as having directly or indirectly contributed to North Korea's satellite development project.



On May 31, the Kim Jong-un regime attempted to launch its first spy satellite into space, but it crashed into the West Sea due to the abnormal starting of the second-stage engine.


I didnt really think it was a career, Jacob "Dopey" Gutierrez said. I just thought I was just going to come here, do this, do that .

He leans back, eyeing the tattoo design pressed onto my shoulder.

Do you want to look at it?

Of course.

Its a daylily  inspired by a drawing by Czech art nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha. Its the day after my mom and aunts birthday, and they are daylily enthusiasts.

Do you mind if I add my own shading? he asks me.

Ive seen Dopeys work before  he tattooed a paw on my forearm while he was working at I-80 Tattoo. I trust him. I say yes.

Dopeys has had his own shop, Tattoos by Dopes, since March. Its tucked into a multi-unit building on the northern end of Grand Island, near Highway 281. The inside is spacious  simple, but not generic. A handful of other stations line the walls; Hannah Cake Yake and Joplin Smith have tattoo stations, along with fledgling tattoo artist Rachel Hagge, still working on her apprenticeship.

Vinny Jodoin occupies a spot for piercings. When hes not poking holes through flesh by request, hes teaching at Grand Island Senior High. His favorite tattoos reflect his interest and lifestyle.

I'm a math nerd, Jodoin says, shrugging. So this is Galileo Galilei, an Italian mathematician. I'm also Italian. He points to a sizable tattoo on his leg. And (Galileo) has got a math symbol instead of a teardrop.

Another favorite of Jodoins is one done by his wife: Cake. Its a tattoo of Vincent Van Goghs Starry Night. It's the most intricate one I have.

In the meantime, Cake is working on matching mother-daughter dragon pieces. It isnt Moms first tattoo, but she questions how painful it will be.

In the corner of the shop, Dopey has my tattoo underway. Hes quiet, unless the chatter in the shop is directed towards him.

"Whats it like being a Latino business owner in Nebraska?" I ask him.

I dont feel like I own it. I feel like its all of us. Dopey looks up briefly from our daylily, and nods towards his coworkers. They helped me get this. Without them without I would not have anything, he says.

Dopey landed in Nebraska in 1993, when his mother and stepfather were getting a divorce. Before that, he spent time in other parts of the country, including Florida.

It was going to be come here or have to do 25-to-life in prison, Dopey said, quietly.

He had gotten mixed up with wrong crowd and the wrong substances throughout part of his life.

This is what keeps me out of trouble, Dopey said of his trade. I stopped hanging around the gang stuff.

He estimates his first ink was done at age 16  maybe 17. It was a garage setup, his buddy holding a bucket of water, while Dopey etched ink into a friend.

It was probably some gang stuff, he figured.

It was also stuff of ingenuity. Dopey did his first tattoo using a contraption made of six C batteries, speaker wire, a Walkman from RadioShack, and some other materials, wrapped up tightly in duct tape.

Here Dopey and company use modern machines  Dopey graduated from extreme DIY stage many years ago. The shading and thin lines of the daylily, nearly halfway done, are a far cry from inky, blooming garage and prison tattoos.

Cake has been wanting to take her tattooing to another level. Shes been keeping an eye on a tattoo artist on Instagram who does glitter tattoos.

There are definitely styles that I like, she says, cleaning her station. I like American traditional. I also have been getting into some realism, but I would love to try a glitter tattoo. Its kind of a type of stippling where you use different colors all together and it ends up looking like it's glitter.

Dopey mentions patch tattoos, which look like the artist has stitched a patch onto the skin.

I mention green screen tattoos, which have been appearing on social media.

The shop members present  Dopey, Cake, Vinny and Joplin  do a collective eye roll.

You just do a solid color, Cake says. And that's it. It's a little overrated.

Joplin is a relatively new artist. She likes tattoos, but has few visible ones. Joplin admits shes extremely picky about what goes on her skin. At the same time, she says, tattooing has few limits.

I feel like there a lot that I want to try, Joplin says, excited. She is still working on her station displays.

Vinny recruited some GISH students to put together some marketing materials and video portfolios for the business  as long as they keep their grades up.

Our students are working on two more videos, he says. It is nice because one is kind of like the moving portfolio.

My Mucha tattoo is finished. Dopey added a touch of white highlighting. He seems satisfied, and takes a photo.

The next appointment is waiting, but Im slow to scoot away from good company. Dopey cleans up his station while a woman  a regular, I gather  waits her turn.

"Whats the big deal with tattoos, anyway?" I ask. Its a rhetorical question, but worth asking.

Cake knows exactly what the big deal is.

Its your story.
Australia partner willing to invest $100 mln in Hoa Binh: CEO

By Lien Thuong, Huong Dung Wed, June 28, 2023 | 11:52 am GTM+7

Four partners have shown an interest in a share issuance of leading Vietnamese construction contractor Hoa Binh (HBC) and one of them, from Australia, said it is willing to spend $60-100 million, revealed CEO Le Van Nam on Tuesday.

At the companys annual general meeting in Ho Chi Minh City the same day, HBC shareholders approved a plan for a private placement of 274 million shares with a minimum price of VND12,000 ($0.51) per share in 2023. If successful, the minimum proceeds have been estimated at VND3.29 trillion ($139.77 million), Nam said.

The proceeds will be used to supplement business capital, swap debt with partners (subcontractors, suppliers, manufacturers), service loans, and invest in project development, he said, adding that as of June 23, 89 suppliers and subcontractors had agreed to swap debts for shares with a total value of VND650 billion ($27.6 million).

Le Van Nam, CEO of Hoa Binh Construction Corp. Photo courtesy of the company.

According to vice chairman and deputy CEO Le Viet Hieu, the corporation is targeting VND12.5 trillion ($531.2 million) in consolidated revenue and VND125 billion ($5.3 million) in consolidated profit in 2023.

"In its business strategy for 2024-2026, HBC aims to reduce the debt-to-equity ratio to 1, and start to make a profit from 2024, which will reach VND600 billion ($25.5 million) by 2026. Its gross and net profits are expected to increase by 6% and 2% in 2024, and 9% and 4% in 2026, respectively," he said.

In a letter to shareholders ahead of the meeting, HBC chairman Le Viet Hai affirmed that the current difficulties are just temporary and when the storms disperse, the company will continue to develop, restore its position, and come back strongly.

He stated that 2022 and 2023 had been the most difficult periods for Hoa Binh during its over-35-year journey. Over the past five years, the construction industry has suffered, particularly in the urban housing and resort sectors - the company's two main construction fields.

Since 2017, very few urban housing projects have been granted construction permits, resulting in a shortage of jobs, he said, noting that a supply and demand imbalance had caused negative impacts on contractors and the competition has become fiercer than ever.

"In 2020 and 2021, the prolonged Covid-19 pandemic dealt a heavy blow to the entire economy and the construction industry in particular. HBCs revenue plunged by 40%, he said.

Negative global developments and in Vietnam in particular have left construction businesses, including HBC, struggling even more, he added.

Last year, for the first time, Hoa Binh suffered a loss of over VND2.57 trillion ($109.2 million). Particularly, its provision for bad receivable debts amounted to over VND2.06 trillion ($87.55 million).

Hai admitted that he had not fulfilled his obligation to develop Hoa Binh as expected, failing to meet the trust and expectations of shareholders. He also took responsibility for a number of scandals that seriously affected the reputation of the board of directors and the Hoa Binh brand, which had long been praised for a corporate culture imbued with humanity and peace.

"However, I am not ashamed of myself or anyone else since I have done all I can to help the company overcome these difficulties over the years. My decisions were all made on the principle of protecting the best interests of shareholders, even though sometimes I had to sacrifice my own interests," he said.

The company chairman hoped to receive sympathy and solidarity from shareholders to help Hoa Binh weather the storm for growth.

According to him, Hoa Binh had taken a step back to renew with a comprehensive restructuring strategy focusing on finance, human resources, products and markets, management systems, and its network of members and associated companies.

Hoa Binh reported a net loss of more than VND440 billion ($18.75 million) in the first three months of 2023, marking its second quarterly loss in a row. In the same period, its revenue plunged nearly 60% year-on-year to VND1.2 trillion ($51.14 million).

At the end of Q1/2023, its accumulated losses of more than VND1.1 trillion ($46.88 million) exceeded its charter capital (VND2.74 trillion) by more than 40%.

On May 17, the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange announced the transfer of HBC shares of Hoa Binh from controlled to restricted trading starting May 23, because the company had delayed the submission of its 2022 audited financial statement by more than 45 days.

HBC closed the Tuesday session at VND9,460 ($0.4), up 5.23%.
Danish fund to continue investments in Vietnam offshore wind projects

By Tri Duc Wed, June 28, 2023 | 11:17 pm GTM+7

Denmarks Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) will continue to back offshore wind power development in Vietnam, including a mega project in the south-central province of Binh Thuan.

This was stated by Stuart Livesey, senior director of the fund and head of CIP Vietnam at a Monday meeting with Binh Thuan authorities. The meeting focused on progress in deploying the $10.5 billion 3.5GW La Gan project in the province.

Stuart Livesey (fourth, left), senior director and head of CIP in Vietnam, and Nguyen Hong Hai (fourth, right), Vice Chairman of Binh Thuan province, at a meeting in the south-central province, June 26, 2023. Photo courtesy of Binh Thuan newspaper.

Livesey noted that CIP has signed four sea survey contracts and memoranda of understanding (MoU) with power suppliers in Vietnam, including one on transformer stations for the La Gan project and another for use of the provinces Vinh Tan port during project deployment.

Binh Thuan Vice Chairman Nguyen Hong Hai said at the meeting that the recently-approved national power development plan VIII (PDP VIII) has set Binh Thuan as a renewable energy hub of Vietnam and will facilitate development of offshore wind power in the province. The PDP VIII targets generation of 6,000 MW in offshore wind power by 2030 and 70,000-91,500 MW by 2050.

The meeting between Binh Thuan authorities and CIP took place a few weeks after Orsted, a Danish wind power giant, announced that it has "paused market development activities in Vietnam.

Mejnert Kristensen, Orsteds senior vice president and Asia-Pacific president, disclosed the information while reviewing the companys Asia-Pacific strategy. He noted, however, that Vietnam was still "an important supplier market".
HCMC, Dong Nai province plan three new bridges

By Tri Duc Wed, June 28, 2023 | 10:01 am GTM+7

Ho Chi Minh City and the neighboring province of Dong Nai plan to build three new bridges to boost connectivity, but the two economic hubs in southern Vietnam have yet to reach a consensus on the timeline for the projects.

An Hao bridge in Dong Nai province connects to Vung Tau crossroads, a gateway to Ho Chi Minh City. Photo courtesy of Dong Nai newspaper.

For the planned Cat Lai bridge, Dong Nai province proposed the project would have eight lanes and investment could be initiated before 2025 in a move to replace the Cat Lai ferry service. However, HCMC's Department of Transport said the Ministry of Transport is already investing in the Nhon Trach bridge connecting Dong Nai and HCMC as part of the city's under-construction Ring Road 3.

The Nhon Trach bridge would help boost connectivity between the two localities, so HCMC suggested the construction of the Cat Lai bridge should begin after 2030, with six lanes.

Regarding the planned Phu My 2 bridge to link southern HCMC and Nhon Trach district in Dong Nai, HCMC's transport department said construction could take place from 2026-2030, also with six lanes.

For the Dong Nai 2 bridge to connect HCMC's Thu Duc city with Dong Nai's Long Thanh district, the department recommended the bridge be built with six lanes from 2026-2030.

Dong Nai and HCMC are separated by four rivers, namely Dong Nai, Long Tau, Dong Tranh, and Thi Vai. The major roads connecting the two areas are national highways No.1 and 1K via the neighboring province of Binh Duong, the HCMC-Long Thanh-Dau Giay Expressway, and the Long Thanh bridge. However, these routes are overloaded.
Hong Kong invested EV Cargo enters Vietnam

By Tuong Van Wed, June 28, 2023 | 2:50 pm GTM+7

EV Cargo, an international freight forwarding and supply chain service company, has begun its Vietnam operations with an office in Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam has benefitted from companies diversifying their sourcing strategies away from relying solely on China and we are talking to our customers every day about Vietnam and how we can set up or advance their supply chain models, EV Cargos Southeast Asia vice president Justin Bentley said in a release Tuesday.

Cat Lai container terminal in Ho Chi Minh City, southern Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Voice of Vietnam.

Increased foreign direct investment has seen Vietnam experience rapid growth in air and sea freight volumes over the last few years.

As a market, it offers exciting growth opportunities for EV Cargo and our expanded presence and capability in Vietnam, underpinned by our ongoing local investment, will enable EV Cargo to capitalize on the opportunities both here and across the region to deliver our wider growth strategy, Bentley said.

The companys HCMC office will manage the provision of air and sea freight forwarding, customs brokerage, warehousing, and cross-border e-commerce services, along with cargo handling facilities in HCMC, Hanoi and and Haiphong - an industrial and logistics hub in northern Vietnam.

EV Cargo Vietnam will be fully integrated into the parent companys global logistics execution platform, which manages the movement by air, sea and road of over $60 billion of merchandise for its customers between 2,400 pairs of countries and territories every year.

Southeast Asia represents a key strategic market for EV Cargo because it is one of the worlds fastest-growing economic regions and logistics markets, as well as an important sourcing origin for retailers and consumer goods brands, the release says.

Therefore, the company has been expanding its capability and capacity across the region with new offices and logistics facilities in Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

EV Cargo was established in 2018 by EmergeVest, a Hong Kong-based growth-oriented private equity investment group.

Its Vietnam entry entry follows the launch of new offices and freight centers in Malaysia early this month.

In Malaysia, EV Cargos newly-launched office on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur is close to major seaports and provides directly managed air and sea freight services to and from Malaysia.

In related news, port operating firm APM Terminals, a unit of Danish shipping giant Maersks transport and logistics division, formed a strategic partnership this March with Vietnamese group Hateco to develop two new deep-water berths in Hai Phong citys Lach Huyen Port.

The Hateco Haiphong International Container Terminal project, enabling the port to handle vessels up to 18,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit), aims to capitalize on favorable natural conditions and geographical location of the area. It will facilitate direct import and export of goods between the north of Vietnam and European and American markets.
Vietnam giant Thaco mulls stake sale in $5 bln automaker

By Minh Van Wed, June 28, 2023 | 6:17 pm GTM+7

Thaco Group, one of Vietnams leading private conglomerates, is considering bringing in an investor into its automobile arm Thaco Auto in a deal that could value the producer at around $5 billion, Reuters said Wednesday.

Thaco, founded by Vietnamese tycoon Tran Ba Duong, is in talks with a financial advisor to explore the potential sale of a minority stake in Thaco Auto after receiving interests from regional financial investors and corporates, the newswire service quoted two people familiar with the matter as saying.

The multi-business giant could be selling about 20% in Thaco Auto, one of the sources said. Deliberations were ongoing and no decisions have been made, the sources were quoted as saying, declining to be named as the matter is private.

Funds raised could be used to finance the group's properties projects, one of the sources said. According to Reuters, Thaco Group and Thaco Auto did not respond to its requests seeking comment.

Thaco Group chairman Tran Ba Duong (L) and Lars Nielsen, managing director of BMW Group Asia, at the BMW Sala showroom in Ho Chi Minh City in December 2022. Photo courtesy of BMW.

Thaco Group was founded by Duong in 1997 in Dong Nai province bordering Ho Chi Minh City. It started as a used vehicles trader and repairer. Its current six business areas are automobile production and trading, mechanical engineering, agriculture, investment and construction, service and trading, and logistics.

Thaco Auto, whose production hub (named Thaco Chu Lai, which is also Thaco Groups manufacturing hub) is in Nui Thanh district, the central province of Quang Nam, manufactures and distributes vehicles including passenger cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles from brands ranging from Kia, Mazda, Peugeot, BMW, MINI, and Iveco to its own Thaco brand of buses. It has more than 400 showrooms and service centers across the country.

South Korean carmaker Kia started manufacturing in Vietnam in 2004 in collaboration with Vietnamese carmaker Thaco. The Thaco Kia manufacturing facility is inside Thaco Chu Lai.

The large-sized complex also makes Peugeot cars and motorcycles. BMW announced in December 2022 that Thaco will produce the BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series, BMW X3 and BMW X5 car models at Thaco Chu Lai.

It has been nearly five years since we relaunched the BMW brand in Vietnam and brought Thaco on board as the official importer of BMW vehicles in the market, Lars Nielsen, managing director, BMW Group Asia, said last December.

We have cultivated a strong relationship with the Thaco team during this time, and their experience and commitment to growing the brand is evident, he said.

Kia and its sister carmaker Hyundai Motor are under the Hyundai Motor Group roof though they operate separately. The two brands are seeking to build on their leading positions in Vietnam, home to a population of 100 million. They unveiled their plans last week to solidify their lead in the rapidly growing Vietnamese market through the release of new models and sales of popular vehicles.

Kia plans to boost the sales of the Sonet, Carnival, Sportage and K3 in the Vietnamese market.
The newly-formed Carbondale Community Cabinet for Children and Youth focuses on better planning and coordination of programs and services for young people in the region. The effort brings together a wide variety of leaders to develop a new approach to planning and coordination.

The cabinet, one of just 50 or so nationwide, hopes to serve local children and teens by developing strategies and approaches which identify the needs of families and prioritizes programs and services for them. Another cabinet with similar goals recently began to serve Johnson County.

Group facilitator Lori Longueville said the local cabinet will serve residents of Carbondale Community High School District No. 165 as well as its feeder school systems including the Carbondale elementary, De Soto, Giant City and Unity Point school districts. Eighteen community members representing a variety of service agencies, organizations and entities make up the cabinet.

The goal of the cabinets is really this idea of understanding that communities as a whole do a really great job in creating comprehensive plans for roads and parks and recreation or whatever, but we really dont think about how one of our communitys biggest assets is our children and youth, said Longueville, who also serves as chair of the Southern Illinois Coalition for Children and Families.

She explained that programs often developed for children and youth are created without coordination and communication with other groups also working to serve the same population. The cabinet aims to change that.

Members of the Carbondale cabinet include representatives from a number of sectors including education, government, recreation, nonprofits, social services and parents. The group has been meeting since September, and this week held the first of a series of Community Conversations, open forums to gather ideas from local residents. This weeks sessions focused on the needs of children up to age 6. Other age groups will be the primary topic at future sessions.

Discussions cover topics ranging from health and safety to child care and early education.

We have intentionality in working to meet the needs of all of the different ages of kids, Longueville added. If we want people to move here  families to move here  weve got to be a family-friendly community.

She said that means childrens organizations must work together.

One of our goals is for people to be able to say, Look at all there is; there are so many assets in our community. But right now, people either dont know about them or don't know how to access them, she said.

Efforts could be as simple as a community calendar, so that programming does not overlap, she added.

Longueville explained that the cabinet is partnering with city government.

We believe that every child and youth in our community deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, said Carbondale City Manager Gary Williams. By taking this new approach to planning, we can build a brighter future for our community and ensure that all our young people have the chance to succeed.

Longueville echoed Williams comments and said it is key for the city to see the cabinets work as important.

It is instrumental to making sure that there's success, she said. We want to make sure that we are ready as a community to take advantage of new resources, but we're also using what we have. We really want this to be a good place to raise a child.

More information about the cabinet can be made available by emailing cdalechildrenscabinet@gmail.com.

Who are they? IL children reported missing as of June 17 These are recent reports of missing children made to local law enforcement. If you think you have seen a missing child, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
Illinois will soon run its own Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplace, and have the power to stop sky-high price increases of plans sold on it.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a pair of bills Tuesday aimed at giving Illinois more control over health insurance prices and the Affordable Care Act marketplace, also known as the Obamacare exchange, where people can buy individual and family health insurance plans.

The bill signings Tuesday came amid criticism aimed at Pritzker for his decision to close enrollment for many people in a separate health care program for immigrants in the country without legal permission.

One of the bills signed into law Tuesday will allow Illinois to run the exchange where health insurance plans are sold, by 2025. Now, consumers must go to the federally-run healthcare.gov to buy exchange plans.

Pritzker called the new law a monumental achievement at a news conference Tuesday and said it will protect Illinoisans from any future changes in federal policy that seek to undermine access to affordable health care.

The idea behind that law is to allow Illinois to better reach consumers and shield the exchange from political shifts at the federal level. Former President Donald Trump made it clear during his tenure that he was not a fan of the Affordable Care Act, and he cut much of the funding for outreach and for workers who assist consumers with buying plans.

You are less subject to changes in the political winds so if theres a change in administration at the federal level, youre a little bit more insulated, said Sabrina Corlette, a research professor at the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University.

By running its own exchange, Illinois could also give consumers more chances to buy health insurance. Now, consumers can typically only enroll in exchange plans during an open enrollment period that runs from Nov. 1 through mid-January, or if they experience certain life changes, such as the birth of a child or job loss.

When Illinois runs its own exchange it could open additional enrollment periods if needed, such as if theres a disaster that creates a need for health insurance, or if a big employer leaves an area of the state, said Theresa Eagleson, director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services.

Illinois will also be able to better understand which areas of the state might need more outreach or education on the exchange, based on applications data, Eagleson said.

Illinois will join 18 other states running their own Affordable Care Act exchanges, Corlette said. Health insurance companies will pay assessments to the state, rather than the federal government, to help run the state-based exchange. The states budget for next fiscal year also includes $10 million to help get the exchange off the ground.

The second new law will give Illinois regulators the power to reject or modify proposed price increases for individual and small business health insurance plans, such as those sold on the exchange, starting with plans for 2026. The law will not apply to health insurance plans offered by large employers, because those plans are regulated by the federal government.

To have the ability to go back to insurance companies now and say, This does not work, is really an important tool in our toolbox to be able to protect consumers, said Dana Popish Severinghaus, director of the Illinois Department of Insurance.

Each year, insurance companies selling exchange plans must make public certain proposed rate increases online before they actually increase prices. Until now, the Illinois Department of Insurance reviewed the rates, and could try to ask insurance companies to lower them if they were too high. But the department could not actually say no to price increases.

In some years, Illinois consumers have faced double-digit price increases in the monthly premiums of exchange plans.

On average, prices for the lowest cost silver-level plans on the exchange increased by 11% across the state this year, according to an Illinois Department of Insurance analysis.

We know that health care prices and costs are going up, and this is one way for the state regulatory agency to be able to push back on costs for consumers and to try to make it more affordable, said Stephani Becker, associate director of healthcare justice at the Chicago-based Shriver Center on Poverty Law.

The new law could also help to keep insurance prices down for small businesses, said Elliot Richardson, president and co-founder of the Small Business Advocacy Council, at the news conference.

Its a gut punch to small businesses when health insurance prices increase each year, he said. This bill provides hope that small business premiums will stabilize and eventually come down, Richardson said.

The bill did, however, have a handful of critics, including the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies.

For decades Illinois (has) had an open market in which consumers benefit from insurers competing, said Andrew Perkins, regional vice president for the Great Lakes region for National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, in a statement. Although this bill doesnt directly impact property and casualty insurance, we disagree with the concept that regulation is a better way to price products than the competitive market.

Under the new law, Illinois regulators will be able to reject or modify a proposed rate if they deem it excessive, unjustified or unfairly discriminatory. They can also reject rates that are too low that endanger the solvency of an insurer. In 2016, Illinois insurance company Land of Lincoln collapsed, leaving nearly 50,000 Illinois residents scrambling to find new insurance mid-year. Land of Lincoln said it set its prices lower than it otherwise would have in anticipation of getting certain payments from the federal government that never fully materialized.

With the new law, Illinois will join 41 other states that also have the final word on proposed rates, according to Gov. J.B. Pritzkers office.

In those states, theres evidence that final prices tend to be lower than the proposed prices, on average, Corlette said. Its relatively rare for a state to flatly reject a proposed rate, she said. Its more common for states to have a back-and-forth with insurers when they think the rates are too high, she said.

Its more of a negotiation and ultimately they settle on a rate thats agreeable to both parties, Corlette said.

Insurance companies dont typically pull their products from a states exchange over such negotiations, she said, though it may not be public knowledge when an agreement cant be reached. In Illinois, insurance companies whose rates have been modified or rejected will have 10 days to request a hearing if they disagree.

Pritzker celebrated the bill signings Tuesday, even as hes been defending himself against criticism from Latino elected officials over changes to a health insurance program for immigrants in the country without legal permission. As part of a last-minute budget deal, that program is getting only about half of the money it needs for the fiscal year that begins July 1. As a result, Pritzker decided to close program enrollment July 1 for people under 65 who are currently eligible and cap enrollment for people 65 and older. Pritzker has said the changes were necessary to save the program.

Photos: Pritzker sworn in for second term Jesse White.JPG JB Piitzker 13 010923.JPG JB Piitzker 12 010923.JPG JB Piitzker 11 010923.JPG JB Piitzker 10 010923.JPG JB Piitzker 9 010923.JPG JB Piitzker 7 010923.JPG JB Piitzker 5 010923.JPG JB Piitzker 3 010923.JPG JB Piitzker 2 010923.JPG JB Piitzker 1 010923.JPG Juliana Stratton 1 010923.JPG Stratton 2 010923.JPG Alex Giannoulias 1 010923.JPG Alex Giannoulias 2 010923.JPG Michael Frerichs 010923.JPG 011023-illinois-ball 011023-illinois-ball 011023-illinois-ball 011023-illinois-ball 011023-illinois-ball 011023-illinois-ball Tiffany Mathis 1 011023.JPG dance gov 7 010923.JPG dance gov 13 010923.JPG dance gov 12 010923.JPG dance gov 11 010923.JPG dance gov 10 010923.JPG dance gov 9 010923.JPG dance gov 8 010923.JPG
Electronic communication has given a whole new meaning to the word ephemera. And as writing began in stone and in its current form, secured somehow in the ether of electronic coding, I fear for our childrens children who may be disinherited from the literary traditions of history, not to mention ones written language itself.

Just where language came from is as mysterious as life itself, if not more mysterious. We are perplexed by the hippopotamus, with its largeness and hunger for tons of grass or whatever is a hippos daily bread; but we are perhaps unspeakably bewildered at the thought of a hippo praying before it gorges itself yet again on another ton of turf. The idea of a hippo talking is incongruous with our cognitive habits because we are intellectual snobs in the society of the worlds species.

But wherever language came from, which is probably the same place life came from (read here God Almighty), it is not altogether certain that language will endure, at least as written.

We as a species seem to be either devolving or evolving, I cant say which. Modern day electronic communication proceeds from the principle that less is more, when, with the medium of language and the written word, the very opposite is true.

Thus we text a smiley emoji to indicate our pleasure at someones equally curt compliment about our new haircut. I suppose in such things, more isnt much needed, but such a habit carries over into heavier moments of ones life, like birth, death and marriage.

These events are oftentimes acknowledged with the same brevity and inhuman distance as a smiley emoji by a very short text like: Grandpa passed away today. I speak from experience, because that is how I was informed of the passing away of my own fathers father.

In more formal and human epochs  like two decades ago before text messaging  the notice of a loved ones passing was usually given in person, with sorrow mitigated by warm affection and moving words, however learned, because these were tempered by an equally warm and affectionate tone; or by telephone call which transported at least the tone.

I say we may be evolving or devolving, and the way we use language is the reason. It may be that mans thought and expression will become all feeling and all analytics or mathematics, that he will perfectly express all he has to say on his wedding day, for instance, by a kiss and the formula 1+1=1, but somehow that may be a cause for confusion. In words, The two shall become one is perfectly intelligible, because the thought, being mystical, is easily conveyed in the mystical medium of words. But in pure feeling or pure number, man is diminished, and his world shrunk like a juicy grape into a dried up raisin.

Theres a vision of the caveman, homo erectus, with his sunken skull and club and hairy back doodling with a rock pencil on the wall of a cave by the light of a Promethean fire. Theres another vision, of modern man hunched over his cellphone thumbing away the words and thoughts and criticisms of his age. The scrawling scratches of the half-wit in the cave have endured tens of thousands of years, and probably will be there tens of thousands more. I doubt this article will last more than a day or two, but will probably end up going down the memory hole.

Come to think of it, man isnt so much evolving into a superman or devolving into his pre-historic former self but is simply becoming smaller and more insignificant in the precise meaning of the word  man is becoming meaningless because he is meaning less and less in what he writes by the minute.
COLUMBIA  Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley on Tuesday criticized former President Donald Trump for being too friendly to China during his time in office, while also warning that weak support for Ukraine would "only encourage" China to invade Taiwan.

Haley, a Republican presidential candidate running against Trump, said in a speech at the American Enterprise Institute that Trump was "almost singularly focused" on the U.S.-China trade relationship but ultimately did "too little about the rest of the Chinese threat."

Specifically, Haley noted that Trump failed to rally U.S. allies "against the Chinese threat" and that he had congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping on the 70th anniversary of Communist Party rule in China.

"That sends a wrong message to the world," Haley said. "Chinese communism must be condemned, never congratulated."

Haley's comments, promoted by her presidential campaign as "a major foreign policy speech," came a week and a half after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held talks with Xi in Beijing. Blinken said they had agreed to "stabilize" badly deteriorated U.S.-China ties, but there was little indication that either country was prepared to bend from positions on issues including trade, Taiwan, human rights conditions in China and Hong Kong, Chinese military assertiveness in the South China Sea, and Russia's war in Ukraine.

Haley did note that Trump imposed tariffs and other trade restrictions on the superpower, saying he "deserves credit for upending this bipartisan consensus." But she added, "Being clear-eyed is just not enough."

As Trump remains the clear front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, his rivals are increasingly lashing out at him. On Tuesday in New Hampshire, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said that, unlike Trump, he was "actually going to build the wall," a reference to Trump's 2016 signature issue that he fell short of meeting during his first term.

Haley, who served for two years as Trump's ambassador to the United Nations, said President Joe Biden has been "much worse" when it comes to dealing with threats she said China poses to America's economic, domestic and military security. She also said that China's military buildup and aggression toward Taiwan shows that the nation is "preparing its people for war," a conflict she said would draw in the U.S. and other global partners if left unchecked.

"We must act now to keep the peace and prevent war," she said. "And we need a leader that will rally our people to meet this threat on every single front. ... Communist China is an enemy. It is the most dangerous foreign threat we've faced since the Second World War."

In a question-and-answer session with reporters, Haley was asked about comments earlier Tuesday from Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, a fellow Republican presidential candidate, who said, "What's a Uygher?" in response to a question from radio show host Hugh Hewitt about the predominantly Muslim group that China has been accused of oppressing.

Haley, who didn't mention Suarez in her response, called the allegations of sexual abuse and religious discrimination against the Uyghurs a potential "genocide," adding, "The fact that the whole world is ignoring it, is shameful."

For his part, Suarez later tweeted that he is "well aware of the suffering of the Uyghurs in China" but just "didn't recognize the pronunciation."

In her speech, Haley also called Biden "far too slow and weak in helping Ukraine," warning that a failure to send enough military equipment to help stem Russia's invasion there could "only encourage China to invade Taiwan as soon as possible," leading to further international conflict.

"The events of this past weekend show how weak and shaky the Russian leadership is," Haley said, referencing the short-lived weekend revolt by mercenary soldiers who briefly took over a Russian military headquarters. "Make no mistake: China is watching the war with Ukraine with great interest."

Some of Haley's Republican rivals, including Trump and DeSantis, have faced criticism over their own comments toward Ukraine. Both Trump and DeSantis have said that defending Ukraine is not a national security priority for the U.S. DeSantis also had to walk back his characterization of Russia's war in Ukraine as a "territorial dispute."

Last month, Biden approved a new package of military aid for Ukraine that totals up to $300 million and includes additional munitions for drones and an array of other weapons. In all, the U.S. has committed more than $37.6 billion in weapons and other equipment to Ukraine since Russia attacked on Feb. 24, 2022.
A farmer tends to rice seedlings at the Namsa Co-op Farm of Pyongyang's Rangrang District, May 25, 2021. Signs are palpable that North Korea has been tightening state control over its entire economy, particularly food, a veteran journalist said on Wednesday. AP-Yonhap



Famine worsens as Kim steps up fight against market forces: inside sources



By Jung Min-ho



North Korea's great famine in the 1990s, which was a direct result of failures by the state, gave rise to "jangmadang," the informal markets that eventually grew to play an essential role in the economic lives of its people.



But history is set to repeat, as Kim Jong-un, the state's young leader, is poised to tighten state control on the market economy, particularly on food, a veteran journalist said at Wednesday's seminar on the issue in Seoul. He added that Kim will likely unleash another devastating period of mass hunger upon his own people.



Citing six sources who are living in North Korea-China border regions, Jiro Ishimaru, who has been covering the rogue state for the past 30 years, said its food crisis may have already reached its worst level in more than two decades.



"This year has been worse than any other previous years," one of the sources said in a voice file presented at the event. "Many people are dying, especially young children and old people  Few pay attention to such deaths  People are scary."



The COVID-19 pandemic was the chief reason for the unfolding calamity as it isolated North Korea even more from the rest of the world. As well, its trade with China plummeted, cutting off an important source of its food supply, and personnel exchanges among its own citizens were restricted.



Worse still, the North Korean ruler has been trying to take back control  perhaps full control  of its food resources from market forces, according to Ishimaru.



"This January, North Korea completely banned the selling of food in markets. Since April, it has looked the other way for those selling small amounts. But it is still largely restricted," he said. "The state has also set up many guard posts in places where officials monitor for 'unlawful' food trade."





Jiro Ishimaru, a veteran journalist from Asiapress International, a media company based in Japan, speaks during a seminar on North Korea's food situation at the Press Center in Seoul, Wednesday, as he shows a photo of North Korean officials repairing fences near its China border. Korea Times photo by Jung Min-ho
Orangeburg County Emergency Services partnered with the South Carolina State Guard and other agencies at the North Air Force Auxiliary Airfield earlier this month as part of a disaster-training exercise.

The exercise, held June 2-4, was designed to ensure the State Guards disaster response capabilities are properly integrated into the countys emergency services command structure and system.

It was a great learning experience for them, Orangeburg County Emergency Services Director Billy Staley said. We tested several things and integration was good. We cant do what we do on a large scale without them.

That was a huge asset for us, Staley continued. It was a huge plus that we were able to accomplish those assessments and those skills.

The S.C. State Guard contacted Emergency Services about wanting to do a joint training exercise. It is believed to be the first large-scale exercise the guard has performed with a county in the state.

In addition to Emergency Services and the State Guard, other agencies participating in the exercise included the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control/Low Country Health Preparedness, The Medical University of South Carolinas Orangeburg and Charleston hospitals, the Salvation Army and the South Carolina Baptist Convention Disaster Relief.

I was very impressed with State Guard, Staley said. They are highly motivated to come in and to serve their citizens and do a great job at it.

S.C. State Guard Executive Officer for the First Civil Support Brigade Major Brian Fletcher said the training was the largest joint field exercise in the history of the State Guard. The guard was established in 1670.

Fletcher said the Guard trains annually, but noted this was the largest one.

We never know, when a major disaster will strike, Fletcher said. We saw Katrina. We could have a similar event on our coast.

Fletcher said perhaps one of the biggest concerns is the Charleston area's susceptibility to an earthquake. It is crucial to have a plan in place to get victims out of the zone.

The Orangeburg County exercise was designed around the scenario of an EF3 tornado rolling through the area, requiring the county to seek assistance.

It is estimated about 250 individuals in total from all agencies participated in the training exercise.

Some of the training during the joint exercise tested the Guards ability to:

 Operate radio and telephone communications with the countys Emergency Operations Center.

 Help the county with disaster damage and structural assessments.

We tested their ability to fill out paperwork when they do a structural assessment, and report it back to us in a manner where we can interpret it and blend it with our building inspectors to make it fit into our system, Staley said.

 Mobilize and deploy the countys medical tents, mass causality tents and mobile hospital units

 Conduct a generator inventory assessment at critical locations in the county.

 Triage individuals during a mass causality event.

 Communicate individual medical needs data to MUSC and DHEC.

We tested their ability to get that information to MUSC and Charleston and to get that information to DHEC and Charleston because when we have a mass casualty incident, that information is pushed to them because we cant send everybody to Orangeburg, Staley said. Somebody has to coordinate which hospitals they can go to.

It was a long four days but it was very beneficial, Staley said about the training exercise.

We simulated a lot of stuff in the exercise, but it is more about checking to make sure that we have key decision-making points in our plans and key tasks in our plans to help get us the information that we need and that information can come back in an assimilated format that we can use.

Some questions asked include: Did we hit this mark? Did we hit that mark?

Did we have everything we needed to make this mark and were we able to collect that data and get it back to make informed decisions about what we needed to do? Staley said.

Staley is hoping the joint training exercises with the State Guard become either a biannual or an annual event.

Emergency Services has often worked with the State Guard, including during the 2014 ice storm and Hurricane Matthew. During those disasters, the State Guard helped the county set up stations to distribute essential supplies for the public. It also conducted structural assessments on buildings.

The county also used the State Guard for traffic management at the Orangeburg County Fairgrounds during COVID.

They have manpower to bring in and they have specialized training to do stuff like that, Staley said. They are a huge asset to us because we dont have the manpower to handle all of that.

Staley says the State Guard, unlike the National Guard, can typically provide more immediate assistance  within a four to five hour period  on a local level.

Staley also said the county has also had a working relationship with North Air base in the past.

The site has served as a repatriation location, for example, when a U.S. Embassy is being evacuated.

That becomes a military function, Staley said.

Staley said the Air Base is a great asset for training exercises due to its size.

We can really get robust at what we are doing, Staley said.
ST. MATTHEWS  An Orangeburg-based seed production company announced Tuesday it is expanding its services in Calhoun County.

Mixon Seed Service, Inc. has purchased St. Matthews-based L.B. Wannamaker Seed Company.

We are excited, Mixon Seed Service Inc. President Robert Etheridge said during a Tuesday ceremony celebrating the purchase. It is a neat honor to be able to carry on two stored companies that have been in the state over 150 years.

We are happy to be able to carry that forward.

As part of the transaction, Mixon Seed will invest about $750,000 over the next five years and create 10 new jobs at its new St. Matthews operation on Mill Street.

The investment will be in facility and equipment upgrades with an eye to increasing capacity.

The St. Matthews plant will focus on cover crop seed production, as well as wildlife blend retail and sales.

The Mixon Seed Service name will continue to be used, although the wildlife seed retail and sales office will be named the Southland Wildlife.

Mixon Seed currently has three employees in Calhoun County and 32 total. The companys headquarters are in Orangeburg. It also has a facility in Newton, Georgia.

Regional business, government and agriculture officials were in attendance Tuesday to celebrate the expansion.

The S.C. Department of Agriculture is providing a $150,000 grant to help with the expansion.

It is exciting and satisfying to have this business continue under the guidance of Robert Etheridge and Mixon Seed, Wannamaker Seed Co. owner Luther Wannamaker said.

Etheridge said both businesses have been, high touch, high service, high trust.

What we are going to do in Mixon Seed going forward is we are going to take that spirit of innovation and best practices and build it into a regional company that is a regional player across the South going forward, he said.

Etheridge said Mixon will focus on a few areas going forward such as climate smart agriculture and sequestering carbon.

Cover crops are a key tool in doing that, Etheridge said. We are making an investment here and in some other places where we are investing in infrastructure, in the people and the know-how to really bring those cover crops to the state and to the region at a scale that will take it.

Etheridge said the company will also focus on wildlife space.

We see the investment in recreational properties continuing, Etheridge said. We think that is a viable space. Certainly land preservation and particularly farm land preservation is going to be an ever-increasing focus for us in the state. We are excited about the growth prospects weve got.

Etheridge thanked Clemson and South Carolina State universities as resources for new innovations and technology.

S.C. Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers noted agribusiness is the largest contributor to the states economy.

Agribusiness contributes about $51 billion to the states economy and employs nearly 260,000 people, he said.

Weathers praised Wannamakers forethought and innovation, saying its helped local farmers through the years.

That is really a foundation of the great agriculture that goes on here and now. Mixon Seed will continue that, Weathers said. Congratulations to Mixon Seed. Mr. Luther, congratulations. I know you are excited to see your lifelong work continue.

Rep. Russell Ott, D-St. Matthews, said, This is truly what South Carolina is.

This is the essence of who we are in South Carolina. As far as I am concerned, that is the way we always need to keep it. We are an agricultural state.

Mixon Seeds expansion is, sustaining the legacy of South Carolina, Ott said.

Ott said Tuesdays announcement is based on trust.

We are transitioning today, Ott said.

Wannamaker is trusting that his family seed company will continue to live on under Mixon Seed, Ott said. It requires trust to know that those names, those legacies have been built and carried on in a manner in which they can continue to be proud.

Calhoun County Administrator John McLauchlin thanked Etheridge and the Mixon family for investing in the county, and the Wannamaker family for its role in the county over the years.

Keeping it in the agribusiness community and keeping the community happy with products nearby is great, McLauchlin said.

Mixon Seed was founded in 1973 by Danny Mixon.

During the early days of Mixon Seed, Mixon would visit 15 to 20 customers daily, covering 300 miles.

The company provides seed varieties for wildlife and cover crop blends.

The company has distribution centers in Orangeburg and Newton, Georgia.

The company produces over 1.1 million bags of seed annually.

The Wannamaker familys roots go all the way back to the year 1732 in whats now Calhoun County.

After the Civil War, a group of men from Orangeburg and what is now Calhoun County were leaders in advocating for the creation of Clemson College and a more scientific approach to agriculture.

John Wannamaker from St. Matthews was especially prominent in this group. He was the first chairman of the board of Clemson and the first lifetime trustee, serving from 1888 to 1935.

The development of better varieties of farm crops, especially cotton, through seed breeding and research into fertilizers were Wannamakers two major concerns as a member of the Clemson board.

Johns son, John E. Wannamaker, was a pioneer in soybeans and is credited with bringing harvestable soybeans to the South.

St. Matthews-area farmer W.W. Wannamaker admired his cousin John and wanted to keep the business going.

Whit Wannamaker, W.W. Wannamakers oldest son, studied at Clemson and returned home to concentrate on growing cotton, cotton seed breeding and selling cotton seed. This gave birth to the Wannamaker seed enterprises in about 1916.

After World War I, Whit was joined by his two brothers, Treutlin and Banks, in a family partnership. In the 1930s, the business became two separate entities: W.W. Wannamaker Seed and L.B. Wannamaker Seed.

Banks Wannamaker founded the L.B. Wannamaker Seed Company in 1936. The production and marketing of cotton seed was his principal business.

In 1966, his son, Luther, joined his father and concentrated on soybean seed.

Luther contacted all the various Southern soybean breeders and selected, produced and marketed a stream of soybean varieties to Southern farmers.

In 1988, L.B. Wannamaker Seed expanded to Japan where it sold many varieties of soybean including the large Black Tamba, the so-called King of Soybeans that is a popular dish for Japanese New Years celebrations.

In 2005, the business was changed to focus on wildlife enhancement. The company serves both large plantations interested in quail, wild turkeys and ducks and deer hunters who want to provide high-protein food plots year-round.
South Carolina will receive almost $22.8 million for a pedestrian bridge and improvements to Railroad Corner in Orangeburg.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Congressman Jim Clyburn are announcing the funding in Orangeburg today.

The Biden-Harris Administration has awarded $22,755,600 from the RAISE discretionary grant program to the infrastructure project.

Funds for the Railroad Corner Redevelopment project will be used to construct a pedestrian bridge over two state highways and railroad tracks, and a multimodal transit hub including a new public transit stop, charging infrastructure for electric vehicles and bicycles, and a public parking structure.

The project will better connect residential neighborhoods and the campuses of South Carolina State University and Claflin University to the downtown Orangeburg business district and new transit hub.

The project is designed to improve pedestrian safety, provide equitable access to the citys public transit system, improve access to cultural assets and institutions of higher learning and provide an electric vehicle charging facility to support alternative fueling.

The RAISE grant program, expanded under the presidents infrastructure law, supports communities of all sizes, with half of this years funding going to rural areas and the other half to urban areas.

The grants are part of President Bidens Investing in America agenda.

Seventy percent of the grants are going to projects in regions defined as an area of persistent poverty or a historically disadvantaged community.

Like last year, demand for RAISE funding was higher than available funds. This year, DOT received $15 billion in requests for the $2.26 billion available.
(TBTCO) - Nhung dien bien moi ve gia ca hang hoa thiet yeu tai thi truong the gioi nhu gia dau the gioi tang tro lai, o trong nuoc gia thit lon ang o muc cao nhat tu au nam en nay, gia rau xanh nham nhe tang khi vao mua mua bao la nhung yeu to cac co quan quan ly phai tinh en trong qua trinh ieu hanh gia ca tu nay en cuoi nam.
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A Casper man, who was arrested as part of statewide sting operation focused on catching people attempting to pay to have sexual relations with children, is facing up to life in prison.

Adam Paul Custeau, 36, made his initial appearance before U.S. District Court Judge Michael Shickich in Casper late Tuesday afternoon. He faces a federal charge of attempting to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.

The allegation is essentially that you attempted to obtain sex with an underage child, Shickich said in court. ... I want you to know in some ways youve already started a really hard uphill climb.

Homeland Security Investigations and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigations conducted an undercover operation from June 21 to June 23, the federal complaint states. Custeau was one of the individuals arrested.

An undercover agent started texting Custeau last week, the complaint states. He responded to an advertisement on a known, but unnamed website which was promoting two real and legit females available in Casper.

Custeau started the conversation by asking if they were in Casper and then stating, Qv I like to eat also, the complaint states.

The agent knows Qv to mean quick visit, which Custeau allegedly later explained to mean a short meet-up including sexual acts.

Custeau was informed the two advertised females were 12 and 14-year-old girls, which he was hesitant about and wanted to see a picture of the girls, the complaint states.

He was sent images of undercover agents, who were dressed and age regressed to look like young teenage girls.

To which he allegedly responded, Wow yes, the complaint states.

Custeau is accused of listing several sexual acts he wanted to engage in with either one of the girls, agreeing to pay $50 for a quick visit or $100 to not use a condom, among other things, the complaint states.

He arrived at a known, but unnamed hotel, but never actually met in-person with the undercover agents because he felt the situation was kinda sketchy, the complaint states.

After leaving the parking lot, Custeau was stopped by the Wyoming Highway Patrol and taken into custody without incident.

During a recorded interview, he admitted to traveling to a nearby gas station to retrieve $100 cash from an ATM, but claimed he was not going to have sex with the girls if he was able to tell they were underage, the complaint states.

He used his Capital One Savor credit card at the ATM so that his fiance would not be able to see the cash withdrawal, the complaint states.

Custeau is being held at the Natrona County Detention Center.

He is scheduled to appear back in court on Friday afternoon for a preliminary and detention hearing.

Shickich will then decide whether youre held in custody or released, but warned Custeau that people usually remain in jail throughout court proceedings when facing a charge of this nature, he said Tuesday.
Wyoming enacted its only law that addresses law enforcements body-worn and dash camera footage six years ago, which restricted the publics right to view it, and in practice, gives each agency a sometimes-problematic free rein on how much, or how little, transparency they offer, sources say.

Law enforcement has the legal right to kill people, [so] they should be subject to more transparency and scrutiny for that reason, Rep. Karlee Provenza, D-Laramie, told the Star-Tribune. That being said, the state statute on body cameras and dash cam footage leaves much to be desired.

In 2017, Senate Enrolled Act 89 amended the states public records act to ban the inspection of peace officers recordings  any audio or video captured during work  with two exceptions, the law states.

Law enforcement personnel or public agencies are always granted the right to view such footage for official business or by court order.

But the public may be granted the right to inspect it when they are the subject of the recording, when the recording depicts use of deadly force or serious injury, when the request is in response to a complaint against law enforcement or when the footage is in the interest of public safety.

Local chiefs of police, county attorneys and sheriffs, who are the custodians of these recordings, have no legal requirement to release footage in these cases. They simply can, as they see fit.

It leaves a lot of subjective interpretation for the custodians, said Provenza. Theres this issue, you see, not just in Wyoming but across the country, that this footage becomes available if it supports a narrative.

Law in action

Due to this independent discretion, some law enforcement agencies choose to regularly release footage while many almost never do; other times that footage is edited, or there is selectivity in who gets to view it.

Citizens should certainly be able to get footage in more cases, especially when tragedies involving law enforcement take place, said Sen. Cale Case, R-Lander.

Wyoming has a high number of deaths from law enforcement  police shootings of citizens, and we have a lot of crazy people too  lots of alcohol, lots of guns, said Case. We certainly seem to have more than our share of officer-involved killings of citizens, and I think that has never really been brought forward.

There are many examples of the lack of uniformity in camera usage and subsequent footage handling throughout the state.

For example, last month, the Casper Police Department released dashcam footage a week after a downtown police chase ended in the death of 29-year-old Adonis Lee Little Dog. But agency officials played that video for reporters on the day of the crash without releasing it publicly at that time.

At the Albany County Sheriffs Office, Sheriff Aaron Appelhans expanded the use of body cameras, requiring deputies who work in the jail to wear them too, he told the Star-Tribune. The office releases footage to the public, but its mostly in cases such as large car wrecks or significant weather.

Officers at the Cheyenne Police Department have their footage randomly reviewed to ensure guideline compliance, but public inspection of deadly force incidents is only allowed upon approval by the chief, according to a field manual provided by spokesperson Alexandra Farkas.

Yet, this footage becomes crucial when trying to prove an abuse of power.

The Cody Police Department released body camera footage last month, which shows officer Blake Stinson appearing to drag a teenage boy out of a car window by the neck during a traffic stop, said Case. Now, that officer is being investigated.

Issues surrounding secrecy go beyond dash and body cam footage, said Case. He raised the appalling circumstances surrounding a Riverton police officer, who shot and killed Anderson Andy Antelope in 2019, and how local officials didnt want to give an inch when it came time to produce information.

The only point Im trying to make is that Im amazed how entrenched the other side is about protecting law enforcement and the brotherhood of officers, said Case. They didnt even want to release who the officer was, and I dont think they ever did officially; I cant even get my head around how thats good public policy.

The Star-Tribune last month identified the officer as James Donahue. A Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigations recorded interview, which was not obtained from the agency, presents local officials marveling about a lack of video footage of the shooting.

Provenza saw many of these tactics of trying to control a narrative, while attempting to gain information about the police shooting of Robbie Ramirez in 2018, she said.

Albany County officials released some bodycam footage to select members of the press, but didnt let the public see it in its entirety, Provenza said. Then, they ultimately ended up finding that they altered the footage that was presented.

Thats not transparency  thats propaganda, Provenza said. Either youre willing to display your actions to the public, or youre not, and if youre not, the question is what did you do wrong?

Expanding transparency

Law enforcement previously wouldnt use body cameras or dash cams because they were under the impression it could be potentially deemed a required, released public records, said Sen. Chris Rothfuss, D-Laramie.

The lack of privacy protection for footage was leading to no footage at all, so the 2017 law was widely meant to encourage officers to use cameras, said Rothfuss.

This is something we expected to have to follow-up on, as you can imagine, Rothfuss said. We might have not gotten it right, but its certainly better now than the year before we passed this legislation.

Its complicated because not all footage should be a public record, as many recordings are not in the public interest and would violate peoples privacy, Rothfuss said. Imagine a circumstance where an abusive man assaults a woman, and the responding officer catches this traumatizing event on a body camera, he said.

Well, we hear from domestic violence folks, that in other locations, where there was such a right to just have access if youre a subject, the man gets the video to torment the former spouse or person they abused, Rothfuss said.

In 2021, Provenza sponsored a bill, which attempted to give the public more access to dash and body cam footage, but it didnt pass.

Although it may be a good way to go, if the state tries to mandate that officers wear cameras and release footage regularly, there will be a lot of pushback, said Case.

Its also difficult to dream up proper language for potential legislation, which would need to continue to protect the publics privacy while expanding the publics right to view officer actions, said Rothfuss.

If you use punitive language, like immediately release footage, I think youll find a lot of cameras that suddenly arent working, said Case. Its all kind of a balancing act.
The public comment period for proposed changes to Wyomings sage grouse habitat protection map is extended for another month, Gov. Mark Gordon announced Wednesday.

The comment period will now close at 5 p.m. July 28.

The Bureau of Land Management is considering land use amendments that could change the management of sage-grouse habitat on public lands. It will update its sage grouse habitat map as part of this process.

The original sage grouse core area protection strategy and map were created in 2008 and revised in 2015 and 2019. It encompasses roughly 15 million acres of sage grouse habitat in Wyoming. The Sage Grouse Implementation Team, members of which were appointed by Gordon, put forward the current revisions in question. The team aims to protect sage grouse under Wyomings 2019 Sage Grouse Executive Order.

The next Sage Grouse Implementation Team meeting will take place July 6 at 9 a.m. in the Lander Community and Convention Center at 950 Buena Vista Drive. The informational meeting will allow for public comment on the proposed changes to the sage grouse map. No decisions regarding the current map will be made at this meeting.
Lee Jun-il, the foreign ministry's director-general for North Korean nuclear affairs, briefs reporters on South Korea's independent sanctions on North Korea's weapons-financing activities at the ministry in Seoul, June 28. Yonhap



South Korea on Wednesday imposed unilateral sanctions on a Russian individual of Korean descent involved in the illegal financing of Pyongyang's weapons of mass destruction programs, Seoul's foreign ministry said.



Choi Chon Gon of Russia was among the total of four entities  two individuals and two organizations  newly added to Seoul's sanctions list against Pyongyang's nuclear and missile development programs, according to the ministry.



Choi, previously a South Korean national, founded a North Korea front company named Hanne Ulaan LCC in Mongolia for the purpose of evading international sanctions while securing funding for Pyongyang's weapons programs.



He is also accused of having supported Pyongyang's illegal financing by establishing Epsilon, a Russia-based trading firm, through a joint investment partnership with So Myong, head of the North's Foreign Trade Bank branch in Vladivostok.



The three other entities newly added to the sanctions list were So, Hanne Ulaan and Epsilon.



"Our government's unilateral sanctions on Choi and the others will help raise awareness both in the country and abroad to prevent activities that violate sanctions," Lee Jun-il, the director-general for North Korean nuclear affairs, said.



Choi is known to have departed for Russia while being investigated in South Korea for an alleged financial crime, and appears to have obtained Russian citizenship afterward, a ministry official told reporters on condition of anonymity.



The official said Choi currently runs other businesses in Vladivostok and maintains close ties with the Korean community there.



The announcement marks the Seoul's ninth unilateral sanctions measure against the North since the launch of the Yoon Suk Yeol administration in May last year, and the first time adding an international individual of Korean descent to the blacklist.



A total of 45 individuals and 47 agencies have been added to the sanctions list since Yoon came to office. (Yonhap)


In 1882, the Northern Pacific Railroad shipped 200,000 bison hides in 700 boxcars from the Northern Great Plains to processing facilities in the East. In 1883, the shipment was down to 40,000 hides, and in 1884 the total harvest fit in one boxcar. In just three years, bison were all but eradicated from Wyoming, Montana and the Dakotas. Bison herds in the Southern Great Plains had been decimated a decade earlier.

This sad chapter in Americas conservation history resulted largely from new railroads opening the West to easy travel. There were few regulations to limit the slaughter. Market hunters wandered the plains. Sporting expeditions encouraged passengers to shoot bison from railroad cars. It was pure carnage.

While many would like to believe that similar wanton destruction couldnt happen again, the truth is it has happened repeatedly in the last 150 years. Species such as the Black-footed Ferret and the Lesser Prairie Chicken are now on the brink of extinction. Many others are on the threatened or endangered species list. Grassland bird species have declined by more than 40 percent since 1966 and numerous others are at a tipping point. Much of this is happening because many species struggle to compete with commercial activities.

In 1976 Congress passed the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA). Among other things, FLPMA requires federal land to be managed for multiple use, and conservation is specifically listed as legitimate use. Theoretically FLPMA should have leveled the playing field between conservation and commercial activities on federal land. But even after the passage of FLPMA, conservation has often been secondary to other uses.

Fortunately, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is proposing a new rule (The Public Lands Rule) to put conservation on equal footing with other uses. The proposed rule, which emphasizes conservation leasing, is currently published in the Federal Register, with the public comment period ending June 20th.

For decades, BLM has allowed leasing of federal land for uses such as grazing and mining as well as the development of oil and gas fields and wind and solar farms. But conservation leasing has not been allowed except under very limited circumstances. The proposed rule will expand the options to lease BLM property for conservation purposes.

The proposal has drawn criticism from high level officials. Senators Barrasso and Lummis have introduced a bill that would prevent the BLM from adopting the rule. Their objections appear to be out of touch with mainstream public opinion. Annual phone surveys by Colorado College have repeatedly revealed strong support for conservation among Wyoming residents. The senators also dont seem to recognize that conservation is the bedrock of our outdoor recreation economy.

A partial summary from the BLM website outlines what the rule would and would not do. The rule: 1) would not change the existing land management planning process including the need for public input; 2) would not mandate conservation leasing, it is something someone would request; 3) would not override existing leases or preclude other subsequent compatible leases; 4) would seldom, if ever, restrict access; 5) could be used for mitigation purposes.

The potential for conservation leases to be used for mitigation is especially intriguing. For example, an energy company could purchase a conservation lease to mitigate the negative impacts of its activities elsewhere. Enhancements within the leased area could be showcased to boost the companys public image.

The ability for other entities to lease land to apply on-the-ground conservation practices is exciting. For instance, there is a widely recognized need to improve riparian areas throughout the state. These ribbons of life offer some of the most productive wildlife habitat on BLM property.

Several years ago, I was a part of coalition that promoted a bill in the Legislature to create a Wyoming Public Lands Day. Somewhat surprisingly, there was considerable resistance to our seemingly innocuous proposal. There was an attempt to amend the bill to call it Wyoming Multiple Use of Public Lands Day. While we didnt object to the concept of multiple use, we opposed the amendment because it resulted in an awkwardly long name for the proposed holiday.

Ultimately, the bill passed with the simple name Wyoming Public Lands Day. But the intense debate among legislators revealed a strong commitment to multiple use. I now hope that commitment includes all aspects of multiple use including conservation and not just select preferred uses. If our elected officials truly believe in multiple use, this would be an excellent time to support the proposed Public Lands Rule.
AN aviation company plans to run commercial flights using an electric engine that creates no carbon emissions by 2025.

ZeroAvia has flown nine test flights with its hydrogen-electric engine at Cotswold Airport, near Cirencester.

The only emission created by the engine is water.
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.
The level of foolishness that we as a people are expected to accept from our leaders is mind-boggling! Here we are in the middle of an election campaign and I am waiting for any serious dialogue as to the state of this nation.

Both the UNC (United National Congress) and the PNM (Peoples National Movement) continue to drag out their wrestling match for our entertainment and distraction, throwing a fake punch here, body slamming each other with the appropriate howls and groans to make us believe theyre really in some kind of battle for the soul of this nation.
Mark your calendars! The next Tucson Festival of Books will be held March 9 and 10 at the University of Arizona, Executive Director Melanie Morgan announced Wednesday.

One of the largest annual events in Tucson, the festival has been held almost every Spring since 2009  the lone exception being 2020, when the emerging COVID-19 pandemic forced its cancellation four days before it was scheduled to begin.

This years book festival attracted 300 authors and audiences totaling more than 125,000 people over the two days. Big names included Linda Ronstadt and Bernie Sanders.

All proceeds following the festival are donated to local nonprofit organizations that support improved literacy in Southern Arizona, according to the festival website. More than $2 million has been donated since the festival began in 2009.

To learn more, visit tucsonfestivalofbooks.org.
President Yoon Suk Yeol, second from left, speaks at a cbinet meeting at the presidential office in Seoul, June 27. Yonhap



The office of President Yoon Suk Yeol is closely following developments related to the Wagner mercenary group's failed revolt against Russia's military, with the impact on South Korea's national interest being analyzed, officials said Wednesday.



"We can't think of the Wagner incident as being completely over," a senior presidential official told Yonhap News Agency. "We're analyzing the impact of this incident."



Another presidential official said the mutiny should not be dismissed as a minor event that suddenly emerged out of the Russia-Ukraine war.



"It's an event that impacts our national interests," he said.



South Korea is reportedly also tracking possible arms trade between Russia and North Korea involving Wagner Group. (Yonhap)


LONDON (AP)  Double Academy Award-winner Kevin Spacey, whose stellar acting career was derailed by sex assault allegations, goes on trial in London this week, accused of sexual offenses against four men in Britain.

WHAT IS HE ACCUSED OF?

Spacey, 63, faces a dozen charges, including of sexual assault, indecent assault and causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

The actor, charged under his full name of Kevin Spacey Fowler, has pleaded not guilty to all 12 counts, which relate to alleged incidents between 2001 and 2013.

At an earlier hearing, Spacey's lawyer said the actor "strenuously denies" the charges. The attorney said Spacey would face the U.K. court to establish his innocence and "proceed with his life."

His trial before a jury at Southwark Crown Court opens Wednesday and is scheduled to last for four weeks.

WHY IS THE TRIAL IN BRITAIN?

Spacey spent more than a decade living in Britain, where he was artistic director of the Old Vic Theatre from 2004 to 2015. He was a high-profile figure in London, starring in productions including William Shakespeare's "Richard III" and David Mamet's "Speed-the-Plow," and hosting star-studded fundraising events for the 200-year-old venue.

Spacey was questioned by British police in 2019 about claims by several men that he had assaulted them. He was charged in May 2022 with five counts against three alleged victims. Another seven charges, all against a fourth man, were added in November.

Spacey, who has addresses in Britain and the U.S., has been free on unconditional bail as he awaited trial.

WHAT'S SPACEY'S FUTURE?

From the 1990s, Spacey became one of the most celebrated actors of his generation, starring in films including "Glengarry Glen Ross" and "LA Confidential." He won a best supporting actor Academy Award for the 1995 film "The Usual Suspects" and a lead actor Oscar for the 1999 movie "American Beauty."

After allegations emerged in the U.S. amid the growing #MeToo movement, Spacey was fired or removed from projects  most notably "House of Cards," the Netflix political thriller where for five seasons he played lead character Frank Underwood, a power-hungry congressman who becomes president. He was cut from the completed film "All the Money in the World," and the scenes reshot with Christopher Plummer.

Spacey is adamant that his career is not over. He had his first film role for several years in Italian director Franco Nero's "The Man Who Drew God," played the late Croatian President Franjo Tudjman in biopic "Once Upon a Time in Croatia" and also starred in as-yet unreleased U.S. film "Peter Five Eight."

In January he was feted with a lifetime achievement award from Italy's National Cinema Museum in Turin. He also taught a masterclass and introduced a sold-out screening of "American Beauty" in what were billed as Spacey's first speaking engagements in five years.

Spacey saluted organizers for "making a strong defense of artistic achievement" and for having "le palle"  the Italian word for male body parts synonymous with courage  to invite him.

He told Germany's Zeit magazine in a rare recent interview that the media had turned him into a "monster." But he said "there are people right now who are ready to hire me the moment I am cleared of these charges in London."

Photos: Kevin Spacey through the years
Sarah Frost: Sarah Frost, CEO of Banner  University Medical Center Tucson and Banner  University Medical Center South, is featured as one of Beckers Hospital Review women hospital presidents and CEOs to know in 2023.

Frost is responsible for 6,000 employees and has over 17 years of experience including leadership of the two academic medical centers in Tucson, most recently acting as COO for both. Frost has been instrumental in fusing clinical and administrative operations across the two medical centers to achieve consistency of care and access to specialized care, including cancer treatment. She also oversaw the opening of a $443 million, new tower at Banner  University Medical Center Tucson which included, 228 private rooms, 20 operating rooms, new diagnostic imaging, cardiac catheterization labs and a new cafeteria.

The Beckers list honors female hospital executives for their dedication to improving hospital care for patients, health care clinicians and allied health care team members alike.

Tubac: Tubac has won the honor of Best Small Town Arts Scene in the 2023 USA Today 10Best Readers Choice Travel Award Contest. This is the third year in a row Tubac took the honor.

The historic village of Tubac has more than 125 art galleries, specialty shops and restaurants. Arizonas first state park, the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park and Museum along with the Tumacacori National Historical Park host over 2,000 years of history. Its also home to the Tubac Festival of the Arts held each February.

Tubac was one of 20 towns nominated by an expert panel which included editors from USA TODAY, 10Best and other contributors.

The top 10 included:

Tubac

Lucas, Kansas

North Adams, Massachusetts

Manitou Springs, Colorado

Williamstown, Massachusetts

Clayton, New York

Abingdon, Virginia

Taos, New Mexico

Yellow Springs, Ohio

Cody, Wyoming
Q: I had tickets on United Airlines to fly from San Jose, California, to Anchorage, Alaska, last summer. In August, my brother died unexpectedly, so we canceled our travel plans.

I reserved my airline flights through Booking.com and followed all their instructions regarding a refund. I sent my brothers death certificate and obituary. Booking.com asked for more proof that we were related, and finally, they asked for his birth certificate. They kept asking for more documentation. Then, they denied our claim.

I appealed to United Airlines, and it graciously agreed to refund our tickets, even though we booked through a third party. Shortly after that correspondence from United, Booking.com also agreed to refund our tickets.

As of now, I still have not received the refund to my credit cards, even though they say they have refunded me. I have sent numerous emails to all the people listed on your consumer advocacy site, and I continue to get the runaround about waiting for Booking.com to receive responses from the airline. I dont know where to turn. Im so frustrated at this point. I hope you can help me.  Debbie Schembri, San Jose, California

A: My condolences on your loss. Airlines will almost always refund a ticket if a passenger dies or if the travel companion of a passenger dies. But when it comes to relatives like brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles, it depends on the carrier.

Online agencies like Booking.com, the online agent you were using, have a special department that handles waivers and favors. United Airlines turned down your request through an intermediary, but then agreed to refund your ticket when you contacted them directly.

By the way, excellent job on the self-advocacy. You worked your way up the ladder, first contacting your online agency and then your airline  and you didnt take no for an answer.

You might have avoided this with a reliable travel insurance policy. Insurance would have refunded your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses, such as airline tickets and hotel rooms, in the event a close relative dies.

I like the way you kept all of your correspondence in writing instead of calling. Too often, people try to phone the airline or online agency, hoping that they can get a quick resolution. But they dont have a record of the conversation, so when they dont get the outcome they want, they have to call again and explain the situation all over. Thats so frustrating, and it rarely fixes the problem.

What made this case a slam dunk was that you had a promise from United in writing that it would refund your ticket. But heres where things went off the runway. Although you booked your ticket on Booking.com, it was actually made by a third party called GoToGate (you can find executive contacts for GoToGate on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org). It looks like there was a miscommunication between United, Booking.com and GoToGate, which led to the delay.

I contacted GoToGate on your behalf, and you received a full refund, as promised.
Women in Arizona will soon find it a lot easier to get birth control.

Starting in July, on a date yet to be set, Arizona pharmacists will, for the first time since birth control pills were authorized in 1960, be allowed to dispense them without women having to present a prescription.

Ditto for the more recent hormonal contraceptive vaginal ring and hormonal contraceptive patches.

It wont be quite the same as grabbing a bottle of cough medicine off the shelf. Women will still need to answer some questions from the pharmacist to determine if the hormones will be safe and appropriate for them.

But gone will be the need to first go to a doctor for an initial prescription or for annual renewals. Replacing that will be a standing order from a doctor at the Arizona Department of Health Services permitting pharmacists to dispense contraceptives if they first question would-be customers about their individual risks.

There was some concern expressed by lawmakers about skipping medical exams when they set the process in motion two years ago. But the consensus was that the benefits of on-demand hormonal birth control outweighed the risks of not having regular doctor visits.

Debate over the new law

The debate when lawmakers considered the issue in 2021 was how difficult it should be for women to avoid conception.

Pregnancy should be the decision of the woman, said Rep. Athena Salman, D-Tempe. Right now women face barriers in our community because they dont have access to doctors for a variety of reasons, one of which is because health care premiums keep going up. We should be making it as accessible as possible for women who want to plan their pregnancies to be able to do that.

During debate, no one spoke against the idea of easier access to pills and devices containing hormones that block ovulation.

But several lawmakers wanted more guardrails.

Joanne Osborne, then a Republican representatives from Buckeye, said she had no problem with women getting up to two years of refills without having to go back to a doctor.

She proposed, however, that any initial prescription require an order from a physician. She also suggested requiring new medical assessments by the womans primary care physician every other year.

The idea of being able to get contraceptives without first seeing a doctor also bothered Regina Cobb, a Republican who represented Kingman.

Cobb, who is a dentist, said regular visits are designed to ensure the chemicals in the contraceptive devices are not causing problems. She noted a link between certain types of birth control, particularly those using estrogen, and potentially fatal blood clots.

Prescribing without actually doing a complete exam and questionnaire from a medical professional I think is irresponsible, Cobb said.

Law written to address risks

But Will Humble, executive director of the Arizona Public Health Association, told Capitol Media Services on Wednesday that the law that will soon take effect is a good balance between risk and benefits.

On the risk side of things, theres a chance  and probably a good chance  that some women will skip that routine care, Pap smears and things like that, he said, referring to tests that can detect cervical cancer.

Beyond that, Humble said, there are some conditions that put women who take oral contraceptives at higher risk for blood clots.

The legislation is written to address that issue.

It requires pharmacists, before dispensing any pill or device that has hormones, to ask patients to fill out a self-screening risk assessment designed to determine whether there are any indications contraceptives may not be appropriate.

The specific form is being finalized by the Arizona Department of Health Services.

Thats part of the reason there is no firm date for when the contraceptives will be available without an individual prescription.

Questions women might be asked

But by law, that form must be based on nationally recognized guidelines. And forms from other states give a good clue of what women here will be asked.

For example, the form being used in California inquires about things like whether a woman has used hormonal contraceptives in the past and, if so, has suffered any adverse reaction.

There are also questions about risk factors, such as whether someone smokes, has diabetes, has given birth within the past six weeks, has high blood pressure, or is currently breastfeeding an infant younger than one month.

Cobb was unimpressed with the idea the self-assessment is sufficient to protect patients.

During debate, she said her own patients, filling out questionnaires at her office, might answer one way in writing. But when questioned in person, where more detail can be solicited, sometimes the answers change, she said.

Strictly speaking, nothing in the law or the rules enacted by the Board of Pharmacy say an affirmative answer to one or more of those questions disqualifies a customer from getting the pills. Instead, that is left to the judgment of each individual pharmacist.

The rules, however, require pharmacists who do want to dispense birth control without individual prescriptions to have at least three hours of continuing education every two years.

The law also provides protections for those who participate. It says that pharmacists who act reasonably and in good faith are not liable for any civil damages for acts or omissions resulting from dispensing that self-administered hormonal contraceptive.

Ability to control reproduction

All that goes to what Humble said is the benefit side of the equation.

It just makes it that much easier for women to access birth control and their ability to control reproduction and have autonomy over that side of things, he said.

Humble said health issues like this are rarely black and white. He compared the risk-benefit analysis here to when Arizonans voted in 2020 to legalize marijuana for recreational use.

The upside was criminal justice reform, he said, as it allowed the legal purchase of the drug from state-regulated dispensaries and eliminated the risk of jail time for users. The downside was it makes it easier for adolescents to get access to weed.

Part of the reason its taken until now for the 2021 law to take effect is the statute required the state Board of Pharmacy to write rules, submit them for public comment and ultimately get final approval from the Governors Regularly Review Council. That is set to happen next week.

There is precedent for the idea of having the health department write a standing order that can replace individual prescriptions.

It used to be that individuals needed a doctors permission to obtain naloxone, formerly marketed under its brand name Narcan. That drug can reverse an opioid overdose by blocking the effects of the drug on the brain and restoring breathing.
Developer versus neighbors  youve heard this sort of story before.

Tucsons history is rife with development battles like the one that played out at West 36th Street and South La Cholla Blvd., ending in February 2022. Thats when the City Council approved a hard-fought zoning change for the 60 acres, allowing 137 housing units to be built there, while preserving half the land as open space.

That development battle is experiencing a public revival now, in the Democratic primary campaign for the Ward 1 council seat. Mayor Regina Romero even dedicated her Friday, June 23 weekly email to explaining and defending the developments approval. Council Member Steve Kozachik discussed it in a June 18 Star op-ed.

Its a good thing for voters: I think this case illustrates nicely a key difference between the candidates, incumbent Lane Santa Cruz and challenger Miguel Ortega.

In short, I view Santa Cruz as a sort of YIMBY. Thats short for Yes In My Back Yard and is a relatively recent phrase adopted by people who want more urban development to address the crisis of housing affordability  a top priority for Santa Cruz. This may mean dealing with developers cooperatively in a way Tucson Democrats did not do so much before.

And I view Ortega as a sort of NIMBY. That, of course, is short for the old phrase Not In My Back Yard, often used to refer to people who stand in the way of developments. In this case, Ortega says he would have voted against the plan the city approved, in line with neighbors protests. And thats more typical of the local Democratic tradition when such protests arise.

Neither of them would fully embrace these labels, of course, but I think theyre a decent fit, at least in this case.

The city annexed the area, south of Tumamoc Hill and Cholla High School, in 1979. As part of the annexation, the city preserved the countys zoning, allowing for lots no smaller than 36,000 square feet, just over eight-tenths of an acre. Tweaks of the zoning allowed for two housing units on each lot, and for mobile homes to be placed there.

Over the years, neighbors have hoped for and worked on the possibility of preserving the acreage that surrounds Henry Hank Oyama Elementary School, which sits right on the corner of 36th and La Cholla. The Westside Neighborhood Association was even founded in 2005 in part to protect this acreage from a development proposal.

That would pretty much ruin the aesthetics and quality of life in our neighborhood, association organizer Scott Archer told the Star that year.

When a new proposal by property owner Buena Vista Properties 2000 arose in 2020, the response from neighbors was much the same.

We are on the edge of Tucson, noted Abreeza Zegeer, who until recently chaired that neighborhood association. We wanted it to be a desert park. We thought that would be great next to Oyama School and near Kennedy Park.

She and others explained that the neighborhood is semi-rural to the north and west, with Kennedy Park to the south. Only the Enchanted Hills neighborhood, the 1960s development across La Cholla from this parcel, is relatively densely developed.

So, at minimum, if they couldnt get the open space they wanted, many neighbors hoped that the city would preserve the zoning approved after annexation, keeping the lots big and the homes spread out.

Santa Cruz told me they heard the neighbors desire for open space and tried to balance that against the owners plans and the communitys needs. Attorney Keri Silvyn, representing the owner, proposed various configurations, including with a cluster of housing south of the Enchanted Hills Wash.

The deal, in the end, left that southern half of the property as open space and pushed the development of 137 units into a densely constructed northern half, with 14 units preserved as affordable housing.

The question was, Santa Cruz said, How do we encourage housing  because we are in a housing crisis and we need housing for folks  and also have significant open space?

This fits into a broader theme of their first term as a council member  encouraging more housing construction. Santa Cruz was perhaps the leading council member pushing for the passage of a new ordinance that allowed for more guest houses to be built in peoples yards under the citys new accessory dwelling unit zoning.

Low supply is what makes our housing prices be so high, Santa Cruz said Tuesday. A lot of us cant afford to purchase a home, myself included. We need to have housing at different price points so that the more affordable housing isnt bought up by people who can afford to pay more.

While Santa Cruz doesnt label herself a YIMBY, this is YIMBY logic. And its an argument Ive made repeatedly in my columns  simply, we need to act faster and create more housing for everybody.

But Ortega says Santa Cruz violated a key principle in coming to the deal: They didnt listen.

The La Cholla and 36th issue is one of many issues of Lane not listening to people, not representing their constituents, and basically following Lanes ideology before actually representing the constituents of the ward, he told me Monday.

The residents made it very clear to Lane, through several meetings, emails, phone calls that they didnt want that condition removed, and (Santa Cruz) went ahead and did it anyway, Ortega said.

He would have voted no and pushed to extend negotiations, Ortega said. He would not have accepted the open space on the southern half of the property as a concession, because it would have been costly to develop anyway. In short, he argues Santa Cruz gave too much away to a developer, an accusation often made against YIMBYs, and even accepted a campaign donation from Silvyn.

Ortega may not be a NIMBY through and through, but in this case, he says he would have listened to the neighbors saying Not In My Back Yard.

And thats a pretty clear difference for Ward 1 Democrats to consider when they get their ballots next month.
NEW YORK (AP)  The hush money case against former President Donald Trump appears headed back to a New York court after a federal judge showed little inclination Tuesday to let Trump move the history-making prosecution to federal court.

Changing courts could give Trump a new avenue to try to get the case thrown out. Hoping to get to federal court, Trump's lawyers argue that he was acting in his capacity as president when he hired and paid a personal attorney who orchestrated payouts to squelch allegations of extramarital sex  payouts that are at the heart of Manhattan prosecutors' case against Trump.

After a three-hour hearing that featured surprise testimony from a Trump company insider, Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein told a packed courtroom that he was not ready to make a firm ruling but saw no relationship to any official act of the president in the alleged conduct that made Trump the first former president ever charged with a crime.

"There's no reason to believe that an equal measure of justice could not be rendered by the state court, Hellerstein added. He said his remarks reflected his present attitudes, and a formal written ruling will follow within two weeks.

Lawyers for both sides declined to comment after the hearing.

Trump, a Republican, pleaded not guilty in April to state felony charges of falsifying business records to hide 2016 hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal. Trump has denied having had sexual encounters with either woman.

According to the indictment, Trump fudged records at his company to cover up the nature of payments made in 2017 to his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to compensate him for arranging to buy the women's silence and fronting the money for Daniels.

Trumps lawyers have said those payments to Cohen were legitimate legal expenses and not part of any cover-up.

Pressed by Hellerstein to prove it, Trump lawyer Todd Blanche called the legal chief of Trump's company to the witness stand, though attorneys for both sides last week had agreed they would not call witnesses at the hearing.

Alan Garten, the Trump Organizations chief legal officer, testified that he believed the payments were partly reimbursements for the money that Cohen had paid Daniels, and partly to compensate him for the role that he was playing as counsel" for Trump's personal matters.

However, Garten said he knew of no written retainer agreement between Trump and Cohen, though Trump's attorneys typically had them. On being shown some of Trump's ledgers, Garten also testified that the vast majority of attorney payments were accompanied by some description of the lawyers' work, though there was no such description for the monthly $35,000 payments that went to Cohen throughout 2017. Company documents recorded them generally as legal expenses.

Garten said he sometimes referred to Cohen non-corporate matters involving Trump and his wife, Melania, but wasn't sure what Cohen did about those things.

After hearing Garten's testimony and arguments from both sides' lawyers, Hellerstein said the evidence suggested that Cohen was hired privately, not under color of any presidential office or related to it.

We have the invoices showing what Cohen was paid, the judge noted. But no proof of what he did.

U.S. law allows criminal prosecutions to be moved from state to federal court if they involve actions taken by federal government officials as part of their official duties, among other qualifications.

While requests to move criminal cases from state to federal court are rarely granted, the prosecution of Trump is unprecedented.

The Manhattan district attorney's office, which is bringing the hush money case, has argued that nothing about the payoffs to either Cohen or the women involved Trump's official duties as president.

If the case is moved to federal court, Trump's lawyers could try to get the charges dismissed on the grounds that federal officials are immune from criminal prosecution over actions they take as part of their official job duties.

A shift to federal court would also mean that jurors would potentially be drawn not only from heavily Democratic Manhattan, where Trump is wildly unpopular, but also from a handful of suburban counties north of the city where he has more political support.
WASHINGTON (AP)  More than $200 billion may have been stolen from two large COVID-19 relief initiatives, according to new estimates from a federal watchdog investigating federally funded programs that helped small businesses survive the worst public health crisis in more than a hundred years.

The numbers issued Tuesday by the U.S. Small Business Administration inspector general are much greater than the office's previous projections and underscore how vulnerable the Paycheck Protection and COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan programs were to fraudsters, particularly during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic.

The inspector general's report said at least 17 percent of all COVID-EIDL and PPP funds were disbursed to potentially fraudulent actors. The fraud estimate for the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is more than $136 billion, which represents 33 percent of the total money spent on that program, according to the report. The Paycheck Protection fraud estimate is $64 billion, the inspector general said.

In comments attached to the report, a senior SBA official disputed the new numbers. Bailey DeVries, SBA's acting associate administrator for capital access, said the inspector general's approach contains serious flaws that significantly overestimate fraud and unintentionally mislead the public to believe that the work we did together had no significant impact in protecting against fraud.

The SBA inspector general had previously estimated fraud in the COVID-19 disaster loan program at $86 billion and the Paycheck Protection program at $20 billion.

The Associated Press reported June 13 that scammers and swindlers potentially swiped about $280 billion in COVID-19 emergency aid; another $123 billion was wasted or misspent. The bulk of the potential losses are from the two SBA programs and another to provide unemployment benefits to workers suddenly unemployed by the economic upheaval caused by the pandemic. The three initiatives were launched during the Trump administration and inherited by President Joe Biden. Combined, the loss estimated by AP represents 10% of the $4.2 trillion the U.S. government has so far disbursed in COVID relief aid.

The SBA inspector general, Hannibal Mike Ware, said in a statement Tuesday that the report "utilizes investigative casework, prior (inspector general) reporting, and cutting-edge data analysis to identify multiple fraud schemes used to potentially steal over $200 billion from American taxpayers and exploit programs meant to help those in need.

Ware, in an interview with The Associated Press earlier this month, said that these latest fraud figures wont be the last ones issued by his office.

We will continue to assess fraud until were finished with the investigations on these things, Ware said. That could be a long while. Wares office has a backlog of more than 90,000 actionable leads into pandemic relief fraud, which amounts to nearly a century's worth of work.

SBA previously told The Associated Press the federal government has not developed an accepted system for assessing fraud in federal programs. Previous analyses, the agency said, have pointed to potential fraud or fraud indicators in a manner that conveys those numbers as a true fraud estimate when they are not. For the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, the agency said it's working estimate found $28 billion in likely fraud.

Han Nguyen, a spokesman for the SBA, said in a statement Tuesday that it is vital to clarify that 86% of the likely fraud in the PPP and COVID-EIDL programs occurred in the first nine months of those programs when, as the (inspector general) has often noted, the rush to get funds out led to unwise decisions to pull down anti-fraud guardrails.

Fraud in pandemic unemployment assistance programs stands at $76 billion, according to congressional testimony from Labor Department Inspector General Larry Turner. Thats a conservative estimate. Another $115 billion mistakenly went to people who should not have received the benefits, according to his testimony.

The Biden administration put in place stricter rules to stem pandemic fraud, including use of the Do Not Pay database. Biden also recently proposed a $1.6 billion plan to boost law enforcement efforts to go after pandemic relief fraudsters.

I think the bottom line is regardless of what the (total fraud) number is, it emanates overwhelmingly from three programs that were designed and originated in 2020 with too many large holes that opened the door to criminal fraud, Gene Sperling, the White House American Rescue Plan coordinator, said in an early June interview.

Bob Westbrooks, a former executive director of the federal Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, said in an interview the $200 billion number is unacceptable, unprecedented and unfathomable. Westbrooks published a book last week, Left Holding the Bag: A Watchdogs Account of How Washington Fumbled its COVID Test.

The swift distribution of funds and program integrity are not mutually exclusive, Westbrooks said Tuesday. The government can walk and chew gum at the same time. They should have put basic fraud controls in place to verify peoples identity and to make sure targeted relief was getting into the right hands.



McDermott reported from Providence, Rhode Island.
PHOENIX  Gov. Katie Hobbs issued executive orders Tuesday to halt the use of public funds for conversion therapy for minors while mandating their use for gender affirming health care for adults. The first order affects AHCCCS patients as well as state government and university employees and retirees, while the second covers current and former state government and university workers.

In the first, the Democratic governor took aim at what the Associated Press defines as the scientifically discredited practice of using therapy to convert LGBTQ people to heterosexuality or traditional gender expectations. Hobbs specifically prohibits the use of state or federal dollars to promote, support, or enable conversion therapy on minors.

Hobbs order includes the health insurance the state makes available for its own or university employees, which includes mental health services.

Also affected are any mental health services available to individuals and families enrolled in the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, the states Medicaid program. About 2.5 million state residents are enrolled in AHCCCS.

A separate law, however, prohibits AHCCCS from paying for gender-affirming care for those enrolled in the system.

Hobbs wrote that conversion therapy is based on the false premise that homosexuality and gender-diverse identities are pathological.

Separately, Hobbs directed the Department of Administration, the states personnel arm, to remove language exempting gender reassignment surgery from the health-care policies now available to state government and university employees and retirees. Hobbs specifically exempts coverage of minors which is prohibited by a state law.

This order will most immediately affect Russell Toomey, a transgender professor at the University of Arizona who filed suit four years ago after he was denied coverage for a long-sought hysterectomy.

Toomey said the state refused to pay for what he said is a medically necessary procedure for his gender dysphoria even though the insurance policy covers other medically necessary surgeries. That amounted to illegal discrimination based on sex as the insurance is supposed to cover all medically necessary surgical procedures, his attorneys said.

The executive order now will end the lawsuit.

The broader victory is that the governors action will clear the way for other transgender workers to get similar coverage.

Targeting hate and discrimination

At the heart of both orders, Hobbs said, is how the state treats some of its residents.

Our LGBTQ+ community should never have to face hate and discrimination, Hobbs said in a prepared statement.

The state is leading by example on this issue, she continued. And we will continue working until Arizona is a place where every individual can participate equally in our economy and workforce without fear of discrimination or exclusion.

Both new orders are an extension of actions Hobbs took on her first day in office in January expanding existing rules against discrimination of current or prospective state government employees.

At the time the rules covered race, sex, religion, pregnancy and veteran status. She extended them to include other traits that cannot be considered in hiring, firing or pay, ranging from gender identity and marital status to culture, creed, social origin and political affiliation.

Hobbs expanded list also included sexual orientation, though that appears to already have been covered in a 2003 executive order issued by then-Gov. Janet Napolitano, a Democrat.

A threat by state Sen. Jake Hoffman, R-Queen Creek, to challenge the order never materialized.

Now, Hobbs is taking aim at other practices she considers discriminatory.

Pima County already bans the therapy

She cited the findings of various organizations that oppose the practice of conversion therapy on minors because of what they say are dangerous effects.

She wrote that those include the American Psychological Association, which said that being subject to conversion therapy in childhood contributes to increased risk of suicide, depression and substance use throughout an individuals life.

She also said the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration has concluded conversion therapy is coercive, can be harmful and should not be part of behavioral health treatment.

Hobbs has no unilateral power to outlaw the practice throughout Arizona.

That is a question for state lawmakers. And while more than 20 states have banned the practice, that is not the case here.

There is an exception. Conversion therapy conducted for a fee is illegal in Pima County, where the Board of Supervisors enacted a restriction in 2017. A bid by then state Sen. Vince Leach, R-Tucson, to have lawmakers overturn that ordinance failed.

What Hobbs said she can do, in her duty to taxpayers, is ensure that decisions are fiscally sound, transparent, and evidence-based, and that public healthcare funds are not spent on discredited, ineffective, and unsafe practices.

Medically necessary care

Her second executive order Tuesday relates to the multi-year fight by Toomey to get the state to pay for his hysterectomy.

Hobbs pointed out that the states insurance plans already require payments for medically necessary care.

She said only the policy written for state government excludes gender reassignment surgery  an exclusion she said is not consistent with policies the states insurance carriers offer to other customers.

There have been successful challenges in other states to that exclusion, Hobbs said. So she ordered it removed as soon as practicable, with notice provided to state and university employees enrolled in the system.

They include Toomey, a professor of family studies and human development at the UA who conducts research on how sexual and gender minority youths thrive despite barriers and challenges they encounter.

In an interview with Capitol Media Services, Toomey said he knew he was different at a very early age.

I thought I was a boy at that point but was being told by everything and everyone in my environment No, suck it up, youre a girl, he said.

It took until he was at least 19, read and book and worked with a counselor that he learned there was a phrase to describe what he was experiencing: gender dysphoria, a sense of mismatch between sex assigned at birth and gender identity.

Shortly after that he began taking hormones and, about a year later, had chest reduction surgery, all paid for out of his own pocket.
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

On April 10, CNNs marquee performer, Christiane Amanpour referred to the roadside ambush and brutal slaying of British Israelis Lucy Dee and her teenage daughters Rina and Maia as a shoot out. Six weeks later, on May 24, under pressure from the Dee family and a press watchdog group, Amanpour issued an on-air apology:

During that live interview (with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh) I misspoke and said that they were killed in a shootout, instead of a shooting.

Dodging the duty to characterize the event for what it was  unprovoked brutality by terrorists against unarmed vacationers  Amanpour tried to pass her comment off as a slip of the tongue. In so doing, she compounded her subversion of truthful reporting.

Then, deploying the language of half-hearted retractions, Amanpour apologized for any harm she may have caused the family, instead of acknowledging her dreadful affront to a grieving widower and father, and to a stunned nation. One of the authors of this opinion was in Israel at the time and witnessed the sadness that overtook the entire county in the wake of these brutal killings.

Rabbi Leo Dee, husband and father of his murdered wife and daughters, understandably rejected the apology. He pointed out that by referring to the killings as a shootout, Amanpour implied moral equivalence between terrorist and victim.

By asserting that the women were involved in a shootout, was Amanpour suggesting that Rabbi Dees family was traveling armed, an ungrounded and frivolous assertion? Much more insidiously, Amanpour was implying the doomed Israeli women were armed  not with weapons  but with the provocation inherent in merely being Israeli Jews.

Amanpours disturbing logic would have CNN viewers believe that being Israeli and Jewish is somehow a criminal act. Regrettably there is a demonstrable pattern of Amanpours defamatory portrayals of life in Israel stretching back more than a decade. For instance, her 2007 report Gods Jewish Warriors, was riddled with falsehoods and distortions condemned by independent journalists and commentators. Then, as now, Amanpours bosses at CNN appeared unperturbed by her drift from honest reporting to shameful propagandizing.

Such moral disingenuousness has become familiar to Israelis. As Rabbi Dee put it: We build, they murder us and destroy, but its our fault because we built in the first place. Overt and hostile assaults on Jews are but a part of the picture. Distortions born of biases like those displayed by Amanpour work to equally grievous effect. Words that otherwise intelligent people use like apartheid, massacre and systematic violence to describe defensive measures by a beleaguered nation against unremitting terrorist violence possess the hidden venom of prejudice and lead to a radical estrangement from the truth. Rabbi Dee might just as well have added: The world lauds movements of self-determination, but ours is called racism.

The late Jonathan Sachs, former Chief Rabbi of Great Britain, explained that the tendency to seek scapegoats is a fundamental dualism that exists within many of us and requires enormous effort to discern and disarm. Antisemitism, as with other forms of racism, constitutes an attack on truth that serves hidden extremism. This extremism has made Amanpour both victim and perpetrator.

Antisemitism, wherever and however it appears, merits a robust response. The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, for example, took a significant and admirable step toward framing such a response by formulating a working definition of antisemitism which included several examples. We believe the definition and examples boil down to this: Antisemitism must be seen as any act which, by intent or willful disregard of the facts, distorts events in a manner that disparages Jews or Israel.

Antisemitism represents an attack on truth that serves the goals of racists and extremists. Amanpours breezy comingling of terrorist and victim demonstrates just how easily extremism seeps through the cracks and can masquerade as an alleged slip of the tongue.
This screenshot, captured from the Twitter account of U.S. Ambassador to Korea Philip Goldberg, shows photos of the envoy's recent meeting with former President Lee Myung-bak in Seoul, June 28. Yonhap



U.S. Ambassador to Korea Philip Goldberg has paid a courtesy call on former President Lee Myung-bak this week, social media showed Wednesday.



Goldberg shared photos of his recent meeting with Lee on his Twitter account, in which the ambassador thanked the former president for his "continued strong support" for the Korea-U.S. alliance.



According to Lee's aides, the meeting took place at Lee's residence in Seoul on Tuesday.



The envoy earlier also met with former President Moon Jae-in in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, late last month.



After the meeting with Moon, Goldberg wrote on social media that he was "looking forward to visiting other former presidents as well." (Yonhap)


The newest franchise of Crumbl Cookies will open to the public Friday, June 30, at 7890 E. 106th Place South.

This will be the third Tulsa area outlet of the Utah-based chain, which specializes in unique flavors of cookies, ranging from Key Lime Pie and S'Mores, to Buttermilk Pancake and Cornbread. The stores rotate flavors weekly from among more than 275 choices.

Matt Kelsey is the franchise owner. He and his wife grew up in Tulsa and decided to return here to start their first business together.

"We look forward to introducing our open baking concept along with our weekly rotating menu, and cant wait to bring Crumbls mission to Tulsa," Kelsey said in a statement.

The shop is expected to provide more than 60 jobs.

Hours for the shop are 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday.

The shop will be offering only in-person sales during the first five days of its grand opening. Beginning Wednesday, July 5, the shop will be offering delivery, curbside pickup, catering, and nationwide shipping will be available via the Crumbl App and online at crumblcookies.com.

This week, the store is featuring Wedding Cake, Peanut Butter Blossom, Galaxy Brownie, Fruit Pizza and Classic Pink Sugar, in addition to Milk Chocolate Chip.
A woman admitted in Tulsa federal court on Wednesday to using a company credit card to amass more than $500,000 in unauthorized charges.

Jennifer Lynne West, 41, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud during a hearing in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma.

The plea deal with prosecutors calls for her to pay restitution and serve a prison term ranging from 18 months to 24 months. The agreement is still subject to judicial approval.

Federal prosecutors charged West by felony information filed May 26 in Tulsa federal court.

The charge alleges that she used an American Express credit card issued to her by her employer, Compression Solutions LLC. of Tulsa, to make $511,552 in unauthorized charges from January 2020 to April 2022.

In her written plea, West admitted knowing she was not authorized to make personal expenditures with the credit card.

Specifically, beginning around the fall of 2020, I began using the company credit card for miscellaneous and unauthorized personal expenditures, including traveling, moving costs, beauty products and other miscellaneous items, West wrote in her plea agreement.

She agreed to repay the company for the unauthorized charges.

Federal wire fraud carries a maximum prison term of 20 years.

The plea agreement notes that Wests acceptance of responsibility, judicial economy and the interests of justice all played a part in fashioning her sentence.

Should the case go to trial, it would require the attendance of numerous out-of-state witnesses and require about one week to try, the agreement states.

A sentencing date will be set following the completion of a presentencing report by the government.

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Chronic student absenteeism is up across post-pandemic Oklahoma, and the problem is far worse for students in Tulsa Public Schools  and showing no signs of improvement.

Educators and experts alike say the latest trend data should serve as a wake-up call for schools and parents alike.

The pandemic broke the habit of attendance. Even for adults, were saying, What? I have to go to the office every day? said Phyllis Jordan, associate director at FutureEd, a Georgetown University-based think tank.

In partnership with the national Attendance Works initiative, Jordan has authored a new May report sounding the alarm about national, downward trends and offering schools simple, research-based strategies for addressing post-pandemic student absenteeism.

Theres this real disconnection from school, disconnection with teachers, friends, even a favorite class or club, Jordan said. Theres a lot of different reasons  whats going on in the school and whats going on outside the school  but schools need to work to reestablish that connection.

The State of Oklahoma recently downgraded the public school system here to a D grade in the category of chronic absenteeism on the most recent school report cards.

Schools are measured on how many students miss 10% or more of the academic year for any reason, including excused absences, because research has repeatedly shown that kind of chronic absenteeism places students at academic risk.

In 2021-22, the percentage of public school students across the state who did not miss 10% or more of the school year was down to 80.5%, compared to 85.97% in 2018-19 and 86.51% in 2017-18.

For TPS, the percentage of students not chronically absent fell far further, from the 78th percentile in 2017-18 and 2018-19 all the way to 54.62% in 2021-22.

And district leaders say the figures for the 2022-23 academic year that just concluded were no better.

We would anticipate similar data for this current school year when (state) report cards come out next year, said Stacey Vinson, instructional superintendent for secondary schools at TPS. Parents understanding the importance of kids being at school every day, from pre-K all the way through 12th grade, is really important.

The standard for attendance hasnt changed  it hasnt changed because the data still shows that its really good for you to be there.

Parents may not realize how quickly nine days of excused and unexcused absences plus disciplinary matters per semester can add up and qualify their child for being considered chronically absent.

And with students worldwide impacted by pandemic-related learning interruptions, the timing couldnt be more detrimental.

Schools are already rapidly burning through pandemic relief funds for student learning interventions, but Jordan said these new, extraordinary levels of absenteeism threaten to undermine those efforts to get kids caught up.

Tutoring, after-school programs, summer school are not going to make up enough if a student doesnt show up for school, said Jordan.

Greatest challenges

Reasons for chronic absenteeism vary widely.

To help policymakers and educators respond to the post-pandemic absenteeism crisis, FutureEd and Attendance Works created a comprehensive playbook of more than two dozen strategies that schools have used successfully, with real-world examples.

Jordan and local school leaders alike say identifying the most common barriers to students getting to school at each site is key.

Transportation is a huge factor. They might live too close to catch the bus, but there might be safety risks to walking, including violence, said Jordan. Also, a lot of kids moved to a different location during the pandemic and there has been a wave of evictions because the eviction moratoriums have ended. Transportation, housing instability and homelessness  all of these factors have been compounded.

Stephanie Andrews, executive director for student and family services at TPS, confirmed those are all common challenges among local families.

She also thinks its noteworthy that the Tulsa district is seeing record numbers of mental health challenges requiring service referrals among its student population.

We are still seeing quite a bit of a trauma response to the pandemic. We still have a lot of young people experiencing pretty intense anxiety and depression. There were so many who had family members that actually died. Adolescent mental health is in the toilets, just like it is across the nation, Andrews said. Of course, some adolescents have always had this sort of aversion, when you think of seventh, eighth, ninth grade, worried about being bullied, feeling really odd in your skin. Like that was always like that, right? Yeah. Put some mental health in there. Add in some trauma from a global pandemic and were seeing kids that are really having difficulty getting in the building.

Andrews said just like many workplaces for adults have become much more hybrid in blending in-person with home-based work, students are experiencing learning environments that afford them much more flexibility for computer-based instructional offerings.

That has meant for much more casual attitudes toward showing up for class in person, even among the highest achievers.

Jordan said schools need to focus on relationships with students and the relevance of what theyre being asked to learn, such as ethnic studies programs and career connections.

Schools have got to give them that reason to show up. A big piece of that is reaching out to the families, she said. A lot of times, families dont know the academic consequences and they dont appreciate the connection of academic success to attendance. Parents need to know that.

For many years, TPS parents have been able to access their students information on the districts online portal and receive automated phone call alerts.

But beginning last year, the district stepped up its outreach with weekly grade and attendance updates sent to parents emails.

A significant challenge to outreach has been keeping parents contact information up to date, so they can receive phone calls and emails from their childs school.

Still, Vinson said, Theres a whole lot more that schools can do  having welcoming environments, making sure that the kids have engaging topics and challenging content in their classes, that theyre getting the support they need  particularly post pandemic.

New approaches working

Some school sites in Tulsa have tried new strategies and theyre already seeing success in student attendance.

At McClure Elementary School, near 61st Street and South Peoria Avenue, educators set attendance goals for students, and then did constant outreach to parents to build relationships, communicate those goals and find them supports when needed.

The school also successfully lobbied for 100 more students to receive school bus transportation because that has been a major barrier.

McClure is a walking community. We were asking elementary students as young as 4 to walk from I-44 to 61st Street, and 71st Street or as far as Riverside  with no sidewalks, very little street lighting, and a high homeless population, said Principal Tiffany Ann Morgan. Our social worker, attendance clerk and dean worked closely together to support families in where bus stops were, bus rider safety and meeting the needs of families and students, so they felt valued and that they belonged at McClure.

High schools in Tulsa face the steepest climb since good student attendance rates have cratered.

One year before the pandemic hit, students in grades 9-12 posted percentages of good attendance  meaning not chronically absent  between 74.4% in ninth grade to 69.1% in 12th grade.

For 2021-22, those figures had fallen to between 46.8% in ninth grade to 40% for 12th grade.

That means 5 or 6 out of every 10 high-schoolers in the district is missing 18 or more days of school and considered chronically absent.

In January, the principal at Central Middle and High School went directly to students, teachers and parents to make clear the district and state expectations for attendance.

He created an appeals committee where students and their families have to face him, and Centrals lead counselor and dean of students to explain low attendance, how students will recover lost instructional time and how parents will improve monitoring of their childs attendance.

They were all sent an email that presented 10 facts regarding the importance of school attendance, our district policy and how we are at Central treating our instructional time as being sacred and protected. These expectations were not optional, and we were very clear through our communication that they were not, said Central Principal Jason Gilley. We started this in January, and our attendance went up every month with the exception of a 0.1% decrease in May. We are in the process of re-vitalizing our PTA, and hope to involve them this upcoming year on setting expectations, as well as supports.

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OKLAHOMA CITY  Oklahomas attorney general issued a formal opinion on Monday that state law allows school districts to make payroll deductions for teachers association dues.

The opinion comes as State Superintendent Ryan Walters and Gov. Kevin Stitt have criticized teachers unions and the commonplace practice by which many of their members choose to pay their dues.

Attorney General Gentner Drummonds opinion confirms what many in Oklahomas education community already knew, said Daniel Tinney, director of government relations for Oklahoma Professional Educators. Many of the associations roughly 12,000 members have their dues deducted from their paychecks automatically.

Drummond issued the opinion in response to a request from Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, who leads a legislative subcommittee on education and has been critical of Walters administration. Walters, at a later point, also sought legal guidance on the same issue, Drummond wrote in a letter detailing his formal opinion.

Justin Holcomb, a spokesman for Walters, said the opinion wont deter the State Department of Educations fight against teachers unions.

Invalidating state statutes and garnishing teachers wages is nothing new for the Left and union supporters, Holcomb said in a statement. However, it is problematic that a handful of Republicans have decided to make this their top issue. This agency will continue to fight union funding at all levels and refocus our efforts on doing whats best for students.

Walters, who previously called teachers unions terrorist organizations, signaled in March his intent to use the Department of Educations administrative rulemaking powers to crack down on association dues.

Walters told members of the State Board of Education he intended to inform all public school teachers that membership in professional associations is voluntary. In a draft letter to teachers that Walters provided to the board, he said state law forbids public school districts from deducting any dues from your payroll.

The states largest teachers associations said Walters interpretation of Oklahoma law is incorrect.

Katherine Bishop, president of the Oklahoma Education Association, which has 30,000 members, thanked Drummond for his work.

Were grateful for the Attorney Generals opinion, she said in a statement. OEA will continue defending and advocating for public schools and educators across Oklahoma.

Drummonds opinion answered questions about a law passed in 2015 that makes it unlawful for state agencies to make payroll deductions on behalf of a state employee in any professional organization that collectively bargains in accordance with federal law.

The intent of the law was to permit payroll deductions for organizations that relate to the state of Oklahoma or its employees but forbid deductions going out of state for dues in national organizations that collectively bargain under federal law, the opinion states.

Drummonds opinion also notes that the state Office of Management and Enterprise Services has long maintained that the 2015 law does not apply to the payroll deductions of school district employees.

State lawmakers have unsuccessfully tried for years to limit or eliminate payroll deductions for teachers association dues.

Absent action from the Oklahoma Legislature, Walters indicated that he would try to limit the practice by crafting new state agency rules for the Department of Education to enforce on public school districts.

Walters has not unveiled any proposed rules.

Drummond in April issued a formal opinion that says the superintendents hands are tied when it comes to crafting agency rules. His opinion says the State Board of Education, which Walters chairs, can adopt new rules only when directed to do so by the Oklahoma Legislature. Lawmakers have not directed the agency to make new rules related to payroll deductions.

Last year, Stitt issued an executive order urging the the State Board of Education to take action to the fullest extent possible to ensure employee organization payroll deductions are adhering to state and federal law. He also urged the board, which at the time was led by then-State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister, to ensure that district employees are fully informed of their First Amendment rights  including their right to refuse to pay employee organization dues as well as their right not to associate with the employee organization.



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OKLAHOMA CITY  Saturday marks a pivotal date for the launch of a new statewide health information exchange, but questions remain about which medical providers will be required to participate and what exemptions might be available.

State law requires all licensed health care providers to participate in the new network as of Saturday, but Gov. Kevin Stitts decision to reject proposed rules for implementing the exchange has spurred confusion about what happens next.

Stitt on Friday nixed proposed rules from the Oklahoma Health Care Authority that outlined which medical professionals would be required to participate in the network, which allows patients electronic medical records to follow them to any provider in the state.

The statewide health exchange is intended to improve patient care by allowing doctors to share their patients medical records with other physicians who may not work in the same medical network. Proponents say the exchange will eliminate redundant medical testing and can help doctors treat all of a persons ailments as a whole.

Patient participation in the exchange is voluntary.

But expressing concerns about patient privacy, some mental health professionals opposed the Health Care Authoritys rules that would have required them to participate in the exchange, although the agency offered some exemptions.

The governor said he believes the proposed rules were likely unconstitutional because it would have forced all licensed health care providers to participate, which would run counter to a 2010 state question passed by Oklahoma voters. Stitts decision came about a week after two licensed professional counselors in Oklahoma County filed a lawsuit challenging the proposed rules. That lawsuit has since been dismissed.

Now the Health Care Authority will go back to the drawing board to draft emergency rules that will be presented to the agencys board next month.

Health Care Authority CEO Kevin Corbett said the agency is working with various stakeholders to craft new rules that can take effect as soon as possible. The provider exemptions are expected to be broader than those offered in the previous set of rules, he said.

Were working with groups to make sure that those exemptions are broad enough and reasonable enough to satisfy all, Corbett said in a Health Care Authority board meeting Wednesday.

About 1,379 health care providers previously requested exemptions from the exchange. The majority sought to opt out due to the size of their practice or the financial burden of joining the network.

On average, providers will have to pay about $5,000 to connect to the network. The Oklahoma Legislature earmarked $30 million this year for the Health Care Authority to offer grants to providers who cannot afford the start-up costs. Providers also will have to pay monthly fees to use the exchange.

Theres been a great deal of confusion about the implementation of the exchange, and Stitts action only further muddies the waters, said Dr. Diane Heaton, president of the Oklahoma State Medical Association.

State law still requires (health information exchange) participation by July 1, she said in a statement. But, so far, physicians and other health care providers have far more questions than answers. The Oklahoma Health Care Authority needs to clearly spell out exactly what is required and how Oklahomas health care community can be expected to comply.

Roughly 80% of Oklahoma health care providers have already signed up to participate, said Rep. Marcus McEntire, R-Duncan.

McEntire, who co-authored the law requiring providers to join the exchange, said the Health Care Authority is limited in its ability to implement the new network until it has new rules in place.

For right now, as far as Im concerned, I feel like were in a holding pattern on it, he said.

Lawmakers will have to tweak the law requiring all providers to participate in the new initiative, McEntire said.

Health care providers are already using the exchange thats being operated by the Tulsa-based MyHealth Access Network, said State Medicaid Director Traylor Rains. Various providers have used the system to look up patients medical records more than 42,000 times, he said.



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Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping affirmed that China will expand its goods import from Vietnam and enhance traffic connectivity with its southern neighbor.

China will develop road, railway, and border gate systems to smooth traffic and transport to Vietnam, the top Chinese official told a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Tuesday, as part of the latter's visit to China from June 25 to 28.

China sees Vietnam as one of its diplomatic priorities and expects to continue deepening their partnership, Xi said.

China is willing to strengthen the relations between the two Parties and governments for long-lasting and sustainable development.

PM Chinh underscored that building a stable, sustainable, and long-standing partnership with China is always a key priority in Vietnams independent, self-defense, multilateral, and diverse foreign policy.

The Vietnamese government leader hoped that the two nations will shore up all-level delegation exchange and improve the quality and efficiency of collaboration in various fields.

The Vietnamese prime minister proposed China open its wider doors to Vietnamese farm produce, while creating favorable conditions for Vietnam to set up more trade promotion offices in China.

Vietnam always welcomes Chinese firms to do business in the Southeast Asian country, said PM Chinh.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (L) shakes hands with chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress Zhao Leji in China, June 26, 2023. Photo: Duong Giang / Tuoi Tre

Responding to PM Chinhs proposals, Xi said that China is eager to maintain strategy exchange with Vietnam and bolster high-ranking delegation exchange between the two nations.

The top Chinese official expects to raise awareness of the close China  Vietnam friendship among young people, encouraging Vietnam to join Chinas global innovation programs.

The two officials discussed multiple international issues, reaching a consensus on the settlement of disputes in a peaceful manner to guarantee stability and security at sea.

PM Chinh had a meeting with chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress Zhao Leji at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday.

The two expressed their pleasure at the achievements that have been made by the two Parties and nations over the past years.

PM Chinh expected Vietnams lawmaking National Assembly and Chinas National Peoples Congress to enhance their cooperation to contribute to cementing the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and China.

Vietnam and China are close neighbors, shouldering a mission of bringing happiness to their people and developing their nation, said the head of the National Peoples Congress.

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The Vietnam Office for Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP) handed over one set of remains believed to belong to an American serviceman who died during the war in Vietnam that ended in 1975.

The handover was conducted during a repatriation ceremony held at Da Nang International Airport on Tuesday with the attendance of representatives from VNOSMP, the U.S. MIA (missing-in-action) Office in Hanoi, and the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported.

Also present at the event were officials from the Vietnam American Association, Veterans for Peace, and representative offices of some foreign countries and international organizations in Vietnam.

Two commanding officers of the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier and its accompanying ships, which are on a port call to Da Nang City in central Vietnam, attended the ceremony, too.

It was the 161st handover of remains since 1973, two years before the end of the war in Vietnam.

The remains were found as a result of the 151st joint search for MIA remains between Vietnam and the U.S., scheduled for May to July 2023.

Vietnamese and U.S. forensic experts determined that the set of remains likely belonged to a U.S. soldier after they examined it in Da Nang on Monday.

The U.S. side will transfer the remains to a laboratory in Hawaii for further verification.

The joint humanitarian operation to locate and identify American servicemen missing in the war in Vietnam has been conducted since the late 1980s between the two governments.

To date, this activity has helped identify more than 700 sets of remains of MIA U.S. service members.

The issue of MIA was a major aspect of the process taken by the two countries to normalize diplomatic relations in 1995, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

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Read what is in the news in Vietnam today:

Politics

-- Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh suggested Vietnam and China step up all-level contacts and raise the quality of cooperation across spheres, particularly in economy, trade, and investment, at his meeting with Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday.

-- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Tuesday had separate bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Barbados and Mongolia on the occasion of their attendance at the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions of the World Economic Forum in Tianjin, China.

Society

-- A house fire claimed the lives of two people who were trapped inside in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday evening.

-- Following a series of consecutive incidents where a pet dog bit six individuals in Me Linh District, Hanoi and subsequently attacked several other dogs, the authorities took action by launching an investigation and euthanizing 18 dogs as of Tuesday, according to the Medical Center of Me Linh District.

-- A ceremony to repatriate the remains thought to be associated with a U.S. servicemember missing in action during wartime in Vietnam was held at Da Nang International Airport in Da Nang City, central Vietnam on Tuesday.

Business

-- South Korean cosmetics exports to Vietnam from January to May this year surged 43.4 percent compared to the same period a year earlier, logging US$187.5 million in revenue and marking the highest growth rate among all of South Koreas destination markets, according to The Korea Herald.

-- During the Net Zero conference held in Hanoi on Tuesday, Ha Thu Giang, director general of the Department of Credit for Economic Sectors of the State Bank of Vietnam, revealed that 40 credit institutions are currently supporting green projects, amounting to over VND500 trillion ($21.25 billion) and representing more than four percent of the economys total outstanding loans.

Sports

-- Five Vietnamese athletes who failed doping tests have been officially stripped of their nine medals, including five golds, won at the 31st Southeast Asian Games held in Vietnam in May last year, and have received a ban from all competitions for 16-18 months, as per the disciplinary decisions sent to the Vietnam Olympic Committee on Tuesday evening.

-- FC Banik Prievidza from Slovakia won a lawsuit that lasted over three years against SHB Da Nang FC of Vietnam, resulting in the latter being required to pay a fine and provide compensation of nearly $73,000 for player training expenses.

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A house in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City caught fire on Tuesday afternoon, claiming the lives of two people trapped inside.

Many locals discovered the flames at the house covering 90 square meters of land in an alley on Nguyen Cuu Van Street in Ward 17 at 5:30 pm, so they shouted out and tried to use extinguishers to put out the blaze in vain.

The inferno engulfed the house and gave rise to a giant column of black smoke, while two people stuck in the locked house were crying for help.

Many firefighters, police officers, and fire trucks of the Binh Thanh police agency were quickly dispatched to the scene for rescue operations.

The fire was put under control a few minutes later, but police officers found the two people dead inside.

The deceased were identified as N.T.V., 91, and N.P.M., 55.

V. was old and weak, while M. was intellectually disabled.

Police were still working with relevant units to cordon off the house and investigate the fire at 8:00 pm on the same day.

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Among the over 5,000 crew members on the U.S. Navys aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, which is making a port call to Da Nang City in central Vietnam, are two people of Vietnamese origin, Doan Nhat Huyen Tran and Carlos Nguyen, who consider the vessel's visit to Vietnam an opportunity to return to their motherland.

The aircraft carrier on Tuesday continued welcoming Vietnamese visitors.

After 20 minutes of traveling from the Tien Sa Port in Da Nang, the visitors boarded the over-100,000-metric-ton aircraft carrier.

They visited the cellar and the deck, where many fighter jets and helicopters are displayed.

The visitors were allowed to take photos and record videos but they were not permitted to touch or climb into the aircraft as they remain in use.

On the deck, U.S. pilots told them how aircraft take off from and land at the aircraft carrier.

A view of the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan

Tran and Carlos were among those assigned to receive the visitors.

Carlos Nguyen is only 28 but he has worked for the U.S. Navy for eight years. This is the third time he has returned to Vietnam.

Carlos Nguyen shares that he has traveled to Vietnam three times. Photo: Duy Linh / Tuoi Tre

The first time was when I was young. The second time was when the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt visited Vietnam in March 2020," he said.

[USS Ronald Reagan] is the second aircraft carrier on which I have worked and both of them have visited Vietnam."

Carlos said he was excited although he had traveled to Vietnam three times before, as he gets another chance to mingle with Vietnamese culture.

His main job is to ensure the effective operations of aircraft mechanical equipment.

I am proud to be a Vietnamese person on a U.S. aircraft carrier, said Carlos.

Doan Nhat Huyen Tran attracts the attention of visitors as she always smiles during their visit to USS Ronald Reagan. Photo: Duy Linh / Tuoi Tre

Meanwhile, Tran, 23, has worked for the U.S. Navy for two years.

She is a native of Nha Trang City in Khanh Hoa Province, located on the south-central coast of Vietnam.

Tran always expressed her interest in working on sea-going vessels when she was young but she never thought she would work on an aircraft carrier.

She said she is working as a technician providing support for the operation of aviation equipment on board the USS Ronald Reagan.

My job is to maintain and repair aircraft moving equipment on the carrier and other devices to support the aircraft repair unit, Tran added.

During the welcome of the visitors on Tuesday, Tran always smiled, listened carefully to the guests questions, and answered them clearly.

She said she was happy to return to Vietnam as a sailor on the U.S. aircraft carrier.

USS Ronald Reagan and guided-missile cruisers USS Antietam and USS Robert Smalls arrived in Da Nang on Sunday morning for a visit, which will last until Friday.

The carrier is more than 330 meters long and 76 meters wide and is able to carry 90 aircraft, mainly F/A-18 fighters.

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Department of Defense spokesperson Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder is seen answering questions during a press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, June 27, in this captured image. Yonhap



The United States is working with allies and partners, namely South Korea and Japan, to deter potential aggression from North Korea, a Pentagon spokesperson said Tuesday, after Pyongyang warned that the Korean Peninsula is on the "brink of a nuclear war."



Department of Defense spokesperson Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder noted the North may conduct a nuclear test to further its escalation.



"So rhetoric aside, again, our focus is on working with our allies and our partners in the region to ensure strategic stability, peace that includes extended deterrence," the Air Force general told a press briefing.



North Korea on Monday (local time) accused South Korea and the U.S. of pushing tensions to the "brink of a nuclear war" while arguing that a nuclear war on the Korean Peninsula would "rapidly expand into a world war" that would cause the "most catastrophic and irreversible consequences."



The Pentagon spokesperson underscored the possibility of an additional nuclear test by North Korea.



"And so when it comes to things like nuclear testing we have known for a while as you have heard us say that North Korea at some point will conduct a nuclear test," said Ryder.



"I don't have anything to announce nor would I in terms of when that might be," he added.



Ryder highlighted the importance of U.S. alliances in dealing with threats posed by North Korea.



"Our focus is going to be on continuing to work with our allies to include the Republic of Korea and Japan to deter potential aggression and destabilizing acts," he said, referring to South Korea by its official name.



To this end, the U.S. regularly conducts joint military exercises with South Korea and Japan, Ryder noted, adding, "because our alliances and our partnerships are critical strategic advantage and capability." (Yonhap)


The construction authority of Lam Dong Province in Vietnams Central Highlands region has turned down a proposal to develop a five-star hotel at a prime location near Xuan Huong Lake, one of the landmarks in the provincial capital of Da Lat.

The provincial Department of Construction sent the rejection to Mount A Service Trading Investment JSC on Wednesday.

Mount A previously sought the departments green light to build the premium hotel at 11 Tran Quoc Toan Street in Ward 1, which is adjacent to the Tran Quoc Toan - Bui Thi Xuan roundabout, Cu Hill, and the iconic Xuan Huong Lake.

A map detailing a prime location at which Mount A Service Trading Investment JSC had proposed building a five-star hotel near Xuan Huong Lake in Da Lat City, a popular destination in Vietnams Central Highlands province of Lam Dong

The hotel project would span a 6,400-square-meter plot of land, with seven stories and four basements, the building density being 60 percent, and the density of underground parts being 90 percent, as per the company's plan.

However, the proposal was given the thumbs down after the construction department evaluated the overall architecture of the area.

The proposal does not align with the citys approved urban zoning plan and design, the department explained.

In addition, the building criteria the company suggested above exceeded the allowable limits.

For instance, the building density in this area must not be higher than 40 percent, while the maximum number of stories for a building built in the area is five.

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Authorities took action by launching an investigation and euthanizing 18 dogs as of Tuesday following consecutive incidents where a pet dog bit six individuals in Me Linh District, Hanoi and subsequently attacked several other canines, according to the district's medical center.

All of the six victims reside in Me Linh Commune of the district and the bitten dogs belong to local residents, the authorities reported on June 23.

Upon suspicion of rabies, the Peoples Committee of the commune collected a sample from the pet dog in question and forwarded it to the Central Veterinary Diagnostic Center for testing, which then confirmed the presence of the rabies virus.

In accordance with regulations, the commune arranged the euthanization of the rabid dog and the canines bitten by it.

The number of dogs euthanized in the commune amounted to 18 as of Tuesday.

The commune additionally arranged the administration of rabies vaccines to local dogs and cats that have not been vaccinated.

The individuals who were bitten by the rabid dog were administered rabies vaccinations and anti-rabies serum transfusions and received guidance from healthcare professionals to monitor their health.

Following the incident, the Medical Center of Me Linh District has further advised local dog owners to ensure their confinement by using locks or chains, prohibiting them from roaming freely.

Health authorities also recommended that households selling dog meat should have their canines vaccinated against rabies or discontinue trading in fresh dog meat products.

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Many trees in a protective forest in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam were burnt and chopped down as part of a fire drill on Monday, sparking public concerns.

The Quang Nam Forest Protection Department on Monday cooperated with the Peoples Committee of Thang Binh District to hold a fire drill in the protection forest in the district's Binh Sa Commune.

Following the fire drill, locals saw that many trees in the area of the drill were burnt or cut down.

Local residents said they had seen officials sawing and cutting down the trees before the drill and even reported the case to the commune authorities as they thought that loggers might have destroyed the forest.

P.T.D., a resident, said he was surprised when the local authorities held the fire drill in the protection forest.

Many trees were burnt and it would be hard for them to survive, he added.

A tree is cut at its trunk in the fire drill in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam, June 26, 2023. Photo: Le Trung / Tuoi Tre

Chairman of the Peoples Committee of Binh Sa Commune Chau Quang Anh said the Quang Nam Forest Protection Department chose the location for the fire drill.

Trees in the area were scattered, with many of them being dead or dried earlier, so rangers took advantage of these trees for the fire drill.

The eastern area of Quang Nam Province saw many forest fires over the past time so rangers selected the area for the fire drill, said Tu Van Khanh, deputy head of the provincial Forest Protection Department.

Rangers chose the area with a few trees and burnt vegetation on the ground.

We not only held the fire drill but also called on residents to get involved in fire prevention and fighting campaigns. We opted for a practical site to ensure the effectiveness of the fire fighting in reality, Khanh explained.

Regarding the trees whose trunks were burnt, Khanh said they were affected by the fire drill but would recover after a short period.

As for the trees cut at their feet, he said they might have fallen amid storms last year, affirming that rangers did not set the forest on fire.

A forest area is turned black after the fire drill in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam, June 26, 2023. Photo: Le Trung / Tuoi Tre

The site of the fire drill was similar to a real site to facilitate it, according to Tran Ut, deputy director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The drill did not significantly hit the forest, Ut claimed, adding several trees were affected but the damage was not huge.

Before the fire drill, relevant agencies felled some trees which had fallen earlier due to storms, not fresh and alive ones, the official noted.

The site of the fire drill in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam, June 26, 2023. Photo: Q.V. / Tuoi Tre

The area of the fire drill is black and burned in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam, June 26, 2023. Photo: Le Trung / Tuoi Tre

Several trees in the area of the fire drill are cut down at their trunks in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam, June 26, 2023. Photo: Le Trung / Tuoi Tre

The trunk of a tree is burnt during the fire drill in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam, June 26, 2023. Photo: Le Trung / Tuoi Tre
ReportLinker

during the forecast period. Due to several factors, the global market for hypersonic weapons is expanding significantly. Hypersonic weapons deliver several key advantages which includes High Speed, Enhanced Precision, Reduced Vulnerability to Defenses, Maneuverability, Deterrence and Strategic Value.

New York, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Hypersonic Weapons Market by Type, Domain, Range, Subsystem and Region - Global Forecast to 2030" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06471027/?utm_source=GNW

Hypersonic weapons have changed the way missile systems can be used,  Scramjet: The largest share of the Hypersonic Weapons Market by propulsion system in 2023. Based on propulsion system, the hypersonic weapons market has been segmented into Scramjet and Boost glide, scramjet is expected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. Scramjet engines are known for their high efficiency at hypersonic speeds. Unlike traditional rocket engines that carry their own oxidizer, scramjets rely on the intake of atmospheric air for combustion. This makes scramjets more efficient by reducing the amount of onboard propellant required. The high efficiency of scramjets allows for longer flight durations, extended range, and greater payload capacity, making them advantageous for a variety of applications.

 Explosive Warheads: The largest share of the Hypersonic Weapons Market by Warheads in 2023. Based on Warheads, the hypersonic weapons market has been segmented into Explosive Warheads, Kinetic energy penetrators and Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP). The use of hypersonic weapons in explosive warheads is growing due to their ability to deliver a high level of destructive power upon impact, allowing hypersonic weapons to effectively neutralize or destroy their intended targets. The combination of high-speed impact and the explosive force of the warhead significantly enhances the weapons lethality, making it capable of causing significant damage to both hardened and soft targets.



 Inertial navigation system: The largest segment of the Hypersonic Weapons Market by guidance system in 2023

Inertial navigation system has secured the largest market share in guidance system segment of hypersonic weapons primarily due to its high accuracy.Inertial navigation system provides high-precision navigation information for hypersonic weapons.



The integration of accurate sensor measurements, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes, allows for precise estimation of the weapons position, velocity, and orientation. This accuracy is crucial for targeting specific objectives, achieving desired impact points, and minimizing collateral damage.



China to account for the largest CAGR in the Hypersonic weapons Market in forecasted year

China has witnessed significant growth in the development of hypersonic weapons in recent years. Several factors contribute to this trend:

Government Support and Investment: The Chinese government has shown a strong commitment to advancing its military capabilities, including hypersonic technologies.It has provided substantial funding, resources, and support for research and development in this area.



The governments prioritization of hypersonic weapons has facilitated progress and enabled China to allocate significant resources to accelerate its development.

Technological Expertise: China has a robust scientific and technological base with expertise in areas such as aerospace engineering, materials science, and guidance systems.Chinese scientists, researchers, and engineers have contributed to the advancement of hypersonic technologies through their knowledge and skills in relevant fields.



Chinas technological expertise has allowed it to develop critical components and systems required for hypersonic weapons.



Break-up of profiles of primary participants in the multispectral camera market: By Company Type: Tier 1  35%, Tier 2  45%, and Tier 3  20% By Designation: C-Level Executives  35%, Director level  25%, and Others  40% By Region: Asia Pacific  45%, North America  25%, Europe  15%, Rest of the world  15%

Prominent companies in the multispectral camera market are Lockheed Martin Corporation (US), Northrop Grumman Corporation (US), Raytheon Technologies Corporation (US), BAE Systems (UK), Thales Group (France), Hanwha Group (South Korea), Brahmos Aerospace Corporation (India), Israel Aerospace Industries (Israel), L3harris technologies Inc (US), Boeing (US), General Atomics (US), Rostec (Russia), Leidos (US), General Dynamics Corporation (US), Kratos Defense & Security Solutions US),

Research Coverage: The market study covers the hypersonic weapons market across segments.It aims at estimating the market size and the growth potential of this market across different segments, such as type, domain, range, subsystem, and region.



The study also includes an in-depth competitive analysis of the key players in the market, along with their company profiles, key observations related to product and business offerings, recent developments, and key market strategies.Key benefits of buying this report: This report will help the market leaders/new entrants in this market with information on the closest approximations of the revenue numbers for the overall hypersonic weapons market and its subsegments.



The report covers the entire ecosystem of the hypersonic weapons industry and will help stakeholders understand the competitive landscape and gain more insights to better position their businesses and plan suitable go-to-market strategies. The report will also help stakeholders understand the pulse of the market and provide them with information on key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities.



The report provides insights on the following pointers:

 Analysis of key drivers and there are several factors that could contribute to an increase in the hypersonic weapons market.

 Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming technologies, research & development activities, and new product & service launches in the hypersonic weapons market.

 Market Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative markets  the report analyses the hypersonic weapons market across varied regions

 Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products & services, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the hypersonic weapons market.

 Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market shares, growth strategies and service offerings of leading players like Lockheed Martin Corporation (US), Northrop Grumman Corporation (US), Raytheon Technologies Corporation (US), BAE Systems (UK), Thales Group (France), Hanwha Group (South Korea), Brahmos Aerospace Corporation (India), Israel Aerospace Industries (Israel), L3harris technologies Inc (US), Boeing (US), General Atomics (US), Rostec (Russia), Leidos (US), General Dynamics Corporation (US), Kratos Defense & Security Solutions US), among others in the hypersonic weapons market.

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06471027/?utm_source=GNW



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ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



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"I said, 'What is that?' And I flew down over it and it's a car in the hole, said Josh Logue

CBS Colorado/YouTube

A Colorado teenager found more than what he expected when he set out to investigate recent flooding in Weld County.

Josh Logue, 18, sent his drone out on Saturday morning to capture flood waters from the downfall in the rural area. But soon after, he came across a dark spot over a roadway about two miles away from his home in Brighton, Colorado.

"I fly down here all the time just looking," Logue told CBS News. "I said, 'What is that?' And I flew down over it and it's a car in the hole.

The teen went to get help from his neighbor Ryan Nuanes  an assistant fire chief at the Denver Fire Department. The pair then drove down to the bridge on Weld County Road 2, where they found two people trapped in an upside-down jeep.

Courtesy Colorado State Patrol Firefighters rescuing passengers from a sinkhole bridge on Weld County Road 2 on June 24, 2023.

Related: Mom and Daughter Saved in Dramatic Rescue After Sinkhole Swallows 2 Cars in Storm-Battered California

So we get down there. The horn is blaring, and the car is underwater, Logue told The New York Times.

After the man in the S.U.V. told them that he had about six inches of breathing room left and that they had been in the hole for about 15 minutes, the pair quickly called 911. "The concern that I had, as a firefighter, was that this river was gonna swell even more and it was going to then trap those people underwater," Nuanes, 46, told CBS News.

Related: Elderly Bulldog Is Rescued from Sinkhole Thanks to an Iowa Community Coming Together

Crews from Brighton Fire Rescue District were able to rescue the passengers inside the car by hooking the jeep to a pickup truck and rolling it over so they could open one of its doors.

According to the Times, the 66-year-old driver suffered a serious injury, while the 61-year-old woman passenger was unharmed. They were both transported to the hospital after the rescue. The couple had been driving home to Keenesburg when they got trapped in the sinkhole around 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, which was approximately 15 minutes before Logues drone spotted them.

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Thats another godsend from the kid with the drone, Brighton Fire Rescue battalion chief Colin Brunt told the Times. I dont know how long these people would have been there if he hadnt flown that drone right by there.



Per The Washington Post, Logue hopes to become a professional drone pilot in the future. Itll be a story that Ill tell, Logue said.

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Maltese lawmakers on Wednesday unanimously approved legislation to ease the strictest abortion laws in the European Union, but pro-choice campaigners had withdrawn their support, saying last-minute changes make the legislation "vague, unworkable and even dangerous".

The original bill allowing women access to abortion if a pregnant woman's life or health is in danger was hailed as a step in the right direction for Malta, an overwhelmingly Roman Catholic nation.

It was introduced last autumn after an American tourist who miscarried had to be airlifted off the Mediterranean island nation to be treated.

Under the amendments, however, a woman whose health is at grave risk - even if it could lead to death - can receive access to an abortion only after three specialists consent.

The legislation approved on Wednesday allows a doctor to terminate a pregnancy without further consultation only if the mother's life is at immediate risk.

Thousands of Maltese protested against the law during demonstrations in December.

The governing Labour Party, which submitted the original bill, supported the amendments, while the opposition swung in support after the changes.

New law 'a betrayal'

The Voices for Choice Coalition Malta last week withdrew its support for the bill, calling the amendments "a betrayal".

The coalition of 14 pro-choice groups said the requirement for three specialists for women whose health is at risk is "unworkable and dangerous," and cautioned that even in cases where a womans life is at risk, "it is highly likely that doctors will seek authorisation due to fear of prosecution".

Malta is the only one of the EUs 27 nations until now that has prohibited abortion for any reason, with laws making it a crime punishable by up to three years in prison to have the procedure or up to four years to assist a woman in having an abortion.

The law is rarely enforced, with the last known case of someone being jailed dating from 1980. Still, a woman was charged under the anti-abortion law earlier this month, though not jailed.

Malta had been one of the few Western states that had a total ban on abortion, after the Republic of San Marino decriminalised the procedure last year and other overwhelmingly Catholic countries such as Ireland and Italy have legalised it.

Poland last year introduced a near-total ban on abortion, except when a womans life or health is endangered or if the pregnancy results from rape or incest.

The proposed Maltese legislation doesnt provide an exception for rape or incest.
,500-ton ROKS Marado amphibious landing ship in operation is seen in this photo provided by the navy. Yonhap



A Korean warship carrying some 500 personnel departed Wednesday for Australia to participate in a biennial multinational maritime exercise set to begin next month, the Navy said.



The 14,500-ton ROKS Marado amphibious landing ship left a military port in Busan, 320 kilometers southeast of Seoul, to join the Talisman Sabre exercise slated to take place in a northeastern region of Australia from July 22-Aug. 4.



Jointly hosted by the United States and Australia, this year's edition of the exercise will involve some 30,000 troops, about 20 military vessels and 60 aircraft from 15 countries, including Britain, India, Indonesia and Japan, according to the Navy.



Korea plans to deploy ROKS Marado, the 4,400-ton ROKS Munmu the Great destroyer, Marineon helicopters, K9 self-propelled howitzers, Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers and Korean Assault Amphibious Vehicles, as well as some 720 personnel from the Navy and Marine Corps.



The Munmu the Great destroyer and its personnel are set to join the exercise after their participation in the Pacific Vanguard exercise, a U.S.-led multilateral program scheduled to take place in waters off Guam from July 1-12.



Participants in the exercise will engage in various drills, including those on air defense, anti-submarine and anti-ship operations, as well as live-fire drills.



The Talisman Sabre exercise was launched in 2005 with the aim of enhancing the participants' combined operational capabilities and strengthening military engagement among them.



The Korean Navy first attended the exercise as an observer in 2019 and participated in it as a full member two years later. (Yonhap)


As Russia teetered, the elite trembled, and some private jets left FILE PHOTO: Wagner fighters deployed in Rostov-on-Don

By Guy Faulconbridge, Darya Korsunskaya and Gleb Stolyarov

MOSCOW (Reuters) -As one of the most brutal mercenary forces marched on Moscow, some among Russia's elite trembled in fear that the world's biggest nuclear power was teetering on the brink of what President Vladimir Putin said could have been a civil war.

With Putin facing the biggest public challenge of his 23 years as paramount leader, some private jets sped out of Moscow, according to flight tracking data and one source with knowledge of the matter.

One fear was that Yevgeny Prigozhin's Wagner mercenary group, if he entered Moscow, would try to take over the economy, triggering yet another redistribution of ownership in Russia, the world's biggest supplier of natural resources.

When Prigozhin's men turned back just over 200 km (150 miles) from Moscow, a different fear set in: that Putin, furious in his humiliation, would tighten the screws even further and take revenge against those considered not sufficiently loyal.

"A new reality has dawned in Russia," a senior Russian source told Reuters on condition of anonymity when asked what had happened.

"And why do you use the past tense? What foundation do you have to say that anything has finished?" said the source. "The events of Saturday have shown that armed men can at any moment bend the whole country to their will."

Another senior source in Moscow, who requested anonymity, said fear triumphed in the tumultuous hours of Saturday and that many rushed to make plans to get their families out of Moscow.

That source said that it was clear that Putin's authority had been damaged but that it was far too early to make any sweeping conclusions from events which the source said did not appear to make full sense.

"The speed and gravity of whatever this was has completely shocked everyone, including in the Kremlin," the source said.

In interviews with Reuters, about a dozen members of the Russian elite related their jitters as the mutiny unfolded, the biggest internal challenge to the Russian state since the 1991 coup bid against Mikhail Gorbachev as the Soviet Union crumbled.

Their trepidation and reactions give an insight into the depths of the fissures inside Putin's Russia after 16 months of war in Ukraine that shows no sign of ending any time soon.

"Anyone with anything to lose was extremely tense," said a source with knowledge of the thinking at the top levels of the Russian business and political elites, which often overlap.

TURMOIL

As the mutiny unfolded, Putin, who has dominated Russia since the last day of 1999, gave an address to the nation at 10 a.m. Moscow time from the Kremlin on June 24 vowing to crush the mutiny and warning that Russia could tip towards turmoil.

The former KGB spy used the dreaded Russian word "smuta" which means unrest, turmoil or trouble and is associated in Russian minds with the so-called "time of troubles" which preceded the rise of the Romanov dynasty in 1613.

Putin said the armed mutiny was treason and compared it to the chaos that ushered in the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 and then years of civil war.

As Putin spoke, the rouble was tumbling towards 100 per U.S. dollar for those lucky enough to be able to find dollars to buy. The rouble was trading at 84 per U.S. dollar on Thursday. It is currently trading at around 86 per dollar.

Russians started to withdraw significant amounts of roubles and seek foreign currency in 15 regions across Russia.

On average the demand for foreign currency and cash rose about 30% but in southern regions near the mutiny and in large cities, demand rocketed up by 70-80%, according to an update by First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov.

Air ticket prices from Moscow were also soaring for trips to destinations such as Belgrade, Istanbul and Dubai.

Tickets for direct flights to Belgrade sold out. One-way tickets to Belgrade via Sochi soared in price to 63,700 roubles ($742). Tickets to Istanbul quadrupled in price.

Jets linked to at least two major business figures and at least one senior government official flew out of Moscow on June 24, according to flight tracking data. Reuters was unable to determine who flew out on the jets.

Russian parliamentary deputy Dmitry Gusev has written to Russia's air transport agency demanding that it publish the names of famous businessmen and politicians who flew out of Russia on June 24.

'HEADS WILL ROLL'

Just hours later a deal was clinched to allow Prigozhin and some of his fighters to go to neighbouring Belarus.

Russia had, it seemed, stared into the abyss.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko used criminal slang to say he had persuaded Putin on Saturday not to "wipe out" Prigozhin, who flew to Belarus on Tuesday.

Prigozhin said he never intended to overthrow Russia's leaders but had marched to save his group and settle scores with Putin's top military brass, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and the Chief of General Staff, Valery Gerasimov.

Prigozhin, though, boasted about the speed of the march of his men towards Moscow, covering 780 km in just one day, saying it showed the extent of the security problems in Russia.

Viktor Zolotov, a close Putin ally and director of the National Guard, said that the mutineers were able to advance so fast towards Moscow because forces loyal to the state had focused on bolstering the defences of the capital.

Zolotov, who served as head of the presidential bodyguard from 2000 to 2013 and was sometimes seen carrying an automatic weapon to protect Putin on dangerous trips, said his men would have stood to the death.

But within the elite, there is now a fear that Putin will seek to assert his position and remove those he felt did not profess their loyalty with enough ardour.

"Heads will roll," said another senior source. "They will look at who kept silent, who did not speak in support of unity and of the president."

($1 = 85.8205 roubles)

(Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Mark Heinrich and Daniel Wallis)
FILE PHOTO: The Fitch Ratings logo is seen at their offices at Canary Wharf financial district in London

BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Central Europe's banks are expected to weather a sharp economic slowdown this year, bolstered by strong funding structures and improving profitability, Fitch Ratings Senior Director Artur Szeski told a media briefing on Wednesday.

He said Fitch did not expect a full-blown recession in any of the main economies of the region, Poland, Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Bulgaria, which means the slowdown would not be 'devastating' for central Europe.

"Our thinking about these banking sectors is that there is an economic slowdown, there are pressures on banking sectors, but we do not see this as a major risk to the credit profiles of the banks," Szeski said.

"The biggest risk comes from interventions and legacy legal issues materialising but the core businesses are doing pretty well and continue to do so over 2023 and 2024."

He said Fitch generally expected bank sector profitability in the region to improve, while lenders' funding structures were 'quite strong' as they were mostly based on customer deposits.

"There is a lot of spare liquidity in these banking sectors across the board, which means that the banks are not actively pursuing pricing to maintain their deposits because they still have very comfortable funding positions," he said.

Lower credit penetration levels in both the retail and the corporate sectors compared with the euro zone would support loan growth once demand starts recovering, Szeski added.

He said banks' asset quality had held up 'significantly better' than Fitch had expected at the end of last year, with balance sheets bolstered by tighter underwriting standards and the clean-up of legacy portfolios and distressed loans.

(Reporting by Gergely Szakacs; Editing by Christina Fincher)
Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) in action during practice for the Canadian Grand Prix. Montreal, June 2023. Credit: Alamy

Mercedes technical director James Allison has highlighted that slow corners are still a weakness for the team, despite recent improvements to the W14.

The significant upgrade package placed on the car in Monaco appears to have had the desired effect for Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, with the team having taken a double podium in Spain and Hamilton having made it into the top three again in Montreal at the following round.

There is still some way to go for Mercedes if they are to catch up to the dominance of Red Bull, however, and Allison said the work is far from complete on the car.

Slow corners still a weakness for Mercedes

Hamilton admitted to Max Verstappen in the cooldown room after the Canadian Grand Prix that Mercedes suck in the slower speed corners, and Allison agreed thats where the weak point of the W14 still lies at this moment in time.

Where the problems with its predecessor, the W13, had come in quicker corners, it appears the opposite is true this time around  and he admitted that Mercedes are unlikely to be fighting Red Bull on a regular basis until the car becomes competitive through all types of corner.

The upgrade has more or less done what we expected it to do, Allison told Auto Motor und Sport in Germany.

I think the reason why Toto [Wolff] is cautious with his judgement is that this upgrade is far from complete.

It has improved the car in medium-fast and fast corners, but still has weaknesses in slower corners.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of them on the tracks that are coming up now. Until we improve all aspects of the car, we will not be competitive.

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Mercedes already thinking about the next upgrades

The next large package of upgrades for the W14 has been pencilled in for the British Grand Prix, the round after Austria this weekend, and Allison is already looking ahead for what is to come rather than still ruminating about what was put on the car in Monaco in May.

With team principal Toto Wolff having ordered a wholesale change in car concept earlier in the year, there is still a lot of work to be done on the W14 in the coming weeks and months.

To be honest, Im not even thinking about this package anymore, Im already thinking about the next one, he stated.

We were pretty sure that with this package we will be one or two tenths closer to the top, but we need some more upgrades until we are really competitive.

The state of development the car is in now is already history for us. It is the foundation for the next steps.

Read next: Helmut Marko confirms huge AlphaTauri change ahead of F1 2024 season

The article Key weakness identified in James Allisons Mercedes W14 progress report appeared first on Planetf1.com.
(Bloomberg) -- NATO countries should stop worrying about any potential reactions from the Kremlin and Russian leader Vladimir Putin as they consider letting Ukraine into the bloc, Volodymyr Zelenskiy said, predicting his forces will prevail against Moscows invasion.

Most Read from Bloomberg

It is absurd to look over your shoulder at an incapable leader, the Ukrainian president told parliament on Wednesday, in his first major speech about Ukraines future since Putin launched his attack on Ukraine last year. Even Russias internal forces have stopped looking back at the frail master of the Kremlin.

Zelenskiy outlined a strategic vision for Ukraine to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union as a modern and digitalized nation, with no Russian forces on its territory.

He said Ukraine will eventually triumph in a victory that will bring peace and security to the nations of the former Soviet Union including Moldova, Georgia and Belarus, which Putin transformed into a launchpad for his attack on Ukraine.

Some countries and some worlds leaders, alas, still look over their shoulder at Russia while making decisions, Zelenskiy said. Ukrainians are proving that its not worth it to be afraid of Russia.

Zelenskiy also opined on issues ranging from Ukraines prospects in winning the war to the state of the economy, as well as family policy and legalizing medical marijuana.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Two University of North Georgia (UNG) students were selected for nationally competitive scholarships that will allow them to study abroad. These extremely competitive scholarships are considered some of the most prestigious merit-based awards in the country.

Abigail Sutherland is UNG's latest recipient of a Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA) scholarship winner. The program grants awards of up to $5,000 for students who demonstrate financial need to fulfill their plans of study abroad in Asia.

"The Freeman-ASIA scholarship is a great opportunity for students interested in Asia, Dr. Victoria Hightower, assistant director of the Nationally Competitive Scholarships office, said. "For Abigail, Freeman-ASIA gives her the opportunity to fulfill her major requirements while allowing her to build upon the Korean cultural and linguistic knowledge that she has acquired from UNG. It will open doors for her in the public and private sector, and she will be more competitive for jobs that require cultural knowledge. We are proud of her achievement.

Sutherland is a junior from Simi Valley, California, pursuing a degree in East Asian studies with a concentration in Korean. She will head to Ewha Women's University in Seoul, South Korea. Her interest in South Korea began with its music and has expanded.
In this photo from 2020, Dii from Egypt, then an asylum seeker in Korea, speaks during a rally in front of the National Human Rights Commission of the Republic of Korea in central Seoul demanding the central government provide refugees and migrants in the country with equivalent social welfare given to Koreans. Courtesy of Dii





By Ko Dong-hwan







Doubts, rejection, endless waiting and an utter feeling of abandonment are what Dii, a former asylum seeker from Egypt, says he had to endure during his three-and-a-half-year stay in Korea.







Dii, who requested anonymity and wants to be identified only by his alias, is now in the Netherlands where he obtained refugee status just two months after he filed his case there. He had sought to be recognized as a refugee with the Ministry of Justice in Korea for three and half years before giving up and leaving the country for the Netherlands in November 2021.







He was paired with a lawyer who remained close to him during the entire processing period in Amsterdam. Even after obtaining refugee status, Dutch government officials offered Dii assistance in finding a home and adjusting to life in the European country.







Now, he lives in the western city of Leiden in South Holland Province studying Dutch at a local university. Dii said the treatment he received in the Netherlands contrasts starkly with what he went through in Korea.







Kim Yeon-ju, lawyer from NANCEN Refugee Rights Center in Seoul, speaks about the outcome of her monitoring of the national guideline for migrants' human rights at the National Human Rights Commission of the Republic of Korea in central Seoul, Dec. 19, 2022. Courtesy of Kim Yeon-ju





"Anyone living in or outside the Netherlands can easily reach out to information about asylum procedures with clear explanations, from the first step to attaining citizenship," Dii told The Korea Times.







"Meanwhile, I spent years in Korea trying to get a clear date for my interview and explanation for why it wasn't done in the first six months as mentioned during my interviews in Incheon. If I had been in the Netherlands in the first place, I would have accomplished much more than being a temporary factory worker in hard, dangerous fields nobody wants to do. It was also far away from my studies  pharmacy."







Dii, who is married but has no children, recalled moments in Korea of feeling, in his own words, "utter frustration," when immigration officers who interviewed him at Incheon International Airport seemed to treat his refugee application with a hint of disdain and sarcasm. The first question he was asked in Korea was, "Why did you come to Korea? Why didn't you go to America or Canada. You should go there or to Europe to seek asylum." His application for financial support was rejected and he had to pay for everything and figure things out on his own without any guidance from the Korean government.







"(In Korea) I tried to settle down, start a new life, learn the language and try to integrate into a community that was refusing my existence. When I found my passport was about to expire and as a political asylum seeker who cannot renew his passport, I had to take the step to protect myself and my wife somewhere else."







Kim Yeon-ju, a lawyer from NANCEN Refugee Rights Center in central Seoul, who confirmed the veracity of Dii's account, said the Egyptian's case highlights a fundamental flaw in how Korean authorities handle asylum seekers. They still lack "the most basic principle," according to the lawyer.







In the Netherlands, Dii says he provided the same papers, the same evidence and the same story for interviews as he did in Korea. But the Dutch authorities saw them differently.







This picture taken by Dii in November 2021 shows boarding gate 264 at Incheon International Airport for a KLM flight bound to Amsterdam. Dii went through the gate as an asylum seeker shortly after taking this picture and was recognized as a refugee in the Dutch capital two months later. Courtesy of Dii





"The female Dutch officer was astonished by how everything was put in order and how I was refused in Korea with such strong evidence," he said. "I was treated as a human once again, not as a case number."







Kim has been communicating with Dii since he was seeking asylum in Korea and tried to shed light on his case.







The proper approach to refugee policies by the Korean government should be, according to her, respecting those who experienced difficulty to get here, guaranteeing their basic human rights, carrying out proper procedures in a prompt manner and helping newly accepted refugees assimilate into society.







"The Korean government still focuses on trying to prove to asylum seekers that they're in the wrong place when what it should do instead is to strengthen the process by providing basic information, interpretation and support to the asylum seekers more effectively," Kim told The Korea Times.







She added that Korean immigration authorities were more focused on creating an excuse for rejection.







As of last February, Korea accepted 1,350 asylum seekers since 1994 when the country opened its doors to them, according to the justice ministry. Over 87,000 people sought asylum here during that period. Those whose cases are in progress and are waiting for the result stood at 12,240, while those objecting the ministry's rejection and appealed for re-evaluation stood at 5,124.


By Adrian Hia, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky

Many small and medium-sized enterprises think they can do without cybersecurity solutions since they believe they are not the targets of cybercriminals.

However, a recent study found that nearly 46% of all cyberattacks are targeted at SMEs.

Besides, according to data from the World Economic Forum, 95% of cybersecurity breaches are attributed to human error, meaning some improper behavior might lead to financial or reputational loss or decreased productivity for the business.

A survey by Kaspersky found that 22 percent of data leakages in the sector was caused by employees.

Almost the same proportion was due to cyberattacks, which, at some point, makes employees almost as dangerous as hackers. Of course, in most cases, this happens because of employee negligence or lack of awareness.

There are various ways that employees actions can unintentionally lead to serious security breaches and harm the cybersecurity of small and medium businesses. The main ones are:

1. Weak Passwords: Employees might use simple or easily guessed passwords, which could be effortlessly cracked by cybercriminals, ultimately resulting in unauthorized access to sensitive data. Theres even a list of the most hacked passwords - check to be sure yours is not among them.

2. Phishing Scams: Employees might accidentally or unknowingly click on phishing links in emails, leading to malware infections and unauthorized access to the network.

Example of a mass malicious mailing message

3. Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policy: BYOD gained greater impetus as a result of the successive lockdowns during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. At this time, staff in non-essential sectors were forced to work from home, and business continuity rather than security was foremost in the minds of company managers.

4. Lack of Patching: If employees use personal devices, IT staff may not be able to monitor the security of those devices or troubleshoot any security issues. Furthermore, the employees might not apply patches or updates to their systems and software regularly, leaving vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cybercriminals.

5. Ransomware: In case of ransomware attacks, it is important to back up your data  to have access to the encrypted information even if cybercriminals have managed to take over the companys system.

6. Social Engineering: Employees might unintentionally provide sensitive information such as login details, passwords and other confidential data in response to social engineering tactics or phishing scams.

These are mistakes that employees can make out of negligence. But what can happen when an employee deliberately seeks to undermine a companys security while employed or right after leaving their job?

More troubles may arise then.

Although innocent mistakes and ignoring cybersecurity policies were behind most leakages, security managers reported that around a third (36 percent) of employee-triggered leakages were deliberate acts of sabotage or espionage.

The high number of cyber incidents stemming from employee action shows that all organisations need thorough cybersecurity awareness training to teach staff how to avoid common security mistakes.

Businesses should use endpoint protection with capabilities for threat detection and reaction to reduce the risk of attacks and data breaches. Managed protection services will also assist organizations with attack investigation and professional reaction.

To lessen the possibility of incidents brought on by employees, thorough cybersecurity awareness training that teaches how to prevent common security threats is also necessary.
HA NOI  The demand for industrial land for lease in Viet Nam remains high, but the supply of industrial land is low.

Given the shortage of land funds, some industrial real estate companies are expected to witness positive business results.

In the first quarter of 2023, the industrial park real estate market recorded a slow growth in the eligible land fund for rent, up 2.1 per cent over the end of 2022. The gain came from the addition of land for lease from industrial zones in Long An, Bac Ninh, and Hai Duong Provinces.

Phan Van Mai, Chairman of the HCM City People's Committee, said at a meeting in late April that the city also lacks industrial land for leasing to draw sizable projects and sizable investors for new companies.

The shortage of industrial land funds is happening ong Nai Province, limiting FDI capital. The province is no longer in the Top 5 localities attracting the most FDI inflows in the country, according to the report on foreign direct investment in 2022.

The occupancy rate, however, stayed at a high level in tier-1 markets, including Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Hai Duong, Hung Yen, and Bac Ninh Province in the north, and HCM City, ong Nai, Binh Duong and Long An Province in the southern region.

In particular, the industrial zones in the south have an average occupancy rate of 85 per cent, with the rate of Binh Duong's largest industrial parks up to 94 per cent.

The northern industrial zones have lower occupancy rates, averaging about 80.6 per cent, down about 2.2 percentage points over last year.

During the period, the average rental prices in the southern industrial park market saw a 4 per cent growth year-on-year to US$172.8 per square metre, helping the gross growth rate of the past five years to reach 9 per cent a year.

Meanwhile, rent for industrial land in the North was up only 2.2 per cent on-year to $122.9 per square metre in the tier-1 market's provinces.

Rents in Bac Ninh and Hai Duong Provinces rose the most, up 3 - 5 per cent year-on-year, thanks to the new supplies with better rental prices than the general market, according to an industrial report from VietFirst Securities Corporation.

Still in demand

Vietnamese industrial parks are currently more appealing than those of rival countries in the area, largely because the local currency has depreciated less over the past year compared to those of Malaysia, Indonesia, and India.

Rent for industrial land in Viet Nam is currently 25-40 per cent lower than other countries in the region. In addition, the country possesses a strategic geographical position, which is close to key Asian supply chains.

Viet Nam is still expected to benefit the most from the trend of moving plants from China, especially for large manufacturers. LG Group plans to invest $4 billion in Viet Nam, while Samsung will raise investment capital to $20 billion.

However, FDI inflows show signs of decline due to concerns about economic recession and the continuous rate hikes from the US Federal Reserve, causing the rent for industrial land in Viet Nam to advance slightly this year.

On the stock market, the securities firm said that in the first quarter of 2023, the total revenue of listed enterprises in industrial real estate climbed by 4.2 per cent over last year, but profit decreased by 8.6 per cent.

In the last quarter of 2022, the total revenue and total profit of these enterprises decreased by 18 per cent and 88.5 per cent on-year, respectively.

The recovery in business results was mainly led by Kinh Bac Development Holding Corporation (KBC). The property developer's parent company posted a profit after tax of VN940.7 billion ($40 billion), up 95.6 per cent year-on-year over the same period last year, accounting for 54.8 per cent of the total profit after tax of the whole industry in the first quarter.

Given the possible higher the rental prices for the industrial land and steady demand from the FDI sector, the business activities of industrial park real estate enterprises are expected to continue to recover in the near future.

VietFirst Securities also notes that enterprises owning land funds in key areas, especially the north, will have the opportunity to emerge and receive FDI inflows shifting out of China.  VNS
HCM CITY  Raw and processed foods, agricultural produce, beverages, spices, and machinery, equipment and technologies for food production, packaging and preservation are on display at the second HCM City International Exhibition of Food and Beverages that opened on June 28.

With the theme Interconnection of Values and Development, the exhibition, or HCMC FOODEX 2023, has attracted more than 200 local and foreign exhibitors, including leading players such as Vinamilk, Bridico, Saigon Agriculture Corporation, Cholimex Food, Cofidec, Vissan, Ion life, Mikko, and Omeli.

The expo will feature conferences on new trends and technologies in the industry and the future of green, clean and sustainable foods, and business matching activities to enable participating businesses to expand both in the Vietnamese and foreign markets.

A range of activities will be held to promote the Vietnamese culinary culture and that of some other countries.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Duong Anh uc, vice chairman of the HCM City Peoples Committee, said: The food and beverage sector is one of the four key sectors prioritized by the city for development.

It accounts for 14  15 per cent of the citys industrial production value.

In order for the food processing industry to sustain its role as a key sector, the city government has a programme for supporting processing businesses and products until 2030, he said.

HCMC FOODEX 2023 is expected to help showcase the  dynamic development of the citys food and beverage processing industry and promote quality products and reputed brands in the sector to local and international customers, enhance opportunities for co-operation between F&B firms and attract more quality investment in the sector.

According to the Investment and Trade Promotion Centre of HCM City (ITPC), Viet Nams free trade agreements are offering opportunities to Vietnamese food processing companies.

Many of them have quickly seized them, and invested in modern equipment and technologies to improve capacity, quality and branding, and in promotions to further penetrate the global food supply chain, it said.

Viet Nam's agricultural products and processed foods are now available in more than 180 countries and territories, with exports of many of the products topping US$1 billion annually, it said.

Orgnanised by ITPC and the HCM City Food and Foodstuff Association, the exhibition at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre will run until June 30.  VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Beijing on June 28 hosted a reception for leaders of several major economic groups of China that are investing in and wishing to expand production and business in Viet Nam.

They included Texhong Group chairman Hong Tian Zhu; Runergy Group chairman Tao Long Zhong; Energy China Group chairman Song Hailiang; GOERTEK Group chairman Jiang Binh; TCL CEO Wang Cheng; Tiangen Group chairman Zhang Tianren; and the Great Wall Corporation chairman Cheng Jinkui.

The economic groups proposed the Vietnamese Government and the PM continue to reform administrative procedures, provide a stable supply of electricity for production and enough materials for ground clearance to build industrial parks, as well as to remove obstacles in regulations on fire prevention and control.

Acknowledging the Chinese enterprises proposals, Chinh said that Viet Nam is encouraging businesses, including those from China, to invest in renewable energy, power transmission system building, and supporting industry for the garment and textile sector.  VNS
The parliamentary judiciary committee holds a subcommittee meeting, June 19. Yonhap



The parliamentary judiciary subcommittee on Wednesday passed a bill mandating medical institutions to register the birth of newborns, after two unregistered babies were found dead in a refrigerator last week.



The revision to the Act on Registration of Family Relations comprises several legal proposals that have been pending in the committee, with its primary objective being to require hospitals to directly notify local governments of baby information upon their births.



In Korea, only parents are required to report the birth of their children to the government within a month after birth, but violators are punished only with small fines. That leaves open the possibility of abuse of unregistered babies, critics say.



The parliamentary deliberation on the legislation comes after two unregistered babies were found dead inside a refrigerator last week in Suwon, 30 kilometers south of Seoul. The mother of the infants has been arrested for investigation.



Under the revision, heads of medical institutions must notify the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRAS) of the birth information of newborns.



Heads of local governments must also notify mothers to document birth information when registration is not made within a month and will seek a court order for the registration otherwise.



The revision bill is set to be put to a vote at a parliamentary plenary session scheduled for Friday.



"We anticipate a smooth deliberation process as the rival parties have already reached a consensus regarding the bill's purpose," an anonymous committee official said.



The Board of Audit and Inspection found that some 2,000 babies born since 2015 in the country were undocumented after birth, and a sample investigation of 23 of them showed at least three died and another was abandoned.



Among these cases, another baby born in 2022 was also found to have died from malnutrition in the southern city of Changwon. In addition, the whereabouts of another baby born in 2021 are unknown in the central city of Hwaseong, and the mother told police she handed the baby over to someone she did not know.



Without a birth registration, a child would be unable to receive routine vaccines and other health care services, and would even face difficulties attending school.



The push to have medical institutions report the birth of babies has been met by opposition from hospitals due mainly to concern about the administrative burden from it and fears of shouldering responsibility in case something goes wrong in the reporting process.



As for criticism over excessive burden on hospitals, Rep. Jeong Jeom-sig of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) said doctors only need to fill out birth information.



"Heads of medical institutions are one click away from sending that information to the HIRAS," Jeong told reporters after the meeting. "There have been discussions with the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korean Medical Association."



The revision will take effect one year after the proclamation to construct a relevant system, Jeong said.



Meanwhile, another bill, supported by the ruling party and the government, is expected to be discussed by the judiciary committee later as the opposition party has demanded further deliberation.



The bill, proposed by Rep. Kim Mi-ae of the PPP, allows local governments to report a child's birth when a mother wishes to remain anonymous and hide her identity.



The bill has sparked controversy, with some arguing that it could prevent cases of abandoned newborns, while others express concerns that it may lead to an increase in parents easily giving up their babies.



Earlier on Wednesday, the government and the PPP held a policy consultation meeting and reaffirmed their commitment to passing the bills together. (Yonhap)






CAN THO  The Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta City of Can Tho will host the Cai Rang Floating Market Festival next month.

The festival aims to introduce and promote the floating market, a unique and attractive destination for domestic and international visitors, as well as offer opportunities for local businesses and people to present their tourism products.

This year, the event will include 15 activities, including an opening ceremony with music and dance performances from actors and performers in the city and neighbouring provinces.

The highlighted activities will be a showcase of dozens of trading boats to sell food and agricultural products at the market, as well as a parade of all the boats along the Cai Rang River.

Around 60 stalls will be set up along the river to introduce local specialties, Southern traditional cakes, fruits, and tourism products.

The festival will include a presentation of ao ba ba, a simpler version of the ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress) with the flaps ending at the hipline and a front button used for access.

It will also feature performances of folk songs and tai tu music, and a boat race.

A seminar on digital transformation in the tourism sector will be held, attracting leaders, experts and tourism agencies from HCM City and 13 provinces and cities in the Mekong Delta.

The festival will take place from July 7-9 in Le Binh Ward of Cai Rang District. It is expected to attract 90,000 visitors.

Floating market preservation

The Can Tho Citys Peoples Committee said it established a state management board of the Cai Rang Floating Market led by Nguyen Thuc Hien, deputy chairman of the Peoples Committee.

The board is in charge of planning and implementing projects on the preservation and promotion of the market to boost tourism development.

It also has the responsibility to supervise the operation of the market, investigate violations and report them to relevant agencies.

Le Thanh Phong, steering deputy head of the Mekong Delta Tourism Association, said the Cai Rang Floating Market reflects the cultural and tourism characteristics of Can Tho City and the Mekong Delta region.

He added the market was also an important cultural and historical site relating to the tourism development of the city and the region, so it was necessary to protect it.

The Cai Rang Floating Market first appeared more than 100 years ago, becoming a destination for consumer agricultural products in the region.

It sells fruits and vegetables from the city and offers special agricultural products from neighbouring provinces.

The market is open every day from 4am to 9am, and attracts nearly 300 boats and junks.

In 2016, the Cai Rang Floating Market was recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage. VNS
Martino Cipriani worked as a colourist on award-winning Vietnamese filmmaker ang Nhat Minh's Hoa Nhai (Jasmine). The film premiered at the Ha Noi International Film Festival in 2022.

Cipriani is a PhD candidate at the University of Amsterdam researching Vietnamese film legacy, covering its background, history, and contemporary situation. He currently teaches digital film and video at the School of Communication & Design at RMIT Vietnam.

Cipriani spoke about the preservation of motion pictures in Viet Nam.

Can you provide some perspective on the development of the Viet Nam film industry?

Viet Nam has a unique historical background with key phases such as the colonial period, the revolution, oi moi (renewal), and post-oi moi. Each of them corresponds to a distinct theme in Vietnamese cinema.

Due to its historical significance and unique qualities, the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s appear to represent the culmination of Viet Nam's cinema. At that time, cinema was totally funded by the government.

Artists were commissioned to create films and were provided with the necessary resources by the State. Vietnamese filmmakers could experiment with originality to generate fascinating films.

The contemporary Vietnamese cinema industry is expanding exponentially yet in a haphazard manner.

It's not a well-funded film industry, meaning there are some great producerrs, innovative concepts, and excellent movies, but the industry as a whole is not strong.

It has evolved into a predominantly private industry. Ha Noi was once the centre of cinema, but now HCM City, whose residents are more business-oriented, leads the country in filmmaking.

This may be controversial, but I find production from the 1960s and 1970s more intriguing than commercial production, even though we have competitive filmmakers today.

These days, everything is for business, and there is no real backing for art films.

Vo Chong A Phu (A Phu and His Wife), a 1961 film, is one that I absolutely adore and is exactly what I'm describing. The visual style is phenomenal, and some scenes are so distinctive. It features the social life of the ethnic minorities in the northwest of Viet Nam with the socialist revolution taking place in the background.

Despite being titled A Phu and His Wife, the wife is actually the main character from start to finish, and she is an incredible heroine with a brave narrative arc throughout the entire movie.

What is your opinion regarding the storage and preservation of motion pictures in Viet Nam?

Film legacy is an intriguing but challenging subject. The key difference between analogue film and digital cinema has been technology. It has been a revolution in the way we make this culture.

What is the significance of heritage? Is it a matter of cultural memory? Is it a piece of art? Many individuals do not consider analog films essential enough to preserve. Film rolls decay faster than we imagined, and you must protect them, or they will be lost forever.

Cinema was previously more popular in Viet Nam, with more interest from central institutions and stronger financial support. This explains why the 1960s-1970s films have been preserved so well.

More effort is needed to address technical constraints and a lack of funds. With the help of expert archivists, the Viet Nam Film Institute has gathered and preserved Vietnamese films en masse.

Its huge film collection is one of the best in Southeast Asia. Still, they require additional funding since maintaining the archive is an expensive endeavour. Meanwhile, Viet Nam has extremely limited funds for film preservation.

I am also attempting to create an updated version of A Phu and His Wife by digitising it in partnership with the institute and am currently looking for funds to do so.

What advice do you give to Vietnamese filmmakers?

My recommendation is to be aware of the limits and issues of using digital production methods. Technology is great and it provides us with a wealth of information and the ability to access things instantly from anywhere in the world.

It is also less expensive, yet not made for long-term existence. Data is incredibly sensitive and vulnerable, especially in film industry.

The preservation of digital files is a major issue. It comes at a high price and there are no resources available currently, but everything is the same all around the world.

Filmmakers should consider what their work is and how they see their work in the years to come. If a film is deemed timeless, like a work of art, even after 50 years, it cannot be preserved by simply saving it on a hard drive.

An additional significant problem is that filmmakers cannot preserve films at home. People are no longer submitting film to the institute.

The organisation, which has the mandate to archive Vietnamese films, is not receiving new ones because producers do not consider it a reliable source for the preservation of their digital movies. This means that while we may still have all the films made in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, we are likely to lose todays motion pictures.

What could be done to improve the preservation of the Vietnamese film legacy?

Preserving the Vietnamese film heritage is a mutual responsibility shared by the motion picture industry, the public and non-profit film archives.

As much as making a successful film requires dedication from hundreds of people, ensuring the existence of film will necessitate a collaborative effort from all film institutions and organisations.

At RMIT, as a higher education institute, I want my students to grasp the fragility of digital means and how things function technically to maintain and explain our cultural heritage to future generations.

Recent film industry initiatives must continue and expand for the Vietnamese film legacy to survive, both as independent efforts by each firm and through studio-archive alliances that combine the strengths of both parties.

Film has been a significant cultural expression of Viet Nam during the last century, and it deserves more public attention. VNS
HA NOI  This year, Vietnamese Family Day, observed annually on June 28, coincides with the national high school graduation exams.

Family Day is an important cultural event, reminding everyone to appreciate their family home, and maintaining and promoting Viet Nam's traditional cultural values.

Vietnamese Family Day is intended to honour the family's essential values. This is a chance for families to exchange and share their experiences in creating a cultural family.

Quang Son, 47, a parent, said: "I am frightened because I am unsure whether or not my child will succeed. But I believe my child is already under pressure.

"So, rather than making him worry about various issues, my family always tries to be as supportive as possible. Most crucially, we help our child in relieving stress so that he can perform well in the exam."

12th-grade students in Viet Nam will take the first two examinations, maths and literature. Parents have also devoted all of their attention to this exam.

My Anh, a student at ong Anh Town High School, said: "My parents are always worried about my body and mind, despite the fact that they are very busy with their own work. They also inquired about my learning process in a concerned manner.

"Without my parents' help, it would not have been possible to study adequately for the exam. My family motivates me a lot. I hope to be able to attend university as planned so that my parents can be happy and proud of me."

In Viet Nam, this is a huge exam with life-changing implications for every student. So it is very important and honourable for families to accompany their children.

Le Ngoc Minh, a student of Phan inh Phung High School, Ha Noi, said: "I feel very anxious and nervous before this exam. When my parents noticed how concerned I was, they supported me a lot throughout the preparations.

"My parents demonstrated their love for me by cooking a lot of nutritious meals and assisting me in finding the best quality tutoring programmes. They are not concerned about the exam results and have complete faith in me. They always tell me that as long as I try my hardest, everything will be fine."

Taking a high school graduation exam has no negative impact on the meaning of Vietnamese Family Day. On the contrary, this demonstrates that family can be a fantastic source of motivation as well as a safe place for each individual to strive and feel secure in their continual development.  VNS
HA NOI  Korea Creative Content Agency Vietnam Office (KOCCA Vietnam) has launched an online seminar to promote content cooperation between Viet Nam and South Korea.

The 2023 BizMatching Agent Online B2B Meeting, held from June 27-28, aims to support the collaboration between Vietnamese and South Korean content, as well as to help South Korean content companies enter the Vietnamese market.

The event was specifically focused on the fields of television and animation and attracted 28 companies from both countries. It provided a platform for these companies to conduct business consultations, exchange knowledge and expertise, and explore potential opportunities for collaboration.

Following the State visit of the South Korean President to Viet Nam, the meeting was held with even higher expectations and attracted more companies, demonstrating the continuing popularity of South Korean content.

One notable aspect of this BizMatching Meeting was the participation of a majority of Over-The-Top (OTT) platform companies that are expanding in Viet Nam. The platform is a type of media streaming service that delivers video, audio, and other forms of content over the Internet, without requiring users to subscribe to a traditional cable or satellite television service.

Director of KOCCA Vietnam,Hong Jeong Yong,said: 'To provide the most practical assistance to South Korean content producers, we must expand the network of content buyers in Viet Nam and continuously strive to support content companies in both countries to operate when they invest in Viet Nam in the future.

KOCCA Vietnam is currently preparing for two Biz-matching events that are expected to take place in August and September, as well as the upcoming Korean-Vietnamese Character Festival, which will be held in the southern province of Binh Duong from September 14-17.

KOCCA is a government agency dedicated to promoting the development of South Korea's content industry, including television, animation, music, and games, among other things. VNS
Nguyen Bich Lam, economic expert, former general director of the General Statistics Office (GSO), speaks to the Vietnam News Agency about opportunities and advantages of the 100 million people population.

According to the GSO, Viet Nam hit the 100 million people mark in April this year, what are the advantages to the economy by reaching this historical milestone?

The event that Viet Nam welcomed its 100 millionth citizen was an important milestone, creating a historical mark in the cause of national construction, development and defence. With a population of 100 million, Viet Nam ranks among the 15 most populous countries in the world, the 8th in Asia and the 3rd in Southeast Asia.

Viet Nam has many opportunities for rapid and sustainable development in the period of the "golden population" with an abundant young labour force, of which people with high spending demand and willingness to spend account for a high proportion. It is a potential consumer market.

With the increasingly open business environment, extensive international integration bringing many advantages to Vietnamese goods and with an abundant young workforce, it is an opportunity to attract foreign investment, bring our country to participate deeply in the global supply chain and elevate Viet Nam's position on the world economic map.

Vietnamese people are smart, sensitive, easy to grasp new things, industrious and creative. This is an advantage for workers to grasp science and technology, improve their qualifications and skills, is one of the motivations to improve labour productivity.

Is the current labour market suitable for the population size and the requirements of the economy?

At present, the Vietnamese labour market has some worrying limitations. Both the supply side and the demand side have not met a modern, flexible, sustainable and integrated labour market.

Labour structure is not reasonable as labourers working in the agriculture, forestry and fishery sectors account for 27.5 per cent of the total. Labour quality does not meet demand. Seasonal labour is developed while skill training is limited.

The labour market is facing a serious shortage of highly qualified technical workers, especially in some service industries such as banking, finance, telecommunications and tourism.

The rate of trained workers is still low so the competitiveness is low. Employees have not been equipped with knowledge and skills to work in groups.

Over the past decade, the Party and Government paid attention to training qualifications and skills for the workforce. The percentage of trained workers with degrees and certificates has continuously increased over the years.

In 2010, the proportion of trained workers was only 14.7 per cent of the total labour force. By 2020 this rate increased to 24.1 per cent and by the first quarter of this year it was 26.4 per cent. However, by the first quarter of this year, out of 52.2 million people in the labour force, about 38.1 million were untrained workers.

This is a great challenge to the goal of building a powerful Viet Nam. The Government should urgently develop and implement training programmes to improve the professional and technical qualifications of the workforce.

What solutions are needed to take advantage of this period's opportunities for development?

The golden population period is a rare opportunity for countries to take off economically. According to demographers, the golden population usually lasts from 30-35 years, even 40-50 years.

For Viet Nam, population ageing is taking place rapidly, the golden population period only lasted for about 30 years. Therefore, Viet Nam needs to take the opportunity to develop because it will not return, or at least 100-200 years later.

To take advantage of this opportunity, the Government needs to have appropriate and breakthrough policies and solutions to overcome the inadequacies of the labour force, improve human resources quality to meet the needs of the labour market.

It needs to increase productivity, create jobs for the young workforce, ensure social security for the elderly and vulnerable people, and ensure gender equality.

Along with that, it is necessary to innovate views, methods and be flexible in training the workforce according to the change of the world. We should train workers not only with skills but also with various skills, from foreign languages to other skills to meet the requirements of integration, ensuring competitiveness.

The Government needs to improve the flexible, integrated and sustainable labour market to meet the enterprises needs and the trend of labour transformation, global and regional supply chains.

In addition, the Government should urgently develop a positive labour market policy, actively implement training, retraining, and adaptive training for the working workforce.

At the same time, it should implement lifelong learning, flexible learning to improve workers qualifications and skills.

The Government needs to innovate management, comprehensively renew the recruitment policies, evaluation, use and promotion of state workers.

People in all fields, in all aspects and at all times are always the decisive factor, ensuring the success of all development goals of the country. When the Government successfully implements policies and solutions to improve the population and human resources quality, Viet Nam will successfully take advantage of this opportunity of the golden population period with a scale of 100 million people.  VNS
The sabotage by hostile forces, bullets intended to drive a wedge into the great national solidarity, failed to pierce through the firm shield of the truth and peoples solidarity.

The armed attacks on the headquarters of the Peoples Committees of Ea Tieu and Ea Ktur communes of Cu Kuin District, the Central Highlands province of ak Lak, early on June 11 caused heavy human losses and negatively affected local security and order. As soon as the incidents happened, much wrongful and distorted information emerged on social networks and Vietnamese-language versions of foreign newswires, while investigations later revealed those attacks were organised terrorist acts.

Such broadcasting agencies as RFA, BBC, and VOA cited biased opinions of some people and political observers who said the June 11 incidents were triggered by prolonged land disputes and racial tensions that now surge in the Central Highlands. Those pages posted such reports as the Central Highlanders were robbed of their land or isolated so they had to rise up, and blamed administrations for the incidents.

RFA even quoted Y-Duen Buondap, head of the so-called Degar Central Highlands  an organisation based in North Carolina of the US, as declaring that he would report the "human rights violations" to the United Nations and the US Government.

The flow of wrongful and harmful information poses latent risks of causing social instability while stirring public concern, impacting the lives of local residents and hampering investigations. Such writings were unable to conceal their ill intentions of inciting contentiousness and driving a wedge into the great national solidarity among ethnic groups in Viet Nam.

Meanwhile, fake news about the incidents also appeared on social media. A number of images and videos have been manipulated with the aim of stirring up anxiety among the public and inciting criticism of local administrations and the State.

However, the truth is a total contrast to what hostile forces are attempting to propagandise.

Local residents and the majority of Vietnamese people have voiced their outrage at the cruelty of the culprits. Many village elders and reputable people from ethnic minorities in the Central Highlands have strongly condemned the acts of disturbing security, striking the headquarters of the communal state agencies, and barbarously killing police officers, communal officials and civilians. Religious dignitaries and followers have expressed their discontent over the arguments intended to sow division by some based abroad.

Local people have grieved the fallen officers, cadres, and compatriots and also actively provided information for authorities to serve the hunt for those launching the attacks.

Thanks to support from locals, authorities quickly arrested all the ringleaders, and 74 people involved in the incidents have been put into temporary detention as of June 20.

The arrested confessed that they had been induced by the promise of money and assets after committing the acts. Among the arrested was a member of a US-based organisation, who had received orders from this organisation to intrude into Viet Nam and stage the attacks.

The solidarity and consensus of ethnic groups in ak Lak Province proved that the false allegations of racial and religious conflicts are completely groundless.

Residents in Cu Kuin District and the Central Highlands have been joining local authorities in socio-economic development programmes for mountainous, remote, and disadvantaged areas launched by the Party and the Government.

The Party and States care for ethnic minority groups and those in the Central Highlands can be seen in the implementation of the policies prioritising economic development and social security in each hamlet and village.

Though certain difficulties remain, ak Lak and other provinces in the Central Highlands have recorded hundreds of communes meeting new-style rural area standards, more than 90 per cent of the population accessing hygienic water, 100 per cent of the communes and 99.39 per cent of the hamlets and villages accessing electricity, all the provinces in the region having universalised junior high school education, over 95 per cent of children in the eligible age group going to school, and 100 per cent of communes have health stations (with 67 per cent of the communes meeting national healthcare standards).

A large number of fruit farming zones, hydropower and solar power plants, schools, health stations, places of worship, projects on developing local culture and roads have also taken shape.

Aside from thwarting reactionary and exiled forces plots to take advantage of religious affairs for sabotage purposes, all-level authorities have also created favourable conditions for religious activities, helping people practise their belief and religions and also preventing the abuse of religious affairs.

All of these shed light on the Party and States efforts to develop the Central Highlands so that no one is left behind. They also prove the fact that sabotage arguments under the pretext of democracy, human rights, religion, and ethnic affairs are sheer fabrications.

By now, the security and order situation in ak Lak and the Central Highlands has stabilised, and lives returned to normal. The increasingly improved quality of life of local residents and the solidarity of ethnic groups in the province and across Viet Nam constitute the strongest response to the sabotage arguments, and also a strong shield and fortress in the fight against plots and ruses by hostile and reactionary forces and criminals. VNA/VNS
HA NOI  A conference on summarizing the implementation of the law regarding participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations (UNPKO) took place on Tuesday at the headquarters of the Ministry of Defence in Ha Noi.

The evaluation conference recognised that Viet Nam's participation in UN peacekeeping operations had been effectively implemented, achieving significant results and creating a positive impact on Viet Nam's international standing.

Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, Central Party Committee member and Deputy Minister of Defence chaired the conference.

The conference was also attended by Lieutenant General Phung Si Tan, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Viet Nam People's Army, Permanent Deputy Head of the Inter-Agency Task Force, and Deputy Head of the Ministry of Defence's Steering Committee on UNPKO participation, as well as representatives from related ministries.

Resolution No. 130/2020/QH14 of the National Assembly on Viet Nam's participation in UN peacekeeping operations is fundamentally consistent, unified, and harmonised with the 2013 Constitution, the 2018 Law on National Defence, and the 2018 Law on People's Public Security, according to participants' assessment.

The coordination between the Ministry of National Defence and relevant ministries and agencies in implementing the Resolution and related government decrees has been closely supervised, guided, and relatively consistent. This is demonstrated through cooperative efforts in researching, advising, and issuing legal documents, as well as organising inter-agency inspection teams to assess the Viet Nam contingent in field missions and coordinating the implementation of procedures for deploying forces in UN peacekeeping operations.

The Viet Nam contingent in UN peacekeeping operations has received attention and efforts in resource development and capacity enhancement. Adequate material and equipment support is provided throughout the mission. Legal education regarding participation in UN peacekeeping operations has been prioritised and has significantly improved awareness of the importance of Viet Nam's participation in such operations.

Delegates also acknowledged that Viet Nam's participation in UN peacekeeping operations was relatively new, which made it difficult to have a complete and harmonised legal framework in this field, keeping up with the development of UN peacekeeping tasks.

Furthermore, the national coordination of participation in UN peacekeeping forces had not been clearly defined and lacked systematic implementation. Some regulations and policies to ensure the welfare of the participating forces had not fully met practical requirements and had not kept pace with the development of UN peacekeeping tasks.

The delegates unanimously agreed on the need to continue researching, developing, and completing the legal framework regarding Viet Nam's participation in UN peacekeeping operations to meet practical requirements and mission demands in the new situation. They proposed compiling a proposal for the construction of a law on the participation of Vietnamese forces in UN peacekeeping operations to be submitted to the Government and the National Assembly in accordance with the prescribed procedures.

In the concluding statement of the conference, Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien expressed his desire for relevant ministries and agencies to support the Ministry of Defence and the Steering Committee in implementing the construction of the law on the participation of Vietnamese forces in UN peacekeeping operations, in accordance with the Government's guidance, to contribute to the completion of Viet Nam's legal framework in this field.

To proceed with the next steps in compiling the proposal for the construction of the law on the participation of Vietnamese forces in UN peacekeeping operations, Chien suggested that the Viet Nam Peacekeeping Department in coordination with relevant agencies and units, incorporate opinions and consultations from the delegates at the conference to improve the report summarising the implementation of the legal framework for Viet Nam's participation in UN peacekeeping operations.

Chien also proposed that relevant agencies and units continue to focus on the selection and training of forces preparing to participate in UN peacekeeping operations.

This would demonstrate the correct foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation, and diversification of foreign relations, and contribute to actively and responsibly fulfilling international community obligations, thereby enhancing the prestige and position of the nation, the Viet Nam People's Army, and the Vietnamese People's Public Security on the international stage.  VNS
BEIJING  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with a delegation of Chinese scholars who supported Viet Nam during the past two resistance wars as well as the current national construction in Beijing on Wednesday as part of his official visit to the country.

The delegation was led by Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) Yuan Mindao.

The Chinese scholars highlighted the mutual support between the two neighbouring countries during difficult periods, saying the friendship, cultivated by Presidents Ho Chi Minh and Mao Zedong, is an invaluable asset shared by the two countries and peoples forever.

The Viet Nam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership has been developing fruitfully and healthily, they said.

The CPAFFC and the China-Viet Nam Friendship Association have maintained good relations with the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) and the Viet Nam-China Friendship Association, and organised various cultural exchanges and festivals, contributing to promoting people-to-people exchanges, the scholars continued.

They noted that the CPAFFC has also coordinated with the VUFO in promoting exchanges and cooperation between Vietnamese and Chinese localities.

PM Chinh thanked the Chinese scholars for their sentiments to Viet Nam, and affirmed that the great friendship between the two countries was sourced from sentiments between Presidents Ho Chi Minh and Mao Zedong.

He suggested the CPAFFC, the China-Viet Nam Friendship Association, the VUFO and the Viet Nam-China Friendship Association preserve historical documents and work to enhance the friendship between the two countries.

He urged the Chinese scholars to contribute more to the Viet Nam-China relationship with practical actions.  VNS
BEIJING  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Wang Huning in Beijing on Tuesday, as part of the Vietnamese leaders ongoing official visit to China.

The two sides shared delight at the positive progress in the relations between the two Parties and countries over the years, while discussing and agreeing on measures to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between Viet Nam and China in all fields, including collaboration between the Viet Nam Fatherland Front (VFF) and the CPPCC.

PM Chinh conveyed regards from Vietnamese high-ranking leaders and VFF Central Committee President o Van Chien to Wang, underlining that Viet Nam and China have enjoyed a close neighbourliness, and the two Parties, countries and peoples have given each other priceless support during the past struggle for national independence and current socialism building cause.

Viet Nam always attaches great importance to maintaining and developing the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with China, taking it as a consistent, strategic and long-term policy as well as the leading priority in the countrys external policy.

PM Chinh suggested that the two sides continue to maintain high-level meetings and exchanges, while expanding cooperation among their localities, organising friendly meetings, people-to-people exchanges, youth festivals and peoples forums between the two countries, and resuming tourism partnership.

He said that the VFF and the CPPCC should strengthen exchanges of experience to optimise their role in the political life in each country, and consider the organising the second friendship exchange between the two organisations and among localities along the shared border.

For his part, Wang affirmed with the Vietnamese PM that Viet Nam and China are each other's important neighbours with a wide range of common interests.

China always considers Viet Nam as a priority in its external policy on neighbours, and is willing to work with Viet Nam to increase the strategic exchanges and promote the relations between the two Parties and countries in a sustainable and long-standing manner, he said.

The official affirmed that the CPPCC supports the increase of people-to-people exchange activities, thus deepening the friendship between the two peoples and expanding economic, trade and investment cooperation and transport infrastructure connectivity, enhancing the frequency and quality of collaboration among their localities.

The CPPCC is willing to foster exchange, cooperation and experience sharing with the VFF to make positive contributions to the growth of the Viet Nam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, Wang stated.  VNS
HA NOI  National Assembly Chairman Vuong inh Hue and President of the National Council of Switzerland Martin Candinas on Wednesday agreed to strengthen cooperation between the two nations and two legislative bodies at bilateral and multilateral forums.

Hue hosted a welcome ceremony and held talks for the Swiss guest in Ha Noi on Wednesday morning.

Martin Candinas said Switzerland was one of the first Western European countries to establish diplomatic relations with Viet Nam. The Viet Nam-Switzerland relationship has flourished not only in bilateral cooperation but also in multilateral collaboration.

He expressed a positive impression regarding Viet Nams vigorous socio-economic growth in recent decades, noting that his visit this time, which will last until June 30, will help the Swiss delegation learn about Viet Nams development more deeply.

NA Chairman Hue informed the guest of Viet Nams socio-economic growth achievements, including millennium goals, sustainable development goals, and deep international integration.

Viet Nam has made efforts to realise two 100-year goals: By 2030 which falls on the 100th founding anniversary of the Party, Viet Nam looks to become a developing country with a modern industrial base and middle-income population; and by 2045, which falls on the 100th anniversary of the country's establishment, Viet Nam will be a developed and high-income country, he said.

This is also the economic basis for Viet Nam's commitments at the COP26 Conference on achieving zero emissions by 2050, he said.

No matter what the circumstances, Viet Nam always steadfastly implements the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, as well as diversification, multi-lateralisation, being a good friend, a reliable partner, and an active and responsible member of the international community, he said.

Viet Nam always attaches importance to the traditional friendship and cooperation with Switzerland, and is proud that the two countries have maintained diplomatic relations for more than half a century, he said.

The NA Chairman thanked Switzerland for always accompanying, supporting and helping Viet Nam in the past time. In particular, during the 1991-2021 period, Switzerland provided US$600 million of Official Development Assistance to Vietnam, focusing on human resource training, urban development, poverty reduction, and rural development.

This was an important resource contributing to Viet Nam's socio-economic development, Hue said.

During COVID-19, Switzerland and other countries supported Vietnam to quickly control the pandemic, recover the economy and regain growth momentum of more than 8 per cent in 2022.

In the context of complicated international developments, Hue suggested the two sides strengthen the delegation exchanges at all levels including the Party, State and people-to-people diplomacy channels, while promoting the Party channel relations with other ruling and participating Swiss parties.

Accelerating Viet Nam-EFTA signing

Given that the potential for untapped trade and investment cooperation between the two countries is still large, Hue stated that Viet Nam wishes to further diversify markets and investments, and suggested that the two sides soon narrow differences and quickly conclude negotiations to sign a free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

Speaking highly of Switzerland's important role in EFTA, Hue hoped that Switzerland would encourage other members to soon complete negotiations and sign this agreement.

The NA leader also highly praised Swiss businesses in Viet Nam for creating many jobs and bringing more green technology to the country. He pointed out the commitment of the Vietnamese National Assembly and Government to creating favourable conditions for foreign businesses, including Swiss enterprises to operate in the country long-term.

Martin Candinas affirmed that Switzerland is always interested in and wishes to sign the agreement soon because this will certainly pave the way for two-way economic, trade and investment cooperation.

Martin invited Hue to pay an official visit to Switzerland in 2024 and hopes that the agreement will be signed, bringing benefits to both sides.

At the talks, the two leaders exchanged words on other issues in science-technology, education, climate change response, as well as just energy transition and digital transformation.

Switzerland will always stand by and be ready to support Viet Nam so that both countries can achieve their sustainable development goals, Martin said.

Switzerland is interested in and always considers Viet Nam as a strategic partner in economic development cooperation in Southeast Asia. Over the past 30 years, Switzerland has developed cooperation programmes and projects in Viet Nam and will continue to strengthen them in the future.

Martin agreed with NA Chairman Hue's proposal for which Switzerland will continue supporting the stances of Viet Nam and ASEAN in ensuring safety and freedom of navigation in the East Sea on the basis of international law, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982.

He affirmed Switzerland's position that parties must comply with international laws. Switzerland also always calls on the parties involved to have dialogues and come up with peaceful solutions in accordance with the UN Charter.

Legislative collaboration

Hue hoped the two sides would continue exchanges of high-level delegations and committees, as well as friendship groups of parliamentarians, especially in experience sharing of legislation and consultation.

The two legislative bodies can fully consult, exchange, coordinate and support each other at multilateral parliamentary forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Francophone Parliamentary Assembly (APF).

They agreed to strengthen cooperation between localities of the two countries, including cooperation between local elected bodies.

The potential for cooperation in all aspects between the two countries and the two legislatures is huge. As friends who have experienced challenges together for more than half a century, in the current international context, Viet Nam and Switzerland must strengthen their mutually-beneficial cooperation, he told the guest.

Martin Candinas affirmed that he will make every effort to further promote relations between the two countries and the two legislatures bodies on both bilateral and multilateral levels.  VNS
Government officials and ruling People Power Party lawmakers hold a meeting at the National Assembly, June 28. Yonhap





The government and the ruling People Power Party (PPP) agreed Wednesday to amend a relevant enforcement ordinance to prevent university students from facing possible disadvantages when missing classes due to mandatory military reserve training.







In Korea, all able-bodied men are required to serve in the military for at least 18 months, with most of them enlisting in their early 20s. They are also obligated to serve as reservists for approximately eight years after their discharge.







Criticism has arisen over the unfavorable treatment faced by some university students who are reservists. These students have experienced disadvantages due to their absence from classes to participate in the training that sometimes take two to three days.







During a policy consultation meeting with PPP lawmakers at the National Assembly, Education Minister Lee Ju-ho said that the revision will be made to the ordinance of the Higher Education Act in order to guarantee the right to learn.







"We will also closely examine whether there have been any cases of disadvantage in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense," Lee said.







The minister added the government will advise schools to revise their regulations, and file complaints for violations after the revision of the ordinance.







Rep. Park Dae-chul, the PPP's chief policymaker, expressed his commitment to ensuring that the relevant measures take effect before the start of the fall semester. (Yonhap)


HEBEI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on June 28 afternoon visited Xiong'an New Area in Hebei province - 100 km southwest of Beijing, on the occasion of his official visit to China.

Xiong'an New Area is a national pilot new economic zone based on innovation, digital economic development, and green and smart city, which focuses on promoting harmonious interaction between people and the environment. The area will take on a part of the function of the capital Beijing.

After watching a video introducing the general planning of Xiong'an New Area, PM Chinh made a field trip to the construction site of Xiong'an Station and Xiong'an international shopping centre; and visited several sites in the area.

Ni Yuefeng, Secretary of Hebei provincial Party Committee briefed the Vietnamese guest on the areas development which started in 2017.

With the use of new infrastructure technology, new materials and energy in line with the development of digital economy and society, Xiong'an New Area is expected to become a model smart city, Ni Yuefeng said.

PM Chinh highly valued the strategic vision of China and General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping in particular in building the area, saying that Xiong'an solves three basic challenges that large cities often encounter, including infrastructure overloading; environmental pollution, lack of housing and standard living conditions for residents.

He also expressed his impression of the maximum exploitation of underground resources for infrastructure development in the area, as well as greening efforts there, saying that Viet Nam can learn from the model in the process of building and developing the country.

He expressed the belief that Xiong'an New Area will become a model in development, contributing to successfully implementing China's second 100-year goal of turning into a modern, democratic, and civilised and prosperous socialist power.

PM Chinh left China on the same day evening, concluding his four-day official visit to the country. VNS
HA NOI  The number of children treated at hospital for mycoplasma pneumonia has risen, with around 30 per cent of all daily admissions of youngsters suffering from the lung infection.

The disease often breaks out into epidemics at the time of season change or when weather is warm but turns cold suddenly.

The National Childrens Hospital reported on Monday that recently, B.N, aged 8, from the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai was taken to hospital with symptoms of high fever, dry cough, and a rash all over the body.

He was first diagnosed with a viral fever by doctors at a local hospital, but after three days, the symptoms never cleared and he was taken to the National Childrens Hospital.

A chest X-ray showed he was suffering from lobar pneumoniae.

After taking an in-depth test to accurately identify the name of the bacteria that causes the condition, the child tested positive for mycoplasma pneumoniae.

After five days of treatment with specific antibiotics, the patient is now awake without fever and does not have any difficulties breathing.

Ten-year-old L.D.T from the northern province of Thai Binh, has been treated at the hospital for more than 10 days.

The child now is eating well, without chest pain and the doctors said she could be discharged in a few days.

Previously, she was hospitalised with symptoms of high fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, and a rash all over the body.

After being admitted to the hospital, the doctors diagnosed the child with lobar pneumonia and left pleural effusion caused by mycoplasma pneumoniae.

The patient was treated at a lower-level hospital for nine days and did not get better before she was transferred to the National Childrens Hospital.

Associate Professor Le Thi Hong Hanh, director of the Respiratory Centre under the National Childrens Hospital, said that pneumonia has many causes. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of pneumonia in children in the community.

The disease occurs at any age, but it is more common in older children, she said.

According to an American study, the rate of pneumonia caused by mycoplasma pneumoniae is 16 per cent in children aged five to 10 and up to 23 per cent in children aged between 10 and 17.

Medical experts warn that the symptoms of pneumonia caused by mycoplasma pneumoniae in children are easy to confuse with other pneumonia agents such as viral pneumonia, because the symptoms are similar.

However, to confirm the diagnosis of pneumonia caused by mycoplasma pneumoniae, it is necessary to do specific tests.

According to experts, the way of transmission is by contacting droplets for pneumonia caused by bacteria or viruses.

There is no vaccine to prevent mycoplasma pneumoniae so parents need to keep a few rules to prevent their children from contracting the virus.

The rules include washing hands with soap, ensuring children live in a clean and cool environment, not contacting children with symptoms of cough and fever and giving children appropriate nutrition regimens to help strengthen children's resistance.

Doctors recommend that if children have symptoms such as respiratory tract infections, high fever, cough and shortness of breath, especially in older children aged from four to 10, they should be taken to medical facilities for examination and quick treatment.  VNS
Also participating in the fair for the first time, Vietnamese dairy giant Vinamilk introduced Ong Tho condensed milk.

Vinamilk has ventured into the Chinese market since 2019 but it has faced huge challenges triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company returned to CISMEF to continue seeking to expand its markets and increase its revenue in the second half of the year and the following years.

Nguyen Minh The Nguyet, general director of Can Tho-headquartered Westfood Exporting and Processing JSC, which has also joined the fair for the first time, said the company has advantages in owning pineapple cultivation areas in the Mekong Delta region.

We introduce products in which we have strengths to seek partners and promote processed fruits to such a large market as China, Nguyet said.

Other Vietnamese firms, such as Trung Nguyen Group, Quang Ngai Sugar JSC, and Topfood JSC, will also display their products at the fair.

Visiting booths of Vietnamese firms, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai said China resumed the fair after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19.

This is an opportunity for small and medium enterprises to access the Chinese market, the largest trade partner of Vietnam," the deputy minister said.

Vietnamese goods quality must be high to conquer this market.

In the first five months of this year, Vietnam exported US$19.8 billion worth of products to China and spent $42.4 billion on imports from the northern neighbor, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

China remains a potential market for Vietnams exports thanks to the close distance, and lower logistics costs and risks compared with other markets.

tuoitrenews
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will offer Cambodia new avenues for economic growth, a legal luminary has opined.

Dr Sok Siphana, Managing Partner of Sok Siphana and Associates as well as one of the leading authorities on Cambodias legal system, international relations and economy, made the observation while delivering the keynote address at the 2023 Annual General Meeting and Dinner of the Malaysian Business Chamber of Cambodia (MBCC) held at Sun & Moon Hotel in Phnom Penh.

Sharing insightful views on Cambodias geopolitical landscape and opportunities from RCEP, he said: About 20 years ago, I was in charge of Cambodias accession to WTO, which created tremendous opportunities for the country and Cambodia would open its economy to the world.

Now after 20 years, the effects of joining WTO are gradually melting down and RCEP has emerged the new fuel for growth for Cambodia.

He pointed out that Cambodia will have to push forward trade diversification for growth, beyond the US and the EU. Through RCEP we now have better access to Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

With the next elections, Cambodia will witness a generational change in policy-making and implementation. The new generation of young ministers, mostly Western-trained, will change the direction of development of this country. We will have young dynamic ministers who are highly capable. And when they combine with RCEP, it will become a powerful combination.

Praising the countrys economic partnerships with China, Dr Sok said Cambodia is one of the major beneficiaries of the Belt and Road Initiative. China will remain a source of growth for Cambodia and will be its strongest economic partner.

The AGM saw MBCC President Tan Khee Meng providing a comprehensive report on the activities of the chamber during the past 12 months.

The highlights of the past year included a series of highly successful charity events, networking engagements, and forums with government agencies, which showcased the MBCCs dedication to fostering strong business relationships and contributing to the local community.

The AGM also featured the re-election of the executive board members for the 2023-2025 term. Tan was re-elected as the President of MBCC, while the other six board members include Syed Azmeer and Mohan Bandam as Vice-Presidents, and Michael Chai, JJ Ng, Alex Lim, and Nikki Sim as Directors of the Board.

In his address marking the re-appointment as President, Tan reiterated his mission to lead MBCC with the spirit of making the best efforts to unite all Malaysian corporate entities and individuals in Cambodia, in order to create a lasting impact and promote the good name of Malaysia in Cambodia.

I strive to lead MBCC to achieve and grow its membership base and enhance our influences by gathering Malaysian investors strengths in Cambodia to make collective efforts to promote more business opportunities for Malaysian businesses as well as continue to actively engage with relevant government agencies through business forums.

He said that MBCC membership has grown across three categories by 47 percent since the Covid era and it also set the standards for other chambers and business associations to emulate.

The Charity Gala Dinner held on August 1, 2022, was graced by General Hun Manet, which saw a sell-out attendance in excess of 500 people and the fundraising stood at $77,700. This was given a further boost by General Manet, who personally contributed $10,000.

With these funds, MBCC enabled four villages and one commune to be completely free of landmines, returning the land to more than 1,000 villagers.

In addition, to enable Cambodia to achieve landmine-free status by 2025, MBCC, together with Khmer Times and Wing Bank signed an MoU to launch a fundraising campaign known as 4,000 Riel for a Mine-Free Cambodia.

MBCC is also one of the six pioneering members of the Cambodia Confederation of Investors Association (CCIA), which was officially launched on June 17.

The event sponsored by APD Bank was attended by members of MBCC, the Malaysian business community in Cambodia and their business partners, with Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim, Ambassador of Malaysia to Cambodia and Dr Sok Siphana as the guests of honour.

In his speech, Eldeen Husaini congratulated the new MBCC leadership and expressed strong support of the Malaysian Embassy for MBCCs activities in Cambodia.

Source: Khmer Times
Vietnam shipped abroad 692,259 tonnes of fertilisers in the first five months of this year for more than 289 million USD, down 8.9% in volume and 42.2% in value over the same period in 2022, reported the General Department of Vietnam Customs.

In May alone, the export volume reached 154,995 tonnes of all kinds, up 17.5% year on year, with a turnover of 56.9 million USD, a rise of 17.4% over that of April but a decrease of 35.2% over the same period last year.

The major market of Vietnamese fertilisers in the period under review was Cambodia which made up 33% of the total export volume and value of the product.

It was followed by the Republic of Korea with 47,838 tonnes with a value of 17.62 million USD, down 16.9% and 62% year on year. Malaysia came third by buying 44,552 tonnes.

Meanwhile, the export of the products to the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) countries reached 391,107 tonnes, earning162.64 million USD, down 16.2% in volume and 42.8% in value. Meanwhile, Vietnam exported 48,442 tonnes of fertilisers worth 16.61 million USD to CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) member countries, a decrease of 47.9% and 63.5%, respectively.

A downturn of 14.5% in volume and 37.6% in value was also seen in the Southeast Asian market to 340,379 million tonnes and 143.63 million USD, according to the department.

Amid the situation, local firms are working to expand export markets, and seeking new market along with traditional ones./.

Source: Vietnam Plus
With 662,000 tonnes of coffee, worth nearly 1.54 billion ($1.68 billion), exported to the EU in 2022, Vietnam is now the blocs second-largest supplier of coffee, just behind Brazil.

Enterprises buying Vietnamese coffee are mostly large corporations such as Nestle, JDE, Newmanm, and Louis Dreyfus, among others.

If it is to stabilize the market share of coffee exports to the EU, Vietnams coffee industry must strive to comply with the EUDR, Hai said.

There is not much time left before the new rule comes into force, so it is necessary to accelerate our preparations to meet it, the association head urged.

Tran Thi Quynh Chi, regional director of the Sustainable Trade Initiative, headquartered in the Netherlands, said that Vietnam is one of the countries considered to have very low rates of deforestation due to coffee production.

Chi cited an assessment from a very large buyer in Europe as saying the deforestation rate for coffee production in Vietnam was only 0.1 percent, which represents great potential for Vietnamese coffee not to violate the EUDR.

Despite agreeing with Hais assessment, Chi warned that Vietnam is still at risk as farmers may destroy forests for coffee production in the coming time to earn more profit from coffee prices being on the rise.

She also recommended that preparations under the EUDR should be made according to a suitable road map, as it is hard to implement all solutions at the same time.

In order to conform to the new rule, it is a must to boost the traceability of coffee in Vietnam by improving the coordination among coffee growers, traders, and exporters, Hai said.

Nguyen Phu Hung, chairman of the Vietnam Forestry Science and Technology Association, called for training courses to keep the farmers well informed about the anti-deforestation regulation.

Under the EUDR, the Vietnamese coffee sector must apply global positioning systems for each specific coffee-growing area, based on which deforestation risks are monitored by remote sensing systems, said Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, director of International Cooperation Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

"The industry will face many challenges to meet all EUDR standards. However, challenges also come with opportunities for boosting exports and we must be ready to take advantage of this opportunity, Tuan said.

He added Vietnam desperately needs the legal assistance of the EU as well as other partners to make reports and declarations in line with EUDR.

Strict compliance with the new regulation will help coffee products from Vietnam be more competitive in the EU market than those from countries that have yet to meet it, Tuan commented.

Currently, a major part of Vietnams total coffee acreage basically meets EUDR standards, he noted.

tuoitrenews
Vietnam and New Zealand aim for bilateral trade turnover to reach $2 billion by 2024, a 54% increase from 2022.

At a Tuesday meeting between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his New Zealander counterpart Chris Hipkins at a World Economic Forum meeting in China, both leaders said Vietnam and New Zealands economic, trade and investment cooperation have made important progresses.

New Zealand is now considered one of Vietnams strategic economic and education partners.

In 2022, bilateral trade turnover between the two countries reached around $1.3 billion.

Chinh and Hipkins agreed to encourage a more open market for goods, including agricultural products, in order to increase the bilateral trade turnover to $2 billion in 2024.

Chinh said Vietnam would create opportunities for New Zealand businesses to invest into fields like education, manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, agriculture and construction. He also asked that New Zealand support Vietnamese businesses investing into the country.

New Zealand has the 4th highest vegetable export turnover in Vietnam, accounting for 7% of the market. In 2022, New Zealand officially began to import citrus products from Vietnam. Vietnamese limes became popular there alongside other existing Vietnamese products in New Zealand such as dragonfruit.

Hipkins said bolstering economic-trade relations with Vietnam is a priority for New Zealand. He also supports the significant role of ASEAN, including Vietnam, when it comes to regional issues.

Also on Tuesday, Chinh met with his Mongolian counterpart Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai. Chinh said Vietnam is willing to be a bridge for Mongolia to bolster relations with ASEAN for peace and prosperity in both the region and the world.

Luvsannamsrai said Mongolia is proud to be a friend with Vietnam. He called on both sides to utilize the Mongolia-Vietnam inter-governmental committee and other cooperation mechanisms between the two countries.

"Mongolia wants to expand cooperation with Vietnam in fields like traffic, railways, aviation and tourism," he added.

Chinh also met with his Barbadian counterpart Mia Mottley.

Chinh said he wanted to boost cooperation between the two countries, including the signing of a visa exemption agreement for those carrying diplomatic and official passports. Chinh said he hopes that Vietnam can bolster relations with the Caribbean region through Barbados.

Mottley said she hopes both countries will maintain their bilateral cooperation and mutual support on multilateral forums, especially the United Nations.

Chinh is officially visiting China and attending the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions by the World Economic Forum in Tianjin from June 25 to June 28.

Source: VnExpress
Vietnam continues to back up Britains entry into a major trade pact, although the exact benefits for members are yet to be fully understood.

At the ninth strategic dialogue between Vietnam and the UK in London over a week ago, Vietnam said it completely supported the UKs negotiations on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Vietnam will continue working with the UK on the latters CPTPP membership, with the determination of opportunities and hurdles that need to be removed in favour of businesses and investors of both economies.

Vietnam reaffirms its strong support for the UK to join the CPTPP which, in addition to the positive impacts of the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA), will help both nations to further increase their trade and investment ties which are on the rise. The UKs participation in the deal will also bring about wonderful trade and investment opportunities to each CPTPP member, said Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien.

The UK will be the first European member of CPTPP and the first new country to join the agreement. The parties will now take the final legal and administrative steps before formal signature at the end of 2023.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that joining the bloc would put the UK in a prime position in the global economy to seize opportunities for new jobs, growth and innovation and that it would put the UK at the centre of a dynamic and growing group of Pacific economies.

According to a statement by the British government on the impacts of the CPTPP on the UK economy, over 99 per cent of British goods exports to member countries will be eligible for zero tariffs, improving goods market access for British firms. Eventually, joining the CPTPP could lead to a 1.7 billion ($2.1 billion) boost to UK exports to other CPTPP countries.

However, according to the House of Commons Library (HCL), the information resource of the lower house of the British Parliament, the economic benefits appear to be small.

The UK governments scoping assessment indicates that the long-run increase in GDP would be 0.08 per cent thanks to the CPTPP. Trade expert Sam Lowe pointed out that this is largely because the UK already has bilateral trade agreements with most CPTPP members. The benefits would be larger if other countries, such as South Korea, joined the CPTPP in future, Lowe said.

Currently, the CPTPP covers 11 member nations, and the agreement has come into force in all, except Brunei. The UK already has trade agreements in effect with nine CPTPP members.

Other economies have also applied to join or expressed an interest in doing so. These include China, Taiwan, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Ukraine, South Korea, and Thailand.

Currently, the Vietnam-UK trade and investment ties are largely driven by the UKVFTA that took effect in May 2021. In that, 85.6 per cent of tariff lines for goods imported by the UK from Vietnam were eliminated in 2021, and 99.2 per cent will be removed by January 2027, according to the UKs Department for International Trade. According to the General Department of Vietnam Customs, the bilateral trade between Vietnam and the UK touched $6.84 billion last year, up 3 per cent on-year. This included Vietnamese exports worth over $6 billion, up 5.2 per cent, and imports valued at $771 million, down 9.2 per cent.

The two-way trade hit nearly $1.6 billion in the first three months of this year, almost the same as in the corresponding period last year, including Vietnamese exports of $1.4 billion and imports of $175 million. The key exports items from Vietnam to the UK with a high-growth rate included assorted mobile phones and spare parts; machinery, equipment, and spare parts; garments and textiles; assorted footwear; computers, electronics, and spare parts; aquatic products; and wood and wooden products.

The UKVFTA is on route to become a highway for businesses to reach to the other sides markets faster and stronger thanks to its extensive tariff reduction roadmap, Nguyen Canh Cuong, trade counsellor at the Vietnamese Embassy in the United Kingdom, told VIR.

Vietnams Ministry of Planning and Investment reported that accumulatively as of May 20, the UKs total registered investment capital in Vietnam was $4.26 billion for 522 valid projects, including $3.73 million for the January-May 20 period. Vietnam is now encouraging British companies to boost investment in Vietnam in areas such as renewable energy, digital technology, finance and banking, innovation, and high-quality infrastructure.

Source: Vietnam Investment Review
On June 19, FPT Shop  the retail arm of the tech giant FPT Corporation  and Dell Technologies Vietnam inked a strategic cooperative agreement in preparation for the new school year, when the demand for laptops often reaches its peak.

The move aims to provide customers with more choices in terms of quality and price.

Nguyen Viet Anh, deputy CEO of the FPT Shop chain, noted that they aim to provide nearly 200,000 laptops to pupils and students with lucrative incentives, including discounts, gifts, one-year warranties, and payment via interest-free instalments.

This major retailer has opened 150 outlets across Vietnam, buoyed by a wide assortment of laptops with exclusive offerings that cater to each customer group.

Nguyen The Kha, senior director of Mobility Groups at FPT Shop, revealed that the new school year is often the golden growth time for laptops thanks to the spike in the demand from fresh students.

The revenue from computer products at the FPT Shop chain usually doubles in the third quarter every year, said Kha.

Vu Van Truc, director of Retail and Distribution at Dell Technologies Vietnam, believes that the Vietnamese market still offers space for development. Therefore, Dell will focus on promoting the laptop gaming segment to meet the burgeoning market demands while also seeking new partners.

The turbulence in the macroeconomy has forced consumers to cut their spending, particularly on more pricey items.

After two years of hot-paced development from 2020 to 2021 serving those working from home, the sales revenue of PC items saw a plunge from the second half of last year.

Figures from leading computer retailers show that in Q4 of last year, the markets scale fell by a half on-year.

The purchasing continued to slide in Q1 of this year, with significant amounts of unsold stock despite attractive promotion programmes.

Digiworld Corporation admitted that the companys laptop and tablet revenue fell to just $47.5 million in Q1 of this year, taking a 51 per cent dive on-year.

The declining revenue from the sale of PC items is attributable to the fact that purchase of such items peaked in Q4/2021 and Q1/2022, but the market then became saturated.

In addition, the turbulence in the macroeconomy has forced consumers to cut their spending, particularly on more pricey items.

A report on ICT wholesaling by Bao Viet Securities JSC shows that the sales revenue from laptops is expected to experience a 13 per cent drop, falling to around $67.7 million, and that of handsets is likely to be down 6.9 per cent to $4.75 billion in 2023 compared to the previous year.

However, the market demand is expected to fully reboot by 2024-2025.

vir
The opportunity is open for Vietnam to emerge as a global renewable energy hub, facilitating the production and export of sustainable fuels such as green hydrogen and green ammonia.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha at the roundtable. Photos: Minh Khoi

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha emphasized this view at the Vietnam-Netherlands Business Roundtable on June 26 as part of his visit to the Netherlands.

Nearly 30 large enterprises from the Netherlands and Vietnam attended the roundtable, representing a range of industries, including seaport infrastructure, mining, dredging, maritime services, logistics, renewable energy, and agriculture.

The Netherlands is Vietnam's second-largest trading partner in Europe and the largest investor from the European Union (EU). The two countries have identified five critical areas for development cooperation, including climate change adaptation and water management, agriculture, energy, maritime economy, and logistics services.

Looking back at 400 years of historical ties, when Dutch merchants engaged in business and trade in Vietnam, the Deputy Prime Minister expressed hope that the Vietnamese and Dutch business communities would discuss specific projects and areas of mutual economic potential and strengths.

A representative of the Van Oord Group discusses the potential of projects related to an estuary and estuarine dredging and offshore sand mining.

Recognizing the similarities between Vietnam and the Netherlands, such as breathtaking natural landscapes, hardworking and friendly people, and vulnerability to climate change and rising sea levels, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed the need for knowledge sharing and experience exchange based on the Dutch development model in disaster prevention, climate change adaptation, greenhouse gas emission reduction, and transition to a green economy.

"This is an opportunity for Dutch businesses to seek and establish effective investment and business projects in Vietnam," Ha said.

"Despite being a developing country, Vietnam has demonstrated a strong commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, embarking on a green transition, and shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy. The country has many pending projects, especially in the renewable energy sector, where it has the potential to become a global hub for the production and export of green fuels such as green hydrogen and green ammonia," he emphasized.

Overview of the roundtable.

Additionally, Vietnam's signing of 15 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with major economies around the world has brought significant benefits to investment projects of Dutch companies in the country.

Representatives of Dutch corporations, including Van Oord, Royal Vopak, Pondera, Royal Boskalis, and De Heus, have expressed strong interest in various projects such as coastal protection, offshore sand mining for construction and transport purposes, dredging of essential navigation channels, construction of liquefied gas ports, hydrogen and ammonia production, digitization of seaport information exchange processes, and development of closed livestock chains.

They also conveyed their desire for streamlined visa and visa extension procedures while seeking Government support to ensure domestic enterprises meet the standards and regulations outlined in the FTAs. This support would enable them to take advantage of the opportunities presented by these agreements.

During the discussions, the Deputy Prime Minister responded to several inquiries regarding the development plans for offshore wind power centers and their linkage to the production of green hydrogen and green ammonia through the Power Development Plan VIII.

Also discussed was technology transfer for the conversion of fossil energy sources to renewable energy and the exploration and use of sea sand as a construction material.

During the sidelines of the discussions, corporations such as Geleximco, Flamingo, and Saigon Newport expressed their high regard for the extensive experience, advanced technology, and capabilities of Dutch enterprises in sea sand exploitation, minimizing ecological impact during coastal development, dredging channels for seaport ships, implementing effective seaport management models, technical cooperation, smart port construction, and human resource training.

In light of these positive assessments, the Deputy Prime Minister encouraged direct collaboration between Dutch businesses and their Vietnamese counterparts, as well as ministries and sectors, to foster open exchanges, transparent sharing of ideas, and proposals for business investment cooperation. This collaborative approach aims to enhance business partnerships in the foreseeable future, thereby making significant contributions to promoting economic cooperation and investment between the two countries.

Hanoi Times
South Africa: Deputy President refutes "potentially damaging" News24 report

Deputy President Paul Mashatile says he has noted a report by News24 focusing on him and his past, which contains a number of potentially damaging, yet unsubstantiated allegations.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Deputy Presidents Office said if left unchallenged, the allegations could create the impression that he does not respect or seek to uphold his oath of office, the dictates of the Constitution and national law, or is not mindful of the concerns of ordinary South Africans about corruption and unethical conduct from those who hold public office.

As such, the Deputy President would like to assure the nation that he is committed to his oath of office and the principles of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

The Deputy President would also like to reiterate his commitment to fighting corruption and building an ethical and competent developmental State.

In line with these commitments, the Deputy President has always conducted himself in ways that comply with the letter and spirit of the law and executive disclosure requirements throughout his career spanning nearly 30 years of service to the people of South Africa.

Any allegation or insinuation that he has ever betrayed this commitment is categorically denied, reads the statement issued by the Office of the Deputy President.

While the Deputy President denies any and all allegations of wrong-doing, his office noted that News24 failed to offer any real evidence of misconduct on the part of the Deputy President, choosing instead to rely on innuendo, suggestion, and guilt by association. This is a regrettable approach journalism and it has the potential to hinder rather than help the cause of accountability in public life.

For the record, the Deputy President has, throughout his life as an activist and public representative, met many people from different walks of life, including the individuals mentioned by News24. Naturally, some of the people he has interacted with throughout that long time have become close personal associates. There is nothing wrong or unusual about this, and the attempt to scandalise such associations is unfortunate.

The Deputy President has never awarded, influenced, or in any way caused any state or public sector contract to be awarded to the individuals and companies mentioned by News24. Nor does the Deputy President have ownership or permanent use of any properties bought by these individuals and companies. The Deputy President would challenge anyone to prove otherwise.

The Deputy Presidents Office denied that the Deputy President is working hard behind the scenes to ascend to the office of President.

The primary mandate of The Presidency is to provide support to the President and Deputy President in leading the Executive and to assist them in the coordination and supervision of Government. The Presidency translates and implements the commitments of the President as outlined in the State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The Deputy President supports the President overall and specifically executes various responsibilities as delegated by the President. Central to the responsibilities of the Deputy President is to address the factors which impede service delivery and implementation of the government programme, including departmental and local government capacity, red tape, governance, poor contract management, long turn-around times and corruption.

The specific programme for the Deputy President is to focus on fixing local government by prioritising some of the 66 identified dysfunctional municipalities, intervene, set milestones and show success cases in order to replicate them nationally.

All of this work is mandated by and supported by the President, aimed exclusively at enhancing the capacity of the State to deliver to the people. None of it is in service of some political machinations against or in favour of any government leader. To allege otherwise, based only on the say so of nameless sources, is irresponsible in the extreme, said the statement.

His office further said the Deputy President will not be distracted from the work entrusted to him by the President and the people of South Africa, and will continue to conduct himself in public office based on the ethical dictates that have guided him through a long career in politics: integrity, respect for the law and constitution, and an unwavering commitment to service and to the primary interests of the people of South Africa.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2023-06-28. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
HKSAR rescue team awarded inaugural Chief Executive's Award for Exemplary Performance

Xinhua) 13:17, June 28, 2023

HONG KONG, June 27 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government said on Tuesday that the HKSAR search and rescue team was awarded the inaugural Chief Executive's Award for Exemplary Performance.

John Lee, chief executive of the HKSAR, announced the launch of the Chief Executive's Award for Exemplary Performance in the 2022 Policy Address to give recognition to meritorious and exemplary teams or individuals in the civil service on a regular basis, with a view to encouraging civil servants to constantly strive for excellence. It also aimed to allow the public to have a better understanding of the HKSAR government's work and the excellence of the civil service.

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Turkiye in February, killing more than 50,000 people. The HKSAR government immediately deployed the HKSAR search and rescue team to carry out search and rescue operations in quake-stricken areas in Turkiye. The 59-strong team went to the quake-stricken areas in southern Turkiye and rescued four people and recovered six bodies under the debris.

Lee said that the team members risked their own lives to accomplish an extremely challenging mission. They carried out the search and rescue work with a strong passion for life and great professionalism, and the operation demonstrated good cross-departmental teamwork.

The team has truly lived up to the very spirit meant to be commended by the Chief Executive's Award for Exemplary Performance, Lee said, believing that the Hong Kong community would join him in paying tribute to the search and rescue team members.

Ingrid Yeung, secretary for the civil service of the HKSAR government, extended heartfelt congratulations to the HKSAR search and rescue team for being awarded the Chief Executive's Award for Exemplary Performance.

She said the team worked in unity to overcome all the difficulties in the quake-stricken areas in Turkiye and rescued four people. They have demonstrated the glory of humanity and the spirit of commitment that civil servants should uphold. The work of the team has told the world an inspiring and touching story of Hong Kong civil servants.

Leading the search and rescue team, Yiu Men-yeung, deputy chief fire officer of the Fire Services Department of the HKSAR government, was very pleased that the team was awarded the first Chief Executive's Award for Exemplary Performance. He expressed gratitude to the HKSAR government for affirming the team's efforts in the rescue operation in Turkiye, as well as to the national search and rescue team for all the assistance provided.

Yeung said the team will continue to be dedicated to their duties in different positions, and give their best to serve the country, the HKSAR government and Hong Kong residents.

The award presentation ceremony for the Chief Executive's Award for Exemplary Performance will be held in mid-July.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Korean War veterans pay silent tribute during a ceremony to mark the 73rd anniversary of the outbreak of the war in Wonju, Gangwon Province, Sunday. Yonhap



Monthly average allowance for veterans stands at just $70



By Jun Ji-hye



The treatment of war veterans by central and local governments has been called into question following news of a Korean War veteran stealing food due to his economic plight.



The veteran in his 80s was booked by police in Busan earlier this month for allegedly stealing several bottles of sesame oil, "jeotgal" (fermented fish) and other food products worth 83,000 won ($64) between April and May.



According to police, the veteran relied on government subsidies but evidently, it was not enough and, therefore, stole the food due to financial difficulty.



The issue has raised questions over whether the central and local governments have properly protected former soldiers who have risked their lives, fought and survived war.



According to the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, Wednesday, since May 2003 it has paid a monthly allowance to Korean War and Vietnam War veterans over the age of 65. This year, that figure amounts to 390,000 won  paid monthly.



In addition, 17 separate local governments across the country also pay an allowance to these war veterans, with the monthly average standing at just 92,000 won.



Jeju Special Self-Governing Province pays the highest allowance of 220,000 won, followed by Sejong City at 150,000 won and Ulsan at 140,000 won.



North Jeolla Province pays the lowest allowance of just 20,000 won, while both South Jeolla Province and South Chungcheong Province pay 30,000 won. These figures are far below the average.



Four local governments including Gwangju and South Gyeongsang Province have differential rates of allowance, as they pay 50 percent to 78.6 percent less than original amounts to veterans under 80.



In addition, South Gyeongsang Province and North Gyeongsang Province pay Vietnam War veterans 50 percent to 58.3 percent less than the amounts paid to Korean War veterans.





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HCMC  The real estate sector is not yet out of the woods as the number of newly established real estate firms and their registered capital has dropped to less than half of the figures recorded in the first half of last year.

The number of enterprises entering the market and the newly registered capital in the first half of 2023 has plunged by a staggering 59% and 54%, respectively, compared to the same period last year, according to the Business Registration Management Agency at the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

The number of real estate enterprises exiting the market has been steadily increasing, with a rise of over 40% compared to the same period in 2022, the highest among 17 sectors and industries.

A market report released by the Vietnam Association of Realtors described the real estate market as a person on the verge of drowning, indicating that it is gradually losing strength and sinking further.

The Ministry of Construction has also acknowledged that the real estate market is still grappling with difficulties arising from decreased supply, sales slump, and poor cash flow.

These challenges faced by real estate enterprises are in stark contrast to the rapid growth in market entrants observed in the first half of 2021, which was nearly 45% higher than in 2020.

Despite the challenging business landscape, there are some optimistic signs, with around 21,000 businesses being newly established or returning to the market in June.

Throughout the first half of the year, over 113,000 newly established businesses re-entered the market, averaging around 19,000 companies per month. However, around 100,000 businesses pulled out of the market during the same period, averaging 16,600 firms. Although this represents a decrease compared to previous months, it still shows optimism amidst unfavorable business conditions.

However, the average registered capital per enterprise in the first six months is around VND9.3 billion, the lowest in five years, while additional registered capital is down by over 48% compared to the same period last year.

The agency attributes these challenges to low demand and escalating inventory and raw material prices. It suggests that relevant ministries and authorities should deploy support policies and intensify efforts to promote sales and help businesses overcome market obstacles.
Could you elaborate on how the objective of Transforming Lives for Generations corresponds with your 25-year presence in Vietnam?

C yndy B. Galimpin, general manager of Boehringer Ingelheim Vietnam

Our purpose at Boehringer Ingelheim is Transforming Lives for Generations. Transforming Lives signifies the influence of our work in the healthcare sector and beyond, while for Generations emphasises our long-term approach and dedication, which underlines our focus on sustainability.

Boehringer Ingelheim Vietnam focuses on two primary sectors, Human Pharma and Animal Health, both aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of people and animals.

We have pioneered treatments for various diseases, including hypertension, cardio-renal metabolism, respiratory issues, oncology, and diabetes. With 7 per cent of Vietnam's population suffering from diabetes as per World Health Organization statistics, and potentially more undiagnosed cases, our therapies contribute to improving the quality of life for individuals.

We take great pride in our Angels Initiative, which assists hospitals worldwide in becoming stroke-ready to provide prompt and effective treatment for stroke patients. In Vietnam, Boehringer Ingelheim Vietnam partners with the Vietnam Stroke Association, the Ho Chi Minh City Stroke Association, and local hospitals to improve stroke care.

In 2022, 120 hospitals joined the Angels Initiative with 98 stroke-ready hospitals. To date, more than 44,000 patients in Vietnam have been positively impacted by this initiative.

We recently signed an MoU with the Department of Medical Service Administration and the Vietnam Ministry of Health (MoH) to optimise healthcare outcomes for patients. This partnership aims to improve the quality of diagnosis, treatment, and management of cardiovascular, renal, metabolic, pulmonary, and other non-communicable diseases.

Additionally, the MoU hopes to add cost-effective value to treatments and contribute to improving the quality of life for patients.

Are there any milestones this year?

This year marks the 25th anniversary of our Human Pharma division and the 15th anniversary of our Animal Health division in Vietnam.

Moreover, the MoH has granted approval for our SGLT2 inhibitor product to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalisation due to heart failure. This development will benefit more patients and enhance heart failure treatment in Vietnam, where the National Institute of Cardiology estimates that 1-2 per cent of the population is affected by heart failure.

We also anticipate receiving future approval for treating patients with chronic kidney disease. Prompt treatment increases the likelihood of recovery, which is a goal shared by all involved.

Could you provide information on Boehringer Ingelheim's sustainable development goals in Vietnam?

Sustainability has always been part of Boehringer Ingelheim and is closely aligned with our company's vision and mission. As a family-owned business, Boehringer Ingelheim plans in generations and for generations.

We strive to step up our contribution to the health of people and animals to ensure healthy communities and a healthy planet  for our own generation, and those that will follow us.

In Vietnam, we have initiated the Angels Initiative, which aims to reduce the burden of strokes for patients by partnering with hospitals to build a network of stroke-ready facilities.

We believe that when animals are healthy, people are healthier too. The campaign Rabies Vaccination for the Community in Long An is a continuing collaboration with the local authorities and Boehringer Ingelheims partners to eliminate rabies in the region. This program has vaccinated more than 12,000 dogs and cats to date over the past three years.

Last year, we donated office equipment worth more than $10,000 to a non-governmental organisation that takes care of children with disabilities to help enhance their learning opportunities.

We also promote employee engagement through internal events such as our annual Value Through Innovation (VTI) Day, where our teams in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City support less fortunate people, rescued animals, and clean communal environments.

Boehringer Ingelheim Vietnam staff on VTI Day in Huu Nghi Village, Hanoi

Our business in Vietnam is progressing to achieve the group's commitment of carbon neutrality in all company operations (Scope 1 and 2) by 2030. Scope 1 covers all direct emissions on company sites, and Scope 2 adds all emissions from energy purchases.

We are in transition to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and single-use plastic throughout our operations, and are collaborating with partners to impact our value chain.

What is your development strategy for Vietnam over the next few years?

Boehringer Ingelheim's development strategy for Vietnam is focused on making a positive impact for many years. As a family-owned company, we are driven by innovative approaches to address the unmet medical needs of generations of patients.

Our goal for the next five years is to double the number of patients we reach and focus on developing our employees by providing opportunities for talent to grow within.

Boehringer Ingelheim Vietnam has grown from 50 employees to around 350 in 25 years, across both our Human Pharma and Animal Health divisions. We are honoured to have been recognised as one of the top 15 Top Global Employers and a Top Employer in Vietnam for the fourth consecutive year.
The value of fruit and vegetable exports in May alone amounted to $656 million, helping the sector hit a total of $2 billion for the first five months of the year, marking a substantial 43 per cent increase on-year.

The Chinese market constituted nearly 64 per cent of Vietnam's total fruit and vegetable exports for that same period, and China has positioned itself as the primary consumer of Vietnamese produce. Exports to the country were valued at $1.28 billion, up more than 80 per cent compared to the same period last year.

According to local media Zingnews, durian, in particular, has witnessed an extraordinary surge in export value to China, recording an astonishing $332 million in May alone  a ten-fold increase from the previous month.

From the start of the year until May, total durian exports accounted for $503.4 million, an increase of $475.8 million compared to the $27.6 million recorded during the same period last year. Of this, durian exports to China accounted for an impressive $477 million, representing 95 per cent of Vietnam's overall export market.

Despite obtaining official export permission to China only as recently as last September, the robust activity in durian exports reflects the potential for a remarkable $1 billion valuation for the year.

In the first 20 days of June alone, Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports reached $723.3 million, surpassing the previous month's figure of $656 million and exhibiting a 79 per cent on-year increase. Forecasts suggest that fruit and vegetable exports for the first half of the year could reach $3 billion, equivalent to the entire of 2022.

Along with fruits and vegetables, other Vietnamese agricultural products, including rice, coffee, pepper, and cashews, are also performing well in the Chinese market.

According to statistics provided by Vietnam's General Department of Customs, rice exports from Vietnam reached 3.62 million tons in the first five months of this year. Rice, in particular, stands out as a commodity that continues to increase in export turnover amidst challenging market conditions.

Exports of this staple food to China surged by 79 per cent, amounting to $365 million. Furthermore, the average export price of rice to China reached $589 per tonne, an 18 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

According to data from China's General Administration of Customs, the country has reduced rice imports from India, Pakistan, and Thailand while significantly increasing imports from Vietnam. As a result, Vietnam's market share in China's total rice imports has risen to 19.2 per cent, compared to 6.7 per cent a year ago.

During a discussion on June 26 with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasised the importance of leveraging geographical advantages and interconnectivity to strengthen substantial cooperation in various sectors.

He proposed that China expedite market access for Vietnamese agricultural and seafood products, establish a Vietnam Trade Promotion Office in Chengdu and Haikou, improve the efficiency of customs clearance, resolve any outstanding issues in cooperative projects, and expedite the implementation of non-refundable aid from China to Vietnam.

ASIFMA highlights Vietnam stock market's emerging status The Asia Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (ASIFMA) has lauded Vietnam's stock market as it approaches the status of an emerging market. However, amid the promising growth, there remains a crucial bottleneck that foreign depository banks are eager to see resolved.

China remains Vietnam's top pepper export market Vietnam has exported 2,657 tonnes of pepper to the Chinese market in the first two weeks of mid-June, while eports to the United States and EU fell.
The fuel transition roadmap looks to widen prospects for cleaner types of fuel

Investors are required to submit a fuel conversion plan report to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) by July 15. As a result of the commitment to net-zero emissions, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien expected coal-fired power plants to change the fuel they use.

The global energy crisis, which has raised coal prices since early 2022, has prompted several investors in the energy sector to call for the replacement of coal-fired power plants with alternative fuels. Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) intends to convert fuel for some units of the enlarged Uong Bi and Quang Ninh thermal power plants, said Nguyen Tai Anh, EVNs deputy general director.

EVN is a major investor in coal-fired power in Vietnam, with 36 units totalling 12,633MW of installed capacity. Two units have operated for over 20 years with a capacity of 600MW; four units have operated for roughly 40 years with a capacity of 440MW; and four units have followed suit for nearly 50 years with a capacity of 100MW. By 2030, EVN will have four additional 20-year-old units with a total capacity of 1,230MW.

The research and testing process is causing Anh to be concerned about the limitation of ammonia and biomass fuel supplies, which is failing to ensure a stable and long-lasting operation. However, the new blended combustion technology is the biggest task for EVNs fuel conversion plan.

The globe has not yet mastered the ammonia combustion and blending technology. It is currently in its trial phase, Anh said. In Vietnam, no factories have yet tested ammonia co-firing, or assessed its economic, technical, and environmental impact on people.

According to numerous investors, Vietnam lacks a mechanism to facilitate the transition from coal to biomass and ammonia. They have questions about the fact that the price of biomass is higher than the price of coal, which will affect the cost of producing electricity. The financial viability of the project is also low, and the service life of machinery and systems that have been in operation for many years will impact the time required for capital recovery.

In the meantime, the proprietors of build-operate-transfer coal-fired thermal projects, such as Nghi Son 2, Vinh Tan 1, and Duyen Hai 2, have reservations about the provisions of the signed power purchase agreement. These investors have issues with whether, if fuel is converted, the cost of manufacturing will be greater than the price stipulated in the power purchase agreement, how the remainder of the contract will be executed, and who will bear the extra expenses for technology conversion and fuel conversion costs.

Ngo Tri Thinh, general director of Vinacomin Power Holding Corporation, stated that the government and the MoIT need to have particular guidelines on planning material areas, financial support, and selling prices for electricity in order for investors to successfully convert.

According to Thinh, the firm has signed an MoU with foreign collaborators for cooperation in the development of initiatives utilising biomass fuel while simultaneously researching coal-biomass combustion technology at its facilities. Vinacomin Power Holding Corporation operates and manages six coal-fired power facilities with a combined capacity of 1,735MW.

Nevertheless, some coal-fired project executives view the MoITs fuel transition roadmap as positive because it widens out prospects for biomass fuel, a potential field in Vietnam, while preventing the need to phase out all coal-fired power projects, ensuring international emission commitments, Thinh said. These individuals believe that technology will become less expensive in the future. However, it is essential that the concept of technological neutrality be defended based on emissions targets that can be attained through the transition to alternative fuels.

Nguyen Hong Dien - Minister of Industry and Trade Coal-fired thermal power plants in operation must undergo fuel conversion to lower carbon emissions in line with the roadmap, guarantee that they fulfil the governments commitments to the international community, and adhere to Decision No.500/QD-TTg approving the Power Development Plan VIII. Nonetheless, the conversion of coal fuel to biomass and ammonia fuel must be accompanied by a suitable plan and road map, ensuring CO2 emissions in accordance with the road map to which Vietnam has committed international partners. Likewise, it must not compromise energy security or guarantee electricity supply for socioeconomic development. Therefore, MoIT advises investors to investigate and evaluate exhaustively and comprehensively all impacts in all disciplines in order to develop implementation-specific programmes and solutions without detriment or harm to all objects involved in fuel conversion. Hans Hochreiter - President Biogas Hochreiter GMBH Vietnam is an agricultural nation with favourable conditions for the development of biomass energy, but there are no contemporary biomass power models. We want to be the first to address this issue, but we are also aware of the challenges that will arise when developing biomass power initiatives in Vietnam. Therefore, we are not doing it alone. Cooperation with local partners is how this form of energy is developed in Vietnam. The scale of the Vietnamese market has no bearing on our business strategies. Importantly, Vietnam must enact a law on biomass electricity and implement an appropriate pricing mechanism for biomass electricity. These not only motivate investors to get involved with biomass power but also provide livestock enterprises with an incentive to develop biomass energy sources. Over the past 38 years, Biogas Hochreiter GMBH has established more than 2,500 biomass energy initiatives in a variety of countries. Currently, we are looking into the investment climate and technical conditions in the central province of Quang Tri for the potential implementation of Vietnams first production line. Le Thi Thoa - Team leader Climate Protection Project GIZ Energy Support Programme Biomass energy has numerous advantages, such as a feed-in tariff with no time limit and the capacity of all biomass power facilities remaining unchanged. However, biomass power generation materials are heavily reliant on agricultural production, which results in seasonal agricultural byproducts, whereas wind and solar energy materials are natural and do not require purchase. The crucial question is how to forecast the purchase price of biomass energys basic materials. This remains a challenging issue for investors. Currently, bagasse is still the primary source of biomass power, but due to challenges faced by the sugar industry over the past few years, the capacity has fallen dramatically, resulting in a decrease in bagasse production. It can be tough for investors to approve raw material consumption contracts in order to finalise loan documents at banks due to difficulties with raw material sources. Once the basic materials become unstable and there is no electricity available to sell to EVN, it is impossible to induce the bank to invest capital.
Zach Herbers, executive director of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Vietnam said, 2023 is a special year, marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between Canada and Vietnam. We know that both countries are committed to developing even stronger ties over the next 50 years, and that work has already begun. This means the further development of opportunities for bilateral investment and trade, creating stronger connections and avenues for mutual success.

Gryphon Canada aims to create tailored residential and commercial developments that go far beyond walls and windows

Gryphon Canada creates elevated experiences that are tailored to buyers' needs. It focuses on elegant offices and luxurious homes in prestigious locations, with lifestyle amenities and enhancements designed to surround owners and occupants with comfort, calm, and community.

Vietnam has witnessed a growing population with amplified purchasing power, which has made a significant contribution to the value-added economy, commented Ken Chu, regional director of Gryphon Canada.

Vancouver has been emphasised as British Columbias economic engine, the worlds leading education hub, and a prominent choice for global corporations looking for office expansion in North America. By introducing Marco Polo offices in the heart of Vancouvers new central business district, we strongly believe in cooperation and partnership opportunities between multi-sector businesses from British Columbia and Vietnam, Herbers said.

With extravagant amenities, 5-star services, and an environment designed to enhance health and wellness, the 11-floor Marco Polo brings harmony and connects seamlessly to contribute to a truly balanced life for landlords, tenants, and employees.

Offering over 200 freehold office units, designated childcare, underground parking, and community areas within a stones throw from Langara Skytrain Station, Marco Polo is expected to become the best of the traditional office and co-working workspaces with a modern style.

Considering the development history of noteworthy trading hubs such as Thu Duc city and Thu Thiem New Urban Area, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Singapore, urban regeneration planning not only contributes to improving the quality of community living, but also brings great motivation for the development of residential and commercial markets in the region.

Through the multidimensional upgrades in Vancouvers Cambie Corridor master planning, we hope to create a convenient work-life circle for Marco Polo office space's global owners, businesses, and employees, Chu said.

With a rich legacy of creating inspired living experiences, Jinray, the parent company of Gryphon Developments Canada, has laid a global foundation for design, luxury, and craftsmanship. Now, in Vancouver, the Jinray story continues. Under the leadership of Jason Hsu, a second generation of the Jinray family, the passion for the art of development fuels the creative spirit and drives a continued passion for excellence.

Vietnam to be attractive strategic partner for Canada: Expert The visit to Vietnam by Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly is a signal that Canada attaches importance to the bilateral relationship with the Southeast Asian country, said Luis Silva, an expert on Government relations of Canada.

VinFast opened its first store in Canada The VinFast store that debuted on November 16 in the Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto is the first of eight outlets that will open in Canada this year.
Local companies are competing with global names in the ice cream segment, Photo: Le Toan

Vietnams fiercely competitive food and beverage market, particularly the ice-cream sector, is witnessing a surge in competition with the entrance of Cooler City, a new player originally from China. Having inaugurated its flagship store in Hanoi in March, the company has wasted no time in expanding its footprint, with nine branches already established in the capital city and plans for more underway.

Cooler City bears a striking resemblance to Mixue  the affordable Chinese chain  in terms of brand, image, strategy, and product offerings. In its quest to capture a wide-ranging customer base, Cooler City has honed in on specific demographics, such as students and families with children. Founded in 2018, it operates under the umbrella of Boduo Corporation based in Zhejiang, China, with over two decades of experience in the segment.

Meanwhile, Mixues recent announcement of surpassing 1,000 stores in Vietnam has had a significant impact on the ice cream sector. The Chinese chains ambitious growth strategy and focus on affordability have forced established players to reconsider their market positions and adapt their strategies.

Since its entry into the Vietnamese market in 2018, Mixue has strategically positioned itself as a provider of low-cost ice cream and pearl milk tea, leveraging aggressive pricing to rapidly expand its customer base. With a strong presence in Hanoi, Mixue has successfully expanded into other northern provinces through franchising.

In its pursuit of expanding scale and revenue, the brand has proactively ventured into franchise operations at an early stage.

One industry insider told VIR that the underlying business model of Mixue revolves around the essence of business-to-business operations. As of now, in its native China, the band boasts an expansive network of 21,500 stores.

The resounding triumph experienced in the Chinese market augurs a remarkably prosperous and burgeoning franchise landscape within Vietnam. However, given the brands dependence on the sale of raw materials, it is inclined to pursue a multiplicity of outlets. Yet, as the franchise density intensifies, franchisees will inevitably contend with heightened competition among themselves, he said.

On the flip side, the Vietnamese market has witnessed a rise in imported ice cream from renowned sources such as South Korea, Thailand, and New Zealand in recent years.

Nevertheless, due to the comparatively higher price positioning of these products compared with domestic alternatives, their influence has remained confined to evoking temporary curiosity among consumers, failing to exert significant competitive pressure on local enterprises.

Presently, in the ice cream market, three major players dominate: Kido, Vinamilk, and Unilever. Kido, through its subsidiary Cold Storage Food JSC (KDF), holds the largest market share of around 44.5 per cent, with its Merino brand commanding 24.2 per cent and Celano capturing 19.2 per cent, according to Euromonitor.

Kidos recent transfer of 24.03 per cent of its charter capital of KDF to an undisclosed partner signals a noteworthy development. While details remain undisclosed, this move has reduced Kidos ownership in KDF from 73.03 per cent to 49 per cent.

Vinamilk, with its strength in boxed ice cream offerings, competes alongside other local brands like Thuy Ta and Trang Tien, which, while prominent in their respective localities, lack the scale and competitive reach of industry giants like Kido and Vinamilk.

Unilevers Walls brand, re-entering Vietnam in 2008 through a tech transfer agreement with Kido, has successfully gained a significant market share. Walls ice cream, featuring popular brands like Paddle Pop and Cornetto, currently commands over 10 per cent of the market.

In contrast, Trang Tien Ice cream, a subsidiary of the Ocean Group, has been operating in Hanoi since 1958 with an extensive network of 200 stores across Vietnam. Surprisingly, it experienced a remarkable resurgence in 2020 after decades of relative complacency.

According to Mordor Intelligence Private, the global ice cream market is poised to ascend with an exponential compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.87 per cent throughout the 2022-2027 period. Within this trajectory, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to exhibit the most dynamic growth.

Vietnams own ice cream market is poised to embrace a robust CAGR of 5.5 per cent in terms of consumption, coupled with 6.1 per cent surge in overall market value over this timeframe.
Enterprises from South Korea, Japan, and elsewhere are attempting to weigh up the GMTs pros and cons Photo: Le Toan

Hong Sun, chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KoCham), said that he and its member companies are evaluating the possible impacts of global minimum tax (GMT) on their preparations, while observing the situation in countries around the Asia-Pacific region where South Korean corporations also have investments such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Hong Kong.

It is necessary to have new policies that are both in line with international commitments and can benefit businesses, such as cost-based incentives and support like cash grants or qualified refundable tax credits, Sun said.

These policies, if granted on the basis of actual investment costs such as fixed asset, production, and research and development (R&D) costs, are assessed as both beneficial and encouraging enterprises to make long-term, and substantive investment in Vietnam.

Enterprises from Japan are also in a similar situation. Takeo Nakajima, chief representative of the Hanoi office of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) said, We are concerned that the GMT will reduce the tax benefits related to substantial businesses by foreign direct investment. In any case, we are watching the development of this tax system in Vietnam with interest.

According to Nakajima, who is also vice chairman of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam, the introduction of GMT means that low tax rates will no longer be an essential factor in the competition for the business environment in the region. Vietnam must demonstrate its competitive attractiveness in other elements, such as ease of business, administrative speed, human resources, potential partners, accessible finance, and more.

As shown in last years survey by JETRO, when asked about the attractiveness of Vietnams investment environment, the top reply was future growth potential of the market at 74 per cent, and second was current market size at 46 per cent. Around one-quarter of respondents cited preferential tax treatment, but it ranked ninth among the replies.

On the other hand, in terms of risk, 60-70 per cent of ASEAN countries cited inefficiency in administrative procedures and tax systems. Low tax rates and business costs are preferable, while incentives are necessary but meaningful if the procedures are simple and transparent, the report said.

Vietnam now has an average corporate tax rate of 20 per cent, alongside its closest neighbours. Among ASEAN countries, the lowest is Singapore, at 17 per cent. Malaysia is 17-24 per cent, Indonesia 22 per cent, and the Philippines 25 per cent. In the case of Vietnam, companies benefit significantly from preferential tax treatment: 10-17 per cent preferential; tax exemption for four years of immunity; and nine years of a 50 per cent reduction, which many Japanese companies use.

Countries in the region are making their first announcements about GMT implementation, and many are urging Vietnam to soon have specific moves.

Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Hong Kong all have their own declarations on the application of GMT, namely the qualified domestic minimum top-up tax (QDMTT), through budget plans or statements of government agencies, said Sun of KoCham.

For example, those nations will apply QDMTT from 2024 or 2025 in the first budget plan of the year. Moreover, in some of these countries, there will be new preferential and supportive policies to continue to maintain and increase foreign investment attraction. Thailand announced that it will regulate 50-70 per cent of the additional tax revenue from the QDMTT to transfer it to a fund to support businesses that the country encourages investment from.

We believe that although these countries have not yet issued specific policies, the early announcements partly help investors better understand the orientation of the receiving country, giving them peace of mind and a basis to make plans to assess possible impacts as well as appropriate investment plans, Sun noted.

Vishwa Sharan - Treasurer Indian Business Chamber in Hanoi Vietnam has been a sweet spot for foreign investment in the Southeast Asia. While a positive business climate, the availability of skilled labour, and a young and growing population have been crucial contributors, tax incentives have equally played an important role in luring funding. However, the upcoming global minimum tax (GMT) on multinationals is a new regime that is likely to have a substantial influence on a huge number of enterprises, including some of our member companies. Companies that meet the threshold and already benefit from certain tax incentives leading to lower tax rates in Vietnam may be obliged to pay additional tax under the GMT. The government has a number of tax incentive schemes that are designed to attract foreign investment, and it is probable that these incentives will become less effective if Pillar Two remedies are implemented. It could make it more difficult for these companies to compete with local companies that are not subject to the GMT. Affected multinationals are likely to explore other jurisdictions for a cost-efficient supply chain. This could be challenging for Vietnam to entice fresh investment in the country. The main apprehension among the business community seems to be that Pillar 2 could have a negative impact on the countrys attractiveness as a destination for foreign investment. Vietnam has already taken steps to align its laws with the international standards, and it is expected to fully implement them soon. This will require careful collaboration with the Vietnamese government and the concerned business community. Astute policies could make Vietnam an attractive destination for foreign investment, even with the increased tax costs. For instance, the government could implement non-tax policies to offset the rising tax burden for multinational groups. This could include providing appealing policies for foreign investment, research and development deductions, land rental subsidies, cutting import taxes, and other exemptions. The government could also support training and skill development schemes for firms or certain benefits for businesses that provide training for their staff. This will help cut the cost of doing business in Vietnam. A qualified domestic minimum top-up tax will also help to ensure that Vietnam collects its fair share of tax revenue from multinational corporations that have a significant presence here. The GMT represents a paradigm shift towards developing a common international tax system. From a tax standpoint, all countries will be on a level playing field. The non-tax incentives and investment attractiveness plan could lower the cost of doing business in Vietnam, and may play a vital role. The government needs to take a holistic approach to the implementation of the GMT by offering incentive schemes, streamlining tax administration procedures, and strengthening the business climate. Vietnam can then ensure that foreign-invested groups continue to come here and contribute to the countrys economic progress.

South Korean chairmen and CEO delegation led by President Yoon Suk Yeol to visit Vietnam Chairmen and CEOs from top South Korean conglomerates, including Samsung, SK, Hyundai, LG, Hanwha, Hanjin, and Hyosung, join President Yoon Suk Yeol on his groundbreaking state visit to Vietnam, fostering a transformative landscape for unprecedented collaboration and growth.

South Korean DB Insurance acquires 75 per cent stake in Saigon - Hanoi Insurance Corporation DB Insurance continues its expansion in the Vietnamese insurance market with the acquisition of a 75 per cent ownership stake in Saigon - Hanoi Insurance Corporation (BSH), following its recent deal to acquire Aviation Insurance, positioning itself as a major player in the industry.
Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon, left, talks to Prime Minister Han Duck-soo ahead of a national financial strategy meeting presided over by President Yoon Suk Yeol at the former presidential compound of Cheong Wa Dae, Wednesday. Yonhap



By Jun Ji-hye



The government will drastically increase the quota for skilled worker visas to 30,000 this year from 2,000 last year, aiming to tackle labor shortages faced by industries, Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon said Wednesday.



Han made the remarks during a national financial strategy meeting presided over by President Yoon Suk Yeol. The meeting was held to discuss follow-up measures after Yoon instructed the government earlier this week to streamline the management of foreign workers to meet the changing needs of businesses, according to presidential spokesman Lee Do-woon.



"Labor shortage is a major issue that industries need to resolve in the short term," Han was quoted as saying by the spokesman. "We are pushing to increase the number of foreign workers as instructed by the president."



Han also said the government will push to amend relevant laws to allow an extension of up to three months to the five-month stay currently permitted for foreign farmworkers.






Tan Dong Hiep B Industrial Park in Di An city, Binh Duong province (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi - The demand for industrial land for lease in Vietnam remains high, but the supply of industrial land is low.

Given the shortage of land funds, some industrial real estate companies are expected to witness positive business results.

In the first quarter of 2023, the industrial park real estate market recorded a slow growth in the eligible land fund for rent, up 2.1 per cent over the end of 2022. The gain came from the addition of land for lease from industrial zones in Long An, Bac Ninh, and Hai Duong provinces.

Phan Van Mai, Chairman of the HCM City People's Committee, said at a meeting in late April that the city also lacks industrial land for leasing to draw sizable projects and sizable investors for new companies.

The shortage of industrial land funds is happening in Dong Nai province, limiting FDI capital. The province is no longer in the Top 5 localities attracting the most FDI inflows in the country, according to the report on foreign direct investment in 2022.

The occupancy rate, however, stayed at a high level in tier-1 markets, including Hanoi, Hai Phong, Hai Duong, Hung Yen, and Bac Ninh province in the north, and HCM City, Dong Nai, Binh Duong and Long An in the southern region.

In particular, the industrial zones in the south have an average occupancy rate of 85 per cent, with the rate of Binh Duong's largest industrial parks up to 94 per cent.

The northern industrial zones have lower occupancy rates, averaging about 80.6 per cent, down about 2.2 percentage points over last year.

During the period, the average rental prices in the southern industrial park market saw a 4 per cent growth year-on-year to 172.8 USD per square metre, helping the gross growth rate of the past five years to reach 9 per cent a year.

Meanwhile, rent for industrial land in the North was up only 2.2 per cent on-year to 122.9 USD per square metre in the tier-1 market's provinces.

Rents in Bac Ninh and Hai Duong provinces rose the most, up 3 - 5 per cent year-on-year, thanks to the new supplies with better rental prices than the general market, according to an industrial report from VietFirst Securities Corporation.

Vietnamese industrial parks are currently more appealing than those of rival countries in the area, largely because the local currency has depreciated less over the past year compared to those of Malaysia, Indonesia, and India.

Rent for industrial land in Vietnam is currently 25-40 per cent lower than other countries in the region. In addition, the country possesses a strategic geographical position, which is close to key Asian supply chains.

Vietnam is still expected to benefit the most from the trend of moving plants from China, especially for large manufacturers. LG Group plans to invest 4 billion USD in Vietnam, while Samsung will raise investment capital to 20 billion USD.

However, FDI inflows show signs of decline due to concerns about economic recession and the continuous rate hikes from the US Federal Reserve, causing the rent for industrial land in Vietnam to advance slightly this year.

On the stock market, the securities firm said that in the first quarter of 2023, the total revenue of listed enterprises in industrial real estate climbed by 4.2 per cent over last year, but profit decreased by 8.6 per cent.

In the last quarter of 2022, the total revenue and total profit of these enterprises decreased by 18 per cent and 88.5 per cent on-year, respectively.

The recovery in business results was mainly led by Kinhbac City Development Holding Corporation (KBC). The property developer's parent company posted a profit after tax of 940.7 billion VND (40 billion USD), up 95.6 per cent year-on-year over the same period last year, accounting for 54.8 per cent of the total profit after tax of the whole industry in the first quarter.

Given the possible higher the rental prices for the industrial land and steady demand from the FDI sector, the business activities of industrial park real estate enterprises are expected to continue to recover in the near future.

VietFirst Securities also noted that enterprises owning land funds in key areas, especially the north, will have the opportunity to emerge and receive FDI inflows shifting out of China.

New belief around the corner for real estate Real estate remains a keen channel for investors to get interested in across the country, despite the current fluctuations in the market.

Industrial real estate increasingly attractive to investors A total of $8.88 billion was in registered foreign investment in Vietnam as of April 20, in which real estate ranked third with nearly $972 million. Truong An Duong, general manager for North Vietnam and Residential at Frasers Property Vietnam, shared methods to lure in more investment to Vietnam's industrial real estate market with VIR's Bich Ngoc.

Prospects pick up within real estate market Real estate liquidity is moving into a positive direction, with investors planning several new rounds of funding.
Obviously, this regulation will affect Vietnam and other countries which are competing to roll out the red carpet to attract major investments. If Vietnam does not have a timely policy response, it will easily be left behind in attracting foreign funding. According to experts, it is necessary to promptly compensate with replacement benefits commensurate with the incentives being enjoyed.

Hoang Viet Tien - Deputy secretary general Vietnam Digital Communication Association

Currently, many countries are adopting a number of measures such as a standard local minimum tax regime, or new forms of investment based on costs.

However, the promulgation of any new policies or mechanisms should be carefully considered to ensure fairness for businesses within and outside the scope of Pillar 2, thus ensuring consistency in accordance with the current Law on Investment, as well as international commitments and regulations that Vietnam is a member of.

The GMT is currently a matter of concern for many businesses and investors. This new tax policy affects not only businesses wishing to expand their activities but also those who are considering choosing a location for them.

Therefore, it is necessary to have solutions to respond promptly and minimise adverse impacts. When tax incentives are no longer a criterion to attract large foreign investors, Vietnam will lose its competitive advantage in the future in attracting funding. This is the time for Vietnam to re-evaluate to adjust incentive policies more appropriately.

According to the latest data from the Ministry of Planning and Investment, Vietnam currently has about 335 projects with registered capital of over $100 million each in processing and manufacturing industries in economic zones and industrial parks. They are mostly enterprises in the high-tech sector such as Samsung, Intel, LG, Bosch, Sharp, Panasonic, Foxconn, Pegatron, and others.

According to GMT rules, for example, Group A based in South Korea, pouring capital into Vietnam, will be exempted from tax for the first four years and enjoy a preferential tax rate of 10 per cent for 15 years. However, if from 2024, South Korea applies a GMT of 15 per cent, then Group A will have to pay an additional 5 per cent tax difference to South Korea, where the groups headquarters is located.

This makes tax incentives in Vietnam insignificant. Tax incentives that should have belonged to investors will turn into a source of revenue for companies that export capital.

With the average income tax rate applied to multinational corporations is currently around the threshold of 12.3 per cent, even from 2.75 to 5.95 per cent, much lower than the general regulations, showing that Vietnam is using tax incentives as a solution to attract foreign investment.

If Vietnam does not have timely solutions, the benefits from the corporate income tax incentives that projects enjoy in Vietnam will no longer exist, thereby affecting the attractiveness and competitive advantages of the Vietnamese market in attracting foreign direct investment, as well as affecting project expansion plans.

What they care about is paying that part of the tax in the country where the parent company is located or where they are operating. If Vietnam is slow to deploy, it will not only lose this difference, but also affects its competitive advantage. In the immediate future, it is necessary to soon calculate and deploy the local minimum tax to win the right to collect tax first.

The GMT, if state management agencies have quick and realistic react and policies, will be an opportunity for businesses in the Vietnamese market to develop. For example, it not only affects Samsung, but also the businesses that supply spare parts for it.

Along with challenges, this is also an opportunity for Vietnam to once again assert itself when it has an appropriate tax policy to attract foreign investment.

With the urgent application and implementation, it is a new problem not only for Vietnam, but also other countries around us as they are also trying to have solutions suitable to the market, enterprises, and state management agencies.

Experts and ministries are also discussing to come up with the best possible policies for businesses to feel more secure, and protect the right to tax and reserve the right to tax first.

The government should quickly check and review all the current regulations on preferential policies based on corporate income tax exemption and reduction from affected levels, sectors, and fields, both positive and negative. Along with that, it needs to further improve the business climate, considering this as the most important attraction measure to lure in new and expanded investment.

At present, the working group of the prime minister is working on draft documents to the GMT implementation, focusing on such issues as the necessity of deployment; review of the countrys tax policies; and comprehensive analysis of the possible impacts on Vietnams state budget and investors.
This global event brought forth positive values to communities around the world, including in Vietnam.

This year, under the theme Wellbeing, Pernod Ricard Group has orchestrated a series of activities aimed at fostering the physical and mental wellbeing of their employees and the community post-pandemic.

In Vietnam, with the unwavering support and participation of over 180 employees across the nation, Pernod Ricard Vietnam successfully organised the Responsib'All Day programme on June 15.

The event took place at the Social Protection Centre 3 in Hanoi and the Social Work and Vocational Education Centre in Ho Chi Minh City, with a focus on supporting elderly individuals living alone, homeless children, and victims of domestic violence.

Together with local authorities and in solidarity with communities facing adversities, the company undertook renovation and enhancement activities in the living quarters of the elderly residents at Social Protection Centre 3.

These endeavours aimed to improve their living conditions and foster a better quality of life. The employees of Pernod Ricard Vietnam engaged in meaningful activities such as renovating and painting the premises, installing essential amenities, cooking together, and lending a compassionate ear to the stories shared by the elderly residents.

In Ho Chi Minh City, as part of the National Action Month for Domestic Violence Prevention and Control, Pernod Ricard Vietnam joined forces to revitalise and beautify the surroundings of the Social Work and Vocational Education Centre.

This facility serves by providing intervention and vital services including health improvement activities to women and children affected by violence.

The collaborative efforts involved cleaning, painting vibrant murals carrying messages of encouragement, and installing additional essential supplies, thereby creating an uplifting, green, and well-equipped space.

The transformation aimed to empower individuals in need, helping them to overcome past challenges and fears, discover happiness, and gain the motivation to forge ahead, scripting new chapters in their lives.

Expressing his satisfaction with the event, Ludovic Ledru, general director of Pernod Ricard Vietnam said, We had a truly meaningful day and feel extremely proud of the messages conveyed and the achievements of Pernod Ricard's employees today."

We hope that Pernod Ricard Group, as a whole, and Pernod Ricard Vietnam, in particular, will have many opportunities to spread and carry out environmentally and community-oriented activities in the coming years, following practical, useful, and specific criteria, committing to the global responsible and sustainable development journey.

Pernod Ricard provides career support for Vietnamese youngsters It has been five years since global distilled beverage producer Pernod Ricard initiated the Bartender Career Start-up programme to help Ho Chi Minh Citys disadvantaged youth. The programme has trained up to 500 skilled bartenders in Vietnam and is still going strong. Nguyen Thi Hoang Anh, managing director of Pernod Ricard Vietnam, talked to VIRs Hong Anh about the companys vision for the programme.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the forum (Photo: VGP)

Beijing - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called on Chinese investors to expand investment in Vietnam, while addressing the Vietnam - China Trade and Investment Cooperation Forum in Beijing on June 28 within the framework of his official visit to China.

The forum, jointly organised by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the Vienamese Ministry of Planning and Investment, was also attended by Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong, leaders of ministries and agencies, and representatives from more than 350 enterprises of both Vietnam and China.

Participants introduced the economic development situation, the business and investment environment, and investment attraction policies of each country, as well as the bilateral cooperation situation; and shared lessons and experiences in investment and business in each country.

Vice Premier Liu said that the China-Vietnam political trust is being enhanced, and economic, trade and investment collaboration maintaining growth.

Vietnam is China's fourth largest trade partner in the world, with two-way trade hitting 175 billion USD in 2022, accounting for a quarter of the total trade turnover between China and ASEAN. Meanwhile, China is the largest trade partner of ASEAN, of which Vietnam is an active member.

According to the leader, China plans to organise many business and investment cooperation and promotion activities; prioritises green development, digital economy, and climate change adaptation; and encourages and creates favourable conditions for competent enterprises to invest in Vietnam.

He suggested Vietnam continue to create favourable conditions and protect the legitimate interests of enterprises in general and Chinese ones in particular, for the development of each country and for peace, security, prosperity and friendship in the ASEAN region and the world.

PM Chinh stressed the need to find the best solution for investors and researchers to contribute to the development of bilateral relations, and requested authorities to continue reviewing and perfecting the legal framework, mechanisms and policies, improve the business environment to create favourable conditions for businesses to promote trade and investment between the two sides.

It is necessary to have an exclusive working group on trade and investment, he said.

According to him, there remains an ample room to further develop the bilateral economic, trade and investment relations.

To help Vietnamese products gain a firm foothold in the Chinese market, he asked Vietnamese firms to exert more efforts in improving the quality of exports.

Vietnam is prioritising investment projects in high technology, innovation, and development research, and encouraging public-private partnership, Chinh stated, calling for Chinese investments to strategic infrastructure works such as highways and railways.

The country will continue improving its business and investment environment towards transparency, convenience and international competitiveness; review and perfect mechanisms, policies and laws; reduce and simplify administrative procedures and business conditions; develop high-quality human resources and infrastructure; and have timely policy response to arising issues.

Regarding trade promotion, it is necessary to have specific mechanisms and policies to promote bilateral trade in a more balanced direction; encourage border trade and study the formation of appropriate border trade zones; develop logistics systems; connect supply chains; promote e-commerce; and strengthen cooperation against smuggling and trade fraud, the Vietnamese PM stressed.

He also welcomed the building of a smart border gate model between Lang Son province of Vietnam and Guangxi province of China.

On the same day, the Vietnamese Government leader hosted a reception for leaders of several major economic groups of China that are investing in and wishing to expand production and business in Vietnam.

The groups' officials proposed the Vietnamese Government and the PM continue to reform administrative procedures, provide a stable supply of electricity for production and enough materials for ground clearance to build industrial parks, and remove obstacles in regulations on fire prevention and control.

Acknowledging the Chinese enterprises proposals, Chinh said that Vietnam is encouraging businesses, including those from China, to invest in renewable energy, power transmission system building, and supporting industry for the garment and textile sector.

Nghe An lures investments Nghe An Province has emerged as a hot investment destination when many areas in the North and South have shown signs of saturation with increasing capital flowing in the province in recent years, attendees told a workshop on investment attraction and support in the province held on March 9.

Investments are flowing into proptech As a growing number of companies in the real estate industry are embracing technology to promote their sales since the pandemic, investments are flowing into proptech start-ups to capture the opportunity.
If Vietnam can push ahead with robust battery-charging infrastructure, its EV landscape will be improved immenselyPhoto: Le Toan

After signing a strategic cooperation agreement with the joint venture of General Motors and SAIC-Wuling on the manufacturing, assembling, and exclusive distribution of electric vehicles (EVs) in Vietnam, Hoang Minh Dong, director of TMT Motor, said the company would officially launch two versions of the Wuling HongGuang Mini EV and announce its sales policy on June 29-30 in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

The Wuling HongGuang Mini EV includes a standard and fully enhanced version. Each version will have the option of a battery capacity of 9.6kWh or 13.4kWh, for a maximum travel distance of 120 km and 170 km, respectively.

TMT Motor stated it has the sole authorisation to manufacture, assemble, and distribute the EV models in Vietnam, and that Wuling would support its production by providing auto parts to ensure quality and delivery. Because of its tiny size, elegant design, and flexible space with four seats, the Mini EV will be a new option within the lower price range of many Vietnamese clients.

According to Dong, the selling price will give people with average incomes of about $650 per month the chance to access

the cars. The reason for choosing this mini EV model comes from the fact that TMT Motor found that this EV belongs to a segment the market is lacking, and will meet the needs of customers with a stable design and reliable quality, he said, adding that the model is a bestseller in China.

Chinese car manufacturers will soon land in the Vietnamese market with many mini EV models. The Chinese EV manufacturer Zhidou displayed the A01 model at the Autotech & Accessories 2023 exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City. This is a small EV model, introduced specifically for moving in the inner city.

Zhidou said it would enter into a joint venture with a domestic partner to assemble this model. The Zhidou A01 model will go on sale in Vietnam in the next three months.

Meanwhile, at Vingroups annual general shareholders meeting, billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong revealed a new direction for VinFast, which is to expand and develop A-class mini EVs.

We are deploying until the end of 2024 to launch a tiny, low-priced, beautiful car. In the next few weeks, we will announce the details. Towards becoming the worlds top car company, we will not ignore any product that the market needs, said Vuong.

On June 8, VinFast officially launched the VF3, a mini-EV model designed specifically for the Vietnamese market. With its advantages of zero emissions, noise-free operation, environmental friendliness, and high safety standards, it has the potential to become the new national vehicle of the Vietnamese people, the company said.

Mini EVs are expected to become a trend in the Vietnamese car market, meeting the needs of personal mobility, especially in urban areas. However, they also have limitations in terms of range and speed compared to larger vehicles. The development of charging infrastructure is also a challenge for mini versions, said Nguyen Dinh Thong, director of the Automotive Training Centre.

HCM City to pilot electric cars for city tours The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport has proposed the pilot use of electric cars to transport tourists around the city.

VinFast launches mini electric car for mass market VinFast officially launched the VF 3, a mini electric car model designed specifically for the Vietnamese market.
In mid-May, Binh Duong worked with the Vietnam Railways Corporation to discuss the plan to turn the Song Than railway station into a logistics centre for the province and the whole southeastern region.

Dang Sy Manh, chairman of Vietnam Railways, revealed that the Ministry of Transport is penning a scheme to enhance the international intermodal rail transport capacity. The plan encompasses eight stations, of which Song Than is planned to become a key cargo centre in the southern region.

Logistics projects in Binh Duong are operating effectively to meet the ever-increasing demands of goods supply chains

With strong advantages for industrial development, Binh Duong has determined the development of logistics services as a fundamental aspect to lure foreign investment, spurring regional links and international integration as it strives to become a logistics hub for the Southern Key Economic Zone.

Thanks to the robust pace of industrial park (IP) development, the province is deemed a fertile land for foreign-invested enterprises that trade in logistics.

In the province, the US equity fund Warburg Pincus and local partner Becamex IDC have planned to build a transborder e-commerce centre that spans 75 hectares.

Thanks to the robust pace of industrial park development, the province is deemed a fertile land for foreign-invested enterprises that trade in logistics.

In addition, several logistics projects from global players have come on stream, including an advanced goods sorting centre by Lazada in Song Than 1 IP and a bonded warehouse serving the timber industry in Nam Tan Uyen IP, the largest in Southeast Asia.

Binh Duong has set the target that logistics will become one of the spearhead sectors by 2045 and a game changer to drive local socioeconomic development.

Nguyen Van Danh, Deputy Chairman of Binh Duong Peoples Committee, asserted that the province is committed to growing into a satellite logistics centre in the southeast, and that it would create improvements to facilitate firms efforts to develop green transport modes and participate in the global value chain.

For Dong Nai province, logistics has also witnessed robust changes and garnered great attention from investors.

In mid-February, Dong Nai Peoples Committee approved a detailed plan for the Cainiao Dong Nai smart logistics centre in Trang Bom district.

The project, funded by Cainiao Network that belongs to the Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group, spans 16.8ha, of which 9ha is for warehouse and goods storage services.

In light of Dong Nais development planning for the 2021-2030 period, with vision towards 2030, the province is set to turn logistics into a key sector and a motivating force for development.

Efforts will gear towards forming a logistics centre for aviation in the province by leveraging the advantages of Long Thanh International Airport, which is now under construction and is gradually shaping into a transborder e-commerce centre.

New project scales up waste management models in Vietnam The Norwegian Embassy and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have just signed the agreement for a new project on scaling up integrated and inclusive waste management models through empowering the informal sector and fostering the circular economy.

Long An calls investment in logistics centre in Ben Luc Long An Department of Planning and Investment is calling for investors in a logistics centre in Ben Luc district. The deadline for submitting registrations is August 30.

Alibabas logistics arm Cainiao announces next smart logistics park The second premium logistics park by Cainiao will supply high-quality warehousing space reaching 90,000 square metres to meet businesses surging supply chain needs.
Sumitomo Corporation, a Japanese conglomerate, held a productive meeting with Tran Quoc Van, Chairman of Hung Yen People's Committee, on June 27.

The meeting focused on the expansion of the Thang Long II IP and the support provided by the province to Japanese businesses operating within it.

Sumitomo Corporation expressed its appreciation to Hung Yen for improving the conditions for Japanese enterprises in the IP.

The corporation is engaged in the third phase expansion of the park, with the province's constructive assistance during the project implementation. Currently, six Japanese companies have invested approximately $500 million in the expanded area for the third phase, and Sumitomo Corporation plans to continue investing into the fourth phase.

During the meeting, Van acknowledged the province's efforts in expediting the land clearance process for the expanded area of Thang Long II IP.

Although substantial progress has been made, a portion of the land still requires clearance. To address this, Van requested Sumitomo Corporation to collaborate with relevant provincial departments and agencies.

Additionally, a detailed plan for the fourth phase expansion should be formulated, and necessary procedures should be promptly implemented.

Thang Long II IP has leased 268 hectares of industrial land, with an occupancy rate of 66.8 per cent. It primarily attracts investments in electronic and precision mechanical manufacturing, transportation machinery, rubber products for the automotive industry, lighting, industrial gas, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biotechnology products, and optical glass production. The park encourages the development of high-tech industries and packaging material production.

The IP currently hosts 104 foreign-invested projects with a total registered capital of approximately $3.3 billion. Japanese investors dominate the foreign investment landscape, with prominent economic groups such as Kyocera, Hoya, Nippon, Daikin, Toto, and Panasonic leading the way.

Sumitomo Corporation's increased investment in Thang Long II IP demonstrates the confidence and trust of Japanese investors in the province's potential and investment environment.

With ongoing support from the local authorities, the IP is poised to attract more foreign investment, contributing significantly to Hung Yen province's economic growth and industrial development.

Hung Yen increasingly appeals to investors Strategically located in the heart of the Red River Delta in the middle of northern Vietnams strategic economic zone, Hung Yen is an ideal choice for domestic and international investors, leveraging its connected transport network, along with a transparent investment environment.

Lien Ha Thai Industrial Park: a magnet for newcomers Located in Thai Binh Economic Zone, Lien Ha Thai Industrial Park (Green iP-1) has outstanding advantages of strategic location, favourable traffic connectivity, preferential policies, abundant human resources, and a synchronous infrastructure system.
Vietnam and South Korea are set to jointly develop LNG infrastructure and nationwide supply chains in Vietnam, as outlined in a landmark agreement signed during the Vietnam-Korea Business Forum on June 23.

The collaboration between T&T Group and KOGAS also explores opportunities for hydrogen production, aligning with Vietnam's long-term energy plan.

The partnership aims to support Vietnam's objective of gradually reducing reliance on thermal coal power and prioritising domestic gas-fired electricity, in line with the country's Power Development Plan VIII.

LNG, which is natural gas cooled to a liquid state, plays a vital role in supplying energy for power plants, industries, urban areas, and transportation, helping reduce environmental pollution.

By teaming up with KOGAS, the world's largest LNG importer and exclusive wholesaler of natural gas in South Korea, T&T Group gains access to expertise, technology, and financial resources. This collaboration enables the execution of LNG and hydrogen projects in Vietnam, contributing to national energy security and socioeconomic development.

In addition, T&T Energy, a subsidiary of T&T Group, and SK E&S, an energy company under SK Group, also signed an MoU to cooperate in the LNG power sector.

Together, they will develop LNG terminals and gas-fired power plants in compliance with the regulations. SK E&S will take charge of securing the financial resources for project implementation.

Given global efforts towards carbon neutrality, LNG plays a crucial role in ensuring energy supply, reducing air pollution, and facilitating Vietnam's energy transition. The nation aims to develop 22,400MW of LNG thermal power, accounting for 14.9 per cent of the national power structure by 2023.

In Hai Lang, a consortium consisting of T&T Group, KOGAS, Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd., and Hanwha Group began the technical phase of the 1,500MW LNG Power Center Project in early 2022. With an investment of around $2.3 billion, the project is expected to commence commercial operations between 2026 and 2027.

KOGAS, established by the South Korean government in 1983, boasts extensive experience in LNG investment, construction, and the operation of terminals. It currently operates six LNG production plants and 72 storage tanks worldwide, with a total capacity of 11.7 million cubic meters.

SK E&S, an energy company under SK Group, is involved in various sectors such as chemicals, semiconductors, telecommunications, and biotechnology. It is constructing the largest LNG value chain in South Korea and actively participating in the next-generation energy industry, including the hydrogen sector.

The company has established a green investment portfolio encompassing renewable energy, energy solutions, and environmentally friendly LNG.

The collaboration between Vietnamese and South Korean entities in the LNG and hydrogen sectors represents a significant stride towards sustainable development, meeting the energy demands and reducing the environmental impact in both countries.

T&T Group and DB Group form strategic partnership to fuel investment opportunities T&T Group and DB Group have joined forces in a strategic alliance, aiming to drive investment collaboration across various sectors in Vietnam but with a primary focus on the insurance industry.

MB and Mastercard forge partnership in payment innovation MB and Mastercard last week officially unveiled their all-encompassing strategic collaboration, aiming to deliver innovative payment solutions and sustainable growth with a shared objective of nurturing long-lasting and sustainable progress, while catering to the evolving needs of customers, including the tech-savvy Generation Z.

Vietnam seeks support from SK financial institutions in bank restructuring Vietnam is eagerly seeking the proactive involvement of South Korean financial institutions in its ongoing efforts to restructure the country's banking system.
Vietnam Airlines passengers passing through boarding gate (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi  National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines begins sending automatic messages to notify passengers of departure gates at three airports of Noi Bai, Da Nang, and Tan Son Nhat.

Accordingly, passengers who carry out online check-in or that at kiosks at the aforementioned airports will receive information about the boarding gate via Zalo or SMS messages 60 minutes before the departure time, including information about possible boarding gate change.



This notice makes it easy for passengers to find the correct exit.



A representative from Vietnam Airlines said that this is one of the airline's latest efforts to contribute to bringing convenience and satisfaction to passengers when flying with the national flag carrier.



In 2022, it became the first airline in Vietnam to apply online check-in services across the entire domestic airport network.



In its digital transformation strategy, Vietnam Airlines aims to become Vietnam's first digital airline by 2025 with three key factors: digital technology, digital data, and digital culture.

Vietnam Airlines announces selection of lessors for 8 A320NEO aircraft Vietnam Airlines is planning to lease eight A320NEO aircraft for a period of 143 months, with delivery planned for 2024. The airline is expected to release the request proposal in early April.
On June 27, the leadership of the General Department of Taxation (GDT) under the Ministry of Finance engaged in discussions regarding the allocation of resources to assist foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) affected by the forthcoming GMT, set to be implemented in early 2024.

Dang Ngoc Minh, deputy director general of the GDT, disclosed that Vietnam has successfully attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) from 142 countries and territories across the globe.

Vietnam's major foreign partners predominantly hail from East Asia, including South Korea, Japan, and Singapore. As a nation, Vietnam relies on FDI inflows to bolster its economy.

Sharing his perspective on the GMT, Minh emphasised the need to establish support mechanisms that can offset the adverse effects of this regulatory measure on FIEs, according to local media Laodong.

Accordingly, the implementation of these support measures will be tailored to suit the unique characteristics of each type of enterprise, compensating them for the tax incentives that have been impacted by the GMT regulation.

As quoted by Laodong, Minh further explained, "This support will be administered through registration procedures after the enterprises fulfils its tax obligations, including the payment of the minimum additional tax. Consequently, the Vietnamese government anticipates no obstacles in sourcing financial reserves or executing subsequent support procedures."

To secure the requisite financial resources for the aforementioned support initiatives, he emphasised the importance of safeguarding taxation rights by implementing the Domestic Minimum Additional Tax (DMAT) framework.

Under this framework, if enterprises comply with the 15 per cent tax rate as per the DMAT guidelines in Vietnam, the country will have adequate financial resources to assist enterprises with various expenses, such as research and development costs, investment in equipment, and high-tech production expenditures. As an illustration, India has implemented a supportive policy entailing a specified amount for each product manufactured.

This support policy will be universally applicable to all enterprises, ensuring that the support provisions align with the unique characteristics, nature, and standards of each business type. This approach adheres to non-discrimination regulations and complies with the GMT rule (Pillar 2) within the comprehensive framework of the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting action plan.

Dr. Can Van Luc, a member of the National Financial-Monetary Policy Advisory Council, opined that proactive participation in implementing the GMT will bolster Vietnam's international integration efforts, ensure tax system reforms in line with global practices and standards, and contribute to the nation's economic and social development.

Key issues on the global minimum corporate tax rate Corporate income tax is often considered as a variable in a multivariate foreign direct investment model. In some cases, the impact of the reduction in the rate will result in an increase in estimated investment from overseas. However, there is no correlation between lower rates and higher foreign funding globally.

MPI builds new investment incentives to match global minimum tax rule The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) is working on the design of incentives and measures to support new investment activities amid the upcoming application of the global minimum tax.
President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks at a national financial strategy meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap



President Yoon Suk Yeol called Wednesday for abolishing "nonsensical political subsidies" in an apparent reference to subsidies given to civic groups under the previous administration.



Yoon made the remark while presiding over a national financial strategy meeting with government and ruling party officials ahead of full-fledged planning for next year's government budget, according to presidential spokesperson Lee Do-woon.



"We must get rid of nonsense political subsidies, while keeping economic subsidies alive and making social subsidies more efficient and rational," Yoon was quoted as saying during the meeting held at the former presidential compound of Cheong Wa Dae.



The instruction came after a recent audit of government subsidies given to about 12,000 civil organizations over the past three years found a total of 1,865 cases of irregularities involving about 31.4 billion won ($24 million).






KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  A 14-year-old boy is facing charges in Tennessee after a gun in his backpack accidentally fired in the gym of a youth community center on Wednesday, striking a 10-year-old peer and sending him to the hospital, according to police.

The 10-year-old hit by the gunfire at the Phyllis Wheatley Center is now in stable condition after suffering life-threatening injuries, according to a Knoxville Police Department news release. The boy was struck at least once during the shooting, which was not intentional or targeted, police said. No other injuries were reported.

The 14-year-old is initially facing charges as a juvenile of two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon and one count of reckless endangerment. Police say they detained the teenager a few blocks from the youth center and recovered the backpack, which had two handguns in it.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing.

The Phyllis Wheatley Center is the main facility for the YWCAs youth programs in East Tennessee, according to its website.

The YWCA said it was reviewing safety protocols and making plans to provide resources to children and staff after the traumatic event. In an emailed statement, the YWCA of Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley said it had contacted families, and kids were being picked up from the facility.

The YWCA asked the public to join in wrapping all of our young people in your love and prayers.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP)  High school seniors in Pennsylvania would be required to fill out a form that determines eligibility for financial aid for postsecondary programs under a bill passed by the state Senate on Wednesday.

The bill was approved 46-4 and was sent to the state House for its consideration.

The measure would mandate that high school seniors across the state complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA determines a students financial need and eligibility for federal, state and school financial aid to enroll in higher education, career, and technical education and certificate programs.

The federal form calculates need based on information families provide about income and assets, plus other factors, like family size.

Families would be able to opt out of the requirement, sponsors said. If passed by the House, the requirement would take effect in the 2024-25 school year.

The completion rate for the federal aid application in Pennsylvania is currently 53%, the bill's sponsors said, and students who complete the form are more likely to enroll in postsecondary programs.

Backers of the proposal say that more than $115 million in federal Pell Grant funds were unclaimed in Pennsylvania in 2021.

At least nine other states have laws requiring completion of the federal application.

Too many families in Pennsylvania miss out on chances to train for quality careers simply because they dont know what programs or funding packages are available to them, or because they think they cant afford it, said the bills primary sponsor, Sen. Scott Martin, a Republican from Lancaster County.
Charles Williams is leaving his post as president of Wacos Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center to take a top post with the medical system in suburban Dallas-Fort Worth.

Williams, who came to Waco in November 2020, will serve as president of Baylor Scott & White DFW West Region, which includes hospitals in Irving and Grapevine, as well as All Saints, the systems academic medical center in Fort Worth.

He will take the Metroplex role July 17, leaving Hillcrests chief operating officer, Brad Crye, as interim leader until a successor is chosen for the Waco position through a national search.

Williams, a Fort Worth native, held several executive positions at hospitals in the DFW area and South Carolina before he was appointed to the Waco post.

I am thankful for the opportunity to have worked with the great team at Hillcrest and the Waco market to accomplish so much for our Central Texas community, Williams said in a press release. Now, I am looking forward to returning home  to the place where I grew up and where I started my career  to serve this community that is dear to my heart.

Michael Sanborn, Baylor Scott & White chief growth officer and former president of the region Williams will lead, welcomed Williams back to DFW.

Those who know Charles well attest that he has a reputation for excellence, a passion for service and a drive to never settle, he said in the press release.
DNA evidence ties a Waco man on trial this week in a 2021 burglary and sexual assault case to the incident, the lead detective testified Tuesday.

Raoul Tiju Smith Brandon, 28, faces charges in Waco's 54th State District Court of burglary with intent to commit a felony and sexual assault in a July 30, 2021, incident at an apartment in the 2400 block of South 21st Street. He is also charged in burglaries of the same apartment on May 1, 2021, and June 9, 2021.

Waco police Detective Eric Trojanowski testified Tuesday that a woman drove to the police station late at night on July 30 to report Smith Brandon had broken into her apartment and raped her.

Officers took the woman to an area hospital for an examination by a forensic nurse to collect evidence of the assault, Trojanowski said under questioning by McLennan County Assistant District Attorney Ralph Strother.

After Smith Brandon was arrested about a week later, Trojanowski got a warrant for a DNA sample from Smith Brandon, which was found to match evidence from the woman's exam, Trojanowski said.

He said Smith Brandon told him during an interview that he had violated a protective order to see the woman on the day of the alleged assault. He said that when he asked Smith Brandon about the last time he and the woman had sex, Smith Brandon told him it was before February 2021.

Smith Brandon's defense attorney, Phil Martinez, asked Trojanowski about another relationship Smith Brandon had, and whether the woman had made up the accusation of sexual assault after she learned of Smith Brandon's other relationship. Trojanowski said he was aware of another relationship but did not find evidence to support the idea that the accusation was fabricated.

Earlier in testimony Trojanowski had identified for Strother photos of the woman's apartment showing her bedroom door broken in. He said that when he searched the vehicle Smith Brandon abandoned prior to his arrest, he found a thumb latch from a window that matched thumb latches on windows in the woman's apartment.

He said that when he visited the woman's apartment Aug. 6, he found the screens on all the windows but one bent from the outside. Trojanowski also said he found one window, with no screen and missing thumb latches, sealed shut with a gluing compound.

He said police reports from the initial search of the woman's apartment early on the morning of July 31 did not document how the suspect entered, nor did they report damage outside.

After Trojanowski's testimony, the state rested. The defense is expected to present its case Wednesday.
WAVERLY  Theres already plenty of cause for celebration on the Fourth of July in Waverly, with the annual parades, community events and fireworks shows that take place throughout the day.

But this years Fourth of July festival  also known as Waverlyfest  will be marked by a momentous occasion for the city, according to Waverly City Council member Abbey Pascoe.

At 1:30 p.m., the new Waverly Aquatic Center will be officially unveiled to citizens with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by the Horizon Bank Money Dive  in which kids dive to the floor of the pool in search of pocket change  and open swimming until 5 p.m.

I think its going to be a very emotional moment, to be honest, Pascoe said. So much hard work from so many people has gone into this. Its been exhausting, its been exhilarating, and I think the community is really, really excited.

The aquatic center will replace the existing municipal pool, which has been in operation since 1975 and has been marred in recent years by failing systems and temporary fixes. The aquatic center will more than double the current pools capacity and will feature a lazy river, twisting water slides, a concessions stand and other new attractions.

Pascoe, who is also the president of the Greater Waverly Area Foundation Fund, has spearheaded much of the grassroots fundraising for the aquatic center since plans originated in 2017.

The groups efforts weathered the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing economic downturn. The project got a big boost in 2022 when new donations came in from Lancaster County and Horizon Bank. Late last summer, a construction bid was approved, and ground was broken in October.

Finally, the new pool is almost ready for Waverly citizens to jump in its waters for the first time.

To GWAFF member Lindsay Erickson, the pools grand opening is a sign of prosperity for Waverly. Its the result of the combined efforts of the city, local businesses and community members.

Its a neat tip-off to future things to come in the community, she said. Who knows what its going to be, but I think its just a really great way to see that the community can work and succeed.

Erickson graduated from Waverly High School and has raised her family in town. She said she cant recall a milestone event that meant as much as the aquatic centers grand opening will. Its a shining example that the city is moving in the right direction.

The fact that were putting in something new like this says that theres so much community growth, she said. Not just housing growth. To me, thats something different. This is community. The heart of Waverly is growing.

The aquatic centers grand opening will be Waverlyfests headlining event, but the rest of the day will be studded with other annual activities. The Waverly Chamber of Commerce parade, which starts at 11 a.m. at Waverly Intermediate School, is what Erickson looks forward to most every year.

But I love the whole day, she said. Its one of my favorite holidays because its an all-day thing that just includes everyone and so many different fun aspects that I just dont think you can get if you live in a big city.

The day starts at 7 a.m. with the Kiwanis/Methodist Mens Groups pancake feed at First United Methodist Church, followed at 8:30 a.m. by the Kiwanis Kids Parade, which starts at Azria Health Center.

After the Chambers big parade at 11 a.m., Bethlehem Covenant Church and Peace Lutheran Church will serve lunches. The Methodist church hosts a hot dog feed and ice cream social at 12:30 p.m. The aquatic center ribbon cutting follows at 1:30 p.m., with the Horizon Bank Money Dive at 2 p.m. The day ends at 10 p.m. with the Chambers fireworks show at Lawson Park.

Come and experience the day, Erickson said. If you havent done it in a while, I highly encourage you to participate in a whole days worth of events.
CERESCO  Ceresco recreation enthusiasts have been excited on social media in recent weeks by the thought of a new running and biking trail being installed in and around town.

Property owners along the proposed route, however, have had an opposite reaction.

At the Ceresco Village Board of Trustees May meeting, the board was informed of a grant opportunity that would help the village pay for a trail system. Money is available through the federal Recreational Trails Program and is administered locally through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Soon after that meeting, Cerescos official Facebook page shared an image of a proposed route, designed by village board member Justin Eggleston.

The route generally follows the villages outer boundaries, with a spur running along 2nd Street, Ashland Road and Precinct Road.

At the June 15 Ceresco Planning Commission meeting about a dozen citizens and property owners voiced concerns about the trail, including how the trails land would be acquired, the hours the trail would be open and the types of recreation that would be allowed. Those against the trail greatly outnumbered those in favor.

While the deadline to apply for the grant money is approaching in September, the planning commission voted at the meeting to recommend that the village board do further research on the possibility of a new recreational trail.

The two sides of the issue were more equally represented at the village boards June 20 meeting, according to Village Clerk Joan Lindgren. Trail supporters said they would jump at the option to walk, run or bike on a protected trail, off the street and away from cars. Lindgren said many citizens walk south of town along gravel roads.

Obviously, its not safe, but thats what they do because it gets them out of town, Lindgren said.

Kim Nelson, who attended the board meeting in support of the trail, said she would love to have a safe place to walk with her grandchildren.

It allows kids a safe path to ride their bikes and walk, she said. It would give them something additional to do where its safe, instead of riding on the street.

She said while property owners concerns are valid, all of the planning for a new trail is in the early stages, and the route could change. Or the idea for a trail could be nixed altogether.

Its all just very preliminary, as far as where its going to be and end up, Nelson said.

To move toward answering some of the publics questions, the village board voted to form a committee with citizens and board members that would look into possible routes that would be agreeable to property owners.

Hopefully, this committee is going to be able to work out details, like, Well, where should (the trail) really go? Lindgren said.

She said the committees goal would be to prepare a proposal and application to submit the project for federal grants next year.

Nelson said she hopes to be a member on the trail committee when it forms. She would expect to be working with committee members with different perspectives on the topic.

And thats what we want, she said. That way we can put together something for everyone and hopefully come up with a great solution.
The Gwangju Stream in the southwestern city of Gwangju is flooded due to heavy rains on June 28. Yonhap





Reports of damage to housing and farmland kept mounting as heavy rains battered southern provinces overnight, with up to 365 millimeters of rain swamping the region since Sunday.







The monsoon rain, which had waned in the southern region as of Wednesday afternoon, will start pouring again throughout the country on Thursday due to the influence of low atmospheric pressure, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said.







Up to 365.2 mm of rain fell from Sunday to Wednesday morning in the southwestern city of Gwangju, the highest precipitation rate per hour in five years, and 272 mm of rain pummeled Gwangyang, another city in South Jeolla Province, breaking its three-year record.







The damage was concentrated in Gwangju and its surrounding South Jeolla Province, including flooding of housing and farmland, power outages and transport disruption.







A worker at an irrigation facility went missing in a rural village in the county of Hampyeong while inspecting a floodgate, with around 90 firefighters searching for the missing person.







People look over the damage done by the downpour overnight in the Buku district of Gwangju, June 28. Yonhap





A stream inundated a town in the county of Hwasun early Wednesday, and housing and farmers' huts sunk under flood waters in the county of Damyang. A total of 41 cases of flooded housing, 33 cases of road flooding and 11 other cases of damage were reported in the region.







In Gwangju, where 185 cases of damage were reported from the downpour overnight, a city bus became waterlogged and the bus driver had to escape unaided Tuesday night.







Earlier, twenty-one people were evacuated from their homes in Gwangju, South Jeolla Province and South Gyeongsang Province after trees fell on their houses or due to fears of flooding.







Twenty-five out of 53 passenger ships on 18 routes that shuttle between the islands in South Jeolla province were out of service and hiking trails in national parks were off limits, according to a local official.







Some 335 households suffered a power outage for over three hours late Tuesday, due to a lightning strike in Naju, a city in South Jeolla Province, and a similar blackout occurred in Gwangju, with power knocked out in more than 100 households for over an hour.







The anti-disaster office under the interior ministry upgraded the heavy rain advisory to "alert" from "caution" late Tuesday in South Jeolla and South Gyeongsang provinces.







The volume of precipitation recorded in an hour in June peaked this year, beating its previous records in many regions, including 54.1 mm in Gwangju, and 74.5 mm in Namhae county in South Gyeongsang Province on Tuesday, and 49.3 mm in Buan county in North Jeolla Province on Wednesday.







The monsoon rain is expected to come to a lull due to the influence of high atmospheric pressure nationwide, but the greater Seoul region, the western region in Gangwon Province, and Chungcheong Province will see showers accompanied by strong wind, lightning and thunder until the afternoon. It will travel to affect the inland areas of South and North Jeolla provinces and North and South Gyeongsang provinces in the afternoon.







The state weather agency also warned against possible ice pellets, a type of hail, in the region. (Yonhap)






As most readers will remember, Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress 44-83718 (N900RW) has been undergoing restoration within a hangar at the Erickson Aircraft Collection in Madras, Oregon since its arrival some three years ago. This aircraft, which flew for many years as Thunderbird with the Lone Star Flight Museum, now belongs to the Mid America Flight Museum. Following the latter museums acquisition of Thunderbird in December, 2020, they ferried it to Madras for inspection and repairs  a lengthy endeavor which remains in progress. AeroVintages publisher, Scott A. Thompson, recently paid a visit to Madras, and passed along the following information and images regarding the Forts return to flight.

B-17G 44-85718 has been disassembled into major components. It will be at least another year before the Fortress becomes operational again. Note the painted-over Thunderbird name and nose art. (photo by Connor Bond)by Scott A. Thompson of Aero Vintage

I had the occasion to visit the Erickson Aircraft Collection museum at Madras, Oregon, recently, and took a close look at the B-17. At this point, in June 2023, the airframe remains in disassembled storage awaiting the arrival of some new wing parts. The inner wing panels are in custom jigs with their trailing edges removed. Once the new wing parts arrive (expected later this year) the wing panels will receive some extensive rework to incorporate the new components. As part of this endeavor, the recently-issued FAA Airworthiness Directive which addresses issues with the joint between the spar chord tubes and the wing attach terminal fittings will also be satisfied. The airframe, having already undergone a thorough inspection, will then undergo reassembly for its return to flying condition. That being said, the timeline for its first post-restoration flight remains fuzzy as the latter process will require significant effort. The B-17 will most likely receive a new livery as well, although details on which aircraft the new paint scheme will represent remain closely held at present.

Once the bomber is flying again, it will return to its home at the Mid America Flight Museum in Mount Pleasant, Texas. According to the museum, they presently have no intention of participating in an FAA Living History Flight Experience program, so will not be selling rides nor touring with the aircraft. It will simply operate as part of the museums extensive fleet of airworthy historic aircraft, making flights and participating in events of their choosing.

A short history of 44-85718: Lockheed delivered this B-17 to the U.S. Army Air Forces on May 8th, 1945. With the war in Europe over, the Fort went directly into storage, winding up in a surplus in Altus, Oklahoma. In 1947, Frances Institut Geographique National (IGN) bought the airframe, along with three other new B-17Gs. The IGN registered 44-85718 as F-BEEC on the French civil registry, one of fourteen examples the organization modified and flew as part of their world-ranging aerial survey operations over the next four decades. F-BEEC finally retired from IGN service in 1984, moving to new owners in the UK before the Lone Star Flight Museum acquired it in 1987. Over the intervening decades, the B-17 regained its military guise, but it still retains a few external vestiges of its French survey modifications  these being the windows installed in the lower nose section just aft of the plexiglass nose, and the plexiglass nose piece itself. The Mid America Flight Museum presently has no plans to return the nose section to a standard B-17G configuration, so the indicator of the aircrafts prior use will remain intact for now. For those wishing to learn more about this fascinating aircraft, the book Final Cut: The Post-War B-17 Flying Fortress and Survivors has a lengthy chapter dedicated its history, complete with numerous images from its past.

Many thanks indeed to Scott A. Thompson (and Connor Bond) for allowing us to reproduce this article describing Thunderbirds present condition his book, Final Cut: The Post-War B-17 Flying Fortress and Survivors as well as other titles are the gold standard when it comes to the airframe history it describes!
WATERLOO  A bicyclist was injured in an early morning shooting in Waterloo.

Police said the victim was riding his bike in the 300 block of Logan Avenue shortly after 1 a.m. Wednesday when someone opened fire. Bullets struck his leg and collar bone area. He pedaled to Logan Convenience Store, 735 Logan Ave., to summon help.

Paramedics with Waterloo Fire Rescue took him to a local hospital for treatment and he is expected to survive, according to police.

Officers found spent shell casings in the area.

No arrests have been made in the shooting.
WATERLOO  Prosecutors are asking the court to hold onto the case of a 13-year-old girl accused of two counts of attempted murder even after she turns 18.

The girl is currently charged as a juvenile for trying to kill her mother and her mothers boyfriend in a Feb. 15 shooting at a Leavitt Street apartment.

On Monday, officials with the Black Hawk County Attorneys Office argued to pursue the case under Iowas Youthful Offender statutes. The move would allow the adult court to retain jurisdiction after she turns 18.

The girls attorney is resisting the request.

Mondays hearing was closed to the public at the request of the Juvenile Public Defenders Office, which also asked the court to allow the girl to testify outside the presence of her mother.

A ruling on the matter will be issued at a future date.

Authorities allege the mother had attempted to review the girls phone for suspicious activity. When the girl found out, she retrieved a 9 mm Taurus handgun and shot her mothers boyfriend in the face while he slept, authorities said.

She then pointed the pistol at her mother, but the weapon malfunctioned, according to authorities.

The girl then dropped the gun and left. Police found her a short time later.

Photos: Shooting, Leavitt St., Waterloo Feb. 15, 2023 Leavitt Street police 021523jr-shooting-leavitt-3 021523jr-shooting-leavitt-2 021523jr-shooting-leavitt-4
WATERLOO  A Waterloo teen has been arrested on weapons charges following a Tuesday search.

Waterloo police arrested Andrew Spates III, 17, on a charge of felon in possession of a firearm. Spates is charged as an adult.

According to court records, detectives approached Spates while he was seated in a Chevrolet Malibu parked at La Michoacana Restaurant, 1221 Franklin St., around 12:25 p.m. Tuesday.

Officers found marijuana and a loaded 9 mm Glock 17 handgun with an extended magazine under the front seat. Police also searched his home at 2253 E. Fourth St. as part of the investigation, according to court records.

Spates is prohibited from handling firearms because of a November 2021 adjudication in juvenile court for intimidation with a weapon, records state.

From flintlock muskets to AR-15s: A history of guns in America From flintlock muskets to AR-15s: A history of guns in America Flintlock muskets Percussion caps Revolvers Repeating rifles Smokeless powder Automatic firearms Bolt-action rifles Polymer manufacturing Armalite civilian rifle 3D printing and beyond
CEDAR FALLS  The city will receive a $10 million federal grant to aid in paying for the $30 million reconstruction of Main Street, a significant award for the generational construction project already underway and slated to wrap up in 2025.

U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassleys office first announced and later confirmed having received congressional notice of the grant last week from the Department of Transportation as part of the competitive program known as Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE).

This grant is a tremendous achievement for Cedar Falls, and we are extremely excited, said City Administrator Ron Gaines in a statement after the municipality received official notification of the award Wednesday.

He attributed landing the funds to the work of Public Works Director Chase Schrage, the citys engineers and Foth, its lead engineering and design consultant, as well as the support of U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, Rep. Ashley Hinson and Grassley.

The entire process is very competitive and there are a lot of deserving projects across the country so to be a recipient is a huge accomplishment, Gaines said. It is truly a testament to the work of our city staff and their dedication to improving our community.

The latest funding means about half of the Cedar Falls project, from Sixth Street to just north of University Avenue, will be covered by federal dollars. The city had earmarked $2.65 million in COVID-19 relief from the American Rescue Plan Act, as well as a $2.9 million Surface Transportation Block Grant in its capital improvements program.

Although its not budgeted, the city had been looking at another $500,000 from the Iowa DOTs Traffic Safety Improvement Program, as had been included in its federal grant application and had been part of discussions last year.

The RAISE program gave out funds to three Iowa projects for fiscal year 2023 and had received a boost in available dollars from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, adopted in 2021.

But the grant program is one that dates back to former President George W. Bushs administration and has been known under different names through the Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden presidencies.

Grant awards will support significant local and regional infrastructure projects that will improve transportation and commerce. I supported the bipartisan infrastructure law to invest in Iowa communities and to strengthen Iowas aging infrastructure. Im glad to see our state is continuing to benefit from this investment, Grassley said in a statement.

Back in December, the City Council voted 4-3 to award the $29.99 million construction contract to Peterson Contractors Inc. That was 40% higher than what had been projected, causing some councilmembers to call for not moving forward with the work because of the higher cost. The dissenters were councilmembers Daryl Kruse, Dave Sires and Dustin Ganfield.

Main Street will go from a four- to a three-lane corridor, with travel lanes in each direction plus a center turn lane. Additionally, the signalized intersections at 12th and 18th streets and Seerley Boulevard will be converted into single-lane roundabouts, and six-foot bike lanes will be added on both sides of the street.

City officials contend the project will improve pavement conditions, lower ongoing upkeep and operational costs, enhance safety for all modes of transportation, improve traffic flow, enhance bicycle and pedestrian mobility and support economic growth and revitalization.

Along with new pavement, bus stops will be improved and sidewalks will be replaced. The sanitary sewer, water main utilities, and storm sewer infrastructure  much more than 100 years old  also will be rehabilitated. That work is the bulk of the overall cost.

Grant applications had been due Feb. 28. Its inclusion now in the funding for Main Street construction could free up funds for other city road projects, allowing them to be completed sooner.

Union Road improvements from 27th Street to University Avenue had been pushed back when the future Main Street reconstruction became more expensive.

The $31.05 million in budgeted costs, for fiscal years 2023-25, did not include the $10 million federal grant. In addition to the other federal funding, local option sales tax revenues account for $12.7 million, $5.85 million is from the street construction fund, Cedar Falls Utilities is contributing $3.1 million, $2.1 million comes from tax increment financing district funds and $550,000 is funded with general obligation bonds.

Supporters who wanted to move forward with the project despite the higher-than-expected cost argued for awarding the contract in December because of the potential for it to become costlier down the road.

They also had concerns about potentially forfeiting other funding as a result of a delay in getting the construction started in the spring and noted how putting off the work  especially that of the underground infrastructure related to sewer and sanitary  was seen as a risk.

Thats because public works officials said it was desperately needed as they explained how a utility failure potentially would put the city in a tough position because of needing to complete an emergency repair.

The number of submitted RAISE applications ended up at 1100. According to the DOT, $2.25 billion was available and 162 projects received grants.

Typically, with RAISE, more urban municipalities have to provide a 20% match for capital construction grants. But Cedar Falls was not identified in that category, according to the DOT. Applications are usually provided the full request or nothing at all.

Funds were first awarded at the beginning of Obamas first term. Back then, it had been known as the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery Program. It continued under Trumps Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development Program.

The only other Iowa municipality receiving funding is Clear Lake at $300,000 for a planning project, which includes community engagement, a corridor study, alternatives analysis, final design and environmental review for a project to evaluate a corridor.

Nine counties  Clay, Lucas, Crawford, Lee, Pottawattamie, Wright, Page, Henry and Mitchell counties  will receive $24.76 million to replace approximately nine bridges in poor condition.

Photos: 2023 Sturgis Falls Parade Sturgis Falls 1 Sturgis Falls 2 Sturgis Falls 3 Sturgis Falls 4 Sturgis Falls 5 Sturgis Falls 6 Sturgis Falls 7 Sturgis Falls 8 Sturgis Falls 9 Sturgis Falls 10 Sturgis Falls 11 Sturgis Falls 12 Sturgis Falls 13 Sturgis Falls 14 Sturgis Falls 15 Sturgis Falls 16 Sturgis Falls 17 Sturgis Falls 18 Sturgis Falls 19 Sturgis Falls 20 Sturgis Falls 21 Sturgis Falls 22 Sturgis Falls 23 Sturgis Falls 24 Sturgis Falls 25 Sturgis Falls 26 Sturgis Falls 27 Sturgis Falls 28 Sturgis Falls 29 Sturgis Falls 30 Sturgis Falls 31 Sturgis Falls 32 Sturgis Falls 33
WATERLOO  Some people frame their retirement with accomplishments and accolades.

Kent Shankle has earned plenty of both throughout his career, but I dont see things that way. I love what I do, and I give it 200% every day. So for me, retiring has been a process.

Shankle, 61, stepped down Tuesday as executive director at the Waterloo Center for the Arts and cultural and arts director for the city of Waterloo. Chawne Paige, WCA curator, has been named interim director.

Shankle has spent 28 years at the center, and 35 years working in the Cedar Valley arts community.

Its time to step away and let this great staff take over. Its a wonderful place, and its been my home, he said. He plans to let his life in retirement unfold without schedules and things-to-do lists, except spending time with his family, including two daughters and his partner, and traveling when and where the spirit moves him.

Ive gone so many places and experienced different cultures, and we were able to bring back those cultures for our community to enjoy, Shankle explained. Im an introvert who likes to be challenged to be extroverted and a homebody who likes to be challenged to get out in the world. Ive been surrounded by wonderful people who pushed me to go places I never would have gone.

He has taken numerous trips to Haiti, for example, to build the art centers Haitian collection. It has grown from 200 pieces to more than 2,000, making it the largest public collection of Haitian art in the country.

Kent has been a champion for preserving and promoting the arts in Waterloo. His leadership at Waterloo Center for the Arts helped orchestrate what is often reserved for larger communities in terms of the quality of exhibits and programs offered, said Mayor Quentin Hart.

Shankle, a Cedar Falls native, earned his art degree at the University of Northern Iowa. His first job in the arts was 35 years ago at the Cedar Falls Recreation and Arts Center as a secretary/receptionist, where Mary Huber was the director.

Huber mentored Shankle, eventually giving him the chance to plan a gallery exhibition. He also worked with Huber on planning, programming and fundraising for the Hearst Center for the Arts. Shankle also served an internship at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, where he realized the Cedar Valley offered wonderful resources and a chance to make an impact.

My life really has been a series of opportunities, he said, smiling. It has challenged me and given me transformative experiences. Retiring has brought up so many memories of what Ive done, the exhibitions, the events. Trying to encapsulate it all and give a birds eye view of the ride and my place in it as I retire is a little bittersweet.

Seeing the role the arts play in peoples lives has been a gift. Its been a joy to be involved in building such incredible investments in our community as the RiverLoop Amphitheatre and Phelps Youth Pavilion.

Shankle joined the WCA in 1995 as curator/registrar. He also designed museum publications as well as helping design and build Junior Art Gallery exhibits. He served as curator for 18 years.

Cammie Scully, the former WCA director, and Shankle shared countless adventures together, including five trips to Haiti and Mexico to research, meet artists, and select pieces for the centers collections. When Scully retired in 2012, Shankle was named interim director and officially became director in 2013.

Kent has done a fantastic job. His aesthetics are impeccable. He knows the collection backward and forward and, during his tenure, the collection has grown ten-fold. Hes pushed the envelope and done a wonderful job. The center looks better than ever, Scully said.

She is thrilled that Paige has been named interim director. I hired both of them  Kent and Chawne, and Im super proud of both of them.

Hart praised Shankles creative energy.

Kent always thinks globally, drawing from various cultures and mediums to showcase locally. He is willing to roll up his sleeves to get things done, then show up to see it through. A true creative whos left a permanent mark on the arts in Waterloo.

Shankle has served as president of the RiverLoop Association Inc., chairman of the Waterloo Public Art Committee and president of the Haitian Arts Society. He is a member of the Iowa Museum Association, Association of Midwest Museums and Main Street Waterloo design council. In addition, he sits on several boards, including Waterloo Urban Farmers Market.

I will continue to help at festivals and events downtown. If someone needs me to sit in a booth and sell beverage tokens, Ill be there, Shankle added.

PHOTOS Treasure Chest of wonderful, weird objects at Cedar Valley museums, galleries WCA 1 WCA 5 WCA 3 WCA 2 Cedar Falls Historical 1 Cedar Falls Historical 2 Cedar Falls Historical 3 Cedar Falls Historical 4 Cedar Falls Historical 5 UNI Art 1 UNI Art 3 UNI Art 4 100820bp-uni-gallery-art-6 100820bp-uni-gallery-art-5 100820bp-uni-gallery-art-7 100820bp-uni-gallery-art-4 Grout 1 Grout 2 Grout 3 Grout 4 Grout 5 Hearst 1 Hearst 2 Hearst 3
Take a look at trending topics for today, June 27.

Canadian wildfires

Drifting smoke from the ongoing wildfires across Canada is creating curtains of haze and raising air quality concerns throughout the Great Lakes region, and in parts of the central and eastern United States.

In Minnesota, a record 23rd air quality alert was issued Tuesday through late Wednesday night across much of the state, as smoky skies obscure the skylines of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

On Tuesday, Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy issued an air quality alert for the entire state. Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources also issued an air quality advisory for the state.

In Chicago  where the air quality has been categorized unhealthy by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency  officials are urging young people, older adults and residents with health issues to spend more time indoors.

Get more info here:

Ryan Seacrest

The category? "Proper Name." The answer? Ryan Seacrest, who will become the new "Wheel of Fortune" host after Pat Sajak's retirement next year.

Seacrest and Sony Pictures Television announced Tuesday that Seacrest has signed a multiyear deal to host the long-running game show starting with Season 42. Sajak recently announced the upcoming 41st season would be his last on the show.

It's the latest hosting gig for Seacrest, the popular "American Idol" host who also now rings in the new year for many on "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve."

"I'm truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak," Seacrest said in a statement.

Read more about it here:

Jimmie Johnson

Police in Muskogee, Oklahoma, confirmed Tuesday they are investigating the shooting deaths of three relatives of seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson.

The bodies of Jack Janway, 69; his wife Terry Janway, 68; and their grandson Dalton Janway, 11, were discovered Monday at a home in Muskogee, located about 50 miles (80 kilometers) southeast of Tulsa, Muskogee police spokesperson Lynn Hamlin said. Hamlin said investigators believe Terry Janway shot and killed her husband and grandson before shooting herself.

Police responded to the home after a woman called 911 to report a disturbance with a gun before hanging up, Hamlin said.

Find out more here:

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Get more on today's trending topics here:

Supreme Court

Grimace Shake
JACKSON, Miss.  All five Mississippi deputy sheriffs who responded to an incident where two Black men accused the deputies of beating and sexually assaulting them before shooting one of them in the mouth have been fired or resigned, authorities announced Tuesday.

The announcement comes months after Michael Corey Jenkins and his friend Eddie Terrell Parker said deputies from the Rankin County Sheriff's Department burst into a home without a warrant. The men said deputies beat them, assaulted them with a sex toy and shocked them repeatedly with Tasers in a roughly 90-minute period during the Jan. 24 episode, Jenkins and Parker said.

Jenkins said one of the deputies shoved a gun in his mouth and then fired the weapon, leaving him with serious injuries to his face, tongue and jaw. The Justice Department opened a civil rights investigation into the Rankin County Sheriff's Department after the episode.

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey announced Tuesday that deputies involved in the episode had been fired, and some already resigned. He refused to provide the names of the deputies who were terminated or say how many law enforcement officers were fired. Bailey would not answer additional questions about the episode.

"Due to recent developments, including findings during our internal investigation, those deputies that were still employed by this department have all been terminated," Bailey said at a news conference. "We understand that the alleged actions of these deputies has eroded the public's trust in the department. Rest assured that we will work diligently to restore that trust."

Bailey's announcement also follows an Associated Press investigation that found several deputies who were involved with the episode were also linked to at least four violent encounters with Black men since 2019 that left two dead and another with lasting injuries.

Deputies who were accepted to the sheriff's office's Special Response Team  a tactical unit whose members receive advanced training  were involved in each of the four encounters.

Deputies said the raid was prompted by a report of drug activity at the home. Police and court records obtained by the AP revealed the identities of two deputies at the Jenkins raid: Hunter Elward and Christian Dedmon. It was not immediately clear whether any of the deputies had attorneys who could comment on their behalf.

In a phone interview Tuesday, Jason Dare, an attorney representing the Rankin County Sheriff's Department, said the department knows of five deputies who conducted the Jenkins raid. Jenkins and his attorney have said six deputies were at the home. All five identified by the department were either fired or resigned.

There is no body camera footage of the episode. Records obtained by the AP show that Tasers used by the deputies were turned on, turned off or used dozens of times during a roughly 65-minute period before Jenkins was shot.

Jenkins and Parker also filed a federal civil rights lawsuit and are seeking $400 million in damages. In a statement Tuesday, Malik Shabazz, an attorney representing Jenkins and Parker, celebrated the firing of the officers and called for criminal indictments of deputies by the state attorney general and the Justice Department.

"The firing of the Rankin County Mississippi Sheriff's deputies involved in the torture and shooting of Michael Jenkins and Eddie Parker is a significant action on the path to justice for one of the worst law enforcement tragedies in recent memory," Shabazz said. "Sheriff Bryan Bailey has finally acted after supporting much of the bloodshed that has occurred under his reign in Rankin County."


By Lee Sang-hyun



U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korea's Chairman Kim Jong-un held their historic first summit meeting in Singapore on June 12, 2018, convinced that forging new U.S.-North Korea relations would contribute to the peace and prosperity of the Korean Peninsula and the world. Trump and Kim also recognized that mutual confidence building can help facilitate the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and agreed on the following:



First, the United States and North Korea commit to establishing new U.S.-North Korea relations, in line with the desire of the peoples of both countries for peace and prosperity. Second, the United States and North Korea will work together to build a lasting and stable peace regime on the Korean Peninsula.



Third, reaffirming the April 27, 2018 Panmunjom Declaration, North Korea commits to working toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Fourth, the United States and North Korea commit to the recovery of POW/MIA remains, including the immediate repatriation of those already identified.



On Feb. 27 and 28, 2019, Trump met with Kim for a second bilateral summit in Hanoi, Vietnam. The summit, however, was cut short abruptly in the middle of the second day, and the widely anticipated joint statement between the two leaders was not signed. The primary reason for the failure of the Hanoi summit was a significant mismatch in expectations between the U.S. and North Korea.



Following the collapse of the Hanoi summit, talks between the two Koreas as well as denuclearization negotiations between the U.S. and North Korea came to a complete halt. North Korea perceived that the image of its supreme leader had been seriously damaged, reinforcing its belief that the U.S. and South Korea were untrustworthy negotiators.



Although the leaders of North Korea and the U.S. had a historic face-to-face meeting after years of hostility, North Korea squandered a crucial opportunity to improve U.S.-North Korea relations and advance denuclearization. The fleeting optimism of 2018 quickly disappeared, and North Korea completely changed its course to pursue the survival of its regime through nuclear weapons and missiles.



Since then, North Korea's nuclear doctrine has been evolving in an increasingly dangerous direction. During the 7th meeting of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly in 2022, North Korea announced a new law regarding the use of nuclear weapons. Kim Jong-un declared that North Korea's status as a nuclear power was now irreversible, and that he held the sole authority to decide on the deployment of nuclear weapons. North Korea has been dedicating its efforts to the development of various types of missile systems, including the Hwasong-17 and solid-fuel Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missiles, as well as intermediate-range, short-range and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).



On March 28, 2023, North Korean media reported that Kim personally supervised the weaponization project of nuclear warheads at an undisclosed location. One of the warheads, named Hwasan-31, is compatible with around eight delivery systems, such as missiles or submersible vehicles. Furthermore, on March 24, 2023, North Korea unveiled Haeil, its first-ever nuclear-armed unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV), commonly known as a nuclear torpedo. North Korea claims that the Haeil can be equipped with a Hwasan-31 tactical nuclear warhead. Despite its eventual failure, North Korea attempted to launch a new satellite vehicle called Chollima-1 on May 31 equipped with its first military reconnaissance satellite known as Malligyeong-1.



Most South Koreans think that North Korea's nuclear weapons pose an existential threat to their country. Since North Korea's nuclear threat became visible, the results of public surveys consistently demonstrate support for the development of an independent nuclear weapons capability in South Korea. Currently, the discussed nuclear options include independent nuclear weapons development, the redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons by U.S. Forces Korea and a NATO-style nuclear-sharing agreement.



However, none of these options will likely be realized in the near future. The most realistic option for South Korea is to strengthen U.S. extended deterrence while enhancing its own conventional deterrence capability against North Korea. To achieve this, Seoul and Washington agreed to the Washington Declaration during the April 2023 summit. This declaration established the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG), a bilateral consultative body between South Korea and the United States aimed at strengthening U.S. extended deterrence. As part of this agreement, South Korea commits to complying with Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) norms and giving up its own nuclear weapon development options.



Currently, both inter-Korean and U.S.-North Korea relations are at their lowest point. Moreover, tensions in the Taiwan Strait and on the Korean Peninsula seem to be rising in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In order to overcome the stalemate on the Korean Peninsula, a multi-layered and creative approach is required. In the near future, South Korea should focus on crisis management on the Korean Peninsula and work toward materializing extended deterrence with the U.S. North Korea should not further exacerbate the situation on the Korean Peninsula through additional provocations, such as conducting its seventh nuclear test. Although challenging, the international community, including the U.S. and China, must intensify their efforts to resume denuclearization negotiations with North Korea before it is too late.





Lee Sang-hyun is president of Sejong Institute and a member of Asia-Pacific Leadership Network for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament (APLN). This essay is published in cooperation with the APLN (www.apln.network).








Even as summer temperatures soar and states wrangle with protecting outdoor workers from extreme heat, Texas recently enacted a law that axes city rules mandating water and shade breaks for construction workers.

In state after state, lawmakers and regulators have in recent years declined to require companies to offer their outdoor laborers rest breaks with shade and water. In some cases, legislation failed to gain traction. In others, state regulators decided against action or have taken years to write and release rules.

Heat causes more deaths in the United States each year than any other extreme weather. And in Texas, at least 42 workers died of heat exposure between 2011 and 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, though labor advocates say the number is much higher because other causes are cited in many deaths.

A 2021 investigation by NPR and Columbia Journalism Investigations found nearly 400 workers had died of environmental heat exposure in the previous decade, with Hispanic workers  who make up much of the nations farm and construction workforce  disproportionately affected.

Climate change has brought more days of extreme heat each year on average, and scientists say that number will grow. Yet only three states  California, Oregon and Washington  require heat breaks for outdoor workers. Minnesota has a rule that sets standards for indoor workers, and Colorados heat regulations cover only farmworkers.

The new law in Texas nullifies a slew of local ordinances in an ongoing battle between the conservative Legislature and left-leaning cities such as Austin and Houston. The law, touted as pro-business by supporters, strips local authority in eight codes of law: agriculture, business and commerce, finance, insurance, labor, natural resources, occupations and property. Affected ordinances include rules on matters such as tenant evictions and wage practices.

But one of the laws most significant actions is to nullify ordinances in Austin and Dallas that mandated 10-minute breaks every four hours for construction workers to get water and shade. San Antonio had been considering a similar ordinance; now no city may impose such a rule.

Texas union leaders immediately drew attention to the potential consequences.

Construction is a deadly industry. Whatever the minimum protection is, it can save a life. We are talking about a human right, Ana Gonzalez, deputy director of policy and politics at the Texas AFL-CIO, told the Texas Tribune. We will see more deaths, especially in Texas high temperatures.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, known as OSHA, urges companies to protect workers from heat-related illness, but for now has no federal heat standard. Several labor firms advise companies that they can run astray of OSHAs general duty clause, which tells companies they should protect their workers from a known severe hazard.

Still, many union and migrant advocates have called on states to write more stringent regulations. California laid the basis for worker protections in 2005 with emergency standards, since made permanent and amended, requiring access to shade and water, along with training and emergency response standards.

In 2021, Oregon and Washington state set temporary emergency standards after the heat wave across the Pacific Northwest killed hundreds of people. Oregons have since become permanent; Washington is working on setting permanent rules.

Months after that heat wave, President Joe Biden directed OSHA to begin rulemaking for a federal heat-protection standard. It takes seven years on average to go through the process, and a rule could be stalled depending on who wins the 2024 presidential election.

In Minnesota, where air conditioning is less common than in more southern states, state rules require indoor temperatures to remain below certain levels depending on the intensity of the work.

Other state-based efforts have not become law.

New York legislation that would have required worker protections  including shade and water breaks for outdoor laborers  in extreme weather died in committee earlier this month.

In Nevada, the Senate passed a similar bill after language requiring hourly 10-minute breaks was changed to periods throughout the workday so workers could hydrate, as needed. The bill was last heard in a May committee meeting in the states Assembly.

Bipartisan efforts in Florida to set heat standards for worker safety have failed the past three years, including in the most recent legislative session that ended in May, according to the Miami Herald.

The Virginia Safety and Health Code Board surprised some observers in 2021 by narrowly rejecting proposed heat-safety standards for outdoor laborers just two years after voting unanimously to develop the rules. Opponents cited the potential federal OSHA rule currently being developed.

Maryland passed a bill in 2020 requiring a new rule, but those standards are still being written as business and environmental advocates weigh in. Last November, for example, the Natural Resources Defense Council wrote that the proposed rule was too weak and unenforceable to have much effect.

64% of Americans are now exposed to extreme heat. Here's why that's worrying 64% of Americans are now exposed to extreme heat. Here's why that's worrying Heat waves have become more frequent across major US cities Current heat wave seasons last 49 days longer than they did in the 1960s The average heat wave lasts about 4 days, a day longer than in the 1960s Temperature increases are now more extreme Dehydration and weather-related deaths are on the rise Agriculture and energy: a point of no return Preparation is key to facing extreme temperatures
BISMARCK, N.D.  When North Dakota restricted which bathrooms transgender students can use in public schools and universities this year, the school district in the state's largest city promised to ignore the new rules. A Republican legislator then called for confiscating its state funding, but the law doesn't include that possibility.

The defiance in Fargo shows that it's not exactly clear how bathroom laws will play out in local communities after being enacted in at least 10 states with Republican-controlled legislatures.

In Kansas, GOP state Attorney General Kris Kobach said that his state's new law, which takes effect Saturday, gives schools a legal defense if transgender students argue that it's discriminatory not to let them use facilities in line with their gender identity. Parents and students will be able to sue one another, he said, but the law does not create a right to sue schools.

Even Florida's law, allowing the state to threaten the licenses of educators who don't comply, says a transgender student or staffer must first be asked to leave a restroom and refuse.

Some schools already have gender-neutral bathrooms and changing spaces or allow trans students to use staff restrooms. In others, trans students try to make it through the day without using a restroom.

Advocates for transgender people worry that bullying will increase.

"Especially in smaller towns where, say, that bullying could be really bad because transgender individuals are really misunderstood," said Caedmon Marx, outreach chair for LGBTQ+ advocacy group Dakota OutRight and a 23-year-old nonbinary Bismarck State University student.

While the laws focus mostly on transgender students, critics believe they also encourage harassment of trans adults at work and while they're shopping and eating out  and even harassment of cisgender people, or those whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth.

"By men, I get harassed for going into a women's restroom because people think that  the way I look, the way I dress, they way my hair is  that I'm a man," Kansas state Rep. Susan Ruiz, a Kansas City-area Democrat and a lesbian, said during a debate over the Kansas bathroom measure. "This is going to just open up the doors for that."

North Carolina Republicans enacted a bathroom law in 2016 but rolled it back following protests and economic boycotts. A new wave of anti-LGBTQ+ measures began building in 2020, when Idaho enacted the nation's first law barring transgender athletes from girls and women's sports. State lawmakers across the U.S. considered hundreds of proposals this year.

Supporters argue that bathroom laws protect the privacy of cisgender women and girls. They've also pitched the laws as safety measures, without citing evidence of threats or assaults by transgender people against cisgender women or girls.

In North Dakota, Republican state Rep. Robin Weisz, chair of a committee that handled bathroom legislation, said some lawmakers worried about "being taken over by a radical agenda" on gender identity.

A GOP colleague, state Rep. Bill Tveit, said: "Our whole society is catering to it and encouraging it, and I don't think that that's where we're at, nor should be."

States' laws vary in their sweep. Florida and North Dakota are applying their restrictions to state universities and prisons. Arkansas is making it a misdemeanor for transgender adults to be in any public changing room associated with their gender identities if a minor is present and the purpose is "arousing or gratifying a sexual desire." Kansas' law applies not just to restrooms and locker rooms, but to rape crisis centers, domestic violence shelters, prisons and other detention centers.

State laws also differ in what they say about enforcement.

If an Oklahoma school violates that state's 2022 law, its district can lose 5% of its state funding, though none have so far.

Florida schools and universities must have policies for punishing students who don't comply, and educators who flout the law could risk losing their state licenses. Starting in July 2024, the state attorney general can sue schools that don't comply.

Arkansas mandates a minimum fine of $1,000 for defiant educators, and Iowa residents can file complaints with the state's attorney general. Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma and Tennessee allow private lawsuits against schools.

But laws in Alabama, Kansas, Kentucky and North Dakota don't spell out any enforcement regime.

Transgender, nonbinary and gender-nonconforming people and LGBTQ+ rights advocates predict that states will rely on "vigilante" enforcement by private individuals. Sarah Warbelow, legal director for the Human Rights Campaign, expects lawsuits from people "dedicated to making life impossible for transgender people."

All the laws permit schools and other institutions to make special accommodations for trans students, such as providing gender-neutral bathrooms, so long as they aren't allowed into facilities associated with their gender identities.

In Kansas' largest school district in Wichita, schools already have worked with individual students and their parents to make accommodations. In northeastern Iowa, the Decorah school district sought guidance on what the signs outside its single-use restrooms should say.

"We're following the law," Superintendent Tim Cronin said. "We're not trying to editorialize on any of this."

In Des Moines, Iowa, the school district already had been preparing for a bathroom law for several years, and "the facilities were in place" when the state's law was enacted, spokesperson Phil Roeder said. The Shawnee Mission district in the affluent Kansas suburbs of Kansas City is adding gender-neutral restrooms, too, with most of the work completed.

But in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Al Stone-Gebhardt, an 18-year-old transgender man, recently graduated from a high school that didn't have gender-neutral restrooms. After using the girls restroom during his junior year, he planned to use the nurse's but was turned away the first day of his senior year.

His mother, Erika DuBose, acknowledged "flipping out" when her son texted her about it. She sent an email to school staff that demanded, "HOW DARE YOU DENY MY CHILD THEIR BIOLOGICAL NEEDS?" To avoid using any restroom at school, her son was wasn't eating or drinking much.

The school became more accommodating, they said.

"It is literally putting trans students at risk," Stone-Gebhardt said. "Having to choose between being hydrated and being outed is extremely traumatic and inherently problematic, as well."

Warbelow said states can expect some "civil disobedience."

In the liberal community of Lawrence in northeastern Kansas, the home of the University of Kansas' main campus, the local district attorney declared that she wouldn't prosecute violations of the new state law. Kobach dismissed those comments as meaningless, saying the Kansas law doesn't call for criminal prosecutions.

In Fargo, one of North Dakota's rare politically blue places, the school board backed Superintendent Rupak Gandhi's public statement that, "We will not participate in anything that we think is going to subject students to further discrimination or increase their self-harm."

That prompted Tveit to email fellow state lawmakers, suggesting the district lose its state funding. But North Dakota's Legislature won't be in session again until 2025.

"I think any law that goes into place needs a specific penalty," Tveit said, "because without a specific penalty, then you have this defiance."

Here's how legislation in every state affects trans youth Ranking states from most restrictive to the most protective for trans youth #51. Tennessee #50. Arkansas #49. South Dakota #48. Alabama #47. Mississippi #46. Oklahoma #45. Louisiana #43. Georgia (tie) #43. South Carolina (tie) #42. Texas #41. Missouri #40. Wyoming #39. Arizona #38. Idaho #35. Montana (tie) #35. Nebraska (tie) #35. West Virginia (tie) #33. Florida (tie) #33. North Carolina (tie) #32. Indiana #31. Kansas #30. Ohio #29. Kentucky #28. North Dakota #27. Utah #26. Pennsylvania #25. Iowa #24. Alaska #23. Wisconsin #22. Michigan #21. Delaware #20. Virginia #19. New Hampshire #18. New Mexico #17. Maryland #16. Hawaii #15. Rhode Island #13. Massachusetts (tie) #13. Minnesota (tie) #12. Illinois #10. Washington D.C. (tie) #10. Vermont (tie) #9. Oregon #8. Washington #6. Maine (tie) #6. New Jersey (tie) #5. Connecticut #4. Nevada #3. New York #2. California #1. Colorado Here's how legislation in every state affects trans youth #51. Tennessee #50. Alabama #49. South Dakota #48. Arkansas #47. Oklahoma #46. Mississippi #45. Louisiana #44. South Carolina #43. Texas #42. Georgia #41. Missouri #40. Arizona #39. Wyoming #38. Florida #37. Nebraska #36. Montana #35. Idaho #34. Indiana #33. West Virginia #32. Kansas #31. Kentucky #30. Alaska #29. Ohio #28. North Carolina #27. Utah #26. North Dakota #25. Pennsylvania #24. Iowa #23. Wisconsin #22. Michigan #21. Virginia #20. New Mexico #19. Delaware #18. New Hampshire #17. Maryland #16. Rhode Island #15. Hawaii #14. Minnesota #13. Massachusetts #12. Illinois #11. Washington #10. Oregon #8. Vermont (tie) #8. Washington D.C. (tie) #7. Connecticut #6. New Jersey #5. New York #3. Maine (tie) #3. Nevada (tie) #2. Colorado #1. California
A deal exceeding $800,000 has been finalized with 3M Company to abate the forever chemicals in Camanches drinking water and to compensate the town for the expenses it has already incurred because of the contamination, according to the towns city administrator.

Itll cover those costs and then put money toward the initial portions of getting the two deep wells done, City Administrator Andrew Kida said. So, weve got a really strong agreement.

The eastern Iowa town is among more than a dozen in the state with drinking water that is tainted by perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances  commonly known as PFAS or forever chemicals  that persist indefinitely in the environment and have been tied to cancers and other health ailments.

There have been no federal requirements that force water utilities to limit PFAS concentrations in treated drinking water, but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency expects to finalize maximum contaminant levels for six of the chemicals later this year.

Some cities, such as West Des Moines, have been able to limit or eliminate the presence of the chemicals in drinking water by idling contaminated wells. A solution can be trickier for smaller cities like Camanche, which has about 4,600 residents. Two of its three wells are relatively shallow and contaminated.

However, in Camanches case, the source of the contamination is likely a manufacturer of them, environmental regulators say. 3M Company has a production facility nearby in Illinois, just across the Mississippi River.

The EPA determined that the facility has contaminated the area and the river for decades with PFAS emissions it has released directly into the air or with its wastewater and sludge.

Last year, 3M agreed to mitigate the contamination of water supplies in the area, either by creating alternate sources of water or through treatment.

The company and Camanche have agreed that drilling two new deep wells is the best solution, Kida said. In the meantime, the city has made its only deep, uncontaminated well the primary source of drinking water. It was previously used as a backup source of water during periods of high demand.

Tests of the towns treated drinking water since the switch are pending, Kida said.

We expect that to come back clean, he said.

3M has agreed to front the city $500,000 for its expenses related to the two new wells and to pay whatever costs exceed that figure, Kida said. The company will also pay:

 $300,000 for the work required to refurbish the citys existing deep well, which needed a new pump and beefier electrical service to power it.

 $50,000 for past and future legal fees.

 About $18,000 to pay for a 2021 study commissioned by the city that examined its water supply options.
Iowa gas stations will receive more than $2.5 million to upgrade their pumps to support higher-blend biofuels as part of a federal program.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, a Democratic former governor of Iowa, announced Monday the first $50 million awarded to 59 projects across the country as part of a U.S. Department of Agriculture incentive program to increase the availability of domestic biofuels and provide consumers with more renewable fuel options at the pump.

Vilsack also announced the USDA will begin taking applications for an additional $450 million in July.

The grants aim to lower out-of-pocket costs for transportation fueling and distribution facilities to install and upgrade biofuel-related infrastructure such as pumps, dispensers and storage tanks.

The Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program is a great program in support of retailers and biofuels producers, but the real winners are the consumers who will gain access to lower cost, lower emissions fuels, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw said in a statement.

Ten Iowa stations received funding totaling more than $2.5 million during the initial round of grant funding. The stations are in Van Horne, Carroll, Rockwell City, Baxter, Kalona, Marengo, Chester, Burlington, Waterloo and Cedar Falls.

The grants cover up to 75% or $5 million of total project costs to help facilities convert to higher-blend fuels. To qualify, the fuel blends must be greater than 10% for ethanol and greater than 5% for biodiesel.

For more information, visit the HBIIP website, www.rd.usda.gov/hbiip, the Federal Register or Grants.gov.

Those interested may also register to attend a webinar scheduled for July 6 at 2:30 p.m. Iowa time. Register at zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_3rMoqM6oQKqm_rVcH4FpCA.

REYNOLDS COMPLETES KOSOVO LEG OF TRADE MISSION

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has completed the second leg of her two-week overseas trade mission, stopping in Kosovo before traveling to Israel.

Reynolds previously stopped in Italy, where she met with Italian officials to discuss future trade opportunities and met with Italian owners of Wells Enterprises in Le Mars; SPAL Automotive, which has a sales and distribution center in Ankeny; and Maschio Gaspardo, an agricultural manufacturer with a branch in DeWitt.

While in Kosovo, the governor met with President Vjosa Osmani, the chairman of the Assembly of Kosovo and several ministers to discuss a state partnership with Kosovo and the Iowa National Guard and opportunities for commercial partnerships, Reynolds office said.

Reynolds also attended a meeting with the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo to encourage development of economic and commercial ties between Iowa and Kosovo. The governor also received a key to the city from the Mayor of Pristina Perparim Rama, a Sister City of Des Moines, and renewed a Sister State Agreement between Iowa and Kosovo, the governors office said.

Our special relationship is built on the strong foundation laid by the highly successful security partnership between our state National Guard and the Kosovo Security Force, which continues to flourish to this day, Reynolds said in a statement. In addition to our security relationship, multiple educational and cultural exchanges have given your people a special place in the hearts and minds of Iowans. Fruitful as this relationship has already been, I truly believe the best is yet to come.

Canadian wildfires continue to affect air quality 062723-qc-nws-hazyweather-020a.JPG 062723-qc-nws-hazyweather-007a.JPG 062723-qc-nws-hazyweather-024a.JPG
Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation (27 June 2023)

The Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) have continued their attempts to conduct offensive operations in Krasny Liman, Donetsk and South Donetsk directions during the previous 24 hours.

In Krasny Liman direction, due to skillful and cohesive actions of the Tsentr Group of Forces units two enemy attacks have been repelled.

Aviation and artillery inflicted losses on the 63rd and 67th mechanised brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Chervonaya Dibrova, Chervonopopovka (Lugansk Peoples Republic) and Serebryanka (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

Actions of two sabotage and reconnaissance groups of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been thwarted close to Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk Peoples Republic).

Over 100 Ukrainian troops, four armoured fighting vehicles, three pick-up trucks, D-20 and D-30 howitzers, as well as two Gvozdika self-propelled artillery unit have been eliminated in this direction during the day.

In the Donetsk direction, seven enemy attacks have been successfully repelled in course of the Yug Group of Forces units active defence during the day.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, artillery, and heavy flamethrower systems have eliminated up to 325 Ukrainian troops, one tank, three infantry fighting vehicles, and five motor vehicles during the day.

Apart from that, an ammunition depot of the 110th Mechanised Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has been destroyed close to Avdeevka (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

In South Donetsk direction close to Vremevka salient, three enemy attacks have been repelled due to courageous and cohesive actions of the Vostok Group of Forces units, aviation, artillery, and heavy flamethrower system crews.

In Orekhov tactical direction Russian troops launched strikes to stop a motorised rifle platoon of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, attempting to conduct reconnaissance-in-force, and push Ukrainian troops back to the initial positions.

In addition, actions of one sabotage and reconnaissance group of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been thwarted near Rabotino (Zaporozhye region).

Up to 115 Ukrainian troops, five armoured fighting vehicles, including Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, three pick-up trucks, Msta-B and D-20 howitzers have been neutralised.

In Kupyansk direction, Ground-Attack and Army aviation, as well as artillery of the Zapad Group of Forces inflicted losses on the units of the AFU close to Krasnoye Pervoye, Sinkovka, and Berestovoye (Kharkov region), Novoselovskoye and Stelmakhovka (Lugansk Peoples Republic).

?? Moreover, an ammunition depot of the 60th Mechanised Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces was destroyed close to Ogurtsovo (Kharkov region).

More than 30 Ukrainian troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, two motor vehicles, a D-20 howitzer, and a U.S.-made AN/TPQ-36 counter-battery radar station have been destroyed during the day.

In Kherson direction, up to 30 Ukrainian troops, three motor vehicles, and one Akatsiya self-propelled howitzer have been destroyed over the past 24 hours.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Group of Forces have engaged 89 AFU artillery units at their firing positions, manpower, and military hardware in 112 areas during the day.

A communication centre of the 110th Mechanised Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has been destroyed close to Avdeevka (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

A command post of the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was eliminated close to Vyemka (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

Russian air defence forces have intercepted two HIMARS MLRS projectiles during the day.

In addition, six unmanned aerial vehicles were destroyed during the day in the areas of Verknekamenka (Lugansk Peoples Republic), Mirnoe and Pshenichnoye (Zaporozhye region).

In total, 444 airplanes and 240 helicopters, 4,804 unmanned aerial vehicles, 426 air defence missile systems, 10,371 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,131 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 5,246 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 11,213 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation.

WtR
The French came to the Portage area 350 years ago. Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet portaged at what is now Portage, en route to exploring and mapping the upper Mississippi.

More French came: fur trappers, missionaries, merchants, and more. A French-Canadian named Francoi Barabeau set up a trading post at the mouth of a nearby river in 1749. The river, and the town that sprang from Barabeaus settlement, became known as Baraboo. The first European permanent settlers in Portage were French.

The spirit of the French-Metis still resides in the area and will be celebrated soon at Portages Historic Indian Agency House, located at 1490 Agency House Road.

On Saturday, July 22, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the organization is celebrating French-Metis Cultural Arts Day. It will be a showcase of dancing and demonstrations; music and merriment.

The Historic Indian Agency House was home to the Kinzie family some 200 years ago. In October 1830, Juliette Kinzie found herself ascending the winding Fox River to the portage after having married the new Fort Winnebago Indian Agent, said Historic Indian Agency House director Adam Novey. She wrote of her excitement as she passed through foreign lands and interacting with people foreign to her. Novey said, it placed her on a winding path through the complexities of the cultures surrounding her, each with its own creative traditions: Ho-Chunk families, French voyageurs, the Metis, Euro-American and Black settlers, and others with distinctive ethnicities of their own.

The Historic Indian Agency House will highlight some of these distinct cultures throughout the summer.

The French-Metis event has numerous offerings for attendees. At 11 a.m. there will be a live Metis step-dancing performance by Danielle Enblom, of the Step Collective and the Bad Neighbors Rhythm Project. Enblom is of Red River Metis and Quebecois ancestry.

At 2 p.m. there will be a French-Metis fiddling performance by Pierre Jacques Pleau. The artistic director of the North Star Theater Company in Minnesota, he has French-Canadian roots.

Visitors will also learn about the lives of French voyageurs with Mary Ellen Weller-Smith, a scholar and author of the book Frances Anne Hopkins: Hudsons Bay Company Wife, Voyageurs Artist.

On National Prairie Day, locals reintroducing plants to landscape National Prairie Day is June 3. Locals are doing their best to reintroduce native prairies to Wisconsin's landscape.

Guests will also learn about the French fur trade, learn about clothing and crafts of the era, have hands-on experiences with birchback canoes, discover what life was like in a French fur trade post, try fiddle playing and finger weaving, and much more.

Novey said, Were excited to take visitors back in time to experience some of what Mrs. Kinzie witnessed firsthand nearly 200 years ago.

There will be beaucoup things to do at the event which is free. For more information, visit wwww.agencyhouse.org.

GALLERY: Historical reenactments at Agency House, Surgeons Quarters in Portage Wisconsin Territory Day at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Wisconsin Territory Day at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Wisconsin Territory Day at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Wisconsin Territory Day at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Wisconsin Territory Day at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Wisconsin Territory Day at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Wisconsin Territory Day at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Wisconsin Territory Day at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Wisconsin Territory Day at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Wisconsin Territory Day at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Wisconsin Territory Day at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Wisconsin Territory Day at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Wisconsin Territory Day at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Wisconsin Territory Day at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Wisconsin Territory Day at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Wisconsin Territory Day at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Wisconsin Territory Day at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Wisconsin Territory Day at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Wisconsin Territory Day at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Wisconsin Territory Day at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Wisconsin Territory Day at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House Wisconsin Territory Day at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Wisconsin Territory Day at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Wisconsin Territory Day at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Wisconsin Territory Day at Fort Winnebago Surgeons Quarters Historical reenactment at Indian Agency House
Thirteen residents of Juneau County, including some officials, celebrated the completion of a nearly year-long program designed to boost their leadership skills.

The Juneau County Leadership Program held its graduation on June 21 in New Lisbon with a bonfire celebration at Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center on the outskirts of Wisconsin Dells.

Participants spent 10 months touring different destinations, including Upham Woods, to learn about state and local government, agriculture, business, and the countys natural areas.

Jessica Bilski, the programs facilitator, said that the program helps people from a wide array of professional backgrounds, such as financial, hospitality, education, and real estate industries, among others.

They all come together and we have 10 sessions, said Bilski. We start here at Upham Woods in September, and then once a month, we meet for a whole day.

She said that participants in the program learn about leadership through examples. The enrollees learn about Juneau County through visits to the State Capitol in Madison to speak with state Rep. Tony Kurtz and lobbyists and visits to cranberry marshes and dairy farms.

We just learn about how our county works and all the people who are doing all the things that make it work and make everything run, and along the way, they learn leadership skills from those people, said Bilski.

Josh Wood, a Sparta resident and banker in Juneau County, said that the program showed him how much reach a business or dairy farm can have, no matter how small it may seem. He also learned how access to state government officials is easier through such programs.

Bilski added that past graduates from JCLP have received promotions at their jobs and experienced better professional relationships. A few county employers have paid the $550 fee for employees to go through the program, according to Bilski.

One of the 2023 graduates is county Emergency Management Director Jeremy Bonikowske.

It was a challenge to be a new county employee, but also try to understand the county a little bit further, said Bonikowske. I knew getting into the program that it would help me understand Juneau County more as a whole and build that networking, build relationships with folks along the way.

Bonikowske also said that the program showed him work behind the scenes that helps the countys operations. He discussed how the program demonstrated area manufacturing, food production, and better understanding of county government.

Theres just so much that actually happening within the county, said Bonikowske.

Paige Hyer, a bank employee and Elroy native, said in her overview of the program that being involved helped me grow as a leader both professionally and personally. The sessions grew her understanding of industry and the overall economy of Juneau County, as well as its services.

We did some really fun team-building activities to get to know each other, said Hyer after graduating.

She added that the program helped her and other graduates better understand personalities and how they can blend together to create better teamwork. Graduates talked to municipality officials and county board members as well, according to Hyer.

Another graduate, Beth Mulderink, a Reedsburg resident who works for Juneau County, said that school and county courthouse officials also were involved with the program. She said that each monthly session allowed her to increase her networking, resources, and knowledge of county leaders, their roles, and methods.

Other graduates of the program include Necedah residents Samantha Bodi and Aubree Cattron, Mauston residents Tiara Hoffman, Amber Rasmussen, and Chelsey Turpin, and New Lisbon realtor Katie Pfaff.

More information on JCLP, including applications and fees for various services, is on the programs website.
Nine months ahead of the 2024 Republican primary in Wisconsin, former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis are tied in the GOP contest, a Marquette Law School Poll released Wednesday shows.

Trump is the top choice of 31% of GOP voters, while 30% of Wisconsinites prefer DeSantis, putting the contest well within the polls margin of error. No other GOP candidate had more than 6% support, and 21% of respondents havent decided on a favorite.

But given the choice of only DeSantis or Trump, 57% chose the Florida governor and 41% chose the former president.

The Republican nominee next year is highly expected to be going up against President Joe Biden, whose support from Wisconsinites is slightly increasing, though more Wisconsinites disapprove than approve of him.

In the latest poll, 45% approve of Biden, 53% didnt approve of him and 1% didnt know. Last October, 41% approved of Biden, 54% didnt and 4% didnt know.

In head-to-head contests, the poll indicates that Biden would beat DeSantis 49% to 47%, well within the polls margin of error. But Biden beats Trump 52% to 43%, outside the margin.

Ahead of U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwins 2024 U.S. Senate contest, 40% of Wisconsin voters have favorable opinions of her, 37% view her unfavorably and 22% gave no opinion, a slight uptick from the last poll. Last year, 37% of registered voters had a favorable view of her, 37% voters didnt and 26% didnt have an opinion.

There arent any announced Republican U.S. Senate candidates in Wisconsin, but most registered voters are unfamiliar with the potential contenders, the Marquette poll shows.

Among the potential candidates, 12% of Wisconsinites had a favorable view of U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, 13% had an unfavorable view and 73% had no opinion. Businessman Eric Hovde is viewed favorably by 4% of Wisconsinites, unfavorably by 8% and 85% of respondents had no opinion. For former Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke, 25% had a favorable opinion, 23% had an unfavorable view and 50% had no opinion.

The poll surveyed 913 Wisconsinites registered to vote from June 8 to 13. The poll, which was conducted online and over the phone, has a 4.3% margin of error. The margin of error is 6.5% for questions posed only to Republicans, and 6% to questions posed only to Democrats.

The poll comes as Baldwin appears to be changing her strategy in the U.S. Senate.

Between January 2021 and January 2023, Baldwin voted with Bidens position 95% of the time, a FiveThirtyEight analysis found. Since then, as her election nears and Biden remains unpopular, she has voted with Bidens position 78% of the time.

Tammy Baldwin is out of step with Wisconsin voters on every issue, National Republican Senatorial Committee spokesperson Tate Mitchell said, before seemingly chalking up her recent rightward shift to inconsequential votes.

The issue of abortion is likely to feature heavily on airwaves during both the critical U.S. Senate and presidential contests, and Wisconsinites support for legal abortion is increasing slightly.

In the latest Marquette poll, 32% want abortion legal in all cases, 34% want it legal in most cases, 25% want it illegal in most cases and 6% want it illegal in all cases. Late last year, 27% of respondents wanted abortion legal in all cases, 31% wanted it legal in most cases, 24% wanted it illegal in most cases and 11% wanted it illegal in all cases.

Democratic Gov. Tony Evers popularity has grown from last year. Fifty-seven percent of Wisconsinites registered to vote approved of him, 39% disapproved of him and 4% didnt know. Last October, 46% approved of him, 47% didnt and 6% didnt know.

Forty percent of voters think the state is headed in the right direction, with 57% saying its headed in the wrong track.
A large spongy moth infestation has taken over trees in Ochsner Park, and the city is looking into actions to combat the problem.

Many of the trees at the park have not leaved for the summer months, and nearly all of those trees have spongy moths, formerly known as gypsy moths, rampant throughout. The citys common council discussed the issue with city Parks and Recreation Director Mike Hardy at their biweekly meeting on Tuesday.

The city initially was going to administer emergency treatment to the trees. However, Hardy found out that the infestation was too severe to simply use treatment to combat it, and the city decided not to take action on the proposed resolution.

We discovered that spongy moths really did a number on our trees at Ochsner Park, said Hardy, specifically mentioning oak trees. If youve been down there, its really noticeable.

To get a closer look at the issue, the city has scheduled their Aug. 8 meeting to be at Ochsner Park and start at 6 p.m. instead of the normal 7 p.m. start time.

Local contractors visited the park to evaluate the situation and found that the cost of treatment would be roughly $15,000 and would need to be done before the end of June. Because of the shortened time frame and resulting inability to discuss the idea, Hardy and city administrator Casey Bradley decided to seek continued guidance from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

The DNR did contact us this morning and said, Really, youre kind of on the back end. Its a little bit late to do that treatment, said Hardy at the meeting. They had recommended that spending $15,000 right now really wouldnt be much other than kind of look like youre doing something.

The department then recommended city officials saturate the ground at the park. Hardy said that the warm, dry spring this year allowed the spongy moth population to grow at a fast rate and overpopulate the trees. Baraboo Fire and EMS District members went out to the park on Tuesday to help water the area around the trees, according to Hardy.

Well be doing that as long as this drought continues to make sure that we can keep those trees alive as best we can, said Hardy.

Watering the area around the trees could possibly save a large amount of them from being cut down, according to Hardy. The shortage of moisture this spring caused a lack of growth for fungi, a natural predator of the spongy moth.

If you go down there, some of the trees look really bad, said Bradley. It has really taken its toll. Were going to realistically lose some of the trees down there, which is really unfortunate. When we walk up to some of the trees, these caterpillars are all over them.

In the fall, when we have new egg masses, the sprays will become more effective, said Hardy, proposing that possible treatment be administered after the summer, which could reduce moth populations for 2024.

Hardy added that the treatment resolution be revisited at a fall meeting, which he said gives the Parks and Recreation Department time to speak with the departments commission and the DNR to come up with a more thorough plan. He said that Ochsner Park is the only locale in the city where the department has noticed this problem, and that he will look into grant funding for it.

According to a study by UW-Madison Extension, the spongy moth caterpillars feed on foliage and can cause skin irritation when touched. The repeated defoliation from the larvae weakens trees and makes them more susceptible to other diseases and infestations. Oak, aspen, birch, and willow trees are among their preferred hosts.

When the problem is addressed, trees can recover and produce leaves by July, according to the study. Bradley urged city residents not to touch trees in the park.

Close Sinbad the llama eats hay Tuesday afternoon at Ochsner Park Zoo in Baraboo. The llama, donkey and wolf shelter burned down in a fire of undetermined cause Dec. 14. Ochsner Park Zoo Manager Katie Gries picks up one of the two opossums recently added to the zoo, Ethel, during a visit to their habitat to feed them Thursday. Ethel and Lucy, sitting in the crate, were rescued after their mother was hit and killed by a car and the siblings escaped her pouch before being found. The pair will serve as ambassador animals. An emu peers through its fencing at the Ochsner Park Zoo. Taglu the black bear cub enjoys time in a tree Monday at the Ochsner Park Zoo. Taglu, an orphaned cub from Alaska, arrived at the zoo Friday and had his first day in the exhibit Monday. A wolf roams its pasture Tuesday afternoon at Ochsner Park Zoo in Baraboo. The former llama, donkey and wolf shelter burned down in a fire of undetermined cause Dec. 14. Ochsner Park Zoo Manager Katie Gries holds Lucy, one of two new additions to the zoo, Thursday, while feeding her and sibling Ethel. The pair are rescues who will serve as ambassador animals at the zoo. Taglu, an orphaned black bear cub who arrived Friday from Alaska, enjoys time in a tree Monday on his first day in exhibit at the Ochsner Park Zoo. Apollo, an arctic fox, looks Thursday out of the Ochsner Park Zoo exhibit he now shares with an 11-month-old black bear cub called Miska in Baraboo. Miska, a black bear cub, ventures into her exhibit Thursday afternoon with arctic fox Apollo at Ochsner Park Zoo in Baraboo. GALLERY: Ochsner Park Zoo animals Sinbad the llama eats hay Tuesday afternoon at Ochsner Park Zoo in Baraboo. The llama, donkey and wolf shelter burned down in a fire of undetermined cause Dec. 14. Ochsner Park Zoo Manager Katie Gries picks up one of the two opossums recently added to the zoo, Ethel, during a visit to their habitat to feed them Thursday. Ethel and Lucy, sitting in the crate, were rescued after their mother was hit and killed by a car and the siblings escaped her pouch before being found. The pair will serve as ambassador animals. An emu peers through its fencing at the Ochsner Park Zoo. Taglu the black bear cub enjoys time in a tree Monday at the Ochsner Park Zoo. Taglu, an orphaned cub from Alaska, arrived at the zoo Friday and had his first day in the exhibit Monday. A wolf roams its pasture Tuesday afternoon at Ochsner Park Zoo in Baraboo. The former llama, donkey and wolf shelter burned down in a fire of undetermined cause Dec. 14. Ochsner Park Zoo Manager Katie Gries holds Lucy, one of two new additions to the zoo, Thursday, while feeding her and sibling Ethel. The pair are rescues who will serve as ambassador animals at the zoo. Taglu, an orphaned black bear cub who arrived Friday from Alaska, enjoys time in a tree Monday on his first day in exhibit at the Ochsner Park Zoo. Apollo, an arctic fox, looks Thursday out of the Ochsner Park Zoo exhibit he now shares with an 11-month-old black bear cub called Miska in Baraboo. Miska, a black bear cub, ventures into her exhibit Thursday afternoon with arctic fox Apollo at Ochsner Park Zoo in Baraboo.
Jungsang Kim, co-founder and CTO of IonQ, speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of IonQ



By Baek Byung-yeul



Korea was late to join the quantum computing race, but the sector, which is expected to be a game-changer like the internet and AI, is still in the early stages of development and the country can still get ahead of the curve if it gets the jump on applications that will be used in the next few years, the co-founder of a U.S.-based quantum computing company said Wednesday.



"Korea was definitely a late starter to the basic R&D of quantum computing technology. The United States and Europe started to begin their R&D in the mid-90s while Korea started seven or eight years ago," Jungsang Kim, co-founder and chief technology officer of IonQ, told The Korea Times during an interview in Seoul.



"However, what's more important is to have a proactive vision of the services we'll be using in a few years, when people aren't even thinking about it yet. If Korean companies and researchers think about whether they can be ahead in a few years, I think they can be ahead if they do it with this mindset."



Kim is a prominent figure in quantum computing technology. While working as a computer science professor at Duke University, he became one of the founders of IonQ in 2015. The CTO visited Korea to join the Quantum Korea event held at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul, an event shedding light on the country's quantum computing and technology.



The CEO cited Hyundai Motor as an example of a Korean company that is making good use of quantum computing.



Since last year, IonQ and Hyundai Motor have been collaborating on using quantum computing to design autonomous driving systems more accurately and develop batteries for electric vehicles (EVs).



"EVs rely on the catalysis of batteries. The battery is powered by a lithium-based chemical reaction, which is very complicated to calculate. This is where quantum computers come in. The field of autonomous driving is also utilizing quantum computing to make image recognition more accurate," Kim said.



"In an era of ever-increasing data processing speeds, quantum computing's ability to process unimaginable amounts of data could lead to endless applications."


North Korean leaders promised to annihilate nan enemy, arsenic nan state held monolithic play rallies successful Pyongyang to people nan 73rd day of nan Korean War.

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Detained activist Jimmy Sham, center, leaves a prison van to enter the Court of Final Appeal as Hong Kong's top court hear the activist's last bid to ask for recognition of his New York-registered same-sex marriage in Hong Kong, Wednesday, June 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte)
Haze obscures buildings along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Chicago Wednesday, June 28, 2023. It's not fog that's blanketing the skies across the Chicago area this week  it's haze from Canadian wildfires, which, along with higher ozone levels is continuing to create low visibility conditions and lead to Air Quality Alerts throughout the area. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
A logistics center planned to be built in the United States by CJ Logistics and the Korea Ocean Business Corporation is seen in this June 28 photo provided by CJ Logistics. Yonhap



CJ Logistics, a major Korean logistics company, said Wednesday it will invest 600 billion won ($460.3 million), along with the Korea Ocean Business Corp. (KOBC), to build three new logistics centers in the United States by 2027.



CJ Logistics and the KOBC signed a memorandum of agreement for what they call the "North America project" at the logistics company's U.S. branch office in Illinois last week.



Under the project, the centers will be built near the distribution hubs of Chicago and New York owned by CJ Logistics America  Elwood and Des Plaines in Illinois and Secaucus in New Jersey. The centers will be built on a total of 360,000 square meters of land.



Elwood is adjacent to the terminals of BNSF and Union Pacific, the largest freight railroad companies in the U.S.; Des Plaines is located near O'Hare International Airport, the largest freight airport in the country; and Secaucus is close to New York Harbor and JFK Airport, according to CJ Logistics.



CJ Logistics plans to sign an investment commitment agreement with the KOBC in the third quarter to commence construction early next year and open the new centers in order from 2026 to 2027.



The company said the upcoming centers will prioritize distributing Korean companies' cargo and e-commerce goods to support their business expansion in the U.S.



The centers will also be equipped with advanced distribution technologies, including autonomous mobile robots, autonomous forklifts and a smart packaging system.



CJ Logistics also said the project is expected to create around 500 permanent jobs in the areas and contribute to the strengthening of the economic alliance between Seoul and Washington.



"We are committed to supporting Korean companies and e-commerce sellers as they enter the U.S. market. By utilizing our cutting-edge logistics infrastructure and operational capabilities, we aim to expand the K-Wave into the business sector," CJ Logistics CEO Kang Sin-ho said.



Kim Yang-soo, the head of KOBC, also said, "The construction of logistics hubs in the U.S. will enhance the competitiveness of Korea's global supply chain and create value-added supply chain services through integration with maritime logistics."



CJ Logistics currently operates 57 logistics centers across the U.S. (Yonhap)


Sunshine, world-class wine, and landscapes that rival the Tuscan countrysideCalifornia wineries have it all.

Now, imagine enjoying this experience without the looming thought of having to drive back home after your tasting. Sound like a dream? Were here to tell you it can be a reality.

While not super common, a number of wineries across the state offer accommodations on site, from hotel suites to spacious guesthouses to charming cottages. Picture yourself waking up to the sun rising over the vineyards, and then spending the day sipping exquisite wines knowing that your cozy sanctuary is mere steps away.

Weve found the best winery stays throughout California's most sought-after wine regions, from the renowned vineyards of Napa to the the sun-drenched Temecula Valley to the charming hills of Paso Robles. With no need to worry about the voyage home, you can book a stay and raise a glass (or maybe even four) to the good life.

Meritage Resort and Spa | Napa Balcony views at the Meritage Resort and Spa. (Courtesy of Meritage) The Meritage is a lot of things, combining a hotel and a winery with multiple restaurants, bars, and wine tasting experiences in one vast compound. Situated on a private nine-acre vineyard operated by Trinitas Cellars, Meritage offers the opportunity to indulge in signature wines at the private tasting room and to stroll through the vineyards with your furry friends (pets are welcome)grab goods to go from Fivetown Grocery for a perfect picnic spread. For a more guided experience, join a 1.5-mile Saturday morning hike, or pop into a Sunday morning yoga session on the vineyard deck. At the heart of the Meritage lies The Village, an expansive lawn encircled by tasting rooms from Napa Valley boutique wineries including Gen 7 Wines and Anarchist Wine Co. // 875 Bordeaux Way (Napa), meritageresort.com



Four Seasons Napa | Calistoga A Four Seasons resort set on a working winery? Hand us a glass. Opened in 2021, the Calistoga hotel is one of the most luxurious in Wine Country. You've got all the amenities you'd expect from a Four Seasons, plus the prime perk of the onsite Elusa Winery, led by famed Napa winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, who lives nearby. A decade in the making, Elusa specializes in cabernet sauvignon, organically farmed on the nearly five acres of fields that you can see from every room. Wake up to sunrises over the vines, visit the tasting room, take a dip in the heated pool, book a treatment at the spa, and dine at the two on-site restaurants. // 400 Silverado Trail N. (Calistoga), fourseasons.com/napavalley



Geneseo Inn | Paso Robles Shipping containers dont necessarily scream comfort, but the folks at Cass Winery have pulled it off with their new on-site inn. The eight industrial guest suites are elevated above 145 acres of rolling vineyards for a stunning view, and each is outfitted with modern interiors and finishes. Start your day with complimentary breakfast before adventures including yoga, electric bike rides, archery classes, olive oil tastings, trail rides and, of course, lots of wine. Go for a tasting or sip and swirl during a sommelier-led class. // 7350 Linne Rd., (Paso Robles), casswines.com/stay



Halleck Vineyard | Sebastopol Seats by the fire pit at Halleck's wine lodge. (Courtesy of Halleck Vineyard) Situated in the foggy hills of Sebastopol, Halleck Vineyard was the first in the region, planted in 1993, and is renowned for its Sonoma Coast pinot noir. Unlike traditional settings, wine tastings here take place in the Halleck family home, so expect to receive unparalleled insight into the unique character of their single vineyard wines. If you care to stay the night, there is a charming one-bedroom cedar cottage with peaceful views of the private forest. The spacious guest house has some impressive features, including a wood-burning Finnish sauna, an inviting deck with a hot and cold plunge, and a fire pit overlooking the vineyard (plus, fast WiFi for those looking to get some work in.) Join the Inner Circle Wine Club to receive a free night each year plus shipments of their award-winning wine. // 3785 Burnside Rd. (Sebastopol), halleckvineyard.com



South Coast Winery Resort & Spa | Temecula If youre looking for a winery stay where its nearly always hot enough to sit by the pool, South Coast in Temecula is for you. Situated on 38 working-vineyard acres, this full-service resort has a spa, comfortable rooms with soaking tubs and gas fireplaces (many have patios with direct access to the vineyards), and an on-site Californian restaurant, The Vineyard Rose. At the Grapeseed Spa, find a heated saltwater pool overlooking the vines. Of course, make time to taste the wines that are 100 percent estate grown and certified sustainable. // 34843 Rancho California Rd. (Temecula), southcoastwinery.com



Jordan Winery | Healdsburg Get ready for an epic grape-to-glass experience at Jordan Winery, an iconic property, built in the 1970s, that happens to offer one of the finest overnight experiences in Wine Country. Three French-style guest suites are located on the second story of the Jordan chateau. In addition to vineyard views, each sumptuous space has a king bed with designer linens, a plush sitting area, and a fireplace. The catch: You need to be a wine club member to gain access to the guest suites. But, trust us, membership at Jordan comes with serious privileges. All overnight stays include complimentary transportation to and from Healdsburg for dinner. // 1474 Alexander Valley Rd. (Healdsburg), jordanwinery.com

Huttopia Wine Country | Lake County A glamping tent at Huttopia Wine Country. Courtesy of Huttopia) Level up your family camping trip at Huttopia Wine Country. Opened just this summer, the new glamping destination in Lake County is the sixth North American location for the family-owned French company. Located on the 4,300-acre Six Sigma Ranch and Winery, one- and two-bedroom tents are thoughtfully placed around the grounds for optimal privacy and views. The camp is full of amenities and activities. Enjoy freshly made meals from the Airstream food truck, cool off in the inviting pool, enjoy live music and games, explore miles of trails by foot or electric mountain bike, and indulge in Six Sigma wines at the ranch's tasting room. // 13444 Spruce Grove Rd (Lower Lake), huttopia.com

Chateau de Vie | Calistoga Located just north of Calistoga, Chateau de Vie isnt your average bed and breakfast. The cozy farmhouse set on a vineyard has a level of hospitality expected at the finest resorts. All rooms are stocked with robes, sandals ,and plush linens. Best of all, every accommodation features Tuscan-esque landscapes within a working Napa winery. Indulge in complimentary breakfast served on the deck, on-site wine tastings, and a heated lap pool. After a day of exploring, come back to your retreat to enjoy free cheese plates served on the back patio. // 3250 CA-128 (Calistoga), cdvnapavalley.com



Allegretto Vineyard Resort | Paso Robles European villa meets California winewe may have found the perfect pairing. Allegrettos Mediterranean-inspired architecture, meticulously manicured courtyards, and general sense of grandeur will leave you feeling like youre vacationing in Italy. With vineyards sprawling across the estate, wine enthusiasts find themselves in an oenophile's paradise. With 170 rooms and suites, the resort offers a variety of tasting experiences that let guests sample the award-winning wines produced on-site. Beyond the vineyards, Allegretto features a spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, walking trails, and Cello Ristorante & Bar. // 2700 Buena Vista Dr. (Paso Robles), allegrettovineyardresort.com
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Malibu, CA, June 28, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Join Ellis Martin for a conversation with Christopher Taylor, the Chairman and Founder of Kodiak Copper Corp ( CVE:KDK ) ( KDKCF:OTCMKTS ).



He is a structural and economic geologist with more than 20 years of industry and research experience with both mid-tier producer and junior exploration companies. He is also the founder, CEO & President of Great Bear Resources, which made a district-scale gold discovery in Canada and was taken over by Kinross Gold for $1.8bn.



He's also former geologist with Imperial Metals exploring for copper porphyries in North America. Kodiak Copper's most advanced asset is the 100% owned MPD copper-gold porphyry project in the prolific Quesnel Trough in southern British Columbia, Canada, where the Kodiak made a discovery of high-grade mineralization in 2020 at the Gate Zone, which has since been expanded to considerable size.



MPD has all the hallmarks of a district-scale, multi-centered porphyry system with several targets with similar signatures to the Gate Zone yet to be tested, and multiple new targets being generated across the project. 2022 saw the discovery of a parallel porphyry trend at the nearby Prime Zone adding further upside and size potential to the Gate Zone, and the discovery of the Beyer Zone, a new high-grade gold-silver zone.



With a lot more potential to be unlocked at MPD, Kodiak is looking forward to continuing its disciplined and systematic approach to exploration to generate value for shareholders through discovery success. In today's segment we take a look at what drives Chris' passion about the MPD Project along with his thoughts regarding taking the company forward prepping for a host of eventualities.



To listen to the Interview, please visit:

https://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/SBBM3PPQ





About Kodiak Copper Corp.



Kodiak Copper Corp. (CVE:KDK) (OTCMKTS:KDKCF) is focused on its portfolio of 100% owned copper porphyry projects in Canada and the USA.



The Company's most advanced asset is the MPD copper-gold porphyry project in the prolific Quesnel Trough in southern British Columbia, Canada, where in 2020 the Company made a high-grade discovery at the Gate Zone, which is part of a zoned, copper-gold enriched envelope of significant size.



Kodiak also holds the Mohave copper-molybdenum-silver porphyry project in Arizona, USA, near the world-class Bagdad mine. Both of Kodiak's porphyry projects have been historically drilled and present known mineral discoveries with the potential to hold large-scale deposits.



The Company's Kahuna diamond project in Nunavut, Canada, hosts a high-grade, near surface inferred diamond resource and numerous kimberlite pipe targets. Kodiak is considering strategic options for the Kahuna project.

About The Ellis Martin Report

The Ellis Martin Report (TEMR) is an internet based radio program showcasing potentially undervalued companies to an audience of potential retail investors and fund managers that comprise our listening audience. TEMR is broadcasted on the VoiceAmerica Business Channel and The Opportunity Radio Network. CEO and company interviews are paid for by those represented on the program.
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The Duchess of York almost called off her mammogram appointment, which led to her breast cancer diagnosis, because she didn't want to take a trip on a 'hot day.'

Jun 28, 2023

AceShowbiz - Sarah Ferguson nearly axed the routine mammogram appointment that led to her breast cancer diagnosis. The Duchess of York, 63, was announced at the weekend to have been diagnosed with the disease but has since undergone a mastectomy.

However, because she didn't feel like the journey on a "hot day," the charity spokesperson - who has been helping cancer patients and children for years and has been a patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust since 1990 and also founded Children in Crisis and Sarah's Trust - has admitted she was going to put off her appointment.

"It was after a bank holiday, and I live in this area - in the Windsor area - and it was a hot day, and I didn't feel like going to London. It's easy to put it off - 'I'll do it next week,' " Sarah recalled on an episode of her "Tea Talks with the Duchess and Sarah" podcast, which was uploaded just after the diagnosis was made public.

Fortunately, her sister, Jane Ferguson Luedecke, persuaded her to go. She continued, "I always normally do what she says because she gets so cranky. She said, 'No, go. I need you to go. I need you to go.' "

A small shadow was detected by the mammogram and if she hadn't gone, she would have delayed the immediate attention it needed. Sarah said, "Had it not been for that extraordinary, they put an injection in you, contrast and it shows the contrast, and it shows them where to go, if I hadn't had done that  it was only a shadow. They wouldn't have found out that it needs to be immediately sorted."

Sarah - who was reminded of her late father Ronald's battle with prostate cancer - is trying to remain positive. She added, "I'm taking this as a real gift to me to change my life, to nurture myself," she said. "To stop trying to fix everyone else."

And she has vowed to get "super fit" as part of her recovery. Her long-time friend Piers Morgan, 58, said moments after he read the news that Sarah had cancer that he texted her and she replied, "Time to heal and nurture me now!" The former "America's Got Talent" judge added that Sarah also said, "Hopefully caught in time x thank you."

Piers revealed the texts in his column for The Sun on Monday, June 26 night, in which he added about Sarah's vow to look after herself in the wake of surgery, "It was the first time I'd ever heard her speak about the need to put herself before others, and it took a life-threatening moment to do it."

"It's typical of her to instantly try to turn such a negative experience into a positive, but very untypical of her to suspend her astoundingly selfless instincts and focus instead on helping herself. I'm very glad she is though, because the world's a better place with a healthy vibrant Sarah Ferguson in it."

"She's one of my favourite people; incredibly kind and empathetic, absurdly generous, endearingly modest, hilariously fun-loving, and ferociously loyal. Yes, she's flawed and prone to dropping massive clangers, but so are all my favourite people."

Sarah said on "Tea Talks", "Tomorrow I'm going in for a mastectomy... I have to go through this operation, and I have to be well and strong. And therefore, no choice is the best choice. I'm going to go out there and get super, super well - super strong."

Sarah - who has daughters Princess Beatrice, 34, and Princess Eugenie, 33, with her 63-year-old former husband Prince Andrew - added how she was grateful for her diagnosis as it has forced her to focus on herself instead of other people. She said, "I taking this as a gift to make real changes for myself and to nurture myself and stop trying to fix everyone else."

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Vanity Fair Magazine/Alasdair McLellan Movie

The 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny' actress has debunked report suggesting that she has been entrusted to sit behind the lens for the upcoming 007 movie.

Jun 28, 2023

AceShowbiz - Phoebe Waller-Bridge has dismissed reports suggesting she is set to direct the next James Bond film. The "Fleabag" creator is aware of the rumour that she is being lined up to helm the next movie in the 007 franchise, which will mark the first film since Daniel Craig, 55, bowed out as the suave spy in 2021's "No Time to Die".

"My mum sent me that rumour too," she reacted in an interview for the July/August issue of Vanity Fair magazine - of which she is the cover star. She then quipped, "So the obvious leap is James Bond."

Screenwriter and actress Phoebe, 37, noted that she has only ever directed a music video. However, she did submit original ideas for "No Time to Die" script. Phoebe's submissions for the flick were ultimately rejected for being "too camp."

The star was drafted in to "tweak" the script for the blockbuster but admitted that a lack of preparation meant that several of her early suggestions were turned down by Bond bosses. Phoebe told acting students at a talk at London's Haymarket Theatre earlier this year, "I should naturally have done a lot of Bond research... I didn't do a huge amount of research for it. I'm not very good at homework. That says a lot. Sometimes it is frustrating when you say, 'I think this is genius', and they are like, 'Next time.' "

Her latest role [Helena Shaw] was in "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" alongside Harrison Ford in the titular role. And while she has claimed her character won't be replacing the Hollywood legend's iconic part, he has tipped her to become a huge movie star.

She told the publication, "There's no replacing Indiana Jones in any way. But I feel like the character herself - she did feel fresh on the page, and there is a sense of, is there room in the world for someone like this?"

And the 80-year-old star said, "She's certainly capable of being a movie star. It's a question of whether or not she wants to endure that responsibility. Whatever it is that we think she should do, she'll have a better idea. She's sitting on top of the pile right now."

Elsewhere, Phoebe explained that she decided to walk away from the Amazon series "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" because she didn't want to get in the way of the "vision." However, the studio has been supportive, even though she is under two contracts with them and hasn't delivered anything since "Fleabag", which had two series in 2016 and 2019.

Phoebe - who would have starred alongside 39-year-old Donald Glover - said, "I worked on that show for six months fully in heart and mind and really cared about it - still care about it. And I know it's gonna be brilliant. But sometimes it's about knowing when to leave the party. You don't want to get in the way of a vision. And some marriages don't work out."

The Emmy-winning star insists a project needs to have a feeling of "danger" about it for her to be involved. She said, "Happy to be called creatively controlling. What I look for in something is that little bit of electricity, of danger or saying something, doing something that hasn't been done before. If I don't feel that, I can plow and plow and plow, I just won't make it. They've been with me along this process where I'm like, 'I'm getting there, but I want it to be f****** amazing.' "

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The local sheriff's department has confirmed the body found in the Mount Baldy area of California on Saturday, June 24 was that of the 65-year-old actor.

Jun 28, 2023

AceShowbiz - Julian Sands has been confirmed dead. The local sheriff's department has confirmed that the human remains that civilian encounters found at the site on Saturday, June 24 was that of the 65-year-old actor, who was last seen in the Mount Baldy area of California on 13 January.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said in an update on Tuesday, June 27, "The identification process for the body located on Mt. Baldy on June 24, 2023, has been completed and was positively identified as 65-year-old Julian Sands of North Hollywood. The manner of death is still under investigation, pending further test results. We would like to extend our gratitude to all the volunteers that worked tirelessly to locate Mr. Sands."

The "A Room with a View" star is survived by wife, Eugenia Citkowitz, and their daughters Imogen Morley, 26, and Natalya Morley, 23, and his 37-year-old son Henry from his marriage to Sarah Sands. Julian, who was a keen hiker and mountaineer, was reported missing after he failed to return home from walking in the Mount Baldy area.

Since then, eight searches by ground and air have taken place to look for the "Leaving Las Vegas" actor but have been hindered by poor conditions in the area and were even halted in March due to the risk of avalanches.

As recently as 17 June, 80 search and rescue volunteers, deputies and staff, as well as two helicopters and drone crews, set out to look for Julian. The sheriff's department said in a statement at the time, "Despite the recent warmer weather, portions of the mountain remain inaccessible due to extreme alpine conditions," the sheriff's department said in a statement at the time. "Multiple areas include steep terrain and ravines, which still have 10-plus feet of ice and snow."

Last week, the "24" actor's family said they continued to keep him "in our hearts with bright memories". They added in a statement, "We are deeply grateful to the search teams and co-ordinators who have worked tirelessly to find Julian. We continue to hold Julian in our hearts with bright memories of him as a wonderful father, husband, explorer, lover of the natural world and the arts, and as an original and collaborative performer."

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POSCO Group Chairman Choi Jeong-woo, front row fourth from left, poses with workers at the construction site for a cathode materials plant in the Canadian province of Quebec, June 21. Courtesy of POSCO Group



By Park Jae-hyuk



POSCO Group Chairman Choi Jeong-woo recently visited New York and Detroit, as well as the Canadian province of Quebec, to seek the cooperation of investors and businesspeople there, specifically in the rechargeable battery materials industry, the company said Wednesday.



During the first two days of this week, he met with Wall Street investors from JPMorgan Chase, AllianceBernstein and Westwood Global Investments to introduce POSCO Group's businesses and growth plan for the future.



In particular, the chairman told JPMorgan Chief Operating Officer Daniel Pinto about POSCO Holdings' saltwater lithium commercialization plant in Argentina, which will begin operation in 2024 so that the group can establish a full value chain for rechargeable battery materials.



Choi also visited Detroit last Wednesday to talk with top executives of an undisclosed global carmaker about potential cooperation on rechargeable battery materials, in addition to their ongoing cooperation in steelmaking.



Although POSCO Group did not disclose the identity of the global carmaker, the chairman reportedly had a closed-door meeting in the U.S. last week with Ford CEO Jim Farley, who visited POSCO Center in Seoul last October. POSCO Future M CEO Kim Jun-hyung is also said to have participated in their recent meeting.



In Canada, Choi met with Quebec Premier Francois Legault to ask for support for the Korean firm's operations there. The chairman also encouraged workers who are building a cathode materials plant jointly for POSCO Future M and General Motors in the province.





POSCO Group Chairman Choi Jeong-woo speaks during the Global Steel Dynamics Forum in New York, Tuesday. Courtesy of POSCO Group
Cover Images/ROGER WONG Celebrity

The 'Barbie World' raptress defends a Chicago teen after he fatally shot a 32-year-old man who repeatedly hitting his mother in the head, hailing him as a 'true hero.'

Jun 28, 2023

AceShowbiz - Nicki Minaj has shown her support for a Chicago teen who shot and killed a man to defend his mother. Apparently moved by the headlines about the viral case, the Harajuku Barbie has offered financial help to the 14-year-old boy for his future education.

The "Anaconda" hitmaker took to her Instagram Story on Tuesday, June 27 to weigh in on the matter. "That 14-year-old boy that backed dat hammer out when that grown a** man was punching his mother in the face as if she were a MAN; is a true hero," she hailed the teen.

She continued, "If he wants to go to college, I'd love to help," before justifying the teen's action, "It's what ANY son should've done for their MOTHER. She raised a dope kid & should be so proud."

"Also, God knew b4 she knew; that she'd be attacked that day & made sure they had protection on DECK," the Trinidadian-born star added, before concluding her statement, "God is GOOD."

The unnamed teen and his mother Carlishia Hood were charged with first-degree murder after the boy shot and killed 32-year-old Jeremy Brown on June 18 at a restaurant. A viral video showed an argument ensued between Carlishia and Jeremy inside the restaurant and Jeremy was filmed repeatedly punching Carlishia in the head.

The teen then entered the restaurant from outside and opened fire on Jeremy. Jeremy then fled, but Carlishia ordered her son to finish the job and continue shooting outside, cops alleged. Jeremy died from gunshot wounds.

Prosecutors later dropped all the charges against the mother and son, saying they didn't have enough evidence to proceed with a prosecution. "Based upon the facts, evidence, and the law we are unable to meet our burden of proof in the prosecution of these cases," the State Attorney's office said via a statement.

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The 31-year-old actor/musician fails to go incognito when he bumps into a gaggle of Swifties outside Electric Lady Studios in Manhattan, where the pop superstar has been re-recording her first six albums.

Jun 28, 2023

AceShowbiz - Social media has been brewing with speculation about a possible connection between Taylor Swift and Joe Keery following an unexpected sighting. Fans have gone wild after the 12-time Grammy winner and the actor/musician were spotted hitting the same music studio.

On Monday, June 27, the "Stranger Things" star bumped right into a gaggle of Swifties when he exited Electric Lady Studios in Manhattan's Greenwich Village. He seemingly tried to go incognito in a black Nike ball cap, brown sunglasses and stubble, but he failed to hide his identity.

Swifties immediately recognized him and he sweetly obliged some of the young ladies to take pictures. The SAG winner took off his hat, unveiling his signature voluminous locks as he strolled down the New York City sidewalk in a black blazer.

The 31-year-old, who releases music under the stage name Djo, later ditched the jacket and just rocked a classic white T-shirt and blue jeans with black loafers. He kept his keys on the hook near his pocket and toted a black bag featuring a white stick figure design while wearing AirPods in his ears.

While Splash News published the pictures with a caption that read, "Actor Joe Keery Exits Taylor Swift Studio Session and Stops for Taylor Swift Fans at El Studios," it's actually unclear if Joe was collaborating with Taylor or simply visiting her in the studio.

The "Anti-Hero" songstress herself was not photographed during her supposed studio session that day, but she was spotted entering the studio on Tuesday afternoon. She has reportedly been re-recording her first six albums there.

Needless to say, fans have been speculating about the status of Taylor and Joe's relationship. "Trying to move on with my day like I haven't seen rumors that Joe Keery was leaving a Taylor Swift studio session," one Twitter user reacted to the photos.

"Why is Joe Keery with Taylor in the studio...," another fan asked. A third remarked, "JOE KEERY LEAVING TAYLOR SWIFTS STUDIO IN NY?????????? IM BEING SERIOUS RN." A shocked user exclaimed, "WTF WTF OMG????!!!!!! HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO BE NORMAL ABOUT THIS."

Another speculated that a collaboration between these two stars could be on the way, writing, "I feel like there maybe could be a collab between @taylorswift13 & @joe_keery (#Djo). MAYBE!!!"

Some of Joe's fans, meanwhile, have preemptively warned potential haters over his supposed relationship with Taylor. "You're allowed to be mean to any man ever except joe keery because it's joe keery and if u say one bad thing about him i will hunt u down like i'm so serious," someone said. Another reminded, "y'all wouldn't dare talk more s**t about joe keery bcs there's thousands of annoying b***hes on this app that will defend him with their lives (it's me im b***hes)."

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Having often opted for revealing outfits, the 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' alums are accused of copying Lionel Richie's daughter's style with their Paris outfits.

Jun 28, 2023

AceShowbiz - Kylie Jenner and Kendall Jenner have been trolled by social media users over their latest fashion choice. Having often posted thirst traps on social media, the series regulars of "The Kardashians" were accused of copying Sofia Richie's "old money" look after showing luxury style.

On Monday, June 26, Kendall's fashion stylist Dani Michelle shared a series of photos capturing the 27-year-old model's ensemble when she was out and about in Paris. Instagram users immediately noticed that she had a different look to that of her usual revealing getup. The comments section of the post was bombarded with responses comparing her look to that of Sofia. One user in particular simply wrote, "Sofia style," and added a lightning emoji.

Another trolled, "Lmaoooo not Kendall trying to jump on the 'old money Sofia Richie aesthetic' all of sudden after posting thirst traps all week lol." In addition to Kendall, a third commenter mentioned her younger sister Kylie who was said to also copy Sofia's style by writing, "Almost the same look of her sister Kylie in Paris." Meanwhile, a fourth complained, "That does not look good on Kendal." A fifth stated, "Everyone wants to be @sofiarichiegrainge now LoL @kendalljenner."

In the Instagram post, Kendall could be seen wearing a more formal look for her day out in the City of Light. She was styled by Dani in a medium-sleeved body fit beige Alaia mini dress which had flares on it. She completed the chic ensemble with a pair of black pointed-toe flat shoes, matching sunglasses, sparkling earrings and a brown Hermes Kelly medium-sized handbag. She had her long hair parted in the middle and added a dark-colored headband.

Dani followed up the post with a video which was originally shared by the "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" alum on TikTok. The clip documented the reality TV star's other two outfits when she was in Paris. The first get-up was a sleeveless knee-length dark gray rounded-neck Bottega dress. The dress came with a big cut-out on its bodice and two big bow embellishments on both of the sides.

Kendall added a pair of black leather shoes, matching round-framed sunglasses and a medium-sized handbag. She put her hair in a sleek low bun. Her second look consisted of a sleeveless flowing knee-length yellow embossed halter neck dress designed by Bottega which had a plunging V-neckline. She completed the look with a matching handbag.

In the meantime, Kylie was seen wearing similar formal looks for her vacation in Paris earlier in June. She donned a sleeveless long black dress which came with a plunging neckline in one ensemble. She completed the look with a pair of black sunglasses. For another occasion, she looked chic in a sleeveless long halterneck dress.

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Divya Bhaskar, the leading newspaper of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, celebrated its 20th Anniversary with pride and enthusiasm. Since its inception, Divya Bhaskar has been known for its objective reporting, truth seeking journalism, and commitment to providing accurate, reliable, &

pertinent news to its readers. To mark this significant milestone, Divya Bhaskar planned a series of unique offerings for its readers. To begin with, the anniversary edition focused on Gujarat's development and prominent personalities under the theme, "Power of Gujarat". Notably, it featured the first-ever publishing of Ahmedabad's AI and ChatGPT-prepared master plan, a defining moment in Gujarat's print media history.

Further, to delve into the rich heritage of Gujarat, a special article was presented on the inaugural speech delivered by Sri Ravi Shankar Maharaj, which laid the foundation for Gujarat's visionary aspirations. A special six-page issue named 'Gujarat's Pride' highlighted the state's triumphs, proud moments, and motivational success stories, fostering a sense of pride and appreciation among readers. triumphs, proud moments, and motivational success stories, fostering a sense of pride and appreciation among readers. Divya Bhaskar also presented the prestigious 'Sacchi Vaat Bedhadak Person of the Year' award, which annually honours five exceptional readers with a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh and a citation for their extraordinary contributions and inspiring efforts. This year, we also felicitated veteran employees who have dedicated 20 years to Divya Bhaskar with a special award and an initiative was announced to have atleast one women employee at every position in the editorial department by 2024.

To encapsulate its unique journey over the past 20 years, Divya Bhaskar compiled a digital book titled "A Journey from Readers' Choice to Become Behdhak, and published a book called "Bhaskar Parivar", featuring pictures and information about each employee and their families. Extending the celebrations to its clients and agencies, Divya Bhaskar hosted an evening of celebration and camaraderie, while publishing three grand books titled Navratna, Shrestha Ratna, and Echoes of Gujarat, honouring eminent personalities and dignitaries for their remarkable contributions to Gujarat and the country.

As Divya Bhaskar enters its third decade of operation, it continues to uphold its core editorial values of accuracy, unbiased, and truth-seeking, and remains dedicated to serving its readers with quality journalism and being an unwavering voice for the people of Gujarat.
The latest edition of Havas' proprietary Meaningful Brands 2023 report reveals how consumers have moved from being cynical with purpose-washing by brands to an analysis of the relevance of purpose that is more inward-looking and personal. This year, the Global Meaningful Brands study surveyed more than 91,000 people, with over 1300 brands across 10 markets and 42 categories.

The Age of Cynicism was announced as the key consumer theme by The Meaningful Brands study conducted by Havas, in 2021. It found that consumers were casting a cynical eye and that their trust in brands was dipping at an alarming rate.

Also Read: Havas Media Network India secures integrated media mandate inDrive

Also Read: Havas streamlines brand architecture and updates look after 20 years

One of the biggest takeaways from the 2023 study - people wouldnt care if 73% brands disappeared today!

In India, Google has emerged at the top for 2023s most Meaningful Brands as a result of delivering strongly on both personal and collective benefits. Others in the top 5 include: #2 Amazon, #3 Youtube, #4 Whatsapp, and #5 Flipkart.

Agenda 2023: How can brands make a meaningful difference, not just to the world around us but also to the lives of consumers and operate in a manner that empowers consumers by elevating their day-to-day experiences and offering them a sense of control? The answer: the Me-conomy playbook.

Brands must now acknowledge that apart from a sense of purpose, people should be at the centre of what brands care about most. Today, brands must become hyper-focussed on meeting the individual demands of their consumers.

Consumers are setting new demands on businesses and expectations on brands and rewarding those who meet them. So, while we are in an era where brand purpose and brands doing meaningful work is still important but its one where the idea of purpose must become deeply rooted in the daily personal lives and living of people. As people struggle with personal impact of ecological degradation and economic upheaval, brands must help consumers cope better with these personal challenges.

Which is why: purpose just got personal. 43% of consumers feel that the world is headed in a wrong direction. The ecological and economic crisis is real  what has changed is that 1 in 4 feel this crisis in their daily lives and within those, 62% feel personally affected in multiple ways. And they want brands to do something about it.

According to our 2023 study, 67% people want to engage with brands that are purpose-focussed rather than just profit driven while 68% say they will stop buying from companies that do not respect the planet or society.

Yet, 58% dont think brands are being transparent about their commitments and promises and 65% are tired of brands pretending they want to help society when, in reality, all they care about is making money.

Fact is that while consumers are willing to take steps including personal sacrifices, brands are not yet measuring up on these two parameters. Consumers are keen to take individual accountability and be the agent of change themselves, with 3 out of 5 saying that they are prepared to make personal sacrifices to save our planet and 66% admitting that they have begun changing their behaviour to adapt to the environmental pressures the world is facing today. The need of the hour is for brands tap into the pulse of their consumer base and connect with them personally.

In India specifically:

The Most Meaningful Brands perform 39% better than average brands when they deliver on personal benefits. 69% consumers believe brands should help with their health and wellbeing, whether it is physical, mental or spiritual. Brands who want to stand-out must also exhibit resilience and positivity, especially in the face of crises.

One of the biggest insights revealed by the study is how the newest kids on the consumerism block, the Gen Z, value positivity and the need to put themselves first. High scores show that Gen Z is not just the happiest (71%) and most optimistic (70%), but they are also very determined in expressing their sense of self. Brands that help them express their individuality meaningfully outperform other average brands by 66%.

There is also a strong tendency among consumers to be positively inclined towards brands and businesses that help simplify and streamline consumers lives  so much so that compared to the average brand, Meaningful Brands perform 60% better in improving consumers Quality of Life.

Another dimension that strongly contributes to consumers Quality of Life is the sense of control. With the pandemic as part of our recent and turbulent history, it is understandable why control emerges as a top dimension that brands should consider. Emphasis on factors like a brand helps me feel more in control of my day-to-day life and enables me to be smarter with my money and/or time are indicative of consumers growing desire to draw a sense of security and certainty from brands which they perceive may be within their locus of control.

Most Meaningful brands ranking: India vs. world

In India, Google has emerged at the top for 2023s most Meaningful Brands as a result of delivering strongly on both personal and collective benefits. It is not surprising given Googles enhanced role in the daily lives of people  be it financial transactions (Google Pay makes an appearance in the top 10), connections on call or the vernacular voice assistant. Google as a brand has a higher share of everyday life transactions of consumers and is at the forefront of helping them achieve their personal goals and aspirations. Not only do the most meaningful brands make consumers lives easier but also make the everyday more enjoyable by driving interpersonal engagement. Others in the top 5 include: #2 Amazon (85.74), #3 Youtube (85.52), #4 Whatsapp (85.27), and #5 Flipkart (83.04).

So, what is the new playbook for Brands to become more personally relevant and meaningful to people?

Make wellness universal: To make mental and physical wellness universal and democratize aspirational lifestyle benefits. Help me feel more: To enable people to do and feel more as inspiration for new behaviours and ideas. Seamless: To make it all super-seamless and remove barriers by making consumer lives easy. Access: A new view on value  affordability for access. Brands must endeavour to offer products and services so more people can reach them. In Havas' Meaningful Brand's study, value and a range of products that best fits my needs ranked as key attributes among in the 2023 survey. Do more, show-off less: To position purpose-driven activities transparentlywith honesty, humility, and humour.

Speaking about the return of the Meaningful Brands study, Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas India, said, The world has changed from 2021 to 2023 and this years Meaningful Brands India report couldnt have come at a more opportune moment. Although we see large-scale global trends emerging, it is the market specifics and category insights that truly sets this study apart. Over the years, we have won many key clients on the back of the knowledge we have drawn from this proprietary study, and we continue to leverage it to take actions: to bridge the gap between consumer expectations from brands and their experiences. Staying ahead of the curve is a given when we have a tool as robust as the Meaningful Brands study.

Sanchita Roy, Chief Strategy Officer, Havas Media India, said, Our new Meaningful Brands study has put the focus back on consumers. The study finds that brands that have understood how to be meaningful in the lives of consumers are significantly outperforming the market across parameters including driving a greater share of wallet, generate higher KPIs and also deliver top and bottom-line growth. Brands can effectively leverage our findings to make their consumers feel empowered, engaged and enabled.

Anirban Mozumdar, Chief Strategy Officer, Havas Creative India, added, While it is important for brands to deliver functionality and to be socially responsible, the personal element has gotten missed out. Between solving a skin problem and helping save Orangutans in distant Borneo, brands and marketers have forgotten the personal and immediate payoff for those we serve  beyond mere functionality and the tokenism of a distant good. Consumers want brands to support their personal quest for health and well-being, bringing optimism and energy, stand with them with shared resilience and positivity  above all, help express themselves as individuals. With so much going wrong and out of control, they want brands to simplify and give them some control over their lives.
hoichoi has a reputation for creating compelling content that deeply connects with its audience. Director Ayan Chakraborti, along with esteemed actors Swastika Mukherjee and Tota Roy Choudhury join hands to present a show with a captivating narrative titled Nikhoj. True to its name, the series revolves around a mother's relentless journey to locate her lost daughter.

The actors, along with the director, assemble in a highly anticipated press conference, where they unite to officially unveil the show's captivating Official Poster in the presence of esteemed members of the media fraternity. This grand event serves as a precursor to the show's much-awaited premiere scheduled for this August.

The daughter of DCP Lalbazar, Brinda Basu (Swastika Mukherjee), mysteriously disappears following a party she attended with her friends. The well-reputed journalist, Romit Sen (Tota Roy Choudhury), who is both her favourite boss and mentor, is discovered disoriented and bewildered inside a vehicle that is stained with blood. This gripping narrative unravels a macabre story involving forensic investigations, police protocols, romantic entanglements, deceit, lies, and the consequences of youthful indiscretions. However, at the heart of this captivating mystery lies a mother's agonising struggle to maintain her objectivity and sanity while her daughter remains missing.

Talking about her feelings on portraying the character of Brinda Basu, Swastika Mukherjee said, hoichoi consistently presents fresh and inventive content that truly resonates with people. Nikhoj, particularly the character Brinda Basu, holds a special place in my heart because she is an empowered woman serving as the DCP of Lalbazar, but above all, she is a mother with her own unique challenges and coping mechanisms. The narrative of Nikhoj revolves around a mother's arduous journey to locate her missing daughter while doing her job as part of the police force of Kolkata.

Commenting about playing the role of Romit Sen, Tota Roy Choudhury mentioned, This marks my inaugural collaboration with Swastika and hoichoi for a web series. The character I portray, Romit Sen, exhibits a multitude of complexities, and I have dedicated myself to portraying them faithfully. The entire team has poured their passion and utmost dedication into this project, and my earnest wish is that the audience embraces it with the same enthusiasm we experienced while creating it.

The Director Ayan Chakraborti added to this by speaking about his thoughts while creating Nikhoj added, The characters of Nikhoj have been created in such a way, so that people can resonate with them. The story has various shades and emotions, but at the same time has thrills, mystery and a ton of drama. Both Swastika Mukherjee and Tota Roy Choudhury have done an amazing job portraying the characters of Brinda Basu and Romit Sen.
Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance has launched an exclusive term plan Bajaj Allianz Life Diabetic Term Plan Sub 8 HbA1c. This is a first of its kind protection plan in the Indian life insurance industry designed especially for Type 2 diabetic and pre-diabetic individuals. To spread the awareness about Bajaj Allianz Life Diabetic Term Plan, Ideacafe.agency partnered with the brand to create first ever FITNESS BILLBOARD OOH innovation.

With a simple insight, those who are active more often have a lower chance of developing diabetes and walking is a great way to be active. Team Ideacafe.agency installed a treadmill on a billboard and invited people to have their fitness check as walking is one of the easiest activities to start with, and most people with diabetes can do it. We choose one of the busiest junctions of Mumbai  Mahim Causeway for billboard activation. We invited Mumbaikars to take the fitness challenge and more than 100+ commuters agreed to participate.

A medical team of experts were present at the venue who conducted routine health checks to the audiences before the treadmill fitness test. People took up fitness challenge on treadmill as they walked to assess their health score. Post that doctor interacted with the individuals and spoke about diabetes and how one can stay healthy with simple lifestyle changes he/she can do in their lives to control that. The doctors also discussed about the Bajaj Allianz Life Diabetic Plan and how one can secure their familys long-term financial plans by giving them the well-deserved peace of mind. The activity was carried over weekend and caught the attention of Mumbaikars who welcomed the initiative from Bajaj Allianz and pledged to stay healthy.

Nabendu commented, As Bajaj Allianz is committed to help several Indians secure their familys long-term financial plans, we at Ideacafe.agency too are passionate in bringing creativity alive on OOH space. With an opportunity to craft something innovative we at Ideacafe.agency took this challenge and created first ever fitness billboard innovation on OOH. We believe this FITNESS BILLBOARD OOH idea has a merit to raise awareness to inform and educate people about rising diabetic issue (India is referred to as 'diabetes capital of the world' with the diabetic population in the country expected to hit an alarming mark of 69.9 million by 2025 and 80 million by 2030) with the intention of influencing their attitudes, behaviours, and beliefs towards the achievement of a defined purpose or goal.

He further commented, Our philosophy at Ideacafe.agency is to create inspiration on OOH and treat the medium differently. Unlike many forms of advertising, OOH immerses an audience in your brand story, making it one of the most impactful mediums for powerful storytelling and we truly amplified this Bajaj Allianz Life Diabetic Term Plan communication through OOH in a big way. Ideacafe.agency executed OOH campaign seamlessly in major cities(Mumbai, Pune & Ahmedabad) targeting the right audience at relevant locations. Since this was first of its kind product in Insurance sector, we spread the awareness through the LARGEST BILLBOARD (120x122 feet display left an indelible impression on the minds of audiences passing by the media every day.

Ideacafe.Agency is a revolutionary idea-centric company, redefining the future of brand communication. Ideacafe.agency promises to be a new age independent company that redefines the "brewing" of ideas.
Procter & Gamble India, renowned for its leading brands like Pampers, Tide, Ariel, and Whisper, has joined hands with Flipkart, India's prominent e-commerce platform, to launch Forests For Good in India, to bolster their dedication to sustainability. As part of this collaboration, the two companies are planting four forests in Karnataka, which are open for consumers to e-adopt.

With the intention to create sustained impact, P&G and Flipkart seek to not just raise awareness, but also invite consumers to partake in this sustainable journey. Under this unique initiative, four thousand trees have been planted in Karnataka. EcoMatcher and SayTrees are the social enterprise and technology partners helping execute the Forests For Good initiative. This platform is equipped with blockchain technology and ensures traceability, aims to offer full transparency with tree-planting projects, allowing everyone to view their tree, when was it planted, name the tree, track its locations and maturity, as well as CO2 sequestered. Everyone buying P&G products from Flipkart between 26th to 29th will get a chance to participate in the initiative and adopt a tree.

Also Read: Athiya Shetty becomes the face of Just Herbs natural makeup

Pawan Verma, Head, Purchases and Executive Sponsor, Sustainability, P&G India said, At P&G, environmental sustainability is built in, versus being bolted on to our everyday operations, and is an integral part of our growth strategy. We believe we have a responsibility to make the world better through the products we create and the positive impact our Brands and Company can have. By prioritizing responsible practices, we strive to fulfil our dual responsibility of providing superior value while reducing our environmental footprint. We are also cognizant that the task at hand is urgent, and big. We are therefore building partnerships with relevant external organizations to create larger impact. Our partnership with Flipkart exemplifies is yet another move in this direction. By joining forces, we are empowering consumers to take an active role in preserving our planet. Together, we will drive meaningful change and foster a more sustainable future for generations to come."

Kanchan Mishra, Senior Director - FMCG, Home & General Merchandise at Flipkart, said, "As India's homegrown marketplace, we are committed to responsible and sustainable practices in every facet of our business. Over the years, we have introduced multiple initiatives, such as eliminating single-use plastic packaging, a commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2040, and 'Flipkart Green' - a dedicated store for sustainable products. There has been an evident shift in consumer patterns in the last decade, indicating an inclination towards responsible, sustainable practices. We intend to propagate responsible consumption in the country by instilling behavioural change in our customers and society. This alliance with P&G will enable Flipkart customers across geographies to create meaningful impact furthering India's allegiance to sustainable tomorrow."

Recently, P&G also announced that as part of its water conservation efforts in water-stressed regions in the country, the company has installed rainwater harvesting (RWH) infrastructure at P&G Shiksha supported schools across nine cities. The initiative has been executed in partnership with Round Table India, across Kota, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Baddi, Udaipur, Bhopal, Chennai, Raipur, and Pondicherry. This is in line with P&Gs endeavour to contribute towards building a water positive future through sustainable practices and interventions.

With an endeavour to be a force for good for the planet, some of P&Gs key sustainability initiatives are as follows:

Plastic packaging waste neutral - Last year, the company achieved plastic waste neutrality, as it collected, processed, and recycled over 19,000 MT post-consumer plastic packaging waste from across the country, and has continued to maintain this status. In the last 5 years, the company has reduced usage of plastic packaging material by more than 5000 MT

- Last year, the company achieved plastic waste neutrality, as it collected, processed, and recycled over 19,000 MT post-consumer plastic packaging waste from across the country, and has continued to maintain this status. In the last 5 years, the company has reduced usage of plastic packaging material by more than 5000 MT Pledge to be Net Zero by 2040  P&G has put forth a new ambition to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its operations and supply chain, from raw material to retailer, by the year 2040

 P&G has put forth a new ambition to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its operations and supply chain, from raw material to retailer, by the year 2040 Leveraging solar energy across its 2 plants  P&G has committed to setting up two more in-house solar plants at its manufacturing sites in Goa and Mandideep, to leverage the power of renewable energy and contribute towards safeguarding the environment. This is in addition to the existing in-house solar plant it had set up in 2019 at its manufacturing site in Hyderabad. This puts P&G among the few companies in India that have three in-house solar plants at their manufacturing sites.

 P&G has committed to setting up two more in-house solar plants at its manufacturing sites in Goa and Mandideep, to leverage the power of renewable energy and contribute towards safeguarding the environment. This is in addition to the existing in-house solar plant it had set up in 2019 at its manufacturing site in Hyderabad. This puts P&G among the few companies in India that have three in-house solar plants at their manufacturing sites. Sustainable Sourcing: P&G and Solvay Join Forces in Industry-leading Effort to Double the Global Supply of Sustainable Guar Farmed in India. Guar is a natural ingredient with many uses in personal care products like shampoos and lotions. P&G Beauty joined forces with one of our strategic suppliers, Solvay, in the Sustainable Guar Initiative (SGI) that will positively impact the lives of more than 21,000 people and promote sustainable guar production within the Bikaner district of Rajasthan, India  one of the worlds largest resources for guar. Under this, we will:

o Double production of sustainably farmed guar in India, expanding the programs reach and impact into 24 new villages.

o Train more than 5,200 farmers in the adoption of good agricultural practices.

o Double the scale of support for women, by training and empowering 1,800 additional women farmers, including workers and members of farming households and entrepreneurs.

o Create a new Johad (community-owned rainwater storage pond) to supply water for household and irrigation purposes.

o Support the establishment of a new Farmer Producer Organization to help support the economic stability of the farmers and their families.
Many among us firmly believe in Investing as compared to Savings. Investing or trading in the stock market has gained popularity over the years. One of the major benefits of investing in the stock market is that investors get the chance to earn more money. However, with a large number of people investing in the Indian stock market, there has also been an increase in illegal activities such as Dabba trading or bucket trading.

As Dabba trading is an illegal stock market trading method, one such fraudulent case has come to light. Jatin Mehta, the businessman who was involved in dabba trading was arrested by the Mumbai Police. According to the police, between the timeline of March to June 20, 2023, his business turnover of about 4673 crores resulted in the government suffering a huge loss of Rs 1.95 crore. This highlights the fact that there could be a huge number of traders who might be trapped by luring huge returns and have to bear huge losses. Zee Business alerted investors to stay cautious from fraudulent dabba trading brokers and spread awareness on the risks involved in such kind of trading through its special episode on Dabba Trading ka Mayajal.

The channel also simplified the meaning of the jargon Dabba Trading and ensured each and every investor understands why such type of trading is considered as illegal:

What is Dabba Trading? Dabba trading is an illegal method of trading in stocks of companies in the stock market. Individuals undertaking such deals in the stock market are unauthorized, as they arent registered with the market regulator SEBI.

How does Dabba Trading operate? In dabba trading, the trading ring operators get the equity traded in an illegal manner outside the stock exchange platform. They create an app and lure investors into the greed of receiving fixed returns. People think that they are investing money in the stock market but in reality, it is a fraud.

Why do some brokers do Dabba trading? The sole purpose of Dabba trading brokers is to save themselves from the liability of income tax, GST and all kinds of taxes in the market. Fake brokers lure gullible traders into their trap by luring them. If traders suffer losses, they will get money, but if traders make profit, they will not give money to them.

Anil Singhvi, Managing Editor, Zee Business, also tweeted alerting netizens and investors not to fall in the trap of quick returns at low cost.

Speaking on Zee Business successful campaign for protecting investors, Anil Singhvi, Managing Editor, Zee Business, said, The trend of investing money in the stock markets significantly increased in the recent past. It is our responsibility to help investors understand the dangers of getting involved in illegal activities. Zee Business has been the most reliable news source for investors to understand what will assure investors maximize profit and wealth. Zee Business provides in-depth research of every corner of the market's ups & downs, which has allowed us to become one of the most revolutionized business news sources for investors, through informative content and programming that accentuates the business acumen.

Madhu Soman, Chief Business Officer of Zee Business further added Zee Business always strives to make citizens aware and avoid fraudulent practices that prevail in emerging markets. Dabba Trading ka Mayajal is one of the many initiatives we've rolled out along with interesting news stories through an investigative lens.

Zee Media Corporation Ltd, one of India's leading media companies, has a strong presence in the news and regional genres, with 16 news channels in seven different languages, reaching more than 528+ million viewers through its linear and digital properties
ZEE5, Indias largest home-grown video-streaming platform and a multilingual storyteller announces the multi-starrer Telugu sitcom Maya Bazaar for Sale today. Through various narratives, the satirical drama will entice and intrigue the audiences to visit an interesting Pastries family of the gated community. In association with Rana Daggubatis Spirit Media, Maya Bazaar For Sale is a light-hearted drama which revolves around different families in a premium gated community. Set to premiere on July 14, the nuance family drama is scripted and directed by Gautami Challagulla and produced by Rajeev Ranjan.

This one-of-a kind dramedy chronicles the story of families, namely, the Pastrys, Gandhis, the Hippies, the Bachelors and the Lovey-Dovey couple who move into premium villas in a gated community called Maya Bazaar. Their expectations of a prime and peaceful lifestyle are bulldozed by the governments declaration of the construction as illegal. Maya Bazaar for Sale envelopes the events that follow in the personal lives and the community living of the characters post this tragedy.

The 7-episodic series is a modern exploration of family life and community living in a rather satirical way featuring an ensemble cast comprising of Navdeep Pallapolu, Eesha Rebba, Naresh Vijaya Krishna, Hari Teja, Jhansi Laxmi, Meiyang Chang, Sunaina and Kota Srinivas Rao among others. So, get ready to watch this Telugu satirical drama on ZEE5.

Manish Kalra, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 stated, With Maya Bazaar For Sale, we are bringing yet another interesting narrative for the audience. The show aims at normalising unconventional ideas with light-hearted comedy. At ZEE5, we take pride in collaborating with storytellers to acquire diverse and socially relevant content that is sure to entertain the audience.

Producer Rajeev Ranjan added, Maya Bazaar For Sale explores the non-alignment of happiness in life and societal expectations. Meiyang, Naresh, Eesha, and others have done commendable work in portraying the characters as they were intended to be. The series is a pioneering series in the Telugu OTT that entices and intrigues people to visit a weird but familiar world. The audience will surely love to experience this novel content.

Director Gautami Challagulla said, We wanted to hold up a mirror to people so they can see that lifes tragedies dont discriminate and come after all. It felt essential to expose the audience to newer ways of life through these characters. I am grateful for the unceasing support of the cast and crew that gave life to my vision. I am excited to see how the audience reciprocates to the series on ZEE5.
A Shuttle Delivery worker delivers food in Seoul. Shuttle Delivery, bilingual delivery platform partners with what3words to offer the best delivery service for Korea's foreign community. Courtesy of what3words





By Kim Hyun-bin







Korea is fast becoming a popular destination for tourists and expats. At the end of 2022, there were 2.25 million foreign residents living in Korea, making up 4.37 percent of the total domestic population, a year-on-year rise of 14.8 percent.







For people living far away from their country and missing their friends and family, one source of comfort is eating food that reminds them of home. People living in the Yongsan area of Seoul, the district with the third-largest foreign population in Seoul, have a variety of international restaurant options available to them, as well as specialized grocery stores in Itaewon. However, there is less choice for people residing in different parts of Seoul or other cities in Korea, and sourcing non-local cuisines can be more challenging.







Unlike many food delivery services which operate predominantly in Korea, Shuttle Delivery is bilingual, making it a perfect alternative for Korea's foreign community.







Shuttle Delivery lists over 2,000 restaurants, bakeries, cafes and grocery stores serving food from around the world, including Middle Eastern, African, North and South American and European specialties. It also lists popular Korean spots and vegan options.







The platform has enjoyed popularity among the foreign community, with over 215,000 account sign-ups since its launch. Not only does Shuttle Delivery offer a wide variety of international cuisines, but its newly introduced catering delivery service has also integrated the use of revolutionary location technology, what3words, to ensure orders arrive precisely where expected.







Describing precise locations, what3words has divided the world into a grid of squares three meters by three meters and given each square a unique combination of three words: a what3words address. Now every tucked-away side alley, picnic setup in the park, large office building entrance, and apartment complex has its own what3words address.







The company added a layer of accuracy, ensuring goods are dropped off exactly where they are expected and the technology is useful for everyone: foreign residents, tourists, and people who have recently moved to a new area. It simplifies planning meet-ups, sharing precise locations with friends and even saving directions to the best foodie spots in town.






General Secretariat of the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications; General Secretariat DETEC

Bern, 28.06.2023 - Felix Wertli is Switzerland's new Ambassador for the Environment. The Federal Council conferred the title of Ambassador on him on 28 June 2023. He will replace Franz Perrez as head of the International Affairs Division at the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN). The Federal Council appointed Mr Perrez as the new head of the Directorate of International Law at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs in February.

Mr Wertli will take over as head of the FOEN International Affairs Division on 1 July 2023. The Federal Council conferred the title of Ambassador on Mr Wertli on 28 June 2023. In this capacity, Mr Wertli will represent Switzerland's international environmental policy abroad and will lead Swiss delegations at international environmental negotiations.

After completing his studies in geography and an advanced studies programme in development cooperation, Felix Wertli began his career in Burkina Faso, Kenya and Haiti as a programme officer for Fastenaktion, an international social justice organisation. From 2012 he was a councillor at the Swiss Permanent Mission to the WTO and EFTA in Geneva, where he worked on trade and development issues. In 2016, he took over as head of the Global Affairs Section in the FOEN's International Affairs Division. Mr Wertli is 46 and lives in Lausanne.

The Federal Council thanks Mr Perrez for his many years of service in the field of international environmental policy.

Address for enquiries

Media Office, Federal Office for the Environment FOEN, Tel. +41 58 462 90 00, medien@bafu.admin.ch

Publisher

General Secretariat of the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications; General Secretariat DETEC

https://www.uvek.admin.ch/uvek/en/home.html



The Federal Council

https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html



Federal Office for the Environment FOEN

https://www.bafu.admin.ch/en




The Federal Council

Bern, 28.06.2023 - On 28 June, the Federal Council decided on targeted sanctions in relation to the situation in Moldova and adopted an ordinance to this effect. Switzerland is thus joining the EU in imposing sanctions at Moldova's request due to the intensification of destabilising actions in the country since the start of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine. The ordinance concerning Moldova will come into force on 28 June at 6pm.

The Federal Council imposed financial sanctions and travel restrictions on five individuals on 28 June. These include businessmen and politicians who have been involved in acts that undermine Moldova's sovereignty and independence. The measures consist of a freeze on these individuals' assets and economic resources, and a ban on entry into and transit through Switzerland. Assets to be frozen must be reported to SECO immediately.

The Federal Council is concerned by the intensification of direct threats since the start of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine. Domestic groups and Russia are engaging in these activities in an attempt to destabilise Moldova. The targeted restrictive measures adopted by the Federal Council on 28 June are aimed at those responsible for supporting or implementing actions that threaten Moldova's sovereignty and independence. They are also intended as a reaction to the growing number of attacks on democracy, the rule of law and the country's stability and security, and to emphasise the Federal Council's support for the current government. Switzerland is ready to support efforts to stabilise the current situation, in line with its commitment to development cooperation, the promotion of economic interests and the fight against corruption in Moldova.

The sanctions in no way impede the free trade agreement between the EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) and Moldova that was signed in Schaan, Liechtenstein, on 27 June.

Address for enquiries

Media enquiries:EAER Communications

info@gs-wbf.admin.ch

058 462 20 07



Company enquiries: sanctions@seco.admin.ch

058 464 08 12

Publisher

The Federal Council

https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html



Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research

http://www.wbf.admin.ch




The Federal Council

Bern, 28.06.2023 - On 28 June, the Federal Council rejected a request from Ruag AG concerning the export of 96 Leopard 1 A5 tanks destined for Ukraine as it is inconsistent with applicable law. It has therefore given priority to Switzerland's commitments as a neutral country and to the reliability of its application of the rule of law.

On 27 April, Ruag AG submitted an export request to SECO for the re-sale of 96 used and non-operational Leopard 1 A5 tanks. The tanks are currently in storage in Italy and would require refurbishment in Germany before being re-exported to Ukraine.

The Federal Council has concluded that the sale of the 96 tanks is not possible under the law as it stands. In particular, such a sale would contravene the War Materiel Act and would result in a shift from Switzerland's policy of neutrality.

Address for enquiries

GS-EAER Communications

info@gs-wbf.admin.ch

+41 58 462 20 27

Publisher

The Federal Council

https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html



Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research

http://www.wbf.admin.ch




The Federal Council

Bern, 28.06.2023 - The Federal Council was informed on 28 June that the EAER, the government department responsible for sanctions, has expanded the sanctions listings concerning Russia. The changes will come into effect at 6.00pm today. Switzerland is thus adopting the sanctions on additional individuals and entities decided by the European Union (EU) on 23 June as part of its 11th sanctions package. The EU has also imposed new measures. The Federal Council is expected to decide on their adoption by the end of August.

On 23 June, the EU imposed financial and travel sanctions on an additional 71 individuals and 33 entities. These include individuals, companies and organisations that support the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. Also sanctioned are members of the Russian armed forces, leading representatives of state-controlled Russian media and members of the Wagner Group. The assets of these individuals and entities in Switzerland must be frozen and reported to the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). The individuals concerned will also be prohibited from entering or transiting Switzerland.

At the same time, the amendments made by the EU on 13 March will be adopted. These include the removal of listings regarding three deceased individuals and two duplicate listings. Following today's amendments, Switzerland's sanctions list in connection with Russia's military aggression against Ukraine corresponds to that of the EU.

On 23 June, the EU also further tightened existing sanctions against Russia and introduced new measures aimed at preventing the circumvention of sanctions. The Federal Council was informed of these changes and the timetable for the work on adopting the new measures at its meeting on 28 June.

Address for enquiries

GS-EAER Communication Service

info@gs-wbf.admin.ch

+41 58 462 20 07 (for journalists)



sanctions@seco.admin.ch

+41 58 464 08 12 (for individuals or companies concerned)

Publisher

The Federal Council

https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html



Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research

http://www.wbf.admin.ch




The Federal Council

Bern, 28.06.2023 - At its meeting on 28 June 2023, the Federal Council appointed Alexandre Fasel as the new State Secretary at the FDFA. Ambassador Alexandre Fasel is currently Special Representative for Science Diplomacy in International Geneva. He succeeds Livia Leu Agosti, who will move to Berlin as Swiss Ambassador in November 2023.

The 62-year-old Alexandre Fasel will take up his new position as State Secretary of the FDFA on 1 September 2023. Thanks to his long career as a head of mission at multilateral and bilateral level as well as his numerous positions in Bern, he has the necessary qualities and experience to fill this key position in the FDFA.

The State Secretary advises the head of the FDFA and the Federal Council on all foreign policy issues, ensures the implementation of the Federal Council's foreign policy strategy, heads the FDFA's State Secretariat as well as Switzerland's external network with its approximately 170 representations.

He also supports the head of the FDFA on domestic policy issues and cooperation with parliament and the cantons, in particular on all international issues with domestic implications such as the Russian military aggression against Ukraine, relations with the EU, work in the UN Security Council and international crisis management.

Alexandre Fasel studied law in Fribourg and Oxford. He began his career at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs in 1992. After posts in Bern, Ottawa, Canberra, Geneva - as Head of Switzerland's Permanent Mission to the United Nations and the other international organisations - and a stint in the private sector, he was appointed Deputy State Secretary of the FDFA in August 2016. In September 2017, he became Swiss Ambassador to Great Britain before moving to Geneva as Special Representative for Science Diplomacy in June 2021.

Address for enquiries

Nicolas Bideau

Head of Communication FDFA

Tel: +41 79 667 69 15

nicolas.bideau@eda.admin.ch



Communication FDFA

Tel. +41 58 460 55 55

kommunikation@eda.admin.ch

Publisher

The Federal Council

https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html



Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html




The four arrested in the BMC official assault case were remanded to 14 days of judicial custody till July 11 on Tuesday. They were produced before the Bandra Court on Tuesday.

In addition to that, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former Maharashtra transport minister Anil Parab, who was also arrested along with four party members is likely to approach the Sessions Court in Mumbai to apply for Anticipatory Bail.

The case relates to the Shiv Sena workers allegedly assaulting a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official who led a Shiv Sena shakha (branch office) demolition. Earlier on Tuesday, an official of Mumbais Vakola police station said they have registered a case against more than 15 people, as per the police. The accused have been identified as Sada Parab, Haji Alim, Uday Dalvi, and Santosh Kadam, all Uddhav faction leaders, according to the police. The structure was demolished on Thursday, June 22.

In a video which surfaced online, the BMC official who purportedly led the demolition was seen getting slapped on both cheeks, kicked, and shoved. The video also shows BMC security guards attempting to intervene to rescue the official. The alleged video of the assault was confirmed by the Mumbai police.
Korea's popular fruits including shine muscat are on display at a local retail chain. Korea Times file



By Lee Kyung-min



The government is aiming to achieve $15 billion (19 trillion won) in agricultural exports by 2027 by fostering K-food industries, including traditional food makers, confectioneries, green bio and food tech businesses, the agriculture ministry said Wednesday.



Kimchi, seaweed and pears, for example, will be elevated to represent Korea's healthy eating culture. Instant noodles will be promoted as Korea's most convenient snack.



The plan announced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is intended to further bolster Korea's food industry market. The market size came to 656 trillion won in 2021, maintaining year-on-year growth at 16 percent for the second year in a row. The figure was 607 trillion won in 2020, 535 trillion won in 2019 and 521 trillion won in 2018.



The ministry announced a five-year growth plan whereby the country's local food industry will register a 9 percent year-on-year growth through 2027 to reach 1,100 trillion won.



The ministry will establish 15 "K-cuisine belts," whereby tourism and exports will be fostered.



It will increase exports of locally grown ingredients to be supplied to "fine dining" Korean restaurants overseas.



Other than kimchi, traditional foods, beverages and cooking ingredients including soju, makgeolli and other sauces will be promoted for export.



The ministry said Korean-made kimchi will solidify its standing on the global stage as an original product of Korea, outmatching similar products made by China or Japan.



The government will be able to maintain high-quality kimchi, as ensured by the stable supply of fresh ingredients and speedy delivery of final products through closely managed logistics channels.



Selected traditional liquors and sauces will be elevated to premium products, as backed by scientific analysis-based advanced fermentation technology.



A rising number of single-person households and pet owners have generated new market demand, a trend the government will closely monitor to help introduce related convenience-oriented foods and health foods.



Newly developed products released and tested in the local market will be able to find consumer demand overseas, the ministry added.



"Small food market players will be able to receive government funding and investment opportunities to offset soaring labor costs and uncertainties in business conditions," it said.



The government will establish food technology innovation clusters to foster 10 key foods and biotechnologies to fortify competitiveness for small and medium-sized local players seeking to establish a presence in the health care and elderly-friendly food markets.








On the same day that Ryan Seacrest was announced as Pat Sajaks replacement on Wheel of Fortune, Vanna White has reportedly gotten a lawyer in the wake of Sajaks retirement news.

The New York Post reports White has hired aggressive powerhouse attorney Bryan Freedman.

According to Puck News, White has made roughly $3 million a year since 2005 and hasnt gotten a raise - only bonuses - since then. It has not been revealed whether White, 66, will be joining Seacrest, 48. Whites contract is up at the end of the 2023-2024 season.

RELATED: Heres what White said about Sajak leaving show

In 2016, Forbes reported that Sajak earned $15 million a year from the show.

Sajak and White have done Wheel of Fortune for more than 40 years, with Sajak starting in 1981 and White one year later.

RELATED: Sajak wrestles contestant after perfect game

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on The Opening Kickoff on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.
A 59-year-old man has been sentenced to 131 years in prison for a 2018 DUI crash that killed a motorcyclist in Cullman County.

Circuit Judge Martha Williams sentenced Brett Amerson following his April conviction on reckless murder, DUI and other charges, Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker announced.

Killed in the Dec. 18, 2018, crash was 39-year-old Bradley Ray Patterson.

Amerson had 11 prior DUI arrests when Patterson was killed.

Crocker and his staff asked for the maximum sentence because of Amersons egregious crime and lengthy criminal history.

The crash happened on Highway 157near the 310 exit overpass. Authorities said the intoxicated Amerson  who was three times the legal limit - was driving a white box truck that struck Patterson while he was on a motorcycle and had the right of way.

Amerson fled the scene but was found a short time later by Cullman County sheriffs deputies.

Crocker said members of the Patterson family were present at the sentencing hearing and delivered victim impact statements. He said the family contacted his office within just a few days of Crockers team taking office in January and asked them to review this case.

I am so proud we achieved justice for the family of Bradley Patterson, Crocker said after Amersons April conviction. I felt an obligation to see this 2018 case be one of the first cases tried after taking office so that justice could be served.
Lawyers for a Fort Payne woman charged with capital murder are arguing there is no evidence that she killed a Hartselle woman, missing for more than two years.

DeKalb County District Judge Steven Whitmire has set a preliminary hearing for Aug. 21 for Loretta Kay Carr, 43, who was arrested Sunday.

She has been charged with capital murder-kidnapping and is being held in the DeKalb County Jail without bond, according to jail records.

According to court documents, Carr has been charged with intentionally causing the October 2021 death of Mary Elizabeth Isbell by pushing her off of a cliff.

The DeKalb County Sheriffs Office has not released any details on the arrest as of Tuesday afternoon.

Isbell, also known as Mary Elizabeth Isbell Wright, 39, was reportedly last seen in November of 2021, according to Hartselle police. She was last known to live in Dekalb County.

According to court documents, Carrs attorneys are arguing the state does not have enough evidence to justify confinement or to send the case to a grand jury.
President Joe Biden today used Twitter to weigh into the controversy over U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville lauding more than a billion dollars in federal aid for Alabama that he didnt vote for.

On Wednesday, Tuberville tweeted that it was Great to see Alabama receive crucial funds to boost ongoing broadband efforts. This was in reference to $1.4 billion from the federal infrastructure law to expand broadband access.

This was despite the fact that Tuberville was not one of the 19 Republicans who voted in favor of the bill back in August 2021, which passed 69-30 in the Senate. Richard Shelby, then still Alabamas senior U.S. Senator, also voted against it.

Twitter later added context from readers to Tubervilles tweet.

This morning, Biden replied:

See you at the groundbreaking. https://t.co/1kJZ2h3JZW  President Biden (@POTUS) June 28, 2023

See you at the groundbreaking, Biden tweeted.

Tuberville then replied with his own tweet, asking if Biden meant the Space Command groundbreaking.

Tuberville is one of many Alabama officials who have argued that Huntsville, not Colorado Springs, Colorado, is the best location for U.S. Space Commands new headquarters.

The Air Force and Space Force initially recommended that the headquarters be placed in Colorado Springs, but in the final days of his term President Donald Trump decided the new headquarters would be based in Huntsville.

The Air Force in 2021 identified Huntsville as its preferred choice and multiple government assessments have agreed that Redstone Arsenal in the Rocket City is the best site.

The groundbreaking for Space Command in Huntsville? https://t.co/EWQg1QIuVK  Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) June 28, 2023

Late Tuesday, Mitch Landrieu, senior advisor to the president and infrastructure law coordinator, commented on the brouhaha over broadband expansion.

While Congressional Republicans like Sen. Tommy Tuberville continue to play political games like partisan voting at the expense of their own constituents, President Biden remains focused on delivering real results for hardworking Americans, Landrieu said.

Its unfortunate that some voted no but still want the dough. If they had integrity, theyd applaud President Bidens leadership for putting us on the path to provide reliable, affordable high-speed internet to every American.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg announced that the Biden-Harris Administration has awarded more than $21.6 million to pay for street infrastructure in Birminghams Civil Rights District.

Todays awardees in Alabama include:

$21,681,306 for the Birmingham Civil Rights Crossroads: Reconnecting Historic Neighborhoods Through Active Mobility project to redevelop approximately 2.5-miles of road with a complete streets approach, including a two-way cycle track, improved ADA access, sidewalks and other universal design elements. These changes will help improve safety and visibility for pedestrians and cyclists in the historic Civil Rights District.

$1,600,000 for the Jefferson Street Railroad Bridge Replacement in Courtland, in Lawrence County, in the northwest part of the state. These funds will be used to construct a new bridge that includes additional pedestrian and bike lanes. Once completed, the project will have a positive impact on the local community and economy through the replacement of a structurally deficient bridge that will meet modern safety standards and be capable of handling heavy traffic such as public buses and freight vehicles.

Thats a total of $23,281,306 from the RAISE discretionary grant program allocated to the two different infrastructure projects in Alabama.

The RAISE grant program supports communities of all sizes, with half of the fiscal year 2023 funding going to rural areas and the other half to urban areas.

Using the funds in President Bidens infrastructure law, we are helping communities in every state across the country realize their visions for new infrastructure projects, said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. This round of RAISE grants is helping create a new generation of good-paying jobs in rural and urban communities alike, with projects whose benefits will include improving safety, fighting climate change, advancing equity, strengthening our supply chain, and more.

This years awarded projects include bridge replacements and road projects to improve conditions for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians and build and repair infrastructure.

This is such great news for the Birmingham area, said U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell. I was so proud to help the City of Birmingham secure this $21 million grant to develop the Birmingham Urban Trail, and I know that it will go a long way in making our city more walkable, bikeable and livable. I applaud the Biden-Harris Administration for making this transformational investment and for their continued partnership as we work to bring more resources and better opportunities to our communities here in Birmingham.

Seventy percent of the grants are going to projects in regions defined as an Area of Persistent Poverty or a Historically Disadvantaged Community.

Demand for RAISE funding was higher than available funds. This year, DOT received $15 billion in requests for the $2.26 billion available.

The full list of projects can be viewed here.
A suspect man has been charged in last weeks fatal shooting of another man in Birmingham, as well as the wounding of a woman.

Birmingham police on Tuesday announced the arrest of 20-year-old Courtney Darnell Dennis.

Dennis is charged with murder in the June 20 killing of Jarvis Conley Jr. 24, of Bessemer. Dennis is also charged with attempted murder and discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle.

West Precinct officers were dispatched just before 9 p.m. that Tuesday to the 900 block of 25th Street S.W. following a ShotSpotter alert indicating that gunfire went off in the area.

When police arrived on the scene, they found Conley lying unresponsive near a vehicle. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service pronounced him dead on the scene at 8:59 p.m.

The woman, who has not been identified, was taken to the hospital.

A motive has not been disclosed.

Birmingham police Sgt. LaQuitta Wade said Dennis turned himself in at Birmingham Police Headquarters on Monday.

He was then booked into the Jefferson County Jail at 9:16 p.m. Monday and remains held without bond.
Authorities are searching for a man who has been missing in Birmingham since late last week.

Jason Michael Cameron, 43, was last seen Friday, June 23, at Firehouse Shelter o Second Avenue North.

Birmingham police said Cameron left the location walking and has not been heard from since then. He suffers from mental illness, police said.

Cameron was wearing a blue t-shirt, blue jeans and white sneakers. He is 5-feet, 10-inches tall and weighs 190 pounds.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Special Victims Section Det. Z. Pitts at 205-834-5899 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
The Birmingham Board of Education approved $240,000 in funding for Birmingham Promise on June 27, enough to quadruple the number of seniors in internships.

Birmingham Promise plans to expand its internship program and add new work-based learning opportunities next year for younger students in Birmingham City Schools with the funding approved Tuesday. It will allow development of new programs for sophomores and juniors to participate in shorter-term shadowing opportunities in the workplace.

Birmingham Promise is taking career preparation and exposure to a higher level for students in Birmingham City Schools, said Samantha Williams, executive director of Birmingham Promise. This is an enormous amount of growth for us. Our goal is to get every possible student in Birmingham City Schools high schools connected to some kind of Birmingham Promise work.

For the most recent graduating class, internships were available only in the spring, and 50 seniors participated. Next year, internships will be available in both the fall and spring, and the goal is to have 100 students participating each semester. The funding from Birmingham City Schools will support the expansion by helping Birmingham Promise cover transportation expenses, provide professional development/training for interns, and host networking nights to bring students and employers together.

Birmingham Promise will also for the first time offer sophomores and juniors shadowing experiences where theyll spend two days with professionals in a variety of fields to explore career opportunities. The goal is for 200 sophomores and 200 juniors to participate next year, possibly setting the stage for full internships in the 12th grade.

We want to get 10th- and 11th-graders caught up in all of this sooner, Williams told the school board.

Board President Neonta Williams said recent graduations in Birmingham City Schools highlighted the effect Birmingham Promise is already having on students. I think I saw even more this year, just the excitement behind our 2023 graduates, she said. Theyve all been talking about participating in the program.

Huffman Highs Markelle Scott referred to his internship in his valedictory address, saying that his grandfathers death to cancer gave him an interest in studying oncology and an internship in an oncology lab through the Birmingham Promise equipped him to pursue his dreams.

Birmingham Promise dollars will help him pay for college, and Scott said he is grateful for his Promise internship at the ONeal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB that gave him an early jump in the field of cancer research.

It was a very great experience that will help me later on in life, Scott said. Through the Birmingham Promise, Im already set to go and be great in my career.

Birminghams Superintendent, Dr. Mark Sullivan, said Birmingham Promise and Birmingham City Schools share the same goals.

Were both working to prepare students for the future, Sullivan said. The ultimate judge of our success is whether our students leave us and are in a position to fulfill their dreams. By working together, we can do more to put our students on that path to success.

Birmingham Promise programs are available only for students at Birmingham City Schools. Since its creation in 2020, Birmingham Promise has provided 200 internships and $5.5 million in tuition assistance to 1,000 graduates of Birmingham City Schools.
Black voters who won at the U.S. Supreme Court in their claim that Alabamas congressional district map violates the Voting Rights Act urged state lawmakers to adopt their proposed new map at a public hearing Tuesday.

Evan Milligan and Letetia Jackson, plaintiffs in the lawsuit, spoke to the Legislatures reapportionment committee during the 90-minute hearing at the Alabama State House.

The reapportionment committee will review proposed maps in preparation for the special legislative session that starts July 17. A three-judge federal court has given the Legislature until July 21 to approve a new map to be used in the 2024 election.

One of Alabamas seven congressional districts is majority Black, District 7. The proposed map favored by the plaintiffs would make District 2 a second majority Black district.

We feel like this is a map that keeps the state of Alabama on the right side of the Voting Rights Act, Milligan told the committee. It addresses the issues with our current congressional map that the lower federal panel took issue with and found out of compliance and also that the Supreme Court also recognized was out of compliance with Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. We strongly urge you to consider our remedial map.

Jackson read a letter to the committee that said plaintiffs in two lawsuits that were part of the Supreme Courts ruling, the Milligan case and the Caster case, agreed to support a single map out of the many maps submitted to the committee. The letter reiterated the ruling of the three-judge district court last year, which found that Alabamas Black population was large enough and geographically compact enough for a second majority Black district. The Supreme Courts decision upheld the three-judge court.

Given the extreme degree of racially polarized voting in Alabama, the trial courts preliminary injunction order, which was upheld by the Supreme Court, emphasized the practical reality that any remedial plan will need to include two districts in which Black voters either comprise a voting-age majority or something quite close to it, Jackson said, reading from the letter.

Others at the public hearing also spoke in favor of the Milligan/Caster map.

James Blacksher, a longtime redistricting attorney who represents the plaintiffs in a third case challenging the current map, the Singleton case, spoke to the committee about a different map, one that would make District 6 the second district where Black voters would have an opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice. The redrawn District 6 would include all of Jefferson County and a small section of Shelby County. It would have a Black voting age population of 40%, but Blacksher said Jefferson County has enough white voters who lean Democratic to make that an opportunity district for Black voters.

Joe Reed, head of the Alabama Democratic Conference and a longtime participant in redistricting cases, said the ADC would propose a map and present it to the committee before the special session begins. The ADC is the dominant Black political organization in the state Democratic Party. Reed applauded the efforts of the plaintiffs but told the committee he was concerned that the percentages of Black voters in the plaintiffs plan were too low.

We need a clear, safe, two majority Black districts, Reed told the committee. Not with one percent here, one percent there, half a percent. Im taking about something thats realistic.

Reed said one of his concerns is that the maps must take into account that portions of the population are in prison and will not be able to vote.

The committee took no action on the proposed maps at todays meeting. The committees next meeting is July 13. The public has until July 7 to submit proposed maps or public comments on the plans. Comments can be emailed to district@alsenate.gov.

The 22-member committee includes 15 Republican lawmakers and seven Democrats. That reflects the Republicans strong majority status in the House and Senate. Today, the committee elected two Republicans, Sen. Steve Livingston of Scottsboro and Rep. Chris Pringle of Mobile as the co-chairs.

Sen. Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile, urged the committee to pick a Democrat as one of the co-chairs to show a spirit of diversity and bipartisanship. Rep. Laura Hall, D-Huntsville, nominated Sen. Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, and Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, for co-chairmanships. But the committee elected Livingston and Pringle on 14-7 votes that were split along party lines.

Twelve of the plaintiffs proposed maps are posted online by the reapportionment committee. That includes the Milligan/Caster map, listed as the VRA Plaintiffs Remedial Map.

This story was edited at 9:38 p.m. to correct information about the map that proposes District 6 as the second district where Black voters would have a chance to elect a candidate of their choice.

Read more: Heres the Alabama redistricting map Supreme Court Voting Rights Act plaintiffs want adopted
Senior CPC official visits Italy

Xinhua) 13:59, June 28, 2023

ROME, June 27 (Xinhua) -- A delegation led by Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, paid a visit to Italy from Sunday to Tuesday.

During the visit, Liu held separate meetings with Italian Senate President Ignazio La Russa, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani, former Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema, the Democratic Party's Secretary Elly Schlein, and President of Italy China Council Foundation Mario Boselli.

Liu also met and exchanged views with Italy's Parliamentary Association "Friends of China" and people from all walks of life.

The two sides agreed that as strategic partners, China and Italy should further strengthen exchanges between political parties, governments, legislatures, business communities, think tanks and local authorities, as well as people-to-people exchanges, and they should also deepen practical cooperation in economy, trade and investment, green transformation, agriculture and tourism, and strengthen exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, so as to push for greater development of the China-Italy and China-Europe relations.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
British chef Gordon Ramsay speaks during a press meeting at his newly opened street pizza restaurant in southern Seoul, Nov. 10, 2022. Courtesy of Gordon Ramsay Korea



Michelin-star chef Gordon Ramsay will open his second burger restaurant in South Korea in the southern city of Busan this week, officials said Wednesday.



The newest Gordon Ramsay Burger will open in Shinsegae Centum City Department Store in Busan on Thursday. It will be the gourmet burger chain's second location in South Korea, joining the Seoul restaurant that opened last year, according to the company.



Various types of burgers, fries and drinks will be on the menu, and some 100 seats will be available at the Busan store, it added.



Burgers are priced at 30,000 won ($22.93) on average. Ramsay's burger restaurant is famous for the 1966 burger that costs 140,000 won and is only available in South Korea.



Global burger chains have been opening stores here as the dish gains popularity among young Koreans. The country's market for burgers grew nearly 30 percent from 2015 to 2020, according to the data from Euro Monitor.



On Monday, South Korea's first Five Guys burger restaurant opened in Gangnam, southern Seoul. South Korea became the sixth Asian country to have a store of the U.S. burger chain famous for large quantities of french fries and free peanuts. (Yonhap)




A Chicago mother who was accused of telling her teen son to shoot a man at a fast food restaurant is suing the city and arresting officers, a day after murder charges against her and her son were dropped.

Carlishia Hood, 35, was held on $3 million bail after she was charged last week with first-degree murder and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. She was released Monday from the Cook County Jail.

The Cook County States Attorneys Office said it was unable to meet our burden of proof in the prosecution of these cases.

Ive experienced pain in many ways that I would never have thought, she said about her arrest. What happened to me was totally unnecessary. Never in a million years would I have imagined being brutally attacked, beaten and being arrested.

Hood alleges malicious prosecution, false arrest and intentional infliction of emotional distress in her lawsuit filed in Cook County Circuit Court.

A cellphone video posted on social media over the weekend shows the man yelling at Hood on June 18 to get your food before threatening to knock her out. He then punches Hood in the face and head several times.

Prosecutors said Hood texted her 14-year-old son, who was outside the restaurant, to come inside.

Jeremy Brown, 32, was shot in the back by the teen and then ran from the restaurant. Hood and her son, whose name was not released due to his age, followed Brown as Hood told the teen to continue shooting, prosecutors said. Brown was pronounced dead at the scene.

The shooting was recorded by surveillance video, but not the cellphone video, officials said. Hood and her son later turned themselves over to police.

Prosecutors said Hood has a valid firearm owners identification card and a concealed-carry permit.

Her attorney, Ari Williams, told reporters Monday that Ms. Hood is and has always been a victim, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

On June 18 of this year my life changed. My sons life changed, she told reporters Tuesday at a news conference.
Decatur police have arrested six people and are looking for another in connection with the seizure about 50 gambling devices.

According to police, vice and narcotics investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in the 1000 block of Hoover Avenue S.W. Monday, after months of complaints from residents about illegal gambling and drug activity, as well as calls on disturbances, gunshots and reckless driving.

Police said the search turned up 50 illegal gambling devices, an extensive camera and alert system, multiple firearms, a trafficking amount of opiate pills and a large quantity of Khat, a narcotic stimulant.

The gambling devices were seized pending condemnation proceedings. The fire marshal, acting on safety concerns, terminated electricity to the building, police said.

Maher Algassari Anwaraddin, 31, was charged with trafficking in illegal drugs, unlawful to maintain electric bells, drug possession, illegal possession of prescription drugs and promoting gambling. He was transported to the Morgan County Jail to be held on a $7,600 bond.

Five others were charged with simple gambling, a misdemeanor, while another person was charged with public intoxication.

Police are also looking for Bander Mario Mohamed, 42, of Madison, on active warrants drug trafficking, unlawful to maintain electric bells, drug possession and promoting gambling. Any information can be forwarded to the police tip line at (256) 341-4636.

Police said in a statement that other investigations into similar gambling establishments are ongoing.
A man was rushed to the hospital Wednesday morning after he was shot in downtown Birmingham.

The shooting happened just after 10 a.m. in the 2300 block of Fifth Avenue North, which is near the Dannon Project and Park Place.

Witnesses reported hearing multiple shots fired and then found the wounded victim. According to police radio communications, he was able to partially describe the shooter.

The victim was shot in the chest and taken to UAB Hospital with life-threatening injuries, said Sgt. LaQuitta Wade.

No arrests have been made, but authorities are searching for a suspect.
The Interstate 65 northbound ramp from I-10 eastbound will be closed for a nighttime resurfacing project starting at 11 p.m. tonight.

The closure will last until 3 a.m. on Wednesday.

Motorists will be detoured to the Dauphin Island Parkway exit (Exit 22) from I-10 eastbound so they can drive back on to I-10 westbound where they will then be able to travel to northbound I-65, according to ALDOT.
Alabama Securities Commission Director Amanda Senn and Secretary of State Wes Allen have issued a warning to businesses about what looks like official mail from the secretary of states office but that is fraudulent.

The letters falsely claim that businesses need to pay $90, or more, for a copy of a Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) statement filed against them.

Alabama business owners should toss mailers from third-party companies that say they will work with the SOS office on your behalf in the trash, Senn said in a news release.

Allen said, These organizations are not affiliated with or authorized by the SOS office in any way. They are charging excessive amounts for something you likely will never need and, if you do, can easily acquire.

UCC filings reflect liens placed on certain personal property, such as equipment and accounts receivable, that generally cannot be titled or deeded, like automobiles, aircraft, boats, and real estate, according to the news release. The main purpose of a UCC is to perfect the secured interest of the secured party in personal property collateral.

The UCC financing statement is a form that a creditor files to give notice that it has an interest in the personal property of a debtor. A bank, not an entrepreneur, typically files the statement. Individuals looking to file the statement can go directly to the SOS website here.

The Alabama Securities Commission cautions investors to research any investment opportunity thoroughly. Call the ASC at 1-800-222-1253 and ask for the registration department to check out persons offering investment opportunities, investment advice for a fee, and any products they offer. Contact the ASC to report suspected fraud, inappropriate securities business practices, or to obtain consumer information. Free investor education and fraud prevention materials are available on the ASC website.
Theres a heatwave in the forecast for Alabama.

Excessive heat warnings are in effect for part of south Alabama as of Wednesday, and more of the state will join in on Thursday.

What will the hottest spots in the state be? Western Alabama is the most likely place.

Forecasts will evolve and change, but heres a look at where the 10 hottest cities could be on Thursday and Friday from the National Weather Services temperature forecasts:

THURSDAY, JUNE 29

Tuscaloosa: 101

Birmingham: 100

Demopolis: 100

Hamilton: 100

Evergreen: 100

Florence: 99

Mobile: 99

Troy: 99

Dothan: 98

Montgomery: 98

FRIDAY, JUNE 30

Tuscaloosa: 102

Hamilton: 102

Huntsville: 101

Muscle Shoals: 101

Birmingham: 100

Russellville: 100

Montgomery: 100

Demopolis: 100

Troy: 100

Camden: 100

Saturday looks to continue the hot streak, but rain chances are expected to increase over the weekend, and highs by Monday are expected to be only in the upper 80s and low 90s statewide:
An internal investigation into the 2017 surveillance of a Southern Company executive has not been able to determine who ordered the operation or why, according to The Wall Street Journal.

In a report published Wednesday, the paper cites sources saying the investigation, which rose following a lawsuit involving members of a political consulting firm, has ended.

Upon learning of the alleged surveillance of a Southern Company executive, we immediately engaged external legal counsel who conducted a thorough investigation and were unable to substantiate that Alabama Power Company or Southern Company authorized these highly inappropriate activities, an Alabama Power spokeperson said in a statement this morning to AL.com.

We have moved forward, remaining focused on providing reliable electric service to 1.5 million homes, businesses and industries across Alabama.

Last year, AL.com reported that in May 2017, political consulting firm Matrix hired a Florida private investigator to gather information on associates of Tom Fanning, the then-CEO of Southern Company, the nations second-largest utility, which owns Alabama Power.

The information came to light through two separate lawsuits and company documents given to the media. The suits followed a rift between Matrix founder, Joe Perkins, and former Matrix CEO Jeff Pitts.

Pitts moved to subpoena Southern and Alabama Power for surveillance-related documents. Lawyers for the companies then sent a letter to Pitts demanding that he cease making requests or disclosures that would involve the companies. Pitts and Perkins later settled their dispute.

Part of one lawsuit alleged that, at the direction of Alabama Power officials, one consultant ordered surveillance of Southern executives in order to possibly gain internal leverage.

The listed target of the surveillance was a fitness club owner and then-girlfriend of Fanning, who was surveilled at her work and at Fannings home.

The investigator, who filed an eight-page report, billed the company for more than $6,800 for four days work. According to the Journal, Southern Co. stated it found no indication that the company or its subsidiaries paid for the surveillance operation.

Fanning, 66, retired last month from Southern Company but remains Southerns executive chairman. Mark Crosswhite retired in December after eight years as leader of Alabama Power.

According to the Journal, Crosswhite had been a serious contender to succeed Fanning, but the surveillance allegations and subsequent investigation played a role in his decision to leave, people familiar with the matter told the Journal.

Southern Co. hired attorneys with Atlanta law firm King & Spalding, as well as Birmingham-based White Arnold & Dowd, to perform an internal investigation into the allegations.

In communications reviewed by the Journal, Pitts conveyed to Southerns attorneys that Perkins consulted with Crosswhite before ordering surveillance on Fanning and his then-girlfriend.

Pitts alleged the move was part of a plan to put pressure on Fanning and the companys board of directors as they contemplated corporate restructuring.
A former chief federal judge and longtime civil rights attorney put it bluntly: The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that ordered Alabama to redraw voting maps will not be enough to make the state legislature give Black residents a fair say in who represents them in Washington.

I have absolutely no faith that the Alabama Legislature is going to do the right thing. It never has, said U.W. Clemon, a retired U.S. District Court judge, who was also one of the first two Black people elected to the state Senate after Reconstruction. The legislature of course is going to do what it usually does.

Clemon said he believes the federal court will have to intervene to ensure a fair outcome for Black voters.

As a group of state legislators met in Montgomery on Tuesday to discuss proposed new voting maps for Alabama, Clemon joined a panel of lawmakers and experts at Miles College in Fairfield to discuss the implications of the Supreme Courts decision. Earlier this month, the justices upheld a lower courts ruling that Alabamas 2021 congressional voting maps diluted the power of Black voters, in violation of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

It ensures that the Voting Rights Act of 1965 is alive and well, said U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham. It was a historic victory not only for Alabama Black voters, but it was a historic victory for democracy as well.

State Sen. Merika Coleman, D-Pleasant Grove, offered some optimism that her colleagues in the legislature will come to a compromise on a fair map. She said the prospect of a federal court intervening serves as an incentive.

There still will be some people who will try to play some games, Coleman told the audience of students and community members. From what were hearing, the maps that we draw at the legislative end will have to be brought to the plaintiffs, and they can agree or disagree. None of us want the special master to come in. We want to draw the maps for ourselves, so I think that cooler heads will prevail.

Gov. Kay Ivey has called a special legislative session on July 17 to redraw district lines.

With about a dozen maps currently under consideration, Sewell urged the state to approve the map submitted jointly by the plaintiffs who won the case at the Supreme Court.

The National Redistricting Foundation (NRF), along with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LFD), the two primary legal representatives in the case, this week submitted the latest map to the states reapportionment office.

The map proposes a second majority Black district would be in District Two, which when redrawn would span the southern portion of the state from east to west, adding Monroe and Washington counties and portions of Mobile and Clarke counties.

District Two by Rep. Barry Moore, R-Enterprise. District Seven is currently Sewells district.

An opportunity district is a district with more than 50 percent, Sewell said, referring to the percentage of Black voting age populations. There is no opportunity at 48 percent. There is no opportunity at 43, or 38, so those maps that have that need to go.

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell and State Sen. Merika Coleman after a forum at Miles College on June 28, 2023 to discuss voter rights and the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision. (Ta'Ron Williams, Miles College)

While each speaker presented different perspectives on how to draw maps and how the process will take place, each agreed there was no time to celebrate.

Clemon drew parallels between the recent Supreme Court ruling and the landmark 1954 Brown v Board of Education case that desegregated public schools.

Sewell said the ruling in the Alabama maps case could affect governments around the country.

All eyes are on Alabama and were going to set the pace, Sewell said, citing voting rights cases in Louisiana and North Carolina. We have to be vigilant and make sure your representatives know how important it is to get it right. Its about fair representation.

The panel, presented by college president Bobbie Knight and the Miles College Center for Economic & Social Justice, was moderated by Barnett Wright, executive editor of The Birmingham Times.
Employees of downtown Birminghams Revelator Coffee rebelled against the company by holding a live music show inside the store. The popular coffee shop closed over the weekend without notice to employees or patrons.

Handwritten notices announced that the coffee shop was closed forever. The employees thanked customers for their love and support and apologized for the inconvenience. The fliers also included information about employees Venmo and Cash App accounts.

Will Russell, a former barista at the coffee shop, said the staff of Revelator found out about the store closing abruptly via text last Friday night. He said that store management speculated that the store became too expensive to continue to operate.

AL.com has continued to reach out to company officials for comment, but has not received a response.

The next day, the partner of one of the store managers wanted to use the coffee shop to host a benefit concert that would include Russells band Apprehend, a Birmingham-based hardcore rock band.

On Saturday night, Russell and his bandmates went into the former Revelator Coffee Shop to prepare for their show. After a few minutes of setting up equipment and doing a sound check, DJ Breuin opened the show. Then another rock band, Confusions Prince, and a singer from Wielded Steele, played alongside Apprehend, and started blasting their music. A crowd packed inside the shop while several onlookers gathered to watch from outside.

Russell said the band was able to raise a few hundred dollars that was split among the former employees.

On Sunday, Russell posted videos on Twitter from their show with the caption saying: We threw a show there last night for them taking our job out from under us.

We threw a show there last night for them taking our job out from under us pic.twitter.com/xBbVL75XoX  Will and 600 others (@fakebrowser) June 25, 2023

The tweet amassed more than 1,000 likes and an outpour of support on the social media post.

One user said, I am so conflicted between being pissed at the store closing and screwing workers while also feeling hyped at this dope display of solidarity.

After the show, Russell claims that upper management later complained about missing rugs from the coffee shop, but didnt acknowledge the mass layoffs or store closure.

Heres the video of the full show:

According to a tweet from The Valley Labor Report, Alabamas only union talk radio show, they said a coffeeshop closing without warning is common in the restaurant industry.

Revelator Coffee Company operates a handful of coffee shops across the South. In addition to the location across from McWane Science Center in Birmingham, the website also lists shops in New Orleans and the campus of Birmingham-Southern College. The downtown location was the companys first, according to its website. It also opened a 15,000-square foot roasting facility in Birmingham in 2015.
Technology is great, isnt it? But like the debt ceiling, it has its limitations.

Google might provide a guilt-free cheesecake recipe and tell you how many U.S. presidents were left-handed, but if youre wondering why theyre clearing land on Gillespie Road, well, thats where it gets tougher.

Until now.

Answering local questions is what Ask the Lede is all about. Just think of me as a Siri or Alexa  whatever youre into  who grew up right here in Alabama.

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Do I know all the answers? No. But I dont think Alex Trebek did either, if you snatched those precious notecards.

I know what I know, and I know what I dont know. And if my journalism career, that started as a freshman at Jacksonville State University in the late 1900s, has taught me anything, its how to dig for the things I dont.

Ive done journalism in the state for almost all of my career, save for a stint at the Charlotte Observer before coming to rest here with Alabama Media Group for whats now approaching a decade.

Over the years, Ive searched for a lot of answers. And Im ready to do it again.

For some of your questions, the hole may be shallow enough for tomato plants, and all Ill have to do is a little reporting, or ask one of my esteemed colleagues at AL.com. Other questions may require deeper digging. But fire away; I dont mind getting dirty.

And dont limit your questions to new construction.

Heck, dont even limit them to Huntsville. Whatever pops in your head on your morning commute or something thats been rolling around up there since the Dubya was president, let em rip.

Ill give you my best Joe Friday Just the facts, maam answer as soon as I can dig it up.

P.S.  Heres your first one. Whats the Lede? Lede is a journalism term for the opening paragraph of a news article. Why is it spelled lede instead of lead? Legend has it, it was to avoid potential confusion in writing when newspapers were printed with lead type.
Face masks depicting Chechen Republic's regional leader Ramzan Kadyrov, left, owner of PMC (Private Military Company) Wagner Yevgeny Prigozhin, center, and Russian President Vladimir Putin are displayed for sale at a souvenir market in St. Petersburg, Russia, June 26. EPA-Yonhap



Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin flew into exile in Belarus on Tuesday under a deal that ended a brief mutiny by his fighters, as President Vladimir Putin praised his armed forces for averting a civil war.



A plane linked to Prigozhin was shown on a flight tracking service taking off from the southern Russian city of Rostov early on Tuesday and landing in Belarus.



"I see Prigozhin is already flying in on this plane," state news agency BELTA quoted Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko as saying. "Yes, indeed, he is in Belarus today."



In Moscow, Putin sought to reassert his authority after the mutiny led by Prigozhin in protest against the Russian military's handling of the conflict in Ukraine.



Russian authorities also dropped a criminal case against his Wagner Group mercenary force, state news agency RIA reported, apparently fulfilling another condition of the deal brokered by Lukashenko late on Saturday that defused the crisis.



Prigozhin, a former Putin ally and ex-convict whose mercenaries have fought the bloodiest battles of the Ukraine war and taken heavy casualties, had earlier said he would go to neighbouring Belarus at the invitation of Lukashenko, a close ally of Putin and an acquaintance of the Wagner chief.



Ukraine hopes the chaos caused by the mutiny attempt will undermine Russian defences as Ukraine presses a counteroffensive to recapture occupied territory in the south and east.



There was little news about progress on the battlefield on Tuesday, but two Russian missiles struck a restaurant in the eastern city of Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region. Andriy Yermak, head of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's administration, said on Telegram that four people were killed and 42 injured, including a child.



The building was reduced to a twisted web of metal beams. "None of the glass, windows or doors are left. All I see is destruction, fear and horror," Valentyna, 64, said.



Russia has repeatedly denied targeting civilians since launching what it terms a "special military operation" in Ukraine in February 2022.



'You have stopped civil war'



Early on Tuesday, flight tracking service Flightradar24's website showed an Embraer Legacy 600 jet, bearing identification codes that match a plane linked to Prigozhin in U.S. sanctions documents, descending near the Belarus capital Minsk.



It first appeared on the tracking site above Rostov, the southern Russian city that Prigozhin's fighters captured during the mutiny.



Prigozhin was seen on Saturday night smiling and high-fiving bystanders as he rode out of Rostov in the back of an SUV after ordering his men to stand down. He has not yet been seen in public in Belarus.





Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with servicemen at the Kremlin in Moscow on June 27. AFP-Yonhap



Putin meanwhile told some 2,500 Russian security personnel at a ceremony on a square in the Kremlin complex in Moscow that the people and the armed forces stood together in opposition to the rebel mercenaries.



"You have saved our motherland from upheaval. In fact, you have stopped a civil war," he said.



Putin was joined by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, whose dismissal had been one of the mutineers' main demands.



Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a news briefing on Tuesday the deal ending the mutiny was being implemented.



Russian leaders have tried to convey that the situation is returning to normal. Peskov dismissed the idea that Putin's grip on power had been shaken by the mutiny, calling such thoughts "hysteria".



Demonstration of protest



Prigozhin, 62, said he launched the mutiny to save his group after being ordered to place it under command of the defence ministry, which he has cast as ineffectual in the war in Ukraine.



His fighters halted their campaign on Saturday to avert bloodshed after nearly reaching Moscow, he said. "We went as a demonstration of protest, not to overthrow the government of the country," Prigozhin said in an audio message on Monday.



Lukashenko said on Tuesday that his country offered Wagner fighters an abandoned military base. "Please  we have a fence, we have everything  put up your tents," Lukashenko said, according to BELTA.



The prospect of Wagner establishing a base in Belarus was greeted with alarm by some of its neighbours. Latvia and Lithuania called for NATO to strengthen its eastern borders in response, and Polish President Andrzej Duda described the move a "negative signal".



Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda said deployment of Wagner fighters in Belarus would destabilise neighbouring countries.



NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters after a meeting with leaders of seven NATO countries in the Hague that the alliance "sent a clear message to Moscow and Minsk that NATO is there to protect every ally, every inch of NATO territory."



Washington, which has given Ukraine more than $10 billion in military assistance, announced $500 million in new aid including vehicles and munitions, according to a Pentagon statement. (Reuters)




Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Huntsville International Airport CEO Butch Roberts and University of Alabama in Huntsville President Chuck Karr were among a local delegation recruiting companies to come here at the Paris Air Show last week.

The local delegation met with about 60 companies at the airshow, which is the largest gathering of aerospace companies in the world. The delegation also included Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon, Huntsville-Madison County Chamber and Tennessee Valley Authority officials.

Weve had some really good meetings with companies that have an existing presence, said Lucia Cape, Huntsville-Madison County Chamber executive vice president for economic development and workforce. We have some new companies that want to come to the community.

The airshow was held at Le Bourget Airport. It is held biannually, but this was its first airshow since 2019 because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Huntsville delegation attended June 19-21 after holding a reception for U.S. Rep Dale Strong and U.S. Senator Katie Britt. The airshow ran through June 25.

Our return on investment from the Paris Air Show is substantial, Battle said in his City Blog Post last week. The unsurpassed concentration of key aerospace movers and shakers provided us with introductions and a list of prospects for new opportunities. Any time we can tell our incredible story to job creators, particularly in the aerospace industry, we give lift to Huntsvilles leadership role in all things space.
A former Alabama sheriff pleaded guilty in a state court Tuesday to an ethics charge, admitting that he depositing more than $32,000 in checks meant to support his office and prisoners into bank accounts controlled by him and his family, announced Attorney General Steve Marshall.

Abusing the taxpayers money will not be tolerated in our state, and I am pleased the defendant will be held accountable for betraying the publics trust, Marshall said in a statement.

Ex-Barbour County Sheriff Leroy Upshaw, who was sheriff for 12 years from January 2007 to January 2019, pleaded guilty to a charge of using his office or official position for personal gain.

With his guilty plea in Barbour County Circuit Court, the former sheriff agreed that he or a sheriffs employee acting on his behalf wrote himself checks totaling $32,135 from the office bank accounts.

While the funds were meant to support the office and care for prisoners, Upshaw deposited the checks into bank accounts owned by him or his family, the attorney general said.
All of a sudden, I am reading a bunch of attacks on the administrative state.

From American Greatness, Theo Wold on "A Century of Impotency: Conservative Failure and the Administrative State."

From the Daily Skeptic, Eugyppius on "The 'Soft' Tyranny of the Bureaucratic State" in Germany.

And on his Substack, Richard Hanania on "The Humble Capitalist."

Okay. so what is prompting this? The glorious failure of the administrative state during COVID, you think?

Theo Wold revives the age-old theme of conservative failure against the liberal juggernaut. He proposes James Landis as the guy that helped expand the administrative state during FDR's first term, and thus "brought to fruition Woodrow Wilsons progressive intellectual project: rule by experts, insulated from the popular will."

The various efforts to reform the administrative state have failed. So Wold believes that conservatives must propose deconstruction of the administrative state, and end the "rule by experts."

At The Daily Skeptic Eugyppius details the recent failures of the German administrative state: tinkering with rail fares, EV subsidies, mandatory consumer conversion to heat pumps, imposing bans on school trips in hot summer weather, lockdowns, and mass vaccinations. It's as though the bureaucrats think of their citizens as "Administrative Man" where "everybody is more or less the same, subject to nudging via the same incentives, requiring the same protections from the same risks, and likely to benefit from the same one-size-fits-all solutions."

Richard Hanania has a problem with a conservative outfit, American Compass, that seems to argue that market results can be suboptimal, especially when foreigners are involved. So just assume their "writers know how to allocate resources better than the market can." In fact, even though administrative meddling doesn't work, "most people support big government and central planning, because they're not smart enough to understand the case for freedom."

The problem for conservatives is dealing with the Churchill quote after World War II: "History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it." For the last century liberals got to write the history, and there is no end in sight. The Great Depression? Evil speculators did it. The New Deal? It saved America from disaster. World War II? It saved the world from fascism. Race relations? Liberals saved us from Jim Crow southerners and now white racists everywhere. Reagan and Thatcher? They gave us neoliberalism that hollowed out the economy. Great Recession? Greedy bankers did it. COVID? Get that Trump behind the tree.

The only way that conservatives get a chance to fix things is after our present rulers actually break America.

And there is another thing that I can mention, as an unashamed sexist, because I never expect to apply for a job again. It is Women.

I noticed, from the start of the late COVID crisis, that women were all aboard masking and lockdowns and social distancing and vaccinations in a New York minute. Why? Because women expect to be protected, and when some manly government shows up and gins up a COVID Pandemic and announces: do what we say or everyone will die, women instinctively do what they are told, and are glad to do so. Because they expect to be protected.

So I declare that nothing will change until America breaks, and not just for white working-class men as at present, but for women and especially educated liberal women.

Then, and only then will we get regime change, and the chance to staff the bureaucracy with our own guys, and then write the history. I volunteer to write the history. It will go something like this.

For over a century, America has suffered under the unjust rule of the educated class, the most unjust ruling class in history. First, it created the Federal Reserve system so it could finance its wars and immediately sent our doughboys to Europe in World War Kaiser. Then it flubbed the Great Depression when its Federal Reserve failed to act as "lender of last resort." Then it sent our GIs all over the world in World War Hitler. Then it was Occupy Earth in World War Commie. Then it wrecked Blacks with World War Welfare, and wrecked women with World War Free Sex. Then it messed up the Middle East. Then it brought on the Great Recession when the Fed failed to act as "lender of last resort" in 2008. Then it ruined small businesses all across America in World War COVID. But then along came our heroic President Trump DeSantis who stopped World War Climate just before it destroyed the whole world, and then in the most decisive battle in history, conquered the administrative state in World War Bureaucrat.

Thank that's a bit over the top? Probably, but if you agree with Curtis Yarvin that there is no politics without an enemy, you begin to see that every politician is looking for a war, especially our educated class warriors.

Christopher Chantrill @chrischantrill runs the go-to site on US government finances, usgovernmentspending.com. Also get his American Manifesto and his Road to the Middle

Image: PickPik
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) just wrapped up its two-day, four panel Investigative Hearing: Norfolk Southern Railway Train Derailment with Subsequent Hazardous Material Release and Fires in the East Palestine High School gymnasium in Ohio.

I watched it so you dont have to.

The overarching message is to not expect much from the government entities involved in preventing future derailments. One would think that preventing roller wheel-bearing failures, which would prevent the derailment of the hopper car that caused this accident, would be a top priority.

After two long days of this government dog-and-pony show, one would expect that the name of the owner of the hopper car that derailed would be prominently displayed in the record. The closest the board came to identifying this car was by its number, 23, in the list of cars, the Consist, that made up train Norfolk Southern Train 32N.

The Consist is Group F, Exhibit 1 on the docket and describes the car as 023 GPLX 075465 L READING PA RBMN 105 MITSUBIS 2821142 C214.

From the Railserve.com website we can determine that the owner of that car is General American Marks (GATX) serial number 075465. It was bound for Reading, Pennsylvania. It seems likely that MITSUBIS would most likely mean Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, Inc. was the intended end user. Neither GATX nor Mitsubishi were made parties to the hearing.

Despite previously complaining about how political the matter had become, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendys background as a former lobbyist for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters shone through.

A neutral person might despair of ever preventing a similar derailment given the hidden agendas and axes to grind displayed by the questioners. It was interesting to see Karl Alexy, Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety & Chief Safety Officer of the Federal Railroad Administration in person. However, he got to ask questions but was not asked, in turn, why, as the Chief Safety Officer, government regulations failed to prevent this accident? It seems a fair and relevant question.

Trying to make sense of this matter would require a very long dissertation. Here are some bullet points to consider.

Norfolk Southern (NS) is a regulated common carrier and as such is obligated to move freight on its rail network for the general public. None of the railcars that derailed were owned by NS. With specific regard to hazardous tank cars, the representative from the American Association of Railroads (AAR), noted that over 99.9% of all tank cars are owned by parties other than the Class 1 freight railroads. It was finally established that the responsibility for the proper preparation, inspection and documentation of each shipment belongs to the shipper. This made for some uncomfortable moments for Karenanne Stegmann of Oxy Vinyls LP and her colleagues. Oxy Vinyls manufactured and shipped the Vinyl Chloride Monomer in five DOT-105 Class 2 flammable gas, tank cars which survived the initial derailment and fire, but were subsequently subjected to a vent and burn procedure that made the news on Feb. 6, long after the Feb. 3 derailment. The original fire consumed combustible materials including the plastic pellets in the GPLX hopper car plus spilled liquids from several Class 3 flammable liquid DOT-111 tank cars. By existing statute, the DOT-111 cars are fated to be fully retired and replaced by DOT-117 improved design tank cars, but the change-over is ongoing. This already codified program would also help alleviate the dangers of future derailments by substantially reducing the number of resulting hazmat spills and fires. No hazardous materials spilled would greatly reduce the threat to public safety. There was a panel discussing hot bearing detectors (HBD) as a means of proactively trying to identify wheel bearings likely to fail before they fail and cause a derailment. The key observation one could make is that NS had a whole series of HBDs along the track of train 32N. Many of you will have seen the videos of the flaming bearing as the train approached East Palestine. NS had installed them at an average spacing of 13.9 miles in line with a general corporate policy of 15 mile spacing when the government regulations call for 40 mile spacing based on a previous NTSB accident investigation involving two BNSF freight trains near Casselton, ND. You can see the re-creation video on their YouTube channel here. It was a missed opportunity to invite the Casselton Fire Chief to add his experience to the investigation. It seems that even with the advice of the NTSB, not all accidents are 100% preventable, even when the railroads exceed government regulations.

I expect many residents of East Palestine, Ohio, have questions about the vent and burn decision that caused the towering column of smoke from burning vinyl chloride monomer.

There was a lot of relevant testimony during panel 3 from the NS contractors who did the work. You might argue with the decision to preemptively conduct the exercise to prevent an extremely dangerous BLEVE explosion that could result in deaths, injuries and major destruction of property. They say a picture is worth a thousand words.

So here is the YouTube video of the Murdock, Illinois Train Wreck of 1983. Note that the contents of that tank car was a flammable GAS, a Class 2 hazmat material that is now required to be shipped in the DOT-105 cars liked those used by Oxy Vinyl for its Class 2 hazardous gas, Vinyl Chloride Monomer. Ms. Homendy proclaimed that all human lives are priceless. Does that include volunteer firefighters? The number of deaths in this accident was exactly ZERO.

As a side note, I would suggest that the private sector contractors are much better miracle workers than government officials. Who re-opened I-95 to traffic in a remarkably short period of time, the contractors or DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg and/or Governor Josh Shapiro? They obviously know what a pool fire is. They removed the overpass in both directions despite only one side collapsing. The reason for the collapse? A gasoline pool fire underneath the overpass.

Image: thunderlips36, via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 4.0
In the 121 years since 1902, the federal governments spending has increased from 6.9 percent of GDP to over 50 percent recently. Excessive government spending is directly related to tyranny.

The following chart gives an overview of all government spending in the 20th century:

Chart 2.21: 20th Century Government Spending

The chart shows that federal spending was modest until World War I, when it increased temporarily, only to fall back again in the 1920s.

Roosevelts New Deal increased spending but, in the lead-up to WWII, the federal governments direct spending was less than half of total government expenditures (local, state, and federal). The enormous demands of World War II saw federal government spending peak at just under 52 percent of GDP in 1945.

Federal spending immediately dropped back to 21 percent of GDP after WWII, and then steadily climbed to a peak of 35 percent of GDP at the bottom of the 1980-82 recession. Thereafter, government spending continued to account for approximately 35% of the GDP until the mortgage meltdown of 2008.

In the aftermath of 2008s bank and auto bailouts, federal government spending rose to 41 percent of GDP, although eventually moderating to about 36 percent of GDP. However, when COVID hit in 2020, federal government spending went to WWII levels of just over 50 percent of GDP (see here for more details).

Image by Andrea Widburg.

In 2021, the federal government directly employed about 2.85 million people. However, the cost of our federal government extends beyond the direct connection between federal taxes and expenditures. Federal regulations govern how states, territories, and smaller government entities operate. The 50 states along with D.C., the territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, etc.), 19,495 incorporated cities and towns, 3332 counties or parishes, and thousands of school boards and other state and local entities are all effectively federal subsidiaries to one degree or another thru costly federal regulations, expenditures, and police power.

That means that taxpayers arent supporting just a couple of million federal employees. As of 2021, 18.28 million people worked for state and local governments in the United States. Furthermore, there are millions of contract workers who provide infrastructure and myriad services to all these governments.

A centralized government is an enclave of laws, regulations, and employees. Many of these employees (courts and police) enforce the onerous regulations that cover almost every aspect of our lives and suck the treasure from the productive populace to finance it. This represents a tyranny of almost absolute control, as the pandemic shutdowns and forced virus injections have shown. Biden continues to issue numerous other unconstitutional orders from D.C. Chaos seems to be the goal in the effort to redo America. Do Obama and Biden want to create a dictatorship? (Tucker Carlsons satirical take is definitely food for thought.)

Could we have foreseen and prevented whats happened? The Founders, after all, thought our Republic had 200 years before an inevitable collapse. The Founders were pessimistic about the survival of our republic. Franklin said,

I agree to this Constitution ... and I believe, further, that this is likely to be well administered for a course of years, and can only end in despotism, as other forms have done before it, when the people shall become so corrupted as to need despotic government, being incapable of any other.

In the 250 years from George III to Biden I, weve gone from taxation without representation to taxation without representation. How depressing.

We threw off British rule and were generally happy, although the choice to continue race-based slavery bedeviled us, so we could not avoid the Civil War. The outcome (industrial north with streams of new immigrants v. rural south) was inevitable.

Once it ended, an overwhelming result of the Civil War was that the D.C. government became more powerful. Tyranny took a while to brew, but Woodrow Wilson helped it along with his view on the administrative statea complex government required a civil service with the technical expertise that the citizenry could not possibly have to make the appropriate decisions.

The Great Depression was fueled by the Federal Reserves depressing the money supply and killing the banks, despite knowing better. (See Milton Friedman & Anna Schwartz, A Monetary History of the United States 1867-1960, Princeton University Press, 1963.) But the fix was in, and the market system, not the government, was blamed, so the solution was more centralized government, with alphabet agencies sprouting like weeds. FDR and his cadre of lawyers knew nothing about markets except that they had to be controlled and, in many ways, thwarted.

But still, the central government was smallsmall until WWII. In fact, the full-scale decline of America can be traced to the war. Once we got into the war, the central government expanded phenomenally. Also, centralized control expanded. A good example is how Japanese American citizens in California suffered tremendously from what can only be described as racial hysteria after Pearl Harbor, with FDR and the Supreme Court leading the central government charge.

After the war, there was a brief respite as spending fell back to the 20 percent level, and the golden age of the 1950s ensued. It wasnt perfect but we can have as a reasonable goal the 1950s, except with civil rights and reasonable environmental regulations added. Of course, if the CIA really did kill JFK (as RFK, Jr. suggests), the tyrannical rot was already firmly in place.

A large central government based on progressive taxes and borrowing is inevitably a government that redistributes societys wealth and income with the justification that some deserve government aid, while others should finance that aid. Power and money feed on each other. Political power makes a large central government. A large central government makes for political power. Corruption is part and parcel of this cycle. It doesnt matter whether a large central government is bad for the country. D.C.s size and power mean it rules regardless of the fact that half the country disagrees.

LBJs Great Society significantly advanced the large central government spending program. It also devastated the black family. Nixon didnt pull back. He created the EPA, which later opted for overkill regulations that devastate the economy, something only possible with a large central government.

Since the 1960s, government spending and tyranny have grown. Theyre unstoppable.

Trump mounted a holding action amid unprecedented unconstitutional attacks. The 2020 election, his indictment, and the plea deal for Hunter all represent tyranny on steroids. Trumps reelection in 2024 is unlikely if organized voter fraud holds sway. If he wins, the Deep State will again try to destroy him.

Even the Supreme Court, despite Trump appointees, has been Deep Stated. The justices do not have saving constitutionalism as a goal. Apparently, they fear the mob banging on their doors more than they revere the Constitution.

An agreed-upon, peaceful national separation is possible. One suggestion is to apply the Swiss Canton approach whereby agreeable groups join and rule locally. Unfortunately, without divine intervention, its hard to see a separation without violence.

Given history and mans nature, Thomas Jefferson expected tyranny to appear in America and believed a repeat revolution would be necessary to counter tyranny. If other solutions do not prevail, what would a revolutionary Boston Tea Party look like today? Are the January 6 prosecutions powerful enough to prevent Jeffersons prediction from coming true? If so, are we condemned to a failed republic and the bread and circuses of a continuing tyranny?
The New York Times wants us to be scared about climate:

But in point of fact, instead of seeking to scare people with high temperatures, most of the reporting lately talks about the heat index. The purpose is to make people think it is warmer than it is. BTW: California has been very comfortable so far this year, so we don't hear much about their temperatures.

The heat index wasn't used until 1979, which was just a few years after we were hearing that a coming ice age was going to kill us. The heat index was developed in 1979 by Robert G. Steadman. Like the wind chill index, the heat index contains assumptions about the human body mass and height, clothing, amount of physical activity, individual heat tolerance, sunlight and ultraviolet radiation exposure, and the wind speed.

If you Google the question "What is the highest heat index ever recorded?," you actually get the highest actual temperature ever recorded, which was 134F. which occurred in Death Valley, California in 1913. A lot of other heat records occurred during the 1930s, so why do they keep telling the public that these are the hottest years on record and then claim that humans, cars, CO2, coal, methane, etc. have caused the high temperatures?

The highest temperature ever recorded in the U.S. was 134 degrees in Death Valley, California, on July 10, 1913. That's also the hottest temperature ever recorded anywhere on Earth. In the central U.S., most of the Plains states have vaulted to at least 120 degrees. That includes North Dakota, where the city of Steele  some 150 miles from the Canadian border  hit 121 degrees during the Dust Bowl on July 6, 1936. Many other states in the region also reached their all-time record highs during the Dust Bowl year of 1936, including Oklahoma, which reached 120 degrees four different times that summer (including in the same location twice). Numerous Midwestern states have all-time record highs of 115 degrees or higher. Missouri's statewide record of 118 degrees occurred on July 14, 1954, in two different cities. Even Minnesota has reached 115 degrees, which was achieved some 250 miles south of the Canadian border in the city of Beardsley on July 29, 1917. (source)

The purpose of almost all reporting on the climate is to indoctrinate, not to inform, to get the public to capitulate to the radical leftist green agenda to remake (destroy) America.

Why do we name storms that have winds of 35 MPH as if they were dangerous?
For a while there, Joe Biden's administration thought it sufficient to tell us he made the border "secure."

That didn't work.

So then he appointed Kamala Harris as his border czar  and that really didn't work.

Next up, when the blue cities got a few thousand of the million-plus migrants rolling across the southern border, and cried "uncle" to the White House, Biden claimed to have a plan in place for tough new measures to really, really secure the border.

Border crossings were down 70 percent as a result, he claimed. The plan, he crowed, is "working as intended," and he cited numbers showing fewer recorded encounters or arrests.

Guess what: the public isn't buying it.

According to The Federalist:

President Joe Biden, his administration, and the corporate media tried their best over the last two and a half years to downplay the record number of illegal border crossings, but a majority of Americans aren't buying into the lie that the ongoing border crisis is improving. A new poll from Pew Research found that 73 percent of Americans think the Biden administration is doing a bad job at handling the U.S.-Mexico border. For Republicans, the number rises to 87 percent. Even 62 percent of Democrats, whose party currently controls the White House and the Senate, say they disapprove of Biden's border bungling. Of the 5,115 U.S. adults surveyed, 94 percent of Americans think illegal border crossings are a problem for the country. Nearly half of Americans, 47 percent, classify illicit migration as a "very big" problem. That is up nearly 10 percent from last year's survey, which found that 38 percent of Americans think the border chaos is a "very big" problem.

The Federalist cited 204,561 illegal migrant arrests for May, as if that were a "success," which could be called that only in comparison to previous months, and which, in any case, didn't reflect how many migrants were getting over the border through quasi-legal means, such as the CBPOne asylum app, which is a joke, having approved as valid 99% of all asylum claims, which means letting everyone in as a "legal" "immigrant." Biden also set up new "asylum" processing centers in Central American countries to prevent migrants from massing at the border as a "priority" for the administration, as it didn't want more Fox News cameras photographing them, and bused them on in as "legal" "immigrants" from the Darien Gap under cover of darkness. In addition, he set up special "humanitarian parole" programs for Venezuelans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Cubans who have relatives in the country to stay with for...years in order to wait out their asylum claims in court. None of those crossings is counted as a border encounter, or an arrest.

But they sure do amount to the same phenomenon of "undocumented" migrants with no valid asylum claims to be able to get over the border and into the U.S. without going through normal immigration channels that legitimate immigrants use. Tens of thousands are doing it.

In any case, as The Federalist notes, they aren't arresting migrants even when they do cross over illegally:

Law enforcement agencies are under explicit instructions from the Biden White House to avoid arresting illegal border crossers. Even those who are caught by border patrol will, be released into the U.S. with zero accountability.

The migrants aren't being fooled by Joe Biden's claimed tough new stance about border crossings, that's for sure.

And neither is the public. Everyone knows what is going on.

Fact is, people on the ground can't be fooled about this dereliction of duty. They see the migrants coming in, clogging hospital rooms, spreading disease, such as a virulent new strain of tropical malaria, which has been discovered in the past few days here in the States. They're filling hotel rooms with "free" accommodations from the blue cities, filling public schools, filling welfare offices, and filling jails. Drunk driving, shoplifting, and other criminal behavior from these incoming migrants is up. Migrants are valuing their "right" to live in the States for about as much as they paid for it, which is nil.

But we're also seeing the breakdown of law and order in Mexico, with stunning examples of cartel power-grabs that have roiled Mexico's north. You can't go to huge swaths of Mexico safely these days. That's because the cartels have grown powerful  based on their money stream from migrants.

And we're seeing the rise of child labor in the States, from incoming child migrants, released to their smuggling and exploiting sponsors to operate heavy factory equipment and industrial chemicals, even as officials warn of problems, as if to give competition to places like China.

People in the States can't be gaslighted into thinking these things aren't happening. What's more, the Biden has let the cat out of the bag many times about wanting to bring in all comers in order to usher in a new base of Democrat voters, many of whom will vote exactly the same way in the States as they voted in their home countries  which was why those nations became socialist hellholes.

Without serious border enforcement, which involves walls, deportations, and a rigorous adherence to congressionally mandated quotas, the whole thing amounts to smoke and mirrors.

As President Lincoln famously said: "You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time."

Well, Joe Biden is about as far away from President Lincoln in terms of virtue and good governance as possible on the presidential scale of rankings, so of course he thinks he can  and he isn't.

Image: Screen shot from ABC News video via YouTube.
French President Emmanuel Macron has been on a diplomatic quest in Lebanon for two years.

Many fear that his efforts will reward Iran-backed Hezb'allah more than benefit beleaguered Lebanon.

Macrons distractors question whether he is capable of motivating Lebanese leaders to reform prevalent mismanagement and corruption.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Macron last week discussed cooperation and determination to work together pull Lebanon out of crisis.

The Saudi/French joint effort to help Lebanon brings a new twist to the multi-dimensional political chess game in the Middle East.

Iran and Saudi Arabia have been historic enemies. Macron supports the Iran-backed Lebanese Hezb'allah as a political organization.

But first, scroll back to 2020, which was where much of the crisis in Lebanon started.

White smoke billowed from the ports grain silos on the Mediterranean Coast.

If this was Rome, we might have thought a new pope had been elected.

However, this was Beirut.

The roof caught on fire, and then a stupendous mushroom cloud exploded into the air. Supersonic shock waves emanated throughout the city in the worlds largest ever non-nuclear explosion.

More than 200 died, more than 6,500 were injured, much of the port was destroyed, homes were destroyed, and it is estimated to have caused $3 to $4 billion in damage, not a trivial thing for a small country.

This catastrophic event began Lebanons downward spiral.

Investigations into cause have been blocked. Prime Minister Hassan Diab and his cabinet resigned. President Joseph Aoun left office in October 2022.

An economic crisis followed, brought on by central bank mismanagement. Angry citizens stormed banks demanding their savings. The Lebanese currency, the poound or lire, as it is called, plunged 80% this year.

The economy went into and remains in a freefall. Lawmakers failed for the twelfth time since October to elect a president. A protracted power vacuum is among the reasons the World Bank ranks Lebanon as potentially one of the top three most severe economic crises in the world since the mid-nineteenth century.

Government top positions are allocated along religious lines: President, a Maronite Christian; Speaker of the Parliament, a Shia Muslim; and Prime Minister, a Sunni Muslim. A presidential candidate must receive a 2/3 majority in parliament in the first round. If not reached, further elections are held until someone reaches a simple majority.

Candidates in last weeks failed election - Suleiman Frangieh, supported by Hezb'allah, and a close friend of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad. General Joseph Aoun (no relation to the former president) Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces. Gebran Bassil, who leads the Free Patriotic Movement and is the son-in-law of former President Michel Aoun. Michel Moawad, Member of Parliament and the son of former President Rene Moawad, who was assassinated (1989).

Iran-backed Hezb'allah is a global Islamic jihad network; responsible for bombings, assassinations, and murders throughout Europe and Southeast Asia.

Decades ago, Lebanon ordered the dissolution of all militias, except Hezb'allah. The European Union declared Hezb'allah a terrorist organization in 2013. The United States, Canada, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands have each banned Hezb'allah. Hezb'allah fires rockets into Israel from southern Lebanon, and denies Israels right to exist.

France is a holdout country protecting Hezb'allah.

President Trump's U.S. ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell, sparked a political discussion in 2020 with his article in Die Welt calling for Berlin to ban the radical Islamic Hezb'allah. Following this, Germany banned Hezb'allah. U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken said that Hezb'allah is a threat to the United States, the Middle East and globally. Reuters reported that Macron advised President Biden to adopt a more realistic attitude towards Hezb'allah to help break the political impasse in Lebanon.

The French president regards Hezb'allah as a political party, not a terrorist group. Many disagree, including Nadim Gemayel a Member of Lebanese Parliament.

Gemayel said in a radio broadcast on June 6, 2023: He knew that France had fallen when French President Macron came to Lebanon and urged the Lebanese people to put Hezb'allah aside.

Gemayel also said: all of Frances interest in Lebanon are channeled through Hezb'allah in an effort to reach Iran and all the investments that Hezb'allah can facilitate in Africa or in Iran.

Nadim believes that Macron is wrong, and there is no distinction between Hezb'allah the terrorist organization and Hezb'allah the political entity.

Lebanon and Arab nations share some cultural characteristics, but the country is not a kingdom.

It is a republic with a parliamentary government. National Assembly members are elected for four years. Women vote and can hold office.

One of the worlds smallest sovereign states, Lebanon is located on the Mediterranean Sea and shares borders with Syria and Israel. Historically it was part of the Ottoman Empire. After World War I, Lebanon was a French Military Mandate. It became a republic in 1926 and gained independence in 1943.

Macron is an advocate of the Iran Nuclear Deal. When the U.S. pulled out of that agreement, and placed sanctions on Iran; Macron proposed a multi-billion-dollar credit deal to help Irans lost oil trade. Macron advocates for Iran-backed Hezb'allah as a political party and makes a distinction between that and the Hezb'allah terrorist organization. A distinction that Hezb'allah does not make.

For his quest in Lebanon, will history find Emmanuel Macron to have been Don Quixote, Winston Churchill or Neville Chamberlin?

Darlene Casella is an internationally published writer, a former English teacher, stockbroker, and owner/president of a small corporation. She is active with Republican Women Federated, The Coachella Valley Lincoln Club, The California Republican Party, PEO, Armed Services YMCA-29 Palms Marine Base. She can be reached at darlenecasella@msn.com

Image: FreeSVG / CC0 public domain
Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, honored community 'heros' of The Dodgers, eat your hearts out.

Check out what the Vatican has cooked up to scandalize the faithful.

According to ARTNews:

Almost six decades ago Paul VI, then pope, organized a meeting of artists in the Sistine Chapel, an attempt to help usher the Vaticans vast collection of art into the modern age. Last week Paul VIs successor, Pope Francis, celebrated 50 years of the Vatican Museums expansion into modern and contemporary art with a similar assembly in the same placeand the guest list might have made prior popes wince. I was very surprised to be invited, artist Andres Serrano told the New York Times. In 1987 Serrano debuted the photograph Piss Christ, depicting a plastic crucifix against a red background floating in a vat of urine. Conservatives and religious organizations lambasted Serrano for presumed blasphemy. But many years have passed since then, and the Church has broadened its patronage of all types of art, including the controversial. In fact, Pope Frances even blessed Serrano and gave him a cheery thumbs up, which the artist said surprised him even more than the invitation.

No, I can't unread that.

That was the disgusting, repulsive "artwork" by modern artist Andres Serrano whose mission seems to be to epater le bourgeois in order to demonstrate to tout le monde how hip and with-it he is. His "art" is not about producing the kind of art that takes actual work, the way, say, Caravaggio, or even Picasso, once were able to do. It's more about making big dollars by insulting the Catholic Church and watching the society ladies sip their cocktails to it at the gallery exhibition over it.

Blech.

According to Wikipedia, here's who this guy is:

Had enough? He's a regular emperor's new clothes artist, telling us his repulsive junk amalgamations are nothing but the sublimest of art, pure Michelangelo greatness, but visible to only the most artistically refined of cognoscenti. Everyone else who can't see that sublime vision of his, of course, is a philistine.

Yeah, sure.

Of all the artists out there, why did the pope pick this guy? There are a thousands of good artists out there who would have been finer candidates for this honor, both as good modern artists, and as bearers of just minimal Vatican values in art. At a minimum, they could have at least picked an artist whose art that doesn't make its key focal point the insulting of the Christian faithful.

Unfortunately, this crap is more about following the avant-garde herd.

Here's Serrano's lovely famous oeuvre in all its glory:

Wikipedia // Fair Use

Serrano of course insists he's a "Christian" artist and just wanted to criticize commercialism in religious art. He offered other explanations at other times, which kind of tells you he was making it up as he went along. Dollars to donuts he swims in an anti-Christian cesspool of ideas that is the current establishment, particularly in the arts, where he fits right in and helps lower the bar for others, and hasn't been to Catholic Mass in years. Color me skeptical, because this kind of mockery downright passe now. It is the bourgeoisie.

And nothing is sacred, at least not to the Vatican poohbahs who came up with this bad idea

If the Vatican wanted to be really radical and out there, it could have invited a Christian artist instead for the modern art ceremony. But that's too much to ask.

Here's another one they invited whom they should have kept hands off -- the anti-Christian Brazilian guru of Tropicana music, Caetano Veloso:

O.K., his music isn't repellent. We can give him that.

But he's got some values issues. Here's his Wikipedia:

Veloso married fellow Baiana and actress Andrea Gadelha (or Dede) on November 21, 1967, in a ceremony that reflected the air of the counterculture era. Their son Moreno was born on November 22, 1972. On January 7, 1979, their daughter Julia was born 3 months premature; she died 11 days later.[24] Veloso's father died on December 13, 1983. Veloso separated from Dede Veloso in 1983. In 1986 Veloso married Rio native Paula Lavigne, with whom he had two more sons, Zeca Lavigne Veloso, born March 7, 1992, and Tom Lavigne Veloso, born on January 25, 1997, in Salvador. Paula confirmed to Playboy magazine in 1998 that, "[Paula] was 13 years old when she lost her virginity to the musician, who was 40 years old at the time."[25] Caetano has since been accused of pedophilia.[25] This marriage lasted twenty years. Although separated since 2004, the two still work together. Veloso's 1989 CD Estrangeiro includes songs ("Esse Amor, which means "This Love", and "Branquinha") inspired by and dedicated to, respectively, his ex-wife Dede and his wife at the time, Paula Lavigne.[26][27][28][29] Veloso is one of the few public atheist celebrities in Brazil. He was brought up in a religious Catholic family but left the faith early on. In an interview Veloso stated that he did not like to "lie to his own intelligence" by believing in God.[30] In a separate interview Veloso generated controversy when he said that Brazil would be better off if most people in the country were to become irreligious or atheist.[31] Despite this, two of Veloso's sons have become members of the neo-Pentecostal Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, with Veloso attending his children's baptism, stating that "what is good for them is good for me."[30] In 2022 Veloso talked about his bisexuality in a show commemorating his 80th birthday.[32]

A guy who does the thirteen-year-olds? Maybe they should have sat that guy out, too.

This fascination with the profaners of Christianity is never a good thing and probably does explain why we've been seeing creepy, weird stuff from the Vatican in recent years in its Nativity scenes among other things. I know they're trying to biggen their tent, to be more inclusive, to invite people in who haven't been invited in in the past. But they're nurturing vipers, haters, those who would do all they could to eradicate Catholicism were they ever given a drop of power. They're Joe Bidens claiming to be Catholics while doing their darndest to persecute Catholics and Christians from following their consciences.

What's wrong with this picture?

Image: Wikipedia // fair use
Robert F. Kennedy, Jrs recent foreign policy speech sounded very hopeful, in the old-time peacenik vein. He frequently invokes his President uncle, which is both useful and perhaps overdone. As a candidate, he ought to incorporate ideas into his own policy recommendations. But Im not here to give him political advice. Apparently, he wants to bring back the 1960s Democrat coalition.

Starting with an anecdote about the Kennedy White House, and JFKs recognition of the dangers of nuclear fallout and what JFK did to try to minimize global damage (make a treaty before he told the State Department), he transitions to a plea to understand the context of Russias current concerns regarding the Wests promise not to push NATO east. Fair enough, but he neglects to say that the war Russia started was done only after Americas leadership went completely insane.

Nevertheless, he says that "...we would never tolerate..." Russia surrounding us as NATO has surrounded Russia. That's probably true, but why are we tolerating China surrounding us by moving into Cuba and Central and South America, not to mention Canada, even setting up police stations in American cities and indoctrinational institutes" in our universities? He doesnt mention this either.

Unfortunately, the second part of his speech is a variation on Kumbaya, just-give-peace-a-chance, neglecting to acknowledge that the leaders of other powers may not be as gently introspective as he secretly thinks they may be. Now see if you can shoehorn the Ayatollah, or the Taliban, or the slaveholder Xi, or any number of others into that peaceful description. As he rightly notes, however, we should certainly maintain a dialog, but America won't be taken seriously if we grovel and destroy the military in favor of an illusory "peace dividend" (aka, defund the military), as Democrats always do.

The answer is back to Teddy Roosevelt's speak softly but carry a big stick. This does not mean that we should be an international bully. But, then that's a Democrat penchant, too, as their cancel culture proves.

Then he goes into some "despairing people" stuff, reminiscent of Carters malaise, decrying the fact that America is so divided, which he neglects to say was caused by Marxist-inspired wokeism, that is to say, Democrat-inspired wokeism, as taught in our schools for generations through "special" (subversive, psychobabble pushing, hate-America-first) education.

He says that the 'forces' that currently control us are man-made, and he's right. They are made by lies told to generations of susceptible children which are learned as 'fact' and which then, and often taken into adulthood, populates their version of common sense, and has by now been degrading all American traditions and mores for a long time.

So, he's right about the rot growing from within, which rot has grown as America's history of progressive assimilation and inclusion has been slimed in 'history' and sociology and 'language arts' and sex-education classes into the Progressive narrative, which redefines inclusion as something exclusionary. Like I said, psychobabble. But, note the differences in capitalization of progressive. Coopting the proper definition of progress to mean only movement to the Left, also qualifies as psychobabble. This perverse ideology is promoted by Democrats who want to destroy America as part of the Marxist long march to global communism. Dont take my word for this. -- just listen to Democrats. The evidence is everywhere. Our democracy means censorship, mostly-peaceful looting, and never-ending corruption.

He is right about the pernicious influence of military industrialism, though, through which donors get rich while others die. He even implicitly suggests that his uncle was killed by the military-industrial complex.

No wonder Democrats hate him. The rest of us may benefit by listening to him, after weeding out the naive assumptions about the motivations of tyrants everywhere. But in the end, the old advice about keeping your friends close and your enemies closer, is probably right. Peace can be maintained only if the other guy, no matter his strength, knows that he risks having his own nose bloodied by going too far.

Image: John S. Quarterman
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., one of three announced candidates for the Democrat presidential nomination next year, will appear in his first televised town hall this evening on NewsNation. According to a June 20 NewsNation news release:

At 9 p.m. June 28 in NewsNation's Chicago studios, Kennedy will take questions from a live audience in a forum moderated by Elizabeth Vargas. The audience will be made up of South Carolina and New Hampshire voters, selected in partnership with the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College.

According to the news release and NewsNation's website, the town hall will be available on NewsNation-affiliated broadcast television stations around the country and for free live streaming on the internet. It is scheduled to replay on NewsNation at 11 P.M. E.T./8 P.M. P.T.

NewsNation describes itself as

a fact-based, unbiased national news network from Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. The NewsNation app and NewsNationNow.com provide U.S. and international news 24/7. The team is led by veteran journalists and draws on the local, regional and national expertise of Nexstar's 5,400 journalists in 110 local newsrooms across the country.

Elizabeth Vargas, the moderator of the RFK Jr. town hall, is a veteran TV journalist and anchor who hosts NewsNation's 6 P.M. E.T. nightly program. Vargas had a decade-and-a-half-long career at ABC News as the anchor of the prime-time news magazine 20/20 and as the co-host for a brief period in 2006 of ABC World News Tonight.

Kennedy, who declared his candidacy in April, is one of two Democrats (the other is self-help author Marianne Williamson) to challenge President Joe Biden for their party's 2024 presidential nomination. Kennedy has been polling as high as around 20% in early public opinion samplings of Democrats. If he can double his support when the votes are counted early next year in the first primary in New Hampshire, he could be on his way to checkmate President Biden, as Sen. Eugene McCarthy did in 1968, when his 42% showing in New Hampshire derailed incumbent Democrat president Lyndon Johnson's re-election campaign.

In recent years, Kennedy, an attorney who founded and directed the non-profit Children's Health Defense, emerged as a high-profile critic of arbitrary and draconian government and medical establishment policies on COVID-19. He expanded his base from his roots on the political left to include many conservatives including associations with or eliciting favorable comments from Mike Lindell, Gen. Michael Flynn, and Steve Bannon. In Episode 6 of his new show on Twitter on June 22, Tucker Carlson headlined his video "Bobby Kennedy is Winning." Carlson appeared to be this close to issuing an endorsement of Kennedy, whom he interviewed live on one of his last FOX News programs in April.

Kennedy has been attacked and largely shunned by the mainstream media, but in at least a half-dozen live interviews on FOX News, including the one with Tucker Carlson, he has expressed a message that suggests he could draw support from across the political spectrum. His comments, including describing the aim of his campaign as "end[ing] the corrupt merger of state and corporate power," might resonate with a variety of constituencies. He has also criticized the Biden administration's open borders policy, the U.S.'s blank check for militarily supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, and the attack on civil liberties during the COVID-19 lockdowns and mandates. After the abrupt end of Tucker Carlson's program on FOX News on April 24, Kennedy praised Carlson's monologue on pharmaceutical companies as "breathtakingly courageous."

In light of the Democrat National Committee's decision to block any 2024 presidential primary debates, which would subject President Biden to an uncomfortable and untenable situation, Kennedy's best bet may be via free media interviews and televised town halls, the first of which, courtesy of NewsNation, will air tonight.

Thomas Lifson adds: I think NewsNation is very smart to feature RFK Jr. as it tries to establish itself as a full-fledged rival to CNNMSNBCFOXNEWSMAX. RFK Jr. already has a fan base that will want to tune in and see him, and I suspect most have never watched NewsNation. They may like what they see and come back now that they have searched for and found it on their cable/satellite/streaming feed. NewsNation is trying to establish itself in the middle of the political spectrum, accessible to both sides. Featuring RFK Jr. is a good way to highlight that orientation.

Peter Barry Chowka is a veteran journalist who has covered national politics and the politics and economics of health care, popular culture, and media for over five decades. His web page with links to his work is http://peter.media. Peter's extensive American Thinker archive: http://tinyurl.com/pcathinker. Peter's Twitter account is @pchowka.
Experiments are traditionally conducted in accord with an established framework. They begin with an introductory statement of the issue to be addressed. The goal of the experiment is then clearly defined, followed by a discussion of the methods to be employed in arriving at the stated goal, culminating in a presentation of the results of the experiment for consideration by peers and concerned parties.

The American Experiment was devised and initiated in 1776 after the Revolutionary War freed the colonies from the British monarchy. Its goal was to create a society in which the government derived its power from the consent of the governed, with liberty, justice, and opportunity for all. This was a radical concept in a world of nations controlled by emperors, kings, and dictators.

The methodology as defined in the founding documents was to create a nation governed by the people through elected representatives. Three branches of government were created to establish a balance-of-power structure designed to preclude totalitarian rule.

Life in the fledgling nation did not reflect the lofty ideals advanced in the experimental design. But its design accommodated social progress, resulting in the abolition of slavery and segregation and the institution of affirmative action. Voting rights for all were established. Civil rights were promoted and welfare programs established for the needy. There was a labor movement. Environmental stewardship was advanced. Waves of immigrants seeking opportunity and freedom created a melting pot of assimilation. The American Experiment became a model for other nations.

* * *

Radical leftist forces have been methodically undermining the American Experiment in an attempt to replace it with their own. The grantors behind the new experiment are not visionaries, but ego-challenged elitist control freaks who seek power and retributive justice in a society of their own design.

The problem, they aver, is that the original experiment has failed. After nearly 250 years of hollow promises, we continue to suffer systemic racism, white supremacy, xenophobia, misogyny, homophobia, and economic inequality. We can do better!

In reality, they are engaged in a bloodless coup requiring a methodical deconstruction of the existing social order, attainable via recruitment of a sufficient number of malcontents to elevate its designers into their real goal of absolute political power.

Their methodology, as opposed to the transparency and clarity of purpose of the Founders, is disingenuous and Machiavellian. The DIE they advocate is more aptly expressed as follows:

Divide: Divide society into factions by defining it as an oppressor/oppressed construct. All the hardships encountered by the oppressed  "people of color," "LGBT," females, underachievers  are based in oppressive white male privilege. Silence the oppressors  hateful racists  with cancel culture.

Indoctrinate: Destabilize identity-seeking youth with anti-Americanism, apocalyptic global warming, gender dysphoria. Life should be free of the adversity, stress, and risk inherent in Darwinian capitalism. Generate a wave of insecure snowflakes who will turn to a nurturing government for security. Embrace the "Life of Julia" welfare-state projection of Barack Obama.

Exacerbate: Grow the ranks of the oppressed by creating a culture of victimization. Channel any discontent into an attack on the existing oppressive order. Assume the mantle of self-righteous moral superiority.

Statehood (blue) for D.C. and Puerto Rico; eliminate the Electoral College.

Achieve equality by stifling achievement rather than by bolstering underachievement. Substitute equity for merit. Open the border, and welfare, to unskilled illegal aliens. We see posts such as "The moral case for working less" (The Atlantic), "Yes, you can opt your kid out of homework" (Parents), "Thinking too hard really can make you tired" (Bloomberg), "The incredible shrinking future of college" (Vox).

Encourage monopolistic crony capitalism to control markets with leftist policies and to enrich the political machinery (WSJ, "When big business married big government," 3/26/23). Subsidize electric vehicle manufacturers, and provide tax credits for purchasers.

Actualization of such methodology will result in an elitist oligarchy in control of a dependent, compliant proletariat reminiscent of the system we rejected in 1776.

To date, it has resulted in social tribalization into left and right rabbit holes, red and blue states. Two thirds of Gens Y and Z support the Biden agenda. Only 36% of Millennials and 16% of Gen Z are proud to live in the US. (Morning Consult). The WSJ poll shows a precipitous decline in patriotism. Academia, the media, liberals, and corporate H.R. departments have lined up behind the elitists as sycophants in their devious justice and equity messaging. The federal bureaucracy is dominated by career leftists. The DOJ exhibits frank politicization. The Constitution and conservative Supreme Court justices are under attack.

The elitist experiment has patiently made significant inroads into the tenets of the original. It has been facilitated by passive tolerance and guilt on the right and denial on the left by liberals who choose to view radical leftist incursions as nothing more than the usual hyperbolic swinging of the political pendulum, casting alarmists as conspiracy theorists.

If liberal optimism is genuine, there is hope for the future. Moderate liberals may find it increasingly difficult to commit to the full spectrum of the radical fringe leftist agenda. If, on the other hand, it is lip service concealing occult advocacy of the elitist experiment, we are indeed on a slippery slope.

Image: Daniel Sancho via Flickr, CC BY 2.0 (cropped).
According to the Miami Herald, Bexar County, Texas, Sheriff Javier Salazar recently completed a criminal investigation of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and has recommended that Texas prosecutors file charges.

What heinous crime did DeSantis commit?

According to Sheriff Salazar, Gov. DeSantis engaged in unlawful restraint when the State of Florida paid to fly a group of migrants to the resort community of Marthas Vineyard, Massachusetts aboard a luxury charter flight in September of 2022.

You dont need a law degree to see that Sheriff Salazar has no idea what a real crime is. Title 5 of the Texas Penal Code defines restrain as restrict[ing] a person's movements without consent, so as to interfere substantially with the person's liberty, by moving the person from one place to another or by confining the person. Restraint is without consent if it is accomplished by force, intimidation, or deception; or [by] any means, including acquiescence of the victim, if the victim is a child who is less than 14 years of age.

But DeSantis has clearly stated all along that every one of the migrants transported to Marthas Vineyard on Floridas dime voluntarily accepted the free ride and signed consent forms. That, of course, means that nobodys movement was restricted and nobody was confined. Which, in turn, means that no crime was committed.

Moreover, U.S. News and World Report called Marthas Vineyard a secret summer hideaway of the rich and famous. Therefore, any reasonable observer should be wondering exactly why Salazar thinks its cruel to send Venezuelan migrants, who were allegedly fleeing Marxist persecution, to a scenic beach town favored by the rich and famous.

So, right about now, you are probably asking yourself, Whats really going on here? The answer is that Salazar appears to have deliberately manufactured a criminal act specifically so he could classify the Marthas Vineyard migrants as crime victims and sponsor them for U-1 nonimmigrant status.

Per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U-1 nonimmigrant status is for victims of certain crimes who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and are helpful to the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity.

Frankly, its hard to envision a more flagrant and opportunistic abuse of both the Texas criminal justice system and the legal immigration system. None of the migrants who were given free, luxury transport to one of the Bay States most popular vacation spots can seriously be classified as the victims of any crime. Since no crime actually took place, it simply wasnt possible for them to prove helpful to a legitimate criminal investigation. And, nobody with a shred of intellectual integrity can say that the Marthas Vineyard migrants suffered substantial physical or mental abuse. Unless, that is, being treated to free lobster rolls and donations of gently used Vineyard Vines clothing constitutes mistreatment.

As such, it appears that Salazar launched an illegal investigation for which there was no probable cause; sought charges against DeSantis in the absence of any underlying actus reus; and committed immigration fraud by applying for U-1 status on behalf of migrants who werent the victim of a crime and were not subjected to any form of physical or mental abuse. Who exactly is the criminal here?

Salazars obsessive pursuit of DeSantis is even more profoundly disturbing when viewed in light of his past lack of concern when migrants died in his jurisdiction. A few months before Salazar began raising a ruckus about DeSantis flying foreign nationals out of Texas, 53 migrants who were being smuggled into the U.S. suffocated to death in the back of a box truck that was parked in his county. Many experts classified the incident as the deadliest human smuggling case in modern U.S. history. What did Salazar do? Absolutely nothing.

While the Bexar County box truck massacre was investigated by the San Antonio Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Texas sheriffs have a broad mandate to maintain law and order in their counties. Accordingly, Salazar could have launched an anti-trafficking campaign, formed a task force, or taken any one of a hundred other actions to acknowledge the seriousness of the slaughter in his backyard.

However, he proved strangely silent when those 53 migrants died a horrible death on his turf, only to pitch an all-out fit when 49 migrants caught a free flight to Marthas Vineyard from a Bexar County airport.

Under Texas law, a Sheriff can be removed by a District Court Judge, upon the filing of a written petition, when there is incompetency or official misconduct. It seems pretty clear that Javier Salazar has demonstrated a lack of competence and has abused his authority as sheriff. He unlawfully launched a criminal investigation in the complete absence of any probable cause to believe that any crime had been committed. And he appears to have done so specifically to pander to his Left-leaning, let-all-the-migrants-in constituency.

In short, Salazar has ignored the law and abused his office for political gain. And it is high time that Gov. Greg Abbot direct his Office of the Attorney General to file the requisite written documents seeking to remove Salazar from office.

Matt OBrien is the Director of Investigations at the Immigration Reform Law Institute and the co-host of IRLIs podcast No Border, No Country. Immediately prior to working for IRLI he served as an immigration judge. He has nearly 30 years of experience in immigration law and policy, having held numerous positions within the Department of Homeland Security.

Image: Official portrait // fair use
A typical geyser expels hot water and steam when an underground spring comes in contact with hot rocks heated by magma, causing the water to boil. The resulting expansion of the super heated water causes hot water and steam to spray out of the geysers surface vent resulting in the geyser effect. But not all geysers are driven by steam. Some of them are propelled by carbon-dioxide gas. The water of these geysers are cold, and they are called cold water geysers.

A cold water geyser erupts above treetops in Andernach, Germany. Photo credit: Holger Weinandt/Wikimedia Commons

In cold-water geysers, CO2-laden water lies in a confined aquifer, in which water and CO2 are trapped by less permeable overlying strata. A fissure in the rocks, or a drilled well, provides an escape route for the pressurized water and CO2 to reach the surface. The column of water rising through the rock exerts enough pressure on the gaseous CO2 so that it remains in the water as dissolved gas or small bubbles. When the pressure decreases due to the widening of a fissure, the CO2 bubbles expand, and that expansion displaces the water above and causes the eruption.

Cold water geysers are very rare. There are only a handful of such examples on the planet.

Also read: 7 Famous Man-Made Geysers

Andernach Geyser

The Andernach Geyser in Germany is the highest cold-water geyser in the world, reaching heights of 30 to 60 meters. It first sprang in 1903 when a 343-meter deep borehole was driven on the Namedy peninsula in search of carbonic acid deposits. Initially the geyser was used to produce and bottle mineral water, but damages suffered by the geyser during the first World War caused the bottling plant to cease operation. After the war ended, another company took the site on lease and began extracting carbon dioxide for the next thirty years when technical problems caused the site to shutdown again. The geyser was finally reactivated in 2006 as a tourist attraction. Andernach Geyser typically erupts every two hours, for six to eight minutes at a time.

Photo credit: Annett Deistung/Wikimedia Commons

Crystal Geyser

Crystal Geyser is located on the east bank of the Green River approximately 7 km downstream from Green River, in Utah, in the United States. The geyser was created in 1936 when an exploratory oil well was drilled to a depth of 800 meters and unknowingly tapped into a carbon dioxide charged aquifer at around 215 meters. Since then the geyser has been periodically erupting while expelling large quantities of carbon dioxide and travertine-depositing water. It erupts every 8 to 22 hours sometimes as long as 30 minutes. The water can shoot up as high 40 meters, but these days the eruptions are less than 6 meters high. Researchers studying the geyser believe it's been partially plugged by people throwing rocks into the hole who believe that doing so could trigger the geyser.

Photo credit: Gouveia2/Wikimedia Commons

Herlany Geyser

The Herlany Geyser is the only working cold water geyser in Slovakia, and has been erupting since 1872. It erupts periodically very 24 to 32 hours and erupts water to the height of 1015 meters. Each eruption lasts around 25 minutes.

Photo credit: jackjohn5/Flickr

Wallender Born

The Wallender Born is a cold water geyser in the village Wallenborn, Germany, located not very far from the Andernach Geyser. The eruptions of the Wallender Born occur roughly every 35 minutes, with each eruption lasting about 5 minutes. Unlike other cold geysers, the eruption is less like a fountain and more turbulent. The maximum height of the water column is only about 4 meters.

Photo credit: Kreuzschnabel/Wikimedia Commons

Photo credit: 1971markus/Wikimedia Commons
Ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt believes the social media inaction against increasing AI-generated fake content could turn the US 2024 election into a  mess. Speaking to CNBCs Squawk Box, Schmidt urged social media companies to combat fake AI-generated content and misinformation proactively.

The US 2024 presidential election is approaching. And candidates from both Democratic and Republican parties will fight to enter the White Houses Oval Office. Misinformation and fake content is always a hot topic in the days leading to the election. The election for 2024 is no exception. After US Senators acted to evaluate the Big Tech layoffs in the upcoming election. An Ex-Google CEO is warning about the impact of AI and fake content generated by it.

Eric Schmidt, who served at Google from 2001 to 2011, said, The 2024 elections are going to be a mess because social media is not protecting us from falsely generated AI. The tech billionaire added that the platforms are still working on the problem, but nothing has been solved yet. Additionally, he said the safety groups on social media companies are getting smaller instead of getting larger to combat misinformation.

Ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt warns about the impact of AI on the US 2024 election

Eric Schmidt already warned about the dangers of AIs rapid development and lack of regulations. He recently labeled AI as an existential risk that could even be used for killing people. Schmidt also said that misinformation is a short-term danger to AI.

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As the former CEO of Google and executive chairman of parent company Alphabet, Schmidt also reacted to YouTubes recent move to allow users to question the validity of the 2020 election. He said social media platforms should allow free speech for humans, not computers. Google-owned YouTube recently announced it would stop removing content that advances false claims that widespread fraud, errors, or glitches occurred in the 2020 elections.

It remains to be seen what plans social media platforms have to battle fake AI-generated content and misinformation during the 2024 election. Lawmakers believe the layoffs could negatively impact the platforms ability to deal with false content. The US senators also asked Meta, Google, and Twitter to see if they need to hire more people for their content moderation groups.
A couple of weeks back, a former Samsung executive was indicted on charges of stealing chip secrets and leaking them to a rival company in China. Prosecutors didnt name the person when they announced the indictment on June 12, nor they revealed the Chinese firm in question. We now have both details, as well as more information about the whole matter. According to a Reuters report, the accused former Samsung executive is Choi Jinseog. He reportedly tried to use the stolen secrets to set up a chip factory for Foxconn.

Choi Jinseog worked at Samsung for 17 years before stealing chip secrets

Choi Jinseog is a 65-year-old semiconductor expert who worked at Samsung for 17 years. He oversaw the development of DRAM memory chips and also worked on wafer processing technology. He won several internal awards from the company before leaving in 200. Choi subsequently joined another South Korean semiconductor firm SK Hynix (formerly Semiconductor). He worked there for more than eight years, serving as the chief technology officer and helping the company return to profitability.

But it has since been downhill for Choi, who was once seen as a star in South Koreas chip industry. In 2018, his Singapore-based consultancy Jin Semiconductor won a contract to help build a chip factory for Foxconn in China. To make his work easier, Choi tapped Samsungs supplier network to steal secrets. He got in contact with a large number of Samsung employees, including some from its affiliates. He managed to obtain information related to building a chip factory from two of the companys contractors.

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Cho Young-sik, who worked at Samsung subsidiary Samoo Architects & Engineers, provided Choi with confidential information on semiconductor cleanroom management. Cleanrooms are enclosed areas where chips are manufactured. These areas are free of dust and other impurities. Samoo helped Samsung in the construction of its chip plant in Xian, China, in 2012. Chung Chan-yup, an employee at HanmiGlobal, which supervised the construction, helped Choi obtain blueprints of the factory.

Foxconns chip factory was never built

Choi planned to use the stolen data and secrets to help its client Foxconn build a chip factory in China. The factory was supposed to have a capacity of 100,000 wafers per month for 20nm DRAM memory chip production. Foxconn had set aside a budget of over 8 trillion won ($6 billion) for the factory, with Chois consultancy firm earning several million dollars every month for its services. However, Foxconn ended the contract just a year after signing it. The company eventually pulled out of the plan and did not complete the construction.

However, Samsung considers the information that Choi obtained strictly confidential. South Korea also considers sub-20nm chip technologies national core technology and prohibits the transfer of such technologies overseas unless legally approved through licensing or partnership. Chois actions may have helped the Chinese chip industry. But the former Samsung executive denies any wrongdoing. His lawyer Kim Pilsung suggested that Choi may be a scapegoat caught in the rivalry between the US and China.

South Korea is trying to strengthen its semiconductor industry amid the growing tensions between the two countries, seeking to slow Chinas progress. Kim argued that engineering standards to make cleanrooms are already available publicly. Samsung isnt the only company doing it. A factory layout? You can take a snapshot from Google Maps, and experts would know what is inside which building, Kim said, showing a satellite snapshot of Samsungs plant in Xian, China. Choi, who has been in jail since late May, did not steal a secret, Kid suggested.

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Foxconn, Samoo, and HanmiGlobal are not accused of any wrongdoing

The indictment doesnt accuse Foxconn, Samoo, and HanmiGlobal of any wrongdoing. Samoos former employee Cho Young-sik was also not charged, but HanmiGlobals Chung Chan-yup has been charged with leaking business secrets. In total, South Korean lawmakers have indicted seven individuals in the case. The other five are former and current Jin Semiconductor employees.

All of the companies said that they are aware of the ongoing case in South Korea and maintain that they have no involvement. We abide by laws and regulations governing jurisdictions we operate in, Foxconn added. Samsung declined to comment on the matter, citing the ongoing investigations. A trial of the case will begin on July 12. We will let you know as we have more information on the matter.
Now that the Google Pixel Fold is officially out, that means its time for some fresh factory images. And Google did release those on launch day, which was Tuesday. So if you need to restore your Pixel Fold back to factory settings and you cant just do a factory reset, you can download the factory image and flash it onto your Pixel Fold.

For most people, youll really never need to use these factory images. They are really only needed if you flashed a custom ROM or really messed up your phone. Personally, I havent flashed a factory image in many years. And Im sure many can say the same thing.

But, Google has released them, as they need to since Android is open sourced. There are three versions. The first one with the launch software, another one with the day one update. And then a third build number thats for Japan users.

What is a factory image?

Quite simply, a factory image is the full software build that comes on the Pixel Fold, straight out of the box. So this is without any user data, apps, or anything. Its a good way to make your Pixel Fold feel like brand new (though you can do this in settings without flashing the image).

For the majority of you, youll never need to use the factory image, but it is good that Google releases it. It also released the Pixel Tablet factory images on day one. As well as the Pixel 7a, and older Pixel devices too.

Google does make it easy to flash the factory image, thanks to the Android Flash Tool, which is a web pap that makes installing updates and fixing your phone a breeze. You will still need to have a laptop or desktop available to do this. But this means that you can do it on something like a Chromebook, which you couldnt before.
Microsoft had at one point considered acquiring Square Enix, according to a new report from The Verge citing details that have come to light during Microsofts court case with the FTC.

For the past few days, Microsoft has been locked in court battles with the FTC over its proposed Activision Blizzard acquisition. The case has surfaced some rather interesting information about both Microsoft, and Sony who has been the biggest objector to the acquisitions approval.

Details have been rather telling for both console companies. Sony apparently never really believed there was any worry of Call of Duty leaving PlayStation. Despite repeated expressions of that fear. Microsoft meanwhile had interest in acquiring quite a few large publishers. Just earlier this week it was revealed that Microsoft wanted to acquire both Sega and Bungie. Although for potentially very different reasons. Now its been revealed that Microsoft had big interest in buying Square Enix, too.

One might assume this would be a play for locking down SE exclusives. But that doesnt seem to have been Microsofts intention.

Microsoft wanted to buy Square Enix to strengthen Xbox Game Pass on mobile

Xbox Game Pass has been a big part of Microsofts gaming strategy for the last couple of years. More and more its becoming increasingly evident that itll continue to be a big part of the future Xbox strategy.

Its already a good value for gamers. Especially when you factor in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which gives you access to downloadable games for both PC and console. In addition to games you can stream on your mobile device and elsewhere.

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Still, Xbox Game Pass on mobile seems to need a little more beefing up. And buying Square Enix, Microsoft believed, could help do that. Square Enix has a strong presence on mobile already. Offering ports and remasters of many of its famed RPG titles and some mobile-only games. Microsoft wanted to leverage that portfolio of titles. Combining Square Enixs robust mobile-native portfolio with our own could potentially help us create a mobile-native Xbox Game Pass SKU, the Microsoft document says.

Microsoft also hoped to strengthen its position in Asian markets

When it comes to Asian markets Microsofts Xbox presence is noticeably weaker than competing companies Sony and Nintendo. Buying up a Japanese game publisher with a long history of titles in the region could have helped gain a better foothold.

The report also notes that Microsoft wanted to bolster its Xbox Game Pass catalogue with Square Enixs long list of popular releases.
Samsungs big hardware launch event next month may not bring a new pair of wireless earbuds. Industry insiders suggest that the company wont unveil the rumored Galaxy Buds 3 at the Galaxy Unpacked event on July 27. It may separately launch the new earbuds later.

Samsung has already sent out press invites for its upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event in South Korea. According to Twitter tipster SnoopyTech, the company recently provided retailers and carriers with infographics about the new devices it has in the pipeline. Those materials contained information on the Galaxy Tab S9 series flagship tablets and the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 foldables. But there was no mention of new audio products.

This, coupled with the fact that there has been hardly any leak or rumor about the Galaxy Buds 3 so far, suggests Samsung doesnt plan to launch the new earbuds next month. The same has been confirmed by another noted tipster Max Jambor. He claimed that the Korean firm has no new audio products in the pipeline, at least not for Julys Galaxy Unpacked. Max didnt confirm whether the Galaxy Buds 3 will debut at a later date.

Its worth noting that Samsung is also readying a couple of new smartwatches with plans to unveil them at Galaxy Unpacked next month. Leaks about the Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic have been coming fairly regularly over the past couple of months or so, though not as frequently as the upcoming foldables and tablets. The latter category of devices usually gets more media attention, so that isnt surprising.

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However, its unclear whether Samsung has shared information on the new wearables with retailers and carriers. If it hasnt, then the company will probably send out a second round of infographics in the coming days. While the chances are slim, we cant completely rule out the possibility of the Galaxy Buds 3 featuring those materials. We will let you know as soon as we have more information about Samsungs upcoming products.

If not in July, the Galaxy Buds 3 could arrive alongside the Galaxy S23 FE

Samsung may not be rushing to launch new earbuds because its last pair are still incredible. Launched in August 2022, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro can hold its own against rivals even today. The company may offer the pair at a discounted price once the new tablets and foldables are official. As far as the Galaxy Buds 3 are concerned, Samsung could launch them alongside the Galaxy S23 FE. The new FE phone is expected to arrive in October in some markets.
Samsung has added a new accessibility feature to its 2023 TVs and monitors. The big-screen devices are getting the companys SeeColors mode, which allows viewers with color vision deficiency (CVD) to recalibrate the display colors of their devices for the best viewing experience. It offers various color settings based on degrees and types of CVD to ensure that everyone can easily distinguish colors on the screen.

Launched in January 2017, Samsungs SeeColors mode originally debuted as a standalone app for smartphones. The company has since expanded it to TVs and monitors, integrating the service with the accessibility menus on these devices. This helps make the service readily accessible. While its newest TVs and monitors lacked this accessibility feature out of the box, a new software update will bring it soon.

The Neo QLED, QLED, OLED, Smart Monitor, and the G95SC gaming monitor lineups will get this update. To check for updates over the internet, press the Home button on your TVs remote control and go to Settings. Now, navigate to All Settings and select Support. Finally, click on Software Update, followed by Update Now. If Software Update is greyed out, exit and change your TV source to Live TV and repeat the steps.

SeeColors mode offers nine picture presets. Users can browse through those presets and select the one that is most suitable for them. Depending on the selected picture preset, the feature adjusts the red, green, and blue levels of the screen. This enables viewers to distinguish colors easily regardless of the type or degree of their color vision deficiency. Samsung says the SeeColors mode is a commitment to accessibility under the vision of Screens Everywhere, Screens for All.

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Samsung SeeColors mode has obtained Color Vision Accessibility certification

According to Samsung, its SeeColors mode received the Color Vision Accessibility certification from Cologne, Germany-based globally renowned testing organization TUV Rheinland earlier this month. The certification acknowledges that the feature can help those with CVD better enjoy content on Samsung screens. The feature isnt intended for use in the diagnosis or prevention of color vision deficiency, though.

We are thrilled to introduce additional accessibility features, including SeeColors and Relumino mode, in our 2023 TV and monitor lineup to assist individuals with color blindness and low vision, said Seokwoo Jason Yong, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung. Under the vision of Screens Everywhere, Screens for All, we will continue to innovate and bring inclusive technologies closer to our consumers.
An underwater robot which uses AI to help fishing trawlers prevent bycatch by identifying and sizing fish is being developed by researchers.

Trawlers fish by dragging a net along the seabed to catch a target species, but also catch other fish or sea creatures accidentally, known as bycatch.

These are then returned to the sea, but can be injured or dead.

Smartrawl uses AI technology to determine the individual size and species of marine life captured inside a trawl net using images taken by an underwater stereo camera.

It then releases or retains each marine animal depending on whether it qualifies against a trawlers intended catch using a computer-controlled robotic gate.

Developed by researchers from the Lyell Centre and the National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, the technology is able to fit into existing nets of all sizes of vessels.

Using the system, fishers will be able to programme trawls to catch specific marine animals according to their size and species, market conditions and allotted quotas, resulting in no discards or bycatch.

Components of the project have already been tested at sea and further trials are scheduled for later this year in Shetland using the research vessel Atlantia, operated by the University of the Highlands and Islands.

The device uses AI to sort fish (Heriot-Watt University/PA)

Paul Fernandes, the inventor of Smartrawl, is a professor of fisheries science and technology at the Lyell Centre.

He said: More than four million tonnes of marine fish are unintentionally caught by trawlers around the world every year, as well as bycatch of sharks, rays, dolphins, critically endangered turtles and seabirds.

The sad reality is that these creatures, more often than not, are returned to the sea dead or dying.

Current methods used on trawlers are unable to distinguish between different species and animals or give skippers enough information to build an accurate understanding of the size of individual fish prior to capture.

Smartrawl has been developed to ensure that vessels only catch the fish theyre targeting, releasing other animals back into their natural environment quickly and without harm.

As a result, were confident that discarding and bycatch could quickly become a thing of the past and our precious marine life preserved.

David Richardson, chief entrepreneurial executive at the university, added: Smartrawl presents a significant step towards benefiting the marine environment whilst protecting the business reputation of seafood producers and contributing to the UK economy.

Significantly, it has the potential to revolutionise fisheries around the world by supporting them to be more commercially viable and sustainable.

The technology has been developed with the industry group Fisheries Innovation and Sustainability (FIS) and funded by the UK Seafood Innovation Fund.

FIS executive director, Kara Brydson, said: The UK Seafood Innovation Fund supports bold and ambitious tech-driven projects that will enable a step-change in the productivity and sustainability of the UK seafood sector.

That perfectly describes Smartrawl, and this grant will take us nearer to our goal of enabling UK fishers to select and retain their high-quality catch while releasing non-target species back into our seas.
Tony Blair has warned that governments and businesses need to get to grips with artificial intelligence (AI) as the emerging technology is set to change everything.

The former prime minister discussed the governance challenges that AI posed at a Chatham House event on Wednesday, alongside Microsoft president Brad Smith and British Chamber of Commerce head Baroness Martha Lane Fox.

The group compared the technology to the printing press and the industrial revolution in terms of how they thought it would change history.

You can get the magnitude of that from these analogies of what were talking about. I think this will change everything, Mr Blair told the think-tank audience.

I think this is where were at  at the start of a revolutionary change.

Mr Blair said that people, particularly on the centre-left of politics, could prioritise other difficulties amid the current turmoil but that they needed to make AI their mission.

How you understand, master and harness this technology revolution will define the place of this country and shape the world, he said.

So get your head around that and stop spending time thinking about: A little bit more on tax, a little bit less on tax, more on spending, a little bit less on spending.

That is not what the future is going to be about. Its going to be about this  understanding it and dealing with it, access(ing) the opportunity  but mitigating its risks.

The panel also spoke about how the UK needed to respond to the safety and social risks that AI posed, including the evolution of a two-tiered society, job losses, election interference, Russias superiority in cyberwarfare and the creation of bioweapons.

Baroness Lane Fox said: The thing in all of this that I think makes a large constituent of people very, very anxious is about the increasing inequalities that are going to be, in my opinion, inevitable out of this.

She later added that there had to be a joined-up approach in how companies and governments thought about these risks.

Those in leadership positions who were not getting to know this new technology were also committing a dereliction of duty, she added.

If you dont understand whats possible, youre not going to be able to start to understand how to learn what the right policy decisions to make (or) whats the right commercial decisions to make.

Mr Smith added: What the world needs to see emerge in effect, is a new paradigm for how to manage the safety of this new technology.

He said the international community needed to come to a consensus on how to standardise regulations around AI as soon as possible.

Mr Blair also said the UK Government, which had ambitions for the country to be a leader in the field, must recognise that the technology was changing very fast and that Britain would need to have close co-operation and partnerships with other key players.

Everyones on this, Mr Blair said. You go to Paris, Macrons talking about it. You go to Germany, Scholz is talking about it. You go to Africa, theyre starting to talk about it.

Youre either going to get to grips with this or youre going to get left behind.
Workers at the British Museum are to stage a six-day strike next month in the ongoing civil service dispute over pay, pensions and jobs.

Members of the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) will walk out from July 11 to 16 in a dispute which started last November.

The union said that despite the Governments recommendation for all employers to pay staff a non-consolidated 1,500 lump sum in recognition of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the British Museum is refusing to do so.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: Its an outrage that even after the Government recognised the need for our members to be given more financial support during the crippling cost-of-living crisis, the British Museum is refusing to pay it.

Our members sacrifices during the national campaign of strike action is what forced the Government to recommend the payment and the British Museums rebuff is deeply insulting.

Our members have made it loud and clear that failing to commit to agreeing to the payment will be swiftly met with further disruption.

A British Museum spokesperson said: The British Museum has not refused to pay a non-consolidated 1,500 lump sum to staff.

As a Freedom Body, the museum is not subject to the Governments pay remit guidance and sets its own pay awards.

We are saddened that PCS are taking this action as we have an open invite to the three unions we work with, including PCS, to sit down and discuss this years pay settlement  including the possibility of a lump sum payment  and are prepared to talk at any time.
The Foreign Secretary is expected to call for an expansion of the United Nations Security Council to better respond to international crises such as Russias invasion of Ukraine.

James Cleverly will use a speech at Chatham Houses London Conference to call for a reinvigorated multi-country system that is equipped to deal with the most pressing global challenges, including Moscows attack on Kyiv, tackling unlawful migration, the technological revolution and climate change.

The UN Security council currently has five permanent members  the UK, US, China, Russia and France, with 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.

Mr Cleverly will argue that, with the world currently living through a turning point in the history of humanity, the make-up should change, urging permanent African representation and membership for India, Brazil, Germany and Japan on the international security panel.

The G20 should also be widened, Mr Cleverly will tell the conference, with permanent membership for the African Union, a body that has a membership of 55 countries.

According to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, he will say the UK wants to work with as broad a coalition as possible on worldwide challenges and that it should be obvious that the voice of the poorest and most vulnerable countries must be heard strongly in the multilateral system.

In his speech on Thursday, the Foreign Secretary will call for reform of international finance institutions, including changes to make it simpler to unlock climate finance.

He will press for a shake-up of the World Trade Organisation to reflect todays digital economy, according to officials.

He will also raise the need for a multilateral approach to regulation when it comes to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI).

It comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has spent recent months positioning the UK as the prospective home of a global AI regulator.

James Cleverly will call for an African nation to be given a permanent seat on the UN Security Council (Yuki Iwamura/AP)

The Foreign Secretary is expected to say: Global multilateralism brings the sheer heft that is needed to tackle humanitys most fundamental challenges.

Thats why the United Kingdom cares deeply about multilateralism. Were deeply invested in it. And we want it to succeed and thrive.

Because a world without multilateral institutions would be immeasurably worse.

Russias brutal invasion of Ukraine is a calculated assault on the UN Charter, and on the central principles of an international order that was designed, above all, to bring an end to all attempts at conquest and annexation.

But war is not our only challenge.

In the 2020s, as in the 1940s, we are living through a turning point in the history of humanity.

A period of dizzying and rapid economic, demographic, technological and social change.

On migration, Mr Cleverly is expected to say the UK will not be found wanting when it comes to rising to the moral challenge the world faces.

Stopping illegal migration to the United Kingdom begins with ensuring that the poorest people in the world have access to clean water, sanitation, basic healthcare and education, he will say.

At the event on Thursday, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky will be awarded the Chatham House Prize in recognition of his contribution to international relations.

Mr Zelensky hopes to make a short live virtual address to the conference with a special representative collecting the award on his behalf, according to the institute.

Bronwen Maddox, director of Chatham House, said: The people of Ukraine have faced a relentless onslaught in this brutal invasion.

President Zelensky has united his nation in resistance and counter-offensive, and demonstrated a mastery of international diplomacy. I am delighted that he has accepted our award in recognition of these efforts.
The Government is reportedly drawing up contingency plans for the emergency nationalisation of Thames Water as concerns grow over its mammoth 14 billion debt pile.

Ministers are said to be in talks about the possibility of temporarily bringing the utility company back into public hands under a so-called special administration regime (SAR).

The discussions are understood to be taking place between water regulator Ofwat, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Treasury, but the plans are at a very early stage and may not need to be put in place.

It comes after Thames Water chief executive Sarah Bentley stepped down with immediate effect on Tuesday amid mounting worries over the financial stability of the firm.

Thames Water is the UKs biggest water supplier and provides water services for 15 million people in London and the South East.

Thames Water chief executive Sarah Bentley stepped down on Tuesday amid mounting concern over the financial stability of the company (Thames Water/PA)

The firm is now reportedly racing to raise 1 billion from investors to shore up its finances, with AlixPartners said to be advising the firm on turnaround plans.

A Government spokesman said: This is a matter for the company and its shareholders.

We prepare for a range of scenarios across our regulated industries  including water  as any responsible government would.

The sector as a whole is financially resilient. Ofwat continues to monitor the financial position of all the key water and wastewater companies.

Thames Water  owned by a consortium of pension funds and sovereign wealth funds  has come under pressure in recent years over its poor performance in tackling leaks and sewage contamination, while facing criticism for handing out big rewards to top bosses and shareholders.

Ms Bentley, who was appointed in 2020, said in May that she would give up her bonus after the companys environmental and customer performance suffered.

But even after giving up the bonus, the chief executive managed to double her pay, raking in 1.5 million.

On announcing her departure, she said: The foundations of the turnaround that we have laid position the company for future success to improve service for customers and environmental performance.

Thames Waters owners last year invested 500 million in the firm  the first injection of equity into the group since privatisation.

They pledged a further 1 billion, subject to conditions, and warned that further shareholder support may be required.

The groups shareholders include Chinese sovereign wealth fund China Investment Corporation, UK private pension fund the Universities Superannuation Scheme, and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority subsidiary Infinity Investments.

Ofwat warned last December over the financial resilience of Thames Water, as well as Yorkshire Water, SES Water and Portsmouth Water.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said he is confident that, whatever happens with Thames Water, the water will continue to flow.

Appearing on LBC, he said he could not speculate on the specific company, but added: Ofwat has as part of its remit a requirement to look at the resilience of the entire sector and will have been looking at and continue to look very closely at Thames Water.

He said the Government has contingency arrangements in place to cover any scenario which may play out and what Im supremely confident of is, whatever the situation is at Thames Water, the water will continue to flow.
DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said he took the decision to withdraw the Stormont First Minister with great reluctance.

The Northern Ireland Assembly has been in flux for the last 16 months since that move.

The DUP is refusing to participate until its concerns around the Northern Ireland Protocol are addressed by the UK Government.

The UK re-entered negotiations with the EU earlier this year around post-Brexit arrangements and agreed the Windsor Framework.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson insisted he wanted to see devolution restored (Jonathan McCambridge/PA)

Appearing at the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on Wednesday, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said he wants to see the Government ensure legal protections in for the region for future UK and EU law changes.

He said the Windsor Framework is due to come into force in October.

Ahead of that, he said his party has put proposals to the Government.

We want to give the Government time to respond to that. And I think its important we respect the integrity of that process, he said.

Well see what the Government responds with and then we can determine what we say publicly, obviously, the outcome of this process will become a matter of public record that has to do, but I want to ensure that we get the right outcome.

Then-First Minister Paul Givan resigned in February 2022, while other ministers remained in post and could take a limited number of decisions.

Since then an Assembly election saw Sinn Fein overtake the DUP to become the largest party. This means Sinn Fein is currently entitled to nominate the next First Minister, and the DUP to nominate the next deputy First Minister.

However, the Assembly has remained effectively collapsed while the DUP refuses to participate.

Former First Minister of Northern Ireland Paul Givan (Peter Morrison/PA)

Sir Jeffrey told MPs that he wants to see devolution restored.

I want to see the Assembly fully functioning and doing its job even better than before. I want to see an Executive that works, and maybe we can improve that, too, in the future, he said.

There are some who allege that the DUPs reluctance to go back into power sharing is because of the way in which the First Minister and deputy First Minister will operate going forward. They are joint offices. When devolution returns, we will nominate a minister to that office. We are very clear about that, that is not the issue for us.

He insisted his decision to withdraw Paul Givan as First Minister in February 2022 was proportionate.

It was with great reluctance that I took the decision in February 2022 to withdraw the First Minister, he told MPs.

I felt it was a proportionate decision that would buy time to allow for negotiation to take place whilst all the departmental ministers remained in place, albeit the Executive itself couldnt meet, but at least there were ministers in post and that enabled a degree of decision-making within Government departments.

So I was hoping that within that period, that we would see meaningful engagement and negotiation leading to solutions in terms of the concerns that Unionists have about the agreement.

Sir Jeffrey stressed the importance of consensus in Northern Ireland politics, quoting former SDLP leader John Hume: In a divided society, you cannot operate on majority rule, youve got to operate on the basis of consensus.

Sir Jeffrey said consensus has been undermined by issues relating to the Northern Ireland Protocol (Liam McBurney/PA)

John Hume championed the concept of consensus and the reality is that at the moment in Northern Ireland, that cross-community consensus in relation to some very fundamental issues that impact on the day-to-day lives of the people of Northern Ireland, arising from the Northern Ireland Protocol as part of the EU Withdrawal Agreement, means that that consensus has been seriously undermined, he said.

We sought to resolve those issues whilst the Executive remained in place, we were party to the New Decade, New Approach Agreement at the beginning of 2020, we worked in good faith, and a key commitment in that agreement was an undertaking by the United Kingdom Government to ensure that our place in the internal market of the United Kingdom would be protected in any post-Brexit arrangements.

The protocol doesnt do that, and it is now acknowledged by the Government and indeed by the Irish Prime Minister, the current Taoiseach, that the protocol actually harmed our ability to trade with the rest of the United Kingdom.

Sir Jeffrey started his evidence by outlining his partys opposition to the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

While Sir Jeffrey was not a member of the DUP at that point, as a UUP member he walked out of the talks before the final agreement was signed.

He told MPs there was nothing for victims of the Troubles in the agreement, while paramilitary prisoners were released.

Sir Jeffrey said there were also concerns around proposals to reform policing, saying they did not want the then-RUC to be scapegoated, and also concerns around how the institutions would operate.

He added that many of their concerns around significant flaws in the 1998 deal were dealt with at St Andrews in 2006.

But he said that the change to how the First Minister and deputy First Ministers are nominated, as opposed to the original method of being elected by the Assembly, was made by Government, not requested by the DUP.
Drought plans have been stepped up in England due to significant increases in water demand, as June is set to be the hottest on record.

The Met Office said it has not recorded a June this hot in the UK since it began collecting temperature data in 1884, while reservoir, groundwater and river levels in some areas have been declining.

The National Drought Group (NDG), including the Environment Agency (EA), the Met Office, the Government, water firms and environmental groups, met on Wednesday to discuss how to adapt to changing water resources.

Companies, retailers and regulators were advised to prepare for more consistent hot and dry weather in the coming months, and make improvements to tackle possible droughts as a result.

(PA Graphics)

The EA said it has made significant steps by ensuring water is transferred to areas where there is a shortage and managing how much is taken through its licencing system.

Simon Hawkins, chair of the National Drought Group, said: The recent heatwave has served as a reminder that we need to prepare for weather extremes and act now to ensure resilient water supplies.

The Environment Agency, water companies and partners are working collaboratively to handle drought risk across the country; with our staff managing abstraction licences to balance need, ensuring water companies implement their drought plans, working with farmers to manage resources, and rescuing fish in areas where river levels are extremely low.

Much of the UK and Ireland remains in a state of drought warning, according to data from the Copernicus satellite, with a hosepipe ban introduced on Monday for South East Water customers in Kent and Sussex.

South West Water customers in Cornwall have been subject to a hosepipe ban since August last year, which has since been extended to others in Devon.

Along with parts of East Anglia, the region has not left drought status since the extreme heat last summer, which saw 40C bring destructive grassfires and more than 3,000 excess deaths during the heatwaves.

Water minister Rebecca Pow, who visited key reservoirs in Devon and Cornwall recently, said: While we all have a responsibility to protect this precious resource, water companies must step up their efforts to ensure water resilience.

This includes not only increasing supplies but also reducing leakage and encouraging water efficiency to better deliver for both customers and the environment.
The DUP is waiting for a response from Government on proposals around the Windsor Framework, while Sinn Fein has challenged the party to end the blockade of Stormont.

The Northern Ireland Assembly has been in flux for more than a year since the DUP withdrew first minister Paul Givan as it pressed the UK Government to address unionist concerns around post-Brexit arrangements.

Appearing at the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on Wednesday, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said his party had submitted a document to Government which was understood to outline what it needed to re-enter Stormont.

The Windsor Framework is due to come into force in October.

We have put that paper to the Government. We want to give the Government time to respond to that and I think its important we respect the integrity of that process, he told MPs.

Well see what the Government responds with and then we can determine what we say publicly, obviously, the outcome of this process will become a matter of public record, it has to do, but I want to ensure that we get the right outcome.

Sir Jeffrey said his party was looking for protection for the ability of Northern Irelands businesses to trade with the rest of the UK in the event that theres future divergence between UK law and EU law.

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson was giving evidence to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee (House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA)

I dont think its unreasonable to say to the Government of the United Kingdom, we need to ensure that where divergence may occur in the future between EU law which applies to the manufacture of goods in Northern Ireland and UK law, that the Government will ensure that we can continue to have access to the internal market of the United Kingdom and the changes to either UK law or EU law will not inhibit our ability to trade within our own country, he said.

That in essence is what were looking for.

Since Mr Givan resigned in February 2022, an Assembly election saw Sinn Fein overtake the DUP to become the largest party.

This means Sinn Fein is currently entitled to nominate the next first minister, and the DUP to nominate the next deputy first minister.

But the Assembly has remained effectively collapsed while the DUP refuses to participate.

Sir Jeffrey said his decision to withdraw Paul Givan, pictured, as first minister in February 2022 was proportionate (Peter Morrison/PA)

Sir Jeffrey told MPs that he wanted to see devolution restored, and rejected claims by some that his party was reluctant to re-enter Stormont.

There are some who allege that the DUPs reluctance to go back into powersharing is because of the way in which the first minister and deputy first minister will operate going forward. They are joint offices. When devolution returns, we will nominate a minister to that office. We are very clear about that, that is not the issue for us, he said.

He insisted his decision to withdraw Mr Givan as first minister in February 2022 was proportionate.

It was with great reluctance that I took the decision in February 2022 to withdraw the first minister, he told MPs.

I felt it was a proportionate decision that would buy time to allow for negotiation to take place whilst all the departmental ministers remained in place, albeit the Executive itself couldnt meet, but at least there were ministers in post and that enabled a degree of decision-making within government departments.

Sir Jeffrey said he had hoped that would have prompted meaningful engagement and negotiation leading to solutions in terms of the concerns that unionists have about the agreement.

He stressed the importance of consensus in Northern Ireland politics, quoting former SDLP leader John Hume, and said the Northern Ireland Protocol had seriously undermined consensus.

But Sinn Fein MLA Conor Murphy has called on the DUP to end its blockade of the political institutions.

The time for excuses and delay is long past. What the public need to hear now from Jeffrey Donaldson and the DUP is that they are ending their blockade and going back to work, he said.

The onus is on Jeffrey Donaldson to act in the public interest and stop putting his party before the people who want and deserve government and the proper delivery of public services.

Sinn Fein stands ready to form an Executive today, and to work together with all the parties to support public services and deliver for the people we collectively represent.
The fashion industry is being urged to play its part in protecting the planet as a landmark framework on science-based targets for nature is launched for the sector.

The new blueprint, from the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, The Fashion Pact initiative and Conservation International, maps out actions that apparel and footwear brands can take to help address practices that harm nature.

The sector heavily depends on nature for raw materials and takes up 10% of the worlds carbon emissions, according to UN estimates.

Paul Polman, co-founder of The Fashion Pact, called on fashion executives to help build a nature-positive economy.

He said: In the midst of an ecological crisis, it is more vital than ever for companies to shift to regenerative business models which value, protect and restore nature.

Its time for the fashion, textile and apparel industry to play its part in building a nature-positive economy and the CEOs and companies who move without delay will reap the benefits  and so will their investors.

The blueprint, which was put together in collaboration with the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) and Textile Exchange, calls on brands to determine their impact on nature in both their operations and across their value chain.

This includes the use of raw materials, pesticides, textile waste, deforestation and water use as well as microfibre and microplastic pollution.

The guidance also suggests companies build an understanding of the data they have access to and where gaps in that data exist, as well as tracing material sourcing back to the regional farm or site level for one product or unit.

Finally it urges brands to take part in collaborative action by joining groups like the SBTN or Business for Nature.

Speaking at the Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen on Tuesday, where the new guidance was launched, Sebastian Troeng, an executive vice president at Conservation International, said measuring biodiversity is much more complex than carbon emissions.

I think thats why the science-based targets are so important, he said. Its bringing expertise from around the world to define a standard methodology and framework on how to approach biodiversity.

Thats really essential because if we have a framework and all utilise it, we can compare our respective results, we can learn from each other, we can identify what works, what doesnt and that way make progress much quicker.

He said the aim of the new guidance is to also set a pathway to impact without being so prescriptive that its a one-size-fits-all with different companies having different kinds of impacts on nature.

Eva Von Alvensleben, general secretary of The Fashion Pact, told business leaders at the summit the organisation collaborated with brands and executives to establish a baseline for the industry, aligning all on the same metrics and KPIs to have a starting point to actually measure progress.

She said the new blueprint is a great moment to help us collectively to take measurable actions for climate and nature in tandem.
The Government has insisted work is going on behind the scenes to ensure that customers of debt-laden Thames Water will not be impacted following reports that the company is on the verge of going bust.

The utility giant is seeking to raise cash from investors as it struggles under a 14 billion debt pile, with the Government said to be drawing up contingency plans for the firms emergency nationalisation.

Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch said she was very concerned about the disclosures but that efforts must be made to make sure the company survives.

Environment minister Rebecca Pow moved to reassure Thames Waters 15 million customers that their water supplies will be protected.

She told the Commons: Overall the water companies are considered resilient, but there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes with Thames Water to ensure that customers will not be impacted.

And there is a process in place if necessary to move us to the next stage.

She added: Customers should rest assured that their supplies will be protected, both water and waste water.

Speaking to Sky News later, Ms Badenoch said: Im very concerned. Obviously this is a commercially sensitive situation.

We need to make sure that Thames Water as an entity survives.

At the moment, or certainly up until now, the regulator has been focused on keeping consumer bills down, but theres a lot of infrastructure work that needs to take place and we need that entity to survive and continue going.

A spokesman for the Government earlier said it prepares for a range of scenarios in regulated sectors, such as the water industry.

Thames Water is the UKs biggest water supplier, serving people across London and the South East.

Ministers are said to be in talks about the possibility of temporarily bringing the utility company back into public hands under a so-called special administration regime (SAR), which was the insolvency process used when energy supplier Bulb collapsed in 2021.

Thames Water chief executive Sarah Bentley stepped down on Tuesday amid mounting concern over the financial stability of the company (Thames Water/PA)

An SAR is used only in extreme circumstances when a company in a vital sector such as water or energy is too big to fail.

Thames Water has confirmed it is working with shareholders to secure the cash it needs.

The company said it needs further equity funding on top of the 500 millions it raised just three months ago, and is keeping industry regulator Ofwat fully informed.

The business said in a statement that it is continuing to work constructively with its shareholders in relation to the further equity funding expected to be required to support Thames Waters turnaround and investment plans.

Ofwat, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Treasury are understood to be working on the contingency plans for Thames Water.

Ofwat confirmed it is in talks with Thames Water about developing a robust and credible plan to turn the business around and transform its performance for customers and the environment.

A spokesman for the regulator said: Over the last day or so, there has been a lot of commentary about financial resilience in the water sector, with considerable focus on Thames Water in particular.

We have been clear that Thames Water has significant issues to address  their environmental record and leakage performance, for example, are poor. Alongside the turnaround of their operational performance, they need to improve their financial resilience too.

But that is all in the context of a company that has strong liquidity  it recently received an additional 500 million from shareholders and has 4.4 billion of cash and committed funding.

Overall, the sector is continuing to attract international capital and is especially attractive to long-term investors such as pension funds. Indeed, there has been an additional equity injection of around 2 billion since 2020, with companies acting to strengthen their financial position.

Ofwat will continue to keep companies financial resilience under close scrutiny and work with companies to ensure they take action to ensure that they have the financial backing to deliver for customers and the environment.

On Tuesday, Thames Water chief executive Sarah Bentley stepped down with immediate effect amid mounting worries over the financial stability of the company.

The firm is now reportedly racing to raise 1 billion from investors to shore up its finances, with AlixPartners said to be advising the firm on turnaround plans.

Thames Water  owned by a consortium of pension funds and sovereign wealth funds  has come under pressure in recent years over its poor performance in tackling leaks and sewage contamination, while facing criticism for handing out big rewards to top bosses and shareholders.

Ms Bentley, who was appointed in 2020, said in May that she would give up her bonus after the companys environmental and customer performance suffered, but still managed to double her pay, raking in 1.5 million.

The groups shareholders include Chinese sovereign wealth fund China Investment Corporation, UK private pension fund the Universities Superannuation Scheme, and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority subsidiary Infinity Investments.
Sir Grayson Perry has accepted his knighthood from the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle wearing a burgundy taffeta dress in honour of King Charles.

The Turner prize winning artist and broadcaster, 63, who is known for his tapestries, ceramic works and cross-dressing, was recognised in the New Year Honours list for services to the arts.

In 2014, Sir Grayson was made a CBE during an investiture by the then Prince Charles and wore what he called his Italian mother-of-the-bride outfit, a midnight blue dress with a wide-brimmed black hat.

Artist Grayson Perry made a CBE by the then Prince of Wales in 2014 (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Speaking about his knighthood outfit on Wednesday, he told the PA news agency: The last outfit was mother-of-the-bride, so maybe Im now grandmother-of-the-bride  Ive got a bit older.

My basic thought was that King Charles has just been crowned. I thought Carolingian, so I looked to the Stuart era for influence  17th century, those sort of portraits of women of that age.

That was my starting point, with big sleeves and a dropped shoulder. I designed it, and then I have a dressmaker and a hatmaker who I work with. We have fun.

Asked about the material of the dress, Sir Grayson described it as burgundy taffeta.

The Essex-born artist said he wanted to use the title informally because he doesnt want to come across as pompous, but also said it should be used during a very formal occasion.

Sir Grayson Perry, artist, writer and Broadcaster, from London, is made a Knight Bachelor by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle (Jonathan Brady/PA)

But its quite funny to sign off a text to your best friend, Sir G, he joked.

He later said: When youre trying to get into somewhere, its the equivalent of sort of: Do you know who I am?

His wife Philippa Perry clarified: We dont use it for booking restaurants.

Asked what a young Grayson Perry would make of him being knighted, he said: Im in a completely different stratosphere. Im a blue-chip member of the establishment now, but thats fine by me because in a way its a by-product of success.

You dont ask for honours; theyre bestowed upon you. You cant plan for those.

Sir Grayson Perry described Prince William as fun (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Sir Grayson also described his conversation with fun William, who bestowed the honour on Wednesday.

We talked about humour, because humour is important. I dont think it gets enough recognition in the culture quite often, because humour is the check and balance of culture, theres no common sense without a sense of humour, he said.

Sir Grayson previously said being given a knighthood was an honour coming from a kind of working-class background.

Born in 1960 in Chelmsford, he began his career at Braintree College of Further Education and then at Portsmouth Polytechnic, where he studied fine art.

Later when he moved to London in the early 1980s, he began attending evening pottery classes and developed a strong connection with the medium, and often appeared in public as his female alter-ego, Claire.

Grayson Perrys work in the Turner Prize 2003 at the Tate Modern in London (Tate/PA)

He won the Turner Prize in 2003 after being nominated for the piece Claires Coming Out Dress and a collection of vases depicting the dark recesses of life.

Speaking about what his advice would be for young artists, Sir Grayson said: Its a long haul.

He continued: I was very much a late developer. I was one of those artists that rose without trace.

I was in my late thirties before I made a living from my work. But Ive also had a really lovely late career where Im doing lots of different things and trying new things. So, I would say never stop learning. Its absolutely important to always try new things that excite you.

Sir Grayson compared the investiture ceremony with his experience in 2014, describing it as very smooth and well-rehearsed.

Sir Grayson Perry (Andrew Matthews/PA)

He told PA: Whats nice now is its much more intimate compared to the old way they did it in Buckingham Palace, where its more of a mass celebration, and there was a big audience, hundreds of people there.

This was much more intimate and it felt more meaningful somehow and it felt more validating.

The whole reason of a ritual is to orchestrate emotion, you know, a wedding, a funeral, a christening, these are there to promote the emotion and I suppose the emotion youre trying to do here is pride.

Asked if being a knight changes anything, he said: Obviously now I could get into real trouble if I did something naughty.

At the lower end, speeding. At the upper end, well we wont go there!

I havent got any dirty secrets. Ive led with my secrets all my life and theyre all dirty!

He added that the honour will be placed in his cupboard of medals, joking: Im very good at winning things.
A handyman has appeared at the Old Bailey accused of murdering a vulnerable elderly woman during a burglary.

Hugo Da Silva Pires, 28, allegedly overpowered Nelly Akomah, 76, in her home and made off with her phone, purse, electronics and bible late on June 20.

Ms Akomah was found dead at the property in Ladbrook Road, Croydon, south London, the next day.

An initial post-mortem examination found she had suffered a fractured larynx and two broken ribs.

The injuries were said to be consistent with strangulation although tests are continuing to confirm how she died.

It is alleged that, after her death, Ms Akomahs bank cards were used to buy food and watches.

On June 23 Pires and his partner Catia Feliciano, 31, from Thornton Heath in south London, were arrested at Stansted airport as they allegedly attempted to leave the country.

Pires was charged with Ms Akomahs murder, burglary and fraud, and Feliciano was charged with fraud and perverting the course of justice.

On Wednesday Pires, who is a Portuguese national, appeared at the Old Bailey for a 48-hour preliminary hearing from Thameside prison.

He was assisted in court by a Portuguese translator and by a barrister via video link.

Judge Alexia Durran set a timetable for the case with a plea hearing on September 13.

A provisional three-week trial was fixed for May 7 2024 which was said to be the earliest available date.

The defendant, who spoke to confirm he understood the translator, was remanded into custody.

Previously, Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn, of the Metropolitan Police, said Ms Akomah was an active church member and that her loss would be keenly felt by many people.
The King has urged people to heed the wisdom of indigenous people before its too late to save the planet.

He was speaking at the Animal Ball, a gala event to support the Elephant Family charity founded by Queen Camillas late brother Mark Shand.

This years masked ball, held in the gardens at Lancaster House, central London, was billed as a celebration of indigenous communities and included life-sized elephant sculptures as a backdrop.

Their Majesties The King and Queen @RoyalFamily have arrived at this years #AnimalBall at Lancaster House to mark the 20th anniversary of wildlife conservation charity #ElephantFamily. pic.twitter.com/EDhDdKPx9p  Elephant Family (@elephantfamily) June 28, 2023

Charles said: I think its over 35 years ago now that I tried to see if I could set up a project to collate as much of the indigenous knowledge and wisdom as possible throughout the world  but in those days, nobody wanted to know.

But now, if I may say so, it is absolutely critical that we turn to all that indigenous knowledge and wisdom as the only way really of restoring the balance of harmony that is so badly needed in this world if we are going to save the planet.

Its up to all of us to pay attention to that knowledge and wisdom before its too late.

The event was hosted by the Elephant Family, a wildlife conservation charity now in its 20th year, and the British Asian Trust (BAT).

The King meets guests at the Animal Ball (Heathcliff OMalley/Daily Telegraph/PA)

Guests including actors Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, Matthew Macfadyen and Keeley Hawes, artist Marc Quinn, rugby player Maro Itoje and fashion designer Christian Louboutin sat quietly in the audience as Charles made his impromptu speech.

Musician Sir Brian May, his actress wife Anita Dobson and author Jilly Cooper also attended.

Charles and Camilla presented two awards during the event to recognise contributions to protecting Asian wildlife.

Members of the Adivasi tribal community from the Nilgiri Mountains, India, received the Elephant Familys Mark Shand Award for 2023 from Camilla, and Charles presented Indian documentary-maker Kartiki Gonsalves with the Tara Award.

The King said he and the Queen were proud to present the awards as the occasion was being held on what would have been Mr Shands 72nd birthday.

Mark Shand with Charles during a visit to the Vazhachal Forest Range in India (Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA)

He added: He would have been so thrilled to know that Elephant Family had managed to get to its 20th anniversary.

Reality TV star Gemma Collins, a self-confessed animal lover, said: I am so excited to be here this evening  to recognise my love of animals and conservation and King Charles is the king of the planet.

All the youngsters need to know that if we dont start looking after our animals and stopping this abhorrent cruelty that is going on, on a daily basis, they will not be able show their children animals in the future and they (the animals) will become extinct.

She urged youngsters to protect animals, saying: Come off of Instagram. Lets get connected with the animals and lets all co-exist and save these beautiful creatures that give us so much enjoyment.
Henry Cavill has appeared at the series three premiere of The Witcher after previously announcing he would be bowing out of the hit fantasy Netflix series.

The British actor posed for pictures but did not give press interviews at the event on Wednesday, which took place at the Now Building in London.

Cavill announced last October that he would be stepping down from the role of travelling monster hunter Geralt of Rivia.

He is due to be replaced by Australian actor Liam Hemsworth, who will appear in the shows fourth season.

At the premiere on Wednesday, Cavill appeared alongside his co-stars, including Anya Chalotra, Freya Allan and Joey Batey, as well as his partner Natalie Viscuso.

He wore a black double-breasted suit with a black shirt.

Henry Cavill and Natalie Viscuso (Ian West/PA)

Speaking at Tudum 2023: A Netflix Global Fan Event in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Cavill said it had been a pleasure and an honour to work with his castmates and that he would miss them very much.

You guys bring so much nuance and detail to these characters, which are often at risk of being over simplified, and what you guys have done with the characters has involved work, care and effort, and believe me working with you guys was the biggest pleasure, he said.

So just want to say Im (going to) miss you. Im (going to) miss you very much.

Anya Chalotra, Henry Cavill, Freya Allan, and Joey Batey (Ian West/PA)

He was also set to return to the character of Superman after it was revealed in a post-credits scene of Dwayne Johnsons anti-hero film Black Adam last year.

However, Cavill announced in December he will not be returning as Superman, with US actor David Corenswet announced on Tuesday as the new star of DCs Superman: Legacy.
The Irish government has asked the UK government for the earliest possible sight of the terms of reference for its Omagh bomb inquiry to clarify what its involvement will be.

Tanaiste and foreign affairs minister Micheal Martin and justice minister Helen McEntee met with family members of some of those who lost their lives in the dissident republican blast which hit the Co Tyrone town on August 15 1998.

The bomb killed 29 people, including a woman pregnant with twins, and injured hundreds of others.

Omagh bomb campaigners Stanley McCombe, left, and Michael Gallagher (Brian Lawless/PA)

In 2021, a Belfast High Court judge recommended that the UK government carry out an investigation into alleged security failings in the lead up to the attack, and that a similar investigation should be established by the Irish government.

The UKs Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris announced in February that there would be an independent inquiry into the fatal explosion, and Lord Turnbull has been appointed as the chair.

Omagh bomb campaigners Stanley McCombe, who lost his wife Ann; Michael Gallagher, who lost his son Aiden; and his daughter Cat Gallagher-Wilkinson met with the senior Irish government figures in Iveagh House in Dublin for over an hour on Wednesday.

Prior to the meeting, Mr Gallagher said there was a strong cross-border element to the bombing, and that if an inquiry was not held in the Republic, he said it would be like reading half a book.

Cat Gallagher-Wilkinson, centre, met with Tanaiste Micheal Martin, right, and justice minister Helen McEntee, left, at Iveagh House in Dublin (Department of Foreign Affairs/PA)

Eighty per cent of the evidential opportunities lie within the Republic. I think the Irish government realise that they have a serious part to play in all of this. Were looking forward to hearing what they have to say this afternoon, he said.

John Fox, a solicitor for the Omagh families, said after the meeting that it had been very positive.

It was reconfirmed by the Irish government that they are committed to co-operating with any forthcoming inquiry, he said.

They are going to take away from the meeting today to look at the mechanisms in which that co-operation can be placed, and once the terms of reference are known, they can then implement that mechanism and co-operate fully with us as the families to make sure that we get to truth and justice.

Fine Gael senator Emer Currie told the PA news agency that it was a crucial meeting for the families, which was about opening the lines of communication on what next steps the Irish government intended to take.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin, centre left, said it was important to hear from the families (Department of Foreign Affairs/PA)

Ms Currie, the daughter of founding member of the SDLP Austin Currie, said that it was also about reassuring the families about how seriously the Irish government was taking this.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Martin said that when there was clarity on the UK inquiry, cabinet would consider the response Ireland would make.

He said it was important to hear from the families about how the Irish government could assist them.

We are currently waiting on the publication of the terms of reference for the statutory inquiry into the Omagh bombing, announced earlier this year by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, he said.

Last week, in London, I asked Chris Heaton-Harris for the earliest possible sight of those terms of reference now that a chair of the Omagh Bombing Inquiry has been announced.

Good to meet the families affected Omagh bombing with @HMcEntee today to hear their views on how this Government can help them in their search for answers. The needs of the victims of that unspeakable attack will be at the heart of any action that the Government takes. pic.twitter.com/KD0Zu9Etgm  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) June 28, 2023

When we have clarity on the nature of the UK inquiry, I will then consider, along with the minister for justice and my cabinet colleagues, the next steps in this jurisdiction.

The needs of the victims of that unspeakable attack will be at the heart of any action that the government takes.

As we approach the 25th anniversary of the attack, we will not be found wanting.

The Omagh bombing was a savage attack, carried out with disregard for the people of this island. It also showed total disregard for the overwhelming support for the Good Friday Agreement which was shown in referendums just months before the bombing.

Ms McEntee spoke in the Dail on Tuesday night about the Omagh bomb attack, ahead of its 25th anniversary this August.

It was a brutal atrocity and an act of mass murder, she said.

The terrorists who carried it out had simply no sense of humanity. It is they who carry responsibility for this cruel act and we must never forget that.

Earlier this year, the UK announced its intention to establish an inquiry into the preventability of the Omagh bombing.

We await further detail regarding the terms of reference of the inquiry.

As has been done in relation to a number of historical inquiries, this state will co-operate fully as may be required.
A jury has been selected ahead of the trial of Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey for alleged sex offences.

The Hollywood star has previously denied 12 charges against four men, including sexual assault and indecent assault.

The 63-year-old smiled and waved as he walked into Southwark Crown Court in London on Wednesday.

Actor Kevin Spacey (centre) arrives at Southwark Crown Court ahead of his trial for alleged sex offences (Aaron Chown/PA)

He arrived in a taxi, wearing a pink tie and a navy suit, and took a moment to say good morning to people assembled outside the court before making his way into the building.

Before the jury panel was selected, Mr Justice Mark Wall told prospective jurors: I am sure the defendant will be gratified to know that many of you will know his name or have seen his films.

The actor looked intently at the nine men and three women selected to try his case as they made their way to their seats.

Two reserve jurors were also selected to sit through the opening of the prosecution.

Mr Justice Wall told the jury panel of 14 that the case is one which has quite obviously attracted a lot of media attention but that they must avoid this coverage where you can.

He said: A particular danger, especially in a case like this where the defendant has a public profile, is using your computer to research things.

And he warned the panel to avoid using their computers for anything to do with this trial.

Jurors are set to hear about allegations against Spacey from between 2001 and 2013, with the full charge sheet read in open court.

Court artist sketch of Kevin Spacey in the dock at Southwark Crown Court (Elizabeth Cook/PA)

The actor pleaded not guilty in January to three counts of indecent assault, three counts of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.

The two-time Academy Award winner also previously denied four further charges of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

Spacey has an address in Waterloo, south London, but also lives in the US, where he has family and a dog.

In an initial court hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court in June, Spaceys lawyer, Patrick Gibbs QC, said his client strenuously denies any and all criminality in this case.

Mr Gibbs said the defendant returned to the UK to establish his innocence and proceed with his life.

The actor is known for starring in House Of Cards, American Beauty and The Usual Suspects, and was the artistic director at The Old Vic theatre in London between 2004 and 2015.

Spacey is on unconditional bail and prosecutor Christine Agnew KC is due to open the case on Friday.
Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey smiled and waved as he arrived at court ahead of his trial for alleged sex offences.

The Hollywood star previously denied 12 charges against four men including sexual assault and indecent assault.

The 63-year-old arrived at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday in a taxi wearing a pink tie and a navy suit.

He took a moment to say good morning to people assembled outside court before making his way into the building.

Jurors are set to hear about allegations against Spacey from between 2001 and 2013.

Actor Kevin Spacey arrives at Southwark Crown Court

The actor pleaded not guilty in January to three counts of indecent assault, three counts of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.

The two-time Academy Award winner also previously denied four further charges of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

Spacey has an address in Waterloo, south London, but also lives in the US, where he has family and a dog.

In an initial court hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court in June, Spaceys lawyer, Patrick Gibbs QC, said his client strenuously denies any and all criminality in this case.

Mr Gibbs said the defendant returned to the UK to establish his innocence and proceed with his life.

He is known for starring in House of Cards, American Beauty and The Usual Suspects and was the artistic director at The Old Vic theatre in London between 2004 and 2015.

Spacey is on unconditional bail.
Kim Kardashian praised her younger sister, Khloe, as the definition of love, strength and light as she wished her a happy 39th birthday.

The reality star, 42, said she was beyond lucky to have Khloe as a sister and could not imagine life without her.

Happy Birthday to one of my favorite human beings @khloekardashian, she wrote on Instagram, sharing a selection of the two together.

Koko, you really are the definition of love, strength, and light! You bring life to any room you walk in!

You protect your squad like none other. Im so beyond lucky youre my sister and I just couldnt imagine adulting and parenting and just life without you!

She added: I will be by your side forever and ever. This is the last year of your 30s so cant wait to live it up all year with you!

In her own post, Kardashians half-sister Kylie Jenner wrote: Happy birthday to the love of my life!

I couldnt do it without you @khloekardashian you mean the whole world to me. I love you forever and beyond.

Kardashian/Jenner family matriarch Kris Jenner wrote: Happy birthday my bunny, alongside a selection of photos from Khloes childhood.

Posting on her story she added: Khloe you are the sunshine of my life. You are the most amazing daughter, mommy, sister, auntie, best friend, neighbour and such a huge part of my heart.

You are so smart, strong, talented, beautiful inside and out, kind, sweet, thoughtful, creative, funny and witty.

You are the best chef, best party planner, best organiser, and the auntie and mommy that everyone wants to be with.

You are the one that celebrates all of us! I thank God every day for the blessing of being your mommy.

I love you more than you will ever know and cherish and treasure every moment we get to spend together.
The King and the Mayor of London have activated a climate clock which counts down the time left to balance global greenhouse gas emissions to prevent the Earth heating more than 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.

Scientists have said that achieving this is vital to ensuring a safe and liveable planet as even sticking to 1.5C offered just a 50-50 chance of avoiding catastrophic tipping points that would heat the Earth beyond human control.

Almost every country has agreed to meet this target as part of the Paris Agreement in 2015, but experts have warned that after eight years the world is still not on track, with warming of around 2.7C currently predicted by 2100.

The King and the Mayor of London at the Climate Innovation Forum in London (Justin Tallis/PA)

The climate clock has a countdown of six years and 24 days, at which point experts say the world will have used up the carbon budget for keeping to the Paris Agreement and the Earth will inevitably heat beyond 1.5C.

Mr Khan, alongside the King on stage at the Climate Innovation Forum in London, activated the clock with a large red button made from plastic washed up on the Gower Peninsula in Wales, which will be recycled into a plant pot and given to the King.

There are 150 versions of the clock around the UK, across London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester, Edinburgh and Southampton.

A dominating image of the countdown will also broadcast in Londons Piccadilly Circus for five days.

Campaigners said there was still time to avert disaster (Justin Tallis/PA)

Nick Henry, chief executive and founder of Climate Action, said: We are honoured to be joined by His Majesty King Charles at the Climate Innovation Forum for the national climate clock switch on, during London Climate Action Week.

This powerful illustration of the scale of the climate emergency also reminds us there is still time to avert disaster.

We need to align all actors  governments, cities, investors, businesses, and civil society  to move at speed and at scale.

It is vital that we embrace the pro-growth opportunity of the net-zero transition and turn ambition into transformational action.

The National Climate Clock at the Piccadilly Lights in central London (Lucy North/PA)

The King also met climate change minister Graham Stuart, who said on stage: We can be proud of the fact that we have decarbonised more than any other major economy on Earth.

But its not enough, and thats one of the reasons why were funding innovation.

Im pleased to announce today that weve awarded 80 million to companies developing new clean technologies through our net-zero innovation portfolio.

The King met some of these innovators, who are creating solutions to environmental problems, such as Futraheat, which works to capture and reuse waste heat from industrial processes, and Arda Biomaterials, which turns feedstocks into materials for fashion, home goods and other industries.

Was delighted to welcome His Majesty The King to the Guildhall in the @cityoflondon for a special presentation at the @Climate_Action_ Innovation Forum  as part of @london_climate  where he launched his #ClimateClock, a great initiative I look forward to hearing more about. pic.twitter.com/uLwB90JLuv  Lord Mayor, City of London (@citylordmayor) June 28, 2023

Pascal Soriot, chief executive of AstraZeneca, said on stage: This is not only a crisis that will happen in 20 or 30 years, this is a crisis that is here today.

The pandemic globally cost seven million lives. And, of course, its an awfully large number of people dying from Covid.

But actually, pollution and climate change cost us seven to nine million lives every year.

And some people would think OK, well this is something that is happening in faraway countries due to flooding, drought, extreme temperatures, but it is actually here, its affecting us all.
The King has celebrated the best of British businesses at a prestigious Buckingham Palace awards dinner.

Charles met the owner of a childrens bicycle company, who said Prince Louis rides one of his bikes, as he hosted a reception for recipients of The Kings Awards for Enterprise in London on Tuesday.

The awards recognise outstanding achievements by UK firms in the categories of innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility.

Also at the event were the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Environment Secretary Therese Coffey and Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch.

Ms Coffey told the PA news agency: I think its spectacular that we are celebrating, his majesty is celebrating, businesses who are taking the best of British innovation and selling it around the world.

That brings prosperity at home, it keeps the British flag, the Union flag, flying high and it is just a joyous occasion.

She added: The King is passionate about the natural environment and what is very special about his majesty, his convening powers are extraordinary and thats why these awards are cherished so much.

The King greets Secretary of State for Business and Trade Kemi Badenoch (Aaron Chown/PA)

Some 148 businesses were honoured across the four categories and can now use The Kings Awards emblem for the next five years on their products and to promote their services.

Jerry Lawson, who set up Frog Bikes, which makes childrens bicycles at a factory in Wales, said: This is our second export award despite Brexit putting the kibosh on everything.

He added: His majesty was talking about e-bikes, which we dont do, catching fire in the US, he was extremely knowledgeable and was asking why that was happening. The batteries are causing fires.

He did want to check we werent making those.

Some 148 businesses were honoured across the four categories (Aaron Chown/PA)

He said we need kids bikes especially without batteries because its not good for their health.

I have to confess this his (Charles) grandchildren already have our bikes.

They were hand-delivered to the Prince of Wales and then the Princess of Wales took lots of photos of Louis on his birthday and kindly released those.

Peter Kyle-Henney, owner of Sesanti, which won an award for innovation, said he worked in security and could only talk about the stuff thats not classified.

He said: We are into security imaging.

I was so surprised the King knew about thermal imaging and the benefits of the technology, he (Charles) was extremely engaging and was genuinely interested to understand why the innovation was as innovative as it was.

The Duke of Edinburgh was talking to me about using night-vision equipment for security and was extremely knowledgeable, so both of them surprised me enormously.

He (Charles) said to me at the end, he tapped me on the shoulder and he said its nice to see somebodys keeping the country safe.

Sesantis website says it manufactures high performance surveillance assets from our site in Hampshire, and our next generation ultra-low light level long range product (ULARI) is the subject of this award.

It continues: The technology uses high-speed processing and new algorithms to extract high quality imagery from very few photons, adding the equipment is designed to aid saving lives, enabling safer operating distances than can currently be achieved.

Other recipients include Naturaw Pet Food, a Yorkshire-based supplier of natural unprocessed dog food; International Business Centre, a Belfast-based company specialising in sourcing the manufacture of musical instruments; and CMR Surgical Ltd, based in Cambridge, which produces systems to enable surgeons to deliver better surgery.

It is the awards 57th year but the first after the scheme was renamed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Gemma Collins, who has shared her battle with urinary incontinence. (Getty Images)

Gemma Collins has shared her battle with urinary incontinence in a bid to break the taboo around the condition, which many women live with.

The former TOWIE star, 42, revealed that she has dealt with bladder leaks for most of her adult life, but now has an understanding of how widespread the issue is.

"Ive always suffered from bladder leaks, probably from my mid-20s actually," she told New. "But now Im in my 40s it has definitely got worse."

The reality star went on to detail one particular moment that made her realise "enough is enough" while she was trampolining with her nephew, Hayden.

"All of a sudden I jumped in the air and the floodgates just opened," she explains. "I was soaked right through and the worst [things] just kept going through my head. I was thinking, 'Oh gosh, am I going to need an operation? Am I dying?' I was so worried someone would be watching me, too, and that I wouldnt be able to do fun things with Hayden ever again."

Read more: Female incontinence taboo tackled with 'peeing' billboard advert, Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read

Women are often too embarrassed to seek help for incontinence. (Getty Images)

Incontinence is incredibly common

Research, from women's health brand Elvie reveals Collins isnt the only one to feel this way, as 84% of women in the UK suffer from mild or minor incontinence, with just 7% seeking medical help.

"It was unbelievable to find out how many women suffer with this, and yet theres still a taboo surrounding it," Collins says. "Its so sad. Since Ive openly said 'I get bladder leaks', lots of people have thanked me for being open about it.

"Women have been silent for so long, or felt too embarrassed to say anything about it. Ive even heard of some cancelling holidays or plans with friends because theyre scared of a leak."

Collins hopes that by sharing her own experiences of incontinence it will encourage other women to seek help for the issue.

This isnt something we should worry about, she adds. Doctors and nurses have seen it all before. Its the sort of subject we need to be talking about openly.

It can happen to any woman, no matter their shape, size, weight, height, or even fitness level. We want to keep the conversation going so future generations feel comfortable to bring it up too.

Urinary incontinence: The facts

The NHS explains that urinary incontinence or bladder leakage is the unintentional passing of urine. It's a common problem thought to affect millions of people.

There are several types of urinary incontinence, including:

Stress incontinence  when urine leaks out at times when your bladder is under pressure; for example, when you cough or laugh

Urge incontinence  when urine leaks as you feel a sudden, intense urge to pass urine, or soon afterwards

Overflow incontinence (chronic urinary retention)  when you're unable to fully empty your bladder, which causes frequent leaking

Total incontinence  when your bladder can't store any urine at all, which causes you to pass urine constantly or have frequent leaking

It's also possible to have a mixture of both stress and urge urinary incontinence.

"Urinary incontinence, whether it's stress-related or urge-related, can significantly impact a woman's self-esteem and quality of life," explains Dr Elise Dallas, Women's Health GP specialising in menopause at The London General Practice.

"Embarrassment and shame often prevent women from seeking help, as they fear being labelled as unclean or weak. But urinary incontinence is a common condition, especially among women. Remember that seeking assistance is an important step towards improving your quality of life."

Watch: British woman with neurological disorder forced to wet herself in River Island

What causes it?

According to the NHS, stress incontinence is usually the result of the weakening of or damage to the muscles used to prevent urination, such as the pelvic floor muscles and the urethral sphincter.

Certain things can increase the chances of bladder leakage developing, including pregnancy and vaginal birth, obesity, a family history of incontinence and increasing age  although incontinence is not an inevitable part of ageing.

Incontinence is a common problem but it can have an issue on self-esteem. (Getty Images)

How is bladder leakage treated?

The NHS recommends some measures for attempting to control the symptoms of bladder leakage including:

Lifestyle changes  such as losing weight and cutting down on caffeine and alcohol

Pelvic floor exercises  exercising your pelvic floor muscles by squeezing them, taught by a specialist

Bladder training  where you learn ways to wait longer between needing to urinate and passing urine, guided by a specialist

"You may also benefit from the use of incontinence products such as absorbent pads and handheld urinals," the NHS site continues.

If things still dont improve your doctor may recommend medication and in extreme cases, surgery.

Though it isnt always possible to prevent bladder leakage, the NHS does have some suggestions for reducing the chance of it developing including controlling your weight, avoiding or cutting down on alcohol and keeping fit, paying particular attention to strengthening your pelvic floor muscles.

Dr Dallas also recommends keeping a bladder diary to track patterns and triggers (typical ones: persistent cough, caffeine, alcohol fizzy drinks).

"Our goal is to empower you to regain control over your bladder function and ensure your wellbeing," she adds.
Products featured in this Yahoo article are selected by our shopping writers. We will earn a commission from purchases made via links in this article. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

This Liz Earle beauty box includes 100 worth of products for 49. (Boots / Liz Earle)

As much as we love long summer days, the hot weather can often lead to dull skin.

This is because the higher the temperature, the more likely it is that well be dehydrated which can cause skin to lose its plumpness.

Luckily, a Liz Earle beauty box can help you with that. The Liz Earle Summer Radiance 4 Piece Full Size Face & Body Collection contains four full-size products worth 107.50 for just 49.

Thats an impressive saving of 58.50, or like youre getting two full-sized products for free.

A deal this good should not be slept on, and it wont be round for long. By the time we spotted it, it had already had hundreds of views so youll need to be quick.

Why we rate it

When a brand as trusted as Liz Earle has a great-value-for-money set, you know you want to get your hands on them.

A leading authority in botanical beauty, Liz Earle has nearly three decades of experience using naturally active, cruelty-free and responsibly sourced ingredients.

As for this kit, we love that it contains four full-sized products, as beauty boxes like this so often contain sample or travel size, so this feels like a treat.

All the products included are meant to work together to help replenish your skin, so we like the fact its a complete skincare routine in one package.

The set is filled with summer skincare favourites. (Liz Earle / Boots)

Shop now

The Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser in particular is one of Liz Earles best-selling products, which usually retails for 32.50 alone. It has a rating of 4.9 stars on its site from over 5,000 reviews, so you know its going to be good.

It deeply cleanses and gently exfoliates the skin, and is enriched with cocoa butter, rosemary, chamomile and eucalyptus, so it smells like a dream.

This is the perfect gift for yourself, for your mum, your sister, or a friend. Anyone would feel happy to receive this.

Whats inside the Liz Earle Summer Radiance 4 Piece Full Size Face & Body Collection?

Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser 200ml - worth 32.50

Instant Boost Skin Tonic 200ml - worth 17.50

Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion 150ml - worth 18

Skin Replenishing Body Balm 200ml - worth 24.50

2 pure cotton cloths - worth 5

1 exfoliating mitt - worth 7.50

1 drawstring bag - worth 2.50

What the reviews say

Shoppers have been quick to snap up the great value beauty box and currently it has five star reviews across the board.

"This and the other Liz Earle glow gift are amazing value! Love cleanse and polish and excited to try everything else in the gift!"

"Just received this yesterday, LOVE Cleanse and Polish and the toner!! Good value."
Monique Bertrand, who has polycystic ovary syndrome, conceived the three pictured triples. (Monique Bertrand/SWNS)

A woman told she may never have children after being diagnosed with polycystic ovaries was shocked to find out she'd conceived triplets naturally.

Monique Bertrand, 38, from Lewisham, London was told she was living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in October 2013.

Due to the severity of her condition, doctors said the likelihood of her being able to have children was extremely slim.

Read more: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Symptoms, causes and treatments, Yahoo Life UK

After meeting her partner, John, 39, seven years ago, they decided that if they had not conceived by the end of 2022 they would go on to become foster parents.

To help aid her chances of pregnancy, in 2021, Bertrand lost over six stone by switching to a healthier lifestyle and upping her exercise.

Despite this, and after seven years of trying, she felt there was "no hope" and started seriously researching fostering and adoption.

Bertrand at her baby shower. (Monique Bertrand/SWNS)

But in April 2022, the assistant director for education says she was "over the moon" to discover she was pregnant.

However, it wasn't until eight weeks into her pregnancy, when she started bleeding, that doctors broke the news she was expecting triplets during an emergency ultrasound.

Having shared the update to their "delighted" guests at a baby shower when she was 27 weeks pregnant, Bertrand went on to welcome healthy triplets on 9 November 2022.

Doctors delivered all three babies via caesarean section: Lylah and Macho both weighed 2lbs 8oz while Trinity weighed 2lbs 1oz.

(Monique Bertrand/SWNS)

Read more: Twin due to be medically aborted to save his brother makes a surprise arrival, Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read

After spending 50 days in the special care unit at University Hospital Lewisham, the trio are now six months old and thriving at home.

"I'd waited a long time to be a mum so when the sonographer said it was triplets I just shouted in confusion and happiness," she says of hearing she was pregnant with three babies.

"I just burst into tears.

"It's been a blessing with so many challenges," she continues. "The doctors called them miracle babies."

PCOS diagnosis

Bertrand's difficult journey to motherhood began when she was 28 and diagnosed with PCOS - a common condition that affects how a woman's ovaries work.

"I kept having a lot of pain during ovulation and my period and was getting a bit sick," she says of her symptoms. "My GP sent me for a scan and did tests to rule out everything else, and after that called me to discuss.

(Monique Bertrand/SWNS)

Read more: Miscarriage: What happens and where to find support - Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read

After learning it would be very difficult for her to conceive Bertrand says she "went into a deep depression."

But, having met her partner a year later Monique told John about her fertility issues and in November 2019 the couple were shocked to discover Bertrand was unexpectedly pregnant.

"I had a miscarriage in February 2020, and was broken," she says.

Following advice from one of the midwives treating her, Bertrand decided to try and lose weight dropping from 18st 8lbs to 12st 5lbs in just one year, and in April 2022 she was delighted to find out she was pregnant.

But at eight weeks she started to bleed and was rushed to the early pregnancy unit at King's College Hospital.

"The sonographer asked if we'd done IVF," she explains. "After we said no, she told us it was triplets."

Though she was diagnosed with pregnancy induced hypoglycaemia, Bertrand managed to attend a baby shower on the 15 October 2022, where her, John and her mum, Judith Patterson, 56, all released a confetti cannon each, two pink and one blue to represent the triplets.

"The whole place went wild," she says of the moment.

Watch: Bebe Rexha reflects on 'tough' response to weight gain amid PCOS diagnosis

That same week, the couple were told one of their daughters, Trinity, was at risk as her umbilical cord wasn't working properly.

Doctors offered them an abortion to secure the health of the two healthy triplets, but they refused and Bertrand had three ultrasounds per week to monitor Trinity's progress.

At 30 weeks, she was rushed to hospital after developing pre-eclampsia and was transferred to St George's Hospital, Tooting, for a caesarean.

After briefly getting to hold all three babies, they were whisked to the NICU before being transferred on to University Hospital Lewisham, South East London, a week later, where their mum was also taken to monitor her recovery.

On December 29, 2022, having spent almost two months in hospital, all three babies were finally discharged.

Read more: Woman conceives twins 28 days apart after getting pregnant twice in one month, Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read

(Monique Bertrand/SWNS)

Additional reporting SWNS.
A 67-year-old man is facing a lengthy prison sentence after admitting the murders of a father and son who were shot dead in two villages six miles apart.

The bodies of Gary Dunmore, 57, and Joshua Dunmore, 32, were discovered at properties in The Row, Sutton, and Meridian Close, Bluntisham, Cambridgeshire, on March 29.

Stephen Alderton, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to their murders during a brief appearance before Cambridge Crown Court on Wednesday.

Stephen Alderton showed no emotion as he entered his pleas (Cambridgeshire Police/PA)

Wearing a grey polo shirt and blue jeans, the defendant showed no emotion as he entered his pleas, with family members of the two victims watching on from the jury seats of the court.

He spoke only to confirm his name and to enter his pleas.

Cambridgeshire Police said after the hearing that Alderton shot Joshua Dunmore twice in the hallway of his home in Bluntisham at 9.09pm.

The defendant shot Gary Dunmore three times in the hallway of his home in Sutton 31 minutes later, a force spokesman said.

Alderton drove off in his campervan but was arrested at about 1.30am the following day on the M5 near Worcester, police said.

Flowers left at the scene in Meridian Close, Bluntisham (Joe Giddens/PA)

He was interviewed by police but did not answer any questions.

After Alderton admitted the murders, Judge Mark Bishop remanded him in custody to be sentenced on October 20.

Alderton denied one count of possession of a firearm, a double-barrelled shotgun, with intent to cause fear of violence to another person, a neighbour of one of the victims.

Prosecutor Peter Gair said there was no public interest to be served by seeking a trial on the count and the judge ordered that it lie on file.

Family members of the two dead men did not want to speak following the hearing, during which no facts of the case were opened.

At the time of the shootings, police described the incident as targeted and said that the primary line of investigation was that the incident related to a familial issue.

Police at the scene in The Row in Sutton, Cambridgeshire (Joe Giddens/PA)

Detective chief superintendent Jon Hutchinson, of Cambridgeshire Police, said at the time that it had been widely reported in the media that this may relate to a custody battle.

I can confirm that is an active line of inquiry for us, he said.

At court on Wednesday, prosecutor Mr Gair said they were still at an early stage in terms of getting evidence that will help in the case.

Theres an application before the family court, he said.

A floral tribute left to builder Gary Dunmore at the time described him as a man who loved his family dearly, a dear friend to all, so helpful and kind and was always around as a friend.

A floral tribute left to Joshua Dunmore in Bluntisham said: So sad a young life to be taken like this and a little boy now with no daddy.

Detective Chief Inspector Katie Dounias, from Cambridgeshire Polices major crime unit, said: Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Gary and Josh at this difficult time.
Margot Robbie says that she would not have wanted to make the Barbie movie if toy company Mattel had not introduced more diversity with the world-famous doll.

The Australian actress said she had not wanted to present a singular image of what Barbie is and have it be what women should aspire to be and look like.

Robbie stars as the title character in the upcoming summer blockbuster alongside Ryan Gosling, and a diverse cast that includes Issa Rae, America Ferrera, Emma Mackey, Ncuti Gatwa, and Dua Lipa.

It sees Robbies Barbie leave the utopian Barbie Land after questioning her mortality, travelling to the real world with Goslings Ken.



Speaking to Time magazine, the actress said that she and director Greta Gerwig had told Mattels chief executive Ynon Kreiz that the film had to acknowledge certain things.

In that very first meeting, we impressed upon Ynon we are going to honour the legacy of your brand, but if we dont acknowledge certain thingsif we dont say it, someone else is going to say it, she said.

So you might as well be a part of that conversation.

She added: If (Mattel) hadnt made that change to have a multiplicity of Barbies, I dont think I would have wanted to attempt to make a Barbie film.

I dont think you should say, This is the one version of what Barbie is, and thats what women should aspire to be and look like and act like.

Barbie is directed by Greta Gerwig (Ian West/PA)

Barbie is produced by Robbies company LuckyChap.

According to Time, at one point during filming, Richard Dickson, chief operating officer and president of Mattel, took a flight to the London set to argue with Gerwig and Robbie over a particular scene, which he felt was off-brand.

The pair changed his mind after demonstrating the nuance that was not evident in the script, Robbie told the publication.

She also admitted that when she had first read the script, she had had doubts the company would allow the film to proceed.

The trailer for the upcoming film, due for UK release on July 21, states: If you love Barbie, this movie is for you. If you hate Barbie, this movie is for you.

Robbie added: If you feel indifferent about Barbie or havent thought about Barbie in years, this movie is also for you.

The full interview with Margot Robbie can read online on Time magazines website.
More than four in 10 (42%) house sellers are having to shave more than 5% off the original asking price to achieve a sale, according to Zoopla, in signs that rising mortgage rates are dampening the market.

The property website said this proportion, seen in June, is the highest it has recorded since 2018.

Around one in six (15%) sellers is having to shave more than 10% off the initial asking price to get a sale over the line, Zoopla said.

It said that with around 70% of sales being made to buyers who are relying on a mortgage, rising rates have delivered a hit to house hunters purchasing power.

Zooplas report said: Our view remains that 5% mortgage rates represent a tipping point, beyond which house prices will post annual price falls with lower sales volumes.

It continued: The sales momentum over (the first half of 2023) is not going to be maintained into (the second half).

Higher mortgage rates will hit buying power and squeeze more buyers out of the market, bringing a return to modest quarterly price falls.

According to figures from financial information website Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, across all deposit sizes, the average two-year fixed-rate mortgage on the market is now over 6%.

Zoopla said its own data indicates there have been fewer potential buyers in recent weeks than there were a year earlier.

It added that the number of new sales being agreed continues to run above the general average in Scotland, the north east of England and London.

Zooplas report said its the most expensive markets, and those where prices have risen the most in recent years, where future price falls are likely to be concentrated.

The report said the East of England, south west England, the East Midlands and south east of England are areas where house prices appear that they need to adjust the most.

Last week, the Bank of England base rate jumped from 4.5% to 5%, and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt met with lenders, who agreed to a mortgage charter to support residential mortgage borrowers.

Among the measures, borrowers will be able to switch to an interest-only mortgage for six months, or extend their mortgage term to reduce their monthly payments and switch back to their original term within the first six months, if they choose to.

Both options can be taken without a new affordability check or it affecting their credit score.

Lenders have also agreed to implementing a 12-month minimum period before repossessing homes.

One risk to house price growth could be a sudden surge in the supply of homes for sale, Zoopla said.

It added there are some signs that supply is starting to grow at an above-average rate. An increase in supply would boost choice for buyers and give them more room to negotiate, while also driving larger house price falls, the website added.

Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla, said: Modest price falls will resume in the second half of 2023 as the supply of homes increases, giving buyers more choice and room for negotiation on price.

We still expect house prices to be 5% lower over 2023 and there is a very substantial equity buffer to absorb price falls which are likely to be concentrated across southern England.

Demand for homes remains but those households looking to move home in 2023 need to be very realistic on pricing and get the view of agents on where to pitch their asking price to secure a sale.
Hundreds of steel workers will stage a protest outside Parliament on Wednesday as new figures show almost 150,000 jobs have been lost in the industry over the past 40 years.

The GMB union said its research suggests that, between 1981 and 2021, almost 80% of jobs in the entire steel sector have gone.

Workers from across the country will march from Trafalgar Square to Parliament Square calling for a proper industrial strategy and relief from the energy costs unions say are crippling the steel sector.

Charlotte Childs, GMB national officer, said: Under this Governments watch, the UKs proud steel industry is being allowed to wither and die.

Almost 150,000 jobs have gone  close to 80% of the entire steel workforce.

A lack of industrial strategy and no support for crippling energy costs have left the industry at risk of steel dumping from overseas.

We need action now, or the industry as we know it will cease to exist.

Roy Rickhuss, general secretary of Community, said: Britain needs its steel industry, our country is made from it  the roads we drive, the bridges we cross, the hospitals that heal us and the schools our children learn in.

But the UK Government must decide whether it wants a steel industry in this country.

In the absence of Government backing, we face Britains proud history of steelmaking coming to an end.

Our steel industry cannot survive if we continue to pay far more for energy than our EU competitors and it cannot decarbonise if the Government doesnt support the transition toward net zero.

Steelworkers dont ask for handouts  simply the chance to compete on a level playing field and to protect an industry of crucial national importance.

A Department for Business and Trade spokesman said: This Government believes that steel plays a vital role in the UK economy, supporting local jobs and economic growth.

We introduced the British Industry Supercharger to make our steel industry more competitive by bringing down energy prices and protecting the UK steel industry from unfair trading practices.

We are working closely with the sector to secure a sustainable, decarbonised and competitive future for steel.

Unite union general secretary Sharon Graham said at the protest: We stand on the very precipice for Britains steel industry. Its time our politicians stepped up to the plate and took action to save our most vital of industries. How can it be that Belgium produces more steel than Britain?

There has been criminal negligence in flogging off the industry in a privatisation that has proved calamitous  a private equity scam that didnt work.

Of course steel is a foundation industry  over 25% of Britains GDP is delivered by industries dependent on steel. Are we now going to stand by and watch it collapse?

That would be a catastrophe for British manufacturing and looming jobs losses of 40,000 in the industry and more in related industries and supply chains. But steel is also fundamental to the security of our country. What are we going to do if steel goes bust  import it from the Chinese?

Every British major infrastructure project should be legally committed to using British steel on their projects.

Unite research suggests if that one thing was done today it would guarantee an increase in steel production worth 8 billion and create 3,000 jobs.

There is a green revolution beckoning in steel where blast furnaces must be replaced by electric arc furnaces to decarbonise production. Britain could be a world leader in that transformation.
Debt-laden utility giant Thames Water has said it is working with shareholders to secure the cash it needs after reports that ministers are drawing up contingency plans for its collapse.

The company, which serves 15 million households, said on Wednesday that it needs further equity funding on top of the half-billion pounds it raised just three months ago.

It comes as Thames Water tries to fend off collapse, and ministers are weighing up whether to nationalise the business should it fail.

The business said in a statement: Thames Water received the expected 500 million of new funding from its shareholders in March 2023 and is continuing to work constructively with its shareholders in relation to the further equity funding expected to be required to support Thames Waters turnaround and investment plans.

Ofwat is being kept fully informed on progress of the companys turnaround and engagement with shareholders.

Water regulator Ofwat, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Treasury are understood to be meeting to consider the future of Thames Water.

(PA Graphics)

If pushed, they could be forced to place the company under a so-called special administration regime.

An SAR is used only in extreme circumstances when a company in a vital sector such as water or energy is too big to fail.

It has only ever been used once before  when Bulb Energy collapsed in November 2021.

In a statement following the news, Ofwat said it is in talks with Thames Water about developing a robust and credible plan.

We monitor the financial position of all the key water and wastewater companies, a spokesman said on Wednesday.

We have been in ongoing discussions with Thames Water on the need for a robust and credible plan to turn the business around and transform its performance for customers and the environment.

We will continue to focus on protecting customers interests.

Thames Water chief executive Sarah Bentley stepped down on Tuesday amid mounting concern over the financial stability of the company (Thames Water/PA)

On Tuesday, Thames Water chief executive Sarah Bentley stepped down with immediate effect amid mounting worries over the financial stability of the company.

Thames Water is the UKs biggest water supplier and provides water services for 15 million customers in London and the South East.

The firm is now reportedly racing to raise 1 billion from investors to shore up its finances, with AlixPartners said to be advising the firm on turnaround plans.

A Government spokesman said: This is a matter for the company and its shareholders.

We prepare for a range of scenarios across our regulated industries  including water  as any responsible government would.

The sector as a whole is financially resilient. Ofwat continues to monitor the financial position of all the key water and wastewater companies.

Thames Water  owned by a consortium of pension funds and sovereign wealth funds  has come under pressure in recent years over its poor performance in tackling leaks and sewage contamination, while facing criticism for handing out big rewards to top bosses and shareholders.

Ms Bentley, who was appointed in 2020, said in May that she would give up her bonus after the companys environmental and customer performance suffered.

But, even after giving up the bonus, the chief executive managed to double her pay, raking in 1.5 million.

On announcing her departure, she said: The foundations of the turnaround that we have laid position the company for future success to improve service for customers and environmental performance.

Thames Waters owners last year invested 500 million in the firm  the first injection of equity into the group since privatisation.

They pledged a further 1 billion, subject to conditions, and warned that further shareholder support may be required.

The groups shareholders include Chinese sovereign wealth fund China Investment Corporation, UK private pension fund the Universities Superannuation Scheme, and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority subsidiary Infinity Investments.

Ofwat warned last December over the financial resilience of Thames Water, as well as Yorkshire Water, SES Water and Portsmouth Water.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said he is confident that whatever the situation is at Thames Water, the water will continue to flow.
Voluntary rules to protect struggling households with prepayment meters could become compulsory, under new proposals launched by the energy regulator.

Ofgem said it was starting a consultation that will make the protections in place a compulsory part of suppliers licence conditions.

It comes after some energy suppliers, including British Gas, were caught breaking into the homes of people struggling to pay their bills to forcibly install a prepayment meter (PPM).

Ofgem launched an investigation after the practice was publicly exposed.

Unveiled in May, the voluntary code of practice bans forcibly installing PPMs into the homes of people over the age of 85.

The tougher rules also mean that energy suppliers and their contractors must make at least 10 attempts to contact a customer and carry out a site welfare visit before it can be installed.

All UK household energy suppliers signed up the code but regulator Ofgem said it now wants to make the voluntary arrangements binding.

Neil Kenward, director for strategy for Ofgem, said: We are committed to ensuring robust protections are in place for vulnerable customers.

The voluntary code of practice for prepayment meters enhanced protections, setting clear rules for when a prepayment meter is or isnt acceptable, as well as new requirements around the installation of prepayment meters.

We are now seeking to make these voluntary arrangements binding, and we welcome all views on this statutory consultation.

Ofgem said the proposals will benefit consumers because energy suppliers will need to follow a stricter process when assessing whether to forcibly install a PPM, and maintain a higher standard of aftercare support when they do.

It would also ease pressure on the NHS if people are better able to heat their homes and cook hot meals, it said.

We have published a statutory consultation on introducing the below PPM Code of Practice into the licence and guidance for energy suppliers. Subject to the outcome, we expect to publish licence modification decisions later this year Respond here https://t.co/RtzTxZWFFk https://t.co/lLDiY09N4k  Ofgem (@ofgem) June 28, 2023

Furthermore, Ofgem also proposed that suppliers get compensated for a type of credit offered to the most vulnerable PPM customers, known as additional support credit (ASC).

Mr Kenward said: This type of credit helps some of the most vulnerable PPM customers, by providing them with additional respite, when they are struggling the most, and prevents them from going off supply.

Many of these customers may have already exhausted alternative options, such as emergency or friendly hours credit, so ASC can be critical to avoiding self-disconnection.

Some of this credit may not be repaid, but energy suppliers do not currently get compensated for this cost  the allowance aims to fix that, ensuring suppliers have no excuse not to offer ASC to customers in need this winter.

We will be monitoring levels of ASC provided by suppliers.

The consultation on the code of conduct will close to responses on July 26. Ofgem expects to conclude and publish its decision by winter this year.
A board set up to work on Scotlands preparations to deal with a pandemic had to suspend meetings for over six months prior to the Covid outbreak because of warnings over the effects of a no-deal Brexit, an inquiry has heard.

Gillian Russell, a senior civil servant who was the director of safer communities in Scotland between 2015 and 2020, told the UK Covid-19 Inquiry that the Scottish Government Pandemic Flu Preparedness Board (PFPB) made disappointing progress on its plans prior to the pandemic.

The inquiry heard the board was commissioned in the summer of 2017 by then deputy first minister John Swinney, who is due to give evidence to the inquiry on Thursday, and the group was formed to lead on Scotlands interests at UK level and further develop preparedness in Scotland.

The discussion came after Kate Blackwell KC raised the subject of the Scottish Governments simulation of a flu pandemic in 2016 named Operation Silver Swan, and a series of recommendations made after the exercise to improve the nations readiness to deal with a pandemic.

The inquiry is examining various aspects of the pandemic (PA)

She told the inquiry a number of meetings were subsequently held by health officials to review progress on the delivery of those recommendations as well as further calls for improvements made following another UK-wide pandemic rehearsal called Operation Cygnus one year later.

Ms Blackwell pointed out many of the recommendations had still not been fully implemented by June 2019, however, and went on to ask Ms Russell why minutes of a resilience team meeting held that month to review progress stated work to deliver them had been paused.

Ms Russell replied: In October 2018 we were presented with the Yellowhammer planning assumptions for a no-deal Brexit and they were significantly challenging.

A decision was taken that priority should be given to working through how we would mitigate the significant risks that would immediately crystalise on a no-deal Brexit.

That took up a huge amount of strategic capacity across many parts of Scottish Government, including the resilience co-ordination of a lot of that work.

Turning to the formation of the PFPB to oversee the work, Ms Blackwell went on to ask Ms Russell why it appeared the group initially met every two months then stopped meeting altogether between November 2018 and June 2019.

Ms Russell again cited behind-the-scenes planning for leaving the EU as the reason the group failed to convene. That was no-deal Brexit, she said.

Dr Catherine Calderwood resigned as Scotlands chief medical officer at the height of the pandemic after breaching lockdown rules (PA)

Asked if there had also been a problem with resources, Ms Russell replied: Theres a finite resource in Government of people with certain skills and expertise.

She went on to explain that employees with expertise on subjects such as drug supplies would have been involved in pandemic preparedness, but had to be tasked to consider the effect a no-deal Brexit would have on supplies instead.

There was a lot of work across Government to try to mitigate and understand those risks, she said.

Noting some outstanding work of pandemic preparedness was then later described in documents as being dealt with under the term business as usual, Ms Blackwell asked: It was a disappointing response, wasnt it, to the recommendations from both Silver Swan and Cygnus?

Ms Russell replied: It was disappointing but other factors came into play.

Meanwhile, it had been widely reported that Scotlands former chief medical officer would give evidence to the inquiry on Wednesday.

But Dr Catherine Calderwood, who quit her role after breaching her own lockdown rules by travelling to her second home during the first lockdown, did not appear for questioning.

No explanation was provided for her absence but it is understood she will now be called later in the inquiry to give her evidence.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: Dr Calderwood recently suffered an accident that required emergency medical treatment.
Scottish former health secretary Jeane Freeman has admitted the country could have been better prepared to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic, but no plan could have helped the country cope.

Giving evidence at the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, Ms Freeman said: There were certainly areas where Scotland could have been better prepared, in terms of the underlying structure and the delivery of all of those the recommendations.

But Scotland, like other countries throughout the world, was dealing with a virus which was unknown and new, so in that sense I dont believe there is a plan that would have been possible that would have been able in and of itself to cope with Covid-19.

Ms Freeman, Scotlands health secretary from 2018 to 2021, said there was enough personal protective equipment (PPE) available for hospital staff but issues surrounding distribution were behind some shortages.

She said all issues raised regarding PPE were acted on in real time, and she was updated on supplies daily.

She added that with another colleague, she invested to set up a domestic supply chain of PPE in those circumstances of high global competition I know that we had enough PPE, but clearly we encountered issues around distribution, both to where it was needed but also within those locations to the individuals who needed specific PPE.

Ms Freeman expressed her condolences to people affected by the pandemic and thanked health and social care staff.

The inquiry also heard that the board set up to work on Scotlands preparations for a possible pandemic had to suspend meetings for more than six months before the Covid outbreak due to warnings over the effects of a no-deal Brexit.

Gillian Russell, a senior civil servant who was the director of safer communities in Scotland between 2015 and 2020, told the inquiry the Scottish Government Pandemic Flu Preparedness Board (PFPB) made disappointing progress on its plans before the pandemic.

The inquiry heard the board was commissioned in summer 2017 by then deputy first minister John Swinney, who is due to give evidence to the inquiry on Thursday, and the group was formed to lead on Scotlands interests at UK level and further develop preparedness in Scotland.

The discussion came after Kate Blackwell KC raised the subject of the Scottish Governments simulation of a flu pandemic in 2016, named Operation Silver Swan, and a series of recommendations made after the exercise to improve the nations readiness to deal with a pandemic.

Kate Blackwell QC (Peter Byrne/PA)

She told the inquiry a number of meetings were held by health officials to review progress on the delivery of those recommendations as well as further calls for improvements after another UK-wide pandemic rehearsal called Operation Cygnus a year later.

Ms Blackwell pointed out many of the recommendations had still not been fully implemented by June 2019, and asked Ms Russell why minutes of a resilience team meeting held that month to review progress said work to deliver them had been paused.

Ms Russell replied: In October 2018 we were presented with the Yellowhammer planning assumptions for a no-deal Brexit and they were significantly challenging.

A decision was taken that priority should be given to working through how we would mitigate the significant risks that would immediately crystalise on a no-deal Brexit.

That took up a huge amount of strategic capacity across many parts of Scottish Government, including the resilience co-ordination of a lot of that work.

Turning to the formation of the PFPB to oversee the work, Ms Blackwell asked Ms Russell why it appeared the group initially met every two months then stopped meeting between November 2018 and June 2019.

Ms Russell again cited behind-the-scenes planning for leaving the EU.

Asked if there had also been a problem with resources, Ms Russell replied: Theres a finite resource in Government of people with certain skills and expertise.

She said employees with expertise on subjects such as drug supplies would have been involved in pandemic preparedness, but had to be tasked to consider the effect a no-deal Brexit would have on supplies.

There was a lot of work across Government to try to mitigate and understand those risks, she said.

Noting that some work on pandemic preparedness was later described in documents as being dealt with under the term business as usual, Ms Blackwell asked: It was a disappointing response, wasnt it, to the recommendations from both Silver Swan and Cygnus?

Ms Russell replied: It was disappointing but other factors came into play.

It had been widely reported that Scotlands former chief medical officer Dr Catherine Calderwood would give evidence to the inquiry on Wednesday, but she did not appear.

No explanation was provided for her absence but it is understood she will be called later to give her evidence.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: Dr Calderwood recently suffered an accident that required emergency medical treatment.
Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey will stand trial on Wednesday accused of sex offences against four men.

The Hollywood star, 63, previously denied 12 charges including sexual assault and indecent assault.

Southwark Crown Court will hear about allegations from between 2001 and 2013.

The actor pleaded not guilty in January to three counts of indecent assault, three counts of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.

Spaceys lawyer previously told a court he strenuously denies all charges against him (Elizabeth Cook/PA)

The two-time Academy Award winner also previously denied four further charges of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

Spacey has an address in Waterloo, south London, but also lives in the US, where he has family and a dog.

In an initial court hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court in June, Spaceys lawyer, Patrick Gibbs QC, said his client strenuously denies any and all criminality in this case.

Mr Gibbs said the defendant returned to the UK to establish his innocence and proceed with his life.

He is known for starring in House of Cards, American Beauty and The Usual Suspects and was the artistic director at The Old Vic theatre in London between 2004 and 2015.

Spacey is on unconditional bail.
Oscar-nominated Irish actors Paul Mescal and Kerry Condon are among the hundreds of new people invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The organisation announced on Wednesday it had extended membership invitations to 398 individuals who had distinguished themselves by their contributions to motion pictures.

Mescals fellow best actor nominee Austin Butler, and best supporting actor winner Ke Huy Quan were also among the actors to be invited.

Kerry Condon (Ian West/PA)

Quans Everything, Everywhere, All At Once co star Stephanie Hsu was also listed, as were the films directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, and British stars Nicholas Hoult and Lashana Lynch.

US pop superstar Taylor Swift was also listed as being invited, following her work on Where The Crawdads Sing, starring Daisy Edgar Jones, and Cats.

Abel Tesfaye, aka The Weeknd, also earned an invite for his work on Avatar: Way Of Water and Fifty Shades Of Grey.

An Irish Goodbye (Ian West/PA)

Tom Berkeley and Ross White, whose short film An Irish Goodbye won the Oscar for best live action short film, were invited in the Short Films and Feature Animation category.

The Academy is proud to welcome these artists and professionals into our membership, said Academy president Janet Yang.

They represent extraordinary global talent across cinematic disciplines and have made a vital impact on the arts and sciences of motion pictures and on movie fans worldwide.
Public-sector workers in Northern Ireland are preparing for a period of immense, serious and prolonged industrial action if their demands are not met, a healthcare union leader has said.

A leader of the union representing civil servants also called for a general strike to reverse the cuts to public services in Northern Ireland.

In the absence of a devolved government, the budget for Northern Ireland was set by Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris, with senior civil servants estimating Stormont departments need hundreds of millions of pounds in extra funding to maintain public services at their current level this year.

Workers from a number of unions including Unison, Nipsa and Unite gathered outside the Northern Ireland Office at Erskine House in Belfast to express their intention to go on strike if the ongoing dispute around pay for workers and cuts in the public sector is not settled.

Unison, Nipsa and Unite workers protesting outside the Northern Ireland Office at Erskine House in Belfast (Claudia Savage/PA)

Stephanie Greenwood, Unison convener for health reps, told the protesters that if their members did not achieve pay parity with healthcare workers in the UK, they would be engaging in a strike on a level never seen before in September of this year.

The message that the employer, the Secretary of State and our politicians need to hear today is that we are marching towards a series of industrial action in the autumn and the winter, she said.

Industrial action never seen like before. Our members are frustrated, our members are angry, our members will not be disrespected from this day forth.

They will take the most immense, serious and prolonged industrial action, and the only people that can stop that are our politicians, our employers and the Secretary of State.

Unison, Nipsa and Unite workers hold a sign featuring a picture of Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris (Claudia Savage/PA)

Unison is one of the UKs largest trade unions, representing more than 1.3 million members, with 40,000 members in Northern Ireland.

The union encompasses health care workers including nurses and student nurses, midwives, paramedics and admin staff, as well as some workers in education.

Unison members in Northern Ireland are threatening strike action as they say NHS workers in the region are not receiving equal pay when compared to their counterparts in England and Wales.

Ms Greenwood said healthcare workers could not tolerate any more pressure on their current salaries.

They cannot make ends meet. They cannot pay their food bills. They cannot pay oil, they cannot pay electricity. Their children are suffering, our children are suffering, she said.

Stephanie Greenwood addressing demonstrators outside the Northern Ireland Office at Erskine House (Claudia Savage/PA)

We are turning into a province of poverty and deprivation. Twenty-five years on from the peace agreement and where are we? Were in a fragile peace. That peace is threatened by poverty.

The union representing some civil servants in Northern Ireland, Nipsa, also attended the protest on Wednesday.

Permanent secretaries in the civil service have had to implement cuts across Stormont departments including healthcare and education as a result of the budget set by Mr Heaton-Harris and the absence of elected Stormont ministers.

Devolved government in Northern Ireland has not been operational for more than a year due to the DUPs ongoing protest against post-Brexit trading arrangements.

Public-sector workers protesting outside the Northern Ireland Office in Belfast (Claudia Savage/PA)

Nipsa also announced its intention to escalate industrial action in September, to reverse the cuts to public services as well as achieving increased pay for their members.

Carmel Gates, general secretary of Nipsa, called for a general strike to protect the public sector in Northern Ireland.

As a public service union, first and foremost we want to see our members getting properly paid, but we also want to see the services that we work in protected, she said.

So, if we dont have a needs-based budget, and that provides for decent pay awards, or protection of services, then we will be escalating our action in September.

We took strike action in February alongside the teachers and Im going to hope that when we take action in September, were taking action alongside teachers, health service workers, education workers, local government workers.

Carmel Gates addressing demonstrators outside the Northern Ireland Office (Claudia Savage/PA)

In fact, I would like to see private-sector employees joining us too, I would like to see a general strike to really make the point that workers here have had enough. Weve endured cuts for too long and were not enduring them any longer.

Ms Gates also said that as a result of the lack of devolved government and the budgetary constraints, civil servants were being asked to take action that went against their moral compass.

Were here to say civil servants deserve better. Theyve endured all this time without an assembly, theyve been the ones who are sticking their neck out, she said.

Theyre doing stuff that is outside their moral compasses, stuff that they dont want to do. They shouldnt be asked to do it.

The Northern Ireland Office has been approached for comment.
RTE has fallen far short of standards expected of it, the chair of the broadcasters board conceded as she addressed Irish parliamentarians on the misreported payments scandal.

At the opening of a highly anticipated meeting of the media scrutiny committee in Dublin, Siun Ni Raghallaigh said: I apologise for this egregious breach of trust with the public.

I am also mindful that this committee, and others, were in the past presented with information that was simply untrue. That was a breach of trust with you, the elected members of the Oireachtas, for which we sincerely apologise.

RTE executives and board members are appearing before the committee to face questions on the controversial 345,000 euro of undisclosed payments made to star presenter Ryan Tubridy between 2017 and 2022.

The under-reporting meant RTE furnished the Oireachtas parliament and the public with incorrect figures on Tubridys earnings over that period.

RTE board chairwoman Siun Ni Raghallaigh (Nick Bradshaw/PA)

The public, RTE staff, and public representatives are angry and hurt, the board chair told the committee on Wednesday.

We know that our bond of trust with the public is tarnished.

We know that trust is precious, and that once lost, trust is difficult to regain.

Step by step we will work to rebuild that trust.

We will not flinch in this regard. We know that this will be challenging, but we are committed to doing so in order that confidence in Irelands national public service broadcaster can be restored.

RTE is an organisation of more than 1,800 people. I apologise to each and every one of them for the distress they are experiencing as they deal with the shadow that has fallen over this organisation.

I want to assure this committee and the public that the board is committed to ensuring that we get full clarity on this, that there is accountability for it, and that it never happens again.

Earlier, Irelands premier said it was not credible that RTEs former director-general was the only one who knew about the misreported payments scandal.

Former RTE director-general Dee Forbes (PA)

Leo Varadkar spoke a day after the broadcaster issued a statement saying Dee Forbes was the only executive who had all the information to know the organisation had published incorrect salary figures for Tubridy.

More questions will follow on Thursday when RTE representatives will appear before the Oireachtas parliaments Public Accounts Committee.

On Wednesday, RTE confirmed talks over a new contract for Tubridy  who stepped down as host of the flagship Late Late Show in May but continues to host a weekday radio show  have been paused pending the outcome of ongoing processes resulting from the payments disclosures last week.

Ms Forbes quit as director-general on Monday amid the spiralling crisis.

She is not appearing before the committees on Wednesday and Thursday, citing ill health for her absence.

She insisted she did not act contrary to any advice in the contractual dealings related to Tubridy.

Addressing the issue in the Dail parliament on Wednesday, Mr Varadkar said: While the RTE statement from yesterday shed some light on what has transpired, a lot of questions remain open, so we expect to see a full and open engagement at the Oireachtas committees today and tomorrow.

And certainly we do not believe it is credible that the former DG Dee Forbes was the only person with knowledge of these events.

Government and the public expect nothing but full and open transparency from RTE executives and board members when they attend committees of these houses today and tomorrow.

RTE staff staged protests around the country on Tuesday, demanding answers about the furore.

The row relates to payments made to RTE presenter Ryan Tubridy (PA)

Tuesdays statement from RTE covered 225,000 euro of fees paid to Tubridy between 2020-2022. It said a report by external auditors Grant Thornton found no illegality in the payments.

A further external review by Grant Thornton into payments of 120,000 euro between 2017 and 2019 is under way, with the findings due within four weeks.

Mr Varadkar said that timeframe is not satisfactory and the Government is pressing for the report to be made available sooner.

On Tuesday, RTE said Ms Forbes was not consulted in the drafting of its statement and she may dispute some elements of it.

The Grant Thornton report gave detail of a commercial arrangement involving RTE, Tubridy and a commercial partner that was entered into after Tubridy forewent an exit fee due to be paid at the end of his previous contract.

The statement from RTE explained the terms of this tripartite agreement between RTE, Tubridy and Renault.

This agreement was separate to Tubridys central contract with RTE and involved him making appearances at commercial events.

It said Tubridy was to be paid 75,000 euro annually under this tripartite commercial arrangement, with the payments underwritten by RTE.

The payment was made by the commercial partner in the first year. The same sum paid to Tubridy was then provided back to the commercial partner by RTE by way of a credit note on future spending with the broadcaster  meaning the deal was cost-neutral to Renault.

The RTE statement said Tubridy was unaware of the credit note provided by RTE to the commercial partner.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has pressed for the latest report into payments to Tubridy to be made available sooner (PA)

The tripartite arrangement ended during the Covid pandemic, leaving RTE liable for the next two years of payments.

RTE said Ms Forbes verbally agreed to the terms of the commercial arrangement in a video meeting.

The two payments from RTE were paid to Tubridys agent using a UK-based barter account.

A barter account is usually used to record the exchange or goods and services.

Due to how a barter account operates, a cash transaction is recorded at a higher gross value than the net sum of the money drawn down.

Grant Thornton said that, on the balance of probabilities, the barter account was used because there were available funds in it and it appeared there was no budget available for the 75,000 euro payments in year two or three of the agreement.

It also emerged on Tuesday that RTE used the barter account to pay for the costs of hosting events for the commercial sponsor in 2022.

These payments were recorded in the barter account at a value of 47,477 euro; the actual cost of these events was 30,586 euro.

The review said there was no wrongdoing by Tubridy or the commercial partner.

Amid the scandal, the Government has ordered an external review into governance and culture at the broadcaster.

Tubridy has been off air since the revelations emerged last Thursday, with a stand-in presenter hosting his weekday morning radio show.
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Some schools are having to switch smoke detectors to heat sensors to prevent vaping by children setting off alarms during lessons and exams, MPs have heard.

The Health and Social Care Committee was told about vaping rates in schools, with headteachers being forced to monitor toilets due to the number of children using e-cigarettes.

In evidence to the MPs inquiry on youth vaping, Laranya Caslin, headteacher at St Georges Academy in Sleaford, which teaches children aged 11 to 18, told of her problems in tackling youth vaping.

Also giving evidence to the committee were representatives from the UK vaping industry and experts from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPH) and Action on Smoking and Health (Ash).

Mrs Caslin told MPs: We have a significant proportion of students vaping and theyre vaping regularly and, in some cases, making excuses to leave lessons to go to the toilet to vape.

I think we have seen across our catchment area a significant increase (in vaping).

My head student team would estimate the proportion to be around 25% of students at the school (who) are vaping and the local police  who we work really closely with  would echo that from their experience in the market square around the town.

Contrasting that to number of students smoking cigarettes pre-pandemic  that was very rarely an issue in school, so this is a much bigger issue.

One examplethat is definitely impacting on education is students vaping in the toilet and setting off the fire alarm. And so were having to interrupt learning on a regular basis or go out.

I had two toilets that I knew students were vaping in that I was monitoring really closely and I became really concerned about interruptions to the exam season.

So I had to change smoke sensors to heat sensors really quickly to prevent us being in and out while students were sitting GCSEs and A levels, and so the ramifications are quite broad in terms of an education setting.

She said there were vape sensors on the market but they were not cheap and suggested schools should be given access to specific grants so they could buy them for their buildings.

Asked about youngsters motivation to vape, Mrs Caslin said there was a perception it was cool and youngsters were subject to peer pressure.

And then I think once theyre vaping, the level of addiction were seeing is perhaps higher than it would have been amongst smokers, she added.

She said we have regularly caught students leaving lessons to vape and children who felt they needed to top up their nicotine levels on a regular basis.

Her views have been echoed by other teachers, who have said they have to take action to stop vaping on their premises, including in toilets.

Mrs Caslin pointed out how vape flavours are appealing to youngsters, adding that some of them read like a sweet shop, so gummy bear, slushy, but also unicorn milk, unicorn frappeits clearly pitched at, in my view, a younger audience and I would say actually unicorns, they lose their appeal at least by the age of 15.

So I think youre talking even young teen, potentially pre-teen, being drawn into that.

I think in terms of the popularity, talking about the flavours and have you tried this flavour and have you tried that flavour and I prefer this one to that one  is increasing the chat.

The committee also heard that doctors have said there are some children with asthma in their care who can no longer use school toilets due to vaping triggering attacks.

At the @CommonsHealth evidence session on youth vaping today, RCPCH's Officer for Health Improvement @DrHJStewart shared our call to ban disposable e-cigarettes to protect the health of children and young people.  pic.twitter.com/i6Rv9h4MYz  RCPCH (@RCPCHtweets) June 28, 2023

Dr Helen Stewart, officer for health improvement at RCPCH, suggested to the committee that she thought the college would support a ban on vaping in public places.

Asked if the RCPCH would support vaping being included in the legislation that bans tobacco smoking in public areas, like clubs, pubs, bars, those sort of places?, she replied: I think thats something we definitely would support.

We know that the effects are passive as well as from active smoking, so thats definitely something that we would support.

The RCPCH has already says it wants to see a ban on disposable vapes, which are popular with children.

Later, MPs also questioned John Dunne, director general of the UK Vaping Industry Association, and Marcus Saxton, chairman of the Independent British Vape Trade Association.

In a sometimes tense exchange with MPs, the pair denied their members were promoting flavours to children.

Mr Dunne was asked whether it was convenient that he was arguing there was an issue with shops selling to underage children, when really there was a problem with e-cigarettes themselves.

He said these products have been around well over 15 years, they are the most successful way that adults quit smoking here in the UK, adding that flavours are extremely important to adults, thats one of the reasons vaping is so successful.

He said there should be greater powers for authorities like the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to be given the powers to look at product design and packaging before they approve any products.

The IBVTA's Chairman, Marcus Saxton, gave evidence to the Health and Social Care Committee in Parliament today, making the distinction that reputable vape businesses do not import illegal products, and take steps to prevent illegal sales to under 18s.#vaping pic.twitter.com/NEFHd2RqG4  IBVTA (@TheIBVTA) June 28, 2023

He added: The industry is not here to sell to children. The industry is not here to hide from the fact that some rogue retailers and distributors are bringing in products that are unsuitable.

On flavours, Mr Sexton added that there were some products coming in that should be targeted and people prosecuted under existing regulation.

Having said that, the role of flavours  if any of you have been a smoker  is absolutely critical to enabling a successful quit attempt, he added.

The pair also denied the industry was trying to hook a new generation of youngsters on nicotine.
The co-owner of The Stonewall Inn in New York City said she and a group of people saved history when they purchased the LGBT+ bar where the Stonewall riots began.

June 28 marks the 54th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, a series of spontaneous protests by members of the LGBT+ community in response to a police raid that began at 53 Christopher Street in the Greenwich Village neighbourhood.

The riots are widely considered to be the watershed event that transformed the gay liberation movement, and The Stonewall Inn is regarded as the birthplace of the modern-day LGBT+ rights movement.

The original raided premises sign at The Stonewall Inn (The Stonewall Inn/PA)

Stacy Lentz, 53, co-owner of The Stonewall Inn and LGBT+ activist, was part of the group who purchased the site 17 years ago.

In 2006, if we hadnt stepped in and did this, it literally could have become a Starbucks, Ms Lentz, from New York, told the PA news agency.

We were up against, I think, a Starbucks, a jazz club, and one other business.

So really being able to get a team together to do this, it was about saving history.

And then also, you know, putting it back on the map again.

In 2006, it really wasnt on the map, it wasnt being treated properly in terms of historical value, but it also wasnt being used to keep that fight alive.

While there were some other investors involved at the time, Ms Lentz explained that the group was now formed of Kurt Kelly, 63, the owner of The Stonewall Inn, as well as co-owners Bill Morgan and Tony DeCicco, who were involved with the teams legal and financial aspects.

Ms Lentz said the group then formed their own non-profit, charitable organisation, The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI), of which Ms Lentz was the chief executive and co-founder alongside Mr Kelly.

She said SIGBI funded grassroots organisations and activists across the world in the toughest places where its still hard to be LGBTQ today in 2023.

The Stonewall Inn was rooted in the community, co-owner Stacy Lentz said (The Stonewall Inn/PA)

Through SIGBI, Ms Lentz said they were able to keep the legacy and history of the Stonewall riots alive.

It (The Stonewall Inn) is rooted in the community, and through our non-profit, we really use it as a vehicle to keep the fight that started there in 1969 alive and well, and fight for full global equality, she said.

We like to say that were spreading the Stonewall legacy to the spaces, places and faces that need it the most.

When asked about the Stonewall riots, Ms Lentz said there were lots of myths about how it started or why it started due to a lack of documentation at the time.

If you had a photo of yourself taken in that bar, you would lose your family, you would lose your job, because you couldnt be out, it was illegal, Ms Lentz explained.

If you were there, you probably didnt want to say you were there until years later when you felt it was safe to say you were. So who can blame folks for not?

Ms Lentz said people visited the site to feel the history (The Stonewall Inn/PA)

She added: Theres lots of myths of how it started or why it started and I dont think well probably ever know the truth on that.

But the reality was, it was the whole community that came together, including straight allies that poured out into the street, that kept the protests going, that got the medias attention, and thats why Stonewall became Stonewall.

When asked what The Stonewall Inn looked like today, Ms Lentz said: The Stonewall Inn is the birthplace of the modern-day LGBTQ rights movement and its where Pride began, so we are bustling with non-stop events.

Ms Lentz added that when they were not holding events, The Stonewall Inn was pretty packed with people from all over the world.

She said: People come there to see the birthplace, to feel the history, to learn a little bit about the history, and have that drink as soon as they land at JFK.

We like to say weve come 54 years, but we probably have another 54 years to go.
Ads for Hyundai and Toyota electric cars have been banned for exaggerating the speed of recharging and failing to mention the limited availability of the fastest chargers across the road network.

Three ads for Hyundais IONIQ 5, seen in January last year, all stated that the car could be charged from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes using a 350kw ultra-fast charger.

Three complainants, who believed there were significant limitations to achieving the advertised charging rate including low temperature, said the claim was misleading.

Hyundai told the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) that its internal factory testing established a time of 17 minutes and 16 seconds to charge the battery from 10% to 80% when using a 350 kW ultra-fast charger, and with the battery at temperatures of 22 and 25 degrees centigrade.

However the carmaker said it was wrong to infer that this meant that the ambient temperature must also be 22 or 25 degrees centigrade.

Hyundai accepted that there were a large number of variables which could influence the charge time for an electric vehicle battery, including battery temperature, ambient temperature and the age and condition of the battery, and that actual results for individual drivers could therefore vary.

It said the Charge myHyundai website showed 37 ultra-fast 350 kW charging locations in the UK and six ultra-fast 350 kW charging locations in the Republic of Ireland at the time of the ad, while a fully charged IONIQ5 would provide between 238 and 298 miles of range depending on the battery size.

A Hyundai ad for the IONIQ 5 banned by the ASA (ASA/PA)

The ASA said any less than optimal factors such as battery temperature, ambient temperature and age and condition of the battery might affect the time it would take for a battery to charge to 80%.

It said: We would therefore expect Hyundai to qualify the charging claim with an explanation of the conditions under which the figures were achieved and that they may not reflect actual consumer experience.

It added: We concluded that because the ads omitted material information about the factors that could significantly affect the advertised charging time and the limitations in relation to the availability of 350 kW chargers, the claims that the Hyundai IONIQ 5 could charge from 10% to 80% charge in 18 minutes or less than 18 minutes using a 350 kW charger had not been substantiated and were misleading.

The watchdog also banned claims made by Toyota on its website in March last year that its bZ4X model could reach 80% charge in around 30 minutes using a 150 kW fast-charging system.

A complainant said there were significant limitations to the misleading claim.

Toyota said the claim was caveated with a prominent footnote informing consumers that the charging times were subject to local circumstances and that rapid charging power ratings could vary by location.

It believed consumers would know that not all charging units were rated 150 kW and that they would need to travel to access the relevant units.

The firm said it understood that 150 kW+ chargers were available in multiple locations across the UK, including in major population centres and major travel points on motorways or major arterial roads, and it believed it was those areas where drivers were most likely to need them.

The ASA said it would have expected Toyota to qualify the charging claim with an explanation of the conditions under which the figures were achieved, and that they may not reflect actual consumer experience.

It said: We concluded that because the ad omitted material information about the factors that could significantly affect the advertised charging time and the limitations in relation to the availability of 150 kW chargers in Northern Ireland and across the UK, the claim use rapid public charging to reach 80% charge in around 30 minutes with a 150 kW fast-charging system had not been substantiated and was misleading.

The ASA ruled that neither of the ads should appear again.
The communications watchdog has launched an investigation into BT after technical faults hampered the 999 emergency call service on Sunday.

Ofcom said it will look into the incident to determine whether the telecoms giant failed to comply with its regulatory duties.

Emergency calls in some areas of the UK were hit by outages from around 8.30am, which prevented the calls from connecting to an operator.

Technical faults at BT hindered the 999 service on Sunday (Alamy/PA)

BT, which manages the 999 phone network, switched to a back-up system at around 10am but some services continued to report delays in calls being received.

The Metropolitan Police said the back-up system was not as effective at locating callers.

BT apologised sincerely for the UK-wide disruption and said the issues were resolved by Monday evening.

Under Ofcoms rules, BT and other network providers must take all necessary measures to ensure uninterrupted access to emergency organisations as part of the call services they offer.

They must also do what they can to prevent and prepare for systems breaking down or technical faults.

Where there is an adverse effect on the network or service, the provider must take appropriate and proportionate measures to remedy or mitigate that effect, Ofcom said.

Our investigation will seek to establish the facts surrounding the incident and examine whether there are reasonable grounds to believe that BT has failed to comply with its regulatory obligations.

BT said it is undertaking its own investigation into the incident alongside Ofcoms probe.

A spokesman for BT Group said: Were nearing the end of a full, internal investigation and expect to share the findings with Government, the emergency services and Ofcom (with whom we are in regular contact) by Thursday.

This will examine the technical aspects of what triggered Sundays incident, the process of moving over to the back-up system, and the timings of communications to the emergency services, Ofcom and Government.

In the interests of transparency, we will share the key findings publicly at the same time, subject to the removal of any information that remains confidential for critical national infrastructure.
The human rights watchdog said it remains seriously concerned about the impact of the Governments controversial migration laws on vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women and trafficking victims.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said the Illegal Migration Bill  which would see the law changed so that people who come to the UK illegally are detained and removed  risks breaching international human rights obligations.

It has already previously raised concerns around the removal of protections for victims of trafficking, restriction of the right to asylum and penalising refugees, the rights of children, broad detention provisions, and insufficient consideration of the impact on equality for different groups.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman has urged MPs and peers to support the Illegal Migration Bill (Yui Mok/PA)

The Bill, which is back in the House of Lords on Wednesday, has already faced heavy criticism from various quarters, including some Tory MPs.

In a report this week, the Women and Equalities Committee, chaired by Conservative MP Caroline Nokes, said any intention to detain children or send them to Rwanda under the new laws should be abandoned.

The committee warned that the risks of harm to asylum-seeking children outweigh any risk of damaging the Governments aim of deterrence through the Bill.

The Home Offices own estimates suggest ministers could spend 169,000 on every asylum seeker forcibly removed to a third country such as Rwanda.

Nearly two in five people would need to be deterred from crossing the English Channel in small boats for the Bill to break even, the economic impact assessment published on Monday said.

Judges will hand down their ruling on the stalled Rwanda policy on Thursday as the Government battles to fulfil its promise to stop the boats.

Peers will table and debate further amendments on Wednesday as the Bill is considered in the House of Lords, with the Government expected to suffer defeats during the report stage.

Ahead of that, an EHRC spokesman said: We remain seriously concerned about the potential implications of the Illegal Migration Bill on human rights and the safety of individuals.

Careful consideration should continue to be given to the impact of the Bill on different groups with protected characteristics  including children, pregnant women, disabled people, torture survivors, and victims of trafficking.

The watchdog repeated its call for measures to increase safe, regular routes to the UK for asylum seekers to be brought forward alongside the Bill.

The Law Society has cited similar concerns, with its president, Lubna Shuja, describing the Bill as a defective and dangerous piece of legislation that threatens to undermine the rule of law and access to justice, adding that it is likely to be unworkable.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman has urged Parliament to support her legislation, arguing that her departments assessment shows that doing nothing is not an option.

We cannot allow a system to continue which incentivises people to risk their lives and pay people smugglers to come to this country illegally, while placing an unacceptable strain on the UK taxpayer, she said.

I urge MPs and peers to back the Bill to stop the boats, so we can crack down on people smuggling gangs while bringing our asylum system back into balance.
The U.N. and the U.S. first suspended food aid to Tigray in March after the discovery of a scheme to steal donated wheat intended for needy people.

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP)  Hunger has killed at least 700 people in Ethiopias northern Tigray region in recent weeks after the United States and the United Nations paused food aid, local officials and researchers say.

The U.N. and the U.S. first suspended food aid to Tigray in March after the discovery of a scheme to steal donated wheat intended for needy people. They extended the pause to the rest of Ethiopia in early June, affecting 20 million people in need, or about one-sixth of the countrys population.

Tigrays Disaster Risk Management Commission has recorded 728 hunger-related deaths in three of the regions seven zones since the food aid was suspended in March. The data is based on information gathered by district officials, said the commission leader, Gebrehiwot Gebregziaher.

An Ethiopian woman scoops up portions of yellow split peas to be allocated to waiting families after it was distributed by the Relief Society of Tigray in the town of Agula in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia. Urgently needed grain and oil have disappeared again for millions caught in a standoff between Ethiopias government, the United States and United Nations over what U.S. officials say may be the biggest theft of food aid on record. (Photo: Ben Curtis/AP, File)

The situation in Tigray is very difficult. Many people are dying because of the food shortage, Gebrehiwot said.

The figure includes 350 hunger deaths in the northwest zone of Tigray, which hosts thousands of people displaced by a two-year conflict in the region that ended in November. In mid-March, U.S. aid officials found enough food aid for 134,000 people for sale in a local market in Shire, the zones biggest town.

Separately, researchers at Mekele University in the regional capital have documented 165 hunger deaths in seven camps for internally displaced people in Tigray since the food aid suspension began. There are over 100 such camps across the region.

The deaths were reported by camp coordinators to the researchers, who are studying people displaced by the recent war. Most of the deaths are of children, old people and people with underlying health conditions, said one researcher, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals. He linked the deaths directly to the aid suspension.

A U.N. update published on June 14 said the number of children admitted to hospitals in Tigray for malnutrition rose by 196% between April 2022 and April 2023.

The recent war left 5.4 million out of 6 million people in Tigray reliant on food aid. During the conflict, both sides looted humanitarian supplies and the government restricted aid access, leading U.N. investigators to accuse it of using starvation as a method of warfare. A ceasefire signed in November had allowed aid deliveries to resume to the region.

Aid workers have told The Associated Press, which first reported the food aid theft, that senior Ethiopian government officials were deeply involved. The U.S. is refusing to reinstate food aid until they are removed from the aid distribution process and stronger checks are introduced.

Ethiopias government dismisses as harmful propaganda the suggestion that it bears primary responsibility for the disappearance of aid in Tigray and other regions, but it has agreed to a joint investigation with the U.S. while the U.N.s World Food Program carries out a separate probe.

Although they have suspended deliveries of food, the U.S. and WFP continue to run nutrition programs for women and children. However, these have been hampered by a lack of funding.

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The post 700 Ethiopians have died since US, UN stopped sending food aid appeared first on TheGrio.
An initiative petition seeking renter protections in Bellingham has enough signatures to qualify for placement on the Nov. 7 ballot, Whatcom County Auditor Diana Bradrick said Tuesday.

The so-called Economic Displacement Assistance Measure, if passed, would require 120 days written notice of a rent increase above 8% and provide rental relocation assistance equal to three times the fair market rent.

The petition needed at least 3,093 valid signatures to qualify, according to previous reporting by The Bellingham Herald.

The signature review was conducted by the Auditors Office on Monday and a certificate of sufficiency was expected to be given to the city Tuesday morning. If the city submits resolutions by Aug. 1, the initiative will go on the November ballot, Bradrick told The Herald in an email.

This renter protections initiative is one of two submitted by volunteers with Community First Whatcom that now have enough petition signatures to qualify for the ballot.

The other initiative is a minimum wage measure that would require employers in Bellingham to pay $1 more than the Washington state minimum wage, which is currently $15.74.

A petition from Community First Whatcom seeks to raise the minimum wage to $1 an hour above the Washington state minimum wage is shown April 9, 2023, outside the Bellingham Food Co-op in the Cordata neighborhood of Bellingham, Washington.

The law states that City Council members have the option to adopt these measures as part of the citys municipal code, offer competing ballot measures, or place the measures on the ballot for voters to decide.

Community First Whatcom submitted 13,720 signatures for both initiatives combined. The group plans to bring both measures to the City Council as early as its July 10 meeting.

Its an opportunity to make our case for the first time in a public forum, campaign manager Jace Cotton previously told The Herald. Cotton also a candidate for the City Councils at-large position.

Community First Whatcom raised and spent nearly $21,000 during its petition drive, according to filings with the state Public Disclosure Commission.
WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden said Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is now weakened after Wagner mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin's short-lived rebellion against the Russian military.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Biden was asked by NBC News if Putin was weakened by the recent situation. "Yes," he said, adding that Putin has "become a pariah around the world."

Asked whether Prigozhin had planned to capture Russian military leaders, Biden said: "That remains to be seen."

Biden said Monday that as the situation unfolded in Russia over the weekend, he had directed his national security team to give him hourly updates. He also said he spoke to key U.S. allies on a Zoom call "to make sure we were all on the same page."

"They agreed with me that we had to make sure we gave Putin no excuse  let me emphasize  we gave Putin no excuse to blame this on the West or to blame this on NATO," Biden said.

He added: "Were going to keep assessing the fallout of this weekends events and the implications for Russia and Ukraine, but its still too early to reach a definitive conclusion about where this is going. The ultimate outcome of all this remains to be seen."

On Friday, Prigozhin led an armed revolt against Putin's military forces, and his mercenaries seized a Russian city in an effort to march toward Moscow. He abandoned the plan, however, and ordered his forces to turn back Saturday, ending the rebellion less than 36 hours after it had started.

The Kremlin said Prigozhin would leave Russia for Belarus while avoiding criminal charges along with his fighters despite the revolt. Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko helped broker the deal to end the crisis.
Bryan Kohberger, right, is charged with murdering four University of Idaho students in November 2022. Prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty if he is convicted. (August Frank/AP)

Attorneys for Bryan Kohberger in court Tuesday argued for access to investigative records that law enforcement used to arrest Kohberger on suspicion of murder in the deaths of four University of Idaho students in November.

Anne Taylor, Kohbergers lead public defender, petitioned the judge overseeing the case for three pieces of information that prosecutors have so far withheld and she said could prove critical to the defenses case: Kohbergers cellphone location data, a forensic analysts determinations about the suspects vehicle, and the training schedules for three Idaho State Police officers involved in the investigation.

With Kohberger wearing a black suit and tie and seated in the Moscow courtroom mostly with only media in attendance, Taylor told Judge John Judge of Idahos 2nd Judicial District Court in Latah County that the defense still lacks the requested documents through the required discovery process.

It is not a fishing expedition, it is necessary for Kohbergers defense, Taylor said. We have come to an impasse. That is why we come to court today.

Taylor pointed out that the three state police officers were involved with the case from the beginning. She told the judge that their training guided them on how to act, from interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence, and they could be called to testify at trial.

Taylor also told the judge that the cellphone data and vehicle forensics used by law enforcement are important to understand the police investigation into Kohberger.

During the roughly 30-minute hearing, the prosecution countered that the defense had yet to provide sufficient justification for the records and based its request on just speculation. The lack of agreement between the two sides led to a need for Judge to step in, Taylor said.

Judge set a July 14 deadline for the prosecution to turn over FBI records and said he will issue a ruling on the state police training records at a later date. The prosecution, with Latah County senior deputy prosecutor Ashley Jennings, and the defense agreed on the deadline.

Kohbergers trial remains scheduled to start Oct. 2 in Latah County.

Kohberger could face death penalty

The 28-year-old man, accused in the stabbing deaths of four U of I students, was indicted by a grand jury last month. Kohberger was a former graduate student at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, and faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary.

The four victims were Madison Mogen, 21, of Coeur dAlene, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, of Rathdrum; Xana Kernodle, 20, of Post Falls; and Ethan Chapin, 20, of Mount Vernon, Washington.

At his May 22 arraignment, Kohberger stood silent when asked to submit a plea to the charges brought against him. He did so to retain his right to challenge the indictment, his public defender wrote in a court record earlier this month. As a result, Judge entered a plea of not guilty on Kohbergers behalf.

On Monday, the prosecution announced its intent to seek the death penalty for Kohberger. If a jury convicts him of first-degree murder, Idahos rule for a death sentence requires aggravated circumstances, which includes killing more than one person.

Kohberger at the time of the homicides was living in Pullman, on the Washington-Idaho border and located about 9 miles west of the U of I campus. He was a Ph.D. in WSUs criminal justice and criminology program.

Police tracked Kohberger to his parents home in eastern Pennsylvania, where he was staying during the winter break from school. Law enforcement arrested him there Dec. 30, and he first appeared in an Idaho court on Jan. 5.

Law enforcement included in gag order

Left unaddressed Tuesday was the defenses ongoing request for DNA records that initially led law enforcement to Kohberger as the suspect, as well as the detailed information from his indictment based on probable cause by a grand jury last month. The defense team filed for a pause in court proceedings while it continues to await the indictment records. The hearing had been scheduled to include arguments from the defense and prosecution on their opposing motions.

Prosecutors acknowledged for the first time this month that the FBI submitted DNA from the crime scene to public ancestry websites to initially land on Kohberger as a suspect. The technique, known as investigative genetic genealogy (IGG), was mostly reserved for cold cases but is becoming more common in active investigations.

So far, prosecutors have objected to turning over all records related to the FBIs use of IGG, arguing that Idahos laws do not require it. In court filings, theyve also petitioned to Judge that the documents are not relevant and not material to the defenses case, in part because the prosecution does not plan to introduce the evidence at trial.

Once Kohberger was in custody, the FBI requested removal of the genealogy profile from the online genealogy services, per U.S. Department of Justice policy, Thompson wrote. The FBI also created limited records from the investigative technique that led to Kohberger, he said, which may conflict with some requirements of that policy, as the Idaho Statesman previously reported.

Kohbergers defense argued in a response last week that prosecutors are attempting to hide their case through the lack of disclosure. Investigators also were aware of the DNA of at least three other males  two within the home where the students were killed and a third from a glove found just outside the crime scene.

To this date, the defense is unaware of what sort of testing, if any, was conducted on these samples other than standard DNA profiles, the defense wrote, concluding that none of the three are Kohbergers.

In addition, the defense affirmed in the filing that there is no connection between its client and the four victims. There is a total lack of DNA evidence from the victims in Kohbergers car, apartment and campus office in Pullman, and family home in eastern Pennsylvania where he was arrested, which warrants explanation, they wrote.

Judge on Tuesday also clarified his revised nondissemination order, often known as a gag order, which limited attorneys from speaking to the press. He noted that law enforcement remains bound not to comment outside of the court record, as defined agents of the prosecuting attorneys. Agents refer to those with the authority to act, Judge said, encompassing law enforcements interactions with prosecutors.
Canadian wildfires are once again taking a toll on the continental U.S., this time in the Midwest, where air quality alerts have been issued across the region.

Hazy, smoky skies were reported Tuesday over cities in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa and Ohio.

Chicago had the worst air quality in the world Tuesday, according to IQAir.com, a tracking service.

The city's air quality index is in the "very unhealthy" category for all age groups, reminiscent of the hazy, unhealthy skies over New York City a few weeks ago.

A fixed wing waterbomber drops water onto the Cameron Bluffs wildfire near Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada (James MacDonald / Bloomberg via Getty Images file)

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said the city is carefully monitoring and taking precautions."

We recommend children, teens, seniors, people with heart or lung disease, and individuals who are pregnant avoid strenuous activities and limit their time outdoors, Johnson said in a statement Tuesday.

Follow our live coverage of air quality concerns

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency issued an air quality alert in effect until midnight Wednesday and encouraged Chicago residents to limit their time outdoors.

Detroit had the second-worst air quality in the world Tuesday.

The National Weather Service issued poor air quality alerts for northeastern Illinois, northwestern Indiana and all of southeast Michigan for Tuesday and Wednesday.

The New York city skyline as smoke from the Canadian wild fires (Lev Radin / Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images file)

Poor air quality is also expected in New York City on Wednesday because of incoming winds, Mayor Eric Adams said.

Poor air quality is particularly dangerous to sensitive health groups like people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, Adams tweeted. Bring a KN95 or N95 mask with you tomorrow, or make plans to avoid outdoor events just in case.

Emissions from about 400 wildfires burning in Canada cast an orange haze over major metro areas this month, including New York City, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

Canadas wildfire season this year is the worst on record, with around 29,000 square miles burning in eastern and western Canada, which is greater than the combined area that burned in 2016, 2019, 2020 and 2022, Reuters reported.
Susan Stern's documentary Barbie Nation provides an unauthorized look at Barbie, the world's best-known doll. (Illustration by Jay Sprogell for Yahoo / Photo: Getty Images)

Between The Flash hitting a wall, The Boogeyman failing to scare up dollars and the latest Indiana Jones adventure not dialing up great word of mouth, it's been a tough summer for Hollywood blockbusters. Fortunately, there's a hero looming on the horizon that could turn the multiplex back into a dream house for cash-hungry studios: Barbie. Greta Gerwig's live action feature starring the world's most famous doll isn't stepping onto screens until July 21, but Barbie is already a social media superstar, with anticipation for the movie reaching fever pitch as the release date nears.

Barbie's anticipated success will be a boon for the beleaguered Warner Bros., but according to documentary filmmaker Susan Stern, it's even more crucial for Barbie's owners at Mattel. "This is an important film for them," says the director of Barbie Nation  an unauthorized 1998 film about the doll's history that is getting a 25th anniversary re-release pegged to Gerwig's film. "I think their stock price has shown that!"

Even though Barbie still seems like a ubiquitous presence in toy stores, Stern says that the brand has been lapped by the Disney Princesses in the quarter century since the release of her film. In her view, that's because Disney has actively put those classic characters back into the pop culture consciousness with its critically lambasted but highly lucrative line of live action remakes of classic animated films  from Cinderella to The Little Mermaid.

"There have been all these tie-ins with the big Disney princess movies, whereas Mattel has not exploited its assets in films," Stern notes. "I think that's why they finally agreed to make a live action Barbie movie. They are literally putting a new face on her."

Margot Robbie in Greta Gerwig's live action version of Barbie. (Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros.)

That new face, of course, belongs to Margot Robbie, who plays the central Barbie in Gerwig's film. But as the trailers and posters have teased, there are multiple Barbies populating the movie's candy-colored Barbieland, played by everyone from Issa Rae to Dua Lipa. That approach not only embraces the diversity of the current toy line, but it also avoids one of the pitfalls that always made Mattel leery of taking Barbie into the live action realm. "They didn't want to limit the idea of Barbie," Stern explains. "They wanted her to be something that every girl  and boys, too  could put their dreams on. If they made her one person, it would limit kids from being able to project their dreams onto her."

Keeping the character aspirational is one of the reasons why Mattel's previous Barbie films have either been completely animated or bizarre hybrid productions like the notorious 1992 Workout with Barbie video in which a M3gan-esque Barbie led a group of flesh-and-blood girls through various aerobic routines. "Mattel had this line of strange and somewhat creepy Barbie movies," Stern says, laughing. "So going live-action is a big step."

Stern made Barbie Nation during a period when Mattel was extra-protective of Barbie, actively pursuing lawsuits against artists that were, as she puts it, doing "strange things" with the doll. The Europop band Aqua was one of the toy company's most famous targets after they scored a chart-topping hit with the 1997 anthem, "Barbie Girl." Mattel sued the group for "damaging" their star's reputation, but the courts eventually ruled that the song was protected under First Amendment laws. (At Robbie's own request, a cover of "Barbie Girl" featuring Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice will be featured on the Barbie soundtrack.)

Susan Stern offers an unauthorized look at the history of Barbie in Barbie Nation. (Photo: Courtesy Bernal Beach Films)

Fortunately, Stern didn't end up having to take Barbie Nation to court. "I had amazing karma with the film," she says now, recalling how Mattel immediately rejected her initial overtures. "They said, 'Not only are we not making a film about Barbie  you're not either.' But I talked to lawyers who said that I could do it without their approval." Mattel ended up playing a role in the documentary anyway; after meeting representatives from the company at toy shows, Stern says they responded positively to what she was doing and licensed her vintage Barbie commercials. More importantly, they facilitated an interview with the doll's creator, Ruth Handler, who founded Mattel with her husband, Elliott Handler, in 1945.

But Stern says she still took extra steps to ensure that her movie could be seen in case Mattel experienced a last minute change of heart. "I told them that I would let them know when the movie was first going to air," she remembers of the days leading up to Barbie Nation's debut on PBS's POV series in July 1998. "And I let them know at 5 p.m. on the day it premiered, so they couldn't get a restraining order against it!" (Barbie Nation opens with a disclaimer stating that the film "is not authorized by Mattel.")

While Barbie Nation is far from a Barbie takedown, there are portions of the film that would likely make Mattel skittish even today. For example, Stern openly acknowledges the sexual side of Barbie, speaking with collectors who pose their dolls in S&M-inspired tableaus. While those scenes would have given Mattel executives heart palpitations, Stern thinks that Handler  who died in 2002  would have been just fine with it. After all, as the documentary points out, one of the inspirations behind Barbie was a German "call girl" doll named Lilli.

Ruth Handler created the pop culture juggernaut known as Barbie. (Photo: Courtesy of Bernal Beach Films.)

"In my interview with her, Ruth talks about the resistance to having a doll with breasts," the filmmaker says, noting how Handler specifically wanted Barbie to have an adult body type. "And, of course, some people remain resistant to that. I recently found out that there are parents who use nail polish to paint over her body. And at some point, Mattel started modeling underwear onto the dolls so they wouldn't appear naked."

Not for nothing, but Stern also thinks that Handler would enjoy the subtle sex jokes that Gerwig has slipped into her PG-13 rated Barbie yarn, like when Ryan Gosling's Ken asks to "stay over" at Barbie's house. "She's acknowledging or at least winking at the sexuality of the dolls," the director says. "That's always been an issue for Mattel. One of the great instances of that was when they made this Ken doll that appeared to have a cock ring and a purple mesh outfit. And they were like, 'It's just a key chain! He's not really gay!'"

"They've obviously given [Gerwig] some license," Stern continues. "I like to say that her Barbie winks at the things that Barbie Nation doesn't blink at. They're appealing to children, and yet there are also these 'wink, wink' double entendres. We go into all the deep and weird stuff people do with Barbie that they wink at in their film."

Even as she's rooting for Gerwig's movie to succeed, Stern says she has no plans to revisit Barbie Nation in a sequel documentary. "It's the perfect capsule of the way humans use imaginary things to make fantasies," she notes. But the 25th anniversary re-release does feature a scene that didn't make the final cut of the 1998 version  an interview with a Black collector named Marcella who specifically collects the various Black Barbie dolls that Mattel has released over the years. It's a subject that's also explored in Lagueria Davis's new documentary, Black Barbie, that's currently seeking distribution and Stern gives that project her full-throated endorsement.

"The reason my interview with Macella didn't make it into Barbie Nation originally is because the issues it raised were so big and important, and I realized it wasn't me that should make that film," she explains. "As is said in Black Barbie, white Barbie remains the central figure. Even though there have been some changes, white culture remains central and white people tend to unfortunately see everybody else as a kind of accessory."

That's a criticism that Gerwig seem to be trying to avoid by filling her film with Barbies of all sizes and colors. Still, Robbie remains the central figure, which Stern says is also a potentially risky decision. "One of the reasons that Mattel gave for not making a live action movie before now is that they didn't want to limit the idea of Barbie. They wanted Barbie to be something that every girl  and, as we know, boys, too  could project their dreams onto. Making her one person seemed like it would limit people from being able to do that."

"Now that they've done it, it will be interesting to see what happens," Stern continues. "Will it be less possible for people to act out their fantasies? I actually don't think so, and I think Barbie Nation illustrates that. As humans, we have this ability to fantasize and we'll just keep going with that."

Barbie Nation is currently available on most VOD services, including Prime Video and iTunes
The IRS supervisory agent who helped oversee the investigation of Hunter Biden continues to raise questions about what he alleged was special treatment in the probe of the president's son, telling CBS News that, dating back to the Trump administration, he was repeatedly prevented from taking steps he would have considered routine in other cases.

"We have to make sure as a special agent for IRS Criminal Investigation that we treat every single person exactly the same," said Gary Shapley, a 14-year veteran of the agency, who spoke exclusively to CBS News chief investigative correspondent Jim Axelrod on Tuesday. "And that just simply didn't happen here."

Shapley's comments come a week after the Trump-appointed U.S. attorney for Delaware, David Weiss, who has been leading the probe, announced a plea deal in the case against Hunter Biden. A Republican who said he has no political motive and has never been engaged in politics, Shapley told CBS News he believes stronger charges could have been brought.

According to a Justice Department filing made public last week, Hunter Biden reached a tentative deal with the U.S. attorney in Delaware, agreeing to enter guilty pleas to two misdemeanor tax charges and admitting to felony gun possession.

Hunter Biden's plea will include an acknowledgement that drug use was a contributing factor in his gun crime, and he will enter into a pretrial diversion agreement on that charge, according to the filing. It is expected that for two years, Hunter Biden must remain drug-free and must not commit additional crimes. If he fulfills this successfully, the gun count would be dismissed. This does not amount to a guilty plea.

A federal judge has yet to approve the deal. A hearing has been scheduled on July 26 before Judge Maryellen Noreika at the federal courthouse in Wilmington.

Shapley said the five-year investigation uncovered conduct that he says could have resulted in additional charges.

IRS supervisory agent Gary Shapley / Credit: CBS News

"Based on my experience, if this was a small business owner or any other non-connected individual, they would have been charged with felony counts," Shapley said.

Legal experts are split about whether the plea agreement was too strong, or not strong enough.

"It is almost embarrassing that the tax division of the Department of Justice apparently approved this sweetheart of tax deals," says former federal prosecutor Gene Rossi. "Should he have gotten a felony? Absolutely yes."

Others, like former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti disagree. He tweeted, "If anything, Hunter Biden was treated harshly  those crimes are rarely charged."

Shapley told CBS News that Hunter Biden wrote off as business expenses the money he paid for "prostitutes, sex club memberships, travel for the prostitutes, hotel rooms for purported drug dealers, no show employees." Hunter has admitted to the drug use in his memoir "Beautiful Things," published by an imprint of Simon & Schuster, a division of CBS News' parent company.

Hunter Biden / Credit: Andrew Harnik/AP

Hunter Biden's criminal attorney, Christopher Clark, did not respond to a request for comment regarding Shapley's allegations. But in an earlier statement, issued at the time the plea arrangement was announced, he said "as his attorney through this entire matter, I can say that any suggestion the investigation was not thorough, or cut corners, or cut my client any slack, is preposterous and deeply irresponsible."

In 2021, Hunter Biden repaid more than $2 million in past-due taxes after receiving a loan from one of his private attorneys.

A spokesperson for the U.S. attorney's office in Delaware declined to comment.

Last week, the GOP House Ways and Means Committee chairman released transcripts of congressional interviews with two IRS whistleblowers, including Shapley, who both questioned whether the U.S. attorney overseeing the case was free to bring charges he saw fit.

"The testimony we have just released details a lack of U.S. attorney independence, recurring unjustified delays, unusual actions outside the normal course of any investigation," Chairman Jason Smith, a Republican from Missouri, told reporters.

But three weeks ago in a letter to the House Judiciary Committee, Weiss asserted that he was granted "ultimate authority over this matter, including responsibility for deciding where, when, and whether to file charges."

Attorney General Merrick Garland told reporters Friday that Weiss had "complete authority to make all decisions on his own" and required no permission from Justice Department headquarters to bring charges.

"Mr. Weiss was appointed by President Trump. As the U.S. attorney in Delaware and assigned this matter during the previous administration, [he] would be permitted to continue his investigation and to make a decision to prosecute any way in which he wanted to and in any district in which he wanted to," Garland said, reiterating sworn statements he has made to Congress.

Shapley, however, told CBS News: "I documented exactly what happened. And it doesn't seem to match what the attorney general or the U.S. attorney are saying today."

Shapley says he provided lawmakers with contemporaneous e-mail correspondence he wrote after an October 7, 2022 meeting, where he says the U.S. attorney communicated the opposite. "Weiss stated that he is not the deciding person on whether charges are filed," Shapley wrote to his supervisor.

"There were really earth-shaking statements made by David Weiss that really brought to light some of my previous concerns. And the first one was that he is not the deciding person on whether or not charges are filed," Shapley said. "It was just shocking to me."

Shapley, who is still a supervisory special agent with the IRS, says he was prevented from pursuing any leads that involved President Joe Biden, including the now-infamous 2017 email from James Gilliar, a business associate of Hunter Biden's, which bore the subject line "Expectations" and outlined a "provisional agreement" for "equity" in a deal with a Chinese energy company.

Two of Hunter Biden's former business partners who received the message told CBS News that a line in the email  "10 held by H for the big guy?"  was shorthand for 10% held by Hunter Biden for his father.

Shapley told CBS News that his efforts to look further into money trails that involved "dad" or "the big guy" were blocked by a senior prosecutor working for Weiss.

"I would say that they limited certain investigative leads that could have potentially provided information on the president of the United States," Shapley said.

When the email became public in 2020, Gilliar told the Wall Street Journal that Joe Biden was not involved. And in one of the interviews FBI agents conducted during the investigation, another partner of Hunter Biden's said the same. "I certainly never was thinking at any time that [then-Vice President Biden was] a part of anything we were doing," businessman Rob Walker told agents, according to a transcript released by Congress.

President Biden has denied involvement in his son's business affairs.

"I have not taken a penny from any foreign source, ever, in my life," Mr. Biden said in October 2020 at a presidential debate.

Shapley's requests to look into those details came in late 2020, when Trump Attorney General William Barr had instituted a policy requiring he personally approve any investigation of a president or presidential candidate. Asked by CBS News if it was possible he was simply not read-in to all the reasoning for decisions by the prosecutors, Shapley acknowledged that was possible.

"I documented what I saw, and ultimately that's the evidence. If they want to explain how that's wrong, they can," Shapley told CBS News. "All of the things that I've testified in front of the House Ways and Means Committee is from my perspective, but it's based on the experience I've gained over 14 years."

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Can Nguyen/Shutterstock

UPDATE 6/27/23 7:12 p.m. ET.

The San Fernando Sheriffs Department confirmed on Tuesday, June 27, that Julian Sands is dead after going missing in Californias Mount Baldy area in January.

The identification process for the body located on Mt. Baldy on June 24, 2023, has been completed and was positively identified as 65-year-old Julian Sands of North Hollywood. The manner of death is still under investigation, pending further test results, the police said in a statement. We would like to extend our gratitude to all the volunteers that worked tirelessly to try to locate Mr. Sands.

Update 6/26/23/11:48 a.m.

The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department revealed that human remains were found near the disappearance site of actor Julian Sands. On Saturday, June 24, 2023, at about 10:00 a.m., civilian hikers contacted the Fontana Sheriffs Station after they discovered human remains in the Mt. Baldy wilderness, the department wrote in a statement on Saturday. Fontana Station deputies, along with the Sheriffs Departments Emergency Operations Division, responded to the scene.

Though the statement did not mention Sands by name, the update noted that the decedent was transported to the Coroners Office, pending positive identification. The statement continued: Identification should be completed next week at which time we will update this press release. No further details are available at this time.

Update 1/24/23 at 10:57 a.m.

The search continues. The family of Julian Sands spoke out as rescue crews continued looking for the missing actor in California.

Our heartfelt thanks to the compassionate members of the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department who are coordinating the search for our beloved Julian, not least the heroic search teams listed below who are braving difficult conditions on the ground and in the air to bring Julian home, the family said in a statement on Monday, January 23, as the search for Sands, 65, entered its 11th day. We are deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support.

The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department also announced that a third hiker, Jin Chung, was reported in the same area  Mt. Baldy  where Sands disappeared. A search for Chung began on Sunday, January 22, alongside the search for Sands.

As we enter day 11 of the search for Julian Sands on Mt. Baldy, we are reminded of the sheer determination & selflessness of all of the people who have aided in this search, the sheriffs department tweeted on Monday. We will continue to utilize the resources available to us.

Original story continues below:

Julian Sands, known for his work in A Room With a View and 24, was identified as one of two hikers who went missing in Southern California on Friday, January 13.

Read article

Authorities confirmed on Wednesday, January 18, that the British actor, 65, went missing five days earlier after going for a hike on a trail in Mt. Baldy in the San Gabriel Mountains. Gloria Huerta, a spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department, said that Sands wife, Evgenia Citkowitz, reported her husband missing on Friday.

Huerta added that rescue crews began looking for Sands that day, but the ground search was suspended on Saturday, January 14, because of weather conditions in the area. Rescue workers have continued searching for the Leaving Las Vegas star with helicopters and drones, and will resume the ground search when weather permits.

Read article

A second hiker, Bob Gregory, was reported missing by his family on Monday, January 16. Authorities are searching for him in the Crystal Lake area of the San Gabriel Mountains, which are located northeast of downtown Los Angeles.

Merchant Ivory/Goldcrest/Kobal/Shutterstock

The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department issued a dangerous conditions warning for hikers on Wednesday, urging visitors to think twice before heading out on the trails. Over the last four weeks, San Bernardino County Sheriffs Search and Rescue (SAR) Teams have responded to 14 rescue missions on Mt. Baldy and in the surrounding area, read a statement shared via Facebook. These rescue missions have been for lost, stranded and/or injured hikers. Unfortunately, during these past 4 weeks, two hikers did not survive after falling and injuring themselves. Please know the current conditions on Mt. Baldy are adverse and extremely dangerous.

The post included a photo of a trail sign warning of extreme alpine conditions in the Mt. Baldy and Icehouse areas, with a list of recommendations that hikers be prepared for the possibility of staying overnight amid changing weather conditions.

Read article

Sands, whose film career began in the 1980s, is known as an enthusiastic mountaineer. I love climbing mountains, Ive spent a lot of time in the Alps over the years, a lot of time in the Andes, Alaska and the American ranges, the Smallville alum told Thrive in May 2020. Its about supplication and sacrifice and humility, when you go to these mountains. Its not so much a celebration of oneself but the eradication of ones self-consciousness.

The U.K. native is perhaps best known for his role opposite Helena Bonham Carter in 1985s A Room With a View. His other film credits include Gothic, Warlock, Arachnophobia, Oceans Thirteen and The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. On TV, he has appeared in 24, The Blacklist, Gotham, Dexter and more.
A man charged Monday with assault now faces additional charges including three counts of murder, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said Tuesday.

On Monday, prosecutors charged Keivon M. Greene, 26, of Kansas City, with first-degree assault and armed criminal action. Prosecutors on Tuesday added three counts of second-degree murder and two additional counts of armed criminal action. Prosecutors requested he be held without bond.

Greene was identified as one of two suspects, court documents said.

The shooting Sunday unfolded around 4:30 a.m. at an auto shop that held after-hours parties at 57th and Prospect Avenue. The shooting claimed the lives of 28-year-old Jasity J. Strong, 29-year-old Camden M. Brown and 22-year-old Nikko A. Manning. Six others were wounded in the shooting. Their injuries were not life-threatening.

By some definitions, the incident could be considered a mass shooting.

Prosecutors said Greene is charged with second-degree murder in Brown and Mannings homicides. He is charged with second-degree felony murder in Strongs killing. A felony murder charge can be filed when someone dies in the commission of a felony; prosecutors said its unclear whether Greene fired the fatal shot that killed Strong.

This individual is being charged with all of the events of that evening, whether or not he fired the fatal shot or not., Baker said at a news conference. He is the individual that set off this chain event that led to shooting by others, so under Missouri law, he too is to be held accountable for all the results of that evening.

About two days before the shooting, Greene posted $1,000 cash to bond out after about nine days in jail on charges of resisting arrest and drug possession, both felonies, out of Independence.

Baker said while it might be tempting to attack the judge for that bond, she believes the judge was following the rule governing bonds, which say the least restrictive conditions for release should be imposed.

She said theyre still investigating a motive, but it appears it was a small dispute that set off the shooting. The investigation is still open and authorities are still looking at other persons of interest.

Police and crime scene investigators were on the scene collecting evidence where three people died and five were injured following a shooting early Sunday, June 25, 2023, near 57th Street and Prospect Avenue in Kansas City. Super Bowl KC Star Tammy Ljungblad/tljungblad@kcstar.com

The shooting

The charging documents filed Monday and Tuesday focus on the account of one witness who survived the shooting. She told police that at about 3 a.m. Sunday, she was at what she described as a club in the 5600 block of Prospect Avenue. At the entrance of the building, she saw a man standing with his girlfriend; she hugged both of them.

At that point, her own boyfriend walked up to the man at the entrance and told him to watch his hands, according to Mondays charging documents.

The woman initially told police that the man at the door then moved away from the couple that had just approached. As the couple turned to walk away, the man at the entrance pulled out a gun and shot the second man in the back, the girlfriend told police.

After the initial shot was fired, another suspect, identified in court records as Greene, pulled out a gun and shot the woman, who was the girlfriend of the man who was shot in the back. The woman initially told police she ran into the club to take cover after being shot in the buttocks and heard the sound of continued gunfire outside of the location, court records show.

But surveillance footage from a nearby building shows a slightly different series of events.

Just before the shooting, multiple people and vehicles were gathered outside the shop. The video shows a man in white shirt walk up to two females standing in the street at East 57th Street between Prospect and Wabash avenues. After a short conversation, the man, who police have since identified as Greene, walked westbound on 57th Street before stopping to talk to a male about 25 feet away, court records show.

Moments later, video shows a different male walk up to the two females and give them a hug. Less than a minute later, a male with long dreadlocks walked over to the male who had just hugged the females, and started talking to him.

Fifteen seconds later, Greene walked back over toward the crowd where the two females were and began shooting into the group, Tuesdays charging documents show. Then Greene turned to his right and started shooting at a group of people in the parking lot of 5700 Prospect Avenue. He then walks out of camera view and isnt seen again in the recording.

On Monday, police played the surveillance clip to the surviving female victim, who said she knew Greene from school. While watching the footage, she confirmed that she and another female were the ones standing in the street. When the video was over, the victim said she now believes Green shot her, rather than the other suspect.

Surveillance footage from the hospital also showed Greene wearing a white shirt.

On Sunday, as detectives were interviewing victims at the hospital, they also interviewed Greene, who wasnt yet considered a suspect.

Greene told police that he walked out of a club called After Hours with his brother, whos identified as the other suspect in court records, though hes not named.

He told police that he noticed a man in his underwear causing a disturbance and then heard gunshots coming from everywhere, court records show. Greene said he was shot in the hand and taken to the hospital by someone who was at the scene.

A very chaotic scene

The shooting took place outside Perfect Touch Auto Detail, a business Kansas City police said was known to host informal after hours gatherings.

Police Chief Stacey Graves said the shop was not designated as a club.

At times we do have establishments that will open their businesses, not in a legal form, not with the correct industry standards and licenses that they need to operate such a business, she said. We were aware of this after-hours location ... but it was sporadic. People were there and not there. We have taken measures to address it and I do know that will continue as we move forward past this incident.

Graves said the city is working to take action, but didnt clarify what that might mean.

From what I understand there is a business license for the mechanic shop, so all of that will be reviewed and looked into, she said.

Its unclear how many people were at the event, but Graves said it was a very chaotic scene when our officers arrived.

The city has recorded 99 homicides so far this year, according to data tracked by The Star, which includes fatal police shootings. At this time last year, there had been 74 killings. In 2020, the deadliest year on record, 95 homicides had been recorded by this time in Kansas City.

At the Board of Police Commissioners meeting earlier Tuesday, Graves said the number of homicides was alarming. By the departments count, there have been 97 killings.

We have a complex problem of gun violence in our neighborhoods and communities. Id say we have a culture of violence where its expected and accepted, she said.

Ninety-seven lives taken by violence in our city and 97 grieving families in your city where we all live and work, Graves said. I dont want to get desensitized by all this violence.

She also acknowledged there were concerns about how long one of the victims was on the ground after Sundays shooting.

It took longer than we feel like it should have with a victim still in the street, Graves said. ... Im not faulting our crime scene (technicians), but something that me, as the leader of this organization, just to look at what the balance is of making sure that we capture the scene, all the evidence involved, all the measurements and whatnot with also the sensitivity that we have a person, we have someones family member, in the street.

Independence charges

On June 14, Greene was arrested in Independence for allegedly acting as the getaway driver for two women shoplifting at a Kohls the day before.

Independence police who were responding to the Kohls proceeded to chase Greene, who was driving a Nissan.

Court records show that Greene reached speeds of 108 miles an hour during the chase. He eventually sideswiped two passing vehicles and abandoned his vehicle. Police caught up to Greene on foot, then arrested him.

A gun was found in the vehicle Greene was driving, but police determined it was not stolen, and that none of the suspects in the vehicle were convicted felons.

According to Greenes bond agreement, he was not legally supposed to be in possession of firearms or ammunition while awaiting his court date for the Independence charges.

Greene also has a felony case in Jackson County related to drug possession and unlawful gun possession from a 2019 incident. He was pulled over by Kansas City police as a passenger in a car while allegedly in possession of a semi-automatic rifle and felony quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine and ecstasy.

In May, Kansas City detectives arrested Greene on a bench warrant in that case. He was released pending further investigation and later charged with another count of felony possession of cocaine in Jackson County.

The Stars Bill Lukitsch contributed.
The Associated Press visited a California prison for a graduation ceremony last month, as dozens of prisoners received college degrees, high school diplomas and vocational certificates earned while they served time.

Thousands of prisoners throughout the United States get their college degrees behind bars, most of them paid for by the federal Pell Grant program, which offers the neediest undergraduates tuition aid that they dont have to repay. That program is about to expand exponentially next month, giving tens of thousands more students behind bars financial aid per year.

Here are the key takeaways from the AP's reporting:

HOW DO COLLEGE PROGRAMS BEHIND BARS HELP PRISONS OVERALL?

Studies have shown that taking any kind of courses while behind bars results in a 43% less likelihood that a former prisoner will commit more crime and return to prison. Advocates also say college and other rehabilitative programming improve safety in the prisons for staff and the incarcerated population, reducing the number of violent incidents.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO EDUCATE PRISONERS WITH PELL GRANTS?

Under the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Simplification Act, more than 760,000 people in prison will become eligible for Pell Grants once the law is implemented on July 1. The U.S. Department of Education said the expanded Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated students will result in approximately 30,000 additional grant recipients receiving approximately $130 million in financial aid per year.

During the 2021-2022 academic year, the government spent over $26 billion total on Pell Grants  and the prisoner grants would amount to less than a 1% increase.

Consider this: It costs roughly $106,000 per year to incarcerate one adult in California. The cost of educating one prisoner with a bachelors degree program through Transforming Outcomes Project at Sacramento State, a college program partnered with Folsom State Prison, is about $20,000.

If a prisoner paroles with a college degree, never reoffends, gets a job earning a good salary and pays taxes for 20 years, it's a clear return on investment. Every dollar spent in prison-based education yields more than four dollars in taxpayer savings from reduced incarceration costs, studies have found.

HAS THE PELL GRANT ALWAYS BEEN AVAILABLE FOR PRISONERS?

The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 amended the Higher Education Act of 1965 to ban Pell Grants and other financial aid to people incarcerated in federal or state prison. Although less than 1% of all Pell funds went to incarcerated students, the ban caused the hundreds of college-in-prison programs that existed in the 1970s and 1980s to go almost entirely extinct by the late nineties.

Congress voted to lift the ban in 2020, and since then about 200 Pell-eligible college programs in 48 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico have been running. Now, the floodgates will open, allowing any college that wants to utilize Pell Grant funding to serve incarcerated students to apply and, if approved, launch their program.

IS THERE RACIAL EQUALITY IN PRISONERS' ACCESS TO COLLEGE PROGRAMS?

Racial imbalances in prison college enrollment and completion rates are a growing concern for advocates. People of color make up a disproportionate segment of the U.S. prison population. Yet white students were enrolled in college programs at a percentage higher than their portion of the overall prison population, according to a six-year Vera Institute of Justice study of Pell Grant experimental programs in prison.

Black and Hispanic students were enrolled by eight and 15 percentage points below their prison population, respectively.

Prisoners with a record of good behavior get preference for the rehabilitative and prison college programs. Black and Hispanic prisoners are more likely to face discipline.

WHY DOES IT MATTER IF A FORMERLY INCARCERATED PERSON HAS A DEGREE?

For prisoners who get their college degrees, it can be the difference between walking free with a life ahead and ending up back behind bars. Finding a job is difficult with a criminal conviction, and a college degree is an advantage former prisoners desperately need.

Advocates say prisoners are increasingly walking out of prison and into job opportunities, in part, because of collaborations between corrections departments, universities and employers looking for the skills taught inside of prisons.

___

Aaron Morrison is a New York-based member of the AP's Race and Ethnicity team. Follow him on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/aaronlmorrison.
A mobile billboard featuring Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. circulated in Washington in April, amid revelations of Supreme Court ethical lapses. (Tasos Katopodis / Getty Images for Accountable.US)

Why do some United States Supreme Court justices have such a hard time saying no?

Believe me, I understand the temptation. Columnists may not be judges in the traditional sense, but we are judges in the court of public opinion. Occasionally, Ive been offered gifts in exchange for a positive ruling (well, a positive column) on a controversial issue that may come before me.

Attractive as these offers may be, they are just not that difficult to refuse. Especially when the institution's credibility  or your job  is on the line.

The people judges and journalists serve expect and deserve transparency, fairness and independence. They do not want either group to be bought off, or materially rewarded for the opinions they deliver. If the public stops believing the courts or the news media are acting on principle, the institutions lose credibility. Even the whiff of a conflict of interest or a quid pro quo diminishes them. Accepting costly freebies on the sly from interested parties, then pretending its no ones business, is one of the fastest ways to corrode faith in our democratic infrastructure, our free press, our supposedly fair and impartial Supreme Court.

Its astonishing that newspapers like The Times are stricter about ethics than the Supreme Court, which is required to report some financial dealings each year but otherwise has no compulsory code of ethics at all.

No one has ever offered me a free flight on a private jet to a rustic lodge in Alaska, as in the case of Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., or a free seat on a private jet to a super yacht in Indonesia, as in the case of Justice Clarence Thomas. But Ive been offered lots of nice things in my career.

Read more:Opinion: Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has vast power and life tenure. So what's his problem?

When I was a cub reporter in Ventura County, the owner of an oceanfront vacation home in Oxnard Shores offered me the use of his house. The catch? I was working on a story about a proposed moratorium on beachfront residential construction, which he opposed. If he liked the story, he told me, I was welcome to a weekend at the beach. The invitation was rescinded upon publication.

Even when a source doesnt want anything, when they simply appreciate something you have written, they may try to thank you with a lavish gift. That creates the appearance of impropriety. I have, over the years, sent back a Seiko watch, a gold bracelet, a Blackberry (remember those?) and designer clothing.

I once wrote about the late Ray Evans, the lyricist half of the supremely talented songwriting duo Livingston and Evans. I thought a story about the origins of the great Christmas song Silver Bells would be a good read during the holidays, so I arranged to meet Evans for an interview over lunch and when I dropped him off at his Benedict Canyon home, he invited me in.

Read more:Supreme Court controversy over Alito, Thomas free trips began with Justice Scalia

Evans, who was an 89-year-old widower with a naughty streak, invited me downstairs to his bedroom to show me his royalty books. Youre sure your husband wont mind? he joked, as he took a seat on his motorized staircase chair for the descent. In a notebook on his desk, he kept track of the astonishing amount of money hed earned from that one classic song, more than half a million dollars a year.

The story ran on Dec. 25, 2004. That morning, my home phone rang. It was Evans, delighted by the piece. I couldnt have paid a publicist to get such a great story in the paper, he exclaimed. I want you to go to Tiffanys and pick out anything you want. I wish.

Just this week, I was offered a stay at a lovely little seaside hotel in Laguna Beach in exchange for coverage of the place. That is a newspaper no-no. Would the story be colored by the fact that my stay would not have cost a cent? How could it not be? And why should anyone even have to wonder about that?

Which brings me back to the Supreme Court, which is not bound by the code of conduct that applies to all other federal judges.

Read more:Abcarian: What Clarence Thomas calls hospitality looks a lot more like corruption

If we are ever to regain our trust in the Supreme Court, Congress must adopt a specific and binding code of ethics for the justices, ones that impose well-defined dollar limits on gifts and personal hospitality, the dodge that has allowed Thomas, in particular, to feed at the freebie trough.

The highest court in the land should not have the lowest ethical standards, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.) said as he announced that his committee would take up legislation tightening ethics rules for the Supreme Court later this summer.

Its not just conservative justices who have failed to declare their conflicts. According to reports, Justice Sonia Sotomayor did not recuse herself in at least three cases involving Penguin Random House, which has paid her millions of dollars for her memoir and children's books.

The idea that the justices can be trusted to police themselves, as all nine declared recently in a joint statement on ethics, is laughable. No one can do that. Human beings are endlessly creative in absolving themselves of conflicts. Alito, for instance, claimed it was OK for him to take a free private jet ride to Alaska because the seat would have been vacant anyway.

In any case, Supreme Court justices shouldnt have to be responsible for deciding which freebies to accept, or which cases to bow out of.

Lets remove that terrible burden from their black-robed shoulders. Like journalists, they need some hard and fast rules to live by.

@robinkabcarian





This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Security forces in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas were searching on Tuesday for 14 state security ministry employees kidnapped by members of an armed group earlier in the day, authorities said.

The kidnapped employees, all men, were taken by members of the armed group on a highway about 22 miles (34.4 km) west of the state capital Tuxtla Gutierrez, the ministry said in a statement.

The employees are not police officers but work in administration, a ministry spokesperson told Reuters.

"Nothing like this has ever happened," the spokesperson said, adding that the motive for the kidnapping was being investigated.

Both federal and state agents joined the search.

Video released by news outlets apparently of the kidnapping shows several vehicles stopped on the highway, doors open, as men in tactical gear pointed guns at people in the vehicles.

Reuters was not immediately able to confirm the authenticity of the video. The state prosecutor's office said it was investigating reported photos and video of the incident.

(Reporting by Lizbeth Diaz and Kylie Madry; editing by Robert Birsel)
TAPACHULA, Mexico (AP)  Assailants tossed at least one explosive device at a police station in the southern Mexico state of Chiapas, police said Wednesday, as a massive search continued for 16 police employees abducted at gunpoint on a local highway.

The attacks highlight a new turf battle between cartels for influence over police in the state, which borders Guatemala, and control of its drug and immigrant trafficking.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador confirmed the kidnappings were part of a battle between two gangs, saying nowadays that is the most common thing ... that the groups clash.

Lopez Obrador said the men worked at a local prison, apparently as guards or administrative staff, though they are formally employed by the state police.

Police had originally said 14 men were abducted  and that 17 female employees were released  from a bus Tuesday. But on Wednesday police upped the number to 16.

The spread of cartel conflict to Chiapas would mark an escalation. The state has long experienced land, ethnic, political and religious conflicts, but had largely been spared from the drug cartel violence hitting other parts of the country.

The president has taken a sort of paternalistic, non-confrontational attitude toward the cartels, and on Wednesday said they had better release them (the abducted police employees). If not, I'm going to tell on them to their fathers and grandfathers.

Also Wednesday, police in the city of Tapachula, near the border, said two patrol vehicles were damaged in the explosion outside a police station late Tuesday. There was no immediate information on who tossed the explosive, which appeared to have been homemade.

More than 1,000 state and federal law enforcement officers conducted a land and air search for the missing police employees, who were forced from the bus by gunmen earlier Tuesday.

A video of the abducted police employees was posted on social media Wednesday. In it, one of the victims said the abductors were demanding the resignation of at least three state police officials, including the second-in-command of the force. One of the cartels operating in Chiapas has accused the police officials of favoring a rival gang.

The men in the video did not appear to be bound or show any obvious signs of mistreatment.

The police employees were traveling to the capital of Chiapas when they were intercepted by several trucks with gunmen.

The women in the vehicle were released, while the men were taken away.

The abduction occurred on the highway between Ocozocoautla and Tuxtla Gutierrez, the state capital. Two men found near the scene were detained by police for questionins.

Violence in the Mexican border region with Guatemala has escalated in recent months amid a territorial dispute between the Sinaloa Cartel, which has dominated the area, and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

On June 19, a confrontation between the military and presumed organized crime members left a National Guard officer and a civilian dead in Ocozocoautla, near where Tuesdays kidnapping occurred.
Nicaragua urges U.S. to pay "historical debt"

Xinhua) 14:34, June 28, 2023

UNITED NATIONS, June 27 (Xinhua) -- The United States has the legal obligation to pay a historical debt to Nicaragua as per an international court ruling over 30 years ago, Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Denis Moncada said here Tuesday.

Moncada on Tuesday handed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres a letter signed by Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, requesting the UN chief circulate a document about Nicaragua's position on the U.S. obligation to the UN General Assembly.

The document, seen by Xinhua, says that "there is a historical debt to the Nicaraguan people that 37 years later has not been settled by the United States."

It stresses that Nicaragua has not waived "the payment of the debt" or "the right to receive its compensation."

According to the document, the International Court of Justice issued a judgment on June 27, 1986, ordering the United States to indemnify Nicaragua for all the damages caused by the U.S. military and paramilitary activities against Nicaragua.

"The United States has a legal obligation under this sentence to indemnify, pay the damages that they committed against the peoples, the state and the government of Nicaragua," Moncada told Xinhua in an interview at the UN headquarters.

"The sentence is still in place," he said. "It's binding, and it's obligatory, and should be complied."

The court judgment found that the United States had violated obligations under international law not to intervene in the affairs of another state, not to use force against another state, not to infringe the sovereignty of another state, and not to interrupt peaceful maritime commerce.

Back then, the United States refused to participate in the proceedings, vetoed the UN Security Council resolution and voted against the General Assembly resolution urgently calling for full and immediate compliance with the judgment.

Nowadays, the United States is pursuing a "rule-based international order, which is an exercise of double standards continuously practiced by Washington to manipulate (other countries) for its interests," Moncada said.

He said that the United States and some of its allies want to impose their own rules without compliance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

Moncada said the United States has double standards on human rights and lacks respect for other states' sovereignty.

The international community should be united in solidarity to defend the Charter of the United Nations, address hegemonism and other acts and build a just world with shared common interests, said Moncada.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Former attorney Paul Paradis, shown entering federal court in Los Angeles on Tuesday, is aiding a State Bar of California investigation into alleged wrongdoing by more than a dozen lawyers. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

For more than a year, the State Bar of California has been conducting one of the largest investigations in its history into the conduct of attorneys handling lawsuits related to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power's 2013 billing meltdown.

The results of that probe may soon come to light.

Bar investigators Charles Calix and Abrahim Bagheri appeared Tuesday at a federal court hearing in downtown L.A. and provided an update on the investigation. Calix told U.S. District Judge Stanley Blumenfeld Jr. that "public proceedings" toward some individuals could come in a couple of months.

Calix suggested that the investigation is unparalleled in the bar's history. Another attorney, whose client is aiding the investigation, told Blumenfeld at Tuesday's hearing that 18 attorneys are under investigation.

Investigators are looking into how the city attorney's office handled lawsuits stemming from a faulty DWP billing system that launched in 2013.

Read more:Another legacy for Tom Girardi: Tighter regulation of California lawyers

Facing an onslaught of lawsuits over billing errors, attorneys working for the city colluded with opposing counsel to quickly settle a class-action lawsuit brought by DWP customers.

That collusive lawsuit was internally known in the city attorney's office as the "white knight" suit because it was crafted to "quickly settle a slew of costly, embarrassing, and politically damaging lawsuits on terms the City wanted," prosecutors with the U.S. attorney's office wrote in court documents this month.

The criminal probe led by the U.S. attorney's office has produced two guilty pleas from attorneys who worked for former City Atty. Mike Feuer.

Prosecutors, in court filings, have referenced other "top city attorneys office personnel" who directed the legal scheme but haven't brought additional charges.

Thom Mrozek, spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office, would not comment Friday when asked about the lack of charges.

A 2021 court-ordered report on the actions of the attorneys concluded that several violated the ethical rules against dishonesty, deceit, and collusion and violated their ethical duties to the court in violation of Rules of Professional Conduct.

At Tuesday's hearing, Calix told Blumenfeld that some attorneys being investigated by the State Bar of California are invoking their 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination, in an apparent effort to allow the statute of limitations on potential charges to expire.

Those helping the bar with the investigation include Paul Paradis, an attorney who had worked for Feuer's office. Paradis has pleaded guilty to one count of bribery in the federal probe of the legal scheme.

Paradis was scheduled to be sentenced Tuesday, but Blumenfeld delayed the sentencing until September so Paradis could continue to aid bar investigators.

David Scheper, Paradis attorney, told the judge that his client had helped prosecutors in both the criminal probe and the state inquiry "root out corruption going to the highest places."

He also said 18 attorneys are being investigated by the bar. A spokesperson for the State Bar of California declined to comment on how many attorneys are under scrutiny.

Read more:Attorney awaiting sentencing in DWP case accuses Feuer of aiding extortion, perjury

Paradis has previously accused Feuer of knowing about wrongdoing in the case and has accused the former city attorney of perjuring himself during a 2019 deposition. Feuer denies the allegations.

In August 2022, the U.S. attorneys office wrote to Feuers attorney noting that it didnt have an active investigation into Feuer related to the DWP billing scandal.

This month, Paradis took aim at another erstwhile high-ranking official in Feuer's office: former Chief Deputy Atty. Jim Clark. In a letter to Blumenfeld, Paradis wrote that Clark asked him and others to implement the "collusive litigation scheme."

Marisol Mork, an attorney for Clark, told The Times that Paradis' letter is "nothing more than a last-ditch effort by a criminal defendant to persuade the court to reduce his incarceration by shifting the blame to others for the egregious conduct detailed by the U.S. attorneys office."

Paul Kiesel, another attorney who worked for the city attorney's office on DWP billing litigation, told The Times on Monday that he was present at a meeting when Clark instructed Paradis to draft the lawsuit that would be known as the "white knight" complaint.

Mork didn't immediately respond to a request for comment about Kiesel's statement.

Clark has not been charged in the case.

Feuer, who is running for Congress, has confirmed that he is under investigation by the State Bar of California but maintains that he has done nothing wrong. Reached Tuesday, Feuer said he "cooperated fully and am completely confident there is no issue with respect to me."

Feuer declined to comment Tuesday when asked about the comments about Clark by Kiesel and Paradis.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -China rebuked U.S. presidential contender Nikki Haley over her plan to scale back links with the country, echoing her remarks by saying those who blamed Beijing for problems would end up on the "ash heap of history."

Haley, a U.N. ambassador during the Trump administration, staked out one of the most hawkish positions on China in the 2024 Republican presidential field on Tuesday, calling for Washington to drastically limit ties with Beijing to address a dramatic rise in U.S. overdose deaths attributable to fentanyl.

Haley said the U.S. should revoke China's permanent normal trade relations status until it helped stem the flow of chemicals used to create fentanyl. She also pledged to push American companies to leave China, saying if the U.S. rallied, China's ruling Communist Party would "end up on the ash heap of history."

China called such remarks irresponsible.

"Pushing American companies to leave China runs counter to economic laws, and will ultimately harm everyone's interests," the spokesman for China's embassy in Washington, Liu Pengyu, said in a statement to Reuters late on Tuesday.

"Only those who draw attention by smearing and blame-shifting in the election campaign will end up on the ash heap of history," Liu said.

U.S. officials say China's government has not been cooperative on the fentanyl issue, or on money laundering related to the drug's trafficking, criticism that Beijing rejects.

Beijing has countered that Washington should stop using the fentanyl crisis as a pretext to sanction Chinese companies, and Chinese state media outlets have repeatedly said addiction and demand for the drug are U.S. domestic problems.

Haley is well behind in presidential primary opinion surveys, with just 3% of Republicans planning to vote for her, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released earlier in June.

She has sought to use foreign policy as a way to differentiate herself in a crowded Republican field, and her hardline stance on China could push her rivals to adopt harsher positions as well.

(Reporting by Michael Martina; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
By Andrew Osborn

LONDON (Reuters) -Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko is usually the one thanking Russia's Vladimir Putin or asking him for a favour - be it a loan, cheap gas, help in navigating protests or tactical nuclear weapons. This time, the shoe is on the other foot.

While the full extent of Lukashenko's role in defusing an armed mutiny on Saturday by Wagner mercenaries aimed at toppling Russia's military leadership remains unclear, the Belarusian leader - derided by Russian officials for years as a useful but volatile and demanding partner - is now being feted in Russia.

It was Lukashenko, according to his own narrative and Putin, who played a major role in ending a mutiny that threatened to destabilise the world's largest nuclear power.

In Lukashenko's telling - something he did in some detail on Tuesday - he was the one who persuaded rogue mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in protracted phone negotiations to halt his mutiny and who advised Putin not to rush to act.

Lukashenko said he told Prigozhin: "Halfway (to Moscow) you'll just be crushed like a bug."

It is not immediately apparent what more Moscow, on whom Lukashenko relies for cheap energy to keep his country's Soviet-style economy afloat and whose security apparatus he relies on to ensure his own political survival in extremis, can give him.

But he has at the very least bought himself more political goodwill that he may convert into further financial and economic concessions when the time is right.

Lukashenko has ruled Belarus as - in his own words - Europe's last dictator, since 1994.

According to his opponents, many of whom he has jailed or forced to feel abroad after giant protests against his rule in 2020 and 2021, his actions to defuse the mutiny were likely all about self-preservation.

"Without Putin's support, the Lukashenko regime will not be able to survive," exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said on Twitter.

"They hate each other. But they need each other," Franak Viacorka, an opposition adviser, said of Putin and Lukashenko.

Lukashenko, who said there were no heroes in the saga, including himself, acknowledged how closely his own fate and that of his country in its current form was tied to Putin's.

"If, God forbid, this turmoil would have spread across Russia, and the prerequisites for that were enormous, we would be next," he said on Tuesday.

"If Russia collapses, we will all be under the rubble."

RUSSIAN ACCLAIM

Russia's State Duma, the lower house of parliament, opened on Tuesday with a tribute to Lukashenko and Putin and a round of applause.

Putin, in his first address to the nation since the mutiny was called off, thanked Lukashenko on Monday night for "his efforts and contribution in peacefully resolving the situation".

High-profile Russian state TV presenter Vladimir Solovyov said Lukashenko deserved to be made a Hero of Russia and Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesman, on Tuesday lavished praise on the Belarusian leader.

Lukashenko was "a very experienced and wise statesman" with whom Putin had long enjoyed good working and friendly relations, said Peskov.

At home, where Lukashenko has long cast his strategically important country sandwiched between NATO and Russia as Moscow's younger but staunchly loyal brother, he was also praised as the saviour of Moscow - albeit by his own tightly-controlled media.

Independent Belarusian media outlet Zerkalo (the Mirror), which monitored Belarusian state TV coverage of Lukashenko's role, cited presenter Yevgeny Pustovoi as saying that Minsk was becoming "the peacemaker of Slavic civilisation".

"Hundreds, maybe even thousands of lives of our Russian people have been saved. The territorial integrity and social harmony of a great Russia has been saved," Zerkalo quoted him as saying.

The dust is still settling on a dramatic weekend that has challenged many people's assumptions about Russia's internal politics and stability.

One direct result of Lukashenko's intervention, is clear, however: Prigozhin, who triggered the mutiny and has been a constant thorn in the Russian defence ministry's side for months, is now living in exile in Belarus.

Thousands of his fighters may follow him.

On Tuesday, Lukashenko said there was no need for Belarus to fear the presence of the mercenaries. He added: "We will keep a close eye on them."

(Reporting by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Mike Collett-White and Alex Richardson)
The Biden administration is facing pressure from lawmakers and experts who are calling for an immediate moratorium on offshore wind development until its effects, including on military operations, navigation and radar systems, are studied.

Earlier this week, Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., industry stakeholders and experts met with officials from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), a top federal watchdog agency, to discuss their concerns about offshore wind development. According to Smith  who represents a district along the Atlantic coast home to a naval weapons depot and where offshore wind projects have been proposed  more than an hour of the three-hour meeting was devoted to military impacts.

The GAO recently agreed to investigate the wide-ranging effects of offshore wind development after Smith, fellow New Jersey Rep. Jeff Van Drew, House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., and several other lawmakers called for a probe. The investigation will look, in part, into wind turbines' impact on military operations and radar.

"It will impact marine radar through sonic interference. It causes disruptions, shadowing," Smith told Fox News Digital in an interview. "There's going to be nothing but disruption. Radar will not be credible. So, you'll have ships of every size and variety  military ships, ocean and cargo ships, including carrying oil coming into my state for refineries  that potentially could run into other ships or into even some of these windmills themselves."

"The Coast Guard, too, will not be able to do search and rescue, particularly in bad weather, because of the gross interference that will happen," he continued. "There's also an impact on the Navy's  Integrated Undersea Surveillance System, and it will interfere with that."

BIDEN ADMIN RUSHING TO INDUSTRIALIZE US OCEANS TO STOP CLIMATE CHANGE: 'ENVIRONMENTAL WRECKING BALL'

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The Government Accountability Office informed Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., that it would probe offshore wind development.

Smith added that wind turbines could ultimately have the effect of blocking detection of U.S. adversaries' movement via submarine.

He blasted the Department of Defense for its handling of the issue and lack of transparency, noting he has spoken with anonymous defense officials who have told him wind development is being prioritized over national security.

Smith's meeting with the GAO, meanwhile, comes months after the Navy and Air Force assembled a report in early October with maps showing large swaths of acreage blocked off in federal waters near North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. The report characterizes four offshore wind lease areas proposed by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) as "highly problematic" and two others as "requiring further study."

TOP OFFICIALS WARNED BIDEN ADMIN ABOUT DANGERS WIND ENERGY PROJECTS POSE TO FISHING INDUSTRY, LETTER SHOWS

In addition, various studies and analyses have been published in recent years, suggesting wind turbines could pose a significant effect on radar. A 2022 study from the National Academy of Sciences concluded wind development would create "interference with marine vessel radar, which is a critical instrument for navigation, collision avoidance, and use in search and rescue missions."

Finnish and Taiwanese military brass have also expressed concerns about the effects offshore wind farms could have on their defense capabilities.

A lift boat near Wainscott, New York, is pictured on Dec. 1, 2022.

"They're willing to sacrifice anything for green energy," Meghan Lapp, the fisheries liaison for Rhode Island-based fishing company Seafreeze and one of the participants in Smith's meeting with the GAO, told Fox News Digital. "I have seen national security overridden. I've seen maritime safety overridden. I've seen domestic food production overridden. I've seen concerns of coastal businesses and communities overridden."

"Every single entity and every single concern  valid concerns, not made up, not hyperbole or anything  are just overridden. And the answer is what? Well, we need to do this because of climate change."

BIDEN ADMIN SCIENTIST RAISED ALARM ON OFFSHORE WIND HARMING WHALES MONTHS AGO

In 2011, Congress established the so-called Military Aviation and Installation Assurance Siting Clearinghouse, which created a central authority within the Department of Defense to oversee alternative energy projects' compatibility with military activities.

According to Lapp and Smith, the entity has ultimately overridden base commanders' concerns and consistently backed green energy development.

"Now, we have an entire coast that's going to be weakened by this terrible decision," Smith said. "I've never been more angry and disappointed in the military's acquiescence and silence."

DOZENS OF NJ MAYORS CALL FOR IMMEDIATE OFFSHORE WIND MORATORIUM AFTER LATEST WHALE DEATHS

As part of its climate agenda, the Biden administration has aggressively moved forward with rapid offshore wind development across millions of acres of federal waters, primarily along the East Coast. Shortly after taking office, President Joe Biden outlined goals to deploy 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030, the most ambitious goal of its kind worldwide.

In May 2021, BOEM approved the 800 megawatt Vineyard Wind project 12 miles off the coast of Massachusetts, marking the first-ever large-scale offshore wind approval. Then, in November 2021, the agency approved the 130-megawatt Southfork Wind project off the coast of Long Island, New York, the second commercial-scale offshore project.

President Biden points to a wind turbine size comparison chart during a meeting about the Federal-State Offshore Wind Implementation Partnership on June 23, 2022.

A number of other proposed offshore wind projects along the Atlantic coast are under development and in the federal permitting stage. The Biden administration has also leased hundreds of thousands of acres to energy corporations and plans future lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and off the coast of California.

"The Department of Defense is committed to protecting American national security interests, which includes reducing reliance on foreign energy sources and expanding domestic offshore wind energy development," Pentagon spokesperson Kelly Flynn told Fox News Digital. "The DoD continues to work with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, industry and other stakeholders to identify the best locations for offshore development, as we have done in every call area in the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf of Mexico."

"This discussion includes impacts to the environment, shipping, fishing, viewshed and more and includes mitigation strategies to overcome the impacts," Flynn continued. "This is one step in the process and DoD will continue to collaborate with the stakeholders in order to promote compatible offshore wind energy development."

"The Department has been an active participant in similar leasing plans off the coasts of New York/New Jersey, the Gulf of Mexico, California and Oregon," she said. "In each case, weve been able to find suitable areas for development, and we expect to do the same in the central Atlantic."
President Biden. (Evan Vucci/AP)

President Biden on Tuesday said that he is not big on abortion as a practicing Catholic but defended the reproductive rights that were previously granted under Roe v. Wade.

Im a practicing Catholic. Im not big on abortion, but guess what? Roe vs. Wade got it right, Biden said at a fundraiser with about 100 donors in Chevy Chase, Md.

He also criticized states that have passed laws restricting access to abortion. Over 20 states have passed such laws since the Supreme Court ending the roughly 50-year precedent set by Roe that guaranteed a right to an abortion.

Biden is the second Catholic president in U.S. history, following former President John F. Kennedy. On Saturday evenings, he is often found attending Catholic mass either in Wilmington, Del., or in Washington, D.C., and the White House has repeatedly said that his faith is very personal to him.

Taken steps to protect abortion pill access

The presidents discomfort with abortion, which is fueled by his Catholicism and personal stance on the issue, was in the spotlight last year when Roe was overturned. But, he has taken steps unilaterally to protect access to the abortion pill and to increase access to contraception and family planning, among other moves.

The president also rarely uses the word abortion. At a similar fundraiser last week, he used the term remedial operation to defend the Department of Defenses abortion policy that is the reason Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) has held up military promotions.

Because the military said if youre in the military and youre having a troubled pregnancy and youre in a state where youre not allowed to see the doctor performing any remedial operation on you, then you can get paid  you can have leave to go to where you can do that, Biden said on June 19 in San Francisco.

Since then, the president rallied reproductive rights advocates on Friday to mark the anniversary of the Supreme Courts decision on Roe, saying the decision dared women in the United States to be heard.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
By Simon Lewis and Humeyra Pamuk

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Turmoil in the occupied West Bank, where violence between Jewish settlers and Palestinians is spiraling, is making Israel's goal of normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia "a lot tougher, if not impossible," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday.

The Biden administration earlier this week objected to an Israeli decision to authorize settlement construction, the latest move by the religious-nationalist coalition despite appeals form Washington not to fan rising tensions.

Asked at a Council on Foreign Relations event in New York whether the dimmed prospect for a Palestinian state - given factors including Israeli settlement expansion and the recent uptick in violence in the West Bank - made normalization with Israel's neighbors more difficult, Blinken said this was part of his conversations with Israeli officials.

"Weve told our friends and allies in Israel that if there's a fire burning in their backyard, it's going to be a lot tougher, if not impossible, to actually both deepen the existing agreements, as well as to expand them to include potentially Saudi Arabia," Blinken said, adding that he has spoken about the issue with Israel Foreign Minister Eli Cohen on Tuesday.

"It's also, at least in our judgment as Israel's closest friend and ally, profoundly not in Israel's interest for this to happen - both because of the added degree of difficulty that this presents for pursuing normalization agreements, or deepening them, but also because of the practical consequences."

Saudi Arabia, a Middle East powerhouse and home to Islam's two holiest shrines, gave its blessing to Gulf neighbors United Arab Emirates and Bahrain establishing relations with Israel in 2020 under the previous U.S. administration of Donald Trump.

Riyadh has not followed suit, saying Palestinian statehood goals should be addressed first.

In his June 6-8 trip to the kingdom, the potential normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia and other Arab states were a top priority for Blinken, although he acknowledged no progress should be expected imminently.

On Wednesday, he said the prospect of normalization was "incredibly challenging," not something that can happen overnight, but that it was also "a real prospect."

In June at a joint press conference with Blinken, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said any benefits normalization would bring would be limited if there was not a pathway toward a two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians.

A surge of violence over the past few weeks in the West Bank has included rampages by scores of Israeli settlers in Palestinian towns and villages that drew international condemnation and concern from the White House. The violence followed the killing of four Israelis in a Hamas gun ambush.

Last Friday, Israel's national security minister urged tougher military action against Palestinian fighters in the occupied West Bank and urged Israeli settlers to expand their presence there.

(Reporting by Simon Lewis, Humeyra Pamuk and Rami Ayyub; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
Mabel Alvarez Benedicks, mother of Anadith Danay Reyes Alvarez, reacts during her daughter's wake in New York. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has reassigned its chief medical officer after the in-custody death of the 8-year-old whose mother's pleas for an ambulance were ignored despite her daughter's chronic heart condition, rare blood disorder, high fever and other ailments, authorities said. (Jeenah Moon / Associated Press)

For the record:

6:29 a.m. June 28, 2023: An earlier version of this article had a Washington dateline. The reporter is based in Northern California.



As an 8-year-old was dying in Border Patrol custody last month, officials at the Texas detention center where she had been held were complaining about the facility's "overuse of hospitalization," according to an internal report obtained by The Times.

Anadith Danay Reyes Alvarez, who suffered from sickle-cell disorder and a heart condition, had developed a 101.8 degree fever during the five days she was at the detention facility in Donna, Texas.

On May 14, two days before Department of Homeland Security investigators arrived to inspect conditions at Donna, Anadith tested positive for the flu and was transferred to a facility in Harlingen, Texas, that is designed to detain migrants with communicable diseases.

Anadiths fever spiked to 104.9, and she was transferred May 17 to a hospital, where she died that day. A nurse at the Harlingen facility had denied Anadiths mothers initial requests for an ambulance or a hospital visit on the day the girl died, according to a DHS statement two weeks later.

"Given her history of very significant medical issues, this patient should have been sent to a hospital once she developed fever and other symptoms," Dr. Parveen Parmar, an emergency medicine physician and professor at USC's Keck School of Medicine, wrote in an email to The Times. "It is hard to predict what might have happened, but certainly, she had a much higher chance of survival had she received this timely care."

Photos of Anadith Danay Reyes Alvarez are displayed during her wake last week at R.G. Ortiz Funeral Home in New York. (Jeenah Moon / Associated Press)

Border Patrol officials' complaints about hospitalization procedures were contained in two memos produced by the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman and obtained by The Times. The relatively new oversight office is charged with reviewing conditions within Homeland Security's vast detention system. The memos, meant for agency leadership, include details on conditions in many facilities along the southern border this spring.

The first report, dated May 15, details a spread of diarrhea among children and some overcrowding issues at a detention facility in Laredo. The second report, dated May 22, describes problems with medical care at the Donna facility.

Read more:Internal report details rampant diarrhea among children at overcrowded border facility

The reports were created during a time of intense strain on the nations immigration detention system. Arrests at the southern border skyrocketed in the week leading up to the May 11 expiration of Title 42, the public health measure that allowed border agents to quickly turn back migrants. At one point that week, the agency was holding more than28,000 migrants in facilities at the border  way above capacity.

Both documents include a note that they reflect initial observations by the office and had not been verified and confirmed under the offices typical procedures.

A third internal DHS document, dated June 8 and obtained by the Washington Post , found fault with medical care up and down the border and called for an overhaul to the system.

Homeland Security officials offered comments about the agencys efforts to ensure detainee safety but did not provide on-the-record responses to specific questions about either of the reports The Times obtained.

According to the May 22 memo, Border Patrol officials complained about the quality of medical care at the Donna facility. The staff at Donna had a tendency to send migrants to the hospital for things that could easily be treated on location," the investigators wrote.

For instance, persons with fevers are sent to the hospital instead of being given a fever-reducing medication at the facility," they said. "The migrants typically return to Donna with ibuprofen from the hospital and no fever."

The oversight office said that "it appears that the problems with medical care at Donna are costing CBP [U.S. Customs and Border Protection] and the main contractor  valuable staff time. CBP reported to me that they have had as many as 12 agents at the hospital at once.

A source familiar with the report on medical care at Donna who was not authorized to speak on the record said in an email that the oversight offices description of the Border Patrol perspective on hospitalization was an observation that more people should be treated on the spot with the appropriate level of care as intended in the contract, rather than burdening the hospital and [Border Patrol] transport staff who are needed for more emergent cases; such as those with pre-existing conditions.

Read more:California tried and failed to ban for-profit ICE detention centers. What does that mean for other states?

Border Patrol officials complaints about the medical care at Donna were not limited to overuse of hospitalization, according to the report.

Leadership at the facility told investigators that a boy with third degree burns was treated onsite with readily available creams when he should have been hospitalized. He later had to be sent to a burn center.

In addition, the report noted complaints that medical staff at the facility do not administer oxygen, even though providing oxygen is a standard EMT function.

The Border Patrol station in Harlingen, Texas. (David Pike / Valley Morning Star via Associated Press)

The report also relayed what it described as a misdiagnosis that led to overreaction in the facility. A nurse apparently diagnosed a person with a possible case of measles, the report said. Fortunately, this was not an accurate diagnosis. Unfortunately, news of the diagnosis spread, and there was fear among staff and those in custody until it could be established that the information was incorrect.

Investigators also reported that minors at Donna were only getting checked if a problem is noted and that some medical staff are using Google translate on their private phones for interpreter services.

In response, a Customs and Border Protection official said that online translation tools are used in limited instances, and are an example of how we use every tool available to ensure communication with all those in our custody.

CBP officials said that they are prioritizing processing families and medically fragile migrants and that families are spending less time in custody as a result of the review. United States Public Health Service clinicians have been deployed to border facilities to provide extra guidance and oversight, officials said.

CBP will continue to review procedures, practices, and equipment in order to ensure that we are protecting those in our care, a spokesperson said in a statement.

Border detention facilities are not prepared to handle the complex issues they face, Parmar said.

These have become health systems without the resources to be health systems, she said. The system doesnt have what they need to take care of complex patients  there should be a comprehensive review of cases, charts, and external oversight to determine what could strengthen the system.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
BEIJING (Reuters) - China signed cooperative arrangements with "friend" New Zealand on Wednesday during a visit by Prime Minister Chris Hipkins aimed at improving market access for a Western country that has long maintained a conciliatory approach towards China.

The focus for Hipkins on his week-long visit has been increasing New Zealand's exports, despite some warnings at home about an over-reliance on the world's second-largest economy amid growing geopolitical tensions.

The two sides agreed in a joint declaration to strengthen trade and expand cooperation in areas such as e-commerce, the green economy, and establish a dialogue mechanism on new energy vehicles, Chinese state media reported.

They agreed on strengthening cooperation on food security and agriculture, based on recent talks on areas including diplomacy and defence, state media reported.

Both sides also undertook to begin negotiations on a "negative list" services framework this year. There was no elaboration in the joint statement that media published.

China's relations with the United States have been severely strained in recent years while ties with other Western countries such as Australia and Canada have also been rocky at times over various differences.

New Zealand, however, has historically taken a conciliatory approach towards China and last year it upgraded its free trade pact with the Asian giant.

Chinese President Xi Jinping told Hipkins in a meeting on Tuesday that China had always treated New Zealand as a "friend and partner" and was ready to promote a steady and sustained comprehensive strategic partnership.

Xi told Hipkins, who became prime minister in January, that he attached great importance to Sino-New Zealand ties.

While maintaining positive ties with China, New Zealand does raise concern about issues such as human rights and the militarisation of the Pacific as China extends its influence there.

"It was also important to acknowledge areas of difference, such as over human rights," Hipkins said in a statement posted on his government's website.

"We engaged on these as well, as we regularly do in a respectful but consistent way that is aligned with New Zealand's independent interests and values."

(Reporting by Ella Cao and Ryan Woo; Additional reporting by Lewis Jackson in Sydney; Editing by Andrew Heavens, Robert Birsel)
(Reuters) - Hua Hong Semiconductor said on Wednesday China IC Fund II would participate in a proposed RMB share issue as a strategic investor by subscribing for RMB shares worth 3 billion yuan ($414.15 million), subject to allotment.

China's second-largest chip foundry has established an independent board committee to consider and advise its independent shareholders as to whether the terms of the China IC Fund subscription are fair and reasonable, it said.

The company said it expects the RMB share issue to enable it to enhance its production capacity and research and development capability, among other things.

The Shanghai-based chipmaker had in May received Shanghai Stock Exchange's approval for a planned public share sale worth $2.6 billion, which would be the year's biggest mainland listing so far.

($1 = 7.2437 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(Reporting by Echha Jain in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar)
By Khalid Abdelaziz

DUBAI (Reuters) - Thousands of men who worked as intelligence operatives under former president Omar al-Bashir and have ties to his Islamist movement are fighting alongside the army in Sudan's war, three military sources and one intelligence source said, complicating efforts to end the bloodshed.

The army and a paramilitary force have been battling each other in Khartoum, Darfur and elsewhere for 10 weeks in Africa's third largest country by area, displacing 2.5 million people, causing a humanitarian crisis and threatening to destabilise the region. Reinforcements for either side could deepen the conflict.

The army has long denied accusations by its rivals in the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that it depends on discredited loyalists of Bashir, an Islamist long shunned by the West, who was toppled during a popular uprising in 2019.

In response to a question from Reuters for this article, an army official said: "The Sudanese army has no relation with any political party or ideologue. It is a professional institution."

Yet the three military sources and an intelligence source said thousands of Islamists were battling alongside the army.

"Around 6,000 members of the intelligence agency joined the army several weeks before the conflict," said a military official familiar with the army's operations, speaking on condition on anonymity.

"They are fighting to save the country."

Former officials of the country's now-disbanded National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), a powerful institution composed mainly of Islamists, confirmed these numbers.

An Islamist resurgence in Sudan could complicate how regional powers deal with the army, hamper any move towards civilian rule and ultimately set the country, which once hosted al Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden, on a path for more internal conflict and international isolation.

Reuters spoke to 10 sources for this article, including military and intelligence sources and several Islamists.

In a development indicative of Islamist involvement, an Islamist fighter named Mohammed al-Fadl was killed this month in clashes between RSF forces and the army, said family members and Islamists. He had been fighting alongside the army, they said.

Ali Karti, secretary general of Sudan's main Islamic organisation, sent a statement of condolences for al-Fadl.

'OUR IDENTITY AND OUR RELIGION'

"We are fighting and supporting the army to protect our country from external intervention and keep our identity and our religion," said one Islamist fighting alongside the army.

Bashir's former ruling National Congress Party said in a statement it had no ties to the fighting and only backed the army politically.

The army accused the RSF of promoting Islamists and former regime loyalists in their top ranks, a charge the RSF denied. Army chief Abdel Fattah Burhan, who analysts see as a non-ideological army man, has publicly dismissed claims that Islamists are helping his forces. "Where are they?" he cried out to cheering troops in a video posted in May.

The military, which under Bashir had many Islamist officers, has been a dominant force in Sudan for decades, staging coups, fighting internal wars and amassing economic holdings.

But following the overthrow of Bashir, Burhan developed good ties with states that have worked against Islamists in the region, notably the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The Gulf states provided Khartoum with significant aid.

Nowadays, former NISS officers also help the military by collecting intelligence on its enemies in the latest conflict. The NISS was replaced by the General Intelligence Service (GIS) after Bashir was toppled, and stripped of its armed "operations" unit, according to a constitutional agreement.

Most of the men from that unit have sided with the army, but some former operations unit members and Islamists who served under Bashir entered the RSF, one army source and one intelligence source said.

"We are working in a very hard situation on the ground to back up the army, especially with information about RSF troops and their deployment," said a GIS official.

BASHIR-ERA VETERANS

The army outnumbers the RSF nationally, but analysts say it has little capacity for street fighting because it outsourced previous wars in remote regions to militias. Those militias include the "Janjaweed" that helped crush an insurgency in Darfur and later developed into the RSF.

Nimble RSF units have occupied large areas of Khartoum and this week took control of the main base of the Central Reserve Police, a force that the army had deployed in ground combat in the capital. They seized large amounts of weaponry.

But the army, which has depended mainly on air strikes and heavy artillery, could benefit from GIS intelligence gathering skills honed over decades as it tries to root out the RSF.

On June 7, fire engulfed the intelligence headquarters in a disputed area in central Khartoum. Both sides accused the other of attacking the building.

After Burhan and RSF leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, carried out a coup in 2021 which derailed a transition to democracy, Hemedti said the move was a mistake and warned it would encourage Islamists to seek power.

Regional heavyweights Saudi Arabia and the UAE had seen Sudan's transition towards democracy as a way to counter Islamist influence in the region, which they consider a threat.

Publicly, the army has asserted its loyalty to the uprising that ousted Bashir in 2019.

But after the military staged a coup in 2021 that provoked a resurgence of mass street protests, it leaned on Bashir-era veterans to keep the country running. A taskforce that had been working to dismantle the former ruling system was disbanded.

Before the outbreak of violence, Bashir supporters had been lobbying against a plan for a transition to elections under a civilian government. Disputes over the chain of command and the structure of the military under the plan triggered the fighting.

About a week after fighting broke out in April, a video on social media showed about a dozen former intelligence officials in army uniforms announcing themselves as reserve forces.

The footage could not be independently verified by Reuters.

Several senior Bashir loyalists walked free from prison in Bahri, across the Nile from central Khartoum, during a wider prison break amid fighting in late April. The circumstances of their release remain unclear. Bashir is in a military hospital.

(Writing by Michael Georgy and Aidan Lewis, Editing by William Maclean)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court has issued a number of important rulings during its current term that began last October and is expected to decide its remaining cases by the end of June including disputes involving race-conscious college admissions practices, President Joe Biden's student debt forgiveness plan and LGBT rights.

Here is a look at some of the rulings issued by the court this term.

VOTING RIGHTS

The justices on June 8 handed a major victory to Black voters who challenged a Republican-drawn electoral map in Alabama, finding the state violated a landmark law prohibiting racial discrimination in voting and paving the way for a second U.S. House of Representatives district with a Black majority or close to it. The court elected not to further roll back protections contained in the Voting Rights Act as it had done in two major rulings in the past decade.

ELECTION POWERS

The court on June 27 rebuffed a legal theory favored by many conservatives that could have given state legislatures sweeping power to set voting rules and draw electoral district boundaries for federal elections by preventing state courts from reviewing their actions. The ruling against Republican state legislators stemmed from a legal fight over their map of North Carolina's 14 U.S. House districts.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION

The court on May 25 further limited the regulatory reach of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, embracing a stringent new test for declaring wetlands protected under a landmark federal anti-pollution law in a ruling favoring an Idaho couple who challenged the EPA. The new test could leave wide swathes of sensitive wetlands and tributaries unprotected by the Clean Water Act, the landmark 1972 anti-pollution law.

IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT

The justices on June 23 gave the Biden administration the green light to move ahead with guidelines shifting immigration enforcement toward countering public safety threats, handing the Democratic president a victory in a legal battle with Texas and Louisiana. The guidelines reflected Biden's recalibration of U.S. immigration policy after the hardline approach taken by his Republican predecessor Donald Trump.

ENCOURAGING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION

A federal law that makes it a crime for a person to encourage illegal immigration does not violate constitutional free speech protections, the court ruled on June 23, upholding the decades-old measure defended by the Biden administration. A lower court had ruled that the law was overly broad because it may criminalize speech protected by the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment.

PROTECTIONS FOR INTERNET COMPANIES

The court on May 18 left legal protections for internet and social media companies unscathed and refused to clear a path for victims of attacks by militant groups to sue these businesses under an anti-terrorism law. In both cases, families of people killed by Islamist gunmen overseas had sued to try to hold internet companies liable because of the presence of militant groups on their platforms or for recommending their content.

NATIVE AMERICAN ADOPTION

The justices on June 15 upheld decades-old federal requirements that give preferences to Native Americans and tribal members in the adoption or foster care placements of Native American children. The court found that the plaintiffs, including the state of Texas, did not have legal standing to challenge parts of the law they claimed were racially biased against non-Native Americans.

LABOR UNIONS

The justices on June 1 made it easier for employers to sue over strikes that cause property destruction - handing another setback to organized labor - in a ruling siding with a concrete business in Washington state that sued the union representing its truck drivers after a work stoppage.

FEDERAL AGENCY POWER

The court on April 14 made it easier to challenge the regulatory power of federal agencies in rulings backing Axon Enterprise Inc's bid to sue the Federal Trade Commission and a Texas accountant's gripe with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

CORRUPTION PROSECUTIONS

The court on May 11 further restricted the ability of federal prosecutors to pursue corruption cases, overturning the bribery conviction of Joseph Percoco, an ex-aide to Democratic former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, and former construction company executive Louis Ciminelli.

STALKING LAW

The justices on July 27 threw out the stalking conviction of a Colorado man who for two years sent a barrage of unwanted Facebook messages to a female musician in a case involving free speech protections under the Constitution's First Amendment. The court ruled that state prosecutors had not shown that he was aware of the "threatening nature" of his statements.

ANDY WARHOL ARTWORK

Andy Warhol's estate lost its copyright fight with celebrity photographer Lynn Goldsmith when the court on May 18 faulted the famed pop artist's use of her photo of Prince in a silkscreen series depicting the charismatic rock star.

PROPERTY TAXES

The court on May 25 curbed state and local governments from seizing and selling the homes of people with unpaid property taxes and keeping the proceeds beyond the amount owed, deeming the practice unconstitutional in a ruling in favor of a 94-year-old woman who battled tax authorities in Minnesota.

(Reporting by Will Dunham)
NEW YORK (AP)  A U.S. Marine veteran who placed a homeless man in a fatal chokehold aboard a New York City subway train last month pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to revised charges.

Daniel Penny, 24, pleaded not guilty to second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in the May 1 death of Jordan Neely, a former Michael Jackson impersonator who was shouting and begging for money on the Manhattan train, according to witnesses.

Penny pinned him to the ground with the help of two other passengers and held him in a chokehold for more than three minutes. Neely, 30, lost consciousness during the struggle.

The chokehold death, which was caught on bystander video, has prompted fierce debate, with some praising Penny as a good Samaritan and others accusing him of racist vigilantism. Penny is white and Neely was Black.

At a brief arraignment on Wednesday, Penny, who is free on bond, uttered only the words not guilty before leaving the court room with his lawyers.

Penny was initially arrested on the manslaughter charge in May, but a grand jury earlier this month added the negligent homicide count, potentially giving a trial jury the option of finding him guilty of the lesser charge.

To get a manslaughter conviction, which carries a prison sentence of up to 15 years, prosecutors would have to prove Penny recklessly caused Neely's death while being aware of the risk of serious harm.

A conviction for criminally negligent homicide would require the jury to find that Penny unjustifiably put Neely at risk of death, but failed to perceive that risk. The maximum penalty would be four years in prison.

Penny, who served in the Marines for four years and was discharged in 2021, has said he acted to protect himself and others from Neely, who allegedly shouted Im gonna kill you and said he was ready to die or go to jail for life.

Following the arraignment, an attorney for Penny, Steven Raiser, predicted that a Manhattan jury would empathize with the experience of confronting erratic subway behavior while confined underground.

Danny isnt the only one on trial," he said. "The rights of people to defend one another will be on a trial too.

Neely's family members and their supporters have said Neely, who struggled with mental illness and homelessness, was crying out for help and was met with violence.

Neelys father, Andre Zachery, was in attendance for the arraignment on Wednesday. At a brief press conference, an attorney for the Neely family, Donte Mills, sought to paint Penny as a vigilante killer who hasnt taken responsibility for his actions.

Daniel Penny did not have the courage to look Jordans father Andre in the eyes, Mills said. But from now on, dont be shocked when justice happens for Jordan, for you or for anyone.

Neelys death aboard an F train in Manhattan quickly became a flashpoint in the nations debates over racial justice and crime. Republican politicians like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis have hailed Penny as a hero, helping him to raise more than $3 million in legal expenses.

Meanwhile, civil rights leaders, including Rev. Al Sharpton, have compared the killing to the 1984 subway shooting of four Black men by Bernhard Goetz, a white man dubbed the subway vigilante who was eventually acquitted of charges in the shooting except for carrying an unlicensed gun.

A good Samaritan helps those in trouble. They dont choke him out," Sharpton said during Neely' May 19th funeral. What happened to Jordan was a crime and this family shouldnt have to stand by themselves.
By Daniel Trotta

(Reuters) - U.S. officials in Texas have arrested four Mexicans who were indicted on suspicion of operating a human smuggling ring responsible for the deaths a year ago of 53 migrants packed into a truck during sweltering heat, the Justice Department said on Tuesday.

Dozens of migrants from Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras were found in a tractor-trailer with malfunctioning air conditioning that was abandoned on the outskirts of San Antonio on June 27, 2022, a day when temperatures soared as high as 103 Fahrenheit (39.4 Celsius).

U.S. officials allege the suspects operated a ring that smuggled adults and children from Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico into the United States, overseeing the fateful journey with eight children and a pregnant woman aboard.

The suspects shared routes, guides, stash houses and vehicles, storing some of their tractors and trailers at a private parking lot in San Antonio, prosecutors said.

The indictment alleges some of the defendants knew the trailer's air conditioning was broken and unable to blow cool air to the migrants inside.

When the suspects opened the door after a three-hour journey, they found 48 of the migrants dead, including the pregnant woman, prosecutors allege. Sixteen others were taken to the hospital, five of whom died.

A grand jury indicted the four men on June 7 on a host of illegal transport charges that could result in life imprisonment if they are convicted, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas said in a statement.

They were arrested on Monday in San Antonio, Houston and Marshall, Texas, and identified as Riley Covarrubias-Ponce, 30; Felipe Orduna-Torres, 28, Luis Alberto Rivera-Leal, 37, and Armando Gonzales-Ortega, 53, the statement said.

Reuters was unable to determine whether they had retained attorneys who could make any statement in their defense.

The arrests follow the indictments last year of four other suspects connected to the case, including the driver who police found hiding in the brush near the abandoned truck.

"The allegations in the indictment are horrifying. Dozens of desperate, vulnerable men, women and children put their trust in smugglers who abandoned them in a locked trailer to perish in the merciless south Texas summer," Jaime Esparza, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, said in the statement.

(Reporting by Daniel Trotta, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
By Andrew Goudsward

(Reuters) - Bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX sued one of its former top lawyers, accusing him of aiding fraud by company founder Sam Bankman-Fried and silencing whistleblowers who reported wrongdoing at the company.

The complaint, filed on Tuesday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware, describes Daniel Friedberg, a former chief compliance officer at FTX and general counsel of its related crypto hedge fund Alameda Research, as a "fixer" for Bankman-Fried and other FTX executives who enabled the "wholesale raiding" of customer funds.

Friedberg whitewashed complaints from employees raising concerns about the activities of FTX and Alameda by settling claims for inflated amounts and in some cases hiring law firms that represented whistleblowers to perform legal work for FTX, the company said.

The settlement amounts are redacted in the complaint.

A lawyer for Friedberg and a spokesperson for FTX did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The lawsuit accuses Friedberg of legal malpractice and breaching his fiduciary duty. It seeks to claw back tens of millions worth of cryptocurrency Friedberg received while working for FTX, along with his compensation and $3 million in bonuses.

FTX filed for bankruptcy in November 2022 after a run on customer deposits. The companys new leadership has accused Bankman-Fried and his associates of widespread failures to implement corporate controls.

Bankman-Fried has been criminally charged in federal court in Manhattan with stealing billions in FTX customer funds to plug holes at the Alameda hedge fund and fund speculative investments. Bankman-Fried has pleaded not guilty and denied stealing funds.

At least three other FTX executives have pleaded guilty to U.S. charges.

Friedberg has cooperated with U.S. investigations into the FTX collapse, Reuters has reported.

Friedberg served as an adviser to Bankman-Fried and his companies while working at law firm Fenwick & West. He became an in-house attorney at both FTX and Alameda in 2020.

(Reporting by Andrew Goudsward; Editing by David Bario)
Senate Republicans got their wish Tuesday as businessman Tim Sheehy officially launched his bid to unseat Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), handing the GOP one of their top recruits as they try to take down a three-term senator who has proven to be tough to beat.

Sheehy rolled out his campaign Tuesday morning, playing up his past life as a Navy SEAL and his more recent one as a businessman, while arguing that Tester is out of touch back home. Republicans believe he is their best shot to oust one of the most prominent  and vulnerable  Democratic moderates.

Incredible resume. Incredible bank account. And most importantly, he hasnt run and lost before, one national GOP operative said, laying out the pro-Sheehy case and taking a shot at Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.), who lost to Tester in 2018.

A blank canvas with a big checkbook is pretty enticing in this environment.

Sheehy, who runs an aerial firefighting company, has been atop National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Steve Dainess (R-Mont.) wish list for much of the 2024 cycle as Republican leaders look to avoid a Tester-Rosendale rematch. Republicans expect that the Bozeman-based businessman will dump millions of dollars into the race in a state where it is cheaper to compete than in most other battlegrounds.

However, he is a political unknown to most Montana voters, setting up a battle in the coming months to define him. As operatives on both sides note, wealthy, unknown candidates can be a blessing for their outsider nature, or a curse, as many are not used to the limelight and can struggle on the campaign stump.

Well see how he is as a candidate. On paper, he looks really good. On paper, it looks like somebody that not only will beat Rosendale, but will beat Jon Tester, a second GOP strategist said. Elections arent run on paper, though.

Democrats already see weaknesses. The newly minted Senate candidate has lived in Montana for less than a decade, according to the state government website, compared with Tester, a farmer who was born in the state.

The Montana Democratic Party made that point just hours after the Tuesday announcement, saying that Tester has farm equipment thats been in Montana longer than Tim Sheehy.

Tester allies also believe that wealthy outsiders who have flooded parts of the state, particularly Bozeman, pricing longtime Montanans out of the area, will give them another attack line if Sheehy wins the primary.

Theres only one unifying force in Montana.  The first thing anyone talks about is how Montanans cant afford to live in Montana anymore, said Bob Funk, a Montana-based Democratic strategist. Millionaires are coming into this state and turning the land into a playground for them and their buddies, and no one likes that.  He embodies it perfectly.

Sheehys road to the nomination is not straightforward, however. He will likely face off with Rosendale, who still has support on the right and is well-known by voters. In response to Sheehys announcement, Rosendale tweeted that Sheehy and Tester would both protect the DC cartel.

But Rosendale has a steep mountain to climb. He was defeated by Tester by 3.5 percentage points in 2018 and is known as a poor fundraiser, having collected only $6 million during his previous Senate run, compared to Testers $23 million overall haul.

That problem was compounded earlier this year when he was among the more vocal contingent opposing Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) in his quest for the gavel, infuriating donors even further, according to two GOP sources. His refusal to take a call from former President Trump during the final frantic stretch to elect McCarthy  a moment that was captured on camera  didnt help matters.

He was also among the 11 conservatives who ground floor activity to a halt for nearly a week earlier this summer.

The guy is allergic to making friends, a third GOP operative said of Rosendale.

Rosendale has indicated over the past week that he will enter the race in the coming weeks, pointing to a Public Policy Polling survey showing him with a wide, yet very early, lead over Sheehy. He is also likely to have the Club for Growth behind his potential Senate bid, a spokesperson for the group said.

Sheehy is already taking steps to cut down on Rosendales advantage with the right via support from GOP senators with MAGA or conservative bona fides. Sens. Tom Cotton (Ark.) and Marsha Blackburn (Tenn.) became the first two senators to endorse him Tuesday afternoon, with more expected to follow suit in the coming days.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
By Enrique Garcia

GUATEMALA CITY (Reuters) -An anti-corruption presidential candidate in Guatemala, whose surprise showing in a first-round election on Sunday means he will contest a runoff vote in August, said on Tuesday he would pursue closer relations with China if he wins.

"We need to work on our trade relations and expand them in the case of China," said Bernardo Arevalo in an interview with the Con Criterio radio program.

Guatemala, Central America's most populous country, has for decades opted for ties with Taiwan instead of the Asian giant.

Arevalo's comments follow China's success in recent years peeling off one-time allies of Taipei.

Guatemala is one of only 12 countries, plus the Vatican, with official diplomatic ties with China-claimed Taiwan.

In March, Honduras' leftist President Xiomara Castro opened relations with China after cutting ties with Taiwan.

Arevalo, a 64-year-old center-left congressman and son of a former president, said he seeks "to maintain good political relations with the Republic of China and Taiwan within the framework of mutual respect."

The candidate, who finished second in the crowded field behind Sandra Torres, the wife of another former president, stressed the need for a foreign policy based on Guatemala's interests.

"Let's be the owners of our foreign policy," said Arevalo, adding that no one else should dictate the country's position.

Torres will face Arevalo in the August runoff. She has promised to maintain Guatemala's ties with Taiwan.

In a statement to Reuters, Taiwan's foreign ministry said it would "continue to explain" the results of cooperation between Taiwan and Guatemala to both presidential candidates.

Taiwan would "actively seek the support of the two candidates for the traditional friendship between Guatemala and Taiwan", the ministry added.

In April, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen visited Guatemala a week after the rupture with Honduras. Guatemala's outgoing president, conservative Alejandro Giammattei, followed up with a visit to Taiwan later that month, promising to deepen ties.

The United States, Guatemala's top trading partner, has tried to stem Taiwan's diplomatic losses in the region.

A defection by Guatemala would leave tiny Belize as Taiwan's last Central American ally.

(Reporting by Enrique Garcia; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in Taipei; Writing by Brendan O'Boyle;Editing by Sandra Maler, Robert Birsel)
BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Hungary's parliament will not ratify Sweden's NATO membership before the summer recess as it has not included the vote in the agenda of next week's session, Hungarian online media reported on Wednesday.

News websites hvg.hu and index.hu reported that parliament, dominated by nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz party, would further delay the vote after previously citing a deterioration in relations with Sweden.

Parliament's press office did not confirm the reports, saying the agenda of next week's session would be finalised at a meeting of the house committee on Thursday.

In a Facebook post, leftist opposition lawmaker Agnes Vadai said Orban would not put the vote on Sweden's NATO accession on next week's agenda. The Swedish Foreign Ministry did not respond to Reuters requests for comment.

Sweden and Finland abandoned decades of military non-alignment in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year, seeking greater security by joining NATO. Finland became a NATO member in April but the process has been slower for Sweden.

Sweden has set its sights on joining at the alliance's July 11-12 summit and while it has strong support from other members including the United States, both Turkey and Hungary have so far held back from ratification.

With Hungary's ratification process stranded in parliament since last July, Orban aired concerns about Sweden and Finland's NATO membership for the first time in February.

Among other criticisms, he has accused both countries of spreading "outright lies" about the health of democracy and the rule of law in Hungary, although Hungarian lawmakers approved Finland's bid in late March.

Orban has been at loggerheads with European Union headquarters in Brussels for years over EU criticism of Hungary's record on democracy and rule of law standards since he took office in 2010.

In April, Orban's chief of staff called on Sweden to take steps to boost confidence, saying relations between Stockholm and Budapest were at a low point.

(Reporting by Gergely Szakacs and Nora Buli; editing by Mark Heinrich)
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  An Indiana man charged with killing two teenage girls confessed multiple times to the murders in a phone call to his wife while in prison, according to court documents released Wednesday.

Richard Matthew Allen allegedly told his wife, Kathy Allen, in an April 3 phone call that he killed Abigail Williams, 13, and Liberty German, 14. The two teenagers' bodies were found Feb. 14, 2017, just outside of their hometown of Delphi, Indiana  about 60 miles (97 kilometers) northwest of Indianapolis, in Carroll County.

Allen County Judge Fran Gull, assigned to the case after the original judge recused himself, unsealed the motion describing the confessions alongside more than 100 filings in the case on Wednesday.

Investigators had the phone call transcribed and the transcription confirms that Richard Allen admits that he committed the murders of Abigail Williams and Liberty German, reads the document filed by Carroll County prosecutor Nicholas McLeland. He admits several times within the phone call that he committed the offenses as charged. His wife, Kathy Allen, ends the phone call abruptly.

Allen was arrested in October 2022 on two counts of murder. A relative had dropped the girls off at a hiking trail near the Monon High Bridge, and their bodies were found the next day in a rugged, heavily wooded area near the trail.

Gulls order issued Wednesday stated she was withholding from public release the unredacted probable cause affidavit filed by prosecutors outlining the allegations against Allen because it includes the names of juvenile witnesses.

McLeland alluded to Allen's confessions in a June 15 hearing in Delphi, but Allen's defense attorneys, alleging abuse at the correctional facility he has been housed at since November 2022, attributed the admissions to his declining mental state.

___

Arleigh Rodgers is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
By Dan Williams

JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israel's defence minister condemned rampages by groups of Jewish settlers in Palestinian towns and villages in recent days as his top general warned that officers could not stand by and allow attacks which have drawn strong U.S. censure.

A spiral of vandalism and arson was sparked by a Hamas gun ambush last week near a settlement that killed four Israelis. The rioters came from settlements, have numbered in the hundreds and included masked and armed men, Palestinian witnesses said.

Palestinian officials have accused Israel's military, which is widely deployed in the West Bank, of ignoring or even abetting the rampages. Of around a dozen suspected rioters detained, at least two are off-duty soldiers, the military said.

With U.S. dual-nationals among the Palestinian victims, Washington - already at loggerheads with Israel over settlement construction - has stepped up condemnation of what it had called "extremist settler violence" and said it expects accountability.

Briefing Israel's parliament, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant deplored the rampages as "a dangerous social phenomenon that we must fight". He described the perpetrators as a "tiny group" made up of fringe settlers and their supporters from inside Israel.

While he noted that suspects were in custody and said West Bank troops had been reinforced as a precaution, Gallant also said Israeli forces would be challenged to "divide their attention" between the riots and Palestinian militant threats.

"There are 500 Palestinian villages, some of them as large as towns. There are tens of thousands of people (Palestinian residents). You can't protect all of them at once," he said.

Interdiction of fellow Israelis was hard "because you're not using surveillance or the implementation of violent (military) operations against them," he added.

The sectarian violence in the West Bank has opened up cracks between Israel's religious-nationalist government and its security chiefs, who on Saturday issued a joint statement calling the settler rampages "nationalist terrorism".

That raised hackles among Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right allies, who have long played down the scale and impact of the settler rampages. One of them likened the security chiefs' statement to the recent mutiny by Russia's mercenary Wagner Group, but soon apologised amid public outcry.

"An apology after the fact does not eliminate the great damage caused," military chief Lieutenant-General Herzi Halevi said in a speech. "The IDF (Israel Defence Forces) operates solely for the security of civilians, hence its authority."

"Terrorism and its difficult consequences bring some people to commit acts that are legally and ethically forbidden," he said. "An IDF officer who stands by when seeing an Israeli citizen planning to throw a Molotov cocktail at a Palestinian house cannot be an officer."

Such assurances have had little sway among the Palestinians, almost a decade since the stalling of U.S.-sponsored efforts to achieve their statehood goals through negotiations with Israel. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry has described the settler rampages as "state-sponsored terrorism."

(Writing by Dan Williams; Editing by Chris Reese and Daniel Wallis)
By Jonathan Stempel

(Reuters) - A U.S. judge has dismissed a lawsuit against Amazon.com Inc brought by the parents of two teenagers who committed suicide by consuming sodium nitrite they bought on the online retailer's platform.

U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle on Tuesday rejected claims by the parents of Ethan McCarthy and Kristine Jonsson that Amazon was liable for negligence and violating Washington state product liability laws.

The parents sought unspecified damages from Amazon for letting an outside vendor sell sodium nitrite at 99.6% purity, which they labeled "suicide kits," to their children, saying it was known the chemical would likely be used for suicide.

Police found Jonsson, 16, of Hilliard, Ohio, dead in her mother's car in Sept. 2020 while McCarthy, 17, of Milton, West Virginia, died in his bed the following January.

In a 34-page decision, Robart said the product label for the sodium nitrite identified the dangers of using the chemical, which is sometimes used in cured meats.

He said Amazon had no duty to provide additional warnings, which in this case would not have prevented the deaths, and that Washington law preempted the negligence claims.

"Kristine and Ethan's fates were undisputedly tragic, but the court can only conclude that they necessarily knew the dangers of bodily injury and death associated with ingesting sodium nitrite," Robart wrote.

Carrie Goldberg, a lawyer for the parents, in a statement on Wednesday called the decision a "setback" but "hardly the end of the road" for the case.

"There are no household uses for sodium nitrite and no consumer, let alone children, could reasonably know how lethal it was," she said. "In Washington State it is against the law to aid in suicide and that's exactly what Amazon did."

Amazon, based in Seattle, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The case is McCarthy et al v Amazon.com Inc, U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington, No. 23-00263.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York, editing by Deepa Babington)
MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Kremlin on Wednesday dismissed allegations by the United Nations that Russia had violated children's rights in Ukraine and said that, on the contrary, its armed forces were rescuing children from conflict zones.

One report, released on Tuesday, accused Russia of detaining more than 800 civilians, some of them children, and of executing 77 civilians since the conflict began in February of last year.

In another report, commissioned by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for the U.N. Security Council and published last week, Russia stands accused of having killed 136 children in 2022.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a regular briefing that Moscow "firmly rejects" such accusations.

"Our military, repeatedly risking their own lives, took measures to save children, to take them out from under shelling, which, by the way, was carried out by the armed forces of Ukraine against civilian infrastructure," he said.

Russia regularly rejects accusations of human rights abuses in Ukraine and also denies deliberately targeting civilians in what it calls a "special military operation".

Tuesday's 36-page U.N. report, based on 70 visits to detention centres and more than 1,000 interviews, also said that Ukraine had violated international law by arbitrarily detaining civilians, but on a considerably smaller scale.

In last week's report, compiled by Virginia Gamba, Guterres' special representative for children and armed conflict, the U.N. also verified that Russian armed forces and affiliated groups had maimed 518 children and carried out 480 attacks on schools and hospitals during 2022.

Russian armed forces also used 91 children as human shields, according to the report.

The International Criminal Court in March issued an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin and Moscow's envoy for children's rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, accusing them of the war crime of illegally deporting children from Ukraine.

Moscow said the warrants were legally void as Russia was not a member of the ICC.

Russia has not concealed a programme under which it has brought thousands of Ukrainian children to Russia, but presents it as a humanitarian campaign to protect orphans and children abandoned in the war zone.

(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Gareth Jones; Editing by Andrew Osborn)
VILNIUS/WARSAW (Reuters) -The Lithuanian and Polish presidents visited Kyiv on Wednesday, to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and show support for Ukraine's bids to join NATO and the EU, ahead of summits of both bodies.

EU leaders hold their regular summit in Brussels on Thursday and Friday this week, and NATO is holding its annual summit in Vilnius in two weeks. Zelenskiy has been pressing in particular for the NATO summit to include a "political invitation" for Ukraine to join the Western military alliance.

The presidents will discuss "the NATO summit agenda", Ukraine's EU membership negotiations and European support for Ukraine, the office of Lithuania's Gitanas Nauseda said in a statement.

The office of Poland's President Andrzej Duda said: "The talks with President Zelenskiy are related to... the current situation at the front, including the threat of a Russian attack behind the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant."

"Preparations for the July NATO Summit will also be discussed."

NATO members are close to agreeing incremental steps to strengthen ties with Ukraine by the Vilnius summit but have yet to resolve differences over how to address Ukraine's desire for membership.

Lithuania and Poland have been among the staunchest supporters of Ukraine in NATO and the EU, and have been calling for accepting it into both. Lithuania is buying NASAMS air defence systems for Ukraine from a Norwegian company.

(Reporting by Andrius Sytas in Vilnius and Alan Charlish in WarsawEditing by Peter Graff)
VALLETTA, Malta (AP)  Maltese lawmakers on Wednesday unanimously approved legislation to ease the strictest abortion laws in the European Union, but pro-choice campaigners had withdrawn their support, saying last-minute changes make the legislation vague, unworkable and even dangerous.

The original bill allowing women access to abortion if a pregnant woman's life or health is in danger was hailed as a step in the right direction for Malta, an overwhelmingly Roman Catholic nation. It was introduced last fall after an American tourist who miscarried had to be airlifted off the Mediterranean island nation to be treated.

Under the amendments, however, a risk to health is not enough. A woman must be at risk of death to access an abortion, and then only after three specialists consent. The legislation approved Wednesday allows a doctor to terminate a pregnancy without further consultation only if the mother's life is at immediate risk.

Thousands of Maltese protested against the law during demonstrations in December. The governing Labor Party, which submitted the original bill, supported the amendments, while the opposition swung in support after the changes.

The Voices for Choice Coalition Malta last week withdrew its support for the bill, calling the amendments a betrayal.

The coalition of 14 pro-choice groups said the requirement for three specialists for women whose health is at risk is unworkable and dangerous, and cautioned that even in cases where a womans life is at risk, it is highly likely that doctors will seek authorization due to fear of prosecution.

Malta is the only one of the EUs 27 nations until now has prohibited abortion for any reason, with laws making it a crime punishable by up to three years in prison to have the procedure or up to four years to assist a woman in having an abortion.

The law is rarely enforced, with the last known case of someone being jailed dating from 1980. Still, a woman was charged under the anti-abortion law earlier this month, though not jailed.

Malta had been one of the few Western states that had a total ban on abortion, after the republic of San Marino decriminalized the procedure last year and other overwhelmingly Catholic countries such as Ireland and Italy have legalized it.

Poland last year introduced a near-total ban on abortion, except when a womans life or health is endangered or if the pregnancy results from rape or incest. The proposed Maltese legislation doesnt provide an exception for rape or incest.
BLOOMSBURG, Pa. (AP)  A man convicted of driving into a fundraiser crowd in Pennsylvania last summer, killing one and injuring 19 others, then going home and bludgeoning his mother to death has been sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole.

President Judge Gary Norton told Adrian Oswaldo Sura Reyes, 25, in Columbia County Court on Tuesday that his crimes were the result of pure evil as he sentenced him to two life terms in the two deaths. He also imposed an additional 123 to 380 years on 19 counts of attempted homicide.

Authorities said Sura Reyes told investigators that he was driving in Berwick after arguing with his mother Aug. 13 and was tired of fighting with his mother, including about money, and wanted to be done with it. At the same time, about 75 people had gathered in a blocked-off parking lot outside the Intoxicology Department bar for a fundraiser to benefit victims of a blaze in Nescopeck more than a week earlier that had killed seven adults and three children.

Police said Sura Reyes told them he drove past the gathering, then turned around and headed back to the bar to drive through the crowd of people. Rebecca Reese, 50, of Wilkes-Barre was killed and 19 others were injured, four critically. Police said Sura Reyes told them he then returned to his Nescopeck home and saw his mother, 56-year-old Rosa Reyes, in the street and he hit her with the vehicle and then struck her with a hammer several times.

The (Bloomsburg) Press Enterprise reported that more than a dozen victims and supporters attended the sentencing, some weeping as they listened to testimony about that day, while others still too hurt to attend watched online, according to the district attorneys office.

Sura Reyes declined to speak in court but told reporters outside that he was sorry. Defense attorney Janan Tallo said his client was remorseful and his actions were not necessarily an evil criminal act but more the result of a mental health crisis.

Hopefully, today can be the day where healing perhaps begins for some of the victims, Tallo said.

Reeses son, Devin Reese, 28, who attended the sentencing with his sisters, said the family was grateful.

He is going to be inside prison for the rest of his life. I feel justice has been served, Reese said.

Prosecutors originally pursued the death penalty in the case but dropped those plans after Sura Reyes agreed to plead guilty to all charges in June. The judge also fined Sura Reyes $1.05 million and ordered him to pay $411,000 in restitution, although prosecutors acknowledged that it was unlikely the defendant would ever be able to pay that amount.
WASHINGTON  Attorney General Merrick Garland is scheduled to testify before the House Judiciary Committee in September, two sources familiar with the matter confirmed to NBC News on Tuesday.

The hearing scheduled for Sept. 20 will put Garland face to face with one of his biggest GOP critics: Committee Chair Jim Jordan of Ohio. It will be the first time Garland has testified before the Republican-led panel this year.

The attorney general, who has appeared before other committees in both the House and Senate, is likely to face harsh GOP criticism over a range of high-profile Justice Department investigations, including federal counts against Hunter Biden, seditious conspiracy charges against members of the Proud Boys, and special counsel Jack Smith's investigation into former President Donald Trump's role in the Jan. 6 riot.

The Justice Department declined to comment on the upcoming hearing, first reported by Punchbowl News. Spokespeople for the House Judiciary Committee did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

News of the scheduled hearing comes shortly after House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., raised the prospect of impeaching Garland over the federal investigation into the president's son, Hunter Biden. McCarthy pointed to recent congressional testimony from a former IRS employee who alleged Garland meddled in the Biden case led by U.S. Attorney in Delaware David Weiss, a Trump appointee.

"Because of the allegation from the IRS, because the whistleblowers and the DOJ  or Garland, what hes saying and what David Weiss are saying privately are two different things. And if it comes true what the IRS whistleblower is saying, were going to start impeachment inquiries on the Attorney General," McCarthy said on Fox News this week.

In a news conference Friday, Garland emphasized Weiss independence in the Hunter Biden investigation.

As I said at the outset, Mr. Weiss, who was appointed by President Trump as the U.S. Attorney in Delaware and assigned this matter during the previous administration, would be permitted to continue his investigation and to make a decision to prosecute any way in which he wanted to and in any district in which he wanted to, Garland said.

Republicans have also attacked the Justice Department after Trump's federal indictment over his handling of classified documents, with Trump allies insisting that President Joe Biden is "weaponizing" the DOJ against Trump, the GOP front-runner in the polls in the 2024 presidential race.

Jordan previously called on the Justice Department to provide lawmakers with internal documents regarding special counsel Jack Smith's investigation into Trump over the government documents found at Mar-a-Lago last year. Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him in that case.

"I certainly understand that some have chosen to attack the integrity of the Justice Department and its components and its employees by claiming that we do not treat like cases alike," Garland said on Friday. "This constitutes an attack on an institution that is essential to American democracy and essential to the safety of the American people. Nothing could be further from the truth."

Garland has served as attorney general since the beginning of Biden's administration. He was nominated in 2016 by then-President Barack Obama to the Supreme Court, but Senate Republicans blocked his nomination.
By Kylie Madry

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico is likely to hand over control of the capital's main airport - the busiest in the country - to its navy, according to a draft decree published on Tuesday, in what would be the latest step increasing the military's role in the sector.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has touted the armed forces' involvement in aviation, arguing it has reduced drug trafficking and smuggling out of airports.

The Mexico City International Airport (AICM) currently sits under the transportation ministry, though the navy has already taken over security operations, including customs. Former navy pilot Carlos Velazquez was appointed as its top director last year.

"There's more security, more certainty, the rules are followed better, there's more discipline," with the navy in charge of the airport, Velazquez told reporters on Tuesday.

The draft decree must be published in Mexico's official gazette to take effect.

Velazquez said that authorities were working to make sure the AICM, also known as Benito Juarez, would be able to take advantage of the funds generated from the airport-use tax.

The money currently goes to a fund to pay off bondholders who financed the construction of an airport canceled by Lopez Obrador in favor of building the Felipe Angeles airport on the outskirts of the capital.

The little-used, one-year-old Felipe Angeles airport, one of the president's largest public works projects, is also on an active military base.

In May, the AICM moved nearly 4 million passengers, according to data from the national aviation authority, while Felipe Angeles airport's passenger numbers were almost 95% lower.

(Reporting by Kylie Madry; Editing by Jamie Freed)
LANSING, Mich. (AP)  Michigan lawmakers gave final approval to legislation banning so-called conversion therapy for minors as Democrats in the state continue to advance a pro-LGBTQ+ agenda in their first months in power.

The legislation would prohibit mental health professionals from engaging youths in the scientifically discredited practice of trying to convert people who are LGBTQ+ to heterosexuality and traditional gender expectations.

The Michigan Senate approved the ban on a 21-15 vote  with one Republican siding with Democrats  late Tuesday after the state House previously approved the legislation. It now awaits final approval by Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who has previously called the therapy a dangerous practice.

Democratic state Rep. Jason Hoskins, a sponsor of the bills, told The Associated Press when the legislation was first introduced that conversion therapy works on the false premise that LGBTQ+ children are wrong and they need to be fixed.

Banning it is just one less thing that LGBTQ children will have to worry about going forward in Michigan," said Hoskins, who was the first LGBTQ+ person of color elected to the Michigan Legislature.

Michigan Democrats have made it a priority to further protect LGBTQ+ people since they took control of all levels of state government this year. In March, lawmakers codified LGBTQ+ protections into the states civil rights law, permanently outlawing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in the state.

Republicans spoke out about the ban of conversion therapy on the Senate floor Tuesday night, with speeches often centering on transgender people.

Hearing a bunch of straight people in the Senate lecture me about the journey of an LGBTQ person is the exact reason we should be banning conversion therapy, Democratic Sen. Jeremy Moss, the states first openly gay state senator, said on the chambers floor Tuesday.

Under the bills passed Wednesday, conversion therapy includes any practice or treatment by a mental health professional that seeks to change an individuals sexual orientation or gender identity. That does not include counseling that provides assistance to people undergoing a gender transition.

The Human Rights Campaign declared a state of emergency for the LGBTQ+ community earlier this month in response to what i called an unprecedented and dangerous spike in discriminatory legislation sweeping statehouses this year. The organization praised Michigan on Tuesday for passing the ban.

If signed by Whitmer, Michigan will become the 22nd state to ban conversion therapy, according to the Movement Advancement Project, a pro-LGBTQ+ rights think tank. Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs issued an executive order Tuesday that prohibits state agencies from using funds to promote or facilitate conversion therapy.

In 2021, Whitmer signed an executive directive prohibiting the use of state and federal funds for conversion therapy on minors and to explore what further actions can be taken to protect minors from the practice.
(Reuters) - The Organization of American States (OAS) on Tuesday urged Guatemalans to recognize and respect the result of the presidential election, ahead of a second-round vote set for August.

"Ahead of the second round, the mission invites institutional, political, and social actors to undertake the process with a sense of democratic responsibility, refraining from statements that generate social division," the OAS said in a statement.

It expressed its concerns after violent incidents marred the first round on Sunday in an otherwise calm day of voting, leading to the suspension of the election in two municipalities.

"The pre-electoral stage was characterized by a climate of tension and polarization, which must be addressed for the second presidential round," said the OAS.

Guatemala's former first lady Sandra Torres and anti-corruption champion Bernardo Arevalo are set to face off in the August run-off after the first round of voting on Sunday, when no candidate garnered the 50% plus one vote needed for outright victory.

(Reporting by Carolina Pulice; Editing by Anthony Esposito and Rosalba O'Brien)
Left: Jayland Walker; right: Ohio activists advocate for a DOJ inquiry. (Family handout, Jayla Whitfield/Yahoo News)

WASHINGTON  Roughly 100 people traveled from Akron, Ohio, to Washington D.C., by bus Monday night and held a rally on the steps of the Department of Justice, marking the one-year anniversary of the death of Jayland Walker, a 25-year-old Black man who was shot at more than 90 times by police.

We are here today to demand that the eight officers that killed and brutally murdered Jayland Walker be terminated immediately today, the Rev. Raymond Greene, executive director of the Freedom Bloc, an Akron-based political advocacy group, said at the rally Tuesday. Were here today to demand that our chief resigns or be terminated today. We want a response within the next two weeks or we will continue to escalate.

A program for Walker's funeral service, July 13, 2022. (Aaron Josefczyk/Reuters)

Over a dozen organizations gathered to demand that the Justice Department open an investigation into the policies and practices of the Akron Police Department.

Its the magnitude, that is why we are still marching  the magnitude of how many officers shot at one human being is the reason why we still are having these conversations, Judi Hill, president of the Akron branch of the NAACP, told Yahoo News.

National leaders have also urged the DOJ to investigate the Akron Police Department. According to a press release dated April 24, Democratic Ohio Rep. Emilia Sykes sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland calling for an investigation.

The call for this investigation is in no way an attempt at retribution, but rather, an opportunity to implement more community-focused policing that serves the needs of every segment of this community, Sykes said. The gravity of recent events has shown it is past time for an independent third party to facilitate discussion to help mediate disputes and place the community on a path to reconciliation and healing  a path that has been charted by the DOJ in numerous communities across the country.

The fatal shooting

The shooting occurred on June 27, 2022, after police pulled Walker over for a minor traffic violation. According to the Akron Police Department, officers heard the sound of a gunshot from Walkers vehicle. He then ran from the car as it was still moving, prompting a foot chase, and eight officers fired 94 bullets, striking Walker, who was unarmed, 46 times.

An Akron police officer pointing his weapon at Walker on June 27, 2022, in a still image from police bodycam video. (City of Akron/Handout via Reuters)

The officers did not know at the time Mr. Walker had left his recently purchased gun in his car, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said at a press conference in April, adding that the initial gunshot from Walkers vehicle could be considered as a deadly threat, which gives officers the right to use deadly force to defend themselves.

In April, following a lengthy investigation, a grand jury decided not to indict the eight officers involved in the shooting. At the April presser, Yost said the jurors issued a no bill decision and felt that the officers use of force was justified.

Legal justification does not change the terrible, permanent damage of Jayland Walker's death, Yost said. I grieve the loss of this promising young life, although I recognize that no words of mine can offer much comfort to his family.

But Tamika Mallory, a lawyer and civil rights activist, said the Akron Police Departments story does not make sense. There were 90-plus shots fired at one man who was not shooting back, Mallory said during the rally on Tuesday. It never added up. Nothing ever came together. It was never clear.  It always was a story that did not make sense.

Enough is enough

Civil rights organizations and Walkers family are seeking accountability from the city. We have filed a lawsuit against the city of Akron for $45 million for each bullet that struck Jayland, Paige White, the Walker familys attorney, said Tuesday. Were not asking for anything that this family doesnt deserve.

Activist Miracle Boyd at a protest in Chicago in support of the Jayland Walker case. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

During the rally, White asked the audience to take a 45-second moment of silence to honor Walker and his life. Walker had 46 bullet holes in multiple areas of his body, including his head, legs, arms, knees and torso, according to the autopsy report released in June 2022.

Last year, when the bodycam footage of the brutal shooting was released, protesters gathered in the streets of Ohio to demand justice.

We were angry, but disciplined. We were outraged, but disciplined. We did not tear up our communities, but we voiced our outrage at every opportunity, Bruce Butcher, a longtime Akron resident, told Yahoo News.

People gather outside the Department of Justice to rally on behalf of Jayland Walker. (Jayla Whitfield/Yahoo News)

Butcher was among many Akron residents who traveled by bus to stand alongside the Walker family, and he says the community has to fight back. If they can do it to Jayland Walker, they can do it to me, they can do it to my brother, to my son, to my sister. So, in effect, I'm drawing a line in the sand to say enough is enough, Butcher said.

Following Walkers death, the community voted to create a police oversight board during the November 2022 election. The ballot measure passed by a large margin, with 62% of voters approving it. Most of the members are appointed by the City Council.

The Jayland Walker incident birthed our board, the police in Akron have never had it, Donzella Anuszkiewicz, one of the nine members on the board, told Yahoo News.

Anuszkiewicz says her community was heavily affected by Walkers death. I believe that a community trauma took place because of it, from everyone involved. And it was a tragedy, she said.
PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP)  Pakistani security forces Wednesday killed an Islamic State group commander and two other militants during a raid on a militant hideout near the border with Afghanistan, the military said.

The raid was conducted in Bajur, a district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan, the military said.

It said IS commander Shafi Ullah was one of three insurgents killed. He was wanted by the Pakistani government, which alleges he was involved in attacks on security forces and had killed innocent civilians.

Security forces also seized weapons and ammunition from the hideout and were carrying out a clearance operation of the area, the military said.

Pakistan's military has carried out massive operations in recent years in the tribal belt along the Afghan border, which served as a safe haven for local and foreign militants for decades. However, militants still carry out attacks in the region.
A child welfare agency in Pennsylvania failed to protect children from horrific abuse and neglect, allowing them to languish for years in homes overtaken by animal waste and garbage, a prosecutor said Tuesday as he announced criminal charges against five caseworkers.

Three caseworkers and two supervisors at Lackawanna Countys Office of Youth and Family Services in Scranton were arrested on felony charges of child endangerment and failing to report abuse, days after state authorities downgraded the county agencys license.

The caseworkers knew that children were living in dangerous, deplorable conditions, but instead of coming to the rescue, they chose to walk away, said District Attorney Mark Powell. In some cases, he said, the workers falsified reports to make it seem like everything was OK when they knew it wasnt."

A Lackawanna County spokesperson declined to comment on the allegations  which involve eight children in three households  or whether any reforms were planned at the child welfare agency.

In one case, police went to a house for a report of loose dogs and found what court documents described as a house of horrors: Broken windows, piles of junk, swarms of mites or fleas, walls and floors covered in animal feces and urine, and an overwhelming smell of feces, rotten garbage, fly activity, and decay that required an officer to use a respirator.

The children in the home, ages 9 and 10, were underfed, covered in flea bites and slept on the floor without a pillow or blankets. The younger child was not toilet trained, according to court documents.

The mother said she knew she was failing to provide a safe home for her children  and told police she'd repeatedly and fruitlessly begged the Office of Youth and Family Services for help, according to a police affidavit.

She was desperately seeking help, tools, treatment, and services, which never came, police said.

Last week, following an annual inspection, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services downgraded the countys license to provisional status and ordered it to submit a plan of correction.

In response to the state inspection, the Office of Youth and Family Services tried to shift blame to Scranton police, whom the agency accused of running a questionably motivated criminal investigation" into its practices.

Bad actors in the police department are routinely using threats and intimidation" to investigate the child welfare agency, county officials said in their formal response. The investigations primary outcome appears to be the denigration and defamation of both individuals in the agency as well as the entire mission, vision, and practice of the agency."

A message was left with Scranton Police Chief Thomas Carroll seeking a response to the agency's claims.

The county agency also blamed staff shortages for some of the problems, saying it was trying to increase its ranks and take other steps to address the shortcomings identified in the state inspection.

Powell, the district attorney, said a lack of staff had nothing to do with the criminal behavior of some of the agency's employees.

The children in these cases didnt fall through the cracks because OYFS was understaffed. These cases were on the agencys radar for a long time, said Powell, adding that referrals had come from neighbors, landlords, teachers, code inspectors, medical professionals and others.

He said the abuse and neglect that children suffered because of the agency's indifference was heartbreaking and unacceptable.

The defendants were identified as Randy Ramik, 59, of Clarks Green; Bryan Walker, 51, of Eynon; Erik Krauser, 45, of Dickson City; Sadie O'Day, 34, of Scranton; and Amy Helcoski, 50, of Scranton. Each defendant was freed on $20,000 unsecured bail with an order to return to court next month.

Court documents did not list attorneys for any of the defendants. A woman who answered the phone at a number for Ramik hung up on a reporter. The other defendants could not be reached.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP)  Rapper Quando Rondo has bonded out of jail after he was indicted on drug and gang charges in his hometown of Savannah.

Court records show a judge granted a $100,000 bond for the 24-year-old rapper, whose given name is Tyquian Terrel Bowman. He was released Monday, according to the Chatham County Sheriffs Office.

A grand jury indicted him along with 18 others on June 14. The indictment charged Bowman with four counts, including being a manager of an illegal street gang known as Rollin 60s. Other charges allege Bowman conspired with others to distribute marijuana and to buy pills of the opioid hydrocodone.

His lawyer Jonah Pine said he is extraordinarily grateful that the rapper has been released on bond and declined to comment further.

The rappers singles I Remember and ABG led to a deal with Atlantic Records, which released his debut album, QPac, in 2020. His follow-up album, Recovery, came out in March.
Summer jam, made by Amer Budayr at his home in Orinda, captures the essence of apricots. (Ian Bates / For The Times)

In its small glass jar, the apricot jam looked smooth and dense  closer to apple butter than glossy preserves. Apricots will always darken during cooking, but this stuff had deepened a few shades past the usual dusky-bright orange. The color brought to mind a handful of newish pennies. Its murkiness was enticing.

Off came the lid with a satisfying pop.

The taste of the jam boomed stereophonically, as if two high-fidelity signals were converging. One relayed the flavors of fresh apricots, honeyed and floral and taut. The other piped in the essence of dried apricots. Not the sort of shriveled castoffs that have turned to stone in a cupboards farthest regions but the plump delights you find at farmers markets from vendors who maintain their own orchards, who sell dried fruits that still convey something of their original lushness.

For a few seconds, these blending of notes beat rhythmically: tart-sweet, tart-sweet, tart-sweet. Id never known jam to have such a crazy effect before. I wanted more. Soon I was scraping out the last coppery smears.

It's apricot season, and for Amer Budayr, that means making jam. He collects an average of 200 pounds of apricots each year from local farms and spends June and July centering his life around the task. (Ian Bates / For The Times)

Amer Budayr's mother turned trays full of apricot jam, dried in the sun, into the preserve called murabba el meshmosh in phonetic Lebanese Arabic. Now, Budayr carries on the tradition. (Ian Bates / For The Times)

This absurdly delicious, unexpected gift first arrived in September 2020, six grim months into the pandemic, when I needed its uplift the most. The style of jam-making comes from Lebanese Syrian preserving traditions. It turned out to be another doorway into a culture I was already immersed in loving and learning about through longtime friends I value as family.

Read more:Find comforting Syrian breakfast at this backyard pop-up near Dodger Stadium

In phonetic Lebanese Arabic, the name for the recipe is murabba el meshmosh. The words translate straightforwardly as apricot preserves  meshmosh, or apricot, is also pronounced as mishmish in regional dialects, with other close variations across southwest Asia and North Africa  but the method for making the jam is not so direct. It involves boiling the sugared fruit and then baking it in the hot sun (retrieving it at night) for two to 10 consecutive days until it sets and infinitely intensifies.

Thats why the nature of the flavor registered initially as extraordinary but also, in the best way, peculiar. Id never before tasted fruit suspended midtransformation between gently cooked freshness and dried in the sun.

Amer Budayr left Beirut during civil war with one suitcase three decades ago and now lives in Orinda, north of Oakland. "Making the jam may be the only connection to home that I recall," he says. (Ian Bates / For The Times)

Amer Budayr had crafted the jam. A retired endocrinologist, he lives in Orinda, a town nine miles northwest of downtown Oakland thats blessed with one of the sunnier microclimates in the Bay Area. Budayr was born in Damascus, Syria. His family moved to Beirut when he was 11. (Without national borders or political crises, the driving distance between the cities would be about two hours.) He graduated from medical school at the American University of Beirut in 1982, seven years into the Lebanese civil war. Carrying one suitcase, he left for the United States, unsure at 26 years old if he would ever return to Lebanon.

Budayr never moved back, but he did make trips to visit his mother. One summertime in the early 2000s he brought his wife, Anna, whom hed met in the United States, to Beirut. She noticed trays full of apricot jam drying in the sun on her mother-in-laws condo patio and marveled at the flavor when it was time for canning. She questioned Amer about the process.

Oh, dont worry about that, he told her. Its too complicated.

(Ian Bates / For The Times)

Making the Syrian Lebanese apricot jam  the intensely flavored sun-dried preserve  is a seasonal labor of love, a faraway taste of home. (Ian Bates / For The Times)

That was pretty much all Anna needed as provocation to start researching recipes and, as the decade progressed, falling down rabbit holes watching online videos. Eventually the couple felt motivated together to master the jam. No commercial product anywhere nearby equaled the pleasures of the homemade version, for starters, and the excellence of the Bay Areas organic apricots rivaled the superb fruit grown around Damascus and in Lebanons fertile Bekaa Valley.

For Amer, the undertaking has revived memories of his mothers annual rituals around murabba el meshmosh, prepared from the apricot harvest from relatives nearby orchards. He can conjure images of trays splayed across their large third-floor terrace in Damascus.

Making the jam now may be the only connection to home that I recall, he told me recently.

Amer Budayr makes jam using locally grown apricots, including Blenheim, the California gold standard; Patterson, for all-purpose canning; and hybrids like Cot-n-Candy and Angel Cot. (Ian Bates / For The Times)

Music has long been one of Amers passions, to the point that the Budayrs built a modest backyard stage for daytime performances. In 2015 they founded a small family-run nonprofit called the Sunjams Foundation, which hosts outdoor concerts to benefit music education in the areas under-resourced public schools. When Amer retired in 2018, he took on the annual job of tackling the sun-baked jam. He collects an average of 200 pounds of apricots each year from local farms and spends six or so weeks through June and July  sometimes, depending on the weather, starting early in May or stretching into August  centering his life around the task.

Most of the jars are sold as fundraisers for Sunjams. No batch is ever quite like the other. Some lean more amber or golden or yam-colored in their final appearance; some lightly sting the taste buds with astringency while others melt with fudgy sweetness. They all possess the same concentrated quality, though: the unique ambrosia derived from one of the worlds oldest methods of food preservation.

Sales from jars of apricot jam go to the Budayrs' small family-run nonprofit called the Sunjams Foundation, which hosts outdoor concerts to benefit music education. (Ian Bates / For The Times)

Amers son Ramzi gave me my first jar of sun jam, four months after we met masked and distanced in May 2020.

When the COVID-19 crisis began, Ramzi had been a general manager at the NoMad hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Less than a week after the March 2020 shutdowns, he brainstormed a project called FEW (Flour + Eggs + Water) for All with chef Tyler Curtis and pastry chef Mallory Cayon, who were also out of work. They began making fresh homemade pastas they sold for $12 per quart; with every purchase, they would donate one pound to the L.A. Regional Food Bank.

The team eventually came up with an idea to create an at-home tasting-menu project called Table 60: Three courses with a charming hand-drawn menu were packed into a tote bag with pockets for wine bottles. Brad Ray, then pastry chef at Antico Nuovo, contributed vanilla-bean ice cream with a racy amount of salt that somehow didnt overdo it. Ramzi delivered them once or twice a week; he put together soothing R&B-centric playlists to accompany the meals.

I ordered Table 60 meals each time they were announced. When one menu included mezze like hummus and lemony marinated cucumbers, I half-shouted to Ramzi, who stood yards away in the driveway, about my ardor for food from this part of the world. Ramzi mentioned he had been raised in Lebanon. I told him about my best friend, Caline, and the trip we had taken to Lebanon the previous summer to see her family in Beirut.

Apricot jam, served with homemade flatbreads, is what's for breakfast. (Ian Bates / For The Times)

We lobbed memories back and forth, naming favorites: the stretchy, cheesy knafeh from corner bakeries, the competing falafel stands owned by two brothers, the best crackly edges from shawarma just shaved from the spit. The Souk El Tayeb Farmers Market and the glowing produce that reminded me of California. The amazing Bekaa Valley and its wineries. Eating dinner solo that night, those recollections kept me good company.

Like so many on-the-fly pandemic endeavors, FEW for All ran its course within the month. When Ramzi dropped off the final delivery, I had a gesture of thanks ready: a flask of iced arak, the anise-scented spirit that begins so many Lebanese feasts. He texted me later to say hed sipped it on a rooftop when hed finished his rounds through the city that night.

We didnt communicate again until the catastrophic explosions in the Port of Beirut on Aug. 4; his family was safe (as were Calines parents), but the damage to already economically unstable Lebanon was incalculable.

Ramzi left Los Angeles a month later to study hospitality in Paris. Before he departed, he texted me to tell me hed left some things outside my place. It was the flask I never expected to be returned, and the jar of epiphanic apricot jam. I didnt learn until months later that it was his father who had made it.

Amer Budayr leaves his murabba el meshmosh in the sun for three or four days, just until the jam has gelled and the flavors have concentrated. (Ian Bates / For The Times)

All my Lebanese friends know murabba el meshmosh. Its still a seasonal labor of love in rural and urban regions across Lebanon, but people also tend to speak of it in the past tense. That is how my grandma and mom made apricot jam, yes, said Mona Jarudi, Calines mother, when I asked her about it. The visual stays with me. It is the mother of all jams. No one I know in Southern California has the bandwidth to make it; for them its mostly a deeply etched, faraway taste of home.

Amer and I met over lunch when he was passing through Los Angeles in March 2021, and a year later his family invited me for a feast at their home in Orinda. They fed me fattet al-makdous (lamb and eggplant layered with pita, or khoubz in Arabic), shish barak (fried ravioli-like meat dumplings), garlicky fava beans and, for dessert, atayef (half-moon-shaped pancakes filled with cheese and served in syrup scented with rose water). I hadnt had a home-cooked meal brimming with such heart since visiting Lebanon.

We agreed then I would come two months later for a day of jam-making.

The morning starts with homemade mana'eesh cooked by Bushra Yamout, Amer Budayr's sister. (Ian Bates / For The Times)

In the spirit of Lebanese hospitality, the late June morning began with Amers older sister Bushra Yamout stuffing us with manaeesh, the beloved breakfast flatbreads, that she cooked outside on a domed griddle called a saj before covering them with zaatar and cheese.

Read more:Cracked wheat manaesh (flatbread with zaatar)

On the Budayrs kitchen shelf, I noticed a copy of Barbara Abdeni Massaads beautifully photographed and researched book Mouneh. The word broadly means preserved foods, and her work traces seasonal practices from making orange blossom water and pickled garlic in the spring to canning grated pumpkin jam and undertaking homemade arak in the fall.

Her instructions call for leaving murabba el meshmosh in the sun for 10 straight days. Amer prefers three or four, just until the jam has gelled and the flavors have concentrated.

He separates each batch by the farms from which hes procured the fruit. As we began, he pointed out a platter labeled with the different varieties he had on hand: Blenheim, the California gold standard that a century ago grew over 80,000 acres across the state; Patterson, an ideal cultivar for all-purpose canning; and blushing designer hybrids with names like Cot-n-Candy and Angel Cot.

The Budayrs' recipe calls for eight cups of cut fruit, two cups of sugar and a quarter-cup of lemon juice  notably less sweet than many jams. (Ian Bates / For The Times)

The Budayrs fundamental recipe calls for eight cups of cut fruit, two cups of sugar and a quarter-cup of lemon juice. Thats notably less sugar than many jam-makers add. Bushra nudges Amer to make the mix sweeter, but this is how he and Anna like it. (Me too.)

He had mapped out all the steps of the process in advance to demonstrate an accelerated version of his week: washing the apricots three times; seeding and cutting them, taking care to surgically carve out each fibrous center; macerating the fruit, usually for two days; boiling it in multiple pots on the stovetop; and pouring the cooking fruit into glass trays to set out in the sunshine. Amer was a researcher for part of his medical career, and it shows. He keeps a notebook detailing the steps, nuances and results of every batch.

When the sun jam's ready, Amer Budayr packs the tart-sweet preserve  jars of summer. (Ian Bates / For The Times)

I asked him how he thinks his recipe might differ from his mother's.

All I remember clearly is that they put it out to cook without cover, he said, laughing. He and Anna fiddled with meticulously taping cheesecloth in several layers over each tray for years, until Bushra began sewing covers made of cheesecloth that fit snugly over the edges.

Amer was ready for a nap after five hours of toiling, and Id seen enough. I already knew the ultimate rewards of the effort. Before I left, we talked about the ambitious corner store and wine shop Ramzi was opening in San Franciscos Dolores Heights neighborhood; he was partnering with Zack Negin of L.A.s Tabula Rasa bar and shop, located in Los Feliz and North Hollywood, respectively. (The store, named Dolores Deluxe, launched in October. Ramzis place, and occasionally Tabula Rasa Shop in NoHo, are the only retail outlets where you can buy the sun jam).

We also touched on the state of Lebanon, how his daughter Anaya and I had ended up studying with the same tutor, and the Lebanese chefs we follow on Instagram and how much they do or dont tinker with traditional foodways.

Its a completely emotional connection I think you have to the food, Amer said to me suddenly. Its very endearing, very obvious and beautiful. Its more like a native's attachment.

(Ian Bates / For The Times)

I cant own anything close to that. But there is this: While writing this story a year later, as apricot season comes late, given California's year of unruly weather, I pulled from the shelf The Synonym Finder, my favorite thesaurus. I was hoping for inspiration on other ways to describe jam and canning, and the marrow of the Budayrs dedication, and their presence in my life.







I looked up preservation. The second entry of alternates read: salvation, saving, sheltering, safekeeping, safeguarding, protection, defense, guarding, custody, watch.

Well, I thought. All these words are fitting.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
For the thousands of workers who'd never experienced upheaval in the tech sector, the recent mass layoffs at companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon and Meta came as a shock.

Now they are being courted by long-established employers whose names aren't typically synonymous with tech work, including hotel chains, retailers, investment firms, railroad companies and even the Internal Revenue Service.

All of those sectors have signaled on recruiting platforms that they are still hiring software engineers, data scientists and cybersecurity specialists despite the layoffs in Big Tech. Its a chance for them to level the playing field against tech giants that have long had their pick of the top talent with lucrative compensation, alluring perks and sheer name recognition.

No employer is making a more aggressive push than the countrys largest: the federal government, which is aiming to hire 22,000 tech workers in fiscal year 2023. Federal agencies have participated in a series of Tech to Gov job forums targeted in part at laid off workers, hoping to ease their own chronic labor shortages that have hindered efforts to strengthen cybersecurity defenses and modernize the way they deliver benefits and collect taxes.

Its a real opportunity for the federal government, said Rob Shriver deputy director of the U.S. office of Personnel Management. We have just about any tech job that anybody could possibly be interested in the federal government.

Federal, state and local government tech job postings soared 48% in the first three months of 2023 compared to the same period last year, according to an analysis by tech trade group CompTIA of data from Lightcast, a labor analytics firm. It was a sharp contrast to the 33% decrease in tech job openings during that period in the tech industry, and a 31.5% slowdown in such postings across the economy, according to CompTIA's figures.

Tech hiring reached a historic high of more than 4 million in 2022, although hiring began to fall off in the second half of the year, according to CompTIA. This year, there have been about 1.26 million tech postings between January and May, a level more on par with the pre-pandemic years, said Tim Herbert, chief research officer at CompTIA.

To be sure, the competition for tech talent remains tight, and many companies, including tech companies, are still hiring  just more slowly. The unemployment rate for tech workers is just 2%. But some who lost their jobs in Big Tech swiftly landed jobs at non-tech firms.

After Hector Garcia, 53, was laid off by Metas Facebook in November, it didnt take long for him to be snapped up by Abbott, the Chicago-based global health company, which expects to hire hundreds of software engineers, data architects and cybersecurity analysts over the next years.

I decided to go for something that I hadnt done before, said Garcia, a data architect who said he got offers from tech firms but was intrigued by the idea of working for a manufacturer that produces something tangible in medical devices.

Jonathan Johnson, CEO of online retailer Overstock, said that he has seen a 20% increase in applications for tech job openings in first quarter compared to a year ago. He also noted that its taking a shorter time to fill a spot compared to a year ago and that the quality of applicants has improved.

Theres less demand and more supply, Johnson said.

The layoffs have been especially shocking for the newest generation of workers who are too young to remember the burst of the dot-com bubble in 2000 and grew up consuming the apps and services of the big tech brands," said Christine Cruzvergara, chief education strategy officer for Handshake, a leading career site for college students and graduates.

"The volatility and layoffs of the past year rocked that image of stability and growth, Cruzvergara said.

During the September 2022-2023 school year, the share of applications by tech majors to tech companies fell by 4.4 percentage points on Handshake, compared to last year. In contrast, the share of applications by tech majors to government jobs on the platform grew by 2.5 percentage points.

Tech firms still saw a 46% increase applications from tech majors, as Handshake received more applications overall from that group. But the application to government jobs rose much faster, tripling from last year. Hospitality and health care jobs also saw an increase in applications from tech majors  18% and 82%, respectively  and their share of applicants from that pool remained steady.

Kevin Monahan, director of Carnegie Mellon Universitys Career and Professional Development Center, said he first saw a shift last fall before some of the biggest layoffs. More students returned from internships saying that tech companies werent extending job offers or return internships at that time.

Indirectly, students were able to see the writing on the wall, Monahan said.

Ly Na Nguyen, a computer science major at Columbia University, said she went off LinkedIn for a couple of weeks at the height of the layoffs because it was so disheartening to read posts from people shocked over their dismissals. Nguyen is happy to be returning to Amazon this summer for another internship, which she said has added prestige to her resume. But overtures from outside Big Tech has have grabbed her attention.

"Right now, Im super flexible, Nguyen said. Id definitely look at a government job.

In March, young tech workers from several federal agencies spoke at an online forum on Handshake about the government's urgent need to recruit new talent. Less than 7% of the federal workforce is under 30.

No one is necessarily going to strike it rich working in the government, said Chris Kuang, co-founder of the U.S. Digital Corp, a federal fellowship program for early career technologists, answering a question about pay. But he encouraged students to consider benefits such as pension plans, job stability and the possibility of working on any issue under the sun.

"In this economy, a federal job will be one of the most secure types out there, Kuang said.

The government faces plenty of competition from private sector companies making similar overtures.

Hotels and restaurants also posted slightly more tech jobs in the first quarter of 2023 compared to last year, according to CompTIA figures, as the sector emerges from the economic turmoil of the pandemic.

Hilton saw a 152% increase in applications to internships and full-time jobs from tech majors on Handshake this school year, compared to the year prior.

We do want to demystify the siloed thinking of Hey, if I want to work in tech, I have to go work at a tech firm, Hilton Chief Human Resources Officer Laura Fuentes said at Handshakes annual conference of company and higher education leaders.

____

AP Retail Writer Anne D'Innocenzio in New York contributed to this story.
Wildlife officials spent hours working with a canal company to rescue a moose trapped at the bottom of a concrete canal in Utah.

Stunning photos show the moose stuck inside a concrete triangle in South Weber, about 25 miles north of Salt Lake City.

Officials with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources didnt divulge how the moose may have gotten herself in that position, but they had to remove two concrete blocks with a backhoe to free her, according to a June 27 Facebook post.

Before removing the concrete blocks, the canal company positioned a front-end loader in the canal to guide her out.

But the strategy didnt quite work as planned, officials said.

After they removed the concrete blocks and she was no longer trapped, officials hoped the moose would use an escape ramp near the front-end loader to get out of the canal. A photo shows her standing still in the flowing canal water.

Freed moose standing in canal

So the workers drove the backhoe past the moose, and then turned it back toward her, officials said.

That was enough to scare her up the escape ramp and out of the canal. Officials let her go off on her own.

Moose in canal

In other news today Miss Monica Moose reports her day at the spa (a gift from her kids) was totally ruined by road repair crews, someone joked in the comments.

Another commenter also weighed in on the stubborn moose.

This story is part of why I will never apply for a moose tag, they said. Fair chase doesnt really apply to an animal so stubborn it will just stand there!

Protective moose stomps on Colorado man walking his dogs. Doing her job as a mom

Adventurous young moose swims to one of most remote islands in Finland, photos show

Terrified moose flees truck as driver chases it, Idaho video shows. Show some respect
MISSOULA, Mont. (AP)  A federal jury ruled Wednesday that a health clinic in a Montana town where hundreds of people have died from asbestos exposure submitted 337 false asbestos claims that made patients eligible for Medicare and other benefits they shouldn't have received.

The seven-person jury said that the fraudulent claims caused more than $1 million in damage to the government.

The case focused on the Center for Asbestos Related Disease in Libby, Montana. BNSF Railway filed a lawsuit against the clinic under the federal False Claims Act in 2019.

The railroad company owned by billionaire Warren Buffett is also a defendant in numerous lawsuits over its own role in the towns contamination. In 2020, Montanas Supreme Court found BNSF liable for shipping asbestos-tainted vermiculite from a nearby mine through Libby.

The clinic and its high-profile doctor, Brad Black, have been at the forefront of efforts to help residents of the town, which came to national prominence when it was declared a deadly Superfund site two decades ago.

The jury's finding leaves the clinic subject to additional penalties. Under the False Claims Act, the railway could be eligible for 15% to 25% of any amount recovered by the government.

CARD and its attorneys had denied it made false medical claims on behalf of patients, arguing its diagnoses were in line with requirements of the 2010 Affordable Care Act, which included special provisions for the Libby victims.

CARD was doing exactly what the law said, clinic attorney Tim Bechtold said earlier Wednesday during closing arguments that followed 11 days of testimony.

BNSFs lawsuit alleged CARD submitted more than 300 false claims on behalf of patients without getting outside confirmation that they had asbestos-related disease. The company also said 1,369 people received federal benefits with no disease diagnosis.

Dr. Black and the CARD clinic have certified more than 3,400 people with asbestos-related diseases, according to court documents.

Asbestos-related diseases can range from a thickening of a persons lung cavity, hampering breathing, to deadly cancer. Under the 2009 federal health law, victims of asbestos exposure in the Libby area are eligible for taxpayer-funded services including Medicare, housekeeping, travel to medical appointments and disability benefits for those who cant work.

Dr. Black is a pediatrician by specialty and has served as the Lincoln County Health Officer. He has previously said the ailments caused by the type of asbestos found in Libby are difficult to detect and can be missed by outside radiologists.

BNSF attorney Adam Duerk criticized Blacks stated ability to perceive early signs of asbestosis disease that others missed.

Thats not the practice of medicine, thats the practice of roulette, Duerk said. When you see it, when youre certain its there, thats when you diagnose, not before.

Former Democratic U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, of Montana, helped craft the Libby provision in the health law. He said in depositions with attorneys that the clinics practice of declaring some patients eligible for benefits without confirmation of their condition from a secondary source such as an X-ray was legitimate.

However, U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen barred Baucuss statements from the trial, saying it was the courts role to decide whether the law was followed.

At least 400 people have been killed by asbestos-related disease in the Libby area, according to health officials. Because of the long latency period for those diseases, symptoms can take decades to develop.

The tainted vermiculite came from a mine owned by the Maryland-based chemical company W.R. Grace. It polluted the Libby area over decades, including at a BNSF railway yard in the heart of the town of about 3,000 people.

Cleanup work began in 2000 after media reports of widespread health problems spurred a federal investigation. The EPA years later declared the agencys first public health emergency in the town. More than $600 million was spent to remove vermiculite from thousands of properties in Libby and surrounding communities.

Scientists say exposure to even a minuscule amount of asbestos can cause lung problems.

The case was sealed under court order for two years until the U.S. attorneys office of Montana declined to intervene. Officials have not given a reason.

Asbestos-tainted vermiculite was used as construction material in Libby and it remains inside many houses, where it was used as insulation. It was also shipped across the country by BNSF and installed in millions of homes.

Lawsuits against companies and officials over the contamination in Libby have resulted in large settlements and awards for victims.

More than 2,000 Montana residents reached settlements with the state totaling $68 million for failing to warn them about the dangers of asbestos exposure. In February 2022, a jury awarded an Oregon man $36.5 million in a lawsuit against W.R. Graces insurer.

___ This story has been corrected to show that the verdict was reached Wednesday, not Thursday.

___

Brown reported from Denver.
REDONDO BEACH, California  Sea mammal rescue organizations in Southern California are declaring an emergency due to deadly toxic algae bloom making marine mammals sick.



Hundreds of dead sea lions and dolphins are washing up from the Pacific Ocean, and sick sea lions are filling up every available space at marine mammal rescues.

Marine scientists say the toxic algae bloom produces the neurotoxin "domoic acid," which makes its way through the food chain to small fish and squid, which dolphins and sea lions eat.



When consumed, the neurotoxin can kill sea mammals or they wash on shore very sick with seizures.

Marine Mammal Care Center CEO John Warner said the toxic algae problem is twofold.



"In Los Angeles County, everyone knows its summertime, and many people are out on the beaches, which causes a real human safety issue," Warner said. "But its also very stressful on the animals, so the timing is not perfect at all. And we currently have so many animals showing up on the beaches that our hospital is full."

Dr. Alissa Deming, left, and veterinarian assistant Malena Berndt, give anti-seizure medicine to a California Sea Lion named Patsy in a recovery room at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach after it was found in Huntington Beach having seizures from toxic algae blooms Tuesday, June 20, 2023. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Unfortunately, the dolphins dont usually make it after washing up, but marine biologists can care for sea lions by giving them an IV if they can get them to a care center. If they make it in time, sea lions can recover after a few days.

Scientists say that this bloom is a significant event, and its overwhelming some organizations that rescue sick marine mammals.

The Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro is building more pens because of the influx of sick sea lions.

KILLER WHALES SPOTTED SWIMMING OFF NANTUCKET IN UNUSUAL SIGHT IN NEW ENGLAND WATERS

Toxic algae blooms regularly occur, but scientists say this latest bloom is caused by a seasonal upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich ocean water triggered by wind patterns.

Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System Executive Director Dr. Clarissa Anderson said scientists don't know how bad the bloom is or where it originated.

"It appears to be an offshore event, not a nearshore event," Anderson said. "In my career, this is about the worst Ive seen in terms of the impact on the marine mammal community in a small localized area in Central California to Southern California."

Anyone who sees a sick animal at the beach should not approach it and instead alert a lifeguard or local authorities.
CONCORD, N.H.  No one can force Donald Trump to debate  except, maybe, Donald Trump.

The Republican National Committee can't do it. Neither can Fox News. Nor can the set of his advisers who think he should match up with his GOP rivals on a stage in Milwaukee in August.

Most of all, none of those rivals are close enough to Trump in polling to make him feel it's necessary. Arguably, like any front-runner, he has more to lose than gain from a debate.

"He is not going to debate unless hes forced to by changing polling," said a person who has encouraged Trump to take the stage. "I disagree with it, but it is where he is."

Donald Trump Speaks At The New Hampshire Federation Of Republican Women Lilac Luncheon (Scott Eisen / Getty Images)

All of that helps explain why, in interviews with more than a half-dozen advisers, it was clear that  even in his private conversations  Trump is leaning heavily toward skipping that first debate.

Trump is also exploring options for counterprogramming during the first debate, according to people familiar with his deliberations.

Trump's absence would deprive the RNC, Fox News and GOP primary voters of the Republican Party's most compelling  and most powerful  figure. And Trump knows he can keep attention on himself by making his appearance conditional, at best.

Ripping Fox for failing to cover him as he would like, Trump suggested on his Truth Social media platform that the cable network wants him to "show up and get them ratings." Noting his big edge  he has a 29 percentage-point advantage over second-place Ron DeSantis in the latest NBC News polling  he criticized Fox for wanting him to participate while trying to "promote, against all hope," the DeSantis campaign.

"Sorry, FoxNews, life doesn't work that way!!!" he concluded.

And still, there are voices in his ear that say that he should jump onto the stage  and that, in the end, he wont be able to resist the allure of being in the spotlight.

"He shops opinions with everyone and will get, like, 100 different opinions," an adviser said. "He wants to know what everyone thinks but will ultimately do what he wants to do. In general, he is asking everyone, from the bellman to [RNC Chair] Ronna McDaniel."

Trump hasn't made a final decision, the adviser said, "but if he does not debate, I doubt he's staying home."

In early 2016, Trump was a no-show at the final Republican debate before the Iowa caucuses. Instead, he held a fundraiser for veterans. He ended up losing Iowa narrowly but won the GOP nomination and the presidency.

It's possible that Trump would be the center of a Republican debate in absentia, as he has been the main topic of discussion for the party for most of the last eight years. He might also stand to benefit if the rest of the field turns its fire on DeSantis, the governor of Florida, to knock him from the second-place perch.

Either way, several advisers said they don't see much incentive for Trump to mix it up with candidates far below him in the polls.

"Why would he elevate the likes of Ada Hutchinson?" a top aide said, using the misnomer Trump deploys for former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson.

There is another consideration: RNC rules require debate participants to pledge to support the party's nominee in the general election. Trump ultimately agreed to do that in 2016 and then backtracked. He has long held open the threat that he wouldn't endorse a candidate who defeated him for the nomination.

Some of the other candidates, including Hutchinson, former Rep. Will Hurd of Texas and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, have either said they wouldn't back Trump or criticized the loyalty oath.

Christie called the pledge a "useless idea" in an interview this month on CNN, arguing that Republicans should be willing to support their nominee without turning it into a blood oath.

Its only the era of Donald Trump that you need somebody to sign something on a pledge, Christie said. So I think its a bad idea.

But it isn't clear they will surpass the donor and polling thresholds the RNC has set for candidates to earn spots on the stage. Candidates must sign pledges only after they have qualified for debates, said a person familiar with the rules.

What matters most for Trump and his rivals, though, is what voters think about his participation  or absence. Interviews in New Hampshire, which holds the second nominating contest and the first primary in the country, suggest there are mixed views among Trump's supporters and detractors.

"I'm not concerned about him not debating," Matt Poulin, an insurance company owner and Trump fan from Bow, said in Concord on Tuesday. "I would like to see him debate, and he has a lot of good information, and he's getting better at it."

Carla Gericke, a leader of the libertarian-minded Free State Project, said it's up to Trump.

"Trump has an advantage in the sense that he has been president. People know what his track record is, and they know he can put up a good show," said Gericke, an undecided GOP primary voter who, like Poulin, was in line to see Trump speak at the Federation of Republican Women's Lilac Luncheon.

In Hollis, where DeSantis spoke to voters Thursday, sentiments ran the gamut.

The American people  especially the Republican Party and the Republican voters  are entitled to see that head-to-head sort of thing," said Scott Maltzie, a Concord-area Republican primary voter who backed Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida in 2016 and says DeSantis is his first choice now.

"I mean, hes kind of going in there assuming that hes got this nomination locked up," Maltzie said of Trump. "Well, the Republican Partys not about coronations. Were about making people prove what they stand for, and hes got a lot of questions that he needs to answer for, and a debate stage could be a perfect place to do that.

But Bob Beckett, who passed out business cards identifying himself as a GOP primary voter in the first-in-the-nation state, said after the DeSantis event in Hollis that hed prefer not to see Trump on the debate stage.

I think hed be a distraction, said Beckett, who voted for Jeb Bush in the 2016 primary and is leaning toward Christie this time. Trumps not a policy guy.
Members of the Wagner Group preparing to return to their base in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, on Saturday. (Arkady Budnitsky/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Two days after the Wagner Groups stunning, short-lived rebellion inside Russia seemingly ended in a deal that saw the mercenaries boss, Yevgeny Prigozhin, fly to exile in Belarus, more questions than answers remain.

According to Russian state media, all charges against those involved in the uprising have now been dropped. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who delivered a brief, combative speech Monday, called Wagner militants patriots, and said they were led by the nose into coming within a few hours drive from Moscow by traitors.

Whatever the outcome of the brief standoff between Putin and Prigozhin, however, there is one beneficiary of Russian soldiers shooting at each other: Ukraine.

As Wagner forces pushed hundreds of miles through Russia on Saturday, the Russian Air Force suffered its worst day in Ukraine in months, losing six helicopters and an airborne command post in a few hours. Additionally, anywhere from 10,000 to 25,000 Wagner mercenaries look poised to leave the battlefield in Ukraine for the foreseeable future just as Kyiv has launched its springtime counteroffensive.

All in all, its obviously good for Ukraine, Timothy Snyder, professor of history at Yale University and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, said on Monday. Just how good for Ukraine remains to be seen.

3 options

Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Tuesday. (Mikhail Tereshchenko/Sputnik/Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Wagner mercenaries have been a significant source of offensive power for Russia since the beginning of Putins special military operation in February 2022. Their most notable success was the capture of the city of Bakhmut, after a horrific campaign of street-to-street fighting that resulted in tens of thousands dead and wounded since December of last year, according to U.S. estimates.

Having recruited prisoners from Russian jails on six-month contracts who were then sent to the most dangerous areas of the front, Wagner often used them in suicidal human-wave-style assaults on Ukrainian positions. In an interview with Yahoo News in April, Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the Ukrainian military intelligence agency, said Wagner was the only game in town: Even the convicts they recruit from Russian prisons are being trained to serve, and that is why the results are a lot better than what normal regular army have. They are our enemy, but we need to admit that they are an enemy youre not ashamed of.

Putin has now given Wagner fighters three options: Sign a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense and become a member of the regular army; lay down arms and retire from the battlefield altogether; or follow Prigozhin into exile in Belarus.

For months, Wagners social media channels have followed their bosss lead in disparaging Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. Wagner fighters have enjoyed higher salaries than regulars in the Russian military and greater degrees of operational freedom. They also espouse a cult-like esprit de corps, with Prigozhin seen as their undisputed leader. Research conducted by Ukrainian organizations have found that Wagner fighters call Prigozhin batya, Russian for dad or father, in conversation, and openly mock mobilized or contract soldiers in the ministry. When Wagner finally declared victory in Bakhmut, its soldiers raised their own flag rather than that of Russia.

Perhaps the biggest question now is whether these men will go quietly into retirement or head for new digs in Minsk, where, according to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, theyll have to pay for their own upkeep. Either way, they will likely be less of a problem for Kyiv.

Paying the bills

Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin leaves Southern Military District headquarters as his group pulls out from the city of Rostov-on-Don, Russia, on Saturday. (Alexander Ermochenko/Reuters)

Prigozhin remains a wildcard, however. A street thug who spent almost a decade behind bars before reinventing himself as a hot dog merchant turned catering magnate, he formerly drew the most international attention for his role in influencing the 2016 U.S. presidential election  a Russian-backed operation he once denied to the point of litigation, but now happily claims credit for. The financier and founder of the Internet Research Agency, the so-called troll farm set up in his native St. Petersburg, Prigozhin has been repeatedly sanctioned and indicted in the U.S., where Wagner is now considered a transnational criminal organization.

Since its creation in 2014, following Russias first invasion of Ukraine, Wagner has deployed in a host of foreign countries, including Syria, where it squared off against U.S. forces in 2018. It has also committed documented atrocities, including rape and mass murder, in a number of African countries. It has punished its own comrades who have been captured on the battlefield by the Ukrainian Army, and traded back in prison exchanges, by smashing in their heads with sledgehammers, a tool that has become a proud symbol of Wagners uncompromising brutality.

Putin, meanwhile, has been clear about who pays Wagners bills.

We fully financed this group from the federal budget, he announced in a Tuesday press conference. Just from May 22 until May 23 the state paid Wagner companies 86,262,000,000 rubles [$1 billion] for cash support and incentive payments.

But given the schism between Prigozhin and Putin, that flow of money could soon be cut off, degrading Wagners capabilities.

If Wagner loses Russian government support, its ability to recruit, and many of its current members, it won't be the same organization, Rob Lee, senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, wrote Tuesday on Twitter.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)  The U.S. Department of Justice on Wednesday announced it will be funneling more resources toward addressing the alarming rate of disappearances and killings among Native Americans.

As part of a new outreach program, the agency will dispatch five attorneys and five coordinators to several regions around the country to help with investigations of unsolved cases and related crimes.

Their reach will span from New Mexico and Arizona to Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Michigan and Minnesota.

Attorney General Merrick Garland acknowledged that the crisis has shattered the lives of victims, their families and entire tribal communities.

"The Justice Department will continue to accelerate our efforts, in partnership with tribes, to keep their communities safe and pursue justice for American Indian and Alaska Native families, Garland said in a statement.

The announcement came as a special commission gathered in Albuquerque for one of its final field hearings as it works to develop recommendations on improving the response from law enforcement and coordination within local, state, tribal and federal justice systems.

The commission started its meeting with a prayer and a moment of silence as four colorful skirts were displayed at the front of the room in honor of those who have gone missing or have been trafficked or killed.

Some commission members read the names of victims to be remembered, including Ashlynne Mike, an 11-year-old Navajo girl who was abducted, sexually assaulted and murdered in northwestern New Mexico in 2016.

With seemingly insurmountable jurisdictional challenges, members of the federal commission have a difficult task ahead. Over the next three days, they will be listening to more heartbreaking stories from Native American families who have had loved ones vanish or turn up dead.

The goals of the 37-member commission include tracking and reporting data on missing-person, homicide and human trafficking cases and increasing information sharing with tribal governments on violent crimes investigations and other prosecutions on Indian lands.

Aside from making recommendations to the Interior and Justice departments, the commission also is tasked with boosting resources for survivors and victims families, such as providing access to social workers and counselors.

Elizabeth Hidalgo Reese, a member of Nambe Pueblo and senior policy advisor for Native American affairs at the White House, acknowledged the emotional toll that comes from victims and families sharing their stories.

We need to understand this problem from every angle, we need to explore every possible solution," she said at the start of Wednesday's hearing. So we do need to hear from all of you.

Leanne Guy, the founding executive director for the Southwest Indigenous Womens Coalition, was among the commissioners who said they repeatedly hear about frustrations that stem from families not having any communication with law enforcement about the status of their loved ones' cases.

Guy's sister-in-law, Laverda Sorrell, vanished more than 20 years ago. Her family has seen federal agents come and go and no new leads despite rewards being offered.

Guy, who is Navajo, said she's hopeful the recommendations that come from the commission's painstaking work will transcend politics and presidential administrations.

How we put this together will be very, very critical, she said. We don't want it to just sit on the shelf. We're hoping this creates meaningful change because we've been dealing with this crisis forever. We need to figure out how to move forward."

Fellow commissioner Patricia Whitefoot of the Yakama Nation broke down in tears recounting the difficulties she had getting information about her sister's case over the decades. Daisy Mae Heath disappeared in 1987, and it wasn't until recently that DNA tests confirmed that remains found in a remote area of the reservation in 2008 were hers.

It's difficult to say how angry you are about all of that and the anger that family members may carry, Whitefoot said.

The state, federal and tribal law enforcement agents and lawmakers who made up the panels talked about challenges with recruiting, retention and funding. They also pointed to a lack of training when peppered with questions by the commission.

Commissioner Amber Kanazbah Crotty, who also serves on the Navajo Nation Council, said it's not only a law enforcement challenge but one that involves sustainable funding for public health services that could help prevent violence within communities.

How do we provide those wrap-around services?" she asked the panelists. "These are very complicated questions that I'm asking you. But this is a complicated crisis.
(Reuters) -The United States is considering new restrictions on exports of artificial intelligence chips to China, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Shares of Nvidia fell more than 2%, while Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) fell about 1.5% on the news in extended trading.

The Commerce Department will stop the shipments of chips made by Nvidia and other chip companies to customers in China as early as July, the report said.

Nvidia, Micron, and AMD are among the U.S. chipmakers caught in the crossfire between China and the Biden administration.

In September, Nvidia had said that U.S. officials asked the company to stop exporting two top computing chips for artificial intelligence work to China.

Months later, Jensen Huang-led Nvidia said it will offer a new advanced chip called the A800 in China to meet export control rules. The company also tweaked its flagship H100 chip early this year to comply with regulations.

But the new curbs being mulled by the department would ban the sale of even A800 chips without a special U.S. export license, the report added.

The Commerce Department did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

(Reporting by Granth Vanaik and Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel and Shweta Agarwal)
North Carolina has become the epicenter of gerrymandering lawsuits, and on Tuesday all eyes were on the Supreme Court as the justices told the states Republican lawmakers that they arent as independent as they want to be.

Justices released an opinion Tuesday in a case known as Moore v. Harper on whether lawmakers could change and create election laws without oversight from the courts.

The Elections Clause does not insulate state legislatures from the ordinary exercise of state judicial review, the opinion said.

The 65-page document left people interpreting legalese and asking a lot of questions. We try to answer them here:

What is Moore v. Harper?

Moore v. Harper is a case that came before the U.S. Supreme Court following the 2020 census and is considered one of the most high-profile elections cases in recent history due to its potential impact on voting laws.

North Carolinas Republican leaders argued that the state legislature had nearly absolute authority when it came to creating and changing federal election laws, after being sued for creating a congressional map that was ruled as having been unfairly drawn to give Republicans the advantage.

Why is it important?

Had the U.S. Supreme Court sided with Republican lawmakers, it could have given state legislators total discretion to create and change election laws without checks and balances from state courts.

What did the US Supreme Court decide?

The U.S. Supreme Court opined in a 6-3 decision that the independent state legislature theory floated by North Carolina Republicans is incorrect and that they are still held to judicial scrutiny.

What does it mean for NC Supreme Courts decision?

In February, the N.C. Supreme Court, after a Republican majority of justices were elected to the bench, reversed its own ruling and said that lawmakers could create maps as they saw fit, without court-imposed restrictions on partisan gerrymandering.

The previous state Supreme Court, led by Democrats prior to the 2022 elections, had ruled a map as unconstitutional because it had been gerrymandered to give Republicans an unfair advantage.

Tuesdays ruling doesnt undo the state-level decisions, so lawmakers will continue to have a free hand as long as they have a favorable N.C. Supreme Court. The U.S. Supreme Court has left decisions about partisan gerrymandering to the states.

However, Catawba College political science professor Michael Bitzer noted that the U.S. justices have said in a recent Alabama redistricting case that racial gerrymandering in elections will still be heard before the countrys highest court.

They can use partisanship, but they have to be careful with race, Bitzer said. And herein lies the dilemma, particularly in the South, of trying to tease out race in politics. Its pretty much a no-win situation.

Bitzer said in the South, Black voters overwhelmingly vote Democrat, while white voters have moved toward the Republican Party. So in North Carolina, lawmakers have to be careful about racial gerrymandering, which can trigger a potential for a federal lawsuit.

I think where we will be looking at the maps will be about the issue of race rather than politics, Bitzer said.

What does this mean for NC congressional districts?

North Carolinas U.S. House districts are currently held by seven Democrats and seven Republicans.

Bitzer says he expects to see lawmakers draw a new congressional map that gives Republicans 10 seats and Democrats four. That leaves three Democrats at risk of losing their seats.

Who is at risk?

Bitzer thinks that the most at risk would be Rep. Kathy Manning, a Democrat from Greensboro, Rep. Wiley Nickel, a Democrat from Cary and Rep. Jeff Jackson, a Democrat from Charlotte.

Nickel currently sits in North Carolinas only true swing district on its current map, as drawn by an independent mapmaker by order of the court.

Jackson and Manning are in districts that could easily be diluted with Republican voters from surrounding rural areas.

Part of the question is what do they do with Don Daviss district, Bitzer said. And therein lies the race issue.

Davis, a Democrat from Snow Hill, represents the 1st Congressional District, and took over the seat from longtime Rep. G.K. Butterfield, who retired after saying Republicans had racially gerrymandered his district to dilute Black voices.

I think Don Davis was a district, from what Ive kind of read and seen after the Alabama case, his district may be a little more safe than what it was, Bitzer said. Just because the court has kind of laid a line down to say, you know, were still going to be involved in this issue of race and redistricting.

Davis, Jackson and Nickel have all been named targets of the National Republican Congressional Committee as holding seats the campaign group wants to flip red in the 2024 elections.

What does this mean for the state races?

I think the three Democrats in particular may have to look for other opportunities, Bitzer said.

Several statewide elections are open, with no incumbents, which could appeal to any members of Congress shut out of running for reelection.

When does North Carolina plan to redraw districts?

On Tuesday, shortly after the opinion dropped, House Speaker Tim Moore reiterated to The News & Observer that hes looking at September or October to redraw the congressional districts.

Bitzer said this timeline allows the lawmakers to pass maps just before the candidate filing deadline, which could mean the courts would deal with any lawsuits after next years elections.

Candidate filing for statewide offices begins at noon on Dec. 4.
The United States will blow out 247 birthday candles this year, but many Americans arent in a celebratory mood.

Polls show there is little excitement about the 2024 presidential front-runners and there is a lingering alarm about U.S. institutions.

In all, 7 out of 10 Americans agree with the statement that American democracy is "imperiled," according to a new USA TODAY/Suffolk University poll ahead of Independence Day.

The fallout from the Jan. 6 insurrection coupled with concerns about the rise of artificial intelligence and other barriers to the ballot box has many Americans biting their nails and asking whether the state of democracy can be improved as the country hurtles into another presidential election that promises to be even more divisive.

What happens next will largely be decided by the results of the election and other down-ballot races. To get ready, more states are taking steps to expand the vote and protect poll workers in 2023 compared with states working to make it harder to vote, according to expert analysis. Legislators and other advocates say those shifts represent a vibrant and growing pro-democracy movement.

On July 4, 2020, anti-4th of July activist rally at Madison Square Park in Manhattan, New York. The event was organized by Freedom March NYC, a protest group civil rights organization organized by young Black women leading non-violent protests.

Why are Americans losing faith in democracy?

In the past two election cycles, the fundamentals of democracy have faced significant threats, fueled largely by persistent lies from former President Donald Trump and his allies about whether he truly lost the 2020 contest (he did, according to Republican and Democratic election leaders across the nation).

Those denials ignited a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, but also fueled a number of states to pursue more restrictive voting laws in the name of election security. In the months that followed, hundreds of election deniers were inspired to seek public office, and although many failed to win they remain a part of the national conversation.

Pro-democracy advocates point to those losses in the 2022 midterm election as a sign of how seriously voters take the health of the nation's democracy.

"In recent elections, the majority of the people have sent a clear message: they wholly reject anti-democratic election denialism and want their basic rights protected, former Attorney General Eric Holder, who has spearheaded a Democratic-led initiative on redistricting, told USA TODAY.

They want a truly representative democracy and the rights that should come with that."

Voting rights depend largely on 'where you live'

At least 13 states have enacted about 15 restrictive voting rights laws in total this year, according to the Brennan Center for Justice, a nonpartisan policy group. Seven laws seek to curb access to mail voting, for instance, which was popular during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

After the 2020 elections, 14 states passed 22 restrictive laws in 2021.

"Where we're heading in terms of our democracy and voting rights depends a lot on which state you're in and increasingly, where you live rather than everybody in America having the same experience," said Sean Morales-Doyle, director of the Brennan Center's Voting Rights division.

At the same time, legislators in 15 states took steps this year toward expanding voting rights. Of those, 23 measures made ballot access safer and easier, such as automatic voter registration, restoring voting rights for people upon their release from prison and imposing criminal penalties for intimidating poll workers, who saw a rise in threats.

Established automatic voter registration

Created permanent absentee voting status

Required voting instructions in multiple languages

Empowered voters  not corporations or special interests



Today we put up a firewall to keep Minnesotas elections safe, free, and fair. pic.twitter.com/Cn8qOhcLxI  Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) May 5, 2023

Minnesota, armed with a new Democratic "trifecta" in control of its state government, passed some of the most progressive voting laws in the country this year. It implemented automatic voter registration for residents once they turn 18, allowed pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds and created a permanent absentee voter list that sends a ballot to residents who sign up.

"The violent insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, really shocked the conscience of many voters," Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman told USA TODAY. "What we found on the campaign trail, both in anecdotal stories from door knocking and from the data we collected from polling, was that voters were really concerned about our democracy in light of those incidents."

Republicans and Democrats are worried about future of American democracy

The health of U.S. democracy is something Americans agree about across the board, according to the USA TODAY/Suffolk University poll. It shows 74% of Democrats agree that "democracy is imperiled." About 75% of Republicans agree and 66% of independents.

"This question does not cut off on political party," said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center. "In fact, it's a validation that all political factions, whether you're in the left, right or in the middle, feel that democracy is imperiled, and that's pretty powerful."

Larry Skinner, 72, a retired financial analyst and longtime Republican supporter from Riverside, California, said he remembers when President Ronald Reagan "worked well" with Democratic Speaker Tip O'Neill in the 1980s to get legislation passed in Congress. These days, Skinner, who has been married for 54 years and has three adult children and nine grandchildren. said there is "no road to compromise" between the political parties.

Skinner would like to see less of politicians "from both parties making statements that clearly are not accurate. That makes so sense to me."

Patrice Jackson, 48, a public school teacher for 18 years and GOP supporter from Chester, Pennsylvania, also said she wants less contentiousness in Washington.

"Can we please try to be more kind to one another, regardless of your party affiliation?" Jackson asks. "Can we reprioritize and focus on what the important issues are?"

First-term New Hampshire State Rep. Angie Brennan is a Democrat in a state that has a high concentration of registered independent voters. Strengthening the nation's democracy heavily depends on voter participation by removing barriers to the ballot box and proposing measures such as no-excuse absentee voting to ensure their constitutional rights, Brennan said.

"We all have a responsibility to fight for the future of our democracy," she said. "Its going to take all of us coming together to increase access and opportunities to vote. The future of our democracy depends on hope, humanity, and hard work, and Im not giving up on any of that."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Democracy in America: Doubt, fears grow as country celebrates July 4th
Wisdom O. Cole, NAACP National Director of Youth & College, led chants with others outside the White House on Tuesday for student loan debt relief.

President Bidens student debt forgiveness plan will finally see an end to its months-long limbo in the courts this week.

With repayments set to start again in October after a years-long pandemic-related pause, the Supreme Courts forthcoming ruling on the legality of Bidens proposal is the last piece of the student loan puzzle, offering a clearer landscape moving forward.

Many borrowers are fearful as the conservative-majority Supreme Court, which could make its decision known as soon as Tuesday morning, seemed skeptical of Bidens plan during oral arguments in February.

Generally, I hope that no matter what happens with this Supreme Court decision, that our decisionmakers keep talking about options when it comes to providing student debt relief, Sabrina Golling, a 27-year-old student loan borrower, told The Hill on Monday.

No plan to reduce or eliminate student debt will be perfect, and no plan could ever benefit everyone the same amount, but we should not let the perfect get in the way of the good when it comes to trying to limit the impact of these debt burdens. I am not overly hopeful that this attempt will pass, but I am hopeful that we can keep talking about the possibilities as time moves on, since this problem isnt going away any time soon, she added.

The justices heard two cases against the forgiveness plan, one brought by two individual student loan borrowers and another from six Republican attorneys general.

The justices first must decide whether the challengers have standing, meaning the right to sue the government over the plan. The plaintiffs must pass this bar to even have the case considered, at which point the court will determine if the government has the power to implement the proposal.

While Democrats have tried to maintain an optimistic tone, even Biden himself has shown skepticism at the idea the Supreme Court will rule in his favor.

Im confident were on the right side of the law. Im not confident about the outcome of the decision yet, he said in March.

Advocates found a bit of hope Friday after the court released an 8-1 decision in a case where two Republican states tried to challenge the Biden administration on immigration policy. The high court ruled against the two states, saying they did not have standing to sue.

If the plan is ruled legal, the timeline of events is a bit unclear.

Last year, the Education Department released an easy two-minute form for borrowers to fill out to apply for debt relief: up to $10,000 for most borrowers and up to $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients.

Around 26 million people filled out the form while it was up, and more than 16 million were approved for relief before a court order forced the administration to take down the application.

It is unknown how quickly things would move if the court lets the plan stand, but the department has previously said it is ready to put its application back online and has already sent the information of those approved for relief to their loan servicers.

Advocates will also be pushing for the deadline for the application to be extended since borrowers were supposed to have from last fall to the end of 2023 to apply before the plan got held up in the court system.

If the plan is struck down, borrowers can expect no relief, while interest on their loans restarts Sep. 1 and payments resume Oct. 1.

Republicans have been pushing for this outcome, arguing for months the $400 billion plan is unfair to those who never went to college or who paid off their student loans without assistance.

Moreover, this administration is bypassing Congress, which is elected by the American people to protect their interests, Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., the chairwoman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, previously said. Congress is the only body with the authority to enact sweeping and fundamental changes of this nature, and it is ludicrous for President Biden to assume he can simply bypass the will of the American people.

The president would find himself in a bind as $10,000 in student debt relief was one of his signature campaign promises, and the administration has refused to disclose if a backup plan is in place to deliver on his word.

Black borrowers are disproportionately impacted by student loan debt, and with payments starting back potentially in October, we need to make it very clear that regardless of what happens with this SCOTUS decision, we have to make sure student debt cancellation happens because the Black voters, Black borrowers are the ones who are going to benefit the most, Satra Taylor, director of higher education and workforce policy at Young Invincibles, told The Hill during a rally outside the White House last week.

Regardless of the outcome, borrowers should be preparing for student loan payments to resume this fall.

While student loan advocates had been hoping they could push for another extension, Biden, as part of the bipartisan deal on raising the debt ceiling with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, promised payments would restart this fall regardless of the Supreme Courts decision.

Updated at 3:10 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Americans are saving for retirement at record rates driven in large measure by the growing number of employers automatically enrolling them in workplace 401(k) plans and workers automatically boosting the percentage they contribute each year.

Market volatility aside, 4 in 10 workers increased the percentage of their paycheck they set aside in their 401(k) account last year, compared with 9% of savers who slashed their contributions and 2% who stopped, according to the new How America Saves 2023 report by Vanguard.

Read more: High-yield savings account vs. investing: Which is right for you?

In 2022, more than 8 in 10 Americans who were eligible for an employers voluntary 401(k) retirement plan were enrolled. Since 2013, this measure has increased by eight percentage points. And in spite of inflation, worries about a recession, and rising interest rates, theyre setting aside, on average, 7.4% of their income, a record high, up slightly from 7% in 2018, the report found.

When you combine both employee and employer contributions, the average total savings contribution rate in 2022 was 11.3%. Two-thirds of participants ponied up enough to receive the full employer matching contribution, which averaged 6.8% of pay last year, according to the Vanguard research.

"We certainly can't overlook the significant impact that automatic solutions have had on record-high plan participation," David Stinnett, Vanguards head of strategic retirement consulting, told Yahoo Finance.

He added that automatic enrollment and automatic increased contribution rates make it easier for "plan participants to bypass inertia, procrastination, and the perceived complex decision making that often discourages long-term saving."

Vanguard

The analysis was pulled from Vanguards roughly 1,700 qualified plans, 1,400 clients, and nearly 5 million retirement plan participants. Here are some more highlights:

Account balances dropped

The news wasn't as cheery in terms of account balances. On average, in 2022, Americans had $112,572 saved up for retirement in a 401(k) plan, down 20% from a year earlier, the data showed. The median balance  half were above, half below  was $27,376 at the end of the year, a 23% decrease.

Of course, theres an explanation for that hefty drop-off. All three major stock markets had steep declines in 2022. So no surprise, the average total personal investment returns for participants were down around 16% for the one-year period ended December 31, 2022, according to the report. The three-year return, however, was 2.1% and 4.2% for the five-year period ending December 31, 2022.

Impact of auto-enrollment

Almost 60% of all Vanguards plans and more than three-quarters of plans with at least 1,000 participants automatically enroll new employees in the savings plan unless they take action to opt out. Plans with auto-enrollment had a 93% participation rate, compared with a participation rate of 70% for plans with voluntary enrollment.

The upshot: Employees who worked for companies that have auto-enrollment plans saved more  an average of 11% of their paycheck  including both employee and employer contributions. Employees who had to make their own decision to enroll in a plan saved an average of 8% of their paycheck when combined with their employers match.

Target funds

A large majority (83%) of Vanguard plan participants invested their retirement savings in target-date funds last year. Target-date strategies are a set-it-and-forget-it way to invest savings based on the date of retirement, say, 2035 or 2045. At that point, the fund will gradually shift an accounts investments from stocks to more fixed-income and less risky choices, such as cash and bonds, as you age.

Nearly 6 in 10 employees enrolled in one of Vanguards 401(k) plans were invested in a single target-date fund in 2022, nearly twice as many as in 2013. The spectacular jump signals a shift in responsibility for investment decision-making away from the participant and toward employer-selected investment and advice programs, said researchers.

Despite all the noise about women not being engaged with investing, in 2022, at all income levels, women were more likely than men to join their employer's retirement plan, according to the How America Saves 2023 report, compiled by the investment management company Vanguard. (Getty Creative)

Plan participation rates differ by age, pay, and tenure

Participation rates were lowest for employees younger than 25 (62%), while a sizable 8 in 10 employees between ages 35 and 64 set funds aside in their 401(k)s. (Workers under age 25, meanwhile, set aside 5.2% of income, while those ages 55 to 64 deferred nearly twice as much, averaging 8.7% of income.)

Time on the job matters. Two-thirds of eligible employees with less than two years on the job participated in their employers plan, while nearly 9 in 10 workers with four or more years were saving in their 401(k).

And despite all the noise about women not being engaged with investing, at all income levels, women were more likely than men to join their employers plan. For example, a whopping 89% of women earning $50,000 to $74,999 participated in their employers plan  compared with 84% of men in the same income group.

Meantime, and not surprisingly, the percentage of income invested in employer retirement accounts is directly related to pay, according to Vanguard.

Last year, workers with incomes of less than $30,000 set aside 4.7%-5.5% of their paychecks, while those earning $75,000 to $99,999 saved 8.2%. Those earning between $100,000 and $149,999 invested 9.2% in their account.

Vanguard

Loans dipped; hardship withdrawals are up

In all, 12% of participants had a loan outstanding in 2022. The good news: Thats down from 13% in 2021 and 15% in 2017. The average loan balance was about $10,500. If permitted by the plan, employees can borrow up to 50% of their 401(k) balance (up to a maximum of $50,000).

Hardship cash outs, however, were on the rise. In 2022, 2.8% of 401(k) plan participants took a hardship withdrawal, a record high, up from 2.1% in 2021 and 1.9% in 2018, according to Vanguard. More than a third (36%) of hardship withdrawals were used to avoid a home foreclosure or eviction, up from 31% of withdrawals in 2021. One in 3 hardship withdrawals were for medical expenses.

Given the economic headwinds of 2022, the increase in hardship withdrawals may signal that some households faced additional financial stress, said researchers.

And taking money from your retirement income has an extra sting beyond depleting your accounts. You must pay income tax on any previously untaxed money you receive as a hardship distribution, according to IRS rules. You may also have to pay an additional 10% tax unless you're 59 or older. And you may not be able to contribute to your account for six months after you receive the hardship distribution.

Kerry Hannon is a Senior Reporter and Columnist at Yahoo Finance. She is a workplace futurist, a career and retirement strategist and the author of 14 books, including "In Control at 50+: How to Succeed in The New Work of Work" and "Never Too Old To Get Rich." Follow her on Twitter @kerryhannon.

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Washington  The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a controversial theory that would have given state lawmakers unfettered power to set the rules for federal elections in their states, ruling that the so-called "independent state legislative theory" is inconsistent with the Constitution.

In declining to embrace the idea, which stems from an interpretation of the Constitution's Elections Clause, the court left in place a key check on state lawmakers' authority over how federal elections in their states are conducted and their drawing of congressional maps.

The decision is a major victory for voting rights advocates, who feared that a ruling adopting the independent legislature theory would wreak havoc on election systems, and allow state legislatures to operate unchecked when setting federal election rules and drawing voting lines.

Chief Justice John Roberts authored the opinion for the 6-3 majority in the case known as Moore v. Harper, which stems from a dispute in North Carolina. The court ruled that the Supreme Court has jurisdiction to review an opinion by the North Carolina Supreme Court against state Republican officials, and said the Constitution's Elections Clause does not grant exclusive and independent authority in state legislatures to set the rules regarding federal elections.

"State courts retain the authority to apply state constitutional restraints when legislatures act under the power conferred upon them by the Elections Clause," Roberts wrote. He was joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Brett Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett and Ketanji Brown Jackson.

"The Elections Clause does not insulate state legislatures from the ordinary exercise of state judicial review," Roberts wrote. The Elections Clause states: "the Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof."

Though the court concluded that the clause "does not exempt state legislatures from the ordinary constraints imposed by state law," Roberts noted that state courts "do not have free rein."

"We hold only that state courts may not transgress the ordinary bounds of judicial review such that they arrogate to themselves the power vested in state legislatures to regulate federal elections," the chief justice wrote, meaning that state courts can't overstep and assume the powers granted to the legislatures under the Constitution.

Justices Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch and Samuel Alito dissented, with Thomas writing for the trio that the question before the Supreme Court was moot and the case should be dismissed.

Vice President Kamala Harris reiterated the Biden administration's efforts to secure access to the ballot box and urged Congress to pass legislation that protects voting rights.

"Voting is the bedrock of our democracy," she said in a statement. "Today's decision preserves state courts' critical role in safeguarding elections and protecting the voice and the will of the American people. We know that more work must to be done to protect the fundamental right to vote and to draw fair maps that reflect the diversity of our communities and our nation."

Abha Khanna, a lawyer who represented the North Carolina plaintiffs, cheered the Supreme Court's decision as a win for free and fair elections.

"In its most extreme form, the Independent State Legislature Theory could have weakened the foundation of our democracy, removing a crucial check on state legislatures and making it easier for rogue legislators to enact policies that suppress voters and subvert elections without adequate oversight from state court," she said in a statement. "We are incredibly relieved that the Supreme Court decisively rejected this dangerous theory."

The theory that state legislatures have exclusive authority to set presidential and congressional elections rules without oversight from state courts lay largely dormant for more than 15 years. The concept regained attention after the 2020 presidential election, when then-President Donald Trump's allies raised it as part of efforts to reverse the outcome.

Moore v. Harper arose from the redrawing of North Carolina's congressional map by state Republican legislative leaders after the 2020 Census. The state supreme court invalidated the voting boundaries, finding in a February 2022 decision that they were an unconstitutional partisan gerrymander.

After a state trial court rejected new congressional voting lines drawn by the GOP-controlled General Assembly, it adopted a map drawn by a group of special masters, to be used only for the 2022 election cycle.

North Carolina Republicans asked the Supreme Court to intervene, arguing that under the Elections Clause, state courts did not have the authority to change rules governing the "times, place and manner" of federal elections. By allowing the court-crafted map to be used, they said, the state's judiciary had decided the "manner" in which North Carolina's congressional elections would be held, usurping the power granted to the state legislature.

Months after the Supreme Court heard arguments in the case, the North Carolina Supreme Court reconsidered part of the February 2022 decision that the justices were reviewing. In March, the Supreme Court asked the parties involved  North Carolina GOP legislators, voting rights groups and voters, state election officials and the Biden administration  to submit additional briefs explaining whether it still had the power to decide the case, raising questions of whether the justices would decide the dispute after all.

Then, in late April, the state supreme court's Republican majority overturned the earlier February 2022 ruling that invalidated congressional voting lines drawn by state GOP lawmakers. The ruling from North Carolina's high court effectively gives state lawmakers the green-light to draw its congressional map to favor GOP candidates.

In finding that the Supreme Court has jurisdiction to review the state high court's decision  which said the GOP-crafted congressional redistricting plan was unlawful  Roberts said the subsequent state court action in recent months does not render the case moot.

"Although partisan gerrymandering claims are no longer viable under the North Carolina Constitution, the North Carolina Supreme Court has done nothing to alter the effect of the judgment in Harper I enjoining the use of the 2021 maps. As a result, the legislative defendants' path to complete relief runs through this Court," he wrote. Harper I is the North Carolina Supreme Court's February 2022 decision.

Before the court agreed to take up the appeal from North Carolina Republicans, the three justices who ultimately dissented  Alito, Thomas and Gorsuch  expressed support for the independent state legislature theory. A fourth, Kavanaugh, urged the Supreme Court to consider the issue.

In an opinion concurring with the court's judgment, Kavanaugh said the majority "correctly concludes" that state laws governing federal elections are subject to review by state courts, including to ensure they comply with state constitutions.

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Watch as Los Angeles immigrant communities, immigrant rights organisations and allies hold a solidarity rally to condemn Ron DeSantiss attacks on immigrants through legislation, such as the show me your papers law that goes into effect on 1 July 2023.

The Republican presidential candidate on Monday (26 June) laid out further details of an aggressive immigration policy, promising to end birthright citizenship, finish building the southern border wall and send US forces into Mexico to combat drug cartels should he make it to the White House.

I have listened to people in DC for years and years and years, going back decades - Republicans and Democrats - always chirping about this yet never actually bringing the issue to a conclusion, Mr DeSantis told his audience in a Texas border city earlier this week.

What were saying is no excuses on this.

The DeSantis campaign is expected to roll out more detailed policies in the coming weeks.
The rain-lashed isle of Islay off Scotlands west coast is not always easy to get to. Temperamental ferries run three times a day from the mainland port of Kennacraig and frequent sea mists can disrupt the small passenger planes that fly daily from Glasgow.

Even so, the island attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world each year. What do they come for? Whisky.

Despite its small size and a population of just 3,000, Islay is home to nine  soon to be 11  of Scotlands 145 active distilleries. The distinctive smoky flavor of its single malt has won it fans globally. A single page from the visitors book at Ardbeg distillery on the south of the island lists addresses from the UK, US, Australia, Ukraine, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark and Taiwan.

Jackie Thomson, who has worked in Ardbegs visitor center for more than 25 years, describes these visits as pilgrimages  as if there is a spiritual connection between the people and the whisky. She recalls arriving at the distillery one morning to find a man from the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra playing his violin by the waterfront; other fans from overseas have chosen to get married there.

Part of the reason is that when it comes to an Islay single malt, the place and the taste are so deeply intertwined. The salty breeze that blows in from sweeping white sand beaches settles in ancient peat bogs, which are harvested to fuel the kilns that dry the barley, giving the whisky its smoky, earthy flavor.

Its a liquid that runs through peoples veins, says Thompson. Its very much part of the lifeblood and the real beating heart of Islay  you just have to go to the pub on a Friday or Saturday night and youll feel that very strongly.

As well as being central to the islands identity, whisky also underpins its economy  and represents a significant portion of Scotlands international exports. More than 6 billion-worth ($7.5 billion) of Scotch whisky was sold across 174 markets last year, according to the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), accounting for three quarters of the countrys food and drink exports and almost a quarter of Britains. Whisky tourism has also rocketed, with distilleries receiving more than 2 million visits annually, making them collectively the countrys third most popular attraction.

Islays own whisky production, though relatively small (according to the SWA, it accounts for around 6% of the total Scotch malt distilling capacity) is hugely valuable. Last summer, a cask of rare whisky from Ardbegs distillery sold for a staggering 16 million ($20 million) to an unnamed female collector in Asia  the highest sum ever paid at auction for a cask of single malt. It contained enough spirit to fill 440 regular bottles, making each one worth more than $45,000.

In a place like Islay, the news traveled fast. There was a buzz about the island, says Thompson. It was talked about in the local supermarket. There was a feeling of real pride and honesty about it, that somebody wanted to pay that much for a beautiful lot of liquid from 1975.

Boom and bust

Islays tradition of whisky-making goes back generations. Pictured here, circa 1912, are workers hand-cutting peat that is burned in the kilns to dry the barley. - The Glenmorangie Company

Islays whisky industry has not always been a boon for the island. Its early history is steeped in stories of illicit home distilling and smuggling from dark coves. Once whisky making became a legal activity in the early 1800s, distilleries were built near the coast so that they could export their wares  hence the tradition of the white walls facing out to sea with the distillerys name painted in black.

Periods of boom were followed by bust. In the 20th century, world wars, US prohibition and the 1929 Wall Street Crash took their toll and a global economic recession in the 1980s resulted in over-supply against demand, which led to a number of distilleries closing down  including Ardbeg for almost a decade. But these days the industry is thriving, with multinational companies such as Diageo and Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH) buying up some of Islays historic brands.

This new dawn of whisky distilling has also brought some new contenders. Kilchoman, founded in 2005, was the first distillery to be built on Islay in 124 years. It was followed by Ardnahoe in 2018, and this year or next, Portintruan and Port Ellen distillery, both currently under construction, are expected to open.

Islay has a population of around 3,000 people -- most are connected to the whisky industry. - NELL LEWIS/CNN

Initially, the response to the new comers was one of surprise and skepticism, says Anthony Wills, founder and CEO of Kilchoman: Peoples mindset was: Who is this guy? He must be bloody mad. Why do you need another distillery in Scotland? But Wills stuck to his guns, believing that there was a gap in the market for a smaller, family-run and more bespoke distillery.

So far, time has proved him right. In 2021, Kilchoman produced more than 600,000 liters of alcohol and 90% of this was exported to more than 60 markets, according to Wills. Despite being a new player, it prides itself on the revival of traditional farm distilling methods. Most Scottish distilleries use barley grown and malted elsewhere in the country, but Kilchoman is located on a 2,300-acre farm and its annual barley crop goes towards whisky production, while discarded husks are fed to a herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle. The barley is malted in the traditional way, much of the peat is hand-cut from a local bog, and the fiery liquid is distilled, matured and bottled on site. In fact, Kilchomans 100% Islay 12th Edition claims to be the only Scotch whisky to be entirely made on one farm.

Its taking it back to how it was done in the old days, says Wills. You can trace everything right back to the fields here at Kilchoman.

As the whisky industry continues to grow, keeping production local will be key to its survival, believes Kilchomans general manager, Islay Heads (who is named after his father, who was named after the island). To keep traditions alive, you need people, he says. Traditions are things that are handed down from one generation to another.

Like most people on Islay, Heads has strong links to the spirit. He was brought up within a stones throw of Lagavulin distillery, where his father worked and where he used to play as a child. His brother also works at a local distillery, and his son works in the stillhouse at Kilchoman.

Everybodys connected to the whisky industry, he says. Its such a big employer, its a very important part of the Islay economy, and it drives a lot of very positive things that are happening on the island.

Islay Heads, general manager at Kilchoman Distillery, was brought up on the island. This viewpoint, overlooking Machir Bay, is his favorite spot. - NELL LEWIS/CNN

There are some downsides, explains whisky consultant Blair Bowman. Tourism has swallowed up much of Islays housing stock in holiday lets, with some locals being priced out. But he notes that the industry has also created a number of jobs, which attract young islanders to stay and work there  more than can be said for neighboring Hebridean islands that struggle with declining populations.

To keep locals happy, distilleries need to invest back into the island, Bowman says, referencing Ardbegs decision to donate more than $1 million to the community after its record-breaking sale. It was a good opportunity for them to show that they couldnt have achieved this massive milestone without the island and without the people, he says.

On a visit to Islay, it is hard to ignore the overwhelming sense of pride locals have in their craggy isles global reputation. Today, a wee dram of Islays single malt can be ordered at most bars in most cities around the world  and a sip of it will transport you right to where it came from.

Im very proud to be Ileach (somebody from Islay), says Heads. Im very proud of what Islay brings to the world through its whiskies.

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Millions of Americans are on alert for unhealthy air quality as smoke from wildfires in neighboring Canada drifts to the United States.

Wildfires have burned a record of more than 19.5 million acres across Canada so far this year, with no end in sight. There are nearly 500 active wildfires throughout the country and over 250 have been deemed out of control, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center. The smoke has been making its way to the U.S. for more than a month.





Latest Developments





Jun 28, 6:05 PM

Over 100 million Americans under air quality alerts

Air quality alerts remain in effect for more than 100 million Americans across the Midwest and into the Northeast Wednesday evening, as wildfire smoke from neighboring Canada blankets large swaths of the United States.

PHOTO: Air quality alerts remain in effect for more than 100 million Americans across the Midwest into the Northeast Wednesday evening. (ABC News)

Hard-hit Chicago, Detroit and Minneapolis remain among the top five places in the world with the worst air quality as of Wednesday evening.

The air quality alerts are mainly for people in sensitive groups who have upper respiratory issues.

PHOTO: Near-surface smoke is expected to stretch from Wisconsin to Kentucky and into the Carolinas Wednesday evening. (ABC News)

The near-surface smoke is expected to stretch from Wisconsin to Kentucky and into the Carolinas Wednesday evening. Some of the smoke will likely make its way into the mid-Atlantic overnight. Pittsburgh to Syracuse are forecast to see hazy, smoky skies and poor air quality Wednesday night.

PHOTO: Near-surface smoke is expected to move east through Thursday. (ABC News)

Through Thursday, the smoke is expected to move out of the Midwest and linger farther east but not be as heavy. No significant smoke issues are forecast at this time for major Northeast cities, including New York City.



-ABC News' Melissa Griffin





Jun 28, 1:10 PM

Air quality health advisory issued in New York

While the poor air quality is mostly hovering over the Midwest, the dangerous smoke is also drifting toward the East Coast.



New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has expanded Wednesday's air quality health advisory to include the entire state.



"Air in Western New York, Central New York, and the Eastern Lake Ontario regions is forecast to be 'Unhealthy,'" Hochul's office said. "The forecast for the remainder of the state, including New York City and Long Island, is 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.'"





Jun 28, 12:39 PM

Chicago's Air Quality Alert in effect until Wednesday night

In Chicago, where the Air Quality Index is in the "very unhealthy" category, an Air Quality Alert is in effect until Wednesday night.

PHOTO: A plane taxis to the runway as smoke from wildfires in Canada reduces visibility, June 28, 2023, at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. (Joshua A. Bickel/AP)

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is urging "particularly sensitive populations, including individuals with heart or lung disease, older adults, pregnant people, and young children" to avoid outdoor activities.



Camps have been moved indoors where possible, the mayor said, and he's encouraging "Chicagoans without access to properly ventilated and safe indoor conditions" to "please utilize our public libraries, senior centers, Park District facilities, and the Cultural Center or the six community service centers that operate from 9am-5pm."





Jun 28, 12:30 PM

White House monitoring air quality issues as Biden visits Chicago

President Joe Biden has touched down in Chicago for fundraising and an economic address, and the White House said his schedule has not been modified due to the poor air quality in the city.

PHOTO: Marine One with President Joe Biden flies over a hazy Chicago, June 28, 2023, as some 80 million people from the Midwest to the East Coast are under air quality alerts due to smoke from Canadian wildfires sweeping the nation. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)

PHOTO: A jogger runs along the shoreline of Lake Michigan with heavy smoke from the Canadian wildfires, June 27, 2023, in Chicago, Illinois. (Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images)

"No modifications to today's schedule that I'm aware of as a result of this," principal deputy press secretary Olivia Dalton said. "But certainly, we are monitoring the air quality issues across the country closely and federal agencies are ensuring that federal resources are available in affected regions as appropriate."



The Air Quality Index in hazy Chicago reached 207 on Wednesday morning. Any number over 100 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.



-ABC News' Molly Nagle





Jun 28, 10:34 AM

How to stay safe from wildfire smoke amid reduced air quality

Wildfire smoke and ash can irritate eyes, nose, throat and lungs, making you cough or wheeze and can make it hard to breathe, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.



The CDC says the most effective way to protect yourself during wildfire emergencies is to stay indoors or limit time outdoors when there is smoke in the air. This is especially important for those with heart or lung conditions who are at higher risk for adverse health effects.



"People who are most at risk are [the] elderly, immunocompromised, young children and people who already have respiratory problems, people with asthma and things like that," said Dr. Stephanie Widmer, a member of ABC News' Medical Unit.

How to Stay Safe From Wildfire Smoke (ABC News Photo Illustration)

Read more here.



-ABC News' Nadine El-Bawab and Youri Benadjaoud





Jun 28, 10:32 AM

Where the wildfire smoke is concentrating and why

The latest round of unhealthy air quality due to smoke from wildfires in Canada has pushed into the United States, and it's ability to concentrate over areas from Wisconsin to Kentucky is aided by recent storms that spawned tornadoes, large hail and [damaging winds]).



Winds at the mid-levels of the atmosphere are causing the Canadian wildfire smoke to concentrate over a specific area of the midwestern and eastern U.S.



Meanwhile, a heat dome thats been causing stagnant deadly heat in the Deep South for weeks is keeping the smoke largely out of the region.



The next round of widespread showers and thunderstorms for this area of the eastern Midwest and the East is forecast to arrive on Friday and continue through the weekend, which will clear the smoke.



But as long as the wildfires continue to rage in Canada, these events of dense smoke plumes will likely continue to disperse into the U.S. Canada's wildfire activity typically peaks from June to August.





Jun 28, 7:59 AM

What to know about the Air Quality Index from wildfire smoke and how it affects human health

Heavy blankets of smoke billowing over the United States from wildfires burning in neighboring Canada are threatening the health of millions of people -- even non-vulnerable populations with no preexisting conditions. But what about the smoke makes it so hazardous for humans to be around?



Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, which are microscopic solid or liquid droplets -- often 30 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair -- that can be inhaled and cause serious health problems, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.



Most particles form in the atmosphere as a result of complex reactions of chemicals, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides -- pollutants emitted from power plants, industries and automobiles. But wildfires likely contain PM2.5 that is up to 10 times more harmful than the same type of air pollution coming from combustion activity, according to a 2021 study conducted in California.

PHOTO: Air Quality Index (AQI) (ABC News Photo Illustration)

PM2.5 is considered unhealthy for "Code Orange" and sensitive groups once the Air Quality Index surpasses 100, according to AirNow, a website that publishes air quality data. Once the AQI surpasses 150, it is considered "Code Red," unhealthy for some members of the general public who may experience health effects, with sensitive groups experiencing more severe effects.



The AQI is at "Code Purple" once it surpasses 200, considered "very unhealthy" with increased health risk for all populations. "Code Maroon" is labeled as "hazardous" and a health warning for emergency conditions once the AQI reaches 300 and higher.



At Code Maroon, "everyone is more likely to be affected," according to AirNow.



A "good" AQI is measured at 50 and below, and a "moderate" air quality index ranks between 51 and 100.



Read more here.



-ABC News Julia Jacobo





Jun 28, 9:37 AM

Chicago air quality hits 'very unhealthy' category

As Canadian wildfire smoke infiltrates the midwestern United States, the air in Chicago has deteriorated to the Air Quality Index's> "very unhealthy" category.



The AQI in hazy Chicago reached 250 on Tuesday afternoon. Any number over 100 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.



"We recommend children, teens, seniors, people with heart or lung disease, and individuals who are pregnant avoid strenuous activities and limit their time outdoors," Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson warned in a statement. "For additional precautions, all Chicagoans may also consider wearing masks, limiting their outdoor exposure, moving activities indoors, running air purifiers, and closing windows."

PHOTO: Chicago's skyline is seen from the 360 Chicago Observation Deck of the John Hancock Building with heavy smoke from Canadian wildfires blanketing the city on June 27, 2023. (Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images)

The smoke is forecast to clear on Friday when showers and thunderstorms hit the region.



Earlier this month, the AQI in the northeastern U.S. reached near maximum with levels in the high 400s.





Jun 28, 9:36 AM

20 US states under air quality alerts

As of Wednesday morning, 20 U.S. states are under air quality alerts from Minnesota down to Georgia and as far north as western New York.



Wildfire smoke from neighboring Canada is currently blanketing large swaths of the United States, from Iowa to western Pennsylvania to North Carolina and most everywhere in between. Only Chicago is getting a small reprieve on Wednesday morning due to a lake breeze, which isn't expected to last for long.

PHOTO: Twenty U.S. states were under air quality alerts on the morning of June 28, 2023, due to smoke from wildfires in neighboring Canada. (ABC News)

Later on Wednesday, the smoke is expected to cover areas from Minnesota to Washington, D.C. and down to the Carolinas.

PHOTO: Smoke from Canadian wildfires is forecast to blanket parts of the United States, from Minnesota to Washington D.C. and down to the Carolinas, on June 28, 2023. (ABC News)

By early Thursday morning, the smoke will be seen in Minneapolis, Chicago, Indianapolis, Atlanta and Pittsburgh. But by the afternoon, it will linger from Detroit to Atlanta and east to Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia.

PHOTO: Smoke from Canadian wildfires will be seen in major U.S. cities like Minneapolis, Chicago, Indianapolis, Atlanta and Pittsburg on the morning of June 29, 2023. (ABC News)

New York City could be impacted as well, but most of the smoke from the Canadian wildfires is expected to stay in western New York state, Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey.
A woman has shared her real-life Cinderella story, after a stranger found her lost shoe in Lebanon.

Jess Tawil, shared a video on TikTok earlier this month to describe how she misplaced her slipper, while two hours away from her home in Beirut, Lebanon. She also recalled the incident as: POV: you live a real life Cinderella story in Lebanon, referring to the classic Disney tale where Prince Charming reconnects with Cinderella after finding her lost shoe at the ball.

In her video, Tawil, who is a paraplegic, specified that shed lost her shoe while looking at tourist sites in Baalbek.

Im paralyzed from the waist down, so I cannot feel my legs. I cant feel my feet and, most importantly, I cannot feel if my shoes are on. So, while I was there, I lost my slipper, she said. Because its not the most wheelchair accessible area, I had to be carried everywhere.

As noted by the Cleveland Clinic, paraplegia is the symptom of paralysis that mainly affects your legs and usually happens because of injuries to your nervous system, like the spinal cord.

In her video, Tawil noted that while she was being carried, she was so certain that her shoe fell in the street somewhere. According to Tawil, her uncle thought otherwise and told her: No, it slipped off of your foot when you left the house., you probably dropped it in the elevator on your way out.

She said she still swore to her uncle that her slipper was in Baalbek, as she claimed that he didnt think this. She explained that when she got home, she was pissed, since she realised that her shoe was in fact missing.

Im angry at myself because I wasnt looking down the whole time, and I didnt realise that I literally had one slipper on my foot, she said.

Tawil noted that her mother then had an idea: Posting [the shoe] an Instagram Story, in order to see if someone could find it. The traveller claimed that only two minutes after she posted it on her Instagram, she received a message from someone.

This guy goes, Youre in my hometown, this is where I live. Tell me where you were exactly, and I will go right now, she recalled. She said that she then sent him a small snippet of a video she took while sightseeing that day.

According to Tawil, the man told her that he knew exactly where she was and that he was on [his] way to the location. He sends me a picture of him in his car and going there, she added.

The traveller went on to share that when she received a video call from the stranger, he had the camera flipped onto [her] slipper.

This guy literally had my slipper in his hand, she added, before showing a recording of the call she had with the man. The text over this footage read: No way, he found it for me! Social media is so amazing!

The recording also showed a video of the mans face, with the text over the clip noting that hed asked Tawil where [he was] supposed to put the slipper for her.

She concluded her video by calling herself Cinderella, after this experience, and acknowledging that shell be getting the shoe back.

There isnt a single soul on this planet that can tell me that Im not Cinderella, she said. So this week, Im going to go pick up my slipper.

Tawils video quickly went viral, and has amassed more than 1.4m views. In the comments, many TikTok users went on to praise her story, with jokes that the person who found her slipper is the travellers prince.

Girl thats yo husband go get him, one wrote, while another added: Omg!!! CINDERELLA!!!!!!!! He could be your Prince Charmingjust sayin.

And that is how I met your father kind of vibes, a third joked, seemingly referring to the spin-off show of How I Met Your Mother, which is called How I Met Your Father.

Other people applauded the mans for taking the time to find Tawils shoe in Baalbek.

The way he dropped whatever he was doing to go find your shoe immediatelyI love it. one wrote.

I LOVE THIS SO MUCH. People going out of their way to help someone they dont know makes me feel so connected to others, another wrote.

The Independent has contacted Tawil for comment.


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YEREVAN, JUNE 28, ARMENPRESS. On the night of 27-28 June 2023, the Azerbaijani armed forces, in flagrant violation of the ceasefire and the provisions of the Trilateral Statement of 9 November 2020, using artillery and combat UAVs attacked the positions of the Defence Army of the Republic of Artsakh, as well as objects located deep in the territory of Artsakh, which left 4 servicemen of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Artsakh killed, ARMENPRESS was informed from MFA Artsakh.



The already common attempts by the Azerbaijani side to lay the blame for this attack on Artsakh are groundless. This is also indicated by the statement of the Minister of Defence of Azerbaijan, who on 26 June, just two days before this attack, stated in an interview that the Artsakh Defence Army did not pose any threat to Azerbaijan and at the same time threatened to conduct a military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh with the forces of one army corps. Therefore, the Azerbaijani Defence Minister admitted that it is his country, which is the aggressor and which militarises the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict zone.



This unprovoked deadly attack once again demonstrates that Azerbaijan has not abandoned its plans to resolve the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict with the use of military force. The attack of 28 June by the Azerbaijani armed forces against the territory of Artsakh, like the previous numerous cases of shelling and attacks on civilians, are a clear manifestation of the genocidal policy consistently pursued by Azerbaijan with tacit non-resistance on the part of the international community.



We once again draw the attention of the international community to the fact that Artsakh has been under blockade for almost 200 days, which is becoming increasingly tight and inhumane. The population of the Republic is deprived of gas and electricity supply. Over the past 14 days, Azerbaijan has completely blocked the delivery of humanitarian cargo to the Republic of Artsakh, which has been carried out over the past more than six months in a limited regime by the Russian peacekeeping forces and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).



The Azerbaijani authorities do not even hide their intention to carry out ethnic cleansing. The President of this country has publicly stated this on numerous occasions. The statement made by the Minister of Defence of Azerbaijan on 26 June that the residents of Artsakh, who do not wish to accept the authority of Baku, must leave their homeland is another evidence of the real intentions of Baku in relation to Artsakh and its people.



We also draw attention to the fact that, as it has repeatedly happened before and during important meetings, the June 28 attack occurred at a time when another round of talks between the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan kicked off yesterday in Washington, DC, and became yet another confirmation that Baku is trying to impose its ultimatum and maximalist demands through coercive measures, including the use of military force.



The fact that Baku is not ready to engage in negotiations in good faith is also indicated by the statements made by the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister on 23 June in an interview with Reuters. In particular, he rejected the idea of international guarantees of the rights and security of the people of Artsakh under the pretext that this was an alleged internal affair of Azerbaijan. Trying to present the settlement of the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict, including the issue of ensuring the rights and security of the people of Artsakh, as an internal affair of Azerbaijan, the authorities of this country are actually trying to legitimise their plans to carry out ethnic cleansing of Artsakh. Such statements also indicate Baku's desire to undermine the efforts of international actors aimed at creating conditions conducive to finding a peaceful and comprehensive settlement of the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict.



Against this background, the statement made by the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry a few days before the armed attack about the alleged readiness of this country to provide assistance to the residents of Artsakh is a manifestation of extreme cynicism. The best assistance that Azerbaijan can provide is its strict adherence to the ceasefire, ending its transport and energy blockade of the Republic of Artsakh, and the full implementation of the provisions of the Trilateral Statement of 9 November 2020 and the Order of the International Court of Justice of 22 February 2023 regarding free, safe and unimpeded movement along the Lachin Corridor in both directions.



We note that the deliberate infliction of suffering on the 120,000 population of Artsakh and the deepening of the humanitarian crisis as a result of the complete blockade of the Lachin Corridor amount to war crimes under international law. We reiterate that the international community as a whole, and in particular the international actors involved in the peace process, as well as the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing countries, have a direct responsibility for preventing further deepening of the humanitarian and security crisis in Artsakh, as well as for a peaceful and comprehensive settlement of the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict on the basis of the norms and principles of international law and ensuring lasting peace and stability in the region. In this regard, we once again emphasise the need to use all the levers and instruments at their disposal to put pressure on Azerbaijan in order to ensure its compliance with the Trilateral Statement of 9 November 2020, as well as the immediate implementation of the legally binding Order of the International Court of Justice of 22 February 2023.
The worries among IAS and IPS officers escalated further following the EDs questioning of municipal commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal

The recent action by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against IAS officer Sanjeev Jaiswal, allegedly involved in the Covid jumbo centres scam, has sparked apprehension among many IAS officers in Maharashtra. This apprehension stems from a backdrop of several IAS and IPS officers being incarcerated over the past few years due to their involvement in power struggles. Consequently, senior IAS and IPS officers recently convened a meeting with chief minister Eknath Shinde and deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to address their concerns.

Among the officers who found themselves embroiled in controversy were IPS officer Rashmi Shukla and Parambir Singh, both under scrutiny in various cases. IAS officer Sushil Khodvekar was arrested in connection with the TET scam after his name emerged, while IPS officer Sourabh Tripathi faced an FIR in an extortion case and subsequent suspension. These criminal cases reportedly dissuaded other IAS officers from offering support to their accused colleagues.

The worries among IAS and IPS officers escalated further following the EDs questioning of municipal commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal regarding alleged irregularities in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Within municipal corporations and other departments, important matters are scrutinised by the vigilance department, and the documents are submitted to senior officers. Some IAS officers have snidely commented that perhaps the government needs to appoint ED and CBI officers to review crucial files before signing them! Babus also try hard to avoid pressures exerted by politicians on various issues to escape being subjected to a probe by central agencies.

But building trust between the central agencies and the state babus may well be a tall order.

Bold assertion or political manoeuvre in Punjab?

As previous events have shown, the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government in Punjab rarely sees eye-to-eye with the Centre on administrative issues. The state government has recently passed a bill for the appointment of the director general of police (DGP) in a special session of the state Assembly, which is quite likely to create another contentious issue.

While this bold move raises questions about the balance of power between a state government and the Centre, some observers see it as a political step aimed at challenging the authority of not just the Centre but also the Supreme Court.

The amended Act suggests the formation of a committee chaired by a retired high court judge to finalise a panel of candidates for the DGP position. The state government would then appoint the DGP from this panel, disregarding the Supreme Courts earlier ruling on the matter. Meanwhile, next month, Gaurav Yadav, a 1992-batch IPS officer, will complete one year as officiating DGP of Punjab. By passing the amendment, the Mann government is signalling its willingness to assert its own authority and decision-making power in matters that directly impact the state.

While the Punjab government is within its rights to choose its course of action, it is crucial to ensure that such decisions are made in the best interests of the state and avoid confrontations with the Centre and the higher judiciary. The fallout of the move will be felt across the nation.

Centre imposes permission protocol for civil servant awards

Following criticism faced by several officers in different states for receiving awards from dubious organisations, the department of personnel and training (DoPT) has made prior approval mandatory for IAS, IPS and IFoS officers before accepting any award from private organisations, and it should not have any monetary component in cash or facilities.

The department has stated that the competent authority may grant approval only in exceptional circumstances to the officers; in such cases, the credentials of the private institutions and organizations should be unimpeachable. Sources have informed DKB that this order only restates existing instructions, which were being blithely ignored by many officers. This decision, observers note, seeks to strike a delicate balance between the need for genuine recognition and the preservation of integrity within the civil service.

Interestingly, earlier this year, the Kerala government issued a similar order directed to all IAS and IPS officers in the state not to accept awards from private organizations or individuals without prior approval. The state chief secretary, V.P. Joy, had stated that officials would have to apply through the general administration department for the sanction, failing which they would face strict action. The order followed complaints from some Kerala police officials about an IAS officer who received an award for effective management of devotees at a prominent temple in the state.

The present order from the Centre indicates that the issue is faced by several states and has decided to enforce a clear line between personal affiliations and official duties. But will babus fall in line?
Today's headlines : Tokyo wants to strengthen diplomatic corps by hiring 8,000 people before 2030; Chiang Mai bishop appeals for reception of Burmese refugees - Catholics and Buddhists - fleeing military violence; Colombo wants to toughen pollution laws to save elephants from plastic; Card. Zuppi arrived in Moscow on behalf of the pope for new avenues of dialogue between Russia and Ukraine; Beijing has started seaborne exports to Uzbekistan.

ISRAEL

In 2060 the total number of students in Israel will approach 5.2 million, up from the current 2.5 million in the current year. According to the Central Bureau of Statistics (Cbs), by that date 31.9 percent of pupils-almost one in three-will be ultra-Orthodox with a 246 percent growth over the current number. In contrast, the increase of students in Arab schools by 2060 will be 35.7%.

JAPAN

Tokyo wants to strengthen the diplomatic corps by hiring an additional 8,000 staff by the end of the decade, increasing the number of people by 20 percent over the current number to counter Beijing's influence in the Indo-Pacific. The goal is to bring the number of employees in line with other G7 nations such as Germany, France and the United Kingdom and deepen expertise in a specific country.

THAILAND-MYANMAR

The bishop of Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, has appealed to the local community to help and welcome several thousand Burmese refugees, the vast majority of them Catholics, who have crossed the border to flee fighting between the military and rebels. According to Msgr. Francis Xavier Vira Arporndratana calls for openness to those "knocking at the door."

SRI LANKA

Images of sacred elephants (and cattle) eating plastic have prompted authorities to tighten pollution laws, although they remain ignored. After the deaths of 20 specimens and other wildlife, Colombo assures a crackdown to also prevent clogged drains, flooding and mosquito (Dengue) proliferation. Per the UN, the country recycles only 3 percent of single-use plastics.

VATICAN - RUSSIA - UKRAINE

After Ukraine on June 5 and 6, the archbishop of Bologna and president of the Italian Bishops' Conference, Card. Matteo Maria Zuppi, has arrived in Moscow where today and tomorrow he will seek new avenues of dialogue that can end the war. The appointee of Pope Francis, accompanied by an official from the Secretariat of State, may - but there is no confirmation - meet with Orthodox Patriarch Kirill.

IRAN - IRAQ

The director of Iran's Nigc gas company, Majid Chegeni, said Iraq has repaid its debt to Tehran that amounted to .76 billion. According to Iranian Oil Minister Djavad Oudji, the sum will cover the debt Tehran owes Turkmenistan, which has stopped exporting oil since 2017 and started an international arbitration procedure.

CHINA-UZBEKISTAN

Beijing has started exporting goods to Uzbekistan by sea through Iran from the port of Xiamen. The Uzbek firm Uztemirjulcontainer reported this, but did not specify which items were on the more than 40 containers that arrived after a 14-day journey to the capital Tashkent along the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan route.

RUSSIA

During the hours of uncertainty over the possible coup, Russians rushed to banks and ATMs to withdraw cash, in amounts not seen since last year's mobilization announcement. The surge in withdrawals was particularly noticeable in the southern regions crossed by Prigozin's "justice march," with increases of up to 80 percent.
The local branch of Diyanet has assigned 800 religious experts in primary and secondary institutions, accounting for one-third of the city's total schools. A pilot project, endorsed by the government, assigns imams the role of "spiritual guides and educators." A further sign of the country's Islamization. Turkish journalist calling for respect for prisoners' rights, including Abdullah Ocalan, arrested.

Istanbul - The teachers' union and secular parties in Izmir (Izmir), on Turkey's west coast, have promoted protests against the decision of the local Religious Affairs Office (Diyanet) to appoint Islamic imams and preachers in one-third of elementary and secondary schools.

According to the promoters' intentions, the Islamic leaders will function as "spiritual guides and educators" within the institutions, promoting the morals and dictates of the Muslim faith. Activists and critics are attacking the decision made by radicals and conservatives, whose sole purpose is to tighten control over schools and educational programs, as part of a program that could soon be extended to the rest of the country.

Signed by the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Diyanet in 2021, the protocol targeting the appointment of (Muslim) spiritual advisers is just the tip of the iceberg of a policy of increasing "Islamization" of schools and the country.

The pilot project, endorsed by the government and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has close ties with Religious Affairs, envisions the presence of imams and scholars as "guides" in primary and secondary institutions.

The decision that has raised an outraged reaction from most families in Izmir, a largely secular and secular center in a nation where the presence of (Muslim) religion in the private spheres of citizens' lives is growing.

The Cedes project, an acronym for "I Protect My Environment and Vindicate My Values," has stoked fears that the powerful Diyanet-strong conservative Justice and Development Party's (Akp) election victory-will intensify efforts to strengthen its hegemony in the education system. Nejla Kurul, president of the teachers' union Egitim-Sen, expressed her concerns to CanTv, an independent broadcaster.

"This," she says, "is not an innocent project aimed at creating awareness about the environment and providing values-based guidance. It is yet another attempt to impose the Sunni Islamic lifestyle on children and undermine the secular education system, which should be protected by the Constitution. Diyanet is making its way step by step into education, which is the responsibility of the Ministry of Education."

Triggering the protest of teachers and parents is the media-reported assignment of at least 800 imams and religious leaders to as many schools in the city by the Izmir Religious Affairs Office, amounting to one-third of the city's total number of institutes and schools.

For the past two weeks, several parent associations, leftist movements (halkevleri) and opposition parties led by the Republican Chp have been demonstrating shouting "teachers to schools, imams to mosques." A struggle for secularism, in a city that has Jewish, Catholic and Orthodox communities within it and is home to some 800,000 Alevis, heterodox Muslims who represent about 20 percent of Turkey's more than 80 million inhabitants.

Also from Turkey in recent hours comes news of the arrest of journalist Merdan Yanardag, who went to prison for criticizing the prison conditions of Pkk (Kurdish combatant movement, considered a terrorist organization by Ankara) leaders.

The reporter called for, among others, the protection of Abdullah Ocalan's own rights, starting with the possibility of meeting family members in his cell. For the Istanbul judiciary, the journalist's words are "propaganda" in favor of a "terrorist organization" and for this he has been detained and is facing trial.

In an interview with TELE1 Merdan Yanardag said, referring to Ocalan, that he is "the longest-serving political prisoner in Turkey. If normal laws were in place," he added, "he should actually be released," but he remains in prison in a "hostage" status used by authorities as a "threat.

After spending the night in the cell, the court ordered Yanardag to be remanded in custody for the crime of "propaganda." Since his incarceration in 1999, Ocalan has been allowed only a few visits to lawyers and family members.
To counter Beijing's criticism, Tokyo has released a document noting that Chinese plants release 6.5 times more tritium that what TEPCO plans to discharge. The IAEAs Rafael Grossi is set to meet Japans PM Fumio Kishida next week before discharge starts this summer.

Tokyo (AsiaNews)  Chinas nuclear power plants are releasing into the ocean radioactively contaminated water without any supervision at levels 6.5 times higher than the amount set to be discharged from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, this according to the Japanese government, stung by Chinas criticism over its decision to allow the plants owner, the Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO), to release contaminated water.

Tokyo plans to allow the release of cooling water from the nuclear power plant at the centre of the "triple catastrophe" of 2011 into the Pacific Ocean, starting this summer.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to meet with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi on 4 July to discuss the matter.

Grossi is expected to hand Kishida a comprehensive report, with the international nuclear watchdogs assessment of the safety of the ocean discharge.

In recent months, Japan has tried to overcome resistance from other countries, including South Korea, where public opinion is deeply concerned about the possible consequences, particularly on fisheries.

A South Korean delegation visited the Fukushima plant to gather information on the planned discharge and the precautions that will be taken.

For its part, China is proving to be particularly active via state media in opposing the release of water used to cool the crippled nuclear plant, claiming that Tokyo's action could cause serious damage to the environment.

This view was reiterated in the last three months by three senior Chinese officials, i.e. Chinas ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao, China's Permanent Representative to the IAEA Li Song, and Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin.

It is not hard to see how Beijings increasingly harsh tones overlap with its row with Tokyo in connection with the "containment" policy targeting Chinese expansionism in the South China Sea.

Given this background, Japanese authorities have mounted a campaign to counter Chinese claims. Citing government sources, the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reported that water containing about 143 trillion becquerels of tritium was released from the Qinshan III Nuclear Power Plant in Zhejiang Province in 2020.

In 2021, water containing about 112 trillion becquerels was released from the Yangjiang Nuclear Power Station in Guangdong Province, 102 trillion becquerels from the Ningde Nuclear Power Plant in Fujian Province, and 90 trillion becquerels from the Hongyanhe Nuclear Power Plant in Liaoning Province.

Meanwhile, TEPCO plans to limit the annual release of tritium from the Fukushima plant to 22 trillion becquerels, arguing that at such a level, tritium discharged into the sea will remain far below standards set by the World Health Organisation and other bodies.

Photo: IAEA Imagebank/WikiCommons
by Sumon Corraya

Members of the ruling alliance have accused the Bangladesh Nationalist Party of planning to sell St Martins, a coral island, to Washington to build a US military base in exchange for help to win the upcoming elections. Such allegations are false. The US is pressing for free and fair elections.

Dhaka (AsiaNews)  Bangladeshs St Martins Island has become the subject of a heated political debate. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her allies claim that the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) wants to concede the small coral island to the United States to win the next elections, scheduled for January 2024.

How did the BNP come to power in 2001? At that time, they came to power with the promise of selling gas. So now they will sell the country, or want to come with a bond to sell St Martin's? said Ms Hasina at a press conference last week after her official visits to Switzerland and Qatar.

The United States has already dismissed the claim, but allegations concerning the islands sale are nothing new. Similar rumours began circulating about Manpura Island In 1971.

Dainik Bangla, a well-known national newspaper, published an article in 1980 titled None will be allowed to establish naval base at Saint Martins, after a Foreign Ministry spokesman denied reports that a foreign country was interested in building a military base on the island.

Rashed Khan Menon, chairman of the Bangladesh Workers' Party, an ally of the ruling Awami League, took up the issue on 14 June.

A few days later, Hasanul Haque Inu, president of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Jasdar), another Awami League ally, raised the matter before in parliament.

In his address, he said that when the United States shows enthusiasm about another country's democracy it brings more suffering to its people than to its government or opposition.

The time has come for us to think about the reason of this overenthusiasm of the US. Is it democracy or Saint Martins Island? he asked.

The United States has urged Bangladesh to ensure that the upcoming parliamentary elections are free and fair. As part of this, it announced a new visa policy whereby anyone obstructing the election would not be allowed into the US.

In December 2021, the US imposed sanctions on Bangladeshs Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), a counterterrorism squad, over alleged enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, as well as on other law enforcement officials accused of human rights violations.

In a statement, the US State Department said reports about the island's purchase were not accurate, while stressing continued US commitment to stronger ties with the South Asian country.

We respect Bangladeshs sovereignty, and we have never engaged in any conversations about taking over Saint Martins Island, said US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller during a media briefing.

We value our partnership with Bangladesh. We strive to bolster our relationship by working together to promote democracy by supporting free and fair elections, he explained.

The BNP has accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of cracking down on the opposition during her previous terms in office and winning the 2018 elections through election fraud.

St Martins Island is located in the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal, about nine kilometres south of the tip of the Cox's Bazar-Teknaf Peninsula, near Myanmar.

The island, which has a surface of only three square kilometres, became a Marine Protected Area last year. Most of its 3,700 residents live from fishing, growing rice, and coconut, as well as harvesting seaweed which is dried and exported to Myanmar.
by Santosh Digal

Sister Corazon J. Salazar, foundress of the Mary Queen of Heaven Missionaries (MQHM), heads the institute. Its 16 members travel to remote areas and rural villages to fight trafficking, rescue girls from prostitution, offer education, and help them find work. Extreme poverty favours exploitation.

Manila (AsiaNews)  A group of Filipinas got together in 1996 to save young women and girls from sexual slavery, prostitution, human trafficking, and poverty in Cebu, Central Visayas. Through such a mission, they chose to bear witness to Christ and contribute to the development of Philippine society.

Their leader, Sister Corazon J. Salazar, ran a business which she gave up to embrace the consecrated life and found a religious institute, the Mary Queen of Heaven Missionaries (MQHM), along with six other religious sisters.

In 2000, the late Card Ricardo J. Vidal, then archbishop of Cebu, recognised the group of Sisters as a Catholic Association of the Faithful in the Archdiocese of Cebu, canonically elevating them to a Public Association of the Faithful on 22 August 2003, the solemnity of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The MQHM currently has 16 members, who travel to remote areas and country villages with the help of lay people, priests, and members of local communities, to bring help to needy children and provide them with education, opportunities for redemption, and trust in God and their neighbours.

The Philippines, like the rest of Southeast Asia, ranks high in terms of sexual exploitation of women and girls; its extreme poverty helps the most vulnerable fall victim to trafficking, particularly in rural areas.

According to Sister Corazon, poverty and neglect drive young women, teenage girls, and children, some as young as eight, into the sex trade, where they are exploited and in some cases even killed.

The Sisters use a two-pronged approach. First, they try to free the girls from slavery; this is followed by the attempt to provide them with an education and training so that they can reintegrate society through employment which allows them to live in dignity.

Seen as angels of mercy, the Sisters walk at night in the dark alleys of red-light areas looking for girls in need.

We rescue girls and victims of sex trafficking who are into prostitution, Sister Corazon explains. Minors wait for customers for a tiny payment to help supplement their family's subsistence, she adds.

The poorest of the poor fall prey to handlers who prowl desolate rural regions, promising parents "good jobs in the city" for their girls, as bar dancers and tourist escorts.

The rehabilitation programme the Sisters have developed to meet the needs of the girls who are looking desperately for a way out has two parts.

The first part is the Home of Love, a centre devoted to rehabilitation and livelihood skills training in Bagasawe, Tuburan, Cebu.

The facility offers shelter, food, healthcare, psychological counselling, spiritual support, vocational training (such as candle making, scapular and rosary making), as well as childcare for young women with children.

The second part is the Regina Coeli education programme, which provides free schooling with 550 families signed up. It offers education to the underprivileged as a way to stop the growth of the sex trade.

In their latest action, the Sisters rescued three sisters, aged 14 to 17, who were abused by family members and abandoned by their mother.
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In production since 2018 for 2019, the seventh-gen Lexus ES is preparing to enter the 2024 model year with minor improvements. Priced at $43,190  including $1,150 for the destination freight charge  the luxury sedan is expected to arrive in dealer showrooms nationwide later this summer.

AWD

New for 2024, customers are presented with available 18-inch noise reduction wheels featuring a Vapor Chrome finish. Said alloy wheels can be specified on the Luxury trim levels as an option, whereas Ultra Luxury grades get them as standard.Base, Luxury, F Sport Design, and F Sport Handling trim levels can be furthered with the available Technology Package, which includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Lexus Interface. A SmartAccess Card Key and a head-up display are included in said package. No fewer than 11 exterior colors are offered for 2024, of which Ultra White and Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 are exclusive to F Sport grades.The remainder comprises Iridium, Cloudburst Gray, Eminent White Pearl, Caviar, Obsidian, Matador Red Mica, Sunlit Green, Moonbeam Beige Metallic, and Nightfall Mica. Front-wheel drive by design, the ES can be equipped with all-wheel drive as long as you're fine with the ES 250 specification.250 stands for a 2.5-liter engine of the naturally-aspirated variety, which produces a healthy 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet (250 Nm) between 4,000 and 5,000 revolutions per minute. Not as slow as the ES 300h in terms of top speed , the ES 250 is the slowest to 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour). More specifically, it needs 8.6 seconds and tops 131 miles per hour (210 kilometers per hour) compared to 8.1 seconds and 112 miles per hour (180 kilometers per hour).The 250 slots nicely between the front-driven 350 and front-driven 300h. The 350 hides a dual-injected V6 under the hood, which belts out 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet (362 Nm) at 4,700 revolutions per minute. The 350's base spec is 110 pounds (50 kilograms) lighter than the-only 250.As for the 300h, it combines a 2.5-liter engine with a small electric motor and a hybrid transaxle for 215 ponies at full chatter. Located underneath the rear seat in order to free up trunk space, the small battery of the 300h enables an EPA-rated combined fuel economy of 44 mpg (5.3 l/100 km).A whopping 14 trims are offered for 2024. The most expensive of the bunch are the $53,480 ES 300h Ultra Luxury, $52,080 ES 350 Ultra Luxury, and $52,080 ES 250 Ultra Luxury.Twinned with the discontinued Avalon and the soon-to-be-refreshed Camry, the ES mid-size luxury sedan is built around Toyota 's GA-K platform. The Japanese automaker sold 41,735 units in the United States last year, down from 45,406 deliveries back in 2021.
At the end of May, news of no less than 40 Ferraris going under the hammer during the same auction broke. The list included anything from a Ferrari "Beach Car" to a raced 250 GT Boano, but the highlight of the lot had to be something known by collectors as the Scocca n.1.

That's how the Italian carmaker refers to the first body it manufactured for the Ferrari Enzo back in 2002. This body, complete with the car's chassis, the V12 engine, and all that luxurious interior, was until recently owned by Spanish Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso.The car went under the hammer at the hand of house MonacoCarAuctions, and obviously quickly found an owner. We're not told who that is, but we do know they had to pay, auction fees included, a total of 5.4 million euros for the car. That's $5.913 million at today's exchange rates.The car, which was freshly overhauled, left Alonso's own private collection, and probably the fact it belonged to a two-time Formula 1 champ played a role in the price going this high. The fact it's the first Enzo body made (confirmed by the car's Ferrari Classiche red book) also contributed, and maybe even the fact that the car reads just 4,800 km (2,982 miles) of use on the odometer.The Ferrari Enzo is one of the most cherished cars by collectors, partly because it was named after the company's founder and partly because it incorporates Formula 1 technology. Add to that a powerful name like Alonso's to go with it, and the high price it went for is easily explained.To further help with the sale and raise the price as much as possible, we're told Alonso also recorded a video message for potential buyers, saying "Ive had a great time with the car  it's a magic piece of art" and urging them to "take care of the car and enjoy it."The Enzo was not the only car to go for big bucks during the same auction. Of the many Ferraris present there, the 250 GT Boano I mentioned earlier left the block for 1.512 million euros ($1.65 million), which according to the seller is a record for such a car at a public auction.Contributing to the ride's success must have been the fact this one competed in the Nassau Governor's Trophy in 1956, driven by Jan de Vroom, the founder of the North American Racing Team (NART), a crew who aimed to promote Ferraris in America.Separately, a 2011 Ferrari 599 GTO went for 784,000 euros ($859,000), and an extra 896,000 euros ($982,000) was raised from selling for equal amounts a 1975 Ferrari 246 GTS and a 2009 Ferrari 430 Scuderia.
The worst thing that could happen to a car owner is having their vehicle stolen. But it becomes horrifying if they left a child inside and theyre nowhere to be found. Well, that was almost the case for a UK mum after her car got stolen during a school run.

SUV

A mother had to rescue her one-year-old baby from the back of her car as the vehicle was stolen during the school runhttps://t.co/Dpe10Rkzo7  BBC North West (@BBCNWT) June 28, 2023

According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), a mother in the UK almost lost her one-year-old child, sitting at the back of her car when it was stolen. The mom, in her 30s, had her car keys snatched from her hands by carjackers as she dropped the toddler's siblings off at a school in Oldham on Tuesday morning.Fortunately, she was able to rescue her one-year-old, who was seated at the back, before the car thieves sped off in her car. The child was uninjured in the event.According to the local police report, the carjackers drove off towards Belgrave Road, turning left onto Scottsfield Road in the Alexandra region of Oldham. A 15-year-old was arrested for suspicion of being involved in the early morning robbery.Officers on patrol sighted the vehicle and gave chase. Two males eventually fled the car.It's not the first time something like this is happening in Manchester. In 2021, a young mum was attacked at knife-point as she scrambled to save her toddler.The 21-year-old mum was dragged out of her vehicle with her two-year-old son in the back. According to the local authorities, the mother and her boyfriend were in the area to sell a pair of sunglasses. It turns out it was all a calculated ploy to steal her car. Fortunately, the toddler was uninjured in the incident.In another incident last month, a lady in Adelaide, Australia, wasn't so lucky after her white Mazdawas stolen while she stopped briefly at a local business. The thief drove off with her baby sleeping in the back seat. The vehicle was recovered 20 minutes later by local police with the one-year-old safe in the back seat. Her phone, car, and house keys were missing.Greater Manchester Chief Inspector Abi Cronin lauded the quick action from the police officers. He promised not to quit the search until the culprits were brought to book, BBC News reported. The police are supporting the children's mother after the traumatizing incident.The quick reaction from the mother saved the child from the attackers  a lot could go wrong when panicked carjackers take off with a child in a car, worse if authorities are pursuing them.A rule of thumb is to always make sure minors aren't left unattended in parked vehicles. Rising cases of car theft could turn your kids into victims of violent carjackings. We are glad no one was hurt in this incident and that the vehicle was recovered without damage.
Tesla was "very angry" that information about its next gigafactory plans in Spain leaked to the media. As a result, the EV maker pulled out of the negotiations with the regional government of Valencia. This is a stark lesson for other governments that dream of convincing Tesla to invest.

EV

Earlier this month, Spanish media broke the news about alleged Tesla plans to build a gigafactory in Spain, near Valencia. The information was significant, considering this would've been only the second gigafactory in Europe after Giga Berlin. The negotiations were highly confidential, and nobody knew about them until the information leaked in the press.According to the Spanish newspaper Cinco Dias, Tesla planned a 4.5 billion euros ($4.83 billion) investment for a gigafactory in Valencia. A spokesman for Valencia's regional government confirmed there were talks with an unidentified company about a "large automobile investment." They didn't offer details, citing the confidentiality of the negotiations, but confirmed that the talks were "very advanced."Despite this part-confirmation, part-denial statement, a new report shows that Tesla management took it personally. Tesla expected the negotiation details to remain confidential and was unpleasantly surprised to read about them in the media. This all but confirms that the previous rumors were true. Sadly, it also means Spain kissed its Tesla investment goodbye, as the Americanmaker withdrew from the negotiations.The information was confirmed for Valencia's Digital Economy newspaper by sources who spoke with Ximo Puig, the president of the Valencian Government. He denied that he leaked the negotiation's details to the press and said the leak made Tesla very angry. Elon Musk was expected to meet Spain's prime minister during his European visit that began on June 15. The meeting didn't occur, although Musk met with Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni and French President Emanuel Macron.Both countries courted Musk to invest in a local gigafactory. Judging by the chemistry between Musk and Meloni, I'd say Italy has more chances than France, although I wouldn't bet on that. The only reason Tesla needs another European gigafactory is to produce the Gen-3 affordable EV. Both countries have relatively high wages, making the plan to build affordable EVs less viable. Spain would've been ideal from this standpoint, and also because of its geographical position. Still, Tesla would probably be happier with a Central-European country.I sincerely doubt that the internal leak was the real reason Tesla scrapped the plans to build a gigafactory in Spain. Rumors about Giga Mexico floated around for months before this became an official announcement. Still, Tesla did not give up on its plans because of that. It's more likely that something else caused Tesla to reconsider, and the leak was used as a pretext. It's more likely that the negotiations did not yield the expected incentives, or the rivalry between the local authorities and the central government was seen as an impediment.
kW

Sitting in the purgatory of tuned supercars , this writer thinks, it enjoys its 15 minutes of fame courtesy of 1016industries on Instagram, which has released a few images of it, and there could have been more if you ask us. From what we can see, it has a tuned exterior and not much else, though we'd better delve into the modifications and see what's new.Up front, it retains the stock bumper and doesn't feature a fat apron. There is an add-on on each side, between the headlamps and the wheels, and further back, it has a new front hood that appears to have been made of carbon fiber. New parts were added to the rear bumper, and it has a large wing for additional street credit  unless it was designed in the wing tunnel and improves the downforce.Mind you, we would have ignored this McLaren 720S if it wasn't for the pink look added to certain exterior elements. The controversial color is joined by a few white accents and several black elements, most of which were made of carbon fiber. It rides on new wheels that sport a white look, which were wrapped in grippy tires from Michelin. And it is here where the modifications have ended, or so it seems anyway.The interior is only barely visible in one of the images released on social media earlier this week and shared above in the gallery, and it has a white look to it. Chances are it came like this from the factory, but we could be mistaken, and it might actually bear the signature of a tuner. There's no way of knowing that, like there's no way of knowing if the owner gave it a bit more muscle. But even with the stock power, which is a bit more than advertised, the 720S is a beast.Under full throttle abuse, the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine produces 710 hp (720 ps/530) and 568 lb-ft (770 Nm) of torque. The thrust goes to the rear wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission, and the British brand's supercar takes only 2.9 seconds from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 kph) and 7.8 seconds to 124 mph (200 kph). The top speed stands at 212 mph (341 kph). Its successor, the 750S , is 30 hp (30 ps/22 kW) punchier, one-tenth quicker to sixty-two and taps out at 206 mph (332 kph).
kWh

The historical background is pretty simple. Back in 1975, Hyundai started producing a subcompact RWD four-door car, and the Pony became South Korea's first mass-produced and exported car. Officially, the Excel model succeeded the nameplate in 1990, but some export versions of Excel and Accent still carried the storied name until 2000! That naturally means the Hyundai Pony occupies a special place in the company's history books.Besides, its cultural importance reaches even further, as Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign envisioned a Pony Coupe Concept back in 1974 for the Turin Motor Show. And although Hyundai didn't commission the design exercise, the executives were so impressed they ultimately asked for appropriate branding and even imported the prototype to Korea for reverse engineering. Sadly, it never made it into mass-market production but lived on to inspire the DMC DeLorean and recently also the bonkers 670-hp N Vision 74 fuel cell demonstrator vehicle.Now, here's an interesting fact. This year Hyundai unveiled a reconstruction of the original Pony Coupe Concept, sparking intense debates around the potential introduction of a production model inspired by the prototype but based on the N Vision 74 as part of the Ioniq sub-brand for zero-emissions vehicles. And, just in case you are not willing to wait for the corner office head honchos at Hyundai to make up their minds about a modern Pony Coupe, here are the good folks over at car.design.trends , who now have focused our attention on this unofficial, fan-made project by 'WRD,' a group of 'automotive creatives.'It's simply labeled as the Hyundai Pony Coupe Concept and is by no means affiliated with the South Korean automaker in any way  even though it looks ready to hit the company's dealerships worldwide right now. Instead, this "audacious creation embodies the spirit of Hyundai's iconic original, fusing past charm with future vision." So, the reborn Pony Coupe is riddled with vintage flavors but also choke full of the latest technology features  and also makes full use of Hyundai's E-GMP platform to make it a worthy case for the Ioniq sub-brand.According to the unofficial designers, the modern version has a wheelbase of 2.6 meters plus dimensions of 4,480 x 1,790 x 1,250 mm for length, width, and height  because "true to its roots, it maintains the original's intimacy." It's also dubbed as a 'city hopper,' with the compact powertrain using a 30-battery pack with 800-volt technology that can be recharged to 80% in just ten minutes and offers a range of more than 200 km (124 miles) on a single charge. Cool, right?
When Rich Benoit learned that his Rivian R1T had been hit a second time in the back, he shared a mind-blowing estimate: $37,475. His video talking about the issue went viral and got people discussing how the Tesla Cybertruck would be when it comes to repairability. In his latest video, the Rich Rebuilds YouTube channel founder shared an explanation for the expensive repair  and it is pretty surprising.

Photo: Rich Benoit

Photo: Rich Benoit

BEV

Photo: Rich Benoit

At first, the youtuber believed that the reason for spending so much money to fix his electric pickup truck was the flank of the truck bed. Take a good look at it; you'll see it extends up the C-pillar and onto the roof side until the seamless body panel reaches the A-pillar. If a fender bender damages its edge, it may have to be entirely replaced, as it happened in another repair that cost $42,000. Even the back glass had to be removed, which shows Rivian was worried about the design, not about how to fix its cars. Luckily, it seems that this was something either the company or its certified body shops managed to correct. Sadly, it still is a concerning situation.Instead of paying $37,475, Benoit's insurance company paid $20,000 for the repair. Although that is still expensive, the almost 50% price reduction was possible because the rear window and the spoiler above it were both spared. To do that, the body shop cut the replacement panel below the C-pillar, welding it to the rest of the body in a way that the youtuber said was almost impossible to notice. The entire side of the R1T will still have to be painted, but at least some pretty expensive components will not have to be swapped. Believe it or not, the rear window and the spoiler cost thousands of dollars. Benoit did not disclose the prices of these parts, possibly because he also does not have them.One explanation for the rear glass being so expensive is that it is a one-time-use component. Surprisingly, so is the spoiler placed right above the window. I supposed it is glued to the body, just like modern windscreens are  for safety reasons. In a frontal crash, that ensures passengers are not thrown out of the car. In a pickup truck, the back window is not affected in crashes, so it used to be joined to the body only by a rubber glass seal. Some glasses were fixed with screws. The deal is that any of these solutions allowed the component to be removed and put back in place when any repair was over. With the Rivian R1T , that is not possible.That obviously does not answer the question about why a back glass and a spoiler cost "several thousand dollars." Is it because they are produced on a small scale? If this is the answer, used R1Ts in need of repair may compete with the ones Rivian is fighting to manufacture and deliver. If it is not, do they have any technology that makes them cost more than similar parts? Only Rivian and its certified repair shops have the answers. The fact that they are avoiding the removal of these elements speaks a bunch.Automotive startups are learning the hard way that repairability is a crucial aspect of product design and development. It is laudable that they want to simplify manufacturing and break established standards that nobody else perceived could be perfected. It is almost a scientific approach compared to a dogmatic policy. Yet, there is a difference between procedures and principles, which were not randomly established. There was a reason for legacy automakers to worry about how to fix their products. Customers eventually learn about that, too  especially when they face hefty repair estimates such as the one Benoit received to repair his electric pickup truck . Even if they have insurance, these steep repair prices will bite them back when it is time to renew their policies.In December 2022, Thatcham Research started a five-month investigation onfixing costs. Considering that deadline goal, we should have seen the first results in May, but we are yet to hear from the British organization about its findings. The bottom line is that BEV repairability is a concerning subject that is baking the noodles of several people in the automotive industry.As the video shows, the battery pack in Benoit's Rivian R1T was not affected by the fender bender. Even so, the repair would cost $37,475. As I already wrote, a similar incident was repaired for $42,000. What if the BEV's main component had been damaged? The truth is that it did not have to: if the fender benders had happened with an entry-level R1T, which starts at $73,000, they would probably have ended as total losses.While it was nice to know the body shop managed to cut the repair price in half, it is still concerning that it demanded $20,000. Worse than that: half of that massive price tag had to do with a rear glass and a plastic component. The deeper we dig, the worse it gets.
Stellantis will start building its own EV charging network under the Free2move Charge brand and hinted that it would make an announcement regarding NACS support soon. The Free2move Charge will create a complete charging ecosystem for its customers.

EV

kW

While everyone is betting on who's the next carmaker to adopt the NACS connector, Stellantis announced its own charging network Free2move Charge. It's more than publiccharging, as Stellantis aims to offer a complete ecosystem around EV charging and energy management. This is similar to Tesla's Energy business, which provides anything from solar and Powerwalls to charging hardware.Customers will be able to create a personalized package covering all their charging needs, from home charging installation to other energy hardware and services. These can be AC charging cables, wall boxes supporting Vehicle-to-Home and Vehicle-to-Grid, and complete energy management systems. Free2move Charge Business aims to offer a 360 solution for businesses, including right-sizing of charging infrastructure installation, maintenance, and public charging access.Finally, Free2move Charge GO is Stellantis's rival to the Tesla Supercharger network, although Jeep's parent doesn't want to build them itself. The carmaker speaks of a "curated network" of public charging spots operated by its partners. Stellantis will later expand the offering to regions outside Europe and North America. It also intends to offer Plug and Charge, loyalty programs, subscriptions, and prepaid packages. An interesting feature is that Free2move Charge GO will be able to deliver a charge to a requested location when needed.After the announcement, Ricardo Stamatti, Stellantis senior vice president of charging and energy, attended a media roundtable to discuss the new business unit. Naturally, the questions about the NACS connector were fired left and right, as Stellantis said earlier that it is evaluating NACS. Stamatti did not answer directly but said Stellantis would address this question soon. On the other hand, Detroit Free Press wrote about a "pending NACS announcement."Stellantis is the last of the Detroit Three to announce support for Tesla's NACS connector after Ford started the trend in May, and GM followed suit two weeks later. Rivian and Volvo also announced support for the Tesla connector. One of the factors that could impede NACS adoption is the lack of support for 800-volt charging with Supercharger V3 and earlier. The Supercharger V4 chargers will support 900-volt charging, but Tesla only recently started installing them.Stellantis doesn't sell electric vehicles in North America yet, but the ones announced will use an 800-volt architecture. This is certain for the Ram 1500 REV and possible for the Jeep Recon and Jeep Wagoneer S, thanks to their use of the STLA Large platform. It could be an impediment, as charging at a 400-volt station requires a powerful DC-DC converter.Most 800-volt EVs, including those from Hyundai-Kia and Lucid, only have a 50-DC-DC converter, which is a severe limitation. Still, Porsche Taycan can be ordered with a 150-kW onboard converter, showing that it can be done. Others, such as the GMC Hummer EV, have the battery divided into two 400-volt banks, allowing it to charge natively regardless of the charging voltage.
Ducati has become renowned for its high-performance, tech-filled premium motorcycle. The Italian brand prides itself on having introduced many of the electronic systems that are nowadays standard on motorcycles in various. I want to share more about these technologies and how they helped the Bologna-based company get where it is today.

Photo: Ducati

ABS

Adaptive Cruise Control

Photo: Ducati

Photo: Ducati

Photo: Ducati

Ducati describes each of its products as "a magical mix between beauty and technology." The company pays great attention to detail for each motorcycle, which results in lots of research and development.Besides the eye-catching and efficient design, electronics also play an essential role in achieving Ducati's signature performance. In the last 15 years, the brand has invested daily in the development of top-of-the-line technologies. Whether it's the track-focused capabilities of the Panigale V4 or the long-distance comfort of the Multistrada V4, the electronic solutions make it possible to refine the character and behavior of each motorbike.As I mentioned, Ducati claims to have introduced many of the innovations we've gotten used to being part of today's standard equipment on bikes. So, let's take a closer look at them.Ducati says it's the first motorcycle manufacturer to introduce Traction Control on a motorcycle, on the 1098R in 2008. What's more, one year later, the brand fitted an LED headlight on the Streetfighter 1100, representing another Ducati world first.Ducati's innovations go even further than that. In 2010, the company presented the first motorcycle in the world that offers performance levels suited for each rider, the Multistrada 1200 S, which came with "Riding Modes."The Ducati Diavel was the second cruiser motorcycle introduced by the brand  it was equipped with the TFT Display, another example of a technical solution that, in the meanwhile, has become standard in the industry. Furthermore, in 2012, the 1199 Panigale, which received the prestigious "Compasso dOro" design award, featured a full-LED light cluster and electronic engine brake management system, another of the brand's innovations.Besides the performance-enhancing systems, Ducati has also created various solutions that improve the rider's safety. For instance, the brand collaborated with Dainese in 2014 to introduce the first motorcycle with an integrated system capable of communicating with the airbag in a jacket, the Multistrada 1200 Touring D|Air. Today, all Ducati motorcycles are fitted as standard with Traction Control andcornering.Of course, airbag jackets were less efficient back then than they are nowadays. However, the bike's system could send the activation signal in just 20 milliseconds in the event of an impact or a slide. Moreover, the 2020 Multistrada V4 was the first motorcycle equipped with radars, enabling the integration of theand Blind Spot Detection systems.In 2018, the Panigale V4 was upgraded with a brand-new Slide by Brake system, allowing controlled power sliding under braking. This year, Ducati introduced the extended deactivation on the Multistrada V4 Rally, a sophisticated system that can switch off the two rear cylinders to reduce fuel consumption and heat.Ducati R&D works every day to enhance its bikes. Besides offering new technical solutions, the brand ensures its customers get the latest upgrades. For example, the Multistrada V4 owners received the Minimum Preload and Easy Lift systems free of charge when they were introduced on later models. What's more, they continue to benefit from navigation system upgrades.The Italian brand's approach involves the internal development of technologies together with its supplier. Some examples include collaborating with Pirelli, Brembo, and Bosch. This means that Ducati has complete control over the implemented technologies and can customize them without constraints.These innovations are also possible due to new working methods. Ducati uses several internal laboratories to conduct tests during development, eliminating the need to rely on external suppliers or resources. For instance, the Electrical & Electronic Testing lab is responsible for assuring the proper quality of the electrical and electronic components.One of the more demanding tests carried out at this lab is the functioning of the components in extreme thermal and environmental conditions. Ducati's specialized personnel uses cells capable of replicating temperatures ranging from 40 to 180 Celsius (-40 to 356 Fahrenheit) and atmospheric events such as heavy rain or salt mist.Robots are utilized to put great stress on the components by repeating operations thousands of times, such as the rotation of the handlebar to check the correct reliability of the wiring, simulating real conditions of use over long periods. Furthermore, Ducati goes even further and analyzes under the microscope each individual chip, verifying their exact consistency and composition.We all know how frustrating it can be to have apps and software not work as intended. Mobile app activities and software debugging are also part of Electrical & Electronic Testing, ensuring adequate operation and connectivity.One example of this work is for navigation systems. The Phone Mirroring solution on the Multistrada V4 allows customers to transform the dashboard into a color map navigator with all the information needed for riding the motorcycle.The Bologna-based manufacturer describes this working methodology as the "Ducati Way," allowing the brand to consistently improve quality yearly and offer customers the bikes of their dreams.
While tiny house design continues to evolve and expand beyond America's borders, certain features and models can be seen as classic compared to the latest innovations and bold reinterpretations. The Canadian-designed West Coast tiny house is not a game changer but a reliable model that has proven to be highly successful. There are several reasons why this is the flagship of Simply Living Stattonrock and for its enduring popularity.

Photo: Simply Living Stattonrock

Photo: Simply Living Stattonrock

Photo: Simply Living Stattonrock/Instagram

West Coast could be described as the quintessential tiny home, if there is such a thing. Although we're talking about a highly diverse sector, where size limitations were seen as a challenge and not a restriction, this particular design embodies features and principles that have become classic over the past years. West Coast is not for those who want to experiment, innovate, or ditch standard housing altogether. It's a remarkably balanced mix of traditional housing benefits and the advantages of modern tiny living.Simply Living Stattonrock's flagship is described as the most versatile in the Canadian brands range. It's versatile in terms of space because it can comfortably accommodate at least two people and a maximum of six. This makes it a great option for couples and families alike.Next, the two-loft configuration allows greater flexibility when deciding on the final layout. These areas were both designed to become comfortable bedrooms. Still, future owners can decide to use only one as a bedroom and turn the second room into an office, lounge, playroom, or anything else, depending on their lifestyle.The large living room is another versatile area. It's configured as a living/dining room with ample space for a comfy sofa and a breakfast bar. When needed, the convertible sofa provides extra accommodation. At the same time, the breakfast bar can double as a desk for a modern home office.The classic style, generous accommodation, and premium construction enable the West Coast tiny to work just as great as a home for permanent living, a vacation home in a natural setting, or a rental home. It's built to last, fully certified, and close enough to conventional comfort levels to satisfy any demands.The 26-foot (7.9 meters) West Coast is neither too small nor too big. The generous 284-square-foot (26 square meters) surface includes a full kitchen, a full bathroom, a large living/dining area, and two spacious rooms upstairs. Style-wise, the beautiful all-white shiplap walls and numerous oversized windows create a bright and airy ambiance inspired by traditional farmhouses and unique views of the Pacific Northwest.The West Coast tiny's layout is classic for homes on wheels. You have an open-plan main floor with a kitchen and a living room that doubles as a dining area, plus a bathroom at the end of the house and a typical staircase/ladder setup for accessing the loft areas.The main loft unfolds over 52 square feet (4.8 square meters), boasting a distinctive protection wall. Often, this is a simple wooden railing, but in this case, it's a solid wall that ensures true privacy. The room isn't as luminous as other tiny house bedrooms that have more windows, but it does include a beautiful skylight.The second loft space can only fit in a queen-sized bed (if used as a bedroom) and is accessed via a simple ladder. By integrating a storage staircase and a ladder instead of other options, the team at Simply Living Stattonrock freed up more space for the main floor area. The kitchen and bathroom are fitted with all the basics. Customers can also opt for a washer/dryer unit, a furniture package, and butcher-block countertops.The West Coast Tiny was also designed to be highly efficient. All dwellings built by Simply Living are high-performance homes, meaning that they're built to standards that are even higher than the BC (British Columbia) Building Code. High-quality insulation translates to better comfort in any season (something that clearly differentiates tiny homes from simple RVs), reduced living expenses and bills, and sustainability.Plus, this brand uses an advanced ventilation system paired with a ceramic regenerative heat exchanger instead of the typical energy recovery ventilators. This could be a better option in terms of health, especially for those who are prone to allergies. Permanent living in a tiny home shouldn't be just about comfort and affordability but primarily about health.Simply Living builds tiny homes, park model trailers, and modular houses while staying open to custom builds as well. All of these are 100% certified. The key thing here is that Simply Living is the tiny house brand of an established house-building company.Stattonrock Design + Build was founded in 2007 and gradually became an expert in high-performance, net-zero-certified homes. It started adding mobile living alternatives mainly as a solution for affordable housing, keeping all the benefits and high-quality standards of its conventional homes.A modern classic and a popular model, the West Coast tiny home is currently on sale until the end of June 2023, at C$ 129,999 ($98,400) from C$152,199 ($115,00).
It said that the positions located in Karabakhs Martakert and Martuni districts were struck by artillery systems as well as combat drones. The situation in these and other sections of the line of contact was relatively stable as of 7 a.m. local time, according to the Karabakh Defense Army.

On Tuesday evening, Azerbaijans Defense Ministry accused Karabakh Armenian forces of wounding an Azerbaijani soldier and said it is taking retaliatory measures. The authorities in Stepanakert were quick to deny that. They said Baku used the false claims as an information basis for the overnight shelling, which was one of the deadliest ceasefire violations reported from Karabakh since the 2020 Armenian-Azerbaijani war.

Tensions along the Karabakh line of contact and the Armenian-Azerbaijani border have increased significantly over the past month, with the conflicting sides accusing each other of violating the ceasefire on a virtually daily basis. The Armenian government said earlier this month that Baku may be gearing up for another attack on Karabakh.

Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov threatened the Karabakh Armenians with fresh military action in televised remarks aired on Monday. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said in late May that they must dissolve their government bodies and unconditionally accept Azerbaijani rule.
In a statement unanimously adopted by its members, the Karabakh parliament linked the bloodshed to a new round of U.S.-mediated negotiations which the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers began outside Washington on Tuesday.

It said that Yerevan must refuse to negotiate until Baku ends truce violations along the Karabakh line of contact and the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and provides documentary guarantees of its commitment to the ceasefire regime.

Otherwise, the continuation of the negotiations would mean the encouragement of the Azerbaijani sides aggressive behavior and a privilege [granted] at the international level, it warned.

The statement also called for international sanctions against Baku and said Russian peacekeepers stationed in Karabakh should take tougher measures to counter Azerbaijans inhuman, genocidal actions.

The Armenian government did not immediately respond to the appeal. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian tweeted instead that the international community should take practical steps to ensure rights and security of the Nagorno-Karabakh people.

Pashinian pointed to the deaths of the four Karabakh soldiers and the continuing Azerbaijani blockade of the Lachin corridor. High risk of destabilization in the South Caucasus, he added.

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry responded by accusing Pashinian of misleading the international community. The ministry spokesman, Aykhan Hajizada, claimed that the Azerbaijani army took retaliatory measures after one of its soldiers was wounded by illegal Armenian forces.

Armenia, instead of interfering in Azerbaijans internal affairs, must  respect Azerbaijans sovereignty and territorial integrity in both words and deeds, he wrote.

Meanwhile, Russia expressed serious concern at the overnight incident but stopped short of publicly blaming the Azerbaijani side for it. The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, also renewed Moscows calls for Baku to fully unblock traffic through the only road connecting Karabakh to Armenia.

We believe that taking quick measures to fully unblock the Lachin corridor and creating conditions for the normal life of the civilian population would contribute to a de-escalation of the situation, Zakharova told reporters.

Pashinian drew strong condemnation from the Karabakh leaders and the Armenian opposition after he pledged in May to recognize Azerbaijani sovereignty over Karabakh through an Armenian-Azerbaijani peace treaty. His critics say the far-reaching move only emboldened Baku to step up the pressure on the Karabakh Armenians.

The peace treaty is the main focus of the ongoing meeting of the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers which began in the presence of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The latter also held separate talks with the two ministers.

We support Armenia and Azerbaijan working together toward a durable and dignified agreement, Blinken tweeted late on Tuesday.
28 June 2023 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

By Tahmaz Asadov, Trend

The Armenian side, which has been intensively shelling the positions of the Azerbaijani army in Nakhchivan and other border areas over the past month, opened fire on Azerbaijani soldiers at the Lachin checkpoint.

Now the Armenians went to the meeting of the Foreign Ministers on peace negotiations on the other side of the ocean, to Washington. Baku has no confidence in Yerevan with its destructive statements after each negotiation process, sabotage of peace talks.

Despite the fact that expectations are low, especially against the background of frequent shelling of Azerbaijani positions by the Armenian side, Baku still does not lose optimism that under pressure and insistence of the mediators, Armenia will fulfill the obligations assumed at the negotiating table. That is why last day Azerbaijani FM Jeyhun Bayramov went to the US for the another round of the Washington meeting.

Bayramov and Mirzoyan are expected to meet in Washington today. After the meeting was postponed on June 12, no one should not expect significant changes in the agenda that the ministers will discuss. But if it takes into account that Baku will be a strong party at the negotiating table in any case, everybody can assume that all these attempts of manipulation will harm the Armenian government.

The geopolitical situation in the world is becoming increasingly strained, there are new threats in our region, revengeful forces are rising in Armenia again, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev mentioned during his speech in one of the military units of the commando of the Ministry of Defense.

Revanchist forces are raising their heads in Armenia, and the process of Azerbaijan's purchase of new weapons continues, but Baku takes its courses.

Taking all this into account, Azerbaijan has very important advantages both at the diplomatic table within the framework of post-conflict realities and from a military point of view, and this advantage is growing every day.

Against the background of all these processes, what the Armenian political leadership will say at the next round of the Washington meeting does not really matter much. If Armenia does not want peace, there will be no peace.

It is possible that Yerevan will try to put pressure on Baku again, to slow down the negotiation process by putting forward an "international mechanism for protecting the rights and security of the Armenian residents of Karabakh." Although, Azerbaijan's position on this issue remains unchanged: the issue of the rights and security of the Armenian residents of Karabakh is an internal matter of Azerbaijan, according to its Constitution and laws.

This means that Azerbaijan will not discuss this issue with any of its international partners. And Armenia has been well aware of this for 3 years. Therefore, the sooner the Armenian leadership moves away from its delusional ideas, the better for it.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who have recently often said that they recognize Karabakh as the sovereign territory of Azerbaijan, would do well to explain to the international community the decision taken at the next meeting of the Armenian government to allocate another financial aid to the Karabakh separatists.

If the Armenian side still cannot accept that Karabakh is an internal matter of Azerbaijan, then it is too early to talk about any lasting peace. After all, it is the latest provocations, military incidents committed, destructive statements that prevent the reintegration of the Armenian residents of Karabakh.

Despite the fact that this time the talks in Washington will last several days, Yerevan is expected to remain "faithful" to the tradition of avoiding peace at the end of the process. However, after a few days ago, Jeyhun Bayramov said that a peace agreement could be signed earlier than by the end of the year, a similar optimistic statement was made from Yerevan.

Nevertheless, France, which tries to impose itself as a "mediator" in peace negotiations, actually hinders this process.

It is appropriate to mention here a recent article by Newsweek Romania on the latest developments in the South Caucasus and the negotiation process on the final peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The article, which aroused considerable interest with its notes, says that the last hope of the Armenian separatists is Macron.

"French President Emmanuel Macron and some Russian circles are supplying Armenia with weapons, thereby strengthening Yerevan's opponents of a peaceful settlement. There are still separatists in the Karabakh region. Thus, Macron strengthens the supporters of revanchism," in the Newsweek Romanias article said.

It was also added that France "acts as an intermediary, but at the same time supplies weapons to Armenia."

Pashinyan, who hopes so much for Macron, should understand that such behavior could be the end of his political activity. These politicians should remember the riots that engulfed the whole of Armenia after the trilateral declaration that marked the end of the 44-day war.

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Baku International Piano Festival never ceases to amaze not only music lovers, but also moviegoers.

The festival's film program gives festival visitors a great chance to explore the music world through cinema.

Curated by well-known film critic Ulvi Mehdi, the film program adds another layer of enchantment to the festival.

Speaking to AZERNEWS, Ulvi Mehdi has provided insight into the cinema program, organized within Baku International Piano Festival.

Q: How did your collaboration with Baku International Piano Festival start?

A: The festival's director Shahin Novrasli and I once discussed cinematography and my old topic on jazz soundtracks. Furthermore, the festival's program director Natavan Novrasli invited me to join the festival as a curator of the film program. Thats when it all started...

Q: What nuances do you take into account when compiling a film program?

A: While compiling the cinema program, I took into account that the festival's theme is devoted to piano, where the music instrument turns into the non-verbal film character. This can be traced in Oktay Mir-Gasim's film "This is the voice of the Truth: Composer Gara Garayev'' and Ilona Bruvere's cinema work "Taper'' dedicated to Latvian composer Oskar Strokes.

Q: Oktay Mir-Gasim's film "This is the voice of the Truth: Composer Gara Garayev" (1968) was screened on the second day of the festival. What is special about the film in your opinion?

A: The documentary demonstrates Gara Garayev's chronicle portrait, which for 55 years has become an invaluable film document in the history of 20th century culture.

Q: Speaking about the film program, it is impossible not to mention Ilona Bruvere's documentary "Tapieris" (2014) dedicated to Latvian composer Oskar Strokes. Could you tell our readers more about the legacy of "King of Tango"?

A: A detailed tale about the "King of Tango" was embodied on the screen in the magic of an unhurried rhythm, where the Latvian history of the first and second half of the 20th century is shown through Strokes' biography.

The documentary narrates about pianist-melodist and arranger Oskar Strokes, who even at the very start of his creative path, a hundred years ago became famous in Europe for his author's performance of compositions in the rhythm of tango. The life of the maestro has been shown like a film-play.

Q: Please, share with readers your must-see selection of films about musicians and composers.

A: I highly recommend your newspaper readers to watch a documentary "Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool" (2019).

Recall that this documentary was presented to Baku public last year within the first Baku International Piano Festival. Filmed by Stanley Nelson Jr, the documentary features a collection of videos from concerts and rehearsals, photos, and interviews with Miles Davis' contemporaries and collaborators including Carl Lumbly, Quincy Jones, Carlos Santana, Clive Davis, Wayne Shorter, etc. The film focuses on the figure of Miles Davis as a revolutionary who recognizes boundaries neither in life nor in music.

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28 June 2023 12:10 (UTC+04:00)

US State Department has congratulated the Muslim world on Eid al-Adha.

"Warmest wishes for a blessed and joyous Eid al-Adha. May your time during this holiday and throughout the year be filled with peace, happiness, and good health," said on Twitter.

Every year worlds Muslims celebrate one of the most sacred holidays of the Islamic world, Eid al-Adha, which marks the end of the pilgrimage to Mecca known as Hajj.

The Islamic holiday symbolizes the highest human qualities and commemorates Prophet Ibrahims faith and devotion to God.

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28 June 2023 10:20 (UTC+04:00)

"The US supports Armenia and Azerbaijan working together toward a durable and dignified agreement", said US State Secretary Antony Blinken.

"Hosting peace talks this week with Foreign Ministers Ararat Mirzoyan and Jeyhun Bayramov at the National Foreign Affairs Training Center. We support Armenia and Azerbaijan working together toward a durable and dignified agreement. Dialogue is key to lasting peace," he wrote on Twitter.

On June 27, Secretary Antony Blinken held bilateral meetings with Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers Jeyhun Bayramov and Ararat Mirzoyan at the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center.

The US State Secretary also took part in an opening plenary session with the two ministers at the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center.

The talks between the Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers will continue through June 29.

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28 June 2023 10:00 (UTC+04:00)

The talks between the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia-Jeyhun Bayramov and Ararat Mirzoyan in the US will continue in a bilateral format on June 28.

Trilateral meetings with the participation of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken are not expected today, Azernews reports.

On June 27, Secretary Antony Blinken held bilateral meetings with Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers Jeyhun Bayramov and Ararat Mirzoyan at the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center.

Blinken and Bayramov discussed the Azerbaijani-Armenian peace process, prospects for negotiations on a draft bilateral agreement on establishing peace and interstate relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as the current situation in the region.

During the meeting, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov pointed out Azerbaijan's position on the issues raised in the draft agreement. He spoke about Armenia's attempts to obstruct the peace process and Yerevan's provocative actions.

After the meetings, the US State Secretary took part in an opening plenary session with the two ministers at the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center.

Next, the ministers continued negotiations in a bilateral format, which lasted intermittently for 4-5 hours.

The talks between the Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers will continue through June 29.

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28 June 2023 11:15 (UTC+04:00)

Western Azerbaijan Community has issued a statement expressing serious concern about the recent hearings of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, regarding Armenians living in Azerbaijan's Karabakh region.

The statement reads as follows:

First of all, we emphasize that it is very important to have a detailed and accurate understanding of the situation between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Human rights violations committed by Armenia against Azerbaijanis are on a very large scale and have no analogues.

In 1987-1991, Armenia expelled all Azerbaijanis from its territory, then used force against Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and occupied 20 percent of its territory. As a result of all this, around 300,000 Azerbaijani refugees from Armenia and 700,000 Azerbaijanis were displaced from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan.

Armenia killed thousands of peaceful Azerbaijanis, destroyed cultural and religious monuments and cemeteries belonging to Azerbaijanis both in Armenia and in the occupied territories, looted private and public property and civil infrastructure of Azerbaijanis. Armenia destroyed hundreds of cities and other residential areas of Azerbaijan. Armenia also planted more than one million mines in the previously occupied territories. Its sole purpose is to make it difficult for Azerbaijani IDPs to safely return to their homes after liberating those territories from the decades-long destructive military occupation of Armenia.

We are deeply concerned about the obvious bias shown by the people who spoke at the hearings of the said Commission. We were disappointed to learn that some of them have close ties with Armenian-oriented interest groups. This raises serious questions about the objectivity and fairness of the hearing. It seems that the audition was just to fulfill a predetermined script. The essence of the speeches made at the meeting was fundamentally flawed and did not accurately reflect the real situation. The hearing was based on white lies and anti-Azerbaijani rhetoric widely used by some circles, which has no factual basis. The confusing fabrications presented during the hearing served to present only a one-sided perspective, ignoring any facts, nuances or historical context of the situation.

In particular, the repeated use of religiously biased expressions by speakers is deeply disturbing. The Tom Lantos Commission aims to promote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognizes the equality of all people regardless of religion. By using vocabulary that suggests religious bias, the Commission has failed to uphold its goals, values and principles.

We were deeply disappointed by the disregard for the rights of Azerbaijanis, especially those expelled from Armenia. This calls into question whether the Commission truly values the rights of all persons, regardless of ethnicity or religion. It also appears that the Commission does not care about the rights of certain groups of people after they are evicted from their homes. This discriminatory and dangerous approach has undermined the credibility and impartiality of the hearing.

All this clearly shows that the hearings of the Commission have, in fact, served certain nefarious interests rather than human rights. Although we recognize that every state and group is free to defend its interests, we consider it unacceptable to abuse such a noble idea as human rights, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, for such nefarious purposes.

In addition, the hearing undermines ongoing peace efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Thus, what was expressed in the hearing continues the approach of inciting hostility and creates an additional obstacle to reconciliation.

The hearing was a sad chapter in the history of the Tom Lantos Commission. Against the background of the commission's obvious shortcomings and biases, we call on this body to make meaningful efforts to recognize and protect the rights of more than one million ethnic Azerbaijanis who have suffered from ethnic cleansing and other crimes against humanity committed by Armenia. It is very important for the Commission to recognize the fundamental rights of Azerbaijanis forcibly expelled from Armenia.

We call on the Commission to actively engage in sincere dialogue with our Community to correct its shortcomings and eliminate the injustices faced by Azerbaijanis. Specifically, we call on the Commission to make efforts to ensure the basic rights of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia to return safely and with dignity, which is also stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 June 2023 16:16 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held phone talks, Azernews reports.

The heads of state congratulated each other and both peoples on the occasion of Eid al-Adha and offered their best wishes.

During the telephone conversation, they expressed confidence that friendly and brotherly relations would continue to develop in all spheres and shared their views on the future development of allied relations.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzbaijani
28 June 2023 11:30 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan Military Prosecutor's Office in Aghdam has been informed about the injury of an Azerbaijani serviceman Ali Bekirov, as a result of a firearm attack from the Armenian side.

On June 27 at 8:05 p.m., Azerbaijan Army's positions located in the direction of Galaychilar village of Aghdam region were fired from small arms by illegal Armenian armed groups in the territory of Azerbaijan, where Russian peacekeepers are temporarily stationed, Azernews reports, citing Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry.

A military serviceman of the Azerbaijan Army Bakirov Ali son of Shukur was injured as a result of the shooting.

The wounded serviceman was immediately evacuated to a military medical facility, his life is not in danger.

Head of the Press Service of the Military Prosecutor's Office, Chief Counselor of Justice Firad Aliyev told that the employees of the Aghdam Military Prosecutor's Office received clarifications and, together with the employees of the Criminalistics and Information Technologies Department of the Military Prosecutor's Office, the relevant work was carried out and necessary actions were taken.

The Aghdam Military Prosecutor's Office initiated a criminal case under article 29,120.2.12 (attempted murder based on national, racial, religious hatred or enmity) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, witnesses were interrogated, appropriate examinations were appointed, and the necessary investigative actions were immediately carried out.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 June 2023 20:25 (UTC+04:00)

As part of a working trip to the United States, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has met with the US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Azernews reports with reference to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

The parties discussed the prospects for the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Minister Bayramov spoke about the steps taken by Armenia to undermine peace and stability.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 June 2023 21:00 (UTC+04:00)

On the sidelines of a working visit to the United States, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Azernews reports.

The parties exchanged views on the issue of ensuring peace and normalizing relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

The unacceptable behavior and subversive actions of Armenia hindering peace efforts have been highlighted.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 June 2023 21:07 (UTC+04:00)

Two of the five members of illegal Armenian armed groups killed in Karabakh as part of the operation 'Revenge' of the Azerbaijan Army are servicemen of the Armenian armed formations.

According to Azernews, on Wednesday, at the moment, the Armenian side is attempting to coordinate with the Azerbaijani side regarding the evacuation of their bodies to Armenia.

Recall that on June 27 at 20:05 illegal Armenian armed formations on the territory of Azerbaijan, where Russian peacekeepers are temporarily stationed, fired at the positions of the Azerbaijan Army in the direction of the village of Galaichilar in the Aghdam region from small arms. As a result of the shelling, a serviceman of the Azerbaijani army, Bekirov Ali Shukur oglu, was wounded.

In response to the provocative actions of the Armenians, the Azerbaijan Army carried out the "Revenge" operation, as a result of which 5 members of illegal Armenian armed groups were killed.

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Guyanese journalist: China is helping other countries to get on their feet

People's Daily Online) 15:59, June 28, 2023

My name is Shaquawn Hamilton Gill. This is my first time being here in China. It's been a phenomenal experience so far.

The only information I had of China prior to coming to China was basically the media that was fed to me in my home country. But now that I am here, being able to visit a lot of the political, historical sites in China, seeing how China was able to progress over the years. And not just that, but seeing the natural beauty of China, seeing the fact that it's not the way many sections of the media painted. It's a completely different experience.

President Xi Jinping has been really promoting the idea of a shared community, the idea of bringing countries together in a harmonious way. And I think that the concept and philosophy behind that is a really beautiful idea.

Through several projects, but mainly the Belt and Road Initiative, China has been able to play a pivotal role in its own development, by expanding its economy and things of that nature, but also helping other countries to get on their feet, to be able to have the infrastructure that is necessary for economic growth. It's a brilliant idea and has been executed perfectly over the last few years.

You know, China and Guyana, our relations go way back. 2022 marked the 50th anniversary of our relationship. We have been strengthening that relationship in multiple areas of cooperation, in trade, student exchanges. We've seen a lot of that, specifically in the medical area.

But over the last few years, since 2018, we signed onto the Belt and Road Initiative, and since then, we've had the opportunity to benefit from this initiative.

And there are three projects that are currently ongoing.

So we have the China-Guyana friendship park. That will provide an area for recreational activities, for cultural activities that happen.

We have a new bridge that will be linking two parts of the country so that economic trade can expand on that other side. More people can want to live over there.

And there is also the East-Coast Phase Two Road. That is also another project. We've had for a very long time the issue of connectivity. And so now having the opportunity to expand our roadways and have new infrastructure, travel infrastructure, I think, will open up several opportunities. More businesses can expand. Employment opportunities, of course, will definitely be available for the people of Guyana.

With Guyana spending 50 years already in a strong relationship with China, I can only imagine that the relationship will grow stronger. It will ensure that there are mutual benefits for people, both in China and in Guyana.

If we can see more educational opportunities and other areas as well expanded, for more young people to be involved and be a part of, and if those opportunities are provided, I know that the relationship will definitely grow stronger. Our Guyanese people will benefit significantly, and they'll be able to see the world in that shared community, like President Xi Jinping is hoping that it happens.

(Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Wu Chengliang)
28 June 2023 22:17 (UTC+04:00)

Rena Murshud Read more

Member of Azerbaijani Parliament, Chairperson of Sub-Committee on Human Rights at Parliamentary Assaembly of the Council of Europe Kamal Jafarov despises French authorities for killing 17 year old boy and call to respect the right to demonstrate, protect protesters in Nanterre, Azernews reports.

Kamal Jafarov wrote about it on his Twitter:

"I am very appalled with news of 17 year old of algerian origin fatally shot by police officer in #France. Video circulating on social media shows a police officer pointing a gun at the driver of a car, before a gunshot is heard. The car then crashes to a stop.The teenager, named as Nael M, died of bullet wounds in the chest.

After a record 13 deaths from police shootings in France during traffic stops last year, this was the second fatal incident in such circumstances in 2023.

Three people were killed by police gunfire after refusing to comply with a traffic stop in 2021 and two in 2020. A Reuters tally of fatal shootings in 2021 and 2022 shows the majority of victims were black or Arabic origin.

First, I ask French authorities investigate systemic and ethnice nature behind the excessive use of force by police and to increase their efforts to ensure that justice is served timely and adequately for all victims.

Second, I call French authorities to respect the right to demonstrate and protect protesters in Nanterre," he wrote.

I am very appalled with news of 17 year old of algerian origin fatally shot by police officer in #France. Video circulating on social media shows a police officer pointing a gun at the driver of a car, before a gunshot is heard. The car then crashes to a stop.The teenager, named pic.twitter.com/4E25aalNYF  Kamal Jafarov (@jafarov_kamal) June 28, 2023

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Rena Murshud is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @RenaTagiyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 June 2023 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

On a sunny October day last year, Usman Arshad set out from his hometown in northeastern Pakistan to do what he had wished for a long time, Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency.

Over the next six months, undeterred by freezing winds and scorching heat, he walked some 5,400 kilometers (3,350 miles) across four countries to fulfill his dream of performing Hajj, the annual pilgrimage that is the fifth and final pillar of Islam.

I am very happy. It was my dream to walk all the way to the Kaaba, said Arshad, 26, referring to what Muslims consider the house of God built by the Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail.

I chose to walk because I believe this path brought me closer to God, he told Anadolu in a phone call from Mecca, recalling the breathtaking natural beauty  from stunning mountains to rolling plains of sand  that he encountered on the way.

The university student documented his entire excursion on his social media accounts.

In his videos, he can be seen trudging along seemingly endless roads, an umbrella in one hand, and a large backpack slung over his shoulders with his clothes and other essentials like his tent, medicines, dry fruits, electronics and travel documents.

As Arshad left his home in Okara in Pakistans Punjab province on Oct. 1 last year, friends, family members and well-wishers showered him with rose petals, while local news crews lined up for interviews.

His father was initially against the idea, pushing him to take the more convenient and safer option of air travel.

Arshad was adamant and eventually convinced his father, who also helped cover the costs of the journey, around 2 million Pakistani rupees (approximately $7,000).

This was not his first such trip, having walked from Okara to the border with China up in Pakistans north the previous year.

That journey, which Arshad said was a walk for peace, saw him cover some 1,270 kilometers (780 miles) in 34 days.

Since I had done that within Pakistan, I was sure I could walk all the way here for Hajj too, he said.

- The journey

Arshad spent about 10 months planning his trip, researching routes and meeting government and embassy officials to discuss his plans.

Starting from Okara, he went through 15 cities in Pakistan to reach the Taftan border with Iran in the southwestern Balochistan province.

He had initially thought about going from Iran to Iraq, Kuwait and then Saudi Arabia, but changed the route because of visa complications in Iraq and Kuwait, heading instead to the UAE from Iran.

The journey was not without its fair share of hardship, from the searing heat that made walking a challenge to frigid winds that made it all but impossible.

There was a place in Iran that was freezing. The wind was so chilly it drained the color from my face, Arshad recalled.

There were also stretches of hundreds of kilometers devoid of any humans.

In Iran, there would be no one in sight for 200-250 kilometers (125-155 miles). It was a real problem finding food or a place to stay, he said.

Over 45 days within Irans borders, Arshad travelled through eight cities, occasionally putting up in hotels to recharge his electronics, shower and wash his clothes.

In the more remote regions, though, his tent was all he had for the night.

From Iran, Arshad took a boat to Sharjah, a distance he does not include in his journey on foot.

With many friends and acquaintances in the UAE, he had several homes opened to him as he moved through Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

From Abu Dhabi to Saudi Arabia, Arshad covered a distance of 400 kilometers (250 miles) through vast stretches of desert, coming across several Pakistani truck drivers who gave him food and water as he struggled through the harsh terrain.

He entered Saudi Arabia on March 13 from the Batha border and crossed seven cities to finally reach Mecca.

Arshad plans to return home on July 14 and pick up his studies, stalled for the past nine months.

For his future, he seems himself as a travel vlogger sharing his adventures with the world.

Recounting his journey, Arshad said he will always remember the kindness extended by strangers he met on the way.

In a cold and largely deserted area in Iran, he set up his tent and was just settling down for the night when a man came up and invited him to his home.

He lit a fire for me and brought me food. He was so kind. I have many, many stories like these to share, said Arshad.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 June 2023 09:00 (UTC+04:00)

Japan and the European Union agreed Tuesday to deepen economic security cooperation by strengthening supply chain resilience for semiconductors and other critical materials, apparently with China and Russia in mind, Azernews reports, citing Kyodo.

During their third high-level dialogue on economic issues such as trade and energy, Japanese and EU representatives also said they will take measures to counter China's so-called economic coercion, involving the use of economic means to achieve political goals and exert influence on other countries, Japan's trade ministry said.

Japan was represented in the online meeting by Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura and Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi. They were joined by Valdis Dombrovskis, executive vice president of the European Commission for an Economy that Works for People.

The call to boost supply chain networks comes as Russia's ongoing war with Ukraine, which began in February 2022, continues to heighten economic and geopolitical uncertainty.

Dombrovskis said during their meeting that the EU was able to partially decouple its economy from Russia through sanctions, which were imposed with like-minded partners to degrade Moscow's military capacity and hit the Kremlin's war chest.

The participants also affirmed the importance of protecting digital data when transferred across national borders with the highest standards of cybersecurity, the ministry said.

Japan and the EU last held an economic dialogue in October 2022, when the focus was on the importance of securing stable energy and food supplies threatened by Russia's war with Ukraine.
28 June 2023 17:21 (UTC+04:00)

People who received humanitarian assistance from Turkiye thanked the country for its support amid the ongoing drought and civil war in Yemen.

Turkiye has been providing unwavering support and refusing to leave Yemenis behind during this challenging period, Azernews reports.

Non-governmental organizations in Turkiye have been assisting people in Yemen for several years. The organizations will continue supporting those in need in Yemen during the Eid al-Adha holiday.

In an interview with Anadolu Agency (AA), the Yemenis expressed their gratitude to Turkiye and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for not abandoning them and providing humanitarian aid to the country.

Saide Um Abdulhamid, a resident of Marib city, expressed her gratitude for Turkiye and Erdogan.

"There is no one like Turkiye. May Allah protect and grant victory to Turkiye and President Erdogan," Um Abdulhamid told AA.

"We thank Turkiye for its efforts and this assistance. We love Turkish people. They are very good people. We, Yemenis, have great respect for Turkish people," another Yemeni, Adem Abdullah, said.

Bringing to mind the devastating Feb. 6 earthquakes that struck Turkiye's southern region, including the Kahramanmaras province, Ismail Hadid stressed that Turkiye remained mindful of their Yemeni brethren.

"Turkiye plays a significant role in the region and is a fraternal nation. It has made noteworthy contributions to the Arab world. We express our gratitude to the Turkish people for their support," he said.

The civil war in Yemen has entered its eighth year, and approximately 400,000 people have lost their lives due to malnutrition and various diseases such as COVID-19 and cholera.

Children are the greatest victims of the acute hunger crisis in the country. More than one million children in the country require humanitarian assistance, and millions of others in Yemen are at risk of dying from hunger if urgent measures are not taken, according to UNICEF.

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Smoke from Canada wildfires is increasing health risks in Black and poorer US communities

Smoky air from Canadas wildfires is shrouding broad swaths of the U.S. from Minnesota to New York and Kentucky
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Email Dan Walters of CalMatters at dan@calmatters.org. CalMatters is a nonpartisan, nonprofit journalism venture committed to explaining Californias policies and politics. For more columns by Walters, go to calmatters.org/commentary.
Nehalem Talk Looks at 'Orphan Tsunami' from Oregon Coast in 1700

Published 06/26/23 at 6:11 p.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff







(Manzanita, Oregon)  Some 323 years ago, a puzzling tsunami roared into Japan in January of 1700. In that ancient, feudal land, Samurai, merchants and villagers all wrote of major damage and flooding, appearing out of nowhere. There was no earthquake felt. No usual warning. Yet they had no way to know what had just occurred was a massive undersea quake a continent away  on the other side of the Pacific Ocean. The Cascadia Subduction zone had just given way and erupted in a major quake, destroying many things on both sides of the ocean.

In the 1990s, the puzzle started to be put together, as a myriad of fascinating discoveries led to the full realization of what will come again to the Pacific Northwest. The quake's subsequent tsunami leveled even along both shorelines.

Geologist Dr. Brian Atwater, author of The Orphan Tsunami of 1700, will share his research on this ancient tsunami and what it means for people in the Northwest, especially the Oregon coast.

The presentation will take place on July 8 at 3:30 pm at North County Recreation District (NCRD) at 36155 9th Street in Nehalem. Sponsored by the Nehalem Valley Historical Society, the $10 entrance fee will benefit the Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay.

Dr. Atwater will also be signing copies of his book on July 8 at 9 am at Offshore Grill and Coffee House, 154 Laneda Ave. Manzanita. The book will be available for sale that morning through Cloud & Leaf Bookstore, located next door to Offshore Grill.

For more information, contact NVHS at info@nehalemvalleyhistory.org

Tsunami Background and Remnants Today



South Beach / Newport area: a Doug Fir killed in the 1700 tsunami

While the Japanese have written accounts, regional tribes here have their stories passed down through the generations. It created an epic tale of struggle between two powerful entities, Thunderbird and Whale. The stories vary as to which one was the villain, but the end result was shaking Earth and an ocean that suddenly retreated, then just as abruptly came screaming inland, wiping out whole villages and leaving canoes in trees.

Some of the groundbreaking research on the 1700 tsunami has been done in the soils of Cape Lookout State Park, just to the east of the shoreline. Evidence of the tsunami has been found as much as a mile inland.

You can still see many of the ghost forests stumps that come from that event  although they are not the ones on the beach that many know of. [Explanations of Neskowin Ghost Forest Wrong, Say Oregon Coast Geologists] The remnants of the 1700 quake and even from earlier ones exist along the estuaries of the Oregon coast. Estuary stumps  and every coastal estuary has them  come in different ages as well. Some have them from different millennia events, thousands and thousands of years old at times. This is a big revelation to many coastal fans: there are many more ghost forests than people know about.



Stump from the 1700 quake near Coos Bay, courtesy Greg Lerwill

They don't look as interesting as the sand-based ghost forests, however.



Another, unknown set of these was identified at Coos Bay with the help of resident Greg Lerwill back in 2021. New Ghost Forest from 1700 ID'd Near Coos Bay

Hotels in Manzanita, Wheeler - Where to eat - Manzanita, Wheeler Maps and Virtual Tours







MORE PHOTOS BELOW















Neskowin ghost forests - product of a slow process of landscape change, not an earthquake

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....



Coastal Spotlight



Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

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Here standing at the southwest corner and looking southeast across some of Lot #10, Hillcrest, and Rice Patch Creek Preserve's Lot #11, just west of the Waterfront access lot, we get an unambiguous idea of the clear water and the sandy beach of Chocowinity Bay, and just how high this land stands above this vast water resource: Above and below. photos by Stan Deatherage Click here to expand images.

Lot #10 Hillcrest, offered at 279,800.00; all community use of community assets included, if desired, but with certain reasonable HOA costs.

Lot #10 is shown here in this map below, with its proximity to the Access Lots, with its shown proximity to the upper water access land in Tract S. Click this map to access the fullest map: Below.

The Deeded Access Lot, with over 151' of frontage on Chocowinity Bay /Pamlico River, and quite large at .85 acre, is viewed here from the southwest side of the lot west of (still part of the Rice Patch Creek Preserve Project) the community access lot, where we view the Pamlico River. The community access lot has a boat ramp with a pier in place: Above. Also, as part of this natural community that is in the embryonic state of its creation, are many views of a natural ponding of water (when the beavers have continued their good natural work), where over 26.3 miles of nature trails will intersect the course: Below. photos by Stan Deatherage Click images to expand.

This video, created by SNI Productions, represents deeded waterfront access property that is conveyable for Rice Patch Creek Preserve and Calf Creek Preserve owners: Below.

Co-brokerage for the tract in a one sale scenario is 3.5% of sales price to the brokerage representing the sales side of the conveyance.

Contact Information Below:

Stan Deatherage, broker #82765

106 Beechtree Street

Washington, NC 27889



Business: (252) 946-1132  Cell: (252) 946-2361  email: stan@beaufortcountynow.com  stan@deatherageandassociates.com

The owner of this property is Stan Deatherage, who is a real estate broker - the broker-in-charge of Deatherage and Associates - intends to market this property in whole or in part.

Below: This map shows the approximate, near exact location of the tracts and lots that are currently offered to all interested parties in the Rice Patch Creek Preserve /Calf Creek Preserve projects, with specific information of the such, including maps, in these informative posts.

Loading Google Map...Please Wait...

Enter an Address or Place & Click Find Find

Latitude



Longitude



Zoom



Only minutes from Greenville and Washington, and 3 1/2 miles east from the Highway 17 bypass heading north and south, we offer this unique high lots (Waterfront and Waterview /Waterfront Access) above the wide waters within the Pamlico Estuary, where one can build their dream home, with simultaneous views down Chocowinity Bay norhwest, and southwest up the Pamlico River. It is truly panoramic in scope, varying by the hour of the day.And that is where we begin: The proximity to the region's great population center - Greenville, North Carolina; the memorable water views just waiting for the sun; the real property connective tissue to the eventual project of Calf Creek Preserve The waterfront lot in question has a description - Lot #10, Hillcrest - and it is truly on a hill, no flood insurance needed; house could sit over 20 feet above water.Lot #10 Hillcrest is approximately 1/2 acre (.490 acre on map ), with 80 feet of water frontage on Chocowinity Bay, but with a long view looking down the Pamlico River. Water is supplied by the county water system; Sewer is provided by a community septic system, where it is operated upon a 6 acre piece of community property, jointly owned, and within easy walking distance west on Hillcrest Drive.Lot #10, Hillcrest could be sold as part of the proposed and eventual Rice Patch Creek Preserve and Calf Creek Preserve ; the 423 acres that course throughout the woods and the water, where nature trails will be built, long and in all directions, so that natural wonder of the hills, and the forests, and the ponding of water can be shared, hopefully, for generations. The many seasons of the Pamlico River and Chocowinity Bay can be found year after year for generations ad nauseam.
A gunman in tactical gear armed with a rifle entered Turnberry Towers in Las Vegas and fired off a few rounds toward the front desk as he advanced. Then he encountered something he clearly did not expect, a Towers employee from their mailroom who drew his concealed carry pistol to defend his workplace and fellow employees. The shooter then retreated toward the street where he posed a threat to citizens there, and the armed employee put him down with a couple of shots. The shooter was apparently wearing body armor and lived but was taken into custody by police.

Curiously, the police tried to cover up the whole event.

https://dailycaller.com/2023/06/27/vegas-active-shooter-didnt-even-make-it-through-the-doors-before-mailroom-guy-lit-him-up/

https://redstate.com/bonchie/2023/06/27/watch-good-guy-with-a-gun-decimates-active-shooter-in-las-vegas-local-officials-cover-it-up-n768021
Florida Governor Ron deSantis has staked out a position on the border that is stronger than that of President Trump. Governor deSantis supports finishing the border wall and the other border security measures pioneered by Trump, but he goes farther. He has advocated delegating immigration enforcement powers to the states to supplement what the federal government is doing, including allowing states to deport illegal aliens. deSantis has called for increased actions by the federal government to enforce our immigration laws including deporting those here illegally.

deSantis has become the first major candidate to call for ending recognition of citizenship by birth alone, saying the US should join most developed countries in basing citizenship upon the nationality of the parents, not where someone is born. The governor also calls for cracking down hard on the Mexican crime cartels which are involved in human smuggling and drug smuggling.
The Washington Examiner is reporting:

by Kaelan Deese, Supreme Court Reporter |

June 27, 2023 10:24 AM

The Supreme Court on Tuesday affirmed a decision by North Carolina's top court but rejected the so-called independent state legislature theory at issue in the case.

A group of Republican lawmakers from North Carolina argued that the theory (the idea that the Constitution's elections clause gives state legislators nearly unfettered authority to regulate federal elections without interference from state courts) barred the state's high court from setting aside congressional maps drawn by the state's legislature.

The 6-3 majority decision in Moore v. Harper held that the elections clause "does not insulate state legislatures from the ordinary exercise of state judicial review."

The ruling also featured the court's three liberal justices in the majority alongside conservatives Chief Justice John Roberts, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. Justice Clarence Thomas issued a dissent that was joined by Justice Neil Gorsuch and in part by Justice Samuel Alito.

"The reasoning we unanimously embraced in Smiley [v. Holm] commands our continued respect," Roberts wrote. "A state legislature may not 'create congressional districts independently of' requirements imposed 'by the state constitution with respect to the enactment of laws.'"

In April, the recently formed conservative majority on the North Carolina Supreme Court overturned a previous ruling done under a Democratic majority that disallowed partisan gerrymandering, allowing Republicans in the state to redraw the state's congressional lines in a way that heavily favored the GOP. That decision threw into question the status of a case at the U.S. Supreme Court and whether that court's 6-3 Republican-appointed majority would rule on a contentious ISL theory.

The independent state legislature argument found its basis by citing language in the Constitution that says election rules shall be prescribed in each state by the legislature thereof.

Roberts emphasized that the Supreme Court "has an obligation to ensure state court interpretations of state law does not evade federal law," reinforcing the rule that federal election law is policed by federal courts. He furthered that state courts may not transgress the ordinary bounds of judicial review such that they arrogate to themselves the power vested in state legislatures to regulate federal elections."

"Although we conclude that the Elections Clause does not exempt state legislatures from the ordinary constraints imposed by state law, state courts do not have free rein," Roberts added.

Proponents of the ISL theory, which has never been embraced by the Supreme Court, argued that it supports the notion that legislatures have ultimate power under state law when it comes to setting election rules.

Michael R. Dimino, a professor at the Widener University Commonwealth Law School, told the Washington Examiner the high court affirmed, "The state legislature does not have the ability to ignore its own state constitution when it draws districts."

"The Supreme Court indicated that state courts, too, must respect the limits of their own authority and must not usurp legislative authority when they review the legality of congressional districts," Dimino said.

Dimino and other legal experts pointed out the justices declined to indicate whether a state court "crossed the line" and invaded the proper authority of the legislature. "That issue will surely be back at the court in future years, when state courts reject legislatively drawn maps and take it upon themselves to draw districts," he said.

North Carolina GOP lawmakers had urged the Supreme Court to reach a ruling on the merits of the theory despite the state Supreme Court's reversal of its previous decision to invalidate the legislature's maps.

Meanwhile, the Biden administration, along with three groups opposing the ISL theory, told the court that the case should be considered moot.

Thomas said in his dissent that the question in the dispute is "indisputably moot" and that "today's majority opinion is plainly advisory."

"The issue on which it opines  a federal defense to claims already dismissed on other grounds  can no longer affect the judgment in this litigation in any way," Thomas wrote.

Elias Law Group Partner Abha Khanna, the counsel of record for the Harper plaintiffs in the Moore case, called the decision a "resounding victory for free and fair elections."

"The independent state legislature theory is a dangerous, fringe legal theory that has no place in our democracy. In its most extreme form, the Independent State Legislature Theory could have weakened the foundation of our democracy," Khanna said, adding that "we are incredibly relieved" by the decision.

The conservative-leaning Honest Elections Project previously said that an embrace of the ISL theory would be a "net positive" to prevent state courts from rewriting the legislature's written election code. The executive director of the group, Jason Snead, told the Washington Examiner the overall decision on Tuesday might act as a "protective bulwark against the most extreme misuses of the courts."

"That's what Marc Elias and others are constantly asking courts to do, is embrace novel fringe legal theories as a pretext to seize the power to rewrite election laws," Snead said.

The states Democratic governor, Roy Cooper, lauded Tuesdays decision but also acknowledged that it does nothing to inhibit Republicans who control the legislature from drawing a congressional map that is more favorable to them.

Had the Supreme Court embraced the theory, it would have affected not only redistricting disputes but also would have altered other election-related rules on matters such as access to the polls and mail-in voting.

North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore, the namesake of the case, announced Tuesday, "We will continue to move forward with our redistricting process later this year."

"Ultimately, the question of the role of state courts in congressional redistricting needed to be settled, and this decision has done just that," Moore said, noting the state Supreme Court "rectified bad precedent from the previous majority" earlier this year.

The decision marked another surprise at the high court on election-related disputes after court watchers theorized the Republican-appointed majority could be poised to side with the state lawmakers.

Earlier this month, the justices held that Alabama discriminated against black voters during its redistricting process last year when it failed to create a second majority-black district.
Former Altoona, Pa.-based physician assistant Jennifer Batrus was charged for her role in a $40,000 Medicaid fraud scheme, WTAJ reported June 27.

Ms. Batrus is accused of abusing COVID-19 telehealth protocols to submit payments from Medicaid for patients she never saw in-person or on the phone when she worked at Huntingdon, Pa.-based American Family Psychiatry. An investigation found that patients were getting prescriptions filled despite never seeing or speaking with Mr. Batrus, who allegedly billed Medicaid for office visits with those patients.

Ms. Batrus faces multiple felony charges for fraud, theft, and submitting claims with false info and no services rendered.
Emergency room physician David Meranda, MD, who worked at an Akron, Ohio-based hospital, was sentenced to two years in prison for sexually assaulting a co-worker, the Akron Beacon Journal reported June 27.

Dr. Meranda pleaded guilty in May to one count of sexual battery and a first-degree felony. He is also designated as a Tier III sex offender.

He was indicted on Feb. 22.
In June, UnitedHealthcare attempted to clarify its new advanced notification process, which went into effect on June 1, in the wake of confusion among physicians and industry groups.

Through the program, physicians and practices will be required to submit advanced notification before completing a number of non-screening GI procedures, providing UHC with patient demographic and health data.

Providers who participate in the data collection will be eligible for a UHC "gold card" program, which is set to launch in 2024.

Industry groups, including the Digestive Health Physicians Association, a trade association with 2,400 physician members nationwide, have continued to express disappointment with United's new policies.

"UnitedHealthcare's attempt to clarify its ill-advised advanced notification program doesn't change the fact that this replacement policy will delay care and limit access to life-saving colonoscopy and other endoscopic examinations that prevent cancer," the DHPA said in a June 28 press release.

"UnitedHealthcare knows full well that a small but significant percentage of patients required to go through this process will give up, thus forgoing important, and even lifesaving, procedures. UnitedHealthcare should choose patient care over paperwork and rescind this misguided policy immediately," the group wrote.
Delta Dental of Tennessee will begin offering expanded benefits to patients with special needs Jan. 1, 2024.

Dental care is often cited as the most unmet healthcare need for individuals with intellectual disabilities, Delta Dental said in a June 28 news release.

The added benefits include additional consultations, up to four dental cleanings per year and treatment delivery modifications for patients with sensory sensitivities, behavioral challenges, severe anxiety or other barriers to treatment.

The benefits will be made available to patients of all ages under the payer's individual and family plans and to all fully-insured clients. Self-insured clients will also have the opportunity to opt-in for the expanded benefits for contracts already in service.

The dental insurer is also offering a new training program to help dentists better understand and care for patients with special needs. The company developed a series of free professional development programs hosted by the University of Pennsylvanias Dental Medicine program. Dentists and support staff who complete at least 18 courses within three years will receive a Disabilities Dentistry Clinician Expert designation.
Savannah, Ga.-based Memorial Health has broken ground on a new medical office building next to the children's hospital that will allow it to relocate children's outpatient services, Fox affiliate WTGS reported June 27.

Children's care service with its primary care physicians and residents will also move into the new building.

The $35 million project is expected to be completed in July 2024, according to the report.
Richmond, Va.-based VCU Health abandoned a $325 million downtown medical office project that will keep it on the hook for $80 million.

Now, it has begun demolition of the building where the project was to be located, at a cost of $5 million, according to a June 28 Richmond BizSense report.

The Richmond City Council on June 26 authorized the demolition at the Public Safety Building, the report said.

Rapid management turnover, a lack of due diligence and insufficient real estate expertise were among the reasons cited for the abandonment of the project. Virginia Commonwealth University now plans to proceed with a $415 million dentistry center at the site.

Former Virginia Gov. Doug Wilder has called for the resignation of VCU Health President Michael Rao, PhD, over the costly failure of the initial project.
As excessive heat warnings and advisories continue throughout many parts of the southern and central U.S., CDC data is showing a correlated rise in heat-related illnesses.

Since June 18, Texas had about 837 heat-related visits per 100,000 emergency department visits, and temperatures in some parts of the state averaged 110 degrees, according to the data.

The number of heat-related illnesses and emergency department visits have been increasing year over year.

In 2022, there were 639 heat-related ED visits per 100,000 in Texas during a one-week span compared to 328 in 2021 and 160 in 2020 during the same week, according to the CDC.

However, pre-pandemic there were 312 ED visits per 100,000 in 2019 and in 2018 the CDC reported 234 for that same one-week period in June in Texas.

According to ABC News, the Houston Fire Department is reporting increases in heat-related incidents. Typically, it averages three per day, but since the 2023 heat wave began, the department has had 93 this month alone, which is just slightly above its average levels.

Even patients who are going to hospitals and clinics to be seen for other conditions are experiencing exacerbated issues due to the heat, physicians from Houston Methodist told ABC News.

"Physicians figure [the] number is higher because many people come in with an existing medical condition that is aggravated by the intense, prolonged heat," a hospital spokesperson told the news outlet.

For now, the heat wave is expected to continue and as the nation begins to enter July  known to be the hottest month of the year for the lower 48 states in the U.S.  heat-related ED visits and conditions will likely continue.
Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems is facing another lawsuit over a January data breach that affected an estimated 1 million patients.

Patient Dennis Ross filed the proposed class-action complaint June 26 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, claiming the health system showed a "reckless disregard" for data security and "breached their duty" to protect patients' personal and health information, including under HIPAA. The plaintiff seeks damages and injunctive relief.

The 78-hospital system has estimated that about 1 million of its patients were affected by the data breach, which stemmed from the GoAnywhere file transfer software from third-party vendor Fortra. Clop, a ransomware gang with ties to Russia, has claimed responsibility for the hack.

Community Health Systems was hit in May with a similar lawsuit filed in federal court in Tennessee. The health system didn't respond to a request from Becker's for comment.
The continuing dispute at Maryville, Tenn.-based Blount Memorial Hospital drags on, and now the long-standing chair of the board has resigned, a source told Becker's.

Denny Mayes, who has been on the hospital board since January 2010, resigned June 27. His stepping down will take effect June 30, according to a Daily Times report.

Local government officials had been calling for Mr. Mayes to resign for several months as a dispute between the hospital and county officials escalated. Such disagreements stemmed from the news that Blount Memorial would sell its Springbrook location in Alcoa, but local mayors had been questioning the appointment of CEO Harold Naramore since June 2022.

The two sides are locked in various lawsuits over who should be in charge of the hospital. The hospital said last year it expected to lose $40 million in 2022.
Members of Professional Resource for Nurses have approved a tentative agreement with Mountain View, Calif.-based El Camino Health.

The union represents non-administrative, non-management, non-supervisory registered nurses at El Camino Health, a subsidiary of El Camino Hospital District.

Union members approved the new three-year contract on June 25, according to a hospital news release. The contract runs from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026.

"This new agreement is a testament to our strong commitment to our nurses as well as our patients, who choose to seek care at El Camino Health," Dan Woods, CEO of El Camino Health, said in the hospital release. "The fact that we were able to reach consensus just three months after discussions began is a testament to the professionalism of the El Camino Hospital and PRN negotiating teams."

According to the deal, which is posted on the union website, the agreement includes a 16 percent pay increase for nurses over three years.

John McClure, MSN, RN-BC, union president and chief negotiator, told Mountain View Voice that the 16 percent pay raise is a "historic increase." Nurses will receive a 6 percent raise this fiscal year, 5 percent next year and 5 percent for the final contract year.

The agreement also includes added verbiage for fair allocation of overtime and extra shifts; language changes to include the current clinical ladder process; added language to address workplace violence; and added language allowing night shift nurses the option of the night before and night of jury duty/call to have the night off.

"The ratification of this contract signifies a milestone in our ongoing journey towards improving working conditions, compensation and benefits for all nurses within El Camino," Mr. McClure wrote on the union website. "It reflects our shared vision of cultivating an environment that recognizes and values the exceptional contributions made by each nurse, in every department."
Providence is asking Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum to deny a request from the Oregon Nurses Association to investigate Providence for alleged unlawful use of professional strikebreakers.

The union called for an investigation following a five-day strike by nurses and clinicians at Providence Portland Medical Center, Providence Seaside Hospital, and Providence Home Health and Hospice, all in Oregon. The union represents about 1,800 nurses and clinicians at the three organizations. Union members returned to work June 24.

The ONA is asking the attorney general to investigate Providence and refer individuals hired by Renton, Wash.-based Providence through the U.S. Nursing Corp. for prosecution. The union is also asking the attorney general to consider barring U.S. Nursing Corp. from operating in Oregon in the future.

A spokesperson for the attorney general's office told Becker's that the office "will be reviewing the Providence lawyer's letter, as well as the earlier request from the ONA."

According to a union news release, the ONA submitted the following to the attorney general: Providence in Oregon "recently publicly admitted that it hired over 475 nurse strikebreakers as replacement workers during the recent five-day strike at three ONA-represented bargaining units. It appears that it recruited these individuals primarily through [the] U.S. Nursing Corp. Therefore, it appears that Providence has used professional strikebreakers at Providence Portland Medical Center, Providence Seaside Hospital and Providence Home Health and Hospice from June 19 through 23, 2023. As you know, Oregon law makes it a criminal violation for an employer to knowingly utilize professional strikebreakers to replace employees involved in a strike or lockout."

Providence is calling on the attorney general to deny a request from the ONA to begin an investigation, citing legal precedents dating to the 1930s.

In a letter to the attorney general, which was shared with Becker's, Providence specifically references an Oregon law (ORS 662.215) cited by the union related to hiring "professional strikebreakers" to replace striking workers.

The letter goes on to note numerous federal and state court cases, which Providence says have held state laws and local ordinances that seek to limit employers or unions in the course of negotiations are preempted by federal law.

"The clear weight of legal precedent establishes that 'strikebreaker' laws such as this one are preempted by the National Labor Relations Act and are thus unconstitutional when applied to private-sector employers like the Providence ministries that are subject to the jurisdiction of the act," the letter reads, in part.

The letter to the attorney general goes on to say that, "In the interest of public safety, it is imperative that Providence's ministries be able to continue caring for patients in the event of a strike. For those reasons, Providence respectfully requests that your office promptly deny ONA's request for further investigation."

The ONA shared a statement with Becker's on June 27, which reads, in part, "We believe that the citizens of Oregon have voiced a strong opposition, rooted in our sense of community responsibility, that the use of professional strikebreakers to break a union is wrong. We also believe that is why Providence and other employers have not challenged this law for the past five decades, unlike employers in other states.

"Where a statute reflects a state's interest in an issue that is 'deeply rooted in local feeling and responsibility'  such as this law here in Oregon  the law must stand."

The union also acknowledges there were statutes preventing the use of replacement staff in other states.

But "those statutes did not have such a clear public interest," the union contends. "To be clear, ONA is not claiming that Providence is forbidden from using replacement workers during a strike like many of those other statutes prohibited. Oregon's law is different; it only applies to professional strikebreakers with a clear definition of who is and is not included in that definition."

Additionally, the ONA contends that Providence over the years could have asked the courts to declare the law unenforceable if the organization thought it so.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is one of the first to release a framework for potential legislation regulating artificial intelligence, and although the legislation isn't specific, healthcare leaders are expressing "openness" to it, Politico reported June 27.

Brian Anderson, MD, co-founder of the Coalition for Health AI, which several major health systems are a part of, told the publication that Mr. Schumer's principles are closely aligned with the coalition's, especially in areas such as transparency.

"If it's not explainable, if it's not transparently developed, it's not going to be trusted," Dr. Anderson said.

Other leaders are hopeful about the proposed framework but expressed concerns about it "impeding" on innovation within the healthcare industry.

"While the most important element for any action is to protect people, it is also equally important that the government does not impede positive innovation and progress," Adam Landman, MD, CIO of Somerville, Mass.-based Mass General Brigham, told the publication.

The framework, according to Politico, provides "few specifics" but lays out broad principles around the technology in areas such as national security, misinformation and bias, and transparency.
Cleveland-based University Hospitals has launched a $10 million innovation effort to identify, test and scale solutions for some of healthcare's biggest problems, the organization said June 28.

The Veale Initiative for Health Care Innovation is supported by a $10 million gift from the Veale Foundation. Peter Pronovost, MD, PhD, the system's chief quality and clinical transformation officer, is leading the effort.

The initiative launched June 26 as a two-year pilot during which University Hospitals will work to identify and address barriers to healthcare delivery that have an immediate economic effect on U.S. hospitals. These efforts will include addressing challenges with nurse labor productivity, healthcare access and chronic disease management, among others.

"Healthcare does so much good, but it can be so much better. It costs way too much. It harms too often and it learns and improves too slowly," Dr. Pronovost told Becker's. "We think this approach of having a place where the world's biggest health problems collide with the best technologies in an ecosystem of innovation and collaboration [will spur improvements]."

Through the model, Dr. Pronovost's team will first work to define and prioritize healthcare's key issues by interviewing team members and conducting independent analysis. The team will focus on identifying pain points within healthcare delivery, rather than positions or personnel problems. For example, a pain point is nurses wasting their time documenting in the EHR, while a position is that nurses should not have to document, Dr. Pronovost said.

After defining and prioritizing healthcare's biggest issues, the next step is what Dr. Pronovost calls "the goldilocks": finding the right degree of specificity to address the problem.

"Some big problems are so theoretical, they're like boiling the ocean," Dr. Pronovost said. "Others are so small, it's not a meaningful problem that impacts our business. And so we're trying to find those  we kind of think of them as impactful units  that the problem is big enough that it makes a difference in our financial statements."

From there, Dr. Pronovost's team will conduct innovation due diligence not from a traditional venture perspective, but from the perspective of the health system to understand what problem the solution is trying to solve, what value it will bring to the organization and whether clinicians will actually use it.

"We will run tests and prototypes to see if we actually can get value," Dr. Pronovost said. "If they work, we will scale across UH and then we will either spin off companies or partner with others to scale more broadly."

As the health system operates a large ACO with full claims data, UH has fully integrated EHR data and claims for a little more than half of its patients. This information will help the system assess not only clinical effects of a solution, but also factors such as annual cost of care and total drug spending to inform a clear picture of value.

Dr. Pronovost said he has shared the health system's framework with several venture firms that have already shown a high interest in investing in solutions.

"They told me, 'If you have a problem that many people in healthcare agree is a problem, and it's big, and you tell me you can solve it, that's a no-brainer for our investment," he said.
A Wisconsin health system joined Big Tech in backing a healthcare artificial intelligence company.

La Crosse, Wis.-based Gundersen Health System participated in a $54 million series D funding round July 27 for Flywheel, which analyzes medical imaging data via AI. The investment also featured Microsoft, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and NVentures, the venture capital arm of Nvidia, an AI company that's valued at more than $1 trillion.

"The application of AI has led to the discovery of new drugs, identifying patterns in disease, and improvements in patient care," said Mohamed "Sid" Siddeek, head of NVentures, in a June 27 news release. "Flywheel uses AI to unlock the value within medical imaging data, signaling the continued benefit of applying AI across the healthcare industry."
A medical waste company has filed a lawsuit against Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health, alleging the system planted a human torso at the facility.

The plaintiff, Monarch Waste Technologies, disposes of Sanford Health's medical waste. It is suing Sanford and Healthcare Environmental Services, a company overseen by the health system, for inappropriate handling and delivery of regulated medical waste.

The lawsuit alleges HES delivered a "human torso in a sealed plastic container" to Monarch, and had an HES employee sign for the remains when a Monarch employee should have done so. Monarch never deals with human bodies, its CEO David Cardenas told local news station KFYRTV.

"Typically, recognizable body parts that big, like a torso with things cut off, that goes to proper treatment for a crematorium, not through a shredder," Mr. Cardenas told the news station. "And especially when it's done under cover of us not knowing. It's just disturbing."

Monarch's staff discovered the body earlier this year when investigating a "rotten and putrid smell," according to local radio station WDAY. It has not been determined who the body belongs to or how it ended up in the conditions it was found in.

Monarch alleges the torso was placed there intentionally by Sanford and HES in an effort to get out of a 10-year lease agreement and a 10-year disposal agreement that began in 2020. They engaged in "surreptitious activities early in the morning, before Monarch staff arrived, designed to falsely show that Monarch has mismanaged the medical waste at the treatment facility," the lawsuit says. Specifically, Monarch alleges an HES employee was caught on surveillance cameras entering the facility and staging photographs "intended to create the appearance that MWT's facility was disorganized and out of compliance with applicable agreements and state laws."

Sanford Health refutes these allegations.



"We deny any wrongdoing, will vigorously defend against Monarch's claims, and will file our own claims against Monarch for its demonstrated failure to provide waste disposal services it was contractually obligated to provide," a Sanford Health representative told Becker's June 27. "We look forward to the details relating to this matter coming to light during the course of this litigation."
Nurse retention and happiness are top of mind for many leaders among an increase in strikes and nurses leaving the profession.

Becker's recently asked nurses what they would change or do if they were chief nursing officer for a day.

Note: Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Sanju Anand, RN. Memorial Hospital West (Pembroke Pines, Fla.): I'd spend time each day, if possible, with each nursing unit to familiarize myself with what they're doing, what they need, and how they feel about the care we're delivering, understanding the patient is always our top priority.

As an advocate for our teams, I'd make sure to communicate and collaborate with them to implement policies that improve efficiency.

Shannon Blumenstein, BSN, RN. Bellin Gundersen Health System (La Crosse, Wis.): Working as a CNO would be an honored privilege in which one needs great regard for the nursing processes and professional journey many nurses take to elevate their career. Our current CNO is a champion for the progress we have seen at Gundersen and in our profession regionally and nationally. If I were to be CNO for a day, I would hope to continue on that path.

Lindsey Causey, DNP, APRN. Cone Health (Greensboro, N.C.): One opportunity for growth exists for our advanced practice nurses who work as certified registered nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives. As CRNAs, NPs and CNMs transition to delivering care differently, it can be easy to depart from the dynamic core of nursing to practice in more of a medical model. This unintentionally disconnects our highly educated APNs from opportunities to use their nursing foundation in addition to their provider perspective to innovate care delivery, improve patient outcomes and transform the healthcare system. As the healthcare paradigm shifts to a value-based model, now is the perfect time to get started on this initiative.

First, I would partner with our already embedded CNSs to identify opportunities to engage our CRNAs, CNMs and NPs in systemwide nursing committees. I would also design intentional transition-to-practice pathways to embed our highly trained APNs as unofficial leaders within our nursing department. These changes would allow our APNs to continue their practice but also establish a commitment to incorporate their unique expertise in improving our communities' health by increasing involvement in APN research, improving mentorship opportunities for our APN students, engaging in advocacy around healthcare policy, and leveraging their perspectives and relationships to further interprofessional practice.

Joanne Christophers, RN. Northwell Wellness Center (Roslyn, N.Y.): I'd have more integrative medicine everywhere. And I would change how nurses take care of themselves. Self-care is not optional; it is absolutely necessary. We found this out more than ever during COVID-19. There are holistic nurses in the Northwell system that helped nurses get through the awful beginnings of COVID. How can you get through all of that if you don't take care of yourself?

Krista Elkins, RN, a nurse based in Bozeman, Mont.: If I were chief nursing officer for a day, I would give the nurses a raise, guarantee lunch breaks for every nurse, make sure that every department is well staffed, reduce the nurse-to-patient ratio and make sure that the nurses felt supported in doing their jobs.

Nurses are underpaid for their work, so a raise would be welcomed. Nurses are often unable to stop and eat for 12 hours sometimes; my lunch break is as good for me mentally as it is physically. Healthcare departments are often understaffed, putting extra strain on the nurses, and the nurse-to-patient ratio then increases, putting even more strain on the nurses and reducing high-quality patient care capabilities. Making sure that staff feels supported, whether a manager needs to jump in and help with patient care, a nurse gets requested time off to spend with their families, they have the equipment and education they need to do their job, or they are supported mentally and emotionally are all essential things.

Nicole Penzkover, BSN, RN. Bellin Gundersen Health System's Urology Clinic (La Crosse, Wis.): Pondering what I would do as chief nursing officer for a day is, frankly, overwhelming when I think about all the different responsibilities. Policy and procedure review, practice improvement, budgets, strategic planning  the list goes on. All those tasks are extremely important and necessary, but they are not the most important focus. It's people. Patients matter, nurses and care teams matter, and leaders matter. Everyone needs to know that they have value and that they are important. As CNO, I would look at current systems that promote connectedness. Connectedness is a feeling of belonging and that you are a part of something bigger than yourself.

As CNO, I would continue the work to promote our shared governance structure and expand and broaden how it functions. This would include connecting leaders of system initiatives with shared governance councils and promoting the model as the avenue for these connections to occur. This provides bedside and staff nurses the opportunity to share innovative ideas and thoughts that could have an extraordinary impact on patient care and experience. Shared governance is the connection point between bedside and staff nurses and leadership. This connection needs to be reinforced, supported and given life to ensure a competent, caring, committed and invested workforce.

Fabiola Rodriguez, BSN, RN. Memorial Hospital Miramar (Fla.): I would prioritize strategies that improved the nurses' well-being and enhanced patient care. Reviewing the current staffing ratios and workload would be the first step to understanding how to help nurses efficiently provide quality patient care and provide a supportive and manageable work environment. I would encourage nurses to share research, evidence-based projects, and their own personal experience to demonstrate why we need funds for more nurses and better staffing ratios.

I'd also implement more interdisciplinary care so nurses aren't stuck doing tasks outside our scope of practice because other providers claim not to have the time for a task that's part of their job description. Better interdisciplinary communication between nurses and other healthcare professionals can deliver better patient-centered care.

Lastly, it would be important for me to incorporate wellness events and offer incentives to help nurses feel they chose an appropriate career. We bend over backwards to make sure patient needs are met, but we also have to take care of ourselves to effectively attend to someone else.

Cinthia Rogers, BSN, RN. Memorial Hospital Pembroke (Pembroke Pines, Fla.):

My primary focus would be on connecting with and understanding the needs of the front-line staff who tirelessly dedicate themselves to healing others. It's in the moments of vulnerability that humanity renders itself visible, and I'd commit to unwavering support, compassion, and being an ear for our team as they stand alongside patients in moments of desperation.

I'd also empower staff to vocalize their thoughts and concerns to ensure we foster an environment of trust and collaboration. By effecting meaningful internal change, we can create a ripple effect that transcends the walls of our institution and embodies the mission of Memorial Healthcare System to heal the body, mind and spirit of those we touch.

Ashley Smith, RN. UAB Medicine (Birmingham, Ala.): Leadership is the key factor in creating a successful organization. A chief nursing officer sets the mood and direction that nursing staff will carry through in their actions and patient care. Making a priority in caring, communicating, and being present for staff will build trust and collaboration that will be beneficial for employee morale. Having resources, support, and proper training for staff will connect patients with the best possible care options. Recognizing and rewarding employees and being open to feedback will improve and raise staff retention rates. All measures will set a firm foundation and lead the way for high nursing performance that delivers the values, mission and vision of the organization. This will ensure high quality care is given and thus improve safety and patient outcomes. This type of strong leadership will encourage and inspire better nursing care, which in turn will positively impact patients and care they receive.

Cassidy West, MSN, RN. UAB Medicine (Birmingham, Ala.): If I were a CNO for a day, I would spend time on all the nursing units. The CNO cannot effectively advocate for nurses unless there is an understanding of patient care workflow and possible barriers to successful outcomes. I would engage with the team and encourage feedback. One of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership core competencies is communication and relationship building. Multiple research studies show successful CNOs invest in their nurses and ensure their voices are heard. I think it's extremely important that nurses know they are valued, which ultimately affects the number one goal of quality patient care.
To tackle workplace violence, lawmakers in several states are changing laws or considering changes.

One example is Kansas, where Gov. Laura Kelly ceremonially signed a bill June 8 to increase the criminal penalties for people convicted of battery of a healthcare provider.

The law, which takes effect July 1, amends the crime of battery to define battery against a healthcare provider as "a battery committed against a healthcare provider while such provider is engaged in the performance of such provider's duty."

Under the new law, battery against a healthcare provider is now a Class A misdemeanor.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on May 24 signed a bill to enhance criminal penalties for people who knowingly commit assault or battery upon workers at a hospital.

Beginning Oct. 1, those who assault a worker at a hospital will face a misdemeanor charge of the first degree rather than a misdemeanor charge of the second degree.

The bill also enhances a charge for battery against a hospital worker from a misdemeanor of the first degree to a felony of the third degree; a charge for aggravated assault from a felony of the third degree to a felony of the second degree; and a charge for aggravated battery from a felony of the second degree to a felony of the first degree.

And in Georgia, Gov. Brian Kemp signed legislation May 2 that increases penalties for people who commit violence against healthcare workers and allows hospitals to establish campus police forces.

The bill, which takes effect July 1, provides for enhanced penalties for aggravated assault and aggravated battery committed upon emergency health workers and healthcare workers while they are on a hospital campus.

Those convicted of aggravated assault or aggravated battery upon a healthcare worker at a hospital can now face three to 20 years in prison.

The bill also allows Georgia hospitals to form their own police departments using certified law enforcement officers. Under the bill, a peace officer employed by a hospital who is certified would have the power of arrest, and hospital security personnel who are certified could carry a standard issue firearm or weapon.

In Michigan, lawmakers are considering two bills that would raise fines if a person pleads guilty to or is convicted of assaulting a healthcare worker.
Around Noon has secured much-coveted M&S own label supplier status.

It comes as the Newry firm announces significant new investments in readiness to grow its business, including the purchase of new equipment, upgrades to its facilities and the creation of new management positions, including a new quality manager and a new product development manager.

Around Noon will now supply a range of own label products to M&S stores on the island of Ireland, increasing the range of the supermarket retailers sandwich offering.

We are driven to produce quality food from the finest ingredients and always with local provenance in mind, Around Noon sales director, Philip Morgan, said.

The initial response to our Twelve range of sandwiches across the M&S store network in Ireland was one of resounding success, which were pleased to build upon further now as an own label supplier.

The retailer has one of the finest reputations for quality with stringent qualification criteria for its suppliers. As such, were proud that M&S recognises our shared emphasis on quality and is trusting our expertise and market knowledge to inform and shape the future of its food-to-go offering on the island of Ireland.

Eddie Murphy, M&S trading director for Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: Quality is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to maintaining the high standards our customers expect and this represents another step in the transformation of our food business in Ireland. In order to deliver on this promise we look to build new partnerships with trusted suppliers that share our values.

We have been hugely impressed by the high standards that underscore Around Noons dedication to ingredient sourcing, product development and manufacturing, and were very pleased to welcome them into the M&S family.

Around Noon supplies 19 M&S own label sandwich lines to stores across Ireland with plans for a further 13 products to be launched throughout 2023.

Around Noon has been in business for over 30 years. In recent weeks, it acquired The Soho Sandwich Company, based in London, bringing its headcount to over 800. Around Noon supplies a broad range of high-quality chilled, hot, frozen and bakery products to customers including forecourt, convenience and multiple retailers and cafes throughout the UK and Ireland.
Netflix is facing backlash for bringing James Camerons 1997 film Titanic back to the streamer days after the submarine implosion that killed five people.

Earlier this month, as part of an expensive tourist attraction run by OceanGate, five wealthy tourists went on an undersea expedition to visit the wreckage of the Titanic.

During their descent towards the wreckage, the submersible they were travelling in suffered a catastrophic implosion that likely killed everyone onboard instantly amid the intense water pressure in the deep North Atlantic, experts said.

Among those to die in the catastrophic incident were OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, billionaire explorer Hamish Harding, French diver Paul-Henri Nargeolet, Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, and his son Suleman Dawood.

A few days after the incident, Netflix announced that the award-winning film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet will make its return to the streaming service on 1 July.

The pilot and four passengers of the missing Titan submersible are believed to be dead

Ever since then, many people have been calling out Netflix for trying to capitalise off a sad tragedy.

Netflix hosting Titanic a week after the Oceangate incident is actually disgusting, one person wrote on Twitter. They never disappoint to show everyone how greedy they are.

Another person wrote: I didnt think Netflix would sink so low as to add Titanic to their streaming list during this time.

One person wrote: Netflix is messy as hell putting Titanic on there.

Another person added: I got a notification for titles being added to Netflix in July, and Titanic is on there lmfaoooooo. The devil works hard but Netflix works harder.

Despite all the criticism, Variety has revealed that Titanics arrival on Netflix is a coincidence as the streamers licensing deal to bring back Titanic for the viewers was ironed out long in advance.

The outlet reported that the return of Titanic on the streamer was scheduled months before the Titan submersible went missing.

The Independent has contacted Netflix for a comment.

In terms of the search for the missing bodies, the US Coast Guard continues recovery efforts on the site of the Titans wreck on the ocean floor.
For RTEs Midlands correspondent Sinead Hussey, landing a job with the broadcaster back in 2011 was one of the happiest days of her life.

Working for RTE had always been a dream of hers and when she got her contract it was a real pinch me moment for the journalist.

Now 12 years on, she was among 200 staff members gathered outside the iconic RTE sign in Donnybrook for a lunchtime protest called by the National Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Nobody could have predicted a week ago that the entire organisation would have been thrown into total chaos and disarray as it was hit with its biggest scandal in recent years over undeclared payments of 345,000 to Ryan Tubridy over the course of six years.

Feelings of anger, betrayal and confusion loomed large as staff downed tools en masse to express their views on the pay furore that has rocked the broadcaster.

RTE staff call for answers during protest

Just a short distance away was the RTE Radio 1 building, from which its best-paid broadcaster Mr Tubridy has been noticeably absent since last Friday when the decision was made to pull him off the air pending the investigation.

These were the ordinary workers at the coalface of RTE who produce its daily content.

The journalists, the reporters, the researchers and the producers  none of whom are on the dizzying pay figures being bandied around in recent days.

Indeed, they spoke yesterday of enduring zero-hour contracts and bogus self-employment contracts to cut corners internally while cushy packages were created for those elite few.

None of them knew about the secret payments and their anger was palpable. I really feel so let down and betrayed by the way everything has come out in the last few days, said Ms Hussey.

This drip-feed effect (of information) is having a devastating impact on the staff here and, I know, on the Irish public.

She recalled being part of an advertising campaign for RTE last year where Truth Matters was the tagline.

I feel a little let down by that because I think trust matters and I believe in honesty  but, obviously, some people do not, she said.

Like everyone else, she expects answers from the two Oireachtas meetings happening today and tomorrow. I want to know who signed off on this, who knew about this and who in their right mind thought it was OK to give someone extra money when they were already earning 440,000 a year, she said.

The Irish public deserve to know those answers, as well as the staff.

Crime correspondent Paul Reynolds spoke about the need for transparency to rebuild public trust in the wake of the pay revelations.

Its people who work in this organisation who feel betrayed by the people who are supposed to manage this organisation and manage the culture, the heritage and the trust that has been placed in us by people who watch and listen to RTE.

You really have to be open, honest and transparent and what they really have to do now is open the books and let everything out because once we know where all the faults and problems are, we can rebuild again.

He said the real worry among staff was that they know some of the details behind the 2020-2022 payments but the crucial ones were from 2017-2019, which the former director-general Dee Forbes said she did not know about.

Alluding to Ms Forbes shock resignation last Monday, RTEs legal affairs correspondent Orla ODonnell expressed her frustration that people are leaving the organisation instead of answering questions.

We want to know why this happened, how it was allowed to go on, what happened between 2017 and 2019, why it was covered up and why we still have no proper answers six days into this, she said.
Emily Lamey plays a feisty character whose past may unravel in Carrigstown

Summer drama is hotting up in the fictional Dublin suburb of Carrigstown  and its all thanks to a new arrival from Belfast.

Emily Lamey (29) plays Fair Citys Gwen who catches a few residents eyes, and its not long before romance blossoms  and her wild streak begins to unravel.

Character Anna is stunned to recognise Gwen as someone with whom she grew up. Things are guaranteed to get complicated as she ingratiates herself into Annas life.

People are very invested. But I think that comes with any soap, says Emily on Fair Citys popularity. It's nice to be a part of something that people care so much about.

Emily was given a short bio on her character, who has been described as fun, a little damaged and slightly narcissistic.

I havent seen the narcissistic side yet, says Emily. I've only filmed a few scenes, I'm sure she will probably escalate, shes a bit of a rocket. Yes [to] the fun thing, a bit of craic, but I would probably add to that, quite calculated, a little manipulative.

She is very intense. She does have a lot of love to give, but shes been let down a lot. She finds it really hard to show that love and put that guard down.

Sometimes with scripts, itll give you what the writers intention is with that line or word. With the Fair City scripts, youve just got the words, you dont have the hints.

There's a few things that I've played that Ive played them as a laugh, but Im pretty sure the intention was not a laugh. It seems to be working with her character. Everythings always on the surface: very light, very funny, but maybe the intention is more serious.

Emily Lamey who plays Gwen in Fair City

Emily, who has previously had roles in the Bafta-nominated short film The Party and feature film South, describes herself as a very intuitive actor.

Some actors would go through, dissect and give themselves objectives or tasks. With something like a soap, youre feeding the lines in, youre trying to get them in as quickly as possible and hoping theyll come out in the right way with the intention that the director and the writers want.

This intuitive state is something thats been of benefit not just to acting but helps the trained yoga teacher with life outside of acting.

I still teach at Hot Yoga Belfast. I drive up every weekend and teach my classes there on a Sunday, just because I love it, she explains.

Everyone says, Why are you working on your days off in other jobs? If I wasnt working on the Sunday, Id be going to someone elses class.

I taught my first Pilates class recently; I've got that on the go now as well. As cliche and dramatic as this sounds, yoga really changed my life. It helped me find the person that I am. It's really shaped me; I'm a very different person from when I started doing yoga to before.

The ability to feel centred at moments of anxiety is particularly useful during the auditioning process.

I dont think it matters how many auditions you do; youre always going to be nervous. That comes from a place of care, says Emily.

Obviously if theres somebody there, I wouldnt do it, but I would normally do a bit of yoga before an audtion, a little bit of breathwork to really calm myself down.

At the end of the day, with the breathing exercises, it is science based. It does physically calm your central nervous system, physically slow your heart rate and all those things combined, chill you out a wee bit.

Georgie (Shaun Dunne) and Gwen (Emily Lamey) in Fair City

The actor  Ive always had the dramatic flair  was introduced to the industry after her dad booked her an acting course in Dublin.

The only thing that I really did and paid attention to and worked hard at was drama. It showed in my grades: drama was at the top and then there was quite a significant gap, and then everything else was at the bottom, she laughs.

I needed that push; its a scary jump to put yourself out there and start something new. My dad saw an advert in a newspaper and didn't ask me, and said, Its booked, youre going. I moved down to Dublin, moved in with my nana and thats how it all started.

If Id spent my whole life gearing up to this moment since I was small If you were in drama clubs, and you were doing all this, I would maybe be way more precious about it. But because I have yoga and because Im doing it from a place of love rather than need, it takes that heaviness of not getting auditions or not getting a part. Its just a tiny bit of who I am.

Fair City is on RTE One and the RTE Player on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings.
Eamonn Holmes has picked up a Best Breakfast Show award at the TRIC Awards.

He won the award alongside his co-presenter Isabel Webster, for their GB News morning show Breakfast with Eamonn and Isabel.

Speaking about the win on Instagram, Mr Holmes said: The viewers and listeners honoured us at TRiC Awards with Best Breakfast Show.

It's a seven-day-a-week operation and we are only part of it but want you to know how much we all appreciate the connection, he continued.

Hopefully see you in the morning from 6-9.30am.

Holmes was inundated with well-wishes and support following the win, including by none other than wife and Loose Women presenter Ruth Langsford who posted on Instagram: What a team.

The Belfast born-broadcaster was pictured arriving to Londons TRIC (Television and Radio Industries Club) Awards on Tuesday afternoon with the support of two walking canes as a result of his chronic back pain.

Whilst waiting for Eamonn to make it on stage to accept the award, fellow GB News presenter Stephen Dixon said: "Eamonn and Isabel are coming up this way.

"There are two teams, we have Eamonn and Isabel during the week and then me and Ellie [Costello] and Anne Diamond at the weekend."

He added: "Eamonn as we know, is struggling a bit but he will have something to say in a moment."

Walking up to accept the award, the Northern Irish personality explained his struggle getting to the podium: Sorry that took a while, discs in my back, look after your back guys.

"It is a bit like real-life work, Stephen is always there before me so it's the way things are. So many people talked about teamwork.

"Here are three people, Charlie Cook, Sarah Walken and Lucy Johnson, and they are all leaving, just to show the burnout factor in what we do.

"They are top top people, if anyone is looking to improve the programme, get the ratings and get the awards, these three are on offer at the minute.

"It is a seven-day-a-week operation, you should judge what we do by the competition I think, when you look at the competition that we are up against we are privileged to win in that competition.

"Isabel and I do Monday to Thursday, with Stephen and Ellie and Anne doing the rest of the week and I couldn't do it every day without this woman [Isabel].

Mr Holmes was also nominated for an individual news presenting gong at the show, but lost out to fellow GB News man Nigel Farage.

Speaking of the event and the nominees, TRIC Chair, Daniel Todaro, said: What makes the TRIC Awards so special is that it's the public who gets to choose who wins a coveted TRIC Award and hold a place in history alongside those who have won in our 54 year history.

The channel Mr Holmes works for, GB News, was also presented with the Multichannel News Programme award.
Daisy Goodwin, in a post on Instagram, appeared to indicate she had submitted a formal complaint against Daniel Korski (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

TV producer Daisy Goodwin has submitted a formal complaint against Daniel Korski, after accusing the former Downing Street aide and Conservative mayoral candidate hopeful of groping her a decade ago.

Mr Korski has said it is categorically untrue that he groped Ms Goodwin and has pledged to stay in the race to become the Conservative candidate for London mayor.

It comes after Ms Goodwin used articles in The Times and Daily Mail to identify the former special adviser.

A number of Tory MP backers of Mr Korski have now paused support for his campaign in the wake of the allegation.

Ms Goodwin appeared to submit a formal complaint late on Tuesday, posting a screengrab to Instagram of an email receipt from the Cabinet Office with the subject line: Formal complaint about Daniel Korski Urgent.

The post included the caption: who is running the country?

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The Times also reported that Ms Goodwin had called the Cabinet Office on Tuesday to make a complaint, alongside sending an email.

Trying to complain to the Cabinet Office is harder than getting a BT engineer to your home in the same lunar month, she told the paper.

Appearing on BBC Radio 4s Today programme, she did not rule out making a complaint to Conservative party headquarters.

She said: I assume that because this happened in Downing Street that I should complain to them, but Im happy to complain to the Conservative Party as well.

The Cabinet Office declined on Wednesday to confirm whether a formal complaint had been made.

Children and families minister Claire Coutinho said she had paused her support for Mr Korski and said that any complaint should be investigated swiftly.

At the same time, this is an allegation. Hes roundly denied it, she told Sky News.

If there is a complaint in the system, it needs to be followed up swiftly so we can find the facts and see whats happened, but I do think its a very serious and concerning allegation.

Harrow MP Robert Halfon had already paused his backing for the mayoral hopeful in the wake of the allegation, according to reports.

Daisy Goodwin has accused Daniel Korski of groping her a decade ago (Ian West/PA)

Mr Korski used an interview with TalkTV to say that he had met with Ms Goodwin, but he denied that anything improper had occurred.

I didnt do whats been alleged. I absolutely didnt do that. Ten years ago, when it happened, nothing was said to me. Seven years ago, when this first came out, nobody alleged anything to me.

I just didnt do whats being alleged, he said on Tuesday.

Ive had countless meetings in Number 10, have had thousands of meetings since then in my business career, I treat everybody with the utmost respect, I work hard to create an empowering and respectful environment, and I sit appropriately in chairs, and I try to treat everybody with respect in order to get the best out of a professional situation.

I dont know how she could have come away with that perception.

I certainly didnt leave the meeting feeling that I had done anything wrong, and subsequently even wrote to her, congratulating her on some of her professional success. But I dont really know why she felt the way she did.

In the interview he acknowledged that the allegation had been raised as part of the process for choosing the Conservatives candidate to become London mayor.

During the process, I was asked about if there were any outstanding issues the party may be aware of. I said to the party, seven years ago there was a story. I was never named in the story. As far as I know, there was no investigation. But I did mention this to the party.

Asked by TalkTV if he had always been faithful to his wife, he said: Look, I mean, I have a fantastic marriage to my wife. And Im really, you know, excited that weve built a fantastic family together. I dont think it would be appropriate to talk about anything else.

I have a loving relationship with my wife. Weve been together for 22 years. We met originally in Bosnia after the war. And, you know, Im thrilled to to build a life and a family with her.

The Conservative Party said on Tuesday that it was not investigating the claim and Downing Street said No 10 was a safe environment for women.

Downing Street on Tuesday refused to be drawn on the individual case or whether there would be a Cabinet Office investigation into Mr Korski who, at the time of the allegation, was a special adviser to then-prime minister David Cameron.

A Tory spokesman said: The Conservative Party has an established code of conduct and formal processes where complaints can be made in confidence.

The party considers all complaints made under the code of conduct but does not conduct investigations where the party would not be considered to have primary jurisdiction over another authority.
A shot of the figures being removed from Ulster Bank.

A number of iconic pieces of art which have captured the imagination of people in Belfast since the 1960s have been removed from their city centre location ahead of a move to the Ulster Museum.

The works were carefully removed from the wall at Shaftesbury Square on Wednesday.

The Airborne Men - aluminium sculptures by renowned artist Dame Elisabeth Frink  have been attached to the side of Ulster Banks former Shaftesbury Square branch since the 1960s.

The work was commissioned in 1961 on behalf of the bank, as a focal point at the original branch which opened in 1964.

Ulster Bank subsequently sold the building in 2009, with the bank then taking back a lease of the whole building and retaining ownership of the sculptures to help protect and preserve them.

From August 2023, there will be no remaining connection between the bank and the building.

To allow the people of Belfast to still have access to the works however, the bank decided to gift them to the museum.

Terry Robb, head of personal banking at Ulster Bank said: This is fantastic news that will see the future of these internationally important art works secured and will enable them to continue to be accessible to the people of Belfast and Northern Ireland.

"Ulster Bank recognises their significance in artistic terms and as a landmark, and after careful consideration, we strongly believe that this is the best outcome for the sculpture and the city.

Anne Stewart, Senior Curator of Art at National Museums NI, said: "We are delighted these magnificent sculptures are coming into the national collection.

Elisabeth Frink's sculptures are renowned for their powerful and emotive representations of the human form, and they will undoubtedly captivate and inspire our visitors when they eventually go on display at the Ulster Museum.

"We extend our sincere gratitude to Ulster Bank for their invaluable support in making this happen.

Dame Elisabeth Frink CH, DBE, RA (14 November 1930  18 April 1993) was one of the UKs most important 20th century sculptors and artists. Born in England she was brought up in rural Suffolk.

The work Airborne Men, also referred to as the Flying Figures and Draft and Overdraft, represents a significant piece from the 1960s. Unusually, rather than creating them in her preferred medium of bronze, these were created in aluminium.

Frink also created Crucifixion for St Bernadettes church in Belfast in 1964, and examples of her work can be found in public collections around the world.
Prince William was in Belfast on Tuesday as part of the launch of his plan to end homelessness in five years, which Liz Rocks (inset) says is unrealistic

Homelessness in Northern Ireland is going to get worse before it gets better, a local campaigner has said after Prince William announced plans to end homelessness within five years.

The Prince of Wales visited the East Belfast Mission on Tuesday to launch a five-year Homewards campaign, run by his charitable foundation, to make homelessness rare, brief and unrepeated.

A budget of 3m has been set aside for the project, with six locations across the UK receiving 500,000 each as part of the campaign.

Liz Rocks, co-ordinator of Belfast Homeless Services, has said Prince Williams plan is unrealistic.

Ending homelessness is not going to happen. Its going to get worse before it gets better, she told the Belfast Telegraph.

We dont even have enough accommodation for the people on the waiting list. We dont even have enough crash beds, which would be easier to put together for the rough sleepers.

Were not going to end homelessness in five years. Its not helpful, because it gives people false hope. They have to deal with the issues that come with it.

I welcome anyone or any situation that is going to alleviate the struggles were having.

Prince William's Belfast visit met with overflowing support and hugs

Its not just to do with homelessness  the drugs are a big issue. That goes hand in hand with homelessness and we dont even have the facilities or resources in this country to deal with that.

There are so many elements and strands to homelessness. It wasnt very clear which area of homelessness they are going to work on.

Ms Rocks also raised concerns about the size of the projects budget, but said any available money should be directed into the provision of crash beds, which are considered temporary emergency accommodation.

The first thing I would use it on is securing crash beds. We dont have enough and people are being sent outside of Belfast, where they dont want to go. That means we could start to get people off the streets and into a crash facility, she said.

We also need action on mental health and addiction. Because someone might have a hostel or a home, but if they are still dealing with mental health and addiction issues, thats going to follow them.

Belfast Homeless Services have made 14 referrals for out-of-ours accommodation this month alone and Ms Rocks described the current homelessness situation as bleak.

Ive met three or four people who I worked with when they were 16, 17, away back in 2009. Then I met them again in another role I was in for 13 years, she said.

Now Im meeting them as adults and theyre in the same predicament and same vicious circle, so something is going wrong.

Its disheartening. You meet them at 17, and then you might meet them as parents, and later in a drop-in centre at night when everything has gone pear-shaped for them.

The age is becoming younger. And Im not just talking about homelessness  the drugs, the addiction that comes with it. I foresee it getting worse before it gets better.
The family of Ballymena woman Chloe Mitchell has said she touched so many hearts, ahead of her funeral on Thursday.

The 21-year-olds funeral details for were confirmed after the PSNI said the formal identification of her remains were completed on Monday.

Chloe was last seen on CCTV in the early hours of Saturday, June 3, in Ballymena town centre, with a huge search operation taking place in the Co Antrim town following her disappearance.

Detectives launched a murder inquiry after suspected human remains were found on Sunday, June 11.

Chloe Mitchell's brother leads tributes as vigils are held in Ballymena and Belfast

A funeral notice for Chloe said she was the much-loved daughter of George and Georgina and devoted sister of Kirstie, Jamie, Philip, Nadine and Ryan.

Chloe will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by the entire family circle, it added.

Chloes funeral will take place in her Wakehurst Park home tomorrow at 12pm and will be live-streamed via Alan Francey Funeral Servicess Facebook page.

Members of the public who wish to attend the funeral can watch the service live on a large screen in King Georges Park, Ballymena.

Paying tribute to Chloe on social media, her sister Nadine wrote: Chloe, my baby sis, forever my best friend. You touched so many hearts like only an angel can do.

Youre the most beautiful one heaven has gained. Love you forever and miss you millions, but I know we will meet again someday.

Love you with all my heart and the world, sis. Always and forever, just like me and you always said.

We will always keep your memories alive. Until we meet again, sis.

Sharing a video montage of pictures taken with Chloe, her sister Kirstie said: Ill never understand why this happened to you or why you were taken away from us, because if love was enough to save or bring you back, then we would still have you with us.

You will always be our baby sister and that love and bond will never fade. You will never be forgotten and your beautiful face will always be seen and remembered.

You are the most beautiful angel and brightest star.

Words will never describe the pain we are feeling, but we can say how much you are loved and missed.

Vigils were held in memory of Chloe earlier this month in Belfast and Ballymena as the community turned out to show their support for her family.

Her brother Phillip told the crowd assembled at King Georges Park that their support was much appreciated.

Unemployed Brandon John Rainey (27), of James Street, Ballymena, has been charged with murdering Chloe and is currently on remand at HMP Maghaberry.

A second man, Ryan Johnston Gordon (34), of Nursery Close, Ballymena, was also charged, accused of assisting an offender by concealing evidence intending to impede the apprehension or prosecution of another person.

Both men are due to appear in court on July 6.
DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson giving evidence to the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee in the House of Commons (House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA Wire)

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said preparatory work is already happening to restore the Stormont institutions.

The DUP leader said the restoration of the Executive in the short term depends on how the Government now responds to an 18-page document, based on mutual enforcement of post-Brexit trade.

The Belfast Telegraph reported today that the DUP had sent the document outlining its demands for a return to power-sharing at Stormont.

Sir Jeffrey, giving evidence at the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee today, also defended his decision to withdraw Paul Givan as First Minister, saying it was proportionate and taken with great reluctance.

Northern Ireland has now been without an Executive for almost 18 months.

But Sir Jeffrey said he hoped to see a greater normalisation of politics here, stressing that his party wants to see the Assembly fully functioning and doing its job even better than before.

Todays session was focused on the effects of the Good Friday Agreement on the institutions at Stormont, with questions around the DUPs decision to stand down Mr Givan in February 2022.

Sir Jeffrey told MPs: It was with great reluctance that I took the decision to withdraw the First Minister.

I felt it was a proportionate decision that would buy time to allow for negotiation to take place whilst all the departmental ministers remained in place  albeit the Executive itself couldnt meet, but at least there were ministers in post and that enabled a degree of decision making within Government departments.

So I was hoping that, within that period, we would see meaningful engagement and negotiation leading to solutions in terms of the concerns that unionists have about the agreement.

The Assembly has been in flux for the past 16 months since the DUP pulled out of the Executive.

It is refusing to participate until its concerns around the Northern Ireland Protocol are addressed by the UK Government.

There have been several failed attempts electing a Speaker since the May 2022 election, which saw Sinn Fein emerge as the largest party. However, the DUP has refused to engage, meaning the Assembly cannot function.

Sir Jeffrey accepted that, going forward, there was a need to get down to business.

However, he denied that his partys boycott was linked to DUP concerns about serving under a Sinn Fein First Minister.

Sinn Feins vice president Michelle ONeill (Niall Carson/PA)

He said the DUP would nominate a deputy to Michelle ONeill when Stormont is restored.

He added: There are some who allege that the DUPs reluctance to go back into power-sharing is because of the way in which the First Minister and Deputy First Minister will operate going forward. They are joint offices. When devolution returns, we will nominate a minister to that office. We are very clear about that. That is not the issue for us.

Despite some believing otherwise, the four parties who will form the Executive are meeting every week. Preparatory work is already happening. Im not saying restoration in the short term is inevitable  a lot depends on how the Government responds  but we want to see a greater normalisation within politics.

Reform of our institutions has to take second place to dealing with our budgetary pressures in the short term, then looking at our public services. But we need to look at the voting mechanisms within the Assembly. We need to look at how an Executive is formed. We will go into any discussions with other parties on that.

The DUP leader was quizzed by SDLP MP Claire Hanna on the continued collapse.

SDLP deputy leader Claire Hanna (Liam McBurney/PA)

He said: At the heart of the peace process John Hume recognised that in a divided society you cannot operate on majority rule. You have got to operate on the basis of consensus.

The reality is that, at the moment, in Northern Ireland, that cross-community consensus in relation to some very fundamental issues that impact on the day-to-day lives of the people of Northern Ireland, arising from the Northern Ireland Protocol, means that consensus has been seriously undermined.

We sought to resolve those issues while an Executive was in place. A key commitment from the UK Government was to ensure that our place in the internal market of the United Kingdom would be protected in any post-Brexit arrangements. The protocol doesnt do that. That is now acknowledged by the Government and indeed by the Irish Prime Minister. It harmed our ability to trade with the rest of the United Kingdom.

Sir Jeffrey said that, as far back as summer 2016, the then First Minister, Arlene Foster, and Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, sent a joint letter to the UK Prime Minister and the Taoiseach. He said it was made clear that cognisance would need to be given to the unique position Northern Ireland finds itself in.

We recognised from the start there could not be a hard border on the island of Ireland, he added, but we took that approach because we recognised that anything else would fundamentally undermine nationalist confidence in the political institutions.

But there are two sides to this coin. A border in the Irish Sea does exactly this for unionism.

What were looking for is a landing zone that restores the consensus.

I believe its when goods are moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the European Union there should be checks. But when goods are moving within the United Kingdom and staying in the United Kingdom then those goods should flow freely if they dont present a threat to the EU.

A sense of proportion and balance is needed.

Sir Jeffrey also looked back on the Good Friday Agreement.

I wasnt a member of the DUP in 1998, but I took a similar stance to them, he said of the negotiations at the time, when, as a UUP member, he walked out of the talks in protest.

Many of the elements of concern related to the peace process, the early release of prisoners, the failure to link that to the decommissioning of weapons. Paramilitary organisations, if they were going to benefit from aspects of the Agreement, should have been compelled to honour their obligations, which included the decommissioning of weapons.

From 1998 right through to 2007 we saw nothing from the Provisional IRA by way of decommissioning, despite that, after two years of the agreement, all their prisoners had been released. Similarly with loyalists, a release of prisoners but very little progress on decommissioning.

There was an absolute failure of the agreement to get to grips with the legacy of our troubled past. There was absolutely no proposal in there to give victims the opportunity to pursue truth and justice. It was merely aspirational.

And when you balance that against the early release of prisoners, you can see how the victims felt that the agreement failed to address their concerns, not withstanding that the agreement was about delivering a peaceful outcome.

On the constitutional side there were concerns about arrangements around accountability at Executive level where ministers could act almost in a solo capacity within their departments. There wasnt really a sense of collective responsibility within the Executive.

We were also concerned that a party like Sinn Fein, linked to a fully armed group at that time, might have access to ministerial office without that armed group standing down and removing their weapons. That went to the heart of what is democracy, how should democracy function? Do you corrupt democracy if you place people in ministerial office who are still linked to a fully armed terrorist proscribed organisation?

Its fair today that many of those concerns were dealt with in the St Andrews Agreement.
A DUP MLA has called for greater scrutiny of Sinn Feins finances after filings released in the United States revealed it had received more than $50,000 from a republican fundraising group there ahead of last years Assembly election.

The DUPs East Belfast MLA and spokesman on US engagement, David Brooks, has said that questions need to be asked about Sinn Fein finances on both sides of the border, while accusing the republican party of having a conveniently partitionist attitude to donations.

The DUP said its call follows filings with the Department of Justice in the United States showing that in advance of last years Assembly election, more than $54,000 was sent to Sinn Fein in Northern Ireland by the Friends of Sinn Fein organisation in the United States.

The Electoral Commission has a list of acceptable donors from whom NI parties can accept money.

They include individuals on the UK electoral register, overseas electors and those leaving bequests, Irish citizens, UK and most Irish registered companies, trade unions, building societies and limited liability partnerships.

In addition, parties can accept donations, but not loans, from certain types of trusts, certain public funds and from anyone who is paying for the reasonable costs of a visit outside the UK.

Under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA), there are controls on which donations and loans a political party can accept.

Certain donations and loans must be recorded and reported to the electoral commission.

However, donations of 500 or less are outside the scope of PPERA and do not need to be recorded or reported.

Mr Brooks said: Sinn Fein is not a normal political party, not least because they are the richest party on either side of the border yet outsourced the management of social media accounts to people in Serbia.

Foreign donations are outlawed across all other parts of the United Kingdom and in the Republic of Ireland, yet at least $50,000 was funnelled to Sinn Fein in advance of last years Assembly election.

Sinn Fein happily trumpet how their organisation in Northern Ireland is entirely separate from the party in the Republic when it comes to money.

Sinn Fein not only takes a conveniently partitionist attitude to such donations, but there are serious questions about its wider finances.

He added: It is time that Sinn Feins finances were the subject of serious scrutiny on both sides of the border.

There have been claims of financial irregularities amounting to hundreds of thousands of euro within the Republic.

As a major property owner on the island of Ireland and the richest party, there needs to be transparency and openness about Sinn Fein finances.

A Sinn Fein spokesperson said Mr Brooks and his party colleagues should focus their efforts on getting back to work around the Executive table with the other parties.

Workers and families living in the real world are struggling in the here and now with food and heating costs, rising rent and mortgages, and getting school places for their children and have no time for juvenile nonsense and distraction politics, the statement added.
The Princess of Wales during a visit to the Young V&A in Bethnal Green, east London, ahead of its opening to the public on Saturday (Richard Pohle/The Times/PA)

The Princess of Wales has revealed her children tell me stories all the time as she heard imaginative tales from youngsters at the reopening of the Young V&A museum.

Kate was shown around the museums three different galleries and spoke to schoolchildren at the venue in Bethnal Green, east London, on Wednesday.

She spent time exploring the different areas of the museum, including the Imagine Gallery, where children told her stories through using different objects.

Several children took turns to tell their tales, with Kate responding to one story by saying, The end. Very good  Id like to see that, before sharing that her own children  Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis  tell me stories all the time.

She was then bombarded with questions and hugged by two girls before urging the children to Keep up the storytelling.

Seven-year-old Lina said afterwards: It was very nice meeting her. She was acting like a normal princess would!

Kate also joined a building workshop in the Play Gallery with children from Globe Primary School, where she gave her verdict on models they built out of foam.

One child explained their model was a robot that filters trash from the ocean, leading Kate to ask: Does this sit on top of the water, or under the water?

She was then shown around the rest of the gallery, which is aimed at 0-three-year-olds as a sensory space filled with colour.

The Princess of Wales during a visit to the Young V&A in Bethnal Green, east London (Richard Pohle/The Times/PA)

Kate was then taken through the Design Gallery and marvelled at customised bionic arms and a Petit Pli sustainable clothing outfit, remarking: I really love it.

Formerly the Museum of Childhood, the Young V&A will open to the public free of charge on July 1 after three years of refurbishment.

Opened in 1872 as east Londons first museum, the buildings updated features were designed with input from children.

Kate was greeted by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan among others, while she also praised Young V&A director Dr Helen Charman for the museums transformation.

Before leaving, Kate was given three gift bags containing a notebook, wooden car, badge and an eraser by Percy, seven, and Zeo, eight, and gave both children a high-five.

The Princess of Wales was shown around the museums galleries (Richard Pohle/The Times/PA)

Dr Tristram Hunt, director of the Victoria & Albert Museum, said: What this place is about is how you create cultural confidence and creative enjoyment in the early years through objects, design, play and imagination.

Because she (Kate) is across the research on this, she understood what we were trying to do with the museum.

On the museums refurbishment, he added: It was a wonderful space, but it was a slightly creepy, dark toy mausoleum.

To have the kids in it today, using it in the way that we thought they might, is really validating for the project.

The V&A family includes museums in South Kensington, Dundee in Scotland and the Wedgewood Collection near Stoke-on-Trent, while a new location in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, V&A East, is due to open in 2025.
The Russian missile struck a restaurant in Kramatorsk (National Police of Ukraine via AP)

A Russian missile attack that hit a popular pizza restaurant in a city in eastern Ukraine killed at least 10 people, including three children.

Authorities have arrested a man they accused of helping Russia direct the missile strike.

Rescue workers are continuing to search the destroyed buildings rubble following the Tuesday evening attack on Kramatorsk which wounded a further 61 people, the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs said.

Two sisters, both aged 14, died as result of the attack, the educational department of the Kramatorsk city council said.

A man stands on the street in front of the restaurant destroyed by a missile attack in Kramatorsk (Ukrainian Donetsk Regional Administration via AP)

Russian missiles stopped the beating of the hearts of two angels, it said in a Telegram post.

The other dead child was 17, according to prosecutor general Andrii Kostin.

The attack also damaged 18 multi-storey buildings, 65 houses, a number of schools, a shopping centre, an administrative building and a recreational building, said regional governor Pavlo Kyrylenko.

The strike, and others elsewhere across Ukraine, indicated that the Kremlin is not easing its aerial onslaught despite turmoil caused by a short-lived armed uprising last weekend. There has also been no apparent military push by Ukraine to exploit that turmoil, though Kyiv has been tight-lipped about recent battlefield developments.

The Kremlin reeled from the weekend mutiny led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, owner of the Wagner private army of prison recruits and other mercenaries which has played a key role for Russia in Ukraine. The rebellion was the gravest threat so far to Russian President Vladimir Putins grip on power.

Mr Prigozhin went into exile in neighbouring Belarus on Tuesday after Russia said he would not face charges for the revolt, but Mr Putin is trying to tarnish Mr Prigozhins reputation and perhaps accuse him of corruption, a Washington-based think tank said on Wednesday.

Putin has likely decided that he cannot directly eliminate Prigozhin without making him a martyr at this time, the Institute for the Study of War said in an assessment.

People clear the rubble on the roof of the restaurant destroyed by a missile (National Police of Ukraine via AP)

Officials initially blamed the strike in Kramatorsk on an S-300 missile, a surface-to-air weapon that Russias forces have repurposed for loosely targeted strikes on cities, but the National Police later said Iskander short-range ballistic missiles were used.

Kramatorsk is a frontline city that houses the Ukrainian armys regional headquarters. The pizza restaurant was frequented by journalists, aid workers and soldiers, as well as locals.

The Security Service of Ukraine said it had detained a man whom it suspects directed the strike on the restaurant, who is an employee of the local gas transportation company.

He filmed the restaurant for the Russians and informed them about its popularity, the Security Service said in a Telegram post.

It provided no evidence for its claim. Russia has insisted during the war that it does not aim at civilian targets, although its air strikes have killed many civilians.

Kramatorsk is located in Donetsk, one of four Ukrainian provinces that Russia claimed to annex last September but does not fully control. Russia has also occupied Crimea since 2015.

Ukrainian-held parts of the partially occupied provinces have been hit especially hard by Russian bombardment and are a key barrier to resolving the war.

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The Kremlin demands that Kyiv recognise the annexations, while Kyiv has ruled out any talks with Russia until its troops pull back from all occupied territories.

Kyiv recently launched a much-anticipated counter-offensive to take back occupied territory.

Russia, meanwhile, has stepped up its air campaign in Ukraine while the fighting continues along the front line.

Russian forces on Monday and overnight also shelled 16 settlements in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia, the Ukrainian presidential office reported.

It said that a 77-year-old civilian was killed in the frontline town of Orikhiv, and that Russian shelling wounded three people in a nearby village recently retaken by Kyiv.

Also, a Russian supersonic cruise missile hit a cluster of holiday homes in central Ukraine, sparking a fire which injured a child, the presidential office said.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis peace envoy, Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, was to meet with an aide to President Putin, Yury Ushakov, in Moscow on Wednesday.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the talks would include possible ways of political-diplomatic settlement.

Francis dispatched Cardinal Zuppi, a veteran of the Catholic Churchs peace initiatives, to Moscow in the hope of helping spur peace negotiations after his visit to Kyiv earlier this month.

At the Vatican on Wednesday, Francis again appealed for an end to the war, praying that Ukrainians may soon find peace: There is so much suffering in Ukraine, let us not forget that.
Those who champion the agreement do a complete disservice to the ordinary people of Northern Ireland, writes Peter Summerton

The United Kingdoms decision to leave the European Union created both political and commercial challenges to the movement of goods. With increasing division and toxicity in the political arena, it has become quite difficult for the logistics sector to comment on challenges without becoming drawn into the political wrangle.

The protocol, born out of the rushed and ill-considered negotiations, was deemed as the solution to the Brexit challenge posed by the Irish land border, however the attempt to crudely apply the Official Controls and Regulations to the very different mature regional supply chains between Great Britain and Northern Ireland was always set to fail.

Hauliers warned that the frequency, timing and value of movements simply meant that the application of EU import rules could not be applied in the context of the regional supply chain without causing diversions to trade routes and inevitable cost increases.

The Windsor Framework was sold to business as having removed any sense of a border in the Irish Sea and made moving goods from Birmingham to Belfast as the same as moving goods from Birmingham to the Isle of Wight. These political spin lines mirror the 2021 claims that there was no border in the Irish Sea.

However, professionals involved in moving goods between Britain and Northern Ireland dont operate in the spin zone, but rather by process and fact.

It is highly concerning that given the focus that has been applied to GB-NI movements that the UK Government has almost completely avoided any detail on how EU goods passing through NI will be controlled and the obvious impact this will have on NIs unfettered access to GB markets.

However, any simple analysis demonstrates that goods entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain are now subject to full EU controls and regulations, as if they were entering the EU via Dublin. This is referred to as the red lane and Northern Irish traders, bringing in raw materials from Britain are subject to the additional costs. Traders must then satisfy a further burden of bureaucracy to operate a HMRC rebate scheme to recover the duties for goods which did not enter the EU.

Therefore, unlike their GB counterparts, Northern Irish businesses must overcome the natural cost barrier of the Irish Sea but now also the hurdle of bureaucratic cost and delays in market response due to the third country relationship within the UK. The Windsor Framework red lane has become even more alienating than the original protocol. Manufacturers sourcing goods from the EU will be subject to substantially less controls and costs than non-retail traders moving goods within the UK from GB to NI.

However, there has been little focus on the red hurdles as media interest has focused on the green lane. Yet, it is essential to immediately point out that government suggestions that this lane provides market access like an internal GB movement are based on no factual foundation.

Rather than provide any sort of green lane access, the retail scheme provides a complex set of regulation to a trader group supplying directly to end users in Northern Ireland.

The complexities continue increase over time so even traders who qualify to use the green lane will divert their supply chains or elect to pay for the red lane. Again, overcoming the green lane hurdles are more burdensome than moving the same goods from the EU to GB.

Having rushed portions of the legislations through Parliament with little to no scrutiny, UK Government has begun to drip feed some of the detail to traders and the public. Each line of detail moves the reality of the Windsor Framework further away from the commitments made in Parliament and to the people.

Having claimed to have removed the Irish Sea border and made goods movements between GB and NI the same as goods movements between Birmingham and the Isle of Wight, one must ask why then are hundreds of millions of taxpayers pounds being spent on systems which are not required for internal UK movements? Why are larger border control posts required given that DAERA has confirmed that all checks that are required on goods going directly to the EU are already being carried out and why are even more staff required to do the reduced level of checks?

The Government has completely underestimated the challenge presented by the Windsor Framework. The scheduled timescales and application are completely unrealistic to the detriment of businesses at the sharp end of the Framework.

It is completely indefensible that Government should suggest that given the even more complex, frequent and lower value regional goods movements between GB and NI that the Windsor Framework requirements provide any sense of a solution.

Those that aspire to press on with the Framework do a complete disservice to ordinary shoppers in NI, irrespective of their political background, as the additional friction can only increase the cost of consumer goods, at a time when many families are already struggling.

Being prepared to point out the serious commercial and structural difficulties which have been created by an Irish Sea border must not become synonymous with a demand for the application of a land border.

The core principles of mutual enforcement move us beyond the current stalemate. It takes a leap of bravery to move from the exhaustively failed Windsor Framework negotiations.

Those who are prepared to make the jump to a mutual enforcement solution will deliver prosperity across these islands.

Peter Summerton is a logistics commentator
Updated at 5:31 a.m. ET on 2023-06-28

The Philippine Supreme Court said on Wednesday that it had disbarred a staunch supporter and adviser to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. from practicing law for an abusive attack against a journalist.

The 15-member court voted unanimously on Tuesday against Lorenzo Larry Gadon over a viral video clip in which he repeatedly cursed and uttered profane remarks against veteran journalist Raissa Robles.

The court said the foul-mouthed tirade was indisputably scandalous and discredits the legal profession, citing his violation of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability.

Gadon unfortunately failed to realize that lawyers are expected to avoid scandalous behavior, whether in their public or private life, the court said in a statement. It reminded all lawyers that there was no room for misogyny and sexism in the profession.

Gadon, a trained lawyer who ran unsuccessfully as senator for Marcos Jr.s Kilusang Bagong Lipunan party at the last election, was appointed as presidential adviser on poverty alleviation on Monday.

The appointment drew criticism from opposition lawmakers and rights groups who questioned Gadons qualifications for the role and noted he had already been suspended by the supreme court over the video clip.

Robles said the disbarment of Gadon was a stab of light in the gathering darkness of massive disinformation and trolling by Marcos loyalists and operatives.

Gadons vile video, telling me to go screw a dog, had emboldened others to attack women and journalists online. Yesterday, he publicly said I should be thankful he did not have me killed, she said in a statement.

Gadon posted the video cursing Robles to Twitter in late 2021 after she made critical comments about Marcos Jr.s conviction for failing to file income tax returns, an issue which resulted in calls to disqualify him from running for president.

Gadon on Wednesday said he would appeal his disbarment.

The penalty is too harsh for the alleged cause, which was my outburst against a reporter who was blatantly spreading lies against President BBM [Marcos], Gadon said.

He said the supreme court decision would not affect his new role in the government.

The position and the task given to me by the president do not require lawyering hence my suspension and disbarment have no effect on my appointment I will just approach this issue on a personal concern, file a motion for reconsideration and proceed in facing the challenges of the job and aim to serve the public in my best capability, Gadon said.

Gadon was also cited by the supreme court for contempt of court for his baseless accusations of bias against Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen and Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa.

Robles sued Gadon for libel, cyberlibel, and violation of the Safe Spaces Act but the latter two were dismissed by local prosecutors. The other cases are pending with the justice department.

He also has at least ten cases filed against him at the courts Office of the Bar Confidant and with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, the official association of lawyers.

The Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines, which includes Robles as a member, had previously denounced his atrocious and beastly behavior.

The group, which was founded in 1974 to safeguard press freedom, noted that while Gadon had the right to challenge journalists it should never be with such venom and malice that openly flout civility.

This story was updated to reflect the courts decision was made on Tuesday, not Wednesday.
This handout photo taken on June 27, 2023 and released on June 28 by the Philippine National Polices anti-cybercrime group shows police officials (left) at work while other people crouch on the floor of an office following a police raid on the premises in Las Pinas, Metro Manila.

Philippine security forces have rescued nearly 3,000 people from a slew of Asian and African nations during a massive raid on illegal gambling operations, with officials saying Wednesday that these migrants were duped into working in the fraudulent offshore operations.

The workers  most of them Filipinos, with many others from China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and other countries  were found when police commandos, armed with warrants, simultaneously raided seven buildings in Las Pinas, Metro Manila, on Tuesday.

The targets of the raid, the owners of a gaming hub, were identified as Quiha Lu, Liangfei Chen, Jimmy Lin, and Abbey Ng. Police said these suspects  all believed to be Chinese  were found to have violated the countrys anti-trafficking in persons law.

Capt. Michelle Sabino, a spokeswoman for the Philippine National Polices Anti-Cybercrime Group, said the workers were promised work at an online casino.

The job posting lured them into this work. Theyre the ones assisting in online gaming, Sabino told reporters on Wednesday.

Of the workers rescued, 1,528 were Filipinos trafficked from other parts of the country; there were also 600 Chinese, 183 Vietnamese, 137 Indonesians, 134 Malaysians, 81 Thais, and 21 Taiwanese; the rest were from Nigeria, Singapore, Myanmar, Yemen, Pakistan, South Africa, India, Somalia, Sudan, Cameroon, and Iran, a police report said.

Col. Jean Fajardo, national police spokesperson, said that only two of the seven buildings they raided had the relevant license to operate as offshore gaming establishments.

We received information on the presence of foreigners in one of the buildings, Fajardo told reporters.

Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, or POGOs as they are more popularly called, entered the country in 2016 at the start of the term of then-President Rodrigo Dutertes administration and have flourished due to loose gaming laws here.

Such operations cater largely to customers in mainland China, where gambling for money is banned. At their peak, POGOs hired more than 300,000 Chinese workers and brought them to the Philippines.
During a tour of the Yuam River, Singkarn Ruenhom explains how sediment in the river would be changed by the dam, harming species living there, March 12, 2023.

For a full year, Singkarn Ruenhom will be working with 14 others to document the potential destruction that a huge dam could wreak on the residents and rural farmland along the Yuam River.

They will be conducting a peoples environmental impact assessment to counter the findings of a 2021 study by Thailands Royal Irrigation Department and Naresuan University that reported only four houses in the river village of Mae Ngao, where 170 people live, will be affected by new infrastructure.

Local residents say the destruction from the dam  officially called the Yuam River Diversion Project  will be far greater, clearing a minimum of 600 hectares of land and affecting the livelihoods of an estimated 40,000 people in 46 villages.

I think about life in the water, the plants and the animals. They will go extinct. If the project goes through, Singkarn said after hooking a fish in the river, taking a photo and documenting his catch in Thai and Karen. Thats something we cant bring back.

In the past, such grassroots research efforts have warranted some big wins for communities in both Thailand and Myanmar over major construction projects that were scratched. In those cases, too, environmental impact assessments were either bypassed altogether or not made public.

In 2019, villagers in northeast Thailand staged forums and protests alongside their environmental study, which successfully blocked the company from moving mining equipment to a new potash drilling site despite obstruction lawsuits hedged from the company.

A man stands at the confluence of the Yuam and Ngao rivers, March 13, 2023. [RFA]

The Hatgyi Dam, a project which was slated for construction in a conflict zone in Karen State, was delayed due to both ongoing conflict and grassroots impact reporting. After the coup in 2021 in Myamar, it also faced attempted revival under military administration.

Saw Tha Poe, who works at Karen Rivers Watch, says the cross-border community has needed to join forces to demonstrate the impact to areas downstream and track fish species.

Many Karen people along the river in both the Thai and Burma side have a good relationship and collaborate together, doing the research, doing the surveys, for example, about the fish species, he said, adding that the community has found some to be endangered.

Grassroots research

With a group of volunteers, Thai professors Malee Sitthikriengkrai and Chayan Vaddhanaphuti teach research methods they can use alongside their daily routines to document how the soon-to-be dammed river would affect not only livelihoods but the local environment overall.

Chayan has been fine-tuning this research since the 1990s, and it has since become popular around Southeast Asia. For the Karen, Chayan says, this research is particularly useful in giving indigenous people a voice.

Roughly 80 percent of Mae Ngao residents are Karen, many of whose families have resided in Thailand for over 60 years. A few have more recently come across the border from Myanmar, where their ethnic group has been engaged in a war with the military for decades.

Despite residing in Thailand for decades, Singkarn says as many as half of the Karen residents in the village are still applying for their Thai identification card  a process that can take as long as 20 years.

And non-Thai citizens are not legally entitled to full compensation for their land or livelihood. Additionally, any land designated part of the newly finished Mae Ngao National Park under the National Park Act could mean a long legal battle, or no compensation at all.

People who have the color card, they cant travel out of the district. If their houses have been flooded, where are they going to live? Singkarn asked. Color cards refer to pink or white cards that allow migrants to work in Thailand or show theyre in the process of proving their citizenship.

Villagers march from Mae Ngao Bridge to a point where the Yuam and Ngao rivers converge for the International Day of Action Against Dams and for Rivers, Water and Life, March 13, 2023. [RFA]

Where are they going to work to make money, because they have been locked in this district? They [will] have no other place to go because of the water.

But when inspectors came to measure the impact of the dam on the surrounding area, they minimized the damage, said Jor Da, one of Mae Ngaos Thai-Karen residents.

If it happens, it will be challenging for the families here, he said. During the meeting [with residents] they only showed as little damage as possible. We live here inter-depending with trees and forests.

Villagers present findings from their preliminary research on the Yuam River, March 13, 2023. [RFA]

Upon the publication of the 2021 environmental impact study, Malee said the original reports thousands of pages about impacted areas were almost entirely inaccessible to villagers.

After being charged over 20,500 Thai baht (U.S. $600) for printing the report, they received a copy that was heavily redacted and grossly underestimated the harmful effects of the project.

Neither Naresuan University nor the Royal Irrigation Department responded to request for comment from Radio Free Asia (RFA), a news site affiliated with BenarNews.

Its very difficult for the community to raise their voice, said Sor Rattanamanee, whose Community Resource Centre Foundation is providing legal counsel to Mae Ngao and helped them obtain the original impact assessment.

Some of them may not have the identity card, thats why its very difficult for them to complain because the officers will use this opportunity to put pressure on them and [put] them at risk.

Layers of impact

While Mae Ngaos full report wont be published until later this year, graduate student Manapee Khongrakchang says findings already point to major disruptions for the border community.

The fishermen found that nearly all 53 species of fish documented in the river so far would be impacted by the project by changes in food chain and typology of the river.

The village is also documenting its relationship to the river and history through art and storytelling, calculating total revenue from cash crops year-round, and documenting unique species found in the area.

Children in the area present stories about their communities and the wildlife there with the help of graduate student Manapee Khongrakchang, March 13, 2023. [RFA]

We have one species thats going to be extinct for the Yuam and the Ngao River thats called pla sa nge [short-finned eel], Manapee said.

Villagers also raise concerns about a species of clam, which lives in the rocky bottom of the river and would be impacted when other types of sediment flood the region. Both are sources of food for the community.

Its questionable to me  is that fair for one species, that they cant get back to the river that they live? she said.

On a nearby hill, Daw Po lives in one of the only houses in Mae Ngao documented in the original environmental impact assessment.

Despite being one of the few certain of compensation and legally living in Thailand, she has little faith in this outcome. Her house sits next to the spot designated to be the site of six water-pumping stations to pump into an eight-meter pipe carrying water 600 meters below ground.

Daw Po sits with a relative in her home. It was one of only four houses counted in Mae Ngao village. I will not brood over the house if I need to run, she told RFA.

[Here], I will not brood over the house if I need to run. If I own something, I will be sorry to lose it. I am not sure whether I should go or stay, Daw Po told RFA.

While she and her elderly parents cannot attend meetings in the village anymore due to health issues, shes concerned about maintaining access to natural foods from in and around the river.

Despite past successes, Malee says it will take more than just research to stop the mega-projects from developing remote communities with little chance of fighting back. After the research is finished, they plan to hold meetings to share their findings with the public.

The government is like a superpower compared with us. We are like ants and they are like elephants, she said.

The government and the irrigation department thought, Oh, for this village, no one will pay attention, or they can build up this project easily. But it wont be that way.
Student activist Bunkueanun Paothong (right), with activist Ekachai Hongkangwan, talks to reporters before leaving a criminal court in Bangkok, where they and three others were acquitted of charges related to impeding the motorcade of the Thai queen during pro-democracy demonstrations in 2020.

Updated at 11:27 a.m. ET on 2023-06-28

A Thai criminal court on Wednesday acquitted five pro-democracy demonstrators on charges of threatening the queen by blocking her motorcade during a rally in 2020, citing a lack of evidence and blaming police for failing to prepare proper passage for the royal limousine.

The case at Ratchada Criminal Court was brought under a little-used law that shields royals from being threatened or harmed, and can carry punishment of life in prison  or even death.

The verdict represented a rare victory for the youth-led pro-democracy movement, which has been targeted with offenses ranging from sedition to royal defamation since taking to the streets in mid-2020 to call for Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-chas resignation.

The attorney general had accused Ekachai Hongkangwan, Mahidol University student Bunkueanun Paothong, Suranart Paenprasert, Chanathip Chaiyayankgoon and Panupat Paiko of stirring up a crowd of protesters during a rally for democratic reform in Bangkok on October 14, 2020.

Prosecutors alleged the five defendants, aware the royal limousine was driving by, had urged protesters to surround it and block its path. Some water bottles were also thrown at the car transporting Queen Suthida and her stepson, Prince Dipangkorn, according to reports.

The protesters nearby gave the royals a three-fingered salute, inspired by The Hunger Games movie, to symbolize their resistance to the monarchy  an extreme show of defiance in the country where the king is regarded as a demi-god, BenarNews reported at the time.

But the court found insufficient evidence the five planned to harm or impede the royal procession. It said the protesters, including the defendants, had not been informed by police that the motorcade was in the area. The group did not have access to confidential government information about its route, either.

The defendants were acquitted on all charges, including minor ones of blocking traffic.

After the verdict was read, Ekachai thanked the court for its decision.

I believed all along that there is justice in the courts, even though many people do not believe they are transparent, he said.

Activist Ekachai Hongkangwan argues with riot police near the Din Daeng intersection in Bangkok during a pro-democarcy protest, March 13, 2021. [Nava Sangthong/BenarNews]

It is unclear whether prosecutors would appeal the case.

The prosecution brought under Section 110 of the Penal Code was the first of its kind in the countrys modern history, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR), a group representing the five.

Under 110, [w]hoever commits an act of violence against the Queen or Her liberty, the Heir-apparent or His liberty, or the Regent or his/her liberty, shall be punished with imprisonment for life or imprisonment of sixteen to twenty years. Whoever attempts to commit such offense shall be liable to the same punishment, according to information posted on the Thailand Law Library, a website.

Sunai Phusuk, a senior analyst for Human Rights Watch, said the acquittal was the only reasonable result.

The evidence and circumstances were not based on facts from the beginning, he told BenarNews. There should never have been proceedings under such a severe charge.

Thailand was roiled by a series of mass protests in 2020-21 calling for the resignation of Prayuth  the retired army chief who led the 2014 coup  a rewrite of the constitution, and a reform of the royal institution itself.

Since July 2020, at least 250 were charged with royal defamation, according to the TLHR, eight of them are serving jail terms. Lese-Majeste, or Article 112 of the Penal Code, the nations strict anti-royal defamation law, carries a sentence of up to 15 years in prison for each conviction.

Nontarat Phaicharoen contributed to this report.
A view from a drone shows Muslims gathering for prayers as they mark Eid-ul-Adha at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, June 28, 2023. [Basilio Sepe/BenarNews]

Muslim girls eat snacks and play on a mobile device as others take part in prayers during Eid-ul-Adha at the Marikina Grand Mosque in Metro Manila, Philippines, June 28, 2023. [Noel Celis/BenarNews]

Men string up a goat after slaughtering it for a feast marking Eid-ul-Adha at the Marikina Grand Mosque in Metro Manila, Philippines, June 28, 2023. [Noel Celis/BenarNews]

A girl in red stands as Muslims gather for prayers to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, June 28, 2023. [Basilio Sepe/BenarNews]

Muslim men hold down a cow as they prepare to slaughter it as a sacrifice for the Eid-ul-Adha holiday in Dagupan City, Philippines, June 28, 2023. [Jojo Rinoza/BenarNews]

A view from a drone shows Muslims praying as they celebrate the Eid-ul-Adha holiday at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, June 28, 2023. [Basilio Sepe/BenarNews]

Muslims in the Philippines fasted, prayed and feasted on Wednesday as they joined followers of Islam around the world to mark Eid-ul-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice.

One of the major holidays on the religions calendar, Eid-ul-Adha honors Abrahams willingness to sacrifice his son to God, who allowed him to sacrifice a ram instead. Muslims worldwide butcher cows, goats, lambs and other animals to prepare a feast for friends and family, and to donate to others in need.

Muslims are a minority in the predominantly Catholic Philippines, where they are mainly concentrated in the countrys south.

On Wednesday, security was tight in many places around Metro Manila and in the southern Philippines, where Muslims gathered at mosques to participate in the holidays rituals.

In northern Dagupan City, Muslims slaughtered a ceremonial cow after attending morning prayers at the Khalid Bin Alwaleed Mosque. Practically all health restrictions had been lifted in the city, although the government said it was still wary of new mutations of the COVID-19 virus.

The tight-knit Muslim community broke their one-day fast with a meal that included beef from the freshly butchered cow.

During Eid-ul-Adha we remember the works of Prophet Abraham. He offered his son Ismael [as a sacrifice but the boy] was replaced by God with a lamb, said Imam Faisal Salud Idgiran.

For Filipino Muslims, sacrificing a cow or a goat is seen not only as an important religious tradition, but a duty.

Islam predates Christianity in the Philippines by more than a century, although at present Muslims are a minority comprising only less than 7% of the countrys 110 million Filipinos.

In Manila, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on all Filipinos to show solidarity with Muslims.

When his late namesake father, a dictator, was in power in the Philippines, the elder Marcos allowed a brutal military campaign to violently put down a Muslim secessionist insurgency.

Truly, our nation is a land of plentiful creeds that is further nurtured by Muslim Filipinos who help weave our rich tapestry of diversity. Let their devotion to these beliefs shine above all throughout the festivities and further strengthen the bond among our families, friends, and communities, Marcos Jr. said in his message to the nation.

Marcos noted that it was only when we openly and willingly embrace each others differences that we will be able to build a more prosperous and harmonious society for all, the president said.
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NORTH ADAMS  The city has a new member of its police force: a working dog named Rocky.

The 1 1/2-year-old German shepherd sat quietly with his handler, Officer Mike Cogswell, in front of the City Council on Tuesday night.

POLICE, his collar says  the dog is not a comfort animal. I just want to let everyone know its not a petting dog, interim Chief Mark Bailey said, introducing Rocky. Were asking the public not to run up to him and start petting.

Late last year, the department got a $32,000 grant from the Stanton Foundation to cover the dog, its training and other related costs, like veterinarian bills and overtime costs for Cogswell to train Rocky.

It didnt cost the taxpayers anything, Bailey said.

The department hasnt had a dog in about five years, Bailey said. Since then, the city had to turn to other towns if police needed help from a dog.

We often have to rely on Williamstown and Adams and other units and they have been so supportive and I thank them, Mayor Jennifer Macksey said last year. But its time for us to stand on our own two feet.

Cogswell got the dog in March at Shallow Creek Kennels in Pennsylvania. Then, he and Rocky did 12 weeks of training through the Berkshire County Sheriffs Office, led by a retired captain.

Rocky, now certified through the North American Police Work Dog Association, learned tracking, how to apprehend a suspect and how to do searches. He can find evidence out of the ground, Cogswell said.

Dogs have a very strong sense of smell, which helps working police dogs. We cant see it but everyone has human scent pouring off of them right now, Cogswell said. He can smell it.

Cogswell plans to do a four-week narcotics detection training with Rocky, he told the council.

Im very excited to have him as my partner and a member of the North Adams Police Department, he said.

Rocky was officially sworn in as a member of the department on Tuesday night.

You will obey the lawful orders of your superiors, City Clerk Tina Leonesio said.
From left: State Rep. John Barrett III, D-North Adams, state Director of Rural Affairs Anne Gobi, state Sen. Paul Mark, D-Becket, and North Adams Mayor Jennifer Macksey. The four had just finished a meeting with municipal leaders from throughout North County. Gobi was on her way to Lenox for the last stop of a Western Massachusetts tour.
Burnout is brutal. It leaves those who experience it utterly exhausted, affecting them emotionally, physically, socially, mentally and spiritually. Burnout often occurs by carrying burdens by ourselves that are too great to bear. This can happen over an extended period of time, during times of great pressure. And often these demands are overwhelming. Burnout can be self-inflicted as we take on more and more and try to do it all in our own strength. Sources can include responsibilities placed on us by others, or circumstances that seem beyond our control.

One thing that burnout can helpfully remind us of is: we are not God.

We are not the savior and rescuer that we often pretend we are. We are finite, vulnerable individuals who need basic needs met to continue to function, let alone thrive. Whereas God can be everywhere at all times, we are bound by time and space. Where God never slumbers nor sleeps, we have to humbly admit defeat whenever we lay our head.

However, rather than viewing our God-given limitation as a hindrance, we can use it as an opportunity and invitation to worship God. As Jesus is the Word of God and the Bible is all about Him, it is worth examining what His Word shows us on recovering from burnout.

Jesus Initiated and Demonstrated Rest

Jesus said, Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30). This is a wonderful summoning from our Savior, to come to Him when we are weary and burdened. He is the one who will give us the rest that we so deeply crave and that our bodies so desperately need.

Having rest was mandated and given to Gods people in the story of creation. God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2) and the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath (Mark 2:27). The Sabbath was a time for rest. Under Mosaic law it enabled Gods people to take a full day of rest. Jesus healed on the Sabbath and His disciples picked grain on the Sabbath, so the Pharisees tried to accuse them of breaking the Sabbath. Yet, the Pharisees were the ones burdening the people by adding rules that were not part of Gods holy law. In His mercy, God grants His people rest, and we do well to practice that in our week.

Jesus made time to rest when He walked the earth. If anyone knew what a busy life looked like, it was Jesus. He was followed by large crowds, had questions asked of Him from all different people, healed the sick, spent time teaching in the synagogues, visiting friends in their homes, enjoying hospitality and much more. In His busy ministry, Jesus had times where He would withdraw to lonely places to pray and be with His Father (Luke 5:16). How much more do we need to adopt this regular rhythm into our lives as adopted sons and daughters of the King? The Son was in close communion with the Father, and we need to be too.

Jesus also told His disciples to come with Him and rest. This is a wonderful image of Gods compassionate care and mercy for His followers. Mark 6:31 says, Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest. Going to a quiet place with Jesus to rest is the best place to be restored and grow in strength. He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1). Those who wait, trust and hope in the Lord will renew their strength (Isaiah 40:31).

Knowing Our Mission and Purpose

Having close communion with the Father meant that Jesus never lost sight of His mission in the world. He was born to die for the sin of His people, and He carried on throughout His life until the appointed time.

We all have a purpose in this life, which is supremely to glorify God. As Jesus glorified His Father by faithful obedience, we are to trust and obey Him in our daily life. Our bodies are a living sacrifice which is an act of worship to Him (Romans 12:1). We are to offer our lives to Him, knowing that He will direct our steps (Proverbs 16:9).

There is wisdom in considering our schedules and discerning what God is asking us to do. We can take on too much without ever consulting God about it in the first place. He will equip us for where He calls us. However, there may also be seasons of intensity in our circumstances which can bring us to our knees. Paul talks of all the sufferings and persecution he endured, yet he was not destroyed or crushed through them (2 Corinthians 4:8-10). He saw his suffering for the gospel in the light of eternal truth.

There may be times of persecution, personal illness, financial uncertainty, challenging relationships and more going on all at once. It can lead to exhaustion as it takes its toll upon us. Regardless of what situations or seasons we find ourselves in, we can still prioritize thinking upon Jesus and resting in His loving care.

Jesus tells us to cast all our anxieties on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Depending on Jesus and casting all our anxieties upon Him is not something we intentionally think about - unless we make time to intentionally think about it! It is not just some of our burdens and anxieties. It is all of them. How easy it is to hold back from God and continue straining under the load of our concerns and worries.

He is our Heavenly Father and His perspective and His shoulders are bigger and stronger than ours. He is the one who carries the government on His shoulder (Isaiah 9:6). Will He not so much more take care of one of His sheep as the Good Shepherd, and carry us upon His shoulders?

Practical Ways the Bible Helps Us Recover from Burnout

The Bible is Gods Word to us and Jesus is the Word (John 1:1). We have seen how Jesus initiated and demonstrated rest from the beginning of creation, through the law in the Old Testament and in His ministry as He walked the earth. Rest is something that God gives us because He is compassionate and merciful. We see this in how He cares tenderly for the physical needs of His disciples, and how He wants us to bring our burdens to Him. As we go about our daily life with these comforting truths about our Savior in mind, here are some practical ways we can recover from burnout by applying biblical truth:

Remember that God cares and He will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30). Pray to Him knowing He hears and cares for you.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

Ask God for wisdom and direction on what to say no to and what to say yes to.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you (James 1:5).

Listen to wise instruction and wisdom from others. An example is when Jethro tells his son-in-law Moses to delegate responsibilities.

What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you (Exodus 18:14-23).

Be supported by the church family - the body of Christ. Receive the help of others in the family of God. This could free you up to serve in the areas that God has given you, or at least to provide some rest and renewal to prevent burnout (whether through prayer partners, physical help, comfort or something else).

But God has put together all the parts of the body. And he has given more honor to the parts that didnt have any. In that way, the parts of the body will not take sides. All of them will take care of one another. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it. If one part is honored, every part shares in its joy (1 Corinthians 12:24-26).

Abide in Jesus with eyes focused on Him by the power of the Holy Spirit. We can run the race, persevere, endure and do all that He asks of us.

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you (Isaiah 26:3).

Trust Jesus, surrender and repent of trying to do it all. We are not God and we are dependent on Him for all things. He is Jehovah Jireh and graciously provides for all our needs in His timing.

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

Photo credit: Getty Images/fizkes
Recently, the tragedy of an imploded submersible carrying five passengers to the sunken Titanic has grabbed the attention of people all over the world.

What went wrong? One thing was clear from the beginning: the vessel was unfit for the job.

Complaining that regulations were holding back their ability to innovate and therefore attract and serve more excited individuals, the company involved in the incident cut corners. It strayed from the authoritative body of knowledge. The passengers knew nothing of these potential pitfalls. They were simply along for the ride. And then, the ship imploded. Five lives were lost in the carnage. As a result, tourism to the Titanic will undoubtedly take a hit.

This is why people need to know about ecclesiology, the study of the church. Churches often find themselves in trouble. The very thing meant to be a picture of unity as it functions as Christs body, how more people are to fall in love with Christ, the church, is experiencing implosion. The wreckage is wounding people. Potential travelers are turning away from what they see as risk outweighing the reward. To know what went wrong, we must be informed passengers who know the authoritative body of knowledge regarding the church (Gods Word) so that we dont put our lives in the hands of ships doomed to fail from the start.

What Part of Theology Does Ecclesiology Study?

Ecclesiology is the study of the church. The churchnot a building, not a Sunday morning service, but the gathering of Spirit-filled individuals to worship their Creator and spread His good news.

Ecclesiology filters through all modern conceptions of what church means and examines the Biblical mandates for what comprises the ekklesia, the congregation of Christs followers, the called out ones.

The study of ecclesiology examines what exactly church meant to Christ, what it should mean to His followers, and how it should function in the world.

What Kind of Questions Does Ecclesiology Explore?

The first question to explore is, What exactly is the church?

Is it the building that you go to on a Sunday morning? Is it a specific denomination?

Ephesians 1:22-23 answers the question.

And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

The church is evidently Christs body. First Corinthians 12:13 explains that Christs body is everyone that has put their hope in Christs work on the cross:

For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one bodyJews or Greeks, slaves or freeand all were made to drink of one Spirit.

The universal church is Christs followers in every place throughout all time.

We tend to equate the word church with local expressions of the churchindividual congregations. We find local churches throughout Scripture. In his introduction to his letter to the Galatians, Paul writes, . . . and all the brothers with me, to the churches of Galatia (Galatia 1:2). To the Corinthian believers, Paul writes, to the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours. . .  (1 Corinthians 1:2).

The inevitable next question is, What should local churches defining characteristics be? Some may be surprised that clever sermons, Sunday school classes, coffee, and awesome worship bands nowhere appear in Scripture. Sadly, in too many modern American churches, Gods non-negotiables have been replaced with our non-negotiables. The primary things have become secondary, and the secondary have become primary. Few would stay in a church that lacked familiar comforts. Still, many happily attend churches that fail to visit orphans and widows in their affliction (James 1:27), prioritize church discipline for the sake of the holiness of Christs body (Matt. 18:17), meet together for prayer (Matt. 18:20), break bread together, see people come to know the Lord (Acts 2:42-27), or love one another as Christ has loved us (John 15:12).

After considering what defines a church, ecclesiology outlines proper church governance. Scripture lays out a local church starting with Christ as the head (Eph. 1:22), elders as overseers, and deacons as servant leaders.

Qualifications for elders and deacons are laid out in 1 Timothy 3:2-8. Beyond these descriptions, Scripture does not define church structure, hence the various denominational structures.

While there is room for many church structures, the structure does matter. A helpful concept when evaluating church government is heretical structures. John Stott coined this term in The Living Church, encouraging Christians to ask what theology a churchs structure communicates and whether it aligns with Scripture.

As Tim Chester and Steve Timmins elaborated in their book Total Church, the theology that matters is not the theology we profess but the theology we practice. An example of this could be a church that professes concern for orphans and widows, but its structure prioritizes self-preservation rather than human transformation.

What Are Some Important Reasons to Study Ecclesiology?

The church can be all that Christ has called it to be. Limits set by human ability are surpassed where the Spirit of God is present. Lives can be transformed. Hearts can be renewed. The miraculous workings of our Holy God can be witnessed when the church functions as it is meant to.

We must study ecclesiology to know what that looks liketo have a vision for what the church can and should be. In doing so, we avoid our tendency to get comfortable, assuming that what we see is all possible.

The health and vitality of Gods children and the churchs witness to the world depend on proper ecclesiology. Insofar as we ignore what concerns Christ most regarding His church, it will prove itself impotent. But as believers faithfully live out Scriptures mandates regarding the church, it becomes the light it is meant to be.

We must ask ourselves whether our meeting and worship are pleasing to God. There are many instances in Scripture where people meet at Gods altar, and it fails to please Him. In fact, it is often an offense to Him, a burden that He does not desire to bear for long (Mal. 1:10-11, Is. 1:11-13, Jer. 14:12). We must evaluate our church body to ensure we are not falling into the pitfalls that displeased the Lord before.

Sadly, churches have hurt many peoplethrough rejection, gossip, abuse scandals, or various other sins. To witness to hurt people, we must understand the difference between the church as God defines it and the church as most people understand it today. Knowing the difference can help them separate their vision of Christ from what happened to them in the building or by the people that claimed to be His witness.

Lastly, the study of ecclesiology is crucial for missionary work. Church meetings will look different in diverse cultures with varying customs. Thus, missionaries must know Biblical ecclesiology to avoid putting laws on a church body that stem from tradition, not Biblical application.

What Happens When We Dont Study Ecclesiology?

When we do not study ecclesiology, the church becomes what we want it to be, not what God wants it to be. Its effectiveness is inhibited. Our spiritual growth is stunted. We are at risk of being passengers on a flawed submersible, unaware of the flaws in the design.

Even if a church is not at risk of implosion, its ability to fulfill Christs glorious vision for His church will be hampered if its leaders and congregants are unaware of all that Scripture says concerning ecclesiology. A human-envisioned institution will always fall short of one grounded in Gods ideals and supported by His Holy Spirit.

How Can We Start Learning Ecclesiology?

If we want to know what God thinks about His church, what it is, and what it should look like, then we must go to His Word. A helpful place to begin studying ecclesiology from Scripture is to do a word study on the term ekklesia. Search for all of the times that it is used in Scripture and study those passages that reference the church explicitly.

But do not stop there. The Bible often discusses Christs body without specifically using the term church. When reading the New Testament, notice the times it does and use such descriptions. As you do, you will continually build a more complete view of the church as it should be.

Many men and women have done the work of studying ecclesiology in depth, have real-world experiences applying what they learned, and have recorded it all in books. These works can be invaluable in helping to point us to passages in Scripture that we may have looked past on our own and to affirm through testimony the fruitfulness of trusting in Gods vision of the church. For further reading, I would suggest starting with:

- Letters to the Church by Francis Chan

- Total Church: A Radical Reshaping Around Gospel and Community by Tim Chester & Steve Timmins

- The Church of Christ: A Biblical Theology For Today by Everett Ferguson

Photo Credit:  Getty/deviousrlm

Meghan Trapp earned her Masters of Arts in Applied Theology from Heartland School in Ministry in Kansas City in 2021, and is now joyfully staying home to raise her daughter. When she is not reading childrens books or having tea parties, Meghan is volunteering with a local anti-trafficking organization, riding bikes with her family, writing or reading (most likely Amy Carmichael or C.S. Lewis). Her deepest passion is to share the heart of Christ with teenagers and young adults.
Ogilvy South Africa's work took centre stage at Cannes this year, earning top honours as the most awarded South African agency, as well as the Regional Agency of the Year. The wins included innovative campaigns for KFC, Volkswagen and Castle Lager, which pushed boundaries and tackled brand, community and environmental challenges. With an impressive collection of 1 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze and 7 shortlists, Ogilvy flew the South African flag high at what is often seen as the most prestigious global awards show for creativity. The Cannes Lions Awards attract over 40,000 entries from all parts of the world and sets the standard for excellence in creativity and effectiveness for the advertising industry.

On the first day of the festival, Ogilvys campaign for Castle Lager SA Bread of the Nation, earned not only a shortlist for titanium but converted to a prestigious gold award. This groundbreaking initiative, utilised spent grain to create a nutritious bread, which is being distributed to areas in need across South Africa. The campaign exemplified the true potential of brand-agency collaboration in making a tangible impact on society.

Vaughan Croeser, vice president marketing at the South African Breweries commented that these awards vindicate the value inherent in the initiative. We are delighted that we won this prestigious international accolade. The Bread of the Nation platform eloquently gives expression to our environmental, social and governance (ESG) programme, which governs how we are working to fulfil our vision of creating a future with more cheers by integrating sustainability, responsibility and purpose into our business strategy and actions.

"Our commitment to improve the communities we are a part of remains unwavering. We are proud to lead the way to that future and to be a next-generation business today. This accolade assures us that we are on the right path and emboldens us to work even harder and with a renewed determination.

This project has shown what true brand/agency partnership is capable of. Working together tirelessly to solve real brand problems is the only way to make real, tangible impact, both for the brand and in society. It took a village, and to all of you involved on this complex and long journey together, cheers! says Ogilvy South Africas executive creative director Camilla Clerke. Castle Lager has committed to help feed our nation for an initial period of three years, and we are busy looking at many ways we can enlarge the impact of this initiative even further beyond that.

Globally, consumers are increasingly looking to brands to see how they behave as organisations, beyond just their product and price point. They are selecting brands and their products on this basis and this can be seen by the positive brand equity and sales statistics Bread of the Nation has already generated since launch. The campaign targets an array of local challenges, by driving community upliftment via the feeding scheme, contributing to the circular economy, and supporting zero waste, and sustainability initiatives. Whilst also delivering a brand intrinsic message to Castle Lager consumers nationwide, showcasing the high quality of the beers locally grown ingredients.

Additionally, 'The Blind Spot' campaign, created for Volkswagen South Africa, earned a silver and bronze in the Outdoor and Ambient categories. This remarkable campaign, aimed to promote safe driving and reduce road fatalities nationally, showcases Volkswagen's IQ.DRIVE, a range of electronic safety features designed to make drivers aware of objects hidden in the blind spot for Volkswagen vehicles.

Were very proud of this work and I think its a great example of innovation that pushes the boundaries in marketing, says Ogilvy SA CEO and creative chairman Pete Case. Our teams managed to deliver high levels of impact in Volkswagen showrooms with the help of deep craft and clever thinking. An activation that delivered a truly surprising experience to consumers as they visited Volkswagen showrooms, whilst educating them about new product features of the latest vehicles.

The week culminated with KFC's 'Anything for the Taste' campaign winning a bronze for Film. Inspired by a heartwarming urban legend, the captivating story not only caught the nation's attention, but also solidified KFC's place in popular culture and reigniting a love for the brand.

Making a great film is not an easy feat. I am immensely proud and applaud this achievement by our talented team behind this remarkable idea and story. It took the strength of our client partnership with KFC and the unwavering spirit of collaboration, together with the production companies. Together, we have crafted something truly special, says the chief creative officer of Ogilvy, Kabelo Moshapalo.

It was a proud moment to raise the South African flag high on stage this year at Cannes. Huge congratulations to all of our teams and clients, who continue to believe in the power of creativity to create impact for brands and the society we live in. It is simply wonderful to have our work recognized on this global stage, and this truly reinforces our mission to keep creating real work for real clients, concludes Case.




Leading up to Savings Month, Nedbank in partnership with agency Joe Public launched their latest campaign showcasing the harsh reality of not saving enough for retirement.

90% of South Africans do not save enough for retirement. On top of that, the average South African spends 80% of their salary in just five days, and 67% of their monthly income is used to pay off debt. These statistics are alarming, and as the money experts who do good, Nedbank recognised the need to bring awareness to the issue of spending behaviour and saving in South Africa, commented Buli Ndlovu, executive head, Retail and Business Banking Marketing for Nedbank.

For our activation we took over The Greenhouse, a trendy restaurant in Sandton, Africas richest square mile, and substituted the young and lively waitrons with elderly actors who were way past retirement age. We captured everything on hidden cameras to later reach a wider audience online.

There were mixed reactions from the patrons during their dining experience, and it was only when the bill arrived highlighting the campaign message: Reality Check. 90% of South Africans cant afford to retire, that the penny dropped.

The campaign sparked a lively debate about retirement online, and as hoped, also resulted in the kind of introspection about saving that leads to action.

Most South Africans find it difficult to save but what they dont realise is that its never too late to start, even with a small amount every month. The more we can highlight issues like this in our communication, the brighter our future as a nation will be, added Martin Schlumpf, Integrated Executive Creative Director for Joe Public United.

Watch the ad here.

Credits

Agency: Joe Public

Regional Agency: Joe Public United

Brand: Nedbank

Product: Investments

Agency art director: Lizandri van de Merwe, Candice Mcleroth

Agency managing director: Khuthala Gala Holten

Account management: Candice Shortt, Phindile Ndzekeli, Vuyo Tena

Agency producer: Tshepiso Moerane

Marketing (client): Khensani Nobanda, Buli Ndlovu, Theresa Mkwanazi, Kesh Babulal

Chief creative officer: Pepe Marais, Xolisa Dyeshana

Executive creative director: Martin Schlumpf, Claudi Potter

Creative director: Jeanine Vermaak

Strategist: Chad Nelson

Media agency: Humanz, Nedbank Group Digital

Regional agency group: Joe Public United

Writer: Vuyani Plata, Kyle Lazarus, Pakamani Mancotywa

Production Company: Spitfire

Director: Katlego Baaitse

Executive producer: Liesl Lategan

Line producer: Ed van Blerk

Director of photography: Diego Ollivier

Production art director: Wayne Smith

Stylist: Aldridge Elastro

Assistant stylist: Lebo Lubisi

Head of research: Brennan Lewis

Casting directors: Grays Casting Directors

Editor: Ryan Norwood-Young

Editing company: Aces Up

Sound company: Studi Joe

Sound engineer: Sergio Da Cruz

Post-production: Aces Up

Post-production offline: Aces Up

Post-production online: Aces Up

Post-production online: Editor Michael Lange
Keen to connect with a wider audience and to expand's reach, Blue Sky Publications is the new owner of the popular expat website, SAPeople

Blue Sky Publications has acquired the popular expat title, SAPeople. Adding to the four titles the multinational publisher already produces  including the second largest online news website in South Africa, The South African  the move forms part of Blue Skys plans to reach a wider audience across Africa through different acquisition and collaboration opportunities.

SAPeople was founded in 2009 by two expats, Jenni Baxter and Amanda Stergianos, who are also the brains behind SAs largest reuniting website, SAReunited. This news site is built around a sense of community and seeks to connect and celebrate South Africans worldwide via familiar humour, stories and breathtaking photos of the place its readers still call home. SAPeople has become the go-to site for South Africans abroad looking to access local news, advice or who simply want to connect with their roots.

Im delighted that Blue Sky has acquired SAPeople. Its a perfect fit, says SAPeople co-founder, Jenni Baxter. Blue Sky already knows how to deliver the stories that South Africans love and with their infrastructure and super-skilled team, I feel confident SAPeople is in fantastic hands to grow significantly and reach an even wider audience. With Blue Sky at the helm, SAPeople can continue to inspire, inform and entertain South Africans around the globe.

Having followed their progress closely as a competitor over the years, we jumped at the opportunity to add SAPeople to our portfolio, says Bianca de Jongh, operations and finance director at Blue Sky. We have the utmost respect for Jenni and the team and what theyve accomplished and feel honoured to have the opportunity to build this brand further.

SAPeople has a large and extremely engaged following of more than 800,000 monthly readers, which we hope to increase to over two million in the next 12 months, adds De Jongh. Given the fact that South Africas emigration numbers are rising  three times as many people emigrated from South Africa between 2015 and 2020  over 128,000 people  than between 2010 and 2015 (43,000 people), the demand for this content is certainly on the increase.

The expat market is growing and, with this reality in mind, we believe that SAPeople can continue to be a place where people can connect with home, in addition to being the perfect platform for local and international businesses to market their products and services worldwide.

To find out more about Blue Sky or to get in touch about similar collaboration and acquisition opportunities, please contact moc.snoitacilbuPykSeulB@acnaiB.




Cingulate Medical in partnership with Mobile ODT are delighted to announce phase one of their planned roll-out of a large scale National Cervical Cancer and Breast Cancer screening and treatment programme in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

President Felix Tshisekedi Tshilombo of the DRC

This programme is the result of the forward thinking vision of President Felix Tshisekedi Tshilombo to highlight the importance of womens health in the DRC, and for the DRC to be recognised as a leading country and a bastion for womens health in Africa. This ambitious project will not only cover cervical and breast cancer, but President Tshisekedi has included free pregnancy and childbirth programmes for all women in the DRC.

Sub-Saharan Africa alone accounts for about 66% (196,000) of estimated global maternal deaths, according to a joint report released by WHO, Unicef, UNFPA and the World Bank Group published in 2019.

Dr Kamba Roger Samuel, Minister of Health for the DRC

Dr Kamba Roger Samuel, minister of Health is very much part of this initiative. The Ministry of Health will oversee and aim to establish health clinics where women health services will count for a major part. This programme will allow millions of Congolese women access to lifesaving healthcare solutions. As part of the initial step of the Universal Health Coverage healthcare system set up in March 2023, free maternal services, and in partnership with Cingulate Medical and MobileODT, it will include free screening and testing for cervical and breast cancers.

Cervical and breast cancers are the top two cancers among women in the DRC. Close to 8,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, with 5,550 dying from it every year. Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, a global region.

President Tshisekedi and the Ministry of Health aim to establish over 1,000 womens health clinics, enhancing womens healthcare in the DRC, and positioning the country as a leader in womens health in Africa. This programme will allow millions of Congolese women access to lifesaving healthcare solutions.

This will be the most comprehensive and largest cervical and breast cancer screening and treatment programme in Africa. The programme will adopt the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended guidelines for early detection and treatment of cancer among women.

President Tshisekedi and Minister of Health, Dr Kamba, will also launch free maternity services as part of the new universal healthcare initiative.

The lack of healthcare opportunities for Congolese women led us to embark on this important initiative and change the paradigm, says Dr Kamba. We are launching a large scale national screening project, leveraging high technology to perform screening and treatment at unprecedented scale. Our aim is to eradicate cervical cancer in DRC through early detection and treatment and reduce mortality.

Early screening and detection saves lives and we could not be more proud to partner with MobileODT and bring these life-saving technologies to Congolese women, says Joseph Hamou, CEO of Cingulate Medical. We also want to thank President Tshisekedi for prioritizing womens health. The President is a visionary who has made womens healthcare a priority and this will not only save lives but firmly places the DRC as a leader in healthcare in Africa.

Leon Boston, CEO of MobileODT and Joseph Hamou, CEO of Cingulate Medical

"We are extremely proud that the MobileODT screening and treatment technologies have been selected to be part of this endeavor in the DRC," says Leon Boston, MobileODTs CEO, "our turnkey screen and treat offering, from HPV testing to visual inspection and thermocoagulation treatment offers a complete single visit solution. With our single visit solution, we overcome the two main issues in the developing world: accessibility and loss to follow-up. We are privileged to contribute to saving lives and changing outcomes for so many women."

Mobile ODT and Cingulate Medical will also assist the Ministry of Health in developing a cancer registry. This registry is necessary in the DRC health system for better epidemiological monitoring of cancer and surveillance data and for the development of cancer control policies and their integration into primary health care.

About Cingulate Medical

Cingulate Medical is a global company that sources and provides solutions to some of the most challenging healthcare issues in the world today.

Cingulate Medical works extensively in the Democratic Republic of Congo providing medical and philanthropic solutions.

About MobileODT

MobileODT is a global FemTech company providing complete turnkey screening and treatment solutions for womens health. MobileODT products include the Delphi HPV rapid antigen test, EVA Pro digital colposcope and ThermoGlide thermocoagulation technology for pre-cancerous lesions. MobileODT products are sold in over 60 countries worldwide, including leading healthcare organizations in the US. The company is a prominent provider of womens health technologies to government programmes around the world. MobileODT is based in Tel Aviv and led by Leon Ariel Boston.




The Ctrack Transport and Freight Index (Ctrack TFI) reached a new record high of 122.2 points in May 2023, up from 121.7 points in April. This is the fifth consecutive month of improvement for the index, which shows that the logistics sector is recovering steadily, even though the pace of improvement has slowed down.

Source: jcomp via Freepik

The index increased by 0.4% in May compared to April, which was somewhat muted compared to the average monthly increase of 1.9% in the preceding four months. In addition, four of the six sub-sectors that form part of the index increased on a monthly basis.

Road freight remained stagnant while rail freight declined somewhat. On an annual basis, the index tracked 7.5% higher in May, compared to the 5.6% year-on-year trend that was recorded in April. This is evidence of the encouraging momentum building in the sector, but also partly reflects the recovery that was required in the wake of the KwaZulu-Natal floods of May 2022.

In a welcome development and confirming the synchronised nature of the current recovery, all six segments of the index increased on a quarterly basis ending in May 2023. On an annual basis, three of the six segments have declined, despite the overall index level increasing by a healthy 7.5% compared to a year earlier. Among the segments, road freight remains the most resilient, with growth of 15.2% for the year ending in May.

The three worst-performing sectors continue to be rail freight, pipeline transport and air freight.

The logistics sector has been completely transformed in the past five years, specifically relating to payload moving from rail to road. The main driving factor for this change has been the ongoing deterioration and underperformance of rail services offered by Transnet Freight Rail. In its monthly Land Transport data release, Statistics South Africa reports on developments in rail and road freight.

From reaching a rock-bottom low of only 10.3% of total freight payload being transported via rail in November 2022, the performance of the rail freightF segment has improved somewhat to 16.1% in April 2023, though still notably lower than the 10-year average (2008-2017) of 25.9% (rail freight to total payload) prior to the onset of the significant deterioration.

According to Hein Jordt, chief executive officer of Ctrack Africa, the private sector operators have had to fill the void and road freight has boomed, especially post-pandemic. "From a ratio of 75.1% in 2017, road freight as a percentage of total freight being transported, has gradually improved to 84.4% in 2022. Although plans are afoot to reverse this trend, many obstacles remain, and it will most likely take a considerable amount of time, motivation and noteworthy effort to address all the current challenges before a significant shift back to the use of rail happens.

"Ctrack believe that road freight will remain the best choice for the transporting of goods in South Africa for many years. Therefore, we are always innovating and refining our offering to ensure that our clients have the best chance of success in a cutthroat business environment that needs to operate in unpredictable conditions," says Jordt.

Reflecting this ongoing phenomenon is a 15,2% annual improvement in the road freight segment of the index, the 29th consecutive month of growth for the sector. These increases are evident in the increased heavy vehicle traffic on both the N3 and N4 routes during May. The rail freight segment declined further during May after having recorded some recovery during February and March, albeit off an extremely low base. The rail freight segment remains deeply in the negative on an annual basis, declining by 9.6% for the year ending in May.

The air freight segment of the index, which was one of 2022s star performers, started 2023 on the back foot, and has only improved slightly during April and May. Air freight increased by 0.9% compared to the previous month but remains 3.6% below a year earlier. It is evident that the strain on the global economy is still filtering through to air cargo activity.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), lower demand for air cargo is evident across the globe, reflecting multiple headwinds facing the global economy. Air cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs) to Africa decreased again in May, while cargo load on planes also declined by 3.6%, the second consecutive monthly decline. The number of unscheduled flights, that are typically chartered for cargo purposes also declined during May.

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The sea freight segment of the index, which was one of the segments hardest hit by the Transnet strike of October 2022, is still in a gradual recovery mode. Sea freight increased by 1.3% during May and moved into positive territory on a year-to-year basis, for the first time since September 2022. Although up by 2.1% on an annual basis, the sub-sector remains 14.6% below the September 2022 pre-strike level. Container handling increased by a notable 7.7% on a monthly basis in May, while other cargo handling increased by 2.7%.

The transport of liquid fuels via Transnet Pipelines (TPL) increased by 1.7% during May, with the pipeline component of the Ctrack Transport and Freight Index improving significantly on a quarterly basis, by 6.2%, although it is still 2,3% behind the levels of the previous year.

The storage and handling sub-sector of the Ctrack Transport and Freight Index continued to perform well during May, with a 4.1% increase compared to April and tracking 1.7% higher on an annual basis.

Ctrack TFI and GDP growth

The transport industry was among the top three sectoral performers in the first quarter of 2023, increasing by 1.1% compared to the previous quarter seasonally adjusted (vs. 0.4% for the total economy), contributing positively to the overall economic performance of the South African economy.

Additional improvements as indicated by the Ctrack Transport and Freight Index in April and May are already indicative of a sustained recovery in the logistics sector that should benefit activity in the broader economy during the second quarter and beyond. While the economic narrative remains dismal, evidence of resilience has recently been coming to the fore, with better-than-expected economic data releases.

"Production figures in the mining and manufacturing sectors have been surprising despite heavy load-shedding during April, suggesting that these industries are becoming progressively more resilient to the effects of load-shedding, as companies reduce their energy dependence on an embattled Eskom. Though it is still early days, it is an encouraging trend that could, if sustained, result in a somewhat better economic scenario, than what was previously envisaged," concludes Jordt.
AstraZeneca has announced the expansion of its global AZ Forest reforestation and biodiversity initiative, including new and expanded projects in Ghana and Rwanda.

In Ghana, the expansion will see the total forest area of the Atebubu-Amantin and Sene West landscape restoration project grow to over 8,000 hectares, with an additional 2.2 million trees planted, bringing the total targeted number of surviving trees to 4.7 million. In Rwanda, AstraZeneca has funded a pilot phase of an agroforestry project that aims to plant more than 5.8 million trees over 30 years.

These projects are part of the company's global commitment to plant 200 million trees by 2030, removing around 30 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere over 30 years.

A collaboration between the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance (CBA), New Generation Plantation Technical Assistance (NGPTA), and other partners, the project in Atebubu-Amantin and Sene West is a unique partnership, combining natural forest restoration and community-led agroforestry, helping to improve the local economy and create nature-based business models for smallholder farmers.

The project is part of a global network of living labs, which aim to catalyse the development of circular bioeconomy value chains through landscape restoration, while supporting biodiversity and local livelihoods.

To date, AZ Forest Ghana has recruited over 1,200 farmers from 23 communities, planted over 2 million trees and trained nearly 950 individuals in agroforestry and wildfire prevention and management.

AstraZeneca has also provided funding to accelerate the development of the MuLaKiLa project in Rwanda. MuLaKiLa aims to support local communities and livelihoods through agroforestry and restore the ecological balance of the Mukura Forest-Lake Kivu catchment landscape.

With the aim to be another living lab the project will help more than 30,000 farming households, in what is one of the largest forest restoration initiatives in Rwanda.

Reforestation efforts for climate action

AstraZeneca is the first healthcare company to make this level of commitment to reforestation, recognising that climate change is the biggest threat to human health and that reforestation brings important co-benefits. These include improving food security, combatting air pollution, improving local water quality, lowering surface and air temperatures, restoring habitats for biodiversity, and bringing social and economic benefits to communities.

Were expanding #AZForest to plant 200 million trees globally by 2030. Our science-led approach to reforestation is focused on mitigating climate change, helping nature and #biodiversity to flourish and creating sustainable livelihoods across six continents.  AstraZeneca (@AstraZeneca) June 28, 2023

Pelin Incesu, area vice-president for the Middle East and Africa, AstraZeneca, stated: AstraZeneca is committed to building a sustainable future for people, society and the planet, and the AZ Forest expansion in Ghana as well as the new project in Rwanda are a key part of that mission in Africa.

By supporting communities to restore degraded lands, we are tackling climate change and fostering resilience and sustainability from the bottom up, creating a more sustainable and healthier future for everyone.

This exciting project sits alongside numerous other sustainable healthcare initiatives that AstraZeneca supports across Africa, including Healthy Heart Africa and the Accelerate Change Together for Cancer Care Africa programme, which tackles some of the continents fastest-growing health threats.

Marc Palahi, chair, Circular Bioeconomy Alliance (CBA), said, I am thankful for AstraZenecas new commitments that allow the CBA to expand the land under restoration in Africa. This initiative and the pilot project in Rwanda are great examples of how corporations, scientists and local communities can work together for the benefit of nature and people.
Wunderman Thompson South Africa is proud to announce that its group strategy director, Parusha Partab, has been recognised as a winner in the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans 2023 Awards: Film and Media. This prestigious accolade showcases the most promising and inspiring young individuals across various categories in South Africa, marking a significant milestone in Partab's career.

Faced with fierce competition from thousands of entrants across over 15 categories, Partab's contributions to the marketing field have truly made her stand out. The awards are known for recognising the visionary work of young professionals actively shaping South Africa's future. They celebrate resilient, entrepreneurial, and innovative minds that offer robust solutions to societal challenges.

Reflecting on her journey, Parusha Partab said, I am profoundly grateful to the Mail and Guardian for their unwavering commitment to invigorating and empowering young leaders. It is a tremendous honour to be included among them. South Africa stands at a precipice, yearning for the promise and progress brought forth by future leaders. This serves as a beacon, shining a light on an alternative narrative that transcends despair and leads towards renewed hope in building a thriving, inclusive nation.

Partab's dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion in the industry has profoundly impacted the marketing landscape. She is the executive head of strategy at Wunderman Thompson SA for major global brands, advocating for representation throughout the industry.

Miles Murphy, CEO of Wunderman Thompson South Africa, commented, Milestones like these reinforce the calibre of talent we have at Wunderman Thompson South Africa. Parusha's well-deserved recognition underscores her outstanding contributions and the immense value she brings to our agency and clients. Her dedication to diversity and inclusion is truly inspiring. This award further highlights our commitment to nurturing young leaders and shaping a brighter future for South Africa. We are proud to have her as our group strategy director.

In 2022, her work earned her a high commendation at the Global Women in Marketing for the Strategy Planner of the Year Award. With an educational background that includes a BA (Hons) in Information Design from the University of Pretoria, Partab has held multiple senior and executive positions across Africa, becoming a key figure in transforming the industry landscape in South Africa.

Partab advocates for representation and inclusion through her strategic work, speaking engagements and published writing. She serves as a member of the Womens Charter and is on the IABs Transformation Council.

Winning the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans award is a testament to Partab's influence and the power of representation. It signifies her contributions to her field and potential for future accomplishments. It's not just a personal achievement but a beacon of hope and embodiment of the South African youth's potential. It also reflects the value of inclusivity in shaping a better, more inclusive future for all.

For more, read here: https://mg.co.za/200YoungSouthAfricans/2023/parusha-partab/].
Top procuratorate orders arrest of former senior political advisor of Guizhou

Xinhua) 16:26, June 28, 2023

BEIJING, June 28 (Xinhua) -- The Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) has ordered the arrest of Zhou Jiankun, former vice chairman of the Guizhou Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the provincial political advisory body, for suspected bribe-taking.

Zhou's case was investigated by the National Commission of Supervision before being handed over to prosecutors, the SPP said in a statement on Wednesday.

Further handling of the case is underway.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Mangosuthu University of Technology continues to strengthen its academic position by revising its existing academic programmes on a regular basis, as required by the government and other regulating bodies, and also by adding new programmes that are designed to respond to socio-economic needs, and also to affirm the Institution as a centre of excellence.

Photo by Digital Buggu via www.pexels.com

The University added an Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. The qualification provides students with a sound knowledge base in Mechanical Engineering in response to the needs of the community, as well as local, regional and national industry by producing competent graduates. It closes the gaps and disparities in students educational and life experience so that they can be better equipped to contribute to the economy. It also provides students with broad educational and life skills, including Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering subject specific knowledge.

Explaining the purpose of the programme, the Head of the Department, Dr Jean Gad Mukuna, said the programme was intended for Mechanical Engineering practitioners who, on achieving this qualification, would be able to apply management, analytical and practical engineering techniques and knowledge to conduct operations, and solve problems in a mechanical engineering working environment in the areas of design, manufacturing, maintenance, environmental engineering and automation and control.

The Advanced Diploma programme in Mechanical Engineering requires a completion of national diploma, or diploma in the same field. Dr Mukuna said the programme is designed in such a manner as to offer a pathway to horizontal and vertical articulation possibilities within the HEQSF.

For horizontal articulation, the qualification will provide access to enter relevant cognate programmes at NQF level 7, such as the B Eng Tech. With this qualification, graduates could articulate vertically to other related programmes, such as the Post graduate diploma or Honors programme.

The Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering is aligned with ECSAs (Engineering Council of South Africa) prescribed standards; the graduate must be able to demonstrate competence in the Graduate Attributes (GAs) 1 to 11 described in ECSA document: E-05-PT REVISION 4 of 05 November 2019, said Dr Mukuna.

Dr Mukuna further said that the need for the programme arose from the growing complexity and evolving demands of the field. As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, professionals in Mechanical Engineering must acquire specialised knowledge and skills to address emerging challenges, and contribute to innovative solutions.

Dr Mukuna also said that the programme would meet the needs of a rapidly changing industry by providing specialised expertise, career advancement opportunities, industry relevance, practical skills development, expanded career prospects, networking opportunities, and personal and professional growth. According to Dr Mukuna, the programme equips individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in the field of Mechanical Engineering and contribute to technological advancements and societal progress.

The programme, which will be offered from 2024, is at the NQF Level 7, and has 144 SAQA credits. The minimum duration for a full time study period is one year; if studied on a part time basis, it will be two years. The mode of delivery is contact. While students are mostly tutored separately in small groups, they undertake their studies and lectures as integral members of the Advanced Diploma student group, said Dr Mukuna.

Admission Requirements

The admission to the programme is subject to the MUTs general academic admission rules and the specific requirements of the Faculty of Engineering. In addition, students must be in possession of:

National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (NQF Level 6)



Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (NQF Level 6)



An appropriate National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering equivalent to NQF Level 6



A cognate qualification in mechanical engineering equivalent to NQF level 6  foreign qualifications approved by SAQA

The department is already accepting applications for the academic year 2024.

Contact Bheki Hlophe at Hlophe@mut.ac.za
The South African Revenue Service (Sars) has expressed its delight as Commissioner Edward Kieswetter assumes the role of chairperson at the World Customs Organisation (WCO). The election occurred on 24 June, 2023, during the WCO Council session held at the organisation's headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.

Source: South African Revenue Service. Commissioner Edward Kieswetter.

The WCO has 185 members, three-quarters of which are developing countries and the Council is its highest decision-making body.

It was established in 1952 as the Customs Cooperation Council (CCC), is the only intergovernmental organisation exclusively focused on customs matters and is recognised as the voice of the global customs community. In 1994, the CCC adopted the working name of the World Customs Organisation (WCO).

In accepting the challenge to lead the WCO for a year, Kieswetter expressed appreciation to his colleagues.He said that leadership is an inordinate responsibility and a rare privilege to assist international efforts to bring matters of customs to the centre of international trade facilitation.

The elections were preceded by the Policy Commission. The discussions at the Policy Commission ranged from progress on WCO customs technical programmes, emerging and new challenges plaguing the customs world, and organisational development issues around governance and modernisation of the WCO as a members-driven organisation.

Given the foregoing topical issues on the agenda currently, Kieswetter sits at the pinnacle of a global stage to provide appropriate stewardship that will ensure that the WCO is fit for purpose and stays relevant in providing leadership and support to the global customs community.

Shaping the tenure: key points

Kieswetter, in his capacity as the chairperson, highlighted the key points that will shape his tenure, emphasising the following agenda:

Collaborating closely with fellow members from different countries to actively listen and translate the strategic vision of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) into tangible actions.

Ensuring the WCO secretariat operates efficiently and effectively.

Implementing a comprehensive modernisation plan to bring about transformation within the organisation.

Establishing a well-defined set of priorities to guide decision-making and resource allocation, and

Fostering a clear understanding of what success entails and striving to achieve it collectively.

Promoting inclusivity: a strong focus on women

The agenda also looks at:

Advocating for greater inclusivity with a strong focus on women and people with disabilities.

Building resilient and effective partnerships with all stakeholders.

Striving towards an enhanced profile of the important role of customs in the service of society and ensuring the wellbeing especially of the most vulnerable.The previous and only other time the country chaired the WCO Council was between 2001 to 2006 under the leadership of the then Commissioner, Pravin Gordhan.

Kieswetter thanked the outgoing secretary general, Kunio Mikuriya and chairman, Ahmed Al-Khalifa for their abled stewardship that drove so successfully the agenda of the organisation.

The policy commission also elected Ian Sanders of the United States as the new secretary general of the WCO. Sanders will start his term on 1 January, 2024.

Finally, Kieswetter thanked his colleagues from the African continent especially east and southern Africa, the Brics partners and other regions for bestowing this honour to South Africa.
Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck have signed a joint declaration of intent to establish the South African German Hydrogen Task Force. The green hydrogen economy has been billed as a new frontier for clean energy as it emits low carbon emissions with a global potential of about $300bn in exports.

Green hydrogen illustration. Source: Freepik

South Africa holds approximately 80% of the worlds platinum group metals (PGMs) and 40% of the worlds platinum and palladium supplies which are key components in the production of hydrogen  making South Africa potentially a key player in the future of the market.

Cooperation between the two countries aims to link South African developers in the green hydrogen market with off takers in Germany looking at additional funding for projects and cooperation in creating projects in South Africa that are commercially viable that can meet international green hydrogen demand and supply.

The purpose of the joint declaration of intent is the establishment of a South African-German Hydrogen Task Force that will assist to drive the commercial viability of green hydrogen projects, industry and infrastructure in South Africa and Germany, said the Ministry of Electricity in its media statement.

Deal won't cost SA anything

According to the ministry, the Joint Declaration of Intent is neither legally binding, nor does it have financial implications for South Africa.

Its sole purpose is to create a South African-German Hydrogen Task Force within the framework of the South African-German Energy Partnership, continued the ministry.

Government has already drawn up plans for a Hydrogen Valley which is expected to run from Limpopo, through parts Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu Natal. This valley will establish opportunities for projects which will kick-start hydrogen initiatives in hubs with the aim of boosting economic growth and job creation.

The declaration was signed during the Bi-National Commission between South Africa and Germany held on Tuesday and paves the way for the formulation of a task force that aims to:

Formalise the bilateral exchange of information and assessments on upscaling green hydrogen in the respective countries.



Support the establishment of lighthouse projects, resulting in recommendations for the political dialogue.



Facilitate market access and promote trade of green hydrogen and power-to-X (PtX) products between South Africa and Germany.



Promote the creation of a network between government, industry, and research institutes from both countries.

Hydrogen task force

The task force will act as a platform for knowledge and information sharing about building and upscaling a green hydrogen economy in South Africa and Germany.

It will also Identify key challenges to be tackled to support the development of the South African and German value creation chain including assisting grey hydrogen producers in their transition from grey to green hydrogen, supporting manufactures of electrolysers and other critical components to identify business opportunities.

The countrys investment strategy aims to position South Africa as a key preferred African investment destination by attracting and facilitating quality foreign and domestic direct investment into the country, in a well-coordinated manner, anchored by quality institutions and robust economic infrastructure networks, the ministry explained.

Green hydrogen is one of the five 'Big Frontiers' in President Cyril Ramaphosas country investment strategy and an important endeavour in advancing the National Development Plan (NDP) target of 30% of gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) to gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030.
New European Union pest control rules will cut South Africa's orange exports to Europe by 20% this year, threatening thousands of jobs, the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) has said.

File photo: A street traders' fruit is displayed on a street in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, 21 May 2017. Reuters/Rogan Ward

The new measures imposed by the EU last June require enhanced cold treatment for citrus exports due to concerns over False Codling Moth, a pest commonly found in sub-Saharan Africa, and Citrus Black Spot.

"Current estimates are that around 20% of oranges produced for Europe will not be shipped this year because of the new regulations," CGA president Justin Chadwick said in a statement.

"This means that approximately 80,000 tons of oranges might not make it to European supermarket shelves," he said.

South Africa is the world's second largest citrus exporter after Spain and sold 32% of its oranges into the European market last year, according to the country's Perishable Products Export Control Board.

The CGA wants South Africa to discuss the new pest regulations at a joint meeting of African Union and EU agriculture ministers to be held in Rome on 30 June.

Chadwick said the new EU rules, which require all South African oranges destined for Europe to be pre-cooled to below 2C (35.6F) for 20 days before shipment were "unfair and discriminatory" and would require $75m investment in new cold storage technology and capacity.

"The CGA remains of the view that the new regulations have no basis in science and prescribes cold treatment that simply isn't warranted," Chadwick said.

The industry has presented "clear evidence" that its current False Codling Moth risk management system is highly effective and ensures that 99.9% of oranges entering the EU are pest free, he added.

Reduced orange exports into the EU market would result in a R500m ($26.83m) loss to growers, who lost R200m when the rules were introduced midway through the 2022 export season, according to the CGA.

($1 = R18.6367)
In June, Student Village, a youth marketing specialist, organised a collaborative event called Youth Month for Reels at InstaNation in Rosebank.

This initiative aimed to recognise and nurture talent while equipping South Africa's upcoming generations with dynamic and versatile skills, fostering a future-proof environment for the youth.

Co-sponsored by Standard Bank, Mamelodi Sundowns and Heineken, the event was designed to ignite the creative sparks within young content creators, students, and influencers. Attendees had the incredible chance to be part of a masterclass from Meta, LinkedIn and Twitter social media industry experts. They shared invaluable insights on kickstarting and amplifying their creator and influencer careers.

A stellar agenda to help budding creators shine

From secrets on crafting compelling content to navigating the ever-evolving landscape of social media, the Youth Month for Reels agenda unlocked some amazing tips to successful social media practice and allowed participants to put into action what they had learned.

Keynote topics covered on the day gave attendees insights into navigating the social media landscape as a creator, how to build your brand on digital and generate revenue, current innovations and how to stand out in a crowded digital space.

Speaking about the event and the importance of social media as a career opportunity, Student Village digital lead, Bonolo Ntamu, said: Social media plays an essential role in everyday life today and its our responsibility to empower young people to use social media for the better. Were excited about content creation as a career in South Africa, so we hosted the Youth Month for Reels campaign to showcase these opportunities and allow young creators to flex their muscles and learn from the best for real.

A hive of creativity and inspiration

Youth Month for Reels participants enjoyed a vibrant day of food, music, and shared collaboration. Each event sponsor was offered an InstaNation studio to brand, and the attending content creators set their imaginations free, creating exciting reels and social media content using these inspiring spaces.

The best content creator for the day was rewarded with a prestigious six-month paid gig at Student Village. Although the caliber of competition content was outstanding, the winner, Kamogelo Mokone, exceeded judges expectations and will have the chance to further develop his skills within Student Villages digital marketing team.

Lee John Maans, head personal banking clients Gauteng at Standard Bank, expressed optimism about South African talent. We were thrilled to be involved in this event. The keynote presentations were excellent, and the creativity and work quality demonstrated by the young people that attended really wowed us, he said.
The world remains uncertain, and businesses must adapt to new and unpredictable economic, geopolitical and environmental realities. Against this backdrop, it's important to pay attention to the new (and renewed) challengers emerging and primed to disrupt categories in 2023. These companies are finding opportunities in the uncertainty, breaking with expectations, and not just meeting the needs of a fast-changing world but shaping its future.

In the 10th instalment of our annual Challengers to Watch feature, we identify 20 rising companies from around the world and explore the broader trends, opportunities and threats to the status quo they represent.

Our roundup covers an expansive range of categories, markets and geographies, but all these companies share a firm rejection of best practice and an understanding of the imperative to make their own rules.

BeReal  for challenging inauthenticity

In a world of filters and curated lives on Instagram and TikTok, BeReal is challenging the so-called bad side of social media, and the fake and inauthentic lives users often portray.

While other networks largely follow a set standard of engagement (post, wait, want to delete, get likes, reply), BeReal operates solely in a constrained 2-minute window, pushing an image request at a random time each day that prompts users to immediately post a picture taken from both front and back smartphone cameras. The spontaneous and impulsive nature of the network doesnt allow users to overthink and over-filter their posts, providing a comparatively realistic window into peoples lives.

This point of view on Being Real also comes to life on multiple touchpoints across the app, including RealMojis, where rather than users responding with emojis, they can respond with a picture of their face in whats become a viral trend on TikTok. The network also encourages its users to be real by displaying how often they have retaken a photo when posting late (embarrassing for those who try to curate their shots).

French-based duo Alexis Barreyat (ex-GoPro) and Kevin Perreau launched BeReal in 2019, and today, their largest markets are the US and France, with fast-growing markets across Europe.

Since receiving $85m in funding in May 2022, the app has boomed, registering over 10 million users daily in August. Thats up a whopping 29200% on the previous year. In October 2022, Saturday Night Live broadcast a hilarious skit/mock advertisement, branding the network the only honest social media, and with no posturing. As SNL averages 5 million viewers per show, the free advertising will have significantly boosted the growing startups fame and reputation in the US.

While the platform is growing organically, BeReal runs an Ambassador Programme across American university campuses to help drive growth amongst their Gen Z target. As the brand explains on their website, were creating a college presence that embodies our brand and serves as an extension of our full-time team. BeReal college ambassadors host parties, manage a marketing budget, identify key moments on campus for us to get involved, represent BeReals mission and execute creative activations. Our ambassadors get to be part of the next unicorn startup, receive mentorship from our global team of experienced entrepreneurs, and enjoy great pay!Were creating a college presence that embodies our brand and serves as an extension of our full-time team.

With the College Team, the brand is embracing its resource constraints by leaning into guerrilla marketing that appeals directly to the audience and mindset it wants to attract. However, after some controversy last year, the network will need to ensure it can effectively manage its cost-saving ambassador programme without getting half-baked events and reputational damage in return.

With its biggest competitors launching copycat BeReal-like features (TikTok Now and Instagrams Dual), will BeReal be able to keep users engaged? Or will users leave the platform now they can get the same functionality in their existing communities?

Theres also the question of novelty; with the content being so unfiltered, will users remain stimulated by the reality of peoples everyday, or will BeReal add additional features to replicate the dynamism of its competitors?

We found it hard to persuade anyone at BeReal to talk to us for this article (and it appears other publications have struggled too) but 2023 will be an important year for the brand as it grows and evolves. Currently businesses cant create advertising accounts on the platform, for example, but its rumoured to be a feature that will soon be allowed. Were excited to see what the founders of the fastest-growing app of the year might be hiding up their sleeves.
The events of the past weekend (June 23 - 25, 2023) were so surreal and phantasmagorical that they militate against narration and defy description. On Friday, the infamous Wagner Group launched what appeared to be a genuine armed insurrection against the Russian state. They occupied portions of Rostov on Don - a city of over 1 million people, regional capital, and headquarters of Russias Southern Military District - before setting off in an armed column towards Moscow. This column - replete with heavy military equipment including air defense systems - came within a few hundred miles of the capital - virtually unmolested by Russian state forces - before abruptly stopping, announcing that a deal had been brokered with the aid of Belorussian President Aleksandr Uncle Sasha Lukashenko, turning around, and heading back to Wagner bases in the Ukrainian theater.

Needless to say, the spectacle of a Russian mercenary group making an armed march on Moscow, and of Wagner tanks and infantry cordoning off Ministry of Defense buildings in Rostov, sparked widespread confidence among the western commentariat that the Russian state was about to be toppled and the Russian war effort in Ukraine would evaporate. There were confident and outlandish predictions pushed out in a matter of hours, including claims that Russias global footprint would disintegrate as the Kremlin recalled troops to defend Moscow and that Russia was about to enter a state of Civil War. We also saw the Ukrainian propaganda machine kick into overdrive, with characters like Anton Gerashchenko and Igor Sushko absolutely bombarding social media with fake stories about Russian army units mutinying and regional governors defecting to Prigozhin.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, we saw some similar measure of aggressive model-fitting from Trust the Plan Russia supporters, who were confident that the Wagner uprising was just an act - an elaborate ruse concocted in concert by Prigozhin and Putin to fool Russias enemies and advance the plan. The analytic error here is the same - information is parsed only for the purpose of buttressing and advancing a pre-concluded endgame; except it is Russian omnicompetence which is assumed instead of Russian state collapse.

I took something of a middle view. I found the idea that Russia faced civil war or state collapse to be bizarre in the extreme and completely unfounded, but I also did not think (and I feel that events have vindicated this view) that Prigozhin was acting in collaboration with the Russian state to create a charade. If indeed the Wagner uprising was a Psyop (Psychological Operation) to trick NATO, it was an extremely elaborate and convoluted one which hasnt yet shown any clear benefits (more on this in a moment).

My broad belief is that Prigozhin was acting of his own volition in an extremely risky way (which risked both his own life and a destabilizing effect on Russia). This presented the Russian state with a genuine crisis (albeit one which was not sufficiently severe to threaten the states existence) which I think they handled quite well on the whole. The Wagner uprising was quite clearly bad for Russia, but not existentially so, and the state did a good job containing and mitigating it.

Lets get into it, starting with a short look at the timeline of events.

Anatomy of a Mutiny

The amount of disinformation (particularly propagated by the Ukrainians and by Russian liberals residing in the west) that flew around throughout the weekend was extreme, so it might be prudent to review the progression of events as they actually happened.

The first sign that something was amiss came with a few explosive statements by Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin on the 23rd (Friday). In a rather long and erratic interview, he made the shocking claim that Russias pretext for the war in Ukraine was an outright lie and that the war had been fraught with corruption and the murder of civilians. Things then got even crazier when Wagner claimed that the Russian army had struck their camp with a missile. This was extremely weird - the video which was released (purporting to show the aftermath of this missile strike) did not show an impact crater, debris, or any wounded or killed Wagner personnel. The damage from the missile consisted of two campfires burning in a trench - apparently Russia has missiles that can start small controlled fires without destroying the surrounding plant life?

The video obviously did not show the aftermath of a missile attack, but Prigozhins rhetoric escalated after this and he soon announced that Wagner would begin a march for justice to gain redress for his various grievances. It was not clear exactly what he wanted, but it seemed to center on personal grudges against Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov.

Shortly thereafter, a few videos came from the Russian authorities (including one featuring General Surovikin) apparently pleading with Wagner to stop the movement of their columns and return to their posts, to prevent bloodshed and destabilization. This validated some of the rumors that Wagner was leaving the theater in force. News that Russian National Guard had been activated in Moscow and elsewhere seemed to vindicate the fear that an armed clash in Russia was imminent.

By the end of Friday, armed Wagner convoys were in Rostov (bearing the red Z mark) and had taken control of several military offices in what amounted to a bloodless coup of the city. The scenes were a bit outlandish - tanks on the city streets and security cordons around key facilities, but seeming indifference from the population. People mingled among the Wagner troopers, street sweepers went about their work, Wagner bought cheeseburgers, and people took pictures with the tanks.

A T-72 is the ultimate accessory

That evening, Prigozhin had a tense but civil face to face meeting with two high level MOD officials - Yanus Evkurov (Deputy Defense Minister) and Vladimir Alekseev (Deputy Head of the military intelligence directorate).

Things really got heated the next day (Saturday the 24th) with the news that two substantial armed bodies were on the move within the prewar Russian borders. One was a column of Wagner personnel and weapons who left Rostov for Moscow, and other was a Chechen force dispatched by the state to Rostov. Amid the news that Russian state forces were establishing roadblocks and defensive positions outside of Moscow, it looked like two separate battles might have been imminent - one by the Wagner column fighting state forces outside Moscow, and another fought between the Chechens and the Wagner remnants for control of Rostov.

It was at this point that Ukrainian disinformation really began to run wild, with claims flying around that Russian military units and regional administrations were defecting to Prigozhin - in effect positing that this was not just an uprising by Wagner against the state, but a wholesale revolt of the Russian system against Putins government. In fact (and this is a key point to which I will return later) there were no defections in any regular Russian military units or regional governments and there was no civil unrest. The mutiny was confined to the Wagner Group, and even so not all of Wagner participated.

Be that as it may, by the early evening hours on Saturday there were real reasons to worry that shooting might start outside Moscow or in Rostov. Putin issued a statement denouncing treason and promising an appropriate response. The Russian Ministry of Justice opened a criminal file on Prigozhin for treason. Two Russian MoD aircraft were shot down (an Mi-8 helicopter and an IL-22) by the Wagner column. The global atmosphere became notably more humid from the volume of salivation flowing from Washington.

Cant park there, buddy

Then, the Wagner column stopped. The government of Belarus announced that a settlement had been negotiated with Prigozhin and Putin. Lukahsenkos office claimed they came to agreements on the inadmissibility of unleashing a bloody massacre on the territory of Russia. The column turned aside from the road to Moscow and returned to Wagners field camps around Ukraine, and the Wagner forces left in Rostov packed up and left. Aside from the crews of the two downed aircraft, nobody was killed.

Of course, speculation immediately turned to the terms of the deal between Prigozhin and the state. Some speculated that Putin had agreed to remove Shoigu, Gerasimov, or both from their posts (perhaps this was the point all along?). In fact, the terms were relatively lame and anticlimactic:

The treason case against Prigozhin was dropped and he was to go to Belarus Wagner fighters who participated in the uprising would not be charged and would return to operations in Ukraine Wagner fighters that did not participate in the uprising would sign contracts with the Russian military (essentially exiting Wagner and become regular contract troops) A vague reference to security guarantees for Wagner fighters

So, this is all very weird. A genuine armed insurrection with tanks and heavy weapons (not a man in a buffalo headdress) with a takeover of military facilities brought to a sudden resolution by Lukashenko, and all that Prigozhin seems to have gotten out of it was free passage to Belarus? Odd indeed.

So lets try to parse through what happened here using an analytical framework that is not pre-deterministic - that is, let us assume that neither Russian omnicompetence nor Russian regime change and neoliberal cuddliness are guaranteed.

Id like to start by addressing precisely these two ideologically predetermined theories. On one side we had those claiming that Russia was about to be plunged into civil conflict and regime change, and on the other those who think the whole thing was a pre-planned psyop by the Russian government. The former have already been discredited by virtue of the fact that all their dramatic predictions collapsed in 24 hours - Prigozhin did not, in fact, lead a metastasizing mutiny, overthrow Putin, and declare himself Tsar Eugene I. The other extreme theory - the psyop - remains viable, but I think extremely unlikely, for reasons I will enumerate now.

Psyop Scenarios

Its relatively easy to simply say the mutiny was a psyop without elaborating. Its trivially obvious that the Wagner uprising fooled western analysis - but this isnt ipso facto evidence that the uprising was staged for the purpose of fooling the west. We have to ask for something more specific - to what end might the uprising have been scripted?

Ive identified what I think are four discreet theories that at least merit examination - lets take a look at them and talk about why I think they all ultimately fail to explain the uprising to satisfaction.

Option 1: Live Bait

One potential explanation - which I have seen suggested quite frequently - is the idea that Prigozhin and Putin staged the uprising for the purpose of drawing out theoretical networks of seditionists, foreign agents, and disloyal elements. I suppose the thinking was that Prigozhin would create a controlled, but cosmetically realistic sense of crisis for the Russian state, making Putins government appear vulnerable and coercing treacherous and enemy parties across Russia into revealing themselves.

Conceptually, this amounts to little more than Putins government pretending to be a wounded animal for the purpose of drawing out the scavengers so they can be killed.

I think this theory has appeal to people because it posits Putin as an extremely crafty, Machiavellian, and paranoid leader. This is also why I think its wrong. Putin has derived a great deal of legitimacy from his ability to fight the war without disrupting day to day life in Russia - theres no rationing, no conscriptions, no restrictions on movement, etc. In fact, one of the biggest criticisms of Putin has been from the war party, who allege that hes fighting the war too timidly for fear and is too preoccupied with maintaining normalcy in Russia.

It seems incongruous, then, that a leader who has taken great care to avoid putting Russian society on a war footing would then do something as destabilizing as staging a fake uprising. Furthermore, if indeed the Wagner revolt was a charade to smoke out other treacherous and terroristic elements, it failed badly - there were no defections, no civil unrest, and no denunciations of Putin. So for several reasons, the live bait theory does not pass the sniff test.

Option 2: Masking Deployments

A second theory is the idea that the Wagner uprising was essentially a giant smokescreen to enable the movement of military forces around Russia. I suppose the thinking here is that if armed columns are seemingly flying around wildly, people might not notice if Russian forces moved into position to, say, attack Sumy or Kharkov. This take was cosmetically bolstered by the news that Prigozhin would be going to Belarus. Was this entire thing a ruse to mask the redeployment of Wagner for an operation in Western Ukraine?

The problem with this line of thinking is three fold. First, it misunderstands the complexity of staging a force for operations. Its not just about driving a line of trucks and tanks into position - there are enormous logistical needs. Ammo, fuel, rear area infrastructure all need to be staged. This cant be done in 24 hours under the temporary cover of a fake mutiny.

Secondly, the distraction effect is mostly directed at media and the commentariat, not at military intelligence. Put another way - CNN and the New York Times were definitely fixated on the Wagner uprising, but American satellites continue to pass over the battlespace and western ISR is still functioning. Prigozhins antics would not stop them from observing staging to attack a new front.

Third and finally, it doesnt appear that much of Wagner will be accompanying Prigozhin to Belarus - his journey to Lukashenko Land looks more like an exile than a redeployment of the Wagner Group.

Option 3: Engineered Radicalization

This is the usual false flag sort of theory that circulates any time anything bad happens anywhere. Its become rather blase and trite: Putin staged the uprising so he could escalate the war, increase mobilization, etc.

This doesnt make any sense and is pretty easy to dismiss. There have been real Ukrainian attacks inside Russia (including a drone attack on the Kremlin and cross-border forays by Ukrainian forces). If Putin wanted to intensify the war, he could have used any of these opportunities. The idea that he would choose to orchestrate an internal uprising - running the risk of widespread destabilization - rather than focusing on Ukraine is ridiculous.

Option 4: Consolidation of Power

Of all the psyop theories, this is the one that probably has the most merit. There were two different strains to this, which well treat in turn.

At the beginning, some speculated that Putin was using Prigozhin to create a pretext to force out Shoigu and Gerasimov. I thought this was unlikely for a few reasons.

First, I dont think there is a valid case to be made that these men deserve to be fired. There were uneven elements of Russias war in the beginning, but there is a clear arc of improvement in the armaments industry with key systems like the Lancet and Geran becoming available in ever increasing quantities, and right now the Russian armed forces are making mulch out of Ukraines counteroffensive.

Secondly, if Putin wanted to remove either Shoigu or Gerasimov, doing so in response to a faux-uprising is the worst way to do it, because this would give the appearance of Putin bowing to the demands of a terrorist. Keep in mind, Putin has not publicly criticized either Shoigu or Gerasimov for their handling of the war. Publicly, they appear to have his full backing. Could the president really remove them in response to Prigozhins demands without appearing incredibly weak? Far better if Putin simply fired them of his own volition - making himself, and not Prigozhin, the kingmaker.

Sure enough, it does not appear at this point that either Shoigu or Gerasimov will lose their posts. This led the power consolidation theory to pivot to a second line of thinking, that Putin wanted to use Prigozhin to essentially stress-test the Russian political system by seeing how regional administration and army leadership would respond.

The objects of Prigozhins wrath?

This treats the uprising like a fire drill - turn on the alarm, and see how everyone responds, and take notes on who followed instructions. To be sure, Russian political figures came crawling out of the woodwork to affirm their support for Putin and denounce Wagner - complete with some trademark Russian flair, like the Governor of Tver calling on Prigozhin to commit suicide. This perhaps lends credibility to the idea that Putin wanted to test his subordinates.

Again, however, I think this theory misses a few key points. First off, Russia appeared to be internally very stable. Putin was facing no opposition or pushback, no civil unrest, no mutinies in the army, no criticism from high profile political figures - its not clear why he would feel the need to rock the country just to test the loyalty of the political apparatus. Perhaps you think hes a hyper-paranoid Stalin figure who feels driven to play mind games with the country, but this really does not square with his operating pattern. Secondly, the trajectory of the war is overwhelmingly in Russias favor at the moment, with victory at Bakhmut fresh in the public memory and Ukraines counteroffensive looking more and more like a world historical military bust. It makes little sense why at this time in particular, when things are going very well for Russia, Putin would want to drop a grenade just to test reaction times.

Ultimately, I think that all of these Psyop theories are very weak when evaluated in good faith in their own terms. Their errors share a common thread. Things have been going very well for Russia, with the army performing excellently in the ongoing defeat of the Ukrainian counteroffensive, no internal disorder or unrest, and a growing economy. The psyop line of thought presumes that, in a time where things are going well, Putin would take an enormous risk by staging a fake mutiny for negligible gains, risking not only civil unrest and bloodshed but also marring Russias image of stability and dependability abroad.

The presumption is that the Putin team is omnicompetent and is able to game out a highly complex deception scheme. I dont think the Russian government is omnicompetent. I think they are simply a normal level of competent - too competent to pull a high risk, low reward stunt like this.

What Prigozhin Wants

I sometimes like to think of western end of history predeterminism (in which all of history is an inexorable march towards global neoliberal performative democracy and the final liberation and happiness of all mankind is announced when the victorious pride flag flies in Moscow, Beijing, Tehran, and Pyongyang) as being essentially a geopolitical corollary to Jurassic Park - a poignant story of hubris and ruin (and one of my favorite movies).

The analytic model of Jurassic Parks creators presumed that the dinosaurs - creatures about whom they knew practically nothing - would over time submit to control routines like zoo animals. Blinded by the illusion of control and the theoretical stability of their systems (presumed to be stable because it was designed to be stable), there was no appreciation for the fact that the Tyrannosaurus had an intelligence and a will of its own.

I think that Yevgeny Prigozhin is a bit like the Tyrannosaurus in Jurassic Park. Both the western neoliberal apparatus and the Russian four dimensional plan-trusters seem to think of Prigozhin as a cog that exists to execute the function of their world model. Whether that model is the long march of history towards democracy and the last man or a brilliant and nuanced master plan by Putin to destroy the unipolar Atlantic world, it does not matter much - both tend to negate Prigozhins agency and turn him into a slave of the model. But perhaps he is a Tyranosaurus, with an intelligence and will that has an internally generated direction indifferent to our world models. Perhaps he tore down the fence for reasons of his own.

A would-be Lenin? Or just a man with his back at the wall?

We have to return to who Prigozhin is, and what Wagner is.

To Prigozhin, Wagner is first and foremost a business which has made him a huge amount of money, particularly in Africa. Wagners value (in the most fundamental sense) comes from its high degree of combat effectiveness and its unique status as an independent entity from the Russian armed forces. Any threat to either of these factors represents a financial and status catastrophe for Prigozhin.

Recently, developments in the war have evinced an existential threat to the Wagner group as a viable PMC. These are, namely:

A concerted push by the Russian government to force Wagner fighters to sign contracts with the Ministry of Defense. In effect, this threatens to liquidate Wagner as an independent organization and subsume it wholesale into the regular Russian military. Wagner is losing the manpower surge from last years conscriptions (including convicts). These conscripts provided an enormous manpower buffer that allowed Wagner to shoulder the large-scale fighting in Bakhmut, but many have completed their tours of duty.

This means that Wagner faces potential destruction from two fronts. Institutionally, the Russian government wants to essentially neutralize Wagners independence by folding it into the MoD. From Prigozhins point of view, this essentially means the nationalization of his business.

Furthermore, a slimmed down Wagner (having shed much of the conscripts that fleshed it out to Army Corps size) is not something that Prigozhin wants to send into combat in Ukraine. Once Wagner is stripped down to its core of experienced wet work operators, casualties in Ukraine will begin eating directly into Wagners viability.

In other words, Prigozhin and the authorities were at an impasse. What Prigozhin probably wanted most of all, to put it bluntly, was to use the fame won in Bakhmut to take Wagner back to Africa and start making lots of money again. What he did not want was to have his PMC absorbed into the Russian military, or to have his core of lethal professionals attrited in another major battle in Ukraine. The MoD, on the other hand, very much wants to absorb Wagner fighters into the regular army and use them to defeat Ukraine on the battlefield.

So, we have a clear conflict of interests.

But what can Prigozhin do about it? He has absolutely no institutional power, and Wagner is dependent on the Ministry of Defense for equipment, supplies, ISR, and so much more. Furthermore, Prigozhins personal wealth and his family are under the jurisdiction of the Russian state. He has very limited leverage. There are really only a few things he can do. He can record videos to embarrass, harass, and degrade the Ministry of Defense. Of course, its probably unwise to directly attack Putin in these rants, and it might not play well to insult ordinary Russian soldiers, so these attacks have to be properly targeted at precisely the sort of bureaucratic higher ups that the Russian public is predisposed to dislike - men like Shoigu and Gerasimov.

Apart from these video tantrums, Prigozhin really had only one other play to stop the institutional absorption of Wagner - stage an armed protest. Get as many men as he could to join him, make a move, and see if the state could be rocked enough to give him the deal he wanted.

It sounds weird, of course. Youve heard of gunboat diplomacy - now we get to see tank-based contract negotiations. Yet it is clear that the dispute over Wagners independence and status vis a vis Russian military institutions was at the heart of this. Earlier this month, Prigozhin announced his intention to disobey a presidential order that required his fighters to sign MoD contracts by July 1.

Prigozhins statement this morning (Monday, June 26), however, was extremely instructive. It focused almost exclusively on his central grievance: Wagner was going to be absorbed into the institutional military. He doesnt take this to its conclusion and note that this would nationalize his highly profitable business, but his comments leave no doubt as to his motivation. Here are a few key points that he makes:

Wagner did not want to sign contracts with the Ministry of Defense

Absorption into the MoD would mean the end of Wagner: This unit was supposed to cease its existence on July 1.

The goal of our campaign was to prevent the destruction of Wagner Group.

But what did Prigozhin think would happen? What was his optimistic scenario? Likely, he hoped that general anti-bureaucratic and anti-corruption sentiments, combined with Wagners popularity and fame, would lead to an upswell of support for the group which would put the government in a position to acquiesce to Wagners independence.

It was a bold decision. Facing institutional absorption, Prigozhin gambled on a measured destabilization campaign that would rock the country just enough to spook Putin into cutting him a deal. Prigozhin might have convinced himself that this was a clever and decisive roll of the dice that could turn things in his favor. I rather think that they were not playing dice at all. They were playing cards, and Prigozhin had nothing in his hand.

Russias Crisis Management

This is the part of the article that I suspect will ruffle feathers and earn me accusations of coping - so be it. Lets just get this out in the open:

Russia handled the Wagner uprising extremely well, and its management of the crisis points to a high degree of state stability.

Now, what I am not saying is that the uprising was good for Russia. It was clearly a net-negative in several ways. Russian aircraft were shot down by Wagner and Russian pilots were killed. Prigozhin was then allowed to walk away after causing these deaths - a stain on the government. There was widespread confusion which does nothing good for morale, and operations in the Southern Military District were disrupted by Wagners occupation of Rostov.

On the whole, this was not a good weekend for Russia. It was a crisis, but it was a crisis that the state handled quite well overall and mitigated the downsides - perhaps even making a glass or two of lemonade out of Prigozhins lemons. Its a bit fitting, perhaps, that Shoigu used to be Minister of Emergency Situations (essentially disaster relief). Disasters are never good, but its always better to handle them well when they happen.

The state response was actually pretty straightforward: call Prigozhins bluff.

Prigozhin drove toward Moscow with his column - but what was he going to do if he got there? Russian national guard was preparing to block them from entering the city. Would Wagner attack Moscow? Would they shoot national guardsmen? Would they assault the Kremlin or shell Saint Basils? Doing so would lead to the inevitable death of every man involved. Wagner, with no supply or procurement of its own, cannot fight the Russian armed forces successfully and probably could not supply itself for more than a day or two.

The problem with Prigozhins approach is that pantomiming a coup doesnt work if you arent willing to actually attempt a coup - and a coup only works if institutional authorities side with you. Its not as if Prigozhin could drive a tank up to Lenins mausoleum and begin issuing orders to the federal ministries and armed forces. Coups require control over institutional levers of power - regional governorships, government ministries, and the officer corps of the armed forces.

Prigozhin not only lacked all of these things, but in fact the entire apparatus of power denounced him, scorned him, and branded him a traitor. Having mutinied his way into a dead end, his only choices were to either start a firefight outside Moscow and guarantee that he would die and be known to history as a traitorous terrorist, or to surrender. It is probable that the Wagner column shooting down Russian aircraft (which Prigozhin later claimed was a mistake) spooked him and confirmed that he was going too far and did not have a good way out. When your opponent calls and you have nothing in your hand, there is nothing to do except fold.

Consider then, for a moment, the actual scene in Russia. An armored column was driving towards the capital. What was the response from the Russian state and people? Authorities at all levels publicly denounced the uprising and stated support for the president. There were no defections, either from military units or civilian administration. There was no civil unrest, no looting, no loss of even basic government control in the country. Compare the scenes in Russia during an armed rebellion to the United States in the summer of 2020. Which country is more stable, again?

In the end, the government managed to dissipate a crisis situation, which could easily have spiraled into substantial bloodshed, without any loss of life apart from the crews of the two downed aircraft (deaths that we should not minimize, and must be remembered as victims of Prigozhins ambition). Furthermore, the terms of the settlement amount to little more than surrender by Prigozhin. He himself seems to be bound for a sort of semi-exile in Belarus (potentially awaiting a Trotsky ice-pick moment) and it seems that the majority of Wagner will sign contracts and be absorbed into the Russia institutional military. Based on the speech that Putin gave this evening (fifteen minutes ago as of this writing), Wagner fighters have only three options: sign MOD contracts, disband and go home, or join Prigozhin in Belarusian exile (presumably without their gear). As it relates to the institutional status of Wagner, Prigozhin lost and the state won. Wagner as an independent fighting body is finished.

We must be honest, of course, about the damages of the uprising.

Prigozhin killed Russian servicemembers when his column downed those aircraft, and then had his treason charge dropped. One can say, of course, that bringing a peaceful resolution prevented further bloodshed, but this doesnt change the fact that he killed Russian soldiers and gets to walk away. This is a failure with both a moral and an institutional legitimacy dimension.

Additionally, this entire episode ought to serve as a poignant lesson about the inherent instability of relying on mercenary groups who operate outside of formal military institutions. There are many such groups in Russia, not just Wagner, and it will be malpractice if the government does not move decisively to liquidate their independence. Otherwise, they are simply waiting for something like this to happen again - potentially with a far more explosive outcome.

On the whole, however, it seems rather undeniable that the government handled an extreme crisis rather competently. Contrary to the new western spin that the Wagner revolt revealed the weakness of Putins government, the unity of the state, the calmness of the people, and the coolheaded strategy of de-escalation suggest that the Russian state is stable.

Conclusion: 1917

One of humanitys most universal and beloved pastimes is making bad historical analogies, and that process was certainly in high gear this past weekend. The most popular comparison, naturally, was to compare Prigozhins uprising to the fall of the Tsar in 1917.

The problem is that this analogy is a perfect inversion of the truth.

The Tsar fell in 1917 because he was at army headquarters far away from the capital. In his absence, a garrison mutiny in Petrograd (Petersburg) led to a collapse of government authority, which was then picked up by a new cabinet formed from the state Duma. Coups are not achieved through mindless bloodshed. What matters most is the basic question of bureaucratic authority, for this is what it means to rule. When you pick up a phone and give an order to shut down a rail line; when you summon a military unit to readiness; when you issue a purchasing order for food or shells or medicine - are these instructions respected?

It was trivially obvious that Prigozhin lacked either the force, the institutional support, or any real desire to usurp authority, and the idea that he was attempting a genuine coup was absurd. Imagine, for a moment, that Wagner managed to bash its way through the Russian National Guard into Moscow. Prigozhin storms the ministry of defense - he arrests Shoigu and sits in his chair. Do we really believe that the army in the field would suddenly follow his orders? Its not a magic chair. Power only comes up for grabs in the event of total state collapse, and what we saw in Russia was the opposite - we saw the state closing ranks.

So in the end, both the neoliberal commentariat and the Russian plan trusters are left with an unsatisfactory view of events. Prigozhin is neither the harbinger of regime change nor a piece in Putins four dimensional chess game. Hes simply a mercurial and wildly irresponsible man who saw that his Private Military Corporation was going to be taken away from him and decided to go to extreme and criminal lengths to prevent this. He was a card player with nothing in his hand who decided to bluff his way out of a corner - until his bluff was called.
Senator Joni Ernst, Republican of Iowa, introduced a bill last week which she has labeled in the form of a question: Her bill is called the Why does the IRS Have Guns Act?

Why do paper-pushing tax collectors at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) need guns? she asks on her website. Thats the $35 million-dollar question.

She says Americans should be gravely concerned that the IRS is armed, loaded, and coming after them. Especially given the agencys history of conducting armed raids on innocent Americans.

Her bill would prohibit the IRS from buying or warehousing guns and ammunition. It would also require the IRS to transfer all firearms to the General Services Administration, where they could be auctioned off to licensed gun dealers with the proceeds used to reduce the national debt. Further, the bill would move the IRSs Criminal Investigation Division under the control of the Justice Department.

Senator Ernst said in a statement posted to her website:

The taxman is fully loaded at the expense of the taxpayer. As the Biden administration has worked to expand the size of the IRS, any further weaponization of this federal agency against hardworking Americans and small businesses is a grave concern. Im working to disarm the IRS and return these dollars to address reckless spending in Washington.

Lets be honest. Ernsts legislation has a slim chance of passing, and even if it did, it would be dead on arrival (no pun intended) when it hits Joe Bidens desk.

However, as Ammoland.com reports, the senators efforts have drawn much-needed attention to the massive arsenal that the IRS continues to amass.

The IRS is clearly preparing for a major battle. The question is, with whom? And why? We may have received a small taste of what have planned for us a couple of weeks ago when 20 heavily armed IRS and ATF agents raided a gun shop in Montana and collected records containing personal data on American gun purchasers.

Some of the weapons and tactical equipment in the IRS inventory are used by elite military commandos worldwide, not American law enforcement officers.

While the IRS was already arming up before Biden took office, the militarization of the tax agency really revved up after he took office.

Who are they preparing to battle? asked Adam Andrzejewski, CEO and Founder of OpenTheBooks.com, the largest private repository of U.S. public-sector spending. Andrzejewskis watchdog efforts have led to federal legislation, grand jury indictments, congressional hearings, subpoenas and convictions, as well as audits by the Government Accountability Office and Congressional Research Service reports.

It looks like its for domestic tax and law enforcement objectives, but the IRS has blurred the lines between civil and administrative agencies, civil and administrative duties and federal law enforcement capability. After grabbing legal power, the IRS is amassing firepower. Its time to scale back the federal arsenal, Andrzejewski told the Second Amendment Foundations Investigative Journalism Project.

In one recent report, Andrzejewski found that the IRS has spent $35.2 million taxpayer dollars on guns, ammunition and tactical gear since 2006, but the agencys purchasing increased dramatically under Biden.

The years 2020 and 2021 were peak years at the IRS for purchasing weaponry and gear. Just since the pandemic started, the IRS has purchased $10 million in weaponry and gear, the report states.

According to Lee Williams at Ammoland.com, the purchases included:

$2.5 million on ballistic shields and various other gear for criminal investigation agents

$1.3 million for tactical lights, tactical gear bags, ballistic helmets and body armor

Nearly $1 million on Smith & Wesson M&P 15s and Beretta tactical shotguns.

3,000 tactical holsters for handguns with optical sights and weapon lights (As of this week, the IRS only has 2,100 armed agents.)

Williams notes that all this military hardware is being shipped to the IRS at a time when the agency is openly recruiting people who wont hesitate to train their sights on a fellow American.

In a recent job posting, the agency says special agent candidates, must be willing to use force up to and including the use of deadly force.

Below is a partial list of some of the agencys most disturbing recent purchases, as reported by Williams and Ammoland.

Night Vision Rifle Scopes

American law enforcement  even the IRS  does not operate with Rules of Engagement like the military when it encounters armed resistance. The last time law enforcement used ROE rather than the law, things went very wrong. Whatever the tactical situation, police are subject to criminal laws and deadly force policies, which are predicated upon the sanctity of human life.

Force  up to and including deadly force  must be reasonable. An American law enforcement officer must use the minimum amount of force necessary and can use deadly force in defense of their life or the life of another. Verbal warnings and other de-escalation attempts are always considered after deadly force is used to determine whether the force was justified.

That said, its difficult to understand why the IRS is equipping its agents with night vision rifle scopes, which are capable of hitting man-sized targets at distance in total darkness.

How does shooting a suspect who is hundreds of yards away and unaware of an agents presence  at night, without warning  comply with use-of-force statutes and policies? How is this not murder? What tactical problem are the night vision rifle scopes intended to resolve?

Ballistic Shields

When the threat level is extreme, such as a report of an active shooter, SWAT teams will deploy a ballistic shield, which is designed to complement their personal body armor and further reduce the threat.

Ballistic shields come in all shapes and sizes and are rated by bullet resistance. A Level II shield will stop 9mm and other handgun rounds. A level IV shield will stop .30 caliber armor-piercing ammunition. The greater the bullet resistance, the heavier the shield. Operators must train constantly to carry the shield and shoot a pistol one-handed. Its awkward and requires a lot of practice.

The Los Angeles Police Department has guidelines concerning the use of ballistic shields. Officers must first pass a Ballistic Shield Operator course before they can carry one into harms way. The course specifies the type of tactical situations where a ballistic shield should be deployed. They include but are not limited to the following:

Breaching (doors and windows)

High-risk vehicle stops

High-risk handcuffing

Door entries

Room clearing

Hallway movement

Rescuing wounded officers under fire

Call your senators and ask them to support Senator Ernsts bill.
Now, if our schools (including colleges and universities) taught history, and not the pieties that fill the textbooks (however woke such textbooks may now be), and if our free press investigated warnings of the latest threat confronting us (according to the government), instead of amplifying such alarms non-stop, it would be clear at once to most of us, and not just to some few of us, that this years existential threat is just as fake as those that came before, and that it too has been created by the government now using it to panic and divide the rest of us. Thus it was with the communists back in the Fifties (when countless Reds were agents of the FBI, and the CIA helped keep the Daily Worker going), then, after Soviet communism fell apart, with Islamic terrorism (all those plots concocted by the state), and now with white supremacy (a specter as delusory as the killer virus that was used to smash the world).

Here are glimpses of the latest show of white supremacy, as captured yesterday, in Oregon, by some real patriots who scared off a contingent of the Patriot Front, and unmasked two of themboth literally and figuratively. If (again) our free press took a duly skeptical approach to the scare stories pumped out by the government, instead of just repeating them ad nauseam (while trashing anyone who questions them), yesterdays unmasking would be major news, and not just one more passing flash of truth on Twitter.

Watch the videos linked in these tweets:

https://twitter.com/amuse/status/1673060855687045120?s=46&t=2hmJfzbB4-WTi5t6oZPl4g

https://twitter.com/amuse/status/1672992860600164352

https://twitter.com/dillonfillionia/status/1673097369485815808?s=52&t=yAMc0d1TpUQBsVq9LmDqiQ

Those interested in learning more about such state-backed performance of far-right terrorism (of which the biggest and most consequential was, of course, the one called January 6) should look back to the days when such theatrics were concocted to destroy not the far-right but the hard left. Specifically, those interested in helping save democracy from its most powerful opponents should look into Operation Gladioa vast CIA project that began with the covert creation of stay-behind armies throughout Eastern Europe (armies full of diehard European fascists)to be mobilized in the event of a Soviet assault on Europe overalland that then morphed into an elaborate and very bloody false-flag operation, wherein far-right commandos would commit, or induce leftist outfits to commit, gruesome terroristic crimes (bombings and assassinations) that would then be imputed to the left alone. Such fake-outs were perfected in the Seventies, in Italy; but Gladio was very active elsewhere, too. (Mehmet Ali Agca, the far-right Turkish hitman who shot Pope John Paul II, and his brotherhood, the fascist paramilitary outfit called the Grey Wolves, were connected to it.)

There are two excellent books on this enduring operation (which also had the Vatican and Mafia behind it, and the Masonic lodge P2): Daniele Gansers NATO's Secret Armies: Operation GLADIO and Terrorism in Western Europe (Routledge) and Paul L. Williams Operation Gladio: The Unholy Alliance Between the Vatican, the CIA and the Mafia (Prometheus). And, then, more recently, theres this hot news from Grayzone, about the British hand in Operation Gladio:

Declassified files expose British role in NATOs Gladio terror armies

by Kit Klarenberg

June 19, 2023

Newly declassified British files shed disturbing light on the origins and internal workings of Operation Gladio, a covert NATO plot deploying fascist terror militias across Italy. Have spies in London applied these lessons in Ukraine?

Newly declassified British Foreign Office files have added disturbing details to the history of Operation Gladio. The covert operation was uncovered in 1990, when the public learned that the CIA, MI6 and NATO trained and directed an underground army of fascist paramilitary units across Europe, deploying its assets to undermine political opponents, including through false flag terror attacks.

Among them was a young Silvio Berlusconi, the media oligarch who served as Italian Prime Minister in four separate governments between 1994 and 2011. Listed as a member of the P2, the secret Cold War-era cabal of political elites devoted to Gladios aims, Berlusconi undoubtedly took some weighty secrets to the grave when he died this June 12th.

It is almost impossible to believe that inconvenient truths were not weeded from Britains documentary record on Operation Gladio prior to declassification. Nonetheless, the recently released material is highly illuminating. Covering a fraught twelve month period after the first public disclosure of Gladios existence, the papers illustrate how Londons foreign intelligence apparatus kept a keen eye on the continent as events unfolded.

The papers not only shed fresh light on the conspiracy, they underline Gladios relevance as British intelligence joins its America counterparts in contemporary plots involving secret partisan forces from Syria to Ukraine.

Various passages dotted across the tranche strongly suggest the British knew much more than they publicly admitted about egregious criminal deeds, including the attempted overthrow of an allied Italian government and the kidnap and murder of its leader.

A clandestine resistance network goes to work

Gladio consisted of a constellation of stay behind anti-communist partisan armies whose ostensible mission was to fend off the Red Army in the event of Soviet invasion. In reality, these forces committed countless violent and criminal acts as part of a strategy of tension designed to discredit the left and justify a security state clampdown.

As Vincenzo Vinciguerra, a Gladio operative jailed for life in 1984 for a car bombing in Italy that killed three police officers and injured two, explained:

You were supposed to attack civilians, women, children, innocent people from outside the political arena. The reason was simple, force the public to turn to the state and ask for greater securityPeople would willingly trade their freedom for the security of being able to walk the streets, go on trains or enter a bank. This was the political logic behind the bombings. They remain unpunished because the state cannot condemn itself.

The scandal triggered in Western capitals by the exposure of Gladio dominated mainstream headlines for months. The European parliament responded by passing a resolution condemning the existence of a clandestine parallel intelligence and armed operations organization [which] escaped all democratic controls, may have interfered illegally in the internal political affairs of member states [and] have at their disposal independent arsenals and military resourcesthereby jeopardizing the democratic structures of the countries in which they are operating.

The resolution called for independent judicial and parliamentary investigations into Gladio in every European state. But aside from inquiries in Belgium, Italy, and Switzerland, nothing of substance materialized. Whats more, investigators heavily redacted their findings while avoiding having them translated them into English. This may help explain why the historic scandal has been largely forgotten.

In this context, the newly declassified documents may be one of the most valuable primary sources to date offering new insights into the origins and internal workings of NATOs secret terror militias in Italy.

Take for example an aide-memoire (see it here) prepared by Francesco Fulci, Italys permanent representative to the UN, which was shared at a super-restricted November 6th 1990 meeting of the North Atlantic Council, NATOs principal political decision-making body, then forwarded to senior British officials at home and abroad.

Based on a note provided by Romes then-premier Giulio Andreotti to the Head of the Italian Parliamentary Commission investigating terrorist incidents, the aide-memoire begins by noting that following World War II, Western intelligence agencies devised unconventional means of defence, by creating in their territories a hidden network of resistance aimed at operating, in case of enemy occupation, through information gathering, sabotage, propaganda and guerrilla warfare.

According to the aide-memoire, authorities in Rome began laying the foundations of such an organization in 1951. Four years later, Italian Military Intelligence (SIFAR) and a corresponding allied service  a reference to the CIA  then formally agreed on the organization and the activities of a post-occupation clandestine network:

[Gladio] was; formed by agents active in the territory who, by virtue of their age, sex and activities, could reasonably avoid eventual deportation and-imprisonment by the foreign occupiers; easy to manage even from a command structure outside the occupied territory; at a top secret level and hence subdivided into cells so as to minimize any possible damage caused by defections, accidents or network penetration.

The clandestine resistance network was subdivided into separate branches, covering information operations, sabotage, propaganda, radio communications, cypher, reception and evacuation of people and equipment. Each of these structures was to operate autonomously, with liaison and coordination ensured by an external base.

SIFAR established a dedicated, secret section to recruit and train Gladio operatives. Meanwhile, it maintained five ready deployment guerrilla units in areas of special interest across Italy which awaited activation on a continuous basis.

Operational materials, including a wide variety of explosives, weapons  such as mortars, hand grenades, guns and knives  and ammunition were stashed in 139 secret underground caches across the country. In April 1972, to improve security, these arsenals were exhumed, and moved to offices of the Carabinieri, Romes military police, near the original sites.

Only 127 of the weapons storehouses were officially recovered. The aide-memoir states that at least two were very likely taken away by unknown persons at the time they were buried, in October 1964. Who these operatives were and what they did with their stolen arms is left to the imagination.

Plenty more at https://thegrayzone.com/2023/06/19/files-british-natos-secret-terror-armies/.
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Smart streetlights have been installed throughout the city but are not currently in use. The city cut access to 3,000 of them back in 2020 after public outcry over privacy concerns.

There are numerous problems with smart streetlights and how it disproportionally impacts those of us in communities of color. I can speak to it directly  where I live, for example, I can not leave my house without having to pass by a smart street light, said another community member at the meeting.

But SDPD is requesting to reactivate 500 smart streetlights that capture images and data in the city for police investigations. Police also want to add automated license plate readers for investigative purposes.
Sweden has just dealt a severe blow to the globalist climate agenda by scraping its green energy targets.

In a statement announcing the new policy in the Swedish Parliament, Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson warned that the Scandinavian nation needs a stable energy system.

Svantesson asserted that wind and solar power are too unstable to meet the nations energy requirements.

Instead, the Swedish Government is shifting back to nuclear power and has ditched its targets for a 100% renewable energy supply.

The move is a major blow to unreliable and inefficient technology.

Countries are being pushed toward renewable energy to meet the goals of the World Economic Forums (WEF) green agenda.

The WEFs green agenda is being heavily pushed by the United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO), Paris Climate Agreement, World Bank, and Democrat President Joe Bidens administration.

Announcing Swedens new policy, Svantesson said: This creates the conditions for nuclear power.

We need more electricity production, we need clean electricity and we need a stable energy system.

Environmental campaign group Net Zero Watch has welcomed the move.

The group argues that the Swedish decision is an important step in the right direction, implicitly acknowledging the low quality of unstable wind and solar, and is part of a general collapse of confidence in the renewable energy agenda pioneered in the Nordic countries and in Germany.

Under its new direction, Sweden now views nuclear power as being critical to the nations 100% fossil-free energy future.

Sweden can afford to reject fossil fuels, relying on nuclear and hydro and biomass, Net Zero Watch suggests.

Svantesson also sent a warning to other Western nations who are blindly pushing to meet the energy requirements of the WEFs green agenda.

In substantial industrialized economies only a gas to the nuclear pathway is viable to remain industrialized and competitive, Svantesson noted.

Experts have argued that lowering carbon dioxide emissions is not really a worthwhile goal for an individual country or globally.

The potential harms of the gas are uncertain and exaggerated while the benefits are overlooked.

Dr. John Constable, Net Zero Watchs Energy Director, said that living close to Russia focuses the mind.

The Swedish people wish to ground their economy in an energy source, nuclear, that is physically sound and secure, unlike renewables which are neither, he explains.

Other world governments are continuing to live in a fantasy about meeting the green agenda goals, Constable added.

But we are coming to the end of the green dream.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
Teach Surfing in Senegal? Political Consulting? Bowdoin's Summertime Internship Grants Have You Covered

Bowdoin awarded a record number of summertime grants to students to pursue their dream internships in locations around the world.

Students are interning around the world. Chris Zhang 25, pictured here, has a funded internship grant to work for Seeds of Hope in Peru. This season, more than two hundred students have received Bowdoin grants for either $6,000 or $7,000 to work for social, environmental, and arts nonprofits, as well as many kinds of businesses, science labs, and public offices. These funds solve the widespread problem of unpaid internships, giving studentsno matter their meansa chance to explore potential careers and gain workplace experience. Bowdoin's internship program is broad and interdisciplinary, reflecting the College's liberal arts curriculum and the wide range of student interests. It is overseen by several offices. Career Exploration and Development (CXD) runs the large Funded Internship Program, which this year provided 162 students with grants to work for a nonprofit or business of their choice. The McKeen Center for the Common Good and the Environmental Studies Program offer other options focusing specifically on community-based service, public service, and environmental work.

I love helping [students] dream big. ...Nothing is impossible, and with a bit of exploration, networking, and word of mouth, suddenly theyre headed to Peru to work on literacy with youth or working with a start-up to research alternative sources of power through biofuel. Meg Springer, CXD senior associate director

CXD Funded Internships: Create Your Own Internship Career Exploration and Development (CXD) received a record number of applications for funded internship grants for this summer, according to CXD Senior Associate Director Meg Springer. Through a competitive selection process, she explained, CXD awarded 162 grants, sending students far and wide to work in a number of areas, including health care, engineering, the arts, the law, finance, community work, IT, and the media. This comes out to more than a million dollars in funding! added Springer. The word has definitely spread among students about the infinite possibilities for creating your own summer internship.



Springer described the process of helping students explore different internship possibilities as akin to waving a magic wand. I love helping them dream big, she said. A student will come in wanting to somehow integrate their interest in Spanish, psychology, and neuroscience but think its impossible to combine these all into a summer internship. Or maybe theyre interested in renewable energy, climate change, and engineering. Nothing is impossible, and with a bit of exploration, networking, and word of mouth, suddenly theyre headed to Peru to work on literacy with youth or working with a start-up to research alternative sources of power through biofuel.

Chris Zhang 25 is in Peru this summer, interning with Seeds of Hope, which supports children, teenagers, and young adults living in extreme poverty. Destination Peru: Among those taking advantage of the CXDs internship program is Chris Zhang '25, an English major who is in South America thanks to a grant from the Preston Public Interest Career Fund, one of the many grants administered by the office.



Zhang is working with Seeds of Hope, a nonprofit organization in Huaraz, Peru, supporting children, teenagers, and young adults living in extreme poverty. The group also provides vocational training for those without economic means.



I hope this experience will be an illuminating opportunity for me to understand not only a viable career path, but also the values that I want to pursue in my future career and how I could make a positive impact on others, he said. Meanwhile, this is also a valuable experience for me to observe the inner workings of a local NGO." An Engineering Experience Closer to Home: Charlie Apolinsky 26 did not have so far to travel for his internship. Supported by the Scott and Anne Perper Internship Fund, Apolinsky is staying in Brunswick to work at Maritime Applied Physics Corporation, an engineering firm that provides support to companies of all sizes in designing, manufacturing, and modeling with an emphasis on naval systems and offshore wind farms.



My responsibilities as an intern range from using computer-aided design to create components for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agencys new Liberty Lifter plane to helping restore mechanical devices called actuators for the US Navy, said Apolinsky. I chose to pursue this internship because I wanted to get hands-on experience and develop a diverse range of engineering skills while working on meaningful and innovative projects, he added.

Francisco Adame Perez 24 is working at Brooklyn Legal Services (BLS) in New York City Providing Legal Help in the Big Apple: Francisco Adame Perez 24 is working at Brooklyn Legal Services (BLS) in New York City, thanks to a grant from the Nikuradse-Matthews Public Interest Summer Fellowship Fund. BLS offers free legal services to low-income New Yorkers, and Perez is interning at the groups Immigrant Rights Advocacy Project, where he has already completed training on the fundamentals of the countrys immigration system.



I have gotten the opportunity to apply my knowledge since the very beginning of the internship, said the government and legal studies major. The reason I chose to intern at BLS is due to the wide range of help it provides besides immigration services. BLS is unique in that it adopts a holistic approach to helping its clients, particularly immigrants, which is important within a global society that places value based on documentation rather than the intrinsic value one holds as a human being. Providing Legal Help in the Big Apple: Francisco Adame Perez 24 is working at Brooklyn Legal Services (BLS) in New York City, thanks to a grant from the Nikuradse-Matthews Public Interest Summer Fellowship Fund. BLS offers free legal services to low-income New Yorkers, and Perez is interning at the groups Immigrant Rights Advocacy Project, where he has already completed training on the fundamentals of the countrys immigration system.I have gotten the opportunity to apply my knowledge since the very beginning of the internship, said the government and legal studies major. The reason I chose to intern at BLS is due to the wide range of help it provides besides immigration services. BLS is unique in that it adopts a holistic approach to helping its clients, particularly immigrants, which is important within a global society that places value based on documentation rather than the intrinsic value one holds as a human being.

I enjoy doing impactful work, and Oasis is the epitome of that. Theyre providing free health care to people who cant afford it. Oasis Free Clinics intern Jack Selig 23

Jack Selig working at Oasis Free Clinics in Brunswick. The clinics provide free health and dental care, counseling services, and prescription assistance. Community-based Internships Maine Community Fellowship and Denning Summer Fellowship: These two McKeen Center internship programs support students working for nonprofits. Each year, the McKeen Center selects a dozen or so organizations to host its Maine community interns. "The benefit of the Maine Community Fellowship (MCF) is that students get to live on campus, experience Maine and the midcoast region in the summer, and see the broader connections between organizations and the impact they have together," McKeen Center Associate Director Tom Ancona said. He added, "It's a very different experience when you are volunteering a few hours a week versus working forty hours a week for a nonprofit." This year, the MCF fellows are working in the areas of civil rights, hunger prevention, housing and homelessness, the arts, and more. Rising senior Jack Selig 23 is interning with Brunswick's Oasis Free Clinics, which provides health and dental care, counseling services, and prescription assistance. Because much of its donated medicine is expired or near expiration, one of Selig's projects is to review published studies of the efficacy of older drugs. (Scouring medical journals with the help of Bowdoin's librarians, Selig is finding that "there's a lot of research indicating that expired medicine is sometimes effective for years beyond its expiration date"good news for clinics with small budgets.) As a government and legal studies major, Selig might seem like an unexpected fit at Oasis. But he said he was drawn to the opportunity because of health care's outsized role in our politics. "There is a lot of debate about health care in the United States and what that looks like," he said. "I thought it would be interesting to see how Oasis fills in the gaps when health care falls short."



"And," he continued, "I enjoy doing impactful work, and Oasis is the epitome of that. Theyre providing free health care to people who cant afford it."

The Denning Fellowship differs from the Maine Community Fellowship because it is open only to rising seniors who select their sites at nonprofits across the country. And it asks that students translate their experiences into their academics, such as for an honors project or class project. Organizations that this year's fellows are working with include the Trust for Public Land in New York City, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project in Seattle, and Wood Lake Nature Center in Minnesota.

Clamming with Paul Wang 24, who is interning with The Nature Conservancy in Maine. Paul Wang 24 has a Denning Fellowship to intern with The Nature Conservancy in Maine (TNC), based in Brunswick. After taking Troubled Waters: Fishing in the Gulf of Maine, an eye-opening environmental studies class with teaching associate Anne Hayden, Wang wanted to learn more about the Gulf of Maine's fisheries. He's an avid fisherman himself, and the topic also appeals to his interdisciplinary interests. "Much of the study of fisheries is science-based, but it also involves important aspects of the economy and politics, and also anthropology, sociology, and even history," he said. The fellowship has allowed him to deepen his education into Maine fisheries, and it also brings other perks. "It's good fun to be around friends during the summer," he said. "I am grateful for all the resources Bowdoin is giving us, and it is also taking a load off the nonprofit. They appreciate the funding from Bowdoin and the support, too."

I am grateful for all the resources Bowdoin is giving us, and it is also taking a load off the nonprofit. They appreciate the funding from Bowdoin and the support, too. The Nature Conservancy intern Paul Wang 24

Sapphire Hall 25 is teaching surfing to girls in Senegal this summer. Global Citizens Fellowship: The goal of this international fellowship, according to Ancona, "is to fund students so they can go to a location they have not been to, and to allow them to get out of their depth and experience nonprofit work in an international context." Fellows select their organization and apply to the McKeen Center with a specific proposal. For at least ten weeks, they must work closely for a nonprofit "that is truly community-based, not a larger NGO based in the US or Europe with satellite offices," Ancona said.



To prepare students for their trips, the McKeen Center runs a predeparture seminar. Fellows meet once a week for five weeks to discuss topics like travel logistics, physical and mental health, and the ethical concerns of international service. This year, five Global Citizen fellows are interning with children living in extreme poverty in Huaraz, Peru, and in Saint-Louis, Senegal; helping rural communities in Ghana's Volta Region; and empowering Tibetan refugees in Dharamsala, India. Sapphire Hall 25 is in N'gor, Senegal, interning with Black Girls Surf, which helps girls learn to surf and gain more access to education. She's also teaching adults and young people English and surfing in Dakar.



In an email, Hall wrote, "What I was surprised to find out when I came is that this is a huge surfing community where most of the young people know how to swim, surf, and fish very well. Some kids know sailing as well. They are very in tune with the ocean in such a beautiful way." "Ive also been learning a lot about their language, their culture, their lifestyle, and their food," she added. When she returns to Bowdoin, she'll organize a gallery show with her photographs and try to raise money to help more students, especially young women, go to school full time.

Photos from Sapphire Hall's surfing internship in Senegal.











Public Service Internships The McKeen Center also runs the Bowdoin Public Service Fellowship program, part of its larger Bowdoin Public Service Initiative (BPS). This summer it has provided sixteen students with funds to work for local, state, or federal government agencies, or with ancillary organizations. "BPS fellowships give students a chance to see at a micro level how government functions and how policy is made,"said McKeen Center director Sarah Seames. "Some are at specific government offices, while others are at think tanks or research organizations that provide data that can influence policy." Locally, students are working at the town offices of Brunswick and Topsham and with organizations that are collaborating with officials to support asylum-seeking families.

Portland in the summertime. A number of students are interning in the city. Aidan Reid 24 has a BPS fellowship to intern with the City of Portland's urban planning and development office. "I am focusing on a host of projects," he said. "It has been a wonderful introduction to the world of planning." Lately he's been working on historic preservation, land-use code and economic development, and on an independent analysis of the city's school zoning. This last project will help guide the city to be more strategic with zoning to create "more complete neighborhoods" that have a mix of housing within walking distance of grocery stores and schools, he explained. The internship, particularly the school zoning project, reflects Reid's interest in both educational policy and the built environment. "This summer has been about connecting my interests and seeing how that can show up in the job market or career path down the line," he said. Lauren Traum 24 is interning with Princeton University's The Eviction Lab, which tracks eviction data across the country to increase understanding of the prevalence, causes, and consequences of eviction and to inform policy and journalism about housing challenges across the United States.

Lauren Traum at The Eviction Lab, which tracks eviction data across the country to to increase understanding of the prevalence, causes, and consequences of eviction and to inform policy and journalism about housing challenges across the United States. One vein of analysis she's following this summer compares government expenditures supporting renter subsidies to those that support homeowner subsidies and tax deductions. "Learning about how economic policy affects households is really inspiring," she continued, because housing, she has discovered, is connected to a myriad of other political and social issues, including educational disparities, political polarization, racial segregation, and health outcomes. "I see that every day in my work right now," she said. So far this summer, Traum's been working on a digital map to visualize housing trends in New Jersey with the goal of laying groundwork for a national map. For this, she's learning about state tax code and other political and economic forces affecting tenants and homeowners, as well as how to use the statistical program R. The process of translating numbers into a persuasive presentation fuses her interests in public policy, digital storytelling, and math, she said. "There is a data accessibility problem," she added, "especially in the political space. I think seeing statistics that are digestible, in a visual form, can be incredibly persuasive, and I think were living in an era where that is very important."

This summer has been about connecting my interests and seeing how that can show up in the job market or career path down the line. City of Portland intern Aidan Reid 24

View image caption Emma Olney 25 is working with the Maine Coast Fishermens Association (MCFA), a local nonprofit that works to enhance the sustainability of Maine's fisheries by advocating for the needs of community-based harvesters.

Neena Goldthwaite 24 is with Growing to Give, a Brunswick-based nonprofit that grows organic vegetables for donation to local food banks. Environmental Opportunities in Maine The Environmental Studies (ES) Program offers approximately a dozen students the opportunity to pursue Maine-based internships, most of them supported by Kappa Psi Upsilon Environmental Fellowships. Placing ES students with local community partners provides a bridge between academic coursework and putting that knowledge to work to deliver for local environmental organizations or municipalities, said ES program coordinator Rosemary Armstrong, who oversees the fellowships. Fellows bring to their community partners skills such as geographic information systems (GIS) mapping capability and through their placement they gain a deeper understanding of how these organizations function, meet the folks doing the work, and gain insight, for instance, into priorities such as community finance, small business development, the importance of policy and advocacy, or the importance of of fisheries in Maine, she added.
Image courtesy of The Wall Street Journal

Calls for Gershkovichs release and messages of support from Western media, US politicians, and former classmates and colleagues at his his alma mater, Bowdoin College, remain undimmed.

While questions are being asked about President Vladimir Putins grip on power following an apparent near mutiny by Wagner group boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, Gershkovichs immediate future seems more assured. A Moscow court last week rejected an appeal by his lawyers calling for the release of Gershkovich from pretrial detention, meaning he now faces a further three months, at least, behind bars before he goes on trial.

We write to express our profound anger and concern over your unjust and wrongful detention in Russia, wrote Maines US Senators Susan Collins (R) and Angus King (I) last week. They were joined by thirty of their colleagues in signing an open letter of support for Gershkovich and fellow American Paul Whelan, also being detained in Russia. We hope you are doing as well as possible under the current circumstances and understand the enormous burden you may feel as the Russian government uses you as a political tool, they continued.

Since your arrest, we have advocated for your release publicly and privately. We will not stop until you are safely home. We believe that a free press is crucial to the foundation and support of human rights everywhere.

This message has been echoed in the free press throughout the world, mostly recently here in Maine, where the editorial board of The Bangor Daily News published an op-ed this week (Journalism is not a crime. Russia must release Evan Gershkovich.)

We have far more questions than answers about what happened in Russia over the weekend, and what continues to happen, with what may have been an almost-coup and uncertainty about the strength of President Vladimir Putins position, wrote the board. Amid the uncertainty, at least one thing remains clear: Russia should release the people it has wrongfully detained.

Read some of the media coverage about Evan Gershkovich since his arrest in March.
UBS is weighing cutting tens of thousands of jobs following its emergency takeover of Credit Suisse, as the Swiss bank leans towards keeping the domestic operations of its fallen rival, according to a person familiar with the discussions.

UBS could axe around 30 per cent of its combined workforce, which has expanded to 120,000 following the state-brokered rescue earlier this year, that person told Reuters on Wednesday.

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UBS and Credit Suisse declined to comment.

Credit Suisse's investment bank, back office, and its Swiss retail bank will bear the brunt of the bloodletting, with at least 7,000 jobs to go in Zurich alone, the person said.

Such plans indicate that UBS wants to absorb Credit Suisse's domestic business, streamlining operations and cutting costs in the process, a controversial decision which could trigger concerns about the bank's domestic market dominance.

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Relationship managers overseeing large client accounts as well as corporate bankers in Switzerland are likely to be less affected by the cull, the person added.

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If implemented, the total job cuts would amount to more than 30,000. Total job losses could reach 35,000, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday.

The Swiss Bank Employees Association would not comment on the reported numbers, but reiterated its concern about the impact of the bank's plans.

"The major changes in the financial centre would change the face of Switzerland," it said in a written response to a Reuters request for comment.

"After more than three months the uncertainty and frustration are on the rise, also because of such media reports," the association said, while calling on UBS to cooperate with its social partners on solutions that would ensure financial market stability.

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The staff association had previously demanded that UBS keep job cuts to an "absolute minimum".

Earlier this month, UBS Chief Executive Sergio Ermotti warned of painful decisions about job cuts following the takeover of Credit Suisse, but provided no numbers.

Reuters reported last week reported that UBS will cut Asia investment banking jobs at Credit Suisse next month, with significant reduction in investment bankers covering Australia and China.

UBS completed its emergency takeover of embattled rival Credit Suisse in June, forging a Swiss banking and wealth management giant with a $1.6 trillion balance sheet and overseeing more than $5 trillion in assets. -Reuters
A man convicted of drug dealing is challenging the lawfulness of a condition attached to a sentence imposed on him four years ago that he must leave the country upon his release from prison.

Lukasz Mroz, a Polish national living in Ireland since 2009, was sentenced in March 2019 to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to possessing about 611,000 worth of cannabis and amphetamines for sale and supply. The final year was suspended on the condition that he would leave Ireland for 10 years upon his release from jail.

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Mroz (39), whose sentence was backdated to October 2017, says he was granted early release last July. He was held in custody until January on foot of European arrest warrants issued in Poland that were refused by the Irish High Court as they did not comply with requirements under the relevant law, he says.

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He was released in January and is now subject to the terms of the suspended sentence.

The Minister for Justice issued him with a removal and exclusion order but, following submissions from him, withdrew the proposal, he says.

Requirement to leave State

Mroz, a car-wash labourer with an address at Old County Road, Dublin, is asking the High Court to quash the condition imposed in March 2019 at Tullamore Circuit Court requiring him to leave the State.

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He claims in legal papers that the Circuit Court judge who imposed the condition failed to carry out a fair and lawful proportionality assessment and this was a breach of Mrozs Constitutional, European Convention and fundamental Charter rights.

There was a failure to make a finding that Mroz represented a danger for public policy or public security, he alleges. The judge should also have made a provision for Mroz to be assessed at the time of his release to determine if he presented a threat in public security, Mroz says.

An alleged failure to take into account Mrozs substantial private life within this State was a further error, Mroz claims. The condition, he says, has a disproportionately punitive effect such that it fell outside the Circuit Court judges discretionary powers.

'Fresh start'

In a sworn statement, Mroz says he came to Ireland in 2009 to make a fresh start having fled Poland following his conviction for a number of offences including theft, robbery and assault.

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He began to use drugs, became homeless and was offered accommodation in return for storing drugs, he claims. He says he accepted this offer as he was desperate and hopeless and he then could not back out.

In prison, he says, he engaged with a prison psychologist, completed a course in welding, and worked in the kitchen. He considers Ireland to be his home, and he wants to put his difficulties behind him and lead a good and fulfilling life.

Mroz says he will be arrested and detained on foot of the warrants underlying the refused European arrest warrants if he returns to Poland. He also says it is unlikely he will be permitted entry to any other state due to his significant criminal record.

The High Court this week directed Mroz, represented by barrister Leonora Frawley, to notify the respondent Director of Public Prosecutions about his case and his application seeking permission to pursue his claims.

Mr Justice Charles Meenan adjourned the case until July 18th.
The English Market and Cork City Council have launched a campaign to help find the next new traders for the famous market.

The new campaign titled Start Your Story, presents a unique opportunity for food entrepreneurs to join a community of traders and start a new business at the world renowned market.

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The English Market is seeking applications and expressions of interest from innovative, artisan and high quality food producers and providers nationwide. Vacancies at the market are rare, however there are currently four primely placed market stalls available to let to the right candidates.

The English Market, located at the heart of the city, stretching from Princes Street to Grand Parade and was founded in 1788. It is open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

This opportunity offers both established and budding food entrepreneurs the chance to share their passion with the thousands of locals and visitors, such as heads of state, celebrities and tourists, who shop at the English Market.

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Brendan Walsh, Property Manager at the English Market added: In addition to its long-standing reputation as one of the finest food markets known around the world, successful applicants can expect to operate from a high-quality fully fitted unit and avail of low monthly rates that include management, marketing and overhead facilities. This is a unique opportunity to be a part of history and to bring forth a new era of innovative food businesses in the market.

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All proposals are welcome and will be considered by a specialist panel to ensure new traders selected will be in keeping with the values of the market. Applicants who can demonstrate a commitment to innovation and sustainable food practices, from low food miles to compostable packaging, will be in strong contention.
DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson said he took the decision to withdraw the Northern Ireland First Minister with great reluctance.

Then-first minister Paul Givan resigned in February 2022, while other ministers remained in post and could take a limited number of decisions.

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Since then an Assembly election saw Sinn Fein overtake the DUP to become the largest party. This means Sinn Fein is currently entitled to nominate the next First Minister, and the DUP to nominate the next deputy First Minister.

However, the Assembly has remained effectively collapsed while the DUP refuses to participate until their concerns around the Northern Ireland Protocol are addressed by the British government.

Former First Minister of Northern Ireland Paul Givan (Peter Morrison/PA)

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Giving evidence to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee in Westminster on Wednesday, Mr Donaldson described his decision as proportionate.

It was with great reluctance that I took the decision in February 2022 to withdraw the First Minister, he told MPs.

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I felt it was a proportionate decision that would buy time to allow for negotiation to take place whilst all the departmental ministers remained in place, albeit the executive itself couldnt meet, but at least there were ministers in post and that enabled a degree of decision-making within government departments.

So I was hoping that within that period, that we would see meaningful engagement and negotiation leading to solutions in terms of the concerns that Unionists have about the agreement.

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Mr Donaldson stressed the importance of consensus in Northern Ireland politics, quoting former SDLP leader John Hume: In a divided society, you cannot operate on majority rule, youve got to operate on the basis of consensus.

Leader of the DUP Jeffrey Donaldson (Liam McBurney/PA)

John Hume championed the concept of consensus and the reality is that at the moment in Northern Ireland, that cross-community consensus in relation to some very fundamental issues that impact on the day-to-day lives of the people of Northern Ireland, arising from the Northern Ireland Protocol as part of the EU Withdrawal Agreement, means that that consensus has been seriously undermined, he said.

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We sought to resolve those issues whilst the Executive remained in place, we were party to the New Decade, New Approach Agreement at the beginning of 2020, we worked in good faith, and a key commitment in that agreement was an undertaking by the United Kingdom Government to ensure that our place in the internal market of the United Kingdom would be protected in any post Brexit arrangements.

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The protocol doesnt do that, and it is now acknowledged by the Government and indeed by the Irish Prime Minister, the current Taoiseach, that the protocol actually harmed our ability to trade with the rest of the United Kingdom.

Mr Donaldson started his evidence by outlining his partys opposition to the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

While Mr Donaldson was not a member of the DUP at that point, as a UUP member he walked out of the talks before the final agreement was signed.

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He told MPs there was nothing for victims of the Troubles in the agreement, while paramilitary prisoners were released.

Mr Donaldson said there were also concerns around proposals to reform policing, saying they did not want the then-RUC to be scapegoated, and also concerns around how the institutions would operate.

He added that many of their concerns around significant flaws in the 1998 deal were dealt with at St Andrews in 2006.

But he said that the change to how the First Minister and deputy First Ministers are nominated, as opposed to the original method of being elected by the Assembly, was made by the British government, not requested by the DUP.

Mr Donaldson also stressed that he wants to see a greater normalisation of politics.
The DUP is waiting for a response from the UK government on proposals around the Windsor Framework, while Sinn Fein has challenged the party to end the blockade of Stormont.

The Northern Ireland Assembly has been in flux for more than a year since the DUP withdrew first minister Paul Givan as it pressed the UK government to address unionist concerns around post-Brexit arrangements.

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Appearing at the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on Wednesday, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said his party had submitted a document to the UK government which was understood to outline what it needed to re-enter Stormont.

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The Windsor Framework is due to come into force in October.

We have put that paper to the government. We want to give the government time to respond to that and I think its important we respect the integrity of that process, he told MPs.

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Well see what the government responds with and then we can determine what we say publicly, obviously, the outcome of this process will become a matter of public record, it has to do, but I want to ensure that we get the right outcome.

Mr Donaldson said his party was looking for protection for the ability of Northern Irelands businesses to trade with the rest of the UK in the event that theres future divergence between UK law and EU law.

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DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson was giving evidence to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee (House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA)

I dont think its unreasonable to say to the government of the United Kingdom, we need to ensure that where divergence may occur in the future between EU law which applies to the manufacture of goods in Northern Ireland and UK law, that the government will ensure that we can continue to have access to the internal market of the United Kingdom and the changes to either UK law or EU law will not inhibit our ability to trade within our own country, he said.

That in essence is what were looking for.

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Since Mr Givan resigned in February 2022, an Assembly election saw Sinn Fein overtake the DUP to become the largest party.

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This means Sinn Fein is currently entitled to nominate the next first minister, and the DUP to nominate the next deputy first minister.

But the Assembly has remained effectively collapsed while the DUP refuses to participate.

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Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said his decision to withdraw Paul Givan (pictured) as first minister in February 2022 was proportionate (Peter Morrison/PA)

Mr Donaldson told MPs that he wanted to see devolution restored, and rejected claims by some that his party was reluctant to re-enter Stormont.

There are some who allege that the DUPs reluctance to go back into powersharing is because of the way in which the first minister and deputy first minister will operate going forward. They are joint offices. When devolution returns, we will nominate a minister to that office. We are very clear about that, that is not the issue for us, he said.

He insisted his decision to withdraw Mr Givan as first minister in February 2022 was proportionate.

It was with great reluctance that I took the decision in February 2022 to withdraw the first minister, he told MPs.

I felt it was a proportionate decision that would buy time to allow for negotiation to take place whilst all the departmental ministers remained in place, albeit the Executive itself couldnt meet, but at least there were ministers in post and that enabled a degree of decision-making within government departments.

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Mr Donaldson said he had hoped that would have prompted meaningful engagement and negotiation leading to solutions in terms of the concerns that unionists have about the agreement.

He stressed the importance of consensus in Northern Ireland politics, quoting former SDLP leader John Hume, and said the Northern Ireland Protocol had seriously undermined consensus.

But Sinn Fein MLA Conor Murphy has called on the DUP to end its blockade of the political institutions.

The time for excuses and delay is long past. What the public need to hear now from Jeffrey Donaldson and the DUP is that they are ending their blockade and going back to work, he said.

The onus is on Jeffrey Donaldson to act in the public interest and stop putting his party before the people who want and deserve government and the proper delivery of public services.

Sinn Fein stands ready to form an Executive today, and to work together with all the parties to support public services and deliver for the people we collectively represent.
Government has asked the UK government for the earliest possible sight of the terms of reference for its Omagh bomb inquiry to clarify what its involvement will be.

Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin and Minister for Justice Helen McEntee met with family members of some of those who lost their lives in the dissident republican blast which hit the Co Tyrone town on August 15th, 1998.

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The bomb killed 29 people, including a woman pregnant with twins, and injured hundreds of others.

Omagh bomb campaigners Stanley McCombe, left, and Michael Gallagher (Brian Lawless/PA)

In 2021, a Belfast High Court judge recommended that the UK government carry out an investigation into alleged security failings in the lead up to the attack, and that a similar investigation should be established by the Government.

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The UKs Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris announced in February that there would be an independent inquiry into the fatal explosion, and Lord Turnbull has been appointed as the chair.

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Omagh bomb campaigners Stanley McCombe, who lost his wife Ann; Michael Gallagher, who lost his son Aiden; and his daughter Cat Gallagher-Wilkinson met with the senior Irish government figures in Iveagh House in Dublin for over an hour on Wednesday.

Prior to the meeting, Mr Gallagher said there was a strong cross-border element to the bombing, and that if an inquiry was not held in the Republic, he said it would be like reading half a book.

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Cat Gallagher-Wilkinson, centre, met with Tanaiste Micheal Martin, right, and justice minister Helen McEntee, left, at Iveagh House in Dublin (Department of Foreign Affairs/PA)

Eighty per cent of the evidential opportunities lie within the Republic. I think the Irish government realise that they have a serious part to play in all of this. Were looking forward to hearing what they have to say this afternoon, he said.

John Fox, a solicitor for the Omagh families, said after the meeting that it had been very positive.

It was reconfirmed by the Irish government that they are committed to co-operating with any forthcoming inquiry, he said.

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They are going to take away from the meeting today to look at the mechanisms in which that co-operation can be placed, and once the terms of reference are known, they can then implement that mechanism and co-operate fully with us as the families to make sure that we get to truth and justice.

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Fine Gael senator Emer Currie told the PA news agency that it was a crucial meeting for the families, which was about opening the lines of communication on what next steps the Irish government intended to take.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin, centre left, said it was important to hear from the families (Department of Foreign Affairs/PA)

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Ms Currie, the daughter of founding member of the SDLP Austin Currie, said that it was also about reassuring the families about how seriously the Irish government was taking this.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Martin said that when there was clarity on the UK inquiry, cabinet would consider the response Ireland would make.

He said it was important to hear from the families about how the Irish government could assist them.

We are currently waiting on the publication of the terms of reference for the statutory inquiry into the Omagh bombing, announced earlier this year by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, he said.

Last week, in London, I asked Chris Heaton-Harris for the earliest possible sight of those terms of reference now that a chair of the Omagh Bombing Inquiry has been announced.

Good to meet the families affected Omagh bombing with @HMcEntee today to hear their views on how this Government can help them in their search for answers.



The needs of the victims of that unspeakable attack will be at the heart of any action that the Government takes. pic.twitter.com/KD0Zu9Etgm Advertisement  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) June 28, 2023

When we have clarity on the nature of the UK inquiry, I will then consider, along with the minister for justice and my cabinet colleagues, the next steps in this jurisdiction.

The needs of the victims of that unspeakable attack will be at the heart of any action that the government takes.

As we approach the 25th anniversary of the attack, we will not be found wanting.

The Omagh bombing was a savage attack, carried out with disregard for the people of this island. It also showed total disregard for the overwhelming support for the Good Friday Agreement which was shown in referendums just months before the bombing.

Ms McEntee spoke in the Dail on Tuesday night about the Omagh bomb attack, ahead of its 25th anniversary this August.

It was a brutal atrocity and an act of mass murder, she said.

The terrorists who carried it out had simply no sense of humanity. It is they who carry responsibility for this cruel act and we must never forget that.

Earlier this year, the UK announced its intention to establish an inquiry into the preventability of the Omagh bombing.

We await further detail regarding the terms of reference of the inquiry.

As has been done in relation to a number of historical inquiries, this state will co-operate fully as may be required.
Hotels in Dublin are engaged in rampant price gouging on the dates of US pop star Taylor Swifts concerts, a TD has claimed.

There is not a hotel room available in Dublin for less than 350 on the dates of the Eras tour shows next year, Independent TD Thomas Pringle told the Dail.

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The Donegal representative said he was highlighting the Swift concerts as the star has many young fans who will travel with their parents, as he raised the matter with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar during Leaders Questions on Wednesday.

There was huge excitement last week when Swift announced her world tour, which will visit the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on June 28th and 29th, 2024.

Mr Pringle said while many young people are preoccupied with securing tickets for the shows, their parents are anxious about being able to afford accommodation.

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He blasted a disgraceful display of greed.

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From looking at booking.com this morning, there isnt a single hotel room available in Dublin for under 350 euro for either of the nights of the Taylor Swift concerts, and they are on next year, he said.

As if that isnt expensive enough, we have in recent days seen rampant price gouging from Dublin hotels, some raising the price of a room from 359 to an incredible 999 for the night of the concert, and this was before the tickets have even been released.

Taylor Swift will play two nights in Dublin in a years time (Ian West/PA)

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And its not just hotels that are guilty of price gouging  one landlord has a two-bedroom apartment they priced at 20,000 for the same weekend.

He said the issue is nothing new or unique and has happened before with concerts and sporting events, and pressed Mr Varadkar on what he would do about it.

Responding, Mr Varadkar said he has spoken to hoteliers on the matter and said they have their own story to tell.

He said there is a dilemma in that there are not enough hotels in the city of Dublin, but with the ongoing housing crisis they dont want to see more new hotels being built, but new houses instead.

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I have spoken hoteliers about this. They have their story to tell, and their story to tell us that the coverage in the media has been unfair, he told TDs.

He said hotels told him that if you try to book a hotel more than a year in advance, you get the rack rate, which is not necessarily the rate that they charge, adding that they wanted that point to be made.

Ive made the point very strongly back to them, and it is that price gouging and taking advantage of people and hiking prices on very popular weekends is bad business. Its how your business gets a bad reputation, its how your city or town gets a bad reputation and its how your wider industry gets a bad reputation, and it doesnt make good business sense in the long term, he said.

And we saw that happen before when Dublin in particular but Ireland in general got a reputation for being a very high-cost place to visit, and I hope theyll take that point on board.

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Mr Pringle blasted a sad response.

Surely the Government has to take some action at some point  the Government can actually prevent it (price gouging) from happening, he said.

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Mr Varadkar hit back, saying Mr Pringle had not suggested any proposals or solutions.

Youve been very critical of the Government, of hoteliers, of everyone and of me personally  you havent actually put forward a constructive solution. So if you have one, put it forward and we will give it consideration, he added.
Representatives from RTE have appeared before the Oireachtas Media Committee to answer questions following revelations concerning payments to former Late Late Show presenter Ryan Tubridy.

Former RTE director general Dee Forbes, who resigned from her position on Monday, did not appear before the committee on health grounds. Jim Jennings, RTE's director of content, was also unavailable to attend.

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Here's some key points raised during the committee hearing:

Watch continued coverage as the Joint Ctte on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport & Media meets to discuss recent revelations concerning the transparency of @rte's expenditure of public funds & governance issues following the statement issued by the RTE Board.https://t.co/GbTW1DYjkk pic.twitter.com/801qfMUPpO  Houses of the Oireachtas - Tithe an Oireachtais (@OireachtasNews) June 28, 2023

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Members of RTE's board and executive arrived at Leinster House on Wednesday afternoon to give evidence to the joint committee on tourism, culture, arts, sport and media, following a scandal over misstated payments to star presenter Ryan Tubridy.

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Chairwoman of the board Siun Ni Raghallaigh, board member Anne OLeary, and staff representative to the board Robert Shortt arrived together.

Interim deputy director-general Adrian Lynch, commercial director Geraldine OLeary, strategy director Rory Coveney and chief financial officer Richard Collins arrived a short time later.

RTE board chairwoman Siun Ni Raghallaigh expressed profound regret about the misreported payments scandal, telling members of the Oireachtas Media Committee that the broadcaster fell far short of the standards expected of us as an organisation.

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At the opening of a meeting of the media scrutiny committee, Ms Ni Raghallaigh said: I apologise for this egregious breach of trust with the public.

I am also mindful that this committee, and others, were in the past presented with information that was simply untrue. That was a breach of trust with you, the elected members of the Oireachtas, for which we sincerely apologise.

The public, RTE staff, and public representatives are angry and hurt.

We know that our bond of trust with the public is tarnished.

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We know that trust is precious, and that once lost, trust is difficult to regain.

Step by step we will work to rebuild that trust.

We will not flinch in this regard. We know that this will be challenging, but we are committed to doing so, in order that confidence in Irelands national public service broadcaster can be restored.

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RTE commercial director Geraldine O'Leary (left), interim deputy director general Adrian Lynch (centre) and chief financial officer Richard Collins (right) arriving at Leinster House. Photo: PA Images

She also used her opening statement to restate how the issues were identified during a routine audit of the 2022 accounts, and addressed questions around whether Tubridy was paid an exit fee at the end of a contract in 2019.

For the record, I want to confirm that he did not receive an exit fee, she said.

Ms Ni Raghallaigh said RTE was committed to working closely with the Government commissioned external review of the broadcaster.

She added: I also wish at this point to acknowledge the upset and distress being caused to the independent production sector in Ireland, a community I know well. Their wellbeing is very much contingent on the wellbeing of RTE also.

As I have said previously, RTE is an organisation of more than 1,800 people. I apologise to each and every one of them for the distress they are experiencing as they deal with the shadow that has fallen over this organisation.

I want to assure this committee and the public that the board is committed to ensuring that we get full clarity on this, that there is accountability for it, and that it never happens again.

RTE commercial director Geraldine OLeary said she did not construct the tripartite deal involving the national broadcaster, star presenter Ryan Tubridy, and Renault as a commercial partner.

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I was not in the room, I was not part of the negotiations.

Responding to a question at the media committee member from Sinn Fein TD Imelda Munster, Ms OLeary said: When the negotiations had been done. I was advised by the then CFO and the director general there was a commercial element being introduced to this multi-annual talent deal, which was the first time anything like this had come to me.

On two occasions, Tubridys agent raised invoices of 75,000 with a barter company  typically a middle party in a business negotiation.

The invoices for the payments referenced consultancy fees.

Asked if she advocated for the payments to be listed as consultancy fees, Ms OLeary said she could not remember the precise detail.

She said there was an urgency to pay the invoices.

RTE chief financial officer Richard Collins said he had no oversight of the barter account payments relating to presenter Ryan Tubridy.

Youve got to understand, the barter account was under the control of the commercial division  outside of finance.

The director-general obviously took a close interest in this barter account. These transactions were processed through the barter account.

He said he was oblivious to the payments under the barter account: They came on my radar when they were raised by the auditors in March 2023.

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Mr Collins said when the misstated figures for Tubridys earnings were published, the finance division can only report what we know and what were told.

RTE chief financial officer Richard Collins said the mis-stated fees for Ryan Tubridy between 2017-2019 relate to a loyalty bonus he was owed which was credited against his earnings.

Sinn Fein TD Imelda Munster asked Mr Collins about the 120,000 of previously undisclosed payments from RTE to Mr Tubridy between 2017-2019.

Mr Collins said: This was an adjustment that was made to the figures.

Basically, in short, Ryan Tubridy was due a loyalty bonus at the end of his contract of 120,000.

That was never paid, was never accrued from the accounts, but for an unexplained reason that 120,000 was credited against his earnings between 2017 and 2019.

Thats under investigation at the moment by [external financial services firm] Grant Thornton.

He said this was signed off by former director general Dee Forbes and the CFO of the time.

RTE commercial director Geraldine OLeary categorically said the decision to use the barter account for payments relating to star presenter Ryan Tubridy was made by former director general Dee Forbes.

Responding to a question from Fine Gael senator Micheal Carrigy, she said to her knowledge no other talent deal had come through the commercial department prior to the tripartite deal involving Mr Tubridy and a commercial partner.

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RTE board chairperson Siun Ni Raghallaigh (left), board member Anne O'Leary (back centre) and staff representative to the board Robert Shortt (right) arriving at Leinster House. Photo: PA Images

RTE interim deputy director-general Adrian Lynch said that underwriting commercial payments to Ryan Tubridy should never have happened and led to incorrect fee figures being published.

He said the verbal guarantee made on May 7th, 2020, by RTE to underwrite the commercial payments to Mr Tubridy was critical and the significant thing at the centre of this.

When the sponsor did pull out, he told the committee that RTE should have declared Ryan Tubridys earnings.

He said he was not aware of the full aspects of the commercial deal.

I had absolutely no awareness of how this deal was operationalised, in terms of where it was paid from or the relationship with the client, no.

He added: What happened here was, it comes back to the underwriting of this arrangement, because RTE should never underwrite a commercial agreement and, in relation to a talent, to say that they will pay out of public funds to that talent.

So that is what then led to incorrect figures being published, completely lacking in transparency and a complete breach of corporate governance.

Adrian Lynch said Ryan Tubridys agent was particularly focused on getting a guarantee and that the legal position was that it should not be provided.

Ive reviewed some of the correspondence around this and the agent was particularly focused on getting a guarantee, which there was no record that  outside of the verbal agreement  that this was provided, and the legal position was it shouldnt be provided, he told the committee.

He added each presenter has a right to representation if they so wish.

As an agent, he (Noel Kelly of NK Management) is going to derive the best bargain he can for his clients.

He said that it was not clear who initiated the idea of the payments from 2020-2022 being labelled as consultancy services.

When asked by Senator Shane Cassells whether Ryan Tubridy would appear back on RTE Radio, Mr Lynch said: At the moment, obviously, for editorial reasons, its impossible for Ryan Tubridy (to be) back on air.

When asked would he be back on air in the long term, Mr Lynch added: Again, I would just say for editorial reasons, he is not on air at the moment.

Asked later how many members of RTE staff are represented by Noel Kelly Management, Mr Lynch said: It could be four or five.

In response, Senator Malcolm Byrne said: I do find it surprising the executive board dont know how many people are represented.

RTE board chair Siun Ni Raghallaigh said former director-general Dee Forbes had been invited to participate in a process with an intermediary prior to her resignation.

She was responding to Independent TD Mattie McGrath, who also called for a garda investigation into the payments scandal.

He said RTE must take the public for patsies and fools.

Its unbelievable. I mean, Putin wouldnt get away with some of the tricks you got away with.

RTE interim deputy director general Adrian Lynch. Photo: PA Wire

Robert Shortt, RTE's economics correspondent and staff representative on the broadcasters board, told the committee of the challenge in rebuilding trust in the organisation.

Many of my colleagues have spoken far more eloquently than I could about the anger that they felt, he said.

We also had the protests yesterday, but my colleagues are also acutely aware of the need to keep doing their jobs, and theyre committed to keep doing their jobs. I think thats going to be a key part of rebuilding trust in RTE.

Labour senator Marie Sherlock pressed RTE commercial director Geraldine OLeary on the two 75,000 invoices paid out to Mr Tubridys agent in 2022 and queried why she had not asked questions about the transactions.

Im not normally somebody who raises invoices, thats not part of what I do, she replied.

So, this was an unusual situation where I was asked by the director general to raise invoices or to advise my assistant to raise invoices for NKM (management company).

She added: The way I understood it at the time was that there was no budget, the director general didnt have a budget at her disposal and she asked me to use the barter account.

RTE interim director general Adrian Lynch said correspondence around the undeclared payments to Ryan Tubridy represented the total opposite of good governance and transparency.

He said: This is not good reading in terms of corporate governance or transparency, in fact its the total opposite.

So, from an exec board point of view, we absolutely own the fact that this feels siloed, fragmented.

Cork TD Christopher OSullivan said his first memories of RTE were of Bosco.

My first memories were of Bosco and his magic door, and then you have obviously 40 coats with his 50 pockets, and it clearly seems to me that Bosco and his magic door are clearly still present in RTE, and so are his 40 coats and his 50 pockets, and I think that culture has to be changed, it has to be stamped out, and Im not sure if the current executive board are the people who can do that, but well see what happens.

RTE board chairwoman Siun Ni Raghallaigh said the management of the organisation has to seriously be addressed.

We have very much a cultural issue within the organisation, you can see, this is why were here, she told the committee.

Its a culture thats in there that accepts that well, thats approved by the DG, so Im not going to talk about it.

Culture comes from the top down and theres a role for the executive board now to actually own what the issues are here and discuss it with the board.

I think all of the people here (RTE executives) would agree here now that thats wrong.

For the board and for me, and Im only there seven months, but for me that was the shocking part of it as well, that there wasnt the conversations that we all would assume would happen, but each of them in their own individual area  its siloed.

She added: Culture comes from the top down and theres a role for the executive board now to actually own what the issues are here and discuss it with the board.

We have to talk that through in terms of how that has permeated right down into the organisation.

All seven witnesses before the committee were asked if they were aware of the guaranteeing and underwriting of the undeclared payments to Ryan Tubridy.

RTE commercial director Geraldine OLeary answered that she only knew about the commercial element of the deal and said it was clear to her subsequently that it was underwritten by RTE.

She said she first saw the invoices in March of this year, but that an invoice had been raised previously within her office in May 2020. She said that Mr Tubridys name was not on the invoices.

It became obvious to me that there was obviously some commitment to pay the money when I was asked to raise the invoices, but I only found out subsequently that it was underwritten, she said.

They were raised in my office but I didnt see the invoices. I didnt see the actual terminology of the invoices.

The conversation about whether consultancy fees, which Ive said consistently, it may well have been a conversation (between) me and the director general, but I dont want to say it was because I cannot remember the precise conversation.

RTEs commercial director Geraldine OLeary said deals between presenters and motor companies over the provision of cars for personal use do not come through the commercial division.

Interim deputy director general Adrian Lynch said he is pretty confident that no journalist in the broadcasters news division has a deal with a car brand.

Senator Fintan Warfield asked if it was a conflict of interest for an RTE presenter to interview someone who is represented by the same agent, with Mr Lynch saying RTE works under the highest editorial standards.

However, he said listeners or viewers are entitled to know if that is the case.

Mr Warfield questioned whether there were grounds for an investigation into potential price-fixing or anti-competitive behaviour in the relationship between RTE and talent agency NK Management, which represents several of the broadcasters top presenters.

Chair of the RTE boards audit and risk committee Anne OLeary said she was concerned about those contracts.

One of the things Im putting on the agenda for the next audit and risk committee is to get an internal audit first so we get some more detail before I may have to do a more serious audit.

But I take your concerns, and Im very concerned about it as well.

RTE chief financial officer Richard Collins said the national broadcaster is reviewing all transactions in a barter account used by the organisations commercial division, following a scandal involving mis-stated payments to presenter Ryan Tubridy through the account.

He said the thorough investigation would take a number of weeks.

However, he said there is nothing that stands out in an initial overview.

Responding to Alan Dillon TD, Mr Collins said: I mean, the issue here that happened is that an invoice was mislabelled  the true nature of the invoice was concealed.

Mr Dillon asked commercial director Geraldine OLeary if there were any other payments for RTE talent that were off balance sheet.

She responded: Not in relation to talent, absolutely not.

In relation to the payments to Mr Tubridy, Ms OLeary said she was aware the barter account invoices were being directed to the presenter.

However, she said: I had no understanding if there was any motivation that these were secret payments.

As I understood it  and subsequently has been proven  there was a commitment to make these payments whether there was a commercial activity or not.

The relationship between the exec board members is quite siloed in terms of information.

She said she had no reason to doubt the former director general Dee Forbess intention when she asked her to raise the invoices on the barter account.

Asked if she had considered the ongoing restructuring of pay for presenters at the time, Ms OLeary said: I had no idea what the 75,000 represented in terms of Ryan Tubridys overall earnings, because thats not something that Im privy to.

All I knew was that there was this element of a multi-element deal which I was being asked to work through.

Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon asked interim deputy director general Adrian Lynch if the failures in the process are solely on the shoulders of Ms Forbes.

Mr Lynch said: The relationship between the exec board members is quite siloed in terms of information.

That information wasnt shared around the payments, for example.

So, in terms of good practice, you can see theres a lot of bad practice.

Interim deputy director general Adrian Lynch confirmed Ryan Tubridy was still getting paid while he was off-air.

He also said he did not believe the discovery of the payments by the auditors was related to Mr Tubridys decision to quit the Late Late Show.

From what I can see in terms of the timeline, there is no relationship between these payments and the decision to step down from the Late Late Show, he said.

Mr Lynch insisted he knew absolutely nothing about RTE underpinning the payments as part of the initial tripartite deal with Renault.

There was a commercial decision made to give an undertaking to underwrite the commercial agreement, that is a commercial decision which comes with risks, he said.

When the wheels came off the bus slightly in that, it then meant that was activated and money was paid directly from RTE to Ryan Tubridy, and that then impacted the account we published.

He added: I knew absolutely nothing about that. I can say that hand on heart. I had no idea that a guarantee had been given regarding this arrangement.

Mr Lynch said the current executive board was prepared to own the issues that have emerged.

As an exec board, we totally recognise that there has been a serious breach of corporate governance here and lack of transparency, and completely own that, he said.

And, working with the chair, were completely committed to rebuilding good practice.

Board chair Siun Ni Raghallaigh said: In terms of the culture in the organisation, its not correct, theres silos, the executive board is not functioning as an executive board should and we have to address this.

Lets call a spade a spade, Dee Forbes is being thrown under a bus here.

Independent TD Peter Fitzpatrick said he could not understand how only Dee Forbes knew about the misreporting of the payments.

Lets call a spade a spade, Dee Forbes is being thrown under a bus here, he said.

Mr Lynch also confirmed Tubridy is still in contract with the national broadcaster.

Asked by Sinn Fein TD John Brady about Mr Tubridys exact contractual position, Adrian Lynch said the presenter is currently in contract.

He added: The contract that he was on in terms of for providing TV services as well as radio finished on 31st of May, and there was a process to renegotiate the radio-only contract, which at the moment is suspended.

RTEs commercial director Geraldine OLeary told the committee that a review had found there was nothing fraudulent or illegal in payments made into a barter account used by the organisations commercial division.

Sinn Fein TD John Brady said: In relation to the barter account, that is solely operated by the commercial director.

To refer back to the Grant Thornton report, it talks about the consultancy fees. It says they did not reflect the substance of the transactions, the talent agent did not provide consultancy.

Many would construe that as a fraudulent invoice, a fraudulent payment, based on that.

Ms OLeary said: The Arthur Cox review of who oversaw this said there was nothing fraudulent or illegal about any of the transactions.

Mr Brady said: There is a view there that nothing is fraudulent, and that is being checked by the law section within RTE?

Ms OLeary said: That is what we are being told.

RTE board chair Siun Ni Raghallaigh has revealed that she asked former director general Dee Forbes to resign on June 16th.

That was almost a full week before the controversy became public.

RTE interim deputy director general Adrian Lynch said an agreement for a 75,000 payment from the broadcaster to Ryan Tubridy was made verbally between former director general Dee Forbes and Tubridys agent.

Sinn Fein TD John Brady asked the committee: In terms of the five-year contract that was negotiated with Ryan Tubridy, we know of the clause for 75,000 in additional payments to Mr Tubridy.

Where is the writing that RTE agreed to underwrite that agreement. Is there a side letter?

Mr Lynch said: I went through all the files to see if there was a side letter in relation to that.

It was a verbal agreement given by the director general to Noel Kelly (Tubridys agent).

Chair of the RTE board Siun Ni Raghallaigh said the pay deal relating to incoming Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty has yet to come before the boards remuneration committee.

The deal was agreed with the chief financial officer.

Interim deputy director general Adrian Lynch said RTE could publish the deal with Mr Kieltys agreement.

Media committee chair Niamh Smyth again asked the RTE executive how many members of staff are represented by NK Management.

RTEs director of strategy Rory Coveney said it was a considerable number, with commercial director Geraldine OLeary said it was in double figures.

Clarifying his earlier remarks, Mr Lynch said it was around 10 or 11  adding he had been referring to the 10 earners when he said four or five earlier in the committee.

He said an exact figure could shortly be provided to the committee.

Incoming RTE director general Kevin Bakhurst intends to undertake deep reform of corporate governance at the broadcaster, an Oireachtas committee has been told.

RTE interim deputy director general Adrian Lynch said that corporate governance in the organisation had failed completely during the process which led to undeclared payments to presenter Ryan Tubridy.

Mr Lynch said: In terms of the incoming DG and having spoken to him this week, his plan is in terms of corporate governance that there will be deep reform.

In this event the corporate governance has failed completely.

But I think it is not systemic in the organisation in terms of the controls that are in place.

There are controls in place, in this particular instance they were over-ridden.

The seven RTE witnesses were asked if it was plausible for the public to believe that only one person within the organisation knew about secret payments to Ryan Tubridy.

Fine Gael TD Ciaran Cannon asked: Do you think that the public find it exceptionally difficult, if not impossible, to believe that an arrangement could have been put in place with Ryan Tubridy, a highly unusual arrangement, one that went above normal corporate practices within RTE, and that only one person in the whole organisation was aware of it, only one person dictated that it would occur?

Do you accept that the public find it exceptionally difficult to accept the element of your statement last night that ultimately the responsibility for this rests with one individual?

RTE interim deputy director general Adrian Lynch said: Ryan Tubridys actual contract is a lawful contract.

The tripartite agreement would be a lawful commercial arrangement and is, whatever you think about it.

Where this entire story changed was the decision to underwrite an agreement because the consequence of that meant the figures that were published were inaccurate.

Just to be clear, I did not know anything about these payments and how they were made. I did not know they would impact the top 10 earnings.

RTE board chair Siun Ni Raghallaigh explained why she has asked Dee Forbes to quit.

When the Grant Thornton report was delivered to the (RTE boards) audit and risk committee, the audit and risk committee made recommendations and one of those recommendations was to ask for her resignation, she said.

Fine Gael TD Brendan Griffin said it was a monumental error to ask the director general to resign, and then accept her resignation, as it had deprived the committee of the opportunity to get her to come face questions.

He questioned whether board members should be considering their own positions for allowing Ms Forbes to quit before she had faced parliamentarians.

Ms Ni Raghallaigh conceded that board members had not talked about the implications for the parliamentary committees when deliberating over Ms Forbes resignation.

Our decisions taken around that were what we agreed as a board because we felt that what had happened was shocking, she said.

The chair added: She (Ms Forbes) still has the option to come before the committee.

Mr Griffin also asked about the reference in the report to internal push back against Ms Forbes decision to underwrite the commercial deal.

Interim deputy director general Adrian Lynch replied: That would have been legal advising around the risks of signing something like this.

The TD then asked Mr Lynch if RTE would consider publishing details of its top 100 earners, rather than just the top ten.

I just like to also say that in terms of publishing the top 100 or whatever most people in RTE are not paid a lot of money, he said. Thats a very important thing to say in terms of the staff.

Mr Lynch was also asked why Dee Forbes had not been asked to give her version of events in the Tuesday statement.

That was about getting the information out to the public as quick as possible but being sure enough of the facts, he said.

He denied he was afraid what Ms Forbes response would be.

The interim deputy director general again dismissed a suggestion that the discovery of the invoices on March 17th was linked to Mr Tubridys announcement that he was leaving the Late Late Show on March 16th.

Ryan Tubridy wouldnt have been aware that these invoices, which were lawful by the way from his point of view, had been discovered, he said.

Mr Lynch also confirmed that RTE would be prepared to publish details of Patrick Kieltys salary as the new Late Late Show host if Mr Kielty was content with their publication.

RTE interim deputy director general Adrian Lynch said it was untenable to have Ryan Tubridy presenting his radio show while a row about undeclared payments made to him continues.

Fianna Fail TD Cathal Crowe asked who had taken the decision to take Mr Tubridy off the air.

Mr Lynch said the decision rested with him as the acting editor-in-chief.

Mr Crowe asked what had to happen for Mr Tubridy to come back on the air.

Mr Lynch said: At the moment it is not tenable for him to be on air for editorial reasons.

The editorial reason is we wouldnt give our airwaves to anyone who is involved in a controversy, that just wouldnt happen.

Mr Crowe asked Mr Lynch if he was inferring that Mr Tubridy had done something wrong.

Mr Lynch said: Ryan Tubridy entered a lawful contract with RTE.

This is not an editorial issue, this is a significant failure in terms of controls.
Wednesday's front pages are dominated by a continued focus of on the RTE pay scandal as workers staged a protest at RTE headquarters on Tuesday.

The Irish Times and Irish Examiner both focus on RTE staff staging a protest outside their offices on Wednesday after revelations about Ryan Tubridy being paid outside his annual contract.

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The Echo focus on the 150 complaints made about Cork City and County Council to the Ombudsman in 2022.

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Here's the front page of today's Irish Independent pic.twitter.com/QQQUzduXsc  Independent.ie (@Independent_ie) June 28, 2023

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TDs are hoping to finally get some answers from RTE bosses over payments controversy... but will they? pic.twitter.com/cDCcHJ7BPK  The Irish Daily Mail (@irishdailymail) June 28, 2023

Today's Front Page of The Irish Sun pic.twitter.com/0duqxBYW7m Advertisement  The Irish Sun (@IrishSunOnline) June 28, 2023

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Morning, readers. Here's a look at today's front page of the Belfast Telegraph. https://t.co/gUUIrXh4QP



Stay with us for all your breaking news today. pic.twitter.com/nhOX9VQyXM  Belfast Telegraph (@BelTel) June 28, 2023 Advertisement

In the UK, the former health secretarys evidence to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry features in several editions, while planned strikes by doctors are also prominent.

The Daily Mirror says relatives of Covid victims turned their backs on Mr Hancock as they refused to accept his apology to the inquiry.

His words dominate the front of the Daily Express, which says he wanted to be brutally honest with the public over failings in preparing to face a pandemic and that he was profoundly sorry.

Metro also focuses on those failings with Mr Hancock criticising the prioritisation of body bags above fighting the virus, a strategy The Independent describes as completely wrong.

Tomorrow's Paper Today 



Hancock's covid inquiry claim



BODY BAGS A HIGHER PRIORITY THAN THE VIRUS



 Whitehall crisis planning 'completely wrong' before pandemic hit, ex-health secretary says#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/427uqAHLq7 Advertisement  Metro (@MetroUK) June 27, 2023

The Daily Mail warns of the worst strike disruption in NHS history as senior doctors announced a 48-hour strike on the back of a stoppage by junior doctors.

Wednesdays Daily MAIL: 7 DAYS Of NHS Chaos As Senior Doctors Walk Out #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/Ym9iwsvRAo  Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) June 27, 2023

The senior doctors also lead The Daily Telegraph as it says consultants on six-figure salaries will walk out and place the NHS in uncharted territory.

The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph:



Doctors on 100k to walk out over pay#TomorrowsPapersToday



Sign up for the Front Page newsletterhttps://t.co/x8AV4OoUh6 pic.twitter.com/Kx2D0Xf3yf  The Telegraph (@Telegraph) June 27, 2023

The inquest into the death of Nicola Bulley features on several front pages, but The Sun is the only one to lead on it with the text message sent by her partner just before she drowned in the River Wyre.

On tomorrow's front page: Nicola Bulley's partner Paul Ansell's heartbreaking final text to her one hour after tragedyhttps://t.co/14TS9S9idw pic.twitter.com/1flnzytKhr  The Sun (@TheSun) June 27, 2023

Russia continues to play a prominent role on the front pages, the i reporting that president Vladimir Putin has sent a plane to Washington to bring home diplomats.

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Wednesday's front page: Putin's plane flies Russian diplomats home from America#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/g1vzLWveU8  i newspaper (@theipaper) June 27, 2023

And the Financial Times says Mr Putin has admitted paying billions of dollars to fund the Wagner paramilitary group which marched towards Moscow at the weekend.

Wednesdays FINANCIAL Times: Putin admits Kremlin paid billions to bankroll Wagners paramilitaries #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/u8GMbi7As4  Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) June 27, 2023

The Times looks nearer to home as it warns of crises which will force water bills to rise by up to 40 per cent.

Wednesdays TIMES: Water bills will rise by up to 40% amid crises #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/etzIrpQZPd  Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) June 27, 2023

The Guardian concentrates on criticism which says the Governments drive to net-zero is missing targets on nearly every front.

Guardian front page, Wednesday 28 June 2023: Government adviser condemns UK for failed 'leadership' over net zero pic.twitter.com/MmRGM8QftD  The Guardian (@guardian) June 27, 2023

And the Daily Star focuses on the need for dogs to have a holiday.
The High Court has ordered the removal a mortgage charge held by a financial fund over the home of a widow who was defrauded by one of her daughters.

As well as ordering the removal of the charge over Marie Gibson's home, Mr Justice Brian Cregan also ruled that her daughter, Pauline Gibson, should pay her mother 75,000 in exemplary damages for engaging in an "unscrupulous fraud" on her parents, Dublin City Council and the lender of monies.

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The judge further ruled that Kevin O'Gorman, the solicitor who had advised the parties regarding a loan agreement relating to the plaintiff's home, should pay Marie Gibson 5,000 compensatory damages, plus a further 30,000 aggravated damages. The court had previously found the solicitor to have been negligent in the performances of his duties towards Mrs Gibson.

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The judge said he is considering referring the findings he has made in his judgements in respect of Pauline Gibson to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and to the Law Society and the Revenue Commissioners in respect of findings made against Mr O'Gorman.

However, he said he would consider further submissions before making a final decision on those referrals when the matter returns before the court in two weeks' time.

The judge made the findings in proceedings brought by Marie Gibson against Pauline Gibson, Mr O'Gorman, Promontoria Oyster DAC which held the charge, and a receiver it appointed over the plaintiff's home at Castletymon Green, Coolock, Dublin 5.

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Last year, Mr Justice Cregan set aside a purported transfer of the property between Marie and her late husband John Gibson to Pauline, that occurred in 2003 but was not discovered until 2017 shortly after John's death, on the grounds that it was fraudulent.

The court also found that Mr O'Gorman had been negligent in the performance of his duties towards Marie Gibson in 2003.

Represented by Hugh O'Flaherty BL, instructed by Gaffney Halligan solicitors, for Marie Gibson, argued that in light of the initial judgement the plaintiff was entitled to orders removing a mortgage charge registered in the name of Promontoria over the property from the Property Registration Authority, and the removal of the receiver.

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In his judgement on those outstanding issues, Mr Justice Cregan agreed that the transfer of the property and the charge were void and were set aside, and awarded damages in favour of the plaintiff.

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He also added the consent of Dublin Court Council to vest the fee simple in the property to Marie Gibson and her late husband, which the judge said was obtained by fraud and forgery, were all void and set aside by the court.

In light of his findings the PRA should take steps to correct its register, the judge added.

The judge also found that the receiver was not validly appointed and said that this was a case where damages awards should be made.

Fraud

Pauline Gibson, the judge said, had engaged in a scheme in place in 2003 to defraud her parents out of their family home, and the court was marking that with an award of punitive or exemplary damages in the sum of 75,000 in favour of her mother.

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Mr O'Gorman, the judge said, had behaved in "a grossly negligent manner" towards Marie Gibson and her late husband.

The solicitor was "clearly aware" of all his own actions including that he had failed to furnish any written advice to Marie Gibson, the judge said.

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Mr O'Gorman also knew that Marie Gibson never obtained any funds from the transaction, had destroyed original documents of transfers in 2003, had falsely redated transfer documents and the conveyance in 2009, to ensure his did not have to pay interest and penalties on stamp duty.

Mr O'Gorman had not witnessed Mrs Gibson's signatures on documents relating to the purported transfer, but had later claimed that he had witnessed the signatures.

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Despite all this, the judge said that Mr O'Gorman had sought to defend the case against him "tooth and nail" until the third day of the trial when it became clear that "the solicitor's actions in this matter were indefensible", the judge said.

Damages

The judge said that an award of aggravated damages against Mr O'Gorman was "justified" in this case, he accepted arguments that the solicitor is not currently "a man of means," and assessed damages in the sum of 30,000 aggravated damages plus 5,000 in compensatory damages to Mrs Gibson.

The court said it was not necessary to make and award of damages against Mr O'Gorman in favour of Promontoria, which he said had indicated to the court will pursue the solicitor on foot of an undertaking to compensate it for its loss.

Promontoria, which claims that it is owed some 350,000 on the mortgage, had opposed the application to remove the charge from the PRA.

It claimed that this was a case of undue influence rather than a fraud. The judge rejected that argument.

Mr O'Gorman remained neutral on that issue.

Pauline Gibson did not participate in the proceedings.
A Russian missile attack that hit a popular pizza restaurant in a city in eastern Ukraine killed at least 10 people, including three children.

Authorities have arrested a man they accused of helping Russia direct the missile strike.

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Rescue workers are continuing to search the destroyed buildings rubble following the Tuesday evening attack on Kramatorsk which wounded a further 61 people, the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs said.

Two sisters, both aged 14, died as result of the attack, the educational department of the Kramatorsk city council said.

A man stands on the street in front of the restaurant destroyed by a missile attack in Kramatorsk (Ukrainian Donetsk Regional Administration via AP)

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Russian missiles stopped the beating of the hearts of two angels, it said in a Telegram post.

The other dead child was 17, according to prosecutor general Andrii Kostin.

The attack also damaged 18 multi-storey buildings, 65 houses, a number of schools, a shopping centre, an administrative building and a recreational building, said regional governor Pavlo Kyrylenko.

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The strike, and others elsewhere across Ukraine, indicated that the Kremlin is not easing its aerial onslaught despite turmoil caused by a short-lived armed uprising last weekend. There has also been no apparent military push by Ukraine to exploit that turmoil, though Kyiv has been tight-lipped about recent battlefield developments.

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The Kremlin reeled from the weekend mutiny led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, owner of the Wagner private army of prison recruits and other mercenaries which has played a key role for Russia in Ukraine. The rebellion was the gravest threat so far to Russian president Vladimir Putins grip on power.

Mr Prigozhin went into exile in neighbouring Belarus on Tuesday after Russia said he would not face charges for the revolt, but Mr Putin is trying to tarnish Mr Prigozhins reputation and perhaps accuse him of corruption, a Washington-based think tank said on Wednesday.

Putin has likely decided that he cannot directly eliminate Prigozhin without making him a martyr at this time, the Institute for the Study of War said in an assessment.

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People clear the rubble on the roof of the restaurant destroyed by a missile (National Police of Ukraine via AP)

Officials initially blamed the strike in Kramatorsk on an S-300 missile, a surface-to-air weapon that Russias forces have repurposed for loosely targeted strikes on cities, but the National Police later said Iskander short-range ballistic missiles were used.

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Kramatorsk is a frontline city that houses the Ukrainian armys regional headquarters. The pizza restaurant was frequented by journalists, aid workers and soldiers, as well as locals.

The Security Service of Ukraine said it had detained a man whom it suspects directed the strike on the restaurant, who is an employee of the local gas transportation company.

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He filmed the restaurant for the Russians and informed them about its popularity, the Security Service said in a Telegram post.

It provided no evidence for its claim. Russia has insisted during the war that it does not aim at civilian targets, although its air strikes have killed many civilians.

Kramatorsk is located in Donetsk, one of four Ukrainian provinces that Russia claimed to annex last September but does not fully control. Russia has also occupied Crimea since 2015.

Ukrainian-held parts of the partially occupied provinces have been hit especially hard by Russian bombardment and are a key barrier to resolving the war.

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 28 June 2023.



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/iTyvGr4hia



 #StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/41967sUX3O  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) June 28, 2023

The Kremlin demands that Kyiv recognise the annexations, while Kyiv has ruled out any talks with Russia until its troops pull back from all occupied territories.

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Kyiv recently launched a much-anticipated counter-offensive to take back occupied territory.

Russia, meanwhile, has stepped up its air campaign in Ukraine while the fighting continues along the front line.

Russian forces on Monday and overnight also shelled 16 settlements in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia, the Ukrainian presidential office reported.

It said that a 77-year-old civilian was killed in the frontline town of Orikhiv, and that Russian shelling wounded three people in a nearby village recently retaken by Kyiv.

Also, a Russian supersonic cruise missile hit a cluster of holiday homes in central Ukraine, sparking a fire which injured a child, the presidential office said.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis peace envoy, Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, was to meet with an aide to president Putin, Yury Ushakov, in Moscow on Wednesday.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the talks would include possible ways of political-diplomatic settlement.

Francis dispatched Cardinal Zuppi, a veteran of the Catholic Churchs peace initiatives, to Moscow in the hope of helping spur peace negotiations after his visit to Kyiv earlier this month.

At the Vatican on Wednesday, Francis again appealed for an end to the war, praying that Ukrainians may soon find peace: There is so much suffering in Ukraine, let us not forget that.
The Wagner Group mercenaries who seized the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don on Saturday in a failed mutiny included at least three convicted criminals, a Reuters review of facial recognition software, court records and social media showed.

Almost all of the fighters who took part in the gravest threat to Russian president Vladimir Putin's rule to date had their faces covered and so could not be identified.

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But Reuters reporting shows that some of them had previously been in jail, underlining how the Kremlin's decision to allow Yevgeny Prigozhin to recruit thousands of mercenaries from prisons across the country last year has come back to haunt it.

Wagner fighters took control of the southern port and logistical hub for Russia's war in Ukraine on Saturday morning.

The mercenary force's leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, ordered his men to march on Moscow before they turned back in the failed bid to oust his longtime rival, defence minister Sergei Shoigu.

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Wagner mercenaries, among them ex-prisoners, have been fighting in Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion began, notably in the city of Bakhmut, which has been the bloodiest battle so far and a rare victory in Russia's stalling campaign.

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Ukraine pardons

Reuters has previously reported that many surviving convict fighters remain extremely loyal to Prigozhin, whom some credit for giving them a second chance at life. Those who survive six months in Ukraine are pardoned by Putin by secret decree.

In the case of the individuals identified by Reuters in Rostov, that loyalty extended to taking part in a mutiny, and raises questions over what they will do next as Putin tries to defuse the crisis.

They have been offered a choice between leaving for Belarus to join Prigozhin who is in exile there, joining the regular military or returning to civilian life.

Reuters has tried to contact the three ex-convicts, but none of them replied to messages over social media.

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Russia's defence ministry, penal service and Wagner did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The convicts

Wagner pulled out of Rostov late on Saturday after a deal was brokered by Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko.

One of the Wagner fighters to depart the city that night was 25-year-old Dmitry Chekov, a Rostov local who had been convicted four times for theft and drug offences.

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He was part of a Wagner squad climbing aboard a military-style truck, ready to depart and the only one whose face was visible as he posed for reporters and cheering local people.

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In video obtained by Reuters, the man, who has a scrubby beard and short fair hair, smiles and stretches out his thumb and little finger.

Facial recognition software linked him to an account on VKontakte, Russias Facebook equivalent, created in the name of Dmitry Chekov.

Legal papers seen by Reuters showed Dmitry Chekov had been sentenced to a total of six years and five months for three separate charges by Rostov courts since 2015. He received his most recent sentence of three years and four months for drug possession in January 2022.

A close relative who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed to reporters that he had served time in penal colonies.

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Russian media reported last September that Prigozhin had visited prisons in the Rostov region, recruiting more than 1,000 convicts for Wagner. Chekov's relative did not know he had joined Wagner but confirmed it was him in a picture shared by Reuters.

In another image of the Wagner occupation of Rostov, published by Russian state news agency TASS, a tall man with a bushy beard is seen walking down a street with comrades, carrying his helmet and an assault rifle.

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The man was identified by facial recognition software as 33-year-old Sergei Shirshov, a native of the Volga River city of Saratov. On VKontakte, Shirshov's profile picture is of a Wagner Group shoulder patch.

Court papers

Court papers seen by Reuters show that Shirshov was sentenced to seven years in prison for armed robbery by a Saratov court in 2019, his second such conviction.

According to publicly available data, Shirshov had been serving his term in Saratov region's high-security Penal Colony No 10. Local media reported that Prigozhin visited Penal Colony No 10 in October 2022.

A third Wagner fighter pictured in Rostov was identified by facial recognition software as Roman Yamalutdinov, a native of Krasnoyarsk in Siberia.

According to court papers reviewed by Reuters, 31-year-old Yamalutdinov had been sentenced to prison at least twice since 2017, having been variously convicted for drunk driving, car theft, and assaulting a police officer.

In a 2020 case filed by penal authorities, Yamalutdinov was described as a "malicious violator" of prison rules, and ordered moved to a stricter prison colony.

Reuters was unable to confirm that Yamalutdinov was in prison when Prigozhin began his Wagner recruitment campaign, and his last recorded prison term would have ended in 2021.

However, Russian court documents available online are not comprehensive. Prisoners' rights activist Olga Romanova said that Prigozhin toured Krasnoyarsk region prisons in October and November 2022.
MPs who ruled that Boris Johnson lied to the British Parliament with his partygate assurances are expected to publish a follow-up report detailing attempts to interfere with the inquiry.

The Privileges Committee published its report into the former UK prime minister earlier this month, concluding he committed repeated contempts of Parliament by deliberately misleading MPs with his partygate denials before being complicit in a campaign of abuse and intimidation

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The seven-person panel, which was chaired by veteran Labour MP Harriet Harman but had a Conservative majority, used its 106-page report to warn Mr Johnsons most vocal defenders that they would face scrutiny themselves through a special update into attempts to undermine its work.

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It is expected that the follow-up document will be published on Thursday.

According to sources cited by The Guardian, the special report will raise issues encountered by the committee during its initial inquiry, including whether statements by Mr Johnsons supporters could be considered a contempt of Parliament in their own right.

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In its partygate report published on June 15th, the Privileges Committee said: From the outset of this inquiry there has been a sustained attempt, seemingly co-ordinated, to undermine the committees credibility and, more worryingly, that of those members serving on it.

The committee is concerned that if these behaviours go unchallenged, it will be impossible for the House to establish such a committee to conduct sensitive and important inquiries in the future.

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The House must have a committee to defend its rights and privileges, and it must protect members of the House doing that duty from formal or informal attack or undermining designed to deter and prevent them from doing that duty.

Nadine Dorries was among Mr Johnsons most vocal supporters (James Manning/PA)

We will be making a special report separately to the House dealing with these matters.

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After the publication of the partygate conclusion, which recommended that Mr Johnson should have faced a 90-day suspension if he had not quit Parliament, the former UK prime minister and his allies stepped up their attacks.

Mr Johnson, who quit as an MP in protest after learning of the inquirys intention to hand him a lengthy enough punishment to potentially trigger a by-election in his seat, said the committee had reached a deranged conclusion.

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In his resignation statement, the former Tory leader labelled the investigation a kangaroo court that was akin to a witch hunt.

Former UK culture secretary Nadine Dorries, one of Mr Johnsons most vocal supporters, urged voters to turf out Tory MPs who backed the committees report.

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Simon Clarke said Boris Johnsons punishment was absolutely extraordinary (Aaron Chown/PA)

Any Conservative MP who would vote for this report is fundamentally not a Conservative and will be held to account by members and the public. Deselections may follow, she said on the day of the reports publication.

That did not deter MPs from voting overwhelmingly to back the report, with only seven voting against the committees findings and 354 voting in favour.

Bassetlaw MP Brendan Clarke-Smith called the MPs conclusions spiteful, vindictive and overreaching.

Former cabinet minister Sir Simon Clarke  who was knighted in Mr Johnsons resignation honours  said the punishment dealt out by the committee was absolutely extraordinary to the point of sheer vindictiveness.

Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, another honoured by Mr Johnson, suggested the committees fundamental judgment was wrong.
The worlds biggest fund manager, BlackRock, has raised more than $500 million from local and offshore co-investors to help fund a giant grid-scale battery project in Australia that would rank as the largest in the southern hemisphere.

The $US9 trillion ($13 trillion) United States-based investment giant will make the announcement on Thursday, saying the co-funding from institutional investors and the federal governments green bank will accelerate the development of the Waratah Super Battery in NSW and bring long-term capital to drive Australias transition to a low-carbon economy.

Once completed, the Waratah Super Battery will rank among the biggest grid-scale batteries anywhere in the world.

Funds managed by BlackRocks infrastructure team will be invested on top of the additional $500 million it has raised from other investors to finance the battery after BlackRocks Akaysha Energy won the tender to build the project late last year.

As Australias shift away from coal gains speed, authorities say big batteries capable of storing renewable energy and dispatching it when its needed will play an increasingly important role in filling urgent gaps in supply and stabilising the frequency and reliability of the power network.
Im a Virgo 

Amazon Prime

You could spend the entire length of this review listing the surreal flourishes and wild gambits of this absurdist comedy. Theres the central character, a polite 19-year-old named Cootie (Jharrel Jerome) who happens to be four metres tall; an episode of a fictional animated comedy called Parking Tickets that wipes minds; a communist activist named Jones (Kara Young) whose polemics take visual form in a fantasy realm; and the digital assistant of a billionaire vigilante that sound like Bill Cosby instead of Alexa.

Cootie (Jharrel Jerome) is a polite 19-year-old who happens to be four metres tall. Credit: Amazon Prime

But what counts with Im a Virgo is that instead of being overwhelming or a sequence of diversions, this story about inequality, superhero culture, and how size truly matters not only stays true to the vision of creator Boots Riley, it mostly hangs together. In this bazaar of the bizarre, which unfolds over seven concise episodes, theres a weird logic that holds sway and an underlying sweetness. This anti-capitalist tract is also a great coming-of-age tale.

Hidden away from birth by his protective aunt and uncle, Lafrancine (Carmen Ejogo) and Martisse (Mike Epps), Cootie grows up observing the world from a distance. He watches television and reads comic books about The Hero, an authoritarian Iron Man whose wealthy creator, Jay Whittle (Walton Goggins), now plays out the role in real life. When Cootie ventures out into Oaklands black community he makes friends and samples life, although every professional sport unilaterally bans him.
Convicted wife killer Chris Dawson has been found guilty of engaging in an unlawful sexual relationship with one of his students in Sydney in the 1980s, with the former teacher muttering an expletive five times when the verdict was delivered.

Dawson, 74, faced a judge-alone trial in the NSW District Court accused of one count of carnal knowledge of a student, aged between 10 and 17, who was his pupil at a northern beaches high school.

Dawson, who became a sports teacher at Cromer High School in 1979, was accused of beginning a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student, who cannot be named, some time between July and December 1980.

He did not deny having a sexual relationship with the girl, but maintained the teenager was not aged 16 or in his sports coaching class when the relationship became physical.
The City of Melbourne has terminated the licence of a floating nightclub in Docklands after record noise complaints from residents and an Environment Protection Authority report outlining the clubs noise breaches.

Atet nightclubs crown land licence was terminated by the council on Friday in an email to club owner Jake Hughes, who was told to cease operating from the following Thursday.

Atet nightclub has received a record number of complaints. Credit: Eddie Jim

The council yesterday confirmed it had terminated the clubs licence.

This is not a decision council took lightly. We know the value of Melbournes thriving nightlife, but its our responsibility as Atets landlord to consider their actions and operations, Lord Mayor Sally Capp said in a statement.
I dream sometimes of the future I could have had. A future that didnt revolve around her abuse or the fear that she was hurting other vulnerable girls in the way she did me. The way I know she hurt my sisters. Loading Malka Leifer, you shattered my trust, stole my body, and altered my lifes course, but you could not break my spirit. She admitted that, even to this day, Erlich worries about the influence Leifer still holds over her, but said she has chosen to focus on the light within herself and the power of [her] own voice. I am resilient, I am powerful, and I am so much more than the limitations you imposed on me.

Sapper, who spoke next, told the court that Leifer was the first person to tell Sapper that she loved her, a feeling alien to her after growing up in a household where she was denied love by her parents. She was the first person who said to me she loved me, Sapper said. It was a feeling that I had never felt before. When confronted with the painful truth that her love wasnt real, it was a betrayal of such magnitude, it left me utterly broken. Sapper said intrusive thoughts would ambush her, paralysing her, she said, and the abuse had changed the way she perceived physical affection. She spoke about the loss of her unborn child during the trial.

Sitting there in court and reliving some of the most awful times in my life, I knew that I needed to be strong as I was holding a future life. It gave me the courage and strength to get up and face every day in court. Loading And six days before the verdict, we lost our little girl. Her heart stopped beating. There were no concrete answers, she said. I refuse to let the broken fragments within me define me entirely  every day forward, I will learn to be more free to laugh, to cry, and to love with an open, genuine heart. The sisters have granted The Age permission to use their names.

After a six-week trial, a jury found Leifer guilty in April of 18 charges, including rape, indecent assault and sexual penetration of a child aged 16 or 17 against two sisters. They cleared her of all charges relating to Meyer. Nicole Meyer also gave a statement outside court, saying that even though a jury did not find Leifer guilty of abusing her, she wanted to speak on behalf of victims who feel like they did not receive justice. Meyer spoke because, she said, even though the verdicts had denied her validation for the pain she suffers, they did not erase the fear and anxiety and profound impact on my mental health. Meyer said Leifer was a person she trusted, turned to and looked up to. A role model, teacher, principal and boss.

She was supposed to be my safe person to whom I trusted with horrifying details of the abuse I endured at home, she said. Loading She took all that pure innocent trust and twisted it to suit her own evil desires. Every part of my life from the day she arrived here in Australia until the day she fled to Israel has been tarnished by her abuse. Meyer said part of the reason she gave a statement was to speak for the countless survivors who endure these battles silently, their voices silenced by a legal system that often falls short of delivering justice. I see you and I feel for you and I believe you.

The court heard that in prison Leifer was fearful all the time, had nightmares and hallucinations, thinks the guards want to kill her, and reacts strongly to loud noises inside the prison. Loading Defence barrister Ian Hill, KC, said Leifer had been prescribed various antipsychotic medications, that her imprisonment is onerous because of her strict religious beliefs, and that he expected her to be sent to immigration detention and deported to Israel as soon as her prison term ended. Hill said the offences were committed 15 to 19 years ago when Leifer was a respected educator, administrator and community leader. Today, all these years later, she is a truly lonely and isolated and broken woman held in protective custody in a maximum security prison, far from her culture, far from her religion, and significantly, far from her family, all of whom live overseas, Hill said.

That includes her husband of many years, her eight children and her 17 grandchildren, whose ages range between a couple of weeks and 15 years. As a maximum security prisoner, in protection, convicted of offences against children of a sexual nature, she is not allowed to have in her possession photographs of her grandchildren, or for that matter any child. Hill said that when considering what Leifer is losing, the celebrations and the events by way of birthdays, weddings and other matters that she is missing out on, one appreciated the enormity of her position or hardship. The former principals prosecution became an international scandal when she was rushed out of the country in the middle of the night in March 2008, as allegations of her sexual abuse against students began to mount. She would not return to Victoria to face justice for more than 10 years. Earlier this month, police reopened their investigation into board members from the ultra-Orthodox Jewish school who in 2008 may have assisted Leifer in fleeing to Israel.
Victoria University is calling for voluntary redundancies of about 300 full-time academic and administative staff  16 per cent of its workforce  after announcing the merger of some colleges and posting a $73.2 million deficit last year.

Vice chancellor Adam Shoemaker told staff on Wednesday that the institution had a cost savings target of $40 million in 2023, as expenditure continued to exceed revenue. Voluntary separation program invitations were sent out at 2pm.

Vice chancellor Adam Shoemaker. Credit: Eamon Gallagher

The university has not said what would happen if the 300 redundancies were not voluntarily taken.

This is a challenging time for everyone, Shoemaker said. In saying this, my confidence in VU is very strong. We have outstanding people who care about our students, our values and our purpose. It is a place of undoubted excellence, he said.
The Coalition could lose the next six elections because Millennials and Generation Z voters arent shifting towards conservatives as they get older, prompting five Liberal MPs to urge the party to transform its relationship with younger Australians.

New analysis of voting trends by the Liberal-leaning Centre for Independent Studies has found that by the time people reached their early 50s, Baby Boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964) and Generation X (1965-1980) were more likely to vote for a conservative party than a progressive party.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is being warned the Coalition could lose another 35 seats with current voting trends. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

But that trend is not being repeated among voters who are Millennials (1981-1995) or Generation Z (1996-2009). The percentage of Millennials shifting their vote to the Coalition is only increasing by 0.6 per cent at each election  half the speed at which Boomers and Gen Xers are shifting  which means Millennials will be in their 80s, rather than their 50s, before they are more likely to vote for the Coalition.

And for Generation Z, who were first eligible to vote in a federal election from 2014, support for the Coalition is falling, rather than increasing. This group is the least likely of any post-war generation to support the Coalition.
Kiwi Property has provided the NZX with a copy of the presentation and addresses to be made by the Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer at the Companys Annual Shareholder Meeting 2023, being held today.

ENDS

Contact us for further information:

Clive Mackenzie

Chief Executive Officer

clive.mackenzie@kp.co.nz

Campbell Hodgetts

Head of Communications and Investor Relations

campbell.hodgetts@kp.co.nz

+64 27 563 4985

About us:

Kiwi Property (NZX: KPG ) is one of the largest listed property companies on the New Zealand Stock Exchange and is a member of the S&P/NZX 20 Index. We have been around for over 25 years and proudly own and manage a significant real estate portfolio, comprising some of New Zealands best mixed-use, retail and office buildings. Our objective is to provide investors with a reliable investment in New Zealand property through the ownership and active management of a diversified, high-quality portfolio. Kiwi Property is licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008. To find out more, visit our website kp.co.nz

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London: Swedens parliament has dumped its 100 per cent renewable target amid ongoing concerns about short-term energy security as it looks to join several European nations to build new nuclear plants.

The countrys governing centre-right coalition, headed by Moderate Party Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, recently joined 11 fellow European Union members in an informal group of member states called the Nuclear Alliance, with the objective to strengthen cooperation in energy generation.

Swedens Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Credit: Getty Images

As a result, the government has now changed its legislated climate targets to 100 per cent fossil-free energy  meaning no coal or gas  by 2040 and carbon-neutral by 2045. It means that nuclear generation can count towards the governments energy targets.

Sweden is already among the worlds leaders in transitioning to a clean energy economy, with around 98 per cent of electricity generated from hydropower, nuclear, and wind. It generated a record 27 per cent of electricity from wind in February, narrowly beating a 26 per cent record set in January this year.
Boston: The heat that has set records across Texas and Mexico will be spreading across the central and southern US in coming days, pushing extremes as far north as the state of Illinois.

With hot air trapped under a giant blob of high pressure that has been stuck in the atmosphere for about two weeks, the phenomenon is whats often called a heat dome.

Sweat runs down the face of Robert Harris as he digs fence post holes in Houston. Credit: AP

Some meteorologists have called these domes of doom for their impact on energy and agriculture markets.

The scorching heat has brought electric grids in both Texas and Mexico to the brink, causing power outages and forcing utilities to call for conservation.
The Mumbai-headquartered Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) becomes first firm to receive the eligibility certificate under the Rs. 25,938-crore production-linked incentive scheme for automobiles (auto PLI), thereby opening the door to receiving subsidies.

The automotive (auto) industry argued that eligible firms under the scheme missed the opportunity to claim incentives from the budgeted Rs. 604 crore for 2022-2023 due to delay in the release of standard operating procedures (SOPs). However, ministry officials said that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) did not fulfil the criteria laid out under the previous guidelines of the scheme, which were similar to the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing (and Hybrid) Electric Vehicles (FAME II) guidelines.

The certification for M&M comes at a time when the auto industry is contesting the government over its delay in releasing the SOPs for the scheme.

The Automotive Research Association of India, a testing agency under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, awarded the eligibility certificate to M&M on Wednesday.

With this, the automotive journey of manufacturing excellence on India soil has started, said a senior ministry official.

The awarded certificate is for M&Ms three-wheeler category vehicle.

Also Read Apple unlikely to apply for subsidies under PLI 2.0 scheme: Report Bajaj Auto sales jump 7% to 331,278 units in April, exports fall 43% Centre likely to discontinue second phase of Fame-II scheme after FY24 Cabinet to approve Rs 25,000 cr scheme for semiconductor manufacturing Green hydrogen manufacturing to come under PLI scheme: R K Singh RTP Global closes $1bn fund, will make third of investments in India Meta announces a fund for Indian startups building XR apps Venture capital Omnivore announces first close of 3rd fund at $150 mn Maps to healthcare: Google announces AI tools for Indian developers Travel fintech firm Scapia raises $9 mn for operations, tech capability

We are delighted and grateful to receive the first eligibility certificate under the auto PLI scheme. It is testament to our commitment towards domestic value addition for advanced automotive technology and our continued pursuit towards Make in India, tweeted Suman Mishra, chief executive officer, Mahindra Last Mile Mobility.

All the selected 85 OEMs will have to take the eligibility certificate from testing agencies under the ministry before claiming incentives under the scheme.

The testing agency has also received an application from Tata Motors for an eligibility certificate for its flagship Tiago Electric, another government official told.

The scheme came into existence in September 2021. From April 1, 2022, incentives were to be given to OEMs on the determined sales value of advanced automotive technology (AAT) products (vehicles and components) made in India only if they met the minimum 50 per cent domestic value addition (DVA) criterion. However, the government came up with a set of SOPs only in April 2023.

We didnt receive any complete application from auto manufacturers, said a senior ministry official.

The new SOP norms were brought only after we found cases of rampant violation in adherence to the DVA rules under FAME II.

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, an industry lobby group, reached out to the ministry last month, seeking the release of incentive funds pending from April 2022. The government, however, according to officials, will release subsidies only from the date automakers get their vehicles certified.

While the auto industry fears missing out on the last years subsidy, government officials working on the scheme say that nothing is missed as the incentives are based on incremental sales, and if firms are not able to utilise the fund in a year, it is carried forward to the next and can be utilised in that year.

The PLI scheme for the auto sector was launched by the Indian government to boost domestic manufacturing and attract investment in the auto industry. It aims at enhancing Indias competitiveness in the global auto market, promoting advanced technology adoption, and creating employment opportunities.

The scheme has attracted a proposed investment of Rs. 67,690 crore against the targeted investment of Rs. 42,500 crore over five years, the ministry said in reply to the Lok Sabha. The government feels that the scheme will also bring in incremental production of AAT products of over Rs. 2.3 trillion.

Under the scheme, eligible auto manufacturers are entitled to financial incentives based on their incremental sales of specified vehicles over five years. These incentives are designed to encourage companies to invest in research and development, new technologies, and the production of electric and hybrid vehicles.
Google unveiled on Wednesday a slate of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies for Indian developers at its first I/O Connect event for India, being held in Bengaluru.

The company made accessible for Indian developers its faster, more accurate large language AI model accessible through PaLM API, Makersuite, as well as features on Google Clouds Vertex AI.

Google Cloud officially launched a new initiative in collaboration with Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, to help sellers build and scale commerce platforms across the country. The company is open-sourcing a ready implementation of ONDC infrastructure and core APIs to facilitate scalability and security using retail AI technology and the PaLM API.

The technology major also announced a new start-up credit programme where companies that use ONDC can apply for a grant of $25,000.

Google is also open-sourcing research models and its first datasets under various projects to help Indian developers. Through its collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science as part of Project Vaani, Google will open source the first set of speech data comprising over 4,000 hours across 38 languages.

On helping improve urban planning and infrastructure, the company announced a new feature within the Google Maps Platform called address descriptors, an India-first experiment available in over 25 cities. It is a feature designed to make it easy for customers to find and navigate to addresses using landmarks and area names. The company released its Open Buildings information on over 200 million places in the country, which will help organisations plan social and infrastructure projects in busy urban localities.

Also Read Pixel 7a review: Google's entry-level phone is mixed bag of hits and misses Google's June Feature Drop for Pixel phones: Know what is new in update Fitbit rolls out Google account sign-in: Here's everything you need to know TCL launches T6G 4K Ultra HD Smart QLED Google TV in India: Details here Google Bard: What we know so far about generative AI chatbot in the works Travel fintech firm Scapia raises $9 mn for operations, tech capability BYD India partners Bajaj Finance for dealer finance, vehicle loans Knight Frank: Offices top realty sector, corner 68% of PE funds in H1 2023 Amazon Prime Day 2023 starts on July 15: Check offers on TV, phones, others OYO to add over 1,000 hotels by Dec, to target 100 first gen hoteliers

Google will roll out a Trusted Tester programme for developers to access its healthcare AI model APIs that can identify medicine names within handwritten prescriptions.

Besides these, the opening keynote also showcased several upcoming AI-powered tools, such as Studio Bot, which will help developers code more easily and emphasised Googles intent for expanding its presence in Indias smart watch and smart TV segments.

Manish Gupta, director of Google Research India, told Business Standard over a Google Meet that the company will open-source the SeeGull Databasea global stereotype benchmark with broad geo-cultural coverage including stereotypes existing within Indiato evaluate and mitigate biases in Natural Language Processing.

About national software and services company group Nasscoms recent guidelines for the responsible use of generative AI, Gupta added, We welcome efforts by policymakers around the world to develop proportional, risk-based regulations that promote reliable, robust, and trustworthy AI applications. We were one of the first companies to publish a set of AI principles (2018), and we use an AI risk-assessment framework to identify and mitigate risks. Building AI responsibly must be a collective effort across government, companies, universities, and more to help translate technological breakthroughs into widespread benefits while mitigating risks.
Procter & Gamble (P&G) India announced on Wednesday that it will invest Rs 2,000 crore to set up a personal healthcare manufacturing facility in Sanand Gujarat.

The investment was announced by LV Vaidyanathan, CEO, P&G India, in a meeting with Bhupendra Patel, Honble Chief Minister of Gujarat. The facility builds on top of the P&G Indias existing manufacturing footprint of eight plants across the country and expands the existing presence in Gujarat. P&G already operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Sanand, Ahmedabad, since 2015, the company said in a release.

Over the last decade, P&G has invested over Rs 8,200 crore ($ 1 billion) through its operations in the country.

The manufacturing plant will produce products that are part of P&Gs global healthcare product portfolio, especially digestives. This facility will be operational over

the next few years and will become an export hub for P&G globally.

The new facility is situated across a 50,000 sqm area in Sanand, Gujarat. The manufacturing facility is designed to be fully automated based on the modern concept of Industry 4.0, it said.

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P&G India expects to create direct and indirect jobs, thereby offering a significant boost to the local economy, it said.

At P&G, we are committed to partnering in Indias growth journey and have continued to operate as a force for growth and a force for good over the years. The new manufacturing facility in Gujarat is a testament of our belief in the immense growth potential that the country offers, LV Vaidyanathan, CEO, P&G India was quoted as saying in its release.

He added, With the new state-of-the-art facility, our objective is to transform India into an export hub for P&G globally. It also marks a significant milestone in our

journey, enabling us to extend our local footprint and further elevate our capacity to deliver exceptional innovations to consumers.

Gujarat and P&G India have had a longstanding association with their existing plant in Sanand, Ahmedabad. The expansion of their operations in our state is a

testament to the immense potential, opportunities, and support Gujarat offers to the industry, Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat said in the release.
FMCG products maker Procter & Gamble India on Wednesday said it will invest Rs 2,000 crore here to set up a new personal healthcare manufacturing facility in Gujarat.

This would be the ninth plant of Procter & Gamble in India, which owns popular brands like Ariel, Duracell, Gillette, Head & Shoulders, Oral-B, Pampers, Pantene, Tide, Vicks and Whisper.

The new plant spread across a 50,000 sq metre area in Sanand will produce products that are part of P&G's global healthcare portfolio, especially digestives, a company statement said.

"This facility will be operational over the next few years and is set to become an export hub for P&G globally, as it will help P&G India in serving consumers across the globe," it said.

Besides, this will also help create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, thereby offering a significant boost to the local economy, it added.

The investment was announced by P&G India CEO LV Vaidyanathan in a meeting with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

Also Read Procter & Gamble's net profit dips by 2% to Rs 207 cr in December quarter Procter & Gamble raises full-year sales forecast on higher pricing Procter & Gamble raises sales outlook, says demand is stabilising Tata Motors to operationalise Ford's Sanand unit in Gujarat in 12-18 months Apple supplier Foxconn to start construction of its Karnataka plant in May Tata Comm to acquire NYSE-listed Kaleyra for $100 mn in all-cash deal Tata Motors' permanent employee strength rises after three years: Report India's Bharat Petroleum to raise $2.19 billion in green energy push AI-first strategy working for Infosys despite unresolved issues: Nilekani Focused on margin expansion to become profitable cement manufacturer: ACC

"The facility builds on top of P&G India's existing manufacturing footprint of 8 plants across the country and expands the existing presence in Gujarat," the statement said.
In an interim relief to IIFL Securities, the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) has stayed market regulator Sebi's order that banned the broking house from onboarding new clients for two years.

The order came after IIFL Securities, earlier known as India Infoline Ltd, filed an appeal against the order passed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi).

In an order uploaded on its website on Wednesday, the appellate tribunal has stayed the order passed by Sebi.

The matter has been listed for final disposal on August 23.

The capital markets regulator, on June 19, prohibited IIFL Securities from taking up new clients for two years for alleged mis-utilisation of client funds.

In its order, Sebi found that IIFL failed to segregate its own funds from clients' funds, misused the funds of its credit balance clients for settlement of its proprietary trades as well as the trades of its debit balance clients from April 2011 to June 2014, and the said violations were again noticed during March 2017 inspection for the period of FY 2015-16 and 2016-17.

Also Read IIFL Securities to approach SAT against Sebi order on taking up new clients Sebi bans IIFL Securities from onboarding new clients for two years Abolition of Odisha Administrative Tribunal constitutionally valid: SC Reconsider Satyam order: Securities Appellate Tribunal to Sebi Lok Sabha approves setting up of GST Appellate Tribunal to solve disputes Fintech firm Scapia raises $9 mn in funding round led by Matrix Partners HDFC-HDFC Bank merger: The story behind success of housing finance behemoth Sleepwell owner Sheela Foam to buy rival Kurlon Enterprise for Rs 3,250 cr TCS writes to board members about details on recruitment scam allegations Turmoil at Byju's highlights hurdles for India's startup ecosystem

The order came after the Sebi conducted multiple inspections of the books of account of IIFL for the period April 2011 to January 2017.

IIFL had earlier stated that the Sebi's order does not affect the company's existing business with the existing clients. In May 2022, the regulator imposed a penalty of Rs 1 crore on IIFL Securities for misusing client funds.
The Rs 405 crore-initial share sale of jewellery retail player Senco Gold Ltd will open for public subscription on July 4.

The initial share sale will conclude on July 6 and the bidding for anchor investors will open on July 3, according to the Red Herring Prospectus (RHP).

Senco Gold's Initial Public Offer (IPO) comprises of a fresh issue of equity shares aggregating up to Rs 270 crore and an offer-for-sale (OFS) of equity shares to the tune of Rs 135 crore by selling shareholder - SAIF Partners India IV Ltd.

At present, SAIF Partners has 19.23 per cent stake in the jewellery retail chain.

The company proposes to use Rs 196 crore of net proceeds from the fresh issue towards funding working capital requirements and the remaining for general corporate purposes.

The Kolkata-based firm has 127 showrooms -- 70 company operated and 57 franchisee -- in 89 cities and towns across 13 states in India. Some of its franchisee showrooms are located in areas other than metros and Tier-I, providing a greater reach in Tier-2 and Tier-3 locations.

Also Read Gold rebounds from 3-year low: Is it still a good time to invest? Gold price remains unchanged at Rs 59,450, silver falls Rs 500 to Rs 71,500 7 IPOs this week but don't make these 10 mistakes in pursuit of gains IdeaForge Tech IPO to close on June 30; issue subscribed 32x so far CBI books 'missing' businessman Pramod Goenka for Rs 405-cr 'bank fraud' Adani Ent jumps over 5% as most groups cos settle in positive territory Expect commercial vehicle industry to grow by 8-10%: Ashok Leyand 22 companies place 35 bids for 18 coal blocks in commercial mining auction VC firm Omnivore announces first close of third fund at $150 million In a first: Mahindra & Mahindra receives PLI eligibility certificate

The company also sells products through various online platforms. It also undertakes wholesale exports of its jewellery, primarily to Dubai, Malaysia and Singapore.

IIFL Securities Ltd, Ambit Private Ltd and SBI Capital Markets Ltd are the book running lead managers to the issue. The equity shares are proposed to be listed on the BSE and NSE.

In April 2022, the company had filed draft papers with Sebi for Rs 525 crore-IPO and received the regulator's go ahead to float the IPO in July last year.
Dealings in shares of at least three Adani companies under Sebi lens



Capital markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) is scrutinising certain dealings in the shares of at least three Gautam Adani-led companies  Adani Power, Adani Green Energy and Ambuja Cements  for suspected breach of securities laws that relate to insider trading, according to two people familiar with the ongoing probe. Read more

TCS on foreign remittances: FinMin evaluates issues flagged by banks

The finance ministry is evaluating the issues related to the implementation of a new rule that mandates 20 per cent tax collected at source (TCS) on foreign remittances. The decision on extending the July 1 deadline (for the implementation of the new rule) has not yet been taken. However, it cannot be completely ruled out amid procedural challenges, a government source privy to the matter told Business Standard. He confirmed that a few banks have raised concerns with the finance ministry regarding the preparedness of the reporting systems required to implement the new rule. Read more

Indian firm used toxic industrial-grade ingredient in cough syrups: Report





The Indian manufacturer of cough syrups that Uzbekistan said last year had poisoned 19 children used a toxic industrial-grade ingredient rather than the legitimate pharmaceutical version, two sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. The company, Marion Biotech, bought the ingredient - propylene glycol (PG) - from trader Maya Chemtech India, as reported by Reuters. But Maya did not have a licence to sell pharmaceutical-grade materials and "dealt in industrial-grade only," according to a source at the firm with knowledge of the Marion investigation. Read more

Also Read TCS Q4 review: Near-term growth to moderate, demand levers intact: Analysts Top 5 headlines: Windfall tax slashed on petroleum crude, IBM pauses hiring Top headlines: Meta layoffs, angel tax exemption, new Parliament & more Top Headlines: Govt asks P&W to supply engines, stricter Sebi norms & more NTPC, Reliance, Adani top green hydrogen plays to bet on, say analysts ED arrests Supertech's Chairman R K Arora in money laundering case Vedanta Resources deepens tech push with $4 billion India display factory India Inc is excited about generative AI, says Salesforce India CEO WWD Ruby exits Sapphire Foods, pares 4.77% stake for over Rs 417 cr Amid growing focus on business messaging, Meta announces new features

Govt prepares new multibillion-dollar battery subsidy scheme: Report



The Indian government is preparing a new multibillion-dollar subsidy scheme for companies making electricity grid batteries as part of its transition to clean energy, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing a power ministry proposal. The draft proposal for a production-linked incentive subsidy scheme would offer Rs 21,600 crore ($2.63 billion) from this year through to 2030 for companies to set up manufacturing capacity for battery cells in India, the FT reported. The Indian government is preparing a new multibillion-dollar subsidy scheme for companies making electricity grid batteries as part of its transition to clean energy, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing a power ministry proposal. The draft proposal for a production-linked incentive subsidy scheme would offer Rs 21,600 crore ($2.63 billion) from this year through to 2030 for companies to set up manufacturing capacity for battery cells in India, the FT reported. Read more





Prosus NV slashes valuation of edtech giant Byju's to $5.1 billion

Dutch-listed technology investor Prosus NV has slashed the valuation of troubled Indian edtech startup Byju's to $5.1 billion according to its annual report, a fall of more than 75% from the startup's $22 billion valuation last year. Prosus cut the value of its 9.6% stake in Byju's to around $493 million in the financial year ended March 31, the report added, days after it stepped down from Byju's board along with other investors. Prosus is the company's biggest investor shareholder. Read more

The Indian manufacturer of cough syrups that Uzbekistan said last year had poisoned 19 children used a toxic industrial-grade ingredient rather than the legitimate pharmaceutical version, two sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. The company, Marion Biotech, bought the ingredient - propylene glycol (PG) - from trader Maya Chemtech India, as reported by Reuters. But Maya did not have a licence to sell pharmaceutical-grade materials and "dealt in industrial-grade only," according to a source at the firm with knowledge of the Marion investigation. Read more
Bremworth Limited (NZX: BRW ) provides the following update on its mitigation and business continuity plans following Cyclone Gabrielle which impacted its Napier yarn spinning plant on 14 February 2023.

 It has agreed to a further partial settlement of $15.5 million plus GST, where applicable, with its insurers - taking the total partial settlement to date to $35.5 million plus GST, where applicable.

 These amounts have been, and will continue to be, used to put BRW in a very strong position to continue implementing its mitigation and business continuity plans, to support affected staff and to meet its ongoing obligations.

 Further insurance payments are expected upon completion of the assessment of damage to buildings, plant and equipment, and the loss of inventory and profit, due to the interruption to the business from Cyclone Gabrielle.

 The Directors are in the process of appointing external consultants to assist the Board with a strategic review, including our supply chain and manufacturing cost base to support the Boards decisions regarding the application of those insurance payments.

 Clean-up at the Napier site is virtually complete, with buildings, plant and equipment now in a steady state pending a decision on appropriate next steps.

 The detailed assessment of damage to buildings, plant and equipment has been completed by an independent, multi-national, engineering consultancy, appointed by BRW. The results are currently in the process of being reviewed by the loss adjustors and their own experts.

 Original indications that the Napier plant is likely to be offline for a yet to be determined, but significant, amount of time remain unchanged. However, the Board expects to be in a better position to update shareholders once the experts have had the chance to fully work through the damage assessment.

 In order to secure the Companys future, BRW previously advised that the following alternative supply arrangements had been, or were being, put in place:

o the supply of yarns from an independent New Zealand yarn spinner, with this source accounting for approximately 10% of our total yarn requirements.

o the use of independent third-party dyeing facilities to supply the Whanganui yarn spinning plant, with this arrangement accounting for a further 25% of total yarn requirements.

o the supply of NZ wool yarns from overseas suppliers  which will account for the balance of its requirements and with trials underway.

 The trials of yarns from some overseas yarn suppliers have been successful and early-stage orders in modest quantities are underway.

 At the same time, the use of the independent third-party dyeing facilities to supply the Whanganui yarn spinning plant with dyed fibre has also gone much better than expected, with the Whanganui plant now able to produce both felted and woollen spun yarns  putting the Company in an encouraging position.

 Our priority remains our people  many of whom are playing a large part in the clean-up and site stabilisation of the Napier plant. They are doing a tremendous job amidst ongoing uncertainty about the plants future. This work is supported by our business interruption insurance.

 We are also in continuous discussions with our distribution partners, with the focus on ensuring we can continue to supply key product ranges despite the challenging circumstances.

28 June 2023

ENDS

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Amid the ongoing funding slowdown in the Indian start-up ecosystem, edtech unicorn Unacademy has reduced its monthly cash burn to Rs. 1.9 crore, with its revenue reaching Rs. 130 crore, its founder and CEO Gaurav Munjal said in a tweet on Wednesday.

Responding to a Twitter user who shared a meme about how edtech firms, including the likes of Byjus and Unacademy, burn cash, Gaurav Munjal, Unacademys founder and CEO, said that this used to be the case a few months ago.

Our FY24 numbers are going to be awesome. This year is going to be the best year for Unacademy so far, the CEO added.

This comes after Munjal in November last year said the companys cash burn came down to $7 million (around Rs. 57.4 crore), from $20 million (around Rs. 164 crore).

Offline has contributed but online business is also doing well. Some de-growth but unit economics have improved a lot, Munjal said in a separate tweet.

In recent months, the edtech major  last valued at $3.4 billion  has been undergoing retrenchments as it looks to turn profitable. The SoftBank-backed firm had, in March this year, laid off 12 per cent of its workforce or 380 employees in a bid to meet the goals in current realities.

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This was Unacademys fourth round of job cuts in the past year, with its workforce being trimmed to under 3,000 from a prior 6,000 in early 2022.

The Bengaluru-based firm had given pink slips to 350 employees or 10 per cent of its workforce of 3,500 employees in November 2022. In April last year, the firm had sacked another 1,000 employees.

The edtech learning platform had reported a net loss of Rs. 2,693 crore for 2021-22, according to data accessed by the business intelligence platform, Tofler. This was an 83 per cent increase from the previous financial year.

The companys total expenses for the year were reported at Rs. 3,411 crore. The firm reported its revenues for 2021-22 at Rs. 718 crore, a 78 per cent jump since the last financial year.

Among the many edtech firms that found success during the COVID-19-induced lockdown when students were unable to go to school, Unacademy, too, once perked up investor interest. The firm has raised a total funding of $877 million.

In August 2021, the firm raised $440 million in a funding round led by Temasek, with General Atlantic, Tiger Global and Softbank Vision Fund pitching in as other participants.

The fundraising took the Unacademy Groups valuation to $3.44 billion -- up from a $2-billion valuation in November 2020. The groups valuation grew almost 10 times in 18 months, which, analysts say, is one of the fastest growth rates by a mid-stage consumer internet start-up in India.

Battered by layoffs and the funding slowdown  which dealt a massive blow to the edtech sector, the firm has since been on a path of rationalization in a bid to achieve profitability.

According to industry estimates, of the more than 22,000 layoffs that took place in 2022, over 8,000 came from the edtech space. Since inception, the edtech sector has cumulatively laid off more than 12,000 people, as per data from Layoffs.fyi, a tracking platform for layoffs.

The new year has not been kind to edtech companies either. Since the start of 2023, edtech start-ups have laid off around 3,500 employees amid a funding crunch that has hit early-stage firms and unicorns  companies valued over $1 billion  alike.
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To better support the agricultural sector, the government of India has approved the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane payable by sugar mills to sugarcane farmers for the upcoming sugar season 2023-24.

This decision was taken by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The determination of the FRP is based on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) and after consultations with state governments and other stakeholders. The government has been announcing the FRP since the sugar season 2013-14, with the aim of supporting farmers in the sugarcane industry.

Under the approved scheme, the highest-ever FRP of Rs 315 per quintal has been set for sugarcane farmers. This price will be applicable for a basic recovery rate of 10.25 per cent. Additionally, a premium of Rs.3.07 per quintal will be provided for every 0.1 per cent increase in recovery above 10.25 per cent. Conversely, the FRP will be reduced by Rs 3.07 per quintal for every 0.1 per cent decrease in recovery.

The centre has also decided that there will be no deduction in case of sugar mills where the recovery rate falls below 9.5 per cent. These farmers will also receive Rs 291.97 per quintal for their sugarcane in the upcoming sugar season 2023-24, compared to Rs 282.12 per quintal in the current sugar season 2022-23.

The cost of production for sugarcane in the sugar season 2023-24 has been estimated at Rs 157 per quintal. The approved FRP of Rs 315 per quintal for a recovery rate of 10.25 per cent is an increase of 100.6 per cent over the production cost. The FRP for the sugar season 2023-24 is also 3.28 per cent higher compared to the current sugar season 2022-23.

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This sector plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of approximately 50 million sugarcane farmers, their dependents, around 500,000 workers who are directly employed in sugar mills, as well as those involved in ancillary activities such as farm labour and transportation.

The approved FRP will be applicable for the purchase of sugarcane from farmers by sugar mills from October 1, 2023.

Background

In the current sugar season 2022-23, sugar mills purchased approximately 335.3 million tons of sugarcane, worth more than Rs 1.11 trillion. This procurement stands as the second-highest, following the procurement of paddy crops at the minimum support price. The government's pro-farmer measures ensure that sugarcane farmers timely receive their dues.

Over the past five years, the growth of the ethanol sector as a biofuel has been beneficial for sugarcane farmers and the sugar industry. Diversion of sugarcane/sugar to ethanol has resulted in improved financial positions for sugar mills, faster payments, reduced working capital requirements, and reduced surplus sugar inventory. These factors enable mills to make timely payments to farmers for their cane dues. In the year 2021-22 alone, sugar mills and distilleries generated approximately Rs 20,500 crore in revenue from the sale of ethanol to oil marketing companies (OMCs), which facilitated the clearance of cane dues.

The target is to divert over six million metric tons of excess sugar to ethanol by 2025, addressing the issue of high sugar inventories, improving liquidity for mills, ensuring timely payment of cane dues, and generating employment opportunities in rural areas. The use of ethanol in petrol will contribute to the reduction of reduction and improve the overall air quality.
The government has sought feedback from the industry on the production linked incentive (PLI) scheme with a view to enhancing its effectiveness, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday.

The commerce and industry ministry, which coordinates the scheme, also urged PLI beneficiaries to take up any procedural challenges/ issues with the respective implementing ministry or department so that positive reforms can be brought about and the scheme can be made more efficient and effective.

Issues pertaining to the scheme were discussed in a workshop called by the Commerce and Industry Ministry on June 27 here.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the government is committed to fostering a conducive business environment and accelerating growth in PLI sectors.

"The minister encouraged industry's feedback and collaborative engagement to shape the policies, procedures and effectiveness of the PLI scheme," the ministry said in a statement.

The government announced the PLI (production-linked incentive) scheme in 2021 for as many as 14 sectors, such as telecommunication, white goods, textiles and pharma with an outlay of Rs 1.97 lakh crore.

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The meeting assumed significance as the government has disbursed only Rs 2,900 crore till March 2023, out of Rs 3,400 crore claims received under the scheme. The minister asked the implementing departments to hold regular consultations and roundtables with their respective PLI beneficiary to resolve their issues.

The objective of the workshop was aimed to bring all the key stakeholders on a single platform so that they can exchange their knowledge and experiences to ensure effective implementation of the schemes under 14 key sectors.

The Workshop witnessed participation from 10 implementing central departments, companies/ PLI beneficiaries under 14 key sectors, various Project Management Agencies (PMAs) like IFCI (Industrial Finance Corporation of India), Small Industries Development Bank of India (Sidbi), Metallurgical and Engineering Consultants (MECON), Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), and Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), select industry associations and relevant export promotion councils.

Representatives were also there from Wistron, Foxconn, Samsung, Dell, Wipro GE, Dr. Reddy's, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Nokia Solutions, ITC, Dabur, JSW, and Reliance among others.

"Key executives from these companies, along with Government officials, were actively involved in a collaborative open discussion, interactive session, and presentations throughout the workshop," the ministry said adding the workshop provided a unique forum to exchange insights on the impact of the schemes.

The workshop agenda covered various aspects related to PLI schemes, including their scope, eligibility criteria, incentives, and the roadmap for successful implementation including grievance redressal mechanism provided by concerned central departments and PMAs.

"Key topics included factors/ policy nuances contributing to Schemes' success, enhancing domestic value addition, and capitalizing on emerging technologies," it said.

Actual investment of Rs 62,500 crore has been realized (till March) which has resulted in incremental production/ sales of over Rs 6.75 lakh crore and employment generation of around 3,25,000.

PLI schemes have played a significant role in promoting domestic value addition (DVA) in various sectors.

It has led to increased value addition in the electronics sector and in smartphone manufacturing, 23 per cent and 20 per cent respectively, from negligible in 2014-15.

"Up to 80 per cent, DVA has been reported in various products under pharmaceuticals. Import substitution of 60 per cent has been achieved in the telecom sector. DVA up to 50 per cent is envisaged under automobiles and auto component sectors," it added.
In a significant move to enhance its strategic resource security, India has officially released its first-ever critical minerals list, identifying 30 key critical minerals crucial to the nations economic growth and technological development.

This pioneering step aims at reducing import dependence, enhancing supply-chain resilience, and supporting the countrys net-zero objectives.

Union Minister Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines Pralhad Joshi, while releasing the Critical Minerals for India report in New Delhi on Wednesday, said, India is readying for an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The critical minerals list, formulated by the Ministry of Mines, includes a diverse range of minerals considered essential for various industries such as defence, electronics, renewable energy, telecommunications, and transportation, among others.

The list comprises 30 minerals, including 17 rare earth elements (REEs) and six platinum-group elements (PGE), each designated as critical based on their economic importance and limited availability in Indias geological reserves.

Among the minerals featured on the list are antimony, beryllium, bismuth, cobalt, copper, gallium, germanium, graphite, hafnium, indium, lithium, molybdenum, niobium, nickel, PGE, phosphorous, potash, REE, rhenium, silicon, strontium, tantalum, tellurium, tin, titanium, tungsten, vanadium, zirconium, selenium, and cadmium as critical to Indian economy.

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Ten minerals on the list are 100 per cent import-dependent. These are lithium cobalt, nickel, vanadium, niobium, germanium, rhenium, beryllium, tantalum, and strontium.

Union Mines Secretary Vivek Bharadwaj stated that Indias international commitments towards reducing carbon emissions require the country to urgently relook its mineral requirements for energy transition and net-zero commitments.

The ministry will be revisiting the critical mineral list periodically, he added.

To expedite the development of domestic mineral resources, the government plans to encourage public and private investments in exploration, mining, and processing facilities. It also intends to facilitate the adoption of advanced technologies and international collaborations to enhance efficiency and environmental sustainability in the extraction and processing of critical minerals.

India has already entered into the US-led Mineral Security Partnership to secure a global supply chain for critical minerals. This is Indias second such alliance this year.

In April, in a first-of-its-kind partnership, the Indian and Australian governments decided to jointly invest $3 million each for five critical mineral exploration projects in Australia.

In mid-2020, India, through Khanij Bidesh India Limited, a joint venture of three public sector undertakings  National Aluminium Company, Hindustan Copper Limited, and Mineral Exploration Company Limited  signed an agreement with an Argentinian firm to jointly prospect lithium. Besides this, it is also exploring options in Chile and Bolivia, said Bharadwaj.

The government has also asked Jammu & Kashmir to hold lithium auctions at the earliest, said Joshi.

The government hopes to find more lithium reserves in the region later this year, added Bharadwaj.

Critical minerals have complex global supply chains with a high concentration in the extracting and processing countries, resulting in high supply risks.

The US has declared 50 minerals critical in light of their role in national security or economic development.

The UK considers 18 minerals critical, the European Union has declared 34 minerals critical, and Canada and Japan 31 each. Australia has 26 critical minerals.

By harnessing its vast geological wealth, India endeavours to become a global hub for critical mineral production and reinforce its position as a major player in the global economy.

According to experts, it is a strategic initiative that reaffirms Indias commitment to strengthen its mineral sector and reduce dependence on imports which often leads to supply chain vulnerabilities and price volatility. The lack of a specific list of critical minerals was also becoming a deterrent towards prioritising the countrys critical mineral needs.

The list will serve as a guiding framework for policy formulation, strategic planning, and investment decisions in the mining sector.
Seafood exports have more than doubled since 2013-14 and touched nearly Rs 64,000 crore last fiscal Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Parshottam Rupala on Wednesday said.

"While the seafood exports stood at Rs 30,213 crore in 2013-14, the same has increased to Rs 63,969.14 crore during FY 2022-23, an increase of 111.73 per cent in spite of pandemic-imposed challenges in global markets," an official statement said.

Indian seafood is exported to 129 countries, with the largest importer being the US.

"In fact, the value of the cumulative exports for the 9-year period of 2014-15 to 2022-23 stood at Rs 3.41 lakh crore as against Rs 1.20 lakh crore for the 9-year preceding 2014-15 i.e. the period 2005-06 to 2013-14," the statement said.

The minister informed that during the last 9 years, the annual fish production of India has increased from 95.79 lakh tonne (at the end of 2013-14) to an all-time record of 162.48 lakh tonne (at the end of 2021-22) -- an increase of 66.69 lakh tonne.

Further, national fish production for 2022-23 is also expected to touch or exceed 174 lakh tonne (provisional figures), an 81 per cent increase when compared to 2013-14.

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The fisheries sector in India has shown a sustained annual average growth rate of 8.61 per cent for the 8-year period from 2014-15 to 2021-22 (at constant prices).

During the eight-year period from 2014-15 to 2021-22, the GVA of the Fisheries Sector has increased from Rs 76,487 crore in 2013-14 to 1,47,518.87 crore (at constant prices) and from 98,189.64 crore in 2013-14 to 2,88,526.19 crore in 2021-22 (at current prices).

The sector contributes 1.069 per cent to the National GVA and 6.86 per cent to Agriculture GVA.

Rupala informed that the government has extended the KCC facility to fishers and fish farmers from the financial year 2018-19 to help them meet their working capital requirements. To date, 1,42,458 KCC cards have been issued to fishers and fish farmers.
India's KABIL, a state-owned joint venture formed to scout for minerals overseas, will "shortly" sign an agreement with Argentina to secure a few lithium blocks, a government source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Wednesday.

India, among the world's top greenhouse gas emitters, has been pursuing overseas pacts to secure key minerals in resource-rich countries such as Australia, Argentina and Chile.

"Right now, we are concentrating on copper, cobalt and lithium among critical minerals and looking for collaborations with other countries," the source said on condition of anonymity.

KABIL, short for Khanij Bidesh India Ltd, was formed in August 2019 to identify, acquire, develop and process strategic minerals overseas for use in India.

(Reporting by Neha Arora; editing by Sudipto Ganguly and Richard Chang)

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A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Culture and a PSU bank on Wednesday for the disbursal of financial assistance to veteran artists, officials said.

The ministry administers a 'Financial Assistance for Veteran Artists' scheme under which financial assistance of Rs 6,000 per month is provided to artists and scholars above the age of 60, who have contributed significantly in their specialised fields of performing arts and culture in their active age or are still contributing, but due to old age, they are facing difficulty and are in penury condition.

Currently, under the scheme, disbursal of financial assistance in respect of artists selected before 2017 is made through the LIC while for the artists approved post-2017, it is made directly by the ministry, according to an official statement issued by the ministry.

It has been noted that the receipt of documents from the beneficiaries often gets delayed resulting in disbursal of the amount as a lump sum instead of being released on a regular basis, it said.

"With the signing of the MoU with Canara Bank, in a period of approximately two months post streamlining of the process, disbursal of financial assistance to the veteran artists would commence on a monthly basis, also ensuring redressal of long pending grievances of beneficiaries," the ministry said.

This initiative is reflective of the Culture Ministry's commitment to "constantly improve" the interface with the artists' community and the services provided to them.

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Canara Bank, one of the leading PSU Banks, has expressed their sincere commitment to ensuring the smooth and continuous disbursal to the veteran artists given their experience of handling many schemes for the various ministries of the government of India, the statement said.
Delhi Lt Governor V K Saxena on Wednesday assured that the three landfill sites in the national capital will be cleared in the "next 18 months" while the Najafgarh drain will be cleaned in the "next few months".

Speaking at an event here on 'Delhi 2041 - New Master Plan', Saxena cited various initiatives undertaken in the development of Yamuna flood plains, revamping of roads, and removal of garbage dumps in the city, under his tenure in the last year.

He called upon Delhi citizens to participate in the beautification and grooming of the city.

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) issued a statement after the event which was also attended by Subhasish Panda, vice chairman of the authority, who said the Master Plan of Delhi 2041 (MPD-2041) would ensure sustainable development and will be notified soon.

Highlighting the cleanliness work done in the national capital at an "unprecedented pace", Saxena assured that the three "garbage mountains" will be cleared in the next 18 months, and the Najafgarh Drain, spread over 57 km, will also be completely cleaned very soon.

"Out of the 57-km stretch of the Najafgarh Drain, 30 km of it has been cleaned and the rest will be cleaned in the next few months," he was quoted as saying in the statement.

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The interactive session on MPD-2041 was organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI).

Flattening of garbage dumps at Okhla, Bhalswa, and Ghazipur was being done on a "war footing", the PHDCCI said in another statement.

He emphasised that coordination among departments can help achieve the targets, saying that public participation can accomplish a lot of things.

The LG said inclusivity lay at the heart of the this Master Plan.

Drafting of the Master Plan, which is almost ready, meticulously took into account the importance of providing equal opportunities to all segments of society, by ensuring equitable access to resources, services, and economic opportunities, Saxena said.

The plan aims to foster inclusive growth and prosperity. Entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation will be nurtured, contributing to the overall economic development of the city, the LG added.

He also said that like never before, this year thousands of residents of Delhi performed yoga at eight locations on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga, along the cleaned stretch of the Najafgarh Drain.

The LG asked citizens of Delhi to remain vigilant and raise their voices for better roads, other basic facilities, and also against encroachment.

"People have the right to ask for a clean environment," he said.

On an emotional note, he stressed that it is our duty to bring back the lost glory of the Yamuna river for future generations. He said in the endeavour, an 11 km patch of Yamuna from Signature Bridge to the ITO Barrage has been cleaned.

Talking about employment generation in the national capital, he said in the last year, 17,000 permanent jobs have been provided and 26,000 people have been trained in skill development.

The draft Master Plan of Delhi-2041 envisions the identification and preparation of conservation and revitalisation management plans for cultural precincts, adaptive reuse of old buildings, and constitution of heritage cells, a move that seeks to promote holistic development in the historic city.

DDA approved the draft MPD-2041 in March 2023.

Preservation of Delhi's rich heritage, revitalising urban areas, through greenfield as well as brownfield development projects, and connectivity and mobility that essentially take into consideration environmental sustainability, are other equally prominent aspects of the MPD-2041, the LG said.
Because there are two "Shravan" months this year, the 62-day Amarnath Yatra, which begins on July 1 is more significant. According to Mahant Deependra Giri, also known as "Chhari Mubarak," the custodian of Lord Shiva's holy mace says that the two "Shravan" months of the year are an extraordinary astronomical event that takes place after 19 years.

"This year's pilgrimage brings greater significance as we have two 'Shravan' months, and this extraordinary astronomical event has taken place after 19 years," Mahant Deependra Giri stated when announcing the schedule for the Chhari Mubarak rituals.

Amarnath Yatra 2023: Special

This year the blissful month of Shravan will start on July 04 and will come to an end on August 31, 2023. The Hindu calendar's astrological calculations indicate that the Adhik Maas or Mal Maas extended the Shravan month this year. This year's Shravan month has a unique and unusual length of 59 days, making it one of a kind.

Because this phenomenon occurs after 19 years, it is extremely rare and unique. It will give devotees more time to devote themselves to the deity and pray. This year will observe eight Shravan Somwar (Mondays) rather than four, adding to the uplifted excitement and festivities. It is believed that adhering to the Solah Somvar Vrat (Fast on Sixteen Mondays) makes the god happy and grants his devotees happiness, prosperity, and good health. As a result, this month holds a lot of significance.

Amarnath Yatra 2023: Schedule

 Mahant Deependra Giri made the schedule for the Amarnath Yatra this year, which will begin on July 1.

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 On the occasion of "Ashad Purnima" (Vyas Purnima), on Monday, July 3, "Bhoomi-Pujan," "Navgrah Pujan," and "Dhawajarohan" rituals connected to the beginning of the annual pilgrimage will be performed at Pahalgam, which is the traditional route of the yatra. This is according to an age-old tradition.

 Chhari Mubarak will be taken to the noteworthy Shankaracharya Temple here on August 16 and Sharika Bhawani Temple a day later.

 On August 19, the Shri Amareshwar Temple Dashnami Akhara will host the "Chhari Sthapana" rituals.

 Post-performance of "Chhari Pujan" on the occasion of "Nag Panchami" on August 21 at Dashnami Akhara, Srinagar

 Pahalgam on August 26 and 27, Chandanwari on August 28, Sheshnag on August 29, and Panchtarani on August 30 will all be night halts for the holy mace yatra.

 On "Shravan Purnima," Deependra Giri will carry the holy mace to the Amarnath cave shrine to perform "Poojan" and have "Darshan" early morning on August 31.

Mahant Deependra Giri advised members of the civil society and sadhus who planned to participate in the Chhari Mubarak yatra to register, stating that only registered participants with valid Yatra permits would be permitted to travel during the pilgrimage.
by Ashok K. Mehta

India and US have taken one giant step in defence technology transfer and upgrade that makes their Global Comprehensive Strategic Partnership approach an alliance but allows India to preserve its strategic autonomy. In 1971 India joined USSR in an alliance that curiously mentioned Indias strategic autonomy. India is on the cusp of a transformative revolution in national defence and security incorporating change in an adhoc fashion. As a founder member of the Defence Planning Staff which is the forerunner of the current Integrated Defence Staff, I have watched India undertake defence reforms in fits and starts and piecemeal. But a different beginning was made in the mid-1980s with a firm foundation for initiating and incorporating change systematically and logically against a strategic canvas.





The Sukhoi-30MKI jet is seen during the 88th Air Force Day parade at Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad, India, October 8, 2020. [ Photo Credit: Reuters/Anushree Fadnavis]





The DPS integrated tri-service team carried out an elaborate evaluation of the Strategic and Technological Environment comparable to the contemporary Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR). From that evaluation emanated the 15-year Defence Plan which was referred to by then Defence Minister KC Pant in Parliament. It was the first time ever that an Integrated Defence Plan was devised. Another milestone was the significant change that occurred in national security policy following the Kargil Review Committee Report in 2000. Sadly its recommendations were implemented in bits and parts.





Although many defence reviews and several task forces have made piecemeal recommendations, no holistic review or any White Paper has been sought nor presented in Parliament. To date, parliament has not called on the government to do an SDSR which is mandatory in all democracies. When a new government takes up office in Whitehall UK, it is required to present SDSR or whenever the strategic environment changes, like in Ukraine, the government presents an Integrated Review or an Integrated Review Refresh, as done recently in the UK. It is the long view of the future and what it might reveal internationally and domestically. The point is, change is introduced following a strategic assessment/holistic review. India is guilty of transgressing this concept and principle.





Fast forward to 2019. A Defence Policy Committee was created under NSA Ajit Doval which was expected to write the National Security Strategy (NSS) (equivalent to SDSR). He was elevated from MoS to Cabinet rank but NSS remained a mirage. From NSS hatched the National Defence Strategy. Till then, the Defence Ministers Operational Directive was the Magna Carta. It was written by the Armys Military Operations Directorate and refined by the MoD. The last one was signed by Defence Minister AK Antony in 2009. Another was attempted in 2015. It contained orders for a two-front war to be fought for 30 days on an intense scale and 60 days normally. In 2013, Army Chief Gen VK Singh created a storm by writing to then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that war stocks were sufficient for just 10 days of intense war. In 2020 the Operational Directive was fine-tuned with war stocks upgraded to 20 days intense and accepted by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. It is mysterious how the nature and duration of the war  two-front, Cold start, nuclear or conventional  were decided without an strategic review.





The CDS was announced at the end of 2019 along with establishing the Department of Military Affairs, planning for integrated theatre commands and associated inter-service procedural changes, atmanirbharta in defence and the Agniveer recruitment scheme in 2022. These were groundbreaking changes. Further, the criteria for selecting CDS were changed after the first incumbent Gen Bipin Rawat died in an accident. His replacement was curiously a retired three-star General; the first time in the history of CDS appointments anywhere that someone who had not been a service chief was appointed to the job. Before being elevated to four-star rank and CDS, Gen Anil Chouhan worked with Mr Doval as security advisor to National Security Council Secretariat. The selection from a contrived system was baffling. The revolutionary reforms implemented since 2019 were unaccompanied by any inkling of a strategic assessment. No NSS nor NDS was forthcoming or expected.





When President Joe Biden came into office, an NSS document was prepared by NSA Jake Sullivan. Defence Minister Lloyd Austen then produced the NDS. What the SDSR does is: informs the people and the armed forces who their adversaries are and how the government evaluates threats, challenges and opportunities from their behaviour. The three priorities in defence scenarios are Taiwan, the South China Sea and LAC. The centrality of NDS is in the concept of integrated deterrence that India must work to operationalize as on its own it cannot deter China for a long time to come. This could lead to jointness in the defence ecosystem as done in the joint production of GE414 jet engines. Cooperating and collaborating with the US in defence is perhaps the only way for the capability to catch up with China.





India is fighting shy of naming China as a threat and challenge. Even so, it is not too late to write a White Paper on China and then an Integrated Defence and Security Review. But all one gets is the end-of-the-year report card from different ministries. This is insufficient and archaic for aspiring world power.





Ashok K. Mehta is a radio and television commentator, and a columnist on defence and security issues. He is a former Major General of Indian Army. After joining the Indian Army in 1957, he was commissioned in the 5th Gorkha Rifles infantry regiment in the same year. He had fought in all major wars India went into, except the Sino-Indian War of 1962. And he was also on a peacekeeping mission in Zaire in the year 1962 and in the Indian Peace Keeping Force, Sri Lanka (1988-90) and it was his last assignment in the Indian Army. He is also a writer of several books and a founder-member of the Defense Planning Staff in the Ministry of Defence, India.
The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances will hold webinars with district collectors and other officers on good governance initiatives that won the prime minister's awards for excellence in public administration with the objective of greater dissemination and replication.

In pursuance of the directions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the DARPG under the Personnel Ministry will conduct 12 National Good Governance webinars in 2023-24, an official statement issued on Wednesday said.

The prime minister has directed the DARPG to hold virtual conferences/ webinars with district collectors and other officers to which past award winners of the PM's Awards for Excellence in Public Administration will be invited, it said.

The webinars are to be held on the last Friday of every month, it said.

The National Good Governance Webinar for June 2023 will be held on Friday on the theme Samagra Shiksha", the order said.

The speakers would be the district collectors of Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh, and Mehsana, Gujarat.

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"District collectors of all districts of India and secretaries of administrative reforms, state administrative training institutes and central training institutes, officials of concerned line departments of state governments would be participating in these webinars," the statement said.

In 2022-23, the DARPG conducted 13 National Good Governance webinars from April 2022 to April 2023 to encourage dissemination and replication of the award-winning nominations under the scheme of the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Administration.

Each webinar was attended by about 1,000 officials from line departments, state governments, and District Collectors.

"The vice president released the compendium of the National Good Governance webinar series 2022-23 on 20th April 2023 in the inaugural session of Civil Services Day events 2023," it added.
The Delhi government has released Rs 100 crore for 12 Delhi University colleges that are fully funded by it, considering the administration's financial mismanagement, Delhi Education Minister Atishi said on Wednesday.

"There has been certain financial mismanagement in the government colleges in the last few years. We think teachers and students shouldn't suffer because of this. Keeping their welfare in mind, a fund of Rs 100 crore is being released to these 12 colleges," Atishi said.

She said that even though some colleges are currently undergoing audits, the Delhi government is ensuring that teachers continue to get their salaries, medical benefits and pension benefits that were delayed due to financial mismanagement.

"If any financial irregularities are found in any college after the audit process, strict action will be taken against the administration. However, the teachers should not worry as they will receive their salaries on time, as well as timely medical and pension benefits," she said.

The Delhi Education Minister said that the budget for education in the national capital increased three-fold under the Arvind Kejriwal government, which also added four new colleges to the state's tally since its coming to power.

"One-fourth of the assembly budget is always sanctioned for education purposes in Delhi. Four new universities have been opened and there are 12 Delhi government colleges here. Ever since the AAP government came to power, funds to these colleges have increased three-fold," she said.

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The AAP leader said that these 12 DU colleges play an important role in girl education, located as they are in the rural areas of the city.

"In the financial year 2023-24, an amount of Rs 400 crore has been allocated by the government. Out of this, the first quarter of Rs 100 crore is being released today. It is our priority to provide access to quality higher education to every child in Delhi," she said.
The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has warned that the Delhi governments scheme mandating cab aggregators and delivery service providers to completely convert to electric vehicles (EV) by 2030 may significantly disrupt business activities and livelihoods of gig workers.

The EV conversion targets prescribed in the scheme appear to be based on assumptions of ecosystem maturity rather than evidence-based research. It is imperative the government recognise that the paucity of charging stations and battery-swapping infrastructure in the capital make the schemes ambitious targets virtually impossible to meet, the industry body said in a statement.

The Delhi government last month announced a draft Motor Vehicle Aggregator Scheme 2023 aimed at regulating cab aggregators and delivery service providers in the city. The scheme has proposed several rules for the vehicles including mandatory panic buttons in taxis, integration with emergency response number '112', and phase-wise transition to electric vehicles (EV).

The EV conversion targets prescribed pose a significant risk to gig workers who have heavily invested their capital, often through loans, in internal combustion engine (ICE) powered vehicles. Moreover, the extremely high costs associated with owning an EV make it a commercially unfeasible option for most gig workers in the capital, IAMAI said.

Earlier this week over 1,500 cab drivers conveyed their concerns about the financial implications of the scheme in a letter to Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot.

IAMAI further said that the target of 100 per cent electrification of bike taxis operating in Delhi right from the outset also raises serious concerns as the lack of a moratorium for bike taxis could render numerous gig workers without work overnight.

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Delhis Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has previously said that the scheme aimed to achieve the twin objectives of prioritising the safety of passengers while promoting the use of electric vehicles to reduce pollution. A draft of the scheme is currently waiting for the approval of Delhis Lieutenant-Governor.

On the schemes provisions about consumer grievances, IAMAI urged the government to adopt a graded approach to addressing consumer complaints based on their urgency and nature.

Regarding the schemes data storage requirements, the industry body of digital services companies requested the Delhi government refrain from imposing such obligations as the storage and sharing of personal data is set to be more comprehensively addressed by the central government through the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022.

Lastly, IAMAI recommended an escalation mechanism before the imposition of penalties to ensure a fair and transparent process for all stakeholders involved.
Delhi lieutenant governor Vinai Saxena has written to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over the delay in administrating the oath of office to Justice (Retd) Umesh Kumar as Chairperson, Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) and urged the that the oath be administered without delay and preferably by June 28.

The letter from the governor stated that the president appointed Justice Kumar as Chairperson DERC in accordance with the extant statutory provision through a notification duly notified in the Gazette on June 21.

In the letter, LG Saxena wrote: "I am in receipt of communication regarding unnecessary delay in administrating oath of office to Justice (Retd) Umesh Kumar as Chairperson, Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) despite his communication on 22.06.2023 that he would be available in Delhi for this purpose from June 26, 10:00 AM onwards."

He further said: "You are aware that President has already appointed Justice Kumar as Chairperson (DERC) in accordance with the extant statutory provision through a notification duly notified in the Gazette on June 21."

"The next logical and statutorily mandated step in this direction is to administer to him the oath of office by Minister-in-Charge of Power, at the earliest. It is also brought to your notice that upon being approached by the Department of Power on June 26, under directions from Minister (Power) Justice Umesh Kumar, inter alia clearly expressed his keenness to assume his responsibilities and categorically mentioned his availability for oath-taking, June 27 onwards till June 29, where after he would be travelling out of Delhi," he stated.

He further said "In saying so, he did not agree with the proposal of the Department to hold the oath ceremony July 3 onwards. Accordingly, the oath could very well have been administered on June 27, 28 due to June 29 being a public holiday and unavailability of the Minister on June 30.

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According to him, rules and regulations require the Minister of Power of the government to administer oath of office and secrecy to the Chairperson and Members of DERC. The Rules however, do not give unlimited discretion to the Minister to withhold or inordinately delay administering of the oath Any deviation to the statutorily logical processes of governance cannot be subjected to the whims and fancies of individuals.

Such stone walling of the President's decisions without any statutory backing will lead to anarchy which must be avoided at any cost. The extant rules cast a statutory responsibility on the Minister (Power) to administer oath of office and secrecy to DERC, Chairperson (designate) without any further delay.

The Lieutenant governor wrote, "all of us are bound by the Constitution of India and it is incumbent upon us that prescribed Constitutional and statutory provisions are complied with. Nobody can take institutions on a ransom and it is strongly advised to abide by the directions of the said notification without any further delay, any deviation from which will be akin to disregard and violation of the Constitutional scheme of things."

He further said that the post of Chairperson of DERC which is a crucial public office is vacant for a long and now that the President has appointed Justice (Retd) Umesh Kumar the same must be complied with immediate effect

The LG further urged the Chief Minister to ensure that Minister Power administers the oath of Office and secrecy to Justice (Retd) Umesh Kumar without any further delay, preferably by June 28 as indicated by him in his communication dated June 26.
In a first, Belgium-based International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) will organise a global cooperative conference and its general assembly meeting in India in June 2024.

A decision in this regard was taken following a proposal presented by IFFCO's Managing Director U S Awasthi during an ongoing ICA Board meet in Brussels, Belgium.

"The ICA Board unanimously approved the same," IFFCO said in a statement, and added, this is a historic move for Indian cooperatives.

The board has "unanimously" decided to hold ICA Global Board, General Assembly, and an International Conference for the first time in the 128-year history of ICA at New Delhi in June 2024, the statement said.

ICA represents more than 310 cooperative organisations from 107 countries across the world as its members.

"It is a proud moment for IFFCO and cooperative businesses in India.... It will open up new opportunities in the cooperative sector where Indian cooperatives can associate and participate in global businesses," Awasthi said.

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The international cooperative event aims to bring together leaders from ICA member cooperative organisations from all over the world on a single platform for exchange of ideas and experiences and take important institutional decisions.

The ICA General Assembly is a very important event for cooperative organisations as it is a display of democracy and solidarity of the organisations, the statement added.
Increasing economic ties between India and the US would help boost the country's exports to America, according to exporters.

The economic ties have received a push from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the US, Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) Chairman Naren Goenka said in a statement.

"India's share in US's ready-made garment import from the world has increased to 5.7 per cent in 2022, which will further improve in future," he said.

The apparel export to the US from India in 2022 has also increased to USD 6 billion, registering a growth of 33.7 per cent as compared to 2021, Goenka said.

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) too said that the US and India have agreed to enhance the bilateral trade to USD 500 billion by 2030.

"Settlement of the six trade disputes bilaterally will create a congenial environment to foster our trade relations. Withdrawal of additional duty on steel & aluminium will push their exports in to US market ," it said.

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India Meteorological Department on Tuesday said that Monsoon has almost impacted the entire country and issued Orange, Yellow alerts for various parts of the country.

While speaking to ANI, IMD scientist Soma Sen said," The monsoon is active currently with its rapid advancement in the last 4-5 days. Leaving some parts of northwest India, the monsoon has impacted almost the entire country. Entire Gujarat and south-east Rajasthan have been covered by the monsoon. In the next two days, it is expected that south Punjab, Haryana and the remaining parts of Rajasthan will be covered."

The incessant rains have led to a flood-like situation in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh which has disrupted the normal life of people.

Earlier today, there is a possibility of rains for the next five days in Himachal Pradesh, and some places may receive heavy rains, said India Meteorological Department (IMD).

"There is a possibility of rain for the next 5 days. Heavy rain alert continues at some places of the state," said Sandeep Kumar Sharma, IMD scientist, Shimla.

"It has been raining heavily and we are stuck inside the hotel rooms. Due to the rain, we could not go anywhere outside," said Rahul, a tourist from Punjab.

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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) also issued an orange alert for heavy rains in Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Nashik, Pune and Satara.

Also, heavy rains lashed parts of Delhi on Tuesday.

The downpour brought respite to common people from the sweltering heat. Heavy rain was witnessed at New Delhi's ITO and other areas.

The weather department had issued a yellow alert for Tuesday.

Due to incessant rainfalls Tomato prices have recently shot up in the markets across the country from Rs 10-20 per kg to a price of Rs 80-100 per kg.

Ajay Kedia, a Mumbai-based commodity market expert and head of Kedia Advisory said, "This year, for a variety of reasons, fewer tomatoes were sown than in prior years. As the price of beans surged last year, many farmers switched to growing beans this year. However, a lack of monsoon rains has caused the crops to dry out and wilt. The limited supply of vegetables, particularly tomatoes are due to crop damage caused by heavy rainfall and extreme heat."

Tomato prices have also skyrocketed in the southern state of Karnataka and its capital city Bengaluru as incessant rains have damaged the crop and made transportation difficult.

The price of tomatoes touched Rs 100 per kg in a market in Bengaluru and traders said that due to heavy rain, the crops have been damaged.

Tomato, sold at Rs 40 to 50 per kg a week ago in the UP's Kanpur market is now being sold at Rs 100 per kg while in Delhi it is being sold at Rs 80 per Kg.

In Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur, the acute shortage of essential vegetables is burning holes in common people's pockets. The wholesale prices range from Rs 80-90 per kg, and the retail shops are selling tomatoes for Rs 100 per kg.

According to vegetable vendors of a market in Kanpur, Karnataka, a major tomato supplier, saw heavy rains that destroyed the crops. The prices soared in just 10 days and are likely to increase further, the vendors added.

According to the database maintained by the Price Monitoring Division under the Department of Consumer Affairs, per kilo tomato on average rose from Rs 25 to Rs 41 in retail markets. Maximum prices of tomatoes in retail markets were in the range between Rs 80-113.

The rates of staple vegetables were in tune with the rise in their prices in wholesale markets, which jumped about 60-70 per cent on average in June.
IRS officer Sameer Wankhede on Wednesday told the Bombay High Court that the prior sanction taken by central agencies to prosecute him on corruption charges was not lawful as it was obtained from the wrong Union Ministry.

Wankhede's counsel Aabad Ponda argued before a division bench of Justices A S Gadkari and S G Dige that the sanction to investigate him (Wankhede) was taken from the Home Ministry which was wrong.

"Wankhede was employed under the Ministry of Finance. He was on loan basis transferred to the NCB which falls under the Home Ministry," Ponda said.

Under section 17 A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, prior sanction is required to be taken before probing a public servant. Wankhede is an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in May this year registered a criminal case against Wankhede, NCB Mumbai's former zonal director, for allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs 25 crore from Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan in exchange for not framing his son Aryan Khan in the Cordelia cruise ship drugs case.

Wankhede had approached the high court seeking to quash the FIR and also sought interim protection from arrest.

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In May, the HC granted Wankhede interim protection from any coercive action.

The bench on Wednesday extended the protection till July 5 when it would continue hearing Wankhede's plea.

Meanwhile, an advocate sought to intervene in the matter and requested for a probe against other NCB officials and Aryan Khan too in the CBI case.

The bench asked the CBI to verify the genuineness and bonafide of the claims made by the advocate.

Wankhede has been booked for offences under sections 7 (bribery), 7A (undue advantage to influence public servant by illegal means) and 12 (abetment) of the Prevention of Corruption Act along with sections 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 388 (extortion) of the Indian Penal Code.

The CBI and NCB have in their affidavits claimed that necessary sanction (from the Home Ministry) for initiating action under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act against Wankhede was obtained.

Aryan Khan and several others were arrested in October 2021 for alleged possession, consumption and trafficking of drugs.

Later, Aryan Khan was granted bail by the high court after spending three weeks in jail.

The NCB subsequently filed its chargesheet but did not name Aryan as an accused in the case citing lack of evidence.

The anti-drugs agency had then set up a special enquiry team to carry out an inquiry into the case and against its own officers.
India commemorates National Statistics Day on June 29 to honour the late Scientist Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis and his contributions to the field of statistics and economic planning.

This is not to be confused with the United Nations World Statistics Day, which is celebrated every five years on October 20. The last celebration was in 2020 and the next celebration is scheduled for 2025.

Why do we celebrate Statistics Day?

The government of India decided to celebrate Mahalanobis on June 29 which coincided with his birthday. The notice of this was published in the gazette of India on June 05, 2007 and the first celebration of the national day took place in the same year.

The purpose of this day is to raise awareness among the public, especially the younger generation, about the role and significance of statistics in socio-economic planning and policy formulation, drawing inspiration from the late Mahalanobis.

How is the day celebrated?

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Every year the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) chooses a theme. For 2023, the chosen theme is Alignment of the state indicator framework with national indicator framework for monitoring sustainable development goals.

The day is also celebrated by holding seminars, discussions, and competitions to highlight the importance of statistics in overall national development.

The winners of the Prof PC Mahalanobis National Award in Official Statistics are also announced. In 2022, the award was jointly presented by MoSPI Deputy Director General Dilip Kumar Sinha and KP Suresh, principal scientist at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

This year, the main event for Statistics Day 2023 will take place at the Scope Convention Centre in New Delhi. The event will be attended by Rao Inderjit Singh, union minister of state for MoSPI, Ministry of Planning, and Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar, chairman of the National Statistical Commission, G P Samanta, chief statistician of India & secretary of MoSPI, and other dignitaries will also address the participants. Additionally, senior officers from Central Ministries/Departments, representatives from States/Union Territories, and international organisations are expected to participate.

During the technical session of the event, ministry officers will give a brief presentation on the theme, followed by expert speeches.

The winners of the 'On the Spot Essay Writing Competition, 2023' for Post Graduate Students organised by MoSPI will also be honored during the event.

Who was Prof Mahalanobis?

Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis or Prof Mahalanobis was born on June 29, 1893, in Kolkata. He was a scientist and statistician and is best known for devising the "Mahalanobis Distance," which is utilised in classification and cluster analysis. This formula is based on measurements in multiple dimensions and helps determine the distance between a point and its distribution points.

He was also a member of India's first planning commission, where he utilised his knowledge and expertise to develop the country's annual plan and oversee its implementation.

Prof Mahalanobis also established the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in 1950. The public university was deemed an institute of national importance by the 1959 Act of the Indian Parliament.

He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1968 for his contribution to the sciences and for his service to the country.

Prof Mahalanobis passed away at the age of 78 on June 28, 1972, just a day before his 79th birthday in Kolkata.
The third G20 Infrastructure Working Group (IWG) meeting under Indias stewardship concluded on Wednesday in Rishikesh. The three-day IWG meeting commenced on 26th June 2023 and was attended by 63 delegates from G20 member countries, invitee countries, and international organisations.

On Wednesday, the last of the meeting, two sessions were organized, wherein the delegates discussed the framework to enhance the capacities of the urban administrations, along with another important workstream outlined in the 2023 Infrastructure Agenda.

Overall, the 3rd IWG meeting concluded with India outlining the clearly defined outcomes. The delegates appreciated the Indian Presidency for the warm hospitality and acknowledged the efforts of the Presidency towards achieving progress across the workstreams.

The sessions were chaired by Australia and Brazil, with a presentation by the Asian Development Bank.

The priority principles of the meet are expected to be endorsed by the blocs finance ministers and central bank governors in the Gandhinagar meet in July. If approved, the priority principles of Financing Cities of Tomorrow could be the first policy statement to be endorsed by G20 leaders under Indias presidency.

The Presidency had also organized an excursion programme wherein the delegates visited Beatles Ashram and experienced ganga aarti at the Triveni Ghat. A pandal was also set up at the ghat keeping in mind the possibility of heavy rain. The plan to visit Ouni village, which was built as a model village, was dropped due to heavy showers. Over the last three days, the delegates relished the local cuisines of Uttarakhand and experienced the culture and heritage of the state.

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The next and last meeting of the Infrastructure Working Group is scheduled in September 2023, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
by M. K. Bhadrakumar





On Monday night, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation for the second time with the intention to bring the curtain down on the coup attempt by Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin on June 23-24. It was quintessentially a self-congratulatory speech  well-deserved, perhaps.





The speech had four principal elements. First, Putin took note right at the outset the restraint, cohesion and patriotism that the Russian people had shown, their civic solidarity and high consolidation, and their firm line (in) taking an explicit position of supporting constitutional order.









Putin forcefully contradicted the western narrative that the coup attempt showed cracks in the house that he built since assuming power in 2000. French President Emmanuel Macron rubbed salt in the wound saying that the development revealed a crack existing in the Russian camp, the fragility of both its army and its auxiliary forces, such as the Wagner Group.





Second, Putin highlighted that the Russian leadership acted swiftly, decisively and effectively  all necessary decisions to neutralise the emerged threat and protect the constitutional system, the life and security of our citizens were made instantly, from the very beginning of the events.





Third, Putin went on to roundly condemn the mutiny plotters as people full of malignity and evil intentions. But he sidestepped their political agenda as such. After all, a coup is about the usurpation of political power. Presumably, the topic is far too sensitive to be in the public domain.





However, Putin touched the issue tangentially through an enigmatic conjecture as to how if the coup attempt had succeeded, the enemies of Russia  the neo-Nazis in Kiev, their Western patrons and other national traitors would have been the beneficiaries, but they miscalculated. [Emphasis added.]





Putin didnt elaborate on any foreign involvement in Prigozhins coup attempt. However, the fact that he brought it up at all for a second time, especially of external forces having miscalculated, must be noted carefully.





Interestingly, when Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was asked about this in an interview with RT, he also parried and replied rather cryptically, I work in a government ministry that is not engaged in gathering evidence of unlawful acts being committed, but we do have such agencies and, I assure you, they are already looking into it.





But Lavrov commented on the media reports that Washington contemplated the lifting of existing sanctions against Wagner PMC. I do not believe that it is a change of approach by the US. It is just another confirmation that the US approach depends on what the US needs from a certain foreign actor at this specific stage, be it on the international arena in general, or in some specific country, Lavrov said. Lavrov recalled that the US intelligence agencies were counting on the success of the coup on June 24.





Fourth, Putin explained the rationale behind his decision to differentiate the majority of Wagner Group soldiers and commanders (who) are also Russian patriots, loyal to their people and their state. Putin expressed gratitude for the right decision they took not to engage in fratricidal bloodshed and stopped before reaching the point of no return. He then offered to them the options of signing a contract with the Defence Ministry or other law enforcement or security agency or to return home  or even go to Belarus.





For the Russian public, this was perhaps the most keenly awaited part of Putins speech. Putin said: I will keep my promise. Again, everyone is free to decide on their own, but I believe their choice will be that of Russian soldiers who realise they have made a tragic mistake.





As in his first speech on Saturday, Putin did not mention Prigozhin by name. But Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov had disclosed on Monday that a criminal case against Prigozhin would be dropped.





So, what emerges is that Putin approved a general amnesty for those involved in the coup attempt and virtually granted safe passage for Prigozhin and his followers to leave for Belarus, as quid pro quo for giving up the coup attempt, while at the same time, making a gracious offer to integrate the Wagner fighters into the Russian state organs or military in the fulness of time. The Russian public will accept this.





Evidently, Putin, who is sensitive to domestic public opinion, carefully weighed that there is a cult of celebrity about Wagner fighters for their courage, heroism, patriotism and loyalty. The saga of liberation of Bakhmut, a long drawn-out war of attrition lasting several months, hollowed out the Ukrainian military and became a defining moment in the war. It is embedded in the Russian psyche.





Equally, a significant section of Russian opinion is in empathy with a thought process aired in public in the recent months  not only from Wagner ranks  that the Kremlin is dragging out the war. Evidently, Kremlin decided that it is prudent not to prosecute Prigozhin for sedition.





A can of worms





The assurance held out by Putin publicly on Monday night would have reassured Prigozhin. At any rate, he flew out of Russia Tuesday morning by his private jet and landed in Minsk at 11.30 am.





Now comes a new twist to the tale. At 3.00 pm Moscow time on Tuesday, Putin gave yet another speech at a meeting in the Kremlin with military personnel apparently to express his gratitude to those who were on duty on the fateful days of the coup attempt.





Putin assured the select audience that everything will be done to support the families of our fallen comrades, etc. Then, Putin concluded his speech with an abrupt digression into one of Russias best kept public secret  namely, that Wagner company is a progeny of the Russian state.





He said, those who served and worked for this company, Wagner, were respected in Russia. At the same time, I would like to point out, and I want everyone to be aware of the fact that all of the funding the Wagner Group received came from the state. It got all its funding from us, from the Defence Ministry, from the state budget.





Between May 2022 and May 2023 alone, the Wagner Group received 86,262 million rubles (approx. $1 billion) from the state to pay military salaries and bonuses But while the state covered all of the Wagner Groups funding needs, the companys owner, Concord, received from the state, or should I say earned, 80 billion rubles ($940 million) through Voentorg as the armys food and canteen provider. The state covered all its funding needs, while part of the group  I mean Concord  made 80 billion rubles, all at the same time. I do hope that no one stole anything in the process or, at least, did not steal a lot. It goes without saying that we will look into all of this.





This would be a nasty surprise to Prigozhin in Belarus  Russian authorities are probing him on the charge of financial irregularities by his corporate business house!





This will hit Prigozhin where it hurts, for his mother Violetta Prigozhina has been the listed as owner of Concord Catering. Possibly, the vast business empire that the oligarch built thanks to state patronage  Concord Management and Consulting (construction and real estate development), LLC Megaline ( which monopolised hogged most capital construction contracts for the Russian military in 2016) and so on  can also be put under scanner.





This will not be the first time that the Kremlin punished an errant oligarch who strayed into the shark-infested waters of politics. Prigozhin would know that he will have some important choices to make in the coming months  and, possibly, for the rest of his life.





Of course, Prigozhins future moves will be watched keenly not only in Moscow but the Western capitals as well who are far from convinced that the last word has been spoken on the dramatic events.





Against this sordid backdrop, the big question is: Wasnt Prigozhins coup attempt largely a crisis that was waiting to happen? The heart of the matter is, scams follow Russian oligarchs like their shadows, and Prigozhin is no exception. And Russian authorities cannot wash their hands off this shameful reality.





For, after creating the Wagner as a company of private military contractors  similar to Aegis, the British private security and private military company, or Academi, which works heavily with the US military as well as the CIA  the Russian defence and security establishment simply handed over its infant to a powerful oligarch to make a fortune out of it (and possibly share part of the loot with his mentors), whose actual expertise lies in catering business and real estate development!





In comparison, Aegis was led by a former British Army officer, while the founder of Academi (formerly Blackwater), probably the most well-known of all private military companies in America, is a former Navy SEAL officer.





When national security and defence contracts get mired in sleaze and crony capitalism, it is a sign of decadence. If the US is no longer winning its hybrid wars  be it in Afghanistan or Iraq, in the Caribbean or in Africa  the root problem is the hydra-headed corruption spreading its tentacles across the ruling elite all the way to the Pentagon, the Congress and the White House. Now, one can endlessly argue that such malaise is endemic to capitalism, but that is neither here nor there.





Inevitably, Wagner under Prigozhin was going down the same path as the US private military contractors  about whom the famous whistleblower Edward Snowden who lives in Moscow has candidly written in his book Permanent Record. Therefore, fortuitously, Prigozhins legacy gives the Kremlin a compelling reason to clean the Augean stable. Whether that will happen or not, time will tell.





M. K. Bhadrakumar was a career diplomat by profession. Roughly half of the 3 decades of his diplomatic career was devoted to assignments on the territories of the former Soviet Union and to Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan. Other overseas postings included South Korea, Sri Lanka, Germany, and Turkey. He writes mainly on Indian foreign policy and the affairs of the Middle East, Eurasia, Central Asia, South Asia and the Asia-Pacific.
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the ratification of the Headquarters Agreement between the Government of India and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

The CDRI was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the United Nations climate action summit on September 23, 2019 in New York.

It is a major global initiative launched by the government and is seen as India's attempt to obtain a global leadership role in climate change and disaster resilience matters, according to an official release.

The Union Cabinet, in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Modi, has given its approval to the ratification of the Headquarters Agreement (HQA) between the government and CDRI signed on August 22 last year, it said.

Ratification of the headquarters agreement will facilitate grant of exemptions, immunities and privileges as contemplated under Section-3 of the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947 and will provide CDRI an independent and international legal persona so that it can carry out its functions internationally, more efficiently.

On August 28, 2019, the Union Cabinet had approved the setting up of the CDRI along with its supporting secretariat in New Delhi and also gave the approval for the government's financial support of Rs 480 crore to it over a period of five years from 2019-20 to 2023-24.

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Subsequently, on June 29, 2022, the Cabinet had approved recognition of the CDRI as an international organisation and for signing of HQA for granting the CDRI exemptions, immunities and privileges as contemplated under Section-3 of the UN (P&I) Act, 1947.

The CDRI is a global partnership of national governments, UN agencies and programmes, multilateral development banks and financing mechanisms, the private sector, academic and knowledge institutions that aims to promote the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks, thereby ensuring sustainable development.

Since its launch, 31 countries, six international organisations and two private sector organisations have become members of the CDRI. The CDRI has been expanding its membership consistently by attracting a wide variety of economically advanced countries, developing countries, and countries that are most vulnerable to climate change and disasters.
Maharashtra government cabinet has decided to name the Versova-Bandra Sea Link after Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The cabinet also passed the proposal to rename the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) after former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

The decisions were taken in the state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. In a statement made one month ago, CM Shinde announced that the bridge would be named after V D Savarkar.

Apart from this, CM Shinde also announced the decision to increase the limit of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. The scheme will benefit all people of the state.

Speaking about the decision, a key leader and a member of the Maharashtra cabinet, Sudhir Munganitwar, said that there should be no dispute over the decision as it honoured two respected individuals of the state who made significant positive contributions to the nation.

The Versova Bandra Sea Link is a structure spanning over 5.6 kilometres. The sea link has eased the never-ending traffic congestion in the country's financial capital. It facilitates faster travel between Versova and Bandra, which can be completed in a matter of minutes compared to the hours spent negotiating the city traffic earlier.

The upcoming 17-km sea link will connect Andheri to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link as part of the coastal road. The MTHL will connect Mumbai to Navi Mumbai and is expected to be completed by December this year.

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(With agency inputs)
The World Bank will provide USD 200 million (about Rs 1,600 crore loan) to finance the Himachal Power Sector Development Program to bring improvements in renewable energy integration in the state, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Wednesday.

With the addition of state equity, the total outlay for the programme would be Rs 2,000 crore and the World Bank funding is expected to be available by August 2023 for a duration of five years up to 2028, he said in a statement issued here.

He also informed that the World Bank Board has approved the programme on June 27, 2023, in Washington.

Improvements in the utilisation of renewable energy, reliability of grid at transmission and distribution level and strengthening of the institutional capacities of the various power utilities/agencies of the state would be undertaken under the programme, he said.

Efforts will be made towards the promotion of integrated resource planning of the power sector, piloting demand response management, improving the technical utilisation of existing hydropower assets to facilitate increased integration with other sources of renewable energy and establishing a single trading, he added.

Sukhu said that the Programme also aimed at installing new capacities of about 200 MW in solar generation through Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) and Himachal Pradesh Energy Development Agency (HIMURJA).

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It will also focus on strengthening the power network within the state and transmission by HPPTCL (Himachal Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Ltd) and distribution by HPSEBL (Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board) in 13 towns for optimal trading to meet the demand.

The programme would strengthen the environmental and social systems applicable to the state's power sector for better monitoring and evaluation of these aspects.

It will help the state to develop a uniform environment and social policy and procedures for the power sector utilities and provide benchmarks for the sustainable development of renewable energy, the statement said.
The government is preparing to take action against fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs that contain vitamins and minerals, some of which experts warn are irrational and unsafe, according to a report by the Economic Times (ET).

To assess the safety, efficacy, and therapeutic justification of these drugs, a committee led by CK Kokate, former vice-chancellor of KLE University, Belgaum, was established. The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), India's technical board on drugs, has requested a report from the committee based on their evaluation.

This report will reportedly be sent to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) with a recommendation by the committee, however, the final decision lies with the health ministry.

Efforts to crack down on FDCs in the country have been ongoing since 2016.

Earlier this month, Business Standard had reported the government banned 14 FDC affecting around 72 pharmaceutical companies. The ban that was enacted in "larger public interest" also affected around Rs 824 crore of the domestic pharmaceuticals market.

The bans were a result of a recommendation from an expert committee that said the FDCs had no "therapeutic justification."

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Hence in the larger public interest, it is necessary to prohibit the manufacture, sale or distribution of these FDC under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, read a notification by the health ministry.

The health ministry had also banned 349 FDCs in March 2016 after the Kokate committee found the drug combinations to be "irrational" and posed risks to health.

The Supreme Court had referred the matter to the DTAB for a review after drug companies challenged the ban. However, the DTAB, in a meeting held in July 2018, reinforced the ban on 343 of the 349 drugs. The market value of the 349 drugs was estimated to be approximately Rs 2,000 crore at that time.
For the first time, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has prepared a common panel of 400 insolvency professionals (IPs) from those registered with it, according to a report in The Economic Times.

An official said the insolvency regulator will share the list with the arbitrating authority to choose from to oversee cases of resolution from July 1. 17 insolvency professional entities (IPEs) have also been separately registered with the IBBI to supervise resolution, according to the list put out by the regulator on Tuesday.

The official said that the creation of the panel will help prevent administrative delays in the appointment of IPs and speed up the resolution process. The IBBI had asked IPs to submit their expression of interest by June 25 for being a part of the panel earlier this month.

The professionals featured in the list will be eligible to be appointed as interim resolution professionals (IRPs), resolution professionals (RPs), liquidators, and bankruptcy trustees under various sections of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). According to the IBBI, the list will be renewed periodically and the IPs will be appointed between July 1 and December 31. Previously, the insolvency regulator was required to recommend the name of an IP only after receiving a reference from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in a corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP).

Due to a strong insolvency ecosystem, Delhi had the highest number of selected professionals, with 85, followed by Maharashtra with 64, West Bengal with 36, and Gujarat and Tamil Nadu with 35 each. The list mentions the names of the IPs along with the areas in which they have handled cases. The list will also be given to the Debt Recovery Tribunal.
Shares of BLS International Services hit a new high of Rs 214.25, as they soared 9 per cent on the BSE in Wednesday's intra-day trade amid heavy volumes on the proposed initial public offering (IPO) of its subsidiary BLS E-Services. In the past two trading days, the stock has rallied 11 per cent.

"The board of directors of BLS E-Services, subsidiary of the company at their meeting held on Monday, June 26, 2023 approved fund raising, by way of an IPO of its equity shares," BLS International said in an exchange filing.

The proposed IPO is subject to receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations. The size of the offer, price and other details of the proposed IPO will be determined in due course, it added. The company further said, post the proposed IPO, BLS E-Services would continue to be a subsidiary of the company.

At 12:06 PM; the stock was trading 7 per cent higher at Rs 210.55, as compared to 0.82 per cent rise in the S&P BSE Sensex. The trading volumes at the counter jumped 1.5 times, with a combined 9.6 million shares changing hands on the NSE and BSE.

BLS International Services is a global tech-enabled services partner for governments and citizens, having an impeccable reputation for setting benchmarks in the domain of visa, passport, consular, citizen, e-governance, attestation, biometric, e-visa, and retail services since 2005.

BLS International recently consolidated its banking correspondence and e-Governance businesses into a Digital Services segment, which is operated through BLS E-Services. The digital services business has been growing well, as the company continues to expand its network of touchpoints across India, the management said.

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Amongst several others, the Company processes visa contracts for Spain, Italy, Portugal, Germany, Thailand, Morocco, Lebanon, Vietnam, Malaysia etc. BLS has bid for several contracts for visa services across the world, and expects continuous growth through new contracts.

For the financial year 2022-23 (FY23), the company had reported a robust 83.7 per cent year-on-year (YoY) growth in its consolidated profit after tax at Rs 204.22 crore, against Rs 111.2 crore in FY22. Operational revenue grew 78.4 per cent YoY to Rs 1,516 crore from Rs 849.89 crore. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (ebitda) margin improved 200 bps to 14.58 per cent in FY23.




Buying out Kurlon Enterprise, which makes the Kurl-on brand of mattresses, will help Sheela Foam nearly double its market share, the report said, adding that with this deal the latter's market share in the organised mattress segment could increase to 35-40 per cent from 20-25 per cent.





Sheela Foam is the market leader and the largest manufacturer of Polyurethane Foam in India. The company manufactures various foam-based home comfort products like mattresses, furniture cushions, as well as technical grades of polyurethane foams for end-use in a range of industries like automobile and acoustics.



The company earned 74 per cent of its FY23 revenue from the home comfort business segment and the rest from technical foam segment.



In Q4FY23, the company reported 1 per cent YoY decline in consolidated revenues at Rs 7,290 million, while its profit declined 7per cent YoY to to Rs 458 milllion amid high raw material costs and lower volumes.



"We supply to the auto industry, which is doing extremely well. However, as far as consumers are concerned, or the B2C business is concerned for mattresses, they are preferring to postpone their purchases and the footfalls in the stores are extremely low," the management said in its earnings call. Sheela Foam is popular for its Sleepwell brand of mattresses. Around Rs 900 crore could be added to the companys topline at the consolidated level as a result of this deal, the report said citing a source.Sheela Foam is the market leader and the largest manufacturer of Polyurethane Foam in India. The company manufactures various foam-based home comfort products like mattresses, furniture cushions, as well as technical grades of polyurethane foams for end-use in a range of industries like automobile and acoustics.The company earned 74 per cent of its FY23 revenue from the home comfort business segment and the rest from technical foam segment.In Q4FY23, the company reported 1 per cent YoY decline in consolidated revenues at Rs 7,290 million, while its profit declined 7per cent YoY to to Rs 458 milllion amid high raw material costs and lower volumes.

Shares of home furnishing company Sheela Foam rallied over 8 per cent to an intra-day high of Rs 1,270 apiece on the BSE on Wednesday after reports said the company is likely to acquire rival Kurlon Enterprise for a cash consideration of Rs 3,250 crore.Till 1 pm, the BSE counter had seen traded volumes of around 16,000 shares as against an average of 5,680 shares traded in the last two weeks.BSE has sought clarification from the company on the news development. As per a report by Moneycontrol, Sheela Foam will buy 100 per cent stake in Kurlon via two tranches. The deal is expected to be concluded within a couple of months.
The Congress on Wednesday demanded complete transparency in the multi-crore India-US drone deal, while alleging that the 31 MQ-9B Predator UAV drones were being procured for a higher price.

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said at a press conference that national security was paramount and that several doubts were being raised on the predator drone deal.

"The Modi government is known to jeopardise national interests and the people of India have witnessed the same in the Rafale deal, where the Modi government bought only 36 Rafale jets instead of 126. We also saw how HAL was denied transfer of technology. We also saw how several unilateral decisions were made, despite widespread objections from the Defence Acquisition Committee and the Armed Forces. The Rafale 'scam' is still under scrutiny in France," he charged.

"We demand complete transparency in this Predator Drone deal. India needs answers to the crucial questions. Otherwise, we will be trapped in another 'scam' under the Modi Government," he told reporters.

Trashing reports on the price as well as the acquisition process, the Defence Ministry had said on Sunday that India is yet to finalise the cost and specific terms of purchase of 31 MQ-9B long endurance drones from the US and it will examine the "best price" offered by the manufacturer to other nations before concluding the procurement.

It had said that the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) accorded to the procurement by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) noted the estimated cost of USD 3,072 million (one million=10 lakh) as provided by the US government, adding the price will be negotiated once policy approval from Washington is received.

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Khera said as the dust settles on all "manufactured glitter" on PM Narendra Modi's much publicised visit to the USA, there is one defence deal which is now under the radar of several questions. So much so that the Defence Ministry had to release an official PIB clarification and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had to clarify, he claimed.

"But the people of India need answers on the USD 3.072 billion (25,200 crore at current conversion levels) deal for 31 MQ-9B (16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian) High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) - commonly known as MQ-9B Predator UAV Drones manufactured by only one entity - General Atomics," he said, adding these are not the latest in the town.

He said their first combat mission was in 2017 and now there has been advancement in technology with new latest variants which have come up.

Khera said that each Predator/Reaper drone from General Atomics USA will cost approximately Rs 812 crore each and India is keen to buy 31 of those which means India shall spend Rs 25,200 crore while the DRDO can develop the same in just 10-20 percent of the cost.

"Why was there no Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting to approve the drone deal? Is it it not reminiscent of the Rafale deal wherein PM Modi 'unilaterally' signed a deal for 36 Rafales without the Defence Ministry or the External Affairs Ministry privy to it," he asked.

"Why is India paying more than the price for a drone, as compared to other countries? Why are we paying the 'highest price' for a drone, which does not have AI integration," he also asked.

The Congress leader questioned that when the Air Force had reservations about "skyrocketing prices" of these drones, then what was the tearing hurry to have a deal.

"Certainly, it could have happened post negotiations of the pricing and other technical specifications, including an AI integration," he said.

In a tweet, Congress general secretary, communications, Jairam Ramesh charged, "Once again a murky defence deal undercutting indigenous efforts with the PM at the centre comes to the fore.
A section of teachers affiliated with the Congress on Wednesday announced they will boycott Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Delhi University on June 30 over his "silence" on the Manipur issue.

Prime Minister Modi will be the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the Delhi University's (DU) centenary celebrations on Friday.

In a statement, the Indian National Teachers' Congress (INTEC) said PM Modi has not uttered a single word on Manipur which has witnessed on and off violence for close to two months now.

"The INTEC has decided to boycott the Prime Minister's visit to protest against the apathetic attitude of the Indian government towards the Manipur crises and problems of teachers and students of the University of Delhi," the group said.

Many students and teachers from Manipur are mentally disturbed by the ongoing crisis and the DU administration is watching as a silent spectator like others, the group alleged.

"Not even a single word has been uttered by our Prime Minister on the deepening crisis of Manipur. The crisis of human existence and survival in Manipur due to ethnic conflict between Kukis and Maeteis has the worst outcome of loss of human lives. It has been going on for nearly two months. Everybody in Manipur is affected by this crisis," the statement said.

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It said the education sector has suffered too with schools and colleges shut for almost two months and no competitive examinations conducted in the state. "Everything is in a state of chaos. Normalcy is far to reach."



Nearly 120 people have lost their lives and over 3,000 are injured since the ethnic violence broke out in the state on May 3.

The clashes first erupted 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.
Congress ally and a member of opposition UDF in Kerala, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) on Wednesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was pushing for implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country only as an election agenda ahead of the Lok Sabha polls next year as he has nothing to show for his nine-year governance.

After a meeting held here during the day, senior IUML members -- which included the party's state chief Sayyid Sadik Ali Shihab Thangal, its national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty and MP E T Muhammed Basheer -- said they have decided to oppose the UCC.

The IUML leaders said that UCC was "not a Muslim issue", but Modi was trying to project it as one.

They said that it was a last-ditch "trump card" being used by Modi with the 2024 general elections in mind as he has nothing to show for the nine-year long rule by his government.

"It is an election related agenda of the Prime Minister as he has nothing to show for this nine-year long governance. He is trying to make an issue out of a non-issue and trying to fool the people. It will be strongly opposed by the party," Kunhalikutty told reporters.

Basheer said that the IUML has always opposed the UCC and will continue to do so as it cannot be implemented effectively in the Indian scenario.

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He said that in a country like India, which is full of diversity, where different religions have their own customs, practices and beliefs, UCC can never be implemented here.

Basheer claimed that Modi was raking up this issue now as he was "scared" since "his track record in the last term and this one has not been very good".

"From the demonetisation, the various financial policies of his government and the problems in the health sector, his performance has been zero. So he is scared.

"He is also scared by the increasing strength of the opposition parties in the country and even more worried since the BJP's loss in the Karnataka elections. That is why he is pulling out the UCC issue as a trump card in the hope it would help him win the elections next year. It will not succeed," the IUML MP said.

He also tweeted that UCC was being used by the Centre as a political strategy post Karnataka election.

"Centre's use of UCC as a political strategy post-Karnataka election is concerning. It's blatantly clear that Modi is resorting to communal tactics to tackle his party's predicament, unlikely to succeed. Our vigilant opposition and citizens will join forces to oppose it.#Iuml," he tweeted.

Basheer also said that Modi was focused on the next general elections, instead of expressing a few words of concern regarding the violence in Manipur.

The IUML MP further said that the party' national executive will hold a meeting in Bhopal at the end of this month on this issue.

The reaction from IUML comes in the wake of Modi, on Tuesday, making a strong push for implementing the UCC by asking how the country can function with dual laws that govern personal matters.

Addressing BJP workers in Bhopal in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, he had also accused the Opposition of using the UCC issue to "mislead and provoke" the Muslim community.

The prime minister further said that those supporting 'triple talaq' were doing a grave injustice to Muslim daughters and that Pasmanda Muslims, who are backward, are not even treated as equals because of vote bank politics.

"You tell me, in a home, how can there be one law for one member and another law for another member?" Modi had asked during his interaction with BJP workers.

He had also said that even the Supreme Court has advocated for a UCC, which will override personal laws of different religions.

The UCC has been one of the three key poll planks of the BJP for a long time with the other being the abrogation of Article 370 that had given special status to Jammu and Kashmir and construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

UCC refers to a common set of laws that are applicable to all the citizens of India that is not based on religion and dealing with marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption among other personal matters.

The Law Commission had on June 14 initiated a fresh consultation process on UCC by seeking views from stakeholders, including public and recognised religious organisations, on the politically sensitive issue.
Putin thanks Russians for showing solidarity

09:02, June 28, 2023 By REN QI in Moscow ( China Daily

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his first national address since Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner private military group, launched a brief insurrection on Saturday, thanked Russians for their unity over the incident.

Putin emphasized in the address on Monday evening that prompt measures had been taken from the very beginning to avoid bloodshed. He lauded the courage of military personnel and law enforcement officers and vowed to fulfill his promise to members of the Wagner group that they could go to Belarus, join Russia's military or return to their families.

"Time was needed, among other things, to give those who had made a mistake a chance to come to their senses, to realize that their actions were firmly rejected by society, and that the adventure in which they had been involved had tragic and destructive consequences for Russia and for our state," Reuters quoted Putin as saying.

On Tuesday, the Russian Federal Security Service said it had closed a criminal investigation into the armed rebellion, with no charges against Prigozhin or any of the other participants.

The security agency, explaining its decision in a statement, said that participants in the armed insurrection had "ceased their actions directly aimed at committing the crime".

Putin also expressed gratitude to military personnel, law enforcement and intelligence officers, and the hero pilots who had stood up to stop the mutineers.

He told troops gathered at the Kremlin on Tuesday that they have effectively "stopped civil war", and a minute of silence was later held for the pilots killed during the revolt.

Noting that the patriotic feelings of Russians and consolidation of the entire society were crucial in ending the mutiny, Putin said that "this civic solidarity made it clear that any blackmail and attempts to create internal turmoil were bound to fail".

He also thanked Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko for his mediation role in resolving the attempted mutiny.

Wagner fighters took control on Saturday of the southern city of Rostov-on-Don and Russia's southern military headquarters, then drove an armed convoy to within 200 kilometers of Moscow before aborting their march.

Putin said he also appreciated the Wagner fighters "who made the only right choice and refused to start fratricidal bloodshed".

According to state news agency RIA Novosti, Putin later held a meeting with heads of security agencies on Monday night. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the president met with top security and military officials, including Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

In Washington, US President Joe Biden sought on Monday to distance the United States from the attempted rebellion, saying in his first public remarks since the episode that the West had nothing to do with it.

Speaking from the White House, Biden suggested that it was too early to say how the situation would unfold going forward. He also said he might speak again with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to coordinate their response after conferring in a phone call on Sunday.

Over the weekend, Biden had remained silent on the incident. He consulted with European allies by telephone on Saturday before traveling to the Camp David presidential retreat with Jake Sullivan, his national security adviser.

Also on Monday, Putin signed a decree that extends until the end of this year the Russian government's countermeasures against a price cap on Russian oil and oil products imposed by Western countries.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
The Ukrainian counteroffensive against Russian forces in June has been successful, but slow. Russia knew it was eventually coming and built extensive fortifications, including obstacles to vehicle movement as well as planting lots of anti-personnel and anti-tank mines. The anti-tank mines are frequently used because they are so effective. The mines themselves do not destroy tanks and other vehicles but inflict mobility kills by rendering the mine-damaged vehicles unable to move because of damaged tracks and/or tires/track wheels and suspension system. If this happens during combat, the vehicles and their crews are in big trouble. That often means the crew abandons the vehicle and seeks shelter elsewhere. Historically, most tank and armored fighting vehicle (AFV) losses come from mobility kills. The Ukraine War was unique because top attack ATGMs (anti-tank guided missiles) were able to destroy Russian-designed tanks and AFVs by causing the turret to explode and kill the entire crew. Now the Ukrainians are on the offensive and have to devote a lot of men and resources to removing anti-tank and anti-personnel mines. At the same time the Ukrainians use anti-tank mines to protect quiet sectors of the front line from surprise armored attacks.

The tracks on tanks are also vulnerable to accidental damage if the driver tries to cross an obstacle that can damage the tracks, often by just causing tracks to be separated from their supporting road wheels. When this happens, the crew has to get out and go through a time-consuming and strenuous effort to get the tracks back on. Track systems suffering battle damage can sometimes be repaired in the field if there is no damage to the wheels the tracks run on. Tank drivers are important members of the crew because they have to be alert and know what they are doing whenever the tank is moving. When not in combat, the tank commander will often stick his head and shoulders out of the turret and use his better view of the way ahead to warn the driver when an avoidable obstacle is spotted. .

A lot of different anti-tank weapons have been developed over the last century but none have been so successful as anti-tank mines, Anti-tank guns and missiles can be defeated with better armor or the more recent APS (Active Protection System). For example, in 2021 Germany successfully completed acceptance tests of the Israeli Trophy APS they wanted to purchase for their Leopard 2 tanks. The acceptance tests consisted of firing ATGMs (Anti-Tank Guided Missiles), RPGs (rocket propelled grenades) and shells from tank guns or artillery that often fire such shells equipped with shaped charge warheads at tanks, at a Trophy-equipped Leopard 2.

This was not the first Leopard 2 to use an APS. Turkish Leopard 2 and M60 tanks were equipped with the Ukrainian Zaslon APS in 2018 and were successful enough for Turkey to obtain a manufacturing license to build Zaslon. Several other countries have ordered Zaslon because it is one of the few APS systems that proved itself in combat. Zaslon is more flexible to install as it uses individual modules and can be used on tanks equipped with ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor). On the downside, Zaslon will injure nearby infantry, which is a major problem for many nations. Zaslon has been in service for as long as Trophy and worked against Russian weapons in 2015, but saw little exposure to combat after that until the Turks noticed it.

Russia has used a lot of anti-personnel and anti-tank mines in Ukraine and the Ukrainian forces have been supplied with equipment and training to find and destroy or disable them. Russia has deployed thousands of these mines in southeast Ukraine to disrupt a Ukrainian offensive. Russia has mapped these minefields in case they are no longer needed and the mines can be removed. If Russia is defeated, those minefield maps are unlikely to be given to the Ukrainians and the mines will be a public hazard for years to come. Ukraine will have to maintain mine-clearing teams and await reports from local civilians about minefield discoveries. Russia and Ukraine have both been using anti-tank mines against each other since 2015.

The American M1 and German Leopard 2 have improved but are still vulnerable track-laying systems. So do large militarized commercial bulldozers used by army engineer units to clear visible obstacles as well as detect and destroy anti-tank mines.

Commercial tracked vehicles have been around since the 19th century and were the basis of the first tanks, which used commercial tracklaying systems for movement across World War I battlefields torn up by shell craters and man-made fortifications. This commercial tech was quite mature and reliable when World War I broke out in 1914 and was often used near the front lines to clear roads and repair damage caused by all the artillery shells. It didnt take long for someone, in this case the British, to put armor and weapons on a large tractor and create the first tanks. These were first used in combat during 1916 and were a success. By 1917 hundreds of tanks of all sizes were used in successful allied offensives.

Between the World Wars there were major improvements in automotive technology, tank design and armored warfare tactics. Only the Russians, now ruled by a communist dictatorship, produced a lot of new tank designs. The World War I peace treaty limited the size of the German military and banned Germany from having tanks. That did not stop the Germans from developing new armored warfare tactics. For a while the Russians allowed the Germans to observe Russian tank developments. The Germans noted that the Russians were developing all sorts of tank designs, often using new American automotive and tracked vehicle tech. The Americans continued using World War I tanks into the 1930 because military budgets were small, especially during the Great Depression of the 1930s.

When World War II broke out in 1939 America quickly mobilized and eventually produced more tanks and warplanes than anyone else. By 1939 the Russians finally ended seven years of border battles with the Japanese in Mongolia by defeating the Japanese with mechanized units featuring lots of light tanks. Because of this impressive Russian performance, Japan decided to stay out of any further fighting with the Russians. That lasted until Germany was defeated by the Western allies and Russia in 1945. Japanese armored vehicle design and tank warfare tactics had not developed much before or during World War II. Japanese forces in China were quickly defeated by the Russians while the Americans used their huge navy and new atomic weapons to force the Japanese to surrender, something that was previously unthinkable to the Japanese.

Between 1939 and 1943 the Germans conquered most of European Russia using increasingly inferior, compared to the new Russian tanks, mobile forces. From 1943 to 1945 the Germans were on the defensive. Germany developed superior tanks like the Panther and Tiger, but not enough to offset the larger allied and Russian tank forces.

At the end of World War II Russia was using a lot more T-34/85 tanks which were good enough to overwhelm the smaller number of superior German tanks. Britain and the United States never developed any outstanding tank designs during the war but, because the American out-produced everyone else, the allies always had more tanks in action, supported by more artillery, warplanes and much else. Both Russia and the Western allies used huge numbers of adequate tanks to defeat the smaller number of more effective German tanks.

During the subsequent Cold War (1947 to 1991) the Russians and Western allies never fought each other directly. By 1991 the Soviet Union had dissolved and a much smaller Russia ended up with most of the 50,000 tanks the Soviet army had. By then the Western allies, including West Germany, later reunited Germany, had developed superior tank technology and, for the first time in 2023, those Western tanks saw their first action against Russian forces in Ukraine. The Western M1, Leopard and Challenger tanks were operated by Ukrainians, who had earlier wiped out most of Russias modern tanks using modern anti-tank weapons. Ukraine had more than a thousand Russian-designed tanks but it was Ukrainian infantry armed with new anti-tank weapons, most of them from NATO countries, who really destroyed the larger and theoretically superior Russian tank force. After sixteen months of that the Ukrainians went on the offensive but not with a lot of Western tanks. There was a lot of Western artillery and other new weapons. The Russians were forced to fall back on older and still reliable defensive tactics using anti-tank mines, tank obstacles and a sense of desperation. This time, unlike World War II, the Russians were the invaders and unsuccessful ones at that during the first major war between Russia and Western weapons operated by Ukrainians. The war isnt over yet but the Russians are seeking ways to get out of Ukraine and from underneath the crippling economic sanctions imposed because they invaded Ukraine.

Modern Western tanks were a factor in the victory, but more as a threat than actual use in battle. That was because the Western tanks had already proved themselves in battle, but not a major war.

The M1 entered service in 1980 and 10,300 were built. The Leopard 2 followed in 1983 and 3,600 were built. Production of both these tanks sharply declined after the Cold War ended in 1991. At that point a lot of existing Leopard 2s were no longer needed and became a hot item in the second hand market. By 2010 secondhand Leopard 2s were hard to come by because so many had already been sold or scrapped.

Germany sold off or retired so many of its Leopard 2s that by 2017, when they sought to rebuild their tank force to face the new Russian threat, it found Turkey, Chile, Greece, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland and Poland each had more operational Leopard 2 tanks than Germany. This odd situation was revealed in late 2017 when it was discovered that 53 of Germanys Leopard 2s were unavailable because they were undergoing upgrades and 86 were inoperable because of spare parts shortages. That meant Germany only had 95 Leopard 2 tanks that were combat ready. Thats 39 percent of the 244 Leopard 2s then operated by the German army.

This was all attributed to a 2015 program to expand and upgrade the German tank force. That involved taking 104 retired (in the 1990s) Leopard 2A4 tanks and putting them back into service after refurbishing the older tanks and upgrading them to the A7V standard. The 104 reactivated Leopard 2A7Vs did not begin arriving until 2019 and it will take until 2023 to complete the process. There may be further additions to the active tank force depending on how much of a threat Russia continues to pose.

Most Germans believed peace would last after the communist governments Russia had imposed on most East European nations after 1945 suddenly collapsed in 1989 followed by the Soviet Union dissolving in 1991. That marked the end of the Cold War. On top of that Germany was reunited in 1990 and the Russian-equipped East German military was largely scrapped. At that point the German Leopard 2 fleet shrank over 85 percent (from 2,000 to 225). Germany also retired over 2,200 Leopard 1s. Most of the retired Leopards were sold off or scrapped. But nearly a thousand Leopard 2s were put in storage just in case. Until 2014, Germany believed that those retired Leopard 2s would eventually be sold off or used for spare parts. A minority of Germans thought there was still a risk of a renewed Russian threat, so plans were made to keep upgrading Leopard 2s for foreign customers who were now operating most of the remaining Leopard 2s. Only 225 German Army Leopard 2s nominally remain in service.

Currently the American M1A2SEP and the Leopard 2A7V are the two most effective and numerous modern tanks. There are also the lighter 57-ton French LeClerc 2 and the 63-ton British Challenger 2. Both of these tanks were built in small numbers (about 400 each). German firm Rheinmetall won the billion-dollar contract to produce the Challenger 3, which is a major upgrade of Challenger 2, including a new turret and much improved 120mm gun. Sometimes superior tank designs can help win a war without ever fighting. There were also new developments in anti-tank weapons, including anti-tank mines. A new American anti-tank mine design not only damages the tracks but also sends a metal projective through the thinner bottom armored of tanks. As in the past, these mines remain the major threat to tanks and any advance involving tanks has to be led by armored mine-clearing vehicles.
Senior Trinamool leader Abhishek Banerjee said the party will organise a sit-in in New Delhi to press for the demand to clear financial dues of the state.

Addressing a panchayat election rally in Nadia district on Tuesday, Banerjee, the TMC national general secretary, said the BJP government has stopped giving funds under the MGNREGA scheme which has 11.36 lakh beneficiaries in the state.

"The BJP-led Centre has halted funds under Awas Yojana and 100-day work scheme. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to request him to release the funds. Following this, the TMC MPs met Union Minister Giriraj Singh to request the same, but nothing moved forward," he said.

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005 (MGNREGA) aims to enhance the livelihood security of households in rural areas by providing at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year.

Banerjee said the only way left was to go to Delhi and fight for the rights of the state's poor people.

"We will go to Delhi and stage a sit-in in front of the Krishi Bhavan demanding justice for our people," he said.

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The two-time TMC MP said the Bengal BJP leaders are writing to the "Centre requesting it to hold the state funds" instead of advocating to release the dues.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has been conducting Hackathons for the development of 5G products and solutions. This culminated in the development of 5G products/solutions in different technological verticals.

On Wednesday, the DoT invited applications for the '5G & Beyond Hackathon 2023' beginning June 28 2023, with the goal of shortlisting India-focused cutting-edge ideas that can be converted into workable 5G & beyond products and solutions.

Hundred winners of the hackathon will share a total prize pool of Rs one crore, and the opportunity to scale and implement their 5G products/solutions to market readiness with the help of mentors from government, industry, academia, telcos/OEMs, said the Ministry of Communications in a press release.

The participants can develop 5G & beyond solutions from across multiple categories including, healthcare, education & governance, agritech & livestock, environment, public safety & disaster management enterprise, smart cities & infrastructure, cyber security, banking, finance & insurance, logistics & transportation, multimedia & broadcast satellite, and others, it said.

Individuals, students, start-ups, and academic institutions from India are welcome to participate in the 5G & Beyond Hackathon, it added.
Indian mobile brands Micromax, Lava and Karbonn are working on making a comeback to the market to fill the vacuum created in the sub-Rs 10,000 segment, The Economic Times (ET) reported on Wednesday. This vacuum has been created as most smartphone makers have stopped releasing phones in this range and the Chinese brands are under pressure from the Centre.

According to ET, Karbonn is looking to launch a smartphone priced at Rs 4,999, while Micromax at Rs 5,999. Micromax is also in talks with telecom operators to bundle the handset at Rs 4,999. Lava is looking to launch more 5G smartphones under Rs 10,000.

Data from market tracker Counterpoint Research shows that in the March quarter, Indian brands had less than one per cent share in the market. This was 45 per cent at the peak of their popularity in 2013 and 2014.

Now, the market is mainly led by Samsung which has a market share of 20 per cent. It is followed by Chinese brands including Vivo (17 per cent), Xiaomi (16 per cent), Oppo (12 per cent) and Realme (nine per cent).

Pradeep Jain, managing director at Jaina Group, which owns Karbonn, was quoted in the report as saying that the brand will focus on 4G phones as they are expected to remain in trend for the next three years.

Sunil Raina, president and business head of Lava, was also quoted as saying that the company has improved its products, software and after-sales service. As a result, it has already witnessed "three times growth over last year".

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The Indian brands used to design and manufacture most of their handsets from Chinese partners till their own brands like Vivo and Xiaomi entered the market.

This time, however, Indian brands will design and manufacture the phones in the country.
Canada has announced a new open work-permit stream to allow 10,000 H-1B visa holders in the US to come and work in the country, a move that could benefit thousands of Indian tech professionals.

Canada is hoping to become a world leader in a variety of emerging technologies and it hopes to attract professionals affected by massive layoffs by US tech giants.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

By July 16, the Canadian government will create an open work-permit stream to allow 10,000 American H-1B visa holders to come and work in Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Sean Fraser said on Tuesday.

In its news release, the ministry said the programme will also provide for study or work permits for their family members.

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We're enthusiastic about the ambitious goals we have set in immigration because they aren't just about numbersthey are strategic. With Canada's first-ever immigration Tech Talent Strategy, we're targeting newcomers that can help enshrine Canada as a world leader in a variety of emerging technologies," Fraser said.

Approved applicants for the new programme will receive an open work permit of up to three years in duration, which means they will be able to work for almost any employer anywhere in Canada. Their spouses and dependants will also be eligible to apply for a temporary resident visa, with a work or study permit, as needed, the release said.

Tech companies went on a hiring binge during the pandemic but have since started laying people off in large numbers. That's left a lot of H-1B visa holders scrambling to find new jobs before they're forced to leave the US, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported.

Thousands of highly skilled foreign-born workers, including Indians, in the US, have lost their jobs due to the series of recent layoffs at companies like Google, Microsoft and Amazon. According to US media reports, nearly 200,000 IT workers have been laid off since November last year.

Industry insiders say that between 30 to 40 per cent of them are Indian IT professionals, a significant number of whom are on H-1B and L1 visas.

Every year, the US government issues 65,000 H-1B visas. The visas last for three years and can be renewed for another three years.

Of the H-1B petitions approved in FY 2022, 72.6 per cent were for beneficiaries whose country of birth was India, according to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

In the previous fiscal year, about 74.1 per cent of Indians received H-1B visas of the total approved in FY 2021.
Founded in 2000, Baidu Inc, China's most popular search engine provider has stated that its artificial intelligence (AI) model, Ernie has surpassed ChatGPT on multiple key metrics.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Baidu's said that its latest version of the AI model, Ernie 3.5 outperformed "GPT-4 in several Chinese capabilities," namely in its comprehensive ability.

This declaration follows a test run by a state newspaper called China Science Daily, which found that Ernie 3.5 came with better training and inference efficiency, which would not only make any further iterations of the technology faster but also more cost-efficient than Microsoft-backed OpenAI's ChatGPT.

China Science Daily reportedly used datasets AGIEval and C-Eval, which are two benchmarks used to ascertain the performance of artificial intelligence models.

The Chinese-made AI also comes with plugin that was rolled out in March that allow it to adapt to more specific work scenarios such as summarising texts and generating more precise responses to questions.

The latest version on which Baidu's has based its claims has not yet been rolled out to the public. Instead, it has been going through invite-only tests for the past three months, added a report by Reuters.

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This announcement is coming during a time when companies are rushing to create competing products to OpenAI's popular AI model, ChatGPT, which has also begun rolling the technology as an app. ChatGPT also introduced plugins in March to better adapt to specific work scenarios, building on the competition between natural language processing AI models.
By Jane Zhang and Sarah Zheng



Chinas tech sector has a new obsession: competing with US titans like Google and Microsoft Corp. in the breakneck global artificial intelligence race.



Billionaire entrepreneurs, mid-level engineers and veterans of foreign firms alike now harbor a remarkably consistent ambition: to outdo China's geopolitical rival in a technology that may determine the global power stakes. Among them is internet mogul Wang Xiaochuan, who entered the field after OpenAIs ChatGPT debuted to a social media firestorm in November. He joins the ranks of Chinese scientists, programmers and financiers  including former employees of ByteDance Ltd., e-commerce platform JD.com Inc. and Google  expected to propel some $15 billion of spending on AI technology this year.

For Wang, who founded the search engine Sogou that Tencent Holdings Ltd. bought out in a $3.5 billion deal less than two years ago, the opportunity came fast. By April, the computer science graduate had already set up his own startup and secured $50 million in seed capital. He reached out to former subordinates at Sogou, many of whom he convinced to come on board. By June, his firm had launched an open-source large language model and its already in use by researchers at Chinas two most prominent universities.

We all heard the sound of the starter pistol in the race. Tech companies, big or small, are all on the same starting line, Wang, who named his startup Baichuan or A Hundred Rivers, told Bloomberg News. China is still three years behind the US, but we may not need three years to catch up.

The top-flight Chinese talent and financing flowing into AI mirrors a wave of activity convulsing Silicon Valley, which has deep implications for Beijings escalating conflict with Washington. Analysts and executives believe AI will shape the technology leaders of the future, much like the internet and smartphone created a corps of global titans. Moreover, it could propel applications from supercomputing to military prowess  potentially tilting the geopolitical balance.

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China is a vastly different landscape  one reined in by US tech sanctions, regulators data and censorship demands, and Western distrust that limits the international expansion of its national champions. All that will make it harder to play catch-up with the US.





AI investments in the US dwarf that of China, totaling $26.6 billion in the year to mid-June versus Chinas $4 billion, according to previously unreported data collated by consultancy Preqin.

All this is not lost on Beijing. Xi Jinpings administration realizes that AI, much like semiconductors, will be critical to maintaining Chinas ascendancy and is likely to mobilize the nations resources to drive advances. While startup investment cratered during the years Beijing went after tech giants and reckless expansion of capital, the feeling is the Party encourages AI exploration.

Its a familiar challenge for Chinese tech players.

During the mobile era, a generation of startups led by Tencent, Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and TikTok-owner ByteDance built an industry that could genuinely rival Silicon Valley. It helped that Facebook, YouTube and WhatsApp were shut out of the booming market of 1.4 billion people. At one point in 2018, venture capital funding in China was even on track to surpass that of the US  until the trade war exacerbated an economic downturn. That situation, where local firms thrive when US rivals are absent, is likely to play out once more in an AI arena from which ChatGPT and Googles Bard are effectively barred.

Large AI models could eventually behave much like the smartphone operating systems Android and iOS, which provided the infrastructure or platforms on which Tencent, ByteDance and Ant Group Co. broke new ground: in social media with WeChat, video with Douyin and Tiktok, and payments with Alipay. The idea is that generative AI services could speed the emergence of new platforms to host a wave of revolutionary apps for businesses and consumers.

Thats a potential gold mine for an industry just emerging from the trauma of Xis two-year internet crackdown, which starved tech companies of the heady growth of years past. No one today wants to miss out on what Nvidia Corp. CEO Jensen Huang called the iPhone moment of their generation.

This is an AI arms race going on both in the US and China, said Daniel Ives, a senior analyst at Wedbush Securities. China tech is dealing with a stricter regulatory environment around AI, which puts one hand behind the back in this Game of Thrones battle. This is an $800 billion market opportunity globally over the next decade we estimate around AI, and we are only on the very early stages.

The resolve to catch OpenAI is apparent in the seemingly haphazard fashion in which incumbents from Baidu Inc. and SenseTime Group Inc. to Alibaba have trotted out AI bots in the span of months.

Joining them are some of the biggest names in the industry. Their ranks include Wang Changhu, the former director of ByteDances AI Lab; Zhou Bowen, ex-president of JD.com Inc.s AI and cloud computing division; Meituan co-founder Wang Huiwen and current boss Wang Xing; and venture capitalist Kai-fu Lee, who made his name backing Baidu.

Ex-Baidu President Zhang Yaqin, now dean of Tsinghua Universitys Institute for AI Industry Research and overseer of a number of budding projects, told Chinese media in March that investors sought him out almost daily that month. He estimates therere as many as 50 firms working on large language models across the country. Wang Changhu, former lead researcher at Microsoft Research before he joined Bytedance in 2017, said dozens of investors approached him on WeChat in a single day when he was preparing to set up his generative AI startup.

This is at least a once-in-a-decade opportunity, an opportunity for startups to create companies comparable to the behemoths, Wang told Bloomberg News.

Many of the fledgling firms are squarely aimed at the home crowd, given growing concern in the West about Chinese technology. Even so, theres an open field in a consumer market ringfenced to themselves, which also happens to be the worlds largest internet arena. In the works are AI-fueled applications, from a chatbot to help manufacturers track consumption trends, to an intelligent operating system offering companionship to counter depression, and smart enterprise tools to transcribe and analyze meetings.

Still, Chinese demos so far make it clear that most have a long way to go. The skeptical point out true innovation requires the free-wheeling exploration and experimentation that the US cultivates but is restrained in China. Pervasive censorship in turn means the datasets that Chinas aspirants are using are inherently flawed and artificially constrained, they argue.

Investors are chasing the concept, said Grant Pan, chief financial officer of Noah Holdings, whose subsidiary Gopher invests in over 100 funds including Sequoia China (now HongShan) and ZhenFund in China. However, the commercial use and impact to industry chains are not clear yet.





Then there are Beijings regulations on generative AI, with its top internet overseer signaling that the onus for training algorithms and implementing censorship will fall on platform providers.

Beijings censorship regime will put Chinas ChatGPT-like applications at a serious disadvantage vis-a-vis their US peers, said Xiaomeng Lu, director of the Eurasia Groups geotechnology practice.

Last but not least, powerful chipsets from the likes of Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. are crucial in training large AI models  but Washington bars the most capable from the country. The Biden administration is now considering tightening restrictions as soon as in coming months, essentially eliminating less-capable chips that Nvidia has devised for Chinese customers, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing anonymous sources.

But these hurdles havent stopped the ambitious in China, from Baidu and iFlytek Co. to the slew of new startups, from setting their sights on matching and surpassing the US on AI.

Executives, including from Tencent, argue models can tack on more chipsets to make up for lesser performance. Baichuans Wang said it got by with Nvidias A800 chips, and will obtain more capable H800s in June.

Others like Lan Zhenzhong, a veteran of Googles AI Research Institute who founded Hangzhou-based Westlake Xinchen in 2021, employ a costly hybrid approach. The Baidu Ventures-backed company uses fewer than 1,000 GPUs for model training, then deploys domestic cloud services for inference, or sustaining the program. Lan said it cost about 7 to 8 yuan per hour to rent an A100 chip from cloud services: Very expensive.

Billionaire Baidu founder Robin Li, who in March unfurled Chinas first answer to ChatGPT, has said the US and China both account for roughly a third of the worlds computing power. But that alone wont make the difference because innovation is not something you can buy.

Why arent people willing to invest in the longer-term and dream big? asked Wayne Shiong, a partner at China Growth Capital. Now that weve been handed this assignment by the other side, China will be able to play catch-up.

Yet that gap is already gradually narrowing, at least in terms of deal flow. The number of Chinese venture deals in AI comprised more than two-thirds of the US total of about 447 in the year to mid-June, versus about 50% over the previous two years. China-based AI venture deals also outpaced consumer tech in 2022 and early 2023, according to Preqin.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that government will not allow Sri Lanka to be used as a base for any threats against India, underlining that the island nation is a "neutral" country and has no military agreements with China, Adaderana reported.

Adaderana is Sri Lanka's 24/7 news portal.

President Wickremesinghe said that there are a lot of speculation on whether the presence of China in Sri Lanka is a military one.

He said that there are several rumours about the Hambantota Harbour and added that, although being granted to China Merchants Group, the Sri Lankan government maintains responsibility for its security.

Assuring that Sri Lanka will not be utilised as a base for any threats against India, Wickremesinghe emphasised that his nation is a neutral one.

The Sri Lankan President addressed such queries while speaking in an interview with France24 on the sidelines of the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact in Paris recently.

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He further emphasized that the Southern Naval Command will be shifted to Hambantota.

"We have got one brigade stationed in Hambantota and nearby areas, and there certainly has been no issue of military use by the Chinese. China has been there for 1,500 years. So far, there has been no military base", he asserted, according to Adaderana.

The President, who responded to a question on whether the country is being sold off, underlined that working with foreign economies does not mean that the country is being sold off, but it means that the country's economy is being developed.

He further mentioned that the World Bank's assistance is much needed at the moment and will certainly help to boost Sri Lanka's economy. "We have so far met all the requirements in order to get funding from the World Bank. As a result, we are eligible for World Bank support," Wickremesinghe said, according to Adaderana.

"It is much-needed money at the moment and will certainly help to strengthen the economy", he added.
NATO's chief has said that the power of Russia's military shouldn't be underestimated following the weekend mutiny against it by Wagner Group mercenaries, and said the alliance has increased its readiness to confront Russia in recent days.

Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance may decide to further boost its strength and readiness to face Russia and its ally Belarus when NATO leaders meet in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius on July 11-12.

So, no misunderstanding and no room for misunderstanding in Moscow or Minsk about our ability to defend our allies against any potential threat," Stoltenberg said Tuesday.

At a meeting in The Hague of eight NATO leaders, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said that neighbouring countries would face a heightened danger if the Wagner Group deploys its "serial killers" in Belarus.

Stoltenberg said it was still early to draw any conclusions about what Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin and some of his forces might do or whether they all might end up in Belarus.

The leaders agreed that, given the short-lived revolt by Wagner fighters in Russia over the weekend, that the allies should continue to bolster their forces along NATO's eastern flank to discourage Russian President Vladimir Putin from attempting to widen his war.

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NATO responded to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 by deploying multinational battlegroups in Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria. They complement another four deployed in 2017 in the three Baltic states and Poland, to expand NATO's presence from the Baltics to the Black Sea. On Monday, Germany said that it stands ready to permanently base forces in Lithuania, if needed.

Rutte and Stoltenberg met with the presidents of Romania and Poland and leaders of Belgium, Norway, Albania and Lithuania at the Dutch leader's official residence in a leafy suburb of The Hague.

Earlier Tuesday, Russian authorities said they had closed a criminal investigation into the aborted armed rebellion led by Prigozhin and are pressing no charges against him or his troops.

The mutiny by Wagner Group forces lasted less than 24 hours, but formed the latest twist in a series of events that have brought the gravest threat to Putin's grip on power in the 16-month-old war in Ukraine.

The war led Sweden and Finland to seek to join NATO. Finland has already become the alliance's latest member, but Sweden's membership is being held up by Turkey.

On Monday, Stoltenberg said he will call an urgent meeting in the coming days to try to overcome Turkish objections to Sweden joining the military organization, in a last-ditch effort to have the Nordic country standing alongside the allies at the July summit in Lithuania.

NATO requires the unanimous approval of all members to expand. Turkey accuses Sweden of being too lenient toward groups that Ankara says pose a security threat, including militant Kurdish groups and people associated with a 2016 coup attempt.
Nepal's Supreme Court on Wednesday issued an interim order to the government to temporarily register same-sex marriage, a notice by the apex court said.

A single bench of Justice Til Prasad Shrestha issued the order to the government to make necessary arrangements for registering the marriage of sexual and gender minority couples if they demand so, the directive said.

Seven people, including activist Pinky Gurung on behalf of Blue Diamond Society (BDS), an LGBTI rights organisation, filed a writ to the Prime Minister and the Office of the Council of Ministers to legalise same-sex marriage.

In the order, the apex court has also asked the opponents to furnish a written reply on the issue within 15 days.

The petitioners said that they filed the writ as the Nepalese law has obstructed same-sex marriage despite a Supreme Court decision, which allowed such marriages 15 years ago.

Citing that Clause 69 (1) of the National Civil Code 2017 mentions that each individual citizen has the freedom to marry and as per Clause 18 (1) of the Nepalese Constitution 2015 all citizens are equal in the eyes of the law, the petitioners have demanded the legalisation of the same-sex marriage.

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Now with this SC order, same-sex marriage can be registered until and unless specific laws are formulated to give recognition to the sexual and gender minority couples, said Pinky Gurung of BDS talking to media following the court's order.

Though the Supreme Court had allowed same-sex marriage through an order one and a half decades ago, in the absence of a specific law, the provision could not be implemented, which forced the third-gender people to go to court.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump traded barbs on Tuesday as the two leading Republican White House candidates staged duelling events in the critical early voting state of New Hampshire.

Addressing a town hall in Hollis, DeSantis vowed to actually build the US-Mexico border wall that Trump tried but failed to complete in his first term while pledging to tear down Washington's traditional power centres in ways that Trump fell short.

Speaking later at a Republican women's luncheon in the state capital of Concord, Trump countered that DeSantis was being forced to settle for second place in the primary and accused the governor of supporting cuts to Social Security, Medicare and other entitlement programs as a way to tame federal spending.

Beyond the rhetoric, the conflicting events demonstrated each candidate's evolving strategy. DeSantis took extensive audience questions a trademark in New Hampshire politics that he eschewed during his previous visit to the state, drawing criticisms that he was stilted and overly scripted.

Trump, meanwhile, offered his traditional, free-wheeling speech for more than hour but didn't take questions. Reporters covering the event were confined to a pen, chaperoned to the bathroom and told they could not speak to attendees in the conference centre ballroom or even in the hallways.

DeSantis, asked about people who had twice voted for Trump over his promises to drain the swamp, used his answer to draw some of his sharpest contrasts yet with the former president.

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He didn't drain it. It's worse today than it's ever been, DeSantis said. He added that such promises don't go far enough because a subsequent president can just refill it.

I want to break the swamp, DeSantis said, pledging to take power out of the nation's capital by instructing Cabinet agencies to halve the number of employees there.

Many leading Republicans remain fiercely loyal to Trump, but there is some evidence that the attacks against the former president are resonating. Speaking about Trump on Tuesday, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a California Republican, said, Can he win that election? Yeah, he can win that election.

The question is, is he the strongest to win the election? McCarthy continued on CNBC's Squawk Box. I don't know that answer.

At his own event, Trump noted that DeSantis is holding an event right now to compete with us. Trump vowed to drain the swamp once and for all but used the slogan more to criticise President Joe Biden than the Florida governor.

You can't drain the swamp if you're part of the swamp, and Joe Biden and other opponents, many of them, are all owned, controlled, bought and paid for, 100 per cent, Trump said.

The former president echoed DeSantis in promising that "this election will be the end of the world for the corrupt political class in our nation's capital.

DeSantis was also asked about the pro-Trump mob that overran the US Capitol in January 2021, as Congress was meeting to certify Biden's 2020 victory, and responded, If it's about relitigating things that happened two or three years ago, we're going to lose."



I wasn't anywhere near Washington that day. I had nothing to do with what happened that day. Obviously, I didn't enjoy seeing. You know what happened. But we've got to go forward on this stuff, DeSantis said. We cannot be looking backwards.

That, too, contrasted with Trump, who repeated baseless claims Tuesday that he was denied a second term because the other side cheated.

Numerous federal and local officials, a long list of courts, top former campaign staffers and even Trump's own attorney general have all said there is no evidence of the fraud he alleges.

The simultaneous visits by the candidates intensified the scrutiny of the role that New Hampshire, the first-in-the-nation GOP primary state, will play in deciding the next Republican presidential nominee. Much of the focus of the early primary has been on Iowa and South Carolina, where evangelical Christians are dominant.

Spending time in New Hampshire, by contrast, gives the candidates were testing their messages in front of a more libertarian-leaning electorate.

Trump's first-place finish in New Hampshire's 2016 Republican primary after losing Iowa to Texas Sen. Ted Cruz helped propel him to dominance in the party. But his Democratic rivals ended up winning the state in both the 2016 and 2020 general elections.

Before his speech, Trump announced that his New Hampshire team features 150-plus dedicated activists and organizers throughout the state's 10 counties.

DeSantis' campaign angered some members of the New Hampshire Federation of Republican Women by scheduling his town hall around the same time Trump was addressing the group's lunch gathering. It complained that DeSantis' event is an attempt to steal focus from its own lunch, and that other presidential candidates scheduled around it.

That didn't stop DeSantis from using his town hall to talk up the new immigration policy proposal he released Monday in South Texas, betting that the issue can energize GOP voters, even those who are 2,000 miles north of the US-Mexico border.

We're actually going to build the wall, DeSantis said of Trump's failed pledges to do so. A lot of politicians chirp. They make grandiose promises and then fail to deliver the actual results. The time for excuses is over. Now is the time to deliver results and finally get the job done."



DeSantis' immigration plan was the first major policy rollout of his campaign and calls for ending birthright citizenship, finishing the border wall and sending US forces into Mexico to combat drug cartels. Many of those largely mirror Trump's policies, while facing long odds since they'd require reversing legal precedents, approval from other countries or even amending the US Constitution.

But the Florida governor also tailored his Tuesday message to New Hampshire, noting how tougher border security could eventually help limit the ravages of opioids, which have hit the state particularly hard, even as deaths from overdoses have climbed all over the country.

He promised the most assertive policy against drug cartels any administration has ever had, adding, We have to do it because it will save lives.

DeSantis has tried to gain ground on Trump by questioning the former president's continued hold on the national party. At the town hall, the governor slammed the GOP's culture of losing under Trump and mentioned the massive red wave that many top Republicans predicted but that never materialized nationally in last year's midterm elections.

We had a red wave in Florida, DeSantis said, noting he easily won reelection last fall. But that's because we delivered results in Florida.
Iranian influence on the Shia rebels is fading and many rebel factions call for some kind of peace deal and an end to a civil war that the rebels were losing. The war continues in part because this factionalism among the rebels is something that the government and Saudis are unable to address.

Ceasefire negotiations did have some positive results, in addition to the reduced fighting plus halts to Saudi airstrikes and rebel missile attacks into Saudi Arabia. Commercial passenger and cargo flights were resumed in rebel-controlled airports. In February aid shipments resumed through the Red Sea port of Hodeida for the first time since 2016 with the arrival of the first general cargo ship which unloaded followed by the arrival and unloading of two more. The cargo delivery was made possible by the ongoing peace talks between the government and the Shia rebels. Bringing general cargo in via Hodeida was cheaper for customers in the northwest than the previous use of the southern port of Aden. This required sending the cargo north by truck.

There is still some fighting in the usual war zones; Taiz province in the south and Marib in central Yemen. The fighting is less intense than in the past. The Saudis continue to negotiate directly with the Shia rebels in order to keep the peace on the Saudi border. Peace in the Shia rebel north is partly the result of exhaustion after eight years of fighting and not much to show for it. Down south the Yemen government controls 80 percent of Yemen but has to deal with separatist southerners and Islamic terrorists. The STC (South Transitional Council) and many government troops spent the ceasefire period going after Islamic terrorist groups AQAP (Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula) and ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) in the south and east. A major reason for rebels agreeing to a ceasefire was a decline in Iranian support due to lack of funds plus unrest at home. The Iranian weapons, cash, advisors and smuggling network supercharged the Shia rebels, enabling them to keep fighting the more numerous and better armed force arrayed against them. Iran has been openly supporting the Shia rebels since 2014 and later admitted that less visible support had been supplied since 2011.

Eight years of civil war have revived the centuries old north-south divide. This was last mended in the 1990s. The possibility of a split has returned because the UAE (United Arab Emirates) has been in charge of security (and aid delivery) in the south since 2015 and supported formation of the STC. This group is composed of southern tribes that want autonomy but are willing to fight and defeat the Islamic terrorists as well as the Shia rebels. Aidarous al Zubaidi, the STC leader, is seen as more popular in the south than any government official. The Saudis and the UAE do not agree on dividing Yemen once more but for the moment it is more convenient to support the STC and its efforts to defeat the Iran-backed Shia rebels.

Information based on interceptions by American and other warships in the naval blockade of rebel-controlled coastlines indicates that Iranian smuggling of weapons to the rebels continues but at a lower intensity, and consists mainly of infantry weapons rather than cruise and ballistic missiles used to attack Saudi Arabia. The Saudis are negotiating directly with the Iranians about the fighting in Yemen and how to reduce it. This is part of an effort, brokered by the Chinese, to improve relations between the Saudis and Iran and reduce the tensions in the Persian Gulf and Yemen.

Yemen was in bad shape economically before the civil war began in 2015. Since then, the situation has gotten much worse. There have been nearly 400,000 deaths, most of them caused by starvation and illness, not combat. The damage to infrastructure and lack of food led to an outbreak of cholera in 2016, which has made over two million people ill since then, killing about 4,000. Nearly fifteen percent of the population were driven from their homes. Nearly 20 million of the 24 million Yemenis have suffered hunger and/or poverty as a result of the war. Most Yemenis are exhausted by the years of privation and violence and are willing to accept peace on just about any terms. The currency is too expensive in terms of buying dollars, to import affordable goods. The rebels disrupted oil exports. These are small but account for most of the government budget.

June 24, 2023: In Saudi Arabia two Yemeni men were executed for planning terror attacks in Saudi Arabia and having already obtained weapons and explosives.

June 22, 2023: In the south (Ibb province) hundreds of uniformed and armed Shia rebels gathered and organized themselves into parade formation and held a parade. This was unexpected and seen as a morale building event that might encourage some of the locals to join Ibb province is northeast of Taiz province, another area where the rebels are still fighting and losing ground. The current truce has reduced the fighting to very low levels, apparently low enough to send hundreds of rebels to one location and hold an unannounced parade.

June 19, 2023: For the first time since 2015, Yemeni Shia flew to Saudi Arabia to take part in the annual Haj pilgrimage in the city where Islam was founded. Such travel from Yemen ceased in 2015 because the Iran-backed civil war included attacks on Saudi Arabia.

June 11, 2023: In the south (Shabwa province) al Qaeda Islamic terrorists ambushed and killed two soldiers. Two of the attackers were wounded. This part of Yemen still harbors some al Qaeda groups, the main one being AQAP (Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula). There are also some ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) factions as well but ISIL is not tolerated anywhere in Yemen.

May 25, 2023: At the prompting of Iran, Yemen Shia rebels kidnapped 17 members of the Bahai religion who were among the 2,000 living in the capital Sanaa. The Bahai movement began in Iran during the 19th century and believed in the goodness in all religions. Since then, they have been persecuted in most Moslem majority nations as heretics. There are only about six million Bahai worldwide and their world headquarters is in Israel. Thats another reason for Iran to go after the Bahai.
The UN Security Council has urged Israel and the Palestinians to avoid actions that can further inflame tensions in the volatile West Bank.

The statement was backed by both the United States and Russia in a moment of unity on a divisive issue, reflecting the widespread international concern at the escalating violence especially by Israeli forces and settlers.

Tuesday's statement followed what UN Mideast envoy Tor Wennesland called an alarming spike in violence in the West Bank that led to numerous Palestinian and Israeli casualties. He warned the council that unless decisive steps are taken now to rein in the violence, there is a significant risk that events could deteriorate further.

Wennesland said he was particularly alarmed by the extreme levels of settler violence, including large numbers of settlers, many armed, systematically attacking Palestinian villages, terrorizing communities, sometimes with support from Israeli forces.

Council members called for restraint and encouraged additional steps to restore a durable calm and de-escalate tensions.

This year has been one of the deadliest for Palestinians in the West Bank in years, and last week saw a major escalation in settler violence. At least 137 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the West Bank in 2023. As of Saturday, 24 people on the Israeli side have been killed in Palestinian attacks.

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The United States, Israel's closest ally, supported the council statement and US deputy ambassador Robert Wood told the council that the Biden administration shares Wennesland's alarm.

He said the United Stated was horrified by the brutal terror attack against Israelis near the West Bank town of Eli on June 21 that killed four and injured several others and condemned it in the strongest terms. He also condemned the recent extremist settler attacks against Palestinian civilians, which have resulted in a death, injuries and significant damage to their property.

At a time of escalating violence, there was widespread council criticism of plans by Israel's far-right government to build over 5,000 new homes in Jewish settlements in the West Bank, and speed up settlement approvals.

Under international law, all Israeli settlements in occupied territory are illegal.

Wennesland warned that Israel's relentless expansion of settlements is fueling violence and is impeding access by Palestinians to their land and resources, reshaping the geography of the occupied West Bank and threatening the viability of a future Palestinian state.

Wood said the United States is "deeply troubled by Israel's announcement of new settlement homes and reports that it is taking measures to expedite the planning and approval of settlements.

Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia also expressed serious concern at the escalating violence, pointing to an Israeli raid on June 19 in the Jenin Refugee Camp that killed seven Palestinians, clashes between Israeli settlers and Palestinians, and intensified Israeli activity to broaden and legalize settlements.

Nebenzia warned that the situation will remain "explosive until negotiations resume on a two-state solution that sees Israel and the Palestinians living side by side in peace. He reiterated Russia's call for a meeting with the Arab League and neighbouring countries to give impetus to long-stalled talks.
By Bloomberg News



Chinese leader Xi Jinping pledged that his nation would do right by foreign investors, underscoring his governments attempts to assuage worries about the economy and unpredictable policymaking.



Development is the top priority of the Communist Party of China in governing and rejuvenating the country, Xi told New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins during his official visit to Beijing on Tuesday.

We will continue to vigorously promote high-level opening up and better protect the rights and interests of foreign investors per the law, Xi said, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.





At a Summer Davos dialog in Tianjin on Tuesday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang told 120 entrepreneurs from around the world that his nation was willing to work with them, Xinhua reported. At a Summer Davos dialog in Tianjin on Tuesday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang told 120 entrepreneurs from around the world that his nation was willing to work with them, Xinhua reported. Chinas attempts to encourage foreign investors have ramped up in recent weeks as its become increasingly clear that the economys recovery following the end of Beijings Covid Zero policies is starting to flag. Efforts in the US and Europe to de-risk supply chains by reducing their reliance on China have further clouded the prospects for future growth.

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Li also delivered a speech at that economic forum warning that attempts by governments to politicize their economies would only fragment the world, and recently returned from a trip to Germany where he urged CEOs there to to take the lead on risk-proofing their supply chains.

Meantime, Bernard Arnault, the billionaire CEO of LVMH, is making his first trip to China since the pandemic. The French entrepreneur was spotted at a high-end shopping mall in Beijing on Tuesday, the Global Times tweeted, citing photos taken circulating on a social media platform.

The itinerary for Arnaults entourage includes meetings with local teams in several cities, people familiar with the trip have said, declining to be named discussing the billionaires whereabouts.

Arnaults trip follows visits to China by other high-profile executives in recent weeks, including JPMorgan Chase & Co. CEO Jamie Dimon and Tesla Inc. head Elon Musk. Apple Inc.s Tim Cook traveled to China in March to celebrate the iPhone makers ties to the region.

Besides Xi, Hipkins met the head of Chinas legislature Zhao Leji as part of his visit to the Asian nation this week.





I emphasized the key focus of our visit was to reaffirm our close economic relationship by supporting businesses renew their connections with Chinese counterparts and helping grow new ones to support New Zealands economic recovery, Hipkins said in a statement after meeting the two.

Chinas charm offensive likely faces skepticism. While Xi has repeatedly insisted that economic development is the Communist Partys top priority, his government has clearly made protecting national security a central focus.

A clampdown this year on foreign consultancy firms that help global investors and multinational firms understand China  part of a nationwide anti-espionage campaign  has weakened the appetite for investment from overseas firms.

Prior to that effort, abrupt regulatory tightening moves affecting industries ranging from technology to real estate had already been sending foreign capital fleeing from the nations financial markets.

A record share of European companies say doing business in China is getting more difficult, according to a recent survey that noted some firms are already following through on plans to divest from the economy. Some American firms have also reconsidered investment.
Astella Technologies Limited (Astella) is going to showcase advanced 5G networking solutions at the Mobile World Congress Shanghai 2023 being held in Shanghai, China from 28 June to 30 June 2023. This year, Astella has demonstrated the full 5G end-to-end network with Astella enabled 5G software and 5G hardware solutions. The solutions are ready for commercial deployment to enable various 5G use cases such as low latency AR/VR, industrial IOTs, mission critical communications, etc.

The demonstration showcases the full integration of 5G standalone (SA) core network connected with 5G integrated small cells with User Plane Function (UPF) offloading supporting low latency and high throughput communications. The 5G integrated small cells operate at sub-6 or mmWave frequency bands that could be flexible for deployments in public and private networks.

Astella is now expanding the product portfolios to cover the advanced 5G networking solutions integrating with new 5G applications. We foresee more killer applications such as AR/VR and industrial IOTs are coming very soon. Those applications demand a continuous, low latency and even higher data rate wireless communications, said Dr Eric Tsang, the CEO of Astella Technologies Limited, Astella accelerates our partners to enable such new applications with quick time to market using Astella technologies.

In the event, Astella also showcases our enabled partners products that are in production and deployment with Astella software.

Spideradio 5G distributed units, 5G sub-6 integrated small cells and 5G mmWave integrated small cells based on NXP Layerscape baseband processors.

Anktion 5G distributed units based on NXP Layerscape baseband processors.

GENEViSiO PAC-01x series 5G distributed unit acceleration card based on NXP Layerscape baseband processors, supporting four 10/25GbE IEEE1588 interfaces.

YTTEK 5G mmWave Front End Module (FEM) based on Anokiwave RFICs supporting 2T2R and 400MHz system bandwidth.

Astella advanced 5G networking solutions are presented with live demonstrations in booths located at N1.B140, N2.EMR12 and N1.E132. Please email us at [email protected] to schedule physical or virtual meetings.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230627213957/en/
With France and India steadily strengthening their ties in recent years, both governments have actively supported numerous initiatives to boost trade, investment, and joint projects between the two nations. As a symbol of Franco-Indian cooperation, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the guest of honour of President Emmanuel Macron on this years National Day (Bastille Day) in Paris on July 14th.



To contribute to that effort, st regional France-India Business Forum in Hauts-de-France in partnership with the Indian Business Club France on June 13th, 2023. The event took place at the largest startup incubator in Europe, Euratechnologies. The forum gathered more than 80 attendees, including a 30-member delegation from the Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI).



Indian participants came to find concrete answers to the challenges they face to do business with Europe, in a post-Brexit world. The event allowed them to access: , both governments have actively supported numerous initiatives to boost trade, investment, and joint projects between the two nations. As a symbol of Franco-Indian cooperation, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the guest of honour of President Emmanuel Macron on this years National Day (Bastille Day) in Paris on July 14To contribute to that effort, Nord France Invest  the Investment Promotion Agency for the Hauts-de-France region in the North of France  held the 1regional France-India Business Forum in Hauts-de-France in partnership with the Indian Business Club FranceThe event took place at the largest startup incubator in Europe, Euratechnologies. The forum gathered more than 80 attendees, including aIndian participants came to find concrete answers to the challenges they face to do business with Europe, in a post-Brexit world. The event allowed them to access:

Exclusive Insights during the 2 panels held for Indian companies looking to expand into France, particularly for those impacted by the UK exit from the European Union, and for French companies wishing to develop on the Indian Market.

during the 2 panels held for Indian companies looking to expand into France, particularly for those impacted by the UK exit from the European Union, and for French companies wishing to develop on the Indian Market. Concrete Solutions to engage with industry experts, discuss their challenges, and obtain concrete solutions tailored to their specific needs.

to engage with industry experts, discuss their challenges, and obtain concrete solutions tailored to their specific needs. Networking and Partnerships among attendees, allowing for the establishment of new business collaborations between Indian and French companies.



"The France-India Business Forum in Lille has been a resounding success, fostering collaboration and strengthening economic partnerships between our countries," said Mr. Ludovic Dalleau, President of the Indian Business Club France. "We are confident that the connections made and the insights shared during this event will contribute significantly to the growth and success of businesses in both France and India."



WHAT THE HAUTS-DE-FRANCE REGION CAN OFFER TO INDIAN COMPANIES



Over the years, Indian giants such as Tata Steel, Tata consultancy services, ArcelorMittal and Samvardhana Motherson have trusted the Hauts-de-France region to settle their operations. Located a stones throw away from 5 major European capitals, the territory offers available talent and skills in many sectors, a dense ecosystem of international companies (representing 10% of jobs in the region, and even one third in manufacturing sectors), clusters in most sectors to provide you with the right contacts and R&D facilities to make a success of your business operations in Europe.
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North Korea supported Russian leader Vladimir Putin during the recent incident where Wagner Group forces advanced on Moscow. Many Russians are less supportive of their leader, who got them involved in a war inside Ukraine. Russian troops are not doing well and the heavy economic sanctions imposed on Russia have been felt by most Russians.

South Korea opposed the Russian invasion and attracted buyers from NATO nations supporting Ukraine. The NATO members sent many of their weapons to Ukraine and wanted replacements faster than European manufacturers could get it done. South Korea has been producing modern weapons since the 1990s. First this was for their own use, but then the high quality and low prices of the South Korean equipment became known. The result was more than $10 billion spent on South Korean weapons by NATO member Poland. This included a thousand K2 (an improved M1) tanks and a more flexible version of the American HIMARS system. The sale was contingent on those South Korea weapons not being used in Ukraine. Poland compiled and sent all its older Russia designed gear to Ukraine, where the Ukrainians appreciated it and were familiar with it. South Korea would have liked to see their weapons get some combat experience, but that would have angered nearby Russia.

Russia sent North Korea 1,280 tons of wheat flour in April, in an effort to help avert famine deaths and to pay for 300,000 rounds of 152mm artillery ammunition. Russia has a small border with North Korea and a railroad line links the two countries. Earlier in 2023 Russia sent 2,800 tons of corn to North Korea.

Preparing for Local Threats

Aggressive Chinese behavior against all its neighbors continues, with the Philippines most frequently the target. For over a decade China has aggressively sought to take control of the South China Sea, a policy opposed by most nations worldwide. The resistance is most tangible with the military alliance that has formed to support the Philippines from Chinese threats and physical attacks. This alliance now includes major local military powers like South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Australia and Vietnam. More distant nations like the United States and Britain also back this alliance. Officially, China is not intimidated by this alliance and still undertakes aggressive activity in the South China Sea while never physically attacking anyone, which is passive-aggressive diplomacy at its most obvious.

South Korea has become a major military power in the region. You can see this in terms of how much nations operating in the region spend on defense. In 2021 the United States spent 3.7 percent of GDP on defense while North Korea spent about a quarter of GDP on the military but has a GDP that is only about five percent the size of South Koreas. South Korea spent 2.8 percent of GDP on defense while Britain spent 2.2 percent, France 2.1 percent and Russia 4.3 percent. Elsewhere in the world Saudi Arabia spent 8.4 percent, Israel 5.6 percent, India 2.9 percent, Australia 2.1 percent and China somewhere between two and three percent. Global defense spending is about two trillion dollars and 2.4 percent of global GDP. U.S. spending accounts for 39 percent of that, which is equal to the next fourteen nations combined.

June 26, 2023: South Korea sought out women in the navy to take submarine training. Normally, women dont serve on subs, but the two new 3,000 ton subs are larger and need larger crews. Two female naval officers and seven chiefs are now training for submarine service. The new subs are designed for long voyages lasting weeks or months. That does not appeal to many career male sailors, thus the crew shortage for the new boats. The larger subs have space to provide separate quarters for the female crew members.

June 25, 2023: South Korea revealed that they had retrieved a North Korean satellite from the wreckage of the North Korean SLV (satellite launch vehicle) rocket that failed after launch and fell into the Yellow Sea. South Korea was first to locate the SLV and to recover the last stage and the North Korean surveillance satellite, which was largely intact. This will provide details of North Korea satellite manufacturing capabilities.

June 24, 2023: During 2022 China increased its nuclear warhead inventory by 15 percent. At 410 warheads, China has the third largest nuclear arsenal in the world, behind Russias 4,489 warheads (including 12 added in 2022) and America's 3,708. The remaining nuclear powers have smaller warhead inventories. France has 290, Britain 225, Pakistan 170 (five added in 2022), India 164 (four added in 2022) Israel 90 and North Korea 30 (five added in 2022).

Recent nuclear powers, like North Korea, India and Pakistan, not only have fewer warheads but also less reliable ones. Because of intense international scrutiny, the reliability and effectiveness of North Korean nuclear weapons is much scrutinized. It is unclear if North Korea even has reliable nuclear warheads because they only recently developed working nuclear weapons. Turning these nukes into reliable weapons for ballistic missiles is another chore and it is unclear how effective the North Korean nuclear warheads are.

June 21, 2023: South Korea has ordered a second batch of its Baekho mobile command post vehicles that uses a K808 8x8 armored vehicle to carry the command personnel and the large array of radio, sensors and computers they use to assess the situation and issue orders. The first batch was delivered earlier this year to a South Korean field testing unit called the Tiger brigade. This unit provided realistic testing for new military equipment. Apparently Baekho passed the tests, although the second batch of Baekho vehicles will have a few enhancements the first ones lacked.

June 16, 2023: In South Korea, an American nuclear submarine, the SSGN Michigan, arrived to show support for South Korea against northern threats. This is a particularly formidable threat to North Korea because the SSGN carries over 150 cruise missiles. The U.S. converted four SSBNs, but not for intelligence work. The U.S. has four Ohio class SSGNs are SSBNs (nuclear subs armed with ballistic missiles) that were converted to carry cruise missiles and thus become SSGN submarines. The first of these conversions entered service in 2006. Each of these Ohio class boats now carries cruise missiles as well as many as 66 commandos (usually SEALs) and their equipment.

These SSGNs were created because they can carry and launch 154 highly accurate cruise missiles, and do so after traveling underwater, ignoring weather, or observation, at a speed of over 1,200 kilometers a day to a far off hotspot. The ability to carry a large force of commandos as well was also attractive. In one sub you have your choice of hammer or scalpel. More capable cruise missiles are in the works as well. Whether or not this multi-billion dollar investment will pay off remains to be seen, but it certainly worked off Libya.

The SSGNs are carrying a new version of Tomahawk, the RGM-109E Block IV Surface Ship Vertical Launched Tomahawk Land Attack Missile. Each of these weighs 1.2 tons, has a range of 1,600 kilometers and travels at 600-900 kilometers an hour. Flying at an altitude of 17-32 meters (50-100 feet), they will hit within 10 meters (32 feet) of their aim point. The Block IV Tomahawk can be reprogrammed in flight to hit another target and carry a vidcam to allow a missile to check on prospective targets.

In early 2011 the USS Florida, one of the American SSGNs, fired its Tomahawk TLAM-E cruise missiles in combat for the first time off Libya. Most of the hundred or so Tomahawks launched that day were fired by the Ohio. This was not the first-time nuclear subs have fired cruise missiles in wartime as U.S. SSNs have fired Tomahawks several times. But the Ohio class SSGNs carry 154 cruise missiles, more than ten times the number carried by some SSNs.

June 15, 2023: North Korea fired another two ballistic missiles from a base near the capital Pyongyang. The short-range missiles landed several hundred kilometers from the east coast. North Korea called this a test. No other country in the world launches so many missiles for testing. The real reason for so many launches is intimidation and, to a lesser extent, to launch older missiles before they deteriorate to the point where they cant be used. South Korea and Japan have increased their defense spending and South Korea announced it will develop nuclear weapons to be used with their recently introduced cruise and ballistic missiles that can reach any target in North Korea. The North Korean intimidation effort has failed and led the intended victims to resist. This is a serious problem for North Korea, which has a much smaller economy than South Korea. To put that into perspective, the per-capita (national income per person) income in South Korea is more than twenty times what it is in North Korea and that unfavorable ratio is getting worse.

June 10, 2023: In North Korea (Ryanggang province) ordered dozens of homes demolished. These were on the bank of the Yalu River that serves as the border with China. The government said they were going to build a road along the river and that new homes would be built for residents of demolished homes.

May 31, 2023: A North Korean SLV (satellite launch vehicle) rocket failed in its attempt to put a surveillance satellite into orbit. The SLV and its cargo fell into the Yellow Sea, where Chinese and South Korean recovery ships sought to locate the rocket and its satellite.

May 28, 2023: The North Korean armed forces have lots of other, and older, problems. While nearly every adult male serves at least six years in the military, the big problem is that years of economic problems and failed harvests have left the troops poorly equipped, often hungry and increasingly insubordinate. With most of the best educated troops bribing their way into any job but one in a combat unit, it is increasingly doubtful if the North Korean combat forces could get very far during an invasion of South Korea. Despite all that, a lot of North Korean troops are believed to be reliable enough to carry out orders to invade South Korea, for a while at least, and that could end up doing a lot of damage to Seoul, the southern capital where half the population and a quarter of the GDP are. South Koreans have more to lose than the northerners. Sprawling Seoul is 40-50 kilometers from the North Korean border. The city alone is 600 square kilometers, and the suburbs are even larger. There are over 17,000 people per square kilometer (45,000 per square mile) in the city. The southerners know the north is desperate and heavily armed. What do you do? South Korea has responded by increasing its ability to quickly halt any rocket and artillery bombardment from the north. This would involve a lot of artillery and smart bomb use in a short time. Many North Korean targets would be destroyed but the south has much more to lose, even if the northern attack is cut short.

The North Korean Army currently has about 800,000 troops, over 3,000 tanks, 3,000 other AFV and nearly 8,000 artillery pieces, including 2,000 rocket launchers. Most of these weapons are pointed south and stationed on or near the DMZ. North Korea has the means to be dangerous, for a little while anyway. Fuel shortages, elderly equipment and lack of maintenance means that a lot of this gear would not stay operational for long, if at all. As an example, the past 25 years or so of deferred maintenance (as in none) on tube artillery pieces, including the guns on tanks, means almost all of those can only fire one round because their recuperator seals have deteriorated so much.

North Korea has two armored divisions, 12 motorized infantry and 23 non motorized infantry divisions used only for static defense along the DMZ. These troops also serve as border guards to prevent civilians or soldiers from leaving the country via the DMZ. A growing number of North Korean troops stationed on the DMZ are deserting via the DMZ. There are supposed to be lots of landmines in the DMZ but many have been removed or otherwise become inoperable over the years and not replaced. This was noticed as more North Korean soldiers came across the DMZ at night and often had to find a South Korean military border post or civilian home further south so they could announce they were defecting. When this started happening several years ago it became a scandal because the DMZ was supposed to be well guarded.

Most of the best educated North Korean troops are in the rear areas, where their parents, bribes and instinct for self-preservation put them. The troops along the DMZ know this and are expected to lose some of their enthusiasm as a result. A growing number of North Korean refugees arriving in South Korea, who served along the northern side of the DMZ, confirm all this. They also confirm that the growing culture of corruption in the military leadership and bureaucracy is seeing more and more of the food and fuel meant for front line troops diverted by corrupt officers and sold in the markets. No wonder so many parents are willing to pay bribes to make sure their kids never get assigned to one of those units.

North Korean men and women who are conscripted to serve terms ranging from five to 13 years. Women serve as little as five years. Men serve seven to ten years in non-combat units while those assigned to the SRF (Strategic Rocket Forces) serve 13 years. About 90 percent of SRF personnel are officers and often career officers. Enlisted personnel serve 13 years. The SRF is elite force and personnel have better living and working conditions.
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Bihar Police Subordinate Service Commission, Patna, has published the exam dates for the written examination for the recruitment of Sub-Inspector Prohibition in the Prohibition, Excise, and Registration Department, and Subdivision Fire Service Officer in the Bihar Fire Service.

Examination Date

On July 16, 2023, a preliminary written exam will be held for these positions. The exam will be given in one shift from 10 AM to 12 PM, and candidates must arrive at the testing location at 9 AM.

Admit Card

Starting on June 30, 2023, candidates must download their electronic admit cards from the Commission's website in order to show up for the preliminary written examination. Since e-admit cards won't be mailed to candidates, it is crucial that they print them out. On July 13, 2023, a duplicate e-admit card may be obtained from the Bihar Police Under Service Commission office in Patna if a candidate has trouble downloading the original.

Job Openings

There are 11 openings for Sub-Inspector Madh Prohibition and 53 opportunities for Sub-Divisional Fire Service Officers. The written test will be conducted offline, and applicants are urged to regularly check the official website for developments.

For more information on the Bihar Police SI & Fire Officer Recruitment 2023, aspirants can visit the official website bpssc.bih.nic.in and download the admit card beginning June 30, 2023. The test is expected to take place on July 16, 2023.

Learn how to download the admit card for the BPSSC SI recruitment in 2023

Visit bpssc.bih.nic.in to see the official website.

Click the link for the admit card on the homepage.

Enter your login information.

Download admit card

Take a copy of the printout for your records.
According to a statement from IIT Bombay, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Mumbai has reached a significant milestone by cracking the top 150 universities in the world in the most recent Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Ranking, which was published on Wednesday.

Nunzio Quacquarelli, founder and CEO of QS, commended IIT Bombay for achieving its highest position ever and noted that 45 Indian universities are included in the rankings, which were based on 2900 educational institutions this year. An annual compilation of university rankings, the QS World University Rankings includes the worldwide overall and subject rankings.

Earlier, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore ranked 147, which was its highest position in 2016.

IIT Bombay has been placed first in India and has improved greatly in the QS World University Rankings from 177th rank last year to 149th rank this year, with an overall score of 51.7 out of 100, according to the official release. IIT Bombay has been included in the top 150 in QS rankings for the first time since it began participating. Overall, the Institution moved up 23 spots in its performance for 2023.

45 Indian institutions were ranked in the QS World University Ranking this year for the first time.

The Employer Reputation metric, which IIT Bombay scored the highest on with a global rating of 69, was listed as one of nine parameters in the statement.

The Institute scored 81.9 out of a possible 100 points in terms of employer reputation, 73.1 in terms of citations per faculty, 55.5 in terms of academic reputation, 47.4 in terms of employment outcome, 54.9 in terms of sustainability, 18.9 in terms of faculty-student ratio, 4.7 in terms of international faculty, 8.5 in terms of international research network, and 1.4 in terms of international students. The Employer Reputation indicator, which IIT Bombay scored the highest on out of these nine, was ranked 69 globally, it added.

When highlighting the accomplishments of Indian universities, QS Chief noted that they had evaluated 2900 institutions for this year's ranking and that 45 universities appeared in it, representing a 297% rise over the previous nine years.

"I'm excited to announce the 20th QS World University Rankings, and I want to congratulate Indian colleges on their improved standing. 45 Indian universities are included in the list this year, which represents a 297% rise over the previous nine years. "We have ranked or rated 2900 institutions for this year's ranking system," he said.

"Indian universities are actually improving continuously and steadily. The IITs and IISC are the best-performing Indian universities, as can be shown. IIT Bombay deserves special recognition for being the best-performing Indian university, he continued.

The CEO also gave Chandigarh University his congratulations on achieving 780 rankings and becoming the best-performing private university in India. As the top-performing Indian private university that placed in the top 780, he added, "I'd also like to congratulate Chandigarh University.
The Delhi government plans to hold a Rozgar Mela and open 20 more job centres to provide young people with career advising services. Discussions about the design and organisation of the "Rozgar Mela" employment fair were held in a meeting called by Labour and Employment Minister Raaj Kumar Anand. Participants included the vice chancellor of the Labour Department and the Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University (DSEU).

In order to give the youth better career prospects, the Delhi government planned to host a sizable employment fair. Experts will offer career guidance to the youngsters at the Rozgar Mela, assisting them in identifying and investigating career paths that fit with their ability and aptitude.

According to PTI, Delhi is home to three such employment centres. The minister gave the DSEU the go-ahead to submit a request to increase the number of employment centres to 20 at the meeting.

SPECIAL ATTENTION IS GIVEN TO DISABLED PEOPLE

Anand also underlined the significance of giving those with impairments extra care and attention. He gave the officials instructions and asked them to organise a special job fair just for people with disabilities so that they would have equal opportunity for employment and professional progression.

A SMALL SCALE JOB FAIR

In addition, smaller-scale job fairs will be organised by the Delhi government. Anand gave the go-ahead to select an outside group to oversee the employment fair's efficient organisation.
"Emmanuels story exemplifies what the Center is trying to do to ensure youth participation," said Rachel Fowler, the Carter Centers country representative in Zambia. The Center supports organizations like AAAZ that mentor and inspire youth leaders, she said, helping amplify their voices as they push for democracy and human rights. It also seeks to ensure that elected leaders address youth concerns and priorities.

"I like to call myself a voice for young people and an activist for good governance," Zulu said during a Carter Center event held in conjunction with the Summit for Democracy in Lusaka in late March 2023.

In November 2021, Zulu embarked on a nine-day, 255-mile walk from his hometown of Chingola to the capital city of Lusaka to raise awareness about government accountability; transparency; and inclusion of youth, women, and people with disabilities in civic decision-making.

Zulu decided to undertake his trek after attending a Carter Center-supported workshop on governance and the rule of law.

"I am privileged to get this information as a young person," he said. "There are other young people out there who are not so privileged. So I said, 'OK, let me try to be a vessel for that person who does not have a television set or a radio where they can access this kind of information.'"

He knew it would be difficult, but he was inspired by Mohandas K. Gandhi and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. For my country to develop, it was worth doing, he said.

Zulu and three friends departed on a Monday after waiting out an hours-long storm. "It was raining cats and dogs," he recalled. One friend fell ill and had to turn back, but the others marched on through heat and fatigue and swollen feet. Zulu paid for their lodging the first night, before AAAZ learned what they were doing and picked up the tab thereafter.

"Without AAAZ, we could have been sleeping out in the bush and been eaten by lions," Zulu said, not entirely in jest. They walked an average of nine hours a day, stopping along the way to talk with other young adults about the purpose of their walk and why more of them should get involved in governance activism.

"We have this slogan: There is nothing that can be done for you without you," he said. "There is literally nothing that can be done for a young person, for a woman, for a person living with a disability, unless they are at the governing table.  If you have a mixture of people at that table, the decision that comes out is one that is going to favor everyone."

When the travelers reached Lusaka, they went to Heroes Stadium and met with a large group of young people organized by AAAZ. They were then invited to meet Zambias minister of justice, who had heard about their mission.

"It was a moment when I felt so, so proud," Zulu said. "I called my mom and told her we were going to the Ministry of Justice. I heard her scream, and she said, 'I knew such would happen!' So, my family members were proud, too."

After his journey, Zulu founded the Forum for Inclusion and Good Governance, an organization dedicated to generating young peoples interest in politics and governance.

"Weve stepped into an era where we are saying young people must lead," he said. "When I look at three years from now, I picture a young person who is influential in the circles of governance, a young person who has caused so much impact in his community, in his country, in Africa at large  the entire world. I am looking at myself in so many spaces, talking about inclusive democracy, talking about good governance, educating people who are not privileged to have the information that I have."

This may not be his last long trek.

"Would I do such a walk again? Yes, because we built capacity among young people we met along the way," he said. But we havent yet done a study to see if the message sank in: Did they get it? Did they not get it? So, if I am asked if I would love to do such a walk again, that would be a resounding yes, because we have to see progress.

"If you are a leader and no one knows about good governance, who is going to hold you to account? Probably no one."
Since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, more than 1,000 civilians were killed in attacks, UN says

The United Nations says it has documented a significant level of civilian casualties from attacks in Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover in August 2021
The Court of Criminal Appeals has elected Judge Camille R. McMullen as its Presiding Judge. She succeeds Judge Curwood Witt of Knoxville. Judge McMullen was appointed to the Court of Criminal Appeals by former Governor Phil Bredesen in 2008. She will become the first woman and the first African-American to lead the 12-member appellate court.

The Court of Criminal Appeals reviews appeals as of right from the entry of judgment of conviction from trial courts across the state of Tennessee and handles about 800 cases per year. The Presiding Judge is elected by the members of the court and is tasked with managing the courts docket, case assignments, meetings, committees, and overall leadership. Judge McMullen was elected as Presiding Judge by a unanimous vote.

The role of this court in the criminal justice system is incredibly important. The Tennessee Supreme Court only accepts about 3 percent of cases that are appealed, therefore, as a practical matter, we are the court of last resort for 97 percent of criminal cases across the state. The issues we decide are serious and have a direct impact on so many lives, Judge McMullen said.

As presiding Judge, I will continue to explore ways in which the court can be more efficient with its internal processes. We will continue to embrace technology and to improve the courts accessibility, not only to the bar, but to the entire Tennessee community.

Judge McMullens first job, after graduating from the University of Tennessee College of Law, was working as a law clerk for Judge Joe G. Riley Jr. of the Court of Criminal Appeals, the same court she now leads.

This is definitely a full circle moment. Clerking was the best first legal career experience that a person could ask for. Judge Riley was an incredible mentor, Judge McMullen said. Clerkships give young attorneys the opportunity to get a front row seat to good and bad lawyering. It is an incredible learning opportunity.

After her clerkship, Judge McMullen focused her career, almost exclusively, on criminal law. She started in the basement of 201 Popular in Memphis as an investigator and worked her way up to become an Assistant District Attorney in the major felony unit.

My experience in Shelby County was eye opening. It was raw and real. I was working daily with victims, victims families, defense attorneys representing their clients, and everyone involved in the criminal justice system. I saw first-hand the impact crime had on victims and the community, she said.

After four years, Judge McMullen left the DAs office and joined the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Tennessee as an Assistant US Attorney.

Shortly thereafter, Judge Riley encouraged Judge McMullen to apply for a Court of Criminal Appeals vacancy created by the retirement of Judge David Hayes. After navigating an intense selection process, Governor Bredesen appointed Judge McMullen to the Court of Criminal Appeals. At the time, she was one of the youngest appellate judges to take the bench in Tennessee. Judge McMullen has served on the court for over 15 years.

When asked about the impact of being the only African-American woman on the court, Judge McMullen said, Our society is diverse. I think our court system should reflect the people that it serves. What I've learned, especially by being on a statewide court, is diversity comes in a lot of different forms. I've learned as much from my rural colleagues as my urban colleagues. The jewel of diversity is that the more differing perspectives that we have, the better the result. I truly believe in that concept.

Born in Nashville, at what may be considered the tail end of the formal Civil Rights Era, Judge McMullen knew from an early age the sacrifices made to open doors for her generation. I received the benefit of the hardships of my parents generation. I am close to my parents and often talk with my mother, who attended segregated schools and became a teacher. For her, there were only two choices: Be a teacher or be a secretary. That was the choice for most women, not just Black women. I often wonder what she would have done if more opportunities were available to her. She looks in awe at me and my sister, who is a doctor, but we are truly in awe of her.

Judge McMullen and her husband have two children, a college junior and a high school senior. While her story begins in the Nashville area, Memphis is her home.

When asked about some of the recent negative events in Memphis, Judge McMullen responded, I love Memphis. Even though I'm from Nashville, and I love Nashville, I have grown up as an adult in Memphis and raised my family here, she said. I've seen the best of Memphis. I've also seen Memphis in its worst times. However, each time Memphis faces a challenge, we always bounce back. Memphis is resilient and tough. It is trait to be admired.

In Memphis, Judge McMullen has been involved with International Womens Forum; Girls Incorporated of Memphis, Tennessee (Past Board Member); The Childrens Museum of Memphis (Past Board Member); Junior League of Memphis (Advisory Board Member); The Links Incorporated, River City Chapter; and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

She is a member of Tennessee, National, and Memphis Bar Associations; the Leo Bearman Sr., Inn of Court (Master); the National Association of Women Judges; the Tennessee Commission of Continuing Legal Education; the Tennessee Womens Forum; the Tennessee Lawyers Association for Women; the Association of Women Attorneys; and the Memphis Bar Foundation (Fellow). She is on the University of Tennessee College of Law Alumni Council.
While on scene for a separate call, police spoke with the owner of Sunny Side Cup, 617 Signal Mtn. Road, who said that she has been having issues with a local homeless man. She said that he will scare off customers, and also steal money from the tip jar on the counter. The manager wished to have the man banned from the property. Police then located the man, who was nearby, and informed him that he was now banned from the Sunny Side Cup property.



* * *

A woman told police that about an hour before a friend of hers (who did not speak English) had her wallet in her hand while she was at her house, and she thought she put it in her back pocket. Later, she realized she didn't have it and it may have just dropped out of her pocket at some point.

* * *

A woman on S. Germantown Road told police she had a piece of mail stolen and has already reported it with USPS. She said it was mail from Tenn-Care that was supposed to be delivered. She does not have suspect information or video footage of the incident.

* * *

A woman told police she was driving on the 1100 block of Mountain Creek Road when a vehicle (TN tag) cut her off at the round about. She said the vehicle stopped in the middle of the road and honked their horn and flipped her off, then drove away.

* * *

Police spoke to a woman on Sumter Avenue in regards to her concerns about an ongoing issue involving her ex-husband's girlfriend. She said that she was concerned that her ex-husband's girlfriend is extremely jealous of her current relationship with her ex-husband. She requested multiple phone calls she's received from her ex-husband's new girlfriend be reported for sake of documentation. Any police action is pending further investigation.

* * *

A man on Graysville Road told police that back in the winter time a man came around looking for a gun that his girlfriend had thrown out of the vehicle while they were driving in that area. The man was in the ditch on the other side of the fence looking around, but never found it. This man said today he was cutting the grass and found a gun. It was a Glock 42 .380. Police checked and the gun was not reported stolen. The firearm was taken to Property.

* * *

Police received a call saying a truck flipped at 1470 Highway 27 SB. Police spoke to a man, who had wrecked his 1996 Ford Ranger (GA tag) in the cloverleaf on the Thrasher Pike exit. The man denied EMS and said he did not need a report made. The man said he had his own tow en route.

* * *

A man told police he was upstairs at McKay's Chattanooga, 7734 Lee Hwy., with an unknown black male. He said he accidentally bumped into the man while they were going into the same section of the store. The other man had a basket, so he said he simply moved the basket over to get to a book. The man got angry and threatened to throw him over the railing. They got into an argument and then he called the police. The other man left the scene before police could get out with him. He was driving a Red Camry with a possible Georgia tag No other threats were made and no one was injured.
A man who wrecked and killed a woman in another car during a police chase has been sentenced to serve 12 years in state prison.

Darrell A. Hughes pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide by intoxication in the death of 58-year-old Tara Brewer.

The incident occurred Oct. 26, 2021, when Hughes was 23.

State troopers were pursuing a speeding vehicle driven by Hughes when it caused a wreck on Bonny Oaks Drive, resulting in the death of Ms. Reese, a 1981 graduate of Kirkman Technical High School.

Troopers said Hughes was going as high as 90 mph in a 55 mph zone in the early morning incident.

The chase went from Shepherd Road near the Airport to Highway 153, then Jersey Pike and back onto Highway 153. The wreck happened after Hughes got off on Bonny Oaks Drive, crossed the median, and hit the Reese vehicle head-on.

Hughes fled the scene, but was eventually caught.

Ms. Reese was a member of Rose of Sharon Baptist Church and was employed by Mueller Water Products.
Cherokee Federal, the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, earns its third consecutive ranking on Bloombergs list of top 200 federal contractors.
China's Jiangsu ensures steady, high-quality growth in foreign trade

People's Daily Online) 09:36, June 28, 2023

This aerial photo shows cars to be loaded for export at Lianyungang Port, east China's Jiangsu Province, May 9, 2023. (Xinhua/Geng Yuhe)

Since the start of 2023, east China's Jiangsu Province has rolled out measures to guarantee steady and high-quality growth in foreign trade. Not long ago, the province introduced 14 new measures to stabilize the scale and optimize the structure of foreign trade.

Foreign trade is seen as a barometer of economic development. The total imports and exports of Jiangsu, which is one of the countrys foreign trade powerhouses, has ranked second nationwide for 20 consecutive years.

Despite rising uncertainties in foreign trade, the province's exports stood at 1.33 trillion yuan ($183.8 billion) in the first five months of 2023, up 1.5 percent year on year, which was the result of the efforts of the local governments and enterprises to stabilize the overall performance of foreign trade.

This year, Jiangsu has vigorously visited the headquarters of multinational companies, with over 60 delegations going to countries and regions, including Europe, the U.S., Japan, South Korea, and Singapore for trade.

"Supporting enterprises in expanding their overseas markets is the first of the 14 new measures," said Zhou Xiaoyang, deputy director of the Jiangsu provincial department of commerce.

This year, the provincial government and municipal governments of Jiangsu have supported nearly 1,500 enterprises in participating in over 120 key exhibitions overseas, and provided them with subsidies of up to 80 percent of their booth fees, Zhou added. All 13 cities with subordinate districts in the province have formulated city-level policies to help enterprises expand their overseas markets.

While stabilizing the overall performance of foreign trade, Jiangsu has continuously optimized the structure of foreign trade and promoted trade in capital- and technology-intensive goods and services. According to the 14 new measures, the province needs to promote the innovative development of processing trade and support qualified enterprises outside the customs special supervision zones and the Jiangsu pilot free trade zone in conducting bonded maintenance business that is high-tech, high value-added, and environmentally friendly.

From January to May this year, Jiangsu's exports of solar cells, lithium-ion batteries, and new energy vehicles increased by 8 percent, 64.3 percent, and 541.6 percent to reach 44.84 billion yuan, 39.15 billion yuan, and 3.9 billion yuan, respectively.

During the same period, the province's trade with countries along the Belt and Road climbed 8.9 percent to reach nearly 600.7 billion yuan, and its trade with Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa rose by 9.6 percent, 18 percent, and 15.5 percent, respectively. In 2022, its trade with countries along the Belt and Road stood at 1.49 trillion yuan, up 13.1 percent, maintaining growth for seven consecutive years.

In recent years, the province has launched measures to help enterprises expand in emerging markets such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and countries along the Belt and Road, and support enterprises in leveraging the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement to improve their competitiveness.

According to the 14 new measures, Jiangsu should make the best use of preferential policies of free trade agreements, including the RCEP agreement, and hold training sessions on the agreement.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Jennifer Lawrence sent a "baby nurse" to Robert De Niro after he welcomed his seventh child into the world.

The 32-year-old actress - who has son Cy, 16 months, with husband Cooke Maroney - gave her 'Silver Linings Playbook' co-star and his partner Tiffany Chen the "ultimate present" when their daughter Gia was born in April.

Asked if she had sent a baby gift to De Niro, she told a caller on 'Watch What Happens Live': I did one better I sent over a baby nurse.

I did. Im really happy for him."

Host Andy Cohen - who is dad to Ben, four, and 17-month-old Lucy - praised Jennifer for the gesture, saying a "night's sleep" would be the best gift for someone.

The 'No Hard Feelings' star was also asked how her own son is doing.

She smiled: "He's good."

Meanwhile, 'Taxi Driver' star Robert introduced his daughter to the world on 'CBS Mornings' in May, where he revealed the tot's full name and confirmed she weighed 8lbs 6oz when she was born on 6 April as he showed off a photo of her.

When host Gayle King asked Robert if the baby was planned, he replied: Yes, this baby was planned.

We are over the moon. She was brought here by love.

The 'Meet the Parents' star originally let slip the news about his seventh child during an interview with ET Canada.

Reporter Brittnee Blair said: I know you have six kids..., prompting Robert to reply: Seven, actually. I just had a baby.

He later told 'Access Hollywood' he thinks fatherhood is both exciting and scary.

Robert added: Sometimes I don't think people really know what being a good father is, you know you have a responsibility, but its a mystery, its a lot of excitement but scary and you do your best.
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The Jacobite factions had maintained control over several Syrian churches for years; however, the Orthodox factions have been awarded management of these churches due to a decision made by the Supreme Court in 2017. Authorities have been trying to execute the court's order, but Jacobite believers are protesting to stop them.

Tension Between Jacobites and Orthodox Factions

The Syrian church in Ernakulam has been split between Jacobite and Orthodox factions. Over the years, they are contending for supremacy over the more than a thousand churches and their substantial funds. Hindustan Times reported that the 1934 constitution of the Malankara church was confirmed by the Supreme Court in 2017, and this gave the Orthodox group control over 1100 parishes and churches in Kerala. As mentioned, Jacobite faction, who managed a large portion of the churches, were not willing to give up control of these institutions. In 2019 the Orthodox group attempted to take the power of the churches, but the Jacobites stood firm. Guarding the entrance to the church compound were dozens of Jacobites who gathered in position inside the building. District Collector S. Suhas hurried to the scene and attempted to reason with the demonstrators, assuring them that the police were there to follow the instructions from the court. Hence, the suicide threats forced him to from the scene.

According to The Times of India, the police forced their way inside the church by breaking the locks. Afterward, they spoke with the senior leadership to resolve the situation. The Jacobite group rang the local churches' bells to attract a larger crowd to the area. On the other hand, Bishop Joseph Mar Gregorios submitted to his detention, and the police began gradually eliminating the Jacobite faction from the area. Many worshipers were detained and hauled away from the site, even as several priests laid down on the ground to avoid being detained.

Also Read: World Council of Churches General Secretary Condemns Violent Jewish Extremist Protest Targeting Evangelical Christian Gathering in Jerusalem

Recent Dispute on Jacobite-Orthodox Factions Conflict

A report from Mathrubhumi stated that to ensure that the court's judgement is followed, about one hundred law enforcement officials were stationed outside the chapel on Monday, Jun 26. Nevertheless, priests and members of the Jacobite religion are against the transfer, preventing police from entering the premises. While the Orthodox congregation meets in a separate venue, the Jacobite believers remain adamant in their resolve to keep possession of the church. Accordingly, after carrying out the order made by the court, the police have been instructed to produce a report by Wednesday, Jun 28. The police and members of the Jacobite Church are reportedly negotiating with one another at this time. Meanwhile, the Jacobite sect intends to file an appeal over the order issued by the High Court and has asked for an extension in the taking effect of the ruling.

Moreover, a similar effort by the police to take over the church to Orthodox was made about two years ago, but they could not carry out the directive. The government of Kerala is attempting to negotiate a peace agreement between the state's two most significant Christian denominations. Still, the situation has become a threat to public safety in several locations. As a result, The Hindu reported that the Orthodox side of the Malankara Church had requested the security of the police to access and perform religious services at six churches, their cemeteries, and chapels controlled by the Jacobite faction. The Kerala High Court has issued an injunction requiring that protection would also be provided to parishioners taking part in religious services from hindrance by members of the Jacobite group.

Related Article: Bishops, Child Care Facility Unite in Protest Against Government's Alleged Harassment of Church-Run Centers for Children in India
Unsplash/Ben White

The Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig, Germany, has found that restrictions on peaceful prayer gatherings close to abortion clinics violate the constitution's guarantee of the right to freedom of assembly, marking a significant victory for the pro-life movement 40 Days for Life. The verdict, which was given this week, marks the conclusion of a protracted legal battle for Pavica Vojnovi, the director of the 40 Days for Life chapter located in Pforzheim. ADF International, a global human rights group, supported Vojnovi's legal defense.

Dr. Felix Bollmann, the European advocacy director at ADF International, applauded the decision, emphasizing that it reinforced fundamental rights. According to him, the Leipzig court reiterated that peaceful prayer vigils cannot be prohibited. He further called upon the federal government to rethink any potential measures to limit rights concerning abortion organizations.

Right to Peaceful Prayer Gatherings Near Abortion Clinics

According to the article in Christian Today, this ruling comes as Lisa Paus, Federal Minister for Family Affairs, continues to advocate for "censorship zones" surrounding abortion clinics across Germany. Critics argue that these zones would effectively ban prayer vigils and offers of support near such facilities. Vojnovic conveyed her satisfaction with the decision, sharing that their prayers were indeed effective, as repeatedly confirmed by the women affected. She stressed that every human life is valuable and warrants safeguarding.

In previous years, 40 Days for Life participants would meet twice a year to hold silent prayer vigils in front of a Pro Familia facility, a nearby Planned Parenthood location. The city of Pforzheim issued a ban in 2019, forbidding the prayer group from worshipping within sight and sound of the Pro Familia building, despite a four-lane road separating them. In court, Vojnovi argued that this prohibition infringed on their right to the freedom of assembly.

Also Read:Surge in Abortion Rates Witnessed Once More in England, Wales

Freedom of Expression Must Always be Observed

According to the story in Anglican, the court's ruling emphasizes that regardless of how divisive the gatherings or the views being delivered may be, the freedom of assembly and expression in public places must be maintained.

This landmark decision emphasizes how crucial it is to defend the right to free speech and the right to assemble, especially when those rights are used to advocate for contentious causes like pro-life causes. The Federal Administrative Court's ruling serves as a reminder of the challenges involved in striking a balance between rights and liberties in a heterogeneous and diverse society.

The importance of freedom of assembly and expression as the cornerstone of democracy and the rule of law was highlighted by Vojnovi's attorney, Tomislav Cunovic. According to the article in Christian Broadcasting Network, he made the case that blanket bans on prayer groups that are only based on charges violate fundamental rights, which the courts have recognized. He added that powerful lobbying organizations like Pro Familia could not silence people who peacefully express their views in support of the protection of unborn children near abortion facilities. In stark contrast to the German government's plans to outlaw prayer vigils close to abortion facilities, the high German court's decision.

Related Article:Christian Pro-Life Group Urges Faithful to Show Grace as Mother Sentenced for Abortion Pill Misuse
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John McMartin, the founder of Inspire Church, has been accused of committing an act of indecent assault against a young woman. McMartin has entered a not-guilty plea, and a recent judgment indicated that the evidence regarding the church founder's alleged misconduct had significant discrepancies.

Indecent Assault on A Young Woman

According to the testimony presented in court, the incident occurred in January 2013 at the residence of an evangelical pastor and former TV preacher's Pleasure Point residence. A few days later, the woman, who was 19 at the time, reportedly complained to a pastor before sending a formal complaint to the Australian Christian Churches, News.com reported. After being ruled guilty of one count of indecently assaulting a woman following a hearing in Local Court, John McMartin was given a 16-month suspended prison term earlier this year. The punishment was to be completed through an intensive correction order within the year. As mentioned, McMartin has denied having sexually inappropriate contact with the woman and has entered a not-guilty plea to the accusation against him.

On Monday, Jun 19, McMartin made a brief appearance before the NSW District Court to appeal his conviction and sentence. Moreover, the attorney for the defense, Philip Strickland SC, informed the judge that one of the reasons for appealing was because of the evidence provided by the accuser. Atty. Strickland contended that the complainant had presented a different account of the events in many comments that she had given. He also testified before the judge that the woman's statement to the police was missing significant claims, such as that McMartin massaged the woman's genitals and pinched her breasts. In addition, the attorney asserted that Magistrate Peter Thompson committed an error when he made unfavorable conclusions about McMartin's attitude and behavior while the case was being heard in the Local Court the previous year.

Also Read:Little Grand Rapids Demand Indian Priest to Leave Their Community Following Arrest for Sexually Assaulting 8-Year-Old Girl

Church Founder's Conviction Overturned

District Court Judge Andrew Scotting concluded that Mr. McMartin's guilt could not be established beyond a reasonable doubt. He pointed out that Mr. McMartin had denied everything over and over again, had taken part in an official interview with the police, and had voluntarily testified in court. Mail Online reported that the judge also considered that he was 67 years old, had no previous convictions, and had "lived a life of faith and service to others."

Furthermore, it was relayed to the court that the woman said she had repressed specific recollections of the alleged encounter, which she later remembered. Judge Scotting remarked that the complainant's testimony that she was trying to forget what had happened and that she had repressed memories prompted him to have a few concerns about her proof. 'I am not sure if her evidence was a recollection of the events of the night or a reconstruction of them through discussions with others,' the judge added.

As per MSN, McMartin was at a 'forensic disadvantage' of his delay in filing the lawsuit and the loss of text messages and phone records, which the church founder claimed provided evidence supporting his version of the occurrences. However, since the complainant's testimony showed 'critical inconsistencies,' Judge Scotting overturned both Mr. McMartin's conviction and the penalty imposed on him.

Related Article:Former Southern Baptist Youth Pastor Pleaded Guilty to Numerous Sexual Assaults, Sentenced With 60 Years in Prison
Pixabay/Thomas Ulrich

Ukrainian Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko has shed light on Russia's disinformation campaign surrounding the removal of Christian relics from the renowned Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery. Tkachenko recently addressed the issue, asserting that Russia has been spreading falsehoods to create unrest and tarnish Ukraine's cultural heritage.

Russia's Disinformation Campaign Against Ukraine

One of the Russian propaganda outlets, RIA Novosti, claimed that Kyiv and UNESCO had reached agreements to relocate the relics, intending to transfer them to various museums across Europe, including those in Italy, France, Germany, and the Vatican. However, based on a report from Yahoo News, on June 26, Tkachenko firmly reassured the domestic and international communities that no relics could leave Ukrainian soil.

The controversy surrounding the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra dates back to March when the state ordered the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) to vacate the premises due to the termination of their rental agreement with the state-owned organization responsible for managing the site. After a prolonged standoff, representatives of the ROC eventually allowed a commission from the Ministry of Culture to assume control over the state property at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in early April. Yet the ROC has persisted in conducting religious services at the monastery under the leadership of Metropolitan Onufriy.

Moreover, according to a report from Anadolu Agency, the chief of Russia's intelligence service, Sergey Naryshkin, has made a bold claim, stating that a collection of Byzantine icons was illicitly taken out of Ukraine with the assistance of a Swiss non-governmental organization called the International Alliance for the Protection of Cultural Heritage in Conflict Zones, working with UNESCO. As mentioned, Naryshkin highlighted that those precious icons were initially presented to Ukraine in the 15th century by Bishop Porphyry, the head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem. The icons were initially gifted to Ukraine from the Sinai Monastery of St. Catherine. However, in 1940, Soviet authorities transferred them to the collection of the Kyiv Museum of Western and Oriental Art, where they had been securely housed after World War II.

Also Read:Russian Orthodox Church Removes Archpriest Amidst Obstruction Allegations

Effectiveness of Russia's Disinformation Campaign

Russia has significantly enhanced the effectiveness of its disinformation campaigns on social media platforms. The leaked material, shared on the Discord chat platform, reveals claims made by Russian operators of fake social media accounts, stating that they are detected by social media platforms only 1% of the time. Accordingly, the disinformation network responsible for these activities is known as Fabrika, as disclosed in the leak.

The Guardian reported that the analysis of Russia's propaganda efforts encompasses various platforms such as Twitter, TikTok, Telegram, and YouTube. The undated document, reportedly prepared by the US joint chiefs of staff, US Cyber Command, and Europe Command, references internet activity in late 2022. It indicates that the Fabrika network operates under Russia's Main Scientific Research Computing Center, which directly serves the presidential administration and has been striving to improve its disinformation work. Despite Western sanctions against Russia and Moscow's measures to control social media platforms, Fabrika reportedly appears to be succeeding in promoting pro-Russian narratives and exerting control over the domestic information environment, the leaked document states.

Related Article: Russia Destroys Church in Ukraine with S300 Missile Amidst Fierce Fighting in Eastern Strongholds, Says Ukrainian Military
Elisabeth Elliot was one of the most extraordinary and controversial evangelicals of the postWorld War II era. Anyone even marginally affiliated with the American missionary community knows the stirring and tragic story of Elisabeth and her first husband, Jim Elliot, who was killed in Ecuador by Waorani tribesmen in 1956.

Perhaps even more remarkably, Elisabeth Elliot and Rachel Saint (whose brother Nate also died in the attack) went to live among the Waorani in 1958. Before returning to the US, Elliot had become one of the best-known evangelicals in America, with coverage of Jim Elliots death and of her endurance on the mission field appearing in major national outlets like Life magazine.

Lucy S. R. Austens Elisabeth Elliot: A Life is a biography worthy of its subject, diving deep into Elliots vast body of correspondence and other writings to present an exceptionally detailed and sometimes conflicted portrait. About three-quarters of the book covers Elliots story up to 1963, when she returned to the US from South America. By that time, Elliot was a bestselling author whose now-classic books Through Gates of Splendor (1957) and Shadow of the Almighty: The Life and Testament of Jim Elliot (1958) were fast becoming standard reading among evangelicals.

Biographers of figures like Elliot always grapple with finding the right tone. Some Christian authors choose a hagiographical approach, presenting their subjects in a holy, inspirational light. In recent years, growing numbers of iconoclastic authorsespecially academicshave gone to the other extreme, reviling once-revered evangelical figures and judging them irredeemable due to their complicity in various sins.

Austen happily inhabits the judicious middle in this spectrum. Hers is a stance of critical sympathy. At times she clearly finds her subject frustrating. Austen is especially unsparing with Jim Elliot, who comes off both as a courageous missionary and a vacillating (at best) suitor in his ludicrously protracted courtship of Elisabeth. The core of their problem, to Austen, was the way that postwar evangelical culture gave young people a naive view of discerning Gods will.

Much of the book recounts how Elliot, through repeated and largely inexplicable instances of suffering, grew in wisdom about what it means to truly follow the Lord. We cling to God for his character and for what he accomplished in Christs death and resurrection, not for worldly peace or prosperity.

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Seen in this light, Elliots life refutes common Christian assurances that if we obey, all will go well. To the contrary, Elliot concluded that God has never promised to solve our problems. He has not promised to answer our questions. And yet, Elliot would remind us, God has the words of eternal life. Where else shall we go?

Elisabeth (Howard) Elliot was born in 1926 to an American missionary family serving in Belgium. For their part, Jim Elliot and his family were dyed-in-the-wool members of the Plymouth Brethren church. The Brethren, a primitivist Protestant movement dating to the 1820s in Ireland and England, left a deep imprint on the piety of both Elisabeth and Jim.

The church manifested a special combination of holiness, lay initiative, missionary zeal, and apocalypticism. One of the Brethrens founders was John Nelson Darby, a key early exponent of the prophetic timetables of dispensational premillennialism. The Brethren also produced the massively influential orphan-care and faith mission pioneer George Muller, who argued that missionaries should never solicit financial support, instead trusting God to provide meticulously for all needs.

Elisabeth Howard seemed destined for a missionary career, even before meeting Jim Elliot at Wheaton College. Their romantic relationship was intense and often perplexing, in ways that may seem familiar to graduates of Christian colleges. It proceeded into levels of ever-deeper emotional intimacy and physical affection, but Jim remained adamant for years that he had not received Gods go-ahead to propose marriage. Austen seems to regard this type of piety as exasperating and hyperindividualistic.

During their courtship, Elisabeths and especially Jims decision-making appeared governed mostly by feelings and proof texts. In a typical passage, Elisabeth wrote that no one could tell another what God wants him to do. In discerning Gods will, God would cause circumstances, the witness of the Word, and your own peace of mind to coincide. Jim masked his indecision about Elisabeth in pious sentiments about waiting on the Lord. Sometimes he burst into self-condemning talk about his excessive emotionalism. In one telling exclamation, he wrote that he didnt understand what it was about loving her that makes me such a damned woman. Men, as he saw it, werent supposed to be tossed about by romantic feelings.

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At times, the Elliots seem like museum pieces from postwar evangelical culture. Yet God used these callow youths to do extraordinary things in Ecuador. Their exceptional courage and zeal turned them into perhaps the most inspiring missionary exemplars of the 20th century.

Our discomfort with warts-and-all Christian biographies, I suspect, has to do with our over-exalted view of the people God uses in ministry. In Austens rendering, the Elliots were just everyday Christian folks, marred by fickleness, cultural arrogance, and outright sin. But she suggests that if God is behind all good that comes out of missions and ministry, then we should not be shocked to discover obvious shortcomings in our heroes of the faith. Maybe they are more like you and me than we imagine. If God can use them, perhaps he can use us too.

Elliot herself became increasingly chagrined by American evangelicals stereotypical expectations for missionaries. When she returned from South America, she hit the speaking circuit, a vocation (along with writing) that took up most of her time. All audiences knew that the deaths of Jim and the Auca martyrs were tragic, but many seemed to expect that Elisabeth would tie her experience up in a just-so story of God working all things together for good. They wanted to hear that her profound loss made sense and that it smoothly fit into Gods grand design.

This expectation was perhaps predictable. But Elliots audiences didnt have to deal with her loneliness; her harrowing, recurring dreams of Jims return; or a young daughter who slowly lost her memories of a dead father. How could Elliot explain to American audiences that she struggled to accept Jims death? Likewise, how could she explain that she stopped working with the Waorani partly because of irreconcilable differences with Rachel Saint? As Austen notes, she and Saint were two of the most prayed-for missionaries in history. And yet they simply could not get along.

Elliots perspective on missions and the normal Christian life turned more complex after she returned to the US. Her experience of loss became even more searing with the lingering death of her second husband, Addison Leitch, from cancer. Friends and family prayed for Leitchs healing, or at least peace. She wrote candidly that they got neither. He died in agony four years after they got married.

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Around this time, Elliot (who retained Jims surname) began writing and speaking about gender roles in marriage and the church. She became an advocate of complementarianism (the idea that God has assigned men and women different but complementary roles).

Modern complementarianism crystallized in opposition to the emerging Christian feminism of the 1960s and 70s. Austen doesnt offer much background on why Elliot became a prominent complementarian, other than perhaps her denominational background and her reading of C. S. Lewis, whom she sometimes quoted on the matter. Elliots unsentimental realism also fueled a hard critique of anything she viewed as Christian worldliness. To her, feminism meant compromise with the worlds values, and she painted it as faithless and foolish.

Her stances on womens submission in marriage, male leadership in churches, and sexual purity before marriage made Elliot a reviled figure in progressive Christian circles. Most controversially, Elliot regularly spoke at events sponsored by Bill Gothards Institute in Basic Life Principles, which was popular among complementarians and Christian homeschoolers. When Elliot began her affiliation with Gothard in the mid-1990s, there were already long-standing public charges about Gothards abuse of power and serial sexual harassment of female employees. (Gothards board confirmed many of these allegations in 2014.)

Elliot, like many prominent conservative women, also manifested certain contradictions amid her complementarian advocacy. Though she insisted that only qualified men could serve as pastors, she taught church audiences that typically included adult men. Along with her second husband, she joined the Episcopal Church, one of the denominations most adamant about ordaining female pastors. Elliot also grounded her argument for womens submission in the doctrine of eternal functional subordination, or the idea that the Son of God exists eternally in a subordinate relationship to the Father, a position even many complementarian theologians reject as unorthodox.

In the end, Austen portrays Elliot as a complex and flawed person, but one used powerfully by God, especially in the cause of missions. For Elisabeth Elliot, Austen concludes, the foundation of life was trust in the love of God. This was no pious truism. It was a gritty conviction born out of repeated Job-like experiences of suffering. We may hope that her story will continue inspiring radical discipleship and missionary service, all while fostering confidence that, in Austens words, all things in heaven and earth will finally be made whole.

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Thomas S. Kidd is research professor of church history at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His most recent book is Thomas Jefferson: A Biography of Spirit and Flesh.

This article has been amended since its posting. An earlier version claimed that, before her marriage, Elisabeth Elliot and her family were members of the Plymouth Brethren church, when in fact this was only true of Jim Elliot and his family.

[ This article is also available in espanol and Francais. ]

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Its time for the quarterly books episode of The Russell Moore Show!



On this episode, Russell shares the books on his desert island bookshelf (pictured below). He and producer Ashley Hales discuss what it takes for a title to belong on that shelf. They consider the power of finding a book for a specific season and how such reads take root in our hearts. Their conversation spans genres and generations as they talk about books that range from centuries old to just published.

Books mentioned in this episode include:

Additional authors and resources mentioned in this episode include:

Pre-order Russells new title, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America, here!



Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com.



Sail the Nile with Christianity Todays Russell Moore. Click here to learn more.



Ashley Hales is the producer of The Russell Moore Show, founder of Willowbrae Institute, and an author. Find out more at aahales.com.

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John Piper says women shouldnt lead parachurch organizations

Notable theologian, author and Bible teacher John Piper argued this week that women should not hold spiritually authoritative positions in parachurch organizations, believing that this runs afoul of "God-ordained differences" between men and women.

In an episode of the "Ask Pastor John" podcast posted on Desiring God's website on Monday, a listener sent a message asking about female leadership in a parachurch ministry.

"I work for a global parachurch organization which is well-known. Recently our leadership decided that all positions of leadership within the organization will be opened to women. This includes campus leadership, regional leadership, and national leadership," the listener inquired.

"Previously, these positions of spiritual authority over men were reserved for men alone. The reason given for this change is that a parachurch organization is not the church. Therefore, the commands addressed to churches about the role of men and women in relationship to one another do not apply in this case. How do you see it?"

Piper said he felt that it was "sad to hear" of the ministry's decision and considered the move to be an example of rejecting "God-ordained differences" between men and women because of "cultural, societal pressures."

"The culture as a whole is in a free fall of denial. Nobody in this free fall has on a parachute. It's all going to end tragically, the evidences of which are all around us," said Piper, the chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

"A person who stands up and draws attention to God's word or the teaching of nature and questions the wisdom of undifferentiated sex roles will not only be thought a fool, but also unjust and, very likely, soft on abuse, even though all the while the sex-leveling egalitarian impulses wreak havoc at every level of our culture."

Piper referenced 1 Timothy 2:12-14, which reads, "I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner."

"Paul saw in the Genesis account of God's word that built into creation from the beginning, before the fall, was a peculiar responsibility of men to bear the burden of leadership and care," Piper continued.

"So, the fact that Paul gave instructions for how this original design relates to the church in no way implies that it is limited to the church or the home. That was one application of many."

In the parachurch context, Piper believes Paul would say: "I have taught, Moses has taught, nature teaches that it goes against man's and woman's truest, God-given nature to place a woman in a role of regular, direct, personal leadership over men."

Piper's remarks come after the Southern Baptist Convention garnered national attention for removing churches from membership that allowed women to hold the office of pastor.

At the SBC Annual Meeting held in New Orleans, Louisiana, earlier this month, messengers voted overwhelmingly to reaffirm the dismissals of the Rick Warren-founded Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, and Fern Creek Baptist Church of Louisville, Kentucky.

Messengers also voted to advance a proposed measure to prevent women from serving as a "pastor of any kind" as the denomination is one step closer to solidifying the rule as a constitutional amendment.

While some theologically conservative denominations like the SBC prohibit female pastors, others, like the Assemblies of God, USA, allow for women to serve as pastor.

In a 2010 position paper titled "The Role of Women in Ministry," the Assemblies of God argued that the 1 Timothy passage Piper cited only applied specifically to the church Paul was writing to.

"A reading of the entire passage of 1 Timothy 2:915 strongly suggests that Paul was giving Timothy advice about dealing with some heretical teachings and practices specifically involving women in the church at Ephesus," stated the paper.

"The heresy may have been so serious that he had to say about the Ephesian women, 'I am not allowing women to teach or have authority over a man.' Other passages show that such exclusion was not normative in Paul's ministry."
Sound of Freedom director to Eduardo Verastegui: Run for Mexico president to end child trafficking

MIAMI, Florida  As "Sound of Freedom" hits theaters next Tuesday with a bold message calling for the freedom of millions of children enslaved in human trafficking, the filmmakers are not only using their talents in Hollywood but potentially in politics as well.

Director and co-writer Alejandro Monteverde told The Christian Post that he felt "called" by God to make "Sound of Freedom" following the success of his films "Little Boy" and "Bella."

"Today is one of the most important days of my life, and I'm so grateful," Monteverde said in a red-carpet interview.

"There are two types of stories, the ones that I want to make and the ones that I was called to make and this one I was called to make."

At the premiere of "Sound of Freedom," Monteverde openly encouraged his friend, actor and Mexican film producer Eduardo Verastegui to "run for president" of Mexico to ensure a lasting impact on the fight against trafficking.

Reports have emerged in recent years suggesting the actor is discerning a potential presidential run. Earlier this month, Verastegui asked for prayers as he has to make a decision about a possible 2024 presidential run "very soon."

Shot five years ago, the movie tells the true story of one man's journey to combat child sex trafficking. The Angel Studios film is based on the life of Tim Ballard, a former U.S. Department of Homeland Security agent who left his job because he wanted to do more to rescue children from modern-day slavery.

Starring Jim Caviezel ("Passion of The Christ"), the dramatic thriller film also features Oscar winner Mira Sorvino ("The Final Cut"), Bill Camp ("12 Years a Slave") and Jose Zuniga ("Twilight"). Along with acting in the film, Verastegui ("Unplanned") is the film's producer.

Verastegui and Monteverde have been friends since they were teenagers, and for the past eight years, the pair have worked diligently with Ballard to bring his mission to combat child sex trafficking to the forefront for the masses to become aware.

The filmmaking team, both men of faith, believe in the film tagline "God's children are not for sale" and want millions to mobilize after watching the film. They hope the story will compel others to help bring an end to this form of child abuse.

"Sound of Freedom" will have viewers at the edge of their seats waiting to see what Ballard does next on his mission to reunite a vulnerable family whose worst nightmare came to life when both children were taken captive for sex work. Featuring mild foul language and some violence, the film's scenes that are not shown but suggested have a haunting effect on audiences.

The studio wants families with teenagers to view the film together since teenagers should also be educated on the evils of the world that they can fall victim to.

Monteverde told CP that he takes what Jesus said to His disciples seriously in Luke 17:1-2, "It is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come, but woe to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and to be thrown into the sea than to cause one of these little ones to stumble."

According to a report from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development released in January, Mexico "ranks first in child sexual abuse; first in exploitation, homicides, and trafficking of minors; and first in creation and distribution of child pornography."

The United States was identified as the "number one consumer of sex worldwide," which includes child pornography, according to Geoff Rogers, co-founder of the United States Institute Against Human Trafficking, as quoted in a 2019 Fox News report.

Verastegui previously shared with CP that he wants to "put pressure on the government so these things become a prime priority, not just for the government, for everyone."

"What really hurts me the most is that the people who are doing this to these kids are human beings like you and me, made of the same. This is not people who are coming from other planets that are our enemies. This is people like us. So in what moment, what happened to these guys?" Verastegui continued. "They were kids at some point full of dreams. So what happened in what moment they decided to, 'You know what? I'm going to use my life to hurt kids.'"

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime defines human trafficking as any situation in which someone experiences "force, coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or vulnerability, or giving payments or benefits to a person in control."

New York actor Manny Perez, who plays one of the traffickers in the film, described "feeling dirty" following his role because of how different his character was from who he is as a man of faith. Perez felt this was an important role for him to take on and bring awareness to a hard reality that exists.

The filmmakers, actors and Angel Studios hope at least 2 million people will go to theaters on July 4 to represent the 2 million children currently victimized by human trafficking.

Multiple Hollywood studios rejected the film, but Angel Studios acquired worldwide distribution rights earlier this year.

Angel Studios is a platform for filmmakers to collaborate with the audience and bring projects to life by crowdfunding. It creates and distributes films and TV series worldwide and is known as the studio behind "The Chosen" and "Dry Bar Comedy."

To spread the word, Angel Studios set up a "Pay It Forward" program where someone could pay for someone else's ticket who might not otherwise see "Sound of Freedom."
The Syriacs of Northeast Syria: The last exodus and new beginning

Eleven years ago, I had to leave Hasaka, Syria, my hometown. I came from a large family of mixed Syriac and Greek Orthodox, consisting of five uncles, three aunts, and 25 cousins. Between 2012 and 2015, all of them, like many other Christians from Northeast Syria, were forced to leave the city. I was the first to depart because I actively participated in the Syrian uprising of 2011. At the age of 19, I was arrested, and upon my release, the fear of repeating the harsh experience of imprisonment made it impossible for me to continue living in Syria.

Although the rest of my family had no involvement in politics, they too had to leave. This was the fate of tens of thousands of Syriac and other Christian families in Northeast Syria.

The Syriacs played a crucial role in the establishment of the relatively new civilian cities in Northeast Syria. They transformed these areas, which were once desert lands for the Arabian Bedouins, into thriving urban centers. The Syriacs fled the Saifo Genocides that targeted our community in what is now known as northern Turkey. This genocide occurred in 1915, which, although not too long ago, still shapes the identity of the Syriacs in my community. We continue to identify ourselves with the names of the cities we came from in northern Turkey, such as Mirdaliyeh (from Mardin) or Askhinyeh (from Azekh)  even the younger generation that was born and raised in Syria remains connected to our roots in todays northern Turkey.

History will remember 2011 as the year when the Syriac community in the region witnessed their last exodus as the numbers of Syriac have dramatically dwindled, with tens of thousands of families immigrating to Europe. The neighborhoods of the Syriacs in northeast Syrian cities were emptied of their indigenous population, and the cities saw a significant transfer of wealth from the Syriacs to the Kurds and Arabs.

Considering the current situation in the region, it is fair to say that the presence of the Syriacs, who played a major role in founding urban life in Northeast Syria, has come to an end.

This pattern of mass migration applies to most Christian communities in Syria. However, the exodus of the Syriacs was particularly significant due to their substantial impact on trade, education, and industry in Northeast Syria.

Although it is unlikely that the Syriac community will return to Northeast Syria or flourish again in the region, there is still some hope to preserve the Syriac culture. The majority of Syriacs who emigrated from Syria after 2012 ended up in the same European cities where an older Syriac immigrant community had settled since the days of the Syafo Genocide in 1915. This older Syriac community, along with the second and third generations of Syriac immigrants, continues to preserve the Syriac language and culture. Moreover, they have been able to establish political parties and cultural groups aimed at keeping the Syriac culture alive. For example, some members of my family who never spoke our indigenous language (Syriac) in Syria, started learning it for the first time in Sweden!

As a person who values public work and considers my political beliefs an important part of my identity, I regret that my community is not politically engaged and lacks a significant interest in advocating for its political and cultural rights. When I first learned about the Philos Project, I was amazed to find an organization that not only focuses on providing humanitarian assistance to Christians in the Middle East or helping them obtain visas to leave the region but also offers them a platform to discover their political rights and explore tools that can help them make an impact in their respective regions.

At the Philos Project, we are doing what we can to empower the indigenous Christian communities to create an impact. However, ultimately, the responsibility lies with the communities themselves, particularly their intellectual leaders. Throughout history, it was intellectuals and consistent organizing efforts that brought back the Jews to their holy lands and led to the creation of Israel, one of the most successful countries in the Middle East. The return of the Jews to Israel was mainly the result of the work of great minds rather than the power of bullets. Similarly, the Syriacs in the diaspora today have all the means to organize themselves and work towards the dream of returning to Syria; not as an inferior minority, but as contributors to a region exhausted by years of conflict, economic crises, and environmental challenges.

A community that has successfully preserved its culture, language and imparted knowledge of its roots to the younger generation is certainly capable of changing the course of history if it possesses the will to do so. And as Theodor Herzl once said, If you will it, it is no dream.
Christian couple found murdered on 50th wedding anniversary

A beloved couple who didnt show up for their 50th wedding anniversary celebration at Our Lady Help of Christians Church as expected on Sunday were found brutally stabbed and beaten to death along with the wifes mother inside their home in Newton, Massachusetts.

The victims, Gilda DAmore, 73, her husband, Bruno DAmore, 74, and her mother, Lucia Arpino, 97, were discovered bloodied and battered at 10:14 a.m. by a person known to them, a release from the Middlesex County District Attorneys Office said.

She had gone to check on the victims after they did not arrive at church to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, the statement said.

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Newton Chief of Police John Carmichael identified Christopher Ferguson, 41, of Newton as the main suspect in the killings and he has been charged with murder, two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, and burglary.

Investigators say the crime scene showed signs of forced entry including broken glass and missing screens at the basement windows. The medical examiner said Gilda DAmore suffered multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma. Autopsies for the other two victims were still pending.

In a statement to the church community on Monday, Paul and Ginny Arpino, cousins of the couple, and members of the church community asked for prayers for their family. Paul is the churchs long-time choir director, while Ginny is the Collaborative's Coordinator of Pastoral Care.

It is with a heavy heart that we share that the terrible tragedy that happened yesterday in Newton hit very close to home  impacting our faith community and our own family, they wrote. Jill and Bruno D'Amore and Jill's mother Lucia Arpino lost their lives in a senseless act of violence. They were our cousins and aunt.

The Arpinos remembered Gilda as someone who simply followed her heart in serving the church.

Jill had taken on the ministry of beautifying our church's environment. Without a single day of liturgical training she simply followed her heart, caring for the flowers and decorating for the liturgical seasons. She spent endless hours in the care of our church, they said.

Her husband was remembered for his big voice and his exuberant personality along with his culinary skills, especially when he proudly flipped the burgers at the parish picnic.

Gildas mother was remembered for being a faithful churchgoer whose commitment was only disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lucia, until Covid, never missed a 10 a.m. Mass. For over 60 years she and her husband Alberto sat in the North End section of our church. Lucia will be especially missed on the upcoming Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Festa weekend as she faithfully walked in that procession through the streets of Nonantum well into her 90s, the Arpinos said. Many in our faith community are grieving this great loss. We ask for your prayers for them, most especially for their three children and their five grandchildren.
Christian family narrowly escape death as home is torched amid ethnic violence in India

NEW DELHI  On the evening of May 3, an ethnic Christian in northern Indias Manipur state received a call from a relative advising her to pack up and leave home with her children immediately.

Manngaihlun Tombing, of the Kuki ethnic minority in Churachandpur, did not take it seriously, she said. The worst that could happen, she thought, was that the government would impose a curfew.

Keeping that in mind, I quickly rushed to a nearby store and bought enough supplies to sustain us if a curfew was imposed, Tombing said.

Little did Tombing know that she and her family would flee their home and narrowly escape death several times over the next 24 hours.

Tombing lived in the area known as Paite Veng, of the state capital, Imphal, with her husband, their two children, her mother-in-law and a domestic helper when the May 3 violence began between the predominantly Christian Kuki and the Meitei, who are majority Hindu.

Tombing did not anticipate that the ethnic clash that originated during a march to protest the demand of the Meitei community for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status would result in the killing of almost 200 people and leave 60,000 displaced. When she returned home from the market, she received a call from a Meitei friend, wife of a police officer, who warned her to leave without delay.

Tombing had barely chosen essential medicines for her children when she heard banging on the light poles on the street.

The loud continuous sound made by hitting the iron electric pole was a signal to other attackers to quickly rush to the area to attack jointly, Tombing told Morning Star News in a camp for the displaced in Delhi.

Her husband, Samuel Tombing, rushed into the house in a panic, having also heard the signaling. The family quickly crossed the road to church premises in a missionary compound, where they hid in a house.

While we crossed the road, I saw the Meitei mob about 300 meters away, carrying thick wooden sticks, glass bottles, knives, etc. in their hands as they ran towards us, Tombing said.

The caretaker of the mission compound quickly locked the gate after they entered. In the house where they took refuge, they were stunned to find 45 other Christians, Tombing said. Families with children, the elderly including a blind lady, and a pregnant mother were among those in hiding.

Soon they heard the Meitei mob attacking the church building in the compound and then breaking the glass panes of the house. The stones the mob flung to break the windows landed inside, driving some of the displaced under beds and others to the kitchen, Tombing said.

We were so many in number and were all over the place in the house, she said.

A man from the mob peeped inside the bedroom window where her family was hiding and peered into her eyes.

I cannot forget those big eyes, and in that moment I thought, This is the end, we are going to die  he has seen us, Tombing said. I quickly closed my eyes and began to pray. They knew we were inside. They were laughing at us. We could hear them.

The mob soon left, and the Christians considered how to escape, fearing the rioters were still at the gate. After 15 minutes, an even larger mob arrived, stopping all thought of escape. The assailants set fire to the church building and then burned the caretakers house before retreating.

She said she heard the Meitei mob speak in foul language of the church while setting the building ablaze.

I heard the mob curse the church and the Christians as they burned the church, Tombing said. It is evident that they want to rid Manipur of the presence of Christian Kukis. Its still a nightmare to me.

A Meitei who lived next to the compound invited the Christians to scale the 6-foot high fence and hide outside the side of the house. Samuel Tombing and other men helped the now 50 Christians to get over the fence.

There were women, children, elderly, a completely blind elderly woman, a full-term pregnant woman who had to jump the fencing, Manngaihlun Tombing said.

From there the Christians witnessed the mob hours later burn the house they had taken refuge in earlier, along with a school where Tombings daughter studied.

The Meitei house owner did not invite us inside their house for fear that if they are found sheltering the Kuki Christians, they, too, would not be spared, she said.

The mob set one car after another ablaze  in many cases burning the vehicles along with the people inside, she said. Apparently unafraid of burning themselves, the assailants blew up Liquefied Petroleum Gas cylinders normally used for cooking to raze entire houses, Tombing said.

They would celebrate with shouts of joy after burning each vehicle, she said. I cannot thank God enough and my Meitei friend who informed us timely so we could escape. We had a narrow getaway  they burned my house and my car.

The Christians hid behind the boundary until 4 a.m., when armed forces arrived and escorted them to a government-run relief camp. The next day, May 5, the Tombing family left for Delhi, along with a few others from the 50 who had taken refuge together.

Targeted

Tombing and her husband saw the Meitei mobs carrying maps in their hands with church locations and Kuki homes marked on them.

They had done their survey already, she said. Everything it seemed was marked way ahead of time.

Before burning down the Tombings home, the assailants first vandalized it. They also bulldozed a farm the Tombings owned some distance from their house.

How could they identify as to which farmland was ours, from all the agricultural lands? Tombing asked.

National media recently reported that the name of the area  Paite Veng, meaning colony of the Paites, a Kuki sub-tribe  has been changed to Kwakeithal Ningthemkol, a Meitei name that means abode of a Meitei prince.

Lingering trauma

Tombing said they could not sleep for nearly a week after what they had witnessed. She said her children still feel they are being followed and fear they could be subject to more horrors.

Whenever my children heard a bang or a sudden noise, they would start to scream, Mummy, they are coming, she said, adding that her 4-year-old daughter would suddenly begin shaking when she heard sudden movement or noise. When we are watching TV, if someone changed the channel suddenly, my youngest daughter would completely shake with fear and began to breathe heavily.

Tombing said she was seeking trauma counseling for her daughters.

Her husband said they do not know how long the sounds and images of burning and killing would haunt them.

It is absolutely heart-breaking to see our children dealing with anxiety issues, Samuel Tombing told Morning Star News.

Manngaihlun Tombing asked the international Body of Christ to pray for Manipur, which continues to see clashes.

Pray for wisdom for the authorities, memories to heal, peace to be established and re-settlement of the displaced community, she said.

The hostile tone of the National Democratic Alliance government, led by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, against non-Hindus, has emboldened Hindu extremists in several parts of the country to attack Christians since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took power in May 2014, religious rights advocates say.

India ranks No. 11 on the Christian support organization Open Doors 2023 World Watch List of the countries where it's most difficult to be a Christian. The country was 31st in 2013, but its position worsened after Modi came to power.
List: Churches, pro-life offices torched, vandalized by abortion activists since Supreme Court leak

Updated at 10:00 a.m. ET on June 24:

Following Politicos report of a leaked draft opinion in the U.S. Supreme Court case of Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization indicating that a majority of justices seem inclined to overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide, multiple churches and pro-life advocacy organizations have been burned, looted and vandalized by pro-abortion extremists.

A group of pro-abortion activists identifying themselves as Janes Revenge has taken credit for multiple acts of vandalism against pro-life pregnancy centers and churches. The group previously demanded that all pro-life organizations disband and issued a communique on June 14 declaring open season on anti-choice groups.

However, not every act of vandalism is explicitly tied to outrage over the leaked Dobbs draft. Here is a list of churches and pro-life organizations that have been vandalized or had items stolen from them since Politicos story was published on May 2. Sixteen United States senators cited CPs list of vandalism in a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland requesting more information about the Department of Justices strategy to prevent such attacks in addition to investigating and prosecuting those responsible.

The most recent acts of vandalism are listed first. The list will be updated as more vandalism takes place.

Jackson Right to Life: Jackson, Michigan

Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Mich., announced on Facebook on June 22 that Last night our office and Jackson Right to Life were attacked by a radical pro-abortion group. He noted that our windows were broken, our logo was smashed right on the front door, and this radical group spray-painted their name over the Jackson Right to Life sign.

Walberg shared images of the vandalism, one of which documented the words Janes Revenge spray-painted across the streetside sign advertising Jackson Right to Life and its life-affirming solutions, indicating that Janes Revenge was the radical pro-abortion group he was referring to.

Two pro-life pregnancy centers in Michigan

Janes Revenge took credit for the vandalism of two Detroit-area pro-life pregnancy centers in an email obtained by the anarchist website Abolition Media: On the night of 6/19 a gang of criminal queers smashed the windows of two fake abortion clinics in the greater Detroit area leaving the messages if abortion isnt safe, neither are you and fake clinic. Jane will have her revenge.

Lennon Pregnancy Center, a pro-life clinic in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, took to Facebook on June 20 to share images of the vandalism that occurred the day prior: Every window and door along the front face of our building was smashed as well as the building being spray painted with graffiti. Four additional side windows were smashed in on the sides of the building.

As the post indicated, the vandalism also impacted the printing business that shares our building. Lynn Mills, a pro-life activist based in Michigan, uploaded images of vandalism at the other pro-life pregnancy center targeted by Janes Revenge to her Facebook account on June 21. The pictures reveal a boarded-up Pregnancy Care Center in Redford, Michigan with graffiti spray-painted on the side of the building.

Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life: Minneapolis, Minnesota

The pro-life group Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life announced on its Twitter account June 15 that its office in Minneapolis had been vandalized for the second time in recent weeks. Pictures of the vandalism reveal the phrase Abortion is Liberation spray-painted across the front door and the front window of the facility broken. A third picture showed shards of glass scattered across a table inside the building.

Last night the MCCL office was vandalized for the second time in recent weeks. But we are grateful that we are all safe. As #SCOTUS prepares to rule in #DobbsVsJackson, please pray for the safety of the justices and of MCCL and other pro-life groups. pic.twitter.com/1Oxm3uORF2  MCCL (@MCCL_org) June 15, 2022

The group expressed gratitude that we are all safe, urging supporters to pray for the safety of the justices and of MCCL and other pro-life groups ahead of the Supreme Court decision.

Gresham Pregnancy Resource Center: Gresham, Oregon

Luke Cirillo, CEO of the nonprofit organization First Image, announced on the companys Facebook page June 10 that the Gresham Pregnancy Resource Center was set on fire that morning at around 3 a.m.

"From initial investigations by Police and Fire authorities, it appears an incendiary device was thrown through a window," Cirillo said.

Our alarm system immediately alerted Fire and Police, and they arrived very quickly and extinguished the fire, Cirillo stated. [I]t was mostly contained to one room, but damage there was extensive and there is additional water and smoke damage in other parts of the building.

The perpetrator of the apparent arson remains at large and the pro-life pregnancy center, which was scheduled to undergo a full renovation, will temporarily close to make way for needed repairs in light of the vandalism.

Options360: Vancouver, Washington

Alissa Azar, who describes herself as a Syrian journalist who covers right wing violence & activity in the [Pacific Northwest], posted pictures of vandalism at a pro-life pregnancy center in Vancouver, Washington on Twitter on June 9.

Options360, an evangelical pregnancy crisis center in Vancouver, WA, was hit with some red paint last night and had Janes Revenge written on the front of the building, she reported.

Options360, an evangelical pregnancy crisis center in Vancouver, WA, was hit with some red paint last night and had Janes Revenge written on the front of the building. pic.twitter.com/YcxvG5pF49  alissa azar (@AlissaAzar) June 9, 2022

CompassCare: Buffalo, New York

CompassCare, a group of pro-life pregnancy centers committed to serving women in Buffalo and across NY State and erasing the need for abortion, announced on June 7 that its Buffalo office was firebombed by abortion terrorists. The pro-life organization posted a statement on its website explaining that Early this morning police and firefighters responded to smoke at CompassCares Buffalo office.

The windows in the reception room and nurses office were broken and fires lit. Graffiti on the building left by arsonists refers to the abortion terrorist group Janes Revenge, reading Jane Was Here, the statement continued. A group of pro-abortion activists identifying themselves as Janes Revenge has claimed responsibility for numerous acts of vandalism in recent weeks.

Two firefighters suffered minor injuries fighting the fire and were admitted to the hospital.

Mountain Area Pregnancy Services: Asheville, North Carolina

Mountain Area Pregnancy Services, a pro-life pregnancy center in Asheville, North Carolina, announced on Facebook on June 7 that Our building was vandalized last night. Pictures of the vandalism accompanying the post revealed the phrase If abortions arent safe, neither are you spray-painted on the sidewalk in front of the facility, along with a symbol for the anarchist movement.

Additionally, red spray paint was splattered all over the front door and windows of the building, which were also broken. Graffiti reading No forced birth was painted on the back walls of the facility.

Capitol Hill Crisis Pregnancy Center: Washington, D.C.

Janet Durig, the executive director of The Capitol Hill Crisis Pregnancy Center in Washington, D.C., told The Daily Signal that her business was vandalized either late June 2 or early morning June 3. Images of the vandalism reveal red paint dumped on the front door and doormat, egged windows and a message reading Jane Says Revenge spray-painted on the exterior walls of the facility.

Here at Capitol Hill Crisis Pregnancy Center in DC where someone dumped red paint on the door, egged the windows, and wrote Jane Says Revenge. The director of the pro-life clinic told me the vandalism makes her incredibly sad in light of the work they do every day. pic.twitter.com/Qo1lu60eNn  Mary Margaret Olohan (@MaryMargOlohan) June 3, 2022

Dove Medical Pregnancy Center: Eugene, Oregon

Journalist Andy Ngo posted pictures of vandalism at Dove Medical Pregnancy Center in Eugene, Oregon to his Twitter account May 27. As Ngo explained, An individual or group associating itself with far-left extremist #abortion group Janes Revenge attacked the Dove Medical pregnancy center sometime on May 27. They drew a modified communist symbol & dumped red paint at the building.

Additional phrases spray-painted onto the building included Abortion is healthcare, Not a clinic and From Jane.

Eugene, Ore.: An individual or group associating itself with far-left extremist #abortion group Jane's Revenge attacked the Dove Medical pregnancy center sometime on May 27. They drew a modified communist symbol & dumped red paint at the building. #Antifahttps://t.co/E4F9ZRI3Kxpic.twitter.com/UzUOddeKQa  Andy Ngo ?????????? (@MrAndyNgo) May 31, 2022

Next Step Pregnancy Center: Lynnwood, Washington

Security video footage captured outside Next Step Pregnancy Services in Lynnwood, Washington reveals a vandal spray-painting pro-abortion messages on the exterior of the building in the early morning hours of May 25. Images shared by Seattle radio host Jason Rantz showed he words If abortion isnt safe were painted on the front door of the pro-life pregnancy center while the rest of the phrase, Then you arent either! spray-painted on the ground in front of the entrance.

NEW: Next Step Pregnancy Center in Lynnwood, Wash. was vandalized by a criminal dressed in all black. She tagged the property with the threat "If abortion isn't safe, you aren't either" and "Jane's revenge." pic.twitter.com/pjM2TLMZVK  Jason Rantz on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) May 26, 2022

At the back of the building, the vandal painted the words Janes Revenge on steps leading to a back entrance. A group of pro-abortion activists identifying themselves as Janes Revenge has claimed responsibility for numerous acts of vandalism in recent weeks. In an interview with Rantz, Heather Vasquez, director of Next Step Pregnancy Services, explained that the vandal took it upon themselves to throw rocks and break five of our windows.

Mt. Avery M.B. Church: Lowndes County, Mississippi

Stephen Pimpo of WCBI News, a CBS affiliate based in northern Mississippi, reported on May 24 that The Lowndes County Sheriffs Dept. is investigating the vandalism of Mt. Avery M.B. Church, which was discovered Monday morning. Pictures of the pro-abortion vandalism revealed a message reading girls just want to have fundamental rights spray-painted on the doors of the church, a play on the Cyndi Lauper song Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.

Additional images showed the phrase Keep Your Laws Off My Body spray-painted in multiple locations on the exterior walls of the church.

The Lowndes County Sheriffs Dept. is investigating the vandalism of Mt. Avery M.B. Church. The vandalism was discovered Monday morning. Messages include girls just want to have fundamental human rights and Keep your laws off my body. pic.twitter.com/yblmMfBpbY  Stephen Pimpo (@spimpojr) May 24, 2022

Four churches: Olympia, Washington

The group of pro-abortion activists calling themselves Janes Revenge took credit for the vandalism of four Washington state churches over the weekend of May 21-22. A blog posted on the anarchist website Abolition Media May 23 contained the contents of an email sent by the Bo Brown Cell of the pro-abortion organization.

Last night we vandalized four anti-abortion churches in Olympia, the email read. A Mormon church, Calvary church, Harbor Church, and St. Michaels Catholic church all received facelifts in the early hours of Sunday morning. We dumped red paint over the entryways and left messages of If abortions arent safe then neither are you, Abort the church, and God loves abortion.

A picture accompanying the blog revealed the front of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1116 Yew Ave NE with the phrase If abortions arent safe then neither are you spray-painted between two sets of double doors, along with the anarchist symbol.

BirthRight: Frederick, Maryland

A Twitter user who identifies himself as Wayward Streamer, a self-described photo/ video reporter from the Frontline, shared pictures of vandalism at BirthRight, a crisis pregnancy center in Frederick, Maryland, on his Twitter account on May 8. The words Defend Roe were spray-painted between the facilitys two front windows. The profane F*** fake clinic was written next to the front door, reflecting the hostility pro-abortion activists have toward pro-life pregnancy clinics.

Alpha Pregnancy Center: Reisterstown, Maryland

Wayward Streamer shared pictures of Alpha Pregnancy Center in Reisterstown, Maryland May 7. Graffiti painted in black next to the front entrance read Youre anti-choice, with the phrase not pro-life painted in red directly underneath it.

To the left of the entrance, additional graffiti proclaimed If abortions arent safe neither are you. The door of the crisis pregnancy center was vandalized to read not a clinic. The porch directly in front of the office had the words Janes Revenge painted on it. Janes Revenge previously claimed responsibility for throwing a Molotov cocktail through the window of a pro-life organization in Wisconsin.

Alpha Pregancy Center, a religious organization crisis pregnancy center located in Reisterstown Maryland, was targeted last night. "Jane's Revenge" was found spray painted near the entrance of the center. Thread below goes into details about this autonomous group. https://t.co/gwDuPSZMjupic.twitter.com/4679D2sBhy  Wayward.streamer (@StreamerWayward) May 15, 2022

Oregon Right to Life: Salem, Oregon

A statement posted by the pro-life organization Oregon Right to Life on May 9 said, In the late evening on Sunday, May 8, the offices of Oregon Right to Life were attacked. The group noted that An individual used incendiary devices, one of which exploded and caught the building on fire.

The office was vacant at the time and no one was harmed. Fire and police departments responded quickly, minimizing damage to the building.

Holy Rosary Church: Houston, Texas

In a Facebook post on May 9, Friar Mariano Veliz shared a picture of the words Pro-choice is pro-life! spray-painted on the doors of Holy Rosary Church in Houston, Texas, accompanied by the caption: This is what the angry, hateful anti-Catholic pro-choice activists did to our church last night. Veliz, who serves as a parochial vicar at the church, added that these people painted the same message on our side doors as well.

St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church: Katy, Texas

Father Christopher Plant of St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church in Katy, Texas, took to Twitter May 9 to announce that Our tabernacle was stolen last night. Adrian Fonseca, a producer for a Catholic radio network, provided an update on Twitter May 11: They found the tabernacle at a Burger King. Appears to be cracked open. Stole Our Lord and left behind the Gold. Clearly was not stolen for the money, but for something far more precious.

In a subsequent tweet, Fonseca asserted that things are more complicated because the tabernacle was stolen a second time. He maintained that police have the faces and plates of the two sets of thieves, adding, [they] predict they will have it in custody within 24 hours.

First Care Womens Health: Manassas, Virginia

ABC News affiliate WUSA in Washington, D.C., aired a report on vandalism that took place at First Care Womens Health, a pro-life pregnancy center in Manassas, Virginia. Becky Sheetz, the CEO of First Cares parent company Life First, explained that in one section, it said liars, another one said fake clinic and the other one said abortion is a right. A tweet from the Rev. Dean Nelson of the pro-life group Human Coalition indicates that the vandalism took place on May 8.

Unfortunately, a Pregnacy Resource Center in Northern Virginia was vandalized last night.



This charity lovingly provides support & practical supplies to women no matter what they decide. And yet, theyre targeted with hate, intimidation and destruction. Sad! pic.twitter.com/E1U2Jro1YC  Rev. Dean Nelson (@RevDeanNelson) May 9, 2022

Wisconsin Family Action: Madison, Wisconsin

An Incident Report compiled by the police department in Madison, Wisconsin, stated that Flames were seen coming from the headquarters of the pro-life organization Wisconsin Family Action shortly after 6 a.m. on May 8. According to the report, A Molotov cocktail, which did not ignite, was thrown inside the building. It also appears a separate fire was started in response. Graffiti was also found at the scene. No injuries have been reported.

Pictures of the vandalism, posted to Twitter by Alexander Shur of the Wisconsin State Journal showed the phrase If abortions arent safe then you arent either painted on an exterior wall of the facility and a fire-damaged office with books scattered across the floor. Janes Revenge claimed responsibility for the attack and vowed to engage in further vandalism.

BREAKING: Somebody vandalized and allegedly threw Molotov cocktails into Wisconsin Family Actions  an anti-abortion rights group  Madison office, writing w/ graffiti, If abortions arent safe, then you arent either.



Story TK pic.twitter.com/6Wfnyeh9hQ  Alexander Shur (@AlexanderShur) May 8, 2022

Loreto House: Denton, Texas

Loreto House, a pro-life pregnancy center in Denton, Texas, has also experienced pro-abortion vandalism in recent days. A tweet posted by North Texas Catholic on May 8 reported that the facility was vandalized this weekend. The organization helps women, men and children by providing material goods, parent education, and emotional and spiritual support during a womans pregnancy and up to the childs third birthday.

Pictures of the vandalism reveal the roadside sign advertising the facility emblazoned with the phrase Not a clinic and the same phrase painted on the organizations front door. Additional graffiti on the building proclaims, Forced Birth is Murder.

Loreto House in Denton was vandalized this weekend.

The pro-life pregnancy center helps women (and men) from their child's conception until age 3 with material goods, parent education, and emotional and spiritual support.

About their work with families:https://t.co/gV0QgHEcLipic.twitter.com/mj2R0nSpIS  North Texas Catholic (@NTCatholic) May 8, 2022

Concerned Women for America: Alexandria, Virginia

Security camera footage obtained by Fox News reveals an unidentified male vandalizing the headquarters of the pro-life organization Concerned Women for America in Alexandria, Virginia earlier this month. The video footage shows the perpetrator repeatedly flipping off the security camera and urinating on the doors and windows of the facility in addition to ripping the intercom system and security camera from the wall.

Images of the vandalism provided to The Daily Wire reveal urine stains on the ground-level doors and windows of the facility along with the exposed wires from the intercom system that the vandal left behind.

Here's images of the vandalism and urination provided to The Daily Wire by CWA. pic.twitter.com/j0Nusz1aWA  Mary Margaret Olohan (@MaryMargOlohan) May 10, 2022

St. John XXIII Catholic Parish: Fort Collins, Colorado

Fort Collins Police Services in Fort Collins, Colorado, announced on Facebook that around 1:15 a.m. on May 7, an unknown person spray painted the front doors of [St. John XXIII Catholic Parish] and broke exterior glass panels. A parishioner of the church posted a picture of the vandalism on Twitter later that day. The phrase My Body My Choice was painted on the church doors.

Our Church this evening before Mass. A lone dude did it. Makes what he spray painted even more stupid. The coward even wore a mask. ???? pic.twitter.com/8o5qn407TI  Mary Callan (@DrMaryCallan) May 8, 2022

St. Josephs Priory: Armada, Michigan

At the beginning of the month, St. Josephs Priory, a Catholic Church in Armada, Michigan, was vandalized with graffiti, although the messages did not include any reference to abortion. Pictures of the vandalism, posted on Twitter, reveal that graffiti reading Gay was painted on the sign advertising St. Josephs Roman Catholic Church & Academy. A sidewalk featured graffiti reading FAG Republicans Dead. A door at the church was painted with the number 666 and the word FAGS.

Another door had a pentagram drawn on it. Pillars at the church had the words suicide and big d--- painted on them. A message extending from an exterior wall of a building on the campus to adjacent doors had the number 666 next to a heart symbol alongside the word big on top of a picture of male genitalia.

Another Catholic Church vandalized in America.



This was at St. Josephs Church in Michigan yesterday pic.twitter.com/Eu25vnX2Nb  Governor Reilly ???????? (@realDaveReilly) May 6, 2022

Southeast Portland Pregnancy Resource Center: Portland, Oregon

The group First Image, which runs several pro-life pregnancy centers, announced on Facebook May 5 that a group of people vandalized our Southeast Portland Pregnancy Resource Center last night. First Image elaborated on the damage sustained at the Portland, Oregon facility, noting that All the windows on one side of the center were broken, and there was a hateful, anti-PRC message spray-painted on the wall.

The incident happened overnight, and nobody was hurt. We have an incredibly resilient staff. Nonetheless, it is deeply unsettling and puts everybody at all of our locations a bit on edge, the group added.

Sacred Heart of Mary Church: Boulder, Colorado

The Sacred Heart of Mary Church in Boulder, Colorado, was vandalized May 3, one day after the publication of the Dobbs draft. A news report from local news outlet Denver 7 showed video footage of the vandalism, which included the spray-painted phrases My Body My Choice on the doors of the church and Abortion Saves Lives on its exterior walls. The church also had several windows broken and statues of the saints featured on the exterior of the property defaced.
Grand jury indicts abortion activists for vandalizing pro-life pregnancy centers

Two activists have been indicted for vandalizing pro-life pregnancy centers in Florida as pro-life advocates continue to raise concerns about an inadequate response to the rash of pro-abortion violence from federal law enforcement.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced the indictment of two pro-abortion activists Tuesday in connection with the vandalism of three pro-life pregnancy centers in Florida.

A grand jury based in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida indicted Caleb Freestone, 27, and Amber Smith-Stewart, 23, for engaging "in a conspiracy to prevent employees of reproductive health services facilities from providing those services."

The indictment accuses the defendants of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act by "using threats of force to intimidate and interfere with the employees of a reproductive health services facility in Winter Haven because those employees were providing or seeking to provide reproductive health services" as well as "intentionally damaging and destroying the facility's property because the facility provides reproductive health services." If convicted, they face up to 12 years in prison and fines of up to $350,000.

According to the DOJ, the indictment alleges that the two defendants, in addition to other "co-conspirators," spray-painted graffiti on the side featuring phrases such as "if abortions aren't safe than [sic] neither are you," "YOUR TIME IS UP!!," "WE'RE COMING FOR U" and "We are everywhere" on the side of the facility.

While the statement did not mention the facility by name, LifeChoice Pregnancy Center in Winter Haven posted pictures of vandalism it sustained, which included graffiti proclaiming such phrases, in a June 26 Facebook post. The indictment also holds Freestone and Smith-Stewart responsible for defacing similar facilities in Hollywood and Hialeah, two cities in South Florida.

Dr. Grazie Pozo Christie, an EWTN radio host and member of the Florida State Board of Education, posted a picture on social media of vandalism at the South Broward Pregnancy Help Center in Hollywood.

Phrases emblazoned on the wall of the facility include "if abortions aren't safe then neither are you" and "Jane's Revenge," suggesting involvement with a group that has claimed responsibility for multiple instances of pro-abortion vandalism over the past several months.

The Pregnancy Care Center at which I volunteer as a radiologist was vandalized. Violent threats are terrifying and I hope they are prosecuted to the max. Also, this hurts our poor clients the most, who need help to bring their VERY wanted children into the world. pic.twitter.com/S9CbYwIjUy  Grazie Pozo Christie, M.D. (@GChristiemd) June 8, 2022

Video footage obtained by Catholic News Agency shows four masked vandals spray-painting the clinic under cover of night on Memorial Day weekend. On July 3, the Heartbeat of Miami Pregnancy Help Medical Clinic in Hialeah informed the public in a social media post that "pro-abortion terrorists" damaged the pro-life pregnancy center's security system and spray-painted pro-abortion graffiti on the building reading "our rage will not stop" and "Jane's Revenge."

Two of the three acts of vandalism allegedly perpetrated by Freestone and Smith-Stewart took place in the days immediately following the U.S. Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organizationdecision determining that the U.S. Constitution doesn't contain a right to abortion.

The June 24 ruling and the publication of a leaked draft of the decision by Politico on May 2 launched a wave of vandalism and arson targeting pro-life pregnancy centers and churches that continued throughout the summer and into the fall.



Tuesday's indictment of Freestone and Smith-Stewart, identified as members of the Miami Antifa cell by the Twitter account Antifa Watch, comes as federal law enforcement agencies face criticism from pro-life activists who contend that they are not doing enough to secure justice for those responsible for pro-abortion vandalism.

In November, the FBI offered a $25,000 reward for anyone with information about the firebombing of Compass Care Pregnancy Center's Amherst, New York location, which took place five months earlier. In early January, CompassCare hired a law firm to conduct an independent investigation searching for the perpetrators of the firebombing as law enforcement investigation has not resulted in any arrests.

While the FBI has offered rewards for information pertaining to the targeting of nine additional pro-life pregnancy centers, CompassCare CEO Rev. Jim Harden contends that the efforts are "a day late and a dollar short."

In a statement, Harden maintained that it's "heartening to see that the FBI may be realizing what pro-life people have been saying for decades: pro-abortion ideology is extreme and almost always leads to violence."

"If people are willing to end the life of a preborn boy or girl, threatening and attacking people who wish to protect those little ones is of little concern to them," he added.

Harden previously insisted, "If they are serious about finding the perpetrators, they will offer a $25K reward for each of the 150 pro-life organizations that have been attacked  $3.75 million."

Harden expressed suspicions about the motivations behind the FBI's establishment of rewards for several additional attacks on pro-life pregnancy centers.

"Curiously, this move comes ahead of the House Judiciary Committee's demands for cooperation in their inquiry into the 'allegations of politicization and bias [against pro-life people] at the FBI.' Adding reward money for nine more pro-life victims makes FBI Director Wray look like the hero absent results."

The FBI's expanded reward offers follow the Republicans' recapture of the U.S. House of Representatives in last year's midterm elections. The House passed a resolution condemning the attacks on pro-life pregnancy centers and churches in a 222-209 vote on Jan. 11. Except for three Democrats, all support for the measure came from House Republicans.

Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the pro-life group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, offered a similar analysis in a statement responding to the indictment of Freestone and Smith-Stewart.

"These charges are good first steps, but the fight for equal justice is far from over. With a new House GOP majority positioned to exercise its oversight powers, we are finally beginning to see some accountability," she said.

"Congressional Democrats had the opportunity to condemn the violence and all but three refused, and again we have had to call on the White House to stop vilifying pro-life Americans. The pro-life movement is keeping a watchful eye on this administration and we will not be silent in the face of violence and intimidation."
Mexican pastor shot and killed after Sunday church service

Correction appended

A pastor in southwest Mexico was shot and killed after a church service on Sunday amid ongoing targeting of faith leaders by criminal gangs.

According to international watchdog group Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Pastor Alfrery Lictor Cruz Canseco was sitting in his car outside Fraternidad Cristiana church in the town of Tlalixtac de Cabrera in Oaxaca state when he was shot at point-blank range.

Cruz Canseco died while he was being transported to a local hospital.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family and congregation of Pastor Cruz Canseco, CSW Chief Executive Merwyn Thomas said in a statement.

A translated statement posted on the Fraternidad Christiana Facebook page reads: We regret the departure of Alfrery Lictor Cruz Canseco, friend and brother in Christ very loved by our congregation.

Although the motive remains uncertain, CSW, which advocates for Christians in over 20 countries worldwide, notes that the killing comes on the heels of a recent series of attacks that have targeted religious leaders in the region.

Among the recent attacks against faith leaders was the kidnapping of Pastor Aaron Mendez Ruiz, who ran a shelter for Cuban immigrants in Nuevo Laredo and was abducted on Aug. 3.

We also remain concerned for the well-being of Pastor Mendez Ruiz and urge the Mexican government to spare no effort in ensuring his safe return, investigating all of these crimes and prosecuting those responsible, Thomas stated.

CSW warns that the expansion of criminal groups in Mexico as well as a climate of impunity when it comes to crimes they commit has led to an increase in violence against Protestant and Catholic leaders because they are viewed as a threat to criminal groups.

According to CSW, 10 religious leaders were killed in Mexico in 2018.

As questions have been raised as to why church leaders in a predominantly-Catholic country are increasingly being abducted, harmed or killed, USA Today reported last April that at least 23 religious leaders had been killed in Mexico since 2012.

Earlier this week, the Catholic Multimedia Center reported that at least 26 Catholic priests have been killed since 2012.

We urge the international community to engage with the Mexican government on these matters and to recognize the role that many religious leaders play, not only as leaders of their churches, but also as voices for peace, justice and integrity, and as human rights defenders, Thomas concluded in his statement.

Mexico ranks as the 39th-worst country in the world when it comes to Christian persecution as organized crime in the country continues to go unconfronted, according to Open Doors USAs 2019 World Watch List.

According to Open Doors, Christians, their leaders and church buildings in Mexico are increasingly becoming victims of attacks, threats, extortion and other forms of coercion throughout the entire country.

Due to the governments inability to confront violence, some Christians feel forced to implement their own security strategies against acts of Christian persecution, including engaging leaders of criminal groups themselves, an Open Doors USA factsheet reads.

Organized crime primarily targets priests and pastors, while indigenous power holders pressure Christians through fines, denying basic community service and imprisonment. The state attorney general in Guerrero has falsely implied that priests were engaged in criminal activity, further inflaming religious tensions.

In its 2017 annual report, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom voiced concern about the targeting of Catholic priests and other religious leaders by cartels such as Los Zetas and Knights Templar. The report noted that over the span of a week in September 2016, three priests were found dead.

Religious leaders are targeted because they speak out against the gangs and/or because they refuse to include gang spiritual mythology in their sermons, the USCIRF report reads.

An earlier version of this article published on Aug. 20 reported that Pastor Alfrery Lictor Cruz Canseco was in the pulpit of his church when he was shot. But according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide, reports have since emerged that Pastor Cruz Canseco was in his car following a church service when he was shot.
7 dismembered bodies found outside church in Mexico

Authorities in Chilpancingo, the capital of Mexico's Guerrero state, have reportedly found seven dismembered bodies in an SUV parked outside the San Mateo Catholic Church this past weekend, according to reports.

The major national newspaper Milenio reports that the Guerrero Attorney General's Office identified most of the seven bodies discovered by authorities last Friday belonged to members of the Peralta Catalan family. The family had been missing since June 9, Border Report relayed Monday.

Four of the deceased have been identified as 38-year-old Eloy Peralta Garcia, his wife, Elizabeth Catalan Olalde,39; his son Diego Gael Peralta Catalan, 17; and his girlfriend Brithani Castro Santiago, 16. The family reportedly disappeared on a drive from Chilpancingo to the popular resort town of Acapulco, about 70 miles southwest of the city.

According to Milenio, there's no indication of whether the bodies of three other men seen in two kidnap videos with the Peralta Catalan family have been claimed by loved ones.

Guerrero state authorities are investigating the circumstances leading to the violence.

"Evidence containing relevant information was found at the crime scene, which will be analyzed and used in the investigation," the attorney general's office said in a statement.

Authorities found handwritten signs threatening the mayor of Chilpancingo and a second city official at the crime scene, according to Border Report. These signs, now widely circulated on social media, also contained threats against alleged leaders of local criminal gangs.

A week earlier, friends and relatives of the Peralta Catalan family organized a protest, demanding action from local authorities in the search for their missing loved ones.

The increasing level of violence in Chilpancingo mirrors a broader trend across the Guerrero state, a region that has seen escalating conflict over the past four years.

Notably, criminal competition is fierce for rival drug gangs in the state, including the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and Familia Michoacana. These powerful organizations have been vying for control over the lucrative drug trade routes and local criminal enterprises in Guerrero.

Once primarily known for its sunny beachside resorts like Acapulco, the state is now synonymous with escalating violence and gang warfare.
Michigan abortionist accused of running over pro-life activist with car, breaking his leg

An abortion provider in Michigan is accused of running over a pro-life sidewalk counselor with his car near an abortion clinic, breaking the individual's leg.

Mark Zimmerman, who regularly prays outside of the Women's Center of Saginaw, claims he was run over twice by 88-year-old Theodore Roummel in an incident last Friday.

"I was standing in the driveway and the abortionist ran over my leg," Zimmerman told Live Action News. "And then he had to reverse to get off my leg, so he ran me over twice."

"He parked his car and came over when the police came, and was screaming at the police about how we always run in front of him  we don't."

Zimmerman said there were "four witnesses who saw what happened."

"So they gave a statement to police, and he was not arrested. He went about and finished his day by doing five abortions," Zimmerman claims.

A spokesperson for the Saginaw Township Police Department told The Christian Post on Wednesday that the incident is "still under investigation." The department "does not have any information to release at this time."

The Christian Post reached out to the Women's Center of Saginaw for comment. A response was not received by press time.

A crowdfunding campaign was launched by friends of Zimmerman on GiveSendGo, which as of Wednesday morning, has raised more than $1,800 out of a goal of $40,000.

"After years of faithfully praying and advocating outside an abortion clinic in Saginaw, MI, our pro-life brother, Mark Zimmerman, was viciously targeted and intentionally hit by an abortionist," stated the campaign.

"Mark suffered a broken leg from the attack and will have to have surgery to repair the fracture. At this time, we are raising funds to help with the medical bills for Mark and possible attorney fees as he considers legal action against the abortionist."

The campaign claimed that after Roummel struck Zimmerman, "the abortionist got out of his vehicle after the attack and laughed at Mark as he lay injured on the ground."

"The police and paramedics did respond to the scene after the attack. Mark was transported via ambulance to the hospital to receive treatment for his injuries," it added.

"According to witnesses, the police did go into the clinic to talk to the abortionist, but they came out shortly afterward."

According to Live Action News, Roummel was arrested in 2012 and charged with assault after he struck pro-life activist Lynn Mills with his car. He was placed on probation for six months.

Last September, another pro-life activist in Michigan, 84-year-old Joan Jacobson, was shot while going door-to-door to campaign against the state's ultimately successful referendum to establish abortion as a state constitutional right.

Richard Harvey, the man who shot Jacobson, was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, reckless use of a firearm and careless discharge causing injury.
Protestant families in Mexico denied water access, kids barred from school: NGO

Some Protestant minority families from indigenous communities in Mexico are being denied access to crucial utilities like water and electricity while some kids are denied access to school, a new report from an international Christian persecution watchdog warns.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide, which is active in over 20 countries, published its new report A culture of impunity: religious discrimination in Mexico on Monday. The report sheds light on the common and widespread occurrence of religious freedom violations in Mexico as well as increasing violence against religious leaders in the North American country.

Specifically, the report draws attention to violations happening within indigenous religious minority communities in the states of Chiapas, Guerrero, Hidalgo and Oaxaca as little has been done to address the violence and violations.

No one should be at risk of losing their homes, livelihood or education on account of their religion or belief, CSW Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said in a statement. We continue to call on the Mexican authorities to fulfill its obligations to uphold this vital right for all citizens, as guaranteed in its constitution.

According to the report, CSW received reports of continued religious freedom violations throughout 2018 and 2019. In 2019, CSW received documentation on seven separate violations in Hidalgo, six in Chipas, two in Oaxaca and one in Guerrero.

All of these cases were a result of the minority groups conversion from and refusal to participate in activities, including festivals, associated with the majority religion, the report explains. The majority of these cases included either threats, illegal fines or arbitrary detention. The most common form of violation was the blocking of basic services such as water and electricity.

According to CSW, two of the cases resulted in forced displacement while over 38 children in one community remain without access to schools because of the religious beliefs of their parents.

Vulnerable communities continue to complain about high levels of impunity and the lack of protection granted by the state officials, who often side with those of the majority religion, the report explains. The lack of intervention by the state governments to protect [freedom of religion or belief] is a clear indication that they continue to view [these] violations as community issues or minor problems rather than violations of fundamental human rights.



According to the 2010 census, 83 percent of people in Mexico identify as Roman Catholic, while about 5 percent identify as evangelicals, 2 percent identify as Pentecostals, 1 percent identify as Jehovahs Witnesses and 9 percent identify as members of other religious communities.

CSW notes that despite the overtly Christian percentage of the population, Mexico has had a complicated relationship with religion as both Roman Catholics and Protestants have suffered throughout the countrys history.

Although many citizens can participate in religious activities regularly without interference, a significant percentage face moderate and severe forms of persecution. The report cited a 2017 study finding that over 32 percent of women and 24 percent of men over the age of 18 suffer discrimination over religion or belief.

Religious discrimination is particularly prevalent in indigenous communities where some local authorities have sought to impose religious uniformity in their communities, CSW details. Religious discrimination has the potential to worsen in the face of government inaction.

According to CSW, the Mexican government is averse to involving itself in religious affairs and tends to refrain from prosecuting those responsible for criminal attacks on religious freedom because of an extremely strict interpretation of the concept of separation of church and state.

There is a "significant overlap" between religions  especially between Roman Catholicism and pre-Columbian beliefs  that can lead to moderate religious freedom violations.

Issues are made worse by the fact that Mexican law gives significant autonomy to indigenous communities to implement their own social and cultural norms.

This law is meant to be exercised in line with human rights guarantees in the Mexican constitution, but in practice, this is not enforced, the report states. Many local leaders in communities functioning under the Law of Uses and Customs mandate community uniformity in terms of religious practice and belief, compelling all members of the community to participate in the religious activities of the majority or face punishment.

Punishment ranges in severity but includes measures like illegal fines, cutting off access to utilities like water and electricity as well as prohibiting religious minority children from attending school.

With the absence of government intervention and the culture of impunity, violations all too often escalate to the point of destruction of property, arbitrary detention, violence and forced displacement, the report explains.

Although schools are state institutions, the CSW report accuses school officials in some areas of collaborating with local government officials to block religious minority children from attending.

The state and federal governments rarely intervene to uphold [religious freedom] or protect the rights of these children," the report asserts.

According to the report, Protestant families in the communities of Rancho Nuevo and Coamila in Hidalgo have been removed from the register of inhabitants. This led to families being denied education, healthcare and other government benefits.

In August 2018 in Rancho Nuevo and Coamila local authorities directed that the local school be closed to prevent 16 children, whose parents are Protestant Christians, from attending classes there, the CSW report reads. In April 2019, CSW received information that indicated that at least 38 children in the community remained without access to education. They remain without access to state education.

Many of the cases of religious intolerance in these communities result in the forced displacement of individuals from their communities.

Most of these victims wait years for their cases to be resolved, if they ever are, the report adds. The act of displacement causes disruption to the childrens education.

According to CSW, all the state and federal governments have designated offices to deal with religious affairs and it is the responsibility of those offices to actively mediate a solution to religious conflicts.

But CSW stresses that there is little political will to address these cases in addition to the fact that officials are often poorly resourced and typically lack expertise and training in human rights.

In addition to the escalation of religious violations in Mexico, the countrys murder rate hit a record high in 2019 as there was an increase in violence related to criminal enterprises.

According to CSW, illegal groups often view churches as an attractive target for extortion and fronts for money laundering.

Church leaders are often viewed as threats to the criminal groups since some groups have tried to incorporate religious beliefs into their identity" and have "aggressively attempted to promote them.

According to CSW, precise figures on how many religious leaders have been killed are difficult to obtain because witnesses fear retaliation for speaking out. The organization says that it received seven reports of religious leaders being murdered in 2019.



Although not listed this year, Mexico has in the past been listed by Open Doors USA on its annual World Watch List of countries where Christians face the most persecution.






Walgreens pharmacist berated by trans customer for refusing to fill order for cross-sex hormones

A trans person swore at a Walgreens pharmacist and accused him of having "hate" in his heart for refusing to refill a testosterone prescription that she is taking in an attempt to look like a man.

The pharmacist refused to refill the prescription because of his religious beliefs.

In response to a Monday inquiry from The Christian Post, Walgreens said it is reviewing the matter but did not reveal further details about Roscoe Rike, the name of the trans-identified individual at the center of the dispute.

Our policies are designed to ensure we meet the needs of our patients and customers while respecting the religious and moral beliefs of our team members, a Walgreens spokesperson told CP.

In an instance where a team member has a religious or moral conviction that prevents them from meeting a patients need, we require the team member to refer the patient to another employee or manager on duty who can complete the transaction. These instances, however, are very rare, the spokesperson added.

Rike is a 30-year-old woman who identifies as a man. The trans-identifying individual arrived at a Walgreens in Oakland, California, Monday after speaking with an employee to learn if her opposite-sex hormones were ready for pick-up.

The woman has reportedly picked up her cross-sex hormones order from the same Walgreens location for around three years without delay.

According to The Los Angeles Times, when she arrived at Walgreens, Rike alleges that the pharmacist asked why she needed the cross-sex hormones. The pharmacist then informed Rike that he was going to verify with her doctor why she was being prescribed testosterone.

The Walgreens employee then reportedly told Rike that he could not fill her order for opposite-sex hormones due to his religious beliefs. At one point during the interaction, Rike took out her phone and started recording the pharmacist.

So right now, youre going to tell me youre going to deny me my medication because of your personal religion? Rike is heard saying in the recording. Youre not my [expletive] doctor.

As the pharmacist stood behind the counter and continued looking at something on the computer screen, the trans-identified woman challenged him, asking the pharmacist if he believed that he knew better than her doctor. The pharmacist replied that he needed to know Rikes diagnosis.

Why? Thats none of your [expletive] business! Rike shouted. Its always the religious people that have the most [expletive] hate in their hearts. Youre disgusting.

Near the conclusion of the recording, Rike accused the pharmacist of discrimination. At the end of the video, after the pharmacist told Rike that she could return to the store at noon, Rike yelled at him, shouting, "No, I want my [expletive] medication now.

Following the exchange with the pharmacist, Rike said she's considering switching to a new pharmacy or utilizing a home delivery service, according to the LA Times. However, she added that she's hesitant to make the switch.

Theres a part of me thats like, why do I have to change how I do things? I didnt do anything wrong, she added, according to the LA Times. I should just be able to go to my local pharmacy and get my medication like everyone else.

As KRON4 reported, Rike has been in contact with the Transgender Law Center, which boasts that its the largest trans civil rights organization in the country. At the time of the outlets report on June 21, Rike revealed that she planned to file a formal complaint with the Walgreens corporate office.

The Transgender Law Center did not immediately respond to The Christian Posts request for comment about the complaint.

Rikes exchange with the pharmacist at Walgreens comes amid ongoing debates about whether medical professionals must be forced to violate their religious beliefs.

As CP reported Friday, the Biden administration declined to appeal a U.S. 8th Circuit Court of Appeals decision blocking the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from enforcing a 2016 rule that would require religious healthcare professionals to perform unnecessary body mutilating sex-change surgeries in violation of their beliefs.

It was implemented under the Obama administration, requiring recipients of federal financial assistance to treat individuals consistent with their gender identity, except that a covered entity may not deny or limit health services that are ordinarily or exclusively available to individuals of one sex, or to a transgender individual based on the fact that the individuals assigned sex at birth, gender identity, or gender otherwise recorded is different from the one to which such health services are ordinarily or exclusively available.

The district court granted the religious plaintiff organizations request for injunctive relief in early 2021, concluding that the [Religious Freedom Restoration Act] entitles the Catholic Plaintiffs to permanent injunctive relief from the provision or coverage of gender-transition procedures.

In December, the 8th Circuit affirmed the lower courts judgment after the Biden administration appealed the district courts ruling. The administration had until Tuesday to appeal the 8th Circuits ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court, but it did not.
Why THIS story, Lord? Learning to be grateful for your difficult life story

So, take seriously the story that God has given you to live. It's time to read your own life because your story is the one that could set us all ablaze  Dan Allender

Okay, its time to be transparent. Have you ever asked God, Why this story for my life? Why this family? Why this abuse? Why this brokenness and pain?

We all have a story. And for many of us, our stories are difficult  at best.

For example, if you read my story, you would come to know:

I was thrown in the garbage by my dad at four years old ...

I was sexually, physically, emotionally, and verbally abused as a child ...

And just 10 years ago, I hit rock bottom and ended up in rehab for addictions ...

But what if I told you, despite all the above, that Im learning to be grateful for my story  my complicated, traumatic, yet redeemed life?



If I am honest, there are times that I am not happy with the story God has given me. Yet, I am truly learning to be grateful for it, because the Lord has restored every single bit of my messy life. Psalm 3:3 says that God is the lifter of our head! In other words, He takes away the shame of my story that has kept me down and stuck in the mire, and gently lifts my head with dignity and love.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned during my time of recovery is from Ephesians 2:10 which says, For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

My earthly dad said I was garbage, but my heavenly Father says, I am His masterpiece  Im the spitting image of Him!

Think about that for a moment.

You are not defined by the person who abused you ...

You are not defined by the family who hurt you ...

You are not defined by the spouse or the parent who abandoned you ...

You are not defined by your behavior, addictions, or failures ...

You are defined by the very God who made you  and He made you in HIS image. You are Gods masterpiece, a new creation in Christ Jesus.

In the Greek language, the word masterpiece is the word Poiema which translated into English means a thing to be made  in this context it relates to a poem or to poetry. God is the poet; we are the poem. The Lord takes the ashes of our lives and creates beauty (Isaiah 61:3). He molds us, shapes us, and makes us priceless works of art.

When I first got out of rehab (for addiction), I prayed that God would use my story to bring Him Glory! I knew that only God could take the messiness of my life, the things that the Enemy meant for evil  the trauma of abuse, addictions, sexual brokenness, sin, maladaptive behaviors, fear, anxiety, depression, and more  and bring good out of it all.

God answered my prayers in bigger and better ways than I could have ever dreamed! He turned my mess into a masterpiece. And He took my story and made it a message of hope, grace, mercy, and love.

Listen, no story is too complicated, too broken, or too messy for God.

If God could rescue me from my traumatic and abusive childhood, He can do that for you. If He could set me free of my addictions and maladaptive behaviors, He can set you free too.

I encourage you to give your story to God. Watch what he does with it. Despite everything you have been through, God has a wonderful plan for you, a good future, and solid hope. He didnt cause that pain, trauma, or abuse that you suffered in your life. But He wants to reclaim your story, and his intervention in your life will be nothing short of miraculous.

The Bible tells us that the Lord is a God who restores what the locusts have eaten and redeems our pain (Joel 2:23, Galatians 3:13-14, Luke 1:68).

As a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist, God has given me the opportunity and privilege to work with others who have gone through some of the same things I have experienced. Just as God came alongside me on my painful journey toward healing, I now come alongside others with the same kindness, grace, and hope that the Lord showed me.

If you wish your story was different but find that you are stuck in the aftermath of the terrible things that have happened in your life, I encourage you to give your story to God and seek professional Christian counseling. God can and does restore our lives, no matter how messy or traumatic. I know this first-hand. Just 10 years ago I couldnt get out of bed. Now, I look forward to living each day knowing that God is not only with me but working in and through me to help others find a joyful and abundant life.

Friend, your story matters. And I can promise you, that when you give God your story, He will indeed bring beauty out of it and create a masterpiece of your life  a divine work of art.
Barclays Bank settles with Christian counselling charity after closing its account

Barclays Bank has agreed to pay 20,000 in compensation and legal costs after closing the bank account of a Christian ministry that offers counselling to people struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria.

The Core Issues Trust (CIT) and the International Federation for Therapeutic and Counselling Choice (IFTCC) were notified by the bank in July 2020 that their account was being closed.

The decision followed a social media campaign by LGBT activists who called on the bank, which was the headline sponsor of that year's London Pride event, to sever ties with the ministries.

A letter notifying The Core Issues Trust on 13 July 2020 read: "After careful consideration we've taken the decision to close your account and all facilities on 14 September 2020."

The bank did not provide any reason for the decision.

Dr Mike Davidson, founder of The Core Issues Trust, launched legal action against Barclays claiming "unlawful discrimination" on the grounds of his religious beliefs and/or political opinion.

Lawyers acting for the bank said that it had the right to close accounts upon giving two months' notice and denied discriminating against the charity.

The case was due to be heard at the High Court but this week Barclays made a settlement offer of 21,500 in compensation, which Dr Davidson has accepted. It has also agreed to pay his legal costs.

Welcoming the outcome, he said, "What we see in Barclays' actions is yet another example of Stonewall's misguided influence in forcing LGBT ascendancy within our society and its institutions.

"Their agenda will fail, despite Barclays' lavish support and spending, because the freedom of individuals to decide their own pathways or to leave unhelpful identities cannot be controlled by bankers, politicians, activists or therapists. It is their God-given right.

"Core Issues Trust and the IFTCC will continue to oppose government-mandated sexual identity and its refusal to allow therapeutic choice. We reject Barclays bank's implied accusations of 'conversion therapy', directed at our work and charity."

Andrea Williams, CEO of the Christian Legal Centre, which supported Dr Davidson in his legal action, said, "This was an orchestrated campaign by LGBT activists targeting a Christian ministry and Barclays fell for it.

"Rather than standing up for free speech, Christian freedom, and minority rights, Barclays Bank Plc surrendered to the intimidatory tactics of LGBT activists.

"If banks and other service providers placate hardened activists by removing bank accounts from good and law-abiding customers who are being targeted because of their Christian faith then we're in a very dark place in this country."
'Christians are living in constant fear': UK report highlights 'religious dimensions' of Manipur violence

(CP) In a report circulating among policymakers in the UK, violence in India's troubled state of Manipur has been underscored as having "a clear religious dimension" with the burning of hundreds of churches and Christian villages since the start of last month.

The report, authored by journalist David Campanale and presented to the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance, was circulated by British parliamentarian Fiona Bruce, the Prime Minister's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief.

The June 21 report analyzes the reasons behind the violence that began on May 3 in the northeast Indian state, leading to over 100 deaths and forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes.

The violence predominantly occurred in the Imphal Valley, where the majority Hindu Meiteis live, and the Churachandpur district, home to the Kuki-Zomi Christian tribes, igniting at least four days of tumult. This turmoil was followed by near-daily firearm incidents across the state.

The report's findings are based on eyewitness testimonies from survivors of ethnically-driven attacks on Christians.

Pastor T., who represented the Kuki Christian Church and a seminary in Churachandpur, recounted a traumatic event on May 4 when a mob of more than 500 people attacked and burned the campus.

Identified as belonging to the extremist Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun groups, the mob destroyed the church, the church's head office, the offset press, the book room and 12 residential quarters.

Pastor T. had been serving at the church for two years. He claims to have witnessed the inaction of the Manipur police commandos and paramilitaries at the entrance gate, who failed to prevent or control the destruction. The police were preoccupied with containing the fire from spreading to the neighboring areas, despite those areas not being vulnerable to fire. From a distance, Pastor T. observed the engulfing flames.

The Meitei Christian community, trapped amid religious and ethnic conflict, is also facing severe persecution, with over 250 churches vandalized or destroyed by a violent mob, according to a Baptist pastor who spoke with the hearing panel.

Their property, especially those of Christians, is targeted and often looted before being burned. They encounter hostility from the Meitei community for their Christian faith and the Kuki community for their Meitei identity.

According to Baptist Pastor S., churches were burned in at least three districts. He has heard firsthand reports from Meitei Christians and began to compile a list.

"The headquarters of Manipur Baptist association, Meitei Presbyterian Synod, and the Church of God, Manipur have been destroyed," Pastor S. was quoted as saying. "Another campaign by the extremists is to convert church land into community centres, village gyms, and other buildings."

He said Christians are "living in constant fear about being attacked at any time."

"Part of our identity and our churches are being destroyed," the pastor said.

"Our churches are being burned down, and we have not been able to gather together for worship or prayer since 3rd May 2023. We feel like strangers in our own land, and we are in effect being required to choose between our faith or our land."

Tensions were ignited by an April 2023 order from the High Court of Manipur that directed the state government to consider including the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe list. This would grant the Meiteis similar constitutional privileges enjoyed by the tribal communities, including the ability to purchase land in the hill regions, a move that sparked fear among the tribal groups.

On May 3, tribal students organized a rally across the state, mainly in Churachandpur, against the Meiteis' demand for tribal status. The violence began after the rally.

The hearing panel was chaired by David Campanale, a former BBC journalist and a member of the Council of Experts advising Bruce. Campanale visited the Imphal area for three days and the Churachandpur hills for three days.

Church associations in Manipur report the destruction of over 400 churches, Christian schools, homes and seminaries belonging to both Meitei and Kuki communities.

"The Meiteis are fearful of their community members converting to Christianity and so they are being violent," the Baptist pastor told the panel. "We ask the community around the world to raise a voice on behalf of us for our safety."

The report was commissioned by the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance last month at the request of the Council of Experts.

According to its findings, the violence has resulted in the displacement of nearly 50,000 individuals, the devastation of hundreds of villages and the loss of over 100 lives.

David Landrum, director of advocacy at Open Doors UK & Ireland, commented on the report, saying that, "Tribal tensions have been co-opted by radical Hindutva extremists."

Hindutva refers to the Hindu nationalist ideology, which sees India as land belonging only to Hindus.

Landrum told Premier that he hopes the report will highlight the role of "Hindutva forces" in fuelling the violence. He expressed concern about the lack of accountability and justice for these attacks, with local authorities and police forces often being seen as complicit.

"We want to see the international community call for a commission of inquiry on India generally, on what's been happening, on the anti-conversion laws, which are spectacularly discriminatory, and on the attacks that we're seeing now across different parts of India," Landrum said.

Having visited the region, Campanale warned that the speed of the violence was noteworthy.

"In only 2-3 days, at least 3,000 homes and 290 churches were damaged, destroyed and burned  and this is a conservative estimate because the actual number could double this. The conservative estimate of numbers equates to 60 houses vandalized every hour during those violent days, or one house per minute."

The report advocates for the deployment of the Indian Army to vulnerable tribal villages to reinstate peace. It further advises providing relief workers access to affected regions and displaced individuals, particularly in remote camps, to effectively meet their needs.

The report also asserts the significance of permitting investigative journalists, inter-religious leaders and specialists on religious freedom into these areas to gather reliable information, alleviate tensions and evaluate the impact.

Researchers recommend the establishment of helpline numbers and the restoration of internet connectivity. They suggest increasing flight availability while introducing fare caps and establishing a claims commission for victims' compensation. Moreover, the report underscores the need to facilitate the rehabilitation of victims back to their original homes.

The report also calls for courts to scrutinize the roots of the violence, the utilization of media for disseminating misinformation and the repercussions on religious freedom.

 The Christian Post
Disappointment as MPs pass regulations on teaching about abortion in Northern Ireland schools

MPs have voted overwhelmingly in support of regulations forcing Northern Ireland schools to teach schoolchildren aged 11 to 16 about abortion.

The regulations were passed by MPs in the House of Commons by 373 votes in favour to just 28 against.

The Department for Education will now start work on guidance to support the rollout of the regulations.

Right to Life UK, which had campaigned against the move, said the result was "disappointing".

It wants the government guidance "to be as narrow as possible and limit the negative impact it will have on Northern Ireland".

The regulations were debated by the House of Commons Second Delegated Legislation Committee on Monday.

The committee received a number of submissions raising concerns about the regulations, including concerns that teachers who are morally opposed to abortion would not be free to opt out out of teaching the subject.

Right to Life UK spokesperson, Catherine Robinson, said, "Northern Ireland will now be going from a country where parents can decide when and how to teach their children about abortion, to all schools, including faith schools, being forced to teach students aged 11 to 16 years old about abortion.

"[Northern Ireland Secretary] Chris Heaton-Harris has claimed that the regulations will mirror the approach taken in England. If this is the case, it is highly controversial to force Northern Ireland schools to teach children about abortion given what is currently being taught regarding abortion as part of the RSE curriculum in England.

"What is being taught in schools goes far beyond outlining what the abortion law in England is ... Looking at these resources, it's clear that if schools in Northern Ireland are forced to teach about abortion, many more lives will likely be lost to abortion in Northern Ireland."
Pakistan aims to try blasphemy cases under anti-terror law

A government concession to demands by a Muslim extremist political party to allow blasphemy charges under Pakistan's anti-terrorism laws has raised fears of more injustice for those accused under the harsh statutes, sources said.

Federal Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and Economic Affairs Minister Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on June 17 signed an agreement with leaders of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), Muhammad Shafique Amini and Allama Ghulam Abbas Faizi, that would allow blasphemy cases to be tried under the country's anti-terrorism law.

The agreement stipulates that punishment under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 1997 would apply to suspects charged with committing blasphemy under the Pakistan Penal Code's Section 295-C against making derogatory remarks about Muhammad, the prophet of Islam.

The government also agreed to establish a "Counter Blasphemy Wing" under the Federal Investigation Agency to take action against dissemination of "blasphemous content" on the internet. In addition, the agreement calls for speedy trials of blasphemy suspects, as well as a swift appeals process.

A Muslim lawyer of the Supreme Court, Asad Jamal, said that derogatory remarks about Muhammad under Section 295-C do not fall under the definition of terrorism, and that the purpose of the ATA is to curb sectarianism.

"295-C relates to hurting of religious sentiments as a result of blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad, whereas Section 7 of ATA is specifically for acts wherein the general public feels terrorized by violence," Jamal told Morning Star News. "It warrants a question here of how can an accused instigate the masses and simultaneously also terrorize them? Going ahead with any move to amend the ATA to include Section 295-C will only worsen the human rights situation in Pakistan."

Jamal added that putting blasphemy under the anti-terror law could jeopardize Pakistan's European Union GSP Plus status, which calls for improving the human rights situation in the country, including stopping the abuse of blasphemy laws.

He echoed rights activists' fears about the fairness of blasphemy trials in anti-terror courts.

"Statements of the accused taken in police custody under CrPC [Criminal Procedure Code] are usually considered involuntary by the courts, which is why the accused are given an opportunity to record their statements again in the courtrooms," Jamal said. "However, anti-terror courts routinely admit statements given in police custody, which may pose a serious issue for the accused."

Moreover, blasphemy suspects already face social stigma, and if their cases are heard under anti-terror laws, they would face a double stigma of both blasphemer and terrorist, he said.

"Such surrenders [by the government] embolden religious forces to abuse the laws with more vigor and impunity," Jamal said. "I hope the government realizes the consequences of this agreement with TLP and instead works to curb the false accusations of blasphemy which have tarnished the image of Pakistan globally."

For the agreement to take effect, the government must amend the ATA through parliament, for which it is working on draft amendments.

Peter Jacob, executive director of the Lahore-based Center for Social Justice, said the legal measures and approach in the agreement are based on a presumption of guilt and rely mainly on the retributive aspect.

"These measures have been repeatedly tried and proven to be a failure in tackling the key issue of abuse of religion and law, particularly the blasphemy laws," Jacob told Morning Star News.

The agreement was reached without any negotiations with representatives of rights and minorities, and it lacks a depth of understanding of the issues, he said.

"The government failed to take the aggrieved parties, i.e., civil society organizations, religious minorities and national human rights institutions, on board before conceding to this demand," Jacob told Morning Star News. "By and by, this move is a misfortune for the government and the country."

He noted that implementation of this demand would increase abuse of the blasphemy statutes, especially against vulnerable minorities like Christians and minority Muslim sects.

The Voice Society Chief Executive Aneeqa Maria said that, so far, Section 295-C is not a schedule offense and not included in Section 6 of the Anti-Terror Act, nor is it available in any offenses of the ATA of 1997.

"If a blasphemy accused is tried under anti-terrorism laws in Pakistan, it would have significant impact and consequences on the victims," said Maria, a human rights attorney. "By associating blasphemy with terrorism, the accused may face limited legal protections and an increased risk of violence or vigilante attacks against them."

With blasphemy included under the anti-terrorism laws, suspects may face a compromised judicial process, including unfair trials, she said.

"Additionally, bail could be denied further, prolonging their detention and exacerbating the emotional and physical toll on the victims," Maria said.

She concurred that accusations of blasphemy already carry a high risk of violence and vigilantism in Pakistan.

"Trying blasphemy cases under anti-terrorism laws could further escalate this risk, as it would be seen as a matter of national security," she told Morning Star News. "The accused, their lawyers, their families, and their communities could become targets of violence and threats from extremist groups or individuals who believe they are defending religious sensitivities."

This fear can extend beyond suspects to lawyers, police, prosecutors, judges and others involved in the criminal justice system, she added.

"It may hinder their ability to carry out their duties effectively, impartially and without fear, thus undermining the principles of justice and human rights," Maria said.

Joseph Jansen of advocacy group Voice for Justice said the addition of terrorism charges will make blasphemy suspects more vulnerable as they would more often face death or life imprisonment with a fine as punishment than they do under the blasphemy statutes.

"It will only strengthen the controversial laws and support arbitrary detentions, making the victims more vulnerable," Jansen told Morning Star News. "It puts the prospect of a fair trial in question, thus violating our international treaties."

He added that it was unfortunate that Pakistani governments have continued to capitulate to mobs in favour of laws misused for personal vendettas.

Weaponized Law

Blasphemy against Muhammad is punishable by death under Pakistani law, and conviction requires little legal evidence.

As a result, the blasphemy laws are often used as a weapon of revenge against both Muslims and non-Muslims to settle personal scores or to resolve disputes over money, property, or business. In a religiously sensitive country, a mere allegation is enough to provoke a mob to riot and lynch those accused of blasphemy.

At least 1,949 persons were accused under the blasphemy laws between 1987 and 2021, according to the Center for Social Justice. A large number of these blasphemy cases are still awaiting justice.

As of May 15, 57 cases of alleged blasphemy have been reported this year. Punjab Province tops the list with 28 cases, followed by Sindh Province with 16, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province with 8 and Kashmir Province with 5.

In January, the National Assembly passed the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, increasing punishment for insulting Muhammad's companions, wives and family members from three years to 10 years and a fine of 1 million rupees (US$3,480).

Pakistan ranked seventh on Open Doors' 2023 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian, up from eighth the previous year.

 2023 Morning Star News
Turners Sunrise over the Sea: It is as if it came off his paintbrush yesterday, it feels amazingly fresh

This watercolour is from a sketchbook bequeathed to Turners late love, Mrs Sophia Booth. Other parts of the book are now held by the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge and the Ashmolean in Oxford

When J.M.W. Turner was asked to name the loveliest skies in Europe, he chose a place close to his heart. The Isle of Thanet, he said, naming the flat peninsula in Kent, southeast England, with its geologically rich coastline dotted with shingle and sandy beaches. Turner had first visited the area as a child, when his parents sent him to the fashionable Regency resort of Margate to avoid an outbreak of tuberculosis in London. As a successful artist in his later years, he returned often, escaping the demands of patrons and his duties as deputy director of the Royal Academy in London to gaze upon the North Sea. Here was a place where he could explore the aesthetic principles of the sublime  the idea of an untrammelled greatness  using an economy few artists have been able to match since. Turner stayed at Sophia Booths cottage on the seafront at Margate, rising early to observe the progress of the sun and record the changing cloud formations in his sketchbook. He explained to one young admirer that the effects of sunrise were far more beautiful than the sunsets usually associated with him.

The artist produced a prolific body of work in Margate, comprising sketches, colour studies and preparatory studies for oil paintings  works he called beginnings. One such watercolour, Sunrise over the Sea, perhaps at Margate, is being offered in the Old Master and British Drawings and Watercolours sale in London on 4 July 2023. The work is thought to have been made in the period between 1845 and 1848, a time when Turner was often in the seaside resort. Although the artist also travelled to France in the summer of 1845, the fact that the sun is shown rising over the sea (which must therefore be to the east) points strongly to this drawing being made at Margate. The watercolour was originally owned by Mrs Booth, who inherited several sketchbooks after Turner died in 1851. They were later broken up and the pages sold off individually by her son, Daniel Pound.

You get the sense that this painting was done purely for Turners own enjoyment  specialist Annabel Kishor

Christies British Drawings & Watercolours specialist Annabel Kishor explains that many of Turners Margate works were at one point undervalued because of the artists relationship with his twice-widowed landlady. Victorian morality was such that the liaison was seen as improper, says Kishor. Mrs Booth was dismissed from the scholarship for a long time. The specialist also believes that there was class prejudice involved.

Open a larger version of this image Turners Sketch of Three Mackerel (W1399), in Oxfords Ashmolean Museum, is from the same sketchbook as Sunrise over the Sea, perhaps at Margate. Photo:  Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

In fact, Turner produced thousands of drawings and watercolours in sketchbooks, along with handwritten annotations and observations about the passage of time. The artist made no provision for these preparatory works in his will, and it took considerable effort by the art critic John Ruskin to impose some kind of order on them. As such, many of Turners late exercises were neglected in favour of more finished works of art. It was not until later that these chromatically complex paintings were appreciated for what they were: explorations of atmosphere, colour and light. They inspired the French Impressionist painters and the Abstract Expressionists; Mark Rothko is said to have observed wryly: This man Turner he learnt a lot from me.

Open a larger version of this image Also from the same sketchbook is Turners Storm Cloud over a River / Shakespeare Cliff, Dover? in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. Photo:  Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge

Attitudes towards Mrs Booth have also changed. The opening of Turner Contemporary, more or less on the site of her cottage in Margate, has sparked a renewed interest in this late period of Turners life, and a recognition of her importance to him. Sunrise over the Sea, perhaps at Margate is late Turner at his best, says Kishor. It was originally thought to have been owned by Ruskin. However, recent research reveals that the watercolour was part of a sketchbook that was broken up, with parts now held in the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge and the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.

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Rita Horanyi at The Sydney Review of Books:

Hungarian writer Laszlo Krasznahorkai has become a more familiar name to English speaking readers over the last few years thanks to his receipt of the Man Booker International Prize in 2015. Nevertheless, his is a name that remains shrouded in a certain mystique, due in part to his gnomic responses in interviews, and to the notorious difficulty of his work, with its breathtakingly long sentences and apocalyptic, melancholic themes. The World Goes On, which has been shortlisted for 2018 Man Booker International Prize, continues to explore these themes, albeit in a less menacing or apocalyptic tone than some of his earlier works.

The World Goes On is composed of twenty-one short prose pieces, divided into three sections entitled: He Speaks, He Narrates and He Departs. Some of these prose works have appeared elsewhere before.

more here.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) on Tuesday unveiled a new no-code offering, dubbed AppFabric, designed to simplify SaaS integration for enterprises by increasing application observability and reducing operational costs associated with building point-to-point solutions.

The fully managed AppFabric offering, which has been made generally available, is designed to help enterprises maintain SaaS application interoperability without having to develop connectors or workflows in-house while offering added security features, said Federico Torreti, the head of product for AppFabric.

In order to connect multiple SaaS applications, enterprises will have to access the no-code AppFabric offering via the AWS Management Console and create an application bundle of their choice, the company said, adding that the bundle will store all AppFabric application authorizations, ingestions, and encryption keys.

When you create an app bundle, AppFabric creates the required AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) role in your AWS account, which is required to send metrics to Amazon CloudWatch and to access AWS resources such as Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3) and Amazon Kinesis Data Firehose, AWS wrote in a blog post.

Post creation of the application bundle, AppFabric creates a standardized set of security and operational data for every connected app including activity logs, which can be used for monitoring performance and security, according to AWS.

Enterprises can run threat intelligence on the security data that is ingested by AppFabric and normalized into a singular uniform format using AWS Open Cybersecurity Schema Framework (OCSF) via applications from Splunk, Logz.io, Netskope, Netwitness, and Rapid 7, Torreti said.
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An employee has won a harassment case against her employer, Arts Council England (ACE), which was found to have created a hostile environment after she expressed her gender critical beliefs.

Denise Fahmy brought the claim at Leeds employment tribunal after extremely offensive comments were made about gender critical beliefs and a petition was circulated within the organisation that likened such views to a cancer.

In a meeting, ACEs deputy chief executive Simon Mellor criticised the London Community Foundations (LCF) decision to award the LGB Alliance a grant as it has a history anti-trans activity.

At the meeting, Fahmy defended the LGB Alliance, citing that the charity was not anti-trans.

The tribunal ruled that an email and comments shared by other staff following the meeting were unwanted conduct which had the purpose and effect of violating the claimants dignity and creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for the claimant.

It stated that Fahmys gender critical beliefs were protected as a philosophical belief under the Equality Act 2010.

Claimant defended LGB Alliance

In April 2022, Fahmy joined an online meeting of more than 400 staff where LCFs decision to award a grant to the LGB Alliance was discussed. LCF suspended the grant after backlash to the decision .

During the meeting, Mellor voiced his views that the LGB Alliance has a history of anti-trans activity and that it was a mistake for LCF to award the grant to the charity.

The claimant, Fahmy, defended the LGB Alliance, citing that it was not anti-trans and asked how gender critical views are protected at ACE.

In an email to the deputy CEO after the meeting, Fahmy wrote: The meeting left me profoundly disturbed that you confirmed our arts funding can now be closely tied to the personal opinions of funders  that cannot be right. I will be raising a formal complaint in the next few days.

Petition

A month after the meeting, an employee sent a petition to all staff called an allies support sheet which referred to openly discriminatory transphobic staff.

The tribunal ruled that the petition included some extremely offensive comments referring to anti-trans (gender critical language).

ACEs former employee who sent the petition, identified as SB, was suspended the same day for misconduct.

The charity's letter of suspension cited that SB rejected the right of colleagues to hold a belief or beliefs (which are contrary to your own) in violation of their rights under the Equality Act.

However, the petition remained online for 26 hours before it was taken down. The tribunal ruled that it should have been taken down sooner.

A comment from one employee on the petition, identified as PH, said: It is clear that there are members of our own organisation who are happy to be vocally anti-trans and gender critical. We shouldnt have to put up with this any more than we would racist or sexist behaviour.

The same employee then added: Much like how our recent antiracism training has illustrated there is an ongoing problem with racism in our ranks that needs to be challenged, this cancer needs to be removed from our organisation.

Actions created hostile and offensive environment for the claimant

The judgment states: The tribunal is satisfied that the email and comments were unwanted conduct which had the purpose and effect of violating the claimants dignity and creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for the claimant.

The claimant was deeply upset and there was an intimidating hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment created for her. The actions did have the purpose of creating that effect.

The tribunal ruled that the claim of harassment related to the protected characteristic of religion or belief is well-founded and succeeds.

Fahmy: It cannot be acceptable that people with my beliefs are subjected to harassment at work

Fahmy said: I am delighted to have won my claim of harassment. It cannot be acceptable that people like me, who believe people cant change their sex, are subjected to harassment at work. And worse still, that employers encourage and collude in this behaviour.

People in the arts, and especially women, are facing a tide of bullying with spurious accusations of transphobia, and many are frightened to speak out as they risk public cancellation.

Institutions like the Arts Council need to be held accountable, when they are biased and enable harassment of gender critical people.

ACE response

An ACE spokesperson said the charity was pleased Fahmys two claims of victimisation were dismissed and that there was nothing in the judgment to support the accusation of institutional bias.

They said: We are reflecting on the judgment which upheld two allegations of harassment in relation to a petition set up by a junior member of staff who no longer works for us, and we note the tribunals acknowledgement of steps taken by us to disable the petition and address the incident at the time.

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The Charity Commission has opened a compliance case into an armed forces charity after it failed to provide records to account for thousands of pounds in income and expenditure.

An independent examiner, Helena Wilkinson from Price Bailey, wrote in Forgotten Veterans UKs accounts for the financial year to November 2021 that no records have been provided to match 151,000 in donations and 89,000 in expenditure.

The Portsmouth-based charity has had a high turnover of senior personnel this year, with all five of its current trustees joining in 2023.

Meanwhile, the charitys co-founder, chief executive and former trustee Gary Weaving has stepped back from his duties after he was arrested due to alleged harassment and exposure last month before being released on bail.

Forgotten Veterans UKs chair, Tony Reid, who founded the charity with Weaving in 2016, said he was confident that there is not any misappropriation of funds in the accounts, which were filed 279 days late.

A Charity Commission spokesperson said: We have opened a regulatory compliance case to assess concerns raised with us about Forgotten Veterans.

Income and expenditure without supporting records

Wilkinson raised concerns about whether cash donations had been properly accounted for in the charitys financial reporting.

Her report reads: The receipts and payments accounts prepared for the CIO show cash received in the year of 151,903, however no records have been provided to match the record of the donations received to the deposits made of cash deposited, and cash balances may have been retained and not deposited at the CIOs bank account.

The only written record provided is an agreement for a restricted grant for 45,000, she wrote. Wilkinson said the lack of financial reporting meant she could not be certain the charitys expenditure was made in line with the grant agreement.

Total expenditure amounted to 143,000 but receipts for only 54,000 were available, according to the report, leaving 89,000 without supporting records.

The majority of the expenditure was made from the bank account, authorised and paid for by the CEO but limited receipts were provided to me as independent examiner, the report says.

The opening bank balance position per the receipts and payment for 2020 is different by 1,241 to the bank statements for which no explanation is available and the amount is showing as sundry expenditure in the receipts and payments in 2021.

The examiner also notes that none of the charitys minutes had been recorded for the year.

We are confident that there is no misappropriation of funds

Tony Reid, Forgotten Veterans UKs chair, founded the charity with Weaving in 2016 but left in 2019 for health reasons before returning in January this year.

He told Civil Society that earlier this year, all of the trustees including Weaving resigned apart from Reid which prompted him to contact the Charity Commission in February.

Initially, we went to the Commission ourselves because of the situation we found ourselves in. So, theyve been very helpful with guidance and advice, he said.

Reid went onto say that he and the board were confident that there had been no misappropriation of funds at the charity, but expressed concern that records were not kept properly.

Four trustees joined Reid on the charitys board this month.

We are confident that there is not any misappropriation of funds. From the accounts, it seems like 80-90,000 are unaccounted for but it is accounted for and there are receipts for it, he said.

I believe they are with the accountants now but at the time they did not have it in their possession.

The board of trustees, we dont have any concerns about the accounts. The only concern I have about the accounts is that the records were not kept as accurately as they should have been. I think some people didn't understand the importance of an audit trail. Weve now implemented lots of new systems.

CEO released on bail

The news comes after the Sun reported that co-founder and chief executive of the charity Weaving was arrested due to alleged harassment and exposure last month.

A police spokesperson told the paper: A 43-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of harassment and exposure.

This comes after a woman in her 50s reported to us that a man had indecently exposed himself to her.

It was also reported that the same man had made inappropriate comments to the woman on a number of occasions, beginning in November 2021.

The man has been released on conditional police bail while our enquiries continue.

Weaving told the newspaper: Im innocent. This is clearly an organised coup and hate campaign.

Portsmouth Police told Civil Society that Weaving is still on bail until 24 August.

Reid said he was unable to comment on the ongoing investigation, but said Weaving had stepped away from the charity and ceased all duties as CEO.

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In August 1991, with the Soviet Union liberalizing and on the verge of cracking up for good, a group of hardline Communist officials seized power from the blocs leader, Mikhail Gorbachev, in an attempted coup. As armored vehicles rolled into Moscow, state TV rolled footage from the ballet Swan Lake, and told viewers that Gorbachev had been incapacitated by poor health. But many residentsand even some members of the armed forcesdidnt buy it. As protesters gathered, Boris Yeltsin, then the leader of the Russian Federation within the USSR, emerged as a lightning rod for opposition to the coup, climbing onto a tank and urging Russians to resist. Surprisingly, images of his defiance made it onto state TV. Within three days, the coup attempt had crumbled. Four months later, Gorbachev signed the Soviet Union out of existence.

Ann Cooper covered the attempted coup as Moscow bureau chief for NPR and later coedited a book about it, titled Russia at the Barricades. This past weekend, the episode was back in the spotlight as three dramatic days once again rocked RussiaYevgeny Prigozhin, the hardline head of the mercenary Wagner group, launched a mutiny against President Vladimir Putins top defense officials then aborted it on the cusp of reaching Moscowand reporters and analysts grasped for some kind of precedent. This time, Cooper kept tabs on events from afar, monitoring the coverage of Meduza, an independent Russian news site that now operates out of exile in Latvia, and texting with friends. I didnt sense a big panic, nor did I sense any optimism about this, Cooper told me. Some people might think, Oh, boy, weve heard for twenty-three years how increasingly repressive Vladimir Putin and his government are. Maybe this is gonna be his downfall; wouldnt that be a good thing? Well, I think Russians understand that we dont know what would follow Putin. Some analysts have said things could get even worse.

Yesterday, I spoke with Cooperwho has also served as executive director of the Committee to Protect Journalists and as a professor at Columbia Journalism Schoolabout the many differences between the 1991 coup attempt and the Wagner mutiny, and the respective media climates in which they unfolded. Our conversation has been edited for length and clarity.



JA: How would you evaluate the comparison between what just happened and the attempted coup in 1991?

AC: I guess I was a little surprised when I saw comparisons with 1991. First of all, it was the late Soviet era and the press had considerable freedom. In fact, freedom of speech and of the press was one of the factors that led hardline Communists to try to oust Mikhail Gorbachev. They sent censors into the major newspapers and sent tanks to surround the state broadcasting facility to try to take control of information, the way that Putin has over the last twenty years. But what was different then was that people were now used to a freer press: to some investigative journalism, to accountability journalism and questioning the people in power. And some of the journalistssome, not allstood up to that coup. In Moscow, they banded together to publish an underground newspaper and got some video onto state TV despite the tanks surrounding the broadcast facilities, so that people were actually able to seeat least, people in some places; Moscow, criticallythat what was happening was a coup attempt and that there was active opposition to it in the form of Boris Yeltsin.

Today in Russia, Putin has so thoroughly repressed independent journalism that nothing like that happened this time. Yes, people could access independent news, but to do that they had to use VPNs, as all of these independent news sites are banned and blocked in Russia. Or they could go on Telegram. But if you sat there passively consuming state media, all you got is essentially the Putin line. It must have been incredibly confusing to be there the last couple of days. Thats the problem with state-controlled media.

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The other thing, for me, is that I look at 1991 in fairly black-and-white terms. There was a choice therea real choicebetween returning to the repression of the past, which is what the hardliners were trying to accomplish, or fighting to hold on to the changes of that late Soviet era under Gorbachev that had given people so much more freedom. This uprisingor rebellion, or whatever you want to call itwas a battle between two men, or two factions, neither of whom really has any interest in giving Russians greater freedom. For me, it was a choice betweenand maybe this is overstating thingsbut between evil and evil.

What was it like to cover the 1991 coup attempt?

It was scary at first. Here you are in the capital, and tanks are surrounding key placesthe foreign ministry, Red Square, the state broadcasting facilityand youre just wondering, Can this really happen, can they pull this off and roll things back? It felt in some ways like No, they cant, freedom has gone too far, people have embraced it. But we lived in Moscow, and while correspondents traveled around quite a bit, Moscow was different from the rest of the country; its like trying to make judgments about America based on Washington or New York. So it wasnt really clear how successful they might be.

The first glimmers that maybe this thing wasnt gonna work came from moments of rebellion by the journalists. A journalist stood up at a press conference held by the coup leaders, which was broadcast live to the entire country, and said to them, Tell me please, can you say whether you understand that what you carried out here was a state coup? To say that to their faces on live TV, putting a name on it, was amazing. So people were getting these bits of information, and there was an organized opposition. It wasnt huge, but Yeltsin was, at that time, a greatly admired figure, and a strong figure. Over the course of three days, that coup attempt gradually collapsed. It was a thrilling thing to cover. You could begin to see people standing up for the changes that had been made: We do not want to go back to the way things were. Dont take us back there. Yeltsin became the person that they could rally around to stand up to this coup.

Did you feel that you had the freedom to cover it, at the time?

You bet. We could go all over the city and talk to people. There would be tanks or armored vehicles parked around Red Square. People were climbing up to talk to the soldiers; there were babushkas shaking their umbrellas at these guys, saying You wouldnt shoot at your own people, would you? Ordinary people were out there defying this. And again, that is something that we have seen very little of in recent years under Putin, because all dissent has just been squelched. People have been imprisoned for any sort of criticism of the military or the war in Ukraine.

The media environment now is just so different in so many ways. There are still some foreign correspondents on the ground who are doing good journalismbut the recent jailing of the Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich is hanging over them. You have this ability to access independent Russian newsbut you have to go looking for it and use tricks like VPNs, and its generally produced by people in exile. And then you have this direct line to Prigozhin via Telegram, at least before and during parts of the mutiny; you can get his unfiltered perspective, not that its reliable. So the environment is totally different, not just in terms of repression, but also who gets to set the agenda.

The situation is very different, in terms of free expression and the media, from 1991. Lets say that this had been a coup attempt and somehow Prigozhin had been successful. If he then came to power, the situation for media, for free expression, would not have changed, and might have been even worse. Alexei Navalny, the leading opposition figure, is in jail, and he isnt coming out anytime soon; Evan Gershkovich is awaiting trial as a lesson, I guess, for other journalists, especially foreign correspondents. He certainly would not have been treated any more fairly by Prigozhin or anybody else who might follow Putin.

To not have good reporting on the ground is a big handicap. On the other hand, if we had more reporters on the ground, I dont know how much access they could gain to information at this point. Prigozhin is no friend of the media, and Putin certainly is not either. Its very sad to see how few independent voices are left there, within Russia, to try to report the truth. All the journalists whove gone into exile are working as hard as they can, doing a good job with tools that didnt exist in 1991they can reach out to people within the country; Im sure they have some people who are doing some reporting on the ground for them anonymously. So we are getting more of a picture in that regard. But it is not the same as having a free pressbeing able to hear peoples reactions, being able to talk to officials.

It strikes me that in this very closed system Putin has created, its not just a question of repressing the media and then you can go about normal affairs of state with them weakened. Its that so much of politics happens behind closed doors, between these hazy networks built on ill-defined personal relations. That sort of politics would be hard to cover even without all the additional restrictions. Its like a doubly closed system.

Right. Surely there are some people around Putin who would love to challenge him, but he demands total loyalty, and they owe too much to him to want to speak to the press candidly. So even if you were there, Im not sure how much access you can have. You can certainly get more of a sense of what people are thinking who are just watching these events unfold in their country. But that important story of whats happening behind the scenes? For example, who actually worked out this deal with Prigozhin? The notion of Alexander Lukashenko [the president of Belarus, who ostensibly brokered the deal that would see Prigozhin back off in exchange for legal immunity] being the great negotiator is just laughable. One of my friends said, What a rogues gallery: Putin, Prigozhin, and Lukashenko, working out this deal to supposedly bring back peace and stability to Russia. Why do we believe that it happened the way they told us? We dont have the independent means to verify anything that theyre telling us these days.



Other notable stories:

ICYMI: Prigozhin and the press

Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in the New York Review of Books, Foreign Policy, and The Nation, among other outlets. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop.
A firefighter must be shown to have worked 20 or more hours a week to be eligible for workers compensation benefits under state law, the Connecticut Supreme Court has ruled in reversing an appeals court and state workers compensation officials.

The high court overturned a 2021 appellate court decision that affirmed orders of the Compensation Review Board and a workers compensation commissioner that the town of Waterford must accept a claim filed by firefighter Christopher A. Clark for heart disease benefits.

The statute ( 7-433c.1) excludes from benefits members who customarily work less than 20 hours a week if they entered municipal employment after September 30, 1969. The high court agreed with the town that the appellate court incorrectly concluded that the definition of member in the general statutes governing retirement and other benefits for police and firefighters does not apply to workers compensation benefits.

The high court found the term member does apply. The high court also found that the previous proceedings never determined how many hours Clark worked.

The town originally hired Clark as a part-time firefighter in 1992, prior to which he passed a physical examination that revealed no evidence of heart disease or hypertension. In 1997, the town hired him as a full-time firefighter, and, in 2017, he suffered a myocardial infarction and underwent quadruple bypass surgery.

Clark filed a claim seeking workers compensation for his heart disease, which the town contested as non-compensable on the ground that the plaintiff had not been employed as a full-time firefighter until 1997 and, therefore, did not qualify for benefits in light of the law.

Clark testified that, while employed as a part-time firefighter, he worked assigned shifts, and the number of shifts he was assigned to work was irregular, but he did not indicate the number of hours he customarily worked.

The town reasoned that benefits are available only to a uniformed member of a paid municipal fire department hired prior to July 1, 1996, the term member excludes persons who customarily work less than 20 hours per week. Because the plaintiff failed to establish that he customarily worked 20 hours or more per week when he was employed as a part-time firefighter, he was not eligible for benefits, the town argued.

However, the commissioner rejected the towns claim and ordered it to accept the plaintiffs myocardial infarction as compensable. In doing so, the commissioner made no finding as to the number of hours the plaintiff worked per week as a part-time firefighter. Instead, the commissioner noted that the law does not define the phrase uniformed member of a paid municipal fire department or distinguish between part-time and full-time employment. The commissioner applied the common definition of the word member in concluding that the plaintiffs date of employment was in 1992 and that he therefore was entitled to benefits.

The state review board upheld the commissioners award of benefits, and the town appealed to the appellate court, which affirmed the boards decision. In its ruling, the appellate court also concluded that the towns interpretation would lead to the absurd result that benefits are available only to uniformed firefighters employed and paid by municipalities that participate in the state retirement fund.

The Supreme Court has now reversed, finding that when considered in context, the language of the law shows that the meaning of the word member is clearly and unambiguously controlled by the language that also references those employees who are members of the retirement plan.

The high court was convinced by a presumption that lawmakers created a harmonious and consistent body of law, as well as by the absence of legislative history showing that lawmakers did not intend the definition of member to apply to workers compensation benefits.

The court said that lawmakers could have provided different language in the workers compensation benefits section of the law but did not. It also found that the connection makes sense in view of the logical and factual relationship between heart and hypertension benefits and retirement benefits.

The high court dismissed the appeals courts concern that this construction of the statutory text could lead to results unintended by the legislature, writing that was not a reason to depart from the plain and unambiguous statutory text, as the legislature was free to clarify the meaning of  7-433c if it desired to make it plain that any paid firefighter is eligible for benefits under that statute.

Clark was entitled to have the commissioner decide that factual issue of whether he had customarily worked 20 hours or more per week before being hired as a full- time firefighter, and, accordingly, the high court remanded the case for further proceedings.
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP)  A new oil spill at a Shell facility in Nigeria has contaminated farmland and a river, upending livelihoods in the fishing and farming communities in part of the Niger Delta, which has long endured environmental pollution caused by the oil industry.

The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, or NOSDRA, told The Associated Press that the spill came from the Trans-Niger Pipeline operated by Shell that crosses through communities in the Eleme area of Ogoniland, a region where the London-based energy giant has faced decadeslong local pushback to its oil exploration.

The volume of oil spilled has not been determined, but activists have published images of polluted farmland, water surfaces blighted by oil sheens and dead fish mired in sticky crude.

While spills are frequent in the region due to vandalism from oil thieves and a lack of maintenance to pipelines, according to the U.N. Environmental Program, activists call this a major one.

It is one of the worst in the last 16 years in Ogoniland, said Fyneface Dumnamene, an environmental activist whose nonproft monitors spills in the Delta region. It began June 11.

It lasted for over a week, bursts into Okulu River  which adjoins other rivers and ultimately empties into the Atlantic Ocean  and affects several communities and displaces more than 300 fishers, said Dumnamene of the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre.

He said tides have sent oil sheens about 10 kilometers (6 miles) further to creeks near the nations oil business capital, Port Harcourt.

Shell stopped production in Ogoniland more than 20 years ago amid deadly unrest from residents protesting environmental damage, but the Trans-Niger Pipeline still sends crude from oil fields in other areas through the regions communities to export terminals.

The leak has been contained, but treating the fallout from the spill at farms and the Okulu River, which runs through communities, has stalled, NOSDRA Director General Idris Musa said.

Response has been delayed, Musa said, blaming protesting residents. But engagement is going on.

The apparent deadlock stems from mistrust and past grievances in the riverine and oil-abundant Niger Delta region, which is mostly home to minority ethnic groups who accuse the Nigerian government of marginalization.

Africas largest economy overwhelmingly depends on the Niger Deltas oil resources for its earnings, but pollution from that production has denied residents access to clean water, hurt farming and fishing, and heightened the risk of violence, activists say.

The communities are very angry because of the destruction of their livelihoods resulting from the obsoleteness of Shells equipment and are concerned the regulator and Shell will blame sabotage by the residents, Dumnamene said.

Often oil companies blame pipeline vandalism by oil thieves or aggrieved young people in affected communities for spills, which could allow the companies to avoid liability.

London-based Shell said it is working with a joint investigatory team, consisting of regulators, Ogoniland residents and local authorities, to identify the cause and impact of the spill.

Shells response team has been activated, subject to safety requirements, to mobilize to the site to take actions that may be necessary for the safety of environment, people and equipment, a company statement said.

NOSDRA confirmed the joint investigation, but a cause of the spill  whether sabotage or equipment failure  has not yet been revealed.

Hundreds of farmers and fishermen who have been cut off from their livelihoods would insist on restoration of the environment and then compensation, Dumnamene said.

At the request of the Nigerian government, the U.N. Environment Program conducted an independent environmental assessment of Ogoniland, releasing a report in 2011 that criticized Shell and the Nigerian government for 50 years of pollution and recommended a comprehensive, billion-dollar cleanup.

While, the government announced the cleanup in 2016, there is little evidence of restoration on the ground. The government says community protests and lawsuits by local activists have hampered progress.

A credible cleanup would have been a beacon of hope for the Niger Delta and other areas in Africa that have suffered oil pollution, but no credible cleanup is ongoing, said Ledum Mitee, a veteran Ogoni environmental activist and former president of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People. It is a cover-up, and we do not see the impact.

Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about APs climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
AKRON, Ohio  Early voting for the Aug. 8 special election begins July 11.

State Issue 1 is the only question on the ballot. If passed, the resolution would require a 60 percent supermajority in future statewide votes to amend the Ohio Constitution. The current threshold is 50 percent plus one vote. State Issue 1 would also make it more difficult to get issues on the ballot by requiring campaigns to collect a minimum number of signatures from all 88 counties instead of just 44 counties.

A yes vote would approve the changes, while a no vote would reject them.

Read more: Coverage of State Issue 1

The outcome of Issue 1 could impact whether an abortion rights issue that is expected to be on the ballot in the November General Election will be successful. Signatures are currently being obtained for the Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety constitutional amendment. If passed, the amendment would ensure patients can make their own decisions about reproduction, including birth control, fertility treatment, continuing a pregnancy or abortion and miscarriage care until viability (around 22 to 24 weeks).

Estimates about projected voter turnout for the Aug. 8 election vary from 10-50 percent, according to election officials. With turnout difficult to predict, officials are encouraging voters to make a plan to cast their ballot.

Related: How to vote at the Cuyahoga board of elections

How to register and check registration status

County residents who arent registered to vote may still do so by Monday, July 10. Residents can register in person at the Summit County Board of Elections, 470 Grant Street, or on the Board of Elections website. Residents who arent sure if they are registered can check their status online.

Absentee voting by mail

Military and overseas absentee voting is already underway for the election.

Registered voters who want to vote by mail can download an absentee application online, complete it, and mail it to the Summit County Board of Elections. Applications can also be dropped off at the Board of Elections 24-hour drop box at 470 Grant Street (white box along the side of the building).

Voters can drop off absentee ballot applications and submit their completed ballots at the Board of Elections 24-hour drop box at 470 Grant Street (white box along the side of the building).

Voters can track their request and their ballot online at VoteOhio.gov/track.

Voters can also call the Summit County Board of Elections at 330-643-5200 to request an application for an absentee ballot, according to Summit County Board of Elections Special Projects spokesperson Melissa Wilkinson.

We get calls daily for people requesting applications for absentee ballots, Wilkinson said.

Once the Board of Elections receives the completed ballot application, they will begin mailing ballots out, after July 12, according to Wilkinson.

Once received and filled out, the ballot can either be mailed back to the same P.O. Box postmarked on or before Aug. 7, or deposited into the Board of Elections 24-hour drop box at 470 Grant Street by 7:30 p.m. on August 8.

Early, in-person voting

Voters who wish to vote in person before election day can do so starting July 11 at the Summit County Board of Elections Early Vote Center, 500 Grant Street. Ample parking is available in front of the building.

Early voting is nice because there is no waiting in lines, Wilkinson said.

Voters are required to present one of the following forms of identification to be able to vote, according to Wilkinson: an Ohio drivers license, US passport or passport card, state ID card (free at any Bureau of Motor Vehicles deputy registrar license agency), interim identification form from the BMV, US military ID card, Ohio National Guard ID card or Department of Veterans Affairs ID card. Identification must not be expired, according to Wilkinson.

Voters who forget their identification or who havent updated their registration with their current address can still cast a provisional ballot. Those ballots will be counted if the voter presents their valid proof of identity or verifies their eligibility by Aug. 12.

Early Vote Center hours are:

July 11-14 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

July 17-21 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

July 24-28 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

July 31 from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 1 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Aug. 2-4 from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Saturday Aug. 5 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday Aug. 6 from 1-5 p.m.

Election-day voting

Residents can vote at their designated polling location on Aug. 8 from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters are encouraged to check their polling location online.

To be eligible to cast a ballot, a voters name and address must match their voter registration record. Voters are required to present one of the following forms of identification: an Ohio drivers license, US passport or passport card, state ID card (free at any Bureau of Motor Vehicles deputy registrar license agency), interim identification form from the BMV, US military ID card, Ohio National Guard ID card or Department of Veterans Affairs ID card.

Voters who forget their identification or who havent updated their registration with their current address can still cast a provisional ballot. Those ballots will be counted if the voter presents their valid proof of identity or verifies their eligibility by Aug. 12.

For more information about voting in the Aug. 8 Special Election, visit the Summit County Board of Elections website or call 330-643-5200.

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PARMA, Ohio -- Just as the painting of the Golden Gate Bridge never ends, so goes the repaving of asphalt roads in Parma.

Just ask Mayor Tim DeGeeter -- the city recently announced that a section of Snow Road between Ridge and State roads is due for its roughly vicennial (every 20 years) asphalt replacement.

The last several years, our administration has worked closely with our community partners, such as Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA), Cuyahoga County and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), to get most if not all of our main roads repaved, the mayor said.

With the Snow Road project, it feels that were rounding third base and heading home. Basically, just like the painting of the Golden Gate Bridge, were now starting over after finishing the job.

Parma City Engineer Hasmukh Patel said the 1.25-mile work comes with a $3.4 million project cost, including $3 million for construction, $215,000 for engineering and $200,000 for construction inspection.

The city was awarded 2.1 million from NOACA.

Cuyahoga Countys share is $535,000, with the city portion of $750,000, he said.

The timeframe is to start the design work, engineering work in July.

The project is expected to go out for bid in late 2024, with construction slated to begin in the spring of 2025 and anticipated completion that fall.

While Snow Road was previously repaved from West 130th Street to Ridge Road, the busy thoroughfares remaining portion from State Road to the Seven Hills border is on the citys radar for a future project.

These are all driven by funding, Parma Service Director Tony Vannello said. So, obviously, NOACA does pavement rating scores. Thats how they identified this stretch of Snow Road.

Thats also what triggered funding, which is what kicked this project off. Well continue to look for funding to continue going from State Road into Seven Hills when money becomes available.

Read more news from the Parma Sun Post.
MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio -- A woman has been arrested in a recent trail of thefts at Ulta Beauty Stores in Ohio and Michigan.

On June 15, Mayfield Heights police were alerted to an incident at the SOM Center Road location, where a shoplifter had fled with an estimated $2,400 worth of fragrances in a shopping basket. She left in a vehicle with another woman.

Upon investigation, it was determined that the suspects vehicle was seen on license plate-reading cameras in Mentor later that day.

An investigations manager for Ulta Beauty was contacted and asked to see if the Mentor store also had a theft day. It was later determined that they had; it involved two women, one of whom was the registered owner of the vehicle.

The vehicles owner, 20, was arrested and charged with complicity to theft after officers traveled to her home in Toledo the following day and took her into custody with the assistance of Toledo police.

She was returned to Mayfield Heights, where she admitted to her involvement in the two known thefts, as well as one at an Ulta Beauty location in Michigan.

She said she only helps the other woman by driving and is given perfume in return.

She identified the other woman, 20, and said she recently moved to Texas, but had returned to Toledo briefly to visit her boyfriend in jail. She said the woman sells the stolen merchandise online.

Read more news from the Sun Messenger.
RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Ohio -- About a dozen residents who live on and in the vicinity of Stevens Boulevard attended Tuesdays (June 27) City Council meeting to complain about homes in their neighborhood being turned into Airbnb rentals, where loud parties are held regularly on weekends.

The online Airbnb service allows property owners to rent out their homes to travelers looking for a place to stay.

In the case of the Richmond Heights Airbnb homes, residents say they are vacant during the week, then are used for large parties attended by people who are, sometimes, from out of state.

Its really a safety thing, said one Stevens Boulevard woman, who told council that during a party last weekend, a stranger from a nearby party knocked on her door.

Richmond Heights does not now have legislation regulating Airbnb properties. But Mayor Kim Thomas and Council President Bobby Jordan said work would begin immediately to create such legislation.

Stevens Boulevard resident Brian Turner told council that Airbnb residences are popping up on and around his street, a lengthy thoroughfare connected to Cary Jay Boulevard, which is located off Highland Road.

One popped up (on Stevens) two months ago, Turner said. They gave a party two weeks ago. Trash everywhere, noise, all that.

Theres another one on Euclid-Chagrin (Parkway, which intersects Stevens).

Turner said the Euclid-Chagrin Airbnb has been in existence for 10 of the 22 years he has lived in the neighborhood.

I dont understand how theyre regulated. They just pop up. I didnt move to Richmond Heights to live next door to an Airbnb.

Turner said some of his neighbors are considering moving out of the city because of the Airbnb homes.

I dont want to trade my neighbors for an Airbnb, he said.

A city inspector was made aware of the Airbnb near Turner a year ago, some residents told council, but nothing was done to curb the parties.

Because there is now no regulation concerning Airbnb homes, it is not known how many there are in the city. Residents in the Stevens Boulevard area believe there are three or four near them.

Theyre probably going to have a party there this weekend, Turner said. We can call the police, but thats too late.

I mean, imagine working every week for five days and then you get home on the weekend and you want to relax and then theres a party next door (with) people you dont know.

Neighborhood residents said that, before the parties began, they cherished the neighborhood for its quiet.

Another resident said the partygoers are mostly young people, while yet another male resident said, They had a shindig this (past) weekend, and I counted 17 cars -- two from Maryland, three from Virginia.

We dont know these people, he said. They can rape, kill, murder and theyre gone. In that area, we have a lot of elderly, so safety is a big concern. And the music (from speakers pointed toward a neighbors house) is loud.

A man who lives next door to a Euclid-Chagrin Parkway home where parties are regularly held said: Every weekend, different people, multiple cars. The house, during the week, looks abandoned. The grass will turn into hay. The fence in the back yard has fallen. Theyve got a mosquito farm because theyve got a pool thats abandoned, filled with water.

Interim Police Chief Calvin Williams texted officers during the meeting and was told that an officer had reported a party on Stevens last week to Airbnb.

Williams said Airbnb will take homes off their rental list if there are enough reports about disruptive or illegal activities taking place. He said Airbnb contracts limit the size of parties to a specific number of people.

Its an internet-based business that doesnt come through any governmental entity until a complaint happens, Williams told the residents. Now we are aware of that complaint and we will do our part as far as enforcement and things like that.

When residents again mentioned that a complaint with a city inspector was made last year without action being taken, Council President Bobby Jordan said: I can guarantee you somethings going to be done this time. Because I didnt hear it last year, but I hear it now.

Im telling you, man to man, that were going to do something about it this year. Im going to talk to the chief (Williams), our legal department and our mayor and were going to come up with a plan, because I understand you are my neighbor.

Law Director Todd Hunt said legislation can be drawn up to prohibit Airbnb homes from operating in the city.

Richmond Heights signs on to Cleveland water line agreement

After discussing the topic in May, council voted 6-0 Tuesday (Ward 1 Councilwoman Erron Bell was not present) to enter the Cleveland Water Suburban Water Main Renewal Program.

Established in 2007, the program will have the city turn over ownership of its water line infrastructure to Cleveland Water. In exchange, Cleveland Water will maintain and replace damaged water lines at no cost to Richmond Heights.

Richmond Heights joins 40 other area communities in participating in what is also referred to as a no-poaching agreement, as the city must also agree not to lure businesses from Cleveland.

If Richmond Heights does lure a business from Cleveland, it must share a percentage of income tax derived from that business.

Richmond Heights further agrees to remain a member community for 20 years.

While, in the past, Richmond Heights may not have joined because it considered its water lines an asset, Thomas said, Our water lines are not an asset; theyre a liability.

She said residents have endured a cost brought on by the many water line breaks that have occurred in the city, particularly in the past year on Highland Road, where large breaks also affect neighboring cities who get water from those main lines.

Read more from the Sun Messenger.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A judge on Wednesday threw out the guilty pleas that two former East Cleveland police officers entered in January to a bribery charge that accused them of filing false police reports as part of an insurance fraud scheme.

Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge Maureen Clancy held that Demarkco Johnson should be allowed to withdraw his plea and reopen discovery in his case to prepare for a possible trial. She cited testimony that Johnsons former attorney gave at a hearing earlier this month that he did not review all of the evidence before he allowed Johnson to take the deal, which carried a potential three-year prison sentence.

Johnson is charged alongside Von Harris, who also pleaded guilty but did not seek to back out of his plea. However, Cuyahoga County prosecutors said previously the plea bargain was a package deal, meaning that if Johnson successfully withdrew his plea, Harriss deal would be rescinded.

The mens next court date is not yet set.

We are grateful the judge made the right decision and that Mr. Johnson is going to have the opportunity to have a fair trial, Johnsons attorney Allison Hibbard said in a statement.

A spokeswoman for Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael OMalleys office, which fought to keep the plea deal in tact, declined to comment.

Harris and Johnson were indicted in September on multiple counts each of bribery, tampering with evidence and one count of insurance fraud. They are among more than a dozen current and former East Cleveland police officers to be charged in the last year with crimes ranging from failing to pay taxes and money laundering to felonious assault and civil rights violations. They were the only defendants to plead guilty, and no other officers have yet gone to trial.

Prosecutors say the pair took bribe money in 2018 from former ARCO dump operator George Michael Riley in exchange for filing false police reports saying vehicles stolen from Rileys property had been recovered in Akron. Riley had been working as a confidential informant for the FBI at the time, after the dump caught fire and he admitted to federal authorities that he had not been paying business taxes, according to records.

The U.S. Attorneys Office did not file charges against Johnson or Harris.

Johnson fired his original attorney, Bret Jordan, days before he was set to be sentenced in February. He hired Hibbard, who filed a motion to withdraw Johnsons guilty plea in March.

Hibbard argued during a June 20 hearing that Johnson relied on Jordans advice to take the deal, and the former officer has since learned that Jordan did not review enough evidence for Johnson to have made a fully informed decision.

Jordan testified that he reviewed what he believed to be pertinent evidence that would be most problematic if Johnson were to go to trial. However, he said he did not look into Rileys background, which includes multiple convictions for fraud in courts across Ohio and Colorado.

Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Samantha Sohl accused Johnson of simply having a change of heart after prosecutors submitted court filings seeking prison time for Johnson.
TIFFIN, Ohio  A man accused of abducting a 7-month-old child crashed into a home Tuesday while trying to escape from police, killing the baby and leaving the suspect in critical condition, police say.

My heart breaks for the family of this innocent child and you can be sure this matter will be investigated thoroughly to determine exactly why and what occurred today, Tiffin Police Chief David Pauly says in a news release.

According to Pauly, the Wood County Sheriffs Department sent a notice to police saying the suspect had taken the child from North Baltimore, Ohio. The suspect, reportedly armed with a firearm, was seen driving a yellow Chevrolet Camaro toward Tiffin.

Police say the suspect had contacted the childs mother and said he was feeling suicidal and had killed the baby. Pauly did not say what relationship the suspect has with the child.

The Camaro was spotted by an off-duty officer, who contacted police and began following the vehicle. Patrol cars tried to stop the Camaro but it instead sped up before driving off the road and through the front yard of a home, then crashing into another residence, knocking it off its foundation, police say.

Police and deputies with the Seneca County Sheriffs Office broke out the back window to rescue the infant, who was seriously injured and had labored breathing, Pauly says. Both the child and suspect were taken to Tiffin Mercy Hospital.

The later died, but the suspect was flown by helicopter to St. Vincent Hospital in Toledo. He was in critical condition.

Police say a loaded weapon was found in the vehicle along with two spent cartridges. The identity of the child and the suspect have not been released.

This was an unfortunate tragedy today and these things also take its toll on our first responders, Pauly said. My thoughts and prayers are with them as well.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  A Greater Cleveland RTA officer is facing charges after being accused of stealing from Giant Eagle.

Paul Mitchell, 31, is charged with misdemeanor theft in Shaker Heights Municipal Court. He was released on a personal bond and is set for a July 10 arraignment.

Beachwood police arrested Mitchell about 2 p.m. June 15 after workers at the Chagrin Boulevard grocery store said they saw him stealing.

Mitchell put six items in his shopping cart, valued at $46.23, with other items he did pay for before exiting the store, according to Shaker Heights municipal court records. The records do not say what the items were.

Mr. Mitchell is presumed innocent and has entered a plea of not guilty to the charge, attorney Brad Wolfe said. We look forward to the specific facts and circumstances of this matter being revealed throughout the court process.

Mitchell is still employed by RTA and has been temporarily reassigned to dispatch duty, according to spokesperson Robert Fleig.

RTA is aware of the alleged incident and awaiting resolution of any pending court action, Fleig said in an email.

Fleig could not confirm how long Mitchell has been an officer with RTA.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- From the Beatles to Ben-Hur to Jim Brown, the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque is screening a wide variety of films this summer.

We really have something for everyone, commented John Ewing, who has been director of Cinematheque since it was launched in 1984.

The schedule features documentaries and international films, along with classic movies from the 1930s to more recent productions.

That includes Slaughter, from 1972, starring the late Cleveland Browns great Jim Brown as a Vietnam vet wreaking vengeance on the Cleveland mob. It will be shown July 6-7.

The Beatles: Get Back  the Rooftop Concert, an excerpt from the documentary directed by Peter Jackson, will be screened July 8-9.

Another documentary, The Day After Trinity: J. Robert Oppenheimer and the Atomic Bomb, will be presented July 15, in advance of Christopher Nolans highly anticipated film about the noted scientist.

One of Hollywoods last great epics, 1959s Ben-Hur, with Charlton Heston and a cast of thousands, will be presented July 21 by Grafton Nunes, a film scholar and former president and CEO of the Cleveland Institute of Art.

International offerings include Contempt, directed by Jean Luc Godard Samurai Saga, a Japanese version of the tale of Cyrano de Bergerac; and The Mother and the Whore, directed by Jean Eustache.

Along with Billy Wilders films from the 1950s, other films from Hollywoods golden age include 1933s The Power and the Glory, the first screenplay by Preston Sturges, starring Spencer Tracy, and cited as an influence on Orson Welless Citizen Kane.

Related: Billy Wilders 1950s films will be celebrated this summer at Cleveland Cinematheque

Films of more recent vintage include Midnight Cowboy and Desperate Souls, Dark City and the Legend of Midnight Cowboy, a 2022 documentary about the making of the groundbreaking 1969 movie.

Many of the films being screened are restored 4K prints. And Ewing pointed out that the Cinematheque is one of only three locations in Cleveland still showing 35 mm, reel-to-reel films. The others are Case Western Reserves Strosacker Auditorium and Cinema on the Square at Playhouse Squares Palace Theater (which is on hiatus this summer.)

The 35 mm prints are enjoying a renaissance, like vinyl records, Ewing said.

Its a warmer experience, than digital projection, Ewing said. Its a more human experience knowing theres a guy in the booth changing reels.

In addition to directing the Cinematheque, Ewing was the longtime curator of film at the Cleveland Museum of Art, retiring in 2020. A native of Canton and a graduate of Denison University, Ewing headed film programs at several area libraries before signing on with Cinematheque, the brainchild of Cleveland philanthropist George Gund.

Films were shown at Case Western until Cinematheque joined up with the Institute of Art in 1986. The New York Times has called it one of the best repertory movie theaters in the country.

With so many screening options today, Cinematheque continues a time-honored tradition.

We try to celebrate and uphold the theatrical experience, Ewing said.

All films will be shown in the Peter B. Lewis Theater of the Cleveland Institute of Art, 11610 Euclid Avenue. Unless noted, tickets to each program cost $11; $8 for Cinematheque members, CIA and CSU I.D. holders, and those age 25 & under. Free parking for filmgoers in available in the Institutes Lot 73 and annex lot, both located off of E. 117th Street south of Euclid Avenue. Entry to the building is through Entrance C, off Lot 73. For information, call 216-421-7450, or visit cia.edu/cinematheque.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  Comedian Roy Wood. Jr. will do five shows at Pickwick & Frolic in Cleveland, from Friday, June 30 to Sunday, July 2, as part of his Happy to be Here tour. The Emmy-nominated standup comedian may be most recognizable for his years of commentary on Comedy Centrals The Daily Show.

Despite his fame on the Daily Show, Wood said Cleveland audiences shouldnt expect much mockery of politics. Im not going to get on stage and rant about Democrats and Republicans, he says. For people who are curious, there are still certain issues in the world I might dabble in like race and gun control. At the end of the day, though, its a comedy show, not a town hall.

I talk about the world. I talk about issues. But thats just a small percentage of what I do. Im more angry that they have tamper-proof napkin dispensers and when the checkout machine wont scan condoms, he says.

He describes his style as charismatic crankiness. And those who know him, know he has exaggerated facial expressions to punctuate his humor.

Im the guy whos passionate and angry about all the wrong things, like why dont food trucks have chairs. There should be somewhere to sit after I just bought a $20 taco, he quips.

I try to look at the world through a prism that no one else is looking through he says. If the argument is A and B, I try find C. Its about being adjacent to issues. What everyone is not talking about within the thing everyone is thinking about.

Wood says hes less funny and more laid back in real life. Comedy can be stressful, figuring out jokes and silly shit to say, he explains, and jokes, A stranger on an airplane would never guess comedian, they would guess home security installer or something.

It was around 6th grade that Wood realized he could say something and get a reaction from other people. I didnt really think of it as funny, he says. It was high school when it really took off because I started watching Comedy Central.

Later in a journalism class -- he has a degree in broadcast journalism  he had his first experience in front of an audience. I just had a blast my first time getting up in front of a group of people and feeling that laughter from a group of people, he says. That is way better than drugs.

If you hang out in Slymans Restaurant or local soul food joints, you just might run into Wood this weekend. Hes planning to get a corned beef sandwich and soul food while visiting.

Pickwick & Frolic is at 2035 E 4th Street, Cleveland. Shows will be at 7 and 9:45 p.m. on Friday, June 30 and Saturday, July 1 as well as 7 p.m., Sunday, July 2. Tickets start at $25.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb hopped on a phone call with Kid Cudi on Wednesday in hopes of finding a way to revive the rappers canceled Moon Mans Landing concert, planned for Cleveland on Aug. 19.

The Cleveland-born artist announced Tuesday night that he was canceling the show at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, which he described as a back-up plan, after fans werent feelin the venue choice.

Cudi, in a tweet, had said he initially preferred an outdoor festival, like the one held last summer at Jacobs Pavilion in the Flats, but opted for the arena after the city wouldnt approve a permit for the outdoor event.

City Hall says it never received a permit application.

But Cudis tweet clearly caught Bibbs attention. The mayor, in his own tweet on Tuesday, asked Cudi to reach out and let us know how we can help.

The mayor tweeted again on Wednesday morning, stating the city never received a permit application. But he said he was hoping to chat with the rapper, and that hed still love to see Moon Mans Landing move forward this summer in Cleveland.

Shortly after noon on Wednesday, Cudi confirmed in another tweet that he and Bibb had spoken on the phone:

Just had a great call with @MayorBibb about the festival, the artist stated. Workin fast to find a solution to still do it this year! Thanx Justin for making yourself available brother.

Bibb, using his personal Twitter account, retweeted that message.

When reached for comment by cleveland.com, a city spokesman said City Hall was looking forward to finding a solution to make the festival still happen this year.

Cudi staged the first Moon Mans Landing festival in Clevelands Flats in 2022, headlining a show that also included performances by Haim, Playboi Carti, 070 Shake, Pusha T, Jaden, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and others. The festival drew more than 18,000 fans.

Cudi, real name Scott Mescudi, was born in Cleveland and raised in Shaker Heights and Solon. He broke out of Cleveland with his A Kid Named Cudi mixtape in 2008 and then achieved mainstream success with Day n Night and other hits.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  A Cuyahoga County grand jury indicted a Cleveland woman Wednesday for the murder of her 3-year-old son.

Timmeka Eggleton, 30, has been indicted on several charges including murder, aggravated murder, felonious assault, and endangering children.
Cleveland was dealing with some seriously bad air on Wednesday.AirNow.Gov
Rotunda Rumblings

Map time: The U.S. Supreme Court rejected the so-called independent state legislature theory on Tuesday, Andrew Tobias and Sabrina Eaton write. The case directly involves a challenge brought by Republican state legislators in North Carolina, but GOP lawmakers in Ohio tried to piggyback on the case in their attempt to appeal a July decision from the Ohio Supreme Court that found the congressional map Ohio used last year was illegally gerrymandered in favor of Republicans. The decision also upholds a core feature of Ohios congressional redistricting system, that the state supreme court has authority to enforce the states redistricting rules, while also affirming that voters can set up independent redistricting commissions if they so choose.
CLIVE, Iowa  An Iowa woman whose home was destroyed by a tornado more than 20 years ago won a $2 million Powerball lottery, the Iowa Lottery announced.

Tammy Gordy, of Ottumwa, Iowa, said she used the Iowa Lottery mobile app on Sunday to check some lottery tickets she had in her purse. One of the Powerball lottery ticket she had showed a winning total of $2 million, leaving her in disbelief.

I fell into my chair, she said. I couldnt see. There were all those zeroes. I was like, Maybe I need my glasses. So yeah, we screamed.

Gordys husband Steve said his wifes reaction caught him by surprise, but he soon learned why when he saw the winning lottery ticket for himself.

She jumped up and was saying  well, not English, but other words I couldnt understand, Steve Gordy said. And then I looked over and there were a lot of zeroes. Then we didnt know what it was until we got our senses back.

The Gordys lost their home in Agency, Iowa, in 2001 after a tornado rolled through town. They said their winning $2 million Powerball ticket will help them finish a new house theyve spent years building.

We were in the process of building a home and it kind of got put on hold for a few years, so now this is going to speed it up, Tammy Gordy said. And its going to go into better details. Im talking a walk-in closet and a Jacuzzi tub. Thats what Im talking about.

Weve never been material people, I can say that. Family was more important to us, she added. So, its going to be that way. Were just going to be able to do more things.

RELATED: Retired mechanic wins $40M lottery, plans to donate to childrens hospitals

Tammy Gordy said she and her husband shared the fortunate news with their four children before claiming their prize, but their didnt necessarily believe them at first.

I am a jokester, but not to that extent, she said.

She also called her boss to request a day or two off of work so she could drive to Clive, Iowa, where the states lottery headquarters are located, to claim her prize.

And so he says, Well, congratulations, if youre not April Foolin me, Tammy Gordy said.

The winning easy-pick ticket matched the first five Powerball numbers pulled from Saturdays drawing, but missed the Powerball number that would have netted her the initial $1 million prize. Fortunately for Tammy Gordy, she had added the Power Play option when purchasing her ticket, which multiplied Match 5 prizes to a total of $2 million.

Her winning Powerball ticket was the only one in the U.S. to win the $2 million prize during Saturdays drawing.

I just couldnt comprehend that, she said.

RELATED: Florida mom wins $2M jackpot after spending life savings on daughters cancer treatment

Tammy Gordy bought her winning Powerball ticket at Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh in Ottumwa, Iowa. The store will receive a $2,000 bonus from the Iowa Lottery for selling the winning $2 million ticket, according to the Iowa Lottery.
COLUMBUS, Ohio  Lawyers representing a former state utility regulator accused of taking a $4 million bribe appeared before the Ohio Supreme Court on Wednesday.

Accusations aside, they told the justices, Sam Randazzo should get his millions back.
Gig economy helps workers earn extra income in Hangzhou, E China's Zhejiang

People's Daily Online) 13:19, June 28, 2023

Lin Jing (a pseudonym) is a stay-at-home mother who works part-time when her two children are at school. Previously, she found odd jobs with the help of her friends, and sometimes even walks into stores to look for a job.

One day, as she was passing by a booth near a subway station, the woman saw a QR code on the booth. She scanned it and was directed to a WeChat mini-program which offered plenty of odd jobs.

A booth promoting the gig economy near a subway station in Hubin sub-district in Hangzhou city, east China's Zhejiang Province. (People's Daily Online/Fang Pengyimeng)

"You first register on the platform, search for jobs you are interested in, and then contact the employer. If you meet their requirements, then you will be recruited," said Lin.

Lin is a citizen in Hubin sub-district, Shangcheng district, Hangzhou city, east China's Zhejiang Province. This year, Zhejiang plans to build 200 odd job markets. Shangcheng district, a core area in Hangzhou, has mobilized all kinds of resources to build a service chain centering on the odd job market.

The WeChat mini-program that Lin used to find odd jobs was launched by the human resources and social security bureau of Shangcheng district. It is aimed at providing odd jobs for workers so that they can make money and better settle in the city.

"Jobseekers can use the platform free of charge and their rights are protected," said Wang Zhankui, head of the public services center of Hubin sub-district.

Covering only 1.6 square kilometers, Hubin sub-district has over 3,000 business entities. Sources said pedestrian streets in the Hubin sub-district see an average daily pedestrian traffic of about 90,000 on weekdays and around 160,000 on weekends. Business entities in this area are able to provide odd jobs for about 1,000 people.

Hubin sub-district in Shangcheng district is the commercial, trade and tourism center in Hangzhou, and there are many business entities, including shopping malls and hospitals. (Photo courtesy of Hubin sub-district)

Wang said the gig economy booth in Hubin sub-district, located in an area that sees large pedestrian traffic, has helped more than 200 people find part-time jobs.

Lin currently works at a restaurant and her job is to package takeaway food between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. from Friday to Sunday. "I've done other jobs, which were not stable. Now, it is easier to find a part-time job and I don't have to walk into stores to look for one," said the woman.

Jobs provided on the online odd job market are clearly categorized. (People's Daily Online/Fang Pengyimeng)

"Last week, I saw that the restaurant was looking for people to package takeaway food. I hadn't heard about this job before," said Lin, adding that the job is flexible and if she feels tired, she can rest and then look for another part-time job on the platform.

Zhou Heqing is a full-time employee at a pharmacy who works every other day. She thought about taking a part-time job to earn extra income. Zhou had been a delivery woman, a salesperson, and a sorter.

Zhou Heqing finds many part-time jobs through the online odd job market. (People's Daily Online/Fang Pengyimeng)

At the beginning of 2023, Zhou found a part-time job at a restaurant using the online odd job market.

"I have three days and a half to do part-time jobs every week," said the woman, who added that she can earn an extra 300 yuan ($41.50) to 400 yuan a week by doing part-time jobs.

Zhou Heqing receives her salary at the end of the day. (People's Daily Online/Fang Pengyimeng)

When the online odd job market was being prepared, a mechanism was designed to protect the rights of jobseekers, said Wang.

The online odd job market provides insurance compensation services for workers. If work-related injuries occur, workers can apply for reimbursements by showing hospital receipts, said Zhou.

An odd job market at a commercial complex in Hubin sub-district of Shangcheng district, Hangzhou city, east China's Zhejiang Province. (People's Daily Online/Fang Pengyimeng)

As of May 31, 2023, Hubin sub-district had offered 290 part-time job openings through the WeChat mini-program, helping 556 people find part-time jobs. The incomes these people gained by doing part-time jobs provided through the platform added up to 220,309 yuan.

A job fair in Hubin sub-district in Shangcheng district of Hangzhou city, east China's Zhejiang Province. (Photo courtesy of Hubin sub-district)

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, China had recorded 200 million flexible workers by the end of 2021.

On July 7, 2022, five departments, including China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the Ministry of Civil Affairs, released guidelines on improving the odd job market and recruitment services. The guidelines require governments at various levels to support flexible employment and help older workers and those having difficulties securing employment find jobs.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Petronas sign against the backdrop of the Twin Towers. Goh Seng Chong | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Asia needs to achieve net zero before the world can do so, according to the CEO of Malaysia's state-owned oil and gas company Petronas. "The bulk of the emissions [that] are expected to emit will be produced in Asia going forward," Tengku Muhammad Taufik told CNBC's JP Ong Tuesday on the sidelines of the Energy Asia in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. related investing news Morgan Stanley's top clean power picks including 2 stocks with 80% upside "The world cannot achieve net zero without Asia achieving net zero," Taufik pointed out during the opening address of summit. Asia will represent half of global GDP by 2040, as well as 40% of global consumption, he added. The energy transition goals embodied in the Paris Agreement cannot be undertaken by "one industry, or one set of policymakers, or one country alone," he said during the keynote speech.

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The world's governments agreed in the 2015 Paris climate accord to limit global heating to well below 2C, compared to pre-industrial levels, and pursue efforts to limit the temperature rise to 1.5C. According to a March report by the International Energy Agency, emissions from Asia's developing economies and emerging markets grew more than other regions in 2022, up by 4.2%. More than half of this increase is attributed to coal-fired power generation.

An idealist's narrative?

Seeking to clamp down on the use of fossil fuels, or completely abandon it, may not necessarily be the way forward, Taufik said, adding that complete decarbonization overnight is an idealist's narrative. Including fossil fuels as part of the energy base, at least for the first half of the century, is needed if the world wants to move away from energy supply shocks, he said. "Unfortunately, the narrative to date has been driven by idealists. Extremists who believe there's a binary switch that overnight we can turn from System A to System B," he said, referring to System A as the inherent fossil fuel backed economy, and System B as decarbonizing to zero carbon overnight. The world has not thought about the full ecosystem that comes with implementing System B, such as the minerals and metals requirements and supply chain issues that need to be resolved first, Taufik added.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signaled he deterred his Russian counterpart and longtime ally Vladimir Putin from eliminating failed insurrectionist and Russian paramilitary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin after his attempted coup over the weekend.

"I also realized that a tough decision was taken (Putin hinted at it in his address)  to eliminate those involved. I suggested that Putin should not rush to do it. I suggested that I talk to Prigozhin, his commanders," Lukashenko said Tuesday, in unexpectedly frank and exhaustive comments reported by Belarusian state news agency Belta.

Lukashenko emerged as the unlikely mediator of an 11th-hour amnesty deal that agreed the withdrawal of Prigozhin's Russian militia Wagner troops, who had turned weapons to march on Moscow. For his part, Putin renounced insurgency charges against Prigozhin and allowed him to retreat into exile in Belarus  a historical ally of Russia that alleges it has taken delivery of Russian tactical nuclear weapons on its territory.

Against expectations, Lukashenko on Tuesday confirmed that Prigozhin  a "dead man walking," according to Ian Bremmer, president of the Eurasia Group  reached Belarus by private plane.

Lukashenko described a "completely euphoric" Prigozhin throughout their negotiations, who "talked using only swear words for about 30 minutes" and made forthright demands to speak with Putin and be handed over Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and army commander Valery Gerasimov  the frequent subjects of his discontent.

"No one will give you Shoigu or Gerasimov, especially in this situation," Lukashenko claims to have told Prigozhin. "You know Putin as much as I do. Secondly, he will not meet with you, he will not even talk on the phone with you in this situation."
President Joe Biden on Wednesday angrily denied that he was involved in an alleged shakedown of a Chinese businessman by his son Hunter Biden.

"No!" President Biden snapped at a reporter on the White House lawn when asked if he was "sitting there" or "involved" when his son sent a threatening WhatsApp text to businessman Henry Zhao on July 30, 2017.

"No I wasn't, and I won't," the president said as he left to the White House to fly to Chicago for an event.

The White House in recent days refused to comment on the WhatsApp message, and answer questions about whether Hunter Biden's alleged claim of being with the president when he sent it is true. The White House previously has said that President Biden was not involved in Hunter's business ventures.

The WhatsApp message came to light days after Hunter Biden agreed to plead guilty to two misdemeanor tax crimes in federal court in Delaware.

Former IRS agent Gary Shapley last month told the House Ways and Means Committee that an IRS search warrant had uncovered the WhatsApp message by Hunter Biden to Zhao about a proposed energy deal, according to testimony made public last week.

In that message, Hunter told Zhao, "I am sitting here with my father we would like to understand why the commitment has not been fulfilled."

At the time of the message, Joe Biden was a private citizen, having recently served as a two-term vice president. Before that, he served as a U.S. senator from Delaware for decades.

"Tell the director that I would like to resolve this now before it gets out of hand, and now means tonight," Hunter Biden wrote to Zhao, according to the transcript.

"And, Z, if I get a call or text from anyone involved in this other than you, Zhang, or the chairman, I will make certain that between the man sitting next to me and every person he knows and my ability to forever hold a grudge that you will regret not following my direction."

"I am sitting here waiting for the call with my father," Hunter Biden wrote.
As reports swirl about potential U.S. limits on semiconductor exports to China, a small division within the sprawling U.S. Department of Commerce is taking on an outsize role.

The Bureau of Industry and Security was described by Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo in 2021 as the "small but mighty" agency at the center of federal national security efforts. That's especially true now, with President Joe Biden considering stricter controls on the export of powerful artificial intelligence computing chips to the world's second-largest economy.

The BIS is responsible for implementing the U.S. export control regime, preventing critical high-tech and defense products from getting into the hands of the wrong companies or governments. The decisions made by the BIS about who can and can't access U.S. technology can have a major effect on corporate bottom lines.

Chipmakers have already taken a hit as a result of BIS-imposed restrictions. In 2022, the BIS warned Nvidia that new licensing requirements precluded the export of the company's advanced A100 and H100 chips to China without obtaining a license from the Commerce Department, part of the Biden administration's sweeping effort to curb Chinese technological advancement.

Nvidia warned in August 2022 that about $400 million in potential Chinese sales would be lost unless customers purchased "alternative product offerings." Just a few months later, Nvidia began to offer a watered-down version of its flagship AI chip for the Chinese market. Dubbed the A800, its lower-end specifications exempted it from Commerce Department licensing requirements.

But The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that even the less-powerful Nvidia offering could be restricted from export at the direction of President Biden. The BIS declined to comment on a potential tightening of export controls. Nvidia shares, which have soared 180% this year largely on AI hype, fell 2% after the WSJ story.

Through its Commerce Control List, the BIS can define which product specifications require licenses to be sold overseas. The criteria can be so specific that only a handful of commercially available items apply.

While the Commerce Control List isn't intended to single out any one vendor, there are very few companies that develop the kind of high-octane processors that power AI models. Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices lead that group.

If an export restriction were implemented, those companies would be responsible for ensuring their high-tech processors don't end up in the Chinese markets.

In one high-profile enforcement case, the BIS took aim at hard drive manufacturer Seagate over the company's decision to continue supplying Huawei after the Chinese company was blacklisted in 2020. Seagate was fined $300 million by the government. But the financial effect was much greater, as Seagate had a $1.1 billion business in China.

WATCH: Geopolitical tensions will benefit Korean memory makers
The AirNow Fire and Smoke map is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).

A screenshot of a map from AirNow.Gov shows air quality and smoke plumes on June 28, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. ET. A green dot indicates good air quality, yellow is moderate, orange is unhealthy for sensitive groups, red is unhealthy, purple is very unhealthy, and deep purple is hazardous. The AirNow Fire and Smoke map is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Forest Service.

Smoke from the wildfires burning in Canada is blowing south and causing dangerous air quality in New York state for the second time in a month.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul tweeted Wednesday afternoon that air quality health advisories were in effect for the state.

"Similar to what we saw a short time ago, the air quality is deteriorating very quickly in our state as a result of the Canadian wildfires," Hochul said in a press conference Tuesday. "That's the unfortunate news that we're experiencing. I would certainly say we did not deal with this in the years past. If you want to know the effects of climate change, you're going to feel it tomorrow in real time."

"This is not something that we're talking about future generations dealing with," Hochul said. "We are truly the first generation to feel the real effects of climate change."

City administrators will be working to alert residents of the hazardous air conditions on public transit and via cell phone alert systems. But Hochul advised residents to look up their zip codes on AirNow.gov for localized air quality readings. The fire and smoke map available on AirNow is a collaboration between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Forest Service.

New York administrators issued an air quality health advisory Wednesday for Western New York, Central New York and Eastern Lake Ontario regions, adding that the smoke is due to move east Thursday.

Air quality levels are expected to deteriorate from "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" to "Unhealthy" and for brief periods may even breach the threshold for "Very Unhealthy" or "Hazardous," according to Hochul's office. High-risk populations who are especially vulnerable to poor air quality include children, senior citizens, pregnant women and people with heart disease and respiratory issues, Hochul said Tuesday.
Pixdeluxe | E+ | Getty Images

Americans often worry about hitting specific money goals for retirement, but a new report finds that the decision to retire often happens independently of reaching that "magic number." U.S. households over the age of 55 control 74% of investable assets, but their retirement status has little to do with their asset levels, according to a new report from Hearts & Wallets. related investing news How to boost the cash flow even more from your fixed income investments The research firm analyzed U.S. Census Bureau and Federal Reserve data, and conducted a survey of 5,993 people in August and September 2022.

The report found that more than a third, 36%, of households ages 55 to 64 are already retired. In that age group, 27% are within five years of stopping full-time work and 37% expect to continue working full-time for more than five years. About a third, 35%, of people in that age group who have less than $50,000 in investable assets described themselves as retired. Among those with $2 million to just under $5 million set aside, 52% are retired. More from Personal Finance:

Americans think they need nearly $1.3 million to retire well

Fewer Americans are now living paycheck to paycheck

Why its important to spend on joy, according to an advisor There are also some older workers who haven't retired despite significant savings. Among survey respondents with $2 million to just under $5 million in investable assets, 82% of those ages 65 to 74 and about 94% of those 75 and older are retired. "Recognize not all older households are retired. Retirement is more about having the financial house in order by paying off debt and scaling back lifestyle than reaching an asset target," CEO and founder Laura Varas wrote in the report.

Retirement choices not always driven by assets

There are two major reasons people may delay their exit from the labor market, said Carolyn McClanahan, a certified financial planner and founder of Life Planning Partners in Jacksonville, Florida. She is also a member of the CNBC Financial Advisor Council. "There are some people that love to work, and that work brings them meaning, and they can't imagine not doing work, because its part of their well-being, and that's not a bad thing," said McClanahan, who is also a medical doctor. People who continue to work at that point make sure to maintain a balance where they can still enjoy their life.

A second group "lives out of fear," she said, and are unsure whether they have enough to retire. That may be especially true of those in the 55-plus age group, who may believe they have enough, but cannot predict whether they will live another four decades. "They fear that, 'If I quit and I lose my ability to work, and then the work falls apart, what am I going to do?' They live out of fear, and it keeps them from quitting work, even though they may want to," McClanahan said.

For those workers, figuring out their retirement needs may help overcome that fear. Analyze how much you spend and break it down into how much you're spending on the needs versus the wants, she said. "What do you need for your base lifestyle? And do you have enough money to support that should you no longer work?" McClanahan said. On the flip side, almost half, 47%, of workers end up retiring earlier than expected, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute's 2022 Retirement Confidence Survey. Of those, 32% pointed to a hardship such as illness or disability as the cause of their early exit, while 23% retired due to changes at their company, and 38% said they could afford to retire early.

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Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference during which he signed a bill to protect the digital rights of Floridians, on June 6, 2023 in Wildwood, Florida.

Attorneys for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suggested that a trial in Disney 's civil lawsuit against him should be scheduled months after the November 2024 presidential election.

DeSantis asked for the trial to start Aug. 4, 2025, more than two years after the company filed its complaint. But Disney contends it should begin on July 15, 2024, according to a filing in federal court in Tallahassee dated Tuesday.

If the court agrees with Disney, then the political retaliation case against DeSantis would go to trial on the first day of the Republican National Convention. The GOP governor is a top contender for the party's nomination for president.

Disney declined to comment on whether its proposed trial date was a coincidence or a deliberate move. Lawyers for DeSantis did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Disney's lawsuit against DeSantis and other Florida officials is only the latest battleground in a long-running feud between the state's powerful governor and one of its top employers.

Shortly after Disney criticized the controversial state classroom bill derided as "Don't Say Gay" by critics, DeSantis and his Republican allies targeted the special tax district that has allowed Florida's Walt Disney World to effectively self-govern its operations for decades.

In February, DeSantis replaced the district's five-member board with his preferred picks. In March, those new members accused Disney of stripping them of their power by striking long-term development contracts shortly before they took charge. The DeSantis-backed board accused the company of undermining its authority over the district and voted to void the contracts.

Disney sued, alleging a "targeted campaign of government retaliation" by DeSantis in response to speech protected by the First Amendment. The company is asking the court to restore the contracts and Disney World's self-governing status. The board has countersued in state court.

The latest federal court filing  a joint report following a June 15 videoconference between the parties in the case  came one day after DeSantis filed a motion to dismiss Disney's lawsuit. His attorneys argued that he and at least one other defendant are "immune" from the suit and that Disney lacks standing to sue them.
The pan-European Stoxx 600 provisionally closed 0.7% higher, with tech stocks adding 2% to lead gains as most sectors and major bourses advanced. Mining stocks bucked the positive trend to fall by 1.2%.

European equity markets climbed on Wednesday after tentatively breaking their losing streak at the end of Tuesday's session.

Investors closely monitored a panel at the European Central Bank forum in Sintra, Portugal, attended by ECB President Christine Lagarde, Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda.

Powell said there was "more restriction coming," with hikes at consecutive meetings still on the table, as he referenced continued strength in the labor market.

Bailey defended the BOE's decision last week to enact a 50 basis point hike, when a 25 basis point rise had been widely expected. "Our job is to return inflation to target and we will do what is necessary. I understand the concerns that go with that, but I'm afraid I always say that it is a worse outcome if we don't get inflation back to target," he told the panel, moderated by CNBC's Sara Eisen.

Markets received a boost from a slew of data out of the U.S. on Tuesday that eased concerns about a sharp economic slowdown, with increases registered in key capital goods orders and consumer confidence.

At the Sintra forum on Tuesday, participants delivered a "higher for longer" message on rates. ECB Governing Council member Martins Kazaks told CNBC that markets were pricing in rate cuts too soon and at too fast a pace. Kazaks said he believes "next year is way too early" to think about cuts.

U.S. stocks were flat, while Asia-Pacific markets were mixed as the region digests May inflation figures out of Australia and China releases its industrial profits for May.

Correction: This story has been updated to remove an inaccurate description and video graphic that misrepresented Amazon's current engagement with Ocado.
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Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, speaks at a cloud computing conference held by the company in 2019. Michael Short | Bloomberg | Getty Images

LONDON  Google is having productive early conversations with regulators in the European Union about the bloc's groundbreaking artificial intelligence regulations and how it and other companies can build AI safely and responsibly, the head of the company's cloud computing division told CNBC. The internet search pioneer is working on tools to address a number of the bloc's worries surrounding AI  including the concern it may become harder to distinguish between content that's been generated by humans and that which has been produced by AI. related investing news How 3 big tech companies are capitalizing on AI "We're having productive conversations with the EU government. Because we do want to find a path forward," Thomas Kurian said in an interview, speaking with CNBC exclusively from the company's office in London. "These technologies have risk, but they also have enormous capability that generate true value for people." Kurian said that Google is working on technologies to ensure that people can distinguish between human and AI generated content. The company unveiled a "watermarking" solution that labels AI-generated images at its I/O event last month. It hints at how Google and other major tech companies are working on means of bringing private sector-driven oversight to AI ahead of formal regulations on the technology. AI systems are evolving at a breakneck pace, with tools like ChatGPT and Stability Diffusion able to produce things that extend beyond the possibilities of past iterations of the technology. ChatGPT and tools like it are increasingly being used by computer programmers as companions to help them generate code, for example.

A key concern from EU policymakers and regulators further afield, though, is that generative AI models have lowered the barrier to mass production of content based on copyright-infringing material, and could harm artists and other creative professionals who rely on royalties to make money. Generative AI models are trained on huge sets of publicly available internet data, much of which is copyright-protected. Earlier this month, members of the European Parliament approved legislation aimed at bringing oversight to AI deployment in the bloc. The law, known as the EU AI Act, includes provisions to ensure the training data for generative AI tools doesn't violate copyright laws. "We have lots of European customers building generative AI apps using our platform," Kurian said. "We continue to work with the EU government to make sure that we understand their concerns." "We are providing tools, for example, to recognize if the content was generated by a model. And that is equally important as saying copyright is important, because if you can't tell what was generated by a human or what was generated by a model, you wouldn't be able to enforce it." AI has become a key battleground in the global tech industry as companies compete for a leading role in developing the technology  particularly generative AI, which can generate new content from user prompts. What generative AI is capable of, from producing music lyrics to generating code, has wowed academics and boardrooms. But it has also led to worries around job displacement, misinformation, and bias.

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Several top researchers and employees within Google's own ranks have expressed concern with how quickly the pace of AI is moving. Google employees dubbed the company's announcement of Bard, its generative AI chatbot to rival Microsoft-backed OpenAI's ChatGPT, as "rushed," "botched," and "un-Googley" in messages on the internal forum Memegen, for example. Several former high-profile researchers at Google have also sounded the alarm on the company's handling of AI and what they say is a lack of attention to the ethical development of such technology. They include Timnit Gebru, the former co-lead of Google's ethical AI team, after raising alarm about the company's internal guidelines on AI ethics, and Geoffrey Hinton, the machine learning pioneer known as the "Godfather of AI," who left the company recently due to concerns its aggressive push into AI was getting out of control. To that end, Google's Kurian wants global regulators to know it's not afraid of welcoming regulation. "We have said quite widely that we welcome regulation," Kurian told CNBC. "We do think these technologies are powerful enough, they need to be regulated in a responsible way, and we are working with governments in the European Union, United Kingdom and in many other countries to ensure they are adopted in the right way." Elsewhere in the global rush to regulate AI, the U.K. has introduced a framework of AI principles for regulators to enforce themselves rather than write into law its own formal regulations. Stateside, President Joe Biden's administration and various U.S. government agencies have also proposed frameworks for regulating AI. The key gripe among tech industry insiders, however, is that regulators aren't the fastest movers when it comes to responding to innovative new technologies. This is why many companies are coming up with their own approaches for introducing guardrails around AI, instead of waiting for proper laws to come through. WATCH: A.I. is not in a hype cycle, it's 'transformational technology,' says Wedbush Securities' Dan Ives
David Solomon, Chairman and CEO, Goldman Sachs, participates in a panel discussion during the annual Milken Institute Global Conference at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on April 29, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. Michael Kovac | Getty Images Entertainment | Getty Images

India has a "very, very high growth trajectory," but bureaucratic challenges persist, CEO of Goldman Sachs David Solomon said in an exclusive interview with the Economic Times. Economists at the investment bank expect India's economy to grow by 6% to 7% over the next three years, Solomon said. "It's especially exciting as businesses around the world continue to diversify supply chains and think differently about where there is growth and where they can do business," he told the Indian news publication. "It's a fascinating time to really take stock of what's going on here."

There's a great opportunity here because of the population size and growth, but there are challenges in terms of how certain parts of bureaucratic structure work... David Solomon CEO of Goldman Sachs

The CEO spoke about deglobalization and what it means amid "U.S.-China decoupling," a term that refers to the dismantling of economic reliance between the two rivals. "A great deal has happened in the world and I think looking at India, people see opportunity. They see it with a slightly different lens than they did back in 2019," he said.

U.S.-China rivalry

To be clear, he does not think the U.S. and China are decoupling. He said there will be changes to the terms of engagement going forward, "but that is different from a complete economic decoupling. In turn, it presents a very interesting opportunity for India, but it's also not without challenges." Still, he said that investing in the country comes with its own set of challenges.
Jensen Huang, president and CEO of Nvidia, speaks during the Computex Show in Taipei on May 30, 2017.

Nvidia's powerful semiconductors have taken on particular importance as their capacity to fuel artificial intelligence has become increasingly sought after.

But their unique capacity is also what's made China hawks in the U.S. fearful about what it could mean for them to get into the wrong hands, where they could be used to accelerate the spread of nondemocratic ideas or develop autonomous weapons.

"If the democratic side is not in the lead on the technology, and authoritarians get ahead, we put the whole of democracy and human rights at risk," Eileen Donahoe, a former U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Human Rights Council and now executive director of Stanford University's Global Digital Policy Incubator, told NBC in a recent interview.

With U.S. AI executives warning the government that China is not far behind in its development of the transformative technology, U.S. policymakers believe there's deep urgency in taking steps to stay ahead.

That's why the Commerce Department is reportedly considering new limits on the export of such chips to China, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday. Nvidia had already created a version of the A100, its popular AI chip, that it could sell to the Chinese market. The A800 was made to stay within performance parameters previously outlined by the Commerce Department.

But the new limits reportedly being considered by the Biden administration would restrict even those sales without a license.
Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal, Palantir Technologies, and Founders Fund, holds hundred dollar bills as he speaks during the Bitcoin 2022 Conference at Miami Beach Convention Center on April 7, 2022 in Miami, Florida.

A nonprofit group funded by Republican megadonor Peter Thiel appears to have donated $3 million to a group that has financed some left-leaning organizations and aligned with progressive elements of the Democratic Party, according to tax documents first reviewed by CNBC.

The Thiel Foundation, a 501(c)(3) which the tech investor founded and funds entirely himself, gave the sum to the New Venture Fund in 2021, according to 990 tax forms.

The New Venture Fund is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(3) group that for years has acted as a major funder for some groups aligned with the Democratic Party. It's also known as a so-called "dark money" organization since it does not publicly disclose the names of its donors. The New Venture Fund raised over $950 million in 2021, according to the group's records.

The listed donation to the New Venture Fund coincided with Thiel helping Republican candidates during the 2022 midterms. He gave more than $35 million toward GOP causes throughout the two-year election cycle, according to data from the nonpartisan OpenSecrets. Thiel has since said he does not plan to financially support individual Republican candidates running for office during the 2024 elections.

Thiel's listed donation to the New Venture Fund could have been earmarked for a less partisan organization that the fund helps finance, according Anna Massoglia of OpenSecrets, who reviewed the documents.

Massoglia suggested another scenario: that accountants for the Thiel Foundation may have filled out the forms incorrectly.

"While some of New Venture Fund's grantees are left-leaning, others do not have a prominent ideological leaning," Massoglia, an editorial and investigations manager at OpenSecrets, said in an email. "Some nonprofits also use New Venture Fund as a passthrough to fund other groups so it is not outside of the realm of possibility that Thiel's foundation was funding a specific group through it."

"I would also leave open the possibility that the accountant or lawyer who filled out the tax form might have looked up the wrong organization as well," Massoglia said.

The New York Times reported in 2022 that Thiel was among a group of donors working to combat the advantage Democrats have had within the "dark money" battle. Thiel has an estimated net worth of over $9 billion.

OpenSecrets reported that such organizations spent and donated over $295 million during the 2022 midterm elections. One Nation, a 501(c)(4) group aligned with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., poured more than $120 million into the 2022 midterms.

The Thiel Foundation's $3 million listed donation to the New Venture Fund represents the second-largest contribution it made in 2021. The biggest donation, over $4 million, went to the Donors Trust, a 501(c)(3) donor advisory fund that allow givers to send money to the nonprofit and then that contribution is funneled to a group of their choice. The Donors Trust often acts as a major funder for conservative leaning nonprofit groups. It raised over $1 billion in 2021, according to tax documents.

"You typically don't see grants to Donors Trust and the New Venture Fund on the same 990," Brendan Fischer, a deputy executive director at the watchdog Documented, told CNBC after reviewing the tax form. "And based on the address, the recipient of the $3 million Thiel Foundation grant does appear to be the same New Venture Fund that supports progressive causes."

The address for the New Venture Fund donation on the Thiel's foundation forms is listed as 21828 L Street NW Suite 300-A Washington D.C., 20036. The New Venture Fund's 2021 tax form lists a similar address of 1828 L Street NW Suite 300-A Washington D.C., 20036. A search on Google Maps provided no results for 21828 L Street NW in Washington D.C.

Tax records since 2013 show the Thiel Foundation hadn't donated to the New Venture Fund before 2021. The records do not say what the donation to the New Venture Fund was meant for. A spokesman for Thiel and the foundation did not return a request for comment. The accountant listed on the Thiel Foundation's forms did not return a request for comment.

A representative for the New Venture Fund did not return a request for comment.

During the same year as the Thiel donation, the New Venture Fund donated over $7 million to America Votes, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit voting rights group focused on educating people on how to vote by mail, according to other tax records. A nonprofit financed by billionaire and Democratic megadonor George Soros gave over $16 million to America Votes over that same time period.

The New Venture Fund is part of a network of left-leaning nonprofits guided by philanthropic advisory firm Arabella Advisors. The firm was paid just under $30 million in 2021 by the New Venture Fund for administration, operations and management services, according to the nonprofit's tax forms.

The Sixteen Thirty Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization with an almost identical address as the New Venture Fund, paid Arabella Advisors $5 million for their services in 2021, according to other tax records. The Sixteen Thirty Fund received a grant of just over $27 million from the New Venture Fund that year, records show. The group raised over $180 million in 2021, according to the records.

Just like the New Venture Fund and the Donors Trust, the Sixteen Thirty Fund does not publicly disclose its donors.
Russian President Vladimir Putin speeches during his meeting with officers of Russian army and secret services who prevented invasion of PMC Wagner Group to Russian capital last weekend, on June 27, 2023 in Moscow, Russia.

President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday thanked Russia's army and security services for preventing what he described as a civil war when faced with an armed mutiny over the weekend.

Speaking inside the Kremlin, Putin told around 2,500 members of the military, security forces, and the National Guard that they had defended their "motherland" against chaos.

"You have defended the constitutional order, the lives, security and freedom of our citizens. You have saved our Motherland from upheaval. In fact, you have stopped a civil war," Putin said.

"In this difficult situation, you have acted precisely and harmoniously, you have proved by your deeds your loyalty to the Russian people and the military oath. You have shown your responsibility for the fate of our Motherland and its future," he added.

The Kremlin said earlier Tuesday it did not agree with assessments that the weekend's escalation led by the Wagner mercenary group had shaken Putin's two-decade hold on power.

Putin also told those assembled on the Kremlin's Cathedral Square that an unspecified number of Russian military pilots had been killed when trying to stop the advance of the mutineers

"In the confrontation with the insurgents our comrades-in-arms, the aviators died," said Putin.

"They did not falter and carried out their orders and their military duty with honor," he added, requesting a minute's silence for the dead pilots.

Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, whose removal Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin had demanded, was also present on the square.

 Karen Gilchrist
Samsung Electronics on Wednesday laid out its road map to expand its chip manufacturing business, including leading-edge semiconductors, as it looks to catch up with leader Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co .

Perhaps best known for its smartphones, the South Korean technology company has a huge semiconductor business that is its main profit driver. It makes memory chips that go into data centers and laptops.

But Samsung also has a chip manufacturing business known as a foundry, which produces semiconductors for other companies that design chips, such as Qualcomm .

Earlier this year, Samsung said it would begin making chips with a 2-nanometer process in 2025. The company has now given a more detailed road map, saying it will begin mass production of the 2-nm process for mobile applications in 2025, then expand to high-performance computing in 2026 and to automotive in 2027.
Boxes of General Mills Lucky Charms cereal are displayed on a shelf at a Safeway store in San Anselmo, California, April 18, 2022.

Check out the companies making headlines in premarket trading.

General Mills  Shares dropped 3.9% following mixed fiscal fourth-quarter results. The Betty Crocker and Cheerios owner beat Wall Street expectations on earnings, reporting $1.12 in adjusted earnings per share against a Refinitiv consensus estimate of $1.07 per share. But General Mills missed on revenue, posting $5.03 billion while analysts forecast $5.17 billion.

Nvidia , Advanced Micro Devices  The chip stocks lost 3.1% and 2.8%, respectively, after The Wall Street Journal reported that the Biden administration was looking at possible new restrictions on exporting artificial intelligence chips to China. The iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) slipped more than 2%.

Pinterest  Shares of the social media platform jumped nearly 5% in the premarket after Wells Fargo upgraded the stock to overweight from equal weight. The Wall Street bank said Pinterest is making the strategic move to outsource monetization to third parties to overcome its attribution and scale challenges, including a partnership with Amazon.

Snowflake  The data cloud stock rose 1.7% in premarket trading coming off the company's investor day Tuesday, at which Snowflake reiterated full-year guidance. Goldman Sachs reiterated its buy rating on the stock following the event, while Morgan Stanley said it would stay at overweight.

ZoomInfo  Shares of the software company added 3.9% in premarket trading after Needham initiated coverage of ZoomInfo with a buy rating. Needham said in a note to clients that ZoomInfo has "best in class unit economics." Morgan Stanley also reiterated its overweight rating on ZoomInfo.

 CNBC's Yun Li and Jesse Pound contributed reporting.
Attorney for the President, Rudy Giuliani speaks to the media at a press conference held in the back parking lot of landscaping company on November 7, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Rudy Giuliani, a former top lawyer for Donald Trump, met in recent weeks with federal prosecutors who are investigating the ex-president for his efforts to reverse his loss in the 2020 election, NBC News confirmed Wednesday.

Giuliani led the legal fight by Trump's campaign to overturn President Joe Biden's victory in the election during the weeks before it was confirmed by a joint session of Congress that began meeting on Jan. 6, 2021.

The news of Giuliani's voluntary interview with special counsel Jack Smith's prosecutors came before his investigators met Wednesday in Atlanta with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger as part of that criminal probe.

Trump, in an early January 2021 phone call, unsuccessfully pressured Raffensperger to "find" him enough votes in Georgia to overturn Biden's victory in that state. Georgia was one of several states that gave Biden his margin of victory in the Electoral College, the body that actually selects American presidents after the popular vote.

The call to Raffensperger occurred days before the joint session of Congress convened to certify the Electoral College results. The joint session was interrupted for hours by a mob of Trump supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Raffensperger's office in a statement after his meeting with prosecutors Wednesday said, "Georgia is a national leader in election security, integrity, and access."

"Failed candidates and their enablers have peddled false narratives about our elections for personal gain for a long time and the voters of Georgia aren't buying it," the office said.

Ted Goodman, a spokesman for Giuliani, said the former New York mayor met with Smith's prosecutors along with his own attorney Robert Costello in recent weeks, NBC News reported.

"The appearance was entirely voluntary and conducted in a professional manner," Goodman said.

CNN first reported that Giuliani had met with Smith's investigators.

Costello last August told CNBC that Giuliani had been named a target of a separate criminal probe by a Georgia prosecutor who is investigating Trump for his attempt to undo his loss in 2020 in the state. The prosecutor, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, is expected to announce coming weeks whether she is filing charges against Trump and his allies in the election-reversal effort.

Giuliani in December 2020 spoke to Georgia lawmakers and made a series of claims about purported election fraud as he urged them to appoint a slate of pro-Trump electors to the Electoral College.

Earlier this month, Smith obtained a Florida federal court indictment against Trump charging him with dozens of criminal counts related to his retention of classified records after he left the White House, and his alleged efforts with aide Walt Nauta to hide them from government officials.

Trump, who is seeking the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has pleaded not guilty in that case, where he is accused of keeping hundreds of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida.
Former House Speaker Paul Ryan said Wednesday he believes the 2024 Republican presidential nominee will "for sure" be able to unseat President Joe Biden  unless that person is former President Donald Trump.

"It's a disaster if we nominate Trump," Ryan, who also serves on the board of Fox News' parent company, told CNBC's "Squawk Box."

Ryan had been asked about remarks from another GOP Trump critic, former Rep. Liz Cheney, who said at a conference Tuesday that Democrats are "playing with fire" if they assume they can beat Trump in the general election.

Cheney is right that Trump "could win," Ryan said, but "I think we lose with him."

"I think we're much more likely to lose  we haven't won anything with him since he first won in '16," Ryan said of Trump. "We lost the House in '18, the presidency in '20, the Senate in '20, and we could have won the Senate in 2022 but for him."

"I'm for anybody not named Trump," he added, "because I think we beat Biden for sure if we nominate a Republican not named Trump."

Ryan also brushed aside a reference to his status as a Fox Corp. board member when he was jokingly asked if Chairman Rupert Murdoch would tell him who to endorse in 2024.

Ryan had come under pressure for staying on that board as court documents in a high-profile defamation case revealed Fox hosts privately expressed doubt about Trump's false election fraud claims that were aired on the network. That defamation case settled for more than $787 million.

"I'm going to endorse whoever I want," Ryan said in response.

A spokesman for Trump's campaign did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment.

Ryan had an at-times testy political relationship with Trump, and since leaving Congress in 2019 has openly criticized the former president. He acknowledged that he has been making the case against Trump "for a long time," and that Trump's base "doesn't like a person like me."

Indeed, Ryan had reportedly sworn off campaigning for Trump in the final weeks of the 2016 election, when his campaign appeared to be imperiled following the release of the now-infamous "Access Hollywood" tape of Trump bragging about groping women.
Engineers from a Thames Water leak hunting team unloads equipment from their van during a night shift in London, UK, on Wednesday, May 2, 2023. The chief executive of Britain's biggest water supplier stepped down with immediate effect on Tuesday.

The British government has held emergency talks over the fate of the country's biggest water supplier, Thames Water, and said it is ready for any outcome, including temporary state ownership, as the company buckles under huge debts.

Thames Water, which supplies about 27% of Britain's population, said it had strong liquidity and was "continuing to work constructively" with its shareholders to help raise the 1 billion pounds ($1.3 billion) of fresh equity it says it needs to operate.

The government has held talks with the regulator Ofwat about the situation, one government official said, while water minister Rebecca Pow said it would act to ensure water keeps flowing regardless of the company's financial situation.

"There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes with Thames Water to ensure that customers will not be impacted and there is a process in place if necessary to move us to the next stage," she told parliament on Wednesday.

Water companies in England and Wales have become a huge political headache for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative government amid a public outcry over the release of sewage into rivers and seas, and rising bills, which have raised questions over the Conservatives' privatisation of the sector in 1989.

Sky News reported earlier that, under contingency plans being drawn up, Thames Water could be placed into a "special administration regime", effectively state ownership, should it collapse under its 14 billion pound debt pile.

That happened in 2021 in the energy supply sector, which like water is also a privatised regulated industry, when the government rescued energy supplier Bulb after it collapsed, in a deal which cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of pounds.

Asked specifically about the Thames Water's finances, minister Pow said they were a matter for its owners, which include a Canadian pension fund.

"We need to make sure that Thames Water as an entity survives," business and trade minister Kemi Badenoch told Sky News. "My colleagues across government are looking at what we can do."

Ofwat said it had been in ongoing talks with Thames Water about the need for a credible plan to turn the business around.
Here are Wednesday's biggest calls on Wall Street. Goldman Sachs reiterates Nvidia as buy Goldman said it's standing by its buy rating on the stock despite reports of restrictions on artificial intelligence chip exports to China. "That said, we continue to expect consistent outperformance from NVDA over the medium to long term, given the significant growth opportunity set available to the company outside of China across cloud service providers, consumer internet companies, and other/general enterprises." Goldman Sachs reiterates Snowflake as buy Goldman said it's standing by its buy rating after the company's investor day. "The event bolstered our conviction in SNOW's ability to potentially exceed its $10bn product revenue target in F29 owing to 1) durability of core data warehousing, 2) upside optionality predicated on several adjacent markets with significant upside pivoted around Generative AI." JPMorgan reiterates Pepsi as overweight JPMorgan said Pepsi is a "safe haven" heading into earnings in July. "We See Upside to Estimates/Guidance if the Consumer Environment Remains Benign, as Management Seems to be Embedding Negative Volume Performance in its Guidance." JPMorgan reiterates Nike as overweight JPMorgan said it's staying bullish heading into earnings Thursday. "We see NKE's brand momentum across geographies as sustainable and providing insulation to macro volatility and supporting sustainable multi-year +HSD-LDD (high single digits low double digits) top-line growth." Wells Fargo upgrades Pinterest to overweight from equal weight Wells Fargo said it sees "above-consensus revenue growth" for Pinterest. "AMZN partnership live ahead of '23 holidays, improving engagement trends and higher ad load will allow PINS to deliver accelerating and above-consensus revenue growth. See strong catalyst path over next 6-12 mos. Raising ests. and U/G to OW." Read more about this call here. Daiwa downgrades Uber to outperform from strong buy Daiwa downgraded Uber mainly on valuation. "We are raising our 2024E adj. EBITDA to $5.2bn from $5bn prior, to reflect higher bookings (GB) growth at Mobility operations and increased profitability at Delivery." Canaccord initiates Deere as buy Canaccord said Deere is well-positioned for the long term. " DE is at the center of precision Ag enablement through autonomy, data acquisition, and precision planting." Oppenheimer reiterates Netflix as outperform Oppenheimer raised its price target on Netflix to $500 per share from $450 and said it likes the company's ad-tiered plan. "Increasing target to $500 (was $450) in anticipation of higher subscribers on bullish indicators for Paid Sharing and higher rev/sub with potential discontinuation of lowest priced ad-free plan (testing in Canada)." Deutsche Bank downgrades Walgreens to hold from buy Deutsche Bank downgraded the stock after its disappointing earnings results earlier this week. "As these were the two key pillars of our investment of WBA shares in November 2022, we now have less confidence in the turnaround of either segment, and are downgrading WBA shares to Hold from Buy." Read more about this call here. Canccord downgrades Regeneron to hold from buy Canaccord downgraded the stock due to lower expectations for Regeneron's retinal drug. "We are downgrading to HOLD from Buy and adjusting our PT to $720 from $953 based on lower expectations for EYLEA performance in 2023." RBC initiates Workday as outperform RBC said it sees a long runway for growth for Workday. "We are initiating coverage on Workday Inc. with an Outperform rating and $275 price target, as we believe there is a long runway of 20%+ subscription growth driven by the continued displacements of legacy solutions." Deutsche Bank initiates Western Alliance as hold Deutsche Bank said the regional bank's "funding pressures persist." "We are initiating coverage on Western Alliance , (ticker WAL with a market cap of ~$4b and total assets of $71b), with a HOLD rating and TP of $41. This represents 10-15% upside potential vs. the 6/26 closing price." Morgan Stanley reiterates CarMax as overweight Morgan Stanley said the used car company is a "high quality" play. "Following a 1Q beat and what we expect to be a 'softer landing' for the used market this year, we raise our estimates for KMX." Morgan Stanley names Delta a top pick Morgan Stanley said the stock is a top pick after its investor day Tuesday. " Delta's Investor Day focused on the customer experience to burnish its credentials as the best airline brand in the country. Along the way, we also got raised 2Q/FY23 guidance and all the building blocks to get to $10 EPS/$4 bn FCF by 2025." Read more about this call here. Barclays initiates CME as overweight Barclays initiated the exchange company and said it has an attractive valuation. "Across the board, these are all high-quality businesses; our preferences are for areas where we see strong secular trends (e.g., fixed income trading electronification  TW and MKTX) and attractive valuation ( CME )." Bank of America upgrades Old Dominion and XPO to buy from neutral Bank of America said in its upgrade of Old Dominion and XPO that it prefers nonunion shippers. "Our ratings upgrades focus on non-union carriers given their more flexible cost structure, who have continued to gain share, vs. union carriers." Needham initiates ZoomInfo Technologies as buy Needham said it sees an attractive entry point into the stock. "We initiate coverage of ZoomInfo with a Buy rating and $35 price target as we view the current valuation an attractive entry point for investors who are willing to wait for a recovery in broader demand trends for the company's solutions." CFRA downgrades Carnival to hold from buy CFRA said it's turning more cautious on the stock. "Considering CCL's high leverage, the potential for weaker booking or cost trends, and the recent rise in share price, we advise more caution." Atlantic Equities initiates First Citizens BancShares as overweight Atlantic Equities said First Citizens is undervalued. "With the stock trading at just 7.5x 12-month forward EPS and 0.8x FY24 TBVPS with a forecast ROTE of 12-13%, we believe the stock is substantially undervalued and initiate with an Overweight recommendation." Read more about this call here. Oppenheimer reiterates Visa as outperform Oppenheimer said it's standing by the stock as a top pick despite its exposure to student debt. "Looking at our space at a glance, the largest beneficiary with the moratorium resumption is SOFI (more origination revenue) while V/ MA likely somewhat impacted as more spending moves to bill payment vs consumption." KeyBanc upgrades Lincoln Electric to overweight from sector weight KeyBanc said the electric manufacturing company is "high-quality." "We have long considered LECO a high-quality franchise with a strong management team, but we often got hung up on valuation. With its move toward automation and now EV charging stations, we have become less focused on NT cycle considerations and are more interested in LECO's LT track record of smart strategic positioning."
Founder of Wagner private mercenary group Yevgeny Prigozhin leaves a cemetery before the funeral of Russian military blogger Maxim Fomin widely known by the name of Vladlen Tatarsky, who was recently killed in a bomb attack in a St Petersburg cafe, in Moscow, Russia, April 8, 2023. Yulia Morozova | Reuters

Once a close ally and caterer to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Yevgeny Prigozhin now finds himself exiled to Belarus after leading his private mercenary group in an armed mutiny against the Russian military. Within 24 hours of a Wagner Group rebellion in which mercenaries shot down Russian fighter jets and took over the southern city of Rostov-on-Don, Prigozhin halted the militia's march on Moscow in a deal that allowed him to flee the country. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko confirmed late on Tuesday that Prigozhin had arrived in Belarus and said other Wagner mercenaries had been offered accommodation at an abandoned naval base if they wish to join him. Some analysts characterized last weekend's unprecedented uprising as the most damaging moment in Putin's 23 years in power and suggest this will not be the last of Prigozhin and the Wagner Group, which includes thousands of former convicts recruited from Russian jails. Despite the apparent amnesty granted in exchange for halting the offensive, Eurasia Group President Ian Bremmer told CNBC on Monday that Prigozhin is a "dead man walking."

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In the absence of further details on the deal struck between Prigozhin and the Kremlin, analysts are broadly uncertain as to what the future holds for the Wagner Group and its leader. The Russian security service has said it will not prosecute the Wagner Group  but, in a televised address, Putin said that the organizers of the insurrection would be "brought to justice," without mentioning Prigozhin by name. Atlantic Council CEO Fred Kempe told CNBC's "The Exchange" that this would not be a "one-act play" for either the Russian president or his former friend. "Will Prigozhin remain alive in Belarus? Where will he go, will he continue to command the Wagner troops, which, by the way, are filthy rich and making money off gold mines and other things across Africa and also in Syria, and who will they take their orders from? Will they take their orders from Putin, or will they take them from Prigozhin?" Kempe mused, adding that the unknowns at this stage are the most important aspect of Prigozhin's banishment.

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The weekend events marked the culmination of a long-running feud between Prigozhin and the Russian armed forces. Wagner's presence in Ukraine was integral to the Russian war effort, but its leader became increasingly vocal in recent months about perceived incompetence among the Kremlin's military top brass, blaming generals for substantial losses sustained by the mercenary group. Christopher Granville, managing director of EMEA and global politics research at TS Lombard, said Prigozhin's various diatribes on the Telegram messaging app over the last month, which challenged the entire premise for the war as laid out by Putin, may have "planted a seed that will germinate in Russian society turning against the war." "To the extent that Prigozhin has indicated what he himself would do if he was in charge (something which this weekend's events show to be his goal), his vague and contradictory statements boil down to saying that now that this mistaken war is happening, Russia must fully mobilize under new leadership to fight it to a successful conclusion," Granville said in a weekend note.

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"This stance puts Prigozhin at the hard nationalist end of the domestic political spectrum. But his critique of the war will have struck a chord with the anti-war minority in Russian society as well as with the majority core of society that is apathetically/passively loyal to the Putin system despite varying degrees of disquiet about the war." The extent to which Prigozhin's hard-line criticism of the Russian war effort resonated will be an ongoing concern for Putin, and some analysts believe this has cleared the way for another attempt to seize control for himself, or for other warlords to fill the void. Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul told CNBC earlier this week that the risk of the Kremlin being perceived as weak can fuel skepticism that Prigozhin's quiet retirement in Belarus will play out as stated. "I'm not sure Putin can afford to allow this guy, who's become very popular all of a sudden, to sit in Belarus and just remain quiet. I suspect that there is something more that will be done with Mr. Prigozhin," he said.

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The company, Marion Biotech, bought the ingredient  propylene glycol (PG)  from trader Maya Chemtech India, as reported by Reuters. But Maya did not have a licence to sell pharmaceutical-grade materials.

The Indian manufacturer of cough syrups that Uzbekistan said last year had poisoned 19 children used a toxic industrial-grade ingredient rather than the legitimate pharmaceutical version, two sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

The company, Marion Biotech, bought the ingredient  propylene glycol (PG)  from trader Maya Chemtech India, as reported by Reuters. But Maya did not have a licence to sell pharmaceutical-grade materials and "dealt in industrial-grade only," according to a source at the firm with knowledge of the Marion investigation.

"We did not know Marion was going to use it to make cough syrups," said the person, who declined to be identified while the case is investigated. "We are not told where our material is used."

The two sources said the syrup was made with industrial-grade PG, a toxic material widely used in liquid detergents, antifreeze, paints or coatings, and to enhance the effectiveness of pesticides.

"Marion bought commercial-grade propylene glycol," said a second source, an investigator, who declined to be named while the inquiry is ongoing.

"They were supposed to take Indian Pharmacopoeia-grade," the source added, referring to national standards for the composition of pharmaceutical products.

Marion also did not test the ingredient before using it in the syrups it sold to Uzbekistan, the investigator said.

India's drugs and cosmetics rules say manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety of ingredients they use.

Maya is not facing charges, according to the company source, but the investigation is ongoing. Deepak Sharma, an Assistant Drugs Controller for the national capital territory of Delhi, where Maya is based, declined to comment, saying the case was being investigated by federal drugs authorities.

Marion, which says it deals in pharmaceuticals, herbal and cosmetics products, has previously denied any wrongdoing. Neither the company, nor India's drug regulator or health ministry responded to requests for comment.

An analysis last year by Uzbekistan's health ministry showed the Marion-made cough syrups, Ambronol and DOK-1 Max, contained unacceptable amounts of toxins diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG), used in products that are not for human consumption.

Uzbekistan in January arrested four people in relation to the 19 deaths, including two executives at a company that imported the Marion drugs. Reuters could not establish the status of the case.

Uzbekistan's health ministry did not respond to a question on possible penalties there.

"SPURIOUS AND ADULTERATED"

DEG and EG have been used by unscrupulous actors as a substitute for propylene glycol because they are cheaper, according to pharmaceutical manufacturing experts.

The World Health Organization told Reuters earlier this month its working theory is that in 2021, when prices of propylene glycol spiked, one or more suppliers mixed the cheaper toxic liquids with the legitimate chemical.

Asked to comment on the ingredients used by Marion, a WHO spokesperson said, "it is important that product manufacturers only use appropriately qualified suppliers."

Tests in January by an Indian government laboratory found 22 samples of Marion-made syrups were "adulterated and spurious," the country's drug controller said in March.

Authorities in the state of Uttar Pradesh, where Marion is based, cancelled Marion's licence in March. Police arrested three of its employees and issued warrants for the arrest of two directors. The three employees have since been released on bail, said Uttar Pradesh police officer Vijay Kumar.

One of them, operations head Tuhin Bhattacharya, said he had stopped working for Marion, which Reuters could not verify. Reuters could not contact the other two, chemists Mool Singh and Atul Rawat, or their lawyers.

A lawyer for the two Marion directors told the state's Allahabad High Court in April that the drugs had been found "not of standard quality" but not adulterated, adding that the directors had not committed any offence in India as the drugs were meant exclusively for export, according to a court order seen by Reuters.

The court barred police from arresting the directors, Jaya Jain and Sachin Jain, unless they had been convicted. Their lawyer, Rohan Gupta, did not respond; Reuters could not reach the directors.

India's drug regulator ordered the country's drugmakers not to buy PG from Maya in March, Reuters has reported.

STANDARDS

Besides the deaths in Uzbekistan, at least 70 children died in Gambia last year after taking cough syrups made by another company in India that were found to be contaminated with the toxins, and tainted cough syrups made in Indonesia were linked to the deaths of more than 200 children there.

The deaths prompted an international inquiry into the pharmaceutical supply chain.

International standards allow only trace amounts of EG and DEG in pharmaceutical-grade propylene glycol. Limits for the industrial or commercial grade version are not as stringent, because they are not supposed to be ingested by humans.

The toxins were found in cough syrups exported to Gambia by the other Indian company, Maiden Pharmaceuticals. The WHO linked these syrups to the children's deaths; Maiden has denied any wrongdoing.

Gambia told India's drug regulator in June that from July 1 it would make it mandatory for all pharmaceutical products from India to be inspected and tested in India, at the cost of the Indian exporter, prior to shipment -- the first known restrictions on national exports following the deaths linked to Indian-made syrups.

India made it mandatory for companies to have their cough syrups tested before export from June.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 28)  Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco on Tuesday called for the expansion of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to accommodate a bigger immigration area.

In a statement, the BI chief said passengers reported that the long queues at the NAIA may have been caused by the transfer of more flights to the airport.

NAIA Terminals 1 and 3 have witnessed an unprecedented surge in international travelers since stop operations of international flights in Terminal 2, he added.

RELATED: PAL international flights to use NAIA Terminal 1 starting June 16

According to the bureaus data, NAIA Terminal 1 registered a remarkable increase in daily average international travelers since June 16, logging 28,956 passengers per day. This was a 48.1% rise from an average of 19,553 passengers daily prior to the transfer.

Meanwhile, NAIA Terminal 3 recorded a daily average of 33,682 travelers since June 16. The terminal saw an increase of 19.58% from the pre-transfer average of 28,168 passengers.

We have added more immigration officers to service travelers. Now we see more immigration officers on duty than installed counters, Tansingco said.

The BI said each shift of officers at NAIA Terminal 3 processes around 4,000 to 6,000 arriving and departing passengers.

The agency has deployed an additional 59 new immigration officers that graduated from its academy earlier this month.

Tansingco said the BI has also deployed at least eight mobile counters per terminal to reduce wait times in queues.

He also pointed out that airports in other countries have big immigration areas to accommodate more counters and passengers.

We are thankful to the airport management as they have committed to expand the immigration area. We hope that the space would be sufficient for us to be able to install more counters and deploy more officers, he added.

READ: PH major conglomerates pitch 267-B NAIA upgrade

Tansingco said that the bureau has also initiated several digitization projects, aiming to expedite processing times and enhance efficiency.

We have started with tourist visa extensions and other common BI transactions. Our long-term project is to digitize immigration screening at the airports, he said.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 28)  The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) over transactions that do not comply with procurement laws.

In its 2022 audit uploaded on its website on June 27, the COA said DILG Central Office spent over 4.8 million on airline tickets and venues for various activities.

However, state auditors noted these items were not included in the agency's annual procurement plan (APP).

DILG's Region 8 office also spent over 2.9 million on the same items without including these in the APP.

"We recommend and management agreed to require the Bids and Awards Committee of DILG-CO and RO 8 to include the purchase of airline tickets and venues for seminars/activities in the APP, including its mode of procurement," the COA said.

In their comment, DILG-CO management said airline ticket requirements for fiscal year 2023 have already been included in the updated APP as of March.

Auditors also questioned the DILG for the non-remittance of unused operating funds transferred to various local government offices amounting to over P46.8 million.

They said various DILG regional offices have yet to return their unused operating budget to the Bureau of Treasury as of December 31, 2022.

"Thus depriving the national government of the much-needed funds in the implementation of its various programs and activities," COA said.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 28)  The response team of the Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia has rescued stranded Filipino pilgrims observing Eid'l Adha in Muzdalifah, following reports of heat exhaustion.

In a statement on Wednesday, the embassy said it called on Saudi authorities, including the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and local ambulance services, to respond to the situation.

"The Philippine Embassy, the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, and the Migrant Workers Offices are working with the Saudi and Philippine authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the Filipino pilgrims," it said.

Muzdalifah is an open and level area near Mecca in Saudi Arabia's Hejazi region, where Hajj pilgrims offer prayers and spend the night in the open sky.

In a Facebook post, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos thanked the embassy and said all stranded Filipinos in Muzdalifah have been transported to Mina, where they will continue their pilgrimage.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 28)  The Filipino Nurses United (FNU) on Wednesday said the Philippines has more than enough licensed nurses who can fill the shortage in the country, but there are several factors why they choose not to practice their profession here.

We have a surplus of nurses who are just waiting to be tapped, but they are discouraged by the very low pay and the heavy workload that they will encounter in the hospital setting, FNU President Eleanor Nolasco told CNN Philippines The Source.

According to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), there were 47,000 nursing board exam passers from 2021 to 2023.

The government should tap these professionals to fill the 4,500 vacancies in public hospitals, PRC Commissioner Jose Cueto Jr. earlier told CNN Philippines.

Prior to this, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said he wants temporary licenses issued to nursing graduates who did not pass their board exam but scored 70% to 74% in order to address the shortage.

However, the PRC has clarified that it has no power to issue such licenses. Moreover, this can only be done by the health chief during a time of crisis, like the COVID-19 pandemic, it added.

Nolasco said FNU is also not in favor of Herbosas suggestion given the huge pool of licensed nurses the country has.

What the government should do is raise the salary of nurses, provide them with the benefits they deserve, and improve their working conditions, she said.

According to Nolasco, Filipino nurses working in the country are not only overworked but are also not paid enough given the service they provide.

Nurses in private facilities are only paid an average of 10,000 to 12,000 a month, while those in public facilities are paid 35,000, she noted.

Nolasco said these amounts are inadequate in order to support a family.

"We in the Filipino Nurses United believe that only when the government provides a living wage, and our call is for 50,000 entry salary for both nurses in the public and private sector, and when adequate benefits are given to them will they be encouraged to stay, Nolasco said.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 28)  Anti-poverty czar Larry Gadon on Wednesday expressed no regret over his vulgar outburst against a veteran journalist which led to his disbarment, saying he even considers it a victory if his utterances contributed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.s election win.

Hours after the Supreme Court (SC) made public its disbarment decision, Gadon stood by his behavior as he continued to accuse journalist Raissa Robles of smearing Marcos when he was still campaigning for the presidency.

"Kung 'yun ay naging contribution ko upang mapatahimik ang paninira at kasinungalingan, at isa 'yun sa naging dahilan sa pagkapanalo ni President Bongbong Marcos, then ako ay nagtagumpay at ako ay masaya," the newly-appointed presidential adviser on poverty alleviation said in a press conference.

[Translation: If that was my contribution to stop the defamation and lies, and it became one of the reasons President Bongbong Marcos was elected, then I won and Im happy.]

In a video that went viral in late 2021, Gadon could be seen hurling profanities and sexist remarks against Robles after the journalist supposedly called Marcos a tax evader. According to the SC, his language was misogynistic, sexist, [and] abusive, and his conduct was indisputably scandalous that it discredits the legal profession.

But Gadon said another reason he isn't apologetic is because Marcos election victory eventually led to him to secure a presidential adviser post, which he described as a chance to help the country.

A number of lawmakers and groups have slammed Gadon's appointment, saying he does not have the expertise to take on the role.

The disbarred lawyer said he considers filing a motion for reconsideration before the SC. He also expressed confidence that the ruling will be reversed if he is "given an opportunity to explain."
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 28)  The International Labor Organization (ILO) commended President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.s commitment to institute labor reforms while balancing economic needs and recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I'm very much impressed with President Marcos Jr.'s resolve in moving forward and balancing requirements from COVID, building resilience and at the same time making sure that the social dimension is also moving at the same pace as well as the climate, the environmental dimensions," ILO Director General Gilbert Houngbo told CNN Philippines in a one-on-one interview.

Houngbo embarked on a four-day official visit to the Philippines, a first for an ILO chief in the last seven decades.

He met with Marcos, the Labor and Migrant Workers departments, as well as several labor, union, and employers' groups.

Houngbo said he also spoke with the president about the suggestions and outcomes of the ILO's high-level tripartite mission that visited the Philippines in January in an effort to help labor union leaders.

"We have seen the determination of the government to ensure that we move ahead including the trade union and employers in addressing the issues that were identified and recommendations that were made," he noted.

The previous tripartite mission had said there was very little action on policy reform and legislation to make the Philippines compliant with laws and ILO practices.

"There are two things, do we stand that we hope the Philippines will be more compliant? Yes, we do. I want to very clear about it, but is the Philippines the only exemption? No," the ILO chief said.

What is crucial now, he added, is that all stakeholders are willing to hold dialogues to address issues concerning workers and labor leaders.

"The critical point in response to your question is social dialogue, bringing together government officials, trade unions and employers so that we could identify a way forward and consensus building that for me is crucial," Houngbo said.

"What is critical is once we identify an element of shortcoming that needs to be addressed. The most important thing for us is the political willingness to address this issue," he added.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 28)  A Dutch court of appeals on Tuesday dismissed a bid by eight heirs of a former Philippine Sulu sultanate to impose a $14.9-billion arbitration award against the Malaysian government.

The ruling is part of a long-running legal dispute fought in European courts over territorial claims rooted in Malaysia's colonial past and is potentially worth billions of dollars in state assets.

The case stems from an 1878 deal between European colonists and the Sulu Sultan for use of his territory, which spanned parts of the southern Philippines and present-day Malaysia on the island of Borneo.

Malaysia annually paid a token sum to the sultan's heirs to honor the deal but stopped in 2013 after supporters of the former sultanate launched an incursion to reclaim the land.

The heirs maintain that they were not involved in the attack and sought arbitration over the suspension of payments, taking the case to the Hague Appeals Court.

Last year, a Paris arbitration court awarded $14.9 billion to the heirs of the last sultan of Sulu. They have since sought to seize Malaysian government assets in France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, in a bid to enforce the award.

Malaysia said the process the heirs are taking is illegal. They secured a stay on the award in France but the ruling remains enforceable overseas under a United Nations treaty on arbitration.

In September, the heirs sought permission from a Dutch court to enforce the award in the Netherlands.

The Dutch judges sided with Malaysia, saying the original pact lacked a clause binding parties to arbitration and the French stay meant the claim was not enforceable in the Netherlands, the court said on its website on Tuesday.

"The Hague Appeals Court today rejected the request of the Philippine nationals for the recognition and enforcement of the final arbitral award in the Netherlands," the Dutch court said in a statement.

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim welcomed the "landmark" decision.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 28)  The Commission on Elections (Comelec) began its public consultations on the postponement of the barangay and SK elections (BSKE) in Negros Oriental on Tuesday, with stakeholders presenting their respective positions on the issue.

Consultations were held at the police provincial office in Sibulan and in Dumaguete City.

In the forum, Msgr. Julius Heruela from the Diocese of Dumaguete City proposed to delay to a later date the elections, citing the volatile peace and order situation in the province after the murder of Gov. Roel Degamo and eight of his constituents.

The diocese said it believes barangay officials play a crucial role in the political system, and that the right of suffrage must be exercised freely without any threat or fear.

At least nine mayors of Negros Oriental, including the governor's widow Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, had urged the poll body to postpone the BSKE elections in the province amid a "lingering atmosphere of terror" after the killings.

RELATED: 9 Negros Oriental mayors call for barangay, SK polls postponement over 'atmosphere of terror'

In the public hearing, the lawyer of Mayor Degamo said they were in favor of holding the polls on Oct. 30, but only if additional troops are deployed to the province.

Edward Du, president of the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), opposed the postponement, referring to the rejection of the previous appeal of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) governors to move their elections to a later date. He said postponing the BSKE in Negros Oriental would create a negative scenario for potential investors.

Speaking to CNN Philippines, Comelec Commissioner George Garcia said the consultations were conducted to get the people's opinion on the matter.

"Kasama na rin ang mga citizen's arm, ang civil society, ang mga media, ang mga estudyante, kasama na rin ang mga guro  ano ba talaga ang kanilang gusto?" Garcia said, adding that a decision would be made by the first week of October at the latest.

[Translation: The citizen's arm, civil society, the media, students, and teachers are included  what do they really want?]

Garcia cited a report from the provincial director of the Philippine National Police on Tuesday, which indicated that the crime rate in the province has gone down.

"Bumababa ang crime rate, patuloy na bumababa tapos bigla ka magpo-postpone ng election doon parang hindi tugma yung ebidensya pagkatapos yun ang magiging desisyon namin," he said.

[Translation: The crime rate continues to go down and if we suddenly postpone the elections there, the evidence might not support the decision that we will make.]

The Comelec also said it may consider a localized postponement of the BSKE in Negros Oriental.

"Unfair naman po dun sa ibang lugar na hindi apektado ng karahasan, kung meron man. -- para namang bakit naman lalahatin kung pwede namang per municipality o per barangay na lang ang postponement ng eleksyon," he said.

[Translation: It would be unfair to other areas not affected by violence, if there is any. Why should we include everyone when the postponement can be per municipality or per barangay.]

CNN Philippines' Pia Garcia and Dumaguete City-based correspondent Roy Bustillo contributed to this story.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 28)  Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez on Wednesday said the franchise of low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific Inc. should be suspended until it proves customers complaints about alleged overbooking, flight cancellations, and delays are addressed.

After receiving backlash from its customers that prompted a Senate investigation, Cebu Pacific said in a statement this week that it has taken serious note of the issues and is in the process of implementing measures to support their customers.

Until they show in actual performance that they have done these things, they should be suspended, Rodriguez told CNN Philippines The Source, also noting that an erring public utility company should be slapped with administrative and civil penalties.

On June 26, Rodriguez filed a resolution seeking to suspend the franchise of Cebu Pacific due to "a history of unsatisfactory service to the public."

The lawmaker said once Congress starts hearings for his resolution, the airline company will be given a chance to present actual data regarding the progress of its efforts to enhance its services.

If the company can prove its programs are effective, then a suspension may not be needed, Rodriguez said.

The congressman said he also plans to file a measure creating the passengers bill of rights.

In January, the Makabayan bloc filed a similar proposed measure. This was House Bill 6738, or the proposed Magna Carta for Air Passengers.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 28)  Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel on Wednesday said the Supreme Courts ruling on the postponement of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) validated his earlier stand that there were no compelling reasons to delay the polls.

The postponement, without any compelling reason, undermined the constitutional rights of suffrage and weakens the foundation of our democratic institutions, Pimentel's statement read.

Pimentel said the ruling is a significant milestone that has been achieved in safeguarding the democratic processes in the country.

Only Pimentel and his fellow minority Sen. Risa Hontiveros voted against the postponement of BSK polls in September last year.

LINK: Pimentel: Pushing for barangay, SK polls this year 'a long shot'

Meanwhile, Sen. Imee Marcos, chair of the Committee on Electoral Reforms, said reasons for the postponement of the BSKE remained valid despite the ruling.

The present barangay and SK officials need sufficient time to implement their programs which have been sidetracked by the pandemic. It is high time that the term of barangay and SK officials be extended, she said in a statement.

Sen. Marcos also argued that the postponement will also save the government billions of pesos, citing that elections, even the ones involving barangay and SK officials, are costly.

With all the tasks heaped upon the barangay officials, the senator added that the present term (3 years) of barangay and SK officials is insufficient for them to formulate, implement, and evaluate their own policies and programs.

On Monday, the high court ruled that Republic Act No. 11935, or the act postponing barangay and youth polls is unconstitutional, but it ordered the October polls to go through as planned.

According to the SC, there had been a grave abuse of discretion leading to a lack or excess of jurisdiction in the enactment of RA 11935.

Senate may challenge SC ruling

Sen. Francis Tolentino on Wednesday said the Senate leadership is set to meet over a possible filing of a motion for reconsideration.

But the chair of the Blue Ribbon Committee clarified that they respect the decision of the Supreme Court  a co-equal branch of the government  and agreed that there should be periodic elections.

Tolentino said he has already talked to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri about the matter.

He added that the decision should not affect the proposal to postpone the barangay and SK polls in Negros Oriental because of the recent spike in violence there.

READ: 9 Negros Oriental mayors call for barangay, SK polls postponement over 'atmosphere of terror'

"Kasi magkaiba yon e, 'yung sinabi ng Supreme Court na unconstitutional, the entire Philippines. Ito naman, ito lang, yong para sa Negros Oriental so hindi siguro ma-confuse doon," he noted.

[Translation: Because that's different, what the Supreme Court said is unconstitutional is for the entire Philippines. But this one, it is only for Negros Oriental so there shouldnt be any confusion there.]

CNN Philippines Senior Correspondent Anjo Alimario contributed to this report.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 28)  State-run University of the Philippines (UP) leads the list of Philippine universities in the latest world rankings by the United Kingdom-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).

UP ranked the highest among the universities in the country at 404th place in the QS World University Rankings 2024. This is an improvement from its 412th spot in 2023.

Ateneo de Manila University ranked 563rd. It was followed by De La Salle University at 681-690 bracket and the University of Santo Tomas at 801-850 bracket.

Joining the top four schools is the University of San Carlos in Cebu City which made it to the 1201-1400 bracket.

The QS assessed 1,500 institutions worldwide based on the following metrics: academic reputation, citations per faculty, employer reputation, employer outcomes, faculty-student ratio, international faculty, sustainability, employment outcomes, and international research network.

"The results draw on the analysis of 17.5m academic papers and the expert opinions of over 240,000 academic faculty and employers," the higher education information firm said.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States remains as the top university in the world based on the rankings, while the National University of Singapore leads Asian universities by ranking 8th globally.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 29)  The Philippines is seen as a model when it comes to migration policies as remittances from around the world continue to grow even with the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, the International Labour Organization (ILO) said on Wednesday.

In a one-on-one interview with CNN Philippines, ILO Director General Gilbert Houngbo said Manila is doing well in addressing the needs of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) compared to other countries.

The OFWs know their major contribution to the economy so this has been one of the take away from my visit and the government is doing fairly well I must say compared to other sending countries that we are working with, said Houngbo.

The ILO chief met with Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople and with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) team to discuss the support the Philippine government is giving to OFWs.

There are a lot of positive things that the country is doing that can help other countries, the ILO chief said.

In an interview with CNN Philippines Politics as Usual, Ople said the country is also becoming the model of other nations in terms of its migration governance.

Actually, ahead tayo of the curve eh kaya tayo nagiging modelo sa migration governance. Kasi tinitignan nila 'yung protective mechanisms natin, she said.

Maraming requests galing sa ibang bansa, gusto nila magpadala ng teams dito para malaman kung paano natin pinoproteksyunan ang ating OFWs. We should be very proud of that, she added.

[Translation: Actually, we are ahead of the curve which is why we are being viewed as a model in migration governance. They look at our protective mechanisms. There are a lot of requests from other countries, they want to send teams here to learn how we protect our OFWs. We should be very proud of that.]

Healthcare workers leaving PH a major issue

Despite the positive review, the ILO also acknowledged that more healthcare workers want to work abroad than in the Philippines due to better compensation and benefits.

Its a major issue, said Houngbo when asked on how to strike a balance between wanting to keep the healthcare workers in the country and yet cannot compete with what is being offered in other countries.

The ILO official said that there is what we call circular migration.

How do we organize economic migration in a way that migrants go to other countries not only to earn a living but we also ensure that their rights are protected, labor rights are protected and human rights are protected and their remittances will be sent back home and some of them could come back with the experience that they have acquired and contribute to the Development of their countries, Houngbo explained.

Its circular migration, some may stay abroad, some may also come back and contribute, he added.

The Philippines could also work together with countries that have existing bilateral labor agreement deals to come up with win-win solutions.

The Philippines have a Memorandum of Understanding with other countries, so the government should start considering telling the receiving countries to contribute, to step up the number of nurses being trained in education so that there is a minimum that can remain and then some will be coming back. So circular migration is balancing that gap, he added.
Six community-led transportation infrastructure projects in Colorado are set to receive more than $72 million in federal funding.

The money comes from the RAISE grant program, which provides $2.26 billion to 162 different infrastructure projects across all 50 states and two U.S. territories. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg announced the grant awards on Wednesday.

"We are helping communities in every state across the country realize their visions for new infrastructure projects, Buttigieg said. This round of RAISE grants is helping create a new generation of good-paying jobs in rural and urban communities alike, with projects whose benefits will include improving safety, fighting climate change, advancing equity, strengthening our supply chain, and more.

The following Colorado projects were awarded grant funding:

 CO 119 Diagonal Highway Mobility Improvement Project  Boulder County

$25 million for intersection safety improvements, constructing a regional bikeway and implementing Bus Rapid Transit along Colorado Highway 119 between Boulder and Longmont.

 U.S. 6 and Wadsworth Interchange and Multimodal Improvements Project  Lakewood

$20 million for the replacement of the existing U.S. Highway 6 and Wadsworth interchange and widening of Wadsworth Boulevard between 4th Avenue and 8th Avenue.

 Delta Revitalizing Main Street Project  Delta

$13.2 million for reconstruction efforts on Deltas Main Street, utilizing a complete streets approach, including ADA-accessible sidewalks and dedicated bike lanes from 13th Street to 1st Street.

 Foothills Transit Station and Roundabout Project  Fort Collins

$10.7 million for the construction of the new Foothills Transit Station in the West Elizabeth Street transit corridor and a roundabout at the intersection of Overland Trail and West Elizabeth.

 Idaho Springs Downtown Mobility Plan  Idaho Springs

$2.4 million for the planning and design of a mobility hub and associated infrastructure in downtown Idaho Springs, including a roundabout at Exit 240 of Interstate 70.

 Cortez Community RAISE Project  Cortez

$825,300 for a plan to evaluate and reform the city's interstate corridors, including a public engagement strategy, engineering and technical design, a feasibility study and a benefit-cost analysis.

The RAISE grant program funds critical freight and passenger transportation infrastructure projects that are difficult to support through other federal grant programs. Nationally, half of this year's grant funds went to rural areas and 70% went to historically disadvantaged communities or poverty regions, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

This year's grant applicants totaled $15 billion in projects, with only $2.26 billion selected.
Today is June 28, 2023 and here's what you need to know:

The federal government is allocating over $826.5 million to Colorado to make high-speed internet universally accessible in the state.

The money comes from a $42.45 billion grant program, providing funding for broadband infrastructure to all 50 states, Washington D.C. and five U.S. territories. The Department of Commerce announced each state and territory's grant amounts on Monday.

This is the largest ever investment in high-speed internet, President Joe Biden said. The $42.45 billion, in addition to other prior federal investments, is intended to make high-speed internet reliably accessible to everyone in the United States by 2030, according to the White House.

Prof. Robert Preuhs, who chairs the political science department at Metropolitan State University of Denver, closely watched the mayoral race between Mike Johnston and Kelly Brough.

In this interview, Preuhs noted the fundraising disparity between the two candidates, but maintained that Johnston and Brough collected enough dollars to get their messages out. Key to Johnston's victory, he maintained, was securing a "wider geographic support," compared to Brough.

When asked why many of the candidates backed by Democratic Socialists lost, Preuhs responded that Denver is a "Democratic city, not a Democratic Socialist city."

State and local health officials are investigating and monitoring plague activity in southwest Colorado after a person was infected in Montezuma County this month.

Officials said the exposure to plague likely occurred on private property.

Plague is caused by a bacteria called Yersinia pestis, which can be transmitted to people if bitten by infected fleas or by direct contact with infected animals. Animals susceptible to the plague includes squirrels, woodrats, and prairie dogs.

Officials from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and Montezuma County Public Health Department said the risk to the public is low, but Coloradans should take steps to protect themselves, particularly since the risk of contracting illnesses from animals increases during the summer months, when humans and animals are in closer contact.

The Heat Beneath Our Feet is a potential source of carbon-free energy according to Gov. Jared Polis. Polis, the 2023 chair of the Western Governors Association. He chose geothermal energy as the focus of his year-long tenure at the organization.

The WGA annual meeting, held this week in Boulder, showcased a round-table discussion between six western governors and geothermal energy expert Claudio Berti, director and state geologist for the Idaho Geological Survey; David Turk, deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy; and Sarah Jewett, vice president of strategy for Fervo Energy.

Geothermal is a huge under-tapped resource, said Polis. It's abundant, it's American made, it's secure, it's domestic, it's getting to be lower and lower cost. It's reliable, it's base load.

The idea is to drill deep wells, sometimes more than 10,000 feet deep, in order to reach hot zones where water can be injected and then returned to the surface as steam that can be used for heating and to generate electric power. Not all wells have to be that deep.

The U.S. Supreme Court shot down a controversial legal theory that could have changed the way elections are run across the country but left the door open to more limited challenges that could increase its role in deciding voting disputes during the 2024 presidential election.

The court's 6-3 ruling Tuesday drove a stake through the most extreme version of the so-called independent state legislature theory, which holds that legislatures have absolute power in setting the rules of federal elections and cannot be second-guessed by state courts. That decision cheered voting rights groups.

We beat back the most serious legal threat our democracy has ever faced today, said Kathay Feng of Common Cause, whose lawsuit challenging congressional districts drawn by North Carolina's Republican-controlled legislature triggered the case.

But for some critics of the theory, the danger is not entirely past.

The court found that state courts still must act within ordinary bounds when reviewing laws governing federal elections. That gives another set of tools for those who lose election lawsuits in state courts to try to persuade federal judges to overturn those rulings.
Colorado Politics is published both in print and online. Our website features subscriber-only news stories daily, designed for public policy arena professionals. Member subscribers also receive the weekly print edition of our award-winning newspaper, containing outstanding features and news stories, in their mailboxes every Saturday.
SALEM  Keep it legal, keep it safe is the message from the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM). The 2023 fireworks retail sales season began June 23 and runs through July 6 in Oregon. The OSFM would like everyone to know which fireworks are legal to use, where fireworks can be used, and how to use them safely.
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Generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT are rapidly gaining traction, allowing the technology to be used throughout the enterprise to automate a variety of manual tasks performed by workers today, leading to what's expected to be a major shift in the global job market.

In the US and Europe, as many as 300 million jobs could be threatened by some form of AI, according to a March research note by investment bank Goldman Sachs. Fully two-thirds of US jobs could be partially automated through AI, and up to one in four current work tasks could be completely automated by AI in the US and Europe, according to Goldman Sachs.

In particular, roles that require repetitive data entry, legal administration, careers that involve mathematical skills  even healthcare jobs  will all be impacted by AIs adoption.

Goldman Sachs

As much as 29% of computer-related job tasks could be automated by AI, as well as 28% of work by healthcare practitioners and technical tasks in that field, Goldman Sachs projected.

Career fields with the highest exposure to AI automation are administrative positions (46%) and tasks in legal (44%) professions. Not surprisingly, jobs less likely to be affected tend to be in physically intensive areas such as construction (6%) and maintenance (4%).

While automation through AI is expected to disrupt an array of career fields, including IT, not all jobs in those areas will be affected equally. For example, in the legal sector, paralegal jobs are likely endangered than attorneys  that's one reason the legal sectors score is so high, according to Goldman Sachs.

Officials at ManpowerGroup are seeing many of the same trends. A majority of what were seeing now are [effects on] jobs that are more information based, said Rebecca Croucher, head of North America marketing at the global staffing firm. So, math, law, doctors  more of a day-to-day diagnosis [of patients].

Data processing tasks such as data entry are also going away, especially in banking, according to Croucher.

Goldman Sachs

No longer does someone have to sit there and enter invoices or accounts receivables. Any data coming in like that is now being automated, she said.

With AI taking on so many tasks in so many fields, organizations will be pressed to upskill or reskill their existing workforce. In fact, half of IT employers are upskilling workers to address staffing challenges, according to a June 8 report from ManpowerGroup. The report claims that emerging technologies such as AI and virtual reality could even help hire and train new employees.

Croucher said the need to retrain employees as AI takes on tasks will hit companies hard and fast. I think there is the cirriculum available, but I dont think the rubber has hit the road yet. In the US, youre starting to hear more about apprenticeship programs in areas like cybersecurity, Croucher said. The need will happen. And when it hits, it will be a big wave.

Knowledge worker jobs are also threatened by AI.

Jack Berkowitz, chief data officer for HR software and service provider ADP, said companies are now taking longer to hire knowledge workers. For the most part, Berkowitz said, ADPs data shows major dislocations for workers in three areas: digital marketing, digital advertising, and digital sales.

...Thats because the previous generation of technology in e-commerce and marketing required people to click buttons to manage the search engine optimization," he said. "Now, the tools are automating that. So, its the modern job that's getting disrupted.

Automating yourself out of a job

Berkowitz noted that in his current role, where he is helping to develop AI and machine learning tools to eliminate manual data analytics tasks, he may well be automating himself out of a job. But he calls the technology "amazing" and is sanguine about his future after 30 years working in product development for ADP.

For more than two years, the company has been using various large language models (LLMs), including GPT 4 and Google Bard, to improve the efficiency of ADPs skills graph. That application, among other things, maps in-demand skills to what people should be paid for them and the capabilities of the workforce.

All the job numbers you see [from ADP] about whos doing what and in what professions, thats all actually run by machine learning and AI that we developed two or three years ago. So, all of the job numbers  everything that we publish  has machine learning behind it today, Berkowitz said. The technology is amazing.

These large language models turn out to be really good at summarizing data. So, do I need someone to spend 100 hours building a dashboard for me, or will the new tools allow me to do it almost dynamically? he said. There are research assistants, associates; there are people who configure business rules around companies. Well, heres our policy and now were going to configure and put those policies into action by either configuring software or training people on processes.

"These systems are really good at reading a policy document and taking action as a result of that, Berkowitz said.

The good news: worker displacement from automation in the past has usually been offset by new job creation. That trend accounts for the vast majority of long-term employment growth.

Even as ADP automated digital tasks once done by workers, it didnt reduce headcount as a result. In fact, Berkowitz said, the company ended up paying those data analysts more because those employees could develop new skills and advance up the career ladder.

So, we literally changed the jobs for 10 or 12 people internally. I think eventually, my job might go away. I think if we do a good enough job, it will. But thats OK. Whats wrong if I put myself out of work? That means Ive done something meaningful and contributed, Berkowitz said. Ive done my job. Im sure theyd find something else for me to do.

And, he noted, AI is not perfect. For at least the foreseeable future, it will continue to be more of a co-pilot than pilot in charge; people will still be needed to ensure the work produced by generative AI tools is accurate.

A coming productivity boom?

The combination of significant labor cost savings, new job creation, and higher productivity for non-displaced workers raises the possibility of a productivity boom that could boost economic growth substantially, although the timing of such a boom is hard to predict, Goldman Sach said.

A study released this week by Upwork, a freelance staffing platform provider, underlines that possibility; it indicates companies plan to hire more people even with the rise of generative AI.

Contrary to the assumption that AI will replace millions of jobs, Upworks survey of 1,400 US business leaders across various industries found 64% of C-suite executives plan to hire more professionals of all types due to generative AI. And 49% of all respondents, which included senior managers through C-suite level, plan to hire more freelancers and full-time employees.

Remote-first enterprises are more likely to embrace generative AI, with 68% of full-time remote companies saying they're actively doing so, compared to 53% of companies that are full-time in the office.

Almost six in 10 (59%) business leaders also said they're personally embracing generative AI tools.

The survey, however, found a disconnect between leaders and their teams. Seventy-three percent of C-suite executives think their company is actively using AI tools such as ChatGPT and Midjourney, but just 53% of vice presidents, directors and senior managers say that's the case. Kelly Monahan, managing director of Upwork Research Institute, said some teams are reticent to rollout AI due to a lack of understanding and training around the technology.

Businesses that want to bridge this gap should roll out a change management strategy that includes communicating the expected outcomes for their workforce in relation to generative AI adoption, and clear policies, Monahan said in a statement. Its important that leaders address fear and uncertainty, and, perhaps most critically, encourage their teams to adopt a learning orientation.

The arrival of the 'AI age'

Just as the industrial revolution ushered in the industrial age and the computer revolution launched the information age, the AI revolution heralds the coming AI age, according to Anant Agarwal, founder of online education provider edX. Not surprisingly, Agarwal sees the AI age as an opportunity to upskill workers for jobs that will be created through automation.

With a billion jobs worldwide projected to undergo a dramatic evolution within the next decade due to AI, the demand for rapidly-growing skills, such as AI/machine learning, cloud computing, cybersecurity, product management, project management, and digital social media, is soaring, Agarwal said. Those skill sets, which opened up over five million job opportunities in 2022 alone, represent a seismic shift in the job market.

AI will become an augmentation skill that everyone will nee,d no matter what their job. For example, call center specialist to ChatGPT-augmented call center specialist, Agarwal said.

AI itself will need to be tailored for specific tasks, managed and monitored. For example, prompt engineers will be needed to craft and optimize text prompts for LLMs to achieve desired outcomes. [It] helps LLMs for rapid iteration in product prototyping and exploration, as it tailors the LLM to better align with the task definition quickly and easily, said Marshall Choy, senior vice president of product at SambaNova Systems, a Silicon Valley startup that makes semiconductors for AI.

AI systems will also have to be monitored to ensure their output is accurate and useful; that will be the job of an AI auditor.

Overall, AI competence will be prized by employers, with AI skills, from coding to working alongside AI, understanding its implications, and integrating it into existing structures, necessary in coming months.

The future belongs to those who are ready to embrace the AI wave, Agarwal said. Remember, AI may not take away your job, but could be something that can help you do it more effectively.
Apple has raised its voice against a UK law that will dramatically undermine secure commerce and trust online, warning it could put UK citizens at risk.

And Apple is not alone. More than 80 civil society organizations, academics, and experts from 23 nations have warned against the UK governments decision, which would turn the UK into the first democracy to require routine surveillance of peoples private chats.

The current UK governments Online Safety Bill includes the power to force encrypted messaging tools such as WhatsApp, Signal, and iMessage to scan messages.

Normalizing surveillance in the UK

The pretext given is that this is to watch for child sexual abuse material (CSAM), but the impact of the approach described is to dramatically weaken the end-to-end encryption that's foundational to the internet, from banking to healthcare and beyond.

Organizations point to the chilling impact the law will have on investigative journalists researching powerful entities, including work monitoring Russias atrocities in Ukraine. They warn this privacy is vital to journalists, lawyers, doctors, human rights defenders, and activists.

Could put UK citizens at greater risk

In a statement, Apple said:

"End-to-end encryption is a critical capability that protects the privacy of journalists, human rights activists, and diplomats. It also helps everyday citizens defend themselves from surveillance, identity theft, fraud, and data breaches. "The Online Safety Bill poses a serious threat to this protection and could put UK citizens at greater risk. Apple urges the government to amend the bill to protect strong end-to-end encryption for the benefit of all."

Bad people use back doors, too

While the UK government claims its possible to surveil people while maintaining privacy, experts know this is not so. Even Apple, which attempted to introduce its own CSAM scanning tech in iMessage, found that a technical solution that enables surveillance while also guaranteeing privacy does not exist.

It subsequently rolled back its plan.

Experience shows that once any kind of system-level back door is put in place, tools to exploit it will also appear.

Attempts to exploit security vulnerabilities have become a multi-billion dollar business involving nations states. With the prevailing international security environment rendered more dangerous by the likes of high-level "surveillance as a service" firms such as NSO Group, the proposed law will weaken the UKs digital infrastructure at the worst possible time.

Theres little doubt that if such technologies are normalized, they will be abused by repressive or authoritarian governments everywhere.

Far from making people safer, that will make the global internet less secure.

When the tech doesnt work, it makes things worse

It is not possible to scan in a way that only gets the bad guys and leaves everyone else untouched. This law would adversely affect not only the 40 million users in the UK, but the two billion people around the world who rely on secure messaging services, experts from the Open Rights Group (ORG) warn in an open letter.

The UK government incorrectly argues that client-side scanning will not compromise privacy, but the weight of evidence refutes that claim.

The idea that you can do surveillance while respecting privacy is just magical thinking," said Ross Anderson, professor of security engineering at Cambridge University and Edinburgh University.

UK gov  now with magical thinking

Anderson points out that not one of five prototypes of the proposed surveillance tech created by the UK Home Office came close to meeting reasonable requirements for efficacy and privacy.

This revives the magical thinking of the Blair government during the first Crypto War, in the late 1990s and early 2000s, which limited the strength of commercial cryptography," he said. "That has had devastating effects on security, leading to buildings that are easy to burgle, cars that are easy to steal, and government communications that are easy for our enemies to intercept.

The truth, rather than the fantasy narrative peddled by a fading UK government, is that it is not possible to have privacy for law-abiding citizens and none for criminals. Either everyone has privacy, or no one does.

Damage by design

Privacy, as well as being a human right, is also fundamental across almost every aspect of digital commerce. The proposed law will cause great damage to the UKs position in the digital economy. Companies that respect the privacy of people using their services will be forced to leave the UK, moving away capital, resources and services, warns ORG.

Signal and WhatsApp say they will quit the UK if these proposals are put in place.

In April, WhatsApp, Signal and Element and others, warned the proposal, poses an unprecedented threat to the privacy, safety and security of every UK citizen and the people with whom they communicate around the world, while emboldening hostile governments who may seek to draft copy-cat laws.

As it stands, the UK proposals seem designed to make the entire global online economy less secure while imposing yet more damage on the faltering UK economy. In fact, the dangers are so visible that I'd argue the damage they cause is intentional.

Please follow me on Mastodon, or join me in the AppleHolics bar & grill and Apple Discussions groups on MeWe.
The European Commission has announced that it will co-fund four testing and experimentation facilities, or TEFs, for AI exploration, in order to support responsible AI development and ease compliance with the EU AI Act, which is in the final stages of approval before being enacted into law.

The TEFs will function in both the physical and virtual realms, according to a statement from the Commission this week. Work at the four initial TEFs, which began at the beginning of 2023, centers on agriculture and food production, healthcare data, smart manufacturing and smart city technology.

Funding for the TEFs will total between $43 billion and $65 billion, which will come from both the Commission itself and from member state contributions. The TEFs will run, at least initially, for five years.

The smart city TEF is known as CitCom.ai. A statement published by senior researcher Martin Brynskov of the Technical University of Denmark  the projects host  describes it as focused on AI solutions that could be applied to urban transportation, including self-driving cars.

With an initial focus on power, mobility and connectivity, its job is to test AI rand robotics before they get into places where humans live and move around, he wrote.

AI-Matters is the manufacturing-focused TEF. It appears to be in an earlier stage of development than CitCom, but the projects website said that it will be focused on services like factory optimization, human-robot interaction and the adoption of new AI technologies. A catalog of those services will be available by September of this year.

AgrifoodTEF will focus on several distinct areas of agricultural technology, including autonomous weeding and arable farming techniques, AI optimization of growing conditions for tree crops and horticulture, AI management of livestock operations and feed production for increased sustainability, and data modeling and standardization for the food processing industry.

TEF-Health will be made up of hospitals as live testing sites as well as laboratory testing facilities for AI and robotics in the healthcare sector. The use-cases, according to the Commission, will focus on cancer care, neurotec, cardiovascular health and intensive care.

Testing and validation via TEFs is expected to help AI technology developers comply with the AI Act, which passed the European Parliament earlier this month. That law includes provisions regulating several aspects of AI systems, including transparency requirements for AI-generated content, a ban on AI biometric surveillance systems in public spaces and stiff testing requirements to mitigate reasonably foreseeable risks to society.
Singapore man pleads guilty in SGD383,000 rental scam that cheated victims from 12 countries

Gibson Zeng Xianfu, a former sales executive at Singapore Housing Company, pleaded guilty yesterday to scamming at least 62 victims from 12 countries, fleecing them of SGD383,000 in total in the name of giving them rental accommodation in Singapore.

The scam mainly targeted students and long-stay visitors who looked for a place to rent in Singapore through the Airbnb platform. Representative photo courtesy: Twitter/@shilpa_tweetz

Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Wong Shiau Yin said that Zeng made illegal use of photographs that he took during his stint at the Singapore Housing Company, an organisation specialising in rental accommodation. He worked there from 2018 to 2020, and he took the photos in order to share them with clients who were interested in property rentals in Singapore.

Zeng quit that housing company, but then created an Airbnb profile, where he used the photos taken earlier as an employee. He had no authority to do so, and had no rights to advertise those properties as a landlord. However, Airbnb seemed oblivious to this scam.

The people he cheated included students from Europe looking for a place in Singapore; visitors from Western countries looking for long-stay accommodation in Singapore; and even a Singapore resident. In each case, the prospective tenant would be asked to pay a deposit  this usually ran into thousands of dollars  but just before their arrival in Singapore, Zeng would tell them that the unit they had paid for was unavailable, and that they would get the unit either on another date or a refund. Then, the victims would get neither.

In some cases, such as the case of a French exchange student, they would actually arrive in Singapore only to find that they had no place to stay. In another case, like that of a German couple, they would be refunded only a small fraction of the money paid. The Singapore resident who rented a unit from Zeng, went to that address on the agreed upon date and found that it was already taken, and that the occupant had no idea anyone was coming. He then tried contacting Zeng, but had no success.

The rental contracts that Zeng made his victims sign were all fake, since he had no rights whatsoever to these properties that he advertised. But the contract made the victims feel, at least initially, that regulations were being met.

His activities led to Zeng being arrested by Singapore Police, but he was then out on bail and carried on with the scam. The DPP said in court, The offences were committed at a time when competition for rental units in the market was high due to limited supply and high demand. His sentencing is expected on July 26, and the punishment could be a 10-year jail term, or a fine, or both.
MoEFCC has been told about the conviction of Stephan Schmidheiny, a Swiss asbestos billionaire, for manslaughter



Notably, Chief Minister of Bihar has given an assurance in the state legislature that he would not allow asbestos based plants in the state. The construction and operation of five such plants have been stopped. But MoEFCC's EAC has given environmental clearance to a unit of Chennai based Ramco Industries Ltd in Bihiya, Bhojpur, Bihar.

This company is operating two units using clearance for one unit. It is the same company which gave a compensation of Rs 5, 000 on the death of its worker. Bihar State Pollution Control Board had cancelled it NOC but it managed to get relief from Patna High Court on procedural grounds. This company has created a public health crisis in Bihiya, Bhojpur. It is relevant to recollect that Calcutta High Court and Kerala State Human Rights Commission has recommended ban on use of asbestos based products. All the places where asbestos based factories or products are located must be made asbestos free. There is a compelling logic for government authorities to take cognisance of Indias asbestos legacies, and the implications of the ongoing import, manufacture, procure and use of white chrysotile asbestos mineral fiber despite having banned its mining because it cannot be made safe for human health throughout the life cycle. India uses only imported chrysotile asbestos. Notably, 85% of the imported asbestos is from Russia.

In the backdrop of the Italian courts verdict, the Government of India and State Governments must ensure compliance with the six specific directions given by Indian Supreme Court on 27 January, 1995 in Consumer Education Resource Centre vs. Union of India case. Both Union and State Governments must issue an order seeking a database of victims of asbestos related diseases, asbestos laden buildings, an inventory of asbestos based products, a database of hospitals which can diagnose the disease and a database of agencies which are competent to decontaminate asbestos from existing buildings.

It is high time the MoEFCC and other ministries of Government of India and concerned departments of State Governments took steps to make the manufacturers of asbestos based products liable for knowingly exposing the present and future generation of Indians to killer fibers. There is a compelling logic for charging these manufacturers with the offence of manslaughter.

When a chemical is listed in Annex III to the Rotterdam Convention, it does not lead to ban of the hazardous chemical. It does not mean the chemical cannot be exported. The listing paves the way for an information-sharing process. It requires the PIC of importing countries to share information about the adverse impact of the chemicals in question. It creates awareness about the harmful effect of the hazardous chemicals.

Indias support for listing of chrysotile asbestos in the UNs PIC list (Annex III) of hazardous chemicals will be consistent with its domestic laws and Supreme Courts verdict. It will demonstrate that Indias position with regard to public health is not dependent on the dictates coming from the Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, Zimbabwe and Pakistan, and the International Alliance of Trade Union Organizations Chrysotile.

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*ToxicsWatch

Similar fate awaits the manufacturers of asbestos based products in India who are endangering the lives of all present and future generations of Indians. The verdict is relevant for India because Eternit company with which he was associated had plants in India as well. There is no public or private building in India which is asbestos free including the new parliament building. It is quite sad that MoEFCCs continues to grant environmental clearance to asbestos based factories.Notably, Chief Minister of Bihar has given an assurance in the state legislature that he would not allow asbestos based plants in the state. The construction and operation of five such plants have been stopped. But MoEFCC's EAC has given environmental clearance to a unit of Chennai based Ramco Industries Ltd in Bihiya, Bhojpur, Bihar.This company is operating two units using clearance for one unit. It is the same company which gave a compensation of Rs 5, 000 on the death of its worker. Bihar State Pollution Control Board had cancelled it NOC but it managed to get relief from Patna High Court on procedural grounds. This company has created a public health crisis in Bihiya, Bhojpur. It is relevant to recollect that Calcutta High Court and Kerala State Human Rights Commission has recommended ban on use of asbestos based products. All the places where asbestos based factories or products are located must be made asbestos free.

Responding to a letter addressed to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on the subject of "Why India must support inclusion of Chrysotile asbestos in the UNs list of Rotterdam Convention", Hazardous Substances Division, Ministry of Environment Forests & Climate Change has informed on 26 June, 2023 that the decision to include chrysotile asbestos in the UN list was deferred at the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure (PIC) for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade (RC COP-11) in Geneva during 1-12 May 2023.MoEFCC has concluded that the agenda items related to Chrysotile Asbestos, was deferred as consensus was not reached on its listing in Annex III of the UNs Rotterdam Convention. Prior to this meeting of COP-6, COP-7, COP-8, and COP-9 decided to defer further consideration of the chemical to their corresponding subsequent meeting. At COP-10,the Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, Zimbabwe, India and Pakistan, and the International Alliance of Trade Union Organizations Chrysotile opposed its listing a midst vociferous demand for its listing by environmental, occupational and human rights groups.It may be recalled that Chrysotile asbestos is a candidate chemical in the category of industrial chemicals that has been recommended by the Chemicals Review Committee for listing in Annex III to the Rotterdam Convention but for which the Conference of the Parties (COP) has not yet been able to reach consensus.The COP, at its 3rd meeting in 2006, adopted a decision on chrysotile asbestos, which, among others, encourages Parties to make use of all available information to make informed decisions regarding its import and management, and to inform other Parties of those decisions, using the information exchange provisions laid down in Article 14 of the Rotterdam Convention. COP-3 also decided that the agenda for its next ordinary meeting shall include further consideration of a draft decision to amend Annex III to the Rotterdam Convention to include chrysotile asbestos.At COP-4 a decision was adopted on chrysotile asbestos wherein it was decided that the agenda for its next ordinary meeting shall include further consideration of a draft decision to amend Annex III to the Rotterdam Convention to include chrysotile asbestos. COP-5 was also not able to reach consensus and agreed to annex a draft decision to its report, which is set out in annex IV to the COP-5 report.MoEFCCs reply states that itis the nodal Ministry for coordinating the implementation of the Rotterdam Convention. The convention's objective is to promote shared responsibility and cooperative efforts among parties in the international trade of these chemicals so as to protect human health and the environment, and contribute to the environmentally sound use of chemicals.It reveals that inputs on the agenda items were finalized based on the consultation held with stakeholders including Central Government/Ministries/Agencies. But it does not disclose the names of the non-governmental stakeholders who were consulted. For long Indias position on chrysotile has remained hostage to the tremendous clout of the Russian asbestos industry and some 18 major manufacturers of asbestos based products in India. Government is yet reveal the names of environmental and occupational health which it consulted in this regard.In its reply to MoEFCCs communication ToxicsWatch wrote:It has drawn the attention of the MoEFCC towards the conviction of Stephan Schmidheiny, a Swiss asbestos billionaire for manslaughter. He has been found guilty of causing death of 392 people due to carcinogenic asbestos. He has been sentenced to 12 years in jail on aggravated manslaughter charges connected to the deaths of hundreds of people due to asbestos exposure by an Italian court on 7 June, 2023 has lessons for India.
Alec Baldwin should have known better. When Saturday Night Live producer Lorne Micheals asked him to impersonate presidential candidate Donald Trump on the show, it came with a quasi-promise: Its only going to be three shows. Of course, what neither Michaels nor Baldwin anticipated was a weird bit of history. Despite what all the polls had predicted, Trump actually won.

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Baldwin did the three shows as promised, he told David Spade and Dana Carvey on the latest Fly on the Wall podcast. But on election night, everything turned. Im laying in bed, we fall asleep. We dont have a TV in our bedroom, but I got my computer. I wake up at three in the morning, Im checking my computer, and Trump won, Baldwin lamented. I sit there and go, Now I gotta do this fucking thing for the next four fucking years.

So how did Baldwin develop his version of Trump, an impersonation that had previously been done on SNL by Jason Sudeikis, Taran Killam, Phil Hartman, and most famously, Darrell Hammond? Baldwin pointed to Dana Carveys George W. Bush (the elder) as his role model. You were a huge inspiration for me, Baldwin told Carvey, who happily devoured the compliments. Id show people Bush, and Id say, Now watch this. You did those insane phonetics with him, and I said, Thats it. You make your own character.

Baldwin actually believes he does the worst Trump impersonation of anybody in America, but thats just what 45 deserves. He doesnt deserve a Brendan Gleeson (who played Trump in 2020s The Comey Rule). Hes a two-dimensional guy.

In acting school, Baldwin learned a technique that involved watching a performance with the sound off to get a visual picture of the person youre emulating. From there, he developed his personal set of Trump mannerisms: Sticking his mouth out like youre going to suck the windshield out of a car. Hands up like youre waiting for a valet to hand you a towel.

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With those physical cues in place, Baldwin and the shows writers looked for vocal tics to hook into. We had this gag, he explained to Spade and Carvey. (Trump) was a guy who was always groping for a stronger word than he ever found. So hed say, I went to this event with this crowd. It was a fantastic crowd. This crowd was truly, truly fantastic. Hed just loop back because he doesnt have a lot of verbal muscularity.

All of that work because Baldwin didnt have the foresight to hit Michaels with Carveys Bush impersonation back in 2015. Want to play Trump, Alec? Not gonna do it.
The US Securities and Exchange Commission has roiled the cybersecurity industry by putting executives of SolarWind on notice that it may pursue legal action for violations of federal law in connection with their response to the 2020 attack on the companys infrastructure that affected thousands of customers in government agencies and companies globally.

Current and former employees and officers of the company, including the chief financial officer (CFO) and chief information security officer (CISO), have received so-called Wells Notices notices from the SEC staff, in connection with the investigation of the 2020 cyberattack, the company said in an SEC filing.

"The Wells Notices provided to these individuals each state that the SEC staff has made a preliminary determination to recommend that the SEC file a civil enforcement action against the recipients alleging violations of certain provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws," SolarWinds said in its filing.

A Wells Notice is neither a formal charge of wrongdoing nor a final determination that the recipient has violated any law, SolarWinds noted. However, if the SEC does pursue legal action and prevails in a lawsuit, there could be various consequences.

If the SEC were to authorize an action against any of these individuals, it could seek an order enjoining such individuals from engaging in future violations of provisions of the federal securities laws subject to the action, imposing civil monetary penalties and/or a bar from serving as an officer or director of a public company and providing for other equitable relief within the SEC's authority, Solarwinds said in its filing.

SolarWinds sells a network and applications monitoring platform called Orion, which was hit by a threat actor widely believed to be affiliated with Russia, and used to distribute Trojanized updates to the softwares users.
Security and compliance automation platform Drata appoints Matt Hilary as vice president of security and CISO

Matt Hilary has been named vice president of security and CISO at Security and compliance automation platform Drata. Hilary was formerly senior vice president systems and security and CISO at Lumio and previously held CISO and lead security roles at Weave and Workfront, Instructure, Adobe, MX, and Amazon Web Services.

Bill O'Hern named CISO of Travelers

Former AT&T chief security officer Bill O'Hern has been appointed as a senior vice president and CISO of insurance firm Travelers. O'Hern spent more than 20 years in security-related roles at AT&T and was previously general manager for the Midwest US region at Handex Environmental.

Earl Duby appointed CISO at Auxiom

Earl Duby has been named the first-ever CISO of Michigan-based managed service provider Auxiom. A CSO50 Award winner, Duby was formerly CISO of Lear Corp. and has two decades of experience in cybersecurity, including leadership roles at GE, Affina Group, and Federal Mogul.

New CISO appointments, April 2023

UK appoints Anne Keast-Butler as first female GCHQ director

The UK government has appointed Anne Keast-Butler as the new director of intelligence, security, and cyber agency Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ). Keast-Butler was appointed following a cross-government recruitment process and will succeed Sir Jeremy Fleming, who is stepping down after six years in the role. Keast-Butler, currently serving as deputy director general at domestic counterintelligence and security agency MI5, will become the first female director of GCHQ. She will take up her post in May.

Bryce Carter becomes first CISO of Arlington, Texas

Bryce Carter has been appointed as the first chief information security officer for the city of Arlington, Texas. Mr. Carter was previously a senior information security analyst for Bellingham, Washington, and has served in senior security-related roles in Miami County, Kansas, and at companies including Clover Security Advisors, United Release, and FlyPage. In a statement, Mr. Carter said he intends to "communicate security in a way that everyone can understand" and will focus on creating an enterprise-wide security program, reducing security outsourcing.

Brian Contos appointed chief strategy officer at Sevco Security

Cyber asset attack surface management (CAASM) company Sevco Security has appointed Brian Contos as its chief strategy officer. Mr. Contos is a 25-year veteran of the security industry, having served previously as CISO at Verodin "Enemy at the Water Cooler" and a co-author of "Physical & Logical Security Convergence." Mr. Contos said he believes security "needs a disruptive approach. Sevco Security fundamentally changes how organizations get value from their existing security and IT operations investments by having the most accurate and timely asset intelligence."

James Hill named CISO of cloud infrastructure software developer CYTRACOM

James Hill has been appointed as CISO of CYTRACOM. Mr. Hill has 20 years of experience in "business development, cybersecurity, people development, and technical expertise," according to a statement. His role at the company will be to ensure CYTRACOM and its employees are working securely, minimizing exposure and risk with an effective and sustainable cybersecurity strategy and program.

IntelePeer appoints Gary Starling as new CISO

Communications Automation provider IntelePeer has named Gary Starling as CISO. Mr. Starling recently served as vice president of IT and security at IntelePeer and led the company's compliance program. Mr. Startling was previously interim CIO, assistant vice chancellor of IT infrastructure, and CISO, at the University of Denver. He also served as director of global IT, networks and security for EchoStar/Hughes Network Systems and was an avionics communications systems specialist in the US Air Force and as telecommunications specialist, tech control for NORAD. He has been tasked with streamlining IT and security solutions across IntelePeer's business units, steering the company to develop a high-performance security team in opposition to new and emerging threats.

New CISO appointments, March 2023

Andrea Simpson named CISO of Howard University

Ms. Simpson, a highly regarded expert in cybersecurity, has more than 20 years of professional experience in the industry. She has held the CISO role with the Federal Communications Commission, where she directed the pilot program for government-issued laptop deployment for the agencys telework initiative as part of its pandemic response plan, and AmeriCorps. Simpson says working at Howard will help her create a space for young adults to gain hands-on cyber experience.

Meredith Griffanti appointed as global head of cybersecurity and data privacy communications at FTI

Ms. Griffanti, who is based in New York, will oversee the growth of FTI Consulting's cybersecurity communications capabilities. She most recently served as Americas co-leader of cybersecurity and data privacy communications at the business consulting firm, specializing in crisis communications during incident response and cybersecurity preparedness planning. Ms. Griffanti will focus on partnering with leaders and teams globally to further strengthen the firm's holistic cybersecurity communications capabilities and enhance new levels of collaboration to support clients.

Sebastian Welsh appointed CISO of energy technology company SwitchDin

Mr. Welsh becomes the first CISO at SwitchDin and will work to establish security frameworks for emerging technologies. With 17 years of experience as a leader specializing in building a whole-of-enterprise defense model within businesses, he held roles as the head of security at Canva and staff security engineer at Google before joining SwitchDin.

Joshua Reedy becomes new CISO at New Zealand technology services firm Kordia

Mr. Reedy will take responsibility for Kordia's Group's internal cyber security posture, integrating best practices and leading a team of security specialists. He was previously security services manager at Vodaphone, where he oversaw security operations, design, and delivery and led internal offensive security teams.

David Dunn named CISO at global risk and financial advisory service provider Kroll

Mr. Dunn, who had served as deputy CISO at Kroll since 2016, is tasked with continuing to strengthen the firm's security program to address the evolving and complex threat landscape. With more than 25 years of experience, he was previously a member of the US Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force -- where he was a lead investigator on an international stolen credit cards scam involving millions of dollars -- and is also a 19-year veteran of the Seattle Police Department.

Jaya Baloo named CSO at cloud threat detection provider Rapid7

Ms. Baloo will be tasked with strengthening Rapid7's internal security program and furthering the company's mission to deliver greater access to cybersecurity across industries. With more than 20 years of cybersecurity experience, she has previously held roles at Avast and was CISO at Dutch telecom firm KPN. Ms. Baloo is a member of the advisory boards of The Netherlands National Cyber Security Centre and the EU Quantum Flagship's Strategic Advisory Board.

New CISO appointments, February 2023

Doug Clare appointed as head of cyber strategy for ISS Corporate Solutions

Mr. Clare will assume overall responsibility for ICS' cyber solutions strategy, including evolving its cyber risk-related offerings and client experience. He will also lead the cyber-risk product and client teams tasked with enhancing and expanding ICS' risk monitoring and broader suite of related products. He has more than 25 years of experience at Fair Isaac (FICO) and served most recently as FICO's vice president of fraud, compliance, and authentication solutions.

Keith Anderson named CISO of JetBlue

Mr. Anderson will oversee JetBlue's information security and will oversee the airline's strategies, policies and procedures designed to minimize information security risk and proactively detect and address new threats. He previously served as CISO at Warner Bros. Discovery and held security leadership roles at AT&T, Goldman Sachs, and Citi. Mr. Anderson holds a master's degree in cybersecurity from New York University and a master's degree in management information systems from Stevens Institute of Technology.

Melissa Knight appointed as CISO of Tego Cyber

Cybersecurity software-as-a-service provider Tego Cyber has named Melissa Knight as chief information security officer. Ms. Knight has been as CISO and cybersecurity executive for 20 years, working in government and commercial sectors. She has held leadership roles with the US Department of Defense and US Department of Energys National Nuclear Security Administration security operations teams. She has also worked at Sands Corp., Herjavec Group, and Brier & Thorn.

Mike Housch named CISO of banking digital transformation solutions provider Q2 Holdings

Mr. Housch has more than 25 years of security experience in the financial technology sector. He previously served as CISO for Black Night and as information security officer for Lender Processing Services. He spent more than 10 years as chief information officer at First Federal Bank of Florida.

John Paul Cunningham joins identity protection firm Silverfort as CISO

Mr. Cunningham brings more than 24 years of experience managing cyber risk, building operating models designed to reduce cost and cyber risk, while also adhering to compliance standards as CISO at Bank of Hope, Docupace, Ares Management and J.P. Morgan Asset Management. He will design and implement Silverfort's cybersecurity program.

Claudia Plattner appointed as President of German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI)

Ms. Plattner is formerly Director General Information Systems of the European Central Bank (ECB) and was chief information officer at DB Systel, the IT provider for Deutsche Bahn. She is the first female president to be named to the role at BSI. She will begin in the position on 1 July 2023. Plattner replaces former president Arne Sch?nbohm, who was dismissed in October over allegations of ties with Russian intelligence agencies.

Heather Lowrie appointed as first CISO for the University of Manchester

Ms. Lowrie will lead the strategic transformation of information security and identity and access management services at the University of Manchester and will design and implement a vision for the protection of the universitys digital footprint. She formerly held the position of head of cybersecurity, risk, and resilience for National Records of Scotland. Ms. Lowrie provided cybersecurity assurance, oversight, and operational management for Scotlands first digital-first census. She will join the university at the start of May 2023.

New CISO appointments, January 2023

Chris Hodson hired as CSO at Cyberhaven

Mr. Hodson will be responsible for all areas of security to protect both employees and customers. This includes cloud and application security, operations, and risk management. He comes to data detection and response solution vendor Cyberhaven from Contentful, and previously has held CISO roles at Tanium and Zscaler. Mr. Hodson is a board advisor at workforce development platform Cybrary and a fellow at the Chartered Institute of Information Security. He is also the author of the book Cyber Risk Management.

Amanda Fennel named CISO and CIO at Prove Identity

Ms. Fennel will oversee security operations at Prove, a provider of digital identity solutions. She will also play a role in educating the security market about digital identity authentication technologies. She was previously CISO and CIO at Relativity and earlier had worked in digital forensics and cybersecurity at companies such as Symantec, Dell SecureWorks, Zurich Insurance Group, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Guidance Software.

Harold Rivas joins Trellix as CISO

Mr. Rivas will lead the extended detection and response vendors global security and compliance initiatives. He comes to Trellix from LoanDepot, where he served as CISO. Prior to that, Mr. Rivass 20-plus-year career include senior information security roles at Santander Consumer, Fujitsu America, and Citigroup. He is also a member of the FBI InfraGard.
For instance, a malware attack occurs at a bank exposing proprietary data and its customers personally identifiable information (PII) data, taking down the banks website, he says. A comprehensive cyber liability insurance will not only protect the financial interest of the bank and its clients against the PII data breach, but it will also cover the financial losses and associated costs incurred due to interruption to the banks online businesses.

What is data breach insurance?

Data breach insurance is a subset of cyber liability insurance and protects against only some of the losses associated with a cyber incident, according to Rush. Data breach insurance provides only first-party coverage and not third-party coverage.

Data breach insurance does not cover third-party claims, such as lawsuits against the company by impacted individuals or third parties or regulatory action by state or federal government agencies, Rush says. Cyber liability insurance is generally more comprehensive than data breach insurance because it covers both first-party and third-party liability.

Data breach coverage refers to first-party losses incurred by the insured company that has experienced a network security event or cyberattack, according to Das. Such first-party losses may include business interruption losses, legal fees, costs to hire a cybersecurity firm to conduct a forensics investigation of the nature and scope of the incident, and costs incurred to notify affected individuals of the incident if it results in the compromise of their personal information, Das says. Additional first-party losses that might be covered under a data breach insurance policy include public relations costs or even ransom or extortion payments to cyber criminals.

Jaime Palumbo, vice president of claims at Corvus Insurance, says data breach insurance is not a particular form of insurance, but rather a subset of a comprehensive policy. A data breach or incident is typically where sensitive or personal information of employees, customers, clients, etc., is accessed or taken from the policyholder without authorization, she says. In the context of insurance coverage, a cyber policy can provide both first-party and third-party coverage for this type of incident in various ways.

It generally provides coverage for breach response expenses, which are the costs associated with retaining breach or privacy counsel or a digital forensics vendor to perform a review of the affected systems, Palumbo says.

Also, if the policyholder experiences a period of downtime or system interruption due to the cyber incident, there may be business income loss available, she says. And tying in the liability component, coverage would also exist if the policyholder was served with a lawsuit filed by the individuals whose data was affected in the breach.

Companies should make sure a policy includes the right coverage

Fortunately for those interested in purchasing cyber insurance, the cyber product offering generally comes standard with an array of first-party and third-party coverage to ensure that a policyholder is protected against its own losses as well as the cyber losses of others that it may have caused, Palumbo says.

However, a company should still remain vigilant when evaluating coverage to ensure that all avenues of risk for their respective industry classes are covered, she says. The company should understand what data it stores, maintains, and collects to appreciate the impact and ramifications of a potential data breach. Knowing the volume and sensitive nature of maintained records can translate to the amount of coverage necessary to cover a loss.

Rahul Mahna, a partner of outsourced IT services at EisnerAmper, cautions companies to read the fine print to determine the limitations on first-party and third-party coverage.

Cyber liability and data breach insurance are not substitutes for a robust cybersecurity policy  they are complementary, Mahna says. Any company that gambles on a cheaper, after-the-incident solution, such as insurance, in lieu of the necessary people, training, technology, and processes to prevent incidents from ever happening are playing a dangerous, risky game.

What is cyber insurance in the UK and Australia?

Things work a little differently in the UK and Australia says Richard Hodson, founder of London-based RC Hodson Insurance Services. In the UK, companies purchase cyber insurance, which covers both first- and third-party costs if an organizations data or systems have been compromised, damaged, lost, or stolen.

In the UK, cyber insurance comes in two parts: cyber liability insurance, which is the same as third-party insurance, and first-party insurance, says Hodson. Cyber insurance helps protect businesses against the financial implications of data breaches, security failures, illegal threats, or cyberattacks.

We dont use the phrases cyber liability insurance and data breach insurance in the UK because organizations buy both parts of the cyber insurance policy, he says. Companies buy cyber insurance because it covers their own losses for the costs of the investigation and bringing in the forensic people to determine what happened in the event of a breach and any fines for its own losses, for example, as well as the losses suffered by third-parties.

So, the way we sell cyber insurance is very different and the same is true in Australia as well, Hodson says. The Australians follow the UK model.

The National Cyber Security Centre in the UK offers some advice that applies to companies in the US as well as the UK. Cyber insurance will not instantly solve all of your cybersecurity issues, and it will not prevent a cyber breach/attack, according to the organization. Just as homeowners with household insurance are expected to have adequate security measures in place, organizations must continue to put measures in place to protect what they care about.
Security and threat intelligence company Silobreaker has announced new geopolitical threat intelligence capabilities with RANE (Risk Assistance Network + Exchange). The tie-up will see Silobreaker integrate global risk intelligence company RANE's enterprise geopolitical intelligence into its own platform, providing cyber threat intelligence teams with real-time information about world events that could heighten the risk of cyberattacks.

The integration, announced at Infosecurity Europe 2023 in London, will provide context into highly complex, interconnected events, allowing teams to take proactive steps to reduce their organizations' exposure to risks impacting business productivity, resiliency, and continuity, Silobreaker said.

The release comes amid an increasing blurring of the lines between geopolitical events and cyber activity, significantly heightened by factors such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, political conflicts, and nation-state cyber campaigns.

Integration provides "early warning system" of geopolitical-linked cyber threats

Users will be able to seamlessly access RANE reports, country risk scores, and the full resources of Silobreaker's data source-agnostic platform, the firm said. This will help teams retrieve RANE's geopolitical intelligence and pivot between it and other finished intelligence sources, or data from millions of open and dark web sources, to contextualize results and meet complex intelligence requirements, Silobreaker added. Features include automated data collection and customizable dashboards.

"In recent years, there's been a blurring of the lines between geopolitical events and cyber activity," said Kristofer Mansson, CEO of Silobreaker. "Today, if you want to defend against the latter, you absolutely need to know about the former. With RANE's geopolitical threat intelligence integrated into our platform, organizations have access to an early warning system of the events that cross over with the most pressing current cyber threats - emphasizing the importance of multi-disciplinary intelligence for mitigating the most serious risks."

Organizations warned of significant cyberspace conflict amid Russia-Ukraine war

Last September, the head of the UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), Lindy Cameron, urged UK organizations and Ukraine's allies to prepare for Russian cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure. She cited a "very significant conflict in cyberspace - probably the most sustained and intensive cyber campaign on record - with the Russian State launching a series of major cyberattacks in support of their illegal invasion [of Ukraine]."
A cybersecurity incident at a third-party vendor has impacted the personal information of pilots of at least two US airlines, including American Airlines and Southwest Airlines.

Personal information, including name and social security number, driver's license number, passport number, date of birth, Airman Certificate number, and other government-issued identification numbers were compromised, according to breach notifications from the airlines.

Breach at third-party vendor

On May 3, both airlines were informed that their third-party vendor, pilotcredentials.com, had experienced a cybersecurity incident involving some files within its systems.

An unauthorized actor accessed the third-party vendor's systems on or around April 30 and obtained certain files provided by some pilot and cadet applicants during their hiring process, the airlines said in their notifications.

"The incident was solely limited to the third-party vendor's systems, and no American networks or systems were affected or compromised," American Airlines said in its breach notification, adding that the investigations were launched immediately and the law enforcement authorities were notified.

Personal information of 5,745 pilots of American Airlines and 3,009 pilots from Southwest Airlines has been leaked due to the incident, according to the airlines report to the Office of the Maine Attorney General.
Personal data of over 45,000 public school students was compromised in a breach involving the file-transfer software MOVEit, according to a community letter sent to families and staff by the New York City Department of Education.

"DOE used MOVEit to transfer documents and data internally as well as to and from vendors, including third party special education service providers," the letter said.

The breach is the latest expoit of a SQL injection vulnerability found in MOVEit Transfer, a widely used file transfer software by Progress Software.

Documents exposed before patching

Although the New York City DOE, with the help of the NYC Cyber Command, fully patched the software hours after learning of the vulnerability, there were already 19,000 documents accessed without authorization, the DOE's internal investigation revealed.

The servers have been taken offline out of caution, according to Emma Vadehra, the chief operating officer of the DOE. "Currently, we have no reason to believe there is any ongoing unauthorized access to DOE systems," she added.

Preliminary results from the internal investigation also revealed that approximately 45,000 students, excluding DOE staff and related service providers, were affected.
Brute-force credential guessing attacks against database servers are ramping up with MSSQL being at the top of the target list. Thats because attackers can leverage the many extensibility features that Microsofts database server provides to integrate with other Windows components and features to elevate their privileges and gain full control of the underlying servers.

Last week, researchers from security firm Trustwave released data collected over four months from their global honeypot project, a network of sensors distributed around the world to mimic vulnerable systems and record information about attacks. In this exercise, the honeypots were configured to act as popular database management systems (DBMS) running on their default ports: MS SQL Server (MSSQL), MySQL, Redis, MongoDB, PostgreSQL, Oracle DB, IBM DB2, Cassandra and Couchbase.

It quickly became clear that the activity of MSSQL has been much higher than other databases, the researchers said. The disproportion is so large (>93%) that comparing it to the other DBMSs was sometimes difficult.

The researchers found that attacks happen in waves and have peaks, but the intensity of MSSQL brute-force attacks dwarfed those against any other database. For example, the second-most targeted database servers, MySQL and Redis, registered attack peaks of around 150,000 login attempts. By comparison, attacks against MSSQL honeypot sensors had peaks of over 3 million login attempts.

Another interesting finding is that even though Trustwave had MSSQL sensors deployed in different countries, attackers clearly displayed regional preferences in their attacks. For example, the sensors located in the UK were the most targeted ones with a bit higher number of attacks registered than those in China, even though China has a much higher number of MSSQL servers exposed to the internet. The US was in sixth place after countries like Ukraine, Russia, and Poland.

According to Shodan, more than 450,000 MSSQL instances are available on the internet with more than 133,000 instances located in China. One would expect China to top of the list for the number of attacks.
US Dollar, EUR/USD, ECB, Fed, BoE, BoJ, Kanda, AUD/USD, Crude Oil, Gold - Talking Points

The US Dollar might see some volatility with an all star cast lined up for today

The ECB conclave will see the head honchos from the BoE, BoJ, ECB and the Fed speak on a shared panel

Not all central bankers are swimming in the same direction. Will comments move EUR/USD ?

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The US Dollar appears poised going into Wednesday ahead of the European Central Banks (ECB) Forum on Central Banking.

The policy panel discussion at the Sintra, Portugal event will include all the heavy hitters  Andrew Bailey, Governor, Bank of England, Christine Lagarde, President, European Central Bank, Jerome Powell, Chair, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Kazuo Ueda, Governor, Bank of Japan.

Comments emanating from the gathering will be closely scrutinised for hints on their respective monetary policy agendas.

In the lead-up to the meeting, Mr Bailey, Ms Lagarde and Mr Powell had reiterated their hawkish perspective. Mr Ueda and the Bank of Japan have different points of view as they maintain ultra-loose settings.

Earlier today, Masato Kanda, Japans Vice Finance Minister for International Affairs, said that authorities will respond if there are excessive FX moves. USD/JPY eased below 144 on the comments but has since steadied.

Australias monthly CPI was a notable miss and the Aussie Dollar collapsed in the aftermath. The year-on-year headline CPI gauge for May was 5.6% rather than the 6.1% anticipated and against 6.8% previously.

The ASX 200 equity index climbed over 1% on hopes that the RBA will pause on its tightening regime at their meeting next Tuesday. Japans main indices were also higher following on from a positive Wall Street lead after sold US economic data overnight.

Chinas CSI 300 and Hong Kongs Hang Seng Index (HSI) were a bit softer as concerns remain for their economic recovery after industrial profits data remained subdued in May.

Treasury yields are mostly unchanged so far on Wednesday after a handful of basis points were added across most of the curve in the North American session.

Gold is struggling to hold ground as it lingers near its 3-month low around US$ 1,920.

Crude oil has steadied after taking a tumble overnight. The WTI futures contract is back above US$ 68 bbl while the Brent contract is looking to reclaim US$ 73 bbl. Live prices for these markets can be found here.

Aside from the ECB panel discussion, the economic calendar is mostly second-tier data. The full economic calendar can be viewed here.

Recommended by Daniel McCarthy How to Trade EUR/USD Get My Guide

EUR/USD TECHNICAL ANALYSIS

EUR/USD remains in the six-week range of 1.0516  1.1096 after failing to meaningfully challenge the topside last week.

The run higher barely eclipsed the 78.6% Fibonacci Retracement of the move from 1.1096 down to 1.0635 at 1.0997 when it peaked at 1.1012. Those levels may continue to offer resistance ahead of a series of potential resistance levels in the 1.1076  1.1096 area.

Nearby support could be at the recent low of 1.0844, which is just above the breakpoint of 1.0831.

Further to the downside, there are a series of Fibonacci Retracement levels of the move from 1.0635 up to 1.1012 that might provide support. The 50% Retracement level is at 1.0824, the 61.8% at 1.0779 and 78.6% is at 1.0716.

The late May low of 1.0635 was only a fraction below the 78.6% Fibonacci Retracement of the move from 1.0516 to 1.1096 at 1.0640. This could make the 1.0635-40 area a possible support zone ahead of the prior lows at 1.0525, 1.0516, 1.0483 and 1.0443.

Chart created in TradingView

--- Written by Daniel McCarthy, Strategist for DailyFX.com

Please contact Daniel via @DanMcCarthyFX on Twitter
My reaction to the Daily Mail's shocking story yesterday about the Stephen Lawrence murder inquiry was sheer disbelief  and a weary lack of surprise.

It horrifies me there could have been a sixth suspect for the killing of the 18-year-old in 1993, and that three decades of police blunders and cover-ups meant this was never widely known.

This murder was a watershed moment for race relations in Britain and a defining incident for the Metropolitan Police. A public inquiry found the force to be 'institutionally racist'.

An unknown suspected participant in the murderous attack, disguised for 30 years under the label Witness K, has finally been exposed as Matthew White, a lifelong criminal who died in 2021.

How the existence of a sixth suspect could have been kept hidden boggles the mind  but no travesty committed by the Met's senior management is too appalling to seem impossible to me.

My reaction to the Daily Mail's shocking story yesterday about the Stephen Lawrence murder inquiry was sheer disbelief  and a weary lack of surprise

An unknown suspected participant in the murderous attack, disguised for 30 years under the label Witness K, has finally been exposed as Matthew White (pictured), a lifelong criminal who died in 2021

Their weasel-worded apologies are always the same, talking of 'missed opportunities' without ever being backed up by real change.

When I asked to meet current Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, I was turned down. In 2015 I was falsely accused of heinous crimes, including serial child murder, in Operation Midland  which investigated claims of abuse by VIPs based on the bogus testimony of fantasist Carl Beech. I have many unanswered questions.

I was told a meeting was impossible because of ongoing legal proceedings around one of my complaints.

The plain fact is London's police force has been sinking lower for decades. Nothing less than drastic institutional change will do the job now. Despite its failings, I still believe the majority of frontline officers are decent people. But they are led by donkeys  and there are some rancid apples in the barrel. PC Wayne Couzens, who abducted, raped and murdered Sarah Everard in 2021, was one.

So was PC David Carrick, who was sentenced in March for 85 offences against 12 women over two decades.

But in both cases, the greater crime was the cover-up within the force which refused to heed warnings about the behaviour of these men.

Also to blame is the Independent Office for Police Conduct, whose duty is to police the police.

In 2021 at the Commons home affairs committee, Lady Brittan  the widow of former home secretary Leon Brittan, who was also falsely accused in Operation Midland  called the police complaints system 'unbelievably opaque'. I concur: It is purposefully debilitating. It weakens complainants until they give up and go away.

I suggest three solutions: Firstly, an independent and robust whistle-blower system. Officers should have a mechanism they can confidently use. Secondly, to appoint a Royal Commission to identify the role of the police, its staffing and funding.

Thirdly, for Lord Hogan-Howe and Dame Cressida Dick to be stripped of their honours. How can we trust Sir Mark to be a reforming commissioner when his predecessors have been rewarded for their failures with a peerage and a damehood?

Nothing can be done now to erase 30 years of pain for Stephen's parents. It sickens me that they have been made to endure so much that could have been avoided by an honest investigation into their son's murder.

The Lawrence investigation has been a travesty for three decades. We cannot allow it to go on any longer.
On Monday night, when the Daily Mail first published the bombshell groping claims against him, Daniel Korski hurried out of a Tory election hustings and started asking influential party figures for advice.

Their responses may well have left him shaken.

One senior Conservative, a No 10 veteran, summed up the prevailing view to me last night by saying: 'He's finished.'

Clever and well-connected, especially on the dripping-wet liberal wing of the party, Korski had reached the final three candidates fighting to secure the nomination to be London mayor in next year's contest.

He was once a key Downing Street adviser to David Cameron, and the former PM, along with Housing Secretary Michael Gove, Commons leader Penny Mordaunt and Korski's own influential wife Fiona McIlwham had all been crucial in swinging votes his way.

Daniel Korski was seen leaving a Tory election hustings early after the Daily Mail first published the groping claims against him

Modestly describing herself as a 'wannabe supermum' to the couple's son, McIlwham is a Foreign Office high-flyer.

'Shrewd and tough, she's an excellent behind-the-scenes adviser to Daniel,' whispers one senior Tory source.

If he's to salvage his mayoral campaign  and it must be said that he categorically denies any wrongdoing or inappropriate behaviour  Korski, 46, will have to deploy the black arts of spin and political manipulation he honed as one of the most powerful members of Cameron's 'chumocracy'.

Operating in the shadows as deputy director of the No 10 'policy unit', he enforced his master's will alongside chief of staff Ed Llewellyn, an Old Etonian like Cameron.

Korski met Llewellyn, now the British ambassador to Italy, when they worked with Lord (Paddy) Ashdown, the former Lib Dem leader and another fanatical Remainer, when the latter was the UN high representative for Bosnia.

Many MPs question just how committed Korski is to the true-blue Conservative cause  and, certainly, his Remainer credentials are beyond doubt.

One source claims: 'He's an arch-federalist who signed up to the worst excesses of Brussels.'

Before he went to Downing Street in 2013, Korski was a key adviser to Labour's Baroness Ashton when she was high representative of Foreign Affairs for the EU.

During the build-up to the 2016 referendum, he was instrumental in persuading the British Chambers of Commerce to depose its director general John Longworth after the latter had the temerity to back Brexit.

Said to be conceited and over-bearing, Korski ordered the heads of some of Britain's biggest businesses not to speak up for Remain until he gave them permission. He wanted them instead to pile in behind Cameron when they returned victorious from Brussels with a major reform package, which never materialised.

'He's the most ardently pro-EU individual who's ever worked for a Tory prime minister,' one minister tells me.

Before he went to Downing Street in 2013, Korski was a key adviser to Labour's Baroness Ashton when she was high representative of Foreign Affairs for the EU

Korski resorted to desperate measures, persuading Cameron to embrace modish social media sites to encourage young people to vote Remain.

He bragged: 'I was responsible for putting Cameron on [the dating app] Tinder when I tried to reach younger voters through apps and sites like Uber.'

It's ironic that Korski persuaded Cameron to flirt with Uber when he himself was embroiled in a lobbying scandal over the US cab-hailing giant.

In 2015, Korski was assigned by Cameron to ensure that then-London mayor Boris Johnson did not upset the firm, which was expanding in the capital.

In a sign of his power back then, Korski summoned Johnson to No 10 to tell him to lay off criticising the company, even though it was driving traditional black cabs out of business, clogging London's streets with extra cars, polluting the air and making the city centre more congested than ever. Some of Boris's officials who clashed with Korski over Uber were taken aback by his aggression.

Born in Denmark, Korski came to Britain in 1997 and studied at the London School of Economics and Cambridge. Now working in the tech sector, he and his family live in a 1.6 million home in Camden, north London.

His wife, mandarin McIlwham, became one of the youngest British ambassadors when she was posted to Albania in 2009 aged just 35.

She went on to become a senior adviser to the director-general of Enlargement in the European Commission, working on Turkey's accession to the EU.

In 2019, she accepted what must have been one of her most challenging posts when she became private secretary to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. But she lasted just eight months, after Meghan and Harry announced they were starting a new life in the US. Now McIlwham is deputy political director at the Foreign Office.

Until this week's controversy, Korski had been favourite to win the Tories' mayoral candidacy. The party hopes to depose Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan amid the expansion of the hated Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), a stealth tax on older, polluting cars raising hundred of millions of pounds in motorist fines.

Thanks to his earlier support for Uber, Korski has already lost the crucial black-cabbies' vote. It now seems that groping allegations from a decade ago may have cost him much more besides.
Of all health professionals, consultants have historically had the respect and trust of patients.

To be referred to their care is about as serious as any health matter can get. They are the gatekeepers to the most crucial treatments, for cancer, strokes and heart disease, as well as for life-enhancing operations such as hip replacements.

We place our lives in their hands. The relationship relies on our complete confidence in their expertise, experience and ethical probity.

So the announcement by the British Medical Association this week that consultants are to go on strike for 48 hours is staggering. The implications are unthinkable.

Their decision to walk out on July 20 and 21 represents a kick in the teeth for some of the most vulnerable people in the country, and threatens to undermine the entire National Health Service.

The additional news that they will be permitted to keep working for private patients on strike days leaves me flabbergasted.

Their decision to walk out on July 20 and 21 represents a kick in the teeth for some of the most vulnerable people in the country (Pictured - Junior Doctors Strikes earlier this month)

The strike threatens to undermine the entire National Health Service (Pictured - Junior Doctors Strikes earlier this month)

It is mortifying to realise that while most people will be denied access to specialists for two days, those who can afford to pay personally could continue to receive full care.

I have been a committed trades unionist all my life, and this is a negation of everything the tradition represents. Unions exist to protect people, not punish them for failing to be wealthy.

As shadow health secretary during the early 1990s, I could not have conceived of such a crisis. But then, I could never have imagined the NHS would be in such a shocking mess, as layer upon layer of healthcare professionals (with the laudable exception of those in primary and community care) take action that will inevitably damage the people they are supposed to serve.

Next week we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the birth of the NHS. From tentative beginnings, it has grown to be an institution revered in Britain and respected across the world.

It would be wonderful to be celebrating its birthday with the service operating smoothly and efficiently, with waiting lists falling and every target being met. Instead, the country is watching in horror as the NHS verges on collapse.

Inevitably it is reeling from the impact of the pandemic, and this will create difficulties for years to come.

Countless thousands of operations will be postponed by strikes. Delays, already much longer than the recommended maximum, will stretch from weeks to months (Pictured - Junior Doctors Strikes earlier this month)

But the crisis goes deeper even than that  and the proposed strike by consultants, who are among some of the highest paid professionals in the country, threatens to wipe out much of the goodwill built up during successive Covid lockdowns.

Figures obtained by the Daily Mail show the average consultant is paid 128,000 a year, with a considerable additional annual pension payment. This is many times more than a carer receives.

It's perhaps acceptable that consultants should feel that their very generous remuneration needs topping up still further  but utterly unforgivable that they believe they have a moral right to withdraw their labour, in an attempt to force the Government into acquiescence.

Countless thousands of operations will be postponed. Delays, already much longer than the recommended maximum, will stretch from weeks to months. The knock-on effect will harm every patient. And people will die as a direct result.

I cannot believe this is really what the great majority of consultants want. Surely this callous greed is not what has fuelled their careers, inspiring them to commit to long years of study and sheer hard work. Strike action must directly contradict their most profound principles.

When junior doctors went on strike earlier this year, it was the consultants who stepped in to keep A&E services running. But there is no one who can provide cover when the consultants walk out.

When junior doctors went on strike earlier this year , it was the consultants who stepped in to keep A&E services running

On top of this, the Government has just stumped up a 1 billion finance package to ensure consultants' existing salaries and pensions are protected. The Exchequer is giving with one hand  and getting the other hand bitten off.

My wife and I have a good many friends among the ranks of senior doctors and specialists, some retired and others still working. I am fully aware of the superb job they do, not least in my home city of Sheffield.

But I am also aware, as a student of political history, that the relationship between government and consultants in the NHS has been a thorny one from the outset. When the health service was launched, some well-paid doctors protested that their incomes would be slashed.

The architect of the NHS, Aneurin Bevan, who was Minister for Health in Clement Attlee's Labour cabinet, was forced reluctantly to reach a compromise, termed 'the settlement'. Consultants would be permitted to continue undertaking private work.

Re-reading the diaries of another Labour health secretary, the formidable and unforgettable Barbara Castle, I was struck by how much of her time in the 1970s was swallowed up by exhausting and often fruitless confrontations with the consultants, the most highly paid sector in the health service.

The relationship between government and consultants in the NHS has been a thorny one from the outset - The architect of the NHS, Aneurin Bevan, who was Minister for Health in Clement Attlee's Labour cabinet, was forced reluctantly to reach a compromise, termed 'the settlement' when the NHS was launched

Mrs Castle believed, as I do, that senior doctors should never forget that their life-saving expertise is the result, not only of their own hard work, but of the priceless training they received through the NHS. The taxpayer has invested in the consultants. For them to repay the entire country by holding us to ransom is simply immoral.

They can already be said to be beneficiaries of the burgeoning waiting lists, with more than seven million people in the queue for specialist clinical care or surgery.

At least 800,000 people now opt for private procedures, providing a lucrative sideline for consultants outside the NHS  the most ever recorded, up from 757,000 in 2021.

Typical charges include 250 for an initial consultation, with thousands of pounds for cataract surgery or a hip or knee replacement, and 150 for a follow-up check.

Those prices, especially during a cost of living crisis, are out of the reach of many people, and certainly impossible for those on the lowest incomes.

I cannot imagine how any cancer or heart patient would feel, to know that a crucial consultant's appointment has been cancelled due to strike action  and then learn that the same consultant was at work that day in private practice, giving life-saving care to a wealthier person. The idea is iniquitous.

Consultants occupy an exalted position. They have to ask themselves whether they have any right to strike, and so put their own personal benefit ahead of the lives of their patients. They have to remember why they went into medicine in the first place.

And they have to remember too that they are often the most powerful voices within the system. People listen when they speak, from the most junior nurses to the chief executives. That influence must not be squandered.

I don't doubt that most senior doctors are as concerned by the threat of strikes as I am. They must speak out.

The message is very clear. You came into the NHS because you cared. Now please demonstrate that you still do, by forcing a quick end to this travesty. At all costs, industrial action must be called off.

Lord Blunkett was shadow health secretary from 1992-94.
A tricky maths exam question aimed at kids has gone viral after perplexing thousands of people on Twitter.

The challenging problem was posted by @yawdmontweet, from Jamaica, who said the question 'hurt his head.'

The question, which racked up 1.4 million views, asked: 'What is the closest time to midnight?', and it offered a multiple choice answer of A. 11:55 am, B. 12:06 am, 11:50 am, and D 12:03 am.'

Scores of social media users appeared to be confused by the question as many rushed to the comments with different answers.

Some people claimed the answer was 'D' because that's only three minutes away from midnight.

A tricky math exam question aimed at kids has gone viral after perplexing thousands of people on the internet

However others interpreted the question differently and said it is 'A' because that's the nearest to midnight without going back in time.

What is the correct answer? A: 11.55 am (12 hours 5 minutes before midnight) B: 12.06 am (6 minutes after midnight) C: 11.50am (12 hours 10 minutes before midnight) D 12.03am (3 minutes after midnight) D IS THE CLOSEST TO MIDNIGHT Advertisement

One person said: 'Clearly a lot of children have been left behind. The answer is D!!! 'To' just means closest to the time itself, not insinuating that it's necessarily before midnight.'

Another agreed saying: 'The question speaks to proximity and not chronology, so the answer is D.'

While someone else said: 'I don't even understand why this is causing confusion. The answer is D! 3 minutes after midnight is the closest time to midnight. #Simple'

A fourth agreed saying: 'Option D is 3 minutes away from midnight. All the options provided were in the morning and if listed in chronological order, the closest to midnight is D. We will have to agree to disagree on this one as no other reason makes sense to me.'

Those who chose D were correct, because 12.03am is three minutes past midnight, while 11.55am is 12 hours and 5 minutes before; 12.06 am is six minutes past and 11.50 am is 12 hours and 10 minutes before.

But others insisted the answer was A with one person saying: 'A is the answer because it's 5 mins away from midnight. 12:03am is 23 hours and 57 mins away from midnight.'

Some people claimed the answer was 'D' because that's only three minutes away from midnight

However others said it is 'A' because that's the nearest to midnight without going back in time

Another said: 'The answer is A. 11:55am (is 12 hours, and 5 minutes) away from midnight (12am). B is 23 hours and 54 minutes away, C is 12 hours and 10 minutes away and D is 23 hours and 57 minutes from midnight.'

While a third wrote: 'It says closest 'To' midnight. And not 'From' Midnight. Stop over complicating everything lol. Answer is A.'

However, this logic is totally flawed because 11.55am is in the morning and not close to midnight at all.

People chimed in on why they think the maths questions is confusing with some revealing it's to do with the wording.

One person said: 'I think the wording is causing confusion. 'TO' midnight and 'Pass' midnight are 2 different things when it comes to time.'

Another said: 'Without more information it's hard to choose the answer. We say time in a clockwise manner which would make A the closest if we are talking about the next midnight. However, it did not state which midnight this D it closest.'

While another said: 'This isnt hard guys. Its clearly only one answer. Two of them are close to midday not midnight'
A woman has left plane passengers horrified after brushing her teeth at her seat on a 14-hour flight and spitting into cup afterwards.

An onlooker took to Reddit to complain after witnessing the bad travel etiquette on a 14-hour flight to London.



Dental hygiene is of course essential and no doubt people on board would not have minded her taking the opportunity to clean her gnashers had she not done it in her very seat.

What's worse, according to an anonymous traveller who sat next to her, the toilets were only three rows in front  and they were free.

Taking to Reddit to share their horror on the thread PassengerShaming, user anyiar0cks described the ordeal in detail.

They wrote: 'Girl next to me brushed her teeth from her seat, spat in a cup, shook the tooth brush in the air to dry it out, and kept the cup there for four hours.'

Continuing the story, they went on: 'So I was on a 14h flight to London. Next to me was an Australian couple.

'I fall asleep, then woke up to the girl brushing her teeth from her seat?! Then she proceeded to spit in a cup, shook the toothbrush in the air to dry it out, and kept the cup there for 4h.

'The toilets were 3 rows in front of us. (and were free).'

A passenger revealed their horror when the woman sat next to them on a 14-hour journey decided to brush her teeth in her seat, spit in a cup and shake her toothbrush out to dry it

Public transport etiquette is a fiercely debated topic, particularly on aeroplanes where space and ventilation is limited.

One traveller sparked a discussion after she complained about a fellow passenger's 'entitled and selfish' act on a flight.

The woman snapped an image of a fellow passenger sitting in front of her painting her nails, causing the strong smell of the polish to fill the cabin.

While a small minority saw no issue with the woman using the three hour flight to paint and dry her nails, most were outraged by the 'rude' and 'inconsiderate' behaviour.

The flyer vented her frustrations online saying she was asked by other passengers to put the nail varnish away but she refused.

'The flight attendant asked her after four of us asked her to stop and she didn't, because by the time the flight attendant got involved, she was doing the top coat,' she said in a Reddit post.

She admitted she did not ask the woman to stop doing her nails joking: 'I did the British thing and glared at the back of her head and tutted loudly until she finally put it away.'

Hundreds were shocked by the woman's 'audacity' to give herself a manicure without thinking about the smell it would cause.

'People like this make me realise how overly considerate I am. My brain can't comprehend this level of entitlement and selfishness,' one user wrote.

An image of a woman painting her nails on a three-hour flight has caused a heated debate with many slamming the 'selfish' and 'inconsiderate' behaviour

Some passengers do not seem to know or care about travel etiquette on board public transport (stock image inside of a plane)

'R.I.P everybody's nose,' laughed another and a third said: 'This is psychopath behaviour'.

'I would have literally snatched that and tossed it in the toilet. I can't stand the smell of that in a well ventilated house,' replied a fourth.

Others wondered how she got the substances past security.

'How is nail polish and nail polish remover allowed on a carry on bag??? Both are highly flammable and both give off ridiculous amounts of fumes,' one person asked.

In Australia, Virgin flights allow passengers to pack nail polish and nail polish remover in the carry on but use on board the aircraft is strictly prohibited.

Most airlines don't have an official policy on the use of nail polish.
One group ended up in the River Thames when they tried to board their canoe

Revellers attended day one of the Henley Royal Regatta in Oxfordshire yesterday

A handful of revellers made a rather literal splash as they ended up in the River Thames on their way home from the Henley Royal Regatta yesterday.

The rowing event, which was established in 1839, takes place every year and sees teams compete in more than 300 races along the river in Oxfordshire.

But some attendees appeared to be more involved than most spectators on day one, ending up in the water with an upside-down boat in tow.

It appeared the men had been attempting to board the canoe after a long afternoon at the regatta, and hadn't quite made it safely into the vessel.

Policemen came to their aid as they pulled the canoe from the water.

The rowing event, which was established in 1839, takes place every year and sees teams compete in more than 300 races along the River Thames in Oxfordshire

Elsewhere, well-dressed revellers had clearly enjoyed the festivities, holding on to plastic cups as they reach down to adjust their shoes for the long walk home.

Others gave up entirely, sitting on the ground in their smart suit jackets and ties.

Tuesday was the first of the six-day Henley Royal Regatta, which will end on Sunday.

In 2021 it was announced that women would be allowed to wear trousers to the Henley Royal Regatta for the first time since it was established in 1839.

The long-standing sartorial rules - which asked for over-the-knee skirts and no trousers, and a blazer or smart jacket - crumbled under pressure from campaigners who branded the former dress code 'symbolic of an era when women couldn't compete and were just there to look pretty'.

Those in attendance this year took full advantage of the relaxed rules, with a number opting to pair their floral gowns with trainers, sandals or Converse sneakers.

Others wore stylish summer gowns with elegant headpieces and wedged heels, while some emulated Wimbledon fashion and wore immaculate white ensembles.

The regatta will see national clubs from up and down the country vying for glory on the River Thames in a number of races.

Some attendees appeared to be more involved than most spectators on day one, ending up in the water with an upside-down boat in tow

It appeared the men had been attempting to board the canoe after a long afternoon at the regatta, and hadn't quite made it safely into the vessel

Elsewhere, well-dressed revellers had clearly enjoyed the festivities, holding on to plastic cups as they reach down to adjust their shoes for the long walk home

The popular sporting event, which was established in 1839, comes hand-in-hand with a day of picnics and drinking.

Teams compete in over 300 races of an international standard on the Thames, which can include Olympic rowers as well as crews new to the event.

It was first staged in 1839 and has been held annually every year since, except during the two World Wars and 2020 due to Covid-19.

This year, the six-day regatta will for the first time allow international entrants to the junior men's eights, as well as teams from British private and state schools.

Sir Steve Redgrave, chairman of the Henley Royal Regatta, said one major British private school feared opening up the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup to international teams would mean students competing against 'superclubs'.

The popular sporting event, which was established in 1839, comes hand-in-hand with a day of picnics and drinking

The Henley Royal Regatta attracts thousands of visitors over the course of the six-day event

Teams compete in over 300 races of an international standard on the Thames, which can include Olympic rowers as well as crews new to the event

Sir Steve said he attended a meeting of 55 schools where one private school, which he didn't name, wanted the cup to remain closed to international competitors.

But he added it was going to happen 'sooner or later' and it was the 'right thing to do'.

In a podcast this month, Sir Steve was asked whether schools, including Eton College, St Paul's School and St Edward's School, should be concerned about the rise of 'big US clubs coming over to race  they are very fast'.

It was first staged in 1839 and has been held annually every year since, except during the two World Wars and 2020 due to Covid-19

This year, the six-day regatta will for the first time allow international entrants to the junior men's eights, as well as teams from British private and state schools

Sir Steve Redgrave, chairman of the Henley Royal Regatta, said one major British private school feared opening up the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup to international teams would mean students competing against 'superclubs'

He said: 'One of those top schools didn't want it. But it was going to happen sooner or later. We can't stop this, in fact it's the right thing to do.'

Sir Steve explained that rowing cities in the United States were 'huge' and clubs were state-wide and not school-oriented like in Britain.

He said this meant their rowing clubs were a 'little bit bigger' because they draw upon rowers from more schools.

The chairman added: 'What we don't want is any country to be able to put a crew together, which is almost a national eight [team].

'It's not an event for national eights  it's for the top juniors from their rowing establishments.'
This is the moment the Princess of Wales playfully told a group of inquisitive primary school children her age while reopening the Young V&A museum in London.

'I'm 41, shh don't tell anyone,' Kate quietly revealed to the youngsters, who had moments earlier welcomed the delighted royal with a showering of hugs.

The princess, who has made children's early development a key focus of her work, met students from Globe Primary School in Bethnal Green at her engagement today.

The Young V&A - which was formerly known as the V&A Museum of Childhood - is situated in East London and will officially reopen to the public on Saturday following a three-year 13million renovation.

As she arrived at the renovated Grade II-listed building this morning, Kate appeared in great spirits and shook hands with a member of the museum's staff - including Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum Tristan Hunt.

The moment the Princess of Wales tells a group of inquisitive children her age during the opening of the Young V&A

The Princess of Wales couldn't mask her delight as she was showered with hugs from students at the Globe Primary School

The mother-of-three - who is the V&A's first ever patron and a keen photographer - was then taken on a tour of the premises by children who were instrumental to the redesign.

During the tour, Kate stopped and spoke with students at the nearby Bethnal Green primary school and found herself in the centre of a group hug.

The mother-of-three beamed at the youngsters as they wrapped their arms around her waist.

Sharing the heartwarming images on Twitter, the primary school's official account wrote: 'Big hugs from Globe children to the Princess of Wales at the preview of our wonderful local museum, the Young V&A.'

Later in the tour, the Princess was also seen engaging with other young children and dishing out high fives.

What's more, the children of Globe Primary School also gave Kate three goodie bags to take home for her children Prince George, nine, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five.

As part of the extensive redesign, museum staff worked closely with local schoolchildren, parents and teachers to reimagine display areas and contributing ideas for galleries.

The institute - which is dedicated to children aged between 0-14 and will be free to access - houses three new galleries called Play, Imagine and Design. The distinct areas have nearly 2,000 items on display from the V&A's collections which aim to inspire children's creativity.

Pictured: The Princess of Wales gives students from a local primary school high fives as she leaves the Young V&A

The Princess of Wales smiled and waved to crowds as she departed the Young V&A following its official reopening

Sharing the images on Twitter, the school wrote: 'Big hugs from Globe children to the Princess of Wales at the preview of our wonderful local museum, the Young V&A.'

The Princess of Wales wrapped her arms around the children as she found herself in the middle of a group hug

The Princess of Wales, 41, got stuck into some playtime with the children as they took a break from the tour today

The Princess of Wales beams as she spoke with schoolchildren at the Young V&A reopening in East London

The royal mother-of-three beamed as she watched the children play in one of the newly redesigned spaces

The Princess of Wales pictured being showered with hugs from students from The Globe primary school

The Princess of Wales enthusiastically got stuck in to play time with the children during the museum reopening

Kate pictured during a visit to open the Young V&A in Bethnal Green, east London, ahead of its opening to the public on Saturday

The Princess of Wales inspects a Dr Who Tardis toy with primary school children at the Young V&A

The Princess of Wales attending the reopening of the children's museum today in her role as royal patron of the V&A

Pictured: the Princess of Wales engages with local schoolchildren attending the V&A museum opening

The Princess of Wales was given goodie bags for George, Charlotte and Louis at the museum's official re-opening

The Princess of Wales was all smiles as she carried yellow goodie bags from the children who attended today's reopening

The Princess of Wales styled her long brown hair in her signature loose waves and opted for minimal makeup

The Princess of Wales, 41, pictured speaking with the Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum Tristan Hunt

The Princess of Wales pictured walking down the staircase into the Young V&A's refurbished courtyard

Left: Mayor of London Sadiq Khan also attended the opening of the museum which is free to visit. Right: Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum Tristan Hunt pictured waiting to greet the Princess of Wales this morning

The Princess of Wales, 41, paired her pink pleated dress with some white heels as she stepped out this morning

The royal kept her jewellery minimal for the occasion - opting for her Mappin & Webb diamond earrings

The Princess of Wales was welcomed by Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum Tristan Hunt upon arrival at the Young V&A

The Princess of Wales has made children's early development a key focus of her work in recent years

The Princess of Wales wore a pretty pink pleated midi dress and white heels for her engagement in East London

The Princess of Wales pictured entering the Young V&A museum - which will be free to access when it reopens on Saturday

The Princess of Wales (pictured at the re-opening today) has been a patron of the V&A museum since March 2018

Pictured: Kate styled her long brown hair in her signature bouncy blow dry as she met with museum staff

To begin with, Kate - who rewore a pink midi dress by London-based designer Beulah from her 2021 Wimbledon trip - visited the Play Gallery, which is specifically aimed at toddlers with lots of sensory displays.

There, the Princess of Wales learnt about how the gallery has been dedicated to the development of language, motor skills and constructive play.

The royal - who styled her hair in her signature bouncy blow-dry - then paid a visit to the Arcade, which has been designed with teenagers in mind and focuses on the history of video and boardgames.

After this, Kate will headed over to the Design Gallery - which educates children about how innovative objects are created - before finishing off her tour in the Imagine Gallery.

This area contains a variety of spaces where children can put on performances or engage in story-telling. Within the Imagine Gallery, there is a new area called The Stage.

The Princess of Wales will be taken on a tour of the museum by children who helped with the redesign

The Princess of Wales looked effortlessly elegant in a pale pink midi dress for her engagement in East London today

The Princess of Wales opted for her signature bouncy blow-dry and smokey brown eye for her engagement today

The Princess of Wales looked effortlessly elegant in a pink crepe dress, which she previously wore to Wimbledon

The Princess of Wales appeared in great spirits as she shook hands with representatives from the museum

The Princes of Wales pictured beaming at Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum Tristan Hunt

Kate has made children's early development a key focus of her work in recent years and will learn about how the renovated museum will inspire young visitors' creativity

The Princess of Wales seen shaking hands with a representative from the museum as she arrives at the reopening

This new dedicated performance space featuring objects from the V&As renowned Theatre and Performance Collection, where children can also enjoy dressing up and performing their own shows.

The Princess of Wales was announced as the V&A's first ever royal patron in March 2018 - months before she gave birth to Prince Louis.

The royal was deemed perfect for the high-brow role thanks to her interest in the 'visual arts, photography and design.

Although the London museum carries Queen Victoria's name, no royal had ever held an official patronage for the institute before.

Kate's summery dress was cinched in at the waist with a wide belt and featured a button-down detail

Pictured: The Young V&A museum in East London before it closed for three years for an extensive renovation

Pictured: The Young V&A's Play Gallery, which is specifically aimed at toddlers with lots of sensory displays

The redevelopment is the most significant intervention in the Grade II* listed buildings 150-year history, and has completely transformed the museum

Pictured: children playing in one of the three re-imagined areas, which have undergone a 13m renovation

The Young V&A - which is aimed at children aged 0-14 - also boasts an impressive courtyard for further play

The Princess of Wales first wore this 695 crepe midi dress in blush pink by London-based designer Beulah to Wimbledon in 2021

The royal kept her jewellery minimal for the occasion - opting for her Mappin & Webb diamond earrings paired with Princess Diana's sapphire engagement ring.

Finishing off her sophisticated look, Kate opted for her signature bouncy blow-dry and smokey brown eyeshadow.

The Princess of Wales has spent years raising awareness about the importance of early childhood and launched her Shaping Us campaign in January.

Kate's ongoing campaign aims to improve society's understanding of the significance of early childhood in shaping adulthood and society as a whole.

In recent months, the Princess of Wales has met with families who spent time in the care system to highlight the importance of strong relationships for children who experience trauma early in life.

Earlier this year, Kate outlined the scope of her campaign and described it as a long-term project beginning with how a child develops and the importance of the formative years.

Scientific evidence has shown that early experiences can affect children not only socially and emotionally but in their physical development too.

Reports produced by the Early Childhood centre have revealed that the first five years shape future wellbeing more than any other stage of development, with our brains growing faster than at this time then any other.

It also hopes to 'break the cycle' of parents who experienced difficult childhoods themselves.
The Princess of Wales once again cemented her status as an eco-conscious royal as she rewore a two-year old dress to head to the Young V&A event in London.

Kate Middleton, 41, looked stunning in a 695 crepe midi dress in blush pink by London-based designer Beulah as she opened the museum today.

The royal first wore the dress to the Wimbledon finals in 2021, at the time pairing them with 30 Aldo shoes.

Today, she opted for white stilettos and Mappin & Webb earrings, looking a vision of summer chic.

Showing off voluminous hair, the brunette beauty wore her locks in relaxed curls while opting for a pretty make-up look.

The Princess of Wales once again cemented her status as an eco-conscious royal as she rewore a two-year old dress to head to the Young V&A event in London. Pictured today

Kate Middleton, 41, looked stunning in a 695 crepe midi dress in blush pink by London-based designer Beulah as she opened the museum today

Seeing double: The Princess of Wales wore the dress in 2021 to the Wimbledon finals (left), she styled it very similarly today (right)

The mother-of-three highlighted her natural beauty with lightly pencilled in eyebrows, black eyeliner and a creamy touch of foundation.

Keeping the look simple and sophisticated, Kate opted to forego bracelets and necklaces letting the statement dress speak for itself.

The Princess appears to have influenced dozens of other royals and celebrities after first wearing the dress, with Princes Beatrice, Sophie Windsor and Princess Mary of Denmark all spotted in the identical number.

Holly Willoughby, Lucy Mecklenburgh and Laura-Ann Barr also own the dress.

Beulah London, co-founded by Lady Natasha Rufus Isaacs and Lavinia Brennan in 2010, has become a go-to label for Kate, who has stepped out in the designs on a number of occasions.

The royal first wore the dress to the Wimbledon finals in 2021, at the time pairing them with 30 Aldo shoes (pictured)

The royal was reopening the Young V&A museum in London.

She has made children's early development a key focus of her work in recent years and will learn about how the renovated museum will inspire young visitors' creativity.

The Young V&A - which was formerly known as the V&A Museum of Childhood in east London and will officially reopen to the public on Saturday following a three-year 13m renovation.

The Princess of Wales was welcomed by Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum Tristan Hunt upon arrival at the Young V&A

The royal kept her jewellery minimal for the occasion - opting for her Mappin & Webb diamond earrings

As part of the extensive redesign, museum staff worked closely with local schoolchildren, parents and teachers to reimagine display areas and contributing ideas for galleries.

The institute - which is dedicated to children aged between 0-14 and will be free to access - houses three new galleries called Play, Imagine and Design.

The distinct areas have nearly 2,000 items on display from the V&A's collections which aim to inspire children's creativity.
A host of very glamorous revellers showed off their fashion prowess as they attended the second day of the Henley Royal Regatta.

The rowing event, which was established in 1839, takes place every year and sees teams compete in more than 300 races along the River Thames in Oxfordshire.

Spectators were dressed to impress for the second of the six-day event, in pastel shades and statement headpieces - while the men largely opted for a suit and tie.

However, some went for a more casual look, pairing their floral dresses with comfortable trainers and opting to forgo the traditional hat.

In 2021 it was announced that women would be allowed to wear trousers to the Henley Royal Regatta for the first time since it was established in 1839.

A host of very glamorous revellers showed off their fashion prowess as they attended the second day of the Henley Royal Regatta

The long-standing sartorial rules - which asked for over-the-knee skirts and no trousers, and a blazer or smart jacket - crumbled under pressure from campaigners who branded the former dress code 'symbolic of an era when women couldn't compete and were just there to look pretty.'

There was a sea of brightly-coloured blazers making their way to the Henley Royal Regatta on Wednesday, with one family dressing their young children in matching stripes.

It was a similar scene to that spotted on Tuesday, which ended in a rather boozy display - with some spectators finishing their night in the water.

The regatta will see national clubs from up and down the country vying for glory on the River Thames in a number of races.

The popular sporting event, which was established in 1839, comes hand-in-hand with a day of picnics and drinking.

Teams compete in over 300 races of an international standard on the Thames, which can include Olympic rowers as well as crews new to the event.

It was first staged in 1839 and has been held annually every year since, except during the two World Wars and 2020 due to Covid-19.

This year, the six-day regatta will for the first time allow international entrants to the junior men's eights, as well as teams from British private and state schools.

The popular sporting event, which was established in 1839, comes hand-in-hand with a day of picnics and drinking

Regatta goers were dressed to the nines for the rowing event with many turning up in floral dresses

Bright colours were popular for the event with many opting for shades of pink to make they got noticed in the crowd

There were some stunning outfits on display with many going all out, like this woman in a fuchsia pink and royal blue dress with matching shoes

The rowing event, which was established in 1839, takes place every year and sees teams compete in more than 300 races along the River Thames in Oxfordshire

Spectators were dressed to impress for the second of the six-day event, in pastel shades and statement headpieces - while the men largely opted for a suit and tie

A statement hat is traditional for women to wear at Regatta but not enforced

However, some went for a more casual look, pairing their floral dresses with comfortable trainers and opting to forgo the traditional hat

Statement headpiece? Yes please! This bold look captured the attention of the on-site photographer

People were dressed to impress for the second of the six-day event, opting for bright shades of of pink and statement headpieces

Sir Steve Redgrave, chairman of the Henley Royal Regatta, said one major British private school feared opening up the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup to international teams would mean students competing against 'superclubs'.

Sir Steve said he attended a meeting of 55 schools where one private school, which he didn't name, wanted the cup to remain closed to international competitors.

But he added it was going to happen 'sooner or later' and it was the 'right thing to do'.

In a podcast this month, Sir Steve was asked whether schools, including Eton College, St Paul's School and St Edward's School, should be concerned about the rise of 'big US clubs coming over to race  they are very fast'.

Simply stunning! This Barbie pink suit, sunshine orange dress, china print gown and daring Hawaiian flower number popped in a sea of everyday floral outfits

Spectators took a break from all the rowing and drinking to enjoy delicious food at the event

There was a mix of casual and formal with many women opting to wear trousers. Previously they could only wear a dress or skirt with a hemline below the knee to gain access to the Steward's Enclosure at the annual event but that changed in 2021

Gingham was another popular look for the event, adding a smart blazer to keep in with the event's traditional feeling

Looking all white! It wasn't just the ladies that went all out for the looks at the event, many gents pulled out their most spectacular blazers for Regatta

In 2021 it was announced that women would be allowed to wear trousers to the Henley Royal Regatta for the first time since it was established in 1839

There was a sea of brightly-coloured blazers making their way to the Henley Royal Regatta on Wednesday, with one family dressing their young children in matching stripes

It was a similar scene to that spotted on Tuesday, which ended in a rather boozy display - with some spectators finishing their night in the water

The regatta will see national clubs from up and down the country vying for glory on the River Thames in a number of races

Another Barbie fan  hot pink is the shade to be seen in at the Henley Royal Regatta, which often attracts more than 30,000 people each year

He said: 'One of those top schools didn't want it. But it was going to happen sooner or later. We can't stop this, in fact it's the right thing to do.'

Sir Steve explained that rowing cities in the United States were 'huge' and clubs were state-wide and not school-oriented like in Britain.

He said this meant their rowing clubs were a 'little bit bigger' because they draw upon rowers from more schools.

The chairman added: 'What we don't want is any country to be able to put a crew together, which is almost a national eight [team].

'It's not an event for national eights  it's for the top juniors from their rowing establishments.'

Traditionally men are required to wear lounge suits, or jackets, or blazers with trousers, together with a tie or a cravat.

Henley Royal Regatta racing provides a huge boost to the local economy and anyone is welcome to enjoy it in whatever outfit they like but blazers are traditional

Spectators can watch Henley Royal Regatta action for free and don't need a ticket to enjoy the rowing and is a great opportunity to get dressed up

The popular sporting event, which was established in 1839, comes hand-in-hand with a day of picnics and drinking  cheers!

Whilst not a requirement, it is customary for ladies to wear hats to the Regatta  just like this fabulous pale pink fascinator

You can't go wrong with nautical stripes at a regatta  this twinning couple are dressed to impress

Henley Regatta has been described in the past as the 'equivalent of the Royal Enclosure at Ascot'  this fabulous couple's outfits complemented each other perfectly

The popular sporting event, which was established in 1839, comes hand-in-hand with a day of picnics and drinking

A fabulous day out to enjoy the rowing and much more sees people go all out when it comes to their outfits

While the actual event is free, the Steward's Enclosure is only open to those who organise the regatta, members - who can reportedly wait years to be given membership - and their guests
They had a window leading into the hotel's bar which they could access

A British family were shocked when they realised their room was not ordinary

A holidaymaker was pleasantly surprised when he realised that he could continue to enjoy his the hotel's all-inclusive offering after hours.

The British family posted a video of their 'secret window' in their hotel room, thought to be in Crete, on TikTok, where it racked up five million views.

The man had a beaming smile on his face as went to pull back the curtain to reveal a small window. leading directly into the establishment's bar.

He managed to climb through the narrow window and hop into the bar, where he helped himself to a pint from the tap.

The British family posted a video of their 'secret window' in their hotel room - thought to be in Crete - on TikTok

He placed it on the windowsill but returned to pour himself another pint.

Those who stay at all-inclusive hotels know that the catch is usually that they have strict hours, meaning that you cannot redeem items around the clock.

But for this family, it seems the all-inclusive element of their holiday was never-ending.

They wrote on the video: 'When the all-inclusive finishes at 11 but you have a secret window in your hotel room. Of all the rooms to give us.'

The hotel, thought to be in Crete, has several bars throughout the resort, but this particular one led to one located by the pool.

This particular one shuts at 6pm, but the others shut at 11pm.

The video soon enough went viral, racking up more than five million views and thousands of comments

The holidaymaker climbed through the window and helped himself to a pint after the bar had shut

The family then filmed another video in daylight which reveals that they are quite literally next to the bar that serves customers all day

People took to the comments to express how baffled they were, while others were desperate to know which hotel this was so they could take a trip there themselves

The family then filmed another video in daylight which reveals that they are quite literally next to the bar that serves customers all day.

People took to the comments to express how baffled they were, while others were desperate to know which hotel this was so they could take a trip there themselves.

One person wrote: 'We stayed in same room loved it !! Crete.'

Another said: 'I'd drink the entire bar and still find a way to complain.'

A third penned: 'All inclusive never ends at your room.'

A fourth wrote: 'Id be kicked out day 1 lol.'
Wes Streeting has opened up about the 'survivor's guilt' he feels over his kidney cancer battle as he spoke about his experience on the anniversary of Dame Deborah James's death.

Talking on Lorraine, the Labour Party MP got candid about going through treatment during the pandemic and seeing incredible people, including Margaret McDonagh, die from the illness.

The politician, 40 - who was declared cancer-free in 2021 - admitted stories about the disease 'hit differently now'.

Reflecting on the loss of Dame Deborah, known as Bowel Babe - who died at the age of 40 in June 2022, five years after being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer - Wes said he struggles to grapple with the feelings it arises.

'In particular stories like Deborah's where it had an unhappy ending,' he said.

The politician, 40 (pictured) - who was declared cancer-free in 2021 - admitted stories about the disease 'hit differently now'

'I think I've, to an extent, a degree of survivor's guilt because you think "well why was I OK and why wasn't she?".

'And a dear friend of mine Margaret McDonagh - the first woman to be General Secretary of the the Labour Party - she died from brain cancer just the other day and it hit me really hard because she's a friend and one of my political heroes.

'And you think, why is it there are 3,500 people like Margaret each year who are diagnosed with that brain cancer and there's no hope of a cure. It's a death sentence.'

Wes stressed that he 'genuinely felt lucky about his diagnosis'.

The Ilford North MP was admitted to hospital in March 2021 with pain from a kidney stone, before a scan revealed a malignant tumour on the same kidney.

Two months later, the then 38-year-old went into hospital in London for a day-long biopsy, followed by three days of cancer treatment.

He was on his own throughout because of tough pandemic restrictions.

'I might've been 38. It might've been really rare and unusual but I knew that I wasn't going to die,' he told Lorraine Kelly today.

Reflecting on the loss of Dame Deborah (pictured), known as Bowel Babe - who died at the age of 40 in June 2022, five years after being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer - Wes said he struggles to grapple with the feelings it arises

The Ilford North MP was admitted to hospital in March 2021 with pain from a kidney stone, before a scan revealed a malignant tumour on the same kid. Pictured on Lorraine today

'I had one of the best kidney cancer surgeons in the world through the NHS the one thing I didn't have to worry about was the bill.'

Wes added he had 'amazing nurses looking after him'.

'The pandemic did make it hard because I remember going into the... hospital where the surgery happened - I don't think I've ever felt so lonely in my life...

'Leaving joe, my partner and my dad...

'But what have I got to complain about? I'm here, I'm healthy, I'm cancer-free and I came back from it running even faster and working even harder because I have this zest for life.'

The MP has a new book about his life and upbringing - called One Boy, Two Bills and a Fry Up - coming out.

The Ilford North MP was admitted to hospital in March 2021 with pain from a kidney stone, before a scan revealed a malignant tumour on the same kidney

Two months later, the then 38-year-old went into hospital in London for a day-long biopsy, followed by three days of cancer treatment

Margaret McDonagh (pictured) who was Labour's first female general secretary has died at the age of 61

In it, he opens up about his childhood and working-class background.

Last week the Shadow Health Secretary was among many mourning the loss of Margaret McDonagh who was Labour's first female general secretary has died at the age of 61.

'For the rest of my life I will feel blessed to have known Margaret McDonagh,' he tweeted.

'Labour's first woman general secretary and the best of the best. Utterly integral to Labour's 1997 victory and what it delivered. Sending so much love to Siobhain and all who knew and love this icon.'

Her death comes as earlier this year, her sister Siobhain McDonagh, Labour MP for Mitcham and Morden, gave a House of Commons speech in which she accused the NHS of 'abandoning' her sister as she was treated for brain cancer.

She fought back tears as she criticised the lack of progress on brain cancer treatment since 2005 in the NHS and explained her sister was on a course of treatment which involved a monthly four-day trip to Dusseldorf, Germany.

She said that Baroness McDonagh had the tumour removed during surgery at the Royal National Neurological Hospital just before Christmas, but only after the operation was cancelled by the NHS three times prior.

Baroness McDonagh was described as an 'unstoppable force of nature' and a 'tireless champion for women' as tributes were paid to her today.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer hailed her 'absolutely essential' role as election co-ordinator in the party's 1997 general election victory.
The Prince of Wales, 41, was in Belfast to promote his new initiative Homewards

Prince William had a heartwarming reaction to being told a cheeky anecdote about his grandfather in Northern Ireland yesterday.

The royal, 41, travelled to six locations across the UK in 48 hours earlier this week to mark the launch of his new homelessness campaign Homewards.

Yesterday, the father-of-three visited the East Belfast Mission's headquarters - as it is one of the charities he will be working with over the next five years to help eradicate homelessness in the UK.

While the royal was being shown around the Skainos Centre, a Methodist minister told William about his late grandparents' visit to Belfast in March 2008.

He explained how The Queen and Prince Philip were informed about plans to build the Skainos Centre 15 years ago.

The Prince of Wales pictured during his tour of the Skainos Centre in Belfast yesterday. The royal was told how his grandfather helped the East Belfast Mission secure their funding with a cheeky comment

When the monarch asked why it hadn't been built yet, she was told that there weren't enough funds to put their plans into action.

The minister told William yesterday: [Prince Philip] just immediately asked [the politicians], "why don't you just give them the money?"''

However, the minister admitted that he'd slightly altered Philip's exact phrasing when telling the story to his grandson.

He added: 'There was an expletive in there but I'm not going to say that. And three weeks later the money turned up.'

In response, Prince William chuckled and said: 'That sounds like my grandfather!'

While greeting wellwishers outside the centre, Prince William told one royal fan: 'The Reverend has been telling me stories about my grandfather.'

The royal was also filmed shaking hands and chatting to a fan who appeared to be singing the praises of the charity's on-site Refresh Cafe.

He asked: 'Have you been for a fry up?' William then replied: 'There's a fry-up waiting for people! I've got to get out there.'

'That sounds like my grandfather!' The Prince of Wales laughed as he was told about his grandfather's cheeky comment to politicians. The pair pictured together in 2005

Following the cheeky interaction, the man then got the crowd cheering from William.

William was officially welcomed to the Northern Ireland capital by Lord Lieutenant Dame Fionnuala Jay-O'Boyle as well as Belfast Lord Mayor Ryan Murphy and East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson.

During the visit, Prince William met with charity workers who have been asked to form a coalition with Homewards and participated in a round-table discussion.

The Prince of Wales has set his sights on making rough sleeping, sofa surfing and other forms of temporary accommodation a 'rare, brief and unrepeated' issue.

The royal has taken inspiration from Finland, where the problem of homelessness has been virtually eradicated, with his new initiative called Homewards.

The father-of-three was all smiles as he spoke with a young royal fan outside The East Belfast Mission headquarters

Prince William seen shaking hands with a royal fan who asked if he had had a fry-up in Belfast yesterday morning

William's new five-year project will focus on six locations to begin with and local businesses, organisations and individuals will be encouraged to join forces and develop 'bespoke' action plans to tackle homelessness with up to 500,000 in funding.

The future king has become increasingly passionate about the issue of homelessness in the UK - having been first taken to visit the charity The Passage by his late mother Princess Diana.

Announcing his new project on Sunday, the Prince of Wales: 'In a modern and progressive society, everyone should have a safe and secure home, be treated with dignity and given the support they need.

'Through Homewards, I want to make this a reality and over the next five years, give people across the UK hope that homelessness can be prevented when we collaborate.'
A single mom has revealed how an airline refused to let her fly alone with her three-month-old twins - breaking down in tears as she recounted the 'maddening' interaction.

Amanda Leigh Vienno Bailey had been set to travel from Ontario to New Brunswick to visit her own mother for two weeks.

But the 26-year-old, who works as a photographer, said that at the last minute the airline, Flair, had told her she could not make the journey alone with her babies.

She claims she was told multiple times that she would be fine to travel with the infants despite Canadian Aviation Regulations stating 'no passenger can be responsible for more than one child under the age of two.'

Amanda Leigh Vienno Bailey has revealed how an airline refused to let her fly alone with her three-month-old twins

The 26-year-old, who works as a photographer, said that at the last minute the airline, Flair, had told her she could not make the journey alone with her babies

In the clip, which has been viewed more than 690,000 times, Amanda talks directly to camera with one of her babies on her lap.

Fighting back the tears, the mother-of-two begins: 'So we are not allowed to fly by ourselves on Thursday and I'm super disappointed.

'I didn't think I was allowed but after calling Flair and confirming multiple times and they said it was fine you get your hopes and you're like, "Oh I can do it, I can do it."

'Everything is packed and flights are now ridiculous [prices] to even ask someone to come with me and they won't honor a price or anything so it's just super frustrating.

'It sucks being a single mom and not being able to do the things that you literally do on an every day basis because of safety.'

She said that the airline had cited concerns that it would not be possible for Amanda to care for two babies 'in a timely manner' in an emergency which she claims 'makes no sense.'

Amanda continues: 'It's not like I'm a double parent household and I don't do things a lot on my own.

'I'm literally with them 24/7 alone so it's just super frustrating and I'm so mad that this is happening. We're not happy about it.'

Amanda (pictured when pregnant with her twins) said: 'It sucks being a single mom and not being able to do the things that you literally do on an every day basis because of safety'

Other social media users rushed to offer Amanda their sympathy as dozens said that they were stunned by the official guidelines

Unfortunately for Amanda, the Canadian Aviation Regulations state that: 'For the safety of both adults and children... no passenger can be responsible for more than one infant (child under the age of two).'

FEMAIL has contacted Flair for further comment.

In a follow-up video, which was posted a few days later, Amanda gave an update on the situation.

She said: 'I called [the airline] again this morning, I cancelled my flight... I tried to find somebody to come with me but then there's so many different scenarios and you have to purchase a seat, they wouldn't let me change one of them to an infant seat and switch the name on the ticket.

'It was just so much of a hassle. There were so many moving parts that I was just like I'm not doing this, I can't do it.

'My mind, my mental state, I'm just done. I'm over this.'

Amanda said that she was going to try and rebook to fly out at a later date with someone else accompanying her and her twins.

Addressing the law, she said: 'Canada, get your f***ing s*** together because we all know that you don't know what the f*** you're doing these days...

'It makes no sense to me, I'm super frustrated, I'm disappointed. I had so much planned.'

Amanda, who said that she was issued with a full refund, posted the update alongside a caption that read: 'Not impressed that I can't fly with my babies. Absolutely flawed law/rule if you ask me.'

Other social media users rushed to offer Amanda their sympathy as dozens said that they were stunned by the official guidelines.

One wrote: 'Isn't that considered discrimination for a single parent? Or does Canada think that there are no single parents?'

Another added: 'You can't fly solo with your 2 kids??? I don't get why??'

And a third simply said: 'Omg I'm so sorry to hear that.'
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's cheerleader Omid Scobie today announced he will release a new book on the monarchy on November 21.

The author's previous title, Finding Freedom, covered the Duke and Duchess of Sussexes' decision to step down as senior royals.

Revealing the publication date today, Scobie said his new book would be a 'penetrating investigation' about the Royal Family's 'fight for survival'.

He tweeted: 'Endgame, a penetrating investigation into the future of the Royal Family, will be released globally on November 21, 2023. Cant wait for you all to read this.'

The book's release date was previously given as August 2023 before being pushed back so it could be written through and beyond the coronation.

Omid Scobie announced the release of Endgame last year but today announced the publication date as November 21, 2023

Scobie (pictured in London in June this year) rose to prominence after writing Founding Freedom, a laudatory biography about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Announcing the book last year, he said Endgame would 'pull back the curtain on an institution in turmoilexposing the chaos, family dysfunction, distrust and draconian practices threatening its very future'.

According to a statement released by the publisher: 'On September 8, 2022, the world stood still as news broke of Queen Elizabeth IIs passing.

READ MORE - YouTube star accuses the Sussexes of 'DEFAMING' her in Netflix docuseries Advertisement

'Her death dismantled the protective shield around the worlds most famous family, and saw a long-simmering crisis of confidence in the British monarchy begin to resurface.

'Now, with unique insight, deep access and exclusive revelations, journalist Omid Scobie pulls back the curtain on an institution in turmoilexposing the chaos, family dysfunction, distrust and draconian practices threatening its very future.

'This is the monarchys endgame. Do they have what it takes to save it?'

Mr Scobie, who is the royal editor of US website Harper's Bazaar, has been a firm cheerleader for Harry and Meghan over recent years, having co-authored a highly sympathetic biography of the couple in 2020.

He is one of the closest journalists to Harry and Meghan since their move to America.

It comes at a difficult time for Harry and Meghan, with Spotify announcing earlier this month that it was dropping the Duchess's podcast, Archetypes.

Scobie says his new book Endgame (pictured) will 'pull back the curtain on an institution in turmoil'

Meanwhile, Netflix is reportedly planning to can their deal with the couple when it expires in 2025 - after rejecting several of their ideas for shows.

In a bid to revive their flagging fortunes, Harry and Meghan are developing a Netflix show called 'Bad Manners', based on a feminist version of Miss Havisham from Charles Dickens' Great Expectations - according to the Wall Street Journal.

The author's previous title, Finding Freedom, covered the Duke and Duchess of Sussexes' decision to step down as senior royals

Meanwhile, a YouTube star has threatened legal action against the couple after accusing them of 'defaming' and 'slandering' her in their bombshell Netflix documentary.

Shallon Lester, from California, came out guns blazing against the Sussexes in a new video posted to her account on Tuesday, in which she railed against Harry, 38, and Meghan, 41, for allegedly 'mischaracterizing' her in the six-part Netflix series.

Back in December, Lester branded Harry & Megan 'a festival of bulls**t' after a clip from her YouTube account was shown in their documentary, implying that she was part of a coordinated trolling campaign against the couple.

The outspoken influencer has now hinted that she may pursue legal action against them - noting in her video that her 'lawyer is going to be mad' at her for mentioning it - and is vowing to 'nail their a** to the wall' over the allegations.

'Believe me when I say I'm pursuing every opportunity to nail their a** to the wall for this,' she raged in the video. 'It's defamation, it's slander, it's mischaracterization. And you know what else it is? Misinformation.'
For many Blue Peter fans, the beloved pets that would make regular appearances on the longest-running children's television show were one of the highlights of their viewing experience.

More than 20 animals became pets for the popular British programme - including cats, dogs, horses, parrots, and even tortoises.

The first was Petra, a mongrel, who was adopted by the show in the 1960s - but, perhaps more famously, there was also Shep in the 1970s.

Blue Peter presenter John Noakes was left bitter amid his claims he was forced apart from his beloved dog Shep by BBC bosses after he left the show.

However, a new book has now alleged that Noakes did actually keep his border collie - before giving it away when he decided to go on a round-the-world sailing trip.

The biography of Blue Peter editor Biddy Baxter claims the BBC did not forcibly separate Noakes and Shep when the presenter said he was leaving in 1977.

Following the new revelations, FEMAIL takes a look at what happened to Shep and some of the other Blue Peter dogs following their careers on the show.

PETRA

(From left) John Noakes, Valerie Singleton and Peter Purves with pets. Singleton holds Jason, the Blue Peter cat; Noakes holds Shep; and Purves holds Petra in 1971

Dogs Petra and Shep and Jason the cat on November 23 in 1973

Adopted Petra first appeared on Blue Peter in 1962, when its very first presenter Christopher Trace fronted the show alongside Valerie Singleton.

Petra, who was looked after by Trace, appeared as a regular for 15 years, and remained the longest serving animal companion until 2011.

There was even a bronze bust of the beloved canine, crafted by William Timym, outside the Blue Peter studios in Salford.

Petra gave birth to the second Blue Peter pet, Patch, in 1965. The pup was looked after by presenter John Noakes, until the pooch's death in 1971.

In 2008, the programme's former editor Biddy Baxter told the full story of how its first adopted animal was actually a fake. She was an emergency replacement found when the original dog died two days after her debut.

In a book chronicling 50 years of Britain's favourite children's programme, titled Dear Blue Peter, Miss Baxter describes the ruse in detail.

She recalls how on the last episode before Christmas 1962 the head of Children's Television, Owen Reed, appeared on the screen with a large cardboard box covered with festive paper and ribbons.

He presented it to Christopher Trace and Valerie Singleton, who cut the ribbon, opened the box and revealed a tiny eight-week-old black-and-brown puppy.

Miss Baxter, editor from 1962 to 1988, said: 'It was the dog's first and last TV appearance. Two days later she died of distemper.

'It was unthinkable to traumatise our youngest viewers by giving them the sad news, so the producer Edward Barnes and I set off in his Mini to trawl London for the dead pup's lookalike.

'It wasn't until we reached Lewisham that we struck lucky. In a dingy shop window there was one small browny-black puppy, shivering in the corner of a pen. Not a single viewer spotted the swap.'

The replacement dog, named Petra in a viewers' vote, appeared until 1977.

She might have been regarded as a national treasure but presenter Peter Purves thought otherwise.

He once said: 'People imagined she was a German Shepherd, but she was some rough collie cross. She'd lost her teeth, developed diabetes, her eyes were bad and she was neurotic and badly bred. A mess.' Petra died aged 15 in September 1977 from old age.

SHEP

Blue Peter presenter John Noakes with his beloved dog Shep, in May 1978

John Noakes sitting back-to-back with the Blue Peter dog Shep in Television Centre

(From left) Blue Peter presenters Peter Purves, Lesley Judd, Valerie Singleton and John Noakes with his dog Shep in May 1972

Blue Peter host John Noakes on his yacht with Vicky Noakes in 1994. Noakes died in 2017

Blue Peter host John Noakes was initially told he could take Shep the dog with him when the presenter said he was leaving in 1977, but was then asked to sign a disclaimer that the animal would not appear in adverts or shows by competitors.

This left Noakes so angry that he tore up the paper on his last day at work and threw the pieces on the studio floor, according to Baxter's biographer Richard Marson.

The claims are made in the new book 'Biddy Baxter: The Woman Who Made Blue Peter'

However, Noakes and Shep were then said to have lived happily together for the next few years - and Shep appeared with him in several series of the presenter's BBC adventure show Go With Noakes.

Noakes then signed a contract to make a dog food advert, reported the Daily Telegraph. But because Shep could not appear, a lookalike named Skip was hired, who also then lived with Noakes.

The book - 'Biddy Baxter: The Woman Who Made Blue Peter'  then states that both dogs were given away when the couple decide to sell their home and go on a huge sailing adventure.

Noakes's widow, Vicky, told Mr Marson: 'Dogs find being at sea quite disturbing and get very anxious.'

And Mr Marson said: 'John and Vicky took the lifechanging decision to sell their home in Britain and embark on an epic sailing adventure. Neither Shep nor Skip would be joining them.'

Shep was rehomed with Blue Peter's long-standing pet keeper Edith Menezes. The dog was owned by the BBC, which paid an allowance to cover expenses.

Noakes first claimed in 1983 that the BBC had forcibly separated him from Shep, which resulted in Baxter receiving letters wrongly accusing her of cruelty.

The presenter had said: 'I thought Shep was mine - they told me I could keep him, but they went back on their word.'

Noakes famously loathed Baxter until his death in 2017, with issues over the ownership of Shep being a crucial point.

Noakes and his wife moved from Britain to Majorca after their sailing adventure, but visited Shep shortly before the dog died in 1987. Ms Menezes died in 1994.

Mrs Noakes said of their final visit to see the dog: 'We had just been to see Shep. By this time, he had stomach problems and was pretty much blind. But, immediately he heard John's voice, whoosh, down the path he went like a bullet and they were reunited. They were good mates and John loved him.'

Baxter, who edited Blue Peter from 1962 to 1988, is now aged 90. Mr Marson worked on Blue Peter for almost a decade, as producer and later its editor.

Biddy Baxter: The Woman Who Made Blue Peter is out on July 3, priced at 17.99.

GOLDIE AND HER DAUGHTER BONNIE

Golden Retriever Goldie (pictured left) joined Blue Peter as a puppy in 1978, alongside new presenter Simon Groom

Mark Curry, Yvette Fielding and Caron Keating with Bonnie in 1988

Golden Retriever Goldie joined Blue Peter as a puppy in 1978, alongside new presenter Simon Groom. As became tradition, her name was chosen by viewers.

Goldie was the first in a long line of Golden Retrievers to appear on the show, including one of her puppies, Bonnie, who joined in 1986.

The new mother left the show shortly after giving birth, and went to live with Groom on his Derbyshire farm.

Bonnie then took up the mantle - and appeared with 16 different presenters on 1,150 editions of Blue Peter.

Goldie lived until she was 14 years old. She is buried on her owner's farm. Bonnie retired in 1999 to live with Leonie Pocock, her off-screen owner. She died at the age of 15 in 2001.

MABEL

Long-serving Mabel (pictured right) enjoyed a 14-year screen career; the border collie cross was seen by millions of children during her time on the show

Long-serving Mabel enjoyed a 14-year screen career; the border collie cross was seen by millions of children during her time on the show.

She was the programme's first rescue dog before retiring in 2010. Mabel - whose exact age was not known, but was thought to be 16 - died in 2011.

The popular pet was the second-longest serving dog on the BBC show after Petra.

Former Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton said after Mabel's death: 'I'm proud to have worked alongside such an iconic Blue Peter dog.

'She was dearly loved and that's a credit to her quirky character. She'll be sorely missed by the presenters and viewers alike.'

Mabel originally featured on the programme in January 1996 when then presenter Katy Hill met her while making a film about the RSPCA.

She officially joined a month later when she came into the studio with inspector Mark Buggie from the animal charity.

Her name came from the letters MAB1 which were written on her RSPCA kennel. She starred alongside 14 different presenters in hundreds of studio shows.

She was notable for her different coloured eyes - one brown, one blue - and a folded-over ear.

Mabel spent her retirement living with a former member of the production team.

MEG

Meg was a Border Collie belonging to Blue Peter presenter Matt Baker (pictured together) who, though not considered an official pet from the show, often made appearances

Meg was a Border Collie belonging to Blue Peter presenter Matt Baker who, though not considered an official pet from the show, often made appearances.

The trained sheepdog lived on Baker's farm in County Durham, and after leaving the show with the presenter in 2006, appeared on Countryfile and the BBC's 2007 coverage of Crufts.

Matt previously explained to The Daily Mail in 2009 how Meg was given to the presenter after he struggled with loneliness while trying to live in London, shortly after landing the job on Blue Peter.

'I had virtually no experience of London and I was incredibly lonely. People just don't talk to you in the same way and my only contact was people saying "Aren't you that bloke off Blue Peter?"

'Nicola, who was then my girlfriend, was studying physiotherapy in Nottingham, so I rarely saw her. That's why I asked the editor of the show for a dog, to ease the loneliness.

'They found Meg, a border collie sheepdog, who became a fixture of the show, and I moved to a rented two-bedroom cottage in Chalfont St Giles in Buckinghamshire.'

Meg had to be put down at the age of 11 in 2011 following a battle with cancer, reported The Radio Times. Shes buried on Matt's farm.

BARNEY

In 2009, Irish Setter Dachshund mix Barney was introduced to Blue Peter. Barney was the show's ninth dog - a former stray given to presenter Helen Skelton by the Dogs Trust

The playful pup was said to receive just as much fan mail as Skelton (pictured together), who he still lives with after leaving the show with his owner in 2013

In 2009, Irish Setter Dachshund mix Barney was introduced to Blue Peter. Barney was the show's ninth dog - a former stray given to presenter Helen Skelton by the Dogs Trust.

The playful pup was said to receive just as much fan mail as Skelton, who he still lives with after leaving the show with his owner in 2013.

The then Dogs Trust chief executive Clarissa Baldwin said at the time: 'We are thrilled that Blue Peter has chosen a rescue dog as their latest canine team member.

'Barney is a charming little pup who was brought to one of our rehoming centres when he was found as a stray.

'He immediately impressed staff with his winning personality and they knew that he was destined to be a star.

'We wish Barney and Helen all the very best, and we all look forward to keeping up with their exciting adventures each week on the show.'
Japan's former Princess Mako of Akishino has been spotted shopping at an Amish market as she adjusts to life away from the throne.

The 31-year-old, who gave up her royal status when she married Kei Komuro, kept it casual for the outing in Hell's Kitchen, New York.

She opted for a low-key ensemble of wide-leg jeans, black shirt and trainers before accessorizing with a tote bag and face mask.

It comes after her commoner husband passed his bar exam on the third attempt - defying detractors back home who had criticized their romance.

Japan's former Princess Mako of Akishino has been spotted shopping at an Amish market as she adjusts to life away from the throne

The 31-year-old, who gave up her royal status when she married Kei Komuro, kept it casual for the outing in Hell's Kitchen, New York

She opted for a low-key ensemble of wide-leg jeans, black shirt and trainers before accessorizing with a tote bag

Mako wore her hair slicked back into a low bun as her curtain bangs were buffeted by the breeze

Mako looked nonchalant as she strolled along the sidewalk to run errands earlier this week.

She wore her hair slicked back into a low bun as her curtain bangs were buffeted by the breeze.

The former royal appeared to be alone with 31-year-old husband Kei Komuro absent from the scene.

The pair have been keeping a low profile while living in a luxury one-bedroom apartment in the city, and are believed to be financially independent.

The former princess was entitled to a $1.3 million payout from the Japanese government after giving up her noble status but she turned it down.

Mako has since been settling into her new life and has reportedly been making use of her background in art history by serving as an unpaid volunteer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

'She has specifically been involved in preparing an exhibition of paintings inspired by the life of a 13th-century monk who traveled throughout Japan as he introduced Buddhism,' the Japan Times wrote previously.

In October, Komuro, a graduate of Fordham University law school, passed the New York bar exam after two other failed attempts - with many reports claiming that the achievement would finally improve his shaky standing among the imperial family.

It comes after her commoner husband Kei Komuro (pictured together previously) passed his bar exam on the third attempt - defying detractors back home who had criticized their romance

The former royal appeared to be alone with 31-year-old husband Kei Komuro absent from the scene

Japan's former princess was sporting a face mask for the outing as she strolled down the sidewalk earlier this week

Komuro met Mako in 2013 when they were both studying at the International Christian University outside Tokyo.

The couple got 'unofficially engaged' in 2017 and had planned on tying the knot in November 2018.

Initially, the news was greeted with delight in Japan but a scandal began to brew when it was discovered that his mother, Kayo, had not repaid a four million yen ($35,000) loan from a former fiance, partly to pay his tuition.

The controversy led critics to suggest Komuro was only marrying the princess for money or fame.

Komuro issued a 24-page statement about the money, claiming his mother believed it was a gift rather than a loan.

Mako and her husband have been keeping a low profile while living in a luxury one-bedroom apartment in the city

The former princess has been adjusting to life away from the throne and has reportedly been making use of her background in art history by serving as an unpaid volunteer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Mako went equally as under the radar to run errands earlier this week as she went solo for the outing

Eventually, he said he would repay it but it is still not known whether it has ever been returned.

Despite the turmoil, Komuro and Mako's love endured, and she announced that she was moving forward with the marriage.

She gave up her royal status last year when she tied the knot. All Japanese princesses relinquish their royal status upon marriage, as there is only male succession in the Japanese imperial family.

Mako can no longer live in the Imperial Palace, and if she and Komuro have sons, they will not be in the line of succession for the male-only emperorship.

She can never return to the dynasty, even if her marriage ends in divorce.
King Charles appeared delighted to be reunited with Brian May as he hosted a space sustainability event at Buckingham Palace this afternoon.

The monarch, 74, welcomed high profile guests - including the Queen rocker and astronaut Major Tim Peake to the official launch of the Astra Carta initiative.

The new campaign will encourage the global private sector to align their space exploration with sustainability goals.

The King first outlined the framework for Astra Carta at the Space Sustainability Summit in June 2022 - when he was still the Prince of Wales.

At the official launch this afternoon, the King appeared delighted to unveil a new plaque featuring the campaign's logo - which was designed by Sir Jony Ive.

King Charles, 74, pictured shaking hands with Sir Brian May during a Space Sustainability Event at Buckingham Palace this afternoon

King Charles was caught chuckling as he chatted Sir Brian May about the rockstar being an 'astrophysicist in residence'

The former Apple designer also created King Charles' official coronation emblem earlier this year.

Outlining Astra Carta's ambitions, the tagline reads: 'To care for the infinite wonders of the universe.'

After this, King Charles was photographed mingling with guests - and the monarch stopped to catch up with musician Brian May, 75.

Having shot to fame as Queen's lead guitar player, Brian May also went on to achieve his doctorate in astrophysics - having paused his studies when the band took off in the 1970s.

Brian did manage to co-author two scientific research papers: MgI Emission in the Night-Sky Spectrum and An Investigation of the Motion of Zodiacal Dust Particles (Part I), which were based on Brian's observations in Tenerife.

He was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) in November 2002 by the University of Hertfordshire, but this title was not enough for him, as he wanted to feel that he deserves the title for this scientific work and not due to his fame as an artist.

Earlier this year, Sir Brian was knighted by King Charles at Buckingham Palace for his services to music and charity.

Following the service, Brian said: 'I am very happy, smiling from ear-to-ear, particularly because it was the King, which means a lot.'

The King (pictured) first outlined the framework for Astra Carta at the Space Sustainability Summit in June 2022 - when he was still the Prince of Wales

King Charles pictured speaking with British Astronaut Major Tim Peake - who announced his retirement earlier this year at the age of 51

King Charles pictured unveiling the official Astra Carta plaque in Buckingham Palace this afternoon

Sir Brian May (pictured) was knighted by King Charles at Buckingham Palace for his services to music and charity in March

What's more, the King also took the time to speak with Major Tim Peake - who was selected as an ESA astronaut in 2009 and spent six months on the International Space Station from December 2015.

This morning, the astronaut shared a message of support for the Astra Carta initiative with his 1.5m Twitter followers.

It read: 'Space benefits us all. From medicine, materials, clean energy & water, communications, climate & much more. But we have to use space responsibly.

'Its an honour to support HM King Charles IIIs Astra Carta initiative - a framework for sustainable space being embraced at todays Global Leaders on Space Sustainability Symposium.'

Major Tim, 51, was the first British man to ever walk in space and announced his retirement in January 2023.

Pictured: Sir Brian May and Major Tim Peake seen chatting at a space sustainability event at Buckingham Palace

The Astra Carta will encourage the global private sector to align their space exploration with sustainability goals

King Charles previously met Major Tim in July 2016 - not long after the astronaut returned from his six months in space.

The former test pilot told Charles his Soyuz capsule experienced extreme temperatures on re-entry and landed in Kazakhstan with the force of a small car crash.

The royal, 74, asked: 'Are you sure you're in one piece?' when they met at the Bristol centre of the Prince's Trust , only for the father-of-two to reply that he was 'feeling great'.

King Charles has spent decades promoting sustainable, eco-conscious organisations - and has now set his sights on the space realm.

In 2020, the King admitted that people thought he was 'dotty' when he began speaking about the importance of protecting the environment to the Countryside Steering Committee for Wales.

At the age of 21, Charles delivered his first impassioned speech about his personal concern over oil pollution and single-use plastic.

He also told how, as a teenager in the 1960s, he was concerned about the destruction of trees, wetlands and habitats as well as 'the white heat of progress and technology to the exclusion of nature and our surroundings'.

In his 1970 address, Charles highlighted a problem that has become an illustration of humanity's threat to nature.

Then he had said: 'When you think that each person produces roughly 2lb of rubbish per day and there are 55 million of us on this island using non-returnable bottles and indestructible plastic containers, it is not difficult to imagine the mountains of refuse that we shall have to deal with somehow.'
&S has perfected the art of lookalike items for a fraction of the price

Made from soft faux leather in a chic boxy silhouette, with intricate stitching and a luxe gold clasp, its the ultimate designer accessory.

But this high-end bag isnt all it seems. Though it may look almost identical to Celines iconic 2,750 crossbody bag, a favourite of fashionistas and celebrities, its actually from Marks & Spencer  and costs just 35.

For the High Street stalwart  once known for its safe separates and reliable footwear  is making waves in the fashion world with a sell-out range of designer doubles.

From bags to blazers, T-shirts to trainers and dresses that could have come straight from the catwalks of Paris or Milan, M&S has perfected the art of lookalike items for a fraction of the price.

And fashion-savvy stars cant get enough of them. The Princess of Wales has been spotted wearing the retailers ribbon-detail trainers, which look uncannily similar to Guccis 720 sneakers.

CELINE: Teen classic bag in box calfskin (celine.com), 2,750 (left) and M&S: Faux leather cross body bag, 35

Holly Willoughby was recently seen in 35 M&S sandals that are almost indistinguishable from the 520 Oran sliders by Hermes. And Alexa Chung loves the 75 green Burberry-alike M&S trench coat.

Known as dupes (short for duplicates), these garments and accessories are perfectly legal, because theyre not technically copying the designer items: their qualities are similar, but theres no mimicking of the logo or other trademarked features.

For example, while the Celine bag is made from calfskin with a lambskin lining, the M&S version is faux leather with a recycled polyester interior.

In other words, those in the know can tell that theyre not the real deal  but regular shoppers wont be able to spot the difference.

Industry experts say M&S designers are simply following fashion trends, taking inspiration from what models and A-listers are wearing and using this to inform their latest lines.

Its a long way from the retailers reputation for staid, frumpy fashion, which it has shed in recent years, making it popular among younger customers eager to save rather than spend.

Designer dupes  which have 3.5 billion searches on TikTok  can also be found at H&M, Zara and Mango, as other High Street shops bring out cut-price takes on haute couture.

But shrewd shoppers know that M&S is best for bagging a bargain. So if you want that Chanel-esque jacket without splashing out 5,000, or fancy a Dolce & Gabbana-style belt for less than a tenth of the designers price  not to mention any of the various other designer dupes pictured on these pages  then you know where to go.

BURBERRY: Tropical gabardine Waterloo trench coat (uk.burberry.com), 1,790 (left) and M&S: Pure cotton Stormwear longline trench coat, 75

VERONICA BEARD: Miller Dickey double-breasted blazer (net-a-porter. com), 420 (left) and M&S: Tweed textured blazer, 79

THE ROW: Black leather woven textured sandals (net-a-porter. com), 1,060 (left) and M&S: Leather flatforms, 45

LOEWE: Large basket bag in palm leaf and calfskin (loewe.com), 450 (left) and M&S: Straw striped tote bag, 45

ME&EM: Pop colour kick flare man pant in bright fern (meandem.com), 195 (left) and M&S: Crepe drawstring wide leg trousers in acid green, 29.50

CELINE: Cat Eye S193 sunglasses in acetate (celine.com), 340 (left) and M&S: Oval cat eye sunglasses, 12.50

DOLCE & GABBANA: Cinture H 25 in animal print (dolcegabbana.com), 435 (left) and M&S: Leather animal effect jean belt, 25

CHLOE: Pleated silk chiffon puffsleeved dress (net-a-porter. com), 3,675 (left) and M&S: Pure cotton tiefront beach cover-up kaftan, 35

GIANVITO ROSSI: 85 pointed pumps (farfetch.com), 589 (left) and M&S: Statement heel court shoes in tangerine, 39.50
CDC told DailyMail.com it suspects the infection came from the morphine

The latest victim is Jody Adkins, who died aged 39 on June 21

A 39-year-old mother from Texas has become the sixth victim of a fungus linked to botched cosmetic surgeries in Mexico, DailyMail.com can reveal.

Jody Adkins died last week from fungal meningitis  a rare, life-threatening infection that causes swelling of areas around the brain and spinal cord  after traveling to northern Mexico for cut-price 'mommy makeover' procedures.

Mrs Adkins, described as a 'sweetheart' and 'beautiful woman' by friends and family, leaves behind two daughters  Skyler West and Adelyn, and her husband, Joe.

Health officials believe the fungal outbreak may have come from unsterilized equipment or black-market morphine used at two Mexican clinics.

Mrs Adkins is one of six Americans who have died from the infection, including mom-of-four Lauren Robinson, who received a boob job, liposuction and Brazilian butt lift (BBL) and mom-of-one Shyanne Medrano, who underwent liposuction and a BBL. A further death of a Mexican patient has also occurred, according to local news media.

Medical tourism is a booming industry in Mexico, with around 1.2million Americans traveling south for affordable care each year - nearly double the figure a decade ago.

Ms Adkins with her two daughters

Ms Adkins with husband Joe

Hundreds of Americans who traveled to clinics in Matamoros this year could be at risk, based on lists of people who attended the clinics Clinica-K3 or Riverside Surgical Center.

The fungus isolated in the two clinics appears to be Fusarium solani, which was linked to a previous meningitis outbreak in Durango, Mexico, late last year.

According to the CDC, that outbreak, which was also linked to epidural anesthetic procedures, had an almost 50 percent mortality rate with those infections  with 39 deaths among 80 cases.

The new outbreak is thought to be due to contaminated epidural equipment, used in procedures such as a BBL, or dodgy morphine.

Mrs Adkins, from the town of Kountze, east of Houston, died on 21 June at the Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston.

She had traveled to a clinic in Matamoros, a city that borders Texas and was just seven hours away from her home.

Lauren Robinson (left) with her husband Garrett Robinson. She traveled to Mexico in February for a boob job, liposuction and BBL. Ms Medrano (right) traveled to Matamoros in March to undergo a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) at Clinica-K3

The victims of the latest outbreak have paid up to $5,000 for their surgeries, a fraction of the price they would pay in the US.

Health officials have been able to reach roughly half of the 230 people who received surgery at either clinic since the start of the year. The outbreak began on June 1, 2023.

Both clinics were closed in May. But if other confirmed cases are found at other facilities, the number at risk could be much higher.

The CDC is urging everyone who received surgery with an epidural (injection into the spine to numb part of the body) at either clinic this year to go to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible to be evaluated, even if they do not have symptoms.

The epidural is used in procedures such as liposuction, breast augmentation and Brazilian butt lifts, which can be more than $16,000 cheaper than in the US.

Dr Luis Manuel Rivera De Anda performed Ms Robinson and Ms Medrano's surgeries.

His Instagram shows a plethora of before and after surgery photos for liposuction, BBLs, and breasts and promotes an offer of full liposuction, a BBL and breast augmentation for 5,000 USD.

If a woman got these surgeries done in the US, it could set them back up to $20,000.

It is unknown whether the women's infections had anything to do with Dr Rivera De Anda's actions.

Chris Van Deusen from Texas Department of Health told DailyMail.com that while most of the cases have been women, some have also been men.

He said: 'If anybody knows of somebody who may have gone to Matamoros to get surgery, let them know that they could be affected by this and to know what to look out for and they can certainly contact either us at the state or their local health department in their area to get more information.'

Lauren Robinson (left) with her husband Garrett Robinson. She traveled to Mexico in February for a boob job, liposuction and BBL. Ms Medrano (right) traveled to Matamoros in March to undergo a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) at Clinica-K3

Ms Robinson traveled to Mexico for liposuction, a BBL and breast augmentation done by Dr Luis Manuel Rivera De Anda. She is pictured pe-op (left) and post-op (right)

In its latest update, the CDC said it is investigating 172 people who may have the infection.

There have been six deaths. Five of these are confirmed cases, and one is a probable case. There is now a total of nine confirmed cases, up from six.

The patients being overseen by the CDC reported symptoms including headaches, fever, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and sensitivity to light.

Dr Tom Chiller, head of the fungal diseases branch at the CDC, told DailyMail.com that he wouldn't be surprised if the death count doubles.

He said: 'I anticipate more are coming unfortunately... it's so critical to get people in as early as possible and it's not really too late.

'I think so far longest period from time of procedure to symptoms has been up to 50 days.

'Fungi just have these long indolent periods sometimes and we're not sure why and so it's really not too late, we want people to get in and be evaluated.'

Dr Chiller added that the agency does not know the exact source of the fungal meningitis yet, and 'we may never know it, unfortunately.'

He said the CDC is open to the fact that the infection could have occurred in other clinics. Currently, the source of the infection is thought to be the morphine provided to patients by anesthesiologists.

The above map shows the location of Matamoros, where the procedures took place. People are being urged not to go there for plastic surgeries

Some 1.2million US residents travel to Mexico annually to undergo elective surgery at a discount, according to Medical Tourism Mexico, which advertises that patients can save up to 80% on a comparable procedure in the US

Dr Chiller said said: 'From my understanding, there are many anesthesiologists that visit these different clinics, and each anesthesiologist brings in their own medicines and performs their own manner of anesthesia.

'[Mexico has] been trying to talk with anesthesiologists because that's probably where the risk [is]. I mean, that's where the risk was. Either the medicines [that] were used or the practices used. I think that Mexico has been trying to figure that out... they are trying to make efforts to speak with anesthesiologists, understand their practices, and if there are problems, try to improve those practices.'

The brain infection is not isolated to one particular surgeon, he said.

Dr Chiller said: 'I'm not at all concerned about the surgical procedure itself, or the way they perform the surgery, or the liposuction, or the butt lifts.

'We haven't had a single issue with the particular surgery. It's all in the meninges [membranes that enclose the brain and spinal cord]. It's all in this space, where the only thing that is going in there is the epidural.'

'We think, based on what they're telling us, that there are two different medicines being used. There's an anesthetic and then there's the analgesic. The anesthetic is to numb things, the analgesic is [to help with] pain, and that's the morphine.

'The anesthetic being used is widely distributed across Mexico, so we would think we would be seeing other patients with this, if there were lots are contaminated batches, unless it was particularly distributed to Matamoros. But Mexicans are saying that that doesn't seem to be the case.

'If that's not the case, [it could be] the analgesic. [The Mexicans] are telling us that morphine is scarce and hard to get, so there may be black or gray markets that are producing this stuff in a non-regulated way. People may be thinking they're getting legitimate morphine and they're not. That's still very unclear to us.'

He added: 'If that's the case, then it could be contaminated morphine that anesthesiologists are purchasing. They may be sourcing it from a place that has got bad manufacturing, and there are some contaminated batches. That's one possibility.

'The other possibility is the machinery used to do the catheter and the epidural is somehow contaminated at these two clinics. That seems less likely to me because then I think we would be seeing a lot of infections altogether until it was cleaned, but you never know with fungi.

'Finally, just the procedure of mixing the drugs potentially, in the hands of the anesthesiologist, there could have been challenges there. Honestly... I just don't know if we'll ever know.'

According to local Mexican news outlet Expreso.press, the Mexican patient who died suffered intolerance to medication meaning the dose had to be lowered, which caused the infection to fatally activate.

Two other patients are hospitalized at High Specialty Regional Hospital (HRAE) in Victoria, Mexico.

The Tamaulipas health secretary Vicente Joel Hernandez Navarro said: 'We have to keep an eye on them for more than six months, we cannot claim victory yet, and we ask them not to go [very far].'
The NHS faces a 'retirement time bomb' with one in five GPs now over the age of 55 and soon to hang up their stethoscope, figures show.

An explosion in retirements among family doctors over the next few years could make the 8am scramble for appointments worse.

Analysis of NHS data by the Liberal Democrats show almost 8,000 fully qualified GPs are over 55, making up 22 per cent of the total.

Of these, 3,700 (10 per cent) are aged 60 or more, while 1,470 (4 per cent) are aged over 65.

Previous polling has found that almost half of GPs (47 per cent) said they intend to retire at or before 60.

An explosion in retirements among family doctors over the next few years could make the 8am scramble for appointments worse

The lucrative NHS pension scheme means many can retire early with 1million in their pension pot.

It comes as the government and NHS prepare to publish a workforce plan later this week, which will outline how health leaders plan to plug widespread staffing gaps.

The Liberal Democrats said the plans must include a clear plan to retain and recruit more GPs so people can get an appointment when they need one.

The number of fully qualified and full-time GPs has fallen by 2,165 since September 2015.

Daisy Cooper MP, the Liberal Democrat's health and social care spokesperson, said: 'Communities are facing a GP retirement time bomb that would make it even harder to get an appointment when you need one.

'GPs on the frontline do an incredible job looking after their patients, but increasingly many are choosing to leave or retire early because of unmanageable workloads.

'It is creating a vicious cycle, with patients struggling to get an appointment while GPs are under more pressure than ever.

Top experts today claimed MailOnline's probe illustrates how general practice is an 'elastic band stretched to breaking point'. Graph shows the ratio of GP patients to practices since 2015, with an average of 9,755 patients per surgery in May 2023

GPs say their surgeries are overwhelmed due to the pressures of the rising and ageing population, a lack of government funding and a shortage of doctors. NHS statistics show there were 27,231 full-time equivalent fully qualified GPs working in the NHS in England, as of April 2023. Full time equivalent terms equate to 37.5 hours a week

'This week's plans from the government need to include a clear plan to finally recruit the extra GPs the country needs, without cutting corners, downgrading care or risking patient safety.

'That should include listening to Liberal Democrat plans to boost the number of GPs so that everyone can get a GP appointment within a week or within 24 hours if in urgent need.'

The figures expose a stark regional variation in the proportion of fully qualified GPs nearing retirement, with almost one in two (46 per cent) aged 55 or over in Southend but just 13 per cent in Northumberland.

The Government wants to expand a trial that has seen legal clinics placed in GP surgeries in a bid to help patients with financial and housing issues that impact on their health.

An initial evaluation of 'health justice partnerships', where GPs, nurses and receptionists can book patients into legal advice sessions, found the 'gold standard' model is to co-locate legal services within the practice.

The research, commissioned by the Ministry of Justice, found clients who had been referred to the legal advice service reported a range of positive outcomes on their health.

However, Professor Azeem Majeed, a GP and professor of primary care and public health at Imperial College London, told GP magazine Pulse: 'We need to avoid making GP surgeries the default for addressing all the social problems that afflict UK society.'
Some schools are having to swap smoke detectors for heat sensors to prevent vaping pupils setting off alarms during lessons and exams, MPs have heard.

The Health and Social Care Committee was told that headteachers are being forced to monitor toilets due to the number of children using e-cigarettes.

Laranya Caslin, headteacher at St George's Academy in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, estimated that one in four of her students, aged 11 to 18, vape 'regularly'.

Some leave lessons to vape in bathrooms as they feel they need to 'top up' their nicotine levels, meaning the fire alarm is set off and children have to vacate classrooms on a 'regular basis', she said.

Mrs Caslin hit out at 'sweet shop' vape flavours, such as gummy bear and slushy, and accused vape manufacturers of trying to sell e-cigarettes to pre-teens using branding such as 'unicorn milk'.

Top doctors told MPs that they would support banning vapes in public places  such as in pubs, bars and clubs  by using legislation already in place for cigarettes.

However, UK vaping industry representatives argued vapes are the most successful way that people quit smoking and the flavours are 'critical' for adults.

Laranya Caslin, headteacher at St George's Academy in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, estimated that one in four of her students, aged 11 to 18, vape 'regularly'

NHS Digital data shows the number of children who are current vapers has soared in recent years, jumping from 6 per cent in 2018 to 9 per cent in 2021

In evidence to the MPs' inquiry on youth vaping, Ms Casin told of her problems in tackling youth vaping.

She said: 'We have a significant proportion of students vaping and they're vaping regularly and, in some cases, making excuses to leave lessons to go to the toilet to vape.

'I think we have seen across our catchment area a significant increase (in vaping).

'My head student team would estimate the proportion to be around 25 per cent of students at the school (who) are vaping and the local police  who we work really closely with  would echo that from their experience in the market square around the town.

'Contrasting that to number of students smoking cigarettes pre-pandemic  that was very rarely an issue in school, so this is a much bigger issue.

READ MORE: Vape warning as primary school kids are being rushed to hospital with collapsed and bleeding lungs due to excessive use of illegal e-cigs In the year to April there were at least 15 cases where children aged nine or under had to be admitted to hospital, linked to vape abuse Advertisement

'One example... that is definitely impacting on education is students vaping in the toilet and setting off the fire alarm. And so we're having to interrupt learning on a regular basis or go out.

'I had two toilets that I knew students were vaping in that I was monitoring really closely and I became really concerned about interruptions to the exam season.

'So I had to change smoke sensors to heat sensors really quickly to prevent us being in and out while students were sitting GCSEs and A levels, and so the ramifications are quite broad in terms of an education setting.'

She said there were vape sensors on the market but they were 'not cheap' and suggested schools should be given access to specific grants so they could buy them for their buildings.

Asked about youngsters' motivation to vape, Mrs Caslin said there was a perception it was 'cool' and youngsters were subject to peer pressure.

'And then I think once they're vaping, the level of addiction we're seeing is perhaps higher than it would have been amongst smokers,' she added.

She said 'we have regularly caught students leaving lessons to vape' and children who felt they needed to 'top up' their nicotine levels on a regular basis.

Her views have been echoed by other teachers, who have said they have to take action to stop vaping on their premises, including in toilets.

Mrs Caslin pointed out how vape flavours are appealing to youngsters, adding that 'some of them read like a sweet shop, so gummy bear, slushy, but also unicorn milk, unicorn frappe...it's clearly pitched at, in my view, a younger audience and I would say actually unicorns, they lose their appeal at least by the age of 15.

'So I think you're talking even young teen, potentially pre-teen, being drawn into that.

'I think in terms of the popularity, talking about the flavours and "have you tried this flavour and have you tried that flavour and I prefer this one to that one" - is increasing the chat.'

Dr Helen Stewart (pictured), officer for health improvement at RCPCH, suggested to the committee that she thought the college would support a ban on vaping in public places

House of Candy in Oxford Street where half of the store is American sweets and the other has vapes up for sale in neon light displays

The committee heard that some children with asthma can no longer use school toilets due to vaping triggering attacks.

Also giving evidence to the committee were representatives from the UK vaping industry and experts from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPH).

Dr Helen Stewart, officer for health improvement at RCPCH, suggested to the committee that she thought the college would support a ban on vaping in public places.

Asked if the RCPCH would 'support vaping being included in the legislation that bans tobacco smoking in public areas, like clubs, pubs, bars, those sort of places?', she replied: 'I think that's something we definitely would support.

'We know that the effects are passive as well as from active smoking, so that's definitely something that we would support.'

The RCPCH has already said that it wants to see a ban on disposable vapes, which are popular with children.

MPs also questioned John Dunne, director general of the UK Vaping Industry Association, and Marcus Saxton, chairman of the Independent British Vape Trade Association.

Prime Candy on Oxford Street, where MailOnline found huge vape displays alongside many different types of American sweets

Experts have stressed their concern at children not being fully aware of the contents of e-cigarettes, with many so anxious for their next 'fix' they are begging teachers to let them vape at school

NHS Digital data, based on the Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use among Young People in England survey for the year 2021, showed 30 per cent of children in Yorkshire and the Humber have used a vape

In a sometimes tense exchange with MPs, the pair denied their members were promoting flavours to children.

Mr Dunne was asked whether it was 'convenient' that he was arguing there was an issue with shops selling to underage children, when really there was a problem with e-cigarettes themselves.

He said 'these products have been around well over 15 years, they are the most successful way that adults quit smoking here in the UK', adding that 'flavours are extremely important to adults, that's one of the reasons vaping is so successful'.

He said there should be greater powers for authorities like the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to be 'given the powers to look at product design and packaging before they approve any products'.

He added: 'The industry is not here to sell to children. The industry is not here to hide from the fact that some rogue retailers and distributors are bringing in products that are unsuitable.'

On flavours, Mr Sexton added that there were some products coming in that should be targeted and people prosecuted under existing regulation.

'Having said that, the role of flavours  if any of you have been a smoker  is absolutely critical to enabling a successful quit attempt,' he added.

The pair also denied the industry was trying to hook a new generation of youngsters on nicotine.
The outgoing head of the top federal public health agency has issued a dire warning to the public: America is not prepared for the next inevitable public health crisis.

Rochelle Walensky, who will depart from her $200,000-a-year post as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at the end of June after a tumultuous tenure that saw her preside over the agency's fatally flawed response to Covid.

Her replacement, Dr Mandy Cohen, is a former public health official from North Carolina and zealot for Covid rules such as widespread masking, as evidenced by her mask emblazoned with Dr Anthony Fauci's face.

But speaking at a time when the country is still reeling from the global crisis that killed least seven million people worldwide and pummeled the US economy, Dr Walensky said America is not prepared for the next crisis, pointing to the nation's skimpy public health workforce and reliance on outdated technology including 'fax machines'.

The shift in CDC leadership comes on the heels of the pandemic, during which time public trust in the federal health agency suffered huge declines

Falling trust in the CDC during the pandemic was evident across party lines as safety and health guidance spilled over into daily life, affecting the economy, schools, and social life

When Rochelle Walensky took the helm at the CDC in 2021, nearly 1.2 million Americans had gotten so sick to the point of being hospitalized and over 390,000 people had died with Covid.

The pandemic exposed cracks in the country's fragile public health infrastructure, as evidenced by overwhelmed city-run hospitals strapped for resources, a dearth of qualified providers caused by massive funding cuts, and the disproportionately high rates of Americans having pre-existing health conditions including obesity and diabetes compared to peer countries.

Public trust in the agency also took a massive hit during the crisis due to muddled messaging and what many saw was officials there overstepping their bounds and inserting themselves into political and social matters too much.

Perhaps most notable examples were the government's about-face when it came to the usefullness of masks in professional settings such as healthcare facilities as well as in schools.

Dr Walensky is far from the only scientist warning that another health crisis is inescapable, which could take the form of another viral plague caused by bird flu or drug-resistant gonorrhea or be a result of a devastating natural disaster.

Walensky said in a New York Times opinion piece: I want to remind America: The question is not if there will be another public health threat, but when. The C.D.C. needs public and congressional support if it is going to be prepared to protect you from future threats.

And according to the agencys outgoing top boss, public and congressional support has been lacking.

Dr Walensky said: Decades of underinvestment in public health rendered the United States ill prepared for a global pandemic. Some estimates suggest we are 80,000 public health workers short across the United States to meet basic public health needs.

To this day some of our public health data systems are reliant on old fax machines. National laboratories lack both state-of-the-art equipment and skilled bench scientists to work them.

This reliance on outdated technology was borne out during the pandemic when case, hospitalization, and death reporting often lagged behind the true pace of the diseases spread, often leading the public into underestimating the severity of the situation.

State officials proved during the pandemic that public health departments are keeping fax machine technology alive, primarily because it complies with digital privacy standards for health information, with troubling consequences.

In Washington state, for instance, one health department had to enlist the help of 25 National Guardsmen to assist with dogged manual data entry during the first year of the pandemic.

And in Austin, Texas, the health department was inundated with around 1,000 faxes a day, often containing duplicate results, and sometimes lacking crucial information needed for contact tracing new cases. In the end, officials were getting test results over a week after the tests were conducted, far too late to intercept spread.

Walensky also hinted at controversy over the agencys role in school closures during the height of the pandemic, when blue states overwhelmingly moved to shutter schools to keep transmission down while red states fought hard to bring kids back to in-person classes as soon as possible, sometimes in spite of what public health experts recommended.

While the CDC does not dictate what schools can do  thats up to individual school districts and their superintendents  Walensky took a fair share of criticism for what many in the public believed was an overzealous state of caution that sacrificed the well-being and education of children.

She said: I believe that scientific expertise should not take a back seat to partisan will. That said, public health and scientific recommendations inevitably intersect with social values and policy.

We in public health must recognize that recommendations do not occur within a vacuum; rather, they affect other sectors of American life   education, the economy and national security, to name a few.

Dr Walenskys successor will be Dr Mandy Cohen, former North Carolina Health Secretary who was recently appointed by President Joe Biden earlier this month.

The Obama-era health official is also a trained internal medicine physician who helped run the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) which oversees government-issued healthcare benefits, and aided in the implementation of Obamacare.
An experimental vaccine that could wipe out the threat of gonorrhea has been fast-tracked by the Food and Drug Administration.

The sexually transmitted infection (STI) is the second most common in the US and is alarming officials because it is becoming resistant to antibiotics  which could make it much harder to treat.

Scientists at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) are aiming to open up an alternative treatment by developing an injectable vaccine against the disease, although it is currently in phase II trials and will not shift to final testing until 2026 at the earliest.

Today's designation from the agency could help to speed the approval of the vaccine and ensure that it gets to the public rapidly.

The agency's designation means any data from clinical trials will be looked over quickly by staff and it could be approved faster (stock image)

The above shows how gonorrhea cases are rising in the US. They are now at their highest level since the 1990s. The data is given as the infection rate per 100,000 people

And the above shows the total number of Americans that have gonorrhea every year

The Neisseria gonorrhoeae investigational vaccine  its name from GSK  has already been through phase I trials which showed it was safe to use in humans.

Phase II trials were launched in November 2022 and involve 750 people between 18 and 50 years old who are at higher risk of catching gonorrhea.

They are from eight countries including the US, UK, France and Spain.

Scientists do not expect results from this phase until March 2025, according to clinicaltrials.gov, at which point it will be able to move to phase III tests.

The vaccine is administered as an injection into the muscle, with patients being given two doses to trigger immunity.

GSK has not revealed how the vaccine works. But in previous cases, vaccines have been developed that use antigens from the surface of bacteria to trigger an immune reaction.

Phil Dormitzer, global head of vaccine development at GSK, said: 'We welcome the FDA's decision to grant Fast Track designation to our new vaccine candidate against Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection.

'With a high and growing incidence, gonorrhea is a major concern for sexual and reproductive health around the globe.

'This designation recognizes the potential for a vaccine that could help protect millions of people across the world against the serious health consequences of infection with a bacterium that is considered a "high priority" pathogen by the World Health Organization.'

Concerns have been raised over gonorrhea because of its growing resistance to antibiotics, with all strains now impervious to one or more of the medicines.

Doctors are increasingly having to rely on ceftriaxone, which must be given via an injection, although there is also resistance emerging against this.

In Massachusetts last year, two cases of the STI that showed increased resistance to this antibiotic were detected. The pair were also not related, suggesting the strain is spreading undetected in the community.

There are also cases of resistant gonorrhea, dubbed super-gonorrhea, being detected in other countries including the UK and Italy.

This has raised the alarm in medical circles, who will then have to shift to antibiotics of last resort to treat the disease.

Speaking to Bloomberg, former head of public health in San Francisco Jeffrey Klausner said: 'We're very concerned that we are staring straight in the face of untreatable gonorrhea.'

This map shows the gonorrhea infection rate per 100,000 people across the US in 2014

And this map shows how it has shifted by the year 2021 with infections rising across the country. Areas in the south have seen a particularly sharp rise

A vaccine could help to combat this growing threat by opening up a new avenue of treatment for doctors.

The immune system already attacks the bacteria when it triggers an infection in the mucous lining of the reproductive tract, including the cervix and uterus in women and the urethra  or tube inside the penis  in men. It can also infect the mucosa in the anus and throat.

Gonorrhea is spread via sexual contact with these areas, with patients suffering symptoms including a pain or burning sensation while urinating and a discharge from sexual organs up to two weeks after infection.

But about 50 percent of women and 10 percent of men with the infection do not develop symptoms, yet still transmit the bacteria to others.

Cases in the United States have been heading upward since the early 2000s and are now at their highest level since the 1990s.

An estimated 718,000 Americans have gonorrhea at present, up seven percent from last year when 670,000 had the infection.
Prepayment meter customers have two days left to claim vouchers worth up to 400 to help with their energy bills.

The vouchers will expire at 11:59pm on Friday 30 June, so customers will need to load the money on to their meters before then in order to benefit.

The vouchers should have originally been paid out in six instalments of 66 or 67 from October 2022 to March 2023.

But many have not yet been redeemed by those on prepayment meters, and some 100milllion is still left unclaimed.

Time is nearly up: Prepayment meter customers have until 30 June to redeem energy bill support vouchers

The vouchers sent by energy suppliers would have been issued by email, text or post.

The money was issued automatically into the energy accounts of direct debit customers, but those on prepayment meters need to take their vouchers to a local Post Office or PayPoint store to have them credited.

Some of the reasons why vouchers haven't been redeemed include customers not receiving them due to incorrect details, or the person having moved house and their records have not been updated, or they lost or deleted the voucher.

Here's what to do if yours has gone missing, or if you have received one but not yet redeemed it and it has expired.

Any lost, missing or expired vouchers can be reissued, as long as they are redeemed by the end of June.

Tell your energy supplier if this is the case and they should be able to reissue one - although it will now need to be via text or email to meet the deadline.

If you are struggling to use the voucher or are unsure how to redeem them, the Government says you should contact your electricity supplier immediately for help.

If you have been storing up your vouchers to redeem all in one go, it's worth noting that most prepayment meters can only hold up to around 250 of energy credit at a time.

Many of the areas of lowest uptake are in London, with 13 of the top 15 constituencies for unredeemed vouchers.

Top constituencies in the UK for unredeemed vouchers % vouchers not redeemed Constituency 44% Cities of London and Westminster 44% Hampstead and Kilburn 41% Ealing Central and Acton 39% Brent Central 39% Finchley and Golders Green 38% Golders Green 36% Hendon 35% Westminster North 35% Chelsea and Fulham 35% Hornsey and Wood Green 34% Brighton, Pavillion 32% Holborn and St Pancras 31% Greenwich and Woolwich 31% Ealing North 30% Ilford North Source: National Energy Action

Adam Scorer, chief executive of charity National Energy Action said: 'As energy bills have spiralled, National Energy Action knows how crucial the Government's Energy Bills Support Scheme has been. The 400, paid in six instalments of 66 or 67 has helped many people this winter.

'But prepayment customers  often some of the most vulnerable  were paid in vouchers and millions remains unclaimed. Some customers didn't receive them, others struggled to redeem them.

'We urge anyone who hasn't yet claimed their vouchers to do so before 30 June deadline and if you have friends and family that may not have used their vouchers, spread the word.

'It may be the support that keeps their lights on, their oven cooking, their hot showers running, through the summer. It's vital money at a time when it's never been needed more.'
Bitcoin will SURGE to $120,000 by the end of 2024 according to Standard Chartered But one expert says it's a number 'plucked out of the air'
Ministers were accused of leaving military personnel to tolerate 'broken boilers, leaking roofs and black mould' today after new figures revealed Armed Forces housing required almost a quarter of a million call-outs last year.

Repairs and maintenance visits to Service Family Accommodation (SFA) in the year to May totalled almost 230,000 - on average more than six per occupied home- the Government confirmed.

Information released to Labour also showed more than 4,600 of the call-outs are yet to be resolved - though there was no detail to show how long ago they had been raised. And there are more than 1,350 active complaints relating to housing.

It comes at a time of shrinking satisfaction with military housing maintenance among service personnel.

An official report released earlier this month found satisfaction had fallen from 37 per cent in 2015 to just 19 per cent in 2023.

Luke Pollard, the shadow armed forces minister, said: 'Our armed forces personnel deserve homes fit for heroes.

'No one should have to tolerate broken boilers, leaking roofs and black mould, let alone those who bravely serve our country.'

Call outs to Service Family Accommodation (SFA) in the year to May totalled almost 230,000 - on average more than six per occupied home- the Government confirmed.

An official report released earlier this month found satisfaction with military housing repairs and maintenance had fallen from 37 per cent in 2015 to just 19 per cent in 2022.

Luke Pollard, the shadow armed forces minister, said: 'Our armed forces personnel deserve homes fit for heroes. 'No one should have to tolerate broken boilers, leaking roofs and black mould, let alone those who bravely serve our country.' Releasing the figures, Defence Minister James Cartlidge pointed out that the call-outs were not necessarily for complex or serious matters.

Releasing the figures, Defence Minister James Cartlidge pointed out that the call-outs were not necessarily for complex or serious matters.

'Each month, on average, there will typically be over 20,000 repair and maintenance tasks raised for the circa 37,000 currently occupied SFA properties,' he said in an answer to a written question.

'This equates to each home having an average of five to six tasks carried out annually - ranging from changing bulbs in strip lights, grounds maintenance through to boiler repairs.'

And addressing MPs this week, fellow Defence Minister Andrew Murrison said: 'The Ministry of Defence fully recognises the importance of safe, good-quality and well-maintained homes.

'In the last seven years, the MOD has invested more than 936 million in service family accommodation. That includes 185 million last year on modernising homes, tackling damp and mould and improving thermal efficiency.

'Currently, 97 per cent of MOD SFA meet or exceed the Government's decent homes standard. Only those properties are allocated to service families. We strive to do better but, for context, the figure for social housing is 91 per cent.';

Hundreds of troops and their families were left freezing without heating or hot water last December while they desperately waited for repairs in rundown military homes

Pinnacle faced questions over the scandal after it was given a 144million contract in March 2022 to manage Britain's service family homes

Ministers are under fire from the opposition over the general state of military housing.

Repairs and maintenance are carried out by two firms, Vivo Defence and Amey Community, via a dedicated call centre run by Pinnacle Service Families.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace was forced to intervene last December when it was revealed hundreds of troops and their families had been left without heating or hot water over a cold weekend.

He held two urgent online meetings with the bosses of all three companies before Christmas and ordered them to send daily updates of numbers of complaints logged and repairs completed.

Today a spokesman for Pinnacle Service Families said: 'Pinnacle is contracted by the Ministry of Defence to run the call centre where military families report issues with their homes as well as arranging move-ins and move-outs when they change location.

'We do not undertake repairs, but we are in constant communication with VIVO and Amey, who are contracted by the MOD to carry out this work, to try and improve service levels.

'We are always working to ensure performance is at a level that service families expect and deserve.'

Last week it was revealed that almost 800 Armed Forces families are living in potentially unsafe homes that are overdue gas safety checks.

Some 795 homes lacked a certificate - which shows they have been checked by a qualified engineer and pronounced safe to live in.

In a written statement Mr Cartlidge said he had given private contractors responsible for upkeep until the end of June to clear the 'unacceptable' backlog.

He said a number of factors were behind the delay including contractors being unable to get into the homes or failing to turn up to appointments, and a shortage of trained engineers to carry out the checks.

In his statement today Mr Cartlidge said that the Ministry of Defence is responsible for some 47,800 military homes in the United Kingdom.

This means that the number lacking gas safety certificates amount to just 1.6 per cent of the total.

Dr Murrison told MPs on Monday that there were 555 gas safety certificates outstanding and 'almost all of them will be cleared by the end of June'.
Fresh accusations of anti-Semitism and the inner workings of Kanye West's 2024 Presidential campaign are set to be revealed in a brand new BBC documentary.

The Trouble with KanYe hears new, first-hand accusations that the rapper, now known as Ye, made a slew of anti-Semitic remarks to tech entrepreneur, former friend and business partner, Alex Klein.

Klein, who created Ye's Stem Player for his Donda 2 album, tells the BBC's Mobeen Azhar a never before heard story about when the pair parted ways following the rapper's anti-Semitic remarks.

Discussing the decision to no longer work with Ye and his subsequent reaction, Alex said:

'We turned down 10 million dollars. Kanye was very angry you know he was saying ''I feel like I wanna smack you'' and ''you're exactly like the other Jews''  almost relishing and revelling in how offensive he could be, using these phrases hoping to hurt me'.

Alex continued: 'I asked him and I said ''do you really think Jews are working together to hold you back?'' and he said ''yes, yes I do but it's not even a statement that I need to take back because look at all the energy around me right now. Without that statement, I wouldn't become president''.'

Ye last year was banned from Twitter and lost a series of lucrative sponsorship deals after he made a variety of anti-Semitic statements

Watch The Trouble with KanYe on BBC Two at 9pm on Wednesday 28th June or watch back afterwards on BBC iPlayer

Klein, who created Ye's Stem Player for his Donda 2 album, tells the BBC's Mobeen Azhar a never before heard story about when the pair parted ways following the rapper's anti-Semitic remarks

Ye last year was banned from Twitter and lost a series of lucrative sponsorship deals after he made a variety of anti-Semitic statements.

He wrote: 'I'm a bit sleepy tonight but when I wake up I'm going death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE.

'The funny thing is I actually can't be Anti Semitic because black people are actually Jew also. You guys have toyed with me and tried to black-ball anyone who ever opposes your agenda.'

He courted widespread criticism but later doubled down on the remarks.

After hearing first-hand some of Ye's statements from Klein, Mobeen travelled to Cornerstone Christian Church in California where Ye is known to visit.

While there, he met a man living in his car outside the church who said Ye had asked him to be his 2024 Presidential Election Campaign Manager.

The homeless man, Mark, said that Ye regularly visits the Cornerstone Christian Church where the white nationalist Nick Fuentes is known to hold political meetings.

He told Mobeen: 'They all said I was the most religiously erudite in the room and Kanye started looking to me for my opinion on every topic that came up.

'He called me the following Monday, the Monday before Thanksgiving, and the first thing he said to me was ''I want you to be my Campaign Manager to run for President''.'

Mobeen had decided to visit the California Church after seeing a video of Ye attending it in hopes of somehow making contact with him, but hadn't realised the extent to which Ye was connected to the property or the people within it.

The Pastor of Cornerstone Christian Church, who didn't want to be filmed for the documentary, told Mobeen that Ye had bought part of the property and had 'big plans'.

The Pastor showed Mobeen a room full of workers on sewing machines with mood boards on the wall showing new designs for his Yeezy brand.

Also featured in the documentary is John Boyd, the mastermind behind Ye's 2020 Presidential campaign

Mobeen tours part of the California Church where Ye manufactures shoes and clothing

Watch The Trouble with KanYe on BBC Two at 9pm on Wednesday 28th June or watch back afterwards on BBC iPlayer. The Kanye Story also drops as a boxset on BBC Sounds from 28th June and broadcasts weekly on BBC Radio 1Xtra from 3rd July

Also featured in the documentary is John Boyd, the mastermind behind Ye's 2020 Presidential campaign.

John spoke to Mobeen about the chaotic rally in South Carolina in which Ye delivered a rambling address that was live streamed across the world.

The rally made global headlines after the rapper broke down crying whilst speaking about abortion.

According to John, Ye was meant to share his vision for the future of America but went off script, and described his entire address as a 'train wreck'.

In the eight-part podcast The Kanye Story which will be available on BBC Sounds to accompany the BBC Two documentary, Mobeen Azhar tells the story of Ye's life, career and downfall in greater depth.

With the help of a range of guests from critics and commentators who have been closely following the artist throughout his career, to artistic collaborators who lament Ye's public outbursts, the series explores the rise and fall of Ye from an insider's perspective.

Contributors include artist and close collaborator Malik Yusef, journalist and music critic Dorian Lynskey, wealth reporter for Forbes Magazine Marisa Dellato, artist and mental health advocate Bassey Ikpi and more.
Los Angeles city fathers are playing a game of cat and mouse with dozens of homeless  clearing their squalid encampments only for them to see them return within hours.

Often the city  long plagued with its Skid Row  gives people just 20 minutes to pack their belongings and leave in street-wide cleanup operations but neighbors say they're soon back.

Residents also claim the city is failing to offer accommodation to those they move along, despite a new policy by Mayor Karen Bass to reduce the so-called sweeps and help provide temporary housing.

Business owners on South Hill Street in Downtown Los Angeles have had a front row seat to the escalating game between the city's sanitation department and the homeless population.

Los Angeles city workers used cranes to demolish encampments in the area around the University of Southern California, but locals say the homeless were back within hours

They were quite brutal. They gave people 20 minutes to take what they can carry and leave, artist Nick Stern told DailyMail.com

Locals complain of human feces dumped in the street, needles and trash on the ground, dangerous dogs, drug deals and piles of stolen bikes

They complain of human feces dumped in the street, needles and trash on the ground, dangerous dogs, drug deals and piles of stolen bikes.

They say homeless people have been hacking fire hydrants for water and sparking fires from street lights tapped to power A/C, sound speakers, grills  and in one case a jacuzzi.

One artist with a studio on South Hill photographed city sanitation workers breaking down and clearing up the camps lining his street on May 31 with just a few minutes notice.

But when 58-year-old Nick Stern returned the next morning to the site, just a few blocks from the tony University of Southern California campus, he found it already littered with makeshift tents and trash again.

They were quite brutal. They gave people 20 minutes to take what they can carry and leave, Stern told DailyMail.com.

The workers tore down their makeshift homes with a crane and loaded everything into trash trucks, all watched over by a number of cops in case of trouble.

I came to the studio on Thursday morning thinking the street would be perfectly clear, and there were already two shelters up there.

Previously theyve given people days of notice. So the homeless people take their tents and pallets, go and then come back with exactly the same stuff.

So this time they only gave them 20 minutes, and the people could just take what they can carry, to discourage them from coming back. But it didnt seem to work.

Nick Stern says he has seen the number of homeless people increase, and the cleanup efforts become increasingly futile, in the five years he has used the studio

The artists own boxer, Cookie, was taken to the vet after eating meth left by one of the streets homeless people. The vet was completely unfazed. He said, Yeah, we see a lot of it".

Kat Quintero, 29, has lived in a cobbled-together string of tents backing up to Sterns building for months. She told DailyMail.com she had never been offered permanent housing by the city

Donato Sepulveda and Philip Weingarten operate a photographic studio but say clients often cancel when they see the RVs and trash outside their warehouse space

The city seems to be fighting a losing battle here.

Stern said he has seen the number of homeless people increase, and the cleanup efforts become increasingly futile, in the five years he has used the studio on the corner of South Hill and West 33rd.

These clearances have been going on all that time. They always come back. But its within hours now, he said. Before the big clean-up a couple weeks ago, there were probably 15 people split between about eight shelters.

Los Angeles is known for homelessness. But over these five years its grown  both the number of encampments and density.

Sometimes they have a barbecue grill set up, electricity, water. So they tend to be drifting towards a more permanent status.

Stephanie Williams, nicknamed the Governor of Skid Row, made headlines with her construction of a tent with a spotless queen-sized bed, gas stove, and working hot tub and shower on a downtown street. The City tore down the shelter on the corner of 5th and San Pedro Street in February this year.

Stern said he was bitten by one homeless mans bulldog outside his unit, and another business owner in the building was hospitalized by another attack requiring stitches in her abdomen.

The artists own boxer, Cookie, was taken to the vet after eating meth left by one of the streets homeless people.

Cookie was just staring at us and drooling. Her pupils were huge. We took her to the vet. They ran some blood tests, and told me she had methamphetamine poisoning, he said.

LA Mayor Karen Bass has vowed to cut down on sweeps as part of her $100 million Inside Safe program to tackle the citys homeless crisis.

The vet was completely unfazed. He said, Yeah, we see a lot of it".

Donato Sepulveda, who runs a photography studio opposite Sterns building on Hill Street doing shoots for celebrities and top magazines is at his wits end with the problem, saying clients are canceling after seeing the RVs and trash outside his warehouse space.

They dump human waste on the sidewalk. I have pest control coming three times a month because of all the vermin from the trash, he said.

Public Works come. The homeless people pack up and leave. They sanitize for them, and they just move right back. Its like a maid service.

Weve had motorhomes out here for a while, and the city wont tow them because they dont have room.

There was a man walking around here with a machete in November last year. Every now and again theyll be fighting in the street. But it seems like they have more rights than us. They let them roam free with no repercussions while I lose business because of this. People feel unsafe here.

His business partner, Phillip Weingarten, said the corner has become a hub for what he suspects are drug deals.

Weve been cleaning up syringes, the 60-year-old said. At night you see BMWs, Mercedes and Range Rovers all pulling up at the end of the corner. They get out and walk around the block, come back in and five minutes later theyre off again. This is constant, all through the night.

Kat Quintero, 29, has lived in a cobbled-together string of tents backing up to Sterns building for months.

Lying on a couch inside her makeshift home, with a bong on the floor, paintbrushes at a small table in one corner, and a friend asleep in a chair next to her, she said she had never been offered permanent housing by the city.

They come every week, they make us move. I dont know why, she said. Ive been here over a year. Ive been homeless for about 10 years. I came here to be with my friends.

Ive never been offered housing. They dont say nothing. Maybe I would go to a shelter if they offered. Im looking for a place to stay.

Los Angeles is known for homelessness. But over these five years its grown  both the number of encampments and density,' said Stern

Homeless people have been hacking fire hydrants for water and sparking fires from street lights tapped to power A/C, sound speakers, grills  and in one case a jacuzzi

Rows of vehicles litter the streets around the University of Southern California campus

Stern said: 'Sometimes they have a barbecue grill set up, electricity, water. So they tend to be drifting towards a more permanent status

They dump human waste on the sidewalk. I have pest control coming three times a month because of all the vermin from the trash, said Sepulveda

Sometimes it can be dangerous here. There are mad people. Sometimes people stealing things. Sometimes Ive been attacked.

Another man living outside on the block said he didnt speak English or Spanish, and a third was smoking a rolled up cigarette and mumbling incomprehensibly.

One RV parked on a side street was locked shut with a padlock and chain, but had a dog barking inside.

Local governments have been criticized for sweeps, using law enforcement and city workers to push out homeless people and destroying their belongings without offering alternative accommodation.

In December, Mayor Bass vowed to cut down on sweeps and instead put them in motels and hotels immediately as part of her $100 million Inside Safe program to tackle the citys mammoth homeless crisis.

Around 41,000 people are unhoused in LA. Bass is attempting to bring 17,000 indoors by year end, and has announced a state of emergency to cut council red tape and circumvent competitive bidding on homeless services.

Affordable housing and shelter applications, previously taking six to nine months, now must be completed in 60 days, she ordered.

Homelessness is up 1.7% from 2020 in LA City, and up 4% in the county, according to the latest survey-based statistics from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority.

Mayor Basss office did not respond to questions about the sweeps on South Hill Street, but pointed to previous statements made by the Mayor about her Inside Safe program.

Inside Safe is a real solution that saves lives and supports communities, the mayor said in a press release earlier this month about homeless cleanup efforts in Hollywood, and thanked the city council for allocating $1.3 billion of funding to tackle the homelessness and housing in its 2023-24 $13 billion budget.

That unprecedented funding will be key to scaling up the Inside Safe program as we continue to house Angelenos in Hollywood and throughout Los Angeles, Bass said.
The former prioress of a Catholic convent in Texas admitted to breaking her vow of chastity with a Montana priest, according to an audio recording of her confession described in court proceedings.

Fort Worth Bishop Michael Olson recorded his April 24 interrogation of Mother Superior Teresa Agnes Gerlach in her Arlington convent, in which she seemed to admit to a consensual long-distance phone romance with a Montana priest.

'I made a horrible, horrible mistake,' Gerlach is heard saying on the recording, according to a partial transcript published by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, which described her voice as 'barely audible'.

The recording was played in Tarrant County Court on Tuesday, during a hearing in a lawsuit Gerlach filed against the bishop, accusing him of storming into her convent, defaming her, and seizing cell phones as he investigated her alleged sexual sins, which she denies.

For the first time, the recording publicly reveals the identity of the priest involved in the alleged transgression, whom the nun named as Father Bernard Marie, a priest recently stationed in Montana, according to the Star-Telegram.

In court testimony, Olson accused Gerlach of 'sexting' with the priest, while the bishop's right-hand man testified that another nun at the convent had called the prioress a 'wh**e' when she learned of the claims.

On June 1, Olson banished Gerlach from her order, the Discalced Carmelite Nuns, one day after receiving special powers from the Vatican to pursue his investigation

Fort Worth Bishop Michael Olson accused Mother Superior Teresa Agnes Gerlach of 'sexting' with a priest, and released an audio recording of her alleged admission to the sin

Gerlach, 43, has severe chronic health issues that confine her to a wheelchair, and require her to use a feeding tube and receive round-the-clock care from a fellow nun, her attorney Michael Bobo has previously told DailyMail.com.

Bobo had no immediate comment on the recording when reached by DailyMail.com following the hearing, though in court he raised her serious heath issues and suggested she may have been medicated during key events in question.

In a video statement earlier this month, Olson denied that Gerlach had been under heavy medication during the April 24 interview, saying she was 'clear and lucid, and had normal use of her physical and mental faculties.'

On June 1, Olson banished Gerlach from her order, the Discalced Carmelite Nuns, one day after receiving special powers from the Vatican to pursue his investigation.

Olson said at the time he had found her 'guilty of having violated the sixth commandment of the Decalogue and her vow of chastity with a priest from outside the Diocese of Fort Worth.'

In the Catholic Church, the Sixth Commandment is 'Thou shalt not commit adultery' and forbids sex outside of marriage. Catholic priests and nuns are forbidden to marry and take vows of celibate chastity.

Separately, the Arlington Police Department previously confirmed that is is investigating events at the monastery to 'determine whether any criminal offenses have occurred.'

The nuns' attorney has said he made a criminal complaint relating to the claims in the civil suit, while the diocese says it also alerted police to alleged marijuana use at the convent.

Bishop Olson's right-hand man, the Very Rev. Jonathan Wallis, also testified at Tuesday's hearing, saying that Gerlach admitted her sexual transgressions to him three times, claiming that each time was outside the seal of confessional

At Tuesday's hearing, the court also heard testimony from the Very Rev. Jonathan Wallis, vicar general of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth and Bishop Olson's right-hand man.

Wallis testified that on three occasions - on December 22, December 24 and January 5 - Gerlach told him that she had broken her chastity vows, and that each time was outside the seal of confessional.

Wallis testified that Gerlach made the admissions when he visited to celebrate Mass at her convent in Arlington, the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity.

The vicar general said that Gerlach told him she believed she was falling in love, and knew it was a sin, but said that she liked it.

Wallis also testified that Sister Francis Therese, Gerlach's fellow nun and full-time caregiver, called the former prioress a 'w**re' when she learned of the alleged sexting.

However, Therese is also suing Olson as a plaintiff in Gerlach's suit, alleging the bishop invaded the nuns' privacy and seized their phones as he pursued his investigation. The devices have since been returned.

Wallis said that he first notified the bishop of Gerlach's admission in April, after she requested time to address the matter with superiors within the Carmelite order.

The centerpiece of Tuesday's hearing, however, was the bombshell audio recording of Gerlach's admissions, which was played by attorneys for the diocese.

The roughly 40-minute recording captured a conversation held between Olson, Gerlach and Therese on April 24, when according to the nuns' lawsuit, the bishop stormed into the convent to confront Gerlach regarding her alleged transgressions.

It is unclear whether Gerlach was aware she was being recorded as she spoke with the bishop.

On the recording, church bells from the convent can be heard in the background as Olson asked Gerlach about reports that she broke her chastity vows, according to the Star-Telegram.

'I have received information about a violation of the Sixth Commandment by you with a priest. Do you know anything about that?' asked Olson.

'I'm so sorry,' Gerlach said.

'It's OK. I understand. There is hope for redemption. Let's follow through with the priest's name. Can you please tell me who this priest is?' the bishop pressed.

'Bishop, he's not from this diocese' the nun replied.

Olson released in court a recording of his April 24 interview with Gerlach at the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity (above), the convent she ran in Arlington

The former Mother Superior made extraordinary allegations in a sworn affidavit last month, accusing Olson of barging into the convent to interrogate nuns and confiscate phones

Olson continued to press Gerlach for a name, and asked her to confirm the relationship was consensual, to which she replied: 'It's true, yes.'

'Bishop, most of this was done on the phone,' the nun said, but then appeared to waver after affirming that some of the alleged misconduct was in person.

'Bishop, I need to tell you something. I don't know how to explain this, but this did not happen in person. At all. It was all over the phone. So, he did not come down here.'

Olson replied: 'That's something you changed the story on...We have a hard time with the truth.'

Gerlach again insisted she had not met the priest in person, adding: 'I promise you, Bishop. At the time, I was having seizures, and I was really in a very difficult position. and I think my brain just got really messed up.'

Further pressed by the bishop on the priest's identity, Gerlach said he is Father Bernard Marie from a monastic community in Montana, the Transalpine Redemptorists.

The Transalpine Redemptorists, also known as the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer, are an order of monks headquartered on a remote island in Scotland.

The group is currently building a monastery near Forsyth, Montana, within the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings, on a 200-acre property they have dubbed Montana Rosa Mystica.

In a statement to DailyMail.com, Great Falls-Billings Bishop Michael W. Warfel said the priest in question had been temporarily visiting the Transalpine Redemptorists from another diocese, to decide whether he wished to join the monastic community.

'During his time in Montana discerning his vocation, the priest was never assigned to parish ministry, nor did he ever celebrate Mass publicly at a parish in the diocese,' said Warfel, without naming the priest.

Warfel said that on April 26, his diocese received a call from the Diocese of Fort Worth, which was 'investigating an incident involving the priest and a religious sister' in Texas.

Although the priest was not ministering in the diocese during his visit, Warfel said he suspended the priest's faculties for ministry in Montana during the course of the investigation, a customary step for any priest facing investigation.

'It was reported to us by his religious superior that the priest wished to leave the religious community and return home, which he did on May 1, 2023,' said Warfel.

Reached by DailyMail.com, a diocese official said that Bernard's home diocese was on the East Coast, but declined to specify further.

On June 1, Olson banished Gerlach from her order , the Discalced Carmelite Nuns, one day after receiving special powers from the Vatican to pursue his investigation

The May 31 decree empowering Olson to investigate the nuns was issued by the Catholic Church's Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life

On the recording that played in court, Gerlach said that she first made contact with Bernard when he contacted her convent asking for prayers.

'And he and I were writing often to each other. And, um, we just got very close,' she said, saying they communicated over email and a video chat.

Gerlach also spoke of having seizures and made remarks that she was 'very confused' and 'not in my right mind'.

Tuesday's hearing was held to determine whether secular courts have jurisdiction in the nuns' lawsuit against the bishop.

The diocese has argued that the dispute is purely religious in nature and outside of the purview of civil courts, under the religious freedoms granted by the Constitution.

Bobo, the attorney for the nuns, argues that their rights were violated under Texas laws and says they are entitled to relief in the state's courts.

Judge Don Cosby, of the 67th District Court said he will issue a ruling next week.

He told the hearing: 'This is a difficult, emotional matter. I hope everyone respects that.'
Hi, my name is Caitlin Cooper. I am a 17-year-old girl from the Northern suburbs of Melbourne Australia and I am one of the youngest survivors of a rare flesh-eating disease called Necrotizing Fasciitis. And this is my story.

I started dancing when I was 3 years old. Throughout my childhood, I trained and competed in competitions around Victoria. My dream was always to dance professionally on cruise ships traveling the world. At the start of 2023, I was awarded a half scholarship to Jason Coleman Ministry of Dance, the performing arts college. I trained full-time every day to become the professional dancer I had always dreamed of.

However, it was just 3 days after my 17th birthday and just another normal day at dance, on Friday 05/05/2023 when my life took an unexpected horrific turn.

I was dancing in a studio working on a solo I had choreographed myself. I had done a backward roll and banged the top of my foot really hard on the floor. I continued to dance through the pain and continue on with my day.

But that night I was up all night with a fever. I was hot and cold every hour.

That morning I was throwing up in the bathroom and I called my mum to come help me. My mum even did a covid test on me!

My foot was in excruciating pain, and it was so swollen, I remember not being able to put pressure on it and I was walking/limping on my heel. I had no time to go to the doctor or have an injury because I was training to perform in Malaysia 2 weeks later. But I knew something was wrong. I thought for sure it had to be broken or fractured and begged my mum to take me to the doctors. We got an X-ray and waited all day for results, as the day got longer and longer my foot started swelling more like a balloon. The X-ray results showed there could be a slight un-displaced fracture but i had to get a CT scan to confirm it. We were waiting for the results and the doctor had told us that it showed no fracture and it was just soft tissue damage. He had mentioned it would swell more before it goes down and told me to stay of it.

That night I slept peacefully throughout the whole night but the next morning, Sunday 07/05/2023 was the day no one knew I was only hours away from death. I woke up in excruciating pain and my foot was now swelling up my ankle and dark bruising. I remember I was supposed to go to the footy with my family that afternoon, but there were going to be too many people and we didn't want to risk it. I spent the day at my grandparents house whilst my mum went to the footy with my uncles. For all that I remember, my grandparents and myself were sitting on the couch watching a movie, I fell asleep for nearly 2 hours but I woke up in so much pain, my grandma would tell me to distract myself or put my foot in a cold tub of water, but any ice or cold water would aggravate the pain so we tried lukewarm water but that was no good either. I had my foot elevated on a pillow although I remember I had to keep my foot turned in (sickled) as I felt like my bone was going to pop out.

I moved with crutches from the front lounge to another room to try and get some more sleep. I had no appetite and I wasn't eating dinner. I then started to get fevers and I was throwing up basically my insides. I don't remember anything else from that night, however my grandma tells me I was screaming in pain, my ears were ringing and I was losing eyesight. My grandma tried checking my blood pressure but the blood pressure machine wasn't getting a reading. I tried on my grandpa's watch and my heart rate was 155 bpm. Once I started blacking out/going unconscious they knew we had to call the ambulance. My mum and family came straight from the footy at this time too.

I don't remember anything about what the paramedics did when they arrived, however I do know they had to call a Mica which were the intensive care paramedics. I was on fentanyl which is 50-100 times more potent than morphine. Its primary clinical utility is for pain management.

Once I got into the emergency at the Northern Hospital, the lights were bright as day, it was loud and there were so many people. My mum was trying to keep me awake because my blood pressure was 58/47 and my heart rate was 155 bpm.

All I remember is the nurse called a plastic surgeon to come in and look at me.

The plastic surgeon had said If this is what i think it is we need to get her to surgery.They needed to put a catheter in but I refused which wasn't good for time. My mum tells me he was counting down from 20 for the nurse to put the catheter in but once he got to 10 he said Is it in yet? and she said Not yet doing it now. He said It's too late ABORT ABORT we will put it in when she's asleep and took me straight for surgery.

Looking back, I was definitely aware that I was going into surgery as I sent my best friend a voice message telling her I love her and I'll talk to her when I'm awake.

We were told it would be either my life or my leg. About 5 days later I found out I had to sign the agreement form to amputate my leg if it came down to my leg or my life.

I had a rare infection called Necrotizing Fasciitis also known as, A flesh eating infection which is caused by a bacteria in a wound or blunt force trauma which in my case was when i banged my foot. Necrotizing fasciitis is so rare I am 1 in a million and this infection is deadly for 15 people that contract it.

I woke up 24 hours later in the ICU after being in an induced Coma. During the induced coma they had done a second surgery to get rid of all the infection.I spent 2 nights in the ICU with a breathing tube and hocked up to multiple IV medications as the nurses were trying to save my life, due to my kidneys starting to fail and needing blood pressure medication. Once my stats became stable, I moved to the plastics ward.

The first night in the Ward, I had to have 2 blood transfusions and an oxygen tube through my nose. During my stay in the hospital I had 6 surgeries. The first 2 were an emergency to cut open the foot and leg from under my toes to half way up my shin and to do a deprivement surgery to get rid of all the dead tissue and get rid of the infection.

The next 2 were cleaning it and making sure the infection was all gone. The doctors told us I needed a skin graft and told us to choose from 3 plans:

Firstly, a normal skin graft from my thigh, however my foot would never have movement in it or flexibility, meaning I wouldn't be able to run, jump or dance again.

The second option was a skin graft FLAP, which is similar to a graft, and that tissue is transplanted. The essential difference is that a flap has its own blood supply. With a flap, larger amounts of skin and tissues are taken out.

Or the third option which everyone thought would be the best option for my outcome was to do a BTM which is Biodegradable Temporising Matrix, a synthetic temporizing matrix which has demonstrated positive outcomes that regenerates tissues.

They put this BTM in my foot and my leg during the 5th surgery. However I still have to get a skin graft over the BTM once it's healed.

My 6th surgery was to check if the BTM was working and the surgeons decided to take out the VAC DRESSING as it was healing so well.

I had to relearn everything, from getting off the bed onto a chair, learning how to walk with a walker, how to shower and go to the toilet and then walk with crutches. I had to learn this was my new normal. I went outside in a wheelchair for the first time again after 2 weeks in hospital on 20/05/2023.

There are good and bad days but what got me through every day in hospital was the support I had from friends, family and the whole dance community.

I got discharged from the hospital after 29 days! On 02/06/2023.

I now go back once a week for a dressing change and Physio. I continue to use my wheelchair at home around the house and I am gaining more confidence walking with a moon boot and my crutches.

Once the BTM heals enough, and the new tissues grow over the tendons, they can proceed with the 7th surgery, for my skin graft. This should be happening in the next week or 2.

My dance school Lauren Wall School Of Dance in Epping has generously organized a GO FUND ME to help fund the costs that will be associated with my rehabilitation and recovery.

I am a dancer and I will always be a dancer. My motivation and determination to dance again gives me so much strength.

With a lot of rehab and physio after surgery, I will get stronger and I will show the world just how far I have come. One day I hope to help other injured dancers, and mentor and inspire dancers struggling out there.

My name is Caitlin Cooper,

This is not the end of my story, its only one beginning.

Thank you.
Experts forecast up to 150mm of rain in some areas

Australians are being warned of potential unseasonal floods as a massive rain band sweeps across the country and Sydney faces one of the coldest days of the year.

A 3,000km rain band stretching from the Pilbara and Kimberley, across the outback and into the eastern seaboard, is expected to intensify in the coming days.

While there is uncertainty about where the heaviest rainfall will be, experts have forecast some areas of Australia will receive 'more than a month's worth of rain'.

Six states and territories have one flood warning in place as of Tuesday afternoon, sparing only Queensland and the ACT.

New South Wales

It is a wet Wednesday in Sydney, but the rain is expected to clear on Thursday and Friday with a cloudy weekend on the way.

However more rain is on the way this weekend.

Today, Sydney is heading for a maximum top temp of 13C.

'Sydney's average June max is 17C so it would definitely be a chilly day by local standards, and indeed the coldest day of 2023 to date by at least a couple of degrees,' Weatherzone told Daily Mail Australia.

'Sydney's chill is mostly due to that thick band of cloud streaming across the country from the northwest.

'As you can see, temps right across NSW are being kept down by that cloud, as the morning chill struggles to dissipate and is trapped near the surface.'

'So far today, Sydney's highest temp reading has been 12.0C while Melbourne's was 12.4C.'

The mercury is forecast to dip just below 10C for the rest of the week in Sydney, with maximum temperatures remaining in the teens.

Victoria

Showers are forecast for Melbourne from Wednesday through to Sunday, with a top temperature of just 13C forecast today.

'Melbourne is having a day of classic winter westerlies, with a cloud band associated with a cold front lurking menacingly south of the city,' Weatherzone explained.

'The front could generate brief but quite heavy showers around lunchtime, with a likely drop in temps by a degree or two.

However, the state will escape the heavy rain, with a total of 2mm expected to fall on Friday and Saturday.

Temperatures are expected to remain chilly for the rest of the week, with a low of 6C today and high of 12C.

Queensland

Early weather modelling suggests Queensland's south east will be hit by rain from Saturday and Sunday before intensifying in the beginning of next week.

Sky News meteorologist Bradlyn Oaks labelled the weather event as 'unseasonable' and warned some areas could potentially see up to 150mm of rainfall.

'There is a lot of model variation here on exactly where the highest accumulation will be,' Ms Oaks explained.

'But we're watching for a lot of wet weather with these systems and stormy conditions.'

The moisture is expected to ramp up on Sunday, with heavy rain and more storms possible for interior areas of Queensland, with rainfall intensifying towards the coast at the beginning of next week.

Despite the wet weather, the Sunshine state's capital will be sunny for the rest of the week.

The 3,000km rain band moving from the Indian Ocean and across the Northern Territory into Queensland is forecast to intensify over the next week

South Australia

Emergency crews are bracing for heavy rain in South Australia's north as a private dam remains at risk of failure in the Adelaide Hills.

The State Emergency Service was on Monday night continuing to monitor dams at Hope Forest and Basket Range, after risk abated of the latter dam failing.

A watch and act warning remained in place for the Hope Forest dam, with some road closures in place for residents.

Nearby homes could be flooded if the dam fails, after continual rain in the past days raised its risk profile.

Western Australia

Western Australia will remain relatively dry as the rain band moves across the country.

Perth is forecast to be sunny for the rest of the week, with maximum temperatures in the high teens and a slight chance of showers on Sunday.

It comes after temperatures plummeted in the state's capital on Tuesday, with residents shivered through the coldest morning on record in seven years.

Waterfalls on Uluru after heavy rain on Monday, June 26, 2023. Source: @geigbe_the_van / Instagram

The city recorded a low of 0.7C at 6.47am, which is the coldest morning since June 13, 2016.

Temperatures fell to -0.9C in Jandakot, in the city's south, which was also the coldest morning since July 2016 and coldest June morning since 2010.

Collie was the coldest in the State plummeted to -2.3C at 3.45am while the Swan Valley and Perth Airport dell to -0.4C and -0.6C respectively.

The chilly weather was caused by a high pressure system centred in the Indian Ocean and pushing cool air into the Perth metro area. The lack of cloud cover exacerbated the freezing temperatures, according to Weatherzone.

The cold and mostly dry airflow is expected to continue for several days, with a series of cold nights ahead for the southern half of Western Australia.

Northern Territory

Uluru received 30.6mm in 12 hours on Monday  about 10 per cent of its annual average with more heavy rain forecast for the week.

Rain is forecast in Alice Springs every day for the next week with overnight temperatures forecast to dip as low as 3C.

Snow is also expected on some of the desert's highest peaks later in the week.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather update on Tuesday, with flood watch for southern and western parts of the state.

Meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said a second burst of rainfall is expected to develop across the Northern Territory on Friday bringing more potential flooding.

'We're not necessarily expecting downbursts of heavy to intense rainfall with this system, it's more going to be steady rain that accumulates over hours or days,' she said.

'What makes this system significant is the duration of the event, stretching all the way through the weekend, and the extensive rainfall across the country.'

A BoM alert explained the expected rain for the week, which could see up to 100mm of rainfall, would exceed the state's June average.

'Widespread daily rainfall totals of 10-30 millimetres are likely for parts of the flood watch area from (Monday) until Saturday, increasing to 20-50 millimetres across the southwest on Tuesday, with isolated heavier falls,' a BOM alert states

'Event rainfall totals from (Monday) to Saturday could reach 50-100 mm, exceeding the June average of 5-20 mm.'

It comes after heavy rainfall across the state's Red Centre saw waterfalls cascading off Uluru earlier this week.

Australian Capital Territory

In the nation's capital, Canberra will escape the wet but will need to rug up as early morning temperatures are forecast to dip to as low as -1C on Thursday and Sunday.

Tasmania

Rain is expected across Tasmania as the rain band moves east and develops across the country, with heavier rainfall forecast for the state's west.

Up to 8mm of rain is predicted to fall in Hobart on Thursday, with showers easing on Friday and Saturday.
Thousands of residents have united to fight their council's controversial move to go cashless.

Saturday will mark 12 months since Cassowary Coast Regional Council in far north Queensland stopped accepting money or cheque payments at its facilities, including libraries and the local public pool.

The council argues the policy provides safer ways for residents' dealings with council and lists improved hygiene, reducing cash handling and improved security among the benefits.

The decision by chief executive Andrew Graffen without community input, sparked outrage among residents who still regard cash as king.

Local Katter Australia Party MP Shane Knuth warned if their community didn't start protesting now, the cashless move would have a domino affect and be rolled out across rural and region Queensland, and other parts of Australia.

A task force set up to fight the decision ramped up after neighbouring Cairns Council overturned its policy earlier this year.

More than 3,000 Cassowary Coast locals have since signed a petition for its council reintroduce cash payments.

Cassowary Coast residents have rallied together to fight the council's cashless payment policy

Many shopkeepers are also on board with the petition available at more than 100 businesses.

Cassowary Coast includes the towns of Innisfail and Tully in a cyclone-prone region, where power is often cut off for weeks in the event of extreme weather, which means no electronic transactions can be made.

Cassowary Coast Action Network hope to convince councillors to reverse the cashless policy when the group presents its petition at an upcoming council meeting.

'There are absolutely no benefits,' network organiser Tara Garozzo told Sky News Breakfast on Wednesday.

'We're a small community. We rely on our market stalls that make us so great and unique which rely on cash 100 per cent.'

'This petition will bring the decision back to our councillors so they can decide if cash is worth keeping.'

'It's all about choice. It's about councillors having a say about this matter and it's about residents having the choice to use our legal tender.'

'We want it acknowledged and we want it accepted.'

Cassowary Coast Action Network Tara Garozzo is leading the community fight

More than 3000 locals have signed a petition calling for the council to reverse its policy

Ms Garozzo added the cashless policy not only inconvenienced the elderly who mainly use cash but also children when they make purchases at council-run events, at libraries and the public pool.

The campaign has been boosted by vocal support from local federal MP Bob Katter, who fears locals will be left without food after future cyclones if towns are cut off for weeks.

'Cash is important because it gives us a choice, it keeps us in control, and, it works when the power goes out,' he said.

Cassowary Coast Council says it acknowledges cash as a legal tender and has facilitated Australia Post arrangements for residents who prefer to continue paying cash.

'However, council acknowledges the growing preference for the majority of our ratepayers. It is not within the remit of council to advocate for a cashless society and we do not presume to do so. We have considered the use of cash within council operations only,' a spokesperson said.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the council for further comment.

One MP fears the cashless move will have a domino affect and be rolled out across rural and region Queensland, and other parts of Australia if local don't speak up
Megyn Kelly blasted President Joe Biden for inviting his son Hunter to a White House state dinner and slammed 'The View' co-host Ana Navarro's 'ridiculous' defense of Joe and Hunter's relationship.

Kelly was joined by the hosts of the Ruthless podcast - Comfortably Smug, Josh Holmes, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook - on Tuesday, to discuss the blowback that followed Hunter's presence at the state dinner and Navarro's 'embarrassing' defense.

The former Fox News host played a clip of Navarro defending Joe Biden from Friday's episode of 'The View,' where she claimed the President inviting his criminal kid 'just shows his love for his son.'

Responding to Navarro's comments, Kelly said: 'You can love your child and still recognize it would be inappropriate, given the circumstances, to bring him to something that is not your private party.'

'It's not your private party, Joe Biden,' Kelly repeated with emphasis. 'It's our party. It's the United States. It's America, and Hunter Biden should not have been there!'

The event in question was last week's state dinner at the White House for India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Megyn Kelly blasted President Joe Biden for inviting his son Hunter to a White House state dinner and slammed 'The View' host Ana Navarro's 'ridiculous' defense of Joe and Hunter's relationship

Kelly was joined by the hosts of the Ruthless podcast - Comfortably Smug, Josh Holmes, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook - to discuss the blowback that followed Hunter's presence at the state dinner and Navarro's 'embarrassing' defense on Tuesday

Duncan facetiously said that Joe Biden bringing Hunter to the state dinner would be as if Bill Clinton brought Monica Lewinsky, to which Kelly and the 'Ruthless' crew chuckled.

On a more serious note, Duncan added: 'This isn't about hypocrisyit's hierarchy... They're laughing in our faces.'

'This is a guy who's being accused of influence peddling in foreign countries and taking money from China, taking money from this corrupt Ukrainian gas company... ' he added.

'And he's showing up at official events with foreign dignitaries in front of us  they're laughing at us.'

Holmes chimed in, also pointing out the satirical element of inviting a man to a White House State dinner who is addicted to crack-cocaine, involved with prostitutes and has now plead guilty to tax-related misdemeanors, because he is a relative.

'Serving on Ukrainian natural gas boards, smoking crack with prostitutes, and throwing guns into schools zones Are you kidding?' Holmes said.

'You can't get simultaneously say that this son of mine is deeply troubled and it has all kinds of things in his life. It's regrettable and, you know, unfortunately that's his problem,' he added.

'... then have him show up in Beijing ... show up on Ukrainian boards during the course of your vice presidency, and then when you become president, he's the belle of the ball at every state dinner!'

The 'Ruthless' Co-Host added that not all drug addicts start selling influence to the Chinese.

Just days after agreeing to plead guilty to tax-related misdemeanors, Hunter Biden on Thursday night attended a White House state dinner hosted for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The president's son was among hundreds of high-profile guests who attended that dinner for India's prime minister Thursday night.

Criticism and support for the Biden's followed.

In a clip shown on The View Friday, Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre repeatedly refused to answer reporters' questions about Hunter's presence at the state dinner.

Navarro got emotional following the clip as she talked about the president's relationship with his troubled son.

'The Hunter Biden story, the scandal, the this, the that  it's also the story of a father's love, and Joe Biden has never and will never give up on his son Hunter, and will never treat him lesser than,' Navarro said.

'He is a father first; take it or leave it. That's who he is, that is part of his heart,' she continued. 'There was 380 people at this dinner. It's not like Hunter was sitting at Merrick Garland's lap. It was a bunch of peopleand I think that the reason he's been able to get out of addiction is because Joe Biden embraced him entirely the entire time.'

The president's son attended the State Dinner for Indian PM Narendra Modi Thursday night

President Joe Biden and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi toast during an official state dinner at the White House on June 22, 2023

Sunny Hostin also defended the father and son duo, adding: 'What seems to get lost in all of this discussion about Hunter Biden is his addiction. He's an addict. He has had this addiction for many years, and to various things, and I wonder where our compassion is.

'I mean people are talking about 'Well, this is nepotism,' and perhaps it is, and I hate nepotism. I think things should be earned and not given, but no one wants to talk about the fact that Ivanka [Trump] got, you know, three Chinese patents after her dinner with President Xi from China at Mar-a-Lago,' she claimed.

She added that the scandal is actually 'a father trying to keep his son, who suffers from addiction, close.'

Co-host Sara Haines said she didn't fault the Biden's for inviting their son - but said Hunter should have 'sat this one out.'

'What I take issue with, is, he should have sat this out, if we're being honesthe just got charged with a felony charge, misdemeanors, you're going to a dinner where your dad is front and center, he's trying to campaignlike, sit it out. Sit at home just for a minute. Just take a seat. This is about your dad and your family,' she said.

Alyssa Farah Griffin added: 'If I was charged with a felony and misdemeanor, I would not be at a state dinner with the most powerful people on the planet.

The View's Ana Navarro defended Hunter Biden's presence at the White House state dinner, saying President Biden 'will never give up on his son'

The president's son mingled with guests in black tie at the White House on Thursday evening when he attended a state dinner for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

America's disgraced First Son was once again thrust into the center of White House festivities on Thursday night, dressed in a flashy tuxedo and hobnobbing with the most powerful people in the world at a state dinner in honor of India's prime minister.

In attendance were celebrities, powerful politicians, global leaders and Attorney General Merrick Garland, who leads the Justice Department that just handed Hunter no more than a pathetic slap on the wrist for tax and gun crimes

'So, I think the optics were bad, and I guarantee that Biden's staffers were trying to talk him out of being there, and Merrick Garland, who's tried to remain above the fray in this, and is now seen hobnobbing with them.'

Last week the president's son agreed to plead guilty to federal misdemeanor tax charges and a felony gun charge that will not have him see any jail time.

When Jean-Pierre was questioned about Hunter's presence at the dinner, she said, 'I'm just not going to get into discussions, personal family discussions.'

On Thursday, he mingled with guests in black tie at a state banquet for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Jean-Pierre was asked whether it was common for people to be invited to the White House so soon after securing a plea deal.

'That's his son. He's a family member,' she said.

'It is not uncommon for family members to attend events at the White House.

'We could look at past presidents. I'm sure you have.

'So that is not uncommon ... as it relates to anything related to Hunter I'm just not going to respond to it from here.'
Anheuser-Busch executives have seemingly denied reports the company fired two top marketing executives who were found responsible for Bud Light's disastrous Dylan Mulvaney campaign.

The Daily Caller reported on Tuesday that the beer giant officially fired Group Vice President of Marketing Daniel Blake and Bud Light Marketing Vice President Alissa Heinerscheid, citing text messages with an unknown regional marketing leader at the company.

Blake and Heinerscheid were said to be taking a 'leave of absence' amid backlash for their decision to feature the trans TikToker in a March Madness commercial.

And when approached by DailyMail.com earlier this month, a friend of Heinerscheid's said 'she's not supposed to talk about it, she can't.'

But in a statement to DailyMail.com, a spokesperson for Anheuser-Busch said they were still both on a 'leave of absence.'

Bud Light Marketing Vice President Alissa Heinerscheid and Group Vice President of Marketing Daniel Blake are said to be taking a leave of absence

Their departures came amid backlash to a controversial March Madness advertisement featuring trans TikToker Dylan Mulvaney

'Given the circumstances, Alissa has decided to take a leave of absence which we support,' the spokesperson said, adding that Daniel is also 'taking a leave of absence.

'In the interest of our employees safety and privacy, were not providing any additional information.'

The statement echoes the one Anheuser-Busch executives made in April, when it announced the two marketing executives 'decided' to temporarily step down.

But questions remained about their sudden departures in the aftermath, especially when Anheuser-Busch executives later claimed that the decision to work with Mulvaney was made by an 'outside agency without management awareness or approval.'

By Tuesday, reports were swirling that Heinerscheid and Blake had officially been fired from their positions, as an unidentified source at the company told the Daily Caller executives only claimed they were on a 'leave of absence' to avoid a lawsuit.

'To my understanding, if we publicly announced the word "fire" it opens up the potential for them to sue us. That's why we said leave of absence,' the source said, adding: 'The wholesalers would have had an absolute HAY DAY with leadership if they didn't remove [Heinerscheid].

'Wholesalers were told they are both gone for good by leadership during in-person conversations,' the source claimed. 'They already shifted all their direct reports to new people and the head of marketing.'

He added that he thought Blake was 'actually awesome.'

'I think he was just caught in [the] cross fire,' the source said. 'But also he did hire her... so that's a fault.'

When approached by DailyMail.com regarding claims that she had no idea of the campaign, Heinerscheid (left) declined to comment  but a friend said: 'She can't talk about it,' before being whisked away

It is unclear if Heinerscheid is on paid leave from the company, but she joined in 2022 and vowed to freshen up its image

Blake is a nine-year veteran of Anheuser-Busch and oversaw marketing for both Bud Light and Budweiser.

He served as group VP of marketing for Budweiser and value brands before being promoted in May 2022 to group vice president of Anheuser-Busch's mainstream brands. He had also served at the company as the vice president of the company's value brands.

In his position, Blake was responsible for hiring Heinerscheid to overhaul Bud Light's marketing in June 2022 with the vision of freshening up its image.

Just a few months before the company released its controversial ad, Blake announced a 'new era for Bud Light' as he shared an article about the beer's 'sophisticated' decision to feature a female main character in its Super Bowl ad.

A post to LinkedIn shortly before that also opined on how 'everyone is connected through the same American Spirit values and, of course, Budweiser'.

During a podcast appearance days before the Mulvaney partnership was announced, Heinerscheid said Bud Light was on the wane when she took the helm last summer, but planned to right the ship

Heinerscheid, meanwhile, touted her strategy to ditch Bud Light's 'fratty' reputation and embrace inclusivity to attract a young generation of drinkers in an interview just days before the Dylan Mulvaney ad was released.

'I'm a businesswoman. I had a really clear job to do when I took over Bud Light, and it was this brand is in decline,' she said.

'It's been in decline for a really long time. And if we do not attract young drinkers to come and drink this brand, there will be no future for Bud Light.

'So I had this super clear mandate. It's like we need to evolve and elevate this incredibly iconic brand.

'What does evolve and elevate mean? It means inclusivity. It means shifting the tone. It means having a campaign that's truly inclusive and feels lighter and brighter and different. And appeals to women and to men.

'And representation. Is it sort of the heart of evolution? You've got to see people who reflect you in the work.

'And we had this hangover. I mean, Bud Light had been kind of a brand of fratty, kind of out of touch humor, and it was really important that we had another approach,' she said.

In an earlier interview with Forbes, she gave the same mandate.

'As the first woman to lead the biggest beer brand in the world, it's an amazing opportunity to really evolve and elevate Bud Light, this brand I love.

'This campaign is meant to feel different, to be lighter and brighter, with a confidence and magnetism, and it's really critical to depict real people and real places,' she said.

'What I need to do to help this brand to evolve... this is my passion point.'

Heinerscheid's job was taken over by Todd Allen, who recently served as global vice president of Budweiser.

The once-popular beer company saw its worst week in sales since teaming up with Mulvaney, 26, to celebrate her 365th day of girlhood, dropping 26.8 percent the week of June 10

But Bud Light is continuing to reel from the effects of the Dylan Mulvaney marketing campaign, with sales dropped 26.8 percent for the week ending June 10, the worst week-on-week performance since the early April ad.

It's a deeper drop from the week ending on June 3, which saw a 24.4 percent drop, according to Bump Williams Consulting and NielsenIQ. The new low beats the previous worst - an almost 26 percent drop - for the week ending May 25.

It comes after Bud Light lost its crown as America's bestselling beer to Modelo, a Mexican lager brewed by Grupo Modelo - which is also owned by Bud manufacturer Anheuser-Busch.

Anheuser-Busch's other US brands - including Budweiser, Michelob Ultra and Natural Light - have also seen a significant decline in sales since the controversy. Bud is down 10 percent, while Natty Light and Michelob are down 2.3 and 2.4 percent, respectively.
House Republicans released more WhatsApp messages Tuesday they say were written by Hunter Biden as he worked on a business deal with a Chinese energy company.

In messages from August 2017, the first son pushed that $10 million needed to be invested annually into the joint venture with CEFC China Energy, and called a $5 million proposal 'new to me' and 'not acceptable, obviously.'

The House Oversight Committee's Twitter account said that Hunter was messaging Gongwen Dong, a CEFC China Energy associate who used the nickname 'Kevin.'

'I'm tired of this Kevin,' Hunter said. 'I can make $5 million in salary from any law firm in America. If you think it's about money, it's not. The Biden's (sic) are the best at doing exactly what Chairman wants from this partnership. Please let's not quibble over peanuts.'

The next day one of Hunter's shell companies, OWASCO PC, was given a $10,000 payment from CEFC, the House Oversight Republicans said, sharing a receipt.

House Republicans on the Oversight Committee released fresh messages from Hunter Biden, pictured arriving back in D.C. from Camp David Sunday, that show some of his demands as he tried to ink a $10 million with a Chinese energy company in 2017

In a series of tweets Tuesday, the House Oversight Committee Republicans released new WhatsApp messages between Hunter Biden and a Chinese business associate as they embarked on an energy deal in August 2017

The 'chairman,' Republicans said, was now missing Chinese oil tycoon Ye Jianming, who disappeared in February 2018 after being taken into custody by Chinese authorities.

The Oversight Committee Republicans alleged that Ye was tied to an intelligence gathering agency for the Chinese Communist Party.

'Ye stated that that CEFC China's vision "is to obtain overseas resources and serve the national strategy,"' Oversight Republicans' Twitter account said. 'He wanted to expand China's reach and influence around the world.'

'As more facts come to light, it becomes even more evident that the Bidens put China and their interests first and America last,' House Oversight Republicans charged.

Ye had previously been questioned by federal authorities in New York in November 2017 over a bribery scheme related to CEFC's business in Chad and Uganda.

Ye's lieutenant, Patrick Ho, was eventually convicted of seven counts of bribery and money laundering in relation to the bribery scheme.

Ho had dialed James Biden, Hunter's uncle and the president's brother, upon being arrested, according to a 2018 New York Times profile of CEFC's downfall.

James Biden told The Times that he believed the call was meant for Hunter.

'There is nothing else I have to say,' James Biden told the paper. 'I don't want to be dragged into this anymore.'

Since January, the House Oversight Committee under the leadership of Chairman James Comer has been looking into what he calls Biden family 'influence peddling.'

The White House and President Joe Biden have repeatedly denied the president was in business with Hunter.

Last week's WhatsApp message from an IRS whistleblower showed that Hunter used his father's clout to pressure a Chinese associate.

'I am sitting here with my father and we would like to understand why the commitment made was not fulfilled,' Hunter wrote to Communist Party official Henry Zhao on July 30, 2017.

Hunter's lawyer Chris Clark responded by calling the whistleblower 'biased' and claimed the account covered 'a time of turmoil and addiction' for the president's son.

'Any verifiable words or actions of my client, in the midst of a horrible addiction, are solely his own and have no connection to anyone in his family,' Clark said.

Clark also pushed back on Republican complaints that the Department of Justice's investigation into the president's son didn't go far enough.

Last week, Hunter Biden agreed to a plea deal with the U.S. Attorney in Delaware, pleading guilty to two misdemeanor tax charges and entering probation over a gun charge.

'An extensive, five-year-long investigation conducted by the United States Department of Justice concluded this week, which resulted in my client taking responsibility for two instances of misdemeanor failure to file tax payments, as well as a firearm charge, which will be subject to a pretrial diversion agreement,' said Clark. 'As his attorney through this entire matter, I can say that any suggestion the investigation was not thorough, or cut corners, or cut my client any slack, is preposterous and deeply irresponsible.'
A Washington State grocery chain is prompting customers to donate to 'DEI awareness' as they checkout.

Photos obtained by FOX News show a self-checkout screen at a Haggen Food and Pharmacy  a chain owned by grocery giant Albertson's  asking customers: 'Would you like to donate to help advocate for DEI awareness?'

It suggests customers add a $1, $3, $5 or other amount donation to their total, but allows them to also opt-out.

Behind the self-checkout kiosk, there was also a sign advertising Haggen's charity  the Haggen Foundation  telling customers that from June 14 through August 8 they can donate at 'any register' to 'support organizations that make positive social changes to ensure all community members live a healthy and fully inclusive life.'

But their efforts come just weeks after retail giant Target came under fire for its support of an LGBTQIA+ group that supports children secretly changing their gender and another that seeks to shut down Mount Rushmore.

Photos obtained by FOX News show a self-checkout screen at a Haggen Food and Pharmacy asking customers: 'Would you like to donate to help advocate for DEI awareness?'

Haggen is a major chain throughout Washington state, owned by grocery giant Albertson's

According to the Haggen Foundation website, donations made under the DEI prompt support charities like the American Cancer Society, as well as others that support people with mental disabilities like Chinook Enterprises and Faces Northwest.

But it also benefits charities that support woke policies like the Northwest Justice Project, which seeks to challenge 'structural and racial inequities to promote [the] long-term well-being of low-income individuals, families and communities across Washington state.'

The Northwest Justice Project says on its website: 'As a dynamic statewide law firm, we pursue our mission through legal advice and representation, community partnerships and education to empower clients and combat injustice in all its forms.

'NJP endorses and has signed onto the principles and commitments of the Race Equity and Justice Initiative,' it adds.

Last year, the Haggen Foundation also supported other woke organizations like the Northwest Immigrants Rights Project and Empower Next Generations.

The Northwest Immigrants Rights Project seeks to 'undo systemic oppression,' according to its website.

'We are connected by our common humanity, by global forces that affect our lives, and by historic patterns of oppression, discrimination and inequity,' its 'mission' page says.

'For society to be just and whole, we must work together to undo systemic oppression in its many forms.'

Empower Next Generations, meanwhile, lists its three core values as 'social equity, cultural diversity [and] inclusion.'

'It is our social responsibility toward each other to offer equitable access to resources, information, technology, financial and social capital in a fair, safe and secure manner.'

When asked by DailyMail.com whether it believes Haggen should be supporting these types of organizations, a spokesperson apparently dodged the question, instead touting the less controversial organizations Haggen is funding.

'The fundraising campaign currently being conducted at Haggen in Washington will benefit nonprofit organizations such as Down Syndrome Center of Puget Sound, Special Olympics Washington, Disability Rights Washington, National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the American Cancer Society.'

Last year, the Haggen Foundation donated to Empower Next Generations, which lists its three core values as 'social equity, cultural diversity [and] inclusion'

The grocery chain also supported the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project

The decision to hold this fundraising campaign comes just weeks after it was revealed that Target has been funding a radical education group pushing for woke school policies despite severe backlash for its LGBTQ Pride product release.

The brand says it is 'proud' of its collaboration with K-12 education group GLSEN, which pressures school boards to allow children to secretly transition without their parents' consent and make sexually explicit books available in classrooms.

It also provides instructions for teachers on how they can alter classes such as math and science to be 'more inclusive of trans and non-binary identities', including using 'they/them' pronouns in lesson plans, reports Fox News.

'GLSEN leads the movement in creating affirming... and anti-racist spaces for LGBTQIA+ students', Target said. 'We are proud of 10+ years of collaboration with GLSEN and continue to support their mission.'

The company also funded the NDN Collective in 2022, which is an Indigenous-led organization dedicated to building Indigenous power, according to their website.

Target ramped up its diversity program with new chief, Kiera Fernandez, who previously said 'White women' should get to work to battle systemic racism

The NDN Collective is calling for the sovereign land where Mount Rushmore is located to be returned to the Lakota people.

It also supports Israel opening to those who identify as Palestinian refugees, and reportedly maintains 'hostile views' on the military, as they see to have the United States 'demilitarized.'

'The closure of Mount Rushmore, return of that land and all public lands in the Black Hills, South Dakota is our cornerstone battle,' NDN said of its campaign LANDBACK.

'Not only does Mount Rushmore sit in the heart of the sacred Black Hills, but it is an international symbol of White supremacy and colonization. To truly dismantle white supremacy and systems of oppression, we have to go back to the roots. Which, for us, is putting Indigenous Lands back in Indigenous hands.'

As for the U.S. military, the NDN has said that 'violence is fundamental for the U.S. to maintain its presence.'

'[T]he U.S. military is in the explicit business of taking land away from communities all around the world and using their presence on their land to carry out their own agenda for the inhabitants of that area,' it said.

'Violence is fundamental for the U.S. to maintain its presence, and the military is how they establish dominance domestically and internationally, wherever they may be.'

The NDN added: 'The purpose of these informal militias however was not to keep the police or protect citizens, but to clear the land of as many Natives as possible by killing indiscriminately, and catching runaway enslaved Africans.'
Detectives have found one of the guns and a phone used in the execution of cocaine kingpin Alen Moradian after the killers bungled their getaway plans.

Moradian, 48, died in a hail of bullets as he sat in his car in an underground Bondi Junction car park in Sydney's east around 8.15am on Tuesday.

Two gunmen fled the scene after the gangland hit but the escape plan appears to have been botched when their bid to torch their getaway car failed.

Police found the 2017 grey Porsche Macan in nearby James St almost undamaged after the killers rushed off and abandoned it without destroying it.

Footage from the scene reveals crucial clues left behind, including a pistol lying on the ground nearby alongside a mobile phone which may contain vital evidence.

A Holden Commodore, believed to be a second getaway vehicle, was later found burnt out a few kilometres away in Zetland, but the Porsche barely had a scratch.

Forensic teams uncovered a gun inside the Porsche Macan with investigators saying it provides a major clue that could help lead officers to Moradian's killers

Footage from the scene reveals crucial clues left behind, including a pistol lying on the ground nearby alongside a mobile phone which may contain vital evidence

The killers' attempt to set it ablaze appears to have been scrapped, with a jerry can of fuel apparently left on the drivers seat, and only minor fire damage inside.

The airbag appears to have been set off in the $138,000 luxury SUV, and part of the car's cabin headliner appears fire-damaged, with melted remains hanging from the roof.

But the pistol and the phone found inside will be key evidence for police in the hunt for the ruthless killers.

The mobile could be a goldmine of intelligence for detectives with the prospect of a cache of messages between the killers and their paymasters and contact numbers.

It may also offer tracking details of the killers in the lead up to the underworld execution, potentially even leading detectives to the door of their killers and whoever contracted them.

Police have now sent the pistol off for forensic testing in the hope it may recover fingerprints or DNA evidence which could identify the gunmen.

Natasha Moradian (left) received the shattering news of her estranged husband's death on Tuesday morning

Forensic investigators were seen attending the crime scene on Spring Street Bondi Junction

A burnt-out car was found shortly after the shooting on Cook Lane in Zetland

Moradian had strong links to the Comanchero bikie gang and is believed to have had a key role in the city's cocaine network and helped set up 'The Commission' in 2021.

Gangland boss Moradian had spent the past the past year living in fear after being warned by NSW Police in August that there was a bounty on his head.

Police said Moradian had a 'big target on his back' and Moradian regularly changed his routine, address and vehicles hoping nobody would find him.

The convicted drug supremo, once dubbed the 'Tony Soprano' of Australia's cocaine trade, has links to four recent gangland murders and was eerily warned years earlier by wife Natasha Youkhana that he needed to lay low.

But he was shot dead leaving his secret hideout in Sydney's east on the way to the gym.

The underworld network linked to the Comanchero controls much of the city's drug trade by taxing other gangs who import and sell narcotics.

The drug boss, who was born in Iraq, also had had links to at least four gangland murders on Sydney's street since mid-2020.

These included Mejid Hamzy, Lametta Fadlallah, Mahmoud 'Brownie' Ahmad and Marvin Oraiha.

Moradian had links to at least four gangland murders, which include Mejid Hamzy, Lametta Fadlallah, Mahmoud 'Brownie' Ahmad and Marvin Oraiha

Hamzy was shot dead outside his Condell Park home on October 19, 2020, over the alleged theft of 400kg of cocaine from The Commission.

Ahmad was shot dead in Greenacre on April 27, 2022. It's understood he bashed and extorted $500,000 out of Moradian while the pair were in jail.

Fadlallah was in business with Moradian's wife for years before she was shot dead in her car alongside her hairdresser Amy Hazouri in August 2022.

Just a month ago, Oraiha and Moradian partied together in a Sydney CBD hotel room before the young man was killed in his car outside his Elizabeth Hills home on May 22.
A Labor MP is in trouble with his own party after an extraordinarily foul-mouthed rant against a Greens MP, calling him a 'd***' a 'p****' and a 's***'.

Queensland state MP Robbie Skelton has been reprimanded by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk for his Twitter spray against federal Greens MP Max Chandler-Mather.

In a now-deleted tweet, Mr Skelton first took aim at Mr Chandler-Mather's name, writing 'Really, your [sic] a hyphenated name d***.'

Labor MP Robbie Skelton (pictured) is in strife with his own party after an extraordinarily foul-mouthed social media rant against a Greens MP

In a now deleted tweet (pictured), Mr Skelton took aim at Mr Chandler-Mather's name, writing 'Really, your (sic) a hyphenated name d***'

He then attacked the outspoken Greens MP on housing - the area he addresses most often. 'I'm a renter and I represent my electorate.

'I absolutely know how people feel go and get stuffed you Tree torie p****  Sit yourself you upstart s***,' Mr Skelton wrote.

The tweet was riddled with mistakes with the Labor MP writing 'your' when he meant 'you're' and 'Tree torie' when he meant 'tree Tory' - a derogatory term used to imply that the Greens are just Liberals who like nature.

Ms Palaszczuk said Mr Skelton's words were inappropriate and called for politicians to keep a civil tongue.

'People need to behave respectfully across all sides of politics and maybe you might ask those questions to Jarrod Bleijie,' she said, referring to the deputy leader of the Opposition in the Queensland Parliament.

Mr Skelton told 9News he probably should not have written what he did but was angry at the federal Greens housing policy.

Last week, the Greens voted with the Liberal-National Coalition to delay the government's $10billion Housing Australia Future Fund until at least October.

Though he was being attacked over housing, Mr Chandler-Mather has regularly spoken about being 'a life-long renter'.

'Labor MPs are resorting to personal attacks because they know that it's indefensible to spend billions of dollars on tax cuts for politicians and billionaires while doing nothing for renters and spending next to nothing on social housing,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

Greens MP Max Chandler-Mather (pictured) has regularly spoken of being 'a life-long renter'

'I would suggest Labor MPs reflect on why they get so angry at a renter for suggesting that the millions of people doing it tough deserve more than crumbs, while multinational corporations make billions in record profits.'

In a Twitter response to both Mr Skelton and Anthony Albanese's housing policy, Mr Chandler-Mather said the Greens are the party that really cares about housing.

'The Greens aren't going to stop fighting for renters just because the PM makes some silly insults. That's not pressure.

'Real pressure is choosing between paying the rent or feeding your kids. And that's who the Greens are fighting for,' Mr Chandler-Mather wrote.

Mr Skelton believes that the Greens, in delaying Labor's housing plan through backing the Coalition, are contributing to homelessness, not helping alleviate it.

Daily Mail Australia contacted Mr Skelton for further comment.
A mother has issued a stern warning about the dangers of rock fishing after her husband and their 10-year-old son drowned at a popular beach.

Hasti Masoumi, her husband Payam and their 10-year-old son Mahan were out lapping in the sunshine on the final day of school holidays at Little Bay, in Sydney's southeast, on January 31, 2022.

Payam and Mahan ventured onto a rock platform to fish before the pair were dragged into the water by a freak wave and drowned.

Ms Masoumi relived the horrifying incident saying she had only looked away for a second before she turned back and saw her loved ones in the ocean.

Mum Hasti Masoumi has warned those who engage in the sport of rock fishing to take extra precautions after her Payam husband and 10-year-old son Mahan were washed off the rocks and drowned at a popular Sydney spot (pictured together)

The family were lapping in the sunshine on the final day of school holidays at Little Bay in Sydney's southeast on January 31 when they were dragged into the water by a freak wave (pictured: recue crews at Little Bay)

'Drowning is a very, very silent action. I didn't hear anything. Any shouting, any screaming, anything,' she told ABC.

'I can't forget what happened that day. Life will never be the same for me.

'I honestly miss them in every second of my life.'

Little Bay is a small beach that does not have any lifeguards while there were no other fishermen around to help the pair stranded in the water.

The tragedy came shortly after Payam and Mahan had taken up the sport

Payam and Mahan had recently taken up the sport and had only been fishing on the rock platform for a short while before they were swept away.

Ms Masoumi, a student nurse, who lives in the Hills district, immigrated to Australia with her husband from Iran 12 years ago in search of a better life.

The widow said she believed fishing was a 'really peaceful sport' and warned others to be extra diligent about the dangers.

Ms Masoumi said more needed to be done to protect inexperienced fishermen and believes equipment purchased in stores should carry a warning.

She said there were no signs warning people of the dangers of fishing on the rocks at Little Bay and that her family were completely 'unaware' of the risks.

Payam and Mahan had recently taken up the sport and had only just arrived at the rock face when tragedy struck and they were washed into the ocean (pictured: rocks at Little Bay)

The mum watched helplessly from the rock face at Little Bay as Payam and Mahan (pictured together) drowned

Described as one of 'Sydney's undiscovered jewels', Little Bay is protected from large ocean swells and is a popular snorkelling location.

However, the spot is notoriously dangerous for rock fishers.

In 2020 Surf Life Saving Australia dubbed Little Bay and the surrounding coastline as the most dangerous rock fishing location in NSW.

Since 2012, the sport has claimed the lives of more than 140 people in Australia.
The last portrait painted by artist Gustav Klimt before his death has sold for 85.3million ($108.4million) at a London auction.

The auctioneers said the sale of Lady With A Fan (Dame Mit Facher) in New Bond Street makes it the most expensive artwork ever auctioned in Europe.

The painting was sold to a buyer in the room at Sotheby's in London after a 10-minute bidding war for a hammer price of 74million ($94.35million). The higher final figure includes auction fees known as the buyer's premium.

The sale price well exceeded the presale estimate of 65million ($80million).

The piece sold on Tuesday was the last portrait Klimt completed before his death in 1918. It shows an unidentified woman against a backdrop of dragons and lotus blossoms.

Sotheby's said the sale of Lady With A Fan (Dame Mit Facher) (pictured) in New Bond Street makes it the most expensive artwork ever auctioned in Europe

Sotheby's auctioneer Helena Newman looking at Dame Mit Facher (Lady With A Fan), the last portrait by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt, which was sold to Hong Kong collector for 85.3 million

Gustav Klimt's 'Dame mit Faecher' (Lady with a Fan) is displayed at Sotheby's auction rooms in London on June 20

The previous record for a work of art sold in Europe was set by Alberto Giacometti's bronze statue Walking Man I, which went for 82million ($104.3million) in 2010.

Helena Newman, auctioneer and chairman of Sotheby's Europe said: 'Dame Mit Facher (Lady With A Fan) is an absolute testament to Klimt's artistic genius - a work that captured the imagination of everyone who saw it.

'It was an honour to see that high level of enthusiasm play out here in London tonight, and to see the painting so hotly pursued.

'And it was, of course, the greatest honour to bring down the hammer on a work that has, quite fittingly, made auction history.'

The auction house said that after ten minutes bidding between four art lovers the work went to a collector from Hong Kong.

Austrian artist Klimt, also known for The Kiss (Der Kuss), died unexpectedly in 1918 at the age of 55.

Austrian artist Klimt, also known for The Kiss (Der Kuss), died unexpectedly in 1918 at the age of 55

The auction house said that after ten minutes bidding between four art lovers the work went to a collector from Hong Kong

An employee poses with an artwork entitled 'Dame mit Facher (Lady with a Fan)' by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt, during a photocall at Sotheby's auction house in central London

Klimt started work on Lady With A Fan in 1917, by which time he was among the most celebrated portraitists in Europe, receiving commissions at prices far higher than his contemporaries.

The painting was acquired shortly after his death by Viennese industrialist Erwin Boohler, whose family was close friends and patrons of both Klimt and fellow painter Egon Schiele.

It was last sold at Sotheby's in New York in 1994 for 7.8million ($11.6million) - which set a record for the artist at the time.

His Birch Forest artwork fetched 81.6million ($104.6million) last year when it was sold at Christie's.
Sir Keir Starmer's pledge to create sufficient peerages to ensure a Labour Lords majority could hit the royal buffers. King Charles might emulate one of his predecessors, Edward VII, who blocked his prime minister Herbert Asquith's bid to swamp the red benches with his supporters to remove the Lords veto on his legislation. Fortuitously for Asquith, Edward died, allowing the PM to take advantage of a novice monarch in George V, getting him to create all the peerages he wanted in advance of the second 1910 general election. Starmer will have to hope Charles is equally amenable.

Sir Keir Starmer's pledge to create sufficient peerages to ensure a Labour Lords majority could hit the royal buffers

King Charles might emulate one of his predecessors, Edward VII, who blocked his prime minister Herbert Asquith's bid to swamp the red benches with his supporters to remove the Lords veto on his legislation

Turning up at yesterday's Television and Radio Industries Club (Tric) awards, Nigel Farage  about to quench his camel's thirst  tweeted: 'Not off to a good start here at the Tric Awards, as the main sponsor made me leave the drinks reception area.'

Farage added later: 'Well knock me down... the main sponsor here has apologised to me, which I have fully accepted.' Did they mistake him for Eamonn Holmes?

Turning up at yesterday's Television and Radio Industries Club (Tric) awards, Nigel Farage  about to quench his camel's thirst  tweeted: 'Not off to a good start here at the Tric Awards, as the main sponsor made me leave the drinks reception area'

Labour MP Ben Bradshaw's husband Neal Dalgleish is in the same boat as Elton John's partner David Furnish  ignored by the honours committee. Ben, standing down as the MP for Exeter at the next election, says of his knighthood: 'I've been feeling rather conflicted about it. If you're a knight your wife gets to be a lady. If you're a gay knight, your husband gets nothing.' Surely Neal, a BBC producer, will always be Ben's knight in shimmering armour!

The BBC's foreign correspondent Fergal Keane medically signed off from covering the Ukraine conflict or other 'hot wars', blames the origins of his anxieties on reporting from the Rwandan genocide in 1994. 'I do wish I'd never gone,' he tells Radio Times. 'If I sense that things are out of kilter, I can very rapidly start to spiral. I get anxious and terrified and my head is like a washing machine. I just can't live like that again. It's hell.' Deep waters.

The BBC's foreign correspondent Fergal Keane (pictured) medically signed off from covering the Ukraine conflict or other 'hot wars', blames the origins of his anxieties on reporting from the Rwandan genocide in 1994

Annoyingly that he's 'absolutely blown away' to have the mechanical bull mascot at Birmingham's 2022 Commonwealth Games named Ozzy after a public vote, rocker Ozzy Osbourne adds: 'I'm Birmingham forever.' Has Ozzy changed his tune? Wife Sharon wants them to relocate back to their native Blighty from California with Ozzy recently protesting: 'I'll go f****** insane in England. I'm more of an American now. I love this country.'

French oceanographer Paul-Henri Nargeolet, who died in last week's Titan submersible tragedy, once mocked Robert Ballard, who first discovered the Titanic in 1985, and announced plans to paint the hull of the submerged wreck. 'Your proposed project', wrote Nargeolet, 'reminds me of the man in the 1950s who wanted to straighten up the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy with his car and a cable.'
Must help customers adapt to other forms of banking

More than 650 bank branches have shut down in Australia since 2020, prompting tough new measures designed to protect older customers who may struggle with digital banking.

Banks must reveal why they are closing certain branches under the new protocol, developed by the Australian Banking Association (ABA) after a government inquiry into a raft of branch closures across the country, and ensure they will offer support to customers about alternative methods of banking.

Almost 99 per cent of all banking customer interactions occur digitally now, but there is still a strong cohort of mainly older Australians who rely on physical branches to sort their money issues.

2GB's Mark Levy said a wave of bank closures had made life 'extremely tough' for many Australians who live in rural areas.

Almost 99 per cent of all banking customer interactions occur digitally now but there is still a strong cohort of mainly older Australians who rely on physical branches to sort their money issues (stock image)

Cards overtook cash a decade ago, with cash representing just 13 per cent of customer payments in 2022, down from 70 per cent in 2007, according to the ABA's customer trends data published this month (stock image)

'Since 2020, more than 650 branches have closed across the country,' he said.

'The Big Four claim people don't need face-to-face banking anymore. But for many older Australians, this is all they know.'

Banks closing down branches include Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, St George and Westpac.

Anna Bligh, CEO of the ABA, said the new rules would force banks to explain the reasons why they are closing a specific branch, and make them help customers take advantage of banking services now offered by post offices.

These include cashing cheques, depositing and withdrawing cash and transferring money between accounts.

'This protocol will go a long way to giving people a better understanding of when a branch is going to close and it also imposes a requirement on the branch for those customers who will continue to need or want face-to-face banking, to help them make the transition to other forms of banking,' said Ms Bligh.

Banks will be obliged to help customers if they close one branch and the next one is more than 10km away. They will also be obliged to alert MPs and local government about any impending closures.

It comes amid heightened fears about how Australia is increasingly becoming a cashless society.

Cards overtook cash a decade ago, with cash representing just 13 per cent of customer payments in 2022, down from 70 per cent in 2007, according to the ABA's customer trends data published this month.

The dominance of digital banking has sparked fears that society has become too reliant on potentially vulnerable systems.

Independent payments market expert Lance Blockley estimated that by 2025 traditional cash would make up less than 4 per cent of total retail purchases across the country

Experts have warned of the dangers of an increasingly cashless society, including privacy and security fears, in addition to making life more difficult for elderly people, who are less likely to be tech savvy

On Monday, Commonwealth customers were left paralysed after the bank's app went down, leaving them unable to access their accounts, transfer funds online or use their cards to make purchases.

The outage triggered a deluge of angry calls and social media posts from concerned customers who demanded to know why they could not use the bank's services, including some ATMs.

The bank remained tight-lipped on what caused the technical glitch but by Monday evening most services were back up and running.

Now experts have argued the troubling Commonwealth bank episode is an insight into what can go wrong when people rely too much on online banking instead of old-fashioned cash.

Cyber security expert Ben Britton, who works as a chief information security officer, told Daily Mail Australia events like these exposed the vulnerabilities of relying too heavily on digital payments.

'If there's no internet, there's no transactions, there's no access to your money,' he said.

'But if you have your money in your hand, or in your pocket, there could be no electricity and you'll still be able to make payments to people.'

'The huge weakness to the system is that it's dependent on the internet, internet secuity and individual device security.

'Whereas no one can remotely access the cash in your pocket.'

There are major security concerns with online banking too.

Often fraudsters can pose as banks and catch unwitting customers off-guard and convince them to transfer large sums of money in a instant.

An Australian businessman was recently conned out of $130,000 in a sophisticated text message scam after a fraudster sent him a message from the same number used by his bank.

It comes after research published in January found that physical cash is set to almost vanish from circulation within a decade.

Independent payments market expert Lance Blockley estimated that by 2025 traditional cash would make up less than 4 per cent of total retail purchases across the country.

Mr Blockley, who is the managing director of consulting firm The Initiatives Group, said in a submission to the ACCC in 2021 that banknotes across all uses, not just retail, would be at 10.2 per cent in 2025 down from 24.2 per cent in 2019.

Millions of Commonwealth Bank users were unable to access NetBank internet banking on Monday

Card transactions - covering tap-and-go and inserting into a machine - still comprise three quarters of transactions (stock image)

But Mr Britton said online transactions have opened new frontiers for criminals in terms of the number of people they can target and the vast sums of money they can steal.

'If you look at cyber criminal organisation or individuals that are cyber criminals who wish to rob a large amount of people, they can rob millions of dollars from tens of thousands of people in one day,' he said.

'That would not be possible to go and do that on the street, robbing individual citizens of their cash money.'

Mr Britton said many criminals have stopped selling drugs, instead turning to online fraud because it is far more profitable and they are far less likely to be caught.

'The old system, coins and physical cash, has worked for thousands of years. It's undoubtedly got its problems but we know what they are,' he said.

'But if you look at the digital world, there's so many unknown problems that we haven't even encountered yet.'

Another disadvantage to a cashless society is the lack of privacy. Whenever you pay for something digitally it leaves a digital footprint, which can be monitored by banks.

Banks are frequently hit with data breaches whether through hacking or mistakes, exposing customer's data to criminals.

In November, 9.7 million current and former customers of Medibnak had their details exposed in a major data breach when an unnamed group hacked the health insurers system.

A cashless society also effectively shuts out many elderly people, who have always used physical currency and are more likely to be less tech savvy.

National Seniors Australia Chief Advocate Ian Henschke told Daily Mail Australia the decline in the use of cash was 'no doubt accelerated by COVID-19'.

'While we understand the move to a more cashless society  and closely related  the phasing out of cheques, ATM and bank closures, are a part of progress, these decisions should be made with seniors in mind,' he warned.

'Some seniors may not be comfortable banking or doing business online because theyre not tech savvy, theyre fearful of potential online scams, cash is what theyve always known, and they have no other way to make financial transactions.

'Cash is still a valid form of currency. And, as weve seen many times before, online banking or doing any business online can come with problems and risks.'

Cash transactions are dying in Australia with just 13 per cent of purchases done with banknotes or coins - making a cyber hack a real threat to everyday life as more and more people use cards and mobile methods of payment (pictured is a Sydney shop sign)

Rural communities could also be left vulnerable by such a move, because of poor broadband and mobile connectivity.

Some have also argued a move away from cash payments makes it harder for hard-pressed families to budget as its easier to lose track of spending when its not a tangible currency you can see in your wallet or purse.

Also, many credit card and mobile payments come with a processing charge, which can restrict the profit margins of smaller, independent businesses. In many cases, these charges will be passed back on to the consumer.

A Brisbane mum recently shared a simple explanation of why banknotes were superior to digital payments on social media where it went viral.

Fiona Edmunds showed that physical money would retain its value no matter how many times it is used.

However whenever you use a bank card, some of the money will invariably be eaten away by fees, which the shop owners are forced to pay.

The Reserve Bank estimated just 13 per cent of transactions in late 2022 were in cash, a halving in just three years since the start of the pandemic.

Ellis Connolly, the RBA's head of payments policy, said resources were being deployed to protect the resilience of electronic payments - mentioning the word 'safety' six times in a speech in March this year.

'Australians are relying on electronic payments more than ever, so our retail payment systems must be safe and resilient,' he told The Australian Financial Review Banking Summit on Tuesday.

He added: 'The dominance of cards and the consumer shift to mobile devices raise some important issues within the RBA's mandate.'

Commonwealth customers were furious with Monday's outage, which confronted them with the message: 'Sorry, something's gone wrong.'

'Can't make payments, can't transfer funds into Commonwealth Bank,' wrote one angry person.

'Did you sack your entire Australian IT department to pay the CEO salary?'

A Brisbane mother-of-three shared an elegantly simple explanation of why cash is superior to paying by card

Last year, Commonwealth Bank chief executive Matt Comyn received a 35 per cent pay rise to $6.97 million.

His pay package is 77 times greater than Australia's average, full-time salary of $90,917.

Another customer said: 'What will it take before people recognise that allowing their financial security to be completely dependent on online banking is a really terrible and bad idea?'

The problem of an increasingly cashless society was articulated perfectly by Julie Christensen from Melbourne who said cash 'simplifies life' and urged authorities not to restrict its use.

'My $50 note cant be hacked. If Im robbed, I lose $50, not my entire life savings. If my $50 note is accidentally immersed in water, it still works,' she wrote in a letter to The Age newspaper.

'My $50 note doesnt need batteries, it cant be out of range and it wont break if its dropped. If the system is down, I can still use my note. My $50 note can be put into a charity box or given to a homeless person.'
Nerve-wracking video shows a woman being safely rescued after she had fallen overboard from the tenth deck of a Royal Caribbean cruise ship this past weekend.

The 42-year-old passenger, who has not been identified but is a US citizen, fell overboard at a great distance as Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas was headed toward Willemstad, Curacao about 27 miles south of Puerto Rico.

Fellow passengers attempted to help locate the woman from their perches using binoculars.

The video shows passengers cheering on from their balconies as the crews were able to rescue her within 45 minutes.

It shocked the onlookers to discover that the woman was successfully rescued and made it back onboard in good health, according to the Coast Guard.

Nervewracking video shows a woman being safely rescued after she had fallen overboard from the tenth deck of a Royal Caribbean cruise ship this past weekend

'After we saw the life rafts or the life preservers and the smoke  I was like, someone just died,' Matthew Kuhn, one of the passengers watching from the ship, told Fox 35.

He noted that his fellow passengers were all trying their best to cooperate with the rescuers.

'I think it was amazing to see everyone was on their balcony. Everyone was trying to help, and the crew was very receptive to everyone,' Kuhn said.

According to the Coast Guard, the passenger didn't even need to be medically evacuated from the ship.

She was kept under observation on the ship's medical facility before she was taken to a hospital in Curacao.

'To go from, 'She's probably not going to be found,'  and it's a body recovery, versus 'Holy c***, they found her, and she's alive!,' Kuhn exclaimed.

The Coast Guard says they're investigating how the passenger went overboard in the first place.

'The ship and crew immediately reported the incident to local authorities and began searching for the guest,' a spokesperson for Royal Caribbean said in a statement.

They found her. Cant believe and she is alive and well. People were out spotting and yelling that they saw her. Crew was on the spot in minutes pic.twitter.com/zRqqTL3rwc  Matt Kuhn (@matthew_kuhn) June 25, 2023

The video shows passengers cheering on from their balconies as the crews were able to rescue her within 45 minutes

The 42-year-old passenger, who has not been identified but is a US citizen, fell overboard at a great distance as Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas was headed toward Willemstad, Curacao about 27 miles south of Puerto Rico

Rumor is that a lady jumped from her balcony pic.twitter.com/TD6bSqJz27  Matt Kuhn (@matthew_kuhn) June 25, 2023

'Thankfully, the guest was successfully recovered and was brought on board. Our care team is now offering assistance and support to them and their traveling party.'

The Mariner of the Seas in scheduled to return to Port Canaveral on July 1.
An Arts quango boss whose view that humans cannot change sex was branded a 'cancer that needs to be removed' by colleagues has won an employment tribunal case.

A panel ruled that Denise Fahmy was subjected to harassment by fellow staff at the Arts Council, who circulated 'extremely offensive comments' about gender-critical opinions that she held.

She was left 'deeply upset' by the remarks that created an 'intimidating hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment' for her at work, a ruling concluded.

Bosses at the organisation were also blasted for failing to take a hostile petition down immediately and for expressing their personal views on a contentious transgender rights issue in a staff meeting.

Ms Fahmy said after the judgment she was 'delighted' to have won her claim at Leeds Employment Tribunal against her former employer.

Denise Fahmy arrives at her industrial tribunal hearing in Leeds on May 19, 2023

'It cannot be acceptable that people like me, who believe people can't change their sex, are subjected to harassment at work. And worse still, that employers encourage and collude in this behaviour,' she said.

She went on: 'People in the arts, and especially women, are facing a tide of bullying with spurious accusations of transphobia, and many are frightened to speak out as they risk public cancellation.

'Institutions like the Arts Council need to be held accountable, when they are biased and enable harassment of gender critical people.'

The judgment published yesterday by Employment Judge Jim Shepherd told how Ms Fahmy had been a relationship manager for the Arts Council since 2008 and in recent years had warned bosses about the quango's links to pressure group Stonewall and its belief in gender identity.

In April 2022 she raised concerns about allegations of transphobia being levelled at a charity called the LGB Alliance, which had received a grant from a fund created by the Arts Council but saw it cancelled after a social media backlash.

During an online Teams meeting attended by some 411 staff, deputy chief executive Simon Mellor branded the LGB Alliance a 'divisive organisation that has a history of anti trans-exclusionary activity'.

Ms Fahmy told him the charity is not anti-trans and asked how gender-critical views were protected in the Arts Council.

Ms Fahmy posted a picture of herself on Twitter on May 24. She wrote: 'Me after 5 days of my Employment Tribunal in sunny Leeds. Panel now deliberating'

Ms Fahmy posted another message on June 27 thanking those who supported her legal costs and expressing that she is pleased with the decision

The following month, another employee sent an email to all staff declaring that the Arts Council's LGBTQIA+ working group was raising a formal grievance about the LGB Alliance awards and also the 'conflict of interest of senior members of staff with clear, homophobic/anti-trans views in positions of decision-making'.

It included a spreadsheet inviting colleagues to sign their support, and judges said the petition 'included some extremely offensive comments referring to anti-trans (gender critical) language from numerous employees'.

One said: 'We shouldn't have to put up with this any more than we would racist or sexist behaviour. It's time to stamp out bigotry in the Arts Council in general.

'This cancer needs to be removed from our organisation. Hatred of others for their differences should not be tolerated.'

Ms Fahmy resigned in September after making a 'dignity at work' complaint which was upheld before she quit, with chairman Sir Nicholas Serota telling her: 'The content and tone [of the] email and accompanying petition were capable of causing offence to persons such as yourself who hold gender critical views.'

The Tribunal insisted it was neutral in the transgender debate but noted that gender-critical views - including that 'sex is biological and immutable' - are a protected belief under the Equality Act.

It said it was 'inappropriate' for Mr Mellor to have provided his personal views and 'express solidarity with one side of the debate' in the meeting about the LGB Alliance, but that although his comments were upsetting they did not constitute harassment.

However the all-staff email and comments 'were unwanted conduct which had the purpose and effect of violating the claimant's dignity and creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for the claimant'.

In addition it was 'unreasonable and inappropriate' for the petition to be left up for 26 hours, while the Arts Council had not updated its policies or provided training on the 'contentious' issue of trans-activist and gender-critical beliefs.

The Tribunal rejected Ms Fahmy's claim of victimisation but concluded: 'The unanimous judgment of the Tribunal is that the claim of harassment related to the protected characteristic of religion or belief is well-founded and succeeds'.

An Arts Council England spokesman said: We are pleased that the ruling confirmed that two allegations of harassment and two claims of victimisation were not well-founded and were dismissed, and that there was nothing in the judgment to support the accusation of institutional bias.

We are reflecting on the judgment which upheld two allegations of harassment in relation to a petition set up by a junior member of staff who no longer works for us, and we note the tribunals acknowledgement of steps taken by us to disable the petition and address the incident at the time.
Police have confirmed that a body found near the M1 in Derbyshire is that of mother-of-two Sarah Henshaw, who vanished last week.

Darren Hall, 36, of Rodney Way, Ilkeston, was charged on Tuesday with 31-year-old Sarah's murder.

Sarah's body was discovered just after 12am in a layby off the westbound carriageway of the A617, close to junction 29 of the motorway.

She was last seen at her home address in Norman Street, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, at about 9pm last Tuesday.

Hall has been remanded in custody and will appear at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court on Wednesday June 28.

Darren Hall, 36, of Rodney Way, Ilkeston, was charged on Tuesday with the murder of Sarah Henshaw (pictured), 31

The mother-of-two was last seen at her home address in Norman Street, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, at about 9pm last Tuesday

Sarah's body was discovered just after 12am in a layby off the westbound carriageway of the A617, close to junction 29 of the motorway

Derbyshire Police also appealed for information about a blue Ford Transit van, registration beginning YP16 which may have been in the area in the early hours of Wednesday June 21.

Earlier on Tuesday, Sarah's mother, Lorraine, paid tribute to the 'wonderful daughter and sister'.

'Sarah was my firstborn child - and was a wonderful daughter and sister,' she said.

'She was also a fantastic mum to her two girls, who she loved so much. Sarah would always put others first and was always incredibly kind.

Lorraine added: 'As a family we are all devastated by her death. We miss her so much and will love her forever.'

Derbyshire Police said that Sarah's family are being supported by specialist officers.

Earlier on Tuesday, Sarah's mother, Lorraine, paid tribute to the 'wonderful daughter and sister'

Derbyshire Police said that Sarah's family were informed and are being supported by specialist officers

Derbyshire Police also appealed for information about a blue Ford Transit van, registration beginning YP16 which may have been in the area in the early hours of Wednesday June 21

Officers remain keen to speak to anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage of a blue Ford Transit van, registration beginning YP16, in the early hours of Wednesday June 21 around the area of J29 of the M1 and the A617 towards Chesterfield.

Anyone who has any information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact police using either an online form, calling 101, or getting in touch via Facebook or Twitter.

Those that do get in touch should quote incident number 444 of June 23.

For people who wish to remain anonymous, independent charity CrimeStoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the website.
The 11-month-old toddler tragically killed when he was run over while playing in his driveway has been identified as little Ethan James Rayner.

The baby boy, who was just weeks away from celebrating his first birthday, was found in a critical condition at a home in Deception Bay, north of Brisbane on Monday morning after he was tragically struck by the reversing car.

The infant is understood to have suffered serious head injuries in the collision, with a male relative reportedly behind the wheel.

His devastated parents Shandelle and Jayden Rayner are being comforted by friends and family as the community rallies around them with a fundraising appeal.

'The pain they now have to live with is unimaginable and no parents should have to deal with what these two are dealing with,' said organiser Tanechka Mcaleese.

'Anyone that knows Jayden and Shandelle would know theyre the most selfless people and will go above and beyond for anyone that needs. Now its our turn.'

The 11-month-old toddler tragically killed when he was run over while playing in his driveway has been identified as little Ethan James Rayner (pictured)

A heartfelt note has been left at a home where a toddler was tragically ran over while playing in his driveway

Mourners are seen leaving flowers and candles at the home in Deception Bay, north of Brisbane

The toddler was described as having 'the biggest smile' in a heartbreaking note left by a friend in the wake of the tragedy.

'Dear Ethan, I watch you cry, laugh and smile,' his 'best friend' Alexus wrote in a letter left among the stuffed toys and flowers at the house.

'I watch you crawl, stand and walk. But you also showed me how to be patient, kind and not to cry over spilt milk even if you did.

'You gave me the biggest heart filled with love and joy. You will always be my little buddy. I will never forget you, the boy with the biggest smile.

'Lots of love.'

Earlier on Tuesday mourners were seen delivering bouquets of flowers and candles.

The baby's grandmother Carolyn Glenn said her son and the baby's mother had traveled to the Redcliffe Hospital with paramedics.

'I'm just numb,' Ms Glenn told the Courier Mail.

'You see this stuff happen to other families, I can't believe it's happened to us.'

The boy's aunt said she still couldn't believe she had lost her nephew.

Donna Lo Giudice had been walking by the house when tragedy struck.

Mourners have paid their respects to the baby boy

The boy had been playing in the driveway at the time of the tragic accident

'The screaming I heard has just broken me,' she said.

'It was a really loud scream, which was hard to explain, then next minute there was silence then the police came a few minutes later.'

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

The Queensland Family and Child Commission's annual report Deaths of Children and Young People Queensland 2021-22 revealed 17 people had died from 'low speed vehicle run overs' in the last five years.

Some 82 per cent of the deaths happened at the child's home or the home of a person known to them.

The QFCC was part of serious discussions with the federal government and explored the possibility of mandating reversing detection systems.

'Reversing aid technologies in vehicles such as cameras and proximity alerts have the potential to prevent run-overs,' the report read.

'The QFCC made a submission supporting the option which would mandate a new national road vehicle standard.
Hundreds of thousands of children are being taught in crumbling schools that need major refurbishment, a watchdog has warned.

Pupils across the country face serious injury or even death at the hands of decaying buildings that have long past their shelf-life.

According to a report by the Nartional Audit Office (NAO), 700,000 children in England attend schools requiring major repairs.

Reseacrh shows that more than a third of the total school buildings (38 per cent) are currently beyond their estimated design lifespan. And around 400 schools that may have reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) are at risk of collapse.

Dame Meg Hillier MP, chairwoman of the public accounts committee, said parents need to be reassured that risks will be 'remedied'.

Hundreds of thousands of children are being taught in crumbling schools that need major refurbishment, a watchdog has warned (Stock Photo)

Dame Meg Hillier MP, chairwoman of the public accounts committee, said parents need reassured that risks will be 'remedied'

She said: 'Seven-hundred-thousand pupils are learning in a school that needs major rebuilding or refurbishment, but worryingly Government does not know how many schools may be unsafe.

'Since 2017, the Department for Education has improved its data on the general condition of the school estate, which has helped illustrate a serious deficit in annual funding required to improve schools.

'After years of firefighting issues, parents need reassurance that the department knows where, when and how any risks to their children will be remedied.'

The government does not have sufficient information to manage 'critical' risks to the safety of pupils and staff arising from a deterioration in the condition of school buildings, the report warned.

The watchdog said the focus is now on 14,900 schools built during the period when RAAC was used in construction. It is prone to failure and was regularly used between the 1950s and mid-1990s.

Of these, 42 per cent have confirmed they have undertaken work to identify the concrete, but potential risks are yet to be identified in the remaining schools.

By May this year, 572 schools had been confirmed as potentially containing RAAC. The Department for Education (DfE) is working with them to confirm that steps had been taken to mitigate the safety of staff and pupils, the report said.

Latest figures show that 196 of 600 assessments planned by December had identified RAAC in 65 schools, of which 24 required immediate action.

Extra funding has been provided to ensure there is no immediate risk in these schools.

There are also concerns over some 'system-built' blocks constructed using concrete or wooden frames.

In its submission ahead of the 2020 Spending Review, the DfE said it needed 5.3 billion a year of capital funding to maintain schools and mitigate the most serious risks of building failure.

Due to the time it would take the department to expand its school rebuilding programme, it requested an average of 4 billion a year between 2021 and 2025.

However, the Treasury subsequently allocated an average of 3.1 billion, leading bodies such as local authorities and multi-academy trusts to use limited funding on the most urgent problems at the expense of general remedial work to prevent building failure in the future, the report said.

Teaching union bosses described the scale of the building safety issues in schools as 'shocking'.

Julie McCulloch, director of policy at the Association of School and College Leaders, said: 'It is perfectly clear that the government has made a conscious decision to deprioritise education over the past 14 years and the deterioration of the school estate is one of the results of this mindset.

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, said safety in schools should be 'a given'.

He added: 'These shocking figures lay bare how far short the Government is falling in its efforts to ensure school buildings are safe and fit for purpose for children and staff.'

A Department for Education spokesperson said 'Nothing is more important than the safety of pupils and teachers which is why we have been significantly investing in transforming schools up and down the country.

'We are investing in 500 projects for new and refurbished school buildings through our School Rebuilding Programme.

On top of this, we have allocated over 15 billion since 2015 for keeping schools safe and operational, including 1.8 billion committed for 2023-24.

'It is the responsibility of those who run our schools - academy trusts, local authorities, and voluntary-aided school bodies - who speak to their schools' day to day to manage the maintenance of their schools and to alert us if there is a concern with a building.

We will always provide support on a case-by-case basis if we are alerted to a serious safety issue by these responsible bodies.'
Russia has sent a government plane to Washington DC to bring a group of diplomats back to Moscow, days after the Wagner group mutiny was quashed.

The State Department confirmed the landing of the plane, and said it was a routine procedure - reminding Russia that they expect them to honor the same protocols for returning U.S. diplomats.

But the move comes amid deep unease at this weekend's insurgency led by Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, and will provide officials in Moscow with a chance to hear from the returning diplomats how events were seen in the United States.

The plane, an Ilyushin Il-96-300, took off from Moscow's Vnukovo International Airport at 10:05am on Tuesday.

It flew a circuitous route, heading directly north to skirt E.U. airspace before crossing the Atlantic.

It landed at Dulles airport in Washington DC at 2:08pm, after an 11 hour journey.

This is the Russian government plane, an Ilyushin Il-96-300, which has been sent from Moscow to pick up diplomats in Washington DC. It landed in the U.S. on Tuesday afternoon, and remained on the tarmac at Dulles airport on Tuesday night

The plane flew a highly unusual route, avoiding E.U. airspace. A standard flight path is shown with the dotted line

A State Department spokesperson confirmed the flight to i News.

'The US government has allowed the Russian government to send a charter flight to the United States to transport to Russia those Russian diplomats whose assignments have ended.

'We also maintain strict reciprocity with Russia regarding special transport missions.'

Matthew Miller, the State Department spokesman, later told reporters: 'In exchange for granting these courtesies, we expect Russia to maintain open transport for our diplomats and cargo to our embassy in Moscow.'

The plane has a capacity, when configured for the maximum number of seats, for 262 people.

It is not known how many boarded, and how many disembarked.

A former U.S. intelligence agent told i News that the plane could also contain intelligence agents, who may want to meet with their U.S. counterparts.

The intelligence official, who spent decades identifying Russian agents for the US government, told the site that 'if deemed appropriate' the Russian diplomats would schedule 'high-level diplomatic meetings' with the U.S. State Department.

'We will just have to wait and see,' the former U.S. asset said.

Vladimir Putin is seen on Tuesday during his meeting with officers of Russian army and secret services who prevented the Wagner invasion

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the owner of the Wagner Group military company

Members of the Wagner Group military company sit on a tank in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, on Saturday - the day after seizing the city. They left on Sunday

The plane has in the past week flown to Asia, landing in Delhi at the same time as India's prime minister, Narendra Modi, was being feted at the White House by Joe Biden.

India remains a crucial trading partner for Russia, but Modi's visit was hoped to reduce India's dependence on Moscow for arms, economic ties and technology.

It was also intended to convince the Indian government to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

India has so far avoided voting against Russia or criticizing Vladimir Putin since the invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.

The plane was also, in the last week, in Vietnam, ahead of a planned visit by the head of Russia's parliament, the State Duma.

Volodin Vyacheslav Victorovich was expected to be in Vietnam at the weekend, but called off his trip amid the Wagner uprising.

Putin is seen with Volodin Vyacheslav Victorovich, chair of the State Duma, in 2017. The powerful politician was due to be in Vietnam this weekend, and the government plane was in Hanoi in the days before the aborted uprising

Vietnam relies on Russia for much of its military equipment, and Russia has significant energy investments in Vietnam.

But the U.S. is trying to encourage international condemnation of the Ukraine invasion. Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, was in Vietnam in April.

The dust on Prigozhin's shocking move to march through Russia towards Moscow is yet to settle.

The militia leader is reportedly now in exile in Belarus, and analysts are noting that it is remarkable he has managed to survive.

Putin is widely seen to be severely weakened by the aborted uprising, but it is unclear how this will affect the Ukraine conflict.
A high-profile politician has put forward a list of questions he demands to be answered following the death of a grandmother who was Tasered by police.

NSW opposition leader Mark Speakman has called on the state government to release more information on the Tasering of Clare Nowland at Cooma on May 17.

Ms Nowland was tasered during a confrontation with police while walking with a frame and holding a steak knife at the Yallambee Lodge. The mother-of-eight, who had dementia, died a week later in hospital.

Mr Speakman is demanding that communications between state premier Chris Minns, police minister and senior officials from the day are made public.

The Cronulla MP accused Police Minister Yasmin Catley of undermining public trust and refusing to take responsibility for the handling of the situation.

Mr Speakman accused Ms Catley of only giving brief and vague answers relating to the incident during the Coalition's Question Time on Tuesday.

He compiled a list of seven questions he wanted answered and posted them to Twitter.

The opposition has compiled a list of questions that must be answered surrounding the fatal tasering of great-grandmother Clare Nowland (pictured)

NSW opposition leader Mark Speakman (pictured) called on the government to release information about the Tasering of Clare Nowland

'There are many straightforward questions about the tragic incident in Cooma concerning the late Mrs Clare Nowland which the NSW Government could and should answer, but refuses to do so,' Mr Speakman wrote.

'Today in Question time the Police Minister deflected, dissembled and refused to answer direct questions about her actions as the Minister.

'The Police Minister has repeatedly failed to provide any transparency and give the public any confidence that she is on top of this situation or her portfolio.'

The questions the opposition wants answered surround the time it took to inform the public and the timeline of informing the family of what had occurred.

They also question the Police Minister on her transparency and the information that was provided to parliament and the public.

Mr Speakman would also like to know what information was shared between Mr Minns, Ms Catley and senior officials on the day of the Tasering.

Shadow Police Minister Paul Toole echoed a similar message accusing the Police Minister of failing to do her job properly.

'Her Excellency the Governor told police graduates last week that "public trust in the police serves as the bedrock of its legitimacy",' he said.

'However, the Police Minister is currently undermining that trust by failing to exercise her responsibilities as Minister as she continues to avoid questions and any scrutiny into her actions.'

Mr Speakman accused Police Minister Yasmin Catley (pictured) of undermining public trust and refusing to take responsibility for the handling of the situation

THE SEVEN BURNING QUESTIONS 1. If the Police Minister's explanation for why it took so long to inform the public is that the family needed to be told, why did it take a further 19 hours after the family met the Critical Incident Team before a release about the use of a taser was issued? 2. Why did the Minister mislead the public and Parliament by failing to share this information? 3. Had the aged care facility or the police already informed the family of the incident before the meeting with the Critical Incident Team? If so, when did the Minister and police know this and why was the use of a taser not then disclosed to the public? 4. As the Minister has admitted to being briefed about the incident on 17 May, why did she ignore her duty to correct the public record when the police media release stated that no further information was available? 5. What efforts did the Minister make to keep herself up to date with developments after the original briefing on 17 May? 6. When did the Minister know the family had been informed? What steps did she take or what enquiries did she make after that, to ensure the public were told as soon as possible? 7. What knowledge did the Premier and his office have, and what role did they play, in communications to the public about the incident? Advertisement

The comments come after NSW Police's first drafted public statement about the fatal stunning of the elderly dementia sufferer was revealed.

In the statement, a mention of a Taser, a knife and a 95-year-old's movements were removed.

The 71-word press release, approved by Police Commissioner Karen Webb was issued 12 hours after Mrs Nowland was injured and was devoid of information about her 'interaction with police'.

'No further details are available at this time,' it said.

However, documents released under freedom of information laws showed police slashed a much-longer draft that included key details, such as police's use of the Taser.

The 171-word draft prepared by the NSW Police Media Unit included how police responded to an aged care home under the information that a resident had a knife and she was 'still armed ... in a small room'.

'Police and paramedics attempted to speak to the woman; however, all instructions were ignored,' it read.

'When she stood up and moved towards officers, a Taser was deployed by a constable.'

The draft left space for Mrs Nowland's latest hospital condition to be included, yet the public statement omitted her condition and only said it was 'being monitored' in hospital.

The mention of the officer's job being placed under review was also omitted.

No further comment was made until more than 36 hours after the Tasering.

On May 19, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Peter Cotter fronted the media where he described the bodycam footage of the Tasering as 'confronting'.

In a following speech Commissioner Karen Webb declined to watch the vision as police investigated the incident.

The incident sparked calls for more independent oversight and for the release of body cam footage.

Senior Constable Kristian White, 33, who fired the stun weapon, has since been suspended with pay and charged with three offences.

He will face Cooma Local Court on July 5 charged with grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning bodily harm and common assault.
Alen Moradian's barrister described it as the biggest single handback of guns since former prime minister John Howard offered a national firearm amnesty in the wake of the Port Arthur massacre.

After Moradian was arrested over a massive cocaine importation in July 2007, the drug baron began thinking about how he might get his inevitable prison sentence reduced.

Moradian, who was shot dead at Bondi Junction in Sydney's east on Tuesday morning, had some powerful - and extremely dangerous - bargaining tools.

Following discussions with the NSW Crime Commission and jail conferences with his lawyers, Moradian arranged for the surrender of a huge arsenal of illegal weapons.

Alen Modian surrendered so many guns when he was facing sentence over a cocaine importation his barrister compared it to the 1996 national firearms buyback. Pictured are firearms handed over to police in the wake of the Port Arthur massacre

Among the stockpile of 17 firearms was a pristine World War II-era Bren machinegun, an AR-15-type assault rifle with a grenade launcher fitted below the barrel - and a grenade to go with it.

Between September and November 2010, and again in early 2011, unknown 'Middle Eastern fellows' would turn up with the guns in 'dribs and drabs' at the Sydney office of a prominent solicitor.

The solicitor would then take the weapons, which included sub-machineguns, assault rifles, shotguns and a starter's pistol, to police.

Not among the haul was any of the ten M72 rocket launchers that were stolen from a military base in Sydney's west between 2001 and 2003.

Moradian was arrested over his involvement in the so-called 'golden gun syndicate' named for a distinctive .357 Magnum Desert Eagle which was seized by investigating police.

A source familiar with the subsequent handover of weapons noted the only handgun surrendered by Moradian was the relatively harmless starting pistol.

Moradian's wife Natasha (above on Tuesday) was also involved in the handover, which led to her husband receiving a 5 per cent discount on the sentence he would have received

'That was interesting,' he said. 'I suppose any other pistols were needed for future enterprises.'

The source also said it was a shame the Bren gun - 'a stunning piece of machinery' - would be destroyed by police rather than being preserved in a museum.

Moradian's wife Natasha was also involved in the handover, which led to her husband receiving a 5 per cent discount on the sentence he would have otherwise received.

Judge Andrew Haesler described the process of surrendering the weapons in his judgment when he jailed Moradian for a minimum ten years and five months in 2011.

'The solicitor gave evidence that the surrenders took place after he had conferences with the offender at the jail,' Judge Haesler said.

'These surrenders appear to have been directed by the offender, although the solicitor said in evidence that the offender's wife was also involved as she gave him photographs of some of the weapons.

'Unknown 'Middle Eastern fellows' brought the weapons to the solicitor's office and arrangements were immediately made for their surrender.'

Among the firearms Moradian surrendered was an AR-15-style assault fitted with a grenade launcher like the one pictured

A haul of guns seized by NSW Police - with fears criminals were gathering them together to reduce associates' sentences

Moradian's barrister, Phillip Boulten SC, referenced the federal government gun buyback that followed the slaughter of 35 people in Tasmania in April 1996.

The National Firearms Buyback Program ran from October 1996 to September 1997 and cost $304million in compensation for the 650,000 guns that were received.

'It is highly unlikely there has been a handover of guns like this since prime minister John Howard offered a gun amnesty to all Australians,' Mr Boulten said in his sentencing submissions.

Judge Haesler said he was required to take into account any assistance Moradian had provided when sentencing the drug baron but his cooperation had been limited.

'It is important to note that the offender did not speak to police at any stage,' he said.

'No information was provided to any authority about who had possession of the weapons before or after the arrest of the offender, nor was any information provided about any criminal activity in relation to how they were obtained, possessed or used.

Moradian was arrested over his involvement in the so-called 'golden gun syndicate' named for a distinctive .357 Magnum Desert Eagle (pictured) which was seized by investigating police

'There was no direct assistance or co-operation in the investigation of these or other offences.

'There may be some indirect assistance if the weapons are traced to others via forensic investigation but, as I am presently advised, this is unlikely.

'No one, including the offender, should he have had anything to do with these firearms prior to his arrest, can be brought to justice.'

Judge Haesler said the surrender of such a large number of illegally-held firearms had significantly reduced the risk they would be used to commit further crimes.

He also noted the police commissioner had stressed it was the responsibility of all good citizens to 'dob in' those who possessed such weapons and take advantage of periodic amnesties.

'A good citizen however would simply "dob in" those with dangerous weapons for the community's benefit and not seek to manipulate a direct reduction in penalty,' Judge Haesler said.

A cache of guns found in the boot of a car in 2019 is pictured

Moradian surrendered a World War II-era Bren machinegun like the one pictured. A source said the pristine weapon was 'a stunning piece of machinery' and should not have been scrapped

Judge Haesler had a 'nagging suspicion' the firearms were in Moradian's possession prior to his arrest but that could never been proven.

'That said, there would have been no surrender had the offender not found himself in need of something to offer to secure a reduction of his sentence,' he said.

'The surrender of a large cache of very dangerous weapons on behalf of the offender remains very useful to the community and deserves appropriate reward, no matter that the offender's motivation was clearly self-interest.'

Judge Haesler had originally made non-publication orders about Moradian's surrender of the weapons but lifted that suppression upon sentencing.

'Such is the number and nature of the weapons that it is in the public interest that there be some recognition, in stark terms, of the benefit to the community by this voluntary surrender,' he said.
Taylor Swift fans in Australia trying to buy tickets to her Eras Tour concert dates could be sabotaging their chances by using the Ticketek app or website at work.

Ticketing platforms like Ticketek generally consider a single IP address as a single user when processing sales. This security measure ensures fair distribution and prevents scalping or bots from buying large quantities of tickets.

But this can also mean that multiple different users on the same network - such as employees in a shared office - may be blocked from buying tickets.

Because Ticketek treats all users coming from that IP as a single user, your chances of getting through the queue will be worse if you are on your work Wi-Fi.

The best way to get around this problem is to get off your employer's network and access the internet via your mobile data.

IP addresses can also be masked or changed using various techniques, but this is a more complicated process.

Taylor Swift fans in Australia trying to buy tickets to her Eras Tour concert dates could be sabotaging their chances by using the Ticketek app or website at work

As a security measure, ticketing platforms like Ticketek generally consider a single IP address as a single user when processing sales. This can mean that multiple different users on the same network - such as employees in a shared office - may be blocked from buying tickets

It comes as fans of the American pop artist - known as Swifties - have reported a confusing message from Ticketek that has created chaos as millions try to secure seats at her Eras Tour.

More than one million fans are fighting it out for 450,000 tickets during the Frontier Touring presale event that kicked off at 10am on Wednesday.

A post shared to Ticketek's Facebook page earlier this week suggested that fans login to their account before the sale goes live.

These Swifties burst into tears on Wednesday morning after joining the digital queue for Taylor Swift tickets at the office - and managing to secure seats

Ticketek's IP address tracking means this fan probably isn't improving their chances by using two devices - unless their phone has Wi-Fi switched off and is using mobile data

This Taylor Swift fan is using multiple devices to secure tickets on Ticketek

However, as fans started to queue up in the waiting lounge in the final hour before the sale, they grew concerned when they couldn't find any tickets.

'I thought the tips given by Frontier Touring was to log into Ticketek account prior to accessing the link???' one fan tweeted.

'This is way too confusing.'

Another fan responded to a Ticketek tweet asking if they are still meant to login before the presale starts.

'There is no login page now it directly goes to the queue,' they said.

More than a million fans are fighting it out for 450,000 tickets in the Frontier Touring presale event that kicked off at 10am on Wednesday. The scramble has inspired memes like this one

Swifties from every Australian state, plus thousands more from New Zealand and neighbouring Pacific nations, have tested the limits of the Ticketek website capacity as traffic piles up with the virtual queues.

There are just five shows - two at Melbourne's MCG and three at Sydney's Accor Stadium - going on sale on Wednesday, with the final tickets up for grabs on Friday.

The American Express site crashed 30 minutes before the first presale was set to begin and the site remained down for an hour.

Some desperate fans have paid AirTaskers up to $1,000 to improve their chances, with ads popping up on the service looking for 'help securing Taylor Swift tickets'.

One fan posted an offer of $100 for 'a computer whiz' who can secure tickets 'during high internet traffic'.
The prosecutors in the case of a high-profile man accused of rape in Queensland will seek advice on providing him copies of a medical report linked to the alleged victim.

Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Wednesday briefly heard the case for a fifth time as part of the process to decide whether the accused man will be committed to stand trial.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, faces two charges of raping a woman in October 2021.

The high-profile Australian cannot be identified until he is committed to stand trial

Crown prosecutor Nicole Friedewald told the hearing that both parties sought a further adjournment of four weeks.

'There has been some material disclosed to (the defence) recently regarding their disclosure request for a phone download and I understand further instructions need to be taken on that matter,' Ms Friedewald said.

The court heard last month that the defendant's solicitors had sought to view material taken from the alleged victim's phone.

Magistrate Louise Shepherd asked Ms Friedewald if material obtained from the phone via the Cellebrite forensic system had been provided to the defence.

'Portions of the Cellebrite have been disclosed,' Ms Friedewald said.

The accused man has been granted bail and was excused from attending court.

The Toowoomba Magistrates Court previously heard that the case could involve 'sensitive evidence'

His solicitor Rowan King, appearing by phone, said he agreed with the four-week adjournment and the other outstanding matter was a request for a report from a forensic medical officer.

'I understand there had been a delay that is out of the hands of (the prosecutor's) office,' Mr King said.

Ms Friedewald said she had asked for the material to be provided within three to four weeks but had yet to receive confirmation.

'I have arranged with the assigned doctor this afternoon to obtain further information,' she said.

Crown prosecutor Sally Dreghorn told the court last month that she had been working with police to determine whether any parts of the medical report might be deemed 'sensitive evidence'.

Ms Dreghorn has also told the court the medical report could be affected by information retrieved from the alleged victim's phone.

Ms Shepherd adjourned the committal hearing to July 26.
Steve Willoughby (pictured) sold two properties in western Sydney and is trying to sell another in the city's north-west

A construction company boss has sold two of his seven properties as creditors desperately try to claw back some of the $5.7million they are owed by his failed firm.

But the administrators at Deloitte's said a deadline has been passed and none of the money raised from selling the properties has been given to them to pay creditors.

Willoughby Homes, which went into voluntary administration last August, owes the vast sum to 57 customers with homes left unfinished, and other creditors.

Company director Steve Willoughby sold properties in Lethbridge Park and Hebersham, both in western Sydney, and is trying to sell another in Kenthurst, in the city's north-west.

The firm is still in administration rather than liquidation because a deed of company arrangement (DOCA) that would see $1.3million returned to creditors by selling properties was agreed to by creditors.

A construction company boss has sold two of his seven properties as creditors try to claw back some of the $5.7million they are owed by his failed firm (stock image)

The company 'had until 21 June 2023 to meet the agreed DOCA contributions', but did not do so, news.com.au reported the administrators said.

'We confirm that we have not received any contributions we have not received any proceeds from the sale of the above mentioned properties.'

Mr Willoughby, who also owns properties in Narara, Earlville, Griffith and Harden, reportedly sought and got an extension to sell the Kenthurst home, which is estimated to be worth $2million.

He and his wife Rochelle bought the luxury home, which has five bedrooms and four bathrooms, in 2018, with Mrs Willoughby named as a co-owner of the property.

The house was undergoing renovation, but Mr Willoughby reportedly told administrators he didn't have the money to continue the work.

Though his wife legally did not have to give up her share of the property as she was not involved in her husband's company, it's understood she agreed to have the entire proceeds of its sale go to creditors, rather than just Mr Willoughby's half.

Doing so is designed to save Mr Willoughby from having to sell his other four remaining properties.

Most of the unsecured creditors are expected to get only between 1.7 cents and 5.7 cents for every dollar they're owed.

Mr Willoughby and his wife Rochelle are tying to sell a property in Kenthurst (pictured)

'We understand that the Director & Mrs Willoughby have listed, or are about to list, the Kenthurst Property for sale and the resulting surplus, after costs, is estimated to be sufficient to fund the DOCA in its entirety,' the administrators said.

'In the event that the sale does not occur, or is not occurring within a reasonable time frame, we have reserved our right to enforce our security against the properties' if a new deadline of a three month extension is not met.

A failure to meet the updated deadline would also lead to Willoughby Homes going into liquidation.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Willoughby and the administrators for comment.
Australian gangland's love affair with the gym is literally killing them, with the cursed daily ritual leading their hitmen executioners straight to them.

Alen Moradian, 48, is the latest underworld boss to die as a result of his fitness habit, gunned down in an underground car park on his way to the gym on Tuesday.

But he is only one in a string of crime world slayings that have preyed on the musclebound gangsters' narcissistic love of pumping iron, often fuelled by steroids.

Preening in front of countless mirrors as they lift huge weights to bulk up their mass, the gangsters are hopelessly addicted to their self-indulgent regime.

Ironically, it seems Moradian - nicknamed 'Fathead' - had tried to give up the gym and work out at home after police had warned him there was a 'target on his back'.

The druglord supremo compiled a set of home exercise routines on a bizarre Pinterest page he created, along with pictures of Lamborghinis and tattoo designs.

He had pinned a selection of high intensity exercise drills including the Military and Burpee Workouts, a Cross Fitness cycle and the 'Butts, Abs and Shoulders' workout.

Alen Moradian, 48, is the latest underworld boss to die as a result of his insatiable habit, gunned down in an underground car park on his way to the gym on Tuesday

Druglord supremo Alen Moradian compiled a set of home exercise routines on a bizarre Pinterest page he created (pictured), along with pictures of Lamborghinis and tattoo designs

But the lure of a real gym proved too much for Moradian to resist and he returned to a regular fitness routine which gave his killers their lethal window of opportunity.

Gym junkies executed Alen Moradian - June 27, 2023 , Bondi Junction, Sydney Taha Sabbagh - March 2, 2023, Elite Fight Force gym, Sefton, Sydney Levi Johnson - September 12, 2022, Goodlife gym, Carindale, Brisbane Tarek and Omar Zahed - May 10, 2022, Bodyfit gym, Auburn, Sydney Shane Bowden - October 12, 2020, Pimpana, Gold Coast, Queensland Mick Hawi - February 15, 2018, Fitness First gym, Rockdale, Sydney Advertisement

The coke kingpin created the all-powerful Commission cartel which ruled Sydney's cocaine industry, but it proved no protection against the hitmen sent to kill him.

They pounced as he got into his vehicle on the way to the gym at 8.15am in the car park of the Bondi Junction unit block where he had been hiding out in Sydney's east.

He died in a hail of bullets from two gunmen who fled the scene in a Porsche Macan, later ditched nearby. A pistol and mobile phone were found inside when they failed to torch the car properly.

On Wednesday, eerie photographs emerged from inside the carpark where Moradian died.

His death comes just three months after Taha Sabbagh, 40, was gunned down in front of his young son outside Elite Fight Force mixed martial arts gym in Sefton in Sydney's south-west about 6.30am on March 2.

CCTV revealed the killers had waited for more than an hour outside the gym before launching their deadly attack 90 seconds after Sabbagh pulled into the car park.

Less than a year earlier Comancheros enforcer Tarek Zahed and his brother Omar were targeted at Auburn's Bodyfit Fitness Centre in western Sydney on May 10, 2022.

Comancheros enforcer Tarek Zahed and his brother Omar were targeted at Auburn's Bodyfit Fitness Centre in western Sydney on May 10, 2022

ikie associate Levi Johnson, 23, (left) was stabbed and killed in the carpark of a busy Brisbane gym in Carindale on September 12, 2022. Queensland bikie Shane Bowden (centre left) had been 'looking over his shoulder' for months before he was shot dead in an execution-style shooting on the Gold Coast in October 2020. in February 2018, bikie boss Mahmoud 'Mick' Hawi, 37, (centre right) was riddled with bullets outside the Rockdale's Fitness First in Sydney's south when he was ambushed at the gym. Taha Sabbagh, 40, (right) was gunned down in front of his young son outside Elite Fight Force mixed martial arts gym in Sefton in Sydney's south-west about 6.30am on March 2

The gunmen struck in the 8pm attack as the two men stood in the foyer of the gym, with the killers peppering the men and the front of the building with bullets.

Why do gangsters get hooked on the gym? Fight Club author Chuck Palahniuk took anadrol steroids - synthetic testosterone - for 30 days and it briefly changed his life. 'I jumped off the cliff because it was an adventure,' he wrote in his collection of essays, Stranger than Fiction. 'And for 30 days I felt complete. But just until the tiny white pills ran out. 'Weightlifting gets better then sex. A workout becomes an orgy. You're having orgasms, cramping, hot, rushing orgasms in your delts, your quads, your lats and traps. 'You forget about that lazy old p****. Who needs it? In a way it's a peace, an escape from sex. A vacation from libido. 'You might see a hot woman ant think, "Grrrrrrr," but your next egg white omelette or set of squats are a lot more attractive.' He said he quit over the sex drive side effects. 'You are looking great, bright and alert, pumped and ripped,' he said. 'You're looking more like a man than you ever have - but you're less of a man where it counts.' Advertisement

Omar, 39, was hit multiple times and died from a cardiac arrest in a pool of his own blood on the floor of the gym after the brazen attack.

Tarek, 41, amazingly survived, despite being shot 10 times including in the head through his eye.

At the time, one bikie source admitted there was a multi-million dollar bounty on Zahed's head and that the bikie boss had been told to lie low - but he was hooked on his workout high.

'They warned him the other week: 'Stop going to the gym, change your routine', but he didn't listen. They are fuming,' he added.

A few months later bikie associate Levi Johnson, 23, was stabbed and killed in the carpark of a busy Brisbane gym in Carindale on September 12, 2022.

Four assassins cornered him while he was leaving the car park after a dispute between two groups linked to rival motorcycle gangs.

His Mercedes was hemmed in by a black Audi A3 hatchback and rammed from the front by a white Nissan Patrol as he tried to leave the Goodlife gym driveway.

The attackers smashed his window and he tried to flee through the passenger door was but was caught and stabbed before he was left to die.

Two years earlier another Queensland bikie Shane Bowden had been 'looking over his shoulder' for months before he was shot dead in an execution-style shooting on the Gold Coast in October 2020.

The 48-year-old was gunned down in a hail of bullets inside his BMW moments after returning home from the gym as he pulled into his driveway in Pimpama at midnight.

He shot 21 times in an alleged reprisal attack after he patched over from the Mongols to the Finks bikie gangs and had fled north from Melbourne after an earlier attack.

Omar Zahed, 39, was hit multiple times and died from a cardiac arrest in a pool of his own blood on the floor of the gym after the brazen attack

And on February 15, 2018, bikie boss Mahmoud 'Mick' Hawi, 37, was riddled with bullets outside the Rockdale's Fitness First in Sydney's south when he was ambushed at the gym.

Masked assassins targeted the former Comanchero national president as he left the club, pumping bullets into his head, shoulders and chest in a frenzied attack.

'Only I, his close friends and family know how truly beautiful his heart was,' his widow Carolina wrote on Facebook.

Motorcycles Clubs Australia added poignantly: 'He never snitched.'
Victoria police have asked for help in finding Lees

The former boyfriend of a woman who died 26 years ago has disappeared days after being questioned by police.

A search for Keith Lees, 70, is underway in Victoria after police quizzed him and on Tuesday announced a $500,000 reward for information about the death of Meaghan Louise Rose.

Ms Rose's body was found at the foot of a Point Cartwright cliff at Mooloolaba in southern Queensland in 1997. She was 25.

At the time police said there were no suspicious circumstances to her death and no inquest was held.

Mr Lees, who was 20 years Ms Rose's senior, took out a life insurance policy in her name before she died and made a claim three days after a waiting period expired.

Meaghan Louise Rose's death in 1997 was initially ruled a suicide but the case was reopened as a murder investigation in 2009

A manhunt for Keith Lees, 70, is underway in Victoria. He vanished after speaking to police on Sunday over the 1997 death of his ex-girlfriend Meaghan Rose

After a police investigation, Mr Lees received a death benefit of $203,000 (worth $386,565 in 2022), despite witness testimony that Ms Rose told family their relationship was over.

He told police that Ms Rose suddenly announced she was leaving and vanished.

In 2009 the case was reopened as a murder investigation but it has not been solved.

Fast forward to 2023, and less than a day after Mr Lees spoke with Victorian police on Sunday, he disappeared, 7News reported.

On Tuesday police announced a reward of $500,000 was offered for information that leads to an arrest over the death of Ms Rose.

Lees, who was convicted for the murder of Barry Waters in 2004, was last seen in Portland, Victoria, on Monday.

Lees was sentenced to 20 years in jail for killing Mr Waters, who had been his friend, after an affair with the man's wife.

Lees' car, a silver Holden Captiva, was found abandoned at Cape Nelson Lighthouse at 5.30pm on Monday.

That prompted an air search search by Victorian police and a public appeal.

Ms Rose's body was found at the foot of a Point Cartwright cliff at Mooloolaba in southern Queensland in 1997. She was 25

'Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing man Keith,' a statement read.

'The 70-year-old was last seen in Hood Street in Portland about 9am on 26 June.

'Police with the assistance of Air Wing and SES have been searching the area and are hoping to speak to anyone who may have seen the vehicle being driven between 10am and 5.30pm on 26 June.'

Lees is described as having a medium build, approximately 170cm tall with grey receding hair.

Ms Rose's sister, Fiona Ratcliff told media this week that she would continue to fight for justice for her late older sister.

'We have always suspected ... that it was never a suicide.'

Queensland Police Detective Senior Sergeant Tara Kentwell said she hoped for 'closure' for Ms Rose's family.

'We do believe that with public assistance, irrespective of the passage of time, this crime can be solved.'
A member of the exonerated Central Park Five is almost guaranteed a seat on the New York City Council.

Yusef Salaam defeated multiple candidates - including the incumbent and a candidate who had been endorsed by Mayor Eric Adams - to get over 50 percent of the ballot in the city council's 9th District Democratic Primary Tuesday.

Over 80 percent of the district's registered voters are Democratic, while just three percent are Republican, all but guaranteeing Salaam's ascension to the council.

Salaam's campaign has won publicity after releasing multiple statements mocking Trump for an ad he put out in 1989 calling on the state to re-introduce the death penalty over the case, timed specifically to the former president's indictments.

In 1989, Salaam, along with four other then teenagers, were wrongfully convicted of raping a woman. After they had spent years in prison, a serial rapist confessed to the crime.

Speaking at a victory party in Harlem on Tuesday, Salaam said: 'There were large ads bought in 1989. A whisper for the state to kill us. A whisper, in fact, into the darkest enclaves of society for them to do to us what they had done to Emmitt Till.'

Yusef Salaam, a member of the exonerated Central Park Five whom former President Donald Trump once called for the execution of in an infamous newspaper ad has likely won a seat on the New York City Council

Trump reportedly spent $85,000 to run full page ads against the Central Park Five - now known as the Exonerated Five - in a number of New York newspapers.

In his 1989 ad, Trump used his now-synonymous all-caps as he titled the page: 'BRING BACK THE DEATH PENALTY. BRING BACK OUR POLICE'.

'I want to hate these murderers and I always will,' he continued in the piece. 'I am not looking to psychoanalyze or understand them, I am looking to punish them.'

In his response to Trump's arrest in April, Salaam said: 'Now, after several decades and an unfortunate and disastrous presidency, we all know exactly who Donald J. Trump is - a man who seeks to deny justice and fairness for others, while claiming only innocence for himself.'

His campaign featured an ad that he took out using the same typeface and capital letters: 'BRING BACK JUSTICE AND FAIRNESS! BUILD A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR CENTRAL HARLEM!'

Salaam referenced his time in prison immediately in his victory speech.

'Started from the bottom, now we're here,' he said to rapturous cheers. 'This campaign has been about those who have been counted out. This campaign has been about those who have been forgotten.'

With 99 percent of the ballots counted, Salaam has won 50.14 percent of the vote, which would allow him to win the seat without having to go through New York City's ranked choice voting system.

Salaam's campaign has gotten publicity from releasing multiple statements mocking Trump for the ad he put out in 1989 calling on the state to re-introduce the death penalty over the case, timed specifically to the former president's indictments

In a scathing 1989 full page ad, Donald Trump called for the death penalty to be reintroduced in New York in response to the Central Park Five case

Following Trump's arrest in April, Salaam mimicked Trump's letter as he mocked him for his 'disastrous presidency'

The candidates he defeated included Inez E. Dickens, who Democratic Mayor Eric Adams had endorsed 12 days before the primary, despite largely staying away from endorsing candidates this year.

Dickens had been an early endorser of Adams' successful campaign for mayor in 2021. She finished second at 25 percent.

Her campaign admitted they were going to lose Tuesday night, according to City and State.

Kristin Richardson Jordan, a self-described democratic socialist and police abolitionist, declined to run for re-election but still received nine percent of the vote.

State Assemblyman Al Taylor finished in third place with 14 percent of the ballots.

His would be Central Harlem seat leans heavily Democratic, as a Republican has never gotten more than 12 percent of the vote in the district.

In 1989, Salaam was among five black and Latino teenagers who were wrongly suspected and convicted of sexually assaulting a white woman in Manhattan's Central Park. His conviction was vacated in 2002.

In 2014, after the Central Park Five members reached a settlement with the City of New York over the wrongful arrest, Trump responded by remarking that 'settling doesn't mean innocence.'

The members of the Central Park Five speak at the 2019 BET Awards. Pictured, left to right: Korey Wise, Raymond Sanatana Jr, Yusef Saleem, Antron McCray, and Kevin Richardson

Yusef Salaam, back right, pictured leaving court in June, 1990

Donald Trump pictured in his arraignment hearing in a Manhattan courtroom on Tuesday

Salaam spoke about his time in what he called 'the belly of the beast' in his remarks Tuesday, talking about what he had learned about the justice system during that time.

'I was gifted because I was able to see it for what it really was. A system that was trying to make me believe that I was my ancestors' wildest nightmares. But I am my ancestors' wildest dreams.'

He ran on a platform of a so-called 'Equity & Empowerment Agenda' that included 'thoughtful input from all of Harlem, particularly those who have been the most marginalized  Black and brown communities, women, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities  because we know that those closest to the pain are often closest to the solution.'

Salaam also campaigned on left wing goals such as housing being a human right, economic justice, justice and safety reform and environmental justice

Following his scathing rebuke of Trump's arrest, Salaam used the rest of his ad to argue that many of the issues that led to his wrongful arrest 30 years ago remain today.

'I have lived through a form of trauma that many of us experience in some way every day throughout our country,' he said.

'My past is an example of systemic oppression by the injustice system.

'But the problems our community faced when my name was slashed across the newspapers a generation ago - inadequate housing, underfunded schools, public safety concerns, and a lack of good jobs - became worse during Donald Trump's time in office.'

Salaam campaigned on left wing goals such as housing being a human right, economic justice, justice and safety reform and environmental justice

Salaam arriving at New York State Supreme Court at the age of 16

Salaam said that he is running for office himself to 'change that', as he condemned Trump's actions as president, such as during the January 6 riot, as 'an attack on our safety'.

'Now that you have been indicted and are facing criminal charges, I do not resort to hatred, bias or racism - as you once did,' he added.

'Even though thirty-four years ago you effectively called for my death and the death of four other innocent children, I wish you no harm.'

Salaam said he was putting his 'faith in the judicial system' to find the truth, and after hitting out at Trump for 'seeking to obliterate' civil liberties, he maintained hope that 'you get what the Exonerated Five did not get - a presumption of innocence and a fair trial'.

'And if the charges are proven and you are found guilty, I hope that you endure whatever penalties are imposed with the same strength and dignity that the Exonerated Five showed as we served our punishment for a crime we did not commit.'

On Tuesday night, Salaam clearly referenced his time in prison and the public calls for his execution as he come out of it a likely elected official.

'They made us into pariahs but look at our life, my whole life is being restored,' he said.
Mortgage belt suburbs with a high concentration of white-collar professionals risk being turned into middle class 'rust belts' in just two years as artificial intelligence rapidly replaces jobs, a data expert says.

An analysis by Suburbtrends showed Melbourne is home to 14 of the 20 worst affected postcodes across Australia, with Sydney taking four spots and regional NSW having two places: Dubbo and Port Macquarie.

The property data group's founder Kent Lardner said AI and its large language models were likely to soon be performing the jobs now done by public servants and business administrators.

It is also poised to take over many jobs from lawyers to accountants, journalists to bankers, in as little as two years.

'It would not be out of the question in select suburbs, especially where they are dominated by a few employers that could adapt to AI and automation rapidly,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'However the most likely scenario is a staggered impact.'

The sudden loss of jobs sparked by the emergence of ChatGPT and other emerging technologies risks creating severe change across society, putting a massive strain on government welfare payments.

Futurists have forecast that just about all white-collar jobs that centre on knowledge of, and processing of, information will soon be done by computers.

Mr Lardner likened the sudden demise of professional jobs - based on processing information - to the closure of American car factories in Detroit and the shutdown of coal mines in northern England.

Middle and outer suburbs of Australia's biggest cities - where more people are paying off a mortgage - are set to be the worst affected by the accelerating technological changes.

Mortgage belt suburbs with a higher concentration of white collar professionals risk being turned into middle class 'rust belts' in coming years as artificial intelligence rapidly replaces jobs, a data expert says (pictured is Tarneit in Melbourne's west)

An analysis by Suburbtrends showed Melbourne home to 14 of the 20 worst affected postcodes

'White collar areas are going to have the same, potential impact as those rust belt communities,' Mr Lardner said.

Suburbs most at risk of AI taking away jobs 1. MELBOURNE CBD: 16,490 jobs 2. POINT COOK, Melbourne west: 16,132 jobs 3. CRAIGIEBURN, Melbourne north: 12,667 jobs 4. BERWICK, Melbourne south-east: 12,092 jobs 5. TARNEIT, Melbourne west: 12,069 jobs 6. RESERVOIR, Melbourne north: 11,440 jobs 7. PAKENHAM, Melbourne south-east: 11,393 jobs 8. BLACKTOWN, Sydney west: 10,340 jobs 9. WERRIBEE, Melbourne west: 10,313 jobs 10. CASTLE HILL, Sydney north-west: 10,165 jobs 11. GLEN WAVERLEY, Melbourne south-east: 9,942 jobs 12. RICHMOND, Melbourne inner east: 9,812 jobs 13. BAULKHAM HILLS, Sydney north-west: 9,403 jobs 14. DUBBO, New South Wales central west: 9,209 jobs 15. PARRAMATTA, Sydney west: 8,998 jobs 16. PORT MACQUARIE, New South Wales mid north coast: 8,938 jobs 17. PRESTON, Melbourne north: 8,922 jobs 18. MOUNT WAVERLEY, Melbourne south-east: 8,813 jobs 19. ROWVILLE, Melbourne south-east: 8,809 jobs 20. SUNBURY, Melbourne north-west: 8,777 jobs Advertisement

'There's a massive risk of rust-belt suburbs.

'We've got whole communities and towns in the last 100 years that actually couldn't transition - its community broke down because there was no employment.

'We're going to find concentrations akin to that but not in industry but in white collar jobs.'

The change will make the push for a universal basic income more urgent.

Under such a model, those businesses which see profitability soar due to not having to pay staff would be heavily taxed to give redundant workers enough money to live.

Without such payments to the laid-off workers, consumer spending power would plummet and many businesses collapse.

'There will be job losses,' Mr Lardner said.

'The question will be, "Can workers transition to where the jobs are needed?"

'This is going to be too big and too fast for anything other than universal basic income - I think it's the only option.

'I don't think we can transition fast enough otherwise we'll pull up the fabric of society if we don't do something.'

Melbourne's central business district was tipped to lose the most jobs - 16,490 - with the Victorian capital having 14 spots on the top 20 list based on the potential job losses of its residents.

The Victorian capital's suburbs such as Cragieburn, Berwick, Tarneit, Reservoir, Pakenham, Werribee, Glen Waverley and inner-city Richmond are also on the list.

'Typically, we find a lot of those Melbourne suburbs do have information, media, telecoms, professionals, scientific, finance, insurance services - there's a lot of large employers that have head offices down in Melbourne,' Mr Lardner said.

As the number of people able to afford mortgages plummets, house prices would drop dramatically.

Places with profiles like Blacktown in Sydney's west are particularly at risk; where houses typically cost more than $1million and a higher proportion of residents have an expensive mortgage.

This is where 10,340 jobs are under threat.

Sydney had four spots on the top 20 danger list, including Castle Hill and Baulkham Hills in the city's nearby north-west, along with Parramatta.

'People will be forced to sell,' Mr Lardner said.

'The concern will be - we're at the top of the table up there with Hong Kong for house prices - so this is where we start to use the term bubble because house prices are so high.

Sydney had four spots on the top 20 danger list, including Blacktown, Castle Hill and Baulkham Hills in the city's nearby north-west, along with Parramatta

'If I'm forced to sell because I can't sustain that excessively high mortgage anymore, and I've got to sell it at the same time as 100 other people, that's when the trouble starts.

Rest of Australia where jobs are in danger BALDIVIS, Perth outer south: 7,885 jobs COORPAROO, Brisbane inner south: 5,476 jobs MORPHETT VALE, Adelaide south: 4,735 jobs KAMBAH, Canberra south: 3,218 jobs SANDY BAY, Hobart inner south: 2,887 jobs Advertisement

'Those most vulnerable markets are likely to be the least affordable areas.'

Areas of regional New South Wales, including Dubbo in the central west and Port Macquarie on the mid-north coast, were also vulnerable based on the higher concentrations of state government jobs that could be automated.

Baldivis, south of Perth, was expected to lose 7,885 jobs, as Coorparoo in Brisbane's inner south saw AI replace 5,476 human jobs.

Morphett Vale in Adelaide's south was also vulnerable with 4,735 jobs at risk.

Canberra, the home of federal public servants, risked losing 3,218 jobs at Kambah in the city's south as Sandy Bay, near Hobart's central business district lost 2,887 jobs.

Unlike the 1999 closure of Newcastle's BHP steelworks after 84 years, the workers made redundant by AI will not be able to retrained due to their vast numbers.

'Newcastle prospered because it was handled so well - we're only dealing with 5,000 workers,' he said.

'Imagine when that happens when it's 500,000 - it's a very different challenge for governments.

'The risks will be the governments aren't able to help people transition at a scale and what it does is leave us with rust belt suburbs.'

Half a million people instantly losing their jobs to AI represented the entire unemployment tally of the nation in May - 512,800 people - as unemployment sits at a near 48-year low of 3.6 per cent.

But as white-collar suburbs suffer, more affordable regional areas stand to benefit.

'If you're in a regional city where it is affordable, it's got a good lifestyle, and suddenly universal basic income kicks in, places like Cairns could thrive,' Mr Lardner said.

A much smaller public service, as a result of AI, would save the government money to put towards universal basic income.

'The old school view was it's socialism, it's bad, but there's a new school thinking that says - "If I have universal basic income, I don't need the large tax department, I don't need all the management of these big, heavy, expensive government bodies",' Mr Lardner said.

AI would make the rich richer - in places like Sydney's lower north shore - and benefit the very poor as welfare payments rose, but it would hollow out the middle class.

'When we're talking about Mosmans and harbourside suburbs, the rich class will become significantly richer through this - the top end will do well, the bottom end will do well, but the middle class suburbs could be the ones that are eroding,' he said.
A New Jersey attorney charged with sexually assaulting four women has now been charged with attacking four more.

Matthew Nilo, 35, was indicted by a grand jury on Tuesday for attacking four women in Boston's historic North End neighborhood between 2007 and 2008.

He was previously charged with seven counts including aggravated rape, kidnapping, indecent assault with intent to rape and assault in a string of attacks that took place at around the same time in the Charlestown neighborhood.

Nilo pleaded not guilty to those charges, and was released from Boston jail after his fiance posted $500,000 of his $5million bail and he was fitted with a GPS ankle monitor.

His lawyer, Joseph Cataldo, said he now plans to fight the new charges as well  which include one count of rape, one count of aggravated rape, three counts of assault with intent to rape and two counts of indecent assault and battery,

'Mr. Nilo denies all the allegations including the latest charges,' Cataldo said in a statement. 'You can expect both a legal and a factual challenge to the government's case.'

Matthew Nilo, 35, right, is facing new charges for the rapes of four women in Boston's North End neighborhood in 2007 and 2008. He was previously charged with three other rapes and one attempted rape in the Charlestown neighborhood at the same time

Boston police believed the rapes in the North End neighborhood were connected, and released a composite sketch of the suspect. Nilo is pictured on the right at around the same time

Prosecutors allege that Nilo, a Boston native, attacked four women in the North End in 2007 and 2008  including two attacks on the same woman just 11 days apart.

One attack on January 14, 2008 occurred during the middle of a snowstorm, WCVB reports, while another took place on July 4, 2008.

The string of assaults left the neighborhood on edge at the time, as police warned women to be vigilant and even wear rape whistles.

Authorities believed the rapes were connected, and released a composite sketch of the suspect, which does appear to bear a resemblance to Nilo at the time.

'The newly-indicted attacks occurred at the time Nilo was living in the North End and during the same period as the attacks against women in Charlestown, for which Nilo is already charged,' the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office said in a statement announcing the new charges on Tuesday.

'The incidents followed a similar pattern. The victims were attacked while they were walking alone, in the dark, either at night or early in the morning.'

District Attorney Kevin Hayden said more information about the new charges will be released when Nilo is arraigned next month.

'But I can tell you that DNA evidence played a role in these new indictments,' he told the Boston Globe.

Nilo, pictured entering court on June 5, has pleaded not guilty to charges related to the rapes in Charlestown

Nilo was released from a Boston jail on June 15 when his fiance, Laura Griffin, center, posted $500,000 of his bail

Nilo is seen partying with friends during his days at a Boston private school in 2007

Police arrested Nilo on May 30 in an FBI sting in which he was lured out of the luxury harbor side apartment he shared with his fiance, Laura Griffin, with the claim that a package had been delivered that was too big to fit in the swanky facility's lockers.

Law enforcement claims to have linked Nilo to the four assaults in Charlestown with DNA evidence identified through the genealogy database 23 and Me, to which family members had voluntarily submitted samples.

The Sexual Assault Kit Initiative  a federal program designed to help process a backlog of rape kits  was used in the investigation after Boston Police Department reached out last October.

By April Nilo had been identified as a suspect according to FBI Special Agent Joseph R Bonavolonta.

He then waived his extradition back to Massachusetts, and was charged in the Charlestown rapes, in which, prosecutors say, Nilo picked up women downtown and brought them to Terminal Street, where he would assault them.

Alleged victim Lori Pinkham spoke to DailyMail.com outside of a Boston courtroom, calling Nilo 'a very evil person and he used weapons and force to violently kidnap and rape multiple women'

Nilos first alleged victim, Lori Pinkham, spoke exclusively to DailyMail.com, sharing her ordeal publicly.

Pinkham admitted that she had lost hope that her attacker would ever be caught and said she was, 'in disbelief and awe' when police came to her home and told her they had identified him.

She said, 'He's a very evil person and he used weapons and force to violently kidnap and rape multiple women.'

Pinkham could not get into the details of her own assault, she said, but is prepared to testify against Nilo if called to by prosecutors.

Meanwhile, Nilo's attorney says he intends to challenge the constitutionality of the evidence collected by police and federal authorities used to arrest him.

Nilo was ordered to surrender his passport, have no contact with the victims or witnesses and stay at least 1,000 feet away from Terminal Street, where the alleged Charlestown rapes occurred

Nilo was released from a Boston jail on June 15 after Griffin paid $500,000 towards his bail.

He was fitted for a GPS tracker and was released on the condition he surrender his passport, have no contact with the victims or witnesses and stay at least 1,000 feet away from Terminal Street.

Exclusive DailyMail.com pictures and video show Nilo walking from the courthouse with Griffin, who clutched his hand tightly throughout.

But further charges may be forthcoming, as police in Madison, Wisconsin  where Nilo attended college  are looking back at their old cases to se if there may be any connection with the suspect.

'Our detectives are aware of Matthew Nilo,' the police department said in a statement to WCVB.

'We are working with Boston police [and] reviewing old cases to see if there is any connection.'
A bizarre altercation occurred at a California pizza shop, when a man entered and began chasing an employee with a knife and lighter fluid, attempting to set him ablaze in a horrifying unprovoked assault.

Video shows 61-year-old Robert Haight armed with a knife and lighter fluid brazenly enter Allegro Pizza shop in Thousand Oaks on Sunday with his dog and launch the assault on the unsuspecting employee.

The suspect was taken to a hospital for injuries he suffered during the attacks and Haight has been arrested and is facing attempted murder charges.

The rampage occurred in Thousand Oaks at about 2:05 pm Sunday as one of the cooks was preparing pies for his shift, according to Allegro owner Raul Ferrero.

'He thought it was a joke,' Ferrero said of his cook, according to Fox11. 'He thought it was water. When he smelled the gasoline that was when he reacted.'

A man was arrested in Thousand Oaks over the weekend after walking into Allegro Pizza shop with lighter fluid and a knife, and allegedly threatening to light an employee on fire

Allegro owner Raul Ferrero said one of the cooks was preparing the pies for his shift when the man, identified as Robert Haight, came into the restaurant

After getting doused in gasoline, the cook began backing up, before attempting to escape through the back.

Haight, however, continued pursuing the worker through the shop, holding his large kitchen knife while heading into the parking lot before being interrupted by a brave bystander intervened.

The good Samaritan heard calls for help from his truck when he hopped out and stepped in to help.

Haight then poured lighter fluid on the second victim, but the man was able to fight back in self-defense.

The second man attacked Haight, knocking him out.

'I just pulled up, and the guy just got knocked out,' one witness told FOX 11.

The man doused the employee in lighter fluid before the pursuit continues out the back door to the parking lot

Haight has been booked and is facing charges of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and two counts of assault with a caustic chemical, according to Thousand Oaks Police

'His head is bleeding and there was another guy in the parking lot, and he was saying, 'You need to get out of here, or I'm going to knock you out again,' according to Fox 11.

Police arrived shortly after the man had jumped in to help, and Haight was taken into custody.

According to witnesses, Haight entered several other business before Allegro, including a nail salon, where he also doused customers in lighter fluid.

Haight has been booked and is facing charges of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and two counts of assault with a caustic chemical, according to Thousand Oaks Police.

His bail was set at $500,000 and he is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday afternoon.

The dog Haight was seen dragging through the pizzeria's kitchen and was brought to a shelter.
Slain crime boss Alen Moradian feared for his life and wanted to flee the country in the months before his execution - but was denied permission by authorities, Daily Mail Australia can reveal.

The drug kingpin, 48, was still on parole over a 40kg cocaine importation when he approached authorities last August, claiming that a price had been placed on his head.

Moradian unsuccessfully sought to have his reporting conditions altered so he could seek sanctuary overseas. NSW Police refused to confirm to Community Corrections - which supervises parolees - or Moradian's lawyers whether they believed his fears were genuine.

Moradian died in a hail of bullets as he sat in his vehicle in an underground car park at Bondi Junction in Sydney's east about 8.15am on Tuesday.

Two gunmen fled the scene after the gangland hit but the escape plan appears to have been botched when their bid to torch their getaway car failed.

A single piece of police tape strapped to a fire hydrant dangled near a boomgate leading to the lower floors of the car park on Wednesday.

Slain crime boss Alen Moradian feared for his life and wanted to flee the country in the months before his execution but was denied permission by authorities. Moradian is pictured

Moradian died in a hail of bullets as he sat in his vehicle in an underground car park at Bondi Junction in Sydney 's east about 8.15am on Tuesday. A piece of police tape strapped to a fire hydrant dangled near a boomgate leading to the lower floors of the car park on Wednesday

The ribbon was the only sign a cold-blooded assassination had taken place there a day earlier, as well as two subtly cleaner adjacent car spots which appeared to be washed down.

Spooked residents told Daily Mail Australia police ordered them to stay inside and not go into the car park on Tuesday as they set up a crime scene on the first floor of the car park.

A man who wished to remain anonymous said two vehicles - both black SUVs - were towed out by police about 9pm on Tuesday as forensic cleaners arrived at the scene.

He said one appeared to be the car Moradian was killed in, while the other was undamaged.

Moradian was convicted in July 2011 of importing a large commercial quantity of cocaine and sentenced to a minimum ten years and five months in prison.

His maximum term was 16 years and nine months and he was under Community Corrections supervision until that expired on April 24 next year.

A source told Daily Mail Australia the underworld figure had instructed lawyers to approach the Community Corrections office at Windsor, north-west of Sydney, about varying his parole conditions.

'They contacted Community Corrections to get him relieved of his reporting conditions so he could leave the country because he was concerned about there being a target on his back,' the source said.

'Community Corrections sought information from the police and they were unwilling to confirm the fact he was genuinely at risk.

Moradian had spent the past the past year living in fear and regularly changed his routine, address and vehicles hoping his enemies would not find him. His wife Natasha is pictured

'On that basis Community Corrections couldn't relieve him of his reporting obligations, so he could not seek refuge overseas.'

Moradian's lawyers also made contact with the State Crime Command to seek clarification of whether or not they considered his life to be at risk.

'They wouldn't confirm or deny that he was at risk of being assassinated,' the source said.

Discussions took place with Community Corrections about Moradian moving to Melbourne but that would have required Victorian authorities to accept responsibility for his parole.

Another suggestion was made that Moradian could move somewhere else in NSW and report to a different Community Corrections office but that did not proceed.

Daily Mail Australia understands any decision to vary Moradian's parole would ultimately have to have be made by the Commonwealth Parole Office as he had committed federal offences.

A man who wished to remain anonymous said two vehicles - both black SUVs - were towed out the car park where Moradian was killed as forensic cleaners arrived at the scene

When asked about any role NSW Police had in preventing Moradian from leaving the country a spokeswoman said: 'We won't be providing any extra comment as the investigation is ongoing.'

Homicide squad commander Danny Doherty has said the dead gangster was a 'high-level major player' who was well-known to police.

'Because he's a major player in the organised crime network and also has links to the Comancheros, high level, he had a big target on his back,' Detective Superintendent Doherty said.

'The shooting bears the hallmarks of an organised crime murder. We're knocking on doors and interviewing people as we speak.'

Moradian had spent the past the past year living in fear and regularly changed his routine, address and vehicles hoping his enemies would not find him.

It was an ill-fated decision to get in his car and head to the gym from his secret hideout that led to his death.

Forensic teams uncovered a gun inside the Porsche Macan with investigators saying it provides a major clue that could help lead officers to Moradian's killers

Last Friday, he set up a new company called Brilliant Gems Australia Pty Ltd for which his principal place of residence was listed as his wife' Natasha's home near the Blue Mountains.

Neighbours have told Daily Mail Australia a large black fence was erected around that property in the past few days.

'The black fence only went up a week or so ago,' said a neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous.

'The construction was taking place for three weeks. Lots of people were there digging.

'The silver [electric] fence was finished just before that - about a month ago. Before, it was only a small old wooden fence that you could step over.'

Detectives have located one of the guns and a phone used in Moradian's execution after the killers bungled their getaway plans.

Police found a grey 2017 Porsche Macan in James St near the shooting almost undamaged after the killers rushed off and abandoned it without destroying the vehicle.

Footage from the scene reveals crucial clues left behind, including a pistol lying on the ground nearby alongside a mobile phone which may contain vital evidence.

A Holden Commodore, believed to be a second getaway vehicle, was later found burnt out a few kilometres away in Zetland, but the Porsche barely had a scratch.

Footage from the scene reveals crucial clues left behind, including a pistol lying on the ground nearby alongside a mobile phone which may contain vital evidence

The killers' attempt to set it ablaze appears to have been scrapped, with a jerry can of fuel apparently left on the drivers seat, and only minor fire damage inside.

The airbag appears to have been set off in the $138,000 luxury SUV, and part of the car's cabin headliner appears fire-damaged, with melted remains hanging from the roof.

But the pistol and the phone found inside will be key evidence for police in the hunt for the ruthless killers.

The mobile could be a goldmine of intelligence for detectives with the prospect of a cache of messages between the killers and their paymasters and contact numbers.

It may also offer tracking details of the killers in the lead up to the underworld execution, potentially even leading detectives to the door of their killers and whoever contracted them.

Police have now sent the pistol off for forensic testing in the hope it may recover fingerprints or DNA evidence which could identify the gunmen.

Natasha Moradian (left) received the shattering news of her estranged husband's death on Tuesday morning

Moradian had strong links to the Comanchero bikie gang and is believed to have had a key role in the city's cocaine network and helped set up 'The Commission' in 2021.

The man once dubbed the 'Tony Soprano' of Australia's cocaine trade, has links to four recent gangland murders and was eerily warned years earlier by wife Natasha Youkhana that he needed to lay low.

But he was shot dead leaving his secret hideout in Sydney's east on the way to the gym.

The underworld network linked to the Comanchero controls much of the city's drug trade by taxing other gangs who import and sell narcotics.

The drug boss, who was born in Iraq, also had had links to at least four gangland murders on Sydney's street since mid-2020.

These included Mejid Hamzy, Lametta Fadlallah, Mahmoud 'Brownie' Ahmad and Marvin Oraiha.

Moradian had links to at least four gangland murders, which include Mejid Hamzy, Lametta Fadlallah, Mahmoud 'Brownie' Ahmad and Marvin Oraiha

Hamzy was shot dead outside his Condell Park home on October 19, 2020, over the alleged theft of 400kg of cocaine from The Commission.

Ahmad was shot dead in Greenacre on April 27, 2022. It's understood he bashed and extorted $500,000 out of Moradian while the pair were in jail.

Fadlallah was in business with Moradian's wife for years before she was shot dead in her car alongside her hairdresser Amy Hazouri in August 2022.

Just a month ago, Oraiha and Moradian partied together in a Sydney CBD hotel room before the young man was killed in his car outside his Elizabeth Hills home on May 22.
The friends of a teenager who was stabbed to death in a brutal attack have revealed he had been targeted by a gang of youths a week before his death.

Ethan Hoac, 14, was walking through St Albans, in Melbourne's northwest, with two friends after a night in the CBD when he was run over and stabbed to death by two people wearing masks at about 11pm on Monday.

His two friends were able to escape the attackers and call emergency services who found Ethan lying in the street.

The Braybrook College student succumbed to his injuries as paramedics transported him to Sunshine Hospital.

His friend Chrissy revealed that he had been robbed on a road in Werribee, in Melbourne's south west, just a week prior to the incident.

Friends of Ethan Hoac (pictured), have revealed that he was robbed by a gang just a week prior to being stabbed to death on Monday night by two masked attackers

Speaking to the Herald Sun, Chrissy said Ethan had been 'robbed by this gang, they took his phone, clothes, everything they could'.

He said that Ethan regularly received messages from teenagers who wanted to fight him although not responding to any of the requests.

His other friend, Jayden, said that 'he made everyone laugh all the time and cheered them up when they were down, he was truly amazing'.

'It just hurts so much to know that he is actually gone.'

Victoria Police described Ethan's death as a 'targeted assault'.

CCTV footage just prior to the incident shows Ethan running around in the area before yelling behind them and disappearing towards Ginifer train station at 10:47pm.

A light coloured SUV then appears to pull up next to the group and two knife-wielding men leave the car and attack one of the teens, according to the Herald Sun.

Police had received a report that same night that 'a number of people had been seen in the vicinity of where the injured male was found, and they appeared to be armed with a knife'.

CCTV footage shows Ethan's final moments as he ran towards north west Melbourne's Ginifer station with friends before an SUV pulls up and two masked men exit and attack one of them

Detective Inspector David Dunstan said Ethan's death appeared to be a 'targeted attack'.

'Any incident involving knives and fatal injuries to victims of this age is concerning,' he said.

'We're doing everything we can, we've had police at the scene last night.

'They've worked through the night and working with local police and the homicide squad to bring those responsible to justice as soon as possible.'

Victoria Police are still tracking down the two masked killers as of Wednesday afternoon.

Anyone with information are urged to contact police or Crimestoppers.
Residents have slammed the long-awaited Western Sydney International Airport's flight paths labelling them 'hell on earth'.

The $5.3 billion airport in Badgerys Creek, 45km from the CBD, will be the first in NSW to have no curfew, with flights taking off and landing 24 hours a day, seven days a week when the facility opens in 2026.

The Federal Government released the airport's preliminary flight plans on Tuesday.

It showed Greendale, Luddenham, Twin Creeks, Penrith, Blacktown, Mount Druitt, Prospect Reservoir, Windsor, Orchard Hills will be impacted the worst by the noise.

Marie Sitter, who lives in Blaxland in the Blue Mountains, is deeply worried about night-time commotion.

Residents in western Sydney have slammed the long-awaited Western Sydney International Airport's flight paths (pictured: Western Sydney Airport site under construction)

Marie Sitter, who lives in Blaxland in the Blue Mountains is deeply worried about night-time noise and said it is 'going to be hell on earth'

She told ABC it was 'going to be hell on earth' and that the airplanes would disrupt the tranquility in her area.

'At night, it's absolutely quiet. The only noise that we have at night is the occasional coal train,' she said.

'It's just quiet, and to imagine having aircraft however many times a day is unimaginable.'

Some flight paths headed to Brisbane or Cairns are set to fly along the Great Western Highway, north of the Blue Mountains' main residential areas.

While flights bound for Queensland are set to take off at the southwest end of the airport and are expected to take a right turn around Silverdale before flying directly over the Blue Mountains area.

Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill said he was concerned about the noise disruption to residents and the potential impact of an airport on the World Heritage-listed area.

'The flight paths show a complete disregard for the people of the Blue Mountains as well as the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area,' Mr Greenhill told 9News.

'Our quality of life in the Blue Mountains is clearly threatened. The people of the Blue Mountains deserve better.

Residents near Greendale, Luddenham, Twin Creeks, Penrith, Blacktown, Mount Druitt, Prospect Reservoir, Windsor, Orchard Hills will be impacted the worst (stock image)

Social media was flooded with complaints from western Sydney residents who said it was atypical that it was the western suburbs that would have to deal with all-hour flight noise.

'Of course western Sydney gets a treat of a curfew-free airport,' one person wrote.

Suburbs most affected by noise pollution Western Sydney International Airport will be the first in the state to not have a curfew. Below is a list of suburbs that will be affected by the noise pollution: Penrith Mount Druitt Windsor Prospect Orchard Hills Bankstown Mount Druitt Erskine Park Greendale Blue Mountains Advertisement

'Feel so sorry for these poor b******* in western Sydney. These are the people who struggled the most to buy a home. Now their houses will be worthless with 70 dB noise 24/7 from the unnecessary airport,' another added.

Seventy dB refers to the noise level and is known to cause potential damage to hearing.

'The second airport being 24/7 is just another dump on western Sydney residents. People buy houses near the first airport knowing there is noise. People bought out west to escape it. Can't possibly upset the rich though... Disgrace,' a third social media user said.

Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue CEO Adam Leto acknowledged there would be teething issues but said the future opportunities for residents will make it worthwhile.

'I think the Western Sydney airport has been designed and planned quite deliberately to minimise disruption for residents,' he said.

'There are going to be a small handful of residents that are going to experience some noise, but I think it will only be minimal and it will only affect the handful of residents.'

'If our World Heritage Listing is pulled because aircraft noise adversely impacts the World Heritage values of the Blue Mountains, then the four million tourists a year who come to the Blue Mountains will evaporate  and so will the jobs they create.'

Minister for Infrastructure Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the airport will minimise flights over residential areas at night but explained the airport was always going to operate without a curfew.

'My department will hold community information and feedback sessions as well as community information stalls across western Sydney and the Blue Mountains over the coming months,' Ms King said in a statement.

'The preliminary flight paths were developed according to Airspace Design Principles that reflect community feedback.'

Flights between 11pm and 5.30am will mostly depart and land from the southwest of the airport to reduce noise for heavily populated western Sydney communities.

'These principles include minimising flights over residential areas and reducing the impact on the community of aircraft operations at night,' Ms King added.

'The Albanese Government is committed to balancing the needs of the community, environment, industry and users of the broader Greater Sydney airspace, while maintaining safety as a priority, in the design of WSI's flight paths.'

Residents can use an online Aircraft Overflight Noise Tool to get a picture of the preliminary flight paths and how their homes will be disrupted by the noise.

The interactive tool allows a user to type in their address to see the expected altitude of planes, the daily number of aircraft and the predicted noise at the requested location.

Properties in Erskine Park are also among the areas most affected with between 20 and 49 flights to occur over the area in 2033.

In the region noise pollution is expected to exceed 70 decibels - a level that stops conversation inside, when all the windows are closed, and can cause hearing damage.

The benchmark for night-time noise is 60 decibels - a level at which sleep would be disturbed.

While the noise tool shows that Blaxland is outside the 60-decibel contour, residents would still hear aircraft flying over with a noise level of about 60 decibels.

Closer to the airport, when prevailing winds mean the planes will take off towards the southwest, Greendale residents would experience 10 to 19 flights per night that exceed 60 decibels.

Wind conditions will ultimately determine which of the two main runway directions - known as Runway 05 and Runway 23 - will be used through the day and night

Wind conditions will ultimately determine which of the two main runway directions - known as Runway 05 and Runway 23 - will be used through the day and night.

When Runway 05 is used, all aircraft will arrive from the southwest and depart to the northeast, while Runway 23 will see all planes arriving from the northeast and departing to the southwest.

When Runway 23 is used, residents around Greendale are most affected, predicted to experience 20 to 49 flights exceeding 70 decibels over 24 hours.

The airport will initially have capacity for up to 10 million passengers and around 81,000 air traffic movements a year by 2033.

Earlier this month, Qantas and Jetstar became the first airlines to sign a deal with the airport.
Evidence from Synergy 360 co-founder released in new report

A consulting business sought former Liberal MP Stuart Robert's support for winning government contacts by channelling money to a company linked to him, a parliamentary inquiry has heard.

The federal parliament's audit committee has been examining the links between Mr Robert - who has retired from parliament triggering a by-election in the Queensland seat of Fadden - and consultancy Synergy 360.

A document tabled under parliamentary privilege and published on Wednesday, prompting Government Services Minister Bill Shorten to demand further investigations.

The document outlined evidence from Anthony Daly, who co-founded Synergy 360 in April 2017 with Kham Xaysavanh.

Mr Daly said in his evidence Synergy 360 'devised a remuneration framework to secure government contracts on behalf of their clients'.

A parliamentary audit committee has been examining the links between MP Stuart Robert (pictured) and consultancy Synergy 360

The payments comprised a one per cent success fee determined by total project value, a monthly retainer of between $10,000 and $20,000 and a five per cent allocation 'specifically designed for resources and contractors'.

Mr Daly said Ms Xaysavanh and company director David Milo organised a meeting in Canberra on September 8, 2017 to discuss the share ownership structure of Synergy 360.

It was at that meeting, that it was agreed 20 per cent of Synergy 360's shares would be transferred to a company called United Marketing, controlled by John Margerison.

'Ultimately, this arrangement was designed to facilitate the flow of funds through United Marketing and onward to Stuart Robert,' Mr Daly wrote.

'The main objective of this arrangement was to secure Stuart Robert's involvement and support in acquiring federal government contracts.

'Stuart Robert's political influence and connections within the government sector were deemed crucial in ensuring favourable outcomes.'

Government Services Minister Bill Shorten said further investigations into the allegations were needed.

'I've asked my agency Services Australia to advise what the next appropriate avenues are, including implications for my agency,' he told reporters in Canberra.

'My agency has limited means to further investigate itself.'

Government service minister Bill Shorten (pictured with wife Chloe) has called for a further investigation into the allegations

However, Mr Shorten did not say whether the matter would be referred to the new National Anti-Corruption Commission, which will begin operations on Monday.

'Ultimately it is up to the commissioner what they investigate. It is an independent body, free of government,' he said.

Mr Daly said in his statement he was willing to cooperate in any NACC hearing.

Mr Robert, Ms Xaysavanh and Mr Milo have denied the former Liberal MP was helping Synergy 360 or its clients gain federal contracts.

The former minister said in a statement last year: 'All departmental procurements were run with the highest levels of probity.'

The parliamentary audit committee on Wednesday said it had ordered Mr Margerison to produce answers to a series of questions and appear at a hearing on July 28.

The committee said it had published the signed statement from Mr Daly 'in the interests of transparency'.

It has also written to all those named in the statement for their responses by July 24 and issued a sharp reminder that 'interfering with or harassing witnesses in any way may be regarded as a contempt of the parliament'.

The committee held an in-camera hearing with evidence given under oath by Mr Daly last week, as well as a public hearing with one of Synergy 360's clients, computer giant Infosys.

Coalition MP Stuart Robert (right) sparked a by-election after announcing in May he was stepping away from politics. He's pictured with former prime minister Scott Morrison

Andrew Garth, Infosys's executive vice-president, told Friday's hearing the relationship with Synergy 360 had ended, while also revealing there had been 11 meetings with Mr Robert when he was minister.

The committee has sought further information from Infosys, which paid Synergy 360 about $16 million over five years for state- and federal-linked projects.

Labor MP Julian Hill said the committee, which he chairs, had reached no findings or conclusions.

Mr Shorten said the document's tabling was not connected to the July 15 Fadden by-election.

'No one asked Mr Robert to resign - the timing of the by-election is purely and only Mr Robert's,' he said.
A South Australian mum has discovered that winning $1 million in Lotto can come with a physical side effect after she started feeling faint during the confirmation phone call.

The Northern Yorke Peninsula resident held one of the two division one winning entries in Monday & Wednesday X Lotto draw, drawn Monday 26 June 2023.

Each entry took home $1 million. This morning, an official from The Lott reached out to the unsuspecting South Australian woman, who was left shocked by the revelation.

'Are you serious?! Far out!' she yelled. 'I shouldn't say this but, bloody hell! 'I'm going to faint in a minute. This is life-changing.

A The Northern Yorke Peninsula resident held one of the two division one winning entries (stock image provided by The Lott)

'I wondered who was calling me at seven o'clock in the morning. I thought it was a hoax! 'I've been playing for ages and ages. I thought for so long that I would never win division one!

'I just have an automated QuickPick that runs every week. I know the numbers off by heart.

'I'm going to ring my children after I compose myself.

'I can't believe this.'

With $1 million about to set her up for the new financial year, the regular player declared helping her children was a number one priority.

'I'm going to fix my children up with some houses. Oh my god, they're not going to believe this,' she said.

'I'm retired too, so this will really be a boost to retirement.

'Thank you so much for this phone call.'

Her winning entry 18-game QuickPick was purchased online.

The winning numbers in Monday & Wednesday X Lotto draw 4298 on Monday 26 June 2023 were 13, 37, 28, 33, 12 and 6, while the supplementary numbers were 4 and 34.
Victoria Police is investigating claims some officers have been altering their gender status to 'neutral' to collect higher pay in the form of a taxpayer-funded clothing allowance.

Male police officers receive a $2,554 civilian clothing allowance each, while their female colleagues receive $3,674 added to their pay.

The allegations involve officers changing their gender status in the HR system because those who are gender neutral get the higher female allowance.

Claims have emerged some Victoria Police officers are changing their status to 'gender neutral' with HR to collect a higher clothing allowance

According to last year's official figures 32 Victoria Police employees described themselves as non-binary while that number jumped to 111 by May 31 this year.

'Victoria Police is aware of these accusations and will be looking further into the matter,' a spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.

The claims first emerged on the discernableofficial Instagram page.

'We have unconfirmed reports from inside Victoria Police that management is pulling their hair out after a majority of a CIU (crime investigation unit) in southern region changed their profile in the HR system to be 'gender neutral', the page wrote.

'Members have confirmed that they will receive an extra $1,300 per year as a result of doing so and that it appears in their pay as a clothing allowance.'

One source told The Herald Sun it would be terrible news and offensive to the LGBTQI+ community if the allegations were true.

'It goes to their integrity,' the source said. 'For VicPol, this would be terrible and its taxpayers' money, this is offensive to genuine non-binary employees.'

Deputy Commissioner Neil Paterson said in February that Victoria Police was committed to addressing gender inequality.

'We all have a responsibility to our LGBTIQ+ employees and the LGBTIQ+ community we serve to be a safe and respectful workforce where all people, regardless of their sexual identity, gender expression or sex characteristics are encouraged to excel and thrive,' he said.
The Pennsylvania woman accused of driving her Army veteran boyfriend to suicide will face trial, as authorities revealed a disturbing pattern of texts she sent to her ex.

Mandie Reusch, 35, will stand trial on aiding suicide in the death of her estranged boyfriend and father of her daughter, Kevin Metzger, 37, on June 18, 2021.

State Trooper Phil Dern testified Tuesday that it's his belief that Metzger took his own life because Reusch repeatedly told him to do so.

'I hope you die,' Reusch wrote to Metzger May 4, 2021, according to Dern's testimony. 'There was multiple messages, her telling him to kill himself.'

Metzger's family watched on, as did Reusch, who left the courthouse Tuesday in a lavender blouse and pink-tinted sunglasses.

Mandie Reusch, 35, will stand trial on aiding suicide and harassment involving the death of her estranged boyfriend and father of her daughter, Kevin Metzger, 37, on June 18, 2021

Reusch is accused of telling Metzger to kill himself at least six times, according to WTAE.

He claimed that Metzger posted these messages to his Facebook page - and that he sent to his friend - in the days and hours leading up to his death.

'I believe that is definitely what his intent was as to why he did it,' Dern said, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Other messages showed Reusch saying he would not get to spend Father's Day with their child, adding that the girl had a 'new dad' and that she wanted a $250,000 life insurance policy.

'Enjoy not being a dad any more because you don't appreciate your daughter's mom,' she allegedly wrote.

In between, she would say she was sorry and that she still loved Metzger, but eventually she would go back to her more disturbing comments, Dern claimed.

'He made multiple comments to her via text message: 'You keep telling me to kill myself, you want me to die,' Dern said.

District Judge Rebecca C. Tyburski dismissed an additional count of harassment against Reusch. She is free on $150,000 bail.

State Trooper Phil Dern testified Tuesday that it's his belief that Metzger took his own life because Reusch repeatedly told him to do so

Other messages showed Reusch saying he would not get to spend Father's Day with their child, adding that the girl had a 'new dad' and that she wanted a $250,000 life insurance policy

District Judge Rebecca C. Tyburski dismissed an additional count of harassment against Reusch. She is free on $150,000 bail

Her attorneys, Phil DiLucente (pictured) and Timothy Lyon, are going to attempt to file to dismiss the remaining charge because they were filed after a two-year statute of limitations had expired

Her attorneys, Phil DiLucente and Timothy Lyon, are going to attempt to file to dismiss the remaining charge because they were filed after a two-year statute of limitations had expired.

Reusch's next appearance in court is set for August 30.

DailyMail.com previously obtained dozens of abusive messages sent over WhatsApp in which Reusch urged the former soldier to kill himself, threatened to shoot him and mocked him over the death of his beloved dog.

She had described in graphic detail sex with other men and sent a 49-second clip of her performing oral sex on her new partner as she berated Metzger with messages about how he was 'ugly, bald and had rotten teeth.'

Police said the messages for which she was indicted were among the 'most extreme' examples of bullying they had ever seen.

DiLucente told DailyMail.com that the texts were 'immoral' but that he is confident they did not meet the criminal threshold.

Just six weeks after the barrage of texts, Metzger took to Facebook before killing himself. He wrote: 'I can't do this anymore. She needs [to be] punished. The courts are too slow.'

Mandie Reusch, 35, and Kevin Metzger, 37, are pictured before their bitter estrangement. He killed himself on June 18 after prosecutors say she subjected him to 'heinous' bullying

Mandie Reusch, 35, is accused of aiding suicide and she will make her first appearance in court on June 27

In messages sent via WhatsApp and seen exclusively by DailyMail.com, Reusch tells Metzger that she's moving in with her new boyfriend, bragging about his sexual prowess.

The volley of messages began at 2.49am on May 5, 2021 - just over a month before Metzger took his own life.

She tells the father of her child that their daughter will refer to her new boyfriend as 'dad' from now on.

'You won't see her for Father's Day or any holiday,' Reusch writes while also complaining that Metzger owes her money.

'My kids will be literally better off with any role model other than you... if you show up here again we have a gun and I will call the police.'

'From now on we are [her new boyfriend's surname] and you do not exist. [He] is her dad now. Not you. Don't ever ask about her again. She isn't your daughter. You'll never hear about her again either.'

In another message, the suspect says that she 'hopes' for their daughter's sake that he 'kills himself.'

'She will call [him] "dad" because he's a way better dad than you. Kill yourself. I mean it... I actually want you to kill yourself because I think you are the worst person on this planet.'

Kevin Metzger, 37, was the victim of seemingly never ending abusive text messages that only ended when he took his own life in June 2021

In his obituary, Metzger's daughter is referred to as being the 'light of his life'

'Kevin just wanted to be a present dad and she tormented him for years,' a friend told DailyMail.com

In various messages, Reusch accuses Metzger of ruining Mother's Day for her. Seemingly because of this, she is willing to withhold parental access.

'Who knows how big she'll be when you see her again. Or if she will even remember you', she wrote.

In one exchange, Reusch says that Metzger killed their dog, Zoe. She says that she is shredding a book of photos of the pet, that the dog actually hated him and that she and her new boyfriend were going to have sex on top of the book.

'That dog f***ing hated you and ran away every chance she could. Just like I ran away to suck anyone else's d**k but yours because you're literally the worst person I've ever met in my life,' she wrote.

After saying that he killed their dog, Reusch once again says he will get shot if he attempts to come near to her.

On multiple occasions, Reusch refers to Metzger as a 'woman beater' and 'abusive.'

Reusch sends Metzger a photo of her new boyfriend and says that [Metzger] has ruined every holiday 'by making it about [Metzger's] bald head and beer belly and rotting teeth.'

A friend of Metzger's shared with DailyMail.com a Facebook post in which he said that Reusch was trying 'to get me to kill myself for the money. I got the texts.'

In this series of text messages, Reusch sent Metzger a clip of her performing oral sex on another man

'Kevin just wanted to be a present dad and she tormented him for years,' that friend told DailyMail.com.

Later, Reusch says that she will move with their child to West Virginia. 'Call my f***in' bluff,' she texts.

In a separate exchange she wrote: 'I wanted you to be normal and romantic one time. I wanted you to come to an agreement and follow it. It wasn't my fault that we didn't work. But damn am I going to get closure from you turning out to be the abusive f***head that you are.'

Reusch followed that message with a 49 second clip showing a woman performing oral sex on her new partner. She does not mention the clip in the text messages.

On Mother's Day 2021, Reusch texted Metzger to say she would be having sex with her new partner as their daughter 'calls him daddy,' prosecutors say

Throughout the barrage of text messages that were seen by DailyMail.com, Metzger never responds.

Reusch's attorney has rejected comparisons between the allegations facing his client and the 2014 case of Conrad Roy, then 18, and Michelle Carter, then 17.

In 2017, Carter was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter after it emerged that she sent Roy text messages encouraging him to commit suicide. He ended his life via carbon monoxide poisoning. Carter was released from prison in 2020.

DiLucente said that prosecutors are comparing the two cases. '[Carter] was actually telling him reinforcing him to do it, planning it, the methods and the means, you don't have any of that here, what you have is an emotional relationship between two persons involving their child,' the attorney said.

The lawyer said that the messages sent by Reusch to Metzger could be considered 'immoral.'

'I do not see it fitting a criminal charge such as aiding a suicide. There was no coercion, duress, there was no methods and means,' he said.

'There's always two sides to a story and our side of the story will be told in the course of this case,' DiLucente added.

'The preliminary hearings are going to be long. And I think there's going to be a wealth of information discerned,' the lawyer concluded.

Prosecutors have been investigating Metzger's death for two years.

Officials said his suicide note that began with the words 'maybe she was right' as well as postings on his Facebook page detailed the 'trail of torment and solicitation' that he was allegedly put through by Reusch. In a press release, prosecutors also called the messages she sent Metzger 'heinous and graphic.'

In court documents, Reusch is referred to as Metzger's 'on-again/off-again' girlfriend. The pair previously lived together in Irwin, Pennsylvania.

At a press conference, Trooper Steve Limani called the 'bullying' that Metzger endured as some of the worst he's ever seen.

'This is the next level or most extreme amount of bullying I've seen, read about, heard about, where somebody is constantly telling someone to end their life,' Limani said.

'You're talking about the three of the biggest triggers you can have when making someone feel awful,' he added.

In a separate interview with CBS Pittsburgh, DiLucente said: 'My God, if we're going to start prosecuting people for sending harsh texts to one another versus it being verbally communicated, then we are on a different path on our legal system.'
A Baltimore legal dynasty famed for representing the city's Catholic church is now suing the archdiocese, claiming that the son of a legal scion was sexually abused by a priest as a child  which ultimately drove him to a fatal overdose last year.

The children of Francis X. Gallagher Jr. filed the wrongful death suit Tuesday in the Baltimore Circuit Court, alleging that their father was sexually abused at the age of 14 while working the night shift as a receptionist at St. Mary's Seminary.

When he came forward years later, the lawsuit claims, the church refused to act on his allegations and even 'threatened' him for naming his alleged abuser.

Flannery and Liam Gallagher are now suing the St. Sulpice Foundation  the religious order that runs the seminary  as well as the Archdiocese of Baltimore, seeking an unspecified amount of damages.

The family of Francis X. Gallagher Jr., are suing the archdiocese in Baltimore because of his historical sexual abuse

They are also said to be considering adding the law firm their grandfather founded, Gallagher, Evelius & Jones, which has defended the church  and is continuing to do so in this suit.

According to the lawsuit, Flannery and Liam's grandfather, Francis X. Gallagher Sr., founded a law firm in 1961 that represented the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

'Frank Sr. was, by all accounts, the AOBs primary advisor in legal and political matters in the decade before he died,' the suit claims.

'In fact, Frank Sr. was named a Knight of St. Gregory, which was an honor bestowed in recognition of his personal service to the Catholic Church.'

He died in 1972, at just 43 years old, in the midst of a high-profile trial in which he was representing priests accused of anti-war activities.

The suit claims that his law firm, 'while making millions from Frank Sr's relationships and reputation,' gave almost no financial support to his widow and five young children.

To help out the family, Frank Jr then took a night receptionist job at the seminary, where he was allegedly abused by the Rev. Mark Haight, who is now listed on the archdiocese's compilation of clergy credibly accused of child sexual abuse.

A Maryland Attorney General's report on sexual abuse within the clergy mentions Haight took a 14-year-old boy, a night receptionist at St. Mary's, on a camping trip to Assateague Island, where he molested the boy in front of another seminarian, who said or did nothing.

The boy is not named in the report, but the Gallaghers insist it was their father.

Flannery, a DC lawyer herself, said at a news conference on Tuesday that she and her brother learned about their father's alleged abuse in the early 2000s, when Francis Jr. was reaching out to the church about his abuse claims.

After he died last year, Flannery said, she and Liam found his exchanges with the Archdiocese in which he names his alleged abuser and seeks to determine whether any other child was molested by him.

Documents obtained by the Washington Post show he reached out in April 2002 to Baltimore Auxiliary Bishop William Francis Malooly, who would go on to become the bishop of Delaware, and Rev. Patrick Carrion, associate director of clergy personnel, to discuss Haight.

Gallagher's father, Francis X. Gallagher Sr., right, pictured with Cardinal Lawrence Shehan, center, and Pope Paul VI, left

The children of Francis X. Gallagher Jr., shown here in his youth, filed the wrongful death suit Tuesday in the Baltimore Circuit Court

'One of my many regrets is that it took me 28 years to come forward,' Francis Jr. wrote in the letter. 'The thought that my silence on this matter could have contributed to others being abused is something that I will have to live with forever.

'I would therefore like to gain some understanding on a number of matters.'

But, the complaint says, the two men never replied.

Apparently desperate for answers, Francis Jr. then reached out to Bishop Howard Hubbard at the diocese in Albany, New York, where he knew Haight was working. He was removed from the priesthood in 1966.

Francis Jr. ultimately learned in June 2002 that Haight had abused other children in Albany and that Haight's history 'was not disclosed to any of the parishes in which he was assigned  no authorities were ever notified of Haight's crimes,' the suit alleges.

Just one month before, the complaint says, Francis Jr. wrote to Hubbard saying that by not taking action the 'Church is continuing to visit injustice upon me, upon the victims who have come forward and upon the others who I am certain continue to suffer silently in unimaginable ways.

'This is both shameful and cruel.'

He also wrote in a letter to St. Mary's Seminary President Robert Leavitt in July 2002 how upset he was about the archdiocese's lack of a response and said the seminary 'has demonstrated not the slightest expression of an apology, let alone acknowledgement' of the situation.

St. Mary's Seminary and University, a Catholic seminary located in Baltimore

The Baltimore archdiocese, the seat of the Catholic church in Charm City

At that point, the complaint alleges the archdiocese 'threatened' Francis Jr. as he continued to push for it to include Haight's name on its then-new list of priests and seminaries credibly accused of abuse.

If the archdiocese added Haight, the complaint alleges it told Francis Jr., it would also have to include his uncle, the Rev. Joe Gallagher, who was later deemed 'credibly accused' of child sexual abuse.

But Francis allegedly told the church to include both names.

Haight's name was finally added to the public list of clergy credibly accused of abuse in September 2002.

'Our father's trials were overwhelming and overwhelmingly unfair and undeserved,' Flannery said at the news conference Tuesday morning.

'His shame belongs to the defendants, so today, we hand it back to them.

'There are countless people in our community who suffer because of the horrific scourge in the church,' Flannery added. 'We honor and stand with them.'

In a statement to the Washington Post, the archdiocese said it was 'just learning of the pending litigation and cannot offer a response at this time.'

But, it said, 'the archdiocese offers it deepest sympathies and prayers for the family.'

DailyMail.com has also reached out to the archdiocese and Gallagher, Evelius & Jones for comment.
The heartbreaking final photo of Nicola Bulley shows the mother-of-school taking her children on the school run before she accidentally slipped into a river and died.

Ms Bulley was pictured on the family's Ring doorbell camera the morning of her tragic death in St Michaels on Wyre, Lancashire, it has been revealed.

The photo, which has been shown in evidence at the inquest into her death, shows the 45-year-old with her partner Paul Ansell as they usher their two daughters into her Mercedes on the morning of her disappearance.

Ms Bulley - sporting a ponytail, long black coat, joggers and ankle boots - then leaves her home. Shortly afterwards the mortgage adviser disappeared while walking her dog along the River Wyre.

Returning a conclusion of accidental death, senior coroner for Lancashire Dr James Adeley yesterday said Ms Bulley fell into the icy river at around 9.22am on January 27 and died almost immediately.

After hearing that an exhaustive police inquiry had ruled out the possibility of suicide or third-party involvement in the mother-of-two's death, her family hit out at internet trolls who continue to send them 'negative targeted messages'.

The heartbreaking final photo of Nicola Bulley shows the mother-of-school taking her children on the school run before she accidentally slipped into a river and died

Mother-of-two Nicola Bulley, 45, vanished while walking her dog in Lancashire on January 27

Ms Bulley alongside her partner Paul Ansell

Ms Bulley's family yesterday slammed 'wildly inaccurate speculation' on social media over the dog walker's disappearance as a coroner concluded she drowned after accidentally slipping into an icy river.

They appealed to the public to 'look at the facts', to 'ignore any amateur views and opinions' and to be 'mindful of the impact words bring'.

In a statement read out by Terry Wilcox of Hudgell Solicitors, the family said: Its upsetting that weve continued to receive negative targeted messages and still witness wildly inaccurate speculation being shared over numerous platforms.

We encourage people to look at the facts, the evidence which has been heard during the inquest, and the conclusion reached by the coroner, to ignore any amateur views and opinions, and be mindful of the impact words bring. The family also said the emotional impact will stay long in our hearts and that they will never get over the loss of our Nikki.

READ MORE - How mother's dog walk turned into mystery disappearance Advertisement

They thanked family, friends and complete strangers for their cards, gifts and support in the months since.

Their plea was reiterated by the top detective at the force which probed the 45-year-old's death.

Detective Chief Superintendent Pauline Stables, head of crime at Lancashire Police, said she hoped the coroner's 'clear and definitive findings will put an end ill-informed speculation and conspiracy theories which have been so damaging to Nikki's family'.

Ms Bulley vanished after dropping off her two daughters  aged six and nine  at school in the Lancashire village of St Michaels-on-Wyre, sparking a massive search.

Her partner, Mr Ansell, tearfully told the hearing he believed she fell after she put her mobile phone down on a bench to put their spaniel, Willow, on its harness after a walk.

When she didnt return home, he sent her a text, which read: Have you got lost? before frantically calling six times in seven minutes. Twenty minutes later, he got a phone call from the school saying Nicolas phone and Willow had been found by the river.

Dr Adeley said there was no evidence enabling him to say why Ms Bulley fell into the water, which was so cold that she would have lost consciousness in seconds.

His conclusions came after it was revealed for the first time that Ms Bulleys sister had called an ambulance 17 days before her disappearance over worries about her alcohol consumption and comments about 'not wanting to be here'.

Ms Bulley's sister, Louise Cunningham, broke down as she told how her sibling had been struggling with the menopause and her 'increased alcohol use'

Nicola Bulley fell into the icy river at around 9.22am on January 27 and died almost immediately, the coroner ruled. She had been walking her dog Willow (pictured) at the time of her tragic accident

The inquest was also told that Ms Bulley had struggled with side-effects from taking hormone replacement therapy after being diagnosed as menopausal the year before, including headaches and difficulty sleeping.

But her family insisted she had been 'full of beans' the night before her disappearance after securing a business deal, and was making plans for the coming days and weeks.

With no sign of her body despite the huge search efforts, amateur sleuths took to social media and even began harassing villagers as they spread outlandish theories.

Horrors of social media A rash of outlandish conspiracy theories spiralled on social media following Nicola Bulley's disappearance  alongside other shocking posts. TikTok user Curtis Arnold, 34, was arrested for sharing footage of Ms Bulley's body being recovered from the river, and was held again last weekend for allegedly stalking residents of St Michael's-on-Wyre  which he denies.

Bodybuilder Dan Duffy, 36, was held for a public order offence in February and fined 90 after filming himself searching buildings near the river and confronting locals for his TikTok channel, racking up 1.2million views.

Self-styled psychics posted theories on social media, with one sharing a sketch of an imagined person who had 'abducted' Ms Bulley.

Facebook users spread unfounded false rumours about Ms Bulley's friends and a bogus claim that she had been found in a loft in Swansea. One page attracted 25,000 members.

As amateur sleuths piled into St Michael's, police imposed a dispersal order, later saying video-makers had 'distracted significantly' from their efforts. Advertisement

Police faced a storm of criticism after revealing Ms Bulley had been experiencing significant issues with alcohol brought on by her struggle with the menopause.

Her body was finally found just over a mile downstream more than three weeks after she fell in. The inquest at County Hall in Preston heard the riverbank adjacent to where Ms Bulleys phone was found was almost vertical.

As a result, anyone who fell would end up in the water, which was 15ft (4.6m) deep.

Dr Adeley said he had accepted evidence from experts on drowning that cold water shock would have set in immediately on plunging into the 3.6C (38.5F) river.

The coroner said that whether or not Nikkis first breath was above or below the water, she would have lost consciousness and have died before reaching the first point in the River Wyre where she could have touched the bottom.

Giving evidence, Mr Ansell, 44, broke down in tears and had to compose herself after agreeing Ms Bulley was an incredible mum.

He said she had seemed 'normal' as she got their daughters ready for school on the morning she vanished.

Asked if she had ever expressed suicidal thoughts, Mr Ansell said she had made a couple of throwaway comments in the run-up to her disappearance, but nothing that gave me concern.

Earlier the hearing was told an ambulance was sent to her home in Inskip on January 10 after her sister, Louise Cunningham, raised concerns about her escalating alcohol consumption and not wanting to 'engage' with her two daughters.

She had also made comments about 'not wanting to be here', her inquest heard.

It came after what she described as a 'blip' over Christmas last year when she stopped taking HRT medication she had been given for menopause symptoms because of the side-effects.

Giving evidence yesterday, Mrs Cunningham said she had been 'concerned' and wanted 'peace of mind'.

But the 42-year-old insisted: 'She's never, ever confided in me about any suicidal thoughts or anything like that at all.'

Saying it had been 'a bit of a wake-up call' for her sister, she said Ms Bulley reduced her alcohol consumption afterwards and seemed more herself.

Asked what she thought happened on the morning of her disappearance, Mrs Cunningham said: 'There's no way Nikki would leave Willow unattended by choice.'

Terry Wilcox delivering the family's statement outside County Hall in Preston today

Ms Bulley was in bed when mental health nurse Theresa Lewis Leevy went upstairs to see her on January 10 and was clearly 'intoxicated', she told the hearing.

'She didn't want to engage in conversation,' she said. 'The interaction it's fair to say was quite brief.' The following day Ms Bulley was seen at A&E at Blackpool Victoria Hospital after injuring the back of her head in a fall the previous evening, the inquest was told.

A CT scan was carried out on her head but there was no sign of injury.

The Information Commissioner's Office said last month it would be taking no action over the disclosure about Ms Bulley's health.

It said it had heard about the 'challenging' task of deciding what information to release during a 'fast-paced' investigation.

The College of Policing is currently carrying out an independent review into Lancashire Polices handling of the case.
An underground 'bush rave' has been raided by police with $400,000 worth of drugs allegedly found and dozens of arrests made.

Police arrested 53 people, who now face a total of 110 charges, at the Weedy Wonka's Winter Solstice electronic music festival, at Googa Creek, inland from Queensland's Sunshine Coast held between June 22 and 25.

During the four day operation $160,000 worth of ketamine, $127,000 worth of MDMA was allegedly seized by various police squads, as well as quantities of cannabis, LSD and cocaine.

Police believe the drugs were destined for sale at the four-day dance music event.

Police seized MDMA, ketamine, cocaine, LSD and cannabis and arrested 53 people, at the electronic music festival inland from Queensland's Sunshine Coast

During the four day operation $160,000 worth of ketamine, $127,000 worth of MDMA was seized by various police squads, as well as cannabis, LSD and cocaine. Pictured, revellers dancing at the festival

More than $12,000 in cash was also seized in 'Operation Googa Creek'.

Officers from the South Burnett Patrol Group, including detectives from the Stock and Rural Crime Squad, Brisbane Dog Squad, Tactical Crime Squad and the Highway Patrol, were involved in the operation.

Among the 53 arrests were a Victorian man, 35, and a Toowoomba man, 39 who faced a combined 22 charges.

The 35 year old was charged with 13 offences, including supplying dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs, possessing utensil, and obstructing police.

He will face Kingaroy Magistrate's Court on December 14.

The 39 year old was charged with nine offences, including supplying dangerous drug, possessing dangerous drug and possessing property obtained from supplying or trafficking.

He appeared at Toowoomba Magistrates Court on June 26.

The ticketed camping festival, which had more than 2,000 responses on social media, involved 60-plus producers, live bands and DJs including Captain Cooked, Trip Sitta, MDM8, Party Shaman and DJ Daddy Cam.

It was held on a rural block of land between Thursday and Sunday, June 22-25.

Event organisers described it as 'an opportunity to go inward with deep intention, to care for our spiritual selves, our bodies and minds, our loved ones and families'.

Queensland police released a confronting video of dog handlers going through a modified campervan on the Weedy Wonka site.

In the clip officers assembled cash and bags of white powders and 'a crystal substance' on a bench for filming.

'Police in the South Burnett will continue to focus on illicit drug activity and target those driving on our roads under the influence of drugs or liquor,' said Inspector Scott Stahlhut.
Police have moved to investigate the accused's household in Raby

A young man who allegedly stabbed a paramedic multiple times in a frenzied fatal attack will remain behind bars on remand.

Jordan Fineanganofo, 21, has been charged with murdering paramedic Steven Tougher in the back of an ambulance on April 14.

Mr Tougher had been taking a meal break at Campbelltown McDonalds around 5.30am after a night shift when he was approached by his alleged assailant.

Police claim Mr Fineanganofo wrenched open the back doors to the emergency vehicle and stabbed the paramedic several times.

Mr Tougher was rushed to Liverpool Hospital in a critical condition, but he later died.

The 21-year-old who allegedly stabbed paramedic, Steven Tougher (pictured), will remain behind bars until his court date on July 12

Police tasered Mr Fineanganofo at the scene and arrested him over the paramedic's murder.

His lawyer Javid Faiz previously told reporters his client suffered from mental health issues and was undergoing an assessment.

On Wednesday, he told Campbelltown Local Court that he would not be asking for his client to be released from custody.

The 21-year-old has been in police custody for more than 10 weeks, and the court heard he will remain behind bars on remand for another fortnight until he returns to court.

The court heard police were making an urgent application for a court order to allow them to carry out a forensic procedure on the Raby resident to preserve potential evidence.

The police prosecutor also made an interim application for a court order to allow police to obtain the alleged forensic evidence urgently due to its time-sensitive nature.

Magistrate Peter Thompson adjourned both forensic procedure applications for two weeks.

Mr Fineanganofo will return to court on July 12.

Jordan Fineanganofo was tasered and arrested at a Campbeltown McDonald's after opening the doors of Mr Tougher's emergency vehicle and stabbing the paramedic to death on April 14

Police are attempting to gain permission to search Mr Fineanganofo's house in nearby Raby, but have been stalled for another two weeks until the accused's court date

His court appearance comes more than a month after Mr Tougher's wife Madison gave birth to a baby girl, who she named in honour of her late husband.

She had been weeks away from giving birth to the couple's second child when her husband was tragically slain.

Mr Tougher has been remembered by loved ones for his empathy, kindness, and compassion.

'Steven's dedication to helping others shone brightest during his work as a NSW Ambulance paramedic and previously as a nurse,' his family said in a statement.

'He had a way of calming fears, offering words of solace, and showing kindness in the midst of chaotic or traumatic events.'

His family said the 29-year-old had been blessed with 'an uncanny ability to connect with people' and 'provide care with genuine warmth and empathy' to meet their needs.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said the stabbing was a 'terrible situation' for the NSW Ambulance to experience.

'It's a reminder that it's a very difficult and dangerous job,' he said.
Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey will stand trial today accused of sex offences against four men.

The Hollywood star, 63, previously denied 12 charges including sexual assault and indecent assault. Southwark Crown Court will hear about allegations from between 2001 and 2013.

The actor pleaded not guilty in January to three counts of indecent assault, three counts of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.

The two-time Academy Award winner also previously denied four further charges of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

Kevin Spacey will stand trial today accused of sex offences against four men. The star, 63, previously denied 12 charges including sexual assault and indecent assault. Spacey is pictured leaving the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London after attending the opening of his trial on June 16, 2022

In an initial court hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court in June, Spacey's lawyer, Patrick Gibbs QC, said his client 'strenuously denies any and all criminality in this case'.

Mr Gibbs said the defendant returned to the UK 'to establish his innocence' and 'proceed with his life'.

He is known for starring in House of Cards, American Beauty and The Usual Suspects and was the artistic director at The Old Vic theatre in London between 2004 and 2015.

The actor has an address in Waterloo, south London, but also lives in the US, where he has family and a dog.

Spacey is on unconditional bail.
The devastated father and grandfather of two Titanic submersible victims wiped away his tears as he shared how 'terribly excited' the pair were to be seeing the shipwreck.

Hussain Dawood said his son Shahzada and grandson Suleman were thrilled to be on the OceanGate voyage to the Titanic, noting how they had a 'high spirit of exploration'.

He told their memorial service that before leaving for their voyage into the depths of the Atlantic, Shahzada, 48, and 19-year-old Suleman had convinced him that 'we should go to Antarctica, too' next winter.

Echoing her father-in-law's sentiment, Christine Dawood shared how her husband and son were 'best friends' who 'belonged together'. She shared how she knew from the moment Mr Dawood first held their son that he had 'found a long-lost companion for his adventures to come'.

The father-son duo were among the five passengers on the Titan submersible that imploded near the site of the Titanic, killing everyone onboard.

British billionaire Hamish Harding, Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet and OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush also died in the implosion.

Shahzada Daswood and his 19-year-old son Suleman were 'terribly excited' to see the Titanic shipwreck, Shahzada's father Hussain has revealed. The grieving father and grandfather told their memorial service how the pair had a 'high spirit of exploration'

The father-son duo were among the five passengers on the Titan submersible that imploded near the site of the Titanic, killing everyone onboard

Hussain Dawood told their memorial service yesterday that before leaving for their voyage into the depths of the Atlantic, Shahzada, 48, and 19-year-old Suleman had convinced him that 'we should go to Antarctica, too' next winter

The family's charity, the Dawood Foundation, held a virtual memorial yesterday honouring the father-son duo. The service was broadcast on YouTube.

Mr Dawood, speaking through his tears, told the service that his son and grandson were gifts of God that had been taken back by God.

He also described the two as martyrs and said 'martyrs go straight to paradise.'

'What does the father say' when he faces such a tragedy, he asked, adding: 'Both of them (were) so excited. So terribly excited about going to see the Titanic.'

He revealed how it was 'amazing' that his son not only 'exhibited a spirit of entrepreneurship but a high spirit of exploration'.

'Shahzada and Suleman both convinced us that we should go to Antarctica with them this coming winter and how excited they were - an amazing father and son,' he said. 'I'm actually convinced they have enriched our lives beyond measure.

'We will take forward their legacy.'

Mrs Dawood, also in tears, shared memories of her life with her husband, including when she first met him and their wedding in Pakistan's eastern city of Lahore.

When Suleman was born, her husband was happy like other fathers but 'when he held his son for the first time, I just knew these two belong together,' she said.

'His expression was like finding a long-lost companion for adventures to come.

'These two best friends embarked upon this last voyage, their final journey together.'

Christine Dawood shared how her husband and son were 'best friends' who 'belonged together'. She shared how she knew from the moment Mr Dawood first held their son that he had 'found a long-lost companion for his adventures to come'

She said that when Suleman was born, her husband was happy like other fathers but 'when he held his son for the first time, I just knew these two belong together'. She and Suleman are pictured together

Titan sub carried out at least 10 expeditions to the wreckage of the Titanic before disaster struck: READ MORE Advertisement

Mrs Dawood was on board the Titan's mothership on June 18 when she got word that communications with the sub had been lost during its voyage to the ocean floor.

In her remarks, she thanked those who had helped the family in its time of grief.

She added: 'These past few days have been incredibly challenging as a family. Emotions from excitement to shock to hope and finally despair and grief.'

The Titan launched at 8am on June 18 and was reported overdue that afternoon about 435 miles (700 kilometers) south of St. John's, Newfoundland.

Rescuers rushed ships, planes and other equipment to the area and a frantic five-day search commenced.

But any sliver of hope that remained for finding the crew alive was wiped away early on Thursday, when the Coast Guard announced debris had been found near the Titanic.

Mrs Dawood had previously admitted she had finally 'lost hope' on when 96 hours had passed since her husband and son boarded the submersible, meaning they had run out of oxygen.

Hours later, the US Coast Guard informed them that debris had been found. It was then announced the Titan had imploded and the five people on board were dead.

Speaking about initially holding out hope, she told the BBC over the weekend: 'We all thought they are just going to come up, so that shock was delayed by about ten hours or so.

'By the time they were supposed to be up again, there was a time... when they were supposed to be up on the surface again and when that time passed, the real shock, not shock but the worry and the not so good feelings, started.'

Christine Dawood with her husband, Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood

Billionaire adventurer Hamish Harding, who also lost his life onboard Titan, looking out to sea before boarding the submersible

French Navy veteran Paul-Henri Nargeolet (left) Stockton Rush (right), CEO of the OceanGate Expedition, also lost their lives on Titan

Mrs Dawood and daughter Alina hugged and joked with the father-son duo before they entered the submersible. The heartbroken mother also told of her son's plan to break the Guinness world record for solving a Rubik's Cube at the greatest depth under water  3,700 metres (12,140ft) below sea level.

She said Suleman went everywhere with his Rubik's Cube, which he had taught himself to solve in only 12 seconds.

Mrs Dawood added: 'He applied for a world record because he wanted to solve a Rubik's Cube at the deepest point.'

His application was rejected but those aboard the Titan were still planning to film the attempt.

Mrs Dawood said she and her daughter have vowed to learn how to solve the Rubik's Cube in Suleman's honour.
Virgin Australia has launched a brand new route between Australia and Japan with the popular airline selling direct return flights from $699.

The airline now has flights going between Cairns and Tokyo for the first time with same-day connecting flights scheduled from major cities across Australia including Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

The first flight on the new route left Cairns at 1.15pm on Wednesday and was due to arrive at Haneda Airport by 8pm local time.

The airline has also put up 2,000 seats for grabs each week, and is promoting its 'Take off for Tokyo' sale offering travellers an Economy Lite return ticket from $699.

Virgin Australia now has flights going between Cairns and Tokyo for the first time with direct flights taking off daily

The airline is promoting its 'Take off for Tokyo' sale offering travellers keen to take in the sights in Tokyo (pictured) an Economy Lite return ticket from $699 (pictured)

Same-day connecting flights to Cairns (pictured) will also be scheduled from major cities across Australia including Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane

The hot sale will go to midnight AEST on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, unless sold out sooner.

'We expect the fares to sell out quickly so we are encouraging travellers to get in early to make the most of the sale,' Velocity Frequent Flyer CEO and Japan Services Representative, Nick Rohrlach said.

'We know that Cairns has consistently ranked as one of the most popular tourist destinations among Japanese visitors to Australia and we are thrilled to unlock a new convenient gateway for Japanese travellers.'

Mr Rohrlach said the airline would also provide Japanese food on board the Cairns to Haneda flight which includes a Japanese bento box, pan fried pork dumplings and miso soup on the menu.

Cairns Airport chief operating officer Garry Porter said the new services was good timing, saying the mild winter weather in North Queensland is the 'perfect backdrop' for visitors.

The hot sale will go to midnight AEST on Tuesday, July 4 2023 unless sold out sooner
Schofield's mother Pat has been treated for an unknown condition in hospital

Phillip Schofield's elderly mother Pat is back at her Cornwall home following a stay in hospital after she fell seriously ill.

MailOnline has been told that the 87-year-old returned home and is being cared for by the ex-This Morning presenter, who held a vigil at her bedside over the weekend.

Schofield, 61, is believed to be planning to stay with her at her home in Newquay for the foreseeable while she recuperates from the unknown condition.

She was admitted to a hospital near her home at the weekend after the strain of her son's conviction became too much for her. Timothy Schofield was sentenced to 12 years in prison for sexually abusing a teenage boy.

A source told MailOnline today: 'It's a relief for everyone that Pat is home, it has been a terribly torrid time for her. She has been under so much stress lately.

'It is a lot for anyone, let alone someone of her age. Phillip is playing the dutiful son and is planning to spend time in Cornwall caring for her.'

The source added that Schofield has been putting his beloved mother before himself despite his own troubles. He admitted to having an affair with a much younger This Morning colleague while married to his wife Stephanie Lowe and lying about it.

Schofield has sought support from his mother following his high-profile exit from ITV on May 26. MailOnline has contacted his representative for comment.

He was pictured driving outside her home on June 19 with his cousin David Schofield - weeks after the presenter and his mother were seen hugging on a bench overlooking the sea in Newquay last month.

Another TV insider revealed how much the former This Morning host 'adores' his mother and he is trying to remain hopeful over her illness.

Phillip Schofield leaves his mother's house with cousin David in Newquay on June 19

Phillip Schofield has been holding a vigil at his mother's hospital bedside

A TV insider revealed how much the former This Morning host 'adores' his mother and he is trying to remain hopeful over her illness

Schofield has sought support from his mother following his high-profile exit from ITV

Phillip Schofield drives away from his mother's house on June 19 with his cousin in Newquay

Philip also once described his love for Cornwall in his autobiography, calling it a great place to grow up

Phillip Schofield is pictured behind the wheel of the car in Newquay on June 19

Schofield, 61, is believed to be planning to stay with her at her home in Newquay for the foreseeable while she recuperates

The source told The Sun: 'Given the stress Phillip has been through in recent weeks, this couldn't have come at a worse time for the family.

READ MORE: Phillip Schofield breaks cover for the first time in a month Advertisement

'Given that his mother was the woman Phillip turned to in his hour of need, her illness is a particularly cruel twist of fate.'

Prior to seeing Phillip being axed from This Morning, Pat had to endure seeing her other child Timothy Schofield, being jailed for child sex offences in May.

The 54-year-old was convicted of 11 sexual offences involving a child between October 2016 and October 2019, including two of sexual activity with a child, after a trial at Exeter Crown Court in April.

The civilian police worker from Bath told the jury while giving evidence that he had watched pornography with the boy who he insisted was over the age of 16 at the time.

He claimed they had performed sexual acts while sitting apart, but the jury found Timothy guilty on all counts with a majority of 10-2 after more than five-and-a-half hours of deliberation.

Phillip Schofield shares an emotional moment with his mother Pat in Cornwall

She has been treated for an unknown condition at a hospital in Cornwall for several days

Avon and Somerset Police later dismissed Timothy, who had been suspended from his job at the force's headquarters in Portishead after being arrested and charged, without notice.

Phillip, who recently broke his cover for the first time in a month as he clutched his car keys, mobile phone and a vape, has said he and his brother did not have close relationship because of a seven-year age gap and the broadcaster's decision to leave home aged 10.

The brothers grew up in Newquay together after the family moved there when Philip was 18 months old.

Their parents, Pat and Brian, fell in love with the region on their honeymoon and eventually decided to relocate there from Lancashire.

Phillip Schofield and his brother Tim Schofield kiss their mother Pat on the cheek

The paedophile brother of TV presenter Phillip Schofield has been jailed for child sex offences

Timothy Schofield was found guilty of 11 offences between October 2016 and October 2019, including two of sexual activity with a child

The former This Morning presenter broke his cover for the first time in a month recently

Schofield once described his love for Cornwall in his autobiography, calling it a great place to grow up.

He said: 'To grow up in the place where everybody else came on their holidays was lucky and then some. The beach was core to the life of the town, our family and my school friends, though I have a problem with sand.'

The TV star's first job was working at an ice cream shop on Fistral beach.

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Schofield was axed from This Morning last month after spending 21 year there.

The scandal which ended his career centered around an affair he had with a runner who was more than 30 years his junior.

In his grovelling apology one month ago, Schofield said: 'I am making this statement via the Daily Mail, to whom I have already apologised personally for misleading, through my lawyer who I also misled, about a story [sic] which they wanted to write about me a few days ago.

'The first thing I want to say is: I am deeply sorry for having lied to them, and to many others about a relationship that I had with someone working on This Morning. I did have a consensual on-off relationship with a younger male colleague at This Morning.

'Contrary to speculation, whilst I met the man when he was a teenager and was asked to help him to get into television, it was only after he started to work on the show that it became more than a just a friendship. That relationship was unwise, but not illegal. It is now over...

'I am painfully conscious that I have lied to my employers at ITV, to my colleagues and friends, to my agents, to the media and therefore the public and most importantly of all to my family. I am so very, very sorry, as I am for having been unfaithful to my wife...

'I am resigning from ITV with immediate effect, expressing my immense gratitude to them for all the amazing opportunities that they have given me.

Schofield pictured alongside his former co-star Holly Willoughby

Schofield stepped down from ITV after he admitted to having an affair with a much younger male This Morning colleague

'I will reflect on my very bad judgement in both participating in the relationship and then lying about it.'

Holly Willoughby, who has kept her role presenting on This Morning, was last seen partying away at Glastonbury Festival.

The 42-year-old was spotted arriving at the hotly-anticipated festival by helicopter along with her husband Dan Baldwin.

She reportedly enjoyed a boozy 12-hour day out at Glastonbury on Friday, when the Arctic Monkeys headlined.

She partied and danced with the likes of Princess Eugenie, Peter Crouch, actor Jamie Dornan and Lily James until the early hours of the morning, according to The Sun.

However, it appeared that the crowds at Glastonbury on Friday night couldn't resist an opportunity to mock Schofield.

Some members of the crowd were seen by The Mirror holding up a huge flag displaying Schofield puffing on his Lost Mary vape in his interview with The Sun - his first since admitting to the affair.

It was captioned: 'Phillip Schofield says he's vaping so much his hands are blistered,' mocking the presenter's dishevelled appearance.

During the interview, Schofield showed his 'collection' of blisters and calluses, according to The Sun.

He said: 'I've been vaping, a lot. I didn't realise until suddenly it hurt, but I've been sitting looking up at the sky or out of the window, just staring into space.

'I just sit on the sofa and stare. I realise by doing that, I've blistered both hands.'

Holly Willoughby put the recent Phillip Schofield drama behind her as she partied in a '12-hour' boozy day out at Glastonbury with her pals on Friday

Crowds at Glastonbury on Friday night couldn't resist an opportunity to mock fallen TV presenter Phillip Schofield

Earlier on Friday, Phillip was pictured looking 'very tired' with a plastic shopping bag in Cornwall

Last week it was revealed that Willoughby is set to return to ITV's Dancing On Ice after her former co-star was axed.

Despite rumours she would be replaced, sources close to the presenter say that she plans to be back on the show when it airs early next year.

MailOnline has learned the This Morning host is keen to stay on and will begin contract talks in the autumn where she will also have a say in the identity of her new co-host.
A 15-year-old girl has died in a horror crash when the car she was in - allegedly being driven by a 14-year-old girl - slammed into a truck in rural Victoria.

A Holden Captiva, which was reported stolen, collided with a truck on the Hume Highway in Locksley at about 8.30am on Wednesday.

Montanna Russell, 15, who was seated in the front seat, died at the scene.

The alleged teen driver sustained upper body injuries and was flown to hospital in a stable condition.

A 12-year-old boy also inside the vehicle was taken to Royal Children's Hospital in a stable condition.

Montanna Russell (pictured), 15, who was seated in the front seat of the Holden Captiva, tragically died at the scene

A teenage girl has died and another has been taken to hospital following a horror crash in rural Victoria where an allegedly stolen car slammed into a truck. (pictured, police at the crash site)

The car and the truck were travelling north on the highway.

It's understood the vehicle crashed into the right side of the truck's rear.

Superintendent Michael Layton said the Captiva was 'driving erratically' on the road and police were searching for it before the crash.

'Quite tragically, before police had the opportunity to intervene the collision was reported,' he said.

'(It's) a life-changing event unfortunately for the family of the deceased 15-year-old girl.'

He explained that the Captiva was reported stolen from a home in the Wangaratta area just before midnight on Tuesday.

'The car was (allegedly) taken from a driveway up in the northeast, up near Wangaratta, and those circumstances obviously are forming part of the investigation as to the occupants, where they've travelled, what they were doing and where they'd been prior to the collision occurring.'

It's understood the vehicle Montana was in crashed into the right side of the truck's rear

The collision occurred on the Hume Highway at Locksley in Victoria's north on Wednesday morning

The teenagers in the car are believed to be friends from the Wangaratta region, according to the superintendent.

'This is a tragic scene and high risk-taking behaviour by youths. It's totally avoidable and I'd also say it's probably the worst nightmare of every parent who might be dealing with rebellious teens and young people,' he said.

The 14-year-old girl who was allegedly behind the wheel of the stolen car is expected to be charged.

'Undoubtedly, there will be consequences from today's event,' Supt Layton added.

The truck driver, Clint Sneddon, 45, was not hurt in the crash and is assisting police with their enquiries.

'They hit me that hard, I got jolted,' Mr Sneedon told Nine News.

'They were yelling and screaming.'

He described the crash as 'terrible' and said he was 'an innocent person' who now had to 'deal with it'.

The truck driver, Clint Sneddon, 45, was not hurt in the crash and is assisting police with their investigation

Superintendent Michael Layton said the Captiva was 'driving erratically' on the road and police were searching for it before the crash

Friends and family of Ms Russell have posted moving tributes to the teen on social media following the tragedy.

'Sending my condolences. Rest easy beautiful girl,' wrote one.

Another said: 'Such a beautiful girl We will miss you so much.'

'My heart is breaking with this news about Montana,' added a third.

Anyone with information about the crash or dashcam footage has been urged to contact police.
It was one of television's great friendships between a man and a dog that charmed children and parents alike in the 1970s.

But Blue Peter presenter John Noakes was left bitter amid his claims he was forced apart from his beloved dog Shep by BBC bosses after he left the show.

However, a new book has now alleged that Noakes did actually keep his border collie - before giving it away when he decided to go on a round-the-world sailing trip.

The biography of Blue Peter editor Biddy Baxter claims the BBC did not forcibly separate Noakes and Shep when the presenter said he was leaving in 1977.

Noakes was initially told he could take Shep with him, but was then asked to sign a disclaimer that the dog would not appear in adverts or shows by competitors.

This left Noakes so angry that he tore up the paper on his last day at work and threw the pieces on the studio floor, according to Baxter's biographer Richard Marson.

Blue Peter presenter John Noakes with his beloved dog Shep, in May 1978

(From left) John Noakes, Valerie Singleton and Peter Purves with pets. Singleton holds Jason, the Blue Peter cat; Noakes holds Shep; and Purves holds Petra, another Blue Peter dog, in 1971

(From left) Blue Peter presenters Peter Purves, Lesley Judd, Valerie Singleton and John Noakes with his dog Shep in May 1972

John Noakes sitting back-to-back with the Blue Peter dog Shep in Television Centre

However, Noakes and Shep were then said to have lived happily together for the next few years - and Shep appeared with him in several series of the presenter's BBC adventure show Go With Noakes.

The claims are made in the new book 'Biddy Baxter: The Woman Who Made Blue Peter'

Noakes then signed a contract to make a dog food advert, reported the Daily Telegraph. But because Shep could not appear, a lookalike named Skip was hired, who also then lived with Noakes.

The book - 'Biddy Baxter: The Woman Who Made Blue Peter'  then states that both dogs were given away when the couple decide to sell their home and go on a huge sailing adventure.

Noakes's widow, Vicky, told Mr Marson: 'Dogs find being at sea quite disturbing and get very anxious.'

And Mr Marson said: 'John and Vicky took the lifechanging decision to sell their home in Britain and embark on an epic sailing adventure. Neither Shep nor Skip would be joining them.'

Shep was rehomed with Blue Peter's long-standing pet keeper Edith Menezes.

The dog was owned by the BBC, which paid an allowance to cover expenses.

Blue Peter host John Noakes on his yacht with Vicky Noakes in 1994. Noakes died in 2017

John Noakes watering the plants at his home in Majorca in 2000, where he moved with his wife

Biddy Baxter, who edited the programme from 1962 to 1988

Biddy Baxter poses with a Bafta Special Award in London in November 2013

Noakes first claimed in 1983 that the BBC had forcibly separated him from Shep, which resulted in Baxter receiving letters wrongly accusing her of cruelty.

John Noakes and Shep on the cover of the Blue Peter annual, published in January 1972

The presenter had said: 'I thought Shep was mine - they told me I could keep him, but they went back on their word.'

Noakes famously loathed Baxter until his death in 2017, with issues over the ownership of Shep being a crucial point.

Noakes and his wife moved from Britain to Majorca after their sailing adventure, but visited Shep shortly before the dog died in 1987. Ms Menezes died in 1994.

Mrs Noakes said of their final visit to see the dog: 'We had just been to see Shep. By this time, he had stomach problems and was pretty much blind.

'But, immediately he heard John's voice, whoosh, down the path he went like a bullet and they were reunited. They were good mates and John loved him.'

Baxter, who edited Blue Peter from 1962 to 1988, is now aged 90. Mr Marson worked on Blue Peter for almost a decade, as producer and later its editor.

Biddy Baxter: The Woman Who Made Blue Peter is out on July 3, priced at 17.99
Furious parents are calling for a set by controversial comedian Roy Chubby Brown to be cancelled at a family hotel in Lanzarote, claiming it is a 'disgusting' act to host in a venue with young children.

Roy Chubby Brown, real name Royston Vasey, 78, has been booked to perform at the HL Rio Playa Blanca hotel at the start of September, sparking concerns children will be exposed to his 'offensive' material.

The hotel, which is billed as a holiday village, or family-orientated hotel, charges from 700 per person for a seven-day all-inclusive package.

MailOnline understands tickets for the event begin at 35, and it will be hosted in the hotel's amphitheatre which is not believed to be soundproof.

Yet Brown is best known for his divisive act which often includes sexually explicit and controversial humour.

Brown is best known for his divisive act which often includes sexually explicit and controversial humour

The show is being advertised as having a resident discount

It was later confirmed by TUI that the event, which was organised independently by the hotel, had been cancelled.

Reacting to the news of the event, one parent said: 'Surely not! I've seen Chubbs 3 times and I would NOT take me kids to see him. I'm not easily offended but jeez come on!! He's ruthless!'

Another said they would not pay to see the comic, but: 'I'd pay to get rid of him.'

After the date was announced on the comedian's social media last week, people took to online social media groups to alert other holidaymakers to the situation.

One parent spoken to by MailOnline said: 'I think it's outrageous that this comedian thinks it's suitable to tell his foul mouthed stories in a hotel that's being sold to families.'

They added online: 'Good luck to anyone going to the Holiday Village in early September. Britons number one adult stand up comedian is booked to do a show in the amphitheatre.

'It's not a soundproof structure so I guess the kids will be coming home with a few more new words than Hola.'

Others described the choice as 'disgusting' and said: 'That's shocking, he's horrific, I would be complaining.'

Another outraged parent added: 'How on earth did they approve this surely they had to have been asked! What on earth is going through the hotel's mind agreeing to host this in a family complex?'

Some who had booked holidays at the hotel also expressed anger towards travel firms.

The Rio Playa Blanca hotel (pictured) is described as a 'holiday village', meaning it is popular among families with young children

One woman said: 'TUI need to do something about it,' while another said the hotel had 'well and truly ditched the holiday village tag'.

The show will take place on September 7, starting at 7pm. It will be hosted by Gary Gobstopper.

Roy Chubby Brown's manager Ritchie Hoyle released a statement online, which read: 'There is NO WAY! that Roy would perform anywhere where children could hear the show or are involved.. or for that matter where anybody who Roys comedy is not their cup of tea could hear the show!

'I think you know Roy and myself by now regarding not offending anyone, let alone children!!

'I am in communication with the Lanzarote promoter and hotel management getting confirmation that only people who know exactly what they are getting will be able to hear Roys performance! and certainly NOT children!!

'To say Im shocked is an understatement! that anybody could even think Roy or myself would allow that to happen!'

Brown has hit headlines previously after slamming 'cancel culture' which he says has seen him banned from venues across the UK.

Just this week another venue, the Rhyl Pavilion, told him he would not be invited back to the venue because the show was 'no longer fitting'.

A statement posted on Facebook by manager Mr Hoyle claimed the venue turned down a request for a 2024 show as it does not align with its 'inclusive programme'.

Other venues to have recently confirmed Brown is not welcome include Crewe's Lyceum Theatre and the Empire Theatre in Consett.

A review of Brown's show in the Telegraph in January claimed his act included gags about the Holocaust and spiking women's drinks, and that he used the p-word and 'a variation on the n-word' live on stage.

He has previously been accused of using other racial slurs and joking about the AIDS crisis.

Roy Chubby Brown, the Rio Playa Blanca hotel and TUI have been contacted for comment.
Hundreds of fraudsters are advertising illegal driving test schemes on social media that promise to help Britons get their licence without taking a test, it has emerged.

TikTok, Facebook and Instagram are littered with accounts, groups and pages promoting scams that will have a lookalike driver sit practical driving tests. Others claim they will feed theory exam answers to test takers via Bluetooth headsets.

Data from the social media platforms revealed that as of mid-June at least 669 accounts with 138,900 followers were advertising driving test scams, BBC reported.

It comes as driving test fraud through impersonation is skyrocketing, with Driving Standards Agency (DVSA) showing that reports of the scam rose from 654 in 2018 to 2,015 in 2023.

The DVSA told the news outlet that although more cheaters are being caught and having their licences revoked, the illegal testing schemes remain a 'largely hidden problem'.

Hundreds of fraudsters are advertising illegal driving test schemes on social media that promise to help Britons get their licence without taking a test, it has emerged. It is believed that the adverts often use genuine pictures of pass certificates and driving licences that have been snatched from real driving school social media accounts, the BBC reports

TikTok, Facebook and Instagram are littered with accounts, groups and pages promoting scams that will have a lookalike driver sit practical driving tests. It is believed that the adverts often use genuine pictures of pass certificates and driving licences that have been snatched from real driving school social media accounts, the BBC reports

The social media platforms promoting the driving test schemes promise to 'help' wannabe drivers a full DVLA database licence in as little as five to 10 days without taking any tests or exams.

The adverts are often in foreign languages and use genuine pictures of pass certificates and driving licences, which the BBC claims have been snatched from real driving school social media accounts.

The fraudsters provide little data about how their so-called help works, but encourage learner drivers to reach out via direct message, phone or WhatsApp.

Undercover BBC reporters contacted several of the scam accounts to learn how they operate.

One fraudster allegedly said that for 720 a pass certificate would be delivered to the reporter's home within five days, despite her not having sat the exam.

Another charged 1,600 for cheating on the theory test and 2,600 for the practical driving test. The scammer needed to know what the reporter looked like so she could find a 'suitable lookalike to take the tests'.

One reporter actually met with a man who had posted an advert, written in Turkish, in a London cafe offering a '100% guarantee' to pass the theory test.

The man, who called himself Erdal, told the journalist he would actually sit the exam, but would be fed answers via a 'microscopic' Bluetooth earpiece that connects to a mobile phone.

Erdal explained that for 1,500 he would provide the answer to each exam question as it was 'read out loud' by the computer.

'We have done this for a long time. We do this for a minimum of two people every day,' Erdal reportedly said, adding that the earpiece would be in the reporter's ear and 'test administrators will not look in your ear'.

The social media platforms promoting the driving test schemes promise to 'help' wannabe drivers a full DVLA database licence in as little as five to 10 days. It is believed that the adverts often use genuine pictures of pass certificates and driving licences that have been snatched from real driving school social media accounts, the BBC reports

The fraudsters provide little data about how their so-called help works, but encourage learner drivers to reach out via direct message, phone or WhatsApp

The Driving Standards Agency reiterated that the Driving and Vehicle and Licensing Agency (DVLA) is the only authority that can issue a genuine driving licence. The authority warns that adverts promoting full licences are 'money-making scams' and can only provide a fake licence

The DVSA says the number of people being prosecuted for impersonations and test fraud is on the rise and law enforcement revoked hundreds of illegally-obtained licences last year.

In the year from April 2022, the agency has sent 30 cases of fraud by false representation, involving nearly 500 offences, for prosecution. Investigators also made 50 arrests.

But Marian Kitson, head of the DVSA's law enforcement, said it is clear the illegal licence scheme is a large-scale and ongoing issue.

She told the BBC: 'The internet is so huge; the social media platforms are vast and these people are very clever, they move the adverts around; they change them frequently. So actually, spotting them and taking action quickly is a real challenge.'

The DVSA reiterated that the Driving and Vehicle and Licensing Agency (DVLA) is the only authority that can issue a genuine driving licence.

The authority warns that adverts promoting full licences are 'money-making scams' and can only provide a fake licence.

A DVSA spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Driving and theory tests exist to help ensure people have the correct knowledge, skills and attitude to drive on our roads.

'Circumventing the tests puts lives in danger, we have methods in place to detect test fraud and will come down hard on the people involved. This includes cancelling test passes that have been gained fraudulently.'
A top Russian general has 'vanished' amid claims he had advance knowledge of the weekend armed revolt which threatened Vladimir Putin's regime.

One theory is that General Sergei 'Armageddon' Surovikin is under interrogation over a plot to oust defence minister Sergei Shoigu amid a hunt to purge the enemies within.

Surovikin, 56, is the second-in-command of the Russian armed forces. He has known links to 'coup leader' Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner mercenary army chief.

US officials briefed on American intelligence said a top Russian general had advance knowledge of Prigozhin's plans to rebel against Shoigu and chief of the armed forces General Valery Gerasimov over failings in the war against Ukraine, The New York Times reports.

The suspicion is that this general is Surovikin, a commander known for his brutality and who has historically been described as one of the more 'Wagner-friendly' Russian military leaders.

However, commentators have cautioned that the US has an interest in undermining Surovikin, who is considered to be highly competent and ruthless, with the leaks causing more chaos for the Kremlin in the midst of the war in Ukraine.

There have been claims that Surovikin had advance knowledge of the weekend armed revolt which threatened Vladimir Putin's regime

Surovkin has known links to 'coup leader' Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner mercenary army chief

The well-connected pro-war Rybar Telegram channel has revealed that Surovikin 'has not been seen since Saturday'.

The military-linked channel stated: 'The whereabouts of 'General Armageddon' is not known for certain.

'There is a version that he is under interrogation.'

The channel said that while Gerasimov formally retains his title he is 'no longer involved in decisions of issues in the [war].'

In command of the special military operation now is Airborne Forces Commander Mikhail Teplinsky, said Rybar.

Surovikin was put in charge of the Russian war effort in October only to be stripped of responsibility by Putin in January - yet he remained as Gerasimov's deputy.

Before evidently disappearing Surovikin issued a desperate Saturday call to give up their opposition to the military leadership and return to their bases 'before it is too late'.

He revealed he had been ordered back to Moscow from the frontline.

It now appears this may have been because of suspicions of his knowledge of the 'coup' as suspected sympathy for it.

Coup leader and Wagner mercenary army chief Yevgeny Prigozhin in Rostov-on-Don on Saturday

As the threat of a mutiny loomed, Surovikin toted a gun as he warned in a recorded statement: 'We cannot play into the enemy's hands during this hard time for our country.

'Before it is not too late, it is necessary to obey the order of the popularly-elected president of the Russian Federation.'

It is alleged he has not been seen since recording this message.

Rybar stated: 'The armed mutiny of the Wagner PMC [private military company] has become a pretext for large-scale purges in the ranks of the Russian Armed Forces and a crash test of the ministry's loyalty.'

Junior ranks are also being purged of those who showed support for Wagner's uprising against Putin's commanders, it is claimed.

Surovikin was put in charge of the Russian war effort in October only to be stripped of responsibility by Putin in January - yet he remained as Gerasimov's deputy

Meanwhile, a separate report said Putin was too scared to fire his 'extremely dangerous' defence minister, fearing him as a direct rival.

The weakened dictator eventually halted the armed revolt at the weekend which specifically targeted Shoigu for his failings in the war.

But VChK-OGPU Telegram channel cited an insider source saying Putin could not agree to revolt leader Prigozhin's demand to fire the 68-year-old defence minister because of Shoigu's popularity with senior officials.

'Shoigu is extremely dangerous in the event of resignation, due to his knowledge, the huge number of people loyal to him in leadership positions, and the presence of levers of influence  in the Kremlin,' said the channel's source.

Shoigu has served longer in the Russian government than Putin, and knows where bodies are buried.

Fighters of Wagner private mercenary group deployed in a street near the headquarters of the Southern Military District in the city of Rostov-on-Don

He is not like other Putin ministers 'whose silence and inaction can be bought with money', said the source.

'Everything is more serious here. Putin is not ready for such a conflict now.'

When negotiations involving Belarus dictator Alexander Lukashenko and FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov were underway on Saturday to halt the armed revolt, Putin bluntly refused to oust Shoigu.

In the event a deal was hatched to allow Prigozhin to go unpunished into exile even though Putin had declared the Wagner boss was guilty of 'treason' and 'betrayal'.

Sources also indicate that during Saturday's unfolding events Putin remained out of touch - even to Lukashenko who was seeking to help him with negotiations.

He only dealt with Bortnikov.

Putin is believed to have fled Moscow for his forest palace at Valdai where he has a bunker.

The new disclosures highlight the deep splits and instability at the pinnacle of 70-year-old Putin's power structure as he suffers Ukrainian territorial gains in the war.
The jury trying Hollywood star Kevin Spacey over allegations of 12 sexual offences against four men have been told watching his films does not bar them from the case.

Oscar-winner Spacey, 63, arrived at Southwark Crown Court before 9am in a black taxi, wearing a dark blue suit with a light blue shirt and pink tie.

He said good morning to those assembled outside court after getting out of the cab.

The actor is listed in court under his full name Kevin Spacey Fowler and faces eight allegations of sexual assault, three indecent assaults and a charge of causing a man to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

Mr Justice Wall told potential jurors before they were sworn in: 'Seeing him in films, on TV, and knowing his name will not disqualify you from serving on this jury, but thank you very much for letting us know.'

Actor Kevin Spacey leaves Southwark Crown Court after the trial was told it will sit on Friday

The double-Oscar winner faces and has denied a dozen charges as his trial began today

A court sketch of Spacey in the dock as the trial began this morning in Southwark, London

Spacey then stood and spoke to confirm that he had no objection to the 14 jurors who took their oath.

The jury will be reduced to a panel of 12 after the prosecution open its case.

Mr Justice Wall told jurors: 'What has just happened is an important part of the trial.

'That means you are now the only people who can return verdicts on the indictment.'

According to the indictment, Spacey carried out offences involving grabbing, squeezing, and touching of one victim's genitals and buttocks over clothing.

Kevin Spacey will stand trial today accused of sex offences against four men in London

Three indecent assaults and four sexual assaults date between 2001 and 2004 while five further offences range from between 2005 to 2013.

Spacey spoke only to confirm his name from within the dock in court number one when he appeared in front of Mr Justice Wall at the court situated on the south bank of the Thames.

The judge said: 'There is obviously a degree of press interest in this case and I remind anybody who is reporting on this case of the automatic reporting restrictions relating to the naming of the complainants.'

Patrick Gibbs, KC, defending the Hollywood star, discussed the jury selection process with the judge.

The jurors were given a questionnaire to complete before they were invited to serve on the case.

Spacey, 63, has previously denied 12 charges including sexual assault and indecent assault

Actor Kevin Spacey arrives at Southwark Crown Court this morning for the start of his trial

Mr Gibbs added: 'No doubt that once your Lordship does turn to potential jurors, we will be sending them away with a warning and a number of warnings regarding the use of the internet.'

The judge said: 'Because of the amount of publicity it will make the trial more difficult than usual.'

A jury panel of 14 was selected from a batch of jurors who arrived for jury service today.

The charges are said to have been carried out against three men during the time Spacey was artistic director of London's Old Vic theatre.

Three of the latest charges relate to indecent assault, all on the same alleged victim, on dates unknown between 1 January 2001 and 30 April.

Another three charges relate to sexual assault on another alleged victim, on dates unknown between 1 May 2004 and 24 June 2005.

And one of the charges relates to causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent on a date between 1 May 2004 and 24 June 2005.

In an initial court hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court in June, Spacey's lawyer, Patrick Gibbs QC, said his client 'strenuously denies any and all criminality in this case'

Spacey, originally from New Jersey, USA, denies all the charges.

Prosecutor Christine Agnew, KC, is expected to open the case for the prosecution on Friday.

The trial is due to last four weeks.

Spacey, a two-time Oscar winner starred in Glengarry Glen Ross, Seven, LA Confidential and Baby Driver. He also had the lead role in the Netflix series House of Cards.

He remains on unconditional bail.
A sexist vet who gave his female receptionist the 'belittling and patronising' nickname blondie and agreed with a customer who called her a 'c***' must pay her compensation, a judge has found.

Amanda Tubby, 51, complained of being harassed by her 'nightmare' boss Mike Malone, 64, who lived in the flat above the Essex surgery where she worked.

He routinely called 4ft 11ins Ms Tubby 'blondie' or 'little one', speaking to her in a way he never would have done to a man, she claimed.

She said he would appear in the surgery when not working, sometimes drunk, and on one occasion made inappropriate sexually charged comments to Ms Tubby.

After putting up with the behaviour for years, she eventually quit when an abusive customer called her a 's*** c***' - and Mr Malone agreed with them.

'Nightmare' boss Mike Malone, 64, created an atmosphere of 'humiliation' at his veterinary practice, the tribunal heard

Amanda Tubby, 51, was forced to quit after being subjected to 'unwanted conduct of a sexual nature'

Ms Tubby then sued Mr Malone and his company, Hills Park Veterinary Group Ltd, at the Employment Tribunal in east London.

She has now won the right to a payout - to be assessed at a later date - after a judge ruled in her favour and found she had been subjected to 'unwanted conduct of a sexual nature'.

Employment Judge Anthony Ross found that Mr Malone had created an 'intimidating, offensive and humiliating environment' in his practice, although he did not realise the effect of his behaviour on female staff members.

One member of staff referred to him as 'like a brother', but that he was a 'nightmare', said the judge.

Ms Tubby said problems started soon after she got the job in 2013, when Mr Malone appeared in a bedroom which doubled as a stock room at the Harold Hill surgery.

As she retrieved some stationery, he lay down on the bed and began asking her questions about her relationship with her partner.

Although it was not one of Ms Tubby's complaints in her case, the judge said it was relevant as he would not have behaved in the same way if she was a man.

Ms Tubby also complained that he routinely called her and at least one other fair-haired female staff member 'blondie', but did not give similar appearance-related nicknames to men.

Mr Malone accepted that he called her 'blondie' but denied using the term in a derogatory manner, saying he had no idea she perceived it as humiliating.

Ruling on the case, Judge Ross said use of the term 'blondie' was 'belittling and patronising' and made worse by the fact he used it with other women, because it 'diminished her dignity as an individual'.

'The terms used by the second respondent [Mr Malone] to refer to the claimant were like labels. We found that they were belittling and patronising,' he said.

'The term "blondie" was applied to more than one female employee who was blonde, but that only magnified its effect, because it diminished the claimant's dignity as an individual.

'The term "blondie" referred to the physical appearance of the claimant - her hair colour.

'The tribunal found this label was shorthand for a woman who was attractive in a sexual context. The use of this term was unwanted.

Ms Tubby said problems started soon after she got the job at the practice (pictured) in 2013

'This is one example of Mr Malone not having any insight into the effect of the words that he used on the claimant and other female members of staff.'

Ms Tubby also complained that Mr Malone would frequently put his arm around her and pull her towards him. She would push him away and he would laugh, said the judge.

'She found his actions in this respect intimidating because he was a man over six feet tall. We found that these actions by the second respondent were unwanted,' he continued.

'The tribunal found that the words used and the physical touching described by the claimant were related to her sex. There was no evidence that a male employee would have been treated in this way.'

He said the last straw for Ms Tubby came when she had to deal with an abusive client, who ranted and swore at her on the telephone, calling her a 's*** c***'.

She found it 'intolerable' when Mr Malone effectively 'adopted' the term, telling her: 'well, you are one, aren't you?' and did not apologise afterwards for doing so.

In her resignation letter of April 2021, she said she could not work for 'a drunk and abusive boss who shows no respect for myself or my colleagues'.

Ruling in her favour, the judge found that Ms Tubby had been the victim of 'harassment by unwanted conduct of a sexual nature' and had been constructively, unfairly and wrongfully dismissed.

He said the comments made to Ms Tubby and the unwanted hugging were 'acts of harassment' and that the company had breached the implied term of trust and confidence in her employment contract.

Mr Malone's adoption of the female genitalia-specific insult was 'so serious - so offensive - that it amounted to a fundamental breach of contract in itself,' he continued.

The tribunal found that the actions of the second respondent created an intimidating, offensive and humiliating environment: 'Even if he failed to realise this and even though he gave no thought to the impact of his words and actions on the claimant and the female nursing and administration staff.'

The judge concluded: 'In general, on the findings of fact above, the conduct of the second respondent towards the claimant was because of her sex; a male receptionist would not have been treated in that way.

'Furthermore, the abusive term adopted by the second respondent when speaking to the Claimant on 3 April 2021 contained a crude reference to female genitalia, which the tribunal considered would probably not have been adopted by the second respondent when speaking to a male receptionist.'

The case is set to return to the tribunal in September for an assessment of the amount in damages Ms Tubby should receive.
Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has been holed up in a windowless hotel room in Minsk to avoid assassination after aborting an armed uprising against the Russian defence ministry, a US intelligence chief claimed.

Prigozhin arrived in Belarus yesterday to begin life in exile under a deal that ended his short-lived mutiny against the Russian military by his Wagner fighters, Belarusian state news agency Belta said.

Asked about Prigozhin's predicament, chairman of the US Senate Intelligence Committee Mark Walker said he'd received reports the Wagner chief was taking every measure to avoid meeting a sticky end.

'There have been a number of Russian entity individuals who have run afoul of Putin over the last year and a half, who have mysteriously fallen out of fifth, sixth or seventh floor windows,' Walker said.

It comes as Flightradar data appeared to show Prigozhin's jet leaving the Belarusian capital late last night on a flight path to Moscow, sparking speculation that the Wagner chief is now headed for in-person talks with Vladimir Putin.

Embraer Legacy 600 business jet with the tail number RA-02795, a jet which is thought to belong to the Wagner chief, departed the Machulishchy Air Base near Minsk and has since landed in the Russian capital.

It comes as Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko painted himself as a master negotiator, taking the credit for mediating discussions between Prigozhin and an enraged Putin, talking the latter out of killing the former in retribution for the revolt.

Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin leaves the headquarters of the Southern Military District amid the group's pullout from the city of Rostov-on-Don, Russia, June 24, 2023

Flightradar data appeared to show Prigozhin's jet leaving the Belarusian capital late last night on a flight path to Moscow

Prigozhin's jet headed for Moscow sparked speculation the Wagner chief is on his way to in-person talks with Vladimir Putin

Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko painted himself as a master negotiator, taking the credit for mediating discussions between Prigozhin and an enraged Putin

Speaking to top brass in Minsk, Lukashenko said he told Prigozhin that he would be 'squashed like a bug' if he tried to attack Moscow, and warned that the Kremlin would never fulfill his demand to oust Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu and the chief of the general staff, General Valery Gerasimov.

Lukashenko asserted that he spoke with Putin over the phone on Saturday after Wagner forces set up a base in the Russian city of Rostov to march on towards the capital.

He claimed he talked the Russian president out of killing Prigozhin and urged him to negotiate a peaceful end to the revolt.

'I realised there was a harsh decision taken  to destroy [Prigozhin and Wagner],' Lukashenko said.

'I suggested Putin not to hurry. Let's talk with Prigozhin, with his commanders,' he added.

Lukashenko claimed that Prigozhin did not answer calls from Putin, so they set up three communication channels with Rostov to negotiate with Wagner.

Lukashenko said he was able to connect with Prigozhin during the first hour of his call with Putin and claimed the former sounded elated at the opportunity to negotiate.

The conversations were initially fiery, with the first half an hour spent by the Wagner chief issuing a number of oaths over the phone.

After things quietened, Lukashenko said, he managed to negotiate an end to the coup attempt by offering Prigozhin and his troops immunity in exchange for the Wagner leader agreeing to self-exile in Belarus.

Earlier on Tuesday, Russia's FSB security service dropped charges against participants in the brief uprising, and Lukashenko said Prigozhin and some of his troops are welcome to stay in Belarus 'for some time' at their own expense.

Putin also spoke of the offer on Tuesday, telling the mercenaries that they can either choose to join the Russian army or follow their leader to Belarus.

Later, at a brief ceremony in Moscow, Putin praised Russia's national guard for 'preventing a civil war' as he sought to reassert his authority after the crisis.

And in a further show of continuity and business-as-usual, Russian media on Tuesday showed Shoigu, in his military uniform, greeting Cuba's visiting defence minister in a pomp-heavy ceremony.

In this handout photo taken from video released by Prigozhin Press Service, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of the Wagner Group military company, records his video addresses in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, on June 24, 2023

Members of the Wagner Group prepare to depart from the Southern Military District's headquarters and return to their base in Rostov-on-Don, Russia on June 24, 2023

PMC Wagner Group servicemen are seen pulling out of downtown Rostov-on-Don and returning to their bases on June 24, 2023

According to flight tracking website Flight Radar24, the Embraer Legacy 600 business jet with the number RA-02795 belonging to Wagner warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin arrived in Minsk at 7.40am local time on Tuesday, suggesting that he has begun his exile

Prigozhin said on Monday that his troops remain loyal to him despite admitting that a small percentage of them have accepted the Kremlin's offer to join the Russian military.

Meanwhile, preparations were underway for Wagner's troops, who numbered 25,000 according to Prigozhin, to hand over their heavy weapons to the Russian military, the Defence Ministry in Moscow said.

Prigozhin had said those moves were being taken ahead of a July 1 deadline for his fighters to sign contracts - which he opposed - to serve under the Russian military's command.

The series of events in recent days constitutes the gravest threat so far to Putin's grip on power amid the 16-month war in Ukraine, and he again acknowledged the threat on Tuesday in saying the result could have been a civil war.

Prigozhin has said his goal had been to oust Shoigu and other military brass, not stage a coup against Putin.

In addresses this week, Putin has sought to project stability and demonstrate authority.

Lukashenko meanwhile, who has ruled Belarus with an iron fist for 29 years while relying on Russian subsidies and support, portrayed the uprising as merely the latest development in the clash between Prigozhin and Shoigu.

While the mutiny unfolded, he said, he put Belarus' armed forces on a combat footing and urged Putin not to be hasty in his response, so that the conflict with Wagner did not spiral out of control.

Like Putin, Lukashenko portrayed the war in Ukraine as an existential threat, saying: 'If Russia collapses, we all will perish under the debris.'

Prigozhin has long expressed hatred and distrust of Russia's defence minister, Sergei Shoigu (centre)

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov would not disclose details about the Kremlin's deal with the Wagner chief.

He said only that Putin had provided Prigozhin with 'certain guarantees,' with the aim of avoiding a 'worst-case scenario'.

Asked why the rebels were allowed to get as close as about 200 kilometres from Moscow without facing serious resistance, National Guard chief Viktor Zolotov told reporters: 'We concentrated our forces in one fist closer to Moscow. If we spread them thin, they would have come like a knife through butter.'

Zolotov, a former Putin bodyguard, also said the National Guard would get the battle tanks and other heavy weapons which it had been lacking.

The mercenaries shot down at least six Russian helicopters and a military communications plane as they advanced on Moscow, killing at least a dozen airmen, according to Russian news reports.

The Defence Ministry didn't release information about casualties, but Putin mentioned them on Tuesday and honoured them with a moment of silence.

'Pilots, our combat comrades, died while confronting the mutiny,' he said. 'They didn't waver and fulfilled the orders and their military duty with dignity.'

In a televised address on Monday night, Putin said rebellion organisers had played into the hands of Ukraine's government and its allies.

Although critical of their leaders, he praised the rank-and-file mutineers who 'didn't engage in fratricidal bloodshed and stopped on the brink'.

A Washington-based think tank said that was 'likely in an effort to retain them' in the fight in Ukraine because Moscow needs 'trained and effective manpower' as it faces a counter-offensive.

The Institute for the Study of War also said the break between Putin and Prigozhin is likely beyond repair, and that providing the Wagner chief and his loyalists with Belarus as an apparent safe haven could be a trap.

Prigozhin said, without elaborating, that the Belarusian leadership proposed solutions that would allow Wagner to operate 'in a legal jurisdiction'.

Lukashenko said there is no reason to fear Wagner's presence in his country, though in Russia, Wagner-recruited convicts have been suspected of violent crimes.

The Wagner troops have 'priceless' military knowledge and experience to share with Belarus, he said during a meeting with his defence minister.

But exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who challenged Lukashenko in a 2020 election that was widely seen as fraudulent and triggered mass protests, said Wagner troops will threaten the country and its neighbours.

'Belarusians don't welcome war criminal Prigozhin,' she told The Associated Press. 'If Wagner sets up military bases on our territory, it will pose a new threat to our sovereignty and our neighbours.'
She threatened the officer as he took her to the ground and pinched a second

A black teenager who scratched a white police officer's face and verbally abused him as he intervened in a drunken late-night street fight has been spared jail.

Amani Skeiky, 19, dug her nails into the officer's skin and left visible marks on his neck as he tried to arrest her over a brawl outside a cocktail bar at 2am. But she was spared jail after she insisted to a court she was not 'anti-police.'

When the businessman's daughter was taken to the ground, she told the officer: 'White b***h. Next time, I will punch you on the d**k.

'Keep pressing on my leg and you will see what happens.'

She also pinched another officer in the thigh when they came to assist.

Amani Skeiky, 19, dug her nails into the PC's skin and left visible marks on his neck as he tried to arrest her over a late night brawl outside a cocktail bar

When the businessman's daughter was taken to the ground, she told the officer: "White b***h. Next time, I will punch you on the d**k"

During questioning Sheiky, of Chester, who had been drinking heavily, said a man had been causing 'distress' to her sister and she was upset that her skirt was pulled up in view of others when she being restrained.

At Chester magistrates court Sheiky - who is originally from Sierre Leone in West Africa - pleaded guilty to two offences of assaulting an emergency worker, using threatening words or behaviour and racially aggravated harassment.

She was ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work and pay the officer 100 in compensation.

Andrew Page, prosecuting, said: 'It was March 18 at around 2.20am. Officers were asked to attend Off The Wall in St John Street in Chester in relation to an unrelated matter.

'A PC Merrick was made aware by members of the public of a fight going on further down the street. PC Merrick saw the defendant going at another male.

'She was intoxicated and she was arrested in relation to the matter.

'When PC Merrick tried to handcuff her she scratched him to the face and neck, making minor visible marking. She aggressively resisted him and was taken to the ground.

'PC Merrick was assisted by the door staff and while on the ground the defendant made a racial comment, calling him a "white b***h".

She also grabbed another officer around the thigh and pinched them after they came to assist

PC Merrick had scratch marks to his neck, while PC Whalley had an inch wide red mark on his thigh

'She also made threats: "Next time, I will punch you on the d**k" and "Keep pressing on my leg and you will see what happens."

PC Merrick was assisted by his colleague PC Whalley but she grabbed him around the thigh and pinched him before being arrested.

'She later made full admissions and accepted the assaults. She understood that "white b***h" could be interpreted as a racial slur.

'She said she was not drunk but had been drinking.'

PC Merrick had scratch marks to his neck, while PC Whalley had an inch wide red mark on his thigh.

The court heard that Skeiky had no previous convictions. A probation officer who compiled a report said: 'She was quite emotional throughout the interview.

'One thing evidenced is that she is extremely young as an individual.. She is just 19 but she presents as someone even younger than that.

'She had been out in Chester with her sister. She had not gone out till 12.30am and when they went out they started drinking.

At Chester magistrates court Sheiky - who is originally from Sierre Leone in West Africa - pleaded guilty to two offences of assaulting an emergency worker, using threatening words or behaviour and racially aggravated harassment

'They were both intoxicated by the time of this incident. She remembers everything and says she did not feel drunk, but fully accepts would have been somewhat under the influence of alcohol. Her sister was much more intoxicated.

'She saw a group using language towards her sister that was causing her distress and her immediate reaction was to step in.

'But her reaction was over the top and that could be due to her young age, the amount of drink she'd had or personal circumstances.

'Police then became involved and she fully accepts that her behaviour with the other group was not acceptable. As police intervened, her actions again were over the top.

'At no point did she justify herself. She said as she was being pinned down, her skirt was pulled up in front of a lot of people who were filming what was happening.

'Despite that, she accepts that she put herself in this situation because of her behaviour. She does not try to justify it.

'She is ashamed and embarrassed by her behaviour and she does not present as someone proud of her actions.'

The probation officer added: 'She doesn't want to be seen as someone who is violent, someone against the police. She says that is not who she is.

'She comes from a very close family and her father who owns a business has given her short shrift. The fact that she has brought shame on the family is an added upset to this lady.

'Her mother died in Sierra Leone last year, something she has been struggling to get over and her brother died in October last year, again in Sierra Leone.

'Hers is quite a close family and that has hit her quite hard. She currently lives with her sister and two nephews.

'Her sister is a mother figure but again she is going through the same grief that this lady is.

'The defendant is working as a support worker in a care home in Chester. She is struggling with her mental health to the point of finding it difficult to go out.

'She is not eating well and she is working a lot of hours. She should be stepping back in the amount of overtime she does but she does not want to be home alone and wants to be active. She has shown remorse and victim empathy.'

Speaking for herself from the dock, Skeiky said: 'I am very sorry for it.'

She was also told to complete a 12-month community order and pay 214 in costs and victim surcharge.
Jordan North has joked that he 'has an alibi' after police released a picture of a similar looking man wanted by police in connection with a burglary.

The Radio 1 DJ posted a picture of his lookalike while teasing that he hadn't been at home for more than a month and couldn't be the person officers were looking for.

Lancashire Police posted a photo on its Facebook page of a man they wanted to speak to in connection with a burglary at the Council Office at Burnley Cemetery - the presenter's hometown - on June 19 at around 9:45pm.

The spitting image was shown wearing a black coat with the hood up and what appears to be a computer monitor arm under his arm.

The presenter of 'Go Hard or Go Home' and former 'I'm a Celebrity' contestant wrote on Twitter: 'Ok I've been back home for about 6 weeks also I've got an alibi...'

Lancashire Police put out an appeal for the suspect on Tuesday, who users recognised as a lookalike of the 'Go Hard or Go Home' presenter

Radio 1 host Jordan North joked that he 'had an alibi' after police released photos of a similar man wanted for burglary

Users also saw the uncanny resemblance, with one responding to the police message: 'Think he's called Jordan North'.

Others replied to the DJ's tweet, saying they 'believed' his story.

One said: 'We believe you...lol.'

In another post on Instagram, the DJ elaborated on his 'cover story', adding he was sent the police photos by friends joking it was him.

He wrote: 'Quite a few people have sent me this...

'If anyone asks, we were in the pub and had two pints of Guinness and a pack of cheese and onion.'

Burnley and Padham Police put out the request saying: 'Do you recognise this man?

'We would like to speak to him in connection with a burglary at the Council Office at Burnley Cemetery on Monday, June 19 at around 9.45pm.

'Info? Call 101 or email 4350@lancashire police.uk quoting log 1520 of June 19.'
The discovery of a fresco on the wall of a house in the Roman city of Pompeii added a new twist to culinary history this week.

Scientists believe that the painting in the city that was destroyed by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius nearly 2,000 years ago depicts 'an ancestor of the Italian pizza.'

Yet pizza as we know it began its evolution just 14 miles away in Naples in the 18th century, when the poor of the famous city developed a way to eat cheaply and quickly while on the go.

Flatbreads with various toppings, which could be eaten for any meal, were sold on the street, a practice described as 'disgusting' by contemporary Italian authors.

Pizza's fortunes received a royal boost in 1889, when Italy's Queen Margherita, visiting Naples with her husband King Umberto I enjoyed one - topped simply with soft white cheese, tomatoes and basil - which had been named in her honour.

However, it was in America where pizza's path to world domination began, when immigrant Neapolitans brought their culinary knowledge with them in the early 20th century.

New York pizza outlet Lombardi's, which opened in 1905, has long boasted of being America's very first pizzeria, whilst the deep-dish version first appeared in Chicago in the 1940s.

Pizza as we know it began just 14 miles away in Naples in the 18th century, when the poor of the famous city developed a way to eat cheaply and quickly while on the go. Above: A pizza seller depicted in an 1825 Italian painting

Pizza's fortunes received a royal boost in 1889, when Italy's Queen Margherita, visiting Naples with her husband King Umberto I enjoyed one - topped simply with soft white cheese, tomatoes and basil - which had been named in her honour. Above: The royal couple in 1900

The first Italian pizzeria, Da Pietro, had been founded in Naples in 1780. That outlet then became known as Pizzeria Brandi.

Its owner, Raffaele Esposito, was the man who created a pizza to commemorate Queen Margherita's visit to Naples, according to author John Mariani.

The Queen declared the dish, which was topped with white, green and red ingredients to depict the then new Italian flag, her favourite, prompting it to become 'suddenly fashionable' in Naples, Mariani writes in his book, 'How Italian Food Conquered the World'.

Yet pizza remained a distinctly Neapolitan creation and was unknown elsewhere in Italy, to the extent that the word 'pizzeria' did not appear in print in the country until 1918.

Gennaro Lombardi's outlet on Spring Street in Manhattan began as a grocery store but then began selling pizzas to Italian immigrants who were unable to make them at home.

By the 1930s, most Italian neighbourhoods in eastern US cities had pizzerias, which popularised a wider variety of toppings.

Paradoxically, it was the spread of pizza's popularity in the US that made it well-known beyond Naples in Italy.

'Like blue jeans and rock and roll, the rest of the world, including the Italians, picked up on pizza just because it was American,' Mariani writes.

Chicago-style deep-deep dish pizza, cooked in a black iron skillet, was initially created by Ike Sewell and Ric Ricardo of Pizzeria Uno in 1943.

Its much thicker dough base and lavish use of ingredients was a far cry from the traditional version, but it proved a huge hit with hungry Americans.

New York pizza outlet Lombardi's, which opened in 1905, has long boasted of being America's very first pizzeria

Gennaro Lombardi is the tall man standing behind his family members. This photo was taken around 1925. From left to right: Giovanni Lombardi, Filomena Lombardi, Genarro Lombardi (back row), and George Lombardi. Those on the left and right are unidentified

The image above shows an original Lombardi Oven at Lombardi's on Spring Street, Manhattan

Chicago-style deep-deep dish pizza, cooked in a black iron skillet, was initially created by Ike Sewell and Ric Ricardo of Pizzeria Uno in 1943. Above: A pizza at Pizzeria Uno in Chicago

Ike Sewell, founder of Pizzeria Uno and creator of the original deep-dish pizza, is seen in 1993

Within 20 years, the idea to use special cardboard boxes for takeaway pizza had become firmly established, and by the late 1960s, the frozen variety of the savoury delight had become a mainstay.

Rose and Jim Totino, themselves the owners of a pizzeria, founded Totino's, which remains one of the US's most popular brands frozen pizza brands.

Meanwhile, pizza was making an impact back in Europe too.

The Olivelli restaurant in London's Bloomsbury opened in 1934 and documents found on its premises show how there was a recipe for margherita pizza from very early on.

The first outlet of popular chain PizzaExpress was opened by founder Peter Boizot on Wardour Street, West London, in 1965.

Mr Boizot, who imported a pizza oven from Naples, was able to sell pizza for two shillings a slice by employing an elderly sicilian to knead dough.

A boy selling pizza from a bin slung round his neck, Naples, circa 1960

A young Italian shop assistant is seen selling slices of pizza in Italy in 1956

The Olivelli restaurant in London's Bloomsbury opened in 1934 and documents found on its premises show how there was a recipe for margherita pizza from very early on

The first outlet of popular chain PizzaExpress was opened by founder Peter Boizot on Wardour Street, West London, in 1965

Rival brand Pizza Hut first appeared in Islington in North London in 1973, whilst the first Domino's outlet opened in Luton in 1985

More premises quickly followed and, alongside Italian designer Enzo Apicella, he stripped away stuffy dining in favour of the chain's signature marble table tops and clean lines.

Helped by the start of the PizzaExpress Jazz Club in 1969 - which saw the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and later Amy Winehouse perform - the chain went from strength-to-strength, becoming recognisable on high streets across Britain and overseas.

Rival brand Pizza Hut first appeared in Islington in North London in 1973, whilst the first Domino's outlet opened in Luton in 1985.

Both chains began in the United States, the former in Kansas in 1958 and the latter - which was opened as 'DomiNick's' by Tom and James Monaghan - in Michigan in 1960.

The fresco unearthed this week was discovered in the middle of a half-crumbled wall during recent digs in Pompeii.

Scientists believe they have discovered a fresco depicting 'an ancestor of the Italian pizza'

The 2,000-year-old painting was discovered in the middle of a half-crumbled wall during recent digs at the sprawling archaeological site

It depicts a silver platter holding a round flatbread, alongside fresh and dried fruits such as pomegranates and dates and a goblet filled with red wine.

The fresco is believed to refer to the 'hospitable gifts' offered to guests, following a Greek tradition dating to the 3rd to 1st centuries BC and described by imperial Roman-era writers including Virgil and Philostratus.

Pompeii's director, Gabriel Zuchtriegel, said the newly uncovered fresco shows the contrast between 'a frugal and simple meal, which refers to a sphere between the bucolic and the sacred... and the luxury of silver trays and the refinement of artistic and literary representations.'

'How can we fail to think, in this regard, of pizza, also born as a "poor" dish in southern Italy, which has now conquered the world and is also served in starred restaurants,' he added.
Six youths have been charged with the knife murder of a 14-year-old schoolboy.

On the evening of November 9 last year police received a report of an assault in the Elswick area of Newcastle.

Emergency services attended Elswick Road and found Gordon Gault with injuries consistent with having been caused by a bladed article.

Six days after the assault Gordon died in hospital. His mother Dionne Barrett had released pictures of him in his hospital bed.

A comprehensive homicide investigation was subsequently launched into his death with officers making a series of arrests in the weeks that followed.

Gordon Gault, 14, was found with knife injuries in the Elswick area of Newcastle in November

Yesterday officers re-arrested six males - all aged 16 or 17 - who have since been charged with Gordon's murder.

The males, who cannot be named for legal reasons due to their age, are due to appear before magistrates in North Tyneside today.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Steel, of Northumbria Police's Major Investigation Team, said: 'A comprehensive investigation has been ongoing ever since Gordon Gault's murder and our thoughts remain with his family and loved ones.

'We remain absolutely committed in our pursuit of justice and getting his family the answers that they deserve.

Dionne Barrett whose teenage son Gordon Gault died from knife wounds after being stabbed last year in Elswick, Newcastle

'Yesterday, we carried out a number of coordinated arrests with six males being brought into custody. They have now each been charged with murder and are due to appear in court.

'It is absolutely imperative that everyone refrains from any speculation - whether out in the community or on social media - that could jeopardise the live legal proceedings.

'I would like to thank everyone who has come forward to assist our investigation so far, and would ask that the wider public continue to work with us.

'As families, please continue to have those conversations about the consequences of knife crime and report anybody you believe is carrying a weapon.'
A 'devastated' widower whose wife died after she fell ill during their dream holiday to a five-star resort in Cape Verde is now one of 350 guests taking legal action against TUI.

Jane Pressley, from Gainsborough, travelled to the Riu Palace Hotel in Santa Maria with her husband Michael for a two-week holiday to celebrate her birthday in November last year.

Two days into her stay, the mother-of-two, who was also due to become a grandmother for the first time, fell ill with gastric and flu-like symptoms including vomiting and diarrhoea.

After she returned home, Jane's illness worsened and she was admitted to hospital, where she died in January. 'While nothing will ever bring her back,' her husband said, 'we need some answers. It's the least we deserve.'

It comes after British holidaymakers reported cases of sickness at the hotel late last year, with tourists claiming they had been served what looked like raw chicken and food covered in flies, as well as reporting a strong sulphur smell.

Jane Pressley, from Gainsborough, fell ill after travelling to the Riu Palace Hotel in Cape Verde

The Riu palace Hotel, Santa Maria. 350 guests who stayed at the hotel last year are taking legal action against TUI, their lawyers have said

Michael is now taking legal action after he and his wife fell ill during their dream holiday

During their stay, both Jane and Michael became unwell. While he recovered within a week, Jane, who had a pre-existing condition of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, continued to be extremely unwell.

After the couple returned home, Jane's illness worsened and she was taken to hospital on Christmas Eve.

The doctors treating her suspected she had a bacterial infection so she was administered antibiotics. She tragically died less than two weeks later on 5 January, aged 62.

Following her death, Michael, 62, spoke to lawyers at Irwin Mitchell, who have now launched a case against TUI in connection with Jane's illness and death as well as Michael's illness.

Jatinder Paul, an international injury lawyer at the firm who is representing Michael, said: 'The first-hand account we've heard from Michael regarding the illness he and Jane suffered during their holiday is deeply concerning.

'While Michael began to feel better within the first week, Jane's illness continued and she sadly passed away in hospital less than a month after returning home from their holiday.

'We're representing more than 350 others who fell seriously ill at this hotel in 2022. Therefore this latest development is of significant concern. The impact of such illnesses should never be downplayed as they can lead to long-term health issues and in some cases can prove fatal.

After the couple returned home, Jane's illness worsened and she was taken to hospital on Christmas Eve

'While nothing will ever make up for Michael's loss, we're now investigating how he and Jane fell ill and the events leading up to Jane's death. If during the course of our investigation any issues are identified, it's vital that lessons are learned to prevent other holidaymakers from falling ill, or worse, in the future.'

Care assistant Jane and Michael, a food production operative, arrived at the Riu Palace resort on the island west of Africa, on November 27, 2022, and returned to the UK on December 12.

Over the following weeks, Jane's condition deteriorated and she was taken to hospital, where she later passed away.

Her cause of death was confirmed to be 'infective exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.'

Jane leaves two daughters, Lucy Ambrose, 37, an office manager, and Porcia Stow, 30, a customer advisor. At the time of Jane's death, Porcia was pregnant with her first child.

Michael said: 'Jane and I had been looking forward to our holiday for such a long time, so we were really upset when we both fell ill.

'Within a week, my symptoms began to alleviate but Jane's seemed to get worse. It was awful to see her so unwell and not able to enjoy our time away, but not for one minute did we expect it to continue when we got home.

'By Christmas Eve, we were all very worried about Jane and felt she needed hospital treatment. When we were told she might have a bacterial infection, it made sense as we had heard of others that had holidayed at the same place and had also been unwell.

'We thought she would get some antibiotics and she'd be fine. To then see her die within a few weeks is hard to accept.

'It's been less than six months since we lost Jane and it's a struggle every day to understand what happened. To lose her so suddenly has absolutely devastated us all. She was the most amazing person and enjoyed nothing more than being around family; we're all totally lost without her. She never even got to meet her grandchild.'

Jane leaves two daughters, Lucy Ambrose, 37, (pictured) an office manager, and Porcia Stow, 30, a customer advisor

In November last year, reports emerged of other guests at the hotel who had been struck down with gastric illness.

Then, 80 British holidaymakers who had stayed at the hotel between May and October 2022 were said to be taking action after their dream trip turned into a 'holiday from hell'.

Among those affected were Nichola Morley, 52, from Paignton and her partner Darren Cartwright, 57, from Torquay who travelled to the Riu Palace in May for a two-week break to celebrate Darren's recovery from cancer.

Just one day into their long-awaited holiday, Nichola began to suffer from stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea, and the following day her partner began to experience similar symptoms.

After several days of not eating the pair went to hospital where they were both put on a drip. On arriving back in the UK Nichola was placed on a course of antibiotics by her GP and spent three weeks recovering.

Nichola Morley, 52, and her partner Darren Cartwright, 57, are among 80 British holidaymakers who have launched legal action after being struck down with gastric illness during their stay at a luxury five-star hotel in Cape Verde

Nichola said: 'We had been looking forward to our holiday for quite some time, but within a day I was really unwell.

'Darren fell ill the following day and he even began hallucinating. We called reception a number of times for help and to ask for a doctor but no-one came.

'We ended up taking ourselves to hospital and were both put on a drip. By this point, we were both so weak as we hadn't eaten for several days.

'On the last day of our trip, we thought it would be a good idea to try and eat a little bit to keep our strength up for the journey home. When we got there, the salad was covered in flies. I grabbed a bit of bread and small piece of turkey, but when I cut it open it was pink inside.

'This was only a few days after I had complained about bloody chicken and I couldn't believe it was still happening. It's no wonder people were ill.

'When we got home, I spent around three weeks at home, mostly in bed recovering. I really wish we had never booked the holiday, it turned into a total nightmare. All we can hope for now is some answers; it's the least we deserve.'

A TUI spokesman said in a statement: 'Our thoughts and sympathies remain with the Pressley family. As this is now a legal matter, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further.'

RIU Hotels has been contacted for comment.
The babysitter who was looking after a 17-month-old boy in the hours before he he was taken to hospital with fatal injuries has admitted the little boy 'slipped' from his pram.

Quentin Corrigan said Ronan seemed 'fine' when he dropped the baby back at his parent's Adelaide home on June 7.

Corrigan said he took an Uber from his apartment in Glenelg North to parents Glenn Davies and Melanie Nguyen's Ottoway home at about 4pm.

Ronan was rushed to the Women's and Children's Hospital by ambulance shortly later with 'critical head injuries and other serious internal injuries' after his father couldn't wake him.

The infant died at the hospital two days later on June 9.

A murder investigation was launched this week.

Baby Ronan (pictured with his mother Melanie Nguyen) died on June 9 after suffering 'critical head injuries and other serious internal injuries' on June 7

On Tuesday Detective Inspector Mark McEachern said police are focusing its murder investigation into the baby's death on the two days he was under the care of his parents' friends.

Corrigan was identified as one of Ronan's babysitters during that time but denies claims he assaulted the little boy, who celebrated his first birthday in January.

'So when I left to take him to take him to my [ex-girlfriend's] place he slipped out of the pram and I picked him up and comforted him,' he told 7News on Wednesday.

'...When he fell out of the pram he made a noise. I'm maybe in shock but I had my back turned to him. He was fine after that.'

Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting Mr McEachern is responsible for the infant's death.

CCTV footage shows two men walking with a black pram, like Ronan's, to an Ottoway service station shortly before the baby was rushed to hospital.

Corrigan claims Ronan was 'awake' for most of the Uber ride between his apartment and Mr Davies and Ms Nguyen's home.

'[He fell asleep] probably either the tail end of the car ride, when we got home, or in the pram walking to the shops and back,' he said.

On Tuesday Insp McEachern said police believe Ronan (above) died while under the care of family friends

Ronan was being cared for at an apartment complex (above) in Glenelg North - babysitter Quentin Corrigan said he and Ronan took an Uber from the complex on June 7

Ronan's parents shared a devastating tribute to their son on Wednesday.

'He was playful, he was happy, he was perfect in every way,' Mr Davies told reporters outside their home.

'His favourite word was no.'

The heartbroken father admitted he still searches for his 'cheeky boy'.

'I can't count the amount of times I go looking for him,' he said.

'I recently bought a dog to cuddle and named it Roo.'

He also thanked police, adding: 'They've been amazing, they're getting us the support we need.

'Anyone with information please speak to police, no matter how insignificant it may be.'

A neighbour of the Ottoway home told the Adelaide Advertiser Ronan's family had moved in 'less than a month ago'.

'I hope that there's an outcome and the parents can move on and continue with their lives and not be traumatised,' she said.

It's understood the couple moved to Adelaide from Queensland over a year ago and were evicted from a property in the city's west after police were called in May.

Ronan's Vietnam-based grandmother Ngoc Cam Huynh shared a memorial post the day after his death.

Quentin Corrigan (above) claims Ronan 'slipped' from his pram while under his care but was 'fine'

Heartbroken parents Glenn Davies (left) and Melanie Nguyen (right) described their son as 'cheeky' and 'perfect in every way'

She said the 17-month-old's organs were donated and saved the lives of three other children.

'Grandma's angel rest in peace, even though the time you stayed with your family was not long, everyone loved you so much,' she wrote online.

'You were cute, well behaved, innocent and very handsome.

'Now how to remember less suffering, my son, now from sleeping, eating or going anywhere, I see your shadow, why did God take away grandma's Ro, my son?

'So Ro's departure is meaningful. Your shadow and life still exist in the body of three lucky little ones. You have created happiness for their families.'

No one has been charged in relation to Ronan's death.

'We're not eliminating anybody in relation to the investigation, but we are focusing on events at the Glenelg North address on the Wednesday afternoon while he was in the company of the carers.

'Anyone who's had contact or cared for Ronan are being spoken to, but we suspect the injuries were caused at Glenelg North on the Wednesday afternoon.'

Ronan (pictured with his mother) celebrated his first birthday in January and tragically died two days after he was injured on June 9
Former Great British Menu star Mark Ellis has vowed to never run his own restaurant or hotel again as he is spared jail over 'wholly inadequate' fire safety measures at his upmarket venue.

The chef, 42, who featured in Season 2 of the BBC cooking show was hauled before a judge over fire risk measures at his Allium Bar and Grill restaurant and five luxury rooms in Tattenhall, Cheshire.

The premises had been lauded in leading glossy magazines and highbrow newspapers but investigators said it was a safety hazard concluding there was little emergency lighting, just one fire extinguisher in the kitchen, not enough safety signs and linen stored on escape routes.

The 2019 investigation - which said Ellis's risk of causing harm to his guests was in the 'top category' - took place just two years after he opened Allium with a vow of 'mixing funkiness and opulence' and the promise: 'We can be as fresh and vibrant as each day will let us be.'

Ellis, from Bunbury, Cheshire, faced up to two years in jail after he pleaded guilty to a breach of fire regulations at Chester Crown Court. But instead he was ordered to complete 60 hours unpaid work as part of a 12 month community order.

Former Great British Menu star Mark Ellis (pictured) vowed to never run his own restaurant or hotel again as he is spared jail over 'wholly inadequate' fire safety measures at his Allium venue

His Allium Bar and Grill restaurant (pictured) and five luxury rooms in Tattenhall, Cheshire had 'serious fire safety deficiencies', the court heard

The deficiencies were in relation to means of escape from the premises, fire detection and warning. There were also deficiencies in planning in the event of a fire and the suitability of fire safety equipment at the premises. Pictured is the interior of the Allium

The chef, originally from the Wirral, worked at Simon Radley's Michelin starred Chester Grosvenor Hotel restaurant and Gordon Ramsay's Petrus before being appointed head chef at 1851 Restaurant at Peckforton Castle.

He featured on the Great British Menu in 2007 in which he elaborated on his grandmother's favourite 'scouse' recipes whilst growing up in wartime Britain.

Trouble began in 2018 after he fell out with his former business partner at Allium over money. He quit as boss of the restaurant, entered into an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) to avoid going bankrupt but stayed on the premises to help out the new owners.

'Following concerns about the sleeping accommodation being raised by a guest at the premises, serious fire safety deficiencies were identified,' Joseph Hart, prosecuting counsel for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service told the court.

The deficiencies were in relation to means of escape from the premises, fire detection and warning, Mr Hart said.

There were also deficiencies in planning in the event of a fire and the suitability of fire safety equipment at the premises.

'Effectively, there was a wholesale ignorance of proper fire safety measures, not isolated, but across the board,' Mr Hart argued.

'Having carried out an audit, Cheshire Fire Authority was of the opinion the deficiencies would pose such a risk to the occupants, the upper floor sleeping accommodation should not be used.'

The 2019 investigation - which said Ellis's risk of causing harm to his guests was in the 'top category' - took place just two years after he opened Allium with a vow of 'mixing funkiness and opulence'. Ellis is pictured outside the establishment

Ellis had promised diners that Allium would be 'fresh and vibrant as each day will let us be'. Food featured on the now shuttered restaurant's menu is pictured above

The fire service's involvement meant a significant charge to the premises and it was shut down as an accommodation. Ellis insisted he had no formal involvement with the business at the time of the prohibition notices and was 'only helping out.' Ellis is pictured with a colleague

A prohibition notice was issued demanding remedial works be carried out but during a subsequent inspection staff were still found to be staying in two of the affected rooms.

Investigators said a lack of proper sealant around loft hatches meant fire in one room could easily be spread to the rest of the building by the roof space.

The fire exit was controlled by a lock and key rather than a standard bar or thumb operated unlocking mechanism whilst battery-operated fire detectors were being used rather than an integrated system.

'There was little emergency lighting, there was inappropriate signage for means of escape and some areas had no fire detectors at all. There was one fire extinguisher in the kitchen and where was firefighting equipment in other parts of the accommodation, it was without the proper signage. Linen was kept in escape routes in the first-floor accommodation,' Mr Hart said.

'There weren't fire doors with the self-closing mechanism on the escape routes and the main escape out of the sleeping premises could not be opened easily. No fire drills had taken place. There was no record or testing regime of the emergency lighting or the fire extinguishers because there were no maintenance labels attached to them.'

The fire service's involvement meant a significant charge to the premises and it was shut down as an accommodation.

Mr Hart added: 'It is quite clear it was a premises where there was a heightened risk of fire because they were premises which contained a kitchen, heat sources, and the risk to individuals was higher because it was sleeping accommodation where people are particularly vulnerable and particularly reliant on fire detection, emergency exits and emergency lighting.'

Ellis insisted he had no formal involvement with the business at the time of the prohibition notices and was 'only helping out.'

Ellis featured on the Great British Menu in 2007 in which he elaborated on his grandmother's favourite 'scouse' recipes whilst growing up in wartime Britain. He is pictured on the show

But his solicitor advocate Michael Gray said he 'admitted straight away the problems that the fire service came upon were of his doing.'

'He should have conducted a far more through fire assessment and accepts that the fire assessment was inadequate. He has expressed his remorse,' said Mr Gray.

He added: ' He had worked hard to get to this position to where he would for the first time have his own enterprise. He was very proud of that enterprise and an article in Cheshire Life talked about how essentially this was Mr Ellis' life dream.

'He had previously appeared on the BBC's Great British Menu and worked for nine years at Peckforton Castle as head chef. His whole life at that time was invested in this. In 2017, he was a very proud man. He now had his own enterprise. It was a brave thing for him to do. And he put everything into it. But it came at a huge cost to him.'

Mr Gray argued that Ellis has been 'under no illusion' that he could be imprisoned over the fire safety case.

The solicitor said: 'He knew that from day one. But for him there's more. Because, from what was an exciting time for him - at one point there was an article written in the Daily Telegraph which highly commended him - it all fell apart fairly quickly.

'The business started in summer of 2017 and by the summer of the following year Mr Ellis was in dispute with his funding partner. They were not seeing eye to eye and he in fact resigned and was going to exit the business. He incurred a huge amount of debt and entered into an IVA as he did not want to go bankrupt and had debts of about 30,000 to 40,000.

'At the time he said he would help transition the business to the new owner but when she was in hospital he received a call to come to the Allium as the fire service were present. Mr Ellis made it absolutely clear to the visiting fire officers that he was just helping out but he could still sign documents. He will never attempt to run his own business, a restaurant hotel type business again.'

Sentencing Ellis the judge Mr Recorder Lawrence MacDonald also ordered him to pay 3,000 prosecution costs.

He said: 'Mr Ellis is a renowned chef with a long history of culinary accomplishments behind him and Allium was the fulfilment of his life dream to have his own establishment.

'Regrettably for Mr Ellis there was falling out for him and partners so control of the premises passed to another company. When Mr Ellis was in control of the business, he did attempt to make a fire risk assessment but I am afraid to say that was wholly inadequate. He wholly failed to grapple with the relevant fire risks and he really should have got professional assistance at that point.

Deborah Cruse, 51, (pictured) whose company TFC took over Allium as the fire safety investigation was launched, admitted breaching a fire safety prohibition notice and was sentenced to an 18 month community order 150 hours of unpaid work. She was ordered to pay 3,000 costs

Ellis (pictured) was ordered to complete 60 hours unpaid work as part of a 12 month community order. He now has debts of 40,000 suffers from bouts of anxiety and is currently working as an executive chef at the four star Crewe Hall Hotel and Spa to pay off his creditors

'Fire is unpredictable and can widely and quickly spread and can have unpredictable and often fatal consequences. But this was a business in which he had put his life savings and life work and very regrettably it did not work out for him resulting in a considerable financial debt, which he is paying through means of the IVA.

'The effect of him personally has been in the form of anxiety and depression and I do not underestimate the personal effects. It seems to me plainly these offences have crossed the custody threshold as the courts take extremely seriously breaches of the fire safety regulations because such breaches can so easily lead to death and serious harm.

'But although offences were exposing people to risk, fortunately, there was not an actual fire that highlighted those risks. There was not actual danger experienced by people trying to escape from a fire. It is just fortunate that a member of the public drew the attention of the fire service to these deficiencies.'

Mother-of-two Deborah Cruse, 51, from Ellesmere Port, whose company TFC took over Allium as the fire safety investigation was launched, admitted breaching a fire safety prohibition notice and was sentenced to an 18 month community order 150 hours of unpaid work. She was ordered to pay 3,000 costs.

Ellis now has debts of 40,000 suffers from bouts of anxiety and is currently working as an executive chef at the four star Crewe Hall Hotel and Spa to pay off his creditors, the court heard.

Allium underwent a name change in 2019 but shut down a year later.
The release of Children's BRI Stories, a full-color picture book that interprets the essence of the Belt and Road Initiative for youngsters, was held on June 16.

Through engaging stories and illustrations, the book introduces young readers to the background, goals, and significance of the initiative as well as the profound history history and diverse cultures of the countries involved in the initiative.

Its author Wang Yiwei, deputy director of the Academy of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era at Renmin University of China, said that it's important for him to grasp the theories behind the initiative when writing the book.

"Writing the book requires a heart full of love and using a clear and accessible writing style that could resonate with the youngsters," he said.

Luo Linquan, vice-president of the China Public Diplomacy Association, said the book integrates the theory of the Belt and Road Initiative with the history and culture of the countries involved in the initiative in an easy-to-understand language in the form of illustrations and texts, showing the unique charm of different civilizations. He said that this book will become a window for young people to learn about the initiative and broaden their horizons.

Li Lingling, director of Anhui Children's Publishing House which is the book's publisher, added that the book offers young readers a glimpse into the distinctive allure of different civilizations while conveying China's long-standing diplomatic attitude.

"The book helps children gain a clear understanding of the great efforts China is making for the development of humanity amid the unprecedented global changes of our time," she said.




A charity worker and 'evil child trader' has been detained in Ukraine after he was caught red-handed seeking to take an 11-month-old baby abroad to 'sell for organ transplants'.

The man, 43, had allegedly given a $1,000 downpayment to the boy's mother, claiming he would ensure the boy was adopted in the EU to live in safety away from the war.

He offered the woman, from Zhytomyr, a total of $5,000 for the baby who he then intended to sell to traffickers for $25,000.

Pictures showed the man detained with a female accomplice at the Ukraine-Slovakia border as he intended to cross with the child.

While this boy was saved, it is suspected the man had previously sold three other children on the pretext of taking them out of war-torn Ukraine and finding them adoptive parents abroad.

The man, 43, had given a $1,000 USD downpayment to the boy's mother, it was alleged

Armed Ukrainian soldiers and policemen detained the man

The man had allegedly offered the woman, from Zhytomyr, a total of $5,000 for the baby who he then intended to sell to traffickers for $25,000

The child in question hi-fives a soldier after being reunited with his mother

The detained man 'had been looking for parents who were ready to sell their child for organs', reported Ukrainian journalist Vitaliy Glagola.

'Law enforcement officers have operational information that this was not for adoption to the EU, and the child was to have been sold to [illegal] organ transplanters.'

The mother of the child had alerted law enforcement, it was reported.

An operation by police, the SBU secret service and border guards detained him at the Malye Selmentsy frontier checkpoint.

The man was remanded in custody pending further investigation, while the rescued child was reunited with his mother.

The man is held under child trafficking laws, said a police spokesman, and faces up to 15 years in jail if convicted.

There have been repeated warnings in recent years of children from impoverished eastern Europe exported on the black market by gangs linked to organ transplants for wealthy clients, especially in the Middle East.

But Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which sent millions of Ukrainian citizens fleeing across the border, presented an opportunity for human traffickers to prey on the most vulnerable of refugees.

Earlier in the war there were several reports of criminals targeting unaccompanied female refugees and children fleeing from Ukraine by promising them safe accommodation and free transport, posing as good Samaritans to lure them away from the safety of official checkpoints.

Charity workers on the Polish-Ukrainian border have warned that the traffickers are working alone and in gangs to kidnap the women and children who are an 'easy target'.

Human traffickers were targeting Ukrainian women and children who fled Vladimir Putin's bombs at Polish refugee camps, charities warned in the early days of the war in Ukraine

Ukrainian refugees at the Humanitarian Aid Center at the Ptak Warsaw Expo in Nadarzyn, near Warsaw, Poland, shortly after Putin's troops invaded Ukraine

Refugees from Ukraine queue as they wait for further transport at the Medyka border crossing, after crossing at the Ukrainian-Polish border, southeastern Poland, on March 23

A girl sits next to a stuffed bear as refugees from Ukraine wait in the main railway station in Przemysl, southeastern Poland, near the Polish-Ukrainian border on Thursday

Karolina Wierzbinska, a coordinator at the human rights organisation Homo Faber in the Polish city of Lublin, said she has seen teams of people working together, or multiple couples, travelling to the Polish border and pretending to offer Ukrainian refugees rides in an effort to lure them into cars.

'[We see teams] waiting for people arriving from Ukraine and pretending to offer rides or lodging to women distressed and exhausted from their journey,' she said.

'We're also seeing multiple couples, typically a male and a female, having travelled to the border by car, attempting to lure women using similar tactics. We intervene in such cases by approaching the person acting suspiciously and asking them to register in our volunteer directory  in response to which they typically run away.'

Millions of Ukrainian refugees flooded into Poland in the weeks following Putin's invasion leaving many Polish towns and cities on the border overwhelmed by the sheer number of people arriving and needing shelter, food, and medicines.

Missing Children Europe told the Guardian in the early weeks of the Ukraine war that unaccompanied minors were continuing to disappear at the borders.

'There are so many children [] that we lost track of,' said Aagje Ieven, secretary general of Missing Children Europe. 'This is a huge problem, not just because it means they easily go missing, and are difficult to find, but also because it makes trafficking so easy.'
The Tory frontrunner to take on London mayor Sadiq Khan abandoned his campaign today after being officially accused of groping a television producer.

Daniel Korski said he was no longer running to get the Conservative nomination in the capital amid claims he touched the breast of a woman while working for David Cameron in Downing Street.

Daisy Goodwin, the creator of hit ITV drama Victoria, alleges he molested her around a decade ago when she came to No10 to discuss a programme idea.

Mr Korski has vehemently denied the claim, but the publicity led to several high-profile backers 'pausing' their support amid calls for an investigation.

Today he bowed to the increasing pressure on his campaign, announcing he was no longer in the running, meaning it is now a two-horse race between long-serving London Assembly member Susan Hall and Moz Hossain, a political unknown.

In a statement this afternoon he said: 'I have been clear I would welcome and constructively participate in any investigation.

'However, the pressure on my family because of this false and unproven allegation and the inability to get a hearing for my message of ''The London Dream'' makes it impossible for my campaign to carry on.'

There were calls tonight for the selection process to be reopened, with minister Mel Stride telling LBC it would be 'an interesting move' if Paul Scully, the London Minister who failed to make the shortlist, was readmitted.

But the Conservative Party ruled that out, saying it would be a straight fight between remaining candidates Susan Hall and Moz Hossain.

Today Ms Goodwin, creator of ITV's Victoria series, told the Daily Mail that three other women have been in touch with her since she went public.

Tory London mayoral hopeful Daniel Korski is facing a deepening crisis over his campaign to take on Sadiq Khan after another minister 'paused' support amid allegations he groped a celebrated TV producer.

The creator of hit ITV drama Victoria said Mr Korski groped her breast during a visit to No 10 around a decade ago when he was an adviser to former prime minister David Cameron

Children and families minister Claire Coutinho became the latest frontbencher to distance themselves form his efforts, after Daisy Goodwin filed an official complaint against him.

Tory education minister Robert Halfon reportedly 'paused' his support for the businessman and entrepreneur yesterday. And other senior Tories , including Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove and former Cabinet Minister Nadhim Zahawi , remained silent over whether they were still backing him.

Two are said to have held Government-related roles while the third worked in the tech industry.

Tonight she said: 'I am glad he has withdrawn - it shows that women can speak out against misbehaviour in the workplace and be believed.

'If I was in the ethics department of the Cabinet Office, I would be wondering why such behaviour went unchecked in Downing Street.'

Mr Korski's campaign had been hemorrhaging support since Ms Goodwin made her allegations.

Ministers including Robert Halfon and Claire Countinho 'paused' their backing and this afternoon Rishi Sunak's press secretary told reporters: 'The Prime Minister believes these are serious allegations that should be dealt with appropriately.'

In his statement Mr Korski added: 'I am proud of having run a positive campaign that championed new ideas, technology and talent, and the years I have campaigned for the Conservative Party and to make the lives of Londoners better.

'I believe strongly that Londoners deserve an uplifting and positive vision for their city. I tried hard to offer that.'

He is married and has a son with Fiona Mcilwham, the former private secretary of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. They were in a relationship at the time the offence is alleged to have taken place.

She was formerly a diplomat who became one of the youngest British ambassadors in history when she was appointed to Albania in 2009 aged 35, and later worked as a senior adviser to the director-general of EU enlargement. She now works at the Foreign Office.

There were calls this afternoon for the whole selection process to be reopened.

Samuel Kasumu, who was critical of the process after failing to make the long list, said: 'Londoners rightly expect the Conservatives to put forward the best possible candidate, after a thorough and fair contest.

'The selection process should be reopened, with more direct involvement from members. There is still time to put this right.'

Mr Korski and the other two candidates, Susan Hall and Moz Hossain, were reportedly called in to a meeting today with party chiefs.

Ms Goodwin previously spoke about the alleged assault in 2017 but this week was the first time she named Mr Korski.

Last night she confirmed she had made a formal complaint to the Cabinet Office.

He is one of three Tories battling it out for the Conservative nomination in the London mayoral election in May 2024.

During a TV interview, Mr Korski, 46, repeatedly denied the accusation.

Asked why his recollection of the meeting with Ms Goodwin differed so much from hers, he told TalkTV: 'I don't know how she could have come away with that perception [that he assaulted her]. I certainly didn't leave the meeting feeling that I had done anything wrong, and subsequently even wrote to her, congratulating her on some of her professional success. But I don't really know why she felt the way she did.'

He said Ms Goodwin did not respond to his letters.

Asked whether he thought Ms Goodwin was 'making it up', he said: 'Look, I can't really explain that. All I can say is that she's wrong and that I absolutely didn't do what's alleged.'

He said 'categorically no' when asked if any similar accusations had ever been made against him, and insisted that No 10 never raised the allegation with him at the time or subsequently.

Asked if he expected anyone else to come forward with more allegations, he said: 'To the best of my knowledge, absolutely, I don't expect anybody to.'

He said he told the Tory party about the accusation during the vetting process for his candidacy and confirmed he will 'absolutely' continue with his campaign.

In a written statement yesterday, Mr Korski appeared to put the accusation down to politics being 'a rough and challenging business'.

The Tory party said it would not investigate the allegation because the proper organisation to do so would be the Cabinet Office. at the time of the alleged incident Mr Korski was a special adviser employed by the government.

It is understood the Cabinet Office would not investigate until it received a formal complaint. Ms Goodwin, 61, last night said: 'I have made a formal complaint via email to the Cabinet Office.'

In an article for The Daily Mail on Monday, she described how she arrived at No 10 for talks with Mr Korski about an idea for a TV show around a decade ago.

They had met at a social event two weeks before and he believed a show could be written about the trade department's attempts to work with small and medium-sized businesses in exporting their goods around the world.

Ms Goodwin wrote: 'At the end of the meeting we both stood up and Korski, to my astonishment, put his hand on my breast. I looked at the hand and then in my most affronted voice said, 'Are you actually touching my breast?'

'He dropped his hand and laughed nervously. I swept out in what can only be called high dudgeon.'

Ms Goodwin did not make a complaint at the time.

She revealed the alleged incident in an article for the Radio Times in 2017  in the wake of the #MeToo movement  although she did not identify Mr Korski. Monday was the first time she named him publicly.

Explaining her decision to name him now after learning he was running to be the capital's mayor, she wrote: 'Part of Korski's campaign is that he wants to make London safer for women. This strikes me as the ultimate irony... it makes me queasy to think that the man who clearly got a thrill out of groping me under a portrait of Mrs Thatcher, should be someone who can be relied on to make judgment calls about how to protect the opposite sex.'

Ms Goodwin began her career at the BBC making arts documentaries before joining production company Talkback, where she made Grand Designs.

She started Silver River Productions in 2005 before selling it to Sony in 2012 to focus on writing.
Debt-laden utility giant Thames Water is in a desperate race to secure 1billion and fend off its collapse, amid reports it might have to be taken over by the taxpayer.

The firm, which serves 15 million people and is Britain's biggest water supplier, is a staggering 14billion in debt and is reportedly on the 'brink of collapse'.

So severe is the crisis, Government ministers are now weighing up whether or not to nationalise the business should it fail.

Thames last year suffered its worst leakage rate in five years, with an estimated 630million litres of water a day escaping from its ageing network of pipes.

And the under-fire utilities group has faced a huge backlash over the amount of sewage being pumped into rivers amid claims leaks have wiped out thousands of fish, with 8,013 spills record last year - the equivalent of 22 a day.

Thames Water has faced a huge backlash over the amount of sewage being pumped into rivers amid claims leaks have wiped out thousands of fish, with 8,013 spills record last year. Pictured are dead fish following a leak by the water firm

Thames last year suffered its worst leakage rate in five years, with an estimated 630million litres of water a day escaping. Pictured is a flooded road in London on August 8

In 2022, Thames Water's leak rate was the worst for five years. Pictured is a Thames Water official delivering bottled water to residents in Northend after its supply was cut off

The grim statistics, compiled by website Top of the Poops, saw discharges lasting for 74,693 hours - or more than eight years cumulatively - in 378 locations.

The latest discharge took place last Tuesday at Henley-on-Thames in Oxford, with dead fish being pictured later floating in the river after the release.

Thames has been heavily criticised in recent years for dumping raw sewage. Between 2017 and 2021, the firm was fined 31million for releasing effluent.

In 2021 it was prosecuted by the Environment Agency for allowing half a million gallons of raw sewage to cascade into a river for 30 hours, in an ecological disaster that wiped out 3,000 fish.

Describing the carnage, Robert Davis, an Environment Agency senior officer who went to the scene, said: 'It was quite horrific. Sewage pollution was bank to bank and there was a foul stench of raw sewage.

'When we traced the source we found a waterfall of raw sewage discharging via a pipe into the streams. Amongst the dead fish, Fisheries officers observed hundreds more on the surface, suffering and gasping for oxygen.'

Thames has since announced it will be pumping in 1.6billion into improving its sewage treatment works and networks in an effort to try and halve discharges by 2030.

The firm also proposed controversial measures to tackle drought in the future, including a 'recycling' scheme that will see 100milllion litres of treated sewage from the Mogden sewage works bein pumped into the River Thames at Teddington, south-west London, every day.

Mrs Bentley's shock departure came exactly a week after Thames Water reportedly discharged sewage into Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire. Pictured is a dead fish in the river after the release

Pictured: A photo released by the Environment Agency showing one of the streams that was polluted by raw sewage in 2016

But the company's failure to fix its own leaks is likely to make it difficult for Thames to get approval for the plans.

Its leaking network has proved a headache for some Brits, who have had their homes flooded in recent years.

Julia Catling, 54, software engineer husband Karl, 55, and their two children Hollie, 24, and Gracie, 19, were forced out of their 1million home after one such flood.

The family say huge amounts of water has been spilled under the Catlings' four-bedroom property near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

This has caused significant damage - which means they have had to temporarily move out and stay in a caravan while the problem was being fixed.

They claim the leak happened after work was carried out by Thames Water in August 2020 - which led to millions of gallons of water flooding under the family's home.

Now the family is looking to reclaim the money they have lost back from Thames Water - who have confirmed the claim is with their insurers and solicitors.

Huge amounts of water has been spilled under Julia Catling's (pictured) four-bedroom property near Aylesbury, Bucks

This has caused significant damage to the family's 1 million home - which means they have had to temporarily move out while the problem is being fixed

Blasting Thames Water earlier this year, Julia said: 'They go on about hosepipe bans and saving water, but they've put millions of gallons under us.

'It's made me feel terrified - we have no confidence in them fixing anything. It makes you scared of it happening again.'

As well as its poor record on leaks and sewage discharges, the company has also faced fierce criticism over how much it pays its executives and dishes out in dividends to shareholders.

Thames has previously been slammed for shelling out more than 2.7billion in dividends, while it plunged about 2.2bn further into debt.

On Tuesday, the firm's chief executive Sarah Bentley dramatically stepped down from her top job.

She had been with the company since September 2020 and have previously pledged to clean up the company's act.

In a statement just month's into her stint at the helm, the mother-of-five pledged the supplier would play its part in tackling chalk stream pollution.

'I'm absolutely committed to ensuring we'll play our part in restoring these iconic water bodies to their former glory,' she declared during an online summit with campaigners.

But during her stint in charge, Thames Water has lurched from one disaster to the next - which saw the firm also being criticised for how much its top team are paid.

Mrs Bentley was reportedly paid 2million in 2022 - more than 10 times the salary of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who earns 164,951 a year.

In May, the University of Kent-educated mother-of-five joined other water firm bosses in promising to give up her 2022-23 bonus amid fierce criticism of the sector.

Mother-of-five Sarah Bentley (pictured) took on the role of Thames Water chief executive in September 2020

Campaigners have been demanding for an overhaul to Britain's water suppliers following thousands of sewage leaks nationwide into the UK's rivers and seas. Pictured: protesters on June 20, 2023 at Henley-on-Thames

And despite forgoing the payment, Mrs Bentley still reportedly raked in 1.6million in earning for the past year.

She also received 548,000 in connection with a 'golden hello' package of shares and bonuses granted when Thames poached her from rival Severn Trent.

And she received a bonus of 178,000 connected to the company's performance during her first two years in charge.

The mammoth pay packet attracted harsh condemnation from the GMB trade union, with national officer Gary Carter branding Bentley's announcement that she would not take a bonus as 'nothing more than a flimsy PR stunt'.

And as shareholders and top executives, Thames Water faced mounting criticism over how it was tackling water pollution.

Last year, regulator Ofwat fined it 51million. And between 2017 and 2021 it was hit with a total of 32million penalties for water pollution.

And with all this bubbling on behind the scenes, Mrs Bentley dramatically quit from her role on Tuesday with immediate effect, in a move observers warned had worsened the 'perilous situation' facing Britain's biggest water group.

Bowing out, the departing chief said it had been an 'honour' and 'privilege' to run the company as she insisted the 'foundations' had been laid to turnaround the under-fire firm's fortunes.

But no explanation was given for her shock departure, that came exactly a week after Thames discharged sewage into Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire, with dead fish being pictured floating in the river following the release.

Gary Carter, national officer at the GMB trade union, said: 'Sarah Bentley's resignation highlights what a perilous situation Thames Water is in.'

Water firm fined 150k after dumping sewage into Bedfordshire river On the day it was revealed the Government was considering the future of Thames Water which is mired in huge unsustainable debt, another water company was fined more than 150,000 for polluting a river. Anglian Water was ordered to pay a total of 154,428 after the Environment Agency prosecuted it for allowing sewage to be discharged into the River Til in Bedfordshire. Anglian Water became the first water company to be issued with and pay a Variable Monetary Penalty (VMP). The incident took place in 2018 when contractors working for the firm used a tanker jetter to unblock a sewer after waste gathered in a field in Yielden, Bedfordshire. The decision caused the rural Yielden Water Recycling Centre to become overwhelmed resulting in sewage discharging into the river. Jeremy Hay, senior environment officer at the Environment Agency, said: 'Polluters should always be held to account and, as much as our resources allow, we will always investigate significant pollution incidents and bring those responsible to justice.' Advertisement

However, ministers are now considering whether or not to renationalise the company amid its gigantic debt pile.

This morning, the firm said it is working 'constructively' with shareholders to secure new funding needed to support its turnaround.

Meanwhile, struggling Brit households were hit with the warning that water bills will need to rise 40 per cent to meet the cost of pollution costs.

Water price hikes, to be announced next year, could see annual bills rise from 450 to 680.

Under a process run by water regulator Ofwat, England's water firms have been asked to submit plans by October to tackle pollution from sewage, which include improving storm overflows discharging in or near designated bathing spots and improving 75 per cent of overflows discharging to high-priority nature sites.

Industry commentators have since called for whoever took the helm of Thames Water to do more to tackle the issue of sewage being discharged into the waterways.

'It doesn't matter much who the chief executive of Thames Water is, it's the system that is rotten to the core,' said the clean water campaign group Henley Mermaids.

'Whoever takes over will likely be paid a fortune  while it's us bill payers who will be expected to fund upgrades to Thames Water's infrastructure.

'We'll be the ones swimming in rivers flowing with sewage and will live with hosepipe bans while Thames loses a third of its water to its own leaks. The whole system needs to change.'

Thames Water has said it is working 'constructively with its shareholders' in relation to further funding needed for its turnaround amid reports over financial uncertainty at the water supplier.

In a statement, the company said: 'As envisaged in June 2022, Thames Water received the expected 500 million of new funding from its shareholders in March 2023 and is continuing to work constructively with its shareholders in relation to the further equity funding expected to be required to support Thames Water's turnaround and investment plans.

'Ofwat is being kept fully informed on progress of the company's turnaround and engagement with shareholders.

'Thames Water remains focused on delivering for its customers, the environment and stakeholders.

'Thames Water continues to maintain a strong liquidity position, including 4.4 billion of cash and committed funding, as at March 31 2023.'

The firm is now reportedly racing to raise 1 billion from investors to shore up its finances, with AlixPartners said to be advising the firm on turnaround plans.

A Government spokesman said: 'This is a matter for the company and its shareholders.

'We prepare for a range of scenarios across our regulated industries - including water - as any responsible government would.

'The sector as a whole is financially resilient. Ofwat continues to monitor the financial position of all the key water and wastewater companies.'

Thames Water - owned by a consortium of pension funds and sovereign wealth funds - has come under pressure in recent years over its poor performance in tackling leaks and sewage contamination, while facing criticism for handing out big rewards to top bosses and shareholders.
An Iraqi man filled a Koran with bacon and burned it in Stockholm on Wednesday, an event that has angered Turkey as Sweden bids to join NATO.

The inflammatory stunt was carried out by two men outside the city's main mosque on the first day of the Muslim three-day Eid al-Adha holiday.

Some 200 onlookers witnessed one of the two organisers - Salwan Momika - tearing up pages of a copy of the Koran and wiping his shoes with it before putting bacon in it and setting the book on fire, whilst the other protester spoke into a megaphone.

Some of those present shouted 'God is great' in Arabic to protest against the burning, and one man was detained by police after he attempted to throw a rock. A supporter of the demonstration shouted 'let it burn' as the holy book caught on fire.

It came after police approved a request to allow the man to go ahead with the action, two weeks after a Swedish appeals court rejected a police ban on Koran burning protests which have caused anger among Muslims in Sweden and abroad.

Iraqi man Salwan Momika holds up a burning Koran during his inflammatory protest in Stockholm today

Police officers intervene amid anger over the Koran-burning protest in Stockholm, Sweden today

Swedish cops handcuffed a man amid angry scenes as protesters burned a Koran outside a Stockholm mosque today

An Iraqi man - Salwan Momika - tore up and burned a Koran in Stockholm on Wednesday (pictured), an event that risks angering Turkey as Sweden bids to join NATO

A series of demonstrations in Sweden against Islam and for Kurdish rights have offended Ankara, whose backing Sweden needs to gain entry to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Who is Salwan Momika? After months of trying, Salwan Momika got his wish and burned a Koran outside Stockholm's main mosque. In a recent newspaper interview, he described himself as an Iraqi refugee - who fled from his home country several years ago - seeking to ban the Koran. 'I want to protest in front of the large mosque in Stockholm, and I want to express my opinion about the Koran... I will tear up the Koran and burn it,' Momika, 37, wrote in his application to carry out the action. Ahead of the protest, Momika told news agency TT he also wanted to highlight the importance of freedom of speech. He had previously put in an application to burn a Koran following a similar protest by far-right Danish political party politician Stram Kurs Rasmus Paludan in January. His request was initially denied, but an appeals court in mid-June ruled that police were wrong to ban his protest, and gave it the green light. Having been given permission, he carried out the stunt on Wednesday - timing it for the first day of the Muslim three-day Eid al-Adha holiday. Momika stomped on the Koran, put strips of bacon in it, and set pages on fire before slamming it shut, and kicked it while waving Swedish flags. According to Aftonbladet, Momika said that he 'does not want my demonstration to be negative to Sweden's request to join NATO'. Advertisement

Sweden sought NATO membership in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year. But Turkey - a Muslim majority country - has said Sweden harbours members of what it considers terrorist groups - a charge Sweden denies - and has demanded their extradition as a step toward ratifying Swedish membership.

Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan condemned the act in a tweet on Wednesday, writing: 'I condemn the vile protest against our holy book in Sweden.'

In its permit for Wednesday's demonstration, the police wrote that while it 'may have foreign policy consequences', the security risks and consequences linked to a Koran burning were not of such a nature that the application should be rejected.

Ahead of the stunt, police said they expected only two people to take part, including the organiser, Momika, who in a recent newspaper interview described himself as an Iraqi refugee seeking to ban the Koran.

There were fears that the burning could spark unrest, with police saying they had called in reinforcements from across the country to maintain order. Journalists said several police cars were already parked near the mosque early on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said Wednesday that Sweden still wanted to join NATO before or at its summit in Vilnius next month although it was not certain it would be able to do so by then.

He said at a press conference he would not speculate about how the protest could affect Sweden's NATO process. 'It's legal but not appropriate,' he said, adding that it was up to the police to make decisions on Koran burnings.

Wednesday is not the first time a Koran has been burned in a public protest this year. In January, far-right Danish political party politician Stram Kurs Rasmus Paludan burned the religious book outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm.

Police then banned two subsequent requests for protests involving Koran burnings - one by a private individual and one by an organisation, outside the Turkish and Iraqi embassies in Stockholm in February.

The inflammatory stunt was carried out by two men (pictured) outside the city's main mosque on the first day of the Muslim three-day Eid al-Adha holiday

Salwan Momika is seen holding a Koran up to the camera in this picture on Facebook

Leader of the far-right Danish political party Stram Kurs Rasmus Paludan burns a copy of the Koran during a manifestation outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm, January 21

The appeals court in mid-June ruled that police were wrong to ban those, saying 'the order and security problems' referenced by the police did not have 'a sufficiently clear connection to the planned event or its immediate vicinity.'

The request for the Wednesday demonstration was made by the same private individual who had his previous request blocked.

'I want to protest in front of the large mosque in Stockholm, and I want to express my opinion about the Koran... I will tear up the Koran and burn it,' Momika, 37, wrote in the application, a copy of which was obtained by AFP news agency.

According to Aftonbladet, Momika said that he 'does not want my demonstration to be negative to Sweden's request to join NATO'.

Paludan was not expected to take part in Wednesday's demonstration.

Swedish politicians have criticised Koran burnings, but have also adamantly defended the right to freedom of expression.

Sweden has said freedom of speech is firmly enshrined in its constitution and that it has lived up to all the requirements set out in an agreement with Turkey and Finland struck in Madrid a year ago.

In addition to Turkey, several Arab countries including Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Kuwait also denounced the January Koran-burning.

Representatives of the mosque said they were disappointed by the police decision to grant permission for the protest on the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, mosque director and Imam Mahmoud Khalfi said on Wednesday.

'The mosque suggested to the police to at least divert the demonstration to another location, which is possible by law, but they chose not to do so,' Khalfi said in a statement.

Up to 10,000 visitors attend Stockholm's mosque for the Eid celebrations every year, according to Khalfi.

Swedish and Turkish officials met on June 14 for what Sweden's chief negotiator characterised as good talks, and are due to hold another high level meeting in Brussels organised by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

This meeting is set to be held before the Vilnius summit.

Sweden and Finland abandoned decades of military non-alignment in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year, seeking greater security by joining NATO.

Protesters burn a Swedish flag in front of the Consulate General of Sweden during a protest in Istanbul, Turkey, 21 January 2023

Finland became an alliance member in April but the process has been slower for Sweden.

Sweden has set its sights on joining at the alliance's July 11-12 summit and while it has strong support from other members including the United States, both Turkey and Hungary have so far held back from ratification.

'Sweden will become a NATO member,' Kristersson said in an interview with public service broadcaster SVT.

'Nobody can promise it will happen specifically in Vilnius or right ahead of Vilnius, even if that has been our ambition all along. And that is an ambition we share with every other NATO country as well.'
A small Taiwanese restaurant is causing mixed reactions online thanks to a ghastly dish it has concocted - which no one is brave enough to try.

Dubbed Godzilla Ramen by internet users, the Yunlin-based eatery call their creation 'thick witch crocodile ramen'.

It features the leg of a crocodile, which protrudes out of a noodle and broth-filled bowl, almost as though it is crawling out of it.

The Witch Cat ramen restaurant has, perhaps unsurprisingly, not had any takers for the bizarre dish yet.

They explained to local media that visitors want to take pictures for social media but are 'afraid' to taste it, explaining 'there are no customers [willing] to try'.

Dubbed Godzilla Ramen by internet users, the Yunlin-based eatery call their creation 'thick witch crocodile ramen'

The dish features the leg of a crocodile, which protrudes out of a noodle and broth-filled bowl, almost as though it is crawling out of it

They say: 'The witch uses more than forty kinds of natural spices and fresh ingredients to cook, and then injects the idea of love into the soup, mixes all elements and energy, and finally boils all kinds of expressions of love that belong to you.'

While romantic feelings are the last thing a crocodile leg-soup might make you feel, the restaurant's flowery explanation of its effects suggest it may leave diners 'blushing'.

'Your heart is beating, you may not be able to help yourself, you may be short of breath, drink it, and you will see through all appearances and awaken the purest and unconditional love in your heart,' the eatery suggests.

However, most social media users were not as enamored with the dish as its creators might have hoped.

Negative responses included people saying it 'is a bit nasty' and 'doesn't look good'.

Another suggested they would not be sampling the soup: 'Vomit vomit, can't do it, it's too creepy crawly, it reminds me of turtles'.

In the positive camp, adventurous eaters said comments like 'I'm open to it' and 'this should have a manicure to look more delicious'.

The theatrical dish was reportedly inspired by a ramen which went viral in May - featuring a 14-leg crustacean called an isopod

The giant isopod had people queuing up in Taipei - both for pictures and to try a bite from the bowl of noodles underneath the huge creature

The restaurant added: 'Those who dare not eat crocodile are welcome to try another noodle soup with pork, beef and seafood'.

The theatrical crocodile dish was reportedly inspired by a ramen which went viral in May - featuring a 14-leg crustacean called an isopod.

The giant isopod had people queuing up in Taipei - both for pictures and to try a bite from the bowl of noodles underneath the huge creature.

'The Ramen Boy' launched the limited-edition noodle bowl on May 22, declaring in a social media post that it had 'finally got this dream ingredient'.

The restaurant steams the isopod for 10 minutes before adding it to the top of a bowl of ramen with thick chicken and fish broth. Each bowl costs 1,480 Taiwan dollars ($48)

More than a 100 people joined a waiting list to dine at the restaurant, with people claiming it tasted like a cross between crab and lobster.

'It is so attractive because of its appearance - it looks very cute,' said the 37-year-old owner of the restaurant, who wanted to be identified only as Mr Hu, as he held up a giant isopod while customers took pictures.

'As for the cooking method, we use the simplest way, steam, so there is no difficulty to process it.'

The restaurant steams the isopod for 10 minutes before adding it to the top of a bowl of ramen with thick chicken and fish broth. Each bowl costs 1,480 Taiwan dollars ($48 or 37.50).
14-year-old twin sisters were among 11 people killed after Vladimir Putin's missiles pounded a crowded Ukrainian restaurant overnight.

Yuliya and Anna Aksenchenko were confirmed as two of the four minors killed in the attack on the Ria Pizza restaurant, popular with both soldiers and journalists in the town of Kramatorsk.

Ukrainian authorities posted a heartbreaking image of the young sisters holding a hand-drawn picture to commemorate the 60-year-anniversary of the building of their school in a touching tribute to the pair.

The strike also injured at least 60 people in the town - one of the largest still under Ukrainian control in the east of the country, where fighting is most fierce.

Ukrainian police said Russia fired S-300 surface-to-air anti-aircraft missiles at the city.

The weapons are not precision strike missiles, meaning their use on ground targets in Ukraine amounts to indiscriminate targeting of civilians.

A second missile hit a village on the fringes of Kramatorsk, injuring five, but the main casualties were at the restaurant. Among the injured was an infant born last year.

'Rescuers are working through the rubble of the destroyed building and searching for people who are probably still under it,' emergency services said, suggesting that rescue teams are likely to find more bodies in the coming hours.

Authorities say they have arrested a local man who they accused of 'helping' Russia carry out the attack.

'According to the investigation, the enemy agent is a resident of Kramatorsk, an employee of the local gas transportation company,' the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) said on its website.

Authorities in Kramatorsk have named two of the victims of last night's attack as 14-year-old twins Yuliya and Anna Aksenchenko

The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) say they have arrested a local man who they accused of 'helping' Russia carry out the attack

Pictured: A crying woman is held by a man at the site of the restaurant destroyed in the Russian missile strike

Rescuers and volunteers carry a young child from the rubble after Russian missile strike hit a restaurant and several houses in Kramatorsk, eastern Ukraine, on June 27

Search and rescue efforts continue after a Russian missile attack hits Ria restaurant in Kramatorsk, Ukraine on June 27, 2023

Search and rescue efforts continue after a Russian missile attack hits Ria restaurant in Kramatorsk, Ukraine on June 27, 2023

The blast at the Ria Pizza restaurant wounded at least 60 at the establishment (pictured)

A Russian missile also hit a cluster of buildings in Kremenchuk, about 230 miles west in central Ukraine, exactly a year after an attack on a shopping mall there that killed at least 20. No casualties were reported in the latest attack.

Russia has repeatedly denied its forces are targeting civilian sites in its so-called 'special military operation' despite overwhelming evidence on the contrary.

The Kremlin yet again claimed today that its forces only hit 'military' targets after Ukraine restaurant strike.

Hundreds of civilians have been killed in strikes, and schools, hospitals and stations have all been attacked during the Kremlin's disastrous 16-month invasion.

The Kremlin and its armies have been accused of war crimes since day one.

In Kramatorsk, emergency workers scurried in and out of the restaurant overnight as residents stood outside embracing and surveying the damage from the strike.

The building was reduced to a twisted web of metal beams. Police and soldiers emerged carrying a stretcher bearing a man in military trousers and boots. He was placed in an ambulance, though it was not clear whether he was still alive.

'There were a lot of people in there - there are children under the rubble,' said Yevgen, who had been dining with two friends.

Two men screamed in frenzied tones for a tow rope, then ran back towards the rubble.

'I ran here after the explosion because I rented a cafe here... everything has been blown out there,' Valentyna, 64, said.

'None of the glass, windows or doors are left. All I see is destruction, fear and horror. This is the 21st century.'

'We were just about to leave,' he said, but one of his friends was now 'under the rubble', he said after the explosion.

A crowd quickly gathered at the site, where fires continued to burn as soldiers and rescue workers searched for other victims.

Donetsk governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said two Russian rockets had struck the city that was once home to 150,000 people, one of the largest still under Ukrainian control in the country's besieged east.

'There was a good crowd' at the restaurant when the missile hit, one of its cooks, 32-year-old Ruslan, said.

'I had just arrived: I was standing there, and then I was buried,' he said. 'I was lucky.'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly video message that the attacks showed that Russia 'deserved only one thing as a consequence of what it has done - defeat and a tribunal'.

Natalia, in tears, said her half-brother Nikita, 23, was inside near the pizza oven.

'They can't get him out, he was covered' by debris, she said.

Video footage posted by the Donetsk regional governor Pavlo Kyrylenko showed wailing emergency vehicles pulling into the affected area and rescue teams in protective equipment moving in the building's shattered structure.

Other footage on military Telegram channels showed one man, his head bleeding, receiving first aid on the pavement.

'People told me they heard a plane flying, there was a hissing and then an explosion,' a 19-year-old Ukrainian soldier who gave his war name as 'Ghost', and was nearby when the strike occurred, told AFP.

Rescues and volunteers carry a woman rescued from the debris at the site of hotel and restaurant buildings heavily damaged by a Russian missile strike

A view shows a building of a restaurant heavily damaged by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine

An injured man reacts at the site of a hotel building heavily damaged by a Russian missile strike

Rescuers and volunteers work to rescue people from under the rubble after a missile strike hit a restaurant in Kramatorsk

He quickly entered the restaurant to help rescue workers. 'A girl was trapped, injured. They haven't yet been able to get her out,' he said.

Kramatorsk lies about 18 miles from the front line.

It is a major city west of the front lines in Donetsk province and a likely key objective in any Russian advance westward seeking to capture all of the region.

The city has been a frequent target of Russian attacks, including a strike on the town's railway station in April 2022 that killed 63 people. There were at least two strikes on apartment buildings and other civilian sites earlier this year.

The missile strike came days after the aborted rebellion of Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin, widely seen as the biggest threat to Kremlin authority in decades.

Kyiv said the mutiny's influence on fighting was minimal.

'Unfortunately, Prigozhin gave up too quickly. So there was no time for this demoralising effect to penetrate Russian trenches,' Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told CNN in a video published Wednesday.

As Belarus welcomed Prigozhin into exile on Tuesday, Putin moved to shore up his authority by thanking regular troops for averting a civil war.

A wounded woman waves while speaking on the phone as rescuers and volunteers work to rescue people from under rubble after Russian missile strike to a pizzeria

Search and rescue efforts continue after a Russian missile attack hit a restaurant in Kramatorsk

Rescuers and volunteers carry a rescued woman from the rubble after Russian missile strike hit a restaurant and several houses in Kramatorsk

But as Moscow announced preparations to disarm Wagner fighters, Putin's arch-foe, jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, launched a stinging attack on the president in his first comments since the aborted mutiny by the paramilitaries.

'There is no bigger threat to Russia than Putin's regime,' Navalny said on social media. 'Putin's regime is so dangerous to the country that even its inevitable demise will create the threat of civil war,' he wrote.

In the Hague, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said it was still too early to draw conclusions from the move to Belarus of Prigozhin and, likely, some of his forces, but he vowed that the alliance was ready to defend its members.

'What is absolutely clear is that we have sent a clear message to Moscow and to Minsk that NATO is there to protect every ally and every inch of NATO territory,' Stoltenberg said.
A grandson handed his grandmother's historic 1m watermill home wept in court as he was left homeless and facing bankruptcy after losing it in a fight with the daughter she cut out of her will.

On her death, 'stubborn' Molly Brown had intended to divide her fortune between her five children and her grandson Justin Dennis, whom she brought up as a child.

But after a terrible falling out left her relationship with her children 'poisoned,' she made a new will, handing Mr Dennis everything, including the Grade II-listed 16th century watermill in Goudhurst, Kent, where she lived.

The rift between Mrs Brown and her children was so deep that they didn't even know she had died in 2016 until three years later.

Mrs Brown's daughter, Philippa Wehage, 66, who claimed she was 'like a second mother' to nephew Mr Dennis, 50, when he was a youngster, then went on to sue him, claiming he had turned her mother against her children by feeding her a 'drip drip' of lies about them over the years.

Mr Dennis, who represented himself in the trial, was visibly distressed at the latest hearing

He lived at the mill with Mrs Brown but now faces being made homeless following the trial

Judge Richard Farnhill has now handed her victory, overturning the 2012 will cutting out her children and upholding one made in 1991, which shared her estate equally six ways between Mr Dennis and her five children.

But he cleared Mr Dennis of any wrongdoing, saying he had no part in turning his grandmother against her children and finding she had cut them off because she was suffering from an 'insane delusion' that they had defrauded her out of ownership of the family business.

The High Court heard that Mr Dennis - who lived at the mill with Mrs Brown and wept as the ruling was announced - now faces being made homeless when it is sold and the proceeds divided among the family.

He is also facing a 100,000 court costs bill, which he told the judge will lead to him being made bankrupt.

The court heard that Mr Dennis is the son of Philippa's sister Jane Burt-Brown, but was brought up by his grandmother and her husband Jack.

Philippa Wehage, and her husband Bent, are pictured outside the High Court in London

The luxury 1m watermill property in Kent, which was at the centre of the family feud

Ms Wehage's barrister Faisel Sadiq said his client had been 'kind and loving' to Mr Dennis, babysitting for him regularly and acting effectively as a 'second mother' until she moved out aged 18.

Under a will made in 1991, Mrs Brown, who was widowed in 1996, had planned to split everything she had equally between her five children and her grandson.

But after becoming convinced that she had been 'defrauded' out of a share in the family company by her children, she tore up her will and wrote a new one in 2012, leaving everything to Justin.

The estate is mostly made up of Mrs Brown's former home, a Grade-II listed former water mill, in Goudhurst, on the River Teise, near Tunbridge Wells, which dates back to around 1516.

The court heard that her family had run a successful printing business, set up in the 1940s and eventually run by her husband.

His three sons, Ms Wehage's brothers Leighton, 57, Ashley, 54, and Craig Brown, 71, all worked in the business and for inheritance tax reasons, the shares in it were transferred to them in 1991.

The family agreed at the time that the company would 'look after' Mrs Brown, who would receive payments as and when the company could afford it.

But she later became disgruntled after business declined and her children suggested they would have to stop payments, claiming she had been 'ripped off' in relation to the company by her children.

Ms Wehage claimed it was her nephew's behaviour which caused the estrangement, as he gradually poisoned her mind against her children, not even telling them when she died, aged 88, in 2016.

Mr Dennis had clearly been the 'driving force' behind her mother's 'insane delusion' about her children, she said.

In his defence to the claim, Mr Dennis, who represented himself at trial, denied any wrongdoing and said his grandmother had 'full capacity' to make the will and was not persuaded by him to do so.

He also backed her claim that she was defrauded by her children.

The judge, ruling in Ms Wehage's favour, said Mrs Brown's belief in the fraud 'started out as a mistaken belief' that share certificates transferring the business to her sons had been forged.

'I reject the suggestion that any aspect of the share transfer was forged,' he said.

'The issue is that the mistake could not be corrected in Mrs Brown's mind.

'Sadly it persisted all the way up to her death, poisoning her relationship with her children.

'Mr Dennis did not foist his conspiracy theory onto Mrs Brown. She formed it herself and he accepted it. She persuaded herself.

'All the witness evidence was that Mrs Brown was extremely stubborn. She would never back down. It seems to me that this was an example of that character trait.'

Of Mr Dennis, the judge said: '[He] is a man who sometimes struggles with his emotions. I do not consider that his actions were designed to conceal some scheme of his designed to disinherit the siblings. The driver behind his actions may have been anger.

'Mr Dennis' belief in the forged share certificates had become so fixed that it is impervious to evidence or persuasion. He accepted fully that the fraud took place and he strongly and deeply feels that his beliefs have a solid foundation.

'Molly Brown's will, executed in 2012, was made by her whilst suffering what the law refers to as an insane delusion. She would not have distributed her property in the way that she did had she not suffered from that insane delusion.

'The 2012 will is therefore invalid because Mrs Brown lacked testamentary capacity.

'However, the 2012 will was not the result of undue influence by Mr Dennis. He supported her in a belief that she had formed by herself.

'Nor was it the result of fraudulent calumny on his part. The alleged fraud was something in which he himself genuinely believed.

'He sought to follow through on what he thought were Mrs Brown's best interest and final wishes.

'The last true will was the will made by Mrs Brown on May 1991 and I direct that it be entered into probate,' he concluded.

Molly Brown died in 2016 but her children were unaware of her passing until three years later

After the ruling, the judge ordered that Mr Dennis be personally liable for his aunt's legal costs incurred since January this year, with earlier costs being paid from the estate.

That leaves him facing a personal bill of over 100,000, with his own previous solicitors' fees taken into account.

'I'm concerned that this is a harsh blow for Mr Dennis,' the judge commented as Mr Dennis moaned and held his head in court showing visible signs of distress.

Mr Dennis said: 'It's my home, your honour. I'm bankrupt. I've my own solicitors' bills to pay, which are 37,000. I will be claiming bankruptcy next week.'

He was refused permission to appeal the order, but given six weeks to lodge an appeal with the Court of Appeal.

After that, Ms Wehage can begin possession proceedings with a view to selling the mill.

Her total costs were approximately 150,000, around half of which Mr Dennis is liable for personally.
He pleaded not guilty to two charges and will return to court on October 25

Prosecutors say they have additional cell phone video footage that supports their prosecution of former Marine Daniel Penny for the death of Jordan Neely.

Penny, 24, was filmed already with Neely in a chokehold in a widely-shared video from the incident.

He told police afterwards, as did others on the train, that Neely was behaving erratically, threatening to kill a stranger for a ticket to jail where he would receive food and water. He was homeless, mentally ill, and complaining about being hungry.

According to the Manhattan DA's Office, four others were filmed - and all are being used as evidence. Neely was pronounced dead at the scene, and the medical examiner ruled his death a homicide, sparking national attention and protests.

Penny was originally charged with second degree manslaughter. A grand jury upheld that charge and added a charge of criminally negligent homicide today.

Marine Daniel Penny leaving court today after pleading not guilty to second degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide

Penny strode into court on Wednesday with his attorneys. The 24-year-old said previously he intends to plead not guilty

Neely had been in and out of the city's homeless shelters in recent years, and his family say his mental health worsened dramatically after his mother was murdered when he was a teenager

Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg released a statement after the arraignment saying: 'Daniel Penny stands indicted for Manslaughter after allegedly putting Jordan Neely in a deadly chokehold for several minutes until and after he stopped moving. I hope Mr. Neelys loved ones are on the path towards healing as they continue to mourn this tragic loss'

If convicted, Penny faces up to 19 years in prison.

In a statement after the hearing, Penny's attorneys, Steve Raiser and Thomas Keniff, told DailyMail.com: 'Today Danny entered a plea of not guilty, with great confidence that a jury of his peers will ultimately agree, by rendering a verdict of not guilty on all counts after trial.

'But Danny is not going to be the only one on trial. The right and duty to protect one another will be on trial too.

'Our legal team at Raiser & Kenniff is fighting for Danny and for all New Yorkers right and duty to defend one another when faced with grave harm. Tens of thousands of People have stepped forward to support Danny, monetarily, with words of encouragement and prayers. For that Danny is eternally grateful.

'On May 1, 2023, Danny defended his fellow travelers, now is our turn to defend Danny.'

Penny's next court date is October 25.

In interviews since the incident, Penny has told of how Neely was threatening other passengers on the train. He said he was merely trying to protect them and never intended to kill Neely.

Prior to the grand jury proceedings, Penny first appeared in the Manhattan Criminal Court on May 12 on a charge of second-degree manslaughter, a felony crime that carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

Penny held Neely in a chokehold on the subway car floor while others assisted on May 1

Neely's father is shown inside the court on Wednesday morning

Penny's attorneys Thomas Keniff and Steve Raiser speaking after the hearing on Wednesday

Judge Kevin McGrath released Penny on a $100,000 bond and ordered him to surrender his passport.

The grand jury voted to indict Penny on June 14, and the charge or charges it contains are due to be unsealed at Penny's arraignment hearing on Wednesday.

In a statement this morning after the arraignment, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg said: 'Daniel Penny stands indicted for Manslaughter after allegedly putting Jordan Neely in a deadly chokehold for several minutes until and after he stopped moving.

'I hope Mr. Neelys loved ones are on the path towards healing as they continue to mourn this tragic loss.'

In the minutes before he was killed, Neely, a 30-year-old former Michael Jackson impersonator who struggled with mental illness, had been shouting about how hungry he was and that he was willing to return to jail or die, according to passengers on the subway car.

Penny and his lawyers have indicated that he will plead not guilty to any criminal charge for the killing.

Neely had been in and out of the city's homeless shelters in recent years, and his family say his mental health worsened dramatically after his mother was murdered when he was a teenager.

He had been arrested many times, most recently for punching a 67-year-old woman in 2021, breaking bones in her face.

Penny will be prosecuted by Senior Trial Counsel Joshua Steinglass - who prosecuted Trump Orgnaization CFO Allen Weisselberg for tax fraud and was sentenced to five months in prison after pleading guilty - and Assistant D.A. Jillian Shartrand.
A Thai court on Wednesday acquitted five anti-government protesters who were facing the death penalty on charges of attempted violence against the country's queen during a demonstration in 2020.

The case stemmed from an event at the height of pro-democracy demonstrations in 2020, in which a motorcade carrying Queen Suthida was heckled as it drove past a group of protesters.

Protesters had called for royal reform, including an amendment to the controversial lese majeste law, which punishes each perceived royal insult with up to 15 years in prison.

The monarchy is officially above politics and constitutionally enshrined to be held in 'revered worship'.

The five activists had been indicted under a law that punishes violence or attempted violence against the queen, heir-apparent or regent with a minimum sentence of 16 years in prison. More serious breaches of the same law can lead to life imprisonment or a death sentence.

'I'm really glad... we've been fighting this and insisting on our innocence,' activist Bunkueanun 'Francis' Paothong, 23, told Reuters by phone after the verdict.

Student activist Bunkueanun Paothong, right, with activist Ekachai Hongkangwan talks to reporters before leaving a criminal court in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Queen Suthida, wife of King Maha Vajiralongkorn appears to look out in shock as her motorcade drives through a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok on October 14, 2020

Hundreds of anti-government protesters take to the streets in mass protests on on the 47th anniversary of the 1973 student uprising, in Bangkok, Thailand, October 14, 2020

Video footage of the October, 2020 incident showed authorities pushing activists away from the convoy.

'The court saw that police did not clear the way for the royal motorcade ... there was no announcement before the procession,' Thai Lawyers for Human Rights said on Wednesday.

'Witness testimony was different and even police in the area did not know there would be a royal motorcade (passing through),' the group said.

The court did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Hundreds of criminal cases have arisen from student-led protests in recent years, but the five protesters were the only ones charged with violating Article 110 of the Criminal Code, and were thereby facing a potential death sentence.

This Thai law prohibits an 'act to cause harm to the liberty of the queen, the heir apparent and the regent.' There is uncertainty whether that part of the law has been used in any previous case.

The incident followed an anti-government rally in Bangkok on October 14, 2020 - the anniversary of a popular uprising in 1973 that led to the fall of a decade-long military dictatorship.

As hundreds of protesters marched to the prime minister's offices in Government House, a royal motorcade with a limousine carrying Queen Suthida, wife of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, and his son, Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, then 15, appeared on the same route.

Images from that day do not show any obviously threatening behaviour toward the queen's car, though several people in the crowd hold up the pro-democracy movement's three-finger salute.

Loud but mostly indistinct shouting can be heard from the crowd as the motorcade, bracketed by police officers, slowly wends its way through.

A royal motorcade usually has tight security, with routes closed to the public long in advance.

Student activist Bunkueanun Paothong, widely known by his nickname Francis, holds the highest profile because of his eagerness to speak about the case.

The indictment accused Francis and his fellow defendants of breaking away from the march to urge fellow protesters to block the motorcade. It also alleged they scuffled with police officers who were securing the car's path.

Protesters hold up a banner and the three-finger salute during an anti-government rally in Bangkok, October 14, 2020

A police officer reacts to clashes between pro-democracy demonstrators and royalists during a Thai anti-government mass protest

Student activist Bunkueanun Paothong, widely known by his nickname Francis, is one of the defendants - here holding up the three-finger salute as he was marched into a police station two days after the 2020 protest

Protesters form a line around the Democracy Monument as they take part in the anti-government rally

Protesters remove potted plants from an area around the Democracy Monument in an attempt to occupy the area

The protesters marched from Democracy Monument to Government House in Bangkok

Demonstrators give a three-finger salute while riding in a car during a Thai anti-government mass protest

Francis denied knowing a royal motorcade would be in the vicinity and said he urged people to move away from the queen's car once he saw it.

He said the charge alleged he conspired with the four others to harm the queen's liberty, 'but if one had seen the evidence, if one had been there on that day, they would realise that what I did there was nothing short of trying to avoid that very same outcome. I have to say it again now: I did not intend to harm her.'

Francis surrendered to police two days after the incdient later and was charged under Article 110.

Critics have alleged that the lese majeste, or royal defamation, law - commonly known as Article 112 - is often used to quash political dissent. The charge has been filed against many pro-democracy activists who, like Francis, protested against the military-backed government of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha.

Devotion to the monarchy has long been a pillar of Thai society and was considered untouchable until recent years. Sharp political schisms that began appearing two decades ago affected its reputation, and the public debate on the topic has grown louder, particularly among young people seeking change.

Acquittals are rare for those charged with offences against the monarchy, and Thai judges have a reputation for serving as a conservative bulwark protecting the royal institution, making the acquittal of the five defendants a landmark moment.
Kate Garraway today described her joy at being joined by her husband Derek Draper as she was presented with an MBE by Prince William.

Derek could be seen smiling in a wheelchair as he watched the ceremony - looking happy and healthier following a gruelling ordeal that saw him become the longest surviving hospital patient with Covid in the UK.

Pictures showed him in a blue suit and striped tie, while his wife wore a Lisa Redman dress dress with a bejewelled collar and a matching headpiece for the investiture ceremony which Garraway described as 'beautiful'.

Afterwards, the Good Morning Britain presenter described how she felt to be sharing the day with her husband, saying: 'I think it's unbelievable.

'So many hours, we thought it would never happen, but here we are. It's fantastic. It's a real feeling of ''Right, seize the day and enjoy the moment''.'

Kate's former civil servant father and teacher mother could also be seen with Derek during the ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Kate Garraway was presented with her MBE today by Prince William, with her husband Derek Draper watching on from his wheelchair (he can be seen to the right of Kate)

The Good Morning presenter gestured to Derek in a moving moment after the ceremony. She was wearing a 3460 Lisa Redman dress

The author and former lobbyist, 55, looked happy and healthier following a health battle that saw him become the longest surviving hospital patient with Covid in the UK

The broadcaster, 56, has kept viewers updated about Derek's condition since he first went to hospital in March 2020 - and in April this year shared a heartwarming photo showing him finally back at home with their children Darcey, 17, and Billy, 13.

Derek - who is also a former lobbyist - was left close to death on several occasions since contracting Covid at the start of the pandemic, most likely at the Prince's Trust Awards also attended by King Charles, then the Prince of Wales.

Kate was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours for services to broadcasting, journalism and charity.

READ MORE - Artist Grayson Perry shares a joke with the Prince of Wales as he receives a knighthood for services to the Arts Advertisement

Reacting to the news, she said on Good Morning Britain in January: 'I actually feel very awkward about it all really, I don't know why, because I'm thrilled to bits and incredibly honoured.'

She added: 'But you just sort of think, 'What? Me?' And then you think it's not real.'

Earlier this month Kate revealed Derek was finally able to speak.

She told Loose Women: 'It's very much a whisper. I don't think we're necessarily going to have a conversation, but you get fantastic moments.

Billy had a new basketball and was bouncing it, and he said 'is that new ball?' He said: 'It's nice'...

'Seeing him able to was amazing. Billy was in tears; they were hugging. It's things like that that really lift you up, and the next day he was really still.'

Kate also spoke about returning to the show after her 2021 documentary aired, saying: 'It's a strange one really. last time I was on here, just got back from jungle, we were planning on renewing our vows....

'In a matter of weeks, we were in that unfolding drama. It feels like forever ago but it could've been just yesterday. in some levels everyone's lives have changed dramatically, but for me I'm still living the scenes you see in the documentary'.

Back in April, Derek's smiling return home from hospital gave fresh hope to his family and friends - three years after his body was first ravaged by Covid-19 and sepsis.

Derek - accompanied by his carer - watches on as his wife Kate is made an MBE by Prince William at Buckingham Palace

Kate curtseyed as she held the royal's hand. She was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours for her services to broadcasting, journalism and charity

William buttons the award to Kate's lapel while Derek smiles

Derek was taken into hospital on March 30 and remained in an unresponsive condition, later entering a coma. Days later Kate and her children isolated at home after she displayed 'mild symptoms'.

Kate revealed at the time she and the now monarch had got 'relatively close' at the Prince's Trust Awards on March 11, 2020.

READ MORE - Derek Draper's gruelling road to recovery Advertisement

Charles was diagnosed with coronavirus in mid-March.

She said: 'Around the 29/30 March, I came home and said [to Derek] 'god you look ill'.

'He said he had a headache, numbness in his right hand, and was struggling to breathe,

'I rang Dr Hilary (Jones) and tried to get through, he talked to Derek. He said put me back on, I think you need to call an ambulance'.

Derek was taken into hospital on March 30 and remained in an unresponsive condition, later entering a coma.

Days later Kate and her children isolated at home after she displayed 'mild symptoms'.

She said at the time: 'Derek remains in intensive care and is still very ill. I'm afraid it remains an excruciatingly worrying time.

'I'm afraid he is still in a deeply critical condition, but he is still here, which means there is hope.'

The following month his health deteriorated further.

Kate recently shared a heartfelt letter she received from William's father King Charles about Derek's health struggles

In April Kate revealed Derek was back from hospital after sharing a beaming family snap on Sunday where husband looked in better health. Their children Darcey, 17, and Billy, 13, can be seen in the background

Kate said at the time: 'The journey for me and my family seems to be far from over as every day my heart sinks as I learn new and devastating ways this virus has more battles for Derek to fight.

'But he is still HERE & so there is still hope.'

That month, Kate and her family took part in the final clap for carers.

She said: 'I'll never give up on that because Derek's the love of my life but at the same time I have absolute uncertainty'.

On June 5, 2020, Kate revealed Derek was free from coronavirus but continued to fight against the damage inflicted on his body.

A month later she revealed Derek had woken from his coma but he remains in a serious yet critical condition.

Three days later she announced she would be returning to GMB, after being urged by doctors to 'get on with life' during Derek's recovery.

Kate and Derek pictured together in 2019, before he fell ill

She added that Derek had 'opened his eyes' after waking from his coma.

Kate revealed she'd paid an 'extra emotional' first visit to Derek, and admitted saw was 'frustrated' by his slow progress.

And as GMB viewers asked for updates on his condition, she reassured them that Derek was 'still with us,' but it was 'a waiting game.'

Days later, on August 19, Kate revealed she celebrated Derek's birthday with their two children, and described the day as 'challenging' for her family.

At the end of September, Derek became the longest surviving patient with coronavirus after spending 184 days in and out of intensive care, where he lost eight stone.

And in more good news, a month later, Derek spoke for the first time in seven months, saying the word 'pain' to his wife, who watched on 'in tears' over FaceTime.

For the first time he no longer needed a ventilator to breathe.

Derek became the longest-suffering coronavirus patient in the UK after spending 13 months in hospital

Derek has been unwell with long COVID since 2020 and Jake looked after him when he first came out of hospital. Pictured: Derek with his carer Jake

On their first Christmas apart, Kate visited him on Christmas Day but the festive period was 'calamitous'. Their house was flooded and she struggled to get a food delivery slot until her pal Emma Willis stepped in to help.

Kate revealed she and her children got to visit Derek in hospital over the Christmas period, and it was the first time her family had seen him since he was hospitalised.

And 13 months after he went to hospital, Kate said Derek was finally allowed to leave in April 2021, but needed round-the-clock care.

And during an appearance on Piers Morgan's Life Stories, Kate revealed that Derek had said 'I love you' for the first time.

After celebrating Christmas, Derek was also pictured in a wheelchair during a trip to the pantomime with his family.

In the new year Kate offered a glimpse into the daily struggles of looking after her husband amid his battle with long Covid in the documentary Caring For Derek

She also revealed that Derek would die within three days if he was left alone to care for himself.

On July 6 2022, Kate revealed that Derek had been re-admitted to hospital after suffering a 'downturn,' and in a later interview said she takes things 'day by day.'

On July 20, it was reported that Kate had pulled out of hosting Good Morning Britain to be at Derek's bedside after he took a 'very serious' turn for the worse.

Kate has cared for Derek (both pictured) since 2020 when he first became ill with Covid at the onset of the pandemic

Recalling the traumatic day, the 55-year-old ITV star told The Sun: 'At one point Derek said to me, 'This is it, this time. I am gone.' It was just terrifying.

'His sepsis was gut-wrenching for all of us because it had gone undiagnosed until the point where it was about to take his life away again.'

In January 2023 Kate Garraway became overwhelmed as she confronted former health secretary Matt Hancock over his handling of the pandemic and his decision to go on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here.

Mr Hancock was forced to resign in June 2021 when he was caught flouting his own social distancing guidance by kissing Gina Coladangelo - who he hired with taxpayers' money.

Describing public anger towards him, Kate added of his decision to appear on I'm a Celebrity: 'This gives the impression you still don't get why they are cross. You still don't get why people are upset. They want to hold you to more account.' Mr Hancock replied: 'I get all that. I really do. I really feel it'.

Kate asked him if he understood the anger that people felt towards him, especially those separated by loved ones who were in hospital.

She then became tearful and looked up as she spoke about Derek, who has been unwell for approaching three years.
It comes after claims that the company had fired two of their top marketing VP's - something which they deny

Anheuser-Busch's CEO has refused to rule out partnering with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney again  as he avoided answering how much the marketing blunder had cost Bud Light.

Brendan Whitworth, US CEO, insisted that his priority was his employees and added that they had poured three times the amount of investment into Bud Light for this year - as the company has lost a staggering $20billion in market cap.

Speaking to CBS Mornings, Whitworth was asked if he would send Mulvaney, 26, another can, knowing the backlash.

But instead of giving a definitive answer, the CEO instead launched into a pre-rehearsed speech about the 'social conversation' that the disaster campaign caused

Whitworth added that they 'need to deeply understand the consumer' and 'appreciate' what they want' from the brand, as he was blasted on social media for doing a 'dismal job'.

He was then challenged over his refusal to answer, with Tony Dokoupil asking if the decision was a mistake - as sales for the beer dropped a staggering 28.5 percent.

Brendan Whitworth, US CEO, insisted that his priority was the employees and added that they had poured three times the amount of investment into Bud Light for this year

Whitworth again avoided the question, saying: 'As we move forward we want to focus on what we do best, which is brewing great beer for everyone, listening to our consumers, being humble in listening to them.

'Making sure that we do right by our employees, take care and support our partners, and ultimately make an impact in the communities that we serve.'

He added that Bud Light 'doesn't belong' in the 'divisive conversation' around the marketing move, saying that it has 'moved away from beer'.

The CEO said that the impact on the employees is his responsibility, and that 'everything we do, I'm accountable for'.

He was slammed by consumers on social media shortly after the interview, with some calling for a 'new comms team'.

One said: 'Brendan Whitworth interview on CBS, interesting. Did Brendan not hear & understand the questions or was he just ignoring the questions?

'Sounded like bogus word spaghetti to me. Too little, too late.'

Another added: 'Bud Light your CEO doing a dismal job on CBS Morning. Brendan Whitworth trying to both sides his decisions.

Sales have plummeted 24 percent in the latest data, which comes after Modelo Especial dethroned Bud Light as the top-selling beer in America after 22 years of holding the top spot

Anheuser-Busch, the parent company of Bud Light, has seen its market cap value plummet $27 billion following a disastrous team-up with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney

Whitworth was criticised online for his answers, with many saying he refused to answer, as others said nothing had been learned

The brand's ousted marketing chief Alissa Heinerscheid, 39, said she planned to update the 'fratty' and 'out of touch' branding. VP for Mainstream Brands Daniel Blake, 34, also voluntarily took a leave of absence earlier this year following the controversy

'Answer should've been we make a great product we want everyone to enjoy and we are inclusive of all and won't tolerate hateful bigotry. Needs a new comms team.'

His comments come after the beer brand saw its sales drop 28.5 percent in the week ending June 17  one of the worst weeks since the campaign aired in April.

It's a deeper drop from the week ending on June 10, which saw a 26.8 percent drop, according to Bump Williams Consulting and NielsenIQ.

The new low beats the previous worst - an almost 26 percent drop- for the week ending May 25.

It comes after claims that two Bud Light marketing executives had finally been fired over the fiasco - something which the company deny.

VP of marketing Alissa Heinerscheid, 39, and VP for Mainstream Brands Daniel Blake, 34, both took a voluntary leave of absence following the backlash.

But sources told the Daily Caller that both had been official fired following the announcement that they would be stepping back in April.

When approached by DailyMail.com earlier this month, a friend of Heinerscheid's said 'she's not supposed to talk about it, she can't.'

In a statement to DailyMail.com, a spokesperson for Anheuser-Busch said they were still both on a 'leave of absence.'

He was slammed by consumers on social media shortly after the interview, with some calling for a 'new comms team'.

When approached by DailyMail.com regarding claims that she had no idea of the campaign, Heinerscheid (left) declined to comment  but a friend said: 'she can't talk about it', before being whisked away

It is unclear if Heinerscheid is on paid leave from the company, but she joined in 2022 and vowed to freshen up its image

Their departures came amid backlash to a controversial March Madness advertisement featuring trans TikToker Dylan Mulvaney

Speaking just days before the controversy, Heinerscheid said she planned to update the 'fratty' and 'out of touch' branding.

Heinerscheid's job was taken over by Todd Allen, who recently served as global vice president of Budweiser.

The marketing decision appears to be one of the worst in American history to come from an advertising backlash.

Sources told the Daily Caller that executives only claimed they were on a 'leave of absence' to avoid a lawsuit.

They said: 'To my understanding, if we publicly announced the word 'fire' it opens up the potential for them to sue us. That's why we said leave of absence.

'The wholesalers would have had an absolute HAY DAY with leadership if they didn't remove [Heinerscheid].'

'Wholesalers were told they are both gone for good by leadership during in-person conversations,' the source claimed. 'They already shifted all their direct reports to new people and the head of marketing.

He added that he thought Blake was 'actually awesome.' 'I think he was just caught in [the] cross fire,' the source said. 'But also he did hire her... so that's a fault.'

In another blow to the brand Modelo Especial dethroned Bud Light as the top-selling beer in America after 22 years of the longtime industry leader holding the top spot.

Modelo surpassed Bud Light's $297 million - which was a 22.8 percent fall in sales compared to the same time last year.

It is the first time since 2001 that Bud Light has not been in the top spot, dethroning its sister brand Budweiser for the 'King of Beer' title in 2001.

US sales of Modelo are controlled by rival Constellation Brands and do not count as part of AB InBev's global volumes as part of an anti-trust settlement.
Meghan Markle 'had to learn how to be black on the job' after marrying Prince Harry but 'made a bit of a mess of it', it has been claimed.

Sir Trevor Phillips said the Duchess of Sussex, 41, 'never regarded herself particularly as black' before joining the Royal Family, which he said was 'understandable' due to her privileged upbringing.

But the race and equality campaigner claimed Meghan then failed to 'take advice' after becoming a princess and 'squandered the opportunity' to demonstrate the diversity of Britain.

The broadcaster and former chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission made the series of claims during a debate on TalkTV's Piers Morgan: Uncensored.

He said: 'I think people mistake who Meghan Markle is, she herself said that until she became this princess she never regarded herself particularly as black and that's understandable.

Sir Trevor Phillips said the Duchess of Sussex, 41, 'never regarded herself particularly as black' before joining the Royal Family, which he said was 'understandable' due to her privileged upbringing

'She grew up in Los Angeles in the most wealthy black enclave anywhere in the United States - Park View, Windsor Hills... she went to a private Roman Catholic school and in a sense race was never really a part of her background.'

It comes after the Duchess last year discussed her mixed race identity on her Spotify podcast, Archetypes, telling guest Mariah Carey: 'I mean, if there's any time in my life that it's been more focused on my race, it's only once I started dating my husband.

'Then I started to understand what it was like to be treated like a black woman. Because up until then, I had been treated like a mixed woman. And things really shifted.'

During his appearance on Piers Morgan, Sir Trevor claimed that 'anyone who came from a black background' knew that the issue of race 'was not her territory.'

He added: 'When she made this supposedly incendiary claim about somebody asking what colour Archie's skin would be, well actually every black family... the minute you know somebody is coming, that's what you're speculating about.

'For white people it's hair and eye colour.'

He continued: 'The point I really want to make about Meghan Markle is that she had to learn how to be black on the job, as it were, and I think she made a bit of a mess of it, she didn't take advice, and that in some sense is why I think they squandered the opportunity to demonstrate something important about this country...

'We have the largest, uniquely mixed race population anywhere in the developed world that has come about through romance rather than coercion and they could have been standard bearers for that.'

Sir Trevor then clashed with TalkTV contributor Paula Rhone-Adrien over whether or not the Duchess was forced to personally confront racism in the UK.

'We know that she was having to confront racists,' Ms Rhone-Adrien said.

'There are people in prison now because of the threats they made to her life.'

Sir Trevor then hit back: 'Who did she confront? Tell me the name of one person that she confronted.'

MailOnline has contacted representatives for the Sussexes for comment.

It follows an uncertain past few weeks for the Sussexes, with Netflix rumoured to be considering parting ways with the couple after Spotify axed their deal.

And it was claimed on Saturday that Taylor Swift had turned down an invitation to appear on the podcast despite receiving a 'personal letter' from Duchess.

The pop singer was asked by Meghan herself to appear on Archetypes, but she declined through her representative, the Wall Street Journal reported.

It was claimed on Saturday that Taylor Swift (pictured in New York last night) had turned down an invitation to appear on the podcast despite receiving a 'personal letter' from Duchess

Sir Trevor clashed with TalkTV contributor Paula Rhone-Adrien over whether or not the Duchess was forced to personally confront racism in the UK

Swift was asked by Meghan herself to appear on Archetypes, but she declined through her representative, the Wall Street Journal reported

Spotify executive and popular podcaster Bill Simmons called them 'f***ing grifters' and this week the Duchess was dismissed as a talentless broadcaster by one of Hollywood's most powerful figures.

It was revealed yesterday how a former model and reality star turned TV producer and 'InstaMom' is the latest executive through the 'revolving door' at Meghan and Harry's broadcasting business.

Tracy Ryerson, 43, is the new Head of Scripted Content at Archewell Productions amid rumours the Sussexes are pitching to Netflix to make a feminist-focused prequel to Charles Dickens' Great Expectations, which focuses on the world's most famous jilted bride Miss Havisham.

The Sussexes' Netflix deal ends in 2025 and Ms Ryerson may be tasked with keeping it on track.

Harry and Meghan's offices and businesses have been described as a 'revolving door'. The Sussexes have reportedly lost 16 staff since 2018. However, they did not officially launch the Archewell organisation and its related businesses until late 2020.

The most recent two key staffers to leave Harry and Meghan were reportedly Fara Taylor, who leads the Archewell Productions marketing team, and internal content head Ben Browning. This appears to have been their 16th staff departure since they were married five years ago.

Actress and TV producer Tracy Ryerson is now working for Meghan and Harry as the new Head of Scripted Content at Archewell Productions

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle speak during the 2021 Global Citizen Live festival in New York

On Monday Jeremy Zimmer, who has guided the film careers of stars such as Benedict Cumberbatch and Damian Lewis, gave his withering verdict on the abilities of Meghan after streaming giant Spotify axed its 18million deal with her and Prince Harry.

Mr Zimmer, the chief executive of United Talent Agency, said he was not surprised that Spotify had ditched the couple.

'Turns out Meghan Markle was not a great audio talent, or necessarily any kind of talent,' he said.

Speaking to the news website Semafor at the Cannes Lions advertising festival in France, Mr Zimmer added: 'And, you know, just because you're famous, doesn't make you great at something.'

Spotify is said to have pulled the plug on its deal because it 'expected more content' from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their Archewell Audio team, according to Variety magazine.
An IRS veteran who blew the whistle on the investigation into Hunter Biden asserted that the president's son received preferential treatment.

Former IRS supervisory agent Gary Shapley told CBS News on Tuesday that he was repeatedly prevented from taking the necessary  and routine  steps when it came to Hunter's case.

He said conduct uncovered during the five-year investigation - which resulted in Hunter pleading guilty to two misdemeanor tax charges - could have implicated President Joe Biden as well, and resulted in additional charges, and claimed the road blocks were happening even during the Trump years.

'There were certain investigative steps that we weren't allowed to take that could have led us to President Biden,' Shapley said, adding that his team at the IRS 'needed to take [those steps] and we weren't allowed to take them.'

Shapley, who worked for the agency for 14 years, helped oversee the investigation into the president's son and is raising questions over alleged special treatment throughout the probe.

IRS whistleblower Gary Shapley (pictured) told CBS News that Hunter Biden did receive special treatment  and said he was prevented from taking the routine steps during the investigation into the president's son

Hunter reached a deal to plead guilty to two misdemeanor tax offenses and face probation for lying on a federal form to purchase a gun, which will see him likely avoid jail time. The deal was slammed by Republicans as an obvious show of preferential treatment for President Joe Biden's 52-year-old son

'We have to make sure as a special agent for IRS Criminal Investigation that we treat every single person exactly the same,' Shapley said in an interview with CBS chief investigative correspondent Jim Axelrod. 'And that just simply didn't happen here.'

The comments come after documents were released last week showing Hunter, 53, reached a deal with federal investigators that will see him avoid jail time. The president's son will plead guilty to two tax-related misdemeanors  as well as take probation for lying on a federal form to purchase a firearm.

'Based on my experience, if this was a small business owner or any other non-connected individual, they would have been charged with felony counts,' Shapley detailed.

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith of Missouri last week released transcripts of congressional interviews with two IRS whistleblowers, including Shapley.

Both Shapley and the other agent questioned whether the U.S. attorney overseeing Hunter's case was even able to bring charges he saw fit.

Trump-appointed U.S. attorney for Delaware David Weiss asserted in a letter to the House Judiciary Committee weeks ago that he was granted 'ultimate authority over this matter, including responsibility for deciding where, when, and whether to file charges.'

House Republicans released more WhatsApp messages on Tuesday that they say were written by Hunter when he was working on a business deal with a Chinese energy company.

In messages from August 2017, the first son pushed that $10 million needed to be invested annually into the joint venture with CEFC China Energy, and called a $5 million proposal 'new to me' and 'not acceptable, obviously.'

The House Oversight Committee's Twitter account said that Hunter was messaging Gongwen Dong, a CEFC China Energy associate who used the nickname 'Kevin.'

'I'm tired of this Kevin,' Hunter said. 'I can make $5 million in salary from any law firm in America. If you think it's about money, it's not. The Biden's (sic) are the best at doing exactly what Chairman wants from this partnership. Please let's not quibble over peanuts.'

The next day one of Hunter's shell companies, OWASCO PC, was given a $10,000 payment from CEFC, the House Oversight Republicans said, sharing a receipt.

Hunter Biden checked a box on a gun purchase form asserting he was not using or addicted to drugs  a claim that directly contracted the timeline he detailed in his book

House Republicans on the Oversight Committee released on Tuesday fresh messages from Hunter Biden, pictured arriving back in D.C. from Camp David Sunday, that show some of his demands as he tried to ink a $10 million with a Chinese energy company in 2017

In a series of tweets Tuesday, the House Oversight Committee Republicans released new WhatsApp messages between Hunter Biden and a Chinese business associate as they embarked on an energy deal in August 2017

The 'chairman,' Republicans said, was now missing Chinese oil tycoon Ye Jianming, who disappeared in February 2018 after being taken into custody by Chinese authorities.

The Oversight Committee Republicans alleged that Ye was tied to an intelligence gathering agency for the Chinese Communist Party.

'Ye stated that that CEFC China's vision 'is to obtain overseas resources and serve the national strategy,'' Oversight Republicans' Twitter account said. 'He wanted to expand China's reach and influence around the world.'

'As more facts come to light, it becomes even more evident that the Bidens put China and their interests first and America last,' House Oversight Republicans charged.

Ye had previously been questioned by federal authorities in New York in November 2017 over a bribery scheme related to CEFC's business in Chad and Uganda.

Ye's lieutenant, Patrick Ho, was eventually convicted of seven counts of bribery and money laundering in relation to the bribery scheme.

Ho had dialed James Biden, Hunter's uncle and the president's brother, upon being arrested, according to a 2018 New York Times profile of CEFC's downfall.

James Biden told The Times that he believed the call was meant for Hunter.

'There is nothing else I have to say,' James Biden told the paper. 'I don't want to be dragged into this anymore.'

Since January, the House Oversight Committee under the leadership of Chairman James Comer has been looking into what he calls Biden family 'influence peddling.'

The White House and President Joe Biden have repeatedly denied the president was in business with Hunter.

Last week's WhatsApp message from an IRS whistleblower showed that Hunter used his father's clout to pressure a Chinese associate.

'I am sitting here with my father and we would like to understand why the commitment made was not fulfilled,' Hunter wrote to Communist Party official Henry Zhao on July 30, 2017.

Hunter's lawyer Chris Clark responded by calling the whistleblower 'biased' and claimed the account covered 'a time of turmoil and addiction' for the president's son.

'Any verifiable words or actions of my client, in the midst of a horrible addiction, are solely his own and have no connection to anyone in his family,' Clark said.

Clark also pushed back on Republican complaints that the Department of Justice's investigation into the president's son didn't go far enough.

Last week, Hunter Biden agreed to a plea deal with the U.S. Attorney in Delaware, pleading guilty to two misdemeanor tax charges and entering probation over a gun charge.

'An extensive, five-year-long investigation conducted by the United States Department of Justice concluded this week, which resulted in my client taking responsibility for two instances of misdemeanor failure to file tax payments, as well as a firearm charge, which will be subject to a pretrial diversion agreement,' said Clark. 'As his attorney through this entire matter, I can say that any suggestion the investigation was not thorough, or cut corners, or cut my client any slack, is preposterous and deeply irresponsible.'
A killer who abducted, raped and murdered a young wife whilst on bail for a horrific sex attack has been blocked from moving to an open prison under tough new parole laws.

Andrew Hagans, now 57, was jailed for life in 1992 for murdering Anna McGurk after snatching her at knifepoint in a shocking case that revealed gaps in the bail system that allowed suspected serious offenders to be out on the street.

Hagans had been staying at a Gloucester bail hostel after being arrested on suspicion of raping another woman.

The fallout from the case led Anna's mother Kay Potts to launch a campaign that eventually led to a change in the law governing who can be granted bail.

Hagans has spent 31 years behind bars and has been refused parole on eight previous occasions.

Anna McGurk (pictured) was snatched at knifepoint before she was raped and murdered by Andrew Hagans

He went before a Parole Board for a ninth time in June last year and was told in January that his bid to be released had been rejected, but he had been recommended for a move to an open prison.

The transfer from closed conditions to a low-risk Category D prison is a step that could eventually lead to him being freed.

A spokesperson for the Parole Board said in January: 'The Parole Board refused the release of Andrew Hagans but recommended a move to an open conditions prison following an oral hearing in November 2022.'

MailOnline understands that the then Justice Secretary Dominic Raab, in one of his last interventions before he resigned on April 21 2023, blocked the move.

Under revised parole laws introduced last year, the Minister has the right to intervene to stop a prisoner being moved from closed conditions to an open jail.

The Ministry of Justice confirmed to MailOnline Mr Raab's then department stepped in sometime in 'February' to prevent Hagans being moved and having his security status downgraded.

Despite the move, MailOnline understands the review process required for Hagans' tenth parole hearing is already underway and written reports on him are due by June 29.

These will include his prison files, psychiatrist reports and the assessments of key prison officers who deal with Hagans on a daily basis.

Andrew Hagans (pictured) now 57, was jailed for life in 1992 for murdering Anna McGurk. He had been on the bail for an horrific sex attack at the time of the killing

If positive, it is likely the killer will be granted a new oral hearing in the autumn. Again, he will seek to be released or moved to an open jail.

Hagans has previously claimed that he is a changed person and is no longer a danger to society.

The move has angered Anna's sister Helen Potts. 57, who believes Hagans has 'played the system' by completing accredited sex offender programmes and pretending to be a changed man.

She revealed that in 2021 the Parole Board had also recommended that Hagans be moved to an open prison, but this was overturned by the Justice Minister.

Helen, a secretary in the NHS, said: 'It's relentless, with Hagans trying to be freed or getting a move to an open jail. It's a continual rollercoaster of emotional torment.

'Hagans has never shown any remorse for what he did and I believe him to be still an angry person. I fear for any woman if he's allowed to go to an open prison and is allowed day release.'

The horrific murder of Anna sparked revulsion but also anger as it emerged at his trial that Hagans had been arrested for the rape of a 20-year-old woman just 24 days before her death.

He also had a long history of violent crime and had been imprisoned for burglary.

Despite this, Hagans had been given bail by a magistrate just 24 hours before he attacked Anna on August 28, 1991.

Bristol Crown Court was told the killer had been locked up in Gloucester prison, which overlooks the council office where Anna worked.

The violent offender had been staying at nearby Ryecroft bail hostel.

Hagans, then 28, lay in wait for the officer supervisor, abducted her and made her perform indecent acts before raping her.

During her ordeal, a colleague spotted Anna with Hagans, but didn't intervene, believing it to be innocent.

Anna's body was found partly concealed by earth and bracken, on rough ground near Gloucester docks.

Hagans had been given bail by a magistrate just 24 hours before he attacked Anna on August 28, 1991. Pictured is Anna

The police soon arrested Hagans, who at first denied having anything to do with Anna's death, even though he was seen wearing her necklace and had tried to sell her wedding ring to a fellow hostel-dweller for 10.

But, after questioning, he broke down and confessed.

Hagans was sentenced to a minimum term of 15 years in jail.

At the trial, Anna's 23-year-old husband, Brian, told the jury he and his wife of less than a year had been childhood sweethearts. He described their marriage as 'very good.'

'We planned to have children and we were trying at the time she was murdered,' he added.

Helen, who still lives in Gloucester, said the family had launched a desperate search for Anna after she failed to come home, despite a lukewarm initial reaction from police.

She told MailOnline: 'When Anna didn't come home Brian rang us and as the hour passed we became more frantic. We rang the police but initially they weren't that alarmed.

'But the family and her friends were, so we organised a search party and went to her place of work and began looking for her. We had to finish when it got dark.'

Helen says the police joined the hunt the next day. She recalls sitting in Anna's chair in her council office when the call came that a body had been found.

Helen told MailOnline that Anna's body was found by a friend of her husband Brian.

The family - Helen, father James and mother Kay - sat through the trial. Helen says she is still haunted by the testimony.

Anna's body was found partly concealed by earth and bracken, on rough ground near Gloucester docks

She said: 'Things said still haunt me. He told Anna 'if you do everything I say I will let you live.' But he still killed her.

'He then sat by her body and smoked two of her cigarettes. The police found the stubs with his saliva on them.'

'There are no words to describe how I felt or still feel. Our family has been totally broken and has a different life because of the murder.'

Helen, who has a daughter aged 30 and a son, 23, says she is heartbroken they never got to meet their auntie.

She revealed that the family share stories of Anna to keep her memory alive and that they fear their continuing trauma will be lost on the Parole Board when they come to make a new decision on Hagans.

Helen said: 'Anna was just a beautiful person. A lovely and caring person. We were very close as there was only two years and eight months between us.

'We did everything together. We always went for nights out together and were always at each other's houses. She was very family oriented.'

She added: 'I believe that Hagans is still a danger to women and if he was to be transferred to an open prison there is a strong chance he would abscond.

'I hope that common sense prevails and that he will not be released.'

At the time of Hagans' sentencing in June 1992, Anna's mother Kay Potts said outside court: 'Magistrates are imbeciles. Why did they give him bail?'

Following a campaign by Mrs Potts, backed by Michael Stephen, the then MP for Shoreham, the Bail (Amendment) Act 1993 came into force, changing English law.

The police and Crown Prosecution Service can now challenge a decision by magistrates to grant bail to an alleged offender.

Mrs Potts said, after the law change: 'I do feel I've achieved something by helping to get the bail law changed.

'It's helped me as well. Without positive things to do, I don't think I could have coped.

'It won't bring Anna back, but it might prevent some other poor girl suffering the same fate.'

Mrs Potts died in October 2018. Her husband James is still alive.

Her daughter Helen added: 'I think I speak for my family when we say that Hagans should rot in prison.'
Every year in Nicaragua dozens take part in a bizarre ritual which sees them whip each other with dried bull penises, lashing their opponents until they concede - all in the name of their town's patron saint.

Whether to atone for their sins or for a taste of adrenalin, the four-centuries-old religious tradition is known as the dance of the 'chinegros', and can be performed by men, children and some women.

It is held to mark Saint John the Baptist's day in San Juan de Oriente, a municipality in the south of the Central American country.

Challengers, who don't wear protective gear and are sometimes topless, lash each other with 'chilillos', which are made with the dissected penis of a bull.

Videos from the event show how the weapon is capable of ripping a piece of skin on contact, with scores of competitors sustaining cuts and other injuries from the battles which huge crowds gather to watch.

Challengers, who don't wear protective gear and are sometimes topless, lash eachother with 'chilillos', which are made with the dissected penis of a bull

Some suffered from cuts and bruises to their heads after they faced off against opponents with no protective gear

One man sustained sever bruising during his battle, which he proudly showed to the cameras

The makeshift whips are almost like swords, featuring what can be described hand guards

Challengers lunge at each other and keep fighting until one cannot bare the pain and gives up

The chilillos are capable of tearing a person's skin on contact, with fighters sustaining cuts and

The makeshift whips are almost like swords, featuring what can be described hand guards which are seemingly made out of leather - the only protection offered to fighters.

Footage shows male fighters lashing each other with the homemade weapons - and some coming out of the battles worse than others.

Deep cuts and even scars can be seen on the backs of fighters, who are face off and bare the pain until one of them concedes, raising their chilillo in the air to surrender.

The violent dance is believed to have been performed in the town, which is of indigenous origin, since 1585.

Video shows male fighters lashing each other with the homemade weapons as crowds gather

Noel Amilcar Gallegos, a Chinegros researcher of more than 20 years, explained that a whip is seen as a sacrifice dedicated to Saint John

Around 60 per cent of its 3,000 inhabitants are said to have partaken in the sport during their lifetimes.

'Apart from our tradition, it is part of our promises. Of course it hurts, but at the moment it is being forged,' Julio Cesar Potosme, 36  who has been fighting rivals for almost half his life  told news agency EFE at last year's celebrations.

Noel Amilcar Gallegos, a Chinegros researcher of more than 20 years, explained that a whip is seen as a sacrifice dedicated to Saint John, La Prensa Latina reports.

Fighters were seen showing off their scars after the dramatic battles came to an end

Around 60 per cent of its 3,000 inhabitants are said to have partaken in the sport during their lifetimes

While some historians point to the name of the ritual as evidence it arrived with African slaves, Gallegos argues that it already existed in pre-colonial times before being adapted.

'It was modified in the sense that it was no longer self-inflicted, but rather a contest, two people of the same size and possibly of the same age.

'This was given in gratitude for a favor, to the patron saint,' the researcher said.

'It is a tradition of the people of San Juan, a tradition that we have been rooting since we were children. It is a game and it is a promise.

He added: 'Anyone would say that it is a savagery, that this should not exist, but yes, only the people of San Juan have this.'
Nicki Minaj has praised a teenager as a 'true hero' after he was ordered by his mom to shoot a man dead who had beaten her up - and has offered to pay his college tuition.

Carlishia Hood, 35, had been accused of getting her son, 14, to shoot dead Jeremy Brown, 32, on June 18.

Charges against the two were ditched after Cooks County State Attorney Kim Foxx announced her office had backtracked on the charges.

Now, rapper Minaj has offered to pay the college fees of Hood's son and praised him as a 'true hero'.

Minaj, pictured in New York City last September, shared a post about the case onto her Instagram page

In her post, Minaj now praised the teenager as a 'true hero' and offered to pay for his college tuition

Carlishia Hood, 35, (right) was initially accused of murder along with her son (left) when footage emerged of him running into a Chicago restaurant and shooting a man dead

Posting on Instagram, Minaj said: 'That 14 year old boy that backed dat hammer out when that grown ass man was punching his mother in the face as if she were a man is a true hero.

'If he wants to go to college, I'd love to help. It's what any son should've done for their mother.'

Minaj, whose husband is a convicted sex offender, continued: 'She raised a dope kid and should be so proud. Also, God knew before she knew that she'd be attacked that day and made sure they had protection on deck. God is GOOD.'

Hood was released from the Cook County Jail on Monday after being locked up for nearly five days, and her son was also freed from the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center.

The saga started when she went to the Maxwell Street Express takeout restaurant in the West Pullman district just before 11pm, with her son staying in the car.

Footage released by police initially showed the boy running into the restaurant and opening fire, shooting Brown in the back.

But a new surveillance video that shows Brown punching Hood multiple times led to the charges being dropped.

Brown could be seen yelling at Hood to 'get your food!' as she starts to argue with him.

While she continued to yell back at him, he shouted: 'Oh my God, if you say one more thing, I'm going to knock you out.'

He then took a big swing and punched her, with other customers in the store looking on in horror and running away.

Foxx had initially charged the mother with murder and contributing to the delinquency of a minor  but has since dropped the charges after the new video came to light.

Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx announced Monday her decision to drop charges against Hood and her son

Prosecutors have since dropped the charges after footage emerged of Jeremy Brown, 32, attacking Hood

Hood's 14-year-old son is seen in the Chicago police video entering the restaurant, hands in pockets, then drawing a gun

Brown, 32, was caught on camera beating Hood after shouting at her to 'get her food', with surveillance footage then showing Hood's son, 14, shooting him in the back.

Prosecutors initially claimed Hood told her son to keep shooting Brown until he was dead, as well as encouraging him to aim for Brown's girlfriend.

The teenager, who has not been named, followed Brown out of the restaurant and fired additional shots.

Mother and son then took off in their car, with police asking for help tracking them down until they handed themselves in on June 21.

Hood broke down in tears during a press conference, where she announced that she would be filing a lawsuit against the City of Chicago.

Attorneys for the family filed the four-count complaint where they alleged malicious prosecution, false arrest and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Hood is seen in her mugshot after her arrest on a murder charge.

Speaking at a press conference, Hood said: 'I've experienced pain in many ways, many ways that I would never have thought. Never.

'What happened to me was totally unnecessary. Never in a million years would I have imagined being brutally attacked, beaten and then arrested.

'I am thankful that the Cook County State's Attorney dismissed the case.'

Court documents state that Brown 'punched (Hood) in the head three times' - but did not bring up self-defense. It is unclear exactly what was in the new footage to make the DA change her stance on the charges.

Foxx said in a statement: 'Based upon our continued review and in light of emerging evidence, today the Cook County State's Attorney's Office (CCSAO) has moved to dismiss the charges against Carlishia Hood and her 14-year-old son.

'Based upon the facts, evidence, and the law, we are unable to meet our burden of proof in the prosecution of these cases.'

A legal analyst previously said that no charges should have even been brought against Hood in the first place, because of Illinois self-defense law.

Local law permits the use of deadly force against violent criminals putting victims in mortal danger.

That force can either be used by the victim themselves - or someone such as a family member trying to save them.

It comes as Minaj and her husband Kenneth Petty are said to be at the center of a petition which has asked them to move out of Hidden Hills over 'safety concerns'.

The petition was first started in December, 2022, after the couple purchased a $19.5 million home in the same gated community as as Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian

The petition goes on to urge locals to put 'resident's safety first' and states that the 40-year-old superstar's spouse is a 'level 3 sex offender, convicted for the attempted rape of a 16-year-old-girl.'

It also claims that Petty has a 'high likelihood to reoffend' and 'is currently under house arrest for failing to register as a sex offender in California as law demands it.'
A motorcyclist has launched into a vile tirade against a cop who fined him for having indicators he claimed were too difficult to see.

The Harley Davidson V-Rod driver was pulled over by the officer at a service station in Nowra, 160km south of Sydney, with footage of the heated exchange shared on social media.

The video shows the officer crouching in front of the bike before moving side-to-side to show how he couldn't see the indicators when standing directly behind it.

'Here's my issue with it, these [indicators] are spaced far enough apart,' the officer told the man.

'But if I were over here I can't see the left indicator and if I'm here.'

A motorbike rider in Nowra filmed himself swearing at a NSW Police officer as he examined the bike's indicators (pictured, the officer behind the bike)

Poll Whose side are you on? The cop The Harley-rider Both are wrong Whose side are you on? The cop 218 votes

The Harley-rider 357 votes

Both are wrong 54 votes Now share your opinion





The policeman was then cut-off by the angry driver who asked: 'Well what the f*** you doing so close to the back of me [sic] bike then you dumb c***.'

The bike owner then moved to where the officer was standing and continued: 'You don't park ya car there and look at the f***ing blinker there.

'You're back here, you clown. From back here you can clearly see the blinker you d***head.'

The police officer moved away from the man and back towards the bike for another inspection as the furious rider continued his tirade.

'Twenty-past-eight on a Sunday, I go to go for a ride and got you harassing me,' the rider said.

Despite his colourful language, the majority of more than 1,600 commenters backed the motorbike owner for calling out the policeman.

Commenters below the video agreed with the driver that the officer (left) was standing too close to properly see the bike's indicators

'Man has got a point,' one commenter wrote.

'Well [he's] not wrong,' another said.

'Legend!,' another added.

'All completely valid points in my opinion,' a fourth person wrote.

But others called the foul-mouthed rant out of line and said police should be shown more respect.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted NSW Police for comment.
The disturbing moment an alleged child rapist was found with six children in his car after being pulled over for drunk driving with his pants unbuttoned was captured in bodycam footage.

Jeremy Guthrie, 42, was stopped by New Mexico state police last year after he was seen swerving in and out of lanes in in Albuquerque, but what officers found was much darker than a DWI case.

Recently unearthed police cam video of the arrest shows a sloppy and slurring Guthrie claiming the six children in his vehicle are 'his friends.'

He is seen struggling to find his documents when he's pulled over at about 1am on July 5, 2022.

As he searches for his wallet, the officer points out it is on his lap.

Jeremy Guthrie, 42, was arrested for driving drunk last year after police found six minors in his car. He was later charged with raping one of the teens

Police cam video of the arrest shows a sloppy and slurring Guthrie struggling to find his documents when he's pulled over at about 1am

When police asked him who the kids were, Guthrie replied they were 'his friends' before being instructed to exit the vehicle

An officer then goes to speak to the children as another cop performs sobriety tests on Guthrie

'Sorry, just a little bit nervous,' Guthrie replies.

'So was I, with the way you're driving,' says the cop, before noticing the vehicle is packed with children.

'Who are these kids to you? the officer asks.

'This is my friend,' Guthrie says about the girl sitting in the passenger seat.

When he claims she is 18, the officer fires back; 'That girl is not 18, trust me, she don't look 18,' he tells Guthrie before asking him to exit the vehicle.

Once Guthrie exits his car, the officer points out the zipper of his jeans is undone.

Guthrie then continues to deny he has had anything to drink, and insists the kids 'are just his friends' when questioned.

An officer then goes to speak to the children as another cop performs sobriety tests on Guthrie.

Guthrie is then arrested for DWI, shortly before one of the kids' fathers shows up to pick him up.

He was charged with DWI, having an open container, and six counts of child abuse.

Following the arrest, a more complex situation emerged, and Guthrie was charged with with raping a 13-year-old girl and her twin sister for more than a year - and getting one of them pregnant.

Guthrie reportedly met the girls on social media and communicated with them through Snapchat and Instagram.

He is suspected of raping at least one other girl, as reported by the Albuquerque Journal.

The teens were returned to their homes the night of Guthrie's arrest, before a woman called police to report that Guthrie had been raping her granddaughter

One of the sisters allegedly said Guthrie had been raping her regularly 'over a lengthy time span' and had told she and her twin sister he loved them

The woman told police Guthrie impregnated the girl when she was 12 and she miscarried

After Guthrie's arrest, the twins' grandmother claimed he was still contacting the girls behind bars

The twins and four other teens were in the car when Guthrie was arrested. They were returned to their homes the night of Guthrie's arrest, before a woman called police to report that Guthrie had been raping her granddaughter.

The woman told police Guthrie impregnated the girl when she was 12 and she miscarried. She claimed to not have known about it until Guthrie's DWI arrest.

The twins' legal guardians reportedly said a man picked up the girls, took them to his house and gave them alcohol before his DWI arrest.

One of the sisters allegedly said Guthrie had been raping her regularly 'over a lengthy time span' and had told she and her twin sister he loved them and wanted to have a daughter with her.

She also reportedly told police Guthrie used methamphetamine and cocaine and owned several guns.

After Guthrie's arrest, the twins' grandmother claimed he was still contacting the girls behind bars.

Instagram messages shared with KRQE News 13 show someone claiming to be Guthrie asking one of the girls for money. In one message he claimed to be using a guard's phone.

Guthrie plead no content to is still waiting trial for allegedly raping one of the twins.

He remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Albuquerque.
A 19-year-old suspected of shooting and killing a 52-year-old Army vet while he was out with his wife for a movie in New Mexico was seen pleading for help from cops in the moments after the incident.

Michael Tenorio, 52, was shot dead at the Century Rio Theater in Albuquerque on Sunday where he and his wife Trina went to watch a late night screening of the new Jennifer Lawrence movie 'No Hard Feelings.'

Trina and her family paid tribute to the 52-year-old, the mourning wife posting a picture to Instagram with the caption: 'Mike is always going to be the best dad ever. He help raised my children to be strong.

'Please keep us in your prayers. I miss you my love now and forever. My world will never be the same.'

Enrique Padilla was arrested on Monday in connection with the shooting.

New police bodycam footage revealed the moment cops arrived at the scene where the 19-year-old was sitting on a curb outside the theater with a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

Michael Tenorio (right), 52, was shot dead at the Century Rio Theater in Albuquerque on Sunday where he and his wife Trina (left) went to watch a late night screening of the new Jennifer Lawrence movie 'No Hard Feelings'

New police bodycam footage revealed the moment cops arrived at the scene where 19-year-old suspected gunman Enrique Padilla was sitting on a curb outside the theater with a gunshot wound to the abdomen

In the footage released Tuesday, an officer can be seen driving through the parking lot of the movie theater when a woman flagged him down and said 'he's been shot.'

The officer quickly gets out of the vehicle and walks over to Padilla asking whether he had a gun, to which he replied 'no.'

Padilla (pictured) was arrested on Monday in connection with the shooting - but pleaded with officers to help him in the moments after the fatal shooting

'Excuse me sir, I have been shot right here,' Padilla can be heard telling the officer, pointing to his side. The officer told Padilla to put pressure on it before asking if he can walk.

Padilla can then be heard asking the officer to take him to the hospital.

'Please sir, I'm bleeding,' he said as the officer asked Padilla who shot him and where the shooting happened.

The 19-year-old suspected gunman said 'it came from this way,' as he motioned with his arm to imitate the gunshot, he then added that he'd been in theater 15 at the time. It remains unclear how Padilla was shot.

In the footage people can be seen running from the theater frantically as responding officers run into theater 15 yelling 'put your hands up' before turning to a group of people standing in the back row.

Inside the theater officers were not met with an active shooter - instead they found Tenorio dead.

Police revealed that they found a gun allegedly used to shoot Tenorio in the bushes near where Padilla had been sitting with a casing that matched one found in the theater.

Padilla can then be heard asking the officer to take him to the hospital and motioned towards his abdomen to say where he was shot - it remains unclear how he sustained the gun shot wound

In the footage people can be seen running from the theater frantically as responding officers run into theater 15 yelling 'put your hands up' before turning to a group of people standing in the back row

Police revealed that they found a gun allegedly used to shoot Tenorio in the bushes near where Padilla had been sitting with a casing that matched one found in the theater

A criminal complaint and arrest warrant against Padilla listed open counts of homicide, shooting at an occupied building and tampering with evidence.

An off-duty police officer who was at the movie administered emergency aid to Tenorio.

The officer witnessed the confrontation but did not see a weapon in the darkened theater, reporting a rapid-fire succession of gunshots before one man in the dispute ran out.

Witnesses told police at the time that a man later identified as Padilla arrived at the theater with his girlfriend and found another couple in at least one of their reserved seats.

Tenorio was shot and died at the scene - his wife, Trina, was unharmed but holds the scars of the experience as she poured her heart out online

Trina re-posted a picture her son posted to social media which read: 'Goodnight friends. It's the first night without my dad. But I'll stay strong. We all will. I'll see him when I fall asleep'

Theater staff attempted to help resolve the dispute, but it escalated with a hurled bucket of popcorn, shoving and then gunfire, according to police.

Emergency dispatchers received about 20 calls as other people fled the theater.

Tenorio was shot and died at the scene - his wife, Trina, was unharmed but holds the scars of the experience as she poured her heart out online.

Trina re-posted a picture her son posted to social media which read: 'Goodnight friends. It's the first night without my dad. But I'll stay strong. We all will. I'll see him when I fall asleep.'

Friends and family reached out to Trina in the comments one saying: 'I'm sorry to hear about your loss Trina! I understand the pain you are going through. You and your family's are in my thoughts and prayers!!'

Another said: 'Aww my sweety..Huggs n I'm still praying for Comfort n Strength.. U are a strong person I know..Loveya n hope to see you soon.'

One friend posted to Facebook with four pictures of the Army vet with the caption: 'Today I lost one of my fellow soldiers who was also one of my best friends'

The pictures also included Tenorio with other friends in old film pictures

The couple were at the Albuquerque, New Mexico theater to see a screening of Jennifer Lawrence movie 'No Hard Feelings' at 8:50pm

One friend posted to Facebook with four pictures of the Army vet with the caption: Today I lost one of my fellow soldiers who was also one of my best friends, to a murder in a movie theater shooting in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

'Chief, I hope you know how much you were loved and appreciated.

'Thank you for the wonderful times we shared in Germany, all the beer, hanging out with my family, the friends and camaraderie and serving our country together.

'Rest easy now soldier! We got this and will carry on the watch! Hurahhhh. Our deepest condolences to your wife and children. R.I.P. Michael Tenorio.'
Sen. James Lankford is criticizing the Biden administration for prioritizing a 'woke' agenda over protecting Americans' First Amendment freedoms and is pledging to reinstate service members who were fired for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine due to religious objections.

Since the Biden administration enacted a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine on troops in August 2021, over 8,000 service members have been fired for refusing the shot, many of whom sought religious or medical accommodations.

After outrage by Congress, the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), signed into law by President Biden last year, terminated his own vaccine mandate, but it did not reinstate service members who were fired for not receiving the shot.

Lankford, R-Okla., told DailyMail.com during an exclusive interview Tuesday that he plans to prioritize getting fired troops back into the military and ensuring the Biden administration doesn't further retaliate against religious service members.

Staff Sgt. Travis Snyder, left, receives the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine

Sen. James Lankford is criticizing the Biden administration for prioritizing a 'woke' agenda over protecting Americans' First Amendment freedoms

The senator from Oklahoma said that he has heard from terminated service members who say they 'want the ability to come back' into the military's fold.

'Many of these folks are generational individuals - their parents served in the military, their grandparents served in the military, they planned to serve their whole career in the military and pass it on to their kids. And instead, because of their religious beliefs, they were pushed out of the military,' Lankford told DailyMail.com.

He called it 'obviously traumatic' for them, and also a 'shock' because for generations, their families had been able to both live out their faith and serve in the military.

Now, you have a situation where 'you're fighting for other people to have the First Amendment, but you can't have First Amendment protections,' he said, which turns the Constitution on its head.

'They want the ability to be able to rejoin the military and to be able to finish their long and distinguished career. Individuals that literally had no other mark against their entire record in the military, other than you didn't believe what President Biden did about the vaccine.'

'Because your belief is not consistent with the president's you can't stay based on a religious belief that that just doesn't align with where we are,' he said.

The GOP senator pointed to other religious accommodations the military accepts including beard length for Muslims, and allowing individuals allowed to pray at certain times of the day.

'All those things have been protected and can and should be protected still,' he added.

'So first things first, we've got to get those folks with the ability back to be able to rejoin the military.

The Republican-led House Armed Services Committee passed a series of amendments last week during the markup for the Fiscal Year 2024 NDAA that would 'offer redress' to service members who were 'unjustly discharged' by requiring the Pentagon to set up a reinstatement process and ensuring no negative retaliation.

However, some troops have told DailyMail.com that those amendments 'don't go far enough' and do not remedy all issues.

According to several active-duty service members, the amendments 'wont make up for the lost career opportunities' that many troops endured, including not being able to deploy or get necessary training to rise in the military's ranks.

In addition, service members have told DailyMail.com that the military is making it extremely difficult for fired troops to re-apply through the normal process to get back their former positions due to a two-year delay in changing their discharge status from 'general' to 'honorable' in order to begin the process.

In addition, thousands of service members who sat in limbo for years waiting to get an answer on their religious accommodation requests were not promoted during that time period, did not get transferred to other bases, and weren't able to fly - which put them at a huge disadvantage.

Lankford acknowledged that, saying Congress must make sure that the troops still within the military who were seeking accommodations won't be retaliated against with further 'consequences' and can serve a long and distinguished career.

The military tried to 'strong-arm them to give up on their religious belief,' said Lankford.

They need 'to be able to continue their career uninterrupted and unpunished based on their religious beliefs,' said the senator, who plans to speak with service members who have concerns about the proposed House NDAA amendments.

Lankford said there is an 'obsession' in the military and within every Biden administration agency and U.S. embassies on pushing a 'woke' agenda to the detriment of military readiness.

'The obsession of this administration is that they have a social cultural agenda,' he said.

'This administration has been absolutely obsessed with trying to be able to push transgender rights and to be able to elevate those rights over the rights of every other person. And then also trying to be able to push abortion in every place they possibly can.'

The issue is especially bad in the military, continued Lankford, adding that the Biden administration has been actively looking for ways to encourage 'any conservative' or 'any person with a religious belief that's in the military out of the military.'

The Pentagon, with the support of military leaders and U.S. President Joe Biden, mandated COVID-19 vaccination for all military service members

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin

Lankford has teamed up with other GOP senators to repeal the Pentagon's policy that would pay for all travel costs for service members and their dependents to obtain an abortion

He called it 'frustrating' to see, especially as the Biden administration works to take money away from providing care to veterans in order to 'encourage greater abortions in VA centers' against federal law.

'They're paying for people to travel to get an abortion and giving them time off,' which he says flies in the face of the military's strict policies.

'That is incredibly inconsistent not only with federal law, but also in military policy,' he continued.

Lankford has teamed up with other GOP senators to repeal the Pentagon's policy that would pay for all travel costs for service members and their dependents to obtain an abortion.

The bill led by Sen. Joni Ernst, who is the first female combat veteran senator, has the backing of the majority of the Senate's Republican conference and is expected to be pushed to be included in the 2024 NDAA once it reaches the Senate.

The House of Representatives still has to hold a full vote on the military amendment provisions and then send the bill text to the Senate, which will have to reconcile language before it can move on to final passage.
Three very different indictments  but one damning conclusion: Americas blatantly politicized justice system is broken.

Daniel Penny. Hunter Biden. Donald Trump.

'Isnt it amazing,' Trump is heard declaring on a bombshell audio recording leaked to CNN on Monday of a now infamous 2021 meeting at the center of a case against the former president over the mishandling of classified information.

These are the papers, Trump says as he reportedly flaunts secret military plans detailing an attack on Iran.

Yes, isn't it amazing?

It's astonishing, in fact, that explosive details of perhaps one of the most important and unprecedented legal cases in Americas history, against our most hated Republican president, keep leaking out as if from a broken water main.

Indeed, the audio came just weeks after CNN first published the transcript of the meeting.

And yet, the Department of Justice appears completely unperturbed that its evidence is being splashed across our televisions and Twitter even before it is presented in a courtroom.

Three very different indictments  but one damning conclusion: Americas blatantly politicized justice system is broken. Daniel Penny (pictured arriving for his arraignment in New York on Wednesday). Hunter Biden. Donald Trump.

It's astonishing that explosive details of perhaps one of the most important and unprecedented legal cases in Americas history, against our most hated Republican president, keep leaking out as if from a broken water main. (Pictured: Donald Trump).

After all, a judge has yet to decide if this tape will now even be admissible at trial. Good luck selecting a jury that hasnt been tainted by biased media coverage.

At the same time, however, much to do with the potential crimes of the son of our sitting Democrat president is guarded more jealously than the gold at Fort Knox.

In fact, only a few days ago  and after a five-year federal investigation  Hunter received what appeared to be the sweetest of sweetheart deals from the DOJ, whereby he will plead guilty to minor tax and gun crimes, on the proviso he likely wont serve jail time.

At the end of last week, Attorney General Merrick Garland and Hunter were seen hobnobbing with the rich and powerful at the White Houses state dinner for the Indian Prime Minister.

Though we should hardly be surprised.

For such is the state of our justice system which seems to have stopped even trying to keep up the pretense of political impartiality.

Step forward ultra-liberal Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg  one of countless Democrat operators backed by billionaire financier George Soros and the prime example of this systemic bias.

Bragg quite literally campaigned on the promise to indict Trump. And his own case against the former president, for paying hush money to Stormy Daniels, is widely mocked for its legal inadequacy - even by the former presidents most avid opponents.

At the same time, however, much to do with the potential crimes of the son of our sitting Democrat president is guarded more jealously than the gold at Fort Knox. (Pictured: Hunter Biden).

In fact, only a few days ago, Hunter (pictured with his father Joe Biden, right) received what appeared to be the sweetest of sweetheart deals from the DOJ, whereby he will plead guilty to minor tax and gun crimes, on the proviso he likely wont serve jail time.

Bragg is also responsible for the aggressive indictment of ex-Marine Daniel Penny.

Penny pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to charges of second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide for what many would argue was simply an honest attempt to protect his fellow citizens on the New York subway from a violent, drug-addicted homeless man, Jordan Neely.

Indeed, Neely, who had racked up 42 criminal charges, reportedly yelled and threatened fellow passengers saying he didnt care about going to jail.

But, because Neely was black and Penny is white, the left was quick to forget these important facts and instead brand the incident a racist lynching.

Victories for the woke brigade, no doubt. But all the while, Bragg does little to deal with the very real and rampant crime plaguing his citys streets.

In another laughable moment on Monday, conservative activist Scott LoBaido was issued a summons by two police officers as he protested crushing new regulations which could see New York pizzerias forced to scrap wood and coal-fired ovens.

His offense? Tossing pizza slices over the gates of City Hall.

You know who doesnt attract such police attention?

Criminals brazenly selling drugs on street corners or those who expose their naked bodies in front of kids at Pride parades.

Ex-Marine Daniel Penny pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to charges of second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide for what many would argue was an honest attempt to protect his fellow citizens from a violent, drug-addicted homeless man.

And it's the same story in the big blue cities across the country. Look to San Francisco and Chicago. Once beacons of prosperity, now gone to the dogs.

This is the America we now live in, people.

On Tuesday night, Trump sounded off on social media as only he does -- with unbridled outrage, wild hyperbole and a kernel of truth.

'The Deranged Special Prosecutor, Jack Smith, working in conjunction with the DOJ & FBI, illegally leaked and spun a tape and transcript of me which is actually an exoneration, rather than what they would have you believe,' Trump wrote.

There is little evidence to support these , but they do speak to an interesting point.

Remember that, in 2017, fired FBI Director James Comey leaked memos of his sensitive conversations with then-President Trump.

By his own admission, Comey gave classified information to his friend in the hopes that it would be passed to the media and prompt a special counsel investigation of the president.

In 2019, The DOJ Inspector General concluded that Comey, 'set a dangerous example for the over 35,000 current FBI employees  and the many thousands more former FBI employees  who similarly have access to or knowledge of non-public information.'

In the end, Comey was admonished but never charged  and a dangerous precedent was set.

Free and fair justice for all used to be a founding American principle. That now lies in tatters, with our legal system no longer trusted by honest, hard-working people.

And can you blame them? Both those on the left and the right of the political spectrum have done so much damage.

But such is the state of our justice system which seems to have stopped even trying to keep up the pretense of political impartiality. Step forward ultra-liberal Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (pictured)  the prime example of this systemic bias.

Indeed, the dismal dereliction of duty from Democrat DAs like Bragg is blatant and deplorable - but the mud-throwing by Trump and his acolytes against any or all judges and prosecutors who fail to do his precise bidding doesnt help either.

Our legal system needs nothing short of a complete overhaul  a return to basics, where were all treated equally under the law, where the powerful aren't let off lightly, where cases aren't cherry-picked by biased prosecutors, and where obvious crimes don't go unpunished.

Otherwise, we are no better than the tin-pot dictatorships and banana republics that we love to deplore on the world stage.

And where else to start than the DOJ itself?

Really, it's anyone's guess as to who is behind these latest leaks, but Garland should hold a news conference today and announce an investigation into the release of the Trump Mar-a-Lago tape.
Liz Cheney slammed Americans for 'electing idiots' into office  and called for voters to pick better people to serve in the federal government than former President Donald Trump.

Some are still questioning whether the ex-Wyoming congresswoman will make a run for the White House after losing her Republican primary reelection to Trump-backed candidate Harriet Hageman in the 2022 midterms.

Cheney is staunchly anti-Trump and was one of only two Republicans who served on the select committee investigating the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack. She has repeatedly spoken out against the former president  both when he was in office and after vacating.

The ex-lawmaker blamed American voters for electing Trump and said it's up to the federal electorate to bring in 'more serious' people to office in future elections.

Former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney said Americans are 'electing idiots' to office with the likes of Donald Trump  and urged voters to case their ballots for 'more serious' candidates in the future

'I don't look at it through the lens of, you know, is this what I should do or what I shouldn't do,' Cheney said Monday at an event with the 92nd Street Y New York Global Center for Culture and Arts when asked about making a bid.

'I look at it through the lens of, how do we elect serious people? And I think electing serious people can't be partisan,' she added.

'What we've done in our politics is create a situation where we're electing idiots.'

Specifically, the former congresswoman was asked if she would enter the race if polling showed that it would hurt Trump's chances of winning a second term.

There are already 14 Republicans in a growing field running for the Republican primary in 2024. While Trump is dominating the field, there are hopes from anti-Trump Republicans that the crowded contest could split the vote enough where the former president ultimately doesn't earn the nomination.

A new national DailyMail.com/J.L. Partners poll shows that President Joe Biden would beat any Republican competitor if the election were held tomorrow  but Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis puts up a better fight than Trump.

'Look, I think that the country right now faces hugely challenging and fundamentally important issues,' Cheney said.

'Because of the situation that we're in, where we have a major-party candidate who's trying to unravel our democracy  and I don't say that lightly  we have to think about, all right, what kinds of alliances are necessary to defeat him, and those are the alliances we've got to build across party lines.'

Cheney joined nine other lawmakers after the January 6 Capitol attack to vote for Trump's second impeachment.

After losing her Wyoming congressional seat, Cheney has made it her mission to stop Donald Trump from being elected to office again

She has since been a very vocal critic of the former president, which led Cheney to lose her at-large House seat in Congress representing deep red Trump country in Wyoming.

Her main priority since leaving office has been to block Trump from ever again earning a position of power within government.

'I really believe, and I've never believed something as strongly as I know this, that the single most important thing for the country is that Donald Trump can't be anywhere near the Oval Office again,' Cheney asserted on Monday.

Trump announced in mid-November his third bid for the White House after failing to win reelection against Joe Biden in 2020. His main challenger in the primary election so far is Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who still falls at least 20 points behind the former president in most national polls.
One of Donald Trump's most senior immigration advisors asked if the U.S. could target and kill boats of migrants with predator drones, a new book has claimed.

Miles Taylor, who was chief of staff at the Department of Homeland Security during the Trump presidency, said Stephen Miller raised the idea in April 2018.

His claims - angrily denied by ex-White House aide Miller - are made in his new memoir on his time serving the previous administration 'Blowback'.

Taylor, who endorsed Joe Biden in 2020, wrote that the long-time Trump confidante argued using deadly force against the would-be asylum seekers would be legal because they had no rights under the Constitution by being in international waters.

A former Trump administration official has accused Stephen Miller (pictured) of wanting to bomb migrant boats with drones

Miles Taylor made the claims in his new book about his time serving the former commander-in-chief

The extract was first reported by Rolling Stone magazine, which said it had reviewed correspondence that supported Taylor's version of events.

Taylor said Miller asked the question to Paul Zukunft, an admiral then commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard.

The ex-official quoted Miller as saying: 'Tell me why can't we use a Predator drone to obliterate that boat?'

Zukunft is said to have looked 'nonplussed' before hitting back: 'Because, Stephen, it would be against international law.'

'I don't think you understand the limitations of international law,' Miller replied according to Taylor's description of the exchange.

But a spokesman for the 37-year-old conservative activist told Rolling Stone that Taylor's claims were untrue.

'This is a complete fiction that exists only in the mind of Miles Taylor desperate to stay relevant by fabricating material for his new book,' the spokesman said.

Zukunft was quoted by the magazine as saying that he had 'no recollection' of the exchange as described in the bombshell book.

But he admitted that he could 'vividly recall having a lengthy conversation with Stephen Miller regarding south-west border security in 2018'.

Miller was an influential voice in the Trump White House and was known to have the president's ear on immigration

DailyMail.com has approached Miller via his America First Legal organization for further comment.

The 68-year-old now retired admiral added: 'To use deadly force to thwart maritime migration would be preposterous and the antithesis of our nation's vanguard for advancing human rights.'

Miller, who acted as a sometime spokesperson for the Trump administration, was known for his no-nonsense views on immigration during his tenure in the White House.

He was the driving force behind Trump's Muslim travel ban, supported slashing the number of refugee admissions, and wanted to deny green cards to immigrants considered likely to claim welfare.

And in September 2021, left-leaning news network CNN reported that Miller used a racial slur in a 2018 Cabinet meeting discussing the fate of Afghans and Iraqis who had served the U.S. military.

The then-Defense Secretary James Mattis had advised President Trump that the US should process more visas for Afghan allies who had worked with and risked their lives for the US.

'What do you guys want? A bunch of Iraqs and 'Stans across the country?' Mr Miller was quoted as saying by CNN.
A California pediatrician for transgender kids has admitted that the puberty blockers and hormones she gives her young patients may lead to bone disease or leave them infertile, DailyMail.com can reveal.

Dr Erin Baroni, a pediatrician and instructor at UCLA, who styles herself as TikTok's 'QueerMD', addressed the drawbacks in a private online workshop for medical students, which DailyMail.com was able to attend.

The side effects of these drugs on young patients are known, but the doctors who prescribe them seldom publicly discuss the downsides, which have become a hot-button issue in US politics.

In the seminar, Dr Baroni said puberty blockers can weaken a trans patients' bones and cause osteoporosis, while cross-sex hormones can leave both boys and girls infertile.

'With the bone density concerns and fertility issues  we don't see these as things that are contraindications to treatment or something that really impedes treatment,' Dr Baroni told the students.

Dr Erin Baroni styles herself as the QueerMD for her thousands of TikTok followers

DailyMail.com gained access to a private online Pride month UCLA seminar attended by dozens of medical students

We 'try to outline what we might be monitoring: risks, benefits, reversible, irreversible things, and really have a thoughtful conversation about things from a true medical and study standpoint,' she added.

The Los Angeles-based doctor said osteoporosis and infertility may be outweighed by a trans patient's other needs.

Patients could be at risk of suicide or unable to attend school due to their gender issues, she said.

Poll Should 'gender-affirming care' be banned for children in your state? Yes No Not sure Should 'gender-affirming care' be banned for children in your state? Yes 19820 votes

No 925 votes

Not sure 537 votes Now share your opinion





'We're always taking into account what is happening for the individual in the room,' said Dr Baroni.

'How some of these interventions and affirming things we can do are going to help that person function better, while also knowing the effects of treatment.'

Dr Baroni, who comes from Texas, was addressing dozens of medical students in an online session hosted by UCLA's Pritzker Center, which works to improve the health of children and families, as part of Pride month.

She's connected to UCLA clinics in Santa Monica and Los Angeles, and provides sex-reassignment care to patients aged from seven to 72. Puberty blockers are not used on trans patients until they reach 11 or 12, she said.

Dr Baroni's TikTok medical advice channel, QueerMD, has thousands of followers.

The number of young Americans who identify as trans and seek sex-reassignment drugs and surgery has shot up in recent years, adding fuel to America's culture and identity wars between liberals and conservatives.

Advocates for gender-affirming care, as it is known, say the rise is due to more awareness of gender dysphoria and support among clinicians.

But some experts, conservatives, and parents warn of an ideologically-driven fad.

They also call the treatments 'experimental' and warn of debilitating side effects.

Sex-reassignment treatments can lead to osteoporosis, a bone disease that develops when bone mineral density and bone mass decreases

Dr Erin Baroni treats patients from age seven to 72 and operates out of a clinic in Santa Monica

Milo has stopped taking testosterone and regrets a transition that left her with painful medical problems

England's National Health Service this month drastically cut back the availability of puberty blockers over safety concerns  a step now taken by several European health authorities.

In the US, the issue has become a political fight between Democrats and Republicans, who have passed laws against sex-reassignment care for children in 20 states this year.

Many have been challenged in the courts. A federal judge struck down the Arkansas law as unconstitutional in a landmark ruling this month.

But cases of medical problems are becoming more common.

A young woman called Milo this month posted an online video about how weekly testosterone jabs from the age of 15 left her with an atrophied vagina and she needed a hysterectomy.

'It turned out to be a big mistake,' said Milo, who has decided to 'detransition'.

In her YouTube post, she speaks of bitterly regretting a transition that's left her scarred, hairy and most likely infertile.

It's not known exactly how many people change their minds and detransition, but estimates range from between 1 and 25 percent of trans people.

Detransition Subreddit, a popular online forum, has some 48,100 followers.
A Colorado teenager has saved a couple's life after he spotted their overturned car filling up with water in a sinkhole from his drone camera.

Josh Logue, 18, of Brighton, near Denver, was flying the device over the Denver-Hudson Canal two miles from his home when he noticed a 'dark spot' on the ground and checked it out on Saturday.

He found a 7ft sinkhole that had trapped a 66-year-old man and a 61-year-old woman in their overturned Jeep, which was filling with water.

'They had six inches of room of an air pocket in there for them to breathe, but the rest was water,' Logue told Denver 7.

'This had the potential for the emergency to get worse because my concern was that the water was going to infiltrate that hole and it was going to fill it up.'

The couple, who have not been publicly identified, had been in the sinkhole for approximately 15 minutes before Logue discovered them. The man, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was seriously injured. His girlfriend, who was wearing a seatbelt, was not injured.

Scroll down for video

Josh Logue, 18, of Brighton, near Denver, was flying the device over the Denver-Hudson Canal two miles from his home when he noticed a 'dark spot' on the ground and checked it out on Saturday

Hidden inside the dark spot was a sinkhole that had trapped a 66-year-old man and a 61-year-old woman and overturned their Jeep, which was filling with water on Weld County Road 2 - a desolate road

Logue's neighbor and Assistant Chief of the Denver Fire Department, Ryan Nuanes, 46, was at Logue's house for a garage sale when the teen made the discovery.

The pair, as well as Logue's father Jake, quickly rushed out to the scene and called 911.

'So we get down there. The horn is blaring, and the car is underwater,' Logue told The New York Times.

When they first arrived, they were unaware the Jeep had any occupants as the horn continuously blared, but eventually they heard their cries for help.

The man informed them that they had an air pocket, but the woman said they didn't 'have a lot' of air.

'I really didn't like that because in my experience as a firefighter, that's typically what happens right after a car accident.

The couple, who have not been publicly identified, had been in the sinkhole for approximately 15 minutes before Logue discovered them. The horn was blaring, masking their attempts to scream for help. The man, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was seriously injured. His girlfriend, who was wearing a seatbelt, was not injured

The sinkhole (pictured) was located on a bridge over the Denver-Hudson Canal

'The horn gets damaged but the battery still has enough charge in it that it'll make the horn go off until somebody disables it,' Nuanes told USA Today.

'I've been a Denver firefighter for 25 years,' Nuanes told the Washington Post. 'And it was the most dire situation that I had seen.'

Firefighters arrived 10 minutes later and were concerned the seven foot sinkhole would continue to fill up with water, so they began to cut through the metal undercarriage of the car to try and get the couple out.

In addition, the Jeep was hooked up to a Jake's pickup truck and dragged out of the hole and righted the vehicle, so the couple could escape through the door.

The couple, who are residents of Keenesburg, were both transported to the hospital for treatment.

'That's another godsend from the kid with the drone,' Colin Brunt, the battalion chief, said.

'I don't know how long these people would have been there if he hadn't flown that drone right by there.'

With the help of the fire department and his father's truck, they managed to get the couple safely out of the hole and saved their lives

Logue had only flown his drone over the canal because the town had recently seen an immense amount of rainfall, causing the once barren canal to become an overflowing stream and he was curious to check it out.

'That was crazy to think about,' Logue told the Washington Post. 'If I would have been down here 20, maybe 30 minutes later, they could have been dead.'

After the scary moment, Jake congratulated his son, telling him: 'Dude, you just saved people's lives!' Logue hopes to one day become a professional drone pilot.

The teen currently has 13 drones and recreationally flies the devices to capture photographs and explore his nearby surroundings.
Other states including New York are bracing to be covered in smoke as wildfires in Canada continue to burn

Alerts have been issued for the entire states of Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Delaware and Maryland

Washington DC has been put on code red for air quality as smoke from Canadian wildfires is expected to plunge the city into the 'unhealthy' category, as NYC prepares for a second coating of smog.

Nearly 90million people across the US are currently under unhealthy air quality warnings due to the ongoing fires and the DC area is to be Code Red tomorrow.

Canada has recorded its worse fire season on record with hundreds of wildfires currently raging across the country.

Smoke has again crossed into the US and has now triggered air alerts for the entire states of Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Delaware and Maryland.

Parts of Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Virginia are also under warnings, with residents being advised to stay indoors when possible.

In this aerial view taken from Air Force One, the US Capitol is under hazy skies in Washington, DC

The typical Pittsburgh skyline is completely hidden behind the wall of smoke that has descended down from Canada

Haze from Canadian wildfires blankets the Chicago skyline as seen from the city's South Loop neighborhood

A freighter passes through the Detroit River as smoke fills the sky reducing visibility to Windsor, Ontario, earlier today

People in Chicago have resorted to wearing masks as the smoke from the wildfires filter into the city

Earlier today, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments announced that air quality in the area would get considerably worse due to the smoke.

They are asking residents to limit outdoor activities and sensitive groups like those with heart and lung diseases are being asked to stay indoors.

Eerie pictures taken earlier today show the US Capitol submerged in thick smoke from the wildfires.

Yesterday, New York Gov Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams both issued warnings that the smoke that covered the city earlier this month is to return.

Chicago had also recorded the worst air quality in the world yesterday as it too was consumed by smoke from the fires.

A reading recorded on Tuesday by the World Air Quality Index ranked Chicago as having the worst quality globally.

The city had been marked as having unhealthy air with a reading of 175 AQI, with parts of Michigan reaching higher.

The index is a measure of five common pollutants and runs on a scale from 0 to 500, with a rating over 150 considered 'unhealthy.'

It has since been kicked off the top spot by Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, and is ranked third behind Detroit.

According to the index, Washington D.C., Minneapolis, Chicago and Detroit are all in the top ten for the worst air quality on the planet.

Advice given by Air Now, is urging people to stay indoors and reduce activity levels due to the air outside.

The New York City Health Department is urging people to take precautions as the smoke is expected to 'significantly impact' air quality and warned it could reach hazardous levels.

Firefighters battle fires in northern Quebec on Sunday, as more than 480 fires burn across the nation

Four cities across the United States near enough make up the majority of the ten worst places in the world right now for air quality

The above map from AirNow shoes what states the smoke is effecting the most, with a high concentration around the mid west

This map supplied by AirNow shows just how far the smoke from Canada has been able to reach

Video shared on social media on Tuesday shows downtown Chicago under smoke, with a thick haze visible around the area.

Current figures from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre say there is currently 483 active fires in the country.

252 of these are classified as being out of control, with 155 under control and a further 76 being held.

Smoke from the blazes also crossed the Atlantic Ocean and reached western Europe earlier this week.

The smog that has made its way into Europe has done so via the jet stream  strong winds in the upper levels of the atmosphere.

This means the smoke will not lead to dramatically worse surface air quality like the Northeast US experienced a few weeks ago.

Smoke rises from Internal hotspots flaring up in the Kimiwan wildfire complex in Northern Sunrise County, Alberta, Canada

The Met Office said that the smoke would not have the same effect it had on the north east of the US as it is too high in the atmosphere

Earlier this month New York City was blanketed in a thick orange mist, after haze and smoke from the wildfires shrouded the Manhattan skyline

The UK Met Office said that while the smoke is high up in the atmosphere, it may make for some vivid sunrises and sunsets.

Earlier this month, the north east of the United States was covered in smoke from the fires which placed 100 million people under a air quality warning.

At the time, health experts warned breathing the fog can be as damaging as smoking 22 cigarettes a day.

Nanoparticles from the smog are so small they can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream, with side effects also including irritation to the eyes and throat as well as breathing problems.

A sheet of smoke from the wildfires descended on New York leaving those in Manhattan unable to see the New Jersey skyline across the Hudson River.

As well as sending New Yorkers inside, air quality alerts were also introduced in states including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Illinois, Virginia and the Carolinas, according to the National Weather Service.

The conditions in Chicago are expected to continue overnight but should be slowly pushed south through and diminish according to the National Weather Service.
A four-month-old baby was left covered in glass and 'blinking blood' after a rock was thrown through her bedroom window.

The horrendous attack happened in the Gold Coast suburb of Worongary at about midnight on Monday.

Mother April Stanley said she was woken by the cries of her baby Satuala.

'I jumped up and got her straight up out of the cot and she was just covered in glass,' Ms Stanley told Channel Seven.

'She was just covered in blood, it was dripping.

'I couldn't tell where it was coming from. Her eyes weren't closed. Every time she blinked, blood would come out.'

Gold Coast mother April Stanley (pictured with baby Satuala) was woken by a 'blood-curldling scream

Shards of glass were scattered all over the cot, including on Satuala and in her hair.

'There was a lot of panic and confusion,' Ms Stanley said, but Satuala was quickly rushed to hospital, where for 24 hours doctors treated her for bruises and cuts to her forehead and eyes.

'We were very upset and very worried,' Ms Stanley said.

The traumatised family is now sleeping together in the living room, terrified of a repeat attack.

'I just can't believe somebody would do that,' Ms Stanley said.

'I am just not confident staying here knowing that somebody is out there and nothing has been done.'

Police are taking DNA samples from the rock in hopes of catching the perpetrator.

They have appealed for anyone who might have information that will help them catch the callous thug to contact them.

The was rushed to a Gold Coast hospital where she was treated for cuts and bruises to her forehead and eyes

The rock was thrown into through the window of the four-month-old's bedroom

Rock fragments and shards of glass covered the room and were scattered in Satuala cot, even in her hair

In a radio interview earlier this month, Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll admitted her officers were battling a 'relentless' youth crime wave.

'Our greatest challenge is this really tough group of young people, that 10 per cent that are committing around 48 per cent of the crime,' she Brisbane's 4BC station.

'That's about 400 youth across the state, we know these people, we interact with these people all the time.

'They have been the ones that have been relentlessly offending.'

She says it was extraordinarily complex situation.
Furious students at some of Britain's top universities have lashed out after being forced to endure 'sham' graduation ceremonies following a 'disgraceful marking boycott' by staff.

Since April 20, lecturers at 145 UK institutions have refused to grade coursework or exams as part a bitter row over pay and working conditions, launched by members of the University and College Union (UCU).

But the strike action - which has affected half a million students - has left third-year graduates in limbo and unlikely to find out their results for months, in a move some fear could threaten to derail their future job prospects.

The situation has led to students - some of whom are 30,000 in debt following their course - protesting during graduation ceremonies, which were staged despite students having no idea what grades they have achieved.

Hundreds of students today attended a send-off at the University of Cambridge, one of the world's most respected institutions. Up to 4,500 graduates are anticipated to have been affected by the boycott, Cambridge's acting vice-chancellor claimed.

The University of Cambridge staged its graduation ceremony amid the national 'marking boycott'. Pictured is a graduate

Up to 500,000 students have been impacted by the boycott, with Cambridge saying that some 4,500 of its students have been affect. Pictured: Cambridge students attending their graduation

The ceremony was branded a 'parody' and 'deeply unethical' by Caroline Murphy, whose daughter was among those attending the graduation ceremony at Cambridge.

Taking to Twitter ahead of the event, the furious mother wrote: 'As a parent, I cannot countenance that my daughter will be attending a parody of a graduation at Cambridge university next week.

'Are we meant to smile, applaud & offer congratulations? She is not receiving any results whatsoever. Deeply unethical.'

One third-year Cambridge student was 'heartbroken' to be graduating without knowing her grade and said she was 'deeply, deeply angry' about the situation.

She added: 'What makes this especially painful is that it has happened to us before. I never sat my A-Levels; I left school on a Wednesday evening when the world shut down. I spent the first year of my degree locked in my room or stuck at home. We have given up so much

'We are leaving as we started - without any real qualifications. With years of work seemingly for nothing. Right now, I am scared I will never get my results. The cynic in me feels stupid for even caring in the first place.'

Up to 2,000 students at the University of Edinburgh are expected to graduate without knowing their final mark.

Ollie Lewis, a final-year politics student at the university branded the situation 'chaos'. In a tweet complaining about not having a 10,000-word dissertation marked due to the boycott.

He said: 'I quite literally do not have a degree after spending 37,000 on fees and working for four years.'

University of Cambridge students, and a parent of one graduate, are among those to have lashed out on social media

One third-year Cambridge student was 'heartbroken' to be graduating without knowing her grade and said she was 'deeply, deeply angry' about the situation. Pictured: the University of Cambridge graduation today

Up to 2,000 students at the University of Edinburgh are expected to graduate without knowing their final mark. Pictured: University of Cambridge's graduation ceremony today

And Durham University claimed about 20 per cent of its students would face delays in receiving their marks and final grades.

Some institutions will allow students to move onto the next stage of study, using predicted grades or marks from previous assessments.

However, Cambridge warned the consequences of the strikes could be 'severe' for some graduates, particularly international students hoping to stay in the UK for post-study graduate visa who could face 'additional costs' of up to 1,000.

Last week saw students attending the University of Glasgow's graduation ceremony carrying signs in protest after not receiving their marks.

Taking to Twitter, one student fumed: 'So we the students (with 30k debt) are supposed to be in 'solidarity' with lecturers earning 4,000 a month!

'The marking boycott is simply an exploitative act in which students are being used as bargaining chips to line the pockets of well paid/well educated people. Disgraceful.'

Another raged: 'Today was the first sham graduations since our universities have been refusing to negotiate. Students at @UofGlasgow have protested their empty certificates with signs and slogans in solidarity with the @ucu union and their marking boycott.'

While graduate Pieter Snepvangers added: 'POV: You're a Glasgow Uni student who's just been given a pointless piece of paper at graduation because your degree hasn't been marked and the VC walks out to the Indiana Jones theme music. Bizarre scenes at the first 'sham' graduation to be held since marking boycott began.'

The Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) has repeatedly failed to reach an agreement over pay with the university unions.

Staff demanding a pay rise say their real-terms wages have been slashed by 20 per cent since 2009 - while more than half of vice chancellors are earning more than 300,000 per year.

Students at the University of Glasgow staged a protest last week during their graduation after they did not receive their marks following the marking boycott by staff

Writing for the Guardian earlier this month, Durham University student Kimi Chaddah said: 'I feel that the UK is on the brink of a nationwide degree scandal with varying engagement from university management, who have abandoned academic standards, and no intervention from the government in sight.

'It is this year's cohort who will inevitably be paying the price.'

She added: 'For the class of 2023, the same year-group whose GCSEs were reformed in 2018 and A-levels cancelled in 2020, this marks the end of a deeply dispiriting educational journey.'

Raj Jethwa, Chief Executive of UCEA, said: 'UCU must be honest with its members about the fact that there is just no need for this ongoing attempted marking and assessment boycott, as there is no possibility of a new pay uplift in the 2023-24 pay round. UCEA and its HE institutions have confirmed this consistently.

'UCU has known that discussions for pay were completed in mid-February. But while change to the pay uplift is simply not an option, UCEA has been at the table waiting for UCU to join to progress the important pay related issues, as agreed in the terms of reference.

'These negotiations would build upon the good practice in employment which exists across the sector. Employers urge UCU to provide clarity and honesty to its own members, particularly those who are attempting the boycott to target students. Employers remain committed to beginning negotiations on pay related matters as soon as the marking and assessment boycott is called off.'

University and College Union (UCU) general secretary Jo Grady previously told MailOnline: 'University staff are proud to have overwhelming support from students, including the National Union of Students, in the fight for fair pay and conditions.

The University and College Union (UCU) are taking action short of strike in a bid to secure higher wages

'Students know that staff working conditions are their learning conditions and they blame vice-chancellors for refusing to resolve this dispute.

'Employers need to return to the negotiating table and stop the national degree scandal.

'A sector sitting on billions in cash and assets can afford pay its staff properly and allow students to graduate. Our members demand nothing less.'

Queen's University Belfast today managed to break the deadlock as they agreed a settlement.

Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice Chancellor or Queen's said: 'Clearly this has been a very difficult time for our students, we regret the distress caused at what should be a celebratory time, and we hope that this provides assurance that the issue will now be addressed.

'We are disappointed that this could not have been resolved ahead of graduations during which around 750 students will receive their degrees without classifications, but we are committed to providing an additional full graduation ceremony for them and further details will be provided in the near future.

'We are working in challenging times with funding for universities and colleges slashed by over 40 per cent since 2011 and we are anticipating cuts this year of around 11million and it is the funding of universities that is at the heart of this dispute.'

Sean O'Connell, of UCU, said: 'Our members are fully aware of and deeply regret the impact the recent action has had on our students and we are pleased that we have reached an agreement to enable them to receive their exam results.

'This dispute is not just about pay and we are pleased that the university has also reached agreement with us on making progress in relation to casualisation, stress related work pressures and other issues that will now also be addressed.'
The farmer whose land became the site of a huge traveller encampment today said he was shocked when double the number of caravans he expected turned up.

Colin Woodley, whose family owns the field in a leafy Hampshire village, had been prepared for 100 vehicles to arrive for a Romany Church event.

But he was surprised when around 200 caravans descended for a week of festivities.

Travellers started setting up camp in the quiet village of Curdridge, Hants, on Sunday afternoon, before the majority arrived on Monday.

And yet more vehicles turned up to the site last night with 'four or five people per caravan'.

Some locals have speculated that describing it as a festival for the Light and Life Missionary Church was simply a 'ruse' to get access to the land, and that the travellers may also be having a wedding.

The farmer was surprised when around 200 caravans descended for a week of festivities

A colourful marquee is the centrepiece of the event which will last until this coming Friday

Mr Woodley, who has lived in the village all his life, and whose father Bob owns the land said: 'It was a bit more people than I expected.

'I thought it would be about 100 caravans but now there's nearly 200.

'I've never hired out the land before, but they're no trouble.

'There's been no change since they first arrived, I've got no problem.

'It's mostly been music and religious sermons.'

While some local residents today complained about the increase in traffic caused by the festival, others said there had been no noise problems. Some were said to be too scared to leave their homes.

Retiree Charles Smith, who has lived in his 700,000 detached house on a lane nearby for 30 years, said he had heard there had been a few 'road accidents' involving the travellers since they started arriving.

He added: 'It's been quite busy with traffic.

The guests at the festival have bundled their rubbish together in a pile and vowed to remove it

One traveller said: 'All of our rubbish has been bagged up. A skip was supposed to come today and collect it but it broke down.'

'I think there were a few road accidents earlier in the week, but nothing serious. No one was injured, they were just little bumps.

'It's okay with me, it's not been a problem.

'It's not been excessive noise at all, just happy noise.

'There haven't been any break-ins around here or anything like that.

'We're pretty close to it here and we don't have any complaints.'

A traveller from the festival, who did not wish to be named, today denied a wedding was taking place, and said the gathering was to 'celebrate the life of Jesus'.

The man, in his 40s, said: 'Everybody is welcome here. This is a religious festival - we're here to celebrate the life of Jesus.

'There are around 150 caravans here and about four or five people per caravan.

'All of our rubbish has been bagged up. A skip was supposed to come today and collect it but it broke down.

Colin Woodley, whose family owns the field in a leafy Hampshire village, had been prepared for 100 vehicles to arrive for a Romany Church event

The site had seen increased traffic and some noise but neighbours said it was not a big deal

'There won't even be a single fag butt here when we leave, we'll all be out there picking everything up.

'All the caravans will be gone by Saturday.'

A woman in her 40s travelling with him said: 'When we've left, compare it to what Glastonbury festival looks like.

'Nobody complains about the way that will look.'

A local resident in her 70s, who has lived in a house nearby for 30 years, said she had no problem with the gathering but it had worried one of her neighbours so much she didn't want to leave her home.

She said: 'The excess traffic has been an issue. Last night there was quite a stream of traffic coming in.

'I haven't heard any music and I'm close by. A neighbour of mine said she heard some singing and it was lovely.

'There is some noise but it's not rowdy. They seem to be law abiding.

'One of our neighbours is worried by it and she doesn't want to leave home.'

Phillip Poole, 55, who has been a farmer in the area for more than 20 years and owns land opposite, revealed many locals wished Mr Woodley had not taken money to host the event.

He said: 'They're leaving all the locals alone which is good, but a lot of people are still worried.

'It's been a bit of an influx over the last few days.

'The music goes on until about 10.30pm but that's fine, it's not too loud.

'There has been a bit of traffic, people are coming from miles around just to see it. Someone told me they'd travelled 20 miles just to have a look.

'It's a different scale to what I think was expected, they're a bit more than the scouts who sometimes stay around here.

'I think people wish the landowner hadn't agreed to it. People will do funny things for money.'

A woman in her 60s who lives directly opposite the site and did not want to be named said: 'We're not too bothered really, I've got no problem.

'We've not been affected by any noise.'

Winchester City councillors, alongside Curdridge Parish Council, sent out a letter earlier this week to villagers informing them that 'over 200' caravans had convened but they had been 'unaware' of the activity until it started being reported on social media.

Following an 'informal emergency meeting' on Monday evening, the letter states: 'The event has been organised by the 'Light and Life Missionary Church', with the landowner's permission.

'We understand this to be an annual event held at various sites around the UK and usually lasts around one week.'

The parish council expects the gathering to finish by Friday, where most 'participants' are expected to leave, but may may see a 'a small group remain during Saturday to help manage the cleaning of the site'.

A Winchester City Council representative said the church leader had told them there would be two religious services held each day in the encampment.

The letter also warned of other potential traveller camps nearby 'travelling in the shadow' of the religious event and that they could seek to 'capitalise on it for personal gain'.
The actress, 24, is also being sued by the other driver who was left in critical condition after the near-catastrophic collision

General Hospital star Haley Pullos has been charged with a felony count of driving under the influence in connection with a near-fatal car crash in April.

Pullos, 24, has also been charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney with a felony count of driving with a .08 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) and a misdemeanor count of hit-and-run.

The actress has pleaded not guilty with a preliminary hearing scheduled to take place next month.

Pullos allegedly drove the wrong way down the 134 Freeway in Pasadena while drunk and hit another car head-on at 60mph.

The actress, who has starred in General Hospital since 2009, also collided with an Oldsmobile driven by a 27-year-old woman from Fontana in the westbound lane moments before the horrifying collision.

Haley Pullos was involved in a prior hit-and-run before she plowed head-on into the white 2020 Kia (pictured: Los Angeles Fashion week 2018)

Both Pullos and Courtney Wilder survived the collision, with the latter sustaining major injuries

She was taken to hospital where she was later arrested for driving under the influence and the earlier hit and run.

The other driver, Courtney Wilder, also had to be taken to hospital in critical condition following the crash on April 29.

Wilder, 23, is also suing Pullos, saying she drove the wrong way on an off-ramp, and he did not have time to react when he saw her headlights approaching.

Wilder says he sustained lasting injuries and his car was totaled in the aftermath, and is suing the actress for damages.

First responders who rushed to the scene found Pullos smelling of alcohol with slurred speech and glassy eyes.

Police then searched her white 2019 Ford and found marijuana edibles and tequila miniatures.

In May, Pullos was spotted by DailyMail.com checking into a luxury rehab facility in Malibu.

She was taken to the $2,600-a-week Detox and Residential Treatment Center by her father.

Authorities say Pullos had been traveling on the 134 Freeway in California just before 1.30am on April 29 when she got into the head-on crash

Haley Pullos, 24, was driven to a rehab facility in Malibu by her father on May 17

The actress, who has starred in General Hospital since 2009, was then taken to the $2,600-a-week Malibu rehab

The actress, 24, seriously injured another male driver in the April 29 crash, and had to be pulled from her own vehicle by jaws of life (pictured: LA Benefit in May 2022)

Haley Pullos, 24, is being sued for damages by a driver she allegedly plowed into while she was high and drunk on April 29 (pictured: See Season 3 premiere in Los Angeles in August 2022)

The actress, who has starred in General Hospital since 2009, was then taken to the $2,600-a-week Malibu rehab, which is around an hour from her home in Granada Hills

The luxury rehab center boasts several alcohol and drug addiction treatments, ranging from a ten-day long detox to a more intensive medication-assisted treatment with a residential option for round-the-clock care.

An intensive outpatient program is then offered as a transition, as well as an aftercare program for those who use the facilities.

Wilder claims in the court documents for his suit that Pullos should never have been behind the wheel on April 29, and should have at least stopped driving when she got into a hit-and-run earlier that night.

He also alleges that Pullos hit a firefighter at the scene who was assessing her injuries and shouted, 'This is a $400 f****** shirt!'

He argues Pullos cared more about an 'over-priced shirt' than the safety and well-being of the crash victims.

Authorities confirmed that the driver of the first car did not suffer serious injuries, with a police report adding: 'It was determined Haley Pullos was involved in a hit and run traffic collision that occurred in the city of Pasadena prior to entering the wrong way onto the eastbound SR-134 freeway.'

She then swerved and ended up in the eastbound lane, colliding with an oncoming Kia moving at 60mph.

The driver of the Kia, who was only identified at the time as a 23-year-old old man, was left with serious injuries and rushed to hospital.

According to a police report, Pullos was unable to get out of her wrecked car and was also injured.

Pasadena Fire Department had to use jaws of life to extract Pullos from her vehicle before she was taken to Huntington Hospital.

Once there, it is alleged, she was aggressive and fought hospital staff, before she had to be sedated.

Pullos announced in the aftermath of the crash that she was being temporarily replaced on the show General Hospital.

Pullos has played Molly Lansing-Davis on the long running show in around 500 episodes of the soap opera.

She has also appeared in an episode of medical drama House, and was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award in 2015 for her role on General Hospital.

And she starred in the pilot episode of Dollhouse, and also acted in Ghost Whisperer as young Melinda.

In 2020, she took up the role as Bella Schmerz in The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia.
Flight delays in America have soared to a decade-high with passengers plagued by ongoing disruption and more than a fifth of US planes landing late in the last year.

As a result, it is crucial to know where you stand if you do find yourself stranded in the terminal or left waiting on the tarmac for hours.

A key distinction when it comes to your rights is whether or not the disruption is within the control of the airline or not, according to the Department for Transportation.

If the disruption is within the carrier's control, airlines have made promises to customers to provide certain compensation - and they can be held accountable if they fail to keep these pledges.

But if the delay or cancelation is out of their control - for example if it is caused by bad weather - it can get a little more complicated. Here is everything you need to know if you are impacted by travel chaos.

What if the cancellation is within the airline's control?

A controllable flight cancelation is effectively one caused by the airline - which includes problems with the crew, cabin cleaning or issues with baggage loading or fueling.

If your flight is canceled, you are always entitled to a refund regardless of the reason that it did not go ahead - or to be booked onto another flight with the same airline for free.

This includes those with non-refundable tickets, should the passenger choose not to accept any alternative options offered by the airline, such as being rebooked onto another flight.

If you have any problems getting your money back, you can file a complaint with the US Department of Transportation.

Whether or not you are able to receive any other compensation beyond the flight refund will depend on the airline.

It is crucial to know where you stand if you do find yourself stranded in the terminal

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Hawaiian, JetBlue, and United have an option to rebook on a partner airline at no additional cost, while this is not an option for other carriers such as Southwest or Spirit.

All the major US airlines have pledged to provide a meal or meal voucher when a cancelation results in a stranded passenger waiting for more than three hours in the terminal.

Plus, all carriers apart from Frontier will pay for travelers to stay in a hotel if they are affected by an overnight cancellation. They also fund transport to get passengers to and from those hotels.

Passengers are advised to speak to airline staff at the airport to arrange their accommodation and transport if their flight is canceled.

Alaska Airlines is the only major US carrier which offers both the option of frequent flyer miles or a travel voucher if a cancellation results in a passenger waiting more than three hours after their original departure time - while JetBlue provides the option of a travel voucher.

None of the main airlines, however, offer the option of cash compensation if passengers are kept waiting for longer than three hours for controllable cancellations.

What if a delay is within the airline's control?

According to the Department of Transportation, customers are entitled to a refund if there is a 'significant' delay.

Currently, there is no exact definition for what constitutes a 'significant delay' - it depends on a variety of factors including the length of the delay and the length of the flight - and it will judge whether or not a customer is eligible on a case-by-case basis.

However, all airlines are required to provide status updates 30 minutes (or sooner) after they become aware of any status change which could cause a delay - and all the major US carriers have promised to rebook passengers on the same airline at no additional cost for significant delays.

What else you can expect also depends on which airline you are flying with.

For controllable delays, all the major US airlines have committed to providing a meal or meal voucher if the wait exceeds three hours.

Again, all airlines apart from Frontier will offer free accommodation if a delay means you are stranded overnight - including transport to and from the hotel, but do not expect cash compensation if you are forced to wait for more than three hours.

All the major US airlines have pledged to provide a meal or meal voucher when a cancellation results in a stranded passenger waiting for more than three hours in the terminal

What if a delay or cancellation is out of the airline's control?

You are always due a refund if the flight is canceled - even if it is due to bad weather, traffic delays or other reasons out of the airline's control.

But there are fewer protections for consumers if your flight is disrupted. Each airline has its own rules for what it will do for delayed passengers stuck in the terminal, but there are currently no federal requirements.

Ask staff whether the airline will pay for meals or a phone call. Investigate other flights on that airline which are headed to your destination and ask an agent if they can get you on one of them without charging extra change fees.

Check what's available on a partner airline, and see if they might be able to book you onto a different flight for free. Remember, however, that airlines are not legally obligated to do this.

If you have travel insurance, look to see if you are eligible for any reimbursement for costs incurred because of a delay, including meals, accommodations, communication and transportation.

The Department of Transportation put forward proposals in August 2022 to expand passenger rights by forcing airlines to give customers a refund if a carrier cancels or significantly changes a flight - regardless if the reason is out of their control.

It also set forward plans to codify a 'significant' delay as three hours or more for a domestic flight and six hours or more for an international flight - making it easier for passengers to claim compensation from airlines.

It is not yet known when this proposals could be approved.
President Joe Biden departed the White House Wednesday with a cheat sheet on the Wagner uprising, but still bungled a response when asked about Russian President Vladimir Putin's standing.

Biden was asked on the South Lawn how damaged Putin was in the aftermath of this weekend's aborted uprising by the Russian mercenary group.

The president said that Putin had 'absolutely' been weakened, but added, 'it's hard to tell really,' when asked to what extent.

'He's clearly losing the war in Iraq. He's losing the war at home and has become a bit of a pariah around the world,' Biden said, clearly meaning to say Ukraine.

The president, 80, was heading to Chicago to deliver an address on what his White House is calling 'Bidenomics,' when he made the gaffe.

President Joe Biden answered questions on the South Lawn Wednesday ahead of his trip to Chicago. During the Q&A he referred to the Ukraine conflict as the 'war in Iraq'

President Joe Biden walked to Marine One carrying a cheat sheet that included talking points about the 'Vagner-Russia' conflict

The official White House transcript from the president's Q&A with reporters Wednesday morning shows how he called the Ukraine conflict the 'war in Iraq'

Photographers on the South Lawn captured a notecard the president walked out with.

The card read 'Daily News Summary' with the date.

It started with 'Vagner-Russia' with talking points listed below.

'This was an internal Russian matter,' the talking points read. 'Too soon to know.'

During a fundraiser Tuesday night in the tony D.C. suburb of Chevy Chase, Maryland, Biden also said 'Iraq' when he was speaking about the war in Ukraine.

'Think about this: If anybody told you - and my staff wasn't so sure, either - that we'd be able to bring all of Europe together in the onslaught on Iraq and get NATO to be completely united, I think they would have told you it's not likely,' Biden said Tuesday night. 'The one thing Putin counted on was being able to split NATO.'

Some reporters are allowed into the room during Biden's fundraising efforts, but cameras - both video and still - are barred, so there's so recording of that blunder.

The official White House transcript from one of Biden's fundraisers Tuesday night in Chevy Chase, Maryland, shows that he said Iraq then too, instead of Ukraine

On Wednesday as the president walked toward Marine One he also bristled when asked about the branding effort around 'Bidenomics.'

Biden asserted it was the media - specifically The Wall Street Journal - who dubbed his economic agenda 'Bidenomics.'

However the White House has used the term in recent days - just as Democrats colloquially use 'Obamacare' to refer to the Affordable Care Act healthcare law.

'Well, look, you guys branded it. I didn't. I never called it "Bidenomics," and so I was asked a question,' the president said.

A reporter pointed out that the White House's economics team had been using the term in recent days.

'Now wait, let's get it straight. The first time it was used was in the Wall Street Journal. OK? And I don't go around beating my chest "Bidenomics" so the press started calling it Bidenomics,' he said.

Despite his tone when answering the questions, Biden said he liked the term.

'No, I like it, it's fine,' he said, noting that it referred to 'my policies.'
Hilly posed next to containers of nuclear waste at the Idaho National Laboratory

A pregnant woman posed for a series of photos next to containers of radioactive nuclear waste as a way to prove that the substance is actually a safe method of energy production.

Madison Hilly, 27, said she hoped the photoshoot with her unborn baby at the Idaho National Laboratory would spark conversation about nuclear waste.

The photos show Hilly, who is 27 weeks pregnant, rubbing her baby bump against a container that stores nuclear waste, which she described as 'spicy.'

Hilly posed for the snap, despite the fact that exposure can be potentially dangerous to people, particularly for pregnant women.

But Hilly argued that when the nuclear waste is properly managed and deposed of, there can be minimal risk from the substance.

'No babies received any excess radiation in the making of this nuclear waste maternity photoshoot,' she captioned the photo posted on Twitter.

The argument against nuclear energy is that it generates waste that is radioactive and is potentially dangerous to humans and animals.

Madison Hilly, 27, who is 27 weeks pregnant, posed for a series of photos next to containers of radioactive nuclear waste to prove the substance is a safe method of energy production

The photos show Hilly, who is 27 weeks pregnant, rubbing her baby bump against container of 'spicy' radioactive waste dry casks that store nuclear waste

'No babies received any excess radiation in the making of this nuclear waste maternity photoshoot,' she captioned the photo posted on Twitter

But Hilly, who has been working to advocate for nuclear power for the last six years and is the founder of Campaign for a Green Nuclear Deal, told Newsweek she wanted to do the photoshoot to 'demonstrate how much of a non-issue nuclear waste is.'

'When I had the opportunity to visit the Idaho National Laboratory and get up close to some of the 'spiciest' nuclear waste in the country, I thought it would be a great opportunity to demonstrate how much of a non-issue nuclear waste is,' Hilly explained.'

Exposure to radiation can cause cancer, genetic issues and can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women and their unborn babies leading to risks of birth defects and childhood cancers.

'I know first-hand how seriously safety is taken within the industry, so much so that it can often feel ridiculous,' she said.

'That's not to say I didn't receive any radiation from my trip. I got radiation from the flight from Chicago to Idaho Falls, from the banana I ate for breakfast and from being out in the sun for the photo shoot.

However, I got no registrable dose from bumping up to the nuclear waste. The extreme safety of nuclear waste management can't be faked.'

Exposure to high levels of radiation can cause various problems including radiation sickness, cancer and genetic damage

Hilly, who lives in Chicago with her husband, has been working to advocate for nuclear power for the last six years and is the founder of Campaign for a Green Nuclear Deal

Hilly traveled from Chicago to the Idaho National Laboratory for her photoshoot

She said she finds the trouble with talking about nuclear waste is that most people don't know what it is or what it looks like.

'Thanks to The Simpsons, many people think nuclear waste is a bright green liquid and stored in leaky oil drums,' she explained.

'I find that when people see pictures of nuclear waste and discover that it's actually solid metal, safe enough to hug [when safely stored] and actually quite boringit alleviates a lot of their anxieties.'

So Hilly continues advocating for a new vision of nuclear growth.

'It is an advocacy effort I launched in 2021 to build support around a new vision of nuclear growth in America,' Hilly said.

'By building nuclear power, we can rebuild our economy while creating generational jobs in clean energy, reviving American industries, and reestablishing the USA as the global leader of this critical technology.'

Nuclear power has been heralded by advocates as a solution to the energy crisis - but it has vociferous detractors too.

While exceptionally-expensive to build, nuclear power plants can generate huge quantities of energy in a very efficient way.

And unlike coal or oil-fired plants, nuclear energy does not generate the emissions blamed for climate change.

Those opposed to nuclear power have two main arguments. The radioactive waste generated by energy production is extremely dangerous, and requires thousands, or millions, of years of secure storage before it becomes harmless.

They also cite the horror that can ensue following accidents at nuclear power plants.

The most famous such instance saw the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine explode in 1986, leaving its nuclear reactor open to the elements.

Huge quantities of deadly radiation were pumped into the atmosphere, forcing a huge evacuation, and causing countless cases of cancer in the months and years afterwards.

And in 2010, Fukusima nuclear power plant in Japan suffered three nuclear meltdowns and two nuclear explosions after an earthquake and subsequent tsunami flooded the plant, leading to overheating which triggered the meltdowns.
Debris from the Titan submersible that imploded on the bottom of the Atlantic as it tried to reach the wreckage of the Titanic has been hauled ashore.

The huge chunks of metal, including the nose with the porthole the five men would have used to see the Titanic, were unloaded from the Horizon Arctic ship at the Canadian Coast Guard pier in St John's, Newfoundland, Canada, this morning.

They were quickly covered in large tarpaulins before being lifted by cranes on to trucks that took them away for assessment. The pieces included a large, white section of curved metal. Another object was full of cables and other mechanical parts.

Some of the sections which were pulled up appear to be parts of the sub's external cover and its landing frame, which were reportedly among the first bits of Titan debris which were discovered.

A large circular piece of the Titan, which is similar to the section at the rear end of the hull, was also retrieved.

The front-end of Titan, where its viewing port was located, was clearly identifiable among the sections which have been recovered

The huge chunks of metal were unloaded from the Horizon Arctic ship at the Canadian Coast Guard pier in St John's, Newfoundland, Canada, this morning

They were quickly covered in large tarpaulins before being lifted by cranes on to trucks that took them away for assessment

Several large pieces of the vessel have been recovered from the ocean, but other sections are believed to have been decimated by the implosion

Experts repeatedly raised safety fears about the submersible, Titan, before the tragedy

Titan went missing on Sunday, June 18 during a mission to the Titanic's wreckage

Another piece bears a resemblance to the antennae that protruded from the top of Titan.

The development comes exactly ten days after the doomed Titan submersible vanished during a tourist trip run by OceanGate Expeditions.

After a huge search and rescue mission, debris was discovered on the seabed last Thursday and it was revealed that the sub had suffered a 'catastrophic implosion', killing all five on board.

The US Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the cause of the underwater implosion that destroyed Titan.

Safety fears were repeatedly raised by experts who said the vessel was not suitable for the immense depths it traveled to. Critics said its carbon fiber hull was not fit for purpose and also raised the alarm about its viewport, which was not certified to such depths.

The Coast Guard said it had created a marine board of investigation (MBI), its highest level of probe.

'My primary goal is to prevent a similar occurrence by making the necessary recommendations to enhance the safety of the maritime domain worldwide,' said Jason Neubauer, the Coast Guard's chief investigator and leader of the probe.

'The MBI is already in its initial evidence-collection phase, including debris salvage operations at the incident site,' he added.

Neubauer said the US probe could also make recommendations on the possible pursuit of civil or criminal sanctions 'as necessary'.

Titan was reported missing last Sunday and the Coast Guard said Thursday that all five people aboard the submersible had died after the vessel suffered a catastrophic implosion.

A large circular piece of the Titan, which is similar to the sections at each end of the hull, was also retrieved

Stockton Rush, the CEO of OceanGate, which launched, Titan, perished on board the submersible last Sunday along with his four passengers, including PH Nargeolet (right)

Shahzada Dawood, 48, one of Pakistan's richest men, who along with his teenage son Suleman Dawood, 19, (together, left) died on the Titan along with British explorer Hamish Harding (right)

Titan's carbon fiber hull and its acrylic viewport were subject to several warnings and James Cameron singled them out as 'potential failure points' on the vessel

A debris field was found on the seafloor, 1,600 feet (500 meters) from the bow of the Titanic, which sits more than two miles (nearly four kilometers) below the ocean's surface and 400 miles off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada.

Canada, which helped in the search for the submersible, said Saturday it was carrying out its own probe.

The Canadian-flagged Polar Prince cargo vessel towed the Titan out to sea last weekend but lost contact with it about an hour and 45 minutes after the submersible launched into the ocean depths.

The announcement of the implosion ended a multinational search-and-rescue operation that captured the world's attention since the tourist craft went missing.

British adventurer Hamish Harding and father and son Shahzada and Suleman Dawood were killed on board the submersible, alongside the American chief executive of the company responsible for the vessel, Stockton Rush, and French national Paul-Henri Nargeolet.

Salvage operations are continuing and investigators have mapped the accident site, Cpt Neubauer said on Sunday. It is unclear how long it will take. The US Coast Guard said it does not charge for search and rescue operations.
A court verdict in May ordered Trump to pay Carroll $5million in damages

The former US president, 77, is facing cases with Stormy Daniels and Jean Carroll

Donald Trump's lawsuit suing his sexual assault victim E. Jean Carroll for defamation means he is now facing seven ongoing court cases.

The former US president, 77, faces juggling all of the cases as he heads into the 2024 primaries in his bid to retake the White House.

Carroll testified that Trump raped her in a department store in New York City in the mid-1990s - and he called her a liar when she went public with the information in 2019.

Trump claims that Carroll falsely accused him of rape, despite the fact that a jury in a civil trial in May found that he sexually abused and defamed the former Elle magazine advice columnist.

The verdict ordered Trump to pay $5million in damages.

Donald Trump's (pictured yesterday) lawsuit suing his sex assault victim E. Jean Carroll (pictured right, arriving in court in May) for defamation means he is now facing seven ongoing court cases

He is seeking a retraction of the ruling, as well as unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.

But Carroll's lawyer Roberta Kaplan said that his retaliation was 'nothing more than his latest effort to delay accountability'.

Here's a breakdown of the barrage of legal troubles the former president is facing:

The Stormy Daniels hush-money case

Trump was charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in relation to the Stormy Daniels (pictured in May) hush-money scheme

Trump was charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in relation to the Stormy Daniels hush-money scheme in the run-up to the 2016 presidential election.

His ex-lawyer Michael Cohen reportedly arranged a payment of $130,000 to Daniels to stop her disclosing her 2006 tryst with the ex-president. Trump has denied the affair.

On March 30, he made history and became the first former president to ever be indicted.

He returned to New York on April 4 for his day in court - with both pro and anti-Trump demonstrators surrounding the courthouse.

He pleaded not guilty at the New York Criminal Court, as the 16-page indictment was unsealed. Additionally, a 13-page statement of facts was released by the Manhattan district attorney's office.

It said that between August of 2015 to December of 2017, Trump 'orchestrated a scheme with others to influence the 2016 presidential election by identifying and purchasing negative information about him to suppress its publication and benefit the Defendant's electoral prospects.'

The alleged crimes included writing monthly checks to his former lawyer Michael Cohen throughout 2017 as part of a 'retainer agreement,' with prosecutors saying that there was no such retainer agreement and those payments were actually to pay Cohen back the $130,000 given to Daniels to keep her quiet.

Trump's role in pushing election fraud claims and plugs for the January 6 Capitol attack

The committee made its case that Trump was pressuring Mike Pence to throw results back to the states in an attempt to overturn the election

On the morning of January 6, 2021, Trump addressed his supporters on the Ellipse - the area right outside the White House.

Later that day a mob marched to the Capitol and broke into the building to stop the certification of President Joe Biden's win in the Electoral College.

The Department of Justice is running an investigation into Trump's role in pushing false election fraud claims and the January 6 Capitol attack plugs under the portfolio of Special Counsel Jack Smith.

In late April, Vice President Mike Pence testified in front of the federal grand jury assembled to hear evidence from the probe.

Pence had resisted - claiming privilege as the president of the Senate - and a judge acknowledged some of those claims, but green-lit the testimony to go forward.

Trump's legal team had also tried to stop Pence's testimony, but didn't succeed.

That setback comes after the Justice Department said in March that Trump can be sued by injured Capitol Police officers and Democratic lawmakers over January 6, in a federal court case testing Trump's legal vulnerability over his speech before the riot.

The Justice Department told a Washington federal appeals court in a legal filing that it should allow the lawsuits to move forward, rejecting Trump's argument that he is immune from the claims.

In December, before Republicans took control of the House, the House-based January 6th Committee referred Trump to the Department of Justice to pursue at least three criminal charges, including inciting an insurrection.

The recommended charges concerned four criminal statutes: obstructing an official proceeding, making false statements, defrauding the U.S. and inciting an insurrection.

It's unclear if more charges are on the table.

In a series of high-profile hearings last year on the aftermath of the 2020 election, which Trump falsely claims he won, the committee made its case that he was pressuring Pence to throw results back to the states in an attempt to overturn the election.

Pence did not testify to the Congressional committee, but a number of other top officials did - including Pence's chief of staff Marc Short, Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, former Attorney General Bill Barr and Roger Stone.

The classified documents Trump took from the White House to Mar-a-Lago when he left office

Trump is facing a total of 37 felony charges for allegedly illegally retaining classified records after leaving office in January 2021. Pictured: Boxes of documents stacked in his bathroom

Trump is facing a total of 37 felony charges for allegedly illegally retaining classified records after leaving office in January 2021 in a probe headed by special counsel Jack Smith.

The FBI seized 11,000 documents from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida in a court-approved search on August 8, including about 100 marked as classified.

Some were designated top secret, the highest level of classified information.

The department began its investigation after the National Archives, the U.S. agency responsible for preserving government records, tried to get Trump to return missing government property and received 15 boxes with classified documents mixed in.

Trump has accused the Justice Department of engaging in a partisan witch hunt and claims the documents he took were part of his personal records and were declassified when he left office.

Both Pence and Biden are also being probed for having classified documents amid the materials they brought home after leaving office.

Georgia's criminal probe into efforts to overturn the 2020 election

Last July, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' office revealed that the 16 individuals who posed as fake Electoral College electors were targets of her investigation (Willis is pictured in October)

He is also facing a criminal probe in Georgia over his efforts to overturn the 2020 election after he lost to Joe Biden.

A special grand jury was selected last May to consider evidence in a Georgia prosecutor's inquiry into Trump's alleged efforts to influence that state's election result.

The investigation focuses in part on a phone call Trump made to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a Republican, on January 2, 2021. Trump asked Raffensperger to 'find' the votes needed to overturn his election loss.

Additionally, last July, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' office revealed that the 16 individuals who posed as fake Electoral College electors were targets of her investigation.

Last week, the news broke that at least eight of those electors had agreed to immunity deals.

It will be Willis' decision - and not that of the grand jury - on whether to charge Trump with crimes.

Legal experts said Trump may have violated at least three Georgia criminal election laws: conspiracy to commit election fraud, criminal solicitation to commit election fraud and intentional interference with performance of election duties.

Trump could argue he was engaging in constitutionally protected free speech.

A California federal judge said in October in a separate lawsuit that Trump had knowingly made false voter fraud claims in a Georgia election lawsuit, according to emails the judge reviewed. It is not immediately clear what ramifications Trump could face from the ruling.

New York Attorney General Letitia James claims Trump inflated property values to mislead banks and investors

New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a civil lawsuit filed in February that her office uncovered more than 200 examples of misleading asset valuations by Trump and the Trump Organization

New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a civil lawsuit filed in February that her office uncovered more than 200 examples of misleading asset valuations by Trump and the Trump Organization between 2011 and 2021.

James accused Trump of inflating his net worth by billions of dollars to satisfy loan terms and get better insurance coverage.

Mar-a-Lago was valued as high as $739 million when it should have been close to $75 million, the 200-page lawsuit against the Trump Organization claims.

Trump withdrew his own countersuit against James in January after a judge accused him of using the courts to seek revenge.

He and his lawyers were ordered to pay almost $1 million by a judge in Florida for suing Hillary Clinton and others over his claims that the 2016 election was rigged.

James is seeking to permanently bar Trump, his sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump and his daughter Ivanka Trump from running companies in New York state, and to prevent them and his company from buying new properties and taking out new loans in the state for five years.

James is also seeking to have the defendants disgorge around $250 million that she described as obtained through fraud.

After James announced the lawsuit, Trump in a social media post called the action 'Another Witch Hunt.'

A lawyer for Trump called the lawsuit's claims 'meritless.'

James said her probe also uncovered evidence of criminal wrongdoing, which she referred to federal prosecutors and the Internal Revenue Service for investigation.

Trump appeared back in New York for a deposition last month as part of the case.

New York criminal probe into Trump Organization's 'tax-free perks' to top executives

Chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg, also named as a defendant in the James lawsuit, has pleaded guilty

The Trump Organization is on trial in New York on criminal tax fraud charges.

The Manhattan district attorney's office last year accused the Trump Corporation and Trump Payroll Corp. of giving executives tax-free perks such as rent-free apartments, school tuition fees and leased luxury cars.

Its former chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg, also named as a defendant in the James lawsuit, has pleaded guilty and is required to testify against the company as part of his agreement with prosecutors.

Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, has also been investigating whether Trump misled lenders and others about asset valuations.

Trump has denied wrongdoing and called the probe politically motivated.
Wagner army chief Yevgeny Prigozhin planned to kidnap the heads of the Russian military in last week's short-lived mutiny, it has been claimed.

Western officials say Prigozhin sought to seize archrivals Sergei Shoigu, the Russian defense minister, and chief of staff General Valery Gerasimov while they were on a visit to the south, according to the Wall Street Journal.

But Russia's FSB security service learned of the plan and Shoigu and Gerasimov changed their travel to avoid capture, the Journal said, citing unnamed officials.

That forced Prigozhin to move early, and on Friday his Wagner forces seized control of the headquarters of the Russian Southern Military District in Rostov-on-Don, a key logistics and command center for the war on Ukraine.

US officials have told media that they knew days ahead about the planned uprising, in which Prigozhin sent a column of forces from his privately-run army toward Moscow before giving up as President Vladimir Putin branded the group 'traitors.'

Prigozhin was forced to move early, and on Friday his Wagner forces seized control of the headquarters of the Russian Southern Military District in Rostov-on-Don, pictured May 5, 2023

Russia's FSB security service learned of the plan and Shoigu (pictured) and Gerasimov changed their travel to avoid capture, it was reported. He is pictured in an unknown location visiting Russian forces in Ukraine, June 26, 2023

Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov (left) learned of Prigozhin's plan and evaded capture with Shoigu. He is pictured speaking with Vladimir Putin during the annual meeting of the Defence Ministry board in Moscow, January 11, 2023

Also citing unnamed US officials, the New York Times reported that senior Russian General Sergei Surovikin knew in advance of Prigozhin's mutiny plans.

The advance knowledge by top military officials could have prevented potential allies of Prigozhin and Wagner from joining the revolt, contributing to its failure.

Russian National Guard Commander Viktor Zolotov said Tuesday that there were leaks from Wagner about the revolt, and alleged that Western agents could have been behind it, according to Russian state media.

It comes after a US intelligence chief claimed Prigozhin has been holed up in a windowless hotel room in Minsk, Belarus, to avoid assassination following his aborted uprising.

Prigozhin arrived in Belarus yesterday to begin life in exile under a deal that ended his short-lived mutiny against the Russian military by his Wagner fighters, Belarusian state news agency Belta said.

Asked about Prigozhin's predicament, chairman of the US Senate Intelligence Committee Mark Walker said he'd received reports the Wagner chief was taking every measure to avoid meeting a sticky end.

'There have been a number of Russian entity individuals who have run afoul of Putin over the last year and a half, who have mysteriously fallen out of fifth, sixth or seventh floor windows,' Walker said.

It comes as Flightradar data appeared to show Prigozhin's jet leaving the Belarusian capital late last night on a flight path to Moscow, sparking speculation that the Wagner chief is now headed for in-person talks with Vladimir Putin.

Embraer Legacy 600 business jet with the tail number RA-02795, a jet which is thought to belong to the Wagner chief, departed the Machulishchy Air Base near Minsk and has since landed in the Russian capital.

It comes as Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko painted himself as a master negotiator, taking the credit for mediating discussions between Prigozhin and an enraged Putin, talking the latter out of killing the former in retribution for the revolt.

Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin leaves the headquarters of the Southern Military District amid the group's pullout from the city of Rostov-on-Don, Russia, June 24, 2023

Flightradar data appeared to show Prigozhin's jet leaving the Belarusian capital late last night on a flight path to Moscow

Prigozhin's jet headed for Moscow sparked speculation the Wagner chief is on his way to in-person talks with Vladimir Putin

Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko painted himself as a master negotiator, taking the credit for mediating discussions between Prigozhin and an enraged Putin

Speaking to top brass in Minsk, Lukashenko said he told Prigozhin that he would be 'squashed like a bug' if he tried to attack Moscow, and warned that the Kremlin would never fulfill his demand to oust Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu and the chief of the general staff, General Valery Gerasimov.

Lukashenko asserted that he spoke with Putin over the phone on Saturday after Wagner forces set up a base in the Russian city of Rostov to march on towards the capital.

He claimed he talked the Russian president out of killing Prigozhin and urged him to negotiate a peaceful end to the revolt.

'I realised there was a harsh decision taken  to destroy [Prigozhin and Wagner],' Lukashenko said.

'I suggested Putin not to hurry. Let's talk with Prigozhin, with his commanders,' he added.

Lukashenko claimed that Prigozhin did not answer calls from Putin, so they set up three communication channels with Rostov to negotiate with Wagner.

Lukashenko said he was able to connect with Prigozhin during the first hour of his call with Putin and claimed the former sounded elated at the opportunity to negotiate.

The conversations were initially fiery, with the first half an hour spent by the Wagner chief issuing a number of oaths over the phone.

After things quietened, Lukashenko said, he managed to negotiate an end to the coup attempt by offering Prigozhin and his troops immunity in exchange for the Wagner leader agreeing to self-exile in Belarus.

Earlier on Tuesday, Russia's FSB security service dropped charges against participants in the brief uprising, and Lukashenko said Prigozhin and some of his troops are welcome to stay in Belarus 'for some time' at their own expense.

Putin also spoke of the offer on Tuesday, telling the mercenaries that they can either choose to join the Russian army or follow their leader to Belarus.

Later, at a brief ceremony in Moscow, Putin praised Russia's national guard for 'preventing a civil war' as he sought to reassert his authority after the crisis.

And in a further show of continuity and business-as-usual, Russian media on Tuesday showed Shoigu, in his military uniform, greeting Cuba's visiting defence minister in a pomp-heavy ceremony.

In this handout photo taken from video released by Prigozhin Press Service, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of the Wagner Group military company, records his video addresses in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, on June 24, 2023

Members of the Wagner Group prepare to depart from the Southern Military District's headquarters and return to their base in Rostov-on-Don, Russia on June 24, 2023

PMC Wagner Group servicemen are seen pulling out of downtown Rostov-on-Don and returning to their bases on June 24, 2023

According to flight tracking website Flight Radar24, the Embraer Legacy 600 business jet with the number RA-02795 belonging to Wagner warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin arrived in Minsk at 7.40am local time on Tuesday, suggesting that he has begun his exile

Prigozhin said on Monday that his troops remain loyal to him despite admitting that a small percentage of them have accepted the Kremlin's offer to join the Russian military.

Meanwhile, preparations were underway for Wagner's troops, who numbered 25,000 according to Prigozhin, to hand over their heavy weapons to the Russian military, the Defence Ministry in Moscow said.

Prigozhin had said those moves were being taken ahead of a July 1 deadline for his fighters to sign contracts - which he opposed - to serve under the Russian military's command.

The series of events in recent days constitutes the gravest threat so far to Putin's grip on power amid the 16-month war in Ukraine, and he again acknowledged the threat on Tuesday in saying the result could have been a civil war.

Prigozhin has said his goal had been to oust Shoigu and other military brass, not stage a coup against Putin.

In addresses this week, Putin has sought to project stability and demonstrate authority.

Lukashenko meanwhile, who has ruled Belarus with an iron fist for 29 years while relying on Russian subsidies and support, portrayed the uprising as merely the latest development in the clash between Prigozhin and Shoigu.

While the mutiny unfolded, he said, he put Belarus' armed forces on a combat footing and urged Putin not to be hasty in his response, so that the conflict with Wagner did not spiral out of control.

Like Putin, Lukashenko portrayed the war in Ukraine as an existential threat, saying: 'If Russia collapses, we all will perish under the debris.'

Prigozhin has long expressed hatred and distrust of Russia's defence minister, Sergei Shoigu (centre)

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov would not disclose details about the Kremlin's deal with the Wagner chief.

He said only that Putin had provided Prigozhin with 'certain guarantees,' with the aim of avoiding a 'worst-case scenario'.

Asked why the rebels were allowed to get as close as about 200 kilometres from Moscow without facing serious resistance, National Guard chief Viktor Zolotov told reporters: 'We concentrated our forces in one fist closer to Moscow. If we spread them thin, they would have come like a knife through butter.'

Zolotov, a former Putin bodyguard, also said the National Guard would get the battle tanks and other heavy weapons which it had been lacking.

The mercenaries shot down at least six Russian helicopters and a military communications plane as they advanced on Moscow, killing at least a dozen airmen, according to Russian news reports.

The Defence Ministry didn't release information about casualties, but Putin mentioned them on Tuesday and honoured them with a moment of silence.

'Pilots, our combat comrades, died while confronting the mutiny,' he said. 'They didn't waver and fulfilled the orders and their military duty with dignity.'

In a televised address on Monday night, Putin said rebellion organisers had played into the hands of Ukraine's government and its allies.

Although critical of their leaders, he praised the rank-and-file mutineers who 'didn't engage in fratricidal bloodshed and stopped on the brink'.

A Washington-based think tank said that was 'likely in an effort to retain them' in the fight in Ukraine because Moscow needs 'trained and effective manpower' as it faces a counter-offensive.

The Institute for the Study of War also said the break between Putin and Prigozhin is likely beyond repair, and that providing the Wagner chief and his loyalists with Belarus as an apparent safe haven could be a trap.

Prigozhin said, without elaborating, that the Belarusian leadership proposed solutions that would allow Wagner to operate 'in a legal jurisdiction'.

Lukashenko said there is no reason to fear Wagner's presence in his country, though in Russia, Wagner-recruited convicts have been suspected of violent crimes.

The Wagner troops have 'priceless' military knowledge and experience to share with Belarus, he said during a meeting with his defence minister.

But exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who challenged Lukashenko in a 2020 election that was widely seen as fraudulent and triggered mass protests, said Wagner troops will threaten the country and its neighbours.

'Belarusians don't welcome war criminal Prigozhin,' she told The Associated Press. 'If Wagner sets up military bases on our territory, it will pose a new threat to our sovereignty and our neighbours.'
His victims included his stepson, his former chiropractor, his Laurel police chief successor, former collogues in Prince George's County, among others

Prosecutors found a hitlist on his phone titled Expedition Unknown, as well search history of his victim's addresses while executing a search warrant in 2021

A former Maryland police chief has been given eight life sentences plus 75 years after he was convicted of setting 12 'revenge fires' against people he held grudges against.

David M. Crawford, 71, was handed down a hefty sentence on Tuesday after he was convicted of targeting 12 victims across six counties between 2011 and 2020.

Crawford, who worked as a the Laurel police chief from 2006 to 2010, was arrested in early 2021 after police executed a search warrant at home and found a 'target list' titled Expedition Unknown in his phone. Nine of the 11 people found on the list were associates or relatives of the officer and a couple of people had numbers marked next to their names, indicating they had been hit multiple times.

His Apple Watch data also showed Crawford was active around 3am, when all the fires occurred.

His targets included his stepson, his chiropractor, his Laurel police chief successor, former colleagues in Prince George's County, one of his wife's acquaintances through a foster care organization, among others, the Baltimore Banner and The New York Times reported.

David Crawford, 71, was handed down eight life sentences after he was convicted of targeting 12 victims across six counties between 2011 and 2020. Prosecutors found a hitlist on his phone titled Expedition Unknown, as well search history of his victim's addresses while executing a search warrant in 2021

Prosecutors also referred to a video of Crawford pouring gasoline on one of the victim's home

The former chief was charged with three counts of first-degree arson and four counts of attempted first-degree murder, among others. His eight life sentences will run concurrently.

In addition, Crawford has already pleaded guilty to arson, for which he received a 20-year sentence in Frederick County, according to state records. He also has cases pending in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties.

His lawyer, Robert C. Bonsib said they will appeal the decision, as he argued that arson can only receive a maximum sentence of 28 years.

He said: 'This is a sad and unfortunate ending for a man who for decades had well-served his community in law enforcement. Mr. Crawford continues to maintain his innocence.'

DailyMail.com has contacted Bonsib for comment.

Despite Crawford maintaining his innocence, prosecutors are happy with the sentence, saying he 'should have been someone who understood justice, empathy and order.'

One of the homes he lit on fire caused large flames to consume the home, burning part of it to the ground

Prosecutors said Crawford 'lacks basic humanity' and said the man's vanity license plate and his number on his gasoline can matched (pictured: one of the victim's homes)

One of his victims, Quinn Henderson (left), called her assailant 'hypocritical' for saying 'with God, all things are possible' instead of apologizing to the people whose lives he 'ruined.' She was targeted twice by Crawford. His lawyer, Robert C. Bonsib (right) said they will appeal the decision, as he argued that arson can only receive a maximum sentence of 28 years. He also maintains Crawford's innocence

'Instead, he acted in a violent way,' State Attorney Richard H. Gibson Jr. said. 'In light of the defendant's age, he is not likely to breathe free air again, and we think it's appropriate. Today, the bill came due for this defendant.

'Mr. Crawford is someone who lacks basic humanity.'

He also pointed out that Crawford's vanity license plate and the number printed on the gasoline can used in the fires matched and that the police chief had contacted his victims after setting their homes on fire.

One of his victims, Quinn Henderson, called her assailant 'hypocritical' for saying 'with God, all things are possible' instead of apologizing to the people whose lives he 'ruined.'

'His mention of God was so hypocritical when he literally ruined a bunch of people's lives,' the 22-year-old, who was hit multiple times by Crawford, told WBAL. Henderson was only a teenager when the former law enforcement officer lit up her home.

'I'm ready to live my own life without him looming me and without being afraid.'

His victims included his stepson, his former chiropractor, his Laurel police chief successor, former collogues in Prince George's County, among others (pictured: one of the victim's homes)

Prosecutors were able to connect Crawford to the dozen fires after establishing the similar pattern in which they occurred (pictured: one of the victim's homes)

Crawford's own estranged daughter, Carrie Turner, was not surprised by her father's wrongdoing, telling the courtroom at one point that he didn't need much to hold a grudge. She recalled her father telling her in grade school: 'If somebody hits you, you hit them harder' (pictured: one of the victim's homes)

Crawford's own estranged daughter, Carrie Turner, was not surprised by her father's wrongdoing, telling the courtroom at one point that he didn't need much to hold a grudge. She recalled her father telling her in grade school: 'If somebody hits you, you hit them harder.'

Prosecutors were able to connect Crawford to the dozen fires after establishing the similar pattern in which they occurred, in addition the watch data and his hitlist. In addition, surveillance footage caught him wearing a sweatshirt with a hood pouring gasoline outside a home.

He also had looked up his victim's addresses before plugging them into Google Maps, which one around the time of the fire. He also had reminders on his phone reminding him about the fires, such a 'McLaughlin fire.'

'The commonalities are obvious,' Assistant State's Attorney Scott Hammond told jurors during the trial.

Most of the victims said they do not know why Crawford for target them. 'By all accounts, [we] had an amicable relationship,' his ex-chiropractor Russell Antico said.
A 57-year-old admitted to killing seven babies he conceived with his daughter

A father who committed incest with his daughter in Indonesia has admitted to murdering the seven babies she gave birth to, after he began having sex with her over an 11-year period on the advice of a shaman.

The horrific crimes came to light after five baby skeletons were discovered by workers clearing a former pond in a village in Central Java on June 15.

Police investigated the horrifying find and interrogated the suspect, said to be a 57-year-old who is identified only as R.

He confessed to having sex with his biological 25-year-old daughter from when she was in her teens, claiming a shaman had told him that by doing so, he would become rich.

Seven babies were born during the period, and the father admitted to killing all of them by suffocation before burying them in the pond site, The Straits Times reports.

A father who committed incest with his daughter in Indonesia has admitted to murdering the seven babies she gave birth to

Police are continuing to search the area with sniffer dogs, according to reports

Pictures show teams searching a former pond where the babies' bodies are believed to have been located

While working as a construction worker in 2011, the man is believed to have met with a shaman.

He was told that if he wanted to be rich he would have to have sex with his daughter seven times.

The man remains poor, local media reports, and has now been arrested by police.

The daughter of the killer, referred to only as E, is reportedly his child with his third wife.

Speaking to the media, the local police chief Agus Supriadi Siswanto reportedly said: 'The mother can't do much because the suspect had threatened her to keep quiet or else she will be killed.'

While five bodies were found, the skeletons of two of the babies are still believed to be missing

The victim's mother was said to be aware of the illicit sexual relationship and even helped her daughter to give birth each time.

Pictures show teams searching a hillside area where the babies' bodies are believed to have been located.

While five bodies were found, the skeletons of two of the babies are still believed to be missing.

Police are continuing to search the area with sniffer dogs, according to reports.
A gig by controversial comedian Roy Chubby Brown has been cancelled at a family hotel in Lanzarote after parents complained it was a 'disgusting' act to hold in a venue which hosts young children.

Roy Chubby Brown, real name Royston Vasey, 78, had been booked to perform at the HL Rio Playa Blanca hotel at the start of September, sparking concerns children would be exposed to his 'offensive' material.

The hotel, which is billed as a holiday village, or family-orientated hotel, charges from 700 per person for a seven-day all-inclusive package.

MailOnline understands tickets for the event, which was organised directly by the hotel, began at 35, but following the outrage from parents it has now been cancelled.

Brown is best known for his divisive act which often includes sexually explicit and controversial humour - but his manager assured fans online he would 'never' perform where children could hear.

Brown is best known for his divisive act which often includes sexually explicit and controversial humour

The show is being advertised as having a resident discount

A spokesperson for travel agent TUI, which sells package holidays to excited families for the resort, told MailOnline: 'We would like to thank our customers for raising their concerns regarding this performance organised by the hotel.

'We can confirm that this performance will no longer be taking place'.

A spokesperson for Roy Chubby Brown said: 'If there was a concern that children or guests may be able to hear any part of the show or be offended then it is absolutely 100 per cent right not to go ahead and the right decision has been made to cancel.

'I'm actually stunned that people would actually think Roy would perform to children firstly and secondly that I would agree to it. The very idea of that is comical and absurd being frank and honest, bordering on insulting.

'Roy's shows are always adults only, for adult ears only and behind closed doors. The only people who attend see it for exactly what it is - comedy, no other agenda.

'If you're easily offended or Roy's comedy is not for you we totally respect that so ask you quite simply to stay away and not attend. If you don't watch/listen, no harm done anywhere.'

Earlier MailOnline reported parents' concerns that children would be exposed to age inappropriate content.

Reacting to the news of the event, one parent said: 'Surely not! I've seen Chubbs 3 times and I would NOT take me kids to see him. I'm not easily offended but jeez come on!! He's ruthless!'

Another said they would not pay to see the comic, but: 'I'd pay to get rid of him.'

After the date was announced on the comedian's social media last week, people took to online social media groups to alert other holidaymakers to the situation.

One parent spoken to by MailOnline said: 'I think it's outrageous that this comedian thinks it's suitable to tell his foul mouthed stories in a hotel that's being sold to families.'

They added online: 'Good luck to anyone going to the Holiday Village in early September. Britons number one adult stand up comedian is booked to do a show in the amphitheatre.

'It's not a soundproof structure so I guess the kids will be coming home with a few more new words than Hola.'

Others described the choice as 'disgusting' and said: 'That's shocking, he's horrific, I would be complaining.'

Another outraged parent added: 'How on earth did they approve this surely they had to have been asked! What on earth is going through the hotel's mind agreeing to host this in a family complex?'

Some who had booked holidays at the hotel also expressed anger towards travel firms.

TUI told MailOnline that it had listened to its customers concerns and contacted the hotel, who have confirmed the event is no longer going ahead (Pictured: Roy Chubby Brown)

The Rio Playa Blanca hotel (pictured) is described as a 'holiday village', meaning it is popular among families with young children

One woman said: 'TUI need to do something about it,' while another said the hotel had 'well and truly ditched the holiday village tag'.

The show was set to take place on September 7, hosted by Gary Gobstopper.

Roy Chubby Brown's manager Ritchie Hoyle released a statement online after the parents' concerns were reported, which read: 'There is NO WAY! that Roy would perform anywhere where children could hear the show or are involved.. or for that matter where anybody who Roy's comedy is not their cup of tea could hear the show!

'I think you know Roy and myself by now regarding not offending anyone, let alone children!!

'I am in communication with the Lanzarote promoter and hotel management getting confirmation that only people who know exactly what they are getting will be able to hear Roy's performance! and certainly NOT children!!

'To say I'm shocked is an understatement! that anybody could even think Roy or myself would allow that to happen!'

Brown has hit headlines previously after slamming 'cancel culture' which he says has seen him banned from venues across the UK.

Just this week another venue, the Rhyl Pavilion, told him he would not be invited back to the venue because the show was 'no longer fitting'.

A statement posted on Facebook by manager Mr Hoyle claimed the venue turned down a request for a 2024 show as it does not align with its 'inclusive programme'.

Other venues to have recently confirmed Brown is not welcome include Crewe's Lyceum Theatre and the Empire Theatre in Consett.

A review of Brown's show in the Telegraph in January claimed his act included gags about the Holocaust and spiking women's drinks, and that he used the p-word and 'a variation on the n-word' live on stage.

He has previously been accused of using other racial slurs and joking about the AIDS crisis.

The Rio Playa Blanca hotel has been contacted for comment.
President Joe Biden twice denied Wednesday that he had anything to do with his son's 'shakedown text message,' which showcased Hunter Biden's willingness to use his father's clout to pressure a Chinese business associate to pay him.

Hunter told Communist Party official Henry Zhao on July 30, 2017 in a WhatsApp message that he was 'sitting with his father,' adding, 'and we would like to know why the commitment made was not fulfilled.'

Hunter was known to be staying at the guesthouse of President Biden's Wilmington, Delaware residence at the time.

On the South Lawn Wednesday as he departed for Chicago, the president was asked how involved he was in his son's Chinese shakedown text message - and if he was seated beside Hunter, as the message said.

'No, I wasn't and I -,' he said pausing. When pressed again he loudly said, 'No!'

President Joe Biden twice denied Wednesday on the South Lawn that he had anything to do with a WhatsApp message his son Hunter sent to a Chinese business associate, using his father's clout to pressure the official to pay him

The president's son was staying at the guest house of Biden's Delaware home when he wrote to Communist Party official Henry Zhao on July 30, 2017, revealing that his father was seated beside him and asking 'why the commitment made was not fulfilled'

The existence of the message prolongs the drama surrounding the president's son as Biden, 80, starts to campaign for a second term in earnest.

Last week, Hunter agreed to a plea deal with the U.S. Attorney in Delaware, pleading guilty to two misdemeanor tax charges and likely entering probation over a gun charge.

But two IRS whistleblowers told House Republicans that they believed the president's son got preferential treatment in criminal investigations.

Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee released the claims last week, with the sources saying Hunter failed to pay taxes on $8.3 million in income and the Delaware's U.S. Attorney David Weiss had wanted to bring charges against Hunter in California and Washington, D.C. and was denied.

The WhatsApp message was given to House Republicans by one of the IRS whistleblowers.

Hunter's lawyer Chris Clark responded by calling the whistleblower 'biased.'

Clark also pointed out how Hunter was in the throes of addiction when he insinuated his father, then the former vice president, was involved in his business deals.

Hunter Biden's lawyer pointed out that the first son was in the throes of addiction when he insinuated his father was involved in his Chinese business deal

'Any verifiable words or actions of my client, in the midst of a horrible addiction, are solely his own and have no connection to anyone in his family,' Clark said.

Clark also pushed back on Republican complaints that the Department of Justice's investigation into the president's son didn't go far enough.

'An extensive, five-year-long investigation conducted by the United States Department of Justice concluded this week, which resulted in my client taking responsibility for two instances of misdemeanor failure to file tax payments, as well as a firearm charge, which will be subject to a pretrial diversion agreement,' said Clark. 'As his attorney through this entire matter, I can say that any suggestion the investigation was not thorough, or cut corners, or cut my client any slack, is preposterous and deeply irresponsible.'

Weiss himself had assured House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan that he had full autonomy over the investigation.

Weiss was one of the few Trump appointed U.S. attorneys who retained his job once Biden came into office - and did so because he was in charge of the Hunter probe.

On Tuesday, Republicans on the House Oversight Committee released more of Hunter's WhatsApp messages.

In messages from August 2017, the first son pushed that $10 million needed to be invested annually into the joint venture with CEFC China Energy, and called a $5 million proposal 'new to me' and 'not acceptable, obviously.'

The House Oversight Committee's Twitter account said that Hunter was messaging Gongwen Dong, a CEFC China Energy associate who used the nickname 'Kevin.'

'I'm tired of this Kevin,' Hunter said. 'I can make $5 million in salary from any law firm in America. If you think it's about money, it's not. The Biden's (sic) are the best at doing exactly what Chairman wants from this partnership. Please let's not quibble over peanuts.'

The next day one of Hunter's shell companies, OWASCO PC, was given a $10,000 payment from CEFC, the House Oversight Republicans said, sharing a receipt.

In a series of tweets Tuesday, the House Oversight Committee Republicans released new WhatsApp messages between Hunter Biden and a Chinese business associate as they embarked on an energy deal in August 2017

The 'chairman,' Republicans said, was now missing Chinese oil tycoon Ye Jianming, who disappeared in February 2018 after being taken into custody by Chinese authorities.

The Oversight Committee Republicans alleged that Ye was tied to an intelligence gathering agency for the Chinese Communist Party.

'Ye stated that that CEFC China's vision "is to obtain overseas resources and serve the national strategy,"' Oversight Republicans' Twitter account said. 'He wanted to expand China's reach and influence around the world.'

'As more facts come to light, it becomes even more evident that the Bidens put China and their interests first and America last,' House Oversight Republicans charged.

Ye had previously been questioned by federal authorities in New York in November 2017 over a bribery scheme related to CEFC's business in Chad and Uganda.

Ye's lieutenant, Patrick Ho, was eventually convicted of seven counts of bribery and money laundering in relation to the bribery scheme.

Ho had dialed James Biden, Hunter's uncle and the president's brother, upon being arrested, according to a 2018 New York Times profile of CEFC's downfall.

James Biden told The Times that he believed the call was meant for Hunter.

'There is nothing else I have to say,' James Biden told the paper. 'I don't want to be dragged into this anymore.'

Since January, the House Oversight Committee under the leadership of Chairman James Comer has been looking into what he calls Biden family 'influence peddling.'
Three men have been arrested for kidnap in connection with the disappearance of a schoolgirl believed to be hundreds of miles from home after being reported missing.

Carmelle Hepi, 13, was reported missing from home in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, after midnight on Sunday.

Detectives believed she travelled down to London by train on the Saturday and attended a birthday party in Watling Street in Peckham that evening.

It is believed she left with another group of people in a car at around 11pm and later attended addresses in Croydon, Lewisham and Purfleet in Essex.

Police believe she may be in the company an older male.

Carmelle Hepi, 13, was reported missing from her home in Barnsley, South Yorkshire

And while they don't believe she has come to serious harm, the investigation is being led by detectives from the Met's specialist crime team.

Three males, all aged in their 20s, have been arrested on suspicion of kidnap and remain in custody, the force say.

A Met spokesman said: 'Officers are in regular contact with Carmelle's family in Barnsley and have spoken to the people who were at the party.

'Officers believe Carmelle may now be in the company of an older male. It is not known yet where they might be.'

Carmelle, wearing a pink and white jacket, can be seen entering a Primark in Croydon

CCTV footage captured the 13-year-old, right, at the entrance of the store on Sunday

Carmelle can be seen in the pink and white jacket, which she may currently be wearing

Have you seen Carmelle or know where she is? If so, please call the police on 999 immediately

Police believe she was photographed in a car in the Peckham area on Sunday.

They have also released CCTV footage showing her entering the Primark in High Street, Croydon at around 4.45pm later that day before leaving at around 5.05pm.

It shows her in the pink and white jacket police believe she may be wearing now.

Detective chief inspector Chris Wood issued a direct appeal to the teen, saying: 'Carmelle, I want you to know that you are not in any trouble whatsoever.

'Our one and only focus is making sure that you are safe and well.

'Please call 999 and speak to us, or go to a police station, and we will get you back home safely.

'Your family are desperately worried about you and while we're supporting them as best we can, they need to know that you're OK and to come home.

'They cannot rest until you're back with them.

Appealing for information from the public, DCI Wood added: 'My team are working round the clock, supported by our colleagues at South Yorkshire Police and local officers.

'As well as the arrests made, we have spoken to multiple people, searched a number of addresses and officers are conducting extensive CCTV enquiries, along with various other leads we are pursuing.

'Members of the public can help us locate Carmelle.

'If you have seen Carmelle, or you know her and have information about where she is or has been, it is imperative that you contact us.

'It doesn't matter if you're a friend who has heard or seen something in passing - you won't be in trouble.

'What matters is that you contact as you could have significant information to help us find a missing teenage girl.'

Police said any immediate sightings should be reported via 999.
Locals living in one of Britain's most popular seaside resorts say their town is 'like the Wild West' after a string of sex attacks on the beach.

On Sunday, two girls aged ten and 11 say they were sexually assaulted in the sea off Bournemouth beach, leading to a 43-year-old man being arrested.

Earlier this month, police said they were looking for a group of men after a 17-year-old boy claimed he was sexually assaulted in the sea.

Meanwhile, a 19-year-old man is awaiting a plea and trial hearing next month after a 15-year-old claimed he raped her in the sea in front of thousands of holidaymakers.

Visitors to Bournemouth beach today expressed their concern over the worrying spate of summertime sex attacks on young people in the sea.

Milly Campbell, 17, from Poole, said the recent spate of assaults is making her and her friends more alert

Gabrielle Johnson, 33, from Bournemouth, said: 'My daughter is a teenager and it is fashionable to wear hot pants and skimpy clothes and I do worry because you don't know who is looking at you'

Bournemouth is one of Britain's most popular getaways, but a recent spike in sexual assaults among young people is concerning visitors

And they called for more police patrols on the prom during the busy summer months to deter offenders from brazenly sexually assaulting bathers.

Milly Campbell, 17, from Poole, said: 'It does make me feel uncomfortable.

'Lots of teenagers come down here without their parents and I have heard of people getting their drinks spiked.

'I'm definitely aware of people when I'm on the beach, I'm always looking over my shoulder and I will probably be more alert now.

'I tend to stick with my friends and I wouldn't go in the sea if I noticed someone random hanging around.

'I haven't really noticed police or council patrols, I think I've only ever seen one once, they could definitely do more to keep an eye on things and keep people safe.'

Although Dorset police have made an arrest in connection to Sunday's incident, beachgoers have urged them to do more to prevent such crimes from happening in the first place.

Others urged the courts to hand out harsher punishments to child sex offenders as a deterrent.

Steve and Jeanette Hacker have five grandchildren who they would be worried about if they went to the beach by themselves.

Jeanette, 66, said: 'I think that maybe the problem is people let their children go in the water without them.

Jeanette and Steve Hacker say they would not let their five granddaughters out of their sight on the beach

Danielle Haigh, 37, a mother from Bournemouth, said: 'I do think it's the way of the world now and men maybe don't know the line when women are dressed a certain way'

'We have five granddaughters and I do worry about them, especially our 15-year-old. If I brought them to the beach I definitely wouldn't let them out of my sight.

'I think the council or police could do more patrols on the beach.'

Steve, 70, added: 'I think the people that carry out these sort of attacks need to be properly punished, not just a slap on the wrist. That would deter others.'

Gabrielle Johnson, a 33-year-old mum from Bournemouth, said: 'I think it is the time we live in now. My daughter is a teenager and it is fashionable to wear hot pants and skimpy clothes and I do worry because you don't know who is looking at you.

'I don't let her go to the beach by herself, she normally goes with a friend and her mum. I'm lucky she is quite sensible.

'But I do think it would be good if the police were around more. I don't know how else we can stop that happening.'

Danielle Haigh, 37, a mother from Bournemouth, said: 'I do think it's the way of the world now and men maybe don't know the line when women are dressed a certain way.

'I would say to my daughter that there are people like that and you have to take a bit of responsibility for what you wear and how you act.

'But yeah it is scary if its 10 and 11-year-old girls as they are obviously not flaunting their bodies.

'I think it would be good if there were places people could access if they feel nervous or uncomfortable about someone - like the safety buses they have on nights out and things like that - an immediate contact young people know to go to so they can feel safe.

Marie Roberts (left), pictured with her daughter and granddaughter, said: said: 'I think that sort of thing seems to be going on everywhere these days. I think you have to just not leave your kids unsupervised and keep a really close eye on them.'

'I guess the beach is maybe an easy target because it's busy and people are distracted and there is so much going on.'

Marie Roberts, a 56-year-old grandmother from Wigan was visiting Dorset with her family and had no idea there had been a spate of sexual assaults.

She said: 'I think that sort of thing seems to be going on everywhere these days. I think you have to just not leave your kids unsupervised and keep a really close eye on them.

'I think the justice system has gone out the window and not enough is being done to stop any crime.'

Heather, a 21-year-old university student, said: 'I've been living here for about two years.

'I tend to come to the beach on days when it's not busy, I don't go to the beach at the weekends so I don't think I would be worried about going in the water but I probably wouldn't go in on my own.

'I don't think I have ever seen police patrolling the beach. It's a popular beach and people travel from all over so they could be worth having more security on the beach to help people feel safer.'

Nicole, also a 21-year-old student in Bournemouth, said: 'Personally it wouldn't put me off going in the sea because I'm a good swimmer and I feel I could kick and scream and get away from somebody if I needed to.

The spate in crimes has led to many people to take to social media to ask whether Bournemouth is no longer safe for visitors

Visitors have called for more police patrols on the prom during the busy summer months to deter offenders from brazenly sexually assaulting bathers

'I don't know what could be done about it, I guess maybe the lifeguards could keep an eye, but they already have a duty of care and are busy with that.

'I don't know if I would trust the police even if they did patrol the beach more, not with handling sexual assaults.

'I think parents need to keep a close eye on their kids and make sure they are aware of stranger danger.'

Henry Tran, 20, who works at Harry Ramsdens on the seafront, said young women had previously sought refuge in the restaurant from creepy men who had been following them.

He said: 'I do remember there being a few incidents last summer with people being approached in the toilets and we had a couple of girls who came in here and asked if they could hide because someone was following them.

'We also had a couple incidents with staff feeling threatened by someone watching them.

'I think it would be nice if there were more patrols. We do see the security guys coming by, they patrol fairly regularly and we are on good terms with them. It does help to reassure people.'

As well as the sexual assaults on the two young girls, a 17-year-old boy reported being touched inappropriately while in the water on June 17.

On the same day a man approached two teenage girls outside the Harry Ramsden's and attempted to touch one inappropriately before trying to slap the other.

A 30-year-old from London was later arrested on suspicion of assault and attempted sexual assault. He has been released on police bail.

The spate in crimes has led to many people to take to social media to ask whether Bournemouth is no longer safe for visitors.

Sue Flynn said: 'When are Dorset Police going to do something about what's happening in Bournemouth lately? Never a police presence there, just appeals after the incidents take place.'

Colette Letch said: 'It's like the bloody Wild West down there now. I can't believe the police can't walk round the town more often. The police station is right in the middle of town. Most expensive place to live in the UK. Nice one.'
TikTok has been funding a lawsuit brought by a group of users who claim Montana's ban of the app violates their First Amendment rights, a new report has revealed.

Montana governor Greg Gianforte signed a state-wide ban of the ByteDance-owned company earlier this year, making the state the first to do so in the nation.

Earlier this month, a day after the ban became law, five content creators from Montana sued the Chinese social media app seeking to prevent the ban.

The content creators' lawsuit claims that, with the ban, Montana is trying to 'exercise powers over national security that Montana does not have and to ban speech Montana may not suppress.'

The suit adds: 'Montana can no more ban its residents from viewing or posting to TikTok than it could ban the Wall Street Journal because of who owns it or the ideas it publishes.'

Montana governor Greg Gianforte signed a state-wide ban of the TikTok earlier this year

Plaintiffs Heather DiRocco, 36, and Alice Held, 25, were contacted by TikTok lawyers after expressing concern on the platform about Montana's ban of the app

While at first the lawsuit appeared to be a grass-roots effort, on Wednesday, The New York Times revealed that two of the content creators said TikTok was paying for their legal battle.

A spokeswoman for TikTok confirmed to the New York Times that the company is funding the lawsuit.

'Many creators have expressed major concerns both privately and publicly about the potential impact of the Montana law on their livelihoods,' said spokeswoman Jodi Seth.

'We support our creators in fighting for their constitutional rights.'

The outlet reported that TikTok had deflected comments about their involvement with the suit.

The company filed its own lawsuit against Montana in May; TikTok says the ban comes in direct violation of the US Constitution - specifically a clause that limits the authority of states to enact legislation that negatively affects interstate and foreign commerce.

While TikTok is funding the lawsuit, they are not paying the content creators for their role, the company claimed.

The NYT notes that TikTok's Montana legal strategy is similar to the one the company deployed in 2020 after former president Donald Trump issued an executive order banning the app from operating in the U.S.

At the time, TikTok also funded a lawsuit by their users.

Some of the content creators cited as plaintiffs in the Montana lawsuit spoke to the Times about their involvement.

Heather DiRocco, 36, is a mother-of-three with about 200,000 followers on the app and posts content about her previous experiences as a woman in the Marines.

She said TikTok lawyers reached out to her in April and asked if she would be interested in being a plaintiff in a suit after she criticized Montana's ban on the app.

Alice Held, 25, is a student with about 217,000 followers and said she was motivated to join the suit because of her belief in free speech. She also thinks concerns about the Chinese government being able to access to TikTok data are overblown.

Samantha Alario, on her part, said the app helped reach customers for her swimwear brand and said the lawyers are representing 'normal, everyday folks.'

The firm handing the suit reportedly reached out to various TikTok users and asked if they wanted to fight the ban, which TikTok would file and pay for.

Plaintiff Samantha Alario said the app helped reach customers for her swimwear brand and said the lawyers are representing 'normal, everyday folks'

Montana is the first state to attempt to ban TikTok - a maneuver that has already resulted in multiple federal suits

Ambika Kumar, the firm's lead attorney, told the NYT this information is 'irrelevant to the merits of the case.'

DailyMail.com has reached out to TikTok for comment on this story.

Governor Greg Gianforte's ban is due to go into effect on January 1.

Montana is the first state to attempt to ban TikTok - a maneuver that has already resulted in multiple federal suits alleging unjust censorship - despite Bejing's own appalling free speech record.

The law bars TikTok - whose US headquarters is located in Culver City, California - from operating in the state, and threatens persecution against app stores such as Alphabet's Google and Apple if they offer it to users in Montana.

Gianforte - a staunch Republican - has praised its privacy protections, alleging the law is the first step to ensuring the app is not being used for espionage purposed by Beijing.

'The Chinese Communist Party using TikTok to spy on Americans, violate their privacy, and collect their personal, private, and sensitive information is well-documented,' Gianforte said in a recent news release.

Sent last week, the governor's statement celebrated the legislature as 'the most decisive action of any state', specifically when it comes to combating TikTok's burgeoning sphere of influence.
Retailer Buy Buy Baby is set to hit the auction block after the bankruptcy of its parent company, Bed, Bath and Beyond.

The baby store is seen by analysts as the most valuable asset owned by the homeware chain, which is why it is being auctioned off separately.

CNBC reported that at least one interested bidder is looking to take over the retailer but has cooled on the idea of maintaining a physical footprint for the brand.

Buy Buy Baby had approximately 120 stores when Bed, Bath and Beyond filed for bankruptcy. In the third quarter of 2022, sales at Buy Buy Baby declined more than 20%.

Store closing signs can be seen at this store in Brooklyn, New York, earlier this year after Bed, Bath and Beyond announced it would be closing stores

The share price of the parent company has plummeted in the last year, in a fall from grace for the big box brand

Buy Buy Baby was founded in 1996 by Richard and Jeffrey Feinstein. The men are sons of Bed Bath & Beyond cofounder Leonard Feinstein.

The company was purchased by Bed Bath & Beyond in 2007 for $67 million.

Last week, Bed, Bath and Beyond was snapped up at auction for $21.5 million in a deal that will see all of its stores shutter and the brand move to solely online.

Dot-com juggernaut Overstock.com now holds the rights to the retailer's name - as well as its intellectual property and all of its assets.

The buyout is characteristic of the e-commerce company, whose original business model was exclusively selling surplus and returned merchandise online as it emerged from the digital boom of the late 90s.

The firm eventually widened its model to include first-party products and handmade goods produced by Overstock workers in developing nations, and is worth roughly $1billion today.

The company has already liquidated at least 18 failed companies at below-wholesale prices.

The company also manages the supply for other retailers, though Bed, Bath and Beyond will now bringing some much-needed name recognition to its sprawling inventory.

The entrance to a store in Anchorage is seen on the day the retail giant filed for Chapter 11 back in April

The buyer, dot-com juggernaut Overstock.com, now holds all of the rights to the retailer's name - and has already liquidated at least 19 failed companies at below-wholesale prices

Notably, the firm narrowed its focus last year from more general merchandise to selling only furniture and related home goods.

In fact, this year marks its first as an online home retailer - with the buying of Bed, Bath and Beyond showing devotion to this new model.

The big box chain is only the latest but not the last brick-and-mortar victim of what experts are calling a 'retail apocalypse', and its demise is among the most piercing in recent memory considering its preeminence in the American landscape.

The company was founded in Springfield, New Jersey in 1971, and and has since ubiquitous in the US home goods market.

Its closure, however, signals a wider trend sweeping the US - the long-anticipated dissipation of brick-and-mortar stores, as online giants like Amazon go from strength to strength.
Fears of a new winter energy crisis are mounting as Britain is left with just one coal power plant after discussions to keep two more sites running failed.

The National Grid said today that it had finished talks with Drax and EDF about keeping open West Burton A, in Nottinghamshire, and two coal-fired units at Drax's plant near Selby, Yorkshire, after they stated that the sites would not be available.

Last winter, the companies were paid to keep these units on standby as a last resort to keep the lights on in the case of gas and renewable energy generation running out.

The companies' plants had been slated for closure ahead of last year, but agreed to stay open a little longer due to the international energy squeeze sparked as Russia ramped up its long-running war against Ukraine.

But they were barely needed during the winter, and will now close down ahead of next winter.

Uniper's Ratcliffe-on-Soar, in Nottinghamshire, will keep operating, but only on a commercial basis. It will therefore not be available as a contingency

The refusal of the two companies to keep the sites open means the National Grid will not be able to maintain this winter contingency in reserve again.

A third coal power station that took part last year, Uniper's Ratcliffe-on-Soar, also in Nottinghamshire, will keep operating, but only on a commercial basis. It will therefore not be available as a contingency.

'At the request of Government in March 2023, the ESO has undertaken discussions with the operators of two winter 2022/23 contingency coal plants to establish whether these arrangements could be extended for a further winter,' the ESO said.

'These discussions have now concluded. Both operators have confirmed that they will not be able to make their coal units available for a further winter and have begun the decommissioning process.'

The National Grid said today that it had finished talks with Drax and EDF about keeping open West Burton A, in Nottinghamshire (pictured), and two coal-fired units at Drax's plant in Selby, Yorkshire, after they stated that the sites would not be available

Ministers had asked the National Grid to ascertain whether the coal plants would be available again and the company revealed earlier this month that it was in discussions about doing so.

Drax said it had decided against keeping the Yorkshire coal units running 'due to a combination of technical, maintenance and staffing reasons'.

The National Grid will no longer be able to call upon a separate reserve of coal-generated power during incidents of system stress.

Last winter, Drax's two units, West Burton A's two units and one at Ratcliffe-on-Soar, generated a backup capacity of about 2.4 gigawatts when needed.

They were warmed up in seven instances but only used once, in early March. The contingency cost the Grid around 400m overall.

The Grid called on the Ratcliffe plant earlier this month during sweltering temperatures, as businesses cranked up the air conditioning.

Aerial view of Drax Power Station, located close to Selby, North Yorkshire

Once a mainstay of British electricity production, coal has become increasingly less important over recent years as it was replaced by renewable energy and cleaner-burning gas.

In 2017, Britain went for 24 hours without burning coal for electricity for the first time since the 1880s. By 2020 it reached a record 68 consecutive days without burning coal.

From October 1 of next year, the Government aims to put an end to coal power generation completely, largely by rendering it 'uneconomical' to generate.

However, ministers have dropped plans to enshrine a ban of coal power generation by that date in law, The Telegraph reported.
Terrifying new bodycam footage has shown a cop grab an assault rifle and run towards a Texas mall while a gunman unleashed a barrage of bullets on shoppers.

Mauricio Garcia, 33, killed eight people including children on May 6 outside H&M in Allen Premium Outlets in Allen, Texas. He was shot dead at the scene.

Horrifying clips now reveal how the first police officer on the scene screamed at onlookers and raced towards the danger in a bid to neutralize the situation.

Multiple deafening gunshots - fired by Garcia at innocent families and children - can be heard ringing out in the background while sirens blare from afar.

The brave officer wearing the bodycam rushes to the scene, and starts firing at the gunman from behind a pillar. His heroic actions and words 'I got him down' were first reported by DailyMail.com.

Bullet casings from his gun can be seen flying on to the ground while he receives information from backup teams.

Terrifying new bodycam footage has shown a cop grab an assault rifle and run towards a Texas mall as a gunman unleashed a barrage of bullets on shoppers

The gunman, dressed in SWAT gear with a semi-automatic rile at his side, was killed outside another Allen store, a few dozen feet from the H&M

The shooting happened at the Allen Premium Outlets in Allen, a small suburb north of Dallas, and saw at least eight people killed

After shooting at the gunman, the cop says into his radio: 'Shots fired by police. I've got him down.'

The cop then screams in the direction of Garcia: 'Drop the gun!'

He repeats: 'I got him down' before shouting out loud: 'Get away from there! Get away!'

The officer continues to run towards Garcia - who by this point is on the ground. The cop continues to shout directions into his radio.

Allen Police Chief Brian Harvey, commenting on the new footage that was released over a month after the incident, said: 'This video shows how quickly a routine interaction with the public turned into a life-and-death situation.

'The officer recognized the danger, ran toward the gunfire and neutralized the threat  and for his actions, the Allen community is forever grateful.'

Police decided to release the footage worn by the officer who first responded to the gunfire after a grand jury ruled that the use of deadly force in this instance was justified under Texas law.

The cop, who is unnamed, killed Garcia after he had already shot dead multiple civilians.

A stampede of hundreds of shoppers were seen racing out of the complex while gunfire rained out - as security and police attempted to shepherd them to safety during the terrifying event last month.

Gunman Mauricio Garcia was shot dead at the scene after he killed eight people

The first shots were fired outside the H&M before the gunman was killed at a burger shop a few stores away

Eight people at the mall were killed in the massacre at the Allen Premium Outlets, and seven others were injured

Glass is seen shattered across the sidewalk in front of one of the fashion stores in Allen, where the mass shooting took place just after 3pm on Saturday, May 6

People in the store were frantically ushered into lockable rooms, and when they eventually got the all-clear to come out, they saw the broken windows, trails of blood by the door, and bloodied bodies covered in sheets.

Dashcam video showed gunman Mauricio Garcia getting out of a car and shooting at people on the sidewalk. More than three dozen shots could be heard as the vehicle that was recording the video drove off.

The gunman was using an AR-15-style gun during the mass shooting, and was dressed in full tactical SWAT gear.

Allen Fire Chief Jonathan Boyd confirmed that seven people died at the scene, including the gunman, and then a further two victims died in hospital.

Fourth-grader Daniela Mendoza and second-grader Sofia Mendoza were both shot dead following the rampage.

The Korean Consulate in Dallas confirmed that Kyu Cho, 37, and Cindy Kang, 35 were both killed in the massacre, along with their three-year-old son James.

Engineer Aishwarya Thatikonda, 27, and Christian LaCour, 20, who worked as a security guard at the mall, were also killed in the massacre.

The final victim was confirmed as Elio Cumana-Rivas, 32, from Dallas.
It is part of a defamation suit filed by the owner of a Delaware laptop store where Hunter dropped the device off in 2019. They are seeking $1.5 million in damages

Hunter Biden will be quizzed under oath today as part of a civil defamation case brought by the computer repair shop owner who worked on his now-infamous 'laptop from hell'.

During the deposition, the 53-year-old is expected to be forced to confirm he owned the device that contained a series of damning emails and lewd photos.

John Paul Mac Isaac, the owner of the Mac Shop in Wilmington, filed a defamation against the embattled First Son in October last year for $1.5 million in damages.

He alleged Biden damaged his reputation by lying about whether the computer belonged to him.

Mac Isaac reported its contents to the FBI when he uncovered messages that raised suspicions of influence-peddling involving then Vice-President Joe Biden, as well videos of Hunter smoking crack and having sex with prostitutes.

The former laptop repair shop owner says he tried to return the laptop to Hunter Biden, but he could not get a reply from the embattled First Son

Hunter Biden's many controversies have been a headache for his father's presidential campaign and White House officials

President Biden has stood by his son Hunter throughout all of his legal woes

Mac Isaac claims that the customer did not return for the laptop within three months, and that his attempts to establish contact with him went unanswered.

Hunter has since counter-sued with a fresh lawsuit, accusing Mac Isaac of illegally accessing his hard drive and leaking its data, thereby breaching his privacy.

Mac Isaac declined to comment when contacted by DailyMail.com

At Thursday's deposition, his attorney Brian Della Rocca will grill Joe Biden's son over his previous answers as to the laptop's contents.

A picture from Hunter Biden's leaked hard drive shows him posing naked while holding a semi-automatic handgun by his side

Republican critics of the president have long seized on those leaks as proof of the Biden family being involved in using their family ties to rake in lucrative business deals abroad.

The New York Post first broke the story, which many tech giants - reportedly at the behest of the Biden 2024 campaign - then censored as 'Russian disinformation'.

Hunter Biden's latest court appearance comes just days after the Justice Department announced that he had brokered a plea deal with U.S. attorney for Delaware David Weiss at the end of a five-years-long probe into his tax affairs.

He had decided to plead guilty to two misdemeanors related to his 'willful failure' to pay federal income tax and will stay out of prison as a result.

But a whistleblower from the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. tax agency, insists that Hunter Biden got special treatment during the probe.

Gary Shapley has alleged prosecutors put an investigation into Hunter Biden's finances 'on the back burner' as the 2020 election approached.

He also claims that investigators knew that the laptop data had not been 'manipulated in any way' and it amounted to 'reliable evidence.'

The 14-year veteran of the IRS also said that 'at every stage' decisions were taken that 'had the effect of benefiting the subject of the investigation.'

Shapley testified to the powerful Republican-led House Ways and Means Committee in Congress for six hours last month.

Tax secrecy laws forbid him from releasing all the information he has from the Hunter Biden investigation, but testimony to Congress is protected.

The face-to-face showdown comes after Roberts petitioned a judge to toss Hunter in jail for six months for failing to come clean about his wealth

Details emerged soon after it was reported that President Joe Biden's son will plead guilty to federal tax offenses as part of a deal to avoid a full prosecution on a separate gun charge

But in another much-needed boost for the Biden family, Hunter succeeded in striking a deal with a former fling, Lunden Roberts, after a row over child support on Monday.

A New York Post report published last week suggested that Roberts, 32, had signed a deal agreeing to slash the $20,000 Hunter pays each month to just $5,000 after he pleaded financial hardship.

However Roberts attorney Clinton Lancaster pushed back against the article, stating that no deal had been reached and refusing to confirm the figures involved.

The confidential settlement means Hunter, 53, will avoid the scrutiny of a public paternity trial where details of his murky finances were likely to feature heavily.
A mother-of-four was shot dead by a convenience store worker in Las Vegas after she reportedly stole a salad.

Mallory Angel Armijo, 35, was shot and killed by a clerk at a 7-Eleven on the 500 block of East Sahara Avenue near the Las Vegas strip at 12.16am Friday.

Despite being rushed to Sunrise Hospital the mother later died, the Clark County Coroner's Office confirmed.

Armijo's sister Rachel Wright told KTNV that the incident occurred after a confrontation broke out between Armijo and the store cashier after she stole a salad.

'She stole it for her girlfriend that was hungry. They didn't have any money so she said she would get her something so she got a salad', Wright told the outlet.

Mallory Angel Armijo, 35, (pictured) was shot and killed by a clerk at a 7-Eleven at around 12:16 a.m. Friday

The 7-Eleven on the 500 block of East Sahara Avenue near the Las Vegas strip

'My sister and the cashier started arguing outside the store.

'The teller was fighting my sister to get her purse, knocked her down to the ground' she said.

Armijo was then shot three times in the back while she walked away, Wright said.

'Mallory was a good girl. Yeah. She stole a salad and I'm not condoning that at all but she didn't deserve what she got for that.

'She's a mother of four. She's a good woman. It's terrible. It was such a senseless crime. I'm still in shock.'

The victim's family and friends held a vigil at the site of the shooting on Monday night.

Armijo's sister Rachel Wright said that the incident occurred after a confrontation broke out between Armijo and the store cashier after she stole a salad

A vigil is held for the slain woman on the Las Vegas strip

Her sister said she and the rest of her family will now focus on grieving, moving forward, and taking care of Armijo's children.

'I love the neighborhood and people coming to remember her,' Wright said.

'She was a happy, loving soul. She never held a grudge. She always forgave people. She was just a happy spirit. We're broken. We will heal but it's really been hard.'

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said details about the incident are currently being reviewed by detectives and the Clark County District Attorney's Office.

The identity of the shooter has not yet been made public.
A 48-year-old DJ died at Glastonbury festival after being found unresponsive in his tent.

Jason Winder, who was a member of the festival crew, was tragically confirmed dead at the scene on Worthy Farm, Somerset, on Tuesday.

Avon and Somerset Police said the death is not being treated as suspicious and a report is being prepared for the coroner.

Tributes have been paid to the 'ultra-talented' radio DJ who presented radio shows in Phuket and Thailand, performing under his stage name Jason Wilder.

Tim Newton, who performed on Phuket in Thailand with Jason posted a tribute to him on Facebook.

Jason Winder (pictured), 48, died at Glastonbury festival on Tuesday

He died in his tent at the festival on Worthy Farm (pictured) in Somerset

Avon and Somerset Police said they are not treating Jason's (pictured) death as suspicious

He said: 'Very, very sad news this morning of the death of work compatriot and good friend Jason Wilder. Jason passed away whilst at the Glastonbury music festival whilst resting in his on-site tent.

'Jason is best known in Phuket for his long stint behind the afternoon 'Drive' mic at Live 89.5FM, part of the Phuket News empire. Every show would open with 'Sawasdee krub pi nong krub!' Then it would be three hours of non-stop 'Jason' from there on.'

Tim described Jason as 'such a natural-born engager and entertainer - solo behind the mic, or in the company of close friends and family, or in front of thousands.

He said: 'He was certainly the best expat radio talent that ever graced a microphone in Thailand. Ultra-talented, unique, always surprising. When he was 'on' it was hard to turn him off.

'Apart from a huge expat following, he had even more close Thai friends. He spoke his own version of Thai but it didn't really matter because his intentions were always clear with his wicked grin and wide smile, always embracing anyone near into his world of spontaneous fun.

'Jason spent most of the post-Covid years working back in the UK, mostly in music and when we last spoke a few months ago, it was about Glastonbury.... Glastonbury, Glastonbury, Glastonbury.

'And he died there doing what he loved - surrounded by music, friends, and you can be sure, a lot of love and laughter.

'Jason lived large and packed a lot of life into his 48 short years. RIP dear friend.'

Tributes have been paid to the 'ultra-talented' radio DJ (pictured) who presented radio shows in Phuket and Thailand, performing under his stage name Jason Wilder

Tim Newton, who performed on Phuket in Thailand with Jason (pictured) said he was 'such a natural-born engager and entertainer'

Tim added that 'Jason lived large and packed a lot of life into his 48 short years'

One person replied: 'Very sad news. Shocking. Loved his live music. Rest easy.'

Another said: 'Very sad to hear. Always remember him with his full of energy and smiling face. R.I.P.'

Avon and Somerset Police told MailOnline: 'Police were called at about 2.20pm on Tuesday 27 June after a man in his forties was found unresponsive in his tent in The Park area at the Glastonbury Festival site.

'Sadly, he was confirmed dead at the scene. The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report is being prepared for the coroner.'

In a separate incident, a second man in his 40s also sadly died at Glastonbury Festival on Sunday.

Avon and Somerset Police said earlier: 'Shortly before 4am today, Sunday 25 June, emergency services responded to medical incident involving a man in his 40s at Glastonbury Festival.

'The incident happened on a footpath known as the old railway line.

'Sadly, the man died at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

'The man's death is not being treated as suspicious and officers are carrying out enquiries on behalf of the coroner.'

MailOnline has contacted Glastonbury Festival for comment.

According to the BBC, more than 200,000 festival goers attended Glastonbury festival from June 22 to June 26.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said earlier this week a total of 35 arrests were made on and off site.

It also recorded 120 incidents, which included 27 thefts, 20 drug offences and seven sexual assaults.
The size of some of the parts surprised experts who believed the entire vessel could have been crushed into tiny pieces in the incident

Several identifiable sections of Titan were lifted ashore on Wednesday, including the sub's nose and a large panel which appears to be from its tail end

Investigators probing the Titan tragedy could reassemble sections of the vessel which have been recovered from the sea floor to pinpoint the weaknesses that caused it to implode.

Several identifiable parts were lifted ashore on Wednesday afternoon, including the sub's nose and a large panel which appears to be from its tail end.

The discoveries surprised experts who suspected Titan was destroyed when it suffered a 'catastrophic implosion' with five people on board during a journey to the wreckage of the Titanic.

It is thought the craft's titanium components better withstood the disaster, while the weaker carbon fiber parts - including the hull - are more likely to have been crushed into tiny pieces.

Tom Maddox, CEO at Underwater Investigators, told DailyMail.com: 'Many of us suspected that, in the case of this catastrophic failure, this implosion, that a lot of the parts would be disintegrated, particularly the non-titanium parts, which, of course, would make the investigation a lot harder to do.'

Investigators probing the Titan tragedy could reassemble sections of the vessel which have been recovered from the sea floor to pinpoint the weaknesses that caused it to implode

The titanium front-end of Titan, where its viewing port was located, was clearly identifiable among the sections which were recovered. It's thought that the titanium parts are likely to have suffered less damage in the implosion, compared with the weaker carbon fiber elements

Another large section appeared to be a panel from Titan's tail, which also included titanium components. Some experts expected that salvaged pieces would be far smaller

One segment included a mass of cables and wiring and also had protruding parts which looked similar to Titan's antennae

He said finding larger pieces 'means we have more pieces of the puzzle to put together'.

'They'll put it back as best they can,' he said. 'I don't think there's a rulebook for this, you know, there's no manual, this is something new. And they're going to have to kind of write the book as they go along, would be my thought, but they'll use their past experiences and their knowledge to do that.'

Other fragments lifted from the ocean today reveal wiring and cables, and appear to show some of Titan's other internal systems.

Experts who warned about Titan's safety before the crash said its carbon fiber hull, which housed the five crew, was its 'Achilles heel' because the material is not considered suitable for dives at the depths reached by the vessel.

Titanic director James Cameron, a renowned deep sea explorer and submersibles expert, said previously that the hull was likely broken into 'very small pieces' in the incident.

Titan's carbon fiber hull and its acrylic viewport were subject to several warnings and James Cameron singled them out as 'potential failure points' on the vessel

Titan's remains were found near the Titanic shipwreck, 12,500ft below the Atlantic Ocean

'If I had to put money down on what the finding [of the investigation] will be, the Achilles heel of the sub was the composite cylinder that was the main hull that the people were inside,' he said.

'There were two titanium end caps on each end. They are relatively intact on the sea floor. But that carbon fiber composite cylinder is now just in very small pieces. It's all rammed into one of the hemispheres. It's pretty clear that's what failed.'

The parts lifted from the ocean appear to align with Cameron's observations, including that the larger piece was the vessel's titanium shell. Investigators will now work to confirm what each piece is.

Maddox added: 'This is a horrible catastrophe, and we're sorry for all who lost their lives. But if we can find anything positive by finding where the failure points were, understanding what happened and avoiding it in the future, that's the key.'

He said that the investigation could take a year or more and was likely to be an extremely difficult task.

'It's not like you break a vase or a glass and you find all the pieces and you put them back together to get an idea, maybe you're missing a few small pieces.

A large circular piece of the Titan, which is similar to the sections at each end of the hull, was also retrieved

The salvaged remains of Titan were lifted to shore by a huge crane on Wednesday morning

'In this case, not only are we not sure that all the pieces will be recovered. But we're not sure of the particular type of damage that was caused by that.

'Certainly by looking at wiring, plumbing, things like that, they can see if there were stress points.'

A series of concerns were raised in recent years about the vessel's carbon fiber hull - the cylinder which carried the five crew who perished - and its porthole, which was allegedly not certified to the depths Titan ventured to.

The company's CEO, Stockton Rush, even said the carbon fiber design broke a 'rule' and was accused of ignoring concerns from his own staff.

Rush, who died in the Titan incident, said in a video posted online in 2021: 'The carbon fiber and titanium, there's a rule you don't do that  well I did.'

He also said in 2020 that the hull 'showed signs of cyclical fatigue'.

Carbon fiber is prone to delamination, the process whereby a material fractures into layers while put under pressure.

Cameron said previously: 'The way it fails is it delaminates. You have to have a hull, a pressure hull, made out of a contiguous material like steel, or like titanium, which is the proven standard.'

OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, who perished on board the Titan, admitted the he broke 'some rules' to make the submersible, including the use of carbon fiber for the hull

'This OceanGate sub had sensors on the inside of the hull to give them a warning when it was starting to crack. And I think if that's your idea of safety, then you're doing it wrong. And they probably had warning that their hull was starting to delaminate, and it started to crack...'

OceanGate has not shared a comment about reports into safety concerns about Titan since the incident.

The company had boasted in promotional material about Titan's 'Real Time Hull Health Monitoring', which constantly checked the integrity of the vessel throughout the dive.

The system used acoustic sensors and strain gauges to 'analyze the effects of changing pressure on the vessel as the submersible dives deeper, and accurately assess the integrity of the structure'.

But legal filings reveal Lochridge, the former director of marine operations, 'expressed concern that this was problematic because this type of acoustic analysis would only show when a component is about to failoften milliseconds before an implosionand would not detect any existing flaws prior to putting pressure onto the hull.'

The US Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the cause of the underwater implosion that destroyed Titan.

Shahzada Dawood, 48, one of Pakistan's richest men, who along with his teenage son Suleman Dawood, 19, (together, left) died on the Titan along with British explorer Hamish Harding (right)

French explorer PH Nargeolet, who had the nickname 'Mr Titanic', also died on board the Titan

Safety fears were repeatedly raised by experts who said the vessel was not suitable for the immense depths it traveled to. Critics said its carbon fiber hull was not fit for purpose and also raised the alarm about its viewport, which was not certified to such depths.

The Coast Guard said it had created a marine board of investigation (MBI), its highest level of probe.

'My primary goal is to prevent a similar occurrence by making the necessary recommendations to enhance the safety of the maritime domain worldwide,' said Jason Neubauer, the Coast Guard's chief investigator and leader of the probe.

'The MBI is already in its initial evidence-collection phase, including debris salvage operations at the incident site,' he added.

Neubauer said the US probe could also make recommendations on the possible pursuit of civil or criminal sanctions 'as necessary'.

Titan was reported missing last Sunday and the Coast Guard said Thursday that all five people aboard the submersible had died after the vessel suffered a catastrophic implosion.

A debris field was found on the seafloor, 1,600 feet (500 meters) from the bow of the Titanic, which sits more than two miles (nearly four kilometers) below the ocean's surface and 400 miles off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada.

Canada, which helped in the search for the submersible, said Saturday it was carrying out its own probe.

The Canadian-flagged Polar Prince cargo vessel towed the Titan out to sea last weekend but lost contact with it about an hour and 45 minutes after the submersible launched into the ocean depths.

The announcement of the implosion ended a multinational search-and-rescue operation that captured the world's attention since the tourist craft went missing.

British adventurer Hamish Harding and father and son Shahzada and Suleman Dawood were killed on board the submersible, alongside the American chief executive of the company responsible for the vessel, Stockton Rush, and French national Paul-Henri Nargeolet.

Salvage operations are continuing and investigators have mapped the accident site, Cpt Neubauer said on Sunday. It is unclear how long it will take. The US Coast Guard said it does not charge for search and rescue operations.
He is said to have hired the men to clear the woodland so he could have a better view of the New York City skyline

A New Jersey man is facing a fine of $32,000 for cutting down thirty-two of his neighbor's trees to improve the view from his $1.75m mansion of New York City's skyline.

Grant Haber is said to have violated local legislation in the town of Kinnelon, New Jersey, that requires a permit to be acquired before removing trees.

Haber is alleged to have hired individuals to cut down 32 mature trees on his neighbor Samih Shinway's property in order to get a better view of New York City.

Pictures taken at the property show the extensive mess left by those hired to take out the work.

Speaking to DailyMail.com, Shinway said he arrived home one day to a team of men working on removing the trees from his property.

Pictures taken at the property show the extensive mess left by those hired to take out the work

Grant Haber, pictured here, is said to have violated local laws that require a permit for the removal of trees

Samih Shinway, pictured here, said he arrived home one day to a team of men working on removing the trees from his property

A private property sign is clearly seen attached to a tree were Haber is said to have paid the men to chop them down

He said: 'When I came home on February 27th I heard chainsaws and I drove my 4-wheeler to see where the noise was coming from.

'I saw a tree shredder and 4 men on my property and they were on my cousin's property too.

'Haber tried to act like it was a big mix up. The workers right away blamed him & he denied everything and told them all to leave.

'Haber came out and said "isnt this a disaster? Who would do this?". Ever since he cut the trees down theres been lots of crows and Soil erosion.

'When I was outback with the forester he let his two dogs out and they were harassing us.

'He was yelling for the dogs from 50 feet away but wouldnt actually come get them.

'The fine is 32 grand but the estimates in damage are around $1.9 million.

'A letter was dropped in our mailbox that was typed & unsigned saying hes not a bad neighbor & he moved here because he loves nature. Otherwise hes had nothing to say.'

A large section of the woodland has been completely felled, opening up a section of the forest.

Shinway estimates that the total damage to the area actually totals over $1.9 million

Pictures taken at the property show the extensive mess left by those hired to take out the work

Haber, pictured here on the left, is said to have hired a team of workers to take away the trees

Haber, pictured here on One American News, is the founder of American Innovations, a New York based company that works in munitions

John Linson, the borough forester in Kinnelon, New Jersey, told the Courier Journal that he had issued Haber with fines for his alleged actions.

Linson told the news site: 'I am only able to state that 32 trees were removed without a permit.'

Haber had been scheduled to attend a hearing in Kinnelon Municipal Court on Tuesday but his attorney said he needed more time to review the case.

Haber lives at his $1.75 million New Jersey mansion with his Diana and their children.

The property of Haber can be easily seen from Shinway's property in this picture

In total, Haber was fined for chopping down 32 trees on the property totaling $32,000

Haber is expected to appear in court later next month in connection with the incident

Their home comes complete with a lot stretching to just under seven acres and has an outdoor swimming pool with a waterfall, as well as a gym and games room.

Haber is the founder of American Innovations, a New York based company that works in munitions and revolutionized a IED (improvised explosive device) detection kit.

He is expected to appear in court later next month in connection with the incident.
The Muskogee, Oklahoma police department said they may never get an answer as to why NASCAR star Jimmie Johnson's mother-in-law killed her husband and grandson in an apparent murder-suicide earlier this week.

The city's police department is continuing to gather evidence, but they are not certain they will get complete answers.

'We always want to know why, and most of the time in a suicide, and a murder-suicide, we're not going to have those answers,' said Officer Lynn Hamlin.

Jack and Terry Janway, as well as their 11-year-old grandson Dalton Janway, were found dead Monday at the couple's home in Muskogee.

Jack and Terry Janway, as well as their 11-year-old grandson Dalton Janway, were found dead Monday at the couple's home in Muskogee

Outside of Jack Janway's chiropractic practice a small memorial has popped up, On the doors of the office, a note says the office is closed due to 'unforeseen circumstances'

Shortly after 9pm, officers responded to a 911 call made by a female in the home, assumed to be Terry Janway, who told dispatchers that there was a disturbance involving a firearm.

As officers arrived, they saw someone - Jack - lying on the floor of the front hallway and then heard a gunshot from further inside the house.

Upon entering, officers found three individuals deceased.

The couple and the young boy were relatives of Chandra Johnson, the wife of NASCAR star Jimmie Johnson.

Johnson's racing team, Legacy Motor Club, announced that the racer was withdrawing from Sunday's Grant Park 220 NASCAR Cup Series event in Chicago.

'The Johnson family has asked for privacy at this time and no further statements will be made,' read the team's announcement.

Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup champion, married Chandra Janway in 2004 and they have two daughters together, Genevieve and Lydia.

Johnson's sister-in-law Marianne Janway also shared in the grieving earlier this week when she posted a devastating status to Facebook that read: 'Please tell me this isnt really happening please god someone.'

It is unclear if Marianne is the mother of Dalton.

Outside of Jack Janway's chiropractic practice a small memorial has popped up.

On the doors of the office, a note says the office is closed due to 'unforeseen circumstances.'

In a statement, the business said: 'Staff are appreciative of your condolences and messages. We ask for your understanding and for privacy during this time.'

Jack and Terry Janway, parents of Johnson's wife Chandra Janway (pictured with Jimmie) were found dead shortly after 9pm on Monday

The House in Muskogee, Oklahoma where the Janway's bodies were found

Shawn Wilkerson, a children's supervisor with Green Country Behavioral Health Science, arrived in the neighborhood to offer counseling to those who needed it following the tragedy

Officer Lynn Hamlin said that although law enforcement officers are still gathering evidence following the shooting, it is common to walk away from murder-suicide cases without conclusive answers about the shooter's motive

Officer Hamlin added that the family who met a tragic end this week were 'well known in the community.'

'They've been here for many years.'

The district is also offering counseling to those who need it, as is the Green Country Behavioral Health Services.

Shawn Wilkerson, a children's supervisor with Green Country Behavioral Health Services, told the local Fox outlet that he and his team show up offering their services anytime tragedy strikes.

'We do it a lot. We do it every time that this community needs us,' he said.

He and his crew of emotional support professionals spent hours in the Janway's neighborhood providing assistance to those who needed it.

'We're trying to meet them where they're at. You know, help understand where they are, and just kind of talk about it.'

Mayor Marlon Coleman was admittedly shaken by the tragedy.

'It was traumatizing to find out that a long-standing family who had made so many contributions to our community were involved in this type of incident,' she said.

'It was even more bone-chilling to find out there was a child involved. I knew Dr. Janway. Dr Janway has worked on me, we've been acquaintances for a very, very long time since I've been in Muskogee.

'Just knowing that it was him and his family took a different toll on me.'
Four men have been charged a year after 53 migrants, including six children, were killed in the deadliest human smuggling tragedy in the nation's modern history.

Police discovered a horrific scene on June 27 last year when they found dozens of migrants piled on top of each other inside a locked abandoned tractor-trailer in the sweltering heat in San Antonio, Texas.

The Justice Department said on Tuesday they have made new arrests in the case, and have charged Riley Covarrubias-Ponce, 30, Felipe Orduna-Torres, 28, Luis Alberto Rivera-Leal, 37, and Armando Gonzales-Ortega, 53, with conspiracy and alien smuggling resulting in death.

Prosecutors claim the men, all Mexican nationals, were part of an illegal operation that brought migrants from Central America into the U.S. between December 2021 and June 2022.

The migrants reportedly each paid between $12,000 and $15,000 to be brought into the country, according to the indictment.

The Department of Justice announced new charges against five men a year after 53 migrants were killed in the deadliest human smuggling tragedy in the U.S. (Police are pictured at the San Antonio scene)

The new charges come after the arrest of the alleged driver of the tractor-trailer, Homero Zamorano, 46

Police discovered a horrific scene last June when they found dozens of migrants inside a locked abandoned tractor-trailer in the sweltering San Antonio. (A memorial for the victims is pictured above)

Orduna-Torres is accused of providing the Laredo address at which alleged driver Homero Zamorano loaded the migrants into the tractor trailer before they died. Gonzalez-Ortega allegedly traveled to Laredo to meet the tractor-trailer, where the at least 66 undocumented individuals, including eight children and one pregnant woman, were loaded for smuggling.

Martinez, Covarrubias-Ponce, Orduna-Torres, Rivera-Leal, and Gonzales-Ortega then coordinated, facilitated, passed messages, and made each other aware of the tractor-trailers progress, per the indictment.

Some of them allegedly knew the tractor-trailer where the migrants died did not have working air conditioning as the temperatures rose to 103 degrees.

The men worked together for every part of transporting the group, including using trucking routes, local guides, stash houses and trailers to move the migrants, per the indictment.

The migrants allegedly were given a password they had to recite in each part of the journey.

The driver who abandoned the tractor trailer in the sweltering Texas heat, leaving at least 53 migrants dead, was 'very high on meth' when police arrested him

'The allegations in the indictment are horrifying,' said Jaime Esparza, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, 'Dozens of desperate, vulnerable men, women and children put their trust in smugglers who abandoned them in a locked trailer to perish in the merciless south Texas summer.

'Thanks to our law enforcement partners at the local, state, and federal levels  with Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Division leading the investigation  we are one step closer to delivering justice for those migrants and their families.'

The men are accused of working with two other suspects who were previously indicted and arrested, including the truck's alleged driver Zamorano, 46, an American citizen.

Christian Martinez, 29, was also arrested previously charged with one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens resulting in death, according to the DOJ. He's also an American citizen.

Margie Paz, a 24-year-old from Honduras, was named among the deceased (left). Adela Ramirez is also one of 14 Hondurans who died in the smuggling incident

The Honduran government on named brothers Fernando Redondo (left) and Alejandro Andino (right) among the deceased

The investigation revealed that both Zamorano and Martinez communicated before the botched human-smuggling incident took place.

The tractor-trailer carrying the migrants cleared an inland Border Patrol checkpoint, and ended up in San Antonio before the gruesome discovery was made of dozens of bodies stacked on top of one another.

Only 11 migrants survived the tragedy after being hospitalized.

The dead included 27 people from Mexico, 14 from Honduras, seven from Guatemala and two from El Salvador, according to Francisco Garduno, chief of Mexico's National Immigration Institute.

First responders said many of the victims were hot to the touch and suffered from heatstroke and dehydration.

It's estimated temperatures would have been closer to 150F inside the truck.

'The refrigerator tractor-trailer had no visible working air conditioning unit, and there was no sign of water inside, San Antonio's fire chief Charles Hood said during a press conference.

'None of these people were able to extricate themselves out of the truck, so they were still in there, awaiting help, when we arrived, meaning just being too weak to actually get out and help themselves,' he explained.
King Charles and London Mayor Sadiq Khan have launched a National Climate Clock, which warns there is just six years left for the world to limit global warning.

The King activated the clock during the Climate Innovation Forum at the Guildhall in London today, to warn the world it has just six years and 24 days to limit the heating of the earth to 1.5 degrees centigrade.

The clock also has a built in Renewable Energy Lifeline, which shows the percent of global energy coming from renewable sources currently sits at 12.5 per cent.

This tracks factors including renewable energy sources, land and inland waters managed by Indigenous Peoples, climate debt, monies contributed by countries to the Green Climate Fund, and gender parity.

The clock is the latest in a worldwide project which brings together art, science, technology and grassroots organisation to count down to the critical time window in which the globe must reach zero emissions.

The King activated the clock during the Climate Innovation Forum at the Guildhall in London with London Mayor Sadiq Khan

The clock warns the world it has just six years and 24 days to limit the heating of the earth to 1.5 degrees centigrade

The clock is the latest in a worldwide project which brings together art, science, technology and grassroots organisation to count down to the critical time window in which the globe must reach zero emissions

The clock counts down to the critical time window in which the globe must reach zero emissions

It was activated at the Climate Innovation Forum - the flagship event of London Climate Action Week

The first was launched in New York in September 2020 and has since seen more appear in Seoul and Glasgow to name a few.

The Climate Innovation Forum is the flagship event of London Climate Action Week, which brings together 1,500 leaders from government, business, finance, and society to encourage collaboration and innovation to meet climate goals.

It is the fifth year that the event has been run.

King Charles has long been an advocate for sustainability, using his time as Prince of Wales to champion causes which practice sustainability and green energy, and to warn of the dangers of climate change.

Earlier this week, stars such as Olivia Coleman and Woody Harrelson were among well-known faces reciting the King's speeches to mark the launch of a new YouTube channel focussing on climate change.

RE:TV was founded in 2020 by Charles and has since made more than 100 short films about sustainable solutions to help the environment.

The King met Mr Khan at the Guildhall in London, to hear ways in which the world can accelerate and scale the transition towards a sustainable future

The King and the Mayor met with leaders and experts in London and beyond to discuss how to approach the issue of climate change

The Climate Innovation Forum is the flagship event of London Climate Action Week, which brings together 1,500 leaders from government, business, finance, and society to encourage collaboration and innovation to meet climate goals

During his time as Prince of Wales, Charles made numerous speeches about the environment, beginning in February 1970 when he highlighted conservation issues.

At the age of 21, Charles delivered his first impassioned speech about his personal concern over oil pollution and single-use plastic.

He also told how, as a teenager in the 1960s, he was concerned about the destruction of trees, wetlands and habitats as well as 'the white heat of progress and technology to the exclusion of nature and our surroundings'.

In his 1970 address, Charles highlighted a problem that has become an illustration of humanity's threat to nature.

Then he had said: 'When you think that each person produces roughly 2lb of rubbish per day and there are 55 million of us on this island using non-returnable bottles and indestructible plastic containers, it is not difficult to imagine the mountains of refuse that we shall have to deal with somehow.'
A coroner has warned that the remains of the Titan Five are unlikely to ever be recovered  despite large parts of submersible wreckage being brought to the surface for investigation.

Pictures snapped Tuesday show huge chunks of metal being unloaded from the Horizon Arctic ship at the Canadian Coast Guard pier in St John's, Newfoundland, Canada, this morning.

But experts say the chances of recovering corpses are very slim, because the five men aboard the sub were almost certainly instantly obliterated when it imploded.

Authorities were quick to cover the debris with tarpaulins before they were taken away for assessment  with some appearing to be parts of the external cover and landing frame.

CEO of OceanGate Stockton Rush, French Navy veteran Paul-Henri (PH) Nargeolet, British billionaire Hamish Harding, Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman, 19, were instantly killed when the vessel malfunctioned.

Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford told DailyMail.com says there's still little chance of human remains being recovered for the victims' families to bury or cremate

Despite large chunks of the wreckage being recovered, Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford told DailyMail.com says there's still little chance of human remains being recovered for the victims' families to bury or cremate.

She said: 'When you have any sort of explosion or implosion, there are remains or traces of remains.

'There is a possibility but given the environment that this happened in it is highly unlikely that they will find remains.

'Even on land you have animal activity, and in an expansive ocean, so many animals and creatures, and the pressure down there.

'I think it is unlikely to find remains, certainly in whole parts. It would be very difficult to ID the remains given the conditions in which the implosion happened - and it will be difficult to ascertain who they belonged to.

'Their bodies would have sustained extensive thermal damage and blunt force trauma from the implosion. Those are things we know as fact.'

The US Coast Guard confirmed last week that those on board the submersible would have died 'instantly'  but confirmed they were unsure on the 'prospects' for recovering remains.

An investigation has been launched into the cause of the underwater implosion that destroyed Titan.

The front-end of Titan, where its viewing port was located, was clearly identifiable among the sections which have been recovered

Experts repeatedly raised safety fears about the submersible, Titan, before the tragedy

The huge chunks of metal were unloaded from the Horizon Arctic ship at the Canadian Coast Guard pier in St John's, Newfoundland, Canada, this morning

Several large pieces of the vessel have been recovered from the ocean, but other sections are believed to have been decimated by the implosion

A debris field was found on the seafloor, 1,600 feet (500 meters) from the bow of the Titanic, which sits more than two miles (nearly four kilometers) below the ocean's surface and 400 miles off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada.

Canada, which helped in the search for the submersible, said Saturday it was carrying out its own probe.

The Canadian-flagged Polar Prince cargo vessel towed the Titan out to sea last weekend but lost contact with it about an hour and 45 minutes after the submersible launched into the ocean depths.

The announcement of the implosion ended a multinational search-and-rescue operation that captured the world's attention since the tourist craft went missing

Professor Christopher Viney, from University of California MERCED in the department of Materials Science and Engineering, told DailyMail.com that the location of the five men on the submersible could have impacted how they died.

Shahzada Dawood, 48, one of Pakistan's richest men, who along with his teenage son Suleman Dawood, 19, (together, left) died on the Titan along with British explorer Hamish Harding (right)

Stockton Rush, the CEO of OceanGate, which launched, Titan, perished on board the submersible last Sunday along with his four passengers, including PH Nargeolet (right)

Titan went missing on Sunday, June 18 during a mission to the Titanic's wreckage

He said: 'The word catastrophic means different things to different people. It doesn't mean that it was completely crushed to smithereens to engineers, and that you aren't going to find anything at all.

'To engineers it means that it is irreversibly bad, with no survivors. But it doesn't necessarily mean that it fell into tiny pieces  the integrity is breached and then the pressure on the outside comes into the inside.

'It doesn't have to fall apart. A hole will allow it to fill up with water pretty quickly, which could cause some crushing of the hull.

'If you were not killed by the crushing and the carbon fiber coming in, then you would be killed by the water.

'Someone sitting by the caved in portion may have been crushed by that, and someone further away may not have been.

They were quickly covered in large tarpaulins before being lifted by cranes on to trucks that took them away for assessment

Titan's carbon fiber hull and its acrylic viewport were subject to several warnings and James Cameron singled them out as 'potential failure points' on the vessel

'The images don't show it as being uniformly crushed. The only way to know is to replicate it, to scale, and see what happened by putting it back together again.

'Hopefully, people learn lessons from this as it sounds very much like they were warned by the experts that the hull made of carbon fiber would cause an issue.'

Safety fears were repeatedly raised by experts who said the vessel was not suitable for the immense depths it traveled to.

Critics said its carbon fiber hull was not fit for purpose and also raised the alarm about its clear viewport, which was not certified to such depths.

Leaders of the Manned Underwater Vehicles committee of the Marine Technology Society, sent a letter to OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush urging him to take caution.

The letter, obtained by the New York Times, warned that 'the current 'experimental' approach' of the company could result in problems 'from minor to catastrophic.'

A large circular piece of the Titan, which is similar to the sections at each end of the hull, was also retrieved

Will Kohnen, chairman of the professional group the Marine Technology Society Submarine Committee, added that he believed that the implosion would mean the submersible was gone 'in a fraction of a second'.

He told DailyMail.com: 'It implodes inwards in a matter of a thousandth of a second. And it's probably a mercy, because that was probably a kinder end than the unbelievably difficult situation of being four days in a cold, dark and confined space.

'So, this would have happened very quickly. I don't think anybody even had the time to realize what happened.

'There are some very high forces involved, and we know something failed, and something happened to trigger it.

'That's why we have rules for designing and regulating  because the smallest of mistakes can have the biggest consequences.'
The White House said Wednesday that President Joe Biden, 80, has started using a CPAP machine to treat his sleep apnea - after he was spotted with visible indentations on his face.

The mask lines were apparent as the president spoke with reporters on the South Lawn Wednesday morning before a day trip to Chicago.

The West Wing quickly shut down conspiracy theories by confirming the lines were caused by the device that helps sufferers breath when they sleep.

'Since 2008, the president has disclosed his history with sleep apnea in thorough medical reports. He used a CPAP machine last night, which is common for people with that history,' White House spokesperson Andrew Bates told DailyMail.com.

At 80, Biden is the nation's oldest president - and thus the White House is continually questioned about his health, especially as he's started to run for a second term in earnest.

Indents on President Joe Biden's face when he left for Chicago Wednesday prompted the White House to tell journalists that he's started to use a CPAP machine

A CPAP - or continuous positive airway pressure - machine corrects sleep apnea, in which sufferers stop and start breathing while they sleep, which can cause much more serious health problems

The president started using a CPAP machine in recent weeks, though his sleep apnea has been public knowledge since 2008, when he was running for vice president

Other 2024 candidates have used it as a talking point - most notably former U.N. Amb. Nikki Haley, who said all hopefuls older than 75 should submit to a mental competency test.

Biden's sleep apnea has been public knowledge since October 2008, when the Obama campaign put out the vice presidential candidate's medical records ahead of the 2008 presidential election.

At the time, doctors believed that Biden's irregular heartbeat, known as an atrial fibrillation, was likely linked to his sleep apnea.

In subsequent health reports, the sleep apnea became a footnote.

In a December 2019 medical report, released publicly while Biden was running for president, his now White House Physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor said that Obstructive Sleep Apnea had been considered, but Biden's condition had improved after he had sinus and nasal passage surgeries.

The president started using the CPAP in recent weeks.

Indents were spotted on President Joe Biden's face as he departed the White House Wednesday to deliver a 'Bidenomics' speech in Chicago

The mask lines were apparent when the president engaged in Q&A with reporters on the South Lawn before his trip to Chicago Wednesday

A CPAP machine blows air into the back of the throat to relieve a condition called obstructive sleep apnea, where muscles in the throat relax and block the airways.

This briefly stops sufferers from being able to breathe and wakes them up.

They may also snore extremely loudly.

Over time, the repeated interruptions to oxygen supply and disruption to sleep can have life-threatening consequences, pushing up levels of stress hormones in the body.

Untreated sleep apnea is closely linked with serious health problems, including diabetes, stroke and heart disease.

People over age 60 with sleep apnea also have a higher incidence of sudden cardiac arrest.

Bloomberg first confirmed Biden was using the device.

A source told the wire service that while Biden's use of the machine is a new development it wasn't prompted by a new medical condition or environmental conditions.

Biden was flying to Chicago amid an air quality alert - due to Canadian wildfires.

As the president left Washington, D.C., Wednesday morning, the capital was also under an air quality alert until mid-day Thursday.
An engineer who met Cal Poly student Kristin Smart at school a week before she vanished is on a quest to find her body - and believes new cutting-edge soil examination technology points them to the backyard of her killer's mother.

Smart disappeared in 1996 after an off-campus party and was last seen by another Cal Poly San Luis Obispo student Paul Flores, who walked the 19-year-old to her dorm room. He was convicted in October 2022 of her murder.

It's been 27 years since Kristin went missing, but her body has never been found, despite repeated searches of Paul Flores' backyards and the backyards of his parents, Ruben Flores and Susan Flores.

Kristin's parents Stan and Denise Smart have found solace in Flores' guilty verdict, but said it's not enough. They want to bring Kirstin home and lay her to rest.

And Timothy Nelligan, an environmental engineer from San Clemente, who met Kristin at school, wants to help her family find closure.

Nelligan, along with a scientist and a FBI research-chemist-turned-professor, have joined forces to help and say using new technology known as soil vapor sampling may have detected human remains buried behind Susan Flores' home.

He made the claim despite multiple prior searches and digs taking place at the property, which yielded no trace of Smart.

An engineer who met Cal Poly student Kristin Smart a week before she vanished believes new cutting-edge soil examination technology points them to the backyard of her killer's mother

An expert said new technology known as soil vapor sampling may have detected human remains buried behind Susan Flores' home in Arroyo Grande (pictured)

The Kristin Smart case remained unsolved for decades, but a true crime podcast 'Your Own Backyard' renewed public interest in 2019 and jolted local police who later credited the host Chris Lambert with helping to crack the case.

Both Paul and his father, Ruben, were charged in connection with Kirstin's death, with prosecutors saying that Ruben helped his son by stashing her body under their backyard deck for years. The pair were suspected of moving her remains once suspicion started growing in 2020.

After a lengthy trial, Paul Flores was found guilty of murder in October 2022. A separate jury acquitted Ruben Flores, 81, of being an accessory.

In March 2023, the younger Flores was then sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the murder of Kristin Smart.

But still the search for Kristin's remains continues and even the San Luis Obispo County's Sheriff's Office has refused to close the case.

'We don't take a breath. We do not put this aside. We continue to pursue this until we bring Kristin home to the family,' Sheriff Ian Parkinson said after Flores' trial.

Paul Flores was found guilty of murder in October 2022. In March 2023, Flores was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the murder of Kristin Smart

Kristin's body has never been found, despite repeated searches of Paul Flores' backyards and the backyards of his parents, Ruben Flores and Susan Flores

Susan Flores has never been charged in connection with Paul's crimes and maintains that he didn't kill Kristin nor does their family know her whereabouts. Nelligan's team says an analysis of the soil at her property line indicated that there's a body in the ground

Nelligan met Kristin at Cal Poly when she knocked on his door asking to use the phone. A week and a half later, she went missing and her picture was all over the news.

Since then, Nelligan has wanted to help the family and in November 2019, he put his engineering skills to use, researching how bodies decompose in soil.

Steve Hoyt, another Cal Poly grad with a doctorate in environmental science who has built a business on the Central Coast testing soil samples, and Brian Eckenrode, a retired FBI forensic scientist and expert in human decomposition, joined the team.

A week after Flores' sentencing, Nelligan and his team returned to Flores' mother's neighborhood in Arroyo Grande - a short distance away from Ruben's home - which has also been search for remains.

The team had already conducted an analysis of the soil in 2020 and 2021. Each time, it indicated that there's a body in the ground.

'The data tells the story,' Nelligan said.

The soil vapor sampling identifies the presence or absence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) linked to human decomposition, Nelligan explained to the Los Angeles Times.

Eckenrode believes he has narrowed down the number of compounds linked to a decomposing body to between 30 and 50, although the science is highly-experimental, and remains unproven.

The expert and his colleagues say they've also been able to pinpoint clear differences in vapors from human decomposition and animal decomposition, in a bid to fend off claims that they've only found a dead animal.

This photo provided by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office shows suspect Paul Flores who was taken into custody in the San Pedro area of Los Angeles on Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Deputies removed evidence from the San Pedro home. Kristin's remains have not been found

Each time the team did an analysis, they accessed the property line through Susan Flores' neighbor Marcia Papich, whose fence borders the yards.

In their 2023 search, Nelligan twisted a heavy-duty metal auger into the soil near the property line while Eckenrode collected the volatile organic compounds from the soil vapor into a canister.

A few weeks later, the team received data that lit up a section of 'Papich's backyard bordering Flores' property in a rich reddish-orange haloed by green, with blue spilling to the farthest reaches of the multicolored pattern,' the Times reported.

The plume map showed the quantity and quality of key markers in the VOC samples, Nelligan said.

It reported that the science of the technology is unproven and has never been used in any criminal proceedings, but the team remains confident in its findings.

Sheriff's Det. Greg Smith said they are investigating the group's work and that investigators are also consulting with a scientist at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville who specializes in human remains.

'It is intriguing if we can get some validation,' he said.

However, the detective wanted to make clear that obtaining a search warrant for Susan Flores' property would require probable cause and that it's still a challenge for researchers to show there are 'likely' human remains.

There are also concerns the technology that could ultimately discover Smarts' remains could be used by Flores' lawyers to challenge his conviction.

Susan Flores has never been charged in connection with Paul's crimes and maintains that he didn't kill Kristin nor does she or her family know the missing student's whereabouts.

Harold Mesick, the attorney who secured a not-guilty verdict in Ruben Flores' accessory charges, told the Times that the idea that a body could be in Susan Flores' yard is 'ludicrous.'

He added that nothing had ever been found in multiple searches of both Susan and Ruben Flores yards, and said that authorities caused $30,000 in damage to Ruben Flores property by digging below his deck. That search also turned up nothing.

Investigators searched Ruben Flores' Arroyo Grande property on March 16, 2021, when they deployed ground-penetrating radar and cadaver dogs to conduct the search

The lawsuit alleges that Susan, her boyfriend and Paul's father, Ruben, worked under the cover of darkness on February 9, 2020, to remove Smart's body from this lattice enclosure under his deck in Arroyo Grande, California

Smith said they just want to be careful not to provide any options for appeals that could undermine Paul Flores' murder conviction.

'We are walking on thin ice here, and before we go any further, we want to make that ice thicker,' Smith said. 'Does a court consider soil vapor evidence?'

Back in 2020, the analysis consisted of pushing a soil vapor probe, with a long, straw-like attachment, about 3 to 5 feet into the soil.

Any gases would be vacuum-withdrawn and collected, then sealed in a canister. These volatile organic compounds were then sent for analysis at a San Luis Obispo laboratory operated by Hoyt.

What showed up when those compounds were represented with colors on a plume map and compared with dozens of control-point samples of nearby soil indicated the presence of a decaying body, Eckenrode told the Times.

They tested for elements found at gravesites including carbon tetrachloride, trichlorofluoromethane, dimethyl disulfide, toluene, chloroform and other chemicals associated with the decomposition of human remains.

Nelligan, along with a scientist and a FBI research-chemist-turned-professor, have joined forces and say using new technology known as soil vapor sampling may have detected human remains buried behind Susan Flores' home.

Brian Eckenrode, retired FBI forensic scientist and expert in human decomposition, said analysis of samples from Papich's yard points to a body decomposing on Flores property

Steve Hoyt, another Cal Poly grad with a doctorate in environmental science who has built a business on the Central Coast testing soil samples, joined the team

Eckenrode, who has 23 years experience as an analytical chemist with the FBI, has spent time analyzing decaying remains at the University of Tennessee's Anthropology Research Facility, also known as the Body Farm.

He said it is possible to tell the difference between the decomposition of human and animal remains - and likened the difference in patterns to flying over Buffalo and New York City; each has different building heights and layouts.

'Think of the different cities like different animals,' he said. 'We want to find that one cityscape that is human and only human.'

Eckenrode said the analysis of multiple samples from Papich's yard points to a body decomposing on the Flores property.

Kristin's mother Denise was asked about the possibility of VOCs that could indicate the presence of a body on Susan Flores' property, to which she replied: 'There shouldn't be human remains in anybody's backyard.'

The Smarts, pictured on Dateline recently, said they support the work being done, but will not get too emotionally invested after multiple disappointments over the years

Smart went missing May 1996 while at California Polytechnic State University. To this day, her body has not been found

Pictured: Kristin Smart's room, where all her belongings were left in place after she went missing. A friend claimed he once saw Paul Flores bothering Smart in the room

The Smarts said they support the work being done, but will not get too emotionally invested after multiple disappointments over the years.

'It is significant to me,' Stan Smart said. 'Others are trying to bring Kristin home.'

Denise, who told the Times they have met with the team about their research, said: 'The most important thing for our family is the ability to bring Kristin home to be buried in the presence of those who love her.'

Several searches for Kristin's body have been done. The FBI and San Luis Obispo County sheriff's deputies in 2016 excavated a hillside above Cal Poly as well as two undisclosed locations.

Five years later, cadaver dogs and ground-penetrating radar were used to search Ruben Flores' backyard, which had been searched in the 1990s.
A Holocaust survivor who fled the Nazis has marked her 100th birthday by receiving war medals she never knew she was entitled to.

Henny Franks fled persecution in Cologne, western Germany, on the kindertransport as a teenager and after arriving in the UK, she volunteered for the Auxiliary Territorial Service, the women's branch of the British Army.

She served as a truck driver at a munitions factory until the end of the Second World War in Europe in 1945, but since then she has never received the medals she was entitled to for her duty.

To mark her birthday today, Henny was awarded the Defence Medal and the War Medal 1939-45 together with her HM Armed Forces Veteran Badge at a surprise ceremony in Jewish Care's Holocaust Survivors' Centre in London.

Henny said she was 'overcome with joy' to finally receive the medals and said it had been an 'amazing' day. She added: 'Out of this world. I am so surprised - I expected a small party but nothing like this.'

Henny Franks (pictured) who fled the Nazis has marked her 100th birthday by receiving war medals she never knew she was entitled to

Henny (pictured) volunteered for the Auxiliary Territorial Service, the women's branch of the British Army and served as a truck driver at a munitions factory until the end of the Second World War in Europe in 1945

To mark her birthday today, Henny was awarded the Defence Medal and the War Medal 1939-45 together with her HM Armed Forces Veteran Badge (Pictured: all three awards)

Jewish Care is one of the largest health and social care charities dedicated to London's Jewish community.

The ceremony was organised by AJEX, The Jewish Military Association, which reunites Jewish veterans and their relatives with their war medals.

AJEX JMA national chair Dan Fox surprised Henny at the birthday party.

He said: 'It was an honour to surprise Henny today. As the 'greatest generation' become fewer, lasting recognition of their service and commitment is more important than ever.

'The restoration and reclamation of medals is a striking way of ensuring this. They are artefacts or personal history, but also meaningful to families, communities and the nation as a whole.

'They help us remember what veterans went through and to take pride in what they did.'
A woman has told how she feared she had been caught up in a terror attack as dozens of people fled screaming from a man who killed himself with a knife on an underground station platform.

The 30-year-old said she was almost knocked off her feet by screaming men as they rushed to get away in a panic from the grisly scene.

She said people were shouting out knife and she assumed people were being attacked further down the platform at Sloane Square station.

The commuter, who asked not to be named, said: I am still shaking and have been in tears for most of the day.

I really thought that a terror attack was taking place and people were being attacked with a knife. Someone shouted out knife and everyone was just rushing to get away.

As many as six police vehicles are on the scene alongside a series of ambulance vehicles - including an air ambulance

As I stepped on to the platform from the train, I was bashed by lots of men, big burly men who were screaming and running to get away. It was terrifying and it flashed through my mind that I might die.

The commuter was on a District Line train standing by the carriage doors.

As soon as the doors opened after stopping in the station she heard a ear piercing, terrifying scream from a woman.

The scream was just harrowing. You hear fake screams, but this was just awful and I can still hear it now.

People from the carriage in front of mine started running past, they were screaming, and you could see the panic in their eyes.

I stepped out the carriage and was hit immediately by a man running past. Everyone was trying to get to the escalator and out of the station.

The witness said she did not see the man who had taken his own life who was lying about 20 metres away.

I left the station and ran to a nearby shop. I told him I thought there was a terror attack and he locked the door. Police and ambulances started arriving, and I stayed inside for about 45 minutes. No one knew what had taken place.

I do feel very sorry for the person who felt he had to take his own life, but he has left so many others like me traumatised.

We all thought there was a terror attack taking place and someone was going round knifing people.

A huge police presence is on the scene, with the British Transport Police confirming reports of a man sustaining 'serious, self inflicted injuries'

One commuter, taking to social media, described the awful scene

The commuter continued her morning trip in a black taxi cab, but later forced herself to go back on the tube.

I knew that if I didnt go back straight away I would never use the tube again. It was a terrifying experience and Im still shaking, she said.

Jose Villanueva, 69, who was travelling to work when he saw the incident, told MailOnline: I have never seen anything like it in my life. There was blood everywhere.

There were a lot of students at the station who were on their way to the museums in South Kensington.

Their leader was screaming run, run, run to get away from what was happening. It was awful, and they are going to have nightmares for the rest of their lives.

Mr Villanueva, a travel agent, was on his normal commute from his home in Croydon to Earls Court when the District Line train arrived at Sloane Square.

He said: 'Im not sure if the man was on our train or waiting on the platform. When I looked out of my doors the man was on the floor and he had a knife in his hand.

I did not want to get too close, but then saw he dropped the knife and there was a lot of blood.

Another passenger started to give him CPR and then paramedics arrived and took over. I dont think there was anything they could do for him.

Jose said the mans body remained on the platform for sometime in full view of passengers on the train.

It is not something I would want to witness again. I feel sorry for a woman who was close by. I think she was in hysterics.

Greg Hands, the MP for Chelsea and Fulham, said that the station has been evacuated

Another commuter said that police formed a 'human shield' to block the scene from the view of passing trains

Greg Hands, the MP for Chelsea and Fulham, said: 'Terrible news at Sloane Square station.

'Thoughts are with the mans family and all the emergency responders in what must have been a very distressing scene.'

Another commuter said that police formed a 'human shield' to block the scene from the view of passing trains.

As many as six police vehicles attended the scene alongside a series of ambulance vehicles - including an air ambulance.

The station was closed until around midday.

A spokesperson for the British Transport Police said: 'Officers were called to Sloane Square Underground station at 10.26am on 28 June following reports that a man had sustained serious, self-inflicted injuries.

'Paramedics also attended however despite their best efforts the man has been pronounced dead at the scene.

'The incident is not being treated as suspicious.'

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'We were called today at 10.22am to reports of an incident at Sloane Square underground station, SW1.

'We sent a number of resources including an ambulance crew, two medics in response cars, an incident response officer and London's air ambulance.

'Sadly, despite our efforts, a man was pronounced dead at the scene.'

Sloane Square, in plush central London, is in the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, with the station just 100 metres from John Lewis' flagship Peter Jones store.
A Texas mother has been arrested after abandoning her malnourished son at home - forcing him to break into a stranger's house to steal food.

Crystal Viera, 28, of Harlingen, Texas, was taken into custody on June 20 after her eight-year-old allegedly broke into a nearby property on June 8.

Viera had left her son, who was not publicly identified, by himself while she left to hang out with her boyfriend.

After arriving back at her residence with her boyfriend, she admitted to police she had left the boy 'unattended and home alone'.

Crystal Viera, 28, of Harlingen, Texas, was taken into custody on June 20 after her eight-year-old son allegedly broke into a Petras Road home on June 8 in search of food

The Sheriff's Office was notified about the child after the homeowners called 911 after finding him digging through their refrigerator and 'eating their food.'

'He was holding food in his hands and stated he was 'hungry,'' the complaint read. The homeowners did not know the boy, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Police said the young boy was observed as being 'skinny, seemed very weak and malnourished.'

The homeowners took the boy back to his home in an attempt to return him to his mother, but she was not home.

The boy has since been removed from the home by CPS and Viera has been charged with abandonment and endangerment of a child with imminent bodily harm.

Viera is currently in custody at the Carrizalez-Rucker Detention Center, her bond is set at $20,000. Authorities are investigating the incident.

Viera had left her son, who was not publicly identified, by himself while she left to hang out with her boyfriend

Earlier this year, 31-year-old mother Raven Yates was arrested after abandoning her children, three and 12, for months.

A warrant was issued for the children's mother in February after their concerned father called cops on November 14 to report he had not seen them since September 28.

Concerned the children were left at his ex's home alone, the father, a music producer who lives in California, told cops he had been ordering food to the house for the children when family members told him Yates had been spotted alone in Mobile, Alabama.

Police in the small town of 1,700 - set thirty miles northeast of Houston - descended on the residence and the children's father flew out to Texas as well.

Upon entering the home, cops found the kids alive - despite being holed up in a house with very little food for nearly eight weeks.

Yates - who in 2018 was featured on Fox's Fugitive Files for attempting to slash a repo man with a box cutter - was arrested in Alabama in March.
A prestigious television awards ceremony has U-turned after deleting a tweet congratulating Nigel Farage on winning an award.

Nigel Farage blasted the Television and Radio Industries Club (TRIC) Awards for 'deleting' a tweet yesterday that announced him as winner of News Presenter of the Year.

The former Brexit Party leader, 59, accused the organisation of taking down the congratulatory message because he 'committed the cardinal sin of questioning the Barb figures.'

After a furore online, the TRIC Awards today posted a new message congratulating Mr Farage on his win.

A triumphant Mr Farage then posted: 'The Tric Awards have now redone their tweet. Democracy wins!'

After a furore online, the TRIC Awards today reposted its message congratulating Mr Farage on his win, but turned off replies

A triumphant Mr Farage posted: 'The Tric Awards have now redone their tweet. Democracy wins!'

A tweet by TRIC announcing Nigel Farage as News Presenter of the Year has seemingly been deleted

The 'Barb' figures show the TV ratings of programmes and are compiled daily by the Broadcasters' Audience Research Board.

Mr Farage criticised the way viewing numbers are collated during his acceptance speech and on his show last night, accusing the industry of 'marking their own homework' and being 'out of touch.'

In a video shared on Twitter today, Mr Farage fumed: 'Well it would seem I've committed the ultimate cardinal sin of broadcasting by questioning the Barb figures.

'By questioning the fact that the industry owns the very organisation that rates its programmes.

'Well today, TRIC, the organisation that put together the awards yesterday, deleted their tweet announcing that I had won News Presenter of the Year.'

He branded the move a 'disgrace', adding: 'It would seem that all of these people hate the British public, it's not me they hate, it's the people that voted for me they hate, and that's why the whole thing needs a massive shake up.'

The former UKIP leader said GB News 'will be complaining in the strongest terms.'

During his show on the broadcaster last night, Mr Farage said: 'Barb are 5,300 boxes that are in people's homes around the country, and guess who owns the organisation that publishes the viewing figures... all of the other broadcasters.

'They are allowed effectively to choose the panel and to mark their own homework... and how can you judge in a country of 66million people... how can we judge that audience by just 5,300 boxes?

'The whole thing is a complete and utter farce... there are massive advertising revenues that come off the back of those Barb figures, but that's the way it's been forever and nobody has ever got up and challenged it.'

MailOnline has contacted Mr Farage, GB News and TRIC for comment.

It comes after Mr Farage called on his hecklers to 'keep the abuse coming' as it 'says a lot more about you than about me!' after he was named the best news presenter in the country at the 2023 TRIC Awards yesterday.

Nigel Farage, 59, accused the TRIC organisation of taking down the congratulatory message because he 'committed the cardinal sin of questioning the Barb figures'

Nigel Farage poses with a beer and his award as he thanked the public for voting for him

The GB News host, 59, was the surprise award winner at today's 2023 TRIC Awards in London

Mr Farage wasted little time in berating the booing audience and told them some would 'lose their jobs'

The host was booed after he beat established veteran journalists Eamonn Holmes and Susanna Reid to the award, before he told industry award attendees 'You should be frightened because you will lose your jobs'.

He railed: 'I am really rather proud to have this because I'm a new boy - I have only been doing this for a couple of years. So a huge thank to all those good, ordinary folk who live outside the M25 for voting for me.

'I suspect had the industry had their say, I very much doubt I would have won.

'I'm certain three GB News presenters would not have been in the shortlist of five which should be very instructive for the rest of the industry.'

As he began to be heckled, he declared: 'Please keep the abuse coming, because it says a lot more about you than about me.

'Whether they are BBC or not I don't mind but learn this and think about this.

'There's a massive gap in the market, you've all become too much the same.

'What we are doing is creating a new identity brand in British broadcasting.'

Nigel Farage attends The TRIC Awards 2023 at Grosvenor House before his award was announced

Mr Farage got his award after beating Eamonn Holmes, Piers Morgan, Stephen Dixon and Susanna Reid.

He added: 'I led a party which became mocked and derided at lunches like this that went on to win a national election.

'In those days the polling industry who didn't understand us. Here's my one serious point - please take it on board...'

He then referenced host Judge Rob Rinder at the back of the stage, adding: 'Poor Rob he can't even open his eyes, he's finding it so tricky, so awkward, so difficult.

'This industry is worth about 12 or 15 billion pounds a year. It matters culturally, it matters so many different ways in our country.'

He added that the way the industry was measuring ratings was 'out of touch.'

Mr Farage said over jeers: 'Oh I can hear the noise, there's a lot of money at stake, any idea of competition and you should shout, you should be frightened because you will lose your jobs.'

He was initially met by a mixture of cheers and then huge boos and shouts of 'off'.

Host Rinder reminded the room the categories were voted for by the public.

He said even though he didn't agree with Mr Farage everyone needed to listen more to other opinions.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem said she does not see a 'path to victory' for anyone other than Donald Trump - though she said she likely would not be endorsing in the race.

'President Trump is in the race and right now I don't see a path for victory with anybody else with him in the race and the situation as it sits today,' she told South Dakota radio station KWAT.

She did not endorse the former president - despite rumors that she might be on the short list for his vice presidential pick. Asked if she would endorse in the race at all, Noem replied: 'No. I don't think so.'

The governor also said she will not be launching her own run for the presidency.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem said Wednesday that she does not see a 'path to victory' for anyone other than Donald Trump - though she said she likely would not be endorsing in the race

'President Trump is in the race and right now I don't see a path for victory with anybody else with him in the race and the situation as it sits today,' she South Dakota radio station KWAT

'Wouldn't that be interesting? If there were South and North Dakota governors running for president?' Noem asked, referencing Gov. Doug Burgum's (R-ND) underdog candidacy. 'But no, I  right now, I'm still focused on South Dakota.'

Noem said Burgum is a 'good guy and he's working hard' and 'might do well in Iowa' but pointed to Trump crowding out any other contenders.

'President Trump is in the race, and right now I don't see a path to victory for anybody else with him in the race and the situation as it sits today,' she said.

Still, she insisted: 'I think people should battle up. It can be a roller coaster of a presidential race.

'I know there's a lot of unknowns and the person that may win may not even be in the race yet.'

'Wouldn't that be interesting? If there were South and North Dakota governors running for president?' Noem asked, referencing Gov. Doug Burgum's (R-ND) underdog candidacy. 'But no, I  right now, I'm still focused on South Dakota'

As a growing number of Republican candidates have jumped into the presidential race, Trump still holds a sizable lead above all.

Even through two recent indictments, the former president's poll numbers are more than double that of his next nearest opponent. A RealClearPolitics polling average of the primary shows Trump with 52.1 percent of support and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis with 21.5 percent.

Noem also admitted that Burgum had asked her for an endorsement but she denied him.

'You always need to remember, we have protected you from Canada for 137 years,' he told her over text message.
A Massachusetts man who allegedly knocked a cop unconscious with a rock, shot him dead in the chest, and then gunned down an elderly woman, is awaiting his verdict after a three-week trial.

Emanuel Lopez, 25, faces 11 charges - including two counts of murder and armed assault with intent to murder involving a firearm - after a Weymouth officer and 77-year-old woman were killed in July 2018.

Officer Michael Chesna, a 42-year-old army veteran and father-of-two, died in the line of duty after pursuing the white BMW hit-and-run driver.

Chesna's heartbroken wife was seen sobbing during the closing arguments today.

During the ordeal in 2018, Lopes fled the scene of an accident on foot when Chesna came across the then 20-year-old vandalizing a home.

Emanuel Lopez, 25, faces 11 charges - including two counts of murder and armed assault with intent to murder involving a firearm - after a Weymouth officer and 77-year-old woman were killed in 2018

Cindy Chesna is consoled by her sister Debbie at the close of the trial for her husbands alleged murder

Police officer Michael Chesna, 42, was shot and killed with his own gun after a man attacked him with a rock during a foot chase in Weymouth, Massachusetts

Chesna got out of his squad car and raised his gun, ordering Lopes to stop.

The suspect allegedly picked up a rock and struck Chesna over the head before taking his gun and shooting the officer in the head and chest.

He then fired three more shots, the stray bullets striking and killing Vera Adams in her home nearby, police say. The ordeal occurred just before 8am.

Officers who arrived on the scene after Chesna was shot chased after Lopes, shooting him in the leg and knee.

He was still holding the officer's gun when he was arrested.

Local residents, many of whom were only just having their morning coffee, came into the street to help the officer following the commotion.

Chesna and Adams both died of their injuries.

Prosecutor Greg Connor demonstrated how Lopes used a rock to knock Officer Chesna unconscious allowing him to take his gun and shoot him four times - and told the court that the shootings were deliberate

Prosecutor Greg Connor with the rock that the defendant allegedly used to immobilize the officer

Widow Cindy Chesna looks emotional in court during the closing statements

After two and a half weeks of testimony, the jurors are expected to start deliberating on Wednesday over the 2018 incident.

Lopes fired three shots, and the stray bullets killed Vera Adams (pictured)

Prosecutor Greg Connor demonstrated how Lopes used a rock to knock Officer Chesna unconscious allowing him to take his gun and shoot him four times - and told the court that the shootings were deliberate.

Connor said: 'Mr. Lopes then took the gun that he had taken from the ground next to Sgt. Chesna, stood over Sgt. Chesna's body and then fired it eight times into his head and into his chest.'

During the trial, defense attorney Larry Tipton said Lopes had 'major' mental health problems.

Tipton said: 'When he was examined by multiple clinicians, they gave him a diagnosis of not only major mental illness but something youll hear about  cannabis use disorder.'

Cindy Chesna, the officer's wife, was crying during the trial and was consoled by her sister Debbie.

Officers work at the scene where their colleague Chesna was fatally shot in 2018

Superior Court judge Beverly Cannone

During the trial, witnesses also described what they saw during the fateful day.

Lopes was 20-years-old when he crashed into a vehicle and started running away near South Shore Hospital.

Witness Kevin Pearson told the trial: 'As he was passing there were stones flying, a little bit of fishtailing in the car. He flew through the red light at Route 139.'

William Kendall, who found a large rock on his kitchen floor that had been thrown through his window, said: 'I dialed 911 and I heard what I took to be gunshots.

'I then laid down immediately and yelled to my wife, Judy, Get down! Get down."

'My fear was that she would look out the window to see what was going on.'

Another local William McGuinness told court that he saw Lopes holding a rock over his head. He recalled: 'He proceeds to walk towards the back of the officer, standing over his head and began to shoot at him.

'I believe it was five times in the face, three times in the chest.'

McGuinness' wife Amy then rushed out of their house to start giving the officer compressions, but she told the court: 'There was blood all over his face and the right part of his skull, or his head, everything was exposed.'

The jury are now expected to begin deliberations. Lopes faces life imprisonment if he is found guilty.
More than 300 fire firefighters and around 30 fire engines battled through the night to minimize the destruction

The Diamond Fire broke out at around 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday and within hours had burned 2,500 acres of land

More than 1,000 residents were given evacuation orders on Tuesday night as a large fire broke out in the desert region of Scottsdale, Arizona.

The blaze, officially known as the Diamond Fire, broke out at around 5:15 p.m. near 128th Street and within hours had burned 2,500 acres of land without any containment, pushing south to McDowell Mountain Regional Park.

The nearby community of about 1,145 residents were told to evacuate, fire officials said.

More than 300 fire firefighters and around 30 fire engines were called to the scene and battled through the night to minimize the destruction.

By Wednesday morning forestry department officials estimated that around 3,000 acres had been scorched and still had zero percent containment.

The Diamond Fire broke out at around 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday and within hours had burned 2,500 acres of land without any containment

A spokesperson for the state's forestry department, Tiffany Davila, told reporters the fire had been fueled by grass and brush that becomes incredibly dry in the warm weather.

Davila praised the work of the fire services at a press conference on Wednesday morning.

'We had a very successful overnight. We have a line around the entire fire and people are starting to do mop-up,' she said.

However, she reiterated that the fire was still considered at zero percent containment until officials are certain the containment lines will hold in expected windy weather.

'People might not see smoke right now, but that doesn't mean the fire is out,' she explained.

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said in a statement on Wednesday morning: 'Last night's cooler overnight temperatures helped quiet fire activity, but as temperatures begin to increase today and critical fire weather enters the area, fire activity is expected to increase.

'A Red Flag Warning was issued for today to include, parts of Maricopa County.

'Crews will work against critical fire weather, hot and dry conditions, high winds and low relative humidity - all which play a crucial factor in fire activity.'

A local posted on Twitter: 'This might be the craziest photo Ill ever take. Tonight I jumped into gear to help evacuate my trainers barn from a quick spreading wild fire.'

Loads of water were dropped from Chinook helicopters in an effort to quell the flames

Local Cave Creek Memorial Arena is helping those with livestock and locals have banded together to support vulnerable residents and those needing to evacuate animals

The fire has been fueled by grass and brush that becomes incredibly dry in the warm weather

More than 300 fire firefighters and around 30 fire engines were called to the scene

Eight loads of retardant were utilized in Tuesday's suppression efforts, fire officials said

The Red Cross have set up an evacuation shelter for those effected at Cactus Shadows High School.

Local Cave Creek Memorial Arena is helping those with livestock and locals have banded together to support vulnerable residents or those in need of help evacuating their pets.

On a local Facebook page residents posted offers of free barns and fields to house horses and other animals.

One resident Sunny Parker said she was organizing veterinarians to attend evacuated animals.
Reports indicated at least 15 people were injured in the collision

The train struck an unoccupied vehicle on the tracks

Multiple Amtrak train cars derailed Wednesday afternoon in Southern California, leaving passengers briefly stranded and at least 15 people injured.

The train was traveling through Moorpark - a city northwest of Los Angeles - when it struck an unoccupied car on the tracks.

Helicopter footage from the scene showed the first responders assisting dozens of passengers with baggage across train tracks and away from the locomotive.

14 people were transported to the hospital with minor injuries, the Ventura County Fire Department PIO said on Twitter. One person's injuries were described as 'moderate.'

Amtrak services between Ventura and Los Angeles were suspended.

Multiple Amtrak train cars derailed Wednesday afternoon in Southern California , leaving passengers briefly stranded and at least 15 people injured

The train was traveling through Moorpark - a city northwest of Los Angeles - when it struck an unoccupied car on the tracks

Helicopter footage from the scene showed the first responders assisting dozens of passengers with baggage across train tracks and away from the locomotive

An officer with the Moorpark Police Department confirmed to DailyMail.com that police and fire officials were on the scene Wednesday investigating.

A call first came in at 11.18am near West Los Angeles Avenue and Montair Drive.

It's unclear what the vehicle was doing on the tracks at the time of the collision.

Aerial footage showed the totaled vehicle and the train which appeared mostly unscathed aside from the few cars off the tracks.

The derailed cars did not overturn.

Passengers were taken off the train and asked to wait in a nearby field as police and fire investigated the crash.

Ventura County Fire Department Capt. Brian McGrath told the Moorpark Acorn that 190 people were aboard the train.

Authorities told NBC 4 that a bus would transport them from the scene.

In a statement to DailyMail.com, Amtrak confirmed the details of the crash, including the number of passengers on board and the ongoing investigation.

'On June 28, 2023, Amtrak train 14 was traveling from Los Angeles to Seattle at approx. 11:15 a.m. PT when it struck a water truck obstructing the tracks at Moorpark, California.

'There were approximately 198 passengers and 13 crew onboard who were evacuated from the train, with no reports of serious injuries.

'The train derailed as a result of the impact but remained upright. Amtrak is working with customers to make alternate travel arrangements. Amtrak, in coordination with local authorities, is conducting a full investigation,' the statement read.

15 people were transported to the hospital, 14 with minor injuries, authorities said

More than 180 passengers were left briefly stranded after the collision

One person suffered 'moderate' injuries in the Wednesday afternoon incident

Aerial footage showed the totaled vehicle and the train which appeared mostly unscathed aside from the few cars off the tracks

Passengers were taken off the train and asked to wait in a nearby field as police and fire investigated the crash

Just after 1.30pm pacific standard time, the Ventura County Sheriff confirmed that a reunification check point had been set up for passengers and their families.

'Please stay clear of the area if you are not there to reunite with a family member. Expect major traffic delays throughout the city,' the sheriff's office tweeted.

The matter remains under investigation at this time.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
An 11-year-old boy has died in a freak ATV accident after the family dog jumped on the gas pedal, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and down an embankment.

Firefighters say the victim and his 12-year-old brother from Gallia County, Ohio, had been visiting family in the Crum area of Wayne County, West Virginia.

Assistant Chief of the Kermit Volunteer Fire Department Wayne Williamson says they had been getting ready to go home on Monday when the 11-year-old said he wanted to go on one more ride in the off-road vehicle.

Williamson says a little after 2:30pm on Stonecoal Road, the 11-and-12-year-olds were riding a side-by-side ATV 'buggy', which was being driven by the 18-year-old boyfriend of their cousin.

The assistant chief said he was told a family dog was also riding with the boys and jumped down on to the floorboard and stepped on the accelerator pedal.

The boy had been getting ready to go home on Monday when he said he wanted to go on one more ride

The young boy died after the ATV he had been travelling on went down this embankment, by the time emergency responders arrived he was pronounced dead

This caused the vehicle to veer off the road and over an embankment.

Williamson told WSAZ: 'Who would have ever thought a house dog would jump down in the floorboard of a side-by-side and do that.

'It's just heartbreaking for everybody. Everybody involved needs all the prayers they can get.'

Williamson said a woman and teenage girl were riding an ATV ahead of the boys when the crash happened.

There's no cell service in the area, but their home is nearby, and they called 911 from there.

Assistant chief Willaimson, pictured here, said he was told a family dog was riding with the boys and jumped down on to the floorboard and stepped on the accelerator pedal

When the emergency responders arrived on the scene, the 11-year-old was pronounced dead.

The identity of the boy has not yet been released. The 12-year-old and 18-year-old were taken to hospitals with non-life threatening injuries.

The dog is also said to have suffered only minor injuries in the accident. On social media, users have left well wishes and prayers for the family of the young boy.

One person posted: 'Prayers. It's absolutely heartbreaking to hear about a child losing their life. Hugs and prayers to the family.'

Another person commented: 'Sending prayers to all the family and friends.'
Hundreds of thousands of travelers across the country have experienced mass delays and cancelations that have left them marooned with nowhere to stay and no way to get back home, as major US carriers continue to meltdown.

Since Saturday, more than 7,500 flights have been canceled across the US and thousands more delayed.

Images and videos emerging from airports - especially New York area hubs - have shown help desk lines with hundreds of people lined up, sections of airports with cots set up for passengers stranded overnight, and employees callously throwing luggage off of canceled flights.

The JFK departure area on Wednesday June 28, five days in the flightmare that has stranded thousands and thousands of US travelers

One father, Matt Frei, a reporter currently stationed in Ukraine, tweeted at United Airlines after his daughter became stranded for three days at the Newark airport in New Jersey.

'First weather, then missing crews. No hotel, no compensation. A real shocker,' he wrote. 'And not easy to sort out from Ukraine.'

Caught in the airline mess currently plaguing would-be travelers is Erica Nordozzi, a DailyMail.com employee who lives in Los Angeles. She recounted her multi-day effort to get back to the West Coast with her husband.

Originally booked on a plane from Newark to Los Angeles on Sunday, the Nardozzis were delayed for five hours before the Alaska Airlines flight was canceled. They were rebooked on a United flight to Seattle scheduled to depart the next afternoon.

When that flight failed to take off as well, because there were no available crews, they were told their best bet would be to try and fly standby the next day to Denver, where they would then catch a connecting flight to Seattle, where their luggage was headed whether they liked it or not.

During their prolonged airport stay, Erica recounted seeing people 'sleeping on cots all over Terminal C because the hotels were booked solid the night before.'

'I saw a couple sharing one, as well as a father and his young son. My heart really went out to the parents. I couldn't imagine dealing with this and having children with us,' she said.

Following another failed travel day, Erica and her husband decided to call an audible, return to a friend's house in New York and wait out the chaos until Saturday when they hope to return to Los Angeles.

Very few of their expenses have been paid for and they will need to file reimbursement costs with the respective airlines.

'I checked my Apple Air Tag last night and saw that my luggage is now in Seattle, so we have to figure out how to get it to Los Angeles,' Nardozzi added, noting that this was 'the worst travel experience' she or her husband has ever had.

One father strives to get his daughter, stranded in Newark, out of the travel mess that many are dealing with

A Newark departure screen showing more flights are delayed than on time on Wednesday June 28

Some travelers were told Monday that they may not be able to get on flights until Thursday

One third of flights out of LaGuardia were canceled Tuesday, after facing mass delays and cancelations Monday as well

Travel bloggers and TikTok stars have also been documenting their lengthy layovers for their many followers.

One young woman documented herself and her sister becoming stuck in the Newark airport for 12 hours before finally getting on the flight that would take them home - and they were some of the lucky ones who ultimately made it to their destination.

One Twitter user posted a video recorded Monday of an employee removing luggage from a United Airlines flight at the San Francisco International airport and throwing them down a slide only to crash into one another and bounce onto the ground.

'UA 2123 SFO to SAN (26 June 2023, Gate F3). Love to see United employees thrash peoples gate-checked bags,' wrote the user.

Another video from an account called USACitizenNews posted a video from an unknown airport that showed dozens and dozens of people sprawled on small brown cots after their flights were canceled and they were stuck in the airport overnight.

At some airports - like Newark - all nearby hotels, and even some not-so-near hotels were booked out entirely early this week, leaving passengers no choice but to stay in the airport through the night.

United Airlines alone has canceled more than 2,000 flights since Sunday, prompting a message from the company's CEO, John Kirby, that placed most of the blame on FAA staffing shortages.

In his letter to staff, United's Kirby estimated that some 150,000 customers alone were impacted over the weekend by delays and cancelations, which he blamed primarily on the FAA. The number 150,000 has likely risen considerably since Kirby's letter several days ago.

Travel chaos has reached the Austin airport, where long lines of people are seen attempting to rebook flights

A line snakes through Newark on Tuesday of customers attempting to rebook flights and figure out accommodations following cancelations

He said that the delays and cancelations out of east coast hubs were due to 'FAA staffing shortages and their ability to manage traffic.'

He also noted that, despite stormy weather, 'historically' the FAA has 'been able to manage without a severe impact on our operation and customers.'

'The FAA reduced the arrival rates by 40% and the departure rates by 75%. That is almost certainly a reflection of understaffing/lower experience at the FAA. It led to massive delays, cancellations, diversions, as well as crews and aircraft out of position,' he wrote.

'And that put everyone behind the eight ball when weather actually did hit on Sunday and was further compounded by FAA staffing shortages Sunday evening.'

The FAA ultimately responded by saying: 'We will always collaborate with anyone seriously willing to join us to solve a problem.'

The FAA had also previously warned passengers that summer travel in the New York area may be difficult due to a shortage of air traffic controllers.
Bankrupt FTX is moving ahead with efforts to revive its flagship international cryptocurrency exchange, according to the executive tasked with paying back customers who lost their deposits.

The company 'has begun the process of soliciting interested parties to the reboot of the FTX.com exchange,' CEO John J. Ray III told the Wall Street Journal in a report on Wednesday.

The failed crypto company has been holding talks with investors about backing a potential restart of the FTX.com exchange through structures such as a joint venture, the report added, citing people familiar with the discussions.

Any relaunch would likely involve a total rebrand of the toxic FTX name, the people said, and the talks include ideas on how to compensate prior customers, potentially by offering them stakes in any reorganized entity.

Ray took over FTX in November when the company declared bankruptcy and founder Sam Bankman-Fried resigned as CEO, later to face criminal charges.

FTX, the bankrupt crypto exchange founded by Sam Bankman-Fried, is considering resuming operations under new management as it seeks to pay back creditors

FTX CEO John J. Ray III, who was brought on to oversee the company's bankruptcy, said FTX is moving ahead with efforts to revive its flagship international cryptocurrency exchange

Federal prosecutors have alleged that Bankman-Fried stole billions of dollars in customer funds to plug losses at Alameda, buy luxury properties in the Bahamas, and splash out huge political donations.

FTX has estimated that approximately $8.7 billion in customer assets were misappropriated from the exchange.

Ray's latest report said his team has recovered approximately $7 billion in assets that can be easily sold, adding that they anticipate additional recoveries.

His primary duty is to make the company's creditors whole, and so he now must decide whether it would generate more cash to resume operations, or to liquidate the company's assets.

Ray has also pushed to claw back allegedly misappropriated funds that Bankman-Fried showered on other ventures.

In a recent lawsuit, FTX sought to recover $700 million invested in K5 Global, the venture firm run by former Hillary Clinton aide Michael Kives.

In November, FTX filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States following its spectacular collapse that sent shivers through the digital assets industry.

In the days leading up to the failure, customers of the crypto exchange withdrew billions of dollars, hobbling the firm's liquidity.

A rescue deal with rival exchange Binance also fell through, precipitating crypto's highest-profile collapse in recent years.

The industry has since been reeling amid the scrutiny of global regulators.

The former FTX exchange website currently redirects visitors to the bankruptcy managers

Ray's report shows the tangled flow of client deposits into FTX entities and related accounts

Former Alameda chief executive, Caroline Ellison, has pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors

Former FTX technology chief Gary Wang (left), and former FTX engineering chief Nishad Singh (right) have also pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors

Bankman-Fried, a 31-year-old former billionaire, rode a boom in digital assets to accumulate an estimated net worth of $26 billion, and became an influential political and philanthropic donor before FTX declared bankruptcy.

Bankman-Fried has pleaded not guilty to 13 counts of fraud and conspiracy, while acknowledging that FTX had inadequate risk management.

On Tuesday, a federal judge rejected Bankman-Fried's bid to throw out most of the government's criminal case against him.

The decision by US District Judge Lewis Kaplan in Manhattan paves the way for trial.

Bankman-Fried in May asked Kaplan to dismiss at least 11 of the 13 fraud and conspiracy charges he faced.

Bankman-Fried said some charges relied on a fraud theory -- where a defendant could be convicted for depriving someone of economically valuable information and not just tangible property -- the U.S. Supreme Court last month deemed invalid.

But the judge agreed with prosecutors that the theory, known as 'right to control', did not apply to Bankman-Fried.

'The defendant's assertion that the indictment does not allege any 'economic loss' to FTX customers appears to be factually incorrect,' and the alleged misappropriated funds clearly constituted property, Kaplan wrote.

A spokesman for Bankman-Fried declined to comment.

Former Alameda chief executive, Caroline Ellison, has pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors.

Former FTX technology chief Gary Wang, and former FTX engineering chief Nishad Singh have also pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors.
New footage has shown the terrifying moment a Delta Airlines Boeing 717 made an emergency landing in North Carolina after its front landing gear failed to deploy.

The plane landed nose-first with almost 100 passengers on board on Wednesday morning. The clip shows people inside the aircraft in brace positions before the plane eventually hit the ground.

The Delta flight 1092 had taken off from Atlanta at 7.25am and was scheduled to land at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on Wednesday morning.

Shocking pictures show the plane leaning forward onto its nose with its inflatable evacuation slides deployed, as dozens of emergency service scrambled to help passengers and crew members.

One passenger, recording the ordeal, said: 'It's not bad at all,' before a woman gripping the seat in front of her responds: 'Where's the wheel?'

The clip shows people inside the aircraft in brace positions before the plane eventually hit the ground. One passenger, recording the ordeal, said: 'It's not bad at all,' before a woman gripping the seat in front of her responds: 'Where's the wheel?'

The Delta flight 1092, a Boeing 717, had taken off from Atlanta at 7.25am and was scheduled to land at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on Wednesday morning

The relieved holidaymakers were then recorded walking off the aircraft, taking images of the downwards-tilting nose in disbelief.

Miraculously, none of the 96 passengers or five Delta employees were injured in the incident.

The plane managed to land with its nose gear in the 'up' position, and come to a safe stop on the runway. An investigation into what caused the malfunction has begun.

Airline officials confirmed that staff were aware of the malfunction as they prepared for landing, and began to climb again before the jet circled a few times and finally managing to land.

In a statement, Delta said: 'Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people.

'While this is a rare occurrence, Delta flight crews train extensively to safely manage through many scenarios and flight 1092 landed safely without reported injuries.

'Our next focus is to take care of our customers on this flight, including retrieving their bags and seeing them to their final destination.'

The pilot told the tower at Charlotte Douglas that 104 people were on board the plane.

The runway the plane landed on was closed Wednesday until the aircraft could be moved to a safer location

As of 10:15 a.m., there were 72 delays and 21 cancellations at Charlotte Douglas caused by the malfunctioning plane landing

Passengers were asked to get into the brace position as staff reiterated safety information, but told WSOC-TV that they had a 'smooth' landing

An emergency slide was deployed to get passengers off the plane and onto the tarmac safely

Passengers were asked to get into the brace position as staff reiterated safety information, but told WSOC-TV that they had a 'smooth' landing.

One said: 'The crew told us there was an issue with the landing gear and instructed us to go over safety information.

'We came in low once and then climbed again. The second time had us brace but the landing was smooth. No jarring or even loud noises.

'We were in the back so that may have been why. Everyone evacuated via slides. No injuries as far as I know. Crew and pilots were wonderful!'

The runway the plane landed on was closed Wednesday until the aircraft could be moved to a safer location.

As of 10:15 a.m., there were 72 delays and 21 cancellations at Charlotte Douglas caused by the malfunctioning plane landing.
When police later engaged him he crashed into a house, killing the baby

A kidnapped baby died in Ohio after its 23-year-old abductor drove flat out towards a house and crashed into it with such force it was knocked off its foundations.

The man, who is currently in critical condition, was in a relationship with the seven-month-old baby's mother and had abducted it on Tuesday from North Baltimore, a village in Wood County, Ohio, according to police.

Soon after during a phone call with the baby's mother, the abductor said he was feeling 'homicidal and suicidal' and had already killed the baby.

He also said he was driving to the city of Tiffin, in nearby Seneca County, in a yellow Camaro.

A kidnapped seven-month-old baby died in Ohio after its 23-year-old abductor drove flat out towards a house

After the yellow Camaro turned onto South Sandusky Street in Tiffin, near Cottage Avenue and Ella Street, it began heading south before crashing into the structure on the left

At about 3.43pm the Seneca County Sheriff's Office was notified by Wood County deputies about the abduction and told the abductor was heading in their direction in the Camaro.

The Tiffin Police Department said an off duty officer located the man in the yellow Camaro and radioed to dispatch that he had located the car.

The off-duty officer began following the vehicle and provided location information to responding officers and deputies in the area.

After the yellow Camaro turned onto South Sandusky Street in Tiffin, near Cottage Avenue and Ella Street, it began heading south.

When Tiffin police officers pulled up behind the car the man driving accelerated and built up speed before careering off the left of the road and crashing into a house at 613 South Sandunsky Street, knocking it off its foundation.

Neighbors told WTOL it was a rental home and that the last occupants had moved out a week ago so nobody was present at the time of the crash.

Tiffin resident Jason Miller said he was in his home Tuesday afternoon when he heard the loud crash.

'There were seven or eight cops pulling up, getting out, guns drawn, running at the car,' Miller said. 'Then I saw the EMS pull up... they got the baby out right away.'

The car crashed into the unoccupied force it was reportedly knocked off its foundations

'Tiffin Officers and Seneca County Deputies surrounded the vehicle and broke the back window to extricate the infant. The child was bleeding from the head and had labored breathing,' said Tiffin police in a statement.

Both the baby and the man were then taken to hospital.

Police said that when they searched the car they found a gun as well as two spent cartridges.

As of Tuesday night the infant was said to have died from its injuries, while the man remained in St. Vincent Hospital in Toledo in critical condition.

'My heart breaks for the family of this innocent child and you can be sure this matter will be investigated thoroughly to determine exactly why and what occurred today,' said Tiffin Chief Pauly.

'This was an unfortunate tragedy today and these things also take its toll on our first responders. My thoughts and prayers are with them as well,' he added.
The jailhouse death of a man accused of killing his mother and grandfather in a bid to get his hands on their inheritance has been deemed 'not suspicious'.

Nathan Carman, 29, was found dead in a Keene county lockup in New Hampshire on June 15. At the time, one of the autistic suspect's attorneys suggested he took his own life, claiming the county's medical examiner revealed Carman 'hanged himself.'

Now the New Hampshire AG has released the official ruling following analysis by the coroner. Carman's death was deemed 'not suspicious' because no one else was involved.

The AG refused to release a cause and manner of death for the suspect - citing a policy that states officials will not release such information in non-suspect cases.

At the time of his death, Carman was awaiting trial for the murder of his mother on a boat which he was accused of deliberately sinking off Rhode Island in 2016. Prosecutors further claimed that he killed his grandfather years earlier, all to inherit $7million.

Nathan Carman, 29, (pictured in 2019) was found dead in a New Hampshire jail on June 15, according to court documents. Coroners have since declared the death 'not suspicious' - after a county medical examiner allegedly revealed he hanged himself

Carman was accused of killing his mother, Linda Carman (pictured left), 54, while on a fishing trip off the coast of New England in 2016. Eight days after they set off from Rhode Island, he was found clinging to an inflatable life raft by a passing freighter. Her body was never found

The indictment in Burlington, Vermont, also claims Carman shot and killed his grandfather John Chakalos (right), 87, as he slept at home in Windsor, Connecticut, in 2013

Additionally, the U.S. Marshals Service in Vermont added that it will not be releasing the cause of Carman's death - at the request of family.

Carman was accused of killing his mother, Linda, 54, while on a fishing trip off the coast of New England in 2016.

Eight days after they set off from Rhode Island marina, he was found clinging to an inflatable life raft by a passing freighter. His mother's body was never found.

On June 15, as Carman was awaiting trial, he was found dead in a county jail cell.

The AG's office confirmed that authorities consider a death to be 'not suspicious' when they've determined no one else was involved, or if no crime was committed.

Carman pleaded not guilty last year to fraud and first-degree murder in the 2016 death of his mother, Linda Carman, and was scheduled to go on trial in October.

An eight-count indictment also said Carman shot and killed his wealthy grandfather John Chakalos in 2013 as he slept, in order to obtain money and property from his grandfathers estate.

He inherited $550,000.

But the indictment did not charge Carman with his grandfather's killing, and he had consistently denied any involvement in the two deaths.

In 2022, six years after the sinking, he was arrested over the murder of his mother. Carman's 'murder-on-the-high-seas' trial was set to take place in October.

Carman is seen after his 'rescue' at sea in 2016. Prosecutors say he killed his mother and intentionally sank the boat as part of a scheme to gain a $7 million inheritance

A lawyer for Carman spoke to him the night before he died and said he 'had no inkling whatsoever' the 29-year-old was in a condition where he might take his own life

Prosecutors alleged Carman killed his mother on this boat, dubbed the Chicken Pox (above) which he had altered to make it more likely to sink that day

Carman and his mom Linda frequently took fishing trips together (above) and prosecutors say he used it as a pretense to lure her to her death in 2016

During his arraignment at a federal court in Rutland, Vermont, he told reporters that he was 'not guilty'.

Prosecutors at the time alleged he altered the boat to make it more likely to sink. Carman denied that allegation.

Almost immediately, Carman's lawyers Martin Minnella and David Sullivan criticized the indictment - including the allegations Carman killed his grandfather, saying he was never charged with that crime.

David Sullivan, another lawyer for Carman, spoke to him the night before he died and said he 'had no inkling whatsoever' the 29-year-old was in a condition where he might take his own life.

'I am so distraught by the thought that at some point after 7 o'clock something in his mind brought him to that moment,' Sullivan said. 'I don't understand it.'

Sullivan, who doesn't blame the Cheshire County jail and said to his knowledge his client was treated well there, said his last words to Carman were 'okay my friend, sleep well.

Minnella also said that Carman had been positive leading up to his death and was set to defend himself at an October trial.

Carman had Asperger's Syndrome, which Minnella said may have impacted him on long-term lockup.

After his death Minnella said he would pay for the late suspect's funeral.

'My only concern right now is getting him out of [the morgue] and getting him a proper burial, so he can rest in peace,' he said at the time. 'I feel like I owe him that.'
A woman who wore sunglasses and did an outfit change between robbing two Northern California banks is currently being sought by police.

The robberies happened at banks in Antioch and Brentwood and police say the culprit is a Hispanic woman who handed notes to cashiers demanding money.

Two hours after robbing one bank on Lone Tree Way in Brentwood, the woman appeared at a second bank on the same street to pull off another robbery.

Police are now asking the public to help identify and apprehend the 'shady lady' who got away with an unspecified amount of cash after the heists.

According to a post made by the Brentwood Police Department's Facebook, the first robbery occurred at the Patelco Credit Union in the 5600 block of Lone Tree Way.

Police responded to a silent hold up alarm at the bank around 1.58pm Monday and determined that the suspect had demanded money via a note.

The woman was able to flee the scene on foot with an undisclosed amount.

Less than two hours later, at 3.53pm, officers with the Antioch Police Department responded to a call of a hold up at the Travis Credit Union.

The second bank was located in the 2700 block of Lone Tree Way, less than five miles away from the first robbery.

At some point between the two robberies, the woman changed outfits.

Upon the arrival of the officers, it was determined that the suspect in the robbery was connected to the first robbery just miles away.

Once again, the woman had handed over a note to the teller demanding money.

It's unclear what each note said exactly.

She is believed to have fled the scene in a gray four-door Honda or Nissan with tinted windows.

No injuries were reported from either incident.

The woman is believed to be a Hispanic female in her mid-twenties.

She has brown hair and is approximately 5 feet 3 inches to 5 feet 5 inches tall.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact Brentwood PD Detective Agostinho at 925-809-7870, or the Antioch Police Department Investigations Division at 925-779-6926
Last weekend I found myself unequivocally on the side of Vladimir Putin for the first time in my life.

Putin may be mad. He's undoubtedly cruel and wicked. But however great his moral faults, they pale into insignificance alongside those of Yevgeny Prigozhin, whose attempted coup mysteriously fizzled out almost as soon as it had begun.

Prigozhin is madder, crueller and even more wicked than Putin. The thought of Putin being in charge of thousands of nuclear weapons is sufficiently worrying to keep a lot of people awake at night.

But if Prigozhin had prevailed, anxiety would have risen to alarm. Imagine if he had Russia's enormous nuclear arsenal at his disposal, or if these weapons were to fall into the hands of his feral followers.

Prigozhin has submitted to exile in neighbouring Belarus. Putin may have him bumped off, as Stalin had his erstwhile rival, Leon Trotsky, assassinated near Mexico City in 1940. Alternatively, Prigozhin might plot another coup.

STEPHEN GLOVER: Last weekend I found myself unequivocally on the side of Vladimir Putin for the first time in my life. Putin may be mad. He's undoubtedly cruel and wicked. But however great his moral faults, they pale into insignificance alongside those of Yevgeny Prigozhin, whose attempted coup mysteriously fizzled out almost as soon as it had begun (File photo)

STEPHEN GLOVER: Isn't defence of the realm of supreme importance? And yet, while Poland and Germany are dramatically increasing their military expenditure as a response to Russian aggression, our timid Prime Minister and Chancellor will only say that ours will rise to 2.25 per cent of GDP by 2025. There's no sense of urgency (File photo)

Whatever happens, Putin's days are probably numbered as he has displayed weakness. Who, though, can have any confidence that his successor will be sane, reasonable and biddable?

No, he's likely to be even worse. There's absolutely no prospect of Russia's elite turning to a democrat such as Alexander Navalny, who is mouldering in one of Putin's maximum security prisons, facing another slew of trumped-up charges.

For the foreseeable future, Russia  a Christian country and the land that produced the magnificent spirits of Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky and Tchaikovsky  seems certain to be ruled by kleptomaniac autocrats who constitute a threat to the West.

Whether or not Russia is defeated in Ukraine, she will remain dangerous  possibly more so if compelled to retreat in humiliating circumstances. We must be ready for a long haul.

This is the context in which General Sir Patrick Sanders, Chief of the General Staff, made an extraordinary speech in London a few days ago. He cast doubt on whether Britain has 'credible Armed Forces that are balanced across all of the domains'. And he's the man in charge!

In particular, Sir Patrick drew attention to the shortcomings of the Army, which is smaller than it has been since the 18th century. By 2025, unless the Tory Government has second thoughts, it will have dwindled to 72,500 personnel.

If there were a war, it's doubtful if we could dispatch as many as 10,000 fighting troops abroad. According to an unidentified senior American general, this country is no longer capable of defending itself or its allies. How incredible. How shaming. How stupid.

Sir Patrick is the most outspoken Chief of the General Staff I can recall. No serving senior officer in living memory has launched such an assault on the Government for underfunding the Army.

He drew a comparison between the threat posed by Russia and that of Nazi Germany in the 1930s, which Tory leaders Stanley Baldwin and Neville Chamberlain were slow to take seriously. He declared that Britain 'must never again be unprepared'.

STEPHEN GLOVER: I am so appalled by the inability of Rishi Sunak and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to grasp the magnitude of the Russian menace. Strengthening our defences during a European war doesn't feature among the Prime Minister's much-vaunted five pledges. It's clearly not important enough (File photo)

Yet we are unprepared, after 13 years of Tory rule, and as Europe experiences its first major war since 1945. And it's not only the Army that has been depleted. The RAF has a mere 120 fighter jets, nearly an eighth of its number at the height of the Cold War. China has ten times as many, Russia more than six times.

The Royal Navy has shrivelled, too. Vietnam and Portugal have more warships, albeit inferior vessels to ours. Far too many resources have been invested by successive governments in two new aircraft carriers, neither of which has enough airplanes, and one of which languishes more or less permanently in dry dock.

The rot started in 2010, when the Tory-led coalition slashed the defence budget by 8 per cent. Our Services have never recovered. When I sometimes make a mental list of the mistakes made by David Cameron and George Osborne  a pretty lengthy one  their wanton evisceration of our Armed Forces is near the top.

It might be maintained in his partial defence that, although Cameron was fond of foreign adventures in countries such as Afghanistan and Libya, Britain didn't then face any actual threats, as it does now from Russia, and arguably China.

That's why I am so appalled by the inability of Rishi Sunak and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to grasp the magnitude of the Russian menace. Strengthening our defences during a European war doesn't feature among the Prime Minister's much-vaunted five pledges. It's clearly not important enough.

I suppose one can understand why Rishi can't get the point. He's young, for one thing, and has no memory of the Cold War. He has also lived a rather cosseted life: Winchester, Oxford, Stanford University in the U.S. and Goldman Sachs investment bank, where they don't take much interest in defence matters.

Jeremy Hunt's failure is less easy to understand. At 56, he's 13 years older than Rishi, and so can remember the asperities of the Cold War. He is also the son of an admiral.

Even more to the point, in recent memory he has championed much higher defence expenditure. Less than a year ago, during the Tory leadership contest, Hunt proposed increasing spending by 50 per cent, from 2 to 3 per cent of GDP, by 2028. Even Liz Truss didn't go that far.

STEPHEN GLOVER: Jeremy Hunt's failure is less easy to understand. At 56, he's 13 years older than Rishi, and so can remember the asperities of the Cold War. He is also the son of an admiral (File photo)

Did he mean it? Or was he cynically trying to ingratiate himself with the Tory rank-and-file, who rejected him? I will pay Jeremy Hunt the compliment of saying that I think he did sincerely believe in his proposal in July 2022 to spend much more money on defence.

So why not now? It might be argued that public finances have further deteriorated, but on the other hand Russia seems even more out of control, and has monsters like Prigozhin waiting in the wings.

No one suggests it's going to be easy to find more money at a time when the national debt has surpassed annual GDP for the first time in more than 60 years. But the Government can still manage to lavish 100 billion on the HS2 railway line, and spend tens of billions on a dozen other things that aren't obviously vital.

Isn't defence of the realm of supreme importance? And yet, while Poland and Germany are dramatically increasing their military expenditure as a response to Russian aggression, our timid Prime Minister and Chancellor will only say that ours will rise to 2.25 per cent of GDP by 2025. There's no sense of urgency.

To his credit, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has argued for bigger increases, but been overruled. His recent failure to secure the Secretary-Generalship of Nato may partly reflect our diminishing status within the organisation.

By contrast, Germany is preparing to send a permanent force of 4,000 troops to Lithuania, yet Britain's cash-starved Army is unable to make a commitment to Estonia.

If Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt can't understand the need to spend more money on defending our country, they should consider the electoral advantages of doing so. At a time of national crisis, it's what millions of decent, patriotic Britons want.
Opposition peers last night significantly softened the Government's flagship law to deport migrants who arrive by small boat.

Labour and Lib Dem members of the House of Lords forced through a series of major changes to the Illegal Migration Bill despite ministers warning they risked wrecking the legislation.

They added a requirement that the Government complies with international treaties, removed the power for the new law to be applied retrospectively, stopped potential victims of human trafficking being detained before their cases are considered, and let unaccompanied children make asylum claims.

In response, a Conservative spokesman said: 'Today's vote proves what we already knew  the Labour Party cannot be trusted to stop the boats and the gangs that profit.'

File photo of a group of people thought to be migrants being brought in to Dover, Kent, on April 14

A group of people thought to be migrants are escorted up the beach in Dungeness, Kent, after being brought from the RNLI Dungeness Lifeboat, following a small boat incident in the Channel in April

The first amendment on following international law was voted in by 222 to 179. Two Tories  Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth and Lord Cormack  voted against the Government.

In the second defeat, voted through by 219 to 177, the Government lost the power to deport migrants who arrived between March and the passing of the law.

The third blow to Rishi Sunak meant potential trafficking victims would no longer be held or removed before being assessed.

That amendment was passed 210 to 145. And a fourth change meaning unaccompanied children could make asylum claims was also passed, by 185 to 133.

When the bill returns to the Commons, liberal Tories could join opposition MPs to ensure the Lords amendments are enshrined in law.

The Court of Appeal will today rule on the legality of the PM's plan to deport illegal migrants to Rwanda.
Ron DeSantis is pushing to have his high-stakes trial with Disney after the 2024 presidential election.

His legal team requested to have the trial begin in August 2025, a date almost two-years away that would put opening arguments long after voters picked the country's next commander-in-chief.

Disney, on the other hand, wants the trial to start on July 15, 2024, the same day Republicans meet in Milwaukee to formally select their party's next presidential nominee. DeSantis is running for the GOP nomination but trailing Donald Trump in the polls.

Each side made the case for a trial date in a report filed on Tuesday in federal court. It'll be up to a judge to set the timetable.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis wants his trial with Disney to start in August 2025 - well after the 2024 presidential election

Disney had sued the Florida governor to try and restore its self-governing status and contracts that were removed after DeSantis replaced an old oversight board with his hand-picked one.

DeSantis countersued and, additionally, filed a motion to dismiss the Disney suit, arguing he has immunity as a state official.

His lawyers argued Disney does not have the standing to sue DeSantis because he does not directly enforce the laws at issue, and he has legislative immunity that 'shields' him from being sued.

'Disney has grabbed headlines by suing the governor, Disney  like many other litigations before who have challenged Florida laws  has no basis for doing so,' reads the motion filed Monday with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida.

The DeSantis administration is also asking the judge to freeze the federal case because of the motion to dismiss and because there is a separate lawsuit they filed against Disney in state court. They say a state court is the proper venue for such a legal challenge.

The war between the Republican presidential contender and the Magic Kingdom has garnered national attention.

Disney wants the trial to start on July 15, 2024, the same day Republicans meet in Milwaukee to formally select their party's next presidential nominee

DeSantis' battles against Disney elevated his national profile ahead of his formal announcement of a presidential bid. He's also turned it into part of his 'war on woke' as he makes the culture wars a centerpiece of his strategy.

The DeSantis/Disney clash began when the company spoke out against the governor's so-called 'Don't Say Gay' law - a state law prohibiting classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender dentity.

As part of that war, DeSantis and the Republican-controlled Florida legislature terminated the self-governing privileges that Disney World had held since 1967.

To take away Disney's self-governing power, DeSantis appointed the Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board to replace the Reedy Creek Improvement District controlled by Disney and oversaw development at Disney World.

Disney CEO Bob Iger argued that his company faced retaliation in return for speaking out.

'There was no concreted effort to dismantle Reedy Creek until we spoke out on legislation,' he said last month. 'This is plainly a matter of retaliation.'

Disney's lawsuit argues DeSantis' actions violated its First Amendment and other constitutional rights.
Royal aides may be watching nervously after a three-month delay was announced for the release of a new book by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's cheerleader Omid Scobie.

Earlier today, Scobie tweeted his new book titled 'Endgame' - a 'penetrating investigation' about the Royal Family's 'fight for survival' - would be published on November 21, three months after its original August date.

He promised the book will be full of 'unique insight, deep access and exclusive revelations'.

It is thought the publishing date could have been moved to give the author a chance to include inside material through and beyond the King's coronation.

Prince Harry notably was sat in the third row of the ceremony at Westminster Abbey and played no formal role in the proceedings, jetting off after less than 24 hours in the UK.

Omid Scobie announced the release of Endgame last year but today announced the publication date as November 21, 2023

Scobie (pictured in London in June this year) rose to prominence after writing Founding Freedom, a laudatory biography about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

With no sign of any reconciliation between the duke and his father and brother, a change of publication date leads to concerns Scobie could wring every drop out of the row between the family.

Commenting on Scobie's announcement today, royal biographer Richard Fitzwilliams said: 'Hes writing about the royal family and hes also Harry and Meghans unofficial spokesperson, some sensational details are bound to follow. However, how well sourced are they?

'No reputable royal source would talk to Omid Scobie.'

The author's previous title, Finding Freedom, covered the Duke and Duchess of Sussexes' decision to step down as senior royals.

Mr Fitzwilliams went on: 'His book, co-written with Carolyn Durand, Finding Freedom, which the Sussexes were discovered to have cooperated with despite their denials, was badly written and pathetically inadequate.

'His new book is entitled Endgame. Some might think the title refers to the current state of the Sussexes' affairs. It is worth remembering that they reportedly had a four-book deal with Random House.

'Spare, Harrys memoir, contained some highly Ill-judged passages including the number of Taliban he killed on his second tour of duty of Afghanistan.'

Following the leak of Spare in January, ex-Army chief Colonel Richard Kemp called Harry's comments 'ill-judged' and said soldiers are not trained to regard their targets as 'subhuman' - while former National Security Adviser Lord Darroch said he would have cautioned the Duke from disclosing his kill count.

Mr Fitzwilliams added: 'Much of Endgame is not likely to be taken seriously. It is likely to be a sensational attempt to cash in on the Sussexes' rift with the royal family. I suspect it will be trusted as much as anything from the Sussexes' corner should be.

A six-part Netflix TV series called Harry & Meghan was released in December last year

'It will be assumed to have been written with their approval as Finding Freedom provably was. What is really worrying is, what comes next. Ironically it seems to be the Sussexes who, to quote Endgames blurb fight for survival not the royal family.'

READ MORE - YouTube star accuses the Sussexes of 'DEFAMING' her in Netflix docuseries Advertisement

Scobie announced his second book last year, in which he said Endgame would 'pull back the curtain on an institution in turmoilexposing the chaos, family dysfunction, distrust and draconian practices threatening its very future'.

According to a statement released by the publisher: 'On September 8, 2022, the world stood still as news broke of Queen Elizabeth IIs passing.

'Her death dismantled the protective shield around the worlds most famous family, and saw a long-simmering crisis of confidence in the British monarchy begin to resurface.

'Now, with unique insight, deep access and exclusive revelations, journalist Omid Scobie pulls back the curtain on an institution in turmoilexposing the chaos, family dysfunction, distrust and draconian practices threatening its very future.

'This is the monarchys endgame. Do they have what it takes to save it?'

Mr Scobie, who is the royal editor of US website Harper's Bazaar, has been a firm cheerleader for Harry and Meghan over recent years, having co-authored a highly sympathetic biography of the couple in 2020.

He is one of the closest journalists to Harry and Meghan since their move to America.

It comes at a difficult time for Harry and Meghan, with Spotify announcing earlier this month that it was dropping the Duchess's podcast, Archetypes.

Scobie says his new book Endgame (pictured) will 'pull back the curtain on an institution in turmoil'

Meanwhile, Netflix is reportedly planning to can their deal with the couple when it expires in 2025 - after rejecting several of their ideas for shows.

In a bid to revive their flagging fortunes, Harry and Meghan are developing a Netflix show called 'Bad Manners', based on a feminist version of Miss Havisham from Charles Dickens' Great Expectations - according to the Wall Street Journal.

The author's previous title, Finding Freedom, covered the Duke and Duchess of Sussexes' decision to step down as senior royals

Meanwhile, a YouTube star has threatened legal action against the couple after accusing them of 'defaming' and 'slandering' her in their bombshell Netflix documentary.

Shallon Lester, from California, came out guns blazing against the Sussexes in a new video posted to her account on Tuesday, in which she railed against Harry, 38, and Meghan, 41, for allegedly 'mischaracterizing' her in the six-part Netflix series.

Back in December, Lester branded Harry & Megan 'a festival of bulls**t' after a clip from her YouTube account was shown in their documentary, implying that she was part of a coordinated trolling campaign against the couple.

The outspoken influencer has now hinted that she may pursue legal action against them - noting in her video that her 'lawyer is going to be mad' at her for mentioning it - and is vowing to 'nail their a** to the wall' over the allegations.

'Believe me when I say I'm pursuing every opportunity to nail their a** to the wall for this,' she raged in the video. 'It's defamation, it's slander, it's mischaracterization. And you know what else it is? Misinformation.'
Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre pulled out of a planned appearance Wednesday on The View 'out of respect for striking writers,' the White House said.

Her cancellation comes as President Joe Biden and the White House have been peppered with questions over a WhatsApp message that gave the appearance the president was involved in son Hunter's overseas business deals.

An IRS whistleblower turned a 2017 message over to House Republicans in which Hunter told a Chinese business associate that he was 'sitting with his father,' adding, 'and we would like to know why the commitment made was not fulfilled.'

The president twice denied Wednesday being involved in his son's Chinese shakedown, after denying for years he had coordinated with Hunter while the first son was striking deals with Chinese and Ukrainian associates.

'Out of respect for striking writers, we pulled down our scheduled appearance on The View,' a White House official told Deadline, excusing Jean-Pierre's absence.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre pulled out of a planned appearance on The View Wednesday 'out of respect for striking writers'

The View's panel on Wednesday interviewed former Sex and the City Star actress Kim Cattrall, who is reprising her Samantha Jones character in the spin-off, And Just Like That

'President Biden and his entire administration sincerely hope that the writers strike gets resolved  and writers are given the fair deal they deserve  as soon as possible,' the statement said.

The View employs some writers who are represented by the union WGAE East.

The strike started in early May.

Sex and the City's Kim Cattrall - who is reprising her role of Samantha Jones in the spin-off, And Just Like That - was the talk show's featured guest Wednesday.

Jean-Pierre had less facetime with the American public this week due to her deputy, Olivia Dalton, making her White House briefing room debut Tuesday and then traveling with the president to Chicago Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Dalton pushed back on assertions that Hunter was complicating life for both the president and White House staff.

Last Tuesday, the Justice Department announced that the U.S. Attorney from Delaware and Hunter had struck a plea deal with the first son pleaded guilty of tax crimes and likely serving probation for a gun charge.

Two days later Hunter attended the White House state dinner for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, later traveling to Camp David with his son Beau and the president for the weekend.

At the same time, House Republicans have been pushing out WhatsApp messages pertaining to Hunter's business deals with China.

'Every president of the United States has invited their family to a state dinner. This president also has a family. He is no different. And beyond that, I'm just not going to engage on this,' Dalton said Tuesday.

Fox News' Jacqui Heinrich pointed to comments made by former White House press secretary Jen Psaki, now with MSNBC, who said the optics of Hunter being at the dinner were 'absolutely not' good.

Dalton still didn't bite.

'Like every other administration, like every other president, this president has a family, and he did exactly what many prior administrations have done. And beyond that, I really don't have any comment on this,' she said.
A BBC presenter sparked a backlash yesterday after asking Daisy Goodwin if she was absolutely certain she was groped by former London mayoral hopeful Daniel Korski.

Ms Goodwin appeared on Radio 4s Today programme to talk about her ordeal.

At one point host Martha Kearney asked her: And are you absolutely certain about what happened to you? It was ten years ago. Could there be any ambiguity about it?

Ms Goodwin replied: Im really surprised youre asking me that, Martha.

Yes, it happened to me ten years ago but when something like this happens to you, you know that it has happened to you because you were there  you felt it.

Daisy Goodwin has accused Daniel Korski of groping her a decade ago

Radio 4's Today host Martha Kearney asked Ms Goodwin 'are you absolutely certain about what happened to you?'

You felt amazed, shocked and rather humiliated. I mean, to ask me if Im certain is to ask me if Im making it up. Thats not the case.

Some social media users hit out at Ms Kearney for victim-blaming. Others posted that it was appalling and inappropriate.

Mandu Reid, leader of the Womens Equality Party, said: One thing there is no ambiguity about is the impact that questions like the one aimed at Daisy Goodwin this morning has on women.

This question is a perfect example of how women are routinely undermined when they report harassment or abuse. It immediately puts a question mark over the womans credibility and integrity.

This is serious because the fear of being disbelieved prevents women from coming forward.

It takes enormous courage to speak out publicly as Daisy Goodwin has done, especially when the alleged perpetrator is a powerful, high-profile man.
The neighbors of a mother, whose 16-month-old baby died after she abandoned it to go on a 10-day vacation, say they are heartbroken and that it's not the first time the child was left alone.

Kristel Candelario, 31, of Cleveland, Ohio, was arrested and charged in the death of her baby daughter, Jailyn on June 18, while she reportedly traveled to Detroit and Puerto Rico, according to the affidavit.

Her neighbor, who was not identified, said Jailyn was 'always a happy baby' and was 'always smiling.'

'She was wonderful, she was just a wonderful baby,' the female neighbor told CNN.

The neighbor's daughter said there were 'plenty of people' around to have watched the baby, saying: 'She could have knocked on any of our doors and asked us to take care of Jailyn and we would have.'

When Candelario returned to her Cleveland home located at West 97th Street on June 16th she saw that her daughter had been unresponsive.

'When they told us the state they found her in, I was just heartbroken,' the woman's teenage neighbor told CNN.

Kristel Candelario, 31, of Cleveland, Ohio, was arrested and charged in the death of her baby daughter, Jailyn on June 18, while she reportedly traveled to Detroit and Puerto Rico

The little girl was found unresponsive in her playpen when the mother returned home. Her neighbor, who was not identified, said Jailyn was 'always a happy baby' and was 'always smiling'

Candelario has been indicted on charges of aggravated murder, two counts of murder, felonious assaults, and endangering children. Candelario, who took her older daughter on vacation, is being held on a $1million bail.

Speaking through an interpreter, Candelario admitted to investigators that she had left her baby 'at home, all alone and unattended,' and found that her daughter had reportedly been 'extremely dehydrated,' as per the affidavit.

Authorities alleged that her daughter's playpen had been filled with 'soiled blankets and a bottom liner, saturated with urine and feces,' according to an affidavit.

When emergency personnel arrived on the scene, they pronounced the child deceased.

'When they told us the state they found her in, I was just heartbroken,' the woman's teenage neighbor (pictured) said. 'She could have knocked on any of our doors and asked us to take care of Jailyn and we would have'

It is unclear why Candelario did not ask anyone to help her care for her child while she was traveling.

Officials said on Thursday that Candelario never made any arrangements for her baby daughter before she went away.

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office said that there were 'no signs of trauma' but revealed that the child had been left alone for approximately 10 days and had subsequently died, according to the police statement.

An acquaintance told News5 Cleveland this was not the first time Candelario had left her baby daughter home alone.

An acquaintance said this was not the first time Candelario had left her baby daughter home alone. The mother had taken her older daughter on vacation with her

'We keep telling her not to leave her by herself, not just me, my friend across the street too, but she always leave her by herself,' the person said.

Candelario had previously worked as a building substitute at Citizen Academy Glenville, an elementary school in Cleveland.

She had been in that role since November 2022, but was fired after her arrest. The school issued a statement announcing her termination, WEWS-TV reported.

According to officials with Children and Family Services, there is no record of any previous cases involving Candelario, according to the news outlet.
The bill for royal travel dropped by 600,000 last year, to 3.9 million, as family members undertook less foreign visits at the request of the government.

The single most expensive trip was the then-Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall's official visit to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Rwanda last year which cost taxpayers 186,500.

This was closely followed by their first state visit as King and Queen to Germany in March which came in at 146,219.

Working members of the Royal Family undertook more than 2,700 engagements across the UK and overseas over the last year.

When the new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh travelled to the Caribbean on behalf of the late Queen for an official Platinum Jubilee tour the travel bill was 85,000.

The single most expensive trip was the then-Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall's official visit to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Rwanda last year (pictured) which cost taxpayers 186,500

When the new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh travelled to the Caribbean on behalf of the late Queen for an official Platinum Jubilee tour (pictured) the travel bill was 85,000

And the Prince and Princess of Wales's trip to Boston for the Earthshot awards in December cost 48,000.

Some of the most eye-opening journeys, however, took place in the UK, with extensive use of helicopters and private planes by all senior royals.

Princess Anne spent 18,000 on a charter plane for a day of engagements in Scotland last November, plus almost 20,000 on a charter flight to Edinburgh to attend a Scotland v Wales rugby international in February from her Gloucestershire home.

The late Queen Elizabeth spent 40,902 travelling up to Balmoral and back for a short break in May last year.

And the new King and Queen spent 26,000 travelling down to London from Scotland to undertake their first official duties following the death of Queen Elizabeth in September, plus a further 43,000 travelling from London to Scotland and Northern Ireland where they met dignitaries and accepted condolences.

A further 27,000 was also spent from them to travel back up to Aberdeen.

In all, 1.02 million was also spent on 179 helicopter journeys costing less than 17,000 each, 389,000 on 40 charter flights, 117,000 on scheduled flights and 86,000 on scheduled rail journeys.

And the Prince and Princess of Wales's trip to Boston (pictured) for the Earthshot awards in December cost 48,000

The royal train - which was only used four times last year at an average cost of 30,656 - will keep on chugging for the time being after receiving a royal reprieve.

Palace staff had previously indicated that the maroon-liveried train, which can only be used by the monarch and the heir to the throne, would be reviewed after she died.

However, a senior palace official said yesterday that it was 'too early' in His Majesty's reign to determine what the future usage of the train might be.

He argued that it has always been a 'helpful asset' in its travel portfolio because it was 'effective and operationally efficient', allowing senior royals to travel securely overnight to remote locations and carry out a full programme of engagements.

The official indicated that they would monitor the situation before deciding whether there should be a plan to decommission it.
Six Mississippi deputy sheriffs have been fired or resigned after they were accused by two black men of beating and sexually assaulting them before shooting one in the mouth.

Michael Corey Jenkins, 32, and his friend Eddie Terrell Parker, 35, said deputies from the Rankin County Sheriff's Department burst into a home in Rankin County, just east of the state capital of Jackson, without a warrant.

The men said deputies beat them, assaulted them with a sex toy and shocked them repeatedly with Tasers in a roughly 90-minute period during the January 24 episode, Jenkins and Parker said.

Jenkins said one of the deputies shoved a gun in his mouth and then fired the weapon, leaving him with serious injuries to his face, a lacerated tongue and broken jaw. He was hospitalized for weeks.

Michael Corey Jenkins, one of two black men - one of whom was shot in the mouth by a law enforcement officer filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against a Mississippi sheriff's dept.

Parker told how on the night in question, the deputies suddenly came into the home where Parker was living and proceeded to handcuff and beat them

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey said that all the deputies involved in the episode had been fired, and some had already resigned

Michael Jenkins, second from right, stands with his mother, Mary Jenkins, center, and their attorneys in February following his release from the hospital after being shot by sheriff's

Parker said he was sitting in his bedroom at about 10pm that night when he heard loud talking coming from the home's living room.

He claimed he opened his door and saw deputies in the hallway, and they immediately ordered him to get down on the floor and proceeded to handcuff and beat them.

At one point the pair were forced to lie on their backs as the deputies poured milk over their faces, he added.

Parker said he struggled 'to keep breathing and keep from drowning at the same time.'

'There was milk coming out of my nose, my mouth,' Parker told The Associated Press in an interview. 'I've never been in that position and felt the way that I felt that night.'

Jenkins, who has trouble speaking because of his injuries, said that he was on his knees at the end of the ordeal when one of the deputies stood over him.

The deputy placed the barrel of a gun in Jenkins' mouth, it fired and the bullet exited behind one of Jenkins' ears.

The Justice Department opened a civil rights investigation into the Rankin County Sheriff's Department after the episode.

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey said he immediately sought a state investigation following the incident

A deputy placed the barrel of a gun in Jenkins' mouth, it fired and the bullet exited behind one of his ears

Jenkins said one of the deputies shoved a gun in his mouth and then fired the weapon, leaving him with serious injuries to his face, a lacerated tongue and broken jaw. He was hospitalized for weeks

At one point the pair were forced to lie on their backs as the deputies poured milk over their faces. Parker, pictured, said he struggled 'to keep breathing and keep from drowning at the same time'

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey said that he immediately sought a state investigation at the time.

On Tuesday he announced that all the deputies involved in the episode had been fired, and some had already resigned.

He refused to provide the names of the deputies who had been terminated nor would he say how many law enforcement officers were fired.

Bailey also refused to answer additional questions about the episode.

'Due to recent developments, including findings during our internal investigation, those deputies that were still employed by this department have all been terminated,' Bailey said at a news conference.

'We understand that the alleged actions of these deputies has eroded the public's trust in the department. Rest assured that we will work diligently to restore that trust.'

Jenkins, pictured, and Parker have also filed a federal civil rights lawsuit and are seeking $400 million in damages

Bailey's announcement also follows an Associated Press investigation that found several deputies who were involved with the episode were also linked to at least four violent encounters with black men since 2019 that left two dead and another with lasting injuries.

A second man besides Jenkins also alleges that deputies shoved guns into his mouth.

Deputies who had been accepted to the sheriff's office's Special Response Team - a tactical unit whose members receive advanced training - were involved in each of the four encounters.

Deputies said the raid was prompted by a report of drug activity at the home.

Jenkins was charged with possessing between 2 and 10 grams of methamphetamine and aggravated assault on a police officer.

Parker was charged with two misdemeanors: possession of paraphernalia and disorderly conduct. Deputies have not said whether they obtained a warrant to search the home.

Police and court records revealed the identities of two deputies at the Jenkins raid: Hunter Elward and Christian Dedmon.

It was not immediately clear whether any of the deputies had attorneys who could comment on their behalf.

Jason Dare, an attorney representing the Rankin County Sheriff's Department, said the department knows of five deputies who conducted the Jenkins raid.

Jenkins and his attorney have said six deputies were at the home. All five identified by the department were either fired or resigned.

There is no body camera footage of the episode.

Jenkins has said he didn't know the name of the deputy who shot him.

Parker, Shabazz and attorney Trent Walker claim it was Deputy Hunter Elward, based partly on a separate court document in which Elward swore that Jenkins had pointed a gun at him. In addition, Parker said he recognized Elward from online photos of the deputy.

Records obtained by the AP show that Tasers used by the deputies were turned on, turned off or used dozens of times during a roughly 65-minute period before Jenkins was shot.

Jenkins and Parker have also filed a federal civil rights lawsuit and are seeking $400 million in damages.

The allegations against the deputies have sparked a Justice Department probe into the encounter.

U.S. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, says the Justice Department is still investigating the January raid that led to the shooting of Michael Corey Jenkins by Mississippi sheriff's deputies

In a statement Tuesday, Malik Shabazz, an attorney representing Jenkins and Parker, celebrated the firing of the officers and called for criminal indictments of deputies by the state attorney general and the Justice Department.

In a community meeting in Mississippi on June 1, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division said the investigation is still ongoing.

'The firing of the Rankin County Mississippi Sheriff's deputies involved in the torture and shooting of Michael Jenkins and Eddie Parker is a significant action on the path to justice for one of the worst law enforcement tragedies in recent memory,' Shabazz said.

'Sheriff Bryan Bailey has finally acted after supporting much of the bloodshed that has occurred under his reign in Rankin County.

'If there ever were a case where punitive damages needed to be levied against police officers, this is the case,' attorney Shabazz said earlier this month.

'This incredible, nasty, violent ordeal exposes that Rankin County deputies and the Department have had a long pattern and practice of deadly excessive force and hate crimes against its African American citizens.'

A GoFundMe has been set up to help the victims.
King Charles has ordered his staff to reduce thermostats in a drive to make Buckingham Palace greener.

Guests, staff and the Royal Family were living with temperatures set at 19C (66F) during the winter across royal residences.

And staff were 'educated' to turn the temperature down to 16C when the rooms were empty.

The monarch has also been switching off the radiators at weekends completely as well as the remaining historic gas lamps  which are still in the process of electrification  'when it is safe to do so'.

The King has now asked for the heating to be turned off completely in the Buckingham Palace swimming pool, so it currently stands unused. The monarch's targeted initiatives across all the occupied royal palaces, including Windsor Castle, appear to be paying dividends already.

King Charles has ordered his staff to reduce thermostats in a drive to make Buckingham Palace greener

Staff were 'educated' to turn the temperature down to 16C when the rooms were empty

They have resulted in a 19 per cent decrease in natural gas and heating emissions in just a year.

A senior Palace official said the household had a 'core objective' of improving environmental sustainability and was writing it into every decision it makes.

They said: 'His Majesty's long-standing leadership in this space has re-enforced the strategic importance of this issue to the royal household.

'Our ambition is to be a leading best practice organisation within the historic environment.'

A senior royal official added: 'In the short term, it's all about reducing our emissions where we can, adjusting room temperatures, reducing heating at weekends, turning off the gas lamps where it is safe to do so.'

As Prince of Wales, Charles was renowned for introducing energy-saving measures at Clarence House.

This included installing energy monitors, getting his staff to use bikes and, like his late mother, going round turning off the lights.

He previously recycled his Clarence House bath water and runs his Aston Martin classic car on sustainable fuel made from cheese and wine.

As Prince of Wales, Charles was renowned for introducing energy-saving measures at Clarence House

Now he is King, the royal household is very rapidly progressing towards becoming net zero in terms of its emissions.

Staff are looking at installing heat pumps at Windsor Castle and completely electrifying the entire royal fleet of cars.

Lights are being turned off at the weekends, with staff joking they will be sent to the Tower of London should they disobey.

Aircraft are encouraged to use sustainable aviation fuel wherever possible while a larger proportion of renewable electricity is now being purchased.

There has also been a 43 per cent decrease in business travel emission as a result of fewer requests from the Government for tours involving long-haul flights, though it appears unclear whether that will continue in the future.

The annual review also reveals an 11 per cent decrease in waste production, which amounted to 1,349 tonnes this year.
Gladys Berejiklian has broken her silence with a defiant statement, hours after the former NSW premier was found to be 'seriously corrupt' by ICAC.

'Serving the people of NSW was an honour and privilege. At all times I have worked my hardest in the public interest,' she said.

'Nothing in this report demonstrates otherwise. Thank you to members of the public for their incredible support. This will sustain me always.

'The (ICAC) report is currently being examined by my legal team.'

The Independent Commission Against Corruption made corrupt conduct findings against Ms Berejiklian on Thursday - almost two years after she quit as NSW premier - and also against her ex-lover, former Liberal MP for Wagga Wagga Daryl Maguire.

ICAC said 'Ms Berejiklian engaged in serious corrupt conduct by breaching public trust in 2016 and 2017 through exercising her official functions in relation to funding promised and/or awarded'.

Bombshell phone intercepts from the ICAC report showed Ms Berejiklian's secret boyfriend told her, 'I am the boss, even when you're the Premier.'

Ms Berejiklian argued her responses agreeing Mr Maguire was 'the boss' in their relationship, and other similar comments, were just her way of 'appeasing an insecure man to make him feel better about himself'.

Former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian (pictured) refused to answer questions on Thursday morning

Gladys Berejiklian is pictured with Daryl Maguire (behind) with whom she was in a secret relationship for years

The corruption involved her support for funding a gun club in Mr Maguire's electorate and $20million in funds reserved for the Riverina Conservatorium of Music, also in his electorate.

The 300-seat music conservatorium, announced in August 2018 when Ms Berejiklian was in a secret relationship with Mr Maguire, did not go ahead because the business case didn't stack up.

In evidence that was not previously made public, ICAC revealed details of a telephone intercept between Ms Berejiklian and Mr Maguire on February 14, 2018, in which she twice agreed with him when he said 'I am the boss'.

BEREJIKLIAN: 'That's what I mean I forget that I'm meant to be with you know, technically the Premier so, you know. I get that.

MAGUIRE: 'Hmm anyway.'

BEREJIKLIAN: 'Because you know what I tell you why because normally you're the boss and it's hard when we have to switch it around that's the truth. '

MAGUIRE: 'Yeah but I am the boss, even when you're the Premier.'

BEREJIKLIAN: 'I know. So therefore it's hard when I had to switch it around.'

MAGUIRE: 'Glad even when you are the Premier I am the boss alright.

BEREJIKLIAN: 'Yes I know'.

In another text exchange dated to April 12, 2018, Ms Berejiklian appeared to tell Mr Maguire she couldn't do her job without him:

MAGUIRE: I am busy killing mmc you do your job and lead the state.

BEREJIKLIAN: I can't without you.

MAGUIRE: I am your biggest supporter! Got your back go and do your job.

BEREJIKLIAN: But you are my family.

But Ms Berejiklian said her showing concern over Mr Maguire's insecurities and seeking to placate him was unremarkable.

'She contended that her "banal reassurances in this conversation" were a world away from evidence that she would exercise her public functions with partiality, alive to Mr Maguire's insecurities and/or in a manner calculated to placate him and that the exchange was easily recognisable as an instance of a woman appeasing an insecure man to make him feel better about himself.' the ICAC report said.

'It did not reflect her sincere sentiments.'

Texts sent between Gladys Berejiklian and Daryl Maguire

The ICAC previously heard text message evidence that Mr Maguire used an Armenian term of affection, describing her as 'hawkiss' when he had good news to share.

Mr Maguire: 'Hawkiss good news One of my contacts sold a motel for 5.8 million I had put her in contact so I should make 5k.'

Ms Berejiklian: 'Congrats!!! Great news!!! Woohoo.'

The duo's relationship had progressed to such a point that they both referred to Ms Berejiklian's Sydney address as 'home'.

Text messages between the pair revealed they were engaged in 'mundane domestic arrangements, such as requests to pick up bread and things to eat on the way "home"'.

While Ms Berejiklian said she believed the relationship began sometime in 2015, the commission found messages consistent with 'physical and emotional intimacy' from as early as early 2014.

The report stated: 'The messages are replete with terms of endearment, the use of pet names and other indications of mutual affection and love. They include discussions about marriage and the possibility of having a child together.'

'Failure to disclose relationship'

Ms Berejiklian's failure to disclose her relationship with Mr Maguire during an expenditure review process, despite supporting the grant proposal, was slammed by ICAC as conflicted.

A proposal to the NSW government's Cabinet sought $5.5million for the Australian Clay Target Association (ACTA) to develop a large clubhouse and conference facility in Wagga Wagga.

Berejiklian's former boyfriend Daryl Maguire is pictured firing a gun

'It's to be known as the Maguire International Shooting Centre of Excellence,' a document related to it joked.

ICAC found that 'the evidence is compelling that Ms Berejiklian deliberately failed to disclose her personal relationship with Mr Maguire in circumstances where there was a real possibility of conflict between her public duty and her private interest in relation to her exercise of her official functions associated with proposals for government action that she knew were advanced by Mr Maguire, such as the ACTA proposal.

'The Commission rejects Ms Berejiklian's submission that she did not know, nor was she reckless as to, her obligation to disclose her relationship with Mr Maguire under the conflict regime.

'In the Commission's view, Ms Berejiklian's failure to disclose her relationship with Mr Maguire in relation to the decisions she made concerning the ACTA proposal cannot be put down to an honest error of judgment.'

'Seriously corrupt', but no charges

Despite the extraordinary finding, the ICAC does not believe the former premier should be prosecuted, though, saying: 'The Commission is not of the opinion that consideration should be given to obtaining the advice of the [Director of Public Prosecutions] with respect to the prosecution of Ms Berejiklian for any offence.'

But it said 'consideration should be given to obtaining the advice of the DPP about the prosecution of Mr Maguire' and two of his business associates.

ICAC found that Mr Maguire improperly used his office and the resources he had access as an MP between 2012 and August 2018.

He did so to benefit G8wayInternational Pty Ltd, it found, 'a company of which he was in substance a director and whose profits he had an arrangement to share with others'.

During its investigation of Mr Maguire, ICAC became aware of the relationship between him and Ms Berejiklian.

The corruption involved Ms Berejiklian's support for gun club (pictured) funding in Mr Maguire's electorate

$20million in funding was reserved for the Riverina Conservatorium of Music (pictured), but it did not go ahead because the business case didn't stack up

'The investigation revealed them discussing aspects of Mr Maguire's conduct that the Commission was investigating and Ms Berejiklian's participation in grant decisions favouring projects in his electorate,' it said.

As the investigation continued, the ICAC found that 'her acts and omissions gave rise to questions as to whether she had: seriously misused her public offices; breached the NSW Ministerial Code of Conduct ...

'Failed to exercise her duty under section 11 of the ICAC Act to report any matter that she suspected on reasonable grounds concerned, or may concern, corrupt conduct in relation to the conduct of Mr Maguire ...

'And engaged in conduct that was liable to allow or encourage the occurrence of corrupt conduct by Mr Maguire such as could constitute serious corrupt conduct within the meaning of the ICAC Act.'

How Gladys Berejiklian's boyfriend, barrister Arthur Moses, reacted Gladys Berejiklian's boyfriend Arthur Moses was at work in the NSW Supreme Court when ICAC branded his girlfriend corrupt in their damning report. The high-flying barrister was representing Network Ten in their legal action against former political editor Peter van Onselen after 9am, just as the corruption watchdog's report was published. He ducked out of pre-hearing discussions, telling colleagues he had to 'make a call' moments after ICAC released its report making findings of 'serious corrupt conduct' against Ms Berejiklian, over her 'secret lovers' relationship with her ex, Daryl Maguire. When he returned to courtroom 7D 15 minutes later, one colleague asked Mr Moses if he was alright and put a supportive arm around him. Mr Moses replied he was fine and returned to the case shortly after, making his opening address to the court without any mention of his girlfriend's plight. Ms Berejiklian (pictured right) and her barrister boyfriend Arthur Moses (left) were pictured hand-in-hand taking an early morning stroll last weekend Advertisement

Premier Chris Minns said though the 'report has taken way too long ... nothing in this report takes away from Premier Berejiklian's handling of the Covid emergency which I still regard as being excellent'.

He added that 'It is important however for all politicians in NSW and anyone in public life or positions of leadership to understand we must manage conflicts of interest and declare them.

'That has been a fundamental principle since the foundation of the NSW Parliament. It remains the case today and my government takes that warning incredibly seriously.'

NSW Premier Chris Minns (pictured on Thursday) said the ICAC 'report has taken way too long'

The Premier said the Labor government will 'work with parties across the political spectrum about ensuring that if there are appropriate and reasonable steps to strengthen the ICAC ... we are open to looking at that.'

Despite the finding of corrupt behaviour, former NSW treasurer Matt Kean defended Ms Berjiklian, posting on Twitter that has taken ICAC two years 'to tell us that Gladys Berejiklian has not broken the law'.

Mr Kean also said Thursday morning's proceeding were 'a ridiculous display - ICAC turning a corruption report into a live TV event at Parliament House.

'This body deciding that "serious corrupt conduct" has occurred, but then recommending no charges be laid because there is no evidence?'

Ms Berejiklian's former Liberal colleague Matt Kean defended her on Twitter (pictured)

Lewis Rangott (Executive Director, Corruption Prevention Division ICAC) is pictured right as he arrives at NSW Parliament House NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

The Commission slammed some of Ms Berejiklian's evidence and the attitude she took during public the hearings.

At one point, she dismissed a submission that her relationship with Mr Maguire could have influenced her for 'the simple, completely legitimate and entirely human reason that people tend to wish to please and to seek to avoid disappointing the expectations or desires of people who they love'.

She said the submission was 'puerile', but ICAC said her use of that was 'both supercilious and unworldly'.

It also described Ms Berejiklian as an 'unsatisfactory witness in many respects.

'Some of that may be explicable on the basis of the period of time over which the evidence ranged, and a tendency to view the witness box as more like a husting than a place from which to respond directly to the question,' the report found.

The former premier refused to answer questions on Thursday morning as the commission that exposed her secret love life at the peak of her popularity was about to deliver its report into her relationship with Mr Maguire.

She left her home in a car clutching a $5,500 Prada bag on a historic day for her and Australian politics.

ICAC tabled the long-awaited report in the NSW parliament on Thursday morning, more than 600 days after public hearings ended.

It investigated whether Ms Berejiklian breached public trust by failing to disclose her long-time personal relationship with then-MP Daryl Maguire while treasurer and premier.

That clandestine relationship became publicly known 990 days ago, when Ms Berejiklian admitted it in October 2020 in an ICAC hearing.

The commission's inquiry began as an investigation into possible corrupt conduct by Mr Maguire but expanded to Ms Berejiklian after she was compelled to reveal the relationship in public hearings in 2020.

She denied wrongdoing and retained office, only to step down when ICAC in late-2021 began investigating her conduct.

Even after the relationship was exposed, Ms Berejiklian had widespread public support, with net approval ratings of more than 35 per cent.

THE ICAC FINDINGS AGAINST GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN The Commission finds that Ms Berejiklian engaged in serious corrupt conduct by: 1. CLAY TARGET ASSOCIATION FUNDING: In 2016 and 2017, breaching public trust by exercising her official functions in relation to funding promised and/or awarded to the Australian Clay Target Association (ACTA) without disclosing her close personal relationship with Mr Maguire when she was in a position of a conflict of interest between her public duty and her private interest which could objectively have the potential to influence the performance of her public duty. Her conduct comprised: * causing the ACTA proposal to be included on the agenda for the Expenditure Review Committee (ERC) meeting of 14 December 2016 * supporting the ACTA proposal in the ERC meeting of 14 December 2016 * communicating her support for and interest in the ACTA proposal to NSW Treasury staff, at least one ministerial colleague (John Barilaro) and staff within her office * causing steps to be taken by staff from her office to follow up on the progress of the ACTA proposal following the ERC ACTA decision, including by communicating a request that the initial benefit cost ratio calculation of 0.88 by the Department of Premier and Cabinet Investment Appraisal Unit be revisitedin 2016 and 2017, partially exercising her official functions in connection with funding promised and awarded to ACTA by exercising her official functions influenced by the existence of her close personal relationship with Mr Maguire and by a desire on her partto maintain or advance that relationship (chapter 11) 2. RIVERINA CONSERVATORIUM OF MUSIC: in 2018, breaching public trust by exercising her official functions in relation to decisions concerning the Riverina Conservatorium of Music (the RCM) proposal which she knew was advanced by Mr Maguire in: * participating in the 12 April 2018 ERC decision concerning RCM Stage 1 in relation to the transfer of land at 1 Simmons Street, Wagga Wagga, to provide a site for the RCM * participating in the 24 April 2018 ERC decision concerning RCM Stage 1 in relation to the funding granted to RCM Stage 1 * determining to make a funding reservation of $20 million in relation to RCM Stage 2 * approving the letter arranging for that funding reservation to be made without disclosing her close personal relationship with Mr Maguire, when she was in a position of a conflict of interest between her public duty and her private interest in maintaining or advancing her close personal relationship with Mr Maguire, which could objectively have the potential to influence the performance of her public duty * in 2018, in connection with funding promised and awarded to RCM Stage 2 engaging in conduct constituting or involving the partial exercise of her official functions influenced by the existence of her close personal relationship with Mr Maguire, or by a desire on her part to maintain or advance that relationship (chapter 12) * refusing to discharge her duty under s 11 of the ICAC Act to notify the Commission of her suspicion that Mr Maguire had engaged in activities which concerned, or might have concerned, corrupt conduct (chapter 13). Advertisement

After quitting office in October 2021, she turned down an opportunity to run for federal parliament and moved into the private sector as an Optus executive.

But Labor powerbroker Graham Richardson believes she must now resign her executive job.

'I think ... she'll resign. I'll be very surprised if Optus kept her on. There's no joy for Gladys no matter which direction she looks. And I think that's really sad.

'I think Gladys Berejiklian has hit a dead end,' Mr Richardson said.

Her employer, though, is sticking by her, at least for the moment.

'Optus acknowledges the ICAC report published in relation to Gladys Berejiklian's time serving as a member of the NSW parliament,' the telco said in a very brief comment on Thursday afternoon.

A former counsel assisting ICAC, though, said he was 'surprised' by findings against the ex-premier.

Geoffrey Watson, who is now the director of the Centre for Public Integrity, told the ABC he was 'a little bit surprised'.

'They are very strong findings. The factual findings are really very strongly worded, highly adverse. Obviously, mainly against Daryl Maguire. I am more surprised so far in respect of Gladys Berejiklian.

'On the other hand, from my reading of the report, there are really very careful factual findings based upon more than just merely Ms Berejiklian's evidence which justify the findings, which have been made about serious corrupt conduct,' he said.

Delays in the release of the ICAC report into Ms Berejiklian and Ms Maguire have been criticised.

The commission has said delays were caused by complex legal issues and the vast volume of submissions it had to scrutinise.

It repeatedly asked for extensions and more funding to complete its investigations.

Her date with ICAC destiny seemed far from Ms Berejiklian's mind as she was pictured touching up her makeup at a cafe table last Saturday

The couple wore matching dark caps and designer sunglasses. Mr Moses is pictured left and Ms Berejiklian is pictured right

The NSW Labor government on Wednesday backed a parliamentary committee's call for ICAC to set deadlines for future investigations and measure its performance against them.

'(The changes) will increase transparency and public accountability of the ICAC's reporting functions without imposing inflexible restrictions on the ICAC,' the government said.

On Thursday, the state Opposition leader Mark Speakman and shadow attorney-general Alister Henskens released a joint statement, which also addressed the time it took for ICAC to report.

'The delays in providing a report have been unacceptable and should not be allowed to occur again,' they said.

'Our community deserves a timelier resolution of investigations undertaken by ICAC, especially when they concern the senior leadership of our state.'

ICAC investigated whether ex-premier Gladys Berejiklian...

1. Engaged in conduct between 2012 and 2018 that was 'liable to allow or encourage the occurrence of corrupt conduct' by former Liberal MP Daryl Maguire, with whom she was in a close personal relationship between 2015 and 2018 2. Exercised her official functions dishonestly or partially by refusing to exercise her duty to report any reasonable suspicions about Mr Maguire to the ICAC 3. Exercised any of her official functions partially in connection with two multimillion-dollar grants in Mr Maguire's electorate, to the Australian Clay Target Association Inc and the Riverina Conservatorium of Music. Advertisement

While seated at a cafe on Sydney's leafy north shore, Mr Moses at one point reached over the couple's food as Ms Berejiklian checked her phone
A convicted phone hacker helping Prince Harry's legal case against the Mirror's publisher offered 'pretty large sums of money' to potential witnesses, the High Court heard yesterday.

Andrew Green KC, representing Mirror Group Newspapers  which is being sued by the duke and the three other claimants  told the judge the practice was 'extraordinary'.

Mr Green said Graham Johnson, a 'self-confessed professional liar' who was sacked from the News of the World for fabricating stories, had been involved in an 'extremely close collaboration' with the claimants' legal team, along with another convicted phone hacker, Dan Evans. Both were key witnesses in the case.

In a separate exchange, the trial judge demanded that the claimants' lawyer 'show me the evidence' that Harry was the victim of voicemail hacking. The newspaper says there is no evidence.

Mr Justice Fancourt told Harry's barrister David Sherborne  who is also acting for actress Nikki Sanderson, actor Michael Turner, known professionally as Michael Le Vell, and comedian Paul Whitehouse's ex-wife Fiona Wightman  that he wanted him to 'show me the evidence, not just assertions' that the duke had been hacked.

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, leaves the High Court after giving evidence in his case which is a part of a group lawsuit against the Mirror Group Newspapers

Andrew Green KC said Graham Johnson (pictured) had been involved in an 'extremely close collaboration' with the claimants' legal team

'Give me your best two examples of particular evidence that [Harry] was able to give,' the judge said.

Mr Sherborne replied Harry had given examples of articles which he claims were the result of 'material he was talking about privately', and that the duke must have been a victim of unlawful information gathering because he was 'one of the most prime targets'.

In the final legal arguments in the seven-week case, Mr Green accused Mr Johnson of fishing for potential claimants against tabloid newspapers, and offering them thousands of pounds for book and film deals about their life stories.

The KC said Mr Johnson had persuaded private investigators formerly used by newspapers to trace people to give evidence on behalf of celebrities including Prince Harry by promising them 'pretty large sums of money'.

Mr Green said Harry's case was 'entirely speculative'.

He admitted the actions of journalists in the past had been 'reprehensible' but current claims had been 'wildly overstated'.

The Duke of Sussex's case had not identified a single example of his phone being hacked, he said.

Mr Green said the prince had been persuaded to sue after meeting barrister David Sherborne at a summer party hosted by Elton John in the south of France.

Despite claiming in court he had suffered long-term distress at stories written about him, he also had not read 'virtually any of the articles at the time', the barrister said.

The trial is due to conclude tomorrow and Mr Justice Fancourt will deliver his ruling at a later date.
Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has hit back at claims she is planning to change the name of Brisbane to its Aboriginal equivalent, 'Meanjin' before the 2032 Olympics.

Yesterday 4BC radio host and veteran journalist Peter Gleeson claimed that 'my sources are telling me that the Palaszczuk government is working behind the scenes' on the change, adding there were 'also suggestions that streets such as George Street, Queen Street, Anne Street, Edward Street might be renamed, and we may even see the statue of George V outside City Hall removed'.

But Premier Palaszczuk hit back, and branded the rumoured reports as 'absolute nonsense.'

'No, that is absolute nonsense,' Ms Palaszczuk told reporters.

The Premier's denials have done nothing to quell the barrage of backlash.

Queensland Premier Annastasia Palaszczuk (pictured) rubbished reports that the state government will propose to rename Brisbane before the city hosts the 2032 Olympics

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Furious One Nation leader Pauline Hanson was asked about the 4BC report of the possible name change and described the idea as 'ridiculous'.

'How insane is this, to actually want to change the name of Brisbane, that's been called Brisbane for what 150 years plus,' Senator Hanson told Sky News Australia.

'And generations have grown up under Brisbane; all our birth certificates, marriage certificates, where were we born? Brisbane, Australia. All our tourism  people overseas know it as Brisbane.

'And we're going to change it to a name that  I kind even remember what you said, within matter of a few seconds  I can't remember.

'And I have no intentions of actually wanting to remember. So the fact is, to me it will be Brisbane.'

'Wanting to change it to some Aboriginal name is absolutely ridiculous.'

The name Meanjin is derived from the Turrbal word for the spike of land on which parts of Brisbane was built.

Earlier this month the Queensland government renamed popular tourist destination Fraser Island, now known as K'gari.

Queensland's capital Brisbane (pictured) will host the Olympics in 2032

Former Queensland Senator and Sky News host Amanda Stoker urged the state government to 'lay off the virtue-signalling.'

'We should all respect and treat as our equals the people in this country who have Indigenous roots,' Ms Stoker said.

'But that doesn't mean we need to rewrite history. It doesn't mean we need to change the name of everything. And it doesn't mean we need to carry a black armband about everything in our past.'

Queensland opposition leader David Crisafulli has also slammed the move.

'Not a chance. Every Queenslander would be looking at this this morning would be shaking their head and say they're not going to change that,' he told Today show on Thursday.

Pauline Hanson (pictured) has jumped on the bandwagon of outrage against the proposal

Queensland-based federal treasurer Jim Chalmers was reluctant to weigh in on the saga.

'I hadn't given it a moment's thought until someone asked me 30 minutes ago,' he said on Thursday.

'If there is a conversation going on, I haven't been part of it.

'Obviously we try and recognise the First Nations heritage of beautiful places like Brisbane and like K'gari, that's a good thing.

'But I've got a few things on my plate at the moment and this hasn't been one of those things.'
Vladimir Putin's goons are 'interrogating' a Russian officer known as 'General Armageddon' in Moscow's notorious Lefortovo prison after America claimed he had supported Yevgeny Prigozhin's failed Wagner mutiny, Russian press is reporting.

General Sergei Surovikin was possibly under interrogation over a plot to oust the Kmrelin's defence minister Sergei Shoigu and had advance knowledge of the armed revolt which threatened Putin's regime at the weekend, reports say.

Surovikin, 56, is the second-in-command of the Russian armed forces. He has known links to 'coup leader' Prigozhin, the Wagner mercenary army chief whose soldiers marched on Moscow on Saturday, coming within 120 miles of the capital.

US officials briefed on American intelligence said a top Russian general had advance knowledge of Prigozhin's plans to rebel against Shoigu and chief of the armed forces General Valery Gerasimov over failings in the war against Ukraine, The New York Times reported on Wednesday.

The Moscow Times later reported that sources within the Defence Department said Surovikin had been arrested following the Wagner mutiny. If he was indeed involved, the feared general could face a treason charge and up to 20 years jail.

'Apparently he [Surovikin] chose the side [of Prigozhin during the rebellion] and they grabbed him by the balls,' a source told the Moscow Times.

There have been claims that Surovikin had advance knowledge of the weekend armed revolt which threatened Vladimir Putin's regime

General Sergei Surovikin (left with Putin in 2022) is possibly under interrogation over a plot to oust the Kmrelin's defence minister Sergei Shoigu and had advance knowledge of the armed revolt which threatened Putin 's regime at the weekend, reports say

Surovkin has known links to 'coup leader' Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner mercenary army chief (pictured) whose forces came within 120 miles of Moscow on Saturday

However, the source said the details of the situation are not widely discussed internally, while the department is yet to comment officially.

The suspicion is that the general in question is Surovikin, a commander known for his brutality and who has historically been described as one of the more 'Wagner-friendly' Russian military leaders.

He commanded Russia's Eastern Military District in Syria from 2013, before going on to command the Russian Ground Forces in Syria from 2017. During his time there, he is credited with turning the tide of the Syrian Civil War in favour of dictator Bashar al-Assad and is alleged to have been responsible for attacks on civilian targets.

However, commentators have cautioned that the US has an interest in undermining Surovikin, who is considered to be highly competent and ruthless, with the leaks causing more chaos for the Kremlin in the midst of the war in Ukraine.

The well-connected pro-war Rybar Telegram channel has revealed that Surovikin 'has not been seen since Saturday'.

The military-linked channel stated: 'The whereabouts of 'General Armageddon' is not known for certain. 'There is a version that he is under interrogation.'

The channel said that while Gerasimov formally retains his title he is 'no longer involved in decisions of issues in the [war].'

Separately, respected journalist Alexei Venediktov said Surovikin has not been in contact with his family for three days. The general's guards are also incommunicado.

Military blogger Vladimir Romanov said Surovikin was detained on June 25 (the day after Prigozhin called off his 'march for justice' and is held in notorious FSB pre-trial jail Lefortovo where Putin has detained multiple foes who have crossed him.

US journalist for the Wall Street Journal Evan Gershkovich is currently being held there after being detained by Russia in March, accused of being a spy. Last week, a Moscow court denied his appeal, meaning he will start there until the end of August.

It also currently houses former US marine veteran Paul Whelan who was handed a 16-year jail sentence in 2020 after being accused of spying.

Another version is that Surovikin - while not formally detained - has been ordered to account for his actions before and during the Prigozhin revolt.

For this he has been isolated and 'interviewed'.

Thanks to accounts from past inmates, we have a good idea of what conditions Surovikin is likely being held under.

Built in the late 1800s, the yellow-walled prison lies on the eastern edge of Moscow. It was built in a letter K, with former inmates saying it was designed to instil isolation, fear and despair in order the break their spirits.

It was used for mass executions during Soviet Union leader Joseph Stalin's Great purge between 1936 and 1938, and was used by the NKVD secret police for torture, violent interrogations and executions to solidify Stalin's control.

Built in the late 1800s, the yellow-walled Lefortovo prison (pictured) lies on the eastern edge of Moscow. It was built in a letter K, with former inmates saying it was designed to instil isolation, fear and despair in order the break their spirits

All sound inside the prison is muted with old, worn-down carpets so prisoners cannot even hear the footsteps of other inmates, or guards as they approach.

Valentin Moiseyev, a Russian diplomat who spent three-and-a-half years in the prison from the late 90s, said the carpets 'are not for beauty or for pleasing the eyes of prisoners but so that steps do not break the utter crypt-like silence, one that is oppressive and makes your ears ring.'

Its small cells, meanwhile, are believed to contain beds made from iron bars with a paper thin mattress and a downed pillow, a sink and a toilet bowl.

Phones calls are banned and only visits by lawyers are allowed, while detainees only leave their cells for walks, interrogations or medical checkups. They are only allowed to take a shower once a week.

When inmates are taken out of their cells, the guards go to lengths to ensure they see no other prisoners and as few guards as possible to enhance the isolation.

During the Soviet era, a new wing was built on to the side of the building to house KGB officers. This was later occupied by the FSB, the KGB's successor - meaning the feared secret service has direct access to prisoners.

Zoya Svetova, who observes prison conditions with the Public Monitoring Commission of Moscow, a non-government organization, said officials want to psychologically break foreign prisoners.

'This period is some sort of humiliating time meant to 'cook' them,' she previously told the Daily Beast. 'People feel naked, left without any private belongings.

'No other prison in Moscow has more hostile treatment during the quarantine period than Lefortovo.'

Initial reports said Surovikin's loyal sidekick Deputy Colonel-General Andrei Yudin had been arrested as well. He denied this saying: 'I am on vacation, at home.'

But he could not explain Surovikin's whereabouts.

Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov sought to dismiss reports Surovikin had advance knowledge of the armed revolt as 'speculation'.

Earlier, Rybar said the armed mutiny could lead to 'large-scale purges in the ranks of the armed forces of the Russian Federation'.

'Investigators and representatives of the Federal Security Service [FSB] have been working for many days both on the leadership of the military administration bodies and on the commanders of the units.'

Surovikin was put in charge of the Russian war effort in October only to be stripped of responsibility by Putin in January - yet he remained as Gerasimov's deputy

Coup leader and Wagner mercenary army chief Yevgeny Prigozhin in Rostov-on-Don on Saturday

It is believed that following Surovikin's arrest, in command of the special military operation now is Airborne Forces Commander Mikhail Teplinsky, Rybar reported.

Surovikin was put in charge of the Russian war effort in October only to be stripped of responsibility by Putin in January - yet he remained as Gerasimov's deputy.

Before evidently disappearing Surovikin issued a desperate Saturday call to give up their opposition to the military leadership and return to their bases 'before it is too late'. He revealed he had been ordered back to Moscow from the frontline.

It now appears this may have been because of suspicions of his knowledge of the 'coup' as suspected sympathy for it.

As the threat of a mutiny loomed, Surovikin toted a gun as he warned in a recorded statement: 'We cannot play into the enemy's hands during this hard time for our country.

'Before it is not too late, it is necessary to obey the order of the popularly-elected president of the Russian Federation.'

It is alleged he has not been seen since recording this message.

Rybar stated: 'The armed mutiny of the Wagner PMC [private military company] has become a pretext for large-scale purges in the ranks of the Russian Armed Forces and a crash test of the ministry's loyalty.'

Junior ranks are also being purged of those who showed support for Wagner's uprising against Putin's commanders, it is claimed.

Meanwhile, a separate report said Putin was too scared to fire his 'extremely dangerous' defence minister, fearing him as a direct rival.

The weakened dictator eventually halted the armed revolt at the weekend which specifically targeted Shoigu for his failings in the war.

But VChK-OGPU Telegram channel cited an insider source saying Putin could not agree to revolt leader Prigozhin's demand to fire the 68-year-old defence minister because of Shoigu's popularity with senior officials.

'Shoigu is extremely dangerous in the event of resignation, due to his knowledge, the huge number of people loyal to him in leadership positions, and the presence of levers of influence  in the Kremlin,' said the channel's source.

Shoigu has served longer in the Russian government than Putin, and knows where bodies are buried.

He is not like other Putin ministers 'whose silence and inaction can be bought with money', said the source.

'Everything is more serious here. Putin is not ready for such a conflict now.'

When negotiations involving Belarus dictator Alexander Lukashenko and FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov were underway on Saturday to halt the armed revolt, Putin bluntly refused to oust Shoigu.

In the event a deal was hatched to allow Prigozhin to go unpunished into exile even though Putin had declared the Wagner boss was guilty of 'treason' and 'betrayal'.

Fighters of Wagner private mercenary group deployed in a street near the headquarters of the Southern Military District in the city of Rostov-on-Don

Sources also indicate that during Saturday's unfolding events Putin remained out of touch - even to Lukashenko who was seeking to help him with negotiations.

He only dealt with Bortnikov.

Putin is believed to have fled Moscow for his forest palace at Valdai where he has a bunker.

The new disclosures highlight the deep splits and instability at the pinnacle of 70-year-old Putin's power structure as he suffers Ukrainian territorial gains in the war.
Paedophiles are using artificial intelligence (AI) to create life-like child sexual abuse images, a new report has claimed.

A shocking investigation alleges that depictions of babies and toddlers being raped are among numerous images produced by abusers using Stable Diffusion.

While the image generation software is intended to make artwork, the AI's use of word prompts allows for any desired image to be formed.

The BBC claims these are then being sold and traded on the Japanese site of Pixiv, with accounts often leading to more explicit content on the US-based Patreon.

'Since AI-generated images became possible, there has been this huge flood it's not just very young girls, they're [paedophiles] talking about toddlers,' journalist, Olivia Sheepshanks, told the publication.

An investigation claims that Stable Diffusion is being used to make child abuse imagery (stock image)

READ MORE: Crime Agency warns artificial intelligence is used to make 'deep fake' videos of real-life victims Police arrest a computer programmer who used AI to create child abuse images Advertisement

The new report comes just one month after the AI platform Midjourney was also found to transform real photos of children into sexualised images.

In some cases, perverts have gone even further by experimenting with 'deepfake' technology to paste the faces of real-life child actors onto naked bodies, according to authorities.

Amid these revelations, Anna Edmundson, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), told MailOnline that 'it is breath-taking' but sadly 'not surprising'.

'AI and Virtual Reality are facilitating new frontlines in online child sexual abuse which are being exploited by offenders on a vast scale,' she said.

'The speed with which these emerging technologies have been co-opted by abusers is breath-taking but not surprising, as companies who were warned of the dangers have sat on their hands while mouthing empty platitudes about safety.

'Tech companies now know how their products are being used to facilitate child sexual abuse and there can be no more excuses for inaction.'

In UK law, these AI-generated images are treated the same as real pornographic photographs of children which are illegal to possess or trade.

But sexualised cartoons of children are not illegal in Japan, which hosts the picture-sharing site Pixiv, meaning that creators can easily promote this content.

It is understood that hashtags are primarily used to do this, with creators using these to index niche keywords.

It is claimed that images are being sold and traded on the Japanese site of Pixiv, with accounts often leading to more explicit content on Patreon

A number of comments on these posts are also said to direct users to other abusive content which is sometimes completely real.

Ms Edmundson continued: 'The Government should explicitly set out how the Online Safety Bill will regulate both AI and immersive technology and fix the loophole in the legislation that would let senior managers off the hook if they fail to address the way their products contribute to child sexual abuse.'

A Pixiv spokesman told the BBC that it had bolstered its monitoring systems in an attempt to tackle this child pornography issue.

Photo-realistic AI images of children were banned on May 31 too, but it is unclear what impact this has had.

'The volume is just huge,' Ms Sheepshanks continued. 'So people [creators] will say "we aim to do at least 1,000 images a month".'

Meanwhile, both Patreon and Stability AI told the publication that they do not tolerate child sexual abuse material.

Stability AI said: 'We strongly support law enforcement efforts against those who misuse our products for illegal or nefarious purposes.'

MailOnline has approached Pixiv, Stable Diffusion AI and Patreon for further comment.
Possible alien probe, 'IM1' meteor was stronger, faster than any in NASA catalog

A top Harvard physicist claims he may have uncovered remnants of an alien 'spacecraft' at the bottom of the ocean.

Professor Avi Loeb  the chair of Harvard's astronomy department from 2011 to 2020 and now head of the Ivy League university's ET-hunting Galileo Project combed the bottom of the Pacific Ocean for two weeks in search of fragments from a 2014 meteor that crashed off the coast of Papua New Guinea.

The meteor, dubbed IM1, is believed to have originated from interstellar space.

Using a magnetic sled, his team found 50 tiny iron sphere-shaped fragments, which he said must have been from 'a natural environment different from the solar system, or an extraterrestrial technological civilization.'

Professor Loeb has been arguing for years that Earth may have been visited by interstellar technology. In 2017, an interstellar object named Oumuamua passed through the Solar System, and while most scientists believe it was a natural phenomenon, Professor Loeb famously argued it may have been of alien origin.

A top Harvard physicist may have uncovered remnants of an 'alien spacecraft' at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. Pictured is what could be a fragment of the craft - or just a piece of a meteor

The expedition follows his long-held argument that the cigar-shaped interstellar visitor Oumuamua, which passed through our solar system in 2017, was of alien origin

After the discovery of Oumuamua in 2017, Professor Loeb theorized - despite much criticism - that more interstellar objects had likely whizzed past Earth.

He was vindicated in 2019 when a student discovered that a high-speed fireball in 2014, the IM1 meteor, also had interstellar origins, predating Oumuamua.

Air friction burst IM1 into flames in mid-air as it careened towards Earth, leaving a trail of molten iron rain droplets in its wake on January 8 of that year.

The discovery that these interstellar metal fragments could be dredged from the Pacific with powerful magnets led to Loeb and his Galileo team's latest mission.

'Given IM1's high speed and anomalous material strength,' Loeb told Fox News Digital this week, 'its source must have been a natural environment different from the solar system, or an extraterrestrial technological civilization.'

IM1, Loeb noted, 'is actually tougher and has material strength that is higher than all the space rocks that were cataloged by NASA. That makes it quite unusual.'

He has not dismissed the notion that these mysterious iron remnants from IM1 could be the first hard evidence of a 'spacecraft' from an 'extraterrestrial technological civilization' to crash land on our planet.

Roughly two-dozen people, including scientists with Harvard's Galileo Project Expedition, the ship's crew and documentary filmmakers chronicling the endeavor set sail from the island town of Lorengau on June 14 onboard the Silver Star.

Over the course of their two-week Pacific voyage, which ends later this week, the Galileo team scoured the seabed for signs of IM1 debris, dragging a deep-sea magnetic sled along the fireball's last known trajectory.

'The spherules were found primarily along the most likely path of IM1,' Loeb noted in a recent public diary entry posted to Medium.com, 'and not in control regions far from it.'

While the researchers brought instrumentation for preliminary analysis onboard the Silver Star, the real work will begin when Loeb's team studies the mysterious iron spheres with more high-precision laboratory equipment back home.

The discovery of the spheres off the coast of New Guinea comes amid increasing congressional attention on UFOs.

This week, Senator Marco Rubio revealed he had heard from high ranking officials that the US is running several illegal UFO crash retrieval projects.

Loeb is heading home from the Pacific with 50 tiny iron 'spherules,' recovered using a magnetic sled (center above). The sled was used to comb the seafloor in search of metal fragments that could be the remnants of an alien craft

Two findings of spherules from Runs 9 and 12 in the Pacific Ocean near the path of the first recognized interstellar meteor, IM1

Not all the fragments are sphere-shaped. Here is another small fragment also made of iron

Loeb and his team worked for two weeks at sea, analyzing samples pulled from the Pacific

Loeb spoke to Fox News from the boat to discuss the 50 metal spheres he had found during the two-week mission

But whether the object proves to be intelligently crafted or naturally made, Loeb said that his group's physical recovery of material from outside our solar system is already 'historical' and 'successful.'

Loeb has courted controversy, as well as millions in independent financing, over his quest to identify outer space materials that could be evidence or artifacts of alien civilizations probing our solar system.

Last year, scientists and classified tech with US Space Command confirmed Loeb and Siraj's calculations on IM1's interstellar trajectory, reporting in an official letter to NASA that they were 99.999 percent sure the object came from outside our sun's reach.

Loeb's critics in the world of astronomy and astrophysics had expressed skepticism on this idea, as well as the professor's theory that IM1 might be composed of iron metal, but on this detail they have also been proven wrong.

Loeb and his team have learned that iron is the 'dominant constituent' of the IM1 spheres' chemical make-up thanks to on-ship analysis via X-ray Fluorescence spectroscopy.

The findings are a solid rebuke to astrophysicists with Canada's Institute for Earth and Space Exploration, who argued that their computer modeling of IM1's behavior before impact 'strongly argues against an iron object.'

Back at the lab, Loeb and his team will determine what the atomic elements and isotopes from IM1's crash debris might reveal about the interstellar object's place of origin or perhaps even its alien makers.

'This has never been done before,' Loeb said. 'We never received a package at our doorstep from a cosmic neighbor.'

'This could be the first time humans put their hands on interstellar material,' he said.
Richard Branson is set to become the latest billionaire to enter the space tourism race, trailing behind Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos.

Branson's Virgin Galactic is gearing up to send four people at least 250,000 feet above Earth's surface Thursday, marking the company's maiden commercial flight.

However, Musk and Bezos have launched paying customers to the final frontier over the past two years.

The 'space barons,' with a combined net worth of $379.3 billion, are vying for galactic supremacy - and only time will tell who will take the crown.

Richard Branson has been to space but is set to launch Virgin Galactic's first commercial flight Thursday

Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson

Virgin Galactic takes a different approach to conquer space with a plane that attaches to a larger carrier craft and releases at a certain altitude.

Branson's most high-profile and catastrophic space launch failure occurred in 2014, when Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo crashed in California's Mojave Desert, killing co-pilot Michael Alsbury and seriously injuring pilot Peter Siebold.

The craft was flying a manned test when it split into pieces.

Investigators later concluded that the crash was caused by structural failure after Alsbury unlocked a braking system early.

At the time, Branson said he was 'shocked and saddened' by the 'tragic loss.'

Two minor hiccups in 2016 involved attempts to carry out the first glide flight for the company's VSS Unity space plane.

Branson became the first billionaire in space when he took the maiden voyage of the VSS Unity on July 11, 2021.

The Virgin Galactic founder was one of six Virgin Galactic employees aboard VSS Unity.

However, the spaceplane was grounded shortly after the flight due to an investigation when it veered off course during its descent back to the runway in the New Mexico desert.

The British billionaire became Virgin Galactic Astronaut 001 when he made it to space on a suborbital flight nine days before Bezos - on July 11 in a test flight

The Virgin Galactic founder was one of six Virgin Galactic employees aboard VSS Unity for the voyage to 280,000 feet

The crew launching Thursday includes Col. Walter Villadei, Pantaleone Carlucci, Lt. Col. Angelo Landolfi and Colin Bennett, plus two Virgin Galactic staff who also be on the spaceplane

In September 2021, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it was investigating a deviation in the descent of the flight.

The FAA, which oversees commercial air and spaceflight in the US, found the spaceplane 'deviated from its Air Traffic Control clearance' and did so for about a minute and 41 seconds.

Branson and his team have since worked out the issue and recently sent a test crew of four employees 54.2 miles above Earth's surface in May, paving the way for Virgin Galactic's first commercial mission, 'Galactic 01,' on Thursday.

The crew includes Col. Walter Villadei, Pantaleone Carlucci, Lt. Col. Angelo Landolfi and Colin Bennett, plus two Virgin Galactic staff who also be on the spaceplane.

SpaceX founder Elon Musk

Elon Musk is the only one of the three that has not been to space, but he has sent paying customers to Earth's orbit and the International Space Station

SpaceX was founded in 2002, launching the Falcon 1 in 2006 and the first Falcon 9 in 2010, which was designed much less than competing rockets. Pictured is a Falcon 9 launch in June

Musk recently shared that his childhood love for science fiction inspired him to look beyond our planet, along with Sergey Korolev - an engineer who helped the Soviet Union beat the U.S. in the race to space during the Cold War.

SpaceX was founded in 2002, launching the Falcon 1 in 2006 and the first Falcon 9 in 2010, which was designed much less than competing rockets.

Musk's reusable rockets were then used to ferry the Dragon capsule to the International Space Station (ISS) to deliver cargo in 2012.

And it was not until 2020 did SpaceX take its first humans aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.

On May 30, NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley took off from Cape Canaveral for the ISS - the first time in nearly a decade that an American crew had launched from US soil to space.

The feat pushed Musk into the private space exploration sector, allowing SpaceX to send Inspiration4 - a team of four civilians - into Earth's orbit for three days in September 2021.

And SpaceX has six civilian astronauts with Aximos to the ISS.

SpaceX was awarded a $1.4 billion NASA contract in 2022 for five more astronaut launches to the ISS, a previous one in 2021 for $178 million to 'launch services' for the Europa Clipper mission heading to Jupiter.

And Musk's company is also working on its Starship human landing system for the Artemis moon mission.

SpaceX has also been sending batches of 60 satellites into space to help form its Starlink network, which has grown to more than 3,900 satellites that 1.5 million subscribers access.

Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos

Bezos, his brother Mark, Dutch teenager Oliver Daemen - the youngest person in space - and former NASA trainee Wally Funk, 82, 66 miles above Earth's surface on July 20, 2021

Bezos founded Blue Origin in 2000 to chase down a childhood dream of spaceflight and building a society of millions living and working in space.

In a 1982 Miami Herald interview after being named valedictorian of his high school, the then 18-year-old said he wanted 'to build space hotels, amusement parks and colonies for two or three million people who would be in orbit.'

The company's New Shepard rocket is named in honor of Mercury astronaut Alan Shepard, the first American to go to space

'The whole idea is to preserve the earth,' he told the newspaper ... The goal was to be able to evacuate humans. The planet would become a park.'

The idea of Blue Origin came about in 1999 after Bezos watched the film October Sky, a movie about a school kid who wanted to build rockets, and the aerospace company was born just one year later.

The company's New Shepard rocket is named in honor of Mercury astronaut Alan Shepard, the first American to go to space.

It took 15 years before Bezos' company made its first successful launch and landing of New Shepard - it had taken off and returned 21 times during that period.

On July 20, 2021, the billionaire, his brother Mark, Dutch teenager Oliver Daemen - the youngest person in space - and former NASA trainee Wally Funk, 82, 66 miles above Earth's surface.

Blue Origin has since launched 27 people to the edge of space, including famed Star Trek celebrity William Shatner.

And Bezos' company was aware of a $3.4 billion contract with NASA in May that put him one small step closer to putting a man on the moon.

Blue Origin has been vague regarding its moon lander proposal, aside from namechecking its corporate partners: Lockheed Martin, Boeing, the spacecraft software firm Draper, and robotics firm Astrobotic.
This round-up travels from the rugged Blue Mountains to the Outback

Australia is a vast playground for adventure travel.

As one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, you can mountain bike on off-grid trails, abseil down towering cliff faces or descend underground into elaborate cave systems in nearly complete isolation. But there's also adventure to be had in its coastal cities, whether you're scaling the edge of a supertall skyscraper or riding an electric 'e-foil' board around an urban canal network.

Here we present the most epic adventure experiences to have on a tour of the country, from the Outback to the sunny Queensland coast...

THRILLING CABLE CAR RIDE - NEW SOUTH WALES

Visitors can climb on top of the 270m- (886ft) high Beyond Skyway cable car in Australia's Blue Mountains region

You need a head for heights to try out this experience.

The Beyond Skyway is a 270m- (886ft) high cable car that glides a distance of 720m (2,362ft) over the Jamison Valley in the rugged Blue Mountains region west of Sydney. If sitting inside the cable car isn't dizzying enough, visitors can climb on top of it to take in the scenery from the open air (securely attached to anchor points, of course).

From their perch, they'll see the Three Sisters rock formation, the Katoomba Falls waterfall and the peak of Mount Solitary.

Scared of heights? Beyond Skyway says: 'Most people find that once they're sitting on the benches in the middle of the roof, that any feelings of fear wash away and a sense of tranquility replaces it.'

Visit beyondskyway.com.au.

WINE-THEMED HOT AIR BALLOON TRIP - NEW SOUTH WALES

Admire Hunter Valley, Australias oldest wine region, from a height with an early morning hot air balloon tour

This experience gives you the chance to watch the sunrise over Hunter Valley, Australias oldest wine region, from a unique vantage point.

Tour operator Beyond Ballooning, which has more than 40 years of experience under its belt, offers early morning hot air balloon rides over the areas rolling vineyards, farmlands and mountains, known for cultivating the Semillon and Shiraz grape varieties.

The ride lasts an hour, and once the balloon touches the ground, you'll head to a local restaurant to toast the experience with a glass of sparkling wine and a serving of breakfast.

The experience will set you back 156 ($299AUD/$198US). Visit beyondballooning.com.au.

CLIFF-EDGE CAMPING - VICTORIA

Travellers can spend the night in a portaledge - a type of hanging tent - thats suspended over a 300m- (984ft) high cliff face in the Mount Buffalo National Park

For some, even looking at photographs of this experience will be enough to make their stomach sink.

The nail-biting Beyond the Edge experience sees travellers spend the night in a portaledge - a type of hanging tent - thats suspended over a sheer 300m- (984ft) high cliff face in the stunning Mount Buffalo gorge in Victorias Mount Buffalo National Park.

To reach their bed for the night, guests must abseil down the cliff wall.

Once theyre settled on the portaledge, they can take in the breathtaking views all around and tuck into the dinner that's provided as part of the package. The experience is priced at 476 ($899AUD/$605US) per person.

Visit unleashed-unlimited.com.au.

HIKE THE GREAT OCEAN WALK - VICTORIA

Discover a dramatic coastline of soaring cliffs and remote beaches' on the Great Ocean Walk route

The 110km- (68 mile) long Great Ocean Walk in Victoria comes highly recommended for those in the market for a spectacular hike.

The route runs east to west from the seaside village of Apollo Bay to the iconic 12 Apostles sea stacks.

The local tourist board says that hikers discover a dramatic coastline of soaring cliffs and remote beaches, with tangents exploring giant eucalypt forests full of kangaroos, wallabies and koalas, and meandering estuaries brimming with birdlife on this eight-day route.

Keep your eye on the water - you might spot whales in the distance as you trek.

When darkness falls, spend the night in campsites or check into one of the B&Bs located just off the trail.

Visit visitmelbourne.com.

HELIBIKING IN THE OUTBACK - NORTHERN TERRITORY

Marvel over the scenery around the outback town of Alice Springs by helicopter, before going mountain biking on the area's trails

The landscape surrounding Alice Springs, an outback town set between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges mountains in the Northern Territory, is known for its beautifully arid terrain.

This exhilarating 'helibike' tour whisks you over this landscape of desert and mountains in a helicopter before touching down at the start of a mountain biking trail, so you can explore the region on two wheels. The area is billed as a 'mountain bikers paradise' by Alice Springs Helicopters, which runs the tours.

The transfer is one-way, but bikers can choose to be delivered at one of three different mountain biking trails.

The helibike tour costs 201 ($385AUD/$256US) per person. Visit alicespringshelicopters.com.au.

TREK THE JATBULA TRAIL - NORTHERN TERRITORY

Gecko Canoeing and Trekking offers a guided hike along the Jatbula Trail in the Northern Territory

The Jatbula Trail in the Katherine region of Australias Northern Territory is a 62km- (39 mile) long route that winds from Nitmiluk Gorge to the Leliyn area, known for its waterfalls.

Gecko Canoeing and Trekking offers a guided hike along the trail, which covers 'lowland river and creek country, hillsides dotted with eucalypts, [and] higher escarpment country overlooking the Seventeen Mile Valley and beyond', its website reveals.

Learn about the history of the route as you walk - its an example of a 'songline', an ancient Aboriginal navigational track. Hikers will encounter beautiful rock art paintings along the way.

Nights are spent at campsites that each have their own water source, from a spring-fed creek to a 30m- (98ft) high waterfall.

The six-day tour is priced from 1,199 ($2,295AUD/$1,524US) per person. Visit geckocanoeing.com.au/jatbulatrail.

CLIMB A SUPERTALL SKYSCRAPER - QUEENSLAND

Strapped into a harness that's attached to a safety rail system, travellers can scale the exterior of the Q1 Tower, a supertall skyscraper in the city of Gold Coast

Take in stunning 360-degree views of the coastal Queensland city of Gold Coast from a height of 270m (886ft) with this nerve-jangling experience.

Strapped into a harness that's attached to a safety rail system, travellers can scale the exterior of the Q1 Tower, a supertall skyscraper.

The website for the 'SkyPoint Climb' experience notes that an expert instructor will point out the city's geographical, historical and cultural landmarks as visitors make the ascent from the start of the platform, which begins at 240m (787ft).

It says that those brave enough to try it out will be 'fully immersed in the stunning views of golden sands, lush, tropical mountains and the Gold Coast's cityscape'.

The climbing experience is priced from 46 ($89AUD/$59US). Visit skypoint.com.au.

RIDE AN E-FOIL - QUEENSLAND

Riding an e-foil around Gold Coast is described as 'one of the most thrilling experiences you will have in Australia'

Zip around the canal network of Gold Coast city on an e-foil, an electric-powered surfer-style board that can lift off the water's surface when you reach a certain speed.

'Fliteboard Gold Coast' offers guided group tours of the waterways and notes that travellers will 'experience the feeling of flying on a real-life hoverboard above the water'.

Its website adds: 'It's one of the most thrilling experiences you will have in Australia!'

Visit queensland.com.

FOREST ADVENTURE - QUEENSLAND

O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat offers a variety of activities in Lamington National Park, including a Tree Top Walk (image one) and a zip-lining experience (image two)

Lamington National Park in southeast Queensland, home to ancient trees and beautiful waterfalls, is a haven for twitchers thanks to its distinctive birdlife, with everything from king parrots to green catbirds spotted amid its trees.

Immerse yourself in this vibrant landscape with the experiences offered by O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat, a hotel and adventure centre set on the edge of the park.

You can stroll along the Tree Top Walk, a series of nine suspension bridges up to 16m (52ft) above the ground, or try out the centre's 25m- (82ft) high zip-line, which sends visitors careening over a distance of 180m (590ft) as they're rewarded with stunning views of the Morans Creek waterway below.

he zip-lining experience costs 18 ($35AUD/$23US) for an adult and 13 ($25AUD/$17US) for a child. Visit oreillys.com.

EXPLORE AN UNDERGROUND CAVE SYSTEM - QUEENSLAND

Undara Volcanic National Park is home to the longest lava tubes in Australia

Head underground and explore the fascinating lava tubes - tunnel-shaped caves formed by volcanic activity - of the Undara Volcanic National Park, which is around a three-hour drive from Cairns in Queensland.

Undara is an Aboriginal word that means long way - an appropriate name, as these are the longest lava tubes in Australia.

After touring the subterranean caves, 'Undara Experience' can arrange for overnight stays in a range of accommodation such as a railway carriage, a pioneer hut or a swag tent. Rock wallabies, insectivorous bats and owls are dotted across the national park that surrounds the cave system.

Guided tours of the caves are priced from 33 ($63AUD/$42US). Visit undara.com.au.

FLY TO THE REMOTE SOUTHWEST NATIONAL PARK - TASMANIA

Fly into Tasmanias Southwest National Park and explore the area by foot and by boat

Tasmanias Southwest National Park covers 10 per cent of the state and is home to jagged mountains, expansive moorlands and rainforest. Deep within the national park lies Melaleuca, a former tin-mining settlement that can only be reached by plane or via a weeks worth of walking.

Par Avion offers tours of the park, picking up passengers on a small aircraft in Cambridge, a suburb of Hobart, and flying them to the remote Melaleuca airstrip inside the national park. After disembarking, they explore the coastal stretch of the park with a boat ride around the Port Davey Marine Reserve, cruising past beauty spots such as Waterfall Bay and the Breaksea Islands.

Next, a lunch prepared using Tasmanian produce is served, before guests pay a visit to the Melaleuca Museum, which celebrates the areas tin-mining heritage and details the local flora and fauna. A highlight of the day is wandering along the short Needwonnee Aboriginal Walk trail, where signs shed light on the indigenous history of the area.

On the return flight to Cambridge, passengers are flown over the Arthur Range, arguably Tasmanias most spectacular mountain range.

The tour is priced from 365 ($699AUD/$463US) per person. Visit discovertasmania.com.au.

For more on everything that Australia has to offer visit www.australia.com/en-gb.
Kylie Jenner honored her older half-sister Khloe Kardashian's 39th birthday on the official Instagram for Kylie Cosmetics on Tuesday.

The makeup brand shared an eight-image carousel that included throwback photos of the duo in some of their most glamorous looks  including their 2022 Met Gala appearance.

In the opening image, Khloe and Kylie can be seen holding hands as they posed up against a blank white wall.

The birthday girl rocked faux leather-looking pants with a drawstring waist and a black tube top that hugged her slender frame.

She styled her long highlighted tresses in waves over her chest and back.

Meanwhile, Kylie sizzled in a $12,995 Gianni Versace rhinestone bustier catsuit with her hair in a voluminous blowout that fell over her shoulder.

Birthday girl: Kylie Jenner honored her older half-sister Khloe Kardashian's 39th birthday on the official Instagram for Kylie Cosmetics on Tuesday

Through the years: The makeup brand shared an eight-image carousel that included throwback photos of the duo in some of their most glamorous looks

In another eye-catching snap, the sultry half-sisters sparkled side-by-side with Khloe showing off her ample cleavage in a glittering gold suit.

The Good American co-founder styled her hair in a short bob while Kylie shimmered in black sequins.

Jenner looked ravishing in a black gown with a deep cut up to her navel, a thigh-high slit, and a plunging neckline.

The image was from 2019, when they attended Sean Combs' 50th birthday bash.

In another shot, the Keeping Up With The Kardashians stars posed together holding drinks. Kylie opted for their mother Kris Jenner's favorite, a martini.

The girls twinned in dark shades with dangling earrings, two-toned lips, and tank tops.

The beauties also posed in crisp white outfits as they stood against a bright red backdrop that coordinated with their bold lips and nails.

Kylie also shared a snap with Khloe as they posed in an elevator on their way to the 2022 Met Gala in New York City.

Twinning: The Keeping Up With The Kardashians stars posed together holding drinks in dark shades with dangling earrings, two-toned lips, and tank tops

Sharp: The duo also posed in crisp white outfits as they stood against a bright red backdrop that coordinated with their bold lips and nails

Kylie and Khloe posed in an elevator as they headed to the Met Gala in 2022. The Kylie Cosmetics founder wore a veil over a backward white hat paired with an Off-White wedding gown

Models: They were also pictured in a campaign promoting Koko, a matte lip kit with liquid lipstick from Kylie Cosmetics

Family promotion: The half-sisters also promoted their sisters' brands wearing Kim's Skims catsuits while holding Kendall Jenner's 818 Tequila

They attended the event with sisters Kim, Kourtney, Kendall, and mom Kris.

The Kylie Cosmetics founder wore a veil over a backward white hat paired with an Off-White wedding gown.

Meanwhile, Khloe slipped her gym-honed physique into a glitzy gold beaded dress paired with gold glasses and styled her blonde locks with a side part.

In another look, Khloe and Kylie posed in a campaign shot promoting Koko, a matte lip kit with liquid lipstick.

Both beauties wore coordinated white swimsuits with their hair blonde.

In the last snap, the stars wore black catsuits as they embraced.

Khloe held a white bottle of Eight Reserve Anejo Tequila by their sister Kendall Jenner's 818 Tequila brand.

Kylie uploaded a more personal birthday message to her older half-sister on her own Instagram page.

And instead of sultry snaps, the Kylie Cosmetics founder included a string of hilarious throwback photos taken on Photo Booth  the built-in camera on a Mac computer.

Personal: Kylie uploaded a more personal birthday message to her older half-sister on her own Instagram page

Fun with filters: And instead of sultry snaps, the Kylie Cosmetics founder included a string of hilarious throwback photos taken on Photo Booth  the built-in camera on a Mac computer

The photos also featured Kylie and Khloe's sister Kendall, 27

Sweet: 'happy birthday to the love of my life !!!!!' Kylie began in the caption. 'i couldnt do it without you @khloekardashian you mean the whole world to me. i love you forever and beyond'

Kylie added on her Instagram Story: 'my everything and more @khloe kardashian [BLACK HEART EMOJI]'

Kylie also shared a sweet photo of Khloe holding her when she was just a baby with the message: 'I love you'

The photos also featured Kylie and Khloe's sister Kendall, 27.

The trio used a variety of funny filters to distort their faces and make the photos change colors.

'happy birthday to the love of my life !!!!!' Kylie began in the caption.

'i couldnt do it without you @khloekardashian you mean the whole world to me. i love you forever and beyond.'

Kylie added on her Instagram Story: 'my everything and more @khloe kardashian [BLACK HEART EMOJI]'

Kylie also shared a sweet photo of Khloe holding her when she was just a baby with the message: 'I love you'
Nasser Sultan could be making a return to reality TV.

The 56-year-old Married at First Sight star claims he was asked to apply to go on the UK version of Big Brother.

Nasser, known as a serial offender when it comes to gate-crashing celebrity events, took to Instagram on Tuesday to make the announcement.

Captioning the story with the words 'I was asked so I did #Big Brother UK', Nasser included a screen shot of a message from the show's producers to confirm his application.

The message included details of Nasser's application, including a personal I.D.

Nasser Sultan could be making a return to reality TV . The 56-year-old Married at First Sight star claims he was asked to apply to go on the UK version of Big Brother

Nasser, known as a serial offender when it comes to gate-crashing celebrity events, took to Instagram on Tuesday to make the announcement

Big Brother will be making a return to U.K. screens later this year on ITV2 and ITVX after a five-year hiatus.

Rising to fame on season five of MAFS Australia in 2018, Nasser returned to reality TV in 2020 with a brief appearance on Channel Seven's First Dates.

The pint-sized personal trainer has been trying to return to reality television ever since.

At the end of 2019, he applied for the Big Brother reboot.

Rising to fame on season five of MAFS Australia in 2018, Nasser returned to reality TV in 2020 with a brief appearance on Channel Seven's First Dates

The former MAFS star has also dabbled in a music career, releasing a dance called Blue Tick about his struggle to get verified on Instagram.

Nasser returned to the headlines earlier this year when he attempted to ask out radio star Jackie 'O' Henderson.

The washed-up Married At First Sight star put his heart on the line in a cringeworthy Instagram post.

Sharing a picture of himself at the opening night of Tina - The Tina Turner Musical in Sydney last month, he boldly asked the radio queen, 48, out on a date.

However, Nasser was left crestfallen when Jackie O confirmed she was back on the dating scene following her split from husband Lee Henderson after 15 years.

The blonde bombshell revealed she has been on two dates since joining up to the popular dating app Hinge.

Jackie O and Lee tied the knot in 2003 but split over a decade later in 2018, sharing custody of their 12-year-old daughter Kitty.

Big Brother makes a return to UK screens later this year after a five-year hiatus

Emma Wills - pictured - hosted Big Brother U.K. from 2013 to 2018

She has not publicly dated anyone since the split, but Lee has moved on with jujitsu instructor Gabriella Motta.

Jackie revealed in May she had joined dating app Hinge following her recent slimdown.

She told her KIIS FM co-host Kyle Sandilands she had spent the previous night chatting to 'three or four' different men that she'd matched with.

The star went on to reveal she was open to dating a younger man, and had set her age range on Hinge from 35 to 55 - leaving Nasser little hope of landing a date.
Australian influencer Karina Irby has revealed the insane sum of money she is earning from selling raunchy content on OnlyFans.

The body-positivity creator joined the adult website earlier this year, and on Tuesday announced how much she is making from it.

During an Instagram Q&A, Karina revealed she has 3,135 subscribers on OnlyFans, placing her in the top 0.55 per cent of creators.

With a $20-per-month subscription fee, that means she makes a whopping $62,700 monthly or $752,400 annually.

That's more than Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's annual salary of $549,250.

Australian influencer Karina Irby (pictured) has revealed the insane sum of money that she's making from selling explicit content on OnlyFans

Speaking to her 1.2 million Instagram followers in March, Karina said her husband Ryan Jones is very supportive of her raunchy side-hustle.

She said: 'He loves it! And loves taking the content for me. He's fine with me sharing my type of content on OF. My biggest cheerleader.'

Another fan asked if she actually posts nudes to her OnlyFans, and Karina said: 'Yes, but not "explicit". Come look for yourself. Don't be shy, I'm not.'

This comes as the body-positivity influencer was recently accused of editing her Instagram photos, despite urging her followers not to.

The body-positivity creator joined the adult website earlier this year, and on Tuesday announced how much she is making from her raunchy photos

During an Instagram Q&A, Karina revealed that she has 3,135 subscribers on OnlyFans, and she is in the top 0.55 per cent of creators

Social media sleuth John Dorsey shared a series of videos calling out Karina as he labelled her a 'hypocrite'.

Dorsey said he was astounded to discover she had been Photoshopping her content, especially since her 'whole brand is built on being real'.

However, Karina hit back at the claims at the time, telling Daily Mail Australia that while she 'slightly edited herself in the past', she has 'come a long way since then'.

The model says she is one of 'the most open, honest and transparent creators on social media in 2023'.

She added that Dorsey's posts are 'here to create hate towards me, bully and tear me down'.

'This had to be the biggest amount of hypocrisy I've ever come across in doing these stories,' Dorsey said in an Instagram video.

'She's well-known for encouraging girls to not edit their photos and not edit their cellulite out... she says be the change you want to see. I am the change I want to see,' he added, highlighting a series of Karina's editing fails.

Dorsey pointed out bent walls and distorted backgrounds in her photos, including the metal of her shower warping.

Despite editing the shape of her body in pictures, Karina stresses her cellulite is real.

This comes as the body-positivity influencer was recently accused of editing her Instagram photos, despite urging her followers not to

'Why am I saying she's a hypocrite? Well, Karina, it looks like you've pulled in your waist in this one... the metal in your shower is bending... because you edited your a**e to be bigger,' Dorsey said.

'Remember this photo? Look in the corner. You cooked it, the corner is bent!'

'Karina, I'm disappointed in you, you built a whole brand on being real but you aren't real. A caption says it's dangerous for body image but you do it anyway, do better!'

He also shared a previous statement from Karina in which she said she 'isn't proud' of her 'old edits'. Just eight hours later she posted before-and-after photos where the background was clearly warped.

He said an old employee of Karina's also got in touch to tell him she used to Photoshop her social media pictures.

Karina told Daily Mail Australia that Dorsey's video is just 'manufactured drama' and she has long been open about her 'journey when it comes to self-love and acceptance on her socials'.

'It's pretty obvious when you look at my content - posts, reels, stories - that you're getting the authentic, unedited and unfiltered version of me. Which can rub some people the wrong way,' she said.

'It's for this reason that I focus more of my time on TikTok videos as it is a more authentic and transparent place.

'Being in the public eye with years and years of strangers telling my I am ugly, I am fat, I have gross skin, I have had work done etc. can take a toll on a person.

'This is why I speak heavily about online bullying, due to the effects it's had on me in the past.'
She never puts a foot wrong when it comes to fashion.

Yet Pixie Geldof nearly took a tumble as she arrived at London's Serpentine Galleries Summer Party on Tuesday evening.

The model, 32, looked sensational in a pale pink babydoll dress but appeared to have difficulties as she strutted her stuff in towering heels.

Pixie's frock boasted tulle puff sleeves and a bejewelled and mirrored bib which she teamed with satin footwear.

The stunner toted her essentials in a quirky bone handbag and completed the look with a selection of silver jewellery.

Careful! Pixie Geldof, 32, nearly took a tumble as she arrived at London's Serpentine Galleries Summer Party on Tuesday evening

Leggy: The model looked sensational in a pale pink babydoll but appeared to have difficulties as she strutted her stuff in towering heels

Accentuating her gorgeous features with make-up she styled her blonde tresses effortlessly into loose wave.

The Serpentine Summer Party is set in the grassed grounds of the Serpentine art gallery in Londons posh Kensington Gardens to raise funds for a variety of exhibitions.

This spectacular annual event attracts celebs from around the world with tickets rumoured to cost 4,000 a piece.

Pixie and beau George announced they had welcomed their first child in August 2021 but have yet to reveal her name or when exactly she was born.

Pixie has been married to These New Puritans drummer George since 2017, when the couple tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Majorca.

Close friends Alexa Chung and Daisy Lowe were bridesmaids, with guests including Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles and Nick Grimshaw.

The couple are also pals with Princess Eugenie and attended her wedding to industry executive Jack Brooksbank in 2018.

Pixie is the third daughter of Bob and Paula Yates, who tragically died aged 41 in 2000 after a heroin overdose.

The couple married in 1986, and had Pixie, Fifi, 40, and Peaches, but tragically, history repeated itself in April 2014 when their middle child Peaches died of an overdose aged 25.

Beaming: Despite the difficulties Pixie beamed a huge smile

Gorgeous: Pixie's frock boasted tulle puff sleeves and a bejewelled and mirrored bib which she teamed with satin footwear

Glam: The stunner toted her essentials in a quirky bone handbag and completed the look with a selection of silver jewellery

Glam: Accentuating her gorgeous features with make-up she styled her blonde tresses effortlessly into loose wave

Earlier this year Channel 4 aired a two-part documentary Paula, in which friends of the stars and collaborators reflected on Yates' rise to fame before her untimely death.

The documentary retraces Paula's rise to fame as well as the later years of her life, following the death of her partner, Michael Hutchence.

The presenter could be heard saying that the public were 'waiting for [her] to die' in previously unheard tapes recorded shortly after the death of her partner that were unearthed for the programme.

Audio clips of Yates, who died aged 41 in her Notting Hill home after an accidental heroin overdose, were played on a new documentary examining her extraordinary career and her troubled personal life.

The presenter also addressed going back to work after having four children, Pixie, Peaches and Fifi Trixibelle with Bob Geldof and Heavenly Haraani Tiger Lily with Hutchence. She revealed how she considered her changed personality.
Paris Hilton turned up the heat in a new promotional clip shared on both TikTok and Instagram on Tuesday to celebrate her new advice hotline in partnership with the fast food chain, Taco Bell.

The media personality, 42  who recently put on a glamorous display at Lizzo's VIP event in Cannes  additionally revealed that the Volcano Menu will return for a limited time on June 29 after high-demand from consumers.

At the beginning of the 18-second clip, the mother-of-one could be seen sitting at a table while wearing a velvet, pastel purple blazer along with a matching fitted top.

She held up a purple phone case towards her ear while a green slushy was placed in a cup on top of a long table. 'Do you ever just sit and think...,' Hilton stated out loud.

Suddenly, text that read, 'POV: You just heard Volcano Menu is back,' appeared on the screen, followed by Paris adding her famous catchphrase, 'That's so hot!'

Heated partnership: Paris Hilton, 42, turned up the heat in a new promotional clip shared on both TikTok and Instagram on Tuesday to celebrate her new advice 'hotline' in partnership with the fast food chain, Taco Bell

That's hot! At the beginning of the 18-second clip, the mother-of-one could be seen sitting at a table while wearing a velvet, pastel purple blazer along with a matching fitted top

The short video then transitioned to a montage of shots of items from the Volcano Menu, which was first established in 1995, including the Volcano Taco and the Double Beef Volcano Burrito.

As close-up shots of the tasty food options appeared on the screen, Hilton's unreleased upbeat track, Hot One, played in the background.

Towards the end of the reel, photos of Paris posing with a tray of food placed in front of her while on various phone calls concluded the clip. The blonde bombshell further glammed up her look with a rhinestone choker as well as sheer, studded gloves for a flashy touch.

Her blonde locks were parted to the side, and cascaded down past her shoulders in elegant waves.

The star is celebrating the food chain's first-ever advice hotline that fans can call at 1-844-THTS-HOT to get free advice from Hilton herself in six pre-recorded messages, per PR Newswire, which is available from June 26 through August 2.

In a statement, Paris expressed, 'Taco Bell's Volcano Menu isn't just iconic, it's the epitome of hot. I am loving being a part of this Y2K revival with my very own Hot Line and hope fans will take my advice to sliv mas,' referencing to her other catchphrase: Sliving (Slaying and Living).

The CMO of Paris Hilton's media company, 11:11 Media, Krystal Hauserman, also stated, 'Paris Hilton's iconic presence and Taco Bell's HOT flavors are coming together to create a deliciously nostalgic experience that will transport you back to the turn of the millennium.'

She added, 'The hotline is just the beginning! Fans will be able to join in other fun ways including on TikTok and through new music by Paris that will make you say, "That's Hot!"'

Opening scene: The star held up a purple phone case towards her ear while a green slushy was placed in a cup on top of the long table. 'Do you ever just sit and think...,' she stated out loud

Limited return: The short video then transitioned to a montage of shots of items from the Volcano menu, which was first established in 1995, including the Volcano Taco and the Double Beef Volcano Burrito

Hotline: Towards the end of the reel, photos of Paris posing with a tray of food placed in front of her while on various phone calls concluded the clip

Song teaser: As close-up shots of the tasty food options appeared on the screen, Hilton's unreleased upbeat track, Hot One, played in the background

Along with the flavorful taco and burrito, the Volcano Menu also includes the iconic Lava Sauce.

US Chief Marketing Officer, Taylor Montgomery, expressed in a statement of his own, 'We're always listening to our fans, and the extensive passion and needs of the Volcano fanbase could no longer go unmet.'

He later added, 'So, to bring the heat for this major campaign, we called on none other than Paris Hilton. Always in-the-know of what's hot, Paris will help bring back these beloved items of the 2000s that never go out of style.'

The mother of one has been filtering through a busy schedule, and recently performed a DJ set on Sunday in NYC for the Dreamland Pride Festival.

She put on a leggy display wearing a glittering, rainbow minidress and sparkling, pink ankle boots.

The Simple Life star shared a post on Instagram in celebration of the opportunity and wrote to her 24 million fans and followers, 'Thank you, NYC! I had the most incredible time playing for you all tonight @DreamlandPride.'

'So proud to be closing out #PrideMonth with this incredible night. Thank you @KimPetras & @Aqua.DK for making this even more iconic. thank you everyone for all the love!! #SummerOfSliving,' she concluded.

Shortly before taking to the stage, Paris told People, 'I am beyond honored for the opportunity to perform at New York Pride.'

Hot advice: The star is celebrating the food chain's first-ever advice hotline that fans can call at 1-844-THTS-HOT to get free advice from Hilton herself in six pre-recorded messages

Keeping busy: The mother of one has been filtering through a busy schedule, and recently performed a DJ set on Sunday in NYC for the Dreamland Pride Festival

Importance of family: When she is not busy working, Hilton puts her main focus on her baby boy, Phoenix Barron, whom she welcomed via surrogate earlier this year in January and shares with husband, Carter Reum

'I'm so excited to celebrate, support, and champion everyone living true to themselves in the same way the LGBTQ+ community has advocated for me and my voice,' she further added.

'I will continue to use my platform to speak out and spread love, tolerance, acceptance, and support. It's the Summer of Sliving, and I can't wait to Sliv with everyone at Dreamland Pride in Central Park!'

When she is not busy working, Hilton puts her main focus on her baby boy, Phoenix Barron, whom she welcomed via surrogate earlier this year in January.

The media personality shares the little bundle of joy with her husband, Carter Reum, whom she tied the knot with in 2021. The couple will celebrate their second-wedding anniversary later this year in November.
Katie Price's mother has spoken out for the first time about how her famous daughter's was raped while filming a television show in South Africa.

Former glamour model Katie, 45, was raped during a horrifying carjacking in 2018 while in the country to film for a television programme.

The reality star's parent Amy, 71, has now spoken of her devastation, recalling how Katie went into a downward spiral before attempting suicide after the incident.

Katie's terrifying ordeal saw her held at gunpoint while filming for her Quest Red reality show, My Crazy Life.

According to The Sun, Amy wrote in her new book The Last Word: 'Following a safari trip, which everyone had enjoyed, the production company decided to try to cross the border into Swaziland at a time of day that wasnt safe, along a road that wasnt safe.

Heartbreaking: Katie Price's mother Amy Price, 71, has spoken out for the first time about her famous daughter's rape (L-R: Katie and Amy seen on Loose Women in 2019)

Devastating: Former glamour model Katie, 45, was raped during a horrifying carjacking in South Africa in 2018 while in the country to film for a television programme

'They were attacked by four robbers. One of the men put his hands down Kates trousers and sexually assaulted her before touching her all over and hitting her hard.'

Amy said the trauma from the incident sent Katie on a downward spiral, adding: 'It would be easy to pinpoint the beginning of Kates downward spiral to the carjacking fiasco.

'A few months after the traumatic incident, one of Kates friends rang me to say they had found her trying to kill herself.'

Amy added that she thought her illness also contributed to Katie's troubles, after she was diagnosed as terminally ill with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable lung condition, in 2017.

She said Katie relied on her 'as her protector, confidante and first emergency service', adding her daughter must have feared coping without her.

Katie previously detailed the traumatic events that led her to reaching breaking point, suffering a mental breakdown in 2018, and a failed suicide attempt where she 'knocked herself out and had black eyes' - after which she sought treatment for PTSD.

She told MailOnline: 'The experience when I was filming with ITV in South Africa, we had no security, if we had security they would have been able to deal with the six guys that jumped us, held me at gunpoint and raped me.'

Katie was thrown out of the vehicle by the attackers, during her journey from Johannesburg to Swaziland in two people carriers with the production crew.

Aftermath: Speaking in an interview with MailOnline, the media personality, 44, recalled the terrifying ordeal which saw her held at gunpoint during filming for her Quest Red reality show, My Crazy Life with ITV

The vehicles were ransacked of laptops, iPads, passports, cash and jewellery  but the robbers left behind a fortune in camera gear which the crew had stored on board. The attackers were never apprehended.

Katie first discussed her harrowing experience during an episode of Channel 4's SAS: Celebrity Who Dares Wins in 2020, where she said: 'Police said it was a miracle they didn't kill us.'

During her new Channel 4 show Trauma and Me last year, she candidly revealed: 'I hit severe depression a couple of years ago, depression on top of PTSD, I was suicidal, didn't want to be here. I tried to kill myself.

'I knocked myself out and had black eyes. I had bruises around my neck. I woke up. I didn't want to be here.'

Her stays at The Priory rehab clinic have been to treat her post traumatic stress disorder.

She also added that through therapy she has learnt to deal with her past and recognise what triggers her.

Katie detailed: 'I have had my eyes opened about a lot. When you go in The Priory, people assume that it must be for drinks or drugs.

'I have never ever been in The Priory for drink, drugs or addiction. I have been in The Priory for trauma rehabilitation for PTSD.'

If you have been affected by this story, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org.
Idris Elba looked dapper as he joined his mum, Eve, at the world premiere of his new series Hijack on Wednesday.

The actor, 50, who plays lead character Sam Nelson in the thriller, wore a quirky pale grey jacket with an asymmetric collar for the event at BFI Southbank in London.

He teamed the statement piece with a pair of coordinating trousers and patent dark blue loafers.

Smiling for photos on the red carpet Idris was supported by his mother, who showed off her chic sense of style in a printed two-piece.

She accessorised the floaty trousers and matching top with a velvet scarf and chunky jewellery.

Family: Idris Elba, 50, looked dapper as he joined his mum, Eve, at the world premiere of his new TV series Hijack on Wednesday

Smart: The actor, who plays lead character Sam Nelson in the thriller, wore a quirky pale grey jacket with an asymmetric collar for the event at BFI Southbank in London

Idris later posed for photos with his co-star Archie Panjabi, who plays security agent Zahar Ghafoor, in the series.

The actress, 51, looked glamorous in a voluminous burgundy gown, complete with a ruffled hem and a pleated cape by Lanvin.

Idris' fans have been eagerly awaiting the release of his brand new thriller Hijack - after the first preview shots were published earlier this month.

The Luther star is featured in smouldering shots in the series, which he not only starred in, but also executive produced.

Idris appears alongside Emmy Award winner Archie Panjabi, who is also known for The Good Wife, Snowpiercer and Blindspot.

The show will launch on AppleTV+ on June 28.

Fans will be glued to their seats as they watch Idris's character - entrepreneur Sam Nelson - negotiate with a plane's hijacker for its passengers' lives.

Meanwhile, co-star Archie, who plays counter-terrorism officer Zahra Gahfoor, will anxiously await news of the plane's fate from the ground.

Handsome: He teamed the statement piece with a pair of coordinating trousers and patent dark blue loafers

Pals: Idris later posed for photos with his co-star Archie Panjabi, who plays security agent Zahar Ghafoor, in the film

Incredible: The actress, 51, looked glamorous in a voluminous burgundy gown, complete with a ruffled hem and a pleated cape

All smiles: The co-stars held hands and shared a laugh on the red carpet

Stunning: Joining them at the event was Christine Adams, who plays Marsha Smith-Nelson, she looked sensational in a chic jumpsuit

Terror: Idris plays the role of corporate negotiator Sam Nelson in forthcoming AppleTV+ drama Hijack, when he has to negotiate to save the lives of fellow passengers of a plane

As the action unfolds, only time will tell whether the quick-thinking rescue attempt engineered by Idris will be a master plan or a mistake that leads to his undoing.

The first two episodes will drop on June 28, followed by a new episode every Wednesday until the end of the series.

It's a milestone moment for Idris, as the series marks the first collaboration between AppleTV+, himself and his production company Green Door Pictures.

Creators George Kay (Lupin) and Jim Field Smith (Truth Seekers) also played a part in the show's executive production via their firm Idiotlamp Productions.
Elsa Pataky sent temperatures soaring as she stripped down for a photoshoot with Elle Spain.

The 46-year-old actress, who hails from Madrid, showed off her trim pins in bikini bottoms and a jumper as she graced the cover of the fashion magazine.

The glamorous wife of Chris Hemsworth left her brunette locks out as she smiled for the camera.

In another photo, Elsa flaunted her incredible figure in a racy high-cut red swimsuit as she threw her hands up in the air.

She then revealed her toned abs in a bikini top and long jeans as she relaxed on a chair.

Chris Hemsworth's wife Elsa Pataky showed off her incredible figure as she modelled a range of stylish swimsuits during photoshoot for Spanish Elle magazine

For her final look, Elsa posed on a wharf in a linen shirt, printed bikini bottoms and brown sandals.

Elsa and her Thor star husband, 39, swapped the bright lights of Hollywood for a more relaxed life in Australia nine years ago.

The Hollywood couple, who have been married for ten years, have called Byron Bay home since 2014.

They own a $30 million mega-mansion in Broken Head.

Elsa, who previously lived in Los Angeles with Chris and their three children, said she enjoys the more laid-back lifestyle Down Under.

'We did the move three years ago and I'm so happy with it,' she revealed to Women's Health magazine in April 2017.

The 46-year-old actress, who hails from Madrid, showed off her trim pins in bikini bottoms and a jumper as she graced the cover of the fashion magazine

She then revealed her toned abs in a bikini top and long jeans as she relaxed on a chair

Earlier this month, Chris praised his wife Elsa as he revealed that he wouldn't of been able to do 'any of the things I've done' with out her 'sacrifice and support'.

The Aussie actor has carved out an impressive film career since first finding fame on Home and Away, with Chris now being one of the world's biggest action stars thanks to his role as Thor in the Marvel franchise.

In an interview with British GQ, in which he's the first GQ Heroes cover star, Chris told how his wife's comfort and encouragement has allowed him to be who he is.

He told the publication: 'Her sacrifice, commitment, work, support, forgiveness - everything that she has given me over the years has been incredible. I couldnt have done any of the things Ive done without it.'
Angelina Jolie looked radiant as she stepped out in the trendy Soho district of New York City on Tuesday.

The Maleficent actress was seen as she exited a black Cadillac Escalade ahead of her second-oldest child, Pax Jolie-Pitt, 19, who got out of the same vehicle behind her.

The 48-year-old Academy Award winner held a large cream leather tote bag as she clutched a trench coat against her chest.

The Lara Croft: Tomb Raider star, named Hollywood's highest-paid actress multiple times, wore a sleeveless black below-the-knee dress with black pointed-toe heels.

The three time Golden Globe winner wore little to no makeup behind oversized shades, styled her highlighted tresses straight over her shoulder, and accessorized her look with multiple silver earrings and a gold bracelet.

Back in the big apple: Angelina Jolie looked radiant as she stepped out in the trendy Soho district of New York City on Tuesday. The Maleficent actress was seen as she exited a black Cadillac Escalade ahead of her second-oldest child, Pax Jolie-Pitt, 19

Chic: The 48-year-old Academy Award winner held a large cream leather tote bag as she clutched a trench coat against her chest. The Lara Croft: Tomb Raider star wore a sleeveless black below-the-knee dress with black pointed-toe heels

Meanwhile, her son Pax wore a white T-shirt, tan pants, and brown Nikes.

The filmmaker and humanitarian daughter of legendary actor Jon Voight recently appeared in Marvel's Eternals and the Warner Bros drama Those Who Wish Me Dead.

Recently, Jolie initiated the Women for Bees non-profit program in Mexico, which aims to empower and educate local women on beekeeping and bee care practices.

On Monday, Jolie headed out for sushi with three of her six children: Pax, 19, Zahara, 18, and Shiloh.

Jolie and her ex-husband, Brad Pitt, share six children: Maddox, 21; Pax, 19; Zahara, 18; Shiloh, 17, and twins, Vivienne and Knox, 14.

Maddox, Zahara, and Pax were welcomed into the family through adoption from orphanages in Cambodia, Ethiopia, and Vietnam. The other three children are biologically related to their parents.

Recently, there has been news coverage of Angelina's legal dispute with Pitt over the Chateau Miraval winery, which they purchased as a couple in 2008.

The 59-year-old Bullet Train star accused Jolie of selling her portion of the winery with the intent to willfully 'inflict harm' by entering into the sale with a total 'stranger,' thus violating their agreement.

Recent projects: The filmmaker and humanitarian recently appeared in Marvel's Eternals and the Warner Bros drama Those Who Wish Me Dead

Busy bee: Jolie initiated the Women for Bees non-profit program in Mexico, which aims to empower and educate local women on beekeeping and bee care practices

Doting mom: On Monday, Jolie headed out for sushi with three of her six children: Pax, 19, Zahara, 18, and Shiloh

According to RadarOnline.com, which obtained court documents, Angelina slammed Brad's claims as 'frivolous, malicious, and part of a problematic pattern.'

However, Pitt claimed they agreed not to sell their stake in the property without approving it with each other as they were both owners.

The documents added, 'Pitt's allegations that he and Ms. Jolie had a secret, unwritten, unspoken contract to a consent right on the sale of their interests in the property is directly contrary to the written record and, among other legal defects, violative of the Statute of Frauds and public policy.'

Jolie was critical of advertising of the winery, saying she 'was shaken by the recent imagery that was released to sell the alcohol.'

Jolie said she could no longer 'be involved, publicly or privately, in a business based on alcohol' and that the 'business is therefore past the point of anything that [she] could be part of.'

Ongoing drama: Angelina's ongoing legal dispute with Pitt over the Chateau Miraval winery, which they purchased as a couple in 2008, is based on the sale of her portion of the winery - The former A-list couple was pictured in 2015 in Hollywood

The winery in southern France, pictured in 2012, was at the center of a conflict between the former spouses

Pitt and Jolie, who wed in 2014 and split in 2016, have been entangled in the legal system amid battles on multiple issues over the past six years. Pictured in June 2014

Pitt sued Jolie in February after she sold her share of the winery to Russian oligarch Yuri Shefler and his Stoli Group subsidiary, Tenute del Mondo. Pitt said in court docs that while Jolie did pledge 40 percent of the $28.4 million they invested in the winery, she had not done any work on the project.

He said that the sale also violated a 'mutual understanding' in their 2019 divorce pact in that they agreed not to sell their interest in the venue without the approval of the other.

In September, Jolie's one-time company Nouvel sued Pitt for $250 million, saying he 'masterminded a so-far-successful plan' to control the winery.

Pitt and Jolie, who wed in 2014 and split in 2016, have been entangled in the legal system amid battles on multiple issues over the past six years.
Margot Robbie looked like a Barbie brought to life as she landed in Sydney with her co-stars on Wednesday ahead of the movie's promotional tour.

The 31-year-old actress arrived in style in a $3700 pink Chanel blazer, a white crop top and grey trousers as she pushed her bright pink luggage through the airport.

The two-time Academy Award nominee completed her look with a $1477 Chanel belt and $1700 heels by the luxury fashion house.

Margot left her straight long blonde locks out and wore dark sunglasses as she left the airport with her husband Tom Ackerley.

Tom dressed casually in black pants, a white jumper and kept a low profile in a pink Nike hat as he walked behind his wife.

Margot Robbie looked like her iconic character in a $3700 pink Chanel blazer and $1700 heels alongside her husband Tom Ackerley as she leads the stars landing in Sydney for movie's tour

After arriving to Sydney Airport, the couple were seen getting into an awaiting car.

The couple were also joined by America Ferrera, who was all smiles as she jetted into Sydney for the promotional tour.

The American actress, 39, dressed for comfort in flare orange pants, a matching shirt and a beige coat.

The Ugly Betty star kept a low profile with a brown hat and held a cross body bag as she walked through the airport.

The actress arrived in style in a $3700 pink Chanel blazer, a white crop top and grey pants as she pushed her bright pink luggage through the airport

The two-time Academy Award nominee completed her look with a $1477 Chanel belt and $1700 heels by the luxury fashion house

Margot left her straight long blonde locks out and wore dark sunglasses as she left the airport with her husband Tom Ackerley

According to Vulture, the film is 'a fish-out-of-water story about a doll who is ousted from toy society for not being perfect enough.'

Another synopsis on IMDB of the movie reads: 'A doll living in "Barbieland" is expelled for not being perfect enough and sets off on an adventure in the real world. A Live-action feature film based on the popular line of Barbie toys.'

Oscar winner Ryan Gosling is starring opposite Margot as he takes on the role of Barbie's boyfriend Ken.

Tom dressed casually in black pants, a white jumper and kept a low profile in a pink Nike hat as he walked behind his wife

After arriving to Sydney Airport, the couple were seen getting into an awaiting car

The couple were also joined by America Ferrera, who was all smiles as she jetted into Sydney

Will Ferrell is said to be playing the CEO of the toy company that may or may not be Mattel.

Little Women and Ladybird filmmaker Greta Gerwig is directing the project, and wrote the script for the film with her longtime partner Noah Baumbach.

Other members of the cast include Kate McKinnon, Michael Cera, Emma Mackey, Kingsley Ben-Adir, America Ferrara, Rhea Perlman, Ariana Greenblatt, Ana Cruz Kayne, Alexandra Shipp, Ritu Arya, Sharon Rooney, Connor Swindells, Scott Evans and Jamie Demetriou.

The American actress, 39, dressed for comfort in flare orange pants, a matching shirt and a beige coat

The Ugly Betty star kept a low profile with a brown hat and held a cross body bag as she walked through the airport

According to Vulture, the film is 'a fish-out-of-water story about a doll who is ousted from toy society for not being perfect enough'

Fans think Emma will be playing the role of Skipper, the younger sister of Barbie, thanks to her resemblance to Margot.

Also linked to the film are Bridgerton's Nicola Coughlan, actress Saoirse Ronan and pop sensation Dua Lipa - but these have not yet been confirmed.

It has been rumoured that there will be different versions of Barbie and Ken, with one Barbie said to be portrayed by Issa Rae and the other might be Hari Nef.

Marvel's Simu Liu and new Doctor Who Ncuti Gatwa are also said be playing other Kens.

Another synopsis on IMDB of the movie reads: 'A doll living in "Barbieland" is expelled for not being perfect enough and sets off on an adventure in the real world. A Live-action feature film based on the popular line of Barbie toys'
South Africa: President Ramaphosa remains committed to driving change

President Cyril Ramaphosa remains deeply committed to leading reforms aimed at resolving the many challenges facing the country, particularly on the economic front, says Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.

Magwenya on Wednesday led a media briefing to update the public on the Presidents public programme for the next two weeks.

He said the Presidency has noted with concern the ongoing narrative that seeks to suggest that President Ramaphosa is not fully engaged with his job and the task of leading South Africa.

This false assertion is devoid of any facts or evidence. On the contrary, the President remains deeply motivated to lead reforms aimed at resolving the many challenges facing our country, particularly on the economic front.

The Presidency rejects this impression as nothing but cheap political point scoring and an attempt to distract from the difficult task of reforming our economy, Magwenya said.

Over the last six months, he said, the President has focused on resolving multiple challenges and advancing the economic growth agenda.

The President has this year convened the 5th South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC), which exceeded the five-year investment target.

He has also established and champions the Youth Employment Service (YES), which placed 100 000 youth in one-year work experience. Under the Presidential Employment Stimulus, 1.2 million public employment opportunities were created since 2020.

Turning to electricity challenges, Magwenya said: President Ramaphosa has taken a hands-on approach to solving the crisis by chairing the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM). Reforms have led to a pipeline of over 100 private sector projects totalling 10 000MW."

On economic reforms, Magwenya said the President is actively involved in Operation Vulindlela, which has driven reforms in water, electricity, ports, rail, telecommunications and visas, with the skills visa system undergoing major overhaul.

Transforming SOEs

President Ramaphosa convenes the Presidential SOE Council, which is undertaking a major overhaul of the State-owned enterprise landscape.

In relation to infrastructure, the President has provided visible support to infrastructure projects like the Lesotho Highlands Water project Phase 2, the N2 Wild Coast development project and renewable energy projects in the Northern Cape.

On the Just Energy Transition, President Ramaphosa chairs the Presidential Climate Commission, which has been leading the development of the just transition framework, bring on board experts in the Presidency to develop the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan.

The President has met with every Minister over the last two months to define their top three to five priorities until the end of the term to ensure focused delivery, Magwenya said.

This week, the President has finalised a partnership with organised business on three joint work streams, namely electricity; logistics; crime and corruption. Magwenya said there are ongoing interactions with business in different sectors, organised labour and the disability sector.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2023-06-28. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Agriculture transformed as new business models introduced China is getting closer to its goal of developing all permanent basic cropland into high-standard cropland, which will be expanded to further benefit the agricultural sector. The nation boasts about 128 million hectares of farmland, of which 103 million are permanent basic cropland. Dong Yonghan, who lives in Dalu village of Hefei, Anhui province, has been busy leading his colleagues and villagers in harvesting wheat and planting sorghum on the 405 hectares of cropland. Born in the 1970s, Dong said that harvesting and planting work is now much easier as cropland in the village had been transformed into high-standard field by 2021. "The plots are now much bigger than before, along with the roads and irrigation networks," said Dong, secretary of the village committee of the Communist Party of China. "The recent harvest only took us three days, as we used several machines," Dong said, adding that planting the broomcorn took just one week. Five years ago, Dalu, which is administered by Changfeng county, had more than 12,000 plots of cropland. With two rounds of transformation work completed since 2018, the cropland has been divided into about 500 plots. In 2014, the central authorities released the General Principles for High-quality Cropland Construction, and amended them last year. The amended version states that China will have 80 million hectares of such land by 2030. On Oct 16, the report to the 20th National Congress of the CPC stressed that the nation must reinforce the foundations for food security on all fronts. The report said the total area of farmland in China should not fall below 120 million hectares, and all permanent basic cropland is expected to be gradually developed to a high standard. The nation's food supply should remain firmly in its own hands, the report added. In February, the No 1 Central Document, the first major policy document released annually by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, stressed that the central government would implement a plan to transform all permanent basic cropland. In the past five years, the area of high-standard cropland in China has risen by 30.4 million hectares, a State Council report stated earlier this year. The rate of mechanization for plowing, planting and harvesting crops rose from 67 percent to 73 percent. A report by Farmers' Daily said the nation will provide 300,000 hectares of new high-quality cropland this year, and further optimize 227,000 hectares of such land during this time. Government data show that Anhui leads provincial regions in the transformation of high-standard cropland. The province, which has 5.53 million hectares of cultivated land, will complete the provision of 4.5 million hectares of high-standard cropland by 2030, the provincial government said. More than 4 million hectares of such land had been provided in Anhui by the end of last year. The provincial government's finance department said in March that Anhui would invest 10 billion yuan ($1.39 billion) on establishing new high-standard cropland this year. The department said the standard funding from different levels of government in the province would be 37,500 yuan per hectare this year, and it would be raised to 45,000 yuan per hectare by 2025. Meanwhile, the central government will continue to invest in providing high-standard cropland. For example, to supply an additional 8,330 hectares of such land in Ma'anshan city, Anhui, the central authorities will allocate about 135 million yuan, while the provincial and municipal authorities will together invest about 113 million yuan, a recent news release from the municipal government stated. Higher standard "In rural areas, when young people marry and start a family, their parents reallocate property, and more important, divide their farmland," Dong said. "As a result, villagers' farmland plots are becoming smaller in size but are rising in number with growth of the population, although the total area of a village hardly increased after generations of cultivation," Dong said. In Dalu, the cropland is owned by more than 2,000 villagers, he added. This area, located in the middle of the Yangtze and Huaihe rivers watershed, is home to undulating terrain. In the past, rice was the most important crop in Changfeng county, and the villagers owned ponds to water the rice. Some ponds were owned by one family, while others were shared among several households. "When there was a drought, irrigation was extremely hard, and numerous conflicts arose between the villagers over the use of water, Dong said. Yang Xiaohu, an official at the county's bureau of agriculture and rural affairs, said a high-standard cropland construction project conducted through public bidding typically covers an area of several hundred hectares. From 2012 to 2021, the county invested 2.4 billion yuan on 110 such projects in 187 villages with a total area of 64,000 hectares, the bureau said. For each project, the government required that the number of plots should fall by no more than 70 percent. The bureau said that roads suitable for use by agricultural machinery should reach all plots that were transformed. New mode In China, villagers own the right to use cropland, based on the requirements of the household contract responsibility system, a policy introduced in the early 1980s. In 2021, about 267 hectares of cropland in Dalu were transferred to the State-owned Anhui Provincial State Farms Group for a new mode of business, while the remaining land was transferred to a number of villagers. The group provides funding and technology, while the village, as a collective farming cooperative, is responsible for management. The villagers perform paid daily farm work. Dalu villagers are paid an annual rent of 7,500 yuan per hectare by the group. In addition, 50 percent of the annual net profit goes to the group. Part of the remainder is distributed to the villagers as a dividend, while the rest is retained by the cooperative for purposes such as improving infrastructure in the village. In 2019, in Hongqiao village, Yijing township, Changfeng, 380 hectares of high-standard cropland were entrusted to Kingfarm, a major company and modern agricultural service platform. Kingfarm provides a one-stop service for the village, charging 6,900 yuan per hectare each year, with the aim of providing Hongqiao with an annual turnover of 10,500 yuan per hectare, the Changfeng agriculture and rural affairs bureau said. The service provided by Kingfarm includes plowing, planting, disease prevention and pest control, harvesting and sale of produce. Dong said: "As many villagers have moved to cities for work, they no longer have to worry about leaving their land idle. In addition to their salaries, they can also gain more income from these new business methods." Last year, the cooperative in Dalu had an annual income of more than 10 million yuan  a sharp contrast to the 100,000 yuan it made in 2019. Despite severe drought last year, Anhui reported grain output of 41 million metric tons, the fourth-highest among the 31 provincial-level regions on the Chinese mainland. Provincial authorities said the provision of high-standard cropland was one of the major reasons for the good harvest.
Not so long ago, Phoebe Waller-Bridge was best known for a one-woman stage show about a sharp-tongued, grief-ridden singleton who wore comfortable jumpers, stripy tops, jeans and floral wrap dresses. Millions of British women immediately identified with her.

Scroll forward a few years and the 37-year-old Fleabag actress and creator is now every inch the style icon, wowing audiences and fashion critics alike with her carousel of red-carpet outfits ordinary women can only dream about.

On Monday, for the premiere of the new Indiana Jones movie, she looked sensational in a sleek, chainmail slip dress with a structured cape by Saudi Arabian brand Ashi Studio, before changing into a plunging vintage jumpsuit. How has she done it?

The shift appears to have started sometime around 2019, when Anna Wintour gave her the cover of American Vogue, putting her in a Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello cut-out dress.

Around the same time Waller-Bridge started working with one of Hollywood's secret weapons  fashion stylist Elizabeth Saltzman.

Look One - The Deep Y

It's clear that one of Waller-Bridge's favourite body parts is the chest area, which she has the ability to highlight without it ever looking overtly sexual. At 5ft 11in she is blessed with a long, graceful chest and neck, which she shows off to great effect with a number of deep Vs. The most notable was the satin Stella McCartney slip dress she wore at the 2022 Venice Film Festival, which plunged to her midriff. It felt casual yet formal, due in part to Waller-Bridge's decision to forgo any accessories.

However, the Roland Mouret jawdropper she wore to the Indiana Jones premiere in Germany  with a sharp, more accentuated V  felt noticeably old-school glamour.

Waller-Bridge attends the 71st Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater on September 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California

It's clear that one of Waller-Bridge's favourite body parts is the chest area, which she has the ability to highlight without it ever looking overtly sexual.

Waller-Bridge and Martin McDonagh attend the British Vogue Celebrates Vogue Darlings party at Venice Film Festival in partnership with Cartier on September 03, 2022 in Venice, Italy.

The actress attends the premiere of 'Indiana Jones und das Rad des Schicksals' at Zoo Palast on June 22, 2023 in Berlin, Germany

Look Two - Superhero Capes

The cape has long been known as a tricky fashion item to pull off. One needs broad-ish shoulders (but not too broad) simply to deal with the logistics of keeping the look in place.

Then there's the length to contend with. You need it long enough for superhero 'Kapow!' sexiness, but not too long that it looks like something Little Red Riding Hood would wear. Luckily for Waller-Bridge, she has the height to carry off the drama of a full-length cape.

For the Bond premiere she chose an Azzaro off-white cape contrasted with a sequinned black jumpsuit. At the Baftas in 2019 she wore a powder blue cape dress by Albino Teodoro. But perhaps her finest look to date was at this week's premiere, where she dropped jaws in a chainmail dress with a cream floor-length cape. It was bold, beautiful and refreshingly experimental  proof you can find your style groove at any point in your life.

Luckily for Waller-Bridge (pictured at the Indiana Jones premiere in London, June 26 2023) , she has the height to carry off the drama of a full-length cape

The World Premiere of 'NO TIME TO DIE' at the Royal Albert Hall on September 28, 2021 in London, England

You need it long enough for superhero 'Kapow!' sexiness, but not too long that it looks like something Little Red Riding Hood would wear

Look Three - The Tuxedo

Waller-Bridge favours two types of suit  the flared-trousers suit or the more formal tuxedo. This plays to her real strengths, incorporating one of her favourite silhouettes: the deep V.

She tends to wear very little underneath her jackets. This keeps the look fresh and subtly sexy. If she does go for an under-layer, it's sheer or just a peekaboo bra, such as with the cream suit she wore at Cannes this year. It's a look she started wearing in 2019 when she wowed in a green velvet tuxedo by Victoria Beckham.

It's a look she started wearing in 2019 when she wowed in a green velvet tuxedo by Victoria Beckham

Waller-Bridge attends 'Killing Eve' and 'When Heroes Fly' screening during the 1st Cannes International Series Festival at Palais des Festivals on April 8, 2018 in Cannes, France

She tends to wear very little underneath her jackets. This keeps the look fresh and subtly sexy

Look Four - Off-The-Shoulder Corset Dress

The off-the-shoulder corset dress is a Waller-Bridge favourite. However, she reimagines this classic two ways.

She opts for daring semi-sheer, as seen on the Dior dress she wore to the 2020 Critics' Choice Awards, or opts for an almost vampiric bust line as seen on her Dolce & Gabbana Oscars dress.

She knows the corset will inject delicate sex appeal with style credibility.

The off-the-shoulder corset dress is a Waller-Bridge favourite

She knows the corset will inject delicate sex appeal with style credibility.
Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep and Brendan Fraser are among hundreds of Screen Actors Guild members who say they're prepared to strike amid contract negotiations breaking down.

The Oscar-winners were among a coalition of more than 300 actors who signed the addressed to SAG-AFTRA Leadership and Negotiating Committee ahead of a June 30 deadline for a contract with Hollywood studios, Rolling Stone reported.

The letter came in response to a clip SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher released to members, saying that negotiations had been 'extremely productive' and that leaders were 'laser focused on all of the crucial issues you told us are most important to you,' the outlet reported.

Drescher added, 'We're standing strong and we are going to achieve a seminal deal.'

The alliance of actors said in the response letter that 'SAG-AFTRA members may be ready to make sacrifices that leadership is not' amid 'an unprecedented inflection point in our industry.'

The latest: Jennifer Lawrence, 32, and Meryl Streep, 74, are among hundreds of Screen Actors Guild members who say they're prepared to strike amid contract negotiations in a letter to SAG-AFTRA leaders published by Rolling Stone

The actor said that 'what might be considered a good deal in any other years is simply not enough' amid what they feel has been a long-running downward trend on the business end for talent.

'We feel that our wages, our craft, our creative freedom, and the power of our union have all been undermined in the last decade. We need to reverse those trajectories.'

Among the actors who signed the letter, listed in alphabetical order, include Fred Armisen, Kevin Bacon, J. Smith Cameron, Neve Campbell, Glenn Close, Ariana DeBose, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, David Duchovny, Beanie Feldstein, Chelsea Handler, Neil Patrick Harris, Riley Keough, John Leguizamo, Dan Levy, Ron Livingston, Eva Longoria, Natasha Lyonne, Rami Malek,

Others who signed the letter include Debra Messing, Liam Neeson, Bob Odenkirk, Rosie ODonnell, Patton Oswalt, Elliot Page, Keke Palmer, Busy Phillips, Amy Poehler, Zachary Quinto, Michael Rapaport, Emmy Rossum, Mark Ruffalo, Amy Schumer, Chloe Sevigny, Fisher Stevens, Ben Stiller, Amber Tamblyn, Marissa Tomei, Jeanne Tripplehorn and Constance Wu.

The actors who signed the letter said that while they were 'prepared to strike if it comes to that,' they don't want to, as it 'brings incredible hardships to so many, and no one wants it.'

The issues the coalition listed in the letter include minimum pay thresholds, healthcare, pensions, streaming-geared residuals and regulations of self-tapes casting agents receive.

On the topic of artificial intelligence, the group said, 'We do not believe that SAG-AFTRA members can afford to make halfway gains in anticipation that more will be coming in three years.'

They added: 'We think it is absolutely vital that this negotiation protects not just our likenesses, but makes sure we are well compensated when any of our work is used to train AI.'

The Whale star Brendan Fraser, pictured at the SAG Awards in February in LA, is among the stars to sign off on the letter

The letter came in response to a clip SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher released to members, saying that negotiations had been 'extremely productive' and that leaders were 'laser focused on all of the crucial issues you told us are most important to you.' Pictured last month in LA

The group said that it 'would rather go on strike than compromise on these fundamental points' and that settling for less in negotiations with studios would undermine them and translate to 'drastically reduced leverage' in future labor agreements.

The potential labor dispute comes just less than two months after the Writers Guild of America went on strike May 1 after they were unable to work out a deal on a new contract. Artificial intelligence and its implementation in writing has been a topic of focus amid the strike.

The group of actors referenced the strike in their letter, saying, 'If you are not able to get all the way there, we ask that you use the power given to you by us, the membership, and join the WGA on the picket lines.

'For our union and its future, this is our moment. We hope that, on our behalf, you will meet that moment and not miss it.'
He's an iconic American fashion designer known for his outlandish runway looks and taboo-breaking styles.

And Rick Owens, 60, exuded his trademark quirky aesthetic as he attended the wedding of Melbourne socialite Sarah Lew and restaurateur Chris Lucas in Venice, Italy, on Tuesday.

Turning heads as he travelled to the venue via canal boat, Rick was spotted wearing a silk white tailcoat layered over a long white top and baggy black trousers - all from his own collection,

The father-of-one completed his look with black leather platform boots that featured edgy Perspex heels, and a pair of black statement earrings.

Rick, whose designs are favoured by the likes of Kim Kardashian and Victoria Beckham, attended the event with his Melbourne-born male model friend Tyrone Dylan Susman.

Rick Owens, 60, (pictured) exuded his trademark quirky aesthetic as he attended the wedding of Melbourne socialite Sarah Lew and restaurateur Chris Lucas in Venice, Italy, on Tuesday

Turning heads as he travelled to the venue via canal boat, Rick was spotted wearing a silk white tailcoat layered over a long white top and baggy black trousers - all from his own collection

Tyrone meanwhile showcased his ripped physique in a plunging silk black blazer and matching palazzo trousers from Rick's collection.

He wore his wavy blond locks out and accessorised his outfit with a gold pendant necklace.

Rick and Tyrone was seen walking across a jetty with the groom's daughter Holly Lucas, before boarding a vessel bound for the wedding celebration venue.

Rick, whose designs are favoured by the likes of Kim Kardashian and Victoria Beckham, attended the event with his Melbourne-born male model friend Tyrone Dylan Susman (centre). (Pictured with Holly Lucas)

Rick completed his look with black leather platform boots that featured edgy perspex heels, and a pair of black statement earrings

Tyrone often shows off his muscular physique on social media

After arriving at their venue, the stylish pair were spotted chatting to the groom and other guests outside as they waited for the bride to make her solo arrival.

Sarah eventually arrived via boat, turning heads in a hooded Saint Laurent gown worth over $8,000.

Earlier this month, Sarah revealed she and Lucas had secretly exchanged vows in a civil ceremony.

Sharing several photos to her Instagram account on Monday, the fashion queen posed in a stunning $4,000 Saint Laurent gown and a white netted mini veil.

Sarah celebrated her hen's party in May, throwing a decadent Saint Laurent-themed at Melbourne's up-market Society restaurant.

Rick and Tyrone were in good spirts as they chatted to a waiter

After arriving at their venue, the stylish pair were spotted chatting to the groom and other guests outside as they waited for the bride to make her solo arrival

Meanwhile, bride Sarah was a vision in black as she kicked off her wedding celebrations wearing a Saint Laurent gown worth over $8,000
Married At First Sight bride Caitlin McConville is the latest star from this year's season to cash in and sign up to OnlyFans.

The 28-year-old Brisbane-based makeup artist re-activated her account almost one year after signing up to the Channel Nine dating show.

For $24.99 a month, fans can now see a side of Caitlin, who was paired with personal trainer Shannon Adams, they haven't seen on TV.

The bio of Caitlin's OnlyFans account reads: 'The content you won't find on my social media'.

Caitlin has already racked up over 336 'likes' on the page and understood to have made a whopping $16,793 since joining the raunchy website.

Married At First Sight bride Caitlin McConville is the latest star from this year's season to cash in and sign up to OnlyFans

The 28-year-old Brisbane-based makeup artist re-activated her account almost one year after signing up to the Channel Nine dating show

Her decision to join OnlyFans follows fellow MAFS bride, Bronte Schofield, who reportedly earned a reported $100,000 on the platform in just three days.

The Channel Nine show, known for its drama and explosive dinner parties, has seen a number of its cast members turn to alternative ways to cash in on their fame.

It comes after photos surfaced of Caitlin earlier this year from her days working as an exotic dancer at Brisbane strip club Showgirls.

For $24.99 a month, fans can now see a side of Caitlin, who was paired with personal trainer Shannon Adams, they haven't seen on TV

Promotional photos on the club's Instagram account show the then-brunette posing in lingerie and showing off her nipple ring in a leopard-print bodysuit.

She was pictured sitting on a pool table clutching some balls, while another photo showed her resting a toy gun on her shoulders.

The flirty captions shared alongside the snaps included, 'It's Friday - let's play', 'Time to get wild', and 'Meet you at the bar'.

Caitlin has already racked up over 336 'likes' on the page and understood to have made a whopping $16,793 since joining the raunchy website

It comes after p hotos surfaced of Caitlin earlier this year from her days working as an exotic dancer at Brisbane strip club Showgirls

It showed her leaning against a stripper pole as she posed on the stage alongside 10 other scantily clad women.

Her last featured photo was uploaded in July last year, just weeks before filming began for Married At First Sight's tenth season.

'Caitlin has always been self-conscious and really struggled with self-image,' a friend told Daily Mail Australia.

'She decided she wanted to push herself out of her comfort zone to grow and put herself out there in a way she never thought she would.

'Putting her insecurities on display challenged those negative thoughts about her.

Fans fell in love with Caitlin after she was paired with 'cruel' personal trainer Shannon Adams
Neighbours star Charlotte Chimes has debuted her new romance with Geelong Cats player Jed Bews.

The actress, 29, stepped out with her new beau at the restaurant opening of Johnny, Vince and Sam's in Melbourne on Tuesday night.

Charlotte stunned in a long green dress with a large cut-out along the front and sides as she posed alongside Jed at the event.

She completed her look with a pair of strappy beige heels and was all smiles as she wrapped her arms around her man.

Jed looked stylish in black jeans, a white T-shirt and a grey shirt for the event.

Neighbours star Charlotte Chimes and Geelong Cats player Jed Bews have debuted their blossoming romance at a restaurant opening in Melbourne

The actress, 29, stepped out with her new beau at the restaurant opening of Johnny, Vince and Sam's in Melbourne on Tuesday night

Jed told The Daily Telegraph, the couple haven't known each other for very long but things are 'going well'.

'This is our second date so it's early days but it's going well,' he said.

Charlotte and Jet met on celebrity dating app Raya.

Charlotte stunned in a long green dress with a large cut-out along the front and sides as she posed alongside Jed at the event

She completed her look with a pair of strappy beige heels and was all smiles as she wrapped her arms around her man

Jed looked stylish in black jeans, a white T-shirt and a grey shirt for the event

Jed told The Daily Telegraph , the couple haven't known each other for very long but things are 'going well'

It comes after Charlotte recently posted a gallery of photos to Instagram, which fans are convinced contained a clue she will return to Ramsay Street.

In the photos, the actress looked every inch the stunner as she attended the races in Brisbane.

But it's what she wrote next to the snaps - the word 'neigh' - that got fans worked up.

The couple posed at the opening night of Johnny, Vince and Sam's Ristorante in Melbourne

It comes after Charlotte recently posted a gallery of photos to Instagram, which fans are convinced contained a clue she will return to Ramsay Street

'Neigh? ...bours?? Official confirmation!! You heard it here first,' one fan joked.

'I miss you on Neighbours. Nicolette is my favourite character,' another added.

Charlotte, however, remained tight-lipped about whether she would return to the soap, simply 'liking' the posts begging her to come back.

Charlotte played Nicolette Stone on Neighbours from 2020 to 2022.

Neighbours was brought back from cancellation in November when Amazon saved the beloved soap four months after the final episode aired.
Nearly two years after welcoming their first child, Felicity alum Scott Speedman popped the question to his babymama Lindsay Rae Hofmann atop a seaside cliff in California on Tuesday.

The Juillet Swimwear co-founder - turning 32 next month - posted an Instagram slideshow of the romantic milestone, which was captioned with an infinity emoji and the word 'yes.'

The London-born, Canadian-raised 47-year-old - who made no mention of the engagement on his Instagram account - proposed to Lindsay with a unique ring featuring a round-shaped cluster rather than a traditional diamond.

Scott (born Robert) and Hofmann have been going strong ever since they began dating in the summer of 2017.

Speedman and the former Real Girl Series podcaster are proud parents of 20-month-old daughter Pfeiffer Lucia Speedman and five-year-old Golden Retriever Bodhi.

Congratulations! Nearly two years after welcoming their first child, Felicity alum Scott Speedman popped the question to his babymama Lindsay Rae Hofmann atop a seaside cliff in California on Tuesday

Last Friday, Lindsay shared two cute snaps of the Crimes of the Future actor kissing little Pfeiffer through an open window of one of their reported two homes - a $3.3M secluded estate in Pasadena and a two-bedroom bungalow in Silver Lake.

It's unclear if Scott will be reprising his role as Dr. Nick Marsh, the love interest to Dr. Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), in the 20th season of ABC medical drama Grey's Anatomy.

In the May 18th finale, the transplant surgeon declared to the interim chief of surgery: 'I want to live a whole life with love, and mess and pain... and you.'

'Meredith's character left to go to Boston because her daughter needed to go to a special school. I will be making some appearances hopefully next year, if I can find some time,' the 53-year-old Golden Globe nominee told Variety on June 7.

'No, it's not a complete goodbye. And I think we've got an interesting story to tell.'

And on February 17, Speedman signed on to star in Vaughn Stein's thriller The Offer for Lionsgate alongside Jordana Brewster and Laurence Fishburne.

The plot centers on a couple being gifted 'the house of their dreams under one strict condition - they must never open the cellar door,' according to THR.

The Juillet Swimwear co-founder - turning 32 next month - posted an Instagram slideshow of the romantic milestone, which was captioned with an infinity emoji and the word 'yes'

Wedding bling: The London-born, Canadian-raised 47-year-old - who made no mention of the engagement on his Instagram account - proposed to Lindsay with a unique ring featuring a round-shaped cluster rather than a traditional diamond

Betrothed: Scott (born Robert) and Hofmann have been going strong ever since they began dating in the summer of 2017

NYE family portrait: Speedman and the former Real Girl Series podcaster are proud parents of 20-month-old daughter Pfeiffer Lucia Speedman and five-year-old Golden Retriever Bodhi

Daddy's girl: Last Friday, Lindsay shared two cute snaps of the Crimes of the Future actor kissing little Pfeiffer through an open window of one of their reported two homes - a $3.3M secluded estate in Pasadena and a two-bedroom bungalow in Silver Lake

'I want to live a whole life with love, and mess and pain... and you': It's unclear if Scott will be reprising his role as Dr. Nick Marsh, the love interest to Dr. Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), in the 20th season of ABC medical drama Grey's Anatomy

The 53-year-old Golden Globe nominee (R) told Variety on June 7: 'I will be making some appearances hopefully next year, if I can find some time...No, it's not a complete goodbye. And I think we've got an interesting story to tell'
The Bachelor star Tatum Hargraves has announced she is expecting her first child - a baby girl- with her fiance Daniel Di Carluccio.

'We are so excited for our little bubba to arrive just in time for Christmas,' the 29-year-old revealed on Instagram.

Fans of Channel 10 dating show have showered the couple with well-wishes, expressing their joy that Tatum found love outside the show.

Tatum's news comes as a pleasant surprise for fans of The Bachelor, who watched her journey to find love with Jimmy Nicholson.

Nicholson is now preparing to walk down the aisle with his love, Holly Kingston.

The Bachelor star Tatum Hargraves has announced she is expecting her first child - a baby girl- with her fiance Daniel Di Carluccio

Although Tatum's time on the show ended earlier than expected, she has found her happily-ever-after off-screen.

As the couple prepares for their new arrival, Tatum continues to share updates and her pregnancy journey with her growing fan base on Instagram.

From baby bump photos to details about cravings and pregnancy fitness routine, she is embracing motherhood with open arms.

Tatum's news comes as a pleasant surprise for fans of The Bachelor, who watched her journey to find love with Jimmy Nicholson

As the couple prepares for their new arrival, Tatum continues to share updates and her pregnancy journey with her growing fan base on Instagram

The brunette beauty previously revealed she quit The Bachelor because her feelings for pilot Jimmy did not develop, however the pair did share a secret kiss.

The romantic moment wasn't shown on television.

Viewers will remember she won one-on-one time with Jimmy, 31. They actually ended up kissing, but the moment was left on the cutting room floor.

Fans of Channel 10 dating show have showered the couple with well-wishes, expressing their joy Tatum found love outside the show

The company director, who hails from Queensland, described their date as a 'classic couch setting' with cocktails and candles.

'We did kiss. He did the whole "lean over and grab the rose", and I received a rose which was really nice,' Tatum told Yahoo Lifestyle.

She suspects the scene was edited out because for much of their date she and Jimmy were 'sitting a bit far away' from each other.

Despite enjoying her time with Jimmy, she admitted to having doubts about their connection and did not want to force herself into having feelings for him.

'I thought in my head, do I feel something here or am I getting caught up in this process?' she said.

The brunette beauty previously revealed she quit The Bachelor because her feelings for pilot Jimmy did not develop, however the pair did share a secret kiss
Suzy Eddie Izzard enjoyed a night out at London hotspot J Sheekey on Tuesday.

The comedian, who is currently performing in the West End, looked fab in a bright pink mini skirt teamed with a figure-hugging black top.

She added mint green heels and a slick of red lipstick to complete the glam look as she enjoyed dinner with friends at the popular central London restaurant.

The comedian, 61, originally shared plans to prefix her birth name with 'Suzy' during a recent appearance on Good Morning Britain, while expressing a desire to retain 'Eddie' for public appearances.

Night out: Suzy Eddie Izzard enjoyed a night out at London hotspot J Sheekey on Tuesday. The comedian looked fab in a bright pink mini skirt teamed with a figure-hugging black top

Taking to Instagram earlier this month, Izzard confirmed the change but admitted she was happy for people to continue using her birth name, as well as male pronouns - despite expressing a preference for she/her.

Sharing a brief post, she wrote: 'As people may now well know, I have added the name Suzy to my names.

'So going forward I am preferring Suzy but I dont mind Eddie. And I prefer she/her but I dont mind he/him.

'So no one can really get it wrong unless they call me Kenneth or Sabrina. I am remaining Eddie Izzard in public. Thank you. Suzy/Eddie.'

Days earlier Izzard revealed the abuse she faced after coming out as transgender in the less accepting 1980s.

The popular comedian, who is genderfluid, first came out as trans in 1985 when she was 23.

She told Good Morning Britain hosts Kate Garraway and Ben Shepherd about how she was ostracised by society and 'fought in the streets' after receiving abuse.

'If you were trans you were considered toxic and not part of society. There weren't any conversations when I came out in '85 so it was such a hard mental thing to do because I had to sort of go do it.

After party: Suzy Eddie, who is currently performing in the West End, added mint green heels and a slick of red lipstick to her look

All change: The comedian recently confirmed the notable change to her name after revealing the public hostility she faced after coming out as transgender more than 30-years ago

'You had to basically go out and if people shouted at you on the street, if they fought you in the streets, you had to fight back and stand your ground.'

In disbelief, Shepherd asked if she was ever actually involved in a physical fight.

Izzard continued: 'Yes. Not a huge amount of times.

'I did have a big fight which I've talked about. There's been a few fights and a lot more people shouting abuse.

That has got less over the years, but then if I go to other places I can get it. I just stand my ground.

'Everything after that is not so hard! Doing stand-up in French and German.'

The comedian is about to wrap up her six week run at London's Garrick Theatre with her one-woman show, Great Expectations, in which she plays 19 roles herself.

Adapted by her brother Mark Izzard, the performance has received rave reviews after transferring over from Broadway.

West End star: The comedian is about to wrap up her six week run at London's Garrick Theatre with her one-woman show, Great Expectations, in which she plays 19 roles herself
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kyle Richards' estranged half-sister Kathy Hilton apologized to her at high-end western wear store Kemo Sabe in Aspen during their niece Whitney Davis' wedding festivities last weekend.

'I'm sorry. It wasn't your fault. It was not your fault,' the 64-year-old hotel heiress said in an Instastory shared by Kyle's eldest daughter Farrah Aldjufrie.

At that, the 54-year-old mother-of-four looked stunned and exclaimed: 'Get the video! Get the video!'

'It's not your fault. It was not your fault,' Kathy stressed. 'I was just being sad.'

On Tuesday, Richards hosted a 40-minute Amazon livestream where she recalled the 'cathartic' moment where Hilton 'apologized to me and said it wasn't my fault.'

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kyle Richards' (R) estranged half-sister Kathy Hilton (L) apologized to her at high-end western wear store Kemo Sabe in Aspen during their niece Whitney Davis' wedding festivities last weekend.

'It really meant a lot to me,' the Hollywood-born socialite explained.

'We were kind of like laughing it off. So many people were watching us and filming us on their phones, but it actually meant a lot to me.'

Kyle and Kathy also enjoyed a pre-wedding karaoke session with their middle sister Kim Richards and all of their daughters while in Colorado.

It was a full circle moment for the wealthy siblings, who stopped speaking after Hilton allegedly told their former co-star Lisa Rinna that she would 'f***ing ruin Kyle' during an off-camera meltdown in February 2022.

The ousted 59-year-old claimed the Manhattan-born socialite was raging and screaming, broke her sunglasses, and yelled about NBC and Bravo inside a sprinter van after the ladies shunned her ideas for a tequila tasting and conga line at Aspen hotspot Caribou Club.

Kathy and Richards' previous fights involved outing their sister Kim as an alcoholic in 2010, her husband Mauricio Umansky leaving Hilton & Hyland for The Agency in 2011, and Paramount Network's 2018 series American Woman.

The Halloween Ends actress has been hard at work filming the 13th season of her Bravo reality series alongside Sutton Stracke, Garcelle Beauvais, Dorit Kemsley, Erika 'Jayne' Girardi, Crystal Kung Minkoff, and newcomer Annemarie Wiley.

Meanwhile, Lisa announced her departure from RHOBH after eight seasons on January 5 and Diana Jenkins announced her departure after one season on January 9 due to her pregnancy.

Richards will also soon begin filming her role as Wilde's (Taylor Frey) 'lively and involved mother Lola' in Jake Helgren's LGBTQ holiday romance The Holiday Exchange.

In an Instastory shared by Kyle's eldest daughter Farrah Aldjufrie, the 64-year-old hotel heiress said: 'I'm sorry. It wasn't your fault. It was not your fault'

At that, the 54-year-old mother-of-four looked stunned and exclaimed: 'Get the video! Get the video!'

'It's not your fault. It was not your fault,' Kathy stressed. 'I was just being sad'

On Tuesday, Richards hosted a 40-minute Amazon livestream where she recalled the 'cathartic' moment where Hilton 'apologized to me and said it wasn't my fault'

The Hollywood-born socialite explained: 'It really meant a lot to me. We were kind of like laughing it off. So many people were watching us and filming us on their phones, but it actually meant a lot to me'

Warming their pipes: Kyle and Kathy also enjoyed a pre-wedding karaoke session with their middle sister Kim Richards and all of their daughters while in Colorado

Throwback! It was a full circle moment for the wealthy siblings, who stopped speaking after Hilton allegedly told their former co-star Lisa Rinna that she would 'f***ing ruin Kyle' during an off-camera meltdown in February 2022
She instantly became a pop culture icon after bursting into the public eye as loudmouthed Page 3 girl, Jordan.

Having tried her hand at modelling, singing, presenting, campaigning and reality TV, the glamour model quickly became a household name in Britain.

Yet while Katie Price's moniker will ring a bell for both young and old, you would be forgiven for not recognising the star on sight alone, with Katie famously undergoing numerous cosmetic procedures over the years.

After two decades in the spotlight, Katie is almost unrecognisable from the naturally pretty teenager who burst on to the modelling scene at the age of 16, with her natural curls and fresh-faced beauty winning her an army of fans.

Katie, now 45, has undergone an array of procedures over the years, including rhinoplasty, a silhouette facelift, 3D, veneers, lip fillers and Botox, culminating in her first facelift in 2017.

Now, after two decades under the surgeon's scalpel, MailOnline takes a look at the many faces of Katie Price.

The many faces of Katie Price: MailOnline takes a look at the star's changing look after two decades of boob jobs, Botox and face lifts

1995 - Barefaced beauty

At the age of 17, Katie Price was a fresh-faced natural beauty looking to make it into the world of glamour modelling.

At a friend's suggestion, the teenager had professional photographs taken and was quickly snapped up by a modelling agency who landed her a Page 3 slot in The Sun newspaper the following year, sparking the creation of her glamour model alter ego, Jordan.

Speaking last year, Katie revealed she was glad that she wasn't exposed to social media at the time as she had 'no idea what Botox was or fillers', otherwise she may have started her tweaks and enhancements at an even earlier age.

1995: At the age of 17, Katie Price was a fresh-faced natural beauty looking to make it into the world of glamour modelling

1998 - First boob job

Having just turned 20, the rising glamour model experienced her first taste of cosmetic surgery, boosting her 32B cup breasts to a 32C.

The procedure cost 4,500 and it's thought her mum Amy and stepdad Paul helped pay for her to have the procedure.

Katie has since spoken out about her decision to go under the knife, admitting she was 'too young' and that she feels sorry for young girls growing up these days in a world of social media and filters.

1998: Having just turned 20, Katie experienced her first taste of cosmetic surgery, boosting her 32B cup breasts to a 32C

1999 - Second and third boob job

Despite having only just increased her breast size, Katie opted to have two more procedures the following year at the age of 21.

Katie boosted her bust from a C cup to a D cup and just a few months later went up again to a F cup.

Katie has previously claimed that she has only paid for two of her boob jobs over the course of her career - it is not known if these were the ones.

1999: Despite having only just increased her breast size, Katie opted to have two more procedures at the age of 21

2001 - Lip fillers

At the age of 21, Katie had her first cosmetic procedure on her face, opting for lip fillers.

While the glamour model did not confirm the rumours at the time, she was seen sporting a noticeably fuller pout while out enjoying the party scene.

Her overall look had also started drastically transforming, with the model sporting dramatic false lashes, bright lipstick and pale hair extensions.

2001: At the age of 21, Katie had her first cosmetic procedure on her face, opting for lip fillers

2004 - Botox

Aged 26, Katie began to experiment with Botox injections that relax the muscles in your face to smooth out lines and wrinkles.

She made no secret of her love of the procedure, announcing at the time: 'I get my forehead and around my eyes Botoxed every six months and I love it. You can't beat it. It just freezes all the wrinkles and that's what you want.'

At the time, Katie insisted she would never take things further and have a facelift, explaining: 'I'd never have a full facelift. I've seen what they can do to people and I don't want to go through that.'

2004: Aged 26, Katie began to experiment with Botox injections that relax the muscles in your face to smooth out lines

2006 - Fourth boob job

Katie went under the knife yet again to take her F cup breasts up to a G cup.

The glamour model also played around with her overall look and embraced her dark side with a new brunette hairstyle.

She also continued to dabble with fillers and Botox.

2006: Katie went under the knife yet again to take her F cup breasts up to a G cup

2007 - First nose job and veneers

At the age of 29, Katie took her love of surgery to the next level, undergoing rhinoplasty, a chemical peel and treating herself to a 25,000 set of new veneers.

'Oh my God, it burned like hell!' she said at the time. 'The next day I had this hideous red rash on my chin but two days later there wasn't a single spot left.'

Speaking about her nose job at the time, she admitted to liking her original nose, explaining: 'I liked my nose before and now. If I had a cupboard with both noses, I would alternate between them!'

2007:Katie took her love of surgery to the next level, undergoing rhinoplasty, a chemical peel and a 25,000 set of veneers

2008 - Fifth boob job

Despite gradually increasingly her bust size over the year, Katie fancied a change on her 30th and brought her bra size back down from an F cup to a C cup.

The procedure meant that Katie had returned to the size of her first boob job 10 years prior.

Katie's changing shape also coincided with the launch of her first clothing line - an equestrian range.

2008: Despite gradually increasingly her bust size, Katie fancied a change and brought her bra size back down to a C cup

2011 - Sixth boob job

Katie's smaller chest didn't last long, and at age 33 she went back under the knife again to boost her bust to an F cup.

Katie also underwent body-contouring treatment and cheek and lip fillers.

The Loose Women panelist admitted that she loved having her cheeks filled to give her a 'plumper, more youthful look'.

2011: Katie's smaller chest didn't last long, and at age 33 she went back under the knife again to boost her bust to an F cup

2015 - Seventh and eighth boob job

Just before appearing on Celebrity Big Brother, the reality star had a botched boob reduction that left her with a hole in her breast and an implant protruding from her flesh.

Katie told her shocked housemates: 'Ive got no tits anymore. Theyve gone. Theres not even anything there. If you saw what Im like underneath. The scars gone septic. My whole implant was hanging out on New Years Day.'

Shortly after leaving the Big Brother house she underwent corrective surgery and had her implants swapped for a D-cup.

2015: Just before Celebrity Big Brother, the star had a botched boob reduction that left her with a hole in her breast

2016 - Ninth boob job and tattooed makeup

Despite her surgery horror the year before, Katie was undeterred and flew to a Brussels clinic to go under the knife yet again, this time settling on a 32GG bust.

The reality star also had her eyebrows and lips tattooed, also known as 'permanent make-up', explaining that she prefers to go make-up free on a day-to-day basis.

Additionally the star has regular facial treatments, last year sharing a bloodied selfie after having a dermal roller micro-needling treatment, which sees a dermaroller with many tiny needles rolled across into the skin - designed to stimulate cells into regeneration.

2016: Despite her surgery horror the year before, Katie flew to a Brussels clinic to get another boob job, this time a 32GG cup

2017 - First face lift, new veneers and 10th boob job

Despite insisting she would never have a face lift and could rely on Botox, Katie went back on her word undergoing a 'Silhouette' face lift.

The procedure is designed to lift a sagging cheeks and blurred jawline, using 'sutures' implanted under the skin to sculpt features.

However, Katie was soon spotted with puffy features, revealing that she suffered an allergic reaction to anesthetic penicillin after having further work on her veneers. She also had her breast implants reduced from 1000ml implants to 795ml.

2017: Despite insisting she would never have a face lift and could rely on Botox, Katie went back on her word

2018 - Second face lift

Katie claimed her first face lift had been a botched job and went back under the knife the following year aged 40 to correct it.

She said at the time 'I need to get my face re-corrected after surgeon has totally f**ked my face up', admitting it had

He agent added: 'She had the thread and it really quite distorted her look. She got a lot of backlash, a lot of negative press, a lot of trolling, everyone saying shed taken it too far, when actually it was a job that had not gone to plan.'

2018: Katie claimed her first face lift had been a botched job and went back under the knife the following year aged 40

2019 - Third face lift, boob job first Brazilian bum lift and 11th boob job

Katie jetted to Turkey to overhaul her entire look with a full body transformation.

The reality star opted for a face, eye and eyelid lift, Brazilian bum lift along with a tummy tuck.

Just three months later she returned to the clinic and opted for another boob job, going back down to a D cup.

2019: Katie jetted to Turkey to overhaul her look with a face, eye and eyelid lift, Brazilian bum lift along with a tummy tuck

2020 - 12th boob job and another set of veneers

Katie returned to Turkey to have another set of veneers and revealed her real teeth had been reduced to stubs as she flashed a smile on her YouTube channel.

The mother-of-five then jetted to Belgium to correct botched surgery on her breasts, saying her surgeon was utterly shocked by the 'awful' previous procedure.

Katie said: 'They looked deformed, they were absolutely awful. That's the first time I've gone to a different surgeon. I had to go back to Frank with my head down, ashamed that I'd been to another clinic.'

2020: Katie returned to Turkey to have another set of veneers then jetted to Belgium to correct a botched boob job

2021 - Liposuction, eye and lid lifts and 13th boob job

Amid the Covid pandemic, Katie jetted off to then red-list Turkey for a complete cosmetic surgery overhaul, undergoing full body liposuction, eye and lip lifts, liposuction under her chin, and fat injected into her bum.

The reality star also visited Belgium to have her 13th boob job as well as full body liposuction with bum fat removal.

The plastic surgery - performed by Dr Frank Plovier - came just five days ahead of the glamour model's sentencing for her shocking drink-drive crash.

2021: Katie jetted to Turkey for a complete cosmetic surgery overhaul, undergoing full body liposuction, eye and lip lifts

2022 - Another brow and eye lift

Katie secretly jetted back to Belgium at the beginning of 2022 for an eye and brow lift and had been concealing her new look with her head in a bandage.

Dr Judy Todd, an aesthetic doctor at Clinica Medica in Glasgow, said: 'It appears like she's had a face lift, temporal brow lift, and possibly an upper blepharoplasty.'

It was reported last month that Katie plans to travel to Turkey imminently for yet more plastic surgery, amid claims she wanted to get some tweaks in after being unhappy with her latest work.

Sian Dellar, Brow Specialist and Founder of Sian Dellar Permanent Makeup Clinic, added: 'Katie's eyebrows, like the rest of her, have changed lots over the years!

'Back in the 90s she had a very thin over plucked brow which was the fashion at the time, and today she has an extremely thick and unnatural looking brow.

'Currently it seems the face or eye lift that shes had have pulled her brows outward which looks unnatural and makes the brows appear almost stretched.

'Of course, as with any enhancement, its personal preference but we recommend not going too many shades darker, and keeping the shape as natural looking as possible and work to create or enhance brows to frame the face.

'Katies choice to have them so thick and dark and in that unusual positioning means they dominate her face and are the first thing the eye is drawn to. I would love to see Katie take her brows back to 2015/2016 when the fuller brow became a big trend. She got it right then and they framed her face well.'

2022: Katie secretly jetted back to Belgium for an eye and brow lift and is planning to to travel to Turkey for more surgery

2023 - 16th and 'biggest ever' boob job

It's not clear if Katie lost track of the number of breast augmentations or opted to keep some of her surgery private but by 2023 it emerged she'd undergone her 16th boob job, two years after claiming to be on her 13th.

The star went under the knife in a bid to have the 'biggest in Britain' and was subsequently pictured being wheeled into surgery at the Be Clinic in Belgium.

She is said to have wanted even bigger breasts, opting for 2120 CC implants in a bid to boost her already large bust size.

Katie told OK! magazine of her boobs: 'I love them. They healed really quickly and they didn't hurt at all. That probably doesn't help. Because I heal quickly, it doesn't put me off and I have more.

'I would go bigger as well  and I will eventually. I just love having big boobs and a small body. I've always loved that look. In my eyes, if I'm having a boob job, I want them to look fake, I don't want them to look natural. I don't like the natural look.

'I just like that old-school American Playboy pin-up look. When I have surgery, that is what I'm striving for. If I could look like my airbrushed pictures, that would be amazing. But that's impossible to achieve.'
Fans have praised Nicolas Cage after discovering that he once bought a seat on a plane for his son's imaginary friend.

Minnie Driver made the sweet admission on Tuesday, after an Instagram post calling on people to share their Nicolas Cage stories went viral.

Taking to the comments section, the British-American actress, 53, wrote: 'Was once on a plane with NC and his son and a seat had also been purchased for his son's imaginary friend'.

The actor, 59, is dad to sons Kal-El, 17, and Weston, 32, from previous relationships, as well as daughter August Francesca, nine months, with wife Riko Shibata.

The story was quickly met with praise from social media users, with many praising Cage for the 'sweet' parenting moment.

Sweet: Fans are hailing praise on Nicolas Cage after discovering that he once bought a seat on a plane for his son's imaginary friend

'This is amazing,' one person commented, while another said: 'That's so sweet!'

'Thank you for sharing that very Nicholas Cage sweet thing to do,' someone else wrote.

While the majority of responses to the anecdote were positive, Minnie's recollection prompted one person to propose an alternative reason he may have purchased the seat.

'Think he just didn't want anyone else sitting in their row?' they wrote.

'Now that's a whole new level of wealth,' another commented.

Nicolas and his wife Riko, 28, welcomed their first child together in September last year.

Riko gave birth to the couple's baby daughter, full name August Francesca Coppola Cage, at a hospital in Los Angeles on September 7.

A rep for the actor confirmed the news at the time to PEOPLE and reassured fans that 'Mother and daughter are doing fine.'

Anecdote: Minnie Driver made the sweet admission on Tuesday, after an Instagram post asking fans to share their 'Nicolas Cage stories' went viral

Cute: Taking to the comments section, the British-American actress, 53, explained her own story

Bond: The actor, 59, is dad to sons Kal-El, 17, and Weston, 32, from previous relationships (pictured) as well as daughter August Francesca, nine months, with wife Riko Shibata

The Kick-Ass actor shares son Weston with ex Christina Fulton and son Kal-El with ex-wife Alice Kim.

Nicolas and Rico met in Japan in 2020 when he was filming Sion Sono's Prisoners Of Ghostland. She landed a role in the movie playing one of the four Mannequin Women.

After getting engaged on FaceTime, the couple tied the knot at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas in February 2021.

Nicolas confirmed the wedding news himself in a statement to DailyMail.com: 'It's true, and we are very happy.'

Riko is the Face/Off star's fifth wife.

Nicolas was previously married to Patricia Arquette (1995-2001), Lisa Marie Presley (2002-2004), Alice Kim (2004-2016), and Erica Koike (2019). Cage and Koike were married to for four days in March 2019 before he filed for an annulment.

Five months after tying the knot, the couple made their red carpet debut at the LA premiere of the movie Pig.

They would appear on their first magazine cover together for Flaunt in October 2021.

By January 2022, Nicolas and Riko announced they were expecting their first child.

'The parents-to-be are elated!' a representative for the Ghost Rider actor told PEOPLE at the time.

In April, Nicolas confirmed the sex of the pair's then-unborn child during an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show.

'I'm gonna have a little girl,' he told Clarkson and her studio audience. 'I'm thrilled. It's going to be the biggest adventure of my life [being a girl dad]'

Baby girl: Nicolas and his fifth wife Riko, 28, welcomed their first child together in September last year (pictured in March 2022)

During his sit-down with the American Idol winner, Nicolas said he planned to name their little girl Lennon Augie, after the late John Lennon and his late father August 'Augie' Coppola.

But the Nation Treasure actor and his wife apparently had a change of heart as they decided to name their daughter, August Francesca, upon her birth.

Nicolas has been the picture of bliss since wedding Riko, telling the LA Times last year that he believes he 'got it right' this time around.

'I'm really happily married. I know five is a lot,' he said, in a reference to the number of times he has tied-the-knot, before adding, 'But I think I got it right this time.'
Tom Cruise and the Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part 1 photocall has hit South Korea.

The movie star had a rapturous welcome at the Seoul Gimpo Business Aviation Center in western Seoul on Wednesday.

Mobbed by an excited crowd, Tom, who is known for his dedication to his fans, happily made his way round greeting everyone.

He was showered with presents and kept hold of a large bunch of flowers as he shook hands and snapped selfies.

Tom was joined by the movie's director Christopher McQuarrie at the event.

Movie star in town: Tom Cruise and the Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part 1 photocall has hit South Korea

Crowd pleaser: The movie star had a rapturous welcome at the Seoul Gimpo Business Aviation Center in western Seoul on Wednesday

After lengthy delays due to the coronavirus pandemic and an unprecedented $290million outlay, Tom has been thrilled to be celebrating the film launch around the world over the past few weeks.

The world premiere, which happened in Rome earlier this month, received rave reviews from early critics, who branded it 'dynamite' and tipped it to be a summer blockbuster.

The film follows Ethan Hunt and the IMF team as they track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens all of humanity if it falls into the wrong hands.

Following Mission: Impossible  Dead Reckoning Part One's world premiere in Rome, critics and fans who got a chance to see the film early shared mostly fawning praise on social media.

The latest Mission: Impossible entry premiered in the iconic Italian city as part of the Rome Film Festival, after a significant chunk of the movie was filmed in the capital.

On Twitter, early reactions to the 'impeccably made' film were almost unanimously positive.

Gizmodo and io9 writer Germain Lussier called the new movie 'fantastic' and said it had a 'dynamite, timely story.'

'Excellent new characters. Huge variety of action and a final set piece that ranks top 23 all-time for the franchise,' he added.

Fan favourite: Mobbed by an excited crowd, Tom, who is known for his dedication to his fans, happily made his way round greeting everyone

Talented duo: Tom was joined by the movie's director Christopher McQuarrie at the event

Mobbed: He was showered with presents as he shook hands and snapped selfies

Leading man: After lengthy delays due to the coronavirus pandemic and an unprecedented $290million outlay, Tom has been thrilled to be celebrating the film launch around the world over the past few weeks

Spy: The film follows Ethan and the IMF team who must track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens all of humanity if it falls into the wrong hands (pictured with Hayley Atwell)

Erik Davis, of Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes, bragged he had the 'absolute best time' watching Cruise's new film.

He added it was 'an impeccably made action film that does not stop entertaining.'

'Each action sequence is long, crazy & intense. The story is big & sprawling, but I like how it both felt complete & left you dying for what comes next.'

Dead Reckoning Part One is a long time coming as it had production halted a number of times due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

It was shot back-to-back with its direct sequel, Dead Reckoning Part Two.

The two films were initially reported to be the final chapters, as reported by several publications, including Screen Rant.
Lily-Rose Depp has defended her controversial sex scenes in The Idol after viewers branded the series 'torture porn'.

The HBO Max/Sky Atlantic series - which was created by Euphoria writer Sam Levinson, The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) and Reza Fahim - shows Lily-Rose's character having a torrid romance with twisted cult leader Tedros, who is played by The Weeknd.

Highly explicit scenes featuring revenge porn, self-harm, drug abuse, masturbation, choking and a sexual encounter involving a knife have led the show to be branded a 'toxic man's fantasy' while others noted that Lily-Rose spends 'most of her time semi-naked or performing sex acts'.

Yet in a cover spread with Vogue Australia, Lily-Rose insisted that the sex scenes were 'intentional and important', revealing she was 'excited' to star in the show.

She explained: 'I was never interested in making something puritanical. It's okay if this show isn't for everyone and that's fine  I think all the best art is [polarising]. I've never felt more respected and more safe on a set, honestly.'

Speaking out: Lily Rose Depp has defended the controversial sex scenes in The Idol during a chat with Vogue Australia after viewers branded the series 'torture porn'

Shocking: The HBO Max/Sky Atlantic series shows Lily-Rose's character having a torrid romance with twisted cult leader Tedros, who is played by The Weeknd

She added: 'So when it comes to the nudity and the risque nature of the role, that to me was really intentional. That was really important to me and something that I was excited about doing.

'I'm not scared of it. I think we live in a highly sexualised world. I think that's an interesting thing to explore.'

Lily-Rose went on to reveal that her role as troubled pop star Jocelyn had 'changed her' and that she struggled with saying 'goodbye' to the role.

She explained: 'Ill never say goodbye to Jocelyn. It was such a beautiful time in my life, honestly, shooting this, with you, with all of us and everything.

'Ill never forget it and it will live in my heart forever. I love this character so much, I feel like she has really changed me and also taught me so, so, so much.'

Elsewhere in the chat, Lily-Rose discussed growing up as the daughter of Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis and the impact of a childhood in the spotlight.

She recalled: 'I remember going to school and definitely already having a sense of people asking me funny questions and having preconceived notions about me and thinking things about me and my family before they even got to know me.

'That is something I've had experience with forever... Fame has never been something that I have been interested in and I can't really understand people who are interested in that, you know?

'I feel like the luckiest person in the world because I get to do for a living the thing I love the most, the thing that makes me feel the most fulfilled and the most inspired and I get to put all of my emotions into something beautiful, into something creative, something purposeful.

'I feel really lucky to get to do that, whatever comes from that, even if it's negative sometimes, to me is a small price to pay to get to do what I do.'

Cover girl: In a cover spread with Vogue Australia , Lily-Rose insisted that the sex scenes were 'intentional and important', revealing she was 'excited' to star in the show

Famous parents: Elsewhere in the chat, Lily-Rose discussed growing up as the daughter of Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis (pictured in 1999)

It comes after The Weeknd was said to have felt The Idol had an excessively 'female perspective' and wanted the plot to give his character more attention than Lily-Rose's.

Sam Levinson stepped in as director and reshot the show, which reportedly was heavily rewritten with so much raunchy material that one source was left thinking: 'What is this? What am I reading here? It was like sexual torture porn.'

Other sources, however, said that the insiders Rolling Stone quoted had made their remarks without seeing the finished product.

The Weeknd responded publicly by denouncing the report as 'ridiculous,' arguing to Vanity Fair: 'Shows get reshot every day.'

Lily-Rose also defended Sam, issuing a statement to E! News in which she called him 'for so many reasons, the best director I have ever worked with.'

She added: 'Never have I felt more supported or respected in a creative space, my input and opinions more valued.'

The showbiz legacy continued: 'Working with Sam is a true collaboration in every way  it matters to him, more than anything, not only what his actors think about the work, but how we feel performing it.'

At a press conference at Cannes, Lily-Rose defended the extensive nudity on the show, arguing that 'the occasional bareness of the character physically mirrors the bareness that we get to see emotionally in her,' according to People.

Despite the big promotional push, The Idol has suffered from low ratings and had its six-episode arc shortened to five.

Viewers hit out at the latest episode, branding a scene showing Troye Sivan's Xander being hog-tied by power cords and electric-shocked into submission 'unnecessary'.

Shocking: Viewers hit out at the latest episode, branding a scene showing Troye Sivan's Xander being hog-tied by power cords and electric-shocked into submission 'unnecessary'

Not impressed: Fans made their feelings about the show very clear on social media

Taking to Twitter, fans penned: '#THEIDOL gets worse each week. Episode 4 is sheer abuse, not just to its subjects, but to its viewer. Us as the viewer are subjected to literal torture, coarse language and misogyny. An AWFUL episode, with performances that are cringe worthy';

'That whole shock torture scene with Xander was so unnecessary. This show is an amalgamation of torture, porn, drugs, and bad acting and writing. Why did Levinson think this was the right direction for the show?? #TheIdol';

'Was the torture scene and then rape of a gay man really conducive to the overall plot line? Wtf #theidol';

Vogue Australia goes on sale on Monday, July 3.
Strictly's Amy Dowden returned to her old school in Birmingham on Tuesday to deliver an 'inspirational speech'.

Professional ballroom dancer Amy, 32, confirmed her recent breast cancer diagnosis in May after discovering a lump while preparing for her honeymoon with husband Ben Jones in April.

And despite waiting for results to determine what treatment she will need next, the star made time to travel to Hallfield school in the Midlands to speak to pupils on their prize giving day.

Taking to Instagram, the college shared a picture of Amy alongside an emotional caption.

They wrote: 'A truly inspiring speech from Amy Dowden for our pupils today.

Incredible: Strictly's Amy Dowden returned to her old school in Birmingham on Tuesday to deliver an 'inspirational speech' following her recent breast cancer diagnosis

'A remarkable story of perseverance, hard work and selflessness, whilst overcoming adversity to get to the top of her profession.

'Thank you Amy, you really are a superstar!'

Meanwhile, a fellow parent wrote: 'She gave such an amazing and inspirational speech for Hallfield's Prize-giving day at The Great Hall, University of Birmingham .

'A great role model in teaching our girls to never give up your dreams and to always dream big.

'"DONT BE BITTER, BE BETTER!"

'Thank you Amy Dowden, I hope you get through the next battle your facing.'

It comes after Amy revealed she is determined to return to Strictly Come Dancing this year, despite her recent diagnosis.

Amy, who recently underwent a single mastectomy, is waiting for results to learn whether she will require radiotherapy or radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy.

Difficult: Professional ballroom dancer Amy, 32, confirmed her recent breast cancer diagnosis in May after discovering a lump while preparing for her honeymoon with husband Ben Jones in April

Inspiring: And despite waiting for results to determine what treatment she will need next, the star made time to travel to speak to pupils on their prize giving day

Old Stomping ground: Amy attended Hallfield school in the Midlands

She told The Mirror: 'If I only have radiotherapy I'll be back on Strictly this season. Once radiotherapy is done there'll be nothing to stop me, there's no pressure but Strictly is leaving the door open. It's having something to work towards'.

'I'm visualising myself on that Strictly dance floor. Just being back in the ballroom with the live audience, the adrenalin and the atmosphere. And the support from the whole Strictly family'.

She then went on to explain how routines could be altered to accommodate her, much like her 2020 parter JJ Chalmers.

The TV presenter and former royal marine injured in a bomb blast in Afghanistan, and Amy revealed: 'I used to choreograph with one arm in my pocket for him. Hes been a great support, he says, "Cancer has messed with the wrong person".

Amy has become a fan favourite since her first appearance on the show in 2017 and has teamed up with stars including Brian Conely, Tom Fletcher and Karim Zeroual.

Elsewhere in the interview Amy opened up about how she was left in tears and worrying the disease was 'spreading inside' ahead of her mastectomy.

Surgeons removed two tumours from her right breast as well as cancer 'specs' and lymph nodes, which have since been sent for analysis.

Amy went on to tell the publication she hadn't yet looked at her reconstructed breast out of fear of 'upsetting' herself.

According to the NHS a mastectomy is an operation to remove a breast. It's used to treat breast cancer in women and breast cancer in men. The operation usually involves removing most of the breast tissue and skin, and the nipple.

Dancing queen: It comes after Amy revealed she is determined to return to Strictly Come Dancing this year, despite her recent diagnosis.

Waiting game: Amy, who recently underwent a single mastectomy, is waiting for results to learn wether she will require radiotherapy or radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy

It comes after Amy credited her Strictly Come Dancing colleagues for their incredible support after informing them of her breast cancer diagnosis during a group meeting.

Husband Ben, who exchanged vows with the dancer in South Wales last July, also credited family members for helping them maintain a positive outlook.

He told HELLO : 'Amy has had a lot to deal with in her life and, as I expected, has shown great resilience in the past couple of weeks.

'We are both surrounded by lots of family and friends who are going to be an important support to us in the coming months. We are both staying very positive and remain optimistic moving forward.'

The Strictly Come Dancing professional shared her diagnosis on Instagram in May and discussed the possibility of returning to the BBC show for its new series later this year.

She wrote: 'Hey all, I've got some news which isn't easy to share. I've recently been diagnosed with breast cancer but I'm determined to get back on that dance floor before you know it. Welsh love Amy.'

The dancer has battled gut condition Crohn's disease since she was a child and said she has already been through 'quite a lot' in her life with health struggles.

She told HELLO at the time: 'You just don't ever think it's going to happen to you. I hadn't thought it was possible to get breast cancer at my age. My mum has had breast cancer, but she had it at a later age, in her 50s.'

Amy said it was taking part in the CoppaTrek! walk last June in support of breast health awareness charity CoppaFeel! that led her to discover her own cancer.

Happy:Amy pictured with husband Ben who she has thanked for his unwavering support

Stunner: She said: 'If I only have radiotherapy I'll be back on Strictly this season. Once radiotherapy is done there'll be nothing to stop me, there's no pressure but Strictly is leaving the door open. It's having something to work towards'

She realised that she doesn't 'check her breasts' and then made a conscious effort to check herself, saying CoppaFeel! has 'potentially saved her life'.

'I don't know how long this lump could have been there before I would have noticed and done something about it,' she added.

Amy said she found a lump in her right breast in April, a day before she and her husband flew to the Maldives for a belated honeymoon after their wedding last July.

The dancer said she was 'in shock' and decided to keep an eye on the lump, before going to the doctor when the lump grew on her return home.

She was immediately sent for an emergency referral, where she was told the lump looked 'suspicious' and to 'prepare for the worst'.

After a biopsy, Amy was told she had grade three breast cancer, saying her first question was when she could get back on the dance floor.

Grade three cancer is when the cells look very different to normal breast cells and tend to spread more quickly. The grade describes how a cancer cell looks under a microscope.

It is different to a cancer stage, which describes the size of the cancer and how far it has spread. Amy is yet to find out what stage of cancer she has.

Amy said her cancer has been caught 'early' and she is now waiting for more information before she is given a full treatment plan, which will include surgery.
It has been announced that the new Superman, in Superman: Legacy, replacing Henry Cavill is David Corenswet.

He will be joined in the upcoming movie by Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and we can see the new stars in summer 2025.

This comes after Cavill announced his abrupt departure from DC Studios in December 2022 after new bosses James Gunn and Peter Safran opted to shake things up.

Corenswet constitutes a younger incarnation of the man of steel, but he has never taken a leading role in a major production before this one.

So who is he, and where might you have seen him before?

David Corenswet is the new Superman, replacing Henry Cavill for the 2025 film Superman: Legacy

Cavill announced his departure from DC Studios abruptly in December 2022

DC Studios bosses James Gunn (left) and Peter Safran (right) defended their decision not to bring back Henry Cavill as Superman while rebooting the DC Universe

Who is David Corenswet?

David Corenswet was born on July 2 1993 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

He has a sister, Amy, and both his parents are lawyers, although his father was a stage actor in New York for many years before changing profession.

Corenswet graduated from the Shipley School, where he studied drama, in 2016.

However, he had already been acting as a child in a number of theatre productions before getting this qualification in his 20s.

What has David Corenswet been in?

When he was still a young boy, Corenswet was in a range of stage shows including productions of Macbeth, La Vie En Bleu, and All My Sons.

Before he was 20, he wrote and performed in the 2011 short film Following Chase.

His more notable appearances began after graduating when he appeared in television series House of Cards and Elementary as a one-off star.

He played a key part in Netflix's 2019 show The Politician - as River Barkley - where he was joined by Ben Platt and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Most recently, Corenswet was in 2022 romantic comedy Look Both Ways as Jake, and was the projectionist in American slasher Pearl the same year.

Corenswet played the projectionist in 2022 slasher Pearl

As well as being lined up for Superman Legacy in 2025, Corenswet is also due to appear in Apple TV's Lady In The Lake series with Natalie Portman, and is cast alongside Daisy Edgar Jones for 2024's movie Twisters.

Why did DC get rid of Henry Cavill?

Cavill was due to make cameos as Superman in Black Adam and The Flash, and teased his appearance in the former in October 2022.

But within two months, he had to row back on this, as he was dropped by DC Studios' new bosses Gunn and Safran.

The confusion was seemingly a result of promises made by the former DC bosses, that their successors had not planned to follow through on.

Gunn and Safran set out to create a cohesive DC universe after the studio came under the ownership of Warner Bros. Discovery.

Superman: Legacy is expected to usher in this new era of DC when it is released.
Salma Hayek turned up the heat on Instagram on Wednesday when she posed completely naked in a sauna.

The Black Mirror actress showed off her incredible body in the sweaty pictures, hiding her modesty under a couple of tiny towels.

Her hair was moist with sweat as she lay back with her eyes closed for the spa session.

Salma wrote that she was trying to de-stress amid World Wellbeing Week, writing her accompanying caption in both English and Spanish.

She penned: 'Embracing the healing power of the sauna and sweating out the stress this #WorldWellbeingWeek.'

It's getting hot in here: Salma Hayek, 56, went completely naked as she posed under tiny towels in a sauna for sweaty snaps on Instagram on Wednesday

Taking care: Salma wrote that she was trying to de-stress amid World Wellbeing Week, writing her accompanying caption in both English and Spanish

'Sweating out the stress': She shared these words alongside the post

The actress was also showing off her sassy side in a new video shared to her Instagram account early on Friday morning.

She was seen spanking her own bottom as she walked down an office corridor.

The mother-of-one was modeling a pair of skintight jeans as she added a matching strapless top.

In other images, the Instagram favorite had on a very big hat as she told her followers to 'dream big.'

The images were taken in a high rise building in New York City this week as she promoted her new series Black Mirror.

Sass mama: Salma was also showing off her sassy side in a new video shared to her Instagram account on Friday when she was seen spanking her own bottom

Drama: The mother of one was modeling a pair of skintight jeans as she added a matching strapless top. In other images, the Instagram favorite had on a very big hat as she told her followers to 'dream big'

'Smack it baby!' wrote one follower after seeing Hayek hit her bottom.

Fans went wild for the clip.

Another said, 'Should be illegal to look this good aaaaaaa [fire emoji].'

Another said, 'She is a wild woman.'

Most of her fans commented on how spectacular she looks not just for her age, but for any age.

This comes days after she was seen in a bikini image while on a boat at seas.

The Frida actress put her arms up as she reclined on a the side of a yacht on the ocean while modeling a pair of black sunglasses.

The Hollywood pinup's figure looked sensational with a trim tummy and muscular legs as well as thin, sculpted arms as she wore her famous long black locks down and wet from a dip in the water.

In her caption she reminded fans to enjoy their life no matter what.

So chic in the city: The images were taken in a high rise building in New York City this week as she promoted her new series Black Mirror

Good look: The top looked like it was the bottom of a denim jacket

The hat says a lot: Her cap was big and when she put her head down it covered her face

'Some people dont like grey days, but I think everyday is precious. Adore your week, No matter what it brings ' wrote the mother of one.

The Hollywood icon's 24.5million followers could not get over how astonishing she looked in a skimpy string bikini with ties on the sides of the briefs.

'You lookin good! Have fun  youre such an inspiration,' wrote one followers while another called her a 'queen' and several others shared fire emojis.

'Gorgeous,' gushed one fan as another quipped, 'Thought this was a throwback.'

The red carpet fixture is known for showing off her ageless figure on social media.

In mid April she displayed her incredible shape while in a canary yellow bikini as she climbed onto a boat with her hair slicked back from the water.

Hayek has fascinated her fans for the past decade with her very youthful looks.

But in January she was railed against for using a filter. She appeared more like her 2003 self than her 2023 self, which may have been with the help of some filters.

Followers seemed to notice as one person asked, 'Who is that?' while another follower wrote, 'You look 25 mi chula' and someone else asked, 'HOW OLD IS SHE?????????'

Later a fan added, 'You look beautiful so plz stop face tunning its getting out off hand.'

Facetune is a photo editing application used to edit, enhance, and retouch photos on a user's iOS or Android device created by Lightricks.

Hayek credit her hairstylist Jennifer Yepez and makeup artist Sofia Schwarzkopf-Tilbury but did not name the photographer.

Sun-sational! Hayek posed in a revealing bikini in an image shared to Instagram on Monday morning

Haute stuff on the shore: The red carpet fixture is known for showing off her ageless figure on social media. In mid April she displayed her incredible shape while in a canary yellow bikini

Her long dark hair was worn in a ponytail that was tight and sleek.

The looker had on cherry red lipstick with matching blush that was very flattering. Her lashes were long and her eyebrows were groomed as if she was ready for a magazine photo shoot.

All she had on for clothing was a cream-colored bathrobe with a white belt.

The actress was standing in a back yard with mature bushes. Hayek's caption read, 'Good morning!!  buenos dias!! bonjour!!'

Earlier this year she talked a beauty secret.

The Eternals star admitted that when it comes to skincare, she had been using an ingredient usually used to treat burns victims in her native Mexico.

A new look: Hayek shared a very stunning photo to her Instagram page in January

And she explained that those in the US were often shocked because they had never heard of such a product.

She said: 'I use an ingredient called Tepezcohuite thats used in Mexico for burn victims because it completely regenerates the skin, and theres no one in the States who is using this ingredient except for us.

'Some of the ingredients, when I took them to the American labs, they were like "Oh my god! How come nobody is using this?"

'This is why I have no Botox, no peels, no fillings.

Hayek last starred as Kitty Softpaws in the critically-acclaimed Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. And she was also seen in Magic Mike's Last Dance.

She will also star in Angelina Jolie's next directorial effort Without Blood, which is currently in post-production. The actress stars alongside Demian Bichir in the adaptation of Alessandro Baricco's novel, adapted by Jolie herself.
Love Island's Casa Amor date has reportedly been revealed.

It has been claimed that filming for the infamous show twist is set to begin on Thursday, with scenes airing on ITV2 at the weekend.

Known for being the catalyst behind the beginning - and ending - of some of the show's most solid romances, Casa Amor sees the male and female Islanders separated without warning and greeted with sexy new singletons.

According to the report, the Casa Amor bombshells as 'the hottest yet' and one could even be a familiar face as Molly Marsh has reportedly flown back to Spain, where Love Island is filmed, amid rumours she could return during Casa Amor.

The popular islander was sensationally dumped from the villa last week after bombshell Kady McDermott stole her man Zachariah Noble.

OMG! Love Island's Casa Amor date has reportedly been revealed. It has been claimed that filming is set to begin tomorrow, with scenes airing on ITV2 at the weekend

No way! Molly Marsh has reportedly flown back to Spain, where Love Island is filmed, amid rumours she could return during Casa Amor after being dumped from the villa last week

An insider told The Sun: 'It's going to be the most shocking twist yet because the cast have no idea it's coming - filming starts tomorrow and it'll be on screen this weekend.

'This year will be explosive as there are barely any solid couples and nobody is official yet. Heads will be turned as the Casa Amor cast are the hottest one yet. Fans won't want to miss it.'

The publication also claimed that Molly has flown back to Spain, just days after she landed back in the UK.

Islanders and viewers alike were left completely stunned on Friday night when actress Molly was told to pack her bags immediately in an unexpected dumping.

Just hours after bombshell Kady entered the villa, she was forced to steal a boy from one of the girls, and decided to couple up with Molly's partner Zach.

The episode came to an abrupt cliffhanger ending as the islanders all leapt up in shock as Molly revealed she would be immediately dumped from the villa.

On leaving the villa Molly said on Aftersun: 'When I got the text to find out that I'd be dumped from the Island everyone around the fire pit was so shocked.

'No-one expected it. My eyes went straight to the word 'bags' on the text and I thought, 'Oh my goodness, I'm going.' I saw Zach's face drop. And seeing Kady and Zach standing in front of me together, my heart dropped.

On Zach and Kady's potential connection she added: 'I actually don't see it going anywhere.

I know Kady mentioned these traits in a guy she wanted and Zach does fit those traits.

'Mature, relaxed and all of that. So we'll see with that and if there is something there then there is and it's meant to be but I'm hoping there's not.'
Harrison Ford has insisted he has no plans to retire as he discussed his return to Indiana Jones for the franchise's final ever movie.

The American actor, 80, returned to the role of the daredevil archaeologist for new movie The Dial Of Destiny, 15 years after he last portrayed the character on-screen.

Harrison appeared on Tuesday's episode of Lorraine to discuss the film, and was asked whether he had thought about retiring after the final Indiana Jones epic.

However, speaking to Ria Hebden, Harrison batted away claims that he was thinking about retirement as he insisted he has no plans to stop acting anytime soon.

Laughing, the Hollywood legend said: 'Retired? I wouldn't know what to do with myself.'

Retiring? Harrison Ford has insisted he has no plans to retire as he discussed his return to Indiana Jones for the franchise's final ever movie

Return: The American actor, 80, returned to the role of the daredevil archaeologist for new movie The Dial Of Destiny, 15 years after he last portrayed the character on-screen

Harrison admitted he liked 'going to work every day' while filming the last ever Indiana Jones film, which also starred Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

He said he was over-the-moon to be given the chance to step back into Indiana's shoes as he confessed he had been waiting for the movie's script for 'years'.

Speaking of the decision to do this final movie 15 years since the last Indiana film, he explained: 'It's been 40 years since the beginning and I'd been waiting for this script and opportunity to come along for quite a few years.

'And we finally came up with the right mix of adventure and character and emotion and so I was thrilled to be able to step back into this character. '

Speaking about returning to the project, he said: 'It was a big job of work and a very ambitious film and I was delighted with the script.'

'It was fun to go to work every day,' he added.

Harrison also described working with Phoebe, 37, as 'brilliant' as he described her acting talent as 'cinema-gold'.

He said: 'She brought incredible intelligence to the character that she plays - I mean actress intelligence. She's really cinema gold. She's a brilliant actress and was a brilliant companion.'

Harrison also lauded praise on Ke Huy Quan - the child star who rose to fame playing his sidekick Short Round in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom - and won an Oscar earlier this year for the film, Everything Everywhere All At Once.

He said: 'He has an amazing constitution and energy. It's so great to see him back in this form. He's genuinely a unique person and he's worked so long in the business, and to have this great success.'

Working hard: Speaking to Ria Hebden on Lorraine, Harrison batted away claims that he was thinking about retirement as he insisted he has no plans to stop acting anytime soon

Gushing: Harrison also described working with Phoebe, 37, as 'brilliant' as he described her acting talent as 'cinema-gold'

Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny is the fifth and final film of the beloved franchise created by legendary director George Lucas.

Harrison last played Indiana Jones aka Henry Jones Jr in 2008's Kingdom of the Crystal Skull starring Shia LaBeouf and Cate Blanchett.

The latest movie hit is set in the year 1969, following Ford's Indiana Jones set against the backdrop of the American 'space race.'

Franchise newcomer Phoebe joins the sequel as the globe-trotting archaeologist's goddaughter Helena Shaw, along with Mads Mikkelsen as villain Jurgen Voller, an ex-Nazi who now works for NASA, and Toby Jones as Basil Shaw, an ally of Jones.

Other newcomers include Antonio Banderas as Renaldo, a friend of Indy, Thomas Kretschmann as Colonel Weber, Toby Jones as Basil Shaw and Boyd Holbrook as Klaber.
DC Comics fans have spoken out on the casting of David Corenswet as the new Superman and branded him a 'copycat 'of Henry Cavill.

The actor, 29, who has never taken on a leading role in a major studio production before, will portray Clark Kent in the rebooted film series alongside Rachel Brosnahan, 32, as Lois Lane, replacing Amy Adams, reports Deadline.

David has taken the role over from Henry, 40, who was axed in part of new studio heads James Gunn and Peter Safran's huge shake-up to the DC Franchise.

But after the casting was revealed, fans asked why the producers decided to axe Henry, only to replace him with a younger carbon copy.

Eagle-eyed fans picked up on the striking similarities between the two who have chiselled jawlines, a great head of dark hair and piercing eyes.

One wrote: 'It's crazy how similar David looks to Henry'.

 Slide me  Doppelganger: DC Comics fans have spoken out on the casting of David Corenswet (left) as the new Superman and branded the actor a 'copycat 'of Henry Cavill (right)

Another added: 'David Cornswet does look like the younger Henry Cavill.'

A third fan wrote: 'I'm sure David Corenswet is a decent actor but he still looks like a cheap copy of Henry Cavill'.

'People (me included) see him just like a carbon copy of Henry Cavil, so he needs to bring something new to the character', said another.

'Ive seen is fans saying what was the point in hiring David, he looks like Henry Cavill so why didnt you hire Henry Cavill? I think thats more of a compliment to both actors. They both look like #Superman, so them looking similar means they got the casting right both times,' wrote a different fan.

Others think David is the perfect casting to portray a younger Superman.

David played Jake alongside Lili Reinhart in 2022 Netflix film Look Both Ways and has previously also starred in Hollywood, The Politician, and A24 film, Pearl.

Superman: Legacy will be released on July 11, 2025 and is described as about Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing.

Corenswet and Marvellous Mrs Maisel star Brosnahan were along a select few testing for DC co-chairs Peter Safran and director James Gunn in full costume and make-up.

 Slide me  Spitting image: But after the casting was revealed, fans asked why the producers decided to axe Henry (right), only to replace him with a younger carbon copy ( left)

Spitting image: Eagle-eyed fans picked up on the striking similarities between the two who have chiselled jawlines, a great head of dark hair and piercing eyes

Superman: Legacy will be released on July 11, 2025 and is described as about Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing

December announcement: Cavill announced his axe from the role with an Instagram post

U-turn: The backtrack came just two months after Cavill took to Instagram on October 24 - the Monday after Black Adam opened in theaters

The tests took place over two days with three actors in 'full Superman attire' - following a months-long search for the new stars.

Sources told Deadline that each actor 'had closed test deals that would expire after two business weeks' and wanted it sorted before a potential SAG-AFTRA strike, which could start at midnight June 30.

The other actors battling it out for the Superman role were British stars Tom Brittney and Nicholas Hoult, while Phoebe Dynevor and Emma Mackey were pipped at the post to the role of Lois.

In January new DC Studios bosses Gunn and Safran defended their decision not to bring back Henry as Superman as they rebooted the DC Universe with a new over-arching storyline.

'We didn't fire Henry. Henry was never cast,' said Gunn during a presentation to reporters announcing plans for five new DCU films and five new TV series, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Cavill, who was widely expected to return as the man of steel after appearing in a credits teaser for Black Adam in October, announced the 'sad news' that Gunn and Safran did not plan to bring him back in December.

'I have just had a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran and it's sad news, everyone. I will, after all, not be returning as Superman,' Cavill began.

'After being told by the studio to announce my return back in October, prior to their hire, this news isn't the easiest, but that's life,' he added.

'The changing of the guard is something that happens. I respect that. James and Peter have a universe to build,' he added.

'I wish them and all involved with the new universe the best of luck, and happiest of fortunes,' he added.
Ryan Gosling cut a casual figure as he arrived into his native Canada to promote the Barbie movie on Wednesday.

The Oscar-nominee, 42, who plays doll Ken in the film, wore a tan t-shirt, light-wash jeans and a denim jacket as he strolled in Toronto.

The Notebook star also wore a white ball cap from Thrills, sunglasses and tan shoes as he pushed his black roller bag and carried a large duffel bag through the airport.

The La La Land actor is in the midst of promoting his highly anticipated movie Barbie, which co-stars Margot Robbie, 32, as the famous 12' tall fashionable doll and premieres July 21.

The father of Esmeralda, eight, and Amada, seven, with partner Eva Mendes, 49, hails from London, Ontario, which is 120 miles away from the Canadian province's capital.

Ken: Ryan Gosling cut a casual figure as he arrived into his native Canada to promote the Barbie movie on Wednesday

Quite the change: Ryan plays iconic doll Ken in the blockbuster, set for release on July 21

On Sunday, Ryan, Margot and the rest of the cast of Barbie premiered the film in Los Angeles.

The film is set to be released on July 21 and the first review just hit newsstands.

Time Magazine's Eliana Dockterman praised the performances of Margot and Ryan, writing that the movie is a 'fun yet self-aware romp with shades of Clueless and Legally Blonde.'

'Both Barbie and Ken go on quests of self-discovery, and that's when things get really interesting,' she wrote, adding, 'Ryan Gosling nearly steals the show.'

The movie trailer's tag line: 'If you love Barbie, this movie is for you. If you hate Barbie, this movie is for you,' was added on to by Margot, who said: 'If you feel indifferent about Barbie or haven't thought about Barbie in years, this movie is also for you.'

The review also called the film's musical numbers a cross between 'Grease and Singin' in the Rain.'

In the film, Barbie World is inhabited by a whole cast of Barbies, not just Margot's, and they come in all shapes, sizes and ethnicities.

Issa Rae, 38, plays President Barbie. She told Time that the entire point of the plot is to portray a world in which there isnt just one ideal Barbie.

Traveler: The Canadian native, 42, looked casual in a tan t-shirt, light-wash jeans and a denim jacket

Promo tour: The Notebook star wore a white ball cap, sunglasses and tan shoes as he pushed his black roller bag and carried a large duffel bag through the airport

Wow: The live-action Barbie movie is slated to premiere in theaters on July 20 in Australia, and the following day on July 21 in the U.S. and UK (pictured Margot Robbie as Barbie)

'My worry was that it was going to feel too white feminist-y, but I think that its self-aware,' she said.

'Barbie Land is perfect, right? It represents perfection. So if perfection is just a bunch of white Barbies, I dont know that anybody can get on board with that.'

And that diversity extends to the actors that play the various Kens.

While Ryan plays the classic blond himbo, Simi Liu checks in as another Ken in the upcoming film.

The live-action Barbie movie is slated to premiere in theaters on July 20 in Australia, and the following day on July 21 in the U.S. and U.K
Jillian Michaels exchanged wedding vows with her wife DeShanna Marie Minuto for a third time in front of 50 of their closest loved ones on Saturday at the Aman hotel in Venice, Italy.

The lovebirds' walk down the aisle followed an extravagant welcome dinner at sunset at the Belmond Cipriani, one night prior.

Both brides wore Dolce and Gabbana and enjoyed sweeping views of the Venetian lagoon, where guests arrived by boat ahead of a three-course meal.

During their beautiful ceremony, the fitness expert, 49, became overwhelmed with emotion as she admitted to her spouse and attendees that she didn't think she 'was going to cry!'

While speaking about her partner, Michaels gushed to People that her bride is beautiful, funny and creative.

'All that shiny stuff in the beginning doesn't last. So what makes you say to yourself, 'I want to walk alongside this human for the rest of my life,' the celebrity trainer raved.

She continued: 'And I take that really seriously. I'm 49. I've never married anyone. I just didn't believe that there was a human I could do that with until DeShanna.'

For their big day, both women wore show-stopping looks, with Michaels rocking a black beaded, Zuhair Murad gown while the fashion designer opted for a white, floor-length dress with lace sleeves, by the same designer.

Minuto also revealed to the publication that the 'entire thing' was planned by her wife, who has a 'very big Italian family.'

'And it's her favorite country in the world,' Michaels explained of why they chose to wed in Italy.

Last year, the duo tied the knot during a private ceremony, which took place in Namibia.

The lovers - who have been romantically linked since late 2018 - first got married at a Miami courthouse on July 11, 2022, before traveling to Namibia for the intimate ceremony.

Jillian and DeShanna documented their epic wedding trip on social media as they enjoyed riding all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the desert and even danced with the locals.

The happy couple announced their engagement back in November, 2021.

The popular personal trainer proposed with a stunning seven-carat diamond engagement ring, and shared a few loved-up snaps to Instagram on the morning of November 21.

So in love: Jillian Michaels exchanged wedding vows with her wife DeShanna Marie Minuto for a third time in front of 50 of their closest loved ones on Saturday at the Aman hotel in Venice, Italy

Exciting: The lovebirds' walk down the aisle followed a extravagant welcome dinner at sunset at the Belmond Cipriani

Soulmates: During their beautiful ceremony, the fitness expert, 49, became overwhelmed with emotion as she admitted to her spouse and attendees that she didn't think she 'was going to cry!'

'1153 days... here's to thousands more. She said "yes,"' Michaels captioned a sweet selfie with her new fiancee.

DeShanna held up her hand to show off the incredible sparkler for a black-and-white snap shared to her own account in a photo simply captioned 'YES!'

The fitness enthusiast reportedly popped the question to her girlfriend of three years with an 'emerald cut diamond featuring two single carat, trapezoid diamonds on each side,' according to People.

Her bauble was crafted by family friends in Miami.

'DeShanna is "all the things"  beautiful, smart, funny, creative, quirky, passionate ... I could run down the list of adjectives. Those characteristics obviously attract you to someone. But it's the quality of their character that makes you think "Thank God for this person laying next to me' every night when you fall asleep,"' Michaels said.

'It's easy to stay together when everything is going great, but when real life sets in and things get messy, challenging, scary, and even downright ugly  that's when the truth reveals itself,' she concluded. 'And this woman has revealed herself to be strong beyond measure, wise beyond her years, and loving beyond my wildest dreams. I am so grateful to officially call her mine.'

Michaels was previously engaged to Heidi Rhoades, a relationship which ended in 2018 after a nine-year romance.

Their domestic partnership didn't legally end until 2020, though, as they battled in court for joint custody of their two children.

Blessed: Jillian announced her engagement to longtime love DeShanna back in November 2021

Bride-to-be: At the time, DeShanna held up her hand to show off the incredible sparkler for a black-and-white snap shared to her own Instagram in a photo simply captioned 'YES!'

New love: Michaels was previously engaged to Heidi Rhoades, a relationship which ended in 2018 after a nine-year romance

They adopted their first child, daughter Lukensia, now 12, from Haiti, at age two, in 2012

The now former couple welcomed a second bundle of joy the same month when Heidi gave birth to their son Phoenix, now ten.

Michaels agreed to pay Heidi $2.4million as an advance in child support and pays an additional $2,000 per month, in addition to the kids' schooling, clothing and extracurricular activities.
They have been secretly dating for months but have yet to say anything about their romance - until now.

Monica Bellucci finally confirmed she is dating director Tim Burton in an interview with Elle France.

The Italian actress, 58, professed her love for the filmmaker, 64, months after they were first linked.

'What I can say... I'm glad I met the man, first of all,' she said. 'It's one of those encounters that rarely happens in life... I know the man, I love him, and now I'm going to meet the director, another adventure begins.'

The model has been shooting Beetlejuice 2 with Burton in London as of late, and she gushed about the filmmaker's vision.

'I love him': Monica Bellucci finally confirmed she is dating director Tim Burton, months after they were first linked

'I love Tim,' she continued. 'And I have great respect for Tim Burton.'

Speaking of his work she said: 'I love this dream world where the monsters are kind, like we can turn our darker aspects into something bright, forgiving. Tim Burton's films talk about that a lot.'

Monica and Tim first met 16 years ago but are said to have started dating after seeing one another at the Lumiere Film Festival in Lyon in October.

News of their romance emerged in February, when Paris Match wrote that the couple 'briefly met on the steps of the Palais des Festivals in Cannes in 2006, but it was only sixteen years later, behind the scenes of another festival, that they got closer.'

Monica, who was an honorary guest at the festival, presented Tim with the Lumiere lifetime achievement award on stage around the time they went official.

As he was handed the prize, Tim said: 'All my life put together, I have never felt so much love as tonight. Welcome to the best funeral I ever had!'

The pair were also seen heading in to watch the re-production of Silent Documentary Film, directed in 1895 by late French filmmaker Louis Lumiere.

In February, they were seen sharing a passionate kiss as they took a romantic walk on Valentine's Day.

It's official! Monica, who was an honorary guest at the festival, presented Tim with the Lumiere lifetime achievement award on stage around the time they went official

Burgeoning romance: The couple pictured in October, around the time their romance is said to have begun

Monica has been single since she split from artist Nicolas Lefebvre in 2019. She was previously married to Vincent Cassel from 1997-2013.

The former model met Cassel in 1996 on the set of Gilles Mimounis film lAppartement. They have two daughters, Deva, who was born in 2004, and Leonie, who entered the world in 2010.

They were together for three years before marrying in a quiet ceremony in Monaco, on the French Riviera.

Monica spoke about love in an interview with Paris Match back in 2011 when she was still married to Cassel, admitting there is 'no rationality' for her when it comes to relationships.

Former flame: Burton pictured with his former long-term partner Helena Bonham Carter in 2013

She said: 'I am carried by the moment and instinct. No rationality, only emotions. You love or you don't.'

'You don't decide sitting around a table: OK, so I have two kids, 16 years of life as a couple, that would be nice if it lasts, but how I am going to make it work?

'I don't think at all that a couple is something "you work out", as we say.'

Tim was famously in a relationship with The Crown actress Helena Bonham Carter, 57, but they sadly split in 2014.

The pair were never married, but were together for 13 years and share two children; son Billy and daughter Nell.
Jennifer Lawrence charmingly attempted to wrangle three dogs at once while shooting an ad in New York this week.

The 32-year-old was working on a commercial for Longines, which made her an 'ambassador of elegance' last year.

In one shot, Jennifer could be seen laughing uproariously as the trio of pooches scampered ahead of her down the sidewalk.

At another point she scooped the smallest of the three dogs up into her arms and hoofed it down the street, her caramel blonde locks flying in the breeze.

During a moment of repose, Jennifer sat on a Manhattan stoop and gently petted the middle-sized dog, a slender Dalmatian.

Stepping out: Jennifer Lawrence charmingly attempted to wrangle three dogs at once while shooting an ad in New York this week

Longtime connection: The 32-year-old was working on a commercial for Longines, which made her an 'ambassador of elegance' last year

In one shot: Jennifer could be seen laughing uproariously as the trio of pooches scampered ahead of her down the sidewalk

For her latest work engagement Jennifer modeled a fashion forward ensemble including flared midnight blue trousers with a hint of sheen.

She was wrapped in a nearly ankle-length chrome coat and had a navy blue sweater thrown over her shoulders, plus a dazzling watch on her left wrist.

Jennifer recently modeled a sheer Dior frock from the fashion house's fall 2023 collection to the London premiere of her ribald new comedy No Hard Feelings.

The rollicking feature stars Jennifer as a cash-strapped woman named Maddie who falls on such rocky times that she tries to seduce a 19-year-old boy for pay.

While doing the publicity rounds for the picture, Jennifer seized the opportunity to deny rumors she had an affair with Liam Hemsworth while he was with Miley Cyrus.

Jennifer and Liam starred in multiple movies in the Hunger Games franchise, which made international movie stars of them both.

When Jennifer appeared on Watch What Happens Live recently, host Andy Cohen asked her about the rumors that Miley's music video for her song Flowers contained a veiled reference to a liaison between Liam and Jennifer.

'Not true,' said Jennifer. 'We all know we only kissed one time and it was years after they broke up so I just assumed that was a coincidence.'

Off she goes: At another point she scooped the smallest of the three dogs up into her arms and hoofed it down the street, her caramel blonde locks flying in the breeze

Woman's best friend: During a moment of repose, Jennifer sat on a Manhattan stoop and gently petted the middle-sized dog, a slender Dalmatian

The look: For her latest work engagement Jennifer modeled a fashion forward ensemble including flared midnight blue trousers with a hint of sheen

Doing her best: She was wrapped in a nearly ankle-length chrome coat and had a navy blue sweater thrown over her shoulders, plus a dazzling watch on her left wrist

Brand loyalty: Jennifer recently modeled a sheer Dior frock from the fashion house's fall 2023 collection to the London premiere of her ribald new comedy No Hard Feelings

New release: The rollicking feature stars Jennifer as a cash-strapped woman named Maddie who falls on such rocky times that she tries to seduce a 19-year-old boy for pay

Clarification: While doing the publicity rounds for the picture, Jennifer seized the opportunity to deny rumors she had an affair with Liam Hemsworth while he was with Miley Cyrus

'Not true': Jennifer said: 'We all know we only kissed one time and it was years after they broke up so I just assumed that was a coincidence'

Throwback: Jennifer and Liam are pictured in 2012 at the Los Angeles premiere of The Hunger Games, which made international stars of them both

Jennifer was referring to a 2015 appearance on Watch What Happens Live where she confessed she had shared one offscreen kiss with Liam.

Late last year, Jennifer leapt upon the chance to deny another piece of conjecture about her sex life that has trailed her for years.

Jennifer told Vogue's 73 Questions that the strangest rumor she ever heard about herself was 'That I f***ed Harvey Weinstein.'

When the Me Too movement took off early in her hiatus, one of Harvey Weinstein's accusers claimed that the producer told her: 'I slept with Jennifer Lawrence and look where she is; she has just won an Oscar.'

Jennifer staunchly denied that she ever had sex with Harvey, issuing a statement at the time saying: 'My heart breaks for all the women who were victimized by Harvey Weinstein.... I have never had anything but a professional relationship with him.'

She went on: 'This is yet another example of the predatory tactics and lies that he engaged in to lure countless women.'
Lorraine Kelly took to Twitter to share her thoughts on Henry Cavill's raunchy Rolling Stone 'cover shoot' on Tuesday

The TV personality, 63, tweeted 'crikey' in a post she shared with the front cover of him on the photoshopped Rolling Stone magazine.

In the doctored cover, the Superman actor, 29, showed off his washboard abs and incredibly toned torso as he posed for the sexy shoot.

Fans have gone wild after he flaunted his muscular form and his bulge on the cover of the magazine.

One tweeted: 'Good grief are those real?'

Sexy: Lorraine Kelly took to Twitter to share her thoughts on Henry Cavill's raunchy Rolling Stone 'cover shoot' on Tuesday

Shocked: The TV personality, 63, tweeted 'crikey' in a post she shared with the front cover of him on the photoshopped Rolling Stone magazine

'They will never hire him as they new Bond now after this cover!'

'Is it hot in here... or is it just me lol!'

'You could have put a warning on that... or at least said brace yourself!'

'If he wasn't going to get the James Bond role he will do now.'

The cover is not a legitimate issue of Rolling Stone and has been circulating online after someone doctored the image.

One person joked: 'Whoever made this fake Rolling Stone cover is sick and twisted and needs to do more of them. #henrycavill'

DC Comics fans have recently spoken out on the casting of David Corenswet as the new Superman and branded him a 'copycat 'of Henry.

The actor who has never taken on a leading role in a major studio production before, will portray Clark Kent in the rebooted film series alongside Rachel Brosnahan, 32, as Lois Lane, replacing Amy Adams, reports Deadline.

David has taken the role over from Henry, 40, who was axed in part of new studio heads James Gunn and Peter Safran's huge shake-up to the DC Franchise.

But after the casting was revealed, fans asked why the producers decided to axe Henry, only to replace him with a younger carbon copy.

Crazy: Fans have gone wild after Henry flaunted his muscular form and his bulge on the cover of the magazine

Eagle-eyed fans picked up on the striking similarities between the two who have chiselled jawlines, a great head of dark hair and piercing eyes.

One wrote: 'It's crazy how similar David looks to Henry'.

Another added: 'David Cornswet does look like the younger Henry Cavill.'

A third fan wrote: 'I'm sure David Corenswet is a decent actor but he still looks like a cheap copy of Henry Cavill'.

'People (me included) see him just like a carbon copy of Henry Cavil, so he needs to bring something new to the character', said another.

'Ive seen is fans saying what was the point in hiring David, he looks like Henry Cavill so why didnt you hire Henry Cavill? I think thats more of a compliment to both actors. They both look like #Superman, so them looking similar means they got the casting right both times,' wrote a different fan.

Others think David is the perfect casting to portray a younger Superman.

David played Jake alongside Lili Reinhart in 2022 Netflix film Look Both Ways and has previously also starred in Hollywood, The Politician, and A24 film, Pearl.

 Slide me  Doppelganger: DC Comics fans have spoken out on the casting of David Corenswet (left) as the new Superman and branded the actor a 'copycat 'of Henry (right)

Superman: Legacy will be released on July 11, 2025 and is described as about Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing.

Corenswet and Marvellous Mrs Maisel star Brosnahan were along a select few testing for DC co-chairs Peter Safran and director James Gunn in full costume and make-up.

 Slide me  Spitting image: But after the casting was revealed, fans asked why the producers decided to axe Henry (right), only to replace him with a younger carbon copy ( left)

Spitting image: Eagle-eyed fans picked up on the striking similarities between the two who have chiselled jawlines, a great head of dark hair and piercing eyes

Superman: Legacy will be released on July 11, 2025 and is described as about Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing

December announcement: Cavill announced his axe from the role with an Instagram post

U-turn: The backtrack came just two months after Cavill took to Instagram on October 24 - the Monday after Black Adam opened in theaters

The tests took place over two days with three actors in 'full Superman attire' - following a months-long search for the new stars.

Sources told Deadline that each actor 'had closed test deals that would expire after two business weeks' and wanted it sorted before a potential SAG-AFTRA strike, which could start at midnight June 30.

The other actors battling it out for the Superman role were British stars Tom Brittney and Nicholas Hoult, while Phoebe Dynevor and Emma Mackey were pipped at the post to the role of Lois.

In January new DC Studios bosses Gunn and Safran defended their decision not to bring back Henry as Superman as they rebooted the DC Universe with a new over-arching storyline.
Kim Cattrall has finally broken her silence on her shock return as Samantha Jones in Sex and the City spin-off, And Just Like That... and revealed her demands to reprise her role after years of refusals.

The actress, 66, who played the iconic man-hungry publicist in six seasons of the show and two movies, detailed how a groveling call from network Max (formerly HBO) and her demand to bring back designer Patricia Field sealed the deal for her return.

Speaking on Wednesday's The View, the giddy star said: 'It's very interesting to get a call from the head of HBO saying, "What can we do?" and I went "hmmm, let me get creative".

'And one of those things was to get Patricia Field back and I thought if I'm gonna come back, I gotta come back with that kind of Samantha style, I gotta push it, and we did!'

Field, who was responsible for the many boundary-breaking outfits on the original show run, was unable to return as costume designer for AJLT due to her commitments on Emily In Paris, with Molly Rogers and Danny Santiago dressing the stars for the reboot.

Yes! Kim Cattrall has finally broken her silence on her shock return as Samantha Jones in Sex and the City spin-off, And Just Like That... and revealed her demands to reprise her role after years of refusals

She's back! Cattrall's return comes amid her explosive feud with star Sarah Jessica Parker

Last month Cattrall's shock return was revealed - despite her explosive feud with star Sarah Jessica Parker.

According to Variety, Cattrall will return for only one 'cliffhanger' scene, which she shot on March 22 in New York City, without seeing or speaking with stars SJP, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis. The scene was also shot without AJLT showrunner Michael Patrick King.

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 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!'

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 returned to dress Cattrall for the scene. AJLT's second season premiered on June 22 on Max.

Samantha did feature in AJLT season one - but only over text message as Carrie repeatedly tried to 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.

Icons: The actress, 66, who played the iconic man-hungry publicist in six seasons of the show and two movies, detailed how a groveling call from network Max (formerly HBO) and her demand to bring back designer Patricia Field sealed the deal for her return

Winner: Speaking on Wednesday's The View, the giddy star said: 'It's very interesting to get a call from the head of HBO saying, "What can we do?" and I went "hmmm, let me get creative"

'And one of those things was to get Patricia Field back and I thought if I'm gonna come back, I gotta come back with that kind of Samantha style, I gotta push it, and we did!'

Hell has frozen over: Cattrall will return for only one scene, which she shot on March 22 in New York City, without seeing or speaking with stars SJP, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis (pictured together in SATC season six)

Last seen: 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 2008 film, Sex and the City 2

Confirmed! Season 2 of And Just Like That... will return June 22 on HBO Max

Enemies: In the scene, Samantha, who has moved to London, will have a phone conversation with Parker's Carrie Bradshaw (pictured together in 2008)

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.

Even SJP has claimed she does not want Kim back - when asked by Variety in a 2022 interview if she would be 'OK' if Cattrall, 65, was able to come back to the show if some 'miracle were to happen,' after their very public feud exploded back in 2018.

Parker responded: 'I don't think I would, because I think there's just too much public history of feelings on her part that she's shared.'

She added: 'I haven't participated in or read articles, although people are inclined to let me know.

'We didn't go to Kim for this, you know,' Parker 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.

'It didn't fit into what was important or needed for us. There's a very distinct line between Samantha and Kim,' Parker continued.

'Samantha's not gone. Samantha's present, and I think was handled with such respect and elegance. She wasn't villainized. She was a human being who had feelings about a relationship, so I think we found a way to address it which was necessary and important for people that loved her.'

Patricia has publicly pledged her allegiance with Kim since the show ended, and in December last year, said she is interested in doing a series with her.

The two-time Emmy winner told Page Six: 'I would love to do a show with [Kim].'

Back in December, Patricia also slammed Cynthia Nixon over her fashion demands when asked about her former assistant Molly Rogers' work styling the cast on And Just Like That.

The Oscar nominee admitted she 'liked some of it, but not all of it', during an interview with the Sunday Times.

She added: 'I know those gals! Sarah Jessica [Parker] thinks she knows everything - and she does. Cynthia Nixon thinks she knows everything - and she doesn't! Even today, when I speak with Molly, it's about Cynthia. I say, "I remember what you are going through."

Speaking about Kim's absence from the popular series, Field said: 'It is a vacuum. I hear it everywhere. Everyone is mad she wont be in it.'

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

DailyMail.com exclusively revealed in September 2017 that a third Sex and the City movie was essentially 'torpedoed' due to Cattrall's excessive demands.

Cattrall reportedly demanded that Warner Bros. step up and produce other movies she was developing, or she wouldn't star in Sex and the City 3.

Parker, Nixon and Davis were all set to reprise their roles, with production slated to happen that fall, though the project completely fell apart and never went into production.

Cattrall denied the story, tweeting, 'The only DEMAND I ever made was that I didnt want to do a 3rd film.& that was back in 2016.'

Tensions had reportedly brewed between Cattrall and the rest of the cast since the start of the show, which escalated when one of her only allies - creator Darren Star - left the show and was replaced by Michael Patrick King, who created And Just Like That.

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.

'Your continuous reaching out is a painful reminder of how cruel you really were then and now. Let me make this VERY clear. (If I havent already) You are not my family. You are not my friend. So Im writing to tell you one last time to stop exploiting our tragedy in order to restore your "nice girl" persona,' Cattrall said in the post

Needless to say, most weren't surprised when Cattrall wasn't part of And Just Like That... with the actress revealing that she was never asked to be a part of the show.

It was revealed in the first episode of And Just Like That... that her character, Samantha Jones, is now living in London.

In 2022 Cattrall revealed she was never asked to be a part of the new Sex And The City reboot And Just Like That... and was heartbroken over a plotline in a pitched third film which involved her character receiving unwanted 'dick pics' from Miranda Hobbes' 14-year-old son Brady and ultimately led to her turning down the project.

'I was never asked to be part of the reboot. I made my feelings clear after the possible third movie, so I found out about it like everyone else did  on social media,' the actress told Variety.

When asked how she felt learning about the reboot, she replied, 'I was like, "Ooooh." How's...'

Phenomenon: SATC has become one of the most iconic television shows of all time

Will he be back? Some fans speculated that Kim's return could pave the way for her true love Smith Jerrod (played by Jason Lewis) to return to the SATC universe

The interviewer offered, 'How's that going to work?'

'You said it. Not me,' Kim replied.

'Its a great wisdom to know when enough is enough,' Kim said of not returning to the show. 'I also didnt want to compromise what the show was to me. The way forward seemed clear.'

Kim says she read the script for the third film and was disappointed to see how Samantha's story would play out. Apparently, Samantha was to be sent unwanted 'd*ck pics' from Mirandas' 14-year-old son.

'It's heartbreaking,' Kim said of the storyline.

Kim would have rather liked to have seen Samantha being forced to sell her PR company to 'some guy who's wearing a hoodie' as a result of the 2008 financial crisis.

'Why can't Samantha, who owns her PR company  maybe she had to sell it because of financial woes? 2008 was tough. Some people are still recovering. She had to sell it to some guy who's wearing a hoodie, and that's the dilemma she has. I mean that's a scenario that was kind of off the top of one of my reps' heads, and I thought that's a great idea. That's a conflict. Instead of an underage boy's...' she said.

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

Ultimately, Kim decided not to take part in the third film after seeing her character's lack of progression.

'I would have preferred for all of us to have some kind of event to warrant a third film. That didnt happen. But also, I was ready. And this is exactly what I wished for: to be in different places playing different characters because Im a character actress.

'And as difficult as it was, and as scary as it is to stand up and not be bullied by the press or the fans or whomever  to just say, Im good. Im on this track. It was so great working with you. I so enjoyed it, but Im over here.'

She shaded the new series, claiming it was essentially the same as the script for the third film, which also saw Mr. Big die.

'The series is basically the third movie. That's how creative it was,' she said.

Kim was really ready to throw in the towel after filming the second SATC movie.

'Everything in me went, "I'm done,"' Kim said.

Yet she does appreciate fans noticing her character's absence. 'I've come to the conclusion that really the greatest compliment I could have as an actor is to be missed.'

Kim also addressed her relationship with her co-stars, whom she was allegedly at-odds with during their time filming the show. Kim said they had a professional relationship yet never considered them friends.

Not the only OG returning: John Corbett will also return as Aidan Shaw in the second season

'I think we were colleagues. My colleagues arent my friends. It was professional.'

Kim does not ever plan on reprising her iconic role.

'That's a no,' she said of a potential return. 'It's powerful to say no.'

Despite having no desire to return to the show, Kim had fond memories connecting with Samantha and fleshing out her character.

Kim also revealed she turned down the role three times before finally joining the show.

'I turned it down three times. I didnt think I could do it. At 42, I really didnt think I could pull it off. I finally said, "You're making a mistake here." We did the pilot  it was good but it wasn't there. And then it started to find its way. I realized, because Id never done a series before, the more you play the character, like in theater, the more you add to it and change. I remember one day, a laugh came out, and I thought, "Holy s**t, thats great. Sam just got a new laugh."'

Kim admitted it was 'odd' watching the show continue Samantha without her.

'Its odd, isnt it? I dont know how to feel about it. Its so finite for me, so it doesnt continue. I think I would ponder it more if I didnt have something like Queer as Folk or How I Met Your Father. Thats kind of where Im centered around. This feels like an echo of the past.

'Other than the really wonderful feeling of  its rare in my business  people wanting more, especially at 65. That feels powerful, that Ive left something behind that Im so proud of. I loved her. I loved her so, so, so much. Its tough competition. The original show is in all of our imaginations. But for me, it feels clean.'

Elaborating on her 'clean' break, she said: 'Yeah, it was years ago. It was 2017 when all this was happening. I just thought to myself, No, this is right. And you cant go against that feeling. I dont ever want to be on a set and not want to be there.'

It ain't over: DailyMail.com exclusively revealed in September 2017 that a third Sex and the City movie was essentially 'torpedoed' due to Cattrall's excessive demands

Kim also said she was unaware of remarks made by Sarah, who said she wouldn't be OK with Kim returning as Samantha again.

'I don't think I read it,' she said.

'It wouldn't happen anyway,' she added. 'So nobody has to worry about that.'

Unsurprisingly, she has not seen any of the new reboot.

Kim has been embroiled in a public feud with Sarah for a while now - calling her former costar names like 'cruel' and 'toxic' over the years - and many people believe that's why she didn't want to participate in the new show.

According to Cosmopolitan, Sarah earned a much larger salary than her costars during her time in the show - which eventually led to it going off the air in 2004.

'I felt after six years, it was time for all of us to participate in the financial windfall of Sex and the City,' Kim said in a 2004 interview about the pay-difference, right after the series came to an end.

'When they didnt seem keen on that, I thought it was time to move on.'

However, for years after Sex and the City concluded, Sarah and Kim denied that there were any hard feelings between them, and they even went on to film two SATC movies together.

'My colleagues arent my friends': The actress addressed her connection with her former co-stars and said they had a 'professional' relationship

But in 2017, things came to a head when Kim decided she did not want to be a part of the third Sex and the City movie.

'The answer was simply: "Thank you, but no. Im good,' Kim explained at the time during an interview with Piers Morgan.

'This isnt about more money, its not about more scenes  This is about a clear decision, an empowered decision in my life, to end one chapter and start another. I'm 61. It's now.'

Many of the stars of the show took to Twitter to share their disappointment over the third movie being canceled, and Kim called her former costars 'toxic' for not reaching out to her privately.

She continued: 'Weve never been friends. Weve been colleagues, and in some ways, its a very healthy place to be.

'Nobody ever picks up the phone and tries to contact you and say, "How you doing?" That would have been the way to handle it. This is, it feels like, a toxic relationship.'

Sarah later responded to Kim's claims while chatting with Andy Cohen.

'I found it very upsetting because thats not the way I recall our experience. Its sad, but I always think that what ties us together is this singular experience,' she said.

'It was a professional experience, but it became personal because it was years and years of our lives, so Im hoping that that sort of eclipses anything thats been recently spoken.'
Tom Schwartz nearly fled Los Angeles after enduring incessant public backlash for his alleged role in covering up Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss' months-long affair.

Just weeks after admitting he felt 'exploited' by his former BFF, 39, and was taking a step back from their friendship, the 40-year-old Vanderpump Rules star admits that he nearly left the City of Angels for a fresh start.

'I had this sort of mounting urge to just pack up my stuff and move, I don't know where  not run away, but just move,' he confessed to People.

Additionally, the TV personality, who was navigating life after his divorce from Katie Maloney and estrangement from Sandoval, yearned for the opportunity to 'just disconnect, to take a break from the internet, my phone, [and social media].'

Ultimately, he was offered a chance to join Fox's reality series, Stars on Mars, which tests celebrities' strength in a space-like environment.

Taking time off: Tom Schwartz nearly fled Los Angeles after enduring incessant public backlash for his alleged role in covering up Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss' affair; seen in 2023

Looking for an out: Just weeks after admitting he felt 'exploited' by his former BFF, 39, and was taking a step back from their friendship, the 40-year-old Vanderpump Rules star admits that he nearly left the City of Angels for a fresh start

'It couldn't have come at a better time,' he said of his casting on the unscripted series, alongside Lance Armstrong, Ariel Winter, Tallulah Willis, Porsha Williams and more stars.

While speaking of getting to unplug, Schwartz said he had 'romanticized' the idea.

'But, once it came time to sort of part ways with my phone, it was scary.  I'm scared of how dependent I am on my cell phone in every facet of life,' he admitted. 'So it was nice to take a little break from that.'

Ultimately, the bar owner described the experience as 'rejuvenating and restorative.'

'I got a massive infusion of levity and an adventure, and it was kind of just what the doctor ordered,' he told the outlet.

His time away also provided him distance from Sandoval, who he recently said 'exploited' their friendship.

'He made a big mess and left for us to clean up, businesses and such. It's hard for us not to be resentful,' Schwartz said of Scandoval on the When Reality Hits with Jax and Brittany podcast.

Schwartz continued: 'I'm taking a break from Tom right now, I haven't spoken to him in a while. I'm happy for him, I know he's very passionate about the band.'

'I had this sort of mounting urge to just pack up my stuff and move, I don't know where  not run away, but just move,' he confessed to People

Tough year: Additionally, the TV personality, who was navigating life after his divorce from Katie Maloney and estrangement from Sandoval, yearned for the opportunity to 'just disconnect, to take a break from the internet, my phone, [and social media]' (pictured with his ex-BFF in July 2022)

'People see him singing with his shirt off, and he looks like he has no contrition, he doesn't give a f*** and he's living out his rockstar dreams.

''The lack of remorse... I know he regrets it but he doesn't do a good job of showing that. He's gotta drop the ego man, hard humility. When you have a full blown affair, your side of the story ceases to exist

'I feel like he exploited me. I took to heart everything he said about Ariana [Ariana].

'He needs to lose the ego, hard humility, say I'm sorry, not I'm sorry but...

'I said to him after the reunion "Dude after all of the s*** you put us through, you better marry this girl"'

He added that he has 'no clue' if Sandoval and Leviss are still romantically involved - and 'couldn't be happier' at his lack of knowledge.

Although the affair was only unveiled in March, both Sandoval and Leviss have revealed their romance actually started last summer.

Tom's wronged ex Madix revealed to a shocked Scheana Shay and Katie Maloney that her ex first had sex with her former friend Leviss, in Raquel's car.

That moment came at the worst possible time, as the tryst happened while Ariana, was grieving the death of her dog, Charlotte.

Estranged: His time away also provided him distance from Sandoval, who he recently said 'exploited' their friendship

'He made a big mess and left for us to clean up, businesses and such. It's hard for us not to be resentful,' Schwartz said of Scandoval on the When Reality Hits with Jax and Brittany podcast

In the clip, a dewy-eyed Ariana was surrounded by her friends, including Scheana and Katie sitting around her on the floor, as she explained how she first learned about Tom and Raquel's six-month-long affair.

'I went with Tom to Tom Tom because he had that party thing. I found a screen recording of them on FaceTime,' Ariana said of her ex Tom and Raquel. 'It was literally from the night before. He was at [Tom] Schwartz's.'

Katie, who is Schwartz's ex-wife, was shocked to hear her former partner was somehow mixed up in the affair

'He was at Schwartz's doing this? What?' she replied incredulously.

'That's when I called Raquel and I started like, making her like, f***ing tell me what the f***? When did this start?" Ariana continued. 'She said, "Right after the girls trip." I'm like, "You mean right after Charlotte died?"'

Earlier this year, Sandoval revealed he and Leviss hit the brakes on their sexual relationship, after their affair was exposed in March.

The bar owner revealed they are 'kind of taking a break' while appearing on Howie Mandel Does Stuff's podcast.

He said: 'I feel like he exploited me. I took to heart everything he said about Ariana' (Tom and Ariana pictured days before their split in March)

'Were not putting any label on it,' the reality star stated.

When asked if they were still friends 'with benefits' by the comedian, 67, Sandoval denied they were still romantically involved.

'Not right now,' the rocker, who is in the cover band Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras, told listeners, after insisting he and the former pageant queen are still 'good friends.'

As for how their relationship blossomed from platonic to intimate, Sandoval opened up about his attraction to Leviss as he and Madix, 37, drifted apart after nearly a decade together.

'We were at my house, and Im locked out of my house and were talking and we kissed,' he recalled. 'It was magnetic. We were moving closer and as we were talking, time went on, and were talking closer and closer and closer, and all of a sudden, were kissing. I felt something that I hadnt felt in so long, like, emotionally.'

He went on to explain how he and Madix had begun living their own lives and the romance between them had grown stale.
She's reprising her role as sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg for the upcoming third season.

And The Witcher star Anya Chalotra certainly put on an ab-tastic display in a plunging black gown, as she attended the star-studded UK premiere for the latest series of the Netflix fantasy hit.

The actress, 26, wowed in her eye-catching look as she attended the premiere with her boyfriend, Mamma Mia! star Josh Dylan.

Anya stunned in her bold black gown, which consisted of a plunging front with oversized rose detailing.

The dress perfectly accentuated her impressive abs and featured a dramatic matching train as she made her way to the premiere.

Wow! The Witcher star Anya Chalotra wowed in a plunging black gown as she joined her boyfriend Josh Dylan at the Netflix show's season three premiere in London

Hard to miss! The actress stunned in her eye-catching look as she attended the premiere ahead of the release of the first half of season three on June 29

Meanwhile Josh, who played a young Bill in the Mamma Mia! sequel Here We Go Again, opted for a smart grey checked jacket as he posed up a storm with his glamorous girlfriend.

Earlier this month, Netflix released an action-packed trailer for the highly-anticipated third season of The Witcher.

The series - recently renewed for a fifth season - will release volume one of season three on June 29, with volume two streaming on July 27.

This season marks the Superman star's final outing as the beast hunter before Liam Hemsworth takes over the lead role for season four.

The beloved series follows the journey of a mutated monster and witch hunter as he travels across mythical lands to slay supernatural beasts.

Geralt is one of the few remaining Witchers on the continent, and he struggles to find his way in the wicked world as others often misunderstand him.

In season three, as monarchs, mages, and beasts of the Continent compete to capture her, Geralt takes Ciri into hiding, determined to protect his newly-reunited family against those threatening to destroy it.

Entrusted with Ciri's magical training, Yennefer leads them to the protected fortress of Aretuza, where they hope to uncover more about the girl's untapped powers.

Glammed up! Anya stunned in her bold black gown, which consisted of a plunging front with oversized rose detailing

Grand arrival! The dress perfectly accentuated her impressive abs and featured a dramatic matching train as she made her way to the premiere

Picture perfect! Meanwhile Josh, who played a young Bill in the Mamma Mia! sequel Here We Go Again, opted for a smart grey checked jacket as he posed up a storm

Here she is! Anya stunned in her bold all-black look as she arrived for the premiere with her co-star Freya Allan

It's back! The first half of season three will be released on Netflix on June 29, while the second half will hit the streaming service on July 27

Instead, they discover they've landed on a battlefield of political corruption, dark magic, and treachery.

They must fight back, put everything on the line  or risk losing each other forever.

Joey Batey returns as Jaskier, Royce Pierreson as Istredd, Anna Shaffer as Triss, and Kim Bodnia as Vesemir.

The Witcher's Twitter account posted alongside the trailer: 'Chaos is coming. The Witcher Season 3 begins on the 29th of June #thewitcher.'

It was announced that Hemsworth, 33, would replace Cavill in the Netflix series in October 2022.

Season four of the show will continue progressing as planned initially, with Hemsworth starring in the series.
Paul Nicholls looks very different from his time on EastEnders, as he takes on a role in a new BBC children's drama.

The actor, 44, who appeared on Albert Square as schizophrenic Joe Wicks, has landed a new role in Phoenix Rise, the channel's latest high school drama.

In the show Paul plays Carl, dad of 15-year-old Billy and 11-year-old Rihanna, who attend a school for the excluded in the West Midlands.

The former soap star has ditched his trademark curtains and blond highlights in favour of a shorter, dark haircut.

Paul left EastEnders 26 years ago, back in 1997 following just one year on the soap, after struggling with drink and drugs.

Wow! Paul Nicholls looks very different from his time on EastEnders , as he takes on a role in a new BBC children's drama

The EastEnders star joined the soap in 1996 but left a year later after failing to overcome his drink and drug problems.

He went on to have a number of TV roles and even played bad boy Jed in Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, alongside Renee Zellweger.

Paul has previously insisted his trouble with addiction began in 2017 when he endured a near-fatal accident in Thailand. He was rescued three days after being trapped at the base of a waterfall.

He was found semi-conscious and suffering from hypothermia after falling from the jungle above and smashing his leg, something the actor admits he has never fully recovered from.

According to Paul, he battled 37 different infections including malaria, cholera and dengue fever. He also revealed that he was left in hospital on his own in Samiu for six months on intravenous antibiotics before returning to Manchester.

The following year, Paul suffered from a stroke which almost killed him, sending him to 'rock bottom'.

He remembered collapsing before waking approximately 16 hours later to find he couldn't feel the right side of his body.

According to Paul, it took him three hours to make his way to the phone to call an ambulance. He was paralysed throughout half of his body and felt like his 'life was over,' as he broke down in tears to the publication.

Throwback: The EastEnders star joined the soap in 1996 but left a year later after failing to overcome his drink and drug problems

Back then: The former soap star has ditched his trademark curtains and blond highlights in favour of a shorter, dark haircut (Pictured on EastEnders)

He had to attend physio to regain movement, but felt the damage was already done as his illness triggered a deep depression and subsequent four-day drug binge relapse in 2020.

Paul has previously told The Sun of his 2020 relapse: 'The rabbit hole I went down led to places that I never thought I'd end up in  in flats with people that I didn't know.

'I was taking lots of dihydrocodeine, a very strong opiate pain killer and on top of that, cocaine... every time I relapsed cocaine is always present.

'At certain points I'd be gone for three or four days and not sleep at all. I stopped caring, I pressed the 'f*** it' button.

'The last time I ended up in a flat with people smoking stuff, doing this and doing that. They recognised me. I was looking around and I thought, 'If I don't stop, I will die'.

'I've still got so much shame around this stuff.'

For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123
Demi Lovato was spotted enjoying a tete-a-tete in West Hollywood this week with her gal pal Lauren 'DJ Kittens' Abedini.

The two of them were trailed by a swirl of dating rumors about six years ago, but neither of them confirmed or denied the conjecture.

For about a year now Demi has been dating a man called Jutes, and earlier this month she even had to deny a round of speculation that they are engaged.

This Tuesday night Demi, 30, and DJ Kittens stepped out to dinner a deux at the new Sunset Strip haunt Hudson House.

Demi plumped for rocker chic, throwing a sleek black leather jacket over a white t-shirt that clashed stylishly with her black trousers and matching platforms.

On the town: Demi Lovato was spotted enjoying a tete-a-tete in West Hollywood this week with her gal pal Lauren 'DJ Kittens' Abedini

Off she goes: Demi plumped for rocker chic, throwing a sleek black leather jacket over a white t-shirt that clashed stylishly with her black trousers and matching platforms

Wearing her dark hair in a bob reminiscent of the 1920s, she sharpened her features with makeup including a slick of scarlet lipstick.

DJ Kittens uploaded an Insta Stories clip from the restaurant of Demi giggling playfully at her over the table.

In September 2017 the pair of them kicked up a cloud of dating rumors when they were spotted holding hands at Disneyland, where at one point Demi was also glimpsed playfully grabbing DJ Kittens' behind.

However neither of them publicly commented on the matter, and Demi has had multiple known relationships since.

Their latest outing comes less than two weeks after Demi shot down a round of internet rumors that she has gotten engaged to her musician boyfriend Jutes.

She fired up her Insta Stories earlier this month to put paid to the speculation, writing: 'If I was engaged I'd announce it!!!!!'

However, lest anyone get the wrong idea about the state of her relationship, she showered affection on her beau.

The Still Alive songstress rhapsodized that she is 'still obsessed' with him and gushed that Jutes is her 'fffffffavorite person and boyfriend!!!'

Nowadays: For about a year now Demi has been dating a man called Jutes, and earlier this month she even had to deny a round of speculation that they are engaged

What a night: Demi (right) and DJ Kittens (left) were trailed by a swirl of dating rumors about six years ago, but neither of them confirmed or denied the conjecture

Kittens a table: However neither Demi nor DJ Kittens publicly commented on the dating rumors, and Demi has had multiple known relationships since

Backdrop: Their latest outing comes less than two weeks after Demi shot down a round of internet rumors that she has gotten engaged to her musician boyfriend Jutes

Here and there: Demi recently revealed that she had given up using 'they/them' pronouns because she got sick of having to explain herself to people

Demi recently revealed that she had given up using 'they/them' pronouns because she got sick of having to explain herself to people.

She came out as nonbinary and revealed 'they/them' pronouns in 2021. Later, she readopted 'she/her' pronouns, using them in addition to 'they/them.'

In a new interview with GQ Hype Spain, she said: 'I constantly had to educate people and explain why I identified with those pronouns. It was absolutely exhausting.'

The ex-Disney Channel star added: 'I just got tired. But for that very reason I know that it is important to continue spreading the word.'

Demi's beau, whose full name is Jordan Jutes, is on the wagon like she is and was a contributor to her rock-tinged latest album HOLY F***.

News of their relationship broke last August around the time of HOLY F***'s release, but a source dished then that they had been 'secretly dating for months now.'

The insider informed E! News: 'Demi and Jutes met while working on music together. Things are going really well and they have a lot in common. They bond over music.'

Jutes is said to have 'restored her faith' in romance after the former Disney Channel star 'swore off dating for a while.'

Loved up: Demi's beau, whose full name is Jordan Jutes, is on the wagon like she is and was a contributor to her rock-tinged latest album HOLY F***

The way they were: Demi's previous fiance was the actor Max Ehrich, whom she began dating in March 2020 and went into lockdown with amid the coronavirus pandemic

The source described Demi as 'definitely smitten,' saying they 'have been spending a lot of time together' and adding: 'Everyone thinks he is really good for her.'

By this April, Demi was gushing on CBS Mornings that she was 'in a really good place' to the point 'I don't know what I'm going to write about on my next album because I'm so happy. It is a really good feeling, but I don't know what I'm going to do.'

Hinting that Jutes had a hand in her sunny disposition, she said her upcoming music would include 'definitely a bunch of sappy love songs, for sure.'

Demi's previous fiance was the actor Max Ehrich, whom she began dating in March 2020 and went into lockdown with amid the coronavirus pandemic.

That July, Demi ecstatically revealed that and her smoldering beau were engaged - but just two months later their relationship fell apart.

She subsequently told Glamour: 'When I started getting older, I started realizing how queer I really am. This past year I was engaged to a man, and when it didnt work, I was like, This is a huge sign.'

Demi added: 'I thought I was going to spend my life with someone. Now that I wasnt going to, I felt this sense of relief that I could live my truth.'

At the time of the interview, which ran in March 2021, she felt incapable of dating a biological man because she was 'too queer' to do so.
EastEnders has bid farewell to Finlay Baker after a year-long stint, as he decided to flee Walford after receiving a terrifying threat.

Finlay, played by Ashley Byam, has been at the mercy of the Panesar family after Vinny's attempt to get revenge on Eve Unwin failed.

When Finlay discovered that Eve was the target, Vinny issued him with a stark threat, threatening the life of his brother Felix, and insisting he had to leave within 24 hours.

And leave he did, with Finlay telling his family he'd found a huge new work opportunity in Dublin and would be moving out of Albert Square.

It was clear that Suki was relieved to see Finlay go, as it meant her affair with Eve would be kept secret... for now.

He's off! EastEnders has bid farewell to Finlay Baker after a year-long stint, as he decided to flee Walford after receiving a terrifying threat

Time to go! Finlay, played by Ashley Byam, has been at the mercy of the Panesar family after Vinny's attempt to get revenge on Eve Unwin failed

Sadly, Finlay's exit disappointed many fans, with one writing: 'Other than sell sauces the poor guy hasn't had a single story.'

Another tweeted: 'I should have known as soon as he was getting a bit of screen time it was because you were writing him out.'

'What a rubbish an corny way to leave. Such a waste of a character. You can do better than this,' a third gutted fan posted.

One disappointed fan said: 'What a rubbish storyline if Finlay leaves.'

An upset fan also tweeted: 'Too bad. He really deserved more time and a good storyline.'

Finlay first arrived in EastEnders back in June, alongside his brother Felix, played by Matthew Morrison, and their dad Avery.

Mere weeks after arriving, Finlay was devastated when his father passed away from terminal cancer.

It comes after fans were left sobbing during Tuesday night's episode as Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick) watched an emotional clip of his late wife Lola Pearce.

Off he goes! When Finlay discovered that Eve was the target, Vinny issued him with a stark threat, threatening the life of his brother Felix, and insisting he had to leave within 24 hours

Gutted: Sadly, Finlay's exit disappointed many fans, with one writing: 'Other than sell sauces the poor guy hasn't had a single story'

Watching the video montage alone, he broke down in tears as Lola discussed her feelings for him shortly before her death.

Lola, played by Danielle Harold, passed away from terminal brain cancer as part of a heartbreaking storyline on the BBC soap last month.

While viewers of the show were already feeling emotional after her heartfelt funeral, but hearts were broken by Lola's poignant message.

Earlier in the programme, Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) gifted Jay with a memory stick containing the montage that Lexi made for the funeral, however there is one extra video on it.

Watching the video back, Jay breaks down in tears as he see's the video that Lola made for him on the day of the Coronation, as she discusses her feelings for him.

On the clip, Lexi is heard saying: 'Jay is the king to your Queen, you married him, but how do you know?'

Heartbreaking: It comes after fans were left sobbing during Tuesday night's episode as Jay Brown ( Jamie Borthwick ) watched an emotional clip of his late wife Lola Pearce

'Because Jay is brilliant, when he smiles it makes me smile,' Lola answered.

'He does gift the best hugs and he makes me feel safe and when things get harder, Jay will be there and he will love you all the more because the world is a better place with Jay in it.

'When I'm not here anymore and Jay is done being sad, he is going to live life to the fullest, alright? And you're going to do all of the things that mummy didn't get a chance to do.

'But it won't matter because he will always have a little piece of me inside his heart.'

Jay is left heartbroken as he struggles to imagine a world without his beloved Lola while Forever Young played in the background.

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Emily Ratajkowski isn't wasting any time in getting back to business after her whirlwind trip to France for Paris Fashion Week last week.

The model, 32, was spotted heading into Sony Music Studios in New York City on June 27 to record her podcast High Low with EmRata.

The My Body author looked effortlessly chic in a pair of baggy, pleated, low-rise camel-colored Scanlan Theodore cargo pants, a cropped white tank top which revealed her abs and black and white checkered Vans.

She accessorized with a gold watch, ring and necklaces and wore black sunglasses on her face.

The mom of Sylvester, two, completed her look with a tan leather Miu Miu handbag that retails for more than $3,000.

Podcast host: Emily Ratajkowski isn't wasting any time in getting back to business after her whirlwind trip to France for Paris Fashion Week last week

The catwalk veteran wore her hair straight and her curtain bangs blunt across her forehead.

Dance Moms' alum Maddie Ziegler, 20, appeared on the most recent episode of Emily's podcast.

She opened up about her six seasons on the Lifetime series and revealed that her mom apologized for putting her through that situation. Ziegler was only seven when she first appeared on the popular reality television series.

'Last year, I was having a really bad panic attack, and I called my mom, and things were coming up from the past, and she apologized to me,' she told Ratajkowski.

'She was like, "I'm so sorry that I put you through that." It's so sad because she would never want to hurt us, but none of us knew how crazy it would get.'

Ratajkowski's aim with her podcast is to take back the narrative which is just what she does for herself and her guests, including Ziegler.

Some of the topics EmRata discusses with her guests include the history of how men treat women and how women rationalize that treatment.

Super model: The model, 32, was spotted heading into Sony Music Studios in New York City on June 27 to record her podcast High Low with EmRata

Catwalk veteran: The My Body author looked effortlessly chic in a pair of baggy, pleated, low-rise camel-colored pants, a cropped white tank top and black and white checkered Vans

'Im really excited to get a lot of different types of people on - really just people who interest me who I feel like either havent been given a platform where theyve been taken seriously and been able to have the kind of conversations that I want to have with them, or just people who have very specific perspectives,' she told Forbes earlier this year.

EmRata was in the process of flushing out her podcast while she was getting a divorce - which gave her a fresh perspective on what she wanted to talk about and accomplish with it.

'I feel like Im in this new era of my life,' she said. 'Im able to talk about sex and dating in a way that I definitely wouldnt have as a married woman.'

Ratajkowski releases new episodes of her podcast every Tuesday and Thursday.

Finishing touches: She accessorized with a gold watch, ring and necklaces and wore black sunglasses on her face
Stephen 'Twitch' Boss' mother Connie Alexander Boss is opening up about how she's handled life in the six months since her son's tragic suicide.

Twitch was found dead at 40 on December 13, 2022 via a self-inflicted gunshot to the head in a Los Angeles hotel room, which authorities deemed a suicide.

Connie, 59, told People in a piece published on Wednesday that his death came 'came as a complete shock,' as he showed no signs of being upset.

'To the extent that Stephen may have been in a Black depression - no, not Stephen. He was so in tune with analyzing and trying to make himself better, reading self-help books,' she told the outlet.

She said the last time they spoke via text, he was checking in on her after she had been ill.

The latest: Stephen 'Twitch' Boss' mother Connie Alexander Boss, 59, is opening up about how she's handled life in the six months since her son's tragic suicide at 40 late last year

'I'd been sick, so he texted to ask how I was feeling,' she said. 'That was the last time we talked.

'He started that last text with, "I love you, Mom,"' Connie said. 'And I responded, "I love you more."'

Connie, who resides in Phoenix and is a mother of two other sons, opened up about her feelings over the past six months since her son's passing.

'Sometimes it feels like it was just yesterday, and then other times it feels like it's been so long since I've seen him. When I think about him, I try not to dwell on how he left this earth,' she said.

Connie said she is faithful that she will see him again someday: 'This is not totally the end. That is where my peace comes from.'

Connie said that when she learned of his death, the idea that he killed himself was 'was not [her] first thought ... that it had been [by] his hand ... I really thought something had happened to him.'

She opened up about the course of events when she learned Stephen had been declared missing.

'I immediately started placing calls to see if anyone had seen or spoken with him,' Connie said. 'Finding that nobody had, my brother and I bought plane tickets.'

Connie, 59, told People in a piece published on Wednesday that his death came 'came as a complete shock,' as he showed no signs of being upset

Boss was found dead on December 13, 2022 via a self-inflicted gunshot to the head in a Los Angeles hotel room, which authorities deemed a suicide

In addition to Connie, Stephen is survived by widow Allison Holker, 35, and their three kids - Weslie, 15, Maddox, seven, and Zaia, three. Pictured in LA last month

Connie said that as she was been under the weather at the time, she was tested for COVID prior to traveling.

Connie told the outlet: 'My brother called to ask where I was. Then my sister-in-law called: "Hey, we're just checking on where you are." In the pit of my stomach, I knew something was wrong.'

She continued, 'I went to my parents' house and walked in. They were just standing there looking at me, and I said, "Have you heard something?" All I remember hearing was, "Connie, he's gone." And I remember screaming or falling to my knees. The rest of the day is more of a blur.'

Connie said that she has dealt with 'a lot of introspection' and 'a lot of looking back' in the wake of her son's tragic death.

She said, 'Did I miss something? Did he mean something when he said this? At this point, I'm in realization, I guess.

'When I wake up in the morning, it does hit me that, oh my God, he really is not physically here. But then in my head I can hear him say, "Hey, Mom. I'm OK."'

In addition to Connie, Stephen is survived by widow Allison Holker, 35, and their three kids - Weslie, 15, Maddox, seven, and Zaia, three.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text 'STRENGTH' to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to 988lifeline.org.
Christine Quinn showed off her stunning figure in a racy outfit on Wednesday as she was spotted out in Madrid, Spain.

The reality star, 34, flashed her cleavage and abs in a black corset top from Spanish designer Alejandre Studi and a beige colored tiered mini skirt from Spanish fashion label onrushw23fh.

To complete her look, the former Selling Sunset star wore a pair of black strappy heels from Jessica Rich, a Chanel handbag, a ring, and a pair of sunglasses.

The stylish outfit showed not only flaunted Quinn's fit, slender figure, but also her stunning legs too.

Quinn wore her long blonde locks down and in soft waves and sported a rich palette of make-up.

Strutting her stuff: Christine Quinn showed off her stunning figure in a racy outfit on Wednesday as she was spotted out in Madrid, Spain

Spanish designers: Quinn wore a black corset top from Spanish designer Alejandre Studi and a beige colored tiered mini skirt from Spanish fashion label onrushw23fh

The real estate expert and RealOpen founder is reportedly in the Spanish Capital ahead of attending the Paris Couture shows.

The sighting of Quinn in Madrid comes almost a week after she was spotted in another eye-catching outfit while enjoying a stroll with her dog Teddy Kruger in Los Angeles.

For the walk in Los Angeles, the star showed off her stunning figure in a thin white crop top that word 'Bitchy' stitched in small black leather across the center of it and pair of black flared leather trousers.

Quinn completed her outfit with a pair of white open-toed sandals, a silver barb wire necklace, a pair of silver chain earrings, several rings, a pair of black sunglasses, and a silver clutch.

She had her long blond hair styled up into a bun and had several strands of loose hair on each side of her beautiful face.

Quinn rose to fame as a real estate agent for the Oppenheim Group on the hit Netflix reality television series Selling Sunset, which premiered on the streaming service in 2019.

The 34-year-old has appeared on the first five seasons of the show but announced her departure from the series and the high-end real estate brokerage firm in August 2022 following the conclusion of the show's fifth season.

She also revealed ahead of the premiere of Selling Sunset's sixth season that she would not be binge-watching the series.

Quinn has been married to entrepreneur Christian Richard since 2019 and the couple have a two-year-old son, Christian Georges Dumontet, together.
Modis visit is a path-breaking event that will take India-US ties to a new high and checkmate Chinas policy of aggression on LoC

Indian prime minister Narender Modis recent visit to the United States assumes a lot of importance for the rest of the world when US President, Joe Biden says that two great friends, two great powers and two great friends can outline the course and path of the 21st century. One of the biggest takeaways even recognized by the entire world pertains to future strategy which will counter the growing influence of China and its expansionism laced with debt trap policy to create a security threat to India and the US.

Experts opine that PMs visit will carve out the future course of action and strengthen his vision of ATAMNIRBHAR BHART through defence deals and emerging technologies. It will be an impetus to trade and defence cooperation as both nations have agreed that General Electronics will produce jet engines in India in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics which will be used for Tejas. Indian Shipyard can be used for repairs by US Navy ships besides agreeing to purchase MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones. Both sides will witness enhanced activities and greater cooperation in the areas of semiconductors, critical minerals, technology, space, and defence. US chip maker, Micron, is poised to establish a USD 2.7 billion semiconductor testing and packaging unit in Gujarat which will ensure the participation of the government of India and Gujarat government thereby investing 50 % and 20% respectively.

Experts say that America has enjoyed an unchallenged prominent position in the world arena, especially after the downfall of Russia in the nineties leading to the end of the Cold War and focused on its self-centred interests only which had dictated its illogical stand on Pakistans open support to terrorists in Kashmir. In this changed geo-political scenario, India is gradually occupying centre stage which can be attributed to its growing economic potential and meaningful space being attained by it in advanced technology thereby fast emerging as a challenger to China in future.

It was national security advisor, Ajit Dovals visit to the united states six months ago when he expressed his opinion about India-US ties to counterpart, Sullivan that time is running fast hence we do not have much time at our disposal which warrants concrete road map to face challenges including Chinas threat on security. Sullivan concluded his discussion with Doval in Delhi before Modi visited the US. Both NSAs unveiled ambitious long-term plans for Indo-US collaboration in seven specific high-technology areas, next-generation telecommunication strategy, semiconductors, defence and artificial intelligence. They announced the second Track-1.5 dialogue on the initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (ICET) which had been organized by industry chamber CII. But both top officials confined themselves to covering bilateral and regional issues only and nothing beyond it. Earlier, the spadework was done by US defence secretary, Lloyd Austin who held several meetings with defence minister Rajnath Singh and senior Indian officials in New Delhi. Similarly, Foreign Secretary, Vinay Kwatra met Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland in the US to prepare the ground for Modis visit and the above engagements highlighted the shared objectives of the two nations in terms of close cooperation and regional security.

A huge welcome was accorded by the Indian diaspora at the prestigious Kennedy Center organized by Aghi and USISPF who have got a lot of relevance in American politics and Indias growth. According to FM Sitharaman, union finance minister, overseas Indians ' remittances to India increased by 12 % to 100 USD in 2022 as compared to 2021 which is of utmost importance to Indias economy. Some human rights activists did raise their concerns about the human rights violation in India and ex-president, Barack Obama was also critical when he said if you do not protect the rights of ethnic minorities in India, then there is a strong possibility India at some point starts pulling apart and weve seen what happens when you start getting those kinds of large internal conflicts.

Bidens red carpet to Modi is the evidence of all our efforts in America to take present Indo-US ties to the next level. Biden has even attacked China and praised Indias democracy despite some concerns. China has not relished America's open-arm policy towards India hence it has accused the US of trying to block Dragon's progress. Modis visit was billed as a path-breaking event that will take India-US ties to a new height and checkmate policy of aggression of China on LOC besides helping the US to retain its status of Super Power which seems to be dangerous given over ambition of Dragon to displace it in future.

(The writer is a senior journalist)
Even after 25 years of its premiere, the cast of "Sex and the City" continues to be loved by the audience, says lead star Sarah Jessica Parker, who believes the show owes its popularity to the "intimate and candid" conversations among four women.

Based on Candace Bushnell's newspaper column and 1996 book anthology of the same name, the show originally ran as an HBO series for six seasons between 1998 and 2004, with the makers exploring the story further in two films.

Now, the spin-off of "Sex and the City", "And Just Like That..." is in its second season on streaming service Max.

Parker, who plays columnist-turned-podcaster Carrie Bradshaw in "And Just Like That...", took a trip down memory lane about the parent show.

"At the time because of our home at HBO, now Max, we were allowed to have conversations in ways that commercial television just didn't allow. We've been really lucky that there's been an audience, who's been so hospitable to us for a lot of years. We were allowed to have conversations in ways that commercial television just didn't allow...

"The kind of intimate, salty, candid conversations that were being had among four women, that were about their intimate lives, had just not yet been seen. There are and were and continue to be women who shared these kinds of conversations with their friends and they just hadn't seen it," the American actor told PTI in a virtual roundtable interview.

Set 11 years after the events of the 2010 film "Sex and the City 2", "And Just Like That..." follow three of the four friends Carrie, Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon) and Charlotte York Goldenblatt (Kristin Davis) as they make a transition into their 50s. It was recently announced that Kim Cattrall will officially return as Samantha Jones for a cameo in the second season finale.

The 11-episode second season premiered on June 22 on JioCinema in India, with two new episodes and the rest airing on a weekly basis.

Talking about "Sex and the City", Parker said she was on the fence about doing a television programme due to the medium's long-term commitment.

"I was always interested in it. Initially before saying yes, I just didn't understand in entirety what the commitment would be. Is it three years? Is it seven years? In the old days, seven years was the contractual agreement and that seemed like a lot of years. I was nervous about that," she added.

She said she was happy to take on the "special" character of Carrie after reading the script and she has had only fun ever since.

"I understood immediately upon reading the pilot script, this was a very special part and in fact, the time my then boyfriend, now husband Matthew (Broderick), my oldest brother, I gave them both the script and they said you've got to do this. Over time I had this somewhat unique experience playing a character, this long along with the people that have also played their characters," the 58-year-old actor said.

A lot of women, Parker said, connected with the female bonding depicted in the show.

"Over time, I had this somewhat unique experience playing a character this long along with the people that have also played their characters. As an actor, you evolved because you have time and experiences that are plentiful.

"What we want to do as an actor is work, act, tell, create a character, have an audience big or small. What I've learned is that women were seeing themselves and their friendships or the ways in which they wanted to conduct friendships or the kind of friendships they were hoping for I guess," she added.

The actor said the popularity of "Sex and the City" propelled more female-centric stories to be greenlit, a development she is happy about.

"It found an audience (and) that audience grew. It encouraged studios, networks and writers to write for women and also feel confident that there was a contemporary audience that was very interested in female-driven stories...," she recalled.
Ahead of the forthcoming Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, the Congress has appointed veteran leader TS Singh Deo as the Deputy Chief Minister of the State. The decision aims to quell a potential rebellion within the party, which has been brewing for the past few years, and avoid a situation similar to the ongoing controversy in Rajasthan involving Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and former Deputy CM Sachin Pilot.

The Congress is keen to prevent any factional disputes that could jeopardise its unity and electoral prospects. The defection of Jyotiraditya Scindia in neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, which led to the downfall of the Kamal Nath-led Government, serves as a cautionary tale for the party. Party general secretary KC Venugopal announced the appointment, stating, The honorable Congress president has approved the proposal for the appointment of TS Singh Deo as the Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh.
SAD, AIMPLB oppose; Cong, JD(U) say bid to divert attention from price rise, unemployment; AAP lone voice of support

A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong pitch for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and for ending the duality of laws in the country, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday announced support to it, while major Opposition parties dubbed it as a diversionary ploy. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) outright rejected it.

The Congress and Janata Dal (U) have taken a potshot at the PM for raising the issue of the UCC, saying it was an attempt to divert attention from issues of price rise and employment.At the same time, Sharad Pawar-led NCP said broaching the issue of a UCC ahead of elections was a political ploy and that such decisions should not be rushed through.

Modis comments on the UCC before the BJP workers in Bhopal on Tuesday triggered an animated debate between the BJP and the main Opposition parties.

The AAP has declared its stance on the UCC, citing Article 44 of the Constitution as a reason for its support. AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak, though, emphasised the need for wider consultation before implementing the UCC, considering its implications for all religions.

The Aam Aadmi Party supports the ideological stance of the UCC. Article 44 also states that there should be a Uniform Civil Code. However, the Aam Aadmi Party believes that consensus should be reached after discussions with all religions and political parties before implementing it, Pathak said.

The SAD said the UCC would have an adverse impact on minority and tribal communities. SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema said that the party believed that faith, belief, caste, and customs impact laws in the country. These were different for different religions, he added.

The Opposition party in Punjab also criticised the ruling AAP for extending in-principle support to the UCC and said it will oppose the law both in Parliament and in front of the 22nd Law Commission.

The AIMPLB held an emergency online meeting late on Tuesday evening and decided that the Board will oppose the UCC. AIMPLB president Saifullah Rehmani and Board members and lawyers, who attended the meeting, decided to present their views in front of the Law Commission. Documents to be submitted to the Law Commission were also finalised at the meeting.

The AIMPLB member and Islamic Centre of India chairman Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali said, For the past several years, politicians have been raising the issue of the Uniform Civil Code just before the elections. This time too, the issue has come up before the 2024 elections.

He said that the Board has decided to fight the proposal tooth and nail and is in the process of chalking out a strategy to counter the proposed move of the Government by presenting our view in front of the law commission more powerfully. Mahali on Wednesday said at Lucknow, Our stand is that UCC is against the spirit of the Constitution and we will oppose it strongly. India is a country where many religions and cultures are followed. So, the UCC is not only going to affect the Muslims, but also the Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Jews, Parsis, and other minuscule minorities.

Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said the Prime Minister was batting for UCC to divert peoples attention from issues of unemployment, price rise, and hate crimes. He also alleged the BJP was using UCC to polarise the society. The Honble PM is making it appear that UCC is a simple exercise. He should read the report of the last Law Commission that pointed out it was not feasible at this time. The nation is divided today owing to the words and deeds of the BJP. A UCC imposed on the people will only widen the divisions, Chidambaram said.

The Congress also hit out at Modi for drawing a comparison between a family and the nation to justify UCC. In a tweet, the former Union Minister said, The Honble PM has equated a nation to a family while pitching for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). While in an abstract sense, his comparison may appear true, the reality is very different. A family is knit together by blood relationships.

Chidambaram said a nation is brought together by a Constitution which is a political-legal document and the UCC cannot be forced. Even in a family, there is diversity. The Constitution of India recognised diversity and plurality among the people of India. A UCC is an aspiration. An agenda-driven majoritarian Government cannot force it on the people.

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has targeted Modi for backing UCC, claiming the Prime Minister was trying to bring in a Hindu Civil Code. Indias Prime Minister is now talking about Uniform Civil Code. Are you going to snatch away pluralism, diversity in the name of Uniform Civil Code? Owaisi said. They will treat all Islamic references of practices as illegal and the Prime Minister will protect Hindu practices under the law, he said.
In a demonstration of the close ties between India and France, the Indian Air Forces (IAF) Rafale jets will take part in the Bastille Day Parade on July 14 in Paris. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the guest of honour at the event, which marks Frances National Day. The Indian jets will fly alongside French airplanes, symbolising the strong strategic partnership between the two nations as they celebrate the 25th anniversary of their ties. French President Emmanuel Macron had tweeted in French and Hindi on May 6, Dear Narendra, it will be my pleasure to welcome you to Paris as the guest of honor for the 14th of July parade.
Aam Aadmi Partys (AAP) support to the Uniform Civil Code for all Indians may sound trouble for the ruling party in Punjab  where the Sikhs account for nearly 60 percent of the states total population.

Hours after AAPs national general secretary and partys Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab Sandeep Pathak declared that his party extends in principle support to the UCC and wanted to Government to hold consultations to build consensus on the same, the Shiromani Akali Dal on Wednesday lashed out at the ruling party in Punjab saying that it had exposed AAPs anti-minorities face.

Notably, a day before, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a BJP booth-level event in Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday, had said that the country cannot have separate laws for its people and that the Constitution obligates the State to secure a UCC for its citizens.

Criticizing AAP for extending its support to the UCC, senior SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema said: AAP and its convener Arvind Kejriwal promised badlav in Punjab, but are now openly supporting an issue which will cause strife in civil society.

Cheema said that the preparation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and its implementation throughout the country would have an adverse impact on minority and tribal communities. India has uniform criminal laws, and personal laws for different communities were made to take everyone along, he said, adding that Akali Dal has always opposed the preparation of a UCC for the entire country.

AAPs support to the UCC came a year after the Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), also known as Sikhs mini parliament, had made clear its stand on the UCC saying that it was not in the interest of the country.

SGPC, in a statement, had stated that UCC is another step towards making the country a Hindu Rashtra. The BJP government at the Centre is trying to impose RSS agenda on the country and the plan to implement UCC is also a part of it.

SGPC controls gurdwaras in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, and is currently dominated by SAD.

The 21st Law Commission had held wide-ranging consultations on the Uniform Civil Code, but decided that it was not possible. The recommendation was made after due diligence after seeking feedback from the peopleWhen the Law Commission says that this is not possible, that it will create unrest and tension, and law and order situation, why do you want to implement it by force? asked SADs senior leader Cheema, while asserting that there was no need to look at this issue afresh by constituting the 22nd Commission.

In 2018, the 21st Law Commission had said that a Uniform Civil Code is neither necessary nor desirable at this stage. Now, the 22nd Law Commission has started looking afresh at the subject and will be holding consultations with the stakeholders.

SAD has always opposed preparation of UCC for the entire country and the party would submit its reservations on this issue to the 22nd Law Commission as well as in the Parliament, said Cheema.

Cheema, a former Minister, said that SAD believed that civil laws in the country were influenced by faith, belief, caste and customs and were different for different religions. These should be retained in the interest of safeguarding the social fabric as well as the concept of unity in diversity, he added.

We must take into account the fact that the Constitution makers did not give UCC the status of fundamental rights. It was kept in the concurrent list and is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy. Changing this status is not desirable as it will cause friction in society. Besides minority communities and tribal societies, who have their own personal laws, will be most affected, he said, adding that in case, any particular personal law is discriminatory, it could be amended but forming a UCC for the entire country is not advisable.

Calling for wider consultation on the issue, Cheema said that this should have been done before introducing a private member bill in this regard in the Rajya Sabha.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress on Tuesday staged a protest against the Arvind Kejriwal Government over the power tariff hike in the city. Delhi BJP MLAs staged a sit-in near the Chief Ministers residence in the Civil Lines area over hike in the electricity tariff in the city.

The Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri led the protest and said power tariff has been increased three times from what it was before 2014.

Electricity distribution companies here have increased the power purchase adjustment cost (PPAC) by upto more than nine per cent following approval of the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission, DERC, which would result in a hike in the monthly bills of consumers not getting subsidy.

The BJP will continue to protest against the PPAC hike unless it is reversed by the Kejriwal government, Bidhuri said. Why Kejriwal who frequently calls special sessions of the Assembly on different issues is not convening a special session now to discuss the electricity rates? a protesting BJP MLA asked, with many echoing this.

The Delhi Congress on Tuesday staged a demonstration against the AAP government in Delhi over a hike in power tariffs in the national Capital. Party leaders and workers, who gathered outside the AAPs office in central Delhi, alleged that the city government has failed to fulfil its promise of providing free electricity to consumers. Congress leader Jai Kishan said that Atishi has misled the people on the power tariff hike.

The Aam Aadmi Party government always claims that since they came to power, electricity rates in the capital have not increased.

However, the reality is that every year, permission is given to electricity companies to hike rates through the backdoor, they charged.

Electricity bills are burdening the public due to fixed charges, power purchase adjustment costs, and surcharge for pensions for retired electricity employees, Bidhuri claimed.

On Monday, Delhis Power Minister Atishi had said the power tariff was increasing due to the Centres mismanagement.
The BJP and Congress on Tuesday welcomed a Comptroller and Auditor General(CAG) probe into alleged irregularities in the construction of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals official bungalow in the national Capital. While senior Congress leader Ajay Maken called for a full blown criminal investigation, Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Legislative Assembly and BJP leader Ramvir Singh Bidhuri said laws were flouted in the construction of Sheeshmahal.

Addressing a news conference here, Bidhuri said laws were flouted in the construction of the bungalow and in this connection the BJP MLAs submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister on June 24, 2021.

It was clearly stated that of law did not permit Chief Ministers residence beautification as being done in the Corona period and information about the expenses was also sought in writing.

Bidhuri said we had asked Kejriwal whether any permission has been taken from Delhi Urban Art Commission to demolish this house, but Kejriwal had no answer, whereas at that time only the first instalment of the construction of the house had been approved.

Bidhuri also said that we also asked him whether you got the sanction plan passed and also from whom permission was taken for the dozens of trees that were removed. We have asked whether tenders were floated for the Rs 53 crore spent, he added.

The BJP leader questioned that there were 21 officers flats behind the Chief Ministers residence, out of which 8 flats were demolished and the rest were merged with the Chief Ministers residence, from whom permission was taken to do all this.

Manoj Tiwari, MP, said Kejriwal is sure to go to jail after the investigation against corruption in Sheeshmahal begins. Kejriwal is such a leader who used to talk about fighting against corruption before coming into politics and when he came to power, he gave such a government to Delhi whose every department in inundated in corruption, Tiwari said.

Tiwari said Kejriwal knew that tenders for works above Rs 10 crores would have to go through legal steps, so he tried to loot Delhis treasury by making tenders below 10 crores. But Kejriwal forgot that this country is run by the constitution, the BJP MP charged.

Demanding a full-blown criminal investigation into the outrageious expenditure of Rs 171 crore on the renovation of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals residence, Maken said the criminal investigation is not just needed; its a demand of justice. Its outrageous that public money was squandered on Dior-polished imported marble, million-rupee curtains, and kitchen appliances worth crores, all while demolishing a British-era heritage structure and callously decimating trees, he said.

Sheesh Mahal Breaking News: Encouraged to see the CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) stepping up to scrutinize the egregious expenditure of Rs 171 crore of public funds on Arvind Kejriwals opulent Sheesh Mahal. Yet, this mere audit barely scratches the surface of this flagrant misuse of resources, the Congress leader also said.

The former union minister said this extravagance unfolded amidst the COVID crisis, when Delhiites were gasping for oxygen, struggling for livelihoods, and battling hunger.

Mr. Kejriwal, your audacious actions have revealed a chilling truth. You have morphed from a champion of the Aam Aadmi and an anti-corruption crusader to a figure steeped in corruption, indulging in a king-like lifestyle in your Sheesh Mahal. A sad but fitting testament to your reign, he said.










Ruling party in the State Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), on Wednesday, attacked Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for setting new trends in the State by levelling allegations on the State Government that the Government is taking the Opposition's opinion in filling vacant posts of State Governments Commission. JMM suggested BJP to elect senior MLA, CP Singh as Leader of Opposition.



Addressing a press meet at the party headquarter, JMM General Secretary cum Spokesperson, Supriyo Bhattacharya said that the State BJP Leaders met the Governor on Tuesday. They should elect a party leader for the Opposition. How they can raise questions without a leader. The Governor returned after his Santhal Pargana visit now he will visit Kolhan, Palamu, Koylanchal and South Chotanagpur and he is only addressing the Central Governments scheme but he is not talking about the State Governments schemes, he added.



The State Governments important schemes like Didi Badi, Adarsh School, Savitribai Phule Scheme, Sarvajan Pension and others he only says schemes like lavatory, Gas Burner and others. Then what will the Union Ministers do when they will visit the State. It is a hearty desire that in 2024 Governor, CP Radhakrishnan should administer oath to Chief Minister, Hemant Soren. This is so because he is visiting several places and his experience will surely benefit the State and its people, said Bhattacharya.



The party Spokesperson said that BJPs Rajya Sabha MP is demanding to sack the Speaker of the State. Prakash is saying that the Speaker is a fourth grade temporary staff member. The Governor is the highest Constitutional Authority of State. The Governors work is to advise the State Government and on the advice of the State Government the Governor has to put forward his words. On the advice of the Council of Ministers the Governor will put forward the statement for the financial year 2024-25, he added.



Bhattacharya further said that the BJP started a new trend that establishment day of West Bengal was observed. Establishment day is also observed in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh also. In West Bengal even Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee was not invited. In the inauguration of Vande Bharata train programme only Prime Ministers and Governors photo published in newspaper's advertisement then what is needed to invite Jharkhand Chief Minister and Bihar Chief Minister.
n a major decision to provide relief to small and micro entrepreneurs and boost the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector in Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi Adityanath cabinet on Wednesday approved the Chief Ministers Micro Entrepreneur Accident Insurance Scheme.

The scheme will facilitate provision of financial assistance to micro entrepreneurs in unavoidable circumstances. For example, in case of death or disability of a micro entrepreneur, claims of up to Rs 5 lakh can be made under the scheme, Finance Minister Suresh Khanna told reporters after the cabinet meeting.

On partial disability, the relief amount will be given according to the percentage of disability as mentioned in the disability certificate issued by the chief medical officer.

Khanna added: Under the Mukhyamantri Micro Udyami Accident Insurance Scheme, micro category entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 60 years can apply to avail its benefits. Micro entrepreneurs, who are not eligible for the Traders Accident Insurance Scheme run by the Goods and Service Tax department, will immensely benefit from the scheme.

Only about 15 per cent of the total MSME units established in the state are formally registered on the Udyam registration portal and 85 per cent of the units are working informally. Since registration on the Udyam portal is not mandatory, the data of these units are not formally available. Besides, due to non-availability of formal data, the economic contribution of this sector is not reflected in reality, while policy formulation also faces difficulty. For all these reasons, the Yogi Adityanath government has decided to launch the scheme.

In case of an accident, a copy of all the forms will be submitted to the deputy commissioner (industries) of the district concerned after the victims family has applied for it through the online system. In the event of an accident of a registered micro-entrepreneur, after receiving the recommendation of the claim amount from the deputy commissioner (industries), the insurance amount will be made available through DBT (direct benefit transfer) within a maximum of one month to the nominated heir of the entrepreneur from the directorate level, as per the prescribed procedure.

The cabinet also approved the establishment of medical colleges in six districts, namely Baghpat, Mainpuri, Hathras, Kasganj, Mahoba and Hamirpur, under the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme of the Government of India.

Khanna said that under this scheme, medical colleges would be opened in those districts where no medical college was established. Medical colleges in these districts will be set up under the PPP (public-private partnership) model.

With the establishment of medical colleges in the above districts, the residents of the district will be able to get excellent medical and health facilities smoothly. Apart from this, educational and non-academic cadre employment will be created related to the medical college, the minister said.

In another decision, the cabinet has given approval to the proposal to set revised guidelines in relation to grant-in-aid for renovation, repair, reconstruction, construction and facilities of non-government aided secondary Sanskrit schools under the Secondary Education department.

The responsibility of getting the work completed in time in the schools of the state will be of the director, secondary education of Uttar Pradesh. Arrangements have also been made for third party inspection/supervision at four levels (i.e. foundation filling, plinth construction, lintel casting and roof casting) to maintain the quality of construction works.
nCongress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday chaired a meeting with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in New Delhi to chalk out a strategy for assembly elections in the state.

Besides Kharge and Baghel, former party chief Rahul Gandhi, general secretary K.C. Venugopal, state in-charge Kumari Selja, senior party leader T.S. Singh Deo, state unit chief Mohan Markam and strategist Sunil Kanugolu attended the meeting.

According to party leaders, the Congress discussed the elections preparedness and strategies.

The meeting over Chhattisgarh comes a day after the party held a similar meeting over Telangana.

The party also discussed the government's performance in Chhattisgarh.

We have discussed the strategy for the assembly elections and we have decided now that the important leaders of Congress should start visiting Chhattisgarh for public meetings, said Selja.

Chairing the meeting, Kharge said party members will work together to keep improving the lives of the people of Chhattisgarh.

"Garhbo Nava Chhattisgarh is not just a slogan for us; it is a goal for the states progress and social justice. The people of Chhattisgarh and their unwavering faith in the Congress will continue to propel development, the party chief said.

Baghel later said that the party was ready for assembly polls and discussed the changes in the lives of the people following the Nava Chhattisgarh model initiated by the Congress government.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has written a letter to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressing his concerns regarding the delayed administration of the oath of office to Justice (Retd.) Umesh Kumar, who has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC).

The LG has highlighted that Justice Kumar had confirmed his availability for the oath ceremony starting from June 26, 2023, onwards, but the process has not yet been initiated.

Emphasizing the importance of following the prescribed constitutional and statutory provisions, the LG has pointed out that the President has already appointed Justice Kumar as the Chairperson of DERC through a duly notified Gazette notification on June 21, 2023. The next step, as mandated by the relevant statutes, is for the Minister-in-Charge of Power to administer the oath of office to Justice Umesh Kumar.

The Department of Power, under the direction of the Minister (Power), approached Justice Umesh Kumar on June 26, 2023, and he expressed his keenness to assume his responsibilities and made himself available for oath-taking from June 27 to June 29. The LG said that considering June 29 was a public holiday and the Power Minister was not available on June 30, the oath could have been administered on either June 27 or 28, instead of the proposed date of July 3, which Justice Kumar disagreed with.

The LG emphasised that while the Minister of Power is responsible for administering the oath of office and secrecy to the Chairperson and Members of DERC, this responsibility did not grant unlimited discretion to withhold or unduly delay the administration of the oath. Deviating from established governance processes without statutory backing can lead to anarchy and must be avoided at all costs.

Furthermore, the LG warned that disregarding or violating the constitutional scheme by failing to promptly administer the oath of office and secrecy to the Chairperson (designate) of DERC would be a serious matter. The vacant position of the Chairperson of DERC is of significant importance, and since the President of India has already appointed Justice (Retd.) Umesh Kumar, it is imperative to expedite the oath administration process.

Therefore, the LG urges the Chief Minister to ensure that the Minister of Power promptly administers the oath of office and secrecy to Justice (Retd.) Umesh Kumar without any further delay, preferably by June 28, as indicated in his communication dated June 26, 2023. This action will ensure the smooth functioning of the regulatory commission and uphold the principles of constitutional governance.
The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has appointed 11 nodal officers, assigning each of them four to nine assembly constituencies, to take steps to mitigate the problem of waterlogging in coordination with PWD and MCD officials.

In view of the monsoon, the board in an order issued last week directed officials to monitor 41 vulnerable points, including Lothian Road, the railway underpass on Minto Road, Loni Road, MB Road, Hanuman Setu and Ring Road.

It also said adequate staff should be deployed round the clock for operating sewage pumping stations. The order came into effect from June 27.

The order directed all chief engineers and assistant chief engineers to be in touch with their counterparts in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Public Works Department (PWD), and make joint efforts to mitigate the problem of waterlogging.

It also had the details of nodal officers. Each nodal officer has four to nine assembly constituencies under them.

The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) also directed that all pumps and motors of sewage pumping stations should be made functional and generator sets stationed at critical installation.

Tappings constructed for trapping of sewage from storm water drains should be closed to ensure free flow of storm water during monsoon months, read the order.

The DJB also directed that all deep excavation works should be stopped. It should be ensured that trenches are filled and surplus soil removed on a daily basis after completion of work, it said.

It should be ensured that trenches are properly barricaded, precaution/diversion boards are fixed at appropriate locations and lighting arrangements during night hours are in place. It shall be ensured that all the storm water drains/street drains are cleared of the 'malba'/surplus earth during and after execution of DJB works, it said.

The order also directed that adequate filtered water supply should be arranged to avoid water borne diseases.

During the monsoon, rainwater along with debris is likely to enter into sewerage system. Accordingly, it will be prudent to keep the super suckers/jetting machine ready for these locations so that prompt and immediate action is taken for the removal of blockages/debris etc, it said. The monsoon arrived in the national capital on Sunday, two days before its scheduled onset.
Central probe agencyEnforcement Directorate (ED) today questioned Jharkhand High Court advocate Himanshu Kumar Mehta in connection with army land scam in Ranchi. Sources said that it has been alleged that High Court lawyer Mehta made Jayant Karnad entitled to rent the land occupied by the army with the help of false documents and took a large part of the amount received from the sale of the land.

Also, it was Karnad who revealed before the central probe agency that his lawyer (Mehta) was having all the land documents. His name surfaced after the ED summoned Karnad and sought information regarding the documents used in the illegal land deal and the latter named Mehta saying he was his lawyer and all the documents were with him.

The EDs primary investigation revealed that Karnads documents and claims presented by advocate Mehta in the Jharkhand High Court were false. The probe agency observed that Mehta deliberately withheld specific facts before the High Court, as the Army itself was looking for the rightful claimant to pay the rent.

The ED probe suggested that advocate Mehta concealed the fact before the high court that the petitioner Karnad did not have the succession certificate, which was required by the defence. It suggested that Karnad and Mehta together obtained favourable orders from the Jharkhand High Court by producing papers or evidence which could prove Karnads succession to the property.

Karnad made concocted papers and the Jharkhand high court orders were used by him to project himself a rightful owner of the land.

Former Ranchi DC Chhavi Ranjan and Kolkata businessman Amit Agarwal among others have already been arrested in this case.
Under the chairmanship of District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner Dr. Waghmare Prasad Krishna, a meeting related to the Special Brief Revision Program-2024 (SSR-2024) of the voter list was held in the Collectorate Hall on Thursday. Addressing the representatives of political parties and all Block Development Officers on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner said that this work is very important in view of the Lok Sabha elections in the coming year.

This program is being organized by the Election Commission to improve the voter list. All of you play your part in the success of this programme. In the meeting, mainly information about the work to be done under the said program was given by the Sub-Divisional Officer and the Deputy Election Officer. Under SSR-2024, training of all Electoral Registration Officers, all Assistant Electoral Registration Officers and all BLOs is being conducted from June 01, which will continue till July 20, 2023. From July 21 to August 21, 2023, BLOs will do door-to-door verification of voters.

During this, the work of adding new voters and deleting the names of the dead in the voter list, error correction will also be done. Re-arrangement of polling stations will be done from 22 August to 29 September 2023 where the number of voters is more than 1500. If the photo of the voter in the voter ID card is defective, then it will be replaced with a clean colored photo. From September 30 to October 16, 2023, the work of preparing formats 1 to 8 will be done. A consolidated draft roll will be prepared. The consolidated draft electoral roll will be published on 17 October 2023.

The claim / objection form can be filled by anyone from 17 October to 30 November 2023. Special camps will be organized for voters on two Saturdays and Sundays, in which the work of addition of new names, removal or correction of names of deceased or transferred persons will be done in the polling stations. Claims, objections will be disposed of by 26 December 2023. The final publication of the voter list will be done on January 05, 2024. Sub-Divisional Officers, Deputy Election Officers, all Block Development Officers, Zonal Officers, representatives of political parties were present in the meeting.
Chhattisgarh Police on Wednesday seized a deer skin and two horns valued at Rs 3.5 lakhs and arrested four persons for transporting them to Raipur from Godhi village.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Urban) Abhishek Maheshwari identified them as Bhupendra Kumar Sahu, Faguram Yadav, Lilesh Sahu and Bhisham Bariha.

Two of them are residents of Aarang and two are from Mahasamund district.

They were taken into custody after failing to produce valid documents for possessing the deer skin and horns. A court sent them to prison.
Delhi Education Minister Atishi on Wednesday said the Delhi government has released Rs 100 crore for 12 Delhi University colleges that are fully funded by it, considering the administration's financial mismanagement.

There has been certain financial mismanagement in the government colleges in the last few years. We think teachers and students shouldn't suffer because of this. Keeping their welfare in mind, a fund of Rs 100 crore is being released to these 12 colleges, Atishi said.

She said that even though some colleges are currently undergoing audits, the Delhi government is ensuring that teachers continue to get their salaries, medical benefits and pension benefits that were delayed due to financial mismanagement.

If any financial irregularities are found in any college after the audit process, strict action will be taken against the administration. However, the teachers should not worry as they will receive their salaries on time, as well as timely medical and pension benefits, she said.

The Delhi Education Minister said that the budget for education in the national capital increased three-fold under the Arvind Kejriwal government, which also added four new colleges to the state's tally since its coming to power.

One-fourth of the assembly budget is always sanctioned for education purposes in Delhi. Four new universities have been opened and there are 12 Delhi government colleges here. Ever since the AAP government came to power, funds to these colleges have increased three-fold, she said.

The AAP leader said that these 12 DU colleges play an important role in girl education, located as they are in the rural areas of the city.

In the financial year 2023-24, an amount of Rs 400 crore has been allocated by the government. Out of this, the first quarter of Rs 100 crore is being released today. It is our priority to provide access to quality higher education to every child in Delhi, she said.
A division bench of Jharkhand High Court comprising Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Rantakar Bhengra today took cognizance over land grab bid of former Supreme Court judge M Y Eqbal at Lower Bazar area of State Capital. The HC has also taken cognizance over others land grab bids in state capital by land mafias.

Taking cognizance of the aforesaid situation, the HC has directed to institute a suo -motto writ petition in which officials have been arrayed as respondents: The Chief Secretary (Government of Jharkhand), Principal Secretary (Department of Home, Jail and Disaster management), Senior Superintendent of Police (Ranchi) and officer in-charge of Lower Bazar (PS) Ranchi.

The Senior Superintendent of Police shall file his personal affidavit and give details for the cases registered in the district of Ranchi making complaints of the aforesaid nature, status of the complaints and FIRs and the action taken pursuant to such complaints. The affidavit must give details as regard action taken to bust such gangs and arrest the persons behind such incidents.

The HC has also authorized an officer who will conduct an enquiry to ascertain whether there is prima facie incident evidence to involvement of the local police and or any other persons, or it was sheer negligence or dereliction of duty on the part of the police that such incidents has happened. He shall submit his report within two weeks.

The HC has appointed RK Mallick (Additional DGP, Communication and Technical Services) Wireless HQ to conduct the enquiry as indicated hereinabove.

It may be noted that on last Sunday (June 25) some land mafias made a bid to capture land and buildings of former Supreme Court judge M Y Eqbal. Lower Bazar police station officer-in-charge Dayanand Kumar said no one has been arrested in this connection so far. The family members of late Justice Eqbal reside in New Delhi.

In May 2021, Former Supreme Court judge, Justice MY Eqbal passed away at Medanta Hospital, Gurgaon. Justice Eqbal started his legal practice in the year 1975 in Ranchi. He was elevated to the bench in May 1996, as a judge of the Patna High Court. Later, with the formation of the new state of Jharkhand in 2000, he became a judge of the Jharkhand High Court.

In 2003, he was nominated by then Chief Justice of India VN Khare as one of the members of Ravi and Beas Water Tribunal to deal with water disputes among Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. In his home state, he held the post of Chairman, Jharkhand Human Rights Commission, Executive Chairman of Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority and Judge-in-charge of the states Judicial Academy.

He was appointed Chief Justice of the Madras High Court in June 2010. He was elevated to the Supreme Court on December 24, 2012 and served at the Supreme Court for close to 4 years before retiring from office on February 12, 2016.
Describing Ladli Bahna Yojana as a campaign to change the lives of women, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has promised that he will never let the respect and honour of sisters and daughters of the state diminish. He also announced that the applications of 21-year-old Bahnas would be filled soon and the corridor of the Udaipur temple of Basoda would be made. Chief Minister Chouhan, after dedicating and laying the foundation of various construction works worth Rs 142 crore 57 lakh and conducting bhoomi-pujan of 150-bed hospital in Ganj Basoda on Wednesday, was interacting with the women at Ladli Bahna Sammelan and distribution of Chief Ministers land rights letters.

Chief Minister Chouhan started his interaction with the Bahnas with the song Phoolon Ka Taron Ka Sabka Kehna Hai, Ek Hazaar Me Meri Behna Hai. The Chief Minister told the Bahnas that I know that justice has not been done to you for years and being your brother, I have started changing the lives of the Bahnas ever since I became the Chief Minister. He reiterated that the scheme has been started by providing Rs one thousand to the Ladli Bahnas and as and when the money is arranged, I will increase the amount to Rs 3000 at the rate of Rs 250 each time and fulfil the mission of changing the lives of the women.

Chief Minister Chouhan said that he has read a news item in the newspapers today that a man was not happy with his wife for bearing daughters. This discrimination is not right. Schemes like Ladli Lakshmi, Mukhya Mantri Kanyadan Yojana have been introduced to consider sons and daughters equal, and to treat them equally. The Chief Minister called upon everyone not to differentiate between sons and daughters.

The Chief Minister said that for the empowerment of sisters and daughters, he has reserved 50 per cent posts in the local bodies for women. Reservation of 30 percent in police and 50 percent in other jobs is also one such step taken in this direction. Today women are working for power and development by stepping out of their homes. He said that today 45 percent of the sisters have become the owners of property due to the registration of the property in their name.

The Chief Minister said that no poor person in the state would remain without land. Every homeless person would be given land to build a house. The collector informed that so far 2600 poor people have been given land rights letters in Vidisha district.

The Chief Minister said that money also boosts respect in family and society and it is his endeavour that the monthly income of the sisters should be at least Rs. 10 thousand by joining the livelihood mission and self-help groups. The effort is that none of the sisters should have tears in their eyes and they face any compulsion. Sisters should decide that they do not have to remain poor. The Chief Minister instructed the Collector to form self-help groups for the livelihood of the sisters.

The Chief Minister sought the support of the sisters of Ladli Bahna Sena in the implementation of schemes for women and children and said that the schemes would be implemented in a better way under the supervision of Ladli Sena. He stressed that unity among brothers and sisters will change the life. Injustice to sisters and daughters will not be tolerated. He also slammed the previous government for stopping schemes for farmers, women, youth and the poor. The Chief Minister told the elders that now arrangements have been made for their pilgrimage by airplane. Arrangements for irrigation, health, roads etc. have been made in Vidisha district under his own government.
A businessman was allegedly robbed of Rs 4.5 lakh and his scooter by at least four unidentified men in north Delhi's Kashmere Gate area, police said on Wednesday.

According to police, the victim stopped his vehicle on the Yudhishthir Setu flyover on Tuesday to attend a phone call when the culprits came there in a scooty and a motorcycle, and took away the money along with the vehicle.

On Tuesday at 1:15 pm, a PCR call regarding the robbery of Rs 2 lakh and a scooter was received at the Kashmere Gate police station, Deputy Commissioner of Police (north) Sagar Singh Kalsi said.

The victim Sunil Kumar Jain (56), a resident of Bihari Colony in Shahdara, told police that two men on a scooter pointed a pistol-like object at him and demanded the money. Later, two more men came there on a motorcycle.

One of them asked Jain to give him the scooter keys. They then rode off with the scooter. Jain told us that cash worth Rs 4.5 lakh was inside the scooter's boot, the DCP said.
With the arrest of seven people, the Delhi Police have successfully solved a robbery case that occurred inside the Pragati Maidan tunnel in the national Capital over the weekend. The incident, captured on CCTV cameras, involved four armed robbers on motorcycles forcefully stopping a car and stealing a black bag from it before fleeing the scene.

The victims of the robbery were identified as Patel Sajan Kumar, a delivery agent for a private company, and his associate. They were en route to Gurugram with a bag containing Rs 2 lakh in cash when the four robbers on two motorcycles intercepted their cab, brandishing firearms, and snatched the money at gunpoint.

The accused have been identified as Usman Ali alias Kallu, Irfan, Sumit alias Akash, residents of Burari; Anuj Mishra alias Sanki, a resident of Bhalaswa Dairy; Kuldeep alias Lungad, a resident of Jahangirpuri; Pradeep alias Sonu, a resident of Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh; and Amit alias Bala, a resident of Loni in Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh, police said. They were following the taxi and chose to stop it inside the tunnel as they had a higher chance of success to execute the robbery. People usually do not stop in tunnels and drive through them at speed, according to police.

The victims had booked the taxi from Red Fort and when it entered the Pragati Maidan tunnel, the four men waylaid the vehicle, they said. Police said the victims tried to resist, but the accused snatched a bag, containing the cash, at gunpoint and fled.

The police revealed that the robbery was orchestrated by a man named Usman, who was driven by the need to settle his debts. The Pragadi Maidan tunnel was strategically chosen to minimize any potential resistance. This 1.5 km tunnel connects New Delhi with Sarai Kale Khan and Noida.

Usman, a resident of Burari and a delivery agent, was well acquainted with the flow of cash in the Chandni Chowk area due to his extensive work there. In order to alleviate his financial burdens, he devised a robbery plan and enlisted the help of his cousin, Irfan. Anuj Mishra, also known as Sanki, Kuldeep, alias Lungad, and Sumit, alias Akash, were recruited as additional accomplices. Sumit, a vegetable vendor, accompanied Usman during the reconnaissance mission around Chandini Chowk, while Anuj, a mechanic at the Delhi Jal Board warehouse, operated one of the motorcycles used in the robbery.

The accused individuals initially failed to find a suitable target in the Chandni Chowk area on June 22 and June 23. However, on June 24, they identified a person whom they believed was carrying a bag filled with cash and followed him to the Pragati Maidan tunnel. CCTV footage of the incident captured four men intercepting a car within the tunnel. As the car came to a stop, two helmet-wearing individuals disembarked from their motorcycles.

One approached the drivers side while the other targeted the rear door, with all of them brandishing their pistols. The robbers quickly fled the scene on their motorcycles, absconding with the black bag containing Rs 2 lakh in cash. Stolen motorcycles were utilized by the accused to execute their plan. Through diligent examination of the CCTV footage and other vital clues, the Delhi Police successfully apprehended all those involved in the robbery scheme and seized two motorcycles, a firearm, and Rs 5 lakh in cash.
A workshop on the rising burden of NCDs & prevention and care of hypertension organized jointly by National Centre for Human Settlements & Environment (NCHSE) and Consumer VOICE, New Delhi in Bhopal on Wednesday.

The chief Guest Dr. Prabhakar Tiwari, CMHO, Bhopal while addressing the participants said that people in rural India has the belief that they work hard therefore they cant suffer from hypertension. He said that this is a misconception, hypertension is prevalent equally in urban and rural India and that screening of hypertensive individuals is crucial to prevent morbidity and mortality associated with hypertension. Stressing on the importance of Indias frontline primary care in rural and semi-urban areas, he said that primary health care centres in Madhya Pradesh support the efforts of the government through uninterrupted supply and availability of hypertension protocol medicines and helps in scaling up hypertension control in the state.

Dr Tiwari further emphasized on the need for lifestyle modifications to curb hypertension.

Ashim Sanyal, COO of Consumer Voice during his introductory lecture raised concern that the screening of hypertensive individuals was lowest in Madhya Pradesh (61.3 per cent). Talking about how timely intervention can save patients from serious hypertension problems like stroke and organ damage, he said that most Indians are not aware that they are suffering from hypertension. Strengthening primary healthcare will not only reduce mortality but also significantly reduce the need for secondary and tertiary care and its related costs. He also stressed that as a consumer rights organization we have made it our mission to work with people, spread awareness and ensure that more and more people are screening their BP regularly and if diagnosed as hypertension, staying on treatment.

Dr Abhishek Goyal, Professor and Head Department of Pulmonary Medicine, AIIMS Bhopal said that obstruction in brething during sleep is a serious disorder or Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). About one Billion people suffer from OSA worldwide. Approx 1/3rd Males and 1/4th females have OSA and patients with severe OSA have an increased risk of hypertension, heart attack, heart failure and strokes. OSA is a modifiable and highly prevalent factor in the development of hypertension. He further said that about 7 % road accidents occur due to sleep Apnea in drivers. Even the Railway drivers also often miss signal due to this factor.

He further said that Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy (CPAP) along with life style modification is the most effective treatment for OSA and hypertension. In the workshop, Mrs Prem Bai, one of the patient of acute Sleep apnea narrated her story about her recovery through treatment under Dr Goyal at AIIMS, Bhopal.

At the start Dr Pradip Nandi, Director General, NCHSE said that the Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including Hypertension is a major cause of pre mature death in India. Madhya Pradesh has also high incidence of this disease. This being a silent killer most of the people are unaware of this disease and fails to take precaution.
Ranchi SSP Kishor Kaushal today said that the CCR DySP will sit on the premises of the Command Center located in Ranchi Smart City within a month. The entire work force of CCR will work from the Centre. Apart from this, efforts will be made to make maximum dependence of traffic on online services. Along with this, Tetra's tower will also be installed in this building. The SSP gave the information after a meeting organized at Smart City on Wednesday.

He said that now the help of this centre will be taken in crowd management by geo-fencing. In the meeting held on Wednesday, CEO of Ranchi Smart City, Amit Kumar, has urged the Ranchi district administration to take up the role of Smart City in the city's surveillance, traffic management, green corridors, VIP and VVIP movement, urban services and quick solutions to other problems. Make maximum use of the Command Control and Communication Centre.

Ranchi Smart City CEO Amit Kumar urged the Ranchi District Administration to use the Smart City's Command Control and Communication Center for quick resolution of the city's surveillance, traffic management, green corridors, VVIP and VIP movement, urban services and other problems. He said this in a meeting with Deputy Commissioner of Ranchi Rahul Sinha and Senior Superintendent of Police Kishor Kaushal on Wednesday in the War Room of the Command Center located in the Ranchi Smart City office premises.

In the meeting, Kumar urged the DC and SSP to inform the maximum number of school and college students by training district administration and police officers on the services available from here. Through this centre, emergency calling boxes have been installed at 50 locations in the city, from where in case of any emergency, two-way communication can be connected to the command centre. Along with this, Save Your Soul service has also been provided in the City App for quick action on incidents of molestation and abuse, the information about its use and the response given to it through the police should be ensured to the people.

On this occasion, the Ranchi DC said that soon a team of district administration officials will reach here, in which district transport officer, district welfare officer and district superintendent of education will also be there and after taking information about all these equipment, children in college and school will be informed. Training of CB and SOS will be imparted in between. With this, along with girl students and women, every section of the society will be saved from any untoward incident.

After the meeting, the Smart City CEO, DC, SSP, City SP Shubhanshu Jain and Traffic SP Harish Bin Zaman and other officials also saw the live demonstration of the equipment connected to the command center and various other areas of the city. He also interacted with the traffic police personnel posted at the Chowk intersections through ECB.
A senior citizen woman, a teenager and three other children were killed in a devastating accident where a truck overturned and fell into a river in Madhya Pradesh's Datia district, according to State Home Minister Narottam Mishra on Wednesday.

As per Mishra's interaction with media, some people were travelling to Tikamgarh district's Jatara area from Gwalior to attend a wedding ceremony when the accident happened. As many as 30 people were injured in the accident. The deceased were a 65-year-old woman and a 15-year-old boy, along with three children. The injured persons have been admitted to the district hospital for treatment.

Mishra also said that CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced a Rs 4 lakh financial assistance to the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured persons. Rescue operation was still underway at the site, he added.
Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS), Ranchi and Dr Ramdayal Munda Tribal Welfare Research Institute (TRI), Ranchi have signed a year-long Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for conducting a study named, Performance Evaluation of Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) in Jharkhand: Challenges and Opportunities.

Dr Joseph Marianus Kujur, Director, XISS and Monika Rani Tuti, Deputy Director, TRI in the presence of Dr Ranendra Kumar, Director, TRI, Dr Sant Kumar Prasad, Associate Professor, XISS, and Dr Prakash Chandra Das, Assistant Professor, XISS signed the MoU.

The research study will involve in-depth budgetary analysis of TSP, distribution of TSP funds among all districts, utilization pattern of TSP-funded schemes, holistic administrative mechanism of TSP -funded schemes (from State to Village level), role and implications of nodal agency, district-level administration and panchayati raj in overall administration of TSP, and comparison of TSP administration with other good performing States. It will also suggest ways to use the grants by the Centre to Department of Welfare to develop social infrastructure related to health, education, livelihood, tourism etc.

Dr Kujur during the signing of the MoU stated, XISS is elated on this collaboration with TRI to focus on the approach of district administration and panchayati raj in the growth of the society and its people. Through this collaboration, we can help the administration to attend to the needs of the society and contribute to its development in fields like health, education, livelihood, and tourism.

During the one-year duration, the research will be carried out by mediums of research methodology, tools for data collection, and report writing. Field visits will also be conducted for the collection of primary data for preparation of the reports.
Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah will be arriving in the politically crucial state of Bihar and addressing a mega-rally at Lakhisarai in Munger Lok Sabha constituency, party officials said.

Shah, who last visited the state nearly three months ago, will be visiting Bihar for the first time since the meeting of opposition leaders in Patna, hosted by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar last week. "The honourable Home Minister will reach Patna tomorrow afternoon and take a helicopter for Lakhisarai. He will offer prayers at Ashok Dham, a famous shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati, before addressing a public meeting," state BJP president Samrat Choudhary told PTI.

"All people of the state, in particular Munger Lok Sabha constituency under which Lakhisarai falls, are welcome to attend Shah's public meeting where he is likely to expound on the progress made by the country under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership," added the state BJP chief.

However, the ruling Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, comprising JD(U), RJD, Congress and the Left, who have been riding high on the success of the opposition meet, launched a counter-offensive.

JD(U) national general secretary and spokesman Rajib Ranjan came out with a list of 12 questions which, he hoped, Shah would answer in his speech on Thursday.

The questions related to past electoral promises of BJP like two crore jobs every year and doubling of farmers' income, besides complaints about the Centre's refusal to accept the state government's demands like "one nation, one tariff" in the power sector and central status to Patna University.

RJD spokesman Mrityunjay Tiwari said "ever since Bihar was having the so-called double engine government, Shah never bothered about the state. But he seems to have grown obsessed with Bihar ever since the BJP was thrown out".

Theb BJP party's leader in the state legislature, Vijay Kumar Sinha, who is also the MLA from Lakhisarai, explained to journalists in his constituency the political significance of the venue for the rally.

"Munger Lok Sabha segment has always been remembered for its association with Bihar's first Chief Minister Shri Krishna Singh. Today, the local MP is sitting in the lap of the RJD," alleged Sinha. The Lok Sabha seat is currently held by Rajiv Ranjan Singh 'Lalan', the national president of Nitish Kumar's JD(U).

Lalan belongs to the 'Bhumihar' caste, which has been traditionally averse to RJD and its founder Lalu Prasad and always hero-worshipped 'Shri babu', as the first Bihar CM is commonly known, as a hero of the clan.

Notably, Munger is also a Lok Sabha seat which has been won by the BJP-led NDA many times but where the saffron party is yet to field its own candidate.

Lalan has won the seat twice, with the BJP as his party's ally on both occasions.
Analysts at Stifel Nicolaus assumed coverage on shares of Aryzta (OTCMKTS:ARZTF  Get Rating) in a research report issued to clients and investors on Monday, The Fly reports. The firm set a buy rating on the stock.

Aryzta Price Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS ARZTF opened at C$1.55 on Monday. The firms fifty day moving average is C$1.69 and its 200 day moving average is C$1.36. Aryzta has a 52 week low of C$1.31 and a 52 week high of C$1.83.

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Aryzta Company Profile

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ARYZTA AG provides frozen B2B baking solutions in Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. It offers pastries, cookies, donuts, muffins, buns, bread rolls and artisan loaves, sweet baked and morning goods, and savory and other products. The company also provides asset management services; and distributes food products.

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StockNews.com upgraded shares of Douglas Emmett (NYSE:DEI  Get Rating) from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report released on Saturday morning.

A number of other equities research analysts have also weighed in on the stock. Evercore ISI dropped their price objective on shares of Douglas Emmett from $17.00 to $16.00 in a report on Monday, March 27th. Piper Sandler upgraded Douglas Emmett from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and raised their price objective for the stock from $13.00 to $15.00 in a research note on Wednesday, April 5th. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their target price on Douglas Emmett from $18.00 to $16.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. TheStreet lowered shares of Douglas Emmett from a c rating to a d+ rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 2nd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on shares of Douglas Emmett from $20.00 to $15.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Monday, April 10th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $15.78.

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Douglas Emmett Stock Up 2.7 %

DEI stock opened at $12.73 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 2.54, a current ratio of 2.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.24. Douglas Emmett has a 52 week low of $10.09 and a 52 week high of $23.85. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.16 billion, a PE ratio of 24.96 and a beta of 0.94. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $11.97 and a 200 day moving average of $13.61.

Douglas Emmett Dividend Announcement

Insiders Place Their Bets

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 18th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 30th will be issued a $0.19 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, June 29th. This represents a $0.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.97%. Douglas Emmetts payout ratio is 149.02%.

In other Douglas Emmett news, Director William E. Simon, Jr. acquired 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 8th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $12.42 per share, with a total value of $124,200.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now owns 91,000 shares in the company, valued at $1,130,220. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Insiders own 13.40% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Douglas Emmett

A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in DEI. Ellevest Inc. lifted its position in shares of Douglas Emmett by 103.8% in the first quarter. Ellevest Inc. now owns 2,981 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $37,000 after acquiring an additional 1,518 shares in the last quarter. CWM LLC lifted its holdings in Douglas Emmett by 1,128.4% in the 4th quarter. CWM LLC now owns 2,506 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 2,302 shares in the last quarter. Quantbot Technologies LP purchased a new position in Douglas Emmett in the 1st quarter valued at $40,000. Advisory Services Network LLC boosted its stake in Douglas Emmett by 94.7% during the 1st quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC now owns 3,695 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $46,000 after purchasing an additional 1,797 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Parallel Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Douglas Emmett by 65.1% during the first quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 4,841 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $60,000 after buying an additional 1,908 shares in the last quarter. 97.37% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Douglas Emmett

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Douglas Emmett, Inc (DEI) is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT), and one of the largest owners and operators of high-quality office and multifamily properties located in the premier coastal submarkets of Los Angeles and Honolulu. Douglas Emmett focuses on owning and acquiring a substantial share of top-tier office properties and premier multifamily communities in neighborhoods that possess significant supply constraints, high-end executive housing and key lifestyle amenities.

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Mount Logan Capital Inc. (TSE:MAR  Get Rating)  Equities research analysts at Cormark boosted their FY2023 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for Mount Logan Capital in a report issued on Thursday, June 22nd. Cormark analyst S. Ioannou now forecasts that the company will post earnings of ($0.09) per share for the year, up from their prior forecast of ($0.11).

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Mount Logan Capital Price Performance

The stock has a 50-day moving average price of C$0.52. The stock has a market capitalization of C$9.21 million and a price-to-earnings ratio of -20.80. Mount Logan Capital has a 12 month low of C$0.36 and a 12 month high of C$0.87.

Mount Logan Capital Company Profile

Mount Logan Capital ( TSE:MAR Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, May 15th. The company reported C($0.01) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter.

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Marret Resource Corp. focuses on natural resource lending activities in Canada. The company engages in investing in public and private debt securities of companies in various natural resource sectors comprising energy, base and precious metals, and other commodities, as well as companies involved in exploration and development activities.

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Lloyds Banking Group (NYSE:LYG  Get Rating) was downgraded by Barclays from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating in a report issued on Monday, Marketbeat reports.

Several other equities research analysts have also recently commented on the company. BNP Paribas cut Lloyds Banking Group from an outperform rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, June 21st. Credit Suisse Group dropped their target price on Lloyds Banking Group from GBX 70 ($0.89) to GBX 69 ($0.88) in a research report on Thursday, May 4th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on Lloyds Banking Group from GBX 61 ($0.78) to GBX 56 ($0.71) in a research report on Thursday, May 4th. Finally, StockNews.com raised Lloyds Banking Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, May 15th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $57.29.

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Lloyds Banking Group Trading Up 2.6 %

NYSE LYG opened at $2.15 on Monday. Lloyds Banking Group has a 12 month low of $1.70 and a 12 month high of $2.63. The stock has a market cap of $35.21 billion, a P/E ratio of 5.36, a P/E/G ratio of 0.91 and a beta of 1.29. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $2.28 and its 200-day moving average price is $2.35. The company has a current ratio of 1.16, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.83.

Institutional Trading of Lloyds Banking Group

Lloyds Banking Group ( NYSE:LYG Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 3rd. The financial services provider reported $0.11 EPS for the quarter. Lloyds Banking Group had a return on equity of 11.52% and a net margin of 21.31%. The company had revenue of $5.65 billion for the quarter. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Lloyds Banking Group will post 0.41 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Jane Street Group LLC raised its stake in Lloyds Banking Group by 10.9% during the 4th quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 35,079,795 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $77,176,000 after purchasing an additional 3,449,866 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its holdings in Lloyds Banking Group by 16.7% during the 4th quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 31,160,774 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $68,554,000 after buying an additional 4,454,102 shares in the last quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC grew its holdings in Lloyds Banking Group by 91.5% during the 4th quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 27,526,155 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $60,558,000 after buying an additional 13,150,123 shares in the last quarter. Macquarie Group Ltd. grew its holdings in Lloyds Banking Group by 0.9% during the 1st quarter. Macquarie Group Ltd. now owns 27,050,491 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $62,757,000 after buying an additional 236,934 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mondrian Investment Partners LTD grew its holdings in Lloyds Banking Group by 3.2% during the 4th quarter. Mondrian Investment Partners LTD now owns 26,795,456 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $58,950,000 after buying an additional 828,000 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 2.18% of the companys stock.

About Lloyds Banking Group

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Lloyds Banking Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides a range of banking and financial services in the United Kingdom. It operates through three segments: Retail; Commercial Banking; and Insurance, Pensions, and Investments. The Retail segment offers a range of financial service products, including current accounts, savings, mortgages, motor finance, unsecured loans, leasing solutions, and credit cards to personal and small business customers.

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StockNews.com upgraded shares of Science Applications International (NYSE:SAIC  Get Rating) from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report issued on Saturday morning.

Several other equities research analysts have also recently commented on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price target on shares of Science Applications International from $110.00 to $112.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, April 11th. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their target price on Science Applications International from $90.00 to $97.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a report on Wednesday, April 5th. Citigroup decreased their price target on 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. Truist Financial dropped their price objective on Science Applications International from $120.00 to $115.00 in a research note on Tuesday, June 6th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company decreased 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. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating, one has given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $113.29.

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Science Applications International Stock Up 1.4 %

NYSE:SAIC opened at $109.97 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $5.90 billion, a PE ratio of 18.70 and a beta of 0.71. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $102.39 and a 200 day simple moving average of $105.17. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.38, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a current ratio of 1.08. Science Applications International has a 52-week low of $87.93 and a 52-week high of $117.94.

Science Applications International Dividend Announcement

Science Applications International ( NYSE:SAIC Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, June 5th. The information technology services provider reported $2.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.83 by $0.31. Science Applications International had a net margin of 4.20% and a return on equity of 25.68%. The company had revenue of $2.03 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.96 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.88 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 1.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Science Applications International will post 7.11 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business 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. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 13th. This represents a $1.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.35%. Science Applications Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 25.17%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, Director Katharina G. Mcfarland sold 1,193 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, April 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $108.48, for a total transaction of $129,416.64. Following the transaction, the director now owns 7,813 shares in the company, valued at $847,554.24. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other Science Applications International news, Director Katharina G. Mcfarland sold 1,193 shares of Science Applications International stock in a transaction dated Thursday, April 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $108.48, for a total value of $129,416.64. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 7,813 shares in the company, valued at approximately $847,554.24. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Michael W. Larouche sold 6,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, April 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $107.19, for a total transaction of $643,140.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 49,192 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,272,890.48. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 36,430 shares of company stock worth $3,912,723 over the last three months. Insiders own 1.29% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Science Applications International

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its position in Science Applications International by 9.4% during the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 5,699,458 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $525,321,000 after purchasing an additional 491,167 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Science Applications International by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 5,210,623 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $460,775,000 after buying an additional 68,359 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. boosted its stake in Science Applications International by 2.0% in the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 4,887,542 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $450,486,000 after buying an additional 94,874 shares in the last quarter. Boston Partners grew its position in Science Applications International by 4.6% in the first quarter. Boston Partners now owns 3,866,900 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $414,954,000 after acquiring an additional 171,810 shares during the last quarter. Finally, First Trust Advisors LP raised its stake in Science Applications International by 68.3% during the third quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 2,035,190 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $179,971,000 after acquiring an additional 825,670 shares in the last quarter. 77.09% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Science Applications International Company Profile

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Science Applications International Corporation provides technical, engineering, and enterprise information technology (IT) services primarily in the United States. The company's offerings include engineering; technology integration; IT modernization; maintenance of ground and maritime systems; logistics; training and simulation; operation and program support services; and end-to-end services, such as design, development, integration, deployment, management and operations, sustainment, and security of its customers' IT infrastructure, as well as cloud migration, managed services, infrastructure modernization, and enterprise IT-as-a-service solutions; and data management platform solutions.

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StockNews.com started coverage on shares of New Concept Energy (NYSE:GBR  Get Rating) in a research note released on Saturday morning. The firm issued a sell rating on the stock.

Separately, TheStreet upgraded shares of New Concept Energy from a d+ rating to a c rating in a research note on Thursday, April 6th.

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New Concept Energy Stock Up 3.2 %

Shares of NYSE GBR opened at $1.21 on Friday. The company has a 50-day moving average of $1.07 and a 200 day moving average of $1.14. New Concept Energy has a 12-month low of $0.91 and a 12-month high of $2.31.

Institutional Trading of New Concept Energy

New Concept Energy ( NYSE:GBR Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 10th. The company reported $0.01 earnings per share for the quarter. New Concept Energy had a net margin of 90.57% and a return on equity of 4.20%. The business had revenue of $0.05 million for the quarter.

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of GBR. Renaissance Technologies LLC bought a new position in New Concept Energy in the 2nd quarter valued at about $30,000. Millennium Management LLC grew its position in New Concept Energy by 129.4% in the 4th quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 24,068 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 13,576 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Virtu Financial LLC bought a new position in New Concept Energy in the 1st quarter valued at about $95,000.

New Concept Energy Company Profile

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New Concept Energy, Inc engages in real estate rental business. The company owns approximately 190 acres of land located in Parkersburg West Virginia. It also provides advisory and management services for an independent oil and gas company. The company was formerly known as CabelTel International Corporation and changed its name to New Concept Energy, Inc in May 2008.

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The European Smaller Companies Trust PLC (LON:TRG  Get Rating)s share price dropped 1.8% on Tuesday . The company traded as low as GBX 175 ($2.23) and last traded at GBX 175 ($2.23). Approximately 107,418 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 51% from the average daily volume of 221,291 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 178.20 ($2.27).

The European Smaller Companies Trust Stock Performance

The businesss fifty day moving average price is GBX 175 and its two-hundred day moving average price is GBX 175. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 10.60, a quick ratio of 0.01 and a current ratio of 0.04. The stock has a market capitalization of 701.52 million and a P/E ratio of 2.13.

About The European Smaller Companies Trust

(Get Rating)

TR European Growth Trust PLC is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by Henderson Investment Funds Limited. It is co-managed by Henderson Global Investors Limited. The fund invests in the public equity markets of Europe. It seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors.

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World Kinect (NYSE:WKC  Get Rating) was downgraded by stock analysts at Bank of America from a buy rating to an underperform rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Monday, The Fly reports. They currently have a $22.00 price target on the stock, down from their prior price target of $29.00. Bank of Americas price objective suggests a potential upside of 5.41% from the companys previous close.

World Kinect Stock Up 3.0 %

WKC stock opened at $20.87 on Monday. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.30 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.86 and a beta of 1.27. World Kinect has a 52 week low of $19.41 and a 52 week high of $30.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a current ratio of 1.11 and a quick ratio of 0.96.

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World Kinect (NYSE:WKC  Get Rating) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported $0.36 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.35 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $12.48 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $13.53 billion. World Kinect had a return on equity of 6.30% and a net margin of 0.19%. As a group, research analysts forecast that World Kinect will post 2.19 EPS for the current fiscal year.

About World Kinect

World Fuel Services Corporation engages in the distribution of fuel and related products and services in the aviation, marine and land transportation industries worldwide. Its Aviation segment supplies fuel and related products and services to commercial airlines, second and third tier airlines, cargo carriers, regional and low-cost carriers, airports, fixed based operators, corporate fleets, charters, fractional operators, private aircraft, the U.S., foreign governments, intergovernmental, and military customers.

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Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE:CSL  Get Rating)  Zacks Research cut their Q2 2023 earnings estimates for Carlisle Companies in a research report issued on Friday, June 23rd. Zacks Research analyst S. Roy now anticipates that the conglomerate will post earnings of $4.97 per share for the quarter, down from their previous forecast of $5.00. The consensus estimate for Carlisle Companies current full-year earnings is $18.03 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Carlisle Companies Q3 2023 earnings at $5.84 EPS, Q4 2023 earnings at $4.88 EPS, FY2023 earnings at $18.27 EPS, Q3 2024 earnings at $6.52 EPS, FY2024 earnings at $20.68 EPS and FY2025 earnings at $21.99 EPS.

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CSL has been the topic of several other reports. Robert W. Baird cut their price target on shares of Carlisle Companies from $320.00 to $280.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, April 14th. BMO Capital Markets dropped their target price on shares of Carlisle Companies from $335.00 to $310.00 in a report on Monday, May 1st. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Carlisle Companies in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Oppenheimer dropped their target price on shares of Carlisle Companies from $360.00 to $345.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, March 17th. Finally, Loop Capital dropped their price objective on shares of Carlisle Companies from $300.00 to $285.00 in a report on Friday, April 28th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $306.67.

Carlisle Companies Price Performance

Shares of CSL stock opened at $247.78 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $12.63 billion, a PE ratio of 15.63, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.79 and a beta of 0.92. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $221.87 and a 200-day simple moving average of $232.86. The company has a current ratio of 2.31, a quick ratio of 1.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.75. Carlisle Companies has a twelve month low of $203.65 and a twelve month high of $318.71.

Carlisle Companies (NYSE:CSL  Get Rating) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The conglomerate reported $2.57 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.62 by ($0.05). The firm had revenue of $1.18 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.21 billion. Carlisle Companies had a net margin of 13.26% and a return on equity of 32.04%. Carlisle Companiess revenue for the quarter was down 21.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $4.26 earnings per share.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Carlisle Companies

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in Carlisle Companies by 1.9% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 5,315,205 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $1,490,437,000 after buying an additional 100,442 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. boosted its position in shares of Carlisle Companies by 0.8% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 5,115,413 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $1,156,441,000 after purchasing an additional 40,344 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp boosted its position in shares of Carlisle Companies by 9.1% during the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 2,351,573 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $531,620,000 after purchasing an additional 196,859 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley boosted its position in shares of Carlisle Companies by 323.0% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 2,200,538 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $518,557,000 after purchasing an additional 1,680,274 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Carlisle Companies by 106,294.0% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 2,064,044 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $486,392,000 after purchasing an additional 2,062,104 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 87.45% of the companys stock.

Carlisle Companies Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 1st. Investors of record on Wednesday, May 17th were given a $0.75 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, May 16th. This represents a $3.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.21%. Carlisle Companiess dividend payout ratio is presently 18.93%.

Carlisle Companies Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Carlisle Companies Incorporated operates as a manufacturer of engineered products in the United States, Europe, Asia, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Carlisle Construction Materials, Carlisle Weatherproofing Technologies, Carlisle Interconnect Technologies, and Carlisle Fluid Technologies.

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Gray Television, Inc. (NYSE:GTN.A  Get Rating) shares dropped 4.1% on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $9.01 and last traded at $9.01. Approximately 502 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 75% from the average daily volume of 1,973 shares. The stock had previously closed at $9.40.

Gray Television Stock Performance

The stocks 50 day moving average price is $8.31 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $9.67. The company has a current ratio of 1.27, a quick ratio of 1.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.98. The firm has a market capitalization of $876.21 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 2.81 and a beta of 1.22.

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Gray Television (NYSE:GTN.A  Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, May 5th. The company reported ($0.48) earnings per share for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $801.00 million during the quarter. Gray Television had a return on equity of 18.22% and a net margin of 9.92%.

Gray Television Announces Dividend

About Gray Television

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 30th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.08 per share. This represents a $0.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.48%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, June 14th. Gray Televisions dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 9.58%.

(Get Rating)

Gray Television, Inc, a television broadcast company, owns and operates television stations and digital assets in the United States. As of February 28, 2019, it owned and operated television stations in 91 television markets broadcasting approximately 400 program streams, including approximately 150 channels affiliated with the CBS Network, the NBC Network, the ABC Network, and the FOX Network.

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Insight Folios Inc grew its position in shares of Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Get Rating) by 4.0% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 151,161 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 5,820 shares during the quarter. Altria Group accounts for 3.0% of Insight Folios Incs holdings, making the stock its 11th biggest position. Insight Folios Incs holdings in Altria Group were worth $6,745,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in MO. Bourgeon Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Altria Group by 85.6% during the 4th quarter. Bourgeon Capital Management LLC now owns 542 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 250 shares in the last quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P bought a new stake in shares of Altria Group during the 1st quarter worth approximately $25,000. Ruedi Wealth Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Altria Group during the 4th quarter worth approximately $30,000. Dark Forest Capital Management LP bought a new stake in shares of Altria Group during the 4th quarter worth approximately $34,000. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Altria Group during the 4th quarter worth approximately $34,000. Institutional investors own 58.38% of the companys stock.

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Altria Group Price Performance

NYSE:MO traded down $0.19 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $44.15. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,499,052 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,881,872. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $45.35 and a 200-day simple moving average of $45.71. The company has a market capitalization of $78.81 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.26, a PEG ratio of 2.23 and a beta of 0.59. Altria Group, Inc. has a twelve month low of $40.35 and a twelve month high of $51.57.

Altria Group Dividend Announcement

Altria Group ( NYSE:MO Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported $1.18 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.19 by ($0.01). The business had revenue of $4.76 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.89 billion. Altria Group had a net margin of 22.44% and a negative return on equity of 245.43%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.12 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts predict that Altria Group, Inc. will post 4.97 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, June 15th will be paid a $0.94 dividend. This represents a $3.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 8.52%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, June 14th. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 120.90%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms recently weighed in on MO. Citigroup dropped their price target on Altria Group from $49.50 to $47.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, April 17th. Stifel Nicolaus began coverage on Altria Group in a research note on Thursday, April 13th. They issued a buy rating and a $52.00 price target on the stock. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded Altria Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, June 23rd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $44.63.

About Altria Group

(Get Rating)

Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company provides cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; cigars and pipe tobacco principally under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco products and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; and on! oral nicotine pouches.

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New Hampshire Trust cut its holdings in Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN  Get Rating) by 5.2% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 5,960 shares of the information technology services providers stock after selling 325 shares during the quarter. New Hampshire Trusts holdings in Accenture were worth $1,703,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. United Bank raised its holdings in Accenture by 6.3% in the 1st quarter. United Bank now owns 2,969 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $1,001,000 after purchasing an additional 176 shares during the period. Weitz Investment Management Inc. grew its position in Accenture by 1.3% in the first quarter. Weitz Investment Management Inc. now owns 89,400 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $30,148,000 after acquiring an additional 1,168 shares in the last quarter. Fund Management at Engine No. 1 LLC purchased a new position in Accenture in the first quarter worth about $1,805,000. Guardian Wealth Management Inc. grew its position in Accenture by 0.6% in the first quarter. Guardian Wealth Management Inc. now owns 7,292 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $2,459,000 after acquiring an additional 41 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Clearbridge Investments LLC lifted its stake in Accenture by 104.8% in the first quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 441,451 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $148,871,000 after purchasing an additional 225,943 shares during the last quarter. 73.00% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Accenture Stock Performance

Shares of ACN traded up $1.09 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $301.90. The stock had a trading volume of 682,949 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,539,188. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $292.21 and a 200 day moving average price of $280.30. Accenture plc has a fifty-two week low of $242.80 and a fifty-two week high of $327.93. The firm has a market capitalization of $190.76 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.81, a PEG ratio of 2.70 and a beta of 1.24.

Accenture Dividend Announcement

Accenture ( NYSE:ACN Get Rating ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, June 22nd. The information technology services provider reported $3.19 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.96 by $0.23. Accenture had a net margin of 11.28% and a return on equity of 30.47%. The firm had revenue of $16.56 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $16.49 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $2.79 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 2.5% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts predict that Accenture plc will post 11.59 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 13th will be given a dividend of $1.12 per share. This represents a $4.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.48%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, July 12th. Accentures dividend payout ratio is presently 39.93%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Accenture news, insider Jean-Marc Ollagnier sold 6,250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, April 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $280.06, for a total transaction of $1,750,375.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 174,084 shares in the company, valued at $48,753,965.04. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, insider Ellyn Shook sold 5,250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, April 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $275.90, for a total transaction of $1,448,475.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 26,908 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,423,917.20. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, insider Jean-Marc Ollagnier sold 6,250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, April 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $280.06, for a total transaction of $1,750,375.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 174,084 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $48,753,965.04. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 16,354 shares of company stock worth $4,583,230. Company insiders own 0.08% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research analysts recently issued reports on the company. Piper Sandler raised Accenture from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $250.00 to $316.00 in a research note on Wednesday, June 14th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their target price on shares of Accenture from $292.00 to $377.00 in a research report on Friday, June 9th. Morgan Stanley cut their target price on shares of Accenture from $350.00 to $340.00 in a research report on Friday, June 23rd. Citigroup raised their target price on shares of Accenture from $306.00 to $358.00 in a research report on Wednesday, June 14th. Finally, Edward Jones raised shares of Accenture from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 5th. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $326.55.

Accenture Profile

(Get Rating)

Accenture plc, a professional services company, provides strategy and consulting, interactive, industry X, song, and technology and operation services worldwide. The company offers application services, including agile transformation, DevOps, application modernization, enterprise architecture, software and quality engineering, data management, intelligent automation comprises robotic process automation, natural language processing, and virtual agents, and application management services, as well as software engineering services; strategy and consulting services; data and analytics strategy, data discovery and augmentation, data management and beyond, data democratization, and industrialized solutions comprises turnkey analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions; metaverse; and sustainability services.

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Outlook Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (NYSE:RGA  Get Rating) during the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund acquired 2,364 shares of the insurance providers stock, valued at approximately $314,000.

Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in Reinsurance Group of America by 129,207.8% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 12,117,433 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,721,766,000 after purchasing an additional 12,108,062 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in Reinsurance Group of America by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 7,115,698 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $895,227,000 after acquiring an additional 88,957 shares during the period. State Street Corp lifted its stake in Reinsurance Group of America by 4.7% during the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 2,411,086 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $263,917,000 after acquiring an additional 108,922 shares during the period. Morgan Stanley lifted its stake in Reinsurance Group of America by 121.0% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 930,151 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $132,165,000 after acquiring an additional 509,220 shares during the period. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in Reinsurance Group of America by 4.8% during the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 908,145 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $129,038,000 after acquiring an additional 41,699 shares during the period. 93.60% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Reinsurance Group of America

In other Reinsurance Group of America news, CFO Todd C. Larson sold 1,018 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $148.96, for a total transaction of $151,641.28. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 44,260 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,592,969.60. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. In other Reinsurance Group of America news, CFO Todd C. Larson sold 1,018 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $148.96, for a total transaction of $151,641.28. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 44,260 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,592,969.60. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, EVP William L. Hutton sold 1,952 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.03, for a total transaction of $292,858.56. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 13,970 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,095,919.10. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 1.55% of the companys stock.

Reinsurance Group of America Trading Up 0.7 %

Reinsurance Group of America stock opened at $139.70 on Wednesday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $143.73 and a 200 day moving average of $141.89. The firm has a market capitalization of $9.30 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.09 and a beta of 0.91. Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated has a 12-month low of $112.23 and a 12-month high of $153.35. The company has a current ratio of 0.14, a quick ratio of 0.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58.

Reinsurance Group of America (NYSE:RGA  Get Rating) last released its earnings results on Friday, May 5th. The insurance provider reported $5.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.37 by $1.79. The company had revenue of $4.25 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.23 billion. Reinsurance Group of America had a net margin of 5.66% and a return on equity of 23.94%. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.47 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated will post 17.77 earnings per share for the current year.

Reinsurance Group of America Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, May 30th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, May 16th were issued a dividend of $0.80 per share. This represents a $3.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.29%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, May 15th. Reinsurance Group of Americas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 23.10%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms have issued reports on RGA. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their target price on shares of Reinsurance Group of America from $170.00 to $164.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. Citigroup upgraded shares of Reinsurance Group of America from a sell rating to a buy rating and upped their target price for the company from $133.00 to $158.00 in a research note on Wednesday, March 15th. 58.com restated a maintains rating on shares of Reinsurance Group of America in a research note on Wednesday, May 24th. Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on shares of Reinsurance Group of America in a research note on Tuesday, April 25th. They set an overweight rating and a $163.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Barclays increased their price objective on shares of Reinsurance Group of America from $149.00 to $151.00 in a research note on Friday, June 16th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $161.55.

Reinsurance Group of America Profile

(Get Rating)

Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated engages in reinsurance business. The company offers individual and group life and health insurance products, such as term life, credit life, universal life, whole life, group life and health, joint and last survivor insurance, critical illness, disability, and longevity products; asset-intensive and financial reinsurance products; and other capital motivated solutions.

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When Rustum Southwell was invited to serve as Dalhousies next chancellor, he first had to take in the surprise of the moment.

It was a total shock, he recalls. To be honest, I didnt think Id been noticed in the way that you get to a position of this level [of chancellor]. You do the work I do without expecting people to always see whats happening. So I was very surprised  and very honoured.

He then thought back to his first encounters with Dalhousie in the early 1970s. He was an international student from the Caribbean island of Saint Kitts, studying Psychology for two years on campus. He didnt end up finishing that degree: his path took a turn into the business world and, in time, towards leading the Black Business Initiative  one of Canadas most transformative and renowned business development organizations.

But he never lost sight of the role education had to play in building stronger communities, including for the African Nova Scotian and African diaspora communities that have been at the foundation of his lifes work. Over the years hes helped create scholarship programs in Dals Faculty of Management, advised and fundraised for the James R. Johnston Chair in Black Canadian Studies, and served on the board of the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC).

His advocacy has also been recognized with honorary diplomas and degrees from NSCC, Saint Marys University and, in 2018, from Dalhousie.

Now Southwell finds himself taking on the mantle of Dals top ceremonial role  the first person of African descent to do so.

Rustum in 1972, 1973 was this precocious young man, and now hes an elder, as some would refer to it, says Southwell, reflecting on his own journey. Now is the chance for me to share some of my own wisdom, if you want to call it that, reflecting on community and speaking to the youth who are coming up, the next generation were mentoring.

A university ambassador



The chancellors role within the university is both ceremonial and ambassadorial. Their most visible contribution is at spring and fall convocation, where they oversee the ceremonies and welcome graduates into the next chapter of their lives. They also serve as a member of the university Board of Governors and are expected to advocate for the university across the province, region and country.

Southwells appointment was approved by the Board of Governors at its June meeting on Tuesday (June 27), on recommendation of its Governance and Human Resources Committee. (He will be formally installed in the role during fall convocation this November.) Board Chair Cheryl Fraser says the chancellorship is an ideal role for someone of Southwells impressive character.

Rustum has spent his life and career helping lift people up so they can grow, thrive and succeed, says Fraser. We are proud to welcome his generous spirit and inspiring leadership to the Chancellors role.

Acting President and Vice-Chancellor Frank Harvey considers Southwell a long-time advocate for the transformative power of education and a great friend and supporter of Dalhousie. He knows what it means to help build a supportive community that empowers possibility, and that allows everyone the opportunity to participate to their full potential. Dalhousie is honoured to have him as our next Chancellor.

Inspiring leadership and opportunity



Of his many achievements  which include the Order of Nova Scotia and induction into the Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame  Southwell is best known for his work with the Black Business Initiative (BBI). Founded in 1996 with support from both the federal and provincial government, its the longest serving Black business development initiative in Canada.

At the time of BBIs creation, Southwell was executive director of the African Canadian Business Development Centre, having made his mark as one of the first Black franchisees in Nova Scotias food industry. Selected to become BBIs first CEO, Southwells leadership saw the organization create over 1,500 jobs, provide business training support for over 1,000 aspiring entrepreneurs, and helped create and expand hundreds of Black-owned and operated businesses in Nova Scotia and, now, across Atlantic Canada.

Alongside his two stints as BBI CEO (he retired from his second tenure earlier this year), hes been a familiar face within some of the provinces most vital community organizations. In addition to NSCC, hes been a board member of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, the Waterfront Development Corporation (now Develop Nova Scotia) and the Stanfield International Airport Authority. Hes served as interim president and CEO of United Way of Halifax. And he was the first chair of Hope Blooms Youth Ventures, the renowned non-profit social enterprise.

At this stage of my life, its really about reflecting how you can impact the rest of your community, he says. The legacy of the Black Business Initiative and what it is done for Black entrepreneurship right across the country is a role model, an example of what can be achieved. But then I see Dr. Leah Jones at Dals medical school [the Faculty of Medicines first director of Black health), or the youth who have come through the Business is Jammin program  its all a testament to how many ways you can move the needle.

Tides of fortune



Dalhousie has been part of moving that needle; Southwell mentions the legacy of programs like the Transition Year Program and the Schulich School of Laws Indigenous Black & Mikmaq initiative as ways the university has made significant inroads to supporting Black and Indigenous learners and communities. He acknowledges there is much more to be done and hopes that, as chancellor, he can be a face and voice for this work and help expand Dals leadership as this UN Decade for People of African Descent continues.

He references a favourite Shakespeare quote of his, from Julius Caesar: There is a tide in the affairs of men which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune.

I think theres so much happening now that we should take advantage of, he says. Dalhousie has an important mandate in education and community, and I am eager to play a part in moving that work forward.
The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC) has issued an Air Quality Alert for Wednesday, June 28, for Montgomery, Greene, Miami, Clark, Darke, and Preble Counties.

Air Quality Alert issued for Dayton and the Miami Valley

The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC) has issued an Air Quality Alert for Wednesday, June 28, for Montgomery, Greene, Miami, Clark, Darke, and Preble Counties.

The low air quality alert is due to the wildfire smoke from Canadian Wildfires, which has returned to the Miami Valley, resulting in high PM2.5 levels.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) forecast is 130 for Wednesday, June 28, 2023.

Any reading at 101 or higher is considered "unhealthy for sensitive groups". Older adults, children, and anyone with respiratory or cardiac diseases should reduce prolonged time outdoors or heavy exertion. People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans. The general public is not likely to be affected and for most people, it is OK to be active outside, but take more breaks and do less strenuous activities.

MVRPC says people can reduce air pollution by taking the following action:

AVOID DRIVING IF POSSIBLE. Vehicle emissions cause almost 50% of ground-level ozone. Carpool or take transit or for short trips, walk or ride a bike.

REFUEL YOUR VEHICLE AFTER 8:00 P.M. or if possible, wait until after the Air Quality Alert expires. Vapors from gasoline contribute to the smog problem. By refueling after 8:00 p.m. when its cooler, smog doesnt form as easily. Make sure your gas cap fits tightly so gas fumes dont escape and contribute to the smog problem.

LIMIT USE OF GASOLINE-POWERED EQUIPMENT, such as lawnmowers, chainsaws, power trimmers, and shredders. Operating a gasoline-powered lawnmower for one hour produces the same amount of pollution as driving a car! Try using non-motorized or battery-powered equipment instead.

MOW YOUR LAWN IN THE EVENING when the sunlight is not as strong, and smog is less likely to form.

For an interactive map of today's forecast in your area visit airnow.gov.
BJP state president Bandi Sanjay Kumar. (Image: Twitter)

Hyderabad: BJP national general secretary and Telangana state incharge Tarun Chugh on Wednesday stated that MP Bandi Sanjay Kumar will continue as the BJP state president and that the party would go for the Assembly elections under his leadership.

This ended speculation doing the rounds over the past few days that Union minister G. Kishan Reddy was set to replace Bandi Sanjay as the state unit head for the Assembly polls.

Addressing mediapersons in Delhi, Chugh said: "Sab juti khabar hai Aisa kuch nahi hai. Ek baar humne spasht kar diya hai. Iske baad kuch kehne ki avashkata nahi hai (All are false news about change of Sanjay Kumar as BJP state president. There is no proposal in this regard. We have already made it clear. There is no need for further comment on this)."

Kishan Reddy also confirmed that there was no such plan and called the news false propaganda being pushed by a section of society. "There is no proposal with the BJP high command to change party president in Telangana state ahead of Assembly elections," he said.

Kishan Reddy, also in New Delhi, said that there was no confusion among party activists over a change of party state president from Sanjay Kumar. "Meeting with Union home minister Amit Shah by Telangana state leaders is a regular assignment. There is no proposal to make me BJP state president and Sanjay Kumar a Union minister," Kishan Reddy said.

Sanjay Kumar, addressing mediapersons at the Secunderabad Railway Station, where he was welcoming BJP workers, attacked news broadcasters for carrying a malicious campaign to undermine him, at the behest of other political parties.

"Party national leaders including Telangana state incharge Tarun Chugh made it clear that there is no change of state president. The BJP cadre also understood the intention of few channels over change of BJP state president," he said.

Accusing Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao of the negative campaign, he said: "For the last year, a section of the media aired the news over the change of state BJP president, but it didnt happen."

Senior BJP leader and former MP A.P. Jithender Reddy alleged that Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao was trying to mislead the people over the prospects of Opposition parties.

"There is no proposal to change of Sanjay Kumar as BJP state president. It is unnecessarily creating confusion among the BJP cadre over change of state president. It is a manipulation of the ruling BRS over affairs of BJP," he said.

Jithender Reddy said: "Few TV channels are carrying false information about the change of BJP state president. The BJP high command did not take any decision like constituting of election campaign committee or change of party president."

He said he is confident that they will overcome all the hurdles and emerge a strong contender in the upcoming Assembly polls.
Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy speaks with children during the launch of the Amma Vodi scheme near Kurupam, . (Image: By Arrangement)

Visakhapatnam: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy said he has been fighting against demons obstructing the implementation of his welfare schemes in AP.

He was addressing a public meeting after launching this years financial assistance programme under the Amma Vodi in Kurupam town in Parvathipuram Manyam district on Wednesday.

"There is going to be a Kuruskhetra war. I am fighting against the Rakshas obstructing the welfare schemes meant for the poor. I have no media support or a Dattaputrudu (adopted son). I am fighting alone, Jagan Mohan Reddy told a gathering of school children and locals of the tribal town of Kurupuram.

In a scathing attack on Telugu Desam chief N. Chandrababu Naidu, Jagan Mohan Reddy said though he was chief minister for 14 years, Naidu never did any good to students, farmers or the elders. Now, as elections are approaching, Naidu has started a new drama with a mini manifesto. But, his track record is such that no one would believe in him. He had thrown his 2014 manifesto into the dustbin and ruled the state for five years."

Referring to Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan, the CM said, "Dattaputrudu (PK) boarded a truck called Varahi and started hurling abuses at other leaders. He is challenging us by slapping his thighs. We cannot behave like him or marry four times, the Chief Minister said, tongue-in-cheek.

Earlier, the CM deposited an amount of 6,392.94 crore directly into the bank accounts of 42,61,965 mothers, to benefit 83,15,341 students from classes 1 to Intermediate. Education-related schemes alone cost the state government a huge sum of 66,7222 crore, he said.

Explaining how the schemes helped promote education among the poor in the state, he said that, in 2018, the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) was as low as 84.48, significantly below the national average of 99.21. This placed AP at the lowest position among the 29 states. However, over the past four years, the state has experienced a remarkable surge in GER, with the ratio increasing from 84.48 to 100.8.

He highlighted how 67 students from AP had grabbed an opportunity to study in premier institutions like NIT, IIT and IIM this year alone.

Hoping that one in every family would become another Satya Nadella, the Chief Minister also announced a scholarship of 1.25 crore to each student who gets a chance to study in premier institutions abroad.

Education minister Botsa Satyanarayana said people used to talk about Kerala and Delhi while discussing education. But the whole country is now talking about the revolutionary changes in education in Andhra Pradesh.

Former deputy chief minister and Kurupam MLA Pamula Pusha Srivani said Manyam district topped in SSC results and most of these meritorious students were from government schools.
P.V. Narasimha Rao was born on June 28, 1921, and died on December 23, 2004. (File Photo: Twitter)

Hyderabad: Parties across the political spectrum on Wednesday paid tributes to former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao on the occasion of his 102nd birth anniversary.

In a media statement on Wednesday, Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao called Narasimha Rao "a son of the Telangana soil" and said he had rescued the country from critical conditions. The country's people are now reaping the benefits of the financial reforms introduced by him as the PM.

"We have a responsibility to honour the former PM and recollect his services rendered for the country. As part of its endeavour, the state government is officially conducting P.V. Narasimha Rao's birth anniversary celebrations," Rao said.

TPCC chief A. Revanth Reddy took to Twitter to pay tribute to the person he called "Chanakya and architect of reforms", while senior Congress leader Ponnala Lakshmaiah visited PV Ghat to pay tribute.

Many Congress leaders also paid tribute to him at the state party headquarters of Gandhi Bhavan.

On the occasion, TPCC former president N. Uttam Kumar Reddy said he would ask the state government to name a district after the leader.

Narasimha Raos grandson N.V. Subhash, who is currently an official spokesperson for the BJP, Telangana state, said on Twitter, "Today, on occasion of 102 Jayanthi of Late P.V. Narasimha Rao (Former PM) paid floral tributes at PV Gyana Bhoomi, PV Marg, Necklace Road, Hyderabad."

State BJP president Bandi Sanjay Kumar, on Twitter, called the late Narasimha Rao a "multi-talented person" and "genius". He later visited PV Ghat on Necklace Road and paid floral tributes.

Senior Congress leader Ponnam Prabhakar paid tribute to the late leader at his native village of Vangara in Karimnagar district. Speaking there, he said, "The present generation should get to know about the simple life of the leader. He was behind the implementation of the technical revolution. The present government has increased the debt of the country from 60 crore to 1,50,000 crore."

However, Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao was conspicuous by his absence at the PV Ghat on Necklace Road, given that Rao renamed the Necklace Road as PV Marg, unveiled a 26-foot-tall statue of the leader and held a year-long grand centenary year celebration, from June 2020 to June 2021.

Only two BRS ministers, Talasani Srinivas Yadav and Satyavathi Rathod, visited the memorial and paid tributes to PV.

The Chief Minister first visited the memorial on June 28, 2014, soon after taking oath as Telangana state Chief Minister, but did not revisit the site until June 2020, when he launched the year-long centenary celebrations. He visited the memorial again in June 2021, to mark the conclusion of the celebration, but is yet to visit the spot since.

P.V. Narasimha Rao was born on June 28, 1921, and died on December 23, 2004.
BRS leader Teegala Krishna Reddy threatened to quit if he was not assured a ticket for the Maheshwaram constituency, where Sabitha Indra Reddy is the incumbent, after switching over from the Congress in 2018. (Image: Facebook)

Hyderabad: Ahead of the Assembly polls, the BRS is in a quandary of plenty, as incumbent legislators are sparring with senior BRS leaders  with the fight especially acute in constituencies where Congress MLAs switched to BRS  and GHMC corporators for poll tickets.

The tension among sections of the party is keeping all concerned on tenterhooks, with the boiling tensions sometimes ending in streetfights.

Negative campaigns by opponents of MLAs are taking shape, with survey reports being circulated on social media to show the target in a poor light. Further, such posts are also being carried with statements that the Chief Minister has decided to deny them tickets.

In many instances, these fights are boiling over into quit threats, with BRS leaders looking to join the Congress or the BJP in their quest for an assured ticket to contest the upcoming polls.

In one such instance on Wednesday, BRS leader Teegala Krishna Reddy threatened to quit if he was not assured a ticket for the Maheshwaram constituency, where Sabitha Indra Reddy is the incumbent, after switching over from the Congress in 2018.

Sources said that ticket aspirants are also putting up show of strengths to K. Chandrashekar Rao and K.T. Rama Rao at officials programmes in HMDA limits. Besides, aspirants are also competing with one another to put up hoardings and cutouts at prime spots to welcome Rao or his son. The competition has also led to physical confrontations between groups.

Two days ago, when Rama Rao was in Uppal to inaugurate a skywalk, supporters of three leaders  MLA Bethi Subhash Reddy, former GHMC mayor Bonthu Rammohan and ex-Congress leader Bandari Lakshma Reddy, got into a tussle while trying to catch Rama Raos eye.

A similar incident took place in LB Nagar constituency, when MLA Devireddy Sudheer Reddy, who switched to BRS from Congress, got into a tussle with BRS leader M. Ram Mohan Goud over the ticket issue, following which Goud threatened to quit the party if not given a ticket.

In the Serilingampally constituency, incumbent MLA Arekapudi Gandhi is facing resistance from local BRS leader Bandi Ramesh, besides GHMC corporators R. Nagender and V. Jagadeeshwar Goud, both of whom have stepped up political activities, claiming that the party's high command is considering their candidatures.

In the Rajendranagar constituency, incumbent MLA T. Prakash Goud is facing stiff competition from Chevella MP G. Ranjith Reddy, who wants to contest the Assembly elections.

In Medchal, incumbent MLA and minister Ch Malla Reddy is engaged in a tussle with former MLA M. Sudheer Reddy.

Malla Reddy, when he was Malkajgiri MP, defected from TDP to BRS in 2016, following which Chandrashekar Rao opted to allot Malla Reddy the Medchal Assembly ticket in 2018 in Sudheer Reddys place. Although Sudheer Reddy did not rebel then, he is currently revolting against the party, demanding the Medchal ticket.

In Musheerabad, MLA Muta Gopal is facing opposition from local BRS leaders M.N. Srinivasa Rao and former Ramnagar corporator V. Srinivas Reddy, the son-in-law of former home minister late Nayini Narasimha Reddy.

Amberpet MLA Kaleru Venkatesh is facing dissent from local BRS leaders Edla Sudhakar Reddy and D.P. Reddy, besides D. Srinivas Goud, the husband of BRS Golnaka corporator D. Lavanya.

These apart, a few BRS MLAs are trying to bring their kin in their place in the event of party leadership denying them tickets, further compounding the problem.
US President Joe Biden with his Ukraine counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Twitter)

Washington: US Department of Defence has announced an additional security assistance package, valued at up to USD 500 million, for Ukraine to meet its "critical security and defence needs."

The security package includes crucial capabilities to aid Ukraine's counteroffensive operations in its ongoing conflict with Russia and to strengthen its air defences.

"Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced additional security assistance to meet Ukraine's critical security and defence needs," the US Department of Defence said in an official release on Tuesday.

"This authorization is the Biden Administration's forty-first drawdown of equipment from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021. This package, valued at up to $500 million, includes key capabilities to support Ukraine's counter-offensive operations, strengthen its air defences to help Ukraine protect its people, as well as additional armoured vehicles, anti-armour systems, critical munitions, and other equipment to help Ukraine push back on Russia's war of aggression," the release said.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the US has condemned all acts by Moscow and has shown firm support to Ukraine, and its people. A week back, Blinken also noted the US commitment to working with the private sector to enable Ukraine's modernization and revitalization.

"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," the release added.

The security assistance package apparently has additional munitions for Patriot air defence systems, stinger anti-aircraft systems, additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), demolitions munitions and systems for obstacle clearing, and mine clearing equipment, including High-speed Anti-radiation missiles (HARMs) and other small arms, grenade and night vision devices.

The security assistance of USD 500 million from the US to Ukraine came a day after President Joe Biden held a telephone conversation with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

US President Joe Biden on Sunday spoke with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and discussed the recent events in Russia, and also discussed Ukraine's ongoing counter-offensive. President Biden reaffirmed unflinching US support, which includes ongoing security, financial, and humanitarian assistance.

"President Biden spoke today with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine to discuss support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression. They discussed Ukraine's ongoing counter-offensive, and President Biden reaffirmed unwavering US support, including through continued security, economic, and humanitarian aid. The leaders also discussed recent events in Russia," the White House readout of Biden's call with Zelenskyy said.
British drugmaker AstraZeneca on Wednesday announced it would invest $400 million to plant over 200 million trees by 2030 as part of its strategy for reducing carbon emissions in line with the Paris Agreement.

The commitment represents about $60 million a year, for one of the UK's most valuable listed companies, which has a market capitalisation of about $230 billion. AstraZeneca made about $44 billion in revenue in 2022.

Also read | AstraZeneca's China boss says drugmaker will seek to 'love the Communist Party'

Still, the new sustainability commitment is far larger than past ones. In 2020, the company announced it would plant and maintain more than 50 million trees by the end of 2025.

AstraZeneca announced earlier this month it would switch to biogas produced from cow manure and food waste in the US, to cut its carbon emissions there.

Much of the global pharmaceutical and biotech industry has yet to set targets for reducing carbon emissions in line with the Paris Agreement, researchers have found.
Nepals Supreme Court on Wednesday issued an interim order to the government to temporarily register same-sex marriage, a notice by the apex court said.

A single bench of Justice Til Prasad Shrestha issued the order to the government to make necessary arrangements for registering the marriage of sexual and gender minority couples if they demand so, the directive said.

Seven people, including activist Pinky Gurung on behalf of Blue Diamond Society (BDS), an LGBTI rights organisation, filed a writ to the Prime Minister and the Office of the Council of Ministers to legalise same-sex marriage.

Also Read | Kerala woman fights legal battle to reunite with same-sex partner



In the order, the apex court has also asked the opponents to furnish a written reply on the issue within 15 days.

The petitioners said that they filed the writ as the Nepalese law has obstructed same-sex marriage despite a Supreme Court decision, which allowed such marriages 15 years ago.

Citing that Clause 69 (1) of the National Civil Code 2017 mentions that each individual citizen has the freedom to marry and as per Clause 18 (1) of the Nepalese Constitution 2015 all citizens are equal in the eyes of the law, the petitioners have demanded the legalisation of the same-sex marriage.

Now with this SC order, same-sex marriage can be registered until and unless specific laws are formulated to give recognition to the sexual and gender minority couples, said Pinky Gurung of BDS talking to media following the courts order.

Though the Supreme Court had allowed same-sex marriage through an order one and a half decades ago, in the absence of a specific law, the provision could not be implemented, which forced the third-gender people to go to court.
Nine family members were killed on Wednesday by unknown gunmen who opened indiscriminate fire after barging into their house in northwest Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, police said.

The incident occurred in the Batkhela tehsil of Malakand district, and nine members of the same family, including three women and six men, were shot dead by the unidentified assailants, police said.

Read more | Pakistan govt tells SC trial of those involved in May 9 military installations attacks yet to begin

After receiving the information, the local Levies force reached the crime scene and shifted the dead bodies to Batkhela Hospital for postmortem.

While the reason behind the killings has not been ascertained yet, an investigation into the case has been started, according to the police.
Eid-ul-Azha or Bakr-Eid prayers have been disallowed once again this year at the historic Eidgah in Srinagar, the spot which witnessed frequent clashes and separatist rallies in the past.

Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid while announcing that authorities disallowed Eid prayers at the Eidgah termed the decision as unfortunate and condemnable.

Barring prayers at Eidgah is extremely unfortunate and condemnable. The decision has hurt the sentiments of lakhs of Muslims in the Valley and outside and is a poor reflection on the state of affairs in Jammu and Kashmir, the Anjuman said in a statement.

Also Read | Don't share pics of slaughtered animals on social media on Eid: Jamiat's advisory to Muslims

The Anjuman also denounced the continued detention of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who traditionally delivers the Eid sermon at Eidgah before prayers

Despite appeals by various religious, political, social organizations, and civil society regarding his release, he is continuously being detained, which is extremely sad and disturbing, it added.

Some people termed the prohibition an interference in religious matters of the region, while others said it exposes the administrations claim that the situation has been peaceful in Kashmir post Article 370 abrogation.

Why administration feel threatened if Eid prayers are held at Eidgah? Is Eid prayer a threat to peace? asked an elderly man from old city Nowhatta, identifying as Mohammad Shaban Dar.

For the past several years, authorities have disallowed Eid prayers on one or the other pretext. In 2010, violence rocked Srinagar after Eid prayers were held at the Eidgah with hundreds of protesters pelting stones and clashing with the police.
Chevron Corporation, through a network of subsidiaries, engages in integrated energy and chemicals operations worldwide. The company is the 7th largest integrated oil company worldwide, the 2nd largest in the US, and has been in operation since 1879. Chevron was part of the original Standard Oil Company and is one of the 34 successor companies that were formed when it was broken up. Today, the company brings in roughly $160 billion in annual revenues and is the last remaining oil and gas component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

Originally called Standard Oil Of California the company grew quickly via mergers and acquisitions. It was hailed as one of the Seven Sisters to dominate the US and global production throughout the mid-20th century and became even bigger in 1985 when it merged with Gulf Oil. The merger with Gulf Oil resulted in the rebranding from Standard Oil Of California to Chevron (a brand used by the company outside its California jurisdiction) and then ChevronTexaco Corporation in 2005 when that merger took place. The company rebranded again in 2005 to what we know today as Chevron Corporation.

Chevron Corporation is now based in San Ramone, California, and has operations in 180 countries. The company employs more than 42,500 people who operate 5 refineries and 8,000+ Texaco, Chevron, and Standard Oil service stations in the US alone. The company's Exploration and Drilling operations produced a record 3.1 million barrels per day and its US refineries process more than 1 million barrels per day. At the end of 2021, the company has more than 11.3 billion barrels of proven oil and liquid-equivalent reserves and boasted a 112% reserve replacement rate.

The company operates in two segments, Upstream and Downstream. The Upstream segment explores new reserves, develops known reserves, produces petroleum and gas products as needed, transports, processes, pipes, stores, and markets petroleum worldwide. The Downstream segment refines and markets the full line of petroleum-based products including but not limited to fuels such as gas, diesel, and aviation fuel, as well as lubricants, petrochemicals, and plastics. The company transports products via pipeline, rail, marine vessels, and truck.

Chevron recognizes the need to lower the worlds carbon output and is working toward that end. The companys strategy is two-pronged and includes reducing its own carbon output while investing in green and lower-carbon technologies. The companys goal is to invest $10 billion or more into lower carbon energy sources and technologies by 2028.

Chevron is a Dividend Aristocrat. The company has been paying a dividend since 1989 and it has raised it every year since its inception.






The following companies are subsidiares of UnitedHealth Group: 1070715 B.C. Unlimited Liability Company, 1st Avenue Pharmacy Inc., 310 Canyon Medical LLC, 4C MSO LLC, 4C Medical Group PLC, 5995 Minnetonka LLC, ABCO International Holdings LLC, ACN Group IPA of New York Inc., ACN Group of California Inc., AHN Accountable Care Organization LLC, AHN Central Services LLC, AHN Target Holdings LLC, AMIL International S.a.r.l., APS  Assistencia Personalizada a Saude Ltda., ASC Holdings of New Jersey LLC, ASC Network LLC, ASC Operators-East Bay LLC, ASC Operators-San Francisco LLC, ASC Operators-San Luis Obispo LLC, ASC Operators-Santa Rosa LLC, ASC Operators-South Bay LLC, ASV-HOPCo-SCA Cornerstone LLC, ASV-HOPCo-SCA Florida LLC, AbleTo Behavioral Health Services P.C., AbleTo Inc., Accurate Rx Pharmacy Consulting LLC, Administradora Clinica La Colina S.A.S., Administradora Country S.A.S., Administradora Medica Centromed S.A., Advanced Surgery Center of Clifton LLC, Advanced Surgical Center LLC, Advanced Surgical Hospital LLC, Advocate Condell Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Advocate Southwest Ambulatory Surgery Center L.L.C., Advocate-SCA Partners LLC, Aliansalud Entidad Promotora de Salud S.A., All Savers Insurance Company, All Savers Life Insurance Company of California, Alliance Surgical Center LLC, Allina Health Heart and Vascular Surgery Center LLC, Allina Health Surgery Center-Brooklyn Park LLC, Aloha Surgical Center LLC, Ambient Healthcare Inc., Ambient Holdings Inc., AmeriChoice, AmeriChoice Corporation, AmeriChoice of New Jersey Inc., American Health Network of Indiana Care Organization LLC, American Health Network of Indiana II LLC, American Health Network of Indiana LLC, American Health Network of Kentucky LLC, American Health Network of Ohio Care Organization LLC, American Health Network of Ohio II LLC, American Health Network of Ohio LLC, American Physicians Inc., Amico Saude Ltda., Amil, Amil Assistencia Medica Internacional S.A., Angiografia e Hemodinamica Madre Theodora Ltda., Anne Arundel-SCA Holdings LLC, Anne Arundel-SCA Surgicenter LLC, Antelope Valley Surgery Center L.P., Analisis Clinicos ML S.A.C., Apothecary Holdings Inc., AppleCare Medical Management LLC, Aquitania Chilean Holding SpA, Arcadia JV Holdings LLC, Arcadia Outpatient Surgery Center L.P., ArchWell Health LLC, ArchWell Health MSO LLC, ArchWell Health Professional Services Holding Co., ArchWell Health Professional Services of Alabama LLC, ArchWell Health Professional Services of North Carolina P.C., ArchWell Health Professional Services of Oklahoma LLC, Archwell Health Professional Services of Arizona LLC, Archwell Health Professional Services of Nebraska LLC, Arise Physician Group, Arizona Physicians IPA Inc., Arlington Surgery Center LLC, Aspectus Inc., Associacao Lusiadas Knowledge Center  Health Education and Research, Audax Health Solutions LLC, Aurora Hospitalist P.C., Austin Center for Outpatient Surgery L.P., Avella Specialty Pharmacy, Aventura Medical Tower Surgery Center LLC, Avery Parent Holdings Inc., Aveta Inc., AxelaCare Intermediate Holdings LLC, AxelaCare LLC, B.R.A.S.S. Partnership in Commendam, BOSC Holdings LLC, BSC Holdings LLC, Ball Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, Banmedica Colombia S.A.S., Banmedica Internacional SpA, Banmedica S.A., Barranca Surgery Center LLC, Beach Surgical Holdings II LLC, Beach Surgical Holdings III LLC, Beach Surgical Holdings LLC, Beaver Medical Group P.C., Bedford Physicians Risk Retention Group Inc., Behavioral Healthcare Options Inc., Beltway Surgery Centers L.L.C., Benefit Administration for the Self Employed L.L.C., Benefitter Insurance Solutions Inc., Bergan Mercy Surgery Center LLC, Bergen-Passaic Cataract Laser and Surgery Center LLC, Bessler MD PLLC, Bind Benefits Inc., Bind LH Holdings Inc., Bind Re Inc., Birmingham Outpatient Surgery Center Ltd., Birmingham Outpatient Surgical Center LLC, Bloomfield ASC LLC, Blue Ridge Day Surgery Center L.P., Blue Ridge GP LLC, Blue Ridge Properties LLC, Boca Raton Outpatient Surgery & Laser Center LTD., Bordeaux Barbados Holdings I SRL, Bordeaux Barbados Holdings II SRL, Bordeaux Barbados Holdings III S.r.l., Bordeaux Holding SpA, Bordeaux International Holdings Inc., Bordeaux UK Holdings I Limited, Bordeaux UK Holdings II Limited, Bordeaux UK Holdings III Limited, Bosque Medical Center Ltda., Brandon Ambulatory Surgery Center LC, BriovaRx Infusion Services 102 LLC, BriovaRx of Florida Inc., BriovaRx of Maine Inc., BriovaRx of Massachusetts LLC, CCEC Anesthesia Management LLC, CDC Holdings Colombia S.A.S., CLISA  Clinica de Santo Antonio S.A., CMO  Centro Medico de Oftalmologia S/S Ltda., CMS  Central de Manipulacao e Servicos Farmaceuticos Ltda., COI  Clinicas Oncologicas Integradas S.A., Cabin Enterprises LLC, Cabin Holdings LLC, California Medical Group Insurance Company Risk Retention Group, Camp Hill Ambulatory Centers, Camp Hill-SCA Centers LLC, Capital City Medical Group L.L.C., Cardinal Holding Company LLC, Care Improvement Plus Group Management LLC, Care Improvement Plus South Central Insurance Company, Care Improvement Plus Wisconsin Insurance Company, Care Improvement Plus of Texas Insurance Company, Care Logistics LLC, CareMount Dental Member LLC, CareMount Health Solutions ACO LLC, CareMount Health Solutions Employer LLC, CareMount Health Solutions LLC, CareMount Holding LLC, CareMount Medical Foundation Inc., CareMount Value Partners IPA LLC, Carr PLLC, Casa de Saude Santa Therezinha Ltda., Castle Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Castle Rock SurgiCenter LLC, Catalyst360 LLC, Catamaran 2 Unlimited Company, Catamaran Finance Ireland Unlimited Company, Catamaran S.a.r.l., Cedar Park JV Partners LLC, Cedar Park Surgery Center LLC, Cemed Care  Empresa de Atendimento Clinico Geral Ltda., Center for Quality Improvement LLC, Center for Restorative Surgery at Maple Grove LLC, Center for Surgery of North Coast L.P., Central Indiana Care Organization LLC, Central Ohio Care Organization LLC, CentriHealth Corporation, CentrifyHealth LLC, Centro Medico Hospitalar Pitangueiras Ltda., Centro Odontologico Americano S.A.C., Centro de Entrenamiento Capacitacion en Reanimacion y Prevencion Limitada, Centro de Servicios Compartidos Banmedica SpA, Centromed Quilpue S.A., Centros Medicos y Dentales Multimed Ltda., Centura-SCA Holdings LLC, Centurion Casualty Company, Channel Islands Surgicenter L.P., Channel Islands Surgicenter Properties LLC, Charleston Surgery Center Limited Partnership, Charleston Surgery Properties LLC, Charlotte Surgery Center LLC, Charlotte Surgery Properties LTD., Charlotte-SC LLC, Chatham Orthopaedic ASC LLC, Childrens Surgery Center LLC, Citrus Regional Surgery Center L.P., Claims Management Systems Inc., Cleburne Surgical Center LLC, Clinical Partners of Colorado Springs LLC, Clinton Partners LLC, Clinica Alameda SpA, Clinica Bio Bio SpA, Clinica Ciudad del Mar S.A., Clinica Davila y Servicios Medicos S.p.A., Clinica Iquique S.A., Clinica Medico Cirurgica de Santa Tecla S.A., Clinica Portoazul S.A., Clinica San Felipe S.A., Clinica Santa Maria S.p.A., Clinica Sanchez Ferrer S.A., Clinica Vespucio S.A., Clinica del Country S.A.S., Coachella Valley Physicians of PrimeCare Inc., Coalition for Advanced Pharmacy Services Inc., Cobranzas Banmedica SpA, Cogent Healthcare IPA of New York Inc., Cogent Healthcare Inc., Cogent Healthcare Management of New York Inc., Cogent Healthcare of Arizona P.C., Cogent Healthcare of California Prof. Corp., Cogent Healthcare of Georgia P.C., Cogent Healthcare of Illinois LLC, Cogent Healthcare of Iowa P.C., Cogent Healthcare of Jackson MS LLC, Cogent Healthcare of Jacksonville LLC, Cogent Healthcare of Mississippi Inc., Cogent Healthcare of Missouri Inc., Cogent Healthcare of Montana P.C., Cogent Healthcare of New Jersey P.C., Cogent Healthcare of North Carolina P.C., Cogent Healthcare of Oregon P.C., Cogent Healthcare of Pennsylvania Inc., Cogent Healthcare of Pensacola L.L.C., Cogent Healthcare of Tennessee P.C., Cogent Healthcare of Virginia Inc., Cogent Healthcare of Washington P.C., Cogent Medical Care P.C., Cogent Patient Safety Organization Inc., Cogent/Endion Medical Care of New York P.C., Collaborative Care Holdings LLC, Collaborative Care Services Inc., Collaborative Realty LLC, Colmedica Medicina Prepagada S.A., Colonial Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, Colorado Innovative Physician Solutions Inc., Colorado Springs Surgery Center Ltd., Comfort Care Transportation LLC, Comprehensive Hospital Physicians of Florida Inc., ConnectYourCare Inc., ConnectYourCare LLC, Connecticut Surgery Center Limited Partnership, Connecticut Surgery Properties LLC, Connecticut Surgical Center LLC, Consorcio Regenero S.A., Constructora Inmobiliaria Magapoq S.A., Consumer Wellness Solutions Inc., Continuum Physicians Group Inc., Continuum Physicians Group of Washington PLLC, Cornell Surgicenter LLC, Cornerstone Surgery Center LLC, Cornerstone Surgicare LLC, Corpus Christi Endoscopy Center L.L.P., Country Scan Ltda., Critical Care Physician of New York P.C., Critical Care Physicians of Illinois LLC, Critical Care Physicians of New Jersey PC, Critical Care Physicians of Pennsylvania P.C., Cross Timbers Surgery Center LLC, Cypress Care Inc., DBP Services of New York IPA Inc., DSP Flint Real Estate LLC, DSP-Building C LLC, DTC Surgery Center LLC, DWIC of Tampa Bay Inc., Dallas Inpatient Specialist PLLC, Danbury Surgical Center L.P., Day-Op Surgery Consulting Company LLC, Definity Health, Dental Benefit Providers Inc., Dental Benefit Providers of California Inc., Dental Benefit Providers of Illinois Inc., Denton Endoscopy Surgery Center LLC, Denton Surgery Center LLC, Derry Surgical Center LLC, Diagnostico Ecotomografico Centromed Ltda., Diasnostico por Imagenes Centromed Ltda., Digestive Disease Center L.P., Dilab Medicina Nuclear Ltda., Diplomat Blocker LLC, Diplomat Corporate Properties LLC, Diplomat Pharmacy, Diplomat Pharmacy Inc., Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy Great Lakes Distribution Center LLC, Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy of Chicago LLC, Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy of Ft. Lauderdale LLC, Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy of Los Angeles County LLC, Distance Learning Network Inc., Divisadero Holdings LLC, DocASAP Inc., DocASAP India Technologies Private Limited, DocASAP US LLC, Doctor + S.A.C., Dry Creek Surgery Center LLC, Dublin Surgery Center LLC, Duluth Surgical Suites LLC, Durable Medical Equipment Inc., E Street Endoscopy LLC, EM Orange Tree LLC, EP Campus I LLC, EPIC Health Plan, EPIC Management Services LLC, East Bay Endoscopy Center L.P., East Brunswick Surgery Center LLC, Echo Locum Tenens Inc., Electronic Network Systems Inc., Elual Participacoes S.A., Emerald Coast Surgery Center L.P., Emisar Pharma Services LLC, Emmaus Holdings LLC, Emmaus Surgical Center LLC, Empire Physician Management Company LLC, Empremedica S. A., Endion Hospitalist North P.C., Endion Hospitalist of Western New York P.C., Endion Medical Healthcare P.C., Endion Medical Services P.C., Endoscopy Center Affiliates Inc., Enterprise Life Insurance Company, Equian, Equian LLC, Equian Parent Corp., Esho  Empresa de Servicos Hospitalares S.A., Everett MSO Inc., Excelsior Insurance Brokerage Inc., Executive Health Resources Inc., Executive Surgery Center L.L.C., Eye Clinic Oftalmologia Clinico Cirurgica e Diagnostico Ltda., Eye Specialists Surgery Centers LLC, FMG Holdings LLC, Family Health Care Services, Family Home Hospice Inc., Ferrell Physician Services P.C., Fideicomiso Clinica Barranquilla Portoazul FA-517, First Coast Orthopedic Center LLC, First Family Insurance LLC, Florence Surgery Center L.P., For Health Inc., For Health of Arizona Inc., Fort Sutter Medical Building a California Limited Partnership, Fort Worth Endoscopy Centers LLC, Fortified Provider Network Inc., Foundation Surgery Affiliate General of Huntingdon Valley LLC, Foundation Surgery Affiliate of Huntingdon Valley L.P., Franklin Surgical Center LLC, Freedom Life Insurance Company of America, Freeway Surgicenter of Houston LLC, Frontier Medex Tanzania Limited, FrontierMEDEX Inc., FrontierMEDEX Kenya Limited, FrontierMEDEX US Inc., Fundacion Banmedica, GLBESC LLC, GRANTS PASS SURGERY CENTER LLC, Gadsden Surgery Center LLC, Gainesville Surgery Center L.P., Gainesville Surgery Properties LLC, Genoa, Genoa Healthcare Inc., Genoa QoL Wholesale LLC, Genoa Technology Canada Inc., Genoa Technology Inc., Genoa Telepsychiatry Inc., Genoa of Arkansas LLC, Gladiolus Surgery Center L.L.C., Glenwood Surgical Center L.P., Glenwood-SC Inc., Global One Ventures LLC, Golden Gate Endoscopy Center LLC, Golden Outlook Inc., Golden Rule Financial Corporation, Golden Rule Insurance Company, Golden Triangle Surgicenter L.P., Grandview Surgery Center LTD., Greater New Haven ASC LLC, Greensboro Specialty Surgery Center LLC, Greenville Surgery Center LLC, Greenway Surgical Suites LLC, Grossmont Surgery Center L.P., Grove Place Surgery Center L.L.C., H&W Indemnity SPC Ltd., H.I. Investments Holding Company LLC, HCP ACO California LLC, HCentive Technology India Private Limited, HFHS-SCA Holdings LLC, HMG Holding Corporation, HMG Holdings LLC, HMP of Baltimore  USH P.C., Harken Health Insurance Company, Harrison Endo Surgical Center LLC, Hawthorn Place Outpatient Surgery Center L.P., Hays JV Partners LLC, Hays Surgery Center LLC, Health Care-ONE Insurance Agency Inc., Health Inventures Employment Solutions LLC, Health Inventures LLC, Health Plan of Nevada Inc., HealthCare Partners ASC-LB LLC, HealthCare Partners Affiliates Medical Group, HealthCare Partners Management Services California LLC, HealthCare Partners RE LLC, HealthEast Surgery Center-Maplewood LLC, HealthFirst IPA Inc., HealthMarkets Group Inc., HealthMarkets Inc., HealthMarkets Insurance Agency Inc., HealthMarkets LLC, HealthMarkets Services Inc., HealthSCOPE Holdings Inc., HealthScope Benefits Inc., Healthcare Solutions Inc., Healthplex America LLC, Healthplex Dental Services Inc., Healthplex I.P.A. Inc., Healthplex Inc., Healthplex Insurance Company, Healthplex of CT Inc., Healthplex of DC Inc., Healthplex of MD Inc., Healthplex of ME Inc., Healthplex of NC Inc., Healthplex of NJ Inc., Healthplex of TX Inc., Heartland Heart and Vascular LLC, Help Seguros de Vida S.A., Help Service S.A., Help SpA, Hemonefro  Hemodialise e Nefrologia Ltda, Highlands Ranch Healthcare LLC, Home Medical S.A., Honodav SpA, Hospice Inspiris Holdings Inc., Hospitais Associados de Pernambuco Ltda., Hospital Alvorada Taguatinga Ltda., Hospital Ana Costa S.A., Hospital Santa Helena S.A., Hospital de Clinicas de Jacarepagua Ltda., Hospitalist Medicine Physician of Broome County PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physician of New York - Binghamton P.C., Hospitalist Medicine Physician of New York - Buffalo P.C., Hospitalist Medicine Physician of New York - Newburgh P.C., Hospitalist Medicine Physician of New York - Nyack P.C., Hospitalist Medicine Physician of New York - Patchogue P.C., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Alabama  TCG Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Alabama  TCS Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Alaska  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Alaska  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona - Goodyear Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona - Nogales Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona - Phoenix II Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona - Phoenix Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona - Sierra Vista Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona - Tucson II Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona - Tucson Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona  TCG Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona  TCS Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arkansas  TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arkansas  TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Buncombe County PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Apple Valley PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Bakersfield PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Camarillo PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Crescent City PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Fairfield PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Fremont PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Grass Valley PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Jackson PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Oceanside PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Oxnard PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Salinas PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - San Bernardino II PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - San Bernardino PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - San Leandro PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Sonoma PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Stockton II PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Stockton PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Thousand Oaks PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Vacaville PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Colorado - Brighton PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Colorado - Denver PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Colorado  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Colorado  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Connecticut - Manchester LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Connecticut - Rockville LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Connecticut - Wallingford LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Connecticut LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Connecticut  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Connecticut  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of DC PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of DC  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of DC  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Delaware  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Delaware  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Florida - Ft. Lauderdale LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Florida - Jacksonville II LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Florida - Jacksonville LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Florida - Palm Coast LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Florida  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Florida  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Fredericksburg LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Georgia - Atlanta PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Georgia - East Point PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Georgia - Lavonia PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Georgia - Savannah PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Georgia  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Georgia  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Hawaii - Kealakekua Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Hawaii  TCG Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Hawaii  TCS Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Idaho - Nampa PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Idaho  TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Idaho  TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Illinois - Downers Grove LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Illinois - Elmhurst LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Illinois - Rockford LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Illinois - Winfield LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Illinois  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Illinois  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Indiana - Clinton LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Indiana - Mishawaka LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Indiana - Terre Haute LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Indiana LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Indiana  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Indiana  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Iowa - Cedar Rapids PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Iowa - Mason City PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Iowa PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Iowa  TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Iowa  TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Kansas - Topeka LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Kansas - Wichita II LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Kansas - Wichita LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Kansas  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Kansas  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Louisiana - Alexandria Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Louisiana - Bossier City Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Louisiana - Lake Charles Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Louisiana - Shreveport Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Louisiana  TCG Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Louisiana  TCS Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maine - Bangor PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maine - Lewiston PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maine  TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maine  TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maryland - Cheverly PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maryland - Cumberland PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maryland - Frederick PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maryland - Laurel PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maryland - Rockville PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maryland P.C., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maryland  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Maryland  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts - Brockton PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts - Dorchester PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts - Framingham PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts - Holyoke PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts - Natick PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts - Norwood PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts - Springfield PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts - Stoughton PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts - Taunton PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts - Worcester PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Massachusetts  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan - Alpena PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan - Dowagiac PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan - Escanaba PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan - Grand Blanc PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan - Grayling PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan - Kalamazoo PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan - Plainwell PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan - Port Huron PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan - Saginaw PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan - Tawas City PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan  TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Michigan  TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Minnesota  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Minnesota  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Mississippi LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Mississippi  TCG Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Mississippi  TCS Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Missouri - Bridgeton Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Missouri - Richmond Heights Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Missouri  TCG Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Missouri  TCS Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Montana - Billings PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Montana - Butte PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Montana - Miles City PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Montana - Missoula PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Montana  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Montana  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Multiple Practice Sites LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Nebraska  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Nebraska  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Nevada - Henderson Bessler PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Nevada - Henderson II Bessler PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Nevada - Las Vegas Bessler PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Nevada - Las Vegas II Bessler PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Nevada  TCG Bessler PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Nevada  TCS Bessler PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New Hampshire  TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New Hampshire  TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New Jersey - Hackensack PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New Jersey - Paterson PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New Jersey - TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New Jersey  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New Mexico - Clovis LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New Mexico - Rio Rancho LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New Mexico - TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New Mexico - TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of New York PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Carolina - Burlington PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Carolina - Clyde PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Carolina - Elizabeth City PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Carolina - Jacksonville PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Carolina - New Bern PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Carolina - Rocky Mount PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Carolina PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Carolina  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Carolina  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Dakota  TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of North Dakota  TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Akron Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Batavia Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Canton Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Cincinnati II Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Cincinnati III Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Cincinnati Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Circleville Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Columbus II Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Columbus Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Dover Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - East Liverpool Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Fairfield Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Martins Ferry Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - 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Aiken LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of South Carolina - Rock Hill LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of South Carolina  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of South Carolina  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of South Dakota  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of South Dakota  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Tennessee  Columbia PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Tennessee  Franklin PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Tennessee  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Tennessee  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Amarillo PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Atlanta PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Austin II PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Austin PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Bryan PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Burnet PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Corpus Christi II PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Corpus Christi PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Cypress PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Dallas PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - El Paso II PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - El Paso III PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - El Paso PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Fort Worth II PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Fort Worth PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Fredericksburg PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Houston PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Humble PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Kerrville PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Kyle PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Livingston PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Lubbock PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Lufkin PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Mount Pleasant PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Plainview PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Rockwall PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Round Rock PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - San Antonio II PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - San Antonio III PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - San Antonio IV PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - San Antonio PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - San Antonio V PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - San Antonio VI PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - San Antonio VII PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - San Marcos PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Texarkana PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Tyler PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas  TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas  TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Utah  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Utah  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Vermont  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Vermont  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia - Alexandria LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia - Front Royal II LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia - Front Royal LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia - Mechanicsville LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia - Midlothian LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia - Richmond II LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia - Richmond LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia - Winchester LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Arlington PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Auburn PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Bellingham PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Bremerton PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Burien PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Coupeville PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Enumclaw PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Federal Way PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Gig Harbor PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Lakewood PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Mount Vernon PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Puyallup PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Tacoma II PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Tacoma III PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Tacoma PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Vancouver PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington County LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington  TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington  TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of West Virginia PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of West Virginia  Martinsburg PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of West Virginia  South Charleston PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of West Virginia  TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of West Virginia  TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of West Virginia  Wheeling PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Wisconsin Ltd., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Wyoming - Casper LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Wyoming  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Wyoming  TCS LLC, Hospitalists Management Group LLC, Humedica, Humedica Inc., Hygeia Corporation, Hygeia Corporation Ontario, IEC Holdings LLC, IHD Holdings LLC, INOV8 Surgical at Memorial City LLC, INSPIRIS of Texas Physician Group, Illinois Independent Care Network LLC, Imagen Technologies Inc., Impel Consulting Experts L.L.C., Impel Management Services L.L.C., InTouch Pharmacy LLC, Indiana Care Organization LLC, Indiana Endoscopy Centers LLC, Inland Surgery Center L.P., Inmobiliaria Apoquindo 3001 S.A., Inmobiliaria Apoquindo 3600 Ltda., Inmobiliaria Apoquindo S.A., Inmobiliaria Clinica Santa Maria S.A., Inmobiliaria Vinamed Ltda., Inmobiliaria e Inversiones Alameda S.A., Inpatient Services P.C., Inpatient Specialists of California P.C., Inspiris, Inspiris Inc., Instituto Radium de Cammpinas Ltda, Inter-Hospital Physicians Association Inc., International Healthcare Services Inc., Inversiones Clinicas Santa Maria SpA, Ironman Holdco Inc., Ironman Intermediate Holdco LLC, Isapre Banmedica S.A., JPM Healthcare LLC, Johnston Surgicare L.P., Joliet Surgery Center Limited Partnership, Jordan Ridge Family Medicine LLC, Joyable Inc., Kansal Inc. A Professional Corporation, Knox Diagnostic Imaging Center LLC, Kokomo Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, LDI Holding Company LLC, LDI Management Services LLC, LGH-A/Golf ASTC L.L.C., LHC Group, La Esperanza del Peru S.A., Laboratorio ROE S.A., Laboratorios Medicos Amed Quilpue S.A., Landmark Group Holdings LLC, Landmark Health Holdings LLC, Landmark Health LLC, Landmark Health NY IPA LLC, Landmark Health NY PO LLC, Landmark Health Technologies Private Limited, Landmark Health of California LLC, Landmark Health of Massachusetts LLC, Landmark Health of North Carolina LLC, Landmark Health of Oregon LLC, Landmark Health of Pennsylvania LLC, Landmark Health of Washington LLC, Landmark India LLC, Landmark Intermediate Holdings LLC, Landmark MSO LLC, Landmark Medical of Idaho PC, Landmark Medical of Massachusetts PLLC, Landmark Medical of Tennessee PC, Landmark Primary Care LLC, Laser Acquisition Holdings III LLC, Leehar Distributors LLC, Lemhi Ventures Fund I LP, Lemhi Ventures Fund II LP, Level2 Medical Services P.C. Alaska, Lexington Surgery Center Ltd., Liberty Anesthesia Services LLC, LifePrint Health Inc., LifeWell. Ltd. Co., Lifeprint Accountable Care Organization LLC, Limestone Medical Center LLC, Litomedica S.A., Logan Surgical Suites LLC, Lotten-Eyes Oftalmologia Clinica e Cirurgica Ltda., Louisville S.C. Ltd., Louisville-SC Properties Inc., Loyola Ambulatory Surgery Center at Oakbrook Inc., Loyola Ambulatory Surgery Center at Oakbrook L.P., Lusiadas - Parcerias Cascais S.A., Lusiadas A.C.E., Lusiadas Algarve S.A., Lusiadas S.A., Lusiadas SGPS S.A., Lutheran Campus ASC LLC, MAMSI Life and Health Insurance Company, MCNA Health Care Holdings LLC, MCNA Insurance Company, MCNA Systems Corp., MD Ops Inc., MD-Individual Practice Association Inc., ME AHS UC LLC, MGH/SCA LLC, MHC Real Estate Holdings LLC, MIAMI SURGERY CENTER LLC, MSLA Management LLC, Main Line Spine Surgery Center LLC, Managed Care of North America Inc., Managed Physical Network Inc., Mansfield Endoscopy Center LLC, March Holdings Inc., March Vision Care IPA Inc., March Vision Care Inc., March Vision Care of Texas Inc., Marin Health Ventures LLC, Marin Specialty Surgery Center LLC, Marin Surgery Holdings Inc., Marlin Holding Company LLC, Maryland Ambulatory Centers LLC, Maryland-SCA Centers LLC, Massachusetts Assurance Company Ltd. PIC, Massachusetts Avenue Surgery Center LLC, McKenzie Surgery Center L.P., MedExpress Primary Care West Virginia Inc., MedExpress Urgent Care Alabama LLC, MedExpress Urgent Care Inc. - Ohio, MedExpress Urgent Care Maine Inc., MedExpress Urgent Care New Hampshire Inc., MedExpress Urgent Care of Boynton Beach LLC, MedSynergies, MedSynergies LLC, Medical Clinic of North Texas PLLC, Medical Hilfe S.A., Medical Support Los Angeles Inc., Medical Surgical Centers of America Inc., Medical Transportation Services LLC, Melbourne Surgery Center LLC, Memorial City Holdings LLC, Memorial City Partners LLC, Memorial Houston Surgery Center LLC, MemorialCare Surgical Center at Orange Coast LLC, MemorialCare Surgical Center at Saddleback LLC, Mesquite Liberty LLC, Metro I Stone Management Ltd., Mid Atlantic Medical Services, Mid-West National Life Insurance Company of Tennessee, Midlands Orthopaedics Surgery Center LLC, Midwest Center for Day Surgery LLC, Mile High SurgiCenter LLC, Mississippi Medical Plaza L.C., Mobile Medical Services of New Jersey PC, Mobile-SC LTD., Modality Accountable Care Organisation Limited, Moen M.D. P.C., Mohawk Surgery Center LLC, Monarch Management Services Inc., Montgomery Surgery Center Limited Partnership, Monument Health LLC, Moore Orthopaedic Clinic Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, Morris County Surgical Center LLC, Mt. Pleasant Surgery Center L.P., Multiangio Ltda., Murrells Inlet ASC LLC, Muskogee Surgical Investors LLC, Mustang Razorback Holdings Inc., My Wellness Solutions LLC, NAMM Holdings Inc., NPN IPA Washington PLLC, NSC Channel Islands LLC, NSC Greensboro LLC, NSC Greensboro West LLC, NSC Lancaster LLC, NSC Seattle Inc., NSC Upland LLC, Naperville Surgical Centre LLC, National Foundation Life Insurance Company, National Pacific Dental Inc., National Surgery Centers LLC, Navigator Health Inc., Nebraska Spine Hospital LLC, Neighborhood Health Partnership Inc., Netwerkes LLC, Nevada Pacific Dental, New Orleans Regional Physician Hospital Organization L.L.C., New West Physicians Inc., New York Proton Management LLC, Newton Holdings LLC, Niagara Hospitalist P.C., Nomad Buyer Inc., North American Medical Management California Inc., North Coast Surgery Center Ltd. a California Limited Partnership, North Dallas Surgical Center LLC, North Kitsap Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, North Puget Sound Oncology Equipment Leasing Company LLC, Northern Nevada Health Network Inc., Northern Rockies Surgery Center L.P., Northern Rockies Surgicenter Inc., Northern Utah Surgery Center LLC, Northwest Hills JV Partners LLC, Northwest Medical Group Alliance LLC, Northwest Spine and Laser Surgery Center LLC, Northwest Surgicare LLC, Northwest Surgicare Ltd. an Illinois Limited Partnership, OC Cardiology Practice Partners LLC, OCC MSO LLC, OSB  Tecnologia e Servicos de Suporte Lda., Omesa SpA, OmniClaim LLC, Oncocare S.A.C., One World Surgery, Ophthalmology Surgery Center of Dallas LLC, Optimum Choice Inc., Optum Bank Inc., Optum Biometrics Inc., Optum Care Inc., Optum Care Networks Inc., Optum Care Services Company, Optum Care of New York Management Inc., Optum Clinics Holdings Inc., Optum Clinics Intermediate Holdings Inc., Optum Compounding Services LLC, Optum Digital Health Holdings LLC, Optum Direct To Consumer Inc., Optum Financial Inc., Optum Frontier Therapies Holdings LLC, Optum Frontier Therapies II LLC, Optum Frontier Therapies LLC, Optum Genomics Inc., Optum Global Solutions Colombia S.A.S., Optum Global Solutions India Private Limited, Optum Global Solutions International B.V., Optum Global Solutions Philippines Inc., Optum Government Solutions Inc., Optum Growth Partners Holdings Inc., Optum Growth Partners LLC, Optum Health & Technology Holdings US Inc., Optum Health & Technology Hong Kong Limited, Optum Health & Technology India Private Limited, Optum Health & Technology Servicos do Brasil Ltda., Optum Health & Technology Singapore Pte. Ltd., Optum Health & Technology US LLC, Optum Health Plan of California, Optum Health Services Canada Ltd., Optum Health Solutions Australia Pty Ltd, Optum Health Solutions UK Limited, Optum Health and Technology FZ-LLC, Optum Healthcare of Illinois Inc., Optum Hospice Pharmacy Services LLC, Optum Inc., Optum Infusion Services 100 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 101 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 103 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 200 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 201 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 202 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 203 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 204 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 205 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 206 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 207 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 208 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 209 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 301 LP, Optum Infusion Services 302 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 305 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 308 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 401 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 402 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 403 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 404 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 500 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 501 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 550 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 551 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 553 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 554 Inc., Optum Insurance of Ohio Inc., Optum Labs Inc., Optum Labs LLC, Optum Life Sciences Canada Inc., Optum Management Consulting Shanghai Co. Ltd., Optum Networks of New Jersey Inc., Optum Operations Ireland Unlimited Company, Optum Oregon MSO LLC, Optum Palliative and Hospice Care of Pennsylvania Inc., Optum Palliative and Hospice Care of Texas Inc., Optum Perks LLC, Optum Pharma Services Holdings Inc., Optum Pharmacy 601 LLC, Optum Pharmacy 700 LLC, Optum Pharmacy 701 LLC, Optum Pharmacy 702 LLC, Optum Pharmacy 704 Inc., Optum Pharmacy 705 LLC, Optum Pharmacy 706 Inc., Optum Pharmacy 707 Inc., Optum Pharmacy 800 Inc., Optum Pharmacy 803 Inc., Optum Pharmacy 805 Inc., Optum Pharmacy 806 Inc., Optum Public Sector Solutions Inc., Optum Rocket LLC, Optum SCA CS JV Holdings LLC, Optum Senior Services LLC, Optum Services Inc., Optum Services Ireland Limited, Optum Services Puerto Rico LLC, Optum Solutions UK Holdings Limited, Optum Technology LLC, Optum UK Solutions Group Limited, Optum Venture Global Partners II LP, Optum Venture Global Partners LP, Optum Venture Partners II LP, Optum Venture Partners III LP, Optum Venture Partners LP, Optum Washington Network LLC, Optum Women's and Children's Health LLC, Optum of New York Inc., Optum360 LLC, Optum360 Services Inc., Optum360 Solutions LLC, OptumCare ACO New Mexico LLC, OptumCare ACO West LLC, OptumCare Clinical Trials LLC, OptumCare Colorado ASC LLC, OptumCare Colorado LLC, OptumCare Colorado Springs LLC, OptumCare Endoscopy Center New Mexico LLC, OptumCare Florida CI LLC, OptumCare Florida LLC, OptumCare Holdings Colorado LLC, OptumCare Holdings LLC, OptumCare Management LLC, OptumCare New Mexico LLC, OptumCare New York IPA Inc., OptumCare Portland LLC, OptumCare South Florida LLC, OptumCare Specialty Practices LLC, OptumHealth Care Solutions LLC, OptumHealth Holdings LLC, OptumHealth International B.V., OptumInsight Holdings LLC, OptumInsight Inc., OptumInsight India Private Limited, OptumInsight Life Sciences Inc., OptumRx Administrative Services LLC, OptumRx Discount Card Services LLC, OptumRx Group Holdings Inc., OptumRx Health Solutions LLC, OptumRx Holdings I LLC, OptumRx Holdings LLC, OptumRx Home Delivery of Ohio LLC, OptumRx IPA III Inc., OptumRx Inc., OptumRx NY IPA Inc., OptumRx PBM of Illinois Inc., OptumRx PBM of Maryland LLC, OptumRx PBM of Pennsylvania LLC, OptumRx PBM of Wisconsin LLC, OptumRx PD of Pennsylvania LLC, OptumRx Pharmacy Inc., OptumRx Pharmacy of Nevada Inc., OptumRx of Pennsylvania LLC, OptumServe Technology Services Inc., Oregon Healthcare Resources LLC, Oregon Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, Orlando Center for Outpatient Surgery L.P., OrthoNet Holdings Inc., OrthoNet LLC, OrthoNet New York IPA Inc., OrthoNet West Inc., OrthoNet of the South Inc., OrthoWest MSO LLC, Orthology Inc., Orthopedic Center of Palm Beach County LLC, Orthopedic Surgery Center of Palm Beach County LLC, Orthopro Management LLC, Ovations Inc., Owensboro Ambulatory Surgical Facility Ltd., Oxford Benefit Management Inc., Oxford Health Insurance Inc., Oxford Health Plans CT Inc., Oxford Health Plans LLC, Oxford Health Plans NJ Inc., Oxford Health Plans NY Inc., P2P Link LLC, PCCCV Inc., PHC Subsidiary Holdings LLC, PHYSICIANS DAY SURGERY CENTER LLC, PMI Acquisition LLC, PMSI Holdings LLC, PMSI Settlement Solutions LLC, POMCO Inc., POMCO Network Inc., PPH Holdings LLC, PPH Management Company L.L.C., PPH-Columbia Inc., PPH-Gardendale Inc., PS Center LLC, PacifiCare Health Systems, PacifiCare Life Assurance Company, PacifiCare Life and Health Insurance Company, PacifiCare of Arizona Inc., PacifiCare of Colorado Inc., Pacific Cardiovascular Associates Medical Group Inc., Pacific Casualty Company Inc., Pacifico S.A. Entidad Prestadora de Salud, Panama City Surgery Center LLC, Park Hill Surgery Center LLC, Parkway Surgery Center LLC, Patient Care Associates L.L.C., PatientsLikeMe, Patrimonio Autonomo Nueva Clinica, Payment Resolution Services LLC, Peninsula Eye Surgery Center LLC, Penzo Enterprises LLC, Peoples Health, Peoples Health Inc., Perham Physical Therapy LTD, Perimeter Center for Outpatient Surgery L.P., Pharmaceutical Technologies LLC, Physician Alliance of the Rockies LLC, Physicians Health Choice of Texas LLC, Physicians Health Plan of Maryland Inc., Physicians' Surgery Center of Downey LLC, Pinnacle III LLC, Plano de Saude Ana Costa Ltda., Plus One Health Management Puerto Rico Inc., Plus One Holdings Inc., Pocono Ambulatory Surgery Center Limited, Polar II Fundo de Investimento em Participacoes Multiestrategia, Polo Holdco LLC, Pomerado Outpatient Surgical Center Inc., Pomerado Outpatient Surgical Center L.P., Post-Acute Care Center for Research LLC, Practice Partners in Healthcare LLC, Preferred Care Network Inc., Preferred Care Network of Florida Inc., Preferred Care Partners Holding Corp., Preferred Care Partners Inc., Preferred Care Partners Medical Group Inc., PreferredOne, PreferredOne Administrative Services Inc., PreferredOne Insurance Company, Premier Choice ACO Inc., Premier Surgery Center of Louisville L.P., Premiere Medical Resources LLC, Presidio Surgery Center LLC, Prime Health Inc., PrimeCare Medical Network Inc., PrimeCare of Citrus Valley Inc., PrimeCare of Corona Inc., PrimeCare of Hemet Valley Inc., PrimeCare of Inland Valley Inc., PrimeCare of Moreno Valley Inc., PrimeCare of Redlands Inc., PrimeCare of Riverside Inc., PrimeCare of San Bernardino Inc., PrimeCare of Sun City Inc., PrimeCare of Temecula Inc., PrimeDoc St. Francis P.C., PrimeDoc of Richmond P.C., ProHEALTH Care Associates L.L.P., ProHEALTH Care Associates of New Jersey LLP, ProHEALTH Medical Management LLC, ProHealth Physicians ACO LLC, ProHealth Physicians Inc., ProHealth Proton Center Management LLC, ProHealth/CareMount Dental Management LLC, Procura Management Inc., Professional Coverage Services PLLC, Progressive Enterprises Holdings Inc., Progressive Medical LLC, Promotora Country S.A., Pronounced Health Solutions Inc., Prosemedic S.A.C., Prospero Benefits Management LLC, Prospero Care Management LLC, Prospero Management Services LLC, Providence & SCA Development LLC, Providence & SCA Off-Campus Holdings LLC, Providence & SCA On-Campus Holdings LLC, Providence & SCA Outreach Markets Holdings LLC, Pulse Platform LLC, QoL Acquisition Holdings Corp., R Cubed Inc., RABessler M.D. P.C., ROC Surgery LLC, ROCS Holdings LLC, RX Ricardo Campos Ltda., Rally Health Inc., ReMedics LLC, Real Appeal Inc., Redding Surgery Center LLC, Redlands Ambulatory Surgery Center, Redlands-SCA Surgery Centers Inc., Reliant MSO LLC, Reliant Medical Group Inc., Reliant Medical Group The Endoscopy Center LLC, Research Surgical Center LLC, Resonancia Magnetica de Colombia Ltda., Resonancia Magnetica del Country S.A., RightCare Solutions Inc., River Valley ASC LLC, Riverside Corporate Wellness LLC, Riverside Electronic Healthcare Resources Inc., Riverside Medical Management LLC, Riverside Surgical Center of Meadowlands LLC, Riverside Surgical Center of Newark LLC, Robert A. Bessler MD PLLC, Rockville Eye Surgery Center LLC, Rocky Mountain Health Maintenance Organization Incorporated, Rush Oak Brook Surgery Center LLC, SC Affiliates LLC, SCA AHN JV Holdings LLC, SCA Alaska Surgery Center inc., SCA Athens LLC, SCA Austin Holdings LLC, SCA Austin Medical Center Holdings LLC, SCA Aventura Holdings LLC, SCA BOSC Holdings LLC, SCA Bloomfield Holdings LLC, SCA Cedar Park Holdings LLC, SCA Clifton LLC, SCA Colorado Springs Holdings LLC, SCA Community Service Foundation, SCA Cottonwood Holdings LLC, SCA Danbury Surgical Center LLC, SCA Denver Holdings LLC, SCA Development LLC, SCA Duluth Holdings LLC, SCA Duncanville Holdings LLC, SCA Duncanville MSO LLC, SCA ESSC Holdings LLC, SCA Englewood Holdings LLC, SCA Global One Holdings LLC, SCA Greenway Holdings LLC, SCA Grove Creek Holdings LLC, SCA Guilford Holdings LLC, SCA Hays Holdings LLC, SCA Health Value Enterprise LLC, SCA Heartland Holdings LLC, SCA High Point Holdings LLC, SCA HoldCo Inc., SCA Holding Company Inc., SCA Holdings Inc., SCA IEC Holdings LLC, SCA Indiana Holdings LLC, SCA Lutheran Holdings LLC, SCA Maple Grove Holdings LLC, SCA Mohawk Holdings LLC, SCA Murrells Inlet LLC, SCA Northern Utah Holdings LLC, SCA Northwest Holdings LLC, SCA Outside New Jersey LLC, SCA Pacific Holdings Inc., SCA Pacific Surgery Holdings LLC, SCA Palisades Holdings LLC, SCA Pennsylvania Holdings LLC, SCA Pinnacle Holdings LLC, SCA Premier Surgery Center of Louisville LLC, SCA Providence Holdings LLC, SCA ROCS Holdings LLC, SCA Rockledge JV LLC, SCA Rush Oak Brook Holdings LLC, SCA SSSC Holdings LLC, SCA Sage Medical LLC, SCA Sage Medical MSO LLC, SCA San Diego Holdings LLC, SCA Skyway Holdings LLC, SCA South Ogden Holdings LLC, SCA Southwestern PA LLC, SCA Specialists of Florida LLC, SCA Specialty Holdings of Connecticut LLC, SCA Stonegate Holdings LLC, SCA Surgery Holdings LLC, SCA Surgicare of Laguna Hills LLC, SCA Teammate Support Network, SCA West Health Holdings LLC, SCA Westgreen Holdings LLC, SCA Woodbury Holdings LLC, SCA eCode Solutions Private Limited, SCA of Clarksville Inc., SCA-Albuquerque Surgery Properties Inc., SCA-Alliance LLC, SCA-Anne Arundel LLC, SCA-Applecare Partners LLC, SCA-Bethesda LLC, SCA-Blue Ridge LLC, SCA-Bonita Springs LLC, SCA-Brandon LLC, SCA-Castle Rock LLC, SCA-Central Florida LLC, SCA-Charleston LLC, SCA-Chatham LLC, SCA-Chevy Chase LLC, SCA-Citrus Inc., SCA-Colonial Partners LLC, SCA-Colorado Springs LLC, SCA-Connecticut Partners LLC, SCA-DRY CREEK LLC, SCA-Davenport LLC, SCA-Denver LLC, SCA-Denver Physicians Holdings LLC, SCA-Derry LLC, SCA-Doral LLC, SCA-Downey LLC, SCA-Dublin LLC, SCA-Encinitas Inc., SCA-Eugene Inc., SCA-First Coast LLC, SCA-Florence LLC, SCA-Fort Collins Inc., SCA-Fort Walton Inc., SCA-Franklin LLC, SCA-Frederick LLC, SCA-Freeway Holdings LLC, SCA-Ft. Myers LLC, SCA-GRANTS PASS LLC, SCA-Gainesville LLC, SCA-Gladiolus LLC, SCA-Glenwood Holdings LLC, SCA-Grove Place LLC, SCA-Hagerstown LLC, SCA-Hamden LLC, SCA-Hilton Head LLC, SCA-Honolulu LLC, SCA-Houston Executive LLC, SCA-IT Holdings LLC, SCA-Illinois LLC, SCA-JPM Holdings LLC, SCA-Kissing Camels Holdings LLC, SCA-MC VBP Inc., SCA-Main Street LLC, SCA-Marina del Rey LLC, SCA-Mecklenburg Development Corp., SCA-Memorial City LLC, SCA-Memorial LLC, SCA-Merritt LLC, SCA-Midlands LLC, SCA-Midway Management LLC, SCA-Mobile LLC, SCA-Mokena LLC, SCA-Morris Avenue LLC, SCA-Morris County LLC, SCA-Mt. Pleasant LLC, SCA-Naperville LLC, SCA-Naples LLC, SCA-New Jersey LLC, SCA-Newport Beach LLC, SCA-Northeast Georgia Health LLC, SCA-PORTLAND LLC, SCA-Palm Beach LLC, SCA-Palm Beach MSO Holdings LLC, SCA-Panama City Holdings LLC, SCA-Paoli LLC, SCA-Phoenix LLC, SCA-Pocono LLC, SCA-Practice Partners Holdings LLC, SCA-River Valley LLC, SCA-Riverside LLC, SCA-Riverside Partners LLC, SCA-Rockville LLC, SCA-Sacred Heart Holdings LLC, SCA-San Diego Inc., SCA-San Luis Obispo LLC, SCA-Sand Lake LLC, SCA-Santa Rosa Inc., SCA-Somerset LLC, SCA-South Jersey LLC, SCA-Sparta LLC, SCA-Spartanburg Holdings LLC, SCA-St. Louis Holdings LLC, SCA-St. Louis LLC, SCA-St. Lucie LLC, SCA-SurgiCare LLC, SCA-Swiftpath LLC, SCA-VERTA LLC, SCA-VLR Holdings Company LLC, SCA-Wake Forest LLC, SCA-Western Connecticut LLC, SCA-Westover Hills LLC, SCA-Winchester LLC, SCA-Winter Park Inc., SCA-Woodlands Holdings LLC, SCAI Holdings LLC, SCLHS-SCA Holdings LLC, SCP Specialty Infusion LLC, SHC Atlanta LLC, SHC Austin Inc., SHC Hawthorn Inc., SHC Melbourne Inc., SJ East Campus ASC LLC, SRPS LLC, SSSC Holdings LLC, SVHS-SCA Florida JV LLC, Sacred Heart ASC LLC, Saden S.A., Sage Medical Prof. LLC, Salem JV Holdings LLC, Salem Surgery Center LLC, Salveo Specialty Pharmacy Inc., San Diego Endoscopy Center, San Diego Sports and Minimally Invasive Surgery Center LLC, San Francisco Endoscopy Center LLC, San Luis Obispo Surgery Center a California Limited Partnership, Sand Lake SurgiCenter LLC, Santa Barbara Endoscopy Center LLC, Santa Cruz Endoscopy Center LLC, Santa Helena Assistencia Medica S.A., Santa Rosa Surgery Center L.P., Santos Administracao e Participacoes S.A., Sanvello Health Holdings LLC, Sanvello Health Inc., Sanvello Health Limited, Scanner Centromed S.A., Seashore Surgical Institute L.L.C., Seisa Servicos Integrados de Saude Ltda., Senate Street Surgery Center LLC, Senior Benefits L.L.C., Serquinox Holdings LLC, Servicios Integrados de Salud Ltda., Servicios Medicos Amed Quilpue S.A., Servicios Medicos Bio Bio Ltda., Servicios Medicos Ciudad del Mar Ltda., Servicios Medicos Santa Maria Ltda., Servicios Medicos Vespucio Ltda., Servicios de Entrenamiento en Competencias Clinicas Ltda., Serviclinica Inmobiliaria S.A., Serviclinica S.A. Ex Los Leones La Calera, Servisalud Inmobiliaria S.A., Servisalud S.A. Ex Los Carrera Quilpue, Shark Holdings P.C., Sierra Dental Plan Inc., Sierra Health Services Inc, Sierra Health Services Inc., Sierra Health and Life Insurance Company Inc., Sierra Health-Care Options Inc., Sierra Home Medical Products Inc., Sierra Nevada Administrators Inc., Sistema de Administracion Hospitalaria S.A.C., Small Business Insurance Advisors Inc., Sobam  Centro Medico Hospitalar S.A., Sociedad de Inversiones Santa Maria SpA, Solstice Administration Services Inc., Solstice Administrators Inc., Solstice Administrators of Alabama Inc., Solstice Administrators of Arizona Inc., Solstice Administrators of Missouri Inc., Solstice Administrators of North Carolina Inc., Solstice Administrators of Texas Inc., Solstice Benefit Services Inc., Solstice Benefits Inc., Solstice Health Insurance Company, Solstice Healthplans Inc., Solstice Healthplans of Arizona Inc., Solstice Healthplans of Colorado Inc., Solstice Healthplans of New Jersey Inc., Solstice Healthplans of Ohio Inc., Solstice Healthplans of Tennessee Inc., Solstice Healthplans of Texas Inc., Solstice of Illinois Inc., Solstice of Minnesota Inc., Solstice of New York Inc., Solutran LLC, Somerset Outpatient Surgery L.L.C., Sound Inpatient Physicians Inc., Sound Inpatient Physicians Medical Group Inc., Sound Inpatient Physicians of Ohio LLC, Sound Inpatient Physicians of Texas I Inc., Sound Inpatient Physicians  Michigan PLLC, Sound Intensivists of Nevada RBessler M.D. PLLC, Sound Kenwood Hospitalists of Cincinnati Inc., Sound Kenwood Hospitalists of Cincinnati LLC, Sound Physicians Advisory Services Inc., Sound Physicians Alaska Hospitalist Group LLC, Sound Physicians Anesthesiology of Texas PLLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Arizona Inc., Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Georgia P.C., Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Illinois LLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Kansas LLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Kentucky PLLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Louisiana Inc., Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Michigan PLLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Nevada Bessler PLLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of South Carolina LLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Southern California P.C., Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Texas PLLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Washington PLLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of West Virginia PLLC, Sound Physicians Holdings LLC, Sound Physicians Intensivists of Arizona Inc., Sound Physicians Intensivists of Georgia PC, Sound Physicians Intensivists of South Carolina LLC, Sound Physicians Intensivists of Virginia LLC, Sound Physicians Intensivists of Washington PLLC, Sound Physicians Palliative Care of Maryland P.C., Sound Physicians Telemedicine Inc., Sound Physicians of Florida IV LLC, Sound Physicians of Georgia III P.C., Sound Physicians of Hawaii Inc., Sound Physicians of Idaho PLLC, Sound Physicians of Illinois LLC, Sound Physicians of Indiana LLC, Sound Physicians of Iowa PLLC, Sound Physicians of Kankakee Illinois LLC, Sound Physicians of Massachusetts II P.C., Sound Physicians of Massachusetts Inc., Sound Physicians of New Jersey LLC, Sound Physicians of New York PLLC, Sound Physicians of North Carolina PLLC, Sound Physicians of South Carolina LLC, Sound Physicians of Wyoming LLC, South Arlington Surgical Providers LLC, South County Surgical Center LLC, South Sound Inpatient Physicians PLLC, Southern California Medical Practice Concepts LLC, Southland Hospitalists P.C., Southwest Medical Associates Inc., Southwest Michigan Health Network Inc., Southwest Surgery Center LLC, Southwest Surgical Center LLC, Space Coast Surgical Center Ltd., Spartanburg Surgery Center LLC, Specialists in Urology Surgery Center LLC, Specialized Pharmaceuticals Inc., Specialty Benefits LLC, Specialty Billing Solutions LLC, Specialty Surgical Center LLC, Spectera Inc., Spectera of New York IPA Inc., Sports and Spinal Physical Therapy Inc., St. Cloud Outpatient Surgery Ltd. a Minnesota Limited Partnership, St. Cloud Surgical Center LLC, St. Louis Cardiovascular Institute LLC, St. Louis Specialty Surgical Center LLC, Stonegate JV Partners LLC, Stonegate Surgery Center L.P., Summer Street ASC LLC, SunSurgery LLC, Surgery Center Holding LLC, Surgery Center at Cherry Creek LLC, Surgery Center at Cottonwood LLC, Surgery Center at Grove Creek LLC, Surgery Center at Kissing Camels LLC, Surgery Center at South Ogden LLC, Surgery Center at St. Vincent LLC, Surgery Center of Boca Raton Inc., Surgery Center of Colorado Springs LLC, Surgery Center of Des Moines LLC, Surgery Center of Easton LLC, Surgery Center of Ellicott City Inc., Surgery Center of Fairfield County LLC, Surgery Center of Fort Collins LLC, Surgery Center of Lexington LLC, Surgery Center of Louisville LLC, Surgery Center of Maui LLC, Surgery Center of Mt. Scott LLC, Surgery Center of Muskogee LLC, Surgery Center of Rockville L.L.C., Surgery Center of Southern Pines LLC, Surgery Center of The Woodlands LLC, Surgery Centers of Des Moines Ltd. an Iowa Limited Partnership, Surgery Centers-West Holdings LLC, Surgical Care Affiliates, Surgical Care Affiliates LLC, Surgical Care Affiliates Political Action Committee, Surgical Care Partners of Melbourne LLC, Surgical Caregivers of Fort Worth LLC, Surgical Center of Greensboro LLC, Surgical Center of San Diego LLC, Surgical Center of South Jersey Limited Partnership, Surgical Center of Tuscaloosa Holdings LLC, Surgical Eye Experts LLC, Surgical Health LLC, Surgical Health of Orlando LLC, Surgical Hospital Holdings of Oklahoma LLC, Surgical Management Solutions LLC, Surgicare LLC, Surgicare of Central Jersey LLC, Surgicare of Jackson LLC, Surgicare of Jackson Ltd. a Mississippi Limited Partnership, Surgicare of Joliet Inc., Surgicare of La Veta Inc., Surgicare of La Veta Ltd. a California Limited Partnership, Surgicare of Minneapolis LLC, Surgicare of Minneapolis Ltd. a Minnesota Limited Partnership, Surgicare of Mobile LLC, Surgicare of Mobile Ltd., Surgicare of Oceanside Inc., Surgicare of Owensboro LLC, Surgicare of Salem LLC, Surgicenters of Southern California Inc., Symphonix Health Holdings LLC, T.M. Carr M.D. P.C., THE SURGICAL CENTER OF THE TREASURE COAST L.L.C., THR-SCA Holdings LLC, TeamMD Holdings Inc., TeamMD Iowa Inc., TeamMD Physicians of Texas Inc., TeamUP Insurance Services Inc., Tecnologia de Informacion en Salud S.A., Texas Health Craig Ranch Surgery Center LLC, Texas Health Flower Mound Orthopedic Surgery Center LLC, Texas Health Orthopedic Surgery Center Alliance LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Alliance LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Bedford LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Chisholm Trail LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Irving LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Las Colinas LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Preston Plaza LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Rockwall LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Southwest Fort Worth LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Waxahachie LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Willow Park LLC, The Advisory Board Company, The Alaska Hospitalist Group LLC, The Chesapeake Life Insurance Company, The Eye Surgery Center of the Carolinas L.P., The Intensivist Group of Langhorne LLC, The Lewin Group Inc., The Outpatient Surgery Center of Hilton Head LLC, The Polyclinic MSO LLC, The Surgery Center of Easton L.P., The Surgical Center of Connecticut LLC, Thomas Johnson Surgery Center LLC, Three Rivers Holdings Inc., Three Rivers Surgical Care L.P., Tmesys LLC, Topimagem Diagnostico por Imagem Ltda., Touchpoint Health Plan, Trails Edge Surgery Center LLC, Trauma Surgery Affiliates LLC, Travel Express Incorporated, Treasure Valley Emerald Properties LLC, Treasure Valley Hospital Limited Partnership, Tri-City Medical Center ASC Operators LLC, Tri-County Surgery Center LLC, Trinity Cardiovascular Care PLLC, Tufts Health Freedom Insurance Company, Tufts Health Freedom Plans Inc., Tuscaloosa Surgical Center L.P., U.S. Behavioral Health Plan California, UCSD Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, UCSD Center for Surgery of Encinitas L.P., UCSD Surgical Center of San Diego LLC, UCSD-SCA Holdings I LLC, UCSD-SCA Holdings II LLC, UHC Finance Ireland Unlimited Company, UHC International Services Inc., UHC of California, UHCG Holdings Ireland Limited, UHCG Services Ireland Limited, UHCG  FZE, UHG Brasil Participacoes S.A., UHG Holdings UK IV Limited, UHG Holdings UK V Limited, UHG Holdings UK VI Limited, UHIC Holdings Inc., UMR Inc., UPHT-SCA Holdings LLC, USHEALTH Academy Inc., USHEALTH Administrators LLC, USHEALTH Advisors LLC, USHEALTH Career Agency Inc., USHEALTH Funding Inc., USHEALTH Group Inc., USMD ASC IV1 LLC, USMD ASC IV2 LLC, USMD Administrative Services L.L.C., USMD Affiliated Services, USMD Holdings Inc., USMD Hospital at Arlington L.P., USMD Hospital at Fort Worth L.P., USMD Inc., USMD PPM LLC, Unidad Medica Diagnostico S.A., Unimerica Insurance Company, Unimerica Life Insurance Company of New York, Unison Health Plan of Delaware Inc., United Behavioral Health, United Behavioral Health of New York I.P.A. Inc., United Group Reinsurance Inc., United Health Foundation, United HealthCare Services Inc., United Medical Park ASC LLC, United Resource Networks IPA of New York Inc., United in Advancing Health Equity Foundation, UnitedHealth Advisors LLC, UnitedHealth Group Employee Assistance Fund, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated, UnitedHealth Group International Finance Ireland Unlimited Company, UnitedHealth International Inc., UnitedHealth Military & Veterans Services LLC, UnitedHealthcare Benefits Plan of California, UnitedHealthcare Benefits of Texas Inc., UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation Inc., UnitedHealthcare Community Plan Inc., UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of California Inc., UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Georgia Inc., UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Ohio Inc., UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Texas L.L.C., UnitedHealthcare Consulting & Assistance Service Beijing Co. Ltd., UnitedHealthcare Europe S.a r.l., UnitedHealthcare Global Medical UK Limited, UnitedHealthcare Inc., UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of America, UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of Illinois, UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of New York, UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of the River Valley, UnitedHealthcare Insurance Designated Activity Company, UnitedHealthcare Integrated Services Inc., UnitedHealthcare International Asia LLC, UnitedHealthcare International I B.V., UnitedHealthcare International II S.a r.l., UnitedHealthcare International III B.V., UnitedHealthcare International III S.a r.l., UnitedHealthcare International IV S.a r.l., UnitedHealthcare International VII S.a r.l., UnitedHealthcare International VIII S.a r.l., UnitedHealthcare International X S.a r.l., UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance Company, UnitedHealthcare Parekh Insurance TPA Private Limited, UnitedHealthcare Plan of the River Valley Inc., UnitedHealthcare Service LLC, UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits LLC, UnitedHealthcare of Alabama Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Arizona Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Arkansas Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Colorado Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Florida Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Georgia Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Illinois Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Kentucky Ltd., UnitedHealthcare of Louisiana Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Mississippi Inc., UnitedHealthcare of New England Inc., UnitedHealthcare of New Mexico Inc., UnitedHealthcare of New York Inc., UnitedHealthcare of North Carolina Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Ohio Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Oklahoma Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Oregon Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Pennsylvania Inc., UnitedHealthcare of South Carolina Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Texas Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Utah Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Washington Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Wisconsin Inc., UnitedHealthcare of the Mid-Atlantic Inc., UnitedHealthcare of the Midlands Inc., UnitedHealthcare of the Midwest Inc., UnitedHealthcare of the Rockies Inc., Unity Health Network LLC, Upland Holdings LLC, Upland Outpatient Surgical Center L.P., Urgent Care Holdings Inc., Urgent Care MSO LLC, Urology Associates of North Texas P.L.L.C., VERTA MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC, VPay Benefits Corporation, VPay Inc., VPay Intermediate Holdings LLC, Valley Hospital L.L.C., Valley Physicians Network Inc., Vascular Labs of the Rockies ASC LLC, Vascular Labs of the Rockies PLLC, Via Vitae MSO LLC, Vida Integra S.p.A., Vida Tres S.A., Virtua-SCA Holdings II LLC, Virtua-SCA Holdings LLC, Vivify Health Canada Inc., Vivify Health Inc., WESTMED Practice Partners LLC, Wake Forest Ambulatory Ventures LLC, Walnut Creek Endoscopy Center LLC, Walnut Hill Surgery Center LLC, Wauwatosa Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, Wauwatosa Surgery Center LLC, Wayland Square Surgicare Acquisition L.P., Wayland Square Surgicare GP Inc., Waypoint Minnesota PC, WellMed Medical Management Inc., WellMed Medical Management of Florida Inc., West Coast Endoscopy Holdings LLC, WestHealth JV Holdings LLC, WestHealth Surgery Center LLC, Western Connecticut Orthopedic Surgical Center LLC, Westgreen Surgical Center LLC, Wilson Creek Surgical Center LLC, Winchester Endoscopy LLC, Winter Park LLC, Winter Park Surgery Center L.P., Woodbury Surgery Center LLC, XAS Infusion Suites Inc., XLHealth Corporation, XLHealth Corporation India Private Limited, divvyDOSE, divvyMED LLC, eCode Solutions LLC, gethealthinsurance.com Agency Inc., hCentive Inc., inPharmative Inc., naviHealth Care at Home LLC, naviHealth Coordinated Care LLC, naviHealth Coordinated Care SC P.C., naviHealth Holdings LLC, naviHealth Inc., naviHealth Michigan HBPC P.C., and naviHealth SM Holdings Inc..

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Procter & Gamble Co, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a multinational consumer goods corporation founded in 1837 by William Procter and James Gamble. The company has a rich history of innovation and has become a household name in many countries worldwide. Proctor & Gamble Co is a consumer staples stock. A consumer staples stock is a type of stock that offers investors a more stable and steady growth pattern that is minimally affected by economic factors.

With a market capitalization of over $327.9 billion as of February 2023, Procter & Gamble is one of the largest companies in the world. The company operates in over 70 countries, with its products sold in more than 180 countries globally. Its brand portfolio includes household names such as Tide, Pampers, Gillette, Head & Shoulders, Crest, and Olay.

Procter & Gamble's business is divided into five segments: Beauty, Grooming, Health Care, Fabric & Home Care, and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. The Beauty segment includes SK-II, Pantene, and Herbal Essences. The Grooming segment comprises brands such as Gillette, Venus, and Braun. The Health Care segment includes brands such as Oral-B, Vicks, and Pepto-Bismol. The Fabric & Home Care segment includes Tide, Downy, and Swiffer brands. The Baby, Feminine & Family Care segment includes brands such as Pampers, Always, and Tampax.

Procter & Gamble's products are sold through various channels, including retail stores, online retailers, and direct-to-consumer channels. The company has also invested in e-commerce capabilities and digital advertising, recognizing the importance of these channels in reaching consumers.

Procter & Gamble has a long history of innovation and investing in research and development. The company's R&D efforts are focused on improving its existing products and developing new products that meet the evolving needs of consumers. Procter & Gamble also invests heavily in marketing and advertising, recognizing the importance of building strong brands that resonate with consumers.

Recently, Procter & Gamble has made sustainability a key focus area. The company has set ambitious goals to reduce its environmental footprint, such as using 100% renewable electricity at all its plants by 2030. Procter & Gamble has also committed to reducing its plastic packaging waste to reduce its use of virgin plastic by 50% by 2030.

Procter & Gamble has a strong financial position, a solid balance sheet and a history of strong cash flows. The company has a long record of paying dividends, with over 130 years of uninterrupted dividend payments. Procter & Gamble has also implemented a share buyback program, repurchasing over $30 billion of its shares in the past three years.

Despite its size and global reach, Procter & Gamble faces competition from various large and small companies. The consumer goods industry is highly competitive, with companies constantly vying for market share and consumer attention. Procter & Gamble must continue to innovate and invest in its brands to stay ahead of its competitors.
The Gatelodge element of the Acorn Farm project at St Columbs Park has reached a key stage with the appointment of a contractor to complete its construction.

Derry City and Strabane District Council have appointed Willie Doherty Construction to build the new structure at the entrance of the main avenue to St Columbs Park House, with work anticipated to begin in August of this year.

This is the first element of the wider 6.2 million Acorn Farm capital build project that is set to transform the former MOD site into a unique growing space within the city and district.

The Gatelodge is being funded by the UK Levelling Up Fund and Council.

Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council, Cllr Patricia Logue welcomed the latest progress in the project.

I am delighted that the first element of the Acorn Farm project has now reached the key stage where physical infrastructure will start to appear on the site, she said.

The Gatelodge development is a significant element of the wider Acorn Farm project and will act as a key point of entry to the project from St Columbs Park.

The building will act as a new Park Ranger base for the Waterside and will house welfare facilities for the adjoining Acorn Farm.

Karen Philips, Director of Environment and Regeneration at Council, explained more about the wider project.

Acorn Farm will facilitate the development of new food growing technologies and deliver a capital project that will be an exemplar as a climate smart net zero/nearly zero carbon project, she said.

It will incorporate the use of circular economy principles, sustainable energy and energy / resource efficient technologies.

Council has developed a Climate Change Adaptation Plan (2020) and a Climate Change Emergency Pledge (2020) outlining our climate action commitments, including a shift to net zero greenhouse gas emissions and climate resilience across the City and District by 2045.

The ambition for the Acorn Farm site including the buildings, external works and landscape is to achieve climate resilience and whole life net zero emissions.
The British government's Legacy Bill has been condemned as an "attempt to close down access to the courts and legal remedies for hundreds of people illegally and unlawfully detained by the state".

Foyle MLA Padraig Delargy (Sinn Fein) described the Legacy Bill as tearing up the law and making a mockery of justice.

He added: "The British government has announced its intention to bolt on yet another amendment to its already fatally flawed Legacy Bill which would prevent hundreds of people illegally and unlawfully interned from seeking legal redress for wrongful imprisonment.

This latest addition to the British governments infamous Legacy Bill, which will prevent victims of the conflict and their families from accessing criminal courts, inquests, human rights compliant investigations and civil proceedings, makes an absolute mockery of justice and claims that this Bill can promote reconciliation.

Interning people without trial in the first place was shameful and it was used initially to target only one section of the community.

The British Supreme Court has ruled that the British government broke the law in illegally and unlawfully detaining hundreds of people during the early 1970s," he said.

Mr Delargy said there was a moral and legal onus on the state to provide redress to those people who were unlawfully detained because it had broken the law.

He said: "Instead of righting this wrong, facing up to its legal responsibilities and accepting the judgment of its highest court, this British government is effectively tearing up the law, closing access to the courts while relentlessly pursuing amnesty for the actions of its forces in Ireland.

The Legacy Bill is a travesty of justice, it should be scrapped. It has been rejected by victims and families, human rights experts, the UN, all the political parties on this island, as well as officials in the US and EU.

The British government should scrap this legislation and get on with implementing the legacy mechanisms agreed at Stormont House by the two governments and political parties in 2014 in a human rights' compliant manner.
"The horrific murder of Chloe Mitchell is a tragic reminder of the devastating impact that misogyny and violence against women and girls continues to have in this society."

These were the words of Derry City and Strabane District councillor Sandra Duffy (Sinn Fein), who was calling for the "implementation of a long-awaited government strategy to end violence against women and girls".

Cllr Duffy made her remarks in conjunction with her motion to Derry City and Strabane District Council on the issue.

She said: I am sure that all parties will support my motion extending condolences and solidarity to the family of Chloe Mitchell and all those who have lost their lives or who have suffered as a result of gender-based violence.

One death is too many and Chloes horrific murder is a tragic reminder of the devastating impact that violence against women and girls continues to have across our society. Chloe was the 18th woman to be killed across the North since 2020 while Womens Aid report that there is an incident of domestic abuse here every 16 minutes.

That is appalling and it is completely unacceptable. There needs to be a zero tolerance approach to all gender based violence but also to the misogynistic culture and attitudes that drive and normalise it. To do that we need a comprehensive, multi-departmental strategy in place that is ambitious and properly resourced.

It is welcome that the Executives planned Ending Violence Against Women and Girls strategy is expected to go out for public consultation in the near future. It is vital, however, that we have an Executive in place as soon as possible, with Ministers driving forward implementation of the strategy. Women and girls cannot wait any longer, we need an Executive in place now to prioritise this work."

Full text of Cllr Duffy's Motion:

"That this Council extends our condolences and solidarity to the family of Chloe Mitchell and all those who have lost their lives or who have suffered as a result of gender-based violence in this society; further recognises that misogyny continues to permeate much of our society and that the planned Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy is urgently needed to begin addressing this unacceptable violence as well as the culture and attitudes that drive and normalise it."
Derry teenager Caitlin McLaughlin (16), who passed away suddenly at the weekend, has been laid to rest in the City Cemetery, following her Requiem Mass this afternoon.

Mourners, who wore Forever 16 tee-shirts adorned with her image, joined Caitlins cortege as it left her Clon Elagh home, in the Skeoge area of the city, to travel the short distance to St Josephs Church, Galliagh.

Caitin was the beloved daughter of Leeann and Seamus, step-daughter of Elsayed and Aisling, loving sister of Courtney, Oran, Oisin, Ceaslagh, Rua, Daithi, Faehla-Rose and the late Kyle. She was also the cherished granddaughter of Bernie and Kieran McLaughlin and Helen Deery and Seamus Mahon.

Caitlin McLaughlin who was laid to rest this afternoon.

Her poignant Requiem Mass was con-celebrated by Fr Michael McCaughey, PP, St Patricks Church Pennyburn and Fr Thomas from the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal.

Welcoming the mourners to St Josephs, Fr Michael McCaughey, addressed the young people in the congregation specifically and commended the pastoral care of Derrys school community for its young people.

Fr McCaughey returned repeatedly to this theme, during the Prayers of the Faithful, at the end of Mass, and just before Cailtins friend Casey, read a poem in tribute to her and Caitlins remains were taken from the church by her grieving family and friends.

Fr McCaughey said: We come together in a week when schools are about to close, when people begin the summer holiday time and the heartbreak and the pain that is created in the midst of our community, sadly in the loss of a young person, and that sense of pain and that sense of what could be promise.

I welcome the representations of so many of our school communities, St Cecilias, St Columbs, St St Thereses, St Brigids College, all those many schools who are represented, thanking God as a school community looking out for the young people and cherishing the memory of Caitlin as a pupil and past pupil.

Caitlin's remains borne into St Joseph's Church, Galliagh, for her Requiem Mass.

The Readings at the Requiem Mass were done by Ciaran and Gemma; the Prayers of the Faithful were read by Harry, Rua, Jake and Nadine; and the Offertory gifts were brought to the altar by Ciara and Colleen, as the hymn Amazing Grace was sung.

Referencing the Gospel account of the final moments of Christ on the Cross at the opening of his Homily, a clearly emotional Fr McCaughey said that from Saturday night until Wednesday afternoon, darkness and pain was a sun eclipsed as Caitlin McLaughlins death came to reality and her family grieved her passing.

And you as many friends experience that darkness and that pain and that sadness, he said.

We come together this afternoon to pray for Caitlins Soul. We come together thanking God for her life. She was Baptised in this Church, she was confirmed in this Church, I remember very well, by Monsignor Dolan. She made her First Communion in this Church.

As has been said in the last few days, Caitlin had many friends in school and through the community.

Her death suddenly, late on Saturday night, creates shock and sadness and pain. Pain and sadness not alone for her family but indeed for her so many friends.

As of last Saturday night and Sunday morning, without the slightest warning or the slightest chance to prepare ourselves, the family and the community were plunged into darkness.

In the space of a minute, the whole world of a family and many friends was turned upside down and nothing can save us from the pain and the tears and the heartbreak of the last few days. Stunned silence at a wake house is what I have observed. Many good school friends, many teachers, many others, standing, praising a young life that has died so suddenly and so little can prepare us for that.

In the midst of pain and shock we ask, Why? and Why Caitlin? and of course those questions we cant answer. In her Baptism some 16 years ago, a Paschal Candle here on the altar was lit as she began her earthly journey. The light to be entrusted to Caitlin Anne McLaughlin was to be kept burning brightly.

And once again today, we light that candle, reminding us of a new beginning for Caitlin. Today we cannot think about what she will do or what she may do but we think about what she has achieved in her short and her full life.

Someone with great promise and with great potential, from a toddler at the Galliagh Nursery, to St St Thereses Primary School, to St Cecilias College, Caitlin was evidently a good friend. She was a typical teenager, who loved the joy of being outside and being with her friends.

As her mum tells me, When she comes home, she didnt want to do any work but just be at home. Caitlin was a light to friends. As a daughter she was a typical teenager. She was also a loving sister who just cared for those around her. She was a young person with a smile that radiated so much joy, a smile that would melt you, were the words I heard.

Today we give Caitlin back to God. A short but full earthly life. A life of memories that influenced so many.

This afternoon, we salute so many people who prepared Caitlin McLaughlin in her short life, her family, her school communities, and so many others who prepared her in a sense of friendship. We cherish those memories and may Caitlin find rest in the arms of God.

Paying tribute to Caitlin, St Cecilias College principal, Mary Jo OCarolan said the St Cecilias community was deeply saddened to learn of Caitlins passing.

Ms OCarolan added: Caitlin was a Year 12 pupil in our school. She was a gentle soul who had a wide circle of friends. She was loved by staff and pupils, each of whom held a firm belief in her potential.

We wish to express our condolences to the family, extended family, siblings and friends of Caitlin.

Our priority is to support her family, friends and staff at this sad time.

May her gentle soul rest in peace.

Caitlins sudden passing has impacted the whole Derry community. Among those expressing condolences was her former primary school, St Thereses, Lenamore.

St Thereses said: Our entire school community is devastated to hear of the untimely passing of past pupil, Caitlin McLaughlin.

Every member of staff remembers her as a kind, caring, beautiful and fun girl.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this heartbreaking time. May she rest in peace.

Caitlin McLaughlin - Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam.
DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said he took the decision to withdraw the Stormont First Minister with great reluctance.

The Northern Ireland Assembly has been in flux for the last 16 months since that move.

The DUP is refusing to participate until its concerns around the Northern Ireland Protocol are addressed by the UK Government.

The UK re-entered negotiations with the EU earlier this year around post-Brexit arrangements and agreed the Windsor Framework.

Appearing at the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on Wednesday, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said he wants to see the Government ensure legal protections in for the region for future UK and EU law changes.

He said the Windsor Framework is due to come into force in October.

Ahead of that, he said his party has put proposals to the Government.

We want to give the Government time to respond to that. And I think its important we respect the integrity of that process, he said.

Well see what the Government responds with and then we can determine what we say publicly, obviously, the outcome of this process will become a matter of public record that has to do, but I want to ensure that we get the right outcome.

Then-First Minister Paul Givan resigned in February 2022, while other ministers remained in post and could take a limited number of decisions.

Since then an Assembly election saw Sinn Fein overtake the DUP to become the largest party. This means Sinn Fein is currently entitled to nominate the next First Minister, and the DUP to nominate the next deputy First Minister.

However, the Assembly has remained effectively collapsed while the DUP refuses to participate.

Sir Jeffrey told MPs that he wants to see devolution restored.

I want to see the Assembly fully functioning and doing its job even better than before. I want to see an Executive that works, and maybe we can improve that, too, in the future, he said.

There are some who allege that the DUPs reluctance to go back into power sharing is because of the way in which the First Minister and deputy First Minister will operate going forward. They are joint offices. When devolution returns, we will nominate a minister to that office. We are very clear about that, that is not the issue for us.

He insisted his decision to withdraw Paul Givan as First Minister in February 2022 was proportionate.

It was with great reluctance that I took the decision in February 2022 to withdraw the First Minister, he told MPs.

I felt it was a proportionate decision that would buy time to allow for negotiation to take place whilst all the departmental ministers remained in place, albeit the Executive itself couldnt meet, but at least there were ministers in post and that enabled a degree of decision-making within Government departments.

So I was hoping that within that period, that we would see meaningful engagement and negotiation leading to solutions in terms of the concerns that Unionists have about the agreement.

Sir Jeffrey stressed the importance of consensus in Northern Ireland politics, quoting former SDLP leader John Hume: In a divided society, you cannot operate on majority rule, youve got to operate on the basis of consensus.

John Hume championed the concept of consensus and the reality is that at the moment in Northern Ireland, that cross-community consensus in relation to some very fundamental issues that impact on the day-to-day lives of the people of Northern Ireland, arising from the Northern Ireland Protocol as part of the EU Withdrawal Agreement, means that that consensus has been seriously undermined, he said.

We sought to resolve those issues whilst the Executive remained in place, we were party to the New Decade, New Approach Agreement at the beginning of 2020, we worked in good faith, and a key commitment in that agreement was an undertaking by the United Kingdom Government to ensure that our place in the internal market of the United Kingdom would be protected in any post-Brexit arrangements.

The protocol doesnt do that, and it is now acknowledged by the Government and indeed by the Irish Prime Minister, the current Taoiseach, that the protocol actually harmed our ability to trade with the rest of the United Kingdom.

Sir Jeffrey started his evidence by outlining his partys opposition to the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

While Sir Jeffrey was not a member of the DUP at that point, as a UUP member he walked out of the talks before the final agreement was signed.

He told MPs there was nothing for victims of the Troubles in the agreement, while paramilitary prisoners were released.

Sir Jeffrey said there were also concerns around proposals to reform policing, saying they did not want the then-RUC to be scapegoated, and also concerns around how the institutions would operate.

He added that many of their concerns around significant flaws in the 1998 deal were dealt with at St Andrews in 2006.

But he said that the change to how the First Minister and deputy First Ministers are nominated, as opposed to the original method of being elected by the Assembly, was made by Government, not requested by the DUP.
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Vedanta-Foxconn re-applies for chip incentive, scales down to only 40nm

As Micron's MoU with the government of Gujarat, India is coming up in hours, Vedanta-Foxconn joint venture, which also plans to set up a wafer fab in the state, re-submitted its application and scaled down its project for only 40nm node technology.

Business Today and ABP News Bureau reported that Vedanta-Foxconn Semiconductor Ltd, a joint venture formed by Vedanta and Foxconn in February 2022, issued a statement saying that they had submitted the application as per the revised guidelines and are committed to building a world-class fab in India.

Business Today quoted sources saying the new application is for 40nm node technology rather than the previously planned 28-40nm nodes. The report quoted David Reed, CEO of the joint venture, saying that the company doesn't have to build all that high-end stuff and should introduce technologies for 55-90nm nodes.

Vedanta-Foxconn Semiconductors signed an MoU with the government of Gujarat to build a wafer fab and a display fab at Dholera with an investment of INR1.5 trillion (US$19 billion). Meanwhile, The Hindu reported that the Gujarat government would sign an MoU with Micron for an ATMP plant in Sanand as the western state has become the front-runner in India to host the country's first semiconductor ecosystem.

Initially, the INR760 billion India Semiconductor Mission only subsidized 50% of the project cost for the technology node below 28nm, under which the Vedanta-Foxconn joint venture applied for setting up a wafer fab for 28nm technology that raised doubts by the Indian government. In September 2022, India changed its mind and provided a uniform 50% subsidy for all eligible projects under the incentive scheme, regardless of manufacturing nodes, which implies that India is pragmatically trying to encourage locally-made chips with mature node technology that has higher demand than advanced chips in India.

On the other hand, despite the resubmission of the application by Vedanta-Foxconn Semiconductors, The Economic Times reported that Foxconn is looking for a new local partner for the chip business in India, and WSJ reported that Foxconn might go its way to set up a semiconductor manufacturing facility even without support from the Indian government.
US to consider additional sanctions on AI chip exports to China

With the rise of generative AI applications like ChatGPT and AI's increasing importance, the US is considering additional sanctions on exports of AI chips to China. However, despite Washington's best efforts, high-end AI chips have still somehow found their way to China's marketplaces.

According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, the US Department of Commerce could be making its move as soon as early July to prevent Nvidia and other chipmakers from shipping certain AI chips to China, notably Nvidia's A800, without first obtaining a license. It's also considering restricting cloud service leases to Chinese AI companies, as such arrangements have been used to skirt the export bans on advanced chips.

Although the sanctions back in October 2022 are believed to be able to restrict China's AI capabilities, China was still able to gain access to some AI chips. Above all, in response to the October restrictions, Nvidia made A800/H800 chips - alternative, downgraded versions of its high-end A100 and H100 chips - for the Chinese market, as they fell under the thresholds of the sanctions. Nevertheless, as WSJ reports, the incoming restrictions are set to restrict the sale of even A800 chips without a license.

This move is viewed as an expansion of the chip export sanctions announced in October 2022, a response to the rise of generative AI that occurred after the initial sanctions were launched. US officials increasingly see AI as a national security issue, as AI can be fused with weapons to give US rivals an advantage on the battlefield. AI tools can also be used to produce chemical weapons or malicious computer codes.

The actual schedule of the sanction's rollout is still uncertain, as chipmakers have continued to push the administration to ease the restrictions. According to sources, the US government will likely wait until after Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen's visit to China in early July to implement these new restrictions.

Meanwhile, a report from Reuters showed that even the supposedly banned A100/H100 chips can still be found in China, in marketplaces like Shenzhen's Huaqiangbei and e-commerce platforms. According to the sellers, the buyers are mainly app developers, startups, researchers, and gamers. These "underground" AI chips were sold for around US$20,000, double the original price.

After approaching these sellers, Reuters discovered that these A100 chips are obtained through two methods: products that flowed into the market after procurement by US corporations, and imports through places like India, Taiwan, and Singapore. Fortunately for the US, chips obtained with these methods are too low in quantity to sufficiently train LLMs (large language models).

Ever since ChatGPT blew up, Chinese tech giants like Baidu, Alibaba, and Tencent have all launched their own LLMs. It is generally believed that the inability to access high-end chips is a risk for China's AI development.

For instance, before the launch of Baidu's ERNIE Bot, local media pointed out that company CEO Robin Li requested other AI research departments to hand over their existing A100 to support ERNIE Bot's development.

In a conversation with Financial Times in May, Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang commented that US sanctions on the Chinese chip industry had "left our hands tied behind our back." Huang also worried that Chinese companies, unable to access US products, would start to build their own chips to rival Nvidia's market-leading chips. "If we are deprived of the Chinese market, we don't have a contingency for that," the Nvidia CEO told FT. Most important of all, according to Huang, blocking the US tech industry's access to China would undermine the Chips Act. If losing the Chinese market, the US tech industry would require one-third less capacity, Huang pointed out. "No one is going to need American fabs, we will be swimming in fabs."
A group representing migrants is calling for the cost of non-EU residence permits to be dropped in line with other state registration fees.

The fair fees campaign by the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) said the extortionate annual cost of the Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card needs to drop in line with other European countries fees.

The group said it was recently confirmed that although an IRP card costs 300 euro for the resident, it only costs the state 20.44 euro to produce and deliver each card.

It said the IRP card fee doubled to 300 euro in 2012 and has not been reviewed since.

The MRCI said that Irelands 300-euro fee compares with 16 euro in Greece, 20 euro in Austria and 80 euro in Luxembourg.

The group is calling on the IRP fee to be dropped in line with similar fees charged for state registrations such as a passport, which costs 75 euro; or drivers licence, which costs 55 euro.

Lijie Shao, spokeswoman for the campaign group, said: Can you believe that a 10-year passport costs 75 euro and a drivers licence costs just 55 euro, but the price of an IRP card is 300 euro?

It only costs 20 euro to issue. Its extortionate and unwarranted and we have no other choice but to pay.

Vanee Renghen, another campaign member, said: My husband and I have already spent almost 5,000 euro on the IRP card fees. This year we had to postpone my son getting new eyeglasses because we had to pay to renew our IRP cards.

Ms Shao added: The Government generates additional income off our backs because of where we come from.

In the midst of the cost-of-living crisis, we are being forced to make big sacrifices to make ends meet and this fee makes it much worse. Reducing this fee would make us feel equal and valued in the country we call home.

In a statement, the Department of Justice said the 300 euro fee is designed to reflect the effort and cost involved in processing registrations.

An applicant is exempted from the fee if they have refugee status, are aged under 18, are resident and married to an Irish citizen and are a family member of an EU citizen, it added.

The IRP card granted following a successful registration provides the customer with a secure immigration document including individual biometrics indicators protected by a sophisticated encryption system and showing the holders immigration status in the State, the Department of Justice said.

This high-quality secure document is easily recognisable for employers and Government agencies alike.

It added that where a person has an in-date IRP card, there is no requirement to apply for a re-entry visa when returning after a short period abroad.

The cost of registration has not increased since 2012. However, the fee is kept under ongoing review by the department, including in respect of increases to the costs of providing the facility, it said.

There are no current plans to amend the fee.
Dundalk has been ranked the most littered town in Ireland after finishing bottom of the latest Irish Business Against Litter Survey (IBAL).

An Taisce, who carried out the survey on behalf of IBAL, deemed Dundalk to be seriously littered with just one site out of ten getting the top litter grade.

Two sites in particular, the clothes recycle bank and immediate environs on Castletown Road and the car park and adjacent wasteground, were highlighted as litter blackspots, meaning they were not just casually littered but subject to dumping.

A couple of sites had improved somewhat compared to previous IBAL surveys, but still had a litter presence namely, the recycle facility at Tesco (R132) and the wasteground at the corner of Maxwell and St. Nicholas.

In a statement, Dundalk Tidy Towns expressed their great disappointment upon hearing the news.

Firstly, we want to thank all of our wonderful volunteers who give up their time to help keep Dundalk a Tidy Town.

The Committee would also like to thank Dundalk Town and the many Residents Associations across Dundalk for their tireless work maintaining their areas.

The results of the survey are obviously disheartening and are not a reflection on the great work that happens across the town every week by council staff and contractors, volunteers and communities.

Dundalk Tidy Towns has already written to Louth County Council this morning seeking a meeting on these results and will provide updates on our social media pages.

The An Taisce report gave the clothes recycle bank on the Castletown Road a D rating noting that:

There were litter items under, beside and immediate[ly] behind the units, some nonrecyclable items. The area behind the wall of the units had been subject to not just litter but dumping.

The car park and adjacent wasteground fared little better as although it was remarked that the car park surface was excellent, according to An Taisce the area was, littered, most especially in the top corner and next to the SVP recycle bin.

The regular recycle units had been brightly painted. The adjacent wasteground had been subject to dumping, a mix of recent and long-lie items.

The report went on to ask: Where does responsibility for this site lie?

Meanwhile, the Castletown approach road was given a grade C with the adjudicators commenting:

The area around and close to the railway bridge was reasonably clean and the coffee shop was lovely.

However, further out from the town, there was a steady increase in all manner of litter, mostly food related.

The most obvious items were plastic bottles, fast-food wrappers and sweet papers with lower levels of other food items, alcohol cans, face-masks, cigarette butts and dog fouling.

Much of the litter was at the base of the low-lying shrubbery which appeared as if it lacked a thorough cleaning for quite some time.

Similarly, no improvements were noted at the site around the Castletown River bridge, which also received a C grade with judges noticing heavy accumulations of a wide variety of items had gathered over the bridge and commenting this area presented very poorly

There was more positive news for other areas however, as the R132 approach (from junction with N52 to Welcome to Dundalk signage) was given an A grade.

There were no visible litter issues along this route, with the report saying it created a positive first impression of Dundalk. Road and pavement surface were also noted to be in good order.

The Coes Road / Butterly Business Park just missed out on a top grade instead receiving a B+. While the judges said that most of the area was good with regard to litter, they also commented that it was impossible to ignore at an unmade premises on the bend, with small amounts between here and the N52. All the litter, bar cigarette butts, was food related.

The report said of Michael McNeela Riverwalk, which also received a grade B+:

While not quite the top litter grade, this was one of the cleaner sites surveyed in Dundalk.

It is a lovely riverside amenity which was freshly presented and maintained.

Apart from some dog fouling, the remainder of the litter was food related and mostly found at the benches / tables. Some of the Dog Fouling signage was blurred. With a little extra effort, this could be a top-ranking site.

Improvement was noted at the wasteground at the corner of Maxwell and St. Nicholas, which received a B grade, and at the recycle facility at Tesco, which was given the same grade.

Of the facility, the report said: On first impressions, all looked very well, with the recycle bin units and associated notices were freshly presented. While not quite as heavily littered as before, there was still a litter presence, most notably items stuffed to the side and behind the recycle bin units.

Finally, Clanbrassil Street was given a grade B with particular praise given to the new paving along the street, which judges said created a very fresh impression.

Planting and seating areas were also singled out for praise. However, the report further commented that:

There was a definite litter presence, including a wide variety of food related items, dog fouling, cigarette butts and vaping devices, most notable at the street furniture.

Responding to the findings, Louth Fine Gael senator John McGahon has called for more funding to be allocated to Dundalk Tidy Towns.

Dundalk Tidy Towns are doing incredible work in recent years, and there is not a day goes by that they arent out on the streets and roads around town making it a cleaner and tidier place for everyone.

They put hundreds of hours in every week. This survey result is not a reflection on them, indeed without their work, we would be in a far worse situation.

But they are volunteers and can only do so much, their extraordinary efforts need to be backed up and reinforced with proper funding.

Clearly the funding that is being provided to keep Dundalk clean is not enough, if it was, we wouldnt be ranked at the bottom of this survey. They should be commended by all of us for their hard work.

If its a case that we need to allocate more financial resources to support Dundalk Tidy Towns then we should. There should be no question about that.

Dundalk is the best town in Ireland to live in, we have excellent schools, transport links, housing and job opportunities, so theres no reason why we cant be the best when it comes to cleanliness too, Senator McGahon concluded.

Dundalk Tidy Towns have asked that everyone be mindful of litter in their area, saying:

Dundalk Tidy Towns is a small voluntary organisation and we rely on the help and support of the people of Dundalk in keeping the town tidy.

Dundalk is a large urban area and we invite everyone to play their part. If you would like to get involved contact us on our social media pages.
SEEK Urban Art is poised to welcome another star-studded line up of artists from across the globe.

The festival will take place from Saturday 1st to Sunday 9th of July; artists will be arriving into town in the coming days, and the public are encouraged to visit the new mural locations and watch as the art unfolds over the course of the week.

This years artists and themes have been announced, and excitement is building to see what they will create, and just how they will do it.

The line-up is as follows; Roesia de Verdun by Studio Giftig from the Netherlands; Setanta by South African street artist Mister Copy; Joe Biden / An Irish Emigration Story by French artist Creaero; Railway Heritage Blueprint by Irish artist Cormac Dillon and keep an eye out for a bonus mural by returning artist Arthur 'ONER'.

Town Centre Commercial Manager, Martin McElligott said: Over the past four years we have all witnessed the transformation of Dundalk Town centre and the pivotal role this creative festival has played.

Street artists from here at home, and around the world, have embraced stories from Dundalks rich history and heritage, and they have worked with us and our vision to reawaken these incredible stories.

On Saturday 1st July an array of creative activities, including Spray Painting workshops for children and young people, will take place at Market Square from 11am to 4pm.

These workshops are free, but booking is essential www.seekdundalk.ie

The Creative Spark Mobile FabLab will be there also, and it will be a drop-in event, offering the opportunity for children to design their own street art!

Free guided walking tours will run throughout the festival too allowing visitors to experience the vibrant street art culture in Dundalk and explore the themes behind the artworks. Booking is essential www.seekdundalk.ie

Sarah Daly, Executive Director of Creative Spark, a partner in the SEEK Festival added: We are excited to see what the artists will produce for the fifth year of the festival and delighted that it is extending over a longer timeframe.

We are particularly grateful to Creative Ireland which is a significant supporter of the festival, and for their continued support of programmes for younger people to have the opportunity to meet, and be inspired by these talented artists.

Acting Arts Officer & Creative Ireland Co-Ordinator Moya Hodgers said: The Creative Ireland team in Louth County Council are delighted once again to support the SEEK festival this year.

As part of our Culture and Creativity Strategy for 2023-2027, our actions include 'enhancing urban environments through embedding creativity into the civic spaces and streets' and 'promoting the development and documentation of our cultural heritage by encouraging our communities to participate in its conversation and management'.

Moya continued: The SEEK festival is the perfect mechanism which allows us to achieve these actions, revitalising the streets of Dundalk and engaging the public in our cultural history through the creative process.

I look forward to what the festival brings this year, in particular seeing the work of the new artists that have been commissioned.

Senior Executive Officer, Colette Moss said: Louth County Council are delighted to see how the SEEK festival is evolving and enhancing year on year since it first began, we look forward to seeing how this years murals will enhance the environs of Dundalk while the festival continues to become bigger and better.

Stephen Middleton from Colourtrend said: We are extremely proud to be a supporter of the SEEK Urban Arts Festival in Dundalk since 2019.

Bringing art and colour to the streets and buildings of Dundalk in the form of murals has revitalised and enriched the town in a highly artistic and visual way.

We look forward with anticipation to seeing what new and exciting characters and events from Dundalks rich history will be immortalised in murals in the coming year by local and international artists, creating and delivering a visual extravaganza through the medium of art for everyone in Dundalk and further afield to enjoy.

Martin McElligott explained: The historical aspect of this project has in no doubt helped Dundalk transcend its identity.

It has been an inspirational catalyst for change and has now become an essential creative pillar in our towns brand, promise and destination proposition.

It has been incredible to work with our loyal project partners Creative Spark and Louth County Council, and alongside our longstanding sponsors Colourtrend Paints, we have been on this journey together since 2019.

This years festival is also kindly sponsored by Creative Ireland, The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Failte Ireland, Dundalk Tidy Towns, Zoma, Crowne Plaza Dundalk, Hire Direct and McAteers The Good Food House.
Do you know anyone in Louth who needs the help of renowned hoteliers John and Francis Brennan?

If so, the Brennan brothers are searching for hospitality and tourist businesses to take part in the newest series of At Your Service for RTE One.

John and Francis want to pass on their knowledge and understanding of the hospitality world and are looking for businesses who are ready to take their facilities to the next level and develop their product.

Francis Brennan says: Any type of hospitality-based project will be considered, as long as they will benefit from our advice.

At Your Service is produced by Waddell Media for RTE and they are particularly looking for projects beginning in Autumn 2023 to start filming, with a view to opening/launching in Spring/Summer 2024.

John and Francis are searching for a variety of businesses to apply, spanning everything from hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, bars and restaurants to historic houses, hostels, farm diversification projects and caravan sites including brand new start-ups to existing businesses with ambitious expansion plans.

Maggi Gibson, Executive Producer, Waddell Media says: This new series is a wonderful opportunity for hospitality owners to work with John and Francis to explore new approaches, systems and strategies to deliver a quality service for their customers. Were planning to produce four one-hour programmes, following a different business in each episode.

If you are the owner or manager of a hospitality business in Ireland and would like to get involved with this once in a lifetime opportunity please contact Maggi Gibson, maggi@waddellmedia.com or Orla Cumming, orla@waddellmedia.com to find out more.
The Department of Tourism revealed the new tourism campaign slogan, Love the Philippines during its 50th anniversay celebration at the iconic Manila Hotel, Tuesday (June 27)

According to the tourism secretary the new campaign slogan is only fitting to way to reintroduce the Philippines to the globe as it welcomes a new age of tourism for the Philippines to the world.

Saying that there is more than just fun and adventure in the country, Love the Philippines goes to the very heart of every single Filipino with the distinct grace and hospitality with which we welcome every guest that comes into our shores, our communities, and our homes. Love the Philippines is a recognition of our natural assets, our long and storied history, our rich culture and diversity.

The Philippines is a powerhouse of mega biodiversity, being only one of 18 mega biodiverse countries in the world, a deep well of culture and history, a profound burst and taste of flavor and gastronomy, a tapestry of indigenous peoples and creative communities by whose work of their hands have safeguarded the dignity and integrity of the Filipino identity. This is who we are. These complexities and nuances of the Philippines have yet to be fully articulated to the world for indeed, the story of the Filipino has yet to be fully told, and we shall tell that story by telling them the story of love. Love the Philippines, DOT Secretary Frasco said.

Adjusting to the post-pandemic tourism landscape and changing trends

With the everchanging global tourism landscape post pandemic, and the growing desire of travelers for more immersive experiences in their travels, the DOT viewed the enhanced brand as a timely response to the demands of the industry.

In a recent survey conducted by the United Nations World Travel Organization (UNWTO) among its member countries, market repositioning and rebranding strategies is among the priorities identified after the pandemic based on its Survey Findings on Member Priorities for UNWTO program of work 2024-2025.

With an enhanced tourism campaign in tow, the DOTs focus now is to show more of what there is to Love the Philippines as it works towards the realization of President Marcos, Jr.s vision for the country to become a tourism powerhouse in Asia.

Indeed, if we are to compete with our neighbors in our effort as well to partner with them for Asia to become a powerhouse tourism region in the world, the time has come for us to add to the value proposition of the Philippines by telling the world how much more we have to offer, Secretary Frasco said.

We have multiple facets of tourism destinations that present a golden opportunity for we have only scratched the surface thus far, she added.

Rosy prospects for Philippine tourism

According to Secretary Frasco, the world has the world has noticed that there is so much to love about the Philippines.

This, as the Philippines has recorded 2,641,993 visitors from January 1 to June 26, 2023, and is close to breaching the 2.65 million arrivals it recorded for 2022.

Further, the tourism sector is regarded as a stalwart as far as contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) is concerned. According to the 2022 Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts (PTSA) for 2022, the Tourism Direct Gross Value Added (TDGVA) share of the sector to the Philippine economy, as measured by the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), was estimated at 6.2 percent and amounted to PHP 1.38 trillion in 2022.

The Philippines is also seeing a boost in tourism-related enterprise employment, with 5.35 million estimated tourism employment last year.

As she rallied their support for the DOTs vision of showcasing the best of the Philippines to the world under the Marcos administration, the Secretary said: As we usher in this golden era for tourism, for our fellow Filipinos, for our beautiful country, let us find it in our hearts to have that burning pride of place for the Philippines, to Love the Philippines, to usher us into the continued recovery and vigorous comeback of the Philippines to the world.
DJ Jenny Greene will return to Cork for this years Guinness Cork Jazz Festival for a night of dance music in Cork City Hall on Saturday, October 28.

Jenny Greene has been at the forefront of the Irish dance music scene for 20 years, since she started out at the age of 17 as a dance music columnist, radio presenter, and DJ.

Her Saturday night dance show Electric Disco on RTE 2FM has been a mainstay for Irish clubbers for the past 15 years, leading to an album release in 2009.

Jenny regularly performs to sell-out crowds, at both arenas and festivals, with the RTE Concert Orchestra.

Having just sold out her Live at the Marquee show, Jenny will team up again with visual artist and DJ Ant, of Generic People, for the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival.

Their show has been a huge highlight of the jazz festival, having sold out for the last four years.

Tickets will go on sale tomorrow, June 29, at 10am from Ticketmaster.ie.
THE Cork branch of Connolly Youth Movement (CYM), a youth Marxist and Socialist-Republican organisation, is to host an event on Friday to explain why members disrupted a security and defence policy forum last week.

Members of CYM were among a group that protested at the opening session of the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy convened by Tanaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheal Martin.

As Mr Martin began his opening address at the forum in University College Cork last Thursday, he was repeatedly heckled by members of CYM.

The Cork branch now intends to hold a meeting on Friday outlining its concerns.

What we also want to talk about is the importance of being organised, that its not enough to just talk about how were opposed to these things, but that something actually has to be done about it, because within the last year or so there has been a huge acceleration, in terms of looking at more aggressive forms of foreign policy and kind of dragging the State into that, Rachel Hurley, a member of CYM Cork, told The Echo.

The aim of the forum was to build public understanding and generate discussions on foreign, security, and defence policies.

The forum, which concluded on Tuesday, also saw meetings taking place in Galway and Dublin.

Ahead of the events, the Government said the forum would focus on a wide range of issues, including Irelands efforts to protect the rules-based international order through peacekeeping and crisis management, disarmament and non-proliferation, international humanitarian law, and conflict prevention and peace-building, as well as allowing for a discussion on Irelands policy of military neutrality.

It said the forum would be open, inclusive, and consultative and would involve a wide range of stakeholders, with participation from civilian and military experts and practitioners representing a breadth of experience and views.

Criticism

However, the forum attracted some criticism, most notably from President Michael D Higgins, who said he believed Ireland was playing with fire in a drift towards Nato. His comments appeared in a recent Sunday Business Post interview.

At the opening of the forum in Cork last week, five protesters who heckled Mr Martins opening speech were removed by gardai after declining to desist from disruptive activity, a Garda spokesperson told The Echo last Thursday.

Mr Martin criticised the protesters, telling them he had learned the value of free speech in UCC.

The most undemocratic thing you can do is try to shut down debate, which is what youre trying to do, he said.

Speaking to The Echo ahead of the CYM Cork event on Friday, Ms Hurley dismissed this remark.

If it was a democratic debate, wed be there participating in it, but its not a debate when everyone in there is nodding their heads and agreeing with each other, she said.

The CYM event takes place in Bear Street Co coffee shop on Barrack St at 5.30pm on Friday.
A Cork TD has called for a public inquiry into covid-19 deaths in nursing homes across the State, raising in the Dail one Cork home where more than half of the residents died during the pandemic.

Speaking in the Dail earlier this month, Sinn Fein TD for Cork North Central, Thomas Gould, raised the need for a public inquiry into the handling of covid-19 in nursing homes, and specifically referred to one Cork home.

From 31 January, 2021 to 11 February, 2021, there were 22 deaths at the nursing home in Ballynoe in Cork, Mr Gould said.

In total, 24 of the 46 residents died. I have met with a number of families whose members died in other nursing homes and hospitals.

Mr Gould said he had heard their stories, which he described as heart-breaking, and he noted that some of those family members had recently featured on RTEs Prime Time.

These are families who were bereaved and left without answers. I recognise the work done by Care Champions, particularly in Cork, and Pat Coyle, he said.

They are looking to meet with the Taoiseach and Tanaiste, and for a full public inquiry.

"I have spoken to those family members and they are grief-stricken and heartbroken, and suffer guilt.

Will the Taoiseach agree to meet with them and to a full public inquiry?"

Responding to Mr Gould, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said it was not his practice to agree in the Dail chamber to meetings, as, he said, that would be unfair on people who did not have members of the Oireachtas to raise matters on their behalf.

I understand that the Minister of State, Deputy Mary Butler, has already met with them on behalf of the Government, Mr Varadkar said.

We are scoping out how best to carry out an inquiry into how covid was managed in this State with a view to finding out how we could do better, should there be another pandemic in the future.
Corks second Trans+ Pride Cork will take place on Saturday afternoon and this year will see a march through the city centre as well as a rally on Grand Parade.

Saoirse Mackin, who is co-founder of Trans+ Pride Cork, told The Echo that the rally and march will assemble around 2pm at the Central Library on Grand Parade and will welcome all transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals and their allies.

After the march, we will come back to the Grand Parade, by the National Monument area, and we will then have a rally with a number of speakers and performers, some of whom have spoken at our events before, but then theres also some people who have not spoken at our events before, Ms Mackin said.

Among the confirmed speakers are Ms Mackin, Louise ODonnell, Ailsa Spindler from the Cork Gay Project, Kiera Barbara, Miranda Stewart from Trans Event Sex Pride Dublin, and Julka Taylor.

Organiser Saoirse Mackin speaking at last year's event. Pic: Larry Cummins.

Meanwhile, Socialist Party TD for Cork North Central, Mick Barry, said in the Dail this week that the rally and march were first and foremost a protest against the increase in hate crime against our Trans community.

He stated that Ms Mackin had told him she was hearing reports of an increase in violence towards members of the Trans community in recent months.

Mr Barry added that the decision to meet at the Central Library for the rally was a defiant choice of venue, given that it has been the scene of anti-LGBTQ+ protests including the ripping up of books by far right activists this year.

Incidents

The northside TD was referring to an ongoing series of incidents at the Central Library involving protesters objecting to the availability of what they term pornographic books related to LGBTQI+ matters.

During the incidents, many of which have been recorded and streamed on social media, library staff have been subjected to intimidation and paedophile slurs.

During an incident in early March, which was subsequently streamed, a copy of Juno Dawsons This Book is Gay was ripped in half by a protester in Corks central library.

A spokesperson for the gardai said: An Garda Siochana attended a number of incidents at a premises in the Grand Parade area of Cork city throughout February and March 2023. There is a constitutional right to the freedom of assembly and freedom of speech, subject to statutory provisions. An Garda Siochana respects the right for citizens to exercise their constitutional rights.

The spokesperson stated gardai are investigating one incident of alleged criminal damage that occurred on Saturday, March 11, 2023.

'Harassment'

Meanwhile, Forsa, the union representing the majority of civil and public servants, is threatening industrial action against Cork City Council for what it says is the councils failure to protect library staff against harassment and intimidation.

A spokesperson for Cork City Council told The Echo that libraries are centres of learning at the heart of communities and have no role as censors.

Cork City Council has been to the fore nationally when it comes to social inclusion and the diversity and inclusion agenda.

Cork City Libraries fully recognise the right to peaceful protest and has informed An Garda Siochana of recent activity. There are no plans to remove material from the library, the spokesperson said.

The Trans+ Pride Cork rally and march will assemble at the Central Library on the Grand Parade at 2pm on Saturday and Ms Mackin said all allies are welcome.
A couple making regular payments to an architect were emailed and asked to send the next payment of over 7,000 to another account but it was an invoice redirection scam. Now the man who benefitted from that crime has been given a nine-month suspended sentence.

63-year-old Dickson Aribasoye of Highfield Park, Ballincollig, Co Cork, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to theft by deception charges arising out of the incident, and fully repaid the money.

The accused said he had not given his bank account details to anyone and claimed that when he saw the money, "it was like a dream come true". Sergeant John Kelleher said that, on August 30, 2019, 7,380 was fraudulently lodged in Aribasoye's account at TSB Ballincollig.

From that date until September 5, 2019 he withdrew eight sums totalling 5,300 until the account was frozen.

On investigation, it was established that a couple who were engaging the services of architects received a number of invoices and they had been paying them as they came in.

On July 2, 2019 they received another email which they were led to believe had come from the same firm saying there new bank account details to which a 7,380 invoice was to be paid," said Sgt Kelleher.

It was a fraudulent email and the money was paid into a PTSB account in Ballincollig  the account of Dickson Aribasoye.

When the architects told the couple they had not been paid, it emerged they had been victim of an invoice redirection crime.

The accused was identified as the owner of the account. During the course of the interview about why he felt entitled to this money when it appeared in his account, he agreed that the money had ended up in his account but claimed he had not given his bank account details to anyone and claimed when he saw the money, it was like a dream come true."

He also claimed that he thought it might have been tax arrears.

He said, when nobody asked about the cash withdrawal, I kept withdrawing.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said the defendant is married and has five children and has a work history.

Mr Buttimer said the bank was in effect the injured party and that the defendant had paid them back in full. He was anxious to avoid a conviction.

Judge Olann Kelleher said: This man is asking the court not to impose a criminal record. The court cannot do that. This was a serious amount of money for the victim. Sentencing was adjourned for him to repay the money and he has done so.

The judge imposed a nine-month suspended sentence and a fine of 2,000 on Dickson Aribasoye at Cork District Court.
A 50-year-old Cork man threatened a garda that her uniform would not protect her and warned that he would do six years in prison for her.

Now he has been jailed for a total of 12 months at Cork District Court for this threat and another incident where he spat in the direction of a garda and called her a whore and a prostitute.

The same man, Paul McCarthy, pleaded guilty to these offences and to other charges, including stealing beer kegs from outside Cork city pubs on two separate occasions.

Judge Olann Kelleher imposed a jail term totalling 12 months on McCarthy who was living with homeless services in Cork.

Sergeant John Kelleher said that on May 24, gardai were approached by a member of the public who showed them a picture from her mobile phone of a beer keg being stolen from outside The Pavilion on Careys Lane.

Similarly, McCarthy stole a beer keg on Tobin Street by placing it in a wheelie bin. It was later found at Hanover Street, half empty on June 13.

He stole a t-shirt on June 7 at Penneys on Patrick Street.

On the same day he was drunk and a danger, and stole a 25 bottle of vodka at Tesco on Paul Street.

The following day at Patrick Street he was drunk and a danger and approached by a garda.

He said her uniform does not protect her and he would do six years in prison for her," said Sgt Kelleher. "He was shouting and roaring at members of the public who were present. This happened at around 6pm.

On June 20, he stole a 34 bottle of vodka at Tesco, Paul Street.

On June 22, he was drunk and verbally abusive to another garda. He spat in her direction, called her a prostitute and whore and said that her family were prostitutes and whores, added Sgt Kelleher.

Defence solicitor, Frank Buttimer, said that shortly before these incidents, the accused had only been released from another prison term and fell immediately into homelessness and returned to alcohol addiction.

Mr Buttimer said that as a result of alcohol, the accused now had serious health problems.
IT is not about money. It is about safe crewing for us and for the people of Cork.

Those were the words of firefighter and Siptu steward Billy Crowley after firefighters in Cork city unanimously rejected a proposal to end an industrial relations dispute over staffing numbers.

The proposal which was presented to the firefighters last Monday night outlined plans to create a day pump at Ballincollig fire station from 9am to 6pm, the redeployment of two members from Anglesea Street to crew the truck in Ballincollig and for night-time fire cover to be provided from the Anglesea Street headquarters.

The proposal which was recommended for acceptance by Siptu trade union officials after talks facilitated by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) was unanimously rejected.

Mr Crowley said that they will have no option but to escalate industrial action if further talks with the WRC are not forthcoming.

Siptu will be getting on to the WRC looking for another date to go back into talks. We would hope that the management would then come forward with something substantial. If we get another date and get it done and dusted, we are away for slate. If they refuse to go back to talks we would have no option but to escalate, he said.

Our main goal is to get a fire brigade that is the right size for the new city, said the firefighter.

The population has almost doubled, but we still have the same numbers that we had 50 years ago. The numbers we have are the same since 1974. You cant run a city in 2023 with the number of firefighters you had in 1974. It is just impossible and it is not safe.

The councillors, the people of Cork and the firefighters are are all calling for a full time fire station in Ballincollig. We cant all be wrong.

"They have been trying to recruit retained firefighters in recent years, that hasnt worked. If it not working, you have to move to something else. We cant wait for them to spend another three years trying to recruit retained firefighters in Ballincollig, he added.
MEETING confident, Caoimhe ONeil Forde, you could never imagine that the 37-year-old was diagnosed with cervical cancer at just 25.

Caoimhe, a member of the 221+ Cervical Check Patient Support Group and cervical cancer survivor, was guest speaker at The Vicky Phelan Campaign & Portrait Tour in aid of Cork Cancer Care Centre. The event, held last Friday, was sponsored by The Montenotte Hotel and held at the venue in association with The Gallery, Kinsale. Painted by Irish artist Vincent Devine, the vision for the portrait is to continue Vickys legacy, educate people about cervical cancer and raise funds for charity.

Aged 25, Caoimhe, from Ennis, was a typical twenty-something young woman. Working as an engineer in Boston Scientific, Cork, with good friends, a great social life and full of the joys of life, with a bright future ahead of her, Caoimhe never saw what was coming down the tracks.

All was good, says Caoimhe, who has three brothers, a niece and a nephew.

I was well, and I was happy.

Emilia Gorecka with service users Grainne Farren and Helina O'Brien at the Cork Cancer Care awareness event in the Montenotte Hotel, Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan

Caoimhe did her degree in UL and she underwent a routine smear test on campus.

It was fine, says Caoimhe.

Then I got the standard letter you get when youre 25, from my GP for another smear test.

When I was called back eight months later for another smear test, I wasnt unduly worried.

Caoimhe got a call at work.

I had to attend oncology in St. Finbarres Hospital, says Caoimhe.

I didnt worry too much about cancer, because I was so young. I was wrong. I was told I had a tumour that was too large to remove, so I underwent a LLETZ procedure.

LLETZ is a treatment for abnormal cervical cells that have been picked up through cervical screening.

I underwent a trachelectomy in CUH. I was shown drawings of what parts of my body were going to be removed. That was scary, and yes, I was frightened, says Caoimhe.

My cervix, the bottom of my uterus and the top of my vagina were removed.

The procedure is only done in Cork and Dublin. Some women are lucky to succeed in having children afterwards.

What is it like hearing you have cancer when you think your whole life is before you?

Dr Matt Hewitt was the man who gave me the results, says Caoimhe.

When he said cancer, I was in shock for two weeks.

I was in total shock for a year afterwards. It was horrendous.

You think of the huge impact. You worry about ever having a family - or what that family would look like. It is a very lonely place to be, and the fear of the unknown is terrible. You spend days feeling terrified. Everything looks different. You wonder what is normal. You question everything.

There is a grief process after a cancer diagnosis.

You think about your life and your future, says Caoimhe.

Jimmy White, Alma Riordan and Ralph O'Flahertya at the Montenotte Hotel, Cork. Picture Dan Linehan

I sought out a counsellor in Cork and I sought out the Girls Club, founded by Ann Dowley Spillane, which is now the Cork Cancer Care Centre.

I found solace, consolation and support there from other cancer sufferers and from the wonderful volunteers.

The Cork Cancer Care Centre is a beacon of hope.

Caoimhe, after her traumatic experience, decided to try and get on with her life.

I was two very different people before the cancer and after the cancer, says Caoimhe.

I went back to work, and I moved to Galway.

She made another move.

When I was 30, I underwent IVF treatment to try and get pregnant, says Caoimhe.

It was a dream I had. But after all the surgeries and so much damage from cancer and the treatments, I didnt know how successful I would be.

Caoimhe finally got pregnant.

I was so thrilled, she says.

During my second trimester, my waters broke at home, says Caoimhe.

The baby was alive but because I risked sepsis the hospital made the decision that there was a need to terminate the pregnancy. I could have been in the same situation as Savita Halappanavar.

"I didnt get sepsis in the end. I lost my little boy. I grieved him."

Caoimhe shows me a tiny heart tattooed on her arm.

The hospital gave me a copy of Daires heart, says Caoimhe.

Daire was fine. I had no cervix and I couldnt hold the weight. He came too soon.

Caoimhe hasnt given up hope of becoming a mother.

Im pretty determined, but there are no answers. Well see what happens.

Sometimes I look at mothers with their buggies. I look at my niece and nephew and I would give anything to bring them home to my house.

Caoimhe still thinks the future can be bright.

Mary Jane O'Regan, Naomi Caulfield and Aoife Dilworth at the Cork Cancer Care awareness event. Picture Dan Linehan

She followed in Vicky Phelans brave footsteps in taking action against an incorrect smear test.

I took a case against the HSE which concluded in February this year, says Caoimhe.

They fought me every step of the way.

Caoimhe is on the Vicky Phelan Campaign and Portrait Tour every step of the way.

Its all about raising awareness about cervical cancer, says Caoimhe.

Vicky had a big effect on Caoimhe.

When I met her, you can sense her power. It is amazing. She was friendly and she was funny.

I met her parents too; you can see where she got her strength from.

She gave me inspiration and told me never to take no as an answer. She said, follow your gut.

Emilia Gorecka with Anne McSweeney and Christine Cooper at the Cork Cancer Care awareness event. Picture: Dan Linehan

Caoimhe is often in Cork.

I see my oncologist every six months, says Caoimhe.

I still have side effects from the cancer. Ill be seeing him for a very long time. I tell him Im his favourite patient!

After her cancer journey and all that went with it Caoimhe is on the up and up again.

She works for Medtronic in Galway and is loving life.

Keeping Vickys legacy alive is important for all women.

Caoimhe is a brave warrior just like Vicky Phelan was. Shes in good company.

My mother comes everywhere with me!

Caroline O'Driscoll and Miriam O'Shea at the Cork Cancer Care awareness event. Picture Dan Linehan

ABOUT CORK CANCER CARE CENTRE

Located on St. Pauls Avenue is a beautiful, exposed brick building with a purple door. Behind that door is a sanctuary and safe space for cancer warriors. For some, they area at the beginning of their journey. For others the healing began years later. The Cork Cancer Care Centre takes a holistic approach to the trauma of cancer for both the individual and their families, by nurturing their emotional and mental wellbeing. CCCC provides counselling sessions, peer support groups, holistic treatments, wig fittings, nutrition and wellbeing advice, and so much more, free of charge.

Cork Cancer Care Centre can be contacted on 021-4949090

See www.corkcancercarecentre.ie for more about the services

You can also email:corkcancercarecentre@gmail.com

ABOUT THE 221+ PATIENT SUPPORT GROUP

The group was established in July 2018 to provide information, advice, and support to women and families directly affected by failures in the CervicalCheck Screening Programme that came to light following Vicky Phelans court case in 2018. 221+ Patient Support Group provides information, advice and support in a structured and confidential manner. See https://221plus.ie/
A jogger runs along the shoreline of Lake Michigan with heavy smoke from Canadas wildfires in the background in Chicago, Illinois on June 27, 2023. KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI / AFP via Getty Images

In just the first six months of 2023, Canadas wildfire emissions have already hit a record-high for annual emissions.

According to the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), carbon emissions from January 1, 2023 to early May were fairly typical  nearly the same as the mean emissions from 2003 to 2022. But so far in June, carbon emissions have been estimated at more than 160 megatonnes, which caused the emissions for 2023 to increase sharply. Now, emissions for the first half of 2023 are higher than any other year recorded by CAMS, which began satellite monitoring in 2003.

The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre data shows there are currently 480 active fires burning in Canada, and there have been 2,981 fires so far this year. Air quality in Montreal is currently the worst anywhere in the world, The Canadian Press reported. There are currently more than 76,000 square kilometers (about 29,000 square miles) of land burning in the country.

Active fire locations across Canada as of June 26, 2023; Red markers denote out of control fires, blue markers indicate fires that are being held, and yellow markers represent fires that are under control. Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre



Smoke from the wildfires has drifted significantly, impacting air quality in the midwestern and eastern U.S. and reaching Norway earlier this month. As more smoke moves into Europe this week, it is expected to cause hazy skies. The smoke has been so significant that it also interfered with solar energy generation in the U.S.

Our monitoring of the scale and persistence of the wildfire emissions across Canada since early May has shown how unusual it has been when compared to the two decades of our dataset, Mark Parrington, senior scientist at CAMS, said in a statement. The long-range transport of smoke that we are currently monitoring is not unusual, and not expected to have any significant impact on surface air quality in Europe, but it is a clear reflection of the intensity of the fires that such high values of aerosol optical depth and other pollutants associated with the plume are so high as it reaches this side of the Atlantic.

Further, in May, the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) published a study that linked the emissions of 88 major fossil fuel and cement companies to worsening wildfires in the U.S. and Canada since 1986. The study linked the companies emissions to more than one-third of the total area burned by wildfires.

From the start of 2023 to now, Canada has had more than 8.1 million hectares burned by wildfires, Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre data shows.

Higher emissions and more wildfires are likely still ahead. As Reuters reported, peak wildfire season for Canada is usually in July and August. Theres still no end in sight, Parrington said, as Canada continues to experience hot, dry conditions.




Indonesia to hold Asian Pacific Aquaculture in Surabaya, East Java

Indonesia will host the 2024 Asian Pacific Aquaculture (APA)  a conference event on fish farming for Asia-Pacific countries  in Surabaya, East Java, according to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.

The ministry's Director General of Aquaculture, Haeru Rahayu, recently said that Indonesia was selected as the 2024 APA host as it is one of the largest fish producers, especially in aquaculture fisheries, making it attractive to foreign investors. He expected the event, the second time in Surabaya since 2016, would provide benefits for both foreign investors and the domestic market in Indonesia.

"APA 2024 is a momentum for Indonesia to increase investment in the fisheries sector. It will directly support and increase economic growth in Indonesia," he added.

According to Rahayu, Surabaya was chosen again as it offers good places, easy access, and transportation facilities. He expressed hope that local communities would actively participate in the 2024 APA.

Surabaya is one of the major cities in Indonesia with the highest productivity in aquaculture.

APA organiser Iwan Sutanto said that following the success of APA 2016, Indonesia would once again host the event in 2024 with the theme of "Aquaculture - Driving the Blue Economy."

The Indonesian government is focusing on expediting its blue economy programmes.



- Antara
Biosphere Isle of Man encourages businesses to learn about sustainability

Businesses of all shapes and sizes are being invited to take part in a series of training workshops to help them adopt more sustainable practices.

Biosphere Isle of Mans Sustainable Mann will include six expert led workshops held in St Johns in September and October, with 30 spaces available on each.

The two-hour sessions will cost just 5 each and cover:

Starting and growing a sustainable business

Energy use

Climate change mitigation

Dealing with waste

Adopting a circular economy approach

Helping nature and wildlife

Clare Barber MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: Encouraging sustainable development is one of the main functions of UNESCO Biospheres, and adopting more sustainable practices is essential for the planet.

These exciting workshops cover a range of topics and I encourage Manx businesses of all shapes and sizes to get involved. Our speakers will share a wealth of knowledge that start-ups and smaller businesses, without in-house knowledge, may find them particularly useful.

Last year, more than 30 organisations, ranging from finance to farming, attended one or more of the inaugural workshops with around half attending all six.
Google has killed a project internally known as "Iris" that it established to build augmented reality glasses, according to Business Insider. The tech giant worked on the glasses' development for several years, but it reportedly shelved Iris following waves of layoffs and company reshuffles over the past few months. Another event that factored into Google's decision was the departure of Clay Bavor, the company's former chief of augmented and virtual reality, to form a startup with Salesforce co-CEO Bret Taylor. In addition, Google reportedly kept changing its strategy for the Iris glasses, which became a source of frustration for team members working on the project.

When The Verge reported about the Iris augmented reality glasses in early 2022, it said that Google could launch the device in 2024. The Iris AR glasses were supposed to look like a pair of ordinary glasses. and an early version reportedly resembled a product called "Focals" by North, a Canadian startup that Google had acquired in 2020. Google also demoed a newer version in a video showing a real-time AR translation feature.

While the company has stopped working on its own AR hardware, Business Insider says it still very much has big augmented reality ambitions. Instead of building its own hardware, Google has apparently chosen to focus on creating an "Android for AR" instead. The company is reportedly hoping to adopt the same business model it's using for its mobile platform and license its AR software to manufacturers. At the moment, Google is busy developing Android XR for Samsung's "extended reality" wearable devices and, according to Insider, on a new platform called "micro XR" for glasses.

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Although Big Tech is still (sometimes clumsily) figuring out generative AIs ethics and implications, the genie is out of the bottle, and the technology is already integrating into the workforce. From that perspective, Microsoft announced a new program today to train workers on AI. The initiative will offer free coursework through LinkedIn, including certification. Its somewhat ironic since the appeal of generative AI is that its dead simple to use: It automates content creation using everyday language. But the courses could still provide tips for composing the most effective prompts while showing beginners the ropes, giving them a chance to keep pace with our rapidly changing world.

Microsofts AI Skills Initiative, part of the companys Skills for Jobs program, will include free courses created by (Microsoft subsidiary) LinkedIn, offering learners the first Professional Certificate on Generative AI in the online learning market. Microsoft says the courses will cover introductory AI concepts and responsible AI frameworks, culminating in certification. Its launching in English only, but the company says it will add Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Simplified Chinese and Japanese over the coming months.

In addition, the company is launching a trainer toolkit for educators with downloadable, bite-sized content for trainers and a separate AI course for teachers and other trainers.

Microsoft also announced an open grant program for AI with an eye on boosting historically marginalized populations. The Generative AI Skills Grant Challenge is a collaboration between data.org, Microsofts AI for Good Lab and GitHub. It aims to explore, develop, and implement how nonprofit, social enterprise and research or academic institutions can train and empower the workforce to use generative AI. Grant recipients will receive financial support, group learning opportunities, data training / guidance and access to Microsoft events and cloud-computing resources. The grant program is accepting applications now with an August 15th deadline. You can learn more and apply here.

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This summer, North Americas first hydrogen-powered train began traveling across the Canadian countryside. The French passenger train is a short-term demonstration, running through the end of September, that aims to spark adoption in Canada and the US. I think the most important thing thats going to come out of it is peoples awareness and comfort with the technology, Robert Stasko, executive director of Ontarios Hydrogen Business Council, told CBC News.

The Canadian loaner runs from Montmorency Falls in Quebec City to Baie-Saint-Paul  a two-and-a-half hour trip  on Wednesdays to Sundays through September 30th. The train has a top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph) and can carry up to 120 people in its two passenger cars. The French company Alstom, which makes the train, says its acceleration and braking performance is comparable to standard diesel-engine trains  sans the emissions. While much of Europe uses trains with electric rails or overhead wires, hydrogen trains are ideal for places like the Canadian countryside, with its long distances and relatively low commuter density. (Much of the US would fit that bill as well.)

The same model of train, the Coradia iLint, has already made runs in eight European countries. As many as 14 of the same model began running a route in Lower Saxony, Germany, last year. Alstom began testing the trains in 2018 and has additional contracts in Germany, Italy and France. The company says European clients have ordered 41 of the trainsets.

The Coradia iLint uses a ballpark of about 50 kilograms of hydrogen a day, says Serge Harnois, CEO of Hanois Energies, the trains hydrogen fuel supplier. The same journey using a standard engine would burn around 500 liters of diesel fuel. It only emits water vapor along its journey as a byproduct of combining hydrogen with oxygen in a fuel cell to generate its power.

There are some asterisks to attach to the three-month demo. First, it requires a diesel-powered truck to transport the hydrogen to the train every time it refuels. (Harnois says that, ideally, the hydrogen would eventually be produced onsite to avoid this step.) We also have to wonder about the emissions produced on its presumed voyage from Europe to Canada for its mere three-month demo. However, the train will move on to other North American cities after its summer residence. The long-term goal is for the tour to help promote widespread hydrogen-train adoption across different North American regions, which  if successful  could more than offset the carbon footprint from its diesel-truck top-offs and journey across the Atlantic.
TikTok says it's discontinuing TikTok Now, its attempt to replicate last year's social media sensation BeReal. According to screenshots posted by several users, parent ByteDance is "updating the TikTok experience and discontinuing TikTok Now." TikTok Now had a nearly identical approach to viral hit BeReal, requiring users to take front and rear photos simultaneously. It added the ability to take 10-second TikTok-like videos instead of photos, obviously making it completely different. Snapchat and Instagram have both attempted to copy (or tested) their own BeReal-ish features.

The feature was part of the main TikTok app in the US, but is also available as a standalone TikTok Now app in other regions. The message sent to TikTok users in the US indicated that the feature was being killed in the main app, but there's no word on the separate TikTok Now app.

BeReal, meanwhile, might be contending with a drop-off in interest, according to a report from The New York Times in April. BeReal refuted an analytics report behind the story, though, saying it still had 20 million daily active users.

 Mat Smith

The Morning After isnt just a newsletter  its also a daily podcast. Get our daily audio briefings, Monday through Friday, by subscribing right here.

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A guide to the best way to connect your home.

A lot of domestic WiFi setups suck for countless reasons. Maybe the hardware your ISP gave you isnt great, or your walls arent friendly to wireless signals. Perhaps the signals from your all-in-one wireless modem and router cant reach everywhere from its spot in a far corner of your house. Its these problems that mesh WiFi systems are designed to tackle, with a set of smaller WiFi nodes that are spread around your home, pushing internet into every corner. But which one to pick? And do you really have to spend a fortune? We can answer both of those questions in our new buying guide.

Continue reading.

The Insta360 Go 3 is basically a GoPro with a flip screen.

Insta360

The new Insta360 Go 3 has a larger, more rectangular "Action Pod" detachable body, making it look more like a conventional action cam than its predecessor. The Action Pod body also doubles as a 2.2-inch flip touchscreen. The Go 3's camera itself has some significant upgrades as well. Video resolution has been bumped up from 1440p to 2.7k (2,720 x 1,536), meaning you'll get more out of Insta360's renowned "FlowState" video stabilization trick, while a second microphone has also been added to improve audio. The Insta360 Go 3 is now available via the official online store or Amazon, with prices starting at $379.99 for the 32GB model.

Continue reading.

The Moray is meant for comfort as much as quality.

In-ear monitors (IEMs) are normally aimed at musicians and audio engineers, but Razer reckons it can tap into the disposable income of gamers and streamers with its first in-ear monitor, the Moray. At $130, it's not meant to compete with higher-end IEMs from the likes of Audio Technica, Sennheiser or Shure, but Razer has paid attention to comfort: the ergonomic design and braided cables are meant to stay snugly in place for hours and it comes with three different ear tip varieties (each with three different sizes) to optimize fit.

Continue reading.

It's another win for the NACS.

Teslas North American Charging Standard (NACS) is one step closer to becoming the de-facto electric vehicle charging system in the US. On Tuesday, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International, one of the automotive industrys most important standards bodies, shared it is working to support the plug, a move that will make it easier for manufacturers to add NACS connectors to their vehicles and charging stations.

Standardizing the NACS connector will provide certainty, expanded choice, reliability and convenience to manufacturers and suppliers and, most of all, increase access to charging for consumers, the SAE said in a statement. In the last month alone, Ford, General Motors and Rivian announced they plan to adopt NACS.

Continue reading.

The app, IRL, is shutting down.

SoftBank, major tech investor and Japanese phone carrier, led a little-known social media app called IRL to unicorn status and an overall valuation of $1.17 billion by investing over $170 million. It turned out that the app completely made up its user numbers, admitting that 95 percent of its purported 20 million user base was fake. Employees became suspicious of the companys claim of 20 million monthly active users. Eventually, the SEC stepped in, issuing a probe as to whether or not IRL misled investors. In April of this year, the companys board of directors suspended CEO Abraham Shafi and appointed a new acting CEO. Due to those incredibly inflated numbers (and half-baked concept), IRL is shutting down and taking its 19 million bots with it. The company says its returning capital to shareholders, but nobody knows how much money is left in the coffers.

Continue reading.
Love and Sex in Prison is a book that features the experiences of women in relationships with prisoners. It is published by American Leadership Books and written by Gini Graham Scott, PhD and Peter Anderson. These relationships develop in two main ways  women meet prisoners as pen pals or are volunteers or staffers in a prison, and wives and girlfriends stand by their man in prison.

Women who fall in love with prisoners as pen pals often begin by communicating with incarcerated individuals in order to provide emotional and moral support, engage in meaningful conversations, or even build romantic relationships. Women who become prison pen pals commonly use online services that specialize in connecting women with inmates across the country. Additionally, many prisons have their own programs for connecting inmates with pen pals. While not all relationships between an inmate and prison pen pal will lead to positive outcomes, these connections can benefit both parties by providing companionship and understanding in difficult times.

Wives of prisoners often face unique and difficult challenges. These may include financial strain, loneliness, social stigma, and fear for their partner's safety. While about 80% of these relationships do break up, the other wives remain committed to stand by their partners despite the hardships they face. Many find support in organizations like Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM) which provide a community for wives of prisoners while advocating for criminal justice reform.

Girlfriends of prisoners also face many difficulties as a result of their relationship with an inmate. Like wives, girlfriends must cope with financial insecurity, loneliness, and potential social stigma associated with being in a relationship with someone who is behind bars.

Love and Sex in Prison describes these relationships in depth. It is available on Amazon and is being turned into a documentary featuring interviews with women in relationships with prisoners, as well as with their partners in prison or recently released. It will be filmed in October 2023.

The Amazon link for the book is at https://www.amazon.com/Love-Sex-Prison-Relationships-Girlfriends/dp/B0C1J9CYPL. The book is also available in a Kindle edition. For more information, contact American Leadership Books at American Leadership Books.com.

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Three remote sensors have been installed on a Dorset farm to detect varieties of invertebrates and birds in correlation to the flowering plants they rely on.

The project aims to test and demonstrate the effectiveness of sensor technology as a means of remotely monitoring wildlife diversity on farms.

It is being funded via Innovate UK and Defras Farming Innovation Programme, and is taking place on Hemsworth Farms, a 400 hectare organic farm near Wimborne in Dorset.

AgriSound, who specialise in remote insect technology and environmental sensors, have installed three unique in-field sensor devices for automated insect monitoring as part of the project.

The technology, Polly, is optimised for attracting pollinators from a broad spectrum of local insects.

The sensors detect 24/7 through the use of a specialised bioacoustics technology, with data transmitted and stored securely.

Other technology used includes Pollenize app to photograph and geolocate plant species, while Chirrup AI will use artificial intelligence to monitor species of birds that are thriving on the farm.

This, in turn, will reveal more about the diversity of bugs and seeds above ground, and the richness of life in the soil

The same transects monitored by the digital devices will be surveyed by a professional ecologist from Dorset Wildlife Trust to explore the findings.

Sophie Alexander, farm owner of Hemsworth Farms, said it was important to establish the farm's biodiversity baseline and to continue to monitor progress.

"We are pleased to be involved with testing the data collection capabilities of digital technologies to assist ecologists and in this case, Dorset Wildlife Trust to ground truth the information and demonstrate how an organic farming system can nurture wildlife as well as produce food.

The early-stage feasibility project will explore emerging applications of remote sensing to inform the development of a commercially relevant solution.

It is hoped this will catalyse a pipeline of further R&D across a wider area, new research collaborations and accelerate research translation and development of new solutions.

Casey Woodward, Founder and CEO of AgriSound, said: Its a tremendous opportunity for all parties involved to put AgriSounds cutting-edge pollinator monitoring technology to the test in a real-world farming context.

"We truly believe this project has the potential to shed new light on all of the great work happening across British farms to improve local biodiversity."
Emergency legislation for the authorisation of key cobalt salts to be used in livestock feed in England and Wales has been put forward after pressure from the industry.

In a letter received from farming minister Mark Spencer, it was confirmed that statutory instruments (SIs) for the urgent authorisation for the four cobalt additives have now been laid in parliament.

Responding to the Agricultural Industries Confederation's (AIC) call to join Scotland in granting an emergency authorisation, he said: "I received the Food Standards Agency's (FSA) recommendation and indicated my support.

"You will be pleased to know the SIs providing the urgent (provisional) authorisation for the four cobalt additives were laid in parliament on 22 June in England and Wales."

Cobalt supplementation is essential to the livestock industry, in particular for the sheep sector, as deficiency can result in debilitation, anaemia, emaciation and stunted growth.

In May, AIC and the British Association of Feed Supplement and Additive Manufacturers (BAFSAM) worked together to write to the FSA and Defra.

They submitted evidence and data on the animal welfare and economic implications of losing the four cobalt feed additives.

It comes after legislation approving the use of the the same cobalt salts was put to the Scottish Parliament earlier in June, following a co-ordinated effort by the two industry groups.

The SIs have been harmonised to collectively come into force across Great Britain on 15 July, ensuring uninterrupted market supply of cobalt feed additives.

James McCulloch, AIC's head of animal feed, said: "This is a great example of the industry and regulators working together to secure the right outcome for livestock farmers.

"This news will be especially welcome for sheep farmers across Great Britain wanting to supplement spring born lambs with cobalt to help ensure good growth rates over the summer months.

"AIC is grateful for the support from the FSA, FSS and Minister Spencer on this important matter."
A new root crop disease technology has entered its final stage of testing ahead of being brought to market.

Researchers behind the TuberSense project say the technology could potentially revolutionise the potato supply chain by helping to boost crop yield and quality.

Its first phase has provided novel insights into the range of diseases and defects that, unless detected early, can compromise the overall quality of the crop that enters the supply chain.

Through this phase, scientists say they have gained an understanding of which diseases are most distinguishable through the use of gas sensing technologies.

The team have also become more aware of which defects may not be detectable through such means.

The project is a cross collaborative effort from agri-tech business B-hive Innovations, with partners including the James Hutton Institute and potato producer Branston, among others.

To ensure optimal testing conditions, the team have been conducting experiments using a mix of field testing with growers alongside semi-controlled trials, including the use of industrial shipping containers.

A TuberSense system was shipped to a sweet potato supplier in North America for further testing, as the project looks to expand the breadth of crop the technology can be compatible with.

Sweet potatoes can be even more susceptible to disease and defects, especially considering long shipping times, and therefore there is a higher rate of crop wastage.

Dr Barbara Correia, who is a scientist taking part in the project, said the team have made some "great breakthroughs" during the first phase.

She said: Research and development combined with market research has made it clear that growers and packers of root crops require greater insights into disease and defect detection at the earliest point possible.

While we have made some great breakthroughs during the first phase of the project, we have a lot of confidence from our ongoing analysis to trial a 2.0 iteration - that will extract even more insights into using volatile markers for gas sensing in stored crop.

By undertaking detailed data analysis, we believe that we can detect some tuber diseases and defects more accurately through further refinements to the underlying technology, and we are working through making those changes."

To better understand the demand from growers, the research team embarked on a 12-week Scaling the Edge project funded by with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Three quarters of the growers faced disease and defect problems with their crop, and the majority of these are keen that a gas sensing system for early detection is made available.

Researchers are now starting to develop the second iteration to feature an improved gas sensor, with aims to commence testing with units by the end of the year.

Dr Correia said the project was also exploring technology from other partners, including graphene-based sensors from Altered Carbon.

"We have partnered with recently, alongside our own bespoke sensor array to see how much we can push the limits of sensitivity of the system," she added.

By the end of the project, we want to be in a position where our findings can inform the production of commercial detection systems for the industry.
A new survey is seeking to identify what barriers are preventing sheep farmers from adopting red clover mixed leys.

Independent agricultural consultancy ADAS has launched the online survey as it wants more farmers have the confidence to try red clover.

In 2022, an Innovative Farmers Field Lab found that grazing herbal leys containing red clover during the mating season had no negative effect on ewe fertility.

Following this successful result, ADAS's survey aims to help identify if further research is needed to encourage greater take-up of red clover by the industry.

Grazing red clover as part of conventional grassland seed mixes and/or multi species swards is known to reduce the need for manufactured nitrogen fertiliser.

It is also known to improve drought tolerance, increase home grown protein, and improve farm biodiversity.

Growing more legumes like red clover can also help British sheep farmers reach the goal of net zero emissions by 2040.

Gillian Preece, senior ADAS consultant and sheep farmer said it was critical for sheep farmers to take this opportunity to influence the direction of future research.

She said: "We want more to have the confidence to try red clover. To instil that confidence, we need to know what is putting farmers off and address their concerns with up-to-date research evidence.

"As farmers, we must tell government and research bodies the issues we want investigated. If we dont, nothing changes and old guidance about red clover from vets and advisors will just stay the same.

The ADAS survey takes five minutes to complete and all sheep farmers across the UK are invited to take part.

Survey responses submitted by 31 July 2023 will be entered into a prize draw to win a British produce hamper worth around 100.
NFU Cymru has asked the Welsh government to urgently review a decision to refuse an application for Asulox, an important bracken herbicide.

The Welsh government recently refused an application for an emergency authorisation for the use of Asulox to control bracken in Wales for this year.

The application refusal in Wales mirrors the decision taken in Scotland, however an emergency authorisation has been granted in England to allow the use of the herbicide.

Farm leaders in Scotland have also called on the Scottish government to grant urgent approval for Asulox.

Bracken is an invasive plant which is poisonous to livestock, and can also pose a significant threat to biodiversity, drinking water quality, agriculture and public health.

NFU Cymru policy adviser, Dafydd Jarrett said the union was 'extremely disappointed' with the Welsh government's move, despite concerns previously raised by the industry.

"We believe this decision is a huge backward step in the control of bracken in Wales," Mr Jarrett warned.

NFU Cymru fails to understand what further evidence has been considered on possible adverse effects in the 2023 emergency authorisation, when the application on use was the same as the previous 10 applications which have been granted."

He said there were 'clear environmental benefits' to controlling bracken, as the refusal of the Asulox application 'could be considered counterintuitive' to Welsh governments own ambitions to plant more trees, as many of these areas bracken must be controlled for effective establishment.

He added: "It is regrettable that an important tool has now been totally lost to farmers with no alternative chemical treatment possible and no aerial control of bracken.

NFU Cymru is asking Welsh government for immediate sight of the HSE evidence on which this decision appears to be based, particularly given that Defra has allowed emergency authorisation in England.

We are asking Welsh government to urgently review this decision on Asulox to ensure Welsh farmers still have use of this important management tool.
A decision to extend the investigatory powers available to the SSPCA runs the risk of hindering wildlife crime prosecutions, Scottish rural businesses have warned.

The Scottish government said the animal welfare charity's new powers would allow in certain circumstances to search, examine and seize evidence in connection with specified wildlife crime offences.

But Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), which consists of rural businesses and landowners, said any form of search, examination or seizing of evidence should be the sole remit of Police Scotland.

The group also said the move goes against the advice of an independent taskforce set up by the Scottish government to examine the issue.

A report from the taskforce examined three possible scenarios for future SSPCA powers and concluded that enhanced partnership working for the charity  rather than new investigatory powers - was the recommended route forward.

The taskforce recognised the difficulty in reconciling new investigatory powers with the SSPCAs campaigning against legal land management practices including snaring and glue traps.

Crucially, the taskforce said that an extension of powers would be fraught and noted that Police Scotland raised extensive concerns about the proposals whilst the Crown Office highlighted the standards in evidence gathering, processing and reporting required.

Ross Ewing, director of moorland at Scottish Land & Estates, said: We firmly support measures to address all forms of wildlife crime. Its vital that those investigated have full trust in the impartiality of investigators.

If additional resource is needed to tackle this priority area, Police Scotland should be provided with that resource by the Scottish government instead of powers being granted to a charity.

As the taskforce made clear in its report, there are substantial problems in allowing a campaigning organisation to hold key powers in investigating alleged criminality.

"The opposition of the SSPCA to legal land management tools such as snares is well known and surely calls into question their objectivity in any investigation."

The Scottish government also states that SSPCA Inspectors will be required to undertake specified training prior to exercising new powers  but does not assert who will pay for this training.

Mr Ewing said that SSPCA involvement could damage the likelihood of successful prosecutions where a crime had been committed if due process was not adhered to.

He said: "This is a concern which Police Scotland raised in its evidence to the taskforce but is one that has been taken no notice of by the Scottish government.
Idris Elba has accused racist trolls or ruining his joy over rumours he was being lined up to be the next James Bond.

Idris Elba has said nasty trolls ruined the joy of being linked to the role of James Bond

The 'Luther' star was previously the target of gossip suggesting he could take over the part of 007 following the departure of Daniel Craig and the 50-year-old actor said it initially felt like a "huge compliment" to be linked to the coveted job - but his delight was tarnished by the online hate over a Black movie star potentially playing the superspy for the first time.

He told the 'SmartLess' podcast: "The truth is, I was super complimented for a long time about this. I was like: This is crazy! Because James Bond  Were all actors and we understand that role. Its one of those coveted [roles]. Being asked to be James Bond was like, Okay, youve sort of reached the pinnacle'."

He went on to add: "Essentially, it was a huge compliment that every corner of the world except from some corners, which we will not talk about, were really happy about the idea that I could be considered.

"Those that werent happy about the idea made the whole thing disgusting and off-putting because it became about race. It became about nonsense, and I got the brunt of it."

Idris previously touched on the issue of race in Hollywood when he declared he will no longer be referring to himself as a Black actor. He was hit with a flood of online criticism earlier this year when he revealed in an interview with Esquire he no longer applies the label to himself as he felt it put him in a box and promoted the worlds obsession with dividing people into races.

Idris said: "As humans, we are obsessed with race. And that obsession can really hinder peoples aspirations, hinder peoples growth. "Racism should be a topic for discussion, sure. Racism is very real. "But from my perspective, its only as powerful as you allow it to be. I stopped describing myself as a black actor when I realised it put me in a box. Weve got to grow. Weve got to. Our skin is no more than that: its just skin. Rant over."

He later hit out at being trolled over the comments, telling The Guardian: Me saying I dont like to call myself a black actor is my prerogative. Thats me, not you. So for you to turn around and say to me, Im denying my blackness. On what grounds? Did you hear that? Where am I denying it? And what for? Its just stupid. Whatever. Idris added the backlash against his Black actor remarks is proof social media can be a conflict incubator. Days after his chat with Esquire, Idris clarified on Twitter about his remarks on race: There isn't a soul on this earth that can question whether I consider myself a BLACK MAN or not. Being an actor is a profession, like being an architect, they are not defined by race. However, If YOU define your work by your race, that is your Perogative. Ah lie?"
The Prince of Wales chuckled after being told his late grandfather, Prince Philip, demanded politicians and civil servants cough up money for charity in a direct way.

Prince William laughed at hearing about his grandfather's cheeky plea

Prince William was visiting East Belfast Mission at the Skainos Centre in Northern Ireland on Tuesday (27.06.23), amid his tour of the UK to launch his Homewards initiative to end homelessness.

And Reverend Brian Anderson, who is the chair of the board for the building, recalled how the Duke of Edinburgh - who died in April 2021 aged 99 - allegedly swore at them to donate the money needed to fund the cost of the charity's building.

The Rev said: "He just immediately asked [the politicians and civil servants], 'Why dont you just give them the money? There was an expletive in there but I'm not going to say that. And three weeks later the money turned up."

William reacted to the crowds that gathered to see the royal: "That sounds like my grandfather.

"The Reverend has been telling me stories about my grandfather."

EBM moved into a 23 million state-of-the-art building known as Skainos (Greek for tent) in October 2012.

William was inspired by the "heartbreaking" trips he used to make with his mother, the late Princess Diana, to launch the initiative.

The future king declared he is pleased to be at the start of our path to ending rough sleeping and temporary accommodation as he launched the campaign during a visit to Lambeth, south London, on Monday (26.06.23), and recalled how his beloved mum used to take him on official visits to homelessness organisations from a young age.

He said: My first visit to a homelessness shelter was when I was 11, with my mother. The visits we made left a deep and lasting impression.

I met so many extraordinary people and listened to so many heart-breaking personal stories.

"Too many people have found themselves without a stable and permanent place to call home.

The 41-year-old royal - who is patron of homelessness charities Centrepoint and The Passage - hailed Homewards as a "unique opportunity" that he hopes will have a major impact.

He said: Over the next five years, I believe that we have a unique opportunity to develop innovative new solutions and scale tangible impact.

This will inspire belief throughout the UK  and beyond  that homelessness can be ended for good."

The five-year project will initially focus on six locations and will see local business, organisations and individuals encouraged to team up to tackle the issue, with up to 500,000 of funding available to deliver a housing project.

William added: I am fortunate to have seen first-hand the tireless work of people and organisations across the sector, the tangible impact their efforts can have and what can be done when communities are able to focus on preventing homelessness, rather than managing it.

Its a big task, but I firmly believe that by working together it is possible to make homelessness rare, brief, and unrepeated and I am very much looking forward to working with our six locations to make our ambition a reality.
During the first four months of 2023, China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Cambodia were the top five countries supplying Japan's apparel imports, accounting for 83.87 per cent of the total $7.883 billion worth of imports. Notably, while imports from China and Bangladesh decreased, those from Vietnam and Myanmar rose, with Cambodia also remaining in the positive. The value of imports from China was $4.056 billion, or 51.45 per cent of total imports from January to April 2023. This represents a decrease of 2.91 per cent compared to the $4.178 billion worth of imports for the same period in 2022. Furthermore, this follows a 7.41 per cent decline that occurred between the corresponding periods of 2021 and 2022, according to

Japan's apparel imports from Bangladesh also fell by 2.28 per cent, dropping from $471.090 million during January-April 2022 to $460.368 million in the same period in 2023. However, Bangladesh remained the third-largest supplier, accounting for 5.84 per cent of the trade.

In January-April 2023, China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Cambodia were Japan's top apparel suppliers, accounting for 83.87 per cent of total imports. While imports from China and Bangladesh fell, Vietnam and Myanmar saw significant growth. Despite declines, China remained the largest supplier, followed by Vietnam, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Cambodia.

Vietnam was the second-largest supplier, accounting for 15.77 per cent of the total imports from January to April 2023. Imports from Vietnam surged by 15.45 per cent, rising to $1,243.629 million from $1,077.170 million in the same period of 2022. Previously, the import value was registered at $1,185.232 million during the same period in 2021.

Meanwhile, Myanmar saw an impressive 37.32 per cent growth in its exports to Japan, contributing $448.794 million to Japan's apparel imports in the first four months of 2023. This figure is a significant increase from the $326.829 million worth of imports in the same period in 2022, which in turn had grown by 23.09 per cent from $265.524 million in January-April 2021. Myanmar accounted for 5.69 per cent of Japan's total apparel imports from January to April 2023, holding the fourth position among suppliers. The value of inbound shipments from Cambodia in the first four months of this year was $403.998 million, making up 5.12 per cent of the total. Cambodia was the fifth largest supplier of apparel imports to Japan. The supply edged up 1.5 per cent from $398.021 million in the same period last year. The trade was recorded at $396.705 million in January-April 2021, as per TexPro.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
The European Council yesterday adopted a decision to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with New Zealand. Both sides are expected to sign it later. Bilateral trade is expected to grow by up to 30 per cent due to the FTA, with annual European Union (EU) exports to New Zealand potentially growing by up to 4.5 billion.

EU investment into New Zealand has a potential to grow by up to 80 per cent. The deal can cut some 140 million a year in duties for EU companies from the first year of application, an official release from the Council said.

European Council has approved FTA with New Zealand, which could boost bilateral trade by up to 30 per cent, increasing EU exports by 4.5 billion annually. The deal might also reduce duties for EU companies by 140 million yearly. It promises to provide non-discriminatory treatment to investors and maintain high standards of personal data protection.

The EU is New Zealand's third-biggest trade partner. Bilateral trade in goods between the two partners has risen steadily in recent years, reaching almost 9.1 billion in 2022.

The agreement will eliminate all tariffs on key EU exports to New Zealand; open New Zealands services market in key sectors such as financial services, telecommunications, maritime transport and delivery services; ensure non-discriminatory treatment to EU investors in New Zealand and vice versa; and improve access for EU companies to New Zealand government procurement contracts for goods, services, works and works concessions.

It will also protect 163 of the most renowned traditional EU products with geographical indications; facilitate data flows, predictable and transparent rules for digital trade and a secure online environment for consumers; prevent unjustified data localisation requirements and maintaining the high standards of personal data protection; and help small businesses export more through a dedicated chapter on small and medium enterprises.

It will protect and enforce intellectual property rights, aligned with EU standards, according to commitments by New Zealand.

The EU concluded negotiations for the FTA on June 30, 2022.

The entry into force of the FTA will take place on the first day of the second month after both sides confirm having completed legal requirements and procedures or on another date agreed by the parties.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Reports suggest that Salman Khan's security has been increased following death threats from gangster Goldy Brar in a recent interview. Brar reportedly stated that the actor is on his "kill list" and that he will continue his attempts until he succeeds.Mumbai Police is said to be investigating the threats and may further enhance the superstar's security. Currently, Salman Khan has Y-level security and is always accompanied by a team of guards. He has also reportedly purchased a new bullet-proof car with B6 or B7 level of security. A few months ago, extra security was deployed outside his Bandra residence, Galaxy Apartments.In his interview, Brar also mentioned that his gang members, including jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, would definitely kill Salman Khan as he has not apologised to their community for allegedly killing a Blackbuck and humiliating them.He also confessed to the murder of Sidhu Moosewala, stating that Moosewala's arrogance and misuse of political and financial influence required him to be taught a lesson. Brar claimed that Moosewala was an egoistic individual and that he was indeed taught a lesson.
After a four-year absence from the movie industry, Sonam Kapoor will return with Shome Makhija's crime drama Blind, which will also mark the 38-year-old actress's digital debut.

Blind is a remake of a Korean film with the same name. It also stars Purab Kohli, Vinay Pathak, Lilette Dubey, and Shubham Saraf and follows a blind police officer's hunt for a serial killer. A gripping story of tenacity and tenacity surrounding the main character is promised in the Hindi version.

Blind is set to premiere on July 7 on OTT.

This is Sonam Kapoors first OTT film. The shooting for the film was done in Scotland in 2020. Sonams last outing was the 2019 romantic comedy The Zoya Factor.
Dulquer's 'King Of Kotha' Teaser Out Now: Dulquer Salmaan's highly anticipated film King of Kotha's Teaser is out now..

Bigg Boss Malayalam 5 Grand Finale: Nadira Takes Rs 7.5 Lakh Money Bag And Leaves The House?

Directed by Abhilash Joshiy, the Malayalam teaser was released by Megastar Mammootty, while Mahesh Babu, Simbu, and Rakshit Shetty unveiled the Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada teasers, respectively. The grand-scale production, "King of Kotha," is a collaboration between Zee Studios and Wayfarer Films.

Earlier, they had also treated the audience to a graphical teaser, unveiling the main characters and the talented actors portraying the 'King and his Gang.

Dulquer Salmaan delivers a career-spanning performance in this mass entertainer, accompanied by outstanding performances from the talented ensemble cast and the brilliance of the technicians.

The crew behind "King of Kotha" includes Abhilash Joshiy as the director, with Jakes Bijoy and Shaan Rahman composing the music. Rajashekhar is responsible for the gripping action sequences, and the film's captivating visuals are crafted by cinematographer Nimish Ravi.

The script is penned by Abhilash N. Chandran, while Nimesh Tanur serves as the production designer. Shyam Sasidharan takes charge of the editing, Sheriff handles the choreography, and Ronex Xavier oversees the makeup. Praveen Verma designs the costumes, while Shuhaib SBK captures stunning stills. Deepak Parameswaran acts as the production controller; Sony Music acquires the music rights; Wayfarer Films handles distribution; and Pratish Shekhar manages public relations.

Shammi Thilakan On Dulquer's 'King of Kotha'

In a recent interview with The Fourth, veteran actor Shammi Thilakan shared intriguing details about Dulquer's 'King of Kotha'. He revealed that he portrays the character of Kotha Ravi, the father of Dulquer's character in the film. Shammi's scenes were shot in the picturesque locations of Rameswaram and Karakudi.

The storyline of 'King of Kotha' spans across multiple time periods, with Shammi making two distinct appearances, adding an element of mystery. While maintaining secrecy around the film's theme, Shammi emphasised the captivating essence of the narrative, urging the audience to experience it firsthand.

AMMA Goes High-Tech With Cutting-Edge Digital ID Card For Members; Know The Specifics!

Shammi Thilakan expressed admiration for Dulquer Salmaan, highlighting their seamless on-screen chemistry. He also emphasised that 'King of Kotha' represents a new generation of filmmakers and actors, urging audiences to evaluate them based on their individual talents rather than comparing them to their accomplished predecessors.

Describing the film as a thrilling 'massgang' entertainer with a focus on action, Shammi Thilakan expressed confidence in director Abhilash's unique style and narration, assuring viewers of an enthralling and surprising experience. He eagerly encouraged everyone to patiently await and witness the magic of the 'King of Kotha.'
Maamannan Faces Threat: All India Forward Block Party has threatened to attack the theatre if Udhayanidhi Stalin's film Maamannan is screened. This information has creted a stir in Tamil Nadu.

Mari Selvaraj, who directed Pariyerum Perumal and Karnan, has now directed Maamannan with Udhayanidhi Stalin. Vadivelu, Fahadh Faasil, Keerthy Suresh, Lal and others have acted with him. The film is slated to release worldwide on 29th June (tomorrow). As this is Udhayanidhi's last film, his fans have high expectations.

Mari Selvaraj Started The Problem

While the promotions for Mamannan was going smooth, the speech of Mari Selvaraj about Thevar Magan infront of Kamal Haasan at the audio launch of the film and the letter he wrote about Thevar Magan 13 years ago ignited issues.

Speaking at the event, Mari Selvaraj said, "Theva Magan was a film that made a big change for me. Everything that was happening was blood and flesh. How can I understand this? It's a pain that I can't understand whether this film is right or wrong. Isaki in Thevar Magan is the origin of Maamannan."

His speech caused a lot of discussion on social media. Many said "Mari Selvaraj never understood Thevar Magan. The film only talked about the problem between two families and not about the problem between two castes." Most importantly, they said that the character of Isaki in the film does not belong to the oppressed.

All India Forward Block Party Threatens Maamannan Theatre

Mari Selvaraj noticed that the problem getting big and agreed that he spoke very emotionally on that stage. He said, "Only Kamal Haasan and I know what the truth is. I don't care what others thought."

But now a new problem arises. The All India Forward Block Party has openly threatened to attack Theni Vetri Theater if they screen the movie Mamannan. The party has also submitted a petition to the theater owner in this regard. This has caused a stir.

Mari Selvaraj's speech can be condemned and protested. People are raising their voices against the political party as it is not acceptable to threaten or attack anybody.
Sivakarthikeyan's Emotional WhatsApp Status About His Dad: Sivakarthikeyan's emotional WhatsApp status on his father Doss' 70th birthday has moved fans. He particularly shared an article about his dad, who helped the prisoners in a silent way.

Actor Sivakarthikeyan had said goodbye to Twitter for some time, but suddenly his fans were surprised to see his tweet. Actor Sivakarthikeyan's team took the matter shared on his WhatsApp statsus and posted it on Twitter.

Prisoner's Statement About Sivakarthikeyan Father

Sivakarthikeyan's WhatsApp post had an article about his dad that was published in a leading Tamil magazine. In it, a prisoner who was there under the supervision of Sivakarthikeyan's father said, "Instead of saying Doss as actor Sivakarthikeyan's father, we should says that Doss' son is Sivakarthikeyan.

When G Doss was working as the superintendent of the Coimbatore Central Jail, he lived as a National Anthem in the minds of the prisoners. The person who told the story committed an act of anger and served prison time. When I went to prison, I had no education, but when I came out after his release, I had a master's degree. The reason for that is G Doss.

Help Others Silently

'Never hit captive birds, give good food and water, educate them.' is G Doss' ideology. All the prisoners went on a hunger strike because the Karnataka state did not give us water. He was happy to see the work of the prisoners and gave them biryani that night. The most important thing about him is if there is any hardship in the family of the prisoners in jail, or if they need money for education and medical expenses, G Doss helps the family with his own money. Andhiyur Anburaj is a witness to this."

Actor Sivakarthikeyan mentioned, "Father... Gods will all perish before you. whatever I do today, is all because of you appa, the values you taght me and the way you lived to show how to support others silently irrespective of what we hav in our hand.. always a proud son.. you will be remembered forever appa."
Anupamaa twist: Rupali Ganguly and Gaurav Khanna's show has managed to keep everyone engaged, courtesy of the drama-packed episodes. The daily soap, which is produced by Rajan Shahi, has been topping the TRP charts since its inception.

ANUJ SLAPS MAYA. HOW WILL MAYA DIE?

TV buffs have been eagerly waiting for Maya's track to get over ever since the character turned negative and wreaked havoc in MaAn's lives. From blackmailing Anuj to causing harm to Choti Anu, she has been creating trouble for others. She will once again lose her calm and attack.

In a rage of anger, Maya will curse Anupamaa and say that she should die. However, Anuj will turn out to be a shield and protect his wife from Maya's wrath. Anuj will slap Maya, asking her to stay away from Anupamaa. He will also threaten to send her to the mental hospital.

Maya will accuse Anupama of trying to influence Anuj to go with her to the United States Of America. She will showcase the papers and attack Anu. "Anuj tumhare peeche peeche US ja rahe hai. Jhoothi kahi ki. Mera peeche kyu chod deti. Mar kyun nhi jaati tum," she said.

Before the US trip, Anupamaa and Anuj will have a reunion. They will share an emotional moment but Maya will try to ruin it. However, she will end up dying after she will fall into the hole that she created for Anupamaa

ANUPAMAA TO GO MISSING- HERE'S WHAT WE KNOW

As Rupali Ganguly is currently stationed in Mauritius for a vacation, gossip mills suggested that Anupamaa will go missing as the actress won't be available for the shoot. So, what's the truth?

A source close to the show exclusively told Filmibeat, "Rupali Ganguly and her family members have jetted off to Mauritius for a much-needed vacation. Rupali shoots for 25-28 days a month as she is required in most of the scenes. She deserved a break and the makers had no qualms in giving her days off."

"Rupali Ganguly is a thorough professional and she has already shot for her scenes in advance. She has never let anything affect the flow of work. Will Anupama go missing for a while in the show? That's a surprise for the viewers. The upcoming track will keep them hooked on to their television sets," the source added.
LONDON, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- H&H Group has announced the successful completion of the issuance of a new 3-year bond amounting to US$200,000,000. This is an important milestone for the Group's liability management exercise to refinance its outstanding bond which will mature in October 2024. This achievement enables the Group to maintain a stable and sustainable capital structure, alongside preserving the Group's liquidity for operational and business development purposes.



Jason Wang, H&H Group Chief Financial Officer, says this accomplishment showcases the Group's resilience in raising capital, particularly during challenging market conditions and persistent external headwinds.

"We are extremely pleased with the successful conclusion of this debt refinancing, as it propels us towards a solid path of reducing debt levels and effectively managing risk on our balance sheet, ultimately strengthening our financial position."

The Group also successfully broadened and diversified its investor base from this new bond issuance, including new investors from the Middle East, Asia and Europe - in line with the business footprint expansion in those regions.

In addition, the Group successfully raised RMB500 million through a long-term loan agreement with China Construction Bank Corporation Guangzhou Development District Branch (CCB). The loan, provided to H&H China, a wholly-owned subsidiary of H&H Group, will be used to further enhance the Group's liquidity position and diversify the Group's sources of capital.

"This refinancing is a testament to our steadfast dedication in fulfilling our commitments and implementing strong strategies for the remainder of 2023 and beyond. Our primary focus continues to be on fostering growth, expanding our global presence, maximising synergies across our three business segments and deleveraging the balance sheet."

Akash Bedi, H&H Group Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Strategy & Operations Officer, adds, "This is an exciting achievement for the Group and a demonstration of our successful business model across our three segments, our leading brand positions across multiple markets, and our strong ability in executing successful business strategies. This refinancing will enable more financial flexibility to successfully deliver on our strategic objectives, to provide the best for our consumers, customers and our shareholders. We remain on track this year to achieve growth in our core markets of China, Australia and North America and continue to diversify our Pet Nutrition & Care (PNC) segment as we capitalise on growing pet nutrition industry trends."
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 27, 2023) - Pool Safe Inc. (TSXV: POOL) ("Pool Safe" or the "Company") is pleased to announce an upsize to the previously announced non-brokered private placement of unsecured convertible debentures ("Debentures Units") at a price of $1,000 per Debenture Unit. The principal sum of the Debentures to be issued is increased from CAD$1,000,000 to up to CAD$1,140,000 (the "Debenture Financing").

As previously announced, each Debenture Unit consists of (a) one $1,000 face value debenture ("Debenture"), and (b) 28,500 common share bonus warrants of the Company (the "Financing Warrants"). The Debentures shall mature thirty-six (36) months from the date of the issuance (the "Maturity Date") and shall bear interest at a rate of eight percent (8%) per annum (the "Interest"). Each Financing Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one (1) common share of the Company ("Common Share") at an exercise price of $0.05 for a period of thirty-six (36) months from the closing date of the Debenture Financing (the "Closing Date"). If at any time the Common Shares trade at higher than $0.15 per Common Share (on a volume weighted average basis) for a period of 20 consecutive trading days (the "Early Expiry Event"), the Company will have the right to accelerate the expiry date of the Financing Warrants by providing the holder with written notice of an Early Expiry Event (the "Early Expiry Notice"). The period whereby the holder is entitled to exercise any portion of outstanding Financing Warrants shall expire 30 calendar days following the date on which the Company provides Early Expiry Notice to holders (the "Early Expiry Date"). Furthermore, if a portion of the Debentures are repaid during the first year following the Closing Date, a proportional number of the Financing Warrants shall have their term reduced to the later of one year from the Closing Date and 30 days from repayment of that portion of the Debenture.

All Debentures and Financing Warrants issued pursuant to the Debenture Financing are subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus one day from the date of issuance, in accordance with applicable securities legislation. In connection with the Debenture Financing, the Company may pay finders' fees of 8%, as permitted by the policies of TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). The Company intends to use approximately 30% of the net proceeds from the Debenture Financing to increase its inventory and production capacity for future Loungenie builds. In addition, approximately 10% of the net proceeds will be used to evolve the Company's communication technology and enhance Loungenie's IoT capabilities. The remainder of the net proceeds will be applied to working capital and general corporate purposes. The Debenture Financing is subject to receipt of all required regulatory approvals including the approval of the Exchange.

About Pool Safe Inc.

Pool Safe Inc. designs, develops and distributes a product known as the "Loungenie", which functions as a multi-purpose personal poolside attendant. The Loungenie is designed to provide safety, convenience and peace of mind for hotels, resorts, waterparks and cruise ship guests. Functions include: lockable safe, solar-powered charger for USB compatible electronic devices including phones, cameras and tablets, in addition to a server call-button, a beverage cooler and holders. Conveniently located alongside pool or beach lounge chairs, the Loungenie is a unique way of providing vacationers with a comforting sense of security for their belongings, while they enjoy their vacation. For more information, please visit poolsafeinc.com and loungenie.com.

Pool Safe Inc. is a fully reporting publicly traded company which is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "POOL".

Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: Pool Safe's completion of the Debenture Financing and Financing Warrants on the terms intended herein; and the intended use of the proceeds raised from the Debenture Financing.

The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein are based on assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, include, but are not limited to, the ability of Pool Safe to successfully complete the Debenture Financing, the intended use of the proceeds raised from the Debenture Financing, the ability of Pool Safe to obtain the approval of the Exchange in connection with the Debenture Financing, the development and performance of Pool Safe's business and future activities following the date hereof, the general state of the economy will not materially worsen and Pool Safe is able to sustain its level of sales and earning margins. Pool Safe considers these assumptions to be reasonable in the circumstances. However, there can be no assurance that any one or more of the operational or financial targets as set out herein will be achieved.

Inherent in the forward-looking statements are known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to, risks associated with the failure of Pool Safe to successfully raise capital, Pool Safe's inability to effectively use the proceeds of the Debenture Financing, the inability to obtain the regulatory approvals necessary for the Debenture Financing, deterioration in the financial market conditions that prevent Pool safe from raising the required funds in a timely manner and Pool Safe's inability to develop and implement a business plan in general and for any reason whatsoever. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect the Company's expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change thereafter. The forward-looking statements contained herein are current as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, Pool Safe does not have any obligation to advise any person if it becomes aware of any inaccuracy in or omission from any forward-looking statement, nor does it intend, or assume any obligation, to update or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect new events or circumstances. Any and all forward-looking statements included in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement, and except as otherwise indicated, are made as of the date of this press release.

Pool Safe Inc.

Steven Glaser

C.O.O. & C.F.O.

E: sglaser@poolsafeinc.com

T: 416-630-2444

Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. Securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/171557
Die KI-Revolution ist in vollem Gange und vor allem ein Bereich wird stark betroffen sein: Cyber-Security. Die Experten sind sich sicher: Mit steigender Entwicklung von KI-Technologien nehmen auch KI-gestutzte Cyber-Attacken zu. Wir zeigen hier, welche Aktien profitieren konnen.

FALLS CHURCH (dpa-AFX) - General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (GD), said that it has been selected by the U.S. Army to advance to the detailed design and prototype build and test phases of the XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle competition. The U.S. Army Contracting Command awarded General Dynamics Land Systems $768.7 million firm-fixed-price contract for Phase III and IV detailed design and prototype build and testing. Formerly known as the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV), the XM30 is the Army's next generation infantry fighting vehicle developmental program that will replace the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Cle de Peau Beaute's revolutionary skincare science, experienced in a global three-day event that also premieres immersive AI art installation "Unseen Intelligence" by Refik Anadol

TOKYO, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cle de Peau Beaute, the SHISEIDO Group's global luxury skincare and makeup brand hosted a global event in Tokyo, Japan from June 26-28th, 2023. Celebrating and revealing its revolutionary skincare science approach, "Skin Intelligence", the three-day event immersed guests in the brand's unwavering commitment to innovation and science-based approach to beauty. Guests from over 18 countries joined two of Cle de Peau Beaute's Global Brand Ambassadors, Ella Balinska and Diana Silvers. The Shiseido Global Innovation Center in Yokohama hosted the exclusive, global reveal of the skin gene network - visualized for the very first time. This network is made up of an internal collective that operates independently of the neuron network that powers the brain. The event also premiered a visionary collaboration with renowned media artist Refik Anadol. Anadol's immersive installation "Unseen Intelligence" is situated in the Tokyo Midtown, located in the district of Roppongi. Anadol brings his trailblazing approach to data narratives to envision the hidden world of Skin.

Since the brand's launch in 1982, Cle de Peau Beaute has been committed to pursuing a deeper understanding of Skin Intelligence: skin's innate ability to distinguish between positive and negative stimuli to maintain optimal condition at the epidermis level. Cle de Peau Beaute develops new technologies that support skin as a 'thinking' organ, boosting its reparative and defensive abilities to empower its innate ability to self-care, the most powerful catalyst for achieving optimal skin radiance.

Ms. Mizuki Hashimoto, Cle de Peau Beaute Chief Brand Officer, shared: "I am proud to showcase our unwavering commitment to innovation through Skin Intelligence to beauty experts worldwide. With our unique skincare approach, we have solidified our position as industry pioneers, redefining the future of skincare. I am thrilled about the limitless possibilities that lie ahead for a more radiant future."

Kiyoshi Sato, Cle de Peau Beaute Chief Technology Officer shared: "It has been a privilege for us to welcome so many beauty experts from around the world to our laboratories, where for the very first time, we unveiled a successful visualization of the skin gene network, which has significantly enhanced our understanding of the skin's inherent intelligence. To commemorate this scientific achievement, we then provided the data cluster to Refik Anadol, who brought it to life with his artistry. Together we were able to reveal a world that we know exists and have been searching for a glimpse of for so long."

The collaboration between Refik Anadol and Cle de Peau Beaute was born out of the brand's ambition to bring the unseen autonomic system of Skin Intelligence to life and create a memorable experience that educates and inspires audiences around the world.

Collaborating artist Refik Anadol comments: "Refik Anadol Studio's collaboration with Cle de Peau Beaute is based on a unique analogy between skin intelligence and artificial intelligence from the perspective of 'making the invisible visible' - a vision that we have been pursuing since our foundation. Cle de Peau Beaute scientists study life forces that are invisible - the unseen networks of our thinking organ - skin."

About Cle de Peau Beaute

Cle de Peau Beaute, the global luxury brand from Shiseido Co., Ltd., was founded in 1982 as the ultimate expression of luxury and science. Cle de Peau Beaute means 'the key to skin's beauty'. The philosophy of the brand is to unlock the power of a person's radiance by harnessing makeup technologies and groundbreaking skincare science. Forever guided by an exquisite aesthetic sensibility and commitment to innovation, Cle de Peau Beaute has instilled its products with modernity, advanced science, and dynamism to emerge as an industry leader. It helps to deliver a radiance so remarkable, it emanates from within. Available in 23 countries and regions worldwide.

Cle de Peau Beaute Official Website: www.cledepeau-beaute.com

Cle de Peau Beaute Official Instagram: instagram.com/cledepeaubeaute

About Refik Anadol

Refik Anadol's work uses data as primary material and encourages us to rethink our engagement with the physical world, decentralized networks, collective experience, and the creative potential of machines.Anadol's site-specific AI data sculptures, live audiovisual performances, and environmental installations are unparalleled in their field and have been exhibited at prestigious venues worldwide, including the Centre Pompidou-Metz, Venice Architecture Biennale, and The Museum of Modern Art, New York.

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Resumption of Listing Planned Following Publication on the Company's Website of the Result of the Votes of the Classes of Affected Parties

Regulatory News:

ORPEA S.A.: Suspension of Trading in Shares and Bonds Issued by ORPEA S.A., in Connection With Today's Meetings of the Classes of Convertible Bond ("OCEANE") Holders and Shareholders to Vote on ORPEA S.A.'s Accelerated Safeguard Plan ("Plan De Sauvegarde Acceleree")

ORPEA S.A. (Paris:ORP):

In accordance with the Press Release published on June 13, 2023, convertible bond ("OCEANE ") holders and shareholders convened today as classes of affected parties are today being asked to vote on the draft accelerated safeguard plan regarding ORPEA S.A.

The Company has therefore requested Euronext Paris and the Luxembourg Stock Exchange to suspend the listing of all its financial instruments, pending publication of the results of the votes of the classes of affected parties on the accelerated safeguard plan proposed by the Company.

These will be documented by the court-appointed administrators for the accelerated safeguard procedure, Maitre Helene Bourbouloux and Maitre Thibaut Martinat.

As soon as it is informed by the court-appointed administrators, and in principle on June 29 before the opening of the regulated market of Euronext Paris and the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, the Company will inform the public of the results of the votes and make them available on its website [link].

About ORPEA

ORPEA is a leading global player, expert in providing care for all types of frailty. The Group operates in 21 countries and covers three core businesses: care for the elderly (nursing homes, assisted living facilities, homecare and services), post-acute and rehabilitation care and mental health care (specialized clinics). It has more than 76,000 employees and welcomes more than 267,000 patients and residents each year.

https://www.orpea-group.com/en

ORPEA is listed on Euronext Paris (ISIN: FR0000184798) and is a member of the SBF 120 and CAC Mid 60 indices.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230627138354/en/

Contacts:

Investor Relations

ORPEA

Benoit Lesieur

Investor Relations Director

b.lesieur@orpea.net



Toll-free number for shareholders:

0 805 480 480

Investor Relations

NewCap

Dusan Oresansky

Tel.: 01 44 71 94 94

ORPEA@newcap.eu

Press Relations

ORPEA

Isabelle Herrier-Naufle

Press Relations Director

Tel.: 07 70 29 53 74

i.herrier-naufle@orpea.net



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Charlotte Le Barbier // Laurence Heilbronn

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Die KI-Revolution ist in vollem Gange und vor allem ein Bereich wird stark betroffen sein: Cyber-Security. Die Experten sind sich sicher: Mit steigender Entwicklung von KI-Technologien nehmen auch KI-gestutzte Cyber-Attacken zu. Wir zeigen hier, welche Aktien profitieren konnen.

CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Australian dollar weakened against other major currencies in the Asian session on Wednesday. The Australian dollar fell to nearly a 2-month low of 1.6544 against the euro and nearly a 2-week low of 95.15 against the yen, from yesterday's closing quotes of 1.6389 and 96.32, respectively. Against the U.S., the New Zealand and the Canadian dollars, the aussie dropped to more than a 3-week low of 0.6618, nearly a 4-week low of 1.0798 and nearly an 8-month low of 0.8746 from Tuesday's closing quotes of 0.6686, 1.0842 and 0.8819, respectively. If the aussie extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 1.67 against the euro, 93.00 against the yen, 0.64 against the greenback, 1.06 against the kiwi and 0.86 against the loonie. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.








TOKYO, June 28, 2023 - (JCN Newswire) - Tohoku University and NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) have started joint research on computer systems using an 8-qubit quantum annealing machine developed by NEC and Japan's new windowNational Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST).The 8-qubit quantum annealing machine used in this research has been newly developed using superconducting technology paired with ParityQC Architecture(1). Owing to this, the machine is resistant to noise and remains capable of scaling up to a fully-connected quantum annealing architecture while maintaining a prolonged quantum superposition state.This is the first domestically manufactured quantum annealing machine in Japan that is accessible from the outside via the Internet. This joint research is also the first project to use this machine.Joint research using the newly developed 8-qubit quantum annealing machineFeatures of the quantum annealing machineSolving complex social issues entails deriving optimal combinations from a large number of options (solution of combinatorial optimization problems). To solve combinatorial optimization problems at high speed and with high accuracy, NEC and AIST are developing a quantum annealing machine(2) using superconducting parametrons(3).Using superconducting parametrons makes this quantum annealing machine resistant to noise and enables a long coherence time (duration for maintaining the quantum state)(4). Coherence time is generally shortened during multi-qubit implementation. However, in addition to the noise-resistant characteristic of superconducting parametrons, the machine is able to maintain a long coherence time even in multi-qubit implementation by adopting the ParityQC architecture, a coupling technology that is highly compatible with parametrons. These features enable the calculation of real-world combinatorial optimization problems at high speed and with high accuracy.In regard to these two technologies, NEC already succeeded in demonstrating the operation of the unit cell consisting of four qubits in March 2022(5). Recently, it succeeded in developing a quantum annealing machine consisting of eight qubits by aligning the unit cells.The newly developed 8-qubit chip based on unit cells with long coherence timeJoint research between Tohoku University and NECTohoku University and NEC began joint research on high-performance computing technologies in 1958. In 2014, the "Joint Research Division of High-Performance Computing (NEC)" was established within the Tohoku University Cyberscience Center(6) to conduct research aimed at solving various scientific and social issues. For the current joint research, Tohoku University and NEC will study the application of the above quantum annealing machine to many combinatorial optimization problems that exist in the real world, such as deriving optimal evacuation routes to mitigate damage and injuries from tsunami inundation.Prior to this joint research, Tohoku University and NEC were already working on the development of quantum-annealing-assisted next-generation supercomputing platforms under Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's (MEXT) Next-Generation Research and Development Project(7) since 2018. This initiative is aimed at further improving the performance and sophistication of vector supercomputers, which have shown high processing capacity in many practical applications, and at developing a new supercomputing platform through functional complementation of vector supercomputers with quantum and simulated quantum annealing specialized for combinatorial optimization problems. In recognition of these initiatives on quantum annealing, Tohoku University has been accredited by Japan's Cabinet Office as a "Quantum Solution Center"(8).In the current joint research, the 8-qubit quantum annealing machine based on superconducting parametrons developed by NEC and AIST will be made available to Tohoku University via the Internet. As part of this joint research, Tohoku University and NEC will utilize both the quantum annealing machine and the simulated quantum annealing machine (NEC Vector Annealing) that runs on the vector supercomputer "SX Aurora TSUBASA"(9) installed at Tohoku University to leverage the features of both the quantum annealing machine and the simulated quantum annealing machine(10). Going forward, Tohoku University and NEC will jointly conduct research on computing system architectures to solve complex social issues. Further, they will also explore use cases unique to quantum annealing, which has the potential to perform high-speed computations.In addition to the simulated quantum annealing machine installed at Tohoku University, NEC and Tohoku University will also use the quantum annealing machine installed at AIST via the Internet. Researchers will examine the overall configuration of both machines in consideration of the effects of communication delays and other factors and feed the results back to the future development of both quantum annealing and simulated quantum annealing machines.Furthermore, in order to solve problems in the real world with the speed and accuracy of quantum annealing, they will investigate how to optimally allocate computations to both machines and endeavor to improve their usefulness.Tohoku University and NEC will leverage this joint research as an opportunity to further accelerate the social implementation of quantum computing technologies.Notes:(1) ParityQC architecture is developed by Parity Quantum Computing.About Parity Quantum Computing: https://parityqc.com/February 10, 2021 Press ReleaseNEC and ParityQC collaborate to develop highly-scalable, practical quantum computers www.nec.com/en/press/202102/global_20210210_01.html(2) Ongoing development as a project commissioned by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).Project Title: Project for Innovative AI Chip and Next-Generation Computing Technology DevelopmentR&D Activity: Integrated research and development of quantum computing and Ising computing systemsProject website: www.nedo.go.jp/english/activities/activities_ZZJP_100123.html(3) A superconducting parametron is a quantum mechanical resonantcircuit consisting of a superconducting coil and a capacitor; it was first developed by NEC and RIKEN in 2014. Modulating the circuit at twice the resonant frequency results in one of two self-excited oscillation states with a phase of 0 or Pi. The superposition of these oscillation states can be used as qubits.(4) The higher the coherence time, the higher the solution accuracy and the higher the computation speed. Research institutes in the U.S. and Europe are also conducting R&D on quantum annealing using qubits with longer coherence times.(5) March 17, 2022 Press ReleaseNEC develops the world's first unit cell facilitating scaling up to a fully-connected quantum annealing architecturewww.nec.com/en/press/202203/global_20220317_01.html(6) June 27, 2014 Press Release:Tohoku University and NEC establish joint research division for next-generation supercomputer technologies (Japanese Text)PDF - www.tohoku.ac.jp/japanese/newimg/pressimg/tohokuuniv-press_20140627_03web.pdf(7) A project subsidized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) for the advanced utilization of high-performance general-purpose computersResearch period: FY2018 to FY2022Research Director: Hiroaki Kobayashi, Tohoku University(8) Launched in February 2021 with the aim of ensuring and strengthening Japan's international competitiveness in the field of quantum technology, based on the National Quantum Technology Innovation Strategy (Integrated Innovation Strategy Promotion Council, January 21, 2020). Currently, 10 research institutes and universities have received accreditation.About Quantum Technology Innovation Hub: https://qih.riken.jp/en/(9) Next-Generation Innovation Platform "SX-Aurora TSUBASA" Series Product website:www.nec.com/en/global/solutions/hpc/sx/index.html(10) An annealing machine that simulates quantum behavior using conventional computing technology without utilizing quantum properties.NEC's Initiatives in Quantum ComputingURL: www.nec.com/en/global/quantum-computing/index.htmlAbout NEC CorporationNEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of "Orchestrating a brighter world." NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at www.nec.com.Source: NEC CorporationCopyright 2023 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
SEOUL, South Korea and TEL AVIV, Israel, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantum Machines , the world's leading provider of quantum control systems, is pleased to announce the signing of three significant Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with prominent Korean research and investment organizations. The MOUs, signed with the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS), Korea Quantum Computing Industry Leaders' Alliance (QCILA), and Orientom, will foster collaboration and strengthen the relationship between local Korean researchers, Quantum Machines, and the Israeli Quantum Computing Center (QCC), which is being developed and managed by Quantum Machines.

The signing ceremony for the MOUs took place on June 27 as part of Korea Quantum Week at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul. It brought together representatives from Quantum Machines, KRISS, QCILA, and Orientom to commemorate the beginning of these substantial collaborations. The event provided an opportunity for stakeholders to share insights, explore potential synergies, and discuss future prospects in quantum computing.

KRISS, the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, serves as the national measurement standards laboratory for the Republic of Korea. As a government-funded institute dedicated to advancing measurement technologies, KRISS plays a crucial role in providing a broad range of national standards. This partnership with KRISS will facilitate the exchange of expertise and knowledge in the field of quantum computing, enabling Quantum Machines and KRISS to further advance quantum control systems.

The Korea Quantum Computing Industry Leaders' Alliance (QCILA) is a consortium of commercial entities in Korea comprising telecom companies, including Telcos, LGE, Samsung, POSCO ICT, and more. The MOU with QCILA aims to foster collaboration between Israeli and Korean stakeholders and facilitate technological advancements through joint efforts.

Orientom, a specialized software company focused on the quantum finance platform, is currently involved in a quantum computing project in the financial sector and has an upcoming project in collaboration with the Korea Meteorological Administration for climate forecasting. Orientom and Quantum Machines are keen to collaborate on equipment and algorithm development, aiming to leverage the broad expertise and capabilities of both entities.

These MOUs represent significant milestones in the global quantum computing landscape. By partnering with leading Korean research and investment groups, Quantum Machines reinforces its commitment to advancing the field of quantum control systems and fostering international collaboration. These partnerships will facilitate knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and joint research efforts, contributing to the accelerated development of quantum computing worldwide.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with esteemed organizations like KRISS, QCILA, and Orientom," said Itamar Sivan, co-founder and CEO at Quantum Machines. "By leveraging the collective expertise of both Israeli and Korean researchers, we aim to accelerate the development of quantum computing technology and propel the industry to new heights. Through collaborative research, knowledge exchange, and joint initiatives, we are confident in our ability to revolutionize the landscape of quantum computing and drive innovation on a global scale".

About Quantum Machines

Quantum Machines (QM) drives quantum breakthroughs that accelerate the realization of practical quantum computers. The company's Quantum Orchestration Platform (QOP) fundamentally redefines the control and operations architecture of quantum processors. The full-stack hardware and software platform is capable of running even the most complex algorithms right out of the box, including quantum error correction, multi-qubit calibration, and more. Helping achieve the full potential of any quantum processor, the QOP allows for unprecedented advancement and speed-up of quantum technologies as well as the ability to scale to thousands of qubits. Visit us at: www.quantum-machines.co

Contact:



Gavriel Cohen

gavriel@concrete.media

+1-914-336-4633

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MONTREAL and MUNICH, Germany, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mecademic is pleased to announce and showcase its latest robotic innovation at Automatica in Munich. Early Access Program participants are testing this micro-SCARA robot across micro-automation applications that feature requirements such as high precision, speed, and a small footprint.

"We launched the Early Access Program for our SCARA robot in May. This program included select distributors, integrators, and end customers across North America, Europe, and Asia. We greatly appreciate the level of application testing and feedback from these selected experts," shared Philippe Beaulieu, Chief Commercial Officer at Mecademic Inc. He continues, "We are preparing for large-scale production to fulfill the pre-orders for this new micro-SCARA robot."

Building on the success and design principles of its Meca500 six-axis robotic arm is this latest micro-SCARA robot. Offering fast cycle times, precision, flexible programming, and space optimization, this micro-SCARA is ideal for small component design and manufacturing applications in electronics, optics, medical devices, and many other industries.



"As part of the Early Access Program for Mecademic's new micro-SCARA robot, we have been impressed with its performance and design. We feel the compact size and precision uniquely meets the strong demand we see in micro automation," stated Marcus Frei, CEO at NEXT. robotics. He continues, "Adding this SCARA robot to our comprehensive product portfolio amplifies our commitment to providing innovative solutions."

Visit Booth B4.302 at Automatica to see this latest innovation from Mecademic in action with Next Robotics.

For more information, contact us at sales@mecademic.com or complete our pre-order form .

Mecademic is an award-winning robotics designer and manufacturer based in Montreal, Canada. We make the world's smallest, most precise, easy-to-use industrial robotic arms. Our customers have come to rely on us to automate precision tasks and delicate manipulations for the aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, electronics, jewelry, and other industries. Learn more about us .

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AUM Asset Management Ltd. is awarded Best Investment Management Company Malta, Most Innovative Investment Solutions Provider Malta and Most Sustainable Fund Manager Malta

Winners of the International Business Magazine Awards are selected based on a panel of research analysts and industry experts

AUM Asset Management Ltd.'s core focus on ESG investing is highlighted by the three awards

SLIEMA, Malta, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- AUM Asset Management Ltd. ("AUM"), an independent investment management company that offers investment and fund solutions, asset management and advisory services within an ESG ("environment, sustainability and governance") framework to institutional investors and family offices around the world, today announced that it received three 2023 awards from International Business Magazine for its investment and asset management solutions and environmentally sustainable approach to investing.

The 2023 awards AUM Asset Management Ltd. received are:

Best Investment Management Company Malta

Most Innovative Investment Solutions Provider Malta

Most Sustainable Fund Manager Malta

AUM Asset Management was founded in 2015 by Jean-Francois de Clermont-Tonnerre and is domiciled in Malta. The firm provides traditional, alternative and real-asset investment solutions to global institutional, family office and high-net-worth investors, employing a diversified investment approach that incorporates a variety of investment strategies, markets, geographies and asset classes into a flexible and nimble investment framework. Investments included in AUM's portfolios are determined by their potential return profile and specific ESG factors. AUM incorporates sustainability as a core factor in all of its investments.

International Business Magazine is a global publication founded in 2018 and based in the United Arab Emirates that provides timely news and data regarding finance, business and technological innovation to investors, C-suite executives, key finance industry stakeholders, policymakers and government officials. The Annual International Business Magazine Awards recognise and celebrate best-in-class achievements among those who have distinguished themselves in the global business and finance communities and award recipients are chosen by a panel of industry research analysts and experts.

"We are grateful to International Business Magazine for recognising our team's achievements in our core business areas-investment management, fund solutions and ESG investing. Our goal as a firm has always been to deliver innovative investment solutions that directly support our clients' investment and sustainability goals," said Jean-Francois de Clermont-Tonnerre, AUM's founder. "The independent and global structure of our firm allows us the flexibility to be opportunistic in our investing approach and employ alternative and real asset investment strategies that deliver consistent returns over time, yet with a central focus on ESG factors that will also bring about positive change in the world."

"Our clients believe it is important to incorporate ESG and SDG factors into their investments and recognise the power they hold to support these principles by choosing investment managers that employ thoughtful investment practices," said AUM's Chief Executive Officer, Roberta Bonavia. "At AUM, these principles are central to our investment mandate and are the lens we apply to each stage of our investment process and approach. Our investments reflect deeply held ESG and UN SDG doctrines, while building our clients' wealth over time. We are honoured to receive these three awards from International Business Magazine and look forward to continuing to deliver on our promise to our investors of doing well while doing good in the world."

ABOUT AUM ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD.

AUM Asset Management Ltd. is an independent investment management company based in Malta that provides investment and fund solutions, asset management and advisory services to institutional investor and family office clients around the world. The firm seeks consistent growth of clients' wealth using a thoughtful, ESG-centric approach to investing that has a positive impact on the environment and society. AUM Asset Management's investment strategies include: global macro, merger-arbitrage, quantitative, fundamental, technical and real assets. The firm seeks to identify the most high-value traditional, alternative and real-asset investment opportunities around the world and combines a top-down, macro approach with bottom-up company analysis to deliver best idea investment opportunities based on their risk-return profiles and ESG characteristics.

To learn more: www.aum-am.com

Media Queries:

Catherine Polisi Jones

Chief Marketing Officer

cjones@polisijones.com

Investor Queries:

Roberta Bonavia

AUM Asset Management CEO

+356 (2713) 9851

rrb@aum-am.com

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Commerzbank AG (London Branch) - Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft EUR Fixed-to-Fixed Resettable Subordinated Notes due 2033

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, June 28

Pre-Stabilisation notice

June 28, 2023

Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.

Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft

EUR Fixed-to-Fixed Resettable Subordinated Notes due 2033

Pre-Stabilisation Notice

Commerzbank AG (contact: Daniela Olt-Farrelly; telephone: +49 69 136-20) hereby announces, as Stabilisation Coordinator, that the Stabilising Managers named below may stabilise the offer of the following securities in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU Regulation 596/2014).

The security to be stabilised: Issuer: Commerzbank AG Guarantor (if any): none Aggregate nominal amount: EUR 500,000,000 Description: Fixed-to-Fixed Resettable Subordinated Bearer Notes due 2033 Offer price: tbc Other offer terms: maturity 5th Oct 2033, reset date 5th October 2028; denoms 100k/100k, settlement date 5th July 2023 Stabilisation: Stabilisation Coordinator: Stabilising Managers: Commerzbank AG Barclays HSBC ING Natixis Stabilisation period expected to start on: 28th June 2023 Stabilisation period expected to end on: no later than 30 days after the proposed issue date of the securities Existence, maximum size and conditions of use of over-allotment facility. The Stabilising Managers may over-allot the securities to the extent permitted in accordance with applicable law. Stabilisation trading venue: Frankfurt regulated market

In connection with the offer of the above securities, the Stabilising Manager(s) may over-allot the securities or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the securities during the stabilisation period at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. However, stabilisation may not necessarily occur and any stabilisation action, if begun, may cease at any time Any stabilisation action or over-allotment shall be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and rules.

This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Issuer in any jurisdiction.

This announcement is not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any other jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.

END
When used with integrity, voluntary carbon markets (VCM) can accelerate climate mitigation and capital flows to emerging economies and contribute meaningfully to the Paris Agreement goals and the UN SDGs.

VCMI Claims Code developed through a global, multi-stakeholder collaborative process that will establish integrity on the demand side of VCMs and pave the way towards regulation.

VCMI calls on all large companies to implement the Claims Code and help unleash the full potential of high-integrity VCMs.

The Voluntary Carbon Market Integrity Initiative has published its Claims Code of Practice, which will give companies a rulebook to follow for making credible climate claims, helping to build market confidence in how they engage with VCMs. The VCMI is supported by a broad range of international organizations, governments, companies, NGOs and civil society, and the rulebook has been broadly welcomed by climate experts around the world.

The Claims Code fills a critical gap, bringing integrity to the demand side of VCMs. It clarifies the complex landscape of voluntary carbon markets by providing companies with a rulebook for high-integrity voluntary use of carbon credits and associated claims on the pathway to net zero.

Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28 comments: "This is a decisive decade and a decisive year for tackling climate change. We are woefully off-track from where we need to be and we need to use all the tools in the box, working at full pace. The voluntary carbon market is one tool that can mobilize the much-needed finance to low and middle-income countries towards climate solutions that will accelerate the net-zero transition. It's not too late to drive progress, and the VCMI Claims Code released today is a welcome step forward."

The Claims Code has three tiers of claims that companies can make Platinum, Gold and Silver, each of which recognizes investment in GHG emission reductions and removals above and beyond corporate action to meet their science-aligned targets. This work will be supported by additional guidance in November 2023, specifically on the VCMI Measurement, Reporting and Assurance (MRA) framework, additional claim tiers and claim names.

The Claims Code consists of four steps that a company must undertake to make a VCMI Claim:

1. It must first meet VCMI's Foundational Criteria, which serve as the backbone of an ambitious and robust climate strategy;

2. It must then select which VCMI Claim to make (Platinum, Gold or Silver);

3. To make the claim, the company must select carbon credits which meet stringent quality thresholds in line with the Integrity Council for Voluntary Carbon Markets (IC-VCM) Core Carbon Principles (CCPs);

4. Finally, the company must disclose information to support its claim and conduct independent validation and assurance in line with the VCMI MRV and Assurance Framework (to be published in November 2023.)

Claims Code developed through an open, inclusive and consultative multi-stakeholder process

The Claims Code is the culmination of over 12 months of road testing by companies, public consultations and multi-stakeholder collaboration, following the publication of the provisional Claims Code in June 2022. The process has been informed by input from leading non-profits, VCMI's Steering Committee, its high-level decision-making body, as well as guidance from VCMI's Executive Advisory Group (EAG). These bodies include experienced VCM voices, such as indigenous and civil society leaders, independent net-zero experts, corporate sustainability leads, governments, regulators and academics.

Rachel Kyte, Co-Chair of VCMI's Steering Committee said: "Voluntary carbon markets bring considerable benefits as part of companies' net-zero transition and as a means of financing climate transition worldwide. Against a backdrop of recent criticism, we are now at a juncture where only consistent, well-considered global guidance can underpin a high-quality market and stimulate the rapid scaling of corporate use we need. The Claims Code will give greater confidence and develop trust in those who use it. If you build integrity, trust will follow, and trust is the foundation of a high value, high impact market."

VCMI has worked closely on the Claims Code with other major initiatives driving corporate climate action to ensure there is a robust, clear and integrated framework for companies to follow as they transition to net zero, including: the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHGP); Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi); the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Markets (ICVCM); and Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). Its work has also benefitted from the efforts of the We Mean Business Coalition, and emerging government and civil society efforts to accelerate the adoption of climate transition plans.

Maria Mendiluce, CEO at We Mean Business Coalition comments: "VCMI's Claims Code has created a set of guidance that is ambitious and bold in its vision and will help companies mobilize credible climate finance to reach our global net-zero goals. We are delighted to partner with the Initiative and look forward to supporting companies on their journey to make a VCMI claim."

Annette Nazareth, Chair of the IC-VCM comments: "VCMI's guidance on credible claims complements the Integrity Council's work to establish a global benchmark for high-integrity carbon credits that will give buyers confidence they are funding projects making a genuine impact on emissions. By creating end-to-end high integrity throughout the voluntary carbon market, from the supply of credits, to the markets they trade in, and ultimately how they are used, we can unlock investment at speed and scale for climate solutions that would not otherwise be viable."

VCMI is also today constituting its Stakeholder Forum with a broad range of participants. The Stakeholder Forum will provide a sounding board for VCMI, helping improve its guidance and shaping the additional modules that will be delivered later in 2023.

A high-integrity VCM can meaningfully contribute to the Paris Agreement goals and the UN SDGs

Much more needs to be done to generate the finance needed to unlock GHG mitigation potential across the world and support the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). VCMs have a key role to play in this, especially in the short-term while robust economy-wide policies and financing mechanisms at the scale needed are put in place. Companies investing in tackling beyond value-chain emissions through high-quality carbon credits is a critical tool to deploy.

Ali Mohamed, Climate Change Envoy in Kenya comments: "Kenya welcomes VCMI's Claims Code of Practice and its clear guidance to organizations on credible use of high-quality carbon credits, towards net-zero commitments. As we aim to lead in the supply of these quality units, high demand-side integrity will accelerate the flow of carbon finance to all our local communities and foster green economic growth. Our upcoming carbon market regulations will inspire significant investments into impactful voluntary carbon market activities, whilst ensuring strong governance and transparency. We believe the Claims Code will build trust and contribute to international cooperation towards the 1.5 degree goal."

Now is the time for action: VCMI calls on all companies to implement the Claims Code and help unleash the full potential of high-integrity VCMs.

The Claims Code enables companies around the world to understand how they can use carbon credits in their climate strategies in a way that is accepted by consumers, investors, civil society, government regulators, and policymakers. By following the Claims Code, companies will be able to demonstrate their climate leadership, mitigate potential risks to their reputation, and position themselves to succeed in a world transitioning to a prosperous low-carbon future.

Tariye Gbadegesin, Co-Chair of VCMI's Steering Committee said: "Integrity is what will make the VCM a powerful tool that gets us to a net-zero world and mobilizes much-needed finance to low- and middle income-countries, faster. Clear and transparent guidance about the voluntary use of carbon credits has been missing. Now that the VCMI Claims Code is available to guide corporate claims made with the use of VCMs and eventually when paired with ICVCM's Core Carbon Principles guiding supply, market participants have the key ingredients of what we call "end to end" integrity which will enable this crucial market development."

The Claims Code was unveiled at a virtual event today, where representatives of governments and the official sector, business and civil society discussed the details and contents of the Claims Code of Practice. A recording of the event can be found here [https://vcmintegrity.org/claims-code-launch-event/].

ENDS

About VCMI

The Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI) is an international non-profit organization with a mission to enable high-integrity voluntary carbon markets (VCMs) that deliver real and additional benefits to the atmosphere, help protect nature, and accelerate the transition to ambitious, economy-wide climate policies and regulation.

http://www.vcmintegrity.org

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628925750/en/

Contacts:

UK/Europe:

Charlie Morrow and Louis Hogan

VCMI@cognitomedia.com

+44 78477 16844

USA/LATAM:

Hannah Daly and Andrew Marshall

VCMI@cognitomedia.com

+1 917 2440 562

APAC:

Elizabeth Yeong and Joyce Chin

VCMI@cognitomedia.com

+65 9834 1187
The growth of the global sustainable tourism market is driven by the growing demand for tourist destinations and experiences that minimize environmental harm and promote environmental protection

PORTLAND, Ore., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Sustainable Tourism Market By Type (Coastal Tourism, Mountain Tourism, Island Tourism), By Application (Solo, Group, Family, Couples), By Age Group (Millennial, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Silver Hair): Global Opportunity Analysis And Industry Forecast, 2023-2032". According to the report, the global sustainable tourism market was valued at $3.3 trillion in 2022, and is projected to reach $11.4 trillion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 14% from 2023 to 2032.

Download Report Sample PDF: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/6914

Prime determinants of growth

The growth of the global sustainable tourism market is driven by the growing demand for tourist destinations and experiences that minimize environmental harm and promote environmental protection. However, higher costs of sustainable tourism and lack of understanding of sustainable tourism hamper the growth of the market. On the contrary, rising environmental consciousness amongst younger generations and rising environmental consciousness amongst younger generations are expected to offer remunerative opportunities for the expansion of the sustainable tourism market during the forecast period.

Report coverage & details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2022-2032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $3,248.1 billion Market Size in 2032 $11,413.6 billion CAGR 14.0 % No. of Pages in Report 273 Segments covered Type, Application, Age Group, and Region. Drivers Increasing demand for sustainable tourism Favorable government initiatives Rising Environmental concerns Opportunities Rising environmental consciousness amongst younger generations Economic benefits for local communities Restraints Higher costs of sustainable tourism Lack of understanding of sustainable tourism

The coastal tourism segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period

Based on type, the coastal tourism segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for nearly half of the global sustainable tourism market revenue and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period due to their special qualities, such as sandy beaches, maritime life, water-related activities, and cultural diversity. However, the island tourism segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 14.3% from 2023 to 2032, as island tourism helps in providing combined experiences from both coastal as well as mountain tourism.

Procure Complete Report (273 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures): https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/305965462423a30ad2ee3b876b2f1a47

The family segment to maintain its lead position throughout the forecast period

Based on application, the family segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than one-third of the global sustainable tourism market revenue and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period as family vacations offer opportunities for learning about the environment and helps educators to impart conservation, sustainable lifestyles, and the need of protecting natural resources to parents, children, and older generations. However, the solo tourism segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 14.8% from 2023 to 2032, as solo travelers have the chance to interact more intimately with the community and really experience the culture.

The millennial segment to maintain its leadership throughout the forecast period

Based on age group, the millennial segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for around three-fourths of the global sustainable tourism market revenue and is also projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 14.2% from 2023 to 2032, as travelers in their 20s and early 30s look for real, meaningful experiences and cherish chances to interact with local people, cultures, and traditions.

Asia-Pacific to maintain its dominance by 2031

Based on region, Asia-Pacific held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, accounting for more than two-fifths of the global sustainable tourism market revenue and is also expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 14.3% from 2022 to 2031, as consumers in the Asia-Pacific region value both their own and other nations' cultural traditions highly. They go to places with historical landmarks, UNESCO World Heritage landmarks, indigenous handmade crafts, and festivals of culture.

Enquire before buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/6914

Leading Market Players: -

Intrepid Group Pty Limited

G Adventures

Spiti Ecosphere

Basecamp Explorer Group

Wilderness Safaris

Loola Adventure Resort

Vagabond and Driftwood Small Group Tours of Ireland

Chumbe Island Coral Park

Inkaterra

Tourism Holdings Limited

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players of the global sustainable tourism market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario.

Similar Reports We Have on Consumer Goods Industry:

Ecotourism Market is expected to reach $333.8 billion by 2027

Wellness Tourism Market is projected to reach $1,592.6 billion by 2030

Leisure Travel Market is projected to reach $1,737.3 billion by 2027

Driving Vacation Market is projected to reach $513.3 billion by 2031

Virtual Tour Market is projected to reach $6.5 billion by 2030

About Us:

Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.

We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.

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LONDON, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SourceFuse , a leading provider of cloud-native, bespoke solutions and services for enterprises, announced today that it has been shortlisted for the 'Market Entrant of the Year' category for the prestigious 5th annual UK-India Awards 2023, to be held in the UK on June 29. The India Global Forum's (IGF) awards brings its flagship event 'UK-India Week 2023: Leading With Purpose' to a close.

During UK-India Week, Gautam Ghai , Co-Founder and Co-CEO, SourceFuse will be speaking at the exclusive, closed-door gathering: IGF Dialogues, a platform which allows the leading minds to come together and discuss the whole spectrum of the UK-India partnership. On the topic Reforming Governance with Technology, Gautam will lead peers to explore opportunities, address challenges, and build valuable alliances across a vast and unparalleled network. Ghai will also be in conversation at 'Tank the Shark' during the Founders & Funders Retreat, a chance to learn what lights an investor's brain!

"We're honoured to be shortlisted for this award, especially as our team have really been dedicated to increasing our UK presence", said Ghai . "With phenomenal success in India and abroad, the last few years have seen many SourceFuse activities, achievements, and alliances in the UK-India corridor that have strengthened partnerships and positioned us as a leading player."

Ghai added, "Our goal at SourceFuse is to provide a complete spectrum of best-in-class cloud-native solutions to help accelerate enterprises' aspirations. Being invited to join the UK government's Global Entrepreneur Programme last year was a huge milestone for us, as it validated us as a true digital transformation innovator."

UK-India Week seeks to honour and strengthen the longstanding partnership between these two countries by providing a platform to spotlight crucial topics, including politics, trade, business, sustainability, inclusion, and innovation. Extending his support to UK-India Week, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he is confident that the India-UK partnership will be a 'defining one for our times'. To further celebrate UK-India Week, Sunak will be hosting a reception at 10 Downing Street, to which Ghai has also been invited.

SourceFuse's award nomination and shortlisting recognizes its level of investment in the UK, as well as the impact on trade & investment, job creation, innovation, and society.

About SourceFuse

Media Contact:

Vaidant Singh, CMO,

SourceFuse

Phone: +1-800-578-3873

vaidant.singh@sourcefuse.com

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CHATHAM, ONTARIO and TEL-AVIV, ISRAEL, June 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Atlas Global Brands Inc. ("Atlas Global", or the "Company") (CSE: ATL) announced today that further to the Company's news release dated June 2, 2023, Ernst & Young Inc. has been appointed as receiver and manager (the "Receiver") over certain current and future assets of Atlas Biotechnologies Inc. ("ABL"), a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and Atlas Growers Ltd. (together with Atlas Biotechnologies, the "Atlas Subsidiaries"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) and the Personal Property Security Act (Alberta).



The Atlas Subsidiaries' senior lender, the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (the "AFSC"), obtained the receivership order from the Court of King's Bench of Alberta (the "Court") with the consent of the Atlas Subsidiaries. The order follows on the Company's decision to cease operations at its facility in Gunn, Alberta and liquidate the assets of the Atlas Subsidiaries in an orderly manner as it focuses on cost reductions, savings and production efficiencies across its operations and the cannabis value chain. A copy of the order is or soon will be available on the Receiver's website which can be accessed at https://documentcentre.ey.com/.

As would be expected in the circumstances, the AFSC has also filed a statement of claim against the Company with the Court in connection with the enforcement of an existing $1.4 million limited parental guarantee of the Company in respect of the indebtedness of ABL to the AFSC. The Company and the AFSC are in discussions concerning payment plan of the parental guarantee in the event the proceeds from the liquidation of the Atlas Subsidiaries' assets are not sufficient to satisfy amounts due to the AFSC.

About Atlas Global Brands

Atlas Global is a global cannabis company operating in Canada and Israel with expertise across the cannabis value chain, including cultivation, manufacturing, marketing, distribution. Atlas currently distributes to seven countries: Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Israel, Norway, and the United Kingdom. In addition to a differentiated product mix, Atlas operates two licensed cannabis facilities: (1) an EU-GMP facility in Chatham, ON, and; (2) a GACP and IMC-GAP facility in Stratford, ON. Atlas also has a majority interest in 3 medical pharmacies in Israel and has entered into binding agreements for the acquisition of a majority interest in a Trading House and 6 additional medical cannabis pharmacies in Israel. Learn more by visiting: www.atlasglobalbrands.com.

Contacts



Bernie Yeung

Chief Executive Officer

1-844-415-6961

invest@atlasglobalbrands.com



Alyssa Barry

Media and Investor Relations

1-833-947-5227

invest@atlasglobalbrands.com



Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking information in this news release is based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including assumptions that or regarding: the winding up of the Atlas Subsidiaries and the liquidation of their respective assets will result in cost savings and efficiencies for Atlas Global; the insolvency proceedings with respect to the Atlas Subsidiaries will proceed in a timely manner and that all applicable regulatory approvals, court approvals and stakeholder approvals, as the case may be, will be obtained.

The forward-looking information reflects management's current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information, including: the costs associated with the insolvency proceedings of the Atlas Subsidiaries may negatively impact the Company's financial results and operations and negatively impact the share price of Atlas Global on the Canadian Securities Exchange; the expected cost savings and synergies resulting from the insolvency proceedings may not be realized; the Atlas Subsidiaries may not obtain all applicable regulatory approvals, court approvals and stakeholder approvals, as the case may be, in a timely manner or at all; the ability of the Atlas Subsidiaries to operate in the normal course during the insolvency proceedings; and potential litigation resulting from the insolvency proceedings of the Atlas Subsidiaries.

Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Company's management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on Company's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking information.

The forward-looking statements set forth herein concerning the Company reflect management's expectations as at the date of this news release and are subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Boatsetter, the leading marketplace for on-water experiences and boat rentals, is encouraging vacationers to "just add water" and rent a boat while on their summer destination trip from almost anywhere. With more than 50,000 boats in over 700 global locations, Boatsetter is the most accessible and easiest platform for renting a boat.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628952134/en/

Boatsetter, the leading marketplace for on-water experiences and boat rentals, is encouraging vacationers to "just add water" and rent a boat while on their summer destination trip from almost anywhere. (Photo: Business Wire)

"This year's travel trend is the Euro-Summer Adventure, specifically to Italy and Spain," said Graham Goldsmith, Director of Boatsetter LUX. "Boatsetter is the best option to enhance your trip and provides an unforgettable opportunity to experience breathtaking locations such as the Greek islands, French Riviera, or the famous Benagil Caves in Portugal, all of which can be viewed on a private, luxury boat with your own personal captain and crew."

For travelers vacationing in the U.S. this summer, Boatsetter LUX offers a luxury boating experience within the country, with yacht charters available across most major cities, including in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City and Miami. To book your next luxury yacht, visit https://www.boatsetter.com/luxury-yacht-charters.

Boatsetter's luxury yacht charter experiences are available throughout the European coastline. Travelers can explore this year's holiday hotspots, including the Amalfi Coast and Sardinia in Italy, Vilamoura in Portugal, Mykonos and Santorini in Greece, Dubrovnik and Split in Croatia, Cannes in France, along with Ibiza, Mallorca and Marbella in Spain.

In the popular Spanish Mediterranean region, Boatsetter offers a fleet of boats through the use of their international luxury brands: Smart Charter Ibiza, Smart Charter Mallorca and Smart Charter Marbella. Boatsetter's presence in the Mediterranean is strengthened by a highly experienced international crew of seasoned yachting professionals, each possessing a deep expertise in boating and sailing, with local insights to share. In addition, Boatsetter continues to be one of the most accessible yacht charter operators in the Mediterranean and the company makes it easy to book on-water experiences, with full day itineraries, through their website or mobile app.

About Boatsetter:

With more than 50,000 boat listings available in over 700 locations worldwide, Boatsetter is the leading marketplace for on-the-water experiences and boat rentals. Boatsetter makes it easy to discover and enjoy a wide array of on-water experiences by connecting qualified renters directly to boat owners and licensed captains. Featuring the largest database of USCG-certified captains, Boatsetter makes it possible for even those with no prior boating experience to tap into an incredible array of water activities. Credited with pioneering the first-ever peer-to-peer boat rental insurance policy, Boatsetter has empowered boat owners with the tools and support to become entrepreneurs on the water. Launched commercially in 2014, over one million boaters and boat owners alike have turned to Boatsetter to discover the endless possibilities the water provides.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628952134/en/

Contacts:

Gabriel Munoz

Double Forte

BoatsetterPR@double-forte.com
WESTERLY, RI and MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2023 / MMJ International Holdings (MMJ) and Global Cannabis Production (GCP) are pleased to announce their partnership to facilitate the first DEA legal import of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cannabis products from Uruguay to the United States. This partnership will also provide funding to develop breakthrough treatments of cannabinoid pharmaceuticals to patients.

PROVIDING SOLUTIONS

Duane Boise CEO of MMJ stated "this partnership provides the solution to one of the headwinds affecting every other cannabis company - cannabis is still considered a banned substance at the U.S. Federal level. No matter how many states or countries approve medicinal and/or recreational marijuana, doing business across state and or international borders is impossible with out the DEA registrations that MMJ has obtained."

This is where the MMJ-GCH partnership offers a competitive advantage. Specifically, the company has a schedule 1 registration with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration which allows for the import and export of controlled substances. Among other things, the MMJ- GCH partnership allows MMJ to fund its clinical trials, business growth, and operations by obtaining capital from GCH. Duane Boise and David Luftglass are scheduled to speak to these issues at the ORT University cannabis forum in Montevideo, Uruguay on July 11, 2023.

CANNABIS MEETS CRYPTO

Also on July 11, 2023 Global Cannabis Holdings (GCH) is set to launch the GCH Token, a novel crypto investment solution for the cannabis market. GCH Tokens will be issued on STOKR, a leading primary issuance platform for digital securities. STOKR, established in 2018 and supervised by Luxembourg's CSSF (financial services regulator), serves as a Virtual Assets Service Provider (VASP). Its core offering includes providing end-to-end tokenization support for financial instruments from institutional-grade investment vehicles in Luxembourg.

STOKR's advanced infrastructure and expertise have enabled GCH to issue tokenized securities on the Liquid Network, a Bitcoin side chain, offering faster transaction speeds and lower fees compared to the Bitcoin or Ethereum network.

It is important to note that only verified investors can hold and trade GCH tokens. STOKR, as a VASP, offers the necessary verification support to GCH, ensuring that GCH knows the token holders at any given time for added security and compliance. GCH Tokens are not accessible to U.S. persons due to capital market regulations, and the entire process adheres strictly to European Union Capital Market Laws.

GCH prioritizes projects such as MMJ because of the scientific and transformative impact the company will have on patients suffering from the many chronic diseases. A committee of international experts, specializing in medical and scientific cannabis, selects these projects.

David Luftglass, Managing Partner and co-founder of CGH stated that "prioritizing sustainable research and development projects is crucial for the cannabis industry to ensure a promising future for medicinal cannabis use."

Duane Boise, CEO of MMJ commented that "all of this positions MMJ and GCH "to become a leading U.S. and international player in the manufacturing of cannabis and its derivatives for FDA-approved clinical trials to produce pharmaceutical medicinal products."

MMJ and GCH recognizes that there is significant public interest in cannabis and cannabis-derived compounds. The both teams continues to work diligently with universities and scientist to fill in the knowledge gaps about the science, safety and quality of their products. We are committed to advancing our marijuana cultivation, lab formulations and clinical trials through an approach that is in line with our mission to prioritizes public health, fosters innovation, and promotes consumer confidence.

MMJ is represented by Attorney Megan Sheehan of Rhode Island.

For more information please visit www.mmjih.com. and www.globalcannabisproduction.com.

Contact: MMJ - ?Madison Hisey

?Email: media@mmjih.com?

203-231-8583

Contact: GCP? - CEO David Luftglass

?Email: David@acronyminvestment.com

SOURCE: MMJ International Holdings

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/764204/Global-Cannabis-Holdings-Set-To-Launch-Cannabis-Tokens--DEA-Approved-MMJ-International-Holdings-Positioned-to-Raise-Capital


[Project Image]

TOKYO, June 28, 2023 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) is pleased to announce that on June 28, 2023, its application to have its Rice-paddy methane-reduction project(1) registered under Japan's J-Credit Scheme(2) was approved by the certification committee of J-Credit Scheme. The project, which aims to reduce rice-paddy methane emissions by prolonging mid-season drainage periods(3), is one of MC's decarbonization initiatives.Methane from rice paddies accounts for roughly 40% of all methane emissions in Japan. In May 2021, the country's Ministry of Forestry, Agriculture and Fisheries launched its MIDORI(4) strategy for sustainable food systems, which aims to address a wide range of challenges facing Japan's agricultural sector. One such challenge is the reduction of its methane emissions.Methane is produced in rice paddies when bacteria in the soil breaks down organic material like rice straw and fertilizer, however it can be reduced by removing water from the paddies, which inhibits the bacterial activity. Studies have shown that by prolonging the mid-season drainage periods during wet-land rice cultivation by seven days, methane emissions from the paddies can be reduced by as much as 30%.The objectives of MC's project are to monitor efforts by rice growers to reduce methane emissions in this manner, calculate their reduction amounts and manage the procedure to register certification of credit. This provides growers with an additional source of revenue, as the credits they earn commensurate to their reductions can be exchanged for monetary compensation.The monitoring work will entail the construction of a support system designed to improve efficiency, taking advantage of systems like Agri-note, which was developed by MC Group company WaterCell Inc.(5) MC will also leverage the project to distribute rice produced by growers who are making genuine efforts to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, thus incentivizing farmers to be more conscious about and active in that area.Work with cooperating growers will commence this fiscal year in some parts of the country. The hope is that over time, more growers, businesses and other interests throughout Japan's nationwide agricultural sector will be encouraged to take part in the project.In October 2021, MC unveiled its roadmap to carbon neutrality and its aim to be a net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions company by the year 2050. It has also committed to a new growth strategy under its latest management plan, "Midterm Corporate Strategy 2024 - Creating MC Shared Value," the main objective of which is to build a brighter future by jointly promoting energy (EX) and digital (DX) transformations. Through these and other initiatives, MC remains dedicated to addressing the challenges facing modern society and industry.MC's intention with this project is to refine its activities throughout the agricultural-products supply chain, including the distribution of rice and provision of farming support systems. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating economic value, it promises to help decarbonize Japanese agriculture and invigorate regional communities.(1) Methane is a greenhouse gas that is 25 times more potent than CO2 in terms of trapping heat in the atmosphere.(2) The J-Credit Scheme is a carbon-credit system that has been run jointly by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ministry of the Environment, and Ministry of Forestry, Agriculture and Fisheries since 2013. Under the scheme, the government certifies the amounts of CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions that are reduced or removed through efforts to conserve energy, use renewables, manage forests and otherwise protect our natural resources and environment.(3) Removing water from the paddies before the rice heading allows growers to prevent excessive offshoot (lateral shoots branching off the main root stems) and control growth.(4) Strategy for Sustainable Food Systems - MIDORI: Policy geared towards reducing greenhouse-gas emissions, use of fossil-fuel-derived fertilizers, and other damaging environmental impacts of Japan's agricultural sector. The policy also includes initiatives to lessen harmful impacts on biodiversity, such as lowering naturally spawned catches in the fishing industry.(5) Company engaged in the digitization, sharing and connecting of farming data, as well as the development of information platforms for producers, including the "Agri-note" farmer-support system.Source: Mitsubishi CorporationCopyright 2023 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - June 28, 2023) - London-based financial technology company, Gemba Finance Ltd, is pleased to announce its participation in the Barclays Eagle Labs' Funding Readiness Programme powered by Capital Enterprise. This Programme is a network of innovation hubs located across the UK designed to provide support and guidance to startups in various industries including fintech and health-tech, helping them to become investment-ready and achieve substantial growth.





Barclays Funding Readiness Programme cohort members

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Gemba offers a dynamic and ever evolving banking platform that provides comprehensive financial solutions with a focus on innovation. It currently specializes in offering business accounts tailored for small and medium-sized businesses. The company prioritizes providing personalized services that cater to the unique needs of each business, simplifying their financial management. In addition, clients of Gemba Finance will soon have access to a wide array of financial tools and resources designed to enhance their business management capabilities and optimize efficiency.

At the heart of Gemba's approach is the commitment to creating transparency and building trust between banks and startups. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and a user-friendly interface, Gemba eliminates the complexities and challenges often associated with traditional business banking, enabling entrepreneurs to focus on what they do best - driving innovation and growth. Gemba aims to be the gateway to entrepreneurship, providing a frictionless path for aspiring entrepreneurs and startups to thrive.

Gemba's long term vision is to be the platform that offers a range of innovative features that redefine the banking experience for small to medium-sized businesses. From effortless onboarding to seamless integration with accounting systems, Gemba will provide a cohesive ecosystem designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. By bridging the gap between financial institutions and startups, Gemba will foster a collaborative environment that nurtures growth and facilitates access to essential financial services.

Furthermore, Gemba's approach extends beyond the financial realm. With a strong commitment to social impact, the company recognizes the transformative power of entrepreneurship. By providing aspiring entrepreneurs with a frictionless path to success, Gemba aims to unlock economic opportunities and drive positive change within communities.

The recently published blog by Gemba, titled "The End of Business Banking As We Know It?," explores the profound societal impact that the company envisions. It believes that by removing barriers and simplifying the banking process, they can empower individuals from all backgrounds to realize their entrepreneurial dreams, fostering economic growth and job creation.

"We are thrilled to be a part of the Funding Readiness Programme and to have the opportunity to collaborate with other like-minded startups," said Gemba co-founder and CEO, Alexander Legoshin. "We believe that access to finance should not be a barrier for small and medium-sized enterprises, and we are excited to work with Barclays to help us achieve our mission."

With its participation in the Funding Readiness Programme, Gemba is poised to take its business to the next level and make a significant impact in the fintech industry and beyond.

This opportunity comes at a time when the fintech sector is experiencing rapid growth, with new startups emerging to disrupt traditional financial services. As a result, there has been a surge in demand for fintech platforms like Gemba that provide quick and easy access to financing options, without the need for lengthy application processes or collateral.

By joining this Programme, Gemba will have access to Barclays' extensive network of investors, mentors, and industry experts, helping them to refine their business model, improve their message, and secure funding. The programme also offers opportunities to collaborate with other startups in the cohort, potentially leading to new partnerships and collaborations that can drive growth and innovation.

"We are excited to be a part of a community of fintech innovators and to learn from the expertise of Barclays and the other startups in the cohort," said Vladimir Dereviagin, the co-founder of Gemba. "We believe that collaboration and knowledge-sharing are essential to driving the fintech sector forward, and we are looking forward to contributing to the wider ecosystem."

With its innovative platform and commitment to democratizing access to finance, Gemba is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises financing space. Through its participation in the Funding Readiness Programme, the company has the potential to attract new investors, expand its customer base, and ultimately achieve its mission of supporting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in achieving their goals and maximizing their potential to make a positive impact in their communities.

Contact: Arthus Arzamascev, marketing@ge.mba, London, United Kingdom

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/171467
Die KI-Revolution ist in vollem Gange und vor allem ein Bereich wird stark betroffen sein: Cyber-Security. Die Experten sind sich sicher: Mit steigender Entwicklung von KI-Technologien nehmen auch KI-gestutzte Cyber-Attacken zu. Wir zeigen hier, welche Aktien profitieren konnen.

BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - European stocks advanced on Wednesday as a slew of upbeat U.S. economic data released overnight soothed concerns about an economic downturn. Meanwhile, investors shrugged off the results of a key survey showing that German consumer confidence has fallen for the first time since October. Pollster GfK said its forward-looking survey of around 2,000 people fell to minus 25.4 points in July from 24.4 points in June. Elsewhere, a measure of France's consumer confidence climbed to 85 in June from 83 in May. Market participants now await a panel discussion of central bankers in Sintra, including European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda and Bank of England's Andrew Bailey later in the day for further policy direction. The pan-European STOXX 600 was up half a percent at 455.31 after ending flat with a positive bias on Tuesday. The German DAX and France's CAC 40 both climbed around 0.7 percent, while the U.K.'s FTSE 100 added half a percent. Travel stocks surged on optimism about U.S. economic growth. Airline EasyJet rose about 1 percent, Lufthansa rose half a percent and Wizz Air Holdings climbed 2.3 percent. Software firm Sage soared 4.5 percent after a brokerage upgrade. Mulberry Group jumped 3.2 percent after reiterating its full-year guidance. Swiss banking group UBS was marginally higher after it unveiled plans to cut more than half of Credit Suisse Group AG's workforce. Swiss Life Holding AG declined 2.6 percent. The life insurance firm said it is well on track to achieve its 2024 financial targets. Equinor ASA, a petroleum company, edged up slightly after Norwegian authorities approved its plans to develop and operate subsea fields- Irpa and Verdande, and the production well Andvare. French supermarket chain Carrefour rallied 3.5 percent after Morgan Stanley initiated coverage with an 'overweight' rating. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Fernando Aguirre to lead APEC affairs office for the European Union Commission to cement relationships in the trade arena.

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2023 / The Office of the Commissioner of the European Union today announced that Fernando Aguirre will serve as the Assistant Counselor for APEC Affairs. Aguirre has served in essential roles at EU Commission, including most recently as the Associate Advisor for South and Central Asia.

Fernando Aguirre Accepting Appointment to the EU

Fernando Aguirre, DHS Ventures & Holdings

EU Commission also announced that, with Fernando Aguirre's appointment, Harrison Ludlum will serve as the Acting Trade Representative for South and Central Asia.

This appointment will take effect on Aug. 1, 2023.

"Fernando will help us pursue a worker-centered trade agenda that benefits people at home and among our European trading partners," said European Union Commissioner Ursula Von Der Leyen. "He will play an integral role as we continue to strengthen our partnerships throughout Asia, and will help our office lead our APEC host activities later this year. I congratulate Fernando as he takes on this new position and look forward to having him represent the EU Commission and the EU Council in our trade engagement throughout the region."

The Office of APEC Affairs is responsible for addressing EU bilateral trade issues, monitoring Asia's compliance with bilateral and international trade treaties, and coordinating with respective counterparts on global trade issues of mutual interest. The Office also monitors the implementation of its commitments under the EU Free Trade Agreements, as well as ensuring compliance with various bilateral trade agreements and developing EU trade priorities under the Asia-Pacific Economic Forum and its 21 member economies.

Fernando Aguirre initially joined EU Commission in 2000 to work on Central America trade issues, followed by four years representing EU at the British Mission to the European Union in Brussels. Following his return to Washington in 2006, he served as the Deputy Assistant for Intellectual Property and Innovation, and Assistant Representative for World Trade Organization and Multilateral Affairs.

In March 2001, he became the Executive Vice Chairman of DHS Ventures & Holdings, where he oversaw the development and effective implementation of private equity venture policy across 15 countries.

"It is an honor to accept this appointment and recognition by the European Union & Commission as their counselor for APEC affairs," Fernando Aguirre, DHS Ventures & Holdings Vice Chairman, stated. "I look forward to working closely with the commissioners of the EU to bring the council's agenda to fruition."

Contact Information

Kali Ferrati

Vice President of Communications

k.ferrati@dhsventures.com

202-719-0398

Steven Palmer

Senior Vice President of Communications

s.palmer@dhsventures.com

202-719-0398

SOURCE: DHS Ventures & Holdings

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CHICAGO, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In the near future, the breast imaging industry is poised for significant advancements driven by technological innovations and evolving healthcare needs. Enhanced imaging technologies like digital breast tomosynthesis, molecular breast imaging, and contrast-enhanced mammography will improve detection accuracy and enable early diagnosis. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) will assist radiologists in analyzing vast amounts of imaging data, leading to more accurate diagnoses and reduced false positives. Personalized screening and risk assessment based on genomics and genetic testing will become increasingly important, optimizing strategies for individual patients. Patient experience will be enhanced through improved equipment design and patient-centered technologies. Advancements in image-guided interventions will offer less invasive and more precise procedures. 3D printing will revolutionize breast imaging, allowing for personalized phantoms, surgical planning models, and customized implants. Efforts will continue to reduce radiation dose and minimize associated risks. These advancements will shape the future of breast imaging, improving outcomes and transforming the way breast cancer is diagnosed and treated.

Breast Imaging Market in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth $4.4 billion in 2023 and is poised to reach $6.6 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2023 to 2028 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The major factors driving the growth of this market include rising awareness campaigns, increasing public-private investments, and lucrative opportunities in emerging markets.

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Browse in-depth TOC on "Breast Imaging Market"

244 - Tables

37 - Figures

266 - Pages

Breast Imaging Market Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2023 $4.4 billion Estimated Value by 2028 $6.6 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% Market Size Available for 2021-2028 Forecast Period 2023-2028 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered Technology, Product, End User, and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities Growth potential in emerging countries Key Market Drivers Rising incidence of breast cancer

Non-ionizing breast imaging technologies segment to register significant growth rate over the forecast period of 2023-2028

Based on the technology, the global breast imaging market is segmented into ionizing breast imaging technologies and non-ionizing breast imaging technologies. The non-ionizing breast imaging technologies segment is anticipated to register the highest growth rate over the forecast period. The ionizing breast imaging technologies segment accounted for the highest share of the breast imaging market in 2022.

Software & services segment accounted for the largest share of the breast imaging market, by product in 2022.

Based on product, the global breast imaging market is segmented into breast imaging systems, software & services, and accessories. Software & services segment accounted for the largest share of the market in 2022 and is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Factors such as the rising installation in end user facilities and introduction of novel software drive the growth of the market.

The hospitals and clinics segment accounted for the largest share of the breast imaging market, by end user, in 2022

Based on end user, the global breast imaging market is segmented into hospitals and clinics, diagnostic imaging centers, breast care centers, and other end users. The hospitals and clinics segment accounted for the largest share of the market in 2022. Consistent rise in the adoption of advanced instruments supporting early detection by different end users are driving the growth of this segment.

The Asia Pacific market to register the highest growth in the market during the forecast period

The Asia Pacific breast imaging market is anticipated to register the highest growth from 2023 to 2028. Major players in the market are focusing on expanding their manufacturing capabilities in the APAC. This region is consistently witnessing a rise in the adoption of high-end equipment, offering significant growth opportunities for the key players.

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Breast Imaging Market Dynamics:

Drivers:

Rising incidence of breast cancer

Restraints:

High equipment costs

Opportunities:

Growth potential in emerging countries

Challenges:

Errors in breast cancer screening

Key Market Players:

As of 2022, prominent players in the breast imaging market are GE Healthcare (US), Hologic, Inc. (US), Siemens Healthcare GmbH (Germany), Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherlands), and FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation (Japan).

Recent Developments:

In 2021, Hologic launched a new ultrasound system, SuperSonic MACH 20. This system enhances diagnostic accuracy as well as efficiency. It provides users with improved image quality along with innovative imaging modes.

In 2020, GE HealthCare introduced the industry's first contrast-enhanced guided biopsy solution for breast cancer patients. Serena Bright enables clinicians to access contrast guidance for conducting breast biopsy exams using the same mammography equipment.

In 2022, Siemens Healthcare GmbH expanded its ultrasound portfolio by launching refreshed Acuson family systems. These systems have enhanced clinical adaptability and can be used for routine purposes.

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Breast Imaging Market Advantages:

Early Detection: Breast imaging techniques, such as mammography and advanced technologies like digital breast tomosynthesis, enable the early detection of breast abnormalities, including tumors and lesions. Early detection is crucial for improving treatment outcomes, as it increases the chances of successful intervention and reduces the need for more invasive procedures.

Improved Accuracy: Breast imaging technologies continue to evolve, offering improved accuracy in detecting and characterizing breast abnormalities. This allows healthcare professionals to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, reducing unnecessary interventions and providing patients with more accurate diagnoses.

Screening and Surveillance: Breast imaging plays a vital role in breast cancer screening and surveillance programs. Regular mammography screenings can help identify breast cancer at its earliest stages, even before symptoms are apparent. This facilitates early intervention and increases the likelihood of successful treatment.

Guided Interventions: Image-guided interventions, such as ultrasound-guided biopsies and stereotactic procedures, provide precise guidance for minimally invasive procedures. These techniques enable accurate tissue sampling, reducing the need for more invasive surgical procedures and improving patient comfort and recovery times.

Personalized Medicine: The breast imaging market is increasingly embracing personalized medicine approaches. Genetic testing and risk assessment tools can help tailor screening protocols and treatment plans based on an individual's risk profile. This approach enhances the effectiveness of breast cancer management and optimizes resource allocation.

Research and Development: The breast imaging market drives continuous research and development efforts. Technological advancements, such as AI integration and 3D printing, are being explored to enhance imaging capabilities, improve accuracy, and provide innovative solutions for personalized patient care. These advancements contribute to the overall progress of breast imaging and the field of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Increased Awareness and Education: The breast imaging market plays a crucial role in raising awareness about breast health and the importance of regular screenings. It also promotes education and training for healthcare professionals, enabling them to stay updated with the latest advancements and best practices in breast imaging.

These advantages highlight the significant role of the breast imaging market in improving breast cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and reduced mortality rates.

Breast Imaging Market - Report Highlights:

The study consists of the average selling price (ASP) analysis for different products in the breast imaging market

The research study comprises the patent analysis of technologies used in the breast imaging market

The new market study consists of the trends/disruptions impacting customers' businesses.

The new market study consists of information on key conferences and events in 2023-2024.

The new market study consists of Porter's Five Forces Analysis

The new market study provides details of the strategies of the top 5 players operating in the market.

The competitive landscape chapter has been updated with the market evaluation matrix. The competitive landscape also includes the market share analysis of major global players (as of 2022), updated competitive leadership mapping, and competitive situations and trends.

The new market study comprises 25 players. These companies have emerged as key market players in recent years due to their products and various strategic investments undertaken in the breast imaging market space.

Updated financial information/product portfolio of players: The new edition of the report provides updated financial information in the context of breast imaging market from January 2020 to May 2023 (depending on availability) for each listed company in graphical representation.

Updated market developments of profiled players: The current report includes the market developments from January 2020 to May 2023.

During the production cycle of the report, in-depth interviews were conducted with various primary respondents, which include key opinion leaders, subject matter experts, directors, and C-level executives of selected particle counters vendors to obtain and verify critical qualitative and quantitative information. This primary data was collected mainly through questionnaires, mails, and telephonic interviews.

Related Reports:

Radiotherapy Market - Global Forecasts to 2027

Medical Image Analysis Software Market - Global Forecasts to 2027

X-Ray Detectors Market - Global Forecasts to 2027

Diagnostic Imaging Market - Global Forecasts to 2026

Ultrasound Market - Global Forecasts to 2026

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The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

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HONG KONG, June 28, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - CITIC Telecom International Holdings Limited (CITIC Telecom; SEHK:1883), Asia-Pacific leading multinational internet-oriented telecommunications enterprise, has joined hands with its subsidiaries including Companhia de Telecomunicacoes de Macau, S.A.R.L. ("CTM"), CITIC Telecom International CPC Limited ("CITIC Telecom CPC") and China Enterprise ICT Solutions Limited ("China Entercom") to exhibit at GSMA MWC Shanghai 2023 (MWC Shanghai 2023). Under the unified planning and guidance of CITIC Group, CITIC Telecom joined this signature event to showcase themes focused on top-notch development resources for the "Belt and Road Initiative", 5G intelligent applications of "Digital Macau" and the "Metaverse multiplayer collaboration platform". CITIC Telecom's various smart projects are designed to foster innovations, accelerate digital transformation, create new opportunities, and drive growth in new business areas.Mr. Brook Wong, Vice President of CITIC Telecom, said, "The theme of this year's event is 'Velocity', which offers an excellent opportunity for China's technology companies to unveil their powers in the new digital era. China is a leader in global mobile communications and is also the world's largest mobile communications market. As a key player in the mobile communications market, we have responsibility and confidence to leverage CITIC Group's global resources and breakthrough technologies to connect with the world, people, community, and "Connecting the Future". We believe this will enable everyone to reap the benefits of technological advancements."Connecting with the National Strategy to Unveil Commitment of Chinese EnterprisesAs an important component of CITIC Group in the new consumption segment, CITIC Telecom is a leading multinational telecommunications and ICT service provider in Asia Pacific. It plays a leading force in technological innovation while also being the most preferred telecommunications service provider to assist Chinese enterprises in their global expansion and attract foreign enterprises to invest in China.CITIC Telecom and its subsidiaries will showcase five diversified businesses, four major segments and global infrastructure including mobile, internet, international telecommunications, enterprises solutions and fixed-line services, with worldwide coverage. Exhibit highlights include upgraded 1-card-multi-number service platform for Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, digital and intelligent cross-border mobile network security service platform, core enterprise communications service platform in Asia Pacific, global data volume trading platform, global operator business and CTT (CITIC Telecom Tower) data center services.Mr. Brook Wong, Vice President of CITIC Telecom, said, "Our services have fully unleashed the wisdom of CITIC Group and the expertise of CITIC Telecom in the digital era by integrating the Group's extensive resources and business excellence to contribute to the strategic development of China's digital economy."Connecting with Community and Livelihood to Unlock Benefits of Technological Advancements"5G Transformation" is one of the three themes of MWC Shanghai 2023. 5G development aims to serve the economy and community, contribute to the digital transformation of enterprises as well as to provide the public with accessible, affordable, and advanced services.In the exhibition pavilion of CITIC Telecom's subsidiary, CTM, visitors can fully understand every aspect of CTM's active support and participation in the developments of Macau, Guangdong-Macau In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area. CTM's support and participation range from deploying various smart applications, Cloud-Network Integration, and Big Data platforms to propel the diversified economic development and the improvement of people's livelihood in Macau.Connecting with the "Belt and Road Initiative" to Jointly Derive Development OpportunitiesThe year 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of China's "Belt and Road Initiative". Under the leadership of CITIC Group, CITIC Telecom and its subsidiaries CITIC Telecom CPC and China Entercom have supported economic development of the regions and countries along the "Belt and Road" for years. They have leveraged Chinese wisdom to connect with different countries and markets, enabling everyone to widely deploy "Cloud, Network, Intelligence, Security" solutions to boost digital capabilities, jointly address challenges to "go global" and attract foreign investment during digitization journey as well as create new possibilities.Empowering the "Belt and Road Initiative" through smart innovations becomes a key focus of the CITIC Telecom pavilion. Visitors can gain insights into how CITIC Telecom CPC and China Entercom are creating an integrated cloud-network infrastructure that optimizes network connectivity through an intelligent platform, which provides seamless connectivity across all elements in the enterprise production chain while creating world-class global network resources for RCEP countries along the Belt and Road.With global coverage spanning five continents, the company complements 160+ network POPs, 60+ SD-WAN gateways, 30+ data centers, 21 cloud services centers, and 3 round-the-clock security operations centers (SOCs). Backed by a team of professionals and Global-Local one-stop managed services capabilities, it helps drive a high-quality development of a digital economy.Connecting with Different Industries to Unleash the Power of Digitization"Digital Everything" is another theme of MWC Shanghai 2023. Digital technology has become an important engine for driving high-quality economic development. It stimulates the rapid development and transformation of different business sectors, explores various new opportunities in the economy and community, develops new business tracks and at the same time brings different new challenges. Traditional industries and enterprises need to continuously explore the possibility and feasibility of digital innovations, put them into practice and create excellent services that are both economical and in high quality.In CITIC Telecom's pavilion, beyond the integrated "Cloud, Network, Intelligence, Security" services to help enterprises build a secure, reliable, intelligent, and efficient digitized framework, CITIC Telecom CPC and China Entercom will jointly showcase "Intelligence Operation Journey," a series of AI-enabled solutions to digitally accelerate enterprises' end-to-end operations. For instance,-- "Smart Manufacturing" simplifies production processes and procedures through intelligent automation.-- "Smart Ledger" eliminates language barriers and improves data entry processes while ensuring business compliance.-- "Smart Security" unveils a Visual information security shield through artificial intelligence algorithms.-- "Smart Access Management" ensures fast, accurate, and efficient recognition and access management in one go.-- "Smart Maintenance" provides easy access to operations and maintenance, training, and sales via AR without geographical, time, and technology constraints while enhancing efficiency.Connecting with the Future to Make it Real and Accessible"Reality+" is the other key focus of MWC Shanghai 2023, meaning facing the future. CITIC Telecom and its subsidiaries are steadfast in its core value of "Embracing Innovation, Connecting the future." The company always upholds the "Innovation Never Stops" business philosophy, and its subsidiaries have bolstered the philosophy by developing ground-breaking and reinventing solutions.A key exhibit, the "Metaverse multiplayer collaboration platform - AR interactive experiences" exemplifies the applications of AI technology.In this year's exhibition, CITIC Telecom CPC and China Entercom will demonstrate for the first time how XR technology (MR+AR+VR) and AI can be used to scan, map and enhance the physical space, creating a metaverse that integrates real and virtual worlds. The metaverse allows people from different locations to interact and collaborate. By integrating emerging digital technologies with the real businesses, it creates an intelligent digital space and business operating system for enterprises, and optimizes the efficiency of the real world through analysis, association, simulation and enhancement in the virtual world. Related projects of the solution have won several international awards such as "Digital Transformation Project of the Year" at the Asia Communication Awards and The Innovation Award at Datacloud Global Awards.See You at Our Booth D90 in Hall N4Intelligent innovation never stops and there are unlimited opportunities in connecting with the future. Moving towards an intelligent world and digital era, countries, communities and enterprises have put forward higher requirements for digital infrastructure. CITIC Telecom cordially invites global operators, ecosystem partners, and corporate customers to visit our booth, share insights with us, and discuss how to leverage innovation to seize digital opportunities and connect with the future. Look forward to seeing you at our booth D90 in Hall N4.About CITIC Telecom International Holdings Limited (stock code: 1883)CITIC Telecom International Holdings Limited was established in 1997 in Hong Kong, and it was listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited on 3 April 2007. As one of the largest international telecommunications hubs in Asia Pacific, the Group provides full-scale international telecommunications services to carrier clients around the globe, and integrated enterprise services in Southeast Asia through its wholly-owned subsidiary Acclivis Technologies and Solutions Pte. Ltd. CITIC Telecom International CPC Limited ("CPC"), the Group's other wholly-owned subsidiary, provides one-stop ICT solutions to multinational and business enterprises. CPC is one of the most trusted partners of these clients in the Asia-Pacific region and provides comprehensive ICT services to major enterprises and multinational corporate clients in Chinese mainland through its subsidiary China Enterprise ICT Solutions Limited. The Group holds 99% equity interest in Companhia de Telecomunicacoes de Macau, S.A.R.L. ("CTM"). CTM is one of the leading integrated telecommunications services providers in Macau, and is the only full telecommunications services and ICT services provider in Macau. With a leading position in the market, CTM plays an important role in the ongoing development of Macau. The Group has established branch organisations in 22 countries and regions with more than 2,500 employees and over 160 PoPs globally. The Group's business covers more than 150 countries and regions, and connects to over 600 operators in the world and serves over 3,000 multinational corporations and 40,000 local enterprises. CITIC Group Corporation, a large multinational conglomerate headquartered in the People's Republic of China, is the ultimate holding company of CITIC Telecom.For more information, please visit: www.citictel.com.Media enquiries:Strategic Financial Relations LimitedVeron Ng Tel: +852 2864 4831 Email: veron.ng@sprg.com.hkKeris Leung Tel: +852 2864 4863 Email: keris.leung@sprg.com.hkIris Au Yeung Tel: +852 2114 4913 Email: iris.auyeung@sprg.com.hkEmail: citictelecom@sprg.com.hkCatherine YuenCITIC Telecom CPC(852) 2170 7536Email: catherine.yuen@citictel-cpc.comSource: CITIC Telecom International Holdings LimitedCopyright 2023 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2023 / Usha Resources Ltd. ("USHA" or the "Company") (TSXV:USHA)(OTCQB:USHAF)(FSE:JO0), a North American lithium exploration company, is pleased to announce that drilling has commenced for the third hole ("JP23-02") at the 100%-owned Jackpot Lake Lithium Brine Property ("Project") located in Clark County, Nevada. Drill hole JP23-01 will be drilled immediately upon hole development and initial sampling of JP23-02. JP23-01 and JP23-02 are twinning JP22-01 and JP22-02, respectively, conducted to better maintain hole integrity as each hole advances to its planned 2,000 feet.

The Company is also pleased to announce that it has begun preliminary work on its 43-101 resource estimate.

The goal of the drill program will be to build on the findings of its initial drilling which supports that the Jackpot Lake is a similar geologic setting to that of Clayton Valley, hosting Albemarle's Silver Peak Nevada Lithium Mine, the only producing lithium mine in North America.

Key findings of the program to-date include:

Soils at the Project are enriched in lithium at a level comparable to Clayton Valley . Enriched lithium is present within the holes advanced, with an average of 334 ppm and high of 820 ppm Li in thirty samples collected from shallow surface soils (<500 ft) within JP22-02.



These results compare very favourably to the reported average of 100 ppm for the Esmeralda Formation, one of the potential sources of the lithium enrichment for the brines present in Clayton Valley which hosts Albemarle's Silver Peak Lithium Brine Mine, the only producing lithium operation in the United States i .



. Enriched lithium is present within the holes advanced, with an average of 334 ppm and high of 820 ppm Li in thirty samples collected from shallow surface soils (<500 ft) within JP22-02. These results compare very favourably to the reported average of 100 ppm for the Esmeralda Formation, one of the potential sources of the lithium enrichment for the brines present in Clayton Valley which hosts Albemarle's Silver Peak Lithium Brine Mine, the only producing lithium operation in the United States . A geologic system is present similar to that of Clayton Valley. Significant evaporitic crystallization, indicative of a brine-forming environment, is present throughout the holes advanced, with JP22-02 containing an interval of 146 feet of massive to bedded evaporites with clay and sand interbeds and cross cutting laminations.



The evaporites sit atop a large zone of higher-porosity sand and conglomerate, with at least 273 feet of a potentially pumpable aquifer present within JP22-02 into which fluids from the zones above should drain. Coarse-grained basal units are a primary focus for expansion at Albemarle's Silver Peak lithium brine mine, the only domestic supplier of lithium within the United States, and at Pure Energy's Clayton Valley project, where it identified a large volume of brine with superior grades ii .



Significant evaporitic crystallization, indicative of a brine-forming environment, is present throughout the holes advanced, with JP22-02 containing an interval of 146 feet of massive to bedded evaporites with clay and sand interbeds and cross cutting laminations. The evaporites sit atop a large zone of higher-porosity sand and conglomerate, with at least 273 feet of a potentially pumpable aquifer present within JP22-02 into which fluids from the zones above should drain. Coarse-grained basal units are a primary focus for expansion at Albemarle's Silver Peak lithium brine mine, the only domestic supplier of lithium within the United States, and at Pure Energy's Clayton Valley project, where it identified a large volume of brine with superior grades . The stratigraphy at the Site supports a 43-101 resource. Similar stratigraphy has been encountered in JP22-02 as that in drill hole JP22-01, suggesting that the favourable stratigraphy identified in drilling is present throughout the basin as the two holes are 2.75 km apart. Identifying these similarities, especially in the basal conglomerates and evaporites, is a key finding that continues to support that Dry Lake, within which Jackpot is hosted, is a similar geologic setting to that of Clayton Valley.

A primary objective will be to advance each of JP23-01 and JP23-02 to 2,000 feet, thereby potentially greatly expanding on the 99-foot and 273-foot higher-porosity zones already identified where the Company believes the best potential brines are present. Pending sample results, the Company would then proceed with either further drilling or completion of its maiden resource estimate, the completion of which would enable it to join the ranks of a select few companies in the United States.

"We are thrilled to return to Jackpot Lake and resume drilling." said Deepak Varshney, CEO of Usha Resources Ltd. "The work to-date has demonstrated that Jackpot contains the right system for a major lithium discovery and by exploring to a depth of 2,000 feet, we aim to gather a more comprehensive understanding of the mineral potential within our project area, further enhancing the overall resource estimation and project feasibility of Jackpot Lake."

Figure 1 - On-going drilling of JP23-02 at Jackpot Lake

Figure 2 - Left, evaporite crystallization. Right, conglomerate. The presence of evaporite crystals supports the presence of a brine forming environment throughout the Dry Lake Basin as crystallization of evaporites would not occur in a freshwater system. The conglomerate indicates that a high-porosity zone should be present that could contain a significant quantity of brine as observed at Clayton Valley.

Qualified Person

The technical content of this news release relating to the Jackpot Lake Project has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Seth Cude, P.G., CPG. RM, M.Sc., a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

About Usha Resources Ltd.

Usha Resources Ltd. is a North American mineral acquisition and exploration company focused on the development of quality battery and precious metal properties that are drill-ready with high-upside and expansion potential. Based in Vancouver, BC, Usha's portfolio of strategic properties provides target-rich diversification and consist of Jackpot Lake, a lithium project in Nevada; White Willow, a lithium project in Ontario; and Lost Basin, a gold-copper project in Arizona. Usha trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol USHA, the OTC Exchange under the symbol USHAF and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol JO0.

USHA RESOURCES LTD.

"Deepak Varshney" CEO and Director

For more information, please call Tyler Muir, Investor Relations, at 1-888-772-2452, email tmuir@usharesources.com, or visit www.usharesources.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking statements:

This news release may include "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and are based on a number of estimates and/or assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking information are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, uncertain and volatile equity and capital markets, lack of available capital, actual results of exploration activities, environmental risks, future prices of base and other metals, operating risks, accidents, labour issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry.

The Company is presently an exploration stage company. Exploration is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks, requires substantial expenditures, and may not result in the discovery of mineral deposits that can be mined profitably. Furthermore, the Company currently has no reserves on any of its properties. As a result, there can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

---

i Monk, L. et al. 2011. Geochemistry of Lithium-rich brines in Clayton Valley, Nevada, USA. Society of Geology Applied to Ore Deposits Bi-annual Meeting, Antofogasto, Chile.

ii Pure Energy Minerals, 2018. NI 43-101 Technical Report. Preliminary Economic Assessment (Rev. 1) of the Clayton Valley Lithium Project. Esmeralda County, Nevada.

SOURCE: Usha Resources Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/764170/Usha-Resources-Begins-Drilling-and-43-101-Resource-Estimation-at-the-Jackpot-Lake-Lithium-Brine-Project
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 28, 2023) - Exploits Discovery Corp. (CSE: NFLD) (OTCQX: NFLDF) (FSE: 634) ("Exploits" or the "Company") is pleased to announce at least 12 gold targets have been identified on its southern properties situated approximately 90 kilometers south of Gander. These targets were generated by Windfall Geotek's use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and their compilation of available historic data and proprietary machine-learned filtering technologies.

Highlights:

At least 12 separate gold targets identified through Windfall's AI processing.

All available current and historical data, including 4,942 gold assay results, were utilized for the study.

The project area is in South-Central Newfoundland and covers 1,208.75 km2.

Only a limited amount of exploration over the past 40 years has been conducted in this area, making it an ideal candidate for Windfall's industry-leading appraisal system.

Option and joint venture opportunities are available on these properties.

Jeff Swinoga, President and CEO, comments, "As we advance our new Horseshoe gold discovery and target development further to the north at our Gazeebow claims, we are pleased that this new technology was able to assist us with identifying numerous gold targets within our relatively unexplored southern claims. We were very impressed with Windfall's predictive AI technology and its ability to highlight the potential for significant upside for new discoveries beyond the scope of known gold mineralization on these properties."

Figure 1: Map showing the distribution of AI Gold Targets on Exploits Discovery's southern claims.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6393/171561_a7fee31e445bab0d_001full.jpg

Geological Context:

The Great Bend, Middle Ridge, and True Grit project areas (Figure 1) located in the Gander River Ultra Mafic Belt (GRUB) regional structure is thought to be very important in the mobilization and concentration of gold mineralization in the province of Newfoundland, Canada.

The Great Bend property is situated within the Dunnage Zone and encompasses (from west to east), the Newfoundland Geological Survey mapped Coy Pond Complex (CPC), Baie d'Espoir Group (BDG), and the Davidsville Group. Lithological units are diverse across the property and consist of Cambrian to Ordovician ophiolitic ultramafics (CPC), Ordovician felsic to intermediate island-arc volcanics and siliciclastic sediments (BDG), as well as Davidsville Group Ordovician marine siliciclastic sediments. The southwest property margin contains the northeast edge of the Early Ordovician Partridgeberry Hills granite which truncates the ophiolite and siliciclastic packages.

The Middle Ridge property straddles a significant regional structure of the Dunnage Zone called the Gander River Ultra Mafic Belt, (GRUB), a regional scale trans-compressional thrust fault marked by a discontinuous belt of ophiolitic rock that forms the south easternmost boundary of the Exploits Subzone. The GRUB Line is believed to be a potential conduit for deep seated fluid flow and a pathway for the transportation of gold bearing fluids. This structure is spatially associated with significant gold deposition across the belt focused in secondary and tertiary structural splays from the GRUB Line, which is hosted in the Silurian siliciclastic sediments of the Exploits Subzone.

The True Grit property lays within the Exploits Sub Zone which is underlain by siliciclastic rocks of the St. Joseph's Cove Group. The St. Joseph's Cove Formation is comprised of siltstone, pelite, sandstone, and conglomerate with minor quartz sericite schists thought to represent altered felsic tuffs. Historical till surveys resulted in numerous high gold grain counts (Pickett, 1990) which led to the discovery by Teck Resources of the True Grit mineralized zones.

Table 1: AI defined gold targets.

Nr Target ID X (Center)

Nad83

UTM21 Y (Center)

Nad83

UTM21 Area

(sq km) NTS Sheet Lithology (NFLD) 1 AI_Exploit_GB_MR_Au_01 598912 5362870 1.129 002D05 Plutonic ultramafic /

Plutonic mafic (Coy Pond Complex) 2 AI_Exploit_GB_MR_Au_02 598246 5362260 0.114 002D05 Plutonic ultramafic /

Plutonic mafic (Coy Pond Complex) 3 AI_Exploit_GB_MR_Au_03 598121 5361870 0.132 002D05 Plutonic ultramafic /

Plutonic mafic (Coy Pond Complex) 4 AI_Exploit_GB_MR_Au_04 598133 5360910 0.434 002D05 Plutonic mafic (Coy Pond Complex) 5 AI_Exploit_GB_MR_Au_05 599620 5359430 0.473 002D05 Plutonic felsic

(Partridgeberry Hills

Granite) / Plutonic mafic

(Coy Pond Complex) 6 AI_Exploit_GB_MR_Au_06 602085 5359150 0.145 002D05 Volcanic mafic marine (Coy Pond Complex) 7 AI_Exploit_GB_MR_Au_07 601318 5365620 0.215 002D05 Plutonic ultramafic (Coy

Pond Complex) 8 AI_Exploit_GB_MR_Au_08 606342 5361360 0.367 002D05 Siliciclastic marine (Baie

d'Espoir Group) 9 AI_Exploit_GB_MR_Au_09 608805 5368860 0.383 002D05 Siliciclastic marine (Baie

d'Espoir Group) 10 AI_Exploit_GB_MR_Au_10 609007 5367950 0.415 002D05 Siliciclastic marine (Baie

d'Espoir Group) 11 AI_Exploit_GB_MR_Au_11 608224 5367000 0.093 002D05 Siliciclastic marine (Baie

d'Espoir Group) 12 AI_Exploit_GB_MR_Au_12 598864 5364710 0.048 002D05 Plutonic ultramafic /

Plutonic mafic (Coy Pond Complex)

National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure

All scientific and technical data contained in this press release was reviewed by Grigor Heba, Ph.D., P.Geo., Principal Geologist at Windfall Geotek and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Exploits Discovery Corp.

Exploits is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition and development of mineral projects in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The Company is focused on discovering high-grade structurally hosted epizonal gold similar to New Found Gold's success along the Appleton Fault zone and parallel structures within the Exploits Subzone.

Exploits is utilizing its experienced, talented local team and geologic understanding with the vision to become one of the most successful explorers in Canada.

About Windfall Geotek - Powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) since 2005

Windfall is an Artificial Intelligence company that has been in business for over 15 years developing its proprietary CARDS analysis (AI) and data mining techniques. Windfall Geotek can count on a multidisciplinary team that includes professionals in geophysics, geology, Artificial Intelligence, and mathematics. It combines available public and private datasets including geophysical, drill hole and surface data. The algorithms designed and employed by Windfall are calculated to highlight areas of interest that have the potential to be geologically similar to other gold deposits and mineralization. The Company's objective is to develop a new royalty stream by significantly enhancing and participating in the exploration success rate of mining and to continue the Land Mine detection application as a high priority. Windfall has played a part in numerous past discoveries utilizing its methodology as described at: https://windfallgeotek.com/.

On Behalf of the Board

/s/ "Jeff Swinoga"

President and CEO

For more information, please contact:

Shanda Kilborn

VP, Investor Relations

+1 (778) 819-2708

investors@exploits.gold

https://exploitsdiscovery.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this news release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected including, but not limited to, market conditions, availability of financing, actual results of the Company's exploration and other activities, environmental risks, future metal prices, operating risks, accidents, labor issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry. All the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those in our continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances save as required by applicable law.

Acknowledgments

Exploits Discovery would like to acknowledge the financial support of the Junior Exploration Assistance Program from the Department of Natural Resources, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/171561
Merz Therapeutics, a company of the Merz Group and a leader in the field of neurotoxins, celebrates the opening of its new affiliate in Stockholm for the Nordic region including Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. By taking the strategic decision to establish the new subsidiary in Stockholm, Merz Therapeutics is assuming full control of its business operations in the region, effectively replacing the previous distribution partner Desitin.

By establishing Merz Therapeutics Nordics AB, the company aims to optimize its market presence, better serve patients and customers, and better capitalize on the region's market potential. CEO of Merz Therapeutics, Stefan Konig, about the company's expansion in the Nordics: "Establishing our presence in the Nordics is a strategic move that will allow us to better serve our patients' needs in the region. This expansion will not only bring us closer to the mature healthcare systems in Scandinavia that have a reputation for patient centricity and innovation, including some world-class research institutions but also position us for substantial growth." The Stockholm site will become the central hub for the company's activities in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, officially commencing operations on July 1, 2023.

Over the past few months, the newly formed Merz Therapeutics Nordics team has carefully prepared the transition of operations from our longstanding partner, Desitin, who has been instrumental in establishing our presence in the region over the past few years. Leading the new affiliate as the Country Manager for the Nordics, Christian Feinberg expressed his confidence in the venture: "We are excited to embark on this journey and build strong relationships with healthcare providers, patients, and stakeholders in the Nordics. Our focus will be on delivering value and improving access to healthcare solutions across the region for people who suffer from upper limb spasticity, sialorrhea, hemifacial spasm, blepharospasm, or cervical dystonia." Feinberg brings with him extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, having previously served as the Managing Director Nordics for a prominent pharmaceutical company prior to joining Merz Therapeutics. "We are delighted to have acquired such a highly experienced and capable leader for the region. With his expertise, we are confident in our ability to drive progress not only in the Nordics but across all of Europe. Together, we embark on an exciting journey to enhance patient outcomes throughout Europe," says Marcus Gollub, Head of Region Europe at Merz Therapeutics.

About Merz Therapeutics

Merz Therapeutics GmbH is dedicated to improving the lives of patients around the world. With its relentless research, development, and culture of innovation, Merz Therapeutics strives to serve unmet patient needs and realize better outcomes. Merz Therapeutics seeks to address the unique needs of people who suffer from movement disorders, neurological conditions, liver disease, and other health conditions that severely impact patients' quality of life. Merz Therapeutics is headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, and is represented in more than 90 countries. Merz Therapeutics GmbH is part of the Merz Group. To learn more, please visit www.merztherapeutics.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628223057/en/

Contacts:

Press Contact

Merz Therapeutics GmbH

Agnes Tesch

Global Communications

+49 69 1503 2129

agnes.tesch@merz.de
Today, Gleamer, the leading European manufacturer in AI-powered solutions for medical imaging, announced a Series B financing of 27 million. This operation is led by Supernova Invest, co-led by Heal Capital and backed by Gleamer's long-term partners XAnge, Elaia, Bpifrance via the funds Digital Venture and F3A from France 2030, MACSF, Crista Galli Ventures, and UI Investissement, as well as several European radiologists. This new investment will enable Gleamer to expand its portfolio of solutions, strengthen its European and American teams, and accelerate its international development plans. Total funds raised to date amount to 36 million (which includes a Series A funding round of 7.5 million in 2020 and seed funding of 1.5 million in 2018).

Become a global player in augmented medical imaging powered by AI

Gleamer has developed a comprehensive suite of AI-powered solutions for standard radiography including BoneView for detecting bone trauma lesions, ChestView for detecting pulmonary pathologies, BoneMeasurement for automating MSK measurements, and BoneAge for automating bone age estimation. All four solutions hold MDR class IIa CE certification in Europe. BoneView has also received FDA clearance for use in adults and children over the age of two, making it the first and only AI-powered solution certified for detecting bone fractures in adults and children in the United States. Gleamer's solutions are recognized worldwide thanks to nine publications, one of which received the 2022 Alexander Margulis Prize for the best paper on Radiology awarded for its scientific excellence by the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Now serving over 6,500 users in 650 institutions, spanning 24 countries, its solutions process more than a million medical examinations each month.

" This new round of funding will allow us to deepen Gleamer's mission of making AI the new standard of care in radiology. Our aim is to increase diagnostic accuracy and improve patient care and the efficiency of clinical practices for health professionals. We are delighted to have the support of Supernova Invest and Heal Capital, who not only have recognized deep expertise in this field, but also know how to support the commercial and technological development of growing companies positioned on global markets, such as Gleamer", Christian Allouche, CEO and co-founder of Gleamer, explained.

Tomorrow, by extending its portfolio of solutions to CT scans and mammography, Gleamer will cover 70% of radiologists' daily needs. The company aims to accelerate its international expansion, particularly in Europe and in the United States where the sales teams will be strengthened. Gleamer will extend existing strategic partnerships, while signing new large-scale partnerships to make Gleamer's solutions accessible to as many people as possible.

"Gleamer is positioned as a leader in the use of AI in radiology, with a catalog of solutions to improve the diagnosis of numerous pathologies and the effectiveness of care, for the benefit of patients. Supernova Invest is delighted to support a visionary team with unique growth potential, redefining the contours of radiology and medical imaging through disruptive technological solutions that can be deployed on a large scale. This is a company whose business and societal models, and technological challenges are in line with Supernova Invest's DNA", comments Remi Spagnol, Investment Director at Supernova Invest

"We look for investments that meet a critical market need and Gleamer is the perfect example of a company that will make an impact as it is poised to become a leader in AI-powered medical solutions and continues to innovate and advance the field of medical AI", said Christian Lautner, Founding Managing Partner, Heal Capital.

About Gleamer

Founded in 2017, Gleamer considers AI to be a key solution for addressing the sharp rise in demand for medical imaging, stemming from the challenges of an ageing population, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and the problems of access to healthcare. The company's suite of AI-powered solutions supports radiologists and clinicians in their diagnoses, thereby improving reliability and reducing the time taken to read and process examinations. The company's outstanding performance and impressive growth have been rewarded by being named the EuroMinnies 2023 Best Vendor in Radiology winner, awarded by AuntMinnie Europe. www.gleamer.ai

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628695819/en/

Contacts:

Press Contact ALIZE RP

Caroline Carmagnol

+ 33 (6) 64 18 99 59 caroline@alizerp.com
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2023 / Pampa Metals Corp. ("Pampa Metals" or the "Company") (CSE:PM)(FSE:FIRA)(OTCQX:PMMCF) is pleased to report assay results from a three-hole diamond drilling program recently completed on its 100% owned Buenavista target located in northern Chile.

Buenavista Assay Results:

As previously reported (see news release on June 5, 2023), hydrothermal alteration and mineralisation indicative of the upper parts of a porphyry copper system was intersected in all three holes. Multiple Au-Ag-Cu and Mo intercepts confirm a high-sulphidation epithermal style of mineralisation in transition to a porphyry system.

Individual samples reported maximum assay grades of 1.86 g/t Au (hole BV02-2023), 30 g/t Ag (hole BV02-2023), 0.45% Cu (hole BV02-2023) and 1,715 ppm Mo (hole BV03-2023).

Hole BV02-2023 cut multiple narrow zones of Au-Ag-Cu mineralisation related to quartz-sulphide veins and breccias including 8m @ 0.12% Cu, 0.32g/t Au, 5.9g/t Ag from 174.18m downhole. Significant molybdenum (286ppm Mo) was reported from a tourmaline breccia towards the bottom of the hole (515.2m) suggesting possible proximity to an inter-mineral porphyry source.

Hole BV03-2023, like BV02-2023, was collared in the quartz-sulphide breccia zone with copper oxides mapped at surface and cut several narrow zones of Au-Ag-Cu mineralisation related to quartz-sulphide veins and breccias, including 4m @ 0.14% Cu, 0.44g/t Au, 2.1g/t Ag. High grade molybdenum (4m @ 574ppm Mo) was also reported from veins at 656m downhole.

Cu-Au-Ag values in a series of narrow granodiorite dykes cut in BV02-2023 and BV03-2023 confirm the presence of early inter-mineral intrusions.

Hole BV01-2023, drilled on the central Buenavista quartz-veinlet stockwork zone and associated Tertiary-dated (60 Ma) dacite porphyry, reflected surface geochemistry and was highly anomalous in molybdenum along most of the hole length, with individual assay highs of 222ppm Mo.

A table of the most significant intercepts is included as an annex to this news release.

Commenting on the results, Joseph van den Elsen, President and CEO, stated:

"We are pleased to report the results from this first scout drilling program at Buenavista. Results clearly show that drilling has penetrated the peripheral portions of at least one (BV02-2023 and BV03-2023) and possibly two (BV01-2023) porphyry systems, with the source inter-mineral porphyry or porphyries lying beneath or to the side of current drilling. Assay results confirm the fertility of the system (or systems) and other geophysical anomalies on the property are still to be drill tested, giving encouragement to pursue further work. Pampa considers the Buenavista target and the Buenavista project more broadly to be highly prospective for the discovery of a porphyry copper-gold-molybdenum deposit and is evaluating alternatives to continue advancing a full assessment of the property. Concurrently the company continues to assess other high potential opportunities for the discovery of large-scale copper deposits in the Americas."

About the Buenavista Target

Pampa Metals completed a program of 3 diamond drill holes totaling 1,957 metres during April and May 2023 at the Buenavista project, located along the Domeyko porphyry copper belt of northern Chile, halfway between the Escondida and El Salvador porphyry copper mining districts. Drilling was designed to test coincident geological, geochemical, and geophysical anomalies, which together demonstrated an environment favorable for the presence of one or more Tertiary-aged porphyry Cu-Au-Mo systems.

Hole BV01-2023 (553m total length) was vertical and drilled over a stockwork of banded quartz veinlets with a surface molybdenum anomaly (soils and trenches) in the central part of the Buenavista target. The veinlets are cutting a dacitic porphyry dated at 60 Ma (U-Pb, zircon) by Pampa Metals. The dacite porphyry and quartz-veinlet stockwork coincides with a subcircular magnetic high and moderate IP chargeability anomaly

Holes BV02-2023 (670.5m total length) and BV03-2023 (733.8m total length) were drilled about 440m to the west of BV01-2023, with an azimuth of 120 and inclinations 60 (BV02-2023) and 80 (BV03-2023) respectively, in an area with surface copper oxides in quartz-sulphide breccias. The collar locations coincide with a magnetic low, moderate IP chargeability, and a copper-gold-silver-arsenic-bismuth geochemical anomaly (soils and trenches).

Buenavista - Location Along Domeyko Cordillera Porphyry Copper Belt

Quality Control - QA/QC

A total of 1015 samples from diamond drill cut half-core together with 109 control samples (10% - value standards, blank standards, duplicates) were analysed by ALS Patagonia by Fire Assay with Atomic Absorption finish (AA23) for gold, and ICP-Mass Spectrometry after a 4-acid digestion (ME-MS61) for multi-element analyses. All samples were previously prepared using the PREP-31B protocol at ALS Patagonia Chile.

Pampa Metals carried out all core cutting and sampling activities at its camp in Agua Verde, northern Chile, following a previously prepared in-house protocol to international standards. Control samples with standards from a known manufacturer, quartz blanks and duplicates of cut core samples were inserted into sample batches according to the protocol. Quality Assurance and Quality Control ("QA/QC") is routinely carried out by ALS Patagonia using its own internal standards and protocols. Such QA/QC results from the Pampa Metals' batches were satisfactory. Additionally, a QA/QC assessment was performed in-house using the blind control samples inserted by Pampa Metals and reviewed by Company management. The QA/QC results successfully passed the QA/QC protocols including the certified values of the value standard manufacturers.

ABOUT PAMPA METALS

Pampa Metals is a Canadian company listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange (CSE: PM), Frankfurt (FSE: FIRA) and OTC (OTCQB: PMMCF) exchanges that wholly owns a 47,400-hectare portfolio of seven projects highly prospective for copper, molybdenum and gold located along proven and highly productive mineral belts in Chile, one of the world's top mining jurisdictions. The Company is actively advancing its projects through systematic exploration and drill testing of the highest priority targets, with a current focus on the Buenavista Project.

The Company's vision is to create significant value for shareholders and stakeholders through the application of its technical and commercial expertise towards exploring for a major copper discovery along the prime mineral belts of Chile. For more information, please visit Pampa Metals' website at www.pampametals.com.

Qualified Person

Technical information in this news release has been approved by Mario Orrego G, Geologist and a Registered Member of the Chilean Mining Commission and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Orrego is a consultant to the Company.

Note: The reader is cautioned that Pampa Metals' projects are early-stage exploration projects, and reference to existing mines and deposits, or mineralization hosted on adjacent or nearby properties, is not necessarily indicative of any mineralization on Pampa Metals' properties.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Joseph van den Elsen | President & CEO

INVESTORS CONTACT

Joseph van den Elsen | President & CEO

joseph@pampametals.com

Neither the CSE nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT

This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events or developments that Pampa Metals expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will" or "may" occur. These statements are subject to various risks. Although Pampa Metals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guaranteeing of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements.

Annex - Table of Significant Intercepts - Buenavista Drilling - May/June 2023

Drillhole # From m To M Interval m Au Ppb Ag g/t Cu % Mo ppm Geology BV02 6 16 10 80 1.5 0.14 Sericite-sulphide breccia (oxide) Including 6 8 2 136 1.9 0.24 and 12 16 4 110 1.5 0.17 BV02 174.18 182.2 8.02 317 5.9 0.12 Qz-sulphide veins Including 174.18 176.25 2.07 587 7.7 0.18 and 181.2 182.2 1 592 26.1 0.45 BV02 270 272 2 64 2.0 0.14 Sericite-sulphide breccia BV02 412 414 2 112 2.6 0.10 Qz-sulphide vein BV02 448 452 4 36 1.4 0.12 Early inter-mineral granodiorite dyke BV02 504.77 505.71 0.94 220 3.9 0.21 Qz-sulphide vein / early granodiorite BV02 515.2 518 2.8 33 1.8 286 Tourmaline breccia BV03 96 98 2 29 1.2 0.21 Secondary enrichment in fault zone BV03 118 120 2 20 1.4 0.13 Qz-sulphide veins BV03 316 320 4 29 1.5 0.12 Sericite-sulphide breccia BV03 422.8 424 1.2 129 1.6 0.14 Qz-sulphide vein BV03 530.75 531.7 0.95 17 135 Qz-Mo-Py veins BV03 533.6 534.27 0.67 24 134 Qz-Mo-Py veins BV03 652.4 653.31 0.91 100 189 Qz-Mo-Py veins BV03 656 660 4 574 Qz-Mo-Py veins Including 656 658 2 122 685 and 659.55 660 0.45 89 1715 BV03 667.04 670 2.96 461 Granodiorite / Qz-Mo-Py vein Including 667.04 667.6 0.56 41 1120

SOURCE: Pampa Metals Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/764101/Pampa-Metals-Reports-Assay-Results-from-Buenavista-Target-Drilling-Chile
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 28, 2023) - Canadian Copper Inc. (CSE: CCI) ("Canadian Copper" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, pursuant to the terms of an Option Agreement it entered into with strategic partner Puma Exploration Inc. (TSXV: PUMA) ("Puma") on June 30, 2021, it has made its first anniversary payment. All five mineral assets contained in the Option Agreement are located in the Bathurst Camp of New Brunswick, Canada.

"Since going public in July 2022, Canadian Copper's strategic objective was to acquire and continue to grow our mineral inventory of critical minerals focused in the Bathurst Camp, of New Brunswick. This area is a top tier jurisdiction with a permitting framework, established infrastructure, and extensive history of large base metal mines, which are all necessary ingredients to successful mining development," commented Simon Quick, CEO of Canadian Copper. "By executing this strategy, our Chester deposit Indicated Resources grew by more than 3x1 in 2022 with targeted exploration efforts. Approximately 80% of the Chester copper resources are within 100 meters from surface at +1% Cu grade. Now with our pending acquisition of the Murray Brook deposit announced on June 13th, we will grow our mineral inventory of critical minerals even more! We are eager to close the Murray Brook acquisition to evaluate integration and growth opportunities with this large open pit 18 million tonne deposit relative to our existing critical mineral projects in the region."

To review the Company developments at the Chester Project, please see the 2022 press release here. Summary Chester Mineral Resource Estimate highlights are:

Indicated Mineral Resources: 4.866 million tonnes ("Mt") at a grade of 1.13% copper, containing 120.28 million pounds ("Mlbs") of copper, with potential by-product of 13.66 Mlbs lead, 10.52 Mlbs zinc, 69,000 ounces of silver, or potentially 7.51 Mlbs of in situ copper equivalent ("CuEq") 1 .

. Inferred Mineral Resources: 1.819 million tonnes ("Mt") at a grade of 1.01% copper, containing 38.35 million pounds ("Mlbs") of copper, with potential by-product of 3.17 Mlbs lead, 1.57 Mlbs zinc, or potentially 1.35 Mlbs of copper equivalent ("CuEq")1.

Option Agreement Conditions

Canadian Copper has the right to acquire 100% interest in the Option Agreement assets under the following payment conditions:

$300,000 in cash or shares on the first (1 st ) anniversary payment. ( Satisfied ) The Company has issued Puma 3,637,873 Canadian Copper shares.

) anniversary payment. ( ) $1M in cash or shares on the second (2 nd ) anniversary payment.

) anniversary payment. $1M in cash or shares on the third (3rd) anniversary payment.

Figure A: Portfolio of Option Agreement Assets



To view an enhanced version of Figure A, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9218/171564_7bb63bb544606969_001full.jpg



Figure B: Murray Brook Project Location



To view an enhanced version of Figure B, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9218/171564_7bb63bb544606969_002full.jpg

Qualified Person

Mr. Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo. is President and a Principal of APEX Geoscience Ltd. and is an independent QP. Mr. Dufresne is responsible for the Chester MRE and has reviewed and approved the geological information reported in this news release.

About Canadian Copper Inc.

Canadian Copper is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company with a copper and base metals portfolio of historical resources and grassroots projects. The Company is focused on the prolific Bathurst Mining Camp (BMC) of New Brunswick, Canada. There are currently 70,555,000 shares issued and outstanding in the Company.

For more information, please contact:

Simon Quick, Director and CEO

email simon@canadiancopper.com / ir@canadiancopper.com

phone (905)-220-6661

web www.canadiancopper.com

Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the satisfaction of the conditions of the Option Agreement with Puma, the potential acquisition of the Murray Brook Deposit, and the proposed benefits of integrating the Murray Brook Deposit into the Company's portfolio are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by words such as "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "will", "may", "should", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, statements as to the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, including the Company's option to acquire properties under the Puma Option Agreement, the proposed expenditures for exploration work thereon, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to fund its business activities and plans, delays in obtaining governmental and regulatory approvals (including of the CSE), permits or financing, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, the Company's limited operating history, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims, environmental issues and liabilities, as well as those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's prospectus dated May 24th, 2022 and other filings of the Company with the Canadian Securities Authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval website at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this presentation or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise required by law.

Cautionary Note Regarding Mineral Resource Estimates

Until mineral deposits are actually mined and processed, Mineral Resources must be considered as estimates only. Mineral Resource Estimates that are not Mineral Reserves have not demonstrated economic viability.

1 Press Release dated November 1, 2022 "Canadian Copper Significantly Grows Mineral Resources at Chester Project": https://canadiancopper.com/canadian-copper-significantly-grows-mineral-resources-at-chester-project/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/171564
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 28, 2023) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: VGANF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leading consolidator of emerging food brands is pleased to announce that it has signed its first client to its advisory arm that specializes in the development and growth of early-stage companies needing strategic and operational guidance to scale their businesses. Clients of our Next Level Partners program provide predictable contract revenue for Happy Belly, an important step forward on our path to profitability.

Further to our news release on December 12th, 2022, stating a signed LOI for a 50% acquisition of Lady Glaze, a Gourmet Doughnut and Dessert business, both businesses have mutually agreed that the next step in this process is Lady Glaze to first transition to our Next Level Partner program. This program will focus on the immediate and specific needs of the Lady Glaze business, consisting of Brand Strategy, Growth Acceleration, Operational Efficiency, Capital Allocation and M&A Readiness for the brand prior to continuing with the opportunity for acquisition based on the terms laid out in the LOI agreement. As a client of Happy Belly's Next Level Partner program Lady Glaze will work with various resources at Happy Belly to strengthen their brand through the needed support and guidance required to elevate the brands fundamentals to reach its next level of scaled growth and development.

"In an ever-changing economic environment for business owners and operators, we welcome Lady Glaze to our Next Level Partner program where we will work hand in hand with their management team to support and shape business drivers during these critical moments of their growth," said Sean Black, Chief Investment Officer of Happy Belly. "Although this is a new revenue vertical for Happy Belly, our teams have decades of hands-on experience that help brands avoid pitfalls and accelerate growth by providing management with solutions that save time and capital. We are here first and foremost as founders / management / owners / operators who have been through the startup journey from formation to exit many times and have a deep understanding of the restaurant and CPG business. We have seen and lived the challenges that founders and operators go through, and will leverage this expertise to benefit Lady Glaze, and all future clients, in a meaningful and impactful way."

About Next Level Partners

Through growth modeling and operational excellence, our services will guide founders to focus on operational improvement to accelerate revenue and reduce costs. Our experienced operational knowledge will help leaders navigate the moments that matter most in their companies' journeys toward success. Services will hone in on brands key business drivers to help shape management's objectives, goals, and strategies. We guide and support management to set the foundation for growth. We specialize our services to offer brands the guidance they need to achieve their goals. The name of our division speaks to exactly how we will operate, as true partners.



The team's past success has been rooted in building brands from the ground level. Our team has personally overseen the growth and launch of over 400 restaurants across North America through several brands categories with successful exits each time. It is our goal to build trusted relationships with these early-stage founders as they help us continue in building our M&A pipeline for years to come. In some instances, some of these founders will eventually look to exit with Happy Belly and we will be here to deliver a frictionless friendly M&A transaction.

Happy Belly is now positioned with opportunities in the food industry that range from early-stage companies (Next Level Partners Division) to mid-cycle equity-based transactions (Happy Belly's 50/50 Model), to fully mature brand M&As (Full Acquisitions).

About Lady Glaze

With dozens of curated doughnut and dessert flavours, including a section of gluten free and vegan doughnuts, we believe in choosing natural ingredients over artificial flavours and processed shortcuts. Our glazes are coloured using the natural palette of fruits and vegetables. We use real butter, real milk, and real cream. We use real sugar, honey, and maple.

We believe in batch production so that the product we offer you is always as fresh as we can make it. We never sell day old doughnuts.

Lady Glaze

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/171613_106d433d74a51852_001full.jpg





About Happy Belly Food Group

Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: VGANF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company") is a leading consolidator of emerging food brands. For more information please visit: www.HappyBellyFG.com .

Happy Belly Food Group

Shawn Moniz

Chief Executive Officer

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:

www: www.happybellyfg.com or email hello@happybellyfg.com



Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur, and include the future performance of LumberHeads Food Co. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the business plans for Happy Belly described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are posted on www.sedar.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/171613
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - June 28, 2023) - Cardinal Energy Ltd. (TSX: CJ) ("Cardinal" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") has accepted the notice of Cardinal's intention to renew its normal course issuer bid (the "NCIB"). As at June 27, 2023, Cardinal had previously purchased an aggregate of 3,724,156 Common Shares ("Common Shares") on the open market on the TSX and/or alternative Canadian trading systems at a volume weighted average price per share of $7.05 under a normal course issuer bid that runs from June 30, 2022 to June 29, 2023, and pursuant to which Cardinal was permitted to repurchase up to 12,319,686 Common Shares.

The NCIB allows the Company to purchase up to 12,062,372 Common Shares (representing approximately 10% of its public float as of June 16, 2023) over a period of twelve months commencing on June 30, 2023. The NCIB will expire no later than June 29, 2024.

Under the NCIB, Common Shares may be repurchased in open market transactions on the TSX, and/or alternative Canadian trading systems, or by such other means as may be permitted by the TSX and applicable securities laws and in accordance with the rules of the TSX governing NCIB's. The total number of Common Shares that Cardinal is permitted to purchase is subject to a daily purchase limit of 243,408 Common Shares, representing 25% of the average daily trading volume of 973,633 Common Shares on the TSX calculated for the six-month period ended May 31, 2023, however, Cardinal may make one block purchase per calendar week which exceeds the daily repurchase restrictions. Any Common Shares that are purchased under the NCIB will be cancelled upon their purchase by the Company.

As at June 16, 2023, Cardinal had 159,638,699 Common Shares issued and outstanding.

Management of Cardinal believes that, from time to time, the market price of its Common Shares may not fully reflect the underlying value of the Common Shares and that at such times the purchase of Common Shares would be in the best interests of Cardinal. The purchase of Common Shares will increase the proportionate interest of, and be advantageous to, all remaining securityholders.

Cardinal's intention to commence a NCIB is consistent with the Corporation's strategy which includes enhancing shareholder returns through dividends, share buybacks and continued debt reduction.

About Cardinal Energy Ltd.

Cardinal works to continually improve its Environmental, Social and Governance profile and operates its assets in a responsible and environmentally sensitive manner. As part of this mandate, Cardinal injects and conserves more carbon than it directly emits making us one of the few Canadian energy companies to have a negative carbon footprint.

Cardinal is a Canadian oil and natural gas company with operations focused on low decline oil in Western Canada.

For further information:

M. Scott Ratushny, CEO or Shawn Van Spankeren, CFO or Laurence Broos, VP Finance

Email: info@cardinalenergy.ca

Phone: (403) 234-8681

Website: www.cardinalenergy.ca

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/171538
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 28, 2023) - Pegmatite One Lithium and Gold Corp. (CSE: PGA) ("Pegmatite One" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has entered into an option agreement dated June 28, 2023 (the "Agreement") with an arm's length party (the "Optionor"), whereby the Company has been granted the option to acquire a 100-per-cent interest in the Frazer Lake - Mound Property (the "Property"), located in Ontario, Canada.

The Frazer Lake - Mound Property is comprised of 279 unpatented single cell mining claims located in the Townships of Cockeram, Church, McIvor, Adamson, Purdom and Oskawe Lake Area, Thunder Bay Mining Division, Ontario, Canada.

The increasing worldwide need for lithium, fueled by the surge in green energy initiatives and the rapid expansion of electric vehicles, presents an enticing investment opportunity in the acquisition of the Frazer Lake - Mound property. This acquisition holds the potential to establish the Company as a key player in the burgeoning lithium market, presenting substantial prospects for growth.

TRANSACTION DETAILS

Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company may acquire a 100-per-cent interest in the Property by paying a total of $250,000 to the Optionor and issuing an aggregate of ten million common shares and seven million warrants, according to the following schedule:

Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company will acquire the interest in the Property by paying the Optionor a total cash consideration of $250,001 as follows: (i) $1 on June 28, 2028, and (ii) $250,000 on or before June 28, 2024. In addition, pursuant to the Agreement, the Company will issue the Optionor 7,000,000 warrants on or before July 5, 2023, each warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one common share of the Company (each a "PGA Share") at a price of $0.05 per PGA Share until June 28, 2025. Finally, pursuant to the Agreement, the Company will issue the Optionor 20,000,000 PGA Shares on or before June 28, 2024.

The Company will grant the Optionor a royalty of 2.0% of net smelter returns from minerals mined and removed from the Property, of which the Company may purchase 1.0% at any time by paying a total of $1,500,000 to the Optionor.

PRIVATE PLACEMENT

In addition, the Company is pleased to announce that it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $500,000 (the "Offering"), through the issuance of up to 10,000,000 units of the Company (each, a "Unit" and collectively, the "Units"), at a price of $0.05 per Unit. Each Unit will be comprised of (i) one PGA Share; and (ii) one half of one warrant. Each whole warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one PGA Share at $0.10 for a period of 12 months following issuance. The net proceeds from the Offering will be used for SG&A, marketing, and development. All of the securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to a "hold period" of four months plus one day from the date of closing pursuant to applicable securities laws.

About Pegmatite One Lithium and Gold Corp.

Pegmatite One is a publicly traded company exploring for lithium and gold. The Company is committed to responsible mining practices and operates two mining properties in Northwestern Ontario and on Vancouver Island. The Morrison River property consists of 222 claims and 335 cell claim units in the Morrison River area, Muskrat Dam Lake, Northwestern Ontario. The Morrison River property is Pegmatite One's flagship lithium asset; the company sees its potential lithium production to be part of the world's continued shift toward electric vehicles and green technologies. The Georgina property, a gold prospect located in the Nanaimo mining division, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, consists of one mineral claim covering an area of 2,069 hectares.

For more information, please contact:

Kelly Abbott Chief Executive Officer and President

E: Kelly.abbott1117@gmail.com

Forward-Looking Information and Cautionary Statements

Certain information contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements and information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation that involve known and unknown risks, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words like "anticipates", "estimates", "expects", "indicates", "intends", "may", "could", "should", "would", "plans", "proposed", "potential", "will", and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this news release include: the Morrison River Property potential in lithium production; the world's shift towards electric vehicles and green technologies and the increasing worldwide need for lithium; the expectation that the Offering will be completed in accordance with their terms; the Company's intention fulfill the obligations of the Agreement; anticipated subscription amounts, pricing and terms under the Offering; the planned use of the net proceeds of the Offering; and other similar statements. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements.

Factors that could cause actual results to vary from forward-looking statements or may affect the operations, performance, development and results of the Company's businesses include, among other things: increases in maintenance, operating or financing costs; the Company's ability to manage and meet the timing and costs of future activities on the Company's Properties; the Company's ability to maintain its mineral tenures and concessions in good standing; the Company's ability to manage the economic conditions or financial markets; the Company's ability to manage the inherent hazards associates with mineral exploration and mining operations; future prices of metals; changes in general economic conditions; the potential for new discoveries; the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary permits and consents required to explore, drill and develop the its projects located on its Properties, and if obtained, to obtain such permits and consents in a timely fashion relative to the Company's plans and business objectives for such 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.

These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to: the Company's inability to manage and meet the timing and costs of future activities on the Company's properties; the Company's inability to maintain its mineral tenures and concessions in good standing; the Company's inability to manage the economic conditions or financial markets; the Company's inability to manage the inherent hazards associates with mineral exploration and mining operations; adverse changes to future prices of metals; adverse changes in general economic conditions; the lack of new discoveries; the inability of the Company to obtain the necessary permits and consents required to explore, drill and develop the its projects located on its properties, and if obtained, its inability to obtain such permits and consents in a timely fashion relative to the Company's plans and business objectives for such projects; the inability of the Company to monetize its mineral resources; and adverse changes in environmental and other laws or regulations that will have an impact on the Company's operations, the Company's inability to maintain compliance with environmental laws and regulations, the adverse effects resulting from its dependence on key management personnel and adverse changes due to the general competition in the mining industry.

Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect the Company's expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change thereafter. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/171554
Partnership enables EGO branded battery products to be sold through John Deere dealers

Chervon and John Deere will collaborate on future product development

NAPERVILLE, Ill., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chervon, the parent company of EGO and a leading global player in the Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) and Power Tool industry, today announced a strategic agreement with John Deere, a global leader in innovative and powerful turf equipment. The agreement will allow the brands to provide users with EGO battery-powered lawn care solutions through John Deere dealers. This collaboration leverages the strengths of both companies and further expands the distribution of EGO's award-winning line of battery-operated OPE through John Deere's prestigious and robust dealer network.

Launched in 2014, EGO is transforming the OPE industry. EGO is now the largest battery-powered platform and the #1 Rated Brand in battery powered OPE.

As part of this agreement, EGO's complete range of mowers, blowers, trimmers, edgers, chainsaws, and snow blowers will be available at John Deere dealers in the United States and Canada starting in the fall of 2023. This collaboration will enable customers to access EGO's innovative and high-performance products conveniently through John Deere's extensive network, known for its commitment to excellence and customer service.

"We are thrilled to join forces with John Deere to bring our best-in-class battery platform to even more customers," said Mike Clancy, CEO at Chervon North America, the parent company of EGO. "This partnership represents a significant milestone in our commitment to revolutionize the outdoor power equipment industry and provide sustainable solutions without compromise to consumers all across North America."

The availability of EGO's top-rated products at John Deere dealers starting in fall 2023 marks an exciting new chapter for both companies. Customers can look forward to the convenience of accessing EGO's battery-powered equipment alongside John Deere's renowned selection of agricultural and outdoor machinery.

About Chervon and EGO

Chervon, an industry leader in Lithium-Ion Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) and Power Tools, is the parent company of EGO. Its products are sold in more than 100 countries and will continue to be available at Lowe's, ACE Hardware and Authorized Dealers. Since its launch in 2014, EGO has become the #1 Rated Brand in battery-powered outdoor power equipment, consistently delivering first-to-market innovations and leading product performance. With more than 70 tools on its 56V ARC Lithium platform and growing, EGO will continue to shape the future of the OPE industry. For more information, please visit EGO online at egopowerplus.com.

About John Deere

Deere & Company (www.Deere.com) is a global leader in the delivery of agricultural, turf, construction, and forestry equipment. Deere helps customers push the boundaries of what's possible in ways that are more productive and sustainable to help life leap forward. Their technology-enabled products, including John Deere Autonomous 8R Tractor, See & Spray, and E-Power Backhoe are just some of the ways they help meet the world's increasing need for food, shelter, and infrastructure. Deere & Company also provides financial services through John Deere Financial.

For more information on Deere & Company, visit their website at www.deere.com.

Media Contact:

Joe Turoff, Chief Marketing Officer

Chervon North America

jturoff@na.chervongroup.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ego-announces-new-partnership-with-john-deere-301865221.html
The Worldcom Public Relations Group (Worldcom), the leading global partnership of independent public relations firms, announced today that it has welcomed two new partners to the organization. Paues Aberg, Stockholm, Sweden and LRM Comunicaciones, Santiago, Chile were recently voted into the partnership.

"These agencies are an outstanding addition to our partnership and help in expanding our global footprint," said Todd Lynch, Worldcom's Managing Director. "They are highly respected in their local markets, and have deep experience in public relations and communications. We are excited to welcome them to the partnership and look forward to collaborating with and learning from them."

Paues Aberg Communications is a Stockholm-based strategic communication agency with a particular focus on public affairs, corporate communication, and financial communication. Paues Aberg Communications was founded in 2013, employing thirty consultants with expertise in business, politics, communication, branding, and media. In the ten years since it was founded, Paues Aberg Communications has helped nearly 300 clients become more successful and achieve their business goals with effective communications.

"We have just embarked on a growth journey as we have entered the second decade of the agency's history," said Jonas Rodny, Partner of Paues Aberg Communications. "The Worldcom partnership will be key in that journey and our mission to deliver value to our customers. We're honored by the opportunity to join this prestigious group and offer expanded capabilities to our Swedish clients that seek to communicate to audiences in other parts of the world. We are excited to make use of limitless possibilities that Worldcom and its partners offer."

LRM Comunicaciones is an integrated agency focused on strategic communications and marketing. They are experts in press management, who transform organizational value into content for various platforms. Their clients gain visibility, credibility and trust of public opinion and their target audiences. They also advise companies on corporate communications, to align their image with their internal communication through digital marketing, writing and designing of blogs, newsletters, online magazines and web pages.

"Joining Worldcom is an important milestone for LRM Comunicaciones because it reflects the growth of our company and the possibility of working strategically and tactically with other agencies to expand our market," says Gabriela Lazo, CEO of LRM Comunicaciones.

Welcoming these agencies to The Worldcom Public Relations Group marks the completion of a rigorous Worldcom partner recruitment and vetting process. It ensures the compatibility of the agency applying for partnership, along with their ability to meet the standards of trust and collaboration that have defined The Worldcom PR Group since its founding in 1988. As the newest partners, Paues Aberg and LRM join a robust group of global partners who openly share knowledge and best practices, utilize the partnership to meet expanding client roles, and collaborate on new opportunities scaled to the local, regional, and global needs of any Worldcom partner client or prospect.

About The Worldcom Public Relations Group

The Worldcom Public Relations Group is the world's leading partnership of independently owned public relations firms, with 143 offices employing some 2,000 staff in 115 cities across six continents. In total, Worldcom partners reported combined revenue of US$350+ million last year from 3,034 clients. Established in 1988, the group was formed so that the strongest, most capable independent firms could deliver immediate impact and sustained value through the intelligent use of communications wherever in the world a client needs support. Partners serve national, international, and multinational clients, while retaining the flexibility and client-service focus inherent in independent agencies. Through Worldcom, clients have on-demand access to in-depth communications expertise from professionals who understand the language, culture and customs of the geographic areas in which they operate. Learn more about Worldcom at www.worldcomgroup.com or by calling Todd Lynch at 1-800-955-9675

Connect with Worldcom PR Group on Facebook and LinkedIn

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628930419/en/

Contacts:

Media:

Todd Lynch

(904) 233-0123

toddlynch@worldcomgroup.com
Die KI-Revolution ist in vollem Gange und vor allem ein Bereich wird stark betroffen sein: Cyber-Security. Die Experten sind sich sicher: Mit steigender Entwicklung von KI-Technologien nehmen auch KI-gestutzte Cyber-Attacken zu. Wir zeigen hier, welche Aktien profitieren konnen.

MOSCOW (dpa-AFX) - The United States has announced an additional security assistance package worth $500 million aimed at providing key capabilities to support Ukraine's counteroffensive operations against mounting Russian attacks. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken authorized Washington's 41st drawdown of arms and equipment from the Pentagon stocks for Ukraine. The latest round of assistance from the Department of Defense includes Bradley and Stryker vehicles, additional munitions for air defense systems, artillery, and multiple launch rocket systems, anti-tank weapons, anti-radiation missiles, precision aerial munitions, and other essential resources tailored to bolster Ukraine forces' battlefield survivability, strengthen its air defenses and help them retake Ukraine's sovereign territory, Blinken said. The capabilities in this package include critical munitions for U.S.-provided Patriot air defense systems and High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS); Stinger anti-aircraft systems; Demolitions munitions and systems for obstacle clearing; Mine clearing equipment; 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds; 30 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles; 25 Stryker Armored Personnel Carriers; Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles; Javelin anti-armor systems; AT-4 anti-armor systems; Anti-armor rockets; High-speed Anti-radiation missiles (HARMs); Precision aerial munitions; Small arms and over 22 million rounds of small arms ammunition and grenades; Thermal imagery systems and night vision devices; Testing and diagnostic equipment to support vehicle maintenance and repair; Spare parts, generators, and other field equipment. Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder underscored the United States' unwavering commitment to Ukraine in announcing the latest round of aid. 'As we have since the beginning of Russia's illegal and unprovoked invasion, the U.S. will continue to work with our allies and partners to provide Ukraine with capabilities to meet its immediate battlefield needs and longer-term security assistance requirements,' he said. The latest round of U.S. military assistance comes amid a period of upheaval within Russia's borders following an armed revolt by Wagner Group mercenaries. President Joe Biden said on Monday that his government remains focused on coordinating with allies and supporting Ukraine as his national security team monitors the fallout from the weekend's events. Meanwhile, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a Putin ally, confirned that Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was in Belarus. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2023 / Whirlpool Corporation - Today, Whirlpool Corporation is hosting a "Day of Impact" employee volunteer day of service to make improvements to Broadway Park in Benton Harbor. The selection of Broadway Park and revitalization planning was done with the City of Benton Harbor and other local organizations.

The event is a continuation of the revitalization of city parks that started at Union Park in 2021 in support of Benton Harbor's master plan for city improvements. The initiative began as part of Whirlpool Corporation's commemoration of Juneteenth and its Racial Equality Pledge commitment to support positive and lasting impact in Benton Harbor.

"We're pleased to be able to work hand-in-hand with Benton Harbor leaders to support the city's master plan and collaborate with local organizations on this important initiative," said Marc Bitzer, chairman and CEO, Whirlpool Corp. "It's great to see many of our employees give their time today, especially for the positive benefits this park will provide for the youth and the residents in our local community."

This year, Whirlpool Corp. is also collaborating with the local community organization Neighbors Organizing Against Racism (NOAR) in volunteering to revitalize Broadway Park. NOAR started the initiative to rename Broadway Park after June Woods, a former slave who moved to Benton Harbor around 1870 and became a respected community leader and entrepreneur. As a tree farmer who owned his own business, he planted many of the city's trees. Last year, Benton Harbor's City Commission approved the renaming of Broadway Park to June Woods Memorial Park, and the park will be rededicated with its new name this year.

"Our organization saw an opportunity to share the story of June Woods more broadly and couldn't think of a better way to honor his contributions to our community, tell his story and celebrate his legacy by dedicating a park to him," said Trenton Bowens, President, Neighbors Against Racism. "Our organization welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with Whirlpool and to share input in creating the vision, planning and working together to revitalize this park before we rededicate it as the June Woods Memorial Park in August."

Some highlights of the work being done in Broadway Park include:

June Woods memorial monument installed

New 4050 turf field

Repaired playground equipment with rubber mulch in playground area

Newly added and expanded sidewalks

"City Parks and green spaces are crucial to the health, wellness and feeling of community for our city residents, especially our youth, and are an important step in continuing to beautify Benton Harbor," said Ellis Mitchell, city manager, Benton Harbor.

More than 120 Whirlpool and NOAR volunteers participated in this day of service and work on Broadway park is expected to be completed this summer.

View original content here





View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Whirlpool Corporation on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Whirlpool Corporation

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/whirlpool-corporation

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Whirlpool Corporation

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/764222/Whirlpool-Corporation-and-the-City-of-Benton-Harbor-Collaborate-To-Revitalize-Broadway-Park-at-Day-of-Impact-Event
Airborne geophysical survey to aid in structural mapping and to define prospective drill targets for the Grease River Project in Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin.

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 28, 2023) - Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: FMC) (OTCQB: FDCFF) (the "Company" or "Forum") and Traction Uranium Corp. (CSE: TRAC) (OTCQB: TRCTF) (FSE: Z1K) ("Traction") are pleased to announce they have completed an airborne magnetic, electromagnetic (EM) and radiometric survey on Forum's 100%-owned Grease River Project, located along the north rim of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan. A total of 1,353 line-km were surveyed at a 100 metre line spacing using a New Resolution Geophysics specially designed Xcite Time Domain Electromagnetic System. The survey was conducted over the entire Grease River claims totaling 10,528 hectares along the Grease River Shear Zone (Figure 1). Data delivery is expected within six weeks from Axiom Exploration Group and will be interpreted for follow-up exploration.

Traction entered into an option agreement with Forum whereby Traction is entitled to acquire a 51% interest in the Property by paying an aggregate of $250,000, issuing an aggregate of 1,625,000 common shares and funding an aggregate of $3 million in exploration expenditures on the Property by December 31, 2025. Forum is the Operator during this First Option Period. Traction has the further option to earn up to 100% interest in the project by making $1.7 million in cash payments, 5.5 million share payments and $6 million in exploration up until December 31, 2028. Forum would retain a 2% Net Smelter Return Royalty and $8 million in milestone payments (see News Release dated February 7, 2023).

The Grease River Project

The Grease River Project is located within the north-central margin of the Athabasca Basin near the community of Fond du Lac. The Grease River Project consists of two separate claim blocks situated along the NE-trending Grease River Shear zone, a major intracontinental shear zone greater than 400 km long. The nearby Fond du Lac uranium deposit was previously discovered within the shear zone by Amok Ltd. ("Amok") and Eldorado Nuclear Ltd. ("Eldorado") in the 1970s and a historical resource estimate was included which was not prepared in accordance with the requirements of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), of one million pounds uranium at an average grade of 0.25% U3O8*. While the Company believes the historical estimate to be relevant and reliable , given the extensive exploration work completed by Amok / Eldorado, experienced mineral resource companies, and the quality of the historical work completed , a qualified person has not completed sufficient work to verify and classify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource and the Company is not treating the historical estimate as a current mineral. As such, the historical estimate should not be relied upon. The Company further notes that the Grease River Project claims are located along trend of the deposit to the southwest and northeast. Limited exploration has been conducted in the Grease River Project area.

*Homeniuk, L A, Clark, R. J., and Bonnar, R., Eldorado Nuclear Limited, CIM Bulletin May,1982. "Fond-du-Lac uranium deposit"

Qualified Person

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Rebecca Hunter, Ph.D, P. Geo., who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The information provides an indication of the exploration potential of the Property but may not be representative of expected results.

About Forum Energy Metals

Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: FMC) (OTCQB: FDCFF) is a diversified energy metal company with uranium, copper, nickel, and cobalt projects in Saskatchewan, Canada's Number One Rated mining province for exploration and development, a strategic uranium land position in Nunavut and a strategic cobalt land position in the Idaho Cobalt Belt.

For further information: https://www.forumenergymetals.com/

About Traction Uranium Corp.

Traction Uranium Corp. (CSE: TRAC) (OTCQB: TRCTF) (FSE: Z1K) is in the business of mineral exploration and the development of discovery prospects in Canada, including its three uranium projects in the world-renowned Athabasca Region.

We invite you to find out more about our exploration-stage activities across Canada's Western region at www.tractionuranium.com.





Figure 1. Location of the Grease River Project in northern Saskatchewan nearby the community of Fond-du-Lac. The southern claim block is in Athabasca Basin sandstone cover (yellow) and the northern block is in basement rocks (shown with background magnetics). Dashed line is the Grease River Shear Zone.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4908/171597_f349f88084715b4a_003full.jpg

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Richard J. Mazur, P.Geo.

President & CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information contact:

Rick Mazur, P.Geo., President & CEO

mazur@forumenergymetals.com

Tel: 604-630-1585

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/171597
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 28, 2023) - Japan Gold Corp. (TSXV: JG) (OTCQB: JGLDF) ("Japan Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce results of its initial 'framework' drilling program at the Barrick Alliance Mizobe Project in Southern Kyushu, Japan. Drilling has encountered wide, and locally high-grade intervals in the initial, broad spaced framework drill program.

Highlights: Drill holes MZDD23-001, 002, and 003 successfully intersected gold mineralized intervals including the following notable results (all intervals are down-hole lengths), (Figures 1-4, Table 1 & 2):

MZDD23-003

10.0 m @ 4.3 g/t Au & 6.6 g/t Ag from 122.75 m

(incl. 4.0 m @ 6.2 g/t Au & 10.2 g/t Ag) &

14.1 m @ 1.0 g/t Au & 4.8 g/t Ag from 176.95 m

MZDD23-002

6.1 m @ 1.4 g/t Au & 7.5 g/t Ag from 126.7 m

(incl. 2.6 m @ 2.2 g/t Au & 10.6 g/t Ag)

Mizobe Project

The Mizobe project is located within the Hokusatsu Region of Southern Kyushu, Japan's largest gold producing district, with more than 11 million ounces of combined production from low-sulphidation epithermal deposits1-5.

Within the Mizobe Project, historical mining activities focused on antimony-rich hydrothermal breccias at the Semari and Nakazon workings, prior to 1942. In 2000, the Metal Mining Agency of Japan ("MMAJ") drill hole 12MAHT-2 was drilled 1 km to the southeast of the historical antimony workings, targeting a geophysical anomaly, the drill hole intersected a down-hole mineralized interval of 43.35 m @ 0.9 g/t gold, with an included interval of 20.3 m @ 1.2 g/t gold5, (Figure 1). No further drilling was completed around this mineralized intersection.

Sampling by the Alliance of discontinuous outcrop and quartz-vein / breccia float across a 2 by 2.5 km area showed strong anomalism with channel samples including 24.7 m grading 1.0 g/t gold, and river float samples up to 18.9 g/t gold, (Figure 1). The extent of gold and antimony anomalism was seen as highly encouraging considering much of the target area is concealed by a veneer of post-mineral volcanic ash.

Drilling Results

The three initial, widely spaced frame-work drill holes at Mizobe targeted interpreted structural extensions below post-mineral volcanic ash on large step-outs between 600 to 1,000 m from known surface mineralization and historical drilling data, (Figure 1). Gold mineralization intersected includes both vein and breccia hosted styles. The significant widths of mineralization intersected in drilling below post-mineral cover, and the broad footprint of gold and pathfinder mineralization identified in channel sampling at surface indicate the potential of a significant gold-bearing hydrothermal system at Mizobe. Next steps at Mizobe will include step-out drilling to further extend, and define the geometry of the wide mineralized intervals. Further drilling will be scheduled at Mizobe around geophysical work programs already in progress on the high priority Aibetsu and Togi Alliance projects in Hokkaido and Honshu.

Table 1: Significant Drill Hole Intersections

Drill Hole Number From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) MZDD23-001 345.00 347.00 2.00 0.9 5.5 incl. 345.00 346.00 1.00 1.1 2.9 MZDD23-002 126.70 132.80 6.10 1.4 7.5 incl. 126.70 129.30 2.60 2.2 10.6 MZDD23-003 58.00 76.75 18.75 0.6 4.1 incl. 61.00 64.00 3.00 1.0 7.4 81.75 94.75 13.00 0.7 3.2 incl. 81.75 86.75 5.00 1.0 4.5 122.75 138.75 16.00 2.8 4.5 incl. 122.75 132.75 10.00 4.3 6.6 incl. 124.75 128.75 4.00 6.2 10.2 176.95 191.00 14.05 1.0 4.8 incl. 179.00 186.75 7.75 1.2 3.3

Table 2: Drill Hole Collar Data

Drill Hole Number Location Easting Northing RL Azimuth Dip Length IKDD21-001 Mizobe East 659513 3519513 267.2 138 60 542.40 IKDD21-002 Mizobe East 660145 3520495 236.9 318 50 233.20 IKDD21-003 Mizobe East 660524 3519759 196.4 138 50 293.00 TOTAL 1,068.60

References

1 Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., LTD. Integrated Report, March 2022.

2 Watanabe Y, 2005. Late Cenozoic evolution of epithermal gold metallogenic provinces in Kyushu, Japan. Mineralium Deposita (2005) 40: pp 307-323.

3 Garwin, S.G. et al. 2005. Tectonic setting, Geology, and gold and copper mineralization in the Cenozoic magmatic arcs of Southeast Asia and the West Pacific. Economic Geology 100th Anniversary Vol. pp 891-930.

4 Shikazono, N. 2003. Geochemical and Tectonic Evolution of Arc-Backarc Hydrothermal Systems, Volume 1. Elsevier, 2003.

5 Metal Mining Agency of Japan, June 2001, Regional Geological Structure Survey Report for Fiscal Year 2000, Hokusatsu, Kushikino District.

Sampling Techniques and Assaying

The drilling results discussed in this news release are from drill core samples obtained by PQ, HQ and NQ-size triple-tube diamond core drilling using a PMC700 and PMC-400 man-portable drill rigs owned and operated by the Company. The drilling program was fully supervised by Company senior geologists at the drilling site.

Drill core was collected in plastic core-trays at the drill site and transported by road in Company vehicles to its core shed storage facility in the nearby Urushi Village, near the project area. The drill core was carefully logged, photographed and sample intervals marked-up along predicted mineralized and selected unmineralized intervals by Japan Gold senior project geologists.

Sample lengths varied from 0.25 to 1.0 m; depending on the positions of geological contacts and variations in alteration composition. The core was split by diamond rock saw supervised by project geologists. Half-core sample was collected from the entire length of each designated sample interval and placed into individual-labelled, self-sealing calico bags for secure packaging and transport to the laboratory. The half-core samples weighed between 0.25 to 5 kg depending on the sample length and core size. A Chain-of-Custody was established between the Company and receiving laboratory to ensure the integrity of the samples during transportation from site to the lab. The samples were sent in batches to ALS Laboratories in Vancouver, Canada for sample preparation and assaying.

Samples were crushed, pulverised and assayed for gold 50 g charge Fire Assay / AAS Finish (Au-AA24; 0.005 ppm lower detection limit) and a 48 multi-element by 4-acid digest with ICP-MS determination (ME-MS61L; Ag 0.002 ppm lower detection limit). Over-limit Au and Ag samples were re-assayed by fire-assay and gravimetric finish (GRA-22, LDL of 0.5 and 5 ppm for Au and Ag respectively).

Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) were inserted by Japan Gold KK at every 20th sample to assess repeatability and assaying precision of the laboratory. In addition, the laboratory applied its own internal Quality Control procedure that includes sample duplicates, blanks & geochemical standards. They report these results with the certified Assay Report. Laboratory procedures and QAQC protocols adopted are considered appropriate. The CRMs and internal QC-QA results fall within acceptable levels of accuracy & precision and are considered to lack any bias.

Rock results presented in this news release and accompanying figures are from 1-3 kg selected grabs of river float samples, and continuous chip-channel samples. The grab samples of float material reported in this announcement are believed to originate from the underlying bedrock of the drainage basin from which they were collected. The Company cautions that grab and float samples are selective by nature and may not be representative of typical mineralization on the property. Composited chip-channel samples have been collected continuously along exposures of bedrock at intervals between 0.5 to 1.5 m. Sample preparation and assaying were done by ALS Perth, WA, Australia. Samples were crushed and pulverised and gold was analysed by 50 gram-charge Fire Assay and AAS finish. A 48 multielement analysis including silver was done by four-acid digest and ICP-MS determination.

A Chain-of-Custody was established between the Company and receiving laboratory to ensure the integrity of the samples during transportation from site to the lab. Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) were inserted by Japan Gold at every 20th sample to assess repeatability and assaying precision of the laboratory. In addition, the laboratory applied its own internal Quality Control procedure that includes sample duplicates, blanks & geochemical standards. They report these results with the certified Assay Report. Laboratory procedures and QAQC protocols adopted are considered appropriate. The CRMs and internal QC-QA results fall within acceptable levels of accuracy & precision and are considered to lack any bias.

Qualified Person

The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Japan Gold's Vice President of Exploration, Andrew Rowe, BAppSc, FAusIMM, FSEG, who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

On behalf of the Board of Japan Gold Corp.

"John Proust"

Chairman & CEO

About Japan Gold Corp.

Japan Gold Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused solely on gold exploration across the three largest islands of Japan: Hokkaido, Honshu, and Kyushu. The Company holds a portfolio of 34 gold projects which cover areas with known gold occurrences, a history of mining and are prospective for high-grade epithermal gold mineralization. Japan Gold's leadership team represent decades of resource industry and business experience, and the Company has an operational team of geologists, drillers and technical advisors with experience exploring and operating in Japan.

Japan Gold has a country-wide alliance with Barrick Gold Corporation to jointly explore, develop, and mine certain gold mineral properties and mining projects. The Barrick Alliance has completed a successful two-and-a-half-year country-wide screening program of 29 projects and has selected 6 with the potential to host Tier 1 or Tier 2 gold ore bodies for further advancement and 3 more recently acquired project areas and one recently acquired project, for initial evaluation.

For further information please contact:

John Proust

Chairman & CEO

Phone: 778-725-1491

Email: info@japangold.com

Website: www.japangold.com

Cautionary Note

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to expected or anticipated future events and anticipated results related to future partnerships and the Company's 2023 gold exploration program. These statements are forward-looking in nature and, as a result, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that include, but are not limited to, the timing and granting of prospecting rights; the Company's ability to convert prospecting rights into digging rights within the timeframe prescribed by the Mining Act; general economic, market and business conditions; competition for qualified staff; the regulatory process and actions; technical issues; new legislation; potential delays or changes in plans; working in a new political jurisdiction; results of exploration; the Company's ability to execute and implement future plans, arrange or conclude a joint-venture or partnership; and the occurrence of unexpected events. Actual results achieved may differ from the information provided herein and, consequently, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein speaks only as of the date of this News Release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise forward-looking information or to explain any material difference between such and subsequent actual events, except as required by applicable laws.

Figure 1: Simplified geological map of the east side of Mizobe Project with the three completed Barrick Alliance drill holes, historical drilling by the MMAJ, and Alliance rock-outcrop and float gold geochemistry.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5665/171605_f9214a78c4feebb5_001full.jpg

Figure 2: Drill hole section for MZDD23-001.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5665/171605_f9214a78c4feebb5_002full.jpg

Figure 3: Drill hole section for MZDD23-002.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5665/171605_f9214a78c4feebb5_003full.jpg

Figure 4: Drill hole section for MZDD23-003.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5665/171605_f9214a78c4feebb5_004full.jpg

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/171605
New release unifies lakehouse storage formats and reinforces Delta Lake as the best choice for building an open lakehouse

SAN FRANCISCO, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Databricks, the Data and AI company, today announced the latest contribution to award-winning Linux Foundation open source project Delta Lake, with the release of Delta Lake 3.0. The upcoming release introduces Universal Format (UniForm), which allows data stored in Delta to be read from as if it were Apache Iceberg or Apache Hudi. UniForm takes the guesswork out of choosing an open data format and eliminates compatibility headaches by offering automatic support for Iceberg and Hudi within Delta Lake. Delta Lake 3.0 will allow users to eliminate the complicated integration work caused by different data formats and focus on building highly-performant, open lakehouses.

"Databricks created the lakehouse architecture, which is built on Delta Lake. We're committed to making Delta Lake the open format that gives customers the most choice and flexibility, greatest control of their own data, and all the benefits of an open ecosystem," said Ali Ghodsi, Co-Founder and CEO at Databricks. "Customers shouldn't be limited by their choice of format. With this latest version of Delta Lake, we're making it possible for users to easily work with whatever file formats they want, including Iceberg and Hudi, while still accessing Delta Lake's industry-leading speed and scalability."

Eliminating Data Silos

Enterprises are rapidly adopting the data lakehouse architecture in a shift away from costly, proprietary data warehouses, which offer limited functionality and cannot support advanced use cases like generative AI. Until now, data-driven organizations moving to the lakehouse have had to weigh their options and choose between three different open table formats. With UniForm, customers can move towards interoperability, and benefit from a combined ecosystem of tools that read from Delta, Iceberg and Hudi.

Delta Lake 3.0 will make it possible for businesses everywhere to access the breadth of their corporate data - from transactional to streaming, structured and unstructured, across any kind of format - in a highly performant manner. New functionality includes:

Delta Universal Format (UniForm) : Now, data stored in Delta can be read from as if it were Iceberg or Hudi. With UniForm, Delta automatically generates metadata needed for Iceberg or Hudi, and thus unifies the table formats so users don't have to choose or do manual conversions between formats. Organizations can confidently bet on Delta as the universal format that will work across ecosystems and can scale to support the changing needs of their business.

: Now, data stored in Delta can be read from as if it were Iceberg or Hudi. With UniForm, Delta automatically generates metadata needed for Iceberg or Hudi, and thus unifies the table formats so users don't have to choose or do manual conversions between formats. Organizations can confidently bet on Delta as the universal format that will work across ecosystems and can scale to support the changing needs of their business. Delta Kernel : To address connector fragmentation, Kernel will ensure connectors are built against a core Delta library that implements Delta specifications, alleviating the need for users to update Delta connectors with each new version or protocol change. With one stable API to code against, developers in the Delta ecosystem are able to seamlessly keep their connectors up-to-date with the latest Delta innovation, without the burden of having to rework connectors. In turn, users can quickly take advantage of the latest Delta features and updates.

: To address connector fragmentation, Kernel will ensure connectors are built against a core Delta library that implements Delta specifications, alleviating the need for users to update Delta connectors with each new version or protocol change. With one stable API to code against, developers in the Delta ecosystem are able to seamlessly keep their connectors up-to-date with the latest Delta innovation, without the burden of having to rework connectors. In turn, users can quickly take advantage of the latest Delta features and updates. Delta Liquid Clustering: One of the common challenges that companies face in implementing data use cases is related to performance for reads and writes. The introduction of Liquid Clustering is an innovative leap from decades old hive-style table partitioning that uses a fixed data layout. Delta Lake is introducing a flexible data layout technique that will provide cost efficient data clustering as data grows, which will help companies meet their read and write performance requirements.

"Delta Lake 3.0, including Universal Format and Kernel, underlines the open source community's dedication to enhancing data reliability and delivering advanced analytics. This release is a step forward in creating a community-driven ecosystem of data integrity, seamless collaboration, and real-time analytics tools," said Mike Dolan, SVP of Projects, The Linux Foundation.

Delta Lake helps organizations leverage data from hundreds of disparate systems to analyze data for insights, reporting and building AI models. With this update, Delta Lake continues to build on its unrivaled performance and user-friendly interface. Delta Lake is the only open format that has built-in support for Delta Sharing, the open standard for secure data exchange, which fosters an open data ecosystem that thrives on collaboration across platforms, clouds and regions. Today, over 6,000 active data consumers are exchanging more than 300PB of data everyday.

"Collaboration and innovation in the financial services industry are fueled by the open source community and projects like Legend, Goldman Sachs' open source data platform that we maintain in partnership with FINOS," said Neema Raphael, Chief Data Officer and Head of Data Engineering at Goldman Sachs. "We've long believed in the importance of open source to technology's future and are thrilled to see Databricks continue to invest in Delta Lake. Organizations shouldn't be limited by their choice of an open table format and Universal Format support in Delta Lake will continue to move the entire community forward."

Delta Lake is the Most Widely Used Lakehouse Storage Format in the World

With more than 1 billion downloads per year, and regular feature updates from hundreds of contributing engineers across leading businesses like AWS, Adobe, eBay, Twilio and Uber, Delta Lake is the open format of choice for enterprises that want a flexible, high-performance, open data platform that will scale and adapt as their needs evolve.

To learn more about Databricks' commitment to the open source community visit: https://databricks.com/product/open-source.

Databricks continues to expand the Lakehouse Platform, recently announcing Lakehouse Apps and the general availability of Databricks Marketplace, LakehouseIQ, new governance capabilities, and a suite of data-centric AI tools for building and governing LLMs on the lakehouse.

Availability

The Delta Lake 3.0 release is available in preview today as part of Linux Foundation's Delta Lake project.

To learn more about Databricks' commitment to the open source community, watch the Data + AI Summit live: https://www.databricks.com/dataaisummit/watch

About Databricks

Databricks is the Data and AI company. More than 10,000 organizations worldwide - including Comcast, Conde Nast, and over 50% of the Fortune 500 - rely on the Databricks Lakehouse Platform to unify their data, analytics and AI. Databricks is headquartered in San Francisco, with offices around the globe. Founded by the original creators of Delta Lake, Apache Spark, and MLflow, Databricks is on a mission to help data teams solve the world's toughest problems. To learn more, follow Databricks on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Contact: Press@databricks.com

Safe Harbor Statement

This information is provided to outline Databricks' general product direction and is for informational purposes only. Customers who purchase Databricks services should make their purchase decisions relying solely upon services, features, and functions that are currently available. Unreleased features or functionality described in forward-looking statements are subject to change at Databricks discretion and may not be delivered as planned or at all.

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In 1993, the company launched a single LED product. Today, it offers more than 1,000 LED solutions across five divisions.

STORY CITY, IA / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2023 / Innovative Lighting, one of the first LED fixture manufacturers in the United States, is excited to continue its commitment to pioneering innovative LED technology as it celebrates 30 years of transformation.

Innovative Lighting 30 Year



When the company first opened its doors in June 1993 in the heart of the Silicon Prairie, it offered one product: a retractable stern light for marine applications. Today, Innovative Lighting provides design, engineering, manufacturing, and support for LED solutions across five divisions: Marine, Truck & Trailer, Commercial, Refrigeration, and GENISYS PoE Lighting.

Over the past three decades, Innovative Lighting has built an impressive repertoire of more than 40 patents covering innovations that range from proprietary optics to innovative ways to light state-of-the-art commercial buildings while saving energy. Its intelligent GENISYS PoE Lighting system is changing the LED world with smart technology that powers, controls, and monitors lighting systems using a safe, low- voltage Ethernet cable. This provides enormous potential for energy and cost savings, reducing energy use by up to 90% compared to traditional lighting.

Company Owner and Founder Jerry Handsaker has dedicated much of his time to traveling the country and providing education on the benefits of LED technology. After growing up on a farm and learning firsthand the value of innovation, he practiced law in Iowa for more than 20 years while he launched and grew Innovative Lighting. In 1998, he left the practice to manage and operate the company full-time.

Over the past 30 years, Innovative Lighting has been named to Inc.'s 500 Fastest-Growing Companies list four times, and Handsaker was celebrated as the 2004 Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young.

"We began when LEDs were only manufactured in red," says Harry Aller, President at Innovative Lighting. "Now we have over 1,000 products in our catalog and are recognized as an industry leader in developing and manufacturing LED technology. Innovative Lighting will continue to push beyond the boundaries of existing lighting systems to achieve groundbreaking results with every passing day."

To learn more about Innovative Lighting, visit www.innovativelight.com. To learn more about GENISYS PoE Lighting, visit www.genisyslighting.com.

Contact Information

Harry Aller

President

haller@innovativelight.com

515-777-7456

Related Files

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SOURCE: Innovative Lighting, LLC.

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Industry Leading IT and Security Service Provider Jumps 140 Spots in MSP 501 List

CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2023 / Entara, a security-first eXtended Service Provider (XSP), has been named as one of the world's premier managed service providers in the 2023 Channel Futures MSP 501 rankings. Entara is listed in the top 50, making a jump from its spot in 2022 in the top 200. This increase is a testament to Entara's commitment to evolution, which is one of the business' core values.





Pamela Diaz, Entara CEO & President





MSP 501 rankings identify the industry's top-performing providers of managed services. For the past 17 years, service providers from around the globe have submitted applications to be included on this definitive listing. The Channel Futures MSP 501 survey examines organizational performance based on annual sales, recurring revenue, profit margins, revenue mix, growth opportunities, innovation, technology solutions supported, and company and customer demographics.

Organizations that qualify for the list must pass a rigorous review conducted by the research team and editors of Channel Futures. The review process ranks applicants using a methodology that weighs financial performance according to long-term health and viability, commitment to recurring revenue, and operational efficiency.

"We are excited to be in the top 50 of the MSP 501 list," said Entara CEO and President Pamela Diaz. "We work hard to continue to evolve our service offerings as an eXtended Service Provider and uphold our commitment to providing best-in-class service to our clients. This year, we have continued to focus on providing proactive security services, including with the release of our IR retainer. We are proud to be listed alongside other leaders in our industry and will continue to reinvent what it means to be a holistic solution provider."

This year's list once again attracted a record number of applicants, making it one of the most competitive in the survey's history.

"Companies included on this list represent innovative and influential market leaders providing managed services to today's most demanding customers around the world," Channel Futures reported on their website. "These organizations stood out among an astounding number of applicants who pride themselves on their technical talent, growth-oriented business models, and strategic partnerships with industry-leading vendors and tech suppliers."

With many organizations shifting to remote work, cybersecurity and IT solution providers have become an even more vital part of the success of businesses worldwide. Channel Partner's MSP 501 list is a vital resource for organizations seeking technology partners that support their business goals.

Click here to view the list.

About Entara

Entara sets the standard as the world's first eXtended Service Provider (XSP) and delivers exceptional, security-first IT solutions for their clients, including IT managed services, security integration, and incident response services. Founded in 2001, the organization has evolved to provide the strategic vision, platforms, processes, and people to travel with their clients on the path to their best IT future. For more information, please visit https://www.entaracorp.com/.

Contact Information

Claire Sullivan

Director of Marketing & Internal Sales

claire.sullivan@entaracorp.com

SOURCE: Entara

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Die KI-Revolution ist in vollem Gange und vor allem ein Bereich wird stark betroffen sein: Cyber-Security. Die Experten sind sich sicher: Mit steigender Entwicklung von KI-Technologien nehmen auch KI-gestutzte Cyber-Attacken zu. Wir zeigen hier, welche Aktien profitieren konnen.

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
One of the most cost-effective sales events designed for craft lovers will be July 7-13, 2023.

SACRAMENTO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2023 / HTVRONT, one of the top-notch handicraft brands worldwide, is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated mid-year sale, taking place for five days from July 7 to 13, 2023. As one of the big annual sales, this event is held to offer its customers unprecedented bonuses and benefits for the love and support of the past half year, as well as the most preferential price of its flagship machine product, HTVRONT Auto Heat Press.









"As an innovative and indigenous brand specialized in developing and producing better-value craft materials and machines, we always commit to empowering creativity worldwide. Following our brand value: devotion, passion, and sincerity, we strive to enable every crafter to put their brilliant and imaginative ideas into reality," said Allen He, the CMO of HTVRONT. "That's why we set this mid-year big sale for our friends and all craft enthusiasts, to bring the most popular automatic heat press into more people's houses and workshops and to boost the productivity of making creation into life."

It is said that this sales event will offer HTVRONT's customers the best-selling products with huge discounts of from 30% to 50%, such as heat transfer vinyl, adhesive vinyl, sublimation paper, craft accessories, on several top international shopping platforms, including Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Lazada, AliExpress, Shoppe, and its official website. And to give back to valued customers, both new and existing, HTVRONT's official website will release three exclusive sections: flash sales, lucky bags, and discounted items to amplify the excitement of this incredible sale.

One of the main casts during this sales event, HTVRONT Auto Heat Press, which earned the prestigious title of "Best Seller" on Kickstarter, the most influential crowdfunding platform around the world, will captivate more crafters this time with the most favorable price. Featuring an automatic lifting system, intelligent pressure exertion function, a pullout drawer design, a multi-layer insulation shell, and built-in fast ironing modes, this remarkable heat press machine is designed to be the best companion for every craft lover, delivering professional-grade results.

By now, HTVRONT has won recognition and loyalty from more than 10 million followers across over 150 countries and regions. Most comment on the products as "accessible, durable, and affordable." This acclaim stems not only from HTVRONT's beginner-friendly and cost-effective offerings but also from its robust business system, which combines an efficient logistics network, a self-reliant factory of over 30,000 square meters, and global supply chains.

For now, the HTVRONT production team is preparing to launch its newest Auto Tumbler Heat Press, the second smart heat press in its product line.

For regular updates on HTVRONT, follow us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/htvront

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/htvront

Contact Information

Kimberly Xiong

Brand PR

kimberly@htvront.com

+8619542807347

SOURCE: HTVRONT

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/764219/HTVRONT-is-About-to-Throw-a-Summer-Party-the-Best-Mid-Year-Sale-in-2023
DOVER, DE / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2023 / Pacific Green Technologies, Inc. ("Pacific Green"), (OTCQB:PGTK) announces that it has completed the sale of 100% of the shares in Pacific Green Battery Energy Parks 1 Limited ("PGBEP1") to Sosteneo Fund 1 HoldCo S.a.r.l, an energy transition focused fund for 74 million (US$93 million).

PGBEP1 is the holding company for 100% subsidiary, Richborough Energy Park Limited, Pacific Green's 99MW battery energy storage system ("BESS") at Richborough Energy Park ("REP") which begins operations later this summer.

Scott Poulter, Pacific Green's CEO, commented: "The sale of Richborough Energy Park creates the platform for Pacific Green to now scale its Battery Park division internationally. This is a very exciting time for the business and we are proud to be part of the drive to net-zero."

Pacific Green were advised by JLL Energy and Infrastructure and Gowling WLG.

About Pacific Green Technologies, Inc.:

Pacific Green is focused on addressing the world's need for cleaner and more sustainable energy. The Company offers Battery Energy Storage Systems and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) to complement its marine environmental technologies and emissions control divisions. Pacific Green has offices in the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Saudi Arabia and China.

For more information, visit Pacific Green's website:

www.pacificgreentechnologies.com

About Sosteneo Energy Transition Fund:

Sosteneo Energy Transition Fund is a Luxembourg Sca Sicav-Raif collective investment vehicle managed by Generali Investments Luxembourg S.A.

Generali Investments Luxembourg S.A, is a Luxembourg based Management Company that sets up and operates a wide range of investment fund structures on behalf of Generali Group asset management companies and third-party clients.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release contains "forward-looking statements," as that term is defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements in this news release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, the continued development of Richborough Energy Park, any potential business developments and future interest in the Company's battery, solar and emissions control technologies.

Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the continuation of the development of Richborough Energy Park, general economic and political conditions, and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this news release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year, the Company's quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact:

Scott Poulter, Chairman & CEO

Pacific Green Technologies, Inc.

T: +1 (302) 601-4659

SOURCE: Pacific Green Technologies, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/764220/Pacific-Green-Completes-Transaction-to-Sell-Its-99MW-Richborough-Energy-Park-Battery-Development-for-74-Million-US93-Million
London, Yorkshire and East Midlands boast the best scores for business 5G connectivity.

Yet, only 51% of major UK towns and cities have full 5G coverage, showing rollout progress is slow.

Businesses concerned about 2025's Switch Off are urged to keep one eye on 5G availability as it offers promising solutions for the future.

LANCASHIRE, England, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, cloud-based business phone system, CircleLoop , releases a snapshot analysis of Britain's current 5G availability that shows, despite slow progress on the Government's rollout pledge, the UK is making headway with 5G that businesses can look to capitalise on.

The data analysis ranks major towns and cities with a ' Business Connectivity Score ' based on their 5G availability from each of the UK's four major phone networks: EE, Three, Vodafone, and O2. As one of the main alternative solutions available to UK businesses following the PSTN switch off in 2025, following the progress of 5G could support major business decisions over the next 18 months.

Only 51% of major towns and cities analysed are currently receiving full 5G coverage from all 4 UK mobile networks. More concerning still is that 6 of the 119 towns and cities analysed are still found to have no 5G connectivity at all. This includes Dorchester in the South East and several towns in Scotland.

However there is positive news for UK Businesses. Circleloop's analysis highlights some of the best regions in Britain for 5G where startups or businesses looking to expand operations will find the best network to support their digital future.

Best Regions for 5G in Britain

Greater London - Business Connectivity Score: 96 out of 100 Yorkshire - Business Connectivity Score: 86 out of 100 East Midlands - Business Connectivity Score: 85 out of 100

Regions with the Least 5G Service in Britain

Scotland - Business Connectivity Score: 52 out of 100 Wales - Business Connectivity Score: 65 out of 100 South West - Business Connectivity Score: 69 out of 100

Damian Hanson, Co-Founder & Director of CircleLoop, said: "The way we communicate and work from anywhere will continue to take significant leaps with 5G. This is good news for businesses, as the impending PSTN switch-off will push us towards wireless options, of which 5G offers many possibilities. Our 5G analysis aims to provide reassurance to businesses reliant on office hardware as well as guidance to entrepreneurs seeking to launch or expand their operations using the new 5G capabilities."

"While the 5G rollout is going slower than originally planned, the UK has made a promising start that businesses factor into their long-term plans. The implications of 5G for business are exciting, representing a significant unlocking of potential around digital transformation, enhancing agility, upgrading technology stacks, and diversifying customer offerings. There has never been a better time for leaders to keep one eye on 5G availability as the Telecoms industry prepares to undergo a major shift."

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View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/circleloop-new-analysis-reveals-the-best-uk-regions-for-businesses-to-access-5g-as-pstn-switch-off-looms-301865836.html
LONDON, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fifteen of the UK's top QSR brands were recognised during the recently concluded QSR Media UK Conference & Awards 2023, with platinum partner, Red Bull, in London.

An annual event, the QSR Media UK Conference & Awards brings together the most influential voices in the QSR and fast casual dining industry to discuss the biggest issues and opportunities in the sector. A day of networking and information sharing also celebrates the top brands in the industry through the QSR Media UK Awards.

The industry's top-performing brands were recognised for their efforts in areas including leadership initiatives, marketing, innovation, and sustainability.

The winners of the QSR Media UK Awards 2023 are:

Best Digital Initiative

Coco di Mama

Best Brand Transformation

Chicken Shop

Best Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative

Black Sheep Coffee

Best Marketing Campaign

Wingstop UK

Best New Concept

Caffe Carluccio's

Rising Star

Nicole Cockburn, Popeyes Louisiana Chicken

Best Innovation - Food and Beverage

LEON

Best Innovation - Health

LEON

Best Sustainability Initiative

Coco di Mama

Best Loyalty Program

Chicken Shop

Best Customer Experience

Subway

Squad of the Year

Boost Juice Bars UK

Special Recognition Award

Chopstix

2023 Multi-Site Restaurant of the Year

Tortilla

Editor's Choice

Chaiiwala

Editor's Choice

I am Doner

Editor's Choice

Papa Johns

Editor's Choice

Popeyes Louisiana Chicken

Editor's Choice

Burger King

Philippa Charlton, Editor, QSR Media UK, commented: "Congratulations to all of our 2023 winners! They proved that the QSR industry is adaptable to the ever-changing needs and demands of consumers. With their relentless dedication to quality, innovation, and exceptional customer experience, each winner has proven themselves to be the true trailblazers of the QSR world. They have not just served meals but crafted experiences that leave an indelible mark on the taste buds and hearts of their patrons".

Nicola Maree, National Account Manager for Red Bull, added: "It's an honour to be able to present and celebrate the wins of these brands who continuously showed creativity and a forward-thinking approach to serving their customers. Our thanks to QSR Media UK for organising this event to showcase these brands and discuss the future of the QSR industry."

About QSR Media

QSR Media UK is a news and research website dedicated to the quick service and fast casual dining sectors in the UK.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/uks-best-multi-site-restaurants-lauded-at-the-qsr-media-uk-awards-301865854.html
Pentad's mission to drive brand growth by bridging AI-Powered community data to culture-defining creative and production is an industry game changer

NEW YORK, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Built by leaders in AI, strategy, creative and production, Pentad , the world's first AI-Powered Community and Cultural Operating System for brands and agencies, announced today the completion of its acquisition of Codec.ai , whose proprietary AI platform will join Versus , an Emmy-winning creative and production studio, to develop a first-of-its-kind offering.

The newly formed company has created a one-of-a-kind approach that helps brands and agencies form, discover, and engage with communities in real-time, giving a cultural edge to grow market share by identifying new audiences and creating compelling and authentic content.

"Pentad is committed to leveraging the powerful combination of proprietary IP and software in Codec.ai to enable substantial growth opportunities globally. With a determined roadmap, Pentad will enhance and expand the capabilities of this technology," said Alasdair Lloyd-Jones, chief executive officer. "We are revolutionizing the process of harnessing and developing creative insights, paving the way for a new paradigm in how brands and agencies nourish relationships with communities through highly targeted and relevant content."

Codec, an award-winning AI company, specializes in providing brands and agencies with actionable insights to help them connect to consumers in real-time. The company has worked with leading brands like Adidas, AB InBev, Unilever, Mars Wrigley, and Diageo, to power activities like brand and creative strategies, Metaverse entry strategies, and new product development. The company has been recognized as the 'Best Artificial Intelligence Product in Marketing' (CogX) and as one of the 'Hottest Artificial Intelligence Startups in Europe' (TechCrunch).

With eight years of machine learning and proprietary intellectual property, Codec's models are trained to understand content and culture at scale. Codec has built a comprehensive global map of popular culture, encompassing over 35 markets worldwide, including China, to help companies grow market share and engage with audiences. With the ability to analyze approximately one billion pieces of content and user interactions every day, Codec moves brands away from reliance on a demographic understanding of audiences, generating valuable insights from the interests and passions of thousands of communities on a daily basis.

Versus, a New York-based creative and production studio, has artfully crafted, one-of-a-kind campaigns and content for industry leading brands like Audible, Disney, Meta, PepsiCo, CBS, and the NFL. The global team is led by industry game-changers who develop creative solutions for clients using efficient and forward-thinking production solutions. They've received a number of awards for their work including multiple Cannes Lions, an Emmy, Clios, and more.

Codec and Versus will be the first in a string of mergers and acquisitions by Pentad. The leadership appointments and board of directors for Pentad will be announced in the coming weeks.

About Pentad

Pentad is an always-on operating system that generates creative solutions through custom community insight. It builds groups to elicit behavioral data that informs the way brands and agencies strategize, create, and distribute content. Pentad was formed through the acquisition of Codec, an AI company that specializes in cultural intelligence, combined with Versus, an Emmy-winning creative and production studio with multiple Cannes Lions to its name. Pentad's founding members are Martin Adams, Justin Barnes, and Alasdair Lloyd-Jones, who have extensive experience in AI, strategy, creativity, production, and business development. Pentad is headquartered in New York, with offices in London and Mexico City. For more information, visit thepentad.com .

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/pentad-launches-with-its-first-acquisitions-of-codecai-and-versus-fusing-community-intelligence-with-creative-and-production-solidifying-pentad-as-a-powerful-new-global-player-in-the-creative-industry-301865851.html


BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Austria's manufacturing sector contracted sharply in June largely due to the sustained decline in new orders, data produced by S&P Global showed on Wednesday.



The UniCredit Bank Austria manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index dropped to 39.0 in June from 39.7 in the previous month. This was the lowest score since April 2020.



Customer destocking, falling construction activity and weak consumer spending weighed on new orders in June. The rate of decrease in orders was the fastest since March 2009. Export orders also decreased sharply with the pace of decline unchanged from the previous survey period.



In response to the falling demand, manufacturers reduced their production. Nonetheless, the decrease in production was slower than that seen in new orders with manufacturers working through backlogs and building up stocks of finished goods.



Stocks of purchase declined at the quickest pace since December 2019. Average lead times on purchases continued to shorten.



With falling demand for inputs and improving availability, there was further downward pressure on purchase prices. The decline in input costs was the steepest for over 14 years.



Meanwhile, factory gate prices declined in June as manufacturers pass on some of their cost savings. Output prices declined at the same pace as seen in the previous survey period.



Workforce numbers decreased for the second successive month in June. Expectations improved slightly, marking the first increase in five months.



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Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Mega-Chance Cyber Security Die KI-Revolution ist in vollem Gange und vor allem ein Bereich wird stark betroffen sein: Cyber-Security. Die Experten sind sich sicher: Mit steigender Entwicklung von KI-Technologien nehmen auch KI-gestutzte Cyber-Attacken zu. Wir zeigen hier, welche Aktien profitieren konnen. Hier klicken
Greenland Resources Inc. (NEO: MOLY, FSE: M0LY) ("Greenland Resources" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has finalized and expanded the scope of the financial sponsorship agreement originally announced on July 14, 2022 to support the local community of Ittoqqortoormiit. The local community of Ittoqqortoormiit is the only nearby settlement located 190 km to the southeast of the Greenland Resources Malmbjerg Project ("Project") with around 354 inhabitants. A communique of Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq municipality can be found at: https://sermersooq.gl/da/2023/06/greenland-resources-stotter-kulturen-i-ittoqqortoormiit/.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628976369/en/

Upon further consultations with the Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq municipality and the Ittoqqortoormiit local council (the "Parties"), and after receiving feedback from the local community during the stakeholders meetings conducted in December 2022, the Parties agreed to amend the July 14, 2022 sponsorship agreement in order to increase the amount of financial support and include provisions for mining training, improving internet infrastructure, and greater grants for funding of the upcoming 100-year anniversary of the founding of Ittoqqortoormiit and the restoration of the new curation museum, with the museum also planned to be used as school facilities for children.

Ms. Avaaraq Olsen, the Mayor of Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq stated: "Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq is very enthusiastic about the collaboration with Greenland Resources. As Sermersooq Municipality covers such a vast geographic area, it is important that we manage to include all towns and settlements in the municipality, when it comes to urban renewal, infrastructure and, not least, cultural dissemination. Our most sincere thank you to Greenland Resources, and their willingness to support the culture in Ittoqqortoormiit as well as future upcoming support in other areas."

Dr. Ruben Shiffman, Executive Chairman of Greenland Resources, said: "We are committed to help provide new life skills for the community and improve the quality of life of the population. Despite the nearby community of Ittoqqortoormiit being 190 km away and having no presence, hunting, nor fishing in the Project area, we aim to have principally Greenlandic people from the community working, participating, and training in our project. Our planned support goes beyond any legal obligation, and is part of our corporate culture. Among the world's largest molybdenum producers (China, USA, Chile, Peru, Mexico), Greenland ranks: #1 in education and health spending as of GDP, #1 best GINI social inequality Index, is the jurisdiction with the lowest poverty rates, #1 in hospital beds per capita and second in GDP per capita. In addition, while most producing mines are between 7,514 km and 12,072 km away from Rotterdam, the main harbour for the EU metallurgical steel companies, our project is only 2,150 km away and is one of the top 5% highest reserves grade deposit worldwide."

About Greenland Resources Inc.

Greenland Resources is a Canadian public company with the Ontario Securities Commission as its principal regulator and is focused on the development of its 100% owned world-class Climax type pure molybdenum deposit located in central east Greenland. The Malmbjerg molybdenum project is an open pit operation with an environmentally friendly mine design focused on reduced water usage, low aquatic disturbance and low footprint due to modularized infrastructure. The Malmbjerg project benefits from a NI 43-101 Definitive Feasibility Study completed by Tetra Tech in 2022, with Proven and Probable Reserves of 245 million tonnes at 0.176% MoS2, for 571 million pounds of contained molybdenum metal. As the high-grade molybdenum is mined for the first half of the mine life, the average annual production for years one to ten is 32.8 million pounds per year of contained molybdenum metal at an average grade of 0.23% MoS2. The project had a previous exploitation license granted in 2009. With offices in Toronto, the Company is led by a management team with an extensive track record in the mining industry and capital markets. For further details, please refer to our web site (www.greenlandresources.ca) and our Canadian regulatory filings on Greenland Resources' profile at www.sedar.com.

The Project is supported by the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA) as stated in their press release EIT/ERMA_June 13, 2022 Press Release, a Knowledge and Innovation Community of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union.

About Molybdenum and the European Union

Molybdenum is a critical metal used mainly in steel and chemicals that is needed in all technologies in the upcoming green energy transition (World Bank, 2020; IEA, 2021). When added to steel and cast iron, it enhances strength, hardenability, weldability, toughness, temperature strength, and corrosion resistance. Based on data from the International Molybdenum Association and the European Commission Steel Report, the world produced around 576 million pounds of molybdenum in 2021 where the European Union ("EU") as the second largest steel producer in the world used approximately 25% of global molybdenum supply and has no domestic molybdenum production. To a greater degree, the EU steel dependent industries like the automotive, construction, and engineering, represent around 18% of the EU's US$16 trillion GDP. Greenland Resources strategically located Malmbjerg molybdenum project has the potential to supply in and for the EU approximately 24 million pounds per year, of environmentally friendly molybdenum from a responsible EU Associate country, for decades to come. The high quality of the Malmbjerg ore, having low impurity content in phosphorus, tin, antimony, and arsenic, makes it an ideal source of molybdenum for the high-performance steel industry lead worldwide by Europe, specifically the Scandinavian countries and Germany.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" (also referred to as "forward looking statements"), which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "hopes", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information in this news release relate to, among other things: the ability to negotiate supply agreements on terms that are economic or at all, the Company's objectives, goals or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves, and their valuation, exploration and mine development plans, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions.

These forward-looking statements and information reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include: our financial and sponsorship commitments to local communities; planned initiatives for training the local communities and associated benefits for the Project; ability to source workers from local Greenlandic communities; our mineral reserve estimates and the assumptions upon which they are based, including geotechnical and metallurgical characteristics of rock confirming to sampled results and metallurgical performance; tonnage of ore to be mined and processed; ore grades and recoveries; assumptions and discount rates being appropriately applied to the technical studies; estimated valuation and probability of success of the Company's projects, including the Malmbjerg molybdenum project; prices for molybdenum remaining as estimated; currency exchange rates remaining as estimated; availability of funds for the Company's projects; capital decommissioning and reclamation estimates; mineral reserve and resource estimates and the assumptions upon which they are based; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); no labour-related disruptions; no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled construction and production; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner; and the ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements and information include known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the relationship with local communities not remaining favourable for the Company and the Project; the sponsorship agreement not producing the anticipated reputational and other benefits for the Company and the Project; the projected and actual effects of the COVID-19 coronavirus on the factors relevant to the business of the Corporation, including the effect on supply chains, labour market, currency and commodity prices and global and Canadian capital markets, fluctuations in molybdenum and commodity prices; fluctuations in prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar versus the Euro); operational risks and hazards inherent with the business of mining (including environmental accidents and hazards, industrial accidents, equipment breakdown, unusual or unexpected geological or structure formations, cave-ins, flooding and severe weather); inadequate insurance, or the inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks and hazards; our ability to obtain all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in a timely manner; changes in laws, regulations and government practices in Greenland, including environmental, export and import laws and regulations; legal restrictions relating to mining; risks relating to expropriation; increased competition in the mining industry for equipment and qualified personnel; the availability of additional capital; the ability to source and negotiate supply and offtake agreements with qualified counterparties on terms that are economic or at all; title matters and the additional risks identified in our filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com). Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. Investors are cautioned against undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required by applicable securities regulations, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update the forward-looking information. Neither the NEO Exchange Inc. nor its regulation services provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628976369/en/

Contacts:

Ruben Shiffman, PhD Chairman, President

Keith Minty, P.Eng, MBA Engineering and Project Management

Jim Steel, P.Geo, MBA Exploration and Mining Geology

Nauja Bianco, M.Pol.Sci. Public and Community Relations

Gary Anstey Investor Relations

Eric Grossman, CPA, CGA Chief Financial Officer

Corporate office Suite 1410, 181 University Av. Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5H 3M7

Telephone +1 647 273 9913

Email info@greenlandresourcesinc.com

Web www.greenlandresources.ca
With more than 20 years experience, Sebastian is the Director of Music for Elk Grove High School with a passion that hits all the high notes

SACRAMENTO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2023 / SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union , the largest credit union serving school employees and their families, in partnership with ABC10 and Sacramento State's College of Education, today announced that Mario Sebastian, Director of Music for Elk Grove High School, is Teacher of the Month for June 2023.

With more than 20 years of experience and known as a "mentor in music", Mr. Sebastian teaches jazz band, guitar, music ensemble, marching band, concert, and symphonic band. He also serves as the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Coordinator for Elk Grove High School.

When asked what he loves most about teaching, Mr. Sebastian said, "I love seeing the end production product. It is amazing to see my students perform collegiate-level music." His favorite student success stories include watching his talented students perform at Carnegie Hall in New York (in 2015 and 2023), and when students have the opportunity to perform on Main Street Disneyland.

As part of being recognized as Teacher of the Month, Mr. Sebastian will receive $1,000 from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union. He will be eligible for the title of Esquire IMAX ABC10's Teacher of the Year award- that includes a $5,000 prize - which will be announced at a special awards program next year.

"Arts education is essential for students' development. Having an educator like Mario Sebastian, who is a multi-talented musician and extremely passionate about music education is a gift to Elk Grove High School students and their families," stated Josh Smith, vice president, school and community relations at SchoolsFirst FCU. "Mr. Sebastian ignites enthusiasm amongst his students and we're thrilled to recognize such an outstanding educator."

More about information Mr. Sebastian is available here . To nominate a local teacher in the greater Sacramento/Stockton/Modesto area for an upcoming Teacher of the Month, please visit www.abc10.com/teacherofthemonth .

# # #

About SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union is the fifth largest credit union in the country. Serving school employees and their families, the organization is dedicated to providing World-Class Personal Service and improving the financial lives of its Members. Today they serve more than 1.3 million Members with a full range of financial products and services. SchoolsFirst FCU was founded in 1934, when 126 school employees pooled $1,200 and established a Member-owned cooperative to help improve each other's lives. In 2022, the Credit Union reported nearly $28 billion in assets and remains the largest credit union in California. For more information about SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, visit schoolsfirstfcu.org .

MEDIA CONTACT:

Ann Bouchard

ann@bouchardcommunications.com

(916) 521-7440

SOURCE: SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/764169/Mario-Sebastian-of-Elk-Grove-High-School-Named-Teacher-of-the-Month-for-June-by-SchoolsFirst-FCU-ABC10-and-Sacramento-State
PENSACOLA, FL / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2023 / Antares Vision Group, through rfxcel, a leading provider of supply chain traceability and compliance solutions, has been awarded a spot on the General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract. With partner Lovell Government Services ('Lovell'), this significant achievement demonstrates the companies' commitment to federal and state government entities that operate pharmacies and the patients they serve.



Antares Vision Group with rfxcel now on the GSA MAS contracting platform.

Antares Vision Group with rfxcel is now on the GSA MAS contracting platform.

The Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) is designed to improve the safety and security of the drug supply chain in the United States by rapidly detecting and removing harmful drugs. It requires manufacturers, distributors, dispensers (i.e., pharmacies and health systems), and other entities to track, trace, and verify certain medicines as they are received and dispensed.

Through its partnership with Lovell, rfxcel is the first DSCSA compliance software provider to be awarded a spot on the GSA MAS contract, a procurement vehicle for government agencies to purchase goods and services from pre-approved vendors. rfxcel's DSCSA solution for government dispensers is already in use by the Ohio Department of Veterans Affairs.

"Listing on the GSA MAS contract through Lovell is a win-win for everyone," said rfxcel Vice President of Government Services, Greg Moulthrop. "First, it protects patients who use government pharmacies. But it also enables government agencies to easily and efficiently purchase our DSCSA compliance software solutions and gives government customers the dual benefit of complying with the DSCSA while working toward their SDVOSB procurement goals."

"We are excited to partner with Antares Vision Group, through rfxcel, on this initiative," said Chris Lovell, CEO of Lovell Government Services. "rfxcel has made it their mission to help federal pharmacies meet DSCSA compliance requirements by November 2023 and Lovell is honored to play a part in it. DSCSA isn't just about protecting the supply chain, it is also about protecting patients."

For more information, contact rfxcel Senior Government Affairs Advisor, Kevin Smith, at ksmith@rfxcel.com or 563-590-9408.

About Antares Vision Group & rfxcel

Antares Vision Group, through rfxcel, is a leading provider of supply chain traceability and compliance solutions. The company's mission is to deliver value to its customers through a comprehensive suite of software solutions that ensure supply chain integrity, visibility, and regulatory compliance. rfxcel's solutions have been used by leading companies in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and consumer goods. Learn more here.

About Lovell Government Services

Lovell Government Services is a trusted government vendor since 2013 with a proven track record of success. Lovell is a two-time Inc. 5000 honoree and leader in the federal space. They partner with medical and pharmaceutical companies looking to better serve veteran and military patient populations, increase their federal revenue, and win government contracts. Click here to learn more.

Contact Information:

Mia McCann

Marketing Director

media@lovellgov.com

850-684-1867

SOURCE: Lovell

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Enabling clients with AI-powered technology for over a decade, Axonify's new generative AI tool provides frontline workers with instant information to maximize performance, productivity.

WATERLOO, ON, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Axonify , a leader in frontline employee enablement, today announced the launch of Max, a new conversational generative AI tool that instantly answers on-the-job questions to better enable frontline workers to get the job done quickly and more accurately, in every industry.

Max uses generative AI to understand what the user is looking for and then searches all the available resources for relevant information and facts. Then, using the world's most powerful LLM (large language model), composes a concise answer back to the person, in real time. From sourcing answers to HR-related questions like benefits, to providing shop floor employees with instant product details to satisfy customers and close deals, Max provides the right responses in moments of need to support frontline workers in all aspects of their role.

"Artificial intelligence has been at the core of Axonify's platform for over a decade, with an adaptive algorithm that provides exactly the right training to each individual, every day. The introduction of Max is simply the next stage of our commitment to developing tools that support frontline workers," said Carol Leaman, CEO and Co-Founder of Axonify. "Creating better communication, transparency and efficiency between frontline workers and employers is at the heart of everything we do, and our most recent advancements with generative AI remove complex knowledge barriers and communication frustrations for the frontline."

Additionally, the tool supports more than 60 languages, which means diverse frontline workforces can ask and get responses from Max in their preferred language, removing friction and confusion for workers who may need translation support.

"We're extremely focused and strategic about how we're leveraging generative AI and believe this tool will not only improve workplace productivity but also create more inclusive work environments where every frontline worker feels empowered and confident in their abilities," said Leaman. "Our customers rely on us to deliver the right information to their employees to get the job done. As one of the earliest adopters of AI in the learning industry, we know the potential this technology has to improve frontline work, and we look forward to leading the industry in generative AI-powered frontline enablement."

Max is available for EAP this July and is slated for general availability in the fall of 2023. Following the broader launch of Max, Axonify will continue to lead innovation making the frontline experience seamless using AI to help employees learn, connect and get things done.

For more information on Max and Axonify's additional AI capabilities, visit https://axonify.com/why-axonify/artificial-intelligence/ .

About Axonify

Axonify is the proven frontline enablement solution that gives employees everything they need to learn, connect and get things done. It starts with brain science and AI to drive knowledge retention through bite-sized microlearning and daily intelligent reinforcement. Embedded two-way communication and feedback ensure your staff is engaged and informed, no matter the scale of your organization, and guided task management shows employees exactly how to put their training to use, every single day. With an industry-leading 83% engagement rate, companies use Axonify to deliver next-level CX, higher sales, improved workplace safety and lower turnover. Axonify enables over 3.5 million frontline workers in 160+ countries, with over 250 customers including Lowe's, Kroger, Walmart and Citizens Bank. Founded in 2011, Axonify is headquartered in Waterloo, ON Canada. For more information, visit axonify.com .

Media Contact: Axonify@shiftcomm.com

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At the industry fair, Huasun presented its latest technology and high performing products to potential distributors and project clients

The participation at Intersolar and the relationships consolidated at the event pave the way for future collaborations for Huasun in Europe

MUNICH, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Huasun Energy, ("Huasun"), the largest HJT manufacturer in the world, successfully concludes its participation at Intersolar Europe where the company had the chance to meet potential and current distributors and clients in the region, helping to reinforce its commitment in the region, begin strategic collaborations and ultimately expand its presence in Europe.

In an effort to actively expand its distribution network of HJT modules in Europe, at Intersolar Huasun promoted its latest state-of-the-art products in HJT technology guaranteeing high power and high conversion efficiency and designed to serve different scale projects and environments, including:

Himalaya M6-120 Series AC Module with maximum 400W module power and maximum 22.0% module efficiency ideal for residential rooftops

Himalaya G10-108 Series transparent black with maximum 450W module power and maximum 23.0% module efficiency ideal for diversified rooftop projects

Himalaya G10-144 Series with maximum 600W module power and maximum 23.2% module efficiency ideal for C&I rooftop and utility projects

Himalaya V-Ocean HJT Solar Module with maximum 730.55W module power and maximum 23.52% module efficiency ideal for solar projects on the ocean

Specifically, the Himalaya V-Ocean Module was the object of two product certification ceremonies at Intersolar, demonstrating that the photovoltaic module has passed the weather resistance testing in marine environment certified by TUV SUD and Bureau Veritas respectively.

Huasun is the first company to simultaneously integrate R&D and industrialization of HJT. To date, Huasun has delivered over 1.8 GW HJT products to over 30 countries around the globe and by 2025, the company plans to achieve 40GW through HJT solar products. Investing and consolidating collaborations in Europe is a priority for Huasun which will help meet its objectives.

To this end, at Intersolar Huasun met with numerous potential distributors and clients discussing about the next strategic cooperation on increasing the market share of HJT products to enable more individuals to benefit from clean electricity generated by HJT modules.

Additionally, at Intersolar Huasun gave presentations to further explain the potential of HJT technology, the innovation behind it, the market applications, and future perspectives. as leader of a new photovoltaic era, Dan Zhou, CEO of Huasun, participated in the signing ceremony of the 500MW HJT Module MOU with InnoVent's Technical Manager Marc Piquer Coll marking the two parties will capitalize on their unique strengths in specialized fields and collaborate to deliver more reliable and sustainable clean energy solutions to end users worldwide especially in Africa.

"I am very satisfied with our participation this year at Intersolar Europe. Being present at one of the most important industry events in the European region where we are concentrating much of our efforts has been a great opportunity for Huasun. The three-day intensive event has allowed us to meet with many important players in our industry which will allow us to grow our network and continue building our capacity", said Dan Zhou, CEO of Huasun.

About Huasun Energy

Anhui Huasun Energy Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Huasun") was founded in July 2020 in Xuancheng, China. Huasun is an innovative technological enterprise specializing in the development and production of ultra-high efficiency N-type silicon-based heterojunction (HJT) solar wafers, cells and module technology as well as large-scale manufacturing. As the industrial pioneer of HJT, Huasun has delivered nearly 1.5GW HJT products to over 30 countries around the globe and ranks as the largest HJT manufacturer in the world, owning 5.1GW capacity of high-efficient HJT solar products. Huasun counts on an R&D team of more than 200 seasoned professionals to advance the research and development of high-efficient HJT technology, manufacture HJT products and provide clean energy solutions. Huasun strives to continuously improve the efficiency of solar cells and modules to achieve low-cost mass production of HJT products.

For more information, please visit www.huasunsolar.com.

Follow Huasun on LinkedIn.

About Heterojunction Technology (HJT)

HJT is an emerging and advanced method of solar cell design and fabrication. Unlike conventional solar cells, HJT uses different materials for the top and bottom layers allowing for better solar energy capture and thus more efficient energy generation. HJT solar panels are made up of thin layers of amorphous silicon and crystalline silicon. The amorphous silicon layers are used to create the solar cells, while the crystalline silicon layers act as the conducting layers. This unique construction allows HJT solar panels to achieve higher efficiency compared to conventional solar panels.

More specifically, HJT is an N-type bifacial solar cell technology. By leveraging N-type monocrystalline silicon as a substratum and depositing silicon-based thin films with different characteristics and transparent conductive films on the front and rear surfaces respectively. HJT has excellent photo-absorption and passivation effects, as well as outstanding efficiency and performance. HJT technology improves the conversion rate and power output to the highest level and represents the new generation of solar cell platform technology.

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Originally published on bloomberg.com

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2023 / Mental health struggles are more common than we think. In Asia Pacific (including Oceania), it is estimated that between 4 and 20 percent of the adult population have a diagnosable mental health condition. Yet, this remains a taboo topic that's seldom discussed among family, friends and colleagues. Indeed, 45 percent of APAC employees say that they do not tell anyone in the workplace about their mental health issues.

In Asia, where collectivism and the goal of the group are highly valued, mental illness is often viewed as a sign of weakness, a mark of shame and a threat to social standing - for both one's self and their family. As such, those who experience mental health issues might refrain from seeking professional help to "save face" - a sociological concept that refers to one's reputation and dignity. In Singapore, for instance, over 86 percent of employees say they wouldn't seek help for a mental health condition due to the stigma surrounding the topic. Treatment options are sorely lacking in the region - research shows that there is fewer than one psychiatrist per 100,000 people in upper-middle-income APAC countries.

"Many of our colleagues in APAC have been raised to believe that mental health is something to keep hidden and secret. This leads to it being very difficult for many to engage in the topic and seek support when it's needed," notes Alisha Fernando, Head of Diversity and Inclusion (APAC) at Bloomberg.

However, mental health should be a key consideration in the workplace - especially in APAC, where more than a quarter of employees report symptoms of depression and anxiety. And there is a strong business case for addressing mental health issues in the workplace. After all, employers have a duty of care toward their staff Moreover, happy, healthy employees make for a productive workforce, which improves both morale and the bottom line. The World Health Organization estimates that for every US$1 invested in the treatment and support of mental health disorders, there is a return of US$4 in improved health and productivity.

"To perform at our best and contribute positively to the firm's success, it's important for all of us to be mentally well," Alisha says. "Focusing on employee mental wellbeing helps facilitate greater psychological and emotional safety in the workplace, which in turn contributes to an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive."

At Bloomberg, we are committed to supporting mental health in the workplace. Globally, we run an Employee Assistance Program, which offers staff short-term, confidential counseling and referral services for issues ranging from financial concerns to relationship issues. We also offer a range of courses: for instance, managers are taught how to initiate conversations about mental health with their team, while employees have access to webinars on topics such as stress and resilience. In addition, employees can express their interest in becoming a mental health first aider and receive formal training, where they will learn how to spot symptoms of mental illness and strategies for reaching out to affected individuals.

Attitudes toward mental health differ among cultures and societies, and we strive to provide support tailored to each unique context. Clearly in APAC, addressing the taboo is the first step to greater understanding and acceptance. To this end, Bloomberg is spearheading the "This is Me" campaign with our Corporate Philanthropy partner Community Business, in a bid to destigmatize mental health issues in APAC.

First launched in 2014 by Barclays in the UK and now led by the Lord Mayor's Appeal in London, "This is Me" aims to normalize conversations about mental health in the workplace through the sharing of personal stories and lived experiences.

"Through this campaign, we're hoping to facilitate open, vulnerable and honest discussions about mental health. We want to provide a means for colleagues to have similar conversations with friends, family and peers, as well as promote further understanding of the mental health resources and support Bloomberg has to offer," Alisha says. "We're all at our best when everyone is at theirs, and we can only do that if we stand in solidarity and break the cultural stigma attached to mental health."

Learn more Bloomberg's approach to diversity and inclusion and how it's central to our success here.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Bloomberg on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Bloomberg

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/bloomberg

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Bloomberg

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/764248/Normalizing-Mental-Health-Awareness-in-the-APAC-Workplace
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 28, 2023) - ION Energy Limited (TSXV: ION) (OTCQB: IONGF) (FSE: 5YB) ("ION" or the "Company") has amended and restated the agreement (the "A&R Agreement") to acquire the Bliss Lake Lithium Pegmatite Project in NWT, Canada ("Bliss Lake"). The Company's acquisition of Bliss Lake was originally announced in a press release dated May 11, 2023 (the "Acquisition Press Release").

The A&R Agreement was entered into to clarify certain terms of the original agreement and the transaction. As a result of the amendments, the immediate consideration for the acquisition under the terms of the A&R Agreement will consist of a single tranche of Company shares with a value of $128,571 at a deemed value of $0.25. Unamended transaction terms also provide for deferred equity-based consideration to the vendors in the event assay results from exploration at Bliss Lake satisfy defined lithium oxide content thresholds and cash consideration in the event of announcement of a mineral resource estimate at Bliss Lake meeting defined criteria.

"At a pivotal time in the world's pursuit of electrification and strengthening battery metals supply, ION Energy couldn't be more pleased to have renegotiated the purchase terms for the highly prospective pegmatite project in the proven Yellowknife Pegmatite Field with exploration to commence this summer. The ION team is also excited about the US government's recent Memorandum of Understanding with the Mongolian government, to advance critical metal cooperation between the two governments. ION Energy's long term vision to disrupt the Asian battery metal supply, through our flagship assets in Mongolia, continues to provide a strong value proposition to our shareholders," states CEO & Director, Ali Haji.

The Company expects to complete the Bliss Lake acquisition in July of 2023. For additional information about Bliss Lake, see the Acquisition Press Release, available on the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

About ION Energy Ltd.

ION Energy Ltd. (TSXV: ION) (OTCQB: IONGF) (FSE: 5YB) is committed to exploring and developing high quality lithium resources in strategic jurisdictions. ION's flagship, 81,000+ hectare Baavhai Uul lithium brine project represents the largest and first lithium brine exploration licence award in Mongolia. ION also holds the 29,000+ hectare Urgakh Naran highly prospective lithium brine licence in Dorngovi Province in Mongolia. With the acquisition of the Bliss Lake project in NWT, Canada, ION will have significantly enhanced its lithium asset and jurisdiction profile. ION is well-poised to be a key player in the clean energy revolution, positioned well to service the world's increased demand for lithium. Information about the Company is available on its website, www.ionenergy.ca, or under its profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

For further information:

COMPANY CONTACT: Ali Haji, ali@ionenergy.ca, 647-871-4571

MEDIA CONTACT: Siloni Waraich, siloni@ionenergy.ca, 416-432-4920

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.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the expected closing date of the acquisition of Bliss Lake, and the Company's objectives, goals or future plans, statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from ION Energy's expectations include, among others, stock exchange review of the transaction, uncertainties relating to availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, risks related to international operations, the actual results of current exploration activities, and delays in the development of projects. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/171624
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 28, 2023) - Defence Therapeutics Inc. (CSE: DTC) (FSE: DTC) (OTC Pink: DTCFF) ("Defence" or the "Company") is a Canadian biopharmaceutical company developing novel immune-oncology vaccines and drug delivery technologies. Sitting at the core of its innovative technologies is the proprietary Accum-based platform, which Defence is harnessing to develop innovative therapeutics and prophylactics against cancers and infectious diseases.

Although initial ground-breaking results demonstrating the original Accum's ability to greatly enhance the potency of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) were first published in 2016, Defence's continued research and development efforts have given rise to a robust and versatile platform, including novel applications and second-generation molecular entities having greater potency. In lockstep with each innovation has been Defence's aggressive pursuit of patent protection. To date, seven distinct patent families relating to four different central functions of Accum have been published, which are highlighted below.

Defence's ADC platform technology is based on the ability of the original Accum to form potent antibody-drug conjugates, leading to targeted cellular accumulation of a drug was demonstrated in international (PCT) patent application WO/2017/156630A1, with patents granted in the United States (US 11,352,437), Japan (JP 7,126,956), and Israel (IL 261765), and patent applications currently pending in Europe, Canada, and Australia. Second-generation Accum-based ADCs are being pursued in recently filed PCT application WO/2023/065017A1, currently in the international phase. In these patent families, Accum molecules were covalently linked to antibodies or ADCs (e.g., trastuzumab-DM1 ADC), and were shown to enhance their delivery and cytotoxicity in various cancer cell lines compared to controls.

Defence's vaccine platform technology is based on the discovery that Accum and variants thereof have the ability to enhance presentation of various tumor, viral, or bacterial antigens by anti-gen-presenting cells, either by covalent conjugation to or simple admixture with the antigen. PCT patent applications WO/2022/126239 A1 and WO/2022/232945 A1 were filed covering this technology, with respective US patents (US 11,291,717 and US 11,612,651) being already granted and corresponding patent applications currently pending worldwide. In these patent families, the Accum technology was shown to produce very powerful therapeutic and prophylactic protein subunit- and cell-based vaccines for treating or preventing infectious diseases, including SARS-CoV-2 and cancers such as lymphoma.

Defence's AccuTOX platform technology is based on the ability of some Accum variants, either as stand alone agents or in combination with other cytotoxic agents, to induce cancer cell death by triggering heightened metabolic stress and the production of reactive oxygen species, as shown in PCT patent application WO/2023/087103 A1. In this patent family, the AccuTOX technology was shown to induce cell death in a plurality of different tumor cell lines in vitro, in many cases via apoptosis, and was shown to reduce lymphoma tumor volumes and enhance survival in treated mice compared to controls. In a separate discovery, standalone Accum-based agents were found to form hydrogels (WO/2023/023869 A1) upon dissolution and subsequent incubation in different aqueous solvents, providing further avenues in the innovation of drug delivery systems.

Finally, the ability of Accum and its variants to efficiently deliver multiple therapeutically relevant cargoes, including polynucleotides, recombinant proteins, and even nucleoprotein complexes, into the cyotosol or nucleus of cells is demonstrated in PCT patent application WO/2023/102661 A1. Importantly, in this patent family, the Accum technology was shown to successfully deliver functional CRISPR/Cas9 and guide RNA ribonucleoprotein complexes into the nucleus of cells, leading to intriguing commercial avenues in the field of genome editing. Furthermore, this patent family further contains in vivo data demonstrating the efficacy of Defence's Accum-based technology in transforming traditionally non-antigen presenting and immune quiescing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into efficient antigen presenters and immunostimulatory cells, in the form of a highly efficacious anti-cancer cellular vaccine. These MSC-based cellular vaccines led to Defence's potent second-generation MSC-based therapeutic ARM vaccine that is on its way into Phase I clinical trials.

A summary of selected key patent families in Defence's portfolio is shown in the graphic below solely for illustrative purposes:





Figure 1

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8000/171625_f549ece834ae2a2d_002full.jpg

Defence patent families are currently managed by ROBIC LLP, a Montreal-based, Canada, law firm specializing in all facets of intellectual property in many different fields since 1892, notably in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

"Defence's proactive and aggressive approach in securing patent protection for all aspects of our technologies serves to maximize the commercialization potential and increase the company's intrinsic value, as we continue to march toward the goal of bringing our innovative therapeutic technologies to market and making a lasting global impact on the lives of patients," says Sebastien Plouffe, President and Chief Executive Officer of Defence.

The global biotechnology market size is expected to reach USD 3.88 trillion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 13.96% over the forecast period. The market is driven by factors including the advent of innovative and advanced technologies.

https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/4396357/biotechnology-market-size-share-and-trends

About Defence:

Defence Therapeutics is a publicly-traded biotechnology company working on engineering the next generation vaccines and ADC products using its proprietary platform. At the core of Defence Therapeutics platform lie two ground-breaking technologies, Accum and AccuTOX, which enable precision delivery of vaccine antigens or ADCs in their intact form to target cells and induce potent killing of cancer cells, respectively. As a result, increased efficacy and potency can be reached against catastrophic illness such as cancer and infectious diseases.

For further information:

Sebastien Plouffe, President, CEO and Director

P: (514) 947-2272

Splouffe@defencetherapeutics.com

www.defencetherapeutics.com

Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include regulatory actions, market prices, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

Neither the CSE nor its market regulator, as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE, accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/171625
- NITI Ayog CEO, Indian High Commissioner to UK make strong pitch to invest to India at UK-India Week 2023

- City of London and India Global Forum Join Hands to Drive Collaboration in Sustainable Infrastructure Investment in India

- Top leaders in infrastructure, green finance, sustainable mobility, clean energy, and telecom from the UK and India in attendance

LONDON, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Speaking at the 'UK-India Infrastructure Summit' hosted by City of London in association with India Global Forum, UK Investment Minister Lord Dominic Johnson, underscored the importance of the Free Trade deal for both UK and India, while steering clear of committing to a timeframe. Johnson said, "I'm very optimistic because I think it is very important to do a trade deal for both sides and it's really important for business to express their support for such a deal because it's about allowing businesses to function more effectively with greater profits, wealth and security for the world."

"From the perspective of British business in India, I will continue to push for the simplification of interstate activities in terms of entrepreneurial regulations between states that are selling goods and services. And, I will continue to push for greater work when it comes to a free trade, because that that will help us to put more money into growing the economy to provide the jobs for the next generation."

The summit highlighted the immense scope and potential for investment in sustainable infrastructure development in India, and London's expertise in meeting India's growing demand for green finance.

Founder and Chairman, IGF, Manoj Ladwa in his address said, "As the fastest growing major economy in the world, and the most populous, India has huge aspirations and equally huge responsibilities. The rapid building of high quality sustainable physical and digital infrastructure will be critical to achieving India's growth trajectory, as well as balancing its net zero commitments."

Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the UK, and B.V.R Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog made a strong case for the City of London investing in sustainable infrastructure in India, while showcasing recent policy, legislative and social changes in India.

Doraiswami remarked, "The cause of investing in India has never been a better one. That is in other words, there is no better reason for you to invest in India -not just for profit, but also for the social benefit and the environmental benefit; for the totality. And I would argue that your interests are best served in aligning with us in making sure that the transformation of India happens in a way that does not replicate any of the faults of the past."

"UK particularly the City of London has excellent capabilities in structuring and funnelling finance where it is needed. UK has demonstrated technological capabilities while India is at the frontiers of innovation. Combining technology with financing would enhance the cooperation," said Subrahmanyam.

Bullish on India, Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Member House of Lords, Member of the Court of Directors, Bank of England, said, "India has a tailwind which is a combination of economics, demographics and political stability." Referring to Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer's remarks on the FTA at India Global Forum, he said, " The statement on FTA is a good sign; it proves whatever the electoral outcome in Britain, the Indian relationship is strategic."

Nicholas Lyons, Lord Mayor of the City of London, emphasised London's unparalleled global expertise in sustainable finance: "UK should be a partner of choice for India for its infrastructure needs; the City of London and the UK can help India into the largest and most diversified global capital pools on the best possible terms."

"We have up to 4bn pounds of capacity to use in India," said Caroline Healy, Deputy Director - International Relations, UK Export Finance. "My key message is that UK Export Finance wants to do more business in India, we've got capacity and we've got the product suite."

For a list of Speakers, click here and programme details, click here.

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Die KI-Revolution ist in vollem Gange und vor allem ein Bereich wird stark betroffen sein: Cyber-Security. Die Experten sind sich sicher: Mit steigender Entwicklung von KI-Technologien nehmen auch KI-gestutzte Cyber-Attacken zu. Wir zeigen hier, welche Aktien profitieren konnen.

MOSCOW (dpa-AFX) - 13 people, including three children, were killed and dozens of others injured in multiple Russian attacks in Ukraine. Russian missiles struck the busy center of the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk and a nearby village on Tuesday, killing at least 10 people and injuring more than 60 people, reports quoting Ukrainian officials said. The missiles targeted a hotel and local restaurants in a busy part of the city center, according to Kramatorsk City Council. The victims included twin sisters, aged 14. As the rescue operation continues, the emergency services said victims are still trapped under the rubble. The prosecutor general says the strikes were carried out with Iskander ballistic missiles. European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell condemned the attack, saying that it is another example of Russia's use of terror on civilians. 'In another demonstration of the terror Russia is imposing on Ukrainian civilians, a Russian cruise missile hit a restaurant and shopping center in Kramatorsk,' Borrell wrote on Twitter. 'This was a well-known meeting point for international press. Yet again, Russia continues to violate international law and commit war crimes,' he said Wednesday. Three middle-aged men in the village of Vovchanski Khutory in the Kharkiv region near the Russian border were killed in a separate attack Wednesday. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
ROSEMEAD, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2023 / Edison International:

Twelve aspiring lineworkers will be awarded up to $25,000 each to pursue a chance to become a Southern California Edison lineworker. This is part of the 2023 Edison International Lineworker Scholarship Program, funded by Edison International shareholders and IBEW Local 47, designed to bring in lineworkers to help power the clean energy future.

California has sizeable electrification needs to meet ambitious clean energy goals, and the electric industry will need highly skilled lineworkers to reach them. According to labor statistics, the demand for lineworkers is expected to rise by 8.5% by 2026. Edison's Lineworker Scholarship Program is designed to fill that need with skilled lineworkers, right here in Southern California.

"SCE needs well-trained and energetic lineworkers more than ever as we work to assure a grid that is reliable, resilient and ready to meet our customers' demands in a clean energy future," said Heather Rivard, SCE's senior vice president of Transmission Distribution. "The Lineworker Scholarship Program is already helping us meet those needs, and I look forward to meeting the new scholarship winners, including a former U.S. Marine and our second female recipient!"

The recipients of the 2023 Edison International Lineworker Scholarship are:

Name City Angela Brulee Los Angeles Ivan Castaneda Norwalk Jesse Chhing Long Beach Lazarus Fuentes Bloomington Justin Johnston Pico Rivera Nisifolo Lolesio San Jacinto Daniel Maldonado Forest Falls Freddy McCutcheon Lakewood Israel Mendez South Gate Jermone Mitchell Lancaster Ubaldo Reyes Tapia Maywood Brandon Ross Moreno Valley

Launched in 2021, the Edison International Lineworker Scholarship Program initially focused on attracting Black participants. This year, the program expanded its focus to include candidates who self-identify as Asian Pacific Islander, Native American or female. The Lineworker Scholarship provides tuition, tools and support services, such as housing, transportation and childcare, needed to complete required training at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College and to obtain a Class A driver's license.

2022 Lineworker Scholarship recipient Nicole Taylor said, "Three words that describe my journey since receiving the scholarship are resilience, strength and teamwork. There is a sense of camaraderie between the scholarship recipients, and the support we've received from the 2021 cohort has helped me along my journey."

Recipients are eligible for an entry-level groundman/groundwoman position at SCE once they complete the Powerline Mechanic Certificate program, obtain a Class A driver's license and complete SCE pre-employment requirements. All jobs will be located within SCE's 50,000-square-mile service area, and the company may require graduates to relocate for their positions.

To learn more about the Lineworker Scholarship winners, visit the 2023 Lineworker Scholarship Spotlight page.

The next application period will start next spring. Applicants are encouraged to visit Edison International Lineworker Scholarship to stay up to date on next year's eligibility requirements.

About Edison International

Edison International (NYSE:EIX) is one of the nation's largest electric utility holding companies, providing clean and reliable energy and energy services through its independent companies. Headquartered in Rosemead, California, Edison International is the parent company of Southern California Edison Company, a utility that delivers electricity to 15 million people across Southern, Central and Coastal California. Edison International is also the parent company of Edison Energy LLC, a global energy advisory firm engaged in the business of providing integrated decarbonization and energy solutions to commercial, industrial and institutional customers.

Media Contact: Diane Castro, (626) 302-2255

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Edison International on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Edison International

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/edison-international

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Edison International

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/764278/Edison-International-Announces-Lineworker-Scholarship-Winners
Dassault Systemes is advancing the portfolio transformation of its GEOVIA mining software solutions to integrate them into its 3DEXPERIENCE platform

The unique collaborative solutions in the GEOVIA portfolio include geology, earth design, earth resources management and geospatial capabilities

The comprehensive GEOVIA portfolio solutions powered by the 3DEXPERIENCE platform including the flagship solutions Surpac, MineSched and Whittle, are showcased at the 26th World Mining Congress June 26-29 in Brisbane, Australia

Dassault Systemes (Euronext Paris: FR0014003TT8, DSY.PA) today announced that it is showcasing the latest portfolio advancements of its mining software brand GEOVIA during the 26th World Mining Congress, taking place from June 26-29 in Brisbane, Australia. GEOVIA solutions provide end-to-end virtual twin experiences focusing on the intersection of natural resources, infrastructure and urban planning.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628426533/en/

Image: Dassault Systemes

The GEOVIA solutions portfolio is undergoing a major transformation to fully integrate into Dassault Systemes' 3DEXPERIENCE platform, creating a single source of truth that enables organizations to build resilience in a rapidly changing landscape while gaining competitive advantage through collaboration and innovation. The latest advancements in the GEOVIA portfolio include virtual twin experiences in geology, earth design, earth resources management, and geospatial disciplines that, combined with the advanced cloud services of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, empower mining organizations to meet their sustainability targets by optimizing their operations with greater collaboration, lifecycle management, and improved decision-making.

Highlights include:

Geology Modeler: accelerates the creation of 3D subsurface geological models, facilitating hypothesis testing and quick updates based on newly available geoscience data;

Surface Mine Designer: generates and evaluates multiple pits, pushback and ramp designs through an automated parametric process that safely and technically valid pit, dump and ramp designs linked to geotechnical features;

Pit Optimizer: maximizes Net Present Value (NPV) by creating and evaluating multiple scenarios for optimized pits, pushback phases, and mining schedules, applying practical mining constraints like minimum mining width and mining direction;

Earth Engineering Coordinator: consolidates and federates geoscience and engineering information for seamless downstream consumption.

These solutions and other virtual twin experiences like Strategic Mine Planning, Strategic Geology Modeling and Strategic Resource Modeling are showcased at the 26th World Mining Congress. Dassault Systemes' presentations include "Virtual Twin of the 2050s' Mines" by Delphine Gondoin, Business Value Consultant Senior Manager, Infrastructure, Energy and Materials Industry, and "Enhanced Grade Control System for Effective Ore Management" by Dr. Min Liang, Global Mining Industry Consultant, GEOVIA.

"We are excited to participate in the World Mining Congress and announce our latest advancements in mining solutions," said Mauro DelleMonache, CEO, GEOVIA, Dassault Systemes. "By leveraging the power of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, GEOVIA solutions enable seamless collaboration, data exchange, and workflow efficiency, empowering mining organizations to make informed decisions, enhance operational performance, and reach their sustainability and operational goals. We are driven by the vision to model a sustainable planet where technology, knowledge and know-how are crucial in promoting responsible natural resources management. We look forward to engaging with industry leaders, exchanging knowledge, and contributing to the future of mining."

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Dassault Systemes' 3DEXPERIENCE platform, 3D design software, 3D Digital Mock Up and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions: http://www.3ds.com

Connect with Dassault Systemes on

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ABOUT DASSAULT SYSTEMES

Dassault Systemes, the 3DEXPERIENCE Company, is a catalyst for human progress. We provide business and people with collaborative virtual environments to imagine sustainable innovations. By creating virtual twin experiences of the real world with our 3DEXPERIENCE platform and applications, our customers can redefine the creation, production and life-cycle-management processes of their offer and thus have a meaningful impact to make the world more sustainable. The beauty of the Experience Economy is that it is a human-centered economy for the benefit of all -consumers, patients and citizens. Dassault Systemes brings value to more than 300,000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.3ds.com

Dassault Systemes. All rights reserved. 3DEXPERIENCE, the 3DS logo, the Compass icon, IFWE, 3DEXCITE, 3DVIA, BIOVIA, CATIA, CENTRIC PLM, DELMIA, ENOVIA, GEOVIA, MEDIDATA, NETVIBES, OUTSCALE, SIMULIA and SOLIDWORKS are commercial trademarks or registered trademarks of Dassault Systemes, a European company (Societas Europaea) incorporated under French law, and registered with the Versailles trade and companies registry under number 322 306 440, or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628426533/en/

Contacts:

Dassault Systemes Press Contacts

Corporate France

Arnaud MALHERBE

arnaud.malherbe@3ds.com

+33 (0)1 61 62 87 73

North America

Natasha LEVANTI

natasha.levanti@3ds.com

+1 (508) 449 8097

EMEA

Virginie BLINDENBERG

virginie.blindenberg@3ds.com

+33 (0) 1 61 62 84 21

China

Grace MU

grace.mu@3ds.com

+86 10 6536 2288

India

Kriti ASHOK

kriti.ashok@3ds.com

+91 9741310607

Japan

Misae HASHIDA

misae.hashida@3ds.com

+81 3 4321 3418

Korea

Jeemin JEONG

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+82 2 3271 6653

AP South

Minming CHEN

minming.chen@3ds.com

+65 6511 7931
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2023 / Anna is responsible for managing Suncor's community investment in the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo area. By leveraging her connection to community and work experience with Suncor Energy Foundation, she joined the Board of the then newly established Wood Buffalo Community Foundation (WBCF). Her first task: develop a grant process - and quickly! This new process allowed WBCF to make its first donations within months of launching. Along the way, WBCF began working closely with Capacity Canada, a charity that helps other organizations with strategic plan development support and board member training.

WBCF launched in 2017, to provide long-term financial support for projects in health, the environment, sport, arts, culture and other emerging community needs. Like many charities that can't afford full-time staff, WBCF had an operational board, meaning the board members themselves carried out most of the organization's work. One challenge they faced, in those early days, was how to issue grants.

"When the board first approached me, I was intrigued," recalls Anna, who is responsible for managing Suncor's community investment in the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo area. "Drawing from my experience in community investment and seeing how the Suncor Energy Foundation (SEF) makes donations, I was confident I could do it."

Right on time, Anna developed a grant process and began building a committee to review the applications, allowing WBCF to make its first donations within months of launching.

As the foundation matured, the board realized they needed to recruit members with professional skills like Anna's, and diverse perspectives that represented the community. They were able to onboard new members with human resources and legal experience to guide the foundation as it hired staff and navigated accepting different kinds of donations, including real-estate.

Along the way, WBCF began working closely with Capacity Canada, a charity that helps other organizations by offering strategic plan development support and board member training.

Anna signed up for Capacity Canada's training and has used what she learned to help WBCF move from an operational board to a governing board.

"There were four of us from WBCF that took Capacity Canada's Modern Board course," shares Anna. "The timing was perfect as we learned the necessary steps to transition our board from day-to-day operations to one that is focused on strategic direction and financial oversight."

Capacity Canada, a SEF partner since 2011, offers the Modern Board course twice a year. The course aims to equip participants with a fundamental understanding of effective board membership and addresses specific concerns that board members may encounter. Participants who successfully complete the course also receive a micro-credential in partnership with Conestoga College's continuing education program.

"The course was comprehensive and appropriately challenging," reflects Anna. "They provided ample time for reflection and facilitated online group discussions, which I found immensely helpful in absorbing the material and immediately applying it to my board role."

Read more stories about how our employees give back to the community.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Suncor Energy on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Suncor Energy

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/suncor-energy

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Suncor Energy

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/764281/Suncors-Anna-Seinen-Builds-Capacity-in-Her-Community
TB is one of the world's deadliest diseases, killing about 4,300 people per day, mostly those living in poverty

LONDON and SEATTLE, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Wellcome and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation today announced funding to advance a tuberculosis (TB) vaccine candidate, M72/AS01E (M72), through a Phase III clinical trial. If proven effective, M72 could potentially become the first new vaccine to help prevent pulmonary TB, a form of active TB, in more than 100 years.

In 2021, an estimated 10.6 million people fell ill with TB and 1.6 million died-about 4,300 people per day. The disease primarily affects people in low- and middle-income countries, and those at highest risk are often living in poverty, with poor living and working conditions and undernutrition. Up to a quarter of the world's population is thought to have latent TB, a condition in which a person is infected with the bacterium that causes TB but does not have any symptoms and is at risk of progressing to active TB disease.

"Despite being curable, TB remains one of the leading causes of death in South Africa," said Nomathamsanqa Majozi, head of public engagement at Africa Health Research Institute. "In the area where I live and work, more than half of all people have had, or will have, TB at some point in their lives. The consequences are devastating, both at a personal and a community level. M72 offers us new hope for a TB-free future."

To support the M72 Phase III clinical trial, which will cost an estimated US$550 million, Wellcome is providing up to US$150 million and the Gates Foundation will fund the remainder, about US$400 million.

"TB remains one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases," said Julia Gillard, chair of the Board of Governors at Wellcome. "The development of an affordable, accessible vaccine for adults and adolescents would be game-changing in turning the tide against TB. Philanthropy can be a catalyst to drive progress, as shown by this funding of the M72 vaccine as a potential new tool in preventing escalating infectious diseases to protect those most affected. Sustainable progress against TB and wider disease threats will depend on global collaboration, financial backing, and political will. By working with communities and researchers in countries with a high burden of the disease, we can get one step closer to eliminating TB as a public health threat."

The only TB vaccine in use today, bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG), was first given to people in 1921. It helps protect babies and young children against severe systemic forms of TB but offers limited protection against pulmonary TB among adolescents and adults.

"With TB cases and deaths on the rise, the need for new tools has never been more urgent," said Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. "Greater investment in safe and effective TB vaccines alongside a suite of new diagnostics and treatments could transform TB care for millions of people, saving lives and lowering the burden of this devastating and costly disease."

Over 25 years, a vaccine with at least 50% efficacy could prevent up to 76 million new TB cases and 8.5 million deaths, avert the need for 42 million courses of antibiotic treatment, and prevent US$41.5 billion in TB-related catastrophic household costs, especially for the world's poorest and most vulnerable people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).*

The Phase III clinical trial to assess the candidate vaccine's efficacy at preventing progression from latent TB infection to pulmonary TB will be sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute (the Gates MRI), a nonprofit organization and subsidiary of the Gates Foundation dedicated to the development and effective use of novel biomedical interventions to address substantial global health concerns. Conducted in collaboration with an international consortium of TB clinical investigators, the trial will enroll approximately 26,000 people, including people living with HIV and without TB infection, at more than 50 trial sites in Africa and Southeast Asia. Additional details about the trial design and participants will be announced by the Gates MRI in the coming months. The Gates MRI is the license holder for M72 in low- and middle-income countries with high TB burden.

The M72 vaccine candidate, one of 17 TB vaccine candidates currently in the pipeline, has been in development since the early 2000s. It was developed by GSK up to the proof-of-concept phase (Phase IIb), in partnership with Aeras and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), and was funded in part by the Gates Foundation. In the Phase IIb trial, M72 showed approximately 50% efficacy in reducing pulmonary TB in adults with latent TB infection-an unprecedented result in decades of TB vaccine research.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the support by the Gates Foundation and Wellcome to develop a new TB vaccine, and the opportunity of September's UN high-level meeting on TB, shows the world can turn the tide on the TB crisis through sustained political and financial action. "The tuberculosis crisis demands a new vaccine to reduce disease transmission and avoidable death, especially targeting adults and adolescents who carry at least 90% of the TB epidemic's burden," said Dr. Tedros. "WHO welcomes the commitments from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Wellcome to take forward development of this vaccine candidate, and WHO will keep supporting vaccine development and access more broadly through its TB Vaccine Accelerator?Council."

* For more information about the value proposition for new tuberculosis vaccines, see the WHO-commissioned " An Investment Case for New Tuberculosis Vaccines."

Note for Editors

About the Vaccine Candidate

The M72/AS01E vaccine candidate contains the M72 recombinant fusion protein, which is derived from two Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens (Mtb32A and Mtb39A), combined with the GSK proprietary Adjuvant System AS01E. The vaccine candidate was developed up to the proof-of-concept phase by GSK in conjunction with Aeras and IAVI. In 2020, GSK announced that it would partner with the Gates MRI for continued development and potential use of the M72 candidate vaccine in countries with high TB burden. GSK will continue to provide the adjuvant for the candidate vaccine's further development and potential launch. Funding for the research that uncovered the potential of M72 was provided by the United Kingdom's Department for International Development, the Directorate-General for International Cooperation in the Netherlands, the Australian Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade, the European Commission, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

About Tuberculosis

TB causes more deaths annually than any other infectious disease, with an estimated 10.6 million new cases and 1.6 million deaths in 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic reversed progress against TB and revealed the fragility of the steady gains made over the previous 20 years in expanding access to prevention, testing, and treatment. In 2021, during the pandemic, TB cases increased by 4.5% compared to those reported in 2020, and fewer people were diagnosed or received treatment. To get back on track to achieving the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals target of an 80% reduction in the TB incidence rate compared with 2015 , the world urgently needs new tools to combat this disease.

TB is also the leading killer of people living with HIV, accounting for one-third of deaths among HIV-positive people. The world's most vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by TB, with many cases of TB occurring in resource-limited areas. Over 80% of cases and deaths are in low- and middle-income countries.

About TB Research and Development

After 20 years of increased investment in research and development (R&D), the TB innovation pipeline is strengthening, with new tools that have the potential to accelerate progress toward the 2030 global target. The pipeline includes novel diagnostic tests and sample collection methods, as well as shorter drug regimens for TB and drug-resistant TB. But ending TB as a global health burden can only be achieved with the development and deployment of an effective vaccine for adolescents and adults.

Additional R&D investments in effective diagnostics and vaccines and shorter drug regimens are needed to accelerate progress against TB. According to the Global Plan to End TB 2023-2030, more than US$26 billion is needed each year from 2023 to 2030 to scale up TB care and prevention services for all people in need. TB R&D will require an additional US$5 billion per year during that period.

Global backing, both financial and political, is necessary to drive innovation and develop, manufacture, and deliver a robust pipeline of TB diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines to save and protect millions of lives from TB.

About Wellcome

Wellcome supports science to solve the urgent health challenges facing everyone. We support discovery research into life, health and wellbeing, and we're taking on three worldwide health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health.

Media contact: mediaoffice@wellcome.org

About the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people's health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people-especially those with the fewest resources-have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Mark Suzman, under the direction of Co-chairs Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates and the board of trustees.

Media contact:?media@gatesfoundation.org

Additional Quotes

Emilio Emini, CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute: "The Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute is committed to developing biomedical interventions that address global health concerns for those in the greatest need. We look forward to partnering with a team of investigators across international study sites to assess the potential of the candidate vaccine in preventing pulmonary TB in adolescents and adults."

Thomas Breuer, chief global health officer at GSK: "This is an important moment for those working to get ahead of TB. The Gates Foundation and Wellcome's funding is critical for the further development of the candidate vaccine. At GSK, we remain committed to the long-term success of the M72 candidate vaccine, including through the continued supply of our proprietary adjuvant, AS01E, for people at risk of TB in lower-income countries."

Mark Harrington, executive director of Treatment Action Group (TAG): "TAG welcomes this historic investment in TB vaccine development by Wellcome and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. A Phase III clinical trial of the M72/AS01E TB vaccine candidate is a long-awaited milestone. We hope this funding commitment sparks governments and other funders to substantially increase investments in the TB vaccine pipeline, which contains a number of promising candidates in addition to M72/AS01E but faces a dire financial shortfall. This Phase III trial will take several years to complete. We encourage the Gates Foundation, Wellcome, GSK, country governments, and other partners to use this time to lay the groundwork for eventual vaccine adoption by ensuring the availability, affordability, and acceptability of M72/AS01E should it prove safe and effective."

Patrick Agbassi, chair of the Global TB Community Advisory Board (TB CAB): "We've waited a long time for this study, so are happy to see the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Wellcome taking up this important task. The question now becomes how we can enroll 26,000 people most quickly and ensure that all populations at risk of TB will ultimately be able to benefit from access to what could be the first new TB vaccine in over 100 years. A robust community engagement program will be key, as will taking on studying this vaccine in younger adolescents, pregnant women, people with prior history of TB, and other key groups often underrepresented or left out entirely of?TB trials and the benefits of scientific progress."

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/wellcome-and-the-gates-foundation-to-fund-late-stage-development-of-a-tuberculosis-vaccine-candidate-that-could-be-the-first-in-100-years-if-proven-effective-301862724.html


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Florida has set its sights on surpassing Tennessee in the race for the largest Buc-ee's location in the country.



Following Tennessee's recent announcement of a massive 74,000-square-foot Buc-ee's store with 120 gas pumps, Florida has now revealed plans for an even bigger store. Scheduled to open in 2025, the new Marion County location in Florida will boast an 80,000-square-foot travel center, solidifying its position as the largest Buc-ee's establishment.



Situated near Interstate 75, north of Ocala, the forthcoming Buc-ee's store in Florida will surpass its Tennessee counterpart by an additional 6,000 square feet. The expansion is part of Florida's commitment to enhancing its travel infrastructure. In April, Governor Ron DeSantis granted a $4 million grant to facilitate the construction of a new interchange at Interstate 75 in Ocala. This interchange will coincide with the development of the new Buc-ee's gas station in the vicinity.



Governor DeSantis expressed his excitement about the project, emphasizing the impressive scale of the upcoming Buc-ee's location. The store will feature a staggering 120 pumps and provide ample parking space with 720 parking spots. Known for their diverse offerings, Buc-ee's will provide visitors with an array of products, including their famous 'Beaver nuggets' and a variety of barbecued delicacies. Governor DeSantis described Buc-ee's as the epitome of service stations, offering a wide range of amenities and treats to satisfy travelers' needs.



Buc-ee's, an American chain of country stores, gas stations, and electric vehicle chargers, is the brainchild of Arch 'Beaver' Aplin III and is headquartered in Lake Jackson, Texas. Currently, Buc-ee's operates two locations in Florida-St. Augustine and Daytona Beach-and two in Georgia-Calhoun and Warner Robins. With the addition of the upcoming Marion County store, Florida solidifies its position as a leading destination for Buc-ee's enthusiasts.



Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Mega-Chance Cyber Security Die KI-Revolution ist in vollem Gange und vor allem ein Bereich wird stark betroffen sein: Cyber-Security. Die Experten sind sich sicher: Mit steigender Entwicklung von KI-Technologien nehmen auch KI-gestutzte Cyber-Attacken zu. Wir zeigen hier, welche Aktien profitieren konnen. Hier klicken
CHICAGO, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Arizton's latest research report, the Taiwan data center market will grow at a CAGR of 14.57% during 2022-2028.

To Know More, Download the Free Sample Report: https://www.arizton.com/request-sample/3874

The Taiwan data center market is one of the emerging data center markets in APAC, led by proximity to China, significant digitalization, industrial land development, growing fiber connectivity, and the increasing presence of cloud service providers. The market has strong connectivity via submarine cables, with around 13 cables connecting the market to various parts of the world and two upcoming cables currently in the deployment stage.

Taiwan's data center market includes around seven unique third-party data center service providers operating around 15 facilities. The country is currently witnessing investments in around six upcoming facilities expected to be operational in the coming years.

Taiwan Data Center Market Report Scope

Report Attributes Details Market Size (2028) USD 3.21 Billion Market Size (Area) 194 thousand sq. Feet (2028) Market Size (Power Capacity) 46 MW (2028) CAGR Investment (2022-2028) 14.57 % Colocation Market Size (Revenue) USD 220 Million (2028) Historic Year 2021-2022 Base Year 2022 Forecast Year 2023-2028

Looking for More Information? Download the Free Sample Report: https://www.arizton.com/request-sample/3874

Market Trends & Drivers

In March 2023, Taiwan's government launched The Taiwan AI Center of Excellence (Taiwan AICoE) to develop artificial intelligence in the market. The increased usage of artificial intelligence will significantly grow the data traffic and the demand for data centers with the installation of efficient infrastructure in the market. The data traffic generated from these high-power computing technologies is of higher bandwidth, which, in turn, will grow the rack power density. Moreover, strong connectivity is one of the critical components of the location selection for a data center. The market is connected to around 13 existing submarine cables, such as APCN-2, Cross-Straits Cable Network (CSCN), EAC-C2C, Trans-Pacific Express (TPE) Cable System, Taiwan Strait Express-1 (TSE-1) and others. In September 2022, Vena Energy, an APAC-based renewable energy company, announced plans to launch two offshore wind energy projects, namely, Wei-Na and Wei-Long, in Taiwan, with a power capacity of around 1.8 GW. Taiwan plans to invest around $170 billion in decarbonizing public and private sectors by 2050.

Looking for More Information? Download the Free Sample Report: https://www.arizton.com/request-sample/3874

Segmentation Analysis

In Taiwan, VRLA battery-based UPS systems are dominating the market. However, Lithium-ion batteries will slowly replace them, thereby decreasing data center OPEX.

The data center market in Taiwan is likely to witness high demand for data centers with multiple modules, having a total capacity of up to 2 MW and N+N or 2N redundant configurations.

Diesel generators will be commonly adopted in Taiwan because of their configuration to support high power capacities during outages.

Far EasTone Telecommunications' TPKC Cloud Computing Center has 1800kWX4 generator sets, 48,000 liters of oil tanks, six hours of on-site fueling, and 2N exterior fueling sets.

Why Should You Buy This Research?

Market size available in the investment, area, power capacity, and Taiwan colocation market revenue.

An assessment of the data center investment in Taiwan by colocation, hyperscale, and enterprise operators.

Investments in the area (square feet) and power capacity (MW) across states in the country.

A detailed study of the existing Taiwan data center market landscape, an in-depth industry analysis, and insightful predictions about industry size during the forecast period.

Snapshot of existing and upcoming third-party data center facilities in Taiwan

Facilities Covered (Existing): 7



Facilities Identified (Upcoming): 4



Coverage: 6+ Cities



Existing vs. Upcoming (Area)



Existing vs. Upcoming (IT Load Capacity)

Data center colocation market in Taiwan

Market Revenue & Forecast (2022-2028)



Retail vs. Wholesale Colocation Market



Retail and Wholesale Colocation Pricing

The Taiwan market investments are classified into IT, power, cooling, and general construction services with sizing and forecast.

A comprehensive analysis of the latest trends, growth rate, potential opportunities, growth restraints, and prospects for the industry.

Business overview and product offerings of prominent IT infrastructure providers, construction contractors, support infrastructure providers, and investors operating in the industry.

A transparent research methodology and the analysis of the demand and supply aspects of the industry.

The report includes the investment in the following areas:

IT Infrastructure

Servers



Storage Systems



Network Infrastructure

Electrical Infrastructure

UPS Systems



Generators



Switches & Switchgears



PDUs



Other Electrical Infrastructure

Mechanical Infrastructure

Cooling Systems



Racks



Other Mechanical Infrastructure

Cooling Systems

CRAC & CRAH Units



Chiller Units



Cooling Towers, Condensers & Dry Coolers



Economizers & Evaporative Coolers



Other Cooling Units

General Construction

Core & Shell Development



Installation & Commissioning Services



Building & Engineering Design



Fire Detection & Suppression Systems



Physical Security



Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM)

Tier Standard

Tier I & Tier II



Tier III



Tier IV

VENDOR LANDSCAPE

IT Infrastructure Providers

Atos

Broadcom

Cisco Systems

Dell Technologies

Extreme Networks

Fujitsu

Hitachi Vantara

Hewlett Packard Enterprise

IBM

Juniper Networks

MiTAC Holdings

Pure Storage

Lenovo

NetApp

Quanta Cloud Technology

Super Micro Computer

Wiwynn

Data Center Construction Contractors & Sub-Contractors

AECOM

CTCI

Data Knit

DLB Associates

MAA Group

M+W Group (Exyte)

Pacific Engineers and Constructors (PECL)

Support Infrastructure Providers

ABB

Airedale

Alfa Laval

ATEN

Caterpillar

Cummins

Delta Electronics

EAE

Eaton

Green Revolution Cooling

HITEC Power Protection

Johnson Controls

Legrand

Mitsubishi Electric

Rittal

Schneider Electric

Socomec

Siemens

STULZ

TECO Electric & Machinery

Trane

Vertiv

Data Center Investors

Acer e-Enabling Data Center

Chief Telecom

Chunghwa Telecom

Far EasTone Telecommunications

NTT Communications

Taiwan Mobile

New Entrants

Empyrion DC

SC Zeus Data Centers

Vantage Data Centers

Table of Content

Existing & Upcoming Third-Party Data Centers In Taiwan

Historical Market Scenario

15+ Unique Data Center Properties

Data Center IT Load Capacity

Data Center White Floor Area Space

Existing Vs Upcoming Data Center Capacity by Cities

Cities Covered

Taipei



Other Cities

List of Upcoming Data Center Projects

Investment Opportunities In Taiwan

Microeconomic and Macroeconomic factors of the Taiwan Market

Investment Opportunities in Taiwan

Investment by Area

Investment by Power Capacity

Data Center Colocation Market In Taiwan

Colocation Services Market in Taiwan

Retail vs Wholesale Data Center Colocation

Colocation Pricing (Quarter Rack, Half Rack, Full Rack) & Add-ons

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Market Trends

Market Restraints

Market Segmentation

IT Infrastructure: Market Size & Forecast

Electrical Infrastructure: Market Size & Forecast

Mechanical Infrastructure: Market Size & Forecast

Breakup of Construction Cost

General Construction Services: Market Size & Forecast

Tier Standard Investment

Tier I & II

Tier III

Tier IV

Key Market Participants

IT Infrastructure Providers

Construction Contractors

Support Infrastructure Providers

Data Center Investors

New Entrants

Appendix

Market Derivation

Quantitative Summary

Arizton's Expertise in Data Center Industry?

Exhaustive syndicated reports, databases, country-wise market analysis, & customized consulting projects are published by our team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who possess exemplary skills in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research. Subscribe to our exhaustive portfolios to access premium research reports at competitive prices. Partner with Arizton for your next strategic business decision and gain a competitive advantage with real-time, data-driven research.?

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PARIS, FRANCE / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2023 / Weglot, a leading website translation solution, has completed an extensive rebranding in response to accelerated company growth and to cement its mission of making it effortless to have a website in multiple languages.

Weglot logo

This new branding reflects the incredible growth Weglot has seen since the company was founded in 2016. Over the past seven years, Weglot has grown from two co-founders to a 45+ member team, strengthened by a 45m growth investment in the first quarter of 2022.

In 2022, Weglot experienced a 60% YTY growth, with the software now active on more than 70,000+ global websites, including brands Microsoft, IBM, Steve Madden, and Murad.

As a result, Weglot chose to rebrand, and over the last four months has been working with Normandy- and San Francisco-based design agency Bruno to ensure a cohesive global branding that reflects the ongoing growth and acceleration the company is seeing.

The branding has two key elements. Prism lines represent how creating a website in multiple languages requires the diffusion of the same brand message into multiple localized messages. Additionally, layered illustrations symbolize multiple languages, multiple websites, and multiple messages.

"We're extremely proud to unveil our new branding today. We've grown considerably over the last few years and we wanted to reflect this growth externally with a branding that signifies the journey Weglot has been on. Weglot's new branding reinforces our mission, and we're looking forward to seeing where it takes us."

Augustin Prot, co-founder, and CEO of Weglot

This is coupled with an updated color palette that includes a wider variety of colors that work alongside the established blue that people have come to know Weglot for. The blue remains a significant part of the Weglot brand identity, which was kept for coherence and sentimental value, the same goes for the company logo, which remains unchanged.

"Over the last four months, we have been working hard to develop a rebrand that not only provides Weglot with a fresh look but is also intentionally designed. As a result, our branding now better highlights Weglot's value and demonstrates our growth over the last few years. We are excited to see what impact it will have on Weglot."

Eugene Ernoult, CMO of Weglot

At the same time, Weglot has also elevated its product through a big redesign, an important part of its ethos that ensures the product continues to meet the needs of current and new customers.

Contact Information

Elizabeth Pokorny

Head of Content at Weglot

elizabeth@weglot.com

+33658830875

SOURCE: Weglot

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/764285/Weglot-Announces-Global-Rebrand
HONG KONG / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2023 / In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency investment, prioritizing the security of funds and making informed decisions is of utmost importance. However, the emergence of unreliable platforms and exchanges poses a significant risk to investors. To address this issue, WikiBit, a trusted online platform, has stepped forward to empower investors and provide them with the necessary tools to navigate the crypto landscape with confidence. In this article, we will explore the key features of WikiBit and highlight its role in protecting investors, emphasizing its recent contribution to the crypto community.

Security Takes Center Stage

When selecting a cryptocurrency exchange, security is paramount. As cyberattacks and hacking incidents continue to rise, investors need assurance that their funds are safe and protected. WikiBit takes a proactive approach by thoroughly verifying the authenticity and compliance of various exchanges. Through a meticulous evaluation process that includes factors such as two-factor authentication, SSL encryption, and cold storage, WikiBit ensures that users have access to legitimate and trustworthy platforms.

Reputation Matters

Understanding the significance of reputation in exchange selection, WikiBit provides users with valuable insights. By offering ratings and reviews based on critical factors such as security measures, liquidity, user experience, and customer support, WikiBit equips users with the information needed to make informed choices. Positive track records, solid reviews, and a well-established presence within the industry are emphasized to assist users in their decision-making process. WikiBit strongly believes in the power of collective awareness and encourages users to actively share news and experiences on their social media channels. By doing so, users contribute to a safer trading environment and help protect fellow investors from potential risks.

WikiBit's Contributions to the Crypto Community

In recent times, the crypto community has faced challenges arising from unreliable exchanges. In response, WikiBit has played a crucial role in identifying and exposing untrustworthy platforms, without resorting to terms such as scams or fraud. By providing transparent information about exchange practices, WikiBit safeguards the community by presenting evidence tailored to specific cases of concern.

For example, in situations where users encounter difficulties in withdrawing their funds, WikiBit diligently collects evidence such as screenshots, conversation records, trading records, and victim identities. This documentation builds a solid case against platforms that restrict users from accessing their funds, promoting transparency and accountability.

Additionally, WikiBit takes swift action when encountering exchanges not featured on their platform. By collecting screenshots and other relevant information, WikiBit highlights the existence of unregistered or unverified exchanges, thereby protecting users from potential risks. Through their meticulous collection and documentation of evidence, WikiBit provides a valuable resource for investors to navigate the crypto landscape with safety and confidence.

Empowering Investors through Knowledge

In conclusion, WikiBit serves as a reliable source that empowers investors by providing crucial information and ensuring transparency within the crypto community. By verifying the authenticity of exchanges, offering ratings and reviews, facilitating fee comparisons, and providing information on coin availability and liquidity, WikiBit assists users in making informed investment decisions. To actively participate in the WikiBit community, users are encouraged to visit the WikiBit website and engage in discussions with other members of the community.

About WikiBit

WikiBit is a global blockchain supervision and query platform. It, established by the company in Shanghai, China, mainly provides basic information inquiry, regulatory license inquiry, credit evaluation for the listed BlockChain projects, platform identification, and other services. Based on public data released by the government, combined with advanced sniffing systems and scientific computer algorithms, WikiBit offers a prime big data solution that integrates data collection, screening, aggregation, modeling, and productization. It also provides both quantitative and qualitative evaluations of the supervision level and risk level of the listed projects from multiple dimensions for traders, institutions, and government departments.

Media Contact

Organization: WikiBit

Contact Person: WIKIBIT CO. LTD

Website: https://www.wikibit.com/en

Email: azel@wikiglobal.com

Address: 16/F ONE CAPITAL PLACE, RE WAN CHAI - HK

City: Victoria

State: Re Wan Chai

Country: Hong Kong S.A.R.

SOURCE: WIKIBIT CO. LTD

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/764444/Wikibit-Empowering-Investors-and-Ensuring-Transparency-in-the-Crypto-Landscape
Vancouver, British Colombia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 28, 2023) - US Critical Metals Corp. (TSXV: USCM) (OTCQB: USCMF) (FSE: 0IU0) ("USCM" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its CEO, Darren Collins, recently appeared as a guest on the renowned "Northern Miner Podcast"' hosted by Adrian Pocobelli. In the episode, Mr. Collins provided valuable insights into critical metals and the Company's US projects.

"We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to share our vision and initiatives on the 'Northern Miner Podcast'," said Darren Collins, CEO of US Critical Metal Corp. "By fostering a deeper understanding of critical metals and the importance of domestic US sources of supply, we are actively working towards a more secure and sustainable future."

"The 'Northern Miner Podcast' has gained widespread recognition as a trusted source of information and insight in the mining and resource industry. Hosted by Adrian Pocobelli, the podcast features exclusive interviews with key industry leaders, offering valuable perspectives on various topics relevant to the sector."

To listen to the episode featuring Darren Collins, CEO of US Critical Metal Corp, visit the "Northern Miner Podcast" website (link).

About Northern Miner

For over 100 years, The Northern Miner has been the go-to resource for the mining and exploration industry. Northern Miner's experienced team of writers provides crucial reports that inform the decision-making process of thousands of mining professionals. Unlike other publications, Northern Miner sends their reporters to visit mining projects worldwide, allowing them to gather accurate and insightful information. As seasoned journalists specializing in mining and exploration, they are better able to analyze project merits concisely and effectively. As an independent news source, Northern Miner prioritizes objective reporting and is not influenced by any external interests.

About US Critical Metals Corp.

USCM is focused on mining projects that will further secure the US supply of critical metals and rare earth elements, which are essential to fueling the new age economy. Pursuant to option agreements with private Canadian and American companies, USCM's assets consist of four agreements, each providing USCM with the right to acquire interests in five discovery focused projects in the US. These projects include the Clayton Ridge Lithium Project located in Nevada, the Sheep Creek Rare Earth Project located in Montana, the Haynes Cobalt Project located in Idaho, the Lemhi Pass Rare Earth Project located in Idaho and the Long Canyon Uranium Project located in Idaho. A significant percentage of the world's critical metal and rare earth supply comes from nations with interests that are contrary to those of the US. USCM intends to explore and develop mineral resources with near- and long-term strategic value to the advancement of US interests.

For further information please contact:

Darren Collins

Chief Executive Officer and Director

US Critical Metals Corp.

Telephone: 1-786 633-1756

www.uscmcorp.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain information that may be deemed "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information includes statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking information contained in this press release may include, without limitation exploration plans and expected exploration results at the Project, results of operations, and the expected financial performance of the Company.

Although the Company believes the forward-looking information contained in this news release is reasonable based on information available on the date hereof, by its nature, forward-looking information involves assumptions and known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.

Examples of such assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, assumptions, risks and uncertainties associated with general economic conditions; the COVID-19 pandemic; adverse industry events; the receipt of required regulatory approvals and the timing of such approvals; that the Company maintains good relationships with the communities in which it operates or proposes to operate, future legislative and regulatory developments in the mining sector; the Company's ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favorable terms; mining industry and markets in Canada and generally; the ability of the Company to implement its business strategies; competition; the risk that any of the assumptions prove not to be valid or reliable, which could result in delays, or cessation in planned work, risks associated with the interpretation of data, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits, the possibility that results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations, as well as other assumptions risks and uncertainties applicable to mineral exploration and development activities and to the Company, including as set forth in the Company's public disclosure documents filed on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.

The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the expectations of USCM as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. While USCM may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/171701
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 28, 2023) - ransCanna Holdings Inc. (CSE: TCAN) (FSE: TH8) ("TransCanna" or the "Company") today announces that it continues under a cease trade order ("CTO") by the British Columbia Securities Commission (the "BCSC") under National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations (the "Instrument") as a result of not filing its audited annual financial statements, accompanying management's discussion and analysis, and certifications for the year ended November 30, 2022 (the "Annual Filings") by the filing deadline of March 30, 2023.

The Company's 2022 audit currently remains ongoing and the Company is advised by its auditors that the completion of the audit is delayed. The Company is working diligently with its consultants and auditors to complete the remaining audit and make the required filings as soon as possible. Once complete, a news release will be issued indicating that the Annual and Quarterly Filings have been submitted. The Company anticipates that it will complete the Annual and Quarterly Filings on or before August 28, 2023. In the event the CTO remains in effect for more than 90 days, the Company will meet additional filing requirements with respect to the CTO under National Policy 11-207. In the interim, the Company continues to operate normally and without disruption.

The Company also confirms, as of the date of this news release, that there is no other material information concerning the affairs of the Company that have not been generally disclosed.

About TransCanna Holdings Inc.

TransCanna Holdings Inc. is a California-based, Canadian-listed company building cannabis-focused brands for the California lifestyle, through its wholly-owned California subsidiaries.

TransCanna's wholly owned subsidiary Lyfted Farms is California's authentic cannabis brand whose pioneering spirit has been continuously providing the finest cannabis flower genetics and cultivation methods since 1984. The Lyfted Farms brand of exclusive cannabis flower is sold at premium retailers throughout the state. With its new cultivation facility in Daly, California, the company is now poised to become one of the largest and most efficient vertically integrated cannabis companies in the California market. For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.transcanna.com or email the Company at info@transcanna.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

James Robert Blink, President

604-207-5548

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The words "may," "would," "could," "should," "will," "intend," "plan," "goal," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "achieve," "must," "next," "focus," "potential," "progress," "develop," "continue," "advance," "investigate," "optimize," "improve," "opportunity," "future," "prospect," "vision," "target," "growth," "envisage," "option," "roadmap," "pursue," "near-term," "de-risking," "eventual," "later," "until," and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release and reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among other things, statements about: the CTO; the timing of completion of the audit; the timing and revocation of the CTO; and statements regarding management's expectations on the Company's future performance.

The Company cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by many materials factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control, including risks related to the failure of the Company to complete the Annual Filings, to receive the required corporate and regulatory approvals, including CSE approval, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the Company's disclosure documents filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. These factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF ANY SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/171723
West Perth, Western Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 28, 2023) - De Grey Mining Ltd. (ASX: DEG) ("De Grey") announces that on June 28, 2023 it has acquired 35,223,670 common shares ("Common Shares") in the capital of Novo Resources Corp. (TSX: NVO) (TSX: NVO.WT) (TSX: NVO.WT.A) (OTCQX: NSRPF) ("Novo Resources") pursuant to settlement of a non-brokered private placement transaction (the "Private Placement").

Pursuant to the Private Placement, Novo Resources issued to De Grey an aggregate of 35,223,670 Common Shares at a price of approximately CDN$0.255 per Common Share for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately CDN$8.97 million / A$10 million (the "Financing").

Prior to the closing of the Financing, De Grey owned, directly or indirectly, or exercised control or direction over 50,116 Common Shares. The 50,116 Common Shares held by De Grey represented approximately 0.001% of the total number of issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis, prior to the Financing.

After the completion of the Financing, De Grey now owns, directly or indirectly, or exercises control or direction over, 35,273,786 Common Shares. The 35,273,786 Common Shares now held by De Grey represent approximately 11.6% of the total number of issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis, resulting in an approximate 11.599% change to De Grey's Common Share holdings on a non-diluted basis.

De Grey's acquisition of Common Shares pursuant to the Financing was made for investment purposes. In accordance with applicable securities laws, De Grey may, from time to time and at any time, evaluate its investment in Novo Resources and acquire additional shares and/or other equity, debt or other securities or instruments (collectively, "Securities") of Novo Resources in the open market, pursuant to the Participation Right (as defined below) granted by Novo Resources to De Grey or otherwise, and reserves the right to dispose of any or all of its Securities in the open market or otherwise at any time and from time to time, and to engage in similar transactions with respect to the Securities, the whole depending on market conditions, the business and prospects of Novo Resources and other relevant factors.

Pursuant to the terms of the subscription agreement entered into between De Grey and Novo Resources for the Common Shares issued under the Financing (the "Subscription Agreement"), commencing on December 28, 2023 and subject to De Grey maintaining at least a 12.5% undiluted interest in Novo Resources at all times (the "Nomination Threshold"), De Grey has a one-time right to nominate a director to the board of directors of Novo Resources (the "Nomination Right"). However, if Novo Resources has not received a formal listing decision letter from Australian Securities Exchange Ltd. (the "ASX") regarding its proposed dual listing by December 28, 2023, the Nomination Threshold will decrease to 10%.

The Subscription Agreement also grants De Grey the right to participate in any financing of Novo Resources conducted in conjunction with an Australian Stock Exchange listing such that De Grey holds up to a maximum undiluted post-financing interest of 12.5% of Novo Resources (the "Participation Right").

De Grey and Novo Resources entered into a binding Heads of Agreement dated June 21, 2023 ("HOA") that identifies the material terms of the proposed Egina joint venture pursuant to which De Grey will spend up to A$25 million on exploration of Novo Resources' Becher Gold Project and adjacent tenements. The HOA was conditional upon closing of the Financing within ten business days from the execution of the HOA.

A copy of the early warning report filed in connection with this matter is available under Novo Resources profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. For further information regarding the early warning report, please contact:

De Grey Mining Ltd. ("De Grey")

Attention: Craig Nelmes - Company Secretary

Ground Floor, 2 Kings Park Road

West Perth, WA

Australia 6005

Tel: +61 8 9381 4108

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to, future plans and intentions of De Grey, including with respect to the Nomination Right and Participation Right, and associated matters. Although De Grey believes that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because De Grey can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct or enduring. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements depending on, among other things that the plans of the De Grey may change. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/171730
Lygg, a Helsinki, Finland-based private regional air travel company, raised 3.6M (over USD 3.9M) in funding.

The round was led by Superhero Capital.

The company intends to use the funds to expand its routes to locations such as Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Stockholm, Sweden; Aberdeen, Scotland; and Frankfurt, Germany, as well as expand its reservation portal that integrates with booking tools used by major travel management companies (TMCs).

Led by CEO Roope Kekalainen and CFO Jari Viinikkala, Lygg provides regional air travel passengers with direct connections via private aircrafts and electric vehicles. The platform also serves as a management solution for operators of small aircraft assets. It offers operators of its digitalized and shared fleet the benefit of predictability and guarantee of income that comes from recurring aircraft privatizations and flight subscriptions over selected periods of time.

Since June 2022, when operations began, Lygg has completed 154 flights flying to 17 destinations in 12 European countries, including Germany, France, Holland, UK, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Norway and Estonia.

FinSMEs

28/06/2023
Proprietary (Prop) trading firms have long been the training grounds for ambitious traders looking to trade on a grander scale.

One such firm that has attracted global attention is SurgeTrader. Our in-depth review of SurgeTrader by Traders Union experts aims to shed light on this intriguing prop company, helping you understand its workings, advantages, and possible shortcomings.

With a business model that essentially offers traders a platform to trade significant capital, companies like SurgeTrader are gaining prominence. Hence, an extensive surgetrader.com review compiled by Traders Union becomes indispensable for any trader looking to take their trading journey to the next level.

What is Surge Trader?

Traders Union experts say SurgeTrader is a prop trading firm headquartered in Florida, USA. Backed by Valo Holdings, a well-established venture fund, SurgeTrader offers traders capital ranging from USD 25,000 to manage once they pass a qualifying exam. With venture capital backing, SurgeTrader offers a reliable platform for traders to trade large sums of money.

What are Surge Trader Advantages and Disadvantages?

Every trading platform comes with its unique pros and cons. Our TU experts have dissected SurgeTraders offerings to help you understand the platform better.

Advantages of SurgeTrader:

Reliability: SurgeTraders credibility is enhanced through its association with EightCap, a broker regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). This association ensures a secure trading environment, fostering a sense of trust and comfort for traders as they navigate the financial markets.

SurgeTraders credibility is enhanced through its association with EightCap, a broker regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). This association ensures a secure trading environment, fostering a sense of trust and comfort for traders as they navigate the financial markets. Flexibility in Strategies: SurgeTrader stands out for its strategic flexibility. Whether traders prefer algorithmic methods, hedging, scalping, or other strategies, the platform accommodates all within its trading rules. This flexibility allows traders to utilize their unique trading styles and methodologies, fostering an inclusive trading atmosphere.

SurgeTrader stands out for its strategic flexibility. Whether traders prefer algorithmic methods, hedging, scalping, or other strategies, the platform accommodates all within its trading rules. This flexibility allows traders to utilize their unique trading styles and methodologies, fostering an inclusive trading atmosphere. High-Income Potential: The platform offers traders an enticing revenue model where they can retain up to 75% of their earned profits. This high-income potential makes SurgeTrader an attractive proposition for traders seeking to maximize their earnings from their trading acumen.

The platform offers traders an enticing revenue model where they can retain up to 75% of their earned profits. This high-income potential makes SurgeTrader an attractive proposition for traders seeking to maximize their earnings from their trading acumen. Broad Range of Assets: SurgeTrader offers a diverse asset palette featuring over 100 instruments. Traders have access to various financial assets, including but not limited to cryptocurrencies, ensuring a comprehensive trading experience catering to varied investor preferences.

SurgeTrader offers a diverse asset palette featuring over 100 instruments. Traders have access to various financial assets, including but not limited to cryptocurrencies, ensuring a comprehensive trading experience catering to varied investor preferences. Risk Mitigation: Risk management is integral to SurgeTraders model. The firm covers losses if traders adhere to its maximum loss and drawdown requirements, thereby mitigating the potential financial risks and fostering a sense of security among its traders.

Risk management is integral to SurgeTraders model. The firm covers losses if traders adhere to its maximum loss and drawdown requirements, thereby mitigating the potential financial risks and fostering a sense of security among its traders. Transparency: SurgeTrader prides itself on its transparency, with all legal documents and conditions available publicly. The platform also accommodates occasional rule violations, provided they arent systematic, further emphasizing its commitment to a trader-friendly environment.

Disadvantages of SurgeTrader:

High Exam Cost: One potential downside of SurgeTrader is the high examination fees, ranging from USD 250 to 6,500. Even with a discount of up to 20% for retests, the cost could deter some prospective traders, particularly those with limited capital.

One potential downside of SurgeTrader is the high examination fees, ranging from USD 250 to 6,500. Even with a discount of up to 20% for retests, the cost could deter some prospective traders, particularly those with limited capital. Stringent Conditions: SurgeTrader implements stringent trading conditions. The platform has a cap on daily drawdowns at 5%, and the maximum loss is limited to 4%. These strict requirements could pose challenges for traders, especially those new to the financial markets or those with higher risk tolerance.

Evaluation of the most influential parameters of SurgeTrader

TU experts have scored SurgeTrader based on various parameters:

User Satisfaction: 9.35/10

Regulation and Safety: 9.6/10

Commissions and Fees: 9.4/10

Variety of Instruments: 8.9/10

Brand Popularity: 9/10

Customer Support: 9.2/10

Education: 9.7/10

Trading conditions for SurgeTrader users

According to TU experts, SurgeTrader, via its affiliate EightCap, gives access to over 100 OTC assets. The trading conditions are presented on the brokers website, with additional conditions for funded accounts available on the SurgeTrader website.

Trading Platform: EightCap M4 and EightCap M5

Account: Funded account

Minimum deposit: USD 250

Leverage: 10:1 (upgradeable to 20:1 on forex and metals)

Min Order: 0.01

Spread: From 1 point

Instruments: Currency pairs, cryptocurrencies, commodities, stock assets

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Bitcoin, the biggest and most valuable cryptocurrency, has revolutionized the world of finance. It has also captivated the imagination of millions, especially with regard to its creator, Satoshi Nakamoto.

Much like the founders of revolutionary tech brandsApples Steve Jobs, for example, or Googles Sergey Brin and Larry PageNakamoto is seen as quite the celebrity.

However, Nakamotos true identity remains a mystery. In fact, some people think that Nakamoto is more than one person. Bitcoin was founded in 2009 and until now, the question who is Satoshi is still unanswered. This further adds to the allure and intrigue surrounding Bitcoins origins.

The invention of the blockchain itself and the underlying technology behind Bitcoin have paved the way for countless other cryptocurrencies and decentralized applications. Thus, Satoshi Nakamotos identity holds great significance within the Bitcoin community and beyond. This is why there have been quite a few speculations about who Satoshi Nakamoto truly is.

Below is a list of some of the few notable figures who have been linked to Satoshi Nakamoto or have claimed to be them.

Disclaimer: The identities discussed in this article are all speculative, and the true identity of Satoshi Nakamoto remains unknown.

Nick Szabo: A Cryptographers Legacy

One name that often emerges in discussions about Satoshi Nakamoto identity is Nick Szabo. Szabo is a renowned cryptographer and computer scientist and has long been associated with the development of digital currencies. His concept of bit gold shares striking similarities with Bitcoins underlying principles and he is also one of the earliest proponents of smart contracts. In fact, Szabo first proposed the idea in 1994. If he is, indeed, Satoshi Nakamoto, then he definitely has plenty of foundation upon which to build Bitcoin.

Szabo also has expertise in cryptography and a deep understanding of decentralized systems, which further make him a compelling candidate. However, despite the intriguing parallels, there is still no concrete evidence that Szabo is Satoshi Nakamoto.

Craig Wright: Controversy and Claims

While most of the names that have been associated with or speculated to be Satoshi Nakamoto were theories by other people, Craig Wright has outright claimed that he is the elusive Bitcoin creator. Wright is an Australian scientist and businessman who, in 2016, publicly asserted that he is Nakamoto. To support his claim, he presented technical information and whitepapers on cryptocurrency. However, he was met with some healthy amounts of skepticism.

Indeed, many within the cryptocurrency community and the wider tech industry doubted the legitimacy of Wrights claims. They cited inconsistencies in his assertions, a lack of technical expertise, and Wrights failure to provide conclusive proof. These, among other controversies, have cast doubt on Wrights credibility as the true Satoshi Nakamoto and he eventually backed away.

Hal Finney: A Key Figure in Bitcoins Genesis

Hal Finney is a highly respected computer scientist, cryptographer, and coder. He was one of the earliest contributors to Bitcoin, as well as one of its staunchest advocates. Finney is often considered a potential candidate for Satoshi Nakamoto, especially because he was reportedly one of the first to have worked on Bitcoins open-source code. He also acknowledged that he received the first Bitcoin transaction in 2009, directly from Satoshi Nakamoto.

Another thing that made Finney a likely candidate to be Satoshi Nakamoto is that he lived near Dorian Satoshi Nakamoto, who is another individual speculated to be Bitcoins founder. However, Finney has repeatedly denied claims that he is Satoshi Nakamoto. Sadly, Finney died in 2014 after a long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS. This makes it more challenging to prove whether or not he is Satoshi Nakamoto. Nevertheless, Finney remains to be a respected figure in the Bitcoin community.

Dorian Nakamoto: Media Frenzy and Misidentification

Dorian Nakamoto, a former computer engineer and physicist, unexpectedly found himself in the media spotlight when a magazine article suggested he might be Satoshi Nakamoto. Having the same last name further fanned the flames of speculation. However, Dorian has vehemently denied any involvement in Bitcoins creation and said that he hadnt even heard of the cryptocurrency before. Further, he said that his quotes have been misinterpretedaccording to Dorian, he was talking about engineering and not Bitcoin when he was interviewed.

Eventually, Satoshi Nakamoto went on an online Bitcoin forum and confirmed that they are not Dorian Nakamoto. Meanwhile, the crypto community raised 100 Bitcoin for Dorian as a way to express their gratitude, support, and concern.

As of this writing, the search for the true identity of Satoshi Nakamoto continues to captivate the cryptocurrency community and the world at large. As Bitcoin continues to influence the crypto landscape, the enigma of its founders identity remains an intriguing chapter in the ongoing story of decentralized technologies and digital currencies.

Regardless of the identity of Satoshi Nakamoto, however, the enduring legacy of Bitcoin serves as a testament to the transformative power of decentralized systems and its potential to reshape the future of finance.
Following the robust inflows from foreign investors on the back of an improving macroeconomic fundamental, Indian equities have recorded a 13.77 per cent surge, the maximum expansion in market value among the top 10 nations in the June quarter so far.

India, the worlds fifth largest equity market, recorded the sharpest increase in aggregate market capitalisation since the December 2020 quarter, Bloomberg data shows.

The US witnessed an aggregate expansion of 6.38 per cent, while China recorded an 8.46 per cent decline, which was the steepest among the top 10 markets in the June quarter.

Japans $5.83-trillion market expanded by 3.11 per cent but the $5.13-trillion Hong Kong market contracted 5.19 per cent, Money Control reported, adding that France saw a 1.69 per cent decline, while the United Kingdom gained a meagre 0.14 per cent.

A 9.5 per cent spike made Saudi Arabia the second in the league in terms of expansion, while Canada saw a 1 per cent fall.

Markets remained subdued in the past few quarters amid escalating geo-political tension in Russia and expectations that the global central banks will start hiking the rates further.

With inputs from agencies

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Meghan and Harry must stop playing the victim card. Finally, America has understood that Harry and Meghan are attention seekers. According to reports published in geo tv, it seems as Americans are sick of the Duke and Duchess of Sussexs narrative of denigrating the royal family.

The couple has been advised to change their strategy to win support and sympathy. They are being urged by the critics and royal commentators to stop playing the victim card.

Former conservative MP Louise Mensch has recently lashed out at the couple while talking to Piers Morgan on Sky News, claiming everyone is fed up with them.

Mensch told the former Good Morning Britains host that while the Sussexes sell a lot of books they have chucked away whatever credibility they had with both hands.

Meghan and Harry, who have lost their lucrative Spotify deal, were not invited to the Obamas 60th birthday party which was attended some by some big public figures and celebrities. The Sussexes were also not invited to attend the Met Gala.

Meghans invitation to Prince Archies fourth birthday party was also snubbed by some A-list celebrities.

The Duchess reportedly invited several high-profile people to celebrate her sons birthday, including Katy Perry and her fiance Orlando Bloom. But, the celebrity pair shunned the former Suits stars invitation.

Pop superstar Taylor Swift also snubbed Meghan and Harry as she reportedly declined to to become the part of the couples now-scrapped podcast, despite receiving a personal letter written by the Duchess herself.

A royal commentator has recently claimed that the social elite in Washington and Hollywood stars are distancing themselves from the Harry and his wife.

Citing the Sussexes absence from recent events, Hilary Fordwich recently claimed that Prince Archie and Princess Lilibets parents have squandered the chance to foster diversity in the royal family and strengthen relations between the US and UK.

It is so sad what the Sussexes have squandered. They had almost universal support and hope for what they could bring, whether it was diversity or a Trans Atlantic relationship. Unfortunately they made the choice to denigrate the Royal Family, she told Express UK.

Meghan an agent of destruction

We all know that Meghan was the mastermind behind Harrys controversial memoir Spare. Meghan Markle has been an agent of destruction, a royal biographer had earlier sad following the leaking of Prince Harrys memoir Spare. The royal biographer, Tom Bower also said that Meghan Markle had constantly sought platforms to speak before meeting Prince Harry. She wanted to be Angelina Jolie; a celebrity and a famous influencer. But she was irrelevant. Being with Harry gave her that opportunity and she played him from the start. Harry was groomed by Meghan. Her wedding guests were all Hollywood, not family, which shows her agenda. She always wanted to go back to Hollywood, the biographer said. It is true that Meghan Markle has been an agent of destruction and she understood Harrys vulnerability.

King Charles is sad and frustrated with Harrys behaviour, insiders claim

On the other hand, King Charles is extremely frustrated with Harry. Dailymail reported that King Charles is said to be sad, bewildered and increasingly frustrated over Prince Harrys behaviour, according to an insider. Prince Harry has recently 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.

Prince Harry 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 Kings upcoming birthday celebrations, to which it is believed he has not been invited.

Harry has repeatedly criticised the Firm since leaving his royal duties behind  and even labelled Queen Camilla, 75, a wicked stepmother in his explosive memoir Spare and told how he begged Charles, 74, not to marry her.

Harry & Meghans rumoured divorce

Nothing is fine in Harry and Meghans relationship too. For the kind of control freak Meghan is, probably this was bound to happen. Both as per reports are living separate lives. We all know Meghan is the mastermind behind Harrys controversial memoir Spare. The rumors, according to royal expert Tom Bower, are coming out of London. There are many now in London who say Meghan is getting tired of Harry. There is speculation that the Duchess of Sussex, 41, will at any moment say This is enough and negotiate with King Charles III some deal to break off the marriage.

Royal commentator Jennie Bond says Meghan Markle is an absolute control freak who wants to be in control of every aspect of her life, she is not used to having to cede control in anyway whatsoever. The Duchess of Sussex has said it takes a lot of effort to forgive and hinted that she can say anything as she sat down for a wide-ranging interview in the US.

Probably, Harry is now biting his fingers for the damage he has done to himself and the Royal British family under the influence of Meghan Markle.

(With added inputs from agencies)

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Job seeking and preparing for interviews is already a tiring task. Now, imagine that crucial interview that decides your potential recruitment to your dream company being conducted not by a human but by artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

Even if this is too hard to believe, this can become a reality in the near future. While some companies have already been deploying AI for scanning job applications for years, this trend is being adopted by more and more recruiters since the COVID-19 pandemic.

A recent survey by Resume Builder has forecast that nearly four in 10 companies will use AI for conducting job interviews by 2024, reported CBS News.

What are AI job interviews? What has the survey found and what can you do to prepare for such interviews? We explain.

AI interviews

AI interviews are those where bots are used by companies to assess candidates. There are several types of AI interviews depending on the level of involvement of the technology.

In some automated video interviews (AVI), job seekers record themselves and then that video is watched by hiring managers to take a call.

Then there are AI-assisted interviews wherein candidates are provided questions on screen in text form which they answer via text or video. A recruiter then assesses the response to determine if the candidate can be hired.

Some have just an element of artificial intelligence so the candidate is recorded and someone watches their video, Zahira Jaser, associate professor at the University of Sussex Business School, told CBS MoneyWatch.

Humans can seek AIs help to filter out unfit candidates.

Thirdly, there are AI-led interviews which, as per Jaser, are completely automated, reported CBS MoneyWatch. The candidate is in front of a screen that has questions that appear and the candidate has limited time to answer these questions, she added.

According to a Harvard Business Review article, AI-led interviews gauge the data collected, such as facial expression, eye movement, voice tone, vocabulary or pronunciation, to hire or reject candidates.

Employers understand that using AI can save them time, so we expect to see more of them using it in some way in the pre-screening interview process, Keith Spencer, a career expert at FlexJobs, was quoted as saying by CBS MoneyWatch. From the candidates perspective, it can be intimidating. Youre not interacting with a human  youre interacting with AI, which can feel kind of strange.

43% of companies may use AI for interviews

The survey by Resume Builder found that currently only 10 per cent of companies use AI for job interviews. However, nearly 43 per cent of recruiters said they plan to use the technology by next year for selecting candidates, reported Fox Business.

Around 15 per cent of employers said they will rely on AI from start to finish for hiring decisions without any human input.

As per NDTV, only 32 per cent of the companies said they will not deploy AI for interviews.

The survey included 2,286 employed Americans between the 18 to 64 age group involved in the recruitment process.

About two-thirds of these respondents believe AI will improve hiring efficiency and more than half predicted that the bot will eventually replace human hiring managers, as per the Fox Business report.

However, the companies are not entirely confident about the technology, with 80 per cent of those surveyed saying that AI interviews are more likely to nix qualified candidates, the report added.

ALSO READ: Fortune 500 companies are using AI to screen candidates. Heres how not to get rejected immediately

How to prepare for AI interviews?

Practice

Just like you practise before interviewing with a human recruiter, you must do the same to prepare for an interview with AI. Experts say practicing on video and recording it can help you study yourself later and work on your mistakes.

Speaking to CBS MoneyWatch, Jaser recommended a three-step process. First, ask another human, like a friend, to conduct your interview on a video call.

In the second case, ask the interviewer to switch off the camera so you can practise interviewing in front of a blank screen.

The last scenario involves using videoconferencing apps such as Zoom or Google Meet to prepare for an interview but in the absence of another human.

Record this video of you answering some practice questions and review it later, the expert added.

Look at the camera

Most of us cannot focus on looking at the camera during a video call as it feels awkward. Marcie Kirk Holland, executive director of the Internship and Career Center at the University of California, Davis, told The Washington Post that candidates can practise talking to the screen by putting up a photo of a loved one near the camera and then directly addressing them.

This could help you display a warmer disposition, make more eye contact and possibly even crack a smile  all of which could be assessed by the AI, reported the American daily.

Prepare what you will say

It is necessary to research the company, including reading the job description carefully, before sitting for the interview.

Experts say, in an AI interview, it becomes more important to use keywords from the job posting.

There is a good chance the AI-interview tool will be ranking you based on your use of keywords and phrases from the job description, FlexJobs Spencer told CBS MoneyWatch. If youre gregarious, dont rely completely on your charm. You want to have your facts straight and also have a clear understanding of the industry position, and be able to provide solid, tangible examples of your work.

Dont let AI intimidate you

AI is not perfect yet and it is bound to make mistakes. According to the Harvard Business Review article, candidates believe that when it comes to AI interviews they are being judged by some superior entity.

As the judgement by AI has been found to be potentially flawed and biased, job seekers should not let the technology bring down their self-confidence prior to, or during, an interview, the article added.

With inputs from agencies

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South Korea has turned back time on its citizens. On Wednesday, more than 50 million South Koreans woke up to being a year or two younger, as a new law came into effect concerning age.

The change in age comes after the South Korean parliament had passed a law on the same in December to scrap the countrys traditional method of counting age. As per the law, the so-called Korean Age system will no longer be permitted on documents and only the standardised method will remain.

In fact, President Yoon Suk-yeol had pushed strongly for the change when he ran for office last year. The traditional age-counting methods created unnecessary social and economic costs, he had said.

Reacting to the change, Seoul-based housewife, Lee Jung-hee told news agency AFP: It feels good. For people like me, who were supposed to turn 60 next year, it makes you feel like youre still young.

What is Korean age?

In South Korea, when a baby is born it is considered a year old. As the year changes on 1 January, the child gains one more year.

South Koreans also count age based on their birth year and not days. A child born in December then is already two by January.

The country is the last East Asian country to use this method of counting age; China, Japan, and even North Korea dropped this system decades ago, but it has endured in the South.

Why the change in the system?

The change in counting of age is to bring the country in line with the rest of the world. Earlier, Lee Yong-ho, the chief of the president-elects transition committee, had said that the different age calculations resulted in persistent confusion and unnecessary social and economic costs.

The call to change the way South Korea counted age came in January last year when health authorities used the international age and Korean ages interchangeably to set guidelines for COVID-19 vaccine guidelines and policies, reports The Korean Herald. This created a lot of confusion.

The government also hopes that the change in systems will ease confusion; for instance, the issue of pension for elderly Koreans as well as free travel benefits.

The change in the way South Korea counts age will also ease the countrys linguistic-linked hierarchies, reports AFP. Anthropologist Mo Hyun-joo told AFP, Age really matters because it affects ones relative social status and dictates which titles and honorifics one must use for others.

Its hard to communicate with people without knowing their age.

With the change, South Koreas hierarchical age-based culture (might) become neutralised a little over time, she noted.

But does Korea follow the international system?

Yes, it does. This means South Korea has three ways to count age.

For legal and administrative processes, the country has been using the international counting system since 1962.

In the other official way of counting age, babies are born at age 0 and gain a year annually on 1 January. Under this system, someone born in December 2020 is already one by January, even if they dont turn one until December 2021. This method is mainly used to define the legal age for areas of law that affect a significant percentage of the population, including military service conscription, reports BBC.

The third is the Korean age system where everyone is already a year old at birth and becomes older on New Years Day regardless of the birth date.

What are the problems with the traditional system?

There would be much less confusion if we could have the same idea of what it means to be how old we actually are, Lee had said earlier.

A wage dispute complaint was dragged to the Supreme Court, which ruled that workers should consider their international age when the company officially communicates to them its plan involving extra wages.

There have also been cases of parents trying to cheat the birth registration system because of worries that their children born in December will be at a disadvantage at school, as a result, later in life, reports BBC.

Has there never been an effort to change the system?

In the past, South Korean authorities have tried to bring in a uniform age-counting system.

In 2019 and 2021, two separate lawmakers proposed legislation to back the international age system. However, the bills were not signed into law.

What are the sentiments of the public?

When asked about the change earlier, seven out of 10 Koreans supported the move, according to pollster HanKook Research.

And as time reversed in South Korea on Wednesday, several people celebrated. One of them was Kim Ji-soo, an office worker. He told the Wall Street Journal that he had turned 30 in January. But with the new system he will be 29.

Park Jeong-yeon, also an office worker, also expressed her happiness at turning 28 from 30. She said that this gave her more time to meet her parents goal that she marries by her mid-30s.

However, some experts have their reservations. Jang Yoo-seung, a senior researcher at the Oriental Studies Research Centre in Dankook University told BBC that the Korean age is a reflection of tradition. Our society does not seem too concerned about abandoning tradition. Are we at risk of abandoning our own uniqueness and culture and becoming more monotonous, he asked.

With inputs from agencies

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The last few days have been alternately strange in Russia. The world has witnessed an armed insurrection against the Russian military that ended as abruptly as it began. But one man emerged as the luckiest: Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, who is now walking free after challenging President Vladimir Putin. Others who merely voiced criticism against the Kremlin did not face the same fate.

On Tuesday, Russias main domestic security agency, the FSB, said it had dropped the criminal investigation into last weeks revolt, with no charges against Prigozhin or any of the other participants, even though about a dozen Russian troops were killed in clashes.

Also Read: Where is Vladimir Putin now that Wagner Group has withdrawn its rebellion? What is his next move?

The Kremlin had promised not to prosecute Prigozhin after reaching an agreement with him that he would halt the uprising and retreat to neighbouring Belarus. That came even though President Vladimir Putin vowed to punish those behind the rebellion.

Asked about this U-turn by The Associated Press during a conference call with reports on Tuesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refused to comment.



Prigozhins escape from prosecution  at least for now  was in stark contrast to how the Kremlin has deals with anti-government protests like speaking out against the war in Ukraine or challenging Putins rule.

When asked about it, Peskov cited Putins will  to prevent the events from developing according to the worst case scenario, along with promises and guarantees given to Prigozhin.

Selective prosecution

Ivan Pavlov, a prominent lawyer who has worked on many high-profile cases involving the FSB, told AP that laws dont work in Russia, and if they do, its very selective.

The reason, Pavlov said, is political expedience.

That the case against Prigozhin was dropped is nothing short of a disgrace.

Imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been thrown into an isolation cell at the penal colony where he is serving nine years for minor transgressions of prison rules.

Also Read: What the brief mutiny in Russia says about Putins hold on power

I would love to see Navalnys face at the next court hearing over incorrectly buttoning (his prison garb) when it he is told that an armed rebellion case was closed because the person implicated in it agreed to leave to Belarus, said Navalny ally Georgy Alburov in a tweet on Tuesday.

When Navalny learned about the rebellion from his lawyers during a court hearing, he said he thought it was a joke.

They were telling me about the seizure of Rostov, the helicopters that had been shot down, and the armed column heading for Moscow  I kept expecting someone to suddenly yell You got punkd! But no one did, a social media post by Navalny said.

Then again, Prigozhin had longtime links to Putin and has won lucrative Kremlin catering contracts before founding the private military contractor Wagner, which has sent forces to Syria, African countries and Ukraine.

Discrediting the army

Publicly spreading false information about the Russian army or discrediting it became a criminal offence a week after the Kremlin sent its troops into Ukraine on 24 February 2022. Authorities use the law to clamp down on anyone speaking out against the war or deviating from its official narrative.

The crackdown has been sweeping across Russia, with law enforcement targeting both prominent opposition figures and ordinary citizens.

Opposition politician Ilya Yashin received eight-and-a-half years in prison after being convicted on this charge for decrying atrocities by Russian troops in the Kyiv suburb of Bucha. A colleague on a Moscow municipal council, Alexei Gorinov, got seven years on the same charges.

In a Facebook post from his legal team, Yashin noted that Prigozhin slammed the entire military leaderships face into a table, captured a city and fired at Russian military aircraft.

But he then noted that Gorinov, opposition figure Evgeny Roizman and himself are still the ones discrediting the army. Of course.

St. Petersburg artist Sasha Skochilenko is on trial for replacing four small price tags in a supermarket with antiwar slogans. She has spent over a year in pretrial detention and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

A single father in the Tula region south of Moscow was sentenced to two years after his teenage daughter made an antiwar painting at school.

Also Read: Where is Yevgeny Prigozhin? Whats happening with Wagner Group?

According to OVD-Info, a prominent Russian rights group that provides legal aid, 603 people face criminal charges for antiwar stances as of late June. Many were fined for war protests, which authorities deem to be discrediting the army  including those who held up blank pieces of paper or Leo Tolstoys novel War and Peace.

Prigozhin, who for months publicly blasted military leadership with expletive-ridden insults on social media, never faced those charges.

Vandalising enlistment offices

Prigozhin also admitted that his fighters struck Russian military aircraft during the revolt, leading to the deaths of those aboard.

A number of ordinary Russians who threw Molotov cocktails or otherwise tried to set military enlistment offices on fire as part of their expression of outrage over the war, were handed long prison terms, even though those acts rarely caused major damage.

Also Read: How the Wagner Group chiefs revolt could benefit Ukraine

Since the war began, Russian media reported at least 77 attempts to set enlistment offices on fire. Many have resulted in convictions.

The longest sentence so far  19 years  has been given to Roman Nasryev and Alexei Nuriyev, who were accused of throwing Molotov cocktails into an enlistment office in the town of Bakal, in the Chelyabinsk region. The fire was small and no one was hurt, media reports said.

Nasryev told the court he was expressing his disagreement with the special military operation, the term the Kremlin uses for the war in Ukraine.

A sentence of 13 years was handed to Kiril Butylin, a plumber in a town outside Moscow. He was charged with vandalism, public calls for terrorist activity and a terrorist act after he painted a Ukrainian flag and wrote an antiwar slogan on a wall of an enlistment office and threw two Molotov cocktails at it.

Sentences for others for trying to set fire to such offices ranged from to one-and-a-half to 12 years.

Charges of treason

In a speech to the nation on Saturday, Putin used the term treason to refer to Prigozhins rebellion. Its a grave offence in Russia that is adjudicated in secrecy and almost never results in an acquittal.

In recent years, it has been wielded against Kremlin critics, scientists working on international research and, most recently, Russians who oppose the war and donate money to support Ukraines army.

On Monday, 70-year-old aerospace scientist Valery Golubkin was convicted of treason and given a 12-year prison term over state secrets to representatives foreign organisations. Golubkin maintained his innocence, and his lawyers argued he was working on an international project and was permitted to share data with his foreign partners.

Earlier this year, top opposition figure Vladimir Kara-Murza Jr was convicted of treason for publicly denouncing the war and was sentenced to 25 years.

Last year, former journalist Ivan Safronov was convicted of treason and sentenced to 22 years for passing military secrets to Czech intelligence and a German national. Safronov insisted on his innocence, and many Russian journalists view the case against him as revenge for his reporting that exposed shady arms deals.

With inputs from AP

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Centuries-old temples with rich history dot India. Each has a legend of its own. And while millions throng Indias famous mandirs every year, several ancient places of worship are lost in time. There is little we know about them and their gloried past. Now a project backed by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) called Jaane Apne Mandir or Know Your Temples aims to change that.

The initiative, which was launched on Tuesday in New Delhi, is focused on finding forgotten temples across the country with a storied past and creating awareness about them.

The temple project

Present at the event held in New Delhi was Bharatiya Janata Partys Biplab Kumar Deb, former Tripura chief minister and now the party in charge in Haryana; Swami Jitendranand Saraswati, a senior functionary of the Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti (ABSS), a top body of Hindu seers and religious leaders; and Milind Parande, VHP general secretary.

Deb, wrote on Twitter, that the temple project was an effort to bring ancient temples on a single platform through the digital medium. Calling the initiative commendable, he wrote in Hindi, which has been roughly translated, that material related to Sanatan temples, traditions and stories will be released on social media, an OTT platform and a website.

 NDMC  ,                    #KnowYourTemples                           pic.twitter.com/KiXjyByib2  Biplab Kumar Deb (@BjpBiplab) June 27, 2023



Some work on the project has already started including the documentation of more than 300 temples. Information on the history of the shrines and their present stories will be uploaded to a website, which is in the making. The festivals linked to the mandirs, the time of puja and the route to get there will be available on it.

An app and theme song has launched at the event and there is a lot more to come.

The temple economy

Saraswati, citing a 2015 report from the World Gold Council, said that Indias temples hold 22,000 tonnes of gold which is worth as much as one trillion dollars. He said that gold prices have doubled since the report was published, according to a report in ThePrint, adding that the value of the gold would not be two trillion dollars, which could help realise the dream of a five-trillion economy. According to him, temples in India employ 35 crore people.

The ABSS functionary was also quoted as saying by ThePrint that while 3.5 crore tourists visited Goa in a certain year, 10 crore went to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Uttar Pradeshs Varanasi. When pilgrims visit Kashi (the ancient name for Varanasi), they also provide employment opportunities to several locals. They buy Benarasi sarees which give employment to Muslim weavers also. In a way, one temple runs the economy of a whole city, he said, the publication reports.

The focus on Haryana

The initiative aims to popularise old and forgotten mandirs across the country, but for now, the focus is on those in Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi.

Temples in Haryana like Chameli Van Hanuman Temple of Hodal and Pandav Van Temple of Nuh are part of this project. The others include Chandigarhs Old Shiv Temple and Delhi shrines like the 16th-Century Vishweshwar Temple in Connaught Place and Yogmaya temple in Mehrauli, dedicated to Goddess Yogamaya, considered to be Lord Krishnas sister.

A report in News18 says that Haryana was selected keeping in mind the state Assembly elections next year. The wrestlers protest and the farmers agitation have given the BJP in the state reasons to worry. Anti-incumbency is another factor.

Delhi and Chandigarh, the two Union territories, adjoining the state provide employment opportunities to people from Haryana and hence matter. The choice of these places is careful, sources told News18.

Sanjay Mishra, a former journalist and officer of special duty to Biplab Kumar Deb, is spearheading the project. He denied that the initiative is connected to the Harayan elections.

The reason we started with Haryana is because it is considered to be the home of the Gods. Hari translates to God (Vishnu) and Ayana is home. So Haryana was a natural choice to kick-start the project, Mishra told News18.

The control of temples

At the event, Parande once again emphasised VHPs old demand to free temples from the control of the state. Hindus donate hundreds of crores in temples. It should be our right to know whether this money is being spent for the welfare of Hindus, or on something else, he said, according to ThePrint.

He also spoke about a future where not even a single temple is destroyed.

In April, Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that temple priests would be given the right to sell temple land in the state, reports ANI. The state government will have no control over the activities of the temples. Now, collectors will be unable to auction off the land attached to our temples. The priests associated with the temples will now be able to auction these lands, he said.

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Pakistan has enacted a law that limits the period lawmakers can be disqualified from office, which, as per reports, has opened the way for exiled former premier Nawaz Sharifs return to politics. He has been in self-exile in United Kingdoms London since November 2019 after getting a four-week bail from the Lahore High Court on medical grounds.

Before leaving for London, three-time former Pakistan prime minister Sharif was serving a seven-year prison term in Lahores Kot Lakhpat Jail in the Al-Azizia corruption case.

What is the bill that has enabled Nawaz Sharifs potential return to Pakistan and its politics? What can happen next? Lets take a closer look.

Pakistans Elections (Amendment) Act 2023

On Sunday (25 June), Pakistans National Assembly passed the Elections (Amendment) Act 2023, allowing courts to disqualify parliamentarians only for a period not exceeding five years, reported AFP.

According to a Dawn report, the amendment to Section 232 (Qualifications and Disqualifications) of the Elections Act states: Notwithstanding anything contained in any other provision of this Act, any other law for the time being in force and judgement, order or decree of any court, including the Supreme Court and a high court, the disqualification of a person to be elected, chosen or to remain as a member of the Parliament or provincial assembly under paragraph (f) of clause (1) of Article 62 of the Constitution shall be for a period not exceeding five years from the declaration of the court of law in that regard and such declaration shall be subject to the due process of law.

The legislation also empowers the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to set the date for elections unilaterally, without consulting the President of the country, the report added.

As per Geo News, Pakistans interim president Sadiq Sanjrani signed the bill into law on Monday (26 June). Sanjrani has been serving as the acting president in the absence of President Arif Alvi who is in Saudi Arabia on the Hajj pilgrimage.

Person-specific legislation

Attacking the government, the Opposition called the legislation a person-specific legislation that would benefit Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Sharif and Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) patron Jahangir Khan Tareen, as per Dawn.

Both leaders were disqualified by courts for more than five years.

Will Nawaz Sharif return?

It is quite likely that 73-year-old Nawaz, the elder brother of Pakistan prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, will be making a comeback to politics.

The ruling PML-N and its coalition partners want to bring Nawaz Sharif back, political analyst Hasan Askari was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.

The bill has been passed to achieve this objective.

He, however, added that it is not yet clear if Nawaz will contest the upcoming general elections which are expected to be held in October this year.

The tenure of the incumbent National Assembly is set to expire in August. As per Pakistans Constitution, fresh general elections must be conducted within 60 days of the end of the term, reported PTI.

Nawaz Sharif will be the main campaigner for PML-N in the next election, Askari told AFP. His return will be very helpful for the party politically, but its not clear whether he himself will contest the election.

Nawaz Sharif was holding the post of Pakistans premier when he was disqualified by the Supreme Court in 2017. A year later, the apex court barred him for life from assuming public office in the Panama Papers case.

Last week, a Pakistani accountability court acquitted Nawaz in an alleged 37-year-old bribe case where he was accused of illegally transferring precious state land in the Punjab provinces capital to one of the countrys leading media barons.

However, not all of his legal woes are over yet, including the graft allegations that led to his ouster in 2017.

ALSO READ: Why Imran Khans Enemy No 1 is Pak army chief General Asim Munir

Big Dubai meet

According to Pakistani media, PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and former Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) met earlier this week in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Maryam Nawaz, Nawazs daughter and senior vice president of PML-N, and PPP chairman and Zardaris son  Bilawal Bhutto Zardari  were also present at this meet in Dubai, sources told The Express Tribune.

Both PML-N and PPP are part of the ruling coalition Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM).

As per a Dawn News report, the two leaders discussed key issues, including names for the caretaker setup and who will hold which key position if the alliance comes to power in the next general elections.

The uncertainty surrounding the next general elections may end soon after detailed deliberations by the top leadership of the two main coalition partners in the federal government are concluded in the UAE, the report cited sources as saying.

Sources told The Express Tribune that issues such as the date of dissolution of the assemblies for general elections and the current political situation in Pakistan were also part of the deliberations.

Speaking to Dawn, a PML-N insider said the main agenda of the key meeting between the two veteran politicians was the upcoming polls this year. If the elections are held at their scheduled time, then the caretaker set-up in the centre will be of the PPP and PML-Ns choosing after taking Maulana Fazlur Rehman on board, of course, the source was quoted as saying.

Shehbaz Sharif may also arrive in Dubai to take part in further discussions, the PML-N source added.

Lead nation to fourth term

Earlier in June, 71-year-old Shehbaz Sharif urged his elder brother to come back from Britain, lead the partys poll campaign and become the prime minister for a fourth time, as per reports.

I was waiting for my elder brother  who has been in self-imposed exile in London since November 2019 owing to health reasons  to return to Pakistan and then hold the party meeting so he could hand over the PML-Ns presidency back to him, the Pakistan premier said at the central general council meeting of the PML-N, as per the PTI report.

According to Geo News, the Pakistan prime minister signalled that his elder brother will return to the country soon. You will see that the map of politics will change when Nawaz Sharif returns to Pakistan, he added.

With inputs from agencies

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The mutiny is over and the rebellious leader is now in exile. After carrying out a march towards the Kremlin, Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin is now in exile in Belarus, as confirmed by Belarussian president Alexander Lukashenko. Reports state that Prigozhin, the one-time close aide of Vladimir Putin, is staying in one of the few hotels in the capital Minsk that does not have any windows in order to protect him from assassination attempts.

And what about his troops? Russias Federal Security Service announced that it had closed a criminal case against the Wagner fighters who were seeking to topple the countrys military leadership. Additionally, Russian president Vladimir Putin announced that Wagner fighters could sign a contract with the Russian military, return to their families or move to Belarus. The heavy military hardware held by the Wagner Group would also be transferred to Russian troops.

Does this mean its the end of the Wagner Group? If reports are to be believed, then the Wagner Group is instead thriving and receiving recruits from unexpected corners. One of the areas from where it is getting its new workforce is Nepal, and the famed Gorkha warriors are now becoming its youngest and fiercest recruits.

We take a closer look at what is prompting these famed warriors to head to Moscow? What is the lure behind the Russian private military? How is India connected to it?

Gorkhas in Wagner

In recent days, reports have emerged that a number of Nepali Gorkhas have made their way to Russia to join PMC Wagner. There is no data on the number of Nepali youths joining Russian forces. But it is an open secret that Nepali youths are enlisting as private citizens.

For the unaware, the Gorkhas are Nepals famous warriors and have earned the reputation of being fearless and strong. Their motto Better to die than be a coward reflects their bravery. It is because of their valour that Nepal has a long tradition of sending its youths to serve as soldiers for the British and Indians through formal channels. Nepali youths have been drafted into the British Army since 1815 as British Gorkhas. This tradition carried over after India achieved independence through the Indian Gorkhas. Such is their standing that in recent times even China has been trying to induct them into the Peoples Liberation Army.

Now, even though there is no formal agreement between Russia and Nepal, several of the Nepali youths are finding their way into the private military company. One Nepal Army retiree told The Diplomat that he found his way to Moscow after working as a security guard in Dubai. He told the magazine that he travelled to Moscow as a tourist and joined the army at a Russian recruitment centre.

And he is definitely not alone. Several videos have surfaced in social media showing Nepali youths taking military training in Russia.

Reason to join Wagner

But what has prompted Nepals Gorkhas to make their way to Russia and join the private military? There are several reasons to this shift. First and foremost, on 16 May, Russian authorities made it easy to access citizenship. They stated that the process of applying for citizenship would be made easier for those who provide a year of military service. Primarily, the new law said that those individuals and their family members who serve in the army will be able to apply for Russian citizenship without the need to obtain a residence permit.

Additionally, Moscow does not look for Russian language proficiency for recruitment of foreigners. The lure of working in Russia compared to Nepal where unemployment rates are as high as 11.2 per cent is a driving factor for many of the Gorkha recruits.

One of the youngsters, who has been recruited by Wagner, was quoted as telling Nepal Press that he was studying at a Russian state university and his visa was about to expire. I had two options  return to Nepal and be unemployed or get a job in the Russian Army.

He added that even during the training period he was earning a salary of around Nepali Rs 50,000 along with insurance. If I dont die in one year, I will live here, the Nepali youth told the Kathmandu-based news service.

Another reason for Nepali Gorkhas wanting to join the Russias Wagner Group is India. Earlier, a large number of Gorkhas were recruited into the Indian Army. However, Indias new Agnipath scheme, wherein troops will be enlisted for shorter contract tenures and no pension, has become a sticking point between the two nations. Unhappy with the scheme, Nepal has stopped the 200-year-old recruitment process until more clarity was provided.

Also read: How Indian Army will recruit Nepali Gorkhas under Agnipath scheme and why it's a concern

The third reason why Nepali Gorkhas are choosing Russia is easy access to Europe and the promise of a better life. As one recruit told Nepal Press, I was thinking of joining the French Army. There was a long process, and it was difficult to enter Europe. Russia is easy.

Also, the Wagner Group, until the rebellion, had acquired a reputation. Its hard-fought victory in the Ukrainian town of Bakhmut had created an aura of bravery around it. Moreover, many believe that Wagner pays its recruits very well and rewards them with perks  reports state that a Wagner soldier is paid up to $2,500 (Rs 2.04 lakh) whereas the average monthly income in Russia is well below $1,000 (Rs 81,000).

As The Diplomat noted: The Nepali youths are eager to join irrespective of their own ideological lines.

A cause to worry

India has taken note of this development with former Army Chief General Ved Prakash Malik saying that India should stay alert and not employ those individuals who have been recruited as mercenaries. Speaking to ETV Bharat, the former chief said that he understood how a dearth of jobs could lead some to be enticed. Frankly speaking at this moment, I have no idea about how many Nepalis have joined Wagner in Russia. But whenever there is dearth of jobs, some of them may get enticed to such offers.

The Congress also reacted to the news with communications chief Jairam Ramesh tweeting: Gorkhas are universally acknowledged to be among the finest soldiers in the world. Yet the ill-conceived Agnipath scheme has interrupted a 200-year-old recruitment process and no Gurkha soldiers will be entering the Indian Army in 2023. This disruption is leading to Gurkhas being recruited by private military companies like the Wagner Group that recently revolted against the Russian government.

With inputs from agencies

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The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is back in the spotlight after Prime Minister Narendra Modi endorsed it while talking to booth-level workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday. In what is seen as the first public push for the UCC by the PM, he said that the country cannot have separate laws for its people.

Modis speech has not gone down well with certain minority communities and a few Opposition parties. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) held an online emergency meeting to oppose the proposed implementation of the common law.

We take a look at how the implementation of UCC will affect personal laws in the country.

What is the Uniform Civil Code?

The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is the proposal to have one law for the entire country, which will apply to all religious communities in personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, succession, custody and adoption. Currently, in India, each religion has varied stipulations. Hindus have their own laws on marriage, inheritance, etc, which differ from Muslims, Christians, and Parsis. However, the UCC aims to change that.

The UCC finds a mention in the Constitution. Article 44 of the Constitution  one of the Directive Principles of State Policy  lays down that the State shall endeavour to secure for citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India.

While the vision of common law was enshrined in the Indian Constitution as a goal the nation should strive for, it is not a fundamental right or Constitutional guarantee.

In his speech, PM Modi said that the idea of UCC was debated by those who wrote the Constitution.

Also read: Why is the Uniform Civil Code so divisive?

What did the PM say about UCC?

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been a big backer of the UCC and has included it in every manifesto since 1998. Several states ruled by the saffron party like Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam have promised to introduce the common law. Now PM has publicly backed it and the matter is likely to become the forefront of the partys campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Addressing booth-level workers at the BJP event called Mera Booth, Sabse Mazboot in Madhya Pradesh, Modi said that the country should not have different laws for different categories. In a home, can there be one law for one member and another member? Will that home be able to function? Then how will the country function with a dual system Let us remember that the Constitution recommends uniform all for all citizens, he added.

This is the first time Modi has publicly advocated for the UCC since coming to power in 2014.

The PM also said that the Opposition was trying to instigate Muslims on the issue of the UCC. If they genuinely cared about the welfare of Muslims, then most families, my Muslim brothers and sisters, would not lag behind in education and employment, and they would not be forced to live a life of hardships. The Supreme Court has repeatedly says bring a Uniform Civil Code. But people hungry for vote-bank politics are the ones causing difficulties for our marginalised Muslim brothers and sisters, he said.

The PMs speech comes days after the Law Commission sought views from the public and religious organisations on the politically sensitive matter. On 14 June, the Centres panel said that those interested and willing can present their views within 30 days.

Also read: Uniform Civil Code: Time to delegitimise appeasement politics

Why is the Muslim law board against UCC?

The PMs speech prompted the Muslim law board to hold a meeting to discuss the UCC. However, it denied that there was a connection between Modis address and their huddle.

AIMPLB decided late Tuesday that it would oppose tooth and nail any move to bring in a common law in the country.

Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, chairman of the Islamic Centre of India and member of AIMPLB, told Hindustan Times (HT) that the AIMPLB was chalking out a strategy to counter the proposed move of the government by presenting our view in front of the law commission more powerfully. He said that the UCC would not only affect Muslims but also Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Jews, Parsis and other minorities in the country.

India is a country where language changes every 100 km. So, how can we have the same set of rules for all communities? Every community has a different way of praying, performing rituals and conducting ceremonies like marriage. The freedom to practice ones own faith and way of life is granted to everyone by the Constitution, Khalid told HT.

How will the UCC affect religious communities?

The UCC would streamline laws related to marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, succession, and guardianship.

If the UCC is introduced existing laws like the Hindu Marriage Act (1955), the Hindu Succession Act (1956), and the Muslim Personal Law Application Act (1937), will technically be dissolved.

The Supreme Court has in the past supported the introduction of the UCC. In August 2017, the top court declared talaq-e-biddat (instant or triple talaq) illegal and in July 2019, Parliament passed a law making it an offence punishable by three years of imprisonment.

The most landmark ruling was in the Shah Bano case in 1985 when the SC upheld the right of a Muslim woman seeking alimony. The judgment snowballed into a political controversy and the extent to which courts can intervene in Muslim personal laws, according to a report by The Indian Express. However, the ruling was undone by Parliament.

While triple talaq is banned, practices such as contract marriage (mutah), short-term marriage to another man in case of divorce (Nikah halala), and renunciation of marital rights like living together (misyar marriage) and polygamy are allowed under Islamic law. These are likely to become ineffective if the UCC is implemented.

The Hindu Succession Act will also be affected. The law around succession currently recognises the family members of the husband as primary heirs of the deceased wife, with the wifes parents and siblings considered secondary heirs. This has been challenged in the top court with a petition seeking to remove the discrimination between heirs of men and women. The Law Commission has in the past sought reforms of inheritance laws among Hindus.

Marriage laws that govern the Sikh are covered by the Anand Marriage Act of 1909. However, there is no provision for divorce. Sikh separations are then governed by the Hindu Marriage Act, but if UCC is introduced a common law is likely to apply to all communities.

The laws of adoption also vary in communities. Parsis do not recognise the rights of adoptive daughters while an adopted son can only perform the last rites of the father. They do not have the right of inheritance, according to a report in India Today.

The guardianship and custody laws for all religions will be common if the UCC is introduced.

With inputs from agencies

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Sweden once again saw a Quran-burning protest by a right-wing activist on Wednesday (28 June). The demonstration, which coincided with Eid-al-Adha  a three-day Muslim holiday, was held outside the main mosque in Stockholm.

The police later charged the man with agitation against an ethnic or national group, reported Reuters.

The act is expected to upset Turkey and further complicate Swedens bid to join the Western military alliance, NATO. Condemning the incident, Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan said that it was unacceptable to allow anti-Islam protests in the name of freedom of expression.

This is not the first time that Sweden witnessed the burning of the Muslim holy book.

Lets take a closer look at what is going on, what happened in the past, and how this can affect Sweden.

Police allow Quran-burning protest

Swedish police gave permission for the small demonstration outside the Stockholm mosque where the organiser had said he will tear up the Quran and burn it, reported Reuters.

As per news agency AFP, the police said in its permit for Wednesdays demonstration said that the security risks linked to the Quran burning were not of a nature that could justify, under current laws, a decision to reject the request.

This came two weeks after a Swedish appeals court dismissed the polices decision to deny permits to two protests in Stockholm which were to include the burning of the sacred Muslim book, according to the news agency.

Two people showed up for the Wednesday demonstration, including the organiser  Salwan Momika, as per Reuters.

Momika describes himself as an atheist and an Iraqi refugee seeking to ban the Quran. He also says he is a member of the far-right Sweden Democrats, as per The National News report.

In a recent post, he alleged that Swedens freedom and laws are in danger and that police are trying to impose the Quran on you, the report added.

Momikas previous request for a similar demonstration was blocked.

The police took precautions ahead of the Wednesday protest and called in reinforcements from across Sweden to maintain law and order, reported AFP.

Previous Quran-burning demonstration

Sweden caused an uproar in the Muslim world in January when a Danish far-right politician burned the Quran during a protest outside Turkeys embassy in Stockholm.

Reacting sharply to the incident, Turkey condemned the act and its foreign ministry said that allowing the protest under the guise of freedom of expression is completely unacceptable. The Turkish foreign minister had blasted the Swedish government, saying it had taken part in this crime by allowing this vile act, as per a CNN report.

It also led to Turkey scrapping a visit by Swedens defense minister to Ankara. The incident further sparked outrage in the Turkish capital with people burning the Swedish flag outside the Swedish embassy in response.

According to The Guardian, Sweden also criticised the January protest, with its foreign minister, Tobias Billstrom, saying that Islamophobic provocations were appalling. Sweden has a far-reaching freedom of expression, but it does not imply that the Swedish government, or myself, support the opinions expressed.

Rasmus Paludan, who was behind the Quran-burning incident in January, is a rabid Muslim hater, according to a TRT World article.

The Hard Line party leader has also been convicted for racist abuse. As per AFP, he provoked rioting in Sweden last year after he toured the country and publicly burned copies of the Muslim holy book.

However, Paludan is not likely to be a part of the Wednesday demonstration, reported Reuters.

As per The Guardian report in late January, Paludans protest was funded by Chang Frick, a far-right journalist with links to Kremlin-backed media.

Frick, who now does media spots for the far-right Sweden Democrats, was a former contributor to the Kremlin-backed channel RT, previously called Russia Today, the report added. However, he claimed that setting alight the Muslim holy book wasnt my idea.

After facing backlash due to the January incident, including condemnation from Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Kuwait, Sweden had banned gatherings outside Turkish and Iraqi embassies in February as it appeared they would include the burning of the Quran, reported The National News.

ALSO READ: Finland gets a yes. But, why is Turkey sitting on Swedens NATO bid?

Swedens NATO bid

The Wednesday demonstration is once again likely to threaten Swedens chances of joining NATO. While 28 out of NATOs 30 members have assented to Swedens bid to join the military alliance, Turkey and Hungary have continued to hold out for their own reasons.

But it is Turkey that is seen as the main roadblock to Swedens NATO membership.

Speaking to the newspaper Aftonbladet in April, Momika had said he did not want to sabotage the Swedish NATO bid. I dont want to harm this country that received me and preserved my dignity.

However, his actions on Wednesday are expected to cause widespread anger, including in Turkey.

After the January incident, an aide to Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said that Sweden must wake up to the reality of terror groups intent on preventing Swedens NATO membership by poisoning their relationship with us.

Meanwhile, Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson is confident that his country will be a part of NATO but has admitted that it may not happen before the next big summit of the military alliance in Vilnius in July.

Kristersson said recently: Sweden will become a NATO member.

Weve also said that we respect that it is Turkey that makes Turkish decisions and it is good we now have another meeting  and maybe we can address the odd question mark ahead of the Vilnius summit in that kind of conversation, the prime minister was further quoted as saying by Deutsche Welle (DW).

Earlier in June, Erdogan said NATO should not expect Turkey to green-light Swedens application to join the Western military alliance before the July summit.

With inputs from agencies

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A fresh row has broken out over the hijab  this time in Kerala.

Some medical students have demanded that they be allowed to wear long sleeve scrub jackets and surgical hoods inside operation theatres as an alternative to the hijab.

But what happened exactly? And what are the students demanding?

Lets take a closer look:

What happened?

Women students from Government Medical College have penned a letter to principal Dr Linnette J Morris expressing concern about not being allowed to don hijabs inside operating theatres.

According to The Times of India, the letter has been written by a student from the 2020 batch.

The letter dated 26 June is signed by six other students from the 2018, 2021 and 2022 batches.

Hijab-wearing women have a difficult time finding a balance between donning the compliant religious attire and maintaining modesty while also complying with hospital and operation room regulations, the letter states.

According to our religious belief, wearing hijab is mandatory for Muslim women under all circumstances, the letter adds.

The students asked that they be allowed to wear long sleeve scrub jackets and surgical hoods as an alternative based on options available for hospital personnel in other parts of the world.

Long-sleeve scrub jackets and surgical hoods are available, which allow us to maintain sterile precautions as well as our hijab, they added.

The letter asked the principal to investigate the matter and grant them permission to do so at the earliest.

Patients safety is paramount

Morris, confirming shed received the letter, said she explained to the students the need to follow the prescribed precautionary practices inside the operation theatres and the necessity to adhere to the present globally accepted dress code.

The principal said it is not practically possible to wear long-sleeve jackets, as they demand, inside the theatres as several rounds of scrub-up (washing up to the elbow in running water) are involved while doing a surgical procedure or assisting in it.

It is a globally accepted procedure and practice inside the operation theatre, she explained.

She said the operation theatre is a highly sterile zone, and the health and safety of patients are of utmost priority there.

An anaesthetist by profession, the college principal said the safety of patients cannot be compromised.

We cannot simply cross over the existing procedures and practices inside operation theatres. I explained to them all the problems involved in it, the principal told PTI.

To address the concerns of the students, Morris said she assured them she would form a committee of surgeons to look into the matter.

There is an infection control team comprising the staff nurse, microbiologist, and all. I told the students that we would discuss the pros and cons of the matter and let them know about the final outcome, she added.

According to The Times of India, the letter contains language similar to that from the website Hijab in the OR.

The website is run by gynecologist resident physician Dr Deena Kishawi.

Dr Kishawi, born and raised in Chicago, seeks to give voice to the difficulties faced by hijab-wearing women in surgery and to create educational material about Muslims in medicine.

Dr Kishawi posted a similar article on social media in 2018.

Experts agreed with principal Morris.

Dr Rajan P, emeritus professor of surgery, Govt. Medical College, Kozhikode and national executive committee member of the Association of Surgeons of India, told The Times of India, We have a standard system and set of practices being followed all over the world irrespective of caste, creed or religion. We shouldnt attempt to bring religion into the medical field. Earlier, nuns used to wear their religious dress in theatres, but they went back to wearing the conventional surgical dress. We shouldnt dilute the principles we follow to ensure a sterile operating room.

Past hijab controversies in Kerala, Karnataka

This isnt the first time the hijab and Muslim students have been at the centre of controversy.

In January, the Kerala government dismissed a plea by a Muslim student seeking permission to wear hijab and full-sleeve dress in the Student Police Cadet project.

The Student Police Cadet (SPC) Project is a school-based youth development initiative that trains high school students to evolve as future leaders of a democratic society by inculcating within them respect for the law, discipline, civic sense, empathy for vulnerable sections of society and resistance to social evils.

The Muslim student cited her religious obligations as the reason for wearing the hijab.

However, the government said such a waiver in the state polices programme would significantly affect secularism in the state.

In its order, the State Home Department said the government, after careful examination of her representation is fully satisfied that the demand of the complainant is not considerable. Also, if such a waiver is considered in the Student Police Cadet project, similar demands will be made on other similar forces, which will significantly affect the secularism of the state. Therefore, it is not appropriate to give any indication such that the religious symbols are highlighted in the uniform under the Student Police Cadet project, it said.

The girl filed the petition with the state government after the Kerala High Court rejected her plea seeking to be attired in full-sleeves and headscarf (hijab) for Student Police uniform. The court, however, had directed that she was free to submit a representation before the government narrating her grievance raised in the writ petition. She submitted the representation before the state government in compliance with the judgment of the high court.

The student had moved the court after the faculty of the Student Police Cadets informed her that wearing head scarf and full sleeve dress according to Islamic beliefs would not be allowed.

The hijab has also been at the centre of controversy in Karnataka with a row erupting in 2021 after the then BJP government in an order said uniforms were compulsory and no exception would be made for wearing the hijab.

In December 2021, six girls were barred from entering a classroom wearing a hijab in a government school in Udupi.

The girls filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court  which in March 2022 upheld the ban and ruled that wearing the hijab is not essential religious practice.

The ruling was then appealed to the Supreme Court.

The two-judge bench apex court in October 2022 rendered a split decision  with Justice Hemant Gupta upholding the high court ruling and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia rejecting it.

The bench at the time directed that the matter be placed before the Chief Justice of India (CJI) for appropriate directions.

The Supreme Court has since stated that it will create a three-judge bench to hear the matter.

With inputs from agencies

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China has banned a prominent Chinese financial journalist from social media. The reason: the influential journalist slammed the countrys slow economic position, comparing the situation in the East Asian nation to the 1930s Great Depression.

Identified as, Wu Xiaobo, he has more than 4.7 million followers on his Weibo account. According to a banner displayed on his page on Tuesday, the account is currently in a banned state due to violation of relevant laws and regulations.

Journalist highlight rising unemployment

Content moderators on Weibo  a Twitter-like platform  said on Monday they had blocked three verified users for spreading smears against the development of the securities market and hyping up the unemployment rate.

Weibo did not give the full usernames of the blocked accounts, but said one of them had a three-character name starting with Wu and ending with Bo.

Chinas post-COVID economic recovery has faltered, with lacklustre data in recent weeks signalling that the rebound is running out of steam.

Wus Weibo page appeared on Tuesday to have been scrubbed of all content posted since April 2022.

-In #CCP occupied #China you must brush everything under the carpet

-Prominent #Chinese financial journalist Wu Xiaobo compared China economic problems to Great Depression

-His 4.7 Mil Weibo account promptly banned

-No one knows his whereabouts  Reeducation Center or MSS dungeon pic.twitter.com/YmOu7dJYZE  Insightful Geopolitics (@InsightGL) June 28, 2023

Wu did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment.

His regular column on the website of the Chinese financial magazine Caixin has long detailed the country's economic woes, including a declining birthrate and skyrocketing youth unemployment.

"The huge army of the unemployed is likely to become a fuse that ignites the powder keg," he wrote in a May column that compared the situation with the Great Depression of the 1930s.

In another recent column, he asked whether monetary easing would be able to "solve current economic problems".

Those columns, however, had not been scrubbed from the internet as of Tuesday.

China's domestic media is state-controlled, and widespread censorship of social media is often used to suppress negative stories or critical coverage.

Regulators have previously urged investors to avoid reading foreign news reports about China, while analysts and economists have been suspended from social media for airing pessimistic views.

Unemployment rate in China

Data released in March by the National Bureau of Statistics showed China's economic recovery after the COVID pandemic on pace, but highlighted a weakness in youth unemployment, which is expected to worsen.

The jobless rate for 16- to 24-year-olds hit 18.1 per cent in the January-to-February period, compared to 16.7 per cent in December. The overall unemployment rate also increased to 5.6 per cent, reports CNN.

It increased further in May, hitting 20.8 per cent, with young people having a more difficult time finding job as the labour market becomes more competitive. Chinas new premier Li Qiang admitted that the creation of job remains a big challenge.

This years college graduates are expected to reach 11.58 million people. From the perspective of employment, there will be certain pressure, he said.

Due to the lack of jobs, fresh Chinese graduates are posting pictures of themselves slumped over a chair, collapsed against a wall and prostrated on the ground wearing graduation gowns as a form of rebellion, as per a report in Wion. The images are a type of silent protest in which students pose as corpses with the message "more dead than alive."

China's private sector employs 80 per cent of the overall workforce, and it has been devastated by the country's now-abandoned zero-COVID policy.

With input from AFP

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Rains have brought Mumbai, Indias financial capital to a standstill yet again.

Low-lying areas were waterlogged and local trains running late.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted even more showers on the way with moderate to intense rain spells in isolated places.

The BMC has also predicted the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next few days and ordered officials to visit low-lying areas and take prompt action.

But why does Mumbai keep struggling with waterlogging year after year?

Lets take a closer look:

According to NDTV, one major reason for Mumbais continued struggles is its topography  some low-lying areas as well as some high areas.

This results in water naturally flowing areas such as Sion, Andheri Subway, Milan Subway, and Khar Subway  and worse only draining out after the downpour stops.

Most parts of Mumbai city is reclaimed. However, while the process of reclamation was carried out, low-lying areas like Hindmata in Parel, were not filled in adequately and continue to remain in the shape of a saucer, which causes water to accumulate due to heavy rains, Chandrashekhar Prabhu, architect and urban planning expert, told The Quint.

Another issue is Mumbais colonial-era stormwater drainage system.

As per NDTV, 90 per cent of the stormwater is drained out through dedicated drains.

But even if the stormwater drains are working at their peak it isnt enough.

As Prabhu told The Quint, the stormwater drains, even when working at their peak performance, have the capacity to empty out 50 mm of water per hour.

But if it rains more than that, then youre simply out of luck.

On Thursday, two locations in Mumbai recorded over 100 mm of rain  Dahisar (148.5mm) and Bhayander (122.5 mm)

Colaba, Santacruz and Dahisar received 75.6 mm, 74.2, and 148.5 till 2.30 pm respectively.

If the drains, however, are not cleaned or desilted, then you cant call it an accident. It is human error, Prabhu added.

Though the 2005 Mumbai floods which 500 lives were lost forced the government and the civic body to take notice of the issue, the BMC has not been able to properly address the issue.

According to Times Now, the BMC in April invited tenders to clean the storm drains to increase their capacity and to try to prevent waterlogging.

This, after the civic body got 63 km of storm water drains cleaned between 2019 and 2022.

The underground drains were laid during the British era. These are difficult to clean completely. We used to clean only under the manholes and around them. It was not possible to clean the entire drain as there are poisonous gases in it. But the BMC decided to get them cleaned. It started systematic cleaning of 63 km storm water drains in 2019. This clean-up went on till 2022. Now we have invited tenders for cleaning of the remaining 97 km of underground drains. Some years back, while repairing 25 km underground drains, those were also cleaned, a BMC official told the outlet.

The official added that the BMC spent Rs 57 crore on cleaning the drains in the first phase.

Through systematic cleaning, the sludge and waste from closed and underground drains were sucked out with the help of pipes, at the same time, the drains were also cleaned by water jets. The toxic gases were removed with the help of a machine. The cleaned drains were then monitored with the help of CCTV cameras. Proper cleaning will help restore flow capacity of these channels, allowing rapid drainage of rainwater, the official explained.

But according to Indian Express, it is a lack of proper desilting that results in clogging.

The newspaper found that all major and minor drains it visited were choked with solid waste.

This, after the civic body claimed it managed to meet 100 per cent of its pre-monsoon desilting target a week before the deadline.

Another major issue is encroachment.

As Govandi resident Shoaib Qureshi told Indian Express The drains arent properly desilted because the vehicles cannot reach the interior areas due to encroachments. There is hardly any space for two persons to walk side-by-side, adds Qureshi.

Even if all the waste is removed today, the drains will again get clogged by solid waste by tomorrow. Those living here treat the drain as a landfill and throw all the garbage into it, added Faiyaz Alam Shaikh, another Govandi resident.

Activists told Scroll that though the loss of huge amounts of mangrove cover receive attention in the media, it is the dumping of debris and encroachments on land  eventually overtaken by real estate developers that is a major issue.

Environmentalist Dharmesh Barai told the outlet, The administration and local politicians ignore our repeated alerts about encroachments in new areas.

The BMC on Thursday said a tree collapse incident claimed a mans life in suburban Malad.

In the 24 hours since previous morning, there were 26 incidents of tree fall, 15 incidents of short-circuit and five incidents of collapse or partial collapse of houses, the BMC said.

Rains also pounded neighbouring Thane city, leading to waterlogging and incidents of wall and house collapse.

Kaushal Doshi (38) was severely injured in a tree fall at Mamledarwadi junction in the western suburb of Malad. He was rushed to the civic-run Shatabdi Hospital where the doctors declared him `brought dead, a BMC official said.

Ironically, though the city has been receiving heavy rains over the last two-three days, the BMC has decided to implement a 10 per cent water cut from July 1 as the stock in the lakes supplying water to the city is down to about seven per cent.

In Thane, a 36-year-old woman was injured when a portion of a single-storey chawl (tenement) collapsed on Tuesday evening in Mahagiri Koliwada area, authorities said.

The protection wall of a housing society in Chandanwadi locality collapsed around 11 on Wednesday morning due to heavy rains but nobody was injured in the incident.

With inputs from agencies

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As hundreds of worshippers undertake the taxing journey each year, the annual Amarnath Yatra in South Kashmir is one of the most treasured Hindu pilgrimages.

However, this years 62-day yatra is more significant because it coincides with two Shravan months, an occurrence that hasnt happened in 19 years.

The annual pilgrimage is set to begin on 1 July and go until 31 August. With only two days left in the yatra, the final security grid contours are being reviewed.

This time, the security system has undergone an important change with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) being replaced at the cave shrine by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) officers who have been trained in mountain warfare.

Lets take a closer look at why ITBP is tasked to guard Amarnath cave this year.

Also read: Amarnath Yatra: Poori, jalebi, burger banned; Check the list of food items allowed

ITBP to guard Amarnath shrine

In the south Kashmir Himalayas, at a height of 3,888 metres, the cave shrine as well as some significant pilgrim camps have been traditionally guarded by the CRPF for decades. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has, however, been given the first-ever assignment to guard the cave shrine this year.

In a meeting yesterday, the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Shree Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) made recommendations on which the decision was based. The meeting, held in the North Block, was chaired by Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, with senior officers from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), such as the CRPF, BSF and ITBP, and those from the intelligence departments, the Army, the Jammu and Kashmir Police and administration in attendance, the sources said.

It established the location-wise roles of all the forces. While the ITBP and Border Security Force (BSF) will monitor the roughly half-dozen camps that were formerly secured by the CRPF, the nations primary internal security force, the CRPF will still be stationed directly beneath the cave shrines stairs.

The sources had earlier told PTI that this new arrangement was made keeping in mind the emerging security threats and challenges and in accordance with the requirements of the Jammu and Kashmir Police.

The different other forces have been given tasks alongside the CRPF more so because many companies of the CRPF are also in Manipur dealing with law and order situation and in West Bengal for panchayat elections, the official continued, as per NDTV.

Furthermore, the ITBP also played a crucial role in the aftermath of flash floods last year, he claimed, adding, More importantly, they are a mountain army that is trained for natural tragedies.

Also read: Explained: All-weather alternative route to Amarnath

Other security measures

The Union home ministry also stressed inter-agency coordination and the use of drones, dogs and aerial-survey teams to counter any terror act and quickly respond to disasters, official sources said.

According to PTI, sources said the use of drones, apart from the traditional methods of securing the yatra routes, was underlined, besides using search-and-rescue dogs at all places, including near the cave shrine, in order to respond quickly in case of a natural or man-made disaster.

A team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) canines has already been deployed so that the dogs are acclimatised to the height and cold weather, they said. A team of experts and the NDRF will undertake an aerial survey of the upper reaches to provide early warnings for any glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) or flash flood-like situation, the sources said. The NDRF has been sent to help officials select places for the construction of pilgrim camps in order to prevent deaths from flash floods and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF).

The Jammu and Kashmir government and the Indian Air Force (IAF) have asked helicopters to conduct routine aerial sorties in the upper reaches of the holy cave to look for GLOF events and the formation of lakes that could cause flash floods downhill. Such operations were only carried out in 2017 after the July flash floods. This year, though, the workout will begin before the yatra and continue periodically throughout the two-month trek.

The aerial surveys will 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 yatra route, especially the area near the cave shrine, explains an official aware of arrangements being made.

Tragedies at the holy shrine

The Amarnath cave shrine in South Kashmir is vulnerable to terrorist attacks because of its location.

According to The Quint, from 1991 to 1993, the annual yatra was prohibited because of threats of terrorist attacks. The Indian Express reported that Pakistan-based Harkat-ul-Ansar declared a yatra ban in 1993 in protest of the Babri Masjids demolition. Since the local militant organisations did not support its demands, the yatra continued freely throughout the height of the violence.

Militants started attacking Amarnath devotees in 2000. 32 persons were killed in the attack on the Pahalgam base camp, including 21 pilgrims, according to Deccan Herald. A terrorist attack at Sheshnag Lake, close to the Amarnath Temple sanctuary, in 2001 claimed the lives of 13 persons, including 2 police officers, and critically injured 15 more.

Al-Mansuriyan, the front organisation for Lashkar-e-Taiba, carried out two separate attacks in Pahalgam and Srinagar in 2002 that resulted in 11 fatalities and at least 30 injuries. Five pilgrims from Rajasthan were killed in another militant strike on a bus in Ganderbal, which is more than 23 miles from Srinagar.

Seven pilgrims were killed in a terror attack on their bus in July 2017. Days later, the government informed the Lok Sabha that throughout the 27 years since 1990, 36 terrorist attacks on the annual Amarnath Yatra had resulted in 53 pilgrim deaths and 167 injuries.

Other than terrorist assaults, pilgrims have also died as a result of natural disasters. Blizzards of the 1990s claimed up to 242 lives. According to Economic Times, 250 pilgrims perished in 1996 as a result of heavy snowfall and severe blizzards, while 130 pilgrims perished in 2012 because they were not physically prepared for the climb.

A cloud burst in 2022 caused flash floods at the caves foothill that claimed several lives. Due to one companys deployment there, ITBP jawans were the first to arrive and were able to rescue numerous lives. On July 8 of last year, flash floods brought on by persistent rain caused at least 16 fatalities close to the shrine.

Significance of Amarnath cave

Only on foot or by pony along a treacherous trail in Sonmarg, Kashmir, is the cave, which is situated at a height of 3,888 metres above sea level. From Pahalgam or Baltal, the distance to the shrine is either 46 kilometres or 16 km.

The Amarnath cave is said to have been the location that Lord Shiva used to reveal the origin of his immortality (Amar Katha) to his spouse Parvati.

According to legend, the cave was accidentally found in 1850 by Buta Malik, a Muslim shepherd. Malik is reported to have been tending his livestock at a high altitude in the highlands when a Sufi saint offered him a bag of coal. Malik discovered the bag to be filled with gold when he opened it at home. The joyful shepherd went back to the area to thank the saint, but he was unable to locate anyone. In the cave, he discovered the ice lingam instead.

The Indian Express claims that the ice lingam, which stands for Lord Shiva, is created by a trickle of water coming from a crack in the caves roof. Every year in May, the Shivling reaches its peak shape before starting to melt once more. It is barely a few feet tall by August.

Near the Shivling are two smaller ice sculptures that stand in for Parvati and Lord Ganesh.

With inputs from PTI

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A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong push for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday extended its support to the centre over the implementation of the proposed law across the country, but only after a wide consensus is built through consultation with all the stakeholders.

We support Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in principle as Article 44 also says there should be UCC in the country. Therefore, there should be a wide consultation with all religions, political parties and organisations and a consensus should be built, said AAP leader Sandeep Pathak.

#WATCH | We support Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in principle as Article 44 also says that there should be UCC in the country. Therefore, there should be a wide consultation with all religions, political parties and organizations and a consensus should be built: AAP leader Sandeep pic.twitter.com/kiZoOpcgcS  ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2023

VIDEO | In principle, we do stand with the UCC. However, it should be implemented after a wider consultation with everyone, says AAP leader Sandeep Pathak on PM Modis remark on uniform civil code. pic.twitter.com/zQy57Nz2Ht  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 28, 2023



PM Modi recently made a strong push for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), asking how can the country function with dual laws that govern personal matters, and accused the Opposition of using the UCC issue to mislead and provoke the Muslim community.

Earlier on Tuesday, while addressing BJP workers in Bhopal in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, Modi also launched a stinging attack on the Opposition parties, contending they can only guarantee corruption, and accused them of being involved in scams worth at least Rs 20 lakh crore. He also termed the mega conclave of Opposition parties in Patna last Friday to stitch an anti-BJP alliance for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls as a mere photo-op.

The prime minister further said that those supporting triple talaq were doing a grave injustice to Muslim daughters and that Pasmanda Muslims, who are backward, are not even treated as equals because of the vote bank politics.

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Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong push for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) decided to oppose the proposed law.

The Personal Law Board held an emergency online meeting late on Tuesday evening hours after PM Modi advocated for the implementation of the UCC, asking how can the country function with dual laws that govern personal matters, and accused the Opposition of using the UCC issue to mislead and provoke the Muslim community.

The online meeting, attended by AIMPLB president Saifullah Rehmani; Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, chairman of the Islamic Centre of India among others, AIMPLB agreed on presenting its views more powerfully in front of the Law Commission, HT reported, adding that at the meeting, the documents to be submitted to the Law Commission were also finalised.

Earlier on Tuesday, while addressing BJP workers in Bhopal in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, Modi also launched a stinging attack on the Opposition parties, contending they can only guarantee corruption, and accused them of being involved in scams worth at least Rs 20 lakh crore. He also termed the mega conclave of Opposition parties in Patna last Friday to stitch an anti-BJP alliance for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls as a mere photo-op.

The prime minister further said that those supporting triple talaq were doing a grave injustice to Muslim daughters and that Pasmanda Muslims, who are backward, are not even treated as equals because of the vote bank politics.

PM Modi also talked about National Education Policy (NEP), saying that children should gain practical knowledge.

The NEP says that children should gain practical knowledge  less teaching and more learning. The school does what it does, but if the booth workers can make a connection with them (children), it brings a change in the lives of children and the new education policy is itself enforced, said PM Modi.

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Over 2,200 sensitive hotspots have been identified in Uttar Pradesh alone where communal riots may occur on Eid al-Adha or Bakra-Eid to be celebrated on June 28.

Uttar Pradesh Police has identified 2,213 sensitive hotspots. We have prepared our teams and deployed forces for dealing with anti-social elements and we have deployed Rapid Action Force (RAF) for dealing with riots, Prashant Kumar, Special DG Law & Order said.

2,416 peace committees have also been constituted to avoid any untoward incident during the Bakar-Eid celebrations in Uttar Pradesh, the police officer said.

Three company of SDRF (State Disaster Response Force), seven company of CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces), and around 7,500 under training volunteers have been deployed to ensure peace in the state.

Body worn cameras, binoculars, drones, high resolution CCTV will also be used for surveillance, Kumar said.

He further said 4,800 two and four-wheeler vehicles of UP 112 will be on patrolling round the clock.

"Riot control vehicle, tear gas, water canon have been positioned in critical places. Also, route march and flag march will be carried out regularly," he said.

The UP police's information and social media team have been asked to be extra vigilant and keep a check on any misleading posts spreading rumours.

"An advisory has also been issued to Muslim community to avoid slaughtering of banned animals," the senior police officer said.

Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, is also known as - Bakra Eid, Bakrid, Eid Qurban, Qurban Bayarami. The festival brings families and friends together to relish delicious meal that typically features a variety of delicacies prepared with the sacrificial meat from the Qurbani (the act of sacrificing an animal).

With inputs from agencies

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With an aim to boost the well-being of farmers, rejuvenate soil productivity, ensure food security and environmental sustainability, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved a package with a total outlay of Rs.3,70,128.7 crore.

1. An initiative of the package is that the sulphur-coated urea (Urea Gold) is being introduced in the country for the first time. It is more economical and efficient than the currently used Neem coated urea. It will address the sulphur deficiency in the soil in the country. It will also save input costs for the farmers and also raise incomes for farmers with enhanced production and productivity.

2. To ensure constant availability of urea to the farmers at the same price of Rs 242/ 45 kg bag excluding taxes and neam coating charges, the CCEA has approved the continuation of the urea subsidy scheme as Rs. 3,68,676.7 Crore committed for urea subsidy for 3 years (2022-23 to 2024-25).

3. Rs 1451 crore was approved for the Market Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme to exemplify the model of wealth from waste. Parali and organic manure from Gobardhan plants are to be used to enrich the soil and keep the environment safe and clean.

4. The centre has protected its farmers from a steep rise in fertilizer prices by increasing the fertilizer subsidy. In its endeavour to safeguard our farmers, the centre has increased the fertilizer subsidy from Rs. 73,067 Cr in 2014-15 to Rs. 2,54,799 Cr in 2022-23.

5. Eight nano urea plants with a production capacity of 44 crore bottles equalling 195 LMT of conventional urea will be commissioned by 2025-26. Nano fertilizer releases nutrients in a controlled manner contributing to higher nutrient use efficiency while costing less to the farmers. The application of nano urea has demonstrated an increase in crop yield.

These schemes will help in the judicious use of chemical fertilizers, thereby reducing the input cost of cultivation for the farmers. Promoting organic farming, and alternate fertilizers like nano fertilizers and organic fertilizers will help in restoring the fertility of our mother earth.

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Congress filed an FIR on Tuesday against BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya for allegedly mocking Rahul Gandhi.

According to reports, Karnataka Police has registered an FIR against senior BJP leader Amit Malviya under sections 153A 120b 505(2), 34 of IPC in Bengalurus High Grounds police station for his tweet against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, following a complaint from Congresss Ramesh Babu.

Responding to the charges of Congress leaders, Tejasvi Surya, BJP MP for Bengaluru South, tweeted Tejasvi Surya, BJP MP and National President of BJP Yuva Morcha tweeted The FIR filed against Amit Malviya is politically motivated. Plain and simple. Case is registered under 153A and 505(2) of IPC for his alleged statement against Rahul Gandhi. Both the above sections deal with promoting enmity between groups. So, what is Rahul Gandhi? An individual or a group or a class? We will challenge this in the court & ensure justice,

Whenever the BJP bears the brunt of the law, they cry foul. I want to ask the BJP which part of the FIR filed against Amit Malviya is with malafide intent,

Earlier, Karnataka Cabinet Minister Priyank Kharge accused the BJP of being in the habit of crying foul whenever it faces the law.

Kharge tweeted Whenever the BJP bears the brunt of the law, they cry foul. I want to ask the BJP which part of the FIR filed against Amit Malviya is with malafide intent, says Karnataka Cabinet minister Priyank Kharge on his police complaint over social media posts against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
A 45-year-old man from Delhi stabbed his wife with a knife and screwdriver before hanging himself following a fight between the duo on Wednesday morning.

The crime took place in Delhis Narela area. Bodies of both the man and his wife were found in their house when the police reached the crime scene.

The deceased were identified as Komal (38) and Vinod (45), residents of Swatantra Nagar in Narela, the police said.

A PCR call was received at Narela police station around 8 am on Wednesday about the incident.

The door was found to be locked from inside the house when the police arrived at the spot at street number 31, Swatantra Nagar Narela.

Komals body was found lying on the floor and Vinod was hanging from the ceiling with a scarf. The spot was inspected by the crime team and FSL team, he said.

The couple had been married for 18 years and had two children  aged 15 and 11 years.

Preliminary investigation has revealed Vinod suspected that his wife was having an affair with someone. The couple had been fighting for quite some time and also had an argument early in the morning, they said.

Vinod attacked Komal after the fight and when their children tried to stop him, he locked them outside the room and later hanged himself, police said.

The children then informed their landlord and called their uncle. Later, the family members from both sides reached the spot.

As per the childrens statement, Vinod first attacked the lady with a sharp object and then committed suicide, they said.

According to police, the man used a knife and screwdriver to kill his wife. A blood-stained brick was also lying near the spot and police suspect that it was also used in the crime, they said.

Vinod used to repair CCTV cameras, while his wife used to work at a warehouse in the Alipur area, they said.

With inputs from PTI

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According to a report prepared by the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), the retail liquor trade in the national capital has reported a sharp decline compared to the first quarter (April-June) of 2022, when the scrapped excise policy of AAP-led Delhi government was in place.

The Delhi government withdrew the new excise policy in July 2022 after Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena recommended a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in its implementation.

The policy was finally wrapped up on August 31 last year. The old policy under which Delhi government corporations opened liquor vends in the city was rolled out on September 1, 2022.

Despite all the disruptions related to the excise policy changes and the non-availability of many brands, Delhi maintained a healthy annual growth rate of 36 per cent year on year, the CIABC report said.

However, a closer analysis shows that much of this growth is attributed to the first quarter of 2022-23, when various trade schemes and promotions were run to liquidate the stock in view of the impending changes in the excise policy, it added.

Thereafter, sales growth has been trending down, reaching a negative range. This indicates the need for urgent policy intervention, in the absence of which the sales may start dipping in FY 23-24, the report claimed.

Saurav Gupta, a resident of Supertech Eco Village 1 (Greater Noida) said It is very hard to get top brands of liquor in Delhi ever since the new excise policy was scrapped. I always travel with my friends to Noida and Gurugram to get the brands of our choice. This may be one of the biggest reasons for less consumption of liquor in the city,.

According to the CIABC data, the liquor sale recorded a massive 263-per cent growth in the first quarter of 2022.

It was followed by a 28-per cent growth in the July-September quarter and a 19-per cent growth in the October-December quarter.

However, the January-March 2023 period recorded a negative growth of 14 per cent, the data showed.

The last two quarters of 2022-23  October-December and January-March  showed a sharp decline of 19 per cent and minus 14 per cent, as compared to the first quarter growth of 263 per cent in the April-June quarter of 2022.

With inputs from PTI

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Ahead of Eid-al-Adha 2023, Patnas famed Bakra Mandi on Bailey Road is decked up to sell the best of best Bucks and Billies that have been showcased from across the country.

It is a kind of a tradition here that the most robust goats and Bucks are named after famous personalities, quite often top Bollywood actors.

This year, however, the talk of the town is the buck named after dreaded UP gangster Atiq Ahmed, who was gunned down allegedly by rivals on live camera.

Even in the Bakra Market, Atiq has acquired a larger-than-life following. He is fetching the same price as billies named after Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. The festival of Bakrid will be celebrated on 29 June.

On this day Muslims sacrifice a buck. And since this is a tradition, billies prices skyrocket.

Taru Jam, a trader on Bailey Road in Patna, said the cost of his four bucks Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Sher Khan and Atiq Ahmedis somewhere in the range of Rs 6 lakh.

All the four have been priced at Rs1.5 lakh, each. Last year also, bucks ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh were sold in the Bakra Mandi.

The four billies, including Atiq, weigh, approximately, 80-kg each.

Another merchant named Imtiaz was quoted in a local report saying that the market sees maximum footfall of buyers two-three days prior to Bakrid.

The price of goat in the market is starting from Rs 8 thousand, goes up till Rs 1 to 1.5 lakh.

People are buying more goats weighing 80 to 100 kg. However, 30 kg goat is also available in the market.

Their price has been fixed on the breed of goats. Goats of Totpari and Barbara breed are in high demand, according to reports.

Bakrid prayers will be offered collectively on Thursday at Gandhi Maidan in Patna. Namaz will be offered at 7.30 am.

Gandhi Maidan has been closed for the general public for two days. Keeping the local police station on alert, elaborate security arrangements have been made. The police will keep a close watch on those who spoil the atmosphere.

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With its vision set on Renewable Energy Goal 2030, the Indian government is reportedly formulating a subsidy scheme, worth billions of dollars, aimed at bolstering the production of electricity grid batteries as part of its planned transition towards clean energy.

This scheme, proposed by the power ministry, seeks to introduce a production-linked incentive subsidy plan that will allocate a substantial sum of $2.63 billion from the current year until 2030. The subsidies will be made available to companies willing to establish battery cell manufacturing facilities within India, as per a Financial Times report.

What Are Grid Batteries?

Electricity grid batteries, often referred to as energy storage systems, play a crucial role in the modern energy landscape. These advanced devices store electrical energy during periods of excess supply and discharge it back into the grid during times of high demand. By doing so, they help to stabilize and balance the power grid, ensuring a consistent and reliable electricity supply.

These batteries are essential components in the transition to clean energy sources, as they facilitate the integration of intermittent renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, into the grid.

By capturing and storing surplus energy during peak generation periods, these batteries ensure a steady supply of electricity even when the sun isnt shining or the wind isnt blowing. They act as a vital buffer, mitigating fluctuations in energy production and enabling a smoother transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

Indias Transition To Clean Energy

The draft proposal for the subsidy scheme recognizes the limitations of expanding coal-based thermal generation due to growing international concerns about climate change and environmental impacts. It emphasizes the necessity of transitioning to cleaner energy alternatives and acknowledges that further reliance on coal is no longer a viable option.

Moreover, apart from driving the energy transition, the proposal also emphasizes the importance of domestic battery cell manufacturing in reducing Indias reliance on battery imports from its rival, China. It highlights the urgency of establishing local manufacturing capabilities for battery energy storage systems to ensure energy security and independence.

Renewable Energy Goal 2030

While the Indian power ministry has not yet provided an official response to questions about the proposal, it is evident that the government is taking proactive steps to accelerate the adoption of electricity grid batteries, encourage domestic manufacturing, and pave the way for a sustainable, resilient, and self-reliant energy sector.

The Indian government has planned to hit a national capacity of 500GW of renewable energy, and meeting 50 per cent of its energy requirements from renewables, by 2030. As of 2022, India is the worlds third-largest producer of renewable energy, with 40 per cent of its installed electricity capacity coming from non-fossil fuel sources, as per data provided by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

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Indias first semiconductor chip manufacturing unit will be set up in Gujarats Sanand as the state government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Micron Technology.

The two parties have signed a deal worth $2.75 billion. The MoU was signed in the presence of Electronics & Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, a government release said.

Semiconducter is a foundational industry. It is used in a number of items like television screens, computers, mobile, cars and even trains, Vaishnaw said.

A government release said that India has been dependent on the import of semiconductor chips and the demand for them will increase as the manufacturing sector in the country grows.

The plant at Sanand will entail a total investment of USD 2.75 billion (around Rs 22,540 crore), it added.

#WATCH | Union Minister for Communications, Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw gives a demo of complex, precision semi-conductor tech which Micron Technology is bringing to India. pic.twitter.com/wk6WVa2VWk  ANI (@ANI) June 26, 2023

Microns plant has been approved under the Union governments `Modified Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging (ATMP) Scheme.

Micron Technologies will receive 50 per cent fiscal support for the total project cost from the Indian government and incentives representing 20 per cent of the total project cost from the Gujarat government under the deal.

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Delhi Police has filed a final 640-page chargesheet against Shahbad Dairy murder case victim Sahil to the court on Wednesday.

Sahil Khan (20) alleged stabbed and killed his 16-year-old girlfriend multiple times last month. The brutal act was captured in CCTV camera.

Delhi Police had earlier said Sahil murdered his girlfriend after she allegedly wanted to end the relationship with him.

During the investigation, Sahil confessed that he planned over three days before killing Sakshi. It all triggered after a verbal spat between the two.

Also Read: Watch what just happened moments before Sahil brutally killed 16-year-old Sakshi

Police had further informed that on the day of murder, Sahil stalked the girl and waited for her in the lane where one of the friends lived.

The moment she emerged from a public toilet, he approached her and stabbed her multiple times with a knife. Sahil even pounded her body with a stone slab.

As per reports, Sahil and Sakshi were allegedly in a relationship for couple of years. However, in the beginning of the month of May, the girl decided to call it off.

Dont Miss: Shahbad Dairy Killing: Not crime of passion, Sahil planned murder for 3 days, say Delhi Police

Sahil was angry as Sakshi began ignoring him and when he confronted her infront of her friends as well as demanded her to get back into a relationship, she rebuffed him and even her friends threatened to beat him up.

Sahil was also angry when he found another mans name tattooed on Sakshis hand.

After murdering Sakshi, Sahil went to Rithala Metro station, where he dumped the knife. He then took a metro to Anand Vihar from where he took a bus to his aunts home in Uttar Pradeshs Bulandshahr.

Sahil was arrested from his aunts house the next day.

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Pakistan Bailout Package LIVE Updates

Pakistan, IMF discuss $2.5 billion standby arrangement

According to Pakistani publications, Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund are negotiating a $2.5 billion "standby arrangement" for six to nine months, with the present bailout package slated to end on June 30.

Pakistan has pushed through a host of recent policy changes, including an IMF-requested amended budget and an off-cycle interest rate rise, in the hopes of securing the outstanding funds under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) inked in 2019.

With time running out, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said on Tuesday that the two countries were working on a "mechanism" to guarantee that Pakistan received the whole amount, not just the almost $1.1 billion due under the current review.
Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday handed over an appointment letter to the wife of circus worker Deepu Kumar who was gunned down by terrorists in Anantnag district last month.

The Lieutenant Governor had announced Rs 5 lakh ex gratia to the victims family living in abject poverty in a remote village of Udhampur district.

Kumar, 27, who worked at a circus in Janglat Mandi area in the south Kashmir district, was killed when he had gone out to buy milk on May 29.

On June 16, the Jammu and Kashmir police said five Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists were arrested from Anantnag in connection with the killing.

Lt Governor Manoj Sinha handed over appointment letter to a government job to Sakshi Devi, wife of martyr civilian Deepu Kumar, at Raj Bhawan today, an official spokesperson said.

He said the Lt Governor assured every possible assistance and support to the grief-stricken family members.

A week after his killing, Kumars wife gave birth to a baby boy in her remote Thial village of Udhampur.

Kumar was the only earning member in the family comprising his ailing father Mashu Ram and blind brother Raju, sister-in-law and their two minor children.

The family had moved to the remote village from Kathua over a decade ago. Kumars mother died sometime ago. His elder brother, Raju, had lost his eyesight about four years ago, while his father is suffering from hearing impairment.

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The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to prohibit sale of meat in the open along the routes fixed for Kanwar Yatra, which will commence from 4 July.

Respecting the faith of the Kanwar devotees, there should be no sale and purchase of meat in the open anywhere on the Kanwar Yatra route. Cleanliness-sanitization should be maintained on the yatra route, the Uttar Pradesh government said in a statement.

Uttar Pradesh | Respecting the faith of the Kanwar devotees, there should be no sale and purchase of meat in the open anywhere on the Kanwar Yatra route. Cleanliness-sanitization should be maintained on the yatra route. In view of scorching heat, arrangements for drinking water  ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) June 28, 2023

In view of scorching heat, arrangements for drinking water should also be made along the route. Wherever food camps are held, the team must check the quality of food items, the statement added.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took the decision at a review meeting with senior officials, including police commissioners, divisional commissioners, district magistrates and superintendents of police.

Adityanath said that this year due to Adhimas (additional month), the month of Shravan is of two months duration. The festivals of Shravani Shivratri, Nagpanchami and Rakshabandhan will be celebrated during this period, he said.

The traditional Kanwar Yatra will take place in the holy month of Shravan starting from July 4. Before this, Bakri Eid will be celebrated on June 29. It is clear that this time is sensitive from the point of view of law and order. So, we have to be constantly alert and careful. he said.

Respecting the belief of devotees, meat should not be allowed to be sold in the open on the Kanwar route. The route should remain clean and sanitised. There should be provision of streetlights. Since the weather is hot, arrangements of drinking water should also be made, the CM said.

According to the statement, Adityanath asked the officials to install CCTV cameras on the yatra route and also deploy divers. The places for setting up of Kanwar camps should be marked in advance so that traffic is not obstructed, he ordered.

The chief minister also directed for ensuring that the sound of DJ, music, etc to be used during Kanwar procession is as per the prescribed standards.

Give permission to the organisers of the event. But ensure that everyone follows the rules and regulations, he said.

Adityanath also directed that there should be no display of weapons in religious processions.

Some mischievous elements may try to unnecessarily provoke people of other communities, keep an eye on such matters. Additional police force should be deployed in sensitive areas.

The police force must do foot patrolling everyday in the evening. PRV 112 should remain active, and anarchic elements should be strongly dealt with, he said.

At the meeting, the chief minister also noted that during Ramzan, traffic was not affected due to religious activities.

This effort has been appreciated across the country. This time, on the occasion of Bakri Eid and Muharram, we will have to implement the same system. A dialogue should be made with the respective religious leaders/intellectuals in this regard by the local administration, he said.

He added that the place for the sacrifice on Bakri Eid should be marked in advance.

Sacrifice should not be done anywhere other than the previously marked place. In any case, make sure that no prohibited animal is sacrificed anywhere. There should be an action plan for the systematic disposal of waste after sacrifice in every district, he said.

Last year during Shravan, about one crore devotees of Lord Shiva offered worship at Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, and nearly six lakh people visited the temple every Monday during the holy month.

Adityanath said due to Adhimas this year, further increase in the number of devotees, who arrive in the state from all over the country, is possible.

Along with Varanasi, the local administration in Ayodhya and Sitapur should also make a systematic action plan in coordination with the temple administration, the statement said.

The CM also directed the officials on the issue of religious conversion of children through gaming/chatting apps.

Incidents of illegal religious conversions have come to light in many parts of the country in recent times. We are familiar with the incident of conversion of teenage children through online gaming/chatting apps in Ghaziabad. It is very necessary to control such anti-social and anti-national incidents in time, Adityanath said.

He further stated that the action of illegal religious conversion is being done by an international syndicate.

This syndicate keeps an eye on disabled children and youths looking for jobs. Financial temptations are also being given. This entire syndicate of illegal religious conversion needs to be wiped out. Prompt action should be taken against any such activity, he said.

Adityanath directed that senior officers posted at police station, circle, district, range, zone, and division levels should communicate with religious leaders of their respective areas and other eminent people of society. Issue a positive message for the people. Have a meeting of the peace committee. Take the cooperation of the media, so that an atmosphere of peace and harmony prevails, he said.

The CM also said that the Safe City Project is proving to be extremely useful in fulfilling the promise of womens safety, respect and self-reliance.

Within the next three months, we will have to develop all the 17 municipal corporations and Gautam Budh Nagar district headquarters as safe cities, he said.

With inputs from agencies

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Women members of a self-help group (SHGs) from Karnatakas Kolar on Wednesday staged a protest in front of Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs residence over not fulfilling his alleged promise of clearing their loans.

In a video shared by ANI, a group of women can be seen protesting against the Karnataka chief minister.

#WATCH | Bengaluru: Women of Self Help Group from Kolar stage protest in front of CM Siddaramaiah's residence over not fulfilling his alleged promise of clearing their loans pic.twitter.com/LPDT5nH3At  ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2023

This comes over a week after few self-help group members from Bairukuru village in Mulbagal tried to tie up a bank representative and refused to repay the loan they have taken, The New Indian Express reported.

A video of the incident had gone viral on social media.

Interestingly, this was reportedly the second such incident from the district. Earlier, women from an SHG had asked a bank representative to leave the village as they would not pay any amount due, the report said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A huge protest erupted at a residential society in Mumbai after a Muslim resident brought two goats allegedly for sacrificing on the occasion of upcoming festival of Eid-Al-Adha.

According to reports, Hindu residents allegedly circulated a CCTV video clip of one Mohsin Sheikh bringing in two goats inside his flat.

This prompted a large number of Hindu residents to gather on the society premises in protest, allegedly chanting Jai Shree Ram. They also, allegedly, recited the Hanuman Chalisa.

The Mira Road police intervened to settle the dispute and assured the society members that sacrifice would not take place on the society premises, as per rules.

The police, however, registered an FIR against some protesters on the complaint lodged by Mohsins wife, though Mohsin was forced remove the goats from the housing society.

Tension in Mumbais JP infra society over Qurbani of 2 goats. A man carried two goats with him into the society for qurbani. Other communities show their anger on this. #Mumbai #Qurbani2023 #GOAT pic.twitter.com/NNMqvQuDVs  anuj kumar singh (@sanuj42) June 28, 2023

Our society had passed a rule that no livestock would be allowed inside the society, but they (some residents of the society) violated it and brought two goats inside. We are opposing it and will not allow it, a society resident told ANI.

Mumbai | Our society had passed a rule that no livestock would be allowed inside the society, but they (some residents of the society) violated it and brought two goats inside. We are opposing it and will not allow it, says a resident of the society We appeal to all to pic.twitter.com/jfxQVyaLwJ  ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2023



Mohsin told the media that at nearly 200-250 Muslim families resided in the society and that he was given space to keep his goats every year.

He claimed that it was only this year that the society had denied permission to keep goats on the premises and, therefore, he brought the animals to his house.

He further claimed that he had no plans to sacrifice the goats inside the society.

We never do sacrifice in the society, always get it done in slaughterhouse or goat shop, every year builder used to give us space to keep goat, but this time builder said that there is no space, he said, adding that he was asked to take permission from my society residents.

With inputs from agencies
An African cheetah that was relocated to Kuno National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradeshs Sheopur district has suffered injuries following a confrontation with other cheetahs. The injured cheetah, named Agni, is currently receiving treatment and is in a stable condition.

The incident took place at around 6 PM on Monday in the free range area of KNP when Gaurav and Shaurya, two cheetahs translocated from Namibia, got into a fight with Agni and Vayu, who were brought from South Africa.

In an attempt to intervene, park officials activated sirens and used firecrackers to disperse the battling cheetahs, according to PK Verma, the divisional forest official. Subsequently, Agni was tranquilized and is now under the care of medical professionals, reported PTI.

Five female and three male cheetahs brought from Namibia were released into enclosures at the KNP at an event attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17 September, 2022, as part of an effort to revive the extinct cheetah population in the wild in India.

Another 12 cheetahs were brought from South Africa in February 2023. Six cheetahs, including three of the four cubs born in the park, have died since March.

With inputs from agencies

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There is no end to the misery and anguish of the kin of the June 2 Balasore train mishap victims as they continue to wait for the bodies of their near and dear ones, almost four weeks after the deadly accident that claimed nearly 300 lives.

Basanti Devi from Bari-Ballia village in Bihars Begusarai district has been camping in a guest house located at an isolated area near AIIMS since the last 10 days to claim her husbands body.

Im here for my husband Yogendra Paswan, a contract labourer. He was killed in the accident at Bahanaga Bazar while returning home in the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, she said as tear rolled down her cheeks.

She claimed that officials havent given her any deadline when she will get the body. While some officials say it will take 5 more days, others say it might take more time. There is just no clarity by the administration, she added.

I have five kids. I have left behind three kids and brought two sons with me. My husband was the sole breadwinner. I dont know how I will be able to survive, she added.

Similar is the situation of Narayan Rishidev from Purnia, who has been waiting to claim the body of his grandson Suraj Kumar since June 4. Suraj was travelling to Chennai in the ill-fated Coromandel Express.

After completing his matriculation, Suraj was heading to Chennai in search of a job.

The authorities have already taken my DNA sample, but the report is yet to come, he added.

Shivkant Roy from West Bengals Cooch Behar district said his son Vipul was returning home from Tirupati for his marriage in June-end.

My sons body was kept at KIMS Hospital but I kept looking for him in a Balasore hospital. I was later informed that KIMS Hospital handed over the body to someone from Bihar, who took it with him and cremated it, Shivkant Roy told PTI.

Similarly, Rajkali Devi from Bihars Mizaffarpur has been waiting for her husbands body who was on way to Chennai.

As many as 35 persons are camping at the guest house while 15 others have left for home due to delay in arrival of DNA reports.

Calls and messages from PTI to AIIMS director Ashutosh Biswas went unanswered.

A railway official told PTI that they were appealing to claimants to provide their DNA samples.

We are just a bridge between AIIMS and the state government, the railway official said.

Meanwhile, the identities of 81 bodies preserved in three containers at Bhubaneswar AIIMS are yet to be ascertained. A total of 84 families have given DNA samples so far.

The Chennai-bound Coromandel Express, Howrah-bound SMVP-Howrah Superfast Express and a goods train were involved in a deadly accident near Bahanaga Bazar station in Balasore district on June 2 killing more than 290 people.

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Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will visit violence hit Manipur on 29 and 30 June, AICC general secretary in-charge of organisation KC Venugopal announced on Tuesday.

Gandhi will visit relief camps and interact with civil society representatives in Imphal and Churachandpur during his two day visit to the northeastern state.

Rahul Gandhi will be visiting Manipur on June 29-30. He will visit relief camps and interact with civil society representatives in Imphal and Churachandpur during his visit, Venugopal tweeted.

Manipur has been burning for nearly two months, and desperately needs a healing touch so that the society can move from conflict to peace.

Sh. @RahulGandhi ji will be visiting Manipur on 29-30 June. He will visit relief camps and interact with civil society representatives in Imphal and Churachandpur during his visit. Manipur has been burning for nearly two months, and desperately needs a healing touch so that the  K C Venugopal (@kcvenugopalmp) June 27, 2023

According to the sources, Gandhi, who will be the first opposition leader to visit Manipur has not sought any permission from the Union Home Ministry as there is no travel ban.

Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had visited the ethnic violence hit state last month and had met a cross sections of people in his efforts to restore peace in the state.

The Centre had also approved  101.75 crore relief package for the displaced people in Manipur following a directive of the Home Minister.

The Congress has blamed the BJP and its divisive politics for the present situation in the state.

The ethnic violence clash have led to loss of 100 lives and over 3,000 injured since the clashes erupted in Manipur on 3 May.A large number of houses were torched rendering many people homeless in the violence between Meitei and Kuki communities.

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Law Commission Chairman Justice Rituraj Awasthi on Wednesday said that the commission has received as many as 8.5 lakh responses related to Uniform Civil Code (UCC) after a notice for the same was issued by the body.

On Uniform Civil Code, Law Commission Chairman Justice Rituraj Awasthi told ANI, We have got a huge response over Uniform Civil Code after the communication of the notice by Law Commission. Till yesterday, we have received 8.5 lakh responses. UCC is not a new issue, the  ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2023

Talking to ANI, Justice Rituraj Awasthi, said, We have got a huge response over Uniform Civil Code after the communication of the notice by Law Commission. Till yesterday, we have received 8.5 lakh responses.

Noting that UCC is not a new issue, he said the reference for the same was received in 2016 and a consultation paper was released in 2018.

From 22 November, 2018, the Law Commission was not functional. In November 22, appointments were made and this matter was taken up and we have been working on that, Justice Awasthi added.

He said that the commission is making efforts to have wide consultations with all the stakeholders and the organisations.

During an event in Bhopal, PM Modi had made a strong pitch for UCC, saying that the Constitution mentions of having equal rights for all citizens.

PM Modi said the BJP has decided it would not adopt the path of appeasement and vote bank politics and alleged that the Opposition is using the issue of UCC to mislead and provoke the Muslim community.

Pasmanda Muslims, who are backward, are not even treated as equal because of the vote bank politics, the Prime Minister said.

Pasmanda, a term for backward classes among Muslims, often finds a mention in Prime Minister Modis speeches, at party forum as well as government events, and how the government has worked for the deprived without any discrimination.

During his interaction with the party workers, PM asked if a family cannot run on two different rules, then how a country can run on dual rules.

PM Modi said Muslims are being instigated over the issue of the UCC and those who oppose it are doing vote bank politics.

While the Congress and the Opposition criticised PM Modis pitch for the Uniform Civil Code as a diversionary tactic and an instrument of dog-whistle politics, the BJP hit out at the Opposition parties, saying it is there in the Constitution as a directive principle of state policy and there is a Supreme Court decision also in this regard.

Talking about sedition law, Justice Awasthi said that it was need of the hour.

Sedition law is the need of the hour. We examined the usage of law and it is much needed considering the current condition of the country, Justice Awasthi said.

From Kashmir to Kerala and from Punjab to North East, if you see the situation, youll see its required for the integrity of the country, he added.

With inputs from agencies

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A 17-year-old girl in Uttar Pradeshs Kanpur was drugged, raped by a madrasa teacher who also made a video of the act and assaulted her when she resisted.

Police have arrested the accused, Mohd Ahmad, a resident of Bithoor, for sexually exploiting and blackmailing the minor. A case has been registered on the complaint of the girl.

Ahmad runs a madrasa in one of the portions of his house where the teenager used to study.

Madrassa teacher physically abused minor

The victim, in her complaint said she used study in madrasas till 2018. She alleged that even after she discontinued, the maulana, on several occasions, would call her home and used to sexually abuse her.

The girl further alleged that the maulana called her to his house on January 22, asking her to cook food as his wife was ill.

However, on reaching there, he drugged me and raped me. He also made a video of the act. When I resisted, he assaulted me, she said in her complainant.

The girl further accused maulana of filming the act and blackmailed to make the video viral. With this threat, he started physically abusing her often.

The accuse got the hint of the complaint registered against him and was trying to flee, but was arrested, Station in-charge Bithoor, Atul Singh, said.

With inputs from agencies

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Chandra Shekhar Aazad, Bhim Army chief, got injured after a bullet brushed past him after his convoy was attacked by armed men in Uttar Pradesh Saharanpur. He was rushed to a hospital.

SSP Dr Vipin Tada said, Half an hour back, the convoy of Chandra Shekhar Aazad was fired at by a few car-borne armed men. A bullet brushed past him. He is alright and has been taken to CHC for medical treatment. Police is investigating the matter.

I dont remember well but my people identified them. Their car went towards Saharanpur. We took a U-Turn. Five of us, including my younger brother, were in the car when the incident occurred.., said Aazad.

#WATCH | I dont remember well but my people identified them. Their car went towards Saharanpur. We took a U-Turn. Five of us, including my younger brother, were in the car when the incident occurred.., says Bhim Army leader and Aazad Samaj Party  Kanshi Ram chief, Chandra pic.twitter.com/MLeVR8poaN  ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2023

Who is Chandra Shekhar Aazad?

Aazad aka Ravan is an Indian lawyer and Dalit-Bahujan rights activist. A self-professed Ambedkarite, he is the co-founder and national president of the Bhim Army.

In February 2021, Time magazine featured him in its annual list of 100 Emerging Leaders who are Shaping the Future.

Born in Chhutmalpur in Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, Aazad came to prominence as a Bahujan leader after he put up a hoarding on the outskirts of his village that provocatively said: The Great Ch****s of Ghadkhauli Welcome You.

What is Bhim Army?



Originated in western Uttar Pradeshs Saharanpur district, the Bhim Army held its first meeting on July 21, 2015, when Aazad and Vinay Ratan Singh (who was its national president) decided to start free-of-cost paathshalas (schools) for children from the community.

The first such paathshala was set up at Fatehpur Bhado village in Saharanpur in 2015.

Bhim Army also works for the emancipation of Dalits through education in India.

The Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshiram) was launched on 15 March 2020 (the 86th birth anniversary of Kanshiram, the founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party), ostensibly to become part of mainstream politics.

Aazad had said he wants to emancipate fellow Bahujans through education. He wants minorities to pursue rights and literacy like Ambedkar envisioned in the Constitution.

Aazad and the Bhim Army also spearheaded a campaign for justice in the case of the fatal gang-rape of a 19-year old Dalit woman in Uttar Pradeshs Hathras. He also became one of the most popular faces in the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act in 2020.

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Mumbai experienced heavy rainfall on Wednesday, leading to waterlogging in several areas. The Andheri subway had to be closed due to the excessive rain, according to civic officials. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported a fatality caused by a tree collapse incident in the Malad suburb.

While local train traffic on the Central and Western Railway routes remained mostly unaffected, there were minor delays. Railway officials confirmed that trains were running a few minutes behind schedule, reported PTI.

Watch:

#WATCH | Maharashtra: Severe waterlogging in several parts of Thane, following heavy rainfall pic.twitter.com/Xu1P4XDkgI  ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2023

#WATCH | Maharashtra: Andheri Subway waterlogged in Mumbai as rain continues to lash the city pic.twitter.com/YRfX3RbO2v  ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2023

#WATCH | | Rain lashes parts of Mumbai According to BMC, there is a possibility of heavy to very heavy rains in Mumbai in the next 4-5 days. pic.twitter.com/4DleXs1Zh1  ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2023

#WATCH | Maharashtra | Several parts of Thane face acute waterlogging due to heavy rainfall, railway tracks inundated. Visuals from Thane Railway Station and the area around it. pic.twitter.com/QZf4gEJMdE  ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2023

The civic-run Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) buses were diverted at Ketki pada in Dahisar East along three routes.

Within a 24-hour period, the BMC recorded 26 incidents of tree falls, 15 cases of short-circuits, and five instances of house collapse or partial collapse.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted further showers in Mumbai, with moderate to intense rainfall in isolated areas. Kaushal Doshi, a 38-year-old man, lost his life due to a tree fall incident at Mamledarwadi junction in Malad. He was rushed to the civic-run Shatabdi Hospital, where he was declared dead.

The IMD Mumbai issued a nowcast warning, stating that moderate to intense rain spells were expected at isolated places in Mumbai and other coastal districts.

In light of the heavy downpour, Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal and other senior officials assessed the situation by visiting various locations, including the Mithi river bank in Bandra-Kurla Complex and the under-construction coastal road in Worli.

With inputs from agencies

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It is clear now that not only Pakistans political establishment but even its higher judiciary has crumbled under the pressure of the military. A couple of developments, that might look unrelated on the surface, are actually closely linked and there is a clear cause-and-effect relationship.

Let us take a look at the developments which would lead one to these logical conclusions.

Purge in the army

The fault lines are quite visible in the military establishment in wake of the 9 May violence where angry workers of Imran Khans party PTI had targeted military establishments. More than 102 persons have been arrested and they are being tried in 17 military courts under the Army Act. Their fate is sealed as these trials in Pakistan are known to be a facade and most of them are likely to pay the price with their lives as past experience shows.

Meanwhile, Pakistans army took many by surprise by taking an extraordinarily aggressive stance as it started a purge within its ranks also. On 26 June 2023, Major General Arshad Sharif, Director General, Inter-Services Public Relations (a media arm of ISI and Pakistans military) held a press conference giving a stern message to the suspects involved in the 9 May 2023 incident of violence.

Major General Sharif said that three high-ranking Officers, including a Lieutenant-General, had been sacked from their positions and action was taken against three major generals and seven brigadiers due to their failure to prevent the outbreak of violent clashes on 9 May, following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan.

Though he did not reveal the names of senior military officers facing court martial and other proceedings, the officers most likely being targeted are Lahores former Corps Commander Lt Gen (retd) Salman Ghani, former DG ISI Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hamid and Lt Gen Muhammad Aamer, Corps Commander Gujranwala 30 Corps.

Judiciarys surrender

A large section of civilised world had pinned hope on Pakistans Supreme Court to check the influence of the army. But the judiciary has wholly surrendered to the military. Within 24 hours of the DG, ISPRs press conference the Supreme Court of Pakistan rejected a plea to stay the military proceedings against Civilians. The six-member bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial was hearing petitions against military courts trying civilians in connection with their involvement in the May 9 violence. In addition to the CJP, the bench comprised Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Muneeb Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Mazahar Naqvi and Justice Ayesha Malik.

The contradictions in the governments and militarys versions were visible as the Attorney General of Pakistan Mansoor Awan claimed no trials are being held against civilians in the military courts regarding May 9 incidents whereas the DG, ISPR had categorically said 24-hours earlier that 102 civilians have been held and they are being put on trial under the Army Act.

The exchange that happened in the courtroom between the judiciary and the counsels representing the government and PTI reads like the script of a bizarre drama. It shows how Pakistans top judiciary is now singing the tune of the military.

Pakistans newspaper paper The Express Tribune reported this exchange extensively. Here are some excerpts:

At the outset of the hearing, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairmans lawyer Uzair Bhandari argued before a larger bench that the militarys media wing has confirmed civilians are being tried in military courts. PTI lawyer Bhandari said that he would focus his arguments against the military trial of civilians, I have nothing to do with the issue of trial against the soldiers.

The DG ISPR said yesterday that a trial is ongoing, he stressed, and this contradicts the AGPs statement. The AGP responded that he still stood by his earlier statement. So far no civilian has been tried in military courts, he emphasised. We believe you, CJP Bandial said.

So the Chief Justice of Pakistan decided to believe the Attorney General of Pakistan despite a clear statement to the contrary by Pakistans military!

CJ Bandial questioned how the accusations were made without evidence against the 102 civilians. This matter is beyond understanding, he said.

Justice Ahsan further noted that the records show that the details of the accusations are not even available. Bhandari furthered that the arrest of the accused by army officers is also illegal. Many facts are recognised, the lawyer said, and from these facts, malicious intent can be induced.

At one point, the CJP remarked that it is futile to accuse a person without evidence. Addressing the AGP, he said that the court had sought information on the accused that will be beneficial to all parents concerned. During his arguments, AGP Awan said that he had provided all details, including the written records. The details of the incident of May 9 after which the process of extradition of the accused started and most of the whole process is there in the rolls. Nonetheless, he underscored that some time would be required for completing the trial as it is not a summary trial.

The CJ inquired if all legal requirements had been fulfilled when the accused were taken into custody. The AGP in response handed over a file to the CJP saying that it contained all the details of the 102 accused civilians and said that their parents could visit them weekly after filing a request for an appointment. Justice Afridi questioned how the accused had been nominated if they had not yet been charged.

Justice Malik also inquired why the details of the accused were being kept a secret. Is there an issue with making their names public? she asked noting that public access to the list of accused would put an end to the confusion and speculations surrounding the identities of the 102 civilians.

AGP Awan requested the court to keep the details a secret, assuring the bench that the families of all arrested individuals would be contacted by the government within 24 hours.

Justice Ahsan however remarked that there was still merit in making the list public as it would put an end to speculations. However, Justice Yahya Afridi said it is better to establish their contacts with family before the publication of details.

After some harsh questioning on the issue of the secrecy around the illegal arrest of 102 civilians by the military, all that the Chief Justice of Pakistan could offer meekly was shocking. It would be nice for the families to get information about the accused before Eid, said CJP Bandial after all these arguments and questions as mentioned above.

Even as the lives of 102 civilians are hanging by thread in Pakistan, with their families also kept in the dark about their arrests, this is what CJP had to say in this matter, We are not giving an injunction now, I will be available after Eid, if there is any important development, I can be informed. The government should cooperate to remove the concerns of the people. Yes, otherwise concerns arise.

The Pakistan Supreme Court adjourned the hearing of the case against the trial of civilians in military courts till the third week of July.

Conclusion

The meek surrender of Pakistans Supreme Court is a clear indication that the military is tightening its grip on Pakistan. Though Pakistan never had many democratic institutions but whatever was there even as a facade is crumbling now. It is clear that Pakistan has almost reached a point of no return. From a country, it has been converted into a military cantonment over the last seven and a half decades and now the fault lines are visible within the military also.

The writer is an author and columnist and has written several books. He tweets @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed are personal.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the United States from 21 to 23 June 2023 for the eighth time during his tenure. The visit symbolized the dynamism of the India-US partnership and the importance that Prime Minister Modi attaches to relations with Washington. In his nine years in office, Prime Minister Modi has travelled most often to the US.

Prime Minister Modi was invited by President Joe Biden and Jill Biden for his first Official State Visit to the United States. This was a pivotal moment as State visits to the US are infrequent. In addition, Prime Minister Modi addressed the joint session of the US Congress on 22 June. Prime Minister Modi last addressed the US Congress in June 2016. He is the only Indian leader and one of very few world leaders, to have been invited to address the US Congress more than once. The last Indian leader to travel to the US for an Official State Visit was Manmohan Singh in 2009. Singh also addressed the US Congress in 2005.

Prime Minister Modis visit and address to the US Congress demonstrate the importance that President Biden attaches to the US partnership with India and Prime Minister Modis contribution in bringing it to this level. The visit strengthened the commitment of the two countries to a free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

In India, all prime ministers over the last 23 years have worked to expand India-US bilateral ties. Prime Minister Modis contribution has been notably pivotal in the growth of India-US relations. Strong bipartisan support exists in both countries for vibrant relations between the two countries. This has made the India-US partnership one of the most significant and defining relationships in current times.

Current state of play

The warmth, respect and rapport between Prime Minister Modi and President Biden have been palpable during many recent events. These include the G7 and Quad Summits in Hiroshima, the G20 Summit in Bali, the G7 Summit in Germany, the G20 Summit in Italy and many more.

Additionally, Bidens engagement with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has not diluted his commitment to the Indo-Pacific. Five summit-level interactions between the leaders of the Quad (Australia, India, Japan, USA) have taken place over the last 25 months. This extraordinary attention to the Quad demonstrates the resolve of the leaders inter alia of US and India to strengthen their partnership and effectively push back against Chinas growing expansionism.

Today there is a convergence of values and interests between India and the US. Some of these emerging areas of common interest include the fight against terrorism, push-back against Chinas expansionism, attraction for the US of Indias huge and expanding domestic market, presence of a large and influential Indian diaspora in the US, Indias need for infusion of capital and technology for its rapid economic growth etc.

The US and India have over 60 bilateral dialogue mechanisms. These include platforms for cooperation in renewable energy, climate change, information technology, healthcare, agriculture, cyber security and many others. The US has emerged as one of the top three suppliers of defence equipment to India. India also conducts more defence exercises with the US than with any other partner.

The visit

On 21 June, the first day of the visit to Washington DC saw a private engagement between President Biden and Prime Minister Modi, as well as a Skilling Event at Montgomery Community College attended by Prime Minister Modi and Jill Biden.

The next day witnessed an extremely hectic and packed schedule with the ceremonial welcome at the White House which was attended by several thousand members of the Indian diaspora, followed by bilateral meetings between the two leaders and the delegations. After the statements by the two leaders to the media at which Prime Minister Modi gave a spirited response to a question from the Wall Street Journal about the alleged discrimination of minorities in India, Prime Minister Modi delivered his address to the Joint Session of the US Congress. He received several standing ovations and regular thunderous applause from members of the Congress. The address to the US Congress presented a brief overview of the progress India has registered over the last nine years and the huge untapped potential for the expansion of relations between India and the USA. The day concluded with the State dinner hosted by President Biden in Prime Minister Modis honour.

On 23 June, the final day in Washington DC, Prime Minister Modi was hosted at a luncheon by US Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The prime minister then interacted with prominent professional personalities at the Kennedy Center. His last engagement was an interaction with an enthusiastic Indian diaspora at the Ronald Reagan Centre.

The outcomes

A decisive impetus to high technology collaboration between the two democracies was the most significant outcome of the visit. It is clear that the US has made the strategic decision to catapult India into the ranks of highly technologically advanced countries. In the past, the US has been reluctant in sharing its cutting-edge technologies with India. That situation appears to have changed radically. This is evidence of the growing trust and confidence between the two leaders and the countries.

The visit emphasized the shared resolve of the two leaders to elevate their strategic technology partners including in defence, critical and emerging technologies, clean energy, telecommunications, resilient supply chains, Open RAN, 5G/6G technologies, AI, Quantum Computing, space, semiconductor chips and many more. In addition, investments of several billions of dollars were announced by many US firms like Google Alphabet, Applied Materials, LAM and others in India. An MoU on Semiconductor Supply Chain and Innovation Partnership was signed to promote commercial opportunities, research, talent, and skill development. Micron Technology, Inc., announced it will invest up to $825 million to build a new semiconductor assembly and test facility in India. The combined investment valued at $2.75 billion in this enterprise will create several thousand jobs. A total of 35 innovative joint research collaborations in emerging technologies were identified which would be funded by the US National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Indian Department of Science and Technology (DST).

The two leaders committed their administrations to promote policies and procedures for greater technology sharing, co-development, and co-production opportunities between U.S. and Indian industry, government, and academic institutions.

NASA declared that it will provide advanced training to Indian astronauts with the goal of mounting a joint effort to the International Space Station in 2024. NASA and ISRO signed an agreement to develop a strategic framework for human spaceflight cooperation by the end of 2023.

In the area of defence, the two sides adopted a Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, to provide policy direction to defence industries and enable the co-production of advanced defence systems and collaborative research, testing, and prototyping of projects. The highlight in this sector was the signing of an MOU between General Electric of USA and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited of India for the Transfer of Technology and joint production of GE-F414 jet engines for Indias indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft. In addition, the US will supply MQ-3B predator drones to India which India has been demanding for quite some time.

Far-reaching decisions in several other areas like the opening of new consulates, both by India and the USA; launch of a pilot project for the extension of H1B and L visas to Indian nationals in the US without the requirement of leaving the country; launch of the India-US Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X); countering global terrorism and taking concerted action against all UN-listed terrorist groups including Al-Qaida, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and Hizb-ul-Mujhahideen etc. were also taken.

Some wrinkles

When relations between two countries are as comprehensive and complex as those between the US and India, there will always be a few areas of disagreement. Some of these areas between India and US include Indias steadfast, balanced position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict including Indias increasing imports of Russian oil, Americas continued support to Pakistan for servicing and upgradation of its F-16 fleet etc. It appears that the US has made peace with Indias position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. On Indias position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the US National Security Advisor said that one issue cannot be allowed to determine the contours of the whole relationship and that the US is in a long game with India. Moreover, recent reports on the back-sliding of Indias democracy and alleged discrimination of minorities in India have sought to create stress between the two governments but without any success.

Both countries however recognise that the areas of bilateral convergence are far greater than the issues that separate them. The challenge before the leadership of India and the US is to focus and build upon the areas of convergence while continuing to have honest conversations about their differences.

Conclusion

India-US relations are poised at a take-off stage today.

Geopolitical uncertainty and flux have played an important role in this development. Indias impressive economic and military growth in recent years, the competent manner in which India has dealt with the two black swan events of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the confident and self-assured conduct of its foreign policy etc. have also contributed significantly to this outcome. India has emerged as a partner of choice for seeking solutions to some major challenges like climate change, terrorism, economic growth, health etc. confronting the world today.

The US continues to be the pre-eminent power in the world economically, militarily, technologically and in global influence. However, the gap between the US and China, particularly in the economic field, has diminished considerably in recent years. China (and Russia) are convinced that the US is in terminal decline and it is only a matter of time before the Chinese economy overtakes the US economy. This has made China increasingly assertive in the South China Sea, East China Sea, the Taiwan Straits and on the LAC with India ever since Xi Jinping assumed power in 2012.

To balance China and maintain its predominant position in the world, the US needs allies and partners. Although it has many allies and partners in Asia, none can equal India in area, population, size of economy, military strength etc. The US would also like to wean away India from its dependence on Russia as the principal defence supplier.

India wants to emerge as a stronger, more confident, self-assured power to safeguard its sovereignty and provide a better life to its people. For this, it needs capital, technology and large markets which the US can provide. India also needs real-time intelligence to respond effectively to any threats from its northern and western neighbours.

Prime Minister Modi in his address to the Indian diaspora on 23 June, 2023 said: This partnership is not one of convenience but of conviction.

With strong and visionary leadership in the two countries, India-US bilateral ties can be expected to scale even greater heights in the years to come. Prime Minister Modis momentous visit to the US will play a vital and decisive role in achieving this objective.

The writer is executive council member, Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, president, Institute of Global Studies, Distinguished Fellow, Ananta Aspen Centre, and former Ambassador of India to Kazakhstan, Sweden and Latvia. The views expressed are personal.

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Reports seem to suggest that the pro-talk faction of United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) is carefully studying the charter of demands that was submitted quite a few years ago to the Government of India in order to facilitate a dialogue process. But the delay that is being experienced in cobbling out a comprehensive peace process does not seem to be auguring well.

Indeed, despite the fact that the Assam government has been able to almost completely stem the violence level in the state, the fact remains that a section of the organisation  read: ULFA (Independent)  continues to be loyal to Paresh Barua and although there have been desertions aplenty from the outfits camps in Myanmar, there is an outside possibility that (if complacence were to grow) violence and belligerence might erupt again. The accent, therefore, should be on a robust follow-through and complete the peace process once for all.

There is confusion whether Paresh Barua would be included in the peace process, although certain intellectuals of Assam have stated that he is not against dialogue. While it is not immediately understood as to where such confidence stems from, the fugitive status of Paresh Baruah is not aiding such belief. Baruah continues to remain in communication with his cadres and the people of Assam by issuing regular statements through various media outlets, albeit with lesser frequency.

It is also being said that Baruah (who is billeted in Chinas Yunnan) is not keeping good health. But notwithstanding the manner in which the cat and mouse game is being played out, there is some indication of a growing sense of disorientation, frustration and sense of impending doom among the cadres of ULFA who are still in various camps in Sagaing Division. Recruitment that had witnessed a modicum of fillip in 2022 has stopped as a result of an alert and proactive Assam Police. But the icing on the cake would be when the Assam government would be able to completely erase the problem that the ULFA poses and in a manner reminiscent of the Mizo National Front coming back lock, stock and barrel for God and Country!

It would have been a happy day were Paresh Baruah had returned to his home after having been away for decades. Indeed, some observers continue to harbour such a hope. But analysis has it that the ULFA chief of staff would never return to the mainstream. Some years ago, he wrote an article in a vernacular newspaper of Assam in reverence of the fallen LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran and had stated that the North East has the wherewithal to carry on the anti-India struggle for the next 200 years. Quite clearly the obduracy stemmed from a confidence that he considered himself to be the chosen one, a modern-day Lachit Barphukan, who will oust the occupation forces, or like his hero Prabhakaran  who was responsible for Rajiv Gandhis death  go down fighting the enemy.

A few summations from the above statements can be made. One, Paresh Baruah had (at least at the time) scaled new heights in the summit of megalomania; the death of Prabhakaran had only emboldened his belligerence and revolutionary spirit. Two, it was a sign that the warlord is not going to countenance a dialogue with New Delhi, which leads to the analyses that he has found secure moorings among anti-India companies, especially in Indias arch enemy China. At this time the association seems to have only bolstered his ego and have strengthened his anti-India stance. This would not only make him disregard any peace overtures, but could instead goad him (despite his reported illness and rusting claws) into a new look violent mode, the initiations of which could be felt were New Delhi to soft pedal on the peace dialogue (a) with the ULFA (Pro-Talk) group and (b) not make robust overtures to neutralise the threat from the handful of cadres who are still at large. It is also feared that a more belligerent leader could take over from him to carry on the conflict. Perspective planning must take such a possibility into account.

In any event a question that must be raised is about the ULFA and Assamese identity. There can be no question that Assam and the North East has received an extremely raw deal from New Delhi. ULFAs rise to prominence and its over four-decade-old insurrection is a manifestation of that grievance. Objective analysis must also state that the ULFA of the 7 April 1979 rose to prominence on the aspirations of a large number of Assamese people. But somewhere along the way, as revolutionary outfits are sometimes wont to, it began to lose sight of its objectives. A perusal of the organisations founding principles seems quite clear.

In one place it says, The people of Assam are confronting various problems. Among those, the National identity problem is basic (sic). However, did not the ULFA of a later day know that the greatest threat to Assams identity stems from the unabated illegal influx from Bangladesh? Why did it become silent on so important a matter? Was it because it needed Bangladesh as a safe haven? If the ULFA still felt (and actually continues to feel) that it has an obligation to the people of Assam, then it must answer to the Assamese, many of whom have been subjected to untold misery as a result of the ULFAs Asom-India conflict. It must also rise to the occasion and aid the poverty stricken people of Assam, especially as there is a clear danger that both flood and radical Islam is on its way to overcome the Assamese hinterland.

However, despite the wrangles and the contradictions, most people in Assam are of the opinion that an important point has been reached in ULFAs history. Prospects of a negotiated settlement to the ULFA problem seem brighter than ever before. New Delhi (despite delays) is treading on the matter with great care, careful not to either overstep various constitutional obligations, or exhibit a vehemence that might derail the process. ULFA, especially its pro-talk faction, too, must demonstrate its seriousness about dialogue by meaningfully cooperating with the Assam government who has shown both great magnanimity and patience.

Moreover, the pro-talk has to be realistic and relinquish some of its impossible demands. It can actually play an important mediatory role and attempt to convince their comrades who are still holding out that home and hearth is where the actual battle for the people of Assam has to be waged.

As an editorial had opined, (ULFA) cannot be unaware of New Delhis consistent stand that the integrity of any part of India is not negotiable. Peace talks with insurgents anywhere in the country can be meaningful only if this fundamental principle is not violatedIt is important not to miss the shift in the Centres position(it) is now willing to discuss the demand for sovereignty along with other relevant issues relating to the ULFA rebellion. New Delhis talks with the Naga rebels have survived the latters insistence on a sovereign NagalandBut the differences have not spoilt the ceasefire in Nagalandthis is the ULFAs first major opportunity to gain through talks what it can never hope to achieve with the guns.

An important point in the history of separatism in Assam has, indeed, been reached.

The writer is a conflict theorist and bestselling author. The views expressed are his own.

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In my earlier articles (click here and here), I proposed that Hindus generally dont feel a sense of imminent danger to themselves when other Hindus are facing harm because Hinduism is, like most indigenous, non-monotheistic traditions, more vertical than horizontal. Ancestral traditions, micro-nations existing in time, is what we are. Modern mass society, though, descends from horizontal coercions, congregational faiths, groups designed to mold the individual into being a part of the collective, through regular assembly and other techniques.

I then fleshed out the culture of Hindus in America today as that of Go with the Flow Hinduism, subject to By the Book pressures of a modern, horizontal society, be it Christian or secular. I argued that the three or four generational cohorts (present day children, teens and young adults, parents, middle-aged/empty-nester parents) negotiating life here all go with the flow so much that we find huge drops in vertical continuity, far more than that between generations before. I suggested that we fail to understand this phenomenon sociologically because we see the flow as natural, like how a fish cannot really know it is in something called water. We are good at adjusting, accepting, going with the flow. But there are times when noticing and resisting threats to the flow are important. For that, we need to understand our location in time, space and culture better, and to communicate about that better. In this article, I will examine some communication implications of being go with the flow people in a by the book society with a focus on the power of words.

Words and generations

Let us start with a small linguistics experiment. If you are a Hindu parent who is reading this: What are some of the words you use with your children that seem to annoy them? What are some of the words they use to describe you or your opinions? Do your children think you are cool, or based, or cringe, or fash (fascist)?

What are the words with which they frame whatever you might be practicing as your ancestral traditions; temples, pujas, festivals? What are the words they use to describe the past, more broadly, and the future? Your generation, and theirs? What words (or sensibilities) might have come from you or your elders, and what words or positions have come from their peers, school and social media?

Now, the next step. If your grandfather or grandmother was living as a child or teenager now, say, via time travel, how would their language, daily life, and understanding of the world be?

Lets now apply this the other way too. If you are a teenager or a young adult reading this: what are the words that your parents or elders say that bother you?

How do your parents come across on their social media profiles to you and your friends? Do you see value in what they say or what they seem to be trying to say? Or is it best to conclude that they come from a different era and you have your own world and problems to sort out? Have they offered words or insights that you think will stand by you beyond say, education, career, finance, or basic ethics insights? Have they used words that illuminate who you are, spark your imagination, and make you see the world, nature, society, and relationships, all in some wonderful manner?

Whose words make you feel strongly? What are these words? And what words do you use when you feel something intensely? Are these words working for you when they leave your mouth, or your typing fingers?

Do you like your name? Do you like your parents for giving you such a name?

I begin this article about matters of existential survival with something as seemingly simple, trivial, and inconsequential as words, not grand recommendations about politics or religion or economics. Those are not my domain or my primary interest. My primary interest is in the media of communication, and the oldest medium of communication in history is the word or the spoken sound.

Words and media, space and time

Over hundreds of generations, our ancestors have passed down organised collections of sounds which he have learned to use from them. For a lesser timespan, visual representations of those sounds, writing, has also been passed down, though rarely on a scale as widespread and natural as speech. And then, for just about five hundred years or so, hardly 15 or 20 generations when you think about it, each generation has been collectively brought into an increasingly organized, centralized, uniform communication experience through the invention and spread of printing. Modern mass societies, or horizontal coercion, starts to happen on a much larger scale through printing, books, newspapers and so on. Then, with the invention of electrical and electronic technology, with the telegraph, radio and television, the generations just one century before our own time become part of vast instantaneous experiential collectives.

Just think about it. If you asked the oldest generation in your family what their oldest grandparents childhood was like, or at least get a rough date for that, you can easily picture what time period and what communication technology they grew up in.

My mothers childhood (1930s-1940s), for example, saw the spread of cinema and the rise of radio. She of course had an unusual journey through all that because she became a star herself at the age of 16, a face known by millions through the power of mass media. But my mother, like many of our mothers or grandmothers too, experienced the collective through media.

She used to tell me about how the people of her village in Andhra Pradesh gathered around the radio on 30 January, 1948 when Mahatma Gandhi was killed. We could say that the nation began to be experienced by people as part of an imagined community to use a famous concept from the social sciences.

In my childhood (1970s-80s), TV played that role, Doordarshan, specifically, with a bit of VHS imports later on the side. Now, in the lives of children today (late Gen Z or early Gen Alpha), social media perhaps plays that role. Becoming part of a massive media audience, a horizontal collective experience through technology, has become a central part of each generations life and cultural education for the last hundred years. And that is just three or four generations, once again.

Hold that image and let us return to the role of words now.

If you are a parent, and then say Hindu to your child, how much of a resonance does it have, and what sort of resonance?

Demonization of Hindu as a verbal project

The sound Hindu has already been demonized, repeatedly and persistently, in your childs school, in newspaper headlines, in Instagram memes, and so on. In school, the demonization happened probably in just one ancient history lesson in middle school. But in college, it will be even more. In classes, and not just religion classes but almost any social science core class, there will be a virtual free for all about running anything with the name Hindu down.

In college dorms and social activities, there will be well-organized set ups for shaming the Hindu and Indian-descent students will be shamed by their peers for saying they are Indian (because only Native Americans can call themselves Indian dont you know, you must call yourself South Asian or youre racist  this is a real story, incidentally)

Only a well-organised, top-down, establishment-approved, by the book Hinduism of the sort certain anti-Hindu Hindu groups are known for will be encouraged in colleges and then in the workplace. You might very well find your children justifying the genocide of Hindus in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and elsewhere, defending violent hate speech against Hindus, mockery of gods and temples, and at the same time claiming they are actually Hindus, while you are Hindu Nationalists, inspired by Hitler, Trump and Modi. Or, if they see through all that, they will plod on, but more and more privately (the wallpaper to doormat to target transition of successive cohorts of immigrant Hindus in America I mentioned earlier).

Either way, the future, their future and the future of their children and your descendants, should we all so fortunate to have them and see them, will bear the consequences of the words we have used to live, the words we have used to describe life, and the words we have upheld as ones we live by, we live for.

Now, the word Hindu itself, as a label, might now literally be the last word for ensuring their vertical well-being. It is after all a word only a few generations in popular use, and often as a response to being under duress by coercive horizontal systems (which of course are also pretty efficient at reproducing themselves vertically; the missions of the old days become the schools and NGOs of today, for example).

But Rama. And Amma, and Om,  and so many words like that still remain, reproducing the joy of language you felt the first time you spoke as a child to make your parents happy, or the first cave-child spoke a hundred thousand years ago

Cultivating attention towards words

So let us return in conclusion to the role of words in talking about Hinduphobia (or Hindu anything) with your children.

First, recognise that the words you are learning and using to describe a certain experience you feel, a certain reality you know is out there, are coming from a different stream in the flow than your children. You see some professor or journalist spewing abuse on Rama or Durga, and you use certain words to hopefully push back on them; you call them Marxist or woke. Think of where you got these words from (most likely, the internet) and where your children get their responses to these words (from very well-organized institutions you yourself have pushed them to get into all their lives like ivy-league colleges, and from often very well-spoken, guru-like professors). Your kids will be in a bind now. They will have to choose one reality or another. Most likely, they will choose the other one, because it will make a lot more sense to them. They will put your views aside politely at best, or more confrontationally at worst. You have to pick your words and your battles.

Second, timing and context for the use of words is important. Social medias instantaneous nature and dynamics makes us react more quickly and thoughtlessly than is good for anybody. Many of us tend to use Twitter as a venting ground between work or errands. Silence, patience, and seeing words as disturbances in your peace that you can afford to wait on before reacting will help you.

Third, recognise that words that are produced by coercive horizontal entities (schools, colleges, corporations, lobbies) are weaponized. There is a reason why they all say the same things, the same lies and half-truths. It is a feature, not a bug, as we say these days. Now, verticals lack the words (the vocabulary) for social science and political realities, as I showed in the earlier article. We also lack the networks to deploy words effectively (we have a few successful social media influencers and political leaders, sure, but their goal is not primarily to educate you, but to stimulate clicks and votes).

Fourth, observe and learn from institutions and how they use words. What is that a professor might say or not say? A free Hindu on the internet can often say whatever they want, especially if they are anonymous. A public intellectual writing under their own name, on the other hand, is negotiating multiple constraints and possibilities with each word; your location in a disciplinary literature most of all.

Hindus and Hindu groups, on the other hand, have a knee-jerk, go-with-the-flow peer-group approach to words. In the last 20 years, I have seen numerous instances where activist Hindus hesitate to say the most useful or effective word (usually, racism or Hinduphobia) when the opportunity arises, because they are fearful. And then, suddenly, they will burst out saying the most intemperate anti-Muslim slur one can think of. This happened most famously I understand in the case of a British Hindu leader who opposed the word Hinduphobia in a hate crime legislation, and then later had to resign because of anti-Muslim comments.

Basically, what seems to happen in terms of sociolinguistics here is something like this: Hindu leaders and advocates are going with the flow (of words) in their social circles or social media channels, where, informally, they intuit that Hindus must simply not say words which make them sound like Muslims, Blacks, Latinos, or other minorities before their White employers. They think this will make them more acceptable to Whites. Now the children of these Hindus know a little better about what words to use and not use because these linguistic competencies they pick up from the mainstream institutions of this society and not just from imitating other Hindus. These institutions have now decreed of course that Hindus are white, or white-adjacent, or as far as Brahmins go, more white than white. So these children now grow up to become performers of whatever version of white guilt they have been groomed into in order to succeed in the corporate world.

Fifth, be self-reflexive with words and learn to learn them all over again. I think the best way to do this is to keep playing with translations. Encourage your children to play word games in Telugu, Tamil, Sanskrit, whatever your mother tongue might be. The centrality of mother tongues to vertical traditions cannot be ignored if these traditions are to thrive again.

As an aside, I think one of the main reasons the BJP fails frequently in going beyond a certain belt in India is that it has constantly confused Hindu mobilization with Hindi-uniformization. Perhaps it has figured that Hindus cannot be mobilised openly without seeming anti-Muslim, so has quietly settled on spreading Hindi everywhere. Unfortunately, despite the mass convenience of Hindi, it is a relatively recent invention and not ancestrally rooted enough perhaps to work as horizontal coercers in the way that party bosses and nationalists hope.

Six, Hinduphobia equals Racism. It is not a disease. It is not a copy of Islamophobia. It is not a socialist conspiracy to undermine the great American meritocracy. You dont have to support absurd charges of racism or perform as an American liberal for the sake of fitting in (I find it interesting that a social media influencer who long mocked Hindus for using the racism charge as an example of Oppression Olympics recently criticized an Indian-origin UK professor for allegedly denying the oppression of lower castes in India).

The BJP-Indic-RW ecosystem unfortunately is following the logic of clicks and votes, and not intellectual rigour, or pedagogical compassion. It will criticize the liberals and wokes in America while not growing the debate about the excesses of the same model being used by their political bosses to win elections in India.

To conclude, there is a way to talk about Hinduphobia on social media that can be rigorous, logical, careful, precise, and effective. At the moment though, there are many competing and sometimes confusing voices out there, and even confusing labels (Hindumisia, Hindudvesha etc.). Then there are scholars too who avoid the words Hinduphobia and Hinduism altogether, and yet provide the most rigorous critiques of how we have all got to where we are today (the Ghent School). I use Hinduphobia mostly in the context of media representations, backed up by a methodology I have published in a peer-reviewed chapter, which makes me view it as a form of colonial propaganda inseparable from what is commonly called racism (why racism itself is being appropriated by some racists to insist that Hindus, Asians, Jews etc. cannot be victims of racism is, of course, another, longer debate).

It is only a first step, but I believe that learning never stops. Thats what being vertical in these insanely horizontally coercive times means I suppose.

(Part 3 of Why Hindus Have No Sense of Collective Harm)

Postscript: Some suggested readings on language and political change

There is a lot of literature on language, politics, and persuasion in the contemporary context (although none of it seems to be from India or for Indians, specifically). Linguistics Professor George Lakoffs slim book Dont Think of an Elephant: Know your Values and the Frame the Debate (1994) is a good example of how social science and creativity can be applied to practical ends (in this case, teaching American liberals how to win back the narrative ground from charismatic communicators like Ronald Reagan). I am currently reading a book called Language Intelligence: Lessons on Persuasion from Jesus, Shakespeare, Lincoln and Lady Gaga by Joseph J. Romm (2012) which makes the important point that as education in rhetoric (or effective persuasion in speech and writing) vanishes from schools, you will find a population that is less impressive in its communication skills, and also more suggestible in a way (you cant detect how propagandists manipulate you if you are not trained to understand how words work in the first place). Finally, if you have not read it before, my e-book Writing Across a Cracked World: Hindu Representation and the Logic of Narrative (2018) might also be useful.

The writer is Professor of Media Studies, University of San Francisco. He has authored several books, including Rearming Hinduism: Nature, Hinduphobia and the Return of Indian Intelligence (Westland, 2015). Views expressed are personal.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lashed out at leaders who attended the mega meeting of Opposition parties held in Patna recently, saying all corrupt leaders had joined together to escape the anti-scam crackdown.

All the corrupts joined their hands in Patnas meeting. Opposition is trying to escape the anti-scam crackdown. The corrupt leaders are trying to save each other. My guarantee is I will not spare any of them and I will take every scamster to task, said PM Modi

If they have the guarantee of scams and corruption then I also have one guarantee for all of you and it is I will not spare any of those who are involved in the corruptionToday when action is being taken against them (Opposition), they are coming together and forming a unity, says PM Narendra Modi in Bhopal

His remarks came days after an opposition party meeting in Patna earlier this month pledged to take on the BJP in the next years elections.

Responding to the question on Opposition unity, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal said, Opposition unity is there and it will continue.

Venugopal alleged PM for being habitual in diverting attention from other pressing issues in the country. Today people are being instigated in the name of UCC. How can the country run on two (laws)? The Constitution also talks of equal rightsSupreme Court has also asked to implement UCC. These (Opposition) people are playing vote bank politics, he said.

#WATCH | If they have the guarantee of scams and corruption then I also have one guarantee for all of you and it is I will not spare any of those who are involved in the corruptionToday when action is being taken against them (Opposition), they are coming together and forming pic.twitter.com/3xXnNQeH1z  ANI (@ANI) June 27, 2023

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Tuesday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modis comments on triple talaq, Uniform Civil Code and Pasmanda Muslims in Bhopal and said that it seems PM Modi could not understand Barack Obamas advice properly.

It seems PM Modi could not understand Obamas advice properly. Modi ji tell me, will you end the Hindu Undivided Family (HUF)? Because of this, the country is suffering a loss of Rs 3064 crores every year, said Asaduddin Owaisi.

Earlier PM Modi while addressing the BJP workers in Bhopal said that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) envisioned in Constitution and even Supreme Court has also asked for it to be implemented.

He also hit out against proponents of the Triple Talaq, saying that those who are supporting it, are doing grave injustice to Muslim daughters.

We want to make India a developed country by 2047, but India will be developed only when its villages will be developed. Hence, it should be the resolution of every village to become developed before 2047, he said.

With inputs from agencies

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Baidu announced that its chatbot Ernie Bot, powered by an artificial intelligence-based large language model (LLM), has surpassed OpenAIs groundbreaking ChatGPT in important metrics, intensifying the competition against US and local rivals.

According to a statement released on Tuesday, the Chinese search and AI company referred to a test conducted by the state-run newspaper China Science Daily. The test demonstrated that Baidus latest LLM, Ernie 3.5, outperformed both ChatGPT 3.5 in comprehensive ability tests and the more advanced ChatGPT 4 in several Chinese-language capabilities.

Baidus tall claims

Baidus Chief Technology Officer, Haifeng Wang, stated that just three months after the beta release of Ernie Bot, which was built on Ernie 3.0, Ernie 3.5 achieved significant enhancements in effectiveness, functionality, and performance.

Wang further emphasized that the recent improvements to Ernies LLM are noticeable in creative writing, question answering, reasoning, and code generation. The latest version of Ernie Bot also allows for the addition of plug-ins to expand its features.

One of the integrated plug-ins is Baidu Search, which equips Ernie Bot with the ability to generate real-time and accurate information. Baidu plans to incorporate more plug-ins from both Baidu and third-party developers.

Over 50 per cent improvement since launch

China Science Daily conducted tests based on benchmark assessments designed to evaluate AI-language models, such as AGIEval and C-Eval. These benchmarks assess the models performance through standardized exams and thousands of multiple-choice questions across a number of disciplines.

Baidus statement follows CEO and co-founder Robin Lis remarks at a conference, where he highlighted that Ernie Bots model performance had improved by over 50 per cent since the release of version 3.0 in March. Li also mentioned a twofold increase in training performance and a 17-fold increase in inference performance, enabling faster and more cost-effective iterations and upgrades.

Given the US sanctions limiting Chinas access to advanced graphics processing units for training large language models, improving efficiency becomes crucial for AI development in the country.

Li emphasized that the upgraded Ernie Foundation Model version 3.5 not only includes technical enhancements but also addresses safety concerns, potentially addressing growing content safety issues raised by Beijing.

Chinas AI conundrum

China faces the challenge of balancing support and funding for generative AI development with the implementation of regulations and restrictions on overseas products to manage perceived risks associated with the technology.

Li believes that the governance of generative AI presents several challenges, requiring the establishment of sound laws, regulations, institutional systems, ethics, and moral guidelines to ensure healthy development.

Baidus release of Ernie Bot 3.0 in March marked Chinas initial response to ChatGPT, prompting other companies like Alibaba Group Holding and Tencent Holdings to introduce their own models. Alibaba owns the South China Morning Post.

According to a test conducted by the Xinhua Institute in June, a think tank affiliated with the Xinhua state news agency, Baidus Ernie Bot ranked as the top alternative to ChatGPT offered by Chinese tech companies.

Baidu is actively integrating Ernie Bot into its other products, including cloud services, and has announced a 1 billion yuan (US$139 million) venture fund to invest in Chinese generative AI start-ups.

Li predicts that large language models will increasingly permeate various sectors, becoming a key driving force behind the growth of the digital economy and its integration with the real economy.

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In New Yorks Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), a janitor unintentionally switched off a lab freezer which resulted in the unintended destruction of valuable research spanning over two decades.

The college has now filed a lawsuit against the cleaners employer, Daigle Cleaning Systems, citing insufficient training and claiming damages exceeding $1 million.

The unfortunate event occurred in 2020 when the unnamed cleaner, employed by Daigle Cleaning Systems, had been working at RPI for several months.

The mishap took place in a laboratory freezer containing vital cultures integral to a photosynthesis research project led by Professor KV Lakshmi from the Biology and Chemistry department, as reported by the BBC.

These cultures were typically stored at a temperature of -112F (-80C).

According to the lawsuit filed in the New York Supreme Court, Rensselaer County, an alarm had indicated fluctuating temperature levels in the freezer on September 14, 2020, a few days before the incident.

At that point, the specimens remained viable, but due to COVID restrictions, repairs could not be immediately carried out for a week.

To address the situation, lab officials took precautions to preserve the cultures and posted a sign explaining the alarms origin and how to mute it.

Furthermore, Professor Lakshmi installed a lock box on the freezers outlet and socket to prevent accidental disconnection.

On September 17, however, a Daigle Cleaning Systems employee unwittingly switched off the circuit breaker, leading to an increase in the freezers temperature.

The incident came to light the next day when lab officials realized that the majority of the samples had been irreversibly compromised, rendering over two decades of research unsalvageable.

During an interview with university officials, the cleaner told that he thought was turning the circuit breaker on in response to the alarm.

The lawsuit mentions that despite the explanation provided, the cleaner did not fully comprehend his mistake but claimed to have been acting with good intentions.

Michael Ginsberg, the attorney representing RPI, expressed disappointment at the turn of events, emphasizing that peoples negligence had caused the loss of 25 years of valuable research. RPI seeks compensation exceeding $1 million for the damages incurred due to the incident.

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India, with its rich history and diverse cultural heritage, has left an indelible mark on the world. Beyond its borders, several countries have forged fascinating connections with India, resulting in a unique blend of cultures, traditions, and shared experiences. From the Indian Ocean to South America, these nations boast intriguing narratives of migration, colonisation, and cultural assimilation. Join us as we embark on a journey to explore some of the countries that share an extraordinary bond with India, unraveling captivating tales that will surely make you feel at home.

Mauritius: A Little India in the Indian Ocean

Mauritius, a stunning island nation in the Indian Ocean, has a significant Indian connection. Over 60 per cent of its population has Indian ancestry, primarily from indentured labourers who were brought to the island during the British colonial era. The vibrant festivals, delicious Indian cuisine, and even the Bhojpuri language spoken by many locals reflect the strong Indian cultural influence.

Suriname: Preserving Indian Traditions in South America

Nestled in South America, Suriname is home to the largest Indian diaspora in the region. The countrys connection with India dates back to the 19th century when thousands of Indians were transported as indentured labourers. Today, their descendants proudly preserve their Indian heritage, celebrating festivals like Diwali and Holi, performing traditional dances, and maintaining strong cultural ties with India.

Guyana: A Tapestry of Indian and Caribbean Fusion

Guyana, another South American gem, boasts a fascinating blend of Indian and Caribbean cultures. The countrys Indo-Guyanese community traces its roots to the indentured labourers who arrived from India during colonial times. Their traditions, including vibrant weddings, traditional clothing like the saree, and mouthwatering Indian delicacies, have seamlessly intertwined with the local culture, creating a unique fusion that showcases the richness of both worlds.

Fiji: A Pacific Island Embracing Indian Heritage

In the idyllic Pacific Ocean lies Fiji, a tropical paradise with a vibrant Indian connection. Indian immigrants, mainly from the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, arrived in Fiji during the British era. Today, the Indo-Fijian community, with its distinct cultural practices, has played a significant role in shaping the nations diversity. The annual Festival of Lights, known as Diwali, is celebrated grandly, and Indian music, dance, and cuisine have become an integral part of Fijian society.

South Africa: Mahatma Gandhis Inspirational Journey

South Africa holds a special place in Indias history due to Mahatma Gandhis transformative years spent in the country. Gandhis struggle against racial discrimination in South Africa not only influenced his principles of nonviolence but also ignited the fight for Indias independence. Numerous landmarks in South Africa, such as the Gandhi House in Johannesburg, pay homage to his legacy, making it a significant destination for anyone interested in tracing Indias historical journey.

Malaysia: A Blend of Cultures in Southeast Asia

Malaysia, a diverse Southeast Asian country, showcases a rich tapestry of cultures, including a strong Indian presence. The Indian community, primarily descended from Tamil migrants, has greatly contributed to Malaysias multicultural landscape. The vibrant Brickfields neighborhood in Kuala Lumpur, often referred to as Little India, is a bustling hub of Indian culture, where visitors can savor authentic Indian cuisine, witness colorful festivals, and explore traditional markets.

Nepal: Shared History and Spiritual Bond

Nepal, Indias neighboring country, has deep-rooted historical and spiritual ties with its southern counterpart. The birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini, is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide. The connection extends beyond religion, as the two countries share cultural practices, festivals, and even culinary traditions. The festival of Dashain, celebrated with great fervor in Nepal, bears similarities to Indias Durga Puja.

As we conclude our exploration of these countries with a profound Indian connection, it becomes evident that the reach and impact of Indian culture and history extend far beyond its borders. From the vibrant festivals celebrated in Mauritius and Suriname to the fusion of Indian and Caribbean cultures in Guyana, each country offers a distinct tapestry woven with Indian influences. The historical significance of Mahatma Gandhis transformative years in South Africa and the spiritual bond shared with Nepal add further layers to the Indian connection.

These countries serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of Indian culture, traditions, and values, which continue to resonate and thrive in distant lands. The stories of migration, colonialism, and cultural assimilation exemplify the dynamic nature of cultural exchanges, highlighting the power of diversity and the human spirits ability to forge connections across borders.

So, whether you yearn to immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of Little India in Malaysia or witness the captivating fusion of Indian and Pacific cultures in Fiji, these countries beckon with open arms, inviting you to explore their unique Indian connections. Prepare to be amazed by the rich tapestry of history, traditions, and cultural legacies that these nations proudly embrace, proving that the Indian connection is a truly remarkable and enduring phenomenon.

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Google, owned by Alphabet, has announced job cuts at its mapping app, Waze, as it merges the apps advertising system with Google Ads technology. The company did not disclose the exact number of layoffs.

In order to create a better, more seamless long-term experience for Waze advertisers, weve begun transitioning Wazes existing advertising system to Google Ads technology. As part of this update, weve reduced those roles focused on Waze Ads monetization, Google, which acquired Waze for about $1.3 billion in 2013, said, according to Reuters.

Google acquired Waze for $1.3 billion in 2013 and recently merged the Waze and Google Maps teams to streamline operations within the Google Geo division, which includes mapping products like Google Maps and Google Earth.

CNBC first reported the news, citing an email from Chris Phillips, the head of the Geo division. Phillips expressed gratitude and respect for the affected employees contributions to the companys success and culture.

Google plans to inform advertisers and partners about the change, but specific details about the job cuts were not mentioned in the email. It is estimated that the Waze unit currently employs over 500 people.

This decision follows Alphabets announcement in January of laying off 12,000 employees, around 6 per cent of its workforce, due to a slowdown in revenue growth.

The Waze app, with approximately 140 million active users, relies on crowdsourcing to provide real-time traffic information and optimize driving routes.

With inputs from agencies

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The internet sensations KSI and Logan Paul found themselves at the centre of a bizarre popularity when they were pelted with their own Prime energy drinks during a promotional event in Denmark. During a meet-up in Copenhagen to promote their energy drink  Prime, fans started throwing bottles at the duo when the boxer and rapper, KSI yelled Drink Prime. The security official had to clear out the stage to protect them from the incoming bottles. While both KSI and pro-wrestler Logan appeared to find the whole incident funny, they were also finding it hard to dodge all the Prime bottles.

KSI himself uploaded the video of the pelting on Twitter, which has now gone viral. The clip has been watched by more than 11 million people.

After enjoying great success from the sales of the energy drink Prime in the US and UK, the duo proved that apart from creating content, they also have a knack for business marketing. But their promotional meeting for the same in Denmark didnt go as planned. The fan meet-up which started in a civilised manner suddenly took a downturn and took the form of a bizarre attack on these two athletes.

It all started when influencer KSI yelled the signature line of the product Drink Prime. After this announcement, enthusiastic fans started showering Prime bottles towards Logan Paul and KSI. However, both the YouTubers took the ordeal in good spirits and went on to share the video on the micro-blogging site.

Apart from this, there have been several videos circulating the internet which show how the security officials were taking the duo off the stage to protect them from the pelting.

Amid all this, fans are talking about the aim of one of the fans who threw a bottle from miles away and hit KSIs forehead. A Twitter user even shared the slow version of this part of the video.

Who the F did do that pic.twitter.com/FrG0hWm2dp  Adnan: (@Adnanhigh) June 27, 2023

Some also appreciated how KSI managed to dodge the fans throw.

He dodged it well tho  Abdulaziz Aladwani (@Abdulaziz101) June 27, 2023

That head movement tho   Deen (@DeenTheGreat) June 27, 2023

This incident is also described as one of the genius marketing tactics by some fans.

Paul and KSIs drink is currently available in British supermarkets such as Aldi and Asda. It recently also entered Sainsbury in London. Sainsbury was the first to launch the new KSI limited edition Orange and Mango flavour.

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According to a report from The Independent, an asteroid labelled as potentially hazardous and about the same size as the London Eye is expected to come close to Earth on Wednesday. The enormous rock, known as 2013 WV44, has a diameter of 160 meters and is being monitored by NASA.

The US space agencys Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies stated that the asteroid will pass within a distance of 3.3 million kilometres from Earth, which is relatively near in astronomical terms, but it poses no danger to our planet.

Tracking Asteroid 2013 WV44

NASA first detected asteroid 2013 WV44 in 2013, and a group of astronomers determined that it travels at a speed of approximately 11.8 kilometres per second, which is about 34 times the speed of sound.

As reported by The Independent, the asteroid is expected to reach its closest point to Earth at 9:00 AM British Summer Time on June 28 (1:30 PM as per the Indian Standard Time).

NASA also recently issued a warning regarding another asteroid the size of a bus, which was anticipated to have its nearest encounter with Earth.

According to information provided on NASAs Asteroid Watch page, the asteroid known as 2023 JL1, measuring approximately 39 feet, will pass by Earth at a distance of approximately 2,490,000 kilometres. Its velocity is recorded at 26,316 kilometres per hour.

How asteroids are tracked

It is worth mentioning that NASAs dashboard is dedicated to monitoring asteroids and comets that approach Earth relatively closely. The dashboard provides details such as the closest approach date, the estimated diameter of the object, its relative size, and the distance from Earth for each encounter.

It tracks asteroids that come within a range of 7.5 million kilometres from Earth.

Over 30,000 asteroids, ranging in size, including more than 850 with a diameter of one kilometre or larger, have been identified and categorized as Near Earth Objects (NEOs) in the vicinity of our planet. However, none of these asteroids pose a threat to Earth within the next century.

How asteroids came to be

According to NASA, asteroids are remnants from the early stages of our solar systems formation. The formation process began approximately 4.6 billion years ago when a large cloud of gas and dust collapsed.

During this event, the majority of the material gathered at the centre of the cloud and eventually formed the sun. Meanwhile, some of the dust within the cloud condensed and transformed into planets.

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Former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has urged for closer ties with countries such as India, Japan, and Australia to help counter the growing influence of Communist China, which she describes as the greatest threat to American security and prosperity.

The Indian-origin former North Carolina governor, who is now competing for the Republican presidential nomination, has also promised a sea change in US policy towards China if elected President in 2024.

Communist China is the greatest threat to American security and prosperity by far, Haley declared during her speech at the American Enterprise Institute, a think tank in Washington, DC, on Tuesday.

It is the most dangerous foreign threat weve faced since the Second World War, the 51-year-old leader, who is contesting against former president Donald Trump, said.

She also criticised Trumps friendliness toward Chinas President Xi Jinping, whom the former president has spoken of in fond terms.

In his zeal to befriend President Xi, Trump congratulated the Communist Party on its 70th anniversary of conquering China. That sent the wrong message to the world. Chinese Communism must be condemned, never congratulated, Haley said. Haley went on to slam Trumps successor, President Joe Biden, on his administrations interactions with China.

Haley has served for two years as Trumps ambassador to the United Nations.

Chief among Haleys solutions to Chinese aggression was strengthening the nations domestic, economic, and military might.

As president, my top priority will be strengthening Americas economy and Americas military, she said. We will protect Americas prosperity and homeland from Chinese aggression. Haley warned about Chinas ever-growing police state and the Chinese military, which she said, has become even stronger.

We will tackle Chinese meddling in our society and its manipulation of our economy, she said. And we will hold the Communist Party accountable while putting it on the global defensive. This is a sea change in American policy. Its grounded in the reality that our leaders have failed to admit. Haley would restrict American universities, which are among the largest beneficiaries of Chinese cash, from receiving federal contracts if they work with Chinas ruling Communist Party.

We should ban all propaganda centres and eliminate federal funding for universities that take Chinese money, Haley said. Universities must choose China or America. It shouldnt be a hard decision. Haley cited a lack of military recruitment among the Army, Navy, and Air Force as one reason America is falling behind China.

Its time to face a hard truth. Our military strength is not where it should be. It must be transformed to meet todays and tomorrows challenges, said Haley.

A stronger military is the linchpin to our national security and to preventing wars, she added.

Haley called for America to grow closer to allies who can help ward off Chinas influence. We must also rally more nations to our side. We should deepen our military ties with Japan, South Korea, and Australia, and forge stronger bonds with India and the Philippines, Haley said.

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis maiden state visit to the US at the invitation of President Joe Biden last week, Haley said India is an ally that shares US democratic values and the friendship between the two nations is personal.

The US-India friendship is personal. India is an ally that shares our democratic values. We have so much in common, from business and cultural ties to mutual security interests. Its critical that we continue to grow our partnership. I wish Prime Minister Modi a successful visit to Washington, Haley said in a statement.

Haley, who is polling in the single digits, has started to take more direct aim at the Republican primarys leading candidates in recent weeks.

Born Nimrata Nikki Randhawa to immigrant Punjabi Sikh parents, Haley is the third Indian-American to run for US presidency in three consecutive election cycles.With inputs from PTI

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Nine members of a family were killed by unknown gunmen who opened indiscriminate fire after barging into their house in northwest Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Wednesday.

The incident took place in the Batkhela tehsil of Malakand district. Among those dead included three women and six men.

After receiving the information, the local Levies force reached the crime scene and shifted the dead bodies to Batkhela Hospital for postmortem.

While the reason behind the killings has not been ascertained yet, an investigation into the case has been started, according to the police.

(With inputs from PTI)

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Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, Enrique A Manalo has arrived in India on a four-day visit to India.

Manalo received an invitation from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to co-chair the 5th India-Philippines Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC), to be held tomorrow (Wednesday) in New Delhi.

During his visit, both sides will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations including political, defence, security, maritime cooperation, trade and investment, health, tourism, agriculture, financial technology and will also discuss regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

Secretary Manalo will deliver the 42nd Sapru House Lecture as a joint project under the MoU signed between the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) of the Philippines and the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) in November 2017.

The visit will provide an opportunity to comprehensively review bilateral relations between India and the Philippines and to explore ways to further deepen and strengthen them.

Manalo was appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Philippines in July 2022.

Manalo earlier served in the foreign service for nearly four years and joined the Department of Foreign Affairs in 1979.

He is the son of the late Ambassador Armando Manalo and Rosario Manalo, the former ambassador to Belgium and political adviser of the Philippine mission to the United Nations, The Manila Times reported.

Before his appointment as Foreign Affairs secretary, Manalo was the DFAs undersecretary for policy, his second stint in the same position, which he first held from 2007 to 2010.

He has represented the country and has served as the chairman of various international meetings and conferences, the latest of which was the Senior Officials Meeting during the Asean Foreign Ministers Meeting Retreat (AMM Retreat) in Boracay, Malay, Aklan, last February 20.

Manalo worked in the foreign service in various sectors before his first appointment as ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary in 2003.

He started serving in the home office as a special assistant to the Office of the Deputy Minister from 1979 to 1981. After completing his first tour of duty at the Philippine Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, he was named as special assistant to the First Undersecretary of the DFA.

He was also the assistant secretary for European Affairs after his stint as the minister counsellor of the Philippine Mission to the UN in New York from 1998 to 2000.

With inputs from ANI

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The US will very soon announce actions to hold the Wagner Group accountable, the US said on Tuesday, although the move will be over the mercenary groups prior activities in Africa and wont be linked to the aborted mutiny in Russia over the weekend.

Addressing a regular press briefing on Tuesday, the US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said, I would say in terms of this  the disposition of Yevgeniy Prigozhin, hes under indictment in the United States. We would like to see him here standing trial for the crimes that he is alleged to have committed.

Responding to a media query on whether Prigozhin should be declared persona non grata, and Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko welcoming the Wagner chief to his land, Miller said, I will just repeat what I said, which is that the decision by Lukashenko to welcome him to Belarus does show that he continues to take steps not in the interest of his own people but in the interest of the Kremlin.

I will say, I dont have any United States assessment of the situation. As I said yesterday, and as Secretary Blinken said, on Sunday, everywhere where Wagner goes, death and destruction follow in their wake. So, the decision by Prez Lukashenko to welcome Prigozhin to Belarus, I think is another example of him choosing the interest of Vladimir Putin and choosing the interest of the Kremlin over the Belarusian people, said Miller.

He added that the US would continue to support Ukraine and its military to repel the Russian troops.

In terms of whats next, on this, to be continued US support for Ukraine and continued US support for the Ukrainian militarys work to repel Russian troops, whether they be Ministry of Defence troops, or whether they be Wagner forces, or whether they be whatever the next iteration, if any, of Wagner forces, look like to repel those forces from Ukraines borders.

And just as you will see actions from us in the very near future to hold Wagner accountable, you will see continued actions from us in the very near future to continue to supply the Ukrainian military with the equipment, the military equipment that it needs, to press their case on the battlefield, he said during the State Department briefing on Tuesday.

Wagner Chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has reached Belarus, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced on Tuesday, according to CNN.

With inputs from agencies

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Vladimir Putin is to be blamed for what occurred in Russia, said former US defence secretary Leon Panetta after Kremlin faced a direct military challenge from Wagner group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Any time there is chaos and instability, any leader faces problems as a result of that. But particularly an autocrat like Putin, whohis basic claim to power is that he controls whats going on in Russia. And what happened indicates that his control was not there, Panetta said.

Putin paying price for something he created

Panetta said that the Russian President is paying the price for something he created.

He went on to explain, Putin is the one who put together the Wagner groupHes deployed them to Asia, to Africa, to Ukraine, where theyve committed all kinds of atrocities. And then, when Prigozhin started speaking out and criticising both Putin as well as the Russian military, Putin took no steps really to discipline Prigozhin. So likely the bottom line here is Putin has no one to blame but himself for what occurred in Russia.

Addressing the nation on Monday, Putin delivered his first public statements since calling Prigozhins actions treasonous over the weekend.

The Russian president kept a relatively low profile during the turmoil.

Prigozhin led his private mercenaries in an attempted rebellion against the Russia for less than 24 hours before a deal was brokered to avoid bloodshed. In exchange for turning his troops away from Moscow, Prigozhin agreed to leave the country for Belarus.

Since the start of war in February last year, Wagner forces have become a pivotal part of Russias invasion of Ukraine, especially in fight for the eastern city of Bakhmut. However, Prigozhin gradually became more vocal about his criticism of the Russian militarys performance in Ukraine, particularly attacking Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu and Chief of Russias General Staff Valery Gerasimov.

Nicknamed as Putins chef, Prigozhin faced little condemnation from the Russian president for his repeated attacks against Kremlin leadership.

With inputs from agencies

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At least four people, including a child were killed and several others were injured in a missile strike launched by Russia in the middle of Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine on Tuesday evening, CNN citing local authorities reported.

We are now working in the city to establish the number of wounded and possibly dead. This is the city centre. These were public eating places crowded with civilians, Pavlo Kyrylenko, chief of the military administration for the Donetsk area said.

Citing officials, CNN reported that a second missile strike hit a village on the outskirts of the city.

Russia deliberately targeted crowded areas, Ihor Klymenko, the minister of internal affairs of Ukraine, stated in Telegram comments.

Soon after the strikes took place, emergency services were at the scene helping the injured.

The Russia-Ukraine war that started on 24 February, 2022, has taken numerous lives and the war continues to escalate between the two nations even now.

Kramatorsk located in Donetsk province, is regarded as a significant city and a potential target for any Russian advancement westward in its quest to capture the entire region.The city has been the target of numerous Russian attacks in the past, including an assault on the railway station in April 2022 that claimed the lives of 63 people.

There have been previous strikes on apartment buildings and civilian sites in Kramatorsk earlier this year.

Russia describes its actions in Ukraine as a special military operation since its invasion of the country in February 2022, despite the fact that it denies intentionally targeting civilian sites.

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South Koreans who have been complaining for remaining young, has a reason to rejoice. The people of this east Asian nation have become a year or two younger on Wednesday as the countrys traditional method has been replaced with new laws that require using only the international norm of counting age.

Laws were passed in South Korea in December to scrap the traditional method and fully adopt the international standard.

What is South Koreas new age system?

Starting June 28, 2023, South Korea will use the international method of calculating from zero at birth and adding a year on every birthday for medical and legal documents.

What was South Koreas traditional way of counting age?

As per the age system followed widely in South Koreans daily life, people are deemed to be a year old at birth and a year is added every January 1.

There is another age system in the country for conscription, school entrance and calculating the legal age to drink alcohol and smoke  a persons age is calculated from zero at birth and a year is added on January 1. Officials said this method would remain for the time being.

There was a gradual shift since early 1960s to the international method of calculating the age, but many South Koreans retained the traditional method for everything else.

What South Koreans wanted?

A survey carried out by South Korean government in September 2022 revealed that 86 per cent of people said they would use international age in their everyday life.



How South Korean are reacting to new way counting age?

I was about to turn 30 next year (under the traditional Korean age system) but now I have some more time earned and I love it, Reuters quoted Choi Hyun-ji, a 27-year-old office worker in Seoul, as saying.

Its just great to feel like getting younger, Choi added.

Minister of Government Legislation Lee Wan-Kyu said, We expect legal disputes, complaints and social confusion that have been caused over how to calculate ages will be greatly reduced.

With inputs from Reuters

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Swedish police have granted a permit for a protest where the organiser plans to burn a Quran outside Stockholms main mosque on Wednesday, the start of the Muslim three-day Eid al-Adha holiday.

The police said in the written decision that the security risks associated with the burning were not of a nature that could justify, under current laws, a decision to reject the request.

The green light came two weeks after a Swedish appeals court rejected the polices decision to deny permits for two demonstrations in Stockholm which were to include Quran burnings.

Police had at the time cited security concerns, following a burning of the holy book of Islam outside Turkeys embassy in January which led to weeks of protests, calls for a boycott of Swedish goods and further stalled Swedens NATO membership bid.

Turkey, which has blocked the bid due to what it perceives as Stockholms failure to crack down on Kurdish groups it views as terrorists, took particular offence that police had authorised the January demonstration.

Police then banned two subsequent requests for protests involving Quran burnings  one by a private individual and one by an organisation, outside the Turkish and Iraqi embassies in Stockholm in February.

The appeals court in mid-June ruled that police were wrong to ban those, saying the order and security problems referenced by the police did not have a sufficiently clear connection to the planned event or its immediate vicinity.

The request for the Wednesday demonstration was made by the same private individual who had his previous request blocked.

I want to protest in front of the large mosque in Stockholm, and I want to express my opinion about the Quran I will tear up the Quran and burn it, 37-year-old Salwan Momika, wrote in the application, AFP reported

Police said Wednesday they had called in reinforcements from across the country to maintain order.

Swedish politicians have criticised Quran burnings, but have also adamantly defended the right to freedom of expression.

With inputs from AFP

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Two Russian warships were spotted off the eastern coast of Taiwan on Tuesday, and the islands defence ministry said that it dispatched its own aircraft and ships to keep watch.

Two frigates sailed in a northerly direction off Taiwans east coast and then departed from our response zone in a southeasterly direction off the port city of Suao, which is home to a major Taiwanese naval base, said the ministry in a statement late on Tuesday.

Taiwans military sent aircraft and ships to keep watch and activated shore-based missile systems, the statement added, without providing further details.

Russias Interfax news agency reported on Tuesday that a detachment of ships of the Russian Pacific Fleet had entered the southern parts of the Philippine Sea to perform tasks as part of a long-range sea passage.

Taiwan has joined the United States and its allies in enacting wide-ranging sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

Democratically governed Taiwan, which China views as its own territory, has over the past three years regularly reported Chinese navy ships and air force aircraft operating around the island, as Beijing seeks to press its territorial claims.

With inputs from agencies

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Teslas EV charging technology is rapidly advancing towards becoming the standard in North America, which further supports the companys objective of expanding access to its once-exclusive charging stations.

In recent weeks, Teslas charging technology has been gaining significant traction. On Tuesday, Volvo Car joined the ranks of General Motors, Ford, and Rivian by adopting Teslas charging design.

Ditching a universal standard

This move comes as a departure from earlier attempts by the Biden administration to establish the Combined Charging System (CCS) as the predominant charging standard in the United States.

SAE International, an organization focused on developing industry standards, aims to establish a standardized configuration for Teslas charging connector within a timeframe of six months or less, as per a statement made by an official from the organization on Tuesday.

Discussions are currently underway between SAE International, Tesla, Ford, General Motors, other automakers, and the federal government regarding the standardization of the North American Charging Standard (NACS).

US speaks of standardisation. But is it true standardisation?

According to Frank Menchaca, President of Sustainable Mobility Solutions at SAE International, there is a shared sense of urgency and purpose between the industry and the government in this matter.

He emphasized that the process of standardization is no longer under the sole control of one company, but rather a collaborative effort involving multiple companies to establish a standard for developing the charging plug.

While Tesla refers to its technology as the North American Charging Standard (NACS), it has not yet received official approval as a standard from SAE International.

According to a study conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the United States is on track to establish a network of 1.2 million electric-vehicle public chargers by 2030. This network will include 1 million Level 2 chargers. The study, however, did not provide a breakdown of the specific connectors such as NACS and CCS.

The NREL studys projection surpasses the goal set by the Biden administration, which aimed to deploy 500,000 public chargers by 2030.

Tesla is getting public funding for its charging system

To accomplish the expansion of the public charging network, an estimated investment of between $33 billion and $55 billion in public and private capital will be required, as outlined in the NREL study.

Regarding the connectors, the Biden administrations approach to both CCS and NACS connectors aims to facilitate the development of a more interoperable and accessible set of chargers nationwide. Ali Zaidi, the White House national climate adviser, told Reuters that this approach will contribute to achieving this goal.

The White House has announced that electric-vehicle charging stations utilizing Tesla-standard plugs would qualify for substantial federal subsidies on the condition that they also incorporate the U.S. charging standard connection, CCS.

Texas and Washington states have indicated their intention to require the implementation of the NACS, alongside CCS, as part of the federal program. However, it is yet to be determined if the federal government will adopt a similar approach and enforce this requirement nationwide.

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Last month, a 13-year-old Kurdish girl went missing on her way home after a school test after being accosted by a member of an armed organisation. Her parents instantly assumed the worst: that she had been persuaded to join the gang and had been sent to one of its training camps.

Peyal Aqil was with pals when she came upon the man, who turned out to be a recruiter for an organisation called the Revolutionary Youth. She accompanied him to one of the groups centres in the northeast Syrian city of Qamishli. Her pals waited outside for her, but she never returned.

Hamrin Alouji, Peyals mother, said she and her husband protested to local authorities but were ignored.

The group later said Peyal joined willingly, a claim rejected by Alouji. We consider that at this age, she cannot give consent, even if she was convinced by the groups program, Alouji said, sitting for an interview in her daughters room, filled with stuffed animals and school texts.

Armed groups have recruited children throughout the past 12 years of conflict and civil war in Syria. A new United Nations report on children in armed conflict, released Tuesday, says the use of child soldiers in Syria is growing, even as fighting in most parts of Syria is winding down.

The number of children recruited by armed groups in Syria has risen steadily over the past three years  from 813 in 2020 to 1,296 in 2021 and 1,696 in 2022, the UN says.

Among those allegedly recruiting children is a US ally in the battle against Islamic State extremists  the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, according to the UN In 2022, the UN attributed half the cases, or 637, to the SDF and associated groups in northeast Syria.

The report also said the UN had confirmed 611 recruitment cases by the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army, which has clashed with the SDF in the past, and 383 by the al-Qaida-linked Hayat Tahrir al Sham in northwest Syria. The report cited 25 cases of child recruitment by Syrian government forces and pro-government militias.

Children are being recruited across Syria, said Bassam Alahmad, executive director of Syrians for Truth and Justice, an independent civil society organization.

In some cases, children are forcibly conscripted, he said. In others, minors sign up because they or their families need the salary. Some join for ideological reasons, or because of family and tribal loyalties. In some cases, children are sent out of Syria to fight as mercenaries in other conflicts.

Attempts to end such recruitment have been complicated by the patchwork of armed groups operating in each part of Syria.

In 2019, the SDF signed an agreement with the UN promising to end the enlistment of children younger than 18 and set up a number of child protection offices in its area. The US State Department defended its ally in a statement, saying, that the SDF is the only armed actor in Syria to respond to the UNs call to end the use of child soldiers.

Nodem Shero, a spokesperson for one of the child protection offices run by the SDF-affiliated local administration, acknowledged that children continue to be recruited in areas under SDF control.

However, the complaint mechanism is working, she said. Her office received 20 complaints in the first five months of the year, she said. Four minors were found in the SDF armed forces and were returned to their families. The others were not with the SDF, she said.

In some cases, she said, parents assume their children have been taken by the SDF when they are actually with another group.

Alahmad said recruitment by the group decreased after the 2019 agreement, but that the SDF has not intervened as other groups in its area continue to target children.

Among them is the Revolutionary Youth, a group linked to the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, a Kurdish separatist movement banned in Turkey. The Revolutionary Youth is licensed by the the local government linked to the SDF  although both groups denied any connection beyond that.

The UN report attributed 10 cases to the Revolutionary Youth in 2022, but others say the numbers are higher. In a January report, Alahmads group said Revolutionary Youth was responsible for 45 of 49 child recruitment cases it documented in northeastern Syria in 2022.

Alahmad said the SDF-affiliated administration is looking the other way. He called on it to assume its responsibilities in order to stop these operations.

An official with the Revolutionary Youth acknowledged that the group recruits minors but denied that it forcibly conscripts them. We do not kidnap anyone, and we do not force anyone to join us, he said, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with his groups rules.

They themselves come to us and tell us their intention to join the service of the nation, he said. We do not take minors if they are indecisive or unsure.

Minors are not immediately sent to armed service, he said. Rather, they initially take part in educational training courses and other activities, after which they are sent to the mountain if they want, he said, referring to the PKKs headquarters in the Qandil mountains of northern Iraq.

Asked about Peyal, he said the girl had complained of being unhappy at home and that her parents forced her to wear the hijab.

Alouji said her daughter had given no signs of being unhappy at home, and the night before her disappearance had said she planned to study to be a lawyer.

A month after her May 21 disappearance, Peyal came home. She had run away from one of the groups training camps, her mother said.

Since her daughters return, her psychological condition has been difficult because she was subjected to harsh training, Alouji said. The family no longer feels safe, she said, and is looking for a way to get out of Syria.

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In his first remarks since an aborted Wagner mutiny, jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny stated on Tuesday that the regime of President Vladimir Putin posed the greatest threat to Russia.

There is no bigger threat to Russia than Putins regime, Navalny wrote on social media. Putins regime is so dangerous to the country that even its inevitable demise will create the threat of civil war, he wrote.

The fact that the war started by Putin could destroy and break up Russia is no longer a dramatic statement.

The rebellion by Wagner mercenary group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin sparked Russias most significant political crisis in decades.

Prigozhin, embroiled in a long-running feud with Russias military leadership over the war, ordered his forces to march on Moscow, before abruptly telling them to turn around.

Its not the West or the opposition that shot down Russian helicopters over Russia that put Russia on the threshold of a civil war, Navalny said.

Putin did this himself. It is he who personally pardoned all of these convicts who were headed to kill (Defence Minister Sergei) Shoigu and whoever else they wanted to kill.

Today we understand clearly: the band of Putin supporters are ready to start a war against anyone at any moment. Thats why its extremely important to remember that any post-Putin transition must include free elections.

Its not democracy, human rights and parliament who weaken authorities and lead to turmoil. Its dictators and the usurpation of power that lead to disorder, weak government and chaos. Always.

With inputs from AFP

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Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Tuesday said that Wagner Chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has reached Belarus, according to a report.

Yes, indeed, he is in Belarus today, the Belarusian president said in comments first reported by Belta, the countrys national news agency.

Prigozhin, a 62-year-old former convict who rose to become Russias most powerful mercenary, was last seen in public when he left Rostov-on-Don on Saturday, a major city in southern Russia which his troops briefly occupied.

According to a CNN report, citing Belarusian state media, Lukashenko on Tuesday in his address said that he had warned Prigozhin that if he continued his march into the Russian capital, his soldiers would be obliterated.

He told Prigozhin during a conversation on Saturday that halfway youll just be crushed like a bug, the report added.

Lukashenko also revealed additional information regarding his discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prigozhin over the weekend, stating that his discussions with the Wagner chief lasted the entire day on Saturday, CNN reported.

Lukashenko further said that the nation is not currently erecting camps for Wagner mercenary soldiers on its soil, and he has given the group some undeveloped area inside Belarus if they require it.

The Belarusian military can benefit from the combat experience of the Wagner Group fighters, President Lukashenko said.

They were at the very front of the attacking troops. They will tell us whats important now, the report quoted Lukashenko as saying, citing the Belarusian news agency Belta. The fighters could report on which weapons worked well and how attack and defence could be conducted successfully, he said.

This is very valuable. We have to get this from the Wagner fighters, Lukashenko said, reported CNN.

After the chaotic weekend in Russia, Putin spoke out strongly, reminding security guards that they had virtually stopped a civil war by putting down the failed uprising by Wagner troops.

Prigozhin, in an audio message published on Monday by his news service, said that the march was a demonstration of protest and not intended to overthrow power.

We started our march because of an injustice. We went to demonstrate our protest and not to overthrow power in the country, Prigozhin said in an audio message, Al Jazeera reported.

In his new audio message, Prigozhin also said that about 30 of his fighters died in the Russian armys attack on the mercenary group on Friday. He said the attack came days before Wagner was scheduled to leave its positions on June 30 and hand over equipment to the Southern Military District in Rostov.

Overnight, we have walked 780 kilometres (about 484 miles). Two hundred-something kilometres (about 125 miles) were left to Moscow, Prigozhin claimed in the latest audio message, as per CNN.

With inputs from agencies

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United States Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti, on Wednesday, said that the wait time for first-time tourist visa interviews has been reduced by more than 50 per cent, adding that goal for 2023 is to process at least one million visas.

Speaking at IIT Delhi, Garcetti highlighted the progress made in visa processing, stating that the US Mission in India is currently processing visas faster than ever before.

Addressing the audience at IIT Delhi, Garcetti said, Were already doing this. Were currently processing more visas, faster, than the US Mission in India ever has before. We have set a goal for ourselves to process at least a million visas in 2023, and were already more than halfway towards reaching that goal.

Our investments have brought real results, and weve seen wait times for first-time tourist visa interviews fall by more than 50 per cent, he added.

To remove barriers that hinder qualified travelers from experiencing the United States, Garcetti emphasized the need to expand operations.

The US Ambassador said that they will continue to invest in expanding the visa operations and broadening the team.Well find innovative solutions to streamline the visa process, such as reducing the need for in-person interviews, which allows consular teams around the world to assist in processing visas for the growing number of Indian travellers, the envoy said.

India and US are doing every bit of effort to make the visa process smooth and in that process, recently, during his interaction with the Indian community in the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Indian professionals can renew their work visas without travelling abroad.

Americas new consulates will be opened in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. It has now been decided that the H1B visa renewal can be done in the US itself, PM Modi said while addressing the Indian diaspora at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington DC.

India is going to open a new consulate in Seattle this year. Apart from this, Indian Consulates will be opened in 2 more cities in America.

Together we are not just forming policies and agreements, we are shaping lives, dreams and destinies, said PM Modi.

Meanwhile, at the IIT Delhi, Garcetti praised India and said that the country is improving lives and pulling people out of poverty through its transformative technology.

Our countries (India and US) have so much in common because the Indian dream and the American dream are two sides of the same coin- we share the same vision. Our people want to achieve success for our communities and our families. We embrace possibility, new opportunities, new knowledge, and the chance to make a difference. We want to leave the world better off and more secure than we found it  not just for ourselves and our own countries, but for everyone, the Ambassador said.

Our connection is very personal, based on affinity and friendship. Were linked by a diaspora community more than four million strong. Through educational and business connections, and an appreciation for each others cultures, our friendship grows along with our shared experience and shared ambitions, he added.

Giving examples of its strong relationship with India, Garcetti said that last year one out of every five US student visas issued worldwide went to an Indian student, and over 200,000 Indians are studying in America.

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Fourteen administrative employees of the police force in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas were kidnapped by armed men on a highway about 22 miles (around 34 km) west of the state capital Tuxtla Gutierrez said.

The 14 state security ministry employees were kidnapped when they were traveling along a highway, local authorities said.

Nothing like this has ever happened, a ministry spokesperson was quoted as saying by Reuters.

The spokesperson further informed that the motive for the kidnapping was being investigated.

The state security agency in a statement said that both federal and state agents have joined the search.

The video of the apparent kidnapping released by news outlets shows several vehicles suddenly stopped on the highway that connects the town of Ocozocoautla and the Tuxtla Gutierrez and the doors opened after which men in tactical gear pointed guns at people in the vehicles.

Hombres armados interceptaron un camion y se llevaron a un numero indeterminado de trabajadores administrativos de la Secretaria de Seguridad y Proteccion Ciudadana en Ocozocoautla, Chiapas#VIDEO: ESPECIAL pic.twitter.com/ZqXK7hrZV3  El Universal (@El_Universal_Mx) June 28, 2023

Several people were seen with long guns and bulletproof vests next to at least three trucks that blocked the highway.

A report in Reforma newspaper said armed men stopped a vehicle that was transporting police employees, took their mobile phones away and ordered them to lie on the ground.

The perpetrators set the women in the group free, but captured the men, the report added.

The state prosecutors office said it was investigating the authenticity of reported photos and video of the incident.

According to a report by AFP, confrontations between criminals and law enforcement have surged recently in Ocozocoautla. Notably, the area is a popular transit zone for migrants and drug trafficking.

Since the introduction of a controversial military anti-drug offensive in late 2006, Mexico has registered more than 350,000 murders and some 110,000 disappearances, the majority attributed to criminal organisations.

With inputs from agencies

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Just a day after the White House condemned the harassment of a Wall Street Journal journalist Sabrina Siddique for questioning the minority rights in India, it was found mistreating an American correspondent, Simon Ateba.

Ateba, a White House correspondent for Today News Africa had accused the White House of purposefully deleting a heated argument between him and press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

The heated exchange of words occurred with Pierre speaking about the harassment faced by Sabrina Siddique since last week. The White House, under this administration, were committed to the freedom of the press. I want to be very clear about that, the press secretary said.

Ateba followed up by saying, So are you going to take questions from me? Because youve been discriminating against me for the past nine months.

Youre incredibly rude. Youre being incredibly rude, said Pierre following which she threatened to end the press briefing.

Ateba responded, Ive been in this briefing room. Ive been trying to ask you one question when I am on. Youre not giving freedom of the press.

White House deletes clip

Initially, Ateba claims that the White House deleted the portion where the exchange happened and uploaded incomplete footage of the press briefing on YouTube.

The White House told Fox News that the portion was missing due to a technical glitch and that the clip has been restored.

(You can jump to 42:20 to watch the argument between Ateba and Pierre)

However, a sceptical Ateba said, What they did was..they pretended that the feed had a problem on YouTube when we were live, then continued broadcasting after our exchange, without that portion of the exchange. In doing so, they violated the Public Records Act.

They only restored that portion after they were caught and called out, long after the briefing. It was a total fraud, he added.

He further said that if the White House deems a reporter problematic, they blacklist you. They dont respond to your question; they dont respond to your email. And they dont allow you to ask questions in the background.

Two versions of briefing now up on YouTube

Taking to Twitter, Ateba shared two YouTube links containing the two versions of the press briefing  one with the argument between him and Pierre and the other missing one.

The White House fraud continues. They have two versions of the briefing on YouTube. The first one was where they edited me out during my exchange with

The @WhiteHouse fraud continues. They have two versions of the briefing on YouTube. The first one where they edited me out during my exchange with @PressSec Karine Jean-Pierre and the second one where they restored it. Both versions are up. Here they are. 1- pic.twitter.com/m3qWb1jT4y  Simon Ateba (@simonateba) June 28, 2023

Karine Jean-Pierre and the second one where they restored it. Both versions are up, he said.

Last week, The Wall Street Journal reporter Sabrina Siddiqui asked Prime Minister Modi about the rights of minorities in India and what steps his government was willing to take to improve them and also uphold free speech.

A day after the joint press conference, the reporter faced online abuse for questioning the Prime Minister, with some alleging that her question was motivated and calling her a Pakistani Islamist.

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Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, the next smartphone in the Galaxy S23 series, has surfaced in renders, thanks to @OnLeaks. This has a familiar design that coincides with the other phones in the S23 series, and still retains triple rear cameras.

Based on the renders, the bezels are larger than the S21 FE. It is said to measure 158 x 76.3 x 8.2mm, making it slightly taller and thicker than the S21 FE which measures 155.7 x 74.5 x 7.9mm, even though the S23 FE is said to retain the 6.4-inch screen.

Based on earlier rumours, the S23 FE will be powered by Exynos 2200 SoC with AMD-powered Xclipse 920 GPU, but Samsung is said to have redesigned the Exynos 2200 to improve yield which is almost on par with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1.

The phone is said to get a new 50MP camera, an upgrade from 12MP in the predecessor, and coinciding with the S23, pack 6GB or 8GB RAM with 128GB or 256GB storage and a 4,500mAh battery with support for 25W fast charging.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is expected to roll out in select markets in Q3, 2023, and launch widely in Q4 2023 and in Q1 2024.

Source
OpenAI Enhances ChatGPT iOS App with Real-Time Information from Bing News oi -Kabir Jain

OpenAI has recently rolled out an exciting update to the ChatGPT iOS app, enhancing the way users access information. The latest update brings real-time information retrieval capabilities to the ChatGPT app, powered by Microsoft's Bing search engine. This enhancement opens up a world of possibilities for paid subscribers of the ChatGPT Plus plan, allowing them to tap into the freshest and most up-to-date information available.

The "Browsing" Feature: Unlocking Real-Time Insights

With the release of the updated ChatGPT iOS app, OpenAI introduces the "Browsing" feature exclusively for ChatGPT Plus subscribers. This feature empowers users to delve into the vast pool of real-time data provided by Bing. By enabling the "Browsing" feature in the app's settings, users gain access to comprehensive answers and valuable insights on a wide array of topics and events.

Extending Beyond Training Data

Traditionally, AI models like ChatGPT relied solely on their training data, limiting their knowledge to information available up until a certain point in time. However, with the integration of Bing, ChatGPT Plus subscribers can now access information beyond the confines of its original training data.

Empowering Users with Bing's Capabilities

By selecting the GPT-4 model in the ChatGPT iOS app's model switcher and choosing "Browse with Bing" from the drop-down menu, ChatGPT Plus users can unleash the power of Microsoft's Bing search engine. This integration provides users with a seamless browsing experience, enabling them to conduct real-time searches and obtain the most relevant and recent information.

ChatGPT for iPhone

OpenAI recently launched the ChatGPT app for iPhone, which is available for free. However, users also have the option to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus at a cost of $20 per month. Subscribers to ChatGPT Plus enjoy several advantages, such as seamless access to ChatGPT even during peak times, quicker response times, priority access to new features and enhancements, and now the latest information at their fingertips thanks to Bing.

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Pink WhatsApp Scam: What It Is & How to Stay Safe News oi -Kabir Jain

WhatsApp, one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide, has become a target for scammers looking to deceive unsuspecting users. A new scam circulating on the platform is causing concerns among people, as it promises an exciting new version of WhatsApp in pink, claiming to offer enticing new features.

However, it's essential to be aware that this message is fraudulent, and clicking on the provided link can lead to compromising your device's security. To protect yourself from the Pink WhatsApp scam, it's crucial to exercise caution and follow some recommended safety measures.

The Pink WhatsApp Scam

With its vast user base and widespread popularity, WhatsApp has become a prime target for scammers seeking to exploit unsuspecting individuals. The Pink WhatsApp scam is one such example, where scammers circulate a message claiming to offer an exciting new version of the app in pink, complete with alluring features. However, this message is entirely false and aims to deceive users into clicking on a malicious link.

The scam preys on users' curiosity and desire for novelty, enticing them to click the link to access the alleged new version of WhatsApp. However, falling for this scam can have severe consequences, as it can compromise your device's security and potentially expose your personal information to malicious actors.

Mumbai Police Cautionary Statement

Recognizing the severity of the Pink WhatsApp scam, the Mumbai Police has issued a cautionary statement urging users to remain vigilant and protect themselves from falling victim to this fraudulent scheme.

*... WHATSAPP PINK -A Red Alert For Android Users ...*'



*...   Android    ...*



*...  () Android      ...*#CyberSafeMumbai



REGARDS,

NORTH REGION CYBER POLICE STATION,

CRIME BRANCH, CID, MUMBAI pic.twitter.com/viTbVrcWrn  NORTH REGION CYBER POLICE CRIME WING (@north_mum) June 16, 2023

Guidelines for Protecting Yourself

To shield yourself from the Pink WhatsApp scam and other similar threats, it's crucial to adopt safe online practices. Here are some guidelines recommended by security experts:

1. Avoid Clicking on Links from Unknown Sources

Exercise caution when receiving messages containing links, especially from unfamiliar individuals. Even if the message appears to be from someone you know, it's essential to verify its legitimacy before clicking on any links. Scammers often impersonate known contacts to trick users into clicking on malicious links unknowingly.

2. Install Apps Exclusively from Official Sources

Stick to downloading apps exclusively from trusted and official sources such as the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Obtaining apps from unofficial sources increases the risk of encountering malware or other malicious software that can compromise your device's security.

3. Be Mindful of Your Online Information

Avoid sharing personal or financial information, such as login credentials, passwords, or credit card details, online. Scammers can exploit this sensitive data to steal your identity or engage in fraudulent activities. Exercise caution and only provide information on secure platforms and trusted websites.

Steps to Take if You've Already Clicked on the Scam Link

If you have already fallen victim to the Pink WhatsApp scam and clicked on the fraudulent link, here are some immediate steps you should take:

1. Perform a Malware Scan

To ensure the security of your device, conduct a thorough malware scan using reliable antivirus and anti-malware software. Numerous reputable programs are available that can scan your device and detect any malicious software that might have been installed.

2. Change Your Passwords

If you have entered your login credentials on a compromised device, it is advisable to change the passwords for all your online accounts. This step helps prevent unauthorized access to your accounts and safeguards your personal information.

3. Report the Scam to the Authorities

Reporting the scam to the police or relevant authorities is crucial to aid in their efforts to combat such fraudulent activities. By reporting your experience, you contribute to the collective fight against scams and help protect others from falling victim to similar schemes.

Stay Informed and Remain Vigilant

Scammers continually devise new tactics to deceive people, so it's essential to stay informed and educated about the latest scams and online security practices. Read news articles and blog posts related to online security to stay up to date with the latest developments.

When encountering offers or messages that appear too good to be true, exercise caution and ask questions. Trust your instincts and remain skeptical if something feels off. It's better to be cautious and protect your personal information than to fall victim to a scam.

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AI in Space! NASA Explores Chatbot Communication for Spaceships and Astronauts News oi -Kabir Jain

AI-powered chatbots, such as ChatGPT and Bard, have made significant strides in their capabilities and are now poised to enter the realm of space exploration. NASA is considering the deployment of these chatbots on spacecraft, with the aim of enhancing communication with crewmembers.

Dr. Larissa Suzuki, a visiting researcher at NASA, recently announced the development of NASA's own version of this technology at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

Enhancing Communication on the Lunar Gateway

NASA's proprietary chatbot interface is designed to facilitate communication with crewmembers, starting with the Lunar Gateway, a key component of the Artemis program. The Lunar Gateway is NASA's planned space station that will orbit the Moon, serving as a hub for lunar exploration and future missions to Mars. By integrating AI-powered chatbots into the Lunar Gateway, NASA aims to streamline communication processes and improve efficiency for crewmembers.

Real-Time Error Detection and Resolution

The primary objective of NASA's chatbot project is to create a robust network capable of handling interplanetary communications and utilizing AI to detect and rectify errors in real-time.

This innovative program will function as a virtual repairman, diagnosing issues and providing solutions or suggestions for fixes when manual intervention is not feasible. By leveraging AI technology, NASA aims to minimize downtime and enhance the reliability of spacecraft systems.

User-Friendly Interface

NASA is committed to ensuring a user-friendly experience for astronauts and crewmembers. Similar to ChatGPT, the chatbot interface developed by NASA will enable seamless interaction between crewmembers in space and personnel on Earth.

This eliminates the need for complex manuals or time-consuming exchanges with individuals who may not be directly involved. The intuitive nature of the chatbot interface simplifies communication and improves operational efficiency.

Leveraging Federated Learning

NASA is exploring the integration of federated learning, a collaborative approach to training deep learning models, into its chatbot program. This approach allows multiple spacecraft to share knowledge and insights, facilitating the identification of significant geological features or reducing downtime in space.

By leveraging the collective intelligence of multiple spacecraft, NASA can optimize the performance of its chatbot system and enhance the overall effectiveness of space missions.

Initial Deployment on the Lunar Gateway

The Lunar Gateway will serve as the initial deployment site for NASA's chatbot program. This space station will provide living and working areas for astronauts, advanced communication technology, docking points for various spacecraft, and tools for conducting scientific experiments.

As NASA continues to refine its chatbot technology, the Lunar Gateway's operational timeline, projected around 2030, allows for sufficient development and testing before its implementation.

Ensuring Reliability and Safety

Reliability and safety are paramount considerations for NASA when deploying chatbots in the realm of space exploration. While generative AI-powered chatbots have shown tremendous potential, concerns about false information generation on Earth highlight the need for rigorous testing and validation.

In the context of space missions, the stakes are significantly higher, as misinformation could lead to the loss of spacecraft or endanger the lives of astronauts. NASA is dedicated to ensuring the reliability and accuracy of its chatbot system to maintain mission success and crew safety.

A Promising Step Toward Advanced Space Communication

The potential deployment of AI-powered chatbots on NASA spacecraft represents a significant step forward in the realm of space communication. By leveraging the capabilities of these chatbots, NASA aims to enhance communication efficiency, minimize errors, and optimize mission outcomes.

As technology continues to evolve, AI-powered chatbots hold the promise of revolutionizing space exploration, enabling astronauts to effectively communicate and overcome challenges in their quest to explore new frontiers.

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Broke Your Pixel Fold? No Worries, Google & iFixit Have Your Back News oi -Kabir Jain

Google has officially launched the Pixel Fold for sale in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan. But what sets this foldable phone apart from the competition is its groundbreaking user-repair option, made possible through Google's partnership with iFixit. This move not only empowers Pixel Fold owners but also sets a new standard in the foldable phone industry.

User-Repair Capability and iFixit Partnership

Google has taken a bold step by providing official repair parts, tools, manuals, and guides for do-it-yourself (DIY) repairs of the Pixel Fold. This means that Pixel Fold users will have access to essential repair components such as screen assemblies, batteries, and charging ports right from the start.

Unlike other foldable phone manufacturers that only offer in-house repairs that void warranties, Google is breaking the mold. Through its partnership with iFixit, a renowned repair resource, Google aims to empower users to repair their Pixel Fold devices themselves. iFixit will supply the necessary repair tools and instructions, enabling users to undertake repairs conveniently at home.

Repair Options and Extended Warranty

Google is committed to providing comprehensive repair solutions for Pixel Fold owners. According to a Google spokesperson in an interview with 9to5Google, users will have both in-store and mail-in repair options available. These services will be accessible even outside the standard warranty period.

To further enhance the repair experience, Google will introduce an extended warranty option called Preferred Care for the Pixel Fold. This program covers accidental damages and mechanical breakdowns that occur after the expiration of the standard warranty.

Customers can choose between a monthly plan or a one-time payment. With Preferred Care, users can have their Pixel Fold repaired or replaced with a deductible if necessary, offering peace of mind and protection against unforeseen issues.

While specific details regarding Google's partnership with iFixit are yet to be fully disclosed, the collaboration is undoubtedly a game-changer. It sets a new precedent in the foldable phone market and encourages other manufacturers to consider user-repair options as well.

So, if your Pixel Fold dies on you, you now have the option to take matters into your own hands.

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Former Chinese Employee Stole Strictly Confidential Data To Help Foxconn, Alleges Samsung In Indictment News oi -Alap Naik Desai

A Samsung employee is being accused of stealing multiple confidential details about chip fabrication facilities when he moved to Foxconn. The former employee is in custody since May of this year and maintains his innocence.

An indictment by South Korean prosecutors alleges that Chinese national Choi Jinseok tapped into Samsung supplier network to steal secrets. Samsung has alleged that the information that was taken was sensitive in nature. Let's see the details of the ongoing case of corporate espionage.

Samsung Claims Data Theft Caused $200+ Million In Damages

Samsung claims it spent about $200 million (approx. 16.3 Crores) to develop technology that was critical for reliable production of semiconductor chips. Some of this valuable information is now in the hands of Foxconn due to Chinese national Choi Jinseok, Samsung has alleged.

Prosecutors announced the indictment on June 12, 2023. However, the announcement did not name Choi and gave only limited details. Some newly surfaced content from the indictment has now surfaced online, which identifies Choi and his links with Foxconn.

The unreleased 18-page indictment reveals details of the case against Choi. It details how he is alleged to have stolen Samsung's trade secrets and details about the planned Foxconn plant. It even mentions how, after leaving Samsung, Choi's Singapore-based consultancy Jin Semiconductor won the contract with Foxconn around August 2018.

Prosecutors have also alleged that Choi poached "a large number" of employees from Samsung and its affiliates. He is further accused of illegally obtaining secret information related to building a chip factory from two contractors.

What Information Did The Chinese National Allegedly Steal From Samsung Electronics?

Jin Semiconductor illegally used confidential information involving semiconductor cleanroom management, the prosecutors have alleged. Incidentally, this information was obtained from Cho Young-sik who worked at one of the contractors, Samoo Architects & Engineers, the indictment mentioned.

Choi's company also illegally obtained blueprints of Samsung's China plant from Chung Chan-yup, an employee at HanmiGlobal, the indictment mentions. This company supervised the construction and floor layouts of wastewater treatment and other subsidiary facilities involving the chip manufacturing process.

It is important to note that prosecutors have yet to ascertain how the information from contractors was obtained. Moreover, Choi's defense lawyer has stressed that the information allegedly stolen has nothing to do with how to design or make chips.

Choi worked at Samsung for 17 years, where he developed DRAM memory chips and worked on wafer processing technology. Now a 65-year-old, he left Samsung in 2001.

Samsung is hoping South Korea's laws would help the espionage case against Choi. The South Korean government prohibits valuable technologies from being transferred overseas. There are some provisions for data transfer and sensitive information exchange via licensing or partnership.

There have been a growing number of cases against Chinese nationals who have worked at leading American companies. They have subsequently set up their own companies offering consulting services to businesses in China.

Corporate espionage has always been a looming threat, especially for companies that develop new technologies. Moreover, such cases are rather difficult to pursue and the damages can be severe.

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DOJ OIG Releases Report on the BOP's Custody, Care, and Supervision of Jeffrey Epstein at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York, New York

US Department of Justice - Office of the Inspector General

June 27, 2023

Press Release

Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz announced today the release of a report of investigation regarding the Federal Bureau of Prison's (BOP) custody, care, and supervision of Jeffrey Epstein while detained at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York, New York (MCC New York). Epstein died by suicide on August 10, 2019 while in BOP custody. The focus of DOJ Office of the Inspector General's (OIG) investigation was the conduct of BOP personnel.

The DOJ OIG investigation and review identified:

Numerous and Serious Failures by MCC New York Staff. The DOJ OIG found numerous and serious failures by MCC New York staff constituting misconduct and dereliction of their duties. Among other things, these failures resulted in Epstein being unmonitored and alone in his cell with an excessive amount of bed linens, from approximately 10:40 p.m. on August 9 until he was discovered hanged in his locked cell on August 10 at approximately 6:30 a.m. MCC New York Staff Failed to Ensure that Epstein Was Assigned a Cellmate. Following a July 23, 2019, incident that resulted in Epstein being placed on suicide watch, the MCC New York Psychology Department determined that Epstein needed to be housed with an appropriate cellmate. On August 9, Epstein's cellmate was transferred out of MCC New York. MCC New York staff knew that Epstein did not have a cellmate but did not take steps to ensure that he was assigned a new cellmate. MCC New York Staff Failed to Undertake Required Measures Designed to Ensure that Epstein and Other Inmates Were Accounted for and Safe. BOP policy requires Special Housing Unit (SHU) staff to observe all inmates, conduct rounds, conduct inmate counts, search inmate cells, and ensure adequate supervision of the SHU. BOP staff in the SHU in the hours before Epstein's death failed to carry out these responsibilities. Specifically, only one SHU cell search was documented on August 9, and it was not of Epstein's cell. BOP records did not indicate when Epstein's cell was last searched. Had Epstein's cell been searched as required, the search would have revealed that Epstein had excess prison blankets, linens, and clothing in his cell. The OIG also found that SHU staff did not conduct any 30-minute rounds after about 10:40 p.m. on August 9 and that none of the required SHU inmate counts were conducted after 4:00 p.m. on August 9. MCC New York staff falsified count slips and round sheets to show that they had been performed when they were not, leaving Epstein unobserved for hours before his death. Following a DOJ OIG investigation, two MCC New York employees were charged criminally with falsifying BOP records. The charges were dismissed upon compliance by the employees with the terms of deferred prosecution agreements they entered into with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York.A That office declined prosecution for

other MCC New York employees who the OIG found created false documentation on earlier dates and times not proximate to the Epstein's death. MCC New York Staff Failed to Ensure that the Institution's Security Camera System was Fully Functional Resulting in Limited Recorded Video Evidence. BOP policy also requires SHU staff to ensure the functionality of the video camera surveillance system. This investigation and review revealed longstanding deficiencies with MCC New York's security camera system. Although video cameras in the SHU provided live video feeds to monitoring stations, system deficiencies resulted in nearly all of the cameras in and around the SHU where Epstein was being housed to not record video starting in late July 2019 and continuing through the date of Epstein's death.

The DOJ OIG found numerous and serious failures by MCC New York staff constituting misconduct and dereliction of their duties. Among other things, these failures resulted in Epstein being unmonitored and alone in his cell with an excessive amount of bed linens, from approximately 10:40 p.m. on August 9 until he was discovered hanged in his locked cell on August 10 at approximately 6:30 a.m. Long-standing Operational Challenges. The DOJ OIG has repeatedly identified long-standing operational challenges that negatively affect the BOP's ability to operate its institutions safely and securely. Many of those same operational challenges, including staffing shortages, managing inmates at risk for suicide, maintaining functional security camera systems, management failures, and widespread disregard of BOP policies and procedures, were again identified by the OIG during this investigation and review of the custody, care, and supervision of Epstein, one of the BOP's most high profile inmates.

The DOJ OIG has repeatedly identified long-standing operational challenges that negatively affect the BOP's ability to operate its institutions safely and securely. Many of those same operational challenges, including staffing shortages, managing inmates at risk for suicide, maintaining functional security camera systems, management failures, and widespread disregard of BOP policies and procedures, were again identified by the OIG during this investigation and review of the custody, care, and supervision of Epstein, one of the BOP's most high profile inmates. No Evidence Contradicting the FBI's Determination that there Was No Criminality Associated with Epstein's Death. Separate from the OIG's investigation, which focused on the conduct of BOP personnel, the FBI concurrently investigated whether Epstein's death was the result of criminal conduct by any non-BOP actors. Among other things, the FBI investigated the cause of Epstein's death and determined it was not the result of a criminal act. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, City of New York, determined that Epstein died by suicide. While the OIG determined MCC New York staff engaged in significant misconduct and dereliction of their duties, we did not uncover evidence contradicting the FBI's determination regarding the absence of criminality in connection with Epstein's death.

The combination of negligence, misconduct, and outright job performance failures documented in the report all contributed to an environment in which arguably one of the most notorious inmates in BOP's custody was provided with the opportunity to take his own life. The BOP's failures are troubling not only because the BOP did not adequately safeguard an individual in its custody, but also because they led to questions about the circumstances surrounding Epstein's death and effectively deprived Epstein's numerous victims of the opportunity to seek justice through the criminal justice process. The fact that these failures have been recurring ones at the BOP does not excuse them and gives additional urgency to the need for DOJ and BOP leadership to address the chronic problems plaguing the BOP.

The DOJ OIG made eight recommendations to improve the BOP's management of its correctional institutions. The BOP agreed with all recommendations.

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Trump Discussed 'Highly Confidential' Document in Audio Recording

By VOA News June 27, 2023

An audio recording obtained by U.S. news organizations reveals former President Donald Trump discussing secret documents about a plan to attack Iran after leaving office in 2021, undercutting his recent claim that the papers he was looking at were newspaper and magazine articles.

Federal prosecutors cited parts of the July 2021 conversation in a 37-count indictment earlier this month on charges that he illegally retained classified government documents when his presidency ended and then conspired to obstruct a federal investigation.

CNN, The Washington Post and The New York Times released the audio clip Monday in which Trump comments on news reports that Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley feared Trump would manufacture a conflict with Iran after losing the 2020 presidential election.

"With Milley, let me see that, I'll show you an example," Trump says in the recording, which includes the sound of shuffling papers. "He said that I wanted to attack Iran. Isn't it 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."

"This totally wins my case, you know?" Trump says in rejecting the notion that he was planning an attack on Iran. "Except it is, like, highly confidential, secret. This is secret information."

Trump later says, "See, as president I could have declassified it, now I can't."

In an interview last week, Trump told Fox News, "There was no document. That was a massive amount of papers and everything else, talking about Iran and other things. And it may have been held up or may not. That was not a document. I didn't have any document per se. There was nothing to declassify, these were newspaper stories, magazine stories, and articles."

The former president has said he had a "standing order" to declassify all documents taken from the Oval Office to the White House residence while he was president, later saying that he could declassify documents by merely thinking about doing so.

There is, however, a formal process for declassifying U.S. national security materials and officials say there is no evidence that Trump followed that official procedure before taking the classified documents to Mar-a-Lago, his Florida estate where he lives in the winter months.

He pleaded not guilty to the indictment earlier this month. Trump's valet, Walt Nauta, was also indicted in the case, accused of helping Trump hide the classified material from investigators. He has yet to enter a plea in the case, and his arraignment was delayed Tuesday until July 6.

Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith filed the classified documents indictment against Trump. Smith separately is investigating Trump's actions in trying to upend the outcome of the 2020 election that he lost to Democrat Joe Biden and his role in the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol in which about 2,000 Trump supporters stormed the building to try to block lawmakers from officially certifying that Biden had won.

Meanwhile, a prosecutor in the southern state of Georgia has signaled that she will decide in early August whether to charge Trump and an array of associates with illegally trying to overturn Biden's narrow victory in the state. Three weeks before leaving office, Trump was recorded in a call to Georgia election officials asking them to "find" him enough votes, nearly 12,000, so he would win the state by a single vote over Biden.

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Minister Sklenar: The NATO battlegroup in our territory is a show of force, unity and commitment to defend Slovakia as an ally against any threat

Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic

26.06.2023

Defence Minister Martin Sklenar paid a visit to the Training Centre (TC) Lest, where he was given a tour of the NATO Multinational Battlegroup Slovakia and spoke with soldiers who have brought new capabilities to the Battlegroup, including Leopard 2A6 MBTs, as part of the latest rotational deployments. He took a real interest in the performance of the Battlegroup's tasks and training activities and the state of infrastructure and standard military accommodation. The latter has seen some great improvement thanks to the construction of a container city.

Speaking of Slovakia hosting Allied forces on rotation, Defence Minister Martin Sklenar said: "Throughout June, we have welcomed a new rotation of soldiers along with equipment. They have brought with them capabilities that complement the range of weapons used by our armed forces, thereby increasing our readiness and defence responsiveness, for which we are extremely grateful. In the Alliance, each such Battlegroup writes its own story. Yet together, we form collective defence. And we are determined and ready to defend every inch of Allied territory."

Minister Sklenar also underlined the fact that the countries contributing to the battalion-sized force have helped Slovakia become a better prepared ally. SVK service personnel have gained valuable experience in the field of command and control (C2) and communications. As he explained, the Bundeswehr's Leopard 2A6 tanks that have replaced the German Contingent's Boxer wheeled infantry fighting vehicles are the Battlegroup's most significant reinforcement.

Some 1,000 military personnel are currently serving with NATO MN BG SVK. The Czech Republic is leading the way as a Framework Nation (FN) for the Battlegroup, which is comprised of troops from Slovakia, Slovenia, Germany and the United States of America. Other Allies have also shown interest in joining the Battlegroup and strengthening our security. The mandate of the SVK Parliament allows for up to 3,000 soldiers to be stationed in Slovakia.

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Taliban Flaunts Terrorism Commitments by Appointing al-Qaida-Affiliated Governors

By Roshan Noorzai June 26, 2023

For more than 15 years, Qari Baryal has been on a special list of Washington's "most-wanted" Taliban and al-Qaida leaders in Afghanistan, accused of carrying out bombing and suicide attacks across the country.

Baryal and the militants he oversaw were "involved in the supervision of IED [improvised explosive device] production, suicide personnel allocation, and overall attack planning and execution" in Kabul and surrounding provinces, according to U.S. military reports.

In November 2021, two months after U.S. and NATO forces withdrew from Afghanistan, the Taliban appointed Baryal as the governor of Kabul province. In March 2022, he became the provincial governor for Kapisa province, northeast of Kabul.

Baryal is among those listed in a recent United Nations report as one of the Taliban's leaders "affiliated" with al-Qaida. Besides Baryal, Nuristan Governor Hafiz Muhammad Agha Hakeem and Tajmir Jawad, the Taliban's deputy director of intelligence, are also listed in the report.

"With the patronage of the Taliban, Al-Qaida members have received appointments and advisory roles in the Taliban security and administrative structures," the U.N. Security Council's Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team said in the report earlier in June. It called relations between the Taliban and al-Qaida "strong and symbiotic."

According to the report, an estimated 400 al-Qaida fighters were in Afghanistan, and there are signs that the terrorist group "is rebuilding operational capability."

The Taliban rejected the report, calling it "biased and far from reality."

A statement posted on Twitter by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the group "insists on its commitments and assures that there is no threat from the territory of Afghanistan to the region, neighbors and countries of the world and it does not allow anyone to use its territory against others."

Taliban Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi also rejected the presence of any terrorist groups in Afghanistan.

"There are no terrorist groups in Afghanistan. They cannot operate in the country, and we don't let them operate in Afghanistan," he said at an event in May organized by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad.

U.S. officials have long expressed skepticism over Taliban claims that they have distanced themselves from al-Qaida. When a U.S. drone killed al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri last July, he was found living in a home in a central neighborhood of the capital, Kabul.

The U.S. said his presence there demonstrated the Taliban had broken the 2020 Doha Agreement signed by the U.S. and the Taiban. By hosting and sheltering the al-Qaida leader, the Taliban violated commitments to not allow terrorists in Afghan territory threaten the security of other countries.

The Taliban "will send a clear message that those who pose a threat to the security of the United States and its allies have no place in Afghanistan," the agreement stated.

Bill Roggio, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told VOA that by appointing "double-hatted" al-Qaida and Taliban leaders, including Baryal, who killed American troops, the Taliban "are openly flouting" the so-called peace agreement.

These appointments show that the Taliban "are not concerned about the perception of the international community," Roggio said.

He said the Taliban "always lied" about their ties with al-Qaida and other terrorist groups, and that the group's statements cannot be "trusted."

Roggio said Afghanistan could again become a training hub for the terrorist group.

"This is everything that al-Qaida can hope for. They have safe haven. They have support from the Taliban, who are in full control of the country," he said.

But some experts do not think the country is becoming a magnet for foreign fighters.

Sami Yousafzai, a journalist who covered Afghanistan for years, told VOA he believes al-Qaida members now in Afghanistan are mainly Arabs, with just a few Afghan Taliban members who joined "out of necessity."

"They had contacts with al-Qaida since they were living there, and they were protecting al-Qaida as they paid them," he said.

Other regional experts say the region's long military conflict between the Taliban and U.S.-led forces created loose alliances among regional militia groups.

Rahmatullah Andar, the former spokesman for Afghanistan's National Security Council, told VOA that the Taliban groups in the districts have been hosting al-Qaida members for more than 20 years.

"Therefore, it is difficult to separate them. Not only with al-Qaida but also with the Pakistani Taliban," he said.

Andar added that some Afghans were working with al-Qaida, but there were also some who were group members.

"They have the same worldview, the same goals and the same approach," he said.

Back in Afghanistan's Kapisa province, Baryal now posts Facebook videos showing his outreach to the local community as the Taliban government's official representative.

This story originated in VOA's Afghan Service.

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Battalion that made history issuing an entire ABCT APS-2 equipment set changes leadership

By Cameron Porter, 405th AFSB Public Affairs Officer June 27, 2023

MANNHEIM, Germany -- The battalion that made history last year when it issued an entire Armored Brigade Combat Team's worth of Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 equipment to a U.S.-based ABCT from the 3rd Infantry Division following Russia's unjust and unwarranted invasion of Ukraine changed leadership June 26.

Army Lt. Col. Omar McKen assumed command of Army Field Support Battalion-Mannheim from Lt. Col. Brian Astwood during a change of command ceremony at the Coleman APS-2 worksite in Mannheim. The 405th Army Field Support Brigade commander, Col. Crystal Hills, officiated the ceremony and provided guest remarks.

Astwood, who served as the commander of AFSBn-Mannheim for two years and led his team in issuing over 5,000 pieces of APS-2 equipment to include hundreds of M1 Abrams tanks and M2 Bradley fighting vehicles, will next report to Hawaii where he will be assigned to the 25th Infantry Division and serve as the support operations officer. Astwood is also promotable so it's expected he will soon be promoted to colonel.

McKen comes to AFSBn-Mannheim from the 21st Theater Sustainment Command where he served as the deputy for Operational Contract Support. Some of McKen's other recent assignments include support operations officer and executive officer at the 189th Combat Service Support Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division, and joint logistics officer to the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Defense, U.S. Army Security Assistance Support Activity.

During her ceremonial remarks, Hills said the path to success is not always obvious, and the final destination may be unknown, but through strong leadership and dedicated service the Army will succeed.

"We count on our Leaders to chart our paths in uncertain times," Hills said. "As the U.S. Army engages and supports our allies and partners during the first major conflict in the European Theater since World War II, this continuity of leadership becomes even more invaluable."

"I'd like to express my personal gratitude to Lieutenant Colonel Astwood. I know his time here has been full of unique challenges, and I applaud his dedication to duty," said Hills. "Lieutenant Colonel Omar McKen has a tough act to follow, but I know he is capable of the task. He is ready for this assignment, and we are ready for him."

"Lieutenant Colonel McKen, there are still many more challenges here at Mannheim to face and even more at the U.S. Army's newest and the largest APS-2 worksite in world located at Powidz, Poland, which you will assume mission command of very soon," Hills added.

Astwood said during his last two years in command of AFSBn-Mannheim he's been nothing but astounded by the tremendous effort executing so many challenging missions and operations.

"It all comes down to the people who make up this amazing organization," said Astwood. "There are too many DA civilians, officers, warrant officers and NCOs to thank individually but know that I appreciate all of you for making AFSBn-Mannheim successful."

The 405th AFSB's Mannheim battalion is charged with receiving, maintaining, storing and issuing Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 at the Coleman APS-2 worksite, which is located on a former Army airfield. In August 2021, U.S. Army Europe and Africa announced that it will retain the Coleman worksite, which was previously scheduled to be returned to the German government.

The 405th AFSB's APS-2 program provides turn-key power projection packages ready to deploy at a moment's notice while helping to reduce the amount of equipment needed from the deploying forces' home stations. APS-2 sites like Coleman help reduce deployment timelines, improve deterrence capabilities and provide additional combat power for contingency operations. APS-2 equipment may also be drawn for use in training and exercises.

The 405th AFSB is assigned to U.S. Army Sustainment Command and under the operational control of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, U.S. Army Europe and Africa. The brigade is headquartered in Kaiserslautern, Germany, and provides materiel enterprise support to U.S. Forces throughout Europe and Africa - providing theater sustainment logistics; synchronizing acquisition, logistics and technology; and leveraging U.S. Army Materiel Command's materiel enterprise to support joint forces.

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Quality assurance team helps keep Army Prepositioned Stocks at high state of readiness

By Kevin Grimm, AFSBn-Mannheim June 27, 2023

MANNHEIM, Germany -- The 405th Army Field Support Brigade's Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 mission is resourced in part through the Enhanced Army Global Logistics Enterprise program, or EAGLE program, which provides the contractors needed to meet the Army's APS-2 logistical support service requirements in Europe. Contracting officer representatives, in turn, oversee and ensure these contracted requirements are met.

"At the Coleman APS-2 worksite in Mannheim, quality assurance representatives from Army Field Support Battalion-Mannheim play a key role in this EAGLE contract oversight, serving as the contracting officer's eyes and ears," said Herbert Gately, chief of QA, AFSBn-Mannheim, 405th AFSB.

Working onsite with government contracted maintainers and logistics personnel, the QA specialists help to ensure the APS-2 equipment is received, stored, maintained, modernized and operationally configured within the contract scope to meet the requirements set forth by U.S. Army Sustainment Command and the Army, Gately said.

At the Coleman worksite, this currently includes two armored brigade combat team's worth of APS-2 equipment such M1 Abrams main battle tanks, M2 Bradley fighting vehicles and M109 Paladins, plus tactical wheeled vehicles, material handling equipment, generators, command control and communications equipment, basic issue items, and more. Later this year or early next, one ABCT's worth of APS-2 gear is scheduled to move to the newly opened APS-2 worksite in Powidz, Poland, the Long Term Equipment Storage and Maintenance-Complex, there.

The AFSBn-Mannheim QA team is staffed by permanent party Army civilian employees and rotational, contingency Army Expeditionary Civilian Workforce deployed civilians with collective experience in quality assurance, quality control, contracting, maintenance, supply and transportation disciplines, said Gately.

QA Team Objectives

The AFSBn-Mannheim QA team is tasked to ensure onsite contractors are accomplishing all Care of Supplies in Storage work tasks, also called COSIS, said Gately. This includes equipment maintenance, logistical support property accountability and equipment issue in accordance with the contract's performance work statement, the QA surveillance plan, onsite standard operating procedures, APS and maintenance policies, and best practices in the management of the program.

"There are two ways of doing things - the wrong way and Army way," said Gately. "At Coleman worksite, we do things the Army way every time."

Specific Tasks and Key Methods

"Simply put, quality assurance specialists perform three tasks - observe, document and report," Gately said.

Key methods used by the Coleman QA team involve sampling contractor work orders based on workload, quality trends, quality history, mission requirements and non-compliance reports, said Gately. These key methods also include observing the contractor's performance in the management of contract data to include execution of Global Combat Support System-Army, or GCSS-A, maintenance and supply tasks, ensuring modification work orders completed by the contractor are inspected and applied onsite as well as documenting this in the Maintenance Management Information System, or MMIS. They also review equipment presented to the QA office in MMIS to ensure safety message completion and documentation.

"The QA specialists also observe contractor completion and performance of all test, inspection and sustainment maintenance tasks - ensuring the APS-2 equipment is repaired to Army maintenance standards, and is fully mission capable and ready for issue," Gately said.

One of the key missions for the QA team is "ensuring the APS-2 fleet of M1 Abrams tanks, M2 Bradley fighting vehicles, M109 Paladins, and tracked recovery vehicles are configured for combat, and ready for issue," said Dwann Jackson, an AECW employee deployed to Mannheim from Red River Army Depot, Texas, who is one of the QA specialists tasked with ensuring this key mission is met.

Equipment accountability is another key mission when it comes to APS-2 readiness, Gately added. The QA team helps provide oversight on contractor managed inventories of equipment and materials, ensuring accountability and availability for issue through periodic sensitive item and cyclic inventories, physical security inspections, and supply audits using GCSS-A.

For all U.S. Army and contracted personnel at the Coleman APS-2 worksite, safety and security are paramount, according to Gately. One of the missions of the AFSBn-Mannheim QA team is to conduct daily walk throughs while observing contractor ground guide procedures, use of personal protective equipment, or PPE, periodic evaluation of equipment load tests, reviews of occupational health standards, and audits of APS-2 tactical wheeled and heavy tracked vehicle operator's training programs.

To further compliment Coleman's worksite safety program, Gately said senior U.S. Army and contractor project management staff conduct weekly quality and safety walkabouts - the purpose being to visit the different work areas and offices and talk to employees about safety and quality. This provides employees at the ground level with the opportunity to voice their concerns and improvement ideas directly to management, fostering personal responsibility and ownership for the safety program.

The QA specialists at the Coleman APS-2 worksite also ensure hazardous materials are documented, stored, issued and disposed of in accordance with Army and host nation policies, said Gately. This includes the placement of HAZMAT labels, use of HAZMAT safety data sheets, employee use of PPE, appropriate segregation of onsite corrosive and flammable items and availability of fire suppression systems and devices, plus all the appropriate onsite certifications and training requirements for environmental safety and health personnel and leadership.

Recently, the QA Team at the Coleman APS-2 worksite coordinated with other organizations within U.S. Army Europe and Africa for the redistribution of excess packaged petroleum products, which is considered HAZMAT.

"This project will save operational dollars through redistribution and the reduction of disposal costs for these HAZMAT items," said Gately.

Coleman APS-2 worksite QA specialists ensure APS-2 stocks are stored and issued within the COSIS service schedules, Gately said, extending equipment shelf life through an intensive "first in, first out management of Type 1 and 2 COSIS items." In addition, aggressive monitoring of high value COSIS priority group items, implementation of Integrated Logistics Support Center corrosion prevention programs, and observance of U.S. Army Sustainment Command Packaging, Storage and Containerization Center guidance is strictly followed.

Going forward, the AFSBn-Mannheim team of QA specialists and cadre of contracting officer representatives will continue to work together to provide the critical oversight needed to maintain the readiness of APS-2 while expanding the team's role in the oversight of emerging onsite equipment modifications and fieldings.

The Coleman APS-2 worksite is located on a former Army airfield. In August 2021, U.S. Army Europe and Africa announced that it will retain the Coleman worksite, which was previously scheduled to be returned to the German government.

The 405th AFSB's APS-2 program provides turn-key power projection packages ready to deploy at a moment's notice while helping to reduce the amount of equipment needed from the deploying forces' home stations. APS-2 sites like Coleman help reduce deployment timelines, improve deterrence capabilities and provide additional combat power for contingency operations. APS-2 equipment may also be drawn for use in training and exercises.

The 405th AFSB is assigned to U.S. Army Sustainment Command and under the operational control of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, U.S. Army Europe and Africa. The brigade is headquartered in Kaiserslautern, Germany, and provides materiel enterprise support to U.S. Forces throughout Europe and Africa - providing theater sustainment logistics; synchronizing acquisition, logistics and technology; and leveraging AMC's materiel enterprise to support joint forces. For more information on the 405th AFSB, visit the official website and the official Facebook site.

(Kevin Grimm is an AFSBn-Mannheim QA specialist at Coleman APS-2 worksite in Mannheim, Germany. He is also an Army Expeditionary Civilian Workforce employee deployed to Germany from Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, where he is assigned to U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command)

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June 27, 2023

Transcript

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press Briefing

BRIGADIER GENERAL PAT RYDER: All right, good afternoon, everyone. A few things at the top, and then I'll get right to your questions.

All right, first upfront, I know many of you continue to have questions about what happened in Russia over the weekend, and I know that you're aware of what the White House has already said on this matter, so I -- I won't retread that ground other than to provide a brief overview of Secretary Austin's engagement during the weekend.

On Saturday morning, Secretary Austin and General Milley participated in a briefing with President Biden, the vice president and other principles to discuss the situation in Russia. Throughout the day on Saturday, Secretary Austin received regular updates from senior civilian and military officials at the Pentagon. He also actively engaged key allies and partners to share information on the developments taking place in Russia and made clear that the U.S. was not involved, and that we would not get involved in these events. And as you've heard the White House and State Department say, we view the security situation in Russia as an internal Russian matter. During his calls, Secretary Austin also reiterated that support by the United States for Ukraine will not change, and that remains our focus.

And toward that end, the Department of Defense announced earlier today additional security assistance to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs. This is the 41st drawdown of equipment from DOD inventories for Ukraine since August, 2021, and includes key capabilities to support Ukraine's air defense requirements, as well as additional armored vehicles, antiarmor systems, munitions and other equipment valued up to $500 million to help Ukraine defend their nation and take back sovereign territory.

And as we have since the beginning of Russia's illegal and unprovoked invasion, the U.S. will continue to work with our allies and partners to provide Ukraine with capabilities to meet its immediate battlefield needs and longer-term security assistance requirements. Additional details regarding the PDA are currently available on the DOD website.

Separately, Secretary Austin also spoke on the phone today with Qatar Minister of State -- of State for Defense Affairs, His Excellency Dr. Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah to reaffirm the strength of the U.S.-Qatar defense partnership and U.S. commitment to continued security cooperation in the interests of peace and stability. Secretary Austin thanked the minister for Qatar's continued support for regional stability and security and for Qatar's continued hosting of U.S. forces at Al Udeid Air Base. A readout of the call will be posted on the DOD website this afternoon.

Tomorrow, Secretary Austin will welcome Germany's Federal Minister of Defense, Boris Pistorius, for a bilateral meeting here at the Pentagon. The leaders are expected to discuss a variety of topics to include Germany's support to bolstering NATO's eastern flank and their significant security assistance contributions to Ukraine. A full readout will be posted up on -- on defense.gov following the meeting.

Finally, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and the Department of State cohosted a two-day multilateral maritime security meeting in Bahrain June 25 through 26 for 90 senior military officers and diplomats from 22 nations, as well as senior representatives from the Gulf Cooperation Council. Senior government officials representing Europe, the Indo-Pacific and Middle East came together at the invitation of the United States to address -- address a recent uptick of threats within the maritime domain in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman. Participants reiterated their commitment to upholding international law and pursuing collective efforts to prevent threats to vessels traveling across these critical regional waterways. A joint statement from the 22 participating nations and the Gulf Cooperation Council is available on the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command's website.

And on that note, in addition to the joint statement, I'd also refer you back to the July, 2022 Jeddah communique between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia which emphasized the importance of preserving the free flow of commerce through strategic waterways.

This most recent engagement in Bahrain reaffirms the sustained commitment of the United States to achieving that goal and serves as an example of DOD's National Defense Strategy-driven partnered approach and action.

And before I conclude, I'd also like to do a quick shout-out and show of appreciation for Secretary Austin's deputy chief of staff, Mela Louise Norman, whose last day with the department is tomorrow. During her tenure, Mela has had an incredible impact across DOD from our new Office of Strategic Capital to the secretary's Taking Care Of People initiative. She's made a tremendous difference across the DOD addressing some of our most complex issues. So on behalf of Secretary Austin and the entire Office of the Secretary of Defense team, we extend our sincere thanks and best wishes in her next chapter.

And with that, be happy to take your questions. We'll start with A.P., Tara Copp.

Q: Thanks, General Ryder. In the aftermath of this weekend's revolt, what is the building's assessment on Putin's hold to power. Has he been destabilized? And regarding the aid packages to Ukraine, where you'd said there'd been change in U.S. support, were there any considerations underway that this might have been an optimal time to increase military support to Ukraine so they could capitalize on this event?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, sure. On -- on your first question, as I highlighted at the top, the -- the security situation inside Russia is really an internal Russian matter, so I'd -- I'd -- I'm not going to have any comments, nor am I going to speculate on that.

As it relates to Ukraine, the war there continues. Russia's illegal occupation continues, and so we are not going to lose sight of that fact and we're going to continue to work closely with them to provide them with the kinds of capabilities that they need to execute the operation that they planned and that they're conducting. In today's PDA, you see important capabilities that contribute to that effort. As -- as their troops make contact with Russian forces and encounter Russian defenses, clearly, there will be equipment that is damaged. There will be requirements to help them sustain the fight. And so you see things like ammunition, additional armored capabilities, capability that can be employed in breaching operations.

But the bigger point here being is that regardless of the situation, the security situation inside of Russia, again, which is an internal matter for them to address, we're going to stay focused on giving Ukraine what they need to be successful in defending their country and taking back sovereign territory.

Q: But were there any considerations inside the building to perhaps give Ukraine more so they could take advantage of this particular unstable moment?

GEN. RYDER: Again, when -- when you look at the situation over the weekend, as I highlighted, our focus was on communicating with our allies and our partners to make sure that we had a -- a thorough understanding of what was happening. But when it comes to Ukraine, we're going to continue to take the same approach that we've been taking.

Let me go to Jennifer.

Q: General Ryder, just to follow up on Tara's question, was there -- was this pre-planned, that you would announce this $500 million weapons package this week, this amount, or was it expedited to be announced in the wake of the Russian failed ...

GEN. RYDER: No, there -- there was no linkage to any connection.

Q: ... and was there any change to the amount based on what had happened in Russia this week?

GEN. RYDER: Bottom line is no. We have -- a process that we've been employing for a while now, and so this was part of that -- that process.

Q: ... seen if any Wagner troops remain in Ukraine or have they all pulled out?

GEN. RYDER: So I'm not going to get into specific intelligence, other than to say that, you know, we are aware of Wagner troops being inside Ukraine, but in terms of their specific disposition and whether they may or may not be moving, I'm not going to speculate on that.

I'll go to Janie here.

Q: Thank you, General. I have two questions. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un recently said that nuclear warheads reached a handover point. How do you view the possibility of North Korea using nuclear weapons in the Korean Peninsula?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Janie. So, you know, rhetoric aside, again, our focus is on working with our allies and our partners in the region to ensure strategic stability, peace. That includes extended deterrence. And so when it comes to things like nuclear testing, we've known for a while, as -- as you've heard us say, that North Korea, at some point, will conduct a nuclear test. I don't have anything to announce, nor would I, in terms of when that might be.

So again, our focus is going to be on continuing to work with our allies, to include the Republic of Korea and Japan, to deter potential aggression and destabilizing acts.

Q: Do United States (inaudible) Japan efforts to join exercises currently underway in the U.S.? The training name is called (inaudible) Flag. Do you have any more detail about this training?

GEN. RYDER: I -- I don't. I'd refer you to USFK. They can get you some additional information.

Q: ... let me ask you something more because there are so many, you know, exercises ongoing -- between the U.S. and South ...

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, exactly, and so I just don't have the details of that particular one, but a -- to your point, we do do a lot of exercises because, again, our -- our alliances and our partnerships are a critical strategic advantage and capability, and -- and the -- the way that we approach trying to ensure that we can preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific.

And so -- but on that particular exercise, I'd -- I'd refer you to USFK.

Let me go over here to the gentleman back here. Yes, sir?

(CROSSTALK)

Q: ... just to follow up on the line of questioning regarding the weekend's events, did -- were there any changes in troop posture or did we move any U.S. troops in reaction to the events this weekend in Russia?

GEN. RYDER: We -- we did not. At this time, again, we have not seen anything that would, from our perspective, require us to make any type of force posture adjustments, so.

Do you have a question, ma'am?

Q: Yes. Thank you, General. So as we know, the Wagner Groups are going to -- at least eight countries in Africa. So can you give us a overview, in terms of military capability, how danger this Wagner Group can represent to African nations?

GEN. RYDER: Well, Wagner Group -- you know, we've -- we've been saying this for a very long time -- I -- it's -- it's a very dangerous organization, and wherever they operate, they bring with them death, destruction, deceit, criminal activity. This is why the United States has designated them as a transnational criminal organization and the U.S. government has imposed significant sanctions on Wagner actors and -- and facilitators, to include Africa.

In terms of what the implications are for what we saw happen over the weekend, as it pertains to Wagner in places like Africa, time will tell. I don't -- I don't have an answer to that question right now. But again, the -- the key point being -- the key point here being -- is that Wagner has been a significant and dangerous actor for -- for a while, so.

Q: Is the African (inaudible) in -- basically in Africa working some way with those African nations that Wagner Group are, to help those countries?

GEN. RYDER: So broadly speaking, like we are elsewhere in the world, U.S. Africa Command is working closely with nations in Africa to focus on security and stability efforts. You know, and -- and so that entails a lot of different aspects, whether or not it's training indigenous security of -- forces to deal with counter-terrorism threats, whether it's working with local leaders to -- to give them the kind of resources that they would need to defend themselves from potential actors like Wagner Group or others -- Al-Shabaab, for example, in Somalia.

And so there's a variety of challenges in Africa that are well known and African leaders are working very hard to defend -- you know, defend their -- their people and their societies. And so we obviously want to work closely with nations that have similar values and shared interests to ensure that we can counter those kinds of threats.

Let -- and let me move on to some other questions. I'll come back to you. Yes, ma'am?

Q: With regard to the Russians' force posture inside Ukraine, have you seen any significant changes to maybe compensate for -- for Wagner pulling out in some areas?

And then with regard to F-16s, do you have any update on the training timeline for that? You said, I believe, that Denmark had requested permission from the U.S. to begin that.

GEN. RYDER: Yeah. In terms of -- of Russian forces, I -- I appreciate the question. I -- I don't want to get into a -- an -- an intelligence briefing from the podium here, other than to say Russia continues to occupy territory inside Ukraine, they continue to maintain defenses to try to prevent Ukraine from taking back their sovereign territory. And so no indication that they are willing to give up that fight and -- and move back into Russia. So again, our emphasis will be on helping Ukraine have the capabilities they need.

On that note, on the -- on the F-16s, I don't have any updates to provide. As I've mentioned previously, Denmark has submitted a third party transfer request requesting permission to conduct F-16 training for Ukrainians. That has been received by the State Department, it's under review. Certainly, when we have an update to provide, we will.

We are all committed to providing Ukraine with the training that it needs, both in the near term and the long term, and so this will be something that we'll continue to keep you posted on.

Q: ... how long that will be under review, how long that -- the process usually takes?

GEN. RYDER: I -- I don't have that in front of me, so I don't want to speculate on that.

Let me go to the phone here real quick. Let me go to Howard Altman, War Zone.

Q: Thanks, Pat. A couple questions. First, on Prigozhin in Belarus, is there any concern from the Pentagon that Prigozhin might create some kind of attack on Ukraine or create other trouble while he's in Belarus?

The second question is on the -- on the armor. Is this additive, is it replacement? And do you see any -- have you seen any Strykers destroyed in Ukraine? Thanks.

GEN. RYDER: Yes, thanks. So just kind of working backwards there, Howard. What I'm not going to do is battle damage assessment for the Russian military from the podium here. So I'm not going to get into Ukrainian capabilities and -- and their status on the battlefield.

The -- the capabilities that we are providing them, and we've said this before is that we're very focused on enabling their sustainment and their maintenance of this fight. And so as I highlighted earlier, in the midst of combat one can expect that equipment will be damaged, that equipment will be destroyed.

It is a fight and it is a hard fight. And so by us providing additional armor capabilities, additional ammunition, additional breaching capabilities, that's all meant to enable them to sustain this fight that they find themselves in.

Related to that, because it's also important to understand that just because something is damaged means it's out of the fight. We are very cognizant of working with our Ukrainian partners through things like tele-maintenance to help them repair vehicles that may have been damaged on the battlefield or equipment that's been damaged on the battlefield.

So that has been part of the effort all along. It will continue to be part of the effort. And then your first question as it pertains to Prigozhin and Wagner Group and -- and will they do something inside of Ukraine.

Look, again, I'm not going to speculate. Obviously Wagner Group has already inflicted enough damage inside Ukraine. I think that's well known and just take a look at Bakhmut. But in terms of what the future portends, again, I'm just not going to get into hypotheticals or speculate.

All right, let me do one more from the phone here. Jeff Schogol, Task & Purpose.

Q: Thank you. Does the DOD know for a fact that Prigozhin is still alive or -- or are we in a Weekend at Bernie's scenario right now?

GEN. RYDER: I'm sorry, Jeff, I don't get the reference. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. Gen Xer here at the podium. OK. So again, Jeff, like you, you know we're watching the press reports out there. So I'm not going to -- I'm not going to be able to provide a status update.

I have many responsibilities but press secretary for Mr. Prigozhin is not one. So I really can't comment on his current status. Thank you. Let me go to Tony here.

Q: A few equipment questions. How soon might the Bradleys and Strikers arrive in Ukraine?

GEN. RYDER: Tony, I'm not going to give a specific timeline other than to say we will move equipment there as quickly as possible. And I think our track record shows that -- that we've been able to move things quickly. So we will never announce in advance when specifically those things will arrive.

They -- they will appear on the battlefield quickly.

Q: ...Status on the M1A1 refurbishments, can you give us a sense of how many of the 31 have been refurbished to date and is there a possibility they may arrive sooner than September?

GEN. RYDER: I cannot give a status update on individual tanks at this time other than to say that, again, we're committed to getting them there before the end of the year. I think we've talked about the fall time frame to deliver those thanks.

In the meantime training does continue at Grafenwohr and so again, we'll keep you posted. One thing we will not do, kind of to my earlier comments, we will not announce say the tanks are going to be delivered on this date at this time, as you know. So but we -- we understand there's a lot of interest in that and so we'll keep you posted.

Q: There's no acceleration. You don't see them coming --

GEN. RYDER: This is already an -- an acceleration, right. I mean originally when we had announced the M1A2 variant, we were looking at a -- at a longer timeline. So by going this route with the M1A1, refurbishing them, putting them into -- into a variant that will meet Ukraine's battlefield needs, this was already an acceleration of the process. And then by doing the training concurrently with some training tanks, the idea is that when those tanks are refurbished, when the training is complete, the maintainers are trained, we can marry them up and get them into Ukraine sooner rather than later.

Q: One more equipment question. Where -- what's the status of the PDA for Taiwan that the secretary alluded to like a month ago that you were still working on (inaudible).

GEN. RYDER: Yes. So I don't have an update to provide at this time in terms of the timing. Again, as you highlighted, the Secretary did indicate now that that's something that we are working towards but I'm not going to put a timeline on today.

Q: (Inaudible) or is it still in the discussion --

GEN. RYDER: Yes, I don't want to --

Q: OK.

GEN. RYDER: -- speculate from the podium here. We'll -- we'll keep you posted.

Q: Thank you.

GEN. RYDER: Thank you very much. Let me go back here to Ryo.

Q: Thank you very much. One question from Taiwan. The last week that U.S. National Secretary (inaudible) in the Taiwan Strait, a day after Secretary Blinken's visit to Beijing, I wonder why the U.S. deployed U.S. Coast Guard ship instead of Destroyer or cruiser at this time?

GEN. RYDER: Yes, thanks for the question, Ryo. So first of all, over the years we've deployed a variety of capabilities through the strait and throughout the Indo-Pacific to demonstrate the capabilities that we have.

You know the -- the -- the most important aspect of any vessel is the fact that it's carrying the American flag. OK. So I don't know that I would read into the particular type of platform. And as the son of a proud Coastie, I think that the U.S. Coast Guard is a -- a fantastic service and that their vessels are -- are just as powerful and also signal U.S. commitment in the region as well as any other vessel that we sail. Yes, ma'am?

Q: So earlier this month the U.S. was concerned that North Korea was planning to deliver more artillery equipment to Russia. Have you see the DPRK trying to move weapons to Russia since all of this happened?

GEN. RYDER: Yes, I don't have anything new to provide on that front beyond what we provided previously.

Q: (Inaudible) between the two countries?

GEN. RYDER: I -- I don't have anything new to provide. (Inaudible) ma'am.

Q: Thanks so much. Now according to the Japanese government, the U.S. and Japan (poll ?) extended (inaudible) today in the U.S. And secretary in U.S. and ROK have established new nuclear conservative group under the (Washington declaration ?). And my question is what do you think of the possibility of creating a new trilateral mechanism around U.S. ROK and Japan on extended (veterans ?) (inaudible)?

GEN. RYDER: Sure. At -- you know, at the risk of not making policy here from the podium, clearly we very much value the relationship that we have with Japan and with the Republic of Korea and certainly continue to work very closely with those allies to find opportunities for our nations to work together.

And -- and so when and if we have anything new to announce we certainly will. But one thing I'm positive of is that we will continue to work very closely together both in the region and elsewhere to ensure that we can preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific and that we can work together to insure peace and stability around the world.

Thank you. Let me go here.

Q: Thank you, General. So I want to go back to the situation with Russia and you don't think that -- you refer to it as an internal affair. However, the Pentagon has to deal with the situation and make assessments and maybe prepare some scenarios of this is what the president said. In dealing with this internal affair, how are you describing it? Is it -- is it a mutiny, is it a rebellion, it is a coup d'etat? When -- when you look at it, what is this?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Fadi. I -- I'll leave it to you to come up with what characterization you -- you want to. Obviously, we monitored the events there but in -- as far as the internal security situation within Russia. Again, that's an internal matter. I'm -- I'm not going to -- I'm not going to put a particular stamp on it.

Q: ... appreciate that but I'm sure that you have to deal with potential outcomes. And in trying to assess what outcomes might happen or come out of this, you have to have certain framework.

GEN. RYDER: Absolutely, and I -- and I -- I think it -- and again, I appreciate the question and I -- and I understand where you would like me to go on this, but, you know, I think the facts were there for all of us to see and I think this is an issue that -- that Russia obviously needs to address internally, but in terms of whether you want me to call this a -- a -- a coup, an armed insurrection or what -- I -- I'm just -- yeah.

Q: ... lastly, Russian President Putin basically alluded at the West role maybe in this internal affair event by saying that the West wants the Russians to kill each other in this mutiny. Do you have a response to that?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, I mean, I think I was pretty clear at the top that we were not involved in this, we won't get involved in this. We've been very clear from the beginning that we are not at war with Russia, we don't seek conflict with Russia. Our focus is on supporting Ukraine and enabling them to defend themselves. Thank you very much.

Yes, sir?

Q: Thank you, General. My question is about child soldiers. The United Nations just released its reports about children in armed conflict, which shows violations against children. So according to this report, a total of 1,696 children were verified as recruited and used by Syrian Democratic Forces and YPG and other components of SDF. And the reports also say that the YPG, which is the Syrian branch of the PKK, killed and abducted children. Just to remind, the YPG is the Syrian branch of PKK and PKK is a terrorist organization. Is not only ...

GEN. RYDER: Are you asking a question or are you making a declarative statement?

Q: ... ask a question -- and the PKK is, you know, a terrorist organization ...

GEN. RYDER: I -- I know who the PKK is. Yeah, I'm -- I'm very aware. It's -- the United States has declared the PKK a terrorist organization. I'm very aware of that. What -- can you get to your question?

Q: Yeah -- and the UN Secretary General Guterres made this statement that he is deeply concerned by the increase in verified cases of child recruitment and use by SDF and "I urge SDF to immediately end all violations."

So my question is, given that SDF is the U.S. partners on the ground in Syria, are you planning to hold the SDF leadership accountable for crimes against humanity? And are you planning to sanction the SDF or maybe stop partnership with them? Because it is ...

(CROSSTALK)

GEN. RYDER: ... I got your question. So this is a press briefing room where we ask questions. We don't -- we don't come here and -- and provide editorial comments for -- for 10, 15 minutes.

So to your question, I haven't seen the report, so I can't comment on it. What I will tell you is that the SDF have been very reliable partners. And if you want to go back in time a little bit to 2014, when ISIS was beheading people in controlled half of Baghdad and most of Syria and -- you know, and talk about human rights violations, I -- we can go ahead and -- and talk about that.

But in the meantime, haven't seen the report, so I can't comment on it. Thank you very much.

Yes, sir?

Q: So Wagner now might have some kind of presence in Belarus and Minsk, less than 200 miles from where the next NATO Summit will take place in Vilnius, Lithuania. Is that a -- any kind of security concern, additional security concern at all?

GEN. RYDER: So, you know, obviously the -- the situation in Ukraine has presented a significant security concern from the beginning, in terms of the kinds of activities that the international community is trying to prevent here, right?

The fact that Russia was able to invade its peaceful, democratic neighbor unprovoked creates a significant security concern throughout Europe and internationally. And so this is why you've seen the world come together to try to deter any further aggression beyond the -- the Russian borders and why it's so important that we support Ukraine.

As it pertains to Belarus, clearly we know that Belarus and Russia maintain a -- a relationship. We've seen no indication at this point of any type of additional military activity that -- that prevents that threat -- or presents a threat.

But what I would say is, you know, the NATO alliance is a very strong alliance that's worked very hard over the last year to ensure our collective security and ensure a commitment to one another that every single square inch of NATO territory will be protected. Thank you.

Time for a couple more. Yes, sir? And then we'll go to Louie.

Q: Thank you very much, General. General, regarding to the -- what's happened this weekend in Russia, do you still have a -- indications with your counterpart in Russia about this situation? And what was your message to them? And what's the big concerns for the DOD about what's happened during that weekend?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, so the -- the -- to answer your question though, the Secretary did not talk to his Russian counterpart. And -- and in terms of -- yeah, I mean, I -- that's the answer to your question, so -- did you have a second part to that?

Q: I -- no. I mean, do you still -- you don't have any communications with Russia until -- even (inaudible) ...

(CROSSTALK)

GEN. RYDER: ... broadly, yeah. I mean, we have multiple lines of communication with Russia, various mechanisms by which to communicate, but as it relates to the Secretary, no, he did not communicate with his counterpart over the weekend.

Q: ... big concerns about what's happened -- what -- what's happened during the weekend? Thank you.

GEN. RYDER: Well -- well, certainly, I mean, you know, in terms of potential instability in Russia, it's something that we take seriously, which is why the Secretary and other senior U.S. government leaders were watching, continue to watch this situation closely, and we will going forward.

Let me go to Louie and then we'll do one more on the -- on the phone here.

Q: General, following up on Natasha's question about the F-16s, you've mentioned the review that's at the State Department for Denmark. What is -- what are the next steps after that, should that -- should that be approved? And does this -- Netherlands have to undertake the same approval? And do you -- in other words, can one country begin training on the F-16s before the other? But what essentially happens should approval happen, in terms of the -- are you looking at contractors being the trainers of ...

GEN. RYDER: Yeah -- and did I say Netherlands or did I say Denmark?

Q: You said Denmark ...

GEN. RYDER: Yeah.

Q: ... but the Netherlands is also ...

GEN. RYDER: Correct. So -- right -- so exactly. So the Netherlands and Denmark have volunteered to take the lead, when it comes to putting together this -- this program. And so they're going through that process right now of identifying and -- and putting those kinds of details together, in terms of what that training pipeline will look like.

So in terms of considerations like basic flying training, language training -- since English will be a requirement to fly the F-16s -- and then where that training will actually occur. And so those -- those are all details that the Danes and the Dutch are working through right now.

In terms of the -- you know, the -- the third party transfer request, you know, again, I -- I -- I'm not going to put the cart before the horse here and speculate in terms of timing but you've heard the U.S. say that we are committed to supporting this program.

And so we'll continue to work with Denmark and the Netherlands and other partners who have agreed, allies who have agreed to support this program, to ensure that it's successful. And we'll certainly keep you updated as more information becomes available, OK?

Let me go -- last question, Jeff Seldin, on the line.

Q: General, thanks very much for doing this. I wanted to follow up a little bit on Wagner in -- in Africa. To what extent is the Pentagon concerned about or -- or maybe even starting to see a possible domino effect, with a weakened Wagner Group leading to additional instability in the places it's inserted itself in Africa?

And then also, while events were unfolding with Wagner, Prigozhin, and aborted run on Moscow -- Moscow, were there any attempts by the Pentagon to contact China's military? And -- and if so, was there any response?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Jeff. So I'm -- you -- you may not have heard my -- my comments earlier about Africa but the bottom line is, you know, in terms of the potential implications for Wagner Group in Africa, that's something that we'll continue to keep an eye on.

We've said for a while that they are a destabilizing influence in that region and -- and certainly a -- a threat, which is why they've been declared a transnational criminal organization and the United States government has imposed sanctions on actors who are facilitating or -- or also a part of the Wagner Group.

In terms of China, again, I -- I don't have anything new to announce, in -- in terms of outreach to China. Certainly, we continue to advocate for keeping the lines of communication open and we'll actively continue to -- to do that.

Thank you very much, everybody, I appreciate it.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3441579/

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Albania: Press remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell after his meeting with Prime Minister Edi Rama

European External Action Service (EEAS)

27.06.2023

Brussels

EEAS Press Team

Check against delivery!

Dear Prime Minister [of Albania], dear Edi [Rama], it is a great pleasure to welcome you here in Brussels few months after we met in Tirana.

I am also happy to see that Albania is steadily progressing on its clear strategic direction towards the European Union and demonstrating a clear will to move forward in the accession negotiation process. The integration process relies heavily on the support and engagement of the Albanian government and the Albanian people. That is why I emphasised in my discussions with the Prime Minister that we count on transparent and inclusive dialogue with all the stakeholders at a very critical moment - more than critical, a crucial moment - for the road to Europe for Albania.

The integration process relies heavily on the support and engagement of the Albanian government and the Albanian people. That is why I emphasised in my discussions with the Prime Minister that we count on transparent and inclusive dialogue with all the stakeholders at a very critical moment - more than critical, a crucial moment - for the road to Europe for Albania.

I am also happy to see that Albania continues [its] 100% alignment with the European Union Common, Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), including on the restrictive measures. This is a strong expression of Albania's strategic choice of our community of values. It has made the country a reliable security partner.

I am also aware that this position makes Albania a target of hostile actions from abroad. You can always count on the European Union's continued support in this regard.

We are working on a number of actions to help boost Albania's resilience, but also of the whole Western Balkan region, against hybrid threats, on cyber security, on countering information manipulation and protection of critical infrastructure.

Unavoidably, we discussed the EU-facilitated Dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, and I thank you, Prime Minister. I thank you, Edi, for your efforts and support in trying to look for a solution.

I made it clear - and this was also the position of the Member States yesterday at the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg - that the Parties have to de-escalate the situation and to find a way forward based on the European Union's Roadmap that has been proposed to them and tabled to the Parties in Brussels, last week.

We agreed that the situation requires quick moves, requires de-escalation and looking for a solution urgently. I can tell you that the Member States agree on this urgency, and they are losing patience in front of the situation that continues deteriorating and requires immediate moves.

Thanks again, dear Prime Minister, dear Edi, for being here today, for sharing your commitments and your support to the Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue.

I am very happy to continue working together with you.

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President and Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discuss preparations for NATO Summit in Vilnius and current issues related to Russia

Finnish Government

Government Communications Department

27.6.2023 18.09

Press release

On Tuesday 27 June, the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed the preparations for the forthcoming NATO Summit, which will be held in Vilnius on 11-12 July.

In addition, the President and the Ministerial Committee received an overview of the negotiations on the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) between Finland and the United States and an update on Finland's participation in international crisis management. Finland currently has approximately 450 soldiers participating in eleven military crisis management operations within the frameworks of the UN, the EU, NATO and the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.

The President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy also discussed Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and current issues concerning Russia. The events seen in Russia in recent days are an internal matter for Russia, and developments are being closely monitored both in Finland and in cooperation with allied and partner countries.

A further item on the agenda was travel by Russian citizens to Finland and through Finland to the rest of the Schengen area. The President and the Ministerial Committee noted that travel by Russian citizens may still be harmful to Finland's international relations. The restrictions on non-essential travel should therefore be kept in place and tightened to prevent breaches. Based on the discussions held by the President and the Ministerial Committee, the Government may renew the resolution on travel restrictions issued on 29 September 2022.

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Joint Statement by the Troika on Sudan and South Sudan

Government of Norway

News story | Date: 27/06/2023

The following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Norway, and the United Kingdom.

The Department of State hosted Wednesday and Thursday, June 21-22, Special Envoys from Norway and the United Kingdom covering Sudan and South Sudan to discuss as members of the Troika the ongoing conflict in Sudan, and the need for coordinated international pressure to stop the fighting, protect civilians, and ensure unhindered humanitarian access.

Troika envoys condemned the widespread human rights violations, conflict related sexual violence, and targeted ethnic violence occurring in areas of Darfur, mostly attributed to soldiers of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias, and reiterated calls for the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces to control their forces, ensure respect for human rights, and hold accountable those responsible for attacks against civilians.

The envoys expressed deep concern that increased fighting in Darfur, Kordofan, and other periphery areas risked further broadening the conflict and urged leaders of armed movements inside Sudan to stay out of the fight and support peace and a negotiated end to the conflict. They reiterated support for the Sudanese people's demands for freedom, peace, and justice, and the establishment of a democratic, civilian government that represents the full diversity of the Sudanese people.

Troika members also discussed South Sudan and the transitional government's lack of progress toward fulfilling its peace agreement. They agreed on the urgent need for the transitional government to meet its commitments without delay. These include taking all steps necessary to complete the deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces, as well as preparation for free, fair, and peaceful elections. Along with the State Department's Sanction Coordinator, they discussed the transitional government's failure to manage the country's oil revenue transparently with companies and associations operating in or providing services to companies in South Sudan's oil sector.

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Lithuania's Foreign Minister Landsbergis: "Now is the time to strengthen defence at strategically important points on the eastern flank and speed up support for Ukraine"

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2023.06.27

On 26 June in Luxembourg, Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis attended the EU's Foreign Affairs Council.

"Now is the time to strengthen our defence at strategically important points on the eastern flank, such as the Suwalki Corridor, and we all have to speed up our support for Ukraine - military and political," the head of Lithuania's diplomacy said at the meeting in Luxembourg.

Landsbergis also urged his EU counterparts to sanction Rosatom finally. "The EU has just adopted the 11th package of sanctions, but it lacks some important elements. The fact that Rosatom always manages to evade sanctions reinforces the sense of impunity for Russia and other countries that help the aggressor fight against Ukraine," Landsbergis said.

"The issue of accountability for the crime of aggression and war crimes is crucial. A special tribunal is needed to avoid the recurrence of aggression like against Ukraine anywhere else (and there should be no sense of impunity). In addition, the International Criminal Court also needs stronger support and more funding for its work," Landsbergis said.

Foreign Ministers also discussed the EU cooperation with Latin American and Caribbean countries, the situation in Tunisia, the EU digital diplomacy, the EU involvement in de-escalating tensions in Kosovo and between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and other relevant foreign policy issues.

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The President in the Hague: It's time to admit that the NATO-Russia Founding Act has failed

President of the Republic of Lithuania

June 27, 2023

Addressing NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the leaders of Poland, Romania, the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, and Albania in the Hague, President Gitanas Nauseda called for acknowledging that the NATO-Russia Founding Act signed in 1997 has failed.

"With Russia deploying tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, we must finally admit and state the obvious: the NATO-Russia Founding Act has failed," the President said at a dinner hosted by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

Together with the NATO Secretary General, the President outlined the key agenda of the NATO Summit to be held in Vilnius on July 11-12.

Gitanas Nauseda underscored the importance of strengthening deterrence and defense and called for taking all the necessary steps in Vilnius to fully implement the decisions of the NATO Madrid Summit on forward defense. Most important, according to the President, are the approval of new regional defense plans, the reinforcement of air defense systems on the eastern flank of the Alliance and the enhancement of forward defense capabilities.

"In the year since the Madrid Summit, the security situation on NATO's eastern flank has deteriorated. We face a growing threat and must respond adequately. Deterrence and forward defense are today's top priority," the President said.

The war in Ukraine has been ongoing for almost 500 days and shows no signs of ending soon, the President said, which is why further arms deliveries to Ukraine are necessary.

"In Vilnius, we need to make it clear that Ukraine is part of the transatlantic security architecture, that it will become a member of the Alliance as soon as possible and to agree on its pathway to membership. We cannot link this path to the end of the war because Russia will do everything to make sure that this war, which claims many lives every day and devastates the country, will never end," the President said at the meeting in the Hague.

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Secretary General co-hosts meeting of seven NATO Allies to prepare Vilnius Summit

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

27 Jun. 2023

Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg joined the leaders of seven NATO Allies in The Hague on Tuesday (27 June 2023) to help prepare the Alliance's Summit in Vilnius. The meeting was co-hosted with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, and included Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo of Belgium, President Gitanas Nauseda of Lithuania, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre of Norway, President Andrzej Duda of Poland and President Klaus Iohannis of Romania.

Commenting on events in Russia over the last days, the Secretary General said, "these are internal Russian matters, but best is clear is that President Putin's illegal war against Ukraine has deepened divisions, and created tensions in Russia." But, he added, "we must not underestimate Russia, so it is even more important that we continue to support Ukraine."

The Secretary General emphasized that the Summit will send a clear message of commitment to Ukraine. He thanked the Netherlands and other Allies present for providing critical support, including contributions to NATO's Comprehensive Assistance Package and training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 jets. He said that the Vilnius Summit will agree a multi-year programme for Ukraine, and upgrade political ties, bringing Ukraine closer to its rightful place in NATO.

Leaders also addressed NATO's next steps to strengthen Alliance deterrence and defence, as well as a more ambitious defence investment pledge. "Russia's war in Ukraine demonstrates that we cannot take peace for granted, and that we must invest more in our defence," Secretary General Stoltenberg concluded.

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UN raises alarms about surging terror acts by Israeli settlers in occupied West Bank

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 27 June 2023 7:28 PM

The United Nations has expressed grave concerns about surging violence perpetuated by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, slamming it as "terrorism" against Palestinians.

In his regular briefing to the UN Security Council(UNSC) in New York on Tuesday, Tor Wennesland, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East, said he was particularly referring to Israeli settler terrorism against Palestinian civilians, the official Palestinian Wafa news agency reported.

"I remain gravely concerned by the escalating spiral of violence we are witnessing in the occupied West Bank. I condemn all acts of violence against civilians, including all acts of terror, which exacerbate mistrust and undermine a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The violence must stop and all perpetrators must be held accountable," he said.

Wennesland's warning came just a day after several Palestinians were injured during an Israeli settler attack near Duma village, south of the occupied West Bank city of Nablus.

The incident occurred after a horde of Zionist settlers hurled stones at Palestinian cars traveling on a road near Duma. Two Palestinians were injured in the attack and the windshields of their vehicle were smashed by the violent settlers.

In another incident, a number of Palestinian passengers suffered eye injuries when Israeli settlers chased their car near Jamma'in town, south of Nablus, and attacked them with pepper spray.

"I am particularly alarmed by the extreme levels of settler violence, including large numbers of settlers, many armed, systematically attacking Palestinian villages, terrorizing communities, sometimes in the proximity of Israeli security forces. Israel, as the occupying Power, has an obligation to protect Palestinians and their property in the occupied Palestinian territory and to ensure prompt, independent, impartial, and transparent investigations into all acts of violence," Wennesland further said in his remarks made on the situation in the Middle East and the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2334 (2016).

"Children in particular must never be the target of violence, used or put in harm's way," he emphasized.

According to human rights groups, acts of violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians and their property are a daily occurrence throughout the occupied West Bank.

More than 600,000 Zionists live in over 230 illegal settlements built since the 1967 Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and East al-Quds.

All the settlements are considered illegal under international law. The UN Security Council has condemned in numerous resolutions the Israeli regime's settlement constructions in the occupied territories.

Wennesland also said that he remained "deeply troubled by the relentless expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, that fuels violence and is impeding access by Palestinians to their land and resources, reshaping the geography of the occupied West Bank and threatening the viability of a future Palestinian State."

This comes as the Israeli regime has been pressing ahead with its illegal settlement expansion in the Palestinian territories despite international outcry. The policy has seen the support of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's extremist cabinet.

In the latest move to expand illegal settlements, the regime's authorities on Monday approved the construction of nearly 5,700 new settler units in the occupied West Bank.

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Over 1,000 Afghan civilians killed since Taliban takeover vs. 3035 deaths in 2020

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 27 June 2023 6:42 PM

The United Nations has criticized the Taliban for the killing of over 1,000 civilian in Afghanistan since it rose to power in 2021, without mentioning its previous report showing far more civilians were killed during the US-led military occupation of the country.

According to the report, released on Tuesday by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), there have been 3,774 civilian casualties in Afghanistan, including 1,095 civilian deaths, as the result of violence and acts of terror between mid-August 2021, when the Taliban returned to power, and the end of May 2023.

That compares with 8,820 civilian casualties across Afghanistan, including 3,035 killed, just in 2020 -- when the invading US-led NATO troops were still in virtual control of the country's security -- as reported in earlier UN reports.

The report highlighted that three-quarters of the attacks since the Taliban seized power were with improvised explosive devices in "populated areas, including places of worship, schools and markets," in which 92 women and 287 children were reported among those killed.

A UN press statement released after the report on Tuesday added that the figures point to a significant increase in civilian harm resulting from IED attacks on places of worship  mostly belonging to the minority Shia Muslims  compared to the three-year period prior to the Taliban takeover.

The Taliban took over power in Afghanistan in August 2021 following Washington peace talks with the militant group that eventually led to hasty withdrawal of US and NATO troops from the country after their 20-year destructive occupation of it in the name of "war on terror" and "nation building."

The statement also said that at least 95 people were killed in attacks on schools, educational facilities and other places that targeted the predominantly Shia Hazara community.

According to the report, although armed clashes has declined significantly since the Taliban came to power, security challenges remain in the country, with persisting acts of terror perpetrated by the Daesh (ISIS) terrorist group.

Daesh is seeking a foothold in the war-torn nation after the Takfiri terror group was defeated in Iraq and Syria. Some reports say the terrorist group was operating only in the eastern provinces of Nangarhar and Khost before the Taliban's takeover, but it has now expanded its presence to other regions across the country.

However, the UNAMA stressed that the Taliban was responsible for the majority of attacks, adding that the deadliness of attacks had escalated despite fewer violent incidents.

"UNAMA's figures highlight not only the ongoing civilian harm resulting from such attacks, but an increase in the lethality of suicide attacks since 15 August 2021, with a smaller number of attacks causing a greater number of civilian casualties," said the report, noting that the attacks were carried out amid a nationwide financial and economic crisis.

No country has yet recognized the Taliban government and their rule over Afghanistan. Since their takeover, the Taliban have been struggling to contain a deepening economic crisis.

Afghanistan's heavily aid-dependent economy, mostly funded by international donors, has been in chaos since Western governments -- led by the US --suspended humanitarian aid and froze assets belonging to Afghanistan.

US-led NATO forces invaded Afghanistan in October 2001 following the suspicious 9/11 attacks, allegedly perpetrated by predominantly Saudi nationals.

According to official US figures, Washington spent $2.3 trillion in Afghanistan in a military occupation that led to the killing of 46,319 Afghan civilians -- considered a significant underestimation by independent organizations -- as well as the deaths of 70,000 Afghan military and police and some 53,000 militants.

Hundreds of thousands more have been reported injured and displaced during the 20-year occupation, which also resulted in the deaths of 2,324 US military personnel, 3,917 US contractors and 1,144 allied troops.

Elsewhere in its report, the UNAMA demanded that there should be an immediate halt to terrorist attacks across Afghanistan, adding that the de facto authority of the Taliban in Kabul is now responsible for the safety of Afghanistan's population.

In response to the UN report, the Taliban-run foreign ministry said in a statement that the situation had gradually improved after the group returned to power, claiming that "Security has been ensured across the country."

The statement also stressed that Taliban security forces had carried out multiple raids against Daesh cells and were focused on ensuring "timely action on uprooting the safe havens of the terrorists."

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Palestine govt.: Israel rewards settler terrorism by building thousands of new units

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 27 June 2023 4:39 PM

The Palestinian government has condemned the Israeli regime's plan to construct about 5,700 new illegal settler units in the occupied West Bank as a "reward to settler terrorism" against the Palestinian people.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates said it considered the approval "a new crime committed by the Israeli regime against our people and an extension of its open war against the Palestinian existence in the occupied West Bank, including East al-Quds."

The statement came after Israeli authorities approved the construction of 5,623 new settler units in the West Bank, in continuation of its criminal settlement expansion and land grab activities in the occupied territories.

The approval came after an agreement between Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, minister for military affairs Yoav Gallant, and finance minister Bezalel Smotrich.

The ministry said the new units are "a reward for the Israeli extremist far-right cabinet members Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir and their terrorist followers who will employ these units to expand the bases of Jewish terrorism in the occupied West Bank, which means giving them a greater opportunity to escalate their attacks against the defenseless Palestinian civilians."

The ministry also called on the international community to stop Israel from violating international principles, resolutions and agreements signed under the auspices of world bodies.

The ministry statement further stressed that the weakness of international reaction and silence by the international community toward settlements had emboldened the Israeli regime and provided it with cover to build thousands of new settler units.

"Israel's continued impunity, the silence of the International Criminal Court towards the crimes of the occupation and its settlers, and the double international standards, provide the occupying state with the necessary time to consolidate its settlements and undermine the opportunity to establish a Palestinian state with East al-Quds as its capital," the statement read.

The Palestinian Authority recently held Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right cabinet fully responsible for persisting terrorism by Zionist settlers against Palestinians across the occupied lands.

Over the weekend, the Palestinian foreign ministry in a statement declared that the surge in Israeli crimes "reflects a policy adopted by the far-right Netanyahu administration, and is also a direct reflection of the campaigns of incitement to murder Palestinians, especially by extremist racists like Ben-Gvir and his followers."

Israeli regime troops and settlers have been escalating their terror attacks against Palestinian civilians in the occupied territories, in an attempt to forcibly expel Palestinians from their lands and make way for expanding illegal Zionist-only settlements.

More than 600,000 Zionists live in over 230 illegal settlements built since the 1967 Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories of the West Bank and East al-Quds.

All the settlements are considered illegal under international law. The UN Security Council has condemned in numerous resolutions the Israeli regime's settlement constructions in the occupied territories.

According to human rights groups, acts of violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians and their property are a daily occurrence throughout the occupied West Bank.

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Hamas slams Israeli plan to build new settlements, calls it 'open aggression' on Palestinians

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 27 June 2023 7:03 AM

The Palestinian Hamas resistance movement has strongly condemned the Israeli regime's decision to construct thousands of new settler units in the occupied West Bank as "open aggression" on Palestinians despite international outcry.

Hamas, in a statement released on Monday, criticized the plan as "a new crime that amounts to open-ended aggression against the Palestinian nation."

"The Israeli decision adds up to the list of crimes that the occupying Tel Aviv regime is perpetrating across the West Bank," it added.

"Such crimes push Palestinians to stand united in the face of Israeli crimes."

Hamas further called on the Arab and Muslim nations, as well as freedom-loving people worldwide, to mobilize efforts to support the steadfastness of Palestinians until they fulfill their aspirations to return and establish an independent sovereign state.

The statement came hours after Israeli authorities approved the construction of 5,623 new illegal settler units in the West Bank, in continuation of its illegal settlement expansion and land grab activities in the occupied territories.

According to a report by the official Palestinian WAFA news agency, the approval includes depositing plans for the construction of 4,291 new colonial settler units, which constitutes an advanced stage of planning and construction by the occupation authorities.

The report said the plans are implemented before issuing tenders for the implementation of construction projects.

The approval also includes 1,332 building plans which are submitted and will be approved after a session for hearing objections, before final approval and preparation of tenders, it added.

Israeli media outlets said 1,000 new settler units, more than what Israel's far-right administration approved last week, will be built in Eli settlement, south of the northern occupied West Bank city of Nablus.

The approval came after an agreement between Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, minister for military affairs Yoav Gallant, and finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, the reports added.

Earlier this month, the secretary general of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit denounced the Israeli settlement expansion policy, urging the US administration, the main supporter of Israel, to take a firm stance against the Israeli plans.

White House National Security Spokesperson John Kirby said at the time that Washington's policy is consistent in opposing any unilateral decisions to advance Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

"We have long made clear our concerns about additional settlements in the West Bank, that we don't want to see actions taken that are going to make a two-state solution that much more difficult to achieve," Kirby said during a White House press briefing.

"We don't want to see steps taken that only increase the tensions and we've been very clear about that. Nothing's changed about our policy."

More than 600,000 Israelis live in over 230 settlements built since the 1967 Israeli occupation of the West Bank and East al-Quds.

While all Israeli settlements are illegal under international law, Israel has stepped up settlement expansion in blatant violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Palestinians want the West Bank as part of a future independent state with East al-Quds as its capital.

The last round of Israeli-Palestinian talks collapsed in 2014. Among the major sticking points in those negotiations was Israel's continued illegal settlement expansion.

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Cambodia's Hun Sen orders troops to border regions to hunt down drones

Vietnam denies it sent drones and critics see move as attempt to rally voters ahead of July 23 election.

By RFA Khmer 2023.06.27 -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Tuesday ordered 500 troops and 200 anti-aircraft weapons systems to four northeastern provinces to hunt down drones that allegedly violated the country's airspace.

He said aircraft are believed to be operated by "ethnic insurgents" in Vietnam, but Vietnamese authorities have denied that the drones were theirs.

"We urge those countries that allow drones to use their countries to violate Cambodia to immediately halt their actions," he said. "It is an act of terrorism against Cambodia."

Hun Sen urged calm in a pre-recorded address released via ruling Cambodian People's Party, or CPP, mouthpiece FreshNews. The residents of Kratie, Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri and Tboung Khmum provinces have no reason to fear an impending conflict, he said.

"Don't worry about war in Cambodia - our troops ... are intervention troops to help local authorities due to repeated violations by drones we don't know the source of yet," he said.

The prime minister said that the military assets being sent to the four provinces will be there "not only to destroy drones, but also to search for those who fled from Vietnam to hide in Cambodia," without providing further details.

On June 11, attacks on two commune offices in central Vietnam's Dak Lak province - across the border from eastern Cambodia - left nine people dead. Last week, Vietnamese authorities said they will prosecute 84 people accused of being involved in the attacks. No one has claimed responsibility for them, and the motivation remains unclear.

Rallying voters

Members of Cambodia's opposition said they believe Hun Sen - who has been in power since 1985 - is using the development to scare voters into throwing their support behind the ruling CPP ahead of a general election on July 23. He has used similar tactics in the past.

"Before the 2011 elections, there were skirmishes between Cambodia and Thailand, and in 2016 there was a border dispute with Laos, and [the government] deployed troops as the elections approached," said Morn Phally, an activist with the Cambodia National Rescue Party living in exile in Malaysia.

Hun Sen has frequently invoked the specter of threats to national security during speeches in the lead up to ballots, and framed the vote as a referendum on which party can best maintain Cambodia's sovereignty.

Speaking to RFA on Tuesday, Finland-based political analyst Kim Sok questioned why Hun Sen was deploying troops to the border when Vietnam has denied involvement in the drone incursions.

"Hun Sen is using this strategy to intimidate people and control power," he said.

Tuesday's troop deployment follows the unanimous approval by Cambodia's National Assembly of an amendment to the election law that prohibits those who don't vote in next month's elections from running for office in future elections.

Analysts say the change appears to be aimed at preventing a large-scale boycott of the July 23 vote by supporters of the main opposition Candlelight Party.

Translated by Yun Samean. 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.

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The security situation in the West Bank and Occupied Palestinian Territories continues to deteriorate: UK statement at the Security Council

Statement by UK Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.

27 June 2023

Thank you, Madam President. We thank the Special Coordinator for his helpful update. We also take good note of Dr Zogby's briefing.

Madam President, as we've heard, the security situation in the West Bank and Occupied Palestinian Territories continues to deteriorate. Last week saw more loss of life and showed how quickly and unpredictably events can change. It also underscored the urgent need for restraint, calm and respect for the dignity of human life.

Seven people, including two children, were killed in an Israeli raid in the city of Jenin in the West Bank. Whilst the UK supports Israel's right to defend itself, its security operations must be in line with international humanitarian law and every effort must be made to avoid civilian casualties.

Terror attacks, such as the killing of four Israelis near the settlement of Eli by Hamas-affiliated gunmen on 20 June are barbaric, unjustifiable, and undermine the safety and security of all Israelis and Palestinians. The UK condemns these attacks without qualification. The glorification of these killers by Hamas and other organisations is abhorrent and heightens tensions where de-escalation is needed.

We also unequivocally condemn recent scenes of settler violence in Turums Ayya where homes and property were burned down and civilians attacked, resulting in the death of one Palestinian. All perpetrators of these hate crimes need to be held to account, and we urge that steps are taken to prevent similar crimes happening again.

Madame President, turning now to the report by the Special Coordinator, I will make three points.

First, the report demonstrates the damaging effect of what it calls the "relentless expansion" of settlements on the prospects for peace. The UK's long-standing position remains unchanged: we oppose settlements, which are illegal under international law, and call on Israel to cease and reverse its policy of supporting their expansion.

Second, the report also makes clear the value and importance of the dialogue that took place between senior Israelis and Palestinians earlier this year to build trust and manage tensions. We echo the report's call for all sides to honour the commitments made in Aqaba and Sharm el-Sheikh.

Finally, the UK shares the report's concerns about UNRWA's funding shortfalls. The agency provides vital services and hope to millions and we call on all member states to work together to address this shortfall urgently.

Thank you.

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Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York

27 June 2023

The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

Alright, good afternoon, everyone.

** Middle East

Tor Wennesland, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, told the Security Council this morning that, in recent weeks, we have seen an alarming spike in violence across the northern and central occupied West Bank, leading to numerous Palestinian and Israeli casualties.

The mounting violence, he said, is taking place against the backdrop of deeply worrying settlement-related developments that alter the already fragile dynamics on the ground, as well as a worrying deterioration in relations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

Mr. Wennesland said that he remains deeply troubled by the relentless expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, that fuels violence and is impeding access by Palestinians to their land and resources, reshaping the geography of the occupied West Bank and threatening the viability of a future Palestinian State.

He noted that Israeli settlements constitute a flagrant violation of United Nations resolutions and international law. He called on the Government of Israel to cease the advancement of all settlement activity immediately.

We expect more from the Secretary-General on this, later today.

** China

Today, in China, the Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, met with the Inner Mongolia provincial leaders. She acknowledged the regional efforts on climate action and long-term investments in afforestation.

This was followed by a visit to the world's first zero-carbon industrial park in Ordos.

Ms. Mohammed also visited an afforestation project and sand drift prevention projects in Kubuqi, which also hosts China's largest single-stage solar farm.

** Global Humanitarian Overview

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says that halfway into 2023, it has only received 20 per cent of the $54.8 billion it needs to help people in need around the world.

At the end of last year, the number of people who needed aid was a record 349 million, but that number has climbed to 362 million. This means that 1 in 22 people globally now requires assistance.

With needs growing exponentially, funding is struggling to keep pace.

OCHA also warns that unequal funding across emergencies and key sectors have challenged our ability to respond to surging needs. Current underfunded crises include Myanmar, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Venezuela, Somalia and Afghanistan.

These funding gaps have real consequences on millions of people, and we encourage donors to continue to contribute generously to the humanitarian response plans.

** Ukraine

Turning to Ukraine: We, along with our partners, are continuing to help people impacted by the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam. Since 6 June, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs organized 15 inter-agency convoys, which delivered more than 60 truckloads of vital supplies to over 20 villages and towns of the Dnipro and Kherson regions, including Kherson city.

The latest inter-agency convoy today reached two villages in the Dnipro region, carrying water, food, hygiene kits and medical supplies to nearly 2,000 civilians in the area. These villages, which are less than 10 kilometres from the front line, have been completely cut off from water since 7 June, affecting more than 10,000 civilians.

Yesterday, another inter-agency convoy delivered aid for around 1,500 civilians in the town of Antonivka, which is approximately 2.5 kilometres from the front line in the Kherson region. Last Friday, humanitarian workers reached two other villages, also in Kherson, with enough aid for nearly 2,000 people.

These inter-agency frontline convoys are in addition to the aid that UN agencies and non-governmental organizations are providing.

Overall, humanitarian workers have distributed more than 2.6 million litres of drinking water and over 180,000 rations of food. Cash assistance has reached more than 11,000 people, with another 35,000 people set to receive cash in the coming days.

** Afghanistan

Turning to Afghanistan: A United Nations report released today shows that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) remain a significant concern in Afghanistan  despite an overall decline in civilian casualties since the Taliban takeover  characterized by a rise in attacks on places of worship and against the minority Hazara community.

The report by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) notes that of the 3,774 civilian casualties between 15 August 2021 and 30 May 2023, three quarters were caused by indiscriminate improvised explosive devices in populated areas, including places of worship, schools and markets. According to the report, the majority of civilian casualties resulted from attacks carried out by the self-identified Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant  Khorasan Province (ISIL-KP).

The report recommends that the de facto authorities implement protection measures with a view to preventing the recurrence of similar attacks, taking into account the specific risks faced in places of worship and educational facilities and within Hazara Shi'a communities.

** Children and Armed Conflict

The annual report on children and armed conflict was published this morning and you heard Virginia Gamba's briefing on the report just a short while ago.

As she mentioned in her briefing, in 2022, children continued to be disproportionately affected by armed conflict.

The United Nations verified over 27,000 grave violations, impacting close to 19,000 boys and girls in 24 country situations and one regional monitoring arrangement that covers the Lake Chad Basin.

The full report is available online.

** Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day

Today is Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day. The theme of this year's Day focuses on women and young people's entrepreneurship and resilient supply chains.

In his message for the Day, the Secretary-General says that these businesses play a big role in economies, communities, and livelihoods around the world. However, enterprises owned by young people and women are some of the most at risk.

** Eid

And on a programming note, tomorrow will be the Eid holiday, and the UN will be closed. So, Eid Mubarak to all who observe.

We will resume our regular schedule on Thursday, and we hope to have our guest, UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) Executive Director Catherine Russell, here to brief on her recent trip to Haiti.

** Questions and Answers

Deputy Spokesman : That's it from me. Yeah. James?

Question : Following up on the theme of the day in the Security Council, Israel-Palestine, comments from the Security Minister of Israel... the National Security Minister, [Itamar] Ben-Gvir. Let me read the quote: "In this Government, we've killed 120 Palestinians in the last six months, and there will be more to come. The public expects us to do more and we have the capacity to meet those expectations." What is the Secretary-General's reaction to those comments that seem to have genocidal overturns? We need to kill more people. That's what he's saying.

Deputy Spokesman : We are always and consistently against any rhetoric from any side that threatens the lives or the existence of other people. And so that is in keeping with this. We call on all to discourage this sort of language, particularly coming from Cabinet officials.

Yes, Abdelhamid?

Question : Thank you, Farhan. I want to follow-up with the report of Ms. Gamba. I want to ask you who decided to put on the list those countries or organizations or groups to be listed on the blacklist? Is it Ms. Gamba or the Secretary-General?

Deputy Spokesman : It's the Secretary-General. It's his list and he has final decisions on all of the entities that are included.

Question : Okay. A follow-up. Now, her defence on not listing there was not convincing. She did not give us really good reasons. Can the SG really give us a full answer why Israel was not listed, when it is the highest number of violations were committed by Israel? That's one.

And why Kashmir, also I want to ask about... Why Kashmir was not included? Are the people in Kashmir under Indian occupation living in a very beautiful and their rights are protected?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, there is language in the report on both the Israel-Palestine situation and on the situation regarding Kashmir. So I would urge you to read the language of the report, which takes you through all of that. I don't agree that what Ms. Gamba said was not persuasive. The basic point is that this report is a mechanism to get Governments and other parties to improve the records about how children are treated. And during the reporting period... strictly during the reporting period, which is the year 2022, the number of violations committed by the Government of Israel went down and there were concrete measures put in place for the protection of children. And so keeping them off the list was a reflection of that improvement, both in terms of the engagement and in terms of the results. If since then, things worsen again, that can be reflected, but that is for another year and another report.

Dezhi?

Question : Turkish Foreign Ministry just announced that the Secretary-General had a phone call conversation with the Foreign Minister of Turkiye. Can you give us more details on this phone call? Because as we know, they were talking about the Black Sea Initiative, as well as the humanitarian issue in Syria.

Deputy Spokesman : I don't have a readout to give you. I'll see whether we can get something.

Question : But you can confirm there is a conversation?

Deputy Spokesman : The Secretary-General, as you know, has been concerned about both of those two topics  that is to say, the situation in terms of cross-border aid in Syria, which is something that the Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, has been discussing in recent days, including in travel to Syria. And regarding the Black Sea Initiative, as you know, the Secretary-General is in contact with a number of people and a number of parties, trying to see what can be done to continue with the implementation both of the Black Sea Initiative and of the Memorandum of Understanding regarding Russian exports of food and fertilizer.

Edie?

Question : Thank you, Farhan. Can we get a readout or get to talk to Martin Griffiths about his recent efforts? We certainly do know that he was in Syria working on the soon to be expired cross-border initiative. And also, is there any update on whether he or Rebeca Grynspan plan to go to Moscow?

Deputy Spokesman : I don't have any travel by either of them to Moscow to announce. What I can tell you is that Under-Secretary-General Martin Griffiths was in Damascus yesterday and met with President Bashar al-Assad. They exchanged views on humanitarian assistance in Syria and avenues to engage the wider region around early recovery priorities. Mr. Griffiths also met with Faisal Mekdad, the Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss the humanitarian situation in the country.

Pam?

Question : Excuse me, but that doesn't really give us any indication of where the cross-border aid renewal might be going. Is there any chance that we can get to talk to him? Is he going to be back in New York?

Deputy Spokesman : I believe he has some travels, but when he's back again, we'll try to put in a request for you.

Yeah. Pam?

Question : Thank you, Farhan. The UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) report on illicit drugs had some pretty surprising statements  about 45 per cent surge in illicit drugs, including opiates and fentanyl. They make some general recommendations, but is there anything the UN can do or will do on a global basis on this surge? And is there any possibility of a briefing here? Thank you.

Deputy Spokesman : Well, the relevant briefings tend to be conducted by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, which is not based here. So I believe they're doing briefings, including on this report. There's a wealth of information on their website about what can be done. So I would just refer you to the information put out by UNODC over the course of the past day.

Question : Any comment by the Secretary-General on the report?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, this is one of the reports that he encourages and supports. He did have a statement on the prevention of drug abuse yesterday, and I'd refer you to what he said there.

Question : Thank you.

Deputy Spokesman : Yes, Stefano?

Question : Thank you, Farhan. From Russian media, we find out that the Russian Mission has urged the UN Secretary-General to take action against Washington, against the United States because the FBI is harassing Russian diplomats here in New York or the UN diplomats. Now, do you want to tell us something about it, what the general...?

Deputy Spokesman : The only thing I'd have to say on that is that we are frequently in touch with the US as the host country, and we would call on the host country to abide by all of its commitments in terms of how foreign delegations are treated.

Question : No. But my question is, does the Secretary-General believe that these accusation are real? Is the FBI... Do you have anything that said that FBI is harassing the Russian diplomats?

Deputy Spokesman : I wouldn't comment on this. Again, our general practice is simply to make sure that the host country abides by its own commitments in terms of how to deal with other delegations inside the country.

Yes?

Question : Sorry. Yeah. Let me try to give you something maybe you can comment. Last Sunday, according to Israel Times, Israel police detained three United Nations employees on suspicion of trying to smuggle liquid cocaine into Israel from Jordan, disguised as a component of perfume-making kits. Just want to know any position of this instant from the UN Secretariat?

Deputy Spokesman : Yeah. We're looking into this, trying to get more information about this. Obviously, it would be... these allegations are very serious, and we'll take them very seriously, and we'll see whether further investigation is warranted.

Question : Can you confirm that three UN employees got detained by Israeli authorities?

Deputy Spokesman : No. What I can confirm is that we are aware of these reports. We're looking into them for further details, and we'll see whether investigation is warranted.

Question : So, so far, you're not sure whether they're UN staff or not?

Deputy Spokesman : I don't have anything to say about their status at this point. We're trying to gather information on that.

Alright, Paulina Kubiak, over to you.

Question : Okay. Hang on.

Deputy Spokesman : Oh, that's a very late hand. Okay. Yeah.

Question : Yeah. Is there any comment from the Secretary-General or did this subject come up in the discussions between Mr. Griffiths and President Assad about the very recent strikes in Syria, in rebel-held territory, that apparently killed several civilians?

Deputy Spokesman : Actually, I have something I can tell you on that. One second. The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about reports of air strikes in north-west Syria and of the civilian casualties they caused. The Secretary-General strongly condemns all violence in Syria and urges all parties to respect their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law. He recalls that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected, in accordance with international humanitarian law.

And with that, I will leave you to Paulina Kubiak. Bye.

Question : Hang on. I have a question, Farhan.

Deputy Spokesman : What?

Question : I'm right here. [laughter]

Deputy Spokesman : Oh! You're in my blind spot.

Question : Everyone's forgetting I work here today. Sorry. Do you have any update on the Safer tanker and what's going on with that?

Deputy Spokesman : No. We're trying to do what we can to begin the process of ship to ship transfer as soon as possible. The ships are in position, and we're just getting some issues sorted out so that we can begin that process. We'll let you know when that starts.

Question : What issues?

Deputy Spokesman : Oh, I won't get into those. Just some technical aspects, but we're getting those sorted out.

Okay. Thanks very much.

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U.S. Hosts Two Major Multilateral Maritime Engagement Forums in Middle East

US Navy

27 June 2023

From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command

MANAMA, Bahrain -- The United States hosted two major multilateral meetings on maritime security with regional partners in Bahrain, June 25-26, involving nearly 200 participants who discussed opportunities for enhancing collaboration at sea.

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) hosted a two-day multilateral maritime security meeting for 90 senior military officers and diplomats from 22 nations as well as senior representatives from the Gulf Cooperation Council at the U.S. Navy base in Bahrain. Officials discussed the current maritime security environment and ways to further enhance maritime security in the region, according to a joint statement released June 26.

"Participants reiterated commitment to uphold navigational rights and operate consistent with international law, as well as pursue collective efforts to prevent threats to vessels traveling through regional waterways that are critical to international trade and the global economy," the statement read.

Separately, NAVCENT's naval amphibious task force, Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, hosted a multilateral maritime engagement conference in Bahrain for the second time this year, with 100 international staff officers from 10 nations. Representatives from Bahrain, France, Jordan, Kuwait, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and United States held discussions to identify future collaborative training opportunities across the Middle East.

"One of the best ways to remain ready to respond to a contingency is to listen to and work with our partners," said U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Matthew S. Reid, the Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade commander. "Understanding their security challenges and learning how we can best integrate with them during a crisis or contingency response - especially one that occurs in an amphibious domain - is important."

Conference participants conducted a series of briefs and breakout sessions on air, ground and maritime operations, continuing discussions last held in January. Participants also toured RFA Cardigan Bay (L3009), a United Kingdom Royal Navy landing-ship dock, while the ship was pierside in Bahrain.

In addition to the UK's regional maritime forces, Bahrain hosts the headquarters for NAVCENT and two major multinational naval partnerships, Combined Maritime Forces and the International Maritime Security Construct. Combined Maritime Forces includes 38 nations that form the world's largest military partnership at sea. The International Maritime Security Construct is an 11-nation coalition that focuses on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb.

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UN: Islamic State-Led Violence Kills 1,000 Civilians in Taliban-Run Afghanistan

By Ayaz Gul June 27, 2023

The United Nations said Tuesday that bombings and other militant violence in Afghanistan had killed more than 1,000 civilians since the Taliban regained control of the country nearly two years ago.

The U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan recorded 3,774 civilian casualties, including 1,095 deaths, between August 15, 2021, and May of this year. The report said 92 women and 287 children are among the dead.

Most of the deaths, 701, were caused by "indiscriminate" improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, attacks in populated areas, including places of worship, schools, and markets.

UNAMA said that a regional Islamic State affiliate, Islamic State Khorasan, or IS-K, was responsible for most IED attacks, including suicide bombings. It noted a significant increase in the number of attacks by the terrorist group since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul.

"Of particular concern is the apparent increase in the lethality of suicide attacks since August 15, 2021, with fewer incidents causing a higher number of civilian casualties in that period," the report said.

More than 1,700 Afghan civilian deaths and injuries were attributed to attacks claimed by IS-K.

The chief of UNAMA's human rights service condemned the attacks on civilians as "reprehensible" and called for ending them immediately.

"It is critical that the de facto authorities uphold their obligation to protect the right to life by carrying out independent, impartial, prompt, thorough, effective, credible, and transparent investigations into IED attacks affecting civilians," Fiona Frazer said.

UNAMA said Monday that Taliban authorities continue to prevent journalists from covering mass casualty IED attacks, saying it recorded many instances of "arbitrary arrest and detention, ill-treatment, and excessive use of force" deployed against media workers covering such incidents.

The mission said that Taliban authorities do release information on incidents of violence but "casualty figures are often inaccurate and unrealistic."

The Taliban maintain their counterterrorism operations have significantly degraded the IS-K presence in Afghanistan, killing its key commanders in recent months.

The Taliban waged a deadly insurgency and reclaimed power as the United States and its NATO allies withdrew from Afghanistan in August 2021, ending their two-decade-long occupation.

UNAMA documented more than 3,000 civilian deaths in 2020 and 1,659 fatalities in the first half of 2021 alone, blaming the then-insurgent Taliban and other anti-government armed groups for causing most of those casualties.

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Sudan's RSF Leader Announces Eid Cease-Fire, Vows Probe of His Forces

By Michael Atit June 27, 2023

The leader of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces announced a brief cease-fire starting Tuesday for the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.

Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo also said he would hold his forces accountable for violations against civilians since the current conflict broke out with Sudan's military. But analysts are skeptical after numerous failed cease-fires and note Dagalo's poor record on rights violations. Multiple cease-fires have been broken in the conflict between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces that began April 15.

Dagalo, known also as Hemedti, announced the 48-hour cease-fire for al-Adha festivities from Tuesday through Wednesday, in an audio message. Army chief General Abdel Fattah Burhan also announced a cease-fire Tuesday.

In an audio address provided to VOA by the Al Hadath TV channel, Hemedti declared a two-day unilateral truce, honoring the Muslims Adha festivity.

He said his forces will remain in their position and will act only in self-defense.

Hemedti noted the unilateral cease-fire shows the commitment of his forces to end fighting and end the suffering of civilians.

He said it was his wish that these days will be used for a genuine forgiveness and reconciliation among the people. He cited a deep feeling for the people, who are suffering and going through harsh humanitarian situations because of the ongoing fighting, which has affected their livelihoods. He said they are determined to end this war hopefully strong and united once again.

However, the RSF commander expressed concern about alleged human rights violations committed by his forces against civilians.

He announced the establishment of field courts headed by Major General Esam Saleh Fidhel to carry out investigations into claims of offenses allegedly committed by the RSF.

He said the violations are against RSF law and the instructions of its senior leadership.

"We are going to address them firmly and seriously," he said. "I am here, sincerely assuring our people that we reject and condemn any violation against civilians, including those believed to have been committed by our RSF forces."

VOA contacted Al Tahir Abu Hajah, the head of media and information in the office of Sovereign Council Chairman and army chief Abdel-Fattah Burhan, for comment on the report, but there was no immediate response from Hajah.

Speaking to VOA on Tuesday, Mohammed Khaleel, a retired military officer and a lecturer of international relations at various Sudanese universities, downplayed the unilateral cease-fire announced by the RSF.

Khaleel said the cease-fire is meant to please the international community, and civilians will still experience looting of their property, theft and intimidation.

Khaleel also said he doesn't think the cease-fire is meant for civilians because civilians have left their houses and their property is being looted by the RSF and sold cheaply in local markets in RSF-controlled areas within Khartoum and elsewhere.

The U.N. says about 2.5 million people have been displaced inside Sudan or forced to leave the country since the onset of the latest conflict on April 15.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the days when the cease-fire is to take place.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 27 June 2023 - Day 489

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 Ukrainian Airborne forces have made small advances east from the village of Krasnohorivka, near Donetsk city, which sits on the old Line of Control.

This is one of the first instances since Russia's February 2022 invasion that Ukrainian forces have highly likely recaptured an area of territory occupied by Russia since 2014.

Recent multiple concurrent Ukrainian assaults throughout the Donbas have likely overstretched Donetsk People's Republic and Chechen forces operating in this area.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day, Russian occupants hit a winged missile h-22 across the dachnomu cooperative in the kremenchuk district of poltava region. In addition, Russian forces carried out 20 air strikes and fired over 20 shelling jets at the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

Unfortunately, there are casualties and injuries among the civilian population and destruction and damage to civilian infrastructure, multi-storey buildings and dozens of private residential buildings.

The probability of missile and air strikes throughout Ukraine remains high.

Russia is focusing the main efforts on the Lyman, Bakhmutsky and Maryinsky directions - over 10 combat clashes have occurred during the day.

In the Volyn and Polish directions there is an operational environment without significant changes. The sign of the formation of progressive groups was not detected.

Russia maintains a military presence in the Siver and Slobozhansky directions. Carried out mortar and artillery shelling over 20 settlements, in particular, it's Zaricha, timonovici of chernihiv region; middle of the Buddha, porohon, fotovyz, great pisarivka sumy region, as well as uda, cossack lopan  and red first in kharkiv region.

In the Kupans komu direction artillery and mortar shelling also suffered over 20 settlements. In particular, masutivka, kislivka, kotlyarivka, brestove kharkiv region.

In the Lyman direction of artillery shelling suffered over 15 settlements, in particular, nevske, dibrova, bilogorivka luhans k region; torske, serebryanka, dispute of donetsk region.

In the Bakhmut direction, Russian forces made unsuccessful attempts to recover the lost position in the direction of southeast of Ivanivsky.

From Russian artillery shelling affected areas of more than 15 settlements. In particular, vasyukivka, markove, chromove, chasiv yar, ivanivs ,ke, ozaryanivka and southern donetsk region fell under fire.

In the Avdiivka direction, Russian forces struck aviation in the area of Avdiivka. Carried out artillery shelling over 20 settlements. Shot, in particular, ceramic, novokalinove, avdiivka, jasnobrodivka, pervomayske, nevels ke donetsk region.

In the Marinsky direction, Russian forces carried out offensive actions in the area of Marinsky, had no success. Gave aviation strikes near marinka and krasnogorivka. At the same time, carried out artillery shelling in areas of more than 10 settlements. In particular, Illinka and Victory of the Donetsk region got under fire.

In the Shakhtarsk direction, Russian forces committed unsuccessful offensive actions towards the village of Rivnopil. Gave aviation strikes in the area of the storozevogo donetsk region. Carried out shelling over 15 settlements. In particular, it's katerinivka, elizavetivka, bogoyavlenka, graceful, carbon, purcistivka, golden niva of the donetsk region.

In the Zaporozhye and Kherson directions, Russia focuses the main efforts on preventing the promotion of Ukrainian troops. Russian forces inflicted aviation strikes in the areas of orikhov and novodanilivki of zaporizhzhia region. Carried out artillery shelling over 40 settlements. Victims of Novodarivka, Olgivs ke, Poltavka, Malinivka, Charm, Mala Tokmachka, Preobrazhenka, Walnuts, Pavlivka of Zaporizhzhia region; Golden Balka, Dudcany, Kachkarivka, Vesele, Antonivka, Kherson, Bilozerka, Dniprovs ke, Kizomis of Kherson region and Ochakiv of Mykolaiv region.

Continuing armed aggression, Russian occupation troops daily suffer losses. About 50 injured Russian occupants were delivered to the building of a kindergarten converted to a field hospital in the Kherson region of Novomikhailivka.

Also, Russia continues to rearrange civilian educational institutions in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine under medical institutions. Yes, the general education school of the settlement of Rozivka Zaporizhzhia region, the Russian occupants turned into another military hospital. Continuous transport of injured zombies is celebrated.

The Defense Forces a day delivered 12 strikes on the areas of focus of the Russian forces' personnel composition and 4 on the Russian forces' zenith-missile complexes.

During the day, the missile and artillery units hit 1 control point, 2 Buk zenith missile complexes and 4 Russian live force, weapons and military equipment areas.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) have continued their attempts to conduct offensive operations in Krasny Liman, Donetsk and South Donetsk directions during the previous 24 hours.

In Krasny Liman direction, due to skillful and cohesive actions of the Tsentr Group of Forces units two enemy attacks have been repelled.

Aviation and artillery inflicted losses on the 63rd and 67th mechanised brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Chervonaya Dibrova, Chervonopopovka (Lugansk People's Republic) and Serebryanka (Donetsk People's Republic).

Actions of two sabotage and reconnaissance groups of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been thwarted close to Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk People's Republic).

Over 100 Ukrainian troops, four armoured fighting vehicles, three pick-up trucks, D-20 and D-30 howitzers, as well as two Gvozdika self-propelled artillery unit have been eliminated in this direction during the day.

In the Donetsk direction, seven enemy attacks have been successfully repelled in course of the Yug Group of Forces units active defence during the day.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, artillery, and heavy flamethrower systems have eliminated up to 325 Ukrainian troops, one tank, three infantry fighting vehicles, and five motor vehicles during the day.

Apart from that, an ammunition depot of the 110th Mechanised Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has been destroyed close to Avdeevka (Donetsk People's Republic).

In South Donetsk direction close to Vremevka salient, three enemy attacks have been repelled due to courageous and cohesive actions of the Vostok Group of Forces units, aviation, artillery, and heavy flamethrower system crews.

In Orekhov tactical direction Russian troops launched strikes to stop a motorised rifle platoon of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, attempting to conduct reconnaissance-in-force, and push Ukrainian troops back to the initial positions.

In addition, actions of one sabotage and reconnaissance group of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been thwarted near Rabotino (Zaporozhye region).

Up to 115 Ukrainian troops, five armoured fighting vehicles, including Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, three pick-up trucks, Msta-B and D-20 howitzers have been neutralised.

In Kupyansk direction, Ground-Attack and Army aviation, as well as artillery of the Zapad Group of Forces inflicted losses on the units of the AFU close to Krasnoye Pervoye, Sinkovka, and Berestovoye (Kharkov region), Novoselovskoye and Stelmakhovka (Lugansk People's Republic).

?? Moreover, an ammunition depot of the 60th Mechanised Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces was destroyed close to Ogurtsovo (Kharkov region).

More than 30 Ukrainian troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, two motor vehicles, a D-20 howitzer, and a U.S.-made AN/TPQ-36 counter-battery radar station have been destroyed during the day.

In Kherson direction, up to 30 Ukrainian troops, three motor vehicles, and one Akatsiya self-propelled howitzer have been destroyed over the past 24 hours.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Group of Forces have engaged 89 AFU artillery units at their firing positions, manpower, and military hardware in 112 areas during the day.

A communication centre of the 110th Mechanised Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has been destroyed close to Avdeevka (Donetsk People's Republic).

A command post of the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was eliminated close to Vyemka (Donetsk People's Republic).

Russian air defence forces have intercepted two HIMARS MLRS projectiles during the day.

In addition, six unmanned aerial vehicles were destroyed during the day in the areas of Verknekamenka (Lugansk People's Republic), Mirnoe and Pshenichnoye (Zaporozhye region).

In total, 444 airplanes and 240 helicopters, 4,804 unmanned aerial vehicles, 426 air defence missile systems, 10,371 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,131 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 5,246 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 11,213 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation.





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June 27, 2023

Release

Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center's Vulnerability Disclosure Program Partners With George Mason University

Over the last two years, the Department of Defense's Cyber Crime Center Vulnerability Disclosure Program, or VDP, has grown substantially, both in size and in public recognition. For its efforts throughout the 2022 Defense Industrial Base-VDP Pilot, the program earned a Cyber and IT Excellence Teams Award from the Office of the Department of Defense Chief Information Officer.

The overwhelming success of the pilot produced a scalability challenge. Increased demand for the program's services necessitated an uptick in workforce requirements. Identifying publicly accessible assets to automate these processes, while useful, is time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Luckily, through the National Security Innovation Network Capstone program, VDP Director Melissa Vice was able to enlist the help of Brian Ngac, Dean's Teaching Fellow at George Mason University Information Systems and Operations Management. Along with his team of four stellar GMU students, the group analyzed top lessons learned from the pilot to address scalability for the size and needs of the Defense Industrial Base.

The National Security Innovation Network is a government program office within the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering that collaborates with major universities and the venture community to develop solutions that drive national security innovation.

Through the network's Capstone program, student technologists and entrepreneurs serve our country by providing solutions to the Department while solving real-world national security challenges through existing university Capstone courses. Together, these portfolios form a pipeline of activities and solutions that accelerate the pace of defense innovation.

The network's federally funded program provides government agencies with the opportunity to compete for either talent or technology-based services by nominating problem sets. The organization seeks "to build a more agile and adaptive resource to meet the unpredictable threats of the future" by cultivating partnerships between and among defense, academia, and venture communities.

"The Capstone project is a win-win for federal agencies and university students alike. Students gain valuable insight by working with professional organizations on real-world problem sets, and organizations like VDP are able to leverage motivated minds primed by the academic environment to take on the rigorous research necessary to answer challenging questions," said VDP Director Melissa Vice.

Introducing outsiders' perspectives on organizational processes, such as the DOD Cyber Crime Center's onboarding procedures, often leads to creative ideas that challenge established norms.

In this case, George Mason University students considered the center's VDP labor-intensive challenges, reviewed current processes, and looked for ways automation via artificial intelligence could reduce the resources required while facilitating smoother client acquisition and communication. The resulting recommendations included creating an onboarding cloud-based portal where Defense Industrial Base companies are guided with chat-bot assistance while onboarding its Vulnerability Disclosure Program.

At the end of eight weeks, recommended changes boosted scalability from 50 Defense Industrial Base companies up to 1,000, while decreasing labor hours by 50 to 89 percent, and lowering processing time-per-company onboarded from eight hours to only one-all for the same budget.

The well-researched recommended solutions included cybersecurity triad methodology and FedRAMP-approved products. Programs such as Capstone demonstrate the value academia can offer federal organizations, even when limited to the unclassified environment.

The National Security Innovation Network's Capstone program has additional bandwidth and is ready to help. Interested organizations can contact info@nsin.mil for more information.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3440235/

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WHO: 'Long COVID' may obstruct return to normal life for 36 million Europeans

27 June 2023 - While no longer a global emergency, COVID-19's long-term effects alongside such other threats as mpox and seasonal heat waves may challenge Europe through the summer months, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) regional office warned on Tuesday.

This summer will be "the first in more than three years that many of us will enjoy without the looming threat of COVID-19", but the life-threatening virus has not gone away completely, said WHO's regional director for Europe, Hans Kluge, told reporters at a virtual press conference from Copenhagen.

Each week, the coronavirus causes at least 1,000 new deaths across the region every week, he said, outlining other health concerns at the start of the holiday season.

Coping with "long COVID"

Over the first three years of the global health emergency, 36 million people across the region may have experienced "long COVID", a complex condition that scientists still know very little about, according to data from WHO's partner, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington in the United States.

"That's approximately one in 30 Europeans over the past three years," explained Dr. Kluge, underscoring that those affected may still be finding it hard to return to "normal life".

Besides harming people in its protracted form, "COVID-19 exploited an epidemic of diseases, including cancers, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic lung illnesses, which account for 75 per cent of mortality in our region today," he said, reiterating WHO's call for more research to develop comprehensive diagnostics and treatment for long COVID.

Response to the threat

Dr. Kluge encouraged all eligible, especially those of vulnerable groups, to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

"We should ensure at least 70 per cent vaccine coverage for these groups, including both primary and additional booster doses," he said.

He also advocated for more physical activity and a healthier lifestyle. Undertaking, if possible, 25 minutes of moderate exercise a day, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and limiting salt intake could significantly increase one's resilience to both infectious and non-communicable diseases, he added.

Extreme heat warnings

Readying Europeans for the summer, Dr. Kluge warned about months of possible extremely hot weather ahead which, according to the European Union and the World Meteorological Organization, is becoming the norm, not the exception.

"Last year in our region, extreme heat claimed 20,000 lives between June and August," he said.

Limiting outdoor activity, staying hydrated, keeping homes cool, and having more time to rest are some of the ways to survive the heat, he said, asking people to "look out for each other" and to check in on elderly relatives and neighbours.

Containing mpox

A recent resurgence of mpox infections appeared in the United States and then in Belgium, Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom, Dr. Kluge said .

While only 22 new mpox cases were recorded in the European region during the month of May, he suggested that people in high-risk groups get vaccinated, limit contact with others in the case of symptoms, and avoid close physical contact, including sexual, with someone who has mpox.

Welcoming the United Kingdom's efforts to continue its vaccination programme, he urged other countries to further reduce barriers to testing, vaccination, and care for persons in high-risk groups.

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The 12th EU-US Space Dialogue convened in Brussels

European External Action Service (EEAS)

27.06.2023

EEAS Press Team

The EU and the US have for a long time enjoyed deep and beneficial cooperation on space affairs. To further develop this cooperation, the two sides engage in regular space dialogues, the most recent of which was held in Brussels on 26-27 June.

The EU and the US delegations gathered to discuss wide-ranging space topics including important cooperation on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Earth Observation and its applications, Space Situational Awareness, the safety of spaceflight as well as long-term sustainability of space activities. A dedicated part of the dialogue addressed space security, this year in the context of the recently-adopted Joint Communication from the European Commission and the High Representative on EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence. This discussion addressed opportunities to deepen EU-US and broader trans-Atlantic space security cooperation in a mutually beneficial way, including space cybersecurity and multilateral engagements to promote norms, rules and principles for responsible behaviour in outer space. The Space Dialogue provided an opportunity for a bilateral update on respective policy initiatives in view of finding synergies and enhanced strands of cooperation.

The EU delegation was led by Timo Pesonen, Director-General of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DEFIS), and Benedikta von Seherr-Thoss, Managing Director for CSDP and Crisis Response at the European External Action Service. Representatives from DG DEFIS, the European External Action Service, the European Space Agency, European Space Programme Agency, and European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites formed part of the delegation.

The US delegation was led by Mallory Stewart, Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance (AVC), U.S. Department of State, and Jennifer R. Littlejohn, Acting Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of Oceans, and International, Environmental & Scientific Affairs, U.S. Department of State. The US delegation was composed, among others, by the representatives from the Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Defence, the Department of Interior and the Department of Transportation.



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Tanks and infantry a lethal combination

27 June 2023

Tanks and infantry fought side by side against a fictional enemy in a training activity that developed an efficient and lethal combined arms team.

M1A1 Abrams tanks from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2CAV) and mechanised infantry from the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR) worked together in the field to hone their warfighting craft during Exercise Capital OTP.

Commanding Officer of 3RAR Lieutenant Colonel Jack Westhorpe said the purpose of the training was threefold.

"The first is to prepare the team for operations, the second is to build confidence within the combined arms team, particularly with 3RAR working alongside Abrams tanks," Lieutenant Colonel Westhorpe said.

"The third is to prepare the force for Exercise Talisman Sabre, which will be a key coalition activity for the region.

"The team is consistently preparing for operations, and our role at the moment is to be the online-ready battle group.

"We have a responsibility to hold contingency forces at notice on behalf of the Army and government, and this is a key component to achieving that."

Lieutenant Levi Ross, of 2CAV, who led a tank troop as part of the exercise, said the M1A1 Abrams tanks offered unique advantages to soldiers on the battlefield.

"The primary purpose of the Abrams tank is to go forward and apply shock action and manoeuvre to break into enemy lines and achieve the momentum we need," Lieutenant Ross said.

"Tanks provide a level of protection and lethality that no other system in land combat can achieve.

"A tank's ability to manoeuvre, fire upon the enemy and close ground is something that's unparalleled."

Lieutenant Ross highlighted the process of building an effective combat team.

"We started with meet and greets, coming together for a number of lessons, face to face drills, enabling us to head out and work person-to-person and build the team through iterations of training," he said.

"Then we integrated the two force elements together while carrying out repetition after repetition.

"Once you've built the drills into the minds of all the commanders on the battlefield, you can go forward and apply a level of flexibility to any problem that you might encounter.

"The tank requires input from so many different people, and the crew of a tank becomes one of the most tight-knit teams that you're going to have in the Australian Defence Force.

"Once you're working together, it's the pinnacle of teamwork that I've experienced in my career."

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US luring 'variety' of nations to join AUKUS in defiance of Russia, China warnings

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 27 June 2023 9:21 AM

Senior US officials say they are in talks with a "variety" of countries about possibly adding them to the second phase of the Indo-Pacific AUKUS security pact, amid escalating tensions between world powers.

White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell said the new allies and partners can take part in different areas, according to a report by ABC Australia on Tuesday.

Campbell did not name the countries but said there were a "variety" of nations interested.

"That might be in hypersonics, that could be in cybersecurity, it could be in anti-submarine warfare," he told an event hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank in Washington.

AUKUS is a trilateral security pact announced in September 2021 between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States aimed at countering Russia and China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific.

Under pillar one of the deal, the US and the UK will assist Australia to obtain nuclear-powered submarines.

Pillar two will see the three nations working more closely together on other types of defense capabilities, such as artificial intelligence and quantum technologies.

According to Campbell, what potential allies are going to bring to the table must be "practical and operational."

Canada and New Zealand have previously expressed an interest in joining Pillar Two.

A recent report by the US Congressional Research Service said that some analysts had argued that Japan should also be included to expand pillar two.

The call for allies in the second phase of the agreement comes after the recent mutiny against the Russian government and rising tensions between Moscow and Washington amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

The fleeting mutiny led by the Wagner Group against the Russian military leadership on Saturday intensified Russia-US tensions.

While Russia has announced it is going to investigate the possible involvement of foreign intelligence in the failed mutiny, reports by Western media suggest that the US already knew about Wagner Group's boss Yevgeny Prigozhin's plans to order his troops to march on Moscow.

Russia has been critical of the AUKUS, saying that the trilateral security pact is fueling regional tensions by trying to counter China.

China has also criticized the AUKUS countries, saying their cooperation "constituted serious nuclear proliferation risks," exacerbated the arms race, and undermined stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has warned the AUKUS security pact could trigger a race for nuclear submarines.

To date, no party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) other than the five countries the treaty recognizes as weapons states -- the United States, Russia, China, Britain, and France -- has nuclear submarines.

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Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's comment on Australia's decision to terminate the lease agreement on the new Russian Embassy site in Canberra

27 June 2023 10:25

1260-27-06-2023

On June 15, the Australian parliament rushed through a law terminating the lease agreement on the new Russian Embassy site in the capital's district of Yarralumla. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said hypocritically that the decision had been prompted by "national security concerns" and had been recommended by the secret services.

Indicatively, this is not the first attempt by the Australian Russophobic political class to deprive Russia of its diplomatic property. Earlier, the National Capital Authority tried to take away the land plot in Yarralumla under the pretext of delayed construction. However, during talks, which involved lawyers, Russia managed to present convincing evidence that the problem had been triggered by official Canberra's obstructionist position. Under various excuses, it created obstacles to visa support for Russian specialists sent to oversee the construction on this land. On May 31, Russian officials reached an agreement with the National Capital Authority on settling the dispute, whereby Russia was given additional five years to complete the embassy building construction. The Australian Federal Court recorded this agreement in a related ruling.

It is clear now that, while signing the agreement on settling the dispute, the Australian authorities worked hard on an alternative scenario to withdraw Russian diplomatic property. These actions are unscrupulous and indicative of Australia's disregard for the rule of law. The legality of these moves is also questionable.

On June 16, Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko summoned Ambassador of Australia Graeme Meehan to the Foreign Ministry in Moscow and declared a resolute protest against Canberra's actions. He emphasised our willingness to use the necessary mechanisms to defend our interests, including potential responses by way of reciprocity. Later, the lawyers representing Russia filed an appeal with the High Court of Australia to overturn the law passed on June 15 and recognise it as invalid since it contradicts the Constitution of this country.

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Lukashenko Orders Belarusian Army to Go on Full Combat Alert

Sputnik News

20230627

MINSK (Sputnik) - Belarusian President Alexander Likashenko said on Tuesday that he gave orders to bring the national army to full combat readiness against the backdrop of events in Russia.

"I gave all orders to bring the army to full combat readiness," Lukashenko was quoted as saying by a governmental Telegram channel.

He added that the priority security task for Belarus is prevention of escalation as tensions are already high.

"Your [security officials] priority, as well as [the priority of] all the people in uniform, is to take the necessary measures to prevent the escalation of the situation. Tensions are already to the limit," Lukashenko said, as quoted media.

On June 23, PMC Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin claimed that the Russian Armed Forces had fired missiles at a Wagner base. The Russian Ministry of Defense refuted these allegations, but shortly afterward, a contingent of Wagner forces seized several administrative buildings in the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don and embarked on a march on Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a televised address to the nation, branding the Wagner head's actions as an armed insurrection and a betrayal of the homeland.

Later, Putin agreed to his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko's mediation with Prigozhin, which lasted throughout Saturday.

As a result of these talks, Prigozhin halted the march on Moscow by Wagner troops and ordered them to return to their field camps.

A Sputnik

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China's Twin-tailed Scorpion drones fly in close formation for 1st time

Global Times

By Liu Xuanzun Published: Jun 27, 2023 11:08 PM

China recently carried out its first technical demonstration test in which three Twin-tailed Scorpion unmanned aircraft, a type of armed reconnaissance drone that was spotted in missions around the island of Taiwan and beyond the first island chain several times, formed close formations.

Supported by effective control systems, such formations of large attack drones would greatly enhance combat capabilities, experts said on Tuesday.

In the test flight, three Twin-tailed Scorpion drones fully loaded with a wide variety of munitions including precision bombs, missiles and smaller drones took off from an airfield one by one before forming into different formations including a line formation and a triangle formation, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Tuesday.

It marked the first time China's domestically developed long-endurance drones have flown in a close formation while fully loaded with munitions, CCTV said.

Steering the in-formation flight from a ground station rather than directly in the sky is challenging for drone operators, because the speeds, heights and flight directions of all drones must keep pace with each other, the report said.

This demonstration test proved that the fully loaded Twin-tailed Scorpion drones possess outstanding controllability, because carrying heavy payloads usually make aircraft less maneuverable, Wang Ya'nan, chief editor of the Beijing-based Aerospace Knowledge magazine, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

It further showed the drones' capabilities in flying in formation, Wang said. "Traditionally this is done manually, meaning that operators control the drones on the ground. But China is also exploring to develop an autonomous control software that enables drones to form formations on a single command," he said.

The defense authority on the island of Taiwan and Japan's Defense Ministry have reported several occasions in which they spotted TB-001 Twin-tailed Scorpion drones of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) flying around the island of Taiwan and across the Miyako Strait into the Pacific Ocean over the past few years. In those cases, the PLA drones flew alone.

If drones fly in formations, it would mean a significant combat capability boost, because they can carry much more munitions, Wang said.

With advanced control systems, small drones can form swarm clusters, while large drones like the Twin-tailed Scorpion can form groups of somewhere around three and achieve the best combat efficiency, Wang said.

The Twin-tailed Scorpion has two variants, the Twin-tailed Scorpion known as the TB and the Twin-tailed Scorpion A known as the TB-A, according to the website of Tengden, the developer of the drone.

The TB has a double-engine and double-generator configuration with a length of 10 meters, wingspan of 20 meters, a maximum takeoff weight of 2,800 kilograms, a range of 6,000 kilometers, an endurance of 35 hours, a maximum speed of 300 kilometers an hour and a service ceiling of 8,000 meters.

Added with a third engine and generator, the TB-A is slightly larger in length and wingspan and has a maximum takeoff weight of 3,250 kilograms, a range of 8,000 kilometers, an endurance of 40 hours, a maximum speed of 380 kilometers an hour and a service ceiling of 10,000 meters.

Capable of carrying out reconnaissance, surveillance and attack missions, the Twin-tailed Scorpion can carry different precision munitions including thermobaric bombs, armor-piercing bombs, delayed-action bombs as well as smaller drones for different missions, CCTV reported.

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China's diplomacy to further consolidate and expand 'circle of friends' in summer, with Xi meeting visiting leaders from New Zealand, Barbados, Mongolia, Vietnam

Global Times

By Yang Sheng Published: Jun 27, 2023 11:30 PM

After realizing significant diplomatic goals like helping the reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran in March, Chinese diplomacy is continually pushing for more achievements in summer with Chinese President Xi Jinping busily meeting with visiting Prime Minister of New Zealand Chris Hipkins, Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh as well as Prime Minister of Mongolia Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene in Beijing on Tuesday.

China and New Zealand agreed to keep expanding cooperation in economy and trade, education, technology, tourism as well as people-to-people and cultural exchanges, according to a release of the meeting between Xi and Hipkins.

Xi said he has always attached great importance to the relationship between China and New Zealand. The relationship between China and New Zealand has always led China's relationship with developed countries. The two sides should continue to carry forward the spirit of striving to be the best, and constantly consolidate and deepen the China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi noted.

Last year marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and New Zealand.

During the meeting with Mottley, Xi noted that Barbados is the first country in the Eastern Caribbean to establish diplomatic relations with China, and is also a good friend and partner of China in this region. He called on the two countries to deepen political mutual trust and continue to understand and support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns. China, as always, supports Barbados in safeguarding national sovereignty and independence, and independently choosing a development path, Xi noted.

China and Mongolia vowed to enhance cooperation in various fields, including combating desertification, building the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor and the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative. China and Mongolia are both developing countries and share extensive common interests and similar positions in international and regional affairs. China supports Mongolia in playing an active role in regional and international affairs, Xi noted.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Xi said that, facing the increasingly severe and complex international situation, China and Vietnam should uphold the spirit of equality, mutual benefit, solidarity and mutual trust, win-win cooperation, and should work together to seek common development, better benefit the two countries, and inject more stability into the turbulent world.

Pham Minh Chinh said that Vietnam opposes the politicization of economic issues, and is willing to work closely with China to prevent and deal with risks and challenges, prevent any force from alienating Vietnam-China relations and build a Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with a shared destiny.

Barbados, Mongolia, New Zealand and Vietnam are located on different continents, and have different political systems, histories, cultures, stages of development and economic sizes. China's efforts to improve ties with these countries show that the world will be further connected with each other. Members of the international community want to seek certainties and possibilities from China, and they will not follow moves to "decouple" or provoke "confrontation" launched by the US against China, experts noted.

New Zealand - a member of the US-led Five Eyes Alliance and an Anglo-Saxon nation - attaches great importance to developing relations with China. This time, as Hipkins is accompanied by a large economic and trade delegation, the trip aims to explore more cooperation opportunities and promote New Zealand-China relations to a new level, the New Zealand Prime Minister said during the meeting with Xi.

Chinese experts praised the independent policymaking of New Zealand which shows the consensus shared by different political parties within the country on how to get along with China. It presents an example of how Western countries can withstand the pressures of unilateralism, Cold War mentality and hegemony, as well as preserve their strategic autonomy to develop ties with China and benefit their people.

Compared with other members of the Five Eyes Alliance - the US, the UK, Australia and Canada, New Zealand is a country that is able to maintain equal and pragmatic relations and mutual respect with China, and bilateral ties have not been impacted by the China-US tension for a very long time.

In April 2022, during the term of Hipkins' predecessor Jacinda Ardern and a difficult for the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the two countries upgraded the protocol of the China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.

After Ardern resigned in January, Hipkins, also from the Labor Party of New Zealand, assumed office, and Ardern's strategic autonomy and pragmatic policy on China have been maintained and further developed.

According to Reuters, Hipkins, ahead of his trip to China, said on Thursday that he did not agree with US President Joe Biden's absurd and provocative remarks on the Chinese national leader and political system. "The form of government that China has is a matter for the Chinese people," Hipkins told reporters.

This shows that the government of New Zealand and the policymakers of the country have held a principle of non-interference when dealing with China, and refused to follow the arrogant and offensive attitude of Washington, while Wellington is able to develop ties with China based on the interests of New Zealand's people, analysts said.

Chen Hong, director of the New Zealand Studies Center at East China Normal University, told the Global Times on Tuesday that "Hipkins' visit shows the resilience of China-New Zealand ties. New Zealand is a small country, but it didn't choose to abandon its autonomy to blindly and unconditionally follow the instructions of a superpower, but has preserved its pragmatic policymaking." This is why the country can continue to benefit from its ties with China and avoid the damage caused by the US-led confrontation with China.

If other countries around the globe, especially Western ones, can learn some wisdom and experience from New Zealand's policy on China, the global recovery will be greatly optimized, the world order will be a lot more stable and the danger of bloc confrontation and the risks of more geopolitical crises will significantly reduce, said Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University.

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Chinese representative firmly refutes false remarks on national security law for Hong Kong at UNHRC

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jun 27, 2023 11:35 AM

A Chinese representative has stated China's solemn position and firmly refuted the false remarks on the national security law for Hong Kong during an interactive dialogue at the 53rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Monday.

The UNHRC on Monday held an interactive dialogue with the special rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers.

The independence of judges and lawyers plays an important role in the judicial guarantee of human rights, the Chinese representative said. China is committed to ensuring that each citizen gets fairness and justice in judicial cases, and China supports the UN's efforts, particularly its human rights mechanisms to promote relevant work in a fair, objective and credible manner, according to the Chinese representative.

The representative stressed that after the implementation of the national security law for Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has entered a new stage moving from chaos to stability and prosperity. The rights and freedoms of the city residents have been better protected.

The rule of law and the independence of the judiciary in HKSAR are guaranteed by the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the courts conducting their trials independently without any interference. China firmly opposes any country or external force interfering in China's internal affairs and judicial sovereignty in the name of human rights, Chinese representative said.

During the 53rd regular session of the UNHRC on June 23, HKSAR representative, Tiffany Yung See-wan also explained how the national security law for Hong Kong has restored social stability in the city, and voiced support for the "one country, two systems" principle.

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China to explore housing pension system, improve residential quality: minister

Global Times

By Qi Xijia Published: Jun 27, 2023 08:15 PM

China's housing minister has emphasized the need to improve the quality of housing and explore a housing pension system.

Ni Hong, minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, called on the financial institutions to participate in urban construction and renovation, promoting the creation of livable, intelligent, and resilient cities, news outlet CHINAJSB.CN reported on Tuesday.

Ni made the remarks in a meeting with chairman of Bank of China on Monday to discuss a deepening of cooperation between the government and financial institutions, and support to high-quality development of housing and urban-rural construction.

Ni stressed the importance of building good houses for the people and providing full life-cycle security for housing. He also called on efforts to seize the opportunity of digital transformation and accelerate the construction of new urban infrastructure to make cities smarter and more intelligent.

The establishment of a housing pension system is expected to provide long-term funding metric for the housing maintenance, experts said.

The establishment of a housing pension system is aimed at better addressing the issue of funding for housing maintenance and repair, Yan Yuejin, research director at the Shanghai-based E-house China R&D Institute, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

Yan noted the housing pension system may cover housing management issues such as gas explosions, water leaks, load-bearing walls, and elevator installations where funds are needed.

He believes that the establishment of such a system may bring new growth opportunities for companies such property management companies, intermediaries, insurance companies, financial institutions, and construction enterprises.

China's real estate sector is still facing significant pressure from low sales and uneven recovery, according to May economic data.

In May, the sales price of new commercial houses in the first- and second-tier cities increased by 0.1 percent and 0.2 percent respectively month-on-month, while the sales prices of new housing in third-tier cities remained unchanged. The new house price growth slowed for all-tier cities.

In terms of the second-hand housing, in May, the sales prices in first-tier cities decreased by 0.4 percent month-on-month from a 0.2 percent increase in April, while in second- and third-tier cities, the prices dropped by 0.3 percent and 0.2 percent respectively.

Darius Tang, an economist with Fitch Bohua, said in a note sent to the Global Times that a gradual recovery would still be the main course for China's real estate sector in 2023.

However, the real estate sector recovery would be uneven and differentiated among cities of different tiers, he said.

China's central bank cut the one-year loan prime rate (LPR) to 3.55 percent on June 20, down from the previous reading of 3.65 percent, while the over-five-year LPR, on which many lenders base their mortgage rates, was also lowered by 10 basis points to 4.2 percent.

"This downward adjustment is the first card in a package of stimulus plans, and it also means that decisive moves to lift economic activity have begun, so the rate cut carries a symbolic significance," Yan said.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on June 27, 2023

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

AFP: Can you confirm whether or not President Xi has spoken personally yet with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the recent developments in Russia involving the Wagner group?

Mao Ning: I have no information on that.

TASS: ARD reported that diplomats from China, Brazil, India, South Africa and some Western countries attended a confidential meeting in Copenhagen on June 24. Another report says that formal negotiations on a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine crisis may be held as early as July. Can the foreign ministry confirm that relevant parties plan to hold peace talks on the Ukraine issue in July? If it is true, will Russia be invited?

Mao Ning: China's position on the Ukraine issue is consistent and clear, which centers on promoting talks for peace and a political settlement of the crisis. China stands ready to work with the rest of the world to continue to play a constructive role in deescalation.

The Associated Press: Reports say the Israeli Prime Minister will be visiting China next month. Can you confirm his planned visit and when it might take place? A second question is, a large New Zealand delegation has arrived with Prime Minister Hipkins. In addition to trade, how does China view its relations with New Zealand? And what are the key areas of discussion? What areas of cooperation is China seeking with New Zealand?

Mao Ning: On your first question, I have nothing to share. China and Israel maintain friendly exchanges. China stands ready to work with Israel for sustained and steady growth of our innovative comprehensive partnership.

On your second question about the visit of New Zealand's Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, China and New Zealand are each other's important cooperation partners. We are ready to work with New Zealand on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit, step up exchanges and cooperation in economy, trade and other fields and further grow bilateral ties. As for the details of the visit, we will release information in due course. Please check back for updates.

Beijing Youth Daily: ASDA'A BCW, a Dubai-based PR consultancy, recently conducted a survey among 3,600 people aged between 18 and 24 in 18 Arab countries. The results show that 80 percent of those surveyed consider China an ally, ranking near the top. What's your comment?

Mao Ning: We have noted the survey findings. In fact, we have seen over recent years other survey reports also showing increasing favorable sentiments among people in Arab countries towards China. The survey results you just cited are clear indication that Arab friends, especially the young generation, see China as a sincere, amicable and trusted friend.

China and Arab countries enjoy a longstanding tradition of friendly exchanges. Young people are the ones to carry forward this traditional friendship and represent the source of strength and hope for our friendly cooperation. At the end of 2022, President Xi Jinping attended the first China-Arab States Summit and put forward eight major initiatives on China-Arab practical cooperation, including one on youth development, which are being implemented with concerted efforts on both sides. Soon the two sides will jointly launch in China a China-Arab youth friendship ambassadors 2023 program, which will bring nearly 100 Arab youth to China for exchanges. We stand ready to work with Arab countries to continue enhancing youth exchange and cement the public foundation for building a China-Arab community with a shared future in the new era.

AFP: The top intelligence body in Switzerland said in a report published on Monday that Russia's invasion of Ukraine has turned Switzerland into a hub for Russian and Chinese spy operations. Has the Chinese foreign ministry seen this report and what is its reaction?

Mao Ning: China is a victim of spy operations. We are always firmly opposed to espionage activities. We hope relevant parties will stop smearing China with groundless accusations.

China News Service: According to a recent study led by the University of Leeds and published in the UK journal Nature Sustainability, almost 90 percent of excess carbon emissions come from developed countries such as the US, who could be liable to pay USD 170 trillion in climate reparations to low-emitting countries to ensure targets to curtail climate breakdown are met, according to the researchers. What is your comment?

Mao Ning: This research proves that developed countries have historical responsibilities, legal obligations and moral responsibilities for climate change. They need to take a lead in drastically cutting their carbon emissions and reach net zero carbon emissions much earlier than 2050, and create space for developing countries' sustainable development. Developed countries also need to provide support to developing countries in finance, technology and capacity-building. Regrettably, however, developed countries have yet to deliver on their promise of mobilizing USD 100 billion per year for climate action in developing countriesaa promise made 14 years ago, and to offer a roadmap for doubling adaptation finance.a

China is a doer in ecological conservation and climate governance. We will remain committed to working actively and prudently toward the goals of reaching peak carbon emissions and carbon neutrality, and provide support and help to fellow developing countries for climate response under the frameworks of green Belt and Road and South-South cooperation. We hope developed countries will shoulder their historical responsibilities, deliver on their commitments at an early date, step up financial, technological and capacity-building support for developing countries, and work for substantive progress in global climate governance.a

Bloomberg: It's reported that US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen plans to visit Beijing early next month for high-level economic talks. Can you confirm that or do you have any details to add?

Mao Ning: China and the US are in touch about dialogue and exchange at various levels. As for the specific visit you mentioned, I'd refer you to competent Chinese authorities.

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Deputy Secretary Sherman's Call with People's Republic of China (PRC) Appointed Ambassador Xie Feng

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

June 27, 2023

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke today with PRC Appointed Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng.

The Deputy Secretary and the Appointed Ambassador discussed key priorities in the bilateral relationship and a range of global and regional issues.

Following Secretary Blinken's June 18-19 trip to Beijing, Deputy Secretary Sherman reiterated in today's call the importance of maintaining open channels of communication across the full range of issues. She noted that the United States would continue to use diplomacy to raise areas of concern as well as areas of potential cooperation where our interests align.

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China, Vietnam defense heads' meeting rebuffs US attempts to woo Vietnam in containing China: experts

Global Times

By Guo Yuandan Published: Jun 28, 2023 01:20 AM

China is willing to work with Vietnam to promote high-level communication, institutional construction and practical cooperation between their militaries, Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu said on Tuesday when meeting his Vietnamese counterpart Phan Van Giang, who agreed to push bilateral military ties to a new level.

Experts said the meeting and remarks of the two defense heads are a direct response to the claim that the arrival of a US aircraft carrier at a port in Vietnam will cast a shadow on China-Vietnam relations.

According to China's Ministry of National Defense, China and Vietnam should continue to stand together and closely unite to safeguard their common strategic interests and make positive contributions to regional peace and stability amid challenges to the security of the Asia-Pacific region, Li said during their meeting in Beijing.

Phan told Li that the Vietnamese military is willing to continue to strengthen cooperation with China in politics, border defense and personnel training for bilateral military ties at a new level.

The two defense heads' meeting came after the USS Ronald Reagan, a US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, arrived in the central Vietnamese city of Da Nang on Sunday, which was hyped by some Western media reports as "two previous enemies becoming partners against China's position in the South China Sea."

Zhuo Hua, an international affairs expert at the School of International Relations and Diplomacy of Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times on Tuesday that the US' attempts to woo Vietnam to contain China are only wishful thinking and the remarks of Li and Phan show that Vietnam met China halfway and highly affirmed the traditional friendship with China and the fundamental principles of the bilateral relationship.

Both China and Vietnam are socialist nations with a historical friendship through China's support to Vietnam in resisting foreign aggression, and they share regional security interests, Zhuo pointed out, saying that the high-level officials' close interaction will provide greater impetus for the development of bilateral military ties.

Following the visits to China of Vietnam's communist party chief Nguyen Phu Trong and other high-level officials in 2022, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh arrived in Beijing on Sunday to start his first visit to China since assuming office as prime minister. Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang also met with his Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son, who accompanied the prime minister.

The arrival of the Reagan has increased the military exchanges between the US and Vietnam, but it cannot stir up colossal waves between China and Vietnam, Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert and TV commentator, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

"Vietnam and other ASEAN members have clearly stated their unwillingness to take sides between China and the US. Regarding the South China Sea issue, China and Vietnam have been engaging in dialogue and negotiations to handle the existing differences. They don't want external countries to intervene in the South China Sea disputes. They have consensus on this matter," Song said.

Besides the meeting of the two defense heads, China and Vietnam have had frequent military interactions since 2023. In late May, military delegations from China, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam had an initial planning conference for the Exercise Aman Youyi-2023, meaning "peace and friendship," in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong Province.

PLA Navy ship Qi Jiguang arrived in Da Nang, Vietnam on May 23 for a two-day friendly visit. In February, a working group from the Chinese Defense Ministry visited Vietnam to exchange views on bilateral military ties and regional security issues of common concern.

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Japan's Hostility toward DPRK under Fire

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, June 28 (KCNA) -- Ri Pyong Dok, researcher of the Institute for Japan Studies of the DPRK Foreign Ministry, issued the following article titled "The UN should not be a ground for politically-motivated conspiratorial propaganda against a sovereign state" on June 27:

Japan is going to hold a video seminar on the abduction issue in the UN arena again in collusion with the U.S., Australia, EU and others.

As was in the past, the seminar is no more than a last-ditch effort of the hostile forces to tarnish the international image of the dignified DPRK and create a collective atmosphere of pressure on it.

Although Japan annually holds such a strange seminar in cahoots with those countries hell-bent on hostility toward the DPRK, it can never cover up the hideous inhumane crimes it committed against the Korean people in the last century as an assailant is unable to disguise itself as a "victim".

Japan, which occupied Korea by force of arms in the last century, forcibly drafted more than 8.4 million young and middle-aged Korean people, mercilessly killed more than one million of them and forced 200 000 Korean women into sexual slavery, is now talking about "abduction" and "human rights" in the UN arena. This is the height of shamelessness and an insult to history.

As for the "abduction issue" talked by Japanese, it has been completely, finally and irreversibly settled, thanks to our magnanimity and sincere efforts.

Japan should have honestly responded to our good faith with full apology and reparation for its past colonial rule and unethical atrocities.

However, the successive Japanese ruling quarters have hyped up the "abduction issue" and frantically incited hostility toward the DPRK, while abusing the latter's sincerity for realizing their wild political ambition for long-term office.

Even such a weird expression as "abduction industry" was produced for such a wild rumor that it was highly likely that hundreds of Japanese missing in Japan had been "abducted" by the DPRK. But, several persons alleged to be missing appeared at home, provoking criticism and derision.

It is needed to ponder how much profit the Japanese government will get from its anti-DPRK abduction racket while squandering the "abduction budget" collected as taxes from the people.

It is a waste of time for Japan to persistently bring the unfeasible issue to the fore in the international arena. It is also little short of denying the stand of the Japanese chief executive who doesn't miss an opportunity to say that he hopes for the "Japan-DPRK summit without preconditions".

No matter how desperately Japan tries to internationalize the "abduction issue", it will not attract attention from anyone, except those pseudo-"human rights" experts and riff-raffs seeking to live on the "abduction budget" of Japan, and the U.S. and its vassal forces that are so eager to side with their ally.

Japan is doggedly insisting that there would be no solution to the abduction issue unless the "repatriation of all victims" is realized. Japan should bear in mind that such insistence is no more than a daydream like calling for bringing the dead back to life.

To say in addition, the U.S., which has set new records every year in its human rights abuses and constantly broken them, has neither face nor qualifications to take issue with anyone over his "human rights" performance.

The UN should no longer be a politically-motivated plot-breeding ground against a sovereign state.

The UN arena should become the one for condemning Japan, a war criminal state, which has not yet honestly atoned for the past crimes it committed against humanity by trampling down the sovereignty of a country and a nation for more than 40 years, despite the lapse of a long time, and for urging it to redeem its inglorious past.

In order to fulfill its mission according to its sacred charter, the UN should disclose and punish Japan keen on the moves to have access to the capability for an aggressive preemptive attack under the pretext of non-existent threat from its neighbors, as well as the U.S. which is seriously threatening peace and stability in the region by actively encouraging Japan to do so. -0-

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June 27, 2023

Release

Readout of Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Dr. Colin Kahl Meeting With German Foreign Policy and Security Advisor to the Chancellor Mr. Jens PlAtner

Department of Defense Spokesman Lt. Col. David Herndon provided the following readout:

Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Dr. Colin Kahl met with Foreign Policy and Security Advisor to the Chancellor Mr. Jens PlAtner, today at the Pentagon to discuss current matters important to the U.S.-German defense relationship.

The two leaders discussed a range of defense and security issues, including the war in Ukraine, strategy in the Indo-Pacific region, and the upcoming NATO Summit. In addition, the discussion highlighted Germany's newly published National Security Strategy, and the Under Secretary expressed thanks to Germany for support to Ukraine and NATO Allies.

The leaders expressed their commitment to continuing to strengthen the U.S.-Germany relationship.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3440701/

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DRDO organises 'Anusandhaan Chintan Shivir' to encourage Defence R&D in Industry & Academia

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Releases list of 75 Technology Priority Areas

Posted On: 27 JUN 2023 6:02PM by PIB Delhi

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) organised an 'Anusandhaan Chintan Shivir' in New Delhi on June 27, 2023, with the aim to encourage Defence R&D within the industry and academia. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan was the Chief Guest at the event.

A list of 75 technology priority areas were released on the occasion. The list identified by the DRDO is further divided into 403 technological categories, which further spread out to 1,295 current & future technology development tasks. The technology priority areas, as listed in DRDO Technology Foresight 2023, are as follows:

S No Technology Area 1 Additive Manufacturing 2 Aero Structures 3 Aerodynamics 4 Aeromechanical Systems 5 Agro Technology for Military Support in High Altitude Areas 6 AI/ML Technology 7 Alternative Power Plant 8 Antennas 9 Armoured & Combat Vehicles 10 Autonomous Systems and Robotics 11 Behavioural Analysis for Soldiers 12 Bio Defence 13 Bio Remediation 14 Biomedical Engineering & Technologies 15 C4ISR 16 Camouflage Technology 17 CBRN Defence 18 Communication 19 Control Systems 20 Counter Swarm Technology 21 Cyber, Information & Communication Security 22 Decoys 23 Detonics & Mechanisms 24 Diesel Engine 25 Directed Energy 26 Electric Power Technology 27 Electro Optics 28 Electronic Devices 29 Electronic Warfare 30 EM Rail Gun 31 Embedded Systems 32 Energy 33 Environment Protection 34 Environmental Testing 35 Fire Fighting 36 Guidance & Navigation 37 Guided Artillery 38 Gun Technology 39 Hardware In Loop Simulation 40 High Performance Computing 41 Hydro Structures 42 Hypersonic Technologies 43 Life Support 44 Materials 45 Military Food Technology 46 Mines & Mines Detection 47 Missile Systems 48 Multi-Barrel Rockets 49 Munition/Ammunition 50 Natural Hazard Management 51 Non Destructive Evaluation 52 Ocean Profiling 53 Parachute Technology 54 Passive Countermeasures 55 Propulsion Technologies 56 Protective Clothing & Gears 57 Quantum Technologies 58 Radar Technologies 59 Radome Technologies 60 Respiratory Management 61 Seeker Technologies 62 Sensors/Detectors 63 Soldier Support 64 Sonar Technologies 65 Space Situational Awareness 66 Space Technologies 67 Surveillance and Tracking 68 Swarm Technology 69 Terahertz 70 UAV 71 UGV 72 Underwater Defence Technologies 73 Wargaming 74 Warhead/Explosive & Ballistic Protection 75 Waste Management

Unveiling the 75 technology priority areas will provide a major fillip to the defence manufacturing sector by encouraging the industry to indigenise and innovate on defence technologies in order to place India on the self-reliance trajectory; thereby, promoting military technology design & development in the country through engagement with industry and academia.

The DRDO Technology Foresight 2023 listing all areas, categories and technology development activities was also unveiled. The document identifies the technology areas on which various laboratories of DRDO are currently working. It is available on www.drdo.gov.in. The list of activities identifies future technology areas that are required for development of defence systems and defence R&D for strengthening the security of the nation. The webpage will list major technology tasks envisaged in the near future for the defence R&D needs. Industry and academia is given the listing of various establishments of DRDO working in the respective areas, thereby establishing a seamless channel of understanding between various stakeholders.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief of Defence Staff complimented the DRDO for organising the 'Anusandhaan Chintan Shivir' and stressed on the importance of indigenous defence technologies for the Armed Forces.

In his address, Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat stated that the DRDO, Industry and Academia should work in synergy to take the technologies from low to advance level where it can be taken up for bulk production.

Director General (Technology Management) Dr Subrata Rakshit, Director IIT Delhi Prof. Rangan Banerjee and Executive VP L&T Shri Arun Ramchandani provided DRDO, Academia and Industry perspectives on Defence R&D during the Shivir.

Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) Lt General Johnson P Mathew, DG (Admin) Air Headquarters Air Marshal PK Ghosh, senior officers of Ministry of Defence, scientists from DRDO, industry leaders and academia experts were also present.

The DRDO with its network of laboratories and centres is deeply engaged in development of defence technologies covering various disciplines, like aeronautics, armaments, electronics, combat vehicles, engineering systems, instrumentation, missiles, advanced computing simulation, special materials, naval systems, life sciences, training information systems and modern agriculture technologies. Achieving self-reliance in critical defence technologies and systems through development of state-of-the-art weapon systems and equipment is one of the core activities of DRDO. DRDO has been interacting with various Defence ecosystem stakeholders to foster the Industry & Academia cooperation to develop new technologies.

***

ABB/Savvy



(Release ID: 1935686)

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Top Indian Officials Press Manipur State Leaders to Engage Warring Ethnic Groups in Talks

By Shaikh Azizur Rahman June 27, 2023

Top Indian government officials are pressing their state-level counterparts in northeastern Manipur state to engage warring ethnic factions in talks as they try to defuse weeks of deadly violence between majority Hindu Meiteis and Christian tribal Kukis.

The move comes shortly after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting about the Manipur crisis. Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) controls Manipur where violence has left at least 115 dead and 300 injured in nearly two months.

Modi, who has been criticized repeatedly for not discussing the interethnic crisis publicly, convened the high-level Cabinet meeting Monday just hours after returning from a two-nation trip to the United States and Egypt. During the meeting, he was briefed by senior ministers about steps being taken to restore normalcy in the lush and hilly northeastern state.

Following the Cabinet meeting, Manipur state government officials were asked to talk to all stakeholders in the divide between the Meitei and Kuki communities.

A rare all-party meeting, convened by Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Saturday, gave BJP lawmakers and all opposition political parties a chance to discuss the conflict a an apparent acknowledgment that the situation in Manipur was spiraling out of control.

Since May 3, more than 5,000 incidents of arson were reported in the state, and thousands were forced to flee their homes. Both Meitei and Kuki mobs have engaged in violence, several sources reported.

Following Saturday's meeting, N. Biren Singh, chief minister of Manipur state, said the federal government was serious about defusing the crisis and that his state government would work in tandem with federal officials to restore peace.

Shah "has assured [me] that the central government will take all possible steps to bring normalcy in Manipur," Singh tweeted Sunday after meeting with Shah in Delhi.

Manipur-based political opposition leaders recently issued a memorandum criticizing Singh for his handling of the violence and questioning Modi's "stoic silence" on the matter.

At Saturday's meeting, Singh also said that Manipur opposition leaders had been camping in Delhi since June 10 as part of an effort to meet with Modi, who did not grant an appointment.

Shah told the Saturday meeting that "there has not been a single day" when he did not discuss the Manipur crisis with Modi, who has been giving him instructions on the crisis.

"Most of the young men [who took part in violence in Manipur] have surrendered their weapons to the police. We have taken suggestions from all the parties [during the meeting], and steps are being taken in the right direction," Sambit Patra, who heads the BJP in Manipur, told reporters in Delhi.

Although Saturday's meeting failed to outline a plan to contain the violence, at least two opposition parties suggested that an all-party delegation visit Manipur to engage directly with those affected by the violence.

"To boost the confidence of the people of Manipur and to provide a healing touch, the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) demands an all-party delegation be sent to the state next week," said an official AITC statement released after the meeting.

"The message which has gone out [so far] is that the Union government is ignoring the Manipur crisis. That needs to change [in order] to heal, care, restore peace and harmony," the statement said.

Root of violence

More than 6,000 houses, businesses, churches and temples in northeastern Manipur a which borders Myanmar a have been set ablaze in the violence sparked on May 3 after the nontribal Meiteis sought access to benefits and quotas in education and government jobs reserved for ethnic tribal groups, including the Kukis.

The Meiteis make up more than half of Manipur's estimated 3.3 million population and mostly live in the valley, while the Kukis are located mostly in the hill areas of the state.

The violence started when the Kukis protested the Meiteis' demands. Violence between the two communities worsened after mobs looted more than 4,000 guns from police armories and used them during clashes.

While some of the looted arms have been voluntarily returned, three-fourths of them have yet to be recovered.

Some 60,000 people have been displaced and taken shelter in close to 350 relief camps or homes of friends and relatives, while more than 40,000 security personnel a army and paramilitary a have been deployed across the state to curb the violence.

Sporadic killings and arson are continuing.

In Manipur's capital, Imphal, last Friday, a mob set fire to $14.63 million worth of pipes earmarked for a government sewage project. Several vehicles and the BJP office in Imphal were also set ablaze. Security forces foiled attempts to torch a government minister's residence in Manipur.

The federal government had made some efforts to bring the warring sides to the negotiation table. Shah visited Manipur in late May and tried to organize a "peace panel" made up of a cross-section of people. But both sides refused to participate in the process.

In early June, New Delhi approved a $12.4 million relief package for people displaced by the violence.

The Kukis allege that Meitei-dominated government agencies, including the police, have taken a partisan role and are supporting the Meiteis.

Many Kukis living in the valley area of Imphal and other towns have fled to the hills since the violence broke out. Some Meiteis who live in the hill areas have withdrawn to the valley, resulting in an increasingly divided society of deepening mistrust.

Manipur hasn't witnessed this kind of violence since the state was incorporated into the Union of India in 1949, said Binalakshmi Nepram, a social activist from Manipur.

"A violent ethnic conflict has been 'engineered' by people who are close to guns, drugs and political power, between two ethnic communities who have been living together for decades," Nepram told VOA. "The situation is like a civil war where both sides are arming themselves while New Delhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have maintained a stoic silence on the crisis.

"This is the darkest moment in Manipur's history, and the people of Manipur have felt completely abandoned by the Indian state,"Nepram said.

New Delhi-based senior BJP leader Alok Vats agreed that the situation in Manipur is "still very volatile."

"We are indeed concerned about the situation in Manipur. The central leadership of the BJP is trying its best to resolve the crisis and restore peace in Manipur," Vats told VOA.

"Mobs looted arms from police armories and are using them fiercely in violence. There are over 40 ethnic militant groups in Manipur. Many of them are suspectedly siding with the warring groups. We are still hopeful that the efforts of our central leadership will succeed to bring the warring sides to the negotiating table and resolve the crisis."

Last week, retired Lieutenant General L. Nishikanta Singh said in a tweet, "The state is now 'stateless.' Life and property can be destroyed anytime by anyone just like in Libya, Lebanon, Nigeria, Syria etc."

Following Monday's Cabinet meeting, Manipur state government officials were asked to talk to all stakeholders in the ethnic divide between the two communities.

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Iranian forces disband weapon smuggling ring in Sistan and Baluchestan

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 27 June 2023 10:37 AM

Iranian security forces have disbanded a ring involved in the illegal trafficking of firearms and ammunition into the country, and arrested over a dozen people during a string of operations in the country's southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan, close to the border with Pakistan.

Provincial police commander General Doostali Jalilian told reporters on Tuesday that police forces, in coordination with intelligence agents, picked up on the activities of the smugglers in the northern and southern parts of the province and swiftly launched an investigation into the matter.

He added that smugglers were finally arrested following a series of coordinated operations in the cities of Chabahar, Iranshahr and Zabul. "They were arrested during separate raids on their hideouts."

According to Jalilian 18 pistols, six Kalashnikov assault rifles, 183 live bullets as well as nine magazines were recovered from the terrorists.

The police commander added that a total of 18 people were arrested in connection with the ring. Four cars and 4 motorcycles were also seized from the members.

Sistan and Baluchestan province, which borders Pakistan and Afghanistan, has been the scene of several terrorist attacks against civilians and security forces in recent years.

Terrorist groups carrying out attacks against Iranian interests in the southeastern and southwestern parts of the country have known links to a number of repressive regimes in the Persian Gulf region.

Iran's security forces have been vigilant and successful in protecting the border areas and thwarting most terrorist plots by foreign-backed anti-revolution elements across the country.

Earlier this month, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force disbanded a team of terrorists in Sistan and Balouchestan province, killing two gunmen and capturing six others in the process.

A young member of the Basij volunteer force was also killed during the clashes, which occurred in Hamoun County on June 16.

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Iranian Teachers' Union Decries Mass Trials, Harsh Sentences Meted Out To Educators

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda June 27, 2023

The Iranian Teachers' Union Association has issued a statement protesting mass trials and "unjust sentences" handed to teachers, urging the authorities of the Islamic Republic to halt the practice.

Unrest, including several protests by teachers, has rattled Iran since last summer in response to declining living standards, wage arrears, and a lack of welfare support. Labor law in Iran does not recognize the right of workers to form independent unions.

The death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in police custody in September for allegedly wearing a head scarf improperly breathed new life into the unrest, which officials across the country have tried to quell with harsh -- and sometimes deadly -- measures.

Thousands have been arrested in the clampdown, with the judiciary handing down harsh sentences -- including the death penalty -- to protesters.

The statement by the Teachers' Union Association was released after eight teachers were sentenced to a total of 34 years in prison for "assembly and collusion with the intention of disrupting internal security."

Their collective trial was held at the Islamic Revolutionary Court of Shiraz.

The court sentenced Abdolreza Amiri and Zahra Esfandiari to two years in prison each while Iraj Rahnama, Afshin Razmjooei, Mojgan Bagheri, Gholamreza Gholami, Mohammad Ali Zahmatkesh, and Asghar Amirzadegan were each sentenced to five years' imprisonment.

The Iranian Teachers' Union's Coordination Council had previously voiced its opposition to mass trials of protesting teachers, saying that the many severe prison sentences for teachers were prompted by "the pressure of security institutions."

In its statement on June 26, the Teachers' Union Association stressed that the verdict of the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz amounts to one of the "most unjust sentences" against teachers.

It added that the only crime of these protesting teachers was their demand for rights "within the framework of the current laws of the country."

The statement further highlighted a "new wave of summonses, case fabrications, dismissal sentences, expulsions, and prison sentences" against teachers' unions activists.

The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) says that more than 500 people have been killed during the latest wave of unrest, which started in September, including 71 minors, as security forces try to stifle widespread dissent.

Written by Ardeshir Tayebi based on an original story in Persian by RFE/RL's Radio Farda

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-teachers-union-decries- mass-trials-harsh-sentences/32478151.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.

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Iranian Security Forces Arrest Two Kurdish Citizens Amid Rising Tensions

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda June 27, 2023

Two Kurdish people from the western Iranian city of Saqqez have been arrested by Iranian security forces and subsequently transferred to an undisclosed location, a Kurdish rights group based in France said on June 27.

The arrest of the two Kurds -- identified as Milad Fazelpour and Heyman Hosseini - was carried out on June 26 without the presentation of a judicial order, raising concerns about due process, according to the Kurdistan Human Rights Network.

Security officers reportedly raided the residences of Fazelpour and Hosseini in Saqqez, which is also the hometown of Mahsa Amini, the 22-year-old woman whose death in September 2022 after her arrest by Iran's morality police triggered nationwide protests.

The exact reasons for the arrests remain unclear as does the identity of the security institution responsible.

The arrests come amid a backdrop of escalating tensions in the region. In the wake of the Women, Life, Freedom protests that have swept across the region in recent months, pressure on civil activist groups and individuals in Kurdistan has significantly increased.

The Kurdistan Human Rights Network has reported a disturbing number of arrests in the region. According to the network's collected data, at least 70 Kurdish Iranian citizens across various cities and villages in the provinces of West Azerbaijan, Kurdistan, Kermanshah, and Khuzestan have been arrested on political charges by security and judicial institutions in the last month.

Anger over Amini's death in police custody prompted thousands of Iranians to take to the streets nationwide to demand more freedoms and women's rights. The widespread unrest represents the biggest threat to the Islamic government since the 1979 revolution.

Amini's death, which officials blamed on a heart attack, touched off a wave of anti-government protests in cities across the country. The authorities have responded to the unrest with a harsh crackdown that rights groups say has killed more than 500 people, including 71 children.

Written by Ardeshir Tayebi based on an original story in Persian by RFE/RL's Radio Farda

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-kurds-arrested-saqqez- tensions/32478350.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.

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Karen community tries to fight off dam project by gathering data to show damage

Residents are doing their own "people's environment assessment" after official report minimized impact.

Special for RFA 2023.06.27 -- For a full year, Singkarn Ruenhom is working with 14 others to document the potential destruction that a huge dam could wreak on the residents and rural farmland along the Yuam River.

They are conducting a "people's environmental impact assessment" to counter the findings of a 2021 study by Thailand's Royal Irrigation Department and Naresuan University that reported only four houses in the river village of Mae Ngao, where 170 people live, will be affected by new infrastructure alone..

Local residents say the destruction from the dam - officially called the Yuam River Diversion Project - will be far greater, clearing a minimum of 600 hectares of land and affecting the livelihoods of an estimated 40,000 people in 46 villages.

"I think about life in the water, the plants and the animals. They will go extinct." If the project goes through, Singkarn said after hooking a fish in the river, taking a photo and documenting his catch in Thai and Karen. "That's something we can't bring back."

In the past, such grassroots research efforts have warranted some big wins for communities in both Thailand and Myanmar over major construction projects that were scratched. In those cases, too, environmental impact assessments were either bypassed altogether or not made public.

In 2019, villagers in northeast Thailand staged forums and protests alongside their environmental study, which successfully blocked the company from moving mining equipment to a new potash drilling site despite obstruction lawsuits hedged from the company.

The Hatgyi Dam, a project which was slated for construction in a conflict zone in Karen State, was delayed due to both ongoing conflict and grassroots impact reporting. After the coup in 2021, it also faced attempted revival under military administration.

Saw Tha Poe, who works at Karen Rivers Watch, says the cross-border community has needed to join forces to demonstrate the impact to areas downstream and track fish species.

"Many Karen people along the river in both the Thai and Burma side have a good relationship and collaborate together, doing the research, doing the surveys, for example, about the fish species," he said, adding that the community has found some to be endangered.

Grassroots research

With a group of volunteers, Thai professors Malee Sitthikriengkrai and Chayan Vaddhanaphuti teach research methods they can use alongside their daily routines to document how the soon-to-be dammed river would affect not only livelihoods but the local environment overall.

Chayan has been fine-tuning this research since the 1990s, and it's since become popular around Southeast Asia. For the Karen, Chayan says, this research is particularly useful in giving indigenous people a voice.

Roughly 80 percent of Mae Ngao residents are Karen, many of whose families have resided in Thailand for over 60 years. A few have more recently come across the border from Myanmar, where their ethnic group has been engaged in a war with the military for decades.

Despite residing in Thailand for decades, Singkarn says as many as half of the Karen residents in the village are still applying for Thai identification card - a process that can take as much as 20 years.

And non-Thai citizens are not legally entitled to full compensation for their land or livelihood. Additionally, any land designated part of the newly finished Mae Ngao National Park under the National Park Act could mean a long legal battle, or no compensation at all.

"People who have the color card, they can't travel out of the district. If their houses have been flooded, where are they going to live?" Singkarn asked. Color cards referr to pink or white cards that allow migrants to work in Thailand or show they're in the process of proving their citizenship.

"Where are they going to work to make money, because they have been locked in this district? They [will] have no other place to go because of the water."

But when inspectors came to measure the impact of the dam on the surrounding area, they minimized the damage, said Jor Da, one of Mae Ngao's Thai-Karen residents.

"If it happens, it will be challenging for the families here," he said. "During the meeting (with residents) they only showed as little damage as possible. We live here inter-depending with trees and forests."

Upon the publication of the 2021 environmental impact study, Malee said the original report's thousands of pages about impacted areas were almost entirely inaccessible to villagers.

After being charged over 20,500 Thai baht (US$600) for printing the report, they received a copy that was heavily redacted and grossly underestimated the harmful effects of the project.

Neither Naresuan University nor the Royal Irrigation Department responded to RFA's request for comment.

"It's very difficult for the community to raise their voice," said Sor Rattanamanee, whose Community Resource Centre Foundation is providing legal counsel to Mae Ngao and helped them obtain the original impact assessment.

"Some of them may not have the identity card, that's why it's very difficult for them to complain because the officers will use this opportunity to put pressure on them and [put] them at risk."

Layers of impact

While Mae Ngao's full report won't be published until later this year, graduate student Manapee Khongrakchang says findings already point to major disruptions for the border community.

The fishermen found that nearly all 53 species of fish documented in the river so far would be impacted by the project by changes in food chain and typology of the river. The village is also documenting their relationship to the river and history through art and storytelling, calculating total revenue from cash crops year-round, and documenting unique species found in the area.

"We have one species that's going to be extinct for the Yuam and the Ngao River that's called pla sa nge [short-finned eel]," Manapee said. Villagers also raise concerns about a species of clam, which lives in the rocky bottom of the river and would be impacted when other types of sediment flood the region. Both are sources of food for the community.

"It's questionable to me - is that fair for one species, that they can't get back to the river that they live?" she said.

On a nearby hill, Daw Po lives in one of the only houses in Mae Ngao documented in the original environmental impact assessment.

Despite being one of the few certain of compensation and legally living in Thailand, she has little faith in this outcome. Her house sits next to the spot designated to be the site of six water-pumping stations to pump into an eight-meter pipe carrying water 600 meters below ground.

"[Here], I will not brood over the house if I need to run. If I own something, I will be sorry to lose it. I am not sure whether I should go or stay," Daw Po told RFA. While she and her elderly parents cannot attend meetings in the village anymore due to health issues, she's concerned about maintaining access to natural foods from in and around the river.

Despite past successes, Malee says it will take more than just research to stop the mega-projects from developing remote communities with little chance of fighting back. After the research is finished, they plan to hold meetings to share their findings with the public.

"The government is like a superpower compared with us. We are like ants and they are like elephants," she said. "The government and the irrigation department thought, 'Oh, for this village, no one will pay attention,' or they can build up this project easily. But it won't be that way."

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.

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Drug trade thrives in lawless post-coup Myanmar

Activists and ethnic armies can no longer count on the government to combat trafficking.

By RFA Burmese 2023.06.27 -- Drug production and usage is on the rise in Myanmar in the aftermath of the military coup, ethnic rebel groups and activists said Monday, as countries around the world observed International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The growth in Myanmar's drug market in the more than two years since the Feb. 1, 2021, takeover is directly correlated with what observers have described as a precipitous decline in rule of law in the country amid the junta's poor governance, the groups said.

On Monday, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army, or TNLA, said it had destroyed 900 million kyats (US$430,000) worth of drugs seized in northern Myanmar's Shan state from 2018 to 2023, to mark the annual U.N. day to combat drug abuse and the illegal drug trade.

The rebel group said the haul included nearly 160 kilograms (350 pounds) of opium, 57 kilograms (125 pounds) of heroin, and more than 3.4 million methamphetamine pills known as "yaba."

Armed conflict between the military and the ethnic Restoration Council of Shan State / Shan State Army, or RCSS/SSA, following a junta offensive in the region prevented the TNLA from destroying the drugs until this year, it said.

TNLA spokesperson Lt. Col. Mai Aik Kyaw told RFA Burmese that drug production and abuse in Myanmar largely takes place in areas "with junta troops or a police presence, where the rule of law is said [by the regime] to 'prevail."

"The drug trade has increased since the military coup," he said. "We sometimes have to go into towns to seize drugs [because the junta isn't effectively policing the trade]."

In addition to cracking down on drug trafficking in Shan, the TNLA has also had to make up for the junta's failure to promote drug rehabilitation programs in the state, Mai Aik Kyaw said.

Military involvement?

But the TNLA spokesperson alleged that the increase in drug trafficking and abuse isn't merely a result of willful ignorance on the part of the junta.

He said that some of the drugs in Shan are being produced by militia forces directly under the junta, such as the Pyu Saw Htee, to fund food and salaries for their fighters.

The RCSS/SSA also reported holding drug awareness activities on Monday to mark International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. It said in a statement that since 2022 it had seized nearly 460,000 MDMA, or ecstasy, pills and 975 kilograms (2,150 pounds) of methamphetamine known as "ice."

Ethnic rebels also reported seeing a growth in drug production and abuse, but said they have been unable to address it because they are too busy fighting junta troops amid a military offensive.

Thant Suem Mont, chairman of the anti-junta Chin Defence Force, or CDF, said that eradication efforts in Chin state under the deposed civilian government had abruptly ended with the military takeover, putting the onus on his rebel group to fight the trade.

But he added that poppy cultivation "will have to be dealt with later" because the CDF does not have the resources to combat both the trade and the junta.

"Poppy production has increased since the military coup," he said, with cultivation "almost doubled" over the same period.

'It's as if the sellers have licenses'

Shan and neighboring Kachin state have long been centers for illicit drug production.

Following China's 1912 revolution that brought about the end of the Qing Dynasty, the country's new government prohibited opium production, prompting a wave of Chinese opium poppy growers to relocate to the remote regions across the border in Myanmar.

The opium trade thrived in Shan and Kachin, in part due to lax regulation in Myanmar, until a total ban on the drug's use and production was introduced in the mid-1970s.

But anti-narcotics activists told RFA that they have seen a substantial uptick in the drug trade across Myanmar since the coup, with abuse spreading from the country's urban to its rural areas. Increased production has driven down prices, they said, with one pill of yaba costing as little as 350 kyats (17 U.S. cents) and a gram of heroin only 5,000 kyats ($2.40).

Tin Maung Thein, a resident of Magway region's Kyaukme township who has worked in drug prevention for more than 30 years, said that since the takeover "drugs have become the best goods to trade" in Myanmar amid a breakdown in the rule of law.

"It's as if the sellers have licenses," he said. "[Addressing this issue] is the answer to the drug crisis ... [and] that's why I am very worried about the future."

The junta appears to at least acknowledge that the drug trade is a problem in Myanmar.

On Monday, junta Interior Minister Lt. Gen. Soe Htut said in a statement marking International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking that while the regime has made arrests, "there has been no decrease in illegal drug trafficking" in the country.

The junta did not make a show of burning seized drugs in observance of the day, as it has in previous years, but pro-junta media reported that authorities had destroyed 1.2 trillion kyats (US$572,000) worth of illicit drugs in the cities of Yangon, Mandalay, and Taunggyi.

Reports said that the junta had seized US$462 million worth of drugs - including heroin, opium, ecstasy, ice, marijuana, and opium byproducts - in 2021, and US$534 million worth in 2022. They said that the value of drugs seized by the junta in 2023 had reached nearly US$180 million as of May.

UNODC report

A report issued in late March by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, or UNODC, found that opium poppy cultivation had increased significantly in Shan, Kachin, Kayah, and Chin states in the more than two years since the military coup.

It said Shan state was the largest producer of opium poppies in the country by far, with 39%, while Chin was responsible for 14% of production, and Kayah and Kachin produced 11% and 3%, respectively.

Since the coup, poppy cultivation in Myanmar's mountainous areas has increased by more than 100,000 acres, the report said. Potential yield from such an increase is equivalent to 790 tons of refined opium, it said, or an 88% growth over production prior to the takeover.

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.

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Will the first Myanmar border guard defection have a contagion effect?

It is imperative that the NUG successfully integrate the defecting Karenni forces and accommodate their leadership.

A commentary by Zachary Abuza 2023.06.27 -- The slowing of Myanmar military defections to the National Unity Government (NUG) since 2022 challenges the opposition theory of victory based on hollowing out the junta army as an effective fighting force, spread too thinly across too many fronts. The Myanmar military's most important victory to date may not have been on the battlefield, but in the barracks, having staved off mass defections.

Cracks have recently emerged, however, as the Karenni National People's Liberation Front (KNPLF) announced that its two battalions had defected to the NUG. The border guard forces on the country's eastern frontier with Thailand had been integrated into the Myanmar military for more than a decade.

Though small with only a few hundred men, it is the first Border Guard Force (BGF) to defect en masse. And while it is one of dozens of BGFs, which are in no way a monolithic force, the reasons for their defection may be shared more widely across the multi-ethnic country of 55 million people.

The Border Guard Forces

Border Guard Forces emerged as the Myanmar military reached ceasefires with various ethnic resistance organizations that had been fighting the central government for decades. This accelerated during the National Ceasefire Agreement process, during which 10 ethnic armies signed a pact with the military in 2015. The military sought to divide the different ethnic armies and buy off individual commanders with promises of local autonomy, control over lucrative cross-border trade and more control over special economic zones.

The most notorious example of these zones is the gambling hub of Shwe Kokko in eastern Kayin state.

In 1994, a group broke away from the Karen National Union/Liberation Army (KNLA), establishing themselves as the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army. In 2009-2010, they became the Kayin State Border Guard Force, under the leadership of Colonel Saw Chit Thu, and formally integrated into Myanmar's military.

Under the agreement, Saw Chit Thu was allowed to develop the area. Enter a Chinese national, with Cambodian citizenship, She Zhijiang, whose Yatai International Holdings pledged to invest $15 billion in Shwe Kokko, starting in 2017.

Yatai New City is nothing but a hub of gambling, human and drug trafficking, and on-line scam centers. An ex-BGF colonel, Saw Min Min Oo, is one of directors of Myanmar Yatai, the local partner. Another key player is Chit Lin Myaing Co., ostensibly the corporate holding company of Saw Chit Thu's Border Guard Force.

In December 2020, the military raided Shwe Kokko, but when the government tried to oust Saw Chit Thu in January 2021 some 7,000 border guards threatened to resign in protest, forcing a government rethink. The government quickly reappointed him and Saw Chit Thu became an important military ally following their seizure of power on Feb. 1, 2021.

Since then, Shwe Kokko has grown, with rents paid to the State Administrative Council (SAC), as the junta formally calls itself. Thailand arrested She Zhijiang in August 2022 at China's request and will soon extradite him, but business continues. Under pressure from China, Thai authorities briefly turned off the power to Shwe Kokko and other SEZs in June 2023.

Border Guard Forces have done much of the front-line duty against the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), the cost of doing business with the junta. In April 2023, there was intense fighting near Shwe Kokko, which caused a large refugee exodus into Thailand.

Though the junta's border guards suffered heavy casualties, they were supported by the Myanmar Air Force, which eventually pushed the KNLA back; the KNLA and allied People's Defence Force militias suffered their own heavy losses.

Since the coup, casinos and scam centers, funded by Chinese transnational criminal enterprises, have proliferated along the border, under the protection of Naypyidaw-backed BGFs. They are an important financial lifeline for the economically beleaguered junta, whose sources of revenue have dwindled due to their economic mismanagement.

The Karenni patchwork

Like elsewhere in Myanmar's border regions, the political tapestries are complex and there are a multiplicity of actors in Kayah state.

The Karenni National Progressive Party immediately joined with the NUG following the February 2021 coup and has actively fought against junta forces. They have worked with the Karen Nationalities Defense Force that was established following the coup as an umbrella for local people's defense forces in Kayah State and southern Shan State.

The KNPLF was one of the 2015 National Ceasefire Agreement parties, formally integrated into the military as the Karenni Border Guards Force.

Despite being on the junta's side, the KNPLF has been attacked by the Myanmar military. On 24 December 2021, over 100 members of the 66th Light Infantry Division massacred and incinerated the bodies of some 40 civilians, including two aid workers from Save the Children, in Hpruso. When the KNPLF tried to intervene and secure the release of detained civilians, the military killed four of their members. In early 2023, the KNPLF refused to attend a ceasefire meeting in the capital Naypyitaw.

Unlike other BGFs, the KNPLF control no special economic zone. As such their defection is not a financial loss for the junta. With fewer financial incentives than the border guards in Shwe Kokko and other areas, the KNPLF has been less willing to fight on behalf of the junta or be used as cannon fodder.

Fighting in the Karenni region has subsided in relative terms, according to the think tanks IISS and ACLED. And there may be a reason for the decline in violence: The various Karenni forces have routed the military in recent engagements. In reply, the military has increased air attacks; some 108 in Kayah state in April, alone. There's been at least at least two since the defection, with more expected.

And yet, it is a loss and one more piece of the border that the junta no longer controls, between the Karen region and Shan State, adjacent to Thailand's Mae Hong Son and close to Naypyitaw.

While numerically small, the KNPLF immediately joined in military operations against the junta, which had tried to seize their headquarters in Mese township. Several military outposts near Mese fell over this past weekend, and there are reports that Light Infantry Battalion 430 surrendered, with up to 100 troops. If so, it would be the largest surrender to date.

Finally, on June 12, a group of ethnic armies and opposition militias established the Karenni State Interim Executive Council, the first revolutionary state government established. The KNPLF's defection helps to maintain political solidarity.

Contagion unlikely

Every Border Guard Force is their own organization, with their own political and economic motivations to maintain their alliance with the junta.

The BGFs who control the special economic zones in Shwe Kokko, KK Park, and Kokang still have a financial incentive to stay loyal to the junta. Many fear the more puritanical ethnic armies, which are vehemently against the gambling and human trafficking that goes on within the economic zones and might not countenance being under the NUG umbrella.

And given the fighting that has transpired between some BGFs and ethnic armies, the latter may not be too willing to embrace their formal rivals. Spread thin, the junta needs the border guards now more than ever, which gives them additional leverage over Naypyitaw.

A contagion is unlikely, but the first BGF to defect represents a crack. As the junta fails to provide other BGFs with materiel or air support, while milking them for funds and using them as fodder, some groups may take note.

To that end, it's imperative that the NUG handle this well, integrating the defecting Karenni forces and accommodating their leadership. After all, the theory of victory is based on the man-by-man, unit-by-unit hollowing out the junta's forces.

Zachary Abuza is a professor at the National War College in Washington and an adjunct at Georgetown University. The views expressed here are his own and do not reflect the position of the U.S. Department of Defense, the National War College, Georgetown University or Radio Free Asia.

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.

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Myanmar military kills 17 People's Defense Force members

Troops also killed 3 civilians and burned homes in the Sagaing region raid, locals said.

By RFA Burmese 2023.06.27 -- Junta troops killed 20 people in a raid on a People's Defense Force camp in Sagaing region and neighboring villages, locals and a militia official told RFA Tuesday.

A column of around 50 troops raided the camp east of Kin Taw village in Sagaing township on Sunday morning.

They killed 17 defense force members, according to a leader of the local PDF.

"The junta troops came by boat and raided the camp early in the morning ... when there were no guards, and all the PDF members were killed," the leader, who declined to be named, told RFA.

He added that the 14 men and three women aged between 20 and 30 had been tortured, with their faces disfigured.

A Sagaing resident, who did not want to be named for security reasons, confirmed to RFA that the temporary camp was raided and 17 bodies were found near the camp and on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River.

He said three civilians were also shot dead at their homes when the junta raided nearby villages in the township.

The three men killed were 37-year-old Myint Kyaw Thu and 50-year-old Maung San from Kin Taw village, and 69-year-old Pauk Sa from Myin Se village.

The local said that Pauk Sa's wife is also missing and a 50-year-old man is suffering from gunshot wounds.

Nearly 100 houses were burned down when neighboring Let Pan Taw village was also raided on Sunday, according to locals.

Calls to the junta spokesperson for Sagaing region, Aye Hlaing, went unanswered.

On Tuesday junta-controlled newspapers confirmed the raid on PDF camps near Kin Taw and U Yin villages, saying guns and ammunition were seized.

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content June not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Putin thanks nation for unity, avoid mentioning name of Wagner leader in latest speech, 'aiming to avoid escalation'

Global Times

By GT staff reporters Published: Jun 27, 2023 11:47 PM

In his first televised address after the short-lived Wagner mutiny was called off, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday thanked his people for unity amid the crisis, vowing that the promises to Wagner fighters, who he believes are mostly patriots devoted to the country, will be fulfilled.

Notably, Putin condemned leaders of the Wagner mercenary group as traitors to Russia in the late-night speech without mentioning anyone by name. This shows that the speech is aimed to achieve a peaceful resolution to the episode and prevent a larger political controversy, according to experts.

Patriotic feelings of Russians and the consolidation of the entire society were crucial in ending the mutiny, Putin said. "This civic solidarity made it clear that any blackmail and attempts to create internal turmoil were bound to fail," he said, according to TASS.https://tass.com/politics/1638871

Putin lauded the courage of military service people and law enforcement officers and expressed gratitude to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko for his efforts in resolving the mutiny.

As to settling the issue of the Wagnar fighters, Putin emphasized they could either choose to continue their service by entering into a contract with the Russian Defense Ministry, or go to Belarus.

"Throughout his remarks, Putin avoided mentioning Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of Wagner. This implies that he wants to preserve Prigozhin's reputation and maintain some flexibility, ensuring that the issue doesn't escalate further. The measured approach toward Wagner soldiers is to make sure they don't feel pressured," Cui Heng, a lecturer at a China Shanghai Cooperation Organization training base for international judicial exchanges and cooperation, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

Additionally, Cui said, Putin does not want to completely dismantle the Wagner military organization as it is a major representative of the private armies in the country. Apart from Wagner, there are dozens of private military contractors within Russia. It would not be desirable to cause the complete disarray of these groups that in turn leads to a significant loss of military strength on the battlefield.

For the next step, observers believe that while private armies will continue to exist in Russia, the Putin administration will make sure that those who lead these armies will be "more controllable."

The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed on Tuesday that preparations are being made for the Wagner Group to hand over heavy military equipment to the Russian Armed Forces.

Meanwhile, the Federal Security Service of Russia has announced it is dropping the investigation into the rebellion and has officially dismissed the criminal charges against Prigozhin.

According to TASS, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that intelligence services are investigating whether Western spy agencies "played a role" in the aborted mutiny by Wagner mercenary fighters.

Breaking a long period of silence since the sudden uprising, US President Joe Biden on Monday sought to distance the US from the rebellion in Russia, insisting that the West "had nothing to do with the mutiny," and that it was part of a struggle within the Russian system, CNN reported.

Biden and his allies' relatively restrained statements indicate that they do not want to further exacerbate an already chaotic situation and avoid escalating it into a more serious crisis, such as the use of nuclear arsenals, observers noted.

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Russian missile destroyer docks at Iran's Anzali port

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 27, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- A Russian guided-missile destroyer has docked at the port of Anzali in northern Iran, in a display of military cooperation between the Islamic Republic and Russia.

The destroyer, dubbed Makhachkala, dropped anchor at the Anzali port, home to the Iranian Navy's Northern Fleet in the Caspian Sea, on Tuesday morning, IRNA reported.

The primary objective of the visit is to execute a joint commission on military cooperation between Iran and Russia, and promote "maritime diplomacy."

Russian navy officers sailing on Makhachkala are scheduled to meet with the commander of the Northern Fleet, take part in a passing exercise (PASSEX), and conduct port visits during their stay.

**2050

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Meeting with Defence Ministry personnel

The President met in the Kremlin with military personnel of the Defence Ministry.

June 27, 2023

15:00

The Kremlin, Moscow

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Comrades,

Perhaps you noticed or maybe heard that I just met with military personnel from the Defence Ministry, the National Guard, special services, the FSB and the Interior Ministry, and thanked them for making preparations to repel an armed rebellion.

However, you and your comrades had a special part to play in this. Special words of gratitude go to you.

I want us all to understand what happened and what could have happened if you hadn't done what you did and hadn't fulfilled your military duty and hadn't shown loyalty to your oath and the Russian people.

As is always the case during such developments - the same thing happens every time and everywhere - armed rebellions are usually followed by total chaos and civil war. This is what you have prevented. That was your role. As the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, I would like to express my gratitude to you. I want to make clear what it was all about and what I am talking about now.

Regrettably, you had to work in difficult circumstances in order to avoid civilian casualties, because you had to work on busy motorways.

The fact that we have losses is even more regrettable. These are, of course, combat losses. There is no other way to put it. Our comrades died defending the Fatherland. It is not an overstatement or an exaggeration. I want to stress once again that chaos in the country would have been inevitable, and the enemy would have surely taken advantage of it.

The enemy is trying to do so anyway - I will get to that a little later - but nothing is coming out of it, and, I hope, nothing will come out of it, I am even sure of that. But it is absolutely clear that they would have taken advantage of it. No one knows what would have become of the country in the end, but all the achievements that have been made during the hostilities, many of them, anyway, would have been lost. And you prevented it.

Without any doubt - I have told the Defence Minister so - everything will be done to support the families of our fallen comrades.

As for this Wagner Group, you know, we have always treated these fighters and commanders with a lot of respect because they did demonstrate courage and heroism. Soldiers and officers from the Russian Army, as well as volunteers operated in combat with the same dedication, heroism and self-sacrifice. But those who served and worked for this company, Wagner, were respected in Russia.

At the same time, I would like to point out, and I want everyone to be aware of the fact that all of the funding the Wagner Group received came from the state. It got all its funding from us, from the Defence Ministry, from the state budget.

Between May 2022 and May 2023 alone, the Wagner Group received 86,262 million rubles from the state to pay military salaries and bonuses, including 70,384 million rubles for payroll and 15,877 million rubles for paying out bonuses. Insurance premiums totalled 110,179 million.

But while the state covered all of the Wagner Group's funding needs, the company's owner, Concord, received from the state, or should I say earned, 80 billion rubles through Voentorg as the army's food and canteen provider. The state covered all its funding needs, while part of the group - I mean Concord - made 80 billion rubles, all at the same time. I do hope that no one stole anything in the process or, at least, did not steal a lot. It goes without saying that we will look into all of this.

And here is what I wanted to say when I was talking about combat action. We have combat pilots sitting here, who did a lot to ensure that we were effective in combat action like this.

I have just received the adjusted data: since June 4, when the so-called counteroffensive started, the adversary lost 259 tanks and 780 armoured vehicles. In the area of the city of Orekhov, which the adversary considers its principal attack direction, over the past seven days alone the enemy lost 280 units of military hardware, including 41 tanks and 102 armoured vehicles.

This is largely attributable to your efforts and those of your comrades-in-arms. And for that, please accept my gratitude too.

Of course, I have already instructed the Defence Minister: services of all those who took part in combat action will be duly recognised, I am talking about state decorations.

I have already told the Minister but allow me to repeat one more time: those of you who perform well in combat action should form, in the near future and in the long-term, the command core of the Russian Federation Armed Forces, including its aviation units, of course.

This is what I wanted to tell you. Once again, thank you for what you did for Russia, for the country and for our people.

Thank you.

<...>

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Address to Defence Ministry, National Guard, Federal Security Service, Interior Ministry and Federal Guard Service units which ensured law and order during the mutiny

Speaking on Cathedral Square of the Moscow Kremlin, the President addressed service personnel from the units of the Defence Ministry, the Federal Service of National Guard Troops, the Federal Security Service, the Interior Ministry and the Federal Guard Service, which ensured law and order during the mutiny.

June 27, 2023

13:25

The Kremlin, Moscow

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Comrades,

Today, standing here on the historic Cathedral Square of the Moscow Kremlin are the service personnel of the Russian Federation Armed Forces, soldiers and officers of the National Guard, the Federal Security Service, the Interior Ministry and the Federal Guard Service. They are the ones who, together with their comrades-in-arms, at a time of challenge for the country, threw themselves in the way of trouble which would have inevitably led to chaos.

You have defended the constitutional order, as well as the life, security and freedom of our citizens, steering our Motherland clear from upheavals and de facto stopping a civil war in its tracks.

In that complicated situation, you acted in a firm and coordinated manner, proving your commitment to the people of Russia and to your military oath through your actions and showing responsibility for the destiny and future of Russia.

Defence Ministry units, the National Guard, officers of the Interior Ministry and special services ensured reliable operation of all critical decision-making bodies, strategic facilities, including the defence ones, ensured the security of border regions, the rear lines of our Armed Forces, of all combat units which carried on with their heroic frontline operations during that time. We did not have to withdraw any combat troops from the special military operation zone.

Our comrades-in-arms - pilots - lost their lives while confronting the mutineers. They held their ground and fulfilled their orders and their military duty with honour. I am asking you to observe a minute of silence in tribute to their memory.

(Minute of silence.)

Comrades,

Your resolve and courage, along with consolidation of Russian society, played an essential and decisive role in bringing the situation back to normal. Those who were drawn into the mutiny saw that the army and the people were not with them.

The swift and well-managed deployment of defence, security and law enforcement units helped prevent the situation in the country from going down a very dangerous road and ensure that there were no civilian casualties.

I extend my gratitude to you and all the personnel of the Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies and security services for your service, courage and valour, for your devotion to the people of Russia.

(National anthem of Russia.)

Best of luck to you. Thank you.

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Putin lays out options for Wagner soldiers, Biden denies U.S., NATO involvement

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 16:26, June 27, 2023

MOSCOW, June 27 (Xinhua) -- In a national address on Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin urged Wagner forces to relocate to Belarus if they wanted, sign a contract with Russia's Defence Ministry, or return to their families.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the Russian intelligence services were investigating whether Western spy agencies played a role in the aborted mutiny, the TASS news agency reported.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden said the United States and its NATO allies were not involved in the incident and Washington would not take sides in the "internal matter" of Russia.

OPTIONS FOR WAGNER SOLDIERS

"We knew that the vast majority of the fighters and commanders of the Wagner group are also Russian patriots, devoted to their people and state," Putin said in his address to Russian citizens Monday night, stressing that they were simply used (by some people) without their knowledge during the armed mutiny.

The president noted that the mutiny organizers betrayed the country and those who followed them and "an armed rebellion would have been suppressed in any case."

He urged the soldiers of the Wagner group to sign a contract with the country's defense ministry, return home or go to Belarus.

Meanwhile, Putin thanked "all servicemen, law enforcement officers, special services who stood in the way of the rebels."

He also thanked Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko for his mediating role in resolving the attempted mutiny.

Local reports said on Monday that a criminal case against Yevgeny Prigozhin -- head of the Wagner private military group -- for organizing an armed mutiny has not been closed.

"The criminal case against Prigozhin has not been closed. The investigation continues," Sputnik reported, citing a source in the Russian Prosecutor General's Office.

DISCLAIMER FROM U.S.

Biden declared that the United States and its allies were not involved.

"We made clear we were not involved, we had nothing to do with this," Biden said on Monday in his first comments on the Wagner incident.

Biden said he spoke with key allies in a video conference to make sure everyone was "on the same page" and coordinated in their response.

While stressing his team would continue assessing the fallout from the incident, Biden said: "It's still too early to reach a definitive conclusion about where this is going."

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said the United States does not know the details of the deal reached between Putin and Prigozhin that ended the mutiny, nor did he know Prigozhin's whereabouts.

"We're not taking sides in this internal matter," he said.

Biden, who spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday, said he would also talk to the latter again soon to make sure they were "on the same page."

Zelensky on Monday travelled to the front line running through the eastern Donetsk region to hand out decorations to troops near the occupied city of Bakhmut, his office said.

COUNTERTERRORISM REGIME IN MOSCOW LIFTED

On Saturday, Russia's National Anti-terrorism Committee announced that a counter-terrorist operation regime was introduced in Moscow city, the Moscow region and the Voronezh region to prevent possible terrorist acts after the Wagner private military group was accused of trying to organize an armed rebellion.

After Moscow and Prigozhin reached a compromise through the mediation of Lukashenko, the committee declared on Monday that the legal regime of the counter-terrorist operation had been canceled in the above-mentioned places due to normalization of the situation.

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Putin hails military for saving Russia from 'civil war'

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 27 June 2023 1:58 PM

President Vladimir Putin has lauded the swift and effective response of the Russian army and security forces during the recent armed mutiny by the Wagner paramilitary group, preventing the nation from plunging into "a civil war."

Addressing some 2,500 members of the military, the security forces, and the National Guard inside the Kremlin's Cathedral Square on Tuesday, Putin said they "de facto stopped the civil war" over the weekend.

"You saved our homeland from turmoil, and actually stopped civil war," Putin told the troops. "You have defended the constitutional order, the lives, security and freedom of our citizens. You have saved our Motherland from upheaval."

He said that an unspecified number of Russian military pilots had been killed when trying to stop the advance of the Wagner mutineers toward Moscow on Saturday.

"In the confrontation with the insurgents our comrades-in-arms, the aviators died," said the president. "They did not falter and carried out their orders and their military duty with honor."

Putin said the mutineers and the people he said had been "dragged into the rebellion" had seen that the Russian army and the people were not on their side.

The Wagner paramilitary group has been fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine.

Accusing Russian forces of striking and killing "a huge amount" of his fighters, Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin said his forces crossed the border from Ukraine into Russia on June 23, entering the city of Rostov-on-Don.

Prigozhin threatened that his men would destroy anyone who stood in their way. He claimed his forces had shot down a Russian military helicopter that "opened fire on a civilian convoy."

The mutiny, which lasted less than 24 hours, came to an end after the Wagner leader agreed to turn his troops back from their march to the Russian capital.

The agreement was brokered by Belarus. Moscow said Prigozhin agreed to a deal with President Putin to stop the mutiny in exchange for immunity from prosecution.

The Wagner boss released an 11-minute recording Monday, explaining that the armed march he led in Moscow over the weekend was "to demonstrate our protest, not to topple the government."

In Moscow, Prigozhin stands accused of mounting a coup.

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Russia says preparing to transfer Wagner hardware to army's possession

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 27 June 2023 10:09 AM

Russia says it was preparing to hand over military hardware belonging to the Wagner Group to the country's regular army after the brief mutiny staged by the private military company over the weekend.

"Preparations are underway for the transfer of heavy military equipment from the private military company Wagner to units of the Russian armed forces," Russia's defense ministry said in a statement online on Tuesday.

The Wagner Group led by Yevgeny Prigozhin led a mutiny against the Russian military leadership on Friday night. Prigozhin seized the major southern city of Rostov and sent his forces on a "march of justice" to Moscow.

In an audio statement, Prigozhin said he aimed "to prevent the destruction of the Wagner private military company," and that the mutiny was in response to an attack on a Wagner camp that killed some of his fighters.

However, following an intervention by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, the mutiny ended and Russia dropped charges against Prigozhin and said he was free to go to Belarus.

Russia drops charges against Wagner

Also on Tuesday, Russia's FSB security services announced that a case against fighters of the Wagner over the mutiny has been dropped.

"The criminal case open over the armed uprising by the private military company Wagner has been closed," Russian news agencies cited the FSB as saying in a statement.

The timely agreement prevented a bloodbath on Russian territory.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has described the events that unfolded over the weekend in the form of the mutiny as "tragic." Still praising the deal, the Russian official said avoiding bloodshed was more important than punishing people.

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Russia's Lavrov says US supports coups in non-aligned countries

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 27 June 2023 8:00 AM

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said the United States adopts double standards on regime change in other countries, adding Washington supports them when they serve its interests and rejects them if they target "puppet" governments.

Speaking in an interview with RT on Monday, Lavrov said the US response to the numerous attempts at regime change that occurred around the world in recent years was different and depended on "who was in power and who was trying to carry out the coup."

"Where the West is happy with the current government, in such situations no protest can be legitimate. But where the government doesn't reflect the interests of the hegemon and is pursuing the national interests, in those cases we see various unlawful forces are being stimulated [to attack the authorities]," he added.

Lavrov cited as examples the US's different approaches to regime change in Ukraine in 2014 and the conflict that erupted in Yemen a year later.

According to the Russian foreign minister, the so-called Maidan coup in Kiev was a "revolt that happened against the legitimate president" and which was marred by "bloody provocations against the unarmed police."

He said that Ukraine's democratically elected President Viktor Yanukovich had been forced to flee violence despite an EU-sponsored agreement that was reached just hours earlier between his government and the opposition on settling the crisis.

However, he added, "There were no protests against that insurgency from the US or its European allies. So, they just recognized it as a zig-zag in the democratic process."

"All those years, all our attempts to bring the Ukrainian situation to a political settlement were met with the response [from the Americans and Europeans] that Yanukovich left the country," Lavrov said.

On the other hand, Lavrov said, when Yemen's Western-backed president Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi resigned and "ran to Saudi Arabia" in 2015 amid a political conflict with the Ansarullah resistance movement, "we've heard the West saying that he's still a legitimate president and that he needs to be installed back in Yemen. And only after that the settlement process will start".

Russia's top diplomat also pointed out that the Americans and their allies rejected protests against the "puppet" government of Maria Sandu in Moldova, but fully backed the demonstrations by the supporters of former President Mikhail Saakashvili in Georgia, where the West "doesn't like the current government."

His remarks come in the wake of an armed mutiny by a private Russian military company.

The fleeting mutiny by the Wagner Group against the Russian military leadership on Saturday ended with a deal brokered by Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko, Russian officials, and Wagner Group's boss Yevgeny Prigozhin.

The mutiny started over differences between Prigozhin and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

Prigozhin had accused Russia's military top brass of ordering a rocket attack on the group's field camps in Ukraine -- where Russia has been conducting a military operation -- killing "huge numbers" of his paramilitary forces. Authorities in Moscow, however, strongly denied his claim.

Kremlin later announced that it had dropped charges against Prigozhin and that the group's fighters, who had taken part in the mutiny, would not be prosecuted in recognition of their previous service to Russia.

'US denies involvement in mutiny'

Lavrov said an investigation into the possible involvement of foreign intelligence in Wagner Group's actions is underway in Russia, without giving further details.

He stated that the US envoy to Russia told the diplomatic service that Washington had nothing to do with the mutiny.

"When yesterday US Ambassador (to Russia) Lynne Tracy communicated with Russian representatives, (she) was transmitting signals. ... Their sense is that the US has nothing to do with it (the mutiny), that the US does hope that nuclear weapons will be in order; that American diplomats will not suffer."

He said Tracy particularly emphasized that Washington considers the situation with the Wagner Group to be Russia's "internal affair."

This is while the latest reports suggest that the Western countries either had a direct role in the mutiny or knew about the whole Wagner plot in advance.

According to a report published in the New York Times, US spy agencies "strongly suspected" that Prigozhin was planning to take military action against Russia, days before he ordered his troops to march on Moscow.

However, US officials decided to keep silent about Prigozhin's plans. The pretext was that if they said anything, Russian President Vladimir Putin could have accused them of orchestrating a coup, the report said.

Lavrov said that CNN also reported that American intelligence had known about the upcoming mutiny for several days, but decided not to tell anyone about it, "in the hope that the rebellion would succeed."

He added that another report said it "expected" the mutiny to "meet more resistance" and be "much bloodier," which according to Lavrov shows "what exactly was expected in the West."

Lavrov also said reports claiming that the US has changed its intention to sanction the Wagner Group indicates that Washington's approach "depends on what it wants at this particular stage from a certain player."

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Public records map Wagner Group's Hong Kong connections

The city continues to operate as a haven for murky shell companies and illicit transactions.

By Gigi Lee and Fong Tak Ho for RFA Cantonese 2023.06.27 -- The Russian private military company Wagner Group, which made headlines over the weekend by starting to march on Moscow amid an apparent dispute with Russian President Vladimir Putin, has longstanding ties to Hong Kong, records show.

Public domain information shows that its predecessor, the Slavonic Corps, was founded in the city by two employees of the Russian private security firm Moran Security.

And Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Russian oligarch-turned-military leader known as "Putin's chef," has raised funds for at least some of his ventures in the city, via a number of Hong Kong-registered companies held by several affiliated parent companies, according to a survey of public records carried out by RFA Cantonese.

The Wagner crisis comes amid growing concern over the use of Hong Kong as a domicile for a growing number of shell companies hiding illicit operations following the 2018 arrest in Canada of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou for alleged business dealings with sanctioned Iranian companies.

Hong Kong has also been used by the ruling Communist Party's financial and political elite as both a haven and channel for its private wealth, with top Chinese leaders and their families owning luxury property in the city.

The Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies and other studies have detailed how the Corps' first deployment - to Syria in 2013 - ended in disaster due to supply and logistical problems at Deir al-Zour, after which it was disbanded.

Along with the Russian opposition-backed Dossier Center, CSIS describes Wagner as an unofficial Russian army with operations in Ukraine, Syria and Africa in recent years.

However, affiliated companies remained in existence in Hong Kong until 2020, when they were named and sanctioned by the United States.

Research has shown that Wagner Group doesn't actually exist as a legal corporate entity, yet until last weekend, it enjoyed the full support of the Kremlin, according to the CSIS.

Yet the group's affiliates have longstanding ties to Hong Kong and mainland China.

Slavonic Corps

Customs records show that these companies have had frequent transactions with Russian companies over the past 10 years, and reveal a network of Russian financial dealings criss-crossing Hong Kong and mainland China.

Wagner's predecessor, the Slavonic Corps, is typically reported as having been founded in 2013, but a search of Hong Kong's Companies Registry showed it was established in 2012, with the founder named on the record as "Vadim Gusev, deputy director of Moran."

Another board member is named as Sergei Kramskoi, another former Moran employee.

In early 2013, the Slavonic Corps placed a recruitment ad on several Moscow military websites, successfully recruiting 267 people, some of whom were military veterans, including one Dmitry Utkin, a former high-ranking officer of the Russian intelligence special ops forces, Spetsnaz GRU.

Dmitry Utkin later used the call sign "Wagner," sparking speculation that he founded the group from the ashes of the Slavonic Corps.

An investigation by RFA Cantonese found a copy of the advertisement, which shows a Hong Kong address for the company in an office building at 1 Duddell Street, Central.

However, the company's 2013 and 2014 annual reports show the company address as being in New Trade Plaza, Shatin. Few contact details are given other than an email address.

At the end of the same year, the Slavonic Corps started operating under the name Wagner. It took part in the annexation of Crimea the following year, including attacks on Ukraine.

The company registration in Hong Kong remained unaffected, and it wasn't until 2021 that it was officially deleted and dissolved by the Hong Kong Government Companies Registry, because it was believed not to have been operating for several years.

U.S. sanctions

By July 2020, the US Department of Defense had accused the Russian government of running a huge mining operation in Tripoli through Wagner, bankrolling the now-fallen dictatorship in Sudan and exacerbating the Libyan conflict.

The resulting sanctions targeted Wagner and Prigozhin, along with various companies in Hong Kong and Thailand that U.S. officials said had helped Prigozhin conduct 100 transactions worth a total of U.S.$7.5 million between 2018 and 2019.

According to the U.S. Treasury, the list of sanctioned companies included three Hong Kong-registered companies: Shen Yang Jing Cheng Machinery Imp & Exp Co. Ltd (formerly Anying Group Ltd); Shine Dragon Group Ltd and Zhe Jiang Jiayi Small Commodities Trade Co. Ltd, all of which were held and managed by Russian businessman Igor Valerievich Lavrenkov, acting as an intermediary.

The address given in the Hong Kong Companies Registry for all three companies was "Chaoyang, China."

In its July 15, 2020 statement announcing the sanctions, the Treasury described Prigozhin as the financier of Wagner, "a designated Russian Ministry of Defense proxy force."

"Wagner's activities in other countries, including Ukraine, Syria, Sudan, and Libya, have generated insecurity and incited violence against innocent civilians," the Treasury said.

The three companies had "facilitated transactions ... [that] supported [Prigozhin's] activities in Sudan and maintenance of his private aircraft," it said.

"Shine Dragon Group Limited, Shen Yang Jing Cheng Machinery Imp&Exp. Co., Zhe Jiang Jiayi Small Commodities Trade Company Limited, and Lavrenkov are being designated for having materially assisted Prigozhin," the statement said.

All three companies were founded in 2009 and dissolved between 2021 and 2022, according to Hong Kong company records.

The U.S. customs trade data platform Import Genius shows that Shen Yang Jing Cheng mostly served Russian clients, exporting some 50 tons of oil-drilling and pipeline equipment on five occasions to several different Russian companies between 2014 and 2017.

Zhe Jiang Jiayi Small Commodities shipped more than 7,000 tons of plastic products and parts to at least 10 Russian companies over a 10-year period; the two companies report that most of their products are sourced from China.

According to the U.S. Treasury, Lavrenkov set up another company in Hong Kong in 2012 called SD Airport Security Systems Ltd, using a different passport, but the registration was suddenly withdrawn in January 2017.

According to "Import Genius", a company using the same name repeatedly shipped metal detectors, X-ray detectors and related parts to the same Russian company in May 2015.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster.

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'Who Ends Up Getting Screwed In The End?': Relatives Of Wagner Fighters Seethe At Aborted Mutiny, Fate Of Loved Ones

By Mark Krutov, RFE/RL's Siberia.Realities June 27, 2023

The dust has yet to settle in Russia from the mutiny by Yevgeny Prigozhin and his Wagner Group mercenaries, which has posed the greatest challenge to the Kremlin since the Soviet collapse.

Fighters from the notorious private military company will be allowed to either join the regular armed forces, disband, or move to Belarus. Russian authorities have said they were dropping criminal charges against the mutineers. Prigzohin has purportedly moved -- or will move shortly -- to Belarus. Belarusian leader Alyaskandr Lukashenka said on June 27 that Prigozhin was already in the country.

For relatives of fighters who either participated in the rebellion, or who merely joined the Wagner Group, attracted by good wages or its swashbuckling reputation, or both, there's fear and uncertainty about what comes next.

In Telegram chat groups set up specifically by relatives, there's also incandescent anger at how the mutineers were treated, and anger at government officials, such as Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, a repeated target of Prigozhin's criticism.

"Here we are here under the thumb of the [Ukrainians]...and now the internal score settling has begun, and the [Ukrainians] can march in the city in a day," one woman wrote on June 24. She indicated she lived in Shebekino, a Russian village near the Ukrainian border that was hit by rocket fire earlier this month. Russian officials said the firing came from Ukraine.

"And then who ends up getting screwed by this score-settling between Prigozhin and Shoigu? To hell with them," she wrote. "I have an infant in my arms. My beloved has been in [Wagner] for two months, with no communication. What will happen to him now? He has already suffered so much; it's his second time" in the war.

"Prigozhin is being smashed to bits. Everyone is against him. It's just a nightmare," another woman wrote. "What will happen to our guys? Prigozhin has gone to Belarus. They're already building a new camp there. And what will happen to our guys? Turns out they're thrown like traitors to the mercy of fate.

"All these months flushed down the drain," she wrote on June 26, appearing to refer to either a boyfriend or husband. "Before leaving for Belarus, he had to resolve all his issues and affairs here, those he signed a contract with. In the end, he's responsible for it all.... It's just betrayal."

On June 27, Russia's main domestic security agency, the Federal Security Service, announced it was dropping its criminal investigation of the mutineers. Nevertheless, that move only deepened consternation, amid confusion whether the Wagner Group indeed would be disbanded -- as Prigozhin himself said -- and about whether the fighters would be fully incorporated in Russia's regular military.

"Tell me, what will happen to our husbands after yesterday's march?" another woman wrote on June 25, a day after the mutiny, which saw a group of Wagner soldiers racing north toward Moscow, halting just outside the capital.

Some who posted messages leveled their anger at Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"I wanted the president to resolve the situation and not just declare that they were rebels and traitors," another woman wrote. "But for some reason, a third party settled the conflict. In the end, our president is not [Belarusian leader Alyaksandr] Lukashenka."

RFE/RL was unable to contact, or locate, the individuals who posted their messages for further comment.

'And They Call Us Bandits?'

It wasn't just relatives of Wagner fighters who were dismayed, or incensed, at how the mutiny unfolded, not to mention concerned about what comes next.

Two Wagner fighters who said they were in the convoy of military vehicles who raced toward Moscow on June 24 told RFE/RL that they were "a little disappointed" with the outcome of the mutiny.

"First, they went to demolish the system and change the government," said one of the fighters, who gave his name as Andrei and said he was from the Siberian region of Irkutsk.

"Then, Putin listened to our complaints. He learned a lot, the truth about [Shoigu], and he promised to fix everything," Andrei said. "Yes, we're a little disappointed."

Andrei said he wouldn't agree to serve under the command of the Defense Ministry and said he was confident that Wagner "would remain on its own."

Aleksei, who also didn't give a last name and said he served as a private in Wagner, agreed.

"We won't serve under Defense Ministry command," he said. "We worked closely with them; we had to. But the lawlessness I faced with them wasn't even close to what I remember when I was last serving time."

In prison, he said, you could reach some sort of agreement with prison guards about one thing or another. Never with the Defense Ministry officers, who he said were "permanently drunk."

"They failed us many times. Not on purpose, I would say, but most likely because of being lazy. They promised to help but then failed to give us artillery support. And they call us bandits?

"No, I'm not particularly concerned that they would break us up," he said. "What, aren't there are a few private [military] campaigns going on around the world?

"It's not exactly calm in Africa. You can go to Syria not as a 'musician' but as a 'dancer,'" he said, referring to the nicknames that the Wagner Group embraced as it ramped up its recruiting efforts last year.

In the Wagner recruiting office in the Siberian city of Chita, Yury Ryazantsev, who said he has deployed several times to Ukraine's eastern Donbas region and now works as a recruiter, said he started the day on June 24 with a call from a colleague.

"I didn't know anything about Prigozhin's decision," he told RFE/RL in the hours after the mutiny started. "Just the other day I returned from the Donbas. I fought there. Nobody [there] was speaking about a rebellion. Everything was the same as always."

He said Wagner recruiters in Siberia and the Far East only learned about the mutiny after it started. He said he was unsure about the fate of the organization, in particular the leadership.

Still, he professed admiration for Prigozhin.

"You can understand Prigozhin. Imagine this: We're at war, we're liberating territories, and the Defense Ministry is hitting us," he said, referring to unconfirmed reports that a military strike on a Wagner base was what sparked the mutiny.

"More than 1,000 fighters were killed during the firing. Prigozhin couldn't just stand by. But I'm sure this rebellion won't turn into anything bad for us. Someone will come to fill his shoes. They'll replace Prigozhin with someone, and we will go on."

He said his recruiting office fielded calls and applications from men from around Siberia and the Far East who were deployed to the Donbas.

"Wagner has become all this time a salvation for those who wanted to serve the motherland, but couldn't," he said. "You understand, those who were in prison in the past couldn't join the army, so we took them.

"What I like about Wagner is that we're like a big family. Unlike the [soldiers] in the Russian Army and those mobilized, the Wagnerites don't go around boozing; they're very strict about this," he said.

Locals in Ukraine "have a more positive perception of us, because our guys don't loot, unlike the Russian military," he said.

Later in the day on June 24, the social media page of the Chita Wagner recruiting office was taken offline and Ryazantsev declined to answer further calls from RFE/RL.

Conscripts At The Gates

Wagner fighters, and their relatives, aren't the only one who are incensed by what happened on June 24. An unknown number of conscript soldiers -- young men serving their mandatory military service -- were ordered deployed to the southern city of Rostov-on-Don -- and even the Moscow region -- in response to the Wagner mutiny.

Zinaida, who asked to only use her first name, said her son called her on June 23 as Wagner forces began moving and said he and other conscripts in his unit were being deployed to Kolomna, a city located at the confluence of two rivers, southeast of Moscow.

Authorities hastily built defensive positions, with sandbags and guard posts, at several river crossings south of Moscow, in anticipation of the Wagner convoy's arrival.

"These green conscripts were preparing to meet these thugs," she told RFE/RL. "Conscripts and [mobilized soldiers] were driven to the barrier in Kolomna.

"I prayed all night, all day, and thank God they stopped," she said.

Another woman from the Moscow region, who asked to be called Yulia, told RFE/RL her father was a soldier in the regular military, while her brother was serving with Wagner.

Her brother, she said, told her that other Wagner fighters were not enthusiastic about getting into a gunfight with regular Russian troops.

"My brother wrote me: 'I would just lay down my arms in Moscow. I don't want to kill the citizens of my country,'" she said.

"Now he and his comrades do not know what will happen to them. One thing is certain: They will not be able to go to Belarus, following [Prigozhin's lead]," she said. "It seems to me that Wagner itself will stick around; it will just be controlled from Belarus."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/wagner-prigozhin- relatives-angry-fate-soldiers-mutiny/32478210.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.

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Bulgarian Media Watchdog Equated Bucha Killings With Anti-Russian 'Propaganda'

By RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service, Andy Heil June 27, 2023

SOFIA -- Critics are accusing Bulgaria's top broadcast and new-media regulator of falling for the Kremlin's hybrid warfare after Sonia Momchilova likened UN-backed evidence of Russian atrocities in Ukraine to anti-Putin "propaganda."

More than 1,400 bodies were discovered in a suburb of Ukraine's capital after Russian troops withdrew from Bucha following a 26-day occupation in March 2022. Evidence cited by the United Nations and the International Criminal Court's prosecutor indicated that Russian forces carried out systematic brutality in Bucha, including execution-style killings of civilians.

The chairwoman of the Council for Electronic Media (CEM), Momchilova drew swift local and international censure along with calls for her dismissal when she told YouTube vlogger Asen Genov's Kontrakomentar program on June 19 that "just as there is Russian propaganda, we cannot deny that there is also [some] in the opposite direction," adding, "You know, about [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's illness, that he'd been replaced [by a double], Bucha, and so on."

There has been speculation for years over the 70-year-old Russian president's health, sometimes including unsubstantiated reports alleging the use of lookalikes for public appearances.

One day after her comments to Kontrakomentar, Momchilova lashed out on Facebook at local news site Dnevnik, which had long argued that coverage of the Bucha tragedy in the Bulgarian media reflected an "information war" between Russia and "Ukraine and the democratic community."

A Bulgarian think tank, the Center for the Study of Democracy, published a report in April in which it asserted that "pro-Kremlin disinformation is most prominent in countries with deep-rooted cultural and historical alignments to Russia," singling out Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro, and Serb enclaves in the Balkans in particular.

Momchilova's comments equating Bucha reports with anti-Russian "propaganda" emerged amid a broader and highly politicized debate over Bulgarian National Radio and perceptions of bias and "propaganda insinuations" in some of its programming. Russia sanctions and other tough responses to the invasion of a post-Soviet neighbor have proved divisive in Bulgaria amid political stalemate and two years of inconclusive elections. In the discussion about the public radio broadcaster, Momchilova had suggested the show in question was serving the role of public media by reflecting the attitudes of the public.

A former prime ministerial adviser and communications specialist, Momchilova was appointed to the CEM by pro-Russian President Rumen Radev in 2021 and became chairwoman of the council half a year later. Two of the five council members are presidential appointees, while the other three are appointed by parliament.

She has come under criticism before. Two NGOs demanded her resignation earlier this year over her criticism of a joint investigation (including by RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service) of Bulgarian authorities' treatment of migrants at the border. Momchilova cast the decisive vote to keep herself in office at the time.

Her recent outspokenness has also extended to issues of gender and sexual orientation, including mocking EU job offers in the context of the Pride movement and what she described this week as a "digital and polygenderist transition towards...total monkeyfication."

The Ukrainian Embassy challenged Momchilova's comments likening Bucha reports to anti-Russian "propaganda" on June 21, calling them "unacceptable and manipulative."

It noted that Bulgaria was a signatory to an EU declaration in 2022 condemning "in the strongest possible terms the reported atrocities committed by the Russian armed forces in a number of occupied Ukrainian towns" including Bucha.

The embassy statement said it "expects the Council for Electronic Media and the relevant Bulgarian institutions to refute and take the necessary measures to respond to the dangerous and misleading claims regarding the atrocities committed by Russian occupiers in Bucha. These claims contradict the official position of the Republic of Bulgaria as a member state of the EU and NATO."

Shortly afterward, the U.S. Embassy in Sofia issued a statement warning that the "Kremlin's disinformation machine goes into overdrive when denying Russia's targeting of civilians." It cited the "massacre" at Bucha and added, "Don't be fooled by the lies."

Less than an hour after that, Momchilova's interviewer Genov also circled back to say her "inconsistent statements regarding the war in Ukraine worried me seriously during our conversation." He said he was concerned at their effect on Bulgaria's image.

On June 22, dozens of journalists appealed to Bulgarian lawmakers for Momchilova's resignation or dismissal and a broader debate on laws regulating the media.

"We are outraged by a statement by the Chairman of the Council for Electronic Media, Sonya Momchilova...in which she defines the tragic events in the city of Bucha as Ukrainian propaganda," the signatories complained. They called such a "qualification...a cynical disregard for the truth and an insult to humanity."

"Such behavior sends an extremely harmful message to our already vulnerable media environment and damages the prestige of Bulgaria," they argued. The signatories also echoed Kyiv's demand that the council and all "relevant Bulgarian institutions" refute Momchilova's statement.

It is unclear how much agreement the journalists' appeal would have garnered among legislators. But the council acted first.

"The Council for Electronic Media categorically does not share any suggestions related to the denial of the atrocities in Bucha," it said in a June 22 statement. It called the events there "a monstrous act of torture and the killing of civilians."

The absence of any names attached to the five-member council's statement means it was unanimously supported, including presumably by Momchilova herself.

Written by Andy Heil based on reporting by RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/bulgaria-media-regulator- bucha-propaganda-russia/32477929.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.

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U.S. Announces Sanctions Targeting Gold Mining Firms Connected To Wagner

By RFE/RL June 27, 2023

The United States has imposed sanctions on four companies linked to the Russian private mercenary group Wagner and its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, that it said are active in illicit gold mining and trade.

The companies are tied to illicit gold dealings that fund the Wagner group to sustain and expand its armed forces, including in Ukraine and Africa, the Treasury Department said in a news release on June 27. In addition to the four companies, one individual identified as a Russian executive in the Wagner group was designated for sanctions.

Two of the companies designated are mining firms in the Central African Republic (CAR). The other two firms -- one in the United Arab Emirates and the other in Russia -- are identified as wholesale firms.

"The Wagner Group exploits insecurity around the world, committing atrocities and criminal acts that threaten the safety, good governance, prosperity, and human rights of nations, as well as exploiting their natural resources," the department said.

Brian Nelson, undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said the United States will continue to target the Wagner group's revenue streams "to degrade its expansion and violence in Africa, Ukraine, and anywhere else."

The entities designated for sanctions are Diamville SAU and Midas Ressources SARLU, two mining firms based in the CAR, Limited Liability Company DM based in Russia, and Dubai-based Industrial Resources General Trading.

The individual targeted is Andrei Ivanov, who Treasury said worked with officials of the government of Mali on weapons deals, mining projects, and other Wagner group activities in Mali.

Catrina Doxsee, associate director and associate fellow with the Transnational Threats Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, said the crisis in Russia is over for now, but the fight to control the Wagner group has only just begun.

This is "creating an opening for the United States and its allies to dislodge Russian influence in places such as Africa," Doxsee said on Twitter.

The United States has issued sanctions against Prigozhin, who led a brief revolt over the weekend against the Kremlin, and the Wagner group multiple times.

The sanctions announced on June 27 are not directly related to the uprising, which ended when Prigozhin ordered his forces to stop their march to Moscow.

With reporting by AP and Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-wagner- sanctions-gold/32478537.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.

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Putin Claims Russia's Military Had Crucial Role In Stopping Wagner Mutiny, Admits Group Funded By State

By RFE/RL June 27, 2023

President Vladimir Putin on June 27 sought to gloss over the Russian authorities' lack of immediate reaction to the Wagner mercenaries' short-lived mutiny over the weekend, praising the military as the country's savior from civil war.

Wagner mercenaries on June 24 took over the southwestern city of Rostov-on-Don and covered some 780 kilometers toward Moscow before abruptly aborting their march some 200 kilometers away from the Russian capital in a move that the group's chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin, said was meant to "prevent shedding Russian blood."

However, during their march toward Moscow, Wagner mercenaries shot down several military aircraft, killing at least 10 pilots, and Putin opened his June 27 meeting with military personnel with a minute of silence to honor the pilots and said they "fulfilled their duties with honor."

"You defended the constitutional order, lives, security, and freedom of our citizens, saved our motherland from shake-ups, actually stopped a civil war," Putin told some 2,500 military personnel gathered in the Sobornaya Square inside the Kremlin.

In a display of unity at the top of Russia's leadership, Putin then appeared flanked by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu while meeting members of security forces after his address.

The dismissal of Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov was one of Prigozhin's chief demands that triggered the mutiny.

Prigozhin, a former close associate of Putin's, had said the aim of his troops' march toward Moscow was not to overthrow the elected Russian government, but to highlight the incompetence of Russia's military leadership in its war against Ukraine.

The chief of the Russian National Guard, Viktor Zolotov, who was present at the event, told journalists that Wagner's "mutiny was prepared and inspired by the West's special services, because they knew about it and talked about it several weeks before [it happened]," without providing any details to back up his claim.

Zolotov also said that Rosgvardiya may be equipped with tanks and armored vehicles from Wagner mercenaries following their failed uprising.

"We have no tanks or long-range heavy weapons. We will supply our forces with those depending on funding," Zolotov said, according to Interfax.

Putin admitted during his meeting with the military that Wagner was financed solely by the Russian state. He said Russia funded Wagner with 86 billion rubles ($1 billion) from May last year until last month. Furthermore, Putin said Prigozhin personally earned almost the same amount of money via his catering business.

Prigozhin's longtime catering business has earned him the monicker "Putin's chef."

In his first public statement since abruptly renouncing the mutiny, Prigozhin on June 26 said his action was a "master class" on how Russia's army should have carried out its invasion of Ukraine in February last year, highlighting what he said were multiple holes in military security that allowed his group to easily take control of cities as it proceeded toward Moscow.

Prigozhin did not reveal his current whereabouts, nor did he mention any details of a reported agreement brokered by Belarusian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka that is said to have granted him asylum in Belarus.

Lukashenka said on June 27 that Prigozhin is in Belarus. He also said the mutiny showed that "the situation in Russia had gone out of control, adding that "there were no heroes" in the situation.

Lukashenka did not say if Prigozhin was currently in Belarus, but stressed in his usual anti-Western rhetoric that the United States and the European Union would have used the "chaos" that could follow if the "mutiny" had not been stopped.

With reporting by BelTA, TASS, RIA Novosti. AFP, and RFE/RL's Russian Service

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-putin-military- wagner-civil-war/32477931.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.

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Lukashenka Says Wagner Group's Leader Prigozhin Is In Belarus

By RFE/RL's Belarus Service June 27, 2023

Belarusian strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka says the leader of Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, is currently in Belarus, where he reportedly moved from Russia after his forces staged a short-lived armed mutiny, taking over Russia's southwestern city of Rostov-on-Don and marching toward Moscow over the weekend before abruptly calling it off.

"Yes, that is true, [Prigozhin] is in Belarus today. I promised him, saying that if you want to stay at our place an so on, we will help you. Of course on their own expenses," Lukashenka said on June 27 while speaking to a group of top Belarusian military officers in Minsk.

Lukashenka added that he agreed with Belarusian Defense Minister Viktar Khrenin, who had expressed interest in having Wagner mercenaries integrated among his forces.

Hours earlier, Lukashenka said in an address that he had placed the country's military on full combat alert in connection with the uprising.

Lukashenka, an authoritarian who has ruled Belarus since 1994, claimed the uprising was part of a purported threat from "the West."

"We must be stronger than the threat that is once again casting its shadow over our country," Lukashenka said. "And once again it is coming from the West."

He claimed that Belarusian border guards reported "provocations" by NATO "almost every day."

Earlier the same day, a private business jet previously used by Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin landed at a military air base outside the Belarusian capital, Minsk.

The crisis in Russia was defused after Lukashenka reportedly brokered a deal that allowed Prigozhin, a former Kremlin insider who was known as Russian President Vladimir Putin's "chef" because his companies catered official events, to leave for Belarus.

Putin said in a speech on June 26 that Wagner fighters could also go to Belarus if they did not want to join the Russian military.

In his comments, Lukashenka expressed the hope that Wagner commanders would help train Belarusian security forces.

"If their commanders come to us and help us... tell us what is important right now.... That's priceless," he said.

He added that Belarus did not need to fear the sudden Wagner presence in the country.

"We will keep a close eye on them," he said.

The Embraer 600 jet connected with Prigozhin landed at about 7:40 a.m. local time. A few minutes later, a second private jet landed at the base after arriving from St. Petersburg, Prigozhin's hometown and the location of the Wagner headquarters, according to Belaruski Hayun, a social-media site that tracks aviation in Belarus.

It was not clear whether Prigozhin, who has not been seen since the uprising on June 24, was on either plane.

The jet that landed in Minsk has been listed by U.S. sanctions documents as being connected to Prigozhin.

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) announced it had dropped a criminal case against Prigozhin and the Wagner fighters after its investigation found they had "ceased activities directed at committing the crime" of mutiny.

The short-lived Wagner uprising was the most significant challenge to Putin over his more than two decades in power in Russia.

At least 10 military pilots of Russia's Interior Ministry were killed during what Prigozhin called a "march of justice" to Moscow, which the group aborted about 200 kilometers from the Russian capital over the weekend.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/belarus-lukashenka- prigozhin-alert-nato-threat/32477711.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.

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Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's video address to the participants in the 8th international conference Russia and China: Cooperation in a New Era, Moscow, June 27, 2023

27 June 2023 09:31

1259-27-06-2023



Mr Ivanov,

Mr Gao Xiang,

Colleagues,

I am pleased to welcome the organisers of and participants to this, eighth international conference Russia and China: Cooperation in a New Era. We know that for our Chinese friends the number eight is special. In Chinese, it symbolises good luck, development and growth of prosperity. I am confident that today's meeting will be rich in ideas and will enable practical recommendations to be formulated. Moreover, this is the first time after the pause caused by the coronavirus pandemic that the conference is taking place in person. Face-to-face interactions are worthwhile. No technology, not even the most up-to-date one, can replace it.

Today, our countries and the entire world are undergoing rapid and profound changes related to the transition to a multipolar world order. The changes taking place require comprehensive and timely reflection. Contacts within the expert community are becoming increasingly necessary, including with a view to identifying new and promising areas of Russian-Chinese cooperation. With this in mind, we welcome and support cooperation between the Russian International Affairs Council and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Progressive development of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation with the People's Republic of China remains one of the unconditional priorities of Russian diplomacy. This fact is stated in the Foreign Policy Concept of the Russian Federation, which was approved by President Vladimir Putin in late March. Russia's aim is to build up mutually beneficial cooperation with China in all spheres. We are ready to make joint efforts in the international arena in the interests of universal security and sustainable development at the global and regional levels.

We share our Chinese colleagues' view that the trust-based contacts between our leaders play a key role in strengthening the Russian-Chinese strategic tandem in international affairs. It is particularly valuable that following his re-election President of China Xi Jinping paid his first state visit to Russia. We see this as a vivid demonstration of our Chinese friends' intent to continue expanding and intensifying our partnership.

The summit drew a wide-ranging response in the world. It would not be an exaggeration to say that it was of historic importance that went far beyond the bilateral framework. Implementing the agreements that have been reached will give a powerful impetus to the practical dimension of Russian-Chinese cooperation. Simultaneously, this will make a visible contribution to creating the foundations of a more stable and just world order without anyone's hegemony or neocolonial practices.

Following up on the contacts between the heads of state, Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin visited China on May 22-24, 2023. It was a sign of further rapprochement that the Russian prime minister was received by President Xi Jinping, held detailed talks with Premier of the State Council of China Li Qiang, and addressed the opening ceremony for the large-scale Russian-Chinese business forum in Shanghai.

Trade and economic collaboration between our two countries continues to expand despite certain states' attempts to hinder it. In 2022, our bilateral trade increased by one-third to $185 billion, which is an all-time record. We hope that the target to bring bilateral trade to $200 billion by the end of this year, as agreed by our leaders, will be reached and possibly exceeded.

Russia and China are drawn closer together by the fact that our countries belong to a limited number of truly sovereign states pursuing an independent foreign policy. On the international stage, we and our Chinese friends consistently come out for solving all modern problems on the firm basis of international law. In so doing, we emphasise the fundamental importance of the goals and principles of the UN Charter, primarily the fundamental principle of sovereign equality of states.

At this turning-point in the world's development, our countries are facing strong pressure brought to bear by the US-led collective West. One of the manifestations of its policy is the financial and economic sanctions unprecedented in scale and depth, sanctions imposed in circumvention of the UN Security Council and therefore illegitimate. Meanwhile, Ukraine, the Taiwan issue, human rights - this list can be continued - are only a pretext for rather than the cause of the anti-Russia and anti-China actions by Washington and its client countries. It is no secret for anyone that the ruling circles in the West see the sovereign course followed by Russia and China as an obstacle to their continued global domination based on a military-political diktat and financial, economic and technological monopoly.

In proposing a constructive alternative to the West's policy, Moscow and Beijing are facilitating - not in word but in deed - the emergence of conditions for a multipolar world order, regard for the interests of all states, and the cultural and civilisational identity of all nations.

I am pleased to state that we interact with greater intensity at the UN, G20, SCO, BRICS, and other multilateral venues. We are working to align the integration potentials of the EAEU and Belt and Road with an eye to forming a Greater Eurasian Partnership. It is clear that our joint international steps help to reduce the conflict potential and promote a healthy atmosphere in the world.

I would like to express gratitude to our Chinese partners once again for their responsible and balanced approach to the Ukraine situation. In particular, we appreciate that our friends understand its prime causes, which consist in the West's years-long, deliberate disregard for Russia's vital security interests in the European and Eurasian region as a whole and in creating direct threats to our culture, traditions, and centuries-old civilisational ties in the Eurasian space. We see concordance between the main provisions of the Chinese position-stating document on Ukraine and our approaches to a settlement via removing the prime causes of the crisis, ensuring in practice the principle of indivisible security, and renouncing double standards and aggressive unilateral actions.

Colleagues,

The consolidated Russian-Chinese strategic tandem provides us with a good opportunity to ensure sustainable, comprehensive development for our countries and enhance the well-being of our citizens.

Chinese friends call Russian-Chinese relations "a rock in the middle of a stream." Accepting this figurative comparison, I would like to recall a verse by the great poet Li Bai: "As the monkeys cry ceaselessly on both banks, The light boat speeds past ten thousand peaks." So does the Russian-Chinese tandem, which surmounts obstacles despite everything and unstoppably advances along the route charted by our leaders.

I wish all participants in the conference fruitful and interesting discussions, and all the best.

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Pacific Fleet Gromkiy and Sovershennyy corvettes enter southern Philippine Sea

27.06.2023

A detachment of ships of the Pacific Fleet consisting of Gromky and Sovershennyy corvettes called into the southern part of the Philippine Sea in accordance with the plan of fulfilling the assigned tasks within the framework of the long-distance maritime transition.

Crews of the Russian Pacific Fleet continue manoeuvres to demonstrate naval presence in the Asia-Pacific region and as part of their partnership-building efforts. They took part in a joint exercise to repel a missile attack from the sea. Simulated air targets were conditionally destroyed by an anti-aircraft missile system, while a mock enemy ship was hit by fire from the corvettes' artillery systems.

As part of a long-distance sea mission, the Pacific sailors regularly take part in various exercises and training sessions to improve their maritime training and hone their acquired skills.

The group of the Pacific Fleet's warships entered the Philippine Sea after crossing the South China Sea.

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Putin Says Enemy Would Try to Use Situation If Mutiny Not Suppressed

Sputnik News

20230627

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Earlier in the day, the Russian president said that the military personnel who took part in the suppression of the attempted armed mutiny on June 24 actually prevented a civil war in Russia.

If the mutiny started by the Wagner Group private military company had not been suppressed, the enemy would have taken advantage of this, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday.

"Chaos in the country would be inevitable, and the enemy, of course, would take advantage of this ... [the enemy] is trying to do so. But nothing works. I hope it does not work out. I am even sure of it. But for certain a they would have taken advantage," Putin said during a meeting with military personnel in the Kremlin.

On Friday, Yevgeny Prigozhin accused the Russian Defense Ministry of allegedly striking the group's camps, after which Wagner troops seized the headquarters of Russia's Southern Military District in the city of Rostov-on-Don. The Russian Defense Ministry denied the accusations, while Russia's Federal Security Service opened a criminal case against Prigozhin for organizing an armed mutiny in the country.

On Saturday, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced that he had been in negotiations with Prigozhin throughout the day, as agreed with Russian President Vladimir Putin. As a result of the talks, the Wagner Group chief accepted Lukashenko's proposal that his troops stop their movement in Russia and take steps to de-escalate the situation.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Saturday evening that the criminal case against Prigozhin had been dropped and that he would leave for Belarus under guarantees given by Putin. On Tuesday, Russia's Federal Security Service said that the case of armed mutiny had been dismissed.

Speaking about Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led the attempted mutiny on June 24, Vladimir Putin said that Prigozhin had earned over 80 billion rubles ($940 million) in a year from the state through military contracts.

"Despite the fact that the very maintenance of [PMC] Wagner was on the state, the owner of the Concord company [owned by Prigozhin] received and earned from the state through the military trade, he earned 80 billion rubles in a year supplying food and providing catering services to the military," Putin stressed.

The president also mentioned that the state had paid over 86 billion rubles to Wagner from May 2022 to May 2023.

A Sputnik

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Western Spy Agencies Had Hand in Wagner Mutiny, Russian National Guard Chief Suggests

Sputnik News

20230627

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian National Guard chief Viktor Zolotov on Tuesday pointed out that Western intel must have had a hand in the mutiny staged by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner Group private military company, adding that these agencies had info that the failed revolt was to occur anytime around June 22-25.

Viktor Zolotov, who heads the Russian National Guard, believes Western spy agencies are likely to have had a hand in plotting the aborted Wagner armed mutiny in the country. According to him, the insurrection was inspired by the West and meshed with the ambitions of the leader of the Wagner private military company. A slew of 'planted leaks' about the conspiracy to commit this mutiny also came from the "Prigozhin camp".

"They [Western agents] had found out about it, as they said, a couple of weeks ahead of time. And I must say that such 'planted leaks' were also spread from the Prigozhin camp. Well, they were so narrowly focused to the effect that this mutiny was in the making and was supposed to take place from the 22nd to the 25th of the month. And that's exactly what happened. This shows that it was inspired by the West and, it seems, they goaded Prigozhin himself into taking this step, or maybe he was going too far with his ambitions, so to speak, and he wanted to go higher still," he told journalists.

"I am not excluding the presence of Western intelligence agents there," Zolotov added.

On June 23, PMC Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin claimed that the Russian Armed Forces had fired missiles at a Wagner base. The Russian Ministry of Defense refuted these allegations, but shortly afterward, a contingent of Wagner forces seized several administrative buildings in the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don and embarked on a march toward Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a televised address to the nation, branding the Wagner head's actions as an armed insurrection and a betrayal of the homeland.

Later, Putin agreed to mediation efforts by his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko with Prigozhin, which lasted throughout Saturday.

As a result of these talks, Prigozhin halted the march on Moscow by Wagner troops and ordered them to return to their field camps.

A Sputnik

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Putin Tells Military They Clearly Prevented Civil War

Sputnik News

20230627

Oleg Burunov

Vladimir Putin thanked all personnel of the Russian Armed Forces, as well as the country's law enforcement agencies and special services for their courage and loyalty to the Russian people.

Military units who took part in the suppression of the attempted armed mutiny on June 24, actually stopped a civil war in Russia, and acted clearly and harmoniously, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday.

"You defended the constitutional order, and our citizens' lives, security and freedom. You saved our motherland from turmoil, and in fact prevented civil war. In these difficult moments, you acted clearly and harmoniously; through your deeds, you proved your loyalty to the people of Russia and the military oath," Putin said, addressing the security forces who quashed the insurrection.

The Russian president stressed that "today the historic Cathedral Square of the Moscow Kremlin sees servicemen of the Russian Armed Forces, and the Russian Guard, as well as the staff of the Russian National Guard, the FSB, the Interior Ministry, the Federal Protective Service as well as soldiers and officers, who are the real defenders of the Fatherland, and who - at a tough time for the country, along with their comrades - stood in the way of turmoil, the result of which could have inevitably been chaos."

Putin thanked the personnel of the country's armed forces, law enforcement agencies and special services for their "courage, valor and loyalty to the people of Russia."

He said that the people who were sucked into the Wagner mutiny realized that the army and the people were not on the side of the rebels.

"The quick and precise deployment of law enforcement agencies made it possible to stop the extremely dangerous development of the situation in the country, something that helped prevent civilian casualties," Putin emphasized.

The Russian head of state underlined that the determination and courage of the servicemen, as well as "the consolidation of Russian society played a huge and decisive role in stabilizing the situation."

Putin also paid his respects to the military pilots who were killed while trying to take on the mutineers. "Our comrades-in-arms, pilots, died in the confrontation with the mutineers. They didn't flinch and honorably fulfilled the order and their military duty," he said. Putin asked for a minute of silence so his audience could pay their respects to the pilots.

According to him, relocating Russian troops from the special military operation zone to grapple with Wagner's aborted mutiny gamble was not necessary.

"Units of the Defense Ministry, the National Guard as well as the forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and special services ensured the reliable operation of the most important control and strategic centers, the security of border regions, and the strength of the rear of our Armed Forces of all military formations, which continued at that time to heroically fight at the front. We did not have to remove combat units from the special military operation zone," the Russian president pointed out.

Wagner's Aborted Mutiny Plot

The private military company Wagner Group seized a Russian army headquarters in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don on Friday night. Prior to that move, Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin accused the Russian Defense Ministry of allegedly attacking the military group's field camps. The Russian Defense Ministry rejected the accusation, while the Russian Federal Security Service opened a criminal case against Prigozhin for organizing an armed mutiny.

In the June 24 televised address to the nation, Putin described the actions of PMC Wagner as an armed mutiny and treason, pledging tough measures against the insurgents.

On Saturday, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced that he had been involved in negotiations with Prigozhin, as agreed with Putin, and they had reached an agreement to de-escalate the situation.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Saturday evening that the criminal case against Prigozhin had been dropped and that he would leave for Belarus under guarantees given by Putin. On Tuesday, the Russian Federal Security Service said that the case on the armed mutiny had been dismissed.

A Sputnik

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Russia's FSB Says Case of Armed Mutiny Dismissed on Tuesday

Sputnik News

20230627

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - An investigation into the case of an armed mutiny has established that its participants stopped actions directly aimed at committing a crime, and the case was dismissed, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Tuesday.

"During the investigation of the criminal case initiated by the investigative department of the Federal Security Service of Russia on June 23 ... on the fact of an armed rebellion, it was established that on June 24 its participants stopped actions directly aimed at committing a crime. Taking into account this and other circumstances relevant to the investigation, on June 27, the investigating authority issued a decision to close the criminal case," the FSB said in a statement.

Commenting on the development, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that promises that were given to avoid the worst outcome during an attempted armed mutiny by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner Group private military company, are being kept.

"I repeat once again, the will of the president was to prevent the development of events according to the worst scenario. There was a certain agreement to avoid this worst-case scenario, and there were certain promises from the president, certain guarantees from the president. The agreements are being implemented," Peskov told reporters.

The Wagner Group paramilitary organization seized a Russian army headquarters in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don on Friday night. Prior to that, Prigozhin accused the Russian Defense Ministry of attacking the military group's field camps. The Russian Defense Ministry rejected the accusation, while the Russian Federal Security Service opened a criminal case against Prigozhin for organizing an armed mutiny. Prigozhin said that the Wagner Group forces were heading to the Russian capital, Moscow.

On Saturday, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced that he had been involved in negotiations with Prigozhin, as agreed with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and they had reached an agreement to de-escalate the situation. Prigozhin followed up by saying that the Wagner Group would retreat to its bases. According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the charges against Prigozhin would be dropped.

A Sputnik

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Treasury Sanctions Illicit Gold Companies Funding Wagner Forces and Wagner Group Facilitator

U.S. Department of the Treasury

June 27, 2023

WASHINGTON -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned four companies and one individual connected to the violent Russian military group PMC Wagner (Wagner Group) and its founder and owner Yevgeniy Prigozhin, previously sanctioned by the United States, the European Union (EU), Canada, and the United Kingdom (U.K.). The Wagner Group exploits insecurity around the world, committing atrocities and criminal acts that threaten the safety, good governance, prosperity, and human rights of nations, as well as exploiting their natural resources. The targeted entities in the Central African Republic (CAR), United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Russia have engaged in illicit gold dealings to fund the Wagner Group to sustain and expand its armed forces, including in Ukraine and Africa, while the targeted individual has been central to activities of Wagner Group units in Mali.

"Treasury's sanctions disrupt key actors in the Wagner Group's financial network and international structure," said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson. "The Wagner Group funds its brutal operations in part by exploiting natural resources in countries like the Central African Republic and Mali. The United States will continue to target the Wagner Group's revenue streams to degrade its expansion and violence in Africa, Ukraine, and anywhere else."

Concurrently, the Departments of State, the Treasury, Labor, Commerce, and Homeland Security, as well as the United States Agency for International Development, have issued a new advisory focused on the gold sector across sub-Saharan Africa. This advisory highlights risks related to the gold trade, including conflict and terror financing, money laundering activities, sanctions evasion, human rights and labor rights abuses, and environmental degradation.

ILLICIT GOLD DEALINGS FUNDING WAGNER GLOBALLY

Midas Ressources SARLU (Midas) is a CAR-based mining company affiliated with Yevgeniy Prigozhin (Prigozhin). Midas maintains ownership of CAR-based mining concessions and licenses for prospecting and extracting minerals, precious and semi-precious metals, and gems. Midas retains the preferential mining allowance to the CAR's Ndassima gold mine, which experts assess contains gold valued at more than one billion dollars. Moreover, Midas, in conjunction with the Wagner Group, was responsible for denying CAR government officials the ability to inspect the Ndassima mine. Midas, along with other Prigozhin-linked firms operating in the CAR, is key to financing Wagner's operations in the CAR and beyond. In 2021, the United Nations (UN) confirmed Midas was openly working with the CAR-based rebel group UnitA pour la Paix en Centrafrique (UPC) in violation of CAR mining regulations and UN sanctions. Although registered in the CAR, Midas is also connected to individuals involved in Prigozhin's mining activities in Madagascar.

Diamville SAU (Diamville) is a gold and diamond purchasing company based in the CAR and controlled by Prigozhin. Diamville is one of several Prigozhin-connected entities that is intimately involved in the CAR mining sector. In 2022, Diamville participated in a gold selling scheme that entailed converting CAR-origin gold into U.S. dollars. Following the imposition of U.S. sanctions on several Russian financial institutions, participants in the scheme planned to move the proceeds by transferring cash by hand. Additionally, Diamville shipped diamonds mined in the CAR to buyers in the UAE and in Europe.

Industrial Resources General Trading (Industrial Resources) is a Dubai-based industrial goods distributor that has provided financial support to Prigozhin through its business dealings with Diamville. Industrial Resources also participated in the aforementioned gold selling scheme. Following U.S. sanctions on various Russian financial institutions, Industrial Resources wittingly participated in the transfer by hand of cash to Russia. Industrial Resources works with Diamville to generate revenue and move funds for Prigozhin. For example, in early 2022, Industrial Resources was the recipient of diamonds mined in the CAR and sold by Diamville.

Limited Liability Company DM (OOO DM) is a Russia-based firm that also participated in the aforementioned gold selling scheme.

OFAC designated Midas, Diamville, and OOO DM pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 for being owned or controlled by, or for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Prigozhin, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked under E.O.14024. Prigozhin is the Russian financier of the Internet Research Agency (IRA), the Russian troll farm that OFAC designated pursuant to E.O. 13848 in 2018 for interfering in the 2016 presidential election. Prigozhin has been designated pursuant to E.O.s 13848, 13694, and 13661.OFAC designated Industrial Resources pursuant to E.O. 14024 for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Prigozhin.

WAGNER GROUP FACILITATOR IN MALI

Andrey Nikolayevich Ivanov (Ivanov), a Russian national, is an executive in the Wagner Group. During the spring of 2023, Ivanov worked closely with Prigozhin's entity Africa Politology and senior Malian government officials on weapons deals, mining concerns, and other Wagner Group activities in Mali.

OFAC designated Ivanov pursuant to E.O. 14024 for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Prigozhin.

Africa Politology develops strategies and mechanisms to induce countries that promote human rights and good governance to withdraw their presence in Africa and is involved in a series of Russian influence tasks in the CAR and Mali, to include discrediting the UN and carrying out lawsuits against press outlets that report on the consequences of Wagner's activities. The Department of State sanctioned Africa Politology in January 2023 for acting for and on behalf of Prigozhin.

THE WAGNER GROUP

The United States has sanctioned numerous entities and individuals globally that support the Wagner Group's destabilizing activity. The Wagner Group has committed widespread human rights abuses and has appropriated natural resources across multiple countries in Africa. A proxy military force of the Kremlin, the Wagner Group has carried out combat operations around the world, including Russia's brutal war in Ukraine. Wagner has also participated in a scheme to procure weapons for its operations in Ukraine, using false end-use certificates in Mali.

On June 20, 2017, OFAC designated the Wagner Group pursuant to E.O. 13660 for being responsible for or complicit in, or having engaged in, directly or indirectly, actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, stability, sovereignty, or territorial integrity of Ukraine, and on November 15, 2022, the Department of State redesignated the Wagner Group pursuant to E.O.14024 for operating or having operated in the defense and related materiel sector of the Russian Federation economy. The Wagner Group has also been sanctioned by Australia, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.

On January 26, 2023, OFAC redesignated the Wagner Group pursuant to E.O. 13581, as amended by E.O. 13863, for being a foreign person that constitutes a significant transnational criminal organization. Wagner Group personnel have engaged in an ongoing pattern of serious criminal activity, including mass executions, rape, child abductions, and other brutalities against innocents in the CAR and Mali. On the same day, OFAC designated the Wagner Group pursuant to E.O. 13667 for being responsible for or complicit in, or having engaged in, the targeting of women, children, or any civilians through the commission of acts of violence, or abduction, forced displacement, or attacks on schools, hospitals, religious sites, or locations where civilians are seeking refuge, or through conduct that would constitute a serious abuse or violation of human rights or a violation of international humanitarian law in relation to the CAR.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons.

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC's Frequently Asked Question 897 here. For detailed information on the process to submit a request for removal from an OFAC sanctions list, please click here.

Click here for more information on the individual and entities designated today.

###

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Press Release

June 28, 2023 CHIZ TELLS CRITICS: GIVE 'LOVE THE PHILIPPINES' TOURISM SLOGAN A CHANCE Sen. Chiz Escudero said the new campaign "Love the Philippines" launched by the Department of Tourism (DOT) is worth giving a chance as the Marcos administration strives to attract more international tourists to help the country recover economically from the effects of the recent COVID-19 health crisis. Commenting on the new campaign slogan on Tuesday (June 27), which was launched during the DOT's 50th anniversary celebration, Escudero said the Filipino people should support it instead of criticizing it outright. "The last thing I want is for our country and people to be seen bickering about our slogan in front of foreigners/tourists--our putative market. I refuse to be part of any such thing until we have given it a chance," the senator stressed. He admitted though that the previous campaign "It's More Fun in the Philippines," which was launched in 2012, has worked well for the country. It generated some 4.47 million in tourist arrivals in 2013 to more than 8.26 million in 2019 just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the Philippines in early 2020. "While I believe in the saying 'if it ain't broke, why fix it?' I am willing to give it a chance," Escudero said, adding that the effectiveness of a slogan depends on many factors, such as the destination's unique offerings, target audience and marketing strategy. The veteran legislator further said that a good tourism slogan should be catchy, memorable, and convey a positive message that captures the essence of the destination. "My personal favorite is 'Incredible India," he revealed. "This slogan, for me, works well because it is simple, memorable, and accurately capture the essence of the destination it represents." In finally settling for "Love the Philippines," Escudero said he is assuming that tourism officials and its partner agencies have taken into account the above qualities of a good tourism slogan. During the launch, President Marcos said his administration is "propelling the tourism industry forward by embracing the warmth of our people, the beauty of our land, and the rich tapestry of our culture."
Russian Mercenary Chief Prigozhin Arrives in Belarus

By VOA News June 27, 2023

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of Russia's Wagner mercenary group, has arrived in Belarus after staging a short-lived, aborted mutiny last weekend against Russian President Vladimir Putin's leadership over the fight against Ukraine, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko said Tuesday.

It was not immediately clear where Prigozhin was in Belarus, how many fighters had accompanied him or how long he planned to stay there. Lukashenko, an ally of Putin, last Saturday negotiated Prigozhin's departure for Belarus after Prigozhin led thousands of his fighters out of Ukraine on a caravan toward Moscow before calling off the advance well short of confronting Russian soldiers on the outskirts of the capital city.

Putin has promised Prigozhin's safety in Belarus, and according to Belarusian state media, the authoritarian Lukashenko has urged Putin to not kill Prigozhin.

"I said to Putin: we could waste [Prigozhin], no problem. If not on the first try, then on the second. I told him: don't do this," Lukashenko said during a meeting with security officials, according to state media.

Western countries have sanctioned the 68-year-old Lukashenko for cracking down on opposition figures and allowing Russia to attack Ukraine last year from Belarusian territory, while more recently allowing Russia to store tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus for possible use in the conflict in Ukraine.

While pledging that Prigozhin would be safe in Belarus, Putin has expressed mixed views about the Wagner Group since the rebellion against his authority and the leadership of the Russian defense ministry. Putin has characterized Wagner's leaders as traitors but said the rank-and-file mercenaries "really showed courage and heroism" in their fighting against Kyiv's forces.

Prigozhin's arrival in Belarus came as Putin said Tuesday that Moscow had paid $1 billion between May 2022 and in May to fully fund the Wagner mercenary fighters, contrary to claims by Prigozhin that he had financed his mercenaries.

"The content of the entire Wagner Group was fully provided by the state, from the Ministry of Defense, from the state budget. We fully funded this group," Putin told defense officials in televised remarks. Russia once denied the existence of the Wagner Group, but it has defended Russia's interests in several African and Middle Eastern countries.

Many of the Wagner fighters in Ukraine were convicted criminals freed from Russian prisons on the promise that if they fought in neighboring Ukraine for six months, the remaining portions of their sentences would be rescinded.

As it has turned out, however, many of the Wagner recruits were poorly trained, ill-equipped for warfare on the front lines in Ukraine and quickly killed.

In addition to Russia paying salaries and incentive awards to the Wagner troops, Putin said Prigozhin's food and catering business was paid nearly another billion dollars to feed Russian troops.

"I do hope that, as part of this work, no one stole anything, or, let's say, stole less, but we will, of course, investigate all of this," Putin said of the state's funding of Wagner and Prigozhin's catering company.

Prigozhin said earlier this year that he had always financed Wagner but had looked for additional funding after Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine 16 months ago.

Prigozhin said Monday that his troops' advance on Moscow had not been an attempt to overthrow the Russian government and that he remained a patriot. Prigozhin for weeks has complained that Russian defense officials have not provided them enough ammunition.

Putin has assailed the Wagner advance on Moscow as an armed rebellion and ordered that Wagner lose its heavy weaponry, while its fighters either join the regular armed forces or accept exile in Belarus.

Russia's Federal Security Service announced Tuesday it was closing an investigation into the armed mutiny.

In a statement carried by Russian news agencies, the FSB said those involved "ceased activities directed at committing the crime." Not prosecuting the fighters was part of an agreement late Saturday that brought the mutiny to an end.

Russia's defense ministry also said Tuesday that the Wagner group was preparing to transfer heavy military equipment to the Russian military.

The U.S. intelligence community "was aware" that the mutiny orchestrated by Prigozhin "was a possibility" and briefed the U.S. Congress "accordingly" before it began, said a source familiar with the issue, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Earlier, U.S. President Joe Biden said, "We made clear we were not involved; we had nothing to do with this." Biden's message that the West was not involved was sent directly to the Russians through various diplomatic channels, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters. He did not characterize Russia's response.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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US Sanctions Companies Linked to Gold Trade to Fund Wagner Fighters

By VOA News June 27, 2023

The United States on Tuesday accused companies in the United Arab Emirates, the Central African Republic and Russia of engaging in illicit gold deals to help fund the mercenary fighters of Russia's Wagner Group.

The U.S. Treasury Department said in a statement it has sanctioned four companies linked to Wagner and its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, that it alleged were used to help pay the paramilitary's forces fighting in Ukraine and undertaking operations to support Russian interests in Africa.

"The Wagner Group funds its brutal operations in part by exploiting natural resources in countries like the Central African Republic and Mali. The United States will continue to target the Wagner Group's revenue streams to degrade its expansion and violence in Africa, Ukraine, and anywhere else," Brian Nelson, Treasury undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in the statement.

The State Department said the sanctions were unrelated to Wagner's short-lived mutiny last weekend against Russian President Vladimir Putin and Moscow's defense leadership for its handling of Russia's war against Ukraine. The sanctions block any assets the companies hold in the U.S. and prohibit them from engaging in new deals in the U.S.

Wagner has fought in Libya, Syria, the Central African Republic, Mali and other countries, and has fought some of the bloodiest battles of the 16-month war in Ukraine, including at Bakhmut. Wagner was founded in 2014 after Russia illegally annexed Ukraine's Crimea Peninsula and started supporting pro-Russia separatists in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region.

The sanctions were imposed on Central African Republic-based Midas Ressources SARLU and Diamville SAU; UAE-based Industrial Resources General Trading; and Russia-based DM, a limited liability company.

Russia's embassy in Washington and Industrial Resources did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Reuters could not immediately reach a spokesperson for Midas Ressources, Diamville or Limited Liability Company DM.

Andrey Nikolayevich Ivanov, a Russian national, was also sanctioned. The Treasury Department accused him of being an executive in the Wagner Group and said he worked closely with senior Malian officials on weapons deals, mining concerns and other Wagner activities in the country.

Some information for this report was provided by Reuters.

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Return of refugees to Syria should not be politicized: President Assad tells UN aid chief

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 27 June 2023 7:41 AM

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad has underlined the need for keeping the issue of the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland out of politics, stressing that Damascus wants their safe repatriation.

Assad made the remarks in a meeting with Martin Griffiths, the UN's undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, in Damascus on Monday, Syria's official news agency SANA reported.

He said that the issue of the refugees' return should be pursued within a humanitarian and moral framework rather than being politicized.

The safe return of the refugees is the prime goal of the Damascus government, he noted, adding that the Syrian state institutions have taken measures to facilitate the process.

Griffiths, for his part, outlined an international plan of action for supporting early recovery projects in Syria and mobilizing efforts on securing the refugees' return.

Nearly six million Syrians, registered by the UN, fled during a foreign-backed campaign of militancy and destruction that began in 2011, most settling in neighboring countries like Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan.

In recent years, however, Syrian government forces, backed by Russia and Iran, have managed to win back control of almost all regions from terrorist groups.

With the restoration of peace in the war-torn Arab country, many Syrians have been returning to their homeland, with the government advancing reconstruction projects.

However, Western media, which have long been fanning the flames of the Syrian conflict, have claimed that the refugees are at risk of being detained and tortured upon their return to Syria.

Also on Monday, Griffiths held talks with Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in Damascus.

The top Syrian diplomat said humanitarian affairs should not be politicized, demanding respect for UN resolutions, as well as Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The UN aid chief, in turn, thanked Syria for cooperation with UN agencies to facilitate humanitarian and relief operations in the country.

West will fail to hamper refugees' return to Syria: Assad

In another development, the Syrian president met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin, during which they discussed Moscow-Damascus relations and cooperation.

Assad asserted that the West will fail to impede Syria's efforts aimed at restoring security and stability in the country.

The Russian official, for his part, emphasized the importance of Syrian-Russian coordination in international forums and joint efforts against terrorism.

He further expressed Moscow's support for Syria to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

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Taiwan military reiterates stance to engage PLA in territorial space

ROC Central News Agency

06/27/2023 01:15 PM

Taipei, June 27 (CNA) Taiwan's military reiterated its stance Tuesday that it will attack Chinese warships and warplanes in a defensive action if they are detected within Taiwan's 12-nautical-mile territorial space.

The comment came after Chinese warplanes were spotted flying close to the airspace under Taipei's control on Saturday for the first time in six months.

According to the Ministry of National Defense (MND), 19 Chinese warplanes were detected around Taiwan from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday, including an unspecified number of J-10 and J-16 fighter jets.

Among the 19, eight breached the median line of the Taiwan Strait and approached the outer boundary of the contiguous zone, which is 24 nautical miles (44.4 kilometers) from Taiwan's shore.

Though the PLA has frequently sent planes and ships in the vicinity of Taiwan and flown over the median line, it rarely sends them near Taipei's contiguous zone, which is about 44 nautical miles from the median line.

The last time it happened was when eight People's Liberation Army (PLA) warplanes were detected approaching the contiguous zone 24 nautical miles from Taiwan's coastline between 6 p.m. Dec. 31, 2022 to 6 a.m. Jan. 1, 2023.

Asked to comment on the PLA's latest incursions and the MND's response on Tuesday, Major General Lin Wen-huang (zcs), who is in charge of planning at the MND, said the nation's armed forces routinely monitor the PLA's military activities around Taiwan.

In particular, the military closely monitors the movements of the PLA's warplanes and warships once they cross the median line and approach the contiguous zone.

"If the PLA side continues to ignore our warnings along the way and force their way into our territorial air space and seas, we will actively strike back to safeguard national security," he pledged.

Though Taiwan's military has always said it would not engage in a "first strike" to avoid giving China an excuse to launch an invasion, Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng (ea) said publicly in March that did not mean the military would not defend its territorial airspace.

Over the past few years, China has changed the status quo of the Taiwan Strait by flying drones, aircraft and balloons near Taiwan's airspace, and the military would take action if PLA ships or planes were spotted within the 12-nautical-mile line, he said.

"Once they are detected within the 12-nautical-mile territorial space, the military will shoot at them," he said during a Legislative session in March.

(By Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/ls

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Military planning anti-takeover drill at Taoyuan Airport on July 26

ROC Central News Agency

06/27/2023 08:18 PM

Taipei, June 27 (CNA) The Taoyuan International Airport will suspend commercial air traffic for one hour on July 26 for an anti-takeover drill, a military source told CNA Tuesday.

The drill, part of the armed forces' annual Han Kuang exercises, will involve members of the Aviation and Special Forces Command and Army Airborne Special Forces posing as invading forces, with ground troops deployed to repel the takeover, the source, who asked to remain anonymous, said.

The exercise has been tentatively set for July 26, the official said, indicating that although the planned air traffic suspension is one hour, the drill is likely to last less than an hour to reduce the inconvenience for air travelers.

All major airlines will be informed of the event, while an international air traffic broadcast will also be issued, the official said.

The anti-aircraft landing drill will be part of the live-fire component of this year's Han Kuang military exercises from July 24-28. It will be the first time this type of drill has been staged in the history of the airport since it opened in 1979, the source said.

(By Matt Yu and Ko Lin)

Enditem/ASG



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Taiwan Pledges to Attack Chinese Military If PLA Forces Enter 12-Mile Zone

Sputnik News

20230627

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Taiwan has reiterated its determination to attack Chinese warships and aircraft if they come within 12 nautical miles of the island, the Taiwan Defense Ministry's combat planning chief Maj. Gen. Lin Wen-huang said on Tuesday.

The Taiwanese Defense Ministry regularly reports on the activity of warships and aircraft of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) near the island. On Saturday, eight Chinese military aircraft crossed the so-called "median line" of the Taiwan Strait and were spotted 24 nautical miles from the island.

"If the PLA side continues to ignore our warnings along the way and force their way into our territorial air space and seas, we will actively strike back to safeguard national security," Lin was quoted as saying by the Taiwanese media.

The report added that it was the first time in six months that Chinese warplanes had approached this close to the island.

Taiwan has been governed independently from mainland China since 1949. Beijing regards the island as its province, while Taiwan maintains that it is an autonomous entity but stops short of declaring independence. Beijing opposes any official foreign contacts with Taipei and regards Chinese sovereignty over the island as indisputable.

The latest escalation around Taiwan took place in April after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Beijing responded by launching massive three-day military drills near the island in what it called a "warning" to Taiwanese separatists and foreign powers.

A Sputnik

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June 27, 2023

Release

Readout of Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Dr. Colin Kahl's Meeting With Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Burak Akcapar

Department of Defense Spokesman Lt. Col. David Herndon provided the following readout:

Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Dr. Colin Kahl met with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Burak Akcapar at the Pentagon, June 23.

The two leaders discussed shared interests in strengthening NATO and reaffirmed commitments to work together as strategic allies. They also discussed the Department of Defense's support to Turkiye's military modernization needs and the importance of welcoming Sweden into NATO immediately.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3440826/

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Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on the intended looting of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra

26 June 2023 20:30

1254-26-06-2023

As it became known from a recently published report of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service, the Kiev authorities are preparing, with support from their Western patrons, an operation to "evacuate" abroad the Christian valuables of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, including the locally preserved relics of Orthodox saints. This flagrant act is yet another instance of Vladimir Zelensky's criminal policy of destroying the traditional foundations of Ukrainian society and the age-old common spiritual bonds between our two peoples. Moreover, this involves not only a banal act of looting of the holy shrine but also the deprivation of the Ukrainian people and the entire Orthodox world of their religious, cultural, and historical heritage. It is clear that the Kiev-based neo-Nazis have no use for the interests of the Ukrainian people and Ukraine itself. To line their pockets, they continue selling the country piece by piece, sending its black soil, grain, people, and even human organs to the West.

The Kiev regime's persecution of priests, monks and parishioners of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church is an important topic of our regular conversations with the heads of the UNESCO Secretariat. Following these exchanges of views, we were given unequivocal assurances that UNESCO was not and would not be involved in the relocation of Orthodox objects of worship from Ukraine and specifically from the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra World Heritage Site. As far as we know, Russian journalists have received identical assurances. Given that it is UNESCO's international prestige that is at stake, we hope that the Secretariat will be as good as its word. For our part, we will continue to monitor the developments.

Unlike the AFU militants, who systematically use religious and cultural sites for military purposes, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation take every possible step to prevent any violations of Russia's obligations under the 1954 UNESCO Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, the 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, and the 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.

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The Conference of Participants of the Register of damage caused by Russia's aggression against Ukraine holds its first meeting

Council of Europe

Secretary General

Strasbourg

27 June 2023



The Conference of Participants of the Register of damage caused by the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine held its constitutive meeting, bringing together the representatives of more than 40 countries.

The Register will serve as a record of evidence and claims for damage, loss or injury caused to all natural and legal persons concerned, as well as the State of Ukraine by Russia's internationally wrongful acts in or against Ukraine. It is a first step towards an international compensation mechanism for victims of this aggression.

"The Register needs to draw from data and information collected at the national level, on the ground, in Ukraine. For coherence, that work needs to be victim-centred too. With common methodology based on Council of Europe standards. That is why the Statute of the Register is clear about the need for a satellite office in Kyiv, and why we will continue to work hand-in-glove with the Ukrainian authorities. Ensuring that our approach is complementary and effective," said the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejcinovic Buric at the opening.

"The perpetrators of war crimes - including the crime of aggression - must be held accountable, and justice should be brought to victims, to survivors, to the families of those who did not survive, and to the state of Ukraine. Our Assembly stressed that justice and comprehensive accountability for the aggression and its consequences cannot be achieved without full reparation for the damage caused to Ukraine and its citizens," said the President of the Parliamentary Assembly Tiny Kox.

"The Register of Damage stands as the most valuable outcome of the Reyjkvaik Summit and today's meeting marks a significant milestone as we begin to make the necessary decisions that will pave the way for its operations. This initiative holds significant potential to bring justice and support to the victims of the Russian aggression, and it underlines our commitment to upholding the principles of human rights, the rule of law and democracy," said Ambassador and Chair of the Ministers' Deputies Janis Karklins, on behalf of the Latvian Presidency.

The conference elected the Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom Sandy Moss as Chair, the Permanent Representative of the Netherlands Tanja Gonggrijp and Emil Ruffer, Director of the Interrnational Law Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, as Vice-Chairs. It also designated Markiyan Kliuchkovskyi (Ukraine) as Executive Director.

To date, forty-three countries and the European Union are participating (as participants or associate members) in the Enlarged Partial Agreement on the Register of Damage established at the Council of Europe Summit in Reyjkavik (16-17 May 2023) and many others have expressed their intention to join.

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Preparatory European Council meeting focused on Ukraine, security and defense

President of the Republic of Lithuania

June 27, 2023

President Gitanas NausAda participated remotely on Tuesday in a preparatory European Council meeting with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.

The video conference was held ahead of the European Council meeting scheduled for June 29-30 in Brussels and focused on support for Ukraine, defense and security, and migration.

The President underlined the importance of reaching an agreement at the EU level on defense and security priorities in the run-up to the NATO Summit in Vilnius. According to Gitanas NausAda, it is necessary to increase EU defense capabilities and expand EU-NATO cooperation. The President also stressed the importance of military mobility and urged his EU colleagues to give greater emphasis to this issue.

On support for Ukraine, the President said that European financial and military assistance is critically important at this time. According to Gitanas NausAda, it is essential to project further assistance to Ukraine via the European Peace Facility and to agree on a long-term support plan that will enable Ukraine to continue fighting against the aggressor Russia. The President pointed out that Ukraine's Euro-integration needs to move forward and, depending on its progress in delivering reforms, accession negotiations should start this year.

"Even in wartime, Ukraine is making efforts to reform. They have already achieved considerable progress on the path to Euro-integration. Ukraine is Europe, and we need to provide it with all the necessary support and take all the necessary decisions to start negotiations by the end of this year," the President said.

Gitanas NausAda also stressed that at their next meeting European leaders must agree on further tightening the sanctions policy against Russia and launching the 12th package of sanctions.

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EU boosts military funding to Ukraine

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:09, June 27, 2023

BRUSSELS, June 26 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) member states on Monday adopted a decision to boost a fund used to support military aid in Ukraine.

It was announced by Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

"This is already the second increase of the European Peace Facility funding since its creation in 2021," said Borrell.

According to Borrell, the fund will be boosted by 3.5 billion euros (3.8 billion U.S. dollars).

"Ukraine remains our No.1 priority," Borrell tweeted after the decision was adopted.

One month ago, EU defense ministers failed to reach an agreement on this second increase in budget. (1 euro = 1.09 U.S. dollars)

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US to pour another $500 million worth of weapons into Ukraine war

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 27 June 2023 4:20 PM

The United States has planned to send a new shipment of weapons worth hundreds of millions of dollars to Ukraine.

This is the forty-first US shipment of military aid to Kiev since Moscow started its special military operation in Donbas in February 2022.

"Today, the Biden-Harris administration is announcing a new security assistance package for Ukraine, as we continue to stand with the people of Ukraine," White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Olivia Dalton said on Tuesday.

The US administration announced its plan to send up to $500 million in military aid to Ukraine.

The new shipment will reportedly include more than 50 armored vehicles (Bradley and Stryker vehicles) in addition to various kinds of missiles for the High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and the Patriot air defense systems.

The shipment will also include Javelin and high-speed anti-radiation (HARM) missiles, demolition munitions, obstacle-clearing equipment and a wide range of artillery rounds and other ammunition.

The US military aid is aimed at bolstering Ukraine's forces in its massive counteroffensive, which started early this month, yet failed to make significant advancement on the front line.

Since the beginning of the Ukraine war, US media has regularly reported on the weapons shipments sent by the United States to beef up Kiev's fighting forces, with other NATO members delivering tens of billions in military aid, as well.

By January, the United States and its allies had provided Ukraine with over 100 million rounds of small arms ammunition, over a million rounds of artillery shells, and over 100,000 tank rounds.

In the meantime, the Pentagon's policy chief claimed that the United States military aid to Ukraine in its war with Russia has placed the country's arms industry under strain.

"The effort to assist the Ukrainians has put stress" on the country's arms industry, said Colin Kahl, under-Secretary of Defense for Policy at a NATO Youth Summit in early June.

Meanwhile, due to the nonstop supply of arms to Ukraine, China has placed the blame on the West for the ongoing war against Russia.

"If we really want to stop war, save lives and achieve peace, we should stop sending weapons to the battlefield," Chinese Special Envoy for Eurasian Affairs Li Hui told reporters in Beijing on June 2.

Russia also sees the flooding of Ukraine with weapons from the West as a futile effort to change the outcome of the war. Moscow says supplying Kiev with more weapons will only add to the death and destruction.

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UN Says Russia Executed Dozens Of Ukrainian Civilians Since Invasion, As Zelenskiy Upbeat On Counteroffensive

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service June 27, 2023

Russia has executed at least 77 Ukrainian civilians since its massive invasion of its western neighbor in February 2022, according to a report by the United Nations monitoring mission in Ukraine issued on June 27.

In all, Russia detained at least 864 civilians in the areas it has occupied, the report found. The monitoring mission documented 178 cases in detail, finding that more than 90 percent of those detainees had been tortured.

Ukrainian forces detained 75 civilians, more than half of whom were subjected to torture or ill-treatment, according to the report.

Moscow, which has denied its forces have committed war crimes or targeted civilians despite compelling evidence to the contrary, did not cooperate with the UN investigation.

The report came as eight regions in eastern and central Ukraine declared an air-raid alert on June 27. Following the alert, the sound of explosions was heard in Kremenchuk, in the Poltava region, and in Sumy, regional officials reported, without giving details.

Russia has intensified almost-daily misisle and drone strikes on Ukraine over the past week as Kyiv kicked off its long-anticipated counteroffensive.

On June 26, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed optimism about the counteroffensive, describing the day in his nightly video address as a "happy day."

"Our soldiers, our advanced positions, are active in all directions at the front," he said. "Today, in all directions, our soldiers advanced, and it is a happy day. I wish the boys more days like this."

Earlier in the day, Zelenskiy visited troops fighting in the eastern part of the country, handing out medals and posing for selfies. It was unclear exactly where the visit took place, but Zelenskiy's office said he met units of the Khortytsia operational-strategic group in the Donetsk region.

In his video address, Zelenskiy said he met with military commanders and made "several operational decisions" based on the discussions. One decision was the creation of a marine corps, he said.

"We are strengthening the marines and all elements of our defense forces," he said. "This is a must."

In its daily briefing early on June 27, the Ukrainian General Staff said 38 clashes had taken place in the previous 24 hours, mainly in the areas of Lyman, Bakhmut, and Maryinka in the western part of the Donetsk region.

The military also reported carrying out air strikes against Russian positions in the southern Zaporizhzhya and Kherson regions.

Ukraine has been making some advances since launching a counteroffensive earlier in the month. Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar said on June 26 that both offensive and defensive operations were being conducted and the military had had some "tactical success."

The head of the Zaporizhzhya military administration, Yuriy Malashko, reported on June 27 that one civilian was killed and several injured by Russian shelling that struck 15 settlements in the region.

The head of the Donetsk military administration, Pavlo Kyrylenko, also reported that a civilian had been killed by Russian shelling in the settlement of Noviy Komar.

RFE/RL was not able to independently verify battlefield reports.

The New York Times reported on June 26 that U.S. officials were becoming concerned that the initial phase of the Ukrainian counteroffensive was proceeding too slowly. Russian forces, which have been entrenching for months, have proven successful at replenishing cleared minefields.

Zelenskiy told the newspaper the counteroffensive was not "a Hollywood movie," adding that "we will advance on the battlefield the way we deem best."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-zelenskiy-progress- counteroffensive/32477525.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.

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Zelenskiy Hands Out Awards To Ukrainian Troops On Front Line

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service June 27, 2023

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on June 26 handed out awards and posed for selfies with troops who are along the front line in Ukraine, saying it was an honor to be with them and shake their hands.

"Thank you for protecting Ukraine, fighting for our independence and freedom -- freedom for each and every one of us. Keep yourselves. Save your life -- save Ukraine," the president said in one of several videos posted on Telegram.

One video showed Zelenskiy handing out awards and viewing maps with Oleksandr Syrskiy, the commander of Ukraine's ground forces. Another showed him alongside troops in a queue at a gas station counter and then posing for photos with the soldiers and women working at the gas station.

"The roads of Donetsk region, gas station, communication with our warriors. Thank you for everything you do for Ukraine! Thank you for protection! I wish you all good health and good luck in battle!" he said in a text accompanying the video.

The president's office did not say when Zelenskiy made the visit but said that in Donetsk he had met units of the Khortytsia operational-strategic group, including soldiers who have fought in the Bakhmut sector, where they distinguished themselves in heavy battles.

"I wish you health and only victory. Ukraine is proud of each of you. You are great, strong, our true Ukrainians," he said, referring to the group.

Another video showed Zelenskiy, dressed in his trademark military style T-shirt, addressing troops.

He said it was "very important" for him to visit the frontline positions of Ukrainian troops in the Berdyansk direction, singling out the third battalion of the Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytskiy Separate Presidential Brigade.

Ukraine says it has been making advances this month since launching a counteroffensive, but Russian forces still hold swaths of Ukrainian territory following their full-scale invasion in February 2022.

A spokesman for the press center of Ukraine's defense forces said separately that Ukrainian troops had advanced 1 1/2 kilometers near Melitopol.

"As a result of systemic pressure, the defense forces of the Tavria direction have succeeded and advanced 1 1/2 kilometers deep into the territories captured by the enemy," military spokesman Valeriy Shershen said.

Ukrainian troops are entrenched there and aerial reconnaissance of the area and demining has been carried out, he said, adding that artillery is working on detected enemy targets.

Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar reported earlier on June 26 that during the past week in the east, Ukrainian troops conducted both defensive and offensive actions and had tactical success. Ukrainian forces continue the offensive operation in the Melitopol and Berdyansk directions, she said.

It was not possible to independently verify the battlefield claims.

With reporting by Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-zelenskiy-visits- frontline-troops/32477426.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.

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Indonesian Defense Minister Says Jakarta Ready to Mediate Ukraine Conflict Settlement

Sputnik News

20230627

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Indonesia is ready to mediate the settlement of the Ukraine conflict between Kiev and Moscow and continues to provide feasible suggestions, Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto has said.

"With the consent of both parties, we are willing to mediate the conflict. We keep endeavoring to provide feasible suggestions," Subianto was quoted as saying by the local news agency after a meeting with President Joko Widodo on Monday.

The defense minister also said that Indonesia fully respected international provisions and that the country's foreign policy was "crystal clear."

"We strive to maintain friendly relationships with all parties and we are consistently trying to be a mediator," Subianto added.

In early June, Indonesia proposed a peace plan for the Ukrainian conflict that would create a demilitarized zone similar to the one between North and South Korea. Jakarta also suggested that the United Nations organize a referendum in the disputed territories to ascertain objectively the wish of their residents, adding that Indonesia was ready to provide military observers and units under the UN peacekeeping auspices.

A Sputnik

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Sweden, Bulgaria Announce New Aid Packages for Ukraine

Sputnik News

20230627

MOSCOW, (Sputnik) - The European countries continue to expand support for Ukraine despite warnings from the Russian side that it only exacerbates the conflict.

Sweden has adopted a new humanitarian aid package for Ukraine worth $35.5 million to meet the most urgent needs of the population, the Swedish government stated.

"The government is allocating a new package of humanitarian and recovery aid for Ukraine. The package worth 380 million Swedish kronor [$35.5 million] aims to meet the most urgent needs and highlights the important role of civil society organizations," the government said in a statement.

Earlier in June, the Swedish government approved the 11th package of military aid to Ukraine worth 250 million Swedish kronor, which includes, among other things, training of Ukrainian pilots on Swedish JAS Gripen multirole fighter aircraft.

Bulgaria had also adopted a new military aid package for Ukraine, the Bulgarian government announced.

In early November 2022, the Bulgarian parliament approved arms deliveries to Ukraine. In December, a military aid agreement between the defense ministries of both countries was ratified by the Bulgarian parliament.

"The council of ministers has adopted a new package of military and military-technical assistance for Ukraine pursuant to the decision by the National Assembly on December 9, 2022. The approved list is commensurate in volume with the first package," the government's press service said in a statement.

The military assistance to Ukraine would not violate the standards of the Bulgarian armed forces or undermine their combat-readiness, the statement read.

Although the composition of the first package was classified, Bulgarian Telegraph Agency reported in early December that it included small arms and ammunition.

Russia has been conducting the special military operation in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted that any cargo that contains weapons for Ukraine will become a legitimate target for Russia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov pointed out that pumping Ukraine with Western weapons does not contribute to the success of Russian-Ukrainian negotiations and will have a negative effect.

A Sputnik

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Every manifestation of terror proves to the whole world that Russia deserves only defeat and a tribunal - address by the President of Ukraine

President of Ukraine

27 June 2023 - 23:11

Fellow Ukrainians!

Exactly on the anniversary of the Russian terrorists' attack on Kremenchuk, on the shopping mall, when 22 people were killed, Russian savages again fired missiles at the Kremenchuk district.

Today, Russian terrorists also brutally shelled Kramatorsk. S-300 missiles. Three people were killed, including a child. My condolences to the families and friends. As of this hour, more than 40 people are wounded. Assistance is being provided to all. The rubble is being cleared.

Each such manifestation of terror proves over and over again to us and to the whole world that Russia deserves only one thing as a result of everything it has done - defeat and a tribunal, fair and legal trials against all Russian murderers and terrorists.

And I thank again and again everyone in the world who supports Ukraine and helps protect our people!

Today we have a new defense package from the United States for our warriors. Armored vehicles and ammunition for Patriots, Stingers and HIMARS. Additional shells for our artillery. I thank Mr. President Biden, the Congress, both parties, and all Americans!

I spoke with Mr. Prime Minister of Norway. I thanked him for the support provided - defense, economic, and political. It is very significant! I informed him about my trip yesterday to the frontline, to our warriors, about our current defense capabilities. I voiced some of our military needs. We also discussed the creation of a fighter jet coalition. A separate topic in the conversation was the upcoming NATO Summit in Vilnius. I am grateful to Norway for its understanding!

Today, I also held a special meeting with our international experts - the Office and the government - to discuss preparations for the Vilnius Summit. I am confident that the decisions of the summit can be positive for Ukraine! We are doing everything possible for this and have engaged all of Ukraine's international capabilities.

And, of course, the frontline. Our heroes, our active actions. Today, we also have advancement! In all directions where we are conducting offensive operations. Thank you, warriors! Today we have important results in repelling Russian assaults. I am very grateful to you!

Today, I would like to pay special tribute to the glorious 3rd separate assault brigade, the strong 28th separate mechanized brigade, the heroic 54th separate mechanized brigade and the tough 57th separate motorized infantry brigade. I thank all of you, warriors! Well done!

Thank you for every occupier destroyed and every Ukrainian life saved!

Glory to our heroes! Thank you to everyone in the world who is not afraid of Russian terrorists and is restoring security in the world together with us!

Glory to Ukraine!

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone call with the Prime Minister of Norway

President of Ukraine

27 June 2023 - 20:31

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone call with Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr StAre.

The Head of State thanked the Prime Minister for the unwavering political, economic and defense support for Ukraine, particularly for the latest package of military assistance and Norway's contribution to the coalition of fighter jets for our country.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy briefed Jonas Gahr StAre on his recent trip to the frontline positions of Ukrainian troops in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, spoke about the current situation on the battlefield and the daily steps to de-occupy Ukrainian territory.

The President conveyed information on some of the defense needs of the Ukrainian army, in particular, artillery weapons.

The parties coordinated their positions on the eve of the NATO Summit in Vilnius. Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited Jonas Gahr StAre to visit Ukraine.

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Ukrainian Peace Formula is a guarantee of sustainable and just peace in Ukraine and the world - Ihor Zhovkva in a conversation with the Advisor to the Prime Minister of Spain

President of Ukraine

27 June 2023 - 10:34

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva had a phone call with National Security Advisor, Diplomatic Advisor to the Prime Minister of Spain Emma Aparici.

Ihor Zhovkva informed the interlocutor of the results of consultations held in Copenhagen between national security advisors and political advisors to the leaders of the Group of Seven, the EU, the Global South and Ukraine.

"The discussion of modalities for holding the Global Peace Summit on the implementation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Peace Formula is ongoing. It is the key to achieving sustainable and just peace in Ukraine and the world. We are grateful to a significant number of countries for their willingness to join its practical implementation, in particular, by hosting the Global Peace Summit," the Deputy Head of the Presidential Office emphasized.

The parties agreed to intensify joint efforts to expand the number of participating states in the next consultations in this format.

Special attention was paid to Spain's Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2023.

"There are all prerequisites for Spain's presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2023 to become a historic one. We hope that Spain's support and leadership on the European continent, backed by Ukraine's success in rapprochement with the EU, will result in an invitation for Ukraine to start negotiations with the EU at the end of this year," said Ihor Zhovkva.

The parties also discussed Ukraine's expectations from the upcoming NATO Summit in Vilnius. The Deputy Head of the Office of the President emphasized that its key result should be the provision of a clear perspective for Ukraine's membership in the Alliance as soon as circumstances allow, as well as reliable security guarantees for the transition period.

The diplomatic advisors also exchanged views on contacts between the leaders of Spain and Ukraine in the near future.

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UN: Hundreds of Civilians Arbitrarily Detained in Ukraine, Most by Russia

By Lisa Schlein June 27, 2023

A blistering new report by the U.N. human rights office shows that nobody in Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine is without fault and that Ukrainian civilians have been arbitrarily detained by both warring parties, but that the Russian Federation is guilty of most of the crimes and cases of abuse.

The report, which was issued Tuesday, covers a 15-month period from Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, to May 2023. The documented material is based on 1,136 interviews with victims, witnesses and others, 274 site visits and 70 visits to official places of detention run by Ukrainian authorities.

Authors of the report note that Ukraine gave them "unimpeded confidential access" to official places of detention and detainees, with one exception. They say "the Russian Federation did not grant us such access, despite our requests."

The report documents more than 900 cases of arbitrary detention of civilians, including children, and elderly people. It says the majority of these a 864 cases a were perpetrated by the Russian Federation, "many of which amounted to enforced disappearances."

Matilda Bogner heads the U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. Speaking from Uzhhorod in western Ukraine, she said her team did not document any cases of arbitrary detention committed by the mercenary Wagner Group because "they do work under the overall control of the army in Russia."

She noted a previous report published in March had documented cases of arbitrary detention, torture and ill treatment and executions of prisoners of war by the Wagner Group. She added, "None of these cases related to civilian detainees."

The report documents the summary execution of 77 civilians while they were arbitrarily detained by the Russian Federation.

Bogner said, "It is a war crime to execute a civilian after detention. It is also a gross violation of international human rights law.

"In terms of the 77 public executions, I could not say that it is the tip of the iceberg. I think we have documented a large number of them," she said. "Clearly, we have not documented them all, but I do not think that there are thousands and thousands of cases that we are not aware of."

She pointed out that the human rights mission had not documented any summary executions of civilian detainees by the Ukrainian forces.

The report says civilians detained by the Russian authorities in territories under their occupation were perceived as supporters of Ukraine. It says they were held incommunicado, often in deplorable conditions.

The report accuses the Russian armed forces and other authorities of having "engaged in widespread torture and ill-treatment of civilian detainees" and in some cases of subjecting them to sexual violence. It said that torture was used to force victims who were detained in Russian-occupied territory to confess to helping Ukrainian armed forces.

The U.N. monitors have documented 75 cases of arbitrary detention by Ukrainian security forces, "mostly of people suspected of conflict-related offenses." They note that many of these cases also amounted to enforced disappearances.

The monitors documented that "over half of those arbitrarily detained were subjected to torture or ill-treatment by Ukrainian security forces." Most of these cases, they say, occurred while people were being interrogated after their arrest.

Authors of the report deplore the lack of accountability for these crimes and the failure of Russian authorities to investigate allegations of arbitrary detention and abuse of civilians by Russian armed forces.

They criticize a law approved by the Russian parliament that would potentially exempt from criminal liability perpetrators of international crimes in occupied regions of Ukraine, "if they are committed to protect the interests of the Russian Federation."

The report notes the Ukrainian government has convicted 23 people, including 19 in absentia, on allegations of civilian detentions by the Russian Federation.

It says, however, "We are not aware of any completed criminal investigations by Ukrainian authorities into its own security forces for such violations."

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NEW ORLEANS, June 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC (KSF) and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until August 7, 2023 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against SentinelOne, Inc. (NYSE: S), if they purchased the Companys securities between June 1, 2022 and June 1, 2023, inclusive (the Class Period). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.



What You May Do

If you purchased securities of SentinelOne and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-s/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by August 7, 2023 .

About the Lawsuit

SentinelOne and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On June 1, 2023, the Company disclosed that [a]s a result of a change in methodology and correction of historical inaccuracieswe made a one-time adjustment to ARR of $27.0 million or approximately 5% of total ARR and that the Company had slashed its fiscal year 2024 revenue guidance from a range of $631 million to $640 million to a range of $590 million to $600 million, due to the discovery of historical upsell and renewal recording inaccuracies relating to ARR on certain subscription and consumption contracts, which are now corrected.

On this news, shares of SentinelOne fell $7.28 per share, or more than 35%, to close at $13.44 per share on June 2, 2023.

The case is Johansson v. SentinelOne, Inc., et al., No. 23-cv-02786.

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 http://ksfcounsel.com/.

Contact:
Dublin, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Contract Manufacturing Outsourcing (CMO) of Sterile Injectable Drugs Market Report 2022-2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The market will surpass US$22.3 billion in 2023



Rising Demand for Outsourcing Drug Manufacturing by Pharmaceutical Companies to Boost Market Growth



Over the last few decades, contract manufacturing organisations (CMOs) have evolved as a viable alternative to pharmaceutical businesses' in-house research and production departments. Contract manufacturing organisations (CMOs) are proven to be a successful business model as they become more integrated into pharmaceutical firms' value chains.

Despite the fact that the sector as a whole is expanding, many CMOs are encountering new obstacles. As a result of growing expenses, constantly improving technology, and a surge in mergers and acquisitions, competition in this sector has intensified. As a result of these considerations, organisations must decide what actions they might take to defend or improve their position.



Manufacturing costs are much lower in the Asia-Pacific area than in North America and Europe, and favourable laws are fuelling the rise of the CMO business. Despite the fact that API manufacturing services have mostly shifted to China and India, the United States remains the major site for pharmaceutical development outsourcing.

Several reasons contribute to this predicament, including the abundance of funding and the concentration of pharmaceutical research hubs in universities. Pharmaceutical development in poor countries is also unfavourable owing to quality difficulties, logistical constraints, and legal challenges.



Market Growth is Hindered by Growing Competition from Small Manufacturers



The market's discontinuance is considered in the perspective of the whole evaluation process for product lifespan and market viability. Drug discontinuation is defined as authorised products that are removed from the market or withdrawn for reasons other than safety or efficacy and are never again discontinued, marketed, exported, or used in the military. The possibility for a pharmaceutical corporation to pull a medicine from the market can have serious effects, including financial losses, loss of goodwill, and disrupted therapeutic research.



The consumer product literature contains well-developed dominating pricing methods, particularly skimming and penetration pricing. Pharmaceutical items use the same market-dynamic pricing mechanisms as other products. According to the current market study, the primary factor determining a product's pricing is a larger therapeutic benefit.

The greater the clinical benefit over previously accessible medications on the market, the higher the initial price of the product. If the sterile injectables medication product's life cycle was not extended, this incident might result in significant losses for the corporation and, finally, product termination.



What Questions Should You Ask before Buying a Market Research Report?

How is the CMO of Sterile Injectable Drugs market evolving?

What is driving and restraining the CMO of Sterile Injectable Drugs market?

How will each CMO of Sterile Injectable Drugs submarket segment grow over the forecast period and how much revenue will these submarkets account for in 2032?

How will the market shares for each CMO of Sterile Injectable Drugs submarket develop from 2022 to 2032?

What will be the main driver for the overall market from 2022 to 2032?

Will leading CMO of Sterile Injectable Drugs markets broadly follow the macroeconomic dynamics, or will individual national markets outperform others?

How will the market shares of the national markets change by 2032 and which geographical region will lead the market in 2032?

Who are the leading players and what are their prospects over the forecast period?

What are the CMO of Sterile Injectable Drugs projects for these leading companies?

How will the industry evolve during the period between 2022 and 2032? What are the implications of CMO of Sterile Injectable Drugs projects taking place now and over the next 10 years?

Is there a greater need for product commercialisation to further scale the CMO of Sterile Injectable Drugs market?

Where is the CMO of Sterile Injectable Drugs market heading and how can you ensure you are at the forefront of the market?

What are the best investment options for new product and service lines?

What are the key prospects for moving companies into a new growth path and C-suite?

Market Dynamics



Market Driving Factors

Growing Focus on Development to Treat Cancer

Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases

Rapid FDA Approvals of Sterile Injectable Drugs to Fuel Market Growth

As Manufacturers Invest in New Manufacturing Facilities, The Demand for Sterile Injectables is Expected to Rise

Increasing Demand for Biologicals is Expected to Drive the Demand

Market Restraining Factors

Growing Competition from Small Manufacturers

High Operational Costs

Inadequate Healthcare Infrastructure Across Developing Economies Challenging Market Growth

Market Opportunities

Prefilled Syringes to Offer Lucrative Growth Prospects

Growing Investments

Expanding Clinical Trial Opportunities in the Asia Pacific Region

Market Challenges

Disruption of Clinical Trials Due to Pandemic Breakout

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

Porter's Five Forces Analysis

PEST Analysis

Leading companies and the potential for market growth

Adare Pharma Solutions

Aenova Group

Almac Group

Avara Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

Baxter International Inc.

Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH

Catalent, Inc.

CordenPharma

Eli Lilly and Company

Evonik Industries AG

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd

FAMAR Health Care Services

Fresenius Kabi Ag

Grifols SA

Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC

Jubilant Pharmova Limited

Lonza

Nexus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Patheon, Inc. (Thermo Fischer)

Pfizer CentreOne

Recipharm AB

Siegfried Holding AG

Segments Covered in the Report

Molecule Type

Small Molecule

Large Molecule

Type

Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs)

Cytokines

Insulin

Peptide Hormones

Vaccines

Immunoglobulins

Blood Factors

Peptide Antibiotics

Others

Application

Cancer

Diabetes

Cardiovascular diseases

CNS

Infectious

Others

Container Type

Bottles

Ampoules

Vials

Prefilled syringes

Bags

Route of Administration

Subcutaneous (SC)

Intravenous (IV)

Intramuscular (IM)

Others

North America

U.S.

Canada

Europe

Germany

UK

France

Spain

Italy

Russia

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

China

Japan

India

Australia

South Korea

Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

Brazil

Mexico

Rest of Latin America

MEA

GCC

South Africa

Rest of MEA

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/1cz8bo

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
New York, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Wi-Fi 7 Market by Offering, Location Type, Application, Vertical And Region - Global Forecast to 2030" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06471033/?utm_source=GNW





"By hardware, system on chip segment to hold the largest market size during the forecast period."

SoC stands for System on a Chip.It is a type of integrated circuit (IC) that integrates all or most components of a computer or other electronic system on a single chip.



SoCs are used in various devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, wearables, and smart home devices.The introduction of Wi-Fi 7 has led chipmakers to make new chipsets that would support Wi-Fi that would be cost-effective, interoperable, and easily integrate with all kinds of devices that offer Wi-Fi technology.



SoC are essential Wi-Fi 7 components as the production of many devices as it is an integral part of Routers, Gateway, Modems, Access Point, smartphones, laptops, to support Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. Since the inception of this technology, SoC companies started designing and producing these chipsets, which are used in almost all Wi-Fi-related hardware products that support wide applications such as Cloud-based gaming, IoT, Video Streaming, smartphones, laptops, and industrial applications.



Based on vertical, healthcare and life sciences segment is expected to register the fastest growth rate during the forecast period.

Wi-Fi 7 and other wireless technologies are assisting and contributing to the healthcare industry in a variety of ways.Wi-Fi 7 helps to connect medical devices to the internet, allowing healthcare providers to supervise patients vaguely.



This can help to improve patient care and reduce costs.Wi-Fi 7 can provide telehealth services, allowing patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely.



This can make healthcare more accessible to patients who live in rural areas or who have difficulty traveling.A study by the American Hospital Association found that telemedicine saved hospitals an average of $1,200 per patient.



Wi-Fi 7 helps to control surgical robots, which can help surgeons to perform more precise and accurate surgeries. It can also be used to collect data from medical devices and wearables, which can be used to improve medical research. A study by the National Institutes of Health found that using surgical robots can help reduce the risk of complications in surgery.

"Asia Pacific to register the highest growth rate during the forecast period."

In Asia, the development and uptake of wireless technology has been nothing short of spectacular.Asia has quickly advanced from being a wireless addition to the worlds innovation and adoption leader in just a few short decades.



A variety of causes has facilitated this quick rise.The scale of the Asian market is just one factor.



Moreover, half of the worlds population, or more than 4.5 billion people, live in Asia. This creates a sizable potential market for wireless services and has assisted in lowering costs and increasing the accessibility of wireless technology for all users. People have had more money as their earnings have increased to spend on luxuries like cellular services. This has caused the demand for wireless products and services to soar, which in turn has encouraged innovation and investment in the wireless industry. Finally, the development of the wireless industry has been significantly aided by the Asian government.



Breakdown of primaries

The study contains insights from various industry experts, from solution vendors to Tier 1 companies. The break-up of the primaries is as follows:

 By Company Type: Tier 1  35%, Tier 2  39%, and Tier 3  26%

 By Designation: C-level 25%, D-level  35%, and Others  40%

 By Region: North America  35%, Europe  20%, Asia Pacific  44%, and Rest of World- 1%.

The major players in the Wi-Fi 7 market Qualcomm (US), Broadcom (US), TP-Link (China), ZTE (China), Mediatek (Taiwan), Keysight Technologies (US), MaxLinear (US), Huawei (China), Commscope (US), Vantiva (France), LitePoint (US), Rohde & Schwarz (Germany), Intel (US), HFCL (India), Netgear (US), SDMC Technology (China), Senscomm Semiconductor (China), H3C (China), VVDN Technologies (India), Actiontec Electronics (US), ADB Global (Switzerland), Ruijie Networks (China), and Edgewater Wireless Systems (Canada). These players have adopted various growth strategies, such as partnerships, agreements and collaborations, new product launches, enhancements, and acquisitions to expand their footprint in the Wi-Fi 7 market.



Research Coverage

The market study covers the Wi-Fi 7 market size across different segments.It aims at estimating the market size and the growth potential across different segments, including offerings (hardware, solutions, and services), location type, application, vertical and region.



The study includes an in-depth competitive analysis of the leading market players, their company profiles, key observations related to product and business offerings, recent developments, and market strategies.



Key Benefits of Buying the Report

The report will help the market leaders/new entrants with information on the closest approximations of the global Wi-Fi 7 markets revenue numbers and subsegments.This report will help stakeholders understand the competitive landscape and gain more insights to position their businesses better and to plan suitable go-to-market strategies.



Moreover, the report will provide insights for stakeholders to understand the markets pulse and provide them with information on key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities.



The report provides insights on the following pointers:

Analysis of key drivers (The rising adoption of Internet of Things, Mitigation of network traffic and interference offered by Wi-Fi 7, Increasing focus on the quality of experience (QoE) for end users, and Growing demand for data-intensive, low-latency applications and use cases due to pandemic-driven lifestyle changes), restraints (high costs of installation and stringent government data regulations and guidelines), opportunities (deployment of OpenRoaming and Passpoint technology gathering pace, Wi-Fi 7 to offer key area of investment for new connectivity technologies, and growing adoption of 5G technology), and challenges (high probability of spectrum congestion) influencing the growth of the Wi-Fi 7 market.Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming technologies, research & development activities, and new product & service launches in the Wi-Fi 7 market.



Market Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative markets  the report analyses the Wi-Fi 7 market across various regions.Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products & services, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the Wi-Fi 7 market.



Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market shares, growth strategies and service offerings of leading players Qualcomm (US), Broadcom (US), TP-Link (China), ZTE (China), Mediatek (Taiwan), Keysight Technologies (US), MaxLinear (US), Huawei (China), Commscope (US), Vantiva (France), LitePoint (US), Rohde & Schwarz (Germany), Intel (US), HFCL (India), Netgear (US), SDMC Technology (China), Senscomm Semiconductor (China), H3C (China), VVDN Technologies (India), Actiontec Electronics (US), ADB Global (Switzerland), Ruijie Networks (China), and Edgewater Wireless Systems (Canada).

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06471033/?utm_source=GNW



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New York, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PHI Group, Inc. (n/k/a Philux Global Group Inc., www.philuxglobal.com, PHIL ), is pleased to announce that the Company has signed a Business Cooperation Agreement with Saphia Alkali JSC, a Vietnamese joint stock company (https://kiemsaphia.com/), to cooperate in financing, manufacturing, selling and distributing Saphia Alkalis proprietary alkali products on a worldwide basis.



According to the agreement, the companies have incorporated Sapphire Alkali Global Group, a Wyoming corporation, Registration ID 2023-001291498, as the parent company to implement this Business Cooperation Agreement. Philux Global Group and its affiliates will be responsible for providing three hundred million U.S. dollars towards this enterprise and will hold forty percent of ownership in Sapphire Alkali Global Group whereas Sapphire Alkali JSC will hold the remaining sixty percent.

Saphia Alkali JSCs solutions are 100% herbal alkalis, undergoing proprietary activated technologies, formed in the form of natural compounds with high alkalinity in material form with a pH level reaching 13 +/- 1, and very rich in natural compositions, plant antibiotics, minerals, microbes, and vitamins.

The most powerful strengths of Saphia Alkali JSCs herbal alkalis are the abilities to neutralize excess acid in the body, to restore balance in the body in a short period of time, and to aid in the healing of damaged cells in the body.

Furthermore, Saphia Alkalis herbal alkalis contain a variety of medicinal substances, including natural compounds and high plant antibiotics such as Glycosides, Flavonoids, Terpenoids, Saponins, and others, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling properties within the body.

Current Saphia Alkali JSCs reputable healthcare products include:

Saphia Alkali Balance: a health supplement that aids in the treatment of metabolic disorders and imbalances in the body. Suitable for thin people, people with poor resistance, or in early stage of catching diseases.

Saphia Alkali DD: a health supplement that aids in the regeneration of healthy tissues and healing of gastrointestinal ulcers such as: antral inflammation, gastric ulcer, gastric congestion, etc.

Saphia Alkali GT: a health supplement that has the following effects: detoxifying the liver, reducing rashes, urticaria due to internal heat, reducing liver enzymes, eliminating kidney toxicity, reducing nocturia, cramps, improving physiological ability, and increasing vitality.

Saphia Alkali TG: a health supplement that effectively enhances resistance, detoxifies, and protects liver and kidney functions.

Saphia Alkali UB: a health supplement that protects the immune system and enhances the resistance of patients. It aids in reducing tumor size and balancing alkaline and acid environment in the body.

Saphia Alkali X300 (Saphia Alkali D-REVIE X300): a reputable health supplement that effectively supports antioxidant capacity, enhances health, helps improve resistance, and reduces fatigue. It helps limit the harmful effects of oxidation.

Saphia Alkali XK: a health supplement that has proven to elliviate osteoarthritis pain, arthritis, regenerate damaged cartilage bone cells, and slow down the process of aging and osteoarthritis.

Besides these and other healthcare-related products, Saphia Alkali JSC has also developed successful solutions for agriculture, aquaculture, and environment using its proprietary activated alkali technonogies.

Mrs. Dung Phuong Nguyen, Saphia Alkali JSCs Chairperson and Inventor, stated: We are very pleased to have Philux Global Group as our partner in this exciting journey ahead to bring healing, well-being and benefits to many people. Our herbal alkaline water is not an usual alkaline water, it carries the prayer of its inventor, wishing peace and health to everyone.

Mr. Henry Fahman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PHI Group, Inc., concurred: We are delighted to partner with Mrs. Dung Phuong Nguyen and Saphia Alkali JSC to make the products of their love and labor available to people that are in need in many parts of the world.

About Saphia Alakali JSC

Saphia Alkali JSC is a Vietnam-based joint stock company (https://kiemsaphia.com/) engaged in the research and producion of herbs, functional foods and natural compounds from biotechnologically activated 100% from nature. In addition to its applications in the pharmaceutical industry, Saphia Alkali JSCs proprietary activated alkalis are used as raw materials for factories producing pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, biocides, food preservation, etc., that are 100% safe. The Company has successfully created products for healthcare, agriculture, aquaculture and the environment.

About PHI Group

PHI Group (n/k/a Philux Global Group Inc., www.phiglobal.com, PHIL ) primarily focuses on Philux Global Funds, a group of Luxembourg bank funds organized as Reserved Alternative Investment Fund (RAIF) (www.philuxfunds.com), and building the Asia Diamond Exchange (ADE) in Vietnam. The Company also engages in mergers and acquisitions and invests in attractive businesses that have large, growing market potential and select special situations that may substantially enhance long-term shareholder value.

Safe Harbor Act and Forward-looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as may, future, plan or planned, will or should, expected, anticipates, draft, eventually or projected, which are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors.

Contact:

Philux Global Group Inc., (f/k/a PHI Group, Inc.)

Email: info@philuxglobal.com

Phone: +1-714-793-2977
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Integra Resources Corp. (Integra or the Company) (TSXV: ITR; NYSE American: ITRG) is pleased to announce results for the maiden Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) and updated resource estimate for each of the Wildcat Project (Wildcat) and Mountain View Project (Mountain View) (together, Wildcat & Mountain View) located in western Nevada. The PEA demonstrates the potential for a low-cost, high-margin, heap leach gold-silver operation with a phased development and production strategy and robust economics. The average annual production of Wildcat & Mountain View and the DeLamar Project on a combined basis is expected to exceed 200kozs of gold equivalent (AuEq), demonstrating one of the largest heap leach production profiles among precious metal developers in the Great Basin.



The Company will host a PEA focused webinar on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at 8:00am PST/11:00am EST. The webinar will feature a presentation from Integras President, CEO and Director, Jason Kosec, as well as a live Q&A session. A recording of the webinar will be available on Integras corporate website. To register for the webinar, please use the following link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qTXgGycAQLOBbTxXBN2B6A

Wildcat & Mountain View PEA Highlights:

After-tax NPV(5%) of US$309.6 million (M) (C$408.6M 1 ) and 36.9% a fter-tax IRR using base case metal prices of US$1,700/oz gold (Au) and US$21.50/oz silver (Ag)

After-tax NPV(5%) of US$442.1M (C$583.6M 1 ) and 49.7% after-tax IRR using spot metal prices on June 27, 2023 of US$1,920/oz Au and US$22.00/oz Ag

Wildcat & Mountain View generate combined annual production of ~94koz AuEq from year 1-5 with average annual production of 80koz AuEq over the 13 year Life-of-Mine (LOM)

LOM payable metals from Wildcat & Mountain View of 1,043koz AuEq

LOM site level cash costs of US$882/oz AuEq on a co-product basis; LOM site level all-in sustaining cash costs (AISC) of US$973/oz AuEq on a co-product basis

Year -1 initial capex of US$115M to begin operations at Wildcat

Average Au Recovery of 71.4% at Wildcat and 77.1% at Mountain View

Low combined LOM strip ratio of 1.21 (Wildcat standalone strip ratio of 0.28)

Total net free cash flow generated of US$485M over the LOM with average net annual free cash flow of US$46M from year 1-13

The updated mineral resource estimate at Wildcat & Mountain View demonstrates growth of +23% and +49% respectively compared to the previous mineral resource estimates dated November 2020: 2021-2022 drilling at Wildcat & Mountain View allowed the Company to convert the majority of the previous resource estimate from the Inferred (Inf.) category to the Indicated (M&I) category Wildcat Project: 746koz Au and 6,438koz Ag (829kozs AuEq) in M&I (59,872,806 tonnes at 0.39 g/t Au and 3.34 g/t Ag) and 210koz Au and 1,980koz Ag (235kozs AuEq) in Inf. (22,455,848 tonnes at 0.29 g/t Au and 2.74 g/t Ag) Mountain View Project: 578koz Au and 3,402koz Ag (622kozs AuEq) in M&I (28,750,517 tonnes at 0.63 g/t Au and 3.68 g/t Ag) and 60koz Au and 244koz Ag (63kozs AuEq) in Inf. (4,155,502 tonnes at 0.45 g/t Au and 1.83 g/t Ag)

The PEA results complement the 2022 Pre-feasibility Study for the DeLamar Project in southwestern Idaho, which demonstrated a base case after-tax NPV(5%) of US$314M and a 33% after-tax IRR2

(1) CAD:USD FX rate of 1.32

(2) See NI 43-101 technical report titled: Technical Report and Preliminary Feasibility Study for the DeLamar and Florida Mountain Gold  Silver project, Owyhee County, Idaho, USA, dated March 22, 2022 with an effective date of January 24, 2022 available under Integra Resources SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com and EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov; Gold price assumption: US$1,700/oz Au; Silver price assumption is US$21.50/oz Ag

Integras President, CEO & Director, Jason Kosec commented: the updated resource estimate and PEA for Wildcat & Mountain View demonstrate two high-margin, low-cost, heap leachable gold and silver deposits with a strong combined production profile, low pre-production capex and robust economics. The PEA strengthens Integras position in the Great Basin as a multi-asset developer with a pathway to become a 200,000 ounce per year gold-silver producer. To date, the Company has successfully defined a large resource base at Wildcat & Mountain View despite being constrained to 5-acres of surface disturbance. The Company has submitted an Exploration Plan of Operations for both Wildcat & Mountain View to the Bureau of Land Management which, when received, will allow for significantly increased resource expansion drilling through planned step-out drill holes. Resource growth at Wildcat & Mountain View has the potential to further enhance the economics and mine life demonstrated in the PEA results announced today.

George Salamis, Executive Chairman of Integra, added: the PEA is the first major milestone following the successful merger of Integra and Millennial Precious Metals. The next major catalysts for the Company includes an updated resource estimate for the DeLamar Project that will incorporate gold-silver mineralized stockpile material drilled during the 2022-2023 winter field season, as well as the filing of the DeLamar Mine Plan of Operations in Q4 of this year. The Mine Plan of Operations represents a major milestone for the project and a significant step towards permitting and de-risking the DeLamar Project.

The PEA is preliminary in nature and includes inferred mineral resources that are too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is no certainty that PEA results will be realized. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Project Economics - Sensitivity to Gold and Silver Prices

Table 1 illustrates a range of metal price scenarios to evaluate the after-tax economics of Wildcat & Mountain View. As shown, Wildcat & Mountain View operations remain viable in the downside commodity price scenario and also show robust economics in the upside case.

Table 1: After-Tax NPV, IRR and Payback Sensitivity Table (US$M)

$/oz Au $/oz Ag NPV (5%) NPV (7.5%) NPV (10%) IRR Payback $1,450 $18.34 $155.0 $114.4 $82.4 21.2% 3.7 $1,500 $18.97 $186.0 $141.4 $106.3 24.4% 3.5 $1,550 $19.60 $216.9 $168.4 $130.0 27.6% 3.3 $1,600 $20.24 $247.6 $195.2 $153.6 30.7% 3.2 $1,650 $20.87 $278.4 $222.0 $177.3 33.7% 3.1 $1,700 $21.50 $309.6 $249.3 $201.2 36.9% 3.0 $1,750 $22.13 $340.5 $276.3 $225.0 39.9% 2.8 $1,800 $22.76 $371.4 $303.2 $248.7 42.9% 2.6 $1,850 $23.40 $401.9 $329.8 $272.2 45.9% 2.5 $1,900 $24.03 $432.5 $356.4 $295.6 48.8% 2.4 $1,950 $24.66 $463.1 $383.1 $319.1 51.7% 2.3

Production and Cash Flow Profile



The PEA outlines a profitable heap leach operation with a phased development approach that sees production beginning at Wildcat and expanding to Mountain View in year 8. A phased development approach allows the Company to utilize one fleet for mining and processing equipment resulting in significantly reduced total capital requirements. In total, the approximately 30,000 tonnes per day (tpd) heap leach operation at Wildcat and 16,000 tpd heap leach operation at Mountain View is expected to process 99.5 million tonnes (Mt) of mineralized material and produce 1,043koz AuEq (1,018koz Au and 1,933koz Ag) over the 13-year LOM.

The average annual LOM production at Wildcat & Mountain View is expected to be 80koz AuEq per year which, assuming base case metal prices of US$1,700/oz Au and US$21.50/oz Ag will generate total net free cash flow LOM of US$485M and average annual free cash flow of US$46M from year 1-13.

Figure 1: Wildcat & Mountain View Production Profile









Figure 2: Wildcat & Mountain View Cash Flow Profile









Technical Inputs and Assumptions

Each of Wildcat & Mountain View will have its own heap leach pad and waste rock facility. The mining equipment and fleet will be moved between the two projects to provide efficient operations and value optimization. Wildcat & Mountain View will share an Adsorption/Desorption/Recovery (ADR) plant located first at Wildcat and then moved to Mountain View in year 8, at which point the loaded carbon from production years 8 and 9 at Wildcat will be trucked to Mountain View for processing. Mining will be done using 90 tonne (t) haul trucks and 200t and 250t shovels. Material will be crushed to 9 millimeters (mm) at Wildcat and 19mm at Mountain View using a three-stage crushing circuit. No agglomeration is expected to be required at either project.

Table 2: Standalone Project Inputs

Mining Wildcat Mountain View Total Tonnage Mined (kt) 89,909 130,279 Total Mineralized Material (kt) 69,974 29,548 Strip Ratio (Waste: Mineralized) 0.28 3.41 Contained Contained Gold (koz Au) 823.1 521.8 Contained Silver (koz Ag) 7,065.8 3,037.2 Contained Gold Equivalent (koz AuEq) 912.4 560.2 Processing & Grade Processing Throughput (ktpd) 30.0 16.0 Average Gold Grade (g/t Au) 0.38 0.57 Average Silver Grade (g/t Ag) 3.25 3.30 Production Heap Leach Recovery LOM Average Gold Recovery (%) 71.4% 77.1% LOM Average Silver Recovery (%) 18.0% 20.0% Payable Metals LOM Gold Payable (koz Au) 604.2 414.0 LOM Silver Payable (koz Ag) 1,308.1 624.8 LOM Gold Equivalent Payable (koz AuEq) 620.8 421.9



Table 3: Technical Inputs and Financial Assumptions for Combined Operation

Mining Wildcat & Mountain View Total Tonnage Mined (kt) 220,187 Total Mineralized Material (kt) 99,522 Strip Ratio (Waste: Mineralized) 1.21 Mine Life 13.0 Contained Contained Gold (koz Au) 1,344.9 Contained Silver (koz Ag) 10,103.0 Contained Gold Equivalent (koz AuEq) 1,472.7 Production Heap Leach Recovery LOM Average Gold Recovery (%) 73.7% LOM Average Silver Recovery (%) 18.6% Payable Metals LOM Gold Payable (koz Au) 1,018.2 LOM Silver Payable (koz Ag) 1,932.8 LOM Gold Equivalent Payable (koz AuEq) 1,042.6 Average Annual Gold Payable (koz Au) 78.3 Average Annual Silver Payable (koz Ag) 148.7 Average Annual Gold Equivalent Payable (koz AuEq) 80.2 Costs per Tonne Wildcat & Mountain View Mining Costs (US$/t mined) $1.82 Mining Costs (US$/t processed) $4.02 Processing Costs (US$/t processed) $3.59 G&A Costs (US$/t processed) $0.58 Total Site Operating Cost (US$/t processed) $8.19 Cash Costs LOM Cash Cost, net-of-silver by-product ($/oz Au) $862 LOM Cash Cost, co-product ($/oz AuEq) $882 LOM AISC, net-of-silver by-product ($/oz Au) $956 LOM AISC, co-product ($/oz AuEq) $973 LOM AIC, net-of-silver by-product ($/oz Au) $1,162 LOM AIC, co-product ($/oz AuEq) $1,175 Capital Expenditure Wildcat Initial Capex (US$M) (1) $115.1 Mountain View Initial Capex (US$M) $49.2 Expansion Capex (US$M) (2) $49.2 Sustaining Capex / Equipment Financing (US$M) $84.4 Reclamation Cost (US$M) $21.7 Salvage Value (US$M) ($12.1) Bonding Cash Collateral Return (US$M) ($2.2) Total Capital (US$M) $305.3 Economic Assumptions Gold Price (US$/oz) $1,700 Silver Price (US$/oz) $21.50 FX Rate (CAD/USD) 1.3 Project Economics After-Tax IRR (%) 36.9% After-Tax NPV5% (US$M) $309.6 After-Tax NPV5% (C$M) $408.6 Payback Period (years) 3.0 Yr1-13 Average Annual Net Free Cash Flow (US$M) $45.9 Yr1-13 Total Net Free Cash Flow (US$M) $596.7 LOM Total Net Free Cash Flow (US$M) $485.1

(1) Includes initial working capital and reclamation bonding

(2) Includes Wildcat and Mountain View heap leach expansion capex

Capital & Operating Costs

The total site costs including mining, processing and G&A for Wildcat & Mountain View are US$8.19/t processed over the LOM. The LOM site level cash costs net-of-silver by-product for Wildcat & Mountain View are US$862/oz Au and US$882/oz AuEq on a co-product basis. The site level AISC, which includes heap leach expansion capital for Wildcat in year 2 and Mountain View in year 9, is US$956/oz Au on a by-product basis and US$973/oz AuEq on a co-product basis. The all-in cost (AIC) for Wildcat & Mountain View is US$1,162/oz Au on a by-product basis and US$1,175/oz AuEq on a co-product basis and includes Wildcat & Mountain View initial capital expenditure, heap leach expansion capital, sustaining capital, reclamation and closure costs.

Table 4: Operating Cost, AISC and AIC Breakdown

Per Tonne LOM Operating Costs (US$) Mined Processed Mining $1.82 $4.02 Processing $3.59 G&A $0.58 Total Site Costs $8.19 US$/oz Au US$/oz AuEq LOM Cash Costs, AISC & AIC Breakdown By-Product Co-Product Mining $393 $384 Processing $351 $343 G&A $56 $55 Total Site Costs $801 $782 Transport & Refining $6 $6 Royalties & Production Taxes (1) $97 $94 Total Cash Costs $903 $882 Silver By-Product Credits ($41) - Total Cash Costs Net of Silver by-Product $862 $882 Expansion Capital (2) $48 $47 Sustaining Capital $35 $35 Closure Costs Net of Residual Value $10 $9 Site Level All-in Sustaining Costs $956 $973 Non-Sustaining Capital (3) $207 $202 Site Level All-in Costs $1,162 $1,175

(1) Includes private royalties and state-level cash taxes

(2) Expansion capital includes heap leach expansion at Wildcat in year 2 and Mountain View in year 9

(3) Non-Sustaining Capital includes initial capital at Wildcat and Mountain View and equipment leases

Note: Costs may not reconcile exactly due to rounding

The total pre-production capex for Wildcat is estimated at US$115M. A phased development approach results in expansion capital of US$31M in year 2 at Wildcat to expand the heap leach pad. In year 7, initial capital for Mountain View of US$49M is required for the heap leach pad and processing facility. Expansion capital of US$18M to increase the heap leach capacity at Mountain View is required in year 9. Other capital required throughout the LOM of US$92M includes financed mining equipment, sustaining capital, reclamation (net of residual value) and bonding.

Table 5: Wildcat & Mountain View Project Capital Cost Breakdown

Capital Cost Breakdown (US$M) Wildcat Mountain View Combined Wildcat Initial Capital (Y-1) Heap Leach Pad $26.7 $0.0 $26.7 Processing $65.5 $0.0 $65.5 Initial Cash Bonding $2.2 $0.0 $2.2 Contingency $20.6 $0.0 $20.6 Total Wildcat Initial Capital $115.1 $0.0 $115.1 Mountain View Initial Capital (Y7) Heap Leach Pad $0.0 $12.5 $12.5 Processing $0.0 $27.0 $27.0 Contingency $0.0 $9.7 $9.7 Total Mountain View Initial Capital $0.0 $49.2 $49.2 Expansion Capital (Y2-13) Heap Leach Pad $24.6 $14.8 $39.4 Contingency $6.4 $3.4 $9.8 Total Expansion Capital $31.0 $18.2 $49.2 Other Capital (Y1-13) Mining Equipment $34.7 $13.8 $48.4 Sustaining Capital $21.0 $15.0 $36.0 Reclamation $11.1 $10.7 $21.7 Bonding Cash Collateral Return ($2.2) $0.0 ($2.2) Residual Value $0.0 $0.0 ($12.1) Total Other Capital $64.5 $39.4 $91.9 TOTAL CAPITAL $210.6 $106.8 $305.3

Note: Figures in the table include a ~25% contingency on processing facilities and heap leach pads (excluding working capital)

Additional Information

Mining

As contemplated in the PEA study, approximately 200 mining, processing, maintenance, and general administrative workers are expected to be employed directly by Wildcat & Mountain View in peak years. In addition, Wildcat & Mountain View will contribute to the state and federal governments through taxation.

The PEA utilizes a phased development and mining approach with open pit mining beginning at Wildcat and moving to Mountain View in year 8. The Wildcat Project will produce over a 7-year period at a rate of approximately 30,000 tpd. Starting in year 5, pre-stripping as well as a mineralized material stockpiling program will commence at Mountain View. In year 7 and 8, all fixed and mobile infrastructure will move from Wildcat to Mountain View. In year 8, the majority of fixed and mobile equipment will be allocated for mining at Mountain View in conjunction with heap leaching only at Wildcat. Mountain View will process an average of 16,000 tpd over a 6-year period, followed by one year of remnant heap leaching.

The average waste to mineralization strip ratio at Wildcat is 0.28 and is 3.41 at Mountain View. The LOM strip ratio for Wildcat & Mountain View is 1.21 with approximately 220Mt of total material moved. At Mountain View, most of the waste material is quaternary alluvium that does not require drilling or blasting. The alluviums can be moved with surface equipment and represent approximately 72Mt of the 101Mt of waste material at Mountain View. A cut-off grade of 0.15 g/t Au will be used at Wildcat & Mountain View.

Integra contemplates conducting open pit mining at Wildcat & Mountain View using an owner-operated, conventional mine fleet that includes production drill rigs for mineralization definition and blasting. The operation will share mining equipment and a fleet that includes ~28 to ~33 cubic meter hydraulic shovels (200t and 250t shovels) and ~12 cubic meter front end loaders with 90t haul trucks. The Company intends to optimize equipment use by moving equipment, after a rebuild program, from Wildcat to Mountain View as production declines at Wildcat and ramps up at Mountain View in years 7 and 8.

Heap Leach Metallurgy

The PEA includes conventional heap leaching for the processing and recovery of gold and silver. A heap leach pad will be located at both Wildcat and Mountain View with a shared ADR plant located first at Wildcat and then moved to Mountain View. Mineralized material will be crushed to 9mm at Wildcat and 19mm at Mountain View using three stage crushing and will be placed on the pad using traditional conveyor and grasshopper stacking systems. At both projects, gold and silver will be leached using a low concentration sodium cyanide solution and recovered using an ADR plant to produce dore on site.

At Wildcat, 70Mt of mineralized material will be placed on the heap leach pad. The average gold and silver recoveries are 71.4% Au and 18.0% Ag resulting in total payable sales of 604koz Au and 1.3Moz Ag. At Mountain View, 30Mt of mineralized material will be placed on the heap leach pad. The average gold and silver recoveries are 77.1% Au and 20.0% Ag, resulting in total payable ounces of 414koz Au and 625koz Ag.

Wildcat & Mountain View Project Resource Estimates

The following table highlights the updated resource estimates for Wildcat & Mountain View that were used in the PEA study. The updated resource estimates were completed by William Lewis of Micon International Limited.

Table 6: Wildcat & Mountain View Mineral Resources

Wildcat Tonnes g/t Au oz Au g/t Ag oz Ag g/t AuEq oz AuEq Oxide

Indicated 59,872,806 0.39 746,297 3.34 6,437,869 0.43 829,152 Inferred 22,455,848 0.29 209,662 2.74 1,980,129 0.33 235,146 Mountain View Tonnes g/t Au oz Au g/t Ag oz Ag g/t AuEq oz AuEq Oxide

Indicated 22,007,778 0.57 401,398 2.46 1,738,448 0.60 423,772 Inferred 3,579,490 0.44 50,716 1.43 165,049 0.46 52,840 Transition

Indicated 2,804,723 0.66 59,676 6.56 591,868 0.75 67,293 Inferred 215,815 0.40 2,750 3.77 26,184 0.44 3,087 Non-Oxide

Indicated 3,938,017 0.92 116,970 8.46 1,071,521 1.03 130,760 Inferred 360,198 0.58 6,679 4.57 52,955 0.64 7,361 Total

Indicated 28,750,517 0.63 578,044 3.68 3,401,836 0.67 621,826 Inferred 4,155,502 0.45 60,145 1.83 244,188 0.47 63,288

(1) Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

(2) William Lewis, P.Geo, and Alan S J San Martin, AusIMM(CP), of Micon International Limited have reviewed and validated the Mineral Resource Estimate for Wildcat & Mountain View. Both are independent Qualified Persons, as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101).

(3) The estimate is reported for open-pit mining scenario and with reasonable assumptions. The cut-off grade of 0.15 g/t Au was calculated using a gold price of US$1,800/oz, mining costs vary from US$1.5/t to US$2.4/t (depending on material type and project location), processing cost of US$3.1/t and US$3.7/t, G&A costs of US$0.4/t to US$0.5/t, and metallurgical gold recoveries varying from 30% to 86%. Gold equivalent in the Resource Estimate is calculated by g/t Au + (g/t Ag  77.7).

(4) Rounding as required by reporting guidelines may result in apparent discrepancies between tonnes, grades, and contained metal content.

(5) The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by geology, environment, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, or other relevant issues.



Mineral Resource

As part of the PEA, Integra completed an updated resource estimate for Wildcat & Mountain View. This resource update incorporates drilling from the 2021-2022 drill programs and is based on a new geological interpretation for both the lithological and oxidation models. In addition to new drilling, which included twinning of historical drill holes, the relogging and re-assaying of the available historical data provided enough information to upgrade most of the resources into the Indicated category. Classification of the resources was interpreted manually considering various information such as geology, grade and recovery continuity as well as interpolation parameters and drilling spacing. The Company utilized a general guideline of 50m by 50m spacing for the Indicated resource and 100m by 100m for the Inferred resource. The resources were then constrained using Lerchs-Grossmann pit optimization to respect the definition of reasonable prospects for economic extraction. The updated resource estimate saw an increase in total in-pit AuEq ounces driven primarily by the drilling that took place in 2021-2022 which allowed for the re-interpretation of the oxidation profile at Wildcat and a better constraint of the high-grade breccia body at Mountain View, new geotechnical parameters and metallurgical recoveries, and a higher Au price assumption. As a result of this geological and modeling work, approximately 80% of the resources for Wildcat & Mountain View are now classified as Indicated.

The Company utilized the resource estimate block model described above as a basis for the PEA study, however, additional modifying factors were considered for the PEA. These factors included Au prices and pit designs, among others. The modifying factors in the PEA led to a substantial difference between the mineral resource estimate and the PEA production plan.

Wildcat & Mountain View: Future Opportunities and Value Enhancements

Through the course of conducting exploration and various studies related to the PEA work, the Company has identified several prospective measures to grow the mineral resource estimate at Wildcat & Mountain View and enhance future economics:

Exploration Upside:



Wildcat has significant exploration potential. To date, exploration at Wildcat has been constrained by a 5-acre area of surface disturbance with regard to drill permitting. In late 2022, the Company filed for an Exploration Plan of Operations (EPO) that would increase the surface disturbance to 400-acres. This increased area of disturbance would allow the Company to test drill ready targets outside the current resource boundary.



In November 2022, a surface sampling and mapping program identified several new mineralized targets outside the proposed PEA pit area at Wildcat. This increased the mineralized footprint from ~1.5 kilometres (km) by 1.5 km to ~3.0 km by 2.0 km and identified multiple high-priority drill ready targets that have the potential to increase the resource at Wildcat.

Metallurgy:



Through metallurgical test work completed for the PEA, the Company has identified areas where further optimization could potentially increase recoveries and/or lower costs. At Wildcat, further optimizing crush size while focusing on better solution permeability has the potential to increase gold recoveries on the heap leach pad. At Mountain View, recoveries are less sensitive to crush size suggesting the potential to decrease crushing requirements and lower costs.

Mining Upside:



Short haulage distances and the use of conveyor systems has helped reduce the mining costs at Wildcat & Mountain View. Additional sequencing optimization at Wildcat has the potential to further maximize in-pit dumping and provide future cost savings. Further metallurgical testwork to better define the mineralized material blending requirements could also have a positive impact on the annual production profile. Studies are also underway at Wildcat to evaluate the potential of generating power on the downward conveying of material from the open pit to the heap leach pad. The potential power generated could reduce plant operating costs.

Next Steps

Based on the positive results of the PEA, Integra will continue to de-risk Wildcat & Mountain View through baseline and technical studies in the areas of hydrology, geotechnical and metallurgy. Once the EPO is received, the Company is expected to undertake an exploration drill program to grow the resource at the Wildcat & Mountain View which could increase the mine life and further enhance the robust economics outlined in the PEA.

The PEA was prepared by Micon International Limited of Toronto, Canada and included contributions from Forte Dynamics, NewFields and Convergent Mining. The PEA is preliminary in nature and includes inferred mineral resources that are too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is no certainty that PEA results will be realized. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Qualified Persons

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Raphael Dutaut, Ph.D (P.Geo), Integras Vice President, Exploration and Tim Arnold (PE, SME), Integras Chief Operating Officer. Both individuals are Qualified Persons (QP) as defined in NI 43- 101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has also been verified and approved by the following Qualified Persons within the meaning of NI 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects: Richard Gowans, P.Eng, Micon International Limited (metallurgy and mineral processing, environmental, permitting and social considerations), Andrew Hanson, P.E., NewFields Project & Construction Management (heap leach infrastructure), Chris Jacobs, CEng, MIMMM, Micon International Limited (economic analysis), William Lewis, P.Geo, Micon International Limited (mineral resource estimation), Deepak Malhotra, Director of Metallurgy, Forte Dynamics (infrastructure), and Ralston Pedersen, P.E., Convergent Mining, LLC (mining).

About Integra Resources

Integra is one of the largest precious metals exploration and development companies in the Great Basin of the Western USA. Integra is currently focused on advancing its three-flagship oxide heap leach projects: the past producing DeLamar Project located in southwestern Idaho and the Wildcat Project and Mountain View Project located in western Nevada. The Company also holds a portfolio of highly prospective early-stage exploration projects in Idaho, Nevada, and Arizona. Integras long-term vision is to become a leading USA-focused mid-tier gold and silver producer.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jason Kosec

President, CEO and Director

CONTACT INFORMATION

Corporate Inquiries: ir@integraresources.com

Company website: www.integraresources.com

Office phone: 1 (604) 416-0576

Forward Looking and Other Cautionary Statements

Certain information set forth in this news release contains forwardlooking statements and forwardlooking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and applicable United States securities laws (referred to herein together as forwardlooking statements). Except for statements of historical fact, certain information contained herein constitutes forwardlooking statements which includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to: the future financial or operating performance of the Company and Wildcat & Mountain View; results from work performed to date; the estimation of mineral resources; the realization of mineral resource estimates; the development, operational and economic results of the PEA for the Wildcat and Mountain View deposits, including cash flows, revenue potential, staged development, capital expenditures, development costs and timing thereof, extraction rates, life of mine projections and cost estimates; timing of completion of a technical report summarizing the results of the PEA; magnitude or quality of mineral deposits; anticipated advancement of the mine plans for Wildcat & Mountain View; exploration expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new deposits; costs and timing of future exploration; the completion and timing of future development studies; estimates of metallurgical recovery rates; anticipated advancement of Wildcat & Mountain View and future exploration prospects; requirements for additional capital; the future price of metals; government regulation of mining operations; environmental risks; the timing and possible outcome of pending regulatory matters; the realization of the expected economics of Wildcat & Mountain View; future growth potential of Wildcat & Mountain View; and future development plans. Forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of words such as may, will, could, would, anticipate, believe, expect, intend, potential, estimate, budget, scheduled, plans, planned, forecasts, goals and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of factors and assumptions made by management and considered reasonable at the time such statements are made. Assumptions and factors include: the Companys ability to complete its planned exploration programs; the absence of adverse conditions at Wildcat & Mountain View; no unforeseen operational delays; no material delays in obtaining necessary permits; the price of gold remaining at levels that render Wildcat & Mountain View economic; the Companys ability to continue raising necessary capital to finance operations; and the ability to realize on the mineral resource and reserve estimates. Forwardlooking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or result expressed or implied by such forwardlooking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: general business, economic and competitive uncertainties; the actual results of current and future exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; meeting various expected cost estimates; benefits of certain technology usage; changes in project parameters and/or economic assessments as plans continue to be refined; future prices of metals; possible variations of mineral grade or recovery rates; the risk that actual costs may exceed estimated costs; geological, mining and exploration technical problems; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); title to properties. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are advised to study and consider risk factors disclosed in Integras annual report on Form 20-F dated March 17, 2023 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, and Millennial Precious Metals managements discussion and analysis dated April 28, 2023 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

There can be no assurance that forwardlooking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forwardlooking statements if circumstances or managements estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained herein are presented for the purposes of assisting investors in understanding the Companys plans, objectives and goals and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forwardlooking statements. This news release also contains or references certain market, industry and peer group data which is based upon information from independent industry publications, market research, analyst reports and surveys and other publicly available sources. Although the Company believes these sources to be generally reliable, such information is subject to interpretation and cannot be verified with complete certainty due to limits on the availability and reliability of raw data, the voluntary nature of the data gathering process and other inherent limitations and uncertainties. The Company has not independently verified any of the data from third party sources referred to in this news release and accordingly, the accuracy and completeness of such data is not guaranteed.

Cautionary Note for U.S. Investors Concerning Mineral Resources and Reserves

National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects is a rule of the Canadian Securities Administrators which establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. Technical disclosure contained in this news release has been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Classification System. These standards differ from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and resource information contained in this press release may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by domestic United States companies subject to the SEC's reporting and disclosure requirements.

All references to $ in this news release are to U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated.

Cautionary Note Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Alternative performance measures in this news release such as cash cost, AISC free cash flow are furnished to provide additional information. These non-GAAP performance measures are included in this news release because these statistics are used as key performance measures that management uses to monitor and assess performance of Wildcat & Mountain View, and to plan and assess the overall effectiveness and efficiency of mining operations. These performance measures do not have a standard meaning within International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and, therefore, amounts presented may not be comparable to similar data presented by other mining companies. These performance measures should not be considered in isolation as a substitute for measures of performance in accordance with IFRS.

Cash Costs

Cash costs include site operating costs (mining, processing, site G&A), refinery costs and royalties, but excludes head office G&A and exploration expenses. While there is no standardized meaning of the measure across the industry, the Company believes that this measure is useful to external users in assessing operating performance.

All-In Sustaining Cost

Site level AISC include cash costs and sustaining and expansion capital, but excludes head office G&A and exploration expenses. The Company believes that this measure is useful to external users in assessing operating performance and the Companys ability to generate free cash flow from potential operations.

All-In Cost

Site level AIC includes AISC level costs and also includes initial capital and equipment finance costs associated with initial capital. The Company believes that this measure is useful to external users in assessing the Companys overall ability to generate free cash flow from potential operations.

Free Cash Flow

Free cash flows are revenues net of operating costs, royalties, capital expenditures and cash taxes. The Company believes that this measure is useful to the external users in assessing the Companys ability to generate cash flows from the Project.

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.

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TORONTO, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Consolidated Uranium Inc. (CUR, the Company, Consolidated Uranium) (TSXV: CUR) (OTCQX: CURUF) is pleased to announce the commencement of comprehensive work programs at CURs 100%-owned Tony M Mine (Tony M) in southeastern Utah. Tony M is one of three past producing uranium mines in Utah owned by CUR, and is a large-scale, fully developed and permitted underground mine that produced nearly one million pounds of U 3 O 8 during two different periods of operation from 1979-1984 and from 2007-2008. The work programs being initiated follow key recommendations highlighted by SLR International Corporation (SLR) in a technical report entitled Technical Report on the Tony M Project, Utah, USA dated effective September 9, 2022 (the Technical Report).



Highlights of the Work Programs

Defining the Vanadium Potential of the Tony M Deposit  CUR has commenced an up to 59-hole infill drill program from surface totalling ~38,000 feet along with an underground sampling program designed to collect detailed information on the distribution and grades of vanadium mineralization from both the drill program and underground sampling programs with the ultimate aim of calculating a vanadium mineral resource. Historically, there has been very little investigation of the vanadium potential at Tony M. CURs confirmation drill program in 2022 showed V 2 O 5 /U 3 O 8 ratio ranges from an average of 1:1 to greater than 17:1 in places (see press release dated December 13, 2022). The 2023 program is based on the recommendations highlighted in the Technical Report.



 CUR has commenced an up to 59-hole infill drill program from surface totalling ~38,000 feet along with an underground sampling program designed to collect detailed information on the distribution and grades of vanadium mineralization from both the drill program and underground sampling programs with the ultimate aim of calculating a vanadium mineral resource. Historically, there has been very little investigation of the vanadium potential at Tony M. CURs confirmation drill program in 2022 showed V O /U O ratio ranges from an average of 1:1 to greater than 17:1 in places (see press release dated December 13, 2022). The 2023 program is based on the recommendations highlighted in the Technical Report. Delineation Drilling to Upgrade Inferred Resources  The drilling may also have the added benefit of potentially allowing for an upgrade of a portion of the currently estimated Inferred mineral resources to the indicated category.



The Mineral Resource estimate for Tony M as of September 9, 2022, as reported in the Technical Report, is based upon a commodity price of US$65.00 per pound of U 3 O 8 , and a cut-off grade of 0.14% eU 3 O 8 includes: Indicated Mineral Resource of 1,185,000 tons grading 0.28% eU 3 O 8 for 6.6 million pounds contained uranium; and Inferred Mineral Resource of 404,000 tons grading 0.27% eU3O8 for 2.2 million pounds contained uranium. See Table 1 below for further details.



 The drilling may also have the added benefit of potentially allowing for an upgrade of a portion of the currently estimated Inferred mineral resources to the indicated category. The Mineral Resource estimate for Tony M as of September 9, 2022, as reported in the Technical Report, is based upon a commodity price of US$65.00 per pound of U O , and a cut-off grade of 0.14% eU O includes:

Reopening of the Underground for Sampling and Mine Preparation  Once the Tony M portal has been opened, an extensive sampling program is expected to be undertaken for both uranium and vanadium. Consultants have been retained to oversee the design and implementation of the ventilation plan and assess ground conditions. This program is a key step toward the ultimate restart of the mine.



 Once the Tony M portal has been opened, an extensive sampling program is expected to be undertaken for both uranium and vanadium. Consultants have been retained to oversee the design and implementation of the ventilation plan and assess ground conditions. This program is a key step toward the ultimate restart of the mine. Next Step, Completion of a Preliminary Economic Assessment  A further key recommendation of the Technical Report was the completion of a Preliminary Economic Assessment for Tony M. Results from both the surface and underground programs, including an updated Mineral Resource estimate, are expected to form the basis for this assessment which could be completed prior to the end of the year.



To view a summary of todays news delivered by Marty Tunney, President and COO of CUR, and Tyler Johnson, US Exploration Manager, click here.

Chairman and CEO Phil Williams stated, With uranium market fundamentals showing significant strength and the unquestionable need and political support for domestic U.S. uranium production, we believe advancing the Tony M project toward a near term production decision is the correct course of action. The programs announced today will not only provide detailed information to guide ultimate mining of the Tony M resource, by potentially upgrading mineral resources into the indicated category and allowing us to evaluate the conditions of the extensive underground workings, but, if successful, could add meaningful value to the deposit through the possible addition of vanadium resources not previously evaluated. CUR remains one of the few junior uranium companies actively advancing its projects through drilling and pre-development activities. We believe this not only sets us apart from our peers but positions us as a potential first mover back into production providing investors with strong leverage to increasing uranium prices.

Tony M 2023 Work Program

The 2023 drilling program will include up to 59 vertical drill holes, totaling approximately 38,000 feet across the Tony M deposit (Figure 1).





Figure 1: Map of Tony M Mine outlining underground workings and planned drill locations for 2023 work

The 2023 drilling program aims to collect assay data for vanadium which, along with similar vanadium assay data derived from the Companys 2022 drilling program and a planned underground sampling program, is expected to provide a more thorough understanding of the distribution of vanadium in the Tony M deposit, provide an assessment of the relationship between the distribution of uranium and vanadium and provide the basis for development of a model of the vanadium mineralization at Tony M (Figure 1).

Prior owners of Tony M did not assay for vanadium and, other than information on the occurrences of vanadium mineralization carried out by the US Geological Survey in 19901, there has been very little study of V 2 O 5 in Tony M until Consolidated Uraniums 2022 confirmation drilling program. The design of the 2023 drilling program was carried out by CURs technical consultants and in within the context of recommendations made by SLR and Mark Mathisen, the Qualified Person who prepared the Technical Report on Tony M. Mr. Mathisen and the team from SLR had identified what may be an inverse relationship between the uranium and vanadium grades at Tony M, as such much of the work will be focused on lower grade uranium targets.

In addition to drilling, the Company is working towards re-opening of Tony M for an underground sampling program. The Company has contracted RME Consulting, a leading international technical underground mining ventilation and refrigeration design firm, to oversee the design and implementation of the ventilation plan and Call & Nicholas, Inc. an international mining consulting firm that specializes in geological engineering, geotechnical engineering, and hydrogeology to review the ground conditions. This will allow the Company to more easily access mineralization for sampling and observe mineralization in place.





Figure 2: Picture of drill rig being set up at the Tony M Mine for the 2023 program

Drilling will be carried out by an independent drilling contractor, and all of the drill holes will utilize the conventional open hole rotary drill method. The entire interval of the Salt Wash Sandstone member will be cored, and core samples will be submitted to American Assay Laboratories of Sparks, Nevada for assaying of uranium and vanadium. All of the drill holes will be logged (probed) with a surface recording geophysical logging instrument that will collect natural gamma-ray, self-potential and resistivity data. The geophysical instrumentation will be calibrated at the US Department of Energys test pits in Grand Junction, Colorado prior to the commencement of the drilling program, and again at the conclusion of drilling. Selected drill holes will also be logged by an independent geophysical contractor as a further check of the accuracy of logging results. Core samples will be scanned with a hand-held scintillometer to measure radioactivity in the core and will be scanned with a portable X-ray fluorescence analyzer to determine zones of vanadium mineralization prior to collecting samples to be assayed. All sample submissions will include certified reference materials (standards) and barren samples (blanks) for quality control and quality assurance, as checks on the assaying program.

About Tony M Mine

Tony M is located in eastern Garfield County, southeastern Utah, approximately 66 air miles (107 kilometers) west northwest of the town of Blanding and 215 miles (347 kilometers) south-southeast of Salt Lake City. The project is the site of the Tony M underground uranium mine that was developed by Plateau Resources, a subsidiary of Consumer Power Company, in the mid- 1970s.

Uranium and vanadium mineralization at the Tony M mine is hosted in sandstone units of the Salt Wash Member of the Jurassic age Morrison Formation, one of the principal hosts for uranium deposits in the Colorado Plateau region of Utah and Colorado.

Tony M has been estimated to contain the following mineral resources:

Table 1: Summary of Mineral Resources  Effective Date September 9, 2022

Classification Tons

(short tons) Grade

(% eU 3 O 8 ) Contained Metal

(lbs. eU 3 O 8 ) Indicated 1,185,000 0.28 6,606,000 Inferred 404,000 0.27 2,218,000

Notes:

Technical Report on the Tony M Project, Utah, USA Report for NI 43-101, prepared for Consolidated Uranium, Inc. by SLR International Corporation; Mark B. Mathisen, Qualified Person, Effective Date September 9, 2022. CIM (2014) definitions were followed for all Mineral Resource categories. Uranium Mineral Resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 0.14% U3O8. The cut-off grade is calculated using a metal price of $65/lb U3O8. No minimum mining width was used in determining Mineral Resources. Mineral Resources are based on a tonnage factory of 15 ft3/ton (Bulk density 0.0667 ton/ft3 or 2.14 t/m3). Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. Past production (1979-2008) has been removed from the Mineral Resource. Totals may not add due to rounding. Mineral Resources are 100% attributable to CUR and are in situ.

______________________

1 Genesis of the Tabular-Type Vanadium-Uranium Deposits of the Henry Basin, Utah; H. Roy Nathrop, Martin B. Goldhaber, Gene Whitney, Gary P. Landis, and Robert O. Rye; Economic Geology, Volume 85, No. 2, pages 215  269.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release was reviewed and approved by Dean T. Wilton: PG, CPG, MAIG, a consultant of CUR who is a Qualified Person (as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects).

About Consolidated Uranium

Consolidated Uranium Inc. (TSXV: CUR) (OTCQX: CURUF) was created in early 2020 to capitalize on an anticipated uranium market resurgence using the proven model of diversified project consolidation. To date, the Company has acquired or has the right to acquire uranium projects in Australia, Canada, Argentina, and the United States each with significant past expenditures and attractive characteristics for development.

The Company is currently advancing its portfolio of permitted, past-producing conventional uranium and vanadium mines in Utah and Colorado, with a toll milling arrangement in place with Energy Fuels Inc., a leading U.S.-based uranium mining company. These mines are currently on stand-by, ready for rapid restart as market conditions permit, positioning CUR as a near-term uranium producer.

For More Information, Please Contact:

Philip Williams

Chairman and CEO

pwilliams@consolidateduranium.com

Toll-Free: 1-833-572-2333

Twitter: @ConsolidatedUr

www.consolidateduranium.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future including, but not limited to, details of the 2023 drill program and potential results and benefits thereof; details of the potential underground sampling program and potential benefits thereof; expectations regarding the preparation of a potential vanadium mineral resource estimate; expectations regarding the potential upgrade of existing mineral resources from inferred to indicated; expectations regarding the restart of Tony M; expectations regarding the preparation and timing of a Preliminary Economic Assessment; the Companys ongoing business plan, sampling, exploration and work programs. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates, or believes or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved or the negative connotation thereof. Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms, and that third party contractors, equipment and supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct the Companys planned exploration activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate.

Forward-looking information and statements also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual events or results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future events or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements, including, among others: negative operating cash flow and dependence on third party financing, uncertainty of additional financing, no known mineral reserves, mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability; reliance on key management and other personnel, potential downturns in economic conditions, actual results of exploration activities being different than anticipated, changes in exploration programs based upon results, and risks generally associated with the mineral exploration industry, environmental risks, changes in laws and regulations, community relations and delays in obtaining governmental or other approvals and the risk factors with respect to Consolidated Uranium set out in CURs annual information form in respect of the year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the Canadian securities regulators and available under CURs profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws.

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DENVER and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Koios Beverage Corp. (CSE: FIT; OTC: FITSF) (the "Company" or "Koios") is elated to announce the successful expansion of Fit Soda into an additional 300 convenience store locations in Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia, significantly increasing its presence in the market. With the inclusion of 300 more stores, Fit Soda is now proudly stocked in over 600 Circle K locations nationwide, demonstrating the successful growth and acceptance of Fit Soda within the Circle K community.



Fit Soda continues its forward momentum with new placement in several Circle K stores, enhancing the brand's footprint and availability to consumers. The beverage, known for its blend of tantalizing flavors and nutritional benefits, will now be even more accessible to the public.

Circle K, a giant in the convenience retail industry with a 70-year history of quality and service, has again chosen to increase their range of Fit Soda products. Originating from three small food stores in El Paso, Texas, Circle K has evolved into an international powerhouse, operating in over 20 countries. Its selection of Fit Soda only further solidifies its reputation for providing quality products that resonate with its diverse customer base.

The expansion into these additional stores demonstrates the enduring partnership between Koios and Circle K, a relationship that has already seen Fit Soda be made available in 343 Circle K locations across Colorado, Texas and New Mexico.

"We couldn't be more thrilled to deepen our relationship with Circle K. Expanding our reach through an additional 300 stores not only broadens our consumer base but also furthers our mission to offer healthier, flavorful soda alternatives to as many people as possible," said Chris Miller, CEO of the Company.

This strategic expansion into the convenience store market has placed Fit Soda on a promising path towards increased brand recognition and growth. The brand's unique positioning offers consumers a better-for-you soda option without compromising on taste, a strategy that has seen it go toe-to-toe with other beverage titans in the market.

Fit Soda is available in a diverse range of all-natural flavors, which are free from preservatives, artificial flavors and colors. Notably, Fit Soda contains BCAA's (branch chain amino acids) and electrolytes, which support post-workout recovery.

To discover the full range of Fit Soda, visit www.fitsoda.com . To learn more about Circle K, its history, and the variety of quality products it offers, please visit https://www.circlek.com/us/rocky-mountains/history-and-timeline .

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company,

KOIOS BEVERAGE CORP.

Chris Miller

Chris Miller, CEO, and Director

For further information, please contact:

Gina Burrus

844-255-6467

ir@koiosbeveragecorp.com

THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE (CSE) HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE.

About Koios Beverage Corp.

The Company is an emerging functional beverage company which has an available distribution network of more than 5,100 retail locations across the United States in which to sell its products. Koios has relationships with some of the largest and most reputable distributors in the United States, including Europa Sports, Muscle Foods USA, KeHE, and Wishing-U-Well. Koios uses a proprietary blend of nootropics and natural organic compounds to enhance human productivity without using harmful chemicals or stimulants. Koios products have been shown to enhance focus, concentration, mental capacity, memory retention, cognitive function, alertness, brain capacity and create all day mental clarity. Its ingredients are specifically designed to target brain function by increasing blood flow, oxygen levels, and neural connections in the brain.

Koios produces one of the only drinks in the world infused with MCT oil. MCT oil is derived from coconuts and has been shown to help the body burn fat more effectively, create lasting energy from a natural food source, produce ketones in the brain, allowing for greater brain function and clarity, support healthy hormone production, and improve immunity. For more information, please visit our website: https://www.koiosbeveragecorp.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking information and information can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, estimates, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding: Potential outcomes from the placement of Fit Soda in Circle K locations and the overall performance of the functional beverage market. The forward-looking information reflects management's current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include: (i) adverse market conditions; (ii) changes to the growth and size of the functional beverage markets; and (iii) other factors beyond the control of the Company. The Company operates in a rapidly evolving environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Companys management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on the Companys business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

The statements in this news release have not been evaluated by Health Canada or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. As each individual is different, the benefits, if any, of taking the Companys products will vary from person to person. No claims or guarantees can be made as to the effects of the Companys products on an individual's health and well-being. The Companys products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

This news release may contain trademarked names of third-party entities (or their respective offerings with trademarked names) typically in reference to (i) relationships had by Koios with such third-party entities as referred to in this release and/or (ii) client/vendor/service provider parties whose relationship with Koios is/are referred to in this release. All rights to such trademarks are reserved by their respective owners or licensees.
28 June 2023: The extraordinary general meeting of Hexagon Composites ASA was held today, 28 June 2023 in Oslo, Norway. All proposals on the agenda were adopted as proposed. Complete minutes of the meeting are attached to this release and available on www.hexagongroup.com.



For more information:

Ingrid Aarsnes, VP Investor Relations & ESG, Hexagon Composites ASA Telephone: +47 950 38 364 | ingrid.aarsnes@hexagongroup.com

About Hexagon Composites ASA

Hexagon delivers safe and innovative solutions for a cleaner energy future. Our solutions enable storage, transportation and conversion to clean energy in a wide range of mobility, industrial and consumer applications. Learn more at www.hexagongroup.com and follow @HexagonASA on Twitter and LinkedIn.

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act

Attachment
New York, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Smart Grid Market Assessment, By Network Area, By Components, By Applications, By End-use, By Region, Opportunities, and Forecast, 2016-2030F" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06470963/?utm_source=GNW



The Global Smart Grid market has experienced significant growth in recent years and is expected to maintain a strong growth trajectory in the coming years. Valued at USD 52.19 billion in 2022, the market is projected to reach USD 218.58 billion by 2030, reflecting a notable CAGR of 19.61% during the forecasted period from 2023 to 2030. The market is expected to experience growth due to the rising investments in the industry and the implementation of advanced technologies like smart meters, electric vehicle chargers, and other infrastructure advancements. These technological developments are projected to propel the expansion of the market in the upcoming years. Moreover, the demand for smart grids is rapidly increasing due to factors such as growing energy demand, renewable energy integration, grid modernization initiatives, grid resilience, etc.



Many power grids around the world are outdated and face challenges due to aging infrastructure. Components such as transformers, substations, and power lines may need replacement or upgrades. Modernization initiatives help address these infrastructure issues by incorporating advanced technologies and more efficient equipment. One of the most prominent examples of a modernization initiative is Schneider Electric SEs EcoStruxure Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS). Schneider Electric SEs EcoStruxure ADMS offers a comprehensive network management solution that encompasses monitoring, analysis, control, optimization, planning, and training tools. It operates on a unified representation of the entire electric distribution network. By merging Distribution Management Systems (DMS), Outage Management Systems (OMS), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) functionalities, EcoStruxure ADMS combines over 50 advanced functions. This integration enables the maximization of benefits derived from intelligent grid devices, distributed renewable energy sources, advanced metering, and other smart grid components.



The Advent of Highly Advanced Smart Grid Technologies



The emergence of highly advanced smart grid technologies has revolutionized the energy sector. These cutting-edge technologies have significantly enhanced the capabilities of traditional power grids, enabling more efficient, reliable, and sustainable energy distribution. One of the most prominent examples of highly advanced smart grid technology is the implementation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). AMI is mostly attributed to residential customers, and it consists of meters that measure and document electricity consumption at intervals of at least one hour. These meters supply the collected data to both the utility company and the customer on a daily basis. The range of AMI installations varies, starting from basic meters that record energy usage at hourly intervals, up to advanced meters with built-in two-way communication capabilities. These sophisticated meters have the ability to capture and transmit real-time data instantly. Moreover, the United States is regarded as the 2nd largest electricity producer in the world. As per the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in 2021, electric utilities in the United States had approximately 111 million installations of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), representing around 69% of all electric meter installations. The majority of these AMI installations, around 88%, were attributed to residential customers. Additionally, AMI meters accounted for approximately 69% of all residential electric meters. Hence it can be stated that the advent of highly advanced smart grid technologies like AMI is amplifying the Smart Grid market growth rate extensively across the globe.



Continuous Development of Smart City Projects



As smart city projects expand, the demand for advanced energy management systems, including smart grids, grows significantly. The integration of multiple systems and the need for real-time data monitoring and analysis drive the adoption of smart grid solutions. Moreover, the essence of a smart city lies in harnessing real-time data to elevate the standards of living and foster a sustainable future. One of the most appropriate examples of smart city projects is Songdo International City in South Korea . Once a coastal area reclaimed from the Yellow Sea, Songdo has rapidly transformed into a smart city, earning the reputation as the "Smartest City in the World." The concept of a smart city revolves around utilizing real-time data to enhance the quality of life and sustainability. At the heart of the citys Central Business District lies the G-Tower, serving as the central control hub. Equipped with an extensive network of CCTV cameras, the G-Tower monitors various aspects such as traffic flow, building temperatures, emergency response coordination, etc.



North America Dominates the Global Market for Smart Grid



North America has been dominating the global smart grid market. The region has been at the forefront of smart grid deployments, with significant investments and initiatives in countries like the United States and Canada. Factors contributing to North Americas dominance include favorable government policies, strong utility infrastructure, technological advancements, and a focus on grid modernization and renewable energy integration. As of 2021, residential customers accounted for 88% of the total AMI installations in United States.



Additionally, the regions robust industrial and commercial sectors have driven the adoption of smart grid technologies to improve energy efficiency and reliability. Moreover, the government of the United States has introduced a lot of statements and policies for the betterment of the smart grid market in this region. Under SEC. 1301. Statement of Policy on the Modernization of Electricity Grid, the United States is committed to supporting the modernization of its electricity transmission and distribution system to ensure a reliable and secure infrastructure that can meet future demands. This modernization effort aligns with the concept of a Smart Grid, characterized by several key elements.



Government Initiatives



The government of several nations has played a crucial role in fostering the growth of the smart grid market. By recognizing the significance of modernizing the electricity infrastructure and promoting sustainable energy practices, governments have implemented various policies and initiatives to support the development and adoption of smart grid technologies. For instance, the National Smart Grid Mission was issued by the Indian government. The objective of the Indian power sectors transformation is to create a secure, sustainable, and digitally enabled ecosystem. This includes implementing smart grid technology to facilitate distributed generation, especially rooftop solar, through bidirectional energy flow and net metering. The smart grid enables real-time monitoring, grid automation, and active consumer participation, fostering reliable energy access, sustainable growth of renewable resources, and energy conservation. Moreover, it aligns with the mission of providing reliable and quality energy for all stakeholders while promoting a greener energy ecosystem.



Impact of COVID-19



The COVID-19 pandemic had a positive as well as a negative impact on the worldwide smart grid market. On one hand, it has accelerated the digitization of energy systems, emphasizing the importance of remote operations and reliable electricity supply, leading to increased interest and investment in smart grid technologies. On the other hand, the pandemic has also caused delays in project deployments due to disrupted supply chains and construction activities. The crisis has highlighted the significance of resilient energy systems, with smart grids recognized as essential for ensuring grid stability and quick response to disruptions. Moreover, financial constraints resulting from the economic downturn have affected the ability of utilities and governments to invest in smart grid projects, leading to some market slowdowns. Changes in electricity consumption patterns during the pandemic posed challenges for demand response programs but also emphasized the importance of demand flexibility. Moreover, increased awareness of energy efficiency and the adoption of smart meters and energy management systems has driven interest in energy-saving measures and smart grid solutions. Overall, while the pandemic has presented obstacles, the need for resilient and efficient energy systems remains paramount, and as economies recover, the demand for smart grid technologies is expected to rebound, driven by the focus on grid resilience, energy efficiency, and remote monitoring capabilities.



Impact of the Russia-Ukraine War



The Russia-Ukraine war led to disruptions in energy supply, which in turn has highlighted the importance of energy diversification and resilient infrastructure, prompting countries and energy companies to consider investing more in smart grid technologies. Geopolitical uncertainty arising from the conflict-affected investment decisions and business confidence, potentially impacting the overall investment climate for smart grid projects. Moreover, energy security concerns have been amplified, particularly in Europe, emphasizing the need for advanced energy management systems like smart grids to enhance security by diversifying energy sources and improving integration capabilities. Furthermore, policy and regulatory changes resulting from the conflict also influenced the smart grid market as governments prioritized grid resilience and diversification.



Key Players Landscape and Outlook



The global smart grid market is experiencing a rapid growth rate as companies from all across the globe are focusing on the advancement of smart grid technologies through various collaboration projects. Moreover, the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and IoT (Internet of Things) along with the investment of the companies in creating more resources for research and development, marketing efforts, and the expansion of distribution networks is aiding the market expansion rate extensively.



 On March 1st, 2023, Schneider Electric and Cisco, two of the most renowned global technology companies joined forces to construct Egypts most advanced smart grid system. Leveraging their expertise in information technology and digital innovation, this collaboration aims to establish a highly efficient and cyber-protected network. This advanced infrastructure will incorporate cutting-edge technologies such as AI and the IoT to effectively manage and facilitate the integration of both conventional and renewable energy sources .



 On October 13th, 2022, IBM announced its role as the systems integrator for NV Energys Advanced Service Delivery initiative, which encompasses smart grid technology, advanced meter infrastructure, and meter data management. NV Energy, a utility company that provides electricity and gas services to around 1.4 million customers in Nevada, is leading a significant initiative to deploy advanced smart grid technologies. This endeavour received support from the Department of Energys USD 138 million stimulus grant. Moreover, IBM partnered with NV Energy to provide expertise in various areas, including grid systems integration, grid system architecture, business process, and business analytics, thereby amplifying the growth of smart grid market worldwide.

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06470963/?utm_source=GNW



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



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New York, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Market Assessment, By Component, By Technology, By Application, By End-user, By Region" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06470962/?utm_source=GNW



The Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare Market size was valued at USD 16.47 billion in 2022 which is expected to reach USD 198.32 billion in 2030 growing at a CAGR of 36.48% for the forecasted period between 2023 and 2030. The market is being driven by factors such as increasing adoption of AI technologies, generation of large volumes of patient-health-related data, increasing demand for personalized and precision medicine, growing application of AI in medical imaging and diagnostics, and increasing potential for AI-based tools for the elderly population. Recent advancements in AI have been accelerated by the impact of COVID-19, thus making AI an indispensable part of healthcare.



As AI technologies became increasingly popular in healthcare applications, key market players focused on product innovation and technical partnerships to extend their product range and meet increasing demand. For instance, in 2022, Amazon Web Services launched Amazon Omics for precision medicine. Amazon Omics uses AI, ML, and deep learning-based algorithms to aid healthcare professionals in gaining better understanding during patient care. This service is designed to aid in identifying the most effective treatment or prevention choices by efficiently managing complex bioinformatics tasks.



Growing Application in Medical Imaging and Diagnostics



Researchers are increasingly exploring new methods to incorporate artificial intelligence into medical imaging. In recent times, research institutions and universities have been actively working towards expanding the use of AI in cancer treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic led to delays in diagnosing and screening of diseases, including routine check-ups and cancer screenings, which had resulted in the detection of more advanced stages of cancer. Deep learning algorithms have emerged as the preferred approach for analyzing radiology imaging, such as CT, MRI, PET, ultrasound, and addressing diverse tasks like tumor detection, segmentation, and disease detection. Multiple studies have demonstrated significant performance enhancements of deep learning-based models compared to conventional machine learning algorithms.



Adoption of Machine Learning in Healthcare



In the past five years, significant progress has been made in AI, ML and data science, leading to numerous technological advancements. The convergence of fast computer processing, expansive data repositories, and a robust pool of AI experts has facilitated swift growth in AI tools and technology in the healthcare sector. As a result, there is a huge demand where AI technology is poised to revolutionize society through its widespread adoption and profound impact. In the healthcare sector, AI is being widely used in dermatology, electronic health records (EHR), surgical robotics, drug manufacturing, psychiatry etc. AI dermatologist, an innovative prediagnostic app, is able to identify one of the most dangerous diseases which is skin cancer. Globally, more than 2 people die of this disease every hour.



Government Initiatives & Regulations



In June 2023, the U.S government announced its initiatives to ensure the safe progress and implementation of artificial intelligence. Additionally, they are inviting the public to actively contribute to the formulation of the governments AI strategies. Healthcare experts have been raising awareness about the necessity for the healthcare industry to adopt a proactive approach regarding AI safety. They emphasize the importance of developing and implementing measures to ensure the transparent deployment of AI in clinical settings. For instance, on 27th October 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provided specific guidance regarding the use of AI in medical devices. The FDA, in collaboration with Health Canada and the United Kingdoms Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, published guiding principles that outline the appropriate utilization of AI and machine learning (ML) in medical devices.



North America to Dominate



In 2022, AI in healthcare market was largely dominated by North America region This is primarily due to the growing utilization of AI/ML technologies, advancements in healthcare IT infrastructure, initiatives taken by the government, and the presence of numerous tech giants. The United States has witnessed large investments in AI/ML, which has resulted in the substantial influence of these technologies. The country stands out as the primary destination for many investment deals in AI startups.



The level of funding in the United States experienced significant growth in 2020 and 2021. For instance, Insitro, a company focused on utilizing machine learning for drug discovery and development, secured USD 400 million in Series C financing in March 2021. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) lead the financing round, accompanied by notable contributions from existing investors such as Andreessen Horowitz, funds and accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., Casdin Capital, and funds and accounts managed by BlackRock.



The United States holds the top position globally in terms of preparedness for integrating AI in the public sector, with an average score of 85.48 out of 100. The country excels in crucial areas such as AI vision, as well as AI governance and ethics.



Robot-Assisted-Surgery Contributes Largely to Market Share



The robot-assisted-surgery segment dominated the market in 2022 and accounted for the largest market share during the forecasted period. Robotic surgery has witnessed a relatively recent integration of AI, primarily in imaging and navigation applications. Initially, the emphasis was on detecting features and assisting surgeons through computer-guided interventions for pre-operative planning and intra-operative guidance. This gradual transformation in surgical practice can be attributed to technological advancements in imaging, navigation, and robotic interventions facilitated by AI. Incorporating AI in surgical robotics has several advantages such as AIs ability to learn from large data sets, identifying new trends and reducing physical stress of the surgeon. For instance, the da Vinci Surgical System, equipped with AI capabilities, allows surgeons to perform precise and minimally invasive prostatectomies. AI algorithms assist in preoperative planning, identifying the optimal approach and assisting surgeons in navigating complex anatomical structures during the procedure.



Impact of COVID-19



The COVID-19 pandemic expedited the acceptance of artificial intelligence in the healthcare sector. AI-powered solutions and tools have the capability to operate swiftly, can be implemented on a large scale, and can adapt to the rapidly changing technological environment. Various market players, including startups, established corporations, universities, and others, are actively contributing their skills and offerings in the field of AI. For instance, companies like Current Health , a remote-monitoring startup based in the U.K., helped prominent institutions such as Mayo Clinic and Baptist Health during COVID-19. Such startups play a crucial role in the industrys swift adoption of digital solutions and are rapidly expanding their operations to meet the increasing demand. Major tech companies such as Microsoft, Google, Apple, Amazon, and Facebook are engaged in various initiatives pertaining to remote communication between patients and healthcare providers, contact tracing, drug development, and many more features.



Impact of Russia-Ukraine War



The war between Russia and Ukraine led to closure of business operations by many tech and healthcare organizations. Organizations such as Siemens Healthcare GmbH, IBM Corporation, Nvidia Corporation, Microsoft Corporation and many others shutdown their offices and business activities in Russia. Sanctions were imposed by more than 30 countries including Australia, Canada, Norway, Japan, United States, among others. Siemens AG exited the Russian market due to the Russia-Ukraine war. The company initiated the process to terminate its industrial operations and ceased all industrial business activities including healthcare in May 2022.



Key Player Landscape and Outlook



The global AI in healthcare market is highly competitive, with several established players and new entrants competing for market share. Some of the trends taking place in the market are advancements in natural language processing & conversational AI, and integration of electronic health records (EHRs) & wearables. Businesses are placing their emphasis on automating repetitive tasks, enhancing customer service through chatbots, optimizing supply chain management, and employing predictive analytics to make more informed decisions, all in pursuit of gaining a competitive edge in the market.



For instance, in 2023, Epic Systems Corporation announced its partnership with Microsoft Corporation, for a primary objective of integrating the Azure OpenAI service into Epics electronic health record (EHR) software. The collaboration aims to enhance the efficiency of both physicians and back-office professionals. Initially, Epics focus lies in utilizing OpenAIs GPT-4 AI language model to assist healthcare workers in drafting message responses to patients and to analyze medical records for identifying trends.

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06470962/?utm_source=GNW



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



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New York, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Carbon Black Market Assessment, By Type, By Application, By Grade, By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2016-2030F" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06470960/?utm_source=GNW



The Global Carbon Black Market size was valued at USD 22.72 billion in 2022 which is expected to reach USD 34.71 billion in 2030 with a CAGR of 5.44% for the forecast period between 2023 and 2030. Carbon black is a kind of carbon that results from the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons and is made up of spherical carbon particles with a size range of 10-500 nm.



The carbon black market is driven by the rapidly growing automotive industry, growing trade of tires, the rising usage of carbon black as a pigment coupled with its electrical conductivity and cost efficiency. Nearly 8.1 million metric tons of carbon black is produced annually, worldwide with 90% of it being used in rubber applications and 9% being used as a pigment. In terms of its applications, other than the tires, increasing use of carbon black in automotive rubber components such as engine mounts, hoses, anti-vibration parts, and sealing systems drives up the Carbon Black market. The rising adoption of Carbon Black in industries like paints and coatings, construction, and Batteries as a way to achieve black pigment, blending with cement to achieve thermal resistivity and as an electrode coating in order to achieve better electric electrical networks respectively.



However, the manufacturing of Carbon Black releases hazardous gases like Sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide and several regulations in various countries against these gases might hamper the expansion of the Carbon Black Market.



Increasing Lithium-ion Batteries in E-mobility



Carbon Black has displayed great potential in energy storage applications. The development of supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries to be use in Electric vehicles are increasingly becoming popular, the requirement of carbon Black is rising along with it.



Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), a system consisting of two electrodes (anode and cathode) and a separator between them, are the primary energy storage device in electric vehicles (EVs). When compared to other energy storage devices, LIBs high energy density and prolonged cycle life are their key benefits. Because it improves the electrical conductivity of the system, carbon black is a crucial component of the electrodes in a LIB, enabling higher battery performance. As the demand of LIB in e-mobility is anticipated to rise drastically, the requirement for carbon black is anticipated to be around 320% by 2030 in comparison to its demand in 2022.



Strong Automotive Growth



Carbon Black is used in the manufacturing of tires; it aids the rubber used in tires by providing additional strength and enhances the physical properties of the tires. Rising number of consumers switching towards electric vehicles is further driving up the carbon black market. Carbon Black absorbs UV radiation and transfers the heat evenly throughout the tires and reduces the electrostatic charging. These physical properties of Carbon Black improve the longevity of the tires and reduce thermal stress, leading to a wide usage of them in the automotive sector.



According to Plastic Today, a community for plastic professionals in the United States, the amount of carbon Black used in the automotive sector is about to reach 9,000 tons by 2023. The rise in Electric vehicle sales in the global economy (Globally, the percentage of EV sales increased from 9% in 2021 to 14% in 2022) further strengthens the demand of Carbon black. In United States alone, more than 3,20,000 EVs were sold Q1 of 2023.



Strict Regulations and Fluctuating Upstream Prices



Fluctuations in the price of raw materials and production-related harmful gas emissions may impede market expansion. Sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other hazardous gases are released during the production of carbon black, which could hinder the markets growth.



Minor adjustments to the regulations established during 2002 on carbon black manufacturing are being finalized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These final amendments make it clear that the standards are applicable during startup, shutdown, and malfunctioning periods, except for those that are specifically mentioned in work practice standards for startup and shutdown. They also mandate electronic reporting of certain notifications, performance test results, and semi-annual reports.



Higher Demand for Specialty Carbon Black



With a rising focus on sustainability across all industries, the environmental consciousness is leading to a higher demand for sustainable and eco-friendly ingredients for the manufacturing of various globally, including those where carbon black is a major ingredient. This has further raised the demand for specialty carbon black and manufacturers are now involved in R&D activities for the production of specialty carbon black to reduce the adverse impact on nature. Birla carbon, a global carbon black leader has aimed at a larger availability of its Sustainable Carbonaceous Material- Continua (launched in 2021) with a target of making 73,000 tons of the product available annually for the use in multiple applications over the next three years.



Specialty carbon black is appropriate for a variety of applications, including polymers, coatings, and printing inks, owing to its improved qualities and performance characteristics. Because of its expanding use in sectors including electronics, automobiles, and packaging, the demand for specialty carbon black is anticipated to increase. The specialty carbon black market is projected to expand as a result of factors including technical development, product innovation, and customer need for customization.



Huge Construction Hikes



Jointing agents, decorative building bricks, blind track bricks, European strip bricks, European cable bricks, grass planting bricks, curbs, hollow bricks, tree ponds, hollow blocks, black cement, and other products all make extensive use of carbon black for construction materials. Little addition and a powerful covering ability are two of its traits.



Huge plans for non-residential infrastructure, such as highway lane extensions in Florida and energy storage capacities in the US, as well as increased spending plans for transportation infrastructure and increased rail capacity in Germany, are intended to increase the demand for Carbon Black internationally.



Increased construction investment is predicted to contribute to increases in demand for Carbon Black in nations including India (where the urban population has increased by over 2.15%), Korea, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.



Impact of Covid-19



The COVID-19 pandemic had a strong impact on the global market for carbon black. The difficulties faced by carbon black manufacturers during the epidemic were a result of disruptions in the global supply chain, decreased demand from important sectors like the construction and automotive industries. Fluctuating raw material prices, changes in consumer behaviour, and changes in demand patterns caused by the restriction to mitigate Covid 19, further weakened the global Carbon Black market. However, the carbon black market began to show signs of improvement as economies began to recover and industries like automotive and construction witnessed demand hikes after the pandemic.



Impact of Russia-Ukraine War



The impact of Russia-Ukraine on the carbon black market was significant, especially on the production side, as Russia was a significant supplier of upstream crude oil to European nations. Due to the sanctions several European countries imposed on the import of Russian crude, demand for crude oil supplies was at an all-time high. As a result, the production costs of Carbon Black increased in those countries, which decreased the buying sentiment.



As the ongoing conflict in the Eastern European region continues, the performance of the downstream industries like the automotive, and construction declines contributing to a weakening demand scenario for carbon black in that particular region.



Key Players Landscape and Outlook



The rising trend of strategic partnerships and collaborations between companies to produce carbon black products for specific Industrial uses has been observed between carbon black manufacturers and its end-user market companies across the globe. By cooperating, manufacturers can pool their skills and knowledge to create carbon black products that are specifically suited for various industrial applications. Additionally, collaboration between companies would result in better production practices and higher-quality products.



For instance, the first of Monoliths products to be used in a tire was announced. Monolith is a world leader in commercial-scale carbon black and hydrogen manufacturing utilizing the methane pyrolysis technique. The ultra-high performance, all-season ElectricDriveTM GT passenger tire in size 235/40R19, which is perfect for cars like the Tesla Model 3, will now feature Monoliths carbon black in a new tread formulation, according to The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (Goodyear), one of the biggest tire manufacturers in the world. The transition from traditional carbon black to carbon black with zero emissions in tire manufacture is being made by Monolith and Goodyear.



In July 2022, ATC Plastics and Origin Materials entered into a partnership where ATC plastics has agreed to purchase Origins sustainable carbon black which is a 100% bio content filler and pigment which will be used in multiple applications including belts, hoses, tires, toners and others.



The outlook for the carbon black market is positive as the demand from the automotive sector is rising along with increasing use of carbon black in production of industrial rubber. Various applications of Carbon black in construction sector, since it is mixed with cement strengthen the demand situation for carbon black in the international market.

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06470960/?utm_source=GNW



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ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



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CUMBERLAND, Md., June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Allegany County Department of Economic & Community Development and Organic Remedies Maryland are proud to announce that Organic Remedies has been approved to be operational by the Maryland Cannabis Administration and will commence operations immediately at their location in Cumberland. Organic Remedies is excited to offer cannabis organizations premium processed products manufactured from locally grown cannabis procured from Maryland cultivators.



The Organic Remedies Maryland team is led by Jordan Medeiros. A graduate of Massachusetts Institute of Technologys (MIT) Materials Science and Engineering program, Medeiros has spent the last five years working in the extraction and manufacturing sector of the cannabis industry. He brings a wealth of knowledge in processing cannabis and creating cannabis products with hydrocarbon and CO2 technologies. He has significant industry expertise in the creation of concentrates, topicals, edibles, and beverages.

We know Maryland patients will rave about the quality of our processed products. We are excited to bring unique products to the Maryland market and look forward to working with cannabis organizations across the state, whether under a white label agreement or as a distributor of our own branded products, said Medeiros, Laboratory Director.

In Phase 1, the labs hydrocarbon extraction will be fully operational and will produce a number of products, including liquid live resin vape cartridges, and live resin concentrates. In Phase 2, supercritical CO2 extraction technology will be added to our manufacturing scheme, giving us the capability to produce other forms of cannabis products, including RSO oil, capsules/pills, topicals, and cured concentrates.

Based in Allegany County, Maryland, the facility will provide a boost to the local economy with the addition of new jobs in the area. Medeiros said the company is looking forward to becoming a strong community leader. We have built a solid relationship with the county leaders and are appreciative of the support we have received throughout to become operational, said Medeiros.

Its been a pleasure to work with the Organic Remedies team, and were thrilled to see them get up and running. They have been forward thinking and diligent business leaders, and were glad they chose Allegany County to call home, said Jeff Barclay, director of the Allegany County Department of Economic and Community Development. In addition to the job component, this location is expected to generate a substantial annual tax base for Allegany County.

In the coming months, Organic Remedies Maryland is anticipating state-approval to add additional products to its offering, such as the companys unique nano gummies, a water-based product produced using Organic Remedies proprietary nano emulsion technology. Nano gummies are especially good for individuals who have trouble digesting oil-based products. Nano emulsion technology increases bioavailability and absorption with a shorter onset than typical oil-based products.

For future news and employment opportunities, please visit www.organicremediesMD.com .

About Organic Remedies Maryland

Based in Cumberland, Maryland, Organic Remedies state-of-the-art laboratory utilizes hydrocarbon extraction and nano-technology formulation to provide a wide variety of live products. These live extracts are rich in both monoterpenes and the acid forms cannabinoids, offering a full flavor profile and variety of cannabinoids. Live extracts are processed into a diverse selection of end products, including concentrates, cartridges, infused flower/pre rolls, and edibles. Designed to mimic cGMP facilities typically used in pharmaceutical manufacturing, Organic Remedies MD utilizes sound science alongside proven safety and industry protocols to produce a wide variety of formulated products tailored to specific needs and tastes.

Contacts:

Jordan Medeiros, Laboratory Director

Organic Remedies Maryland

j.medeiros@OrganicRemediesMD.com

617-314-5169

Kati Kenney, Public Relations/Communications Manager

Office of the County Administrator

Allegany County Government

kkenney@alleganygov.org

301-707-3228
Albuquerque, NM, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FutureProof Technologies Inc. has signed an agreement with Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) to license hurricane hazard and vulnerability data sets which form the basis for HurLoss, ARAs state-of-the-art hurricane model.

FutureProof is an Insurtech startup targeting solutions to climate change by developing innovative AI-driven proprietary models to underwrite risk. ARA is a globally recognized research and engineering firm dedicated to safety and security solutions.

We are adding the ARA perspective on hurricane hazard and vulnerability to our suite of modeling tools to enhance our view of the risk and assist us in building the new technologies that insurers need to manage climate and weather-related financial risk, said Michael DSouza, director of CAT and Portfolio Management of Futureproof, a Managing General Agent (MGA). We look forward to working closely with ARAs engineering & climate teams to create an even more robust product that has been needed in the market for some time.

ARA is tremendously excited to be partnering with such an innovative company as FutureProof, said George Freimarck, business leader for Catastrophe Modeling at ARA. We are dedicated to helping our clients access and use our intellectual property in creative and meaningful ways. By licensing our HurLoss models data sets, FutureProof will be able to build the tools to achieve their vision for insurance, climate adaptation and resilience.

ARAs HurLoss U.S. Hurricane model allows re/insurers, ILS managers, and brokers to make superior underwriting and portfolio management decisions. ARAs hurricane model has been extensively published and peer reviewed. It has been the basis for structural design in hurricane-prone states since 1998 (ASCE 7) and accepted for use in Florida since 2000 (FCHLPM, FLOIR, FLDCA).

About ARA

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) was founded in 1979, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to offer science and engineering research to solve problems of national importance. ARA delivers leading-edge products and innovative solutions for national defense, energy, homeland security, aerospace, healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, and insurance. ARAs wind engineering expertise and its state-of-the-art hurricane model, HurLoss , provide an independent and highly respected view of hurricane risk to structural engineers, emergency managers, energy producers, and property insurers. With over 1,700 employee-owners at locations in the U.S. and Canada, ARA offers a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil engineering, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, biomedical engineering, environmental technologies, and blast testing and measurement.

About FutureProof

FutureProof's AI-powered projections of asset-level losses from hurricane wind and flood will power a new generation of algorithmic insurance underwriting. FutureProof will use its climate-smart insurance products to help close the coverage gap and motivate investment in climate adaptation. For more information, visit www.futureproof tech.io.

Attachment
BROOKFIELD, NEWS, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brookfield Reinsurance (NYSE, TSX: BNRE) today announced that it has filed recast audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022 and corresponding managements discussion and analysis (the Recast Financial Statements). The Recast Financial Statements have been prepared in connection with Brookfield Reinsurances previously announced conversion of its accounting framework from International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.



The Recast Financial Statements supersede and replace in all respects the previously filed annual consolidated financial statements of Brookfield Reinsurance for such periods.

The Recast Financial Statements are available on Brookfield Reinsurances website at bnre.brookfield.com , on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commissions website at www.sec.gov and on SEDARs website at www.sedar.com. Hard copies of the annual and quarterly reports can be obtained free of charge upon request.

Details of the Upcoming Annual General and Special Meeting of Brookfield Reinsurance Shareholders

Brookfield Reinsurance will hold its upcoming annual general and special meeting of shareholders will be held on August 8, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time).

The meeting will be in a virtual only format whereby holders may attend and participate in the meeting via live webcast. Shareholders will not be able to attend the meeting in person. A management information circular containing the specific details of the meeting and the matters to be presented and voted on will be mailed soon to all Brookfield Reinsurance shareholders of record as of market close on June 30, 2023.

The Toronto Stock Exchange has granted Brookfield Reinsurance an extension to hold its annual shareholder meeting this year on or before August 9, 2023.

About Brookfield Reinsurance

Brookfield Reinsurance Ltd. (NYSE, TSX: BNRE) operates a leading capital solutions business providing insurance and reinsurance services to individuals and institutions. Through its operating subsidiaries, Brookfield Reinsurance offers a broad range of insurance products and services, including life insurance and annuities, and personal and commercial property and casualty insurance. Each class A exchangeable limited voting share of Brookfield Reinsurance is exchangeable on a one-for-one basis with a class A limited voting share of Brookfield Corporation (NYSE, TSX: BN).For more information, please visit our website at bnre.brookfield.com or contact:

Communications & Media:

Kerrie McHugh Hayes

Tel: (212) 618-3469

Email: kerrie.mchugh@brookfield.com Investor Relations:

Rachel Powell

Tel: (416) 956-5141

Email: rachel.powell@brookfield.com





Notice to Readers

Brookfield Reinsurance is not making any offer or invitation of any kind by communication of this news release and under no circumstance is it to be construed as a prospectus or an advertisement.

This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, include statements which reflect managements expectations regarding the operations, business, financial condition, expected financial results, performance, prospects, opportunities, priorities, targets, goals, ongoing objectives, strategies and outlook of Brookfield Reinsurance and its subsidiaries, as well as the outlook for North American and international economies for the current fiscal year and subsequent periods. Particularly, statements about the timing of the mailing and filing of the management information circular and other documents related thereto are forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as expects, anticipates, plans, believes, estimates, seeks, intends, targets, projects, forecasts or negative versions thereof and other similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as may, will, should, would and could.
English French

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES



MONTREAL, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Opus One Gold Corp (TSX-V: OOR) (the Company or Opus One) is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement for the acquisition of a 100% interest of a second property for lithium in the Eeyou Itschee Territory, James Bay, Quebec, in a district that is currently being intensively explored for its lithium potential by mining companies.

After months of property evaluations, the company elected to get involved in areas of the James Bay which are particularly active for lithium exploration. It took a while to the management to secure properties because of the restrictive parameters established by the company for property acquisition:

The properties have to be located within prospective districts. The properties have to be accessible by land for low-cost exploration and development (trucks or ATVs) The properties have to show excellent potential for discoveries.



The terms of the option agreement between Opus One and the owners consists of a cash payment of 40,000.00$CDN, payable upon the closing of a future financing within the next 6 months; 4,250,000 Opus One shares, valued at 0.05$ per share and 1,000,000 warrants exercisable at 0.10$ for a period of 18 months; all of the above divided 50% within the two claims owners. The transaction is conditional upon TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") approval

The chosen property, called Wemindji, is located near the village of the same name, immediately to the west of the MIA Lithium discovery (Q2 Metals). It consists of 1 claim block covering 2,590 hectares. The property is located north of the road leading to Wemindji and is easily accessible with ATVs. The MIA Lithium discovery consist of a series of spodumene bearing pegmatites located along an ENE-WSW axis which might continue west onto the Wemindji property.

A preliminary evaluation of the area consisting of a study of satellite images indicated the presence of several elongated pale colored rock formations, well exposed because of recent historical wildfires that are consistent with the presence of pegmatite dykes.

The company is gearing up for a summer prospecting, mapping and sampling program on both properties recently acquired in the area (Wemindji and LaGrande). A field crew should be mobilized in late July. The field program is fully funded.

Louis Morin CEO of Opus One commented: Through the partnership we established with seasoned and dedicated prospectors, we are acquiring a second lithium property that again, corresponds precisely to our corporate criteria as for accessibility and mineral potential. At Opus One we are always careful to wisely spend our funds to create maximum value for our shareholders. We secured a first-class competent crew to conduct our upcoming summer field program and we are fully financed to proceed.

OPUS ONE Resources Inc.

Opus One Gold Corp Inc. is a mining exploration company focused on discovering high quality gold and base metals deposits within strategically located properties in proven mining camps, close to existing mines in the Abitibi Greenstone Belt, north-western Quebec and north-eastern Ontario - one of the most prolific gold mining areas in the world. Opus One holds assets in Val-d'Or, Matagami and now James Bay areas.

A qualified person, Pierre ODowd P.Geo, has verified the data disclosed, including sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the information or opinions contained in the written disclosure as required by section 3.1 and 3.2 of NI43-101.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information may include, among others, statements regarding the future plans, costs, objectives or performance of Opus One, or the assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. In this news release, words such as may, would, could, will, likely, believe, expect, anticipate, intend, plan, estimate and similar words and the negative form thereof are used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether, or the times at or by which, such future performance will be achieved. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, including the anticipated exploration program on the project, the results of such exploration program, the development of the project and what benefits Opus One will derive from the project, the expected demand for lithium. Forward-looking information is based on information available at the time and/or managements good-faith belief with respect to future events and are subject to known or unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond Opus One control.

These risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, those described under Financial Instruments and Risk and Uncertainties in Opus One Annual Report for the fiscal year ended August 31st, 2022, a copy of which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Opus One does not intend, nor does Opus One undertake any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking information contained in this news release to reflect subsequent information, events or circumstances or otherwise, except if required by applicable laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the release.

For more information, please contact:

Louis Morin

Chief Executive Officer & Director

Tel.: (514) 591-3988

Michael W. Kinley, CPA, CA

President, Chief Financial Officer & Director

Tel: (902) 826-1579

info@OpusOneGold.com

Visit Opus Ones website: www.OpusOneGold.com





A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3fb9b237-6483-4195-8f4f-9434c32acf1e
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Anonymous Intelligence Company Inc. (CSE: ANON) (OTC: ANICF) (FRANKFURT: 1JI0) (ANON or the Company), a leading computational intelligence, decentralized network and data technology company, focused on leveraging its proprietary suite of AI and privacy enabled products to empower increased confidence in technology for consumers and businesses alike, is pleased to announce that Turminal.ai, a privacy-focused AI curation platform, will begin deploying invitations to supporters who have signed up to its Beta program on July 10, 2023, at 1 pm PST. The Company is also pleased to announce that it has launched a redesigned Turminal.ai website and initiated alpha testing of the Turminal.ai mobile app.



Beta Launch

The Turminal.ai beta launch (the Beta) is an eagerly anticipated event and the Company aims to ensure a positive user experience by controlling the volume during the initial rollout. The full public Beta is expected to take place in Q3 2023, after addressing any issues and receiving feedback from the beta users. This staggered rollout approach demonstrates the Company's commitment to delivering a high-quality product while actively addressing any bugs or concerns that arise.

Lucas Russell, CEO, commented, I am genuinely excited to get our first feedback from Beta users. The teams remarkable speed and unwavering commitment to transforming the product from its internal roadmap to a functional platform have been astounding. We expect that the ANON SDK, an important component of Turminal.ai, will be fully functional at the time of the Beta launch which may generate revenues from the start.

Mr. Russell continued, We will work diligently to get all 37,000 signups active as soon as possible without compromising user experience. We know there will be some bugs found in the Beta, and want to make sure we are able to address them in a timely manner. A staggered rollout helps this goal.

Turminal.ai Mobile App

Insiders of the Company have been invited to participate in the early alpha testing of the Turminal.ai mobile app. The app is expected to launch in Q3 2023, initially on iOS and later on Android. Beta testing for the iOS app will be distributed first to active Beta users on the desktop platform.

I am thrilled to say I currently have Confidence in my pocket with the Turminal.ai app installed on my iPhone, said Mr. Russell. It is early days with the mobile app but I have found it useful multiple times while at various hardware and DIY locations. The gain of function features the team has built into the product really shine when they are with you on the go. The team continues to make great strides towards our goal in making Turminal.ai the retail markets platform of choice for all things AI.

Screenshot demonstrating Turminal.ai platforms mobile app in action is below.





New Turminal.ai Website Launched

The Company is also pleased to announce that it has launched the Turminal.ai website which serves as an informative platform providing details about the technology, features of the platform and other relevant information. The platform has received over 37,000 signups since its announcement reflecting significant interest and potential high demand for Turminal.ai.

The upcoming beta launch, the alpha testing of the mobile app and the redesigned website are positive indicators of the Companys commitment to innovation and delivering a comprehensive AI solution to consumers and businesses.

The site also features a new video demonstration of Turminal AI+ functionality that was announced in the companys news release on June 22, 2023. The video is available at www.turminal.ai/plus.

On Behalf of the Board,

ANONYMOUS INTELLIGENCE COMPANY INC.

Lucas Russell

President & CEO

(604) 669-9788

About Anonymous Intelligence Company Inc.

Anonymous Intelligence Company Inc. is a technology company focused on leveraging its proprietary Web 3.0 technology products to enable the decentralized movement among consumers and business alike. Web 3.0 enables a sustainable world where decentralized users and machines are able to interact with data, value and other counterparties via a substrate of peer-to-peer networks without the need for third parties creating many benefits such as giving each user full control and ownership of all personal and corporate data.

For further information, please contact:

Paul Searle

Corporate Communications

Citygate Capital Corp

Phone: (778) 240-7724

psearle@citygatecap.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the future strategy of the Company. This information and statements address future activities, events, plans, developments and projections such as: the functionality and operability of the technology; the potential for income generating monetization opportunities; the ability for customers to gain competitive advantages with data; and expectations to increase value with respect to the technology. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information and statements are frequently identied by words such as "may", "will", "should", "anticipate", "plan", "expect", "believe", "estimate", "intend" and similar terminology, and reect assumptions, estimates, opinions and analysis made by management in light of its experience, current conditions, expectations of future developments and other factors which it believes to be reasonable and relevant. Forward-looking information and statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance and achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information and statements and, accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed thereon. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to vary include, but are not limited to: flaws or issues related to the underlying technology; customer preferences and competition; inability to scale or effectively market the technology, as well as other risks and uncertainties which are more fully described in the Companys annual and quarterly Management's Discussion and Analysis and other continuous disclosure documents which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof, and except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company assumes no obligation or intent to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements made herein or otherwise, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dcfa739b-5bb9-4c0b-a97c-deb6012c32c7
HUNTSVILLE, Ala., June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has launched a trainer to teach Polish soldiers how to use the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS). The system, delivered two years ahead of schedule, will enable Poland to quickly field the transformational integrated command and control capabilities of IBCS. Poland is the first U.S. ally to field IBCS.







Polish soldiers prepare for IBCS training at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. Northrop Grummans Air Defense Reconfigurable Trainer provides the infrastructure to teach soldiers how to use IBCS in both group and self-paced training environments. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)

Coupling our innovative individual skills trainer with IBCS creates a complete package for the U.S. Army and allies to prepare them for tomorrows multi-domain battlefield, said Rebecca Torzone, vice president and general manager, combat systems and mission readiness, Northrop Grumman. With this IBCS package, Poland is modernizing their air and missile defense forces to enhance the safety and security of their country for years to come.

Known as Air Defense Reconfigurable Trainer (ART), the Northrop Grumman training system hosts a wide range of materials and is configurable to support multiple missions. Built using training material developed for the U.S. Armys new equipment training, ART allows the end user to augment in-person training as well as conduct self-paced sustainment training. This accelerates training speed and efficiency while simultaneously reducing potential cost.

Northrop Grumman field service representatives traveled to Poland and completed installation of ART at the Polish air defense school. Train-the-trainer events were also underway at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama allowing Northrop Grummans training capability to aid Polish soldiers in their understanding of IBCS.

IBCS implements a modular, open and scalable architecture that is foundational to integrating available assets in the battlespace, regardless of source, service or domain onto common fire control network. Its architecture enables the efficient and affordable integration of current and future systems and extends the battlespace by disaggregating sensors and effectors. By enabling this high level of network integration, the warfighter is given unprecedented time to make accurate decisions. Through numerous successful development and operational tests and demonstrations, IBCS has proven its capability to connect and fuse multi-service sensor data to multi-service weapons, demonstrating the Armys contribution to the Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) capabilities.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers toughest problems, our 95,000 employees define possible every day.

Contact: Meaghan Cox

256-788-4977 (mobile)

meaghan.cox@ngc.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b14b7929-cd75-48e1-85d2-79d2030eb338
Domain-Specific AI Processor Unlocks New Interconnect Paradigm for Data Centers and Other High-Performance Applications, Breaking the Memory Wall

Utilizes Advanced Vertically Stacked Packaging, Integrating Optical Network-on-Chip and Electronic Integrated Circuits into One Single Package

First Public Demonstration at Hot Chips 2023



BOSTON, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lightelligence , the global leader in photonic computing, today introduced a new big data interconnect paradigm with the launch of Hummingbird, the worlds first Optical Network-on-Chip (oNOC) processor designed for domain-specific artificial intelligence (AI) workloads.

Hummingbird utilizes advanced vertically stacked packaging technologies to integrate a photonic chip and an electronic chip into one single package serving as the communications network for data centers and other high-performance applications. The first public demonstration of Hummingbird will be at Hot Chips August 27-29 at Stanford University.

Photonics is the solution to the critical compute scaling problem, which has become pressing as the traditional solutions struggle to keep up with the exponential growth of compute power demand spurred by breakthroughs in the AI industry, remarks Yichen Shen, CEO of Lightelligence. Hummingbird demonstrates how the industry can address the scaling problem by incorporating photonic technologies into their next-generation product.

Lightelligence is breaking the memory wall with its proprietary photonics technology that could revolutionize the semiconductor industry, adds Dylan Patel, Chief Analyst at SemiAnalysis.

Hummingbird is Lightelligences second product in its photonic computing portfolio. Its Photonic Arithmetic Computing Engine (PACE) platform released in late-2021 fully integrates photonics and electronics in a small form factor leveraging custom 3D packaging and seamless co-design.

Introducing Hummingbird

Hummingbird is the first in a family of products that utilize Lightelligences oNOC platform, which significantly improves computing performances by enabling innovative interconnect topologies via silicon photonics. Its waveguides propagate signals at the speed of light and utilize an all-to-all data broadcast network to each core on a 64-core domain-specific AI processor chip, giving Hummingbird significant advantages in latency and power reduction over traditional digital interconnect solutions.

Compute scaling challenges inspired the creation of an optical interconnect solution. Unlike digital networks, Hummingbirds oNOC technology increases density scaling by enabling interconnect topologies that would be otherwise unrealizable.

In oNOC, power and latency are virtually unaffected by distance, making the technology ideal for developing new and more robust topologies that do not rely on nearest neighbor communication. oNOC topologies like Hummingbirds enable higher utilization of compute power even in a single electronic IC configuration due to more efficient communication. With oNOC, mapping workloads to hardware becomes easier and provides greater freedom to select the right topology for the computing task.

In Hummingbird, Lightelligence implemented a low-latency optical all-to-all broadcast network spanning 64 cores. With 64 transmitters and 512 receivers, Hummingbird provides a framework to implement a variety of dense optical network topologies.

Hummingbirds electronic and photonic ICs are co-packaged and integrated into a PCIe form factor ready for installation in industry-standard servers. Coupled with the Lightelligence Software Development Kit (SDK), machine learning and AI workloads can be optimized to take full advantage of the oNOC. oNOC and Hummingbird IP can also be customized for other unique workloads and applications.

Future generations of Hummingbird will employ reticle-stitching to support chiplet architectures to enable better scalability, improve energy efficiency, and further reduce bottlenecks.

Availability and Pricing

Lightelligence is actively signing development partners to sample Hummingbird-based PCIe add-in cards along with Lightelligence's SDK in Q3 2023.

Contact Lightelligence at info@lightelligence.ai for inquiries on pricing and availability. Performance numbers are available to qualified customers upon request.

Lightelligence at Flash Memory Summit and Hot Chips

Lightelligence will exhibit at Flash Memory Summit in Booth #755 August 8-10 at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, Calif.

Lightelligence will demonstrate Hummingbird at Hot Chips 2023 at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif., August 27-29. Maurice Steinman, Lightelligences Vice President of Engineering, will present Hummingbird Low-Latency Computing Engine August 29 at 11:30 a.m. P.D.T.

About Lightelligence

Lightelligence is transforming cutting-edge photonic technology into groundbreaking solutions that offer exponential improvements in computing power and dramatically reduce energy consumption. As the global leader in the photonic computing industry, Lightelligence is to date the only company that has publicly demonstrated integrated silicon photonic computing systems working at speed. Founded in 2017, Lightelligence has approximately 200 employees worldwide and has raised more than $220 million in funding.

Engage with Lightelligence:

Website: www.lightelligence.ai/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightelligence-ai/

Twitter: @lightelligence

For more information, contact:

Nanette Collins

Public Relations for Lightelligence

nanette@nvc.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/277a9c9d-a770-4528-998d-26c8c6fcfe6e
Philadelphia, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania -

Holy Family University is a private Catholic institution in Philadelphia, composed of four schools offering education in liberal arts and professional studies.

With an estimated one million registered nurses (RN) expected to retire by the end of the decade, the demand for qualified nurses offers attractive job opportunities for people searching for long-term employment. While nursing as a career is both challenging and rewarding, it is an excellent option for those seeking fulfillment in their work, offering job stability and good wages.

Recognizing the growing demand for well-trained and compassionate registered nurses, the Holy Family University, a well-established Catholic institution founded in 1954, offers an online accelerated nursing program that holistically trains students with knowledge and leadership skills to advance in the nursing profession.

The online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is designed to provide an accelerated path to becoming an RN for students who have already earned a non-nursing bachelors degree. In line with its mission to serve the community, the online BSN degree program equips nurses to meet the demand of providing essential care to patients nationwide.

The Holy Family Universitys online BSN program is approved by the PA State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, providing an exceptional learning experience that combines rigorous coursework, hands-on clinical experience, and personalized support from experienced faculty comprising real-life clinicians.

As a hybrid program, the online BSN degree program can be completed in 14 months, including one week of intensive on campus residency. The program prepares students to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) upon graduation.

The online format is the perfect choice for individuals seeking a second degree. It offers convenience and flexibility while providing the same level of education and access to resources as on-campus students. The program is open to individuals from Pennsylvania and eight other states.

For more information, please visit https://onlinenursing.holyfamily.edu/

Nursing can be a very demanding job. Patient care can be very tiring with a lot of physical exertion involved and often stressful and emotionally draining. With its long hours of duty, ones personal life is also hard to manage.

However, the sense of purpose it brings to life is extremely rewarding. Nursing the infirmed back to health, saving a life, and bringing comfort and joy to patients and their families can be a very gratifying experience. Besides offering long-term job security with attractive wages, there are also career advancement opportunities through specialization, which translate into increased income.

The mission of Holy Family University is to inculcate wholesome values in students, guiding them to assume lifelong responsibilities towards God, society, and self. The institution embraces the students, faculty, and staff as members of a diverse but interconnected family and instills dignity and respect toward the multicultural university community. It promotes ethical, logical, and creative thinking and advocates living with integrity and purpose.

Besides being a reputed institution offering high-quality education at an outstanding value, it offers financial aid and assistance options for eligible students. Resources, student support, and clinical placement services are available to online and on-campus students alike.

The online ABSN program offered by Holy Family University aims to develop nurses who are trained to be critical thinkers, collaborators, and professionals focused on patient-centered care. This provides its graduates with the knowledge and leadership skills to advance in the profession and be highly sought-after by top medical institutions.

About the University:

Holy Family University is a Catholic university founded in 1954 by the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. With a focus on providing a values-based education rooted in the Catholic tradition, it is dedicated to fostering intellectual inquiry, promoting social justice, and preparing students for successful careers and fulfilling lives. It has been training nurses since 1971, and its top-ranking Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is now offered in an online format for second-degree students. It is an accredited institution and well-known for providing high-quality education at a low net cost. The Distance Hybrid ABSN program is available for students across Pennsylvania and 8 other states.

###

For more information about Holy Family University, contact the company here:



Holy Family University

Ashley McGuire

ashley.mcguire@keypathedu.com

9801 Frankfort Ave, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Available in the App Store and Google Play, Thumzup Enables Virtually Everyone to Earn Cash Rewards for Posting on Social Media about the Brands They Love

Los Angeles, CA, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thumzup Media Corporation ("Thumzup" or the "Company") (OTCQB: TZUP) is thrilled to announce it will be participating in a community event on June 29, 2023 from 2:00 to 5:00pm PT at Delphi Greek Restaurant located at 1383 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024. New Thumzup users will get to enjoy free baklava and kombucha while the entire Thumzup community will be able to earn $10 by posting about any of Delphis food items on social media.

The Thumzup mobile app, which is available for download in the App Store and Google Play, incentivizes virtually everyone to become social media advocates for the brands they enjoy by paying them cash for approved posts.

Delphi Greek Restaurant

1383 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024

June 29, 2023

2:00 to 5:00pm PT

New Thumzup users will receive free baklava and kombucha by downloading and using the Thumzup app at the event. All Thumzup users who post about free or purchased food items will get paid $10 via the Thumzup app.

Thumzup is proud to support local entrepreneurs and businesses, like Roozbeh Farahanipour at Delphis Greek Restaurant, who serve such a vital role in our community, stated Robert Steele, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Thumzup. We are excited new Thumzup users will get to enjoy free baklava and kombucha while experiencing delicious and authentic Hellenic cuisine  and hopefully earning $10 by posting about it on social media at the same time. We look forward to continuing our commitment to drive new and recurring customers to Delphis Greek Restaurant.

For more information about Delphis Greek Restaurant, please visit: https://www.delphigreek.com.

About Thumzup

Thumzup Media Corporation (Thumzup) is democratizing the multi-billion dollar social media branding and marketing industry. Its flagship product, the Thumzup platform, utilizes a robust programmatic advertiser dashboard coupled with a consumer-facing App to enable individuals to get paid cash for posting about participating advertisers on major social media outlets through the Thumzup App. The easy-to-use dashboard allows advertisers to programmatically customize their campaigns. Cash payments are made to App users/creators through PayPal and other digital payment systems.

Thumzup is a publicly traded company (OTCQB stock ticker: TZUP). For more information, please visit https://www.thumzupmedia.com.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include, without limitation, statements about its potential growth, impacts on the advertising industry, and planned expansion. These statements are identified by the use of the words "could," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "may," "continue," "predict," "potential," "project" and similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these plans, objectives, expectations or intentions will be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical experience and present expectations or projections. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements and the trading price for our common stock may fluctuate significantly. Forward-looking statements also are affected by the risk factors described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Contact Info:

800-403-6150

investors@ThumzupMedia.com

Attachment
US$14M run rate medical dispensary poised to significantly increase sales with the launch of Marylands Adult-Use program on July 1st, and expected to be immediately accretive on an EBITDA and cashflow basis



Located in close proximity to Delaware, with no competitors within a 25-mile radius, this dispensary is expected to quickly become one of TerrAscends highest performing retail locations nationwide

TORONTO, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TerrAscend Corp. ("TerrAscend" or the "Company") (CSE: TER) (OTCQX: TRSSF), a leading North American cannabis operator, today announced the closing of its previously announced acquisition of Derby 1, LLC (d/b/a Peninsula Alternative Health), a medical dispensary in Maryland. This transaction adds a second dispensary to the Companys Maryland footprint in advance of adult-use sales, which will begin on July 1, 2023. The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to TerrAscend on an EBITDA and cashflow basis. TerrAscend recently announced entering into a definitive agreement to acquire Hempaid, LLC (d/b/a Blue Ridge Wellness), its third medical dispensary in Maryland once closed.

Peninsula Alternative Health is one of the highest performing medical dispensaries in Maryland with a net revenue run rate of approximately US$14 million. Strategically located near the Delaware border in Salisbury, Maryland, this 8,500 square foot dispensary has no direct competitor within a 25-mile radius. TerrAscend expects to achieve significant sales and margin improvement at this location with the launch of adult-use and by offering a complete selection of its high-quality brands including Kind Tree, Gage, Cookies and Wana. With the close of the Transaction, TerrAscend's retail footprint increases to 35 dispensaries nationwide.

Adding a second high-performing medical dispensary in Maryland, and soon to be third, is an important step in our strategy to become a market leader in the state, said Jason Wild, Executive Chairman of TerrAscend. We expect Peninsula to quickly become one of our highest performing dispensaries nationwide. With less than a week until the launch of adult-use in Maryland, we are focused on signing additional acquisitions and reaching the four-dispensary cap as our northeast business unit will soon be operating in Maryland under the same successful business model we built in New Jersey.

The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

About TerrAscend Corp.

TerrAscend is a leading cannabis company with interests across the North American cannabis sector, including vertically integrated operations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Michigan and California through TerrAscend Growth Corp. and retail operations in Canada. TerrAscend Growth operates The Apothecarium and Gage dispensary retail locations as well as scaled cultivation, processing, and manufacturing facilities in its core markets. TerrAscend Growths cultivation and manufacturing practices yield consistent, high-quality cannabis, providing industry-leading product selection to both the medical and legal adult-use markets. The Company owns or licenses several synergistic businesses and brands including Gage Cannabis, The Apothecarium, Cookies, Lemonnade, Ilera Healthcare, Kind Tree, Legend, State Flower, and Valhalla Confections. For more information visit www.terrascend.com.

Caution Regarding Cannabis Operations in the United States

Investors should note that there are significant legal restrictions and regulations that govern the cannabis industry in the United States. Cannabis remains a Schedule I drug under the US Controlled Substances Act, making it illegal under federal law in the United States to, among other things, cultivate, distribute, or possess cannabis in the United States. Financial transactions involving proceeds generated by, or intended to promote, cannabis-related business activities in the United States may form the basis for prosecution under applicable US federal money laundering legislation.

While the approach to enforcement of such laws by the federal government in the United States has trended toward non-enforcement against individuals and businesses that comply with medical or adult-use cannabis programs in states where such programs are legal, strict compliance with state laws with respect to cannabis will neither absolve TerrAscend of liability under U.S. federal law, nor will it provide a defense to any federal proceeding which may be brought against TerrAscend. The enforcement of federal laws in the United States is a significant risk to the business of TerrAscend and any proceedings brought against TerrAscend thereunder may adversely affect TerrAscend's operations and financial performance.

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as, may, would, could, will, likely, expect, anticipate, believe, intend, plan, forecast, project, estimate, outlook and other similar expressions, and include statements with respect to future revenue and profits. Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management in light of managements experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors relevant in the circumstances, including assumptions in respect of current and future market conditions, the current and future regulatory environment, and the availability of licenses, approvals and permits.

Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the success of the launch of adult use sales in Maryland and in the Peninsula transaction specifically, current and future market conditions; risks related to federal, state, provincial, territorial, local and foreign government laws, rules and regulations, including federal and state laws in the United States relating to cannabis operations in the United States; and the risk factors set out in the Companys most recently filed MD&A, filed with the Canadian securities regulators and available under the Companys profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and in the section titled Risk Factors in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2023.

The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether, as a result of new information, future events, or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

For more information regarding TerrAscend:

Keith Stauffer

Chief Financial Officer

717-343-5386

IR@terrascend.com
Newark, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Brainy Insights estimates that the USD 650 billion in 2022 global smart cities market will reach USD 5151.86 billion in 2032. The smart city mission of the Union government of India aims to transform the country's major cities into smart cities enabled through technologies and state-of-the-art infrastructure. The goals are to identify 100 smart cities nationwide and fund them from the central and state government treasuries to facilitate their transformation. Similar projects have been mooted worldwide given the rising population, automation, digitization, technological advancements, urbanization and growing demand for a better quality of life. Therefore, the concerted efforts of citizens, civil society, government and private players to develop smart cities will bode well for the market's growth in the forecast period.



Get more insights from the 230-page market research report @ https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/enquiry/sample-request/13548



Key Insight of the Global smart cities Market



Asia Pacific is expected to rise the fastest during the forecast period.



The market will grow as a result of rising industrialization and urbanization. The construction of smart cities will proceed more quickly, thanks to the rising ICT infrastructure. The market will benefit from rising government capital spending and missions to create smart cities. The market for smart cities will expand favourably as the Asia Pacific economies concentrate on meeting their UN SDG targets by 2030. The required inputs to the market's development and expansion will be provided by the climate pledges to protect future generations' future. The countries that will spearhead the technical advancements that substantially impact development initiatives for smart cities include China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.



In 2022, the hardware segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 47% and market revenue of 305.50 billion.



The component segment is divided into hardware, services, and software. In 2022, the hardware segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 47% and market revenue of 305.50 billion.



In 2022, the smart energy segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 30% and market revenue of 195 billion.



The application segment is divided into smart infrastructure, smart energy, smart healthcare, smart education, smart governance, smart buildings, smart mobility management, smart security, and others. In 2022, the smart energy segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 30% and market revenue of 195 billion.

Custom Requirements can be requested for this report @ https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/enquiry/request-customization/13548



Advancement in market



June 2023 - With the potential to drastically improve the lives of millions of people worldwide, the Toyota Mobility Foundation has launched a USD 9 million global challenge in collaboration with Challenge Works and the World Resources Institute. By expanding access to jobs, education, and other important services, the Sustainable Cities Challenge seeks to improve people's quality of life. Cities and entrepreneurs will collaborate on implementing mobility solutions that might lower carbon emissions, increase accessibility, and leverage data to create resilient transportation systems.



Market Dynamics



Driver: the quick urbanization.



The world has become much more urbanized due to rising industry, rising disposable income, and rising population. But because this urbanization has been haphazard, ad hoc, and unplanned, resources should be used more efficiently and wisely. Unplanned urban clusters are crowded, dirty, and difficult, with poor housing conditions and insufficient healthcare and educational facilities. They could be more effective and overworked. It is essential to repurpose and rebuild them using smarter technologies To make cities more effective, resilient, and sustainable. Smart cities will provide cutting-edge infrastructure supporting the smart government, prompt service delivery, and seamless urban mobility options. The market will develop and increase significantly due to the economies' rising automation and digitalization, as well as the creation of cutting-edge technologies like IoT, AI, APIs, and data analytics. Demand on the market will also be boosted by rising government spending and beneficial programmes.



Restraints: the high costs of investments.



Given the public nature of goods like public transit systems, healthcare, education, and roads, among others, government institutions alone have the duty, motive and finance to make the capital investments necessary to construct smart cities. Additionally, private actors do not typically fund large-scale projects with protracted incubation periods. As a result, the government is the only funding source for efforts to construct smart cities. Given the substantial quantity of technology purchase, adoption, and integration, these projects have high capital investment. Additionally, systemic issues like corruption, red tape, and bureaucracy result in delays and rising prices. Consequently, the market's expansion will be hampered by the hefty capital investments.



Opportunities: Creating novel technologies like AI, API, and IoT.



Research and development spending is increasing in AI, API, IoT, big data, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things. AI, for instance, may evaluate surveillance footage to determine which parts of the city are most dangerous. To maintain safety, it can monitor activity in public areas. Big data can examine massive volumes of data in real time to assist in resource optimization for cities, enhancing productivity, sustainability, and efficiency. Over the projection period, the development of new technologies to enhance governance, record keeping, infrastructure durability, and traffic management will all impact the growth of the global smart cities market.



Challenges: Data privacy and security concerns.



The scale of automation and digitization renders large amounts of confidential and sensitive data vulnerable to cyber-attacks. These attacks can shut cities or the economy without robust preventive and corrective measures. It can destabilize or shut down critical infrastructure or institutions, causing chaos. The interconnected city communications network can be manipulated by authorities for misinformation and swaying public opinions. Therefore, data privacy and security concerns will challenge the market's growth.



Have a question? Speak to Research Analyst @ https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/13548



Some of the major players operating in the global smart cities market are:



 ABB Limited

 AGT International

 Cisco Systems, Inc.

 Ericsson

 General Electric

 Hitachi Ltd.

 Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.

 IBM Corporation

 Microsoft Corporation

 Schneider Electric



Key Segments cover in the market:



By Component



 Hardware

 Services

 Software



By Application



 Smart Infrastructure

 Smart Energy

 Smart Healthcare

 Smart Education

 Smart Governance

 Smart Buildings

 Smart Mobility Management

 Smart Security

 Others



By Region



 North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico)

 Europe (Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe)

 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of APAC)

 South America (Brazil and the Rest of South America)

 The Middle East and Africa (UAE, South Africa, Rest of MEA)



About the report:



The market is analyzed based on value (USD Billion). All the segments have been analyzed worldwide, regional, and country basis. The study includes the analysis of more than 30 countries for each part. The report analyses driving factors, opportunities, restraints, and challenges to gain critical market insight. The study includes Porter's five forces model, attractiveness analysis, Product analysis, supply, and demand analysis, competitor position grid analysis, distribution, and marketing channels analysis.



About The Brainy Insights:



The Brainy Insights is a market research company, aimed at providing actionable insights through data analytics to companies to improve their business acumen. We have a robust forecasting and estimation model to meet the clients' objectives of high-quality output within a short span of time. We provide both customized (clients' specific) and syndicate reports. Our repository of syndicate reports is diverse across all the categories and sub-categories across domains. Our customized solutions are tailored to meet the clients' requirements whether they are looking to expand or planning to launch a new product in the global market.



Contact Us



Avinash D

Head of Business Development

Phone: +1-315-215-1633

Email: sales@thebrainyinsights.com

Web: www.thebrainyinsights.com
Vancouver, Canada, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Appnovation, a global digital partner today announced an expanded partnership with Google Cloud to develop new generative AI services. Through the partnership, Appnovation will help brands advance their businesses with generative AI strategies and go to market with AI-powered solutions and experiences that solve business needs.

Appnovation is already working with clients to implement generative AI strategies and solutions using Google Clouds AI technologies. With a focus on integrating disruptive AI technologies into existing business processes and models, these solutions will provide more efficiency, better experiences and ease of use for all users.

More and more often, clients are coming to us to understand how generative AI could benefit their business. As a digital partner, were not only helping businesses understand the possibilities, but also building solutions that make an impact today and lay the foundation for future success said Yvette Yanne, EVP Innovation & Transformation at Appnovation. Our partnership with Google Cloud will enable the Appnovation team to provide strategy and build and deploy generative AI-powered solutions for clients, ultimately helping them advance and accelerate.

It is exciting to know that Appnovation will be able to help some of the worlds most recognized brands accelerate their generative AI adoption using Google Cloud's technologies, said Jim Anderson, Vice President, NA Partners Ecosystem & Channels at Google Cloud. We are proud to expand our work together and look forward to the impact Appnovation will have on industries like health, consumer goods, and more.

Appnovations technology team will implement a variety of Google Cloud technologies to build AI solutions. As an Application Development Specialized partner, we have the Google Cloud-validated skills to help brands bring even the boldest ideas to life.

About Appnovation



Appnovation is a global digital partner that delivers business impact today and drives the digital future for our clients. We build digital solutions that are purposeful, customer-first and add long-lasting value.

We support every phase of the digital journey, with blended services that span across Strategy & Insights, Creative & Experience Design, Technology & Platform Development, Marketing & Communications, Corporate Agility and Managed Services.

Appnovation is an award-winning team dedicated to building better lives through better digital.

Attachment
LONDON, Ontario, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Board of Directors of Kings University College is pleased to announce that Dr. David C. Malloy has accepted a second term as the ninth President of Kings. The appointment is effective July 1, 2024, for a five-year term.



A renewal committee of the Board recommended Dr. Malloy for reappointment. The reappointment process included a community consultation, annual performance reviews, and other relevant factors including a wide range of feedback. We are excited that Dr. Malloy has accepted our offer of reappointment and we look forward to achieving new goals for Kings as we continue to adapt to the post-pandemic educational landscape. With his leadership, we will increase our commitment to high-quality academic and student experiences in an increasingly dynamic and diverse world, and to building the common good, says Dr. Nonie Brennan, Chair-Elect of Kings Board of Directors.

During his first term at Kings, first as Principal and then as President, Dr. Malloy guided the Kings community in a multitude of ways including:

expertly managing the localized campus challenges of the pandemic with extensive leadership and outreach as the university navigated online instruction and maintaining a sense of community and a safe environment through the establishment of the COVID-19 Presidents Advisory Group

establishing a department of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization (EDID) after forming the Kings/Brescia Joint Presidents Anti-Racism Working Group with Brescia University College; the appointment of the Indigenous Initiatives Advisor; and the flying of the Progress Pride flag indicating that Kings is a place for everyone

establishing the Presidents Accessibility Advisory Committee in facilitating a barrier-free campus

being the first president to represent Kings on a delegation trip to India as part of the universitys plan to diversify international recruitment and engagement

establishing an office of External Relations that elevates Kings reputation among prospective students, alumni and donors, both domestically and internationally

initiating a new campus development strategy that led to a space and facility renewal process including the library renovation, adding the Kings modular building for increased space, adding Kings House and the acquisition of new student housing options

establishing a research office and the $1M Kings Research Excellence fund



As Dr. Malloy moves into this second term, the university is set to establish a new strategic plan. The Board acknowledges Dr. Malloys expertise in values-based leadership and his strong ethical-based decision-making processes that will help guide the many new initiatives on the horizon. His future work will focus on a commitment to a thoughtful, sustainable campus infrastructure and programming in service of the overall mission, vision and values of Kings.

I am humbled and honoured to accept this role, says Dr. Malloy. However, the true leadership at Kings is being conducted by a stellar team of faculty, student and administrative people who take great pride and care in stewarding this great institution. Their demonstrated energy, dedication and belief in making Kings truly a place to be and a place to become for everyone, inspires me on a daily basis. I am so grateful to have this support.

Dr. Malloy is a Western University alumnus, earning both his bachelors and masters degrees from Westerns Faculty of Physical Education. He received his doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of Ottawa.

His reappointment at King's follows a 30-year career with the University of Regina, both as a faculty member and administrator, holding the roles of Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology & Health Studies, Associate Dean in the Faculty of Graduate Studies & Research, Associate Vice-President (Research) and Vice-President (Research).

Dr. Malloy has maintained an active research portfolio (over 70 peer-reviewed articles, three since his arrival at Kings), with a focus on applied philosophy in health care. His interests include moral injury, ethical decision-making, codes of ethics, existential hardiness, personhood, and ethical climate/culture.

About Kings University College

Kings is a public Catholic University which welcomes students of all faith backgrounds. Located in London, Ontario, Canada, Kings provides general and honours degree programs through its affiliation with Western University in the liberal arts, social sciences, management, and a master's degree in social work. Institutionally autonomous, Kings is academically affiliated with Western University, and Kings graduates receive a Western University degree. The Kings community is centred on the values of social justice, equality and the education of the whole person.

For more information, please contact:

Jane Antoniak, MCM, APR

Director, Communications & Media Relations

Kings University College

266 Epworth Ave. London, ON

jane.antoniak@kings.uwo.ca

519-719-9366

@kingsatwestern

www.kings.uwo.ca
The festival had an incredibly successful first weekend in the Bay Area with thousands of attendees and hundreds of exhibitors including Tesla, Polestar, VinFast, Ford and more



The Volvo EX90, Polestar 3 and VW ID.Buzz made its North American public debut at the festival

Photos from the event can be downloaded HERE





SAN FRANCISCO, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Electrify Expo , North Americas largest electric vehicle (EV) festival, had its second stop of this years seven city tour over the last weekend at a new location - the San Francisco Bay Area. Taking over two runways at Alameda Point, the festival had an incredible turnout with thousands of attendees taking part in over 20,000 test rides of exciting vehicles including the Tesla Model 3 , Ford F150 Lightning , VinFast VF 8 , Volkswagen ID.4 , Polestar 2 and Polestar 3 , Kia EV6 and EV9 , Lexus TX , new Toyota Prius and more.

Especially noteworthy were the three vehicles making their North American public debut at the festival - the Volvo EX90, Polestar 3 and Volkswagen ID.Buzz. The EX90 is Volvos new 100% electric SUV with seven comfortable and adult-sized seats, all wheel drive and one pedal drive. The vehicle debuted at CES 2023 and has never been viewable in a public setting. The Volkswagen ID.Buzz, which looks like the old-school VW bus paired with new-school fuel also made a splash. The Polestar 3 is the brands first SUV with sleek styling and a high-end cabin designed with eco-friendly materials. All three vehicles are scheduled for deliveries in 2024, but Electrify Expo attendees got an exciting first look.

Also stirring up quite the buzz was the brand new Electrify Thrill Zone where attendees got to experience an exhilarating thrill ride with a professional driver in the Ford Mustang Mach-E with over 1400 horsepower. Additionally, given the proximity to the bay, thrill seekers also got to try out the Fliteboard eFoil electric surfboard, along with many amazing e-bike and e-scooter rides down the runways of the Alameda air strip.

It was only a matter of time until we brought Electrify Expo to the Northern California Bay Area said CEO and Founder of Electrify Expo BJ Birtwell. From San Jose to Berkeley, along with a massive turnout from the city of San Francisco, attendees got the chance to experience never-before-seen vehicles. Were looking forward to returning to the area in 2024. Thank you to all the attendees and exhibitors for making this such a successful inaugural event. Now were heading across the country to our next stop - Washington DC.

Electrify Expos next stop will be July 22-23 in Washington DC at RFK Stadium. Tickets for the event are on sale now at www.electrifyexpo.com/attend .

Media interested in attending may request credentials by emailing ee@skyya.com .

About Electrify Expo

Electrify Expo is North America's largest outdoor electric vehicle (EV) festival showcasing the latest technology and products in electrification including startup and legacy EVs, electric motorcycles, bikes, scooters, skateboards, boats, surfboards and more. The festival addresses one of the most challenging barriers to mass adoption of electric vehicles - first hand experience with the product - with meaningful demonstrations and test rides. Top brands from around the world exhibit and attend Electrify Expos events to meet consumers at all stages on their path to electrification. 2023 events will take place in Long Beach and San Francisco, Calif., Washington DC, New York, Seattle, Miami, and Austin, Texas. To stay up to date on the latest news and announcements from Electrify Expo, visit www.electrifyexpo.com and follow on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram .

Media Contact

Skyya PR

ee@skyya.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fb0444a6-6f68-4b1f-bdf2-6a5dfeb4d1d9
MIAMI, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A report published by The Wall Street Journal today outlining the mystery corporate surveillance operations at Southern Company has spurred more scrutiny in that Southern Company claims it has no idea who ordered the operation or why.



Southern Company is using mumbo jumbo words. Southern Company paid for the surveillance, and they do not deny the expenditures at all, said Ernesto Pichardo, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the CDLU (Consejo de Latinos Unidos), a national advocacy group and public charity.

Last year, according to news reports, Southern Company paid a generous financial settlement to former Southern Company CEO Tom Fannings ex-girlfriend, Kim Tanaka, and the spy who infiltrated her life. Southern Company has habitually lied and misused investor funds to target alleged enemies, including us, the CDLU. In November, we anonymously received financial and internal documents showing unequivocally that Southern Company spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in a two-month period in 2020 to conduct surveillance, threaten minority families, and terrorize innocent individuals, including young children, using a network of criminal goons and paid stooges. The documents have independently been verified, Pichardo, a respected Civil Rights champion, stated.

Southern Company appears to have relied heavily on the obscure consulting firm Matrix, LLC, founded by Joe Perkins. Secret contracts allegedly paying Perkins and his affiliated entities $2.2 million a year without the need to invoice led to the eventual ouster in November of Alabama Power CEO Mark A. Crosswhite. Alabama Power is a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company.

Contracts allegedly giving carte blanche power and resources to Joe Perkins appears to be a betrayal to the fiduciary obligations to investors. Surveillance operations allegedly misusing company funds for personal and illegal purposes need to be thoroughly investigated by regulators and law enforcement. In todays Wall Street Journal article, Southern Company prematurely states, We have moved on. We, the CDLU, have not and we will continue working with federal and state investigators to protect our Civil Rights, our children, and our well-being from out-of-control utility companies who spend millions on surveillance programs yet have no idea who authorized them, Pichardo added.

Last August, news reports revealed that Fanning and his then-girlfriend Kim Tanaka were allegedly spied on in 2017 in a surveillance operation allegedly authorized by Alabama Power and conducted by operatives allegedly working for Matrix. The alleged objective was to obtain photographic evidence that Fanning was bisexual and possibly blackmail him.

In 1993, Pichardo won a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court decision for religious freedom and Civil Rights after his Afro-Caribbean faith came under attack due to blatant intolerance and discrimination by racists and religious bigots. Pichardo has been a member of the Board of Directors of the CDLU since 2003.




Mahe, Seychelles, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --



Life DeFi Chrome extension

Life DeFi, a leading provider of decentralized finance solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its highly anticipated Chrome extension. This innovative tool simplifies the way users can interact with decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, offering unparalleled convenience using DeFi tools, non-custodial security, and accessibility for users to transact with their desired username.

Life DeFi has been at the forefront of the DeFi revolution, empowering users to take control of their financial future through blockchain technology. With the launch of the Life DeFi Chrome extension, the company continues to pave the way for mass adoption of DeFi by removing barriers and simplifying the user experience so that users can use their products on all platforms.

The Life DeFi Chrome extension provides users with a seamless integration of DeFi functionalities directly into their browsing experience. By simply installing the extension, users gain instant access to a wide range of DeFi services and features without the need to navigate through multiple websites or manage multiple applications.

Key features of the Life DeFi Chrome extension include:

One-Click Wallet Integration: Users can effortlessly connect their existing wallets or create new wallets directly through the extension, enabling easy management of assets across various DeFi platforms.

Real-Time Notifications: Stay informed with real-time updates on transaction confirmations, token transfers, and account activity, ensuring users never miss a beat in the fast-paced world of DeFi.

Simplified Access to DeFi Platforms: Discover and access a multitude of DeFi platforms and protocols, all in one place.

Enhanced Security and Privacy: The Life DeFi Chrome extension leverages state-of-the-art encryption and secure key management protocols, ensuring the utmost security and privacy for users' digital assets and personal information.

Speaking about the launch, Michael Gord, Director of Life DeFi, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "We are thrilled to introduce the Life DeFi Chrome extension to the community. This extension represents a significant step forward in our mission to make decentralized finance accessible to everyone. By simplifying the user experience and providing a secure, all-in-one solution, we believe we are one step closer to achieving mass adoption of DeFi."

Life DeFi's Chrome extension is now available for download on the Chrome Web Store, free of charge. Whether you are a seasoned DeFi enthusiast or new to the world of decentralized finance, the Life DeFi Chrome extension promises to be an essential tool for maximizing your DeFi experience.

To download the Life DeFi Chrome extension please visit chrome.lifedefi.co and explore Life DeFi's suite of decentralized finance solutions, please visit lifedefi.co.

About Life DeFi

Life DeFi is a leading provider of decentralized finance solutions, committed to simplifying and revolutionizing the way users interact with DeFi platforms. By offering innovative tools and services, Life DeFi empowers individuals to take control of their financial future, providing seamless access to the world of decentralized finance.



Media contact:

Robert Penington

robert@thronepr.com
Tallahassee, Fla., June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Insurance Awareness Day, June 28, reminds consumers to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. During the first month of the Atlantic Hurricane Season, Floridas surplus lines insurance industry -- which works frequently with businesses as a safety valve for unique insurance needs -- is celebrating Insurance Awareness Day by encouraging business owners to prepare for and prevent hurricane damage.

To highlight tips and resources, the Florida Surplus Lines Association (FSLA) recorded a virtual panel of leading experts in the areas of insurance consumer protection and flood resilience, including:

Tasha Carter, Floridas Insurance Consumer Advocate,

Brad Turner, Associate Vice President & National Product Manager (Flood) at Burns & Wilcox, and

Chris Siegel, Associate Vice President/Managing Director (Orlando) at Burns & Wilcox.

In a world grappling with the increasingly unpredictable forces of nature, it is crucial that we address the challenges posed by hurricanes and equip Floridians to safeguard our communities and businesses, said FSLA Board Member Al Geraci, ARM, ASLI, of Risk Placement Services, who moderated the panel highlighting best practices and lessons learned. We can work toward creating a culture of preparedness to help Florida residents and businesses plan, prepare and protect.

View tips via YouTube, toggle between topics and share the video:

https://youtu.be/AtdF8KcfTzo

Brad Turner emphasized that businesses should not wait until a storm is imminent to prepare.

I think a lot of people scramble or it seems like they scramble to get coverage in place in the last hour and unfortunately, it's sometimes too late, said Turner. Even a five person small business needs to have a plan of action. How are you going to handle returning to your business? And if you did have to leave, how are you going to handle the business immediately after the storm? It is important to have a plan of insurance and know how you will get back up and running if you have damage to your property.

Key tips from panelists recommended that Florida businesses:

*These and more are discussed in the video linked above.

Do not wait until the last minute to prepare.

Read your insurance policy and know its exclusions/ limitations. Know what it is designed to cover and how limitations could apply to your deductibles.

Know your out-of-pocket deductible and whether it will be worth the severity of the claim.

Understand how quickly you will have to report damage.

Know your exposures -- think about wind and flood exposures in particular. Have your business evaluated for its exposure prior to a storm.

Know what your policy says about mitigating loss. Most insurance policies have provisions that allow you to prevent loss before it happens. This might include sandbag resources or covering costs for moving contents elsewhere.

Review policy guidance on what to do after a loss: Should you separate damaged goods that need to be replaced versus ones that need to be repaired?

Know your direct and indirect loss potential, meaning if you're unable to access the property to run your business, or it's months before you can get back up and running, what income are you going to lose?

loss potential, meaning if you're unable to access the property to run your business, or it's months before you can get back up and running, what income are you going to lose? Have printed and virtual copies (saved online / in the cloud) of documents necessary for filing claims and making your business whole: Tax records and legal documents, and proof of income the business was generating / financial history.

Store these and other important documents in a watertight / fireproof box: insurance policies and contacts for your insurance carriers (wind, flood) so that you can immediately make the claim.

Have a detailed inventory of your business contents and its value, and review this annually. Take photos of your business exterior and interior.

Have a plan to evacuate.

Have a recovery plan, including an employee contact plan / hierarchy of contacts for communication -- this should be physical copy as well.

Have a backup plan for online systems and transactions if the internet or power is down.

To mitigate water intrusion, consider installing flood gates, elevating inventory or moving it to a second story.

Secure the property: check the roof prior for loose siding or materials. Secure any adjacent property, and consider shutters for protecting glass.

Clean out drains and be aware of where water can intrude / come back into a structure -- consider water shutoff valves.

Be able to track the storms path -- consider a weather radio.

For assistance when filing post-storm claims, Floridians can call the Florida Department of Financial Services at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236) or visit www.MyFloridaCFO.com.

Facts on Flood Insurance

ICA Carter highlighted the fact that most business insurance policies do not cover losses resulting from floods, however, business owners should not bypass this important coverage.

Flooding can occur anywhere, said ICA Carter. If it rains, it can flood. According to FEMA, just one inch of flood water can cause more than $25,000 in damages.

A vast majority of flood insurance coverage is federally regulated and provided through the National Flood Insurance Program, which is administered through FEMA. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has worked over the last several years to expand Florida's private flood insurance market to provide for more consumer choice and competition in the marketplace. Currently, there are 33 insurance companies eligible to write flood insurance policies in Florida.

Although you can purchase flood insurance at any time, what is significantly important is to not wait until a hurricane or a major storm is threatening to impact the state, added ICA Carter. It is important while preparing for a disaster to purchase flood insurance, as there is typically a 30-day waiting period before your flood insurance takes effect.

State Resources

FloridaDisaster.biz : This partnership between the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the Florida Division of Emergency Management and local, state and federal agencies provides businesses with resources before, during and after a disaster.

: This partnership between the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the Florida Division of Emergency Management and local, state and federal agencies provides businesses with resources before, during and after a disaster. Florida Home Hardening Sales Tax Exemption : Championed by the state's Chief Financial Officer, Jimmy Patronis, this is a two-year, $462 million statewide sales tax exemption period on the purchase of impact resistant doors, impact resistant garage doors as well as impact resistant windows. This allows Florida homeowners as well as business owners to save on taxes while purchasing items to help mitigate, fortify and strengthen homes and businesses against hurricanes, and it runs through June 30, 2024.

: Championed by the state's Chief Financial Officer, Jimmy Patronis, this is a two-year, $462 million statewide sales tax exemption period on the purchase of impact resistant doors, impact resistant garage doors as well as impact resistant windows. This allows Florida homeowners as well as business owners to save on taxes while purchasing items to help mitigate, fortify and strengthen homes and businesses against hurricanes, and it runs through June 30, 2024. My Safe Florida Home Program: While this program is not applicable to commercial properties, ICA Carter added that since many business owners also own homes, the My Safe Florida Home program is important to recognize. It provides funds to obtain free hurricane mitigation inspections and matching grants to harden your home to reduce the likelihood of damage sustained by hurricanes. For each $1 that is spent on mitigation or hardening improvements, the program provides $2, up to $10,000 maximum.

Red Flags for Fraud

ICA Carter also highlighted several red flags business owners should be on the lookout for and signs of potential insurance fraud. She urges Floridians to contact their insurance companies first to file a claim.

Signs of fraud may include:

Contractors who show up unsolicited and point out damage you have not previously noticed,

Contractors who promise services at no charge to you or offer to waive your insurance deductible,

Contractors not willing to provide evidence they are licensed and insured,

Contractors who provide an estimate notably lower or significantly higher in comparison to other estimates for the same work,

Contractors requiring you to pay the full amount of the repair expense upfront or requiring large deposits to be paid using cash, or

A refusal to put things in writing.

To report fraud, Floridians can contact their insurance carriers fraud line, report to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, or call the Fraud Tip Hotline at 1-800-378-0445 or visit www.FraudFreeFlorida.com.

Staying ahead of fraud benefits all policyholders in an effort trying to keep premiums as reasonable as possible, said Chris Siegel. Florida takes reports of fraud seriously because it is a significant detriment to the insurance community at large, not only policyholders and not only the carriers but every transaction point along the way.

The Health of the Insurance Marketplace

Challenges in Floridas insurance market were addressed during the 2023 Legislative Session, with lawmakers passing historic reforms with the goal to improve conditions, expand options and lower costs for Floridians. While it may take a 12-month cycle to measure the impacts of changes from the legal environment, Siegel remarked on the significance of the recent reforms.

A lot of progress has been made, added Siegel. The State of Florida has taken significant action with bills in an attempt to try and stabilize the market. One of the significant pieces of legislation was the removal of assignment of benefits (AOB) provisions, which have had a severe impact on the loss history, starting with water damage claims and then progressing into roof claims.

While surplus lines serve as an important piece in the overall insurance market puzzle, they are not a true substitute for a healthy domestic market. As capacity in the admitted market increases, surplus lines will be able to appropriately serve as its backup for unique, unusual and large risks.

About FSLA:

The Florida Surplus Lines Association (FSLA) is an association representing excess and surplus lines agency member firms and associate members in Florida. Over the past 60 years, FSLA has promoted the regulatory and legislative interests of FSLA members and the Florida surplus lines industry, with a focus on supporting opportunities and insuring risks throughout Florida. The Florida Surplus Lines Association serves as a voice and a resource for its members and is consistently recognized for being one of the most active in the nation, ranking among the top three surplus lines associations in the country. Learn more at www.myFSLA.com.

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Attachment
Vancouver, June 27, 2023 - Xplore Resources Corp. (TSXV: XPLR) (the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Dominic Verdejo as the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer. Wesley Hanson has resigned as President and Chief Executive Officer and has been appointed Executive Chairman of the Company. The Company is also pleased to announce that Dominic Verdejo and Richard Boulay have been appointed as directors of the Company.

Mr. Verdejo has over 15 years' experience in the venture capital markets, specializing in the design and implementation of market strategies and corporate development. He has particular expertise in the mineral exploration and development sector and has been involved in the building and financing of many successful public companies. Mr. Verdejo has held director and senior officer positions in several public companies.

Mr. Boulay is a geologist with over 40 years of experience in the exploration and mining industries in Canada and internationally, including 15 years of mining and infrastructure financing experience gained with Bank of Montreal, Royal Bank of Canada and Bank of Tokyo. During Mr. Boulay's project financing career, he arranged the financing of numerous underground and open pit mining projects, hydro and diversion dams, nuclear reactors, pipelines and offshore oil exploration and production platforms. He has extensive experience in the management and financing of public companies in Canada and the United States.

Sean Waller has resigned as a director of the Company. The Company thanks Mr. Waller for his service and wishes him well in his future endeavours.

The Company also advises that the private placement announced on June 8, 2023, has been cancelled.

About Xplore Resources Corp.

Xplore Resources is a Toronto based mining exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under symbol XPLR and is focused on the acquisition and development of mineral projects in the Americas. The Company is led by a highly experienced management team and is comprised of industry experts with executive and senior management experience in geology, banking, private equity and law.

On Behalf of the Board

Dominic Verdejo, President & Chief Executive Officer

Tel: 604-678-5308

E: info@xploreresources.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/171558
CEO James Tworek also Provides an Update on Peru Work Plan

VANCOUVER, June 1, 2023 - Element 79 Gold Corp. (CSE:ELEM) (OTC:ELMGF)(FSE: 7YS) ("Element 79 Gold", the "Company") proudly announces that, further to an auction held on May 17, 2023, the Company submitted the winning bid for the coveted area covering the Roxana vein and referred to as Lucero del Sur 28 located strategically just east of the high-grade Lucero gold-silver project (Figure 1) which has recently returned up to 402 g/t gold, and 8,464 g/t silver in underground chip sampling (see news release April 27, 2023).

"This strategic move allows us to further strengthen our foothold in the area while continuing to validate the region's abundant resources," said James Tworek, President and CEO. "The Roxana vein boasts a significant historical potential, and we aim to build upon these results while leveraging our resources in the region."

Lucero del Sur 28

Encompassing 1,200 hectares, the Lucero del Sur 28 property is located immediately to the east of the high-grade Lucero gold-silver project (Figure 1.) in the Shila range of southern Peru.

Roxana Vein

Historical information obtained from Buenaventura indicates the Roxana vein outcrops over a strike length of approximately 100m, with varying widths between 0.20 and 0.50 meters. The vein is dominated by white to hyaline quartz) and altered rock clasts, with lesser amounts limonite patinas, hematite, pyrite, and jarosite. Certain sections feature lenses with argentiferous galena, chalcopyrite, malachite, and azurite. Informal workers have worked at strike lengths of approximately 50m and depth of 5m, extracting over 12,000 tonnes of ore yielding grades of 12.5 g/t Au and 1.2 oz/t Ag.

Tocracancha Prospect

Previously work on this prospect near the Roxana vein identified several west-northwest trending veins exhibiting strike lengths from 200 meters to nearly 1,200 meters with widths spanning from 0.5 to 2.0 meters. The observed mineralogy predominantly consists of predominantly hyaline quartz, gray silica microveins, baryte, and calcite, with traces of galena, sphalerite, as well as oxides of iron and manganese.

"Given the recent high-grade results on the Lucero project we jumped at the opportunity to acquire the nearby Lucero de Sur 28 property which hosts significant known at surface mineralization," quoted James Tworek, Element79 Gold Corp. CEO. "While our current work plans are focused on proving up the main veins of the Lucero project's past producing Shila Mine, we also intend to explore this new land package in the near term. "



Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 1. Lucero Project (magenta) and new Lucero de Sur 28 property (red) which includes the Roxana vein

Update on Lucero Project Work Plans Underway

Review and sampling of the Apacheta area is complete for Phase 1, as released in the Company's news release on April 27, 2023 Mapping results are currently being compiled for future Phases of exploration. The addits at Pillune and Sando Alcalde areas were under water due to seasonal raining and required pumping and rehabilitation through April. The field geological team was able to restart work in Pillune in May which included geological mapping and sampling of both surface and underground workings. Rehabilitation is underway at the Sando Alcalde vein area and near-term exploration; surface mapping and underground mapping will start as soon as it is safe to do so. A total of 51 samples were taken from Pillune and Sando Alcalde in May and June. Samples have been submitted to the lab for analysis with results pending.

Qualified Person

The technical information in this release has been reviewed and verified by Neil Pettigrew, M.Sc., P. Geo., a Director of Element79 Gold and a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Element79 Gold

Element79 Gold is a mining company focused on gold, silver and associated metals and committed to maximizing shareholder value through responsible mining practices and sustainable development of its projects. Element79 Gold's main focus is on two core properties: developing its previously-producing, high-grade gold and silver mine, the Lucero project located in Arequipa, Peru, with the intent to bring it back into production in the near term; and its flagship Maverick Springs Project located in the famous gold mining district of northeastern Nevada, USA, between the Elko and White Pine Counties. Maverick Springs hosts a 43-101-compliant, pit-constrained mineral resource estimate reflecting an inferred resource of 3.71 million ounces of gold equivalent "AuEq" at a grade of 0.92 g/t AuEq (0.34 g/t Au and 43.4 g/t Ag) with an effective date of October 19, 2022. The acquisition of the Maverick Springs Project also included a portfolio of 15 properties along the Battle Mountain trend in Nevada, which are non-core to its primary business focus. In British Columbia, Element79 Gold has executed a Letter of Intent and funded a drilling program to acquire a private company that holds the option to 100% interest of the Snowbird High-Grade Gold Project, which consists of 10 mineral claims located in Central British Columbia, approximately 20km west of Fort St. James. The Company also has an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Dale Property, 90 unpatented mining claims located approximately 100 km southwest of Timmins, Ontario, Canada in the Timmins Mining Division, Dale Township. The Company is analyzing the non-core Nevada projects, The Dale Property and Snowbird Property for further merit of exploration, sale or spin-out.

For more information about the Company, please visit www.element79.gold

Contact Information

For corporate matters, please contact:

James C. Tworek, Chief Executive Officer E-mail: jt@element79.gold

For investor relations inquiries, please contact:

Investor Relations Department

Phone: +1 (613) 879-9387

E-mail: hello@element79.gold

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press contains "forward?looking information" and "forward-looking statements" under applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward?looking statements"). These statements relate to future events or the Company's future performance, business prospects or opportunities that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management made in light of management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the Company's business strategy; future planning processes; exploration activities; the timing and result of exploration activities; capital projects and exploration activities and the possible results thereof; acquisition opportunities; and the impact of acquisitions, if any, on the Company. Assumptions may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Consequently, forward-looking statements cannot be guaranteed. As such, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, assumptions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward?looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "predict", "forecast", "potential", "target", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "believe" and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward?looking statements".

Actual results may vary from forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to materially differ from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the duration and effects of the coronavirus and COVID-19; risks related to the integration of acquisitions; actual results of exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; commodity prices; variations in ore reserves, grade or recovery rates; actual performance of plant, equipment or processes relative to specifications and expectations; accidents; labour relations; relations with local communities; changes in national or local governments; changes in applicable legislation or application thereof; delays in obtaining approvals or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities; exchange rate fluctuations; requirements for additional capital; government regulation; environmental risks; reclamation expenses; outcomes of pending litigation; limitations on insurance coverage as well as those factors discussed in the Company's other public disclosure documents, available on www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward?looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward?looking statements included herein should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date hereof. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Copyright (c) 2023 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
VANCOUVER, June 28, 2023 - Luca Mining Corp. ("Luca" or the "Company") (TSXV: LUCA) (OTCQX: LUCMF) (Frankfurt: TSGA) is thrilled to announce two significant milestones. Firstly, the Tahuehueto Gold Project in Durango, Mexico, has achieved a major milestone with a production capacity of 500 tonnes per day ("tpd"), on time and budget. Secondly, Luca has successfully closed an oversubscribed non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement"), for a total of CAD$24,896,551.42 (see the Company's news release dated March 31, 2023).

Highlights

Tahuehueto Gold Project achieves 500 tpd production milestone, on schedule and budget

Funded to achieve commercial production of 1,000 tpd, scheduled for year-end 2023

Mike Struthers, CEO, commented, "We are delighted to have accomplished our goal of reaching 500 tpd at Tahuehueto. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and collaborative efforts of our site teams, contractors, management, and staff. But our focus on delivering Tahuehueto for all our stakeholders continues, as we push towards the ultimate goal of commercial production at 1,000 tpd by year-end. This underpins our strategy of operating two profitable mines and laying a solid foundation for growth, ultimately leading to an exceptional performance in 2024."

"In addition to this significant operational milestone, Luca is proud to announce the successful completion of its funding round, raising an impressive CAD$24.9 million. This accomplishment, particularly under current market conditions, is the result of tremendous efforts by our core team and key stakeholders."

"These significant accomplishments underline the trust and confidence investors have placed in the Company, our new team, and our ambitions for growth. The strong support received from new and existing shareholders is a testament to the dedication of the Luca Mining team."

Tahuehueto Achieves 500 TPD

The Company is very pleased to hit this critical first production goal of 500 tpd at Tahuehueto, as planned, by June 30th, 2023. With an installed capacity of 500 tpd the mine is expected to generate positive cash flow at current metal prices.

This is the first of two major milestones for Tahuehueto construction. Commercial production will be achieved when a capacity of 1,000 tpd is completed by end 2023. Based on the pre-feasibility study updated in April, 2022 (NI43-101 Technical Report "Preliminary Feasibility Study - Tahuehueto Project"), at a capacity of 1,000 tpd the mine will have a net present value of USD $131.8m1, an IRR of 65%, and will have an average all-in sustaining cost of USD $855/oz AuEq over the 10-year mine life.

______________________________ 1 Economic analysis based on following metal prices: gold US$ 1,650/oz; silver US$ 21.02/oz, lead US$ 0.91/lb and zinc US$ 1.15/lb

Recent production (June 2023 to date) grades have averaged 2.47 g/t Au, 31.2 g/t Ag, 1.23% Pb, and 2.92% Zn. Recoveries of all key metals were within 5% of plan, and the lead concentrate, to which the majority of gold and silver report, achieved an average content of 51.2 g/t Au and 648.5 g/t Ag. The zinc concentrate achieved the plan, at an average content of 45.2 % Zn.

A key component of this milestone is the completion of the first stage ("Stage 1A") of the tailings dam. Tailings deposition within this facility has now commenced, and construction of the remaining two stages will continue for the remainder of 2023.

Other key achievements include:

Ongoing mining of access and operating development on various mine levels, to sustain planned production rates.

Optimisation of the existing tailings filter press, and completion of foundations for a second.

Completion of definitive power supply to process plant and related facilities, and all earthing systems.

Upgrades to camp facilities.

Construction of certain ancillary systems for both the 500 tpd and 1,000 tpd stages continues. The overall construction effort will be maintained, towards the ultimate goal of 1,000 tpd by year-end 2023.

Key elements for the 1,000 tpd project include:

Installation of the second ball mill, and associated systems

Further advances in tailings dam construction

Installation of additional tailings filter presses

Completion of certain material handling infrastructure in the underground mine.

News flow over the coming months will focus on progress towards achieving the 1,000 tpd goal.

Private Placement

Under the third and final tranche of the Private Placement, the Company sold 11,831,474 units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a price of CAD $0.35 per Unit for gross proceeds of CAD $4,141,016.25. On April 25, 2023, the Company closed the first tranche of the Private Placement for gross proceeds of CAD $18,344,222.97 and on June 2, 2023, the Company closed the second tranche of the Private Placement for gross proceeds of CAD $2,411,312.20 (see the Company's news releases dated April 26 and June 5, 2023). The Private Placement was heavily oversubscribed, with aggregate gross proceeds of CAD $24,896,551 exceeding the original announced amount of CAD $20,300,000 by CAD $4,596,551.

Each Unit under the third tranche consists of one common share of the Company (a "Share") and one-half of one transferable share purchase warrant (each whole, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one additional Share (a "Warrant Share") at a price of CAD $0.50 per Warrant Share until June 27, 2025 (the "Expiry Date"), subject to acceleration. If the closing price of the Shares on the TSX-V or such other stock exchange as Luca is listed on exceeds CAD $0.90 for 15 consecutive trading days, the Company will earn the right, by providing notice (the "Acceleration Notice") to the warrant holders via a news release or written notice, to accelerate the Expiry Date of the Warrants to 4:00 P.M. (Vancouver time) on the 30th day from the date of the Acceleration Notice (the "Accelerated Expiry Date"). If the Company provides an Acceleration Notice, all Warrants that are not exercised by the Accelerated Expiry Date will expire.

All securities issued in connection under the third tranche are subject to a four month plus one day hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws. Aggregate finders' fees of CAD $1,198,246 and 3,423,555 finders' warrants were paid in connection with the Private Placement to various finders. The terms of the Finders' Warrants are the same as the Warrants, except (i) the Finders Warrants are non-transferable and (ii) the Expiry Date of the Finders' Warrants is two years from their respective dates of issue.

A related party to a director and an individual who is director and officer of the Company, acquired an aggregate of 980,759 Units under the third tranche for a total purchase price of CAD$343,266. Accordingly, the Private Placement is to that extent a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions. The transaction is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101, as neither the fair market value of any securities issued to, or the consideration paid by such persons, will exceed 25 per cent of the Company's market capitalization.

About Luca Mining Corp.

Luca Mining Corp. is a Canadian based mining company with two 100% owned Mexican gold, silver, and base metal mining projects.

Luca's Tahuehueto Gold Mine Project is in north-western Durango State, Mexico where construction of an initial 500 tonnes per day ("tpd") operation has been achieved. The second stage, the 1000 tpd project, is now commencing. The operation is generating gold, silver, lead, and zinc in concentrates.

Campo Morado is an operating polymetallic base and precious metals mine currently producing at an average of 2,300 tpd, generating zinc and copper concentrates with significant precious metals credits.

www.lucamining.com

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

(signed) "Mike Struthers"

Mike Struthers, CEO and Director

Cautionary Note Regarding Production Decisions and Forward-Looking Statements

It should be noted that Luca declared commercial production at Campo Morado prior to completing a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability. Accordingly, readers should be cautioned that Luca's production decision has been made without a comprehensive feasibility study of established reserves such that there is greater risk and uncertainty as to future economic results from the Campo Morado mine and a higher technical risk of failure than would be the case if a feasibility study were completed and relied upon to make a production decision. Luca has completed a preliminary economic assessment ("PEA") mining study on the Campo Morado mine and a prefeasibility study at the Tahuehueto Mine that provides a conceptual life of mine plan and a preliminary economic analysis based on the previously identified mineral resources (see News Release dated November 8, 2017, April 4, 2018 and April 25, 2022).

Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "Forward-Looking Information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, conditions or financial performance that are based on assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action; the timing and costs of future activities on the Company's properties, such as production rates and increases; success of exploration, development and bulk sample processing activities, and timing for processing at its own mineral processing facility on the Tahuehueto project site. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified using words and phrases such as "plans," "expects," "scheduled," "estimates," "forecasts," "intends," "anticipates" or variations of such words and phrases. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that the current exploration, development, environmental and other objectives concerning the Campo Morado Mine and the Tahuehueto Project can be achieved; the continuity of the price of gold and other metals, economic and political conditions, and operations. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. There can be no assurance that Forward-Looking Information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Information. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to Forward-Looking Information contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/luca-mining-hits-500-tpd-milestone-at-tahuehueto-gold-project-and-successfully-closes-over-subscribed-private-placement-at-cad24-9-million-301865349.html

SOURCE Luca Mining Corp.
The Preliminary Economic Assessment referred to in this release is equivalent to a Scoping Study under JORC Code (2012) reporting guidelines. It has been undertaken for the purpose of initial evaluation of a potential development of the Costa Fuego Copper Project in Chile. It is a preliminary technical and economic study of the potential viability of the Costa Fuego Copper Project. The PEA outcomes, production target and forecast financial information referred to in the release are based on low level technical and economic assessments that are insufficient to support estimation of Ore Reserves. The PEA is presented in US dollars to an accuracy level of +/- 35%. While each of the modifying factors was considered and applied, there is no certainty of eventual conversion to Ore Reserves or that the production target itself will be realised. Further exploration and evaluation and appropriate studies are required before Hot Chili will be in a position to estimate any Ore Reserves or to provide any assurance of any economic development case. Given the uncertainties involved, investors should not make any investment decisions based solely on the results of the PEA.



Of the Mineral Resources scheduled for extraction in the PEA production plan, approximately 97% are classified as Indicated and 3% as Inferred during the 18-year evaluation period. The Company has concluded that it has reasonable grounds for disclosing a production target which includes a small amount of Inferred Mineral Resources. There is a low level of geological confidence associated with Inferred Mineral Resources and there is no certainty that further exploration work will result in the determination of Indicated Mineral Resources or that the production target itself will be realised. Inferred Mineral Resources comprise 2.5% of the production schedule in the first four years of operation. The viability of the development scenario envisaged in the PEA does not depend on the inclusion of Inferred Mineral Resources.



The Mineral Resources underpinning the production target in the PEA have been prepared by a competent person in accordance with the requirements of the JORC 2012. For full details on the Mineral Resource estimate, please refer to the ASX announcement of 31 March 2022. Hot Chili confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in that release and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimate continue to apply and have not been changed.



This PEA is based on the material assumptions outlined in Table 11 in this announcement. While Hot Chili considers that all the material assumptions are based on reasonable grounds, there is no certainty that they will prove to be correct or that the range of outcomes indicated by the PEA will be achieved.



To achieve the outcomes indicated in the PEA, including reaching Definitive Feasibility Study ("DFS") stage, funding in the order of US$1.10 Billion will be required, including pre-production and working capital, and assumed financing charges. Investors should note that that there is no certainty that Hot Chili will be able to raise that amount of funding when needed. One of the key assumptions is that the funding for the Project will be available when required. It is also possible that such funding may only be available on terms that may be dilutive to or otherwise affect the value of Hot Chili's existing shares. It is also possible that Hot Chili could pursue other value realisation strategies such as debt financing, a sale or partial sale of its interest in the Costa Fuego Copper Project, sale of further royalties and/or streaming rights, sale of non- committed offtake rights, and sale of non-core assets.



This announcement contains forward-looking statements. Hot Chili has concluded that it has a reasonable basis for providing these forward- looking statements and believes it has a reasonable basis to expect it will be able to fund development of the Costa Fuego Copper Project. However, a number of factors could cause actual results or expectations to differ materially from the results expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Given the uncertainties involved, investors should not make any investment decisions based solely of the results of this study.
WINNEMUCCA, June 28, 2023 - Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. (NYSE American: PZG) ("Paramount" or the "Company") announced today that it has received approval for a two-year extension of its Conditional Use Permit during a public meeting of the Malheur County Planning Department held on June 22nd.



The Company is also pleased to report that it has submitted all responses and additional information requested by Oregon State permitting agencies which they require to determine if the Company's Consolidated Permit Application ("CPA") is complete. These submissions address aspects of the CPA that the State deemed necessary to advance to the Notice to Proceed (the "Notice") stage of the permitting process. The Notice initiates the 225 days of draft permit writing by State Agencies and a final Environmental Evaluation ("EE"). Earlier this year, the EE, led by Stantec, a globally renowned third-party environmental engineering firm, commenced in advance of the Notice to help ensure the timing of the State process is aligned with the federal Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS") process.

Paramount's President and COO, Glen van Treek stated, "The State having initiated the Environmental Evaluation with Stantec prior to a Notice to Proceed demonstrates that we are nearing the end of finalizing the CPA documentation and proceeding to the draft permit writing stage of the process."

On the federal permit process, the local BLM office has reviewed the Notice of Intent ("NOI"), which is now being sent to BLM headquarters for briefing. Once approved, the NOI will be filed in the federal registry initiating the NEPA process. As with the State EE, the federal EIS is being completed by a globally recognized engineering firm that has been involved in the project for several years.

About Paramount Gold Nevada Corp.

Paramount Gold Nevada Corp. is a U.S. based precious metals exploration and development company. Paramount's strategy is to create shareholder value through exploring and developing its mineral properties and to realize this value for its shareholders in three ways: by selling its assets to established producers; entering joint ventures with producers for construction and operation; or constructing and operating mines for its own account.

Paramount holds a 100% interest in four gold projects: Grassy Mountain; Frost; Sleeper and Bald Peak.

The Grassy Mountain Gold Project consists of approximately 8,200 acres located on private and BLM land in Malheur County, Oregon. The Grassy Mountain Gold Project contains a gold-silver deposit (100% located on private land) for which results of a positive Feasibility Study have been released and key permitting milestones accomplished.

Frost is comprised of 84 unpatented lode claims covering approximately 1,730 acres located 12 miles southwest of the Company's proposed high-grade, underground Grassy Mountain gold mine in Malheur County, Oregon ("Grassy").

The Sleeper Gold Project is located in Northern Nevada, the world's premier mining jurisdiction. The Sleeper Gold Project, which includes the former producing Sleeper mine, totals 2,474 unpatented mining claims (approximately 44,917 acres).

The drill ready, Bald Peak Project in Nevada, consists of approximately 2,260 acres.

Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements

This release and related documents may include "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") pursuant to applicable United States and Canadian securities laws. Paramount's future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans or prospects constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other applicable securities laws. Words such as "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although these words may not be present in all forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements included in this news release include, without limitation, statements with respect to the use of proceeds from the Offerings. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analyses and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Management believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the conclusions made in the feasibility study for the Grassy Mountain Gold Project (the "FS"); the quantity and grade of resources included in resource estimates; the accuracy and achievability of projections included in the FS; Paramount's ability to carry on exploration and development activities, including construction; the timely receipt of required approvals and permits; the price of silver, gold and other metals; prices for key mining supplies, including labor costs and consumables, remaining consistent with current expectations; work meeting expectations and being consistent with estimates and plant, equipment and processes operating as anticipated. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: uncertainties involving interpretation of drilling results; environmental matters; the ability to obtain required permitting; equipment breakdown or disruptions; additional financing requirements; the completion of a definitive feasibility study for the Grassy Mountain Gold Project; discrepancies between actual and estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources, between actual and estimated development and operating costs and between estimated and actual production; the global epidemics, pandemics, or other public health crises, including the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) global health pandemic, and the spread of other viruses or pathogens and the other factors described in Paramount's disclosures as filed with the SEC and the Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta Securities Commissions.

Except as required by applicable law, Paramount disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this document.

Paramount Gold Nevada Corp.

Rachel Goldman, Chief Executive Officer

Christos Theodossiou, Director of Corporate Communications

844.488.2233

Twitter: @ParamountNV
Agreement to issue US$25 million of Unsecured Convertible Notes - Australia - Jervois Global Ltd. ("Jervois") (ASX:JRV) (TSXV:JRV) (OTC:JRVMF) announces it has launched a US$50 million total capital raising (the "Capital Raising"), comprising:

US$25 million Unsecured Convertible Notes (Notes") maturing in July 2028 which are convertible into Jervois ordinary shares ("Ordinary Shares") ("Convertible Notes Offer"). The initial conversion price for the Notes represents a 40% premium to the Entitlement Offer Theoretical Ex Rights Price ("TERP")1 and the Notes carry a 6.5% p.a. coupon; and

US$25 million fully underwritten 1 for 3.34 accelerated non-renounceable entitlement offer (the Entitlement Offer"), undertaken in parallel with the Convertible Notes Offer.

Net proceeds from the Capital Raising will strengthen Jervois' balance sheet, improve liquidity and working capital flexibility, with cash also being applied to debt reduction. Once expected debt payments are complete, Jervois will have a proforma cash balance of US$65 million.3 The Capital Raising will support Jervois' refocused strategy to respond to historic low cobalt prices, including:

Continued implementation and delivery of Jervois Finland's turnaround;

Focus on strategic partnerships to position company for expected re-rating on cobalt price recovery and once SMP restart is fully funded - with latter to reduce single asset and commodity price exposure; and

Increased cooperation on critical mineral supply chain security with host Western governments across each Jervois site.

Convertible Notes Offer

Jervois has agreed to issue US$25 million of Notes to Millstreet Capital Management, a large holder of the ICO Senior Secured Bonds. The Notes have a 6.5% per annum coupon and a conversion premium of 40% to TERP on the Entitlement Offer. A summary of the key terms of the Notes is set out below:

Key Terms of Convertible Note

Maximum issue size / face value US$25 million Use of proceeds General corporate purposes Proposed issue date5 7 July 2023 Maturity 5 years from issuance (due July 2028) Coupon 6.5% per annum (accrued daily and payable quarterly in cash or in kind) Establishment fee 4.0% Conversion premium 40.0% - being A$0.0905, representing a 40.0% premium to the TERP on the entitlement offer of A$0.0646, expressed in US$ Status & security Senior unsecured convertible note - convertible into Jervois ordinary shares

Direct, senior, unconditional, unsubordinated and unsecured obligations of Jervois - payment obligations to rank equally with all other existing and future direct, senior, unconditional, unsubordinated obligations Conversion / redemption Conversion: At any time after 30 days from the issue date and prior to 5 business days before the maturity date6

Redemption: At any time after the fourth anniversary of the issue date but before the maturity date, if the closing price is at least 60% higher than the initial conversion price Shareholder approval The convertible notes will be issued in two tranches and subject to Jervois' placement capacity: Tranche 1: US$19.0 million; and Tranche 2: US$5.1 million

Conditions precedent Tranche 1: Completion of the institutional component of an underwritten entitlement offer to raise at least US$10 million Completion of customary definitive documentation reasonably acceptable to the investor and Jervois

Tranche 27 Shareholder approval

Other Conversion price adjustment: Standard anti-dilutive adjustments including upon a change of control of Jervois

Covenants: Customary affirmative and negative covenants

Default: Standard events of default, applicable to Jervois and/or its material subsidiaries, including cross default of US$10 million or more

Default interest: 2.0%

Entitlement Offer

Concurrent with the Convertible Notes Offer, the Entitlement Offer is at a fixed price of A$0.060 per share ("Offer Price"). The Offer Price represents a:

7.1% discount to TERP8 of A$0.0646 on Tuesday, 27 June 2023; and

9.1% discount to the last close price of A$0.0660 on Tuesday, 27 June 2023.

Jervois will issue approximately 622.7 million new Ordinary Shares ("New Shares") under the Entitlement Offer, equivalent to approximately 23.0% of Jervois' total outstanding Ordinary Shares upon completion of the Entitlement Offer. New Shares issued under the Entitlement Offer will rank equally in all respects with Jervois' existing Ordinary Shares.

Jerovis' largest shareholder, AustralianSuper (18.5%) has committed to taking up its full entitlement (A$6.9M) and sub-underwriting (up to A$10.6M of the Entitlement Offer), which will leave it with a maximum post Entitlement Offer shareholding in Jervois of 25%.

Mercuria (Jervois' second largest shareholder at 9.9%, and lender) has committed to taking up its full entitlement.

Jervois' Directors and Executive Management will invest a further US$0.7 million (A$1.0 million) under the Entitlement Offer.

Eligible shareholders are invited to subscribe for 1 New Share for every 3.34 existing Ordinary Shares ("Entitlement") held as at 7:00pm (Sydney, Australia timezone) on Monday, 3 July 2023 under the Entitlement Offer.

Institutional Entitlement Offer

Eligible institutional shareholders will be invited to participate in the institutional component of the Entitlement Offer ("Institutional Entitlement Offer"), which is being conducted today, Wednesday, 28 June 2023.

Eligible institutional shareholders can choose to take up all, part or none of their Entitlement. Institutional Entitlements cannot be traded on the ASX or transferred.

Institutional Entitlements that eligible institutional shareholders do not take up by the close of the Institutional Entitlement Offer, and Institutional Entitlements that would otherwise have been offered to ineligible institutional shareholders, will be offered to new institutional investors and existing institutional shareholders concurrently with the Institutional Entitlement Offer.

Jervois' shares will recommence trading on Monday, 3 July 2023 following completion of the Institutional Entitlement Offer.

Retail Entitlement Offer

Eligible retail shareholders in Australia and New Zealand will be invited to participate in the retail component of the Entitlement Offer ("Retail Entitlement Offer") at the same Offer Price and ratio as the Institutional Entitlement Offer. The Retail Entitlement Offer will open on Wednesday, 5 July 2023 and close at 5.00pm on Tuesday, 18 July 2023.

Further details about the Retail Entitlement Offer will be set out in the retail offer booklet, which Jervois expects to lodge with the ASX on Wednesday, 5 July 2023.

Entitlements cannot be traded on the ASX or transferred. Eligible shareholders who do not take up their Entitlement under the Entitlement Offer in full or in part, may not receive any value in respect to those Entitlements not taken up.

Indicative Timetable

Event Date Announcement of Entitlement Offer Wednesday, 28 June 2023 Institutional Entitlement Offer closes Thursday, 29 June 2023 Announcement of the completion of Institutional Entitlement Offer and trading resumes on an ex-entitlement basis Monday, 3 July 2023 Record Date for Entitlement Offer (7pm) Monday, 3 July 2023 Access letter despatched to Eligible Retail Shareholders Wednesday, 5 July 2023 Retail Entitlement Offer opens Wednesday, 5 July 2023 Settlement of New Shares to be issued under the Institutional Entitlement Offer Thursday, 6 July 2023 Expected settlement of Convertible Note Offer Thursday, 6 July 2023 Allotment and Quotation of New Shares under the Institutional Entitlement Offer Friday, 7 July 2023 Closing date for acceptances under Retail Entitlement Offer (5pm) Tuesday, 18 July 2023 Announcement of results of Retail Entitlement Offer and notification of any shortfall Friday, 21 July 2023 Settlement of Retail Entitlement Offer Monday, 24 July 2023 Allotment and issue of New Shares under the Retail Entitlement Offer Tuesday, 25 July 2023 Commencement of trading and holding statements dispatched for Retail Entitlement Offer Wednesday, 26 July 2023

Additional Information

Further details on the Capital Raising are set out in the Investor Presentation also released to the ASX today. The Investor Presentation contains important information including disclaimers, key risks and foreign selling restrictions with respect to the Entitlement Offer.

Jefferies (Australia) Pty Ltd and Canaccord Genuity (Australia) Limited are acting as Joint Lead Managers and Underwriters to the Entitlement Offer.

This announcement has been approved for release by the Board of Directors of Jervois Global Ltd..

Completion of the Capital Raising is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

For further information, please contact:

Investors and analysts: James May Chief Financial Officer Jervois Global james.may@jervoisglobal.com Media: Nathan Ryan NWR Communications nathan.ryan@nwrcommunications.com.au Mob: +61 420 582 887

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule", "expected" and other similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to the Capital Raising and approvals of the TSXV, future operations at Jervois Finland, anticipated partnerships, restart and timing of SMP Refinery; future operations; future growth potential of Jervois' projects and future development plans;, and certain other factors or information. Such statements represent Jervois' current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Jervois, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and contingencies that are subject to change without notice and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company and its related bodies corporate and affiliates (and each of their respective directors, securityholders, officers, employees, partners, agents, advisers and management), and could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or any projections and assumptions on which those statements are based. This includes statements about market and industry trends, which are based on interpretations of market conditions.

Forward-looking statements are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied on as an indication or guarantee of future performance. These statements may assume the success of the Company's business strategies, the success of which may not be realised within the period for which the forward-looking statements may have been prepared, or at all, and the receipt of applicable approvals to complete the Capital Raising.

No guarantee, representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy, likelihood of achievement or reasonableness of any forecasts, prospects, returns, statements or tax treatment in relation to future matters contained in this announcement. The forward-looking statements are based on information available to the Company as at the date of this announcement. Except as required by applicable laws, rules or regulations, none of the Company, its representatives or advisers intends to, or undertakes to, or assumes any obligation to, provide any additional information, update or revise the statements in this announcement, whether as a result of a change in expectations or assumptions, new information, future events, results or

circumstances.

Not an offer of securities



This announcement has been prepared for publication in Australia and may not be released to US wire services or distributed in the United States. This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction. Any securities described in this announcement have not been, and will not be, registered under the US Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States except in transactions exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements of the US Securities Act and applicable US state securities laws.

General

In addition, this announcement is subject to the same "Important Notice and Disclaimer" as appears on slides 2 to 5 of the Investor Presentation with any necessary contextual changes.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Not for release to US wire services or distribution in the United States

1 TERP (theoretical ex rights price) is the theoretical price at which Jervois' ordinary shares should trade at immediately after the ex-date for the Entitlement Offer based only on the last traded price and issuance of Jervois' ordinary shares at the offer price under the Entitlement Offer.

2 Subject to satisfaction of customary conditions.

3 A$37.4 million based on AUD/USD exchange of 0.669 (25 June 2023).

4 Refer to slide 20 of the investor presentation released today by Jervois in connection with the capital raising for basis of preparation of proforma financial position.

5 Subject to satisfaction of the conditions precedent.

6 If such conversion would result in the holder's voting power in Jervois reaching or exceeding 20% of the issued and outstanding shares or voting power of Jervois, then, without the prior requisite approval of Jervois' shareholders, upon a conversion, Jervois will only convert the portion of the Note subject to the conversion request that would result in the holder's shareholdings being 19.90% and will redeem the remainder of such Note for cash.

7 In addition to the conditions precedent required for Tranche 1.

8 TERP (theoretical ex rights price) is the theoretical price at which Jervois' ordinary shares should trade at immediately after the ex-date for the Entitlement Offer based only on the last traded price and issuance of Jervois' ordinary shares at the offer price under the Entitlement Offer.

Copyright (c) 2023 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
June 28th - Vancouver, British Columbia - Lake Winn Resources Corp. ("Lake Winn" or the "Company") (TSXV:LWR) (FSE:EE1A) is pleased to announce it has received two exploration grants for upcoming future exploration in Canada.

Mining Incentive Program (MIPs) grant NWT Little Nahanni Lithium $192,000.

Lake Winn Resources Corp. is pleased to announce that it has received a grant of $192,000 towards its 2023 explorations efforts on its flagship Little Nahanni Pegmatite Group (LNPG) property hosting encouraging Lithium, Tantalum, and Tin results. The Project is 100% owned and covers 7,080 hectares of prospective ground with near road access, in close proximity to the Cantung and Mactung Mines and related infrastructure. This Mining Incentive Grant, from the Government of the Northwest Territories, is selected from a $1m fund that is distributed to exploration and development projects on a technical and economic merit basis. The Company wishes to thank the Government of the Northwest Territories for its recognition and acknowledgment of the high quality of the LNPG project and for its substantial financial contribution.

Manitoba Mineral Development Fund (MMDF) grant MB Cloud Gold $210,000.

Lake Winn Resources Corp. is also pleased to announce that it has received a grant of $210,000 towards its 2023 exploration efforts on the Cloud Gold property located in proximity to Flin Flon Manitoba. The Cloud project hosts encouraging gold results from the previous drill program. This MMDF grant is awarded to Companies that can demonstrate the potential to increase mineral exploration and development in Manitoba through high quality exploration projects along with local expenditures that support business development to strengthen the mining supply chain in Manitoba. The Company wishes to thank the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund for its recognition and acknowledgment of the high quality of the Cloud project and for its substantial financial contribution.

About Lake Winn Resources

Lake Winn Resources Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on advancing its 100% owned Little Nahanni Lithium Project ("LNLP"), which is located in the western Northwest Territories near the Yukon Border. The project covers 7,080 hectares that encompasses a 7 km long, and up to 500 m wide, lithium, tantalum, and tin pegmatite dyke swarm. Historical drilling and channel sampling on the Project confirms the presence of significant lithium, tantalum, and tin.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF Lake Winn Resources Corp.

Patrick Power, President & CEO

+1 (604) 218-8772

info@lakewinn.ca

www.lakewinn.ca

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" including but not limited to statements with respect to Lake Winn's plans, the estimation of a mineral resource, and the success of exploration activities. In this release, it is not certain if the discovery will be economic or not as this depends on many factors. Forward-looking statements, while based on management's best estimates and assumptions, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Factors that could affect our plans include our potential inability to raise funds as intended, and in such event, we may require all funds raised, if any, to be used for working capital rather than the intended uses as outlined. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward?looking statements. Lake Winn undertakes no obligation or responsibility to update forward?looking statements, except as required by law.

Copyright (c) 2023 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
VANCOUVER, June 28, 2023 - Infinity Stone Ventures Corp. (CSE: GEMS) (OTC: GEMSF) (FSE: B2I) (the "Company" or "Infinity Stone"), is pleased to announce it has been approved to cross list its shares on Upstream, the revolutionary trading app for digital securities and NFTs powered by Horizon Fintex ("Horizon") and MERJ Exchange Limited ("MERJ"). Trading is anticipated to become available on Upstream July 6, 2023, at 10:00am ET under the ticker symbol "GEMS".

The cross listing on Upstream is designed to provide Infinity Stone the opportunity to access a global, digital-first investor base outside the U.S. that can trade using USDC digital currency along with credit, debit, PayPal, and USD; unlocking liquidity and enhancing price discovery while globalizing the opportunity to invest in the Canadian Securities Exchange-listed company.

Investors outside the U.S. can get ready to trade by downloading Upstream from their preferred app store at https://upstream.exchange/, creating an account by tapping Sign Up, and completing a simple KYC identity verification by tapping the settings icon on the home screen and tapping KYC.

Existing non-U.S. shareholders may transfer their shares by opening Upstream, tapping Investor, Manage Securities, Deposit Securities, then entering the ticker symbol "GEMS" and the number of shares to deposit, and tapping Submit. Next, enter your brokerage firm name and brokerage account number, and tap Submit. Finally, tap Add E-Signature, sign your name on the screen using your finger, tap Done, and then tap Sign.

After completion of the deposit request on Upstream, shareholders will receive via email an executed deposit form to submit to their current brokerage firm to initiate a withdrawal to the transfer agent. Shares will not be transferred without notifying the current broker and requesting a withdrawal. On listing day, shareholders will receive a push notification once the shares are deposited and available for trading on Upstream.

Details on the Infinity Stone listing, detailed deposit and trading instructions, and how to claim the free commemorative NFT can be found at https://infinitystoneventures.com. The Upstream market is open 5 days a week 20 hours a day, Monday to Friday: 10:00am to 06:00am UTC+4 (1:00am to 9:00pm EST).

The Company hopes that traders in the Company's shares on Upstream's blockchain-powered platform will experience real-time trading and settlement, and a transparent orderbook which does not permit common market manipulations. On listing day, Upstream participants will be eligible to claim a free digital collectible (NFT) memorializing the cross listing on Upstream. Shareholders may also be entitled to participate in future digital promotions which may be redeemed for products, services, or experiences for added value.

"Today marks a significant milestone for Infinity Stone Ventures as we expand our reach to a global, digital-first investor base with our cross listing on Upstream," stated Zayn Kalyan, CEO of Infinity Stone. "This innovative listing embodies our commitment to democratize access to our shares, enhancing liquidity and price discovery, while giving our investors the ability to trade using various options including USDC digital currency, credit, debit, PayPal, and USD. We are big supporters of the team at Upstream and are excited to be one of their first Canadian listings", furthered Mr. Kalyan.

About Infinity Stone Ventures

Infinity Stone's mission is to be a diversified, single source supplier for the critical energy metals being used in the clean energy revolution alongside its established SaaS solution portfolio. Infinity Stone is meeting the demand from battery and wind turbine manufacturers, nuclear and hydrogen energy producers, and energy metals speculators by acquiring 100% interest in critical mineral deposits and occurrences in stable mining-friendly jurisdictions, close to final use destinations in North American manufacturing hubs.

To register for investor updates please visit https://infinitystoneventures.com.

About Upstream

Upstream, a MERJ Exchange Market (merj.exchange), is a fully regulated global stock exchange for digital securities. Powered by Horizon's proprietary blockchain matching engine technology, the platform will enable investors to trade NFTs, shares in IPOs, crowdfunded companies, U.S. & Int'l. equities, and celebrity ventures directly from the app: https://upstream.exchange. Interested issuers can reach the team at hello@upstream.exchange.https://upstream.exchange/getlisted

Connect with Infinity Stone

Email | Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram?|

Infinity Stone Contact

Zayn Kalyan

CEO and Director

Direct: 778-938-3367

zayn@altuscapital.ca

Disclaimers

This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell securities or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction where such offer or solicitation is not permitted.

NFTs have no royalties, equity ownership, or dividends. NFTs are for utility, collection, redemption or display purposes only. Anyone may buy and sell NFTs on Upstream.

U.S. or Canadian-based citizens or permanent residents may only deposit, buy, or sell securities on Upstream after being introduced by a licensed broker dealer. Note that U.S. or Canadian-based investors include those U.S. or Canadian citizens who may be domiciled overseas. All orders for sale are non-solicited by Upstream and a user's decision to trade securities must be based on their own investment judgement. Anyone may buy and sell NFTs on Upstream.

Upstream is a MERJ Exchange market. MERJ Exchange is a licensed Securities Exchange, an affiliate of the World Federation of Exchanges, a National Numbering Agency and member of ANNA. MERJ is regulated in the Seychelles by the Financial Services Authority Seychelles, https://fsaseychelles.sc/ an associate member of the International Association of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). MERJ supports global issuers of traditional and digital securities through the entire asset life cycle from issuance to trading, clearing, settlement, and registry. It operates a fair and transparent marketplace in line with international best practices and principles of operations of financial markets. Upstream does not endorse or recommend any public or private securities bought or sold on its app. Upstream does not offer investment advice or recommendations of any kind. All services offered by Upstream are intended for self-directed clients who make their own investment decisions without aid or assistance from Upstream. All customers are subject to the rules and regulations of their jurisdiction. By accessing the site or app, you agreed to be bound by its terms of use and privacy policy. Company and security listings on Upstream are only suitable for investors who are familiar with and willing to accept the high risk associated with speculative investments, often in early and development stage companies. There can be no assurance the valuation of any particular company's securities is accurate or in agreement with the market or industry comparative valuations. Investors must be able to afford market volatility and afford the loss of their investment. Companies listed on Upstream are subject to significant ongoing corporate obligations including, but not limited to disclosure, filings, and notification requirements, as well as compliance with applicable quantitative and qualitative listing standards.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains "forward-looking statements." Such statements may be preceded by the words "intends," "may," "will," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "projects," "predicts," "estimates," "aims," "believes," "hopes," "potential," or similar words and, in this news release, include statements respecting the Company's anticipated cross listing on Upstream and the timing and benefits thereof. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on certain assumptions, and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, and cannot be predicted or quantified, and, consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with (i) difficulties in obtaining financing on commercially reasonable terms; (ii) changes in the size and nature of our competition; (iii) loss of one or more key executives or brand ambassadors; and (iv) changes in legal or regulatory requirements in the markets in which we operate. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/infinity-stone-ventures-approved-to-cross-list-on-upstream-301865879.html

SOURCE Infinity Stone Ventures Corp.
MONTREAL, June 28, 2023 /CNW/ - Cerro de Pasco Resources Inc. (CSE:CDPR) (OTCPK: GPPRF) (FRA: N8HP) ("CDPR" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has signed a term sheet with Ocean Partners UK Limited ("OPUK"), a metals trading firm and Arena Investors, LP ("ARENA"), a global asset manager, to provide an aggregate of US$ 12.0M to US$ 15.5M, consisting of a US$ 8.0M loan facility from ARENA and a US$ 4.0M to 7.5M revolving concentrate pre-payment facility from OPUK (together the "Financing"). In addition, the Company has secured a USD $5.0M term sheet with a private Peruvian fund in exchange for a 10% ownership position in CDPR's Santander subsidiary (the "Equity Interest"). The purpose of the Financing and Equity Interest will be to strengthen the Company's balance sheet during the physical development stage of the Santander Pipe Project at its Santander Mine in Peru.

Guy Goulet, CDPR's CEO stated: "We are very pleased to enter into a transaction with OPUK and ARENA in addition to the Equity Interest in the Santander Subsidiary. Our Santander Mine in Peru is at a turning point in its evolution as we focus on the significantly higher-grade Santander Pipe. Capital support for completion of development works at Santander will bring our cash cost down to US$ 0.90 per lb. of zinc, positioning us close to the bottom quartile of the cost curve for zinc producers."

OPUK Pre-Payment Details

OPUK and CDPR will enter commercial contracts for the supply of zinc, copper and lead concentrates that are both committed and not committed to existing off-taker. OPUK will advance to CDPR US$ 4.0M and up to a maximum of US$ 7.5M, against monthly deliveries of concentrate for the life of the commercial contract. Once sufficient material has been delivered to OPUK to repay amounts outstanding plus costs, the facility may be redrawn immediately.

CDPR upon the funding of the first drawdown will issue warrants to the OPUK for a face value of CA$ 2.5M with an exercise price of CA$ 0.25, subject to exchange approval.

ARENA Loan Facility Details

ARENA will provide a 36-month loan facility up to US$ 8.0M, secured primarily against CDPR's Santander Assets and first ranking fixed and floating security over the Company's interest in the Quiulacocha TSF, which may be removed once the facility amount is below US$ 4.0M. The repayment period will contemplate the first 6 months of interest only followed by 30 months of equal principal plus interest payments.

CDPR, upon obtainment of funds from the loan facility, will issue to ARENA CA$ 5.0M in face value of warrants at an exercise price of CA$ 0.25, subject to exchange approval.

Conditions Precedent

The Financing is subject to various conditions of both OPUK and ARENA including execution of binding pre-payment documentation and the completion of additional equity or subordinated debt of US$ 12.0M.

With respect to the additional equity required, CDPR has already signed a US$ 5.0M term sheet with a private Peruvian fund in exchange for a 10% ownership position in CDPR's Santander subsidiary. The closing of the Equity Interest in Santander will be simultaneous to the closing of the Financing.

In parallel the Company is in advanced discussions with suppliers offering subordinated financing, specifically relating to the development of the Santander Mine. The Company will report advancements in due course.

Technical Information

Mr. Jorge Lozano, MMSAQP and Chief Operating Officer for CDPR, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. Mr. Lozano is a Qualified Person for the purposes of reporting in compliance with NI 43-101.

About Cerro de Pasco Resources

Cerro de Pasco Resources Inc. (CDPR) is a mining and resource management company, with the goal to become the next mid-tier producer of base metals in Peru. CDPR is currently engaged in mining, developing and exploring its wholly-owned 6,000 hectare Santander Mine in the highly prospective Antamina-Yauricocha Skarn Corridor, located 215 km from Lima. CDPR is also focused on the development of its principal 100% owned asset, the El Metalurgista mining concession comprising mineral tailings and stockpiles extracted from the Cerro de Pasco open pit mine in Central Peru. The company's approach at El Metalurgista entails the reprocessing and environmental remediation of mining waste and the creation of numerous opportunities in a circular economy. CDPR is founded on clear objectives, to engender long-term economic sustainability and benefit for the local population, from an economic, social and health point of view.

Forward-Looking Statements and Disclaimer

Certain information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified using forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "seeks", "expects", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "could", "might", "likely" or variations of such words, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "will", "could", "would", "might", "will be taken", "occur", "be achieved" or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements, including the expectations of CDPR's management regarding the completion of the Transaction as well as the business and the expansion and growth of CDPR's operations, are based on CDPR's estimates and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of CDPR to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are subject to business and economic factors and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements, including the relevant assumptions and risks factors set out in CDPR's public documents, available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Although CDPR believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements and forward-looking information. Except where required by applicable law, CDPR disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Cerro de Pasco Resources Inc.
VANCOUVER, June 28, 2023 - Newcore Gold Ltd. ("Newcore" or the "Company") (TSX-V: NCAU, OTCQX: NCAUF) is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement financing pursuant to which the Company issued 33,333,332 units of the Company at $0.15 per Unit (the "Units") for aggregate gross proceeds of $4,999,999.80 (the "Offering"). The securities were offered under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (as defined below).

Luke Alexander, President and CEO of Newcore stated, "We are pleased to be welcoming a new institutional investor and would also like to thank our existing shareholders for their continued support. Management and the Board of Directors also meaningfully participated in the financing, continuing to be strongly aligned with shareholders by way of an approximate 21% equity ownership post financing. In a difficult market, we have been able to secure funding that allows Newcore to continue to advance and de-risk the development of our Enchi Gold Project in Ghana. This funding will allow us to complete additional drilling and development work as we prove out the district scale potential of the property."

Each Unit consisted of one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.20 per Common Share at any time on or before June 28, 2024.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to fund exploration and development activities at the Company's 100% owned Enchi Gold Project in Ghana, as well as for general corporate and working capital purposes.

The Units were sold to purchasers pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption (the "LIFE Exemption") under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions. The securities issued in the Offering pursuant to the LIFE Exemption will not be subject to a statutory hold period pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws.

In connection with the completion of the Offering, the Company paid $25,125 to certain arm-length third parties who assisted in introducing subscribers to the Offering.

Certain directors and management of the Company (the "Insiders") participated in the Offering. Participation by the Insiders in the Offering was considered a "related party transaction" pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") as the Insiders are directors or senior officers of the Company. The Company was exempt from the requirements to obtain a formal valuation or minority shareholder approval in connection with the Insiders' participation in the Offering in reliance on sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101.

The securities offered have not, nor will they be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent such registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This release does not constitute an offer for sale or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, a U.S. person. "U.S. person" and "United States" are as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act.

About Newcore Gold Ltd.

Newcore Gold is advancing its Enchi Gold Project located in Ghana, Africa's largest gold producer (1). Newcore Gold offers investors a unique combination of top-tier leadership, who are aligned with shareholders through their 21% equity ownership, and prime district scale exploration opportunities. Enchi's 216 km2 land package covers 40 kilometres of Ghana's prolific Bibiani Shear Zone, a gold belt which hosts several 5 million-ounce gold deposits, including the Chirano mine 50 kilometers to the north. Newcore's vision is to build a responsive, creative and powerful gold enterprise that maximizes returns for shareholders.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of Newcore Gold Ltd.

Luke Alexander

President, CEO & Director

For further information, please contact:

Mal Karwowska | Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations

+1 604 484 4399

info@newcoregold.com

www.newcoregold.com

(1) Source: Production volumes for 2022 as sourced from the World Gold Council

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes statements that contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation ("forward-looking statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussion with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always using phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: the use of proceeds from the Offering, magnitude or quality of mineral deposits; anticipated advancement of mineral properties or programs; and future exploration prospects.

These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. The assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to Newcore. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of Newcore believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, Newcore cannot provide any assurance that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking information also involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Newcore to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others: risks related to the speculative nature of Newcore's business; Newcore's formative stage of development; Newcore's financial position; possible variations in mineralization, grade or recovery rates; actual results of current exploration activities; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold and other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar to United States dollar exchange rate); change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, unusual or unexpected geological formations); the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties.

Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and Newcore disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Aston Martin leap a reality check for Alpine

Alpine's sale of a EUR 200 million stake in its Renault-owned Formula 1 team could be linked with the realisation of what it takes to step up the grid.

Pierre Gasly, Canadian GP 2023

 Alpine

Alpine's sale of a EUR 200 million stake in its Renault-owned Formula 1 team could be linked with the realisation of what it takes to step up the grid.

The Enstone based outfit is currently in the midst of a 100-race plan to get itself into a front-running position - but Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi, recently highly critical of the team, admits that may need to be extended.

"It could be 120," he is quoted by Spain's El Mundo Deportivo. "The regulatory era has been extended for a year so we're going until 2025.

"My goal is that, by then, the Alpine team has the same means as the best teams and operates in such a way that it can use these means to become a credible candidate for the podium.

"We are still moving in this direction, we are continuing to hire, to obtain equipment and resources, and this investment will help us to move even faster.

"That's why I think we're still on the right track."

The investment he is talking about is the 24 percent team sale to a group of investors including Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds - perhaps most famous for playing Deadpool.

Rossi said in the official announcement of the deal that the money will be "reinvested in the team to further accelerate our Mountain Climber plan, aimed at catching up with top teams in terms of state-of-the-art facilities and equipment".

He then told journalists that Aston Martin's major performance boost this year, having actually finished three places behind Alpine in 2022, had been a "reality check".

"For us, Mercedes, Ferrari - for everyone," said Rossi. "For the entire sport of F1.

"It's an industry that's been doing pretty much the same thing for so long that it's become a norm that it takes so long to get there," he added.

"It's true for everything - for road cars. They (Aston) have changed a couple of things, faster, differently, took a bit more risk and it paid off."

He said Alpine is now in the process of making adjustments in the hope of completing the same sort of bold leap forward.

"People start scratching their heads a little more thinking 'maybe we're being too conservative, maybe we're doing too much validation, maybe we can shorten the process here and there'," said the Frenchman.

"Now you look at it and in hindsight it may not be necessary anymore. So we're looking at a lot of things."

(GMM)
Mercedes cannot pressure Verstappen yet says Wolff

Mercedes is not yet ready to put Max Verstappen "under pressure" for race wins, Toto Wolff has admitted.

Podium, Spanish GP 2023

 Red Bull

Mercedes is not yet ready to put Max Verstappen "under pressure" for race wins, Toto Wolff has admitted.

Brackley based Mercedes had a tough and soul-searching start to the 2023 season with another 'no sidepods' car concept - but that has now been scrapped mid-season.

The team is now edging closer to Aston Martin, the surprising closest challenger of dominant Red Bull driver Verstappen so far this season.

"We're bringing a major upgrade to Silverstone," Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has now told Sky Deutschland.

He added that yet another upgrade will be introduced just prior to the summer break.

"We see good increases in performance in the wind tunnel," said Wolff. "We understand better what the car needs to be fast, what the setup has to look like.

"In general, the steps are getting bigger now. I think we're making good progress but I think Max's lead is still too big to really think that we're putting him under pressure.

"But I think we can fix that. It's the aerodynamics, it's the entire mechanical concept - it's all interwoven."

(GMM)
Michelin surprised Bridgestone eying F1 deal

Michelin's motorsport boss says he'd be "surprised" if Bridgestone really is serious about taking over from Pirelli as the sole tyre supplier in Formula 1.

Sergio Perez, Spanish GP 2023

 Red Bull

Michelin's motorsport boss says he'd be "surprised" if Bridgestone really is serious about taking over from Pirelli as the sole tyre supplier in Formula 1.

It is believed the FIA has now approved the technical applications of both Pirelli and Bridgestone for the contractual period beyond 2024, with commercial negotiations now set to take place without a specified deadline.

Bridgestone and Pirelli aside, the other most recent tyre supplier in F1 was Michelin - but boss Matthieu Bonardel says the French marque is definitely not interested.

"If there is an invitation to tender from F1, we of course take a very close look at it," he told f1-insider.com.

"But for us, there are simply certain criteria that have to be met," said Bonardel. "We must be able to be innovative. We use motorsport as a test laboratory."

However, he says Pirelli - and Bridgestone, if the Japanese company secures the 2025 contract - has to produce tyres designed to spice up F1's show.

"We want to tell a story that fits Michelin's brand philosophy - that we produce high-quality tires that last longer and are sustainable," he said.

"But in the F1 tender, there is just half a line on sustainability. There are practically zero expectations in this regard and it doesn't matter at all. We could burn the tires after the race and nobody would say anything."

Bonardel also said F1 tyres are not designed for peak performance anymore.

"The reality is that the tyre is used to create a difficult situation for the driver. He has to manage them and that paints a bad picture of the tyre.

"We want the drivers to be able to fight and be happy with their tyre partner," he added. "Maybe Pirelli doesn't care, but it's a must for us. So as long as they have that philosophy, we're out."

Michelin's Bonardel also suspects that Bridgestone doesn't really have a realistic chance of beating Pirelli to the deal.

"I'm not sure Formula 1 is really interested in having another tyre manufacturer," he said. "The invitation to tender is not written for a newcomer, but for the current supplier."

Some believe that is why Bridgestone is currently staying very quiet about their supposed application.

"In terms of philosophy, mindset and strategic goals, Bridgestone is not that different from Michelin. They are certainly closer to us than Pirelli," Bonardel said.

"I'd be surprised if Bridgestone wants to demonstrate tyre degradation just to be in Formula 1."

(GMM)
Palou could replace de Vries at Alpha Tauri?

Nyck de Vries appears to still be under mammoth pressure to keep his seat at Alpha Tauri.

Nyck de Vries, Canadian GP 2023

 Red Bull

Nyck de Vries appears to still be under mammoth pressure to keep his seat at Alpha Tauri.

After a difficult start to the 28-year-old rookie's first full-time Formula 1 drive this year, team owner Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko indicated that the Dutchman could soon be ousted.

He then showed signs of improving - until he got tangled up in an awkward clash with Haas' Kevin Magnussen in Canada.

"It was a decent race until then," said de Vries.

Alpha Tauri boss recently went on the record to admit that he pushed to sign Haas refugee Mick Schumacher for 2023 - until Marko vetoed the move.

Also opposed to signing de Vries, it now emerges, was Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner.

"We don't often have differences of opinion, but sometimes we do," Marko, 80, is quoted as saying on a podcast called Inside Line.

"I think the last time was Nyck de Vries," the Austrian said in comments published in the Dutch media.

"And at the moment it seems that he (Horner) was right. "It was of course about Alpha Tauri and not Red Bull, but since we are a family, I did ask him for his opinion.

"And he was not a big fan of Nyck de Vries," Marko admitted.

As for the difference of opinion with Tost about signing Schumacher instead of de Vries, Marko explained: "He (Mick) had been driving his entire career with the Ferrari academy.

"Nyck, who had a very successful race in Monza as a substitute last year, fit better with our philosophy."

F1 legend Gerhard Berger indicated recently that he sees Red Bull junior Liam Lawson, currently racing in Japan, as naturally next in line for an Alpha Tauri move.

But there could be another, despite his current ties with McLaren - the dominant Indycar driver Alex Palou.

The Indianapolis Star newspaper thinks Alpha Tauri may be interested in snapping up the Spaniard for 2024 - as are Williams, Haas and Alfa Romeo.

"But," the report noted, "the clock is ticking, with an all-important end of July deadline that has to play out.

"Palou's Monaco Increase Management team has been making a full-court press to try and find a ride for the 26-year-old Spaniard to slot into for the 2024 F1 campaign," the Indy Star added.

(GMM)
Move to create single African securities market on course: GSE, others to be linked soon

Emmanuel Bruce Business News Jun - 27 - 2023 , 14:29

The project to create a single African Securities Exchange market is on course after the first phase of the project saw the linkage of seven exchanges on the continent.

The first phase, which was a pilot, saw the onboarding of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange; Stock Exchange of Mauritius; Egyptian Stock Exchange; Nigerian Stock Exchange; BRVM; Nairobi Stock Exchange; and the Casablanca Stock Exchange unto the single market platform.

The first seven exchanges which were on boarded had a total of 1500 listed companies with a market capitalisation of US$1.5 trillion.

When fully completed, the platform would see the linkage of over 30 stock exchanges in Africa, with a combined listed companies of over 2000 and a market capitalisation of US$2 trillion.

Known as the African Exchanges Linkage Project (AELP), this is an initiative by the African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA) and supported by the African Development Bank.

The project seeks to foster the integration of African capital markets, promote liquidity, and enhance access to capital for businesses and investors across the continent

The second phase of the project would see the Ghana Stock Exchange, the Botswana Stock Exchange and six other exchanges joining the platform by end of 2023.

Funding from Afreximbank

At a workshop to sensitise Ghanaian securities stakeholders in Accra, the President of ASEA, Thapelo Tsheole, said the association has received funding from the Afreximbank to commence the second phase of the project.

We are looking at bringing in eight more exchanges by end of the year or early next year, Ghana and Botswana have already joined and we are in the process of facilitating the connection, he stated.

He said it was therefore very crucial that Ghanaian stakeholders understood the concept and the opportunities it came with.

It is no longer a dream so you need to take the opportunity early and not be left behind. The African trade story is moving very fast and you must not be left out.

There are more than 30 brokers that have subscribed to the project and when the project takes shape in Ghana, we hope that the Ghanaian brokers will be quick in onboarding, he stated.

MoU with PAPSS

He said the association has recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Pan African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to facilitate the payment of trades on the AELP platform.

This week, I had the opportunity to meet with the AfCFTA Secretary General and the plan is that we will design a framework in which we can work together.

He said the association would continue to advocate the development of African capital markets, capacity building and market development initiatives across the continent.

Huge opportunities

The Managing Director of the Ghana Stock Exchange, Abena Amoah, for her part, said the onboarding of the GSE onto the single market platform would provide huge opportunities for both Ghanaian investors and businesses.

With a total of 2000 listed companies, she said Ghanaian investors would have the opportunity of buying shares in some of the biggest companies on the continent.

She said Ghanaian companies could also tap into the US$2 billion market capitalisation to raise the needed funds for their businesses.

The AELP seeks to integrate the exchanges in Africa and this will enable a broker in Ghana to buy securities in other African countries.

We are seeking to bring our markets together on one platform so that the over 2000 companies that are listed on more than 30 security exchanges create one market for investors, she stated.

She said it was for this reason that the GSE has set off to sensitise the brokers, exchange commission, depository and all relevant stakeholders on what it would take to successfully implement the project.

The market we want to see is one where an investor has a view of securities listed all over Africa and through their broker can plug in and buy securities anywhere, she said.
Silver Star debuts locally assembled vehicles at Auto summit

Kwame Larweh Business News Jun - 28 - 2023 , 10:28

Auto dealers Silver Star Auto Limited have debuted locally assembled Peugeot SUVs and commercial vehicles at the maiden Ghana Automotive Summit being held at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre yesterday.

The vehicles are the new 2008, 3008 and 5008 models Peugeot SUVs which were all assembled in the country.

With thick tyres, high fuel efficiency, a state-of-the-art horse power and an avant garde interior, the vehicles offer motorists the best in decades according to the auto dealer.

" These vehicles are easily serviceable, they are made for the best comfort and come with the best safety features," Mr Rabie Agha, Deputy General Manager in charge of sales told the Graphic Business.

He added that his outfit has also liaised with some major financial institutions in the country to provide credit facilities to ordinary Ghanaians to enable them purchase the vehicle and make monthly payments via their salaries.

The CEO of Silver Star Auto Limited, Mr Assad Nazir noted that the assembling of vehicles in the country comes with the best assembling standards in Europe and America.

"With Silver Star our assembling plants don't go below the standard in Europe and America, in fact we are above and we ensure the cars are well assembled to suit the best quality standard.

"Our vehicle assembling plants in the country offer the best standards and Silver Star is the leader when it comes to standards," he noted.

He called on Ghana's to demystify the notion that new vehicles are for the bourgeoisie or those in the high echelons saying they have the capacity to also get these cars at an affordable rate at Silver Star.

According to him all locally assembled vehicles can be found at all Silver Star showrooms across the country.
Ghanaian musicians in the diaspora ignored by Vodafone Ghana Music Awards - Vudumane

GraphicOnline Showbiz News Jun - 27 - 2023 , 19:29

Ghanaian musician Vudumane, currently based in the United States, has expressed his frustrations towards Charterhouse, the organizers of the prestigious Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA), for their alleged neglect of Ghanaian musicians residing abroad.

Vudumane, known for producing remarkable songs, claims that the VGMA scheme has consistently failed to acknowledge the contributions of Ghanaian musicians living outside the country and has called for their inclusion in the awards program.

During an interview, Vudumane emphasized the need for the VGMA scheme to expand its horizons beyond Ghana and recognize the achievements of other talented creatives who are tirelessly promoting Ghanaian music on the international stage.

"We are passionately pursuing our musical aspirations abroad, and some of us are even producing music of superior quality compared to many artists back home. It is disheartening to witness our own people, including the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards and 3Music, marginalize us during panel discussions and award ceremonies," Vudumane lamented.

He further argued that these musicians residing outside Ghana deserve equal recognition for their hard work and dedication, just like their counterparts in the Ghanaian diaspora.

"This sentiment is not exclusive to me; numerous Ghanaian musicians residing abroad have expressed their dissatisfaction with the awards scheme's failure to involve them. Consequently, many Ghanaian musicians outside the country feel overlooked and undervalued," Vudumane added.

Vudumane urged the establishment of an awards scheme that acknowledges the tireless efforts and dedication of Ghanaian musicians residing abroad, emphasizing that the time has come for their talents to be duly recognized.
We both have daughters, lets see what life throws at them -Yvonne Nelson to Sarkodie

Gifty Owusu-Amoah Showbiz News Jun - 28 - 2023 , 14:11

Award winning Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson is definitely not happy with Sarkodies song, Try Me which is a reply to her claims that she had abortion for him in 2010.

In a series of rants on twitter earlier today, June 28, the mother of one insinuated that posterity should judge the matter since they both have daughters.

In my book, I narrated how you got me pregnant. How you couldnt wait for me to get rid of it. How you drove to have an abortion. As usual, you want to use rap to rubbish a pain a young woman felt. We both have daughters, lets see what life throws at them. #tried you

Insults wont work Michael. Respect womanhood, Im happy the world gets to see how you are playing this and the real you. Young women get to learn from this. You would get the applause for a rap. Still doesnt change the TRUTH (sic), she wrote.

Social media has been buzzing since Sarkodie dropped Try Me late last night and once again, heightening discussions about the story which had generated huge interest in Ghana and beyond.

Sarkodie denied claims that he forced actress Yvonne Nelson to have an abortion in 2010 on Try Me.

Stating his side of the story in the new song which has since gone viral, the Country Side hitmaker disclosed that even though he wasnt prepared at the time, he wanted her to keep the baby but Yvonne refused on grounds of being in school.

With his emotions highly visible on the song, Sarkodie talked about how he was deeply in love with Yvonne Nelson but turned out he was probably just one of the many guys in her life at the time.

He mentioned that he didnt want to disclose that side of his life till death but has been forced to come out since Yvonne Nelson told a story which favours her.

Im not going to lie, we had a thing. First, I thought we had a think until I had the hint that there were many guys. I tried to stay away but then you came that you were pregnant. But then I wasnt ready but I told you to keep it.

"You told me you were schooling so you needed to complete it but till today, I dont believe it. I told you to let my doctor take care of you and you sent a text later that your friend has recommended a one of the best doctors

So dont you make it seem like I was the one pushing you for abortion. Baby girl make you no try me, he raps on Ty Me.

Related articles: I told Yvonne to keep the pregnancy but she aborted it  Sarkodie

Sarkodie breaks silence?
Towards the lifting of Ghanas Yellow Card: New measures scare offenders

Zadok Kwame Gyesi Features Jun - 28 - 2023 , 09:51

Ghana remains a major fishing destination in sub-Saharan Africa and Africa as a whole. Available statistics indicates that there are more than two million people employed directly and indirectly in the fisheries value-chain in the country.

But Ghana is also on records as one of the destinations for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices in the West African sub-region.

Light fishing, dynamite fishing, use of small mesh-sized nets, saiko (illegal transshipment) fishing, fishing in prohibited areas, e.g. trawlers fishing in the Inshore exclusive zone (IEZ) or semi-industrial vessels using trawl gear in the IEZ and use of fish aggregating device (FADs) are all forms of IUU fishing. In effect, most fishing crafts - canoes, semi-industrial and industrial vessels are engaged in one form of IUU fishing or the other.

The IUU fishing practices threaten the sustainability of the fisheries sector of Ghana and has the potential of impacting negatively the lives and livelihoods of over two million people who depend on the fisheries sector should the sector unfortunately collapse.

Many experts and advocates continue to warn regulators and industry players to adopt management measures that will avert a possible collapse of the fisheries sector. Sound governance and conservation practices are key to protecting and sustaining the fisheries sector.

Although various stakeholders have worked tirelessly over the years to reduce many of these IUU fishing practices in Ghana, the country is not totally out of the woodsIUU fishing still remains a thorn in the flesh.

For instance, a study titled: Stolen at sea published by Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) and its partners on the Ghanaian fisheries sector indicated that approximately 100,000 metric tonnes of illegally caught fish were landed through saiko in 2017.

The report indicated that: estimated the value of saiko fish sold at sea was between US$ 40.6 and US$ 50.7 million, and between US$ 52.7 and US$ 81.1 million when sold at the landing site. The Government of Ghana did not derive any rent from these sales of saiko fish and this constituted a huge revenue loss to the state.

According to the report noted that saiko fishing had become a very low risk and highly profitable illegal business and arrests and adjudication and sanctions were less than optimal and Cases were generally settled through unclear out of court settlement processes and fines were not paid as prescribed in law

Yellow Card

In June, 2021, Ghana was issued with a Yellow Card by the European Union (EU) due to the observed widespread IUU fishing practices in the country. This is because Ghana was identified by the EU as a non-cooperating third party state in fighting IUU fishing.

Following the widespread IUU fishing practices in the country, ineffective implementation of the management instruments developed, including weak enforcement of the revised laws led again to the prevalence of illegal fishing activities.

Ghana first received a Yellow Card in 2013 and was lifted in 2015 when the country introduced some reforms in its fisheries sector to tackle the menace.

However, the country lapsed on its management and regulatory efforts, hence attracting the second yellow card in 2021.

The country was also cited of having an expired National Plan of Action to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU (NPOA-IUU)-2014-2018; deficiencies in the monitoring, control and surveillance of the fleet; as well as lack of deterrent sanctions imposed on vessels engaging in or supporting IUU fishing activities on Ghanaian waters.

Expert views

Professor Wisdom Akpalu, a natural resource economist believes that Ghanas second yellow card was self-inflicted since the country could have easily avoided the card by simply complying with sustainable fisheries management measures as contained in the Ghanaian Fisheries Act (Act 2002).

For him, the signs were clear that the country was heading to a ditch in its fisheries management, considering the spike in IUU fishing practices across all fishing fleets.

Prof. Akpalu, who is also the Dean of the School of Research and Graduate Studies (SRGS) at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), noted that it is sad that in spite of the many calls and cautions to the managers for improving management of the fisheries sector, they failed to do so but was however, hopeful that Ghana could easily come out of the yellow card should the country allow its fisheries laws to work..

He urged the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and Fisheries Commission to intensify their regulatory and management efforts and amend parts of the Act to ensure that new developments in the sector are all well-captured.

New measures

The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD), Mavis Hawa Koomson, in an interview, said the Ministry was poised to weed out all forms of IUU fishing on Ghanaian waters.

She the Ministry had identified fishing gears as one of the major contributors to IUU fishing, particularly in the industrial sector and that the Ministry was working assiduously to resolve that.

That, she explained, fishing vessels that did not meet the required fishing gear directive by the Ministry would not be allowed to fish on Ghanaian waters.

The fishing gear directive has affected many vessels. Currently, out of the 76 fishing vessels in Ghana, only 41 are fishing. The remaining 35 vessels are yet to be cleared to go fishing due to non-compliance with the new fishing gear regime by the Ministry.

The new fisheries gear directive forbids any vessel with unauthorised fishing gear (fishing nets) to fish on Ghanaian waters.

Madam. Hawa Koomson explained that the lack of proper fishing nets was a major contributor to the illegal harvest of non-target fish species by the industrial trawlers in Ghana.

The Minister averred that the Ministry together with its agencies, particularly the Fisheries Commission have started an inspection exercise of fishing gears at the two major landing ports (Sekondi-Takoradi & Tema), to ensure that all fishing trawlers have the right type of gears and the Ministry will not relent on its efforts to flush out all non-complying fishing vessels.

Madam Hawa Koomson cautioned that the Ministry would not hesitate to hand hefty punishments as prescribed in the fisheries laws to any non-complying fishing vessels on the countrys waters.

For her, IUU fishing was denying Ghana of its expected revenues as well as contributing to the depletion of the countrys fish stocks.

We have given them very specific gears designs that they should use, she indicated, adding that We do inspection before their departure and when they come, we also go to inspect what they brought.

The Fisheries Minister explained that the government has taken proactive measures to sanitise the sector through regulatory reforms and improvement in the governance system.

Specific regulatory reforms and governance actions taken, Madam Koomson, noted included the drafting of a new Fisheries Act to replace the existing Act; revision of existing National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy to incorporate emerging issues in the fisheries sector; adoption and implementation of National Plan of Action to combat IUU fishing (2021  2025); development of a new Marine Fisheries Management Plan (2022-2026); strengthening of Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) and Automatic Identification System (AIS); strengthening of the observer programme; undertaking of Sea Patrols in collaboration with Ghana Navy; undertaking of Regular Port and Beach Inspection; and intense Sensitization of Stakeholders on the negative impact of IUU fishing on the national economy.

Enforcement procedures

The Fisheries Minister at a recent press conference in Accra on June 13, 2023, said the Ministry had started a pilot deployment of Electronic Monitoring System (EMS) on three trawl vessels this year and that the exercise will be extended to cover all trawlers and tuna vessels by 2025.

The EMS has a video recorder, a camera and Global Positioning System (GPS) to recording fishing activities at sea 24/7, she explained.

She also indicated that a directive to ensure that trawl vessels do not say on water more than 30 days for any fishing expedition would help to combat IUU fishing in the country.

Additionally, Madam Koomson, said the Ghana Maritime Authority had directed all fishing vessel operators to refurbish their vessels to ensure that they are safe for use.

She stressed that the Ministry would not compromise on the safety of fishers onboard any vessels fishing on Ghanaian waters.

She did indicate that as part of measures to prevent illegal trans-shipment of fish at sea, the Ministry has revoked its 15 per cent allowable bycatch by the industrial fishing vessels.

The implementation of the Directive on trawl gear selectivity to address juvenile catch is one of the requirements for the grant of fishing license to trawlers. We have also revoked a Ministerial Directive in 2015 that allowed industrial trawlers to catch 15% of bycatch and juvenile fish, she explained.

Madam Koomson said the Ministry has engaged the leadership of the Ghana Industrial Trawlers Association on the bycatch issue and that all the stakeholders are complying with the new directive.

She noted that it IUU fishing was not dealt with, gains made through closed season and other fisheries governance measures would be eroded, saying It was agreed again at our 13th April 2023 meeting that, gains from implementing the closed season would be eroded if we all do not collectively combat IUU fishing activities.

That, she said, the Ministry would not relent on its efforts to continue to empower the Fisheries Enforcement Unit to curb any illegal activity on Ghanaian waters.

The Fisheries Minister indicated that as a way of reducing pressure on the fisheries resources, the Ministry and its partners, including the Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity has launched the alternative livelihood training support for fishers starting with five hundred and fifty (550) fishers in masonry, carpentry, dressmaking, hairdressing, electronics and auto engineering in selected communities along the coast.

The training, she explained, would be scaled up to cover 8,000 fishers and after the training, trainees would be supported to set up to ensure that they can earn incomes from their trade.

For the Fisheries Minister, considering the new management and regulatory policies being introduced by the Ministry and the Fisheries Commission, Ghana will soon come out of its second Yellow card.

Madam Koomson further indicated that Ghana was ready to work with other coastal countries in the ECOWAS region in the areas of joint fishing observer programme to fight IUU fishing.

She further added that Ghana was willing to comply with internationally accepted sustainable fishing practices as well as work with its development partners such as the European Union to ensure that the country is free from IUU fishing.

New regulatory policies

The Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, Mr. Fred Kwasi Antwi-Boadu, agrees with the sector Minister that Ghana will soon come out of the second yellow card.

His conviction is based on the fact that the introduction of new regulatory and management policies will ensure compliance with sustainable fishing practices.

He said a new Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has received Cabinet approval for implementation and that it will be the basis, among others, for the preparation of a new Fisheries Bill.

In addition, Mr Antwi-Boadu, said cabinet has also granted approval for the enactment for a new Fisheries Act, pointing out that legal review meetings has been ongoing with a fisheries consultant from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to complete the drafting instructions on the new Bill.

He also noted that a National Plan of Action to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU (NPOA-IUU) 2021- 2025 has been deposited with FAO.

A new Marine Fisheries Management Plan (MFMP) (2022  2026) has been developed. One of the measures in the Management Plan is to conserve the fish stocks and further reduce over capitalization in the artisanal and industrial sectors, he explained.

The Fisheries Commission boss disclosed that one of the key initiatives to help address overfishing and overcapacity in Ghanas fisheries, is the introduction of a 3-year moratorium on new entrants into the artisanal sector in which consultations with stakeholders are very advanced.

For Mr Antwi-Boadu, completing outstanding payment of fines imposed for infractions committed is now a condition for renewal of fishing licence, pointing out that fines imposed in previous years are also being collected.

He said sanction regime in the Fisheries Act 625 will be reviewed in the new Bill to ensure that engaging in IUU fishing becomes a high-risk venture.

He further indicated that Ghana has instituted continuous training for fisheries inspectors and observers to conduct thorough inspections at port and at sea to enhance MCS operations.

Similarly, Mr. Antwi-Boadu said processes have been initiated to procure four patrol boats to strengthen law enforcement on Ghanas sea, and that one research vessel will also be procured to collect requisite scientific data for the development of future management plans that aligns vessel numbers to available fish stocks.
Biology professor says he was fired for teaching sex is determined by X, Y chromosomes

International News Jun - 28 - 2023 , 10:45

A biology professor at a Texas community college has claimed he was fired for religious preaching after he taught a lesson about how sex is determined by X and Y chromosomes.

Johnson Varkey, who has taught at St. Philips College in San Antonio for 20 years, claimed he was accused of religious preaching and let go after he discussed the human reproductive system during a lesson on Nov. 28, 2022, which led to four students walking out of the lecture hall.

The First Liberty Institute, a Texas-based nonprofit Christian conservative law firm, last week sent a letter to the school on behalf of the veteran educator demanding his reinstatement.

The college fired him for teaching basic and widely accepted concepts of biology. Were asking the college to immediately reinstate Dr. Varkey to his position and clear his record of any wrongdoing, the institute said in a statement.

Varkey, an adjunct professor, has taught human anatomy and physiology to more than 1,500 students since 2003, according to First Liberty.

During Dr. Varkeys 20-year employment as a biology professor at St. Philips College, he consistently received exemplary performance reviews and was never subject to discipline. Throughout that time, he never discussed with any student his personal views  religious or otherwise  on human gender or sexuality, it said.

The law firm claimed the four students stormed out of the lecture hall when Varkey stated, consistent with his study of human biology and religious beliefs, that sex was determined by chromosomes X and Y. In two decades of teaching these basic, unremarkable concepts, no other students complained.

The X and Y chromosomes  also known as the sex chromosomes  determine the biological sex of an individual. Females inherit an X chromosome while males inherit a Y chromosome.

In January, he received a Notice of Discipline and Termination of Employment and Contract letter stating that the school received numerous complaints about his religious preaching, discriminatory comments about homosexuals and transgender individuals, anti-abortion rhetoric, and misogynistic banter, First Liberty said.

The colleges letter also allegedly stated that Varkeys teaching pushed beyond the bounds of academic freedom with [his] personal opinions that were offensive to many individuals in the classroom.

In other words, he was fired for teaching true and widely accepted concepts. The statements he made are supported by research and consistent with his professional experience and education, the law firm said.

Varkey was described as a devout Christian who volunteers as an associate pastor at his church and hosts a Bible-teaching radio ministry.

Like millions of religious Americans, Dr. Varkey has a sincerely held belief that God created humankind male and female, First Liberty said His faith teaches that ones sex is ordained by God, that one should love and care for the body that God gave him or her, and that one should not attempt to erase or alter his or her sex, whether through drugs or surgical means.

In its letter, the law firm accused St. Philips College of violating multiple laws that protect Americans from being punished for holding or expressing their religious beliefs.

When decisionmakers at St. Philips College terminated Dr. Varkey because of his religious beliefs and classroom statements about biology, they violated several federal and state laws, including the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, according to the missive.

Dr. Varkey is confident this matter can be resolved without resort to legal action. He asks that St. Philips College reinstate him to his prior position as Adjunct Professor so that he can resume teaching students this fall, and that other professors and employees of the Alamo Colleges District be spared from experiencing similar discrimination, the letter states.

The law firm said public universities cannot fire professors for teaching actual science. Its harmful to academic freedom. Its also harmful to religious liberty, as the college is sending a message that people of faith are not welcome and need not apply.

It added: Dr. Varkey is the latest example of an everyday American who lost his job to a toxic cancel culture that is infecting employers across the country.

The New York Post stated in its publication that it has reached out to St. Philips College for comment.
Africa must not only become buyers of emerging modern biotechnology products - Expert

Zadok Kwame Gyesi Jun - 28 - 2023 , 09:33

The Head of AUDA-NEPAD flagship biosafety programme, Samuel Edudzi Timpo, has implored African states and governments not to wait to only become buyers of genome editing (GEd) technology products but to become active participants in the development and usage of emerging modern biotechnology tools.

He said the GEd technology offers a cost-effective method of seed breeding that could be used to develop crop varieties that could withstand environmental stresses, including pests and diseases as well the changing climatic conditions.

Genome editing refers to techniques in which the genetic material is inserted, modified, replaced, or deleted in the genome of a living organism at predetermined locations.

These techniques are being used for crops such as rice, tomato, maize, sugarcane, soybean and potato to confer pest and disease resistance, higher resilience to abiotic stress, higher nutrient use efficiency and increased yield potential, and in animals like poultry, sheep, goat, cattle and pigs for increased disease resistance, better adaptation to farming or environmental conditions and enhanced animal welfare.

Mr. Timpon expressed the concern that it would be disappointing should African nations wait for other nations to develop and reap the benefits in GEd technology before it would consider it.

This is the problem of Africa; we tend to wait for others to go farand by the time we realise it is okay, we become buyers, he noted.

Validation workshop

Mr. Timpo in an interview with a group of science journalists in Accra during the validation workshop on Ghanas genome editing national communication strategy and action plan in Accra, said technological advancement such as modern biotechnology tools could advance African agriculture sustainably and transform societies.

He said the African Union (AU) through its high-level panel of emerging technologies has confirmed that this is a good tool to be embraced by all our member states.

He said the AU was building the capacities of its member states to be able to take up the technology, pointing out that the AU had come up with a policy at the continental level that provides guidance for any member state.

Mr. Timpo said, As a continent, we made a decision through our heads of states and governments many years ago that we will safely harness modern technologies and over the years, we have had a deliberate programme across board to ensure that in our member states, we have clear policies, laws, institutions to enable us safely harness this technology.

He explained that even though genome editing technology was relative new in the biotechnology toolbox, it requires less efforts and presents no harm to its users, observing that the technology has the potential to improve our livelihoods or transform our societies.

Genome editing is a new area and genome editing has some techniques that are so simple, so cost effective; that our public institutions which usually do not have a lot of funding to pursue research can be engaged in this area, he explained.

For him, the time has come for African nations to embrace the genome editing technology to help advance their agriculture and improve the livelihoods of their people.

So, we have a situation where there is a suite of tools that our not-too-resourced institutions can actively participate in to set the research agenda. Crops of national interest could be pursued in a very cost-effective manner and it is the reason we must embrace it, Mr. Timpon noted.

He further indicated that the use of the genome editing technology does not make other biotechnology tools less effective or useless, saying It is not to say that other technologies should stop but it is to say that there is another tool in the toolbox we can use and we shouldnt be left behind.

Mr. Timpon, who is also the Head of AUDA-NEPAD Regional office in Dakar, Senegal, noted that whereas some modern biotechnologies research requires about USD$35 million to conduct, some aspects of genome editing technology could cost as low as USD$ 10.

He said countries such as China, France, and Germany were making good use of the Genome editing technology, hence the need for Africans to adopt the technology.

Decisive efforts

For her part, the Acting Director in charge of Knowledge Management of AUDA-NEPAD, Madam Florence Nazare, said there had been a decisive effort at the African Union level to ensure that Africa is primarily driven by knowledge economists.

The knowledge economists, she explained, implies that Africa is driven by science, technology and innovation, explaining that the African Union was interested in inclusive development that pulls everyone along.

She noted that the AU was interested in how to industrialise the African economy, taking advantage of all relevant and available technologies and innovations, including emerging technologies in biotechnology such as the genome editing tool.

Madam Nazare said biotechnology, particularly genome editing technology, was one of the promising tools that could drive the development and industrialisation agenda of the African economy from the agricultural perspective.

We are looking at the linkages between agriculture; optimising agriculture, not just enhancing productivity but ensuring that we can optimally produce she noted, adding that since most African economies were primarily agro-based, it calls for much attention to be placed on whatever technology that could help the continent to harness its agriculture.

Genome editing can really advance agriculture in Africa, she noted, pointing out that the genome editing tool can be used to do three main things a gene can be muted, deleted or can be tone down, stressing that with genome editing, there is no introduction of any external material into any particular crop.

Collaboration

The Director General of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, CSIR, Prof. Paul Bosu, in his welcoming address commended AUDA-NEPAD for the initiative of assisting member countries to develop their genome communication strategies and expressed CSIRs readiness towards that of Ghana.

For him, Science and technology will continue to play a critical role towards improving agricultural productivity and improving farmers health and wealth.

That, he said, there was the need to sustain the "conversation on the critical role of modern biotechnology in agriculture, health, conservation and management of our natural resources."

The CSIR boss was of the view that the application of modern biotechnology tools such as genome editing has become more pressing than ever in the face of challenges that retire our desire to increase the productivity of our farmers and other value-chain actors.

Prof. Bosu pledged that the CSIR would continue to work with the AU to achieve the ideals of agenda 2063, which is to ensure food security on the African continent.

"It is our hope and our expectation that the implementation of the genome editing project in Ghana will open a new chapter in our relationship and pave the way for newer opportunities for collaboration in the research and development space," he noted.

Investment

The Director, in charge of the CSIR-Instituter for Scientific and Technological Information, Dr. Seth Awuku Manteaw, said the CSIR was prepared to go into the genome editing tools but called for more investments in that regard by the government.

We are really prepared. We have built the critical mass of people in this area. Wwhat we need is an investment; public sector investmentbudgetary support.
Ahmadiyya Muslims mark Eid-ul-Adha with prayers

Yaa Kuffour Senyah Jun - 28 - 2023 , 16:35

Ahmadiyya Muslims in the Ga East Municipality converged on the Ahamadiyya School Park in Accra to offer prayers to mark this years of Eid-ul-Adha.

Known as the festival of sacrifice, Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated annually to honour the obedience of Prophet Abraham to Allah by sacrificing his only son, Ismail, who was later exchanged for a sheep.

In the early hours of Wednesday, many enthusiastic Muslims in beautiful outfit, mark the occasion with prayers after which they returned to their homes to slaughter ruminants to be shared among family members and neighbours.

Lessons

In a sermon led by the Ameer and Missionary In Charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, Ghana, Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih, he entreated all to learn from the story of Prophet Abraham that trials and tribulations were not totally negative as they had their positive sides which mostly outweighed the negatives.

He said trials served as a wake-up call which invited true believers to be circumspect in order to draw their attention to the need to audit their lives and the society they lived in.

However, instead of depressing us, temporary setbacks should rather spur us on to make yet greater positive efforts at achieving better results in life rather than resorting to negative, unconventional, destructive and irreligious approaches such as having the potential of setting backwards the developmental progress of the whole society.

The Ameer also urged leaders in the community and the nation as a whole to have a sacrificial spirit which is the grand principle that depicts true commitment and accountability to God.

No nation has ever been successful without hard work which entails sacrifices. No nation has ever been successful without a leadership clothed in humility, sincerity and determination.

He admonished leaders to be reminded by the Holy Prophet Muhammad that the leader of a people is a servant of the people and would account for every head that came under their care.

Prayers

He prayed that the peace and tranquillity in the country be sustained as the leaders exhibited good values that would positively impact the nation as it heads towards an election year.

He also prayed for missionaries around the world that their actions would reflect on the community to have true Muslims built in the teaching of the Holy Prophet.

Additionally, the Ameer prayed for Ahmadiyya Muslims in other countries who were being tortured and killed for their faith that they might be released into freedom and peace.
Ban on ruminants in Upper East relaxed - Vaccinated animals can be slaughtered

Gilbert Mawuli Agbey Jun - 28 - 2023 , 12:37

Restrictions on the trade, movement and consumption of ruminants in the Upper East Region due to the outbreak of anthrax have been relaxed by the regional public health emergency committee.

In a statement to communicate the outcome of an emergency meeting held last Monday, the Chief Director of the Regional Coordinating Council, Alhaji Abubakari Inusah, said animals vaccinated with certified anthrax vaccines before June 20, 2023, could be slaughtered under the strict supervision of veterinary and environmental health officers.

Otherwise, it said, the ban on the slaughtering, sale and consumption of meat and meat products from cattle, goats, pigs and donkeys was still in force.

The vaccinated animals, the statement stressed, could only be slaughtered in designated slaughterhouses or places certified by veterinary officers.

Transit animals

The statement noted that animals from neighbouring countries, namely Togo, Burkina Faso and Niger, were allowed to pass through the region upon certification by the veterinary officers at all the entry points.

All dead animals are to be reported to the nearest veterinary officers, community volunteers, assembly members and environmental health officers for investigation, it noted.

Call on public

The statement further urged the public to avoid eating sick or dead animals and also entreated the public to cooperate towards the successful containment of the anthrax disease in the region.

It assured the people that the committee would be meeting subsequently to further review the current anthrax situation.

Butchers reaction

Reacting to the statement by the regional public health emergency committee, the Secretary of the Bolgatanga Butchers Association, Timothy Tembil, however, told the Daily Graphic yesterday that although the ban had been relaxed, it was only meant for the Eid celebration.

He noted that abattoirs within the municipality had not been given the greenlight to slaughter animals as contained in the committees statement, saying we have been directed to wait for about two weeks before animals can be slaughtered for sale and consumption.

He said since owners of vaccinated animals were not given anything to show that their animals had been vaccinated, it would be very difficult for them to differentiate between the vaccinated and the unvaccinated ones.

I thought that owners of vaccinated animals would be given some document to show that their animals have been vaccinated, but that was not the case, he said.

While urging members of the association to remain calm as they had temporarily lost their source of livelihoods, he called on the committee to fast-track the vaccination exercise to pave the way for a total lifting of the ban.

Additionally, he advised the members against going against the directives aimed at containing and preventing the further spread of the disease across the region.
Latex Foam donates to National Chief Imam towards Eid ul-Adha

Zadok Kwame Gyesi Jun - 27 - 2023 , 16:54

Leading foam manufacturer, Latex Foam, has donated a cow and an unspecified amount of money to the National Chief Imam, Sheik Dr. Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu at his Fadama residence in Accra towards the celebration of this years Eid ul-Adha.

A management delegation from the company, comprising the Export Manager, Dr. Yakubu Diomande, and the Public Relations Officer, Gifty E. Appiah, presented the items on behalf of the company during a courtesy call on the Chief Imam on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

The Latex Foam delegation was received by the Chief Imam and his officials, including the Spokesperson, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, and the Chief Protocol Officer, Alhaji Latif Abdulsalam.

The gesture, which has become part of the companys yearly activities, forms part of the companys corporate social responsibility.

Presenting the items, Dr. Diomande said the donation was to support the office of the National Chief Imam as well as to deepen the relationship between the company and the Chief Imams office.

He said Latex Foam as a company recognised the contribution of the Muslim community towards the countrys development, hence solidarizing with them during their Eid ul-Adha celebration.

He further indicated gesture was also to say thank you to the Chief Imam for taking time out of his busy schedules to visit the company and interacted with its management last year.

Dr. Diomande on behalf of the company used the occasion to wish all Muslims across the country and the world a fruitful celebration.

The Chief Imam on his part thanked Latex Foam for the gesture and prayed for the continued success of the companys business.

I am profoundly grateful, he said, adding I am praying that in all your endeavours, may God bless every dimension of your business.

Eid-ul-Adha is a festival celebrated among Muslims in remembrance of the sacrifice Prophet Ibrahim made out of his strong faith in Allah, the Most High.
Only vaccinated animals can be slaughtered for consumption

GNA Jun - 28 - 2023 , 09:05

The Upper East Regional Public Health Emergency Management Committee (PHEMC), says animals vaccinated with certified anthrax vaccines before June 20, 2023, are allowed to be slaughtered for consumption.

It however noted that such animals should be slaughtered under strict supervision by Veterinary and Environmental Health Officers, preferably at designated slaughterhouses or places certified by Veterinary Officers.

This was in a statement signed by Alhaji Abubakari Inusah, the Chief Director of the Regional Coordinating Council on behalf of Mr Stephen Yakubu, the Regional Minister and Chair of the PHEMC.

The statement said the Committee, after extensive deliberations, unanimously agreed upon the advice of its technical experts at an emergency meeting, to review the anthrax outbreak situation in the Region.</p>

The PHEMC in the statement reinforced the ban on movement of animals, sale, consumption of meat and meat products and slaughtering of animals vaccinated after the stated date, to check the spread of the anthrax outbreak.

The ban applied to cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and donkeys.

However, the Committee noted that animals from neighbouring countries, Burkina Faso, Togo, and Niger were allowed to pass through the Region after certification by Veterinary Officers at the various points of entry to the Region.

All dead animals are to be reported to the nearest Veterinary Officers, community volunteers, Assembly Members and Environmental Health Officers for investigations. Community members are to avoid eating sick or dead animals, the statement advised.

It indicated that the Committee would subsequently be meeting to further review the situation and called for cooperation of all for a successful containment of the disease outbreak in the Region.<p>Following the Committees statement, some Muslims in the Bolgatanga Municipality expressed mixed feelings in an interview with the Ghana News Agency on the impact the ban would have on this years Eid-ul-Adha celebration.

Mr Sadat Dabo, a staff of the Bolgatanga Office of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, said the PHEMC should have continued to strictly enforce the ban without any exception, and questioned the number of Veterinary Officers in the Region to ensure strict adherence to the slaughtering of animals vaccinated before June 20, 2023.

Ms Rukaya Issaka, another Muslim, said before any animal was slaughtered by a Muslim, some recitation had to be done, and that the recitation based on faith could cleanse the animal of any disease.

In fact in Islam, we slaughter only healthy animals, and so once an animal is sick or dies, we do not eat it. The ban and the conditions given will not affect the Eid-ul-Adha celebration. Those with animals will still kill them and make-merry. Nothing will change, she said.

GNA
Six more Western Togoland secessionists who attacked police station jailed

GNA Jun - 28 - 2023 , 09:35

The High Court in Accra has given various sentences to six members of the secessionist campaign group in Ghana, the Western Togoland Restoration Front (WTRF).

The Western Togoland Restoration Front is a campaign splinter group from the Homeland Study Group Foundation, whose objective is to secede from Ghana.

In March 2023, the Accra High Court sentenced five other members of the group to five years imprisonment each in hard labour.

The convicts in 2020 attacked police officers, destroyed a police car and a police station as well as blocked roads leading to the Volta Region in an attempt to prevent people from other parts of Ghana to access the Volta Region.

Their reason was that they wanted to secede from Ghana.

Related: 5 Western Togoland secessionists jailed five years

Sentences for the six other members

Kwame Tornyeveadzi was sentenced to six years imprisonment on the charge of stealing an AK47 rifle belonging to the Ghana Police at Aveyime in the Volta region on September 25, 2020.

Five other accomplices were sentenced to four years imprisonment each by the court presided over by Mrs Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh.

The six were variously charged with 19 counts of attending meetings of a prohibited group, participation in campaign of prohibited organisation, making contribution for the benefit of prohibited organisation and being members of a prohibited organisation.

The court earlier found them guilty on the charges and convicted them but deferred their sentences.

The court said it considered the fact that they were first time offenders and the time they had spent in custody.

It, however, took a serious view of the charge of stealing and the attacks launched by some of their followers on a police station.

In his plea for mitigation, Mr Chris Ackumey, counsel for the convicts, prayed the court to deal leniently with his clients because they had been in custody for the past two years, seven months.

Mr Ackumey said the convicts were only desirous in finding the history of where they came from.

They were in search of knowledge, unfortunately our quest for knowledge has landed us where we are now. They have no intent of falling foul of the law.

"We found ourselves in the circumstances beyond our control and same had landed us where were are.

The defence counsel told the court that his clients while in custody, had suffered emotionally, physically, spiritually and had also displayed remorse during the trial.

Given the chance, we would not commit the mess again. Consider the trauma and suffering we have gone through, he added.

Mr Joshua Sackey, a Senior Attorney for the Republic prayed the court to hand down deterrent sentences and fines on the convicts to serve as a warning to other like minded persons.

According to him, the convicts had not shown any remorse.

He rejected the assertion by defence counsel that the convicts wanted to learn their history.

The Attorney said evidence before the court proved otherwise.

The National Security Council, based on intelligence, arrested members of the Western Togoland Restoration Front, who on September 25, 2020, blocked roads at Juapong and Sogakope and set fire to two STC buses on .

The prosecution said on the same day, the group also attacked the Aveyime and Mepe Police Stations, freed inmates in the cells, locked up policemen on duty, took arms and ammunitions from the armory of the polices and bolted.

The convicts were arrested for being members of the WTRF and their various roles in the Groups activities such as attending meetings, contribution of funds and the receipt of funds for running the Organisation.

credit: GNA
Democracy is about development - James Gyakye Quayson

Shirley Asiedu-Addo Politics Jun - 28 - 2023 , 17:23

James Gyakye Quayson of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) says he is committed to bringing development to the people of Assin North following his victory in last Tuesdays parliamentary by-election.

I sought this position because of my deep commitment to the Assin North development agenda. I remain determined to mobilise resources from within and without to prosecute this agenda with all my energy, no matter the cost, he said in a statement.

The people of Assin North have spoken. They have said without equivocation that they want me to represent them in the eighth Parliament. They have told us to stop the politics and focus on solving their problems. This is a victory, not just for me and the NDC, but also for justice.

I am deeply humbled by the confidence the people have expressed in what I stand for and what I have done. I am also fully aware of the reciprocal responsibilities that this massive show of confidence imposes on me. My solemn pledge is to work as hard as I can for the people who have made tonight possible.

Addressing the media earlier, Mr Quayson said his win was a win for the conscience of right-thinking Ghanaians who could not be bought by money.

Poll

Mr Quayson polled 17, 245 votes, representing 57.56 per cent of votes cast, to beat his closest contender, Charles Opoku of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who polled 12,630 votes, representing 42.15 per cent of votes cast.

A third contestant, Bernice Sefenu of the Liberal Party of Ghana, polled 87 votes, representing 0.29 per cent of votes cast.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo yesterday congratulated Mr Quayson and the other candidates, the Electoral Commission and its staff, the police, political parties and the voting public on the peaceful polls in Assin North.

The General Secretary of the NDC, Fifi Kwetey, said the victory was a judgement on the governance of the NPP and an indication that Ghanaians would vote the NPP out in 2024.

Declaration

The returning officer for the election, Kofi Tsibu, made the declaration close to midnight, more than six hours after the close of voting in the 99 polling stations in the constituency.

In a poll widely seen as peaceful and incident-free, with praise for general security, there were 29,962 valid votes out of the 30,418 votes cast, representing 74.23 per cent of voter turnout.

The poll had been characterised by allegations of vote-buying in the frantic efforts by the NDC and the NPP in particular to claim the seat.

But a Senior Lecturer at the University of Education, Winneba, Dr George Asekere, has called for a public discourse on monetisation in the countrys politics.

He said voters should also be educated that money is not enough to buy their conscience.

We should also tell the voter to reject politicians who come with money, he said.

We should also be looking at amending the Political Parties Act to criminalise the use of money to buy votes, he emphasised.

Dr Asekere also charged the police to prosecute persons who were arrested for engaging in illegalities and to make public the political parties they were aligned to.

That, he said, was to serve as a deterrent to those who would want to cause mayhem in the system.

Trust, transparency

Meanwhile, a Peace and Development lecturer with expertise in Security at the University of Cape Coast, Dr Patrick Osei-Kufour, said trust and transparency in the electoral systems would gradually remove vigilantism from the nation's electoral process.

While commending the police for the security measures adopted for last Tuesdays Assin North by-election, Dr Osei-Kufour said the stakes for the 2024 general election were higher and required a lot more to keep the country's peace.

Speaking with the Daily Graphic on the peaceful polls, Dr Osei-Kufour, who is also the Vice Dean of the School of Development Studies, said a lot more was needed to ensure a peaceful general election in 2024.

He observed that the unarmed policemen policy, which was the first layer of security measures, worked well, stressing that the mere presence of policemen with guns removed trust and scared people off.

He said although it was known that there were a lot of vigilante groups that bad trooped to the Assin North Constituency, the transparency and acts of trust by the police rendered the vigilantes almost useless.

Discerning citizens

He said citizens were also becoming discerning and awake, and that once there was a trusted system, the activities of the vigilantes would not be required.

He commended the Electoral Commission (EC) for conducting its work profusionally, saying it contributed to the peaceful by-election, and further urged the EC to enhance transparency through education of citizens to make the process easy for all.

Background

The by-election was triggered by the Supreme Courts declaration of Mr Quaysons victory in 2020 as null and void over his allegiance to Canada.
President Akufo-Addo congratulates NDC for winning Assin North by-election

Graphic.com.gh Politics Jun - 28 - 2023 , 18:01

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has stated that the peaceful and credible conduct of the Assin North by-election has strengthened the countrys democratic credentials.

In a statement issued by the Presidency on Wednesday, President Akufo-Addo commended the Electoral Commission (EC), the security services and the media for executing their mandates in ensuring a peaceful and credible election.

The statement also congratulated the NDC on its victory.

James Gyakye Quayson of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) won last Tuesdays by-election with 17,245 votes, representing 57.56 per cent of the valid votes cast. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Charles Opoku, was second with 12,630 votes, representing 42.15 per cent.

The Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) candidate, Sefenu Bernice Enyonam, polled 87 votes, representing 0.29 per cent.

I congratulate warmly the Chairperson and members of the Electoral Commission, again, for a job well done. The security services are to be commended for maintaining law and order during the holding of the elections; as is the media for providing extensive coverage before, during and after the election, the statement added.

President Akufo-Addo gave an assurance that the Assin North seat would soon be captured by the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

I urge members of my party, the New Patriotic Party, to keep their heads up, recognising that in a democracy, there are winners and losers, and that we live to fight another day.

We once held the Assin North seat, and I am confident that, sooner rather than later, Assin North will be blue again, the statement assured.

Blue is an apparent reference to the colours of the party, which are red, white and blue.

Below is a copy of the full statement
Lordstown Motors, an aspiring original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of electric light-duty vehicles focused on the commercial fleet market, has filed for Chapter 11 and has sued global technology company Hon Hai Technology Group and certain of its affiliates, (collectively, Foxconn), in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.

The litigation accuses Foxconn of fraud and willful and consistent failure to live up to its commercial and financial commitments to Lordstown. The lawsuit charges that Foxconns actions led to material damage to Lordstown as well as its future prospects.

Lordstown is commencing a comprehensive marketing and sale process for the Endurance electric pickup and related assets. To accomplish this expeditiously and provide a prospective buyer with a going concern asset that is free and clear of any legacy issues, Lordstown is restructuring under Chapter 11. Lordstown further anticipates that the restructuring will enable an expedited timeline for hearing Lordstowns litigation against Foxconn.

We have delivered the Endurance, an innovative and highly-capable EV with significant commercial and retail potentialand had subsequently engaged with Foxconn in a purposeful, strategic partnership to leverage this expertise into a broader EV development platform. Despite our best efforts and earnest commitment to the partnership, Foxconn willfully and repeatedly failed to execute on the agreed-upon strategy, leaving us with Chapter 11 as the only viable option to maximize the value of Lordstowns assets for the benefit of our stakeholders. We will vigorously pursue our litigation claims against Foxconn accordingly. Edward Hightower, CEO & President of Lordstown

The complaint filed against Foxconn centers on a partnership Lordstowns management team entered into with Foxconn to combine Lordstowns innovation, technology, accomplished vehicle engineering team and manufacturing facility in Lordstown, Ohio with Foxconns resources, supply chain capabilities and position as one of the worlds largest electronics manufacturers with stated significant automotive capabilities to form a new, scalable joint vehicle development platform. (Earlier post.)

Under the partnership, Lordstown agreed to divest its most valuable assets to Foxconn, namely its Lordstown, Ohio manufacturing facilityone of the largest in North Americaalong with its manufacturing and operational employees. The up-front purchase price for the Lordstown manufacturing facility reflected the expected benefits of the contractual assurances from Foxconn that Foxconn would support the Endurance pickup truck in a variety of ways and follow through on a joint vehicle development program, leveraging what was purported to be Foxconns established and extensive EV ecosystem and meeting its commitments to the Lordstown community. (Earlier post.)

The lawsuit charges that Foxconn had no intention of living up to its commitments, particularly with respect to the new vehicle development platform. According to the lawsuit, Foxconn simply used its variety of contractual arrangements with the Company as a tool to destroy Lordstowns business, while leveraging resources gained through the partnership to advance its own business interests.

Jefferies is acting as financial advisor to the Company, and White & Case LLP is acting as legal counsel.
Topsoe will lead the FrontFuel project to develop highly efficient Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production from CO 2 , water, and renewable electricity. Topsoe will receive a 26.9 million DKK (US$4 million) grant from Denmarks EUDP (Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program) to fund the project.

The FrontFuel project will use carbon dioxide and renewable energy to produce a synthetic crude, to demonstrate the value chain of SAF, using Topsoe technology.

The FrontFuel project will operate in close collaboration with Sasol, a global chemicals and energy company which specializes in Fischer Tropsch technology essential for SAF production, and Aarhus University, Denmark, where the production plant facility will be located.

Decarbonizing the aviation sector poses some challenges, particularly due to high feedstock costs, scalability and the introduction of new efficient technologies. To achieve a net-zero future in aviation, it is essential that alternative liquid drop-in fuel sources are available at scale.

The FrontFuel project will provide testing of an integrated process applicable for efficient SAF production, enabling faster market penetration and accelerating the green transition.

Using front-end SOEC technology with eREACTthe syngas manufacturingto feed the Sasol Fischer Tropsch technology for syncrude production, FrontFuel will deliver the best-in-class method to SAF production from CO 2 , water, and renewable electricity.

EUDP (Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program) supports private companies and universities to develop and demonstrate new energy technologies. Support is given in accordance with EU state aid rules.
Students are seen participating in a prior Educational Talent Search summer program at the University of Guam for incoming high school freshmen.
The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program was created to help assist those who could not avail of regular SNAP benefits.

Updates have shown that the Department of Public Health and Social Services received a total of 12,496 applications as of June 25. Out of those, 12,046 were approved to receive D-SNAP benefits, which is about 96.4% of all applications.

However, these individuals had to endure standing for hours in line at the three open enrollment sites, which included the Micronesia Mall, the Guam Premier Outlets, and the Inalahan Senior Citizens Center.

Thus, on Tuesday, the Department of Public Health and Social Services announced a three-day extension for D-SNAP under the direction of Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero.

The D-SNAP extension will start this Thursday through Saturday. This is to accommodate the high volume of D-SNAP applicants.

The extension will be used as make-up days for those who were unable to apply during the original seven-day period.

The last day of the original seven day period is Wednesday, for residents who have last names that begins with U, V, W, X, Y, or Z. Those who missed their assigned days can also be served on this day.

The public is reminded that in order to apply for D-SNAP, they must bring a valid I.D. and must apply at the approved D-SNAP enrollment centers.

The following approved centers will now be open from Wednesday to Saturday:

Residents of Dededo, Harmon, Tumon, and Yigo are encouraged to apply at the Micronesia Mall in Dededo, which will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Friday through Saturday.

Residents in Agana Heights, Hagatna, Mangilao, Mongmong-Toto-Maite, Ordot-Chalan Pago, Piti, and Yona are encouraged to apply at the Guam Premier Outlets in Tamuning, which will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Residents in Hagat, Inalahan, Talofofo and Humatak are encouraged to apply at the Inalahan Senior Citizens Center, which will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

All applications must be submitted in person to any one of the three designated enrollment sites. Line cut-off times are subject to the length of the line at each respective location and will be determined on a day-by-day basis.

Additional information about the D-SNAP program can be found here.

When applying, residents are encouraged to bring items to help them feel comfortable waiting in line, such as portable chairs, umbrellas, snacks, and drinks. Applicants are also reminded to take their medication.

The seven-day period for D-SNAP is a standard duration approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture across the nation during times of crisis. However, an extension may be granted by the USDAs Food Nutrition Service depending on the volume of demand for D-SNAP.

Immediately following the passage of Typhoon Mawar and during the initial planning for D-SNAP, most Guam residents were without power and had limited access to the internet.

In the best interest of the people of Guam, the in-person application process was adopted and implemented. The paper application process for Guams D-SNAP program mirrored the process for individuals applying for regular SNAP.

Due to the high volume of D-SNAP applicants, approved applicants may see their benefits within five to seven days.
The Filipino Community of Guam presents a generous donation of $10,000 to the American Red Cross, supporting the Typhoon Mawar Relief Fund to aid the affected communities on the island on June 28, 2023.
Each village has been doing everything they can in their power to restore the streets and homes back to normalcy.

The Inafamaolek spirit is sure to come out as volunteers helped out on beautification and restoration efforts.

On Wednesday, the Mayors Council of Guam gathered to discuss their efforts since the typhoon and how they can possibly support their residents better.

One essential matter discussed by the council was the plan for Liberation Day.

According to the council, most events for the day will still take place, but it will be scaled down due to some villages still not being fully restored to 100%.

Unfortunately, Guam will not host a Liberation Day parade this year.

The island is still healing, stated Mayor Robert Hofmann of Sinajana, Chair of the Parade Committee.

Some of us and the agencies feel it will be insensitive to have a parade at this time. There are still 600+ applicants seeking temporary roofing, so considering that, the recommendation of my committee is to not have a parade this year and focus our efforts on the recovery with disaster service workers and nonprofit groups to bring the island back to 100%.

The Memorials Committee, chaired by Mayor Kevin Susuico, decided that the council should only hold one memorial to commemorate all those who will be memorialized.

The Queens Committee, co-chaired by Mayor Louise Rivera of Tamuning-Tumon-Harmon, established that their schedule was modified due to the recovery from Typhoon Mawar. The five candidates for Liberation Queen will have their accounts go through the final counting on July 5 at the Bank of Guam headquarters in Hagatna. The coronation is set for July 16, but it will also be scaled down compared to past coronation ceremonies.

All committee recommendations were approved unanimously by the council as no objections were raised.

Council president and mayor of Piti, Jesse Alig, provided a brief schedule for the day but events are subject to change:

9 a.m.  Liberation Day mass

11 a.m.  Memorial Ceremony

5 p.m.  Block Party in Hagatna

At the moment, the council awaits the confirmation on the venue for their evening block party. A majority of the council voted on utilizing the festival huts at the Chamorro Village while others voted on the Skinner Plaza.

The nighttime event will have tents or booths from participating villages to showcase village pride and uniqueness. Each village was allocated $500 for their decorations and products for display.

For other businesses, Alig noted that they must begin assessing their issues and create solutions for these problems as their Fiscal Year 2024 budget hearing is quickly approaching, which is currently set for July 11 at 9 a.m.

The council has dealt with budgetary issues in previous fiscal years due to not closing out FY 2021 and 2022, invoice issues, and non-fulfilled work order requests, according to MCoGs Executive Director Angel Sablan.

Regarding waste issues, Sablan reminded the council that only four transitional green waste sites remained open as of 10 a.m. Wednesday, which included Yona, Yigo, Sinajana, and Talofofo. The US Army Corps of Engineers are scheduled to begin the final cleanups of all the green waste sites by July 8.

For other types of waste approved by DPW, residents are directed to the old transfer station in Dededo and the former Tiyan carnival grounds in Barrigada until July 3 and Ypao point in Tamuning until Aug. 3. Junk tires, junk vehicles and boats are not permitted for disposal at the sites.

For federal assistance, the villages may be pleased to know that 28 chainsaws are already on the way from FEMA to help with debris clearing and removal. Another 22 are scheduled to come soon.

The villages may also receive additional assistance from a pool of 398 temporary employees due to the approval of 10.2 million dollars from the National Dislocated Worker Grant.

Alig concluded the meeting by expressing appreciation for GTA, the mayors of Tinian and Saipan, CNMI Commissioner Anthony Torres, APL, Matson, the Bank of Guam, JJ Ambrose, KFC, Westin, and Mark Baldyga.
Press Release

June 28, 2023 Citing important role of pharmacists, Bong Go commends new officers and trustees of the Philippine Pharmacists Association, Inc. Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, personally witnessed the oath taking ceremony of the new officers and trustees of the Philippine Pharmacists Association, Inc. (PPhA) at the Shangri-La The Fort, Manila in Taguig City on Sunday, June 25. Showing his support for the advancement of the pharmacy profession in the country, Go highlighted in his speech the crucial role of the association in ensuring that Filipino pharmacists are given opportunities for growth and development in their careers. "Today, we gather to witness the induction of the dedicated individuals who will lead this esteemed organization and I am honored to address you all on this auspicious occasion. The Philippine Pharmacists Association Inc. holds a significant place in our nation's history. 'Ika nga, since 1920 (pa)," remarked Go. "With its impressive network, the PPhA has become a unifying force for pharmacists from all walks of life. It serves as a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and professional development, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among its members," he cited. The PPhA, established in the middle of the 1920s, has been at the forefront of promoting the pharmacy profession in the Philippines. The association has actively engaged in various initiatives such as educational campaigns, research endeavors, and advocacy programs to elevate the standards of pharmacy practice in the country. The oath taking ceremony saw the formal induction of the newly elected officers and trustees who will lead the PPHA in its mission to promote excellence in pharmaceutical care and strengthen the role of pharmacists in the healthcare system. Continuing his message, Go commended the association for its dedication to upholding the highest standards of pharmacy practice in the country. He emphasized the crucial role pharmacists play in delivering quality healthcare services to the Filipino people, particularly in the midst of the ongoing challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. "Today, we celebrate not only the accomplishments of the Philippine Pharmacists Association but also the indomitable spirit of its members. Your unwavering commitment to improving healthcare services, promoting patient safety, and ensuring access to quality pharmaceutical care is truly commendable," Go underscored. "As you assume your respective roles, I have no doubt that you will lead with integrity, innovation, and a deep sense of purpose. To the members of the association, I encourage you to continue your pursuit of excellence. Your collective efforts and collaboration are instrumental in shaping the future of pharmacy in our country," he highlighted. The senator reiterated his full support for the health sector, acknowledging the need for continuous professional development and training to enhance the competencies of medical professionals including pharmacists. He also reiterated the importance of a collaborative approach among the government, healthcare professionals, and the private sector to ensure the provision of quality and affordable healthcare to all Filipinos. "Once again, congratulations to the PPhA on this momentous occasion. May your installation ceremony mark the beginning of a new chapter filled with remarkable achievements and continued success," Go stressed. "Together, let us embrace new technologies, adapt to emerging trends, and champion the highest standards of patient care... Maraming salamat. Congratulations po, Pharmacist Association. Ingat po kayong lahat. Mahal na mahal ko po kayo," he ended. Partylist Representative Anthony Rolando Golez, Jr. also joined the event and led the oath-taking of new officers and trustees. In recognition of the contributions of various professions related to health care, Go had also earlier attended the 2nd National Department of Health Employees Association (NADEA) Convention at the Manila Hotel in Manila City last May, and the 3rd National Summit of the Philippine Society of Medical Laboratory Scientists Inc. (PSMLS) in Sta. Cruz, Manila City last June 21. The senator has consistently reassured during these engagements that his priority is to bring public health services closer to those in need especially for the poor. Among these initiatives he championed are the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers, the expansion of Super Health Centers in strategic locations as identified by the Department of Health, and the continuing operations of Malasakit Centers nationwide. Go is an author and the principal sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2212 or the proposed Regional Specialty Centers Act. On May 31, both houses of Congress ratified the Bicameral Conference Report on the said measure. If the bill is signed into law by the President, the DOH shall be mandated to establish specialty centers in designated DOH-hospitals in every region within a span of five years. Moreover, Go has been supporting efforts to establish Super Health Centers in various parts of the country to provide better access to basic medical services to the poor, particularly in remote areas. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. The DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. Furthermore, Go has been actively monitoring the provision of medical assistance to indigent patients provided by Malasakit Centers. Go is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. To date, there are already 158 centers nationwide which has benefitted more than seven million Filipinos so far, according to DOH data. Recognizing the crucial role of medical professionals in delivering quality care to patients, Go has also been actively advocating for measures to improve the working conditions, benefits, and opportunities for professional development of healthcare workers. Go has authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11712 to ensure that both public and private healthcare workers receive necessary ongoing benefits and allowances during times of public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the lawmaker cited his active involvement as an author and co-sponsor of the Salary Standardization 5, which was enacted in the 18th Congress to provide civilian government employees, including nurses and other medical professionals in government, another round of salary increases broken down in tranches.
The Port Authority of Guam continues to bring in resources from the ships that come to Guam.

The latest update from the Port shows that they have been discharging heavy equipment from ships arriving on the island over the past few days.

The Ports impact on the quality and sustenance of life for the island and region cannot be understated, said Port General Manager Rory J. Respicio in a news release.

Our hard work continues as we focus on the critical need for these goods to get out into our community as our island recovers from the damage caused by Typhoon Mawar, added Respicio.

Over the past few days, The Port discharged a variety of heavy equipment such as bucket trucks, flatbed trucks, trailers, a truck screener, vehicles, an air burner and a water tanker. Each piece of equipment holds significant importance in the ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Vessel operations

The Matson Lurline arrived on Tuesday and Port employees began off-loading operations at 11:30 a.m. and concluded operations at 1:13 p.m Wednesday. During the operation, Port employees conducted a total of 1,003 moves on the ship to include discharge and loading. They discharged a total of 443 containers including 72 transshipment containers.

At 870 feet long, 114 feet wide, with a deep draft of 38 feet and weighing in at over 50,000 metric tons, Lurline is Matsons largest ship and the largest con-ro vessel ever constructed in the U.S. The Matson Lurline last called on Guam in July of last year.

The Vehicle Carrier (RO-RO) Dream Jasmine is entering Guams harbor and is expected to be dockside at the Port by 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Other vessels expected to arrive during this busy week at the Port Authority of Guam include the Container Ship Kota Ratu, American President Lines Container Ship CMA CGM Herodote, Fuel Tanker Endurance IV and the Break Bulk Ship Koga Revolution.
Ron McNinch is a longstanding member of the Guam community and frequently gives his opinion on a wide range of topics. Read the full letter at guampdn.com.




Haiti - Politic : Sanctioned by Canada, businessman Andre M. Apaid protests





Sanctioned by Canada https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30319-haiti-health-origin-of-the-first-2-cases-of-covid-19-in-haiti.html businessman Andre Apaid in a note, reacts strongly to the measures imposed by Canada against him and categorically rejects all accusations and suspicions of contributing to the climate of insecurity raging in Haiti.



"If I take the trouble to write this note, it is by concern that I be understood by my compatriots, my collaborators and my family, in the light of the incomprehensible press release issued by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada Madame Melanie JOLY, placing me on a list of sanctioned [...]



I am a committed Haitian-American citizen and my position for a peaceful resolution of the serious crisis that my country is going through, Haiti, is well known to political actors and those of civil society.



On the question of gangs and disarmament: each of Canada's ambassadors since 2004, with the exception of the one in place, Mr. Sebastien Carriere, whom I have not met, has witnessed my efforts and my contribution. This is also the case for most ambassadors of friendly countries and United Nations representatives and their staff. I confirm that, as a team, with representatives of Human Rights, religious leaders and credible and courageous personalities from civil society, we have taken steps, at least 4 times, to bring the gangs to submit to a process of disarmament. In 2004, specifically, accompanied by the Minister of Justice, the Chief of Police and 2 senior international military officers from the United Nations, following a negotiation held on my initiative, at my office, 9 gang leaders accepted as a first step, to deposit 10 weapons each in front of the police authorities, and this without condition (ref. the newspaper LA NATION of February 17, 2004). Subsequently, after the resurgence of gangs, on 3 occasions, and at the request of two 2 police chiefs, aware of our previous efforts, accompanied by the same personalities from Human Rights, religion and Civil Society, and after exchanges and encouragement from several ambassadors from the international community, we were trying again. We knew that the chances were low but we all threw ourselves in the water in front of the collapse that our country was experiencing and after the PNH found itself in great difficulty (example: the incidents of village of God - March 2021). Furthermore, I affirm that all of our companies and my family have maintained a strict and courageous policy of not contributing money or goods to armed groups, and this at the cost of enormous risk for our collaborators and my sons, whom I am extremely proud.



To all my compatriots, I reiterate that my heart remained in its right place, especially on the issue of removing weapons from the hands of our young people and holding good elections in order to give our country a chance to recover. Job creation is what I mainly wanted to contribute, even though many have criticized me for not having followed the path of politics. To Madame Joly, Minister of a country where the rule of law applies, I would like her to verify her sources and the facts. I categorically reject any accusations or suspicions of contributions to the climate of insecurity or corruption otherwise incompatible with the type of jobs that we have been offering our compatriots for decades, in partnership with serious Canadian and American companies.



As a businessman pursuing a 71-year-old family tradition, we have endeavored to help create tens of thousands of jobs despite the serious problems suffered by our companies and our employees working in the industrial and agricultural sectors, which are the first to be affected in the event of social unrest and instability.



Currently on land belonging to the Dejoie family confiscated in 1957 and handed over by the Haitian Government on March 25, 1986 (Monitor no. 28), we have initiated a vast agricultural project in the central plateau (250 million dollars https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-33684-icihaiti-savane-diane-the-stevia-agro-industrie-project-could-generate-more-than-20-000-direct-jobs.html ) which benefit the farmers and the inhabitants of the area and whose effects will be of a certain contribution to the country with the creation of more than 20,000 jobs over the next 7 years. Donations of land to farmers, to the town hall of St Michel de l'Attalaye for the opening of a high school and a market (financed by the World Bank), as well as for the opening of a school for Excellence in construction, planning to offer full scholarships to 250 young people in the area, partially represents the social efforts underway in this project.



The announcement of this incomprehensible measure by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada will harm the development of this project, the expected jobs and will deepen the suffering of the most vulnerable.



This is unfortunately a serious blow to the job creation and social efforts that motivate us. However, with prayer, the help of God, my family and our collaborators, I will continue to fight to contribute to the good and the good supplanting the difficulties of our country."



Other persons sanctioned by Canada:



Former deputy Prophane Victor and former senator Gracia Delva https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-39787-haiti-politic-canada-sanctions-2-other-political-figures-and-announces-$13m-in-funding.html



Youri Latortue and Joseph Lambert: https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-38058-haiti-flash-chancellor-of-canada-melanie-joly-announces-sanctions-against-j-lambert-and-y-latortue.html



Michel Joseph Martelly, Laurent Salvador Lamothe and Jean-Henry Ceant: https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-38184-haiti-flash-canada-sanctions-martelly-lamothe-and-ceant.html



Herve Fourcand, Gary Bodeau and Rony Celestin: https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-38176-haiti-flash-canada-imposes-sanctions-on-3-other-haitian-politicians.html



Gilbert Bigio, Reynold Deeb and Sherif Abdallah: https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-38307-haiti-flash-canada-sanctions-3-of-the-most-powerful-businessmen-in-haiti.html



Berto Dorce and Liszt Quitel: https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-38411-haiti-canada-new-sanctions-against-2-former-haitian-ministers.html



Arnel Belizaire and Charles (Kiko) Saint-Remy: https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-38620-haiti-flash-canada-sanctions-2-other-members-of-the-haitian-elite.html



Jocelerme Privert and Salim Succar: https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-38870-haiti-flash-canada-pm-announces-the-deployment-of-military-ships-off-haiti.html



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-39850-haiti-flash-canada-sanctions-a-businessman-and-3-gang-leaders.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-33684-icihaiti-savane-diane-the-stevia-agro-industrie-project-could-generate-more-than-20-000-direct-jobs.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33004-haiti-agriculture-new-agro-industrial-export-free-zone.html



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Published on 2023/06/28

Today, many people are fluent in multiple languages. Most people speak English to some degree, but even native English speakers often decide to learn a second or third language. Usually, the second language is German, Italian, or French, but recently more and more young people prefer the languages of the Asian region.

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The most popular are Korean and Japanese. Consuming content in the original language is an excellent and modern way to consolidate the acquired knowledge. It can be movies, games, books, or even live streams of native speakers. Today we will talk about Korean cinema because it is a great way to immerse yourself in Korean culture and continue learning the language.

Korean films have long been underestimated in world culture but have gained more confident positions in recent years. Korean movies often borrow from many of Hollywood's best practices but bring their ideas to each picture. Due to the oriental coloring, films from South Korea often turn out to be more creative, exciting, and original than the ideas of world-famous directors that have become obsolete many times. Korean films are also becoming a favorite essay topic these days and can be a reference example in the question of how to write a movie review.

#1 "Parasite", 2019

The award-winning movie "Parasite" offers a compelling look into the stark class divide in Seoul through the eyes of Gi-taek (Song Kang-ho) and his family, who live in a dispiriting Banjiha, or semi-basement house. When Gi-taek's son, Gi-woo (Choi Wooshik), discovers an opportunity for English teaching work in Korea that pays well, he attempts to bring his entire family on board. Filled with simple dialogue and easy-to-understand language, it is highly enjoyable for Korean student viewers both at home and abroad.

"Parasite" has rightfully managed to capture worldwide attention by becoming one of the first non-English films to bag several awards, including an Oscar - highlighting the crucial importance of Korean cinema in international film production today.

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"Parasite" is directed by Bong Joon-ho, and features Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Wooshik, Park So-dam, Lee Jung-eun. Release date in Korea: 2019/05/30.

Where to Watch Powered by JustWatch

#2 "Miracle in Cell No.7", 2013

This heartfelt comedy film will have you reaching for the tissues. When an innocent, mentally ill father is wrongfully accused of murder, he finds solace in some real criminals imprisoned there. Together, they hatch a plan to bring his daughter into the cell so that she can spend time with her dad before he's sentenced.

Drawing on inspiration from actual events such as Chuncheon's incident where police falsely accused a man of rape and murder, resulting in him being held for years without charge, this movie contains many patterns and nuances which offer viewers an enjoyable introduction to colloquial Korean phrases at an upper-intermediate level or above!

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"Miracle in Cell No.7" is directed by Lee Hwan-gyeong, and features Ryu Seung-ryong, Park Shin-hye, Kal So-won, Oh Dal-soo, Park Won-sang, Kim Jung-tae. Release date in Korea: 2013/01/23.

Where to Watch Powered by JustWatch

#3 "Old Boy", 2003

"Old Boy" is a dark and thrilling epic from the South Korean film industry that gained incredible fame 17 years after it was released. The story follows Oh Dae-su (Choi Min-sik) as he is shockingly held captive in a cell for 15 long years with no knowledge of why he had been taken, only to be suddenly released with just five days to take his revenge before becoming entwined in another conspiracy beyond his wildest expectations.

Along this journey, Mi-do enters Oh's life as a young sushi chef - introducing newfound love into the escalating plotlines around him. The movie contains some graphic scenes best suited for those with a strong stomach but also serves as one of the best Korean movies for learning the language, based on Garon Tsuchiya's Japanese manga of the same name.

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"Old Boy" is directed by Park Chan-wook, and features Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jung, Kim Byung-ok, Oh Dal-soo, Lee Seung-shin. Release date in Korea: 2003/11/21.

Where to Watch Powered by JustWatch

#4 "Be with You", 2018

This romantic film starring the "Crash Landing on You" actress Son Ye-jin and well-known Korean actor So Ji-sub tells the incredible story of a promise kept: after she dies, Soo-ah (Son Ye-jin) returns to Woo-jin (So Ji-sub), her husband, before the first rainy day one year later.

Surprisingly enough for Woo Jin, his wife reclaims no conscious recollections of their bond together-while he's trying to revive those memories. A remake of Takuji Ichikawa's novel as well as a 2004 Japanese movie bearing the same title, this picture is sure to transport viewers into an enchanting sight and soundscape with its distinctive Korean accents and pronunciation; not only that but also it will help anyone interested in learning new languages spoken in Asia.

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"Be with You" is directed by Lee Jang-hoon-I, and features So Ji-sub, Son Ye-jin, Kim Ji-hwan-I, Ko Chang-seok, Lee You-jin, Kim Hyun-soo. Release date in Korea: 2018/03/14.

Where to Watch Powered by JustWatch

#5 "Little Forest", 2018

The "Little Forest" Korean movie, directed by Yim Soon-rye and based on the manga series of the same name written by Daisuke Igarashi in 2002, is nothing short of amazing. Focusing on Hye-won (Kim Tae-ri), a young woman struggling with both life's difficulties and attaining the national qualification exam to become a teacher, you follow her journey as she leaves Seoul after failing the test and returns to her hometown.

Through reconnecting with the people that have been so influential in her life up until now, she subtle yet noticeably shapes herself into who she wants to be despite extensive obstacles blocking every stride forward. Perfect for anyone looking for an inspiring tale or preparing to take one of Korea's various higher-level language exams - such as TOPIK, EPS-TOPIK, or KLAT - this film will fill your spirit with comfort and hope, whatever difficulty may come your way.

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"Little Forest" is directed by Yim Soon-rye, and features Kim Tae-ri, Ryu Jun-yeol, Moon So-ri, Jin Ki-joo, Jeon Guk-hyang, Jang Jae-hee. Release date in Korea: 2018/02/28.

Where to Watch Powered by JustWatch

#6 "The Call", 2020

In "The Call", two mysterious women of the same age portray contrasting generations. Park Shin-hye plays Kim Seo-yeon in 2019, while Jeon Jong-seo portrays Oh Yeong-sook hailing from 1999 through a phone line that links both timescales. This intense, action-packed thriller keeps you glued to the edge of your seat with perfectly timed suspense.

As an added bonus for language learners, this movie features conversations over various telephone calls displaying common phrases used when receiving one, like "Hello? Who is it?" or "How can I help you?". The old Korean pop culture presented throughout adds fun nostalgia for classic K-pop fans, making it a very entertaining movie.

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"The Call" is directed by Lee Chung-hyun, and features Park Shin-hye, Jeon Jong-seo, Kim Sung-ryung, Lee El, Park Ho-san, Oh Jung-se. Release date in Korea: 2020/11/27.

Where to Watch Powered by JustWatch

#7 "Scandal Makers", 2008

What if you found out, as a 36-year-old, that you had an unexpected 22-year-old daughter - and that daughter also has a 6-year-old son? This is the reality Nam Hyeon-soo faces, knowing that his public identity as an iconic former boy band member could be tarnished. Enter Hwang Jeong-nam with her young son in tow; Ki-dong told Hyeon-soo that Hwang was indeed his daughter.

With all these secrets up in the air, what should he do to protect it? Adding onto this already captivating movie is its promising audio suitability for learning purposes; even more interesting would be the practice of honorifics heard through dialogue. While it features ten memorable songs, little Ki-dong truly steals the show with his charming cuteness!

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"Scandal Makers" is directed by Kang Hyeong-cheol, and features Cha Tae-hyun, Park Bo-young, Wang Seok-hyeon, Im Ji-kyu, Hwang Woo-seul-hye, Lim Seung-dae. Release date in Korea: 2008/12/03.

Where to Watch Powered by JustWatch

#8 "My Sassy Girl", 2001

"My Sassy Girl" is an entertaining blend of comedy, oddness, and surprise elements. As the title translates to 'That Bizarre Girl', viewers can expect plenty of fun that only intensifies as the story progresses. The movie stars Jun Ji-hyun as a drunk girl who meets college student Kyeon-woo on the subway in Seoul and ties him into her many misadventures.

Written originally by Kim Ho-sik based on his real-life blog series about his girlfriend, this delightfully unique romantic comedy won't soon be forgotten! Perfect for those looking to catch a Korean cinematic masterpiece or are fans of charming love stories - "My Sassy Girl" has something for everyone!

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"My Sassy Girl" is directed by Kwak Jae-yong, and features Jun Ji-hyun, Cha Tae-hyun, Kim In-moon, Song Ok-sook, Han Jin-hee, Hyun Sook-hee. Release date in Korea: 2001/07/27.

Where to Watch Powered by JustWatch

#9 "Forgotten", 2017

Directed by Jang Hang-jun, this film covers a variety of genres, such as sci-fi, horror, psychological thrillers, and mystery. Moreover, it stars various acclaimed Korean drama actors like Kang Ha-neul - who is well-recognized among content consumers. He is also known to overachieve when it comes to his acting skills.

The story centers around Jin-seok alongside his mother, father, and older brother Yoo-seok. After moving into their new house, they start experiencing strange events until one fateful night when Yoo-seok gets abducted in front of Jin-seok's eyes, only to return 19 days later with unusual behavior tactics from before the abduction. From this moment on, both brothers come together to uncover what happened in those missing nineteen days using concise words for better understanding, resulting in learning new vocabulary very quickly.

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"Forgotten" is directed by Jang Hang-jun, and features Kang Ha-neul, Kim Mu-yeol, Moon Sung-keun, Na Young-hee, Nam Myung-ryul, Lee Na-ra. Release date in Korea: 2017/11/29.

Where to Watch Powered by JustWatch

#10 "My Annoying Brother", 2016

"My Annoying Brother" is a comedy about two estranged stepbrothers. Doo-sik was recently released from jail for fraud, while Doo-yeong is a hardworking judo athlete who has lost his vision due to an injury. Although they cannot stand each other initially, residing together gives them both a chance to discover their true feelings and get into comedic hijinks.

K-pop fans may be particularly interested in this movie since it stars Do Kyung-soo of EXO, showcasing the group's talent outside of singing and dancing abilities. This film draws on Korean humor to illustrate its main messages and conflicts between the protagonists that ultimately take them toward reconciliation.

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"My Annoying Brother" is directed by Kwon Soo-kyeong, and features Cho Jung-seok, Do Kyung-soo, Park Shin-hye, Kim Kang-hyun, Ji Dae-han, Im Chul-hyung. Release date in Korea: 2016/11/23.
Published on 2023/06/27 | Source

Amid reports that actress Kim Si-eun-I has been cast in Netflix's "Squid Game - Season 2", the agency said it is impossible to confirm.

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On the 26th, Keyeast said in a phone call with E-Daily, "We can't confirm about "Squid Game - Season 2". On the 18th, Netflix announced a list of male actors who have been confirmed to appear in the new season, including actors Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Sung-hoon and Yang Dong-geun.

Amid OSEN reports that Kim Si-eun-I was cast in "Squid Game - Season 2", attention is also focused on Kim Si-eun-I.

Kim Si-eun-I appeared in the movie "Next Sohee" and won the Best Female New Actress Award at the Baeksang Arts Awards this year. "Next Sohee" is a work that deals with the incident experienced by So-hee, a high school girl who went on a field trip to a call center, and the story of Yoo-jin, a female detective, who doubts her.
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Published on 2023/06/27 | Source

New Ha Jung-woo stills added for the upcoming Korean movie "Unofficial Operation" (2022)

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Directed by Kim Seong-hun

With Ha Jung-woo, Ju Ji-hoon,...

Formerly known as "Ransomed" (, pi-rab)

Synopsis

In Beirut 1986, during the Lebanese civil war a Korean diplomat is taken hostage without a trace. Two years pass and long forgotten, a young diplomat Min-joon receives a phone call proving that the hostage is still alive. With the given mission, Min-joon is sent to Beirut to save the hostage with a bag of ransom money. However, Min-joon gets into trouble as soon as he sets foot in Beirut. As luck would have it, Min-joon manages to flee from the airport with help from a local taxi driver Pan-soo who he stumbles across. Despite the distrust toward Pan-soo of his obvious mischievousness, the two unlikely allies must navigate the demolished, war-raging streets of Beirut to bring the long-awaited hostage back home.

Release date in Korea : 2023/08/02
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President Sauli Niinisto and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy convened yesterday to discuss the issue, concluding that Russians using Finland as a transit country en route to other parts of the Schengen Area continue to pose a risk to the international relations of Finland.

THE GOVERNMENT of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) is looking to solidify the entry restrictions imposed on Russians.

The restrictions on non-essential travel should therefore be kept in place and tightened to prevent breaches, reads a briefing of the meeting issued by the government.

Jussi Tanner, the director of consular services at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, told Helsingin Sanomat on Tuesday that the revisions will be designed to plug the loopholes detected in the existing regime by restricting entries made on grounds of entrance exams, business travel and property maintenance.

Entries by Russian students are to be limited by stipulating that an entrance exam is a valid grounds for entering the country only if it is to a degree programme. Russians would therefore not be able to enter to participate in entrance exams to folk high schools, for example  a possibility that has enabled people to circumvent the restrictions, according to Tanner.

The number of Russians coming to entrance exams has increased so much that its obvious that we arent talking about genuine study-related travel, he commented to the newspaper.

The Finnish government will also prohibit Russians from travelling through the country on business to other parts of the Schengen Area. Tanner told Helsingin Sanomat that it has proven practically impossible to verify whether or not a business traveller has an actual need to travel to the border-free zone.

Abuses have been detected also in business travel, he said.

The third revision is set to affect Russians who own property in Finland. While they will in theory be able to enter the country for property maintenance purposes, they will be required to present proof that their presence is necessary for the maintenance work.

Tanner on Tuesday reminded Helsingin Sanomat that although the government has discussed these kinds of revisions, the final decisions have yet been made.

He added that the decisions made at the meeting were not impacted by the 36-hour insurgency staged last weekend in Russia by Wagner, the mercenary group led by Yevgeny Prigozhin. The insurgency does, though, draw attention to the need for Finnish authorities to be vigilant and react to developments rapidly but with careful consideration, according to Tanner.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
According to measurements conducted by the Helsinki Region Environmental Services (HSY), air quality in the capital region was mostly good last year, despite an increase in air pollution levels.

The main factors deteriorating air quality in the capital region are traffic exhaust emissions, road dust, and emissions from wood burning. Traffic primarily contributes to the emission of exhaust gases, such as nitrogen dioxide, and road dust into the air.

"The volume of traffic in the capital region increased last year, which raised nitrogen dioxide concentrations in areas with heavy traffic. For example, on Makelankatu Street in Helsinki, nitrogen dioxide levels increased compared to the previous two years. At the same time, the renewal of the vehicle fleet and the increasing number of electric cars will reduce exhaust gas concentrations in the long run," says Saija Korhonen, Air Protection Specialist at HSY.

According to HSY's measurements, the annual limit value for nitrogen dioxide was not exceeded at any air quality measurement stations last year. However, the stricter WHO annual guideline value for nitrogen dioxide was exceeded at almost all measurement stations. The annual and daily limit values for road dust were not exceeded at any air quality measurement stations. The annual average concentrations of road dust were similar to or slightly higher than in 2021 in heavily trafficked areas.

Challenges of Road Dust in Spring - Air Quality Sensors Aid in Measurements

Road dust continues to pose challenges in the capital region, especially in spring. Last year, the threshold value for inhalable particles was exceeded at several HSY measurement stations in traffic environments. The highest number of days exceeding the threshold value, 29 days, was recorded along Hameenlinnanvayla. The threshold value may be exceeded for up to 35 days per year.

In addition to traditional measurements, HSY also monitored road dust concentrations last year using indicative small measuring devices, known as sensors, along the main streets and routes of the capital region. The sensors provide supplementary measurement data and do not monitor compliance with threshold values. The measurement results from the sensors are now reported for the first time in the annual air quality report of the capital region.

"With the help of these small measuring devices, we can measure road dust concentrations in areas where air quality measurement stations cannot be placed. There are 11 measurement stations and 10 sensors, so the sensor-based road dust measurement network significantly expands in the capital region. This will help to better target dust control measures and sprinkling during the road dust season," explains Korhonen.

Impacts of Wood Burning on Air Quality Lower than Expected

The increase in energy prices led to an increase in residential wood burning. However, the impact of wood burning on air quality was lower than anticipated.

"The increase in wood burning did not significantly affect air quality in residential areas. Mild winters and weather conditions favorable for the dilution of pollutants contributed to the fact that pollutant concentrations did not rise as high as they could have during calm frost periods," says Korhonen.

Wood burning emits, among other pollutants, fine particles and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that increase the risk of cancer, such as benzo(a)pyrene. The concentrations of fine particles in 2022 were lower than the previous year, and they were well below the annual limit value. However, the WHO annual and daily guideline values for fine particles were exceeded at several measurement stations.

The annual concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene increased slightly in 2022 compared to previous years, but they remained below the target value. In the long term, measurements conducted in both the capital region and other areas of Uusimaa have shown a slight decrease in benzo(a)pyrene concentrations. Real-time air quality in the capital region and other areas of Uusimaa can be monitored here.

Information about Air Pollutants

Although air quality in Finland is generally good, air pollutants still pose health hazards here as well.

Air pollution is particularly harmful to the elderly, people with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, young children, and asthmatics. Air pollutants often worsen the symptoms of heart and respiratory diseases.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the breathing air originate from emissions, primarily from traffic, diesel vehicles, and heavy-duty transportation. Among nitrogen oxides, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is the most harmful to health. At high concentrations, it constricts airways and increases respiratory symptoms, especially in children and asthmatics.

Inhalable particles (PM10) are mostly generated by traffic-induced road dust, which can cause health issues. The increase in road dust concentrations particularly affects the well-being of people with respiratory diseases.

Fine particles (PM2.5) are mainly produced by traffic emissions and wood burning. Additionally, they can be transported to the capital region from outside the country's borders. Fine particles are considered especially harmful to health, as they can penetrate deep into the peripheral regions of the lungs.

HT
This approval comes in the wake of several rejections, often citing security reasons.

Swedish police have approved a permit for a controversial Quran burning protest outside the main mosque in central Stockholm, scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. This provocative act could potentially fuel tensions between Sweden and Turkey and jeopardize the Nordic country's efforts to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

However, administrative courts have dismissed the police's decisions, arguing that public gatherings and demonstrations must be granted unless they pose an immediate threat to public safety.

The permit holder, identified as Salwan Momika, an Iraqi refugee seeking to ban the Quran, successfully won court appeals after previous permit applications were denied. Mr. Momika is expected to be one of the two people participating in the demonstration. The event, coinciding with the Muslim holiday of Eid-al-Adha, would mark the first public act of its kind in Sweden.

The approval of the protest may indeed have significant foreign policy implications for Sweden. Previous incidents involving the desecration of the Quran have led to significant fallout with Turkey, a key NATO member and a country whose support is crucial for Sweden's NATO aspirations.

In a similar event earlier this year, Rasmus Paludan, leader of the Danish far-right political party Hard Line, incensed the Muslim world by burning a copy of the Quran near the Turkish embassy in Stockholm. This resulted in Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suspending negotiations with Sweden regarding its NATO membership.

Swedish police have brought in reinforcements from other parts of the country to maintain order during the planned protest on Wednesday. While the demonstration may be small, its potential impact on Sweden's foreign relations and its bid to join NATO cannot be understated.

NATO officials are racing against time to admit Sweden to the alliance by July 11, the date of its next official summit in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius. Officials are concerned that missing this deadline will send a damaging and potentially dangerous signal to the alliance's adversaries.

Turkey, a strategically important NATO member due to its geographical location in both the Middle East and Europe and the second-largest military power in the alliance, has proven to be the most significant hurdle to Sweden's NATO accession. The outcome of the scheduled Quran burning protest may significantly shape the future trajectory of Sweden's NATO bid.

HT
WHAT would you do if your home and daily routine were taken over by your declared enemy?

This is the scenario at the heart of The Silence of the Sea, wherein a German officer is billeted with a middle-aged man and his niece in occupied France during the Second World War.

This production has found its way on to the Progress stage via a very convoluted route. The Silence of the Sea began as a novel by Jean Bruller, known as Vercors, based on his own experience. It was published clandestinely during the occupation.

Director Peter Cheeseman translated and adapted the text for the stage in Stoke-on-Trent in 1976.

In the audience for that production was Dorothy Gibert, who patiently tracked down the adaptation for todays audience and expertly directed this production, supported by lighting from Jon Churchill and sound from Richard Saunders.

The uncle (Gareth Saunders) and his niece (Hanna Proskura) come home to their cosy living room, shaking the rain from their coats and hair. The uncle begins to narrate directly to the audience. Saunders is to be commended for his marvellous voice and masterful delivery.

A uniformed German officer (Leo Burke) arrives to take up residence in their home. He is stiffly polite; the uncle and his niece show him studied indifference. Their plan of resistance is to continue as if he doesnt exist and not speak to him at all. The officer, however, does speak. Burke gently and convincingly reveals to us the man behind the uniform, a cultured man, looking for meaning and naively optimistic about the future of Europe.

He draws upon the story of Beauty and the Beast, seeing himself as the unwanted outsider in the home of a young woman he clearly admires.

Hanna Proskuras role as the niece is a tough one. She says next to nothing but conveys volumes by wordless glowering from her chair as she fiercely knits and sews.

She is visibly softened when the young officer plays the piano but will not venture out of her mood of silent defiance. Its likely that Proskuras understanding of hostility is fuelled by her own experience since she arrived in England from Ukraine only in September.

Meanwhile, the uncle begins to harbour doubts about their path of silence and even admits to feeling concern for their young lodger, in spite of himself.

The officers trip to Paris is indicated by a powerful montage of photographs and video clips, showing Paris overrun by Nazis. He returns a changed man, shocked by what he has encountered, his optimism shattered.

This thought-provoking piece relies heavily on the superb cast of three: Saunders, pitch and pace perfect as the uncle; Proskura, spikily moving as the niece, confused by her own feelings; Burke, touchingly open as a sensitive man in the wrong uniform, yet visceral when expressing his later disillusionment.

Susan Creed
iHealth Solutions is a Business Associate and settled a data breach affecting 267 individuals

Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced a settlement of potential violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy and Security Rules with iHealth Solutions, LLC (doing business as Advantum Health), a Kentucky-based business associate that provides coding, billing, and onsite information technology services to health care providers. The settlement involved a data breach, where a network server containing the protected health information of 267 individuals was left unsecure on the internet. The HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules set the requirements that HIPAA-regulated entities must follow to protect the privacy and security of health information.

HIPAA business associates must protect the privacy and security of the health information they are entrusted with by HIPAA covered entities, said OCR Director Melanie Fontes Rainer. Effective cybersecurity includes ensuring that electronic protected health information is secure, and not accessible to just anyone with an internet connection.

In August 2017, OCR initiated an investigation of iHealth Solutions following the receipt of a breach report stating that iHealth Solutions had experienced an unauthorized transfer of protected health information, known as exfiltration, from its unsecured server. The protected health information included patient names, dates of birth, addresses, Social Security numbers, email addresses, diagnoses, treatment information, medical procedures, and medical histories. In addition to the impermissible disclosure of protected health information, OCRs investigation found evidence of the potential failure by iHealth Solutions to have in place an analysis to determine risks and vulnerabilities to electronic protected health information across the organization.

iHealth Solutions has paid $75,000 to OCR and agreed to implement a corrective action plan, which identifies steps iHealth Solutions will take to resolve potential violations of the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules and protect the security of electronic protected health information. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, iHealth Solutions will be monitored by OCR for two years to ensure compliance with the HIPAA Security Rule. iHealth Solutions has agreed to take the following steps:

Conduct an accurate and thorough analysis of its organization to determine the possible risks and vulnerabilities to the electronic protected health information it holds;

Develop and implement a risk management plan to address and mitigate identified security risks and vulnerabilities to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its electronic protected health information;

Implement a process to evaluate environmental and operational changes that affect the security of electronic protected health information; and

Develop, maintain, and revise, as necessary, its written HIPAA policies and procedures.

The resolution agreement and corrective action plan may be found at: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/compliance-enforcement/agreements/ihealth-ra-cap/index.html

OCR is committed to enforcing the HIPAA Rules that protect the privacy and security of peoples health information. If you believe that your or another persons health information privacy or civil rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with OCR at https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/complaints/index.html.
Jaipur, India  Celebal Technologies today announced it has won 2023 Microsoft AI Partner of the Year Award. The company was honored among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology.

Expressing gratitude on receiving the award, Anirudh Kala, CEO and Co-founder of Celebal Technologies said, "Winning the 2023 Microsoft AI Partner of the Year Award is a momentous achievement for Celebal Technologies. We are thrilled to be recognized as a leader in the industry for our pioneering work in leveraging GPT/OpenAI, NLP, and other cutting-edge AI solutions. This Award reaffirms our commitment to driving the AI revolution and delivering innovative solutions to our clients. I am immensely proud of our team's achievements and excited about the future as we continue to shape the world of AI."

Highlighting the company's vision of advancing AI technology, Anupam Gupta, Co-founder, and President, Celebal Technologies, said, "The recognition of Celebal Technologies as the 2023 Microsoft AI Partner of the Year Award winner is an exemplary testament to our unwavering dedication and groundbreaking advancements in leveraging Open AI for industry-specific efficiency. As pioneers of SAP Extend and Innovate on Azure and avid adopters of Microsoft Technology solutions, we have harnessed a unique leverage that positions us at the forefront of innovation. With this monumental achievement, we are propelling ourselves to new heights, driving disruptive change, and reshaping the landscape of AI-enabled efficiency.

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognize Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered outstanding Microsoft-based applications, services and devices during the past year. Awards were classified in various categories, with honorees chosen from a set of more than 4,200 submitted nominations from more than 100 countries worldwide.

Celebal Technologies was recognised for providing outstanding solutions and services in Artificial Intelligence. The award acknowledges Celebals commitment to delivering impactful solutions by leveraging Microsoft's platform and celebrates their deep expertise in Industry solutions on Open AI, encompassing a diverse range of innovative applications.

Congratulations to the winners and finalists of the 2023 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards! said Nicole Dezen, Chief Partner Officer and Corporate Vice President of Global Partner Solutions at Microsoft. The innovative new solutions and services that positively impact customers and enable digital transformation from this year's winners demonstrate the best of whats possible with the Microsoft Cloud.

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards are announced annually prior to the companys global partner conference, Microsoft Inspire, which will take place on July 18-19 this year. Additional details on the 2023 awards are available on the Microsoft Partner blog: https://aka.ms/POTYA2023_announcement.

The complete list of categories, winners and finalists can be found at https://partner.microsoft.com/en-US/inspire/awards/winners.

Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same.
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], June 27: Kurapati Neelima, a renowned digital strategist, has garnered international acclaim for her expertise in various sectors, encompassing digital marketing strategies, social media campaigns, content production, and data analysis. Her mastery in these areas has led to significant improvements and optimizations in marketing efforts. Widely regarded as a trailblazer in her field, Mrs. Neelima's illustrious career exemplifies the virtues of hard work, tenacity, and resilience.

Mrs Neelima has made substantial contributions to the optimization of digital strategy and marketing initiatives. Her vast marketing and strategy knowledge stems from her involvement with numerous start-ups, real estate enterprises, and government organizations. She holds a bachelor's degree in electronics engineering from JNTU Hyderabad, a master's degree in embedded systems and design from the MS Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies in Bengaluru, and a PGDBA in Finance from Symbiosis Pune, which further enriches her skill set.

Mrs. Neelima's success lies in her unique combination of technical aptitude, business acumen, and exceptional communication skills. These qualities have played a pivotal role in helping her clients achieve their objectives, fueled by her passion to revolutionize the marketing landscape. Her reputation as a trusted advisor speaks volumes about her tenacity, expertise, and remarkable accomplishments in serving clients from diverse industries and walks of life.

In recognition of her outstanding achievements, Mrs. Neelima was bestowed with the prestigious International Award for Best Digital Strategist of the Year. This esteemed accolade acknowledges her exceptional talent and industry-leading accomplishments. Furthermore, she was honoured with the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Inspirational Award on June 23, 2023, at a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. Dignitaries, including Ms. Mary Kom, Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste, and Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, were present at the event, celebrating her exceptional contributions to the field.

Ever driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, Mrs. Neelima is now preparing to launch her new enterprise, Digital Market Buzz, in Hyderabad. With this venture, she aims to revolutionize the digital marketing landscape further and provide clients in the region with innovative strategies. The company is set to make its debut in July, marking an exciting new chapter in Mrs. Neelima's illustrious career.

Kurapati Neelima's journey as a prominent digital strategist is defined by her unwavering commitment to excellence, continuous self-improvement, and extraordinary achievements. Her national and international recognition, as well as her multiple accolades, including the recently received Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Inspirational Award, solidify her position as a formidable force in the world of digital marketing. With the imminent launch of Digital Market Buzz, Mrs. Neelima is poised to shape the industry and leave an indelible mark on the ever-evolving realm of digital marketing.

Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same.
New Delhi (India), June 28: Pluto Money, a pioneering financial app, has announced its public launch at a highly anticipated press conference. During the event, Danish Mohd, the visionary CEO behind Pluto Money, shared his insights into India's evolving savings culture and the nation's rapid digitalization.

In a country known for its vibrant population and rich culture, financial inclusion remains a pressing challenge for millions of underserved Indians. However, Pluto Money is determined to bridge the gap and revolutionize India's savings and investing landscape. With their innovative app, Pluto Money is empowering individuals and reshaping the way Indians perceive and engage with their finances.

Growing up in a tier-4 city and studying in tier-1 cities, Danish Mohd witnessed the stark contrast between different socioeconomic realities. His father, who understood the importance of financial literacy, encouraged Danish to volunteer at a local bank and learn about money management. It was during those days that Danish realized the information and financial gaps surrounding him and developed a strong desire to make a positive impact.

The COVID-19 pandemic became a turning point for Danish. Forced to return to his village for safety, he interacted with people around him and was amazed by their seamless use of digital platforms like UPI, WhatsApp, and YouTube. The younger generation showed a keen interest in investing, particularly in cryptocurrencies and stocks, seeking guidance from Danish, who had been investing for a long time. This experience ignited Danish's passion to create something that would cater to the needs of new-age India.

Driven by the desire to address the low investment participation in the country and after talking to thousands of middle-class households and conducting numerous workshops and webinars, Danish Mohd & Team at Pluto Money discovered a startling fact: despite Indians collectively saving over 50,000 Crore each year, only a mere 2.9% of the population actually invests their money. The majority of these savings end up tied up in real estate, fixed deposits, or languishing in bank accounts.

"India is on the cusp of a transformative journey when it comes to saving and investing," proclaimed Danish Mohd. With only 2.9% of the population currently investing, we envision a future where 50% of Indians actively participate in the investment landscape.

To tackle this issue, Pluto Money set out to provide a comprehensive solution that simplifies investing and overcomes barriers such as lack of time, knowledge, and sufficient funds. The app's user-centric approach aims to empower individuals with time-saving features, knowledge-enhancing resources, and personalized investment options. By guiding users based on their aspirations and goals, Pluto Money seeks to make investing accessible to all, bridging the gap between savings and investments.

India's financial ecosystem has witnessed significant advancements in recent years, with initiatives like Jan Dhan, Aadhar, and India's forthcoming feat of surpassing an astounding 1 trillion Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactionsa testament to India's swift embrace of digital transactions and the winds of change sweeping across the nation. However, a critical aspect remains unaddressed: catering to the emerging middle class, often referred to as "India 2." This segment comprises around 40 Crores households residing in smaller towns, earning between  25,000 to  40,000 per month.

Traditional fintech companies have largely overlooked this segment due to perceived challenges such as limited market size and higher operational costs. Additionally, traditional banks have struggled to serve this demographic effectively, primarily relying on physical branch-led approaches that incur substantial operational expenses.

By focusing on the emerging middle class, a segment comprising around 10 Crore households in smaller towns, Danish Mohd recognizes the untapped potential of this market. Pluto Money aims to reshape the financial ecosystem by offering personalized, tailored investment options according to ones risk appetite and automated savings and investing, catering to the needs of millions of underserved Indians.

Pluto Money's vision extends beyond being a mere financial app; it strives to be a movement. By emphasizing financial literacy and equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions, Pluto Money aims to inspire a generation of financially savvy Indians. It stands at the forefront of India's financial revolution, offering a brighter and more secure financial future for all.

Pluto Money represents a transformative force in India's financial habits. By empowering individuals, nurturing savings habits, and simplifying investment choices, Pluto Money paves the way for a future where financial freedom is within everyone's reach. Danish Mohd's journey from witnessing financial gaps to creating a platform that bridges them is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and the potential for positive change in India's financial landscape.

Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same.
Over the past several decades, Turkey has established itself as a prominent hub for medical tourism, primarily due to its exceptional hair transplant facilities. This suggests that the best hair transplant clinics in Turkey are well-positioned to offer high-quality, five-star hair transplant procedures.

Due to the quality of hair transplant in Turkey services, more than half a million people visit Turkey to recover their hair loss over time.

Patients who have gotten their hair transplant services from Turkey have attested to their quality standards and friendly procedures. Even more, hair transplant services in Turkey are also cheaper than the hair transplant clinics in Europe. Besides that, there are so many best hair transplant clinics in Turkey, so finding the one that can fulfill your needs is easier. Also, hair transplant clinics in Turkey offer a wide range of hair treatment options that can easily let you choose the best option for your condition.

Key Benefits of Getting Hair Transplant Services in Turkey

Even though there are various top-class hair transplant clinics all around the world. However, the ones in Turkey are the most sought-after among patients worldwide due to good reasons. Let's get to know about these reasons below to have a better idea about the things in this regard:

1. The aesthetic medicine industry of Turkey is well-developed. Most of the clinics here are equipped with innovative tools that can ensure faster hair transplant services.

2. Hair transplant experts offer a wide range of services that can make patients satisfy and comfortable in the best possible way.

3. Most importantly, these procedures in Turkey are mass procedures literally. It is because thousands of people are getting their hair transplants here annually.

4. Hair transplant specialists in Turkey are very experienced. So, it has become easier for them to achieve desirable results in the best possible way.

5. The hair transplant cost in Turkey is considerably lower than that observed in Europe and other developed countries worldwide.

So, these benefits make thousands of people visit Turkey for hair transplant services every year.

Best Hair Transplant Clinics in Turkey

Do you want to make the most out of your medical visit to Turkey? Make sure to know about the best hair transplant clinics before getting here. To make things easier for you, here we have reviewed the top 20 best hair transplant clinics in Turkey that you must know:

1. Hermest Hair Clinic

2. NimClinic

3. Dr Serdar Gokrem Clinic

4. HLC Hairline Clinic

5. Hair of Istanbul

6.AHD Clinic

7. ASMED Surgical Medical Center

8. Dr. Serkan Aygin Clinic

9. Clinicana

10. Esteworld Clinic

11. Cosmedica Clinic

12. Estenove Hair Transplant Center

13. Transmed Clinic

14. Medistate Kavacik Hospital

15. Capilclinic

16. Elithairtransplant

17. Dr. Resul Yaman Hair Clinic

18. Hairtransland

19. FueCapilar

20. Newage Clinic

21. Adem and Havva Medical Center

22. Istanbul Aesthetic Center

Spectacular restoration displayed in Hair Transplant Turkey before and after photos.

1- Hermest Hair Clinic

HERMEST is one of the top hair transplant clinics in Turkey, serving its patients with quality hair transplant services since 2001. In 2018, HERMEST clinic also won the award for being the best hair transplant clinic in Europe. Even more, the HERMEST clinic is specialized in performing the best FUE hair transplant method combined with its unique DHI techniques, slit techniques, Sapphire, and Percutaneous.

Besides that, HERMEST is a well-known hair transplant clinic in Turkey for providing an interesting range of treatment options. The treatment options you can get from the HERMEST clinic range from IceGraft, DHI, FUE, to Sapphire, and various others.

Most importantly, HERMEST clinic has also served above 12,000 patients from all around the globe with its best and highly successful hair transplant services. Even more, the clinic is continuously evolving its services and adding innovations to its hair transplant treatments. So, the patients here can get the best quality and result-oriented services with ease.

Hair transplant Turkey before and after: witness a remarkable transformation.

2- NIMCLINIC

Are you the one who wants to get services from a hair transplant clinic that is specialized in hair grafting? In Turkey, you can't find any other best place than NIMCLINIC in this regard. Most importantly, NIMCLINIC is well-reputed in providing high-quality hair grafting services with an expert medical team.

For 5-star hair grafting and other hair transplant services, NIMCLINIC is considered as a center in Turkey, as you can get the best hair grafts at this clinic in Istanbul.

Even more, NIMCLINIC is working with the best surgeons, and this is the thing which is agreed by the entire medical community as well about this hair transplant clinic in Turkey. It offers an array of advanced hair transplant techniques, including FUE, DHI and Hybrid methods, catering to the diverse needs of patients from all around the globe.

Most importantly, this clinic offers various hair treatments to keep your hair looking nice with ease. Fortunately, NIMCLINIC had served over 3000 successful FUE hair transplant treatments to patients from all around the world since its beginning in 2015, and this is an amazing achievement.

3- Dr Serdar Gokrem Clinic

This clinic is being supervised by Dr. Serdar Gokrem himself, who is a specialized and experienced hair transplant expert. Even more, Dr. Serdar Gokrem has been providing the best quality hair transplant treatments in Turkey for years and has earned his name by providing the best quality FUE hair transplant services to numerous patients from all around the world.

Even though he is specialized in the FUE hair transplant method, however, he offers various other treatment options as well to his patients to keep them highly satisfied and happier with the results.

4- HLC Hairline Clinic

This clinic prides itself on its experienced team of surgeons who specialize in FUE transplants. The HLC Hairline Clinic is especially praised for its focus on donor area conservation.

5- Hair of Istanbul

This clinic has carved a niche in the industry with its focus on patient comfort and satisfaction. With their robust team of professionals, Hair of Istanbul provides high-quality FUE transplants.

6- AHD Clinic

AHD Clinic, a reputable hair transplant center, is conveniently located in Antalya, a beautiful city on Turkey's southwestern coast. This clinic was established by Dr. Hakan Doganay, who brings his extensive experience and expertise to the field of hair transplantation.

7- ASMED Surgical Medical Center

Under the expertise of Dr. Koray Erdogan, ASMED offers world-class Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplants. The clinic's focus on patient satisfaction and groundbreaking technology has established it as a leading choice for hair restoration.

8- Dr. Serkan Aygin Clinic

With more than 25 years of experience, Dr. Serkan Aygin offers both FUE and Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) techniques. The clinic is revered for its dedication to natural-looking results.

9- Clinicana

Located in Istanbul, Clinicana offers FUE, DHI, and Sapphire FUE methods. Its team of seasoned professionals and a client-centric approach make it a preferred choice for patients worldwide.

10- Esteworld Clinic

Esteworld combines a hospital atmosphere with luxury services. They offer FUE and DHI procedures and have a reputation for patient care and excellent post-operative services.

11- Cosmedica Clinic

Led by Dr. Levent Acar, Cosmedica is known for its focus on natural and dense results. The clinic provides FUE hair transplants and also offers PRP therapy.

12- Estenove Hair Transplant Center

This clinic offers Sapphire FUE and DHI techniques, focusing on providing maximum comfort and efficiency. Estenove stands out for its innovative use of technology and personalized treatment plans.

13- Transmed Clinic

Established in 1994, Transmed Clinic offers FUE and FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) techniques. It's revered for its expertise and commitment to ongoing research and development in the field of hair restoration.

14- Medistate Kavacik Hospital

Part of an international hospital chain, Medistate offers top-tier hair transplant services. They provide FUE and DHI techniques with a focus on patient satisfaction.

15- Capilclinic

Offering services such as FUE, DHI, and Sapphire FUE, Capilclinic takes pride in their advanced technologies and patient-centric approach.

16- Elithairtransplant

With its modern facilities and highly skilled professionals, Elithairtransplant offers FUE and DHI techniques. The clinic's emphasis on quality makes it a trusted choice.

17- Dr. Resul Yaman Hair Clinic

Dr. Resul Yaman and his team offer high-quality FUE procedures, prioritizing natural-looking and lasting results. Their commitment to quality care sets them apart.

18- Hairtransland

With a focus on personalized treatments, Hairtransland offers FUE and FUT procedures, along with PRP therapy, ensuring a comprehensive approach to hair restoration.

19- FueCapilar

FueCapilar is known for its highly qualified team and personalized treatment plans, offering FUE, DHI, and Sapphire FUE methods.

20- Newage Clinic

Led by Dr. Ilker Apaydin, Newage Clinic provides FUE, DHI, and Sapphire FUE hair transplants, aiming to deliver natural and effective results.

More and more people have started visiting Turkey to get the best hair transplant services for so many good reasons. However, it is always important to be cautious when you are choosing the best hair transplant clinic in Turkey to get your treatment. It is because not all of them have been created the same. Therefore, it is important to perform your due diligence before making an appointment.

Here we have enlisted some of the best hair transplants clinics in Turkey. Make sure to consult with the one that suits your needs well.

Most Asked Questions

What Is the Success Rate of Hair Transplants?

The success rate of hair transplants can vary, but it's generally high. On average, about 80% to 90% of transplanted grafts successfully grow hair in the transplanted area. Success rates can depend on the skill of the surgeon, the patient's overall health, their adherence to post-operative care, and the quality of their donor hair.

Do Hair Transplants Look Natural?

Yes, when performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon, hair transplants can look very natural. The surgeon should take care to place the grafts in the direction of the natural hair growth, and design a hairline that is appropriate for the patient's age and face shape. The goal is to create a result that is undetectable as a hair transplant and blends seamlessly with the surrounding hair.

Which Country is Best for Hair Transplant?

Turkey is widely regarded as one of the best countries for hair transplants. It has earned this reputation due to several factors that make it an ideal destination for individuals seeking hair restoration treatments.

How Successful are Turkish Hair Transplants?

Turkey is known for being a popular destination for hair transplant tourism due to the lower cost compared to many other countries. Many clinics in Turkey have experienced surgeons and advanced medical facilities. However, as with any medical procedure, the success of a hair transplant in Turkey will depend on the specific clinic and surgeon, the patient's health, and the quality of aftercare. It's important to thoroughly research and choose a reputable clinic and surgeon.

Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same.
ChatGPT creator OpenAI Inc. has chosen London as the home of its first corporate office outside the US, according to a company statement issued Wednesday. The logo of OpenAI(REUTERS)

The San Franciscobased company, which has raised more than $10 billion, has been on a hiring spree as it works to turn its costly artificial intelligence research into a business. Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman has said that the closely held company was looking to open an European office, suggesting that countries including Poland, France and the UK were potentially in the running.

The move comes amid a growing rivalry between the UK and France to become the clear tech center of Europe. While in London, Altman met with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Also during his visit, Altman criticized the European Unions approach to regulating artificial intelligence, saying OpenAI might cease operating in the region if the company couldnt comply with upcoming rules  words he later walked back.

In a Wednesday blog post, OpenAI said it would be hiring for research, engineering and business positions in London, a city Altman described as having world-class talent. DeepMind, the research lab now leading AI strategy for Alphabet Inc.s Google, one of OpenAIs primary rivals, is also based in London.

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Benchmark equity indices hit their record high levels on Wednesday, with the Sensex hitting the record 64,000 mark and the Nifty scaling the 19,000 mount amid a rally in the US and European markets and fresh foreign fund inflows. Sensex (MINT_PRINT)

Buying in market heavyweight stocks like Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank also aided the positive momentum.

Extending its previous day's rally, the 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 621.07 points to hit its all-time high of 64,037.10 during afternoon trade. The NSE Nifty climbed 193.85 points to reach its lifetime peak of 19,011.25.

"Nifty made a new all-time high on June 28, triggered by buying from institutions and retail/HNI segments. Improving US economic data and hints from China about fresh stimulus measures have helped improve sentiments," said Dhiraj Relli, MD & CEO, HDFC Securities Ltd.

From the Sensex pack, NTPC, Tata Motors, Titan, Larsen & Toubro, Reliance Industries, IndusInd Bank, Infosys, HDFC Bank and Power Grid were among the major gainers.

Wipro and Tech Mahindra were the laggards.

In Asian markets, Tokyo and Hong Kong quoted in the green while Seoul and Shanghai were trading lower. European markets in trading in the positive territory. The US markets ended significantly higher on Tuesday.

"After making several attempts in the past few days, Nifty finally managed to cross its previous highs. Strong institutional flows, healthy macros and robust earnings growth drove domestic market towards its new highs," said Siddhartha Khemka, Head of Retail Research, Broking and Distribution, MOFSL.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude climbed 0.08 per cent to USD 72.32 a barrel.

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) bought equities worth 2,024.05 crore on Tuesday, according to exchange data.

The BSE benchmark jumped 446.03 points or 0.71 per cent to settle at 63,416.03 on Tuesday. The Nifty climbed 126.20 points or 0.68 per cent to end at 18,817.40.

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Popular Karnataka dairy brand Nandini, which opened a few of its outlets in Kerala recently, has decided to put on hold its expansion plan in this southern state. Karnataka's Nandini puts on hold its Kerala expansion plan(PTI)

Also Read - Now, Nandini vs Milma: Kerala minister J Chinchu Rani calls Karnataka dairy poor quality

Kerala Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Milk Cooperatives J Chinchurani said she has received information in this regard from the CEO of the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), which uses the trade name Nandini.

"Information has been received from the CEO that Nandini will not open new outlets in the state for the time being," the minister told reporters here.

Welcoming the KMF's decision, Chinchurani said this shift has come in the wake of change of government in Karnataka following the victory of the Congress.

She also said the state wanted the milk and milk products of the Kerala Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation's (KCMMF) Milma.

The CPI (M)-led LDF government in Kerala had recently expressed concern over the entry into the state of milk and dairy products from Karnataka's Nandini.

The Kerala government had filed a complaint with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to resolve the issue.

Chinchurani had earlier said both Nandini and Milma are government-supported organisations, and therefore, when going to another state, that state's permission ought to have been taken.

In April this year, KCMMF termed as "unethical" the tendency of some state milk marketing federations to aggressively enter markets outside their respective states.

It was criticising the KMF's move to open its outlets in parts of Kerala to sell its Nandini brand of milk and other products.

Milma, back then, had said this involved a total breach of the cooperative spirit based on which the country's dairy sector has been organised for the benefit of millions of dairy farmers.

Such practices from any side will jeopardise the spirit of cooperative principles that have been nurtured for a long time by mutual consent and goodwill, it had said.

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In a hit-and-run case, a 16-year-old cyclist was killed after being hit by a rashly driven car near Colony Number 4 light point, Industrial Area, Chandigarh, around 8:30 pm on Tuesday. In a hit-and-run case, a 16-year-old cyclist was killed after being hit by a rashly driven car near Colony Number 4 light point, Industrial Area, Chandigarh, around 8:30 pm on Tuesday. (HT File)

The deceased has been identified as Vishal of Hallomajra. As per the police, Vishal, along with his neighbour, was riding near the divider when a speeding car rammed into his cycle.

The car driver could not see the cycle due to low visibility. Following the collision, both cycle occupants fell and suffered multiple injuries. Vishal suffered fatal injuries in the head, said a cop.

The victims were rushed to Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector-32, where Vishal was declared brought dead while his friend is under treatment for his fractured leg.

Police have booked an unidentified car driver at Industrial Area police station.
The rising role of think tanks in policy-making has sparked intense debates recently due to a new class of politicians seeking to incorporate experts representing specific ideologies or thought processes into the governance framework. They blame traditional politics and bureaucratic procedures for systemic issues and claim and explicitly acknowledge the research, development, and promotion of policies carried out by think tanks and expert groups to meet the rising aspirations of society. The rising role of think tanks in policy-making has sparked intense debates of late. (HT File)

Think tanks bring together diverse groups of scholars and experts to gather information and conduct research on specific issues and ideas. Their areas of focus range from social, public, economic and educational policies to health, agriculture, food, technology and sociocultural issues.

The term think tank originally referred to the Research and Development Corporation (RAND), a non-partisan American global policy organisation that dealt with a wide array of problems and policies, including those for industries, national security, military and defence, aerospace international interest.

The think tanks are mainly non-profit organisations (NPOs) set up for scholarly work, provide platforms for debates and discussions, and are expected to work transparently with full accountability, which is questioned these days. Think tanks may be ideological, specialist, sub-national, practical or think and do groups. The locations and organisational goals are also sometimes the basis of the categorisation of some think tanks.

From 1930 to present day

In India, the first think tank, namely the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics was set up in Pune in 1930. Thereafter, a number of tanks have come up, and the present number is about 280. The University of Pennsylvania survey noted a dramatic rise in think tanks in India since the mid-2000s. The spurt in think tanks is an outcome of globalisation, the imperatives of which required deeper understanding, and strategic planning, particularly for balancing the concerns of nationalism in the developing world.

Several Indian think tanks have gained global recognition, including the Institute of Defense Studies and Analysis, the Centre for Civil Society, the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations, The Energy and Resources Institute, the Observer Research Foundation, the Centre for Policy Research, and the Delhi Policy Group. Many of these organisations receive funding from governments, international donors, corporate entities, and tech giants like Reliance, Mahindras, Infosys, WIPRO, Google, and Facebook.

The support from the government and corporate sector is a good initiative to develop a think tank eco-systems that promotes policy research fully embedded in countries contextual requirements. Such a system should pride itself on producing objective, fact-based, nonpartisan research and policy recommendations. The reports about some invisible tanks operating without clear accountability or transparency and their influence on appointments and placements of top policy functionaries in government and even government-supported think tanks have, however, changed the discourse.

Even the Policy Change Initiative (PCI) earlier and the NITI Aayog now have been critiqued for dominance by the functionaries close to the ruling party at the national level in India. The recent suspension of FCRA licence of the Centre for Policy Research on the grounds of non-transparency is a case where the government is seen as arm-twisting the think tank. Tobacco companies influence research on the harmful effects of smoking, and they have been less than transparent in disclosing their funding for research to the think tanks. The reports of some think tanks working on climate change and ecological issues, have been contradicted by the scientists. The emerging issue, thus, is the influence of think tanks as power centres in making public policies and mighty governments and corporations manipulating them for their stated or unstated objectives in the public policy landscape.

In this context, it is crucial to formalise the think tank system by establishing explicit guidelines and regulations for its operations. This includes ensuring transparency in their funding sources and establishing mechanisms for independent evaluation of their work. Such measures will enhance their credibility, address national security concerns, and foster greater trust in the policy-making process. Governments should actively engage with think tanks to ensure their work aligns with national priorities while encouraging the maintenance of a diverse range of perspectives for balanced policy recommendations.

Accountability, transparency key

Building a culture of accountability and transparency within think tanks is equally essential. Think tanks should disclose their funding sources and potential conflicts of interest. Independent audits of their work and financial operations can safeguard their integrity and prevent undue influence from vested interests. Engaging the public through consultations and encouraging researchers and think tanks to communicate their findings in accessible formats will broaden participation in policy-making, reducing the perception of think tanks as exclusive or elitist entities. Donors should not dictate the think tanks agenda.

Furthermore, strengthening the capacity of government departments to conduct their research and analysis will help balance the dependence on external think tanks. Investment in research institutions and collaboration between academia and government agencies also require more attention. By enhancing in-house expertise, policymakers can have a more direct and comprehensive understanding of policy issues, balancing the need to rely on external think tanks.

sureshkumarnangia@gmail.com

(The writer is a retired Punjab-cadre IAS officer. Views expressed are personal.)

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Vaisakh Suresh Kumar Vaisakh Suresh Kumar is a senior program associate at WRI India. ...view detail
A day after traffic on the Chandigarh-Manali national highway was restored, the threat of landslips at Pandoh and other vulnerable stretches persists as the meteorological department has issued an orange alert warning of heavy to very heavy rain in 10 districts of Himachal Pradesh. The Chandigarh-Manali highway was blocked after a landslide near Pandoh in Mandi district for 22 hours till traffic was restored on Monday night. (Birbal Sharma/HT)

The alert was sounded for Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, Una and Sirmaur.

Hundreds of commuters, mostly tourists, were stranded for 22 hours till Monday evening on the highway after heavy rains triggered landslides at 5-Miles and 7-Miles near Pandoh, 40km from Mandi town. Many tourists, including women and children, were forced to spend the night in cars and buses as there were no hotels nearby.

Also read: Monsoon news LIVE updates: IMD predicts thunderstorm, rainfall in Himachal today

Rajender Singh, a tourist from Ghaziabad, said he along with his family planned a five-day trip to Manali but two days were wasted en route at Mandi. I learnt that this stretch of the highway is prone to landslides. Why cant the authorities take preventive steps and alert in visitors in advance? he said.

Another tourist, Govind Kumar, claimed that dhaba owners in Pandoh made a fast buck by hiking the cost of food items. They charged 20 per chapatti and 170 for a plate of dal, he said.

A Gujarati tourist, Vivek Patel, described being stranded on the highway as a nightmarish experience.

The highway was closed on Sunday evening and restored partially after 22 hours. Tourists were stranded as the alternative route via Kataula-Kamand was also closed. The traffic jams on both sides stretched to 15km.

Mandi superintendent of police Soumya Sambasivan said nearly 5,000 vehicles were stuck at different locations on the highway. Kudos to all officials of Mandi Police who worked for 24x7 to ensure the restoration of traffic. We are thankful to tourists and local residents for their patience and for obeying traffic rules, she said.

Govt advisory to tourists, locals

Meanwhile, the state government has issued an advisory to tourists and locals to avoid unnecessary travel and not to venture near rivers and landslide-prone areas. When travelling in hilly areas, particularly in upper Shimla, Kinnaur, Mandi, Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti, and Chamba districts, people must gather comprehensive information about the weather and road conditions and follow the advisory provided by the local administration, the Himachal Pradesh Police Traffic, Tourist and Railways (TTR) wing said.

Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) chairman RS Bali said tourists should keep their GPS location on on their phones, commute on guided routes and drive slowly, particularly when visibility is low due to mist.

The meteorological centre has forecast rain in the state till July 1. A yellow alert for heavy rain, lightning and thunderstorm has been sounded for five days.

15 lives lost in rain-related incidents

Since its onset in Himachal on June 24, the monsoon has wreaked havoc across the state, causing losses pegged at over 164 crore, while 15 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents, according to the data released by State Emergency Operation Cell of the State Disaster Management Authority. Three people are missing and 27 have been injured.

With more than 1033 drinking water supply and irrigation schemes hit, the jal shakti department has suffered losses of 89.95 crore and the public works department (PWD) 72.90 crore.

Seven incidents of major landslides, a cloudburst and four incidents of flash floods have been reported across the state in three days. Five houses have been damaged and 34 partially damaged.

More than 300 roads, mostly rural roads, are blocked due to landslips. Traffic on National Highway-5, which was blocked at Theog, was restored on Monday, nine days after the PWD constructed a bailey bridge on the stretch that was swept away by a landslide.

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A labourer sustained injuries after a group of four men allegedly fired multiple shots at another group in Yamunanagars Bilaspur on Tuesday evening. The accuseds car after skidding off the road in Yamunanagar. (HT Photo)

The injured, identified as Gandhi, a native of Nepal, was having tea roadside after transplanting paddy at a nearby farm only to find himself in the crossfire. The four men were chasing the other group in their car.

Sharing further details, police said the injured was taken to civil hospital. He had sustained a bullet injury near his abdomen and referred to Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh for further treatment.

Following the incident, the car being driven by the accused hit a tree and turned turtle in the fields next to Kapalmochan road.

Inspector Kewal, in-charge, Yamunanagar Crime Investigation Agency-1, said, After the car overturned, the four men hid behind trees. Later, with the help of locals, police teams managed to apprehend three of them, while one managed to escape.

The accused have been identified as Nitesh, Shubham, Simranpreet and Shivank.

Malkit Singh, 18, who was in the car being chased by the quartet, told the police that he was travelling towards Bilaspur with his friends, when the Karnal-registered car overtook them.

Soon, one of them fired three shots, while their car also hit a cyclist before overturning, he said in his complaint.

A case has been registered under section 279 (rash driving), 307 (attempt to murder), 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code. Nitesh has been sent to a three-day police remand, while the other two arrested accused were sent to judicial custody. Shivank is yet to be arrested.

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Infiltration attempts over the past few weeks are an indication that the next couple of months could be tough on the Line of Control (LoC), particularly in Kashmir, where almost all traditional infiltration routes are open after the melting of snow. Army personnel display arms recovered after foiling an infiltration bid along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmirs Machil sector, Kupwara, on June 23. (PTI File Photo)

Though the armys three-tier grid along with surveillance equipment on the LoC has made it tougher for infiltrators to sneak into J&K, only in June three to five infiltration attempts were made in Kupwara sector in which 11 foreign infiltrators were killed and huge cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the killed infiltrators.

According to the Army, one group comprising four foreign infiltrators who were killed in Machil sector in Kupwara were carrying 55 packets of narcotics along with arms and ammunition, including nine rifles.

This year most of the infiltration attempts in J&K were made in Kupwara, Poonch and Rajouri sectors. Officials having knowledge of the infiltration routes say the Kupwara, Rajouri and Poonch sectors have dense forest cover and foliage which provide cover to the infiltrators. However, after back-to-back infiltration attempts in Kupwara, the Army has beefed up security around the Line of Control in Kupwara sector that stretches right from Nowgam that falls under the jurisdiction of 19 infantry division up to areas of Gurez which are managed by the 28 infantry division based in Kupwara.

Officials say that now special surveillance will be on Gurez, Keran, Gulmarg and Uri sectors which are traditional infiltration routes.

Notably, two infiltration bids were foiled in North Kashmir last month  in the Uri and Machil sectors. Security forces had also foiled similar bids and killed a militant near LoC in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara district in north Kashmir in March and February.

After the LoC ceasefire in 2021, the infiltration bids had come down in north Kashmir. However, drugs are still being smuggled regularly as per officials.

The months of June, July and August witness the greatest number of infiltration bids. Even many mountains in northern Kashmir that fall on the traditional infiltration routes are still covered under blankets of snow, officials fear heightened activity once it clears out.

So far this year, 15 infiltrators have been killed on the LoC most of them in Kupwara sector.

As per official data, in 2020, there were around 99 attempts of infiltration from across the border or LoC in which 51 infiltrators were successful to enter into J&K. In 2021, after the India and Pakistan decided a ceasefire on the LoC, there were 73 attempts, and 34 infiltrators were able to sneak into J&K. Most of the infiltrators were killed in various encounters. The number of attempts last year was less than 2021.

J&Ks director general of police Dilbag Singh also acknowledged that some attempts of infiltration were successful this year. Various agencies of Pakistan are trying to keep the dying militancy alive in J&K by engaging in such type activities. Our anti-infiltration grid is strong and alert on borders and foiled many attempts of infiltration. Around half a dozen infiltration attempts were foiled. One or two attempts from Pakistan were successful in Poonch and Rajouri area and terrorists targeted civilians and security forces in Poonch and Rajouri. The operations are underway to neutralise the terrorists, he told reporters last week.

General Officer Commanding, Vajra Division, Girish Kalia in a recent press conference said that there is a ceasefire agreement between two countries (India and Pakistan), however, in the recent past they (forces) have been getting large number of intelligence inputs of likely infiltration from across the LoC. On June 15, we received highly credible input from J&K police about possible infiltration of group of terrorists in Jumagund area of Keran sector. Based on this input multiple ambushes were established along the routes and five unidentified terrorists were neutralised with no collateral damage.

Another senior Army officer in Kupwara said that attempts to infiltrate groups have increased in the last few weeks. After zero infiltration for many months, the attempts are made to push more and more infiltrators to revive dying militancy. All attempts have been neutralised by the alert troops.
: A major fire broke out at a garment manufacturing unit at Seehda village on Rahon Road, leaving material worth lakhs gutted. Fire at garment manufacturing unit in Ludhiana (HT Photo)

The fire broke out on the third floor of the factory. It also spread to the second floor of the building.

There were around 400 workers inside the unit who were safely evacuated, and no injuries have been reported. Around 8 fire tenders were pressed into service and it took fire-fighters three to four hours to douse the flames.

As per the initial information, the fire broke out due to a short circuit in the machine. However, the exact cause of the incident was yet to be ascertained.

As the factory is located around 15km away from the fire brigade headquarters, it took the fire tenders around 20 to 30 minutes to reach the spot.

Kirpa Shankar, who works at the factory, said that a huge quantity of fabric and raw clothes were stored inside the unit which have been reduced to ashes.

Atish Rai, sub-fire officer, said that as the source of the fire was on the third-floor, firefighters had to put extra effort to control the fire.

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The cyber-crime police have arrested a 45-year-old Nigerian national for allegedly duping a city resident of 2.91 lakh on the pretext of marrying her. The accused in police custody on Wednesday. (HT Photo)

The accused, identified as Peter Johnson from Lajpat Nagar in New Delhi, was arrested following the complaint of a woman from Sector 39 B. The accused had approached the victim through a matrimonial website.

Police have recovered 26 mobile phones, 15 sim cards and 27 ATM cards from his possession.

The complainant stated that she is a mother of a 12-year-old son and is pursuing a divorce case with her husband.

She had registered herself on a matrimonial website. On January 19, 2023, she received a WhatsApp message where the caller introduced himself as Vipan from Texas in America and claimed to be a doctor following which they started chatting frequently, police said.

The caller eventually convinced her to marry him and sought her passport details which the victim sent him on whatsApp. The caller assured her that he had got all the legal documents prepared and informed her that he would visit India soon to marry her, they added.

The accused sent her his air ticket and told that he would reach India on February 13, 2023. On the same date, she received a call from one Shikha who claimed to be a police officer from the Delhi Airport Authority. Shikha informed the victim that one Vipan reached India to meet her but had an excess quantity of articles, dollars, and gold. Shikha sought  36,000 from the victim to release the said items. The victim transferred the money, police added.

The victim again received a call after two hours from the same caller seeking 2,55,800 in lieu of releasing the excessive gold brought by Vipan. Believing her, the victim again transferred the money following which the number of Vipan along with Shikhas mobile was turned off.

Realising that she was duped, the victim lodged a complaint with the cyber police here which registered a cheating and criminal conspiracy case on March 6 at Cyber police station in Sector 17.

Police conducted raids at Lajpat Nagar and Govind Puri, Delhi following which accused Peter was arrested on June 23. During investigation, the mobile phone used in the crime along with other mobile phones, SIM cards and ATM cards were recovered from his possession.
Taking strict note of overdue rent payments, the municipal corporation has decided to disconnect overhead cables of eight companies over the next week. During the meeting, the issue of outstanding property tax was also raised. (HT File Photo)

The decision was taken during the civic bodys revenue realisation committee meeting held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of mayor Kulbhushan Goyal.

Taking strong note of the non-recovery of even a single rupee from the internet service providers, mayor Kulbhushan Goyal said the companies  Fastway, Foxcel, Esto Broadband, RailTel Corporation, Connect Broadband, One Fiber Internet, Base Connect, Speedo Go Fiber  failed to pay the rentals and had laid a network of overhead wires.

The civic body has recovered 2.5 crore in connection with the mobile towers, the mayor said.

Targets to recover 9 crore from house tax, mobile lines and towers were set in the civic body meeting. Instructions were issued to the officers to recover the amount and strict action be taken against any company or private and government organisation that does not deposit the money, Goyal said.

Two-day special camp to correct property ID

Shifting focus to issues faced by the residents, the civic body has decided to hold another two-day camp on July 1 and July 2 for correction in property IDs.

During the meeting, the issue of outstanding property tax was also raised. The mayor instructed officials concerned to collect tax from defaulters immediately by sending out notices.

Pet owners, plastic users under scanner

Since April this year, only 15 dogs have been registered as compared to 1,000 from the last fiscal year. Keeping in view the same, the mayor issued directions to fine the pet owners who have failed to register their dogs. The residents will be given seven days notice to get their dogs registered failing which challans be issued to the owners, the mayor said.

The mayor also issued instructions to the officials to issue maximum challans to those using plastic, while highlighting the need to increase the collection of Kisan Mandi from 8 lakh per month to 10 lakh per month.

A civic body team on Wednesday snapped the overhead fibre cables that had been laid without permission in Sector 2. Sub divisional officer Manoj Ahlawat said the companies whose overhead fibre cables have been cut include Airtel, Jio, Connect Broadband. Commissioner Sachin Gupta said the civic body team is continuously working to cut overhead fibre cables. He instructed the companies not to lay overhead cables and opt for underground too after taking due permission.

Illegal hoardings removed

Municipal corporation removed illegal hoardings on Wednesday in sectors 5, 11, 23, 25 and 25. The action comes after illegal hoardings had started cropping up in various parts of the city. Deputy corporation commissioner Apoorva Chowdhary said that illegal advertisement hoardings, boards and banners had been put up at various intersections and similar actions will continue in the future.

Mayor Kulbhushan Goyal said that these hoardings affect the beauty of the city.

He added that as per MC rules, advertisement and promotional material can be pasted only on unipoles.

Advertising agencies did not take permission from the civic body to put up these hoardings and they are evading taxes and charges as well, Goyal added.

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In a major breather for Panchkula residents whose houses were damaged due to construction in adjoining plots, the Punjab and Haryana high court (HC), in two cases, has asked the neighbours who carried out such constructions, to deposit 15 lakh with the HC registry. A Sector-7 resident has put up a poster, declaring her house a dangerous building after cracks appeared in the walls due to construction of basement in the adjoining plot. (SANT ARORA/HT)

The petitions were from one Shantanu Singh, a Sector-4 resident and Poonam Aggarwal, a Sector-7 resident. As per their petitions in high court, their houses have got damaged due to construction by adjoining plot holders. They had approached Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) against the construction by neighbours but the HSVP kept on dilly-dallying the matter, thus compounding the damages. Most such constructions have been carried out under stilt plus four floors policy in several sectors of Panchkula.

The matter had reached HC in September 2022, when Shantanu Singh approached the court seeking compensation for the damages caused by his neighbours. Subsequently, the HC had stayed the construction activity. Acting on the plea from the one of the neighbours seeking vacation of stay on construction, the HC has now asked him to deposit 5 lakh with the high court registry.

In Aggarwals case, she had approached HC on May 16 this year, seeking compensation for damages caused by the adjoining plot holder and obtained a stay order. Subsequently, the neighbour filed for vacation of stay. On May 31, the court issued notice to Aggarwal on neighbours plea on the condition that it would be subject to the party depositing 10 lakh with the HC registry.

Notified in 2019, stilt plus four floor policy is being opposed across Haryana. Since the notification, over 1,700 approvals for S+4 buildings have been given. Of these, 550 have collected occupation certificates, which mean that their building is ready for use. As per a report released in February, construction of nearly 1,100 high-rise buildings is underway in the city.

The government was forced to put it in abeyance in February amid pressure from residents. It subsequently set up an expert panel to examine the issue and conducted hearings with RWAs etc. The panel was asked to examine comprehensively the complaints/concerns raised by various residents/ RWAs with regard to construction and suspension of stilt+four floors in residential plots and further examine the pros and cons of such approvals granted in the past and its implications. It has been mandated to recommend the most viable and practical future course of action to be adopted.

Residents also say, there was no proper mechanism in the policy to deal with cases of compensation, in case a house is damaged due to construction activity in adjoining plot.

Since policy is in abeyance, it cannot be challenged. Compensation cases are individual cases. But these two orders, pave way for other residents also, added senior advocate, Baltej Singh Sidhu, who is appearing in one of the cases.

Residents say the National Building Code has been diluted and without proper scientific studies on impact, the policy was brought in. Not only in Panchkula, in other places such as Gurugram and Faridabad also, residents are rallying together to oppose the policy.

Panchkula falls in seismic zone-4. Such unscientific approach would be a danger for future as well, added Sidhu. Former chief of Army Staff General (retd) VP Malik, who has been spearheading the campaign against the policy, went on to even allege that the government had been sympathetic towards builders in the case of this policy.

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Panjab University Teachers Association (PUTA) has written to the PU vice-chancellor after officials dismantled the concrete pavement in front of the V-C office on Tuesday. Although a ground near PU health centre was designated for protests in the tenure of the previous V-C, it is seldom used by the students or staff. (HT File Photo)

They said that the structure should be restored as the dismantling is being seen as a move to discourage any assembly outside the office. The spot is used by teachers, students and non-teaching staff to organise protests and to air their grievances. PUTA called this move a threat to democracy and held a protest on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, students had gathered at the spot and were seen questioning the workers dismantling the pavement. The workers there claimed that horticulture work is being undertaken at the site.

Although a ground near PU health centre was designated for protests in the tenure of the previous V-C, it is seldom used by the students or staff.

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Never in my wildest dreams had I, living in India, ever imagined that I would have the good fortune to set foot in Pakistan, especially in these trying times, when trade and travel are restricted between both countries. I, living in India, had never imagined that I would have the good fortune to set foot in Pakistan. (HT File)

But visit Lahore and Faisalabad I did recently with a dear friend.

Between bouts of trepidation and excitement, we exited the Indian border at Wagah, Amritsar, from a massive iron gate guarded by the ever-vigilant Border Security Force and entered an equally mammoth gate on the Pakistani side only to be greeted with a wide, welcoming smile by a dashing Pathan soldier.

Sher Khan, our hosts garrulous driver met and ushered us with great deference into the car and then we were off into Lahore, the Paris of the East.

Wide-eyed I kept looking around, waiting to see something different from India in the landscape but every village and little hut was exactly like I had left behind in my own country. The only oddity was my inability to decipher the numerous boards and hoardings because they were in Urdu!

Lahore stands magnificent, royal and proud, rightly the Jewel in the Crown of Pakistan.

Its wide clean boulevards, massive houses with elegant, tasteful facades protected by tall walls and heavy foliage were actually reminiscent of a European city.

The Old City has buildings with marked Hindu, Zoroastrian, Jain and Sikh influence along with stunning Muslim heritage. Lahori architecture includes the 13 gates through which one can enter the city from various vantage points. The legendary Aitchison College, the stunning General Post Office, Lahore Museum, Ganga Ram Hospital and Model Town, a vast beautifully planned residential suburb, are a salute to the extraordinarily gifted Sir Ganga Ram, a renowned civil engineer and architect in Lahore during the British rule.

Lahoris are celebrated for their remarkable hospitality and our hosts won our hearts with their love, generosity and humility. They were untiring in their open-hearted welcome and showed us around with indefatigable zest.

Pakistan is a dry state where alcohol consumption and sale is forbidden by the government, but we were astonished to see a multitude of shops, small and big, at every corner of the city advertising and selling tobacco, fancy cigarettes and organic, fruity vapes!

Haveli Khalil Khan, where we had our final meal of mouthwatering, silky kebabs and the traditional fermented bread, has a stunning view of the mausoleum of the Lion of Punjab, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and the statuesque Badshahi Mosque, which glows surreally at night.

The Anarkali Bazaar and the infamous Heera Mandi, oft the subject of curiosity, have unfortunately faced neglect and disuse in recent years with the latter converted to a shabby parking lot! As I stood mesmerised in that haunted spot, I could envision it in full regalia with plush furnishings, sound of laughter wafting through the net curtains, the tinkle of anklets adorning the delicate ankles of the nautch girls, the musicians sitting with their harmoniums and tablas and the plump, betel-spewing courtesans paying homage to the royal audiences of yore.

As we made our way to Nankana Sahib near Faisalabad, the sacred birthplace of Guru Nanak, my friend and I were silent during the drive, quietly in awe and wonder, to be so blessed as to set foot on that holy ground. The gurdwara is full of grace and serenity and we were taken around by the Sikh granthis (priests) who have made their home in Pakistan.

After five days of this magical trip, we bade our delightful hosts an emotional goodbye and made our way back, rejoicing at the rare opportunity to visit the land of our forefathers when I recalled the oft repeated phrase: Jis Lahore nai dekhya o janmyai nai (One who hasnt seen Lahore has simply not lived).

Praise be to the Lord!

pallavisingh358@gmail.com

The writer is a Jalandhar-based freelance contributor

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Himachal Pradesh has recorded 119% surplus rainfall in last one week, owing to the monsoon, especially after the onset of monsoon on June 24. Himachal Pradesh has recorded 119% excessive rainfall in last one week, owing to the monsoon, especially after the onset of monsoon on June 24. (Deepak Sansta/ HT)

The state received 65.3mm rainfall against a normal of 29.8% from June 22 to 28, as per the Indian meteorological department data.

Solan has got highest 264% excessive rains followed by 248% in Mandi and Hamirpur 180%. Nine of the 12 districts except Lahaul-Spiti (-80%), Una (-34%) and Kinnaur (-5%) recorded surplus rains.

Director of IMDs Shimla Centre Surender Paul said the intensity of monsoon has reduced since Tuesday and the state experienced moderate to light rainfall.

The wet spell is likely to continue till July 2 with a yellow alert for rains, thunderstorm and lightening in isolated places for next five days.

In rain-related incidents, a shepherd was injured, and his 60 sheep and goats perished due to a lightning strike at a high hill in Manikaran area of Kullu. The injured shepherd has been identified as Sonu Kumar of Gadgi village.

Deputy director (animal husbandry) Vishal Sharma said a team of the department would visit the spot to assess the losses.

In Solan, a five-storey residential building collapsed due to water seepage. No loss of life has been reported.

Solan deputy commissioner Manmohan Sharma visited the spot to assess the situation. He said the building has been acquired by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for road construction and compensation has been paid. However, the owners suffered huge losses as he had yet not vacated the premises. As per the State Emergency Operation Cell of the Disaster Management Authority, 47 roads were still blocked for traffic in the state. Several water supply schemes also need repair due to damage caused by heavy rains and floods.
Thousands thronged markets ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, the festival of sacrifice, in Kashmir though traders and businessmen rued the lack of sales owing to decrease in footfall and purchasing power of people than in the past. A Kashmiri shepherd waits for customers at a livestock market ahead of the Eid-ul-Adha festival in Srinagar. The rush in Srinagar markets including at city centre Lal Chowk and adjoining markets was also noticeable after months of slump in business. (AFP)

The markets across Kashmir were buzzing with activity with people thronging outlets selling apparel, shoes, bakeries and jewellery. The sale of sacrificial animals could be seen going on at multiple places across the region.

The rush in Srinagar markets including at city centre Lal Chowk and adjoining markets was also noticeable after months of slump in business.

The rush was good for the past two days. The Smart City project which diverted the traffic from the city centre caused a lot of losses to the traders for the past many months. Yesterday and today, I experienced good sales mostly in kids items like shoes, bangles, dresses and cosmetics for ladies, said Javed Ahmad, a shop owner at Goni-Khan Market.

Jammu and Kashmir will be celebrating Eid-ul-Adha on Thursday with Muslims going for the sacrifice of animals.

The sheep dealers this year experienced less demand from the people for the sacrificial animals as the government had not announced any rates for the animals deregulating the market. Last year, we witnessed a lot of rush. Today, the animals are in abundance, but people are not buying. They dont have money. The demand is not even 50% than last year, said a dealer at Eidgah where the largest market of sacrificial animals is held.

President, Kashmir Retailers Association, Farhan Kitab said that the market health has not recovered despite the Eid festival.

Overall, the market situation is bad, which started after work on the Smart City project was initiated early this year. Overall financial stress is there. Now, the footfall on Eid is not even 20% of what it used to be on Eid days, Kitab said.

He said that the purchasing power of people has gone down due to the bad condition of the market since Covid. A customer is under stress, if he wants to buy and he is not able to. Not even bakeries are showing any signs of rush, he said.

The old side of the city is showing no different behaviour. The traders of Shehr-e-Khaas or Old City said that the people are visiting the markets, but sales are not happening.

In terms of economy, we are witnessing the worst kind of Eid festivity right now, said Imtiyaz Qalandar, member of advisory board of Shehr-e-Khaas Traders Association.

He said that the purchasing capacity of people has lessened. It is because of the past 30 years of turmoil, although the government and banks would help us earlier but now the government has put all the burden on traders and consumers like GST and increased tariffs of power and other amenities, he said.

People said that even the government did not provide advance salaries to its employees on the Eid occasion as used to be the norm in the past.

The money would circulate in the market helping its recovery but this Eid we didnt get a salary beforehand. I could just manage some basic necessities on Eid, said an employee of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation.

On Tuesday, Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti had urged the government to release the money of contractors and pay salaries of employees.

Contractors in J&K are still waiting for their dues to be paid despite requisite funds being available with the government. Request LG Manoj Sinha to kindly release their payment and also salary of employees before Eid so that they can celebrate it with their families, she said in a tweet.

Authorities disallow Eid prayers at Srinagar Eidgah: Anjuman Auqaf

Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid, the managing body of Kashmirs grand mosque in Srinagar, on Wednesday said that the authorities barred them from holding Eid prayers at Eidgah, the Eid prayers ground in old city.

This is to inform the public that authorities have conveyed to Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid that once again Eid-ul-Adha prayers will not be allowed at the historic and central Eidgah Srinagar on Thursday at 9 am. District administration officials today morning conveyed this decision to Anjuman Auqaf officials,  the Anjuman said in a statement.

The Eid prayers on Eid Ul Fitr were also not held last time at Eidgah.

The Anjuman said that in keeping with past traditions, it had announced that Eid prayers will be held at Eidgah Srinagar at 9am.
It was a devious plan that almost worked for a Fatehgarh Sahib wholesaler. The 41-year-old trader killed a man to fake his own death for claiming  4 crore insurance money but could not escape the long arm of the law. Police on Wednesday arrested Gurpreet Singh, a resident of village Husain Pura near Sirhind, along with five others, including his wife Khushdeep Kaur, and an insurance agent (HT Photo)

Police on Wednesday arrested Gurpreet Singh, a resident of village Husain Pura near Sirhind, along with five others, including his wife Khushdeep Kaur, and an insurance agent. As per police, the trader staged a road accident near Rajpura on June 19 to kill Sukhjit Singh, a marginal farmer, who had a drinking habit, to fake his own death and claim the insurance sum. With the money, the wholesaler hoped to cover losses suffered in the business. The wholesaler had bought the policy 6 months back. Apart from the husband-wife duo, the other four accused arrested are truck driver Jaspal Singh, a resident of village Marhu, insurance agent Rajesh Kumar, a resident of village Fatehgarh Sahib and Jaspal Singh, a resident of village Marru in Patiala.

A carefully crafted plan: cops

Police said the main conspirator Gurpreet Singh along with others killed Sukhjit in a staged road accident near Rajpura on June 19.

Police said Sukhjits face was crushed under a truck, twice, so that no one could identify him. The wholesalers wife and kin later claimed the body and cremated it to claim the insurance amount. Police said that Gurpreet was working as a dealer of a popular brand of snacks and sweets and had suffered losses in the business.

The accused first befriended the victim by taking advantage of his drinking habit. During one of the drinking sessions, the accused mixed something in the victims drink rendering him unconscious. He then crushed the victims face under a truck twice, police added.

How it all unravelled

SSP Fatehgarh Sahib Ravjot Grewal said that the victim Sukhjit Singh, a resident of Sanipur village, was reported missing on June 19. His family member informed that he had gone to a liquor store but never returned.

While acting on the complaint, police found his slippers, mobile and motorcycle near the Sirhind canal. Prima facie it seemed a case of suicide, however, his family member ruled out all possibility. Later, it has come to the fore that the victim had been drinking with Gurpreet Singh for the last 25 days. We also found that Gurpreet had died in a road accident on the same day when the victim had gone missing. A case pertaining to his death in an accident was registered at Sadar Rajpura police station, the SSP said.

The SSP said it raised suspicion and the police started investigations.

Police said the accuseds wife and other family members identified Sukhjits body as that of Gurpreet. But when the picture of the body was shown to Sukhjits wife Jivandeep Kaur she identified it as her husband.

Lack of hair on the victims body further strengthened our suspicion and Gurpreets wife was questioned. Upon sustained questioning she unravelled the entire plot, a police official privy to investigations said.

Gurpreet made the victim unconscious by giving him drinks mixed with 30mg of morphine tablets on June 19. Later, they took him near Rajpura and crushed his face twice under a truck, so that he couldnt be identified, the SSP said.

The SSP said that the accused had identified two other people but one, a resident of Mohali, had a tattoo on his arm, while the other from Patiala district, didnt match Gurpreets physical appearance.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Harmandeep Singh Harmandeep Singh is staff Correspondent and have specialisation in investigative reporting. He covers Punjab politics, mining, crime, school education, health, medical education, administration, labour department, brain-drain and rural areas besides burning issues of Sangrur and Barnala districts. ...view detail
Do you know how many stations the Delhi Metro has? Or how long it takes to cover all of its stations on a single trip? Well, Dwarka-based freelance researcher Shashank Manu has all the answers. This Delhiite, who is in the news of late for taking 15 hours, 22 minutes and 49 seconds (fastest time) to cover all the 286 stops across 12 lines of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) network, has his name added to the Guinness Book of World Records. Shashank Manu, a Delhi-based freelance researcher, has entered Guinness World Records by travelling across Delhi Metro.

Initially, credit for the achievement was given to Prafull Singh, a revenue inspector who travelled across the entire metro network in 16 hours and 2 minutes on August 29, 2021, says Manu, who accomplished this feat two years ago. Guinness cited my omission of Dhansa Bus Stand, a terminal on the Grey Line, as the reason for their rejection, claiming that the entire stretch was not covered, he says, clarifying that Dhansa was under construction at that time.

Shashank Manu says that a lot of people the world over have negative perceptions about Indias infrastructure. To prove how this is untrue, he took up this trek.

Ask him how he got to know that not Singh but he was the first person to accomplish this feat and Manu tells us, When the news of Prafulls record came out, I sent him a congratulatory message through social media. But in my pursuit of clarity, I specifically asked him whether he visited the Dhansa Station, and when Prafull revealed he could not deboard there either, I was rest assured that I was indeed the first person in the world to attempt this record. In fact, I did it in a shorter span of time.

Manu then wrote an angry email to Guinness, demanding an explanation for the rejection of his record, and in April 2023, he officially received recognition from the authorities. The 33-year-old further adds, My aim was never to compete with Prafull. Moreover, I attempted this record as my way of writing a love letter to the Delhi Metro. A lot of people the world over have negative perceptions about Indias infrastructure. To prove how this is untrue, I took up this trek.

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JAIPUR: A truck carrying cattle rammed into two parked trucks on the outskirts of Jaipur district on Wednesday and burst into flames, killing the driver and his helper on the spot, police said. The accident took place on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway in Dudu area of Jaipur. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The accident took place on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway in Dudu area of Jaipur. Police said about a dozen cattle in the truck also died in the accident.

Dudu station house officer Jaisingh Basera said the two trucks were parked on the highway near a tea stall when an Ajmer-bound truck carrying the cattle lost control and crashed into them. Basera said it is not clear how but the vehicles immediately caught fire and reached the fuel tanks.

The flame raged so fiercely that the truck driver and his helper burnt to death on the spot. We havent been able to identify them yet. The number of deaths might increase, he said.

Police said a small team of firefighters reached the spot and put out the fire.

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The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has decided to ask for more time from the Law Commission so that more and more people can present their views on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The AIMPLB has asked for an appointment with the Law Commission to put its point of view before the panel. A meeting on Uniform Civil Code in progress. (FILE PHOTO)

AIMPLB spokesperson Qasim Ilyas Rasool on Wednesday said, India has a population of 140 crore and the one month given by the Law Commission to react to an important issue like Uniform Civil Code is not enough. We request the Law Commission to increase the time limit.

However, the draft reply of AIMPLB is ready and shared with its members for any sort of correction. A 15-member legal team of AIMPLB will re-evaluate it once it comes back with the suggestions of its members. But its our aim to file our response before the Law Commission in the first week of July, he added.

Earlier this month, the Law Commission initiated a fresh consultation process on the Uniform Civil Code by seeking views from stakeholders, including public and recognised religious organisations.

We discussed the draft with 35 members who were present in the meeting along with All India Muslim Personal Law Board president Saifullah Rehmani, general secretary Maulana Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi, Islamic Centre of India chairman Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahali with all the members of executive committee and legal team were present. Many shared their ideas. Many (others) said that they will give their opinion with corrections in the draft after Bakrid. Following, that we decided to submit our points in front of the commission in the first week of July, he said.

The draft would be shared with media also on that day.

The Board held a meeting Tuesday night through video conferencing in which the draft document to be submitted to the Law Commission was discussed.

We have sought a physical meeting with the Law Commission to highlight the fact that they have not asked for a reply or reaction on any specific point; neither they have come up with the draft, they have just asked for our reply or opinion on vague points. They should realise that the Uniform Civil Code will not only affect Muslims but other communities too, Qasim Ilyas Rasool said.

Its the duty of the Law Commission to meet people from every faith, listen to their points of view before coming to any sort of conclusion, he added.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modis statement in Bhopal over UCC was also discussed.

Addressing a gathering of BJP workers in Bhopal on Tuesday, Modi called for implementation of the Uniform Civil Code and said the Constitution also mentions about giving equal rights to all citizens. He also said that the BJP has decided it would not adopt the path of appeasement and vote bank politics, and alleged that the Opposition was using the issue of UCC to mislead and provoke the Muslim community.

The AIMPLB is a non-governmental organisation that represents the interests of Muslims in matters of personal law. It was formed in 1973 with the objective of protecting and promoting the application of Islamic personal law among Muslims in India.

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The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court on Tuesday slammed the makers of the movie Adipurush for portraying Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman in an objectionable manner while stating why tolerance level of a particular religion was being put to test. The court said the Central Board of Film Certification should have done something while issuing a certificate to the movie. (For Representation)

A division bench of Justice Rajesh Singh Chauhan and Justice Shree Prakash Singh orally observed during an open court hearing of the case: The one who is gentle should be suppressed? Is it so? It is good that believers of this religion did not create any public order problem. We should be thankful.

Tolerance of people should not be tested, said the court. The court also pointed out that the Central Board of Film Certification should have done something while issuing a certificate to the movie.

If we close our eyes on this issue also because it is said that people of this religion are very tolerant, so will it be put to test?, the court observed orally during hearing of the case.

The court gave 24 hours time to deputy solicitor general of India SB Pandey to seek complete instructions from the Centre, particularly from the ministry of information and broadcasting and Central Board of Film Certification, regarding their opinion on the movie Adipurush.

The court issued these directives when Pandey pointed out that the movie had a disclaimer that it was not based on the Ramayana. Reacting to it, the petitioners lawyer Ranjana Agnihotri pointed out to the court that the movies characters were based on Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, Lord Laxman, Lord Hanuman and Ravana, then how come it was not based on Ramayana.

On this, the court observed that people who put the disclaimer consider the countrymen and youth to be brainless. You show Lord Ram, Lord Hanuman and then say it is not Ramayana, the court said during hearing of the case.

The court also observed that religious scriptures, towards which people were sensitive, should not be touched. On this point, Pandey sought time from the court to seek instructions from the Centre.

The court gave 24 hours time to deputy solicitor general of India to seek complete instructions from the Centre and file reply. The court made these observations while hearing two public interest litigation petitions (PILs) against the movie Adipurush and stressed that they were not propaganda petitions.

Deputy solicitor general of India SB Pandey, assisted by Ashwani Kumar Singh represented the Centre. Advocate Ranjana Agnihotri represented petition Kuldeep Tewari and additional advocate general Vinod Kumar Shahi represented the state government during hearing of the case.

Manoj Muntashir made party in the case

The court also allowed impleadment application making the movies dialogue writer Manoj Muntashir party in the case.

The case

A division bench of Chief Justice Rajesh Bindal and Justice Brij Raj Singh had issued a notice to the Censor Board on January 10 this year on the PIL filed by Kuldeep Tewari in which objections were raised on contents of the movie Adipurush.

The court had fixed February 21 as next date of hearing in the case. But the Censor Board did not file its reply and released the movie. The petitioner had impleaded the Centre, the state government, the Censor Board, director of the movie Om Raut, actors Prabhas , Saif Ali Khan, Kriti Sanon and others in the case. Hearing of the case will continue on Wednesday too.

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Lucknow The Auraiya court on Wednesday awarded capital punishment to a man convicted for raping and murdering an eight-year-old girl. This conviction and sentence of the accused took place in a speedy manner in nearly three months after the incident was reported on March 25 earlier this year. The court observed that the act of the accused was more horrifying than the act of an animal. (Pic for representation)

The court observed that the act of the accused was more horrifying than the act of an animal. The court said the Indian culture revolved around women and such crimes were not acceptable in our society, stated a press note shared by the home department on Wednesday.

The home department officials said additional director general (ADG) of police, Kanpur Zone, Alok Singh has announced a reward of 25,000 for the team of police and prosecution for such swift and fast legal proceedings in the case.

The press note said that the accused was identified as Gautam Singh Dohre (40) and he had raped the girl after luring her with the promise of eatables in a village under Ayana police station limits of Auraiya. The accused was under the influence of liquor and smothered the girl to death to conceal his identity as she would have easily identified him after the crime.

Earlier, the police had filed the charge-sheet against the accused within eight days after his arrest. The court had framed the charges against him under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 302 for murder, 376 for rape, 201 for concealment of crime as well as sections of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and convicted him on June 23. The special judge of POCSO court pronounced the punishment in the case on Wednesday.

Life term to rapist of 6-year-old girl in Etawah

In another incident of rape with a 6-year-old girl in Etawah, the local court on Tuesday awarded life imprisonment to man and slapped a penalty of 2lakh on him, said police officials here on Wednesday.

The accused was Amit Kumar alias Daboo, a resident of Badpura in Etawah.

According to the police, the accused had raped the girl after holding her captive at a deserted place in a field and left her bleeding profusely after the crime on May 2, 2022. The girls father had lodged the FIR under IPC sections 363 for kidnapping a minor, 376AB for rape with a girl below 12 years of age, 323 for voluntarily causing hurt and section 5/6 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for aggravated penetrative sexual assault, after which the accused was arrested on the same day.

They said the police had filed the charge-sheet in the case on July 8, 2022, and the trial was started in the POCSO court of Etawah. Due to effective prosecution of police and prosecution officers, the court convicted the accused and sentenced him to life imprisonment for his heinous act, police officials said.
The Lucknow police on Wednesday arrested two men, said to be members of the infamous Irani gang, who were involved in dozens of cases of loot in Lucknow. The two targeted elderly persons and women and robbed them of their valuables after disguising themselves as police officials. The accused were arrested from Banda crossing under Gazipur police station limits.

Identified as Ali Mirza, 42, and Jain Hussain, 43, both hail from Thane district, the police said, adding their names surfaced in 31 loot cases registered at 16 police stations in Lucknow; 12 of them were registered against Mirza alone.

The accused were arrested from Banda crossing under Gazipur police station limits.

Explaining their modus operandi, Akash Kulhari, joint commissioner of police (Crime, Law & Order), said the duo lived in hotels in Gomti Nagar and PGI area when they came to Lucknow, and then perform a recce of the area to choose their target.

Gold and silver jewellery, 50,000 in cash and a two-wheeler were recovered from their possession, the cop added.

Weve learnt that these people are members of the Irani gang, which is active in various parts of India. They speak Persian as well. Further investigation is underway, he added.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modis pro-Pasmanda pitch seems to have triggered a churning in certain sections of the backward Muslim communitys political leadership less than a year before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders in Bhopal where he spoke about Pasmanda Muslims. (PTI PHOTO)

The Peace Party, which had been an emerging phenomenon in several pockets of eastern Uttar Pradesh about a decade back, has welcomed the PMs outreach.

The Peace Party had caught attention for its fairly successful intervention among the backward Muslims and won four seats in the 2012 assembly elections.

Peace Party chief Mohammad Ayub said if the BJP is serious about the political, social and educational empowerment of Pasmanda Muslims, then the PMs appeal should be followed by some concrete actions, including an invite to the Pasmanda leadership for further discussions.

He said the Kalelkar Commission, Rangnath Mishra Commission and Sachar Committee in their reports had highlighted the social and economic backwardness of the Pasmanda Muslims. They had recommended reservation for Dalit Muslims. Along with implementing these reports, the BJP government should give political representation to the Muslims, he said.

The Peace Party enjoys influence among the weavers community settled in East UP.

Prime Minister had said backward Muslims had been left marginalised by those who do vote-bank politics.

A section of their own religion has exploited Pasmanda Muslims, something that hasnt been discussed in the country. Several generations have had to suffer. But the BJP works in the spirit of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas, Modi had said in Bhopal on Tuesday.

Like the Peace Party, All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaj has termed PMs reach-out as a step forward in the right direction.

Its state president Wasim Raini said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the first PM who has spoken about problems faced by the Pasmanda Muslims and expressed a commitment to their welfare from a public platform. The Congress, Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party got the communitys votes but failed to give a share in political power. The Pasmanda community is looking with hope towards the BJP.

The Pasmanda Muslims constitute 85% of the Muslim population in the state. The BJP claims that these backward Muslim communities have also been the biggest beneficiaries of the governments various welfare schemes.

The party had also fielded a significant number of Pasmanda community members in the recently concluded urban local bodies election. Out of the 391 Muslim candidates fielded by the BJP 61 won in the local bodies election.

Meanwhile, Rashtriya Ulama Council spokesperson Talha Rashidi said if Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to bringing the Pasmanda Muslims into the national mainstream, the words should be reciprocated by the deeds.

Allaying the fears, Uttar Pradesh minority welfare minister Danish Azad Ansari said the victory of BJP candidates in the Rampur and Azamgarh Lok Sabha by-polls as well as alliance partner Apna Dal (S) winning the Suar assembly seat indicates the Pasmanda Muslims are supporting the BJP.

BJP Minority Cell president Basit Ali said the state governments schemes have benefitted 4.5 crore Muslims in Uttar Pradesh. The Pasmanda votes are decisive in at least 20 Lok Sabha seats of Uttar Pradesh, he said.

Hitting out at the BJP, senior SP leader Rajendra Chaudhary said the BJP is raising the issue of Pasmanda Muslims to mislead the community and create confusion before the polls.

Bahujan Samaj Party leader Akhilesh Ambedkar said the Muslims know which party is actually committed to safeguarding their interests.

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In a special hearing on Wednesday late evening, the Bombay High Court instructed the Mumbai police and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to ensure there was no sacrificing of animals in housing societies which did not have the municipal permission to do so. Ahead of Eid, animal sacrifice in housing societies becomes contentious

The court was hearing a challenge against animal slaughter in a south Mumbai society ahead of Eid-ul-Adha on Thursday. The petition was filed by a certain Haresh Jain and other society members of Nathani Heights at Lamington Road after some society members brought animals into the society premises.

Eid-ul-Adha 2023: Bakra Eid Mubarak wishes, images, messages, greetings to share with loved ones on Facebook, WhatsApp

In the far north of the city however, in the suburb of Mira Road, members of JP Infra society took matters in their hands when a couple got a few sacrificial goats into the society. The neighbours assumed that they were going to sacrifice the goats inside the building premises and began protesting which then escalated to manhandling and verbal abuse.

Read | Kondhwa police issues disciplinary notices to 12 goat market ops ahead of Bakri Eid

Mohsin Shaikh and his wife Yasmin who have been living in Mira Roads JP Infra society for 5 years said this was the first time they had faced such trouble during Eid. Previously the builder would give us space to tether our goats which we would then sacrifice at the Kashmira slaughter house on Eid day, said Yasmin. However, this year as there was some construction work going on in the society the builder took a meeting of the Muslim residents of the society and told them to seek the managing committees permission for space. They refused to meet us so we wrote them an email saying we would have no option but to get the goats into our flats and then take them to the slaughter house on Eid day, said Yasmin.

But after they got the goats into their apartment late on Tuesday night, around 200 society members gathered the following morning and demanded that they get rid of the goats from the society. Some members began chanting the Hanuman Chalisa and also raising slogans of Jai Shri Ram. The verbal spat then turned violent with some people allegedly manhandling them. That was when Mohsin Shaikh called up the police emergency number and informed them about the threats being made to them. The local police have since filed an FIR against 11 society members for molestation, assault and criminal intimidation.

The existing law mandates that anyone wanting to sacrifice an animal in a public other than the designated spots needs permission from the local civic authorities. In the Lamington Road society case the advocate for the petitioners, Subhash Jha, said he was constrained to approach the High Court at the nth hour after the police failed to address their apprehensions of a possible animal slaughter in their society premises.

His petition also sought a stay on slaughtering of animals in the said society during the pendency of the hearing.

On the same day, another bench of the Bombay HC dealt with an application filed by the Hajrat Peer Malik Rehan Dargah Trust which sought permission to carry out slaughtering of sacrificial animals near Vishalgad Fort on Bakri Eid.

The application filed by advocate Madhavi Ayyappan sought permission from the division bench of justices Gautam Patel and Neela Gokhale which was hearing the original petition filed by the Trust against an order of the local authorities prohibiting slaughtering of animals at the Vishalgad Fort and its vicinity.

While expressing its displeasure at the last-minute application for permission the

bench directed the local authorities to decide the application on merit and added, We make it clear that we are not ourselves directing that the permission is to be granted and we are not granting that permission ourselves. We are only directing that the application made by the petitioner is to be considered urgently by the authorities in question.
The cabinet sub-committee on industries, headed by chief minister Eknath Shinde, on Wednesday cleared proposals inviting 40,000 crore in investments to Maharashtra. HT Image

The proposals included India Gems and Jewellery Park on a 21-acre plot at Navi Mumbais Mahape. To be developed by the Gems and Jewellery Promotion Council, the park will have 1,354 industrial and commercial establishments, an official from the industries department said.

The project is expected to bring an investment of 20,000 crore and is likely to create direct and indirect employment opportunities for one lakh people. One of the main features of the park will be that some of the units can house laboratory-grown diamonds, the official said.

India Gems and Jewellery Park is also expected to give an impetus to the export of gems and jewellery products, the official added.

The sub-committee also approved proposals of three companies to set up four electric vehicles and battery manufacturing units in Pune and Aurangabad, a statement from the chief ministers office said.

Taiwan-based Gogoro will set up two plants in these two places at a cost of 12,482 crore. Ather Energy will build a 865-crore facility while Pinnacle Mobility will set up a 776-crore unit in Pune, the statement said.

Gogoro India has also planned to set up about 12,000 battery swapping stations across Maharashtra. It will help boost the infrastructure for electric vehicles, another official said.

Besides, Performance Chemiserve Limited and Smartchem Technologies Limited will build units in Raigad with an investment of 2,700 crore and 2,033 crore respectively. While General Polyfilms Private Limited will set up a 500-crore plant in Nandurbar, Wipro PARI Private Limited will invest 544 crore for a unit in Satara and Ganraj Ispat Private Limited will build a plant in Ahmednagar at a cost of 110 crore, the government statement added.

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After residents of a housing society in Maharashtra's Thane district raised objections on Tuesday over a family bringing two goats in their house ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, or Bakrid, the police registered a case on Wednesday against 11 people under different sections of IPC for bringing goats, that were meant for sacrifice on Bakrid inside the society, news agency ANI reported. As per a viral video of the society's CCTV, a man and a woman can be seen taking two goats from the lift inside their house.

Watch: Jai Shri Ram Chants, Clashes & Chaos At Mumbai Society After Man Brings Goats For Sacrifice On Eid

The incident, at Vinay Nagar Society at JP North on Mira Road, took place on Monday night. Following the incident, police reached the society when members came outside on Tuesday to protest. Police officers held discussions with the residents and tried to pacify them, a Station House Officer (SHO) at Mira Road police station told news agency PTI.

As per a viral video of the society's CCTV, a man and a woman can be seen taking two goats from the lift inside their house. In another footage, residents are seen shouting outside the society, where the police had arrived.

One of the residents, speaking to the media, said, We are just saying that all societies have decided to not allow goats inside the building. Despite that, they went against everyone, didn't seek permission from the police or the society and broke the bylaws to bring the goat inside the building. We request to take the goat away and defuse the matter right away.

The residents said that no one was hurt in the ruckus outside the society on Tuesday night. However, they alleged that verbal slurs had been shouted at some women.

Another resident, speaking to the media said, Mohsin is the only one who brought the goat. There are other Muslims living in this society, they understand it. They have been given a designated space for keeping goats. They still want to be stubborn and say we will bring goats here, do whatever you want, that is wrong. We just want everyone to adhere to the rules of the society.

A police officer, speaking to the resident, said that their first priority was that communal harmony should be maintained. No slaughtering is allowed here. As per Supreme Court, High Court rulings, it is banned. No slaughtering can take place in societies. However, there are no rules for if they can keep the goat in their house of not. So, we are trying to convince him to take the goat away because members of the society are demanding so.

He further reassured that no slaughter will take place within the society or the mane will be arrested.

In one of the viral videos, a police officer is heard trying to disperse the crowd, which refused to move until a decision was taken. He said, Go home. Don't worry, it will be fine, they have been taken to the police station right? Whatever is decided, you will get to know.

A police officer told PTI, that since he has not place to keep it, the man brings a goat every year to his house before Bakrid and informs the police about it in advance.

The officer said, The man takes the goat away the next day and the animal is not slaughtered at his residence.

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Naveen Bhutani, the alleged mastermind behind the fake call centre that was operating out of a farmhouse near Rajodi beach in Virar, was arrested in Delhi on Tuesday, after more than a two-month-long interstate operation involving multiple police teams. Rajodi beach fake call centre mastermind arrested in Delhi

The call centre, whose primary targets were Australian nationals, was busted in April after the Arnala police received information that a sizable tea and breakfast orders were being delivered from a local eatery around 4 am every day for almost a month, police officials said.

Accordingly, a raid was carried out on April 11 and 50 people, including the bungalow owner, Mayur Patole, were arrested.

We could have arrested Bhutani on that day. He was on his way to Mumbai, but Patole alerted him about the raid. She had made eight calls to Bhutani from her mobile phone, Suhas Bavche, deputy commissioner of police, Vasai-Virar, said.

Since then, Bhutani, 42, had been evading the Arnala police who chased him to nearly 20 locations, Bavche said. We had sent four teams to Delhi and Haryana. The teams even went in pursuit of Bhutani till Chandigarh and Manali but missed him.

Based on a tip-off, Bhutani was arrested in Delhi on Tuesday and was brought to Mumbai on Wednesday.

He has been charged with section 420 (cheating) and 468 (forgery) under the Indian Penal Code. He was produced before a court which remanded him in police custody for six days.

According to the police, the arrested call centre employees said they were tasked to answer calls from Australians who dialled the customer care of Paypal Australia Pty Limited, which provides financial services and where monetary transactions could be done through email. The calls to the customer service were then diverted to this fake call centre through computer experts in countries like the UK and the US, Bavche said.

The police have found banking details of at least 38 Australian nationals in the draft section of the emails of the employees.

We tried to contact all the Australians, but only one of them responded stating that he had been duped of 10,000 Australian dollars. The victim told the police that there were three transactions made from his account at retail stores in the UK, Indonesia and Singapore. Now, we have the testimony of the victim as evidence to pursue the case further, the police officer said.

Investigation revealed that Bhutani was running a fake call centre at Punjabs Mohali. After it was raided, he shifted his base to Virar.

In October 2020, police officials said, Bhutani was allegedly kidnapped by officials from Kherki Daula police station in Haryana and a sum of 57 lakh was extorted from him. Two months later, Bhutani approached the Haryana State Vigilance Bureau, introducing himself as a businessman operating a call centre and selling religious products in the UK and Australia.

In his complaint, Bhutani alleged that he had started a business with the owner of a Karnal-based school, as he had a payment gateway for easy transactions. Bhutani claimed that he and his business partner had earned 1.2 crore, of which 80 lakh belonged to him. He also said that his business partner had connived with certain police officials to kidnap and extort money from him. Based on his complaint, the station house officer along with his staff at Kherki Daula police station were suspended and arrested, police officials said.

Two years later, Bhutani was arrested along with six others by the Cyberabad police for running a 50 crore credit card scam in Hyderabad. The police unravelled the scam after it raided the call centre operated by Bhutani in Mohali following a complaint lodged by HDFC Bank.

According to the Cyberabad police, Bhutani had set up three call centres at Janakpuri in New Delhi, Kaushambi in Ghaziabad and Mohali in Punjab for cheating foreign customers under the guise of providing technical services. He used to run Google ad-campaigns with his contact numbers in Australia, the UK and Singapore to solve problems relating to PayPal, Amazon or for technical devices like router  which he never provided, police officials said.

Five FIRs were registered against Bhutani and his associates in Cyberabad after which he was also booked and arrested under the stringent Telangana Preventive Detention Act. He was released from jail in August 2022, the Arnala police said.

Bhutanis Facebook profile says the family hailed from Modinagar in Uttar Pradesh and had moved to Uttam Nagar in Delhi. Bhutani also claimed to be a director at NHP Techno Services, a private company registered in New Delhi between 2017 and 2019.
MUMBAI: A 22-year-old who was engaged in a painting job fell to his death from the seventh floor of a luxury hotel, near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Wednesday. The Sahar police have registered an accidental death report in the matter. Worker falls to death from seventh floor of a hotel

The incident happened around 12.30pm when he was attempting to cross over from the main building of the hotel to an annexe. Instead of taking the metallic connecting bridge, he stepped on to a plaster of paris (POP) structure, which gave in, and he fell, said the police.

The deceased, identified as Sahil Rajbahar, was called in by the contractor looking after the renovation work underway at the hotel.

Prima facie, it seemed that the worker thought that the POP connector between the two buildings was made of bricks or some stronger material. He was attempting to cross over to the other building through it, instead of the metal connector that was installed to connect the two buildings, said a police officer.

The father of the deceased is an employee of the hotel and was informed about his sons death immediately after it happened, and said that he had no complaints against the hotel authorities, said the police.

The officer added that further enquiry into the matter is underway to ascertain that there was no foul play involved in the incident.
A six-year-old boy suffered grievous injuries to his hands after he came in contact with a high-tension line running near the roof of a hospital, where he had arrived to visit a relative last week. The incident took place in Jewars Dastampur area on June 25 when the boy, along with his family, had come to visit a relative admitted to a hospital there. (Representative Image)

He was rushed to All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, where doctors had to amputate both his hands to save his life, said police. The victims family on Tuesday lodged a police complaint against the hospital management and power department alleging negligence.

The incident took place in Jewars Dastampur area on June 25 when the boy, along with his family, had come to visit a relative admitted to a hospital there.

Victims family has alleged that there was an 11,000 volt power line running very close to the hospitals roof and their six-year-old son was standing on the terrace where he came in contact with the live wire.

Yogesh Chauhan, the boys father, said, I have lodged a complaint with the Jewar police as the accident was the result of negligence on the part of the power department and hospital authorities. My son has lost both his hands and his condition continues to be critical.

The family further said the accident could have been prevented had appropriate safety measures been taken by the power department and the hospital.

Manoj Singh, station house officer, Jewar, said, Based on the familys complaint, an FIR has been registered against the hospital and the power department under Section 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code. Further investigation in the case is under way.

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LUCKNOW As many as 248 companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), State Disaster Response Force, and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), along with over 1.25 lakh police personnel, are being deployed across the state to ensure the peaceful celebration of the Eid-Ul-Azha (Bakrid) festivities on Thursday (June 29). The senior officer further said that the police will make prevent the sacrifice of prohibited animals. (Representational photo)

Police officials said that the deployment would be done for three days across the state. The festival would be celebrated for four days in east U.Ps Mau district. U.P. Police Special director general (SDG), Law and Order, Prashant Kumar, said 238 PAC companies have been deployed across the state while seven companies of CAPF, as well as three companies of SDRF, have been deployed across the state.

He added that security was enhanced at 33,340 mosques and Eidgah, where prayers will be offered on Thursday. He said over 1.25 lakh civil police personnel have been deployed strategically to ensure peace and maintain law and order. Besides, around 4,800 police response vehicles (PRV) of U.P. 112 and the integrated police emergency response centre, have been deployed for round-the-clock patrolling.

The ADG said police officials conducted at least 2,416 peace committee meetings at the police station and police circle levels. He said as many as 2,213 hot spots where any untoward incidents were reported in the past.

In the build-up, the police and district administration officials jointly conducted meetings with imams, clerics, and religious leaders across the state to inform them about the guidelines related to the festival. They were informed about the identification of the sacrificial spots and told that sacrifices should be done at the fixed and closed spots where they have been held traditionally, the SDG said.

The senior officer further said that the police will make prevent the sacrifice of prohibited animals. The police force will also ensure that there is no obstruction of roads and traffic due to the festivity. He also said that the state police social media cell has been asked to keep a round-the-clock watch on inflammatory and provocative posts on different social media platforms and initiate action.
LUCKNOW The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court on Wednesday observed that the court is not about any one religion but is equally concerned with the sentiments of all religions. Hearing the Adipurush row, the HC bench said that the issue cannot be ignored. Slamming the makers of Adipurush, Justice Rajesh Singh Chauhan and Justice Shree Prakash Singh of the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court observed, We make it clear that the court is not about any one religion. However, you should not depict any religion in a bad light. The observation came as the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court was hearing petitions against Adipurush. (HT File)

The court made these oral observations during an open court hearing of two PILs against the movie Adipurush. The court pointed out that the movie Adipurush was not an isolated incident where Hindu Gods and Goddesses were shown in a funny way. The HC bench said, If we ignore this (Adipurush) today, then you know what will come next? These incidents are increasing every day. I saw a movie in which lord Shiva was shown in a funny way running with his Trishul. Is this a joke?

It added, If you make a short documentary on Quran and release it depicting wrong things, then can you imagine what will happen next? We again clarify that the court is not for any religion. It is by chance that the issue (movie Adipurush) before us is about Ramayan.

The court also questioned deputy solicitor general of India SB Pandey, who appeared on behalf of the Centre. The bench asked Pandey how could he defend such a movie. Replying to the courts query, Pandey stated that the certificate was issued to the movie by a Board comprising sanskari (well-mannered) members. To this, the court (sarcastically) said, If such sanskari people were passing such a movie (Adipurush), then they are truly blessed.

It may be pointed out that the court is hearing two PILs against the movie Adipurush filed by Kuldeep Tewari and Bandana Kumar. They are represented by advocates Ranjana Agnihotri and Sudha Sharma. Separately, the court also asked additional advocate general Vinod Kumar Shahi, who was representing the state government -- You are going to enthrone lord Ram (in Ram Mandir) in Ayodhya in January next. How can you (state government) allow such a movie. The court, however, pointed out that it (the release of Adipurush) was related to the Centre and it had nothing to do with the state government.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Pawan Dixit Pawan Dixit has been a journalist for over a decade. He has extensively covered eastern UP for around five years, covered 2012 UP assembly polls, 2014 Lok Sabha polls while being stationed in Varanasi. Now, in Lucknow, he covers outstation political assignments, reports special cases from district court, high court and state information commission ...view detail
LUCKNOW Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocated for the nationwide implementation of UCC. (HT File)

Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocated for the nationwide implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the All India Muslim Personal Law Board held an emergency online meeting late on Tuesday evening. During the meeting, the Islamic personal law body decided to oppose the proposed law, which seeks to formulate and implement a set of common personal laws for all the citizens of India regardless of their religion, caste, and creed.

During the online meeting -- attended by AIMPLB president Saifullah Rehmani; Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, chairman of Islamic Centre of India and member of AIMPLB; AIMPLB lawyers; and among others -- the Muslim body agreed on presenting its views more powerfully in front of the Law Commission. At the meeting, the documents to be submitted to the Law Commision were also finalised.

The views put forth by PM Modi on Tuesday were in sync with the affidavit filed by the Union ministry of law in the Supreme Court a few months ago. The affidavit said that citizens belonging to different religions and denominations following different property and matrimonial laws is an affront to the nations unity.

Reacting to the PMs viewpoint on UCC, Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahali told HT, AIMPLB will oppose the Uniform Civil Code tooth and nail. We are chalking out a strategy to counter the proposed move of the government by presenting our view in front of the law commission more powerfully. All prominent Muslim leaders of the country were present in the online meeting held on Tuesday. He added, For the past several years, politicians have been raising the issue of the Uniform Civil Code just before the elections. This time too, the issue has come up before 2024 elections.

Maulana Khalid further said, I have always said that the UCC is not only going to affect the Muslims but also the Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Jews, Parsis and other miniscule minorities living in the country. India is a country where language changes at every 100 km. So, how can we have the same set of rules for all communities. Every community has a different way of praying, performing rituals and conducting ceremonies like marriage. The freedom to practice ones own faith and way of life is granted to everyone by the Constitution.

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LUCKNOW In the wake of Eid-ul-Adha (on June 29) and the auspicious month of Shravan (starting July 4), chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday held a meeting with senior officials to review the ongoing preparations for the upcoming festivals. The meeting, held through video conferencing, was attended by police commissioners, divisional commissioners, district magistrates, and superintendents of police. CM directs officials to check sacrifice of banned animals; maintain law & order (HT File)

During the review meeting, he directed concerned officers to maintain law and order and arrange necessary facilities for devotees. Animal sacrifice should be made only at designated places on Bakrid. Special arrangements should be made to ensure cleanliness. Also, the sacrifice of banned animals must not be allowed. Police should deal strictly with the mischievous elements, the CM said.

He added, Religious activities must not obstruct road traffic. There should be no sale and purchase of meat in the open anywhere on the kanwar yatra route. Besides, facilities and security arrangements for the devotees should be improved along the Kanwar Yatra route.

This year, the period of Shravan will go on for two months due to adhimas. Hindu festivals of Shravani Shivratri, Nag Panchami, and Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated during this period. The traditional Kanwar Yatra will also take place in the month of Shravan. The puja done on every Monday of the Shravan also holds special significance. Meanwhile, Bakrid will be celebrated on June 29. Therefore, the administration and police officers should be constantly alert and careful, CM Yogi said.

Concerned officers should hold dialogue with the concerned religious leaders/intellectuals before the festivity. The place for the sacrifice on Bakrid should be marked in advance. There should be no sacrifice at disputed places. Sacrifice should not be made anywhere other than the designated places. The officers should ensure that no prohibited animal is sacrificed anywhere. There should be a systematic action plan for the systematic disposal of waste after sacrifice in every district, he added.

All necessary efforts should be made keeping in view the local needs so that every festival is celebrated with peace and harmony. Deploy divers on the basis of past experiences and install CCTVs on the Kanwar Yatra route. The places for setting up of Kanwar camps should be marked in advance, so that the traffic is not obstructed. There should be no display of weapons in religious processions, he said.

Syndicates behind illegal conversions; stay alert: CM

Taking cognisance of illegal conversions, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday noted that such incidents have come to light in many parts of the country. We are all familiar with the attempt made to convert teenage children through online gaming/chatting apps in Ghaziabad, he said.

Citing more such cases, the CM said, At one place, a deaf-mute child was induced for illegal conversion. As soon as the information was received, immediate action was taken and a big conspiracy exposed. It is very necessary to control such anti-social and anti-national incidents. Todays carelessness can become a big cancer in the future.

He further said, Illegal conversions are being carried out by a big international syndicate. These conversions are being done serially by the syndicate. This syndicate keeps a special eye on disabled children and youth looking for jobs. Financial inducements are also being given. This entire syndicate of illegal conversion needs to be wiped out. Every small information related to this should be taken seriously in all the districts. Strict law against illegal conversion is in force in the state. Prompt action should be taken against every such activity.

Keeping in view the changing nature of crime and criminals, cyber help desks should remain functional in every police station of every district, he said. The Safe City Project is proving to be very useful in fulfilling the resolution of womens safety, respect and self-reliance. Within the next three months, we will have to develop all the 17 municipal corporations and Gautam Budh Nagar district headquarters as safe cities, he said.

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Azad Samaj Party and Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan sustained a bullet wound on his waist and was rushed to a private hospital after unidentified car-borne assailants fired at him in Deoband town of Saharanpur district in western Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday evening, police said. Azad Samaj Party and Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan (File Photo)

The assailants were in a car and opened fire on Azads SUV. A bullet grazed his abdomen. He has been admitted to a hospital, superintendent of police (City) Abimanyu Manglik said, according to a PTI report.

The incident took place at Gandhi Colony when Azad was returning in an SUV after attending a programme, police said.

Also Read: Bhim Army chief shot at in Saharanpur, Akhilesh says UP mein jungleraaj

According to the police, the assailants in a car having a Haryana numberplate approached Azads vehicle and opened fire, causing a bullet to pierce the metal of his SUV and inflict a wound on his waist.

Police said that the the assailants fled the spot amid the chaos caused by gunshots, adding that a search operation has been launched to nab the accused.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Bhim Army and party supporters gathered at the hospital where additional security personnel were deployed.

Azads party had an alliance with the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party and the Rashtriya Lok Dal in western Uttar Pradesh. Together, they defeated the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Khatauli assembly by-election in Muzaffarnagar district last year.

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A septuagenarian was arrested in Meghalaya for sexually assaulting a minor girl who is related to the accused, police said. The incident took place in a remote village near Ri Bhoi district on June 27. (Representative file image)

The incident took place in a remote village near Ri Bhoi district on June 27.

On Tuesday, the minor girl had complained of severe pain since Monday evening after which her family took her for medical checkup which confirmed sexual assault, police said.

The minor girl narrated her ordeal to the parents and said the person involved was their relative.

Also Read: Class 11 student raped, threatened over sensitive photos in Gurugram

Family members told HT, At first, we thought it was normal pain and even bought some medicines from the pharmacy, said a family member adding that after the girl kept complaining about pain.

Our worst fears came true after the doctor confirmed, a family member.

An FIR (first information report) was filed by the minor girls parents at Nongpoh women police station following which the accused was arrested.

Ri Bhoi superintendent of police, Giri Prasad said that the septuagenarian has been arrested and booked under Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The girl is a minor and the accused is in his late 70s. The accused is still in our custody, and we will be forwarding him to the court, an official aware of the details informed.

The minor girl is undergoing treatment in a local hospital.

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The Sir Syed Education Society of North America (SSESNA), a non-profit organisation based in the United States, has honoured 25 students and alumni from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) with the prestigious Sir Syed Global Scholar Award (SSGSA) for the academic session 2023-24. AMU campus. (File photo)

The programme received applications from a diverse range of faculties including arts, commerce, humanities, law, science, medicine, life sciences, and engineering & technology.

The recipients of the SSGSA scholarship will receive financial support and will also benefit from personalised mentors who will guide them through the process of applying for higher education abroad. Additionally, the SSGSA scholars will receive assistance for the required standardized tests such as GRE/GMAT and TOEFL/IELTS.

Mohd Sheikh and Sachin Gupta, former beneficiaries and current co-chairs of the SSGSA programme, commended the competitiveness of AMU students and expressed their gratitude to AMU administration and the present vice-chancellor Prof Mohammad Gulrez, Prof MM Sufyan Beg, principal ZHCET, and AMU PRO Omar Peerzada.

Syed Ali Rizvi, an executive committee member of SSGSA from Boston, Massachusetts, USA, said that the SSGSA Award aims to recognise and support exceptional students and alumni of AMU who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance, research or work experience, internships, as well as involvement in curricular and extracurricular activities.

The selection process involved eleven different panels comprising members of the SSGSA team from around the world, along with experts from academia and industry.

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At least six people, including three women and two children, were electrocuted to death and another 15 were injured after the crest of a chariot of Lord Jagannath came in contact with high-tension power transmission lines during a procession at Kumarghat in Unakoti district on Wednesday, police said. A video of the incident went viral on social media showing people electrocuted to death at Kumarghat (Twitter Photo)

According to the police, the incident took place during the Ulto Rath procession, which is the return journey of the Hindu god Jagannath and his two siblings after the annual Rath Yatra festival.

A video of the incident went viral on social media showing people electrocuted to death at Kumarghat.

The six deceased were identified as Sima Pal ( 33), Sushmita Baishya ( 30), Suma Biswas ( 28), Rupak Das ( 40), Rohan Das ( 9) and Shan Malakar ( 9).

The injured persons are admitted to Unakoti district hospital in Kailasahar. Some of them are known to be critical. We are collecting details, said assistant inspector general (Law and Order) Jyotishman Das Chowdhury.

Chief minister Manik Saha, who left for Kumarghat expressed condolences.

In a tragic incident, several devotees have lost their lives & some other people sustained injuries due to electrocution during Ulta Rath Yatra at Kumarghat today. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families who lost their near and dear ones in the tragedy. In this difficult time, the State Government stands by the side of the affected families, CM wrote on Twitter.

Royal Scion and TIPRA Motha party chief Pradyot Kishore Debbarma condoled over the deaths and asked his party legislators and members of Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) to provide all possible assistance.

Hearing about a terrible incident in Kumarghat during the rath yatra, my prayers and condolences to all those who have been affected. I have immediately asked all my local MLAs and MDC to extend all help possible, he wrote on Twitter.
PRAYAGRAJ A witness to the encounter of Vijay Chaudhary, who was the henchman of the slain mafia-politician Atiq Ahmed, was assaulted in Prayagrah late on Tuesday night. It is alleged that Vijays brother Rakesh Chaudhary opened fire on Niraj Shukla, a trader who witnessed Vijays encounter. Rakesh also allegedly tried to rob Shukla but sustained injuries in the process as he was hit by Shuklas SUV. For representation only (HT Photo)

Currently, Rakesh is undergoing treatment at the SRN Hospital, police said. Significantly, his brother Vijay Chaudhary was one of the accused in the sensational murder of lawyer Umesh Pal and his two security personnel on February 24. In the viral CCTV footage, Vijay was seen firing the first shot at Umesh Pal.

On March 6, Vijay was killed in an encounter with the police team near his native village in the Kaundhiyara area of the trans-Yamuna area. After the incident, police made Niraj Shukla a witness in the alleged encounter with Vijay Chaudhary. Vijays brother Rakesh Chaudhary also had multiple criminal cases registered against him.

It is alleged that Niraj Shukla was returning home on Tuesday night when Rakesh and his aides tried to intercept his SUV and opened fire on him.

ACP (Kaundhiyara) Rajiv Yadav said investigations are being carried out into the allegations. Rakesh is released on bail some time back. It is alleged that he was trying to intercept the SUV of the witness when he received injuries in the attempt. Action will be taken following investigations, he added.

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Annoyed over her lifestyle and her disinterest in household chores, a woman shot her 24-year-old daughter-in-law dead in Ganga Nagar locality of Gajraula town in Amroha district on Sunday. (Pic for representation)

The police arrested the woman identified as Radhika, her son Amit, and husband Narendra on Tuesday. The woman who confessed to her crime, had tried to project the incident as a case of robbery and murder.

Inspector of Gajraula police station Ashok Verma said the victim Komals mother Geeta had lodged a case against Radhika, Narendra and Amit on June 25 and accused them of demanding dowry after which they killed her daughter.

Inspector said that during interrogation Radhika confessed to her crime and said that she killed Komal in her sleep.

Police have recovered 315 bore country made pistol from the gutter where Radhika disposed it of after committing the crime. Family members said that they had bought the illegal weapon for the safety of their family.

The accused Radhika told police that Komal and her son Amit got married over a year back and the couple started living in a separate house. She said that Komal was born and brought up in Delhi and she had least interest in household chores which used to upset her son.

Inspector said that all the three accused hatched a conspiracy to kill Komal. Radhika shot her dead in her sleep while Amit and Narendra were not at home.

To project it as a case of robbery and murder, the accused ransacked the house and then called two grocery shop owners in the vicinity and told them that robbers had killed Komal and looted valuables.
Pune: Bakri Eid or Eid-Al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice, which is a significant event for the Muslim community will be celebrated with traditional fervour in the city. Residents of housing societies in Kondhwa, Undri and Camp areas have taken the decision to not allow the ritual of sacrificing a goat inside society premises on Bakri Eid. (HT)

However, residents of housing societies in Kondhwa, Undri and Camp areas have taken the decision to not allow the ritual of sacrificing a goat inside society premises. Instead, the Muslim community will perform the ritual at slaughter houses.

In Kondhwa, Firdaus Residency, a mixed neighbourhood society will be holding the sacrifice ritual also known and Qurbani outside the society area as a mark of respect to the sentiments of the mixed neighbourhood.

Saleem Mulla, former chairman of Firdaus Residency said, We have taken a decision to perform the Qurbani outside the society as we do not want to disturb anybody with the ritual. We respect the sentiments of the people and will be completing the ritual outside of the premises.

In Undri, another residential society has disallowed slaughtering animals in the housing society citing sentiments of the people. Its office bearer, requesting anonymity said, We dont want to disturb the citizens and hence took the decision that animal sacrifice will not be allowed inside our campus. Citizens are however free to do it outside and conduct the rituals in their privacy.

An official of the Kondhwa police station said, Citizens residing in residential societies, who have bought the animals for the ritual, will be conducting it at the slaughter house and not in the society premises. However, at least three societies will hold the ritual in its premises as it has been decided by mutual consent of other residents. The police are taking all necessary steps for the smooth conduct of the festival.

Goat prices rise

Ahead of Bakr Eid, price of goats has gone up in the city by at least 30 %. Thousands of goats have been sold during the past few days at different goat markets in Kondhwa and surrounding areas. Goats were selling at high as 50,000 for a good breed while the minium price quoted hovered between 25,000 and 30,000.

Bakri Eid or Eid-Al-Adha prayers are held early in the morning so that devouts can complete the sacrifice ritual at the earliest.
Pune: K Chandrasekhar Rao, Telangana chief minister and leader of Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS), offered prayers at the famous Vitthal-Rukmini temple in Pandharpur on Tuesday and addressed a public meeting at Solapur indicating his desire to make inroads in Maharashtra politics and contest the upcoming polls. K Chandrasekhar Rao offered prayers at the famous Vitthal-Rukmini temple in Pandharpur on Tuesday and addressed a public meeting. (HT PHOTO)

During the meeting, Rao, popularly known as KCR, inducted former Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) member Bhagirath Bhalke. However, the party leaders have indicated that they are looking for a prominent face to lead its Maharashtra unit and help the party establish its base.

During his visit to Pandharpur, KCR said he did not discuss politics. I refrained from discussing politics in Pandharpur. However, here I will talk about it. I fail to understand why there is such a hue and cry among the parties in Maharashtra about us, he said at a rally.

Later, his party colleagues said that the BRS is looking at the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) Other Backward Classes (OBC) face Pankaja Munde to represent the party in Maharashtra.

Pankajatai is sidelined in the BJP despite being a mass leader. If she joins the BRS, that will help us expand here. The party can project her as the CM face in Maharashtra, said Balasaheb Sanap, state leader of BRS. So far, the BRS has inducted the NCP and the Congress leaders, mainly from Marathwada, and south Maharashtra, a region that shares border with Telangana and has Telugu speaking population. BJP MP Sujay Vikhe said, Munde is a mass leader and wooed by all parties. However, she will continue to remain with the BJP.

According to political observers, without a mass leader, KCRs attempts to expand base in Maharashtra will be futile. Many parties, including Mayawatis Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Arvind Kejriwals Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and Mulayam Singhs Samajwadi Party (SP) tried to gain foothold in Maharashtra, but were unsuccessful as they lacked a popular face, said Chitra Lele, professor of political science.

Without a face, KCR will just be another player that will add to the already crowded political field in the state and may pose headache to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) by eating into their vote share, said the political observer.

Bhagirath Bhalke, who joined the BRS at a rally in Sarkoli near Pandharpur, is son of late Bharat Bhalke, a former Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislator from the Pandharpur assembly seat. After his defeat in bypolls to BJPs Samadhan Autade, Bhalke was sidelined in the party, which prompted him to switch side, said NCP leaders.

This was KCRs fifth visit to Maharashtra in four months. In his latest visit, KCR with his cabinet colleagues and MLAs arrived in Pandharpur in a motorcade of 600 vehicles on Monday.

At a rally, the Telangana chief minister slammed politicians from Maharashtra for what he called the tendency to label BRS as a B-team of other parties.

Congress calls us the B-team of BJP, while BJP calls us the A-team of Congress. We are not anyones team. We are a team of farmers, marginalised communities, minorities, and Dalits, he said.

He emphasised that the BRS is not just a regional party tied to Telangana, but a national player with a mission to bring about change in India. Rao said every major party in Maharashtra has had the opportunity to govern the state.

The Congress ruled (Maharashtra) for 50 years. You gave chances to the NCP, the BJP, and the Shiv Sena. If they genuinely wanted to work for the states welfare, at least one of them could have done so, he said.

Speaking in Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said the BRS has no intentions in Maharashtra other than trying to hurt the prospects of the MVA coalition comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress, and divide votes.

He has never visited Pandharpur in the last eight-nine years as the chief minister or when he was a minister in Andhra Pradesh and a minister at the Centre, Raut said.

To whom KCR is trying to show the strength, Raut asked.

Earlier on Monday, Congress Maharashtra unit chief Nana Patole said the BRS is a B team of BJP and will make no impact in Maharashtra politics. The people are smart enough to understand who will benefit from the division of votes, Patole had said.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Yogesh Joshi Yogesh Joshi is Assistant Editor at Hindustan Times. He covers politics, security, development and human rights from Western Maharashtra. ...view detail
Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) Assam has announced results of the Polytechnic Admission Test or PAT 2023 today, June 28. Assam Polytechnic Admission Test (PAT) 2023 result today on dte.assan.gov.in(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

These results is now available and candidates can check their marks by visiting dte.assam.gov.in and then clicking on the link Polytechnic Admission Test-2023 results.

To check Assam PAT result 2023, candidates are required to use roll number, date of birth and login.

Assam PAT result 2023: How to check

Go to dte.assam.gov.in. Now, go to the PAT 2023 result page. Enter your roll number, date of birth and login. Check your result and download the page.

The entrance test for admission to Polytechnic courses was held on June 18 at exam centres across the state.

Further information regarding the counselling process will be shared later through leading newspapers, the DTE said.
Koko welcomes SC ruling declaring law postponing barangay, SK polls unconstitutional

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, who strongly opposed the postponement of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) and voted against Republic Act 11935, rescheduling the elections to October 2023, welcomed the Supreme Court's decision declaring the postponement of the elections as unconstitutional.

"This decision validated my earlier stand that there was no compelling reason to delay the barangay and SK elections," said Pimentel as he emphasized "the importance of regular, periodic, fair, free, honest, and accurate elections as essential components of an inclusive and functioning democracy."

In its decision, the Supreme Court concluded that Republic Act 11935 violated the freedom of suffrage, "as it failed to satisfy the requisites of the substantive aspect of the due process clause of the Constitution."

The Supreme Court found that 'there was no legitimate government interest or objective to support the legislative measure."

In agreement with the Supreme Court, the former Senate President and 1990 bar topnotcher, said: "The postponement, without any compelling reason, undermined the constitutional rights of suffrage and weakens the foundation of our democratic institutions."

Pimentel firmly believes that there was no compelling reason to disregard the law that had set the barangay and SK elections for December 2022.

"The Barangay and SK elections would have been a very good opportunity to conduct a referendum on the performance of the incumbent, especially in relation to their handling of the pandemic response," Pimentel said.

Pimentel said with the Supreme Court's ruling, a significant milestone has been achieved in safeguarding the democratic processes.

He lamented how the postponement deprived a whole generation of potentially-capable Filipino youth the chance to lead their sectors through the SK system.

"This ruling by the Supreme Court will effectively prevent the recurring practice of postponing the barangay and SK elections to the detriment of the Filipino people and our democratic processes," Pimentel said.
Adipurush actor Lavi Pajni, who plays the role of Kumbhakarna in the film, has also shared his disappointment over the colloquial dialogues shown in the movie. He said since the movie is shot in a non-linear way, the actors aren't aware of the exact screenplay or how it will be shown on screen. Also read: Adipurush box office collection day 12: Om Raut's film mints just 1.90 crore, total earnings stand at 279.78 crore Lavi Pajni in the getup of Kumbhakarna on Adipurush sets.

Adipurush has been heavily slammed for its dialogues written by Manoj Muntashir and certain scenes which did not go down well with the audience. Many celebrities have also called out the film for its treatment of the Hindu epic Ramayana. Among the dialogues over which the makers have drawn flak were 'Marega Bete', 'Bua Ka Bagicha Hain Kya' and 'Jalegi Tere Baap Ki'.

Lavi Pajni on Adipurush

Reacting amid the entire controversy surround Adipurush, actor Lavi Pajni told Aaj Tak, as per a report on Indianexpress.com, As long as dialogues are concerned, like everyone, I am also offended with them as I am a Hindu too.

On slamming the film despite being a part of it, he explained, Director jo bhi aapko direct karta hai vo aapka karna hota hai, aap under contract hote ho. Uss time pe jo movie banti hai vo parts mein banti hai aur kisi ko nahi pata hota ki on-screen kya jaane vala hai, baad mein iska screenplay kya hoga (we are supposed to do whatever the director says, we are under contract. A movie is made in parts and nobody knows what the final screenplay would be).

More trouble for Manoj Muntashir

Adipurush is now running in theatres with altered dialogues but the craze for the movie is very low. However, there seems to be more trouble for dialogue writer Manoj Muntashir. Allahabad High Court on Tuesday allowed an application to include Manoj as a respondent in a plea seeking a stay on the film's screening. The court also issued a notice to him in this regard.

The high court has also asked the Centre what action can be taken under Cinematograph Act 1952. The next hearing is on Wednesday.

Censor board has been questioned

Earlier on Monday, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court came down heavily on the censor board and the makers of Adipurush. During a hearing on a plea about certain contentious dialogues in Adipurush, the court asked, What is it that the censor board keeps doing? What do you want to teach the future generations? The court also questioned the absence of the producer, director and other parties during the hearing.

Directed by Om Raut, Adipurush stars Prabhas as Raghava, Kriti as Janaki, Sunny Singh as Lakshman, Saif Ali Khan as Lankesh and Devdutt Nage as Bajrang.

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Actor and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Ravi Kishan's daughter Ishita Shukla will be joining the defence forces under the Combined Defence Services Examination recruitment scheme soon. Ishita is an NCC cadet and was seen participating in the Republic Day parade this year. As soon as the news about Ishita made headlines, people on the internet congratulated the actor and his daughter. Also read: When Ravi Kishans father had beaten him with leather belt for wanting to be an actor Ravi Kishans daughter Ishita Shukla to join defence forces.

Ravi tweeted reports about the same and confirmed the news. On the other hand, a paparazzi wrote on Instagram, Bhojpuri actor #RaviKishan's 21-year-old daughter #IshitaShukla to join defence forces under Agnipath scheme. Reacting to the news, a user commented, We are proud of you both. He set an example for other leaders also. Wow finally seen a celebrity kid joining armed forces, added another one. Proud of you, commented an Instagram user.

Meanwhile, the news of Ravi Krishan's daughter joining the defence forces isn't new. The actor had previously announced the same with his tweet. He had shared, "My daughter Ishita Shukla asked me in the morning that she wants to join the Army via the Agnipath scheme. I said go ahead beta."

Talking about Ishita, the actor, in a series of tweets, had said, My brave daughter Ishita Shukla has been working very hard for the past 3 years to serve our nation. She is a cadet of 7 Girls Battalion of Delhi Directorate, training in this bitter cold and fighting the fog for the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya path."

Ravi Kishan got married to his childhood sweetheart, Preeti Kishan, in 1993. The couple have four kids, three daughters--Riva, Tanishk, Ishita and a son--Saksham. While Riva Kishan made his acting debut in Bollywood with the film, Sab Kushal Mangal, his kids have stayed away from the film industry.

Ravi Kishan was most recently seen in the Bhojpuri film Mera Bharat Mahaan. He also starred in the MX Player series Matsya Kaand, which also had Ravi Dubey. He had a supporting role in Sony Livs The Whistleblower and Netflix's Khakee: The Bihar Chapter.

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Actor couple Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and Rasika Agashe recently talked about the time when they moved to Mumbai from Delhi with 40,000. While they thought that the money would be sufficient, it wasn't. The two recently starred in Hansal Mehta's Scoop. Zeeshan said a broker in the new city scammed them and left them with no money and it was actor Vineet Kumar who stepped in and helped them with a work offer. Also read: Zeeshan Ayyub feels he has finally 'done something' in 10-12 years of his career after starring in Scoop Actor Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub married actor Rasika Agashe.

Zeeshan Ayyub and Rasika Agashe

Zeeshan Ayyub and Rasika Agashe are married for 16 years now. Both attended the National School of Drama and later shifted to Mumbai when they were just 24. The two are currently basking in the success of Scoop.

Zeeshan Ayyub and Rasika Agashe on struggling days

In an interview with Siddharth Kanan, Rasika said she thought she is a Marathi actress, so people would be waiting for her. On the other hand, Zeeshan was planning for some course in the US and wanted to be an acting teacher. While both of their plans did not work, Rasika said, We have seen the phase of no money, almost zero money. We got married at 24, so we were very naive. We thought 40,000 will be enough to survive in Mumbai. It got over on the second day in deposit and rent. We saw that time together, but I dont remember us ever being sad. It was a one room house, we would still have fun, friends would come over for tea. Now the house is bigger, but evenings are still for tea and friends.

Zeeshan Ayyub and Rasika Agashe on being scammed

Zeeshan revealed how a broker left them with no money when asked to deposit three-month rent, instead of one. It was a tiny house, with a terrace, where we would just dry clothes and use it for nothing else. He took our money, so we were actually down to zero money in the city. I remember once we were sitting together and laughing, thinking hum kitne bewakoof hai, kya sochke aagaye hai (how naive we were to shift to Mumbai), what will happen now?" It was actor Vineet Kumar who helped him with work and told him to write syllabus for an acting school. "Vineet bhai asked me to get a printout of it and submit to the man. I didnt even have 2 for the printout, so we searched coins in the house and somehow managed to find. I submitted the syllabus, and the man handed me 15000 cash., he added.

The two struggled for quite some time as Rasika took up double shifts. Eventually, Zeeshan started getting film offers. He rose to fame with Aanand L Rai's Raanjhanaa and went on to star in films like Tanu Weds Manu: Returns, Raees, Tandav and now Scoop.

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Double Academy Award-winner Kevin Spacey, whose stellar acting career was derailed by sex assault allegations, goes on trial in London this week, accused of sexual offenses against four men in Britain. FILE - Actor Kevin Spacey leaves a court in New York, Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022. Double Academy Award-winner Kevin Spacey goes on trial in London this week, accused of sexual offenses against four men in Britain. Spacey, 63, faces a dozen charges, which he denies. His trial starts Wednesday at Southwark Crown Court. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)(AP)

What is he accused of?.

Spacey, 63, faces a dozen charges, including of sexual assault, indecent assault and causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

The actor, charged under his full name of Kevin Spacey Fowler, has pleaded not guilty to all 12 counts, which relate to alleged incidents between 2001 and 2013.

At an earlier hearing, Spaceys lawyer said the actor strenuously denies the charges. The attorney said Spacey would face the U.K. court to establish his innocence and proceed with his life.

His trial before a jury at Southwark Crown Court opens Wednesday and is scheduled to last for four weeks.

Why is the trial in Britain?.

Spacey spent more than a decade living in Britain, where he was artistic director of the Old Vic Theatre from 2004 to 2015. He was a high-profile figure in London, starring in productions including William Shakespeares Richard III and David Mamets Speed-the-Plow, and hosting star-studded fundraising events for the 200-year-old venue.

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Spacey was questioned by British police in 2019 about claims by several men that he had assaulted them. He was charged in May 2022 with five counts against three alleged victims. Another seven charges, all against a fourth man, were added in November.

Spacey, who has addresses in Britain and the U.S., has been free on unconditional bail as he awaited trial.

What's Spacey's future?.

From the 1990s, Spacey became one of the most celebrated actors of his generation, starring in films including Glengarry Glen Ross and LA Confidential. He won a best supporting actor Academy Award for the 1995 film The Usual Suspects and a lead actor Oscar for the 1999 movie American Beauty. 

After allegations emerged in the U.S. amid the growing #MeToo movement, Spacey was fired or removed from projects  most notably House of Cards, the Netflix political thriller where for five seasons he played lead character Frank Underwood, a power-hungry congressman who becomes president. He was cut from the completed film All the Money in the World, and the scenes reshot with Christopher Plummer.

Spacey is adamant that his career is not over. He had his first film role for several years in Italian director Franco Neros The Man Who Drew God, played the late Croatian President Franjo Tudjman in biopic Once Upon a Time in Croatia and also starred in as-yet unreleased U.S. film Peter Five Eight.

In January he was feted with a lifetime achievement award from Italys National Cinema Museum in Turin. He also taught a masterclass and introduced a sold-out screening of American Beauty in what were billed as Spaceys first speaking engagements in five years.

ALSO READ| Mission: Impossible 7 stuns fans with jaw-dropping motorcycle cliff jump by Tom Cruise

Spacey saluted organizers for making a strong defense of artistic achievement and for having le palle  the Italian word for male body parts synonymous with courage  to invite him.

He told Germanys Zeit magazine in a rare recent interview that the media had turned him into a monster. But he said there are people right now who are ready to hire me the moment I am cleared of these charges in London.
On Wednesday, actor Prithviraj Sukumaran who was injured during the Vilayath Buddha shoot, has been discharged from Kochi Hospital where he was receiving treatment. He underwent a keyhole surgery. As per the hospital, he was treated for the reconstruction and repair of cartilage, cruciate ligament, and meniscus injuries. Also read: Prithviraj Sukumaran undergoes keyhole surgery after injury on sets Prithviraj Sukumaran is expected to recover in a few months.

Prithviraj's health update

News agency PTI, quoted VPS Lakeshore Hospital saying in a statement, Dr Jacob Varghese, Director of Orthopaedics and Head of Joint Preservation at VPS Lakeshore, led the successful surgery. Following the surgery, he (Prithviraj) underwent a comprehensive physiotherapy regimen to aid in his recovery. According to his doctor, with proper care and therapy, the actor is likely to make a full recovery within the next few months.

Prithviraj injury

Prithviraj got injured on the sets during a fight sequence in Marayur on Sunday. After the accident, the Vilayath Buddha shoot has been put on hold until the actor recovered.

Prithviraj's official statement

On Tuesday, Prithviraj took to his Instagram account and shared his health update, Hello! So yes... I had an accident while shooting an action sequence for Vilayath Buddha. Fortunately, I'm in the hands of experts who performed a key hole surgery and I'm now recouping. It's rest and physiotherapy ahead for a couple of months. Will try my best to use that time constructively and I promise to fight through the pain to recover fully and get back into action ASAP. Thank you to all those who reached out and expressed concern and love."

Vilayath Buddha is directed by Jayan Nambiyar. Based on a book by G R Indugopan, the film revolves around a conflict that arises between two lead characters over the ownership of a sandalwood tree. Besides Prithviraj, the film also has actors Anu Mohan and Priyamvada Krishnan.

Besides Vilayath Buddha, Prithviraj will also be seen in Aadujeevitham. He is also a part of Prabhas upcoming film Salaar, directed by Prashanth Neel of KGF fame. He will be starring in Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff's upcoming Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. Written and directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, the film is backed by Vashu Bhagnani, Deepshikha Deshmukh, Jackky Bhagnani, Himanshu Kishan Mehra and Ali Abbas Zafar, and is set to release on Eid 2024.

(With inputs from PTI)

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Jasmin Bhasin recently faced criticism when she posted an Instagram reel from her Abu Dhabi vacation, and was seen wearing an abaya while visiting a mosque. Responding to the comments her post received, the actor clarifies, I went to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, and its a rule there that you have to cover yourself in a certain attire, and thats what I did. I paid respect to the place, and followed the rules and regulations it had because it was a sacred place, and thats what my parents have taught me since childhood. Jasmin Bhasin on people trolling her for wearing burqa

Bhasin adds that having spent over a decade in the showbiz, she has learnt to just ignore these trolls and not focus on unnecessary negativity. I really dont care about the trolls. I choose what to wear and where I go. When I go on a beach vacation, I wear swim suits. So, if tomorrow there is a picture out there, I might be trolled for that, too. I completely choose to ignore all the negativity. If you give certain things more energy and importance, then it increases. And, I dont want in my life so I dont give it importance, says the actor, who turns 33 today and is currently holidaying in Italy, with boyfriend, actor Aly Goni.

Addressing the constant scrutiny celebs are made to go through, Bhasin says after a point, one just come to terms with how things are in the virtual world and the fact that trolls would always exist on social media.

As actors, weve kept ourselves out there, publicly. There are no restrictions on social media and people troll and criticise all the time. I choose to look at only the positive comments, says the actor, who is more focused on her career than to worry about her image on social media.

Recently, Bhasin had revealed that owing to her dates, she had to drop out of a Vikran Bhatt film, which could have marked her Bollywood debut. Asked if she regrets looking back at it now, she says, I always believe whatever happens, happens for a reason and time has always shown me that. Of course, you feel bad about it, but I would wait for a new opportunity to come my way and then it will all be fine.

Bhasin, who made her acting debut in 2011 with the Tamil film Vaanam, has only featured in a handful of regional films, though she has been actively working on the small screen. The Honeymoon (2022) actor reasons, Ive not done too many films just because I want to make sure that whenever I do one, it should be a very strong script, and a character that leaves a mark. For me, acting is my passion and everything and we make a lot of sacrifices for it. Im just being patient and waiting for my dreams to come true. Im waiting for the right script and the right people to work with in Bollywood.
Pat Sajak has stepped down as the host of the iconic Wheel of Fortune game show. US TV personality Ryan Seacrest will succeed him in the coming year. Pat Sajak has hosted the show for over 40 years, since 1981. A still of Pat Sajak from Wheel of Fortune.

Sajaks successor has big shoes to fill and Seacrest seems to be a reliable choice. He is known to be highly disciplined and is well-liked among fans and the industry alike. As expected of the man who successfully managed both American Idol and Live with Kelly and Ryan along with his own radio show. However, do fans approve of this decision?

Joi-Marie Mckenzie claimed that Ryan Seacrest was a lazy choice and Twitter seems to agree. He is a safe choice but the show needs something bolder and creative. It requires a fresh take to keep the audience, especially the younger generation, engaged.

Instead, many want to see Sajaks longtime letter-turner, Vanna White host the show instead. Meanwhile, White, who has appeared on Wheel since 1982, is lawyering up as she claims she hasnt received a pay raise in 18 years.

Compared to Sajaks annual income of $15 million, Whites has been stuck at $3 million since 2005. Throughout that time, she has received only bonuses and no pay raises. With the help of the aggressive powerhouse attorney, Bryan Freedman, White is reportedly hoping to secure a big payday.

Her contract ends at the end of the 2023-24 season but Seacrest hinted that she will continue. I cant wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White, stated Seacrest.

Meanwhile, Twitter expresses its disapproval at Ryan Seacrest hosting another show and demands some new talent. They believe that he is not the right fit for the show since its not that type of vibe on the wheel!

Wheel of Fortune is also set to return to UK TV next year, hosted by Graham Norton. The UK adaptation of this classic show aired from 1988-2001.

Wheel of Fortune is an American television game show which began in 1975. The contestants in the show compete amongst each other by solving word puzzles. Their wins are awarded cash prizes as determined by a spinning wheel. It was originally hosted by Chuck Woolery, followed by Pat Sajak. Sajak became the longest-running host of a game show in 2018. Ryan Seacrest will take over in 2024.
There is an adage that "raising a child takes a whole village. This emphasises the shared responsibility of parents and communities to provide a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment for children to flourish. Education

The popular slogan of Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas, envisions and epitomises the collective effort of communities and applies equally to the inclusive growth of childrens learning.

In India, children typically spend the initial three years at home or in creches, subsequently attend educational institutions such as anganwadis and pre-schools, and gradually transition to primary schools. Therefore, what children learn at home or how their parents and communities are involved in the foundational stage of their lives impacts their future. The foundational stage is the period encompassing an individual's life from birth to eight years.

A report on the impact of family involvement on the education of children ages three to eight, published by Johns Hopkins University after reviewing around 100 research studies, found a positive link between parental involvement and children's literacy in numeracy skills and socio-emotional skills in the early grades. Indeed, developing these skills is indispensable for a child's future growth and development.

An ecosystem enhancing the extent and quality of parental and community involvement is imminent. Globally, many governments and civil society organisations have prioritised parent and community engagement through their programmes and policies. They have done so by fostering strong partnerships between the parents and school management, through which they have provided them with resources and platforms to participate in decision-making.

Few successful global initiatives, like the "Parents in Education" initiative (PiE) by the ministry of education, Singapore, and the Transition Project, a training programme in the United Kingdom developed by the Manchester Education Partnership, have brought about the desired change. In the former, a resource portal has been launched for parents to access educational news, information on the school curriculum, and suggestions for supporting learning at home. And the latter is the programme to guide and prepare the primary school staff to build relationships with parents to increase their involvement in their children's education. Similarly, the United States has developed a Parent and Family Engagement Framework, which acts as a tool to provide guidance as well as resources to engage. The formation of a parent-teacher association (PTA) is an effort to institutionalise parent-school partnerships. The PTA motivates parents to engage in school activities and critical decision-making processes.

Each initiative reflects the respective countries' unique needs and cultural contexts, aiming to create strong partnerships between schools, parents, and communities for the benefit of children's education. The Indian government has launched the NIPUN Bharat mission (National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy) to support the universalisation of the achievement of foundational skills by the end of Grade 3. The NIPUN Bharat mission envisages an essential role for parental and community participation in its strategic implementation, and guidelines have been framed suggesting ways of engagement for states and Union Territories to increase parental and community engagement.

The ministry of education's department of education and literacy has also released guidelines, aligned to the principles of Atmanirbhar, or self-reliant Bharat, for parent participation in home-based learning during school closures and beyond. These guidelines discuss the role of parents, family members, and carers in promoting the welfare of children regardless of their literacy levels and helping them facilitate home-based learning. Parent-teacher meetings, which have developed into a norm in almost all schools, have helped build trust between parents and institutions, encouraging parents to talk with children about academics.

Significant efforts have been made by most governments to enhance parent and community participation in India. However, more can be done to strengthen our approach. Given the disparities between rural and urban schools and then even further between private and government schools, it is important to establish stronger communication channels contextualised for each target audience. These communication channels will be essential in keeping parents informed and facilitating frequent communication between parents and teachers.

Making parents part of decision-making at the school or community level will provide them with a platform to share feedback, concerns, and insights. The RTE Act has mandated the establishment of School Management Committees (SMCs) for this purpose. However, most of these SMCs need to function more effectively. Therefore, it is imperative to strengthen and revamp the school management committees.

Nonetheless, identifying parents' challenges from diverse social, economic, linguistic, and geographical backgrounds and empowering them with the knowledge and skills required to support their child's learning is essential. This can be done by disseminating adequate resources, tools, and workshops contextualised to their needs.

On the anniversary of NEP and NIPUN Bharat Mission, focus should shift to prioritising parental and community engagement, especially in the foundational years, which can help India go a long way in shaping the future of its children.

This article is authored by Veerendra Mishra, IPS, MP cadre and Kalinga Fellow.

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The southwest monsoon, despite a delayed onset and weak start, is now expected to cover the entire country over the next two-three days, nearly a week before its expected date, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Wednesday. A roadside vendor waits for customers to sell umbrellas during monsoon season, in Nagpur.(Chandrakant Paddhane)

If the predictions come true, the monsoon would have taken only 22 days to cover the entire country, even after its onset over Kerala was delayed by a week.

The southwest monsoon has further advanced into remaining parts of north Arabian Sea and some more parts of Rajasthan on Wednesday, IMD said in its bulletin. The Northern Limit of Monsoon (NLM) now passes through Bikaner (Rajasthan), Narnaul (Haryana) and Firozpur (Punjab).

Read | Himachal gets 119% excessive rains in a week

Conditions are favourable for further advance of Southwest Monsoon into remaining parts of the country (i.e. remaining parts of Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab) during the next 2-3 days, IMD said.

The low pressure area is now lying over northeast Madhya Pradesh and neighbourhood. It is very likely to move west-northwestwards towards northwest Madhya Pradesh during next two days, the IMD said. An east-west trough is running from northwest Rajasthan to northeast Bay of Bengal across the centre of low pressure area in lower tropospheric levels, it said.

The off-shore trough at mean sea level is running from Maharashtra coast to Kerala coast and a cyclonic circulation is also lying over south Gujarat coast, the IMD added.

Read | Monsoon delights: 6 lip-smacking snacks to savour during rainy season

The synoptic conditions are favourable for early coverage of monsoon over entire country, DS Pai, senior scientist, IMD, said. We know that monsoon conditions were weak initially because Cyclone Biparjoy had pulled away all convection and moisture. But in the past two-three days the Bay of Bengal branch became very active. This is also because a remnant of Cyclone Biparjoy over Uttar Pradesh started pulling the winds from Bay of Bengal.

There was early onset of monsoon over Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh and the two states have witnessed a lot of rain, he said.

The low pressure area over north Bay of Bengal also helped strengthen the Arabian Sea branch. There was good progress over Gujarat and Maharashtra, Pai said. Only a small area over Rajasthan is left to be covered. Its anyway a very arid region so a small amount of rain can help cover the region.

The senior scientist pointed out that the early monsoon coverage of the entire country is not unusual.

It has covered as early as June 19 in the past. The trends have changed and hence we had to advance the date of full coverage from July 15 to July 8 in 2020, he added.

Meanwhile, as on Wednesday, there was a 16% rain deficiency over the country, with 21% deficit over east and northeast India, 45% over south peninsula and 17% deficiency over central India, the IMD said. The northwest India, however, has received 42% excess rainfall so far.

Monsoon covered almost entire country except northwest Rajasthan and western parts of Punjab and Haryana. [It] may cover these parts in next 24 to 48 hours, Mahesh Palawat, vice-president, climate and meteorology, Skymet Weather, said in a tweet. Despite late onset, monsoon may cover entire country well in advance. Normal date is July 8.
Speaking to BJP workers in Bhopal on June 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his Pasmanda Muslim outreach. A section of their own religion has exploited Pasmanda Muslims, something that hasnt been discussed in the country. Several generations have had to suffer, Modi said. PREMIUM People shop at a market ahead of Eid

To be sure, this is not the first time someone is raising the question of socially driven economic inequality within the Muslims. The question of social stratification among Muslims, like caste among Hindus, was discussed by sociologists such as Imtiaz Ahmad (he died earlier this month) in the 1970s itself. Even in politics, Muslim leaders such as Ali Anwar who was a Janata Dal (United) MP from Bihar, have played a key role in championing Pasmanda  the term refers to the socially backward groups among Muslims  politics.

Whether or not the Prime Ministers outreach will bring political dividends for the BJP is a question which cannot be answered. However, the question one can answer on the basis of data is whether Muslims are a more unequal society in India than other religions, which is what Modis statement seems to suggest. This two-part data series, which is based on official statistics, will seek to do exactly that. The first part will look into the question of intra-religion inequality and the second part, the economic status of Muslims vis-a-vis other religions in India.
India and Australia are looking to conclude a comprehensive trade agreement by the yearend to build on market access achieved through an initial deal and to move both sides into new areas such as renewable energy and digital trade, Australias outgoing high commissioner Barry OFarrell has said. Australia is also hopeful of practical outcomes by the yearend in cooperation on critical minerals. (Barry OFarrell | Twitter)

Australia is also hopeful of practical outcomes by the yearend in cooperation on critical minerals, key for Indias ambitious plans for electric vehicles. The migration and mobility partnership agreement signed recently by the two sides puts us at almost the leading edge of access by Indians to Australia, he said in an interview.

Increasing defence engagement between India and Australia, both bilaterally and multilaterally, has shown that working together can be and is a deterrent to acts of coercion across the region, OFarrell said. He said Australia is seeking to stabilise, not normalise, the relationship with China through recent engagements with Beijing.

Also Read: Eye on China, Australian envoy says partnership with India is deterrent to coercion

Asked if the timeframe set by both sides for finalising a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement (CECA) by the end of 2023 is doable, OFarrell replied, I think its more likely the last quarter, and... the Indian system wants it done before we move into 2024 and the elections that that brings with it. Well be looking to build on the market access we achieved in the ECTA [Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement], well look to move into newer areas where were cooperating  electronics, renewables, digital trade.

He added, When youre a democracy, the trade deals...have to be saleable to the electorate. That was the approach we took with the ECTA...and I think thats the path on which a future trade deal will be concluded.

Australias pension funds, among the largest in Asia, and banks such as Macquarie Bank are keen to invest in India, especially in infrastructure.

[Theres] US$184 million being invested in infrastructure this year, he said.

This interest is not only because of Indias growth rate but also for the practical application of Australian funds to assist in development.

OFarrell, who did his first and last interviews in New Delhi with HT, said he was hopeful of practical outcomes in cooperation on rare earths by the yearend.

Indias Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL) has the mandate to invest in securing offtake agreements for critical minerals in Western Australia. We have elements to assist Indias growth objectives and we rely on India for our economy, because were now largely a services economy in Australia, he said.

Defence engagements between India and Australia got a boost with the signing of the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement in 2020 and Australias inclusion in the Malabar naval exercise the same year, and OFarrell said: What we will see is more complexity occurring. I think trust becomes a habit and [leads to] instinctive collaboration.

He referred to military aviators from the US, Britain and Australia working with the Indian Air Force for Exercise Shiksha in 1963 in the aftermath of a border conflict with China and said both countries are now cooperating in peace time. This sends a message to the region that when... coercion or attempted coercion happens, working together can be and is a deterrent, he said.

Asked about Australias recent engagements with China, OFarrell replied: I think the India-Australia relationship isnt defined by our relations with any other country...What were seeking to do with China, which engaged in some economic coercion against Australia during Covid-19, is to stabilise our relationship.

Australia is seeking to stabilise, not normalise, relationships, he said, adding, We will continue to agree where we can. We will disagree where we must.

The activities of pro-Khalistan elements is an issue that is just as disturbing to the Australian government as it is to the Indian government, OFarrell said.

We have laws around graffiti and a programme that now extends to Hindu temples in Australia, for the protection and security of places of worship. But its an irritant to us because we are a successful multicultural, multi-faith community that has been devoid of this sort of activity, he said.

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Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad was injured and rushed to a hospital after unidentified assailants opened fire on his car at Deoband in Saharanpur district on Wednesday evening, the Uttar Pradesh police said. HT Image

The incident took place at Gandhi Colony in Deoband when Azad, who also heads the Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshiram), was returning in an SUV after attending a programme, police said.

The assailants were in a car and opened fire on Azads SUV from the right side. A bullet grazed his abdomen, Saharanpur (City) superintendent of police Abimanyu Manglik said. He has been admitted to a hospital and his condition is stable.

Police and district administration officials rushed to the spot and a search operation was launched to nab the assailants. The vehicle used by the assailants had a Haryana registration number, police said.

Several senior police officers met Azad (36) at the hospital. He told the officers that he called the Saharanpur senior superintendent of police (SSP) immediately after the incident. Azad told the police that there were five people, including his younger brother, in the SUV when they were attacked, an officer said, requesting anonymity.

The convoy of Chandrashekhar Azad was fired at by a few car-borne armed men. A bullet brushed past him, SSP Vipin Tada said. He is all right and has been taken to the CHC (community health centre) for medical treatment.

He said the police were looking into every aspect of the incident. Police are investigating the matter, the SSP added.

Azads party colleague Dr Brijpal, who was accompanying him, said he too sustained a bullet injury. I saw blood on his hand before I fell unconscious, he said.

The borders of the district have been sealed, Manglik said. A massive operation to track the assailant and their vehicle has been launched.

He added that the Saharanpur police have also reached out to their counterparts in the adjoining districts to seek their support in the effort to nab the attackers.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Bhim Army and Aazad Samaj Party supporters gathered at the hospital, where additional security personnel were deployed.
Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan was shot at by unidentified assailants in the Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday evening. Azad was rushed to a local hospital for treatment. Initial reports suggest that two bullets were fired at the Bhim Army chief's car, one of them grazing Ravan. Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad.

In a statement to the police, Azad said, I don't remember well but my people identified them. Their car went towards Saharanpur. We took a U-Turn. Five of us, including my younger brother, were in the car when the incident occurred.

He had gone to attend a 'terhavi' ritual at a supporter's home. The attack occurred when Azad left the spot in his SUV.

Saharanpur SSP Dr Vipin Tada said that the Ambedkarite activist's convoy was fired at by a few car-borne armed men.

Half an hour back, the convoy of Chandra Shekhar Azad was fired at by a few car-borne armed men. A bullet brushed past him. He is alright and has been taken to CHC for medical treatment. Police is investigating the matter, the officer said.

Hundreds of Bhim Army and Azad Samaj Party supporters gathered at the hospital where additional security personnel were deployed.

Photographs of an injured Azad were shared from his Facebook account, urging the police to take strict action against the culprits and provide security to the activist.

"The murderous attack on Bhim Army Chief and National President Bhai Chandrasekhar Azad in Deoband of Saharanpur is a heinous act of stopping the Bahujan Mission Movement!"

"We demand urgent arrest of the accused, strict action against them and security for national president Bhai Chandrasekhar Azad!"

Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav condemned the attack on Azad and compared the law and order situation in the state with 'jungleraaj'.

"When the people's representatives are not safe in the BJP rule, then what will happen to the general public?" the Samajwadi Party chief asked.

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While the Joe Biden administration has enormous regard for former President Barack Obama, he is a private citizen and there was no coordination with the White House on his comments on India during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit, a senior administration official has said. Former President Barack Obamas comments created a domestic political backlash in India (AP)

In an exclusive conversation with HT, the senior administration official however added that Biden raised every kind of issue with Modi, as Modi did with Biden in a dignified and respectful way. He added, in the context of an online pushback in India against Wall Street Journal reporter who asked Modi a question, that the administration believed in a free and open press, didnt support any kind of online harassment but the vast majority of the commentary around the visit was positive and thats what officials would like to focus on.

Read | Obama should spend his energy: Ex-USCIRF official on India under PM Modi

As Biden was welcoming Modi on the south lawn of White House and engaging in bilateral talks on June 22, Obama, in an interview with CNN, had said that for Biden, the protection of a Muslim minority in a majority Hindu India was worth mentioning to Modi. Obama had added that if he had a conversation with Modi, part of his argument would be that if the Indian PM didnt protect the rights of ethnic minorities, there was a strong possibility of India pulling apart. These large internal conflicts, Obama had said, would be contrary to the interests of both Muslim India and Hindu India.

Obamas comments created a domestic political backlash in India. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh alleged that under Obama, the US had bombed six Muslim-dominated nations. Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted there were many Hussain Obama in India itself, and Assam Police would act according to its own priorities.

Read | Himanta Sarma's Hussain Obamas tweet sparks row, Oppn cites PM Modi's White House statement

Asked if there was any truth to the speculation of a good cop-bad cop act here, with Obama sending a stern message and Biden wooing India, the official said that they had enormous regard for President Obama. But he is a private citizen, and there was no coordination on what he said.

The official said that while he wont characterise the nature of private conversations between Biden and Modi, he could say that every issue, every kind of issue was raised.

But President Bidens style is to do it with great dignity, to treat partners with respect and to engage in the spirit of a close partnership. And I think thats what he did with Prime Minister Modi, I can assure you that each country had some quiet things that they wanted to discuss. So it was not simply the President talking directly about issues with PM Modi. PM Modi had a few issues that he wanted to raise as well, but I can tell you that the depth of their relationship allowed them to talk about issues respectfully and in a way that Im confident that the other heard it and heard it in a spirit of respect, the official said.

When asked about the controversy around WSJ reporter Sabrina Siddiquis question to Modi, the official said, We have made very clear that we believe free and open press is important. We frankly do not support any kind of online harassment. And indeed it concerns us greatly.

But the official added that they had been focused on the extremely positive response to the summit. The vast majority of the commentary has been positive, has been uplifting, and has basically heralded what I think is a remarkable set of achievements on the part of President Biden and Prime Minister Modi. And, and I think thats appropriate because those accolades are deserved by both leaders.

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In a scathing counterattack on the Congress over the registration of an FIR against BJP IT department head Amit Malviya in Karnataka, Union minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday doubled down on her party's allegations against Rahul Gandhi over his recent visit to the United States. Attempting to establish a connection between Rahul Gandhi and liberal financier George Soros, Smriti Irani claimed that the Congress leader "hobnobbed" with people with suspicious credentials, including those close to Soros. Union Minister for Women and Child Development and BJP leader Smriti Irani addresses a press conference at the BJP headquarters, in New Delhi, Wednesday, June 28, 2023.(PTI)

The question that has been left unanswered by the Congress party is - Is it true that Rahul Gandhi met Sunita Vishwanath during his trip to the US? When it is clear to every Indian what George Soros intends to do, why is Rahul Gandhi hobnobbing with those who are funded by Soros? the minister asked at a press conference.

It is also evident that this is not the only Soros connection. Even in Bharat Jodo Yatra in Karnataka, the Global Vice President of the Open Society Foundation funded by George Soros, was found accompanying Rahul Gandhi, she added.

George Soros, a supporter of progressive and liberal political causes, recently grabbed headlines in India for his remarks on the Adani-Hindenburg saga at the Munich Security Conference. Soros said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is silent on the fraud allegations against Adani Group, asserting that he will have to "answer questions from foreign investors and in Parliament."

"This will significantly weaken Modi's stranglehold on India's federal government and open the door to push for much-needed institutional reforms. I may be naive, but I expect a democratic revival in India," the 92-year-old hedge fund manager-turned-philanthropist added.

Smriti Irani also attacked Gandhi for the involvement of Tanzeem Ansari of the Islamic Circle of North America in hosting a programme of the Indian diaspora during his visit, saying Ansari has an organisational link with the Jamaat-e-Islami.

"What is extremely distressing is the link with the Islamic Circle of North America. Those in the public domain who will research how the registration process for NRI interaction with Rahul Gandhi in New York ensued will find the contact of Tazeem Ansari - he has an organisational link with Jamaat-e-Islami," she claimed.

The Karnataka police have registered an FIR against Malviya for "promoting enmity within groups" and "instigating people" by posting a video mocking Rahul Gandhi on social media. He has been booked under sections 153(A), 120(B), 505(2) and 34 of the Indian Penal Code.

Malviya had tweeted a video with captions, Rahul Gandhi is dangerous and playing an insidious game and More dangerous are people who are pulling strings of #Raga like Sam P, staunchly anti-India, they leave no stone unturned to defame India overseas, just to embarrass Honble PM @Narendramodi ji.

The case was registered following a complaint from Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee member Ramesh Babu in connection with a tweet posted by Malviya recently, police said on Wednesday.

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Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel's rival and health minister TS Singh Deo has been appointed as his deputy, party general-secretary KC Venugopal announced on Wednesday. Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel with his new deputy TS Singh Deo.

INC President Sh. Mallikarjun Kharge ji has approved the proposal for appointment of Sh. TS Singh Deo ji as the Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Venugopal said in a tweet.

He is a loyal Congress leader and an able administrator. The state will benefit greatly from his services as Deputy CM, the Rajya Sabha member added.

The announcement comes hours after Singh Deo ruled out the possibility of Congress high command changing the CM face ahead of the assembly elections due later this year. Singh Deo was among the frontrunners for the chief ministerial seat in the 2018 assembly elections but was pipped at the post by Baghel.

We are ready. Congratulations and best wishes to Maharaj Saheb for his responsibility as deputy chief minister, Baghel said in a tweet after the formal announcement

Both Baghel and Singh Deo were in New Delhi today to discuss the party's strategy and poll preparedness with the top leadership. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chief Rahul Gandhi, the party's in-charge for the state Kumari Selja and general secretary, organisation, K C Venugopal were among the leaders who attended the meeting at the party headquarters.

The Chhattisgarh Congress in-charge Kumari Selja stressed that the strategy of this years elections was to uphold the constitutional values of our country and work hand in hand; unlike the BJPs trap to promote communal hate and divide politics.

The target is to uphold the constitutional values of our country however it is evident that the BJP has been banking on nothing but its communal agenda. We can never fall into the BJPs trap as it is short-term whereas the Congress ideologies and guiding forces are beyond all these which keeps the nation and society as whole above all, Selja said at a press conference after the meeting.

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New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the introduction of National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023, and allocated 50,000 crore to set up an apex body that will seed, grow and promote research and development (R&D) throughout Indias universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D laboratories over the next five years. Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya and Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur brief the media on Cabinet decisions in New Delhi on Wednesday. (ANI/PIB)

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today (Wednesday) approved the introduction of the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023 in the Parliament. The approved Bill will pave the way to establish NRF that will seed, grow and promote Research and Development (R&D) and foster a culture of research and innovation throughout Indias universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D laboratories, the Centre said in a statement.

The bill, after approval in Parliament, will establish NRF, an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction of scientific research in the country as per recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP), at a total estimated cost of 50,000 crore during five years (2023-28).

Out of the allocated 50,000 crore, the government plans to raise 36,000 crore through investments from industries and philanthropists, while the remaining amount will be funded by the government 10,000 crore from the Centre and 4,000 crore through subsuming Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) into the NRF.

Union minister of science and technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, said that the NRF will create a vibrant ecosystem of research in the country, which will go beyond the Indian Institutes of Technology and encourage uniformity in development of research institutions.

A senior official from the ministry of science and technology said that the initial idea for a dedicated funding agency to promote research in India was mooted in 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address at the annual Indian Science Congress. A proposal to this effect took shape between 2020 and 2022.

Currently, there is a major disparity in the funding of research institutes in the country. Institutes such as the IITs take up a major chunk of the funding because of their infrastructure and rankings, but it is also because of this funding that they have been able to improve their facilities. There is so much research happening in other universities, including state-level institutes, that is going unnoticed because they are not receiving the required financial help, the official explained.

We aim to do away with this disparity, he added.

Officials explained that the department of science and technology (DST) will be the administrative department of NRF, which will have a governing body headed by the Prime Minister who will be the ex-officio president, and an executive council, chaired by the principal scientific advisor to the government of India.

Since the scope of the NRF is wide-ranging  impacting all ministries - the Prime Minister will be the ex-officio president of the board and the union minister of science and technology, and union minister of education will be the ex-officio vice-presidents, the government has said.

The government said that NRF will forge collaborations among the industry, academia, and government departments and research institutions, and create an interface mechanism for participation and contribution of industries and state governments in addition to the scientific and line ministries. It will also focus on creating a policy framework and putting in place regulatory processes that can encourage collaboration and increased spending by the industry on research and development.

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NEW DELHI The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday gave the go-ahead for a bouquet of schemes, with a total outlay of Rs.3.70 lakh crore, which aim to boost sustainable farming by promoting alternatives to chemical fertilisers. The success of PM-Pranam, the flagship scheme in the push towards natural farming, will squarely depend on the states. It seeks to hand out cash incentives to state governments that can cut their consumption of chemical soil nutrients.

Its part of a broader push to limit subsidies on chemical crop nutrients, balance their use and provide a policy nudge to cut down on conventional fertilisers, which make agriculture a huge emitter of greenhouse gases.

The gains of these policies will largely depend on how easily farmers adopt organic substitutes and whether they can enhance or maintain the same productivity as with chemicals at affordable prices, experts said.

The success of PM-Pranam, the flagship scheme in the push towards natural farming, will squarely depend on the states. It seeks to hand out cash incentives to state governments that can cut their consumption of chemical soil nutrients.

Under PM-Pranam, 50% of fertiliser subsidies saved by a state will be given back to it as a grant, which the state can put to any use, especially investments in producing alternative manure. In other words, if a state saves 3,000 crore subsidy on conventional fertilisers, then it will get back 1,500 crore as a grant.

States such as Haryana and Gujarat, which have taken the lead in natural farming, will be the first big gainers, an official said, declining to be named.

In its schemes announced on Wednesday, the government has provided for investments in infrastructure for ramping up the production of alternatives to crop chemicals.

The Cabinet approved 1,451.84 crore for a Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme for promoting organic fertilisers from Gobardhan plants, which are supposed to produce fertilisers such as fermented organic manures or FOM, liquid FOM, phosphate-rich organic manures or PROM produced as a by-product from biogas plants and compressed biogas.

Organic fertilisers are those that are produced naturally and contain carbon elements without any chemicals. Their primary raw materials are mineral sources, animal waste, waste from the preparation of meat, manure, slurry and plant-based fertilisers and plant composts.

The penetration of organic fertilisers as a proportion overall fertiliser consumption was only 0.29% for 2018-19 and 0.34% for 2019-20. However, strong demand for organic foods should serve the sector for organic fertilisers well with the right policies, according to analyst Saurabh Patil of S&P Ltd.

During 2021-22, there was a significant increase in organic agricultural land in India with 4.73 million hectares of land under organic farming.

Mineral fertilisers are heavily subsidised, making them the go-to option for farmers in India, Patil said. On the other hand, organic fertiliser adoption is low due to the price difference compared to conventional fertilisers and a lack of demand for certified organic products.

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The Calcutta high court on Tuesday sought to know why the candidates for the upcoming West Bengal panchayat elections did not approach the state election commission (SEC) over apprehensions of political violence, which has claimed at least eight lives in the state so far. Violence broke out in South 24 Parganas on June 16. (PTI)

If violence has happened against a candidate, what deterred them from approaching the state election commission complaining of the same? a division bench of chief justice TS Sivagnanam and justice Ajay Kumar Gupta said,

The bench made the remarks while hearing two public interest litigations (PILs) seeking re-conduct of elections in wards where candidates have already been elected uncontested and extension of time to file the nominations.

The two PILs were filed by an advocate and an organisation named Save Democracy, respectively. The petitioners alleged forceful withdrawal of nominations and political violence had vitiated the election process and that the poll panel had taken no action in order to prevent or address the same, LiveLaw reported.

Earlier, the SEC had informed the court that it hasnt received any petition from any candidates, alleging undue interference in the nomination process.

The division bench refused to interfere with the nomination process. ...in our earlier judgment, we have taken a decision that to what extent EC can extend nominations. That order has become final because the Supreme Court has affirmed it, it was quoted as saying by LiveLaw.

The nomination process for the single-phase polls  to be held on July 8  was held from June 9 to June 15 and was marked by clashes between workers of different parties. A Congress worker was shot dead in Murshidabad district on the first day of submitting papers.

In a separate case, a single bench of justice Amrita Sinha on Tuesday directed the poll panel to reconsider its decision declaring some candidates as elected uncontested after names of opposition candidates were dropped from the final list of contestants in Bhangar in South 24 Parganas.

According to the SEC, the names were dropped due to a delay in filing the nomination process. The candidates, however, said they were unable to file the papers in view of the violence.

Justice Sinha directed the SEC to individually and thoroughly investigate each and every instance of corruption and violence alleged by the petitioners and redress them by Thursday.

Meanwhile, one person was killed and four were injured in firing during a clash between two groups of people at Dinhata in Cooch Behar district on Tuesday, police said. On whether the clash was between two political outfits, police said that the matter is under investigation and he would comment only after the investigation is over.

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Canada is introducing a new programme next month to attract tech talent to the country, including H1B visa holders in the United States (US). Indian techies, who accounted for nearly 75% of the H1B visas granted in 2020 and 2021, are expected to be major beneficiaries of the programme. Canadian immigration, refugees and citizenship minister Sean Fraser. (Twitter)

With Canadas first-ever immigration Tech Talent Strategy, were targeting newcomers that can help enshrine Canada as a world leader in a variety of emerging technologies, an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada statement quoted minister Sean Fraser as saying on Tuesday.

Fraser earlier announced a slew of targeted measures while launching the countrys first-ever Tech Talent Strategy at the Collision Conference, a tech industry event, in Toronto on Tuesday.

An open work permit stream for H-1B specialty occupation visa holders in the US will be created for them to apply for Canadian work permits, and study or seek work options for their accompanying family members. The new work permits will be available on July 16 with a duration of three years. Spouses and dependents of those securing these permits will also be eligible to apply for a temporary resident visa, with a work or study permit, as needed.

The special measure will be in place for one year or until Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada receives 10,000 applications. Fraser said this was being initiated even as there is a public narrative around layoffs in the US, particularly in the tech sector.

Canada will also soon have open work permits for up to five years for highly skilled workers in select in-demand occupations, and for a similar duration for those employed by companies identified by the government as contributing to the countrys innovation goals.

Fraser said Canada will also seek to attract digital nomads. That will allow those working for foreign employers to live and work in Canada for six months. Should they receive a job offer while theyre here, were going to allow them to continue to stay at work in Canada.

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Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) chairman S Somnath on Wednesday said that the Chandrayaan-3, a part of India's lunar mission, may be launched between July 12 and 19 this year. Speaking to news agency ANI at a college in Kerala's Kottayam, the Isro chief mentioned that the Chandrayaan has already arrived at the launch pad in Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, from the U R Rao Satellite Centre. ISRO chairmain S Somnath

He said that the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark III will be used for this third edition of the Chandrayaan mission by India.

"The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft is currently fully integrated. We have completed the testing and it has been mated with the rocket compartment... The launch window is currently scheduled between July 12 and 19, and we will select the earliest possible date, which could be the 12th, 13th, or 14th. The exact date will be announced once all tests are completed," said the Isro chief.

He mentioned that final preparations are underway and will be completed by the end of this month. All components have been transported to the Sriharikota space centre, where the launch is scheduled to take place.

The Isro chief further stated that necessary corrections have been made in Chandrayaan-3, including hardware, structure, computers, software, and sensors, to ensure a smooth launch and avoid any potential issues.

What will Chandrayaan-3 have?

The propulsion module of Chandrayaan-3 will transport the lander and rover configuration to a lunar orbit of 100 km. It includes a payload called Spectro-Polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth, which will be used to study the spectral and polarimetric measurements of Earth from the lunar orbit.

"More fuel added and the landing legs have been strengthened. For producing more energy big solar panels have been fixed. And an additional sensor is also added. To measure its speed, a 'Laser Doppler VelociMeter' instrument, which was developed in the last year, has been added. We have also changed its algorithm and new software has been added to help Chandrayaan to land in another area if there is any failure at the scheduled spot," said the ISRO chairman.

Update on Aditya L-1 mission

Providing an update on India's first solar mission, the Isro chief said, "Satellites for the Aditya L-1 mission are being integrated, and the payloads developed by various agencies have reached the satellite center. Currently, they are undergoing integration within the satellite. The satellite will undergo a series of tests, including thermovac and vibration tests, among others. It is scheduled to be launched using a PSLV rocket, and we can expect the launch to take place by August 10."

The Aditya L-1 mission is India's first space-based mission aimed at studying the Sun. It is specifically designed to investigate the solar atmosphere, with a particular focus on the chromosphere and the corona.

ISRO chief about India joining Artemis Accord

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the US, India made the decision to join the United States' Artemis Accord and agreed to collaborate on a joint mission to the International Space Station. The Artemis Accords is an international agreement that provides guidance for civil space exploration and promotes sustainable use.

Speaking on the Accord, the Isro chief said, We are looking at Artemis Accord as a political engagement with the US. It is a statement of Intent that when the US is proposing collaborative work in the space sector, especially the exploration of outer planets in a very cordial atmosphere between different nations, we agree with that. So it has a big statement. We would like to work with the US, especially on technologies which are high-end and space is one of them. It will open opportunities for Indian industries who are working in the space sector to work with the US companies that are equally working in the space sector.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lingamgunta Nirmitha Rao Trainee Content Producer at Hindustan Times Digital Stream. India's regional languages attract me. ...view detail
Chennai: The hearing of the habeas corpus petition (HCP) filed by Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balajis wife Megala was held in the Madras high court on Tuesday. The wife of the arrested Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji submitted an affidavit in the Madras high court seeking Balajis arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a cash-for-jobs scam, to be declared as illegal. (ANI)

The wife of the arrested minister V Senthil Balaji submitted an affidavit in the high court seeking Balajis arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a cash-for-jobs scam, to be declared as illegal.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Enforcement Directorate, said that the court cannot interfere in the matter as a trial court has previously held that the ministers custody is not illegal, senior advocates said, seeking anonymity.

The bench comprising justices J Nisha Banu and D Bharatha Chakravarthy began the second hearing in the case from Tuesday morning until about 6.30pm, beyond court hours, and reserved their order.

Mehta concluded his arguments by submitting that the ED is seeking exclusion of the period of Balajis hospitalisation while considering the period for custodial interrogation. The submission is to exclude his period of hospitalisation. Once he becomes fit, comes the next question of custody for interrogation, said one of the advocates in the case, who did not wish to be named.

They have not challenged the remand order in the HCP. Because it is in their favourbut when the judicial mind is applied and the court finds that the custody is not illegal, you cannot say that custody is illegal without challenging, Mehta said according to LiveLaw.

Senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Balaji, opposed this plea arguing that there are several judgments which observe that the 15-day custody cannot be extended at any event.

This is in line with senior counsel and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP N R Elango, also representing Balaji, who said during the previous hearing on June 22, that the HCP is indeed maintainable and as per law there cannot be custodial interrogation after 15 days of arrest. There is no legal provision for exclusion. Once the 15 day period is over, its gone, Rohatgi said according to LiveLaw. Investigation is not thwarted. Only custody is thwarted. There is no law that says you cannot investigate without custody. Judicial custody is the norm, police custody is the exception.

Balaji was arrested by the ED, on June 14, under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in a case which dates back to 2014 when he was transport minister under the previous All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) regime. He joined the DMK in 2018.

His wife, S Megala filed a HCP to declare his arrest illegal. Since his arrest Balaji has been hospitalised for treating three blocks in his heart and underwent a Beating Heart Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery on June 21.

A principal sessions court in Chennai had granted ED eight days custody of the minister starting June 16, but they were allowed to interrogate him only within hospital premises, prompting the federal agency to move the Supreme Court. However, the top court did not stay a Madras high court order allowing Balaji to by shifted to a private hospital, and directed the ED to approach the high court. The principal sessions court in Chennai had also remanded him to judicial custody until June 28.

The bench on Tuesday directed both sides to submit their written submissions on Wednesday and reserved the orders, the senior advocate quoted above said.

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The Congress on Wednesday appointed senior Chhattisgarh leader TS Singh Deo as the deputy chief minister ahead of the crucial assembly elections in the state this year. Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel with his deputy-designate TS Singh Deo. (PTI)

In a statement, the Congress said that party chief Mallikarjun Kharge cleared the proposal for the appointment of Singh Deo, who was locked in a power tussle with chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, as deputy chief minister of the state.

Honble Congress President has approved the proposal for the appointment of Shri T.S. Singh Deo as the Deputy Chief Minister in the Chhattisgarh Government, the statement, signed by AICC general secretary KC Venugopal said.

Soon after the announcement, Singh Deo told news agency ANI: The Congress party has allowed me to work and the leadership has given me responsibilities. We have to take everyone along. Even in a limited time frame, we have to do all we can, together, for the betterment of the Congress, and for the betterment of Chhattisgarh and its citizens.

Chief minister Baghel shared a photograph with Singh Deo and congratulated the latter on his new role . We are ready. Congratulations and best wishes to Maharaj Saheb for his responsibility as Deputy Chief Minister, Baghel tweeted.

In a tweet, Venugopal called Singh Deo an able administrator. He (Singh Deo) is a loyal Congress leader and an able administrator. The state will benefit greatly from his services as deputy chief minister. We are confident that the people of Chhattisgarh will re-elect the Congress with a thumping majority under the leadership of Kharge ji and Rahul Gandhi ji, he posted on the micro-blogging site.

Singh Deo has had a fractious relationship with Baghel, with both vying for the top post when the Congress swept to power in Chhattisgarh in 2018, by dislodging the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after winning 68 of 90 seats. Baghel, who was then state party president, and Singh Deo, then leader of the party in the state legislature, spent several days in Delhi, attempting to thrash out a solution. Those close to Singh Deo argued that a two-and-a-half year rotational system, where he would take over for the second half of the tenure, was thrashed out. The Baghel camp has always denied this. The matter led to friction between the two leaders, prompting the party high command to intervene in September 2021 when several MLAs arrived in Delhi, showing their allegiance to Baghel. As rumours of a change in guard swirled, Singh Deo resigned from one of his portfolios of rural development in July 2022.

Wednesdays announcement triggered mixed reactions among Congress leaders.

The Congress can now improve its prospects (in polls) in north Chhattisgarh where Singh Deo commands considerable influence, a state leader said, seeking anonymity,

Another Congress leader, close to Baghel, said Tamradhwaj Sahu, who is home minister and a senior OBC leader, should also have been elevated. His elevation would have pleased the Sahu voters, and the BJP will now raise this issue, the leader said, also seeking anonymity.

Reacting to Singh Deos appointment, BJP spokesperson Sachidanand Upasne said: Singh Deos elevation shows the frustration of Congress. It is demeaning to see that he has been given the post for just three months. The people of the state know that this will have no impact on the elections.

Political commentator Sudeip Shrivastva said: It will minimise factionalism in the Congress even as the BJP is still a divided house.

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The thinking within the Congress brass that a divided house cant fight the BJP and Chhattisgarh health minister TS Singh Deos loyalty to the party after being denied the chief ministers seat were key factors that prompted party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and former president Rahul Gandhi to reward him with the deputy CMs seat ahead of the assembly elections, people aware of the matter said on Wednesday. Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel with his deputy-designate, T S Singh Deo. (PTI)

The first strategy meeting was focused on the party and the governments preparations for the Chhattisgarh assembly polls but a second meeting in the evening led to Singh Deos elevation.

Two meetings took place in Delhi on the Chhattisgarh units poll preparations. Chief minister Bhupesh Baghel realised when a second meeting took place in the evening that the writing was on the wall. The evening meeting was called by Kharge and party general secretary KC Venugopal and Chhattisgarh in-charge Kumari Selja were present.

A functionary close to Kharge pointed out that after it managed to quell the rift between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar in Karnataka and the two led a united Congress to victory, the party will try its best to bury the differences among its top leaders before the elections. For the strategy meeting on Rajasthan, both CM Ashok Gehlot and his bete noire Sachin Pilot have been asked to come.

A senior leader close to Kharge said the party leadership is keen to reach a settlement.

Two other factors went in Singh Deos favour. One, he didnt try to stage a rebellion like Sachin Pilot and two, Singh Deo has his pockets of influence and the party didnt want to take chances in the state known for close contests, he said.

Apparently, while TS Deo didnt issue any ultimatum, the Congress didnt want to risk any factionalism, especially because Deo had claimed and many had corroborated that there was supposed to be a change of guard but Baghel had consolidated and refused to budge, said another Congress leader.

The decision to elevate Singh Deo to the deputy CMs post was planned by both Kharge and Gandhi, making it nearly impossible for Baghel to reject the proposal.

In the meeting, the Congress leadership told Baghel and he didnt resist too much. Before this there were a series of meetings between the two leaders and Selja, said the third leader.

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RAIPUR : Ahead of assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, senior Congress leaders on Wednesday discussed the partys strategy and poll preparedness in the state. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge with party leaders Rahul Gandhi at a meeting with Chhattisgarh party leaders at AICC headquarters in New Delhi on Wednesday (ANI)

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, party leader Rahul Gandhi, Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, Chhattisgarh Congress in-charge Kumari Selja and general secretary, organisation, KC Venugopal and Chhattisgarh health minister T S Singh Deo were present in the meeting.

We have discussed the poll strategy for the upcoming assembly elections and we have decided now the important leaders of Congress should start visiting Chhattisgarh for public meetings, said Selja.

Chairing the meeting, Kharge said party members will work together to keep improving the lives of the people of Chhattisgarh.

Kharge said in a post on Twitter: We will work together and keep bringing change in the lives of the people of Chhattisgarh.

Garhbo Nava Chhattisgarh is not just a slogan for us; it is a goal for the states progress and social justice. The people of Chhattisgarh and their unwavering faith in the Congress party will continue to propel the continuous stream of development, the party chief said in a tweet in Hindi.

Baghel later said on Twitter that the party was ready for assembly polls and the meeting discussed the changes in the lives of people following the Nava Chhattisgarh model initiated by the Congress government in the state.

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The Congress party on Wednesday questioned the government of India over the India-US $3 billion Predator drone deal while claiming that the deal was cleared without any meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera (File Photo)

The CCS is responsible for discussion, debates, and is the final decision-making body on senior appointments in the national security apparatus, defence policy and expenditure, and all matters of Indias national security.

Attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government on the procurement of armed drones from the US, Congress spokesperson Pawan Kher alleged that the 31 MQ-9B Predator UAV drones were being procured for a higher price and claimed that several other countries have brought these at a much lower price than India.

Also Read: India to seek higher tech transfer in $3bn drone deal with US

Why was there no meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to approve the drone deal? Why is India paying more for drones than other countries? Khera questioned the Centre during a press address at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters, New Delhi, on Wednesday.

Khera said that Indias national security was paramount and questioned why the government was in such a hurry to strike a deal even as several doubts were being raised on the predator drone deal, including by the India Air Force. Quoting a report from HT, Khera said that the army was rethinking the procurement of drones dues to high costs.

Khera claimed that what happened in the Rafale deal is being repeated in the Predator drone deal with the US.

National Security is paramount for the Indian National Congress. There are several doubts and disturbing reports about this Predator drone deal. The Modi government is known to jeopardise national interests and the people of India have witnessed the same in the Rafale deal, where the Modi government bought only 36 Rafale jets instead of 126. We also saw how HAL was denied the transfer of technology. We also saw how several unilateral decisions were made, despite widespread objections from the Defence Acquisition Committee and the Armed Forces. The Rafale scam is still under scrutiny in France, Khera charged.

We demand complete transparency in this Predator drone deal. India needs answers to the crucial questions. Otherwise, we will be trapped in another scam under the Modi Government, he told reporters.

He said that each Predator drone will cost approximately 812 crore and India is keen to buy 31 of those which will cost 25,200 crore. Instead, he said, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) can develop the same in just 10-20% of the cost.

Is it not reminiscent of the Rafale deal wherein PM Modi unilaterally signed a deal for 36 Rafales without the defence ministry or the external affairs ministry privy to it, he asked.

We demand complete transparency in this Predator drone deal. India needs answers to the crucial questions. Otherwise, we will be trapped in another scam under the Modi government, he told reporters.

Khera said that the Indian Army has informed the Centre that the requirement for the Predator drones is just 18. Then why is the Modi government buying 31 drones now? he asked.

He also raised questions on the relations of the CEO of General Atomics, the drone manufacturer, with the current rulers and influential personalities that led to securing the deal.

The Congress spokesperson further called the drones outdated technology and waste material of the US. When we sell something as waste, how can it be sold at a higher price than the original one? Is there any electoral bond or pegasus complementary with the purchase of a drone?, Khera said, taking a dig at the government.

The US used these drones during a mission in 2017, and there has been advancement in technology with new and latest variants, Khera said, adding that according to the media reports, the US wants to discard these drones for more cost-effective and better variants.

Also Read: India will acquire MQ 9B drones from US in phased manner, weapons to be procured in phase II

In a tweet, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh charged, Once again a murky defence deal undercutting indigenous efforts with the PM at the centre comes to the fore.

On June 15, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Union defence minister Rajnath Singh approved a tri-service proposal to acquire a total of 31 drones, 15 MQ9B Sea Guardians and 16 Sky. The Sea Guardian drones will be responsible for maritime surveillance and domain awareness while the Sky Guardian drones will be used for guarding the land frontiers. The acquisition of 31 MQ-9B General Atomics unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is estimated to be worth $3 billion.

The formal acquisition process for the 31 weaponised MQ-9B Reaper drones, also known as Predator-B drones, will take place in early July. Earlier, the defence ministry in a statement had said that the price and other terms and conditions of the purchase are yet to be finalised and subject to negotiations.

(with PTI inputs)

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Here are todays top news, analysis, and opinion. Know all about the latest news and other news updates from Hindustan Times. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. (ANI)

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New Delhi: Two Air India pilots were recently suspended for allowing a friend into the cockpit, probably making it the first instance for such a violation. However, this is not the first time that pilots have disobeyed the rules. PREMIUM Captain Rahul Singh had allowed a helicopter pilot, who was travelling as a passenger, inside the cockpit of the Air India flight after it took off from Delhi on June 3. (ANI)(ANI)

On June 22, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) suspended the licence of an Air India pilot for a year, after he allowed a friend inside the cockpit of a Chandigarh-Leh flight, in violation of safety norms, earlier this month. The civil aviation regulator also suspended the licence of the co-pilot, for a month, for not raising any concerns and reporting the violation.

The airline had earlier suspended the pilot, Captain Rahul Singh, and co-pilot for six months and one month, respectively.

Aircraft operate in autopilot mode and require skills for take-offs and landings. Pilots are in charge of the flight and safety is their priority, though allowing anyone into the cockpit apart from the operating crew is not permitted, there are times when pilots knowing that their batchmates or seniors are travelling as passengers, call them in to greet them, a former Jet Airways pilot who did not wish to be named, said.

Captain Harsh Suri, another Air India pilot, lost his licence for three months on May 12, for allowing a similar unauthorised entry into the cockpit while operating a Delhi-Dubai flight on February 27. The airline was fined 30 lakh for not taking action against the pilot at the time of the incident, and for also failing to report the matter to the regulator. An HT report alerted the DGCA, which then issued a show cause to the airline's CEO Campbell Wilson and its chief of air safety. A few pilots of the airline claimed that Suri had called in a colleague who was also a cabin crew member (who was off duty) to discuss an official assignment.

A former pilot with Air India told HT that ultra-long-haul flights usually see such instances because of the long duration of the flight.

In both cases, the friends were part of the fraternity and so the pilots might have not taken it to be violating norms. In the first instance, the friend was actually a colleague who was flying as staff on duty (SOD) and so he might not have taken it to be a violation, a former Air India pilot told HT. Long haul and ultra long-haul flights may see more of such cases, because of long flying time (more than five hours), he added.

So what are the rules that govern entry into the cockpit?

As per a DGCA circular dated September 3, 2019, no person can enter the cockpit unless they are a crew member, an officer of the civil aviation department or India Meteorological Department authorised by DGCA, an officer in the civil aviation ministry of the rank of joint secretary and above, an employee of the aircraft operator with permission of the pilot-in-command (PIC), officials of the airline or any crew member of the aircraft operator with PICs permission, a duly authorised representative of the manufacturer of the airport with prior permission of PIC, or any person authorised by DGCA. Any of the above persons authorised to enter the cockpit can only do so after a preflight and post-flight breathalyser test.

An employee of the aircraft operator, who has the permission of the pilot-in-command (PIC) and whose duties are such that his/ her entry into the cockpit is necessary for safe operation of the aircraft can only be allowed in the cockpit provided they have done the mandatory breath analyser (BA) tests, a former DGCA official reiterated.

When the rule is clear that no pilot, except the ones who have undergone the mandatory BA tests, are allowed inside the cockpit, then it should be strictly followed. A repetition of the same violation is proof that the airline management has not been successful in implementing the mandatory safety requirements and the pilots, too, have not been serious about the repercussions of such an offence, aviation safety expert Mohan Ranganathan said.

The DGCA rule applies to all Indian airlines/ operators. It does not apply to foreign carriers overflying Indian airspace. The rules have been in place since the DGCA was formed in 1978 and the rule of not entering into the cockpit without a BA test has been there since.

Ranganathan said DGCA should work on introducing stricter rules for such offenders. DGCA learnt about the February incident through media reports. It then investigated the matter and ordered that the pilot-in-command be suspended for three months. In the second instance, the airline took action DGCA should direct the airlines to increase the punishment for every repetition of such an offence. The airlines should ensure that the punishment is such that the pilots do not even think of repeating such an offence, he said.
Hours after wedding eve festivities, a funeral pyre was erected in a home near Kallambalam here following the tragic killing of the bride's father by four young men. Instead of people gathering up for wedding related celebrations at the house, hundreds queued up to pay their last respects to the deceased. (HT File Photo)

Raju (61) was allegedly killed by Jishnu, his brother Jijin and their two friends on Tuesday night within the compound of his house after the pre-wedding celebrations got over and all the guests had left.

The family of Jishnu and Jijin, who are neighbours of the victim, had come with a marriage proposal for Raju's daughter a couple of years ago, but he had rejected the same owing to the alleged criminal antecedents of the duo, a close relative of the victim said.

As the decorations for the marriage, which was to take place at Sivagiri here at 11.10 AM, were being removed, the victim's cousin brother told media on Wednesday that the four men came with the intention to create a problem after all the guests had left.

"They first came and attacked the bride and when her mother tried to stop them, she too was assaulted. That is when my brother intervened to stop them, but they brutally assaulted him and hit him on the head with a hand shovel.

"They also hit on the head one of our relatives who lives nearby and came to the aid of the victim. He has six-seven stitches on the head," the victim's cousin said.

He also said that the four had followed the vehicle in which the victim was taken to the hospital and on finding out he had died, they escaped from there. "They were later caught by locals of the area," he said.

Police, later in the day, said that the accused admitted to having attacked and beating up Raju and his family members.

READ | 3 killed as man allegedly sets co-passenger on fire in Kerala train: Report

"The exact motive and whether it was pre-planned will be ascertained during further questioning of the accused. One of the accused claims he was close to the bride, but due to her family being against the same, her marriage was fixed with someone else.

"So he was unhappy and came to the victim's home to create trouble. It started with heated arguments and then led to an assault on the victim and his family members," District Police Chief (Rural) D Shilpa told reporters after inspecting the crime scene and meeting the victim's family.

State Education Minister V Sivankutty, who also met the victim's family, told reporters that it was a "shocking" incident and every possible action in accordance with the law will be taken against the culprits.

He also hinted that drug use, allegedly by the accused, may also be a factor which contributed to the assault on Raju.

After the victim's body was handed over to the family in the afternoon, it was placed on a cot in front of the house for relatives, friends and neighbours to pay their last respects.

Instead of people gathering up for wedding related celebrations at the house, hundreds queued up to pay their last respects to the deceased. Thereafter, the body was cremated according to Hindu rites within the compound of the house.

Earlier in the day, a female relative of the victim said that the bride was a MSc graduate and while the accused was not even a graduate.

She also said that the accused, after rejection of the proposal, had threatened the victim's family.

Raju was hit on the head with a hand shovel and had collapsed at the site and on being taken to the hospital was declared dead on arrival by doctors, relatives told reporters.

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Several female students at a government medical college in Kerala have sought permission from their principal to wear long sleeve scrub jackets and surgical hoods inside the operation theatre in a bid to strike a balance between their religious beliefs and performing surgical duties. In a letter to the principal of Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College, the students said they have to cover their heads at all times as part of their religious beliefs and were looking at alternate options since it was not possible to wear hijab inside the OT. The students have sought permission to wear long-sleeve scrubs and surgical hoods inside OT. (Representational)

"Hijab-wearing Muslim have a difficult time, finding a balance between donning complaint religious attire and maintaining modesty while also complying with hospital and operation room regulations (sic)," the letter reads, as reported by NDTV.

Suggesting alternatives for hijab, the students said that long sleeve scrub jackets and surgical hoods would allow them to maintain sterile precautions. The principal, Lynette J. Morris, said she would form a committee of surgeons and the infection control team to discuss the issue.

Morris told the media that the demand of the students cannot be accepted for now, citing patients' safety and international standards maintained in operation theatres.

She also explained to the students that they have to scrub and sterilise their hands up to the elbow and then wear the gown, and wearing long sleeves could be a problem. The principal said she would call for a meeting of surgeons and the infection control team to look into the matter.

The request could reignite the hijab debate that sharply divided public opinion on uniforms inside educational institutions.

(With ANI inputs)

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Flaws on the Dhruv advanced light helicopter (ALH), whose safety record came under scrutiny after a string of accidents earlier this year, have been identified and are being fixed on priority to address flight safety issues, senior officials aware of the matter said on Wednesday. Indian Army Dhruv advanced light helicopter (File Photo)

Some design and metallurgy issues came to the fore during investigations into the recent incidents involving the India-made helicopter, said one of the officials cited above, asking not to be named.

The army, air force, navy, and coast guard operate more than 330 ALHs. The helicopter was grounded, then cleared for flying and again grounded during March-May after safety issues came into sharp focus in the backdrop of three accidents during this period.

The helicopters, designed and developed by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, are being cleared to fly in batches for urgent missions after comprehensive checks, said a second official cited above, who also asked not to be named.

In the past five years, the ALH was involved in 12 accidents, including the crash-landing of an army helicopter in Jammu & Kashmirs Kishtwar on May 4 in which a soldier was killed and two pilots were injured. Before that, a coast guard ALH made a forced landing in Kochi on March 26, and a navy ALH ditched (emergency landing in water) into the Arabian Sea on March 8.

As specified in a government letter dated May 22, the resumption of urgent flights followed the prescribed satisfactory conduct of independent maintenance flight safety audit of critical items and systems, and compliance with safety-related special technical instructions and alert notices issued by technical authorities.

HT reported on May 10 that a design review of a safety-critical system on the ALH may be in order, according to a top government regulatory body responsible for the certification of the airworthiness of military aircraft. The Bengaluru-based Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) wrote to the three services and the coast guard about this on April 23. It ordered the design review of the booster control rods to improve the ALHs airworthiness.

CEMILAC, which functions under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), reached the conclusion that the design review of the booster control rods is mandatory after an expert committee, formed in the backdrop of the navy ALH incident on March 8, explored the possible failures that led to the incident. These rods allow pilots to control the helicopters motion, and any failure can severely affect power input to the rotor blades and cause accidents.

The committee, constituted by the CEMILAC chief executive (airworthiness), found that the most probable cause of the March 8 incident was a technical failure  an error in the assembly of serrated washers in the booster control rods. It recommended short and long-term measures to enhance the safety of the ALH.

Also Read: Army grounds Dhruv ALH fleet again following Kishtwar crash

The design, development and qualification of the steel booster control rods that are tolerant to assembly errors shall be expedited, and the compliance of the new design shall be aimed for implementation in six months to one year, CEMILAC wrote in the letter dated April 23 to HAL, the three services, and the coast guard.

CEMILAC prescribed measures for the resumption of operations of the ALH, Rudra (the armed version of ALH) and the light combat helicopter (LCH). The Indian Air Forces latest LCHs were also grounded earlier as they inherit several features of the ALH.

It said clearance for these platforms, limited to 100 flight hours each, would be given after mandatory inspections. Further clearance for up to 500 flight hours or one year, whichever is earlier, would be based on the successful completion of two critical tests by HAL, it added.

These tests involve the flight testing of two helicopters with instrumented control rod assembly for verifying the multi-axis loads on the control rods, and the fatigue testing of the rods with correctly assembled serrated washers to confirm their original capability.

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Hyderabad Eatala Rajender was in New Delhi on Saturday and Sunday to hold talks with the BJP top brass (PTI)

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker from Telangana and former minister Eatala Rajender on Tuesday asserted that he will stay back in the party and has no plans of shifting to any other party.

Rajender was in New Delhi on Saturday and Sunday to hold talks with the BJP top brass, including party president J P Nadda and Union home minister Amit Shah, amidst speculations that he was planning to shift loyalties to the Congress.

We cannot change parties so easily as changing our clothes. I have never thought of quitting the BJP to join any other party, he told reporters at his residence in Hyderabad.

Rajender, however, admitted that there were some issues with the party leadership in Telangana. But it is natural that such differences are there in any political party. I have not complained to the high command against any individual personally. In fact, I did not go to Delhi on my own, but only on receiving a call from the national leadership, he said.

The former minister, who had been staying away from the party activities for quite some time, said the BJP had given him the political platform when he was shunted out of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). I have been silently working for the party in my constituency. I am confident that the BJP will come to power in the next assembly elections, he said.

Stating that the BJP has a strong cadre base and leadership in Telangana, Rajender said the party has to grow from the grassroots level to gain power. We need to work out our strategies from bottom to top, he added.

Meanwhile, the BJP high command summoned state BJP president Bandi Sanjay to New Delhi on Tuesday to discuss the measures to set the party in order, in the wake of reports that some seniors are staying away from the party activities.

While the party high command managed to pacify Rajender, another senior leader and ex-MLA Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy told the party leadership that he has been under pressure from his followers to join the Congress.

The party leadership is expected to take some crucial decisions in the next few days to set the house in order, a Telangana BJP leader privy to the development said.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Srinivasa Rao Apparasu Srinivasa Rao is Senior Assistant Editor based out of Hyderabad covering developments in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana . He has over three decades of reporting experience. ...view detail
With the Congress members visibly embarrassed, the Janata benches shouted shame , shame, when the Union Education Minister, Dr Pratap Chandra Chunder, today disclosed in the Lok Sabha that the names of Dr Rajendra Prasad, Mr Lal Bahadur Shastri and Netaji Subash Chandra Bose did not figure in the time capsule buried in the Red Fort by the previous Government, according to the document in the possession of the Government, which purports to be the copy of the original document. HT This Day: June 29, 1977 -- Time capsule had left out Prasad, Bose and Shastri

Replying to a short notice question by Mr Subramaniam Swamy and four others, the Minister said the 10,000-word account of important aspects of the history of India, both in Hindi and English, from Aug. 15, 1947 to Aug. 15, 1972, contained certain factual errors. The government had, accordingly, decided that the said Silver Jubilee Celebration Time Capsule should be taken out and the contents made public.

Mr Chunder could not specify any statutory obligation to keep the so-called history a secret I can only say it was just kept a secret. The two other time capsules were buried on May 27. 1972 (at Shanti Vana) and Jan 30, 1973 (at Birla House, 30 January Marg). There was a list of 20 entries in the Birla House capsule supposedly containing material relating to Gandhiji. Nothing was known about the Shanti Vana time capsule reportedly containing matters relating to Jawaharlal Nehru.

The Government had decided to dig out the Silver Jubilee and Nehru time capsules, but not the Gandhi time capsule, because it did not contain any writing.

There was a spate of questions by Mr Arjun Singh Bhadoria, Mr Samar Guha, Mr Kanwarlal Gupta. Mr P. G. Mavalankar, Mr Shyam Nandan Mishra, Mr Chandra Shekhar Singh, Mr Shambhu Nath Chaturvedi and Mr Jyotirmoy Bosu.

The Minister was unable to give details as to how the decision was taken, at whose instance, who prepared the guidelines, who edited and who finally approved the draft. On Mr Jyotirmoy Bosu and Mr Subramaniam Swamy repeatedly demanding that the minister should place before the House whatever information he could from the file or to take the House into confidence if the concerned file was missing. Dr Chunder promised to make an inquiry if some file had disappeared. (According to Mr Swamy, the file had been removed on March 22. 1977).

In the meantime, Dr Chunder told the House that the task was entrusted to the Indian Council of Historical Research. One Mr Krishnamurthy prepared the draft Dr Gopal had gone through it and it was submitted to proper authorities. The Minister was asked by several members to identify the proper authorities He observed I presume it must have been delivered to the proper authorities. I have no information at whose whose initiative the project was undertaken.

On the cost of burial. Dr Chunder said an amount of 30,000 was spent. It might involve an expenditure of almost the same amount to take it out. It was 40 ft down below in a concrete base. There was a steel cover within which there was a copper container preserving the document. The Minister requested the Speaker to consult the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha with a view to constituting a joint committee of the two Houses to supervise the digging operation. The Government would provide necessary police arrangement.

Mr Ram Gopal Reddy (Cong.) invited derisive laughter from the Janata benches when he asked if Mr Subramaniam Swamy had access to the Government files, otherwise how was he able to name the persons reportedly not figuring m the time capsule. On a point of personal clarification, Mr Swamy said if the honourable member (Mr Reddy) cared to devote some time to his parliamentary duties and saw the three-year-old record, he would find that it was Mr Era Sezhiyan who had asked a similar question giving certain names. I was only trying to find out if so names were missing from the said capsule.

Mr K. L. Gupta, Mr Samar Guha and Mr Vijay Kumar Malhotra asked if the Government was contemplating to take some counter measures for the act of betrayal and deliberate attempt to distort history. Mr Gupta said the former Prime Minister herself was responsible for this unbecoming act. Mr Malhotra wanted the cost to be recovered from those who had committed this offence. It was also suggested that the Government might appoint some experts to record the current events without any bias for the benefit of the subsequent generations. Several members wanted that the persons associated with the time capsule should be removed from their positions it they were holding any official status.

Dr Chunder said history was a hard task master. It would throw into the dustbin so many important figures. There need be no worry on that account. The Government did not propose to write any history. History will take care of itself. Until the time capsule was dug out, it was not proposed to place the copy the Government had in its possession, for, it might not be the exact copy, he said.

The Minister - Informed the House the, Dr Gopal was on the executive board of the UNESCO and continued to be associated with the Indian Council of Historical Research.

In reply to Mr Subramaniam Swamys question Dr Chunder admitted the time capsule contained the names of three foreigners Mr Macnaughton, Mr Dixon and Mr Graham. It was true the time capsule mentioned only seven names while recording important events from 1947 to 1972.
NEW DELHI: India and the US can stand together against coercion and use their military assets to ensure freedom in the Indo-Pacific, US ambassador Eric Garcetti said on Wednesday against the backdrop of concerns over Chinas actions across the region. US Ambassador Eric Garcetti delivers his speech on 'Peace, Prosperity, Planet, Peopl: A New Chapter for U.S.-India Relations' at IIT Delhi on Wednesday (PTI)

The defence industries of the two countries are increasingly connected and planned collaboration in future will deepen co-production and create resilient supply chains for India, the US and other partners, he said while speaking on the theme A new chapter in US-India relations at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Delhi.

Garcettis remarks also came against the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the US, which he described as an incredible celebration of the bond between the worlds two great democracies. During the visit, the two sides inked agreements to facilitate the manufacturing of GE F414 jet engines in India and the supply of 31 weaponised MQ-9 drones to the Indian military. Other initiatives for cooperation in areas ranging from semiconductors to telecommunications were also unveiled during the visit.

Garcetti made no reference to China in his speech, though there was no doubt who he was referring to when he spoke about India and the US opposing coercion. The US has increasingly pivoted towards India, ramping up defence and technology cooperation, as it perceives the country as a counterweight to China.

We can stand together against those who would upend the common good for their own benefit. We can stand together for choice, resisting coercion. We can stand together as a force for stability to avert regional and global crises, Garcetti said.

We can deploy our ships together in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and even beyond, to ensure maritime security. We can employ our air forces across the Indo-Pacific region to ensure freedom of the skies and the seas, and to jointly respond to humanitarian crises from the Sahara to the Pacific Islands.

India and the US can build a bulwark against this might makes right mentality and bolster the security, stability and prosperity of the world, he added.

Noting that he had seen the power of transformative friendship during PM Modis visit to the US last week, Garcetti used a Hindi phrase  Sapne sakar karna (making dreams a reality)  to set the tone for the next phase of bilateral ties. The Indian dream and the American dream are two sides of the same coin and the two countries should now focus on peace, prosperity, planet and people, he said.

In the context of burgeoning defence and security ties, Garcetti said the defence industries on both sides are increasingly connected, with components being made in India for US Apache attack helicopters and C-130 transport aircraft.

Indian and US leaders pledged at discussions last week to accelerate momentum through building and working together. When the US and India work together to co-produce military equipment, we create a state-of-the-art system at a sustainable cost and with resilient supply chains for India, the US, and our partners, he said.

Through the co-production work that is already happening in airframes and engineering, and the planned work in aeroengines, artillery, and ground vehicles we are poised to further deepen co-production and tackle new opportunities  some that we cant even imagine today.

Garcetti also referred to the issue of the two countries accommodating differences as their friendship becomes closer, and without directly referring to the Ukraine crisis, said protection is a key component of peace.

As weve unfortunately seen over the past three years, we live in a world in which countries ignore sovereign borders, advancing their claims through violence and destruction, he said.

The envoy highlighted the work being done by India and the US under frameworks such as the initiative for Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), the Strategic Trade Dialogue, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), the Artemis Accords and Quad. The iCET has been turbo-charged to encompass space, artificial intelligence, health and semiconductors.

On delays in US visas, Garcetti said his country wants to eliminate barriers and expand visa operations. Were currently processing more visas, faster, than the US mission in India ever has before. We set a goal for ourselves to process at least a million visas in 2023, and were already more than halfway towards reaching that goal, he said.

Wait times for first-time tourist visa interviews have fallen by more than 50% and the US will find innovative solutions, such as reducing the need for in-person interviews.

Garcetti also said that investing in people also means standing up for the rights of everyone, especially the marginalised and most vulnerable. India is a country of tremendous diversity, with different faiths and the US will continue to engage on human rights issues, as we have always done, and as we do in all countries around the world.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rezaul H Laskar Rezaul H Laskar is the Foreign Affairs Editor at Hindustan Times. His interests include movies and music. ...view detail
Prime Minister Narendra Modis first visit to Egypt last week may have got into the shadow of his pathbreaking state visit to US but the Indian leader, perhaps for the first time, personally initialed the bilateral Strategic Partnership document with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and opened a new chapter with the Arab world. This was the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister after then PM I K Gujral in 1997. PM Narendra Modi with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi

While the public focus was on bilateral economic cooperation and Global South cooperation, the key aim for India was to reach out to Egypt, which is still the headquarters of the Arab League and considered a leader of the Arab World. The visit came at a time when there is on-going tussle between Sunni Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Shia Iran and Turkiye, legatee of the Ottoman Empire, over the leadership of the Islamic world.

Although PM Modi has visited Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Iran with Turkiye President Recep Erdogan coming to India, the reach out to Egypt, the seat of Islamic learning, was to cover the vital gap. Both India and Egypt are on the same page when it comes to countering religious radicalization with President Sisi showing his firmness against the Muslim Brotherhood and its radical affiliates all over the Middle East. Saudi Arabia and UAE have also banned the Muslim Brotherhood and designated its affiliates as terrorist groups but countries like Qatar, Kuwait and even Shia Iran share a cosy relationship with this pan-Islamic network.

President Sisi has gone on record stating that Muslim Brotherhood had been eating the mind and body of Egypt for 90 years. He said that groups like the Brotherhood gnawed at the state and created a culture of doubt and mistrust, and he warned against allowing countries to be destroyed from within, creating millions of refugees and generations of extremists, and releasing untold damage on the wider region for decades. It is under President Sisis rule that Egypt has taken a turn towards moderation without giving up on its traditional Islamic roots and past civilization culture.

With President Sisi being made the Chief Guest at 2023 Republic Day parade over other international leaders and his returning to India in September as a special invitee for the G-20 summit in New Delhi, PM Modi has signaled intensification and revival of the bilateral relationship. The coming days will perhaps see increased Indian engagement with the African continent.

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NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force is preparing to host a mega exercise later this year that is expected to bring together 12 air forces, with the focus being on improving interoperability, imbibing best practices from one another and boosting military cooperation among the participating countries, officials aware of the matter said on Wednesday. The 'Bone' Rockwell B1 Lancer of the United States Air Force (USAF) flying with other participating fighter aircraft during Exercise Cope India 23 in April (IAF Twitter/ANI)

The exercise, named Tarang Shakti, will be the biggest multi-nation air exercise to be conducted in the country and will involve fighter jets, military transport aircraft, mid-air refuellers and airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft, HT has learnt.

Tarang Shakti is in the planning stage and is likely to be conducted in October-November, said one of the officials cited above, asking not to be named. Six air forces will participate in the exercise, while the rest will attend the aerial drills as observers, said a second official, who also asked not to be named. The air forces of the US, the UK, France and Australia are among those likely to take part in the exercise.

The IAF has emerged as a partner of choice for joint exercises for several air forces. This year, the IAF has participated in joint drills in France, Greece, Japan and the UK so far.

To be sure, while Tarang Shakti will be the biggest multilateral exercise to be conducted in India, the IAF has taken part in several such drills on foreign soil.

The IAFs French-origin Rafale fighter jets debuted in an overseas exercise in April. Exercise Orion was held at the Mont-de-Marsan airbase in France from April 17 to May 5, and involved the air forces of the host nation, the US, the UK, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, and Spain. Four Indian Rafales, two C-17 heavy lifters, two ll-78 refuellers and 165 air warriors took part in the exercise.

In April-May, the IAF took part in the INIOCHOS exercise hosted by the Hellenic Air Force at the Andravida air base in Greece. The IAF took part in the exercise with four Su-30 MKI fighters and two C-17 heavy-lifters.

In April, the air forces of India and the US conducted Exercise Cope India 2023 across three bases in the country  Kalaikunda, Panagarh and Agra.

Two US B-1 supersonic heavy bombers also took part in Exercise Cope India 2023 for the first time.

The bilateral exercise involved four US F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets, two C-130J special operations aircraft, and a C-17 heavy-lifter. The IAF aircraft included Su-30s, Rafales, Jaguars, Tejas light combat aircraft, C-17s and C-130Js.
India faces the possibility of losing one of its largest markets for basmati rice exports, Iran, following the depletion of rupee reserves held by the West Asian nation in recent weeks, people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday. The basmati rice industry witnessed moderation over the last few years on the back of subdued international demand, partly attributable to the delay in resumption of imports by Iran.(HT File Photo)

The issue has also hit the export of other commodities such as tea and pharmaceuticals to Iran, the people added. Iran has been paying for imports by using rupee reserves built up from oil exports to India, before New Delhi stopped buying Iranian crude in mid-2019 because of US sanctions on Tehran.

While the Iranian side has been working on ways to resume basmati rice imports from India, importers in that country have begun exploring the option of increasing rice procurements from other producers such as Pakistan, Turkey and Thailand, the people said.

Read | India-Russia oil trade: Lessons from Iran

Iran imported almost a million tonnes of the aromatic rice from India in 2022-23, 20.35% of the total basmati exports of 4.5 million tonnes from the country.

Two persons, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said India-Iran trade has fallen sharply since 2019-20 after New Delhi stopped buying Iranian crude in May 2019. Till then, Iran was among the top three suppliers of energy to the country, along with Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

It seems Iran has exhausted all its rupee reserves, and thereby trade in local currencies of the respective countries is not possible, one person said.

Read here: Indias Rupee trade sets example; How Iran is ditching the U.S. dollar in Africa

A second person, an expert on Indias currency management, said: As far as I know, there may not be any trade in local currencies (rupee-rial trade).

The Iranian side flagged the issue to the Indian side in several recent meetings and offered to resume oil exports as a way to build up rupee reserves held in India, the people said. The Iranian side also pointed to Indias purchase of Russian crude in the face of Western sanctions and contended New Delhi should adopt a similar approach to resuming procurement of Iranian energy, the people added.

Iran has been either the largest or second-largest importer of Indian basmati since 2014-15, according to government data. It was the largest importer of the commodity in 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2021-22. Iran imported 935,567 metric tonnes of basmati in 2014-15, and the amount peaked in 2018-19 at 1.4 million metric tonnes. The figure for 2022-23 was 998,879 metric tonnes. Iran was the fourth largest buyer of Indian tea during 2022-23, with imports worth $68 million.

According to official data, Indias trade with Iran fell sharply in 2019-20, compared to the previous fiscal. Imports, mainly Iranian crude, fell about 90% to $1.4 billion, as compared to $13.53 billion in 2018-19.

The year-on-year fall was not that sharp (less than 5%) for Indias exports to Iran, which were worth $3.37 billion in 2019-20, compared to $3.51 billion in FY19.

India imported about 23.5 million tonnes of Iranian crude, almost one-tenth of its total requirement in 2018-19, on lucrative terms such as a 60-day credit and other discounts. Besides crude, India mainly imported petroleum products, dye intermediaries and fruits from Iran and primarily exported basmati rice.

Other key Indian exports included tea, sugar and pharmaceuticals.

The trade balance, in favour of Iran before May 2019, gradually shifted in favour of India after it halted crude imports. In 2022-23, India exported goods worth $1.66 billion (mainly basmati rice), but its imports from Iran were worth only $672 million.

In the first month of the current fiscal (April 2023), India exported goods worth $123 million (mainly basmati rice), marking a 1.06% year-on-year growth, but imports contracted by 7.24% to $69 million.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rezaul H Laskar Rezaul H Laskar is the Foreign Affairs Editor at Hindustan Times. His interests include movies and music. ...view detail
India cannot allow cross-border terrorism to become the basis of starting a discussion with Pakistan, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday. Jaishankar said it is not possible to have a normal relationship with Pakistan until there is an abrogation of this policy of cross-border terrorism, calling it a fairly commonsense proposition. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressing a townhall meeting, at India International Centre (IIC) in New Delhi on Wednesday.(ANI)

Pakistan obviously is the exception when it comes to the neighbourhood. The fact is we cant allow terrorism to be normalised. We can not allow that to become a basis to come into discussion with Pakistan, Jaishankar said.

To me, it's a fairly commonsense proposition. If anything, I'm still a little perplexed by why we have not arrived at this position earlier. But we have arrived at it now, the minister said.

And the issue really is that until there is abrogation of this policy of cross-border terrorism, clearly it is not possible to have a normal relationship.

Jaishankar was addressing a townhall meeting at India International Centre (IIC) in New Delhi.

On the handling of pro-Khalistani elements by the Canadian government, Jaishankar said it seems to be driven by vote-bank politics.

Their responses have been constrained by what they regard as vote bank compulsions.

"We have made it very clear that if there are activities in Canada that impinge on our national security or territorial integrity, then we will have to respond. You can see that this has impacted our ties in many ways in the last few years."

Jaishankar's rebuke

This is not the first time that Jaishankar has hit out at Canada for its apparent tolerance of pro-Khalistan elements. A major row erupted earlier this month after some Khalistan supporters floated a tableau depicting former prime minister Indira Gandhi and her assassins, who were the members of her security.

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, Jaishankar had said while addressing the media.

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Dear resident of Europe, The smoke cloud produced by the multiple wildfires ongoing in Canadas Quebec is seen over the city of Vigo, northwestern Spain, on Monday. (AFP)

I write to you from a city where the air quality is consistently among the worst. But Tuesday was one of the rare days here, in Delhi, where the sun rose to a crisp blue sky, punctuated only by monsoon rainclouds. For part of the morning, the city was not even in the top 10 list of IQ Airs live polluted cities ranking  it was 11th, below Chicago, Minneapolis and Detroit. Over a billion of us, including our neighbours in Pakistan, Nepal and China, are used to breathing the sort of air that you got a taste (and smell) of this month.

Wildfires in Canada sent up plumes of smoke that are now smothering your cities. Soot-filled clouds have crossed the Atlantic and are shrouding skies as far away as southwestern Europe. And just weeks ago, New York was lit in a dystopian orange hue, its iconic skyline muddied by a blanket of haze.

Setting aside a tinge of schadenfreude  we in the developing world often look on in silent disbelief as your mishaps make primetime while our tragedies are bottom-of-the-screen tickers  I write to you in a spirit of empathy. Living with air pollution changes a significant part of you, especially your relationship with the outdoors.

At first, it is just the smell and the sight. For us, blue skies are now conspicuous for how rare they are; bright sunshine is when we know it is a good day to go out for a jog; and the way the air smells in the morning can determine whether its worth skipping school.

Then the effect the air on your body becomes clear: your throat itches, your skin breaks out, a dull, but constant, headache keeps thrumming, and  for some  it triggers asthma. It soon brings in new ways of living: air purifiers become a common fixture in homes and offices, government warnings now include smog advisories, and barbecues? Those probably get banned when the weatherfolk predict a spell of bad air.

Even vocabularies change. You talk of the weather in terms of AQI, or air quality index, and you learn what PM2.5 is, how it is 30 times smaller than the width of a single strand of human hair and can reach deep into your lungs and poison you slowly. A rainy day is not what you save for, but one on which you take a deep breath of relief as the soot in the air is washed away. The media is full of new but predictable verbs (like choking and toxic) and puns (like airpocalpyse) to describe the situation.

More than a billion of us are used to living with this new normal  not by choice but compulsion. Which brings me to the part of what you can, and must, do as you face a burning crisis that we have not been able to douse.

And the most important of these is to look the problem in the face: Air pollution is here to stay. The wildfires in Canada, and in other parts of Europe, are almost certain to worsen as the climate warms. Carbon emissions that all of us (but mostly you and your friends across the pond) have sent into the atmosphere for decades means the world is on an unstoppable trajectory to a situation where many of your forests will become warmer and drier, turning into acres of tinder that will ignite this air quality crisis over and over again. This means that there is no space for ambiguity and misinformation on the realities of the climate emergency.

Which brings me to the second point: Listen to science. We are yet to unravel the true toll bad air takes on us, but it is now certainly linked to millions of premature deaths. Science is the only differentiator between meaningful steps and meaningless political stunts. Here, millions have been spent in ineffective solutions like smog towers (these are giant air purifiers that do little to improve air quality) instead of prioritising resources on better uses such as air quality monitoring stations. An air pollution problem turns into a crisis when it is already too late, making foresight the most important strategy. It is only science that can counter such short-sighted thinking.

Third, protect the vulnerable. Lower middle-income countries such as ours have limited per capita resources to reach those at the highest risk of air pollution harms. People who work in low-paying, labour-intensive jobs, or those who live in crowded tenements and slums, face significantly worse exposure to toxic air than their wealthier neighbours, who have the luxury to remain indoors with their air purifiers purring away. The poor are also the least likely to get quality healthcare when the air they are exposed to leads to breathing difficulties and cardiac problems.

Fourth, work together. This will arguably be the toughest challenge. The very nature of air pollution makes it invisible, especially when it is not an active crisis. Dealing with the crisis requires striking a balance between short-term constraints and long-term objectives. For instance, a ban on polluting coal power plants can lead to an immediate rise in costs but can help catalyse a longer-term switch to cleaner energy. Working together will also involve politicians and policymakers to overcome their own differences. The challenge here too has been demonstrated in painful detail when nation-states sit down for the UN Climate Conference, where consensus on sharing responsibility and resources is still elusive.

Fifth, use your privilege. Your influence on scientific research, industry and global policy is far beyond the developing worlds. The asymmetry in understanding and solving problems facing the poor is more successfully addressed when the same problems affect the rich or the more privileged. Use this sway to bring polluting companies to book, to push the envelope of technologies that can lead to a cleaner environment  at scale and cheaply  and, hopefully, bring the sort of global action that the air pollution crisis needs.

In other words, we  in India, Bangladesh, China and Pakistan  pray for a Manhattan Project to solve air pollution, now that Manhattan knows what a toxic haze is.

Yours truly,

A Delhi resident
Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh and security advisor Kuldiep Singh on Tuesday held two separate meetings with representatives of Meira Paibi (womens group) and the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI). Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh in Imphal East on Tuesday. (PTI)

This came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting with home minister Amit Shah and other senior ministers during which he was briefed about the steps taken in Manipur to restore normalcy in the state. The meeting with women representatives is crucial and relevant in the backdrop of several cases of protest led by women in different parts of the state.

The Army had on Monday night tweeted that mobs led by women in Manipur were deliberately blocking routes and interfering in the operations of security forces. The army also released a two-minute 12-second video that put together purported visuals from a number of operations and levelled four serious allegations  that women protesters were helping rioters flee, interfering in operations during the day or at night, interfering in the movement of logistics, and digging up the entry points to the Assam Rifles camp to cause delays.

Officials aware of meetings said the first meeting was with Meira Paibi representatives and the second was with the COCOMI.

A COCOMI spokesperson confirmed that their senior women representatives and consultative committee met the chief minister and other top officers. Our women leaders told them why some groups are protesting. The women, who have come out on the streets do not have confidence in the security forces. The security advisor and chief minister told us the steps that they are taking as part of confidence-building measures and the security arrangements.

Meanwhile, police and security officials in Manipur are analysing the deployment pattern of the nearly 500 women personnel from paramilitary forces currently posted in the state and also assessing if there is a need for more women battalions in the state.

During a meeting of top police officers, senior officials from paramilitary forces on Tuesday along with the state security advisor, Kuldiep Singh, the issue of deployment of women personnel or the need to get more was taken up.

One officer, aware of the details of the meeting, said, The topic was discussed because of the media reports and from security agencies that mobs led by women are blocking roads. While some officers suggested getting more battalions, the idea was dropped for now because the women protesters are not armed.

The official added that the current strength of women personnel will be posted according to the need and reports by security forces.

The women officers will be posted in and near buffer zones in places where there is a mixed population of both tribals and non-tribals. The vulnerable areas have already been marked, where additional personnel of paramilitary forces will be sent, said an official aware of the details of Tuesdays meetings.

HT contacted Manipur DGP Rajiv Singh, but the officer was not available to comment.

A second officer present in the meeting said that police across districts have been directed to take help of elected representatives to ensure that roads are not blocked by mobs.

Within the next two days, we will see reduction the number of blockades. We are hopeful. The elected representatives have been advised to speak to the locals and ensure that mobs do not block roads or case hindrance in the operation, said the officer.

At least 115 people have died in the clashes that first broke out on May 3 in Churachandpur town after tribal Kuki groups called for protests against a court-proposed tweak to the states reservation matrix, granting scheduled tribe (ST) status to the majority Meitei community. 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. The authorities clamped a curfew and suspended internet services, pumping in additional security forces to force a break in the spiralling clashes.

To be sure, no fatalities have been reported from the state since June 13, with the authorities maintaining that the law and order situation is much better in the state.

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Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday launched a scheme that gives a one time financial assistance of 1000 for those that are still taking shelter at relief centres, even as the government came under sharp criticism from civil society groups after it issued no work no pay instructions to government employees that have gone missing from offices in the ethnic violence hit state. The groups have argued that those missing from their places of work have fled their homes for fear of attack, and it would be inhumane for the government to force them to return. Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh in Imphal on Tuesday. (PTI)

On Tuesday, government officials said the financial assistance will be given to 50,648 displaced persons in 349 relief camps in the state. Chief Minister Singh said that the government has been taking all possible steps to provide shelter to those affected by the violence that has roiled the state since May 3, and said that more temporary housing facilities are being constructed for those displaced. Biren Singh said, The State Government is committed to assist the affected people and provide basic needs to the victims. Extended financial aid & assistance as a part of the ongoing measures to provide relief and rehabilitation to the displaced persons.

There was however opposition to a government circular dated June 26, issued by Michael Achom, secretary of the general administration department that asked all administrative secretaries to furnish details of those employees that have not attended official duty. All employees drawing their salaries from general administration department, Manipur secretariat are informed that no work, no pay may be invoked for all those employees who do not attend their official duty without authorised leave, the circular said.

Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), a conglomeration of Kuki groups in Churachandpur district however called the move unrealistic, insensitive and malafide. Their home, properties, personal documents and belongings have been looted and burned, leaving them without any means to return to work or their residences, group said, urging the state government to withdraw it.

The violence has affected employees from both communities. We expect the Manipur government employees association will soon deliberate on the circular and come out with reactions, said Khuraijam Athouba, spokesperson for Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an apex body of civil society groups in Imphal, which is dominated by Meiteis.

HT was not able to contact office-bearers of Manipur Government Services Federation or the Manipur Secretariat Services Association for their reactions to the government circular.

Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex organisation of Kuki tribes expressed strong resentment against the government circular and said it would put the lives of many employees, who have fled their homes and posting and now living in other places, at risk. It exposes the communal Manipur governments constant piecemeal ploy to achieve forced peace, KIM said.

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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
Days after Muslim families of the Uttarakhand town of Purola began returning to their homes and opening their businesses  they fled in early June in the wake of threats from right-wing Hindu groups  they have been instructed by the same groups and also local market associations to not congregate for Eid ul-Zuha, even inside a home. Police personnel keep vigil as Section 144 imposed in Purola on June 15 to maintain peace and order and to prevent a 'Mahapanchayat, in Uttarkashi. (ANI)

The festival falls on June 29.

The communal flare up started with the attempt to abduct a minor girl on May 27, but despite one of the two accused being Hindu and arrests being made the very next day, right-wing groups led a protest in Purola , identified (and marked) shops owned and leased by Muslims, and even vandalised some of the outlets. Over the following five days, more violence followed, and posters asking Muslim traders and families to leave began cropping up around town. The state government seemed to agree with the right-wing groups with the chief minister speaking about a conspiracy to occupy land. There was a plan to hold a Hindu mahapanchayat on June 15, which was then stayed by the Uttarakhand High Court, but most of the 40-45 Muslim families chose to leave, taking shelter with relatives in Dehradun or in parts of western Uttar Pradesh.

On Monday, HT reported that at least 20 families had chosen to return and resume their businesses. But on Wednesday, Virendra Rawat, working president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) said that they had demanded that namaaz not happen, even inside the private confines of their homes, because it is provocative for them. Rawat said, Our view is that namaz congregation shouldnt happen even at home. We raised our objections at different forums. They [Muslims] have agreed to it. It is provocative for our community and can disturb the peace here. They have a hidden intention.

66-year-old Balle Khan, who moved to Purola in 1978 from Uttar Pradeshs Bijnor said that every year, he organises gatherings of between 70-80 locals in his home, to offer namaaz during Eid. This year however, the community has taken a collective decision to avoid conducting the prayers. Khans 40-year-old son Mohammed Ashraf said, When a protest march was carried out by right-wing organisations on May 29, we heard that one of the reasons for targeting us was that we organise namaz gatherings during Eid festival at our home. The same objection was raised in a meeting with the district magistrate (DM) before the proposed mahapanchayat on June 15. Thats why we have decided not to organise gatherings at our homes this time.

Another Muslim family, that did not want to be identified , said that the only reason they had agreed to do this was the fear of another outbreak of violence. Even though we know no law restricts us from offering namaz inside our homes, we fear that it would trigger communal tension. We will become targets again. At the end of the day, we have to live here for the rest of life. We cant take such a risk, the man of the house said.

The market associations agree with the Hindu groups.

Brij Mohan Chauhan, president of Purola Vyapar Mandal, said, Locals raised their voices against a gathering for namaz at Balle Khans house. When unidentified people come there to offer namaz, it can lead to any situation and threaten religious harmony.

The episode shows that communal tensions are still simmering in Purola. The administration must redouble its efforts to safeguard the constitutional rights of all its citizens, bolster the law-and-order machinery and forestall any future efforts to drive a wedge between communities.

SMA Kazmi, Dehradun-based political analyst, said, Article 25 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion to all persons in India. Why should anybody have a problem if anybody offers namaz within the walls of their house? Its another attempt to pressurise Muslims living in Purola for decades (to leave) and a clear targeting of the community They have decided not to congregate for Eid namaz out of fear.

The police insist that the decision was voluntary.

Ashok Chakravarty, Station House Officer (SHO) at Purola Police Station said, We organised a peace meeting on Wednesday to ensure peace and harmony during Eid ul-Zuha. It was their (Muslims) own decision to not organise any gathering for Eid at home.
Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel's party rival TS Singh Deo has ruled out the possibility of changing the CM face ahead of the assembly elections due in November. Deo, who was among the frontrunners for the top post in the 2018 assembly election, said that the Congress party will fight on the basis of its work during the last five years. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge was presented with a bouquet by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel during the meeting with the state party leaders, at AICC headquarters, in New Delhi on Wednesday. Party leader Rahul Gandhi is also seen. (ANI Photo)

We are getting very positive reports from surveys and media reports. Whatever we have done, we will fight on that, Singh Deo said.

Whenever you are in government, you will be able to do something but also you will not be able to satisfy somebody. We will keep all those things in mind and make a strategy, he added.

When asked about the possibility of a new chief ministerial face, the state health minister said, There is no question of changing the CM face.

His statement came after top leaders of the Congress discussed the party's strategy and poll preparedness in Chhattisgarh. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chief Rahul Gandhi, Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel, TS Singh Deo, besides the party's in-charge for the state Kumari Selja and general secretary, organisation, K C Venugopal were among the leaders who attended the meeting at the party headquarters in New Delhi.

During the meeting, deliberations were held on the Congress' strategy going forward.

Baghel later said on Twitter that the party was ready for assembly polls and the meeting discussed the changes in the lives of people following the 'Nava Chhattisgarh' model initiated by the Congress government in the state.

The Chhattisgarh Congress in-charge Kumari Selja stressed that the strategy of this years elections was to uphold the constitutional values of our country and work hand in hand; unlike the BJPs trap to promote communal hate and divide politics.

The target is to uphold the constitutional values of our country however it is evident that the BJP has been banking on nothing but its communal agenda. We can never fall into the BJPs trap as it is short-term whereas the Congress ideologies and guiding forces are beyond all these which keeps the nation and society as whole above all, Selja said.

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New Delhi: Following requests from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Sikkim government, the union environment ministry has clarified that compensatory afforestation can be carried out in degraded forest land, unclassed forests, and the so-called orange lands of central India, in an area that is double that being developed, based on a certificate issued by states with more than 33% forest cover. PREMIUM Compensatory afforestation is a means to offset the loss of forests due to diversion for various infrastructure and development projects by planting trees over the same extent of area in non-forest land (HT)

Compensatory afforestation is a means to offset the loss of forests due to diversion for various infrastructure and development projects by planting trees over the same extent of area in non-forest land.

The Forest Conservation Rules 2022 state that a user agency (of any infrastructure project) shall provide land which is neither notified as forest nor managed as forest by the forest department and it shall also bear the cost of raising compensatory afforestation over such land.

Only in exceptional circumstances, when the suitable non-forest land is not available and a certificate to this effect is given by the state government, compensatory afforestation may be considered on degraded forest land which is twice in extent to the area, for Central Government agencies or Central Public Sector Undertakings, and only on a case-to-case basis, it adds.

HT reported on August 27, 2020 that the Union environment ministry allowed Central agencies to take up compensatory afforestation in degraded forest land instead of non-forest land. But the 2022 rules removed the provision allowing it only for exceptional cases.

The Chairman, NHAI on March 3, 2023 requested the ministry to restore the provision for projects implemented by the Central government. NHAI said proposals submitted after September, 2022 are stalled at the level of Project Screening Committee/CF/DFO (forest department) due to the demand for non-forest land for compensatory afforestation. Forest Officials, it added, are insisting that NHAI provide suitable non-forest land as per the Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2022 dated June 28, 2022.

NHAIs request was considered by the ministrys Forest Advisory Committee on March 24. On June 13, in a letter to all state governments and UTs, seen by HT, the ministry has clarified that degraded forest land can be utilised for compensatory afforestation in states with high forest cover.

Experts said the clarification indicates that there is an extreme paucity of non-forest land which is impacting acquisition of land for compensatory afforestation.

They also said use of so called degraded forests can impact rights of local people and biodiversity in the region. Earlier this year , the ministrys decision to allow compensatory afforestation for the loss of forests in Great Nicobar Island in Haryanas Aravallis was criticised by ecologists. The Forest Conservation Rules 2022 do have a provision to make way for loss of forests in states with forest cover of more than one-third of its geographical area to be compensated in states with less than 20% forest cover.

In the June 13 letter, the ministry added: The non-availability of suitable non-forest land for compensatory afforestation in the State/Union Territory will be accepted by the Central Government only on the basis of a Certificate of the State Government /Union territory Administration to that effect in respect of States/UTs having forest area more than 33% of the geographical area in the prescribed format. The ministry has said it will consider any degraded forest land for the purpose of CA selected by the state provided it has less than 40% crown density. Crown density refers to the ratio of vegetation to ground as seen from the air.

Further, revenue lands/zudpi jungle/chhote/bade jhar ka jungle/jungle-jhari land/civil-soyam/orange lands and all other such categories of forest lands not under management and/or administrative control of the State/UT Forest Department, on which the provisions of FC Act, 1980 are applicable, can be considered for the purpose of compensatory afforestation, the letter said. More than half the villages of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are affected by a peculiar issue of tenurial ambiguity because of overlapping claims by revenue and forest departments. This issue impacts nearly 1.2 million hectares that are called orange lands and 1.5 million, largely poor, landless and tribal families, that depend on these lands for food, fuel, fodder and other sources of income according to an analysis by World Resources Institute.

In Arunachal Pradesh, Degraded Unclassed Forests (USF) can be considered for compensatory afforestation and in Himachal Pradesh wasteland which come under the category of Protected Forests but has neither been demarcated on the ground nor transferred and mutated in the name of forest department in the revenue records, shall be considered for the purpose, the letter explained. The cost of plantation of ten times the number of trees likely to be felled will have to be paid for by the user agency.

This clarification once again brings to light the need for making land available for compensatory afforestation to accommodate the loss of forest land for industrial and infrastructure expansion. This issue of land deficit has been a legacy concern in operationalising compensatory afforestation. The lands referred to in the clarification are often fraught with ownership disputes and access rights, said Kanchi Kohli, legal and policy researcher.

Unclassed forests basically mean forests that are not notified. Degraded forests do not have a definition or guideline. So, these categories can be misused. They may have a sparse canopy cover but such lands may be important ecological entities also. They support local ecosystems and biodiversity in many cases. Such plantations will then involve clearing of existing vegetation and undergrowth to make way for plantations at industrial scale of just one or two species. But this shouldnt be done at the cost of local biodiversity, micro flora and fauna. Forests are not just standing trees, they are much more, said Debadityo Sinha, Lead- Climate & Ecosystems, Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday carried out searches at the houses of three absconding suspects in the case related to Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) member Praveen Nettarus murder in Karnatakas Dakshina Kannada district in July last year, people familiar with the matter said. NIA said PFI has been indulging in targeted hate killings. (HT PHOTO)

The raids were conducted as part of NIAs efforts to arrest the absconders including Abdul Nasir and Abdul Rahaman. Electronic gadgets and documents were recovered during the searches.

All three are suspected of harbouring the main assailants of Parveen Nettaru at various hideouts across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu...five other accused are still absconding in the case, which NIA had taken over in August 2022, NIA said in a statement on Wednesday.

So far, 21 people, including the absconders, have been charge sheeted under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, Indian Penal Code, and the Arms Act.

The Popular Front of India (PFI)s Killer Squads or Service Teams are accused of hacking Nettaru to death.

NIA said PFI has been indulging in such targeted hate killings to drive a communal wedge and spread communal hatred with its ultimate objective of establishing Islamic rule in India by 2047. Efforts to track down the absconding accused are continuing.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday extended its in principle support to Uniform Civil Code (UCC) but added that there should be wide consultations with all the stakeholders. PM Modi with Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee. (File)

Read here: What is Uniform Civil Code? Constitutional provisions, arguments | Explained

"In principle, we support Uniform Civil Code (UCC) as Article 44 also says that there should be UCC in the country. However, it should be implemented after wider consultation with everyone. We feel that there should be wide consultation with all religions, political parties and organizations and a consensus should be built," AAP national general secretary Sandeep Pathak told news agency PTI.

While making a strong push for UCC, PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that India cannot run with "two laws" when the Constitution of India talks about equality for all. He asked how different rules could apply to different family members.

While addressing BJP workers under the party's "Mera Booth Sabse Majboot" campaign in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, he said, "Will a family function if there are two different sets of rules for people? Then how will a country run? Our Constitution too guarantees equal rights to all people."

Read here: Family, nation not same; UCC can't be forced: Chidambaram's criticism

Meanwhile, Congress criticised the prime minister's pitch for the UCC as a diversionary tactic without going into the debate over a single set of rules for all religions in the country.

Congress leader P Chidambaram said the comparison between a family and the nation to justify Uniform Civil Code like PM Modi did in his address to the party workers in Madhya Pradesh is flawed.

"A family is knit together by blood relationships. A nation is brought together by a Constitution which is a political-legal document. Even in a family, there is diversity. The Constitution of India recognised diversity and plurality among the people of India," Chidambaram said

Read here: Family, nation not same; UCC can't be forced: Chidambaram's criticism

The Uniform Civil Code is a proposal to formulate and implement personal laws of citizens which apply equally regardless of their religion, sex, gender and sexual orientation. Currently, the personal laws of various communities are governed by their religious scriptures.

The code comes under Article 44 of the Constitution which lays down that the state shall endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for the citizens throughout the territory of India.

(With inputs from agencies)
Judicial custody of Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji, which ended on June 28, has been extended until July 12, people aware of the matter said on Wednesday. An ambulance brings arrested Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji to a private hospital for further treatment. (PTI)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), who arrested Balaji on June 14, produced him before the Chennai principal sessions judge, S Alli, via video conference on Wednesday since the minister is still in a private hospital after undergoing heart surgery.

The minister has been hospitalised since his arrest under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in a case which dates back to 2014 when he was transport minister under the previous All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) regime. He joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in 2018.

He (minister) told the judge that he is still in pain. His judicial custody has been extended by another two weeks, said one of his lawyers, who did not wish to be named.

Judge Alli had on June 14 visited Balaji in the Omandurar government medical college and remanded him to judicial custody until June 28 but allowed him to stay in the hospital. The next day, she allowed ED eight days of custodial interrogation but allowed the federal agency to investigate the minister only within the hospital premises.

Following a nod from the Madras high court, Balaji was shifted to his choice of Kauvery Hospital where he underwent a beating heart coronary artery bypass surgery on June 21.

The ED has told the sessions court that they have not been able to question the arrested minister due to his health condition and hospital restrictions.

The extension of judicial custody comes a day after the Madras high court reserved its verdict in a case where the ministers wife, S Megala, sought to declare his arrest as illegal.

The ED, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, argued on Tuesday that if the agency believed a person is punishable under PMLA, they had the authority to arrest the person.

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Hyderabad After years of struggle, adivasis of Telangana are going to get title deeds for the forest land in their possession in which they have been undertaking podu cultivation. Ministers and MLAs of their respective districts will take part in the ceremonies and hand over the pattas to the tribals (HT Photo)

Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao will launch the distribution of title deeds to tribals in Asifabad district headquarters on June 30, the chief ministers office said in a statement.

The distribution of title deeds will take place in other districts on the same day. Ministers and MLAs of their respective districts will take part in the ceremonies and hand over the pattas to the tribals, the statement said.

In all, 4,01,405 acres of forest land would be distributed among 150,224 adivasis in 2,845 tribal hamlets identified as having possession of these lands in which they have been doing podu cultivation, officials told the chief minister during a collectors conference held in May.

The beneficiaries were selected based on applications received in the past two years and scrutinised by forest and revenue department officials.

Not just distribution of pattas for the forest lands to the Adivasis, the chief minister also decided to extend them financial assistance of 10,000 per acre per year under Rythu Bandhu scheme. He wanted the tribal welfare department and the district collectors to help open bank accounts in the name of each beneficiary as soon as the land titles were given so that the Rythu Bandhu assistance could also be remitted immediately, the statement said.

Podu is a traditional form of shifting cultivation prevailing in the forest areas of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh in which tribal farmers resort to cutting and burning trees to clear the land for cultivation of food grains, spices and vegetables.

The adivasis, mostly belonging to particularly vulnerable tribal groups like Koyas, Gonds and Kolamis, practice podu cultivation. The central government enacted a legislation in 2006, known as the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, or the Forest Rights Act (FRA), under which tribal farmers who had occupied forest lands for podu cultivation before 2005 would be given title deeds for up to four acres of land.

On February 13, 2019, the Supreme Court ordered all states to evict tribes who had occupied forest lands after 2005 and whose claims were rejected under law.

However, following an appeal by the central government, the apex court on February 28 granted a stay on the implementation of the order, directing the states to submit whether due process had been followed in rejecting claims. The case is still pending in the Supreme Court.

In September 2021, the Telangana government announced it would resolve the genuine demands of the adivasis on podu cultivation and asked them to submit applications to grant title deeds for podu lands. The applications were received between November 8 to December 8, 2021.

As many as 3.95 lakh applications were received for granting of title deeds for the occupied forest lands in different parts of the state, according to a forest department official familiar with the development. In all, 12.60 lakh acres of forest land has been identified as under cultivation, mostly by adivasis, he said, declining to be named.

In 2022, the government had formed a committee to look into the applications seeking ownership titles. After scrutinising the applications, the department has identified 1.50 lakh beneficiaries in possession of over four lakh acres of podu land, the official said. If there are still any genuine applicants, they can still represent the government and, after scrutiny, they will also be given the title deeds.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Srinivasa Rao Apparasu Srinivasa Rao is Senior Assistant Editor based out of Hyderabad covering developments in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana . He has over three decades of reporting experience. ...view detail
HYDERABAD: The Telangana high court on Tuesday asked the state government to respond to a petition by environmentalists including two actors, Sri Divya and Renu Desai, against building the proposed aqua marine park at Kothwalguda on the outskirts of Hyderabad The petition said the artificial pond would pose a threat to the survival of marine fauna and would damage the natural ecosystem (Representative Image)

A bench of chief justice Ujjal Bhuyan and justice N Tukaramji issued notices to special chief secretary of municipal administration, Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) and the department of animal husbandry, dairy development and fisheries and told them to respond by August 4.

On May 12, HMDA called for bids to set up a tunnel aquarium or Aqua Marine Park inside the EcoHill Park at Kothwalguda at an estimated cost of 300 crore under DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer) mode.

The petition said the artificial pond would pose a threat to the survival of marine fauna and would damage the natural ecosystem. They also underlined that HMDA hadnt made an environmental impact assessment before taking up the project.

According to HMDAs proposal, the aqua marine park would have been Indias largest, across a built-up area of over 2,50,000 sq. ft at Kothwalguda eco park. The curved tunnel was planned to be a minimum of 100 metres diameter with a 3.5-metre walkway and a 180-degree view. The tunnel was proposed to be large enough to accommodate 2,500 people. Environmentalists underlined that the water volume was expected to be about three million litres for the aquarium and two million litres for the tunnel tank alone.

HMDAs proposal said: It will have over 300 species including freshwater, brackish water and marine/saline water species with a total of over 10,000 animals including fishes, reptiles and other marine and land-based creatures with a mix of ornamental fish, domestic and imported species. About 10 percent of the species would be changed or replaced with new species every year.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Srinivasa Rao Apparasu Srinivasa Rao is Senior Assistant Editor based out of Hyderabad covering developments in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana . He has over three decades of reporting experience. ...view detail
Visuals of an official from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department, accompanied by female police officers, entering the kanagasabai (court in the temple of the Hindu deity Shiva) in the famous Chidambaram Nataraja temple has further escalated tensions between the state government, the dikshithars (priests), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters, officials familiar with the matter said on Wednesday. The Chidambaram Nataraja temple has been embroiled in various controversies, including the recent investigation into the alleged child marriages taking place within its premises.

The temple, which is over 1,000 years old, has been embroiled in various controversies, including the recent investigation into the alleged child marriages taking place within its premises.

G. Chandrasekar, legal counsel for the podhu dikshidars (hereditary priests who manage the temple), stated on Wednesday that their intention is not to oppose the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government, but it is the state government that has repeatedly targeted the podhu dikshidars.

He added that the temple would legally defend itself if the HR&CE department attempted to take control of it.

Just a day ago, HR&CE minister Sekar Babu announced that the government is making efforts to bring the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple under the departments control.

If they take action, we will place our faith in Lord Nataraja and face them legally, said Chandrasekar.

On Tuesday, ten dikshidars were booked on charges of obstructing HR&CE officials from performing their duties when they entered the kanagasabai, a space considered sacred, officials said.

Chidambaram Dikshithars are booked under five sections of the Indian Penal Code, and further details are awaited, they added.

The issue began when the temple management erected a board stating that devotees would not be allowed to pray in the kanagasabai from June 24 to June 27 due to the ongoing Aani Thirumanjanam festival.

However, since the state government had previously passed an order allowing devotees to access this space, HR&CE officials attempted to remove the board but faced opposition from the temple management. Eventually, the officials managed to bring some devotees inside the kanagasabai on Tuesday night for prayers.

The state government will ensure that devotees can have darshan (viewing of the deity) without any hindrance. Efforts are being made to bring the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple under HR&CE, Minister Babu stated on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, BJP state vice president Narayanan Thirupathy accused the state government of engaging in vendetta politics.

We condemn the state government trying to take over the temple, said Thirupathy. They have no right to enter the premises of the temple. It is unconstitutional, unwarranted and unnecessary.

Former TN BJP chief and Governor of Telangana and Puducherry, Tamilisai Soundararajan also weighed in. The government and the dikshidars have to sit down and discuss a long-term solution instead of fighting, Soundararajan told reporters in TNs Tirunelveli.

However, A DMK leader not wishing to be named said that the state expected transparency in the administration of the temple but the dikshidars were being authoritarian.

They want the temple to be marked only for a particular sect, the leader said. We will take administrative control with the courts approval.

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Six people died and 15 others were injured as a Rath caught fire after coming in contact with a high-tension wire in Tripura's Unakoti district on Wednesday, police said. Thousands of people were pulling the Rath, made of iron, when it came in contact with a 133 kv overhead cable, (Representational Image)

The incident happened around 4.30 pm in Kumarghat area during the 'Ulta Rath Yatra' festival of Lord Jagannath, they said.

During this festival, the sibling deities -- Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhdara and Lord Jagannath -- return to their abode, a week after Rath Yatra.

Thousands of people were pulling the Rath, made of iron, when it came in contact with a 133 kv overhead cable, police said.

Also Read | One killed, 5 injured as balcony collapses during Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad

Six people died on the spot and 15 others received burn injuries, Assistant Inspector General (Law & Order) Jyotishman Das Chowdhury told PTI.

The injured were undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital, he said.

Their conditions were stated to be critical, officials said.

Chief Minister Manik Saha condoled the deaths.

"In a tragic accident at Kumarghat, several pilgrims lost their lives and several others were injured due to electrocution while pulling the 'Ulta Rath'. I am deeply saddened by this incident. Deepest condolences to the bereaved family. Also, I wish the injured persons a speedy recovery. The state government stands by them in this difficult time," he said.

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Union home minister Amit Shah will arrive in Bihar on Thursday days after 32 leaders from 15 parties met in Patna last week and all but one of them vowed to jointly take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and forge a common agenda ahead of the 2024 national elections. Union home minister Amit Shah. (Twitter)

Bihar BJP chief Samrat Choudhary said the visit is part of the partys outreach on the completion of nine years of Prime Minister Narendra Modis government. He dismissed the gathering of non-BJP parties, saying they do not attach much importance to it, especially in Bihar as long as chief minister Nitish Kumar is their face. We may have to think a bit only if there is a new face on the other side in Bihar. ...people do not look beyond a decisive and sensitive Modi as the Prime Minister, who has positioned India as a country heard on every global platform.

He said over 100,000 people will gather to listen to Shah in Lakhisarai. Choudhary said the fragility of the non-BJP parties was evident before they could sit together in Patna. ...it [the opposition unity] would disintegrate due to their contradictions...it is a group solely working to protect its self-interest.

He dismissed the BJPs opponents as dynasts and corrupt. ...the kind of trust deficit they have, everyone knows why they are joining hands. It is sheer fear of getting caught.... the BJP is a democratic party. Today, some leader is there, tomorrow someone else will be there. ...for others, it is all in families for generations.

BJP lawmaker Sushil Kumar Modi said Shah and BJP chief JP Naddas visit to the state was part of the BJPs Bihar plan. He added they will address people and gather feedback. It would certainly expose people such as Lalan Singh, who could become MP [member of Parliament] only because of the support of the BJP, he said referring to the ruling Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) lawmaker from Munger. Lakhisarai is part of Munger Lok Sabha seat.

He said Singh could win in 2009 and 2019 due to the BJPs support but now he has speaking against the party since JD(U) quit the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) last year. Such people need to be exposed and they will get automatically exposed.

He said Shah will understandably speak about the Modi governments achievements in taking India forward and why the opposition parties are so jittery to save their skin. If the opposition leaders are facing the music, it is because of their deeds, which the people are also aware of.

Former Bihar assembly speaker Vijay Kumar Sinha said the people were eager to welcome Shah. He added Shah has been working tirelessly with Modi and that the opposition parties were upset with Indias rise.

Shah will send a strong message. There will also be a message for JD(U) president Lalan Singh that his time is up and the people of Lakhisarai will teach him a lesson for playing into the hands of those who thrive on appeasement politics and corruption.

Singh said Shah keeps visiting Bihar and anybody is free to go anywhere. He is doing what he should, but the people of Bihar cannot fall for rhetoric. They are politically mature. They have seen who has developed Bihar and they acknowledge Nitish Kumars contribution.

Union ministers Nityanand Rai and Giriraj Singh have been camping in Bihar for over a week holding public meetings and interacting with people to highlight the achievements of the Modi government.

In the 2019 national polls, NDA won 39 of the 40 seats in Bihar. The BJP got 17, JD (U) 16, and Lok Janshakti Party six.

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Chennai: Tamil Nadus Periyar University on Tuesday withdrew its circular issued on June 26 asking students not to wear black clothes during the convocation ceremony, scheduled to be held on June 28. The ceremony at the state-run institution in the states Salem district will be presided over by governor R N Ravi. The circular came at a time when certain groups have announced a black flag protest against the governor in Salem on Wednesday, for acting against the interests of Tamil Nadu. (ANI)

On June 26, the Periyar University registrar, K Thangavel, issued a circular directing students not to wear black clothes and bring their mobile phones on the instruction of the Salem police.

The circular went viral on social media on Tuesday, and created a controversy, with several people pointing out that social reformer Periyar- E V Ramasamy, considered the father of the Dravidian movement, always wore black.

After the backlash, the institution decided to withdraw the circular. Considering the welfare of the students and parents, the above circular is withdrawn by the management, said a second circular from the Periyar University management on Tuesday.

Reacting to the circular, CPI (M) MP from Madurai, S Venkatesan, said, I also request the police to advise the governor that he should not wear Sanathana, which was chased away by Periyar.

The circular came at a time when certain groups have announced a black flag protest against the governor in Salem on Wednesday, for acting against the interests of Tamil Nadu.

The ruling DMK and their allies including the CPI (M) have been constantly criticising the governor for functioning like a representative of the BJP, a party trying to impose sanathana dharma, they have said.

For security reasons, the police have in the past not allowed those wearing black to enter events in Tamil Nadu, including Chennai.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Divya Chandrababu Divya Chandrababu is an award-winning political and human rights journalist based in Chennai, India. Divya is presently Assistant Editor of the Hindustan Times where she covers Tamil Nadu & Puducherry. She started her career as a broadcast journalist at NDTV-Hindu where she anchored and wrote prime time news bulletins. Later, she covered politics, development, mental health, child and disability rights for The Times of India. Divya has been a journalism fellow for several programs including the Asia Journalism Fellowship at Singapore and the KAS Media Asia- The Caravan for narrative journalism. Divya has a master's in politics and international studies from the University of Warwick, UK. As an independent journalist Divya has written for Indian and foreign publications on domestic and international affairs. ...view detail
Addressing BJP booth workers in Madhya Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly backed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) on Tuesday, hinting that the government may prioritise the long-pending subject ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This comes after the 22nd Law Commission recently agreed to re-examine the subject and started soliciting opinions and recommendations on UCC from the public and acknowledged religious bodies. At the time the Constitution was being framed, there was a 150-year-long history of communities being governed by their personal laws. Realising that the overhaul of such structures was impossible in one go, the framers of the Constitution left UCC as an aspirational goal (Shutterstock)

What is Uniform Civil Code?

A Uniform Civil Code is conceptualised as a set of laws that govern personal matters, including marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, and succession, for all citizens regardless of their religion. It aims to replace the existing diverse personal laws that vary based on religious affiliations.

An example of a difference in personal laws in India

The rights of women regarding inheritance differ based on their religion in India. Under the Hindu Succession Act of 1956, (which governs the rights of Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs) Hindu women have equal rights to inherit property from their parents and have the same entitlement as Hindu men. The rights of married and unmarried daughters are equal, and women are recognised as joint legal heirs for ancestral property partition. (ALSO READ | Succession law: Govt backs provision that prioritises husbands kin)

Muslim women, governed by the Muslim Personal Law, are entitled to a share of their husband's property, which is either 1/8th or 1/4th, depending on the presence of children. However, daughters' share is half of that of sons.

For Christians, Parsis, and Jews, the Indian Succession Act of 1925 applies. Christian women receive a predetermined share based on the presence of children or other relatives. Parsi widows receive an equal share as their children, with half of the child's share going to the deceased's parents if they are alive.

Provisions of Uniform Civil Code in the Indian Constitution

Article 44 of the Constitution, one of the Directive Principles of State Policy, states that the State must seek to ensure for people a uniform civil code across India's territory. However, as Article 37 states, directive principles are guiding principles for government policies and are not enforceable by courts.

Arguments in support of UCC

I) Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution, was of the view that a UCC is desirable but following significant division in the constituent assembly he proposed it to remain voluntary for the moment.

"It is perfectly possible that the future parliament may make a provision by way of making a beginning that the Code shall apply only to those who make a declaration that they are prepared to be bound by it, so that in the initial stage the application of the Code may be purely voluntary [] so that the fear which my friends have expressed here will be altogether nullified," Ambedkar said in Constituent Assembly.

Thus later the constituent assembly agreed on putting the clause as a directive principle rather than a fundamental right.

ALSO READ | Uniform Civil Code: Reframe the debate

II) Over the following years, various interventions by the legislature, judiciary, and civil society organisations have aimed to amend personal laws or establish a uniform civil code. Notable judgments contributing to this discourse include Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum, Jordan Diengdeh v. S.S. Chopra, and Sarla Mudgal v. Union of India.

In the Shah Bano case, the court observed that Article 44 has remained a dead letter and added that a common Civil Code will help the cause of national integration by removing disparate loyalties to laws which have conflicting ideologies. It said that the legislative is entrusted with the duty of securing a uniform civil code for the citizens of the country. A beginning has to be made if the Constitution is to have any meaning. (ALSO READ | From Shah Bano to Shayara Bano: The evolution of Indian society and polity)

III) In the Sarla Mudgal Case in 1995, Supreme Court requested the prime minister to reexamine Article 44, aiming to establish a UCC throughout India.

However, subsequent orders in the Ahmedabad Women Action Group Case (1997) and the Lily Thomas Case (2000) clarified that the court did not direct the government to enact a UCC in the Sarla Mudgal case.

Arguments against UCC

I) The 21st Law Commission brought up a consultation paper on Reform of Family Law in August 2018 in which it said that UCC was neither necessary nor desirable at this stage. It however recommended that existing family laws across religions are modified and codified to tackle discrimination and inequality in personal laws.

II) The Law Commission, which was headed by former Supreme Court judge BS Chauhan, observed: "Cultural diversity cannot be compromised to the extent that our urge for uniformity itself becomes a reason for threat to the territorial integrity of the nation. (ALSO READ | Uniform Civil Code implementation will cause problems for Hindus too: Uddhav Thackeray)

III) While agreeing that various aspects of prevailing personal laws disprivilege women, the Commission however said that it is discrimination and not difference which lies at the root of inequality.

IV) It added that efforts have to be made to reconcile our diversity with universal and indisputable arguments on human rights.

It should be noted that the suggestions of Law Commissions are not binding on the government but act as a reference for further decisions.
The White House has said it was aware of the reports of harassment of Sabrina Siddiqui, the Wall Street Journal reporter who asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi a question about the treatment of minorities and place of free speech in India last week, and termed it completely unacceptable. HT Image

In response to a question about the online attacks Siddiqui has faced since she asked her question, primarily revolving around her religion and heritage, John Kirby, National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications, said: We are aware of the reports of that harassment. Its unacceptable. And we absolutely condemn any harassment of journalists anywhere under any circumstances. Thats just completely unacceptable.

Speaking at a regular White House press briefing on Monday, Kirby added that the harassment was antithetical to the very principles of democracy that were on display last week during the state visit.

On June 22, in the east room of the White House, at a joint press conference with President Joe Biden, Modi had, in a rare instance, taken a question from the press. The WH picked Siddiqui from the American pool. She had said that while India had long taken pride on being a democracy, human rights groups had said that the government had discriminated against religious minorities and silence critics; in that backdrop, she asked, As you stand here in the East Room of the White House, where so many world leaders have made commitments to protecting democracy, what steps are you and your government willing to take to improve the rights of Muslims and other minorities in your country and to uphold free speech?

While Modi had given a strong answer defending Indias democratic constitution, government and values and its commitment to human rights and humanity, Siddiqui, who is a Muslim of South Asian heritage, has since faced an online pushback from the governments supporters at home.

Later in Fridays press briefing, in response to a separate question about the discussions on human rights between the two leaders and what Biden had told Modi, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, The President will never shy away on having those conversation with a world leader, a head of state, when it comes to human rights. He has done that throughout the past two years and through his career as a vice president and certainly as a senator. I am not going to get into private conversations, but I think we have made ourselves very clear here on our view.

Asked if Biden had accepted Modis answer to the question, Jean-Pierre said that it was for the PM to answer and for reporters to critique or write about it. What I know is that we are certainly committed to the freedom of the press, which is why we held a press conference last Thursday, which is why we thought it was important for you all to hear from both, not just from the President, but also from the Prime Minister, and for journalists to be able to ask a question, Jean-Pierre said. It is understood that the White House was keen on the joint press conference and asked the Indian side, which had expressed a preference for a joint press appearance without questions, to be open to a question.

Separately at a State Department press briefing on Friday, Matthew Miller, the departments spokesperson, was also asked about the conversations on human rights between the two leaders. He reiterated that the US regularly raised concerns about human rights with Indian officials, and Biden had done so in the joint press conference.

Asked about the response by Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to former President Barack Obamas comments about how he would have raised issues of treatment of ethnic minorities in India with Modi, Miller chose not to comment.

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Senior Congress leader and Chhattisgarh health minister TS Singh Deo has been appointed as the state's deputy chief minister, party general-secretary KC Venugopal announced on Wednesday. Chhattisgarh health minister TS Singh Deo has been locked in a power tussle with chief minister Bhupesh Baghel. (PTI File Photo)

Read here: Ahead of Chhattisgarh polls, CM Baghel's rival TS Singh Deo appointed as his deputy

INC President Sh. Mallikarjun Kharge ji has approved the proposal for appointment of Sh. TS Singh Deo ji as the Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Venugopal said in a tweet.

5 things you need to know about TS Singh Deo:

1. Tribhuvaneshwar Saran Singh Deo, the titular Maharaja of Chhattisgarh's Surguja, was born on October 31, 1952.

2. Also known as modern-day Maharaja, Deo was first elected as a member of the state's legislative Assembly in 2008. Being from a royal family, he is the richest MLA of Chhattisgarh.

3. Currently an MLA from Ambikapur constituency, he has won the seat thrice since 2008, winning by a margin of 39,624 against his BJP opponent Anurag Singh Deo in the most recent 2018 elections. He also served as the Leader of the Opposition in the 4th Vidhan Sabha of Chhattisgarh.

Read here: 70-year-old Congress minister goes skydiving in Australia, CM Baghel says wow!

4. When Congress came to power in 2018, Deo was among the frontrunners for the chief ministerial post but was pipped at the post by current chief minister Bhupesh Baghel. Deo was made a cabinet minister, holding five portfolios- Health and Family Welfare, Medical Education, 20 Point Program Implementation, Commercial Taxes and panchayat and rural development. Deo and Baghel have been engaged in a power tussle since then.

5. A passionate lover of adventurous sports, the 70-year-old politician embarked on an adrenaline-fueled skydiving adventure on his recent visit to Australia. When the aircraft ascended, Deo, showcased a different side of his personality as he prepared to freefall from the plane. And as the aeroplane door opened, he took a leap of faith into the vast expanse of the Australian skies.

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The young man in the picture was the first Polynesian to visit Britain. He was brought to London from the South Pacific by Captain James Cook, a British explorer, in 1774, and presented to King George III. He learned to ride and play chess, and sat for a portrait by Joshua Reynolds, the first president of the Royal Academy of Arts.

For more than 200 years after Reynoldss death, Portrait of Omai was owned by the Howard family and hung at Castle Howard in Yorkshire. But in 2001 the painting was sold to John Magnier, an Irish magnate, sparking a protracted stand-off. Mr Magnier wants to take the painting out of the country for good. The government believes it is of historic importance to Britain and has repeatedly denied him permission to do so. Yet British buyers have been unable to raise the money needed to get it back from Mr Magnier before a ban on exporting the portrait expires. A solution may now be in sight, involving the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles; it could be a template for other treasured artworks that are too expensive for the nation to buy.

More than 150 countries impose export restrictions on their cultural treasures. America is an outlier, curbing only the sale of works by American artists that are owned by the federal government. Japan has a list of 906 treasures, including swords, that cannot be sold or even moved. Many European countries operate a right of pre-emption, allowing the government to step in and buy any work offered for sale.

Britain operates a hybrid system that balances the aims of keeping hold of important pieces and protecting the rights of their owners. Every year about 30,000 items are sold to buyers who want to take them abroad. Britain has no inventory of national treasures, nor does it use pre-emption rights. Instead, all works that are over 50 years old or are worth more than 65,000 ($80,000) need an export licence. Most are waved through. Older or more valuable pieces are assessed at monthly meetings of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest, a group of curators, dealers and art historians.

These are judged by three measures known as the Waverley criteria, after the chairman of a government committee in the early 1950s: historic significance, aesthetic importance and a works contribution to scholarship. The most important works are kept in Britain under a temporary bar while domestic institutions try to raise the funds to buy them. In 2020, for example, the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich used this system to buy a sledge that Ernest Shackleton had used on one of his expeditions to Antarctica. An anti-slavery poem handwritten in ancient Greek by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is subject to an export ban; would-be British buyers have until mid-May to raise 20,400 to buy it.

This system is being tested as never before by rising art prices. Mr Magnier paid 10.3m for Portrait of Omai. Now he wants 50m for it (a fair value, according to Anthony Mould, an independent dealer). The National Portrait Gallery (NPG) in London has been trying to raise the cash, but by the time the export ban on the picture was last extended, in March, only half the money had been raised. Another extension is unlikely, so the NPG has until June 10th to find the money.

The NPGs answer is to acquire the painting jointly with the Getty, and in all probability for it to spend half its time in London and the other half in California. That sort of agreement is unprecedented in Britain, but in 2015 a similar arrangement was agreed between France and the Netherlands to share ownership of a pair of important portraits by Rembrandt.

The Waverley criteria were meant to keep Britains cultural treasures at home so that people could see them whenever they wanted. But safeguarding an artwork for the nation some of the time may increasingly be all that can be achieved. The NPG will not see its efforts as a halfway house if they come off (insiders say the deal with the Getty is close to being finalised). After being closed for three years for refurbishment, the gallery hopes it will be able to throw open its doors again in triumph on June 22nd, with Portrait of Omai as its crowning glory.

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 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha (also known as Bakra Eid, Bakrid, Bakhreid, Eid al-Adha, Eid Qurban, Qurban Bayarami or the Feast of Sacrifice) are two major Islamic festivals celebrated by Muslims worldwide. This year, Eid-ul-Adha is being celebrated in Saudi Arabia, UAE, other Gulf countries, USA and UK on Wednesday, June 28 while the same will be marked in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other South Asian nations on Thursday, June 29. Differences between Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha: Significance, time of celebration, rituals and tradition (Image by Tumisu from Pixabay)

Both Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha festivals hold religious significance and involve communal prayers and festivities but there are notable differences between Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha in terms of their meanings, rituals and practices. Here are some key distinctions:

Meaning and significance - Eid-ul-Fitr, also known as the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and is a time of celebration and gratitude for the successful completion of the month-long fasts. Eid-ul-Adha, also called the "Festival of Sacrifice," commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God and it honours the concept of sacrifice and demonstrates devotion to God. History: Eid-ul-Fitr finds its origins in the early years of Islam when the Prophet Muhammad, who received the revelations of the Quran, taught his followers about the importance of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan hence, fasting from dawn to sunset during Ramadan is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The month of Ramadan holds immense significance for Muslims as it is believed that during this month, the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over a period of several years and at the end of Ramadan, the joyous celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr takes place, marking the successful completion of the month-long fast. On the other hand, the history of Eid-ul-Adha dates back to when Abraham or Prophet Ibrahim kept having a recurring dream of slaughtering his beloved son, Ismael, to fulfil the wishes of God. Ibrahim spoke to his son regarding this dream, explaining to him how God wanted him to make the sacrifice and Ismael, who was just as much a man of God, agreed with his father and asked him to comply with the wishes of Allah. Shaitan (the devil) tempted Ibrahim and tried to dissuade him from making the sacrifice but he tried to shun it away by pelting it with stones. Allah saw Ibrahims absolute devotion and sent Jibreel (Angel Gabriel), the Archangel, bearing a sheep for slaughter. Jibreel told Ibrahim that God was pleased with his devotion to him and sent the sheep to be slaughtered in place of his son. Ever since then, cattle sacrifice is a major part of Eid-ul-Adha celebrations which not only commemorates Prophet Ibrahim and Ismaels love for Allah but also shows that one is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice of what they love dearly, for the sake of Allah. Time of Celebration: Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated immediately after the end of Ramadan, on the first day of the 10th Islamic month i.e. Shawwal and it begins with the sighting of the new moon, signifying the start of a new lunar month. Eid-ul-Adha, on the other hand, takes place on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of Islamic lunar calendar and following the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage. Rituals and Practices: Eid-ul-Fitr begins with a special prayer called Salat al-Eid, which is performed in congregation at mosques or open prayer grounds and it is customary to give Zakat al-Fitr, a form of charity, before the prayer and then families and friends come together to celebrate, exchange gifts and enjoy festive meals. On the other hand, while Eid-ul-Adha also begins with the special prayer of Salat al-Eid, it is immediately followed by the sacrifice of an animal (usually a goat, sheep, cow or camel) as an act of Qurbani and the meat is later distributed in three proportions: poor people, relatives and themselves or among family, friends and the less fortunate, emphasising the spirit of sharing and charity. Customs and Traditions: During Eid-ul-Fitr, Muslims often wear new or traditional clothes, visit relatives and friends and partake in festive activities while sweet delicacies and traditional dishes are prepared and shared. Celebrating Eid-al Adha by sacrificing a cattle is very akin to the practice of self-sacrifice which is an act of offering gratitude to Allah and it is believed that during a lifetime, we give up a number of things that are important to us for a bigger purpose and in a similar way, sacrificing the animal is a symbol of willingness to stay true on our path and not be lured by earthly love and affection. On Eid-ul-Adha too, Muslims may dress in their best attire and attend communal prayers but the Qurbani is a significant aspect before families engage in activities such as visiting loved ones, exchanging greetings and participating in community events.

In short, while Eid-ul-Fitr is widely celebrated around the world, marking the end of Ramadan and fasting and is a time for Muslims to come together and rejoice, Eid-ul-Adha holds particular importance in the Hajj pilgrimage as it coincides with the completion of this significant Islamic obligation but both Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha are joyous occasions in the Islamic calendar, with distinct meanings, rituals and practices. Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and fasting while Eid-ul-Adha commemorates the concept of sacrifice and Prophet Ibrahim's devotion and understanding and appreciating the differences between these two celebrations deepen the cultural and religious significance of these festivals for Muslims worldwide.
This year, the second most important Islamic festival i.e. Eid-ul-Adha (also known as Bakra Eid, Bakrid, Bakhreid, Eid al-Adha, Eid Qurban, Qurban Bayarami or the Feast of Sacrifice) is being celebrated by Muslims in Saudi Arabia, UAE, other Gulf countries, USA and UK on Wednesday, June 28 while the same will be marked in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other South Asian nations on Thursday, June 29. To greet someone with "Eid Mubarak," which means "Blessed Eid" or "Happy Eid," is a common and respectful way to extend well wishes during the Bakrid celebrations. Happy Eid-ul-Adha 2023: Korean to Turkish and Bengali, 12 ways to wish 'Eid Mubarak' in different cultures and languages (Photo by Timur Weber on Pexels)

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When you meet someone during Eid-ul-Adha, simply say "Eid Mubarak!" or Blessed Eid! as it is a warm and traditional way to express your greetings and share in the joy of the occasion but if you are sending written messages or greeting cards, you can include a different way to wish "Eid Mubarak" in your message for example, you can write, Wishing you a joyous Bakrid filled with blessings and happiness. Eid-ul-Adha Mubarak! However, in today's digital age, it is common to send festive greetings through text messages or social media platforms so, you can simply send a message saying "Eid Mubarak" or use it as a hashtag in your posts to extend your wishes to a wider audience.

Add a personal touch to your Eid greetings by including the person's name or a heartfelt message along with Eid Mubarak for instance, Eid Mubarak, Sarah! May this Eid bring you and your family immense joy and prosperity. Though "Eid Mubarak" is a widely recognised greeting during the Eid celebrations, it can also be expressed in different languages and cultures.

Here are some variations of how to greet "Eid Mubarak" in different languages:

Arabic: "Eid Mubarak" ( )

Bengali: "Eid Mubarak" ( )

Urdu: "Eid Mubarak" ( )

Turkish: Bayramnz Kutlu Olsun

Indonesian: "Selamat Hari Raya" or Selamat Idul Fitri

Malay: "Selamat Hari Raya" or Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Persian/Farsi: "Eid-e Shoma Mobarak" (  )

Swahili: Heri ya Eid

Spanish: Feliz Eid

French: Bonne fete de l'Aid

German: "Frohes Eidfest"

Korean: Eid mubalakeu (Eid )

These are just a few examples, as the way to greet "Eid Mubarak" can vary across different cultures and regions but if you are unsure of the appropriate greeting in a specific language or culture, it is always respectful to use "Eid Mubarak" as a universally recognised expression of well wishes during the Eid celebrations. Remember, "Eid Mubarak" is a universal greeting and can be used to greet Muslims of any nationality or language during the Eid celebrations as it is a way to express goodwill, happiness and solidarity with others during this special time.
The US announcement to introduce in-country renewable of H-1B visas will help swift movement of Indian IT professionals and promote services exports, SEPC said on Wednesday. US plan of in-country renewable H-1B visas may allow quick travel of Indian IT professionals to client location (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) said that the decision would allow easier on-site client engagement by domestic IT professionals.

"When Indian IT professionals can quickly travel to client locations abroad, they can better understand client requirements, build stronger relationships, and deliver tailored solutions. This direct engagement can lead to increased client satisfaction, repeat business, and ultimately, higher IT exports," SEPC Chairman Sunil H Talati said.

He said that as the US is the major market for India's IT exports, this development will have a significant positive impact on the export of IT services from India.

"The earlier estimates for IT exports growth have been in the range of 8-12 per cent however with this particular push the exports growth in IT can further stride in the range of 13-15 per cent," Talati said.

The U S Department of State announced that it would launch a pilot to adjudicate domestic renewals of certain petition-based temporary work visas later this year, including for Indian nationals, with the intent to implement this for an expanded pool of H1B and L visa holders in 2024 and eventually broadening the programme to include other eligible categories.

"It shall help in delivering projects on time, ensuring high-quality outcomes, and meeting client expectations. It enhances India's reputation as a reliable IT services provider, boosting export opportunities," Talati said.

The much-sought-after H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. The H-1B visas are issued for three years at a time.

For all the H-1B visa holders, when their visa is renewed, they need to get their passports stamped with renewal dates. This is required if they wish to travel outside of the US and re-enter the US. As of now, H-1B visa restamping is not allowed within the US. Restamping can only be done at any US consulate.

This was a big inconvenience for foreign guest workers and also for their employees, particularly at a time when the visa wait time is more than 800 days or more than two years.
US space agency Nasa has issued a warning about an upcoming solar storm that could potentially lead to months-long disruption of the internet, causing what is being called an internet apocalypse, according to media reports. The space agency obtained information about the solar storm through its mission known as the Parker Solar Probe, which serves as a continuous observer of the Sun. Launched in 2018, this mission aims to uncover the secrets of the Sun's corona and solar wind. A solar storm occurs when disturbances in the atmosphere happen on Earth due to activities on the Sun, particularly solar flares. (NASA)

When does solar storm occur and what is it?

A solar storm occurs when disturbances in the atmosphere happen on Earth due to activities on the Sun, particularly solar flares. These flares are ejected from the Sun and can impact anything they encounter on our planet.

Nasa explains that during an 11-year cycle, the Sun becomes more active around the middle of this period and gradually calms down afterwards. As the Sun becomes more active, the solar storms become more severe and powerful. While the frequency of these storms can vary, the most intense geomagnetic storms can cause disruptions in satellite operations, radio signals, and internet connections.

Also Read | Northern lights make a rare appearance in Ladakh due to a solar storm. Watch

What will it do to the internet?

The increased activity of the Sun poses dangers to satellites, spacecraft, and astronauts in space due to higher radiation levels. This solar activity also poses a risk to Earth by causing powerful geomagnetic storms that can disrupt high-frequency radio communications and GPS systems. This disruption could potentially lead to an internet outage or shutdown.

What's Carrington event?

In 2012, there was a major solar storm that narrowly missed causing significant damage. However, the last notable event of similar magnitude occurred in 1859 and is known as the Carrington event. During that time, the geomagnetic storm was incredibly powerful, leading to telegraph lines giving electric shocks to operators and even catching fire on their own. These intense storms also caused auroras, usually seen near the poles, to be visible all around the world.

What will the same intensity storm do now?

If a solar storm of the same magnitude as the one in 1859 were to happen today, it could cause significant harm to the electronics of satellites orbiting Earth. This would lead to disruptions in important navigation and communication systems, including the synchronization of GPS time that the internet relies on.

The increase in electromagnetic radiation in the atmosphere would generate enormous currents in our power grids, which could result in the failure of electrical transformers and long-lasting power outages.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lingamgunta Nirmitha Rao Trainee Content Producer at Hindustan Times Digital Stream. India's regional languages attract me. ...view detail
Indian food has a massive variety that will take anyone years to explore fully. Each vegetable or meat can be used in hundred different ways and each spice changes the taste of the dish completely. This burst of rich flavours and textures is also a reason why Indian food is loved worldwide. And now, thanks to its popularity, four Indian chicken recipes have been ranked as the best chicken dishes in the world by Taste Atlas. For the unversed, Taste Atlas is an online travel guide that focuses on traditional food, authentic recipes, food critic reviews, and research articles. 4 Indian foods ranked as best chicken dishes in world. (Representational photo)

Also Read: Celebrity chef from Australia bans vegans from restaurant

The four Indian dishes that have been ranked as the best in the world are murgh makhani at position three, murgh tikka at number four, tandoori murgh has been ranked at 19, and chicken 65 at number 25. The number one chicken dish is jujeh kebab from Iran and number two is South Korea's dak galbi.

Take a look at the post shared by Taste Atlas here:

This post was shared three days ago. Since being posted, it has been liked over 8,000 times. Many have also shared comments on it.

Check out a few reactions to the post here:

An individual commented, "India has four Indian dishes on the list, nice!" A second added, "Sooo happy to see all my Indian favs on this list, ugh makes me want to eat them all now." "All delicious food," expressed a third.

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The panchayat elections are slated to be held in West Bengal on July 4. Since they were announced on June 8, as many as 11 persons have been killed in pre-poll violence till June 28. PREMIUM The SEC said on June 13 that it would require only 22 companies of CAPF. (HT File)

The dead are from across party lines and all were actively involved in politics. Most of the violence has been concentrated in South 24 Parganas and Murshidabad districts in the south West Bengal region and North Dinajpur and Cooch Behar districts in north West Bengal. While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) controls most of the Assembly and Lok Sabha seats in north West Bengal, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government is facing stiff opposition from the Left, Congress and Indian Secular Front in certain parts of south West Bengal as well.

Acting on a PIL filed by the BJP, the division bench of the Calcutta high court (HC) ordered the deployment of Central armed police forces (CAPF) on June 13  only in certain parts of West Bengal since the state election commission (SEC) told the court that it had marked only 189 of West Bengals 61,636 polling booths as sensitive.

As violence escalated and the Opposition brought this to the notice of the HC, the division bench on June 15 asked the SEC to deploy CAPF in all districts, pulling up state election commissioner Rajiva Sinha for his reluctance to deploy the forces across the state.

The SEC said on June 13 that it would require only 22 companies of CAPF. The June 15 order of the HC specified that number of CAPF companies should be equal to what was deployed during the 2013 five-phase panchayat polls. Around 800 CAPF companies were deployed in 2013.

These preparations are attempting to combat the latest spark of political violence in West Bengals long history of poll violence.

Central forces had to be deployed in several parts of West Bengal during the 1972 Assembly polls in view of the Naxalite movement that had targeted the government and the clashes taking place between workers of the Congress and the communist parties.

During the last decade of the Left Fronts 34-year-long rule from 1977 to 2011, CAPF were deployed during all elections in the western districts of West Bengal because of the killings carried out by Maoist guerrillas in this region bordering Jharkhand.

The bloodiest panchayat election during the Left Front regime was held in 2003 when 76 people were killed with Murshidabad district accounting for the highest death toll of 45. Despite being in power, the CPI(M) lost 31 party cadres while Congress, then the main opposition force in West Bengal, lost 19.

2011

Deployment of CAPF and multi-phase elections became part of polling in West West Bengal in 2011 when the Left Fronts 34-year-long regime was ousted by TMC chief Mamata Banerjee in the assembly polls. In 2011, the then Chief Election Commissioner of India, S Y Qureshi, announced that polling for assembly elections would be held in six phases.

Tight security and deployment of helicopters for aerial surveillance became the highlight of the arrangements ensured by around 700 CAPF companies. The main focus was on 14 assembly constituencies in West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura districts where Maoist guerillas posed a threat. The Maoist problem was successfully tackled by the Mamata Banerjee government soon after it came to power.

As West Bengal witnessed the transition of power, around 50 people died in clashes that took place before, during and after the polls.

2013

West Bengal witnessed an unprecedented tussle between the state government and the SEC over the deployment of CAPF in panchayat polls held that year.

In March 2013, the TMC government ruled out the then-state election commissioner Meera Pandeys proposal to deploy 800 CAPF companies across West Bengal in view of the violence in the run-up to the polls.

On March 31, the then panchayat minister Subrata Mukherjee said at a press conference:  We do not agree to its proposal of deploying 800 companies of central police force in the districts during the polls. It is not justified that the government spends 400 crore to deploy central forces.

The SEC moved the Calcutta HC and the state government moved a division bench after a single bench order went in favour of the SEC. The division bench asked the state to make up for the shortfall in manpower in local police units by getting additional forces from other states or the Centre.

Although the state government softened its stand and agreed to deploy CAPF, the issue resurfaced a month later when the Centre informed the HC that it would not be able to spare the number of personnel required for the three-phase polls on July 2, 6 and 9, in view of the flooding in Uttarakhand and other parts of northern India in June 2013.

The SEC moved the Supreme Court and sought 241,000 security personnel, including 140,000 armed personnel. The SC not only rescheduled the election and ordered five-phase polling instead of three, but also laid down clear guidelines on security arrangements, directing the West Bengal government to deploy at least twice the number of security personnel deployed by the Centre, for each phase.

However, the arrangements could not ensure peace leading to the deaths of around 15 people in the clashes.

2014

In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the National Democratic Alliance came to power at the Centre, and most of the 127 Indian Police Service (IPS) officers appointed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) as police observers were sent to West Bengal. IPS officers were appointed as police observers for the first time in the 2011 assembly polls in Assam, West Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

The 2014 Lok Sabha polls were held in five phases. Though CAPF were sent to West Bengal following demands voiced by the Congress and the BJP, they were deployed only for pre-poll patrolling and transporting and guarding ballot boxes.

The polls were marked with sporadic violence, which claimed seven lives and left a few hundred injured.

2016

The assembly polls in 2016 were held in six phases with the ECI deploying more than 700 CAPF companies across West Bengal. The then Chief election commissioner Naseem Zaidi visited the state several times before the polls and held meetings with bureaucrats, political parties and, in a first, even members of the civil society. Zaidi said all polling booths would be manned by CAPF and they would also take control of the surrounding areas.

Amid low voter turnout in all six phases, the rate of violence was low in 2016 with only two reported deaths.

2018

In the 2018 panchayat polls, West Bengal witnessed maximum violence during TMC's rule, with a recorded 23 deaths. The polls were held in a single phase on May 14 although the SEC initially planned a three-phase exercise between May 1 and 5. No CAPF unit was deployed despite petitions filed at the Calcutta high court by the Congress and CPI(M).

The BJP moved the SC but it declined to intervene while asking the SEC to do its duty. During a hearing on the petitions on May 8, the then advocate general Kishore Dutta told a Calcutta high court division bench headed by the then chief justice Jyotirmoy Bhattacharya that 71,500 armed police personnel, including 500 inspectors, 10,000 sub-inspectors and assistant sub-inspectors and 61,000 constables, home guards and National Volunteer Force (NVF) personnel would be deployed in addition to 80,000 civic volunteers.

The SEC told the high court that it was satisfied with the security arrangements.

2019

In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, in which BJP created a record by winning 18 of West Bengals 42 seats, the ECI ordered the deployment of around 710 CAPF companies for the seven phases held between April 11 and May 19. Citing the violence witnessed in the 2018 panchayat polls, state government employees, who conducted the polls, demanded CAPF deployment at all booths.

The BJP demanded that all polling booths in West Bengal be declared sensitive. The ECI turned down the BJPs request but said security would be tightened in all districts. In a report submitted before the Lok Sabha, the Union home ministry said 11 people died during the 2019 polls.

2021

Elections at West Bengals 294 assembly seats were held in an unprecedented eight phases in 2021 amid the presence of more than 1000 CAPF companies. The highest deployment, involving 1071 companies, was witnessed in the fifth phase on April 17 when the largest number of constituencies went to polls. The ECI ordered that CAPF would guard every polling booth and area within 100 metres of its radius.

During the polls, TMC complained to ECI that CAPF personnel were stopping people without EPIC (electoral photo identity cards) from casting their votes although the poll watchdog allows voting via through other documents such as Aadhar cards and driving licences. TMC also alleged that CAPF personnel were intimidating voters and campaigning for BJP.

Before the elections, Mamata Banerjee questioned holding West Bengal polls in eight phases and dividing districts into parts, while polls in Kerala (140 assembly seats) and Tamil Nadu (234 assembly seats) were held in single phases.

Questions are being raised as to why elections will be held in West Bengal in eight phases. From whatever I came to know from the BJP sources, the BJP made these decisions. Is Union minister Amit Shah deciding this? A Central government cannot misuse power, Banerjee said on February 26, 2021. TMC won the polls, bagging 213 seats against the BJPs 75.

On polling day of the fourth phase, five people were killed in two separate incidents. Of them, four were killed in firing by Central forces inside a polling booth in Cooch Behar district.

2023

The ECI deployed CAPF for the assembly by-poll at Sagardighi in Murshidabad district in February 2023. It was held after the death of TMC MLA Subrata Saha died. Byron Biswas, the Left-backed Congress candidate won the election but skipped over to the TMC in March.
YouTuber Matthew Beem took his love of creating monumental builds to new heights. He recently built an iPhone that is 8 feet tall. Yes, you read that right! Not just that, the phone is fully-functional and possesses all the usual features of its smaller counterpart. From capturing photographs to setting alarms and beyond, this larger-than-life phone has the basic features of a normal iPhone. Beem even documented the entire process of making this phone from scratch and shared the video on YouTube. He even took the phone around in New York City and recorded peoples reactions to it. Beem also gets his creation reviewed by famous tech reviewer Marques Brownlee (MKBHD). Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) reviewing the 8 feet tall fully-functional iPhone created by YouTuber Matthew Beem and team.(YouTube/Matthew Beem)

I built the worlds largest iPhone! reads the caption written along with the video shared on YouTube by Matthew Beem. In the videos description, he wrote, I love technology and have a history of making some of the largest builds on YouTube so I decided to put my skills to the test and build the worlds largest working iPhone! I have never built anything like this before so this was extremely difficult. To top things off we drove this all the way to New York City to get peoples reactions in Times Square and surprise the top tech reviewer on the planet Marques Brownlee (MKBHD)! This video had lots of ups and downs, but we figured it all out, it turned out incredible and we wouldve broke the world record! This was insane and super intense to make, but we had lots of laughs along the way. I love making these videos and cant wait for you to see what is next.

The video opens to show Beem and his team making the phone from scratch using a touch-enabled TV screen connected to a Mac Mini. This setup allows the device to run the same applications commonly found on regular iPhones. Once the giant iPhone is successfully assembled, the team uses the calculator, clicks pictures and even sets the alarm. Beem also takes the phone to New York City and records peoples reactions. The sight of the massive phone leaves many in awe, with one enquiring, Is that the 15 Pro Max? Towards the end, the famous tech reviewer Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) reviews the phone. He expresses surprise at the phones massive size but is also impressed by its functionality.

Watch the video here:

Since being shared six days ago on YouTube, the video has accumulated over 9.2 lakh views, and the numbers are still increasing. It has also received numerous comments.

Heres how YouTube users reacted to the video:

Its honestly crazy how far youve come, Matthew, posted an individual. Another added, Mathew keeps on taking you dont fail until you quit to a whole new level with these amazing uploads and dedication. Funny how he always says we have no idea what were doing and makes the best possible stuff, expressed a third. A fourth shared, Would you be able to make the worlds largest BB8 droid that actually rolls and could maybe respond to voice controls? Matthew never disappoints! commented a fifth.

Also Read: Harvard professor who studies honesty accused of fraud

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China rebuked US presidential contender Nikki Haley's plan to scale back links with the country, echoing her remarks by saying those who blamed Beijing for problems would end up on the "ash heap of history." US Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley delivers a foreign policy speech on China. (Reuters)

Read here: What an embarrassment: White House hopeful Nikki Haley blasts Democrats who skipped Modi's speech

Haley, a UN ambassador during the Trump administration, staked out one of the most hawkish positions on China in the 2024 Republican presidential field on Tuesday, calling for Washington to drastically limit ties with Beijing to address a dramatic rise in US overdose deaths attributable to fentanyl.

Haley said the US should revoke China's permanent normal trade relations status until it helped stem the flow of chemicals used to create fentanyl. She also pledged to push American companies to leave China, saying if the US rallied, China's ruling Communist Party would "end up on the ash heap of history."

China called such remarks irresponsible.

"Pushing American companies to leave China runs counter to economic laws, and will ultimately harm everyone's interests," the spokesman for China's embassy in Washington, Liu Pengyu, said in a statement to Reuters late on Tuesday.

"Only those who draw attention by smearing and blame-shifting in the election campaign will end up on the ash heap of history," Liu said.

US officials say China's government has not been cooperative on the fentanyl issue, or on money laundering related to the drug's trafficking, criticism that Beijing rejects.

Read here: US Presidential candidate Nikki Haley calls India one of biggest polluters, sparks row

Haley is well behind in presidential primary opinion surveys, with just 3% of Republicans planning to vote for her, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released earlier in June.

She has sought to use foreign policy as a way to differentiate herself in a crowded Republican field, and her hardline stance on China could push her rivals to adopt harsher positions as well.
In a surprising report by Wall Street Journal, it has been alleged that billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk incorporates small doses of ketamine into his routine to treat depression. FILE PHOTO: Elon Musk, Chief Executive Officer of SpaceX and Tesla and owner of Twitter, gestures as he attends the Viva Technology conference dedicated to innovation and startups at the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre in Paris, France, June 16, 2023. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo/File Photo(REUTERS)

It is claimed that Musk occasionally indulges in full doses of the popular club drug known as Special K when attending parties. These revelations shed light on a growing trend among Silicon Valley executives who are exploring the recreational use of psychedelics for their perceived benefits in enhancing business performance and fostering creativity.

The Wall Street Journal's article highlighted Musk's alleged use of ketamine, a tranquilizer primarily prescribed by veterinarians but also known for its hallucinogenic properties.

Report site insiders, who have witnessed Musk's drug use, as well as those with direct knowledge of the matter. The report also mentions that other Silicon Valley executives have been drawn to psychedelics for similar purposes.

Few days back 52-year-old billionaire took to Twitter, to express his perspective on ketamine. He emphasized, Depression is overdiagonised in the US, but for some people it really is a brain chemistry issue, added, But zombifying people with SSRIs for sure happens way too much.

While Musk's purported interest in ketamine has attracted attention, Wall Street executives have also been captivated by the reported advantages of the drug.

According to The Journal, some of these individuals pay a hefty sum of $750 to visit a high-end clinic in Manhattan, where they receive ketamine injections.

Notably, the Twitter CEO is not the only influential figure allegedly exploring the realm of hallucinogens. Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google and a close friend of Musk, is said to have experimented with magic mushrooms, which contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin.

Clinical trials have demonstrated the potential benefits of substances like psilocybin and LSD in treating depression and various mental health conditions.

The article also sheds light on the existence of a clandestine world of tech-centric parties and social gatherings, where executives engage in the use of psychedelics. Some individuals reportedly employ chemists and even purchase ecstasy and other hallucinogens from drug dealers. Founders Fund, a prominent venture capital firm based in San Francisco and co-founded by Peter Thiel, allegedly hosted exclusive parties involving psychedelic drug use.

ALSO READ| Elon Musk teams Up with UFC legend Georges St-Pierre for potential battle with Mark Zuckerberg

In response to these claims, a spokesperson for Founders Fund acknowledged the potential mental health benefits of psychedelics and expressed support for efforts to make these drugs legally and safely accessible.

Spencer Shulem, CEO of New York City-based startup BuildBetter.ai, shared his personal experience with LSD, attributing it to improved concentration and enhanced creative thinking.

Shulem claimed to take LSD approximately once every three months, believing it gives him a competitive edge in the tech industry when seeking venture capital funding. While he does not actively encourage his employees to partake in LSD usage, Shulem acknowledged that venture capital firms often seek extraordinary individuals and companies rather than those considered ordinary.
All current and former living US presidents have had at least one ancestor who used to own slaves except one, an investigation by news agency Reuters found. The genealogies of Americas political elite data showed that US president Joe Biden and all of his predecessors have descended from ancestors who enslaved Black people. Former US president Barack Obama.(AP)

Even Barack Obama  US' first Black president  is the descendant of a slaveowner from his mother's side of the family, it found. The only exception to this is former US president Donald Trump.

The slaveholding ancestors of living US presidents are:

George Bush  One director ancestor, six generations removed, owned 25 slaves Bill Clinton  One director ancestor, five generations removed, owned one slaves Jimmy Carter  One director ancestor, four generations removed, owned 54 slaves Barack Obama  One director ancestor, six generations removed, owned two slaves Joe Biden  One direct ancestor, five generations removed, owned one slave

The investigation also revealed that two Supreme Court justices, 11 governors, and 100 members of Congress are direct descendants of slaveholders. Sitting members of Congress who are linked to slave owners include at least 28 per cent of Republicans and 8 per cent of Democrats- including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senator Lindsey Graham, Elizabeth Warren and Tammy Duckworth.

The preponderance of Republicans reflects the partys strength in the South, where slavery was concentrated. Although white people enslaved Black people in northern states in early America, by the eve of the Civil War, slavery was almost entirely a southern enterprise, the Reuters report claimed.

Donald Trump's ancestors immigrated to the United States only after slavery was abolished in 1865, Reuters reported. The data was collated through pieces of information contained in thousands of pages of documents to trace the lineages of the political elite.

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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
Donald Trump is doubling down on his legal brawl with E. Jean Carroll, suing the New York author for defamation weeks after a jury held him liable for sexually abusing her. Former President Donald Trump.(AP)

The former president on Tuesday night filed a counterclaim accusing Carroll of trashing his reputation by publicly accusing him of rape during a May 10 appearance on CNN, despite jurors concluding a day earlier that his actions during the alleged 1996 assault hadnt gone that far.

Trump has been the subject of significant harm to his reputation, which, in turn, has yielded an inordinate amount of damages sustained as a result, according to the filing.

A jury of six men and three women last month found that Trump, who is seeking to return to the White House in the 2024 presidential election, was liable for sexual abuse  and not liable for rape  before awarding Carroll $5 million in damages.

Trumps court filing Tuesday is a counterclaim in a separate 2019 defamation lawsuit Carroll filed against him that is set to go to trial in January. While Carroll won the first trial, Trump has interpreted the verdict as a victory, of sorts, because of the finding on rape.

Effort to Delay

Donald Trump again argues, contrary to both logic and fact, that he was exonerated by a jury that found that he sexually abused E. Jean Carroll, her lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, said in a statement. She called the counterclaim Trumps latest effort to delay accountability.

A Trump lawyer had previously been denied court permission to file a counterclaim against Carroll in her defamation case because the request was made too late.

But Trump attorney Alina Habba argues that a new window for filing a counterclaim was opened earlier this month when Carroll was allowed to amend her defamation complaint after winning the battery trial.

Oh Yes He Did

Among other things, Carroll amended her complaint to change every rape reference to sexual abuse. Carroll also revised the complaint to add Trumps remarks about her at a CNN town hall, where he called her a liar after the trial and accused her fabricating the attack.

When Carroll was asked on CNN a day after the verdict about the jury finding that Trump didnt rape her, she falsely claimed otherwise, according to the filing.

Oh yes he did, oh yes he did, she said, according to the filing, which says that Carroll made the comments with an intent to significantly and spitefully harm and attack the former president.

The interview was on television, social media and multiple internet websites, with the intention of broadcasting and circulating these defamatory statements among a significant portion of the public, Trumps lawyers said in the filing.

Carroll went public with her claims in a 2019 magazine article, triggering a wave of sharply worded denials from Trump when he was in the White House, including an assertion by Trump that he couldnt have raped Carroll because she wasnt his type and that she falsely accused him to help Democrats. Those comments are the subject of Carrolls defamation suit thats heading to trial next year.

The case is Carroll v. Trump, 22-cv-10016, US District Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan).
IN 2021, a year before Russia invaded Ukraine, General Thierry Burkhard told The Economist that the French army had to harden itself and prepare for high-intensity war, possibly in Europe. One hypothetical adversary was Russia. Today, the ex-head of the army is Frances top soldier, in charge of all armed forces. His analysis turned out to be prescient. It also formed the basis of a training exercise for French and allied soldiers on a scale not seen for decades, which finished last month. PREMIUM French Chief of the Defence Staff General Thierry Burkhard attends a ceremony in tribute to the 177 French members of the "Commando Kieffer" Fusiliers Marins commando unit who took part in the Normandy landings, as part of the 79th anniversary of the World War II "D-Day" Normandy landings, in Colleville-Montgomery, France June 6, 2023. Ludovic Marin/Pool via REUTERS(via REUTERS)

For 17 days in April and May General Burkhard led a full-scale division-level exercise in eastern France, on land that the great powers fought over more than a century ago. The final phase of ORION 23 involved a fictitious incursion by a neighbouring state into Arnland, played out in a 400km-wide zone of fields and woods. Some 12,000 soldiers, 400 combat vehicles and 50 fighter jets took part in live-fire exercises, hybrid warfare, simulated drills, drone attacks and inter-allied coordination to push back the invading force.

In his office in Paris, where a print featuring Valery Zaluzhny, Ukraines top general, hangs opposite a portrait of Emmanuel Macron, Frances president, General Burkhard reflects on the lessons emerging from the exercise and from the war in Ukraine. A high-intensity war is fought on a completely different scale, he says. I probably underestimated that. During two decades of counter-insurgency in Afghanistan and the Sahel, the death of ten soldiers was a national tragedy, and rightly so. That is what is happening in Ukraine every half-hourfor weeks on end.

In the Iraqi city of Mosul, recalls General Burkhard, jihadists being tracked by French forces would resort to subterfuge to avoid aerial surveillance. Now it is French forces that have to contend with a cheap drone capable of detecting a tank, he says, and weapons of extreme precision that can destroy it. We see a form of transparency on the battlefield, he says, an ability to see almost everywhere. Armies must learn to reduce their electronic emissions and to stay on the move. Command posts not only have to be disguised, but must mask the traffic moving in and out. This requires a change in habits and mentality.

If deadliness depends increasingly on technology, yet modern war is also waged on a grand scale with massive consumption of ammunition and high rates of attrition, how do medium-size armies balance quality and quantity? The priority, says the general, is integrating platforms: We need to be able to have five drones in the air linked to an artillery battery, three missile launchers, a tank and in fact, have enough agility to decide what we want to do with what we see. Having lots of things is useless if they cannot talk to each other.

That requires ubiquitous connectivity. General Burkhard gives the Starlink constellation of thousands of satellites used by Ukraine as an example of the highly resilient networks that armies will rely on. Ships, aeroplanes and ground vehicles will need to create a bubble of communications over a given areaa sort of military Wi-Fi. And they will also need to be able to cope without it. We can no longer hope to have permanent superiority in all areas, he argues, pointing out that neither Russia nor Ukraine has managed to gain air superiority. Superiority in terms of permanent connectivityis also an illusion.

Does France have the means to achieve these objectives? Parliament is examining a military budget for 2024-30 worth 413bn ($452bn), a hefty 40% increase in nominal terms on the budget for 2019-25. Under Mr Macron, this should enable France to meet its NATO commitment to spend 2% of GDP on defence. The new budget is clearly shaped by the war on Ukraine, which is mentioned 14 times in the relevant bill. France will modernise its nuclear deterrent, build a new-generation nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and add 109 Caesar howitzers, 3,000 drones and more.

Paradoxically, however, France has scaled back the acquisition of some extra kit. The air force will get 48 fewer new Rafale fighter jets than previously planned, and 15 fewer A400M transport aircraft; the army will get 497 fewer Griffon and Jaguar armoured vehicles. Because we are trying to do everything at the same time, we are sprinkling rather than defining priorities, says Helene Conway-Mouret, a senator.

The new budget, retorts the general, takes us in the right direction, even if its full effects will not be felt until 2030. Critics, he says, have failed to understand the importance of capable forces rather than sizeable ones. The number of tanks, ships and planes is not growing as fast as it might, he insists, because of the priority given to coherence. Its important that if you buy a tank, you have men trained on it, who have ammunition to train and spare parts to go in the field with it. There is no point, General Burkhard says, in having an army that is ready to parade on Bastille Day, but is not ready to go to war.

Stay on top of our defence and international security coverage with The War Room, our weekly subscriber-only newsletter.

 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
US president Joe Biden said that his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin has become "a pariah" around the world but it is hard to say if he has been weakened by the recent mutiny involving the head of the militant Wagner Group. US president Joe Biden (Bloomberg)

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Joe Biden said Putin was clearly losing the war in Ukraine and "he's losing the war at home, and he has become a bit of a pariah around the world."

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A 49-year-old Indian-origin man was sentenced to over three years in jail for smuggling more than 800 Indian citizens into the US using ride-hailing app Uber. Rajinder Pal Singh, aka Jaspal Gill, pleaded guilty in February. (REUTERS)

Rajinder Pal Singh, aka Jaspal Gill, pleaded guilty in February, admitting that he took in more than USD 500,000 as a key member of a smuggling ring, bringing in hundreds of Indian nationals across the border from Canada, the Department of Justice said in a press release.

Read here: Punjab-origin fraudster pleads guilty of smuggling migrants into US via Canada

Singh, a resident of California, was sentenced on Tuesday in a US District Court to "45 months in prison for Conspiracy to Transport and Harbor Certain Aliens for Profit and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering," said Acting US Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.

"Over a four-year period, Mr Singh arranged for more than 800 people to be smuggled into the US across the northern border and into Washington State," said Gorman.

She asserted that Singh's conduct was not just a security risk for Washington but also subjected those smuggled to security and safety perils during the often weeks-long smuggling route from India to the US.

"Mr Singh's participation in this conspiracy preyed upon the Indian nationals' hopes for a better life in the US while saddling those smuggled with a crushing debt of as much as USD 70,000," Gorman said.

From July 2018, Singh and his co-conspirators used Uber to transport people who had illegally crossed the border from Canada to the Seattle area, the press release said, citing records filed in the case.

From mid-2018 to May 2022, Singh arranged more than 600 trips involving the transportation of Indian nationals illegally smuggled into the US.

According to investigation estimates, between July 2018, and April 2022, the 17 Uber accounts tied to the smuggling ring ran up more than USD 80,000 in charges.

Singh's co-conspirators would use the one-way vehicle rentals to transport those smuggled to their ultimate destinations outside Washington state in trips that usually began near the border in the early hours and were split between different rides, the press release said.

The members of the smuggling ring also used sophisticated means to launder the illicit proceeds. In the plea agreement, Singh admitted that the purpose of the complex money movement was to obscure the illegal nature of the funds.

Read here: 4 Indians now confirmed dead in human smuggling operation at Canada-US border: Police

Investigators also found about USD 45,000 in cash and counterfeit identity documents from one of Singh's homes in California, the press release said.

It added that Singh, who is not legally present in the US, will likely be deported following his prison term.

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Officials have reportedly found a body in Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas, on Tuesday morning, June 27, the Austin Fire Department announced. AFD received a Water Resuce call in the 1000 blk of W. Cesar Chavez at 10:28 Crews located an obviously deceased body and made recovery and death pronouncement at 10:59. No further information available, it said on Twitter. Rumours are rife that a serial killer is loose in Austin after eight bodies were pulled from the Lady Bird Lake in just 10 months (FOX 7 Austin screenshot/YouTube)

The Austin Police department said that there were officers at the scenein the 1000 block of W. Cesar Chavez Street. APD officers are on scene responding to a deceased person found in the 1000 block of West Cesar Chavez Street. Media briefing and staging TBD, the department announced on Twitter.

Austin Police Sergeant Lee Knouse has said that the deceased person is a male, according to Austin American-Statesman. It is unclear if foul play is involved, so the probe is being referred to as a death investigation instead of a homicide.

Is there a serial killer in Austin?

Rumours are rife that a serial killer is loose in Austin after eight bodies were pulled from the Lady Bird Lake in just 10 months, besides the latest body. Similar deaths have been reported and bodies have been recovered in the past years as well.

Police have dismissed claims that a serial killer is involved, but families of the victims claim they are certain there is foul play involved. The Austin Police Department has been heavily criticised for alleged inaction.

In a statement on April 4, the Austin Police Department dismissed claims that foul play could be involved in the deaths."The Austin Police Department is aware of speculations regarding the recent drownings in Lady Bird Lake. Although these cases are still under investigation and evidence is being analyzed, at this time, there is no evidence in any of these cases to support allegations of foul play. While each incident has occurred at the lake, the circumstances, exact locations, and demographics surrounding these cases vary. Our investigators approach every case with an open mind and objectively examine all available evidence," the department said on Twitter.

"We work closely with the Travis County Medical Examiner's Office, which conducts a parallel investigation into all deaths. The Medical Examiner performs autopsies in each of these types of death investigations. The results of these autopsies have not revealed any trauma to the bodies nor indication of foul play," it continued.

"One common theme of the drownings in Austin this year is the combination of alcohol and easy access to Lady Bird Lake, which has numerous access points. Many of the access points can be challenging to see at night. The parks in which most of these drownings have occurred are park areas that close at 10:00 pm and occur after the park closes. We advise the public to follow the rules on park closures," the department added.

Asked about the serial killer rumours following the latest death, Knouse said all of the death investigations surrounding the different bodies that were recovered from the lake are independent.I would release information if there was information that was concerning, Knouse said. As a public servant, I want people to be safe.

The four bodies recovered from the lake this year, besides the unidentified man who was reported dead today, were Jason John, 30, Clifton Axtell, 40, Jonathan Honey, 33, and John Christopher Hays-Clark, 30. Earlier in May, Austin police pulled out a bullet hole-ridden vehicle from the Lady Bird Lake where the bodies of the men were found.

Facebook users have set up a group called Lady Bird Lake Serial Killer, to raise awareness on the cases. Family members of the victims are part of the group and have been narrating their stories to ensure they reach the community.

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Italy's culture and tourism ministers are on the lookout for a man who was seen scribbling names on the wall of the iconic Colosseum in Rome. In a video that was shared by a tourist on social media, the man was seen scribbling his and his girlfriend's name on the Colosseum wall. Tourist scribbles names on the Colosseum(Twitter/Gennaro Sangiuliano)

Ivan + Hayley 23/6/23, he wrote on the brick last Friday with a set of keys.

A fellow tourist, Ryan Lutz, of Orange, California, filmed the incident and posted the video on YouTube and Reddit. Lutz told the Associated Press that he took out his phone to film the man because he was so shocked at what he was doing.

And as you see in the video, I kind of approach him and ask him, dumbfounded at this point, Are you serious? Are you really serious?" Lutz recalled. And all he could do is like smile at me.

Italy's minister of culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano, called the writing carved into the almost 2,000-year-old Flavian Amphitheatre serious, undignified and a sign of great incivility.

He said he hoped the culprits would be found and punished according to our laws.

I consider it very serious, unworthy and a sign of great incivility that a tourist defaces one of the most famous places in the world, the Colosseum, to engrave the name of his fiancee. I hope that whoever did this will be identified and sanctioned according to our laws, he said in a tweet in Italian.

This is the fourth time that the monument was defaced this year, according to Italian news agency ANSA. In 2014, a Russian tourist was fined 20,000 euros ($25,000) and received a four-year jail sentence for engraving a big letter K on a wall of the Colosseum.

(With inputs from AP)

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Nepals Supreme Court on Wednesday issued an interim order to the government to temporarily register same-sex marriage, a notice by the apex court said. Nepal supreme court. (File)

A single bench of Justice Til Prasad Shrestha issued the order to the government to make necessary arrangements for registering the marriage of sexual and gender minority couples if they demand so, the directive said.

Seven people, including activist Pinky Gurung on behalf of Blue Diamond Society (BDS), an LGBTI rights organisation, filed a writ to the Prime Minister and the Office of the Council of Ministers to legalise same-sex marriage.

In the order, the apex court has also asked the opponents to furnish a written reply on the issue within 15 days.

The petitioners said that they filed the writ as the Nepalese law has obstructed same-sex marriage despite a Supreme Court decision, which allowed such marriages 15 years ago.

Citing that Clause 69 (1) of the National Civil Code 2017 mentions that each individual citizen has the freedom to marry and as per Clause 18 (1) of the Nepalese Constitution 2015 all citizens are equal in the eyes of the law, the petitioners have demanded the legalisation of the same-sex marriage.

Now with this SC order, same-sex marriage can be registered until and unless specific laws are formulated to give recognition to the sexual and gender minority couples, said Pinky Gurung of BDS talking to media following the courts order.

Though the Supreme Court had allowed same-sex marriage through an order one and a half decades ago, in the absence of a specific law, the provision could not be implemented, which forced the third-gender people to go to court.
A Palestinian detainee at the Ramon Prison in southern Israel was caught by Israeli guards trying to smuggle a bottle of another prisoner's sperm on Tuesday, the Israeli Prisons Service announced. Newborn Palestinian quadruplets, conceived with smuggled sperm from their father imprisoned in Israel and depicted in the placard, are laid on a bed by their grandmother at their home in Gaza city, on June 13.(AFP)

The bottle was found hidden on a Palestinian who stays in a correctional facility outside of the Ramon Prison walls.

The prisoner who provided the sperm was identified and placed in solitary confinement.

The issue of babies born to prisoners from smuggled sperm is a sensitive Palestinian topic. More than 100 babies are said to have been conceived by semen smuggled out of Israeli prisons. The prisoners' wives impregnate themselves through in vitro fertilization.

Also Read| Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan takes center stage in Netanyahu's corruption trial, but whose side is he on?

Successfully conceiving a baby this way costs at least $10,000, usually significantly more. Palestinian clinics have been known to provide IVF services pro bono if the prisoner is serving a long-term sentence. Fatwas, or Muslim religious rulings issued by Palestinian clergy permit the practice.

Israelis tend to view the children as illegitimate, saying that the sperm cannot survive the journey from prison to clinic unless under special conditions, and that the children are usually the product of another father.

The first Palestinian baby was reportedly conceived and born this way in 2012.

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Prince Harry was "prime target" for the tabloid press and is a victim of phone-hacking, his lawyer told London's High Court as the trial in the lawsuit against a newspaper publisher neared its end. The Duke of Sussex and around 100 others are suing Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN), publisher of Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror and Sunday People, over allegations of phone-hacking and unlawful information gathering between 1991 and 2011. Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, departs the Rolls Building of the High Court in London, Britain.(Reuters)

Prince Harry's lawyer told the court that the case against MGN was "inferential", stressing that the newspapers regarded him as a prime target, perhaps one of the most prime targets, in the sense of royal stories drive newspaper sales.

MGN previously admitted its titles were involved in unlawful information gathering and settled more than 600 claims. The publisher, however said, that there is no evidence that Prince Harry's phone was hacked. Some of the personal information about Prince Harry in stories cited during the case had come from, or with the consent of, senior Buckingham Palace aides, the publisher said.

It was "highly unlikely" MGN would have targeted Prince Harry, particularly after the 2006 arrest of the then-royal editor of Rupert Murdoch's News of the World tabloid, it added.

Prince Harry- fifth-in-line to the throne- became the first senior royal to give evidence in court in 130 years when he appeared this month in the witness box.

Prince Harry's "undoubtedly fair resentment about his treatment by British and international media for many years" had been channelled into his legal action, which he said was not for compensation, his lawyer said.

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French police on Tuesday killed a teenager who attempted to flee a traffic check outside Paris, prompting shock and questions over the readiness of security forces to resort to violence. A vehicle burns, destroyed by protesters in Nanterre, west of Paris, on June 27, 2023, after French police killed a teenager who refused to stop for a traffic check in the city. (AFP)

The 17-year-old was driving in a rental car in the western Paris suburb of Nanterre early Tuesday when police pulled him over for breaking several road rules, prosecutors said.

A video circulating on social media, authenticated by AFP, shows two police officers trying to stop the vehicle, with one pointing his weapon at the driver through the window and firing at point blank when he drives off.

The car moved a few dozen metres before crashing.

Emergency services tried to resuscitate him at the scene but he died shortly afterwards.

The officer accused of firing on the driver has been detained on homicide charges, the Nanterre prosecutors' office said.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin told parliament the two police officers were being questioned and acknowledged that the images posted on social media were "extremely shocking".

He urged people to "respect the grief of the family and the presumption of innocence of the police".

Paris police chief Laurent Nunez admitted in an interview with BFM television that the action of the policeman "raises questions", though he said it was possible the officer felt threatened.

The family's lawyer Yassine Bouzrou told the same channel that while all parties needed to wait for the result of the investigation, the images "clearly showed a policeman killing a young man in cold blood".

"This is a long way from any kind of legitimate defence" he said, adding the family had filed a complaint accusing the police of "lying" by initially claiming the car had tried to run down the officers.

Later on Tuesday evening, protesters in Nanterre lit fires, set a car alight, and destroyed bus stops as tensions soared between police and locals.

Nine people were arrested in the confrontations, authorities said.

No licence to kill

Two other people were in the vehicle at the time. A first passenger fled, while the second, also a minor, was arrested and taken into custody.

Nanterre mayor Patrick Jarry said he was "shocked" by the video images and passed his "sincere condolences to the boy's mother".

Read Here: France knife attack suspect charged with attempted murder

"He hopes that the investigations opened (...) will make it possible to shed light as quickly as possible on the exact circumstances of this tragedy," his office said.

"It's so sad, he was so young," said Samia Bough, 62, the teenager's former neighbour, who came to lay a bouquet of yellow roses at the scene.

In 2022, a record 13 deaths were recorded after refusals to stop for traffic controls. Five police officers have been charged in these cases.

Authorities and police unions blame the 2022 figures on more dangerous driving behaviour, but researchers also point to a 2017 law modifying the conditions of the use of their weapon by the police.

Two weeks ago, a 19-year-old was killed by a police officer he had injured in the legs with his car in the western town of Angouleme.

The left reacted with anger, saying police had no right to kill people simply because they refused to stop.

"Yes, a refusal to stop is against the law. But death is not one of the sanctions provided for by the penal code," tweeted the coordinator of the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, Manuel Bompard.

"A refusal to stop does not provide a licence to kill," said Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure.

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Prince William's son Prince George will be 10 years old next month. The future of the heir to the British throne has been mapped out for him since before he was born but this month his educational future might be decided. Both his father Prince William and uncle Prince Harry studied at Eton College. Prince George: Prince George of Wales is seen arriving at St George's Chapel.(Reuters)

Prince George, along with his parents, visited Prince Williams alma mater recently, signaling that the future king might enroll there soon as well. The all-boys boarding school is home to 1,350 pupils and costs $20,000 per term, People reported.

Currently, Prince George attends Lambrook School with his younger siblings Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. When Prince William was enrolled at Eton in 1995, he became the first senior royal to attend the school. His father King Charles and grandfather Prince Philip both attended Gordonstoun in Scotland, but his mother Princess Dianas father and brother attended Eton.

The prince takes his style from his royal grandmother, who intervened as the marriage of Williams parents dissolved in 1995, royal historian Robert Lacey said.

The 13-year-old was in a fragile placealone and just starting boarding at the elite Eton College across the river from Windsor. Concerned for her grandsons emotional state, the Queen invited William up to join her when Eton boys went home for the weekend," the historian added.

Williams arrival at Eton also represented a rare moment of parental unity, Richard Kay said, adding, At the time, Charles and Diana were in the middle of a separation that had grown increasingly ugly and bitter, with each taking pot-shots at the other. But when it came to their sons schooling, they managed to find common ground.

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The United States is examining how the Wagner Group's short-lived mutiny against Russia's military establishment might affect the mercenaries' operations in the Middle East and Africa, officials said. Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin. (AP)

Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin startled the world by leading an armed revolt on Saturday that brought his fighters from the Ukrainian border to within 200 kilometers (125 miles) of Moscow before he abruptly called off the uprising.

US policymakers view the mercenary force through the prism of a rivalry with Russia for influence in Africa and the Middle East and accusing it of gross human rights violations. The U.S. military has clashed directly with Wagner forces in Syria.

Among the possibilities policy analysts are considering, said a US official, is that leaders of African nations may be less willing to hire the group after witnessing Prigozhin turn against his patrons. One of the options Russian President Vladimir Putin offered Wagner members was to sign a contract with the Russian armed forces.

"If these Wagner forces are absorbed into the Russianmilitary overnight, it could be a problem. Many of thesecountries didn't sign up for a Russian military presence whenthey asked for Wagner forces," the official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

Some of those African leaders, said the official, worry deeply about internal rivals and Wagner's march on Moscow could fuel their fears.

'DESTABILIZING INFLUENCE'

Although not officially part of Russia's military, the Wagner Group is important to Putin because it can promote his foreign policy priorities and reach at a fraction of the cost. Putin said on Tuesday that the group had been "full financed" from the state budget.

The organization has deployed thousands of troops to Africa and the Middle East. It has established strong ties with several African governments over the past decade with operations in countries including Mali, Central African Republic (CAR), and Libya.

The mercenaries have played a central role in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, doing much of the bloodiest fighting against Ukrainian troops.

At the Pentagon, spokesman Brigadier General Patrick Ryder declined to speculate about Wagner's future but condemned the group's actions in Africa and beyond.

"They are a destabilizing influence in that region and certainly a threat, which is why they've been declared a transnational criminal organization," Ryder said.

On Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told Russian media that Wagner's work in Central African Republic would continue.

The US official said that despite Lavrov's comments, the United States was looking to see if countries in Africa trusted those assurances.Prigozhin, a former Putin ally, defied orders this month to place his troops under the command of Russia's Defense Ministry. Following the mutiny, Putin said on Monday he would honor his promise to allow Wagner forces to relocate to Belarus if they wanted, sign formal army contracts or return to their families.Much would depend on Prigozhin's fate and how much influence he retained with his troops in Africa, the US official said.

Michael Mulroy, a former senior Pentagon official, agreed that the weekend's events could harm Wagner in Africa.

"They will be seen as too unstable and potentially a threat to the leadership in those countries," Mulroy said. "They almost started a coup in their own (country)," he added.

Despite the obvious risks to Prigozhin's organization, there is a chance that the group benefits from its mutiny, a second US official said. Wagner's surprise push to Moscow, which faced little resistance, could boost its reputation, leading to more business in Africa.

"He deals in matters of violence and this is good for the brand," said the second US official.
Ukrainian authorities on Wednesday arrested a man they accused of helping Russia direct a missile strike that killed at least 11 people, including three teenagers, at a popular pizza restaurant in eastern Ukraine. A view shows a building of a restaurant heavily damaged by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine.(via REUTERS)

The Tuesday evening attack on Kramatorsk wounded 61 other people, Ukraine's National Police said. It was the latest bombardment of a Ukrainian city, a tactic Russia has used heavily in the 16-month-old war.

The strike, and others across Ukraine late Tuesday and early Wednesday, indicated that the Kremlin is not easing its aerial onslaught, despite political and military turmoil at home after a short-lived armed uprising in Russia last weekend.

There has been no apparent military push by Ukraine to exploit that turmoil, though the government has been tight-lipped about recent battlefield developments as it seeks to gain momentum in its recently launched counteroffensive.

The Kremlin reeled from the weekend mutiny led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, owner of the Wagner private army of prison recruits and other mercenaries. Wagner has played a key combat role for Russia in Ukraine. The rebellion posed the most serious threat so far to Russian President Vladimir Putins grip on power.

Trying to repair the damage to his authority, Putin met with military staff in the Kremlin on Tuesday and flew to the Caspian city of Derbent, in the mostly Muslim region of Dagestan, on the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha on Wednesday. He visited an ancient citadel and a historic mosque, met with officials, and walked to cheering crowds next to a fountain, talking to people and shaking hands  rare behavior for the secretive and reserved Russian leader.

Prigozhin went into exile in neighboring Belarus on Tuesday, according to Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, after Russia said he wouldnt face charges for the revolt. Prigozhins whereabouts could not be independently confirmed.

Lukashenko has said his country would allow Wagner to set up a temporary camp in Belarus, but it remained unclear how many mercenaries would move there.

Wagner's impending deployment to Belarus has rattled its neighbors. Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the leader of Poland's ruling party, announced plans to strengthen the country's eastern border, saying about 8,000 Wagner troops are expected to arrive in Belarus.

And Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis noted Tuesday that the mutiny shows how fast detachments from within Russia mobilize and move within its territory, underlining "a more volatile, more unpredictable environment for our region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy played down concerns that Wagner would pose a threat from Belarus. He said the group's mercenaries probably wouldn't go there in significant numbers, and added that Ukraine's military believes security along the Belarusian border will remain unchanged and controllable."

U.S. President Joe Biden said Wednesday that the unrest had weakened Putin, though he added that its hard to tell to what extent.

Hes clearly losing the war in (Ukraine), Biden said of Putin before departing Washington for Chicago. Hes losing the war at home and he has become a bit of a pariah around the world.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also said Putin has been weakened by the rebellion, which showed the autocratic structures, the structures of power have cracks. Speaking to German public broadcaster ARD, he acknowledged that Germanys foreign intelligence agency had been surprised by the rebellion.

In Kramatorsk, two sisters, both age 14, died in the attack, the city council's educational department said. Russian missiles stopped the beating of the hearts of two angels, it said in a Telegram post.

The other dead teenager was 17, according to Prosecutor General Andrii Kostin.

The attack also damaged 18 multistory buildings, 65 houses, five schools, two kindergartens, a shopping center, an administrative building and a recreational building, regional Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said.

Rescuers were still searching the rubble for bodies and more survivors in a city where last year, about six weeks after the start of war, 52 civilians were killed in a Russian missile strike on a train station.

Officials initially blamed Tuesday's strike in Kramatorsk on an S-300 missile, a surface-to-air weapon that Russias forces have repurposed for loosely targeted strikes on cities, but the National Police later said Iskander short-range ballistic missiles were used.

Kramatorsk is a front-line city that houses the Ukrainian armys regional headquarters. The pizza restaurant was frequented by journalists, aid workers and soldiers, as well as local residents.

The Security Service of Ukraine said the man it detained, an employee of a gas transportation company, is suspected of filming the restaurant for the Russians and informing them about its popularity.

It provided no evidence for its claim. Russia has insisted during the war that it doesnt aim at civilian targets, although its air strikes have killed many civilians. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov repeated that claim on Wednesday.

The Russian Defense Ministry said its forces hit a facility used by Ukrainian army officers in Kramatorsk but did not mention the pizza restaurant that was struck.

Kramatorsk is in Donetsk, one of four Ukrainian provinces that Russia annexed last September but does not fully control. In 2014, Russia also annexed Ukraine's Crimea.

The Kremlin demands that Kyiv recognize the annexations, while Kyiv has ruled out any talks until Russian troops pull back from all occupied territories.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that the biggest impediment now to negotiating peace is Putins conviction that he can outlast Ukraine and he can outlast all of us.

The more we are able to disabuse him of that notion, the more likely it is that at some point hell come to the table, Blinken said at the Council on Foreign Relations. He added that the NATO summit in Lithuania in two weeks will offer a very robust package for Ukraine, political and practical.
President Volodymyr Zelensky urged NATO on Wednesday to send Ukraine a clear signal at a summit next month that it can join the military alliance when Russia's war on his country ends. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.(AFP)

In a speech to parliament on Ukraine's Constitution Day, he suggested global leaders should stop thinking about how Moscow would react when taking decisions about Ukraine, and described Russia's political and military leaders as "bandits."

He then set out what Kyiv expects of the July 11-12 NATO summit in Lithuania after holding talks in the Ukrainian capital with Polish President Andrzej Duda and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda.

"We understand that we cannot be a member of NATO during the war, but we need to be sure that after the war we will be," Zelensky told a joint press conference.

"That is the signal we want to get - that after the war Ukraine will be a member of NATO".

Zelensky said Kyiv also hoped to receive security guarantees at the summit to help protect Ukraine until it is accepted as a NATO member.

Duda said Poland and Lithuania were doing all they could to help Ukraine secure its goals as soon as possible. The two countries are big supporters of Ukraine, and Vilnius is buying NASAMS air defence systems for Kyiv from a Norwegian company.

"We are trying to ensure that the decisions made at the summit clearly indicate the perspective of membership. We are conducting talks on this issue with our allies," Duda said.

Though Ukraine wants to join as quickly as possible, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is divided over how fast that step should be taken.

OBSTACLES TO NATO MEMBERSHIP

Western governments such as the United States and Germany are wary of moves they fear could take the alliance closer to entering an active war with Russia, which has long seen NATO's expansion into eastern Europe as evidence of Western hostility.

"Some states and world leaders still, unfortunately, look back at Russia when making their own decisions," Zelensky said in his speech to parliament. "This can be called an absurd and shameful self-limitation of sovereignty, because Ukrainians proved that Russia should not be feared."

Russia has occupied swathes of territory in eastern and southern Ukraine, but Kyiv has launched a counteroffensive to try to retake that land. Zelensky reiterated that Kyiv would not accept any peace proposals that would lock in Russian gains and turn the war into a frozen conflict.

Some NATO states have expressed concern about the arrival of Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of Russia's Wagner mercenary group, in Belarus after leading an aborted mutiny.

Prigozhin has gone into exile in Belarus, Ukraine's northern neighbour, and Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wagner fighters would be offered the choice of relocating there.

"The presence of the Wagner Group in Belarus is a very significant signal which, in our opinion, NATO should definitely pay attention to," Nauseda said. "Questions arise as to why these troops were relocated there. A group of experienced mercenaries can always pose a potential danger."

Duda said Poland will strengthen security on its border with Belarus if it needs to.

Zelensky quoted Ukraine's army as saying the situation in northern Ukraine was unchanged and under control.
In a campaign stop in New Hampshire, former U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the recently leaked audio in which he was heard discussing classified strategies for a potential attack on Iran. CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE - JUNE 27: Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump dances at the edge of the stage following his speech at the New Hampshire Federation of Republican Women's Lilac Luncheon on June 27, 2023 in Concord, New Hampshire. Republican presidential candidate, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is also holding a campaign event in New Hampshire today. Scott Eisen/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Scott Eisen / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)(Getty Images via AFP)

Dismissing the recording as "another hoax," Trump claimed that it was an attempt at election interference. He stated to Fox News Digital, "Everything was fine. We did nothing wrong and everybody knows it."

The audio recording, published by CNN, served as a key piece of evidence in the federal indictment Trump is facing, which includes 37 counts for alleged hoarding of classified material.

The tape, recorded in July 2021, captured the 77-year-old reflecting on his presidency while conversing with individuals working on former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows's memoir.

During the conversation, Trump suggested that the plans originated from General Mark Milley, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

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The 45th U.S. President was reportedly upset about an article in The New Yorker where Milley claimed to have prevented the former president from attacking Iran during his final weeks in the White House.

Trump was heard in the snippet saying, "Isn't it 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." He also mentioned that as president, he could have declassified the information but was no longer able to do so.

Individuals believed to be Kate Hartson and Louise Burke, associated with All Season Press, a conservative publishing company, was among those Trump spoke to in the audio.

All Seasons Press had published Meadows's book, "The Chief's Chief," which reportedly provided federal investigators with additional evidence in the classified document probe.

Neither Hartson, Burke, nor Meadows immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the leaked audio.

Trump reiterated his earlier claims that there was no document and there was nothing to declassify, stating that the materials consisted of newspaper and magazine articles. He insisted, "What was said was absolutely fine."

While the former President expressed uncertainty about the potential existence of additional recordings, he asserted that he wasn't concerned because he believed, I dont do things wrong, I do things right.

As the frontrunner in the Republican primary for president, Trump addressed the leaked audio ahead of his speech at the New Hampshire Federation of Republican Women's annual fundraising gala.

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Federal authorities have seized numerous classified documents from Trump's presidential days, some marked as "Top Secret." Among the 37 charges in the indictment against him is an obstruction charge, alleging that he worked to undermine the investigation.

Earlier this month, Trump pleaded not guilty to the indictment, marking the first time a sitting or former president has faced federal charges.
British prime minister Rishi Sunak faced controversy yet again as it was revealed that the premier has been using pens with erasable ink. The discovery made by The Guardian raised fresh security concerns over the secrecy of the documents that Rishi Sunak has signed during his tenure at 10, Downing Street. Britain's prime minister Rishi Sunak is seen. (AP)

The UK prime minister is regularly seen using the disposable "Pilot V" fountain pens and has been photographed making cabinet notes, working on government papers and signing official letters at international summits using the same pen, the report claimed. The pen carries an "erasable ink" logo and is marketed by the company as ideal for those learning to write with ink because if you make a mistake, the ink erases using standard ink eradicators.

This raised concerns as Rishi Sunak's hand-written notes and other documents where he has used the pen can be erased. Although Rishi Sunak's office said that the erasing feature of the pen has not been used by the UK PM.

This is a pen provided by and used widely by the civil service. The prime minister has never used the erase function and nor would he," his press secretary was quoted as saying.

But his opponents took the opportunity to target him and held the UK PM accountable for his actions.

When trust in politicians is at an all-time low, the PM signing official documents in erasable ink could push it through the floor and into the basement," Tom Brake, a former Liberal Democrat MP, said, adding, Erasable ink, lost mobile phones and disappearing WhatsApp messages all add to a picture of a cavalier attitude towards ensuring government is accountable for its actions.

Experts have also said that official documents signed by Rishi Sunak could easily be fudged by removing the PM's scribbled notes.

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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 only has himself to blame after facing a direct military challenge from Wagner group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, former US defense secretary Leon Panetta said. Wagner group's private mercenaries staged a rebellion against the Kremlin before a deal was brokered. In exchange for turning his troops away from Moscow, Yevgeny Prigozhin agreed to leave the country for Belarus. Russian president Vladimir Putin walks down the steps to address troops from the defence ministry.(AFP)

The Russian leader kept a relatively low profile during the turmoil but some experts argue that the recent conflict may pose a threat to Vladimir Putin's political stability.

"Any time there's chaos and instability, any leader faces problems as a result of that," Panetta said, adding, "But particularly an autocrat like Putin, who...his basic claim to power is that he controls what's going on in Russia. And what happened indicates that his control was not there."

Putin is "paying the price for something he created", he said, explaining, I think the bottom line here is that Putin is the one who's paying a price for something he created. He's the one who put together the Wagner group...He's deployed them to Asia, to Africa, to Ukraine, where they've committed all kinds of atrocities. And then, when Prigozhin started speaking out and criticizing both Putin as well as the Russian military, Putin took no steps really to discipline Prigozhin. So likely the bottom line here is Putin has no one to blame but himself for what occurred in Russia.

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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
Lithuania's counterintelligence service that a passport which was found during a search of Russian offices of mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was used by his double to enter Lithuania in 2020. The aim of the body double, the service said, was to foment a scandal in the country. This comes as Wagner chief Prigozhin flew into exile in Belarus under a deal that ended a mutiny by his fighters against Russian president Vladimir Putin. Yevgeny Prigozhin, the owner of the Wagner Group military company.(AP)

Russian media outlet Fontanka.ru published pictures purportedly taken during a Russian security service raid of the headquarters of Prigozhin's Wagner mercenary group in St Petersburg. These showed passports under his name but were later deleted.

A photo in one of the passports appears to match a picture released in 2021 by Lithuania's counterintelligence State Security Department of a man said to have travelled under his name.

"The passport, issued to Prigozhin's double, was used in 2020 for an informational attack against Lithuania," the security service said in a Facebook post, as per news agency Reuters.

The aim was to undermine European solidarity by making it seem as though Prigozhin himself had defied sanctions to visit EU member Lithuania, it said.

"Lithuanian intelligence assesses that the document proves that the informational attack was executed by subjects controlled by Prigozhin, possibly in concert with the secret services of the Russia's regime," it added.

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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 search for the missing Titan submersible ended tragically after a catastrophic explosion killed all the five passengers aboard the vessel. The deceased passengers were OceanGates CEO Stockton Rush, British billionaire Hamish Harding, French diver Paul Henry Nargeolet, and Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his son, Suleman. A man looks at morning newspapers as some papers published an ad of condolence messages for two victims of Titan submersible incident, Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)(AP)

The world has been obsessed with the tragedy ever since it came to light. The incident has been making headlines, and people and experts across the globe have been talking about nothing but the submersible and how the passengers may have met their fate. The words Titan, Titan sub, and OceanGate have been trending on Twitter.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Dr Justin DArienzo, a clinical psychologist in Jacksonville, has weighed in on why we are so keen on knowing about the details of this particular incident. We all can relate to that feeling of being trapped somewhere or being in the water or experiencing that level of uncertainty, the former US Navy psychologist told The Independent. What makes it so relatable is that we all could imagine being helpless with other humans and not know what to do.

People paying $250,000 to go into a tube thats going to go underwater, there is some obsession with rich and famous people. Were sensitized to voyeurism in that regard, said DArienzo. We quickly follow people who we see are powerful; we give them more leeway. Theres a reason that we follow the lifestyles of the rich and famous.

Speaking of the richer community spending so much money to take such huge risks, Ellen Langer, a Harvard psychologist who specialises in social cognition and decision-making, told Insider that these people want to break free from the monotony of life. Some also believe the adventure is too massive to actually fail. We would not be on the moon, we would have not explored the ocean, wed probably still be in Africa if there was no element of overconfidence and courage. I think thats part of our nature to push, he said. But then we hear stories of people that have an extreme element of that trait, where they are very courageous, overly confident.

I think what happened here was a fallacy of overconfidence, or the confidence bias, where humans feel like things that are complex and run by rich and smart people are too big to fail, he added.

An underwater robot is now combing the floor for debris from the catastrophic implosion of the submersible that resulted in the deaths of the five passengers. Following the tragedy, investigators from the US Coast Guard, the US National Transportation Safety Board, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, the French marine casualties investigation board and the United Kingdom Marine Accident Investigation Branch have been working closely on the probe.

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During the search for the missing Titan submersible, sonar reportedly picked up banging sounds from underneath the water. A memo obtained by CNN said it was unclear exactly when the banging was heard on Tuesday, June 20, and for how long. More sounds were later heard, but they were not described as banging. The Titan submersible, operated by OceanGate Expeditions to explore the wreckage of the sunken SS Titanic off the coast of Newfoundland, dives in an undated photograph (OceanGate Expeditions/Handout via REUTERS) (via REUTERS)

Additional acoustic feedback was heard and will assist in vectoring surface assets and also indicating continued hope of survivors, an update read at the time.

While it has not been determined what the banging sounds were, experts have come up with various theories. Carl Hartsfield, an expert with the Wood Hole Oceanographic Institution, told CBS news there could be several explanations. The ocean is a very complex place, obviously  human sounds, nature sounds, and its very difficult to discern what the sources of those noises are at times, he said.

Jeff Karson, professor emeritus of earth and environmental sciences at Syracuse University, told Daily Mail that that the noise may have been a complicated echo that came from sounds that bounced around the Titanic debris field. Its just not bouncing off of one thing. Its bouncing off a bunch of things. And its like, you know, dropping up a marble into a tin can. Its rattling around and that would confuse the location, he said.

They could have also been made by marine wildlife like whales, said Stefan Williams, a professor of marine robotics at the University of Sydney, according to Insider.

At the time the sounds were heard, a submarine expert claimed it was encouraging that the five people on board were still alive. So the fact that were hearing banging at 30-minute internals tells me that the people inside are sending a message that says, We understand that you would be looking for us and this is how you might expect us to react. So, its very encouraging, he said.

An underwater robot is now combing the floor for debris from the catastrophic implosion of the submersible that resulted in the deaths of five passengers. The deceased passengers were OceanGates CEO Stockton Rush, British billionaire Hamish Harding, French diver Paul Henry Nargeolet, and Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his son, Suleman.

Following the tragedy, investigators from the US Coast Guard, the US National Transportation Safety Board, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, the French marine casualties investigation board and the United Kingdom Marine Accident Investigation Branch have been working closely on the probe.
Half Moon Bay, CA (94019)

Today

Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 52F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 52F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.
Irakli Gharibashvili, the Prime Minister of Georgia, held a meeting with David O'Sullivan, the International Special Representative responsible for overseeing the enforcement of European Union sanctions. Also present were Ambassador James O'Brien from the United States and Kumar Iyer from the United Kingdom, both representing their respective countries.The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the visit of the EU Special Representative to Georgia and highlighted its significance, particularly considering that the Georgian delegation had consistently expressed their eagerness for strong collaboration with the Office of the Special Representative during the meetings in Brussels.According to the press release, the meeting centered around Georgia's continuous efforts to align with the European Union and the international community regarding the financial sanctions imposed on Russia. Significant importance was given to the effective performance of Georgia's relevant agencies in preventing sanctions evasion, as well as highlighting the successful cooperation between Georgia and the EU, as well as the USA, in this endeavor.Furthermore, it was highlighted that the international community, including the US State Department, positively acknowledges the efforts undertaken by Georgia. Special attention was given to Georgia's unwavering support for Ukraine in both political and humanitarian spheres.Vakhtang Gomelauri, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia, held a meeting with Sandor Pinter, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Hungary, as part of his official visit to Hungary."At the meeting, the parties discussed bilateral cooperation between the law enforcement agencies of both countries.During the meeting, the significance of existing bilateral agreements in the field of law enforcement between the governments of Georgia and Hungary was emphasized, along with the prospects of future cooperation to ensure their effective implementation.The parties also expressed their willingness to take appropriate measures to facilitate the exchange of experiences and best practices between their respective agencies.Vakhtang Gomelauri provided his Hungarian counterpart with detailed information about ongoing and implemented reforms in the Ministry.At the conclusion of the meeting, Vakhtang Gomelauri expressed gratitude to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Hungary for his hospitality and conveyed hope for the continued robust cooperation between the parties across various domains," the agency reports.
Located at Rua Pedroso Alvarenga, the new Hotel is Fasano's second in Sao Paulo.

Exactly 20 years after the opening of Fasano Sao Paulo Jardins, the Hotel that defined the concept of luxury hospitality in Brazil, Fasano Group announces its second property in the capital, this time in the Itaim-Bibi neighborhood. The new Fasano Sao Paulo Itaim, the Group's tenth Hotel, is undoubtedly one of the most awaited developments of the year in the city's new economic hub. Open on May, 2023, the new property pays homage to the original Hotel in Sao Paulowhile incorporating new elements as a nod to the passage of time between the two projects.

The Hotel Fasano Sao Paulo Itaim testifies to the Group's ambitious global expansion - which includes the two recent openings of Fasano Fifth Avenue in New York City and Fasano Trancoso in Bahia, Brazil - and continues its successful partnership with JHSF.

To preserve the brand's signature look and historic references, Fasano invited architect Marcio Kogan, who also led the design for Fasano Sao Paulo Jardins, to bring classic touches from the brand's Italian heritage while adding contemporary flourishes to the interior design for the first time, together with Aflalo/Gasperini.

Upon entering the reception area, guests notice the brand's characteristic design in the lobby and the interconnected lobby bar. The space features sofas, armchairs, and tables by Italian furniture company Minotti, particularly the Brasilia and Daiki lines designed by Marcio Kogan's Studio MK27. They are combined with pieces by national designers, such as the GB bench by Geraldo de Barros, and the Del Rei armchair by Polish-born Brazilian Jorge Zalszupin. Lamps and furniture hailing from France, Italy, and Brazil, which were hand-picked by Ana Joma Fasano and Gero Fasano from antique shops, add a refined air to the shared environment.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Gero restaurant, Gero Fasano has opened a second location within Fasano Sao Paulo Itaim. The 100-seat venue also features a terrace for a stylized indoor-outdoor dining experience. The new location of Gero is situated adjacent to the Hotel lobby and has a private dining room for parties of up to 20 guests.

The new restaurant is led by Lomanto Oliveira, an acclaimed chef with over 18 years of experience at the brand crafting refined Italian cuisine for the Fasano and Gero restaurant concepts in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and most recently Salvador.

The first floor showcases an intimate, private lounge open to guests to enjoy breakfast as well as available to rent for private events up to 160 people.

Towering over 20 floors, the 107 residential-style accommodations at Fasano Sao Paulo Itaim range from 30 to 190 m (323 to 2,045 ft) and are divided into six categories. The bathroom decor is a timeless journey through different generations of celebrated Brazilian designers: the Vronka armchair from Sergio Rodrigues is combined with the Matriz sofa by Jader Almeid and the slatted bench from Studio MK27. The suites are additionally decorated with images of ancient Italy, all collected by Gero Fasano himself in his travels.

Five Spa treatment rooms, one of which is designed for couples' therapy, two saunas (dry and traditional), a beauty salon, and a state-of-the-art gym compose the leisure space. The Hotel also offers a Business Center equipped with five meeting rooms.

Boasting spectacular views and a relaxing atmosphere, the bar and pool on the property's top floor offer panoramic vistas of the surrounding cityscapes and the nearby neighborhood of Jardim Europa. The rooftop accommodates up to 40 guests and is open for reservations to both overnight and day guests.

Fasano Sao Paulo Itaim also includes a residential building, composed of 70 apartments ranging from 288 to 500 m (3,100 to 5,382 ft), a leisure area, hospitality amenities and gastronomic services.

Hotel website
In this article, Cloudbeds' Co-Founder Richard Castle expresses concern over the current labor shortage plaguing the global hospitality industry and the potential impact this could have on the quality of guest experiences. The author argues that innovation is needed to address this issue, suggesting several areas where modernization could help offset labor shortages and maintain high-quality guest experiences. These include the acceleration of virtual front desks, the development of more self-guided staff training, and the fostering of increased role flexibility within the industry. The author also provides examples of how these innovative shifts are already making a positive impact, and predicts that these changes, if widely adopted, could significantly alter the hospitality landscape for the better, allowing the industry to overcome labor shortages while still delivering excellent service. The article concludes with a tribute to hospitality workers, and a call to technology developers to focus their attention on this vital industry.

Ive had a lot of incredible travel experiences. But the ones I loved the most would never have happened if not for the meaningful connections I made with hospitality professionals who guided me during my stay. Whether that was the owner of a posada in Brazil or a ryokan in Japan, their passion and talents elevated my trip from average to extraordinary.

Im not the first to worry that global hospitality staff shortages put remarkable guest experiences like mine at risk. In the US alone, the numbers are worrying. 82% of hotels dont have enough staff and 26% cited severe shortages according to the AHLA. Leisure and Hospitality is still short 400k employees, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics presented by the Cleveland Research Company. Our industry is indeed recovering, but that doesnt mask the fact that theres a permanent shift in where workers want to spend their time. When higher wages can be earned in other flexible, customer-service-based roles, that are less seasonal with shorter hours, many people are turning away from hospitality for good.

Read or listen to the full article

The Hotel Yearbook Technology 2024

The 2024 edition of "The Hotel Yearbook (HYB) Technology," curated by EHL's Ian Millar, offers a comprehensive outlook on the emerging technology trends and innovations poised to shape the global hotel industry. It amalgamates insights from a multitude of industry thought leaders, spotlighting key foresight in several tech-oriented fields. This includes anticipated evolutions in the future tech stack, which will drive operational efficiencies, the 'human stack' that explores the intersection of human resources and technology, and the application of Generative AI in creating novel customer experiences. Overall, this HYB edition serves as an essential guide for understanding how technology and innovation will redefine the industry landscape.

www.hotelyearbook.com/edition/technology-2024.html
Chicago, IL - TraknProtect, a leading provider of innovative safety solutions for the hospitality industry, is thrilled to announce the launch of its highly anticipated LTE 2-Way Radio. This groundbreaking product represents a significant advancement in communication technology, offering enhanced safety, efficiency, and peace of mind for hotel staff.

With an unwavering commitment to improving the safety and security of hotel employees, TraknProtect has developed the LTE 2-Way Radio as the ultimate solution for real-time communication. This state-of-the-art device combines the power of LTE connectivity with advanced two-way radio functionality, enabling seamless communication across the entire hotel premises, including remote locations.

The key features of the TraknProtect LTE 2-Way Radio include:

Two-Way Radio: The device employs cutting-edge voice-over-LTE technology, delivering clear and crisp sound quality for seamless communication, even in noisy environments. One-click activation: Equipped with a prominent emergency alert button, the LTE 2-Way Radio enables employees to quickly signal distress and send alerts through multiple platforms such as SMS, push notifications, email. Accurate Location: Combination of BLE, WiFi, LTE and GPS technologies allows for accurate location indoors as well as outdoors, providing hoteliers with flexibility to cover a greater area. 4. Integrate with Existing Platforms: the only 2-way radio platform that integrates with the TraknProtect gateways, existing wireless access points or thermostats in the hotel enhancing overall safety and efficiency. Geo-Fencing Capabilities: TraknProtect's innovative geo-fencing feature allows hotel management to define virtual boundaries within the property. Whenever an employee enters or exits these designated areas, automated notifications are triggered, enabling efficient monitoring and response.

We are excited to introduce our LTE 2-Way Radio, a game-changer in the hospitality industry. With this innovative solution, we aim to empower hotel staff by providing them with a reliable, modern communication tool that ensures their safety and enhances their productivity. Our goal is to revolutionize the way communication and safety are managed within hotels, and we believe the LTE 2-Way Radio is a significant step towards achieving that. Parminder Batra, CEO of TraknProtect

The TraknProtect LTE 2-Way Radio is now available for hotels and resorts looking to elevate their safety protocols and streamline communication processes. For more information and to request a demonstration, please visit www.traknprotect.com.

About TraknProtect

TraknProtect is a leading provider of safety solutions for the hospitality industry. TraknProtect is a real time location technology provider enabling hotels to harness the power of location data and integrate it into their safety and operations systems. TraknProtect provides enhanced safety devices (ESDs) for hotel employees through activation of a safety button integrated solution alerting security personnel to the location of employees in need of assistance. The platform provides additional access to real-time locations and data about hotel inventory, room service trays, and vendor activity on the property. With a strong focus on improving the safety and well-being of hotel staff, TraknProtect develops innovative technologies that enhance communication, enable real-time tracking, and deliver actionable insights. The company's solutions are trusted by major hotel brands and resorts worldwide, revolutionizing the way safety is managed in the hospitality sector. www.traknprotect.com

Parminder Batra

CEO
IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the worlds leading hospitality companies, is proud to announce the continuation of its partnership with Pride in London  the UKs biggest and most diverse Pride event  for a second year. Led by its LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group (ERG), Out & Open, the extension of the relationship reflects IHGs ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in its workplaces, hotels and local communities.

Taking place on 1 July, the event is an annual celebration that brings together millions of people from diverse backgrounds to honour the LGBTQ+ community, promote equality, and advocate for the rights of all individuals.

Setting off from InterContinental London Park Lane, a group of colleagues from across its hotels and corporate offices in the UK will participate in this years parade, proudly marching alongside the LGBTQ+ community and its allies to show their support for diversity and equality.

Stephen Quick and Peter Brennan, Co-Executive Sponsors of Out & Open Employee Resource Group, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: At IHG, we believe that every individual should be celebrated, respected and treated with dignity, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Out & Opens partnership with Pride in London is a great moment in time to reinforce our year-round commitment to creating an inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community, both within our organisation and in the world around us."

Will DeAthe-Morris at Pride in London added: We are thrilled to have support and partnership from IHG Hotels & Resorts for a second year. Their increased commitment directly supports the members of Londons LGBTQ+ communities by allowing us to run the UKs largest free-to-access Pride event, reinforcing our shared goal to advance visibility, unity and equality for all LGBTQ+ people  advocating for the freedoms that will enable everyone to live their lives on an equal footing.

Out & Open is one of nearly 30 ERG chapters at IHG, which are voluntary groups that provide platforms for its colleagues and promote workplace diversity across areas including sexuality, ethnic diversity, gender, disability, wellbeing, family and early careers.

In 2022, IHG was proud to partner with Pride in London for the first time, with a group of Out & Open members from corporate offices and hotels marching alongside allies, friends and partners. IHG also sponsored the Proud and Loud concert held at the iconic Royal Albert Hall in aid of raising money for the Pride in London Unity Fund. IHG will also be supporting UK Black Pride again in 2023 for a second year running.

In addition, IHG presents its Pride how you pride marketing campaign around London and Berlin, celebrating LGBTQ+ communities, advocating for equal rights and showcasing how guests can be their true selves and feel genuinely welcomed at IHG hotels. This builds upon IHG's Guest How You Guest multi-million-dollar marketing campaign that aims to amplify true-to-life travel moments and shows how guests can define their own journey at IHG hotels.

IHG's sponsorship for Pride in London further strengthens its commitment to its four strategic priorities as a company, one of which is to care for its people, communities and planet, supported by its 2030 responsible business plan, Journey to Tomorrow.

Read more about diversity, equity & inclusion at IHG here.

About IHG

IHG Hotels & Resorts [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good.

With a family of 17 hotel brands and IHG Rewards, one of the world's largest hotel loyalty programmes, IHG has over 6,000 open hotels in more than 100 countries, and a further 1,800 in the development pipeline.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group's holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 350,000 people work across IHG's hotels and corporate offices globally.

Visit us online for more about our hotels and reservations and IHG Rewards. For our latest news, visit our Newsroom and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
AMSTERDAM, 27 June 2023 - Booking.com, one of the worlds leading digital travel platforms, has announced its new AI Trip Planner, which will launch in beta to a selection of US travelers in the companys app on June 28. Built upon the foundation of Booking.coms existing machine learning models that recommend destination and accommodation options to millions of travelers on the platform every day, the AI Trip Planner is also partially powered by large language model (LLM) technology from OpenAIs ChatGPT API to create a new conversational experience for people to start their trip planning process.

A new way to search and explore on Booking.com

Travelers can ask the AI Trip Planner general travel-related questions, as well as more specific queries to support any stage of their trip planning process, including scoping out potential destinations and accommodation options, providing travel inspiration based on the individual travelers needs and requirements, as well as creating itineraries for a particular city, country or region.

More tailored and relevant travel recommendations

Travelers can easily chat with the pilot AI Trip Planner to describe what theyre looking for in broad or specific terms, ask questions and refine their search in real time, with new options surfaced in just a matter of seconds. From looking for inspiration on romantic beach destination options in the Caribbean to zeroing in on a specific list of vacation homes for a family of four, with air conditioning and a pool, the AI Trip Planner makes recommendations in a quick, conversational way.

Integrated travel planning experience

The AI Trip Planner takes the trip planning process one step further by providing travelers with a visual list of destinations and properties, including Booking.coms pricing information, with deep-links to view more details. Travelers can go back and forth between their chat with the AI Trip Planner and the Booking.com app interface as they consider options for their trip. With just a tap on any accommodation they are interested in, they can complete the reservation, as the AI Trip Planner is directly integrated into the accommodation booking experience in the Booking.com app.

Our primary aim at Booking.com has always been to leverage technology to make travel easier, said Glenn Fogel, CEO of Booking.com. The recent developments with generative AI are accelerating the work weve been doing for years with machine learning to enhance and improve every aspect of the customer experience on our platform, whether its optimizing the right order to display a hotels photos to surfacing the most relevant reviews. Our new AI Trip Planner is simply the next step in our ongoing journey to explore how we can bring even more value, and hopefully enjoyment, to the entire trip planning process.

Our new AI Trip Planner provides us with some really exciting possibilities to help our customers plan and search for travel options in a very natural, human way, said Rob Francis, CTO of Booking.com. Oftentimes, people are asked to adapt to the confines of technology to do what they want, but with generative AI, were able to start having scalable, one-to-one conversations with our customers on their terms, much like how you would begin to talk about planning a trip with your partner or friends. Its just the beginning, but we have lots of runway here to explore in order to innovate and connect the travel experience further on Booking.com, all in a safe, ethical and inclusive way.

Beginning on June 28, the beta AI Trip Planner will become available to a growing percentage of Booking.com Genius members in the United States over the coming weeks. This means that US travelers must be signed in to their Booking.com account in the app and have their language settings set to English to access the new travel planning tool.

Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), Booking.com's mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. By investing in the technology that helps take the friction out of travel, Booking.com seamlessly connects millions of travellers with memorable experiences, a range of transportation options and incredible places to stay - from homes to hotels and much more. As one of the world's largest travel marketplaces for both established brands and entrepreneurs of all sizes, Booking.com enables properties all over the world to reach a global audience and grow their businesses. Booking.com is available in 44 languages and offers more than 28 million total reported accommodation listings, including more than 6.6 million listings of homes, apartments and other unique places to stay. No matter where you want to go or what you want to do, Booking.com makes it easy and backs it all up with 24/7 customer support.

Follow us on TikTok, Instagram and Twitter, like us on Facebook, and for the latest news, data and insights, please visit our global media room.
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts in Asia Pacific is inviting guests to its House of Celebration, inspiring guests to relive the timeless and storied festivities of the Astors, the iconic brands founding family, known for their lavish and incomparable gatherings. Just like haute couture runways, the House of Celebration defines a unique theme for each of the four seasons with limited-edition cultural, fashion, and dining experiences that highlight St. Regis beloved rituals and create new traditions across the finest addresses in the Asia Pacific region, from Hong Kong and Shanghai to Jakarta and Osaka.

St. Regis hotels and resorts have always attracted society's luminaries, serving as places for iconic celebrations and exquisite rituals, said Jennie Toh, Vice President, Brand Marketing & Management, Asia Pacific, Marriott International. We will continue this tradition with the House of Celebration, creating extraordinary moments that punctuate the year and set the stage for exquisite experiences through a bold vision of modern glamor that reimagines timeless rituals, blending them with destination-defining activations for each season.

Spring  A Celebration of People

On May 31, 2023, the House of Celebration kicked off with a preview of the limited-edition experiences for the upcoming seasons. To commemorate the arrival of springtime, a star-studded occasion celebrated societys tastemakers and gathered luminaries at St. Regis latest debut, The St. Regis Jakarta. The glittering launch featured Indonesian fashion designer, Monica Ivenas latest capsule collection and marked the debut of Bright Encounters, a thought salon experience, featuring Monica Ivena over a St. Regis signature Afternoon Tea at The Drawing Room. Bright Encounters will be one of the House of Celebrations feature events to ignite deeply meaningful conversations amongst distinguished attendees on lifestyle, fashion, culture, art, sustainability and travel. The launch also included previews of events to look forward to in the coming seasons, including summer's Exquisite Journey Menus and The Art of Drinking experiences, along with autumn's Fashion Trunk Shows.

Summer  A Celebration of Place

From July 5 to August 31, St. Regis hotels will take guests on expeditions of culinary tastes and traditions, in collaboration with chefs from various extraordinary St. Regis destinations. The flavors of summer are celebrated in Exquisite Journey Menus that showcase the finest of locally sourced ingredients, as well as marvelous reimaginations of distinctly different cultural cuisines. The Art of Drinking will feature special cocktails  including flights of various iconic St. Regis Bloody Marys and other New York-inspired cocktails with distinctly local flavors  that will transport guests to other St. Regis destinations.

Autumn  A Celebration of Culture

From September 6 to November 30, St. Regis hotels and resorts in Asia Pacific will set inimitable stages for sophisticated celebrations of culture and diversity. Guests can look forward to Bright Encounters, or masterclasses with St. Regis Butlers and the most stellar tastemakers of the fashion world to learn Packing in Style, with tips for packing couture garments and valuable luxury items when traveling. Butler Service is one of the most beloved signature rituals of the St. Regis brand, and the masterclasses will be accompanied by inspirational Fashion Trunk Shows. Guests can meet and interact with fashion designers, get personalized advice from expert stylists, enjoy creative displays, and purchase bespoke limited-edition couture pieces. The House of Celebration will also commemorate fashion with special events at The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan.

Winter  A Celebration of Time

The end of the year and the start of a new one offers a joyous occasions to celebrate with family and friends. From December 6 to February 29, 2024, St. Regis hotels and resorts will welcome guests in lavishly decadent settings for festive holiday celebrations. As part of the House of Celebrations winter season, guests will have the opportunity to learn fabulous tips to enhance holiday rituals in true St. Regis fashion. The Art of Gifting will see St. Regis Butlers offering gift wrapping services using House of Celebration seasonal wrapping paper for guests in-suite or while they relax over a festive Afternoon Tea. Children can also enjoy the brands Family Traditions, a workshop for kids on the art of gift wrapping. Guests can also book private champagne sabering masterclasses, The Art of Sabrage, led by expert St. Regis Butlers or mixologists, and be enthralled as they learn about the history and techniques of sabrage, one of the most iconic evening rituals in St. Regis traditions.

For more information, please visit https://st-regis.marriott.com/ .

About St. Regis Hotels & Resorts

Combining timeless glamour with a vanguard spirit, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is committed to delivering exquisite experiences at more than 50 luxury hotels and resorts in the best addresses around the world. Beginning with the debut of The St. Regis hotel in New York by John Jacob Astor IV at the dawn of the twentieth century, the brand has remained committed to an uncompromising level of bespoke and anticipatory service for all of its guests, delivered flawlessly by the signature St. Regis Butler Service. For more information and new openings, visit stregis.com or follow Twitter , Instagram and Facebook . St. Regis is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com .

About Marriott Bonvoy
Almost everyone would agree that the pace of technological advances in hospitality has accelerated since the pandemic, when many technology providers were forced to redesign their offerings in response to one of the largest catalysts for change that the world has ever seen. Revenue management tools were quickly re-worked to be forward-looking versus relying on historical trends, and now machine learning is being applied to everything from creating the ideal travel itinerary to cleaning up the coding that night auditors have been screwing up for decades. But this technology is having an impact both on the industry best practices as well as the career paths of those who have dedicated their lives to hospitality. In many cases it seems like technology is permanently altering, but not replacing key positions as many experts have forecasted. A common trait among some of these emerging solutions is hasty development and reliance on the user community to sort out the bugs and refinements. And then there's the cost. So, on the eve of this year's 2023 HSMAI Commercial Strategy Week and HITEC 2023 Toronto, we asked our experts: In your opinion, is this new era of technological advancement in hospitality a blessing, a curse, or somewhere in between, and why?

Obviously a blessing. In hospitality, we are with one foot in legacy and one foot into the future. We need more exponential technology development to liberate team members from mundane, repetitive, and 0 value add tasks. We should have been further away already. We need to be more creative in hospitality to "create" the positions of tomorrow. Forget about Receptionist but replace with Ambassador or Guest relations. Forget about Revenue Manager but replace with Demand Manager or Commercial Strategist. Forget about a specific function and move to multifunctionality. Think about the gig economy instead of fixed staff. And more... Technology is an enabler

Its a double edged sword. Community driven can lead to building everything for noone. My viewpoint, and having my own technology company, is that you need to solve an issue at hand. Sort the issue and then you can gather user feedback to make it more efficient - ie less clicks to get to the result, different colors, visualisations, etc. so the UX of how the problem was solved changes. We for example focus on "making you a better you". so all we do is 100% dedicated to help grow revenue through clearer, better and faster decision making - but in a planned way, not hasty. For me, many solutions on the market are not new, not innovative and pretty much like in the movies. Same movie, just recorded with different actors 20 years later. True innovation takes time as you are builting for the future, not the now. E.g. IVI - a virtual Revenue Analyst with a clear contextual interface that started 3 years ago and now is in its prime alongside generative AI. Innovation is about builting for when the time is right, not rehashing same old same old. So is it a curse, a blessing? Its neither. Its evolution

Technology, such as attribute based selling (upselling) has been talked about for many years, software companies have tried and optimized it for real release for a considerable amount of time, minimizing the user "optimization" afterwards. Today's tech also allows for automated user optimization, and quick and seamless activation, so there is NO negative impact for hotel guests and staff. Good technology does not always reduce staff, the sample of ABS for example is focused purely on a more easier booking or upsell expereince for hotel guests. Rather than implying value by selling the "Executive Corner Suite", it enables to hotel to convey direct value to the guest by offering the balcony, the corner, the high floor each as individual atttributes that the guest can buy. A small innovation that in my opinion is a blessing for the hotel industry and guests.

Raul Moronta CRME, CHIA, Chief Commercial Officer at Remington Hotels

To prove a point, I asked ChatGPT to write an article supporting technology, see the response on the extended version of the article. Personally, I support human aid technology as long as it enhances revenue generation, improves efficiency, guest satisfaction and provides acceptable ROI. Technology has improved how commercial teams grow revenues and market share. It began with revenue management systems; it is the backbone of most paid media software, and it will revolutionize the sales process in the next few years. A successful commercial leader of the future will discern what technology to use and how to best use it, differently than their competitors . Evolution has always been part of our journey; the speed of change is just forcing us to accelerate the process.

Related article by Raul Moronta

Harald Bindeus Commercial Leader | Marketing, Revenue Management, Sales |

As labor is becoming more difficult to find in many industries the hospitality industry will have to embrace technology to remain profitable and functional in years to come. It is neither a blessing or a curse - it simply is a fact. At the same time, more reliance on technology does not necessarily mean that humans will be replaced completely. On the contrary, adding more technology in hotels and resorts will require management companies/ owners to find and retain tech-savy staff, who can actually maximize use of the new tools and applications and apply a "common-sense" approach in situations which are not covered by the algorithms programmed into the apps. One of the main challenges with hotel tech is that many new programs are being developed by engineers without input from the actual user. Whatever is "beautiful", "cool" or "elegant" may not always meet the needs of the user - be it hotel staff or guests. Involving advisors with hands-on hotel experience in several areas early in the design/ concept phase of a new development will be key to adaptation, allowing use to the fullest extent and maximum ROI. Let's strive for a "Hotel-tech company by hoteliers for hoteliers"!

Pablo Torres Director of Sales and Marketing at Alannia Resorts

The challenge we might be facing is the sheer amount of solutions coming up at the same time, which can be puzzling for most hoteliers, especially the independent ones that don't have a dedicated IT department, and need to decide by themselves on which solution should they sign in, and which one they must discard. To add salt to injury, most solutions are very niche or specific, performing just one task, and might have a challenging connection with others that are needed to fully function. And since the customer journey is becoming longer (I would say circular), more technology is needed to make sure the customers is engaged throughout, to make sure they enjoy their experience to the fullest...and the Hotel maximizes revenue. Therefore, in my opinion every advancement in technology is positive. It's more a matter of the hotelier having good honest advice regarding the right solution to choose for his or her establishment. It's not about going for the most expensive/the cheapest. It's about choosing the right one for your needs (based on size, type of accommodation, location, segmentation, etc...). And for that, having the advice of a trusted friend, peer or consultant can be key.

Max Starkov Hospitality & Online Travel Tech Consultant

There is no doubt that hospitality is transitioning from low-tech and high-touch to hi-tech and hi-touch, and becoming a service industry powered by technology. How do we achieve that? to begin with, the industry needs to start investing more than the current 2% of room revenue. In "normal" years, the hospitality industry spends less than 2% of net room revenue on IT, telecom and IT personnel payroll/benefits. This is it! Compare this to Expedia"s annual spend of 10%-12% of net revenue. Today's travel consumers are more digitally and tech-savvy than ever. Many of their service expectations are around self-service, around do-it-yourself, from online planning and booking, to contactless check-in, mobile keys, voice assistants and message communication with hotel staff i.e. these are all technology solutions and applications. The technology underspend has clearly increased hoteliers' dependency on the OTAs. It's no wonder that over the last 3 years the OTAs have increased their market share at the expense of the hotel direct channel. By investing heavily in technology applications to engage the traveler at all possible touchpoints of the digital customer journey, the OTAs have monopolized the guest relationships and left hoteliers to do the housekeeping and dirty laundry.

The pandemic has not changed the industry's overemphasis on immediate problem-solving, often at the expense of long-term strategic thinking. Due to the impact of the pandemic on the labor force, there is now a shortage of skilled workers. This has increased the focus on technology as a possible solution. Furthermore, the issue isn't merely about adopting technology but the intricate process of mastering it. This is particularly challenging when technology must be used by a broad spectrum of hotel employees, who may lack the in-depth knowledge required to leverage these tools effectively. The time is ripe for hoteliers to adopt a strategic approach to modernizing their outdated tech stack to better align with the demands of a post-pandemic world. This involves more than just embracing new technologies; it requires thoughtful integration of these technologies to resonate with larger business goals and drive sustainable growth. Moreover, the pandemic has prompted a shift in focus from merely maximizing revenue to ensuring profitability across all revenue sources. It has underscored the importance of maximizing revenue not just from rooms but from all possible avenues, including food and beverage, event spaces, and ancillary services. Technology plays a pivotal role in achieving this holistic profitability.

Kelly McGuire Principal Travel & Hospitality, ZS

Evaluating new technology solutions has always required a healthy balance of creativity and discipline, and the current environment is no different. Although, in fairness, the speed of innovation and complexity of the available solutions today is adding some challenge for sure! Success in implementing advances in technology has always started with clearly defining the business problem you are trying to solve, and then evaluating the possible methods to solve it. Too often, especially with the rapid pace of tech innovations these days, tech ends up being solutions looking for problems, and it's really easy to get distracted by a "shiny object" piece of tech. When you see something new and cool, rather than jumping in with both feet, have the discipline to think carefully through the uses cases within your oranization, and pick one or two that will demonstrate the value of the investment. Test, learn and when you are satisfied it will work, then go all in! Now that some of this tech is being released in a less mature state, this evaluation discipline is even more important.

Oleksii Kapichin Revenue Management Expert

It's impossible to halt progress. Technology is here to stay and will continue to advance. Hoteliers need to be strategic in their adoption of technology. These are a few tips: Balanced approach

Sticking to outdated tech solutions while disregarding newer and superior ones is not a good approach. Similarly, it is unwise to pursue every new and promising technology. Interfaces

Tech solutions must interface with your current tech stack and be future-proof for interfaces with new solutions. API rules the world. Training

Good training materials that are constantly updated are a must. No use in technology that can not be utilized to its full potential. Support

24/7 high-quality support is vital. Waiting for the ticket to be resolved for a week is unacceptable. Time is money. Customer experience

Think about your guests first when looking for new technology. Does it improve their experience? ROI

Is it a profitable investment? Hospitality tech advisors

Navigating the complex hospitality technology landscape is a challenge. I see a rise in new consultants who can assist hoteliers with selecting, maintaining, and updating their technology stacks. These consultants will have experience in hotel operations, marketing, revenue management, and using various tech solutions.

Just as self-serve checkouts have allowed supermarket teams to dedicate their time to other more strategic, high-value jobs, technological advancement is a blessing any time that it's unlocking goodness for the hospitality industry as opposed to taking jobs away. It's a misconception that the latest innovations will have the greatest impacts, simply by virtue of them being the newest technologies to hit the shelf. However, when assessing technology, hoteliers should always bring everything back to their customer-driven goals. Do they have a positive impact on your bottom line, reduce costs and create efficiencies without compromising on the integrity of your hotel brand? Do they automate onerous tasks that consume valuable time? Do they simplify manual, complex jobs that detract from the guest experience? In assessing technologies this way, alongside other critical criteria such as security and stability, hoteliers will be able to differentiate between the technologies that are shiny and the technologies that actually add value.

Diego Fernandez Perez De Ponga Corporate Director Revenue Management Palladium Hotel Group

In my opinion, the current era of technological advancement in the hospitality industry brings both positive and negative implications, depending on the corporate culture and the level of understanding of digitalization within each company. On the positive side, technology has revolutionized revenue management by introducing advanced tools based on machine learning, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), and Artificial Intelligence (AI). These innovative solutions have enabled companies to be more proactive and make well-informed decisions, leading to increased efficiency and profitability. However, there are also challenges associated with the rapid evolution of technology in the hospitality industry. Some companies have misunderstood the concept of digitalization, resulting in the hasty adoption of numerous programs and technologies that overwhelm teams and hinder their ability to work effectively. Instead of implementing solutions strategically, there is often a lack of understanding regarding the purpose and proper integration of these technologies into the overall digitalization strategy. In conclusion, the impact of technological advancement in the hospitality industry can be both positive and negative, depending on how it is approached.

While the COVID-19 pandemic brought the travel industry to a standstill, it opened gateway to rapid innovations which are reshaping the way hotels serve the evolved guests.



There is no doubt that innovation is at the heart of revival of the hospitality sector. However, innovation without a clear purpose can lead to challenges within the industry.



Meaningful innovation seamlessly integrates technology with personalized service, ensuring it enhances rather than replaces human interaction. By aligning technology investments with business objectives, hotels can reap substantial rewards while mitigating costs. Empowering staff with technology through comprehensive training helps them embrace technology to deliver exceptional service.



Meaningful innovation in hospitality follows core principles such as a guest-centric approach, streamlined operations, scalability, adaptability, and data-driven decision making. Understanding guest desires enables hotels to create genuine connections.

Technology optimizes operational processes, reduces costs, and improves productivity.

Scalable and adaptable technology solutions ensure agility and competitiveness.

Data-driven strategies driven by revenue management software, predictive analytics, and CRM systems optimize pricing, personalize marketing, and identify improvement areas. Adopting meaningful technology can create unforgettable moments, streamline operations, and drive data-driven decisions. It's about finding the balance between technology and human touch, where technology enhances the magic of hospitality.

The hospitality industry is experiencing a technological revolution that brings meaningful innovation benefiting all stakeholders. In the past, the industry faced a lack of data insights, but in recent years, there has been an influx of information. To navigate this abundance of data, the industry is challenged with the next crucial step: highlighting actionable insights that prompt users towards impactful decision-making. Technology providers are moving in this direction as well surfacing the true insights, empowering hoteliers to determine their extent of implementation. The goal of technology isn't to push humans aside, but to serve as a partner in better and faster decision-making. Hoteliers and technology providers are working together, fostering a collaborative relationship. Meaningful innovation in the hospitality industry lies in striking a balance between leveraging abundant data and maintaining a focus on actionable insights. By combining human expertise and machine power, the industry can tap into technology's full potential - and ultimately drive truly unprecedented outcomes.

Related article by Niki Van den Broeck

Pavel Orlov, Forbes Technology Council, said "Companies often think the most important part of digital transformation is the decision to invest heavily in acquiring software, solutions, and emerging technologies. In fact, the most important aspect is the adoption of this technology." Technology, for technology's sake, is equal to not having it, or worst, it creates a distraction. Evaluation of the right technology for your organization and culture is a key step missed in many cases. This decision should be in alignment with the organization's vision and goals and support the right strategy.

Once the technology has been selected, a detailed plan should be prepared, including the organization's readiness for the transformation. People and processes need to be considered carefully to ensure the technology adds maximum value. An evaluation of which tasks will become irrelevant, as well as new ways of working, is essential.

People's roles, responsibilities, and mindsets need to evolve not necessarily change  but evolve as appropriate, and new processes and procedures will be created to ensure adoption and integration of the new technology takes place. Meaningful innovation is achieved only when we also change our habits and mindset to take full advantage of what has been developed.

Scott Dahl SVP Sales, Marketing, & Revenue Management at The Wurzak Hotel Group

Clearly, the technology evolution in hospitality is a good thing. In addition to the obvious benefits to the daily operation and increased return on investment for owners, it has been the driver behind a consistent wave that an entire genre of hoteliers, including me, have taken advantage of to enjoy successful careers in the commercial discipline, a career path that pretty much didnt exist 30 years ago. Channel managers are a perfect example. Made things better for everyone. Eliminating the need for someone to manually adjust pricing in every distribution channel made more complex pricing strategies and more distribution channels possible, increasing returns for the owner. Revenue Managers were able to reallocate the time saved to more analysis and less sitting at a keyboard, doing a repetitive but extremely detailed tasks. Winner. Rate shoppers, revenue management systems, and even PMS are other examples of the innovations that none of us could see living without, even though hotels somehow managed to operate before they existed. But not every one of the industrys tech solutions is so clearly a benefit to all the stakeholders. As an above-property leader, I personally couldnt live without our sales automation systems. The ability to understand group pace across our portfolio without having relying on anyone else is invaluable. Plus, they communicate with our inventory management systems, give us standardized BEOs, contracts, etc. Huge benefits, but not without a cost. For the daily user these systems have long learning curves, often including lengthy online training and difficult certification exams. But when you consider the traditional personality profile for a sales manager, a high-tech acumen isnt really at the top of the list. The inability or unwillingness to embrace the sales system has been at the core in almost every instance where we have had a sales manager fail, which seems to prove the point. The new wave of BI tools and dashboards are another example. The answer is always yes in the C-suite, when a salesperson is asked if some customized KPI can be added to the dashboard application they are considering purchasing. And what executive team doesnt want the perfect KPI dashboard to manage the business, right? But when the implementation rolls around, someone deep in the operation is given a new template that they are supposed to fill in manually, or worse yet, a new task of reading numbers on one screen and typing them on another. Good for some, but not for all. I think it comes down to the definition of disruption. For a technologist, disruption is always good. Period. But not many of us get out of bed in the morning thinking, Oh boy, I really hope things get shaken up at work today. Taking 360-degree approach to disruption is the key. While it would be impossible to always take two steps forward without occasionally taking one step back, understanding the implications of new technology beyond the desired outcomes of the decision makers is key to making it work, and apparently not quite as obvious as it sounds.

Simone Puorto Founder | CEO | Futurist
Survey Reveals Summer Travelers Are Heading to Diverse Destinations, Road Trips, Savvy Spending, and the Joy of Extended Weeks

VacationRenter released new data showcasing the hottest travel trends of the 2023 summer season.

VacationRenter partnered with Propeller Insights in June to survey over 1,000 Americans to determine key insights about their travel plans and combined it with VacationRenters year-to-date booking data to offer insights into post-pandemic travel and the experiences travelers are seeking.

The Hottest Travel Spot for Summer

More than half of Americans surveyed (51%) said a beach vacation is top of their list. VacationRenter found that Ocean City, Maryland, has edged out Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, as the go-to destination for summer 2023 in the U.S. Internationally, Paris has overtaken San Juan, Puerto Rico, as the most booked destination.

The Summer of the Four-Day Work Week

Travelers are making the most of summer travel and traveling more days this summer than last. Three-day trips are the most popular this summer  representing 23% of all trips booked  vs. two-day trips from the same time last year  27% of all 2022 summer trips. We saw a 41% increase in people booking Saturday  Monday instead of Friday  Sunday. While Friday to Sunday is still the most popular booking, that could continue to change as people live and work in new ways.

The Search for Value

78% of Americans say higher prices are making them rethink how they spend their summer vacation dollars, with 44% choosing to focus on finding better value in their accommodations, followed by a close tie between lower-cost destinations and cheap or free activities. Sixty percent of Americans are picking less popular destinations or different travel dates to save money, and 45% are choosing a staycation within a few hours of home.

One surprising travel destination is Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Almost 55% of Americans have heard of Pigeon Forge  with more than 60% wanting to travel there to visit the Great Smoky Mountains. Additionally, more than 30% of Americans enjoy national park vacations and almost 60% of Americans are planning a road trip this summer.

VacationRenter CEO Heath Hammett shared, "Its exciting to see the breadth of locations and experiences that people are setting out to enjoy this summer, despite economic pressures. From Maryland to Paris, travelers are embarking on new adventures and creating lasting memories. The only consistency we see is the diversity of these preferences, which is why were dedicated to providing a platform that offers a wide range of options to cater to every traveler's unique tastes."

VacationRenter reached over $1 billion in gross bookings just two years after launch, making it the fastest-growing vacation rental search engine at the time. VacationRenter continues to refine its platform to offer extensive options that cater to the preferences of today's travelers. Whether a beachfront villa, boutique hotel, mountain retreat, or countryside cottage, VacationRenter has the perfect property for every getaway.

For more information, please visit VacationRenter.

Methodology

A national online survey of 1,004 U.S. employed consumers ages 25+ was conducted by Propeller Insights on behalf of VacationRenter, between 6/13/23 and 6/16/23. Survey responses were nationally representative to the U.S. population for age, gender, region, and ethnicity. The maximum margin of sampling error was +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence.
Mercure Prishtina City Hotel

Accor has finalized a franchise agreement with Minimax Group to bring a newly built urban hotel joining the Mercure brand. Mercure Prishtina City will be the first Accor property in Kosovo, marking a significant milestone for the local hospitality industry. The hotel celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Kosovo is set to open its doors this year.

Accor and Minimax Group's partnership aims to establish Mercure Prishtina as a premier destination for business travellers and tourists visiting Kosovo. By combining Accor's global expertise with Minimax Group's 20 years of experience in the local market, the collaboration is sure to elevate both parties' positions in the region and enrich the hospitality scene of Pristina.

 We are delighted to collaborate with Minimax Group on this project. The partnership with our esteemed local partner reflects Accor's commitment to expanding our presence in the Balkans. Mercure Prishtina City impresses with its remarkable style, facilities, and prime location. We are confident that this partnership will contribute significantly to our ambitious growth in the region and provide guests with an unparalleled experience in the heart of Pristina  said Dilek Sezer, Senior Development Director - Accor Premium, Midscale & Economy Brands - South Eastern Europe.

Mercure Prishtina City, with its combination of contemporary and locally inspired design, state-of-the-art facilities, and strategic location, is poised to become a sought-after destination for travellers visiting Kosovo. The hotel will be an ideal place for guests looking for an experience filled with vibrant culture and tradition, as well as searching for comfortable accommodations combining international standards with locally inspired hospitality. The newly built urban hotel boasts 75 modern guest rooms, one restaurant, a lobby bar, a spacious lounge area, and fully equipped meeting rooms. Guests can also indulge in the hotel's wellness club, ensuring a rejuvenating stay. The hotel is part of a larger investment by the Minimax Group, which includes the renowned Minimax Shopping Centre located just 50 meters away and a modern residential area known as Minimax City. This integrated complex offers guests a complete experience with excellent shopping, dining, and residential amenities just steps away from the hotel. The property will complement the surroundings with freshness and vitality, creating a dynamic and inclusive community atmosphere, and offering the guests a taste of the up-and-coming neighbourhood's charm and potential.

 Our partnership with a global leader like Accor with an impeccable reputation in the industry is a testament to the quality and potential of our investment. We are thrilled to work together on this project and confident in its future success. Accor's global resources, diverse portfolio of renowned brands and know-how will undoubtedly contribute to the outstanding guest experience we aim to provide at our hotel by fully unlocking the potential provided by the unique character of the Mercure brand which is a perfect match for our property. We are sure that the cooperation will lead to maximum visibility and attract guests from the whole world to our hotel  commented Arben Krasniqi, owner of Minimax Group.

Pristina, Kosovo's capital and largest city serves as a vital hub for business people, diplomats, and tourists. Mercure Prishtina benefits from its strategic location in a neighbourhood occupied by embassies and close to the city's new business centre, making it an ideal choice for travellers seeking convenience and accessibility. Pristina International Airport, located within a 20-minute drive from the hotel, serves as a gateway to the city, connecting it with various destinations across Europe.
Weekly Hotel Industry Asia Pacific News Roundup from HVS

Freehold Interest Mid City Motor Lodge Sold To A Private Investor

Freehold interest Mid City Motor Lodge has been sold by Australia-based HTL Property via an off-market campaign to a private investor. The property is located in Orange CBD, Australia, and features 45-rooms, along with a restaurant. The site is 4,147 square metres and has received approvals for the development of a 105-key hotel and associated facilities. The property is located approximately a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Sydney. Under the investment deal, the property can approximately bring in an annual passive rental income of $340,614 and a potential $25,000 per annum, earned via vacant premises.

Debut Of The First Hotel JAL City Outside Of Japan

Hotel JAL City Bangkok is set to open on 3 July 2023, and is the first Hotel JAL City branded hotel located outside of Japan. The hotel is located on Sukhumvit Road, in the bustling Thonglor district, and is currently operating as Hotel Verve Bangkok. The hotel is a three-minute walk from the Thonglor BTS Skytrain station and is located in proximity to the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre, Queen Sirkit National Convention Centre, along with a variety of food-and-beverage establishments. The rebranded hotel will feature 324-rooms, with an approximate area of 28 square metres for standard guest rooms, and 56 square metres for long-term guests in J-Residence rooms. The hotel also features three meeting rooms  which make up more than 300 square metres  and a restaurant on the second floor. Hotel guests are able to pay to access the swimming pool at Hotel Nikko Bangkok, that is situated adjacent to Hotel JAL City Bangkok.

Australia-based KTQ Has Won Approval For Their Three Tower Kirra Hotel Plans

Australia-based KTQ has received approval from the Gold Coast City Council to construct three towers on the 8,973 square metres site of Kirra Hotel. The three towers will each comprise of seven, 13, and 16 storeys, and will feature apartments, a hotel, resort, health care and hospitality services. The recent approval comprised of amendments from their previously approved 2022 plans. Under the recently approved plans, there was the removal of building four, the introduction of indoor sport and recreation use, a change to designs, and an increase in the height of smaller buildings. Despite the approved amendments, 203 apartments and a 92-key hotel will be developed. Moreover, hotel guests would be offered exclusive use of the rooftop area. Currently, construction has already begun, and the development is expected to be completed by 2026.

First voco hotel in Vietnam

In partnership with property developer Tuyet Lien Son Co Ltd, United Kingdom-based IHG Hotels & Resorts has debuted their first voco hotel in Vietnam. voco Ma Belle Danang is located on Vo Nguyen Giap Street, in downtown Danang, and is in proximity to popular destinations such as My Khe Beach, Man Thai, Linh Ung Pagoda, and the Golden Bridge. The 283-key hotel features a rooftop pool, luxurious spa, 24-hour gym, 521 square metres of flexible meeting and social event space, and four restaurants and bars namely  Lyla, the all-day dining restaurant, the Lobby Lounge, and the Ciela Skybar and Dining. The 27-storey hotel was designed by Vietnam-based dwp and offers picturesque views of the coastline and cityscape.

First Mondrian Hotel Opening in Greater China, Hong Kong

The first Mondrian hotel in Greater China will be opening in Q3 2023, in Tsim Sha Tsui district in Hong Kong's Kowloon. The luxury lifestyle hotel will feature 324 guest rooms including 12 two bay suites. Guest rooms will offer beautiful panoramic views of the Victoria harbor and the city. In addition, guests can dine at Carna by Dario Cecchini, a contemporary steakhouse from Tuscany, Italy, on the 39th floor of the property.

About HVS

HVS is the world's leading consulting and valuation services organization focused on the hotel, restaurant, shared ownership, gaming, and leisure industries. Established in 1980, the company performs more than 4,500 assignments per year for virtually every major industry participant. HVS principals are regarded as the leading professionals in their respective regions of the globe. Through a worldwide network of over 50 offices staffed by 300 experienced industry professionals, HVS provides an unparalleled range of complementary services for the hospitality industry. For further information regarding our expertise and specifics about our services, please visit www.hvs.com.
Chicago, IL (60637)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 86F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds. Low near 65F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph.
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Published: 28 Jun 2023 Share:





Heriot-Watt University Malaysia (HWUM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr David Barron as the Director of Research and Enterprise, effective 1 July 2023.

Dr Barron is currently an Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, and brings with him a wealth of experience in research administration.

Prior to joining HWUM, Dr Barron worked at Perdana University as the Deputy Director and Reader in the Centre for Psychological Medicine.

He also has teaching and psychology technician experience from his time at the University of Westminster, as well as research assistant experience at the University of Strathclyde. Dr Barron holds a BA (Hons) in Psychology and an MRes. Research Methods from the University of Strathclyde. He obtained his PhD from the University of Westminster, focusing his research on schizotypy.

In addition to his academic achievements, Dr Barron is a frequent speaker at international conferences and has made appearances on television and radio programmes to discuss his research.

He is also a prominent science communicator and author, with experience in television, radio, and digital and print media. Dr Barron's expertise and leadership will greatly contribute to advancing the research and enterprise agenda for our Malaysia campus.

Dr Barron said, I am honoured to be appointed as the Director of Research and Enterprise for Heriot-Watt University Malaysia. I look forward to working with our talented academics on research initiatives and fostering industry collaborations, to help create solutions to real-world challenges with far-reaching impact.

Lets all give Dr Barron a very warm welcome to our community in Malaysia!
Austin Parks Board unanimously calls for pay hike for SXSW performers

The Austin Parks and Recreation Board has unanimously called in the City Council to force a pay raise to performers at South by Southwest (SXSW). The festival has paid $250 to bands and $100 to a solo performer.

SXSW says that it will raise payments to $350 for bands and $150 for solo artists in 2024 and offer special artist credentials that allow access to one-on-one mentoring sessions and a lounge area. According to festival organizers, about 90% of performers chose to be compensated with a free pass. In 2023 a SXSW Music Badge cost as much as $895.

But many musicians and the Parks and Recreation Board are calling for more.

Austin traditionally waives all fees for SXSWs use of city parks and facilities, and the new resolution demands that any contract negotiation between the City, PARD, and SXSW include a provision requiring fair pay for domestic artists performing at City of Austin parks, park facilities, and city-owned property. It further calls on the City to require changes to artist pay and compensation by SXSW before waiving any future fees at Vic Mathias Shores, or at other parks, park facilities, or city-owned facilities.

The resolution did not define fair pay for artists, though the United Musicians and Allied Workers Union has called for $750.

The UMAW protested outside Austin City Hall before the meeting, which also featured testimony from local musicians.

To only receive a tiny amount of compensation for all the work that goes into it while they bring home millions of dollars, yeah, its insulting, Phillip Balke, keyboardist in the band Soralia, told local TV station KXAN.

The Parks and Recs Board claimed that SXSW has annual revenues of $142.3 million, a figure that SXSW called inaccurate without offering its own figures. SXSW does not disclose its revenues or costs, the festival said in a statement. Penske Media  the publisher of Rolling Stone, Billboard, and Variety  bought an estimated 50% stake in the festival in 2021.

Bruce Houghton is the Founder and Editor of Hypebot, a Senior Advisor at Bandsintown, President of the Skyline Artists Agency, and a Berklee College Of Music professor.

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Waste-to-Hydrogen Technology Pitched to Williamstown Select Board

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  The founder and president of a Williamsburg-based decarbonization advocacy group Monday told the Select Board that a proposal to process municipal solid waste at the local level will save towns money and address inequity built into the current system of waste disposal.

"The new trend with the closure of incinerators and waste energy plants and landfills in the states is to put them on trains and send them to very unfortunate communities that are receiving those materials, where they are being incinerated or being landfilled," Local Power President Paul Fenn told the board. "And they are being poisoned. This is unsustainable, obviously, it's also extremely inequitable.

"You're having a lot of the waste currently being sent to South Carolina by a lot of towns in Massachusetts but also to Upstate New York, on the Canadian border, on Indian reservation land. It's really quite grotesque what's being done right now throughout the states.

"We've developed a new approach."

Fenn was before the Select Board on Monday to ask Williamstown to take the first step in exploring that new approach: converting non-recyclables at the local level to produce hydrogen for fuel and industrial grade limestone.

Fenn Local Power helped usher in programs like the municipal power aggregation Williamstown has shared with a number of other Berkshire County communities over the past decade. According to its website, more than 1,800 municipalities nationwide now have a community choice aggregation program in place.

Now, Local Power is partnering with California-based Ways2H to "upcycle" trash and non-recyclable plastic using gasification technology already being employed in Japan

The byproducts of the process both are usable, Fenn said: hydrogen as fuel and limestone in industrial applications.

The process will not satisfy a high percentage of a community's energy needs but it will address mountains of refuse in a more sustainable, environmentally friendly way, he said.

"It's not a ton of hydrogen, but it helps to offset the cost of conversion, so it's a cost effective alternative method to putting it on a train, sending it someplace else to be burned," Fenn said. "In terms of cost, the idea is to meet or beat your existing tipping fees  not to present an increasing cost, even though the quality of the service is quite superior."

A major part of Fenn's pitch on Monday was that the Was2H process handles toxic waste, like polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances, in ways that do not pollute the environment and end up in drinking water.

He also emphasized the increasing cost that area residents are facing for trash disposal, citing a 2022 price increase by Republic Services, which raised its price per ton from $80 to $97, a 21 percent hike in one year.

Fenn said Local Power was not looking for upfront funding from municipalities. Their contribution to what he sees as a privately owned processing facility would be as customers of the plant.

Right now, he is looking for towns to sign letters of interest as a preliminary, non-binding expression of a municipality's desire to be considered as a facility's host and, ultimately, customer.

"We just have to have some indication of interest to go out and develop the project," Fenn said. "It's to help us with [the Department of Environmental Protection], to help us get a site, to help us get more municipalities to sign on. It's non-committal, but it puts you in a group of towns that wants to hear back from us if we make progress."

To date, Local Power has received such letters from authorities in its hometown, Williamsburg and Worthington, Fenn said.

The Williamstown Select Board held no vote for or against the idea of joining the list and indicated that with just three members present it would want to let all five of its members review the idea. But Andrew Hogeland recommended in the meantime that Fenn reach out to the Northern Berkshire Solid Waste Management District, of which the town is a member, to determine its interest.

Fenn listed myriad reasons why a municipality would want to pursue the technology.

"In terms of the benefits, you're reducing [municipal solid waste] in Western Mass, you're creating zero emission hydrogen for local use, reducing legacy landfills that are now contaminating water tables, destroying PFOAs and trace emissions from pyrolosis, sequestering char into limestone, recovering landfill brown fields," he said. "It's cheaper than current waste management processes, eliminates transfer costs, eliminates greenhouse gas byproducts and airborne toxins.

"It's multiple benefits, but basically it's reducing a mountain, a disaster, to a manageable volume  that is, the toxic part of the waste, to sequester that into smaller volumes rather than have it leach or be incinerated in your community or another community."
Officer Michael Cogswell and K9 Rocky at City Council on Tuesday, after Rocky was sworn in, explaining the dog's training. PreviousNext

North Adams K9 Sworn in to Police Force



Rocky was picked up in March and has gone through three months of training so far in tracking people. He will also take training in narcotics detection. NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  The city clerk swore in the city's newest member of the police force on Tuesday  K9 Officer Rocky.

The German shepherd recently completed training with his handler, Officer Michael Cogswell, and Mayor Jennifer Macksey thought he should have the same welcome as other officers.

Rocky seemed a little confused as to what was happening but was calm as City Clerk Tina Leonesio asked that in addition to upholding the Constitution, he would "faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent on you as a canine member of the North Adams Police Department."

"Woof," said his fellow police officers in response.

He is the first K9 that the force has had in five years and was completely funded through the Stanton Foundation, a Boston philanthropic organization that's funded animal welfare efforts and police dogs across the state.

"When I say fully funded, I mean everything, everything that was purchased was purchased by the Stanton Foundation, nothing from the taxpayers," acting Police Chief Mark Bailey said. "We were given an extra check for $16,000 to cover the cost of the overtime that we accrued when we had to send Officer Cogswell and Rocky away to train."

The 18-month-old dog came from Shallow Creek Kennels in Pennsylvania, from which Adams' retired K9 Kumar came. He and Cogswell took a 12-week patrol school through the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office with Dwane Foisy, a master trainer for the North American Police Work Dog Association.

Rocky is certified tracking suspects in area searches, building searches and article searches. In the future, he will take a four-week course in narcotics detection.

"He can find evidence out of the ground, what he's looking for," said Cogswell. "Really, that is human odor. We can't see it, but everybody has human scent pouring off of them right now."

The officer said he wasn't allowed to pick out his dog and is glad he got Rocky.

"He was actually the dog that I wanted when we went down to pick them and it was fortunate that it worked out that way," he said.

Rocky stays at his home and has an air-conditioned Sheds 'N Stuff "penthouse suite," as the mayor described it.

"He's been a great dog for me to work with and he's been tremendous in his training, honestly," Cogswell said. "So yeah, I'm very excited to have him as my partner and another member of the North Adams Police Department."

Lt. Anthony Beverly noted Bailey had referred to Rocky's background as history  but that's really just beginning of his history, he said.

"He's got a long service life here with us, with this department, with our community and he's going to do great things," said Beverly. "We're sure of that."

Baily said Rocky looks friendly but cautioned that he's not a pet.

"I just want to let everybody know it's not a petting dog. So we're asking the public not to just run up to them and start petting or anything like that," he said.

Leonesio, warned ahead of time, made sure she kept some distance in swearing the pup in.

In other business, the council voted to move up the time of its meetings by half an hour to 7 p.m., ending several years of discussion on the topic at the recommendation of the General Government Committee. Councilor Wayne Wilkinson, who had advocated for years for an earlier start time, said "hallelujah" when the motion passed with no discussion.

North Adams is the third to change its meeting times to earlier in the evening: Pittsfield moved its meetings from 7 to 6 p.m. two years ago and Adams last month voted to move its meetings to the same time starting in July.

The first meeting for the council at 7 p.m. will be July 11.

The council also passed on the second vote the fiscal 2024 budget and compensation and classification plan and heard from Robert Cardimino, who said it was failing to abide by city ordinance in regard to utility companies doing work in the city, including filing bonds to insure their work.
Images Cinema's Summer Outdoor Movie Series

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  Images Cinema will present their annual all-ages Under the Stars summer outdoor movie series this July on four consecutive Sunday nights starting at sundown (around 8pm).

Concessions will be available onsite. Movies are free to attend. The audience is invited to bring chairs and blankets, picnics, bug spray.

"Images Cinema is excited to bring back Images Under the Stars, our annual outdoor all-ages film series in the heart of Williamstown," said Executive Director Dan Hudson. "This year we're dropping the 'Family Flicks' but we're keeping the 'Under the Stars.' Rest assured we're not changing the secret sauce of what makes this series a must-see!"

Three things of special note to highlight by way of a new and improved Under the Stars experience this year:

? With funding from the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation's Fund for Williamstown, and with the collaboration of the Clark Art Institute, new equipment will significantly upgrade the audio visual experience for attendees.

? The movie lineup is expanded to include four films for the first time since 2016!

? The screening location has moved to the Williams Science Quad, just up the hill and around the corner from our previous location at the Morgan Lawn. This space provides some more amphitheater-like sightlines and acoustics, as well as more privacy from the highway.

Images Under the Stars in an event for everyone  locals from Williamstown and beyond, families with children, summertime visitors to our beautiful community, and more. This all-inclusive community gathering captures the spirit of summer life in the Berkshires, thanks to the support of local businesses during the height of the summer season.

Images Cinema is grateful to our presenting sponsors this year, Donovan O'Connor & Dodig, LLP and the Williamstown Cultural District. Images Cinema acknowledges the support of many fine Northern Berkshire businesses, without which this free community programming would not be possible: Camp Northwest Hill, The Spring Street Market & Cafe, the Clark Art Institute, Adams Community Bank, Ramunto's Brick Oven Pizza at The Log, Maple Terrace Motel, Blue Mango Thai and Japanese Cuisine, Pine Cobble School, and The Plant Connector.

Additional support comes from Spice Root, The Chef's Hat, The Porches Inn, The Airport Rooms, Greylock Gallery, Wild Oats Market, Burnham Gold Real Estate, Tasha Yoga, and rkMiles.

Movies:
BRTA Gets 'Clean Bus' Grant

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) recived a $2,212,747 grant to purchase diesel-electric hybrid buses to replace older buses and new hydraulic heavy duty vehicle repair lifts at its maintenance facility.

The project will improve transit worker safety, state of good repair, and increase service reliability for riders.?

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) Low- and No- Emission Program (Low-No) award of approximately $31.3 million total to four Massachusetts Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) for the purchase of hybrid-electric and battery-electric buses. Funding from this grant award will also be used to purchase vehicle repair and charging equipment, as well as for the development of regional workforce training programs.

The awards are part of the second bus grant package that has been funded by the Biden-Harris Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. MassDOT will provide the required matching funds for these FTA awards. ??

"We are grateful for the support from our federal partners at the FTA in funding clean and low-emission buses for several Regional Transit Authorities," said Transportation Secretary and CEO Gina Fiandaca. "This funding will allow our RTAs to make critical upgrades to facilities and vehicles to better serve their communities' transportation needs while working toward the Healey-Driscoll Administration's climate goals."?

FTA's Low- and No-Emission Program makes funding available to help transit agencies buy or lease American-built low- or zero-emission vehicles, including buses and vans, to make facility and station upgrades to accommodate low- or zero-emission vehicles, and to purchase supporting equipment including chargers for battery electric vehicles.? The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $5.5 billion through FY 2026 for the Low-No Program  more than six times more than the previous five years of funding combined. For FY 2023, approximately $1.22 billion was available for grants under this program.?




iciHaiti - 20th World Public Service Day : More than 40 model employees honored





Friday, June 23, 2023, the Prime Minister, the Office of Management and Human Resources (OMRH), the Embassy of Canada in Haiti and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP - Haiti), Ministers and several Directors General, celebrated the 20th World Public Service Day around the theme "A public service in transformation, more attractive and more open to the service of the efficiency of the Administration."



In the presence of approximately 300 senior executives of the public administration, this day was an opportunity to honor more than 40 model employees.



Public administration plays a crucial role in improving people's lives. The UNDP therefore reiterates its commitment to continue its support for the Haitian public administration, through its "Support for Local Governance and Territorial Development" (AGLDT) project, so that it is more efficient and leave no one behind.



IH/ iciHaiti


















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Idris Elba has said that the discourse around race and the character of James Bond is what put him off the idea of taking on the coveted film role.

Ever since Daniel Craig announced No Time to Die would be his final outing as 007, film fans have been speculating as to who could replace him.

The Wire and Luther star Elba, who appears in the new Apple TV+ series Hijack, has been one of the primary contenders. However, Elba ruled himself out of the running earlier this year  and has now revealed the reason why.

Appearing on the SmartLess podcast, which is hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett, Elba described the offer to play the role as the pinnacle, but said he would never have accepted the opportunity as it became about race.

Those that werent happy about the idea made the whole thing disgusting and off-putting, because it became about race, he said, adding: It became about nonsense and I got the brunt of it.

Elba previously said of the rumours: You know, a lot of people talk about another character that begins with J and ends with B, but Im not going to be that guy. Im going to be John Luther. Thats who I am.

Other actors currently in contention to play Bond include Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Tom Hardy, Richard Madden and Bridgerton actor Rege-Jean Page,

In Hijack, Elba plays a passenger on a flight from Dubai to London that gets hijacked.

Events of the show, which runs for seven hours, play out in real-time as authorities on the ground scramble for answers.

Idris Elba (Lia Toby/Getty Images)

While promoting the show on ITVs Lorraine, Elba was left in hysterics as host Lorraine Kelly made a raunchy double entendre about James Bond.

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Kevin Spacey goes on trial in the Southwark Crown Court in London on Wednesday (28 June).

The 63-year-old actor has been accused of sex offences against four men that prosecutors say occurred between 2001 and 2013.

The House of Cards star previously denied 12 charges including sexual assault and indecent assault.

In January, Spacey pleaded not guilty to three counts of indecent assault, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.

The two-time Academy Award winner also previously denied four further charges of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

Spacey has an address in Waterloo, south London, but also lives in the US, where he has family and a dog.

In an initial court hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court in June, Spaceys lawyer, Patrick Gibbs QC, said his client strenuously denies any and all criminality in this case.

Gibbs said the defendant returned to the UK to establish his innocence and proceed with his life.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Spaceys trial is taking place in Britain because he spent more than a decade living in the country, where he was artistic director of the Old Vic Theatre from 2004 to 2015.

He was a high-profile figure in London, starring in productions including William Shakespeares Richard III and David Mamets Speed-the-Plow, and hosting star-studded fundraising events for the 200-year-old venue.

Spacey was questioned by British police in 2019 about claims by several men that he had assaulted them. He was charged in May 2022 with five counts against three alleged victims. Another seven charges, all against a fourth man, were added in November.

The actor is known for starring in House of Cards, American Beauty, and The Usual Suspects.

At the moment, Spacey is on unconditional bail.

Rape Crisis offers support for those affected by rape and sexual abuse. You can call them on 0808 802 9999 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, and 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland, or visit their website at www.rapecrisis.org.uk. If you are in the US, you can call Rainn on 800-656-HOPE (4673)

Additional reporting by agencies
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Netflix is facing backlash for bringing James Camerons 1997 film Titanic back to the streamer days after the submarine tragedy that killed all five passengers on board.

Earlier this month, as part of an expensive tourist attraction run by OceanGate, five people went on an undersea expedition to visit the wreckage of the Titanic.

During their descent towards the wreckage, the submersible they were travelling in suffered a catastrophic implosion, which likely killed everyone onboard instantly, experts said.

Among those to die in the catastrophic incident were OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, billionaire explorer Hamish Harding, French diver Paul-Henri Nargeolet, Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, and his son Suleman Dawood.

A few days after the incident, Netflix announced that the award-winning film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet will make its return to the streaming service on 1 July.

Ever since then, many people have been calling out Netflix for trying to capitalise off a sad tragedy.

Netflix hosting Titanic a week after the Oceangate incident is actually disgusting, one person wrote on Twitter. They never disappoint to show everyone how greedy they are.

Another person wrote: I didnt think Netflix would sink so low as to add Titanic to their streaming list during this time.

One person wrote: Netflix is messy as hell putting Titanic on there.

Another person added: I got a notification for titles being added to Netflix in July, and Titanic is on there lmfaoooooo. The devil works hard but Netflix works harder.

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Despite all the criticism, Variety has revealed that Titanics arrival on Netflix is a coincidence as the streamers licensing deal to bring back Titanic for the viewers was ironed out long in advance.

The outlet reported that the return of Titanic on the streamer was scheduled months before the Titan submersible went missing.

The Independent has contacted Netflix for a comment.

In terms of the search for the missing bodies, the US Coast Guard continues recovery efforts on the site of the Titans wreck on the ocean floor.

Follow The Independents live blog about the Titan sub here.
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Its less than a month until two of the biggest movies of the year are released on the same day  and Tom Cruise is excited.

Greta Gerwigs Barbie  starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling  and Christopher Nolans Oppenheimer  starring Cillian Murphy  are both due for release on 21 July.

As a result, cinemagoers have been planning on watching the two blockbusters as a double feature and are now debating in what order to watch them.

Cruise, whose own summer action film Mission: Impossible  Dead Ref10ckoning Part One is out on 12 July, has expressed his desire to see the movies back-to-back.

In a tweet shared on Wednesday (28 June), the 60-year-old Top Gun star also praised Harrison Ford on his fifth and final Indiana Jones movie, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, which is released in cinemas on Friday 30 June.

This summer is full of amazing movies to see in theatres, Cruise wrote.

Congratulations, Harrison Ford, on 40 years of Indy and one of the most iconic characters in history. I love a double feature, and it doesnt get more explosive (or more pink) than one with Oppenheimer and Barbie.

Cruise is known for passionately promoting the cinema industry. Earlier this year, Steven Spielberg was filmed telling the actor hed saved Hollywoods ass thanks to his $1.5bn-grossing Top Gun revival, Maverick.

At the Dead Reckoning UK premiere last week, Cruise told Insider: Im always pushing. I just remember, every time they say, Can you top it? Can you not top it?, were always pushing.

Every film I do, whatever genre its in, I want to make it as entertaining as possible for that audience. I know I can do things better.

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In the seventh film in the Mission: Impossible franchise, Cruise join forces with Avengers star Hayley Atwell to track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens humanity.

For the most part, reviewers have fawned over Cruise and the films breathtaking action sequences. Back in April, the star treated Cinemacon attendees to an epic 20-minute motorcycle chase sequence from the movie, which saw the 60-year-old action star bombing around the Italian capital.

Mission: Impossible  Dead Reckoning Part One is out in cinemas 12 July.
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Kanye West will be the subject of a new documentary that investigates his instances of making antisemitic remarks and his 2024 presidential campaign.

The Trouble with KanYe, presented by Mobeen Azhar, details some fresh, first-hand accusations of the rapper and entrepreneur making offensive comments relating to Jewish people.

West, also known as Ye, faced significant backlash in 2022 after making crude remarks on Twitter as well as sharing antisemitic conspiracy theories and claiming that hed been blocked by the Jewish media.

The Touch the Sky rappers deal with Adidas for his Yeezy footwear line crumbled soon after he made his social media comments, which is said to have lost him $1.6bn of his net worth overnight. Balenciaga also severed ties with West, and Vogue and Anna Wintour said that they had no interest in working with him again.

In the documentary, Yes former business partner and friend, the entrepreneur Alex Klein, speaks about the fallout that followed Wests outbursts and used offensive turns of phrase directly against him.

We turned down 10 million dollars. Kanye was very angry, you know, he was saying I feel like I wanna smack you and Youre exactly like the other Jews  almost relishing and revelling in how offensive he could be, using these phrases hoping to hurt me.

Kanye West (AFP via Getty Images)

Klein continued: I asked him and I said, Do you really think Jews are working together to hold you back? and he said Yes, yes I do but its not even a statement that I need to take back because look at all the energy around me right now. Without that statement, I wouldnt become president.

Ye has also long expressed his hopes of becoming the president of the United States, having run unsuccessfully in 2020. He announced his 2024 campaign in November.

The film features Azhar visiting a church that West frequents, the Cornerstone Christian Church in California, and meets an unhoused man who claims to have been asked by the rapper to lead his campaign strategy.

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The man, named Mark, is not known to have had any experience in campaign management. They all said I was the most religiously erudite in the room and Kanye started looking to me for my opinion on every topic that came up, he explains.

He called me the following Monday, the Monday before Thanksgiving, and the first thing he said to me was I want you to be my Campaign Manager to run for President.

The Independent has reached out to a representative of Ye for comment.

The Trouble with KanYe airs on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer on Wednesday 28 June at 9pm.
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The life of one more cheetah in India borrowed from South Africa was endangered in the Kuno national park on Tuesday after two coalitions of the wild cats clashed over territory, officials said.

The cheetah, Agni, along with another male cheetah Vaayu clashed with Namibian cheetahs Elton and Freddy over territory inside the national parks wild area around 5.30pm which resulted in serious injuries for the former, the parks divisional officer Prakash Verma told The Independent.

But timely intervention from the forest department and veterinarians present on the spot helped separate the four cheetahs and stop the ferocious attack on Agni.

We sounded sirens to alert the cheetahs and prevent them from clashing. Our staff was present on the spot, with vehicles and fire extinguishers because the noise has proven to be effective. We also burst some firecrackers to divert the attention of four cheetahs from clashing, Mr Verma said.

However, Agni sustained injuries and had to be taken to a nearby medical facility in Palpur for treating the wounds, the official said.

The clash went on for 10-15 minutes after which we separated the two coalitions. Had they continued fighting any longer and if the injuries would have been deeper, we could have lost Agni overnight, Mr Verma said.

The cheetah has injuries in the front, he said, without giving more details on the nature of the wounds.

We will be treating the cheetah under observation and have also kept his companion Vaayu in the same facility to prevent any distress to the ailing wild cat and speed up his recovery, he said, adding that the other cheetahs Elton and Freddy are keeping well and do not require any extra medical attention.

This is the first such violent territorial clash seen among the cheetahs, the official said.

Agni and Vaayu are part of the 12 cheetahs South Africa sent to India in February this year under the contentious intercontinental relocation plan under the Narendra Modi administration.

India has already lost six cheetahs, including three cubs born in March this year.

Experts have suggested that while the clashes between the wild animals cannot be avoided, Indian officials should start spreading them across other sites in the country.

No single area in India is big enough to hold a long-term viable population of cheetahs. You need to have three to five populations of cheetahs across India and manage them as a meta population. Only then can the cheetah sustain in India. The other areas have to be established, said YV Jhala, senior scientist at the Wildlife Institute of India who oversaw the cheetah introduction programme till February this year.

Territorial clashes will happen between cheetahs. That cannot be averted. Free-ranging cheetahs will interact, fight with each other. There will be some casualties. The clash cannot be avoided, all cheetahs will like the access to females and optimal habitat. They will compete for the best areas, he told The Independent.

Mr Jhala added that India needed to establish more population and spread these animals across the historic range of the cheetah in India including Rajasthan, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh.

At least 10 sites were identified in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh in the initial stages of the project, the noted Indian biologist said.

In May, the Supreme Court of India asked the Modi government to shift the translocated cheetahs to the western state of Rajasthan following the deaths of three animals in less than two months, setting aside political differences.

Indias top court flagged the three deaths in a short span of time as a "matter of serious concern".
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A court in India has ruled that a wife was entitled to an equal share of her husbands property, in a landmark judgement recognising the role of women as homemakers.

The Madras High Court in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu said a woman as a homemaker played no less of a role than her husband with an 8-hour job.

The judgement was passed during the hearing of a domestic dispute case on 21 June by Justice Krishnan Ramasamy.

The verdict is not a binding precedent for other states in India, but it is the first time a court in the country has recognised the rights of women who perform household chores.

The court said that the contribution which wives make towards the acquisition of the family assets by performing their domestic chores to allow her husband to work would be considered when deciding who has a right to the property.

The court stated that if the property was registered in either the husbands or wifes name, the spouse who looks after the home and cares for the family for decades, is entitled to a share in the property.

The case involved a Tamil Nadu couple who married in 1965. The husband, who moved to Saudi Arabia for a job in 1982, alleged that his wife was claiming sole ownership over the property that she bought using the money he sent back home.

The man, who died in 2007, claimed that his wife was hiding gold jewellery and alleged she was having an affair with another man to whom she wanted to sell an asset.

After his death, his children filed a second appeal before the High Court as his legal heirs.

The wife claimed that she looked after the family while her husband was away, giving up her opportunities for employment and earned money by tailoring and giving tuitions to partly fund some of the properties.

The judgment observed that the husband and wife are as two wheels of a family cart where the "contribution made by either the husband by earning or the wife by serving and looking after the family and children".

It would mean that "both are entitled equally to whatever they earned by their joint effort".

Being a homemaker, a wife performs multiple tasks such as of a manager with skills of planning, organising, budgeting, running errands, of a chef by cooking food, and sometimes even those of a doctor, the court observed.

By performing these skills, a wife makes the home a comfortable environment and her contribution towards the family, and certainly it is not a valueless job, but it is a job doing for 24 hours without holidays, which cannot be less equated with that of the job of an earning husband who works only for 8 hours, the court said.
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One of Japans most popular kabuki actors has been arrested for allegedly helping his mother die by suicide.

Ennosuke Ichikawa, the 47-year-old actor of the Japanese traditional theatre form, was taken into custody on Tuesday on allegations that he helped his elderly mother take sleeping pills.

Mr Ichikawa was found unconscious at his Tokyo home alongside his father, the kabuki actor Danshiro, 76, and his 75-year-old mother, Nobuko, on 18 May, according to Japanese media reports.

Investigators believe its likely that he took the pills along with his parents, the Japan Times reported.

There were multiple suicide notes recovered from the scene, according to local media, with the police suspecting that Mr Ichikawa gave sleep-inducing pills to his mother.

The actors parents were both declared dead, and police are investigating his involvement in his fathers death as well.

My family had a discussion and attempted suicide. My parents took sleeping aids, Mr Ichikawa allegedly told police before his arrest, the Mainichi said.

The family had reportedly discussed dying and being reborn, according to the public broadcaster NHK.

Mr Ichikawa was in the hospital when his arrest warrant was issued on Tuesday after which he voluntarily left the hospital in Setagaya Ward to accompany investigators to the police station, according to Japan Times.

The outlet also reported that investigators found that the actor was prescribed sleeping pills in the past. He also told the police that he covered his parents in a plastic bag and that he threw away the pill packaging.

Mr Ichikawa, whose real name is Takahiko Kinoshi, made his kabuki debut in 1980 and rose to become one of the countrys best-known artists in the traditional theatre form. He has since performed to critical acclaim around the world, including in Paris, London and Amsterdam.
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A food colouring leak in a port in Japan left a flowing river blood red in colour, alarming residents about the mysterious change.

Visuals of the river in Nago city in Japans Okinawa showed that the water had turned deep red in colour.

Officials of a beer factory later confirmed that a food colouring dye had leaked into the river through the rain gutter but did not pose any health risks.

Beer factory Orion Breweries issued a statement shortly after and apologised for causing enormous trouble and worry.

Local residents took to social media and described the flowing red water as gruesome and venomous.

The leak reportedly started in one of the cooling systems of the brewery which likely occurred on Tuesday. It was stopped at around 9.30am local time, according to Japanese media reports.

Officials at the brewery said the chemical propylene glycol had resulted in the colour change. The chemical is used as a food additive by factories in the cooling process.

Commonly used in drug and cosmetic industries, it is generally recognised as safe, the US Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry has said.

The brewery companys president Hajime Murano said the firm was investigating how the leak had occurred. The official added that they would take steps in future to prevent such a leakage from occuring again.

A local health official said no major impact on the environment was expected from the leak, reported the Okinawa Times newspaper.

The Japanese resort city Nago is known for fishing ports and pineapple farms.
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The Philippines Supreme Court on Wednesday unanimously disbarred the advisor to president Ferdinand Marcos Jr over his sexist remarks against a journalist.

Suspended lawyer Lorenzo Larry Gadon was recently appointed as adviser for poverty alleviation by the president.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the press information office of the countrys Supreme Court said that by a unanimous vote of 15-0 it disbarred Mr Gadon for his profane remarks against journalist Raissa Robles, after a clip of the incident went viral.

The court found the subject video clip as indisputably scandalous that it discredits the legal profession, read the press release. The court pointed out that Gadon, unfortunately, failed to realise that lawyers are expected to avoid scandalous behavior, whether in their public or private life.

This is not the first time that Mr Gadon has been suspended by the court.

The press information office noted that Mr Gadon has been previously convicted by the court and suspended from practice of law for three months for similarly using offensive and intemperate language, and was warned that a repetition of the same offence will merit more severe sanction.

The current incident dated back to December 2021, when Mr Gadon posted a clip of himself verbally abusing South China Morning Post journalist Raissa Robles, who had posted about tax issues surrounding then-presidential candidate Mr Marcos Jr, reported Inquirer.net.

Mr Gadon, however, did not express any remorse for his behavior.

In a statement to ABS-CBN New, Mr Gadon said he will file a motion for reconsideration "on the ground that the penalty is too harsh for the alleged cause which was my outburst against a reporter who was blatantly spreading lies against President during the campaign period intended to fool the public on issues intended to cause damage to the candidacy of Pres Ferdinand Marcos Jr".

The courts order, however, would not affect his current role as an adviser to the president because it does not require any lawyering, Mr Gadon told the outlet, as he downplayed the impact of the courts decision.

"I will treat this matter as a personal concern as it will not also affect my commitment to president Ferdinand Marcos Jr to help his administration achieve its goals and implement its programs to serve the public, particularly on the aspect of poverty alleviation."
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A parent in Malaysia alleged that his sons school teacher locked a primary school student in a metal cage as punishment for bad behaviour.

The distressing incident has come to light in Negri Sembilan, where a parent  who wanted to be identified only as Azuan  alleged on social media that his seven-year-old sons school teacher locked a student in a metal cage as punishment for bad behaviour.

According to local media, the incident took place on Tuesday in a school located in Rembau and involved a student who is friends with Mr Azuans son.

Parents and teachers were notified through a WhatsApp group about the childs behaviour in class, it was reported. The child was allegedly disruptive in class and refused to be quiet, according to The Star.

Mr Azuan also shared screenshots of the WhatsApp conversation between the parents and teachers on Twitter. In one message, a teacher confirmed that the child had indeed been placed in a makeshift cage so as to separate him from his classmates.

Yes sir, I did place him there, the teacher replied in the group chat.

Mr Azuan said that it is irresponsible to keep the child in a cage, he is just in Year One. They are still small. At that age, they are expected to be naughty sometimes, but it should not be a reason to lock them up. There are other reasonable methods.

The incident was also confirmed by the police.

Rembau police chief deputy superintendent Hazri Mohamad told The Star that the 43-year-old teacher punished the boy by locking him up in an enclosure which was actually an exhibition area for the schools Drug Prevention Society.

The parent revealed on his social media that his own sons enthusiasm to go to school has been curbed due to the caging incident.

He also alleged that there was a fuse inside the cage. The children are not only placed in a metal cage but there is a fuse box inside it. It is dangerous. I dont know what will happen if the children play with it.

It if happens to my child, I will be angry. I will report this matter to the district education office.

His tweet, at the time of writing this report, had more than one million views.

Mr Mohamad told The Star that a meeting was held at the school on 28 June and the issue was resolved.

Present at the meeting were representatives from the district Education Department, the school and the victims family.

The father accepted the teachers explanation and has forgiven him, he said in a statement.

He said police did not receive any report on the matter.
 Close Canadian wildfires spread haze over New York City

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The US is currently battling extreme weather events, with millions of people under air quality alerts across the Midwest and Northeast while southern states including Texas are battling dangerous heatwaves.

Smoke from more than 500 wildfires burning in Canada is blanketing large areas across the country and causing unhealthy to very unhealthy air quality conditions for residents.

As of early Friday morning, more than 100 million people were under air quality alerts.

Toronto had the worst air quality in the world of all major cities, followed by Washington DC, according to IQAir.

Meanwhile, almost 60 million people were under heat alerts on Wednesday as dangerous temperatures continued to grip southern states and parts of Mexico.

The relentless, triple-digit heatwave  exacerbated by the climate crisis  entered its third week. The severe conditions have caused 13 deaths in Texas and led to a spike in emergency room attendance across the state.

At least nine inmates  including two men in their 30s  in Texas prisons have died of heart attacks or unknown causes since the start of the sweltering heatwave.
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Nearly 60 million people were under heat alerts in the United States on Wednesday as dangerous temperatures continued to grip southern states and parts of Mexico.

The relentless, triple-digit heatwave  exacerbated by the climate crisis  has entered its third week. The severe conditions have caused 13 deaths in Texas and led to a spike in emergency room attendance across the state.

Mid-week temperatures were forecast to surpass 100 degrees (38 degrees Celsius) in much of the Southeast and high humidity was expected to push heat index values above 115 degrees (46 Celsius) in some areas.

From 18-24 June, Texas averaged 837 heat-related ER visits per 100,000  up from 639 visits per 100,000 over the same time period in 2022, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The number of ER visits is likely to be higher as not all medical centers are counted in state data.

Paramedics have responded to more than 100 heat-related incidents in the past two weeks in Austin, city officials said, more than half the citys heat-related 911 calls since April.

A total of 13 people have died from heat-related illnesses, including 11 people in Webb County, Texas, the local medical examiner reported on Tuesday. The deceased ranged in age from 60 to 80, and many had underlying health conditions, according to the public official.

In Shreveport, Louisiana, a 49-year-old man died on Sunday after being discovered on a sidewalk as temperatures hit 97F (36C).

In nearby Keithville, a 62-year-old womans death last Wednesday was also blamed on the heat. Relatives found her after she had spent several days without electricity because of earlier severe storms, the Caddo Parish Coroners Office said.

Firefighter EMT William Dorsey lifts a migrant woman suffering from heat exhaustion onto a stretcher in the border community of Eagle Pass, Texas on June 26, 2023 (REUTERS)

Last week, a man and his 14-year-old stepson died while hiking in extreme heat at Big Bend National Park in West Texas, where temperatures soared to 119 degrees (48 degrees Celsius).

Postal worker Eugene Gates Jr, 66, collapsed and died while delivering mail in Dallas. The US Postal Service is now allowing earlier starting times for letter carriers, according to the National Association of Letter Carriers Lonestar Branch.

This month is on track to be the hottest June on record, forecasters said, and is set to continue into the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Behind the record temperatures was a heat dome that had lodged over the region.

In Mexico, several heat-related deaths have been reported by local news, although President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has claimed otherwise. The popular resort areas of Cancun and Tulum on the Yucatan Peninsula are experiencing blackouts, according to reports.

Texas public officials urged residents to conserve electricity where possible to protect the power grid as it reached record use. The state grid has unique vulnerabilities when it comes to outages as it stands alone from the rest of the country, and therefore unable source from elsewhere.

Fernando Oviedo splashes his face with water in between placing gravel at a new build in a residential neighborhood in the middle of the day during a period of hot weather in San Antonio, Texas (REUTERS)

Days of power outages are compounding the health crisis. More than 10,000 residents have been without power since the weekend in central Arkansas after storms, and 30,000 residents were experiencing outages in Tennessee.

Texas isnt the only state watching power supply and demand closely. The North American Electric Reliability Corp., which oversees the nations grid reliability, put two-thirds of the continent at risk of shortfalls in the event that temperatures spike above normal this summer.

Residents experiencing extreme heat were being told to limit outdoor activities, stay hydrated and find ways to cool down.

Meanwhile on the west coast, California was facing its first major heat wave of the year on Wednesday, according to NWS, while fire conditions were primed due to high heat and aridity in parts of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and Utah.

With The Associated Press
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The second significant religious festival of Islam, Eid al-Adha, will begin on Wednesday (28 June) this year.

Eid al-Adha is one of two Eids, or days of celebration for Muslims worldwide, in a year, the Muslim Council of Britain explains. The festival coincides with the completion of Hajj, which millions of people partake in every year.

Known as the festival of sacrifice, Eid al-Adha commemorates the prophet Ibrahims readiness to sacrifice his son in order to demonstrate his dedication to God.

Here is everything you need to know about Eid al-Adha:

What is its significance?

During the festival of Eid al-Adha, Muslims acknowledge the devotion of Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his son, Ismail, under the order of Allah SWT (God).

Ibrahim, also known as Abraham, is a prominent figure in Islam, Judaism and Christianity.

This story in different versions is in the Quran, the Bible, and the Old Testament, which shows the common heritage of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, states the United Religions Initiative.

According to the Quran  the sacred religious book of Islam  just as Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son, God replaced Ismail with a lamb, which was sacrificed instead.

This command from Allah SWT was a test of Prophet Ibrahims willingness and commitment to obey his Lords command, without question. Therefore, Eid al-Adha means the festival of sacrifice, states UK-based charity Muslim Aid.

What is the difference between Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Adha and Eid-al-Fitr are the two major religious festivals observed in the religion of Islam.

Eid al-Fitr, which was celebrated in May in countries across the world, translates in Arabic to mean the feast of the breaking of the fast.

The festival marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month which involves Muslims fasting during daylight hours for 29 to 30 days.

Eid al-Adha coincides with Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, in Saudi Arabia.

In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Show all 19 1 / 19 In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat (or the Mount of Mercy), where the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his final sermon Reuters In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj A Muslim pilgrim prays as another takes a photo on the Mount Arafat AP In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Muslim pilgrims arrive at the plains of Arafat Reuters In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Muslim pilgrims arrive at the plains of Arafat AP In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Mount Arafat during the Hajj EPA In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Muslim pilgrims pray on Mount Arafat (or Jabal ar-Rahmah) during the Hajj AP In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Muslim pilgrims pray by the Namira Mosque on the plains of Arafat during Hajj Reuters In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Muslim pilgrims pray by the Namira Mosque on the plains of Arafat during Hajj Reuters In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat (or the Mount of Mercy) during the Hajj AFP/Getty In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj A Muslim pilgrim wheels his children on a wheelchair towards Mount Arafat AP In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Pilgrims circle the Kaaba as they pray in the Grand Mosque of Mecca ahead of the Hajj AP In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Muslim pilgrims arrive at the plains of Arafat Reuters In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat (or Jabal ar-Rahmah) during the Hajj EPA In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat (or the Mount of Mercy) during the Hajj AFP/Getty In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Muslim pilgrims shelter from the sun under a bridge near Mecca EPA In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Muslim pilgrims walk towards Namirah mosque on Mount Arafat during the Hajj AP In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat (or Jabal ar-Rahmah) during the Hajj AFP/Getty In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat (or the Mount of Mercy) during the Hajj AFP/Getty In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat (or Jabal ar-Rahmah) during the Hajj AFP/Getty

When is it?

This year, Eid al-Adha begins on Wednesday 28 June and ends on Sunday 2 July.

How is the date of Eid al-Adha decided?

The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, meaning the dates of annual events may vary on an annual basis in accordance with the phases of the moon.

Eid al-Adha takes places on the 10th day of the final month of the Islamic calendar, Dhu al-Hijjah.

Dhu al-Hijjah is the 12th and most sacred month of the Islamic year, during which observant Muslims travel to Mecca for Hajj.

All able-bodied adults of the Islamic faith are expected to complete Hajj at least once in their lifetimes.

How is the festival celebrated?

As Eid al-Adha commemorates the sacrifice made by the prophet Ibrahim, Muslims typically celebrate the festival by carrying out a Qurbani, meaning sacrifice in Arabic.

The animal that is sacrificed  which is usually a goat, sheep, cow or camel  is separated into three parts.

At least one third of the meat from the animal must go to poor or vulnerable people, states international aid organisation Islamic Relief.

Traditionally, a Muslim would keep one third of the meat for their family and give the final third to their neighbours.

During the morning of Eid al-Adha, a special prayer called Salat al-Eid is recited in honour of the festival, ahead of the Dhuhr prayer at noon.

Muslims traditionally dress in fine clothes in celebration of Eid al-Adha, in addition to exchanging gifts.

Eidi is the Arabic word for a gift given to children by relatives during Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr.

What food is eaten during Eid al-Adha?

While Eid al-Fitr is known as sweet Eid, Eid al-Adha is contrarily known as salty Eid.

As such, the food eaten during the second festival is predominantly savoury, including the animal which is sacrificed during the observance.

Arabian pastries called Maamoul are also eaten during both Eid festivals, as well as at night during the holy month of Ramadan.

Maamoul are made using ingredients including dates and nuts, and are often served in a ball or cookie shape.

How do you wish someone a happy Eid?

The phrase widely used to wish someone a happy Eid during Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr is Eid Mubarak.

In Arabic, this phrase translates to mean Blessed Eid.
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Hailey Bieber has divided fans after she appeared to attend her friend Stephanie Shepherds wedding in a white dress.

Over the weekend, Bieber, 26, was accompanied by her husband Justin Bieber as they attended the Beverly Hills nuptials, where they were joined by fellow celebrities including Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, and Malika Haqq, according to photos of the festivities shared by the DailyMail.

For the occasion, the Rhode Skin founder opted for a white, backless, long-sleeved gown with a high neck. She paired the look, which she later shared photos of on Instagram, with teal eyeshadow, a pale blue fur purse, and simple jewellery.

According to the photographs, Justin wore an oversized white button-down shirt and black trousers for the wedding of Shepherd, Kardashians former assistant, while the Skims founder, her mother, and Haqq were all photographed in black gowns.

On social media, Biebers outfit choice has sparked criticism from fans, with some questioning the models choice to wear white to a wedding.

The only thing I want to know is why the f*** you wore white to a WEDDING, one person commented under Biebers photos, while another asked: Why is she wearing white to a wedding???

Isnt it against wedding law to wear anything close to white to a wedding? someone else wrote. Im not even hating but its a huge yikes

According to Diane Gottsman, a national etiquette expert and founder of The Protocol School of Texas, who previously spoke to The Independent, the rule against wearing white still applies for most weddings, as she noted that white is still reserved for the bride and that guests should select another colour when choosing an outfit.

As for why guests should avoid white for a wedding, wedding dress designer Madeline Gardner previously told The Knot that it comes down to the most important thing to keep in mind, not upstaging the bride.

Although many of Biebers fans questioned her dress choice, others argued that the models dress was actually light blue.

Her dress is light blue, not white, one person claimed in the comments under Biebers Instagram post, while another said: Before yall start with your think pieces the dress is baby blue. She wore baby blue head to toe.

However, others suggested that, even if Biebers dress was light blue, the light shade meant that it was still a breach of wedding etiquette. This is too close to white I fear, one person tweeted.

Is it me or is that dress pretty much white, someone else wrote in response to the photos of the couple.

While most were in agreement that guests should generally avoid wearing white to a wedding, others pointed out that Shepherd may have requested that attendees wear either white or black to her nuptials.

The theme was white and black right? Because it doesnt make sense for this woman to be in WHITE at a wedding. Ill be giving the benefit of the doubt, one person tweeted.

Although Shepherd did not post photos from the wedding, Swizz Beats shared an album of photos taken during the reception, in which Alicia Keys could be seen wearing a green dress.

Bieber was not the only guest who faced backlash over the outfit she wore to the wedding, as fans also questioned the appropriateness of Kardashians dress, which featured a bra-style top and a skirt with cut-out details. Is she going to a club or a wedding? one critic asked.

Shepherd, who previously held the role of COO of Kardashians KKW company before parting ways with The Kardashians star, married Larry Jackson, the former global creative director at Apple Music who recently created music company Gamma.

Olivia Wilde faced similar criticism earlier this year after she wore a white gown to Colton Underwoods wedding to Jordan C Brown.

The Independent has contacted a representative for Bieber for comment.
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Michelin-starred chef David Chang has poured cold water on the idea that grilling burgers on a barbecue is the optimum way to cook them.

The founder of Momofuku Ko, which has two Michelin stars, said that barbecuing patties only serves to turn them into carbonised crap, but people keep cooking them like this because of the socialising that is associated with cooking outdoors.

On his podcast The Dave Chang Show, the controversial chef suggested that using a griddle to cook burgers is a superior method.

Chang, 45, said: Grills suck for burgers. We have assumed as a culture that in summer, we eat a burger and its grilled.

I actually think the grill is a horrible thing for the burger I think this viewpoint could get me in trouble, he admitted, but pressed on with his argument against the grill.

The success rate of the griddle is better than the grill, and also theres no clean up, you have nothing to worry about.

The Korean-American restaurateur continued: A juicy burger is going to turn into a guaranteed grease fire [on a barbecue], why use it? This whole idea of imparting flavour from the grill, the only flavour thats being imparted is the carbonised crap thats on it.

You would need to cook a burger over charcoal for 12 hours to get that smoky flavour.

A backyard burger is an experience that you try to convince yourself is better than it actually is, he claimed. Its the nostalgia, its the smells, its your friends. But if you actually take it out of the context, its not that good.

Chang went on to allege that the close relationship between burgers and grills is a marketing lie.

How many places where you think have a good burger, cook it on a grill? he challenged.

Chef/Owner David Chang hosts the Ugly Delicious dinner party at his first west coast restaurant Majordomo on February 22, 2018 (Getty Images for Netflix)

However, he did have some praise for barbecued foods. Chang said that grilling corn was clearly the only champion and he cant think of anything else that makes corn taste quite as good.

Chang has previously shared his opinions on burgers that landed him in trouble. In 2015, he provoked the ire of Australians when he wrote in his blog Lucky Peach: You know who f***s up burgers more than anyone else in the world. Australians. Australia has no idea what a burger is.

Bud & Burger judges, rugby player Perry Baker, singer Thomas Rhett, and chef David Chang attend the 2016 Budweiser Made in America Festival - Day 2 at Benjamin Franklin Parkway on September 4, 2016 (Getty Images for Anheuser-Busch)

They put a fried egg on their burger. They put canned beetroot on it, like a wedge of it. I am not joking you. This is how they eat their burger.

He also laid waste to the use of wagyu  beef that comes from cattle that is bred in Japan and is highly prized for its marbled fat content  in burgers. In his burger manifesto, Chang wrote that it was the dumbest burger in the world to use wagyu.

Its like 70 per cent fat content  its disgusting. Would you eat a ground bacon burger? Thats what youre doing with a wagyu burger, he said. Or the idiots that have kobe beef wagyu sliders with a trio of ketchup on their menu  that drives me insane.

David Chang presents a recipe during the gastronomic fair "Madrid Fusion" on January 21, 2009 (AFP via Getty Images)

The chef is also known for speaking candidly about his toxic behaviour while working in kitchens in the past. In his 2020 memoir Eat a Peach, Chang wrote: When Im angry, I seethe with such intensity that it cant simply be emotional. Its like Im an animal registering danger.

Hannah Selinger, an award-nominated journalist, wrote in her essay for Eater that in all my years of restaurant work, I had never seen anything like the roiling, red-faced, screaming, pulsing, wrath-filled man that was David Chang.

She worked as corporate beverage manager at the Momofuku restaurant group in 2008.

Chang responded to Selingers essay and said that while he didnt recall specific incidents mentioned by her, they are entirely consistent with my behaviour at the time, which I did not begin to correct until several years later. He added that the bottom line is that Im sorry.

Apart from his podcast, Chang also hosted Netflixs travel and food series Ugly Delicious from 2018 to 2020. The show aired two series and featured celebrity guests including Jimmy Kimmel and Nick Kroll.
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Jonnie Irwin has said that he takes every day as a gift as it comes amid his treatment for terminal cancer.

The A Place in the Sun presenter, 49, made a rare red carpet appearance at the Television and Radio Industries Club (TRIC) Awards on Tuesday night (27 June) in London.

Irwin also spoke about the support he has received from the BBCs Escape To The Country production team and said they put their arm around me after he divulged his diagnosis.

The TV host publicly revealed that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer that had spread to his brain in November 2022, after keeping it a secret among close friends and family for two years.

He told The Mirror at the TRIC Awards: Today is a good day. Yesterday I peeled myself out of bed and munched painkillers but so far so good today. I take every day as a gift and as it comes.

Irwin previously claimed that Channel 4 pushed him aside for someone healthier after discovering his terminal cancer diagnosis and told him they didnt think they can get the insurance.

He spoke of being heartbroken by the broadcaster, adding: I just feel Id earned a bit more from them after 18 years.

Channel 4 representatives said the production company were unable to secure adequate insurance cover for Irwin.

However, Irwin had nothing but praise for Escape To The Country, which he described as family to him.

Jonnie Irwin on Escape to the Country (BBC)

With a notable exception from one production company, as soon as they found out they put their arm around me and, insurance provided, they looked for work when I could, he said.

So any location that was anywhere near me I was [the] first candidate for and they really helped me find work. They were understanding, especially with travel arrangements. They were so supportive, I cant thank them enough.

Escape To The Country was nominated for the Daytime TV award at the event, alongside A Place in the Sun. The latter won the category at the end of the night.

(Instagram/Jonnie Irwin)

Prior to the winners being announced, Irwin described the production team as family and said the nomination was recognition for all their work.

Ive worked on Escape for coming up to 10 years, but 20 years in the industry and Ive had the most fun and its the most like a family of all the shows Ive done, he added.

When he first revealed his diagnosis, Irwin said he doesnt know how long he has left to live, but hopes he will inspire people to make the most of every day.

Earlier this month, he celebrated his best ever Fathers Day with his three sons, four-and-a-half-year-old Rex and three-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac. He shares his children with wife Jessica Holmes.

It came after he revealed in an interview with Hello! magazine ahead of Fathers Day that he has not told his sons about his terminal cancer, saying it would be horrible news that theyd have to get their heads around.

And it would confuse the hell out of Rex  hes got a shocking enough day coming, Irwin said. Lets bury our heads in the sand for as long as possible.
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Nicolas Cage fans are praising the actor after Minnie Driver revealed he once purchased a plane seat for his sons imaginary friend.

Driver shared the story about the National Treasure star, 59, who is father to sons Kal-El, 17, and Weston, 32, from previous relationships, and daughter August, nine months, with wife Riko Shibata, on Instagram on Monday in response to a viral post about Cage.

The post, which was shared by the Instagram account @Iamthirtyaf and included an amusing roundup of tweets, memes and anecdotes about Cage, prompted Driver to share her own story about the actor.

Was once on a plane with NC and his son and a seat had also been purchased for his sons imaginary friend, Driver wrote in the comments under the viral post. She concluded her comment with a black heart emoji.

The anecdote was met with joy from Instagram users, with many praising Cage for the sweet parenting moment.

This is amazing, one person commented, while another said: Thats so sweet!

Thank you for sharing that very Nicholas Cage sweet thing to do, someone else wrote.

(Instagram )

While the majority of responses to the story were positive, Drivers recollection prompted one person to joke about a possible alternative reason Cage may have purchased the extra seat on the plane. Think he just didnt want anyone else sitting in their row? they wrote.

Now thats a whole new level of wealth, another person commented.

Although Cage has not addressed the anecdote himself, he has spoken candidly about the joy fatherhood brings him on a number of occasions. In 2015, Cage opened up about becoming a grandfather after his eldest son, Weston, had children of his own while speaking to People, with the actor telling the outlet: To see my son with my grandson is as close to a sense of blissful completion I ever had.

(Getty Images)

In April 2022, after a representative for Cage confirmed that he and Shibata were expecting their first child together,The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent star told Access Hollywood that he was extremely excited to be a father again.

My boys are all grown up, and I miss going to the toy store. I miss singing lullabies and rocking in the rocking chair, he said. Im looking forward to getting back to that.

The couple, who married in February of last year, welcomed their daughter on 7 September 2022.

The Independent has contacted a representative for Cage for comment.
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Jennifer Lawrence has revealed the ultimate gift she gave Robert De Niro after he welcomed his seventh child.

In a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Lawrence spoke about her former co-star, Robert De Niro, welcoming a baby daughter with girlfriend Tiffany Chen. When two WWHL audience members asked Lawrence if she had sent De Niro a post-baby present, the 32-year-old actor replied: I did one better, I sent over a baby nurse.

Im really happy for him, Lawrence added. Meanwhile, host Andy Cohen applauded Lawrence for the kind gesture, saying that nights sleep is the best gift to offer a new parent.

Jennifer Lawrence and Robert De Niro previously starred together in the 2012 comedy-drama, Silver Linings Playbook, for which Lawrence received her first Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

Last May, Robert De Niro revealed he had become a father for the seventh time in an interview with ET Canada. When interviewer Brittnee Blair said, I know you have six kids, he corrected her and responded: Seven, actually. I just had a baby.

His daughter, Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro, was born on 6 April. At the premiere of his film About My Father on 9 May, De Niro also told Page Six that the pregnancy was planned. How you could not plan that kind of thing? he said.

Shortly after the Godfather II star announced the baby news, his About My Father co-star Kim Cattrall appeared to confirm he had welcomed the child with his girlfriend Tiffany Chen. According to People, De Niro met the martial arts instructor while filming The Intern in 2015.

God bless him, his significant other, Cattrall told Extra. Tiffany is such a beautiful woman. She came to the set once with her family and watched filming, and she was gorgeous and sweet. Im happy for both of them.

The 79-year-old actor later offered some parenting advice during an interview with Access Hollywood, in which he was asked what it takes to be a good father.

Sometimes, I dont think people really know what being a good father is, he replied, before correcting himself and adding: Well, they do. You know you have your responsibility.

The Goodfellas star continued: Look, its a mystery, its a lot of excitement. But its scary and you do your best.

De Niro has six other children from previous relationships. The actor and his first wife, American actor Diahnne Abbott, are parents to daughter Drena, 51, and son Raphael, 46. The pair were married from 1976 to 1988.

In 1995, he welcomed twin sons Julian and Aaron, 27, with his former girlfriend, model Toukie Smith. De Niro also shares son Elliot, 25, and daughter Helen Grace, 11, with his ex-wife Grace Hightower.

Meanwhile, Lawrence is also a parent herself. She shares one-year-old son Cy with art gallerist husband, Cooke Maroney.
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Kim Kardashian has candidly revealed that she hasnt bought any jewellery since she was robbed at gunpoint in Paris in 2016.

The 42-year-old reality star made the revelation during a recent episode of The Kardashians, which aired on 22 June. Her comments came as she reflected on the October 2016 robbery, during which she was gagged and held at gunpoint by a group of masked robbers at her Paris hotel. The robbers stole nearly $10m worth of jewellery from Kardashian after theyd seen the jewels on her social media.

The episode ofThe Kardashians saw the Skims founder on a trip to Milan, where she walked the runway at Milan Fashion Week as a guest curator for Dolce & Gabbanas Spring/Summer 2023 collection. When designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana gifted a black-and-white diamond cross necklace to Kardashian, she called it the nicest piece of jewellery [she] owned, as she noted she lost all of hers during the Paris robbery.

She went on to reveal that shes avoided buying and wearing jewellery the last seven years, as her priorities shifted after the theft.

After I was robbed in Paris, I havent bought jewellery, she said during a confessional interview. I havent really been about wearing jewellery, because when it was taken from me, I didnt know I was ready for that experience of what that meant but I was. I was ready to give it up.

According to Kardashian, that is why the gift from the designers symbolised more than getting a diamond cross necklace.

This brought a piece of my glamour back to me, she said. And thats why its so special that I got it back from a really meaningful experience.

Kardashian then shared another reason why the gift was special, as she recalled: The first thing that I ever bought when I got a check was a cross diamond necklace.

This is not the first time that Kardashian has spoken out about the 2016 robbery. During an episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians in June 2021, Kardashian revealed that she had agoraphobia during quarantine, after the anxiety was first sparked when she was robbed in Paris.

I feel like I had agoraphobia, definitely, after my robbery in Paris, the KKW Beauty mogul said. Like definitely would stay in, hated to go out, I didnt want anybody to know where I was and didnt want to be seen. I just had such anxiety.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that involves intense fear and anxiety of any place or situation where escape might be difficult.

In August 2022, Yunis Abbas, one of the men arrested for the robbery, shared details about the heist in an interview with Vice News. During the conversation, he said he felt no guilt for the crime, despite acknowledging that it must have traumatised Kardashian.

Abbas spent nearly two years in prison for the 2016 robbery before he was granted early release on health grounds.
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Jon Hamm has opened up about his recent wedding to Anna Osceola.

The Mad Men star, 52, and Osceola, 35, tied the knot on 24 June at Anderson Canyon in Big Sur, the same location as the series finale of Mad Men.

On Tuesday (27 June), Hamm shared many details about the California wedding and spoke about his feelings leading up to the nuptials. During an appearance on iHeartRadios Table for Two podcast with host Bruce Bozzi, the Top Gun: Maverick actor described his marriage to Osceola as the exciting part of life and a signpost and a signifier of the next chapter and phase [of life].

He shared that marrying Osceola gave their relationship a sense of stability and comfort and an identifying capacity that is better, deeper, richer, than its my girlfriend or my boyfriend or what have you.

During the podcast, which was recorded just days before the wedding, Hamm admitted that all of the minutiae of planning and dealing with it can be mind-numbing. However, he explained that a sort of calm settled over me in the days leading up to the ceremony, as he thought about how exciting their future together would be.

Its exciting. Its exciting because its all potential, its all possibility, and its all positive, Hamm said. I suppose theres two ways to look at anything like that, which is like, oh, what if its terrible, but the other way is like, this is meant to be something wonderful.

He continued: So you lean into that aspect of it, which I have been. Its the reason why I really wanted to do it and really leaned into it.

At the end of the day, the important thing is, Im gonna look out and Im gonna see this whole group of people  and its not a very big group of people. Its well under 100 people  but a group of people that are all there because theyre supporting me and Anna, Hamm added. And thats great. I think the last time that happened to me was high school graduation.

Jon Hamm and Anna Osceola, who first met on the set of Mad Men in 2015, were engaged in February 2023 after two years of dating. According to TMZ, famous friends such as Billy Crudup, Paul Rudd, and Tina Fey attended the couples nuptials.

In pictures obtained by TMZ, Hamm was seen wearing a dapper tuxedo with a black bow tie, while Osceola walked down the aisle in a white, strapless dress with a plunging neckline and a flowing, split skirt.

The Missouri native previously revealed that his relationship with Osceola had opened him up to the idea of marriage, which did not mean anything to me prior to dating the fellow actor.

While speaking to host Howard Stern on SiriusXMs The Howard Stern Show in September 2022, he explained that their relationship had made things even more meaningful and opened up the possibility of things like being married, having kids, defining a new version of happiness, life, wellness.

Before dating Osceola, Hamm was in a long-term relationship with actor Jennifer Westfeldt for 18 years. The couple split in 2015 with great sadness after nearly two decades of love and shared history.
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The Prince of Wales had an amusing reaction as he was told a cheeky story about his grandfather, the late Duke of Edinburgh.

Prince William visited the East Belfast Mission at the Skainos Centre in Northern Ireland on Tuesday as part of his Homewards initiative to combat homelessness in the United Kingdom. During his visit, the royal was told an anecdote about Prince Philips work with the charity, which provides a range of homeless support.

According to Hello! magazine, William was being shown around the centre by Reverend Brian Anderson when the minister stopped to tell him a story about his grandfather. The reverend recalled how Prince Philip had used some expletive-filled language during his last visit to the charity in 2008, when he asked why the new building for the East Belfast Mission had not been built yet.

He just immediately asked, Why dont you just give them the money? the reverend told William about his grandfather. There was an expletive in there but Im not going to say that. And three weeks later the money turned up.

The father of three replied, That sounds like my grandfather.

As he greeted well-wishers outside the East Belfast Mission, he reportedly smiled as he told the crowd: The Reverend has been telling me stories about my grandfather.

The royal also joked that he will be in trouble after hugging one fan during his walkabout in Belfast. Ill get into big trouble, William said, after he hugged 57-year-old Debbie Johnston.

(Getty Images)

Following the Duke of Edinburghs death in April 2021, the Prince of Wales shared a touching tribute to his grandfathers commitment to his country and Commonwealth, to his wife and Queen, and to our family.

I feel lucky to have not just had his example to guide me, but his enduring presence well into my own adult life  both through good times and the hardest days, William said in a statement.

(Getty Images)

He also made reference to his wife  Catherine, the Princess of Wales  and their three children, Prince George, nine, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five. I will always be grateful that my wife had so many years to get to know my grandfather and for the kindness he showed her, William said. I will never take for granted the special memories my children will always have of their great-grandpa coming to collect them in his carriage and seeing for themselves his infectious sense of adventure, as well as his mischievous sense of humour!

My grandfather was an extraordinary man and part of an extraordinary generation. Catherine and I will continue to do what he would have wanted and will support the Queen in the years ahead, he added. I will miss my Grandpa, but I know he would want us to get on with the job.

The Prince of Wales visit to Northern Ireland comes as part of his mission to launch Homewards, a five-year project from The Royal Foundation that seeks to tackle homelessness.
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Sarah Ferguson has revealed how she nearly missed her doctors appointment that led to her breast cancer diagnosis.

The 63-year-old spoke candidly about how she received her diagnosis during a new episode of her podcast, Tea Talks with the Duchess and Sarah. According to Ferguson, her sister, Jane Ferguson Luedecke, is the one who pushed her to get checked for cancer.

Two weeks ago, my sister from Australia said: Sarah, get on with it. And she was right, Ferguson recalled, before adding that she had planned to get a mammogram done.

However, speaking to Sarah Thompson, the Duchess of York confessed that she had considered getting this screening done at a later time.

It was after a bank holiday, and I live in this area, in the Windsor area, and it was a hot day, and I didnt feel like going to London, she said. Its easy to put it off, like Oh, Ill do it next week.

She then recalled what her wonderful sibling said that ultimately got her to go to the doctor.

I always normally do what she says because she gets so cranky, Ferguson added. She said, No, go. I need you to go. I need you to go.

Ferguson went on to say thank you to Jane, as going to get the X-ray of her breast led to her diagnosis. As she reflected on her health condition, she expressed her gratitude for the NHS staff at the Royal Free Hospital in London, and said they did amazing work in catching her cancer.

Had it not been for that extraordinary injection in you to contrast, and it shows the contrast and it shows where to go  if I hadnt done that, it was only a shadow, they wouldnt have found out that it needs to be immediately sorted, Ferguson explained.

As noted by the Mayo Clinic, there are many different approaches to diagnosing cancer, such as a physical exam, urine or blood tests, and a computerised tomography (CT) scan. According to the United States Preventive Services Task Force, women between the ages of 50 and 74 are recommended to get mammograms, which screens for breast cancer, every two years.

On Sunday 25 June, a spokesperson for the Duchess, who is the ex-wife of Prince Andrew, confirmed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer after having a routine mammogram screening.

Sarah Ferguson (Invision)

She was advised she needed to undergo surgery which has taken place successfully, the spokesman told The Independent. The Duchess is receiving the best medical care and her doctors have told her that the prognosis is good. She is now recuperating with her family.

He continued: The Duchess wants to express her immense gratitude to all the medical staff who have supported her in recent days. She is also hugely thankful to the staff involved in the mammogram which identified her illness, which was otherwise symptom-free, and believes her experience underlines the importance of regular screening.

Elsewhere in the podcast episode, the A Most Intriguing Lady author also shared that she was preparing to undergo a mastectomy, a procedure to remove a breast in order to treat the cancer. Tomorrow, I am going for a mastectomy... a single mastectomy. Its very important that I speak about it, she said.

She emphasised how important it was for her to speak about her health, since her father, Ronald Ferguson, was so open about his experiences with cancer in the 90s. She continued to encourage her listeners to get their routine check-ups and screening.

My father died of prostate cancer, and it was very interesting because he went on the radio and he said on the radio, Please, please, please go and get checked, she recalled. It doesnt matter. Go and get checked. It doesnt matter what youre doing. Dont say its not going to happen to you. Doesnt matter if you feel fine. Cancer can be so silent. Such a silent little hiding thing which hides in the cells.

Fergusons father had prostate cancer in 1996 and also had skin cancer. He died in 2003 at the age of 71.
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Even before the loss of the five passengers aboard the Titanic sub, psychologists have studied the rise in wealthy individuals embarking on extravagant yet dangerous adventures, and the reasons why these avid travellers are so intrigued by the thrilling experiences.

Speaking to The Independent, Dr Scott Lyons, a psychologist based in New York, explained how travelling can be used as a method of masking ones negative feelings, such as boredom or sadness, with something exciting and adventurous. But, according to Dr Lyons, when it comes to billionaires in particular, the trips required to distract from the tedium are often more frequent and extravagant.

Theyve reached certain pinnacles in their professional life or social life where they kind of need more to feel more. To get that excitement or to ultimately feel alive, he explained. Travel, in particular, is one of the more accessible ways to get those thrills. Doing something thats a risky business adventure takes a lot more planning in some ways than going to say: Oh were going to hike Mount Kilimanjaro.

Aside from submarine travel, there has been an ongoing appeal with extreme adventures, as three billionaires have followed one another into space. In July 2021, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos successfully launched himself into space in a rocket made by his own company, Blue Origins. Earlier this month, it was also announced that Elon Musks company, SpaceX, will attempt to launch its Mars-bound Starship rocket, two months after the spaceship ended in a dramatic explosion minutes after lift-off. Business magnate and commercial astronaut Richard Branson also announced that his company, Virgin Galactic, will launch its first commercial space tourism flights before the end of June.

Speaking to The Independent, Dr Paul Hokemeyer, a clinical and consulting psychotherapist in Colorado, echoed Dr Lyons statement about why billionaires travel, as he said those whove accumulated significant wealth can feel isolated in certain spaces. More specifically, he suggested that, for billionaires, who are apart from the bulk of humanity, it is not easy to form deep connections with themselves or others.

They struggle with feeling connected to themselves, finding intimate interpersonal relationships and being seen as anything other than a cash machine, on earth to financially and emotionally support the endless needs of others, he said.

Dr Lyons, the author of Addicted to Drama, also noted that unusual opportunities, such as a trip to the Titanic wreck, can bring a circle of wealthy, like-minded individuals together to bond. For those who booked a trip aboard the Titan sub, it meant a new opportunity to ward off potential boredom, as well as the opportunity to join an extremely exclusive group of individuals.

The search for the missing Titan submersible came to an end on Thursday 22 June, when the US Coast Guard confirmed that the five people aboard the tourist sub had died. On Sunday 18 June, OceanGates Titan submersible left its support vessel to travel to the Titanic wreckage, which sits at a depth of 12,500ft. Days later, officials determined that the Titan submersible experienced a catastrophic implosion when it submerged, killing all five people aboard the vessel.

In 2021, OceanGate Expeditions, which was founded by former investment banker Stockton Rush, launched its first tour of the wreckage with a five-person vessel. The company typically charged guests $250,000 to see the Titanic site.

The implosion of the Titan sub resulted in the death of five people, including Rush. British Billionaire Hamish Harding, an avid pilot, skydiver and chairman of private plane firm, Action Aviation, was also aboard the sub, as was British-Pakistani tycoon, Shahzada Dawood, and his 19-year-old son, Suleman. Shahzada was a business advisor who served on the board of the Princes Trust International, and a descendant of the one of the richest families in Pakistan. Paul-Henri Nargeolet, the fifth traveller aboard the sub, was a French diver, navy veteran, and director of underwater research at RMS Titanic, the company that owns the rights to the Titanic wreck and recovers artifacts.

Theres a specialness behind doing something thats really unique. While there are bragging rights, its more than just that, Dr Lyons explained. Within their friend group theyre sharing it. Its something to talk about thats really unique, and thats exciting. But its also about what it elicits: That momentary thrill and aliveness.

The submersible lost contact with the tour operator an hour and 45 minutes into the two-hour descent to the wreckage (OceanGate Expeditions/PA) (PA Media)

As Dr Hokemeyer acknowledged the ongoing fascination appeal of the Titanic wreckage, he pointed out how this interest ties into the thrills of travelling. According to Dr Hokemeyer, the wealthy who sought a trip aboard the Titan sub may have also been consciously and unconsciously hoping to prove their invincibility.

Whilst the Titanic was a ship with several classes on board, it is the upper classs demise that still holds our gaze, he said. For the group of billionaires who perished chasing the original storyline, it was very possible that both consciously and unconsciously they were seeking to show themselves and the world that they were above the risks and demise that befell the original voyage.

Since its inception, multiple concerns about OceanGate have been raised. In 2018, leaders in the submarine industry from the Marine Technology Society wrote a letter to warn of catastrophic issues with the OceanGate sub development. The letter was signed by three dozen signatories, including executives, oceanographers, and explorers.

While this may demand additional time and expense, it is our unanimous view that this validation process by a third party is a critical component in the safeguards that protect all submersible occupants, the signers wrote in the letter, which was obtained by The New York Times.

In a blog post shared in 2019, the company defended its decision not to have its sub classed by an outside evaluator, stating that focusing on classing the vessel does not address the operational risks. Before the search for the sub and its passengers came to a conclusion, The Simpsons writer Mike Reiss reflected on the experience he had with the tourist expedition last year, with Reiss revealing that hed had to sign a waiver that mentions death three times on page one before getting on the vessel.

Dr Hokemeyer compared the risks of extreme expeditions, like the Titan, to narcissistic personality disorders. According to the psychologist, both have the ability to cause damage to oneself and those around them. In the same way that people who suffer from narcissism get short-term thrills from feeling special and above their mortality and the law, these extreme and highly dangerous trips run the risk of causing destruction and death, he said.

Dr Hokemeyer isnt the first expert to study the link between narcissism and risk tasking. A 2018 study, published in the journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, saw psychology professor Ziyan Yang and his team administer a series of narcissist and non-narcissist statements to 229 Zhejiang University undergraduate students, who then had to decide which statements described them better. The study found that there was not only an association between narcissism and risky decision-making under high-risk circumstances, but also a potential mechanism underlying this association.

While speaking to The Independent, Dr Lyons also noted that wealthy individuals hes studied and worked with typically have not feared the risks associated with high-risk expeditions. According to Dr Lyons, this absence of fear may be a trait that links billionaires.

Its not like it carries over fully, but if they're more risk-adverse as a global kind of trait, typically they wouldn't be in the position they are, he said. Lets say billionaires make early investments in Apple or major tech companies. That openness towards risk is going to be applied into other areas of life.

According to Dr Lyons, theres also another factor to consider when examining the high-risk interests of billionaires - the likelihood that they will be photographed. Theyre being watched because of the extravagance of it, he said. The exposure also suggests its only billionaires doing this, but were all thrill seeking in some ways. Theyre just doing it on a level that is so extravagant and so extreme because of the accessibility they have to it with the money they have, and the media coverage.

He continued: And that exposure in the media makes other people of that sort of wealth circle go: Oh my gosh, I want that. And I can have, and I could get it.

Aside from the thrilling risks, and the wealth needed to make these trips possible, Dr Lyons said billionaires may seek these once-in-a-lifetime experiences simply because they make them happy.

Travel experiences lead to longer term mental health and happiness, rather than simply the accumulation of wealth itself, he said. Creating memories through travelling expands our sense of culture and the world. Theres something really significant about it towards our mental health. These are not the typical memories theyre trying to make, so this is an outlier too.
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An Indiana man charged with killing two teenage girls confessed multiple times to the murders in a phone call to his wife while in prison, according to court documents released Wednesday.

Richard Matthew Allen allegedly told his wife, Kathy Allen, in an April 3 phone call that he killed Abigail Williams, 13, and Liberty German, 14. The two teenagers' bodies were found Feb. 14, 2017, just outside of their hometown of Delphi, Indiana  about 60 miles (97 kilometers) northwest of Indianapolis, in Carroll County.

Allen County Judge Fran Gull, assigned to the case after the original judge recused himself, unsealed the motion describing the confessions alongside more than 100 filings in the case on Wednesday.

Investigators had the phone call transcribed and the transcription confirms that Richard Allen admits that he committed the murders of Abigail Williams and Liberty German, reads the document filed by Carroll County prosecutor Nicholas McLeland. He admits several times within the phone call that he committed the offenses as charged. His wife, Kathy Allen, ends the phone call abruptly.

Allen was arrested in October 2022 on two counts of murder. A relative had dropped the girls off at a hiking trail near the Monon High Bridge, and their bodies were found the next day in a rugged, heavily wooded area near the trail.

Gulls order issued Wednesday stated she was withholding from public release the unredacted probable cause affidavit filed by prosecutors outlining the allegations against Allen because it includes the names of juvenile witnesses.

McLeland alluded to Allen's confessions in a June 15 hearing in Delphi, but Allen's defense attorneys, alleging abuse at the correctional facility he has been housed at since November 2022, attributed the admissions to his declining mental state.

___

Arleigh Rodgers is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
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The United States has seen five cases of malaria spread by mosquitos in the last two months  the first time there's been local spread in 20 years.

There were four cases detected in Florida and one in Texas, according to a health alert issued Monday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Malaria is caused by a parasite that spreads through mosquito bites. Infected people can suffer fever, chills and flu-like illness.

If it goes untreated, infected people can develop severe complications and die.

The largest death toll in recent years has been seen in children in sub-Saharan Africa.

Health officials are warning doctors, especially those in southern states where the weather is more friendly to the tropical mosquito that spreads malaria, to be aware of the possibility of infection.

They also should think about how to access IV artesunate, which is the first-line treatment for severe malaria in the United States, the CDC said.

The agency also said that the people who were diagnosed received treatment and are improving.

About 2,000 US cases of malaria are diagnosed each year  the vast majority in travelers coming from countries where malaria commonly spreads.

Since 1992, there've been 11 outbreaks involving malaria from mosquitoes in the US; the last one occurred in 2003 in Palm Beach County, Florida, where eight cases were reported
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Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey smiled and waved as he arrived at court ahead of his trial for alleged sex offences.

The Hollywood star previously denied 12 charges against four men including sexual assault and indecent assault.

The 63-year-old arrived at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday in a taxi wearing a pink tie and a navy suit.

He took a moment to say good morning to people assembled outside court before making his way into the building.

Jurors are set to hear about allegations against Spacey from between 2001 and 2013.

The actor pleaded not guilty in January (PA)

The actor pleaded not guilty in January to three counts of indecent assault, three counts of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.

The two-time Academy Award winner also previously denied four further charges of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

Spacey has an address in Waterloo, south London, but also lives in the US, where he has family and a dog.

In an initial court hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court in June, Spaceys lawyer, Patrick Gibbs QC, said his client strenuously denies any and all criminality in this case.

Mr Gibbs said the defendant returned to the UK to establish his innocence and proceed with his life.

He is known for starring in House of Cards, American Beauty and The Usual Suspects and was the artistic director at The Old Vic theatre in London between 2004 and 2015.

Spacey is on unconditional bail.
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A passenger is believed to have stabbed himself to death in front of horrified onlookers at Sloane Square Tube station.

Police and paramedics were called to the station at 10.26am on Wednesday to reports a man was suffering from serious, self-inflicted injuries.

A shocked witness described a very distressing scene, with lots of blood on the platform as police covered the body in a white sheet.

Jake, who asked only be referred to by his first name, told The Independent he was on his way to a job interview on a southbound District line train when he went past the scene around 10 minutes after the incident.

There was lots of blood on the platform and what looked like gauze that had been used to try to stop the bleeding, he said.

It was rather shocking, and I could see other passengers were shocked too by the scenes as no one had told us what had happened, just [that there had been] a situation.

Other witnesses recalled a woman repeatedly screaming run as people rushed out of the station panicking. A man claimed his frightened partner sought refuge in a local shop and is now afraid of travelling home on the Tube later.

A spokesperson for British Transport Police confirmed a knife was involved in the incident and said the man died at the scene.

The incident is not being treated as suspicious, added the force.

The station reopened just after midday, according to Transport for London.

Photos posted on social media showed the station cordoned off, while passersby claimed six police cars and the same number of ambulances were on the scene.

Greg Hands, MP for Chelsea and Fulham, said he was shocked and saddened by the news.

In another later post on social media, he wrote: Terrible news at Sloane Square station.

Thoughts are with the mans family and all the emergency responders in what must have been a very distressing scene.

Josh Rendall, councillor for Stanley Ward in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, also said his thoughts are with the mans family.

He wrote on social media: An awfully tragic morning at Sloane Square. Thanks to the Police, Paramedics and TfL staff for all they do. Thoughts with the family of the man and those who may have witnessed the event.
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Murder-accused nurse Lucy Letby would have needed a Nostradamus-like ability to read the future to target one of her alleged victims, a court has been told.

Letby, 33, is charged with trying to murder a twin baby boy by poisoning him with insulin a day after she allegedly murdered his newborn brother.

The prosecution suggest the neonatal nurse at the Countess of Chester Hospital contaminated two bags of nutritional feed given intravenously to Child F.

How on Earth is this a targeted attack unless Miss Letby had a Nostradamus-like ability to read the future? This is completely unrealistic Ben Myers KC, defending

It is claimed she injected insulin into the first bag of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) during a night shift on the early hours of August 5 2015, which led to the plummeting of Child Fs blood sugar levels.

Letby is then said to have cynically covered her tracks as she contaminated a second stock maintenance bag to be used by an unsuspecting colleague after she clocked off.

Jurors at Manchester Crown Court have been told a blood sample taken when the second bag was in use later revealed a biological fingerprint which showed synthetic insulin was present  when none was prescribed.

Continuing his closing speech on Wednesday, Letbys barrister Ben Myers KC said: There is no evidence that Miss Letby interfered with any bag of TPN. None. Blink, ladies and gentlemen, and you will miss that point.

We say there would be nothing quick about what the prosecution allege. It involves getting a syringe and the bag, drawing up the insulin and injecting it without arising suspicion and getting caught.

The prosecution have suggested alternatively that the insulin was introduced when the bag was hanging. It still involves getting insulin from the fridge, having a syringe, getting it in the bag without detection when there is no reason for anyone to put insulin into a hanging TPN bag.

Its quite easy to make the allegations but it would be quite difficult to carry out.

Mr Myers said the defendant did not have exclusive access to the TPN bags.

He said the evidence was that the overnight TPN bag  which last up to 48 hours  had to be replaced at noon later that day when a cannula inserted into Child F came out.

He added: We say its incredible to maintain she is responsible for this. How can Miss Letby be held responsible for that second bag on any fair or logical basis? A high level of insulin in a bag that no-one could have foreseen would have been used which comes into play hours after she has left.

He said the evidence indicated there were five stock maintenance bags at the time in the neonatal units fridge.

Mr Myers said: So even if somebody guessed that a maintenance bag may be needed in an unexpected way, they are not to know what bag would be taken. They would have to do the lot to make sure.

Its like a series of Russian dolls of improbability Ben Myers KC, defending

You will keep in mind that stock bags are not stored in any particular order.

Its like a series of Russian dolls of improbability.

There is no evidence that any other baby was affected at this time and you can be sure we would be told if there was.

How on Earth is this a targeted attack unless Miss Letby had a Nostradamus-like ability to read the future? This is completely unrealistic.

This is not party games  lets get Letby. We are not here to invent explanations and ignore the evidence.

Whatever happened to the TPN bag, or bags, there is no sensible way of claiming that Miss Letby could have been responsible for putting insulin in the second bag.

That fundamentally undermines the accusation she put it in the first bag.

Letby, from Hereford, denies the murders of seven babies and the attempted murders of 10 others between June 2015 and June 2016.
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A 67-year-old man has pleaded guilty to murdering a father and son who were shot dead in two Cambridgeshire villages.

Stephen Alderton pleaded guilty at Cambridge Crown Court to the murders of Gary Dunmore, 57, and Joshua Dunmore, 32.

Their bodies were discovered at properties in The Row, Sutton, and Meridian Close, Bluntisham, just six miles apart.

The Row in Sutton, near Ely, where Gary Dunmore was shot dead (PA)

Alderton, of no fixed abode, was charged with two counts of murder and possession of a firearm for the incidents on March 29.

Appearing in court on Wednesday wearing a grey polo shirt and jeans, he showed no emotion as he entered two guilty pleas for both counts of murder.

He denied one count of possession of a firearm, a double-barrelled shotgun, with intent to cause fear of violence to another person.

Prosecutor Peter Gair said there was no public interest to be served by seeking a trial on the count and the judge ordered that it lie on file.

Cambridgeshire Police had been called to reports of gunshots in Meridian Close shortly after 9pm, and were then notified of another set of gunshots in Sutton at 9.57pm.

Following their deaths, a statement on behalf of their family read: Josh was a devoted father and a loving uncle.

He was a wonderful son and brother and leaves behind an extensive group of family and friends. He will be deeply missed and the devastation this has caused will never heal.

Gary was the most devoted son, brother, dad and grandad, who gave everything for those he loved.

He was a gentle and generous person who always put others before himself and hell be massively missed by his family and all those who knew and loved him.

Alderton was remanded into custody to await sentencing on October 20.
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DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said he took the decision to withdraw the Stormont First Minister with great reluctance.

The Northern Ireland Assembly has been in flux for the last 16 months since that move.

The DUP is refusing to participate until its concerns around the Northern Ireland Protocol are addressed by the UK Government.

The UK re-entered negotiations with the EU earlier this year around post-Brexit arrangements and agreed the Windsor Framework.

Appearing at the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on Wednesday, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said he wants to see the Government ensure legal protections in for the region for future UK and EU law changes.

He said the Windsor Framework is due to come into force in October.

Ahead of that, he said his party has put proposals to the Government.

We want to give the Government time to respond to that. And I think its important we respect the integrity of that process, he said.

Well see what the Government responds with and then we can determine what we say publicly, obviously, the outcome of this process will become a matter of public record that has to do, but I want to ensure that we get the right outcome.

Then-First Minister Paul Givan resigned in February 2022, while other ministers remained in post and could take a limited number of decisions.

Since then an Assembly election saw Sinn Fein overtake the DUP to become the largest party. This means Sinn Fein is currently entitled to nominate the next First Minister, and the DUP to nominate the next deputy First Minister.

However, the Assembly has remained effectively collapsed while the DUP refuses to participate.

Sir Jeffrey told MPs that he wants to see devolution restored.

I want to see the Assembly fully functioning and doing its job even better than before. I want to see an Executive that works, and maybe we can improve that, too, in the future, he said.

There are some who allege that the DUPs reluctance to go back into power sharing is because of the way in which the First Minister and deputy First Minister will operate going forward. They are joint offices. When devolution returns, we will nominate a minister to that office. We are very clear about that, that is not the issue for us.

He insisted his decision to withdraw Paul Givan as First Minister in February 2022 was proportionate.

It was with great reluctance that I took the decision in February 2022 to withdraw the First Minister, he told MPs.

I felt it was a proportionate decision that would buy time to allow for negotiation to take place whilst all the departmental ministers remained in place, albeit the Executive itself couldnt meet, but at least there were ministers in post and that enabled a degree of decision-making within Government departments.

So I was hoping that within that period, that we would see meaningful engagement and negotiation leading to solutions in terms of the concerns that Unionists have about the agreement.

Sir Jeffrey stressed the importance of consensus in Northern Ireland politics, quoting former SDLP leader John Hume: In a divided society, you cannot operate on majority rule, youve got to operate on the basis of consensus.

John Hume championed the concept of consensus and the reality is that at the moment in Northern Ireland, that cross-community consensus in relation to some very fundamental issues that impact on the day-to-day lives of the people of Northern Ireland, arising from the Northern Ireland Protocol as part of the EU Withdrawal Agreement, means that that consensus has been seriously undermined, he said.

We sought to resolve those issues whilst the Executive remained in place, we were party to the New Decade, New Approach Agreement at the beginning of 2020, we worked in good faith, and a key commitment in that agreement was an undertaking by the United Kingdom Government to ensure that our place in the internal market of the United Kingdom would be protected in any post-Brexit arrangements.

The protocol doesnt do that, and it is now acknowledged by the Government and indeed by the Irish Prime Minister, the current Taoiseach, that the protocol actually harmed our ability to trade with the rest of the United Kingdom.

Sir Jeffrey started his evidence by outlining his partys opposition to the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

While Sir Jeffrey was not a member of the DUP at that point, as a UUP member he walked out of the talks before the final agreement was signed.

He told MPs there was nothing for victims of the Troubles in the agreement, while paramilitary prisoners were released.

Sir Jeffrey said there were also concerns around proposals to reform policing, saying they did not want the then-RUC to be scapegoated, and also concerns around how the institutions would operate.

He added that many of their concerns around significant flaws in the 1998 deal were dealt with at St Andrews in 2006.

But he said that the change to how the First Minister and deputy First Ministers are nominated, as opposed to the original method of being elected by the Assembly, was made by Government, not requested by the DUP.
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Sir Grayson Perry has accepted his knighthood from the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle wearing a burgundy taffeta dress in honour of King Charles.

The Turner prize winning artist and broadcaster, 63, who is known for his tapestries, ceramic works and cross-dressing, was recognised in the New Year Honours list for services to the arts.

In 2014, Sir Grayson was made a CBE during an investiture by the then Prince Charles and wore what he called his Italian mother-of-the-bride outfit, a midnight blue dress with a wide-brimmed black hat.

Speaking about his knighthood outfit on Wednesday, he told the PA news agency: The last outfit was mother-of-the-bride, so maybe Im now grandmother-of-the-bride  Ive got a bit older.

My basic thought was that King Charles has just been crowned. I thought Carolingian, so I looked to the Stuart era for influence  17th century, those sort of portraits of women of that age.

That was my starting point, with big sleeves and a dropped shoulder. I designed it, and then I have a dressmaker and a hatmaker who I work with. We have fun.

Asked about the material of the dress, Sir Grayson described it as burgundy taffeta.

The Essex-born artist said he wanted to use the title informally because he doesnt want to come across as pompous, but also said it should be used during a very formal occasion.

But its quite funny to sign off a text to your best friend, Sir G, he joked.

He later said: When youre trying to get into somewhere, its the equivalent of sort of: Do you know who I am?

His wife Philippa Perry clarified: We dont use it for booking restaurants.

Asked what a young Grayson Perry would make of him being knighted, he said: Im in a completely different stratosphere. Im a blue-chip member of the establishment now, but thats fine by me because in a way its a by-product of success.

You dont ask for honours; theyre bestowed upon you. You cant plan for those.

Sir Grayson also described his conversation with fun William, who bestowed the honour on Wednesday.

We talked about humour, because humour is important. I dont think it gets enough recognition in the culture quite often, because humour is the check and balance of culture, theres no common sense without a sense of humour, he said.

Sir Grayson previously said being given a knighthood was an honour coming from a kind of working-class background.

Born in 1960 in Chelmsford, he began his career at Braintree College of Further Education and then at Portsmouth Polytechnic, where he studied fine art.

Later when he moved to London in the early 1980s, he began attending evening pottery classes and developed a strong connection with the medium, and often appeared in public as his female alter-ego, Claire.

He won the Turner Prize in 2003 after being nominated for the piece Claires Coming Out Dress and a collection of vases depicting the dark recesses of life.

Speaking about what his advice would be for young artists, Sir Grayson said: Its a long haul.

He continued: I was very much a late developer. I was one of those artists that rose without trace.

I was in my late thirties before I made a living from my work. But Ive also had a really lovely late career where Im doing lots of different things and trying new things. So, I would say never stop learning. Its absolutely important to always try new things that excite you.

Sir Grayson compared the investiture ceremony with his experience in 2014, describing it as very smooth and well-rehearsed.

He told PA: Whats nice now is its much more intimate compared to the old way they did it in Buckingham Palace, where its more of a mass celebration, and there was a big audience, hundreds of people there.

This was much more intimate and it felt more meaningful somehow and it felt more validating.

The whole reason of a ritual is to orchestrate emotion, you know, a wedding, a funeral, a christening, these are there to promote the emotion and I suppose the emotion youre trying to do here is pride.

Asked if being a knight changes anything, he said: Obviously now I could get into real trouble if I did something naughty.

At the lower end, speeding. At the upper end, well we wont go there!

I havent got any dirty secrets. Ive led with my secrets all my life and theyre all dirty!

He added that the honour will be placed in his cupboard of medals, joking: Im very good at winning things.
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Nicola Bulley's family have slammed the "wildly inaccurate speculation" online over her death after an inquest found no evidence of third-party involvement.

A two-day hearing into 45-year-old mortgage adviser's accidental death has found there was nothing to suggest she was assaulted or harmed after she disappeared on 27 January.

Speaking after the coroners verdict on Tuesday, the family urged the public to look at the facts the evidence that has been heard during the inquest, and the conclusion reached by the coroner and to ignore any amateur views and opinions and be mindful of the impact words bring.

Nicola Bulley went missing on January 27 after taking her dog for a walk (PA Media)

Reading a statement on behalf of her loved ones outside the County Hall, Terry Wilcox of Hudgell Solicitors, said: The last few months have been extremely tough to process for our family. Sadly, we feel the need to again raise and address the issue of social media.

Its upsetting that weve continued to receive negative targeted messages and still wildly inaccurate speculation being shared on numerous platforms.

Before her disappearance, Ms Bulley had dropped her two daughters, aged six and nine, at school before taking her springer spaniel Willow for a walk along the river in St Michaels on Wyre.

After a weeks-long police search that attracted widespread media coverage and public interest, her body was discovered in the water by a passer-by on February 19, just over a mile from where she was last seen.

Ms Bulleys disappearance sparked a huge police operation to find her (Danny Lawson/PA Wire)

During the inquest at Preston County Hall on Tuesday, Home Office pathologist Dr Alison Armour said there was no evidence of any third-party involvement adding she had suffered cold water shock.

The familys statement comes after they said they had been subjected to "negative targeted messages" on a number of platforms in the months after her death.

Her phone was found on a bench overlooking the water, leading to speculation about what happened to her on the river bank (PA Wire)

The speculation wasn't just confined to the web as the police were forced to ban amateur sleuths from the area in the weeks following her disappearance. At one point, a group of men who travelled 50 miles from Liverpool to the village where Ms Bulley disappeared were given a dispersal order.

The Independent's Ben Bryant previously reported on the armchair sleuths who had speculated wildly during the search on what happened to the missing mother, with the more absurd claims including that she had been abducted by a UFO.

On Tuesday, Lancashire Constabularys head of crime Detective Chief Superintendent Pauline Stables said: I hope that His Majestys Coroners clear and definitive findings will put an end to ill-informed speculation and conspiracy theories which have been so damaging to Nikkis family and the community of St Michaels."
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Nicola Bulleys concerned family contacted emergency services to seek help for her increased alcohol use just days before she was reported missing, an inquest has heard.

Mental health clinician Theresa Lewis Leevy told Preston County Hall she had responded to a call made by Ms Bulleys partner Paul Ansell and her sister on January 10, and attended their home address alongside a police officer and a paramedic.

We were greeted by Nicolas partner and sister and shown to the living room where we had a conversation about increased alcohol use since Christmas time and a conversation about concerns for Nicolas welfare, she said.

Nicola Bulleys partner Paul Ansell described her as an incredible mother to their two children (Nicola Bulley/Facebook)

During this meeting, Ms Bulley remained in her bedroom wearing leggings and appeared intoxicated. However, when asked if she had appeared depressed, Ms Leevy told the court: No, not that I could ascertain at the time.

Giving evidence, her sister Louise Cunningham said that Ms Bulley had been absolutely fuming that an ambulance had been called, with the event serving as a realisation and leading her to stop drinking alcohol.

At the time of her death on January 27, the 45-year-old mortgage adviser was not under the influence of alcohol, with toxicology reports showing only a therapeutic level of paracetamol and beta-blocker propranolol in her system.

Her General Practitioner, Dr Rebecca Gray, informed the inquest that Ms Bulley had been prescribed propranolol in February 2019 after presenting with symptoms of anxiety. Since July 2021, she had also been struggling with the menopause and had been given HRT medication.

However, she added: There is nothing on the notes or records from 2012 where theres been any mention of her feeling suicidal or of self harm.

While she had suffered a blip over Christmas 2022, her partner Mr Ansell said: The blip over the Christmas period happened but in January she was back to herself, looking forward to the future and everything was on the up.

Her body was found a mile downstream from the bench where her phone had been discovered (Press Association Images)

He described her as an incredible mother, whose primary focus had been on her two daughters, aged six and nine, with her springer spaniel Willow acting as a third child.

Several members of Ms Bulleys family became emotional during the second day of her inquest, which heard details of her medical history and her final interactions with loved ones.

Mr Ansell had become concerned for his wifes whereabouts after she failed to return from a dog walk by 10am, despite having scheduled work calls for later that morning.

At 10.48am, he texted Have you got lost? only to be told minutes later that Willow had been found running loose, with Ms Bulley nowhere to be found.

He said that the couple had enjoyed a normal morning before she took the children to school, and that Ms Bulley had been delighted with her recent career progress.

A post-mortem gave her cause of death as drowning in the River Wyre (PA)

She had a good day the day before (she went missing), came home full of beans, excited with work, with the meetings she had and plans for the year, he said.

The mother-of-two was last seen alive at 9.10am while walking her dog along the River Wyre after dropping her children at their primary school. Yesterday, the inquest heard from several witnesses who saw Ms Bulley walking along the riverbank while on her mobile phone.

Shortly after 9.30am, a passer-by discovered her dog and her phone, which was still logged onto a Microsoft Teams work call.

After being contacted at 10.54am by their childrens school, Mr Ansell contacted 999 to report her disappearance, with Lancashire Constabulary launching a high-risk missing persons investigation.

Her body was not discovered until February 19, just over a mile downstream from the bench where her mobile phone had been left.

A post-mortem examination gave her cause of death as drowning, with a Home Office pathologist confirming that there was no evidence of third party involvement.

Her two-day inquest is due to conclude on Tuesday afternoon.
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Contingency plans are being drawn up for the collapse of Englands largest water supplier amid fears of a multi-billion taxpayer bailout.

Ministers and regulator Ofwat have started talks about putting Thames Water into special administration. The company, which serves 15 million customers  about 27 per cent of the population  has debts of 14bn.

Any deal would essentially take the company into public ownership, with taxpayers already being clobbered by higher bills likely to pick up the tab.

It comes less than 24 hours after chief executive Sarah Bentley announced she was stepping down with immediate effect after three years in the job.

She was forced to give up her bonus after the companys environmental and customer performance suffered.

Thames Water had been found to have discharged raw sewage into rivers where it operates. It has also come under intense scrutiny in recent years because of its bad record on leaks, sewage contamination, executive pay and shareholder dividends.

Despite giving up her bonus Ms Bentley, netted 1.6m in pay and compensation.

Energy supplier Bulb, which had around 1.5 million customers, collapsed in 2021 and was placed into a similar insolvency process.

Thames Waters bigger size has sparked fears that the insolvency process could cost billions of pounds. Water industry ownership restrictions that prevent consolidation mean the money spent on the bailout of Bulb could be dwarfed if Thames Water was to fail.

Sarah Bentley was paid 1.6mn despite giving up bonus (PA)

Environment minister Rebecca Pow told the Commons: There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes with Thames Water to ensure that customers will not be impacted. And there is a process in place if necessary to move us to the next stage.

Business secretary Kemi Badenoch said she was very concerned about the disclosures but that efforts must be made to make sure the company survives.

Mel Stride, the work and pensions secretary, said the government had contingency arrangements in place.

What Im supremely confident of is whatever the situation is at Thames Water, the water will continue to flow, he said.

Mr Stride would not be drawn on a bailout, adding: There will be numerous conversations going on between Ofwat and government, and government and that company, and the company and Ofwat, Ive no doubt.

Contingency plans will be well advanced, he added

Thames Water has said it is working constructively with its shareholders in relation to further funding needed for its turnaround.

In a statement, the company said: Ofwat is being kept fully informed on progress of the companys turnaround and engagement with shareholders.

Thames Water continues to maintain a strong liquidity position, including 4.4bn of cash and committed funding, as of March 31 2023.

Meanwhile, drought plans have been stepped up in England due to significant increases in water demand, as June is set to be the hottest on record.

The Met Office said it has not recorded a June this hot in the UK since it began collecting temperature data in 1884, while reservoir, groundwater and river levels in some areas have been declining.

The National Drought Group (NDG), including the Environment Agency (EA), the Met Office, water firms and environmental groups, met on Wednesday to discuss how to adapt to changing water resources.

Companies, retailers and regulators were advised to prepare for more consistent hot and dry weather in the coming months, and make improvements to tackle possible droughts as a result.
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Hotels in the Irish capital are engaged in rampant price gouging on the dates of US pop star Taylor Swifts concerts, an Irish politician has claimed.

There is not a hotel room available in Dublin for less than 350 euro  or about 302  on the dates of the Eras tour shows next year, Independent TD Thomas Pringle told the Irish Parliament. The usual average nightly rate for Dublin hotels is 220, according to travel search enging Kayak.

The Donegal representative said he was highlighting the Swift concerts as the star has many young fans who will travel with their parents, as he raised the matter with Irish premier Leo Varadkar during Leaders Questions on Wednesday.

There was huge excitement last week when Swift announced her world tour, which will visit the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on June 28 and 29 2024.

Taylor Swift performing during the opening of her Eras tour (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Mr Pringle said while many young people are preoccupied with securing tickets for the shows, their parents are anxious about being able to afford accommodation.

He blasted a disgraceful display of greed.

From looking at booking.com this morning, there isnt a single hotel room available in Dublin for under 350 euro for either of the nights of the Taylor Swift concerts, and they are on next year, he said.

As if that isnt expensive enough, we have in recent days seen rampant price gouging from Dublin hotels, some raising the price of a room from 359 euro to an incredible 999 euro for the night of the concert, and this was before the tickets have even been released.

And its not just hotels that are guilty of price gouging  one landlord has a two-bedroom apartment they priced at 20,000 euro for the same weekend.

He said the issue is nothing new or unique and has happened before with concerts and sporting events, and pressed Mr Varadkar on what he would do about it.

Responding, Mr Varadkar said he has spoken to hoteliers on the matter and said they have their own story to tell.

He said there is a dilemma in that there are not enough hotels in the city of Dublin, but with the ongoing housing crisis they dont want to see more new hotels being built, but new houses instead.

I have spoken hoteliers about this. They have their story to tell, and their story to tell us that the coverage in the media has been unfair, he told TDs.

He said hotels told him that if you try to book a hotel more than a year in advance, you get the rack rate, which is not necessarily the rate that they charge, adding that they wanted that point to be made.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says hoteliers have thier story to tell. (PA Wire)

Ive made the point very strongly back to them, and it is that price gouging and taking advantage of people and hiking prices on very popular weekends is bad business. Its how your business gets a bad reputation, its how your city or town gets a bad reputation and its how your wider industry gets a bad reputation, and it doesnt make good business sense in the long term, he said.

And we saw that happen before when Dublin in particular but Ireland in general got a reputation for being a very high-cost place to visit, and I hope theyll take that point on board.

Mr Pringle blasted a sad response.

Surely the Government has to take some take some action at some point  the Government can actually prevent it (price gouging) from happening, he said.

Mr Varadkar hit back, saying Mr Pringle had not suggested any proposals or solutions.

Youve been very critical of the Government, of hoteliers, of everyone and of me personally  you havent actually put forward a constructive solution. So if you have one, put it forward and we will give it consideration, he added.
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Michael Rosen has said he is honoured to be announced as the winner of a writing prize in memory of Harold Pinter as he is a huge admirer of the late playwright who also spoke about injustice.

The annual PEN Pinter Prize, established in 2009, will be presented at a ceremony co-hosted by the British Library in October, where the 77-year-old author and poet Rosen will deliver an address.

Winners must have a significant body of plays, poetry, essays, or fiction of outstanding literary merit, written in English and be a resident of the UK, Ireland or the Commonwealth.

It takes inspiration from the words of Pinters Nobel Prize in Literature speech in 2005, which called for an unflinching, unswerving gaze upon the world and fierce intellectual determination  to define the real truth of our lives and our societies.

Rosen said: It immediately brings to mind the many people all over the world incarcerated, tortured or executed for being brave enough to write about what they perceive to be injustice.

We might say that such punishments serve to prove the injustice that the writers expose, or to show the weakness of the regimes whove inflicted these cruelties, but nevertheless, the pain and suffering is all too real and ever-present.

There is also a more personal reason for me to feel honoured to receive the prize: I have been a huge admirer of Harold Pinters work since I was a teenager and was fortunate to meet him on some occasions when he too spoke about injustice.

Last year, British author Malorie Blackman  who held the position of Childrens Laureate from 2013 to 2015  became the first childrens and young adult writer to be awarded the prize.

Past winners of the award have also included Margaret Atwood, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Sir Salman Rushdie.

Rosen  who served as Childrens Laureate from 2007 to 2009  has more than 100 books to his name including Were Going On A Bear Hunt, Fantastic Mr Dahl, Sad Book and On The Move: Poems About Migration.

The prize was awarded by the chair of human rights organisation English PEN, Ruth Borthwick, the poet, educator and writer Raymond Antrobus, and the writer and executive director of the international touring theatre company, Complicite, Amber Massie-Blomfield.

Harold Pinter died in 2008.

Ms Borthwick said Rosen is one of our most tenacious and fearless writers.

She added: He is one of our most significant contemporary poets writing for young people.

In over 140 books, he has championed a way of writing for children which reflects their everyday worlds, using humour and wordplay to validate their imaginative ways of thinking and being, and which has informed his succinct interventions into the lifeless way that children are taught literacy in schools.

Even Covid couldnt silence him!

After contracting Covid-19 in March 2020, Rosen spent around 40 days in a medically-induced coma.

He lost his sight in one eye and hearing in one ear as a result of microbleeds.

The prize will also be shared with an International Writer of Courage  given to someone who is active in defence of freedom of expression, often at risk to their own safety.

Rosen will select the co-winner from a shortlist of cases supported by English PEN, and the recipient will be announced at ceremony on October 11.
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The institutions of the Stormont Assembly are fundamentally unstable and need to be reformed to ensure good and stable government, Alliance leader Naomi Long has warned.

She also challenged Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris over maintaining the hiatus after 16 months without fully functioning devolved government in Northern Ireland.

The Assembly remains effectively collapsed amid DUP protest action, with Sir Jeffrey Donaldson saying his party will not re-enter devolved government until the UK Government acts on unionist concerns over the Brexit settlement.

The latest instability comes after a three-year Assembly collapse following the resignation of former Sinn Fein deputy first minister Martin McGuinness in 2017.

Giving evidence to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, Ms Long said it was frustrating and disappointing that 25 years after the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement Stormont was increasingly unstable.

She said that while it was possible for Stormont to govern when it was sitting, there were fundamental weaknesses and instabilities in the foundations of the institutions.

Ms Long referred to Sinn Fein and the DUP as the largest parties having disproportionate control over what happens within the Executive.

The former justice minister said ministers from smaller parties had to negotiate with the bigger parties to get anything through, but those parties did not have to negotiate or compromise with smaller parties.

There is a disparity in terms of power and there is also the ability for either of those two parties to simply walk away if they wish to do so  and thats a part that no other party has, she told MPs.

As time goes on, the implications of continued failure to restore the Executive become more and more serious Alliance leader Naomi Long

I think that that disparity in terms of the power dynamics makes it very difficult to have true collectivity. I think that there are structural things that we can change that are fairly straightforward but I think there is a more fundamental change that needs to be made.

Ms Long said reform of the Assembly was not a precondition for her party to go back in, but said it was needed for good and stable government.

She said the longer Northern Ireland went without devolved government, the worse the situation would get.

The warning comes as Stormont departments are run by civil servants in the absence of ministers, and have said they need hundreds of millions of pounds in extra funding to maintain public services at their current level.

Were not saying its a red line to go back into government but we are saying that it is a red line for government if they want stable institutions, Ms Long said.

There comes a point when we ask how many complex arrangements will the Secretary of State consider to maintain the hiatus before he considers relatively simple proposals to reform the institutions and enable good government? Alliance leader Naomi Long

I see no reason why preparatory work around form cannot go hand in hand with the work to restore the Executive and Assembly under its current format.

I also think that as time goes on, the implications of continued failure to restore the Executive become more and more serious.

By November this year, we will be in a crisis that is probably only in this year, and possibly in the next three are irrecoverable and that gets worse every passing month.

There comes a point when we ask how many complex arrangements will the Secretary of State consider to maintain the hiatus before he considers relatively simple proposals to reform the institutions and enable good government?

And I think we are now at a tipping point in that so were not making it a precondition but I do think that if we want to have good and stable government, it has to be part of the mix in terms of going back into the Executive and Assembly for all of the parties sakes.
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The Irish government has asked the UK government for the earliest possible sight of the terms of reference for its Omagh bomb inquiry to clarify what its involvement will be.

Tanaiste and foreign affairs minister Micheal Martin and justice minister Helen McEntee met with family members of some of those who lost their lives in the dissident republican blast which hit the Co Tyrone town on August 15 1998.

The bomb killed 29 people, including a woman pregnant with twins, and injured hundreds of others.

In 2021, a Belfast High Court judge recommended that the UK government carry out an investigation into alleged security failings in the lead up to the attack, and that a similar investigation should be established by the Irish government.

The UKs Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris announced in February that there would be an independent inquiry into the fatal explosion, and Lord Turnbull has been appointed as the chair.

Omagh bomb campaigners Stanley McCombe, who lost his wife Ann; Michael Gallagher, who lost his son Aiden; and his daughter Cat Gallagher-Wilkinson met with the senior Irish government figures in Iveagh House in Dublin for over an hour on Wednesday.

Prior to the meeting, Mr Gallagher said there was a strong cross-border element to the bombing, and that if an inquiry was not held in the Republic, he said it would be like reading half a book.

Eighty per cent of the evidential opportunities lie within the Republic. I think the Irish government realise that they have a serious part to play in all of this. Were looking forward to hearing what they have to say this afternoon, he said.

John Fox, a solicitor for the Omagh families, said after the meeting that it had been very positive.

It was reconfirmed by the Irish government that they are committed to co-operating with any forthcoming inquiry, he said.

They are going to take away from the meeting today to look at the mechanisms in which that co-operation can be placed, and once the terms of reference are known, they can then implement that mechanism and co-operate fully with us as the families to make sure that we get to truth and justice.

Fine Gael senator Emer Currie told the PA news agency that it was a crucial meeting for the families, which was about opening the lines of communication on what next steps the Irish government intended to take.

Ms Currie, the daughter of founding member of the SDLP Austin Currie, said that it was also about reassuring the families about how seriously the Irish government was taking this.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Martin said that when there was clarity on the UK inquiry, cabinet would consider the response Ireland would make.

He said it was important to hear from the families about how the Irish government could assist them.

We are currently waiting on the publication of the terms of reference for the statutory inquiry into the Omagh bombing, announced earlier this year by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, he said.

Last week, in London, I asked Chris Heaton-Harris for the earliest possible sight of those terms of reference now that a chair of the Omagh Bombing Inquiry has been announced.

When we have clarity on the nature of the UK inquiry, I will then consider, along with the minister for justice and my cabinet colleagues, the next steps in this jurisdiction.

The needs of the victims of that unspeakable attack will be at the heart of any action that the government takes.

As we approach the 25th anniversary of the attack, we will not be found wanting.

The Omagh bombing was a savage attack, carried out with disregard for the people of this island. It also showed total disregard for the overwhelming support for the Good Friday Agreement which was shown in referendums just months before the bombing.

Ms McEntee spoke in the Dail on Tuesday night about the Omagh bomb attack, ahead of its 25th anniversary this August.

As has been done in relation to a number of historical inquiries, this state will co-operate fully as may be required Justice minister Helen McEntee

It was a brutal atrocity and an act of mass murder, she said.

The terrorists who carried it out had simply no sense of humanity. It is they who carry responsibility for this cruel act and we must never forget that.

Earlier this year, the UK announced its intention to establish an inquiry into the preventability of the Omagh bombing.

We await further detail regarding the terms of reference of the inquiry.

As has been done in relation to a number of historical inquiries, this state will co-operate fully as may be required.
 Close Moment MPs vote in favour of Partygate report finding Johnson misled parliament

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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.
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Labours plan to strike a new agreement with the EU to ease food checks would not resolve the deadlock in Northern Ireland, the DUPs leader has said.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said his party would not end its refusal to renter power-sharing arrangements based on Sir Keir Starmers plan for a post-Brexit deal to remove some trade barriers.

Labour has called for a veterinary deal with Brussels to remove the need for extra sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) checks on goods moving between the EU and the UK.

But Sir Jeffrey  whose party wont return to Stormont until Rishi Sunak secures further concessions on the protocol  said an easing of SPS checks was not a catch-all solution.

A UK-wide veterinary agreement would not address all of the problems created by the protocol, he told The Telegraph. It would certainly help with key elements of the protocol, but its not a catch-all solution  its dealing with one element of the protocol.

The DUP chief added: It would have to be a much more comprehensive approach than just having a UK-wide veterinary agreement with the EU.

The Centre for Brexit Policy has published a report, backed by Sir Jeffrey, suggesting the protocol is scrapped and replaced with an informal arrangement of mutual enforcement of standards on goods.

It would see UK exporters to the EU who break Brussels rules being punished by British courts, with no role for the European Court of Justice in Northern Ireland. EU exporters to the UK would be policed by EU officials inside the bloc.

Mr Sunak stuck the Windsor Framework deal with the EU in March aimed at drawing a line under the protocol row. It contains a new mechanism  the so-called Stormont brake  that gives members of the Northern Ireland assembly the ability to flag concerns about new EU laws.

David Lammy says Labour Brexit policy floor not a ceiling (PA Wire)

But Sir Jeffrey who has made clear the DUP will not return to Stormont until the Sunak government until the party gets further assurances around Northern Irelands place in the internal market.

The DUP leader said on Wednesday that he took the decision to withdraw the Stormont first minister 16 months ago with great reluctance.

He told MPs at Commons hearing that the Windsor Framework is due to come into force in October. Ahead of that, he said his party has put proposals to the government.

Well see what the government responds with and then we can determine what we say publicly, obviously, the outcome of this process will become a matter of public record that has to do, but I want to ensure that we get the right outcome.

Despite ruling out rejoining the single market or customs union, Labours foreign secretary David Lammy has hinted that the partys policy could inch forward to forge closer ties with Brussels.

Mr Lammy told LBC that the idea of a veterinary deal to ease some food trade issues is a floor not a ceiling and said he wants to hear what business has got to say over the coming months.

Business leaders have warned of further pain ahead for Britains food retailers, with a costly new set of checks on EU imports kicking in from October  including a fee of up to 43 per consignment of food from the bloc.

The new charge  outlined in a consultation issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)  comes alongside separate fees for customs agents and SPS inspections.
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Daisy Goodwin has suggested Daniel Korski may face further allegations of misconduct after she accused the mayoral hopeful of groping her.

The screenwriter and TV producer said she has been contacted by other women with some very interesting stories since alleging Mr Korski sexually assaulted her in Downing Street.

Ms Goodwin said she cannot discuss the stories about Mr Korski for legal reasons, but said they made her feel entirely justified for naming him.

Ms Goodwin, who created ITV drama Victoria, has accused Mr Korski of touching her breast a decade ago at the end of a meeting in Downing Street.

She said Mr Korski, who was then a special adviser to David Cameron and is 15 years her junior, had made an awkwardly flirtatious comment about her sunglasses, comparing her to Italian actress Monica Bellucci. He then rested his feet on the edge of her chair, before leaning back so that I could get a clear view of his crotch. As the pair stood up at the end of the meeting, Ms Goodwin said Mr Korski stepped toward her and suddenly put his hand on my breast.

Mr Korski has categorically denied any wrongdoing. Politics can be a rough and challenging business. Unfortunately, in the midst of this demanding environment, this baseless allegation from the past has resurfaced, he said in a statement on Twitter.

Ms Goodwin said: I think we've all got we've all got to take the plunge, because otherwise this sort of behaviour will go on. (Getty Images)

A number of Tory MP backers of Mr Korski have now paused support for his campaign in the wake of the allegation.

Childrens minister Claire Coutinho, who previously endorsed Mr Korski in the contest, said her support is on pause and described Ms Goodwins sexual assault allegation against Mr Korski is serious and concerning.

Ms Coutinho said any complaint by Ms Goodwin should be followed up swiftly, but added that it is a decision for Mr Korski whether he continues to stand for election. Skills minister Robert Halfon has also paused his support while former Tory health minister Lord Bethell, who had also endorsed Mr Korski, said he is committed to support but keeping a watchful eye.

Speaking to the BBC, Ms Goodwin said: People have to decide who they choose to believe.

When something like this happens to you, you know that it has happened to you because you were there. You felt it. You felt amazed, shocked, rather humiliated.

Asked about Mr Korskis categorical denials, Ms Goodwin said: He would say that, wouldnt he?

If he had come forward and said, Oh, Im really sorry I might have inadvertently touched her, that would be a different story. But the fact that hes categorical, is to me, bizarre, she added.

Ms Goodwin submitted a formal complaint to the Cabinet Office on Tuesday, posting a screengrab on Instagram of an email receipt from the department, with the subject line: "Formal complaint about Daniel Korski Urgent".

She described finding it quite difficult to make a formal complaint, adding that she had not heard from anyone until the Times reported that she had complained. Ms Goodwin said she then received an email in response within about 35 minutes.

She said on Wednesday that she would be happy to complain to the Conservative Party as well. Tory HQ confirmed on Tuesday that it would not investigate the allegation unless it received a formal complaint.

And, urging others to speak out, Ms Goodwin said: I think we've all got we've all got to take the plunge because otherwise this sort of behaviour will go on.

A spokesman for Mr Korskis campaign said:In the strongest possible terms, Dan categorically denies any allegation of inappropriate behaviour whatsoever.

He welcomes any investigation and will cooperate fully.
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The Tory London mayoral candidate who allegedly groped a TV producer has pulled out of the contest.

Screenwriter and novelist Daisy Goodwin claims that Daniel Korski groped her breast after a meeting at Downing Street more than a decade ago.

Ms Goodwin has filed a formal complaint against Mr Korski and said she has been contacted by other women with some very interesting stories. Mr Korski has categorically denied Ms Goodwins claims.

In a statement, Mr Korski said: I have decided, with a heavy heart, to withdraw from the Conservative mayoral contest.

I categorically deny the allegation against me. Nothing was ever put to me formally ten years ago. Nor seven years ago when the allegation was alluded to. No investigation has ever taken place. I have been clear I would welcome and constructively participate in any investigation.

However, the pressure on my family because of this false and unproven allegation, and the inability to get a hearing for my message of The London Dream, makes it impossible for my campaign to carry on.

In reponse to the announcement, Ms Goodwin said is glad that Mr Korski has withdrawn from the race to be the Tory candidate for the London mayoralty.
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A Tory London mayoral candidate accused of touching a womans breast in Downing Street sensationally quit the race on Wednesday, hours after the prime minister waded into the row.

Daniel Korski insisted that he categorically denied the allegations, which date from a decade ago when he was an aide to then-PM David Cameron, but said they had become a distraction for his party.

TV producer Daisy Goodwin, who created the ITV drama Victoria, claims Mr Korski groped her at the end of a meeting in No 10.

Shortly before Mr Korski stood down, Ms Goodwin said three more women had contacted her with similar experiences since she went public on Monday night.

The prime minister also encouraged other women to come forward, while No 10 described the allegations as very serious.

Ms Goodwin also confirmed she had made a formal complaint to the government and was happy to submit another to the Conservative Party, which was facing mounting questions over its refusal to investigate.

Amid growing pressure to pull out of the race, Mr Korski saw supporters desert his cause.

Claire Coutinho, the childrens minister, distanced herself from the campaign before he stood down, saying her backing was on pause.

In a statement, Mr Korski said he had decided with a heavy heart to withdraw from the race.

He blamed the pressure on his family from this false and unproven allegation and said it meant he was unable to get a hearing for his campaign message.

Ms Goodwin said she was glad he had withdrawn. It shows that women can speak out against misbehaviour in the workplace and be believed, she said.

If I was in the ethics department of the Cabinet Office, I would be wondering why such behaviour went unchecked in Downing Street, she added.

Ms Goodwin had earlier appeared to quote Mandy Rice-Daviess infamous quote about the Profumo scandal when asked about Mr Korskis denials. He would say that, wouldnt he? she told the BBC.

In a statement, Mr Korski said: I categorically deny the allegation against me. Nothing was ever put to me formally ten years ago. Nor seven years ago when the allegation was alluded to. No investigation has ever taken place. I have been clear I would welcome and constructively participate in any investigation.

However, the pressure on my family because of this false and unproven allegation and the inability to get a hearing for my message ... makes it impossible for my campaign to carry on.

Daniel Korski said allegation had become distraction (Getty Images)

Ms Goodwin said that during the meeting in Downing Street, Mr Korski rested his feet on the edge of her chair, before leaning back so that I could get a clear view of his crotch. Ms Goodwin said he stepped towards her and suddenly put his hand on my breast at the end of the meeting.

Mr Korski had categorically denied any wrongdoing, claiming that a baseless allegation from the past has resurfaced.

Earlier on Wednesday, Downing Street declined to say whether the PM believed Mr Korski was a suitable candidate or if he should suspend his campaign, but described the allegations as very serious and said they should be handled in the proper way.

Asked if the PM would encourage anyone with complaints against former staff members to come forward, his press secretary said: Yes, of course.

Daisy Goodwin said she has contacted the Cabinet Office (PA Archive)

Ms Goodwin said she has been contacted by other women with some very interesting stories that made her feel entirely justified about making the allegations against Mr Korski.

She confirmed she had submitted a complaint to the Cabinet Office, although she said it was harder than trying to get a telephone engineer. Ms Goodwin alleged that three other women had told her they had similar experiences with Mr Korski after her allegation was published in The Times on Monday.

Speaking to Times Radio, Ms Goodwin said: I didnt know of anybody who had had an experience like that with Daniel Korski, until I wrote my piece. And when it was published, I was contacted by three women whod had similar experiences. So I felt justified in having written the piece, because, as I suspected, I realised I was not the only woman.

The Independent understands London minister Paul Scully would be prepared to stand in the race if Tory HQ reopened the shortlist, having missed out on making the final list of three candidates.

Recommended Tory MP asked nine times if she has sympathy for Daniel Korski amid groping allegations

Friends of the former frontrunner said he is deeply frustrated having watched Mr Korskis campaign implode. It was never a career move for Mr Scully, one said, he knew it was going to be challenging but wanted to do the job.

And a senior Tory MP told The Independent: CCHQ must immediately go back to the drawing board and reopen the shortlist so those who were farcically overlooked the first time round can have a fair hearing. However, the party said it intended to continue with just two candidates.
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Labour has ditched a pledge to control surging rents if it wins the next general election  nine months after endorsing the policy.

Lisa Nandy said last September that that she wanted to give local authorities the power to freeze rents, telling the party conference: Doing nothing is not an option.

But speaking on Wednesday, the shadow communities secretary described the approach as a sticking plaster and claimed it would increase homelessness.

When housebuilding is falling off a cliff and buy to let landlords are leaving the market, rent controls that cut rents for some, will almost certainly leave others homeless, she told the Housing 2023 gathering of industry professionals.

Scrapping the policy represents a major shift in thinking for Labour, which has promised the regulation of rents in all its manifestos since Ed Miliband was leader.

But following Ms Nandys speech a Labour spokesperson said it was unfair to characterise her latest announcement as a U-turn, stating: A rent freeze has never been Labour party policy.

The change has prompted an outcry from Labours left, with campaign group Momentum accusing the party leadership of being allergic to good, popular policy.

But Ms Nandy told the conference on Wednesday: It might be politically easier to put a sticking plaster on our deep-seated problems, but if it is cowardice that got us here, it is never going to get us out.

Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham are among senior figures in local government to have called for powers to control rents as prices surge in their cities, with Mr Khan urging the government to set up a commission to work out a way forward.

England and Wales are unusual around Europe in having no rules about what a landlord can charge or how sharply they can increase rents over time.

The Scottish government in March voted to cap rent increases on sitting tenants at 3 per cent in most circumstances, and continue a ban on evictions. Local authorities can also apply to control rents more generally in so-called rent pressure areas.

Speaking at the same conference, Ms Nandy confirmed Labour was committed to continuing the Right To Buy policy, which hands social tenants a large discount to purchase their home from the council.

The policy has been criticised because at least 40 per cent of flats sold under the scheme are now in the hands of landlords and rented privately, and because it undermines the financial viability of building social housing.

The Right to Buy  whose abolition has come to be a totemic issue for many on the left  was originally a Labour policy, Ms Nandy said.

It was the decision of the Thatcher Government to fail to replace the council housing stock that was sold, pitting the rights of the individual against the rights of the community. For too long weve relied on that Thatcherite consensus.

Successive governments have repeatedly pledged to replace homes sold under Right To Buy, but none have been able to do so.

Ms Nandy said she believed there was no solution to the housing crisis that does not involve a substantial programme of social and affordable housebuilding and called for a refreshed model of housebuilding.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 / 50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 5 July 2023 Anti-monarchy protesters hold placards near the St Giles Cathedral on the day of the National Service of Dedication and Thanksgiving for Britains King Charles, in Edinburgh Reuters UK news in pictures 4 July 2023 Andy Murray celebrates break point against Ryan Peniston in their mens singles first round match at Wimbledon Getty UK news in pictures 3 July 2023 A cigar smoked by Winston Churchill, which is expected to fetch 600-800 is pictured on his statue in Westerham, Kent PA UK news in pictures 2 July 2023 Englands Ben Stokes hits a six off the bowling of Australias Josh Hazlewood during the last day of the second Ashes test at Lords Cricket Ground in London Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 1 July 2023 Pata Yamaha Prometeon rider Toprak Razgatiloglu followed by Aruba.It Racing - Ducati rider Alvaro Bautista (right) during the World SBK race 1 on day two of the FIM Superbike World Championship 2023 at Donington Park, Derby PA UK news in pictures 30 June 2023 Rembrandt Harmenszs Portrait of Jan Willemsz, van der Pluym and Jaapgen Carels is held by gallery staff, during a photo call for highlights from the forthcoming Classic Week Sales, at Christies, London. 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Speaking last September at a Labour Party conference fringe event on the private rented sector, Ms Nandy said she was personally very interested and attracted by the idea of freezing rents.

Local mayors and council leaders should be able to make decisions to freeze rent increases in their local areas over the winter, she told the event.

And Ive asked my team to look at that to see if we can work that up into a workable proposal. I think doing nothing is not an option.

Reacting to the latest policy announcement, a spokesperson for left-wing campaign group Momentum said: Millions of renters and mortgage holders are struggling to make ends meet. With the Tory Government shrugging its shoulders, Labour has both the opportunity and the obligation to set out the decisive action needed.

It beggars belief, then, that Lisa Nandy has criticised calls for rent controls, which she herself backed just months ago, and mortgage relief.

Once again, policies supported by unions, Labour members and progressive Labour Mayors like Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham are rejected by a UK Labour leadership which seems allergic to good, popular policy.
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Watch live as Rishi Sunak faces Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, 28 June, as Tory mayoral candidate Daniel Korski is accused of groping a TV producer.

The prime minister was expected to face questions on the allegations made by Daisy Goodwin, who submitted a formal complaint accusing the London candidate of groping her in 10 Downing Street a decade ago when he was a special adviser to then prime minister David Cameron.

Government minister Claire Coutinho said she has "paused" support for Mr Korskis bid to be London mayor after the claims emerged.

Mr Korski has "categorically" denied allegations that he groped Ms Goodwin, telling TalkTV: "I didnt do whats been alleged, I absolutely didnt do that. Ten years ago, when it happened, nothing was said to me. Seven years ago, when this first came out, nobody alleged anything to me."

The Cabinet Office has not confirmed whether a formal complaint has been made.
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Key parts of Rishi Sunaks small boats bill have been shredded by the House of Lords as peers inflicted a series of defeats against the government.

Conservatives were among those attacking plans to deport trafficking victims to Rwanda and other countries, as well as moving to force the Illegal Migration Bill to comply with international law and narrow its scope.

Peers supported an amendment removing potential victims of modern slavery and trafficking from a new legal duty to detain and deport small boat migrants, in spite of protection claims or ongoing police investigations.

It was passed by 210 votes to 145 after a government minister claimed the change would profoundly undermine efforts to deter Channel crossings and wreck the bill.

Supporting the amendment, Labour peer Lord Hunt quoted former prime minister Theresa Mays warning that the bill would see genuine victims denied support.

I am seeking to preserve the integrity of the Modern Slavery Act, he told the House of Lords.

Instead of dealing with the perpetrators of this awful crime it is the victims who are going to be penalised.

Conservative peer Lord Cormack said the bill would undermine an international achievement [the 2015 Modern Slavery Act] of far-reaching importance.

Another defeat saw peers back an amendment stating that actions under the Illegal Migration Bill cannot conflict with the UKs obligations under the UN Refugee Convention, European Convention on Human Rights and other agreements on child protection, trafficking and statelessness.

The new laws are key to the prime ministers plan to stop the boats and aim to allow the government to detain and deport all small boat migrants, without considering their asylum or trafficking claims.

When the bill was introduced to parliament, home secretary Suella Braverman made an unusual statutory declaration that it may not be compatible with the Human Rights Act, but she said elsewhere that it was compatible with international law.

Theresa May says small boats bill 'shuts door' to genuine victims

A government minister told the House of Lords that the amendment stating the measures cannot conflict with international law was not necessary and would wreck the bill, but it was passed by 222 votes to 179.

The government was defeated again when peers voted by 219 to 177 to take out retrospective powers making the bill apply to any small boat migrants who arrived after 7 March.

The amendments will now be sent back to the House of Commons, and further defeats were expected as peers considered dozens of changes late into Wednesday evening.

An impact assessment published on Monday said the Illegal Migration Bill will cost an estimated 169,000 to deport each asylum seeker, but that it was unclear how many would be removed or if the move would deter enough Channel crossings to be value for public money.

The only existing deal is with Rwanda, and flights remain suspended as the government awaits a Court of Appeal ruling on Thursday.

Labour peer Baroness Chakrabarti told the House of Lords that enforcing the UKs compliance with international law was is important for international rules-based order and for our reputation as a great democracy in a troubled world.

Several Conservative and crossbench peers spoke in support of the amendment, with Tory Baroness Helic saying the current bill would undermine the rule of law.

Conservative governments were instrumental in creating these international agreements, she added. Simply ignoring them in the pursuit of domestic expediency puts us in very bad company.

Rishi Sunak has vowed to stop the boats but a Home Office impact assessment found there was no proof the measures would work (PA)

Fellow Conservative Lord Cormack asked how the UK would oppose Chinas violation of agreements relating to Hong Kong, or other international disputes if we pass laws in this place which violate international law.

To violate international law is to invalidate international law and I think we should bear that in mind, he added.

Labour peer Lord Coaker said it was unbelievable that the amendment even had to be passed, saying that the UK should not be trashing international conventions we have signed.

The Lord Bishop of Chelmsford said there was a moral imperative to take international commitments seriously and warned against unfortunate rhetoric and misinformation around the bill.

Government minister Lord Murray told peers: The government takes its international obligations very seriously and there is nothing in this bill that requires any act or omission that conflicts with them.

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has said the bill breaches the Refugee Convention, while a parliamentary report released earlier this month found the provisions also violate the European Convention on Human Rights, UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and Council of Europe Convention Against Trafficking.

Crossbench peer Lord Carlile said the governments attempt to make the bill apply retrospectively to all small boat migrants who arrived after 7 March was unacceptable, and called claims the move would deter Channel crossings a nasty fairytale.

The government is not offering evidence, it is offering a refrain of stop the boats, he added.

This is wholly unacceptable given the fact that the proposals represent a widespread retroactive overhaul of our asylum law, founded simply on a deterrent effect which is unproved.

It sets a dangerous precedent that government could legislate retrospectively based on no more than conjecture and anecdote.

Lord Carlile said last years Nationality and Borders Act, backed by former home secretary Priti Patel, had the same intention of stopping small boat crossings but had not worked.
"There isn't any cause more important for a country than prevention, than getting prepared united to face eventual natural disasters. Yet this is a task that corresponds to all of us and is above differences, colors, or political flags," Mrs. Boluarte expressed.

In this sense, the top official announced that the Central Government is financing 619 direct interventions in seven regions that could be affected by Global El Nino: Tumbes, Piura, Lambayeque, La Libertad, Ancash, Ica, and Lima.

Mrs. Boluarte stressed that, following the declaration of emergency due to the imminent danger of a possible El Nino phenomenon , preventive and unprecedented work began, including cleaning and clearing rivers and streams. It entailed an investment worth S/1.446 billion (about US$397.7 million).

"From this moment on, we will be 33 million (citizens) united in the face of El Nino phenomenon . Long live Peru," she concluded.

Jefa de Estado, Dina Boluarte, inauguro el Encuentro Intergubernamental Preparacion ante el #FenomenodeElNino#33MillonesUnidos pic.twitter.com/pLvZgiVslJ
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Tony Blair has warned that governments and businesses need to get to grips with artificial intelligence (AI) as the emerging technology is set to change everything.

The former prime minister discussed the governance challenges that AI posed at a Chatham House event on Wednesday, alongside Microsoft president Brad Smith and British Chamber of Commerce head Baroness Martha Lane Fox.

The group compared the technology to the printing press and the industrial revolution in terms of how they thought it would change history.

How you understand, master and harness this technology revolution will define the place of this country and shape the world Tony Blair

You can get the magnitude of that from these analogies of what were talking about. I think this will change everything, Mr Blair told the think-tank audience.

I think this is where were at  at the start of a revolutionary change.

Mr Blair said that people, particularly on the centre-left of politics, could prioritise other difficulties amid the current turmoil but that they needed to make AI their mission.

How you understand, master and harness this technology revolution will define the place of this country and shape the world, he said.

The thing in all of this that I think makes a large constituent of people very, very anxious is about the increasing inequalities that are going to be, in my opinion, inevitable out of this Baroness Martha Lane Fox

So get your head around that and stop spending time thinking about: A little bit more on tax, a little bit less on tax, more on spending, a little bit less on spending.

That is not what the future is going to be about. Its going to be about this  understanding it and dealing with it, access(ing) the opportunity  but mitigating its risks.

The panel also spoke about how the UK needed to respond to the safety and social risks that AI posed, including the evolution of a two-tiered society, job losses, election interference, Russias superiority in cyberwarfare and the creation of bioweapons.

Baroness Lane Fox said: The thing in all of this that I think makes a large constituent of people very, very anxious is about the increasing inequalities that are going to be, in my opinion, inevitable out of this.

She later added that there had to be a joined-up approach in how companies and governments thought about these risks.

Those in leadership positions who were not getting to know this new technology were also committing a dereliction of duty, she added.

What the world needs to see emerge in effect, is a new paradigm for how to manage the safety of this new technology Microsoft president Brad Smith

If you dont understand whats possible, youre not going to be able to start to understand how to learn what the right policy decisions to make (or) whats the right commercial decisions to make.

Mr Smith added: What the world needs to see emerge in effect, is a new paradigm for how to manage the safety of this new technology.

He said the international community needed to come to a consensus on how to standardise regulations around AI as soon as possible.

Mr Blair also said the UK Government, which had ambitions for the country to be a leader in the field, must recognise that the technology was changing very fast and that Britain would need to have close co-operation and partnerships with other key players.

Everyones on this, Mr Blair said. You go to Paris, Macrons talking about it. You go to Germany, Scholz is talking about it. You go to Africa, theyre starting to talk about it.

Youre either going to get to grips with this or youre going to get left behind.
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Politicians have been warned by PSNI chief constable Simon Byrne that they need to stop the rot of budget cuts to protect policing in Northern Ireland.

Mr Byrne said a dramatic reduction in the number of police officers risked leaving the force unrecognisable compared to the service the public had come to expect and warned it would take years to rebuild the PSNI to its former strength.

In a wide-ranging interview with the PA news agency four years after he took on the top policing job in Northern Ireland, Mr Byrne also spoke about how he had faced down calls for his resignation early in his tenure and ultimately had his contract extended.

The PSNI is grappling with a 107 million shortfall following a budget set by Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris earlier this year.

We are trying to be as candid as we can with the public about what to expect if the cuts aren't reversed PSNI chief constable Simon Byrne

Mr Byrne has previously warned of a dramatic reconfiguration of neighbourhood policing services, with fewer officers deployed on local beats, the potential grounding of one of three helicopters and warnings over the closure of some stations.

The chief constable said: We are trying to be as candid as we can with the public about what to expect if the cuts arent reversed.

He said that one of the first things he did when he took up the post in 2019 was to assess that he needed 7,500 officers to deliver the style of policing he wanted, with a strong emphasis on neighbourhood patrols.

He said: We are now 6,600 officers, we were 7,000 this time last year.

Clearly, if we have got less people on the streets investigating crime, responding to calls, policing will become unrecognisable because we are going to have to make tough choices about what we do and don't do PSNI chief constable Simon Byrne

We assess within 12 to 18 months we may well have gone through the 6,000 threshold, by far the smallest we have been since the organisation was created and way, way back into the history of the RUC in terms of size.

Clearly, if we have got less people on the streets investigating crime, responding to calls, policing will become unrecognisable because we are going to have to make tough choices about what we do and dont do.

He added: I want to commit to still answering the phone quickly in an emergency, to turn up in an emergency quickly.

Clearly, serious crime that happens overnight will still get detectives, will still get prioritisation, but if you are telling us about an incident that happened some while ago we probably, inevitably, unless it is really serious, we will put less resource to it.

People are going to get frustrated that we are not as responsive, it is going to take longer to investigate crime.

The chief constable said there was a choice facing politicians as well as the public who voted for them about whether they wanted to commit to boosting police numbers.

He said: If you go back to the basics of policing, it is about safety and maintaining order.

Your chance of being a victim of burglary here is very low. We currently have the lowest crime rates in the UK, which is impressive and helps people go about their daily lives largely untroubled by some of these epidemics of crime you might see in other large cities across the UK.

My message (to the politicians) is if you dont stop the rot, just be careful what you are going to inherit.

We know that for every year we lose police officers, it will actually take us three years to put them back.

You are talking about a decade of rebuilding the PSNI to what it was.

Mr Byrne, a former deputy chief constable of Greater Manchester Police and chief constable of Cheshire Constabulary, said that despite the challenges of policing Northern Ireland, he had no regrets about taking the PSNI job.

He said: I have been around policing a while, four decades, but by far this is the best job I have ever had.

I dont regret it for a minute.

Mr Byrne faced a number of controversies during his time in Northern Ireland, including multiple calls to resign from unionist politicians.

In 2021, he faced a backlash after he published a review of policing operations in South Armagh. Former first minister Arlene Foster called for him to resign and DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said he had lost the confidence of unionists.

Despite this, Mr Byrne recently had his five-year contract extended for another three years by the Policing Board, the PSNIs oversight body which includes representatives of all the main political parties in Northern Ireland.

Mr Byrne said: It was unanimous support at the Policing Board to extend my contract, which I was really pleased about.

You go back to the time when there were calls for me to step aside, which are well rehearsed. How did I get through it? Firstly, it was about humility, giving people the time to explain and express what had gone wrong.

I personally invested an awful lot of time visiting communities, listening to representatives and politicians, working with senior colleagues here to see how we adjust the policing style.

We have transformed the emphasis we put on meeting, engaging and listening to the community to show we are here to understand and reflect their needs, whether they are from the protestant/unionist/loyalist community or indeed any other part of Northern Ireland.
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Acting BBC chair Dame Elan Closs Stephens has said the corporation feels a debt of gratitude to Richard Sharp.

Dame Elan was speaking on her first day in the new role, which had been announced as Tuesday when she was appointed to the interim position last month.

Mr Sharp resigned after a report found he breached the rules around public appointments following an introduction which led to then-prime minister Boris Johnson getting an 800,000 loan guarantee.

Asked by BBC Radio 2 presenter Tina Daheley if Mr Sharps exit as chairman had damaged the corporation, Dame Elan said: Theres no doubt that weve gone through a difficult period of time and Im sure that staff and the board and Richard himself were unnerved by what happened over the past few months.

All of us feel a debt of gratitude to Richard for the way in which he committed himself to the organisation during his two years.

But the organisation as a whole is about the creativity and the news values and the production values of all the people who work in it.

Dame Elan added the BBC needs to re-establish the confidence and the ambition in that output and to know that the board is fully behind the creativity of the organisation.

She also said the corporation needs energy and pace to take on the awful lot to be done.

Dame Elan, who has been a member of the BBCs governing body since 2010, said: I am absolutely confident that this is an organisation which is capable of transforming itself into another modern period of time and Im confident that the board and the executive jointly as a unitary board will be leading the way.

But Im also confident that it as a whole, as a body of staff, we have the most amazing people and we have to just make certain that we are developing everybodys expertise as much as we possibly can.

She has had several roles with the BBC, including as chairwoman of its commercial subsidiary and the member for Wales when the board was the BBC Trust.

Dame Elan, who will be acting chairwoman for 12 months or until a new permanent chairperson has been appointed, also said she and the board think the Government should employ head-hunters to find the right candidate to replace her.

She added: It should be as diverse a field as possible and that there should be some really very strong candidates from all walks of life if we can, with the necessary experience to take on this role.

Its not a time for standing still. Although the period in which Im going to be chair is quite short, we need to get on with the job.

Dame Elan, a native Welsh speaker who lives in Aberystwyth, said her being the first person from her comprehensive school to win a scholarship to Oxford is not because she is brighter or more intellectual than other people.

She added: Its just that there are so many people who never had the chance and so I believe passionately in chances for people, in giving people the opportunity.

I think the BBC is something that gives people and could give opportunity. Our apprenticeship schemes, for example, are about that and I actually passionately believe in it as a public good.

Former Goldman Sachs banker Mr Sharp, who was appointed in early 2021, announced he would step down as chair in April this year when he was over halfway into his four-year term.

He said at the time he had acted in good faith and had the best of intentions.

Following the inquiry into Mr Sharp by barrister Adam Heppinstall KC, the former BBC chairman said: Mr Heppinstalls view is that while I did breach the governance code for public appointments, he states very clearly that a breach does not necessarily invalidate an appointment.

Indeed, I have always maintained the breach was inadvertent and not material, which the facts he lays out substantiate.
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RTE has fallen far short of standards expected of it, the chair of the broadcasters board conceded as she addressed Irish parliamentarians on the misreported payments scandal.

At the opening of a highly anticipated meeting of the media scrutiny committee in Dublin, Siun Ni Raghallaigh said: I apologise for this egregious breach of trust with the public.

I am also mindful that this committee, and others, were in the past presented with information that was simply untrue. That was a breach of trust with you, the elected members of the Oireachtas, for which we sincerely apologise.

RTE executives and board members are appearing before the committee to face questions on the controversial 345,000 euro of undisclosed payments made to star presenter Ryan Tubridy between 2017 and 2022.

The under-reporting meant RTE furnished the Oireachtas parliament and the public with incorrect figures on Tubridys earnings over that period.

The public, RTE staff, and public representatives are angry and hurt, the board chair told the committee on Wednesday.

We know that our bond of trust with the public is tarnished.

We know that trust is precious, and that once lost, trust is difficult to regain.

Step by step we will work to rebuild that trust.

We will not flinch in this regard. We know that this will be challenging, but we are committed to doing so in order that confidence in Irelands national public service broadcaster can be restored.

RTE is an organisation of more than 1,800 people. I apologise to each and every one of them for the distress they are experiencing as they deal with the shadow that has fallen over this organisation.

I want to assure this committee and the public that the board is committed to ensuring that we get full clarity on this, that there is accountability for it, and that it never happens again.

Earlier, Irelands premier said it was not credible that RTEs former director-general was the only one who knew about the misreported payments scandal.

Leo Varadkar spoke a day after the broadcaster issued a statement saying Dee Forbes was the only executive who had all the information to know the organisation had published incorrect salary figures for Tubridy.

More questions will follow on Thursday when RTE representatives will appear before the Oireachtas parliaments Public Accounts Committee.

On Wednesday, RTE confirmed talks over a new contract for Tubridy  who stepped down as host of the flagship Late Late Show in May but continues to host a weekday radio show  have been paused pending the outcome of ongoing processes resulting from the payments disclosures last week.

Ms Forbes quit as director-general on Monday amid the spiralling crisis.

She is not appearing before the committees on Wednesday and Thursday, citing ill health for her absence.

She insisted she did not act contrary to any advice in the contractual dealings related to Tubridy.

Addressing the issue in the Dail parliament on Wednesday, Mr Varadkar said: While the RTE statement from yesterday shed some light on what has transpired, a lot of questions remain open, so we expect to see a full and open engagement at the Oireachtas committees today and tomorrow.

And certainly we do not believe it is credible that the former DG Dee Forbes was the only person with knowledge of these events.

Government and the public expect nothing but full and open transparency from RTE executives and board members when they attend committees of these houses today and tomorrow.

RTE staff staged protests around the country on Tuesday, demanding answers about the furore.

Tuesdays statement from RTE covered 225,000 euro of fees paid to Tubridy between 2020-2022. It said a report by external auditors Grant Thornton found no illegality in the payments.

A further external review by Grant Thornton into payments of 120,000 euro between 2017 and 2019 is under way, with the findings due within four weeks.

Mr Varadkar said that timeframe is not satisfactory and the Government is pressing for the report to be made available sooner.

On Tuesday, RTE said Ms Forbes was not consulted in the drafting of its statement and she may dispute some elements of it.

The Grant Thornton report gave detail of a commercial arrangement involving RTE, Tubridy and a commercial partner that was entered into after Tubridy forewent an exit fee due to be paid at the end of his previous contract.

The statement from RTE explained the terms of this tripartite agreement between RTE, Tubridy and Renault.

This agreement was separate to Tubridys central contract with RTE and involved him making appearances at commercial events.

It said Tubridy was to be paid 75,000 euro annually under this tripartite commercial arrangement, with the payments underwritten by RTE.

The payment was made by the commercial partner in the first year. The same sum paid to Tubridy was then provided back to the commercial partner by RTE by way of a credit note on future spending with the broadcaster  meaning the deal was cost-neutral to Renault.

The RTE statement said Tubridy was unaware of the credit note provided by RTE to the commercial partner.

The tripartite arrangement ended during the Covid pandemic, leaving RTE liable for the next two years of payments.

RTE said Ms Forbes verbally agreed to the terms of the commercial arrangement in a video meeting.

The two payments from RTE were paid to Tubridys agent using a UK-based barter account.

A barter account is usually used to record the exchange or goods and services.

Due to how a barter account operates, a cash transaction is recorded at a higher gross value than the net sum of the money drawn down.

Grant Thornton said that, on the balance of probabilities, the barter account was used because there were available funds in it and it appeared there was no budget available for the 75,000 euro payments in year two or three of the agreement.

It also emerged on Tuesday that RTE used the barter account to pay for the costs of hosting events for the commercial sponsor in 2022.

These payments were recorded in the barter account at a value of 47,477 euro; the actual cost of these events was 30,586 euro.

The review said there was no wrongdoing by Tubridy or the commercial partner.

Amid the scandal, the Government has ordered an external review into governance and culture at the broadcaster.

Tubridy has been off air since the revelations emerged last Thursday, with a stand-in presenter hosting his weekday morning radio show.
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Watch as the Covid-19 inquiry continues into its third week on Wednesday, 28 June.

Today, the investigation will hear from Scotland's top health executives for its first module examining the UK's resilience and preparedness for the pandemic.

Hearings are set to last for six weeks.

Wednesday's testimonies will include evidence from Caroline Lamb, chief executive of NHS Scotland, Gillian Russell, director for Safer Communities in the Scottish government from 2015-2020 and current director of Health Workforce, and Jeanne Freeman, former Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport.

Catherine Calderwood, former Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, was also due to give evidence today but this has been rescheduled.

Calderwood resigned in April 2020 she was found to have broken lockdown rules when she visited her second home in Fife which was more than an hour away from her main Edinburgh residence.
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A senior SNP MP has announced he is stepping down from Parliament at the next election after almost two decades in the job.

Stewart Hosie, who is his partys economy spokesperson at Westminster, said he had decided not to contest the next general election after a great deal of thought.

He is now the fifth serving SNP MP to announce they will not be standing for Parliament again  with former party Westminster leader Ian Blackford among those quitting the House of Commons.

Mr Hosie, a former SNP depute leader, said that with the next general election anticipated towards the end of 2024 he would have served as the MP for Dundee East for almost 20 years.

After a great deal of thought, I have decided to step down at the next election, he said.

Mr Hosie added that it had been the greatest privilege of my life to represent the constituency I was born and grew up in.

He vowed he would remain an active member of the SNP and would find other ways to work towards an independent Scotland.

Fellow SNP MPs Angela Crawley, Peter Grant and Douglas Chapman, a former party treasurer, have all previously indicated they will not be seeking re-election either.

Mr Hosie, who was previously married to Scottish deputy first minister Shona Robison, was first elected to the Commons in 2005.

He has served as SNP deputy Westminster leader and chief whip.
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Sudan has announced a unilateral ceasefire on the first day of Eid with the army chief urging young men to defend the nation.

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan announced the ceasefire during a televised speech on Tuesday. The conspiracy requires everyone to be awake and ready to respond to the existential threats to our country, and so we call on all young men who can defend... to not hesitate to play this role, either from where he lives or by joining the armed forces, he added.

This comes after General Burhans opponent and head of Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo declared a two-day unilateral ceasefire in its battle against the army.

On Monday, the RSF chief said: We are declaring a unilateral ceasefire, except for self-defence situations, on the eve of Eid and on the day of Eid al-Adha.

He added: We hope to emerge from the war more united and stronger.

Sudan has been engulfed in a horrendous war between the military led by General Burhan, and the paramilitary RSF commanded by General Dagalo, since mid-April. So far, reports say that more than 3000 civilians have been killed in the fighting.

The war has triggered unrest in Khartoum and other parts of Sudan, especially in the western region of Darfur where attacks and ethnic violence continue.

According to the latest estimates by the International Organisation for Migration, almost 2.8 million people have been uprooted by the fighting, with more than 2.15 million internally displaced and nearly 650,000 fleeing into neighbouring countries.

The United Nations said on Tuesday that the surging violence in Sudan is likely to drive more than 1 million refugees out of the African country by October, as the 10-week conflict shows few signs of easing.

We were talking about 100,000 people in six months (fleeing to) Chad. And now the colleagues in Chad have revised their figures to 245,000, said Raouf Mazou, assistant secretary-general at United Nations High Commission for Refugees, at a news conference in the Swiss city of Geneva.
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An 82-year-old Brazilian man was able to survive for a week stranded in the forest before being rescued by eating termites and drinking his own urine, according to his family.

Jose Arteiro Ribeiro went missing on 11 June while he and a group of friends were visiting a rural property in Vila Propicio, in the central Brazilian state of Goias.

Mr Ribeiro, who was experienced spending time outside, went for a walk alone in the woods, and when he failed to return, police were notified.

Jose Arteiro Ribeiro survived alone in the Brazilian forest for a week beofre being rescued (Globo TV screen grab)

They (my father, friends and residents there) are used to getting together, going to the riverside and fishing, Joses son Andre told Correio Braziliensein Portugeuse.

Crews from the Goias State Fire Department spent four days searching unsuccessfully before calling off their efforts, the Mirror reports.

There came a time when even my family seemed to have given up looking, you know? People didnt want me to go into the woods, they asked me to rest a little, Andre added in his interview with the Correio. Maybe if I had rested and not gone on Sunday I wouldnt have found him. I said I wasnt going to rest until I found him.

"I was waiting for you, my son. I knew you would find me, the 82-year-old reportedly said to his son when he was found.

Andre was able to locate his father and direct emergency responders to him, who gave the man care in a local hospital before he was discharged.

Jose Arteiro Ribeiro is a resident of Brazils Federal District.

He is the father of 10 children and has 15 granddhildren, according to Globo.

He came to Brasilia build the capital more than 60 years ago before settling in the rural area of Ceilandia.

Mr Ribeiros safe return follows another miraculous rescue in the South American forest.

In May, four Indigenous children were found in the Colombian portion of the Amazon, after they survived a plane crash and 40 days alone in the wilderness.
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Ten minutes before the first annual edition of Capital Pride was set to begin in 1975, 20th Street in northwest Washington DC was almost empty.

But Deacon Maccubbin, the founder of the LGBT+ bookstore Lambda Rising who organised the event, told one of his colleagues not to worry.

Dont worry, theyre on gay time, theyll be here, he recalls saying at the time.

And sure enough at 2 oclock, there were about 2,000 people in the street, Mr Maccubbin tells The Independent with a laugh.

Before starting Capital Pride, Mr Maccubbin had been travelling to New York City each year to attend the celebrations there.

Pride commemorates the Stonewall riots, also known as the Stonewall Uprising, which took place in Manhattan at the Stonewall Inn between 28 June and 3 July 1969, when members of the LGBT+ community launched protests in response to a police raid in the early morning of the 28th. Patrons of gay and lesbian bars in Greenwich Village decided to fight back when law enforcement became violent.

The riots are now seen as an era-defining moment for the gay rights movement. The following year, the first Pride march took place in the city.

In 1975, a couple of months before June, we were sitting around at home with a bunch of friends and having a little party and were talking about going to New York for Pride, Mr Maccubbin says. And somebody said Why dont we have something here in DC? It was like a light bulb went off in my brain. Like, why not? That makes perfectly logical sense to me. The very next morning, I was scrambling around finding somebody to help me put together a Pride event.

The Origins of DCs Pride Parade: How It Started in 1975

It was also in New York that Mr Maccubbin first had the idea to open an LGBT+ bookstore in the nations capital. After unsuccessful ventures to the local bookstores and libraries looking for gay literature, Mr Maccubin came across the Oscar Wilde bookshop in New York in 1972.

Thinking that Washington should have something similar, Mr Maccubbin took the plunge two years later.

I had a tobacco shop on one half of a townhouse building in DC, and the other half of that building became vacant, Mr Maccubbin says about the time leading up to the 1974 launch of Lambda Rising.

Deacon Maccubbin speaking to NBC News in 2022 (Screenshot / NBC News)

Mr Maccubbin, now retired, recalls that during its 35 years in operation, the shop and its staff had our share of challenges  no question about it.

The windows were smashed more than once, there were bomb threats, and people would come running through the store and throw things around.

But the staff of Lambda Rising persevered we fought back every time.

Mr Maccubbin knew that we were going to be successful about two weeks after opening Lambda Rising when a man came in, looked around, and said, Home at last.

Mr Maccubbin remembers one day when a father brought his son to the store. His son had not come out to him yet, but he was sure he was gay. And he said he wanted to make sure that he knew it was okay. And he thanked us for being there for that very purpose  That happened all the time.

Capital Pride was initially promoted through the bookstore, the Washington Blade LGBT+ newspaper and flyers put up around the community.

The first hurdle that we had to get over was in order to do a block party, you had to close the streets and to close the streets, you had to get the signatures of the people who live on the street, Mr Maccubbin remembers. So we were going door to door telling people that we want to do a gay party and we didnt know whether wed be able to get the signatures or not  But Im glad to say that, within a couple of weeks, we had only been turned down once.

There were people that were closeted, that were a little worried about coming, but many of them came anyway, he says. When the press and media were there, particularly the TV cameras, we told them that they could film on the left side of the street, but not on the right side of the street. And then wed tell the crowd from the stage  If you want to be on TV, go to the left. And if you dont want to be on TV, go to the right.

It was amazingly successful for the first year. And then we did it for a total of five years. By the time we got to the fifth year, there were 10,000 people who came. And it was too big for the area that we had to do it. And thats at the point where I turned it over to another nonprofit foundation and they moved to a different location that could hold more people, he recalls.

When asked why Pride grew so fast in the District, Mr Maccubbin says, Theres nothing unique about DC. The same thing happens for Pride everywhere it goes  It grows and grows from year to year. People become more comfortable.

Its kind of hard to describe. Its like suddenly youre in. You spend your whole life maybe being in the closet  and then suddenly, youre in the middle of a crowd of hundreds or thousands of people who are just like you  its a freeing experience, he adds.

In the early days, it was more of a block party. Now its a big celebration, a big festival. So there are a lot of differences. Its also much more corporate  a lot of major corporations participate in Pride every year and provide a lot of the funding, he notes.

Mr Maccubbin says that in those early years, they would only make money from the sale of beers and sodas, funds which they would deposit in the bank for next years event.

The P Street Festival Committee took over planning for the event from Mr Maccubbin in 1980. Until that year, it had been known as Gay Pride Day, but in 1981 it changed the name to Gay and Lesbian Pride Day.

Following financial difficulties, the non-profit One in Ten took over the planning of Pride in 1995, moving it from Francis Junior High to Freedom Plaza near the White House.

Two years later, the Whitman-Walker Clinic became a co-sponsor to relieve some of the organisational and financial struggles of running the event. It was also in 1997 that the event was renamed to its current moniker  Capital Pride.

In 1998, the event raked in $80,000 in corporate sponsorship, rising to $247,000 the next year.

In 2000, the clinic became the only co-sponsor of Pride in the city and the festival was moved again to Pennsylvania Avenue with the US Capitol in the background of the main stage, where its still organised today.

By the time 2004 rolled around, 100,000 people attended events organised as part of Capital Pride.

At least 600,000 people attended the Capital Pride parade and festival over the weekend of 10 and 11 June of this year, according to the Washington Blade.

Members from the Canadian embassy and community march down the road during the Capital Pride Festival in Washington, DC, on June 10, 2023 (AFP via Getty Images)

Members from the British embassy and community march down the road during the Capital Pride Festival in Washington, DC, on June 10, 2023 (AFP via Getty Images)

Members from the Scandinavian community march down the road during the Capital Pride Festival in Washington, DC, on June 10, 2023 (AFP via Getty Images)

The financial ailments continued and in 2008, the clinic handed over the production rights to the Capital Pride Alliance which was made up of volunteers and groups created by members of the Capital Pride Planning Committee.

Bernie Delia, an attorney at the Department of Justice, was a founding member of the organisation and served as its president between 2011 and 2017.

Going back to that time, it doesnt surprise me that there wasnt a Pride celebration in DC before 1975, Mr Delia tells The Independent.

Theres was a great deal of fear about being openly gay, especially here in Washington, DC. My first Pride celebration was 1986 and I remember at that time that people were  still concerned about being identified as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, he says. Here in Washington, a lot of folks who work for the federal government  were afraid that their security clearances would be yanked.

Bernie Delia speaking to NBC News in 2022 (Screenshot / NBC News)

Raised on Long Island, Mr Delia went to college in Maryland not far from DC before going to law school in Texas. He served as a clerk for one of the judges in the Virgin Islands before moving to DC in 1982. I had probably long known that I was gay. But I didnt fully embrace that until 1985. And then once I did, I jumped into the community with both feet.

By the time when Mr Delia attended his first Pride celebration at the age of 30, the AIDS crisis overshadowed everything that we that we did.

We were losing so many people, he says. It was at around the same time that I was getting ready to come out that the AIDS crisis really hit and hit very hard.

Mr Delia was a political appointee in the Clinton administration in the 1990s, working briefly in the White House before moving on to the Department of Justice.

Bill Clinton was very open and welcoming to members of the community  he certainly set that tone. I worked for many years over at the Justice Department when Janet Reno was the attorney general. And shes the one who ... got rid of the problems with the security clearances for LGBTQ+ people, Mr Delia recalls.

But the attorney also says that there were limits  things have evolved quite tremendously.

In 1994, they were assembling the openly gay and lesbian members of the administration, all the political appointees. We were at an event for the holidays, and there were about 25 or 30 people who were there.

Out magazine attended that event, and they wanted to take a picture of folks. Only 10 people volunteered to be in that picture. Because the rest of the folks were, even though they were openly LGBTQ+, theyve been appointed into the administration, everybody knew who they were, they still were too concerned to be in that photograph.

Kamala Harris became the first vice president to attend Capital Pride in 2021 and again last year.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris joins marchers for the Capital Pride Parade on June 12, 2021 in Washington, DC (Getty Images)

US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the Capital Pride Festival, a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, in Washington, DC, June 12, 2022 (AFP via Getty Images)

It was really quite wonderful to see that. It was an acknowledgment of how far the community has come, Mr Delia says.

Mr Maccubbin says the vice presidents appearance was about time. Hes been to a couple of Pride Day events at the White House, which they will have, he notes, if its a Democratic president.

Theres a huge number of votes in the gay and lesbian community. Its not just gay and lesbian people and transgender people. Its the people who are part of their families. Their moms and their dads and their sisters, their brothers and their sons and their daughters, he says. Theres an awful lot of people that care, and theyre gonna vote the way they care.

Speaking about his time working in the Clinton administration, Mr Delia says, There was no way I wasnt open  I worked in the White House for the first six months and then I went over to the Justice Department and worked there for the rest of the administration. And my late partner worked in the White House too  no one who knew us didnt know that we were an openly gay couple.

Before the anti-LGBT+ Defence of Marriage Act was signed into law by Mr Clinton in 1996, Mr Delia was able to share his disapproval with the administration signing on to this with Vice President Al Gore.

He was in a tough place because Im quite sure he didnt believe in that nonsense either. I dont believe that President Clinton did, Mr Delia tells The Independent, adding that the bill was signed because of political expediency.

It was sometimes tough with Dont Ask, Dont Tell and the Defense of Marriage Act. But we also understood that we were on a journey, and the journey sometimes has some rough patches and some rocky roads. And if you persevere, youll get beyond it. And in fact, we did. Both of those things have now been discarded, Mr Delia notes.

The attorney says that the progress on LGBT+ rights has been faster than expected.

There was much work done before the Stonewall riots in 1969. There was a tremendous amount of work done in the 50s and 60s, much of it goes unheralded because were able to point to a very notable event  the riots  as a seminal moment in the history of LGBTQ rights, he adds.

If you take it from the post-World War II era to where we are today, Id say its been  very quick.

Two massive parts of American society long thought to be unwelcoming to the LGBT+ community are religion and the armed forces.

While a group from the Washington National Cathedral took part in the DC parade for the first time in 2013, Mr Delia notes that we have long had a very strong presence in the parade from members of the religious community.

In 2014, an Armed Forces color guard led the parade through Washington  the first time in US history that an officially sanctioned guard took part in a Pride parade.

We asked and it was granted, Mr Delia says. I happened to be marching right behind the color guard that year and it was extremely emotional to see that because I grew up in an era that was very much filled with homophobia and bigotry.

We heard from a lot of people in the wake of that  military veterans who had unfortunately been silenced during their years of service and they saw that and it touched a great emotion with them, he adds.

Mr Delia joined the board of the Capital Alliance in 2008 as the group took over the organisation of Pride in DC from the Whitman Walker clinic, which had been brought in when the previous organisers faltered.

He says the clinic needed to divest themselves of this because this really is not part of their core health mission.

They were calling for folks to step up, and a group of us who had been working on Pride through them had gotten together, and we formed the Capital Pride Alliance, he recalls.

We had them there for the first year in 2008, but then on in 2009 we were pretty much on our own, he says, adding that it was exciting but scary.

When asked about the previous financial problems that have affected Capital Pride, Mr Delia says the alliance has been very cognizant of the previous problems and have tried to avoid them.

We have a small staff. But we very much could not do this without the large cadre of volunteers we have, he says.

It was announced in November last year that Washington, DC had been selected as the host of World Pride in 2025, which will coincide with the 50th anniversary of Mr Maccubbins block party marking the first Pride celebration in the US capital in 1975.

The DC celebrations will be the ninth World Pride after the first one was held in Rome in 2000. In 2019, about five million people attended World Pride in New York City, 50 years after the Stonewall Uprising.

We really want to be able to showcase not only the LGBTQ+ community here in DC but throughout the United States, Mr Delia says.
After last year successful edition, with 150+ biogas professionals and 20+ excellent speakers, we have an honour to invite you to 5th European Conference Biogas PowerON taking place on 27-28 September 2023. This year we are moving to Hamburg, Germany.

Among other renewables, biogas is gaining more popularity than ever. Its one of the results of recent energy crisis and dispute about Europes energy independence & security. Coming years will be a turning point for the development and scaling up of biogas production to its full potential.

The green transformation will strengthen economic growth, security and climate action for Europe and our partners. Scaling up biomethane partnerships like The Biomethane Industrial Partnership (BIP), launched on 28 September 2022, will support achievement of the EU target of 35 bcm annual production and use of sustainable biomethane by 2030. It will also create the preconditions for a further ramp-up of biogas potential towards 2050. Biogas is a cost-efficient path to achieve our ambition to reduce imports of natural gas from Russia. Increasing the capacity of biogas production in the EU and promoting its conversion into biomethane needs an estimated investment amounting to EUR 37 billon euro over the period.

KEY TOPICS

Overview of European and national policies and regulations

 Future of biogas industry from the perspective of a producer  case studies

 Cost competitiveness of biomethane

 Sustainability and green origin of biomethane

 Building a successful biogas system in Europe  what is necessary?

 Role of gas infrastructure in decarbonising European energy sector

 Energy crisis and ban on Russian gas supply  perspectives for biogas sector

 Biogas economics and trading

 Hydrothermal gasification and 2G biomethane production: status on technologies

And many more...

EARLY CONFIRMED SPEAKERS:

Rodrigo Rivera Tinoco, Pentair

Jesper Hrlyk-Jensen, Biogasclean

Ole Hvelplund, Nature Energy

Nicolas Spilliaert, Storengy

John Cosmo Dwelle, Landwarme

Who & Why you should join the Biogas PowerON 2023

During this 2-day event reach in presentations from industry end-users and running projects case studies will give you a comprehensive overview of the biogas industry. You can hear experts focusing on new regulations, changing market situation and more. Get a possibility to network and exchange ideas with industry leaders.

Suppliers, producers, end-users from the entire value chain (power companies, trading & distribution companies, producers of feedstock, oil & gas companies, renewable energy consultancies, EPC contractors and OEMs ) also regulatory & research experts, government organizations and municipalities, biotech developers, renewable energy business consultants, anaerobic digestion technology providers and business analytics
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The judge overseeing Bryan Kohbergers death penalty case made a reference to another chilling Idaho murder case during the accused killers latest court hearing.

The 28-year-old criminology PhD student appeared in court in Moscow, Idaho, on Tuesday as his lawyers launched their fight for his life in the death penalty case.

Dressed in a dark suit and tie, he appeared solemn as he entered Latah County Courtroom and sat with his defence.

In the hearing, Judge John Judge pointed to the equally high-profile Lori Vallow murder case as he warned the media about the use of cameras in the courtroom.

Judge Judge said that outlets with cameras in the courtroom need to not focus solely on Mr Kohbeger, warning that some media has been pushing the envelope.

He pointed out that this was what was happening in the Daybell case and warned that, if it continues, cameras could be banned altogether from the courtroom. In Vallows case, no cameras were allowed in court at her trial where she was convicted of murdering her two children and conspiring to murder her new husband Chad Daybells first wife.

In Tuesdays hearing, Judge Judge also revised a gag order to clarify that it does include members of law enforcement, investigators and expert witnesses for both sides.

The judge had been expected to hear arguments on several motions filed by the defence in recent weeks, including seeking details about the DNA evidence, seeking details about the grand jury which returned a murder indictment against him, and issuing a stay on proceedings to put a pause on the case heading to trial.

Some of those issues on motion to compel and discovery had been resolved out of court while some will be argued at a later date.

The defence did ask the judge to order the prosecution to hand over some evidence in case.

Among the evidence requested by the defence are training records of three police officers who interviewed critical witnesses, information about the FBI team leading the criminal probe, and background on the tip that led to the search for Mr Kohbergers white Hyundai and cellphone records cited in the probable cause affidavit.

Bryan Kohberger appears in court on June 27 (Getty)

Insisting it is not a fishing expedition, Mr Kohbergers attorneys said they need the evidence to be able to give him a strong defence  particularly now that he is facing a death sentence.

There is a heightened standard now that the State has announced its intent to seek the death penalty ... and these are very relevant pieces of information, Mr Kohbergers attorney said.

Prosecutors argued that most of those materials have already been made available to the defence.

The state also noted that the officers training records do not pertain to the case and could set an unfavourable precedent in future cases.

Mr Kohbergers defence said that while there were more than 120 officers who worked in the murder investigation, they were only requesting records from three of them who played a critical role by collecting evidence, following up on tips and conducting more than a dozen interviews.

The judge told the court that he will be issuing a written ruling with the evidence that the prosecution must turn in by 14 July.

In a series of recent court filings, the defence has argued that the prosecution should hand over all information about the genetic genealogy and DNA evidence which ties Mr Kohberger to the murders of the four slain students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle. This includes information about the scientists who carried out the DNA testing and what it was that led authorities to suspect him in the first place.

Investigators linked the 28-year-old criminology PhD student to the murders through a military knife sheath that the killer allegedly left behind at the scene of the 13 November stabbings.

The sheath was found next to Mogens body in her bed on the third floor of the student home.

DNA discovered on the sheath was found to be a match to Mr Kohberger after the FBI checked the sample against genetic genealogy databases and tipped off local authorities, according to prosecutors.

After collecting trash from the suspects parents home in the Poconos Mountains, a familial match from Mr Kohbergers father was first made to the knife sheath before a statistical match was made to the accused killer himself through DNA samples taken following his arrest on 30 December.

But, Mr Kohbergers defence is seeking to cast doubts on the states use of genetic genealogy in the case.

Bryan Kohberger appears in court on June 27 (Getty)

In a court filing submitted last week, his attorneys insisted he has no connection to the four slain students and claimed that DNA from three other unidentified men was also found at the grisly crime scene.

DNA from two other men was found inside the off-campus student home while DNA from a third unknown man was found on a glove found outside the property on 20 November, the documents state.

By December 17, 2022, lab analysts were aware of two additional males DNA within the house where the deceased were located and another unknown male DNA on a glove found outside the residence on November 20, 2022, Mr Kohbergers attorney Jay Logsdon writes in the filing.

To this date, the Defense is unaware of what sort of testing, if any, was conducted on these samples other than the STR DNA profiles.

Further, these three separate and distinct male DNA profiles were not identified through CODIS leading to the conclusion that the profiles do not belong to Mr. Kohberger.

The defence also said that there is no DNA evidence from the victims in Mr Kohbergers apartment, office, home, or vehicle.

The suspected killers legal team accused prosecutors of hiding its entire case from the defendant by trying to keep its method of genetic genealogy investigation secret.

They claim that authorities dont want the suspect to see how many other people the FBI chose to ignore during their investigation.

The defence is also demanding prosecutors hand over the DNA profiles of the three other males whose DNA was found at the scene.

In a separate motion, the defence is also asking the court to force prosecutors to hand over all records around the grand jury proceedings which culminated in Mr Kohbergers indictment on four counts of murder and one burglary charge.

The legal team argues it is crucial to him fighting the indictment against him.

Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin (Jazzmin Kernodle)

A third motion being argued is around a stay of proceedings, with the defence arguing that the case should be put on hold until the matter of the grand jury record is resolved in court.

Mr Kohbergers latest court appearance came one day after prosecutors announced they are seeking the death penalty against him, saying that the murder was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel, manifesting exceptional depravity and that the defendant showed utter disregard for human life.

Mr Kohberger is scheduled to stand trial on 2 October for the murders of Goncalves, 21, Mogen, 21, Kernodle, 20, and Chapin, 20.

Mr Kohberger is accused of breaking into an off-campus student home on King Road in the early hours of 13 November and stabbing the four students to death with a large, military-style knife.

Two other female roommates lived with the three women at the property and were home at the time of the massacre but survived.

One of the survivors  Dylan Mortensen  came face to face with the masked killer, dressed in head-to-toe black and with bushy eyebrows, as he left the home in the aftermath of the murders, according to the criminal affidavit.

For more than six weeks, the college town of Moscow was plunged into fear as the accused killer remained at large with no arrests made and no suspects named.

Then, on 30 December, law enforcement suddenly swooped on Mr Kohbergers family home in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania and arrested him for the quadruple murders.

Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves pictured together (Instagram)

The motive remains unknown and it is still unclear what connection the WSU PhD student had to the University of Idaho students  if any  prior to the murders. The murder weapon  a fixed-blade knife  has still never been found.

As a criminal justice PhD student at WSU, Mr Kohberger lived just 15 minutes from the victims over the Idaho-Washington border in Pullman.

He had moved there from Pennsylvania and began his studies there that summer, having just completed his first semester before his arrest.

Before this, he studied criminology at DeSales University  first as an undergraduate and then finishing his graduate studies in June 2022.

While there, he studied under renowned forensic psychologist Katherine Ramsland who interviewed the BTK serial killer and co-wrote the book Confession of a Serial Killer: The Untold Story of Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer with him.

He also carried out a research project to understand how emotions and psychological traits influence decision-making when committing a crime.
 Close Bryan Kohberger arrives at court hearing

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Bryan Kohberger is in a fight for his life as he may now face the firing squad if convicted of the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle.

On Monday, prosecutors announced they plan to seek the death penalty against him. In Idaho, the use of firing squad as an alternative death sentence method to lethal injection will go into force on 1 July  ahead of his October trial.

Now, the 28-year-olds attorneys are seeking a trove of evidence from prosecutors which they say is key to him being able to defend himself.

Arguments about some of this evidence were heard in a court hearing on Tuesday, where the judge compared the case to that of Lori Vallow.

Judge John Judge pointed to the equally high-profile Idaho murder case as he warned the media about the use of cameras in the courtroom, saying that if they continue to focus only on Mr Kohberger, cameras could be banned altogether.

It also emerged this week that Mr Kohberger was convicted of theft nine years before he allegedly brutally stabbed the four University of Idaho students to death in Moscow.
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Prosecutors in Idaho are seeking the death penalty against Bryan Kohberger, the 28-year-old criminal justice graduate accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in a brutal knife attack that shocked America.

Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson filed a notice of his intent to seek the death penalty in court in Moscow, Idaho, on Monday, citing five aggravating circumstances that could warrant the maximum sentence of capital punishment being sought.

These circumstances include that the murder was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel, manifesting exceptional depravity and that the defendant showed utter disregard for human life.

The State gives this notice based on the fact that it has not identified or been provided with any mitigating circumstances sufficient to prohibit the triers of fact from considering all penalties authorized by the Idaho legislature including the possibility of a capital sentence, prosecutors wrote in the filing.

Consequently, considering all evidence currently known to the State, the State is compelled to file this notice of intent to seek the death penalty.

Under Idaho law, prosecutors have 60 days from the day the defendant enters a plea to notify them of their intent to seek the death penalty.

Mr Kohberger refused to enter a plea at his arraignment on four charges of first-degree murder and one charge of burglary last month. His attorney said that he was standing silent on the charges, leaving the judge to enter not guilty pleas on his behalf.

The death penalty notice was filed one day before the accused killer was set to appear in court on Tuesday.

In a hearing in Latah County Court, Judge John Judge revised a gag order to clarify that it does include members of law enforcement, investigators and expert witnesses for both sides. He also warned the media not to focus cameras solely on Mr Kohberger in the courtroom  or they run the risk of cameras being banned altogether.

Bryan Kohberger arrives in court on Tuesday (Getty)

The judge had been expected to hear arguments on several motions filed by the defence in recent weeks, including asking the court to order prosecutors to turn over more DNA evidence and details about the grand jury which returned an indictment against him.

Some of those issues on motion to compel and discovery had been resolved out of court while some will be argued at a later date.

The defence did ask the judge to order the prosecution to hand over some evidence in case  including police training records and Mr Kohbergers cellphone records.

Insisting it is not a fishing expedition, Mr Kohbergers attorneys said they need the evidence to be able to give him a strong defence.

In one of the multiple court filings submitted by his attorneys last week, Mr Kohberger insisted he has no connection to the four slain students and claimed that DNA from three other unidentified men was also found at the grisly crime scene.

Court documents, filed by attorneys for the 28-year-old PhD student last week, argue that DNA from two other men was also found inside the off-campus student home in Moscow, Idaho.

Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom for a motion hearing regarding a gag order on 9 June (AP)

DNA from a third unknown man was also found on a glove found outside the property on 20 November  one week on from the murders, the documents state.

By December 17, 2022, lab analysts were aware of two additional males DNA within the house where the deceased were located and another unknown male DNA on a glove found outside the residence on November 20, 2022, Mr Kohbergers attorney Jay Logsdon writes in the filing.

To this date, the Defense is unaware of what sort of testing, if any, was conducted on these samples other than the STR DNA profiles.

Further, these three separate and distinct male DNA profiles were not identified through CODIS leading to the conclusion that the profiles do not belong to Mr. Kohberger.

Mr Kohbergers defence is fighting against the states use of genetic genealogy to tie him to the brutal murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle.

According to prosecutors, the killer left a military knife sheath behind at the scene of the 13 November stabbings. The sheath was found next to Mogens body in her bed on the third floor of the student home.

DNA found on the sheath was later matched to Mr Kohberger after the FBI checked the sample against genetic genealogy databases and tipped off local authorities.

Officers on the scene of the off-campus student home where the murders took place (AP)

After collecting trash from the suspects parents home in the Poconos Mountains, a familial match  from Mr Kohbergers father  was made to the knife sheath, according to the criminal affidavit.

Following Mr Kohbergers arrest on 30 December, DNA samples were taken directly from the suspect and came back as a statistical match, say prosecutors.

In the latest court filing, the accused killers legal team accused prosecutors of hiding its entire case from the defendant by trying to keep its method of genetic genealogy investigation secret.

There is no connection between Mr. Kohberger and the victims, states the filing titled Objection to States Motion for Protective Order.

There is no explanation for the total lack of DNA evidence from the victims in Mr Kohbergers apartment, office, home, or vehicle.

The filing came in response to the states motion for a protective order around the methods it used to match his DNA to the crime scene.

The defence is arguing that the prosecution should hand over all this information to Mr Kohberger and that he has a right to know what led investigators to suspect him in the first place.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Mr. Kohberger does not accept that his defense does not need this information, his attorneys argue.

They claim that authorities dont want the suspect to see how many other people the FBI chose to ignore during their investigation and also dont want the public to be deterred from sharing their genetics with such websites if they were to realize the government is watching.

Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle (Jazzmin Kernodle)

A separate motion to compel discovery revealed that Mr Kohbergers defence is demanding the state hand over the DNA profiles of the three other males whose DNA was found at the scene.

Mr Kohbergers attorneys have recently hired two DNA consultants  Bicka Barlow and Stephen B Mercer  for his defence case.

Last week, the judge ruled to keep the gag order in place in the case  but narrowed its scope, agreeing with a media coalition and attorneys for Goncalves family that the original order was too broad. He also ruled that cameras will continue to be allowed in the courtroom but that this could change as the case moves forward.

Mr Kohberger is scheduled to stand trial on 2 October for the murders of Goncalves, 21, Mogen, 21, Kernodle, 20, and Chapin, 20, after he was indicted by a grand jury on four counts of first-degree murder and one burglary charge.

Mr Kohberger is accused of breaking into an off-campus student home on King Road in the early hours of 13 November and stabbing the four students to death with a large, military-style knife.

Two other female roommates lived with the three women at the property and were home at the time of the massacre but survived.

Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves pictured together (Instagram)

One of the survivors  Dylan Mortensen  came face to face with the masked killer, dressed in head-to-toe black and with bushy eyebrows, as he left the home in the aftermath of the murders, according to the criminal affidavit.

For more than six weeks, the college town of Moscow was plunged into fear as the accused killer remained at large with no arrests made and no suspects named.

Then, on 30 December, law enforcement suddenly swooped on Mr Kohbergers family home in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania and arrested him for the quadruple murders.

The motive remains unknown and it is still unclear what connection the WSU PhD student had to the University of Idaho students  if any  prior to the murders. The murder weapon  a fixed-blade knife  has still never been found.

As a criminal justice PhD student at WSU, Mr Kohberger lived just 15 minutes from the victims over the Idaho-Washington border in Pullman.

He had moved there from Pennsylvania and began his studies there that summer, having just completed his first semester before his arrest.

Before this, he studied criminology at DeSales University  first as an undergraduate and then finishing his graduate studies in June 2022.

While there, he studied under renowned forensic psychologist Katherine Ramsland who interviewed the BTK serial killer and co-wrote the book Confession of a Serial Killer: The Untold Story of Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer with him.

He also carried out a research project to understand how emotions and psychological traits influence decision-making when committing a crime.
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A cleaning company is back at the crime scene where four University of Idaho students were murdered last year.

A large truck was seen on Tuesday (27 June) at the Moscow three-storey home where Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were murdered last November as the process continues to return their personal belongings to their loved ones.

Earlier reports said that the house, which now belongs to the University of Idaho, would be demolished sometime this summer.

The cleaning company tasked with removing all the items inside the home ahead of a demolition told CourtTV in a statement that a timeline has not been laid out, but staff remains in touch with family members during the process that may take several weeks.

We are beginning remediation with the removal of all the personal items for the families to receive, as they wish. This will take several weeks. No date set for demolition, the statement read.

The developments came on the same day the victims alleged murderer Bryan Kohberger appeared in court a day after Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson filed a notice of his intent to seek the death penalty against Mr Kohberger.

Mr Thompson cited five aggravating circumstances that could warrant the maximum sentence of capital punishment being sought.

At a Tuesday hearing in Latah County Court, Judge John Judge heard arguments on several motions filed by the defence, including motions to compel and discovery.

Police tape surrounds a home that is the site of a quadruple murder on January 3, 2023 in Moscow (Getty Images)

Mr Kohbergers attorneys said they were not on a fishing expedition, but that they needed the material in order to build a strong case for their client.

Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom for a motion hearing regarding a gag order, Friday, June 9, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho (AP)

Among the evidence requested by the defence are training records of three police officers who interviewed critical witnesses, information about the FBI team leading the criminal probe, and background on the tip that led to the search for Mr Kohbergers white Hyundai and cellphone records cited in the probable cause affidavit.

There is a heightened standard now that the State has announced its intent to seek the death penalty ... and these are very relevant pieces of information, Mr Kohbergers defence said.

Prosecutors argued that most of those materials have already been made available to the defence.

The state also noted that the officers training records do not pertain to the case and could set an unfavourable precedent in future cases.

Ethan Chapin, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21 (Instagram)

Mr Kohbergers defence said that while there were more than 120 officers who worked in the murder investigation, they were only requesting records from three of them who played a critical role by collecting evidence, following up on tips and conducting more than a dozen interviews.

The judge told the court that he will be issuing a written ruling with the evidence that the prosecution must turn in by 14 July.

Other motions expected to be heard were either settled prior to the court appearance or will be heard at a later date.

In a key motion to compel filed last week, the defence argued that the prosecution should hand over all information about the genetic genealogy and DNA evidence which ties Mr Kohberger to the murders. This includes information about the scientists who carried out the DNA testing and what it was that led authorities to suspect him in the first place.

Last month, Mr Kohberger previously refused to enter a plea at his arraignment on four charges of first-degree murder and one charge of burglary last month. His attorney said that he was standing silent on the charges, leaving the judge to enter not-guilty pleas on his behalf.

Mr Kohbergers trial is scheduled for 2 October, but the date is expected to be delayed following his defences filings.
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The man accused of fatally choking a homeless New York City subway passenger has pleaded not guilty to second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide, two weeks after a grand jury recommended charges against him.

Daniel Penny was arraigned in Manhattan criminal court on 28 June for the killing of Jordan Neely, who was pinned to the floor of a subway car in a fatal chokehold last month.

The indictment and arraignment are procedural steps that allow the case against the 24-year-old former US Marine to move forward. He was previously arraigned on a charge of second-degree manslaughter from Manhattan prosecutors last month after the citys chief medical examiner ruled Neelys death was a homicide. He did not enter a plea during that appearance.

Mr Pennys next court appearance is scheduled for 25 October. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.

The case surrounding Neelys death, which was recorded on a cell phone and shared widely, has sparked widespread debate, high-profile political commentary and protests traversing issues of race, criminal justice, and urgently needed care for homeless and mentally ill New Yorkers.

It has also captured the volatility of sensational media coverage around New York City and other Democratic-led cities, while Mr Penny has been hailed as a hero by right-wing personalities in claims that echo across social media and news outlets.

An online fundraising campaign for Mr Pennys legal defence on GiveSendGo, a crowd-funding website created in response to GoFundMe removing far-right campaigns that violated its terms of service, has collected nearly $3m.

Mr Penny also has defended his actions in interviews with Fox News and The New York Post.

Witnesses stated that Neely, who was experiencing homelessness and a mental health crisis in the days and months leading up to his death, walked into the train car loudly complaining of hunger and thirst on a Manhattan F train on 1 May, yelled to passengers that he was not afraid to go to jail or die, then threw his jacket to the ground before Mr Penny grabbed him from behind and wrestled him to the ground.

Neely did not physically attack or specifically threaten anyone on the train that day, according to law enforcement.

Assistant District Attorney Joshua Steinglass described the events similarly in a statement in Manhattan Criminal Court on 12 May.

In a video statement released earlier this month, Mr Penny claimed that Neely repeatedly stated Im gonna kill you on the train.

Summaries of Mr Pennys statements to police immediately following the incident do not include any claims that Neely made death threats, documents from Manhattan prosecutors show.

According to court filings released on 28 June, Mr Penny poke to five police officers inside the subway station and then made a videotaped statement to two detectives at a nearby police precinct.

The guy came in, he threw s***, hes like, Im ready to go to prison for life, Im ready to die, Im ready to die, and I was standing behind him, Mr Penny told an officer, according to court filings. I think I might have just put him in a choke, put him down. We just went to the ground. He was trying to roll up, I had him pretty good.

In a statement following his indictment, Mr Pennys attorney Steven Raiser said that the legal team is confident that when a trial jury is tasked with weighing the evidence, they will find Daniel Pennys actions on that train were fully justified.

Thomas Kenniff, who also is representing Mr Penny, said his client saw a genuine threat and took action to protect the lives of others.

Attorneys for Neelys family said in a statement following the indictment that the grand jurys decision tells our city and our nation that no one is above the law no matter how much money they raise, no matter what affiliations they claim, and no matter what distorted stories they tell in interviews.

Any reasonable person knows choking someone for that long will kill them. Daniel Penny did not have the right to be the judge, jury and executioner, they added.
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Bryan Kohbergers father called the police on his son nine years before his son allegedly murdered four University of Idaho students in a shocking knife attack that has horrified America.

Court records, newly obtained by ABC News, reveal that Mr Kohberger was arrested and charged with stealing one of his sister Melissas cellphones back in 2014.

The then-19-year-old had recently left rehab for drug addiction issues and had returned to the family home in Pennsylvania.

Then, on 8 February 2014, he stole the $400 iPhone and paid a friend $20 to pick him up and take him to a local mall where he then sold it for $200.

When confronted by his father Michael over the theft, Mr Kohberger chillingly warned him not to do anything stupid, according to the court records. His father reported the incident to the police.

The 19-year-old was arrested and charged with misdemeanor theft.

He didnt serve any jail time and his record now appears to be expunged under Monroe Countys program to clear the records of first-time offenders.

A source told ABC News that prosecutors in Idaho are now looking into the 2014 case ahead of Mr Kohbergers trial for the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle.

Prosecutors announced on Monday that they are seeking the death penalty against the 28-year-old criminal justice graduate.

In a notice of intent, Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson cited five aggravating circumstances that could warrant the maximum sentence of capital punishment being sought including that the murder was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel, manifesting exceptional depravity and that the defendant showed utter disregard for human life.

The State gives this notice based on the fact that it has not identified or been provided with any mitigating circumstances sufficient to prohibit the triers of fact from considering all penalties authorized by the Idaho legislature including the possibility of a capital sentence, prosecutors wrote in the filing.

Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom for a motion hearing regarding a gag order on 9 June (AP)

Consequently, considering all evidence currently known to the State, the State is compelled to file this notice of intent to seek the death penalty.

Under Idaho law, prosecutors have 60 days from the day the defendant enters a plea to notify them of their intent to seek the death penalty.

Mr Kohberger refused to enter a plea at his arraignment on four charges of first-degree murder and one charge of burglary last month. His attorney said that he was standing silent on the charges, leaving the judge to enter not guilty pleas on his behalf.

The death penalty notice was filed one day before the accused killers latest court appearance on Tuesday.

In a hearing in Latah County Court, Judge John Judge revised a gag order to clarify that it does include members of law enforcement, investigators and expert witnesses for both sides. He also warned the media not to focus cameras solely on Mr Kohberger in the courtroom  or they run the risk of cameras being banned altogether.

The judge had been expected to hear arguments on several motions filed by the defence in recent weeks, including asking the court to order prosecutors to turn over more DNA evidence and details about the grand jury which returned an indictment against him.

Some of those issues on motion to compel and discovery had been resolved out of court while some will be argued at a later date.

The defence did ask the judge to order the prosecution to hand over some evidence in case  including police training records and Mr Kohbergers cellphone records.

Insisting it is not a fishing expedition, Mr Kohbergers attorneys said they need the evidence to be able to give him a strong defence.

In one of the multiple court filings submitted by his attorneys last week, Mr Kohberger insisted he has no connection to the four slain students and claimed that DNA from three other unidentified men was also found at the grisly crime scene.

Court documents, filed by attorneys for the 28-year-old PhD student last week, argue that DNA from two other men was also found inside the off-campus student home in Moscow, Idaho.

DNA from a third unknown man was also found on a glove found outside the property on 20 November  one week on from the murders, the documents state.

By December 17, 2022, lab analysts were aware of two additional males DNA within the house where the deceased were located and another unknown male DNA on a glove found outside the residence on November 20, 2022, Mr Kohbergers attorney Jay Logsdon writes in the filing.

To this date, the Defense is unaware of what sort of testing, if any, was conducted on these samples other than the STR DNA profiles.

Further, these three separate and distinct male DNA profiles were not identified through CODIS leading to the conclusion that the profiles do not belong to Mr. Kohberger.

Officers on the scene of the off-campus student home where the murders took place (AP)

Mr Kohbergers defence is fighting against the states use of genetic genealogy to tie him to the brutal murders.

According to prosecutors, the killer left a military knife sheath behind at the scene of the 13 November stabbings. The sheath was found next to Mogens body in her bed on the third floor of the student home.

DNA found on the sheath was later matched to Mr Kohberger after the FBI checked the sample against genetic genealogy databases and tipped off local authorities.

After collecting trash from the suspects parents home in the Poconos Mountains, a familial match  from Mr Kohbergers father  was made to the knife sheath, according to the criminal affidavit.

Following Mr Kohbergers arrest on 30 December, DNA samples were taken directly from the suspect and came back as a statistical match, say prosecutors.

In the latest court filing, the accused killers legal team accused prosecutors of hiding its entire case from the defendant by trying to keep its method of genetic genealogy investigation secret.

There is no connection between Mr. Kohberger and the victims, states the filing titled Objection to States Motion for Protective Order.

There is no explanation for the total lack of DNA evidence from the victims in Mr Kohbergers apartment, office, home, or vehicle.

The filing came in response to the states motion for a protective order around the methods it used to match his DNA to the crime scene.

Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle (Jazzmin Kernodle)

The defence is arguing that the prosecution should hand over all this information to Mr Kohberger and that he has a right to know what led investigators to suspect him in the first place.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Mr. Kohberger does not accept that his defense does not need this information, his attorneys argue.

They claim that authorities dont want the suspect to see how many other people the FBI chose to ignore during their investigation and also dont want the public to be deterred from sharing their genetics with such websites if they were to realize the government is watching.

A separate motion to compel discovery revealed that Mr Kohbergers defence is demanding the state hand over the DNA profiles of the three other males whose DNA was found at the scene.

Mr Kohberger is scheduled to stand trial on 2 October for the murders of Goncalves, 21, Mogen, 21, Kernodle, 20, and Chapin, 20, after he was indicted by a grand jury on four counts of first-degree murder and one burglary charge.

Mr Kohberger is accused of breaking into an off-campus student home on King Road in the early hours of 13 November and stabbing the four students to death with a large, military-style knife.

Two other female roommates lived with the three women at the property and were home at the time of the massacre but survived.

Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves pictured together (Instagram)

One of the survivors  Dylan Mortensen  came face to face with the masked killer, dressed in head-to-toe black and with bushy eyebrows, as he left the home in the aftermath of the murders, according to the criminal affidavit.

For more than six weeks, the college town of Moscow was plunged into fear as the accused killer remained at large with no arrests made and no suspects named.

Then, on 30 December, law enforcement suddenly swooped on Mr Kohbergers family home in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania and arrested him for the quadruple murders.

The motive remains unknown and it is still unclear what connection the WSU PhD student had to the University of Idaho students  if any  prior to the murders. The murder weapon  a fixed-blade knife  has still never been found.

As a criminal justice PhD student at WSU, Mr Kohberger lived just 15 minutes from the victims over the Idaho-Washington border in Pullman.

He had moved there from Pennsylvania and began his studies there that summer, having just completed his first semester before his arrest.

Before this, he studied criminology at DeSales University  first as an undergraduate and then finishing his graduate studies in June 2022.

While there, he studied under renowned forensic psychologist Katherine Ramsland who interviewed the BTK serial killer and co-wrote the book Confession of a Serial Killer: The Untold Story of Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer with him.

He also carried out a research project to understand how emotions and psychological traits influence decision-making when committing a crime.

He is facing life in prison or the death penalty for the murders that have rocked the small college town of Moscow and hit headlines around the globe.
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The murder of four college students in the quiet town of Moscow, Idaho, last November unravelled a months-long investigation that is now headed to trial.

The victims, all students at the University of Idaho, were ambushed in their rooms and stabbed to death with a military-style knife that has yet to be found. Police were called to the gruesome scene at the off-campus residence almost eight hours after the vicious attack.

For weeks, only scant details about the carnage were revealed as the community reeled from the tragedy and grappled with fears of a murderer on the loose. That changed with the December arrest of Washington State University student Bryan Kohberger, whose apartment, office and family home were raided and searched for evidence.

While more information has become public through the release of search warrants and arrest records in recent months, a gag order in the case remains in place and most aspects of the probe and its findings are still a mystery.

In May, a grand jury indicted MrKohberger on four counts of first-degree murder and one burglary charge, effectively rerouting the case directly to the states felony court level and allowing prosecutors to skip the preliminary hearing process.

After months of unanswered questions, the grieving relatives of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin faced their childrens accused killer in court, only for Mr Kohberger to refuse to enter a plea on the murder charges.

Prosecutors have now announced their intentions to seek the death penalty in the case.

Here, The Independent takes a deep dive into the developments in the complex case:

How did the stabbings unfold?

Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were stabbed to death in the young womens rental home on King Road in Moscow on 13 November. Chapin, Kernodles boyfriend, was staying at the residence, which is just a few minutes walk from campus, on the night of the murders.

According to an affidavit for Mr Kohbergers arrest, the killings are believed to have taken place around 4am.

Among the revelations in the 18-page document is that Mr Kohbergers DNA was found on a knife sheath that the killer left behind at the crime scene. The tan leather Kabar sheath, which featured the United States Marine Corps symbol, was discovered on Mogens bed next to her butchered body.

At the time of the quadruple homicide, the two other roommates, Bethany Funke and Dylan Mortenson, were inside the home, but were left unharmed by the killer. The police report reveals that Ms Mortenson came face to face with the masked killer.

Ethan Chapin, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21 (Instagram)

According to Ms Mortensons terrifying account, she had gone to sleep in her bedroom on the second floor of the three-floor home and was woken by what sounded like Goncalves playing with her dog in one of the third-floor bedrooms.

She told investigators she was in her bedroom on the second floor of the home  the same floor where Kernodle and Chapin were killed  and was standing in the doorway as the killer walked right past her. A short time later, Ms Mortenson said that she heard someone believed to be either Goncalves or Kernodle saying, Theres someone here.

Minutes later, Ms Morterson. said that she looked out of her bedroom for the first time but did not see anything. She then opened her door for a second time when she heard what she thought was crying coming from Kernodles room, the documents state.

At that point, she said she heard a mans voice saying, Its ok, Im going to help you.

When she opened her door for a third time minutes later, she said she saw a figure clad in black clothing and a mask that covered the persons mouth and nose walking towards her. As she stood in a frozen shock phase, she said the man  who she did not recognise  walked past her and headed toward the back sliding glass door of the home. She then locked herself in her room.

A private security officer sits in a vehicle on Jan. 3, 2023, in front of the house in Moscow, Idaho where four University of Idaho were murdered (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Despite the close encounter, a 911 call wasnt made until 11.58am  eight hours later. The call, made from one of the surviving roommates cellphones  reported an unconscious individual. It is unclear if the killer saw her or whether she simply had a lucky escape because he didnt notice her inside the dark home.

This raises the question around whether or not he planned to kill all four victims or whether some of the victims were treated as collateral damage in the horrific attack. Goncalves and Mogens bodies were found in a bedroom on the third floor, while Kernodle and Chapin were found on the second floor of the home.

The affidavit reveals no details about what connection  if any  Mr Kohberger had to his alleged victims.

Mr Kohberger, a criminal justice PhD student at Washington State University, lived just 15 minutes from the victims over the Idaho-Washington border in Pullman, having moved there to begin the academic programme in August 2022.

Who are the victims?

Goncalves and Mogen, both 21, were seniors at the University of Idaho and were expected to graduate this year.

At a vigil weeks after the murders, Goncalves father Mr Goncalves told how the two absolutely beautiful young women first met in sixth grade and became inseparable.

They just found each other and every day they did homework together, they came to our house together, they shared everything, he said at the time. Then they started looking at colleges, they came here together. They eventually get into the same apartment together.

And in the end, they died together, in the same room, in the same bed.

Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves pictured together before their murders (Instagram)

Kernodle and Chapin were juniors at the college and had begun dating months before their deaths. The couple of 20-year-olds is believed to have been awake at the time the stabbings were carried out.

Six months after the stabbings, the families of the slain students accepted posthumous awards for their achievements.

Mogen and Goncalves relatives walked across the stage for their degrees in an emotional ceremony on 13 May. Kernodles family also accepted her certificate in marketing at a separate ceremony while Chapins award in sports, recreation and management was mailed to his parents.

Kernodles family accepted her certificate in marketing at a private ceremony last week while Chapins award in sports, recreation and management will be mailed to his parents this week.

Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle (Jazzmin Kernodle)

Who is Bryan Kohberger?

At the time of the murders, Mr Kohberger was studying for his PhD and working as a teaching assistant in criminal justice at WSU.

Prior to this, Mr Kohberger studied criminology at DeSales University first as an undergraduate and then finishing his graduate studies in June 2022.

According to online school records, Mr Kohberger received an associate arts degree in 2018 from Northampton Community College in Albrightsville and received a masters degree in criminal justice this year from DeSales University.

Bryan Kohberger is seen in court

While studying at DeSales, he studied under renowned forensic psychologist Katherine Ramsland who interviewed the BTK serial killer and co-wrote the book Confession of a Serial Killer: The Untold Story of Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer with him.

He was working part-time as a security guard until August 2021 at Pleasant Valley School District, where his mother was listed as a paraprofessional.

The alleged murderer carried out a research project to understand how emotions and psychological traits influence decision-making when committing a crime.

Mr Kohberger reached out to potential participants on Reddit, with the chilling survey resurfacing after his arrest.

In particular, this study seeks to understand the story behind your most recent criminal offense, with an emphasis on your thoughts and feelings throughout your experience, the post said.

His fascination appears to have continued around the time of the murders when he applied for an internship with the local police department.

The affidavit revealed that he applied for an internship in the fall of 2022 with the Pullman Police Department and wrote in an essay how he had an interest in assisting rural law enforcement agencies with how to better collect and analyze technological data in public safety operations.

What the unsealed records reveal

After weeks of no updates on the investigation, law enforcement in Idaho and Pennsylvania announced Mr Kohbergers arrest on 30 December. A search warrant was executed at Mr Kohbergers apartment in Pullman, Washington, the same day he was arrested at his parents home in Pennsylvania.

A record of evidence recovered during the apartment search revealed the seizure of 15 items including hairs, receipts, a computer tower, a disposable glove and items with peculiar stains.

In the search warrant record, investigators list several items with stains, including cuttings of a mattress cover, a reddish/brown stain on an uncovered pillow and a collection of dark red spot. Dr Monte Miller, a former crime scene investigator and forensic expert, and former FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer told The Independent back in January that investigators most likely believed those items had blood stains.

List of items seized adt authorities served a search warrat at Bryan Kohbergers home (Pennsylvania Courts )

A reddish or brown stain is a euphemism for, We found something that looks like blood, Dr Miller said at the time. It might be blood from the victims, might be his blood. They dont know until they test it, but theyll be able to get DNA if it is blood. We dont know what the stains in the cover sheets look like, but again theyre looking for any kind of DNA, evidence that might have come from the crime scene.

Ms Coffindaffer added: They dont call it blood, but its definitely inferred that it was blood.

Court documents, released by Washington authorities on 4 May showed that multiple items taken from Mr Kohbergers apartment in Pullman had been tested for the presence of blood. While most items came back negative, two unspecified items were positive.

Bryan Kohberger is seen in his mugshot (Monroe County Correctional Facility)

Another item included on the list of seizures was a possible animal hair strand. While Mr Kohberger is not believed to have a pet, one of the victims he is accused of killing, Goncalves, had a dog that was at home at the time of the murders and was later found by police responding to the scene.

The possible animal hair theyll try to connect that to the dog left at the scene, according to Dr Miller. If theres a root on that, if there is any skin on that hair, they could do a DNA test with that dog. If its just a hair thats been shed and there is no skin, they would still be able to do a microscopical comparison and exclude most dogs but they wouldnt be able to connect it necessarily to that dog.

Mr Kohberger was also linked to the crime through cellphone records and his white Hyundai Elantra, a similar model of the car seen near the murder home around the time of the murders. Mr Kohberger changed the license plates on his Hyundai Elantra just days after the murders.

The suspects car had Pennsylvania plates when it was pulled over by police in Moscow, in August 2022, according to a citation from the Latah County Sheriffs Office. A review of documents on CarFax by Newsweek showed that Mr Kohberger changed the registration from Pennsylvania to Washington on 18 November, five days after four students were found stabbed to death in a Moscow home.

What we dont know

No murder weapon has been found, police said before the gag order was issued following Mr Kohbergers arrest.

It is not known if the killer personally knew one or more of the victims and whether the attack was carried out in a fit of jealousy or rage. No motive is known.

Authorities have refused to reveal who made the 911 call and will not release the audio. It is unclear what the roommates and other friends discussed in the call and what led them to describe a victim as merely unconscious.

Investigators have not revealed whether they believed the killer entered the house before the victims arrived home and hid before striking in their sleep or whether he entered the house after the students returned.

Kohberger indicted by grand jury

A preliminary hearing, where prosecutors had to show a judge that there is enough evidence to justify moving forward with charges of burglary and four counts of murder, was previously scheduled for 26 June.

However, on 16 May, a grand jury indicted Mr Kohberger on the same charges, effectively rerouting the case directly to the states felony court level and allowing prosecutors to skip the preliminary hearing process, the Associated Press reported.

According to the indictment, Mr Kohberger is charged with four counts of murder in the first degree and one count of burglary.

Each murder count states that he did wilfully, unlawfully, deliberately, with premeditation and with malice aforethought, kill and murder each of the victims by stabbing.

On 22 May, Mr Kohberger refused to enter a plea in Latah County District Court, with his attorney saying that he was standing silent on the charges.

The response prompted the judge to enter a not guilty plea on Mr Kohbergers behalf, setting the stage for a trial in which he could potentially face the death penalty.

Kohbergers parents asked to testify in Pennsylvania death case

It has also emerged that Mr Kohbergers parents have been ordered to testify before a grand jury in the familys home state of Pennsylvania in the case of a woman found dead almost a year after her sudden disappearance.

CNN first reported the news on Wednesday (24 May), citing a source who said that the accused killers mother has already given evidence to the grand jury while his father will appear to testify on Thursday (25 May). The information can then be shared with Idaho prosecutors.

The investigation is said to be about the disappearance and death of a 45-year-old woman Dana Smithers, reported Eyewitness News.

Smithers vanished without a trace in May 2022 from Monroe County, Pennsylvania  where Mr Kohberger was living at the time. Her remains were found last month in a wooded area.

What comes next?

On 26 June, prosecutors in Idaho filed their intent to seek the death penalty, citing five aggravating circumstances that could warrant the maximum sentence of capital punishment.

Now, Mr Kohberger is scheduled to appear in court on 27 June where Judge John Judge will hear arguments on several motions in the case.

In recent court filings, Mr Kohbergers attorneys have asked the court to order prosecutors to turn over more evidence about the DNA tying him to the crime scene as well as information about the grand jury which returned an indictment against him.

In one filing, submitted last week, the accused killer insisted he has no connection to the four slain students and claimed that DNA from three other unidentified men was also found at the grisly crime scene.

The judge has set Mr Kohbergers trial date for 2 October 2023 following requests by Kohbergers attorney and the state. The trial is expected to take around six weeks.
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The father of a murdered University of Idaho student has welcomed news from prosecutors that the state will be seeking the death penalty against the sole suspect in the case.

Seven months after Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were found stabbed to death in their off-campus residence, Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson filed a notice of his intent to seek the death penalty against their alleged killer, Bryan Kohberger.

Ahead of a pre-trial hearing on Tuesday, Mr Thompson cited five aggravating circumstances that could warrant the maximum sentence of capital punishment being sought. Reacting to the developments, Goncalves father Steve Goncalves said he felt relief as his family comes one step closer to getting justice.

Im glad that were in a situation of strength and the evidence is there and we feel that we can, they can go forward with this, Mr Goncalves told NBC News.

The Goncalves familys attorney, Shanon Gray, also weighed in on the filing, noting that the death penalty was reserved for especially heinous crimes, such as the quadruple stabbings of the four university students on 13 November.

If youre not going to pursue the guy for the death penalty on a case like this, who are you going to pursue for death penalty? Mr Gray told the network.

In a hearing in Latah County Court on Tuesday, Judge John Judge revised a gag order to clarify that it does include members of law enforcement, investigators and expert witnesses for both sides. He also warned the media not to focus cameras solely on Mr Kohberger in the courtroom  or they run the risk of cameras being banned altogether.

The judge had been expected to hear arguments on several motions filed by the defence in recent weeks, including asking the court to order prosecutors to turn over more DNA evidence and details about the grand jury which returned an indictment against him.

Some of those issues on motion to compel and discovery had been resolved out of court while some will be argued at a later date.

The defence did ask the judge to order the prosecution to hand over some evidence in case  including police training records and Mr Kohbergers cellphone records.

Insisting it is not a fishing expedition, Mr Kohbergers attorneys said they need the evidence to be able to give him a strong defence.

In recent court filings, his attorneys have asked the court to order prosecutors to turn over more evidence about the DNA tying him to the crime scene as well as information about the grand jury which returned an indictment against him.

In one filing, submitted last week, the accused killer insisted he has no connection to the four slain students and claimed that DNA from three other unidentified men was also found at the grisly crime scene. He has argued that the victims DNA was not found in his Washington State University office, apartment, or car but prosecutors argued that his DNA was found on a knife sheath left next to Mogens body.

Ethan Chapin, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21 (Instagram)

Court documents, filed by attorneys for the 28-year-old PhD student last week, argue that DNA from two other men was also found inside the off-campus student home in Moscow, Idaho. DNA from a third unknown man was also found on a glove found outside the property on 20 November  one week on from the murders, the documents state.

The filing came in response to the states motion for a protective order around the methods it used to match his DNA to the crime scene.

The defence is arguing that the prosecution should hand over all this information to Mr Kohberger and that he has a right to know what led investigators to suspect him in the first place.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Mr. Kohberger does not accept that his defense does not need this information, his attorneys argued.

Among the five aggravating circumstances cited by Mr Thompson is the especially heinous, atrocious or cruel, manifesting exceptional depravity nature of the crime and that the defendant showed utter disregard for human life.

Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom for a motion hearing regarding a gag order, Friday, June 9, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho (AP)

The State gives this notice based on the fact that it has not identified or been provided with any mitigating circumstances sufficient to prohibit the triers of fact from considering all penalties authorized by the Idaho legislature including the possibility of a capital sentence, prosecutors wrote in the filing.

Consequently, considering all evidence currently known to the State, the State is compelled to file this notice of intent to seek the death penalty.

Mr Kohberger refused to enter a plea at his arraignment earlier this month on four charges of first-degree murder and one charge of burglary last month. His attorney said that he was standing silent on the charges, leaving the judge to enter not-guilty pleas on his behalf.

Mr Kohbergers trial is scheduled for 2 October, but the date is expected to be delayed following his defences filings.
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A former Maryland police chief was sentenced to multiple life sentences for carrying out arson attacks on property belonging to people that he felt had slighted him.

David Crawford, 71, was sentenced to eight life sentences plus 75 years after being found guilty us using gasoline to set fire to peoples cars, homes and garages.

Prosecutors say that the former police chief of Laurel, who was arrested in March 2021, set the fires in six counties over the span of a decade.

Former Maryland police chief David Crawford sentenced to multiple life sentences for carrying out arson attacks on people he felt had slighted him (HCSA)

He was found guilty in March of eight counts of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of arson and a count of malicious burning. He has always denied the claims against him.

Howard County States Attorney Richard Gibson welcomed the sentence handed down to Crawford, and said that because of his age, he was not likely to breathe free air again, reported CBS News Baltimore.

As opposed to protecting and serving and living a life of honour and respect, keeping our community safe, he chose to inflict harm, he chose violence, he chose fear, Mr Gibson said.

I think there is true evil in the world and I think this is an example of that.

Crawfords defence lawyer called the sentencing a sad and tragic ending for his client.

Investigators say they found a coded target list on Crawfords cell phone and used mobile phone data, relationships and computer searches to tie him to the crimes.

The investigation revealed that all of the structures and vehicles that were deliberately set on fire had a link to a victim with whom Crawford or his wife had disagreements.

All of the blazes were set at around 3am when the victims were sleeping inside their homes.

The court was told that victims included three former law enforcement officials, two relatives, his stepson, a former city official, a neighbour and two of his former doctors.
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A lawyer accused of sexually assaulting multiple women in Boston 15 years ago has been hit with new charges for four additional attacks - bringing the total number of accusers to eight.

Earlier this month, New Jersey lawyer Matthew Nilo, 35, was arrested in connection with three rapes and one attempted rape between 2007 and 2008 in Bostons Charlestown area.

The latest charges pertain to the rape or sexual assault of four women in North End  where Mr Nilo reportedly lived  around the same time.

A grand jury indicted him on seven additional charges on Tuesday, including one count of aggravated rape, three counts of assault with intent to rape, and two counts of indecent assault and rape, according to The Boston Globe.

Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Haydens office said the alleged assaults  including two attacks on the same woman 11 days apart  occurred in January 2007, July 2007, January 2008, and July 2008.

The incidents followed a similar pattern. The victims were attacked while they were walking alone, in the dark, either at night or early in the morning, as per the statement from Haydens office about Mr Nilos indictment.

In an email statement to The Independent, Mr Nilos attorney Joseph Cataldo said his client denies all the allegations including the latest charges.

You can expect both a legal and factual challenge to the governments case.

Mr Nilo was arrested by the Boston Police Department from his home in Weehawken, New Jersey on 31 May after he was connected to the earlier cases by DNA submitted to a genealogy website.

He is the sixth person to be arrested by the BPD in connection with years-old rape cases, as part of $2.5m federal grand to re-open unsolved cases that present the greatest threat to public safety, according to the departments Deputy Superintendent Victor Evans.

DNA evidence collected from sexual assault kits that previously didnt yield any results is now being run against samples submitted to commercial genetic testing companies such as GEDMatch or FamilyTree DNA  used by consumers to locate family members or trace their ancestry.

According to news reports, customers must consent to their information being shared with law enforcement agencies.

Matthew Nilo is facing charges for multiple rapes in the Boston area in 2007 and 2008 (LinkedIn via Boston Globe)

Mr Hayden on Tuesday said DNA evidence played a role in these new indictments against Mr Nilo.

On 5 June, Mr Nilo was arraigned on rape and kidnapping charges at the Suffolk Superior Court. These included three counts of aggravated rape, two counts of kidnapping, one count of assault with intent to rape and one count of indecent assault and battery.

He pleaded not guilty to these charges.

During the hearing, prosecutors described how Mr Nilo allegedly lured one of his victims into his car during the early hours of 18 August 2007. The victim, then 23, reportedly accepted Mr Nilos offer to help her locate her own vehicle after a night out.

Instead, he allegedly drove her to Terminal Street in Charlestown, claimed he had a weapon, told her to shut up or he would kill her and raped her. The other three attacks also allegedly occurred at Terminal Street.

Mr Nilo was released from Suffolk County Jail on 15 June, after posting $500,000 cash bail. His bail conditions include that he surrender his passport, have no contact with the victims, and stay 1,000 feet from Terminal Street.

Mr Nilo was accompanied by his fiancee as he left the courthouse, after being fitted with a GPS bracelet.

Reacting to Mr Nilo being granted bail, the victim in the alleged August 2007 rape, now 39, told The Boston Globe: Im just upset right now that hes out on bail ... and has lived this lavish lifestyle and all these people that think they know him have no idea how evil he is, and how evil these crimes were.

I just hope that I can help encourage somebody else to come forward.

Mr Nilo will be formally charged on the new counts on 13 July.
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Last November, four University of Idaho students were found stabbed to death at a rental house in Moscow, mere hours after posting smiling photographs together on Instagram.

The case shocked the small college town and drew media attention from across the world, yet for nearly seven weeks there appeared to be no suspect in the case.

Then, on 30 December, Bryan Kohberger  a PhD student in criminology at Washington State University (WSU)  was suddenly arrested and charged with their murders.

In May, a grand jury indicted MrKohberger on four counts of first-degree murder and one burglary charge, effectively rerouting the case directly to the states felony court level and allowing prosecutors to skip the preliminary hearing process.

After months of unanswered questions, the grieving relatives of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin faced their childrens accused killer in court, only for Mr Kohberger to refuse to enter a plea on the murder charges.

Prosecutors have now announced their intentions to seek the death penalty in the case.

On Tuesday, the accused killer appeared back in Latah County Court where the defence asked the court to order prosecutors to turn over more evidence in the case against him.

So how did we get here?

Heres a timeline of the case so far:

Ethan Chapin, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, took this photo together hours before they died (Instagram/Kaylee Goncalves)

12 November  One lucky girl

At 8.57pm local time on 12 November, Goncalves posted for the last time on Instagram.

It was a picture of herself and the three other slain students standing together arm-in-arm on the porch of a house.

The two other roommates Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke who lived at the home with Mogen, Goncalves and Kernodle on King Road are also in the photo.

One lucky girl to be surrounded by these people everyday, Goncalve wrote in the caption.

That night, Chapin and Kernodle went to a party together on the university campus, while Mogen and Goncalves went to a bar in town.

13 November, 1.41am  Victims last seen alive in footage

In the early hours of Sunday morning, Mogen and Goncalves were seen stopping by a local food truck for a late-night bit to eat.

Twitch footage seen by The Independent captured the two best friends arriving at the food truck at around 1.41am.

Officers later said that Mogen and Goncalves used a private party for a ride home from the downtown area after visiting the food truck. The driver dropped them off at their home at around 1.45am.

Meanwhile, Chapin and Kernodle were seen at the Sigma Chi fraternity house, and also returned home around the same time.

The two other surviving roommates had also been out on Saturday night and returned to the property at around 1am, police said.

Goncalvess sister revealed that multiple calls were made from the phones of Goncalves and Mogen to the phone of Goncalves former longtime boyfriend between 2.26am and 2.52am.

Between the two best friends, 10 calls were made, but none were answered.

13 November, 2.44am  Suspects car is spotted

Not long after, according to court documents released by Latah County prosecutors, a car matching the description of Bryan Kohbergers Hyudai sedan was recorded on surveillance cameras at Washington State University, where the 28-year-old is a crimonology graduate student.

Ten minutes later, the car was spotted heading towards SR 270, a road which connects the town of Pullman, Washington, to nearby Moscow, Idaho.

At roughly the same time the sedan was likely heading towards Moscow, Mr Kohbergers cell phone pinged off towers near the his apartment in Pullman, and later showed on cell towers in Idaho in the hours directly after murders.

13 November, 3am to 4am  Murders

Officials believe the students were killed some time between 3am and 4am on Sunday 13 November).

All four were stabbed to death with an edged weapon such as a knife  though the murder weapon has not been found.

There was no sign of forced entry, the door appeared to be unlocked and nothing seems to have been taken.

The two other roommates were home at the time of the attack but were unharmed. Police said that they were not necessarily witnesses to the incident, there was no hostage situation and they appear to have slept through the murders.

Latah County Coroner Cathy Mabbutt said the victims were likely sleeping when they were killed, as all four were found in bed, and were stabbed multiple times.

According to the Latah County records, the car appearing to be Mr Kohbergers vehicle was seen on various surveillance cameras near the students home between 3.29 and 4.20am, before appearing once again in Pullman at 5.25 near the WSU campus.

13 November, noon  Investigation begins

Law enforcement officers arrived at the house at 11.58am on Sunday after getting a 911 call from the cell phone of one of the surviving roommates (though police refused to confirm who).

Officers said that the roommates woke up on the Sunday and called some unidentified friends to the home because they believed that one of the victims on the second floor had passed out and was not waking up.

The four victims were discovered stabbed to death in their beds on the second and third floors of the house.

16 November  Autopsy findings released

Autopsy findings for the victims were released on Thursday, officially ruling their deaths homicides by stabbing.

Latah County Coroner Cathy Mabbutt confirmed that each victim was stabbed multiple times with a large knife, describing their wounds as pretty extensive and revealing that they bled out inside their student home.

She said the autopsies confirmed that the victims were killed early in the morning, sometime after 2am, but still during the night but that it was not been possible to determine from the injuries the order in which the victims were attacked.

DNA samples and nail clippings were also taken from the crime scene with the coroner saying that it is possible that the tests could turn up DNA from people besides the victims.

A local prosecutor revealed that investigators were exploring the possibility that more than one killer is responsible for the killings, while officers were reportedly searching for a military-style Ka-Bar knife believed to be the murder weapon.

7 December  Police seek a white car

An initial breakthrough seemed to come when police announced that they were looking for the owner and occupants of a white Hyundai Elantra that was spotted near the crime scene in the early morning hours on the day of the murders.

Detectives did not reveal whether the owner of the white 2011-2013 Hyundai Elantra is believed to be a suspect but said that the occupant(s) of [the] vehicle may have critical information to share regarding this case. The licence plate is unknown.

The car was in the immediate area of the rental home on King Road in the early hours of 13 November. The murders are thought to have taken place between 3am and 4am.

The development was quickly linked in online sleuth communities to body-camera footage from a separate incident on the night of the killings, which police said stemmed from an alcohol offence just before 3am.

Officials would later shut down speculation around the video, telling The Independent on 8 December that the incident on the body-camera footage was in no way connected to the murders and the white car in the background was not the same one they were seeking information about.

15 December  Two key traffic stops

As police closed in Bryan Kohberger, the graduate student made his way across the country with his father, driving from Washington to spend the holidays with family in Pennsylvania.

By then, officials later revealed, police were on to the 28-year-old, and Indiana police pulled the pair over twice during their journey.

The stops came at the request of the FBI who were seeking images of the suspects hands as part of the investigation into the quadruple homicide of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin back in Moscow, Idaho.

It is not clear why images of Mr Kohbergers hands were important to the investigation or if the officers managed to obtain anything of interest by carrying out the stops on 15 December.

30 December, early morning  Mountain raid

Finally, at around 1.30am local time on 30 December, local police and FBI swooped on a home in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania, near ski resorts in the Pocono Mountains and arrested a 28-year-old criminology graduate student named Bryan Christopher Kohberger.

According to reports, the property appeared to be Mr Kohbergers parents house in a gated community. A white Hyundai Elantra was also seized.

NewsNation correspondent Brian Entin said that the suspect asked if anyone else was arrested and had a quiet, blank stare, citing inside sources.

30 December, 8am  News breaks

Later that day the Moscow Police Department and prosecutors held their first press conference since 23 November, revealing that Mr Kohberger had been charged with four counts of first degree murder.

They declined to give details on how he had come to be arrested and charged but said they still wanted to hear from members of the public who may have information about what happened.

Meanwhile, several insiders have provided crucial details to the media. One law enforcement official told CNN that Mr Kohberger was identified through genetic testing that linked DNA at the crime scene to his relatives.

Sources say authorities then confirmed that Mr Kohberger owned a white Hyundai Elantra like the one spotted near the crime scene on the night of the murders.

Investigators reportedly tracked Mr Kohberger as he drove more han 2,000 miles from Washington state to Pennsylvania, where he was surveilled for days before being taken into custody.

31 December  Charges filed

Shorly after his arrest, Mr Kohberger was charged with four counts of first-degree murder, as well as felony burglary. But the legal process didnt end there.

4 January  The suspect returns to Idaho

The 28-year-old arrived in Moscow in the late evening, where a group of officers walked the suspect into a waiting truck.

Mr Kohberger appeared to be wearing body armour as police led him into custody. On 4 Judge, the judge also issued a gag order, banning investigators, law enforcement personnel, attorneys, and members of both the prosecution and the defence from sharing any new information about the investigation or the suspect before a verdict is reached at trial.

As a result Moscow Police Department, which had been sharing updates on the investigation, said in a statement that it will no longer be communicating with the public or the media regarding the case.

5 January  Kohberger appears in court

After weeks of investigations, police and community members alike finally got what they wanted: a suspect, in Idaho court, facing charges for the four University of Idaho murders.

Mr Kohberger appeared in a Latah County court for the first time, where he heard the charges against him, had his bail rights revoked, and faced down crying family members of his alleged slain victims.

12 January - Kohberger waives preliminary hearing

Mr Kohberger appeared in Latah County Courthouse with cuts on his face as he waived his right to a speedy trial on charges of murdering the four Idaho students.

Mr Kohbergers public defender Anne Taylor then requested that his next court date be pushed back until June.

The prosecution agreed to the request and the judge scheduled the preliminary hearing for the week beginning 26 June.

19 January - Idaho police unseal search warrants

Police investigating the murder of four Idaho students seized a string of items from suspect Mr Kohbergers apartment, including possible hair strands, a disposable glove, items with red and brown stains and a computer, according to a newly unsealed search warrant.

Police said that one of the items found at the suspects apartment at nearby Washington State University was a possible animal hair strand. In the documents, investigators said one item had a collection of dark red spotting, and that a pillow had a reddish/brown stain on it.

The application also stated that the murder scene near the University of Idaho campus where the victims were discovered had a large amount of the victims blood including spatter and castoff blood.

28 February - Search warrant reveals items seized in Pennsylvania

The search warrant application was filed in Pennsylvanias Monroe County court on 29 December, the day before Mr Kohbergers arrest. It approved a search of the family residence, the adjacent garage and the suspects car.

It allowed investigators to collect blood, or other bodily fluid or materials and items with blood - but the list of seizures does not mention any such items.

Investigators seized nine items: one Defiant-brand silver flashlight, four medical-style gloves, a large white t-shirt, a pair of black and white size 13 Nike shoes and a pair of black Under Armor shorts. They also took a buccal swab, possibly from Mr Kohberger.

27 March - Prosecutors reveal officer is under internal affairs investigation

In a filing, authorities disclosed the existence of a Giglio/Brady list that could potentially affect the ongoing criminal proceedings against Mr Kohberger, the only suspect in the case.

 ...the State has become aware of potential Brady/Giglio material related to one of the officers involved in the above-referenced case, the filing stated.

Under Brady law, investigators are responsible for disclosing exculpatory information to defence counsel. Meanwhile, Giglio material conveys information that could potentially indicate that a witness is not credible, according to the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement.

The scope of the list and the role of the officer in the murder investigation were not immediately clear. The evidence mentioned in the recent filing was submitted in camera to the court on 24 March, but its content remains sealed at the request of prosecutors.

5 May - Kohbergers belongings test positive for blood

Court documents, released by Washington authorities showed that multiple items taken from the 28-year-old Washington State University criminology PhD students apartment in Pullman had been tested for the presence of blood.

While most items came back negative, two items were positive.

Those items were a mattress cover on the bed and an uncased pillow, both of which were described as having visible reddish brown stains. The documents did not reveal who the blood belongs to.

13 May - Victims families accept posthumous degrees

Six months after the victims were killed in their sleep at their off-campus home in Moscow, their loved ones received the awards during two separate ceremonies.

Goncalves four siblings received their sisters general studies diploma while Mogens parents were given her marketing degree. Kernodles family accepted her certificate in marketing at a previous private ceremony while Chapins award in sports, recreation and management was mailed to his parents.

16 May - Kohberger indicted by grand jury over Idaho murders

A grand jury indicted MrKohberger on charges of burglary and four counts of murder, allowing the parties to skip the previously planned 26 June preliminary hearing.

Each murder count states that he did wilfully, unlawfully, deliberately, with premeditation and with malice aforethought, kill and murder each of the victims by stabbing.

The list of witnesses who testified before the grand jury is sealed. Mr Kohbergers indictment means that the jurors empanelled on the grand jury believed there was enough evidence against him for the case to proceed to trial.

22 May - Kohberger refuses to enter plea

Mr Kohberger refused to enter a plea in Latah County District Court, prompting the judge to make one on his behalf.

His attorney said that he was standing silent on the charges.

Several members of Kaylee Goncalves family were present in the courtroom, facing the man accused of killing their 21-year-old daughter as he declined to enter a plea.

The judge set Mr Kohbergers trial date for 2 October 2023 following requests by Kohbergers attorney and the state. The trial is expected to take around six weeks.

26 June  Prosecutors seek death penalty

Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson filed a notice of his intent to seek the death penalty in court in Moscow, Idaho, citing five aggravating circumstances that could warrant the maximum sentence of capital punishment being sought.

These circumstances include that the murder was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel, manifesting exceptional depravity and that the defendant showed utter disregard for human life.

The State gives this notice based on the fact that it has not identified or been provided with any mitigating circumstances sufficient to prohibit the triers of fact from considering all penalties authorized by the Idaho legislature including the possibility of a capital sentence, prosecutors wrote in the filing.

Consequently, considering all evidence currently known to the State, the State is compelled to file this notice of intent to seek the death penalty.
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Newly unsealed records in the Suzanne Morphew case have revealed the missing mum-of-twos messages to her lover.

Morphew, 49, disappeared from her remote home in Salida, Colorado, in 2020 amid plans to leave her husband of 25 years Barry Morphew. He was charged with her murder and was set to go on trial before the case was dismissed without prejudice in April 2022.

Now a judge in the case has unsealed the missing womans communications with her lover, a former high school flame with whom she had re-established a secret relationship.

Authorities arrested Barry Morphew Wednesday and charged him with his wife Suzanne Morphews murder. (Denver7 - The Denver Channel)

Nobody loves you...like the way I do. I crave time with you. I crave the feeling I get when we connect. Physically or emotionally. Youre my guy. Always, court documents show she texted her lover, named as Jeff Libler, a father of six who lived in Michigan, on 7 May 2020.

And the following night she texted him as she was out for dinner with her husband, saying, Youre the only real love Ive known...the only love I want.

Morphew disappeared on Mothers Day 2020, just a few days after the messages, and has never been seen again.

The messages were made public after a judge rejected Barry Morphews request that records in the case were sealed indefinitely.

Barry Morphew has maintained he had nothing to do with his wifes death. He was arrested in 2021 after a yearlong investigation and eventually released on bail.

He was then charged with her murder and was set to go on trial before the case was dismissed without prejudice in April 2022.

Barry Morphew has maintained he had nothing to do with his wifes death. He was arrested and charged with her murder but the trial was dismissed without prejudice in April 2022. (Chaffee County Sheriffs Office)

Park County District Judge Amanda Hunter ordered the records, which also contain statements made by Mr Morphews wife to her best friend Sheila Oliver before she disappeared, to be unsealed.

The affair came to light when investigators found a spy pen in her closet, which she had bought to hide in her husbands car as she suspected that he was also having an affair.

Now prosecutors say that it could be months or even years before they have enough evidence to prove Morphew was murdered or bring it to trial.

That could be a long time. It could be quick, it could be long. It depends on a lot of our investigation, said 11th Judicial Deputy District Attorney Mark Hurlbert in court on Monday.

But he insisted that investigators have a strong idea of where her body is.

She is in a very difficult spot. We actually have more than just a feeling  and the sheriffs office is continuing to look for Mrs Morphews body, he said, according to The Denver Gazette.
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In the wake of Fox News' announcement that anchor Jesse Watters would take over Tucker Carlson's 8pm time-slot, the network has reportedly eliminated the positions of the remainder of the former host's remaining eight staff.

The eight staffers who worked on Tucker Carlson Tonight were told they could receive "enhanced severance" if they continued working through 14 July. The workers will reportedly be given the chance to apply for other positions at Fox News, according to a Fox News source speaking to The Independent.

Carlson was fired on 24 April in a much publicised break from the network, just a week after the network agreed to pay $800m to settle a defamation lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems.

Earlier this month, two of Carlson's senior staffers  Alexander McCaskill and Thomas Fox  left the network. Both were mentioned in a discrimination lawsuit Fox is facing brought by former producer Abby Grossberg.

Laura Ingraham will reportedly move into Watters' former 7pm time-slot when he takes over Carlson's former hour, Mediaite reports. Sean Hannity will reportedly stay at 9pm and Greg Gutfeld will move to 10pm.

In the immediate aftermath of Carlson's firing a number of guests hosts took over the slot.

Relations between Fox and Carlson have been icy since his termination; he accused Fox of "fraud and breach of contract" and has since launched a show on Twitter.

Fox News then accused Carlson of breach of contract after he announced his Twitter show. The company has sent him a cease-and-desist letter, citing breach of contract.

Fox has reportedly demanded Carlson stop posting videos to Twitter, according to a New York Times report.

Carlson's contract runs until early 2025 and includes restrictions on his ability to appear on other media outlets.

Doubling down on the most catastrophic programming decision in the history of the cable news industry, Fox is now demanding that Tucker Carlson be silent until after the 2024 election, Carlson's attorney, Harmeet Dhillon said in a statement sent to Axios and the New York Times. Tucker will not be silenced by anyone.
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A scathing report from the Justice Department (DOJ) watchdog has outlined numerous and serious failures by the Bureau of Prisons leading up to the suicide of convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

The DOJs Office of the Inspector General released its report on Tuesday, finding that multiple prison staff members failed to check on the disgraced financier in the hours leading up to his death  despite him being on suicide watch.

Under Bureau of Prison (BOP) policy, staff are required to check on all inmates in solitary confinement at least once every 30 minutes.

In a clear violation of this policy, no checks were made for almost eight hours from around 10.40pm on 9 August until around 6.30am on 10 August  when the prolific sex offender was found dead.

Staff at the Manhattan jail also failed to assign Epstein a fellow inmate in his cell and left him with access to additional bed linen which he used to kill himself, the report finds.

These failings came even after Epstein was believed to have attempted suicide on 23 July  about two weeks before he died.

The OIGs investigation and review identified numerous and serious failures by MCC New York staff, including multiple violations of MCC New York and BOP policies and procedures, the report states.

The OIG found that MCC New York staff failed on August 9 to carry out the Psychology Departments directive that Epstein be assigned a cellmate, and that an MCC New York supervisor allowed Epstein to make an unmonitored telephone call the evening before his death.

Additionally, we found that staff failed to undertake required measures designed to make sure that Epstein and other SHU inmates were accounted for and safe, such as conducting inmate counts and 30-minute rounds, searching inmate cells, and ensuring adequate supervision of the SHU and the functionality of the video camera surveillance system.

The damning report states that a combination of negligence, misconduct, and outright job performance failures all contributed to an environment where one of the BOPs most notorious inmates was provided with the opportunity to take his own life.

Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in his Manhattan jail cell in August 2019 (New York State Sex Offender Registry)

His death resulted in significant questions being asked about the circumstances of his death, how it could have been allowed to happen, and most importantly, depriving his numerous victims, many of whom were underage girls at the time of the alleged crimes, of their ability to seek justice through the criminal justice process, the report states.

Despite the damning list of failures, the watchdog concluded that there was no evidence to contradict the FBIs finding that there was no crime involved in his death.

We did not find, for example, evidence that anyone was present in the SHU area where Epstein was housed during the relevant timeframe other than the inmates who were locked in their assigned cells, the report states.

The report adds: All staff members who were interviewed by the OIG said they did not know of any information suggesting that Epsteins cause of death was something other than suicide.

Likewise, none of the interviewed inmates provided any credible information that Epsteins cause of death was something other than suicide.

Autopsy findings were also consistent with suicide, the report says.

Epstein  a billionaire financier who mingled with the rich and famous  was found dead in his prison cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan, New York, on 10 August 2019.

At the time of his death, he was awaiting trial on a string of sex-trafficking charges.

The New York medical examiner determined that he had died by suicide.

Following widespread speculation and conspiracy theories, an FBI investigation also determined there was no criminality in his death.

The watchdog report outlines how Epstein was placed in the Special Housing Unit (SHU) at the Manhattan prison on 7 July  one day after his arrival at the facility  due to the media coverage of his case and inmate awareness of his notoriety.

He remained in the SHU, where inmates are kept separate from the general population and are locked in their cells for around 23 hours a day, until his death one month later on 10 August.

In the SHU, prison staff are required to check on inmates every 30 minutes, carry out multiple inmate counts during every 24-hour period, search SHU common areas and at least five cells daily, and search the entire SHU every week.

On 9 July, Epstein was evaluated by prison psychologists and was not found to be a suicide risk.

The Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan, New York, where Epstein died (Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

But on 23 July, prison staff responded to his cell for an apparent suicide attempt.

He was placed on suicide watch  but only for a day.

Epstein told staff he believed his cellmate had tried to kill him but then later said he didnt know what had happened and asked to continue to be housed with the cellmate.

Due to his apparent suicide attempt, Epstein should have been in a cell with an appropriate inmate.

A cellmate was assigned to his cell but was then moved out of the cell on 9 August and no one else was moved in to replace them  just hours before he died by suicide.

On 8 August, the report reveals that Epstein met with his attorneys in prison and signed a new Last Will and Testament.

The following day  hours before his death  around 2,000 pages of documents about Epstein and his co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell were released as part of a civil case. Epstein also made a final unrecorded, unmonitored phone call to someone he had a personal relationship with, in violation of policy.

Epstein was locked in his cell at around 8pm on the night of 9 August with no cellmate and an excess of prison blankets, linens and clothing in his cell.

At around 6.30am the next morning, an officer delivering breakfast found him in his cell and began performing CPR.

It is unclear when he was last checked on or when his cell was last searched. The report reveals that prison staff not only violated policy by failing to carry out the required checks but also falsified documents to appear as though more checks had been carried out.

Two officers were later charged with falsifying BOP records but the charges were later dropped.

A malfunction of the facilitys security cameras also meant there was a lack of footage to review as part of the probe.

In a damning conclusion, the watchdog outlines that this is not the first time it has found significant job performance and management failures on the part of BOP personnel and widespread disregard of BOP policies that are designed to ensure that inmates are safe, secure, and in good health.

Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein (PA Media)

The report refers to the death of notorious mobster James Whitey Bulger as an example.

In December, a damning OIG report found that serious failures from prison officials ultimately led to Bulgers murder just 12 hours after he was moved to a notoriously dangerous jail infamously dubbed misery mountain.

Based on its findings over Epsteins death, the OIG made eight recommendations to the BOP to address the issues in the report and said there was an urgency for the DOJ and BOP leadership to address the chronic staffing, surveillance, safety and security, and related problems plaguing Americas federal prison system.

Epsteins arrest and charges in New York in 2019 came after he was previously convicted in 2008 of procuring an underage girl for prostitution.

In a now widely-condemned sweetheart plea deal in Florida, Epstein pleaded guilty to one charge and was sentenced to just 18 months in prison  most of which he served out of prison in a work-release program.

On his release, he was ordered to register as a sex offender.

His accomplice Maxwell was found guilty of sex trafficking at a high-profile trial in New York in December 2021 and is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
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A New York college graduate went viral last week for a video showing her grabbing a microphone out of a school officials hand, claiming the woman wasnt allowing students of colour equal time on the mic.

The incident occurred on 21 June at a graduation ceremony for LaGaurdia Community College, which took place on the campus of Queens College.

In a video that went viral on TikTok, graduate and content creator Kadia Iman, who is Black, could be seen wresting a microphone out of a white school officials hands.

Graduate said incident was spurred by racist grad ceremony MC (TikTok user @kadiaimantv)

I want the mic! Let go! You didnt let me get my moment, Ms Iman says in the video, which has since been taken private on TikTok. Im graduating today. I dont like how you snatched the mic out of my hand, so today is going to be all about me!

In a subsequent video explaining the incident, Ms Iman said she wanted the microphone because she felt students like her werent getting equal celebration at the ceremony.

Basically, what happened was I was walking on and we had to say our names before we get on the stageSo I was saying my name and she literally  my name is long, obviously, I have like three syllables in my name, the content creator explained, according to The New York Post.

So, I didnt even get to finish saying my name, and then the people that went before me, they all got to say their name, their major, and even extras, she added. Me and another girl noticed that she was pulling the mic down super fast for some Black people  I dont want to be that person, so I just couldnt let her  I just couldnt let that happen.

The school said in a statement it condemned the disruptive and inappropriate behavior for impacting the celebration for graduates and guests.

An incident occurred involving one graduate who demonstrated their frustration during the student procession for not being able to hold the microphone while they announced their name, school spokesperson Manny Romero said in a statement. As a process for keeping the ceremony running in an orderly manner, students are given the opportunity to say their name while a volunteer holds the microphone. None of the students are allowed to hold the microphone to avoid any delay of the student procession and the ceremony.

In the video, and in the comments below it, some express approval for Ms Iman.

Oh! Drops the mic! Congratulations! a bystander can be heard saying in the background.

Others contested Ms Imans accusations of racism.

I was at the graduation. There were two long lines and we were told to say our names when we approached the lady in the video. But she didnt know any of our names  whether they were long or short, TikTok user @queldinero810 wrote in a comment beneath video of the incident.

Basically there were some people who said some extra things in addition to their names, but they werent racist. There were a lot of people of all races there. We were just told to say our first and last names, she added.
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Henry Berg-Brousseau was 16 years old when he sat at a table in front of a committee at the Kentucky State Capitol to speak against a bill that would prevent transgender students from using bathrooms and locker rooms that match their gender.

If you dont know a transgender kid already, he told the panel in 2015, you do now.

You know me, Henry, he said. And Id be honoured to continue to work with you and help educate you on all trans issues. Id be even more honoured to call you all friends.

That bill ultimately passed through the state Senate, but it was defeated in the state House.

Within a few years, Henry helped establish the LGBT+ college fraternity Delta Lambda Phi at George Washington University in Washington DC and landed a job in the nations capital as a deputy press secretary at the nations largest LGBT+ civil rights organisation.

He spent last year tracking a historic number of bills targeting trans Americans like him while anticipating another record-breaking year of legislation in the months to come.

On 16 December 2022, Henry died by suicide. He was 24.

Weeks later, still mourning the death of her son, Henrys mother Karen Berg returned to her seat in Kentuckys state Senate to confront the very same bills that her son knew would be waiting for her.

He was definitely the wind beneath my wings. No question about it, Ms Berg tells The Independent from her home in Kentucky.

It was Henry who inspired her to run for office in the first place.

The doctor-turned-Democratic state senator won re-election to her seat last November while Henry was visiting. After her victory, they said goodbye at the airport with a hug. That was the last time she saw her son.

He returned to Washington DC buoyant with the passage of President Joe Bidens landmark Respect for Marriage Act, which Henry helped usher behind the scenes through Congress to codify marriage equality protections affirmed by the US Supreme Court.

In what would be his final press release for the Human Rights Campaign, he addressed the stark realities of anti-trans hate and a flood of legislation aimed at restricting the rights of LGBT+ people across the country, including in his home state.

We thought that he was getting scared, and that he was starting to feel like it might not be safe to be walking in the streets anymore, Ms Berg says. I told him, If you need to take a step back, and let someone else take over for a while, its OK to take a break.

Henry Berg-Brousseau testifies against Kentucky bathroom bill in 2015

Ms Berg joins lawmakers with trans and LGBT+ children across the country who are standing up against a tidal wave of state measures that have consumed debates in state capitols over the last two years, combatting legislation from their own colleagues that amount to attacks against their own families.

Henrys life and her loss will remain forever enmeshed in her fight, strengthened by a vast network of support from LGBT+ advocates and protesters joining her at the state capitol and across the country.

I think a part of him thought, Im gonna go out on a high. We just had a major, major win, were getting ready to go in to fight for our lives, and Im tired, Ms Berg says through tears. I cant believe I would ever, ever say this, but Im glad he hasnt been able to see what they did to my state. Im so glad he didnt know what happened at home.

The cruelest session

Henry  wearing a gray suit and blue-and-green striped tie  explained to lawmakers in 2015 how something as simple as using a school bathroom can be a scary experience for a trans person. School officials made him use the girls bathroom, where he was harassed and picked on.

Because the school administration did not support my gender identity, by letting me use the restrooms that coordinated with my gender identity, the kids at my school bullied me, he said. The kids thought that, because the administration didnt support my gender identity, they didnt have to either.

A lot of folks think that having a separate and private restroom for trans kids is the way to go. While that might work for some, when somebody tells us that were so different that the only way to accommodate is to create a special restroom, the message is clear: That we dont belong.

Three years later, Ms Berg ran against an incumbent Republican who held a seat representing Louisville in the state senate for more than 20 years. She lost.

Two years later, she tried again. Henry joined her campaign as treasurer and adviser.

Real public service, which was what I was running to do, she says. It was the time in my life that I had the opportunity to give back. I believe in healthcare, I believe in medicine  I wanted a chance.

Recommended Pioneering transgender lawmaker has advice for pushing back against transphobic bills

She never intended to run on a platform centring LGBT+ people and trans rights. Nor did she predict the growing fever in state capitols across the country to dismantle them.

I never thought, Oh, my God, were gonna take two steps forward, and then 100 years back, she says. I did not see it. Henry did, way before I did. He had known and he was telling me this was coming for a year and a half or more, maybe. He was dreading the state session.

After her sons death, she prepared for the eight-week legislative session ahead of her  the arguments she would make to her colleagues, the remarks she would deliver on the floor, what Henry would say.

Henry was a light  deeply passionate, deeply engaged, and deeply caring, Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson said in a statement after his death. No one was more aware of the harm that anti-transgender rhetoric, messaging, and legislation could have on his community. He was brave.

Hundreds of bills aimed at LGBT+ people, particularly young trans people, have been filed in nearly every state within the last several years, part of a growing campaign among Republican lawmakers wielding anti-trans attacks that have dominated elections and legislative sessions heading into 2024.

By the end of May, state lawmakers this year had introduced more than 500 bills impacting LGBT+ people, including 220 bills specifically targeting trans and nonbinary Americans, according to an analysis from the Human Rights Campaign. More than 70 such bills have been signed into law.

More than a dozen states have enacted laws or policies banning affirming healthcare for young trans people.

Republican members of Congress have also introduced federal legislation that mirrors some of the proposals in the states. One measure would impose national restrictions on trans athletes, and another bill would impose a similar but more-expansive version of what critics have called state-level Dont Say Gay bills used to restrict classroom discussion of LGBT+ people and events.

That flood of legislation and the debates surrounding it have also negatively impacted the mental health of an overwhelming majority of young trans and nonbinary people, according to polling from The Trevor Project and Morning Consult.

A separate survey from The Trevor Project found that 41 per cent of trans and nonbinary youth have seriously considered attempting suicide over the last year. Two-thirds of young LGBT+ people reported that political debates surrounding their identities have made their mental health worse.

Kentuckys Senate Bill 150  denounced by LGBT+ advocates as one of the most extreme and dangerous state-level bills targeting trans people amid an explosion of similar proposals across the country  bans gender-affirming care for trans youth and prohibits students from using pronouns and names in school other than those assigned at birth. It also prohibits discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools, adopting elements of so-called Dont Say Gay language in similar bills across the US.

It also includes a similar bathroom measure that lawmakers rejected after Henrys testimony eight years earlier.

In March, Kentuckys Democratic Governor Andy Beshear vetoed the bill. Days later, the states GOP-dominated state legislature, with veto-proof supermajorities that can obstruct the governors actions, voted to override the governors veto.

Last month, the ACLU of Kentucky and the National Center for Lesbian Rights asked a federal court judge to block the law before it goes into effect on 29 June.

Federal judges in several states have struck down, at least temporarily, similar laws banning gender-affirming care for trans youth, with a series of rulings that eviscerate arguments from Republican officials and their abject failure to recognise medical authority.

Ms Berg similarly does not believe Kentuckys law will survive in court.

Kentucky lawmaker Karen Berg urges colleagues to vote against anti-trans law

During legislative debate, she denounced the absolute willful, intentional hate for a small group of people, who are the weakest and the most vulnerable among us.

You need to come back to these people and you need to ask them: Why did you get elected? What are you doing here? What was your purpose in choosing to serve? she asked lawmakers. Because if it was to help the least among us, you are failing miserably.

She called on her colleagues to avoid politicising issues that are literally killing our children, that are literally putting them into the grave, and urged them to consider who youre putting in the centre of this fight.

Several Republican staff members resigned by the end of the session.

Everybody said this was the cruelest session they had ever witnessed, Ms Berg tells The Independent.

One Republican state senator, Danny Carroll, attempted to file an amendment that would narrow the scope of a bill banning gender-affirming care for trans youth. That break from what had become Republican orthodoxy gobsmacked the states leadership to the point where the proposal was indefinitely delayed, Ms Berg remembers.

Mr Carroll was the only Republican state senator who voted against Senate Bill 150.

I think weve made a mistake here, he told the chamber in March. We forgot whats important in this. People. People are important in this. My concern is for the children.  If it saves one kid  one  what does it hurt? I dont understand.

One former Republican lawmaker returned to the Capitol to urge lawmakers to vote against it.

This bill condemns vulnerable children to an even more difficult life than theyve already been born into, Jerry Miller told a Senate committee that month. Please dont let a parents right to protect their children be collateral damage in the culture wars.

Their remarks are unusual among Republican state lawmakers who have prioritised, despite overwhelming medical guidance from care providers and major medical groups, a suite of legislation that strips access to care from those children.

That legislation puts doctors in a tremendous ethical conflict between following the law and actually following medicine the way were supposed to, Ms Berg tells The Independent.

The votes in my chamber underscore unequivocally that it is possible to reject it, she says.

A refusal among Republican leadership to even consider Mr Carrolls amendment is a testament to the fact that this is a political fight, she says. This is not about how we take care of vulnerable children. They know theyre wrong on that one.

A desperate last stand

The evolution among Republican lawmakers in Kentucky toward an agenda targeting gender-affirming care and the rights of LGBT+ people mirrors the GOPs campaign at large, one that Ms Berg says is all they have to win the election.

Its a path paved by conspiracy theories, bigotry and anti-intellectualism, Ms Berg says, underscored by the grim irony of Kentucky residents electing the first female physician to the state legislature where she is then forced to defend medicine from baseless attacks from her own colleagues.

Weve been working towards a more perfect union, weve been trying to get better  we have not succeeded by any means  but the goal that we seem to be at least in the right direction. And then it was like Pandoras box got opened, she says. There are really honest to God politicians in this country who are running on hate. That is their platform. That is what they are using to attract voters. And its bewildering.

The bills are nearly universally the same, drafted by influential right-wing organisations like Alliance Defending Freedom and various Family Foundations  well-funded special interest groups that also fund legal efforts to defend the legislation they helped create.

Ms Berg sees the fight for LGBT+ rights in state legislatures as part of a broader antidemocratic threat, one that has sought to undermine elections and reproductive rights.

We need to make sure people really understand its just not homegrown. This is not coming from within. We were fine. We had not had a single complaint about a trans child using a bathroom in this state, Ms Berg says. They are fomenting division. They are trying to divide us because they think it is the only way to win at this point. And no, the American people will see this for what it is. It is a desperate last stand.

Hundreds of people, mostly students, rallied at the capitol on Frankfort to protest Senate Bill 150. Ms Berg addressed them from the steps.

You are perfect the way God made you, she told them. Remember that every moment of your life.

The crowd also chanted the names of Zachee Imanitwitaho  a trans woman who was fatally shot earlier this year  and Henry:

Henry, Zachee, they should be with us today.

If you are based in the US and seek LGBT+ affirming mental health support, resources are available from Trans Lifeline (877-565-8860) and the LGBT Hotline (888-843-4564), as well as The Trevor Project (866-488-7386, or text START to 678-678).

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the US, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
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British-based Pakistani tycoon and his teenage son are among five people who perished aboard the Titanic tourist submarine.

The US Coast Guard announced on Thursday that the remains of the submersible vessel lost in the Atlantic Ocean had been found by an ROV on the ocean bed near the wreck of the famed liner.

Its support vessel, the Canadian research icebreaker Polar Prince, lost contact with it approximately one hour and 45 minutes after it submerged on Sunday morning.

Follow the latest updates on the missing Titanic submarine here

The wreckage of the Titanic  which sank in the North Atlantic Ocean on 15 April 1912 after it hit an iceberg  is located at a depth of 12,500 feet. First discovered in 1985, the ships remains sit in two separate parts southeast of Newfoundland, the most easterly province of Canada.

Business advisor Shahzada Dawood, 48, and his 19-year-old son Suleman have been named as two of the people on board the submersible.

The father and son took part in the expedition with French submersible pilot Paul-Henry Nargeolet and chief executive and founder of OceanGate Expeditions Stockton Rushton and British billionaire Mr Harding.

(Family handout)

In a new statement before the discovery of Titans remains, the family described Mr Dawood as a loving father and said Suleman was a university student.

48-year-old business advisor Shahzada Dawood and his 19-year-old son Suleman Dawood died aboard the Titan (WEF)

Shahzada is a loving father to Suleman and Alina, husband to Christine, brother to three siblings, and son to Hussain & Kulsum Dawood. His 19-year-old son, Suleman Dawood, is currently a university student, the statement said.

Shahzada has been actively advocating a culture of learning, sustainability, and diversity in his capacity as Vice Chairman of Pakistans Engro Corporation. Passionate about social impact, he works extensively with the Engro Foundation, The Dawood Foundation, the SETI Institute, and Princes Trust International.

Out of the office, he has spoken passionately at the United Nations in 2020 on International Day for Women & Girls in Science and Oxford Union in 2022. His interests include photography, especially wildlife photography, and exploring different natural habitats while Suleman is a big fan of science fiction literature and learning new things.

Suleman also takes a keen interest in solving Rubiks Cubes and enjoys playing volleyball.

Mr Dawood, who was a business advisor serving on the board for Princes Trust International, lived in a Surrey mansion with his wife Christine, son Suleman and daughter Alina, according to MailOnline.

The Dawood family is among the richest in Pakistan but has strong links to the UK.

This image shows the 4am start of the RMS Titanic Expedition Mission 5 on the morning of 18 June 2023 (Dirty Dozen Productions/AFP/Getty)

Mr Dawood studied Law at the University of Buckingham in 1998, later completing a masters degree in Textile Marketing at the University of Philadelphia in 2000.

Mr Dawoods father, 79-year-old Hussain Dawood, is the chairman of the Pakistan-based Dawood Hercules Corporation as well as the Engro Corporation, responsible for manufacturing chemicals and fertilisers, food and energy respectively.

Mr Dawood was the vice-chairman of both his fathers companies as well as a member of the founders circle of British Asian Trust, an international development organisation working across South Asia.
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The widow of a Pakistani tycoon who lost both her husband and son after their submersible imploded in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean has opened up about her grief.

More than a week after all five passengers on an expedition aboard the Titan sub were killed, their families continue to reel from the tragedy as international marine authorities have launched multi-agency probes to determine what caused the catastrophic implosion.

Speaking at a televised memorial on Tuesday, Christine Dawood, whose husband Shahzada Dawood and 19-year-old son Suleman Dawood were among the victims, said the expedition to the Titanic meant the world for father and son, who she described as true explorers who bonded over their love for adventure.

These two best friends embarked upon this last voyage, their final journey together, Ms Dawood told Sky News through tears. These past few days have been incredibly challenging as a family ... Emotions from excitement to shock to hope and finally despair and grief.

Sitting next to her father-in-law Hussain Dawood and her husbands close friend Inam ur Rahman, Ms Dawood shared a heartwarming story about the day her son was born. The grieving widow recounted her husbands excitement as he held in his arms who would become his best friend for life.

...for the first time, I just knew these two belonged together. His expression was like finding a long-lost companion for adventures to come, Ms Dawood said.

Ms Dawood previously said in an interview with the BBC that she and her daughter were onboard the Polar Prince, the mothership that launched the Titan into the sea, when it lost communication with the submersible just one hour and 45 minutes into its descent. She said she was meant to go on the fated expedition with her husband but had taken a last-minute decision to give up her seat so her son could share that experience with his father.

The father of the late millionaire also shared his shock and pain during Tuesdays memorial.

In such a situation, what does a father say, and a grandfather? Hussain Dawood said as he fought tears. Both of them [were] so excited. So terribly excited about going to see the Titanic.

The grieving father echoed his daughter-in-laws previous remarks, noting his son not only exhibited a spirit of entrepreneurship but a high spirit of exploration.

Shahzada and Suleman both convinced us that we should go to Antarctica with them this coming winter and how excited they were  an amazing father and son, Mr Dawood said.

Shahzada Dawood and his 19-year-old son Suleman Dawood were tragically killed after their submersible imploded (Family handout)

Speaking about Sulemans legacy, Mr Rahman said that her friends son was a remarkable young man who was sensible and operated at a level way ahead of his age.

Mr Rahman said he hoped Suleman was in heaven teaching the angels to do a Rubiks Cube in 15 seconds or under, in reference to the teens dream to set a world record for solving the puzzle in the oceans depth.

OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, British billionaire Hamish Harding and renowned French diver Paul-Henri Nargeolet were also on board the Titan. All five passengers are presumed dead following the discovery of debris from the Titan 1,600ft from the Titanics wreck on Thursday (22 June).

An international group of agencies is now investigating what may have caused the submersible to implode, and US maritime officials say theyll issue a report aimed at improving the safety of submersibles worldwide.

Salvage operations from the sea floor are ongoing, and the accident site has been mapped, chief investigator Captain Jason Neubauer said on Sunday, adding that the final report will be issued to the International Maritime Organisation.
 Close Titan submersible wreckage brought ashore after fatal implosion

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OceanGate Expeditions, the company that launched the doomed Titan submersible trip to the wreckage of the Titanic, has ceased operations.

A small message in the top-left corner of OceanGates website reads: OceanGate has suspended all exploration and commercial operations.

The announcement comes a full two weeks after the submersible imploded while carrying five people, sparking an international search, rescue and recovery operation.

OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, French diver Paul-Henri Nargeolet, British billionaire Hamish Harding, Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his teenage son Suleman Dawood all died in the implosion.

The company has come under scrutiny in the weeks following the tragic accident as former employees, former passengers and experts in the industry have criticised OceanGate for embarking on a potentially dangerous trip in the questionably designed submersible.

OceanGates decision to cease operations comes just after the companys former finance director claimed she quit after CEO Stockton Rush asked her to captain the Titan once he fired the crafts original chief pilot David Lochridge.
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Voice recordings and other data will be reviewed as part of a US Coast Guard-appointed expert boards probe into the catastrophic implosion of the Titan submersible last week.

American and Canadian marine authorities have announced investigations into the circumstances that led to the vessels malfunction after its chambers were found in a sea of debris 1,600ft from the wreck of the Titanic.

US Coast Guard Captain Jason Neubauer, who is chairing the investigation, said during a press conference on Sunday that he has summoned a Marine Board of Investigation, the highest level of investigation conducted by the Coast Guard. The boards role is to determine the cause of the tragedy in order to pursue civil or criminal sanctions as necessary.

Voice recordings between the Titan and its mothership Polar Prince will be reviewed by investigators. The motherships crew is also being interviewed by different agencies.

Investigators with the Coast Guard have mapped the accident site and salvage operations are expected to continue, Cpt Jason Neubauer said. Once the investigation is wrapped  a timeline has not been laid out  a report with evidence, conclusions and recommendations will be released.

Im not getting into the details of the recovery operations but we are taking all precautions on site if we are to encounter any human remains, Cpt Neubauer told reporters. At this time a priority of the investigation is to recover items from the sea floor.

Coast Guard investigators are working along with the US National Transportation Safety Board, as well as the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, the French Marine Casualties Investigation Board and the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch.

The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) boarded the Polar Prince over the weekend to conduct interviews after the vessel returned to its port in St Johns in Newfoundland with its flags at half-mast. The TSB said the of investigators had been deployed to St Johns to gather information, conduct interviews and assess the occurrence.

Capt. Jason Neubauer, chief investigator, US Coast, right, speaks with the media along with US.Coast Guard Rear Adm. John MaUGER (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The TSBs chair, Kathy Fox, said that the crew was interviewed to collect information from the vessels voyage data recorder and other vessel systems that contain useful information, according to CNN.

Meanwhile, the Canadian Coast Guard said one of its vessels would remain on the scene and would provide assistance and support to the recovery and salvage operations as requested by Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Boston.

Several safety concerns about the Titan have emerged in the aftermath of the tragedy. A lawsuit filed by a former OceanGate employee in 2018 and obtained by The New Republic listed visible flaws with the vessel that were reportedly ignored by senior management.

Submarine experts had also signed a letter expressing unanimous concern with the companys decision not to seek outside evaluation and testing before bringing passengers down to the Titanic. The Independent has contacted OceanGate for comment on the allegations.

Crew members of the Polar Prince prepare to dock the ship as it arrives at the Coast Guard wharf in on Saturday, June 24, 2023 in St. John's, Newfoundland (AP)

Officials from the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) of Canada board the Polar Prince, the main support ship for the Titan submersible (PA)

A 2019 post on OceanGates website stated that the Titan was not classed by major marine operations because those certifications do not ensure that operators adhere to proper operating procedures and decision-making processes  two areas that are much more important for mitigating risks at sea, according to CNN.

The company has not publicly addressed those allegations but it issued a statement mourning the deaths of the five passengers.

On board the watercraft were OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, British billionaire Hamish Harding, French diver Paul-Henri Nargeolet, Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his teenage son Suleman Dawood.

These men were true explorers who shared a distinct spirit of adventure, and a deep passion for exploring and protecting the worlds oceans, the release read.

Our hearts are with these five souls and every member of their families during this tragic time. We grieve the loss of life and joy they brought to everyone they knew.
YEREVAN, JUNE 28, ARMENPRESS. 4 Nagorno Karabakh servicemen were killed when Azerbaijani forces began bombarding Nagorno Karabakh positions with artillery and drone strikes in the early hours of Wednesday, the Nagorno Karabakh Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

On June 28, starting from 1:30 a.m., the units of the Azerbaijani armed forces opened artillery fire in the direction of Martuni and Martakert, using UAVs as well. There are 4 casualties from the Armenian side. The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Artsakh will make an additional statement, the ministry said.

The ministry added that the recent continuous disinformation campaign launched by Azerbaijan falsely accusing the Nagorno Karabakh army of violating the ceasefire was aimed at creating an information base for this aggression.

The Ministry of Defence of Azerbaijan, continuously spreading disinformation in previous days as if the units of the Defence Army violate the ceasefire, and, in particular, on June 27, by disseminating a false statement about the wounding of the Azerbaijani AF serviceman by the Armenian side fire, created an informational basis for another provocation. The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Artsakh will make an additional statement, the Nagorno Karabakh ministry of defense added.
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A Belarusian opposition activist says that he has provided the International Criminal Court with materials allegedly detailing President Alexander Lukashenko's involvement in the forcible transfer of Ukrainian children to Belarus, accusations angrily rejected by Minsk.

Lukashenko has been Moscow's closest ally, allowing the Kremlin to use Belarusian territory to send troops and weapons into Ukraine, welcoming a continued Russian military presence in Belarus and the deployment of some of Russia's tactical nuclear weapons there.

The authoritarian leader has also agreed to a union state project that has seen Moscow and Minsk tighten their economic, political and defense ties, while so far stopping short of a full merger.

Pavel Latushka, a former Belarusian culture minister, said Tuesday that the materials he has handed over to the ICC indicate that more than 2,100 Ukrainian children from at least 15 Russia-occupied Ukrainian cities have been forcibly taken to Belarus with Lukashenko's approval.

Latushka voiced hope that the materials would prompt the ICC to issue a warrant for Lukashenkos arrest, as it did with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The courts prosecution office on Wednesday didnt immediately confirm receipt of the materials described by Latushka.

In March, the ICC issued warrants for both Putin and his commissioner for childrens rights, Maria Lvova-Belova. Judges in The Hague said they found reasonable grounds to believe that the two were responsible for the war crimes of unlawful deportation of children and unlawful transfer of children from occupied areas of Ukraine to Russia. Moscow has angrily rejected the move.

Ukrainian children, who were under the guardianship of the Ukrainian state, including orphans, children with disabilities and those whose parents were stripped of their parental rights, have been illegally transferred into the territory of Belarus, Latushka told The Associated Press.

The materials handed over to the prosecutors prove that Lukashenko has personally signed the documents under the auspices of the so-called union state of Russia and Belarus that provided a basis for organizing and funding the transfer of Ukrainian children to Belarus," he added.

In an online statement published Tuesday, Latushka's anti-Lukashenko National Anti-Crisis Management Group claims to have gathered evidence that the Ukrainian children were placed in five Belarusian summer camps and health resorts.

In a phone interview, Latushka charged that the documents point to Ukrainian children held in Belarusian facilities undergoing ideological brainwashing and Russification before being sent to Russia for adoption, activities he said could amount to war crimes.

Materials published online by the National Anti-Crisis Management Group include a video that shows an entertainer on stage wishing death on U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to cheers and applause from several dozen children gathered in the audience. The same entertainer then voices a wish for Putin to prosper and take control of all of Ukraine.

It wasn't possible to independently verify the circumstances in which the video was shot, nor substantiate Latushka's other claims.

Lukashenko on Tuesday rejected Latushka's accusations as "madness, arguing that Belarus has temporarily hosted the children to help them recover from the war's trauma.

The Belarusian leader said he has reached out to Putin and they agreed to fund the children's stay in Belarus from the state budget.

This is how we started taking them here, Lukashenko said Tuesday. We help improve their health and they leave. They actually don't want to leave.

Lukashenko denounced Latushka as a scoundrel and accused him of trying to manufacture an ICC case against him.

Latushka was forced to leave Belarus under pressure from Belarusian authorities following Lukashenko's reelection in a 2020 vote that the opposition and the West denounced as rigged. Lukashenko, who has ruled the nation of 9.5 million people with an iron hand for 29 years, relied on Russias political and financial support to brutally suppress months of major opposition protests.

Latushka, who lives in self-imposed exile in Poland, said that he received an increasing flow of death threats as he pressed his investigation into the alleged forced transfers of children.

Speaking to the AP, he charged that along with Lukashenko, at least four other people have been involved in transferring Ukrainian children to Belarus, including Dmitry Mezentsev, a top official within the Russo-Belarusian union state structure, Ivan Golovaty, the head of state-owned Belarusian fertilizer exporter Belaruskali, Alexei Talai, the head of a government-supported charity fund, and Olga Volkova, a pro-Russia activist in Ukraine's partially-occupied Donetsk region.

Documents published by Latushka's opposition group also include a copy of a letter signed by Mezentsev and addressed to the head of Russia's national rail operator, Russian Railways, asking that it jointly organize the transportation of the children from Ukraine's industrial east for rehabilitation to brotherly Belarus.

The letter, dated March 23, referenced a decision by Putin and Lukashenko to provide humanitarian aid" to the children, as well as plans to resettle almost 2,000 orphans and children living in harsh conditions to Belarus this year. It said that 1,050 minors would be transferred in April and May, with another 908 set to follow later in the year. It also indicated that an unspecified number of minors were taken to Belarus last year in a state-funded joint effort by the Russian and Belarusian rail operators.

Any group or individual can send evidence of alleged crimes to the ICC. Prosecutors assess such submissions to identify those that appear to fall within the jurisdiction of the Court and warrant further action, the court says on its website.

The Belarusian authorities have said that the country would host more than 1,000 children ranging in age from 6 to 15 from Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine for recovery. They said the first 350 of them arrived in Belarus in April, but didnt say how long they will stay in the country.

Last month, the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's office said it has launched an investigation into the forced transfer of Ukrainian children to Belarus.

___

Mike Corder contributed to this report from The Hague, Netherlands.
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A Black man who spent seven years behind bars as a member of the Central Park Five  the teenagers wrongly convicted of the rape and assault of a jogger  looks set to join New York City Council in his home neighbourhood of Harlem.

Yusef Salaam declared victory in the Democratic primary in Harlems 9th District, 34 years after false accusations  including by Donald Trump  upended his life. Local voters are unlikely to elect a Republican when the council seat comes up for grabs in November.

The poet, activist, and author, now a member of the Exonerated Five, appeared in court at age 15 at his sentencing hearing in August 1990, telling the judge that he saw this legal lynching as a test by my God Allah.

His conviction was overturned 12 years later. As the primary results came in on Tuesday night, Mr Saalam looked likely to receive just over 50 per cent of the votes out of the around 11,000 ballots cast in the district.

A seemingly stunned Mr Salaam said: Harlem is the place that gave me a second chance. I am my ancestors wildest dream.

This campaign has been about those who have been counted out. This campaign has been about those who have been forgotten, he said.

During his campaign, Mr Salaam, 49, emphasised housing and criminal justice reform.

Ive often said that those who have been close to the pain should have a seat at the table, he told the AP earlier in June.

Mr Salaam was wrongly convicted of the attack on Trisha Meili, a white woman in her late 20s who was jogging in Central Park on 19 April 1989. He was sentenced along with Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Raymond Santana, and Korey Wise  all aged between 14 and 16.

The case against the teenagers went ahead despite witnesses contradicting each other and despite the lack of forensic evidence connecting any of them to the crime.

Mr Trump bought several full-page newspaper advertisements calling for the return of the death penalty over the crime.

All five spent between five and 12 years behind bars before the convictions were overturned in 2002. DNA evidence revealed that a serial rapist, Matias Reyes, was connected to the attack. The city agreed to a settlement with the exonerated men worth $41m (32m).

When I came back here from prison, I couldnt afford my apartment, Mr Salaam told Air Mail earlier in June. I remember that big, orange eviction sticker on my door. I remember the shame I felt when my neighbors saw that.

We have to climb out of the gravitational pull of all the negatives that pull us down, he said.

Mr Salaam is now set to join the framework of city power that once put him in prison.

When people look at me and they know my story, they resonate with it, he said. But now here we are 34 years later, and Im able to use that platform that I have and repurpose the pain, help people as we climb out of despair.

Poverty in Harlem is around 10 percentage points higher than the 18 per cent across all of New York City, figures from New York Universitys Furman Center show.

More than a quarter of those living in Harlem spend more than half their income on rent, and the area has some of the highest child homelessness rates in the city.

Mr Salaam has never received an apology from Mr Trump. Asked in 2019 if he would apologise, the president said there were people on both sides of the issue.

They admitted their guilt, he said, although the five have said they were coerced into confessing.

Some of the prosecutors think the city should never have settled that case. So, well leave it at that, Mr Trump said.

As Mr Trump was indicted in New York in April on 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection to hush-money payments to women who are alleged to have had affairs with him, Mr Salaam shared a mocking ad on social media, similar to the one Mr Trump had placed in the papers decades previously.

Over 30 years ago, Donald Trump took out full page ads calling for my execution, Mr Salaam tweeted alongside the ad, which stated, Bring Back Justice & Fairness.
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Donald Trump sued E Jean Carroll for defamation on Tuesday after a jury held him liable for sexually abusing her.

The former president filed a counterclaim in Manhattan federal court, accusing the author of tarnishing his reputation publicly. He has sought retraction as well as unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.

According to the court filing, Mr Trump has been the subject of significant harm to his reputation, which, in turn, has yielded an inordinate amount of damages sustained as a result.

Last month, a jury of six men and three women found that the former president was liable for sexual abuse, and not liable for rape, before awarding Ms Carroll $5m in damages.

He also launched a fresh defamatory attack on Ms Carroll last month just hours after her lawyers formally asked to amend her remaining defamation lawsuit against the ex-president to include his smears at a CNN town hall.

Trumps defamatory statements post-verdict show the depth of his malice toward Carroll since it is hard to imagine defamatory conduct that could possibly be more motivated by hatred, ill will, or spite, the proposed amended complaint said.

This conduct supports a very substantial punitive damages award in Carrolls favour both to punish Trump, to deter him from engaging in further defamation, and to deter others from doing the same, the complaint said.

After his statements about her on CNN, Ms Carrolls lawyers had asked a Manhattan federal court judge for permission to amend the first defamation lawsuit that she filed against Ms Trump in 2019.

He later wrote on Truth Social: I dont know E Jean Carroll, I never met her or touched her (except on a celebrity line with her African American husband who she disgustingly called the Ape,), he wrote. Mr Trump has previously also accused Ms Carroll of calling her husband ape, without any evidence.

I wouldnt want to know or touch her, I never abused her or raped her or took her to a dressing room 25 years ago in a crowded department store where the doors are LOCKED, she has no idea when, or did anything else to her, except deny her Fake, Made Up Story, that she wrote in a book. IT NEVER HAPPENED, IS A TOTAL SCAM, UNFAIR TRIAL! he added.

Meanwhile, Mr Trumps lawyers said in the court filing on Tuesday: The interview was on television, social media and multiple internet websites, with the intention of broadcasting and circulating these defamatory statements among a significant portion of the public.

The former presidents court filing on Tuesday is a counterclaim in a separate 2019 defamation lawsuit Ms Carroll filed against him that is set to go to trial in January, it was reported. While Ms Carroll won the first trial, the former president has interpreted the verdict as a victory, of sorts, because of the finding on rape.

Additional reporting from agencies
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An investigation by a United Nations (UN) special rapporteur has determined that prisoners incarcerated at Guantanamo Bay are being held under conditions that are cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment under international law.

The special rapporteur, University of Minnesota law professor Fionnuala Ni Aolain, spent four days at Guantanamo Bay in February speaking with detainees, former detainees, and lawyers who have worked in and around the notorious facility located on the Cuban coast.

Guantanamo Bay has long been notorious, seen by many on the left as a symbol of American disregard for the rule of law in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. A number of detainees have reported that they were tortured.

But the special rapporteurs report is a landmark: the first time an independent investigator from the UN has been allowed into Guantanamo Bay since the facility opened more than two decades ago. Since 2002, nearly 800 people have been held at the facility  the vast majority of them Muslim, the vast majority held without a charge or clear trial date. According to the American Civil Liberies Union (ACLU), 39 men remained indefinetely detained at the facility as of last year.

Ms Ni Aolain cited the use of solitary confinement, lack of healthcare, and the use of force against detainees as among the reasons conditions at the prison may even amount to torture.

The Biden administrations response to the investigative findings was largely defensive.

In an official response to Ms Ni Aolain submitted by Michele Taylor, the ambassador to the UN Human Rights Council, the administration complimented itself for allowing Ms Ni Aolain to access the facility and then minimised many of her findings.

The United States disagrees in significant respects with many factual and legal assertions the SR has made, Ms Taylor wrote. We are committed to providing safe and humane treatment for detainees at Guantanamo, in full accordance with international and U.S. domestic law. Detainees live communally and prepare meals together; receive specialized medical and psychiatric care; are given full access to legal counsel; and communicate regularly with family members.

Nevertheless, Ms Taylor wrote that the US is nonetheless carefully reviewing the SR's recommendations and will take any appropriate actions, as warranted.

In her report, Ms Ni Aolain outlined a number of areas in which the US could take action. One is regarding its the care it provides for detainees, a number of whom are suffering in Ms Ni Aolains judgement from torture-induced trauma in addition to a range of permanent disabilities and chronic pain.

Ms Ni Aolain called on the US to establish an independent, civilian health care programme for detainees it has allegedly tortured through the years, and noted as well that US has failed to adequately address its use of torture against detainees at Guantanamo Bay.

A number of organisations, including the ACLU have called on the US to close the facility completely. Former President Barack Obama announced a plan to close the facility in 2015, but failed to follow through. The Biden administration has also suggested it wants to eventually close the facility, though it has yet to happen.
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Watch as Los Angeles immigrant communities, immigrant rights organisations and allies hold a solidarity rally to condemn Ron DeSantiss attacks on immigrants through legislation, such as the show me your papers law that goes into effect on 1 July 2023.

The Republican presidential candidate on Monday (26 June) laid out further details of an aggressive immigration policy, promising to end birthright citizenship, finish building the southern border wall and send US forces into Mexico to combat drug cartels should he make it to the White House.

I have listened to people in DC for years and years and years, going back decades - Republicans and Democrats - always chirping about this yet never actually bringing the issue to a conclusion, Mr DeSantis told his audience in a Texas border city earlier this week.

What were saying is no excuses on this.

The DeSantis campaign is expected to roll out more detailed policies in the coming weeks.
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House Republicans have held it over Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for months. Attorney General Merrick Garland is facing it too. And President Joe Biden seemingly isnt far behind.

Driven by the demands of hard-right members, Republicans in the House are threatening impeachment against Biden and his top Cabinet officials, creating a backbeat of chatter about high crimes and misdemeanors that is driving legislative action, spurring committee investigations, raking in fundraising money and complicating the plans of Speaker Kevin McCarthy and his leadership team.

Long viewed as an option of last resort, to be triggered only for the most severe wrongdoing, the constitutionally authorized power of impeachment is rapidly moving from the extraordinary to the humdrum, driven in large part by Republicans and their grievances about how Democrats twice impeached President Donald Trump.

Republicans remain so opposed to Trumps impeachments, in fact, that they are pressing for votes to expunge the charges altogether  an attempt to clear his name that is without direct precedent in congressional history.

Were seeing a generation of Republicans who are much more willing to test the boundaries of how much you can weaponize procedures, said Julian Zelizer, a Princeton University historian and political scientist.

McCarthy on Sunday made Garland the latest target of a potential impeachment investigation as Republicans examine how the Department of Justice handled the prosecution of Hunter Biden for federal tax offenses. It capped a tumultuous week in which hard-right Republicans forced a vote to send articles of impeachment against Biden to a committee for investigation and also voted to censure Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff for his remarks and actions during the 2017 investigation into Trumps ties to Russia.

Some Republicans are pushing for yet another censure action, this time against Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson for his leadership of the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 insurrection.

In the past, lawmakers have reserved censure, a punishment one step below expulsion, for grave misconduct. When former Rep. Charles Rangel, a New York Democrat, was censured in 2010 on a bipartisan vote for ethics violations, then-speaker Nancy Pelosi solemnly summoned him to the well of the House, where censured members must stand as the resolution is read in a moment of public shaming.

"We really tried hard to put aside the partisan considerations because we knew how sharp and potent the weapon (of censure) was, said former Rep. Steve Israel, Democrat of New York, who was among Pelosis closest confidantes. This thing used to be rare. Now, its in every cycle, in breaking news.

When Schiff was censured last week, the proceedings quickly took on a carnival-like quality. Democrats, Pelosi included, streamed forward to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in the well of the House. They heckled McCarthy as he read the charges  calling out Shame! Disgrace! and Adam! Adam!  until the speaker left the dais.

What goes around comes around, one Democrat could be heard shouting in the chamber. Republicans streamed from the chamber shaking their heads.

That was wild in there, said Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla. She had brought the censure resolution against Schiff, using a legislative tool that allowed her to bypass leadership and force a vote.

The fervor in the House for doling out punishment shows no signs of breaking  in part because lawmakers are reaping the media attention and fundraising dollars that are steadily replacing committee chairmanships as the locus of power in the House.

Luna, who is just months into her first House term after winning a Florida district formerly held by Democrats, was the subject of a Fox News interview in prime-time after her successful push to censure Schiff.

And the attention cut both ways. Schiff, who is running for a California Senate seat, seemed to relish the moment and leveraged it into a fundraising blitz.

They go after people they think are effective; they go after people they think are standing up to them, Schiff said in an interview on The View, one of several TV appearances he had in the aftermath.

Yet theres a risk that Republicans' appetite for using the punishment powers could easily escalate into a more serious test of whether Congress is legitimately wielding power  and nowhere does that possibility loom larger than when it comes to Biden.

Rep. Lauren Boebert, a Colorado Republican who won reelection last year by fewer than 600 votes, forced a vote last week on an impeachment resolution against Biden for high crimes and misdemeanors over his handling of the U.S. border with Mexico.

Republican leaders were able to bottle up Boeberts resolution, holding a vote that sent the matter to congressional committees for consideration.

Some Republicans, however, view it as a question of when, not if, Biden is impeached. Floor debate on the resolution took on the air of a dress rehearsal, as Democrats and Republicans debated whether Biden has committed high crimes and misdemeanors with his handling of border and immigration policy.

Only three other presidents in U.S. history have been impeached  Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton and Trump, though none were convicted by the Senate. Should Republicans decide to make Biden the fourth, a system of checks and balances created by the framers could face a test like never before.

While the Constitution's impeachment standard of high crimes and misdemeanors is deliberately open-ended, the Republicans impeachment argument against Biden has centered so far on disagreement with his policy decisions, namely his handling of the southern border, which they say amounts to breaking his oath of office.

Zelizer, the political historian, warned that moving forward with impeachment on those grounds would have lasting consequences.

It weakens the function of government, it undermines trust in this democracy, and it will leave the democracy weaker than when it started, he said.
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Federal judges in Kentucky and Tennessee have issued preliminary injunctions that partially block recently passed state laws banning gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth, joining several other federal court decisions that have temporarily blocked or struck down a wave of similar laws.

Tennessee US District Judge Eli Richardson, who was appointed by Donald Trump, noted in his ruling on 28 June that every court to consider preliminarily enjoining a ban on gender-affirming care for minors has found that such a ban is likely unconstitutional,

If Tennessee wishes to regulate access to certain medical procedures, he wrote, it must do so in a manner that does not infringe on the rights conferred by the United States Constitution, which is of course supreme to all other laws of the land.

A decision from Kentucky US District Judge David J Hale on 28 June  one day before the law was set to go into effect  follows a legal challenge from a group of seven trans children and their families arguing that the law unconstitutionally singles out trans kids from the healthcare they can receive.

The plaintiffs also argued that the law unconstitutionally restricts a parents right to make medical decisions for their children.

Judge Hale determined that the plaintiffs demonstrated a strong likelihood to succeed on their constitutional challenges and has blocked the law from going into effect while the legal challenge plays out.

Senate Bill 150 prohibits doctors from providing hormone therapies and puberty blockers to trans minors  treatments that Judge Hale notes are medically appropriate and necessary for some transgender children under the evidence-based standard of care accepted by all major medical organizations in the United States.

These drugs have a long history of safe use in minors for various conditions. It is undisputed that puberty-blockers and hormones are not given to prepubertal children with gender dysphoria, he wrote.

Shannon Minter, legal director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, said the decision is a huge relief for the families at the centre of the lawsuit.

We are grateful that the court carefully considered all of the evidence and recognized that there is no support for this dangerous and unprecedented law, she added.

The law, denounced as one of the most far-reaching state-level measures targeting LGBT+ people amid an explosion of similar proposals across the US, was initially struck down by Democratic Governor Andy Beshear.

A week later, lawmakers in the states Republican-controlled legislature voted to override his veto.

The law also determines which bathrooms and locker rooms students can use and prohibits students from using pronouns and names other than those assigned at birth. It also prohibits discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools, adopting elements of what critics have called Dont Say Gay language introduced in similar legislation across the US.

Those elements of the law are preserved; the lawsuit solely focused on provisions of the law impacting healthcare.

State senator Karen Berg  whose trans son died by suicide weeks before this years legislative session  drove opposition to the bill over the last several months.

During legislative debate, she denounced the absolute willful, intentional hate for a small group of people, who are the weakest and the most vulnerable among us.

By the end of May, state lawmakers this year had introduced more than 500 bills impacting LGBT+ people, including 220 bills specifically targeting trans and nonbinary Americans, according to an analysis from the Human Rights Campaign.

More than a dozen states have enacted laws or policies banning affirming healthcare for young trans people.

But federal judges in several states have struck down or temporarily blocked similar laws with a series of rulings that refute evidence from Republican officials and their arguments against widely accepted medical guidance.

Last week, a federal judge in Arkansas permanently struck down the states first-in-the-nation ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth, finding that the law violates the constitutional rights of trans patients, their families and health providers.

In the Kentucky case, Judge Hale found the governments arguments superficial and unpersuasive.

The judge also disputed the states arguments that healthcare providers were financially motivated, and shot down purported evidence from quoted studies from some European countries questioning the efficacy of the drugs and anecdotes from a handful of detransitioners supporting arguments to ban such care entirely.

Doctors currently decide, based on the widely accepted standard of care, whether puberty-blockers or hormones are appropriate for a particular patient, he wrote.
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Senator Rick Scott posted a video of himself on Tuesday warning socialists and communists not to travel or move to his home state of Florida.

Let me give you a travel warning: if youre a Socialist, Communist, somebody that believes in big government, I would think twice  think twice  if youre thinking about taking a vacation or moving to Florida, Mr Scott said at the start of his 35-second video message.

Mr Scotts travel warning is a play on the travel advisories civil rights groups like the NAACP and the Human Rights Campaign have issued warning immigrants, LGBT+ people, and people of colour to reconsider travel to the state after it passed a number of laws targeting those communities in recent months.

Its also not the first time Mr Scott, an ambitious first-term senator and former governor, has used the gimmick of issuing his own advisory to draw attention to himself. The senator also issued a press release last month warning people with left-wing views to stay away from the state.

Were the free state of Florida, Mr Scott continued in his video. We actually dont believe in socialism. We actually know people  some people in our state lived under it, we know people lived under socialism, its not good. Its not good for anybody. So, if youre thinking about it, if youre thinking about coming to Florida and youre a socialist or communist, think twice. We like freedom, liberty, capitalism, things like that.

Mr Scott is reportedly considering running for president, where he would be one of a number of longshot candidates attempting to wrest the nomination away from former president Donald Trump. Along with Mr Trump, two other Floridians are already in the race  Ron DeSantis, Mr Scotts successor as governor, and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez.

Of those candidates, its Mr DeSantis who can claim the most credit for turning Florida into a state that has become a symbol for far right governance. In Mr DeSantiss tenure as governor, the state has moved to severely limit abortion rights, limit free speech in schools, end the states tenure system, limit gender-affirming care, and more.

Mr Scott, a billionaire former hospital executive who unsuccessfully challenged senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky for leadership of the Republican Senate caucus at the start of the current Congress, has reportedly had a strained relationship with Mr DeSantis. He is currently running for re-election to the Senate.
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Rudy Giuliani, Donald Trumps former attorney, was questioned by investigators with the Justice Department special counsels office over his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in battleground states.

A spokesperson for Mr Giuliani confirmed the meeting with the special counsel, saying it was voluntary.

"The appearance was entirely voluntary and conducted in a professional manner," Ted Goodman said in a statement to Associated Press.

The meeting with the grand jury and Mr Giulianis attorney Robert Costello happened in recent weeks, sources familiar with the meeting said.

The sources declined to reveal what questions were asked by the investigators during the meeting.

The interview of Mr Giuliani with special counsel was first reported by CNN.

Some of the questions by federal investigators to Mr Giuliani centred around top Trump lawyers actions, including himself, during the elections and questions about baseless claims of voter fraud, sources familiar with the meeting told CNN.

Prosecutors in the investigation led by special counsel Jack Smith have not yet announced any charges related to efforts aimed at impeding the certification of the 2020 presidential election, suggested sources familiar with the case.

However, prosecutors are approaching their charges in the near future, they said.

It comes as Mr Smith is leading efforts to scrutinize Mr Trump and his allies efforts to overturn the result of the elections in weeks leading up to 6 January 2021 Capitol riots by supporters of the former president.

He filed a separate case earlier this month charging Mr Trump with illegally retaining classified documents at his Florida home, Mar-a-Lago.

Mr Giuliani, who pushed bogus legal challenges to the victory of Joe Biden in elections as a part of Mr Trumps legal team, became a key figure in investigations for his efforts.

The former presidents legal team filed lawsuits in battleground states raising unsubstantiated claims of vast election fraud even though officials, including Mr Trumps own attorney general, William Barr, said no such pervasive problems existed.

Last year, he underwent interviews with both a House committee investigating the events leading up to the January 6 attack and prosecutors in Fulton County, Georgia. The investigations in question were focused on efforts to undermine the election in that particular state.

He was subpoenaed late last year to turn over the records to a grand jury in investigations into Mr Trumps fundraisings following the 2020 elections.

For several months, prosecutors from the Justice Department have been investigating the involvement of legal advisers to former president Trump in their efforts to overturn the election.

In July last year, John Eastman, a conservative lawyer who assisted Mr Trump in challenging the election results, revealed that federal agents had confiscated his phone.
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A Russian missile attack on a pizza restaurant in the eastern city of Kramatorsk has killed at least 11 people, including three teenagers, and left more than 60 people injured.

Authorities in the city have named 14-year-old twins, Yuliya and Anna Aksenchenko, as being among the dead. In a Telegram post, the city's council extended its condolences to the parents of the girls, saying that "a Russian rocket stopped the beating of the hearts of two angels". Another girl, aged 17, was also killed

"We share the grief of your family and together with you we bow our heads in deep sorrow," the city council said.

What happened in the attack?

The Pizza RIA restaurant was popular with both locals, as well as aid workers and journalists  and was said to be crowded when it was hit on Tuesday evening.

"I ran here after the explosion because I rented a cafe here.... Everything has been blown out there," said Valentyna, a 64-year-old woman who declined to give her surname. "None of the glass, windows or doors are left. All I see is destruction, fear and horror. This is the 21st century," she told Reuters.

Police said around 60 people were injured in the strike, which turned the restaurant into a pile of twisted beams.

Emergency services posted pictures online of rescue teams sifting through the site with cranes and other equipment.

Search and rescue efforts continue after the Russian missile attack (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

The Donetsk regional governor  the area where Kramatorsk is located  Pavlo Kyrylenko told national television that people were visible under the rubble. Their condition was unknown, he said, but "we are experienced in removing rubble".

Video footage on military Telegram channels showed one man, his head bleeding, receiving first aid on the pavement.

Eight people had been rescued alive from the rubble and at least three more were believed to be trapped, Veronika Bakha, the spokeswoman for the Donetsk region emergency services said.

The attack also damaged 18 multi-story buildings, 65 houses, five schools, two kindergartens, a shopping center, an administrative building and a recreational building, the regional governor, Mr Kyrylenko, said.

Why Kramatorsk?

Russia has been keeping up an aerial assault across Ukraine for months. Kramatorsk is a major city west of the frontlines in Donetsk province, a key logistics hub. It would likely be a key objective in any Russian advance westward seeking to capture all of the region.

The city has been a frequent target of Russian attacks, including a strike on the town's railway station in April 2022 that killed dozens. It was one of the worst single air strikes of the war. There were at least two strikes on apartment buildings and other civilian sites earlier this year.

View more

Officials initially blamed the strike in Kramatorsk on an S-300 missile, a surface-to-air weapon that Russia's forces have repurposed for loosely targeted strikes on cities, but the National Police later said Iskander short-range ballistic missiles were used.

Russia denies targeting civilian sites in its invasion of Ukraine  which began in February 2022  a claim rubbished by Ukrainian officials and Western allies of Kyiv.

Kramatorsk's position in the Donetsk region, one of four Ukrainian provinces that Russia claimed to annex last September but does not fully control. Russia annexed the region of Crimea almost a decade ago. Ukrainian-held parts of the partially occupied provinces have been hit especially hard by Russian bombardment.

The Kremlin demands that Kyiv recognize the annexations, while Kyiv has ruled out any talks with Russia until its troops pull back from all occupied territories. Kyiv recently launched a much-anticipated counteroffensive to take back occupied territory.

What other strikes have there been in the last 24 hours?

A second missile hit a village on the fringes of Kramatorsk on Tuesday, injuring five. A Russian missile also hit a cluster of buildings in Kremenchuk, about 230 miles west in central Ukraine, exactly a year after an attack on a shopping mall there that killed at least 20. No casualties were reported in the latest attack.

Rescuers and volunteers work to rescue people from under the rubble (Genya Savilov/AFP via Getty Images)

On Wednesday morning, the head of the Kharkiv region said three civilians have been killed in Russian shelling.

"Unfortunately, as a result of this shelling, three civilians in the village of Vovchanski Khutory were killed near their homes," governor Oleh Synehubov wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

What has been the Ukrainian response?

On Wednesday, Ukrainian authorities arrested Wednesday a man they accused of helping Russia direct the missile strike. The Security Service of Ukraine alleged in a message on Telegram that the man had filmed the restaurant for the Russians and informed them about its popularity.

Vasyl Malyuk, the head of the Security Service of Ukraine, said in a statement: The agent of the Russian Federation will definitely answer to the Ukrainian court. But his detention is also a signal to all other adjusters and traitors who work for the enemy. Remember  the punishment is inevitable!

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly video message on Tuesday that the attacks showed that Russia "deserved only one thing as a consequence of what it has done  defeat and a tribunal".

Ukraine has been pushing for a war crimes tribunal to deal with Russia's actions in Ukraine, and have been gathering evidence.

Reuters and Associated Press contributed to this report
STEPANAKERT, JUNE 28, ARMENPRESS. Nagorno Karabakh authorities said Wednesday morning that the situation at the line of contact with Azerbaijan was relatively stable as of 07:00, hours after an Azeri attack left four Nagorno Karabakh servicemen dead.

Azerbaijani forces launched an artillery and drone attack at military positions of the Nagorno Karabakh Defense Army at 01:30, June 28.

The Ministry of Defense of Nagorno Karabakh said it will publish the names of the fallen troops in an additional statement later.
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Frances President Emmanuel Macron has described the death of a 17-year-old shot by police during a traffic stop in a Paris suburb as inexplicable and inexcusable  saying nothing justifies a young person being killed.

The remarks come in the wake of unrest and protests overnight into Wednesday, mainly in the Paris suburb of Nanterre where the victim  named as Nahel by lawyers representing his family  lived. Cars were burned and some protesters threw fireworks at the police, who sprayed people with tear gas.

Mr Macrons remarks were unusally frank, with politicians in the country usually reticent to speak out too harshly against law enforcement given what an important issue policing and security is for voters. We have an adolescent that was killed, it is unexplainable and inexcusable, Mr Macron told reporters in Marseille. Nothing justifies the death of a young man. The president also called for calm and said the judiciary would do its work.

In a Twitter post, Mr Macron repeated the message, saying he shared the pain of Nahels family while also urging calm and respect. Appearing to soften his language towards the police somewhat, he expressed gratitude to the forces of law and order who protect us.

A police officer is being investigated for voluntary homicide over the shooting. Prosecutors say the teenager failed to comply with an order to stop his car early on Monday.

Videos purported to show the incident were extremely shocking, the interior minister, Gerald Darmanin, said, pledging a full investigation. The images show two police officers leaning into the driver-side window of a yellow car, before the vehicle pulls away as one officer fires into the window. The car is then seen having crashed into a post nearby.

The victim was wounded by a gunshot and died at the scene, the prosecutors office said in a statement. It is believed he was hit in the chest. One passenger in the car was briefly detained and released, and police are searching for another passenger who fled.

Paris police chief Laurent Nunez told BFMTV that this act raises questions for me and that the justice system would decide whether or not it was appropriate.

The two officers who carried out the traffic stop were aged between 38 and 40 and were experienced, Mr Darmanin said.

You have a video that is very clear: a police officer killed a young man of 17 years. We can see that the shooting is not within the rules, said Yassine Bouzrou, one of the lawyers for the family. The family has filed a legal complaint against the officers for homicide, complicity in homicide and allegations of false testimony, the lawyer said.

The lawyers refuted a reported initial statement by the police that their lives were in danger because the driver had threatened to run them over.

Mr Bouzrou told The Associated Press the family want the investigation handed to a different region because they fear Nanterre investigators wont be impartial.

Mr Macrons comments prompted an angry reaction from police unions, who accused him of rushing to judge the officers involved and added that they should be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Mr Darmanin said he would be taking legal action against another group, France Police, after it published what he called an unacceptable and abject tweet about the killing.

The prime minister, Elisabeth Borne, said the police intervention manifestly did not conform to the rules.

Thirty-one people were arrested in the clashes overnight in which 40 cars were burned, mostly in Nanterre, Mr Darmanin said. Video footage showed at least one building on fire and burnt-out barricades on the road. Sporadic clashes broke out between youths and police. Some groups set alight barricades and rubbish bins, and smashed up a bus stop and threw firecrackers toward police, who responded with tear gas and dispersion grenades.

Mr Darmanin called for calm on BFMTV on Wednesday morning and said justice must be done and the truth must be told. Some 2,000 police have been mobilised in the region in the wake of Tuesday evenings clashes.

The teenagers mother posted a video on social media to call for a march in memory of her son in Nanterre on Thursday. She said the march would also be a statement of revolt over his death.

Local resident and anti-racism campaigner, Mornia Labssi, who said she had spoken to the victims family, confirmed his name was Nahel and that he was of Algerian origin.

The killing was the third fatal shooting during traffic stops in France so far in 2023, following a record 13 last year, a spokesperson for the national police said.

There were three such killings in 2021 and two in 2020, according to a Reuters tally, which shows the majority of victims since 2017 were Black or of Arab origin.

Frances human rights ombudsman has also opened an inquiry into the death.

The streets of Nanterre were calm on Wednesday afternmoon and Fatima, a resident, told Reuters she hoped there would be no more violence.

To revolt like we did... wont change things, we need to discuss and talk, she said.

Reuters and Associated Press contributed to this report
 Close Crimean Bridge badly damaged after multiple blasts in early hours

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Russia is imposing restrictions on British diplomats, demanding they give five days notice before travelling further than 75 miles in retaliation against hostile actions.

Moscow summoned senior diplomat Tom Dodd to its foreign ministry to tell him of the move on Thursday.

He was also given a dressing down for Britains support of what the Kremlin deems Ukraines terrorist actions and for allegedly obstructing Russian diplomacy in the UK.

British diplomats, apart from the ambassador and three other top officials, will have to give at least five days notice of travel outside the 75-mile free movement zone.

The move came after MI6 chief Sir Richard Moore urged Russians angry at president Vladimir Putins war in Ukraine to spy for Britain.

He told them our door is always open and we will work to bring the bloodshed to an end

Elsewhere, Chinas consulate building in Odesa has been damaged in a Russian missile and drone attack, a Ukrainian official said.

Regional governor Oleh Kiper posted a photograph showing the building with broken windows.
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Britain has condemned an illegal and reckless move by Bosnias autonomous Serb Republic to suspend rulings by Bosnias constitutional court amid deepening political divisions.

The regions separatist and pro-Russian president, Milorad Dodik, initiated the change after the court decided to convene sessions and make decisions without Serb judges while vacancies remain unfilled.

Serb Republics national assembly (Republika Srpska) voted to ignore any decisions and acts of the constitutional court in its territory, and to boycott talks on reforms needed for Bosnias integration into the European Union

Julian Reilly, UK ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, described it as an unwise move which will only benefit those playing political games at the expense of peoples lives.

After the 1990s war, Bosnia was split into two autonomous regions: the Serb Republic, and the Federation shared by Bosniaks and Croats, which are linked via a weak central government.

The 1995 Dayton peace agreement that ended the war established the constitutional court with exclusive jurisdiction to decide any dispute that arises between the entities, between the state and the entities or between state institutions.

Three of the nine court members are appointed by the president of the European Court of Human Rights and six by regional parliaments.

The Republika Srbska assembly, which appoints two Serb judges to the court, has failed to nominate a new candidate to fill a vacancy, while Dodik and his allies have called on the remaining Serb judge to withdraw from the court, which they say has acted against Serb interests.

This is a biased, inquisition court, said Dodik, who has long called for the secession of his region from Bosnia.

Mr Reilly said the RS assembly has endorsed an illegal and reckless move which has no legal standing in Bosnia and Herzegovina, adding: The Dayton Peace Agreement and the constitution make very clear the primacy of the constitution and of the constitutional court. The ruling RS coalition cannot unilaterally rewrite the fundamental basis of the country.

A well-functioning Bosnia and Hercegovina requires the engagement and input of all groups across the country.

Nedim Ademovic, a constitutional law expert, said the move is the deepest crisis since the Dayton peace deal.
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A man tore up and burned a copy of the Quran outside a mosque in Sweden on the first day of Eid  after police granted permission for the demonstration

Police later charged the man with agitation against an ethnic or national group. While Swedish police have rejected several recent applications for anti-Quran demonstrations, courts have overruled those decisions, saying they infringed on freedom of speech.

Its legal but not appropriate, Swedens prime minister Ulf Kristersson said. The protest risks sparking a fresh diplomatic row with Turkey, who have been holding up Swedens bid to join Nato  an application made in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine  over such protests, as well as accusations from Ankara that Stockholm is harbouring people it considers terrorists. Turkey has asked for a number of extraditions and for Sweden to address its security concerns.

At the protest, some 200 onlookers witnessed one of the two organisers tearing up pages of a copy and wiping them on his shoe  before eventually setting the book on fire. After the burning, police charged the man who set fire to the Quran with agitation against an ethnic or national group and with a violation of a ban on fires that has been in place in Stockholm since mid-June.

Some of those present shouted God is great in Arabic to protest against the burning, and one man was detained by police after he attempted to throw a rock. Representatives of the mosque were disappointed by the police decision to grant permission for the latest protest on the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, mosque director and imam Mahmoud Khalfi said on Wednesday.

The mosque suggested to the police to at least divert the demonstration to another location, which is possible by law, but they chose not to do so, Mr Khalfi said in a statement.

Sweden applied to join the alliance in the wake of the Kremlin launching its invasion of Ukraine last year, alongside neighbour Finland. The pair decided to drop their long-held stance of military neutrality in the face of Moscows aggression. Finland was welcomed into the bloc in April, and there were hopes that Sweden could follow suit at a summit in Lithuania in July. But that requires sign-off from all the bloc members. Beyond Turkey, Hungary has also been dragging out ratifying the move, despite officials suggesting they were behind the move.

The Nato secretary-general, Jens Stoltenberg, announced on Wednesday that he has called a meeting of senior officials from Turkey, Sweden and Finland on 6 July, ahead of the summit later in the month, to try to overcome Turkish objections. The time is now to welcome Sweden as a full member of Nato, Mr Stoltenberg told reporters as he announced his last-ditch effort. Foreign ministers, intelligence chiefs and security advisers from Turkey, Sweden and Finland, which joined Nato in April, will be taking part in the talks in Brussels.

But the chance of membership being granted in July now looks increasingly remote. The Turkish foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, condemned the protest as vile in a tweet. He added that it was unacceptable to allow anti-Islam protests in the name of freedom of expression. In late January, Turkey suspended talks with Sweden on its Nato application after a Danish far-right politician burned a copy of the Quaran near the Turkish embassy in Stockholm.

In a phone call  that took place on Wednesday seemingly before the latest burning  Turkeys president Recep Tayyip Erdogan told the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, that while Sweden had taken steps in the right direction, there were still aspects of their behaviour that were unacceptable to Ankara.

Meanwhile, Hungarys parliament postponed ratifying Swedens Nato accession to its autumn legislative session. The postponement is the latest in a long line of delays that have gone on for a year.
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With Russias invasion of Ukraine raging for 16 months, Ukraine is now pushing back with its long-awaited counteroffensive that has already recorded a number of gains.

On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised Ukrainian troops for advancing in all sectors, having spent the day presenting awards to front-line soldiers in the east and south.

"Today in all sectors, our soldiers made advances. It is a happy day," Mr Zelensky said in his nightly video address, which was delivered from a train after visiting two frontline areas.

Ukrainian servicemen during a visit by Ukraines President Zelensky at a frontline position in the Berdyansk direction, Ukraine, 26 June 2023 (EPA/Ukrainian Presidential Press Service)

The presidents office posted four videos of the journey, which he noted covered "hundreds of kilometres. Encounters in at least three locations were documented.

One site was in eastern Donetsk region, a focal point in the 16-month-old conflict; one was located in what was described as the Berdiansk sector in the south  in areas where Ukrainian forces have captured villages; and another was also on the southern front, further to the west.

Addressing the pace of the Ukrainian advances last week, senior officials suggested that the main part of the counteroffensive had not yet begun, with presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak stating on Twitter that formation operations are under way to set up the battlefield. Deputy defence minister Hanna Maliar added that the main events of the counteroffensive were ahead of us.

Here, we take a look at the advances Ukraine has made against Russia and the current state of play:

What advances has Ukraine made?

Ukraine has reported recapturing 130 square km (50 square miles) in the south of the country. since launching a counteroffensive, though Russian forces still control swathes of Ukrainian territory in the south and east of the country.

In the last few weeks, Ukraine has reported recapturing nine villages, with the latest including Rivnopil in the Donetsk Oblast.

View more

On 12 June 2023, Ms Maliar said that the Ukrainian flag was flying again over the village of Storozhov in the eastern Donetsk province. She added that the Zaporizhzhia province settlements of Lobkove, Levadne and Novodrivka had also been reclaimed.

On 11 June, Ukrainian officials confirmed that its troops had recaptured the Donestk villages of Blahodatne, Makarivka and Neskuchne, all south of the town of Velyka Novosilka.

Has Ukraine retaken Rivnopil?

Deputy defence minister Maliar said on Monday that Ukrainian forces had regained control over Rivnopil, a village west of a cluster of settlements recaptured in offensive operations.

"(Ukrainian) Defence forces have brought Rivnopil back under our control," Ms Maliar wrote on the Telegram messaging app. Although a military spokesperson said Rivnopil was deserted and heavily damaged.

Zelensky poses with a serviceman at a gas station during a visit to the Donetsk region on 26 June 2023 (Handout/Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/AFP via Getty Images)

Ms Maliar did not confirm when Ukrainian troops entered the village, but a Ukrainian soldier said in a 13-second video  which is currently unverified - shared by Ukraines military that it was retaken on Sunday. The footage depicted the soldier in front of a decimated building with a Ukrainian flag flying from a post.

Valeryi Shershen, spokesperson for the Tavria, or southern, military sector, further told Ukrainian television that the village had been almost completely destroyed, with no civilians residing there.

How many have died in the war?

Between the wars commencement in February 2022 and 18 June 2023, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has recorded a total of 24,862 civilian casualties in Ukraine, of which 9,083 were killed and 15,779 injured.

Of these numbers, 20,073 casualties (7,072 killed and 13,001 injured) occurred in territory controlled by Ukraine, including 9,966 casualties (4,105 killed and 5,861 injured) in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

Elsewhere, 4,789 casualties (2,011 killed and 2,778 injured) occurred in territory occupied by Russia.

Ukrainian servicemen of the 47th Magura Separate Mechanised Brigade fire a BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket system towards Russian troops near a front line in Zaporizhzhia region, 25 June 2023 (REUTERS)

However, the OHCHR notes that the actual figures are likely to be considerably higher on account of the delay in information from locations experiencing intense fighting, including Mariupol (Donetsk region), Lysychansk, Popasna, and Sievierodonetsk (the eastern Luhansk region).

The latest figures, recorded between 1 June and 18 June 2023, display 557 recorded civilian casualties in Ukraine, of which 112 were killed and 445 injured. Explosive weapons with wide area effects formed the majority, at 107 and 425 respectively, with mines and explosive remnants of war killing 5 and injuring 20 during this period.

A Ukrainian military helicopter takes off to carry out a mission during military drills in the north of Ukraine, 1 June 2023 (Reuters/Gleb Garanich)

When did Russia invade Ukraine?

Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022. Putin launched troops from the north, east and south, claiming that the "special military operation" is aimed at "demilitarisation" and "denazification" of the country to protect ethnic Russians, prevent Kyivs Nato membership and to keep it in Russias "sphere of influence."

Ukraine and the West labelled the invasion an illegal act of aggression against a country with a democratically-elected government.
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Fourteen-year-old twin sisters were among at least 11 people killed in a Russian missile strike on a popular pizza restaurant in eastern Ukraine.

Another girl, aged 17, was among the bodies pulled from the rubble following the attack on the eastern city of Kramatorsk on Tuesday, which turned the restaurant into pile of twisted beams. Around 60 people were wounded, with an eight-month-old baby suffering head wounds.

The strike, along with others across Ukraine into early on Wednesday, show that the Kremlin is not easing up on its aerial bombardment of the country, despite the armed mutiny by the Wagner mercenary group that shook Russia over the weekend.

A psychologist of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, centre, hugs a woman after the strike (AP)

Sisters Anna and Yulia Aksenchenko would have turned 15 in September, Kramatorsk city council's education department said in a Facebook post under a picture of the two girls smiling for the camera.

Russian missiles stopped the beating of the hearts of two angels, it said in a Telegram post. "We share the grief of your family and together with you we bow our heads in deep sorrow.

Valentyna, a 64-year-old woman who declined to give her surname, said: I ran here after the explosion because I rented a cafe here. Everything has been blown out there, said. None of the glass, windows or doors are left. All I see is destruction, fear and horror. This is the 21st century, she told Reuters.

The attack also damaged 18 multistory buildings, 65 houses, five schools, two kindergartens, a shopping centre, an administrative building and a recreational building, regional governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said.

Rescuers were still searching for bodies and more survivors on Wednesday, Mr Kyrylenko told national television that people were visible under the rubble. Their condition was unknown, he said, but we are experienced in removing rubble.

At least 11 people have killed (AP)

At least eight people had been rescued alive from the rubble on Wednesday. A woman called Natalia had told the AFP news agency that her half-brother Nikita, 23, was inside near the pizza oven. They cant get him out, he was covered by debris, she said.

Kramatorsk is a frontline city in the eastern Donetsk region that houses the Ukrainian army's regional headquarters and is a key military logistics hub. Last year, about six weeks after the start of war, dozens of civilians were killed in a Russian missile strike on a train station in the city.

The Pizzaria restaurant was popular with both locals, as well as aid workers and journalists  and was said to be crowded when it was hit on Tuesday evening.

Officials initially blamed the strike in Kramatorsk on an S-300 missile, a surface-to-air weapon that Russia's forces have repurposed for loosely targeted strikes on cities, but Ukraine's National Police later said Iskander short-range ballistic missiles were used.

The restaurant was destroyed in the attack (AP)

The Security Service of Ukraine said it had detained a man, an employee of a transportation company, suspected of filming the restaurant for the Russians and informing them about its popularity.

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, said in his nightly video message on Tuesday that the attacks showed that Russia deserved only one thing as a consequence of what it has done  defeat and a tribunal. Ukraine has been pushing for a war crimes tribunal to deal with Russia's actions in Ukraine, and have been gathering evidence to present.

Russia has insisted during the war that it doesn't aim at civilian targets, although its air strikes have killed many civilians. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov repeated that claim on Wednesday. The Russian Defence Ministry claimed its forces hit a facility used by Ukrainian army officers in Kramatorsk but did not mention the pizza restaurant that was struck.

Rescuers and volunteers work to rescue people from under the rubble (Genya Savilov/AFP via Getty Images)

The strikes follow Russian President Vladimir Putin's attempts to regain control following the 24-hour mutiny by the Wagner group and its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, which ended in a last-minute deal as the group's forces marched on Moscow  eventually turning around at 125 miles outside the capital.

Mr Prigozhin went into exile in neighboring Belarus on Tuesday, according to Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, after Russia said he wouldn't face charges for the revolt, although his whereabouts have not been independently confirmed.

As for Mr Putin, US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that it was clear the Russian leader had been weakened by the revolt, but it's hard to tell to what extent.

He's clearly losing the war in [Ukraine]," Mr Biden said of Mr Putin before departing Washington for Chicago, referring to the Iraq war by mistake. He's losing the war at home and he has become a bit of a pariah around the world, he added. The secretary of state Antony Blinken, said that the biggest impediment now to negotiating peace to end the war in Ukraine is "Putin's conviction that he can outlast Ukraine and he can outlast all of us.

The outlook from Ukrainian officials is simpler. I think the countdown [on Mr Putin's leadership] has started," said Andriy Yermak, an adviser to President Zelensky said, the BBC reported.

There has been an expectation in some quarters that Ukraine would seek to take advantage of the turmoil in Russia, pushing on with its counteroffensive aimed at retaking its territory from Russian forces. There doesn't appear to have been an added push across the front, and Ukraines defence minister, Oleksii Reznikov, has told the Financial Times that the country has not yet reached the main event of its offensive.

When it happens, you will all see it. Everyone will see everything, Mr Reznikov said.

Reuters and Associated Press contributed to this report
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Apple has launched Business Connect, a new tool to let business change how they appear within its Maps.

While the new feature is aimed at businesses themselves, and those with official place listings within Maps, it is aimed at making the companys information more useful for customers who might be looking for information.

Some of Apples rivals, such as Google, have long offered richer listings for businesses and made it easier for both the companies themselves as well as customers to add information to those listings. Apple Maps has until now opted for a more controlled method, largely relying on information from other systems such as Yelp.

Because the information on businesses was pulled through from third-party listings, which might be out of date or entirely inaccurate.

Now within Apples Maps and elsewhere can claim their location using the new tool, which will give them the ability to edit it.

As well as allowing businesses to correct any false information, they are also able to use the tool to add their own photos and logos, include the option to order or take other actions, and show advertising and promotions, Apple said.

The feature launched in the US earlier this year. But it has now rolled out more broadly, allowing UK companies to start claiming their own listings and adding information to them.

It also comes with a range of protections. Apple will vet the information within the Showcase banners that will appear on listings, for instance, to ensure they do not include swearing or other prohibited content, and it will also call businesses to ensure that other people are not able to falsely take control of listings.

Companies can use the system by registering on Apples self-service website, which is done using an AppleID. Once a business is logged in, it will be able to claim its listing card and start adding more information.

The information within the listing will appear not only on Maps but on other parts of Apples ecosystem, such as Siri and Messages.
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Elon Musk has begun training for his anticipated fight against Mark Zuckerberg, sparring with the same partner as his tech rival.

Podcaster and AI researcher Lex Fridman, who holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, said he was extremely impressed with Mr Musks strength and technique after practising with him on Monday.

The session came just days after Mr Fridman grappled with the Meta boss, who has been learning jiu-jitsu since last year.

Both billionaires are expected to face off in a mixed martial arts contest after Mr Musk challenged his tech rival to a cage match earlier this month.

The 51-year-old Tesla boss has no prior experience with martial arts and claims to not do any exercise beyond picking up his children and throwing them in the air.

He is a long-time friend of Mr Fridman, who has been practising jiu-jitsu for more than a decade and earned his black belt five years ago.

I did an impromptu training session with Elon Musk for a few hours yesterday, Mr Fridman wrote on Twitter.

Im extremely impressed with his strength, power, and skill, on the feet and on the ground. It was epic.

Mr Musk replied: That was fun!

Mr Fridman added that he hoped the two tech bosses would continue to train at martial arts but not actually fight each other.

Within hours of sparring with his friend, Mr Musk had taken up an offer from UFC legend Georges St-Pierre to train him for the bout.

The former two-weight UFC champion is considered one of the greatest ever mixed martial artists, having retired in 2019 after winning belts at welterweight and middleweight.

It is not yet clear when the fight between Mr Musk and Mr Zuckerberg will take place, though the UFC Apex centre in Las Vegas has been proposed as a potential location.

The contest has been endorsed by UFC president Dana White, who said last week that both men were absolutely dead serious about fighting each other.

This would be the biggest fight ever in the history of the world, he said.

Bigger than anything thats ever been done. It would break all pay-per-view records... You dont have to be a fighting fan to be interested in this fight. Everybody would want to see it.
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Google has scrapped its latest augmented reality (AR) headset that was meant to rival headsets from Apple and Meta, according to reports.

The search giants Project Iris was abandoned earlier this year, Insider reported, making it the second major set of smart glasses to be ditched following Google Glass.

The latest AR glasses were first teased last year at Google I/O, with a video showing wearers using the device to translate conversations in real-time.

What were working on is technology that enables us to break down language barriers, Max Spear, a product manager at Google, said in the video.

Making access to information just instant and intuitive, and by doing that technology fades into the background.

Since the glasses were teased, Apple has unveiled its Vision Pro headset and Meta has shown off its latest Quest 3 goggles, which will be available later this year.

Googles aborted project comes eight years after the firm discontinued its Glass smart glasses for consumers, and just months after it stopped producing the enterprise version.

It follows the departure of Clay Bavor, Googles chief of augmented and virtual reality, with the companys focus now switching to AR software rather than hardware.

One AR software platform is Android XR, which is being built for a headset under development at Samsung. A Micro XR platform is also rumoured to be in the works, which is expected to run on AR smart glasses rather than larger mixed reality goggles.

One unnamed employee told Insider that Google was aiming to created the Android for AR, referring to the tech giants hugely popular mobile operating system.

A spokesperson for Google declined to comment.

Samsung announced at its Galaxy Unpacked event in February that it had partnered with Google and Qualcomm to make a mixed reality platform.

No details were given about what the product might look like, with the company saying more information would be given later this year.

We are working to create a new era of highly immersive digital experiences that blur the line between our physical and digital worlds, said Qualcomms Cristiano Amon.

With our Snapdragon XR tech, Samsungs amazing products, and Google experiences, we have the foundation to make this opportunity a reality.
YEREVAN, JUNE 28, ARMENPRESS. The United States is encouraged by recent efforts of Armenia and Azerbaijan to engage productively on the peace process and will continue to assist them any way that we can to build on that momentum, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said at a June 27 press briefing.

The United States is pleased to host Foreign Minister Mirzoyan of Armenia and Foreign Minister Bayramov of Azerbaijan to facilitate negotiations this week as they continue to pursue a peaceful future for the South Caucasus region. Secretary Blinken was honored to welcome the foreign ministers at the opening meetings this morning at the George P. Schultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center. The Secretary met both individually with each minister, and held a meeting with the two of them together, and emphasized in each meeting that direct dialogue is the key to resolving issues and reaching a durable and dignified peace. The United States is encouraged by recent efforts of Armenia and Azerbaijan to engage productively on the peace process, and we will continue to assist them any way that we can to build on that momentum. Today was the first day of meetings that will continue through Thursday, and we will have further updates as the week goes on, Miller said.

On June 27, in Washington D.C., Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan met U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

During the meeting, regional security and stability issues were discussed. The interlocutors touched upon the normalization process of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The importance of the following issues was stressed: ensuring the delimitation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan based on the Alma-Ata Declaration and the map of 1975, withdrawal of the troops from the border, as well as appropriately addressing the rights and security issues of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh as an important factor for the lasting peace in the region.

The interlocutors also exchanged views on issues of unblocking the region's transport infrastructure.

Ararat Mirzoyan briefed upon the humanitarian crisis resulting from the illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor. Minister Mirzoyan emphasized the imperative for Azerbaijan to renounce warmongering rhetoric as well as to release all Armenian prisoners of war.
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Hyundai and Toyota have both come under fire recently by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) over ads detailing the two firms quick charging times.

The ASA found that the car adverts relating to Hyundais Ioniq 5 and Toyotas bZ4X were misleading, due to many variables and limitations at play, especially when it came to the availability of the quickest EV chargers.

But what are the different types of public EV chargers in the UK, how long can you expect a typical EV to charge with each and what is the availability of each type of charger like? Here we explain.

AC slow charging  speeds up to 6kW

There are two main types of EV charger  alternative current (AC) and direct current (DC). The first is used for slower charging, with the latter adopted for quicker speeds.

If youre in no rush, whats classed as a slow charger is the best bet. These are rated at speeds up to 6kW, and are ideal for if a car is parked up for an extended period of time. They are typically found in on-street chargers, including those in lamp posts.

Lets use Hyundais Ioniq 5 as an example. When equipped with the smaller 58kWh battery (an average size for an EVs battery), it would take 16 hours to complete a charge.

Slow units are the second most popular type of charger in the UK. According to data from Zap-Map, one of the leading EV charging navigation firms, as of the end of May 2023, there were 10,699 slow chargers across Britain.

AC fast chargers  7kW to 22kW

The most popular type of charger in the UK is whats known as a fast charger. Rated between 7kW and 22kW, the smaller number is the most common type. These are often found in places where cars are usually stopped for several hours, such as in shopping centre and workplace car parks.

The 7kW output is the typical output of a specific home EV charger, and with the Ioniq 5, it would take nine hours for a full charge. If you hooked up to a quicker 22kW charger, the time is reduced to six hours.

According to Zap-Map data, there are 24,443 fast charging points currently in the UK.

DC Rapid charger  25kW to 99kW

If youre looking to speed things up a notch, its worth trying to find whats known as a rapid charger. These are rated between 25kW and 99kW, though 50kW is the most common output. Often found in the car parks of supermarkets and fast food outlets, it would take around 45 minutes to charge the Ioniq 5s 58kWh battery, according to Hyundais data, with one of these units. .

As of May 2023, there were 5,182 rapid electric car charging points located across the UK.

DC Ultra-rapid charger  100kW +

If youre looking to top up an EVs battery as quickly as possible, its an ultra-rapid charger that are the one to find. These are rated from 100kW upwards. They are typically found at motorway service stations, though specific EV hubs are now being set up with banks of these quicker units. Most Porsche dealers also have 350kW units, which are available to use by the public.

Its worth noting that every EV will have a maximum charging speed, with some older electric cars  or those with a smaller battery  having a maximum charging speed of 50kW, meaning theres not a lot of point in using an ultra-rapid charger over a standard rapid as it wont charge it any quicker.

But the Ioniq 5 is one of those that can charge at up to 350kW, however, meaning that in ideal conditions, it could take just 18 minutes to charge the battery to 80 per cent capacity. The trouble, however, as the ASA pointed out, is that there is limited availability of 350kW units.

While, according to Zap-Map data, there are 3,302 ultra-rapid chargers across the UK, there are only around 70 individual locations across the whole of the UK that have 350kW chargers. The whole of Scotland, for example, has just six places that can deliver such charging speeds, while there are only three in Wales, and all of them are located in the south.
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A Southwest Airlines passenger has been charged with two counts of assault after he demanded a kiss from a flight attendant.

The alleged incident happened during a one-hour flight from Palm Springs, California to Las Vegas in October last year.

Twenty minutes before the plane landed, the male passenger allegedly got out of his seat and moved towards a flight attendant sitting in a jump seat and demanded a kiss.

It is also alleged that the suspect proceeded to grab the female crew member and tried to get her to go into the toilet cubicle with him.

As outlined in the complaint filed by an FBI agent with the US District Court of Nevada on Friday 23 June: (The victim) got up from her jump seat, at which point (the suspect) put his arms on her shoulders and demanded a kiss again before stating that he was going to have a panic attack if (the crew member) did not go into the bathroom with him.

The flight attendant was then able to push the passenger away and used the phone in the cabin to call for help from a fellow crew member.

The court papers state that the flight attendant felt her life was in serious danger.

When another flight attendant came to assist, she saw the passenger had his hands on her colleagues shoulders.

After approaching the man and trying to calm him down, the passenger then grabbed the second flight attendants shoulders and said he needed her colleague to kiss him to calm down.

The complaint states that the second flight attendant was scared for her life and concerned for other passengers.

Three male passengers who were travelling with the suspect intervened and were able to physically restrain him ahead of the flight landing at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.

There were 100 people on the flight, including three crew members.

The Independent has contacted Southwest Airlines for comment.
Muslim pilgrims performed the symbolic Hajj ritual of stoning pillars representing the devil in Mina, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday 28 June.

The pilgrims collect pebbles from a site known as Muzdalifa before heading to Mina to cast them.

Worshippers must throw 21 pebbles at each of the three 25-metre (82ft) pillars that represent the Devil in a symbolic rejection of temptation.

The final three days of the Hajj coincide with the festive Eid al-Adha holiday, when Muslims around the world slaughter livestock and distribute meat to the poor.
A Tory MP was asked nine times whether she had sympathy for Daniel Korski, who has been accused of and "categorically denied" groping TV producer Daisy Goodwin in a meeting room at Downing Street 10 years ago.

Kay Burley pressed Claire Coutinho in an interview on Sky News on Wednesday (28 June), during which the minister for children avoided directly answering whether she had sympathy for the London mayoral candidate.

"It's really important we wait to see what the facts are... I have sympathy for his family... I have sympathy for all people who are going through difficult circumstances."
Residents in Ukraines eastern city of Kramatorsk are dealing with the aftermath of a Russian missile attack on a crowded pizza restaurant.

Footage shows the destruction on the streets of the city, which are covered in debris following the deadly attack on Tuesday evening (27 June).

The strike killed at least nine people, including three children, authorities said Wednesday, as rescue workers continued searching in the destroyed buildings rubble.

Another 56 people were injured, the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs said.

The attack, using what officials said were S-300 missiles, also damaged 18 multi-story buildings, 65 houses, five schools and two kindergartens.
Joe Biden told reporters that Vladimir Putin is clearly losing the war in Iraq in his latest blunder.

The US president on the South Lawn of the White House when he was asked how damaged Mr Putin was in the aftermath of Wagner Groups aborted uprising.

Hes clearly losing the war in Iraq. Hes losing the war at home and has become a bit of a pariah around the world, Mr Biden said, clearly referencing the war in Ukraine.

He was heading to Chicago to deliver an address on the economy when he made the gaffe.
We have been here before. A media consensus pumped up by opinion polls shaping political coverage in the run-up to an election. I remember the 1992 election campaign. Even Tony Blair, who generally refused to believe opinion polls pointing to a Labour win, briefly thought he was going to be a minister when one poll put Labour far ahead.

I remember sitting with Peter Kellner, then a journalist, later president of YouGov, on the roof of the BBC watching the dawn break on the morning after the election. We had worked together on the election-night results programme  now we reflected on why most commentators had been so sure that Neil Kinnock would be prime minister.

I remember the 2015 election. Ed Miliband expected to be in No 10, either at the head of a majority Labour government or relying on the support of minor parties. He had had talks with most of them beforehand, including the Democratic Unionist Party of Northern Ireland. I remember travelling on David Camerons battle bus through Liberal Democrat seats in middle England and wondering why we were there rather than in Conservative-Labour marginals.
The State's shareholding in AIB has fallen to 46.9pc

The States stake in AIB has fallen to 46.9pc after the Government announced the successful sale of another part of its shareholding in the bank.

The disposal was done by way of a placing in an accelerated book building process to institutional investors.

The deal saw the Department of Finance dispose of approximately 5pc of the issued ordinary capital of AIB, bringing its holding to 46.9pc.

This is the first time the States holding in the bank has dropped below 50pc in 12 years.

The Government has been gradually reducing its ownership in the bank in recent years. It was forced to nationalise AIB in 2011 due to huge losses resulting from bad loans during the Celtic Tiger.

The placing price was 3.64 per share, while the gross proceeds from the sale will be 480.5m.

When the deal is settled, this will be returned to the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund.

The placing now restricts the finance minister from selling any more shares in the bank for 90 banks without the consent of the investment banks running the book on the deal.

Rothschild is acting as independent financial adviser and William Fry and Allen & Overy are acting as legal counsel to the Department of Finance in connection with the sale.

AIB chief executive Colin Hunt said the bank welcomed the decision.

It is another important development in the process of returning the States investment in the Group and a normalisation of the share register, he said.

"Today also marks a significant milestone for the Group as we return to majority private ownership. AIB owes the Irish taxpayer an immense debt of gratitude for its support during the financial crisis, he added.

The Minister for Finance Michael McGrath said the amount returned to the State to date from its investment in AIB now stands at 13bn.

"The price achieved on this transaction was c. 23pc higher than what was achieved in our previous accelerated bookbuild transaction in AIB last November while also achieving a lower discount, he said.

The State retains a significant shareholding of c. 47% in AIB worth approximately 4.7bn at the current price and we will continue to assess additional opportunities for share sales as they arise, he added.

The finance minister has also extended the AIB share trading plan for a further six-month period.

The trading plan is now set to end no later than January 23 next year unless further extended.

In line with government commitment to deliver best value, shares will not be sold under a pre-determined floor price which is kept under review by the Department of Finance.

It will continue to target a sale of up to but no more than 15pc of the expected aggregate total trading volume in the bank.

When the trading plan was first announced in December 2021, AIBs stake in the bank stood at 71.12pc.
A proposed amendment to a Courts Bill today would allow the Data Protection Commissioner to label information in investigations as confidential. While NGOs have slammed the move as an attempt to stifle dissent, the government claims that objections to it are based on misinterpretation

A number of international human rights and consumer rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have criticised proposed new confidentiality provisions in Data Protection Commission investigations, audits, complaints and inquiries.

The amendments to the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022 seek to protect disclosures and correspondence made during DPC investigations or complaints from being disseminated without permission, a move the government says is required to stop regulatory probes being sabotaged or legally challenged due to unfair procedures.

But the proposed legal change has drawn criticism from Amnesty International, the European Consumer Organisation (Beuc), European Digital Rights (EDRi) and the Irish Council for Civil Liberties.

In a statement today, the director for Amnesty Tech, Rasha Abdul-Rahim, claimed that the Irish government was trying to stifle dissent through the amendments.

The governments attempt to allow the Irish Data Protection Commission to label all of their procedures as confidential is a blatant attempt not only to shield Big Tech from scrutiny but also to silence individuals and organisations that stand up for the right to privacy and data protection, she said.

This last-minute proposal is an affront to the rights to privacy, freedom of expression and access to information and will undermine protections for internet users. This amendment, which would unduly limit peoples ability to publicly hold the DPC and Big Tech to account, should be urgently dropped.

The statement comes after the Irish Council for Civil Liberties said that the amendments would gag people from speaking about how Big Tech firms or public bodies are misusing their data and claimed that they were being introduced on a last minute basis.

Meanwhile, EDRi has written to Justice Minister Helen McEntee to seek withdrawal of the amendment, while Beuc has labelled the amendments as troubling.

The legal amendments, which are to be debated today in the Oireachtas, classify information as confidential when it is information given in confidence and on the understanding that it will be treated by the Commission as confidential and where the disclosure of such information would be likely to prejudice the giving to the [Data Protection] Commission of further information by the person or information by another person.

A spokesperson the Department of Justice, which is overseeing the bill, told the Irish Independent that the move is intended to prevent investigations being procedurally tainted by undue information disclosure that gives those being investigated the legal means to challenge the investigation or the decision.

There appears to be a misinterpretation of the scope and purpose of this amendment, the spokesperson said.

For clarity, nothing in this amendment would prevent a complainant from speaking out about the nature of their data privacy complaint or that a complaint had been made to the Data Protection Commission. The amendment applies only to persons engaged with the Commission in the context of the performance of certain statutory functions including inquires and investigations. Its purpose is to bolster the integrity of those statutory processes and the provision to the Commission of confidential and commercially sensitive information in the course of carrying out the relevant functions.

The spokesperson added that the amendments are to ensure that the investigation of breaches of GDPR can be investigated effectively and fairly so that robust sanctions can be applied and the privacy of EU citizens protected.

Breaches of confidentiality during an investigation can undermine the ability to effectively regulate data processors and allow breaches to go unsanctioned. While the amendment does permit the Commission to direct that information is not to be disclosed, it must identify the specific information and the specific reasons by reference to the definition of confidential information.

The spokesperson said that confidential information is defined and is limited to information that is commercially sensitive, given in confidence or the disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to prejudice the effectiveness of the performance of a relevant function.

It does not impact on media reporting or on the GDPR and the obligations on the DPC under that GDPR, the spokesperson said.

However, Amnesty Techs director said that the amendments would not improve what she described as Irelands woeful history of enforcing data protection for Europeans.

Despite being responsible for upholding the data privacy of millions of social media users in Europe and around the world, the Irish DPC has a woeful track record of holding Big Tech companies to account, said Ms Abdul-Rahim.

Rather than trying to shield Big Tech from public scrutiny, the Irish authorities should fully enforce the EU General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and fulfil its obligation to hold Big Tech to account and protect internet users. Amnesty Internationals research has consistently shown how the surveillance-based business models of companies like Meta and Google fundamentally undermine the rights to privacy, freedom of expression and opinion.

Earlier this week, the Irish Council of Civil Liberties senior fellow, Johnny Ryan, described the amendments as the latest in a series of missteps that have failed to reform the DPC.

Justice should be done in public, said Mr Ryan. The DPC should be holding public GDPR hearings, as the Supreme Court's Zalewski Decision makes clear. Instead, the Government is attempting to make DPC decision making even more opaque.

Ireland's enforcement of the GDPR against Big Tech, and how it upholds the data rights of everyone in Europe, should not be the subject of eleventh-hour amendments inserted during the end-of-term legislative rush.
YEREVAN, JUNE 28, ARMENPRESS. The complete unblocking of the Lachin Corridor will contribute to the de-escalation of the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, ARMENPRESS reports, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, said during the weekly briefing, commenting on the latest incident in Nagorno-Karabakh.

According to her, Moscow is concerned about frequent armed incidents in Nagorno-Karabakh and violations of the ceasefire regime.

"We call on the parties to exercise restraint and settle all disputed issues in a peaceful, political-diplomatic way, in cooperation with the command of the Russian peacekeeping troops. And we believe that prompt steps to unblock the Lachin Corridor and create conditions for the normal life of the civilian population will contribute to the de-escalation of the situation," said Zakharova.

On the night of June 28, the armed forces of Azerbaijan shelled the Armenian positions located in Martuni and Martakert regions of Nagorno-Karabakh, drones were also used. 4 Armenian soldiers were killed.
The German yield curve was at its most inverted level since 1992 on Tuesday with yields at the rate-sensitive short end of the curve rising more than at the long end.
Pictured at the announcement of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival was Blathnaid Doolan from Julianstown. Pic : Lorraine O'Sullivan

Pictured at the launch of the 45th Kildare Derby Festival which runs in the town from Monday 26th right up to its highlight the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh Racecourse on Sunday 2nd July were some of Irelands leading jockeys from left to right Chris Hayes, Billy Lee, Leigh Roche, Gary Halpin and Rory Cleary.

AROUND 1.5 tonnes of potatoes and fresh vegetables and 36,000 pints of Guinness are being lined up for this weekends Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival.

Organisers say the fare at this years event will be Climate Net Zero with foods sourced locally and seasonally, shortening supply chains and both minimising and offsetting their carbon footprint.

On the Curragh menu will be about 1,750 burgers, 4,000 bottles of beer, 800 bottles of champagne and 1200 bottles of wine.

They have banned air-freight fruit and vegetables and introduced carbon labelling tools to help customers make sustainable food choices.

The venue will welcome 1,500 hospitality clients, with at least 50 companies from 12 countries who will be served by an estimated 25 chefs and 450 hospitality staff.

The 2023 Irish Derby Festival weekend begins on Friday with a tribute rock band Qween, performing in Champions Hall.

Saturday will see young national singing sensation and Kildare native Lea Heart take the stage in the new Festival Quarter.

The festival will come to a close on Derby Day with a live performance from Spring Break playing 80s classics on the Sunday.

The Curragh offer a free shuttle bus service from Newbridge and Kildare Town, with the addition of a Naas service put in place for the Derby Festival, sponsored by leading security company Manguard Plus.

Expressway offer a direct bus return service from Dublin to The Curragh on race days, tickets must be purchased in advance on Expressway.ie.
Margot Robbie would not have wanted to make Barbie film if not for doll diversity (Ian West/PA)

Margot Robbie says that she would not have wanted to make the Barbie movie if toy company Mattel had not introduced more diversity with the world-famous doll.

The Australian actress said she had not wanted to present a singular image of what Barbie is and have it be what women should aspire to be and look like.

Robbie stars as the title character in the upcoming summer blockbuster alongside Ryan Gosling, and a diverse cast that includes Issa Rae, America Ferrera, Emma Mackey, Ncuti Gatwa, and Dua Lipa.

It sees Robbies Barbie leave the utopian Barbie Land after questioning her mortality, travelling to the real world with Goslings Ken.

In that very first meeting, we impressed upon Ynon we are going to honour the legacy of your brand, but if we dont acknowledge certain thingsif we dont say it, someone else is going to say it, she said.

So you might as well be a part of that conversation.

She added: If (Mattel) hadnt made that change to have a multiplicity of Barbies, I dont think I would have wanted to attempt to make a Barbie film.

I dont think you should say, This is the one version of what Barbie is, and thats what women should aspire to be and look like and act like.

Barbie is directed by Greta Gerwig (Ian West/PA)

Barbie is produced by Robbies company LuckyChap.

According to Time, at one point during filming, Richard Dickson, chief operating officer and president of Mattel, took a flight to the London set to argue with Gerwig and Robbie over a particular scene, which he felt was off-brand.

The pair changed his mind after demonstrating the nuance that was not evident in the script, Robbie told the publication.

She also admitted that when she had first read the script, she had had doubts the company would allow the film to proceed.

The trailer for the upcoming film, due for UK release on July 21, states: If you love Barbie, this movie is for you. If you hate Barbie, this movie is for you.

Robbie added: If you feel indifferent about Barbie or havent thought about Barbie in years, this movie is also for you.

The full interview with Margot Robbie can read online on Time magazines website.
12-year-old Jordan has been at DSPCA waiting for a home for over 500 days.

Dog lovers were left heartbroken after Jordan donned a tux to meet potential new owners only for them not to show up.

However, Jordan has since been visited by potential new owners leaving Jordan's fans glued to the DSPCA's social channels for updates.
A HSE-run nursing home left residents with no social activity other than looking at television all day, sitting quietly watching people passing on the corridor or sleeping, an inspectors report has revealed.

The inspectors made an unannounced visit to Aras Deirbhle in Belmullet community hospital, Co Mayo, last January, when residents described their day as very long and boring.

The dining room was not used by residents, who said it was cold and not very inviting and not a nice room to eat in, the report from the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) said.

The inspectors said that apart from a collage of residents photos in the reception area, there were few pictures hanging along the corridors or in the dining room.

The residents dining room was viewed by inspectors and they observed that a refrigerator and a large freezer unit were stored along one wall of the dining room, the report said.

The person in charge told the inspectors the refrigerator and freezer unit were storage areas for supplies for the kitchen. These units reduced the space available in the dining room for residents.

The inspectors observed that the dining room was used by staff for their meal breaks and was not used by residents. A large double door was wide open into the kitchen and there was a draught from the kitchen into the dining room. Although the floor covering appeared relatively new, a large area of the floor covering was stained.

The inspectors added that, on the day of the inspection, they observed that staff interactions with residents were kind and caring.

Many of the residents who spoke with the inspectors said they were generally happy with their life in the centre and were very well cared for by staff, but that they would like more activities to do on a daily basis, the report said.

The home was in need of repainting and repair, and this impacted on the residents quality of life.

Inspectors also observed that al-though some staff chatted with residents, interactions between staff and residents were focused on providing care interventions, and care and daily routines were not person-centred.

Paint was scuffed, chipped and missing on areas of the wall surfaces along corridors, in communal rooms and in some residents bedrooms. Inspectors noted that residents call bells were ringing for long periods, especially in the early morning and in the afternoon.

Residents told the inspectors the staff tried their best to get to them quickly, but they were busy looking after the other residents.

The inspectors found the oversight of fire safety within the centre was not robust. The HSE had failed to ensure staff had access to appropriate fire training and fire safety equipment checks were being completed to ensure the equipment is operational at all times.

On This Day In History - June 28th
Almost half of students doing the Leaving Cert Applied (LCA) feel their peers look down on the programme.

A new report shows overwhelming support among students for the way the LCA encourages creativity, curiosity and engagement.

But they are concerned about the limited post-school progression options it offers, as a well as how society, including their peers, view it.

According to the report, from the Irish Second-Level Students Union (ISSU), an extraordinary large proportion of comments indicate that peers view LCA students as lazy less intelligent, less developed and lacking maturity.

Some LCA students felt belittled by other teachers, peers and wider society by actions, words or sentiments.

The ISSU said this is an alarming finding, showcasing that there is a lot of work to be done in those areas.

It is simply unnecessary and burdensome to those on the LCA programme that this continues and the ISSU has serious concerns regarding the consequences of this on students wellbeing and mental health.

Key findings from an ISSU survey of LCA students across both years of the programme include:

79pc believe that the LCA programme encourages creativity, curiosity and engagement.

81pc enjoy the LCA, although 75pc are dissatisfied with the choice of modules offered by the school

77pc are satisfied with their options for further education.

29pc believe society values on LCA, either a lot or moderately..

46pc feel that their peers look down on the programme.

The ISSU wants the stigma around the LCA broken and the programme put at the top of the agenda on work underway on reforming the Leaving Cert..

The ISSU organised a symposium, with education stakeholders, where they presented the views of LCA students and pressed their case for early changes.

Among those attending the symposium, hosted in collaboration with the Trinity College Dublin School of Education, were Department Education officials and State Examinations Commission chief executive Andrea Feeney.

ISSU education officer Jack McGinn said the LCA was a crucial component of senior cycle, but is often forgotten.

We want to break the stigma surrounding LCA. There is a special onus on education stakeholders that they ensure LCA reform is at the top of their priority list for future reforms, he said.

The LCA was established almost 30 years ago as an alternative Leaving Cert with a practical and vocational focus, with continuous assessment over the two years of senior cycle and less reliance on final exams.

Among its limitations are the narrow range of subjects and, while students may go on to further education, direct transition to higher education is not an option.

LCA uptake had been static, at around 5pc of students, but this years Leaving Cert saw a significant increase in candidates, attributed to greater awareness and more efforts by guidance counsellors to direct students to the programme.

While the LCA will be addressed in the wider talks on senior cycle reform, Education Minister Norma Foley has taken a first step to enhancing the programme in that context.

Students starting fifth year last September were given access to Leaving Cert maths and foreign languages, which will improve their educational experience and open up more post-school options for them.
The waters around Ireland experienced an extreme category four heatwave in June with the water off of Irelands southwest coast four degrees above average for this time of year.

Irelands southwest seas were measured at 17.4C earlier this month, which is around four degrees above what would be expected at this time of year.

Met Eireann also said that recent extreme precipitation, thunderstorms and above average temperatures across Ireland could be linked to the elevated sea-surface temperatures and marine heatwave we have experienced in June 2023.

Some of our waters off the west coast of Galway and Mayo measured 5C above average on June 20, according to data collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the US.

A category four heatwave occurred in parts of the north Atlantic off the coast of Ireland with some hotspots hitting category 5, which describes conditions which are beyond extreme.

We are seeing sea surface temperatures around what we would get in August rather than June. The whole North Atlantic on our side is quite a bit above average in places, Met Eireann climatologist Paul Moore said in Met Eireanns report entitled: Marine Heat Wave 2023  A Warning for the Future.

Explainer: How to cope with rising temperatures during a heatwave

Global Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs) are at their highest ever recorded and have persisted well above average all year. The temperatures in the past few months are significantly higher when compared to all previous years on record, since 1981, Met Eireann said.

The consequences of such marine heatwaves are potentially severe and irreversible, and can lead to effects such as: disruptions of marine ecosystems; impact on fisheries as some species may migrate; threats to species of marine life, and can also contribute to a feedback loop in the climate system by releasing stored carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the ocean, further exacerbating global warming and climate change.

"The severe north Atlantic marine heatwave of June 2023 emphasises the importance of cutting global greenhouse gas emissions rapidly and permanently, to have a chance at avoiding the most catastrophic impacts of climate change. Temperatures at Met Eireanns synoptic stations on land are also well above average and are likely to break mean temperature records for June, Met Eireanns report said.

On This Day In History - June 29th
Seven RTE officials faced media committee on Wednesday afternoonTalks on new contract for Tubridy now suspendedDee Forbes was asked to resign two weeks agoBoard chair again apologisesCalls for top 100 earners in RTE to have pay publishedCurrent and former station execs called before Public Accounts Committee on Thursday Media minister says hearing revealed shocking failure of governance at RTETaoiseach says controversy damaging for RTE

Anne O'Leary, RTE board member; Siun Ni Raghallaigh, Chair of the RTE board; and broadcaster and board member Robert Shortt arrive at Leinster House. Photo: Collins

Adrian Lynch, Interim Deputy Director General, Geraldine O'Leary Director of Commercial; Richard Collins, Chief Financial Officer; and Rory Coveney, Director of Strategy arriving for a Joint Committee Meeting on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport & Media on RTE Expenditure at Leinster House. Photo: Collins

RTE executives and board members depart Leinster House (l-r) Richard Collins (Chief Financial Officer), Robert Shortt (Board Staff Representative), Adrian Lynch (Director of Audience, Channels and Marketing), Siun Ni Raghallaigh (Chairperson of the Board), Rory Coveney (Director of Strategy), Anne O'Leary (Chair of Audit and Risk Committee) and Geraldine O'Leary (Director of Commercial). Photo: Gerry Mooney

New Late Late Show presenter Patrick Kielty wants to make public his RTE pay package, Independent.ie can reveal.

Mr Kielty walked away in silence on Sunday when asked by the Irish Independent whether he would be willing to disclose his pay.

The BBC presenter also replied when asked about the RTE payments scandal: "I'll need a few more beers before I could talk about that."

RTE bosses have confirmed Mr Kielty's contract to present the show has been signed by both sides.

Appearing before the Oireachtas media committee on Tuesday afternoon, the station's management also said they would be happy to publish the salary - if Mr Kielty agreed.

Mr Kielty has indicated to RTE he wants his salary to be known, Independent.ie has learned.

RTE acting director general Adrian Lynch also said Mr Kielty was recently informed of the impending issue around Mr Tubridy's pay.

"As soon as we were aware as an exec board, he was warned it was coming," Mr Lynch said.

Incoming Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty. Photo: Kevin Scott

NK Management and Ryan Tubridy are set to be invited to the Media Committee.

Chair Niamh Smyth said she would be in favour of bringing them in in her concluding remarks after a four-and-a-half-hour committee session.

After the hearing, Media Minister Catherine Martin said today's appearance by RTE executives "revealed a shocking failure of governance at senior management level in RTE" and that it had "not calmed the considerable disquiet about the lack of accountability at RTE in the public domain".

She said: "At tomorrows meeting of the Public Accounts Committee, it is vital the Executive Board engages in as transparent a manner as possible, and I urge those present to responsibly account for the decisions taken which have seriously damaged the publics trust in public service broadcasting.

"My focus remains on the external review of governance and culture at RTE and, to that end, today I have had constructive meetings with the RTE Trade Union Group and Screen Producers Ireland.

"Furthermore, the four-week timeline for the delivery of the second Grant Thornton report does not reflect the urgency of the situation and I have asked for that to be accelerated.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar told the Fine Gael parliamentary party on Wednesday evening that the controversy was very damaging for the organisation. The Fine Gael leader told colleagues the country needs a public service broadcaster and that "change and accountability" from RTE are "so important".

Earlier it emerged at the committee that Dee Forbes was asked for her resignation two weeks ago.

The Chair of RTE Board Siun Ni Raghallaigh revealed that she asked the former director general for her resignation on June 16, two weeks before Forbes resigned last Monday, having been suspended last Wednesday.

TDs and senators this afternoon grilled RTE board members and executives over the Tubridy extra payments scandal, with one TD saying Bosco and his magic door are clearly still present at the broadcaster.

Current and former execs will also be grilled tomorrow by the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee.

If incoming Late Late Show presenter Patrick Kielty is not opposed, RTE is happy to publish his salary, deputy director general Adrian Lynch suggested at the committee.

A register of interests for the top talent will also be considered, Mr Lynch said.

Committee chair Niamh Smyth said details of Mr Kielty's salary should be given to the committee on Friday evening or latest Monday, but Mr Lynch said this depends on whether Mr Kielty agrees.

Ryan Tubridys contract with RTE finished on May 31, the deputy director general also told TDs.

There was a process to negotiate a radio only contract which at the moment is suspended, Adrian Lynch said.

Anne O'Leary, RTE board member; Siun Ni Raghallaigh, Chair of the RTE board; and broadcaster and board member Robert Shortt arrive at Leinster House. Photo: Collins

When asked about Independent.ie reporting that Mr Tubridy disputes RTE claims that his contract is finished, Mr Lynch said he is getting paid the radio portion now.

His radio and television contract went until the end of May. Then it was radio only, he said.

But Ryan Tubridy is getting paid the radio portion of his contract.

Mr Lynch earlier would not answer TDs when asked whether Tubridy would be back on air at the broadcaster. He said he was currently off air for editorial reasons.

When asked by FF TD Cathal Crowe what are the editorial reasons behind Mr Tubridy being off air, Mr Lynch said We wouldnt give our platform or airwaves to someone who is a public figure or who is involved in a controversy.

Ryan Tubridy entered a lawful contract with RTE, he said.

This is not an editorial issue, this is a significant failure in terms of controls.

Loyalty bonus

TDs and senators also heard that Tubridy was due a 120,000 loyalty bonus which for some unexplained reason was credited against his earnings between 2017 and 2019, and the matter is currently under investigation RTE chief financial officer Richard Collins said.

However, Mr Lynch said the 120,000 payment was not in fact paid.

Tubridy was not paid an exit fee and the earnings he received were what he was contractually entitled to, the RTE Board Chair Siun Ni Raghallaigh set out to the Committee.

"Others knew," Dail told, as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar dismisses RTE contentions

Egregious breach of trust

She also apologised for the egregious breach of trust with the public.

The public, RTE staff, and public representatives are angry and hurt. We know that our bond of trust with the public is tarnished. We know that trust is precious, and that once lost, trust is difficult to regain. Step by step we will work to rebuild that trust, she said in a submission ahead of the hearing.

Seven RTE officials are facing questions from members of the Oireachtas Media Committee.

Current chairperson of the RTE Board Siun Ni Raghallaigh and Interim Deputy Director General Adrian Lynch are attending the meeting.

The other five people to appear are CFO Richard Collins, commercial director, Geraldine OLeary, director of strategy Rory Coveney, Chair of Audit & Risk Committee Anne OLeary; and Member of Audit & Risk Committee and Board staff representative, Robert Shortt.

A number of other board members were invited but did not attend.

Ryan Tubridy and Dee Forbes

At the opening of the committee session today, chair Niamh Smyth TD said the invite to Dee Forbes and Jim Jennings, who are not attending due to health reasons, stands for when they are able to come in.

Breakdown in governance

"Theres been a complete breakdown in corporate Governance in RTE, said Sinn Fein TD Imelda Munster.

She said it goes beyond Dee Forbes and it is not credible that only Ms Forbes was fully aware of the payments to Mr Tubridy.

The public wouldnt swallow it and neither will we, she said.

Director of commercial Geraldine OLeary said she was not in the room and did not construct the deal.

She said she was advised by the chief financial officer afterwards.

RTE commercial director Geraldine O'Leary said in year three of RTE's deal with a commercial partner, she was advised by Ms Forbes that there was "financial pressure" to meet the contractual obligations.

She said she "cannot remember the precise detail", when asked about payments being listed as "consultancy fees".

"How could you forget something like that?" asked Ms Munster.

Ms Munster asked Chief Financial Officer Richard Collins why did he not call out the concealment of the payments being listed as consultancy fees.

I wasnt aware of what they related to, he said.

The barter account was under the control of the Commercial division.

They came under my radar when raised by the auditors in March 2023.

This deal was constructed by a different person, he said.

Tubridy was due a "loyalty bonus" at the end of his contract of 120,000, Mr Collins told the committee.

He said because of some unexplained reason this money was credited against Tubridys earnings between 2017 and 2019, but was not in fact paid to him. This is now under investigation.

I didnt sign off on it, Mr Collins said.

Who signed off on it was the DG and the CFO at the time.

I hadnt taken up the CFO role at the time.

Mr Collins said the 120,000 payment was never paid, never accrued for in the accounts.

But for an unexplained reason, that 120,000 was credited against his earnings in between 2017 and 2019. Thats under investigation at the moment by Grant Thornton, he said.

"Others knew," Dail told, as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar dismisses RTE contentions

How did one man and his agent become bigger than RTE?

FF Senator Shane Cassells asked how RTE allowed one man and his agent become bigger than RTE?

Was he worth it? he said.

Deputy DG Adrian Lynch apologised on behalf of the RTE executive board.

The guarantee and the underwriting of [this deal] is absolutely critical, he said.

He said on May 7, a guarantee was verbally given, that if the deal fell through, RTE would pay Tubridy.

He said when this actually happened, Tubridys earnings should have been declared.

I had absolutely no awareness of how this deal was operationalised, said Mr Lynch.

RTE should never underwrite a commercial agreement in relation to a talent, said Mr Lynch.

This is what led to a complete breach of corporate governance, he said.

He said it is not identified in the Grant Thornton review who initiated the idea of listing payments under consultancy.

Mr Lynch said Mr Tubridys agent was "focused" on getting a guarantee.

As an agent, he is going to drive the best bargain he can get for his clients.

Ms Ni Raghallaigh said Dee Forbes was suspended while a disciplinary procedure was happening.

A sub committee of the RTE Board was set up to deal with this procedure.

Mr Lynch would not answer when asked if Mr Tubridy would be back on air.

At the moment, obviously, for editorial reasons, its impossible for Ryan Tubridy to be back on air, said Mr Lynch.

When asked if he would be back in the long term, he said: "For editorial reasons, he is not on air at the moment."

Ms Ni Raghallaigh said the two payments of 75,000 didnt show up in accounts until 2022 because they were paid in 2022.

FG Senator Micheal Carrigy tells the Committee he is a postmaster and has seen some pushback from customers on paying the TV licence.

He said one customer told him: Will I Revolut Ryan or Renault?

Resignation

Independent TD Mattie McGrath asks why Dee Forbes resignation was accepted when RTE knew it was curtains for her appearance before Oireachtas committees.

Ms Ni Raghallaigh said Ms Forbes made the resignation public at the same time I was made aware of it.

Thats another disastrous decision. How are we going to get any answers? said the Independent TD.

He reiterated his call for a Garda investigation.

Chair of the committee Niamh Smyth said there are "no allegations of any criminal wrongdoing".

"Why are we here?" said Mr McGrath.

"Who are you loyal to?" he asked deputy DG Adrian Lynch.

Our commercial revenue is hugely critical to everything we do at RTE, Mr OLeary said.

Were also incredibly loyal to all of our customers.

Labour Senator Marie Sherlock asked if there was any inkling of any unusual transactions which were happening in 2022.

These transactions were approved by the director general, said CFO Richard Collins.

Theres a role for the executive board now to actually own what the issues are here and discuss it with the board, said Ms Ni Raghallaigh.

She said there are jewels in the crown, when speaking about the staff at RTE.

The management of the organisation has to seriously be addressed.

Bosco and his magic door are clearly still present at RTE

The first time I saw the invoices was in March of this year, said commercial director Geraldine OLeary.

She said there may well have been a conversation between her and the DG about labelling the invoices as consultancy fees but said she does not remember.

She said she knew they related to Tubridy even though his name was not on them.

That beggars belief, to be honest, said FF TD Christopher OSullivan.

The culture at RTE, especially the top brass at RTE, it seems rotten, said Deputy OSullivan.

He said his first memories of RTE are of Bosco. Bosco and his magic door are clearly still present at RTE.

He said this culture has to be stamped out.

TD Christopher O'Sullivan mentions Bosco and his magic door at RTE Oireachtas hearing

A lot of transactions

FG TD Alan Dillon asked about any other unclassified payments in the barter account.

Mr Collins said there are a lot of transactions in the barter account and he has done an overview of it but there are a lot of documents to accompany the transactions which will have to be gone through.

It will be investigated thoroughly, he said.

Ms OLeary said she did not know the two payments of 75,000 were secret payments.

I had no idea what the 75 grand represented in terms of his [Tubridys] overall earnings, she said.

Nobody from the executive board answered when asked by Deputy Dillon if they had considered their positions.

Sinn Fein senator Fintan Warfield asked if the salaries of top 100 earners from RTE can be published, including top executives. Mr Lynch said this request has been "noted".

Mr Lynch said he is pretty confident that there is no journalist who has a deal with a car brand in RTE.

Independent TD Peter Fitzpatrick said Dee Forbes has been thrown under a bus.

Mr Lynch said he had no idea a guarantee was given on the two 75,000 payments.

You dont throw your friends under a bus, said Mr Fitzpatrick.

Mr Lynch said negotiations are suspended, when asked about the presenters contract.

He confirmed Mr Tubridy is getting paid at the moment when asked by Deputy Fitzpatrick.

Mr Lynch declined to comment when asked if Ryan Tubridy had the best job at RTE.

He said there was no relation between the payments and his decision to step down from the Late Late Show.

Ryan Tubridys contract finished on May 31, the deputy director general tells the committee.

There was a process to negotiate a radio only contract which at the moment is suspended, Mr Lynch said.

Gigs

SF TD John Brady asked about the decision taken for RTE to pay 47,000 for Renault gigs.

Ms OLeary said they are a very loyal sponsor and they wanted Mr Tubridy to host events but it had to be cost neutral.

She said she has email correspondence with the client and went to see him.

Noel Kelly

FF Senator Malcolm Byrne said Tubridys agent Noel Kelly is able to dictate contracts to RTE and said it was unbelievable that RTE operates on partially verbal agreements.

Four or five presenters in RTE are represented by Mr Kelly, the committee heard.

Mr Lynch said he became aware of a verbal agreement in relation to the 75,000 payments to Tubridy at 3am on Monday because he went to look for a written agreement and couldnt find it in correspondence.

It was made via a Microsoft Teams call, he said.

Forbes was asked to resign

The chair of RTE board Siun Ni Raghallaigh revealed that she asked Dee Forbes for her resignation on June 16.

She said one of the recommendations from the Audit and Risk Committee was to ask for Ms Forbes resignation.

She still has the option to come before the Committee, she said.

Ms Forbes resignation was not forthcoming, said Ms Ni Raghallaigh.

I sought her resignation, it wasnt forthcoming and then we went into a disciplinary process.

I was advised we couldn't say she was suspended because of labour laws."

She said the Board made her suspension public due to the damage that it was doing to RTE.

Anne OLeary, chair of the audit and risk committee, said it didn't seem like an ordinary transaction to me when the 75,000 payments were first flagged.

If incoming Late Late Show presenter Patrick Kielty is not opposed, RTE is happy to publish his salary, deputy director general Adrian Lynch has suggested.

A register of interests for the top talent will also be considered, Mr Lynch said.

Commercial director Geraldine OLeary said she was inundated by journalists ringing my phone, when asked why she referred media queries to her solicitor.

She said she had never been in that situation and wanted advice.

When asked if the top 100 or top 200 salaries will be published immediately, Mr Lynch said: Most people in RTE are not paid a lot of money, Mr Lynch told FG TD Brendan Griffin.

Mr Lynch said Ms Forbes was not given a right of reply to the redacted Grant Thornton report published yesterday as RTE wanted to get it published quickly.

Deputy Griffin asked if the board considered not accepting Ms Forbes resignation so she could appear before the committee.

Because we dont matter to you and that is the bottom line, because the people dont matter to you, he said.

How is pay decided?

Independent TD Michael McNamara asked how executives decide pay, how much a presenter should be paid and if the presenter may instead take up a role abroad.

It depends on the particular individual and if they are able to compete with the international marketplace, Mr Lynch said.

Richard Collins clarified he knew since early March of the issues surrounding the 75,000 payments despite earlier in the committee saying they were only made aware around St Patricks Day.

The issue was flagged whenever it was, early March at that stage.

I was spoken to, the Director General was spoken to.

Concealment

FF Senator Timmy Dooley said the deal was about concealment and asked why it was put together in the first place.

Ive no doubt that there was a negotiation going on in the autumn of 2019, said Mr Lynch.

There were some brand extensions because the negotiation wasnt going that well, he said.

Ms Ni Raghallaigh said she did not tell Media Minister Catherine Martin during her meeting last Saturday that she sought Ms Forbes resignation.

Geraldine OLeary said some presenters are ambassadors for cars and do have cars, which is done through their agents or themselves.

FF TD Niamh Smyth also asked for figures for the Late Late Toy Show Musical. Rory Coveney told her this is commercially sensitive. This was rejected by the chair and he said: Well consider it and come back to you.

More updates to follow

Apology

In submissions in advance of the meeting board chair Siun Ni Raghallaigh apologised to TDs and Senators on the Media Committee for simply untrue information the State broadcaster provided previously to politicians.

Mr Tubridys earnings were also correctly accounted for in the RTE accounts, Ms Ni Raghallaigh told committees politicians in her opening remarks today.

Mr Tubridys earnings were correctly accounted for in the RTE accounts, and the earnings he received were what he was contractually entitled to. In addition, for the record, I want to confirm that he did not receive an exit fee.

The chair said the circumstances which led to the wrong figures being given to the public and Oireachtas in relation to Mr Tubridys pay are being examined by Grant Thornton and the findings are due in four weeks.

Why this figure was understated  and by whom  that is the question we as a Board are also very anxious to know the answer to.

The chair also said sorry for wrong information which was given to the committee previously in relation to Mr Tubridys pay.

I am also mindful that this Committee, and others, were in the past presented with information that was simply untrue. That was a breach of trust with you, the elected members of the Oireachtas, for which we sincerely apologise.

She also apologised to each and every one of the 1,800 workers for the distress they are experiencing as they deal with the shadow that has fallen over this organisation.

More updates to follow...
Members of staff from RTE take part in a protest at the broadcasters headquarters in Donnybrook yesterday (PA/Niall Carson)

RTE board chairwoman Siun Ni Raghallaigh speaks to the media outside the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in Dublin, following her meeting with Catherine Martin, Minister for Tourism and Culture

Seven RTE officials will face questions from members of the Oireachtas Media Committee later today over the controversial payments made to Ryan Tubridy.

Current chairperson of the RTE Board Siun Ni Raghallaigh and Interim Deputy Director General Adrian Lynch will attend the meeting.

The other five people to appear are CFO Richard Collins, commercial director, Geraldine OLeary, director of strategy Rory Coveney, Chair of Audit & Risk Committee RTE, Anne OLeary and Member of Audit & Risk Committee and Board staff representative, Robert Shortt.

Geraldine OLeary played a key role in the controversial commercial deal, which saw Mr Tubridy being paid 75,000.

She arranged the deal between the commercial partner, the agent and RTE, but RTE says only on the direction of director general Dee Forbes, who agreed it when it was only at draft stage.

RTE says the deal was ultimately implemented by means of a credit note, issued on the direction of the Director General. Ms Forbes agreed to underwrite the terms of the commercial agreement.

RTE says nobody else on the executive knew about the two invoices for 75,000 each in 2022, paid for through the barter account. Ms OLeary says her knowledge was limited to the instructions received by her from Ms Forbes on the payments and she was not party to the negotiations.

RTE executive says only former DG would have known salary figures incorrect

Former director general Dee Forbes, who resigned from her post of RTE director general on Monday, will not attend todays Dail committee, citing health reasons.

She will also not attend Thursdays hearing of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on the Tubridy payments scandal.

A number of other board members have been invited although it is not clear if they will attend.

Ms Forbes, through her solicitors, has told the committee that she is under medical care.

Byrne Wallace Solicitors have told the committee chair Fianna Fail TD Niamh Smyth: Our client is not fit to attend and participate in the Public Session Meeting of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media.

Sinn Feins Pearse Doherty said RTE need to lay out all the facts today and if they do not provide the required information then the Government should send someone in to review the matter.

10 things we learned from RTEs statement

There are now more questions than ever after what they have announced. In my view I think theyre still trying to cover their tracks. I think they were very careful in relation to how they presented their statement yesterday, he told RTEs Morning Ireland.

There are serious questions to answer and Im disappointed to learn so far that a number of the people who have been invited to come before the committee havent yet said that they will.

It is absolutely essential that Dee Forbes provides the information that is required as soon as she possibly can but there are other serving directors on the board of RTE that have been invited and need to attend today.

People are struggling to pay their license fee, there are punishments in relation to paying their license fees and they want to know that their money is being well spent.

If RTE arent willing to divulge all of the information that the public require, the Minister can appoint someone to go in and review all the documentation on behalf of the State.

Fianna Fail TD Christopher OSullivan, who is a member of the Oireachtas Media Committee, had said Ms Ni Raghallaigh and Mr Lynch are the only attendees that he was aware of.

Mr OSullivan said the questions will be tailored towards who is present at the meeting.

If thats the case, this could prove an absolute futile exercise, he said.

Indo Daily EXTRA: What Dee Forbes knew - RTE break silence on Ryan Tubridy pay scandal

We need the likes of the chief financial officer in the committee to be able to answer questions, we need the likes of the head of commercial who has been there since 2018 so you would imagine would have good oversight and good knowledge of whats transpired.

Mr OSullivan described last nights statement from RTE as quite vague.

First and foremost, there are contradictions between the former director statement where she stated quite clearly that there was constant communication with RTE colleagues yet in the RTE statement, they very much lay the blame at the feet of Dee Forbes, he said.

Clearly other people were aware of elements of what was going on and we need to dig deeper into that and find out exactly who knew what.

Its not credible to think that the former director general Dee Forbes was the only one who could have been aware of what was going on.

Politicians have demanded clarity on unanswered questions and have insisted that full transparency is required.

The Government is also continuing to finalise the terms of reference for a review into governance and culture at RTE.

It is expected to announce details of this by the end of the week.

The Oireachtas committee is scheduled to begin at 1.30pm with robust questioning expected. It will be broadcast live on the RTE News Channel.
Ryan Tubridy is disputing a statement from RTE that his contract has come to an end the Irish Independent understands.

RTE released the statement this morning that negotiations over a new contract were on hold after the presenters quit his role as host of the Late Late Show.

Mr Tubridys previous contract with RTE began in July 2020 and was set to end in March 2025.

Ryan Tubridy stood down from the Late Late Show in May. RTE has written to his agent that the contract including all arrangements therein has come to an end, the statement said.

Negotiations had commenced regarding his radio responsibilities. Those negotiations have been paused as with all negotiations as per Board statement.

However, a source close to Mr Tubridy told the Irish Independent.he does not believe that his contract is terminated and plans to contest that assertion by the national broadcaster.

We reject the suggestion that the contract is terminated. The precedent is when contracts change like this and when one element, be it TV or radio goes, that the contract is amended to reflect the change, but it is not terminated.

We will be making that very clear to RTE. We believe its black and white, the source added.

Meanwhile Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has slammed RTEs statement yesterday for pinning the blame for the secret cash fiasco on former director general Dee Forbes.

We do not believe that the former DG Dee Forbes was the only person with knowledge of these events, Mr Varadkar said speaking in the Dail during Leaders Questions.

Audit of a scandal: How the Ryan Tubridy RTE payments furore unfurled

Tubridy was not paid an exit fee and the earnings he received were what he was contractually entitled to, the RTE Board Chair Siun Ni Raghallaigh will tell the Oireachtas Media Committee.

She will also apologise to TDs and Senators on the Media Committee for simply untrue information the State broadcaster provided previously to politicians.

Mr Varadkar said RTEs timeline of four weeks for investigating other payments to Ryan Tubridy between 2017 and 2019 was also not satisfactory.

The executives should explain why it should take four weeks, he said. I dont understand that.

He repeated that it currently appeared only one of the stations top 10 earners received a clandestine payment.

Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty told the Dail it simply isnt credible that RTEs top brass did not know of a sweetheart deal for Ryan Tubridy.

More than half the board had knowledge of the negotiations, Mr Doherty suggested.

RTE completed a secret deal, and an elaborate plan to cover it up, he said.

The Taoiseach said the revelations had shaken public trust, although the vast majority in RTE would have known nothing of this and certainly did not benefit in any way.

Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik said all in the Oireachtas was still in the dark over the situation following the RTE statement.

She offered solidarity to the RTE employees who had spoken so eloquently of their sense of betrayal and breach of trust.

It was unbelievable, as RTE Education correspondent Emma OKelly had said, that someone earing 440,000 needed to get more money, and to get it in secret, she said.

Pearse Doherty said RTE had delivered selective information about hidden payments to Ryan Tubridy and asked RTE around the issues at the heart of this fiasco.

It leaves more questions than answers. And reading the RTE statement, you'd be led to believe that Dee Forbes was the only person who knew. But that's simply isn't credible.

More than half the executive board had knowledge about the commercial contract, at a time of pay cut for workers and when people were struggling to pay the annual licence fee during that cost of living crisis.

In order to falsely portray that Ryan Tubridy was taking a pay cut, RTE created that sweetheart deal and an elaborate plan to cover it up, Mr Doherty said.

RTE top brass knew that there was a separate sweetheart deal in place between RTE executives and Ryan Tubridys agent hidden from the public.

This sweetheart deal involved Renault paying Ryan Tubridy 75,000, but this would be reimbursed by RTE through a separate account.

Ryan Tubridy would also attend private events of Renault while RTE would pick up all of the costs.

We now know that it was the commercial director which negotiated with Renault this side deal. She was the person who agreed with Ryan Tubridys agent that the invoices would be paid through the barter account.

She organised the payment through the barter account, and none of this would be known and we were just to read the RTE statement.

The fact is that RTE executives knew that this contract was being negotiated. RTEs chief financial officer, the director of content, the director of audiences, all had some knowledge about these negotiations.

Many of them knew about the commercial arrangement between Ryan Tubridy and Renault, bizarrely underwritten by RTE.

The former director general was responsible. There's no doubt about that.

But she wasn't the only one with knowledge of taxpayers money spent without recourse to the Board, to the Oireachtas, to the minister or to the taxpayer.

And this at the heart of it is public money. We've got to get to the bottom of this quickly.

The former host has been removed from air this week for editorial reasons while the situation unfolds.

In a statement on Friday, Tubridy said he was disappointed by this decision.

I look forward to returning to the radio show, a job I love, as soon as possible and I hope my listeners and my colleagues appreciate my sincerity on this, he said.

He apologised unreservedly for not asking questions or seeking answers as to the circumstances which resulted in incorrect figures being published.

He added: I didnt, and I bear responsibility for my failure to do so.

10 things we learned from RTEs statement

Mr Tubridy stood down as host of the Friday night chat show in May following 14 years at the helm. He first announced his decision in March.

This comes as the Oireachtas Media Committee hearing is due to take place at 1.30pm today where RTE officials are set to answer questions about the arrangements of undeclared payments between 2017 and 2022.

The national broadcaster issued a statement yesterday where it claimed that only former director general Dee Forbes could have known that publicly declared pay figures for the star were understated.

Ms Forbes, who resigned from her post on Monday, will not attend todays Dail committee, citing health reasons.

She will also not attend Thursdays hearing of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on the Tubridy payments scandal.

Ms Forbes, through her solicitors, has told the committee that she is under medical care.
YEREVAN, JUNE 28, ARMENPRESS. On June 28, Armenian FM Ararat Mirzoyan and United States national security advisor to President Joe Biden met in the US capital, Washington. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov was also present at the meeting.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from MFA Armenia, in the context of achieving long-term peace and stability in the South Caucasus, Ararat Mirzoyan emphasized the importance of ensuring maximum certainty in the delimitation process based on the Alma-Ata Declaration and the 1975 map, as well as withdrawal of troops. The issue of unblocking regional infrastructures was also addressed, emphasizing the absence of an alternative to preserving the principles of sovereignty, jurisdiction, equality and reciprocity.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan once again emphasized the importance of properly addressing the rights and security issues of the people of Nagorno Karabakh. Referring to another aggressive operation of Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh, as a result of which the Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Army suffered four casualties on June 28, Minister Mirzoyan stressed that such actions are aimed at disrupting the efforts aimed at the negotiation process, and emphasized the imperative of excluding the use of force or the threat of force. Minister Mirzoyan emphasized that this action takes place in parallel with the humanitarian crisis created in NK as a result of the illegal blocking of the Lachin Corridor, as well as the deliberate disruption of gas and electricity supply to NK by Azerbaijan, which is aimed at subjecting Nagorno Karabakh to ethnic cleansing.
Irish and UK authorities are searching for a small yacht which is six days overdue at a Cork port.

The eight metre 'Minke', which was taking part in the single-handed Jester Yacht Challenge, left Plymouth in the UK on June 18.

It was due in Baltimore in west Cork on June 22 - but there has been no trace of or contact with the vessel since.

Both the UK and Irish authorities confirmed that all other vessels participating in the sailing event have been safely accounted for.

According to the race manifest, the Minke was skippered by experienced British sailor Duncan Lougee, who once completed a race after his boat lost a rudder.

All craft have now been urged to report any sightings they may have had of the yacht since June 18.

The race consisted of a route from Plymouth, around the Scilly Isles and then past the Fastnet rock to Baltimore in west Cork.

'Minke' is described as a folkboat design and eight metres in length, with a white hull and white sails and sail number FB 597.

Duncan Lougee on the Minke ahead of a previous race. Photo: Jester Challenge

A UK Coast Guard spokesperson confirmed that a search is underway for the vessel with all vessels, both commercial and leisure, urged to report any sightings of it.

"The skipper was taking part in the single-handed Jester Challenge with a plan to sail the route via the Isles of Scilly. All other vessels are accounted for," a spokesperson said.

"HM Coastguard has issued regular broadcasts and liaised with the Irish Coastguard, UK police and the RNLI. If you have any information, please call the Falmouth Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre on (01326) 317575."

The UK authorities are now liaising with the Coast Guard, the Department of the Marine and the RNLI over the whereabouts of the vessel.

Fishing vessels are being urged to report any sightings of a vessel matching the description of 'Minke.'

A search effort is being coordinated from Falmouth in Cornwall.

Irish authorities said every support was being provided for the UK-led search.

"The Coast Guard is collaborating with the UK's MCA in assisting with a request for any sightings or reports of the yacht 'Minke' which was taking part in the Jester Challenge."

"The Coast Guard is making local enquiries and broadcasting marine VHF messages, seeking any reports on sightings of the vessel. There are no reports or information on the vessel being sighted in Irish waters. The operation is ongoing."
A doorman in the Stardust nightclub crawled into the burning building to help pull out a young girl who was completely on fire and who appeared to be dead when she was brought out, an inquest has heard.

The jury in the Dublin District Coroners Court, today heard the original statements of a number of unavailable witnesses.

The statements were read into the record by members of the coroners legal team, during the inquest into the fire that killed 48 people when it swept through the Stardust nightclub in the early hours of February 14, 1981.

The statement of Patrick J Murphy, a doorman at the Stardust, was read out by Mark Tottenham BL. Mr Murphy said that at 1.45am on the night, he was approached by a female who said: Theyve started a fire in the corner, and pointed to the far end of the partitioned area near the main bar.

Mr Murphy went to the partition and rolled under it, and he saw in the far right hand corner the top of a seat on fire. He got a fire extinguisher and attempted to put out the fire, which had spread across the tops of the seats, but it did not seem to make any difference.

I noticed intense heat from the ceiling, which started to melt, and parts of it dropped onto tables and seats starting more fires, he said.

He said the ceiling collapsed, filling the area with fumes and black smoke.

I was overcome by fumes and smoke and made my way to the door leading to the kitchen, he said, going on to say that he got sick in the bar area and when he recovered, he left the premises through one of the doors.

Mr Murphy said he ran around outside to the exit doors. Some patrons were lifting out a man who was badly burned, and the place was engulfed in flames.

I saw a young girl run towards the door, and she fell about four feet inside the door. This person was completely on fire. When she fell, I and two others crawled in and pulled her out. When we got her out, she appeared to be dead, he said.

He said that people were shouting through the windows of the toilets, and Mr Murphy said he helped others get the grating off the windows and helped two people out of the windows.

The statement of Patrick Joseph McGrath, who was general maintenance man for the Stardust, was also read by Mr Tottenham.

Mr McGrath said that three weeks before the fire, the assistant manager told him that someone had reported smoke at the back of the club, which was thought to be coming from a heating duct. He said that he believed this to be impossible, as that section of heating was out of operation for some time.

Further evidence that Mr McGrath gave to a previous tribunal was also read out, in which he confirmed that a horizontal bar was missing on one of the exit doors, and another bar was fitted upside down, which he said was an error made by the carpenter.

He said that this did not affect the opening of the door. He also said that a couple of weeks before the fire, a decision was made by management to put steel plates on the toilet windows.

He was asked if there had been neither bars nor plates on the windows, were the windows big enough to permit a person to wriggle through, to which he replied: It is possible, I suppose.

The statement of another doorman, Michael Griffin, was also read out. He said that on one occasion, he was told by his boss to remain at one of the exit doors, which was locked and chained. He said he was told only to open the door in an emergency.

Mr Griffin also said that on the night of the fire, a ramp that was a mobile extension of the stage was left near exit four. He said the ramp was 18 to 20 feet long and six feet wide, and the end of it was five feet from the door. He said it covered about half the door, and there were a number of stools near the ramp, leaving only about two and a half to three inches of a gap to get out when the panic came.

These stools and ramp caused a serious obstruction when the people were attempting to escape from the fire, said Mr Griffin in his statement.

However, during a subsequent tribunal, Mr Griffin said that the gap was three and a half feet, not inches, and he told the tribunal that the ramp could have caused an obstruction.

The statement of Liam OConnor was read by Mr Tottenham. Mr OConnor said that he went to the Silver Swan pub on the night in the same complex as the Stardust. Outside the pub he met two men, one of whom had been refused admission into the Stardust, so they decided to try to get into the Stardust without paying.

Five of them went to the side of the club to an exit door and found steel bars. He said that one man tried to pull open the doors with his hands but was not able to.

We pushed the pieces of bars into the joints where the doors meet and tried to press the doors open, but it would not open. The middle of the door opened out about three or four inches but would not come any more. There was a clip on this door and I saw a chain coming off the bar on the door. While the door was prised open, we pulled on the door but it would not budge, said Mr OConnor.

The jury also heard evidence from Maeve Naughton, who was a waitress in the Stardust. She confirmed to Simon Mills SC, a member of the coroners legal team, that she saw the flames coming out over one part of an alcove in the Stardust. She said the fire was going flying down the alcove and she could see it blowing.

She said the ceiling was crackling for a few minutes before she saw the fire and she thought she was going to get electrocuted.

There was crackling from the ceiling, that was the most frightening. I thought I was going to get electrocuted. I thought the wires were going to come down, she said.

The inquest continues tomorrow.
Room2 is bringing a cross between a home and a hotel to Belfast in September

The ensuite bathroom at a mock-up bedroom at room2 in Belfast

The exterior of room2 at the corner of Queen Street and College Street in Belfast

Michelle Thomas, general manager at room2 Belfast, seated in the living area of a mock-up of a bedroom at its new 'hometel' in Belfast city centre

A mock-up of what bedrooms will look like in room2

A London property firm has said its bringing a new concept in accommodation to Northern Ireland with its hometel - a cross between a home and a hotel.

The eight-floor room2 is due to open in a new building at the corner of Belfasts Queen Street and College Street in September. In total, 20m (23.3m) has been invested in the scheme.

It was built by Northern Ireland developer Oakland Holdings following the demolition of Lyndon Court, though it has been scaled back from 14 storeys. Its now being leased to Lamington Group, owner of the room2 brand.

While Belfast already has apart-hotels like The Flint on Howard Street and serviced apartments like Cordia on Lisburn Road, room2 says it offers more personal touches and five-star equivalent service.

We've had a tour of a typical bedroom in the hometel, which is full of quirky decorative touches with an emphasis on sustainability.

Michelle Thomas, general manager at room2 Belfast, seated in the living area of a mock-up of a bedroom at its new 'hometel' in Belfast city centre

There are 175 rooms in total, and all but 20 have a fully-fitted kitchenette. However, some of those without a kitchenette interconnect with rooms which do have kitchens.

Rooms are designed for single or double occupancy but some family rooms have a mezzanine bed, and also interconnect to a twin room. Some are pet-friendly.

Brothers Robert and Stuart Godwin lead Lamington Group, which was founded by their father 56 years ago.

General manager Michelle Thomas has moved to Belfast for the opening after working at the room2 in Southampton.

She said many of the rooms decorative flourishes, such as a heart-shaped headboard, are the creation of Robert. For our benefit, a Belfast bap has been put on display in the kitchenette.

Michelle said: "Everythings thought through, all the little details. A local designer designed the wallpaper for us.

"The brothers used to travel a lot and found some things frustrating about staying in a hotel which theyve corrected.

The kitchenette in a mock-up bedroom at room2

For now, its still a building site with construction going on and workers carrying mattresses upstairs. In fact, guests can choose whether they want a harder or softer mattress.

Downstairs doesnt have a typical reception but an area for staff to greet and check guests in using a mobile phone or tablet.

There will be a pet-friendly bar and cafe on the ground floor called The Living Room which will be open to the public and also serve a full breakfast to guests.

It also has free Wi-Fi, which Michelle hopes will encourage people to come in and use the building to work.

room2 Belfast follows openings in Hammersmith, Chiswick and Southampton. And more could follow on the island of Ireland, Michelle says.

"Were looking for great cities to be a part of their culture and environment. 

The exterior of room2 at the corner of Queen Street and College Street in Belfast

A spokesman for Oakland Holdings said it was delighted to be partnering with room2".

"The location of the new aparthotel, right across from Merchant Square which we also developed and which is now fully occupied by PwC, will bring new life and energy to Queen Street and the central Belfast business district.

The accommodations target guests include companies and tourists, Michelle says.

"Everything we do is about flexibility and we can tailor it for people wanting to stay anything from one night to a year. In our other properties from Monday to Friday we have corporates that stay regularly.

She said prices hadnt been confirmed but would likely be the same as a standard hotel, beginning at around 150/175 a night.
In tribunal-land of the late 90s and 00s it was known as The Dead Man Strategy. In the exhaustive investigations into payments to politicians, there was often a common theme: the key man with all the vital information, responsible for everything and who paid the cash was dead. Lord rest his soul, but with them went all the knowledge of matters untoward. Nobody else knew nuthin. Sorry, your honour.
It seems Late Late Show host-designate Patrick Kielty hasnt got the memo yet (Patrick Kielty is as tone-deaf as Ryan Tubridy on RTE pay saga, so hell fit in fine on The Late Late Show, Irish Independent, June 27).

Minister Catherine Martins proposed external review of RTE will focus on culture as well as governance and finances.

Someone needs to tell Mr Kielty it will take more than a few beers to square the circle before he drives up to Montrose in September.

PR handlers wont be able to shield him once he crosses the Rubicon.

Tom McElligott, Listowel, Co Kerry

Reducing TV licence fee would be an injustice to majority of station staff

With regards to possible undisclosed payments to an RTE presenter, RTE as an organisation is not the problem. The problem was created by a tiny minority there. Therefore, any corrective action should not be levelled at underpaid, undervalued and ill-used reporters and researchers.

Calls to revisit or reduce RTEs licence fee or other government funding are an appalling injustice to the majority of RTE staff.

The punitive actions just mentioned would also, of course, very badly damage the national broadcaster, something that might not altogether displease those in the Oireachtas with an aversion to any state enterprise or service.

I refer here to the populist right whose preferred solution to any problem with a state service or enterprise is to turn popular anger against the entire organisation.

Bill OSullivan, Douglas, Cork

As a brave people, lets stop hiding behind the skirts of other nations

Apparently it is newsworthy if two people stand up and heckle the Taoiseach on the subject of neutrality. They even get their point of view covered by the media.

Meanwhile, the citizens of Ireland who have benefited from being citizens of Europe and the world (United Nations) are not being asked their opinions. The phrase an empty can makes most noise fits this scenario.

Our media has to stop giving this vocal minority coverage that is equal to the rest of the population.

Let us be the brave race of people that we are and stop hiding behind the skirts of other nations.

Brendan Mac Court, address with editor

Commission on Defence Forces skewed towards pro-EU military stance

With regards to the consultative forums concerning Irelands neutrality, I would like to offer the following observations and a suggestion regarding the recent Defence Forces Commission report.

From the outset, the composition of the commission was flawed. Of the 15 commission members, two-thirds were pro-EU ex-military and officials favouring expanding military spending. Was the setting up of the commission and the invitation of public submissions an exercise designed to rubber-stamp the Governments pro-EU/Pesco/UN/Nato militarisation expansion agenda?

The ill-spent, taxpayer-funded deliberations and report should be declared void and thrown into the bin.

Jor Terry, Blarney, Cork

A textbook lesson in why schools should be tasked with certain budgets

A recent episode of RTE Radio 1s Liveline heard the annual outpouring of justified outrage from parents over virtually pristine school textbooks having to be disposed of. These books are rendered useless for a secondhand market by the publication of virtually identical new editions.

An easy and green solution to this annual scandal would be for the Department of Education to devolve funding for all textbook purchases to secondary school budgets. In this way, schools would be very reluctant to demand new textbooks with minimal and unnecessary edition changes.

In my time as principal of two secondary schools in England, I witnessed first hand the care with which subject departments looked after and ensured the longevity of school books.

Alan Whelan, President Catholic Secondary School Parents Association, Killarney, Co Kerry

Perpetrators of vile assault on Ukrainian actor must be brought to justice

Earlier this week, I wrote a letter in praise of the wonderful production of Brian Friels Translations by the Lesya Ukrainka National Academic Drama Theatre in the Abbey Theatre (Electrifying performance of Friels Translations warranted a second watch, Letters, June 27).

I was deeply upset to read, later that day in your online edition, that one of the actors, Oleksandr Hrekov, had been viciously assaulted in Dublin city centre a few days after I had seen him on stage. Mr Hrekov had a bottle smashed over his head and was glassed in the face.

I am sure everyone who had the privilege of seeing this magical interpretation of Translations in the Ukrainian language will join me in wishing Mr Hrekov well in his recovery and in saying we are so sorry he was the victim of this horrific assault; also, that we would like to express our heartfelt appreciation for his work and that of his fellow actors in bringing Translations to Dublin  and our great admiration for their commitment as artists.

I also hope that those who attacked Mr Hrekov are brought to justice.

Chris Fitzpatrick, Terenure Road East, Dublin 6

Its high time to tackle the problem of assaults on frontline HSE workers

Looking at the figure for assaults on HSE staff (more than 1,300 attacks recorded in the first three months of this year, according to RTEs This Week), it seems that 

right across our frontline sector, workers who are simply doing their job are being assaulted. The response from the Government or management has not worked.

The HSE and other organisations could improve the safety and security of workers by more robust training of security staff and the use of criminal law legislation. All too often, gardai are called to hospital A&Es to deal with violent offenders after staff have been assaulted and threatened. On-the-spot fines havent worked and very few offenders have been charged or summonsed for these offences.

It is time to change the narrative and bring in an immediate charging system for anyone involved in assaults on HSE staff.

Christy Galligan, Letterkenny, Co Donegal
27/06/2023 NO REPRO FEE, MAXWELLS DUBLIN Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts addressed Seanad Eireann. Pic shows ( l to r ) US Ambassador to Ireland, Claire Cronin, Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts and Cathaoirleach of Seanad Eireann, Senator Jerry Buttimer. Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts addressed Seanad Eireann on Tuesday, 27 June. Maura Healey was elected the 73rd Governor of Massachusetts in November 2022, making her the United States' first openly gay Governor. She was inaugurated on January 5, 2023. Governor Healeys paternal grandparents were from Kilgarvan in Co. Kerry and Macroom in Co. Cork and her maternal grandmother was a native of Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. PIC: NO FEE, MAXWELLS

Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts visited Seanad Eireann on Tuesday during her five day visit to Ireland where she met with Seanad Cathaoirleach, Senator Jerry Buttimer, and US Ambassador Claire Cronin. She then addressed the Seanad.

WHILE her mission may have been to mark the 60th anniversary of the visit of her fellow Massachusetts politician, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, and the 30th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Ireland, Governor Maura Healey may have also been taking astute political steps on a path which could lead her to the White House during this weeks visit to Ireland.

And like many US presidents, the fact that the former civil rights lawyer, who was elected as the first openly gay governor of her state last November, has Irish relatives wont do her electability credentials any harm at all.

During her visit, which got underway on Monday, Governor Healey addressed Seanad Eireann and recalled her familial links to Ireland during her speech. Along with millions of Americans, including President Biden and Ambassador Cronin, I cherish my Irish roots and Im grateful to the brave Irish women and men who made my life possible, she said during her address.

Today Im thinking of my late father, Jerry Healey, and his parents, Jeremiah Healey and Margaret Riordan, who emigrated from Kerry and Cork.

As readers of The Corkman will know, Jeremiah Healey hailed from Kilgarvan while Margaret Riordan was from Macroom.

Governor Healeys five day visit to Ireland included participation in a discussion panel recalling the visit to Ireland in June 1963 by then US President John F. Kennedy, who was a Massachusetts senator, at the EPIC centre in Dublin on Wednesday.

As the first openly gay Governor of her state, Governor Healey could not let the occasion pass without recalling that 2023 is the 30th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Ireland.

It was not so long ago, when the story of Irish-American unity, and the story of gay liberation would never have been told together, she said. Im here to say they are stories of the same people, threads in the same fabric that binds us across time and strengthens us to face the future.

She told senators that this was a criticial moment in world history and that among the challenges being faced was the resurgence across the west of regressive, anti-democratic ideologies being advanced through familiar means of scapegoating and division.

We must stand together now, not only to celebrate our progress, but to meet these challenges, rise to this moment, and show a better way forward.

We are stronger in that work, because more of us are able to contribute our whole selves to the effort. Let us never take this achievement for granted and let us always work to open the doors of freedom wider.

While it doesnt seem likely that Governor Healey will be in the running for the 2024 election at this point, the possibility that she might be a candidate in 2028 cannot be ruled out at this stage.

And while then Senator John F. Kennedy became the first Catholic President of America, would it be outrageous to suggest that the first female and openly gay President of America could be a woman who can trace her links to Macroom?
Minister Norma Foley chatting to Junior Infants Abagail O Keeffe, Katie Power, Emily Tarrant and Daisy Mae O Dea and their Teacher Annmarie O Riordan during the official opening of Scoil Naomh Padraig, Kanturk. These children are in the first Junior Infants Class that started school last September when the school opened.

The Junior Classes at Scoil Naomh Padraig sang for the visitors at the official opening of the School last week

Minister for Education Norma Foley unveiled the plaque and officially opened Scoil Naomh Padraig in Kanturk last Friday morning, with Principal Eilis Finnegan, Minister Patrick O Donovan, Bishop William Crean and Board of Management Chairman Michael Walsh. Photos by Sheila Fitzgerald

Some of the Scoil Naomh Padraig, Kanturk pupils who explained what they like best about their school at the official opening ceremony last week

Scoil Naomh Padraig Kanturk Principal Eilis Finnegan making a presentation to Michael Walsh, Chairman of the Board of Management, during the official opening of the school last Friday

Minister for Education Norma Foley said she was delighted to visit Kanturk to officially open the state-of-the-art Scoil Naomh Padraig campus, a multi-million euro new school building on a green field site.

Minister Foley thanked Principal Eilish Finnegan, Deputy Principal Daniel Woods and the Chairperson of the Board of Management, Michael Walsh, for organising the event which was attended by local representatives Michael Creed TD, Michael Moynihan TD, Minister Patrick ODonovan, MEP Sean Kelly and local representatives.

She also paid tribute to the Board of Management, Bishop William Crean, members of the wider school community, representatives from the diocese and public representatives who all had input into the creation of this wonderful new school.

Speaking at the event Minister Foley said: I think it was Plato who said nothing ever is, it is always becoming. I think the amalgamation and the story of education here in Kanturk is one that has evolved and developed over generations. I think it is remarkable that when we look back to the 1860s and we look today to 2023 we can see that great evolution.

It would be remiss of us not to pay tribute to those who planted the seed back then and I am pleased to be joined here today by the Mercy Sisters who started the journey that led us here today.

As we celebrate all that we have become and will continue to become into the future we acknowledge too those who went before us. It would be remiss of me too if I didnt continue to extend my gratitude to the many hands and hearts that have contributed to and continue to contribute to the story of this school. I salute your generosity, I salute your fealty and loyalty to the school and your determination to do the very best for the school.

To the parents, I want to welcome you here today for what is the official opening of your school building. I am a strong believer in partnership in education and fundamental to that spirit of partnership is the role of parents and guardians. I am so cognisant of the great richness that is given to the school by the parents.

The greatest gift and resource we have in education is our young people. But if parents and guardians didnt have the confidence in the education sector and most especially here in Scoil Naomh Padraig to send their young people into the school then we would be naught. We would have no purpose.

So thank you to the parents and guardians for standing with us here and supporting us in this school and I know that it is your view that you are repaid many fold by the education the children and young people receive here every day.

To the staff I want to acknowledge the great work that goes on in this school, providing excellence in education on a daily basis.

I too want to acknowledge that we have a large number of students coming into our system, particularly from the Ukraine and from all over the world and they are so, so welcome. They join our school communities quite seamlessly and flawlessly because we have that approach in education where there is a place for everyone. That is a testament to the staff who accommodate that every single day.

To the students, who have been so fantastic here today I want to say thank you. On arrival here today I was greeted by a beautiful guard of honour, wonderful music and all provided by the students. They are great ambassadors for the school community.

This is a new chapter for the school looking forward to the future. But they always say tus maith leath na hoibre, a good start is half the work. This has been a tremendously positive and good start here because of the strong collaboration and cooperation. But most especially because of the students here who give so much every single day.

The talented pupils of Scoil Naomh Padraig sang and played for the visitors and played a role in the various presentations that were made. MC for the event was Michael Breen and speakers included Principal Eilis Finnegan, Deputy Principal Daniel Woods, Michael Walsh, Chair of the Board of Management, Bishop William Crean, Canon Toby Bluitt, Fr. John Magner, Minister Patrick O Donovan, Carlos Figueira, Senior Architect Office of Public Works and Amanda Higgins representing the Parents Council.
Oleksandr Grekov was left with severe facial injuries after he was attacked with a glass bottle outside the Abbey Theatre

An attack on a visiting Ukrianian actor in Dublin has been described as vicious amid claims the city is unsafe at night, the Dail has heard.

Oleksandr Grekov (23) was hospitalised after he was attacked with a glass bottle and bitten outside the Abbey Theatre where he was performing earlier that night.

Mr Grekov was performing in the Lesya Ukrainka National Academic Drama Theatres version of Brian Friels Translation.

The attack has since been condemned by the theatre, which it said was an unprovoked, random act of mindless violence, that left the cast member needing stitches and treatment in hospital.

The 27-strong theatre company travelled from Kyiv to perform the canonical Irish text, which the Abbey Theatre said illuminates the determination of a people to persist and ensure their culture endures in the most difficult of circumstances.

Commenting on the attack, Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon said there is a very serious problem in this city which has become unsafe.

Following the performance, Oleksandr and members of the cast went outside the Abbey Theatre, walked up the road. They were pursued and Oleksandr was initially asked for a cigarette and then he was assaulted with a broken bottle, Deputy Gannon told the Dail.

The images that were sent out of Oleksandrs assault absolutely turned the stomach of anybody who could feel that a person could be welcomed into our country from such a war-torn country as Ukraine.

The Dublin Central TD said Dubliners were not surprised by the attack as assaults in Dublin have increased dramatically in the last number of years.

We have a very serious problem in this city, he said, adding that a stronger garda response is needed.

When you see the level of dereliction, the absence of street lighting, the vacancies of shops and the fact when this city goes dark youre better off taking yourself away from it because it isnt safe for many people, he said.

The cast of the Ukrainian production of Brian Friel's Translations at the Abbey Theatre

Deputy Gannon said safety is falling around OConnell Street and the city centre.

At night time the city becomes unsafe, he said.

A new garda station opened on OConnell Street earlier this year, however, Deputy Gannon said there hasnt been a significant increase of gardai on the streets following the opening.

In response, Minister for Local Government Kieran ODonnell condemned the attack and said it was despicable.

They were a touring group from Kyiv coming over to do 10 nights with Brian Friels Translations.

Minister ODonnell added the attack was not reflective of Irish society and urged anyone with information to contact gardai.

A garda spokesman said: Gardai attached to Store Street received a report of an incident of assault on Eden Quay late on Saturday night, June 24.

A man aged in his 20s was taken to the Mater Hospital to be treated for injuries described as serious but non-life threatening. No arrests have been made. Enquiries into the incident are ongoing.
Francie Stokes, from Lucan, was given 150 hours of community service

A man convicted of money laundering over 50,000 linked to an invoice redirect fraud has been given 150 hours of community service in lieu of an 18-month prison sentence.

Francie Stokes, (23) of Ballyowen Lane, Lucan, pleaded guilty to possessing 52,355 as the proceeds of crime in his AIB bank account on Main Street, Lucan, Co Dublin, on June 2, 2020.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that the money had been transferred fraudulently from a legitimate aviation company based in Germany.

Judge Martin Nolan previously adjourned the case to allow the Probation Services to determine whether Stokes was suitable to carry out community service.

Yesterday, Judge Nolan ordered Stokes to carry out 150 hours of community service in lieu of 18 months in prison.

At a previous sentence hearing, Detective Garda Hugh OCarroll told Aoife McNicholl BL, prosecuting, that AIB alerted gardai to a suspected fraudulent incoming payment from an account in Germany.

The court heard that AIB managed to recover 28,000, but that around 24,000 remains outstanding as it had already been withdrawn.

Det Gda OCarroll said there had been a number of ATM withdrawals and some larger withdrawals via internet transfer.

CCTV footage of the ATM withdrawals showed multiple people making the transactions, but none of them were the accused, the court heard.

Stokes attended Lucan Garda Station by appointment and was arrested on suspicion of money laundering.

Gardai discovered that Stokes had been in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment of between 300 and 350-a-week, and that there was no legitimate source of the 52,000.

Det Gda OCarroll said Stokes exercised his right to silence when interviewed by gardai but was polite and respectful at all times. The court heard Stokes got probation of one month in October 2021 for laundering 3,000 in April 2020.

He was a money mule at the bottom of the ladder, said Det Gda OCarroll.

David Fleming BL, defending, said Stokes had been abusing cocaine at the time and had a drug debt.

He was undeniably stupid and found himself in this situation entirely of his own making, said Mr Fleming, who also described Stokes as wilfully naive.

Counsel said Stokes is married with two children and worked full time in ground works. He has employment guaranteed for the next year and is the breadwinner for his young family, counsel added.

The court heard Stokes has no previous record other than the earlier money-laundering of 3,000 and has not been trouble with gardai since this incident.

Stokes certainly acted in a reckless way, said Judge Nolan.
On June 28, starting from 1:30 a.m., the units of the Azerbaijani armed forces opened artillery fire in the direction of Martuni and Martakert, using UAVs as well.

June 28, 2023, 08:30 Azerbaijani armed forces opened artillery fire in the direction of Martuni and Martakert, 4 dead

STEPANAKERT, JUNE 28, ARTSAKHPRESS: There are 4 casualties from the Armenian side.

The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan, continuously spreading disinformation in previous days as if the units of the Defence Army violate the ceasefire, and, in particular, on June 27, by disseminating a false statement about the wounding of the Azerbaijani AF serviceman by the Armenian side fire, created an informational basis for another provocation. The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Artsakh will make an additional statement, the Artsakh Republic Ministry of Defense added.
A man who threw blue paint on a Luke Kelly statue, causing 240 worth of damage, will be sentenced in October.

Michael Dunne (50), who was living in homeless accommodation at the time, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to criminal damage on July 12, 2020.

He has 51 previous convictions dating back to 1986, which included five convictions for criminal damage.

Garda David Kelly told John Moher BL, prosecuting, that he discovered the damage to the memorial statue and harvested nearby CCTV footage which led to the identification of Dunne.

He was arrested but nothing came out of those garda interviews.

Gda Kelly agreed with Katherine McGillicuddy BL, defending, that her client offered his sincere apologies for the damage he caused.

He accepted that Dunne was a long-standing drug addict and it had not been his idea to damage the statue.

He accepted a suggestion from Ms McGillicuddy that her client was vulnerable and agreed to do this without asking any questions. It was further accepted that Dunne got drugs as a reward for throwing the paint.

Ms McGillicuddy acknowledged that the statue was very important in the local community and that Luke Kelly is an iconic figure.

She said her client felt that his actions had caused a lot of upset. His sister is heavily involved in the local community and was embarrassed and ashamed when she learned of her brothers behaviour.

Judge Orla Crowe adjourned the case to October 12 next for sentence to allow for the preparation of various reports.
A woman who stole from the elderly woman she was providing respite care to may be asked to complete community service in lieu of a prison sentence.

Lesley Dyer (40), of Constitution Hill, Dublin 7, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two counts of theft of a total of 1,050 at the home of the woman who lived in Bray, Co Wicklow, on June 18, 2022 and August 13, 2022.

The mother-of-five has two previous convictions for possession of drugs and a road traffic offence.

Judge Orla Crowe said the offence was a really serious breach of trust noting that the first theft may have been opportunistic but the second was not.

She was entrusted with the care of an elderly, vulnerable woman. It is a sensitive and highly responsible role and the breach of trust is particularly grievous, Judge Crowe said.

The judge said that Dyer owes a debt to society and adjourned the case to allow for the woman to be assessed by the Probation Service to determine if she is suitable for community service.

Judge Crowe said should Dyer be considered suitable for community service, she will order her to carry out 240 hours in lieu of an 18-month prison term. She adjourned the case to November 3 next, to allow for the assessment.

Garda Eoin ODonnell told Fiona McGowan BL, prosecuting, that the victim in the case suffered from dementia and her daughter was her full-time carer. Dyer provided respite to that daughter, by acting as the womans carer, in the morning time.

The daughter later told gardai that on June 18, 2022, she had left 1,000 in an envelope in her handbag, which she left in a drawer of a coffee table in the front room of the house.

A number of days later she noticed that while the envelope was still in the handbag, the cash was missing.

The family decided to install CCTV cameras and on August 13, 2022 they received a notification that there was movement upstairs in the house.

The victims grandsons arrived to find Dyer coming down the stairs. It was then noted that 50 had been taken from a card in a press downstairs.

The grandsons confronted Dyer with the fact that she had taken money and she accepted she had.

Gda ODonnell agreed with Ms McGowan that one of the grandsons got Dyer to write on an envelope that she was responsible for taking both the 1,000 and 50 and she signed that confession. She wrote please dont go to my job or the police.

Two days later gardai arrived at Dyers home and arrested her. She made admissions in a subsequent interview and said she had recently split up with her partner. She said she was under pressure to pay a credit union loan that he had taken out in her name.

She apologised to the poor woman and she had said had let everyone down the job, my kids and my family.

Gda ODonnell confirmed that a victim impact statement was not prepared for the hearing.

He agreed with Niamh Foley BL, defending, that her client has five children ranging in age from six to 19 years old and money is tight. The family live in a two-bedroom apartment.

Dyer had written a letter of apology to the victim stating her remorse and promising to pay every penny back to you.

Ms Foley said her client left school without having completed any state exams.

She said Dyer was shocked and ashamed of herself and was struggling to come to terms with the fact that she carried out the thefts. Her former partner, who is the father of her three younger children, is not supporting her financially, counsel told the court.

She asked Judge Crowe to take into account her clients co-operation and said she is willing to pay back 20 to 30 per month to the family.
Playground set on fire for the second time in Sean Moore Park

The damage to the playground in Sean Moore Park after the latest fire

Gardai are investigating after a playground in south Dublin was set on fire overnight for a second time.

Gardai responded to reports of a fire in Sean Moore Park beside Sandymount Strand at 11.30pm on Tuesday. No injuries were reported.

The vandalism is the second arson attack on the playground in recent weeks as it was also set on fire last month.

Fine Gael councillor James Geoghegan said parents are horrified the playground has been subject to repeated mindless attacks.

Playground in Sean Moore Park set on fire for second time

Lots of parents use that playground every day, certainly every weekend, and its just horrific, he said.

That playground itself cost about 1m to build and when it did come, it was such a great resource for the whole community of Ringsend, Irishtown and Sandymount.

To see it vandalised like that is just heartbreaking, he added.

There have been discussions in council meetings as to whether CCTV cameras should be installed in the playground to catch acts of vandalism.

The idea that young people would go in there and set the thing on fire is really mindless and they need to be caught, said Cllr Geoghegan.

It looks like a similar thing happened about a month ago where young kids are gathering there.

They are either deliberately setting things on fire or they are having a fire in the playground and causing the various playground items to go on fire.

Ive been there recently enough with my kids and there are a lot of burn marks on certain parts of the play items. Its really awful that people are setting fires in playgrounds, its just unbelievable.

Its now happening on a repeated basis, the Dublin Bay South councillor said.

Across the city, fires have also been started in other playgrounds, such as Weaver Park in the liberties, which has resulted in an increased garda presence around the playground at night.

I hope thats what happens, that the local gardai can maybe have an increased presence at night time, catch them in the act and arrest and charge them. They cant keep getting away with this, it's awful, Cllr Geoghegan said.

A garda spokesman said: Gardai responded to reports of a fire at Sean Moore Park, Dublin 4 at approximately 11:35pm last night, Tuesday June 27. There were no injuries reported. Enquiries are ongoing.
The former financial controller of Navillus  the major New York based construction firm founded by the south Kerry based OSullivan family  has been sentenced to a year in prison for his part in a payroll scheme that defrauded trade unions of funds.

In October 2021, Padraig Naughton (50) along with brother and sister Donal and Helen OSullivan from Ballinskelligs were found guilty of fraud and embezzlement following a three-week trial in New York.

Mr OSullivan is the co-founder, owner and president of Navillus, one of New Yorks Citys largest construction firms.

Helen OSullivan was a payroll administrator in the company, which was founded by the OSullivan family in the 1980s when they emigrated to the US.

The trio were found guilty on 11 counts of wire fraud, mail fraud, embezzlement from employee benefits funds, submission of false remittance reports to union benefits funds, and conspiracy to commit those crimes.

On Tuesday, Mr Naughton appeared before Judge Pamela Chen of the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York for sentencing.

Judge Chen sentenced Mr Naughton to one year and one day in prison for each of the 11 counts with the sentences to run concurrently.

He was also fined a total of $1,100  a $100 special assessment fee for each count  and must undergo two years of supervised release in relation to each count (also to run concurrently) after he has served his one year jail term.

Mr Naughton  who has the right to appeal the sentence  was ordered to surrender himself to prison on November 13, 2023.

Donal and Helen OSullivan are due to be sentenced by the court in New York on Friday.
West Kerry fishermen who lost their livelihoods when the salmon driftnet ban was introduced in 2007 are furious at ongoing surveillance by fisheries officers that makes them feel like criminals.

Salmon fishing was once the mainstay of the economy in Baile na nGall, supporting up to 30 families in a vibrant local community. Once the driftnet ban came into force all that disappeared. Now only a handful of boats are moored in Smerwick Harbour and part time local fishermen struggle to scratch a living from lobster and low value species such as pollock and cod. Below the Hill in Brandon the same is true.

In Baile na nGall fishermen are still angry at losing their livelihoods because of a law that effectively transferred wild salmon catches from fishing communities to leisure anglers. And right now they are even more angry that they are still being watched, searched and questioned by fisheries officers, even though they have long since abandoned salmon fishing.

The issue came to a head recently after fisheries officers stopped and searched a fisherman on Baile na nGall pier, apparently on suspicion of illegal salmon fishing. The fisherman, Padraig Frank O Suilleabhain, initially objected to being searched and was warned that he could be accused of obstructing justice. When he relented and showed the contents of a bag he was carrying, it revealed a couple of legally caught sole.

He said he was only doing his job, but I felt harassed and its the same story for the past 25 years, Padraig told The Kerryman, adding that he was angry and embarrassed at being searched in public with tourists and others watching the whole scene.

In the wake of that incident West Kerry Sinn Fein representative Robert Brosnan organised a meeting between Inland Fisheries officers and fishermen from Baile na nGall and Brandon in the hope of clearing the air and bringing some clarity to the situation.

The fishermen had some basic questions, such as what kind of nets they could legally use, and what specific powers fisheries officers have to search boats and seize fishing gear. But at the meeting held in Killarney in May they failed to get satisfactory answers.

We asked them what is a legal net and they either could not, or would not, explain this to us except to say that any net capable of catching a salmon is a salmon net, Baile na nGall fishermen who met The Kerryman at the weekend said, adding: Any net, including a trawl net or mid-water net, has the potential to catch a salmon. In that case any net could be illegal and we just dont know where we stand.

A particular issue surrounds gillnets, which are almost identical to banned driftnets except that they are rigged differently. These nets are used to fish species such as cod, haddock, pollock, spurdog and mullet and they are used by lobster fishermen to catch fish such as bollach (wrasse) for use as bait. However, even though gillnets are legal and are among the most commonly used gear on inshore fishing boats, they attract intense scrutiny from fisheries officers and fishermen feel this can amount to harassment.

Robert Brosnan said gillnets were confiscated on Brandon pier this summer by fisheries officers who said there were salmon scales on the nets and that this amounted to evidence they had been used for illegal salmon fishing. However, it later transpired that the two salmon scales found on the net came from cross contamination with legal salmon draft nets that were stored nearby.

The use of salmon scales as evidence of illegal fishing is a sore point with fishermen. If we catch a salmon as a bycatch we have to throw it back in the water, even if its dead, Sean Mac Eoin said. But the salmon scales will be all over the net and the boat and yourself, and you can never wash them all off. Then, if a bailiff finds even one salmon scale theres suspicion and were afraid we can be done just for that.

Every time I go out fishing there are bailiffs watching from cars or from the cliffs, theres constant surveillance, he added.

In my view this could be seen as harassment, said Robert Brosnan. It was always there but its building and building. It feels like theyre criminalising fishermen and treating them like youd treat drug smugglers.

Another sore point for Baile na nGall fishermen is that any time they have any interactions with fisheries officers, including at the meeting held in Killarney, they are unable to speak their own language. If they are coming down the pier here in Baile na nGall they should be able to talk to people in Irish. If they cant, they shouldnt be here, said Sean Mac Eoin.

The meeting between the fishermen and The Kerryman was conducted mostly through Irish, but for the benefit of the wider readership it is reported in English.

On This Day In History - June 29th
Dignified ceremony brings history to life

A solemn, poignant and very dignified commemoration event took place recently in Monageer village to mark the 225th anniversary of the 1798 Rebellion.

A wide range of commemorations took place over the last number of weeks across the county, but in particular within the Enniscorthy district area to mark the significant, historic milestone.

Members of the Oulart pike group were among those who attended the Monageer event and there was also a childrens pike group which was very significant as it ensures that the baton of commemorating one of the most important events in Irish history is passed on to a new generation of people.

The event attracted a large crowd, not just from within the local area but also from other parts of County Wexford.

Among those in attendance was Bishop Ger Nash, who has attended and performed blessings at a number of similar events across the county.

It was very fitting that the speakers at the event addressed those in attendance at the two monuments commemorating the 1916, Easter Rising and the 1798 Rebellion.

The monuments were erected to honour people from Monageer and the surroundings areas who were involved in both events, many of whom lost their lives for the sake of Irish freedom.

The poignancy of the event was enhanced by the dignified addresses given on the day during which people were reminded of the overall, huge significance that the 1798 Rebellion had on the course of Irish history.

The attendance of the pike men, women and children also added a great visual spectacle to the event and provided a subtle insight into what the people of the time may have looked like as they prepared to do battle with the might of the crown forces. A programme of events under the title of Rebellion 225, included an event on Vinegar Hill, the scene of one of the bloodiest and battles on Irish soil.
They says that big things come in small packages and the new fully electric Volvo EX30 is a small SUV that does big Volvo things, safely.

It is designed to have the smallest CO2 footprint of any Volvo car so far, and to make peoples lives safer, more convenient and more enjoyable through cutting-edge technology and Scandinavian design.

The EX30 is Volvos first small premium SUV and expands its constantly growing, all-electric offering to four models.

The EX30 embodies all of Volvos design values in a smaller format. A long wheelbase, large wheels and equal overhangs bring balance and refinement to the exterior. Its distinctly electric, with a confident face, closed shield and a digital rendition of the Thors Hammer headlights.

Five vibrant exterior colours, from stylish Cloud Blue to bright and expressive Moss Yellow  the latter inspired by lichen growing on rocks along the Swedish west coast  give it character and personality.

The EX30 is being offered with three powertrain options and two different battery types.

If you spend most of your time in the city or tend to travel shorter distances between charges, Volvo is offering a single-motor option with an LFP battery. The LFP standard-range battery, which uses lithium iron phosphate chemistry, is more cost-effective and less resource-intensive to produce, meaning it is the best option if you dont need maximum range.

If you prefer to maximise range, the Single Motor Extended Range variant with an NMC extended-range battery is your EX30 of choice. The NMC battery features lithium, nickel, manganese and cobalt, and produces its energy more efficiently than the LFP variant. This single-motor, extended range option gives you a range of up to 480km between charges.

Finally, if performance is your priority, pick the Twin Motor Performance variant the NMC battery is paired with an additional second e-motor. This all-wheel drive variant of the EX30 provides 315kW (428hp) and takes you from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds  its officially Volvos fastest-accelerating car ever!

Another thing the EX30 does fast is charging. The extended-range Twin Motor variant has a charging capacity of up to 153kW, while the standard-range car has a capacity of 134kW. That means you can charge your battery from 10 to 80 per cent in a little over 25 minutes. Through the cars centre display and app, you can set the amperage, maximum charging level and when you want to start charging.

To support the best possible driving experience, Volvo has tuned the chassis of the EX30 to make the most of the cars compact dimensions. Its low centre of gravity, as well as its relatively low and evenly distributed weight are complemented by ease of driving and nimbleness in the city and beyond.

The EX30 is designed to have the lowest carbon footprint of any Volvo car to date and represents an important step forward for the marques sustainability ambitions.

The EX30 is also designed to be as safe as youd expect from a Volvo and aims to look after both you and others in hectic urban environments. For example, it includes as standard a special safety feature for bikes that helps to prevent so-called dooring accidents, by alerting you when you are about to open your door in front of a cyclist, scooter or runner.

The EX30 also aims to make your life more convenient, more relaxing and more enjoyable inside the car through cutting-edge tech and considerate Scandinavian interior design. You can choose from four distinct interior rooms, each with their own expression, while there are smart storage options throughout the cabin.

Flying Suzukis on the horizon

Is it a bird, is it a plane? Well no, its a flying Suzuki. The Suzuki Motor Corporation has signed a basic agreement with SkyDrive Inc. for the manufacture of flying cars.

SkyDrive will establish a 100% owned subsidiary to build flying cars - electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft  and aims to start manufacturing around spring of 2024 at a plant owned by the Suzuki Group in Japans central Shizuoka Prefecture

Im very excited to be working together with SkyDrive. We will make ambitious strides toward the development of products of superior value, so that we can contribute to the realization of air mobility, which utilises the sky for daily transportation, said Suzuki President Toshihiro Suzuki.

Suzuki, with its vast expertise and resources, will play a pivotal role in the preparations required for the manufacturing process including aspects such as talent acquisition, and to ensure the collaboration leverages the best professionals in the field.

By joining forces the two are poised to revolutionise transportation.
Earlier this summer, a male Blackbird landed on the lawn in our back garden followed closely by three well-grown offspring chasing him and begging for food. The father stood in front of his hungry children and pecked at the ground repeatedly. His pecks were barely touching the ground, so it was tempting to think the teacher was demonstrating to the youngsters: Look, this is how you get your own food!

Now, ponder the dilemma of the Cuckoo. The mother lays her egg in another birds nest, say a Meadow Pipit, and has no more to do with it. The youngster is reared by the fostering pipits. It has no contact with other Cuckoos and no way to learn the ways of its species. Meadow Pipits are local, non-migratory birds yet when the time comes, the young Cuckoo knows it is time to migrate and sets off for Africa that it has never been to before.

Instinct is the traditional answer to the apparent mystery of how the Cuckoo knows when and where to go. It is known that Cuckoos overwinter on the African continent but where exactly they go, if Irish birds and British birds winter together, and how they get there is unclear. To find out where our Cuckoos go to for the winter, some birds were recently fitted with tracking devices and set free.

The Cuckoo Tracking Project that follows the movements of the birds as they leave our shores in early July is being undertaken by our National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO).

The BTO have been tracking Cuckoos since 2011 and a lot has been learned about the routes taken by the British migrants. It is not known if Irish birds follow the same migration route. To try to answer that question four Irish birds, three from Killarney National Park, Co Kerry and one from Burren National Park, Co Clare were fitted with satellite tags and their movements can be followed.

Cuach is the Irish for Cuckoo. The four Irish birds are named Cuach Torc, Cuach Cores, Cuach Carran, and KP, and their movements as they set off for Africa can be followed online at https://www.bto.org/cuckoos with further information available on https://www.nationalparks.ie/killarney/. It is really interesting to be able to see where the birds are on their migration journey.
Sense and Sensibility (1995) Film4, 6.15p.m.

Emma Thompson deservedly picked up an Oscar for Best Adapted screenplay for this wonderfully witty take on Jane Austens novel, which also served as director Ang Lees English-language debut.

Thompson takes the role of Eleanor, the level-headed older sister of the more impulsive and outwardly emotional Marianne (Kate Winslet). Eleanor falls for the kindly Edward (Hugh Grant), while Marianne is swept off her feet by the dashing Willoughby (Greg Wise), but despite their very different attitudes to romance, both sisters discover there are obstacles to their happiness.

The incredible supporting cast includes Alan Rickman, Gemma Jones and Hugh Laurie in a small, but very funny, role.

THURSDAY

Black 47 (2018) Film4, 9p.m.

In 1847, Ireland is in the grip of the Great Famine. Martin Feeney (James Frecheville) returns home from his tour of duty with the Connaught Rangers to learn that his mother has died. His brothers widow Ellie (Sarah Greene) takes him in with her three children, but unfortunately, the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) evicts them.

In the ensuing struggle, Feeney lashes out and kills members of the RIC. The British assign an officer called Pope (Freddie Fox) to track down Feeney and bring the murderer to justice. Pope forces one of Feeneys friends, Hannah (Hugo Weaving), to take part in the manhunt before the fugitive can exact revenge on everyone he holds responsible for the death of his brother.

A game of cat and mouse plays out as the people of Ireland suffer horribly in this tense drama

FRIDAY

Shutter Island (2010) 5*, 9p.m.

The lunatics are taking over the asylum, or thats what Martin Scorseses impeccably crafted psychological thriller would have us believe. But then perception and reality are completely blurred in this 1950s-set mystery, adapted by screenwriter Laeta Kalogridis from the best-seller by Dennis Lehane (whose other novels include Mystic River and Gone Baby Gone).

Here, Leonardo DiCaprio (in his fourth collaboration with Scorsese) plays a troubled US marshal sent to the spooky Ashecliffe Hospital for the Criminally Insane to investigate the disappearance of an inmate.

The fact that no trace of her has been found, even though the institution is situated on a remote island, makes the case particularly puzzling  but thats not the only matter that seems odd Mark Ruffalo and Ben Kingsley also star.

SATURDAY

Venom (2018) Channel 4, 9p.m.

Carlton Drake (Riz Ahmed), director of the mysterious Life Foundation, harvests amorphous extra-terrestrials from a comet, which he then uses for secret experiments. Tenacious journalist Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) investigates Drake and consequently loses his job.

Soon afterwards, one of Drakes research team, Dr Dora Skirth (Jenny Slate), provides Eddie with the proof he needs to expose Life Foundations dubious morals. In the process, Eddie has an uncomfortably close encounter with one of the symbiotes and a creature called Venom melds with the reporters body.

Venom is an origin story torn from the pages of Marvel Comics, which bludgeons the senses with digital effects, and injects snarky humour into a bloodthirsty central character with razor-sharp teeth.

SUNDAY

Bridge of Spies (2015) BBC2, 9p.m.

Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance) is arrested in 1950s New York and labelled a Soviet spy. Lawyer James B Donovan (Tom Hanks) is asked to mount a credible defence for the sake of appearances, even though the odds are stacked against a fair trial.

Sure enough, Abel is convicted, but then a US pilot, Francis Gary Powers (Austin Stowell), is shot down over the Soviet Union. Consequently, Donovan travels to Berlin to broker a covert deal to exchange Abel for Powers.

Scripted by Matt Charman and the Coen brothers, Bridge of Spies is a slow-burning tale of intrigue and bluff, and director Steven Spielbergs fingerprints are evident on each assured set-piece. Hanks brings his natural warmth and likability to Donovan, but its his Oscar-winning co-star Rylance who lingers longest in the memory.

MONDAY

Aliens (1986) ITV4, 10.05p.m.

In James Camerons testosterone-fuelled 1986 sequel, Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) wakes from hypersleep to discover that planet LV-426, home of the wily xenomorph, is now also home to a human colony.

When contact is lost with this outpost, Ripley agrees to accompany Colonial Marine Lieutenant Gorman (William Hope) and Weyland-Yutani Corporation representative Carter Burke (Paul Reiser) to the planet to investigate. The heavily armed Colonial Marines arrive on LV-426 and discover the base is deserted except for a traumatised young girl (Carrie Henn), who warns the new arrivals about alien predators that come out at night mostly.

Aliens manages the unthinkable: it improves on Ridleys Scotts masterful Alien, cranking up the tension until our nails are bitten down to the cuticles.

TUESDAY

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) Film4, 6.40p.m.

At an airfield in 1957 Nevada, Indiana (Harrison Ford) and pal Mac (Ray Winstone) encounter villainous Soviet agent Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett) and her gun-toting goons.

Indy whip-cracks and wisecracks his way out of trouble, before a chance encounter at the railway station with a rebellious greaser called Mutt (Shia LaBeouf) propels the archaeologist on a quest to locate the legendary Crystal Skull of Akator. Alas, Irina and her henchmen also seek the artefact, and they intend to use Indy to find it.

During the action sequences, this fourth film in the blockbusting series is an absolute joy, delivering adrenaline-pumping thrills and spills interspersed with smart one-liners, but it stumbles a bit whenever it has to focus on the daft plot.
Fine Gael man seeking good friend Phelans seat if chosen to run in 2024

Cllr Mick Doyle has ambitions to one day represent the people of Kilkenny and Carlow at Leinster House, the Government building - not the pub.

Having gotten his first taste of political life in 2014, a decade on he is hoping to represent his county and party, Fine Gael, in the General Election, following in the footsteps of the very man who proposed him, his old school friend, John Paul Phelan, who is stepping away from politics after three terms in office and a quarter century of active political life.

Living in The Rower, just outside New Ross, Cllr Doyle grew up in Inistioge and has lived in south east Kilkenny all his life.

Married to Becky with whom he has two young children, Sean (13) and Katie (11), Cllr Doyle works at New Ross Community Hospital and represents his area at Callan-Thomastown Municipal District level. His family joined him  along with Kilkenny Mayor and friend, Joe Malone from Rosbercon  at City Hall in the Marble City for his election.

Having worked for many years as a carpenter with Inistioge company Tierney & ONeill and later running a pub in Inistioge for a time, Cllr Doyle (44) said he is best placed to represent the people of rural Kilkenny and Carlow.

Recalling the day Deputy Phelan asked him to consider running for Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Doyle said: He called in one day after a funeral. I would have been very involved in GAA and with the hurling club and with the pub so I would have been known. Looking back it wasnt the worst idea he had! With Independent man, Cllr Chap Cleere is the only other councillor living in the area, Cllr Doyle believes he has a shot at being nominated for Fine Gael when the selection convention comes around later this year.

Describing entering politics as being daunting initially, he said: You go into it fairly green and dont know how local government works, but the Fine Gael group of councillors who were elected in 2014 under Mary Hilda Cavanagh had great experience and they were all invaluable to me over the following years. He said it took time for him to adapt to the demands of the new role. Now I love the local politics side of things. There is a great mix between the different communities and I think you can make real change. He said his own home place, The Rower, is a case in point  being located at the edge of Kilkenny, near the Wexford border. It shows the importance of having a local councillor in an area like this. I think The Rower has done well with funding. Its a very rural area, Carlow and Kilkenny, especially my own area.

He said one of the main issues impacting people in south Kilkenny is the inability to build  or even move into a house  in some cases. The services just arent there. Currently no housing can be built in Inistioge because it needs an waste water upgrade and its the same in Graiguenamanagh because its at capacity water wise and The Rower has no waste water. These towns and villages need people for shops, pubs and restaurants to survive. He said one family applying to build a house in The Rower was advised to look in New Ross instead.

The reality is people from rural areas like The Rower. They want to live near their family and near where their support network is. He said the line of communication to senior party members could be better. There is an element of frustration there among councillors and you want to have your say and impact on different aspects of national government. The policies they are bringing forward dont seem to be for outside the M50 (Dublin commuter area). There is a sense of that being the case still.

Following reports of dismay with Taoiseach Leo Varadkars leadership, Cllr Doyle said the party needs to focus on its identity more. We need to look at who we represent. that is something a lot of us councillors feel that the Fine Gael party and Fine Gael headquarters need to take a look at.

He said the party has traditionally been for farmers and working class people. We need to be strong for people in rural Ireland. These are generally strong voters of ours and these people need to be represented and need to be looked after and provided for.

There was a pretty large section of the party we were against going into government with Fianna Fail. The other side of that is the onus on us to form a government. If we dont  the alternative, in my view, mightnt be wonderful  and I dont think the people are ready for them yet.

He said the decision of his good friend Deputy Phelan to announce his retirement from politics in 2024, last year, didnt come as a surprise to him.

I knew there was something coming down the tracks with John Paul. He needed to get his health right and he had a new baby boy, Garrett, several weeks ago, so he will have more than enough to keep him busy. He said there is interest from a few councillors and other parties in running for Fine Gael next year.

For me its like the locals. It wasnt something that was on my radar but if there is a vacancy there its something Id be interested in. I was a supporter of John Paul and once he was there there wasnt a vacancy and now there is.

There are maybe 16,500 votes to be got from south Kilkenny. If some of them are moved somewhere else under the Boundary Commission that would make it harder for me.

He said his profile as first Fine Gael person to be named county chair in this five-year term will help him if things were to fall right in his bid to be selected to run for the party.

If I decide to go forward it would do me no harm, he said.
As of 7 a.m., the situation along the contact line is relatively stable. The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Artsakh will make an additional release on the servicemen who were killed in action in the wake of another provocation by Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Artsakh reported.

June 28, 2023, 08:37 Defense Ministry will make an additional release on the killed servicemen

STEPANAKERT, JUNE 28, ARTSAKHPRESS: ''We urge mass media representatives and social network users not to disseminate unspecified information, but to follow only official news.''
Despite Fine Gael putting forward their own candidate, Fianna Fails John Fleming found enough favour among his council colleagues to succeed Labour councillor George Lawlor as the 126th Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council.

Given the fact that Cllr Flemings family were all present in the council chamber ready to see him receive the historic chains of office, Fine Gael were probably resigned to their fate as Cllr Kathleen Codd Nolan put forward an alternative candidate in Cllr Flemings Clonroche neighbour Cllr Bridin Murphy.

Cllr Codd Nolan sought to use gender balance to tip the scales in favour of her party colleague, stressing the importance of having more women in the top positions.

While the plea may have convinced Labour councillor Maura Bell to vote for her fellow Womens Coalition member, the likes of councillors Barbara Anne Murphy, Mary Farrell and Lisa McDonald werent swayed and stuck to the script, returning a vote for Cllr Fleming.

The Fianna Fail man succeeded in taking the chains on a margin of 22 votes to 10, with just the Fine Gael councillors and Maura Bell voting for Cllr Murphy.

For the role of Leas Cathaoirleach, Independent councillor Ger Carthy was nominated by Cllr Lisa McDonald, while Cllr Bridin Murphy put forward Fine Gael colleague Cllr Kathleen Codd Nolan. Again, the pact held with the Ladys Island man being elected Leas-Cathaoirleach by the exact same margin as the previous vote.

As the new Cathaoirleach took his seat at the top table, there were several references to his tenacity on the hurling field representing Wexford in years gone by, with many councillors remarking that if he brings the same level of determination and drive to the role of Cathaoirleach, Wexford will be in safe hands for the coming year.

For his part, Cllr Fleming spoke of what an honour it was to become Wexfords first citizen and thanked all his supporters who have brought him to this point.

I will represent Wexford with pride and passion, he vowed, outlining housing and tackling dereliction as his major priority for the coming year, along with driving further job creation across the county  referencing in particular the construction of an advance factory in New Ross as being key.

On behalf of the council executive, CEO Tom Enright congratulated Cllr Fleming and pledged their full support for a busy year ahead.

At the AGM there were also numerous tributes to outgoing Cathaoirleach George Lawlor who had reflected on some of the local authoritys achievements of the past year such as the commencement of the CPO of the SETU college campus, the sod turning at the new Wexford Womens Refuge, the securing of Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann and the growing links with Georgia Southern University.

Thanking his family for their support, he noted: My wife Yvonne is so glad that Ill have more time at home going forward that shes heading off on a six-week tour of South America tomorrow!

Cllr Lawlor received fulsome praise from his colleagues in the chamber, who noted he had served his county with aplomb and that he was a great man to put front of house to represent the county.

However, not content to put political differences completely aside for the day that was in it, Sinn Fein councillor Davy Hynes perhaps fired a shot at his former Labour party colleague when welcoming the new chair.

If Ive any advice for the new Chair, its to act impartial to all in the chamber, including the smaller parties and independents, he said. Theres no point saying otherwise, the small parties and independents didnt get a fair hearing all the time in here.

Cllr Fleming was joined by his family as Cllr Lawlor presented him with the chains of office and was chomping at the bit to get started on his term in office.
Elected Arklow Councillors have reiterated the dire need for immediate progress on a long-awaited wastewater treatment plant for the village of Aughrim.

Selected under Irish Waters Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme, which aims to invest in local water infrastructure to provide additional capacity, the Aughrim Wastewater Treatment Plant has been going through the necessary stages, including detailed design, planning, procurement and construction, for almost three years.

Broaching the issue at this months Wicklow County council meeting, Cathaoirleach of the Arklow Municipal District, Cllr Pat Kennedy said: What I would like to ask our Chief Executive is if you and our own manager from the Municipal District would get involved and in touch with Irish Water in relation to an announcement that was made, it must be three years ago, about funding being made available for the village of Aughrim for a wastewater treatment plant.

Every time we ask, we are told it's gone from asset management to design. I don't know how long it takes to design a wastewater treatment plant for a small village, but there hasn't been a house built in that village for 14 years.

As CEO of the county and the leading executive of the people responsible for managing the Council, I think you and our own manager need to get involved to see what can be done to move this forward because it is dragging its heels and I would like a commitment if you can both do that?

Cllr Sylvester Bourke added: I would like to remind the management not to forget about the Aughrim treatment plant. We have a number of families up there desperate for houses. One is a special needs case who has to live in Aughrim and I think we could push that over the line if we squeeze Irish Water to get them moving on it.

Responding to the Councillors concerns, Director of Transportation, Water and Emergency Services, Leonora Earls replied: With regard to Aughrim, it is ranked number one on the small town and village programme and we have continually pressed Irish Water in relation to this. It is a project that is confirmed, and it is our priority, so we will continue to do that and keep matters going.
At the June meeting of the Bray Municipal District, the elected members received a presentation on the Fassaroe Park and Ride facility from Barry Dorgan, National Transport Authority, and Geoff Emerson, Clifton Scannel Emerson & Associates.

In March this year, the NTA announced the proposed timeframes for three new bus-based park and ride sites along the N11/M11. Park and ride sites were proposed in Rathnew, Ashford, Kilpedder and Fassaroe, in conjunction with Wicklow County Council.

The park and rides are currently at the design stage and it is now intended to start the planning consent process for Fassaroe, followed by Rathnew and Ashford, then Kilpedder.

Subject to planning approval, the aim is to deliver the park and ride in Fassaroe in the last three months of 2024, Ashford and Rathnew in Q1 of 2025 and Kilpedder in Q2 of 2025.

As set out in the Bray Municipal District Local Area Plan (LAP) 2018-2024, the lands at Fassaroe are planned to be developed on a phased basis that will incorporate appropriate transport interventions to support the sustainable development of the lands, in tandem with the introduction of transport infrastructure.

The provision of a Park and Ride facility at Fassaroe will provide significant additional bus connectivity for future residents to and from key destinations in the the Greater Dublin Area, including Dublin City Centre and other key trip end destinations.

The site will require new dedicated bus services but is to be located within 500 meters of the national road network at the N11; will provide high-quality customer experience in terms of waiting areas; with landscaped grounds, disabled parking and EV charging points.

Regarding the number of spaces, councillors were told it now stands at 388 (from an earlier estimate of 400), with a provision of 5pc for disabled parking and 10pc for EV, with the capacity to increase this depending on demand at a later stage.

Ample lighting, CCTV, shelters and bike parking are all in the plans and the site will be of high quality and will fit well into the landscape.

There are plans for a dedicated bus service to complement the site, to take commuters from from Fassaroe into Dublin, terminating at Merrion Square, with a 20-minute frequency at peak times and 30 minutes off-peak. The Part 8 (planning) package has been developed and Wicklow County Council aims to proceed with the planning process within the next few weeks, with approval pending in the autumn.

Councillor Joe Behan remarked that it was one of the best bits of news for a long time, given residents of Bray had been waiting so long to have provision for commuters to get to where they need to along the route suggested, and added that it was fantastic news that it was moving forward at pace.

He also said he welcomed the opportunity to make his views known in the autumn and asked whether the lands proposed were council or private ownership.

Cllr Behan also said he had been approached by residents at Upper Dargle Road, who had expressed concern about buses coming along Dargle Road into Bray, and asked if the scheme involved buses coming along that same road.

Councillor Rory OConnor, querying the allocation of EV spaces, also said he would love to see integrated solar panels, as is happening throughout similar developments in France, since for something new like this, we should be reducing carbon further with solar panels.

Councillor Dermot OBrien wanted to know who will be providing the actual bus service, and commented that while the initiative was welcome, it will only be as good as the bus service itself.

The issue of EV spaces was also raised by Councillor Erika Doyle, who asked how long it would take to increase the capacity from 10 to 20 per cent, should the need arise.

She also asked about the security of the bike parking, and if the demands of the site increased generally, was there scope to build up rather than build out and use more land.

Councillors heard that the land was privately owned by Cosgrave and discussions were in place for commercial agreement with the hope of avoiding a CPO (compulsory purchase order) process. Regarding the extensive use for bus transport on Dargle Road, they were told the scheme was about moving up and down the N11 corridor, thus negating the need to use that artery.

Solar panels would be given the consideration they deserved but there were no plans to have them included at the moment as they require a lot of infrastructure on the site. The dedicated bus service, finally, would be going out to tender.
Councillor Gerry Walsh told the elected members of Greystones Municipal District (GMD) Council, that it was an honour to serve as Cathaoirleach for the last 12 months, as the Annual General Meeting got under way on Tuesday, June 27 to elect a new Cathaoirleach and Leas Cathaoirleach.

While Cllr Walsh alluded to some of the issues that are still unresolved as he leaves the seat, he was keen to focus on the positives, referring in particular to the tremendous work of Greystones Tidy Towns, the People of the Year Awards, the Christmas lights and the joy they brought to the town, as well as the return of the St Patricks Day parade and the good will that came in its wake. On that, Councillor Lourda Scott even remarked that if I ever need a rabbit pulled out of a hat at the last minute she would be contacting him, such was its success in trying times.

Councillor Mark Barry, who was absent on the evening, was elected Cathaoirleach, with Councillor Stephen Stokes voted in as the new Leas Cathaoirleach.

Cllr Barry has lived in Greystones for the past 18 years, where he is well known in GAA circles. He is the current manager of the Wicklow minor hurling team, the vice-chair of local club Eire Og and also sits on the board of management of Greystones Community National School.

A member of the Social Democrats since the foundation of the party, Cllr Barry has been a long-time team member of Wicklow TD Jennifer Whitmores team and has worked closely with her on a number of campaigns in the area.

Chairing the June 2023 meeting of GMD, Cllr Stokes, on his re-election as Leas Cathaoirleach, said: "It is a privilege to serve the Greystones District again in this capacity. I will aim to make a positive impact for all residents in Charlesland, Delgany, Greystones, Kilcoole, Killadreenan and Newcastle.

"I would like to pay tribute to the outgoing Cathaoirleach, Cllr Gerry Walsh. He did an excellent job chairing the meetings with cordiality. Cllr Walsh leaves a remarkable legacy, especially in relation to his leadership with the Greystones St Patrick's Day Parade. I am also looking forward to working with the new Cathaoirleach, Cllr Mark Barry. I believe that Cllr Barry has been a good addition to the Greystones Municipal District, and will make a terrific Cathaoirleach."

Cllr Stokes previously served on Greystones Town Council from 2009-2014. During this time he served as Deputy Mayor and Mayor of Greystones. He is a graduate of UCD, where he completed a BA in History and Politics and an MA in American Studies. Over the years, he has been involved in many issues locally, including the Greystones Dog Park and the outdoor chess tables.

One such initiative saw Cllr Stokes take responsibility for opening the Charlesland Dog Park on bank holidays.

Cllr Stokes has significant experience working in education. He works as the Dublin Director of the Foundation for International Education (FIE) a not-for-profit study abroad provider that brings American students to Ireland. In his spare time, he plays chess for the first team of Bray-Greystones Chess Club. He is an honorary life member of the club, for services to youth chess.

"I would like to thank Cllr Derek Mitchell for proposing my nomination, he added, and Cllr Lourda Scott for seconding it. I am thankful to all of my fellow councillors for their warm words of encouragement. I am looking forward to the challenge ahead."
Jimmy Greeley, Audrey and Joanna Drakakis, Sharon McCoy and Sarah Greeley at the Voices Of Bray 10th Anniversary Concert at the Mermaid Arts Centre in Bray.

Christ Church COI

Services of Worship for this Sunday The Fourth Sunday after Trinity: 11am: Morning Prayer.

Parish Life Centre Bookings: The Parish Life Centre is available for day and evening bookings. Please contact Tracey in the Parish Office at 01-286 2968.

Parish Office: The Parish Office can be contacted at 01- 286 2968 or info@christchurchbray.ie between 9am to 1pm Monday to Friday.

Connect Online!: Our most active communication tools currently are our Website www.christchurchbray.ie which contains information on our live streamed worship services, weekly Blogs, events and news, and our facebook page @christchurchbray.

Irish Trefoil GuildGuiding for Life: Calling all former leaders of the Irish Girl Guides in Bray and the surrounding area. There is now a Trefoil Guild in Bray. Contact Anne at braytrefoilguild@gmail.com.

Bray Methodist Church

Worship this Sunday: 10amSunday Worship with Cr=C3=A8che and Sunday School.

Christian Assembly Church

Worship this Sunday: 10.45am Morning Worship; 6.30pm Evening Service of Bible teaching, singing and fellowship.

Wednesdays: 8pm Prayer Meeting & Bible study

Cornerstone at The Well

Worship this Sunday: 11am.

Holy Redeemer Parish

Contact Holy Redeemer Parish: Call (01) 2868413. Website: www.holyredeemerbray.ie; Email: office@holyredeemerbray.ie.

Parish Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 9.30am to 11am. If you need to contact us email: office@holyredeemer.ie.

Mass Times: 10amMonday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday No Mass on Tuesday. Sunday Masses: 6pm Vigil Mass on Saturday and on Sunday at 10.30am and 12Noon. To book a Mass please call into the Sacristy before or after our Masses.

Mass Cards: Mass Cards may be purchased from the Parish Office during its opening hours.

Baptism: Registration for Baptism can be made online via the parish website www.holyredeemerbray.ie. Please choose a Second or a Fourth Saturday of the month in 2023.

Blessing of Graves: Takes place this Sunday at 3pm in St. Peters Cemetery, Little Bray.

St. Peters Parish

To Book a Mass: To book a Mass, please contact Sharon in the Parish Office on 01- 282 9467 or email: stpeterslittlebray1@gmail.com.

Parish Office: Parish Office opening hours areMonday: 9.30am to 12.30pm; Tuesday: 9am to 12.30pm; Wednesday: Closed; Thursday: 9am to 12.30pm; Friday: 9am to 12.30pm. The parish office can be contacted by calling 01-282 4967 or by email: stpeterslittlebray1@gmail.com.

St. Peters Church Mass Times: Sunday: 9.30am (Irish), 11.30am. Holy Days of Obligation: 11.30am. No Weekday Mass. First Friday of the Month Mass: 10am.

Mass Update: Sunday Mass is broadcast on the parish web-site at 9.30am (Irish) and 11.30am (English)Google Chrome required.

Car Park Hours: These are 9am to 12.30pm, Monday to Friday, for parish business and at the weekends during church ceremonies. The Cemetery is accessible via Laneway for Pedestrians.

St. Peters Cemetery: There is a strict policy of No Dumping Allowed in any area of the cemetery. Visitors to the cemetery are requested to take home with them all forms of their rubbish in order to keep the cemetery tidy. Your co-operation is appreciated.

Blessing of Graves in St. Peters Cemetery: Takes place this Sunday at 3pm.

St. Annes Church, Shankill: On Saturdays a Vigil Mass is celebrated at 5pm in St. Annes Church. All are welcome.

St. Fergals Parish

Mass Times: Mass times are 9.30am Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. No morning Mass on Thursdays and Saturdays. Saturday: 7.30pm Vigil Mass; Sundays: 8am and 10.30am.

Baptism: Baptisms take place on the first and third Saturday of each Month at 12Noon. Bookings can be made through the Parish Office Only. The Preparation meeting takes place on the Monday before the 1st Saturday of the month. Please call into the Parish Office three weeks in advance of the Baptism to complete the Baptism Form and to confirm the date.

Confessions: Are heard on Saturdays after the 7pm Vigil Mass.

Marriage: All couples must give notice to the priest or Parish Secretary at least three months prior to the date of marriage.

Child Safeguarding: The St. Fergals Parish Child Safeguarding Policy Statement can be read on the parish website.

Blessing of Graves in Springfield Cemetery last Sunday week: We at St. Fergals Church, Ballywaltrim, Bray, would like to thank Dooley Estate Agents for sponsoring the Sound and the Event of the Blessing of the Graves at Springfield Cemetery especially Gabriel, Jack and Niall Dooley. Thanks also to Noel Dicker of Dicker Event Technology for supplying the sound and live media coverage.Thanks too to Kevin Cullinan, Graveyard Caretaker Frank Curley, the sacristans of St. Fergals Church and to the priests of the parishes of Bray

Blessing of Graves in St. Peters Cemetery, Little Bray: Takes at 3pm this Sunday.

Syro Malabar Catholic Church

Mass is celebrated every Sunday at 2.30pm in St. Fergals Church, Ballywaltrim.

Our Lady Queen of Peace

Parish Website: www.queenofpeace.ie.

Mass: Weekday Masses are celebrated at 10.30am on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Weekend Masses are at 6.30pm on Saturdays and 10.30am and 12 Noon on Sundays.

Mass Bookings: Anyone who wishes to book a Mass can do so by contacting the Parish Secretary via email at: secretary@queenofpeace.ie, or call 2745497.

Parish Centre: To book a meeting room in the Parish Centre please call 01-2760045 or email: villafas1@hotmail.com.

Blessing of Graves in St. Peters Cemetery, Little Bray: Takes place at 3pm this Sunday.

Parish Survey: Parishioners are requested to complete a Parish Survey which can be accessed via the parish web-site www.queenofpeace.ie.

QOP youth club

All the eleven leaders in the Queen of Peace Adventure Youth Club attended a child protection course organised by Bray Youth Services. This club has been running for fifty-five years and the present committee of dedicated unpaid volunteers are determined to keep it going so that future generations of young people will enjoy the adventure of being in the longest running club in the county.

Diving club

Bray Divers are pleased that the amount of ongoing courses are increasing. Training is for the One Star and Two Star Diver certificates, Coxswain, Diver First Responder, and Dry Suit use. All the training is free and has international recognition. Club dive trips for the rest of this year include Hook Head, Saint Johns Point return, Portroe, and Lanzarote. This is additional to local dives. For information call Albert on 0876756439 and you could be diving within a week or two.

Bray Library

Opening hours are 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday with late opening on Tuesday and Thursday to 8.30pm. The library can be contacted at 01-2862600 or email: braylib@wicklowcoco.ie. Online services including e-books, audio-books, digital magazines and newspapers and e-learning are available via the library website.

The library is again involved in Imbolc, the Community Seed Arc programme, where one can get seeds for a variety of plants and after they flower, donate seeds from them for the programme. As always, you can have seeds sent to your local Wicklow Library branch by emailing your branchand requesting up to 4 packets. Knit and Crochet for Purple House Cancer Support takes place at 11am every Monday in the library no need to book.

Ballywaltrim Library

Opening hours are 10am to 5 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and 10am to 8pm on Wednesday. The library can be contacted at 01-2723205 or by email at: ballywatrimlibrary@wicklowcococ.ie. Online services including e-books, audio-books, digital magazines and newspapers and e-learning are available via the library website. Borrowers can renew their books on-line at any time.

Bray Cualann Historical Society

Members and supporters of the Bray Cualann Historical Society, the local history society for Bray and North Wicklow, are asked to note that the following events will take place in the week ahead: this Saturday Adrian Le Harivel will lead a Donnybrook Walk at 2pm. Meet at the churchyard beside Donnybrook Garda Station. All are welcomeadmission is free. Participants take part at their own risk. Please dress appropriately for the days weather conditions, wear suitable footwear, and bring refreshments; next Monday night Dublin City Council Historian in Residence Dr. James Curry will recall Shelbourne FCs 1995 League Cup Win in Ballymun Library, Ballymun Road, Dublin 11. Admission is free but booking is required call 01-2228355 or email: ballymunlibrary@dublincity.ie.

The attention of members and supporters of the Society is drawn to Medieval Dublin XIX, Sean Duffy, editor. This volume contains a wealth of new scholarly research on Dublins fascinating medieval past, including paired papers by Joseph Harbison and Rene Gapert that re-examine skulls found on the site of the Hospital of St John the Baptist, Thomas Street. Paul Duffy presents the findings of his major excavation at the site of the medieval church of St Peter of the Hill at Aungier Street/Stephens Street, while Aisling Collins explains the significant findings from the dig of the church and graveyard at St Jamess, including a haul of remarkable late medieval artefacts. Franc Myles reports on the findings of his excavation at Keysars Lane beside St.Audeons church in High Street, including some fascinatingly decorated medieval floor tiles; Jon Stirland reports on the discovery of two parallel ditches of possible early medieval/medieval date located to the rear of 1922 Aungier Street; and Edmond ODonovan describes his discoveries while excavating in the internal courtyard at the site of the Bank of Ireland at Parliament House, College Green, marked on Speeds 1610 map of Dublin as the hospital. Also, Alan Hayden reports on his excavation of property plots fronting onto Kevin Street and New Street and what they tell us about the supposed fourteenth-century decline of Dublin. Historical papers include Brian Colemans study of taxation and resistance in fifteenth-century Dublin, while Stephen Hewer examines the oldest surviving original court roll of the Dublin bench, dating from 1290.

Bray Camera Club

At our weekly Monday [except on Bank holidays] night meetings in the Mermaid Arts Centre, Main Street, Bray, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, we welcome all comers over 18 years-of-age with an interest in photography to join our meetings where we show and discuss out photos, impart knowledge and indulge in lively friendly debate and banter.

Our programme of events include weekly imaginative and technical challenges; photographic knowledge exchange, image analysis and advice; regular guest speakers; competitions throughout the year; and photo safaris. If you wish to sample some meetings with a view to joining or you would like more information about the club, please email: info@braycameraclub.ie.

Bray Active Retirement

Bray Active Retirement holds monthly meetings on the first Friday of the month in the Little Flower Hall at 10.30am. Membership is open to retired men and women 50 years and over.

The association offers a range of activities, including holidays, creative activities, learning programmes and sporting pursuits and afternoon tea dances, in various locations. See www.activeirl.ie or email helenmangan22@gmail.com or call 086-4044232.
A number of community celebrations took place around Bray, Greystones and elsewhere in Co Wicklow

Tony and Siobhan Fitzpatrick, Esmay and Donal Flynn, Anna Mazzarotto and Susan Grogan, at the New Road street feast in Greystones.

Reconnecting with the neighbourhood is what this years Street Feast was all about  although, if you were only getting to hear about it this year, then you are more than likely the person who this initiative is aimed at.

On the go for 13 years now, organiser Sam Bishop, from Newtownmountkennedy, said that what began as the germ of an idea for a youth project among a group of four friends, turned into something bigger when the need for building communities came to mind with the huge growth in new estates around the country and people no longer knocking on each others doors.

In the beginning, it was envisioned that the idea to get people together would only work in an urban setting but communities can get together anywhere there is space and in Wicklow on Sunday, June 25, there were 80 events registered, with 35 in Greystones alone and 12 in Bray  Bray has a bit of work to do, but as Sam pointed out, many went ahead without being officially registered, such as the one in the Peoples Park, so we can reserve judgment on Brays community spirit until next year.

To point to its growing popularity, there were 432 street feasts registered in Dublin.

The Department of Rural and Community Development is the core funder of the project, with additional funding provided by Wicklow County Council.

Registration entitles you to a party pack, with all you need to create the right atmosphere  bunting, streamers, hats and so on and Sam says the free bits and bobs do help get the numbers.

Its not about making everyone best friends but is more about fostering a culture of caring and encouraging people to check in on each other without fear, Sam adds.

Without bemoaning the dreaded neighbourhood Whatsapp groups, where people can air their grievances without interacting at all, he believes that people should instead rediscover how to navigate issues by coming together to have a conversation in public.

While the idea to promote large-scale street parties was looked at, Sam believes smaller, neighbourhood affairs are far more conducive to relationship building. Its a feast, but its not a festival, after all.
NEW farm safety measures introduced by Minister Martin Heydon have been welcomed by the IFA.

IFA Farm Family and Social Affairs Chair Alice Doyle said the measures aim to support farmers in safeguarding themselves while working.

The new measures will provide a financial contribution to participating farmers covering 60 per cent of the eligible cost of quad bike helmets and Power Take Off (PTO) shaft covers. A total of 1.5m has been allocated to the measure.

Minister Heydon said: This new 1.5 million National Farm Safety Measure will help protect farmers and everyone involved in operating PTO-powered equipment and quad bikes on farms from serious and fatal injuries.

Investing in safety provides for better working conditions and reduces the risk of injury or fatality. This measure is designed to drive a change in behaviour and address unsafe practices such as operating a quad without a helmet, or operating machinery with defective or missing PTO shaft covers.

The maximum amount of aid under the measure is for two quad bike (ATV) helmets and four PTO shaft covers.

The grant aid will be at a rate of 60 per cent subject to a maximum eligible cost of 100 per PTO shaft cover and 150 per quad bike (ATV) helmet. The measure will be open until September 29.
REPRESENTATIVES of the Wicklow Cheviot Sheep Owners Association met with Minister Pippa Hackett as farm families from all over Ireland descended on Gurteen Agricultural College in Co Tipperary for Sheep 2023.

The dedicated one-day sheep event treated thousands of visitors to a bounty of attractions from sheep showing, technical demonstrations and commercial exhibits to masterclasses in cooking and much more.

It was the first time the event had been held since 2019 due to Covid restrictions in place and a total of 28 different sheep breed societies held showcases. Peter Behan and John Corrigan provided the sheep for the Wicklow Cheviot Sheep Owners showcase.

A Wicklow delegation also met with the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for Horticulture, Senator Pippa Hackett, where they discussed ACRES, Irelands agri-environment climate scheme, the Sheep Improvement Scheme and sheep breeders need for additional funding.

Speaking about the event, Peter Behan said: It was great to be back. The last time the event was held was in 2019 in Athenry, so it was great to be back. There was a lot of interest in the Wicklow Cheviot Sheep Owners display and we would like to thank everyone who took some time out to visit our showcase.
The scene on Bray Head after the fire was extinguished.

Firefighters spent a number of hours battling a blaze close to the cross on Bray Head yesterday evening.

Wicklow County Fire Service were informed of the fire at 5.43 p.m., when a number of 999/112 calls were received.

Chief Fire Officer at Wicklow Fire Service Aidan Dempsey said the fire was located close to the cross on Bray Head and was travelling down towards the cliff walk.

Firefighters from Bray Fire Station attended the scene and extinguished the fire in low lying areas as the blaze came down towards them.

Some parts of the fire were difficult to reach and crews monitored it for a while until it was safe to attack it. Mr Dempsey said that some of the gorse in the area is now over six foot in height.

The scene on Bray Head after the fire was extinguished.

Gardai and Irish Rail were informed and the area was closed off to walkers.

It has not been established how the fire started, or whether it was either accidental or malicious.

The incident concluded at 9.30 p.m.
Members and friends at the Valleymount LGFA 25th Anniversary Reunion at Valleymount Clubhouse. Photo: Barry Hamilton

Emer Moore and Helen Keogh who started the Ladies football in Valleymount.

Mick Nolan making a presentation to Liam Reid for 25 years of coaching at Valleymount.

A PACKED clubhouse greeted the 25th anniversary celebrations held by Valleymount LGFA which took place on Sunday, which appropriately enough fell on June 25.

The walls of the clubhouse were decorated with displays of old photographs covering the past two and a half decades, while the various team jerseys from down the years were also displayed, as well as old newspaper cuttings.

Two of the founding members of Valleymount LGFA, Helen Reid and Emer Geoghegan, were both present, while the clubs first mentor, Alice Stones, was made honorary President.

A presentation was also made to Liam Reid who is retiring after 25 years of dedicated service.

Aislinn Reid of Valleymount LGFA said: It was a great day and we had a fantastic turnout.

It was great to see the ladies who first played 25 years ago in attendance. They talked to some of the younger team players and spoke about the fun and enjoyment it gave them.

Emer Miley and Jam Miley were both present with their All-Ireland medals and they talked about how not one person makes a club and how everyone involved with the club is equally important.

Everyone enjoyed themselves and it was great taking a trip down memory lane.
U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke by phone on June 27 with Akif Cagatay Kilic, Spokesperson and Chief Advisor to the President of Turkiye.

June 28, 2023, 17:07 U.S. National Security Advisor, Turkish counterpart discuss recent developments in Russia

STEPANAKERT, JUNE 28, ARTSAKHPRESS-ARMENPRESS: They discussed recent developments in Russia and our continued support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression, as well as Turkiyes efforts to ensure a renewal of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the White House said in a readout.

The U.S. and Turkish officials agreed on the importance of continued stability in the Aegean, with Mr. Sullivan welcoming constructive engagement between Turkiye and Greece.

They also discussed preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit in Vilnius. Mr. Sullivan underscored the United States view that Sweden should become a member of NATO as soon as possible, the White House added.
PLANS for a BMX Pump Track at the Murrough in Wicklow town are progressing and an application for LEADER funding is imminent.

The project is being led by the Town Team and Cllr Mary Kavanagh after they were approached by John Kelly last year, an Irish native who only moved to Wicklow town just at the start of the pandemic.

Cllr Mary Kavanagh said: I was contacted by John Kelly about the project 18 months ago. I thought it was a great idea and we contacted the Town Team and County Wicklow Partnership who were willing to come on board to develop the idea.

We also contacted Wicklow County Council to discuss the plans and made an expression of interest to LEADER for funding.

Both John and the Town Team have done a tremendous amount of work with the Council regarding the pump track and we are awaiting their decision on the application submitted.

After that, we hope to be in a position to submit a full LEADER application. If successful, it will be a great facility for the children of Wicklow and beyond. It will be an all-inclusive track for children of all ages and abilities. Id like to acknowledge the work done by John, Wicklow Town Team, County Wicklow Partnership and Wicklow County Council to date. Were keeping everything crossed that it will soon become a reality.

Dave Shannon, Chair of the Town Team, is hopeful work will commence on the pump track before next summer.

He said: We made an expression of interest for LEADER funding and were informed that the application was eligible for funding. We have held talks with Wicklow County Council over a licensing agreement to allow for the use of the land. We are also working alongside Wicklow Municipal District to see if it requires a Part 8.

John Kelly is the man with all the knowledge. Once we get a licensing agreement, then we can put in a full application for LEADER funding. Maybe I am being optimistic, but we would hope the pump track could be in place for next summer, or that the work will have at least commenced.

It will be a completely state of the art facility and we would be hopeful of hosting national competitions and drawing people to Wicklow town.

District Manager, Brian Gleeson, also provided an update on the project at Mondays meeting of Wicklow Municipal District.

He stated: We will be meeting with the Town Team this week to discuss projects, including the Pump Track. We need to get a revised costing to see if we require the Part 8 planning process.

There is no fear we are going to miss the deadline for LEADER funding as its a continuous rolling fund.
A milestone cultural event will take place in Wicklow this weekend when the Indian Ambassador to Ireland, Mr Akhilesh Mishra, attends a massive celebration of the Indian/Goan community in Kilcoole and Newtownmountkennedy on Sunday, July 2.

Beginning with a holy mass at St Anthonys Church in Kilcoole at 11.30 a.m., festivities will move to the Community Centre in Newtownmountkennedy at 2 p.m., where huge crowds will be entertained by a unique Indian/Goan musical concert  the first of its kind held in Ireland.

Fresh off the back of a string of successful UK shows, King of Comedy Agostinho and his talented troupe will present a musical tiatr entitled Past is Past. Written and directed by the comedian and featuring a host of musicians from around the UK, Goans from around Ireland are expected to flock to Wicklow for the highly anticipated play.

This is a huge deal for our community and the first time an event like this will happen in Ireland, one of the Goan community organisers Valentino Fernandes said. The mass will be held by Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, who is flying in from India and, afterwards, the concert will include 23 people coming over from the UK.

The Indian ambassador will be coming along for the concert, which will be his first visit to Wicklow, so that is a really big thing. For this event, there are people coming from Wexford, Cork, Killarney, Kilkenny, Mayo, Sligo, Naas, Dublin, Limerick  all over. Its going to be a really big show, and were putting up a big stage in the Community Centre where the guests of honour will give speeches.

We will have tea and coffee, and some very nice Indian food, so it should be a fantastic day. We are really looking forward to it!

Tickets for the event are available from the reception at Newtownmountkennedy Community Centre and are selling fast.
Actress Brooke Kinsella has said she is still heartbroken over the murder of her brother Ben, who was stabbed to death in north London 15 years ago (Family handout/PA)

A touching childhood picture of knife crime victim Ben Kinsella and his actress sister Brooke has been released 15 years on from his death.

Ben was stabbed to death in Islington, north London, on June 29 2008 while he was out celebrating the end of his GCSE exams.

His sister, a former EastEnders star, said: Fifteen years on, I am still so heartbroken at the violent and unnecessary loss of such a beautiful boy and the ripple effect it had on so many.

Brooke Kinsella next to a mural dedicated to her brother Ben (Jacob King/PA)

I am thinking of my family, Bens friends, the wife he might have loved, and the children he might have had.

I am even more heartbroken that we havent succeeded in making this world a safer place, a place where 16-year-old boys can make it home to their beds.

It can be hard to keep going but I made a promise to my brother all those years ago and I will do all I can to keep it. We will never give up in the fight against knife crime.

She will celebrate her son Bens first birthday on Thursday, the day that her brother died.

The Kinsella family set up anti-knife crime charity the Ben Kinsella Trust in the wake of his murder, and to date the organisation has worked with 30,000 young people directly and more through online courses to divert them away from knife crime.

Bens parents, Deborah and George. said: We would like to say that it gets easier with time, but it truly doesnt.

Ben Kinsella was stabbed to death by three attackers in north London in June 2008 (Metropolitan Police/PA)

We will always wonder what he would be doing in his life now, who his wife would have been, and we would have loved and adored our grandchildren he would have given us.

Instead we go to the cemetery to visit our Ben and the grief is still as strong as it was from the day he was taken from us, it never goes away.

Ben Kinsella Trust chief executive Patrick Green said knife crime remains an epidemic in the UK.

Our biggest concern is the continuing rise in knife crime across the country, he said. It has risen by 46% in the last decade and is spreading like an epidemic.

Once we would have considered it a big city problem, but that is changing. It is now escalating quicker in towns and areas which 10 years ago were immune to knife crime.

The increase in knife crime is fuelled by drugs and gangs and county lines. Social issues such as poverty, deprivation, and lack of opportunities for social mobility make it easier for criminals to target vulnerable young people.

Plans are in place to ban the sale of zombie knives, like these previously seized by West Midlands Police (Joe Giddens/PA)

In the past eight years the number of attacks involving machetes and large knives has risen sixfold, Mr Green said, but plans to ban the weapons could take four or five years to come into force.

He added: The pace of change is too slow. We are always one or two steps behind the gangs and criminals who drive knife crime, and we seem unable to respond quickly and decisively when policies and law changes are desperately needed.

In April the Home Office launched a consultation on plans to ban so-called zombie knives and machetes that have no obvious practical purpose, and tougher sentences for those caught selling knives to under-18s.
Noinin review: Of all the places Ive eaten in this year, this no-notions spot run by two sisters is one of my favourites
Remains found in southern California have been confirmed as those of actor Julian Sands (Ian West/PA)

Human remains found in the San Gabriel mountains in southern California have been confirmed to be those of Julian Sands, the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department has told the PA news agency.

The British actor, 65, had been missing for more than five months, after failing to return from a hike in the Mount Baldy area on January 13.

The actors remains were found in the same area on Saturday by civilian hikers, with a coroner later confirming them to be those of Sands.

He was best-known for his breakout role in the 1985 romantic period drama A Room With A View, in which he starred alongside Helena Bonham Carter.

Sands later transitioned successfully to the horror genre, with appearances films including Gothic, Warlock and Arachnophobia.

The news was shared with PA by the Sheriffs department on Tuesday.

The identification process for the body located on Mt Baldy on June 24, 2023, has been completed and was positively identified as 65-year-old Julian Sands of North Hollywood, a statement shared with the PA news agency read.

The manner of death is still under investigation, pending further test results.

We would like to extend our gratitude to all the volunteers that worked tirelessly to try to locate Mr Sands.

Last week, Sands family released a statement saying they were continuing to keep him in our hearts with bright memories.

We are deeply grateful to the search teams and co-ordinators who have worked tirelessly to find Julian, a family statement, issued on Wednesday by the sheriffs department, read.

We continue to hold Julian in our hearts with bright memories of him as a wonderful father, husband, explorer, lover of the natural world and the arts, and as an original and collaborative performer.

Over the course of five months, search efforts had been continuously hampered by poor conditions in the area and halted in March due to the risk of avalanches.

Ground searches for actor Julian Sands by teams in the San Gabriel mountains (San Bernardino County Sheriffs/PA)

The sheriffs department previously said that a total of eight searches specific to Sands by both ground and air had taken place.

The most recent search had involved over 80 search and rescue volunteers, deputies, and staff, with their efforts supported by two helicopters, and drone crews.

The department added that volunteer searcher hours had exceeded 500 hours.

Sands had lived in Los Angeles since 2020.

He was known for his love of the outdoors and hiking in the surrounding areas, and was considered an experienced and competent mountaineer by his friends.

Sands hiking partner and fellow actor Kevin Ryan previously told the PA news agency that he was the most advanced hiker I know.

Its what he did. His whole life he was climbing mountains. It was a true passion of his, Ryan told PA.

From 1984 to 1987 the actor was married to future Evening Standard and Today editor Sarah Sands, with whom he shares a son.

He also has two daughters with journalist Evgenia Citkowitz, whom he married in 1990.
Cost of deporting each migrant to Rwanda from UK is 169,000

For the scheme to break even there would need to be a 37pc fall in arrivals

Home Secretary Suella Braverman promised the Bibby Stockholm accommodation barge would be in Portland by June 19 but it has not yet arrived (Yui Mok/PA)

Charles Hymas Telegraph.co.uk Wed 28 Jun 2023 at 03:30






Boris Johnsons clear and unambiguous breach of the rules over his Daily Mail column shows the urgent need to reform the good chaps approach to post-ministerial jobs, the UK government has been warned.
In this grab taken from video two police officers question a driver while one points a gun

French president Emmanuel Macron has described the death of a 17-year-old shot by police during a traffic stop in a Paris suburb as "inexplicable and inexcusable  saying "nothing justifies" a young person's death.
A woman sells artistic items at an informal art and craft market in Windhoek, Namibia, on June 27, 2023. The display of colorful artistic items adorned the floor and stalls at the bustling informal market in downtown Windhoek. (Photo by Ndalimpinga Iita/Xinhua)

WINDHOEK, June 27 (Xinhua) -- The display of colorful artistic items adorned the floor and stalls at a bustling informal market in downtown Windhoek, Namibia's capital, where Jossy Haikali, an artist, was selling items.

Haikali is part of longstanding trade by artists, maximizing tourism, one of the pillar industries for Namibia's economy, to generate income. The items sold include beadwork, pottery, and cultural and embroidered items.

Haikali said on Tuesday that selling artistic items has allowed her to sustain her livelihood.

"I turned to art when I came to the city; it is now my lifeline. My children have gone to school, and on it I still rely," said Haikali, who has been selling craft and artistic items at the art market since 1995.

According to her, the small-sized items sold offered a competitive advantage, which tourists find easy to carry.

"They take a bit of Namibia with them while we promote our culture and earn the required funds," added the 53-year-old.

She is not the only one. Paulina Ashikoto migrated to Windhoek from a village in Oshikoto Region and started selling art items in 2020.

"It was just before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and business took a knock. I returned at the end of 2021 when international traveling resumed," Ashikoto said.

Namibia recorded an increase in tourist arrivals in 2023, seen as a sign of recovery of the tourism industry from the pandemic, according to a report released in May by investment research firm, Simonis Storm Securities.

The 2021 Tourism Arrival Statistics report also shows that tourist arrivals into Namibia increased from 169,565 in 2020 to 232,756 in 2021, representing a 37.3 percent growth.

"Since the return of travelers, things are looking up because many locals don't buy from us," Ashikoto said.

Selling the crafts has offered more than an income for the traders. According to Haikali, craft selling is an empowering and meaningful part of invested artists' lives.

"We come from an era where women stayed home. Now we can do more with our skills and thrive. And art offered us that. This offered me economic freedom as well," she said.

For Ellen Tjivinda, selling art allowed her to showcase the culture of the Ovahimba people, one of the indigenous tribes from northwestern Namibia. These include cultural attires and dance.

"I then send money to my family in Kunene Region to survive threats of climate change that negatively impact our nomadic lives. But I also learned how to run a business from here, a skill I did not possess," Tjivinda said.

Despite the challenges of the daily slog of bargaining and competition that thwarts business, the self-made artists hope to ride high on a wave of success backed by entrepreneurial dedication. The artists often collaborate and share best practices and the skill sets necessary for craft-making that help ensure success.

In the interim, the artists continuously experiment with new designs and market products on social media to diversify reach and clientele.

"Even here on the street, we observe what others are doing. I learned most of what I know here at this market," Haikali said. 

A woman displays an artistic item at an informal art and craft market in Windhoek, Namibia, on June 27, 2023. The display of colorful artistic items adorned the floor and stalls at the bustling informal market in downtown Windhoek. (Photo by Ndalimpinga Iita/Xinhua)

People visit an informal art and craft market in Windhoek, Namibia, on June 27, 2023. The display of colorful artistic items adorned the floor and stalls at the bustling informal market in downtown Windhoek. (Photo by Ndalimpinga Iita/Xinhua)
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The immigration consultant accused of providing hundreds of international students with fake college admission letters to secure study permits in Canada has been arrested.

Canada Border Services Agency said in a statement that it has charged Brijesh Mishra, a citizen of India, with offering immigration advice without a licence and with counselling a person to directly or indirectly misrepresent or withhold information from authorities.

Following information provided to the CBSA concerning Mr. Mishras status in Canada, as well [as] his alleged involvement in activities related to counselling misrepresentation, the Agency launched an investigation, reads the statement.

These charges were announced a week after federal immigration minister Sean Fraser assured international students facing deportation that those who have been scammed will be allowed to stay in Canada until their cases are reviewed further.

The Government of Canadas focus is on identifying those who are responsible for the fraudulent activity and not on penalizing those who may have been affected by fraud, Fraser said on June 14.

According to CBC last month, Mishra has been arrested by Indian authorities, his license in that country has been revoked, and further investigations are ongoing in India.

For over two weeks in May, hundreds of international students and advocates permanently camped outside CBSA offices in Mississauga, calling on ministers to stop the affected students from being deported and to protest against putting the onus of fraud on its victims.

New Canadian Media first reported on the potentially hundreds of international students facing deportation in March. Several pointed to Mishra as the immigration consultant they had hired to coordinate their visa, travel, and education in Canada.

It wasnt until after they had spent years and thousands of dollars studying and working here that Canadian immigration officials informed the students that their college acceptance letters were fake and they faced deportation.

Last week, Minister Fraser announced a joint investigation with his office and CBSA further looking into the claims of international students being defrauded by overseas consultants.

The charges against Mishra were laid by the CBSA Pacific Region Criminal Investigations Section, reported the Toronto Star.

Our officers worked diligently to investigate these offences and we will continue to do our best to ensure those who break our laws are held accountable, said Nina Patel, regional director general responsible for the agency.

A new task force has been established by senior immigration and border enforcement officials to examine the specifics of each case to decide whether individual students were complicit in defrauding the system.

Some of the students and their supporters had camped outside the CBSA office on Airport Road in Toronto for weeks, and the parliamentary immigration committee has launched its own study, demanding answers from immigration and border officials on this matter.

Supporters have said the students were victims and should not be penalized and questioned why the fraudulent documents werent detected until years later after many of the students had already graduated from other schools, had jobs and gotten established.

According to official data, more than 800,000 international students had valid visas in Canada last year, an increase of nearly a third in one year. Of this number, 320,000 students came from India.

The number of international students enrolled at Canadian higher education institutions was 373,599 in 2022.
German police have warned of a potentially lethal Blue Punisher variety of ecstasy in circulation after the death of two teenage girls was linked to the drug.
When it comes to purchasing term insurance, it is always better to do it early in life since the premium rates are low. However, life is unpredictable, and it is never too late to secure your family's financial future. If you are 50 or older and have not yet purchased a term life insurance , you may be wondering if it is too late. The answer is no; it is never too late to buy term insurance.

As you age, the chances of developing a critical illness also increase, making it more important to have a term plan in place. Besides, if you outlive the term, you can enjoy the survival benefits upon maturity and secure your retirement financially. It will also remove the burden of depending on your children in your old age. One such term insurance plan that can provide financial security for your loved ones is Canara HSBC Life Insurance iSelect Smart360 Term Plan. This plan offers comprehensive coverage at affordable premiums and includes several benefits that make it a valuable addition to your financial portfolio. Here are some of the features of the term plan that make it stand out:

Life cover till 99 years of age

The plan provides life cover until you reach 99 years of age. This means that your family will receive the sum assured in case of your unfortunate demise, ensuring their financial stability even in your absence.

Return of total premiums

If you outlive the policy term, you will receive the total premiums paid as maturity benefits. This feature can act as a savings tool and help you secure your financial future.

No future premium if diagnosed with covered critical illness

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Image credit: Twitter/Narendra Modi

New Delhi/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held a "fruitful discussion" with members of the board and key leadership of Goldman Sachs, during which he highlighted Indias vast potential for growth.

In a tweet, PM Modi said: Had a fruitful discussion with the members of the Board and key leadership of @GoldmanSachs.

Highlighted India's vast potential for growth, fuelled by recent reforms and a conducive business environment. Also spoke of how India's offers several opportunities for global firms.

Had a fruitful discussion with the members of the Board and key leadership of @GoldmanSachs. Highlighted India's vast potential for growth, fuelled by recent reforms and a conducive business environment. Also spoke of how India's offers several opportunities for global firms. pic.twitter.com/9LlLkcUiO0  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 28, 2023

Earlier Goldman Sachs Chief Executive Officer David Solomon noted that "India has a very high growth trajectory, with a predicted growth of 6-7% over the next three years."

The meeting comes as Goldman Sachs is hosting its board meeting in India this week, for the first time in over a decade.

CEO David Solomon leading a visit to Bengaluru and Delhi, marking the first time the board met in India since 2012, under predecessor Lloyd Blankfein in Mumbai.

Goldman Sachs Services in India is the US lender's second largest office after New York with tech centres in Hyderabad and Bengaluru, housing around 9,000 employees, according to reports.

[With UNI inputs]
The purpose of the workshop was to empower 50 transgender enablers on amending Identity documents and accessing government welfare schemes and services to help themselves as well as others in the community.

The workshop was organised in collaboration with Prantakatha (a NGO championing LGBT+ rights/welfare).

The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act entitles every Trans person in India to amend identity documents based on chosen name and gender.

However, since this Act is relatively new, both the Trans community and the government systems are yet to standardise procedures. The workshop is aimed at empowering Trans community members with knowledge on the process and the accessibility points.

The trainers at the workshop included Anuprabha Das Mazumdar, Transgender rights activist and Fellow, School of Social Entrepreneurs India; and Advocate Suman Ganguly, senior lawyer at Alipore and Kolkata High Court.

Speaking on the occasion, Nick Low, British Deputy High Commissioner, Kolkata, said, Its always a pleasure to welcome our friends from the LGBTQ community for our Pride Event. 75,000 participants and 2 million spectators at the Pride Parade in New Year City this weekend. Polls show both the British public is much more likely to have positive feelings towards LGBT people than negative feelings. Challenges remain but history is on the side of inclusive societies.

Bappadiyta Mukherjee, Founder and Director of Prantakatha, who moderated the workshop said, We are happy to collaborate with the British Deputy High Commission Kolkata for conducting such an important and much-needed workshop on issues related to learning processes regarding how to change government and identity documents to chosen name and gender as described in the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act. The legal and social support for Transgender and other sexual minorities are growing. But unless capacities of community people increase, the implementation of this progressive Act might remain only in documents. Hence, these workshops are immensely helpful.
Image Credit: UNI

Auraiya/UNI: A youth was awarded capital punishment by a local court in Auraiya district here in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday in connection with the rape and murder of an 8-year-old girl in the Ayana area, prosecution sources said here.

Prosecution sources said that while sentencing Gautam Singh to capital punishment, Special Judge (Pocso) Manraj Singh said that the accused should be hanged till death.

"The court said that men are born from women and the act of the convict is more reprehensible than that of animals," they said.

Prosecution sources said that the court observed that if girls cannot move in the open, then what is the place for them, where they can move.

"It is said that in Indian culture, women are considered to be the root of religion and such crimes against women are not acceptable in any religion and culture," they said.

Prosecution sources said that the court observed that in Indian culture girls have been described as powerful women who create new power, but the criminal ended her life in her childhood, therefore the convict is sentenced to death.

It may be noted that during the hearing the prosecution counsels termed the crime as rarest of the rare and prayed for capital punishment to the accused. It may be noted that the victim went missing from a village in Ayana area on March 24 evening.

When the family members failed to trace the girl till late night they informed the police. Superintendent of Police (SP) Charu Nigam along with other officers and forces from several police stations reached the village and launched a manhunt.

The body of the victim was found in a field on March 25 afternoon and a preliminary investigation revealed that she was raped and murdered. After investigation, the police arrested Gautam Singh, who admitted to the crime during interrogation.
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the dreams of eleven young individuals from Punjab and Haryana to embark on a journey to Italy have tragically transformed into a horrifying nightmare, as they find themselves confined behind bars in war-torn Libya.

Their ill-fated predicament can be attributed to the treacherous donkey route they took to reach Italy back in February, only to be abandoned by unscrupulous travel agents along the way.

The term donkey route refers to an unlawful method of entering a foreign country by navigating through multiple intermediary nations.

These unfortunate youths claim that they were coerced into serving as bonded laborers in Libya by the so-called donkers, who transport people across different countries. The donkers allegedly demanded additional sums of money from the youths to facilitate their onward journey to Greece. As the desperate youngsters lacked the necessary funds, they were forced to toil as laborers in Libya, enduring physical abuse and violence at the hands of their captors.

It was only when the victims discovered that they had been sold to an agency as laborers that they mustered the courage to escape their captors. Shortly thereafter, however, the Libyan authorities apprehended them and incarcerated them on charges of being illegal immigrants.

One of the youths recounted, Thirteen individuals had initially boarded a flight to Dubai from Amritsar. One of us managed to evade the clutches of the travel agents, while another reportedly succumbed to the torture inflicted by the donkers.

According to official documents, each of the eleven youths had entrusted approximately Rs 11 lakh to travel agents in Punjab. Little did they know that they would be compelled to part with even more money at each destination along their perilous journey, ultimately leading to their entrapment in Libya.

Reports have surfaced that prior to their arrest, the youths reached out to Punjab Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Sahney on May 27, seeking his assistance.

When questioned about the current situation of the victims, Sahney affirmed, My team maintains constant communication with the boys and the embassy to expedite their repatriation to India. I am extending full financial support to these youths, including airfare, accommodation in secure facilities, clothing, and footwear.

This distressing tale serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by those who fall prey to unscrupulous agents and embark on perilous journeys in pursuit of their dreams. It underscores the urgent need for increased vigilance and support mechanisms to protect vulnerable individuals from falling victim to such harrowing ordeals. The authorities must work diligently to secure the safe return of these young souls, allowing them to rebuild their shattered lives and dream anew.

(Text and Image credit: Khalsavox.com)
AUBURN  Artist Kevin Carr, who grew up in Canandaigua and now lives in Farmington, creates multimedia pieces with a strong focus on textiles and quilting while also pulling from the canon of painting. But it took him a while to get there.

He attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago for a masters degree in painting and drawing, seeking an expanded and interdisciplinary focus to painting.

The first months there, I hated everything I made, he said. I ended that semester feeling so defeated.

Then, Carr realized that he didnt move to Chicago to create traditional paintings  he came to experiment and play with different materials. The outgrowth of those experiments can be seen in I Am a Friend of Dorothy, on display in Schweinfurth Art Center and Cayuga Museum of History & Art through Aug. 20. He is the second artist to be featured this year in both institutions as part of the CNY Emerging Artist Project.

Carrs foray into fabric began during his undergraduate work at Alfred University in a class on mixed materials.

Every student was given a 10-by-14-foot piece of muslin to create a work with. I tore it into long strips and dyed it with watered-down house paint, he said. Using the strips, I created a woven installation. I even asked for 20 more feet of muslin to make it larger.

His love for textiles was cemented when he inherited boxes of denim scraps from his grandmother, who moved to a senior living community.

I made this huge sculpture about the size of a mattress standing on its edge, he said. Thats where the quilting started.

Carr is interested in all aspects of quilting, especially its history. Last summer, Carr visited the International Quilt Museum in Nebraska. Through that visit and subsequent research, he learned that quilting dates back hundreds of years.

The earliest depiction of a patchwork textile is found in Egyptian hieroglyphics, and the earliest physical quilts that still remain come from the Middle East and northeast India, he said. We can even find the pattern called 'the flying geese' by U.S. quilters in central Asian patchworks from hundreds of years ago.

He traces his interdisciplinary nature and passion for formalism to two queer modernist artists: minimalist painter and sculptor Ellsworth Kelly, and sculptor and installation artist Felix Gonzalez-Torres. Kelly is known for his color field paintings and large, minimal color forms. On the other hand, Gonzalez-Torres used readymade objects like candy, lightbulbs and strings of beads to speak about love and loss.

Carr also explores concepts of queerness in his work.

I Am a Friend of Dorothy is my way of claiming space for myself and others, he said. The project is meant to be a window into the joy that queer relationships, both romantic and platonic, can create.

The title references the movie The Wizard of Oz and is a phrase that was used covertly to identify LGBTQ people in the 20th century. The use of the phrase has declined in recent decades due in part to LGBTQ acceptance increasing. However, threats remain for the community, Carr added.

In the current political climate, members of the LGBTQ community are not only fighting for their rights but also the very breath they breathe, he said. My show is supposed to give anyone who knows the referenced film a place to connect to the concepts being referenced.

Carrs goal in creating this exhibit was to honor the people he loves.

When I think back to the people that have made the biggest impact on me  besides my family  it is the LGBTQ people, specifically gender non-conforming individuals and queer womxn, he said. I hope they feel seen amongst the work.

The Schweinfurths summer 2023 exhibits are sponsored by Osborne Memorial Association, Nelson B. Delevan Foundation and New York State Council on the Arts.

If you go WHAT: CNY Emerging Artist Project: I Am a Friend of Dorothy by Kevin Carr WHEN/WHERE: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 20 at the Schweinfurth Art Center, 205 Genesee St., Auburn; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays at the Cayuga Museum of History & Art, 203 Genesee St., Auburn COST: Admission to the Schweinfurth $10 for the general public and free for Schweinfurth members, participating artists and children younger than 12; admission to the Schweinfurth and the museum $15 INFO: Visit myartcenter.org or cayugamuseum.org, or call (315) 253-1553 or (315) 253-8051

Also happening Also on display at the Schweinfurth through Aug. 20 are Nancy Crow: Sequences, Riffs, and Drawings and The Palace at 3AM by Gary Sczerbaniewicz. Carr, meanwhile, will teach two workshops Saturday, July 1, at the Schweinfurth. Family Fabric Painting (ages 5 and older) will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and will cost $10. Improvised Scrap Quilting (ages 16 and older) will take place from 1:30 to 5 p.m. and will cost $45. Both workshops will include a tour of the exhibit led by Carr. Space is limited, and signup is available at schweinfurthartcenter.org/i-am-a-friend-of-dorothy. The workshops are my way of sharing a piece of my art practice with the participants, Carr said. They are meant to spark creativity while also giving participants a look into my process. Then, in August, the Cayuga Museum and Schweinfurth will host "A Night with the Friends of Dorothy" drag show from 5 to 6 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19. Celebrating the closure of Carr's exhibit, the event will feature live drag performances in the galleries: six drag numbers and three live-singing numbers in each of the two sets, beginning at the museum and ending at the Schweinfurth. Reservations are available for either set, but attending both will not be permitted. Tickets are $40 and reservations are limited. Reservations are available at myartcenter.org or cayugamuseum.org.
Pixabay

Paris: Unrest and violent clashes with police broke out in the western Paris suburb of Nanterre and other suburbs after law enforcement killed a 17-year-old teenager who attempted to flee a traffic check early on Tuesday, local media reported.

The French police killed the teenager driving a rental car after he refused to pull over after breaking several road rules outside of Paris, "which caused shock and questions about the readiness of the security forces to pull the trigger," Le Monde newspaper reported.

The incident caused unrest on the streets of Nanterre and a protest outside a police building, with protesters setting fire to barricades and trash cans, vandalizing bus stops and throwing firecrackers at the police, forcing the law enforcement to use tear gas, the report said.

The BFMTV broadcaster reported that unrest was spreading to other suburbs of Paris, with clashes with police and arson occurring in Suresnes, Asnieres-sur-Seine, Gennevilliers, La Garenne-Colombes and Villeneuve in the Ile-de-France region.

In Nanterre, protesters began smashing billboards and bus stops and set three cars on fire.

Some of them gathered near the house of the deceased and in front of the prefecture.

Police squads, including special response units, were sent to the suburbs, the report said.

Several dozen protesters began building barricades and throwing rocks and incendiary mixtures at the police, with law enforcement responding with tear gas.

One person was injured in the eye, the broadcaster reported.

Nine people were detained in the suburb, according to the city's prefecture.

(With UNI inputs)
Image Credit and courtesy: 111v1ab @marcovvv Twitter page

Archeologists in Pompeii have discovered a painting that is believed to depict the ancient precursor to the Italian pizza, media reports said.

The flatbread depicted in the 2,000-year-old fresco "may be a distant ancestor of the modern dish", Italy's culture ministry told BBC.

However, as per the picture, it lacks the classic ingredients to technically be considered a pizza.

The fresco was discovered on the hall of a house next to a bakery while archeologists were performing digging in the area.

The discovery was made this year during new excavations of Regio IX in the centre of Pompeii, one of the nine districts that the ancient site is divided into, reports BBC.

Archaeologists at the Unesco World Heritage park say the newly-uncovered fresco depicting the flatbread, painted next to a wine goblet, may have been eaten with fruits such as pomegranates or dates, or dressed with spices and a type of pesto sauce.

Pompeii director Gabriel Zuchtriegel said it shows the contrast between a "frugal and simple meal" and the "luxury of silver trays".

"How can we fail to think, in this regard, of pizza, also born as a 'poor' dish in southern Italy, which has now conquered the world and is also served in starred restaurants," he told BBC.
New York: Unless decisive steps are swiftly taken to rein in Israeli-Palestinian violence, there is a significant risk that the situation could deteriorate, the top UN Middle East official told the Security Council on Tuesday.

The choice is clear, said Tor Wennesland, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO). Either continue along the downward spiral of violence and provocations leading to a political vacuum or turn towards constructive dialogue linked to concrete actions that can create hope and a political horizon.

Alarming spike

Urging Israeli and Palestinian leaders to put on the brakes and rethink the options, he warned of an alarming spike in violence across the northern and central occupied West Bank that has led to numerous Palestinian and Israeli casualties over the past 13 days, since the submission of his latest monthly report, covering the period between mid-May and mid-June.

Providing a grim snapshot of current hotspots, he said military operations  including airstrikes in the West Bank  clashes, attacks, and extremely high levels of settler-related violence, have continued and intensified dramatically.

In addition, he reported the use of more sophisticated weapons by Palestinians, including an advanced improvised explosive device and rockets launched towards Israel.

Settler rampage

From 20 to 25 June, Israeli settlers perpetrated 28 violent attacks against Palestinian villages, he said, adding that the settler rampage had caused one death and dozens of injuries.

Israel, as the occupying power, has an obligation to protect Palestinians and their property in the Occupied Territory and to ensure prompt, independent, impartial, and transparent investigations into all acts of violence, he said.

The deepening occupation, settlement expansion, the high levels of violence against civilians, including acts of terror, and, critically, the absence of a political horizon are rapidly eroding hope among Palestinians and Israelis, and particularly among youth, that a resolution of the conflict is achievable, he said.

Extremely dangerous

The speed and intensity of the security deterioration we are witnessing on the ground are extremely dangerous, he said.

The unfolding events seriously challenge broader stability and undermine the Palestinian Authority, he added.

While the ceasefire following the Gaza escalation in May has held, there is a constant risk that events in the West Bank could spill over into the Gaza Strip, he said.

Aid consequences

Equally concerning are the Palestinian Authoritys fiscal and institutional challenges, exacerbated by funding shortages, including for UN agencies, that impact the delivery of crucial basic services. This may further aggravate the deterioration of the situation on the ground, he cautioned.

Let there be no doubt, neither the Palestinian Authority nor the UN will be able to provide humanitarian assistance without donors urgently stepping up financial support, he warned.

Regarding other significant developments, he said that the UNs Palestine refugee agency, UNRWA, resumed after four months full service delivery in the West Bank, including at 42 health clinics and 90 schools serving more than 40,000 children. The disruption was due to a work dispute with the local staff union and a strike, he noted.

We must urgently act

But, the ongoing security situation remains a grave challenge, he said.

We must urgently act collectively to stop the violence, he said. At the same time, it is crucial to bring the parties back onto a path that addresses the political issues driving the current dynamics, so that a process to resolve the core issues can begin.

Council renews DR Congo sanctions, Somalia mission

At the outset of the morning meeting, the Council unanimously adopted two resolutions, renewing for six months the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and extending by one year the current sanctions regime covering an arms embargo, travel ban, and asset freeze that require States to refrain from, among other things, providing weapons to non-governmental entities operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

For more details on this and other meetings occurring throughout the UN system, visit our dedicated UN Meetings Coverage page.
Pixabay

Peshawar: Nine members of a family were killed over a domestic dispute in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Tuesday.

Security officials told Daily Pakistan that the victims include four women, three men and children, adding that a group of gunmen barged into their house in the Bagardara area on Tuesday night and opened indiscriminately.

They said a 12-year-old child miraculously remained safe in the attack, adding that three suspects had so far been arrested.

Another official told the news portal that the victim familys son-in-law was involved in the attack, who killed his own wife and her relatives.

The bodies were shifted to Batkhela DHQ Hospital.

A search operation is currently underway.
Image: Pixabay

A 49-year-old Indian-origin resident of Elk Grove, California, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 45 months in prison for Conspiracy to Transport and Harbor Certain Aliens for Profit and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.

Rajinder Pal Singh, aka Jaspal Gill, pleaded guilty in February 2023, admitting that he took in more than $500,000 as a key member of a smuggling ring bringing hundreds of Indian Nationals across the border from Canada and then to locations in the mid-west and beyond, read the statement issued by the US State Department.

At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour accepted the joint sentencing recommendation.

Over a four-year period, Mr. Singh arranged for more than 800 people to be smuggled into the U.S. across the northern border and into Washington State, said Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. This conduct was not just a security risk for our country, it also subjected those smuggled to security and safety risks during the often weeks-long smuggling route from India to the United States. Mr. Singhs participation in this conspiracy preyed upon the Indian Nationals hopes for a better life in the United States, while saddling those smuggled with crushing debt of as much as $70,000.

Mr. Singh spent years illegally smuggling hundreds of Indian nationals into this country; all to make a quick profit, said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. Fortunately, through a committed HSI investigative team, complemented by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Attorneys Office, that scheme has come to an end. Mr. Singh crushed the dreams of so many who quickly found themselves drowning in debt to their smuggler and unable to realize the life they sought in this country. Mr. Singh wont need to order up any more Uber rides for the next three years.

According to records filed in the case, as early as July 2018, Singh and his coconspirators used the ride share app Uber to transport people who had illegally crossed the border from Canada to the Seattle area.

Those records detail how trips beginning near the border in the early hours of the morning, would be split between different rides.

For example, one Uber trip would be from the border to Sea-Tac airport, and then minutes later the second Uber trip would be from a nearby airport hotel to an address in Lacey, Washington, owned by Singhs spouse.

All told, from mid-2018 to May 2022, Singh arranged more than 600 trips involving the transportation of Indian Nationals who had been illegally smuggled into the U.S.

Once the non-citizens had been smuggled into the U.S., Singh coordinated with other coconspirators who, using one-way vehicle rentals, would transport these individuals to their ultimate destinations outside Washington State.

Singh and his coconspirators used sophisticated means to launder the organizations illicit proceeds. For example, on one instance, Singh and his coconspirators arranged for smuggling fees to be sent via Hawala from India to New York.

Once the smuggling fee was received in cash from the New York Hawala, these funds were converted into a check, mailed to a coconspirator in Kentucky, and then were washed through multiple financial accounts.

In the plea agreement, Singh admitted that the purpose of this money movement was to obscure the illicit nature of these funds, i.e., money laundering.

The smuggling scheme has been underway since at least 2018. It slowed during the pandemic when Canada was not admitting non-citizens.

However as pandemic restrictions were lifted, the smuggling scheme became active again.

In all, the investigation estimates that between July 2018, and April 2022, the 17 Uber accounts tied to this smuggling ring ran up more than $80,000 in charges.

In addition to the search of the home in Lacey, law enforcement searched two of Singhs residences in California.

During the search of one of his homes in Elk Grove, California, investigators found about $45,000 in cash as well as counterfeit identity documents.

They also found copies of falsified documents that had been submitted to immigration judges in Washington during bond hearings for non-citizens who had been smuggled into the United States by Singh and his coconspirators, but who had been arrested by immigration authorities after illegally crossing the border.

Singh has agreed to forfeit cash and other personal property seized during the search of his residences, as well as a money judgement of $500,000 which represents proceeds he obtained from his criminal scheme.

Both sides agreed to recommend that Singh serve 45 months in prison. Singh is not legally present in the United States and will likely be deported following his prison term.

The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Uber assisted with the investigation shortly before the arrest in this case.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joe Silvio.
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Early Saturday, a bridge traversing the Yellowstone River in Montana gave way, causing segments of a freight train loaded with hazardous substances to plummet into the rapid waters beneath.

According to the Stillwater County Disaster and Emergency Services, the train compartments were filled with hot asphalt and molten sulfur. In the aftermath of the 6 a.m. incident, officials ceased the operation of drinking water intakes downstream to assess the potential risks. According to reporting by the Associated Press, one of their journalists observed a yellow substance leaking from some of the tankers.

David Stamey, the head of the countys emergency services, confirmed that there was no immediate threat to the crews working at the location, stating that the flooded river was diluting the dangerous material. The river now contained material spilled from the train, including three asphalt compartments and four sulfur compartments.

According to a statement from Montana Rail Link spokesman Andy Garland, the train crew was secure, and no accidents were noted. When exposed to colder temperatures, both sulfur and asphalt quickly harden, he noted.

Around 40 miles west of Billings, in Stillwater County, close to the town of Columbus, railroad crews were on the scene. The region is bordered by ranch and farmland and is located in a sparsely inhabited portion of the Yellowstone River Valley. About 110 miles to the southwest, in Yellowstone National Park, the river there flows away from that park.

We are committed to addressing any potential impacts to the area as a result of this incident and working to understand the reasons behind the accident, Garland said.

According to the high-speed internet provider Global Net, the bridge collapse also severed a fiber-optic connection. That particular link served numerous consumers in the state who rely on the service for internet access.

This is the major fiber route ... through Montana, a recording on the companys phone line said Saturday. This is affecting all Global Net customers. Connectivity will either be down or extremely slow.

Officials in the neighboring Yellowstone County claimed to have taken emergency action at water treatment facilities in response to the potential hazmat spill and encouraged locals to conserve water.

The reason for the collapse is being investigated. Recent strong rains enlarged the river, but its not clear if that played a role.

In 2022, the Yellowstone experienced unprecedented flooding that severely damaged Yellowstone National Park and surrounding Montana villages. The repeated years of high river flows offered a clue to the potential reason, according to Robert Bea, a retired engineering professor at the University of California Berkeley who has examined the causes of hundreds of big disasters.

The high water flow translates to high forces acting directly on the pier and, importantly, on the river bottom, Bea said. You can have erosion or scour that removes support from the foundation. High forces translate to a high likelihood of a structural or foundation failure that could act as a trigger to initiate the accident.

An old road bridge running parallel to the railway bridge, collectively known as the Twin Bridges, was demolished in 2021. The Montana Department of Transportation took this decision following their assessment it was on the brink of collapse. Information regarding when the railroad bridge was erected or last evaluated remains unknown.

According to Bea, investigators will examine the bridges components for signs of wear and tear or rust. They will also investigate the history of maintenance, repairs, and inspections carried out on the bridge.

Federal Railroad Administration officials were at the incident site, collaborating with local authorities.

As part of our investigation, we have requested and will thoroughly review a copy of recent bridge inspection reports from the owner for compliance with federal Bridge Safety Standards, said the agency in a statement, highlighting that bridge upkeep and safety inspections are the bridge owners responsibility.

Kelly Hitchcock, a representative from Columbus Water Users, halted the river waters passage into an irrigation channel located downstream from the fallen bridge. This measure was to avert potential contamination of surrounding agricultural land by substances from the derailed tank cars. Hitchcock was alerted about the bridges collapse by the Stillwater County Sheriffs Office on Saturday morning.

As per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, sulfur is a prevalent component often utilized as a fertilizer. In addition, it serves as an insecticide, fungicide, and rodenticide.
The Mohawk Council of Kahnawa:ke (MCK) would like to inform the community that an Open Letter has been sent to Justice Minister David Lametti regarding Canadas draft federal action plan for the implementation of the United Nations Declaration...
Remember the Pakistani girl who went viral for dancing to Lata Mangeshkar's Mera Dil Yeh Pukare Aaja? There was nothing extraordinary about the video but the video and the girl Ayesha caught people's fancy and became an internet sensation overnight.

Now, the internet has dug out a video of Aishwarya Rai in which she is performing similar dance steps in the song. People think they have found the original video.

Twitter

Aishwarya Rai dancing to Mera Dil Yeh Pukare Aaja

Without further ado, watch the video below!

After watching the video, the internet thinks there's no one better than Aishwarya.

"Kya dekh kr compare kar rahe ho..Wo Aishwarya Rai hai boss ... Aishwarya Rai", a comment read.

"Aishwarya did it first," said another one.

"Found the original," wrote a user.

A fan pointed out that the video shows Aishwarya Rai Bachchan originally performing to Dum Maro Dum. "Aishwarya is performing on dum marro dum."

"She is not performing Mera Dil ye Pukare... she is performing... Dum maaro dum."



Mera Dil Yeh Pukare Aaja fame Ayesha's death hoax

Instagram

Reports went rife that the Pakistani girl has passed away due to drug overdose. However, turns out they were all baseless rumours. Another Pakistani Tiktoker whose name is Ayesh Hanif had reportedly passed away. Her body was dropped off at the Jinnah Hospital and the unidentified people who dropped her fled in a white car. It is said that Ayesha Hanif had previously attended a party. Ayesha's husband and mother-in-law were detained for questioning.

Upset with the news, the Mera Dil Yeh Pukare fame slammed the death hoax and penned down a note.

Instagram

"One of my friends sent me this last night in which they spread a rumour that I had passed away. For God's sake, you guys have no idea what kind of circumstances this ridiculous rumour may create in anyone's life. I have never sought attention or created nay kind of hype, so why are you all trying to mess up my life? It's important to note that they don't even know my real name. I have never exaggerated or sensationalised anything about your lives, and I refuse to accept any interference in my own life from anyone! Moreover spreading false information without any regard for its consequences is not only irresponsible but also shows a lack of respect for the well being of others," she wrote.



For more news and updates from the world of celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


Farmers seek land for land as they have already lost agricultural plots to a railway line three years ago and are unable to buy new plots due to the poor compensation offered

Supaul, Bihar: We grow only wheat and paddy here and they require good space. Who can cultivate on such small patches, asked Gopal Mahato (50).

A resident of Kataia Mahe Panchayat in Pipra block of Bihars Supaul district, Gopals land was first acquired for building Supaul-Araria railway line almost three years ago. Of the total 80 kathas he owned, the rail line split 10.5 kathas (7,200 sq ft) into two parts. The government took approximately 2.50 kathas, and left 3 kathas and 5 kathas on either side of the rail line.

Gopal got a compensation of Rs 2.75 lakh (Rs 1.1 lakh per katha), which was way below the actual land price of the area. He later managed to sell 5 kathas to two villagers for Rs 2 lakh per katha.

Now a road is coming up, just half a km away from the railway line. It will again cut up my 3 kathas. But this time, we will not budge. We need land in exchange for land, he said.

Naveen Kumar|101Reporters

Gopal is adamant because 40 out of his total 80 kathas are flood prone, and hence unsuitable for cultivation. After losing land to railway acquisition, he has only around 30 kathas (32 kathas is one acre) at his disposal.

From 10 kathas, he used to make around Rs 35,000 per year. With this amount gone, he is struggling to meet the needs of his family of five, including wife, two sons and mother. One of his sons takes up small electrical jobs, while the other is still studying.

A bumpy ride

The Union Cabinet approved the four-lane NH 327E Greenfield Highway connecting Araria and Parsarma under the Bharatmala Pariyojana in 2017. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) okayed the 105-km roadworks in April last year.

It is expected to reduce the travel time to West Bengal by 80 km and will benefit the people of Araria, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Saharsa, Madhepura and Supaul districts. However, farmers in Gidrahi, Jolhaniya and Thumha villages of Kataia Mahe panchayat have opposed the move. To register their discontentment, they convened a mahapanchayat on May 11 and decided to seek either land in exchange for land or compensation in accordance with the market rate.

Local journalist Vimalendu Singh informed that the villagers of ward no 7 and 8 of Triveniganj Municipal Council in the district are also against the road project.

At present, the revenue and land reforms department is conducting aerial surveys to mark the required land. Once completed, the government will decide the compensation amount. However, farmers maintained that the compensation rate would be at least Rs 80,000 less per katha than the market price.

After the railway acquisition, about 20 farmers in our area were forced to work as labourers. The line split up their fields. As the leftover pieces were not fit for cultivation, they had no option but to sell them to the owners of adjacent plots, former sarpanch of Kataia Mahe panchayat Mohammad Jehangir told 101Reporters.

He warned that if the highway project took off, then half of the villagers would have to leave farming. It is only fair that farmers get a farm for a farm and a house for a house, he added.

Mohammad Rustum of Jolhaniya lost 20 kathas to the railway project. I run a paan shop from a rented premise. There was no need to buy rice or wheat when I owned land. Now, at least Rs 40,000 has to be spent every year on that. The compensation I received was enough to buy only 13 kathas. So I deposited it in the bank, said Rustum, whose family has six members.

As many as 15,000 people will be affected by the road project. The compensation money will run out, but people will not have a steady income. They will not be able to afford a farm or build a house with this meagre compensation. Either they should change the route or give us land in exchange, said Naveen Kumar, a representative of the mukhiya (panchayat head) of Kataia Mahe.

Supaul is also known for its mango, kadam (burflower tree) and sakhua (sal) plantations. One katha usually has around eight mango trees, which can fetch Rs 60,000 annually. The mangoes produced here are sold in Uttar Pradesh and Nepal also. Farmers are upset that the government compensation will only take the land into consideration, and not the plantations.

Naveen Kumar|101Reporters

The sorrow of development

Many national highways, including NH 106, NH 327A and NH 527A, already criss-cross Supaul district. According to the State Economic Survey 2021-22, Supaul district witnessed the highest number of rural roadworks in the Kosi Commissionerate area (Supaul, Saharsa and Madhepura) with the construction of 591 km of district road network and 3,161 km of rural road network starting September 2020. It also said forest area spread over 1,603.80 hectares were diverted in the preceding five years for various projects.

According to social worker Anand Jha, about 40% men in Supaul district work outside Bihar. If we look at the district closely, 30% area of the district is affected by floods, while the rest 70% has witnessed rapid development, said Jha, who works for Gramyasheel, an NGO engaged in development and sustainable livelihood activities in flood-hit areas of Bihar.

While announcing the NH 327E, State Energy Minister and Supaul MLA Bijendra Prasad Yadav had tweeted, We have added a new dimension to the development cycle. However, according to a study by the International Institute for Population Studies, half of Bihars population migrated at some point of time in search of jobs.

Lawyer Chandra Nath Jha said farmers were against this dimension of development. There is no industry and business in the area other than agriculture. It is the only source of income for many families. In such a situation, you have to understand what taking away land will do to this place. Villagers will have no option but to migrate. Now itself, most of the people from the district are earning their income from Delhi and Punjab only.

BJP Yuva Morcha district president Prakash Jha defended the road development works, saying it will prove to be a boon for the region. At the same time, he regretted that thousands of bighas of fertile land were being wasted.

Praveen Mandal of Kataia Mahe put forth his demand very clearly. The government should change the route. The railway line passes north of Supaul-Pipra national highway. If this road was planned south of the highway, farmers of this area would have been spared. They are already affected by the earlier acquisition, he said.

Murmurs of better compensation

Naveen Kumar|101Reporters

According to a social media post from Supaul district administration, a review meeting was held on May 9 under the chairmanship of Bihar Chief Secretary Amir Subhani to discuss how land acquisition was affecting the progress of some railway projects in Bihar. However, there was no word on the farmers protest over land acquisition for road construction.

Asked how the government would deal with the protest, Supaul District Settlement Officer Bharat Bhushan Prasad told 101Reporters, I can only talk about the land survey. You have to contact the additional district magistrate to learn more about the protest.

When contacted, ADM Vidhubhushan Chaudhary refused to comment.

Meanwhile, Ravindra Kumar Chawpal, Circle Officer, Pipra block, admitted that the administration was aware of the protests. That is why there is a talk within the administration on giving more compensation as per the demand of the villagers. As per the government rules, the landowner has to pay four times the price. We are trying to complete the land acquisition as soon as possible, but we cannot tell when it will be completed."

About the author: Rahul Kumar Gaurav is a Bihar-based freelance journalist and a member of 101Reporters, a pan India network of grassroots reporters
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Unlicensed cannabis dispensaries in the Auburn area were raided by law enforcement Tuesday and ordered by the state to cease sales.

A notice from the state Office of Cannabis Management was posted in the doors of I'm Stuck at 9 E. Genesee St. in downtown Auburn and the Weed Warehouse on Crane Brook Drive in Aurelius:

"Illicit cannabis has been seized and this location must immediately cease the sale of unapproved and unauthorized cannabis products."

Another document posted in the doors said a state investigator observed the sale of "THC flower, edibles, pre-rolls and concentrates" at the businesses. A hearing is scheduled for July 14.

The Office of Cannabis Management did not immediately respond to a request for comment by The Citizen on Tuesday afternoon.

Owned by David Tulley, of Lyons, I'm Stuck and the Weed Warehouse opened in January and last year, respectively. Tulley owns another four locations of I'm Stuck in Wayne County.

Yet another location of I'm Stuck opened in Fingerlakes Mall in April but was closed by mall management due to "lack of vision" the following month, Tulley told The Citizen afterward.

In text messages to The Citizen on Tuesday, Tulley said that he planned to fight the state's enforcement actions, and that he has hired an attorney.

"They're not shutting us down ... I'm going to smack Albany in the face," he said. "I am the new Al Capone. I am bigger than they are."

Exploiting a loophole, Tulley advertised his businesses as "marketing firms." They charged for consultations about cannabis products instead of the products themselves, technically making them gifts.

The state nonetheless sent Tulley cease-and-desist letters, but lacked the means to punish "gray market" shops like his until the state passed legislation in May raising the fine for unlicensed retail possession of cannabis from $500 to $7,500, among other measures. Enforcement actions since then, including ones in Ithaca and Binghamton, have seized more than 1,000 pounds of cannabis.

"These illicit shops endanger the public's health, safety and well-being with untested, unregulated products but also confuse the public as they try to perpetrate their businesses and products as licensed and sanctioned even though they are not. ... These closures are necessary," New York State Assembly Majority Leader Crystal People-Stokes said in a news release.

New York state, meanwhile, continues to license dispensaries after a nearly two-year delay to launch its legal cannabis market following the passage of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act in March 2021. The first licenses for dispensary applicants in the Finger Lakes region were issued June 16, and the first licensed dispensary in central New York opened this month in Syracuse.
Cannibalism is looked down upon in almost all modern human societies. But that might not have been the case in ancient times. A new study has found evidence of our ancient ancestors engaging in cannibalism, at least sometimes.

In a new study published in the journal Scientific Reports, previously-unnoticed archaeological findings showed that an ancient hominin butchered and ate another in what is being now considered the oldest-known evidence of cannibalism. It's still unclear which relatives of Homo sapiens (aka us) were involved in cannibalism.

Did our ancestors practice cannibalism?

An analysis of the study done by Smithsonian magazine states that distinctive marks on a 1.45 million-year-old shin bone reveal that the bone was cut at the knee in the same style used for meat meant for consumption. It also appears that a large cat chewed on it as well.

Unsplash

The remains have been preserved in a Kenyan museum, and there's a lot to interpret about this situation, including which exact species indulged in cannibalism, including whether the same species cut the other one up.

Also read: Spacefarers Of The Future May Resort To Cannibalism, Says Astrobiologist

"We just know that some tool-wielding hominin came and cut meat off of that bone," Smithsonian paleoanthropologist Briana Pobiner, one of the study's co-authors, told the magazine. "The most plausible explanation is that they did that to eat it."

Unsplash

The shin bone was first found in Kenya's Turkana region in 1970 by Mary Leakey. In 2017, Pobiner decided to take a closer look. "Ive seen tool marks on many animal fossils from this area and time period, so I thought, 'Wow, I definitely know what this is,'" the researcher said "But I also thought  'Surprise! This is definitely not what I thought I would find.'"

Also read: In Pics: How Human Disturbance And Climate Change Are Driving Polar Bears To Cannibalism



The data was sent to study's co-author Michael Pante at the University of Colorado and run through a database of nearly 900 known markings corresponding to butchery, bone, and tooth markings. No background data was shared with Pante at this point.

Reuters

Researchers believe that the butchered bone may have belonged to the species Homo erectus or Paranthropus boisei. It's an interesting discovery to figure out that at some point, may be our ancestors consumed each other as food.

What do you think about this study? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.
Finding ways to skip or avoid work is a common phenomenon that people employ in various professions and industries. From calling in sick when perfectly healthy to utilizing vacation days strategically, individuals often resort to creative methods to dodge their work responsibilities.

Some people go to great lengths to find innovative ways to skip or bunk workwhether to take a break, manage personal commitments, or avoid the monotony of work.

screenshot-2023-06-28-at-20722-am-649b53d519caa

After two decades of consistently avoiding her teaching responsibilities, an Italian teacher, Cinzina Paolina De Lio, has finally faced the consequences of her actions.

Throughout her 24-year tenure, De Lio earned the reputation of being the worst teacher in the country due to her blatant negligence.

She frequently disregarded her students, arriving at classes unprepared and forgetting her textbooks.

Outraged by her lack of dedication, pupils organized strikes to protest against her behavior.

School/Unsplash

Adding insult to injury, De Lio was caught sending texts during oral exams and providing feedback irrelevant to the work submitted. The culmination of these egregious actions has resulted in her dismissal from the teaching profession.



The Supreme Court has described her as "permanently and unsuitable" for the job.

De Lio successfully evaded her job responsibilities by taking advantage of sick leave, vacation time, and attending conferences.

According to Italian media, the teacher submitted 67 sick leave certificates over the past two decades and had two absences due to workplace accidents.

Additionally, she had three periods of leave from work for health reasons (maternity and breastfeeding) and days off to care for her child.

Apart from the mentioned periods, De Lio also took seven paid parental leaves and days off to assist relatives with disabilities and received five exemptions for training courses.

Following her dismissal from the school, De Lio engaged in a legal battle to reclaim her job.

Twitter

This led to a court declaring the dismissal provision invalid and reinstating her employment, despite acknowledging her disorganization and carelessness.

Inspectors from the school board became aware of her inadequate and unconventional teaching methods during one of her rare appearances. They observed confused and improvised lessons, noting a lack of logical coherence.

The court's initial decision to dismiss her has now been overturned, confirming her termination due to "absolute and permanent ineptitude for teaching."

When approached by the media for comment, De Lio replied, "Sorry, now I'm at the beach," and further stated that she wouldn't respond to questions from journalists she deemed as lacking fairness in portraying the truth of her unique story.

This case has drawn comparisons to a similar incident involving a Sicilian math teacher who took 769 days off due to ill health, only to be discovered working as a consultant.

For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.


"We had no other option than to run away somewhere far from my home, located in Bundelkhand, to save our lives, says 22-year-old Kriya, who recently moved to Lucknow with her partner Jyoti. Both Kriya and Jyoti hail from the region of Bundelkhand in North Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

Kriya fell in love with her classmate, 21-year-old Jyoti, while they were in eleventh standard. A couple of years later, Kriyas younger brother got to know about the affair and told his family. Even though he is younger than me, he controlled me and my decisions. He even asked my parents to restrict me from going out and they did so, Kriya told Indiatimes.

Reuters

Once he saw me speaking to Jyoti on call, and went to her house to tell her parents and she was beaten by them. We felt so helpless. Facing so much trauma and discrimination for months, we even thought of ending our lives because of how terrified we were of the present and future. We had no one to speak to, to approach and share our problems and expect them to understand us, says Kriya.

On being asked if she ever thought of going to a doctor or counsellor, the duo said they can barely make ends meet by the tuition classes they give to school students at home and cant think of affording a mental health specialist.

I had spoken to one in Lucknow but she said she will charge 500 per person so we gave up the idea of going to her or anyone else, says Kriya. Mental health among same sex couple is a common challenge is India, especially in the rural areas.

Escaping abuse to live life authentically

Another same sex couple, living in Lucknow, shares their traumatising story of being captivated in their home for over a month, until they successfully escaped.

Rizwan, 27, said, When my family came to know about my relationship with him [Aviral], they asked me to come home right away, which is in a village, some 150 kilometres from Lucknow. I denied, and the very next morning, they came and forcefully took me away. They even slapped Aviral when he tried to protect me and said we are adults and cant be forced.

After several calls to dial 100 and requests of help, upon explaining the situation, Aviral says, they got no help. As and when they took him away in the car, I panicked, spoke to a few friends and then called 100. They spoke to me and when I explained the situation, they asked me at least four times if we were two boys in a relationship and if we were representing different religions, Aviral shares.

Reuters

Also read: LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Toolkit: How To Navigate The Complexities Of Well-Being

I was taken home, slapped, abused. Mom did a whole drama on religion and the sin I was doing and then followed the major challenge. My father locked me up in my room. He announced that I would just be in my room, which would be locked from outside, and opened only when ammi would bring me food. This went on till next 20-25 days. My phone was taken away, I couldnt contact Aviral until one day when they were on terrace, leaving me unlocked, I escaped. I ran as if I was running for life without any identity card or money or belongings, Rizwan said.

Aviral says they even had a problem with their house owner once Rizwan came back because of the furore stirred by his family. He asked us to leave since we were polluting his house, apparently. So, next morning we started house hunting with a two-day deadline. We found a tiny place, where, again, we were kicked out from within a month. All of this took a toll on Rizwans mental health.

Unsplash

Also read: How Public Data On The LGBTQIA+ Community Is Shaped And Erased In India

The couple have even been shifting homes because of the trouble caused by house owners.



I never realised, until my partner (Aviral) discovered that I was going into depression, and we went to a therapist. I am undergoing counselling for three months now and feel much better but the experience I have had can never be forgotten, theyve already left a scar on my mind and soul.

(All the names have been changed on request to maintain privacy of the protagonists.)

For more stories on the LGBTQIA+ community and queerness in India, keep reading Spectrum on Indiatimes.
Among the vast array of delectable dishes, one comfort food stands out: Dal. This humble yet incredibly flavorful lentil has the power to evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth, reminding Desis of their home and their roots.

The New York Times stirred up a storm among its Indian readers when it mistakenly referred to a classic Indian dish, masoor dal, as 'red lentil soup.'

Representative Image

In Indian cuisine, dal holds a special place as a fundamental element of an essential meal, featuring various types of lentils like toor (pigeon peas), masoor (red lentil), and moong (green gram dal).



"I have made this soup at least three dozen times, always yielding the same delicious results."



This revelatory lentil soup takes less than an hour to make and has 19,600  reviews. https://t.co/BPU4FyneCm pic.twitter.com/NJFtqGH4TJ  The New York Times (@nytimes) June 26, 2023

"I have made this soup at least three dozen times, always yielding the same delicious results." This revelatory lentil soup takes less than an hour to make and has 19,600 five-star reviews."

Curated by Melissa Clark, the recipe in question was prominently showcased on the official website of the New York Times.

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It offered a comprehensive breakdown of the ingredients and method, resembling the components commonly found in traditional Indian dal.

The recipe included essential elements such as onions, tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic spices, staying true to the essence of authentic Indian dal preparations.

"Based on Turkish lentil soup, mercimek cobras, it is light, spicy, and a bold color (no murky brown here): a revelatory dish that takes less than an hour to make," read the description on the website.

One user wrote, "Daal. It's peeli daal. Use a pressure cooker, and you won't need a "regular blender, or a food processor, (to) puree half the soup."

Another user pointed out and said, "Its literally daal, consumed by millions of Indians every day."

For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.


The 20-year-old woman said she woke up with no underwear on a beach
The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has criticized the handling of Nigerias 2023 general elections.

EU said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to deliver on its promise of a transparent and inclusive democratic process.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the EU EOM revealed that shortcomings in the law and electoral administration hindered the conduct of well-run and inclusive elections and damaged trust in INEC.

According to EU EOM in its final report released on Tuesday in Abuja, said public confidence and trust in INEC were severely damaged during the presidential poll and were not restored in state-level elections, leading civil society to call for an independent audit of the entire process.

The widely welcomed Electoral Act 2022 (the 2022 Act) introduced measures aimed at building stakeholder trust.

However, the Acts first test in a general election revealed crucial gaps in terms of INECs accountability and transparency, proved to be insufficiently elaborated, and lacked clear provisions for timely and efficient implementation.
A Magistrate Court sitting in Zuba, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has ordered the Kuje Correctional facility to keep holding Obiajulu Uja in their custody for further urgent medical treatment for a period of 2 months.

Recall that Uja, in early April, was carried off a Lagos-Abuja flight, after he started a lone protest demanding that President Bola Tinubu (then President-Elect) must never be sworn in as President, on May 29.

INFORMATION NIGERIA leant that Uja is said to be mentally-unstable, according to a medical report tendered to the Court at previous hearings, on the case.

However, Magistrate Abdulazeez Ismail Muhammad, the trial judge, at the hearing on the matter today, referred him back to the medical facility at Kuje Correctional facility.

After listening to submissions of the prosecutor and defence counsels on bail application as well as the examination of the medical report which presupposed that the defendant is suffering from mental disorder, the magistrate noted that the defendant is of unsound mind and consequently is not fit for trial.

READ MORE: Obidients Are Foolishly Playing Script Of Others  Wole Soyinka

The magistrate said: Having equally found that the defendant need urgent further treatment and having released the medical observation report is not too conclusive on the peculiar mental challenge of the defendant and in the interest of justice the appropriate thing for the court to do is to further subject the defendant to further medical care at the expense of the federal government.

Thus, I hereby refer the defendant back to the medical facility at Kuje Correctional Center for further urgent medical treatment for a period of two months at the expense of federal government of Nigeria pursuant to the provision of Section 278(4).

The control of the corrections (medicals) is at liberty to engage experts from other medical facilities within the FCT. However, if the mental soundness of the defendant appropriates during this period and before the expiration of the period, the medical officer shall file a report forthwith to enable the court proceed with trial including delivering its ruling on the the defendants bail application, Magistrate Abdulazeez Ismail Muhammad said.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State and the States Attorney-General (AG) from re-arresting or detaining Alhassan Doguwa, lawmaker representing Doguwa/Tundun Wada federal constituency.

The Presiding Judge, Donatus Okorowo restated the order following an oral application by Afam Osigwe, Doguwas counsel, on Tuesday.

Recall that on February 28, Doguwa was arrested at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, while boarding a flight to Abuja.

At the time, the police said they received a report he led thugs to set ablaze the secretariat of the New Nigeria Peoples Party in Kano.

Two persons were said to have died in the incident.

Though Doguwa denied any wrongdoing, he was arraigned in March at a magistrate court in Kano and was later remanded in prison.

He was granted bail in the sum of N500 million by a federal high court after a few days in prison.

However, the charges were withdrawn after the prosecution said it could not find sufficient evidence to link Doguwa with the said offences.

The lawmaker consequently filed a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/831/23 seeking an order enforcing his fundamental rights.

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), the Inspector-General of Police, the Governor of Kano State and Kano state AG are joined as 1st to 4th defendants respectively.

On June 20, in a motion ex-parte earlier moved by Osigwe, the legislator sought the protection of the court against an alleged plan by the state government to rearrest and detain him.

READ ALSO: Court Declares Murder Charges Against Reps Leader, Doguwa Unconstitutional

Okorowo had ordered parties in the suit to maintain status quo pending the hearing and determination of the substantive matter.

Although the judge did not grant all the prayers sought, he ordered Doguwa to put the defendants on notice for them to show cause why his prayers should not be granted on the next adjourned date.

However, at the resumed hearing on Tuesday, Osigwe informed the court that the 3rd and 4th defendants (Governor and the AG) served them with their processes around 2pm on Monday.

While seeking an adjournment to enable him file an appropriate response, Osigwe prayed the court to extend its earlier order for parties to maintain the status quo.

But M. K. Umar, who appeared for the governor and the AG, disagreed with the applicants oral application and prayed the court to order an accelerated hearing of the substantive suit.

In reaction, Osigwe told the court that Umars reaction had confirmed their fear of what the state government allegedly planned against his client.

The supreme court says irrespective of whether an injunctive order has been made, parties should submit themselves to the decision of the court, he said.

He further prayed the court for an undertaking from the state counsel.

Umar assured the judge that the state government would not take further steps during the pendency of the case in court.

The Judge in a short ruling noted the undertaking made by Umar and directed parties to maintain status quo pending the hearing and determination of the main issue.

Okorowo adjourned the case until July 14 for hearing.
Files and flash drives containing information about former Nigerian governors under probe are reportedly missing after an alleged secret raid of the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by its sister agency, the Department of State Services ( DSS).

READ MORE: DSS Invites Suspended EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa

Recall that the DSS had allegedly secretly raided the EFCC office on Friday night, June 16, and it went on till morning of Saturday.

After the raid, EFCC personnel were also instructed not to mention anything concerning the raid to members of the public.

According to SaharaReporters, the recent raid on EFCC offices first in Ikoyi, Lagos and later in Abuja have been more political than they were made to look.

SaharaReporters also gathered that the DSS was working in the interest of someone very important to President Bola Tinubu.

A security source told the above mentioned news outlet on Tuesday that the DSS operatives carted away files and flash drives containing sensitive information about former governors, ministers and senators under investigation during the alleged raid.

The Sources revealed that the raids were political with the carting away of files and flash drives related to the probe of former governors, senators and ministers.

The source said The DSS has told EFCC to concentrate on non-political cases for now.

During the secret raid of EFCC offices in Abuja and Lagos, the DSS carted away files and flash disks of ex-governors, senators and ministers under investigation.
Nigerias immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari says leading the country is one of the hardest challenges in life.

Buhari, in his Eid al-Kabir message signed by Garba Shehu, his spokesperson, said leadership entails the cooperation and support of all citizens.

Leading a country like Nigeria is one of the hardest challenges in life, Buhari was quoted as saying.

READ ALSO: My Cows, Sheep Easier To Control Unlike Nigerians  Buhari

The former president urged Nigerians to fully support the Bola Tinubu-led administration to succeed.

Leadership is a challenging task that demands the sacrifices and support of the citizens, he said.

He also wished Nigerian Muslims a happy Eid and those on pilgrimage, Hajj Mabrur, a safe return home.

Buhari handed the reign of power to Tinubu on May 29 after serving for eight years.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has named U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney to serve on the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group.

The coalition "provides a forum for exchanges between Canadian and American legislators," according to its website. Members of Congress and Parliament are part of the group.

Tenney, R-Canandaigua, represents the 24th Congressional District, which stretches from western New York to the North Country. The district shares a border with Canada.

"Canada and the United States are interconnected through shared values, economic ties and commitment to democratic principles," Tenney said in a statement. "I look forward to working alongside my fellow members to address key issues impacting our bilateral relationship, including trade, security, environmental concerns and cultural exchange. I remain committed to fostering an open dialogue, collaboration and cooperation with our Canadian counterparts."

McCarthy highlighted Tenney's work in support of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, a trade accord between the three North American countries, and she is also a member of the Northern Border Security Caucus.

"I have no doubt that Claudia's principled leadership and experience will be invaluable in further strengthening the relationship between the United States and Canada," McCarthy said.

Five other House Republicans were appointed to the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group, including Buffalo-area U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy.
No reason has been given for a fire outbreak which completely destroyed the home of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero in Lagos State.

The mystery fire which reportedly started from the roof was preceded by some strange noise that family members present initially took for grazing domestic animals.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the entire building was consumed by the flames, leaving nothing behind.

However, within minutes, the building erupted in flames, leaving the occupants no choice but to escape, and leave everything behind.

READ MORE: NLC, TUC Suspend Planned Strike Over Fuel Subsidy Removal

Despite the swift response from the local community and fire services, nothing could be done to save the building.

According to VANGUARD, the distraught family members declined to comment on the incident.

Comrade Joe Ajaero, who was in Geneva at the time of the fire, when asked for his thoughts, expressed gratitude that no life was lost.

Regarding the possibility that the fire was intentionally set due to his position, Ajaero acknowledged the risks that come with being the President of Congress but refrained from speculating on potential culprits.
Men of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a man identified as Gabriel Okon Ekpiri of Ekit Itam Akpan Obong in Itu Local Government Area of the State for selling his nine-year-old son for N400,000.

Spokesperson of the State Police Command, Odiko MacDon, made this known in a statement released on Tuesday, June 26.

READ ALSO: Woman Arrested For Alleged Attempt To Steal Baby For Money Ritual From Hospital In Lagos

According to the statement, the man was arrested by operatives of the Quick Intervention Squad (QIS) of the state Police Command.

The statement read in part, The Commissioner of Police Akwa Ibom State, Olatoye Durusinmi, has condemned the action of one Gabriel Okon Ekpiri of Ekit Itam Akpan Obong in Itu Local Government Area, who sold his nine year old son for N400,000.

The CP noted that the act was barbaric and totally unacceptable, and the suspect who was arrested by the quick Intervention Squad of the Command has confessed to the crime while blaming the devil and economic hardship for his actions.
Ifeanyichukwu Oseke, a 28-year-old Nigerian studying in Canada has been stabbed to death during a fight in a Scarborough plaza in Canada.

According to the Toronto Police on Tuesday, the sad incident happened in the Brimley Road and Eglinton Avenue East area shortly after 7 p.m on Sunday evening.

Information was received that two individuals had been fighting in the plaza. One of them had some serious injuries that required an emergency run to a local hospital.

Unfortunately, one person has succumbed to their injuries. The victim in this matter has not yet been identified as the investigation is ongoing.

READ ALSO: 30-Year-Old Woman Stabs 12-Year-Old Girl In Rivers

According to a report by CP24, Ifeanyichukwu Oseke died on the way to the hospital and the incident is now being treated as a homicide.

Police further stated that the suspect was seen fleeing the area with another person, but no descriptions have been released.

Investigators are appealing for witnesses to come forward, as the plaza was busy at the time of the incident.

It was very populated at the time and we understand there was a number of people that actually had seen this event, Police said, adding that police believe it to be an isolated incident, and that theres no risk to public safety.

When asked about the weapon used in the stabbing, the police said it appears to have been an edged weapon of some kind.

Police are urging business owners in the area to check their security footage in the morning for anything that could assist with the homicide investigation.

The unnamed suspect is described by police as a man with medium-length dark hair, wearing a light-coloured tank top, pants and shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to call police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, has appealed to the British government for leniency for the jailed former deputy senate president, Ike Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice.

Ekweremadu and his wife, alongside a medical doctor, Obinna Obeta, were in May jailed by the United Kingdom (UK) over an organ trafficking plot.

The UK court sentenced Ekweremadu to nine years and eight months in prison; Beatrice bagged four years and six months while the doctor was jailed for 10 years.

However on Tuesday, Emmanuel Chukwuma, Archbishop of Enugu Province of the Anglican Communion, made the plea when the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo received the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, at the national secretariat of the body in Enugu.

He said: There is a very important issue we have to bring to your attention. Youre aware of the case of Nigerias former deputy Senate president, Ekweremadu, who was convicted and is in jail in your country. Hes from this state and we all know the circumstance he got entangled in that incident because he wanted to save his daughter

He is already serving a jail term. Its unfortunate but it has happened. I testified for him during the trial and in fact, the judge mentioned my name two times while delivering his judgment.

But were using this opportunity of your visit to ask for leniency for him so that he doesnt spend the number of years in jail. We have accepted the judgment, but are saying if theres anything that could be done to reduce the jail term.

READ ALSO: Ohanaeze Ndigbo Berates FG As UK Imprisons Ekweremadu, Wife

Hes from this area and if we dont bring this thing up as Ohanaeze or from us here, concerning this important son of Igboland, it wouldnt be nice of us. We are quite overwhelmed.

Meanwhile, in Ohanaezes wish list presented by its President General, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the organisation appealed for the setting up of British Visa office in the South East.

According to him, the zone accounts for about 60 percent of Nigerians travelling to the United Kingdom and stressed that it was unfair they were being subjected to travelling to Abuja and Lagos to procure visa.

Iwuanyanwu recalled the long relationship between Nigeria and Britain while appealing for bilateral collaboration to grow and develop the economy of the region.

He further identified insecurity that has culminated to Monday sit-at-home as part of the challenges threatening the economy of the region, explaining that the new leadership of Ndigbo was working hard to overcome it.

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, he said, would soon set up a business council of eminent businessmen and assured it would like to collaborate with the High Commission for mutual economic benefits.

On his part, Montgomery, who said he was on tour of the South East, said the visit would afford him opportunity to interact on areas of mutual collaboration with the British government.

He said the micro-economic indices in Nigeria had not been encouraging for investments, but the Federal Governments recent decisions would increase incentives for investors.

While stressing that the City of London is looking at these changes with great interest,he said the British government would continue to advocate for peace in the country.
As Nigerians join their fellow Muslims across the world to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir festivities, President Bola Tinubu has assured citizens that he is working day and night to solve the myriads of challenges facing the country.

Recall that President Tinubu returned to Nigeria on Tuesday after a five-day trip to France starting June 22, 2023.

After the two-day summit, the President proceeded to London, United Kingdom, for a short private visit, his spokesman, Dele Alake, said in a statement last Saturday, hinting that his principal will be back in Nigeria for the Eid-el-Kabir festivities on June 28 and 29, 2023.

However, Tinubu in a statement personally signed and released on Tuesday, thanked Allah for the grace to witness another Eid.

Tinubu, in the statement titled We Must Multiply Our Good Deeds, urged Nigerians to remember those who may not be as fortunate to celebrate.

The President said: Coming as the end of religious activities spanning the first ten days of the Islamic Month of Dhul Hijjah, Eid-el-Kabir enjoins us as Muslims to show mercy and compassion to our fellow humans.

Eid-el-Kabir is a festival of sacrifice and total obedience to Allah as exemplified in the exceptional action of Prophet Ibrahim.

There is no greater sense of duty ever recorded in history outside the ennobling example of Prophet Ibrahim in offering his only son Ismail as sacrifice to Allah.

READ MORE: Tinubu Returns To Nigeria After Paris, London Trips

The best way by which we can demonstrate this example is in how we conduct ourselves in relation to our fellow citizens and in our duties to our beloved country. We must imbibe and manifest those values inherent in Prophet Ibrahims life, namely; complete devotion to Allah, tolerance, patience, perseverance, selflessness, love and compassion.

This season, let us endeavour to multiply good deeds with our kindness to our fellow Muslims and others by helping and supporting the weak and vulnerable in our communities. By so doing, we showcase the values and virtues of our faith.

At the moment, our country is going through some challenges especially with our struggling economy and simmering security challenges. While I acknowledge all of these, I want to assure you that they are not insurmountable. I am working day and night with my team, fleshing out solutions. We have started with the decisions taken so far, to reform our economy and remove all impediments to growth.

As we embrace the present challenges, we must face the future with vigour and Renewed Hope with the confidence that our tomorrow shall be better and brighter.

I wish you all a happy Sallah celebration. 
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, apex Igbo social-cultural organization, has disclosed what will make President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hearken to the cries of the South-East zone.

According to Okechukwu Isiguzoro, a factional Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, Tinubu would pay attention to South-East when governors from the region and Igbo leaders support him.

Isiguzoro further asserted that Igbo leaders pushing Peter Obi, the Labour Partys presidential candidate, to unseat Tinubu will fail. He however charged them to withdraw their support from Obi and extend it to Tinubu.

READ ALSO: Organ Harvesting: Ohanaeze Meets British Envoy, Pleads Leniency For Ekweremadus

The Southeast governors should openly declare their support and work with Tinubu, irrespective of party affiliation.

Those of them supporting Peter Obi should renounce it and openly declare for Tinubu because what we have seen is that the ruling party has two states, APGA has one state, and the Labour Party and PDP have one state each in the Southeast.

So, at this point, they should declare their open support for Tinubu. These are the things that would make Tinubu listen to the pleas of the Southeast.

Those Ohanaeze and Igbo elders hiding under Peter Obi and pushing him to unseat Tinubu will never succeed; no power on earth can unseat Tinubu. We will ensure that all those unrepentant elders are made to support and work with Tinubu, he said in a chat with Daily Post.
Ahead of 2023 Eid El Kabir celebration, President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos from London, United Kingdom.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the President was received by supporters and high-ranking members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) including Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The President was welcomed by colourful members of the Presidential Guards.

READ MORE: Tinubu Set To Present Ministerial List To National Assembly After Arrival To Nigeria For Sallah

Recall that Tinubu had on June 22, 2023 made his first official trip overseas after his inauguration as Nigerias new leader on May 29, 2023.

Tinubu was in Paris, France, alongside world leaders like French President, Emmanuel Macron for the New Global Financial Pact summit held at the Palais Brongniart.

After the two-day summit, the President proceeded to London, United Kingdom, for a short private visit, his spokesman, Dele Alake, said in a statement last Saturday, hinting that his principal will be back in Nigeria for the Eid-el-Kabir festivities on June 28 and 29, 2023.

Check link for video: https://twitter.com/DOlusegun/status/1673722153160658944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1673722153160658944%7Ctwgr%5Eb3f14b88975039e086d83b1a00c1f4611c975183%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.naijanews.com%2F2023%2F06%2F27%2Fbreaking-bola-tinubu-returns-to-nigeria-after-paris-london-trips%2F
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied viral rumours that President Bola Tinubus unscheduled trip to the United Kingdom after the Paris summit was due to health concerns.

Recall that Tinubu was initially scheduled to return to Abuja after the Paris summit in France, but later proceeded to London for a short private visit, according to a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, Dele Alake.

His last-minute change of plan triggered a wave of online speculation, with critics suggesting that the former Lagos governor was secretly seeking medical attention.

READ MORE: Sallah: Im Working Day And Night To Solve Nigerias Challenges  Tinubu

Reacting to the rumour, Bala Ibrahim, Director of Publicity for the APC in a chat with Punch, said there was no cause for concern.

He said, Why is it that every time the president travels, people will speculate that he went for treatment? Yet, not once did any of these speculations come to pass. Everything they speculated against the president didnt materialise.

For Gods sake, why cant they jettison this mentality of the man is sick? When you investigate, you will discover those making these silly statements are not doctors. Some are even mechanics. Who is healthy? They should even look at what nature is doing. About three of the speculators have died while the man is moving.

People should, therefore, stop challenging God. Nobody is 100 per cent healthy and the man himself has said he is contesting to be president, not the kick-boxer of Nigeria. He is doing his job as the Constitution requires.

We all saw how he stood on the podium for hours during his inauguration. He took the salute, oath of office and allegiance, and even inspected the guard of honour. I think we should cut the man some slack.

Recall that INFORMATION NIGIRIA, earlier reported that the president in his Sallah message to Nigerians, assured citizens that he is working day and night to solve the myriads of challenges facing the country.

At the moment, our country is going through some challenges especially with our struggling economy and simmering security challenges. While I acknowledge all of these, I want to assure you that they are not insurmountable. I am working day and night with my team, fleshing out solutions. We have started with the decisions taken so far, to reform our economy and remove all impediments to growth, the president said.
The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, on Wednesday shut down illegal motor parks in Owerri, the state capital.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that Uzodinma expressed displeasure over the activities of touts who have been using the parks to harass motorists and commuters, tarnishing the reputation of his administration.

The Governor made this known in Owerri, through the Commissioner for Transport, Rex Anunobi, while meeting with stakeholders in the transport sector in the state.

Uzodinma disclosed that a toll-free number would be provided to the members of the public to report any misconduct of traffic officers.

He also stated that a monitoring team would be set up to arrest touts impounding peoples vehicles, especially those forcefully collecting vehicle plate numbers.

READ MORE: Second Niger Bridge: Youre A Hero To Igbos  Uzodinma Tells Buhari

He said: The governor has expressed concerns on the lapses inherent in the transport sector. About illegal parks diminishing urban renewal. Including the activities of non-state actors causing problems, causing people pain and damaging the governments image. The governor has said that it must stop finally.

That the designated traffic enforcement shall impound/clamp on vehicles parked on unauthorized places and shall attract appropriate fines payable to the Treasury Single Account (TSA) before such vehicle is unclamped and released.

All government approved bus stops turned to unauthorized and illegal loading points or what are commonly known as pits by non-state actors that are within 100 meters radius to the Intersections/Roundabouts above mentioned in Owerri Metropolis are hereby closed.

Taxis and Mini-buses are therefore directed to pick and drop off their passengers only at other government-approved and designated bus stops within the Owerri Metropolis.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has defended the criminalisation of marijuana use in Nigeria as opposed to other countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.

The Secretary of the NDLEA, Shadrach Haruna, while appearing on Channels Televisions Sunrise Daily on Wednesday shed light on the disparities in cannabis regulations between Nigeria and countries.

He addressed the prevalent misconception surrounding drug decriminalisation and emphasised that while other nations have decriminalised marijuana, there are crucial distinctions in the types of cannabis cultivated worldwide and the stringent policies, enforcement measures, and quality standards implemented by those countries.

READ ALSO: NDLEA Discovers Four Cannabis Farms In Bauchi, Arrests 372 Drug Dealers

You travel to Canada, you travel anywhere, and you say, Theyve decriminalised marijuana or cannabis and were using it.

But of course, you have different species of marijuana and in those countries, they have very good policies; very good enforcement and measurement standards that they have to follow, he said.

Haruna explained that the decriminalised species in countries like Canada are those lacking Tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive component responsible for altering ones state of mind.

In contrast, Nigeria cultivates cannabis strains with significantly higher potency, containing THC levels ranging from almost 45 per cent to 100 per cent, making them incomparable to the decriminalised variants.

He said, The species they have, which they say they have decriminalised in some of those countries, are those without Tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the active ingredient that makes one to be something else.

We have cannabis that is far, far more potent, almost 45 per cent, 100 per tetrahydrocannabinol. We cant compare it to what theyre saying they have decriminalised.

Haruna, however, highlighted the strict enforcement practices in countries that have decriminalised marijuana, countering the notion that many nations, including the US and the UK, have explicitly decriminalised such drugs.

Regarding the UK, Haruna mentioned that cannabinol, a constituent used in specific medical treatments, was previously permitted for importation. However, recent restrictions have been imposed due to the increasing cannabinol content detected in the oil.

But of late, they have also restricted it because theyve noticed the increasing content of cannabinol in that particular oil, he said.
Al Simmons won the Republican nomination in the Cayuga County Legislature's 1st District, defeating incumbent Jim Basile in Tuesday's primary election to secure the major party line.

Simmons, R-Ira, received 151 votes in the GOP primary. Basile, R-Fair Haven, finished with 114.

Cayuga County-area primary election 2023 results Republican voters in eight Cayuga County towns went to the polls on Tuesday to choose nomine

Basile was elected to represent the current 1st District, which includes the towns of Sterling and Victory, in 2021. However, county voters approved a plan in 2022 to reduce the size of the county Legislature from 15 to 11 seats and redraw district lines. The new 1st District is comprised of Ira, Sterling and Victory.

Although Basile decided to seek reelection in the newly drawn district, Simmons  a two-term Ira town board member and former Cayuga County Highway Department employee  entered the race. He was endorsed by the Republican committees in the district.

Basile, who is vice chair of the Cayuga County Legislature and serves as mayor of Fair Haven, touted his experience and record as a lawmaker, including his support for eliminating the local home heating fuel tax and work on a committee tasked with determining how to spend federal American Rescue Plan funding.

Simmons ran on his record, too. He has experience as a local elected official and believes his 14 years working in a county department is an asset. If elected to the county Legislature, he said he would focus on broadband access and water issues for his northern Cayuga County district.

Simmons' primary win sets up a three-way general election race in November. Despite losing the GOP primary, Basile has the Conservative line. Democrats have backed Jonathan Anna to run in the 1st District.
A suspected child trafficker, Ekpereamaka Okonkwo, who runs a brothel alongside her husband in Oba community, in the Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, has been apprehended.

Okonkwo was arrested by the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare in collaboration with the Anambra State Police Command on Tuesday.

Okonkwo, a nursing mother, recently had her brothel shut down by youths of the Oba community, where about nine underage girls serving as prostitutes were rescued.

The suspect went into hiding when the State Government, through the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, led a team of security agents to arrest her.

Obinabo later confirmed on Tuesday that Okonkwo and her husband have been arrested.

READ ALSO: Eight Nigerian Nationals Arrested In Libya Over Alleged Prostitution

The commissioner said: When she heard we were looking for her, she reached out to us through her husband, asking that she wanted to give me some money to water the ground.

I called the governor and told him of the development. I also called the police, and they urged me to play along with them. They later asked me to come to Asaba, where the womans husband offered me N300,000 as part payment.

I insisted that the woman also come, and she was later brought to a hotel to meet me. She promised that she would be making monthly returns to me. Later, security men came out and arrested her.

Obinabo said Mrs Ekpereamaka Okonkwo would be charged in court and prosecuted for using teenage girls for prostitution.

She added that Okonkwo, who hails from Otolo Nnewi, was previously operating in Nnewi, where she was known as Madam Padded.

She operated facilities where underage girls were forced into sex slavery in Nnewi and later relocated to Oba after three of her girls died in the facility in a fire incident.

In Oba, she took up the name Ukwu Venza, where nine girls, including three girls aged 13 years, were found to be working as prostitutes.
In the first quarter of 2023, NBCUniversal reported Peacock has 22 million paid subscribers, up more than 60% from last year. But NBCUniversal also expects Peacock losses to reach $3 billion this year. Read more

For the past three years, one perk of being a Comcast Xfinity subscriber was a free subscription to Peacock, NBCs streaming service.

That ended Monday, when Comcast began a new policy  which its been notifying customers about for months  of charging Xfinity subscribers to access Peacocks premium tier at a discounted rate of $2.99 a month.

Unfortunately, tech issues created headaches for some customers looking to take advantage of Peacock deals that Comcast is offering its subscribers.

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Richard Lordi, a Comcast customer in New Jersey, said he spent more than five hours with Xfinity tech support trying to get his Peacock account linked. Under his plan, Lordi is entitled to two free years of Peacock, but he said Comcast hadnt resolved the issue by Tuesday morning.

I have explained to them over the phone, Twitter support, as well as chat on their website. Keep getting the run around, Lordi said. Their tech support has zero answers.

Comcast didnt immediately respond to questions about the tech issues.

Two Comcast customer service representatives told media reporter Matthew Keys Monday that unspecified bugs were preventing some customers from claiming their discounted Peacock subscription. Peacocks customer service account on Twitter was fielding numerous complaints Tuesday.

I would advise Xfinity customers who have been trying to redeem free Peacock or subscribe to the discounted streaming plan to wait until later today before trying again, suggested Phillip Swann, who runs the TV Answer Man website. Its clear this morning that Comcast wasnt ready for this transition, and still isnt ready.

A Comcast spokesperson did provide all the ways Xfinity customers can continue to get Peacock for free or for a discount. More details can be found on the Xfinity website.

Xfinity internet customers with gigabit speed: Peacock Premium for free for two years Xfinity internet customers who are diamond or platinum reward members: Peacock Premium for free, must redeem reward here. NOW TV customers: Peacock Premium for free Other X1 or Flex customers: Peacock Premium for discounted rate of $2.99 for 12 months

Why is Peacock charging now?

All good things must come to an end, and that includes free streaming services.

Last year, former NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell  who left the company after an investigation into inappropriate conduct  said making Peacock available to Comcast customers for free helped the streaming service grow its user base. But the market has pivoted away from growth toward profitability, and all streaming services are looking for ways to improve their bottom lines.

In the first quarter of 2023, NBC reported Peacock had $704 million in losses, up from $456 million during the same period the previous year. The company previously warned that it expects Peacocks losses to hit around $3 billion this year.

As weve said previously, we believe 2023 will be peak losses for Peacock and from there steadily improve, Comcast president Mike Cavanagh said during the companys fourth-quarter conference call in January.

On a positive note, NBC reported that the number of paid Peacock subscribers grew to 22 million in the first quarter of 2023, up more than 60% compared to the same period last year.

How much does Peacock cost?

Peacock has two plans  premium and premium plus  and the main difference is commercials.

The premium plan runs $4.99 a month, but includes commercials. The commercial-free premium plus plan costs $9.99 a month, though youll still see ads on some programming, including live events and a few shows and movies.

Peacock once had a free plan  NBC once touted it as Free as a Bird  but stopped allowing new users to sign up for the no-cost tier in January.
Davids Bridal has received a tentative going-concern bid that would keep more than 190 stores open, spurring optimism that the wedding dress retailer might be able to survive bankruptcy, according to Bloomberg.

The deal would also keep more than 7,000 jobs by staving off mass store closures, lawyers for the company said in a bankruptcy court hearing Tuesday. The bid deadline has been extended to July 3 and a new sale hearing is scheduled for July 14.

We think the opportunity to save 7,000 jobs and over 190 stores is fantastic for the vendors and the landlords, Brad Sandler, an attorney representing the companys official creditor committee, said during the hearing.

In April, the wedding retailer, based in Conshohocken, said in a notice to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry that it would lay off 9,236 people across the United States. At the time, the company believed that 15 locations in Pennsylvania would be affected, including six stores in the Philadelphia suburbs. Days later, Davids Bridal filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in five years.

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At the time, James Marcum, Davids Bridals CEO, said that the company faced a challenging post-COVID environment and uncertain economic conditions.

The company announced in May that it expected to accelerate layoffs to comply with requirements imposed by bankruptcy court.

Davids Bridal began as a bridal salon in Florida in 1950 and grew to be the nations leading retailer for affordable wedding gowns with over 300 stores, mostly in the United States with a few in Mexico and Canada. The retailer is owned by a group of lenders including Los Angeles-based Oaktree Capital Group.

The companys recent financial history has been checkered. In 2018, Davids Bridal filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the first time. Retailers file for bankruptcy to get rid of debt and streamline costs, often through structural changes such as closing stores.

Though Davids Bridal emerged from bankruptcy in early 2019, the company, like many retailers, struggled during the pandemic with supply chain delays and other issues. According to the New York Times, Davids Bridal was forced to make many costly moves to ensure that customers received their orders on time, including moving production to and from Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and China and relying on airfreight, which is more expensive than shipping by boat.

Despite the financial challenges facing the company, Davids Bridal intends to fulfill all existing orders for customers.

Price and precise terms of the tentative going-concern bid were not disclosed.

Bloomberg contributed to this article.
The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday narrowly ruled to uphold a Pennsylvania law that requires corporations doing business in the commonwealth to consent to being sued in its courts. Read more

The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday narrowly ruled to uphold a Pennsylvania law that requires corporations doing business in the commonwealth to consent to being sued in its courts. The rule is unusual because it allows corporations to be sued by anyone, for conduct anywhere, in Pennsylvania courts. Pennsylvania is the only state with this type of statute.

The decision was made in the case of Mallory v. Norfolk Southern Railway. The plaintiff, Robert Mallory, was a freight-car mechanic for Norfolk Southern for 20 years. After being diagnosed with cancer, Mallory attributed his diagnosis to his time with the company and sued Norfolk Southern.

At the time of his original complaint, Mallory was living in Virginia, where the company is also incorporated, but he filed the suit in Pennsylvania and pointed to Norfolk Southerns presence in Pennsylvania, noting that Norfolk Southern manages over 2,000 miles of track, operates 11 rail yards, and runs three locomotive repair shops in Pennsylvania, the SCOTUS ruling said.

The U.S. Supreme Courts decision overturned an earlier judgment from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court that sided with Norfolk Southern, which had challenged Mallorys suit and claimed it violated the due-process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

What does the ruling mean for businesses in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania law requires that businesses incorporated in the state or out-of-state firms that conduct a continuous and systematic part of its general business within this commonwealth must agree to answer to suits filed in the state. In doing so, businesses gain status as a registered foreign corporation within Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania is the only state with such a law, though the ruling could prompt more states to enact similar rules, giving consumers and workers more choices of where to sue and subjecting corporations to suits in courts they may view as hostile to business, the New York Times reported.

What lawyers are saying

One attorney said the decision opened states up to litigation tourism.

Not only does it give free reign to all litigation tourism in Pennsylvania, but it opens the door to any other state potentially to do the same thing, James M. Beck, attorney at ReedSmith, wrote on the Lexology blog.

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Before todays ruling, it was understood that general personal jurisdiction over a corporation could be found in only two very distinct places: the state of the companys headquarters and the state of the companys incorporation, Saxon Guerriere, an attorney with Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, told the Society for Human Resource Management. However, the holding of Mallory now allows a corporation to be hauled into court in any state in which it has consented to jurisdiction.

The ruling could increase forum shopping by plaintiffs and uncertainty for defendants, warned attorneys from Locke Lord LLP. For now, corporations that do business in multiple states will need to closely monitor developments and take state-specific approaches to challenging jurisdiction where appropriate.

How did the court vote

In considering the claim that the law violates the due-process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, the Supreme Court voted in a 5-4 split against Norfolk Southern.

The majority of justices rejected Norfolk Southerns argument that the company was entitled to a more favorable rule, one shielding it from suits even its employees must answer under the Fourteenth Amendment.

Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote for the majority, which included Justices Clarence Thomas, Sonia Sotomayor, and Ketanji Brown Jackson. Justice Samuel Alito voted with the majority, but he wrote his own opinion.

At the heart of the majoritys decision was a precedent set in a similar case decided by the court in 1917. In Pennsylvania Fire Insurance Co. of Philadelphia v. Gold Issue Mining & Milling Co., the justices at the time voted unanimously to uphold a similar law enacted when the insurance company obtained permits to do business in Missouri. Though neither Pennsylvania Fire Insurance nor Gold Issue Mining & Milling were based in or operated out of Missouri, the insurance company had agreed to accept service of process in Missouri on any suit as a condition of doing business there, Gorsuch wrote.

In dissent were Justices Amy Coney Barrett, Elena Kagan, Brett Kavanaugh, and Chief Justice John Roberts.

Barrett wrote in the 18-page dissent that Pennsylvanias law unfairly harmed other states rights because it imposed a blanket claim of authority over controversies with no connection to the commonwealth.

She added: Pennsylvanias power grab infringes on more than just the rights of defendants  it upsets the proper role of the states in our federal system.

Alitos majority vote but differing opinion

In his separate opinion, Alito suggested that the lower court could rule in Norfolk Southerns favor when they rehear the case.

In my view, there is a good prospect that Pennsylvanias assertion of jurisdiction here  over an out-of-state company in a suit brought by an out-of-state plaintiff on claims wholly unrelated to Pennsylvania  violates the commerce clause, he said.

The commerce clause was not considered by the U.S. Supreme Court in this case, and only the due-process clause was argued.

Alito wrote, at the very least, the [Pennsylvania] law imposes a significant burden on interstate commerce. He added: I am hard-pressed to identify any legitimate local interest that is advanced by requiring an out-of-state company to defend a suit brought by an out-of-state plaintiff on claims wholly unconnected to the forum state.
A former Philadelphia police officer already charged with sexually assaulting young girls after he retired is now facing 233 new charges related to sex crimes that allegedly occurred while he was still on the force, many while he was on-duty and some while in uniform, the District Attorneys Office said Tuesday.

Patrick Heron, 53, who is in custody with his prior $2 million bail having been revoked, is now facing charges involving multiple victims from about 2005 to before 2019, the year he retired, said Lyandra Retacco, chief of the Special Investigations Unit of the District Attorneys Office.

Retacco did not provide many details, but said the new charges involve 19 transcripts from victims and some videos of unidentified victims. The District Attorneys Office later said Heron was being charged in 21 cases involving alleged sexual abuse and assault of young girls and women, and threats made against witnesses.

Heron, of Northeast Philadelphia, was expected to be arraigned later Tuesday. He was rearrested on counts including kidnapping, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, unlawful contact with a minor, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, indecent assault, and institutional sexual assault.

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Herons lawyer, Pierre LaTour, declined comment on the additional charges.

Sgt. Eric Gripp, spokesperson for the Philadelphia Police Department, said in a statement Tuesday evening: These latest criminal allegations against former Police Officer Patrick Heron are beyond disturbing. We ask anyone with additional information on the alleged criminal conduct of Patrick Heron to immediately contact authorities.

The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, the citys police union, said previously that the union was not representing Heron.

Last year, Heron was charged with sexually assaulting young girls, often allegedly posing as an active officer after he had retired to lure them and later retaliating against or intimidating witnesses. At the time, District Attorney Larry Krasner called the case one of the most alarming, sensitive, and serious his office had prosecuted.

The charges then included unlawful contact with minors, computer sex acts with children, indecent assault on a person younger than 13, and stalking. Investigators believed that there were more victims who had not yet come forward.

News reports about that case led more people to come forward with new allegations, Retacco said at a news conference Tuesday.

We keep learning there are more victims. We keep learning there is new evidence, she said.

Retacco said that anyone with information can contact the District Attorneys Special Investigations Union at 215-686-9608 or DAO_SIU@phila.gov. Or they can call 911 or contact Philadelphia police at a district headquarters.

Retacco also read a statement from Women Organized Against Rape and offered the organizations hotline for victims of sexual violence: 215-985-3333.

In the case last year, prosecutors alleged that Heron would send messages to victims in an attempt to groom them and coerce them into meeting him. Often, Heron allegedly would tell them he was a police officer, despite being retired, and he would solicit intimate photos and videos of the underage victims.

Heron allegedly had conversations of a sexual nature with children, asking them to send him explicit photos. One victim told investigators Heron sexually assaulted her when she was a child, and Heron was later allegedly found with photos of the incident.

A witness who worked at a Philadelphia public school told the District Attorneys Office that several children complained about messages Heron had been sending them, calling them love and sweetie. One victim, prosecutors said, described an incident in which Heron inappropriately touched her when she was 8.
Redcrest Kitchen, which opened in October 2022 at Sixth and Bainbridge Streets. Read more

Things have not been easy for Adam Volk and partners at Redcrest Kitchen in Queen Village.

Three weeks after they signed the lease at Sixth and Bainbridge Streets in July 2021, a city water main outside ruptured, sending torrents of water through the neighborhood and into the restaurants basement. The restaurant, with a stylish decor, finally opened in October 2022, offering upscale, destination dining with a creative menu that never caught on.

Now, eight months in, Redcrest Kitchen has become what Volk calls a simple neighborhood joint.

Redcrests new menu, starting this week, has lower prices and more sandwiches and bar snacks. Redcrests signature fried chicken, a holdover from Volks former chicken shop on East Passyunk Avenue, is front and center.

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The decision has led to the departure of chef Evan Snyder, who said the breakup was on good terms. Its business, Snyder said. I understand what they had to do.

Volk said he was counting on a bump in business from a favorable review by The Inquirers Craig LaBan, but I think the timing was poor. It came out the week before Memorial Day  traditionally the start of the summer season when some neighborhood restaurants business ebbs as locals leave on vacation.

Weve just been so quiet, he said.

Volk, taking over as chef, concedes that the previous approach  with sophisticated dishes such as Wagyu tartare with dill aioli, horseradish, crispy potatoes, mustard, and milk bread  was part of an unsustainable business model for this neighborhood.

The new menu includes mainly snacks and small plates, sandwiches, and salads, but only three larger plates: half-fried chicken, roasted salmon, and house-made ricotta cavatelli. The new drink menu includes five signature cocktails and three draft cocktails.

New hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Two former security guards are asking a Pennsylvania court to block enforcement of a state law that bans people who were convicted of certain crimes from working as security guards.

Jamar Patterson, 37, was convicted of drug-related offenses when he was 19 years old, but he has maintained a clear record and steady employment since then, according to a lawsuit filed Monday. Patterson was offered a job as an unarmed security guard with Allied Universal Security Services in 2022, but after he told his prospective employer about his 2005 felony conviction, the offer was rescinded, the lawsuit said.

In taking back the job offer, Allied Universal referenced Pennsylvanias Private Detective Act, which prohibits companies from knowingly employing anyone who has been convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors.

Many states have restrictions on security guard licensing for people with criminal convictions, but they often have time limits on the restriction or have processes in place for authorities to give exceptions.

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Pennsylvania is definitely among the most restrictive, if not the most restrictive, said Jamie Gullen, managing attorney of the Employment Unit at Community Legal Services, which provides legal services to low-income Philadelphians.

Like Patterson, Abron Ash, 49, also lost a job due to the Private Detective Act. Ash was a security guard for McGinn Security, which hired him in 2017 to work at Philadelphia International Airport. Allied Universal later acquired McGinn and became Ashs employer. Ash moved to Florida and continued working as a security guard, first for Allied Universal, and then for Guardian Security. He then moved back to Philadelphia and got a new position with Allied Universal, as unarmed security at a bank branch. He was fired shortly after the hiring.

Allied Universal fired Ash because a prior criminal conviction made his employment as a security guard a violation of the Private Detective Act, the lawsuit said. He was found guilty of three misdemeanors in 2006 related to a physical fight instigated by a coworker, the lawsuit said, and hadnt been charged with any other crimes since.

Despite Mr. Ashs long employment history with Allied Universal, the age of his convictions, and his qualification for the security position at Wells Fargo, the PDAs Employment Ban permanently disqualifies Mr. Ash from working as a security guard in Pennsylvania, the lawsuit said. He lost a job paying him $17.25/hour and now works as a dishwasher.

Patterson and Ash are suing the commonwealth of Pennsylvania and District Attorney Larry Krasner, whose office enforces the Private Detective Act.

The Philadelphia District Attorneys Office declined to comment on the lawsuit. The Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office did not respond to a request for comment.

The lawsuit noted that in 2015, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court found that a lifetime ban on individuals with convictions holding certain nursing home jobs was unconstitutional. Lawyers for Patterson and Ash argue that the ban on their employment in the Private Detective Act is also unconstitutional.

It permanently and unreasonably prohibits petitioners and many other qualified workers like them from pursuing an occupation in the security industry, in violation of their substantive due process rights, the lawsuit says.

Lawyers from Community Legal Services and the Public Interest Law Center are representing Patterson and Ash in their suit.
THE PARENTS: Ray Rachlin, 35, and Asher Lerman Freeman, 34, of West Philadelphia

THE CHILD: Havi Eydl, born Jan. 1, 2023

THE NAME: Havi is short for Haviv, which means beloved in Hebrew. Eydl, a Yiddish name, means gentle.

They were committed to dating casually. That meant seeing each other perhaps once a week, discovering cultural and ideological touch-points: Judaism; antiracist and queer activism.

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It was 2013, and they were young enough to pass as college students when they crashed a talk by a gender theorist that was meant only for the Portland State University English department.

Then Ray, who had moved from New York to Oregon for midwifery school, injured her back. That wound up bringing us closer, Asher recalls. Ray needed support and intimacy.

A few years later, Asher had top surgery; this time, it was Rays turn to jump in with tenderness and help. So when Ray, who uses she/they pronouns, completed midwifery school and planned to return to the East Coast, Asher faced a choice.

I loved the forest and the mountains and the coast and my people, says Asher, who uses they/them pronouns. I also realized that Ray and I had something really good. It took some time; there was grief in that decision.

Asher distinctly recalls one day  a bike ride in Portland from their own house to their moms  when the choice suddenly snapped into clarity. Ray had been a steady anchor through Ashers gender transition and a parallel career-shift from working with queer youth to becoming a personal trainer.

Having [Ray] in my life made me feel braver, like I could do more scary things if we were together. That moment, riding my bike, I thought: I want to marry Ray.

The engagement  Im ready to get married now, and I have jewelry, Asher said  happened in December 2017; they married about six months later, on the Schuylkill River Trail, witnessed by five friends, including a toddler whose shoes vanished in the rivers current.

The ceremony was hasty and giddy. We stopped at Reading Terminal in the morning and got cannoli and flowers. It was a really pure excitement that I have not experienced before, Ray recalls.

Ray was already living here; Asher biked from Oregon to the East Coast that fall, making the transition in slow motion. Ray moves through the world at a much, much quicker pace than I do, they note.

They both wanted kids. Ray, who had been a birth worker since 2010, knew they wanted to be pregnant; Asher felt equally sure that they would not be the gestational parent. They asked a relative of Ashers to donate sperm; after a year, the answer came back: No. Then another family member of Ashers said yes.

It was really important to me, at first, to have a kid who was genetically related to me, Asher says. But after seven tries and one miscarriage  and each attempt was complicated, because the donor lived in a different state  they shifted gears.

A friends ex-boyfriend was eager to donate sperm. One attempt, two, three, four, without success. Ironically, as they struggled to conceive, Ray was at work on a book about queer family-building.

It was rough, they remember. An isolating process. Im an expert in queer fertility and I was not getting pregnant. It was very humbling.

Asher concurs. Every single negative pregnancy test, and watching friends conceive before us, watching straight friends get excited when they accidentally got pregnant, it still feels painful and hard; it still feels raw.

They were planning to use the advance on Rays book  once she delivered the final manuscript  to pay for an IVF cycle. Then, after insemination #12, there were two lines on the pregnancy test stick.

The next nine months were a challenge to Rays sense of invincibility. It was life-altering fatigue, she says. I had six births a month in my midwifery practice. The book was requiring 10 hours a week. I was so exhausted and so sick. This was the first thing I couldnt just push through.

Rays water broke on a Thursday, the day before the due date. When Saturday dawned with no contractions, they went to acupuncture, drank castor oil, took labor-inducing herbs, and used the breast pump.

Within an hour, I was in labor. Once things started, it was hard and fast, but from my water breaking until the baby [arrived], it was 55 hours.

Havi was born at 2:03 in the morning, at home in their bathroom, on the first day of 2023. Friends took turns staying at their house to help; others filled a stand-alone freezer with meals for the family.

We were delirious and sleep-deprived, Asher recalls. And we both were very surprised by how much fun it was. We had awesome support. People cared for us.

That support was made plain at the baby-naming after Havis birth, when friends, family, and congregants of congregation Kol Tzedek lifted their arms in blessing and welcome.

It was a rite of passage for us into the queer Jewish parent community, Asher says. It was powerful to look around the room and feel so surrounded by people who were ready to love our baby and support us.

Now, six months into their parenthood journey, both feel changed. I feel more like myself than I have in years, Ray says. Asher agrees: I feel very complete, like this is who I was meant to be. I love moving at Havis pace; I love getting to see all the things that hes learning.

Rays book, Baby Making for Everybody, was published when Havi was 15 weeks old. Some parent-friends came over to celebrate with cake. It was a surreal experience: This is the community Ive been wanting, looking for, and needing.

Asher holds tight to some counsel offered by another parent during the first trimester of Rays pregnancy, when the two were still nervous about another miscarriage.

The friend said, Nothing is going to be safe and perfect again. Youre going to be worried forever. This is the beginning of uncertainty. 
A catalytic converter on display at a news conference Tuesday in Doylestown as Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub announced the dismantling of a catalytic converter theft ring that targeted victims in Bucks County, Montgomery County, and the Philadelphia region. Read more

More than two dozen law enforcement agencies from across Pennsylvania and New Jersey joined forces to dismantle a catalytic converter theft ring based in Philadelphia that stole millions of dollars worth of the automobile parts, authorities said Tuesday.

Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub said at a news conference that his office had charged 10 adults, one juvenile, and a Philadelphia tow yard for running a sprawling operation that stole around 2,000 of the exhaust emission devices in the region.

TDI Towing of Port Richmond was the main buyer of the stolen catalytic converters, he said. The tow yard paid thieves about $300 for each device and bought an average of 175 catalytic converters per week, said Weintraub.

From 2020 to 2023, TDI Towing purchased an estimated 27,300 catalytic converters for a total of $8.2 million, he said.

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TDI Towing owner Michael Williams, 52, whom Weintraub dubbed the kingpin of the operation, was charged with counts including criminal conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, and related crimes. His business faces similar charges.

Also charged with those crimes were a group of his employees including cutters, who sheared the catalytic converters from cars to steal them. Many of Williams employees were related to him, authorities said.

Charging the company was a first for his office, said Weintraub, and he said he hoped that would serve as a deterrent for other organizations that might seek to commit similar crimes.

Our goal? To put them out of business. Forever, he said. A corporate death sentence.

The tow yard was the base of operations for the theft ring, authorities said. There, in images captured on surveillance footage, Weintraub said, thieves were at one point seen cutting a catalytic converter from underneath one car and cooling off another still-hot converter in a puddle of water  a process that he said investigators repeatedly observed during the course of their yearlong investigation.

The automobile parts often have hefty price tags because of the resale value of the precious and rare metals they are comprised of: platinum, palladium, and rhodium, Weintraub said. Thieves sell the parts, which are often melted down to extract the metals and sold for a profit, he said.

Philadelphia police assisted in the investigation, along with investigators from Montgomery and Delaware Counties.

Philadelphia Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore said catalytic converter thefts are a persistent problem in the city  one that officers would continue to target..

Were going to continue to work. Were going to see where the arms of this reach, he said. This is a message to them that were coming after you.

Anyone with information about the theft ring is asked to contact Bucks County Detectives at 215.348.6344 or via bucksda.org.
George E. Norcross III (center) waits to testify before the N.J. Senate Select Committee on Economic Growth Strategies in Trenton on Nov. 18, 2019. Read more

South Jersey Democratic power broker George E. Norcross III has found himself under scrutiny from state and federal authorities repeatedly over the last two decades.

Theyve tapped his phones, had an informant record his conversations, and reviewed scores of documents.

But theyve never filed criminal charges.

Now, prosecutors appear to be trying again  this time with a wide-ranging probe by the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office and the FBI, according to interviews with more than a dozen people familiar with their efforts.

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Specifically, those sources said, investigators are focused on several real estate deals along the Delaware River waterfront in Camden  and whether Norcross, an investor in several properties, and his brother Philip, a prominent New Jersey lawyer and lobbyist, used their political influence to corruptly acquire them by muscling out rival developers.

The probe, which agents have been quietly pursuing since at least last year, has already cast a wide net. Authorities have issued subpoenas and interviewed a number of potential witnesses on matters ranging from construction costs to Philip Norcross involvement in regular economic development meetings with city officials, the sources said.

The deals under scrutiny involve some of the biggest names in real estate and business in the Philadelphia region, including Carl Dranoff, the Philadelphia developer behind such residential properties as Symphony House and Arthaus on South Broad Street; William P. Hankowsky, former CEO of Liberty Property Trust, which built both Comcast towers and redeveloped the Navy Yard; and Ira Lubert, a prominent real estate and private-equity investor.

Many of the transactions were hailed at the time by state and local officials as signs of a private investment-fueled turnaround in Camden, which has long struggled with poverty and crime. And George Norcross, 67  a Camden native, insurance executive, philanthropist, chair of a major hospital network, former co-owner of The Inquirer, and prodigious political fundraiser  had been widely credited with those endeavors.

Hes said he and his business partners have invested more than $300 million in the city  much of it enabled by $245 million in tax incentives his firm and two other companies were awarded to build a new office tower, Triad1828 Centre, and bring jobs to Camden under New Jerseys 2013 Economic Opportunity Act.

George Norcross now finds his legacy and the narrative he helped to build of Camdens comeback  often promoted with the slogan Camden Rising  under threat from investigators looking to prove the citys recent development boom was tainted by corruption.

The new investigation also comes as George Norcross says he is scaling back his political involvement and is now living primarily in Florida after a quarter-century in which he built the South Jersey Democratic machine into a political powerhouse. His efforts helped propel allies to all levels of government, including Camden City Council, the county board of commissioners, the New Jersey Legislature, and even Congress, where his brother Donald represents the city.

But in recent years that machine has taken significant hits, most notably the 2021 electoral defeat of longtime state Senate president Steve Sweeney, a childhood friend of George Norcross.

For his part, George Norcross has denied any wrongdoing and noted that the tax incentives that enabled the developments now under scrutiny have been vetted by past criminal probes  none of which led to charges.

His lawyers have offered to cooperate with the new investigation by meeting with authorities on his behalf, Norcross lawyer Michael Critchley said. So far, investigators have declined the offer.

There is no question the incentives have been a key part of the continued transformation of the city from Americas poorest, most violent city into a place where there is new hope and opportunity, George Norcross spokesperson, Dan Fee, said in a statement. Thousands and thousands of relocated workers now call Camden their home.

The scope of the Norcross investigation

State prosecutors, meanwhile, remain tight-lipped. A spokesperson for New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said she could not confirm or deny the existence of any ongoing probe. And it remains unclear the extent to which the matters currently under investigation overlap with prior probes of Norcross business dealings.

In 2019, prosecutors in the U.S. Attorneys Office in Philadelphia issued subpoenas related to at least some of the real estate deals now under scrutiny but never brought charges, according to multiple sources familiar with that investigation.

Platkins predecessor, Gurbir Grewal, also issued subpoenas related to development in Camden.

And in 2018, the U.S. Attorneys Office in New Jersey took the highly unusual step of notifying George Norcross lawyers that it had closed its own investigation into him and his procurement of tax credits. (Typically, federal authorities provide no such notice.)

Although officials involved in the new investigation remain reticent to acknowledge their efforts, the sources familiar with them  who spoke only on the condition of anonymity to freely discuss closely held details  said it started to quietly pick up about 18 months ago. About the same time Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, nominated Platkin, his former chief counsel, as the states new attorney general.

Platkin has tangled with George Norcross and his allies in Trenton before. In 2019, a task force he helped create under Murphy found companies with ties to political insiders, including Norcross, may have made false representations to win tax credits from the state Economic Development Authority.

The task force questioned the propriety of credits awarded to companies including George Norcross insurance brokerage, Conner Strong & Buckelew, and Cooper Health System, the hospital network where he serves as board chairman.

In a dramatic 2019 courtroom showdown, George Norcross unsuccessfully sued Murphy over the task force inquiry, denying any wrongdoing and dismissing the task forces work as a political hit job. Last year, Conner Strong and its business partners received their first installment of tax breaks, which are distributed over 10 years and can be used to offset tax liabilities or sold for cash.

 READ MORE: George Norcross firm and partners got N.J. tax credits for Camden offices, years after task force scrutiny

In recent months, the current attorney general-led investigation appears to have reached a critical phase.

At least one potential witness described being interviewed by more than a half-dozen agents and prosecutors during two meetings last fall. In March, prosecutors issued subpoenas to the City of Camden, which were earlier reported by NJ Advance Media. A city spokesperson said he couldnt confirm or deny their existence.

Then, earlier this month, the Camden Redevelopment Authority hired a former Camden County assistant prosecutor as special counsel to assist with a required document production project, according to a June 14 agenda.

Investigators have also asked potential witnesses about lawyer William Tambussis role in George Norcross orbit, according to two sources. Tambussi has worked as Norcross personal lawyer, and his firm, Brown & Connery, is counsel to the CRA. He declined to comment.

So far, the sources said, investigators appear to have focused on three specific real estate deals during the development boom set off by the states 2013 tax credit law: the Norcross brothers role in a real estate dispute involving Philadelphia developer Dranoff, the acquisition of a parking lot by an investor group that included George Norcross, and a 2014 transaction involving a Camden office complex known as L3.

Carl Dranoff: Kind of a shakedown

Dranoff has alleged in court filings tied to a long-running legal dispute with the City of Camden that he was forced in 2016 to give up potentially lucrative waterfront development rights amid a shakedown by George Norcross and his political allies.

Now, the Attorney Generals Office is investigating the allegations, which have been detailed publicly in depositions filed with the court.

 READ MORE: In legal brawl over Camden waterfront, developer alleges shakedown involving power broker George Norcross

In the early 2000s, Dranoff redeveloped a former RCA Victor record factory into a luxury apartment complex, rebranded as the Victor Lofts  converting a blighted property into the first market-rate housing development in Camden in decades.

As part of the deal enabling that project, the city awarded Dranoff rights for other residential development along the waterfront and an easement that restricted how high other developers could build around the Victor building  ensuring that its views of the Philadelphia skyline would remain protected.

When Wayne-based Liberty Property Trust announced plans in September 2015 to invest $700 million to build office towers, shops, and apartments along the Camden waterfront, Dranoff said he was initially excited at the prospect that their plans could help transform the area around the Victor building. He sought to collaborate with the company.

But any potential partnership quickly went south, Dranoff has since said in deposition testimony, after Liberty insisted he take on George Norcross as a partner in any future residential developments using the rights his company had secured from the city.

Dranoff described the intervention as kind of a shakedown.

[W]e were in a situation where we were being asked to participate in a partnership that we really didnt want to participate in, Dranoff testified in 2019.

Dranoffs daughter, Julia Dranoff, said in her own 2019 deposition that it became clear that George and Philip Norcross felt that they were entitled to our view easement for nothing, and that they wanted to develop a residential building without Dranoff.

The elder Dranoff said that under pressure from Liberty and the Norcrosses, he sold his view easement and development rights to Liberty in late 2016 for about $1.5 million  what Dranoff considered a very low number.

George Norcross and his partners went on to develop an apartment complex, known as 11 Cooper, with the help of state tax incentives. His spokesperson has dismissed any notion that George Norcross played a role in muscling Dranoff out, saying the negotiations were by and between Dranoff and Liberty Property Trust.

In deposition questioning, Tambussi, the lawyer who has worked for Norcross and is representing the city in the Dranoff litigation, chalked up any pressure Dranoff may have felt to routine negotiations.

But not long after selling his view easement, Dranoff said, he hit roadblocks on other Camden projects, including efforts to change the zoning on a building known as Radio Lofts and a proposed $71 million sale of the Victor building to Denver-based real estate giant Aimco.

Hes blamed the resistance he encountered  including challenges getting meetings and phone calls with the mayor and other city officials  on George Norcross using his allies in city government to carry out a vendetta against him. Anthony Perno, a former executive at a Camden nonprofit that promotes development, testified that Philip Norcross told city officials not to meet with Dranoff, according to court records.

The Camden Redevelopment Agency ultimately sent a letter saying it was terminating Dranoffs development option on the long-vacant Radio Lofts building. It later accused him of holding the rights hostage as leverage in negotiations over the sale of the Victor building.

The proposed Victor sale also fell through after the city did not transfer a tax agreement Dranoff had originally secured before developing the property to the potential new owners by a deadline theyd set for the deal to move forward. Dranoff says the city was obligated to approve the transfer under the terms of his original contract with the city.

City attorney Michelle Banks-Spearman has said in a deposition that Philip Norcross was regularly meeting with city officials and other stakeholders and suggested that the city slow down its review of that tax agreement.

Its not uncommon for private interests to meet with government officials. But when asked in depositions who they understood Philip Norcross to be representing in those meetings, Camden officials couldnt definitively say.

Banks-Spearman testified that she believed he was there representing developers. Then-Mayor Frank Moran testified he didnt think Philip Norcross was representing private clients at all. Instead, Moran said, he believed he was acting as an adviser and partner to the city.

Regardless, Banks-Spearman denied that Philip Norcross request to slow down the review of the Aimco transfer influenced her decision-making and said that the $71 million sale price the company had offered Dranoff prompted her to question whether he had adequately compensated the city under the tax agreement.

Camden has since sued Dranoff, accusing him of hiding more than $9 million in profits the city says it is owed from his redevelopment of the Victor Building. The city has said its concerns grew out of Dranoffs failure to submit annual financial reports that were required under the states tax exemption law  something officials said they first realized while reviewing the Aimco transfer request. In a 2021 ruling, the judge overseeing that case said that if Camden was correct  a conclusion Dranoff contests  the developers actions could potentially constitute a fraud upon the municipality and its residents.

That case is set to go to trial this fall.

In recent months, investigators with the Attorney Generals Office have contacted people involved in Dranoffs 2016 negotiations with Liberty Property Trust, subpoenaed information stemming from his ongoing litigation with the City of Camden, and sought information about Philip Norcross discussions with city officials during the period, sources familiar with the probe said.

The Camden waterfront master plan

Another of the real estate deals currently under investigation, according to the sources familiar with the probe, occurred about the same time, not far from the Victor Building.

The centerpiece of Camdens new waterfront vision was Liberty Property Trusts plan to develop 16 acres with offices, shops, hotels, and apartments. But to move forward with the proposal, Liberty first needed to get government approvals and to sort out property rights and easements across several parcels owned by a number of entities.

In a series of complex transactions between 2016 and 2018, Liberty bought a three-acre parking lot across the street from Victor Pub, known as Parking Lot Nine, from the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) as part of a $1.3 million deal. Two years later, it sold the lot to a group of investors including George Norcross for $350,000.

Years before those sales, the site was designated as an end-point for an ill-fated proposal to build a tram connecting Camden to Philadelphia. Liberty agreed to pay the DRPA $800,000 for the lot. It offered $500,000 for the authoritys air rights for the potential tram, because its easement crossed a swath of waterfront central to Libertys planned development.

The Camden Redevelopment Agency also held a reversionary interest in the property  meaning it was scheduled to regain ownership of the lot if the tram hadnt been built by 2026. The agency often uses such legal provisions to ensure that developers honor their obligations.

Investigators now appear to be focused on whether the DRPA and the CRA received fair market value for their interests in that property. Theyve sought information in recent months about the transactions and government approvals, which involved the DRPA, the CRA, Liberty Property Trust, and the Norcross investor group.

In 2015, an appraiser hired by the DRPA valued Parking Lot Nine at $2.3 million. He determined that the DRPAs interest in the lot  accounting for the fact that it didnt have a right to own the property in perpetuity  was worth only $800,000. But the air rights for the tram were worth $1.45 million  nearly three times the compensation DRPA accepted from Liberty, The Inquirer previously reported.

 READ MORE: How power broker George Norcross and friends got waterfront land for cheap

The appraiser also expressed doubt that any significant development could occur on the site without a potential purchaser also buying out the CRAs reversionary interest in the property.

But before the sale to Liberty was finalized, the CRA voted to terminate its interest in the parking lot without seeking compensation. Ahead of that April 2016 vote, Philip Norcross law firm, which was representing Liberty in its broader development, helped craft the resolutions the agency approved to terminate its interest.

Tambussis firm, which was representing the CRA, told The Inquirer in 2019 that its reversionary rights to the parking lot were not intended to generate profit for the agency but rather to ensure that it would be developed in a way the agency had approved. Libertys development proposal  which included a new use for the parking lot  had won support not just from the CRA but also the state Economic Development Authority, the law firm said.

Any implication that the CRA conveyed property rights at less than fair market value was fundamentally inaccurate, it said.

As for the later sale to the investor group, a lawyer for George Norcross has previously said the $350,000 purchase price the investors paid Liberty for Lot Nine does not reflect the totality of the transaction.

To move forward with its plan, Liberty needed access to another parking lot leased by George Norcross investor group. The investors agreed to give up that lease if Liberty bought Lot Nine from the DRPA to provide the Norcross investor group with a substitute parking lot, the lawyer said. The Norcross group says it also spent an additional $450,000 on repaving and environmental issues related to Lot Nine that were not reflected in the $350,000 purchase price.

For its part, the DRPA maintains that its role was aboveboard and in a statement said the agency upholds transparency and ethical practices in all our business dealings. The authority has said it got as much money as it could, considering that its rights to Lot Nine were tenuous.

DRPA always cooperates fully and transparently with all investigations, and to the best of our knowledge DRPA is not the subject of any ongoing investigations, an agency spokesperson said.

In the end, Liberty never fully realized its vision for the proposed waterfront development. The company sold most of the parcels it had collected and in 2018 announced it was taking a $26 million hit on the value of its Camden venture.

The L3 Building: Chasing N.J. tax credits

The third real estate transaction now under investigation dates back a few years earlier  to the start of Camdens tax credit-fueled development boom.

In January 2014, Camden nonprofit Coopers Ferry Partnership reached a $32.7 million agreement with the state Economic Development Authority to buy a 575,000-square-foot office complex  just blocks from Lot Nine and the Victor Building on Camdens Market Street  named after its largest tenant, defense contractor L3 Communications.

Coopers Ferry saw buying the L3 building as an opportunity to secure a reliable revenue stream from rents paid by its tenants. At the time, the state tax credit law was expected to spur development and increase property values.

But records show the nonprofits leadership faced resistance to their plan.

Investigators are now probing whether Coopers Ferry was unfairly squeezed out of the deal and robbed of a potentially lucrative real estate investment, according to the sources familiar with their work.

 READ MORE: New Jersey tax credits turned a Camden office complex into a lucrative investment. Now the feds and state AG are investigating

In spring 2014, Philip Norcross and representatives of Cooper Health, which was seeking a lease in the building at the time, reached out to Philadelphia investor Ira Lubert and Howard Needleman  a prominent commercial landlord in South Jersey who had previously worked with Cooper Health  to gauge their interest in buying the property, according to the investors.

The hospital network says it became concerned that Coopers Ferry was planning to finance its purchase of the L3 building by overcharging Cooper Health for rent.

Philip Norcross, meanwhile, told Coopers Ferry CEO Anthony Perno that he and another executive were persona non grata with him and his brother and that they would lose their jobs if the nonprofit didnt get out of the real estate business, according to contemporaneous notes by the nonprofits then-board chairman and Cooper Health CEO John Sheridan, which have been previously reported by The Inquirer.

Philip Norcross had no official role with Coopers Ferry. However, he is chairman of the Cooper Foundation  Cooper Healths philanthropic arm. A spokesperson has said he was involved in the discussions as a real estate expert, offering his services pro bono.

Coopers Ferry ultimately acquired the property in December 2014 but conveyed it on the same day to Lubert and Needleman for the same price they paid the EDA, plus a $575,000 fee.

That same year, Cooper Health System won approval for $40 million in tax credits to move jobs to the L3 building, using those credits to pay its rent. A subsidiary of Cooper Health later acquired a 49% stake in the property from Lubert and Needleman.

One question investigators are now trying to answer is whether Coopers Ferry received fair market value.

A December 2014 appraisal by Lubert and Needlemans mortgage bank, previously reported by The Inquirer, valued the office complex at $54 million  an increase of more than $20 million over the original sale price fueled, in part, by rising demand for large office spaces as a result of the tax credit program. The appraisal also cited new leases for tenants  negotiated by Lubert and Needleman  in the building as a reason for the higher valuation.

A spokesperson for Lubert and Needleman has said Coopers Ferry overestimated potential revenue and underestimated the substantial costs of the transaction.

The deal proved financially lucrative for Cooper Health, which continues to occupy the L3 building with 525 employees and, through its ownership stake, will save $30 million that will be used to improve patient care, a spokesperson for the hospital network said.

Cooper Health ultimately received all of the tax credits it was awarded by the state to move into the building and the hospital network has not been contacted [by law enforcement], by subpoena or otherwise, about L3 since 2020, the spokesperson said.

A spokesperson for Norcross has previously said neither George nor Philip Norcross personally profited from the deal.

Politics as usual

If George Norcross is feeling pressure from the new scrutiny his real estate dealings are receiving, he hasnt let that show in public.

Hes remained active in New Jersey politics  even as the investigation into his business dealings has intensified and despite his statements in a May interview with Politico that its time for others to lead the Democratic Party.

The same day that interview was published, he hosted a fundraising event for brother Donald, the congressman, according to a copy of the invitation and a person who was there.

The next day, George Norcross led a meeting of the South Jersey Democrats delegation to the state Legislature, according to two people familiar with the matter.

And ahead of this months primary election, a political action committee backed by George Norcross sent mailers to Republican voters in New Jerseys 4th Legislative District attacking a state Senate candidate  an apparent attempt to boost a rival seen as a weaker general election candidate.

Norcross and his brother Phillip have also announced plans to host the Cooper Foundations annual Red Hot Gala in September.

Invitations indicate the event will be held at Norcross office tower  on the Camden waterfront.
June 28, 1993

The spirit was there at Auburn's Holland Stadium yesterday.

Maybe it came from being the smallest graduating class in Auburn High School's 23-year history. Maybe it came from the brilliant warm sun that beamed through billowy clouds in a warm breeze. Maybe it was that this was a class bound by compassion and support for a classmate whose brother fell victim to tragedy a month ago.

For 296 Auburn High School graduates, their families and friends, yesterday was a rite of passage, a day of goodbyes, hope, promise, and calls to duty.

For senior class president Caroline Westover, it was a time to thank parents "for nagging us, reminding us to study for tests, and understanding when the marks weren't that good." It was a time to thank teachers for sharing their talents, their patience and guidance, encouragement and discipline, she said.

For U.S. Congressman Jim Walsh (R-Syracuse), a former Peace Corps volunteer, it was a time to urge students to continue trying to change the world for the better, and keep up the beliefs and values of their parents and the community. Walsh recognized the class for their outstanding achievements, and for the comfort and assistance they offered graduating senior Todd Reardon and his family, when his younger brother, Chris, died in a recent auto accident.

Lori Lepak, co-valedictorians with Michael Usowski, told classmates they had "the power to make a difference" and "a duty to make some contribution to society."
Haddon Heights Mayor Zach Houck in front of the building that demolished under a proposal for a mixed-use retail and residential complex. Read more

Front lawns on the tree-lined streets of Haddon Heights have sprouted yellow signs with a message: Save Our Historic Character.

Distributed for $20 each by a grassroots group called the Heights Heritage League, the signs are a response to a proposal under consideration by the borough planning board.

Developers want to replace a 121-year-old house and adjacent commercial structure at the corner of Station Avenue and White Horse Pike with a three-story building that includes ground-floor retail space and 12 apartments. It also would have a green roof with a deck.

This would be a cornerstone property for downtown, said Anthony Gioielli, of Mickleton, who with business partner Gary Farrell owns Broken Ground Properties. Their company develops and manages residential and commercial real estate in Philadelphia and South Jersey.

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Said Farrell, a Cherry Hill resident with deep family roots in Haddon Heights: More and more people are saying to us that they wish the borough had a real downtown.

But some residents in the comfortable Camden County suburb of 7,500 said theyre concerned about an aggressive redevelopment push by Mayor Zachary Houcks administration. The three-block Station Avenue business district as well as sections of the White Horse Pike (Route 30) and Black Horse Pike (Route 168) have been declared rehabilitation or redevelopment areas.

Changes have largely been incremental for decades, particularly along Station Avenue, a pleasant, low-key business district characterized mainly by long-established mom-and-pop stores, restaurants, and services. While vacancies are few, aging or underutilized commercial properties are more numerous, the mayor said.

But opponents said the rehabilitation and redevelopment designations pave the way for demolition and construction on a larger scale and with greater impact on adjacent residential neighborhoods  as well as historic character  than has been common in Haddon Heights.

The community really doesnt know whats going on, said Margaret Westfield, a preservation architect who lives with her husband, Michael, also an architect, and maintains a joint practice in Haddon Heights.

Theres a lot of uncertainty about where this redevelopment program is going to take us, and whether were going to recognize our main street when its over, she said.

A planning board meeting has not yet been set for the Broken Ground Properties proposal. The borough council will have the final say.

Westfield also noted that, separately, another major White Horse Pike project  a 36-unit senior housing development to be built next to St. Marys Episcopal Church  has begun moving forward after three years.

Although that plan aims to ensure the congregations future, it, too, has raised some concerns about altered streetscapes and additional traffic in the 1.57-square-mile borough.

In the early 1980s, Haddon Heights residents fought to have the White Horse Pike declared a historic district to help maintain at least some of its once-grand residential fabric.

The borough was developed as a railroad suburb of Camden in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with a four-quadrant grid of wide streets, houses set back from the sidewalks, and garages in the rear. Construction of a Camden County park along Kings Run in the 1930s, as well as municipal green spaces, add to its overall walkability.

Houck said that contrary to what has been asserted on some social media posts, there have been no secret meetings or clandestine arrangements behind the redevelopment effort.

This is not Zachs idea for downtown. I want this to be an open and public and transparent process, said the mayor, 37, a married father of two young daughters whos in the final year of his first term.

The proposed mixed-use complex would not only replace the house  the first floor of which has been noticeably vacant for 10 years or more  but also add residents and retail opportunities at the business districts busy gateway, he said.

Change is hard, and I know some people are afraid this project will set a precedent for the entire downtown and that another building will be torn down next and some monstrosity will be built there, said Houck. But I love our downtown. I love our small-town feel. I agree with those [Save Our Historic Character] signs.

Mark Standring, a Heights heritage member, said hes frustrated that some people in town want to make [redevelopment] an all-or-nothing issue.

We want to see progress and more businesses and a more thriving Station Avenue, but not at the cost of certain [historic] properties, he said. The Haddon Heights brand is historically minded. Theres a sleepy element to the town that I didnt like at first when I moved here from Collingswood. But Ive come to appreciate it.

Doing paperwork at a table inside the Local Links Market Cafe at Station and East Atlantic Avenues, proprietor Joe Gentile described himself as totally pro redevelopment.

But I have questions, he said. What will this redevelopment look like in three years? What will be the catalyst for it? Collingswood painted a clear picture of what they wanted and went after it. But what is the vision to for Haddon Heights? Thats a fair question.
A 34-year-old Haddonfield man was sentenced Tuesday to 6  years in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to attempting to hire a hit man to kill 14-year-old boy in order to derail a child-pornography investigation, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said.

John Michael Musbach pleaded guilty in February in Camden federal court before U.S. District Judge Joseph H. Rodriguez to using the internet with the intent that a murder be committed. Rodriguez on Tuesday sentenced Musbach to 78 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and fined him $30,000.

In the summer of 2015, Musbach started exchanging sexually explicit photos and videos online with the boy, then 13. That September, the teens parents found out and told police in New York, where they lived.

In March 2016, authorities in Atlantic County arrested Musbach on child pornography charges and executed a search warrant at his residence, then in Galloway Township. Musbach pleaded guilty the following year to endangering the welfare of a child.

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But while the case was still active, Musbach attempted to hire a hit man online to prevent the teen from testifying against him. He paid $20,000 in bitcoin to a website that claimed to offer murder-for-hire services, then was asked to come up with more money.

When Musbach asked for a refund, the websites operator revealed the site to be a scam and tried to blackmail Musbach.

Federal agents discovered Musbachs online activity in 2019, prosecutors said, and he was charged in 2020.

Musbachs lawyer, Rocco C. Cipparone Jr., said in an emailed statement that he was pleased with the judges sentence, which was less than the eight years sought by prosecutors, or the 10-year maximum. Cipparone said he presented evidence that Musbach had long-existing development deficits documented since early childhood and the judge appropriately credited the mitigating information we put forth.
Jazmyne Henderson, of ACT UP Philadelphia and Black and Latinx Community Control of Health, speaking during a protest outside the Marriott, which is set to host Moms for Libertys National Summit in Philadelphia this week. Read more

Seven groups of historians have now denounced an upcoming welcome reception at the Museum of the American Revolution for parental rights group Moms for Liberty. Theyve written their members, the museum, and one group has canceled an event they had planned at the Old City institution.

Moms for Liberty, or M4L, has made national headlines since its founding in 2021 for its efforts to lift pandemic precautions, ban books, and limit conversations about race, sexuality, and gender identity in classrooms. Earlier this month, the Southern Poverty Law Center labeled the group an antigovernment extremist organization.

The group is scheduled to hold a four-day sold-out summit in Philadelphia starting Thursday where aspiring school board candidates can receive training and hear from guests, including former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. The group says Pennsylvania has one of its largest membership bases, second only to Florida.

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 READ MORE: Moms for Liberty: What it is and whos behind the group

The museum has defended its decision to host the controversial group, arguing its mission is to share diverse and inclusive stories about the countrys history with as broad of an audience as possible and that it hopes to strengthen democracy through dialogue.

But dozens of the museums staffers have pushed back. The historian groups are the latest to repudiate the museums rationale for hosting the event, acknowledging its unusual for them to try to intervene in whats essentially a space rental. Still, the groups said Moms for Liberty was not a group simply espousing different points of view. They said it has encouraged the harassment of teachers and librarians.

This organization consistently spreads harmful, hateful rhetoric about the LGBTQIA+ community, including popularizing the use of the term groomer to refer to queer people and attacking the mere existence of trans youth, read a statement from The Committee on LGBT History, the first historian affinity group to condemn the museum.

 READ MORE: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will no longer speak at Moms for Liberty summit in Philly

The Organization of American Historians, the Society for Historians of the Early American Republic, and the Berkshire Conference of Women Historians published similar statements, encouraging the museum to reconsider.

The groups said they worry the museum is lending legitimacy to Moms for Liberty by hosting.

The groups argued Moms for Liberty and their campaigns are antithetical to the complete, contextualized, and factual accounts historians try to provide through research. Moms for Libertys work has even fueled attacks on historians work, according to the Society for Historians of the Early American Republic, which spoke out Monday.

In its letter to museum CEO R. Scott Stephenson, the American Historical Association said it understood that legally, it might be difficult to cancel the rental agreement, but urged the museum to try. The McNeil Center for Early American Studies at the University of Pennsylvania added discriminatory behavior should not be protected under the guise of free speech and academic freedom.

Whats more, the National Council on Public History worried hosting Moms for Liberty marred some of the work the museum was doing, including the recent Black Founders exhibit that highlights Black Revolutionary War-era abolitionist James Forten.

The staff have worked to create relationships with the Black community in authentic ways; by hosting M4L, the museum is undermining those relationships and jeopardizing the staffs ability to conduct future work in these crucial areas, read a statement from the council.

 READ MORE: American Revolution Museum staffers are fighting to cancel a Moms for Liberty event

Though museum staffers dont have to work that night if they feel unsafe, some LGBTQ workers have already expressed feeling that the museum doesnt have their back.

Asked if the letters from historian groups could sway their decisions, a museum spokesperson said their previous statement remained unchanged.

We welcome all visitors and pride ourselves on a museum experience that reflects our mission to uncover and share the stories of diverse people and complex events that sparked the ongoing American experiment in liberty, equality, and self-government, read the statement.

Protests against Moms for Liberty are planned throughout the summit. In addition to their statement, the Philly-based Society for Historians of the Early American Republic moved a July 15 awards reception to the Doubletree Hotel from the Museum of the American Revolution. LGBTQ advocates have also called on the Philadelphia Marriott, which is hosting the group, to cancel the event.
President Joe Biden speaks during an event about high speed internet infrastructure, in the East Room of the White House on June 26, 2023, in Washington. Read more

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden on Monday said that high-speed internet is no longer a luxury but an absolute necessity, as he pledged that every household in the nation would have access by 2030 using cables made in the U.S.

These investments will help all Americans, he said. Were not going to leave anyone behind.

Biden announced that more than $40 billion would be distributed across the country to deliver high-speed internet in places where there's either no service, or service is too slow.

But its not enough to have access  you need affordability and access," the president said, adding that his administration is working with service providers to bring down costs on what is now a household utility  like water or gas  but often remains priced at a premium.

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With Mondays announcement, the administration is launching the second phase of its Investing in America tour. The three-week blitz of speeches and events is designed to promote Bidens previous legislative wins on infrastructure, the economy and climate change going into a reelection year. The president and his advisers believe voters dont know enough about his policies heading into his 2024 reelection campaign and that more voters would back him once they learn more.

Biden's challenge is that investments in computer chips and major infrastructure projects such as rail tunnels can take a decade to come to fruition. That leaves much of the messaging focused on grants that will be spent over time, rather than completed projects.

The internet access funding amounts depended primarily on the number of unserved locations in each jurisdiction or those locations that lack access to internet download speeds of at least 25 megabits per second download and upload speeds of 3 Mbps. Download speeds involve retrieving information from the internet, including streaming movies and TV. Upload speeds determine how fast information travels from a computer to the internet, like sending emails or publishing photos online.

The funding includes more than $1 billion each for 19 states, with remaining states falling below that threshold. Allotments range from $100.7 million for Washington, D.C., to $3.3 billion for Texas.

Biden said more than 35,000 projects are already funded or underway to lay cable that provides internet access. Some of those are from $25 billion in initial funding as part of the American Rescue Plan.

High-speed internet isnt a luxury anymore," he said. Its become an absolute necessity.

More than 7% of the country falls in the underserved category, according to the Federal Communications Commission 's analysis.

Sen. Joe Manchin, who Biden called out as a friend during todays announcement, celebrated the $1.2 billion West Virginia will receive to expand service in the rural, mountainous state of around 1.8 million.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo joined Manchin at a press conference after Bidens announcement and said West Virginias allotment would be enough money to finally connect every resident.

When I say everyone, I mean everyone, she said. Raimondo said the reason that hasnt happened in the past is because its expensive to lay fiber in a rural or mountainous area.

And so the internet providers havent done it  it doesnt make economic sense for them, she said. What were saying to them now is, With this money, $1.2 billion to connect about 300,000 folks in West Virginia, it is plenty of money to get to everyone.

Congress approved the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program, along with several other internet expansion initiatives, through the infrastructure bill Biden signed in 2021.

Earlier this month, the Commerce Department announced winners of middle mile grants, which will fund projects that build the midsection of the infrastructure necessary to extend internet access to every part of the country.

States have until the end of the year to submit proposals outlining how they plan to use that money, which won't begin to be distributed until those plans are approved. Once the Commerce Department signs off on those initial plans, states can award grants to telecommunications companies, electric cooperatives and other providers to expand internet infrastructure.

Under the rules of the program, states must prioritize connecting predominantly unserved areas before bolstering service in underserved areaswhich are those without access to internet speeds of 100 Mbps/20 Mbpsand in schools, libraries or other community institutions.

Hinging such a large investment on FCC data has been somewhat controversial. Members of Congress pressed FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel about inaccuracies they said would negatively impact rural states' allotments in particular, and state broadband officials were concerned about the short timeline to correct discrepancies in the first version of the map.

The second version of the map, which was released at the end of May and used for allotments, reflects the net addition of 1 million locations, updated data from internet service providers and the results of more than 3 million public challenges, Rosenworcel, who in the past has been a critic of how the FCCs maps were developed, said in a May statement.
New Jersey officials announced June 28, 2023 that they have reached a settlemtn chemicals-producer Solvay is shirking responsibility for contamination from its plant in West Deptford, N.J. Read more

New Jersey officials have reached a $393 million settlement with chemical maker Solvay Specialty Polymers that they are calling historic. The settlement, announced Wednesday, will clean up various locations across 37 square miles contaminated by forever chemicals in Gloucester and Camden Counties.

It is the largest settlement in state history regarding contamination emanating from a single company location, said New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. Solvay, whose main plant is just off the Delaware River in West Deptford, Gloucester County, has had a contentious history in New Jersey for years.

Under this agreement, Solvay will clean up per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, and compensate the public for natural resource damages in the drinking water in a 37-square-mile area around Solvays chemical facility, Platkin said in the announcement from Trenton.

The settlement comes after New Jersey sued Solvay in 2020, accusing it of ignoring a mandate that it clean up contaminated drinking water and other pollution linked to toxic compounds once produced at its West Deptford plant.

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A Solvay representative sent a statement to The Inquirer from Mike Finelli, the companys chief North America officer, calling the settlement a collaborative approach taken by NJDEP to reach this agreement, allowing all parties to continue focusing on cleaning the environment.

Finelli said the company eliminated the use of fluorosurfactants  members of the PFAS family  at the facility in July 2021. He noted that the company has been investigating and remediating PFAS in the environment near our West Deptford facility since 2013.

What are PFAS?

PFAS are a group of man-made chemical compounds that were widely used for decades to make firefighting foam, stain-resistant clothing, and food packaging. They have been linked to low infant birth weights, effects on the immune system, cancer, and hormone disruption. PFAS can accumulate in the body and remain for long periods, so some refer to them as forever chemicals.

In 2018, New Jersey became the first state to adopt a maximum contaminant level of the man-made chemicals, though the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is in the process of approving a regulation that would reduce the allowable amount to near zero.

 READ MORE: What does it take to get forever chemicals out of drinking water? Big new systems that you might have to help pay for.

The states lawsuit against Solvay sought to compel the company to stop releasing hazardous substances into surface and groundwaters, as well as into the air. It also sought to investigate the extent of PFAS pollution, protect drinking water sources, and restore natural resources. In addition, the state wanted Solvay to publicly disclose information regarding health and environmental impacts of the companys operations.

With the settlement that we are announcing today, Platkin said, they will do those things.

Solvay makes specialty fluoropolymers in West Deptford that the company says are used in a range of applications, such as renewable energy installations, lithium-ion batteries, components for compact engines in hybrid vehicles, medical device components, and smart devices. The polymers can retain mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties under high temperature and pressure. The products can be wear resistant, flame retardant, or anti-corrosive.

Whats in the settlement?

Under the settlement, Solvay will clean up contamination at its West Deptford site and drinking water wells in surrounding communities.

The deal requires the company to post $214 million up front as a way to guarantee the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will have money to complete the cleanup if Solvay fails to do so.

Solvay is on the hook for six years to remediate contamination to comply with any new standards adopted by the state or EPA.

It has to pay the DEP $100 million to address issues in drinking water systems in Bellmawr, Brooklawn, East Greenwich, Gloucester City, Gibbstown, Mount Royal, Paulsboro, Westville, and Woodbury, as well as issues with private wells in West Deptford, Logan Township, Deptford, Greenwich Township, and Swedesboro.

Solvay said it has already worked with West Deptford to install a drinking water treatment system on a municipal well, installed an engineered soil cap at the facility to prevent migration of contaminants, constructed an offsite pump-and-treat system for impacted groundwater, and enhanced existing onsite treatment systems for potentially impacted groundwater.

The company also said there are other significant sources of PFAS contamination in the region, which it did not manufacture.

Regardless, Solvay is required to pay $75 million for damages to the states natural resources under the settlement. And it must pay $3.7 million to compensate the state for costs related to addressing previous contamination by Solvay.

However, DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette said that this settlement is only one of many actions needed to address decades of PFAS pollution in the state from a range of companies, not just Solvay.

We should all do what got my grandmother impressed upon me as a kid, which was to leave a place better than you found it, LaTourette said. That is the obligation of Solvay and every actor whose activities contaminate our environment.  It should not have to take a years-long enforcement action to bring a responsible party to the table. But if thats what it takes, thats what we will do.

Tracy Carluccio, deputy director of the nonprofit advocacy group Delaware Riverkeeper Network, said she remains cautious about the settlement until more details are available, saying about her group and other organizations that we all need to see the details and do a deep dive on them before we say too much, either positive or negative, on the proposed Solvay settlement.

No one should be rushing to make pronouncements, Carluccio said. Itll take days if not weeks to be able to make authoritative statements.

Solvays history

State officials say Solvay has made industrial plastics, coatings, and other chemicals at the West Deptford plant it purchased from Ausimont in 2002.

It used Surflon, a proprietary process aid, which contained perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)  both part of the PFAS family.

The chemicals are highly mobile, accumulate in bodies, and remain indefinitely in the environment unless cleaned up.

The facility discharged other PFAS, officials said, as well as other contaminants including semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), metals, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

The state and Solvay have been at odds for years, but the issue over PFAS became increasingly contentious, and in March 2019, the DEP issued a directive to Solvay and other companies to address contamination caused by the compounds. The state has also sued DuPont and Chemours, alleging they sent the harmful chemicals flowing into the air, water, and soil, but officials made no mention of the status of those suits on Wednesday.

State officials say Solvay failed to fully comply and sued the company in November 2020, as well as Arkema, the prior owner and operator of the West Deptford facility.

Solvay is the first company that was part of the directive to reach a settlement.

This story has been corrected to note that Solvay purchased its West Deptford plant from Ausimont in 2022, not from Arkema in 1990.
Back in the day, says Bernie Soto Jr., 69, the family awning business started by his late father was doing 700 houses every season. Houses had porches. People talked to their neighbors. There was a little space between houses. Air flowed. Shade mattered.

Now, the Atlantic City-based Soto company is down to 400 houses where the awnings go up every summer. The new homes arent built for it, never mind the impact of central air on things like awnings, transoms, and ceiling fans, devaluing the very concept of the ocean breeze.

We spoke with Soto recentlyabout the changes.

Are awnings going out of style at the Shore?

Soto: More people are kind of going for indoor areas rather than outdoor. Years ago, everybody would be on their front porch, they communicated with their neighbors. Nowadays, a majority of them are indoors.

When theyre rebuilding their houses, theyre not putting porches on them. They are more on the inside of the house rather than outside. People just arent getting awnings.

The new houses are just built differently?

Its a different kind of look. In Ocean City, everythings straight up. Theres no aesthetic look to it. Nothing looks nice like the old houses. They have front lawns, setbacks from the curb. They have room around each house, around 20 feet.

Nowadays, everything is about as close as you get to that neighbor. Then they get shades. They dont go for awnings as much.

So the houses are right on top of neighboring houses, but nobodys talking to each other.

People are on the inside rather than the outside. They had big lots and subdivided them. So theres two houses on one lot. We have a few customers, its like 339a and 339b, they had to give new addresses.

Do people even consider awnings for the big new houses?

They dont have them in mind. A lot of them cant even accept awnings the way the houses are made. They dont put trim around the windows a lot of time. Windows are built in the opening.

You dad passed away in late August of 2009 at the age of 83. Tell me more about him.

He started the business in 1962. He had worked with his boss, who rumor had it was the original awning guy in the area. My father started to work with him after World War II. He had the courage to open up his own business. He went to a bank. Didnt have collateral. The bank took a chance on him, told him he had a silver spoon, as far as all the customers who would go with you. They always liked his work and they liked him.

Are you still going up the ladders yourself?

I go up step ladders. Hopefully I have enough sense not to go up extension ladders.

Is there a third generation Soto to take over?

No. My fathers boss was the same way. No kids. Thats how my father took over. Ill work till I cant do it anymore.

For the people who still have awnings, what are the latest trends? It used to be everyones awnings were green striped.

Right now, the last five or six years, they seem to be blue patterns. Solid blues. Striped patterns with blue. Thats the trend. Years ago, 15, 20 years ago, greens were very popular.
Mail-in ballots are sorted and counted at Lehigh County Government Center in Allentown in November. Read more

The law that created mail voting in Pennsylvania has withstood another Republican legal challenge.

The Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court on Tuesday rejected GOP arguments that recent court decisions in the ongoing legal battle over whether to count ballots with missing or incorrect dates triggered a provision that would render the broader statute, known as Act 77, invalid.

Act 77 includes a clause that says the mail voting law must be scrapped if any of its individual requirements are struck down by courts. Fourteen current and former Republican state lawmakers had contended that recent rulings calling for the counting of undated ballots had effectively invalidated the laws requirement that voters handwrite a date on their ballots outer envelope and thus rendered the entire mail voting law void.

But in its unanimous opinion Tuesday, the Commonwealth Court disagreed.

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Recent decisions by state and federal courts had not eliminated the dating provision in the mail voting law, wrote President Judge Renee Cohn Jubelirer. Instead, she said, those decisions merely interpreted how the provision should be applied by local elections officials.

A court did not invalidate any part of Act 77, she wrote.

Greg Teufel, an attorney for the Republican lawmakers, said they intend to appeal the decision to the state Supreme Court, which has previously upheld the mail ballot law in the face of two GOP challenges. That courts Democratic majority is widely seen as supportive of mail voting.

The [Commonwealth Courts] reasoning will not withstand appeal, Teufel said. The analysis of the court turns Act 77 into a bait-and-switch.

What is an undated mail ballot? Pennsylvania election law requires voters to sign and date the outer envelope when using mail ballots. Counties accept any handwritten date  voters sometimes write, for example, birthdates  as long as the ballot is received on time. The undated mail ballots in question are those that are received on time, without other defects that would lead them to be rejected, but have no handwritten date.

Tuesdays ruling is the latest of several decisions by state courts rejecting GOP efforts to invalidate the mail voting law, which passed the state legislature with bipartisan support in 2019 but has since become a target of Republican attacks.

It also delivered the latest turn in an ongoing political and legal battle surrounding what has become a central question in the laws implementation: whether the statutes dating requirements mean elections administrators must reject ballots on which the voter failed to handwrite the date.

Republican groups have consistently argued, in forums ranging from county courts to the U.S. Supreme Court, that the laws requirement is clear: Undated ballots should be rejected under state law. State courts have repeatedly agreed.

But state elections administrators, backed by the state and national Democratic parties, maintain that throwing out undated mail ballots runs afoul of federal voting rights protections and, in practice, has been nonsensically enforced. Some counties, up until recently, allowed ballots with clearly wrong dates  such as voters birth dates  to be counted while rejecting those with no date at all.

Every election cycle since 2020 has prompted new litigation  and, often, conflicting court rulings  seeking to settle the debate.

Last year, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit found that the date on the ballot envelope was immaterial to determining whether it was lawfully cast and that rejecting a ballot without one violates the voters federal civil rights. But that ruling, which arose out of a dispute over a 2021 judicial race in Lehigh County, was later vacated by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Cohn Jubelirer later issued a similar finding that undated mail ballots should be counted under both state and federal law in a case that emerged from the 2022 Republican primary.

But in a separate legal fight last year, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court found that state law was unambiguous and mandatory in saying that mail ballots returned in an undated envelope must be rejected.

However, on the question of whether that requirement violates federal voting protections, the justices deadlocked.

That decision, requiring counties to reject undated mail ballots, remains the status quo as a matter of state law, the Commonwealth Court found in its opinion Tuesday. It rejected the Republican argument that Cohn Jubelirers earlier finding on the federal civil rights question still stood since the Supreme Court was unable to reach a decision. Under the GOPs reasoning, Act 77 had been fundamentally changed and thus, should be overturned.

But the fight over undated mail ballots continues.

In a pending case before a U.S. district judge in Erie, a coalition of voting rights groups represented by the ACLU has asked the court to declare once and for all that the states practice of rejecting undated ballots violates the civil rights of voters.

If that court  or any other hearing future challenges  agrees that the dating requirement can no longer be enforced, the Commonwealth Court suggested in its opinion Tuesday that such a decision still wouldnt trigger the provision to throw out the entire mail voting law.

Under the courts logic, such a ruling would merely be an interpretation of how the dating provision should be applied, not an outright rejection of it.
The Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center on May 8. After two men escaped, prison officials didn't notice they were missing for nearly 19 hours. Read more

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said Tuesday that his office should be able to reveal new details within three months about how two men were able to escape from a city jail earlier this spring, providing a timeline for when a criminal investigation might shed more light on the incident, which for weeks has remained shrouded in a degree of mystery.

Speaking to City Council members during a committee hearing called to address the jailbreak, which happened last month, Krasner said his office could not yet reveal much about the probe because prosecutors are still gathering evidence. And he did not say who, if anyone, might face charges in connection with the episode, during which the two prisoners  one awaiting trial for four murders  broke out through a hole in an outdoor fence.

Still, without being prompted, Krasner appeared to allude to the possibility that the prisoners may have had some form of assistance from staffers, saying: When there are individuals, if there are individuals, who betray the public trust, disgrace their uniforms, and violate their oaths, then those individuals must be accountable.

Krasner did not elaborate on that sentiment, but told Councilmembers Curtis Jones Jr. and Sharon Vaughn: I think in 90 days we will be able to tell you almost everything, if not everything. We will have video, we will have photographs, we will have expert opinions, we will have audio recordings, and we will have interviews that will shed light on whats going on here.

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The disclosure by the DA provided the newest information about the unprecedented incident, which made national news and led to a series of embarrassing revelations for the city. Although the escape occurred May 7, prison officials said they didnt notice it for nearly 19 hours. Authorities then spent days searching several states for the two men  Nasir Grant, 24, who was jailed on gun and drug charges, and Ameen Hurst, 18, the man accused of four murders. Both were apprehended within 10 days in Philadelphia, and four other people were quickly charged with helping them, including a fellow prisoner and three people outside the jail who allegedly helped coordinate various aspects of their time on the lam.

 READ MORE: The second man who escaped from a Philadelphia jail last week was captured Wednesday morning, police say

A host of questions have remained unanswered in the weeks since, including how Grant and Hurst were able to get out of their cells and into the yard, when the hole in the chain-link fence may have been cut and by whom, and how their disappearance went unnoticed for so long  particularly because prison officials said that in the hours after Grant and Hurst broke free, guards conducted three headcounts on the unit that housed them.

Staffing shortages, unmanned units and contraband at Philly jails

Prisons Commissioner Blanche Carney declined during Tuesdays hearing to address questions about how or if those counts were botched. She also demurred, citing the ongoing investigation, when asked whether the men were assisted from the inside or how long it took them to get out.

She did say that an external alarm did not activate, but she did not elaborate on why. And she acknowledged that staffing levels at the facilities are nearly 40% below their target  leading to long shifts for guards, low morale, and sometimes dangerous conditions.

Simply put: we need staff, she said, saying the staffing shortages had grown more acute during the pandemic, and that the department has begun offering higher salaries, bonuses, and different schedules to attract more workers.

David Robinson, president of the correctional officers union  which has been fiercely critical of Carney  told Council members on Tuesday that the jails are also awash in contraband, and that staffing levels are so low, We have unmanned units every day.

Prisoners, advocates, and union officials had raised similar warnings for nearly two years, describing what they viewed as a growing crisis at the citys jails, where nearly 4,400 people are held. During that time, prosecutors also raised troubling allegations of wrongdoing by filing criminal cases. The District Attorneys Office last fall charged a correctional officer with taking more than $23,000 in bribes in return for helping an incarcerated man run a criminal enterprise out of the jails. And a year before that, federal authorities charged a corrections officer with sneaking $70,000 worth of cell phones and drugs into the institutions.

Hurst, meanwhile, was accused of committing one of the four homicides with which he is charged near the front gates of one of the jails: the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility. In 2021, police say, he fatally shot 20-year-old Rodney Hargrove an hour after Hargrove had been released from the facility and was waiting outside for relatives to pick him up  a crime that authorities now believe was a case of mistaken identity.

Krasner on Tuesday called that crime shocking. And he said that, in combination with other allegations of violence filed against Hurst, made him someone who never should have been able to escape undetected.

If we were to make a Mount Rushmore of the most dangerous people in the Philadelphia Department of Prisons, Krasner said, Ameen Hursts face wouldve been there.

He and Grant were apprehended separately: Grant on May 11 in North Philadelphia, Hurst on May 17 in West Philadelphia. Each was charged with an additional count of escape after being .

Authorities also charged four others with various crimes for allegedly aiding in the breakout: A 21-year-old woman who is accused of speaking to Hurst about the escape on recorded jail phone calls hours before it happened; a 35-year-old prisoner who served as a lookout; a 21-year-old man who allegedly conspired with Hurst afterward, as he was on the run; and Hursts 24-year-old brother, who police said was in the car with Hurst when he was by U.S. Marshals.
Rosalinde Hobson (center) speaks during a protest outside of 123 South Broad St. in Philadelphia in April, days after her daughter, Angel Davis, was shot in the head during an eviction by a landlord-tenant officer. Read more

A Philadelphia deputy landlord-tenant officer on Wednesday fired his gun at a tenants dog while trying to enforce an eviction in North Philadelphia, but the animal was not injured.

Around 10:45 a.m., police said a dog rushed at the officer after he entered a private residence to change the locks on the 5500 block of North American Street. The officer fired one shot, which missed the dog and caused it to run away.

The incident nonetheless marks the second time in recent months a deputy landlord-tenant officer discharged a firearm while carrying out court-ordered eviction business. In March, a deputy landlord-tenant officer shot 35-year-old Angel Davis in the head during an attempted lockout in North Philadelphia, an event that drew unprecedented scrutiny of the citys unusual and perplexing system for outsourcing eviction matters to a private contractor.

And Wednesdays shooting highlighted just how perplexing that system is.

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The confusion started with a false report on social media that the tenants dog had been shot and killed. A Philadelphia Police Department spokesperson refuted that quickly and said that an eviction officer had only shot at the dog.

But there is no such such thing as an eviction officer in Philadelphia.

Unlike other municipalities, the courts allow a private attorney known as the landlord-tenant officer and their deputies to deliver writs and enforce lockouts on behalf of the court, in exchange for collecting millions in fees from landlords. Philadelphia sheriffs deputies can also perform evictions, but due to the higher rates the office charges, landlords more often hire the outsourced deputy landlord-tenant officers.

These officers are not sworn law enforcement personnel  though perhaps understandably, theyre confused for sheriffs deputies, even by the police.

So who shot at the dog, again?

The Police Department later said that the eviction officer had initially been listed in incident paperwork as a sheriffs deputy. The Sheriffs Office refuted that claim and said the shooter was the landlord-tenant officer. And the landlord-tenant officer  a government appointee with no tradition of speaking with the media  did not return repeated calls for comment.

Marisa Shuter  an attorney who was appointed the landlord-tenant officer in 2017 through a noncompetitive and nonpublic process  has not spoken publicly since the March shooting.

Police spokesperson Sgt. Eric Gripp eventually confirmed it was in fact a landlord-tenant officer and said police officers would be told to avoid misidentifying them in future paperwork.

To critics, the lack of easy answers when it comes to the Landlord-Tenant Office speaks to the need for reform.

This further highlights why changes need to be made to this office, and the need for greater transparency, said Bethany R. Nikitenko, an attorney who is representing Davis.

The March shooting was the first one involving a deputized eviction officer in recent memory. Davis was hospitalized in critical condition and, while police later attempted to charge her with aggravated assault, her case drew protest from tenants-rights advocates and calls to action from elected officials.

State lawmakers introduced legislation seeking to ban private firms from enforcing evictions in Philadelphia. City Council also held a hearing this month to examine other potential reforms to the unusual system, and legislators say they are now exploring how to codify a contract for the office. Both Shuter and court officials declined to attend the hearing.

Shuter told The Inquirer in 2020 there were seven to eight contracted deputies. But unlike sworn law officers, the names of these deputies are not made public, even in the event of a shooting. Law enforcement agencies typically name officers who use their service weapons on duty.

Staff researcher Ryan W. Briggs contributed to this article.
The old swing bridge as it was being dismantled in July 2018. Its replacement has been years in the making. Read more

A much-anticipated trail bridge for bicycles and pedestrians linking Southwest Philadelphia to Grays Ferry was slated to open in 2019. After a series of unfortunate events, including a windstorm and run-in involving a 150-foot barge named Alfalfa, the opening likely wont happen until summer 2024.

The hope is that once it gets up there, everything will work right and it will look great, said Joseph Syrnick, president of Schuylkill River Development Corporation, which coordinated the feasibility study for the bridge and managed the design on behalf of the city.

Itll connect the east side of the river from the west side of the river and everybody will forget about all this stuff that went on beforehand, because thats what usually happens.

Heres what to know about the bridge that is slated to connect Grays Ferry Crescent and Bartrams Mile. But first, a bit of history.

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The Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore Railroad Company Swing Bridge was completed in 1902. It could turn 90 degrees to make way for passing boats. Conrail would acquire the bridge and other railroad assets in 1976 through consolidations, eventually abandoning it in 1984.

Fast forward to 2015, and the city complemented its own contribution for a new bridge with funds from the state and a federal TIGER grant. Two years later, the bridge officially changed hands from Conrail to the city. The estimated cost of the project at the time was $13 million. Work began in 2018.

Then, the wait.

Keisha McCarty-Skelton, the spokesperson for the Streets Department, attributed delays to typical construction issues, truss design and fabrication issues, and pandemic-related supply chain delays that affected procurement of project materials such as truss steel and movable bridge steel machinery.

Theres also the allision incident  a nautical term for when a ship strikes a stationary vessel, in this case, the bridges west pier fender.

A 25-foot tugboat named Mr. Smith was transporting a 150-foot barge named Alfalfa toward Fort Mifflin in September 2020, according to a court filing seeking to limit the tugboat owners liability. As the Alfalfa made its way through the Schuylkill, it hit the bridges fender, which resulted in allegations of property damage.

There was also a windstorm. The city could not confirm the exact timing of the incident but Syrnick said he suspects it was in late 2020. The truss, which was about to be painted, was wrapped in a tarp to prevent damage from an impending storm, Syrnick said.

It created like a sail there and it put tremendous wind loads on the bridge, he explained. It actually bent some of the parts.

Work paused for two years as the logistics of the repairs were sorted out between the city and the manufacturer, according to Syrnick.

The Streets Department said the truss is slated to be delivered to the site this fall. It is now being worked on at a fabrication plant in Coatesville, said Syrnick. McCarty-Skelton said the cost of the project is expected to increase but the amount is unknown.

Despite delays, Syrnick stressed the positives. This bridge will not only offer southwest residents access to green space, he said, it will also connect them to Center City and everything it has to offer.

Which is restaurants, theater, schools, but mostly jobs, he said. Thats where the jobs are.

Staff writer Ryan Briggs contributed to this article.
The air quality in Cayuga County is expected to reach unhealthy levels for the second consecutive day Thursday as smoke from wildfires in Canada continues to sweep across the region.

State officials have issued an air quality health advisory for the entire state Thursday, with eastern Lake Ontario, the Adirondacks, central New York and western New York regions expected to reach "unhealthy" Air Quality Index Levels. At this level, officials said, everyone may begin to experience health effects, and members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.

The remainder of the state was expected to reach "unhealthy for sensitive groups" air quality, with the general public unlikely to be affected.

The advisory will be in effect from midnight through 11:59 p.m. Thursday.

The pollutant of concern is fine particulate matter due to Canadian wildfires.

DEC and DOH issue air quality health advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index value of 100. The AQI was well above that level in the local area for several days earlier this month when smoke from wildfires in Canada drifted into the region.

Wednesday's AQI in the Auburn area climbed to just over 150, putting it in the "unhealthy" range, according the federal Environmental Protection Agency's online monitor at airnow.gov. The prompted an alert from the Cayuga County Health Department urging residents to take precautions.

"If you are spending time outdoors, high-quality masks, such as N95 and KN95 masks, can be worn outdoors to reduce the inhalation of fine particles from the air," a news release from the county said. "During this time, you may want to keep your windows and doors closed to avoid letting outdoor air inside of your home. Use air purifiers or air conditioning units with high-efficiency filters to improve indoor air quality if possible."

Exposure to unhealthy air can cause short-term health effects such as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can also worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. People with heart or breathing problems, and children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive.
Spruce Hill is considered one of America's finest streetcar suburbs because of its dense collection of late 19th-century houses. Elaborate Victorian porches line 45th Street. Read more

The first time neighborhood activists tried to bring a historic district to West Philadelphias Spruce Hill, the Berlin Wall was still standing.

Now, almost 40 years later, a third attempt is beginning.

The motivations are similar to what they were when the Soviet Union still existed. This neighborhood is home to the largest collection of Victorian architecture in America.

It is also on the University of Pennsylvanias border, and many of the ornate buildings are owned by student-housing companies.

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Preservation activists have long feared that the gilded houses that make this corner of University City unique will be whittled down by demolition and replaced by generic apartment buildings that will age like goat cheese left in the sun.

This is what goes on out here, right now, and there is nothing that we can do to stop that, said Barry Grossbach, a longtime member of the Spruce Hill Community Association and chair of their zoning committee.

Previous efforts to create a historic district in Spruce Hill were met with intense backlash from student-housing companies, the university, and local homeowners concerned about the cost burden of preservation.

The goal is to make it very difficult to demolish relevant neighborhood buildings, Grossbach said. But preservation regulations limit how homeowners can tweak exteriors and also require specific, and often more expensive, materials for repairs.

Opposition to the latest Spruce Hill historic district proposal includes some of the same people who have attacked the idea since its first proposal in the 1980s.

Its extreme overreach to say we are going to keep all of Spruce Hill intact as it is, said Michael Karp, owner of the University City Housing Co., one of the areas largest landlords.

It doesnt allow the organic growth of the city. If the citys going to stay healthy, it needs to be able to regenerate itself and accommodate new housing and commercial needs, Karp said.

On Tuesday, the Spruce Hill Community Association held a panel discussion on the historic district, followed by audience questions. The reaction to the district was mixed, with some audience members concerned about the costs to homeowners, and a few others concerned that it could limit housing options. But ardent opposition was limited.

Thats just the beginning of the process, which will eventually require approval by the citys Historical Commission. The preservationists hope to submit a plan to the commission before the end of the year.

The long fight for preservation in Spruce Hill

The citys Historical Commission obtained the power to designate historic districts in the 1980s, and Spruce Hill was one of the first neighborhoods in line. But preservationists instead saw their application gather dust, as communities like Rittenhouse Square and Society Hill were accepted first.

They kept moving other groups, other neighborhoods in front of us, Grossbach remembered. It continued to sit and sit and sit.

They tried again in the 2000s, after being told that the original application had to be redrafted.

By then, reinvestment in the neighborhoods to the west of Penn began to ramp up, and then-Councilmember Jannie Blackwell, a longtime ally of Karp, was more explicit in her opposition. She cited cost concerns for working-class homeowners. She threatened to introduce a bill to require all historic districts to be approved by City Council.

Opposition from Blackwell and other City Council members had a chilling effect on preservation advocacy across Philadelphia. No new historic districts were minted between the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2017, a time when development surged after decades of stagnation. Demolitions spiked in response.

 READ MORE: Three Philly neighborhood groups took different paths to create historic districts

Now, Blackwell is gone from City Council  defeated by Jamie Gauthier in 2019  and former preservation critics like Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. are newly supportive of historic advocacy.

Under Mayor Jim Kenneys administration, the Historical Commission has seen its budget expanded and staff added. Buildings are being protected at a rapid clip.

Last year West Philadelphias Powelton Village  with an architectural vernacular much like Spruce Hill  became the largest historic district created in over 20 years.

The mood of the city has changed, said Paul Steinke, executive director of the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia. The commission is willing to consider districts again. More and more neighborhoods are seeking the protection that historic status can provide as a way to preserve their neighborhood character.

The new Spruce Hill Historic district plan and its discontents

The Spruce Hill Community Associations latest historic district plan would cover 1,984 buildings, stretching from 39th Street at its eastern extreme to 47th to the west, and Woodland Avenue in the south, almost to Market Street in the north.

A district of that magnitude will create a gargantuan amount of work for the Historical Commission. To make things easier, both bureaucratically and, the neighborhood group hopes, politically, the district would be carved into a quadrant and approved in bite-sized chunks.

The first section would be the one closest to the University of Pennsylvania, from 40th to 43rd and Woodland to the south side of Spruce Street. This is where old Victorians have been most aggressively converted into undergraduate student housing and where institutional landowners like Karp hold the most sway.

Its ironic that they want to start in the place where the landlords own all the property and have the highest wear and tear from students coming in and out, said David Adelman, CEO of Campus Apartments, another major University City student housing company. [Why not] start it in the heart of the community and prove that the Historical Commission can keep up with all the repair requests and the approval process?

The concentration of rental property near Penn is exactly why preservationists want to start in this section of the neighborhood. They fear that changing market forces, such as a 2018 dictate from Penn that students live on campus for the first two years, will push property owners to demolish old buildings where profits have dropped.

Also, since the pandemic, students want more privacy. They want their own bathrooms. Group houses are out; studios are in.

As a result, he said, some institutional property owners plan to demolish older stock to build amenity-rich housing tailored to modern tastes.

Things have changed out here rather dramatically since Penn required more students to live on campus, Grossbach said. That emptied out the neighborhood.

The costs of historic preservation

Critics of historic preservation contend that it can be exclusionary, saddling buildings with regulations that only the wealthy can afford to follow while preventing the construction of apartment buildings that could house more people.

Spruce Hill is already one of the tonier neighborhoods in the city. It receives security and other services from the University City District. The new historic district would also closely map to the catchment area of Penn Alexander elementary, a coveted public school subsidized by Penn that has driven up area home prices.

Spruce Hill runs the risk of being a glorified HOA at some point, said Phil Gentry, who lives just outside the proposed district. I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, where historic preservation was used to keep out affordable housing for many, many generations. Thats why I dont live there anymore.

District designation prevents the demolition of buildings that contribute to historic interest, limiting where new housing can be built. Noncontributing properties are subject to much less review, and if a lot is vacant when the district is created, projects proposed for it are subject to nonbinding review.

Buildings in a historic district have to conform to specific standards when they, say, replace windows. The cost of those materials can be substantially higher than average replacement prices. Changes to the facade would also be subject to review by the commission.

Grossbach says the Spruce Hill Community Association is far from an exclusionary neighborhood group. He points to area apartment projects it has supported, despite calls for building only new single-family homes. The group has backed zoning that allows some of the Victorians to be carved into apartments and others into duplexes.

Were just trying to prevent people from just knocking down buildings, Grossbach said. Weve looked at everything, and a historic district is the least worst choice that we have. Its the only way to have some protection.
Advocates have opposed the Marriott's decision to host the Moms for Liberty summit due to anti-LGBTQ rhetoric. Earlier this month, the Southern Poverty Law Center named Moms for Liberty an "antigovernment extremist group." Read more

Moms for Liberty calls itself a parent empowerment group. But as the polarizing organization arrives in Philadelphia this week for its annual summit, its being identified as something else: an antigovernment extremist group.

Thats according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, the veteran civil rights organization that tracks domestic extremism. This year, the group added a number of parental rights groups  the Southern Poverty Law Center refers to them as anti-student-inclusion  to its tally of hate and antigovernment extremist groups.

 READ MORE: More groups of historians denounce Moms for Liberty event at Museum of the American Revolution

Moms for Liberty has accused the Southern Poverty Law Center of espousing hate toward its members. Heres why the organization says Moms for Liberty warrants the designation:

What makes Moms for Liberty an antigovernment group?

Founded in Florida in 2021, Moms for Liberty was born out of opposition to COVID-19 mandates in schools and now claims 285 chapters across 45 states. It pivoted to targeting diversity education and how LGBTQ issues are handled by schools, as part of a broader conservative movement that has accused schools of indoctrinating students around race, gender, and sexuality.

That messaging is what landed Moms for Liberty on the SPLCs list, said Maya Henson Carey, a research analyst with SPLCs Intelligence Project.

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Its really looking at their overall narrative: that public educators and public schools are attempting to indoctrinate and sexualize children through this radical Marxist agenda, Carey said.

 READ MORE: Moms for Liberty: What it is and whos behind the group

The SPLC notes statements from Moms for Liberty leaders, including the groups slogan that we do not co-parent with the government, comments referring to government schools, support for abolishing the federal Department of Education, and accusations that teachers unions are responsible for indoctrination.

In one example flagged by the SPLC, Moms for Liberty said last year that the K-12 cartel  also known as the national teachers union (NEA)  met and drafted a proposal to replace the word mother with birthing person. Describing the proposal as insane, Moms for Liberty said that as the teachers union pushes an agenda focused on everything but educating our children, American parents are rising up, taking back our school districts and putting the focus back on educating our children.

Parallels to Brown v. Board of Education backlash

The SPLC didnt designate Moms for Liberty as a hate group, which really attack an entire class of people, Carey said. Still, she said, their tactics are definitely hateful.

She drew parallels to segregationist parent groups that arose after the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision  saying Moms for Liberty similarly aims to suppress different groups of people.

Carey pointed to the groups opposition to critical race theory  an academic framework that examines racism as embedded in institutions, but that critics have used as a catchall for diversity education and divisive lessons. A Tennessee Moms for Liberty chapter, for instance, filed a complaint in 2021 alleging that texts about the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s March on Washington and Ruby Bridges autobiography violated the states anti-critical race theory law.

Moms for Liberty has also opposed policies accommodating transgender students and has referred to gender dysphoria as being normalized by predators. And while Moms for Liberty has said its focused on removing inappropriate sexual content, efforts to ban books from libraries have disproportionately targeted stories about LGBTQ people or people of color, Carey said.

 READ MORE: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will no longer speak at Moms for Liberty summit in Philly

What other education-related groups have landed on the extremist list?

Moms for Liberty isnt the only education-related group to land on the SPLCs list this year. Others include No Left Turn in Education, started by a Gladwyne mother, and Parents Defending Education, which has been filing complaints against school districts across the country  including Lower Merion  saying its fighting indoctrination in the classroom.

Local Moms for Liberty chapters  Pennsylvania has the second-largest Moms for Liberty presence nationally, according to the group  appear on the SPLCs Hate Map alongside neo-Nazi groups, like the National Socialist Movement, and white nationalist groups, like the Patriot Front.

Carey said the education groups represent a trend of a shift to public spaces by extremist groups, that comes with them showing up for school board meetings and running for public office. A lot of these antigovernment and hate groups are really infiltrating the lives of everyday Americans.

Some Moms for Liberty chapters have been linked to groups like the Proud Boys. Last week, an Indiana chapter made national headlines for a quote it attributed to Hitler in its newsletter: He alone, who OWNS the youth, GAINS the future. (Following a backlash, the chapter condemned Hitler and updated its newsletter: The quote from a horrific leader should put parents on alert  If the government has control over our children today, they control our countrys future. We The People must be vigilant and protect children from an overreaching government.)

How has Moms for Liberty responded?

Some right-leaning groups, including Christian conservative groups, have previously accused the SPLC of unfairly labeling them hate groups. Moms for Liberty continues to be embraced by leading Republicans: GOP presidential candidates Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, and Vivek Ramaswamy are all expected to speak at the Philadelphia summit, which begins Thursday.

In a statement, Moms for Liberty cofounders Tiffany Justice and Tina Descovich said parents deserve to be a part of their childs public school education.

Name-calling parents who want to be a part of their childs education as hate groups or bigoted just further exposes what this battle is all about: Who fundamentally gets to decide what is taught to our kids in school  parents or government employees? they said. We believe that parental rights do not stop at the classroom door and no amount of hate from groups like this is going to stop that.
The Summer Souq will take place at Mander Playground on Sunday, July 2 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Read more

Aiisha Harris and her friends felt restless.

It was the middle of lockdown, and the group of friends had been creating different items: pottery, candles, shirts. But they had nowhere to showcase their work. So they created their own market: Summer Souq.

For four years now, Harris has been organizing an annual summer market in her Strawberry Mansion neighborhood, featuring female vendors. For Harris, the market has been a way to fill multiple voids she sees in her community.

I really wanted specifically to give women a place to flourish, Harris said.

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As a stay-at-home mother of seven herself, Harris is familiar with the stigma that mothers who dont have traditional jobs confront. The market is one way to combat that and give women in her community a creative outlet and financial stability.

Ive met so many amazing street vendors in the past four years, just women that have been doing this in the city for 30, 40 years, Harris said. Those are the women that I want to highlight.

A productive outlet and nurturing space

Summer Souq (a souq is a marketplace in northern Africa or the Middle East) has also been a way to reinforce family and community structures. During the pandemic, especially, Harris saw the way that having nothing to do affected both kids and parents in her community. She hopes the market will help provide a productive outlet and nurturing gathering space for children and adults alike.

My sincerest intention is to bring back the combination of business and family, Harris said. Our society, especially in the Strawberry Mansion section, there are so many opportunities for creativity to be nurtured properly, but we have to combine family fundamentals with discipline, integrity, sincerity, compassion, friendship, respect. Thats very important for me in order for us to do our part as a community, so we can do our part to affect our city overall.

Harris, who is Muslim, said she also wanted to ensure that the market would be a welcoming space for the Muslim community  meaning no alcohol or smoking, and an overall family-friendly environment. That being said, its an open space for all, and several of the vendors are non-Muslim.

The beautiful thing about that is that I am a 33-year-old daughter of a Baptist pastor in the city of Philadelphia, Harris said. Im not an isolationist. I love unity amongst color, creed, religion, culture.

Featuring 22 vendors this year, Summer Souq will be held Sunday, July 2 from noon to 5 p.m at the Mander Playground in Strawberry Mansion.
The Fourth of July is getting closer and closer, and mentally, many of us are already down the Shore  or as our Deputy Managing Editor Kate Dailey affectionately calls it, Philly East. So today, were dedicating this edition to all things Shore to prep you for what we hope is a restful holiday weekend ahead.

Before all the fireworks on the Fourth, were talking about the best tipples at fun bars and cool breweries, the best ice cream cones this side of Jersey, and theater.

Reporter Amy S. Rosenbergs buzzy newsletter, Down the Shore, is required reading and one of the most important Shore essentials. So if you want the expert to keep you plugged into what people are talking about, you should sign up for free here.

OK, lets get down to todays beachy business.

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 If youre still in Philadelphia today, another thunderstorm may roll through, so have an umbrella handy.

 Ashley Hoffman (@_AshleyHoffman, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

As food writer Jenn Ladd put it, the Shores bar scene  as storied, colorful, and fun as Phillys own  is ready for you.

Sometimes you just want to hit the kind of place where Jason Kelces jersey matches the green Jell-O shots.

There are gritty dives, and also flashy nightclubs to see and be seen at in our definitive Shore bar list.

If youre with a crowd, you have mouths to please, and nothing gets people together like the promise of ice cream.

Georges Candies in Ocean City sells Seagull Droppings, an actually delicious mixture of vanilla ice cream, Reeses Peanut Butter cups, with swirls of dark chocolate fudge. And Sundae Best in Avalon sells Cream Donut ice cream, made with chunks of the popular donuts from Kohlers Bakery. Just dunk your spoon in the best ice cream down the Shore.

My favorite Shore drama is the drama Amy chronicles, like third-story deck gate drama and the battle over belonging. But there is also the performing arts, where you can pay to watch professionals get emotional.

Cape May is so much more than important history, ghost tours and Victorian bed-and-breakfasts. A whole lineup of theatrical productions is opening in Cape May this summer season, thanks to two local theater companies. A Dickensian retelling at the Cape May Presbyterian Church? A one-woman play about a prizewinning trip to Greece? Jane M. Von Bergen has the story on the best shows to wash the sand off for.

Our Down the Shore newsletter

 Now Im passing the mic to Amy, who writes our Down the Shore newsletter that you can preview here.

People care so much about the Shore: their memories of it, as well as their current experiences. The newsletter has been a great place to start conversations about things that really matter to people: the Shores rising costs, the increasing exclusivity, the changing cultures of so many of the towns along the coast, the possibility of wind turbines off the coast, all the topics that people are talking about big and small. These are things that really matter to people about a place that so many hold so dear. Its been gratifying to see the newsletters voice and engagement be recognized both by readers and by the N.J. Press Association. Plus, its a good place to keep track of new places to eat, things to do, trivia and get your questions answered.

Sign up for the free Down the Shore newsletter here.

Shore guides

Ive spent many weekends infiltrating the Shore. Its where I learned to kayak surf at my friends house. I lived there for a month in 2021, and now Im down there most weekends. Here are some handy Shore guides worth revisiting to help you drain this summer to its dregs.

 Trivia time 

Lets twist again, like we did last summer. Do you remember when things were really hummin?

Where was Chubby Checkers dance craze, The Twist, born?

Hint:  +  + 

A) Riptide Club

B) Headliner Oasis

C) The Bolero

D) Rainbow Club

Find out if you know the answer.

Anagram

A beautiful movie about a British Pakistani teens life whose whole life is changed by the Boss.

BLYTHE BLIGHTED IND

Well select a reader at random to shout out here. Cheers to Krista Pinola, who correctly guessed Sundays answer: Schuylkill River Trail. Email us if you know the answer.

Photo of the day

Staff picks

If Im walking the Atlantic City boardwalk, I have to get a funnel cake. I grew up going to A.C. every summer with my grandmother, and it just wasnt a complete trip without the funnel cake.  Taylor Allen, your morning newsletter emcee.

And Ill surf anywhere with some swell, but when I surfed Manasquan Inlet, the childhood memories came flooding back. The waves are magic. And when in Wildwood, reporter Jason Nark taught me about the very excellent Tully Nut at the No. 1 Tavern, because I like my drinks like I like everything else in life: with five liquors in it. He also got me into Santorini for the most delicious Greek salad and spanakopita on a roof. Of course, for more Greek island vibes, you could always go to Santorini if youre on a budget this summer instead of a day or two down the Shore.  yours truly, Ashley Hoffman, Senior Newsletter Strategist.

 See you down the Shore.
Phillys weather has certainly taken a turn for the wetter this summer. Todays forecast calls for some storms again, so grab your umbrella before you head out the door.

Our lead read highlights nurses who say they were targeted and deceived by a multimillion-dollar degree scheme. Now, they are bringing their cases before state nursing boards to give their side of the story.

 Paola Perez (@pdesiperez, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

We did everything we were supposed to do. I went to school. I did the work.

Thats Ramatu Ali. Led by the promise of a program to become a higher-skill, better-paid registered nurse, she took trips to Florida and back, spent hours doing online learning and hands-on clinical training, and spent up to $14,000 on her education.

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It turned out to be too good to be true. Late last year, her nursing license was voided by authorities in Delaware, along with at least 34 nurses who graduated from sham schools.

Catch up quick: Pennsylvanias Board of Nursing and others across the U.S. have been taking steps to revoke the licenses of people in connection with a nationwide scam involving the owner of four Florida-based schools that sold fake college degrees and transcripts. Those students used the fake credentials to get nursing licenses all over the country.

Dubbed Operation Nightingale, the ongoing federal investigation has resulted in criminal indictments of 27 school operators and recruiters, including two from South Jersey.

The larger impact: Ali is among more than 7,600 students who received degrees from schools in Florida that operated as nursing diploma mills. To date, there have been no reports of patient harm.

Nearly 100 of those nurses who claim to have been wrongly accused of buying fake degrees are now represented by Philly-area lawyer Joseph Lento, and are bringing the fight to state nursing boards to keep their licenses.

Continue reading on why Ali and others believe they were targeted by operators and recruiters.

South Jersey Democratic power broker George E. Norcross III has faced scrutiny from state and federal authorities repeatedly in the last two decades. Criminal charges have never been filed. But the feds have:

 tapped his phones

 had an informant record his conversations

 reviewed scores of documents.

Whats happening now: Prosecutors appear to be trying to file charges again  this time with a wide-ranging probe by the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office and the FBI, according to more than a dozen people familiar with their efforts.

The focus: Whether Norcross, an investor in several properties, and his brother Philip, a prominent New Jersey lawyer and lobbyist, used their political influence to corruptly acquire several real estate deals along the Delaware River waterfront in Camden by muscling out rival developers.

Names to watch: The deals under scrutiny involve some of the biggest names in real estate and business in the Philadelphia region, including Carl Dranoff (Symphony House and the Arthaus condo) and William P. Hankowsky (Comcast towers and the Navy Yard redevelopment).

Continue reading about the scope of the unfolding corruption investigation.

What you should know today

 Trivia time 

During the pandemic, the number of people looking for a pet outnumbered the amount of pets in shelters. How many households nationwide welcomed a pet in 2020?

A) over 5 million

B) over 10 million

C) over 23 million

D) over 64 million

Think you know? Check your answer.

What were...

 Flagging: The winner of our Philly Flag Contest. Congrats!

 Craving: A turkey Shorti on this 31st Wawa Hoagie Day.

 Browsing: The Flyers new era of orange on the NHLs 2023-24 schedule.

 Unscramble the anagram 

Hint: Wheel... of... fortune!

ARNEY ACTRESS

Email us if you know the answer. Well select a reader at random to shout out here. Cheers to Elizabeth Burdett, who correctly guessed Tuesdays answer: Blinded By the Light.

Photo of the day

 Cafecito calls. Thanks for starting your morning with The Inquirer.
House Speaker Joanna McClinton (left) stands in the Pennsylvania House chambers with Democratic mayoral nominee Cherelle Parker during her visit to Harrisburg on Tuesday. Read more

HARRISBURG  Cherelle Parker took time Tuesday to catch up with some old friends.

The Democratic nominee for Philadelphia mayor spent the day meeting with Democratic and Republican legislative leaders  some of whom she worked with previously and some whom she met for the first time. She also met with the Philadelphia delegation in Harrisburg and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, as part of an effort to improve the citys relationship with its state lawmakers.

Parker is running against Republican David Oh in November and is heavily favored to become the citys next mayor and its first female mayor, given Philadelphias heavily Democratic electorate. Shes also a former state legislator who spent a decade in Harrisburg before her election to Philadelphia City Council. She would be the first Philadelphia mayor to have served in the General Assembly before being chosen as mayor since the late James H.J. Tate, who was mayor from 1962 to 1972.

It felt like a reunion for me, Parker said of her visit.

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Its not unusual for mayors from the states biggest cities to make visits to Harrisburg to lobby lawmakers, or for former state legislators to visit their old colleagues. But its uncommon for a Democratic nominee to make an appearance before the general election, and it suggests that using her experience in Harrisburg to work closely with state lawmakers will be a big part of Parkers administration strategy if she is elected in November.

Hopefully, when shes successful in the general [election], that she will have a presence up in Harrisburg, said Rep. Morgan Cephas (D., Philadelphia), who chairs the citys delegation in the Capitol.

Parker said she wanted to take the day to thank legislative leaders for what they will do for Philadelphia as part of the upcoming state budget, which must be passed by Friday.

Now is one of the toughest times in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, because this is where the rubber meets the road, said Parker, having stayed up with her former colleagues for late budget votes in the past.

She said she wanted legislative leaders to know that if shes elected, she will speak up about Philadelphias needs.

Everything that we do is built on relationships, Parker said. And, quite frankly, we have to be willing to let everyone know that we need everyone. It doesnt reduce me to tell you that I need you. We need you. Our city needs you.

She also will lean on her legislative reputation as a strong bipartisan partner on issues and she said she would help to improve the quality of life for our commonwealth.

Most important, she wants Philly and Harrisburgs relationship to shift away from being crisis-oriented.

She said she has a new vision for the relationship between the states largest city and the Pennsylvania legislature: It is consistent. It is organic. It is systemic, and we communicate on a weekly basis.

House Minority Leader Bryan Cutler (R., Lancaster) said he had a brief conversation with Parker during her visit and noted that they maintained a good working relationship across the aisle when she served in the state House.

I know what she ran on in terms of crime prevention, and other areas traditionally weve been supportive, Cutler said. So I look forward to working with her in whatever capacity we can.

After her primary election last month, a number of House and Senate state lawmakers said her reputation for working across the aisle is well-known in Harrisburg.

While she said she was taking a day off the campaign trail, she was still pushing her mayoral platform: safer, cleaner, greener, and economic opportunity for all.

She did not, however, expand on specific policies for which she lobbied lawmakers.
State Rep. Morgan B. Cephas (D., Philadelphia) speaks at City Hall in March. She championed a bill to require Pennsylvania hospitals to document more information about maternal morbidities. Read more

HARRISBURG  The Pennsylvania Department of Health will soon be required to track the health issues that mothers go through during pregnancy and birth, as part of an effort to address the states high maternal death rates.

The General Assembly sent a bill to Gov. Josh Shapiros desk last week that would require the Department of Health to list severe maternal morbidity on death certificates and hospital discharges.

Severe maternal morbidity is any long- or short-term health problem that results from being pregnant or giving birth. This differs from maternal mortality, which is when a person dies during pregnancy or from pregnancy-related complications.

The United States has long had the highest maternal mortality rate among developed countries, and Black people are four times more likely than white people to die of pregnancy-related causes. The death of 32-year-old Olympic track star Tori Bowie during childbirth this month was the latest high-profile example of a healthy Black woman dying due to complications while giving birth.

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Rep. Morgan Cephas (D., Philadelphia), who championed the bill in the state House, said its a good first step toward addressing Black maternal mortality and morbidity.

Theres not one singular thing we need to do to tackle the issue, its multi-layer, Cephas said, adding that data will help inform future policies.

The state legislation comes as Philadelphia is also taking steps to gather more data about maternal health. Health officials announced in April that the city would be the first in the United States to require hospitals to share detailed information about pregnancy, delivery, and the parents health for patients who experience serious childbirth complications.

More people died from pregnancy complications in Philadelphia from 2013-2018 than the national rate, according to a city review of its maternal mortality data. Black people in Philadelphia were particularly affected, accounting for 73% of pregnancy-related deaths over the five-year span despite only making up 43% of births.

If Shapiro signs the state maternal morbidity bill into law, a Maternal Mortality Review Committee created in 2018 would work with the Department of Health to track annual maternal morbidity rates.

Lawmakers hope that the data will offer a new perspective on maternal health.

Saleemah McNeil, the founder and executive director of Oshun Family Center in Jenkintown, which serves mostly Black families seeking health care, said its important for the state to track these near misses  when a person has a traumatic pregnancy or birth experience, but survives.

When we include what are considered near misses, we give opportunities to take a more comprehensive look at maternal health, McNeil added.

McNeil also curates the Maternal Wellness Village, a community of birth professionals working to improve the standards of care for obstetric patients.

Institutionalized systemic racism is at the forefront of lots of things that happen in terms of Black morbidity and mortality, McNeil said. We look at services we can give people and changes we can make within the institution and within the system.

Shapiro will sign the bill, a spokesperson said.

Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R., Lehigh), who helped create the states mortality review committee, voiced his support of the latest proposal on the House floor last week.

We know that there are lots of complications, but we know that there are appropriate solutions out there to many of these problems, Mackenzie said. If we can address them with the underlying data at hand, figure out where the problems are, and put forward adequate solutions, we can protect these women and make sure that their children have a mother going forward.

Cephas first became interested in maternal mortality and morbidity at a roundtable event with U.S. Sen. Bob Casey where a woman asked about maternal mortality rates. After investigating, she discovered one of her constituents died at 34 due to a pregnancy-related complication.

From there, she learned Black women are more likely to die from pregnancy-related symptoms, and she began creating policy around the issue.

During elections, theres always a conversation about Black women being the foundation of the Democratic Party, but sometimes when Democrats get elected to get into office, theres really no follow up, and their agenda doesnt reflect our issues, Cephas said. This is a very significant issue and challenge we should be addressing.

Cephas and other lawmakers in Harrisburg have already worked to expand care for parents and pregnant people. Just last year, the General Assembly expanded Medicaid coverage to include one year postpartum, based on Maternal Mortality Review Committee recommendations.

DaniRae Renno is an intern with the Pennsylvania Legislative Correspondents Association.
Pedestrians hurry off the bus as rain pours at the intersection of Girard and Front Street in Philly. Read more

In a period when thunder has become the Philadelphia regions unofficial soundtrack, those accompanying downpours have had at least one benign effect: Theyve staged an all-out attack on what had become worrisome rainfall deficits.

After an all-night light show when it seemed that jittery lightning was flashing across the sky like so many malfunctioning electric signs, the National Weather Service reported some prodigious rain totals Tuesday.

Around 5 inches was measured in northern Delaware, and close to 4 in Downingtown, Chester County. That came atop a sequence of storms that ripened during the weekend, and before a fresh round of potent storms later Tuesday that prompted a flood watch, and flood warning for parts of the region.

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 READ MORE: Another flood watch was hoisted on Tuesday

In the seven-day period that ended Monday, Chester County had 17 times the amount of rain as in the entire month of May, according to figures from the Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center.

 READ MORE: Here's what's behind the change in rain fortunes

The rains, however, have had a distinct lottery-ball nature. For example, only about an inch fell in Chester Springs Monday into Tuesday morning, only seven miles from Downingtown. A total of 4.35 inches landed in the gauge at New Castle Airport, and just 1.25 at Philadelphia International Airports.

Bizarre? No, said Kristen Kline, hydrologist at the Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center, in State College. Thats the nature of rain in June, when the steering winds that move storms appear to succumb to the muggy, languid air and lose their senses of direction like so many of the rest of us.

With these type of showers you do expect rainfall totals to vary even in short distances, she said.

That has decidedly been the case the last few days. Some areas were inundated with waterfall-like showers Saturday and Sunday. Yet the total at PHL on Saturday was 0.02 inches, and 0.09 on Sunday.

To present a more-coherent picture of regional rainfall, the river center, a division of the weather service, uses a sampling of stations to calculate countywide totals in weekly, monthly, and annual increments.

Its figures show just how wet the last week has been, and also why Pennsylvania was still under a drought watch as of Tuesday.

Yes, as of Tuesday, all of Pennsylvania remained under a drought watch that went into effect June 15. The reason, in a word, is May.

 READ MORE: The drought watch that went into effect June 15 remains

The river center data showed that last month, Philadelphia and its four neighboring Pennsylvania counties received about 5% of their normal rainfall.

The wettest of the counties, Bucks, received a thimble-size 0.4 inches, or less than a fifth of what was measured there in the last week.

The five counties averaged about a quarter-inch for all of May, and 2.6 inches, or 10 times of much, in the seven-day period ending Monday.

About the rains

Meteorologists say the regions rain fortunes took a radical turn late last week, about the time that the atmosphere swelled with something akin to a toxic soup of water vapor.

An upper-air pattern that resulted in quite a cool and arid May into June relented, allowing humid air from the Gulf of Mexico to pulse northward.

The conditions havent been all that unusual for late June, but the contrast to the antecedent weather clearly added to the discomfort. That muggy air became a rich source of moisture for incipient thunderstorms.

Rain falls as warm air soars over cooler air in the higher atmosphere, and the lightning and the cloudbursts were the functions of tremendous updrafts, rocketing up to 50,000 feet, said Cameron Wunderlin, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Mount Holly.

In all, Peco reported over 95,000 power outages Monday into Tuesday.

Meteorologists say the storm traffic is about to back off considerably, with only a slight chance of showers Wednesday and a splendid day on Thursday, with sun, highs in the 80s, and not a rumor of a raindrop.

However more shower chances pop up Friday afternoon into the weekend.

The governments Climate Prediction Centers two week outlook through July 11 has odds favoring above-normal precipitation.

 READ MORE: The summer outlooks called for above-normal temperatures, but they haven't happened yet

It also favors above-normal temperatures, but no serious heat is expected in Philly for at least the next several days, and all that water to evaporate should divert some of the suns heating energy.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- Chinese new energy vehicle startup, Leapmotor, recently established a joint venture with Faurecia, called Jinhua Leapmotor Faurecia Automotive Components Co., Ltd., according to information from Tianyancha, a Chinese corporate database.

Leapmotor store; photo credit: Leapmotor

The company has a registered capital of 45 million yuan. Its business scope includes the manufacturing of automotive components and accessories, retailing of automotive spare parts, technical services, and import-export of goods.

The equity structure diagram reveals that the company is jointly held by Faurecia (China) Investment Co., Ltd. and Leapmotor (Jinhua) New Energy Vehicle Parts Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Leapmotor.

The cooperation agreement between Leapmotor and Faurecia was firstly inked on September 30, 2022, in a bid to jointly deploy a sustainable and high-quality automobile seating supply chain.

In February of this year, Zhu Jiangming, the founder and chairman of Leapmotor, and Ma Chuan, the president of Faurecia China, signed a joint venture agreement. Under the agreement, the two parties will collaborate to establish a new energy vehicle supporting industrial production base in Jinhua Economic and Technological Development Zone, Jinhua city, which is located in East China's Zhejiang Province.

By 2025, the annual production capacity of the manufacturing base is expected to reach 350,000 units of automotive seats and other supporting facilities.
Taiwans Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the country has signed a joint statement of intent with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the EU, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and Ukraine. The ministry said that the ongoing war with Russia has almost entirely halted Ukraines insurance market, and that it will need private investors if the economy is to recover from the conflict.
We are an Employer of Choice and we have been recognised as Australasian Law Firm of the year, MacDonnell said. These partner acquisitions are an integral part of our strategic plan to grow our team and to support our clients.
Its really fundamental to the work were doing when were talking about affordability, availability and the sustainability of our sector, he said. I think our job needs to be to keep reminding government and regulators and everyone else that the role of insurance is critically important in both the economy, but also in that protection role we play with climate.
The reality is both strata managers and insurance brokers provide really valuable services to the end client and both of them deserve to be rewarded for those services, said Johnson. I think if you looked at each of their P&Ls, neither of them are making outrageous profits out of strata.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Starting June 28, the ZEEKR 001 coupe and the ZEEKR X SUV, both under the umbrella of Geelys premium electric vehicle brand ZEEKR, officially opened for pre-orders in Europe, the automaker announced via its WeChat account today.

ZEEKR 001; photo credit: ZEEKR

In the European market, the ZEEKR 001 starts at 59,490 (around 472,000 yuan), while the ZEEKR X starts at 44,990 (around 357,000 yuan).

The new vehicles will go on sale in Sweden and the Netherlands first, with the first deliveries expected within the year. Customers can place their orders through ZEEKR's official European website, which came online at the Auto Shanghai 2023.

ZEEKR 001; photo credit: ZEEKR

The ZEEKR models, created with the collaborative efforts of the European team, deeply understand the needs of global users and are developed based on the highest global safety standards, meeting the demands of European customers in terms of design, handling, and safety, said ZEEKR.

ZEEKR will adopt a direct sales model in Europe, with the first batch of offline direct stores set to be established in Stockholm, Sweden, and Amsterdam, the Netherlands, by the end of the year, and entering most of Western European regions by 2026. To comprehensively meet user demands, ZEEKR will provide European customers with a brand-new luxury experience through a one-stop service covering financial policies, energy replenishment systems, after-sales support, and Internet of Vehicles.
We at NCOIL urge the IRS to retract the proposed rule and return to the drawing board to address its stated concerns in a way that is narrow, tailored, non-retroactive, and most importantly does not violate the McCarran-Ferguson Doctrine by infringing on the Congressionally-delegated rights of the States to regulate the business of insurance, said NCOIL CEO Tom Considine.
Investors in the UK are starting to worry that the anti-ESG movement may spread from the US and get a foothold on the other side of the Atlantic.

The UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF), whose members oversee more than 19 trillion ($24 trillion) and include JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Barclays Plc, wants Britains government to provide clear guidelines that spell out whether its part of an asset managers fiduciary duty to worry about risks stemming from environmental damage, social unrest and bad corporate governance.

James Alexander, chief executive officer of the association, said he expects that UKSIF and other investor associations will soon need to make the stronger public case that actively incorporating ESG considerations  including material social factors  isnt in direct pursuit of an overt political agenda, but necessary for investors to fulfill their fiduciary duty.

Hes one of a growing number of financial market participants in the UK and European Union watching developments in the US with a sense of unease. The backlash against ESG led by the Republican Party has shocked the industry, as threats of lawsuits and blacklists hit some of the worlds biggest banks and asset managers. The GOP has dubbed ESG an anti-American movement that puts a woke agenda ahead of fiduciary duties.

In the US, theres evidence that anti-ESG rhetoric has led some financial firms to tone down their commitments to ESG in their conversations with clients. And pension funds have been caught in a long-running battle between the Biden administration and Republicans over whether theyre allowed to take ESG risks into account in their investments.

Theres so far little to suggest that similar levels of hostility toward ESG are brewing in Britain. But a few isolated incidents stand out.

During a speech to the UK House of Commons in October defending the right of police to treat Just Stop Oil protesters as criminals, Home Secretary Suella Braverman adopted rhetoric that was straight out of the GOP playbook, as she assailed the tofu-eating wokerati that she said dominate the left wing of British politics.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman blames travel disruption on Labour and Lib Dems before calling them Guardian-reading, tofu-eating wokerati.

Latest politics news  https://t.co/WEhNODDsER pic.twitter.com/kiJgF67Kpo

 Sky News (@SkyNews) October 18, 2022

And then in March, the UK government said it believes it is important that the ESG agenda isnt side-tracked by political activism or political agendas that might steer money away from industries such as weapons.

Concerns that defense companies risk being underfunded due to ESG priorities prompted UK officials to schedule a meeting on Wednesday with the investment and defense industries, according to a report by Sky News.

Skepticism of ESG can and has, in limited cases, spread to the UK, and could lead to something more ominous and obstructive, said Alexander Stafford, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Environmental, Social and Governance. He says lawmakers now need to do what they can to help to dampen any of the hysteria that might happen to blow over from the US.

In the US, meanwhile, the anti-ESG movement is starting to bump up against the reality of the law. Of the 165 anti-ESG bills introduced in 37 US states this year, 83 are already dead, according to a report published by Pleiades Strategy. Despite all the hype, the vast majority of anti-ESG bills failed to progress through legislative chambers, including in ten states fully controlled by Republicans, the study found.

A 2014 decision by the UK Law Commission that spelled out the scope of fiduciary duties has long been understood by investors to imply that ESG factors should be included when they are financially material.

Yet as recently as October, a report by the Principles for Responsible Investment found many investors in Britain still hesitate to set sustainability impact goals, even when this is required to achieve financial objectives.

The UK investment industry needs further clarification from the relevant authorities around how ESG factors and impact should be interpreted to fulfill fiduciary duties, Alexander said. In some cases, investors may need regulatory support to minimize possible liability risks, particularly around climate transition plans, he said.

A recent survey from the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association shows that its members want the government to do more to address ESG. While there are initiatives under way to tackle concerns around ESG indexes, ratings and data, a number of key areas have yet to be taken on.

The PLSA has been calling on the government for some while to progress and finalize the UK green taxonomy and to ensure climate reporting is embedded across the investment chain so there is a more consistent basis for asset owners to assess the ESG credentials of a given fund or equity, Joe Dabrowski, deputy director of policy at the PLSA, said by email.

For now, he said members worry that climate solutions may have been deprioritized amidst the cost of a living crisis and market volatility.

With assistance from Gautam Naik.

Photograph: Suella Braverman, UK home secretary, arrives for a weekly meeting of cabinet ministers at 10 Downing Street in London, UK, on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. Photo credit: Chris J. Ratcliffe/Bloomberg

Copyright 2023 Bloomberg.

Topics USA
Five activist groups have sued French oil major TotalEnergies for a second time over its projects in Uganda and Tanzania in a Paris civil court, they said on Tuesday, after an earlier fast-track attempt was dismissed in February.

The French and Ugandan groups, led by Friends of the Earth France, accuse the energy company of failing to protect people and the environment from its Tilenga oil development and the $3.5 billion East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).

Their lawsuit makes use of a 2017 French duty of vigilance law requiring large companies to identify risks in their global operations and supply chains, and detail strategies to prevent them.

TotalEnergies considers that its vigilance plan is implemented effectively and has ensured that its subsidiaries in Uganda and Tanzania have applied the appropriate action plans so as to respect the rights of local communities and biodiversity, the company said in an emailed comment.

We look forward to a debate on the merits in court.

The company holds a 62% stake in EACOP, which will run 1,443 kilometers (897 miles) from Ugandas Lake Albert oilfields to the port of Tanga in Tanzania, with the capacity to send up to 246,000 barrels of crude per day out to world markets as early as 2025.

The first suit sought  and failed  to halt the projects by judicial order under a special fast-track process, with the judge finding that TotalEnergies so-called vigilance plan was legally adequate.

The judgment added however that only a detailed investigation in a standard-speed trial could examine whether the companys actions on the ground were in line with its duty to prevent identifiable harms.

This latest legal attempt instead seeks reparations for those who claim they have already been harmed as a result of the project construction.

Allegations run from lack of timely payment for land on which the pipeline will be built, to damaged houses from flooding during construction of oil processing facilities.

(Reporting by America Hernandez; editing by Jan Harvey)

Topics Lawsuits Energy Oil Gas
Russia will struggle to meet its strategic goal of more than quadrupling Arctic sea shipments by the end of the decade as the nation cannot increase and upgrade its small, aging ice fleet fast enough, according to the Northern Sea Route operator Rosatom.

The Arctic route, stretching more than 3,000 nautical miles (5,556 kilometers) between the Barents Sea and the Bering Strait, is the shortest passage between Europe and Asia. Global warming has made the icebound waters increasingly more navigable, creating opportunities for Russian commodity exporters that are focusing on Asian markets amid the Kremlins standoff with the West over its invasion of Ukraine.

Russia aims to send at least 150 million tons of crude oil, liquefied natural gas, coal and other cargoes via its Northern Sea Route every year from 2030, a more than fourfold jump on the volumes shipped in 2022, according to the Northern Sea Route development plan approved by the nations government.

Climate Change Leads to Arctic Opening, Creating Key Emerging Risk: Swiss Re

Yet this goal requires construction of a whole new commercial Arctic fleet, according to Vyacheslav Ruksha, head of the Northern Sea Route Directorate at state nuclear corporation Rosatom.

In the next seven years, the number of Russias Arctic cargo vessels  from oil and LNG tankers to bulkers carriers and container ships  will need to grow to 160 from just 30 now, according to the presentation Ruksha made at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on Thursday. Currently, only 33 more vessels are under construction.

I am afraid, we are underestimating technological issues here, the Rosatom official said. We cannot bring in such capacities within this timeframe.

Russias fleet of ice-class supply vessels, used for safe navigation in Arctic waters, is aging, Ruksha added. Over 40% of the fleet is more than 30 years old now, and that proportion will grow to 75% by 2030, according to his presentation.

To increase the navigation timeframe and reduce the shortage of supply vessels, a new universal supply vessel of a higher ice-class needs to be designed, according to the presentation.

Russia has been successfully raising shipments via the Arctic Sea route in the past several years, bringing them to over 34 million tons in 2022 compared to just 7.5 million tons in 2016. The additional cargoes mainly came from the Novatek PJSC-led Yamal LNG plant, with the producer of super-chilled fuel relying on South Korea to supply new tankers.

Higher cargo volumes would become available with the launch of several major hydrocarbon projects, including the Arctic LNG 2 plant led by Novatek and Rosneft PJSCs Vostok Oil developed.

Relations between Russia and many of its former trade partners have been strained by the invasion in Ukraine. Korean shipyards will supply only five out of 15 contracted LNG carriers to Russia, Viktor Evtukhov, Russias Deputy Industry and Trade Minister, said at the forum.

The nations commodity producers will rely on domestic shipyards to grow their commercial Arctic fleet and are holding talks with Chinese shipbuilders to replace Korean partners, Evtukhov said.

Copyright 2023 Bloomberg.

Topics Russia
The Federation of European Risk Management Associations (FERMA) has appointed Charlotte Hedemark as the next president of FERMA. Her election was announced at the first meeting of the new FERMA Board following the Annual General Assembly in Brussels on June 27.

Hedemark is a risk management expert at SAP and is currently vice president and a board member of FERMA. Her tenure as president begins officially on Oct. 17 at the closing of the FERMA Seminar 2023 in Belgium. She succeeds Dirk Wegener after he completes his four-year tenure as president.

It is an honour to be elected president of FERMA. During a period of unprecedented challenges for corporations across Europe, the criticality of FERMAs role in representing the interests of its member associations and raising the profile of the risk profession has never been greater, commented Hedemark.

As we look forward during this time of uncertainty, FERMA will continue to act as a strategic radar for the industry, monitoring developments, informing associations, and addressing policymakers. In my role, I will work to ensure FERMA continues to be a rallying point for our members as we all strive to be risk leaders, she added.

I am delighted that Charlotte has been elected to the position of president. Her deep understanding of the risk management function and commitment to evolving and elevating the profession through her involvement with the wider risk community make her the ideal candidate to take the helm at FERMA as we help guide our members and represent their interests at all levels, Wegener said.

Ms. Hedemark is a highly accomplished and respected risk professional and has been a central figure in the ongoing development of FERMA in recent years. She has worked in Global Risk & Assurance Services (GR&AS) at SAP for more than 15 years and is presently a risk management expert in Customer Success Risk Assurance Services. The Risk Assurance (CSRA) team systematically manages and monitors risks in the context of sales and services activities that may impact the successful execution of SAPs strategy, Wegener continued.

Hedemark has a Master of Science in Business Administration and started her career in Brussels working for European industry associations for 12 years. She has been a board member of DARIM since 2015. She is also RIMAP, PMI-RMP & RIMS-CRMP certified.

Source: Federation of European Risk Management Associations (FERMA)
CHICAGO (AP)  A Chicago mother who was accused of telling her teen son to shoot a man at a fast food restaurant is suing the city and arresting officers, a day after murder charges against her and her son were dropped.

Carlishia Hood, 35, was held on $3 million bail after she was charged last week with first-degree murder and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. She was released Monday from the Cook County Jail.

The Cook County States Attorneys Office said it was unable to meet our burden of proof in the prosecution of these cases.

Ive experienced pain in many ways that I would never have thought, she said about her arrest. What happened to me was totally unnecessary. Never in a million years would I have imagined being brutally attacked, beaten and being arrested.

Hood alleges malicious prosecution, false arrest and intentional infliction of emotional distress in her lawsuit filed in Cook County Circuit Court.

A cellphone video posted on social media over the weekend shows the man yelling at Hood on June 18 to get your food before threatening to knock her out. He then punches Hood in the face and head several times.

Prosecutors said Hood texted her 14-year-old son, who was outside the restaurant, to come inside.

Jeremy Brown, 32, was shot in the back by the teen and then ran from the restaurant. Hood and her son, whose name was not released due to his age, followed Brown as Hood told the teen to continue shooting, prosecutors said. Brown was pronounced dead at the scene.

The shooting was recorded by surveillance video, but not the cellphone video, officials said. Hood and her son later turned themselves over to police.

Prosecutors said Hood has a valid firearm owners identification card and a concealed-carry permit.

Her attorney, Ari Williams, told reporters Monday that Ms. Hood is and has always been a victim, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

On June 18 of this year my life changed. My sons life changed, she told reporters Tuesday at a news conference.

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits
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A lawsuit set for trial in July against the worlds largest provider of drilling services will offer rare public testimony about the plight of women working in Americas oil fields.

Jessica Cheatham, who worked as an engineer for SLB, previously known as Schlumberger Ltd., is seeking more than $1 million in damages after the company allegedly failed to protect her from pervasive sexual harassment and, she says, effectively ended her career when she complained.

While Cheathams claims have been documented in the suit, sworn affidavits provided by other women who worked at SLB reveal more tales of abuse and discrimination in the male-dominated oil fields.

Fluids engineer Michelle Underwood alleged in her affidavit a male colleague reached into her coveralls and groped her, while trainee Eugenia Galan claimed she had, more than once, heard someone try to enter her company apartment in the middle of the night.

Field engineer Gianna Credaroli said in a court filing she wasnt given access to a restroom and was forced to change her feminine hygiene product in a ditch barely obscured from view. The company responded to her complaints of discrimination by sending her to increasingly dangerous locations until she quit in fear of my safety, she claimed.

The lawsuit has the potential to be a landmark case if it goes to trial on July 17, shedding light about working conditions women face in an industry thats long struggled to attract and retain female talent. While sexual discrimination in the male-dominated oil sector isnt uncommon, companies facing such lawsuits are far more likely to settle than take cases to trial.

SLB has already reached a financial settlement with another former employee, Sara Saidman, who initiated the lawsuit Cheatham later joined. Cheatham isnt pursuing class-action status for strategic reasons, her lawyers said.

SLB didnt respond to multiple requests for comment.

Abuse allegations

Cheatham, who worked for SLB from 2017 to 2020, said she was subjected to sexually explicit comments and alleges that the companys human resources department conspired with her harassers to end her career at the company. Not only were her complaints not adequately investigated, she said, SLB stopped staffing her on rigs, which prevented her advancement. Later, she said, the company offered her a demotion.

This feels like this case could have been brought in the 1970s, said Christine Williams, a sociology professor at the University of Texas at Austin who authored the book Gas-Lighted: How the oil and gas industry shortchanges women scientists.

The oil and gas industry continues to be the most hostile industry to women, Williams said. All of the research shows women have the fewest opportunities, the least representation in this industry compared to all other industries.

Womens challenges

Whether or not a jury hears Cheathams allegations, the issues explored in the case may raise questions about whether SLB will be able to meet its own goal of bringing more women into the company. While it doesnt disclose how many of its field workers are women, SLB is aiming for a 30% female workforce by 2030, it said in a corporate responsibility report last year. The global industry average is 22%.

SLB has acknowledged some of the difficulties its female workers face, saying in 2021 that an internal survey revealed more than half of its female employees couldnt go to work in the field at some point because they didnt have access to facilities there. A year later, SLBs then vice president of human resources, Gavin Rennick, told a conference that, despite efforts to improve diversity in the industry, we have yet to actually see the results.

There are two issues for women in the oil field, said Jane Stevenson, who leads the board and executive succession advisory practice at the hiring firm Korn Ferry. One is sexual harassment, which is just inappropriate and not condoned, period. The second issue is practical, she said: Difficulty getting the equipment I need that Im able to manage and handle, the uniforms, boots, etc.

It cannot continue, Cheatham said in an interview. We belong out here  we belong in this industry, and Im not going to let Schlumberger take that from me.

The case is Saidman v. Schlumberger Technology Corporation, 4:20-cv-02193, US District Court, Southern District of Texas.

Photo: Rig hands thread together drilling pipe at a well site. Photographer: Ty Wright/Bloomberg

Copyright 2023 Bloomberg.

Topics Lawsuits Energy Oil Gas
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Travelers must pay a $2 million claim by the owner of a 92-foot-long yacht that was sunk by Hurricane Irma because Florida law does not allow insurers to deny claims based on inconsequential technicalities.

A panel of the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a District Court decision that granted summary judgment for Ocean Reef Charters LLC. The opinion says a Florida law, known as an anti-technical statute, bars Travelers Property Casualty Co. of America from refusing payment solely because the owner did not have a full-time captain assigned to the the yacht as required by a warranty included with the insurance policy.

The decision cites two previous rulings by a Florida state appellate court and the 11th Circuit against insurers that denied claims because the policyholder did not comply with a warranty.

The rule from these cases is clear: to meet its burden under Floridas anti-technical statute, the insured must show that, under the circumstances of the specific accident at issue, the breach of the warranty had some material effect on the loss, the opinion says.

The motorized yacht known as My Lady did not have a full-time captain assigned to it in September 2017, when Hurricane Irma approached South Florida. Richard Gollel, whose company operated the yacht, asked the previous captain to temporarily retake the helm and drive the boat to safer waters.

Capt. Michael McCall initially agreed to fly down from Massachusetts, but after watching weather reports decided that there was no safe place to take the My Lady because Hurricane Irma was forecasted, at the time, to turn to the north take a path straight up the east coast.

Gollel decided to tie the boat up behind his home on the Intracoastal Waterway in Pompano Beach. Wind from Hurricane Irma a category 4 storm, tossed the boat until a mooring pile broke loose and My Lady struck a concrete seawall, breaking open its hull.

The yacht was a total loss. Gollels company filed a claim seeking the $2 million policy limit.

Travelers tried to steer the case to New York, where Gollels company is based in Rochester. The carrier filed a lawsuit seeking declaratory judgment in the Western District of New York.

New York law, like federal law and the laws of most states, requires insureds to strictly comply with warranties such as the full-time captain requirement, according to the opinion. The district court in New York, however, transferred the case to the Southern District of Florida, finding it a more suitable jurisdiction because of the location of the accident and witnesses.

The Southern Florida court initially ruled that federal law applies and granted a summary judgment motion in favor of Travelers. The 11th Circuit reversed, however, holding that Florida law applies to the claim.

On the second time around, the Southern Florida District Court ruled in favor of the insured because Travelers did not produce an expert witness who said that the hurricane damage could have been avoided if a licensed captain had been operating the yacht. Ocean Reef Charters called two expert witnesses who testified that having a professional captain would have made no difference because Gollel, an experienced boat pilot although not a licensed captain, had taken all the proper precautions.

On appeal, Travelers argued that it was not required to call an expert witness to show that the lack of compliance did increase the risk of damage to the yacht. But the 11th Circuit panel said the trial court made the right call.

The effect of Ocean Reefs failure to retain a full-time captain and crew leading up to and during Hurricane Irma is exactly the kind of issue that requires expert testimony, the opinion says.

The panel explained that the question of whether the presence of a full-time captain would have avoided the damage is hypothetical. The ability to answer hypothetical questions is what separates expert witness from lay testimony, the opinion says.

A lay witness cannot offer a hypothesis about what caused the My Lady to sink or what professional captains or crews might have done to change the outcome, the panel said. Indeed, the question here is what experts would have done differently to avoid the accident.

Topics Florida New York
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Two Georgia laws take effect Saturday, July 1, that affect insurance for ride-share operators and, potentially, workers compensation claims from hospital workers.

House Bill 529 lowers the minimum amount of uninsured and underinsured motorists coverage that ride-share companies must maintain. The previous law required at least $1 million in coverage. The new statute mandates a minimum of $300,000 for bodily injury or death of all persons in an accident. It also requires a maximum of $100,000 for death or injury to one person, and $25,000 for damage in an accident.

House Bill 383, known as the Safer Hospitals Act, increases the penalties for assaults against health care workers on the job. Anyone convicted of an assault could face three to 20 years in prison, reads the law. The act is similar to one approved by Florida lawmakers this year, but the Georgia law carries much stiffer penalties.

The Georgia measure also allows hospitals to establish their own police force, known as peace officers.

Assaults and threats against health workers have been on the rise in recent years, as have injuries to the victim workers. The rate of violent attacks against medical professionals jumped by 63% from 2011 to 2018, and health care workers account for 73% of all nonfatal workplace injuries from violence, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported.

Nurses and nursing assistants account for the largest share of workers compensation claims in the United States, almost 15% of all claims, according to information compiled by Intuit.

And the number of attacks may be underreported, at least one study suggests.

In Jacksonville, Florida, just over the Georgia line, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Adminstration this month fined a behavioral hospital for what the agency called shocking amounts of violence against nurses and other workers.

Topics Georgia Sharing Economy
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Republicans in the state legislature on Monday began efforts to override Democratic Gov. Roy Coopers veto of the General Assemblys annual farm bill, with the Senate successfully voting to enact the legislation despite his objections about how it would treat wetlands.

Cooper had blocked the measure last Friday, citing criticisms that also came from environmental groups about a provision that they said would increase risks of pollution and flooding when combined with a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision and existing state law.

But Republicans downplayed the threat, saying the changes would align the states scrutiny of wetlands with federal law and regulation and largely affect isolated terrain that rarely floods.

It is obvious that we have a huge divide in our philosophies of what wetlands are  in the state of North Carolina, as well as some discrepancy on how many acres will be affected, said Sen. Brent Jackson, a Sampson County Republican and the bills chief sponsor, before the 29-17 vote.

This will be a matter of difference of impact when we have a hurricane that drops millions of gallons of water on us and then it has nowhere to go.

Coopers administration has said it would leave about half of the states wetlands unprotected.

This will be a matter of difference of impact when we have a hurricane that drops millions of gallons of water on us and then it has nowhere to go, said Democratic Sen. Graig Meyer of Orange County, who opposed the provision. That will be so damaging to our people, including the farmers of North Carolina.

The measure now goes to the GOP-held House and would become law if that body also votes to override the veto by a margin similar to that in the Senate. The House set votes on Tuesday on the farm measure and on override motions on four other vetoed measures for which overrides were passed by the Senate last week.

The North Carolina Farm Act of 2023 also contains provisions on more than 30 other agriculture-related topics. They include limits on monetary penalties for cutting down timber in certain areas near bodies of water and telling veterinarians at least a week in advance before state regulators inspect their offices.

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Legislation North Carolina
Thirty minutes after midnight on Tuesday morning, a vehicle crashed into a utility pole near East Butler Avenue and South Babbitt Drive, disabling the Flagstaff Police Departments nonemergency phone line.

According to the Flagstaff Fire Department, a single car had rolled, hitting the pole. By the time FFD arrived, the vehicle was on fire. The two people that were in the car were helped out by bystanders and one was taken to Flagstaff Medical Center to be treated for injuries.

A power pole and stoplight were both damaged in the early-morning crash, according to Flagstaff police. The police department's nonemergency number was out of service and remained out of service until about 3:30 p.m. June 27.

As of about 2 p.m. on June 27, the traffic light was still out of commission, and officers were on scene helping to direct traffic. Utility workers were also on site working to restore service in a cherry picker.

The Coconino County Sheriffs Office nonemergency line is working now, so community members are encouraged to use that number at 928-774-4523. Residents can also file reports online at flagstaff.az.gov.

Any 911 calls are also being routed through Arizona Department of Public Safety, and according to FPD spokesperson Jerry Rintala, officers are still responding normally to calls for service.

Its just one extra step in the chain to get people dispatched, Rintala said. When lines go down, it can affect different aspects of normal everyday business, but weve always found a workaround and gotten people the services they need.
Individuals from two construction companies in Californias Bay Area were arraigned on charges of conspiring to misclassify workers to avoid paying workers compensation insurance, payroll taxes and insurance premiums.

The first complaint against Candido Silva, Itamar De Morais Junior, and Irma Ruiz-Alarcon of Atlas Pavers details how they unlawfully paid more than $12 million to its unlicensed and misclassified construction crews from 2016 through 2019.

The complaint also alleges that the defendants discussed a desire to avoid insurance with the State Compensation Insurance Fund because they knew that SCIF would require an audit of the companys books.

The second complaint charged Christopher Ray Vieira and Gilbert Roland Guiotti with operating Centrox Construction of San Bruno as a shell company to route unlawful payments to unlicensed subcontractors for Atlas Pavers and others. Both men have been charged with the unlawful use of their CSLB license to aid and abet payments from companies advertising to consumers as licensed contractors to their unlicensed and misclassified subcontractor labor crews.

The complaint also alleges Centrox received a percentage for routing millions of dollars in payroll funds to unlicensed and misclassified subcontractor crews  while fraudulently underreporting the workers total compensation amounts to SCIF.

The investigation into Atlas Pavers and Centrox Construction was conducted by the Contra Costa District Attorneys Office, Contractors State Licensing Board and the California Department of Insurance.

California law requires contractors to be licensed in their specialized field, obtain workers comp and pay taxes.

Topics California Fraud Workers' Compensation Contractors
Source: Streetwise Reports

June 28, 2023 (Investorideas.com Newswire) TAG Oil considers its drilling on the Abu Roash F Reservoir to be a success, and is considering the establishment of a second horizontal well. Read on to see the how much TAG has produced.

TAG Oil Ltd. (TAO:TSX.V; TAOIF:OTCQX) has released an update on the productivity of the BED 1-7 well on the Abu-Roash F reservoir.

The company has also discussed its plans for a new horizontal well on the site, which is expected to start drilling in July.

Production Update

TAG Oil has provided an update on the production of the BED 1-7 well. Since the initial flowback of the BED 1-7 well on April 23, 2023, the well has unloaded to surface completion fluid from the fracture simulation and formation oil under natural flow. The company temporarily shut down the well in order to install certain pieces of infrastructure, such as production tubing and a downhole electric submersible pump (ESP).

The well began production in May of 2023. It is located on the Abu-Roash F (ARF) reservoir. With the ESP pump running at 150 barrels to 200 barrels per day, it continued to unload the remaining fluid with a gradual increase of formation oil over the first week.

Over the past two weeks, downhole pump intake pressure and production leveled to an average rate of 140 barrels per day, with an average of 5% water content.

The company intends to maintain the same pump speed of 10/64 inches to monitor performance for the next 30 to 60 days. Cumulative oil production from the well to date is over 4,000 barrels of 23-degree API oil.

The performance of the BED 1-7 vertical well test met the company's objectives, including the diagnostic fracture injection test pressure leak-off for indications of reservoir parameters, fluid samples from the ARF, successful large single-stage fracture treatment on the ARF and inflow performance testing of the stimulated well. The company also gathered new information on operations in the Western Desert of Egypt, improving the company's future plans, especially for a new horizontal well.

The T100 horizontal well is the company's newest plan for the ARF. The company successfully secured a suitable drilling rig for the well and designed a multistage fracture stimulation completion of the ARF formation. The rig will be transported by mid-July and is scheduled to start drilling shortly after.

A Complicated Market

At the end of May, oil prices slid back by 5%. West Texas Intermediate crude fell to US$69.02 per barrel, and Brent crude fell to US$73.16 per barrel.

The industry was unsettled by unrest in the political sphere, as dissent in the Republican party almost caused a default for the United States, according to Business Insider.

According to Reuters, Iran's exports have increased to new highs despite sanctions meant to prohibit its production of nuclear materials. At 1.5 million barrels per day last month, Iran produced more oil than it has since 2018.

However, according to Sara Vakhshouri of SVB, "All of these supply volumes are in the dark market, where there is no transparency, and so they are not reflected in formal global supply and export data." This rise has also come at a time when OPEC+ is trying to make cuts.

Anticipating the Future

On June 20, 2023, analyst Bill Newman of Research Capital Corp. noted that TAG represents a possible 93% return for investors: "Research Capital maintained its Speculative Buy rating and CA$1.35 price target on TAG, currently trading at about CA$0.70 per share."

TAG is focused on the exploration and development of later-life conventional assets, and its utilization of advanced technologies and unconventional experience to drive production makes it unique in the oil and gas industry.

The company's future plan is to focus on producing oil and generating cash flow off of larger, more complex assets. TAG has a history of building companies to sell, such as Bankers Petroleum, Rally Energy, and Kuwait Energy.

The company is expecting the completion of its second horizontal well to be completed in December 2023 or January 2024.

Ownership and Share Structure

Askar Alshinbayev owns 10.89% of the company with 16.99 million shares, Abdel Fattah Z Badwi owns 2.04% with 3.19 million, Shawn Reynolds owns 1.52% with 2.38 million, Suneel Gupta owns 1.02% with 1.59 million, Barry MacNeil owns 0.87% with 1.35 million, Toby Robert Pierce owns 0.81% with 1.26 million, and Gavin Hugh Lothian Wilson owns 0.74% with 1.15 million shares.

YF Finance, Ltd. owns 8.34% with 13.01 million shares, Purpose Investments Inc. owns 1.11% with 1.73 million, and Novum Asset Management AG owns 0.65% with 1.02 million.

The company reports that it has CA$24 million in the bank and a monthly burn rate of CA$400k per month.

The company reports no potential sellers. There are 6.25 million warrants which represent 4% of the shares.

There are 155.99 million shares outstanding, and 114.62 million free-float traded shares. The market cap is CA$82.96 million, and it trades in the 52-week range between CA$0.25 and CA$0.79.

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Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions.

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Source: Streetwise Reports

June 28, 2023 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Blackwolf Copper and Gold Ltd. has acquired Canadian company Optimum, and made new addition to leadership team. Read on to see how Blackwolf is positioned in a hot copper market.

Blackwolf Copper and Gold Ltd. (BWCG:TSX.V) has made three major announcements: one about a change in company management and the acquisition of Optimum, a Canadian-based company.

The other came on June 26, when the company reported it would start mobilizing its geological team to commence early-stage setup and preparation work on the Cantoo Project near Hyder, Alaska.

The Cantoo Project

The Cantoo Project is a 13-hectare area comprised of 63 claims. Blackwolf gained 100% interest in the project as of May 2021

In light of this news, CEO Morgan Lekstrom commented, "We are very pleased to get our 2023 exploration season underway through the mobilization of our team at the Cantoo and Hyder projects in SW Alaska. This is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Blackwolf, with the maiden drill program at our Cantoo project now fully permitted with a drilling vendor engaged and ready to work. Concurrently, the recently announced Optimum Ventures transaction positions Blackwolf to make discoveries on both sides of the BC Alaska border at Optimum's Harry project, nearby and on-trend to Cantoo. Blackwolf will provide a comprehensive exploration update when drills are mobilized-targeting in mid-July."

Drilling at the Cantoo Project is expected to begin soon.

A New Acquisition and Changes in Management

Blackwolf Copper and Gold Ltd. have appointed Robert McLeod as executive chairman and Morgan Lekstrom as CEO and director. Mr. McLeod, as executive chairman, will take on the responsibility of guiding the board, directing exploration programs, co-developing the strategic direction, and working closely with the incoming CEO on transformational growth opportunities. Mr. Lekstrom will start immediately as CEO. The collaboration between Mr. McLeod and Mr. Lekstrom is expected to create positive growth catalysts for the company.

According to Mr. McLeod, "I have known Morgan for many years and watched him grow into a mining leader that I believe will be a strong part of fostering significant growth for Blackwolf. We believe Blackwolf is exceptionally well positioned to lead the pack in the Golden Triangle, with the right team and strong investor base."

Blackwolf Copper and Gold Ltd. also announced that it entered a non-binding letter of intent (LOI) for a proposed deal where Blackwolf will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Optimum Ventures Ltd.

The LOI predicts that the shareholders of Optimum will receive 0.65 of a Blackwolf common share for each Optimum common share held, which would add up to 26% of the company's outstanding common shares. At the close of this transaction, Andrew Bowering would be appointed to the board of directors of Blackwolf.

Andrew Bowering of Optimum said, "Rob McLeod and I first started working together in the Golden Triangle in 1995 when he was a junior geologist with Homestake Mining, and I managed investor relations for Teuton Resources. I look forward to working with him again, with young, enthusiastic CEO Morgan Lekstrom and mining entrepreneur and major shareholder Frank Giustra in our combined company."

Optimum is a Canadian mineral exploration company that is seeking out opportunities in the resource sector. Its properties are all located in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia and Alaska.

Blackwolf Copper and Gold Ltd. also announced that it entered a non-binding letter of intent (LOI) for a proposed deal where Blackwolf will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Optimum Ventures Ltd. The LOI predicts that the shareholders of Optimum will receive 0.65 of a Blackwolf common share for each Optimum common share held, which would add up to 26% of the company's outstanding common shares. At the close of this transaction, Andrew Bowering would be appointed to the board of directors of Blackwolf.

Blackwolf would acquire all the issued and outstanding securities of Optimum within the agreed-upon terms. Each of Optimum's directors and officers, along with significant shareholders, are expected to enter into voting support agreements in favor of the proposed transaction. Upon completion of the transaction, the company's board of directors will consist of six members, with five of those consisting of current members of the board at Blackwolf, and the other will be Mr. Bowering.

The LOI provides for a binding exclusivity period whereby each party agrees to negotiate exclusively with each other. The LOI is not binding and does not obligate the parties to enter into a definitive agreement or go forward with the proposed transaction.

A Market of Growth

According to Kitco News, in a recent Department of Industry, Science, Energy, and Resources of the Government of Australia, copper consumption may be positively impacted by the push for green energy.

The report predicts that electric vehicles will account for 10% of refined copper consumption by 2030. Global copper consumption may grow at a yearly rate of 2.7% until 2028.

An Attractive Return on Investment

Couloir Capital released a report that called Blackwolf Copper and Gold an "attractive return on investment," citing the company's new Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) and its potential return on investment of 65%. Couloir said, "The updated mineral resource update at Niblack is a major milestone and establishes the project as a 400,000,000 pound copper equivalent deposit."

Blackwolf recently outlined its plan for the Cantoo drill target, where shallow stacked wide, high veins are a high priority for drilling in June of 2023. The company's value has been underpinned by the recently updated MRE, which showed 5.85MT indicated and 0.21MT inferred high-grade Cu, Au, Zn, and Ag resources at Niblack. The company has a path and vision for the hub and spock polymetallic mines and mill concept at Kitsault between Blackwolf, Dolly Varden, and three other companies.

Ownership and Share Structure

Management and investors own 9.2% of the company. Frank Giustra owns 13.4% of the company, Robert John McLeod owns 4.23% with 2.31 million shares, Jessica Van Den Akker owns 0.60% with 0.33 million shares, and Marilyne Lacasse owns 0.26% with 0.14 million shares.

Frank Giustra is a strategic investor.

Institutional investors own 11.08% of the company. Crescat Capital, LLC, owns 6.0%, Delbrook Capital owns 4.3%, and American Money Management, LLC, owns 0.02% with 0.01 million shares.

The company reports that it has CA$8.5 million in the bank as of April 4, 2023.

There are no reported sellers or warrants overhang.

There are 54.51 million shares outstanding and 41.02 million free-float traded shares.

The company has a market cap of CA$12.8 million. It trades in the 52-week period between CA$0.20 and CA$0.49.

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Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions.

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New Brunswick, N.J. - June 28, 2023 (Investorideas.com Newswire) An analysis of oxygen levels in Earth's oceans may provide some rare, good news about the health of the seas in a future, globally warmed world.

A Rutgers-led study published in Nature analyzing ocean sediment shows that ocean oxygen levels in a key area were higher during the Miocene warm period, some 16 million years ago when the Earth's temperature was hotter than it is today.

In recent decades, levels of life-sustaining oxygen in the ocean have been decreasing, raising concerns that oxygen-deficient zones in key parts of the world oceans will expand, further harming marine life.

Scientists have attributed the trend to climate change-induced rising temperatures, which affect the amount of oxygen that can be absorbed from the atmosphere.

"Our study shows that the eastern equatorial Pacific, which today is home to the largest oxygen-deficient zone in the oceans, was well oxygenated during the Miocene warm period, despite the fact that global temperatures at that time were higher than at present," said Anya Hess, the lead author of the study and a Rutgers doctoral student working with Yair Rosenthal, a Distinguished Professor focused on marine and Earth sciences with the Rutgers School of Art and Sciences and the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences.

Hess added: "This suggests that current oxygen loss may ultimately reverse."

The fastest rates of oxygen loss in recent decades have been in oxygen-deficient zones, and they are expected to continue to expand and become shallower, threatening fisheries by shrinking fish habitat. However, climate models diverge in their predictions of how these zones will respond beyond the year 2100, inspiring the team to investigate more.

To test current climate models, researchers chose the mid-Miocene, when climate conditions were similar to those predicted for the next few centuries in the current era of climate change. Researchers examined ocean sediments deposited during the mid-Miocene in the eastern equatorial Pacific. The sediments were recovered from the seafloor by scientists aboard the National Science Foundation-funded research vessel JOIDES Resolution as part of what is now known as the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP).

The researchers isolated the fossilized remains of microorganisms the size of individual grains of sand that live in the water column called foraminifera. The scientists analyzed the chemical composition of the foraminifera, which reflects the chemical profile of the ancient ocean. They discerned oxygen levels of ancient oceans in a few ways, including using isotopes of nitrogen - forms of the element that have a different relative atomic mass - as detectors. The isotopes are sensitive to a process called denitrification that only occurs at very low oxygen levels. They also employed a method of analysis that compares levels of iodine and calcium and gives subtle readings that can differentiate between well-oxygenated conditions and moderately well-oxygenated conditions.

The methods showed the area was well oxygenated during the height of Miocene warmth, even approaching modern day levels seen in the open-ocean South Pacific.

"These results were unexpected and suggest that the solubility-driven loss of oxygen that has occurred in recent decades is not the end of the story for oxygen's response to climate change," Rosenthal said.

Other authors on the study include Ken Miller, a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences in the Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences, Alexandra Auderset and Alfredo Martinez-Garcia of the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Germany, Daniel Sigman of Princeton University and Xiaoli Zhou of Tongji University in China.

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32m in funding has been announced for agri-food processing and marketing projects across the country.

The investment will deliver 12 capital projects in primary food plants.

This is the second funding announcement under the 100m Capital Investment Scheme for the Processing and Marketing of Agriculture products.

In total, the scheme, when complete, will have backed 34 projects with total public and private investment of more than 420m, of which the 12 capital projects in this second funding phase will account for 160m.

The scheme is administered by Enterprise Ireland.

The scheme aims to assist companies in strengthening their operational capability and pursuing product and market diversification strategies and supporting the long-term future of the agri-food sector.

Announcing the funding, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney said that the project will help in "sustaining jobs and enhancing the export potential of this vital sector".

"Our agri-food sector employs 165,000 people in every county in Ireland and is a key driver of local economic prosperity," Mr Coveney said.

"The Government is determined to support the long-term, sustainable future of the sector as it responds to consumer demand and seeks to diversify both its products and its markets."

Future-proof

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said that it is "crucial that we move to help future-proof all elements of the sector to ensure we can continue to meet new market dynamics and emerging trends".

"There are challenges facing our food producers, including input costs, changing consumer demand, and our changed trading relationship with the UK," he said.

"The sector has proved remarkably resilient in tackling these challenges."

Mr McConalogue said that the funding will ensure that food companies can invest in "ambitious strategies for future value growth" in established and emerging markets and with product innovations "that match changing consumer demand".

"It is critical that these investments are used to help drive greater returns for farm families and primary producers," he said.

Resilience

Minister of State with responsibility for new market development Martin Heydon said that the agri-food sector "has shown its resilience to overcome the serious disruption" to international trade last year, with strong agri-food export growth across important sectors including dairy and meat.

"Capital investment in the sector will ensure continued product and market diversification which is essential for the continued long-term development of the agri-food sector, and the farms it supports throughout rural communities in Ireland," Mr Heydon said.

Under the scheme, Dairygold Co-op is receiving 1.4m for market and product diversification in the nutritional market.

Lakeland Dairies is receiving 4.5m for post-Brexit market diversification, while Tirlan is receiving 1.4m for a product and market diversification project, and 3.9m for a product diversification project focused on the nutritional market.

Dew Valley Foods is the recipient of 5m for a post-Brexit market diversification project, while Liffey Meats is receiving 2.1m for a product and market diversification project.
I have again sailed the holy seas of the Pacific and arrived in Davao, Philippines.

Joining me are eight wonderful alumni of The Institute of Education.

I am always so pleased when past students contact me wanting to get involved in the Embrace Badjao charity.

They could be anywhere right now: Summer holidays with friends, saving for the year ahead, preparing for Erasmus or even sleeping, but, instead, they choose to give up two weeks of their summer to travel across the world and work with the incredible children of the Badjao tribe.

We hear so much negative talk about millennials and Gen Z: Oh, these kids cant handle anything, they lack resilience, theyre so bloody selfish, how will they manage the real world?.

I dont know whose voice that is, maybe its mine! But the voice is wrong.

The students that have joined me this year, like all the others I have worked with over the years, have given themselves fully to the experience.

One student who travelled with me in 2019 messaged me to say he saw we were travelling to Davao and wanted to join the project while he was travelling in Asia.

He cycled the coast of Ireland in 2019 to raise funds for the school we built this year. Such is Breffny OReillys connection to the Badjao tribe.

The reaction of the Badjao children when they saw Breffny was truly moving. They were unconcerned about gifts or presents.

They only celebrate that you have taken the time to be with them. And being with the Badjao is a truly spiritual experience.

We met the Badjao children and brought them all to McDonald's. Its always a highlight of the trip.

Just watching our students interact with the Badjao children is fascinating.

We are so guarded in the West. God forbid we express an emotion or show that we like something. Thats so embarrassing.

I try to help teenagers out of that kind of thinking when I work in schools in Ireland.

I explain the importance of being yourself, that its the greatest gift you will ever have.

I tell them to avoid getting caught in the error that they must fit in to please someone elses idea of who they should be because I know that leads to confusion and self-loathing later in life.

Being authentic is such an important aspect of human happiness. But the moment our students step into the unfiltered, unguarded world of the Badjao, it changes them. They become unguarded and more authentic.

Embrace Badjao in action.

One of the students on the trip said to me, I dont know what it is Im feeling being with the children, but they are all so authentic.

It is that authenticity that appeals to Irish students. We teach children in Ireland to fit in, to be careful of their emotions, and not to let them show too much; we teach them its a sign of weakness.

And being with the Badjao shows them the joy of being yourself, unconcerned with social expectations.

That is always such a learning moment for our students. They realise they have been living under a misapprehension, and that being connected to each other and unworried about making a fool of yourself is liberating.

I think our students feel liberated. I see the impact it has on how they connect with each other.

They become a little more tactile and caring, a little less concerned with being embarrassed. It is such a wonderful thing to see.

They are also not on their phones while they are here working with the Badjao. There is no wifi in many parts of Davao, and our students take so easily to living without it.

As I write this article, they are all sitting next to each other, talking about what they will teach tomorrow. The laughter and conversation are a joy to witness.

They have all commented on how refreshing it is to take a break from their devices. We have come to believe we must have our devices with us at all times, for fear we are missing out.

But it disconnects us and keeps us in a state of flux. The irony is we miss out on so much. Its sad to see so many people plugged out from life going on all around them.

I have certainly fallen into that at times, and have to really work to make sure it isnt a constant feature of my everyday lived experience.

'Manong' Richard Hogan, with some of the young people of Embrace Badjao, earlier this year.

Watching our students, who all grew up with ubiquitous technology and smartphones, disconnect from them so easily and connect with each other, is wonderfully uplifting.

I see how quickly we can move out of the habit many of us are caught in, but I also know from experience how quickly they will all move back into that habit. But, for now, its lovely to see.

For ten days, these students will take a break from their lives and live with the Badjao children.

They have come here to work with the children of the Badjao tribe, but I know they will learn more about themselves than they ever thought possible.

They will learn so much about who they are and what they are capable of. Once again, it has been an incredible honour to be with the Badjao tribe.

It is one of the greatest privileges of my life to be welcomed into the tribe, as a friend and to witness young Irish adults give their time and be authentic with the tribe. What a joy!
The only advocacy group for endometriosis, a disease that affects up to 250,000 Irish women, was not consulted in setting up a new Government framework for the treatment, the Oireachtas Health Committee has heard.

Women can wait years for diagnosis despite crippling symptoms. That can lead to people fearing unemployment or being told they have irritable bowel syndrome and depression, the Endometriosis Association of Ireland (EAI) said.

They are in the dark about how the framework will work and what data was used to calculate the number of specialist centres required.

Vice-chairwoman Ilana Darcy said despite plans for clinics, including at Cork University Maternity Hospital, there is a long way to go.

We welcome the positive steps taken here and also with the development of the National Endometriosis Framework. However, we have concerns over how well-understood endometriosis is and whether the needs of the patients have been fully considered, she said.

She said long wait times for diagnosis and treatment persist and women are still travelling abroad for treatment.

Ms Darcy was only diagnosed with endometriosis at 36 despite having been told at 16 she had PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).

Social Democrats TD Rosin Shortall found it incredible the EAI was not consulted.

EAI secretary Beibhinn Nic Liam told her: We would like to be involved because I think it is important that the patient view is carried through to make an effective framework.

She said a press release by the Department of Health indicates doctors will work on the basis of a presumed diagnosis".

She added: Because the symptoms of Endo overlap with so many other conditions, there is a real danger of being misdiagnosed and I think it is important that we continue to have a proper diagnosis and not just a presumed diagnosis.

Ms Shortall said: I cant help thinking if it was one in ten men (affected) it would be a different story altogether.

Cross border treatment

EAI members agreed some women had relief from surgery abroad.

While the cross border directive was put in place to help facilitate this, not everyone is eligible, there are up-front costs which leave it out of reach for many and those who do travel are faced with the distress, loneliness and complications associated with travelling abroad for medical treatment, Ms Darcy said.

Aimee Brown from Roscrea, Co Tipperary who has endometriosis. She has received a licence to use cannabis to treat the pain.

She said advocates including Aimee Brown, who lives in Tipperary, have travelled and, also in her case, rely on medical cannabis as mainstream treatment is not available.

EAI chairman Damien Donoghue said his partner travelled to England for endometriosis treatment, but added he is a nurse and has clinical concerns around the added stresses this can cause.

He also called for greater patient involvement in the framework to help address this, telling committee chair Sean Crowe they do not have enough information about what regional treatment will be available.

We dont have enough information in regards to what that is going to look like, he said. As one of the main (Slaintecare) principles the patient is paramount; we are that advocacy voice and we should be discussing what those next steps are. Wed welcome that. We are left in the dark a little bit in saying these are positive steps but what are the next steps?
The Irish government has asked the UK government for the earliest possible sight of the terms of reference for its Omagh bomb inquiry to clarify what its involvement will be.

Tanaiste and foreign affairs minister Micheal Martin and justice minister Helen McEntee met with family members of some of those who lost their lives in the dissident republican blast which hit the Co Tyrone town on August 15 1998.

The bomb killed 29 people, including a woman pregnant with twins, and injured hundreds of others.

Omagh bomb campaigners Stanley McCombe, left, and Michael Gallagher (Brian Lawless/PA)

In 2021, a Belfast High Court judge recommended that the UK government carry out an investigation into alleged security failings in the lead up to the attack, and that a similar investigation should be established by the Irish government.

The UKs Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris announced in February that there would be an independent inquiry into the fatal explosion, and Alan Turnbull has been appointed as the chair.

Omagh bomb campaigners Stanley McCombe, who lost his wife Ann; Michael Gallagher, who lost his son Aiden; and his daughter Cat Gallagher-Wilkinson met with the senior Irish government figures in Iveagh House in Dublin for over an hour on Wednesday.

Prior to the meeting, Mr Gallagher said there was a strong cross-border element to the bombing, and that if an inquiry was not held in the Republic, he said it would be like reading half a book.

Cat Gallagher-Wilkinson, centre, met with Tanaiste Micheal Martin, right, and justice minister Helen McEntee, left, at Iveagh House in Dublin (Department of Foreign Affairs/PA)

Eighty per cent of the evidential opportunities lie within the Republic. I think the Irish government realise that they have a serious part to play in all of this. Were looking forward to hearing what they have to say this afternoon, he said.

John Fox, a solicitor for the Omagh families, said after the meeting that it had been very positive.

It was reconfirmed by the Irish government that they are committed to co-operating with any forthcoming inquiry, he said.

They are going to take away from the meeting today to look at the mechanisms in which that co-operation can be placed, and once the terms of reference are known, they can then implement that mechanism and co-operate fully with us as the families to make sure that we get to truth and justice.

Fine Gael senator Emer Currie said that it was a crucial meeting for the families, which was about opening the lines of communication on what next steps the Irish government intended to take.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin, centre left, said it was important to hear from the families (Department of Foreign Affairs/PA)

Ms Currie, the daughter of founding member of the SDLP Austin Currie, said that it was also about reassuring the families about how seriously the Irish government was taking this.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Martin said that when there was clarity on the UK inquiry, cabinet would consider the response Ireland would make.

He said it was important to hear from the families about how the Irish government could assist them.

We are currently waiting on the publication of the terms of reference for the statutory inquiry into the Omagh bombing, announced earlier this year by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, he said.

Last week, in London, I asked Chris Heaton-Harris for the earliest possible sight of those terms of reference now that a chair of the Omagh Bombing Inquiry has been announced.

When we have clarity on the nature of the UK inquiry, I will then consider, along with the minister for justice and my cabinet colleagues, the next steps in this jurisdiction.

The needs of the victims of that unspeakable attack will be at the heart of any action that the government takes.

As we approach the 25th anniversary of the attack, we will not be found wanting.

The Omagh bombing was a savage attack, carried out with disregard for the people of this island. It also showed total disregard for the overwhelming support for the Good Friday Agreement which was shown in referendums just months before the bombing.

Ms McEntee spoke in the Dail on Tuesday night about the Omagh bomb attack, ahead of its 25th anniversary this August.

As has been done in relation to a number of historical inquiries, this state will co-operate fully as may be required

It was a brutal atrocity and an act of mass murder, she said.

The terrorists who carried it out had simply no sense of humanity. It is they who carry responsibility for this cruel act and we must never forget that.

Earlier this year, the UK announced its intention to establish an inquiry into the preventability of the Omagh bombing.

We await further detail regarding the terms of reference of the inquiry.

As has been done in relation to a number of historical inquiries, this state will co-operate fully as may be required.
A garda has appeared in court accused of dangerous driving and endangerment of life in connection with an incident where three men were killed in a collision on the N7 in Dublin two years ago.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed a prosecution over the pursuit of the three men, who were members of a Tallaght-based gang.

Dean Maguire, 29, Karl Freeman, 26, and Graham Taylor, 31, died instantly when their BMW vehicle burst into flames following a head-on crash with a truck between Citywest and Baldonnel on July 7, 2021, while they were driving on the wrong side of the road fleeing gardai.

A file was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions by the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (Gsoc), which investigated the circumstances of the fatal crash. Garda John Francis Ryan, of Tallaght station, was summonsed to appear before Judge Joanne Carroll at Dublin District Court on Wednesday morning.

He is accused of endangerment of life and three counts of dangerous driving. Dressed in a white shirt, dark tie, navy trousers and brown shoes, he came forward when the case was called and stood next to his solicitor Elizabeth Hughes. However, there was no representative from the DPP at the proceedings.

The officer has not indicated a plea, and his case has been adjourned until October 4.

The dangerous driving incidents allegedly occurred at Brookfield Road, the N82 Citywest roundabout and Cheeverstown Road. The endangerment of life charge alleges driving of a vehicle westwards on the eastwards auxiliary lane between Rathcoole and Citywest in a reckless manner which posed substantial risk of death or serious injury to a member of the public. That offence is under section 13 of the Non-Fatal Offences against the Persons Act 1997.

Ms Elizabeth Hughes told Judge Carroll her application was for disclosure of prosecution evidence with any CCTV footage there may.

Judge Carroll asked if a representative of the DPP was present or if the defence solicitor had seen one in court. I have not, judge, replied Ms Hughes.

The judge then wanted to know if the investigating member was present and again enquired if anyone from the DPPs office was there.

Designated investigating officer with Gsoc, Sean Campbell, told the court: There was a request, and there does not appear to be anybody here. I have been onto the office, and I dont believe there will be anybody here.

The judge asked if the case was listed for a plea to be entered or to set a hearing date, but the defence said that disclosure of evidence was sought. Asked if he could comply, the Gsoc officer replied: I can indeed.

Judge Carroll adjourned the case until October 4 for a plea or hearing date to be set. She also acceded to an application from Ms Hughes to order the media not to publish the gardas address.

The accused stood silently throughout the hearing but said thanks as the judge made her final order. Directions from the DPP have yet to be given about the trial venue, whether it would be heard in the District Court or in the Circuit Court, which has broader sentencing powers.

The defendant did not leave via the normal exit after being escorted to a restricted area of the building which was not open to the public. Members of the Maguire family and their solicitor Michael Finucane were at the hearing.

A coroners inquest into the three mens deaths has already been opened but adjourned pending the criminal proceedings.
Direct action has been around as long as there have been hierarchies to rebel against but in an age of increasing uncertainty, should we be concerned about this type of activism?

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.

In simple terms, direct action is the use of public protest rather than negotiation with the authorities to achieve goals and objectives. It involves doing, rather than asking, and is used by the right or the left. It bypasses representational politics, rejecting the idea that the State is the ultimate mediator of social conflict.

On the first day of the recent Consultative Forum on International Security Policy, gardai removed anti-Nato protesters who disrupted Tanaiste Micheal Martins opening address in UCC. Other protests and interruptions occurred at the Forum in Galway and Dublin with some protesters calling for neutrality to be enshrined in our Constitution.

President Michael D Higgins and others claimed the Consultative Forum  also called a forum on neutrality  was too heavily weighted with speakers with pro-Nato sympathies and that the Government is really inching towards jettisoning our neutrality. While it must have been irritating to be interrupted as a speaker, maybe protest is playing a valuable role in alerting the public.

A fortnight ago, climate activists called Tyre Extinguishers deflated tyres of SUVs in Churchtown, Dublin, leaving a note telling owners to cycle instead because of the damage to the environment caused by the gas guzzlers. It included a line: Youll be angry, but dont take it personally. Its not you, its your car.

Climate

In Britain, disruptive direct-action environmental campaigns have included Just Stop Oil which last October saw soup thrown at Vincent Van Goghs Sunflowers in the National Gallery in London and in April, the disruption of the World Snooker Championships by protesters in Sheffield pouring orange powder on a snooker table.

But do such actions draw public conversation towards vital issues or simply turn people off? Depending on your perspective you may view direct actionists as admirable anti-authoritarian radicals fighting for a world they want to live in or as law-breaking thugs who illegitimately cross the line.

But the fact climate direct actionists, often young, are increasingly pursuing goals outside the bounds of the system to get the governmental engine going isnt a shocker.

It is clear that current interventions to stop global warming are nowhere near enough. Last week, a freak severe summer hailstorm that would normally only be seen in winter along with flash flooding hit Enniscorthy.

In the last fortnight, sea temperatures off the west of Ireland and the north-east coast of England are several degrees above normal, smashing records. Great for an old dip, but not so great for marine life.

Canada has been vaporised by wildfires. Central England has seen exceptionally violent storms. Two weeks ago, at a Louis Tomlinson concert in Colorado, hailstones broke the bones of concertgoers.

This month, it was reported that Ireland is to miss its 2030 climate targets by a wide margin, including all sectors, comprising agriculture, industry, electricity, and transport.

Misplaced anger

Other recent Irish direct action includes demonstrations by anti-LGBT groups in libraries, objecting to the availability of books related to LGBT+ material. Claiming it is pornographic and aimed at children, they recently entered Cork City library several times protesting and recording videos of staff without their consent which they posted online. It was reported that Cork City librarians might strike over fears for their safety.

Over the last two years, anti-public health protesters reportedly entered pharmacies in Cork City making accusations relating to provision of covid vaccines, filming staff and posting footage online.

Protesters outside Dublin Castle, where the third day of the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy was taking place. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

Staff in asylum centres have also been subject to intimidation. In April in Mullingar, workers and asylum seekers were followed and recorded. It seems unfair that regular workers should bear the brunt of this misplaced anger rather than the politicians who frame policy.

(Also, it is worth noting that these latter protests are specifically singling out and targetting innocent employees whereas environmental and neutrality protestors restrict themselves to disrupting events or daily lifeannoying, inconveniencing, perhaps, but not threatening or intimidatory.)

Far-right protests

Last month, in Inch, Co. Clare, agitators from Dublin and elsewhere attached themselves to local peaceful protests. A distinction could be drawn between local people frustrated at not being consulted by what they perceive to be a high-handed metropolitan government cocooned in leafy enclaves where services are not stretched to capacity because of the sudden arrival of asylum seekers and far-right, anti-migrant agitators stoking tensions for their own ends.

One thing we have in our favour in Ireland is that unlike in other countries, we dont have any elected cynical right-leaning politicians manipulating boots on the ground to further their goals. But we do have a small number of individuals trying to infiltrate our communities and hijack the response to asylum seekers.

Read More Irish flag being weaponised, Taoiseach tells security forum

And even if some people are frustrated at the Governments lack of communication with communities over asylum seekers or lack of investment in infrastructure to support increased numbers in towns and villages, we must guard against co-option by far-right agitators. The drift towards fascism happens incrementally. Resentment penetrates thinking, then language, followed by action.

In the US, direct action has been used most obviously by Trump supporters who, in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election, blocked streets and bridges, tried to stop vote counting in ballot centres and intimated poll workers. A most extreme iteration of direct action resulted in the January 2021 attack on the US Capitol Building.

Generalised fear

Arguably those who feel hopelessly cut off from power and influence have to find alternative actions. Covid brought about many disruptions and disjunctions, some economic, some relating to mental health and wellbeing. The after-effects pervade every corner of our lives. Arriving on the heels of years of austerity, it stokes a growing sense of social inequality. And only the truly deluded can fail to see Mother Earth is deeply unhappy.

While multiple factors may drive this uptick in direct action, one baseline cause may be a sort of generalised fear. Fear is a primary emotion creating a sense of vulnerability and loss of control and one way of attempting to deal with these feelings is by subconsciously shifting to anger.

Just Stop Oil activists during a protest in Westminster, central London. Picture: James Manning/PA

If the political system is to retain its legitimacy, then political representatives need to listen, communicate, think outside the box and take action to assuage the fears of ordinary people, many of whom are exhausted by the seeming impossibility of everyday life.

Otherwise, well be seeing a rise in confrontational, if not violent, direct action like we have seen in America, once vaunted as the most robust democracy in the world.
CCTV: An ROK media outlet recently reported that according to an anonymous source, the Japanese government obtained beforehand the draft report of the IAEA Task Force reviewing Japans discharge of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and raised substantive revision suggestions, exerting inappropriate influence on the conclusion of the final report. The media report also says that Japanese officials made political donations worth over EUR 1 million to the staff of the IAEA Secretariat. Do you have any comment?

Mao Ning: The report has come to our serious attention. The Japanese government has a responsibility to give a credible explanation and the public also needs a response from the IAEA Secretariat. Whats in that report has increased the worlds concern over Japans discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean. People have every reason to question the impartiality and objectivity of the final review report of the IAEA Task Force.

Chinas position on the discharge of the nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean is consistent. The discharge affects the common interests of the international community. It is not Japans domestic affair. China urges Japan to take seriously both international and domestic concerns, stop forcibly proceeding with its ocean discharge plan, handle the nuclear-contaminated water in a science-based, safe and transparent way and subject itself to rigorous international oversight. We also hope that the IAEA Secretariat will act in an objective, professional and just manner, fully respect and adopt the views of experts of all parties in the Task Force and present a review report that can withstand the test of science and history, instead of endorsing Japans discharge plan. The world is watching with eyes wide open.

Reuters: According to reports, when asked about China supporting Ukraines goals of reclaiming regions now occupied by Russia, Chinas envoy to the EU Fu Cong said I dont see why not. Did Fu indeed say this? And is this also the Chinese governments position?

Mao Ning: Chinas position on the Ukraine crisis is consistent and clear-cut. We believe that all sides need to work towards creating enabling conditions for a political settlement of the crisis through dialogue and negotiation.

CRI: According to reports, Bernardo Arevalo, a presidential candidate in Guatemala, said in an interview on June 27 that Guatemala needs to formulate its foreign policy independently based on its national interest. If he wins the election, he will seek to develop friendly relations with China and the Taiwan region on the basis of mutual respect. Whats your comment?

Mao Ning: There is only one China in the world. The government of the Peoples Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinas territory. Standing up for the one-China principle is the right thing to do. It has the overwhelming support of the international community and represents the trend of the world. We are convinced that more countries will choose to stand on the right side of history and make the right decision that serves the fundamental and long-term interests of their countries and peoples.

RIA Novosti: The White House press corps reported that US President Joe Biden said China had huge problems, but did not go into detail. Whats Chinas comment?

Mao Ning: I havent seen the remark you mentioned. When it comes to having problems, I suppose all countries, the US included, face challenges as they work to achieve development and progress. In Chinas case, with the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the solidarity and hard work of the Chinese people, we have the ability and confidence to tackle any challenge ahead and realize greater development. Meanwhile, we hope the US will concentrate on solving its own problems and play a constructive role in making the world stable and prosperous.

Yonhap News Agency: It was reported that the newly revised counter-espionage law will come into effect on July 1. Some commented that after the implementation of the law, foreigners in China will have difficulties in searching and storing statistics of the Chinese side. There are also concerns that it will limit the reporting activities of foreign journalists. What is Chinas comment?

Mao Ning: Every country has the right to safeguard national security through domestic legislation, which is a universal practice. China is advancing law-based governance on all fronts and will continue to uphold the rule of law, conduct law enforcement and protect lawful rights and interests of individuals and organizations in accordance with the law. There is no need to associate the counterespionage law with reporting activities of foreign journalists. China always welcomes media outlets and journalists of all countries to conduct interviews and run stories in China in accordance with laws and regulations and we will provide facilitation and assistance to them. As long as one abides by laws and regulations, there is no need to worry.

AFP: Another question on Mr. Fu Cong. He explicitly said yesterday that Beijing could back Ukraines aims of reclaiming its 1991 territorial integrity, which includes Crimeathe peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014. Does the Chinese government support Ukraines aims of reclaiming its 1991 territorial integrity?

Mao Ning: I am not aware of how Ambassador Fu Cong put it exactly. Chinas position on the Ukraine crisis is consistent and clear. On the question of Crimea, we hope this issue can be resolved through political means.

Beijing Daily: It is reported that after recently visiting the detention center at the Guantanamo Bay, a UN special rapporteur pointed out that the US subjects detainees to ongoing inhuman treatment and the US government should be responsible for their action, make apology and provide assistance and reparation to the victims. Whats Chinas comment?

Mao Ning: In the past two decades and more, it has been revealed many times that inmates were abused in the detention facility at the Guantanamo Bay, causing outrage in the international community. The US has promised time and again to close the detention center, yet till today dozens of individuals are still imprisoned in the facility at the Guantanamo Bay and only few of them have been indicted or convicted.

Over the decades, the US has set up black sites in at lease 54 countries and regions in the name of the war on terror to secretly detain suspected terrorists, carry out arbitrary detention and use torture to extort confessions. The detention center at the Guantanamo Bay is just the tip of the iceberg. The black sites are a typical example of the US trampling on the rule of law and infringing on human rights. The US needs to earnestly reflect upon its deplorable record on human rights, apologize and provide reparation to the victims and hold those who authorized and inflicted tortures on detainees accountable.

The Asahi Shimbun: A question on the IAEA and the treated water at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. If the IAEA releases a report with science-based assessments early next month, will China respect it?

Mao Ning: Im afraid I cannot answer this hypothetical question as the IAEA report has not come out yet. Chinas position on Japans planned discharge of the nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean is consistent. We hope Japan will take seriously both international and domestic concerns and stop forcibly proceeding with its ocean discharge plan.

We also hope that the IAEA Secretariat will act in an objective, professional and just manner, fully respect and adopt the views of experts of all parties in the Task Force and present a review report that can withstand the test of science and history.
The city has announced that on Thursday, June 29, it will be testing its Museum Fire flood-area siren at full volume.

During the testing, which is set to occur from 9 to 10 a.m., residents in the area will hear an alarm sound, followed by a voice message repeated three times in English, Spanish and Navajo, concluding with a wind-down siren sound signifying the end of that message.

The message may repeat several times during the testing period. Testing may be postponed in the event of rain or smoke in the area.

The testing is meant to confirm the proper installation of updates to the siren system, as well as the addition of Navajo language translation to the broadcast messaging, city officials said.

Officials noted that in the case of a real flood, the wind-down siren sound does not signify the end of the threat of a flood event. The wind-down siren only signifies the end of the message.

To hear the siren sounds that will be used or to read more about the Museum Fire flood-area siren alerting system, please visit https://www.museumfloodprojects.com/sirensystem.

The Museum Fire flood-area siren alerting system was installed in 2022 in the Grandview Homes and Sunnyside neighborhoods of Flagstaff to alert residents of an imminent danger of flash flooding.

The system is a supplemental alerting system to provide additional notice of imminent danger to residents and does not replace the Emergency Notification Alert text messages.

All residents in the area should register to receive Emergency Notification Alert text messages (free and confidential signup at http://www.coconino.az.gov/ready).

When residents receive the Emergency Notification Alert text message or hear the siren alerting system, they should immediately follow all safety instructions.

For related questions, members of the public can contact Coconino County Emergency Management at emergencymanagement@coconino.az.gov.
Ukrainian authorities have arrested a man accused of helping Russia direct a missile strike that killed at least 11 people, including three teenagers, at a pizza restaurant in eastern Ukraine.

The Tuesday evening attack on Kramatorsk wounded 61 other people, Ukraines National Police said, in the latest bombardment of a Ukrainian city, a tactic Russia has used heavily in the 16-month-old war.

The strike, and others across Ukraine late on Tuesday and early on Wednesday, indicated the Kremlin is not easing its aerial onslaught, despite political and military turmoil at home after a short-lived armed uprising in Russia last weekend.

Emergency services at the scene (National Police of Ukraine/AP)

There has been no apparent military push by Ukraine to exploit that turmoil, though the government has been tight-lipped about recent battlefield developments as it seeks to gain momentum in its recently launched counter-offensive.

The Kremlin reeled from the weekend mutiny led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, owner of the Wagner private army of prison recruits and other mercenaries.

Wagner has played a key combat role for Russia in Ukraine, but the rebellion posed the most serious threat so far to Russian President Vladimir Putins grip on power.

Mr Prigozhin went into exile in neighbouring Belarus on Tuesday, according to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, after Russia said he would not face charges for the revolt. Mr Prigozhins whereabouts could not be independently confirmed.

Two sisters, both aged 14, died in the Kramatorsk attack, the city councils educational department said. Russian missiles stopped the beating of the hearts of two angels, it said in a Telegram post.

The other dead teenager was 17, according to prosecutor general Andrii Kostin.

Yevgeny Prigozhin (Prigozhin Press Service/AP)

The attack also damaged 18 multi-storey buildings, 65 houses, five schools, two nursey schools, a shopping centre, an administrative building and a recreational building, regional governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said.

Rescuers are still searching the rubble for bodies and survivors.

Officials initially blamed the strike in Kramatorsk on an S-300 missile, a surface-to-air weapon that Russias forces have repurposed for loosely targeted strikes on cities, but the National Police later said Iskander short-range ballistic missiles were used.

Kramatorsk is a frontline city that houses the Ukrainian armys regional headquarters. The pizza restaurant was frequented by journalists, aid workers and soldiers, as well as local residents.

The Security Service of Ukraine said the man it detained, an employee of a gas transportation company, is suspected of filming the restaurant for the Russians and informing them about its popularity. It provided no evidence for its claim.

Russia has insisted during the war that it does not aim at civilian targets, although its air strikes have killed many of the general public. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov repeated that claim on Wednesday.

Rescuers are still searching the rubble for bodies and survivors (National Police of Ukraine/AP)

Kramatorsk is in Donetsk, one of four Ukrainian provinces that Russia annexed last September but does not fully control. Russia has also occupied Crimea since 2015.

Ukrainian-held parts of the partially occupied provinces have been hit especially hard by Russian bombardment, and are a central point of dispute in the war. The Kremlin demands that Kyiv recognise the annexations, while Kyiv has ruled out any talks until Russian troops pull back from all occupied territories.

Moscow has stepped up its air campaign in Ukraine while fighting continues along the front line. Russian forces on Tuesday and overnight also shelled 16 settlements in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, the Ukrainian presidential office reported.

It said a 77-year-old civilian was killed in the frontline town of Orikhiv, and that Russian shelling wounded three people in a nearby village recently retaken by Kyiv.

Also, a Russian supersonic cruise missile slammed into a cluster of holiday homes in central Ukraine, sparking a fire which injured a child, the presidential office said.
Canadian wildfires will send worsening smoky air across the country in coming days after rain failed to fall in areas of Quebec where the fires are most active, officials said.

Drifting smoke from the wildfires has lowered curtains of haze on broad stretches of Canada and the US, pushing into southern Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and parts of West Virginia.

Canadian officials say it is the nations worst wildfire season ever and they expect air quality to remain a concern through the summer, as long as the fires continue.

It started early on drier-than-usual ground and accelerated quickly, exhausting firefighting resources across the country, fire and environmental officials said.

Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist Steven Flisfeder said smoke will move across Quebec and Ontario over the next few days, and air quality will deteriorate as a result.

As long as the fires are burning and the smoke is in the atmosphere it is going to be a concern not just for Canadians but Americans as well, he said.

Mr Flisfeder said the smoky, hazy skies will persist unless rainfall provides sufficient help to firefighters in controlling the blazes.

Its important to note that the highest amounts of rain were not received in those areas where most active forest fires are, he added.

Meanwhile, Nasa said smoke from wildfires in northern Quebec has reached Europe. The American space agency said satellite imagery from Monday showed smoke extending across the North Atlantic Ocean to the Iberian Peninsula, France and other parts of western Europe.

There are 490 fires burning nationally, with 255 considered to be out of control. Quebecs forest fire prevention agency is reporting 110 active fires.

Canada has already surpassed the record for area burned. The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre reported this week that 29,393 square miles of forest and other land has burned across Canada since January 1. That exceeds the previous record set in 1989 of 29,187 square miles, according to the National Forestry Database.

Almost 1,200 vulnerable people from Cree communities are among the evacuees who have fled northern Quebec because of wildfires and smoke.

Dr Francois Prevost of the Cree health board said the evacuation process has gone relatively well, but he added that the situation poses particular health, logistical and cultural challenges.
Fears are growing over the fate of a prominent monk and rights activist who has not been seen since completing a four-year prison sentence last week.

U Thawbita, aka Alinka Kyal, 39, was due for release from Obo Prison on June 20, the Sangha Union in Mandalay said in a statement on Tuesday.

He was arrested by soldiers at Bawa Alin Yaung monastery in Chan Mya Tharsi Township, Mandalay, at around 4 am on the day of the coup, February 1, 2021.

He was found guilty of a 2018 charge of defaming commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing and sentenced to two years in jail for breaching Section 66 (d) of the Telecommunications Law.

A prison court added another two years after finding him guilty of disseminating fake news in violation of section 505 (a) of the Penal Code.

U Thawbita was due for release from Obo Prison last week on Monday. However, neither his family nor his monastery have heard from him since then.

A lawyer in Mandalay confirmed that the monk was no longer in the prison, explaining his sentence had been commuted by eight months.

We also checked with staff in the prison and reliable people who are close to the guards, and we know he was no longer in the prison after June 20, a monk from the Sangha Union in Mandalay said. No one knows where he was taken by junta troops, he added.

The monks union expressed deep concern over his fate, pointing out that he had been missing for over a week and neither family nor friends had been in contact with him.

U Thawbita is known for his outspoken defense of peoples rights and the rule of law in Myanmar.

The monks union said he had been closely monitored by the military even under the previous elected civilian government, adding the junta may harbor a huge grudge against him.

The military regime has arrested at least 111 Buddhist monks, 94 of whom remain behind bars, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP).
At least 11 civilians were killed and five wounded on Tuesday in two Myanmar junta airstrikes in Pale Township, Sagaing Region.

A jet dropped three bombs and shot at a monastery and houses in Nyaung Kone village, killing 10 villagers and injuring five, according to a Pale Township peoples administration spokesman.

Three women and seven men, including a monk, were killed by the airstrike. Five villagers, including a two-year-old girl, were wounded, he said.

A pagoda and two monastery buildings were damaged and 13 houses were destroyed.

Villager Shwe Mi and her six-year-old son took cover under their bed.

We hid after we heard an explosion and repeated gunfire. I was worried for my daughter who was at school during the airstrike, she said.

The pupils took refuge in another monastery and were unharmed.

I was very scared and couldnt sleep last night. I dont want to hear aircraft again, Shwe Mi said.

Some villagers have fled their homes since Tuesdays airstrike, a resident said.

Villager Myo Min said his family escaped unharmed by hiding in a pagodas tunnel inside a monastery.

I hid with my wife and eight-year-old son in a tunnel under the pagoda, he said.

His neighbors houses were destroyed in the airstrike.

Nyuang Kone had over 300 homes. Villagers say there are no resistance camps near the village.

A female Kyar Si villager in Pale Township was killed in another airstrike on Tuesday.

Junta troops left the township at the weekend after raiding two villages, allegedly to feed allied Pyu Saw Htee militia villages.

Some names have been altered for safety reasons.
Myanmar junta boss Min Aung Hlaing has awarded the title of Wunna Kyawhtin to Russias outgoing ambassador, Nikolay Listopadov, for his outstanding performance for friendly cooperation between Myanmar and Russia, according to junta media.

The Russian ambassador becomes the fourth Russian national to receive an honorary title from the coup leader, who has cheapened the countrys honors system by knighting thousands since 2022.

Last year, Min Aung Hlaing awarded Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu the title of Sithu, and his deputy, Alexander Fomin, a Thiri Pyanchi. The two defense chiefs have been the focal point of military cooperation between Myanmar and Russia and have publicly supported the coup.

The junta also handed Alexander Ostrovsky from the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation of Russia an excellent administrative performance medal.

The junta has used Russian weaponry including fighter jets and helicopter gunships in a brutal crackdown that has killed over 3,000 civilians since the February 2021 coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.

Ambassador Listopadov has had a deep and longstanding relationship with Myanmar, or more precisely its military. He was first assigned to the Russian Embassy in Yangon from 1983 to 1986.

He returned in 1990, when Myanmar held a general election following the pro-democracy uprising in 1988. The military, however, refused to honor the election results. Listopadov served until 1994 when Myanmar was under the rule of military dictators General Saw Maung and his successor General Than Shwe.

He was appointed Russian ambassador to Myanmar on July 1, 2016 under the National League for Democracy (NLD) government, the first civilian administration since 1962. He served for seven years until 2023. The 69-year-old is well-known among Myanmar people as a foreigner who is fluent in Burmese. Listopadov even has a Burmese name, Lu Din, and he voiced support for civilian leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her NLD government.

Listopadov also backed Suu Kyi when she defended Myanmar at the International Court of Justice against allegations of genocide committed against the Rohingya in western Myanmar.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi decided [to attend] the ICJ to protect the [national] interest. It is a brave decision which I support. I strongly believe Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will be able to protect the national interest, he told The Irrawaddy at the time.

Listopadov also supported Suu Kyis anti-coronavirus campaigns in Myanmar, participating with embassy staff in her competition to encourage people to wear face masks during the pandemic.

Suu Kyi responded with a Facebook message:

I will present a special prize for Russian Ambassador H.E. Dr. Nikolay Listopadov and family members of his mission. The photo of the family wearing masks made with Russian linen to show support for our competition is cheerful.

Although most of the international community shunned the Myanmar military following its coup in 2021, Russia has become the regimes key arms supplier while also stepping up cooperation in various sectors, from diplomacy and trade to academia and nuclear technology. Listopadov, with his extensive knowledge of the Burmese language, has become a key player in Myanmar-Russian relations, and grown close to Min Aung Hlaing.

The outgoing ambassador has been a fixture at national events organized by the regime, including Independence Day, Armed Forces Day and related dinners as well as meetings between junta leaders and visiting Russian senior officials.

Iskander Azizov will succeed Listopadov as Russian ambassador, having previously served as ambassador to Mongolia, according to junta media.
Five labor union leaders at a Chinese-owned garment factory in Yangon that supplies global brands Zara and Pull & Bear face charges under the Sedition Law and Unlawful Association Act after they were arrested for leading a protest for a pay rise of 800 kyats (38 US cents) a day earlier this month.

Three others who supported the union leaders also face the same charges.

Both Zara and Pull & Bear are owned by Spanish company Inditex, whose founder and largest shareholder, Amancio Ortega, has a net worth of US$ 89.4 billion, according to Forbes. The magazine lists him as the 15th richest person in the world.

The five union leaders who were protesting for a pay rise of 38 US cents a day were arrested on June 14 and taken to a junta interrogation center in Shwe Pyi Thar before being remanded in custody.

Seven leaders of the labor union were fired from their jobs at the factory on June 10 after calling for an increase in the daily wage from 4,800 to 5,600 kyats at the factory operated by Hosheng (Myanmar) Garment Co. Ltd. in Yangons Shwe Pyi Thar Township.

Two union leaders remain in hiding.

An employee of Hoshengs factory said the eight people arrested were remanded in custody at Shwe Pyi Thar police station.

Among the detainees are five members of the labor union [and] two labor activists. The [third] one [arrested] is the owner of the venue where [labor union members] held a meeting. He was arrested for leasing the venue [to them], the factory worker said.

The factory, which employs more than 1,000 workers, has a well-documented history of violating the rights of its workers, labor rights activists say.

A spokesperson for Action Labor Rights, a non-profit promoting labor rights in Myanmar, said: They didnt make any political demand. It was just an industrial dispute. Why has [the regime] filed political charges against them? What is its motive? Employees only complained about violations of their rights. Does [the regime] want to protect the employer who violated their rights?

If convicted, the detainees face up to three years in prison under the Unlawful Association Act and a fine, and up to two years in prison more under Section 505 (a).

The Federation of Myanmar Construction and Timber Industry Trade Unions said it had reported the arrests to the International Labor Organization (ILO). Similar cases have been reported in other factories in the country, it said.

The European Unions delegation to Myanmar also issued a statement about the arrest on June 20. It said: We are concerned about the ongoing detention and welfare of a number of workers and labor rights organizers in the garment sector who have been detained  as a consequence of a labor dispute at the Hosheng Myanmar garment factory last week.

At the conference No Time Left to Stop the Consolidation of the Dictatorship in Burma/Myanmar in Rome on June 21, representatives of the parallel National Unity Government, ethnic organizations and Confederation of Trade Unions Myanmar discussed the juntas violations of human rights and labor rights and called for effective sanctions against the regime.

Inditex has reportedly said it would stop buying from Hosheng (Myanmar) Garment and that it had blocked suppliers from working with this factory [and it is] working on a gradual and responsible exit from Myanmar.

It has not made the timeframe of its gradual and responsible exit from Myanmar public, however.

The companys code of conduct for manufacturers and suppliers guarantees the right to collective bargaining and states: wages should always be enough to meet at least the basic needs of workers and their families and any other which might be considered as reasonable additional needs.

Its human rights code states: Inditex integrates responsible and ethical practices into everything we do, both internally and in our relations with third parties, to thus promote respect for human rights of all our employees and anyone we relate within the course of our business.

Two leaders of the trade union at a garment factory operated by Thai-owned Sun Apparel (Myanmar) Co. Ltd. in Yangons Hlaing Tharyar Township were arrested in the second week of June after they demanded a pay increase and better working conditions.
Mottama Holdings has been involved in purchasing raw materials for the Myanmar military to produce weapons since the coup, said Tom Andrews, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, in his recent report. The report puts the spotlight on Yang Ho, the owner of Mottama Holdings, a business partner of the Myanmar military in steel and iron production.

The report submitted to the Human Rights Council last month says Mottama Holdings is the current intermediary between the Myanmar militarys Directorate of Defense Industries, known as Ka Pa Sa, and Chinese arms industry company North Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO).

Mottama Holdings also facilitated Ka Pa Sas purchase of raw materials, including steel for arms manufacturing, from a Chinese-owned Malaysian company through Min Dhama Steel Structures, a subsidiary of Mottama Holdings.

Yang Ho is an ethnic Chinese Kokang born in northern Shan State. He has been a long-time partner of the Myanmar military dating back to the time of the previous junta, known as the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC).

As a young adult, Yang Ho became a top sales executive across various industries in Taiwan and Thailand in the early 1990s, learning as much as he could about running a successful business. He returned to Myanmar in the late 1990s to join a family business in steel product trading and office furniture production.

He established Asia Metal Company (AMC), the predecessor of Mottama Holdings, in 1997 as a venture with five other businessmen. AMC grew to encompass three other companiesAsia Metal Construction, Asia Metal Industry and Manufacturing, and Asia Metal Trading.

If Ka Pa Sa is to build a factory, it is always Yang Ho who wins the contract. The budget is not limited in building those factories. And auditing is also not allowed, said a Myanmar military defector.

AMC specializes in factories that require blasting tunnels through mountains. No. 24 Ka Pa Sa Factory in Magwe Regions Pauk Township, built by AMC, is a steel and iron foundry producing artillery shells.

After North Korean nationals were found to be involved in constructing its factories, the US imposed sanctions on AMC. In 2016, during the short-lived democratic transition period in Myanmar, the US lifted sanctions on a number of generals, businesspeople and companies, including AMC.

The SLORC purchased many weapons systems from Chinas NORINCO and AMC won contracts to build factories and import raw materials for production of weapons systems bought from China.

AMC changed its name to Mottama Holdings in 2013. Some stakeholders quit AMC to establish their own companies. One is U Aung Myat, the chairman of Mother Group of Companies.

Special Advisory Council-Myanmar (SAC-M) said in a report that Asia Metal Company, Mottama Holdings Limiteds predecessor, was also sanctioned by the United States in 2013 for constructing buildings and supplying construction materials for a factory under the Myanmar militarys Directorate of Defense Industries.

Mottama Holdings engages in construction, trading and manufacturing, and is also involved in the hotel industry. It has nine subsidiaries and two public companies.

Mottama is the biggest factory builder in Myanmar in the field of steel and iron. No company can compete with them, said a construction industry source.

M Tower, a 26-story building being constructed by Min Dhama Steel Structures Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Mottama Holdings, is the tallest steel structure in Myanmar.

Min Dhama Steel Structures also won a contract to modernize Yangon Central Railway Station, which occupies over 24 hectares of land, under the U Thein Sein government.

Yang Ho has close ties with the former and current chiefs of the Directorate of Defense Industries, Lieutenant General Thein Htay and Lieutenant General Kan Myint Than.

He also has close ties with Soe Thane, who served as the SLORCs Navy chief and later as presidents office minister in U Thein Seins government.

He also has personal ties with Myanmar arch-crony U Aung Ko Win, the owner of Kanbawza Group of Companies. U Aung Ko Win is believed to have shares in some of Yang Hos businesses. He and Ayeyar Hinthar Holdings founder U Zaw Win Shein have visited U Aung Ko Win at his house in Shan States Aungban every week since the coup.

Yang Ho is also a business partner of U Sitt Taing Aung, the chairman of the Myanmar Steel Entrepreneurs Association and owner of Suntac Group of Companies. U Sitt Taing Aung is a military crony who supplies weapons to the army.

According to SAC-M, U Sitt Taing Aung represented Mottama Holdings at a meeting with Czech companies specializing in steel production at a business-to-business forum in Prague in June 2019. The meeting was aimed at supplying the Myanmar military.

U Sitt Taing Aung has been blacklisted by US and other Western countries as an arms dealer for the Myanmar military.

Yang Hos businesses seem to be thriving despite the countrys economy being hit by sanctions and the juntas mismanagement.

Mottama Holdings announced in early 2022 that it planned to launch nine major projects including a US$1-billion housing project towards the end of last year.

Among the projects being constructed in Myanmars largest city, Yangon, by Mottama Holdings are M Tower and HL Tower on Pyay Road, Min Residence Mottama Center and Mottama Business Tower, Bonnamy Tower and M Green Apartments in Mayangone Township, Kandawgyi Park Aquarium, and an affordable housing project in Mingalardon Township.

Editors Note: The story was updated on July 18, 2023, regarding SAC-Ms report quoted in the story.
At least 39 Myanmar junta forces were killed in the past four days as Peoples Defense Forces (PDFs) and an ethnic armed organization (EAO) stepped up attacks on regime targets across the country.

In one case, several resistance groups raided a military base in Sagaings Monywa town, where the Northwest military command is based.

Incidents were reported in Sagaing and Tanintharyi regions and Mon and Chin states.

The Irrawaddy has rounded up the following reports of significant attacks from PDFs and the EAO group.

Some military casualties could not be independently verified.

Regime base attacked in Sagaing

Combined resistance forces during a raid on regime forces at the Roads and Transport Administration Department in Monywa Town on Saturday. / Chindwin Attack Force

At least 15 regime forces were reportedly killed in Monywa Township, Sagaing Region on Saturday when eight Monywa District PDF battalions of the civilian National Unity Governments Defense Ministry and another local resistance group jointly raided regime forces stationed at the Roads and Transports Administration Department in Monywa town, where the Northwest military command is based, according to NUG PDF group Chindwin Attack Forces, which joined the attack.

Junta troops killed in resistance drone strikes in Sagaing



A military column is targeted in resistance drone strikes in Wetlet Township on Saturday. / Black Wolf Army

At least five regime forces were believed to have been killed in Wetlet Township, Sagaing Region on Saturday when three PDF groups conducted four drone strikes on a military column, said Black Wolf Army, which coordinated the attacks.

The military column was attacked while traveling to nearby Shwebo Township after raiding villages in Wetlet.

Police stations bombed by resistance drones in Tanintharyi



A resistance drone drops bombs on police stations in Launglon and Ye Phyu townships on Tuesday. / LLPDF

Launglon PDF said it and two other local PDF groups conducted drone strikes using 40-mm bombs on two police stations in Launglon and Ye Phyu townships, Tanintharyi Region on Tuesday.

However, details of the damage and police casualties were unknown.

Regime forces ambushed in Tanintharyi

Local PDF group Tavoy People Liberation Force (TPLF) said it and four local PDF groups ambushed a small vehicle carrying four people including an army officer and a deputy director of the junta-controlled Fire Service Department on Ye Phyu- Kalain Aung Road in Ye Phyu Township, Tanintharyi Region on Saturday.

In the ambush, the vehicle crashed into a roadside and the four regime members suffered serious injuries.

Junta conducts air strikes in retaliation for resistance attacks in Mon

Resistance fighters of Albino Tiger Company 1 and the Karen National Liberation Army during recent anti-junta operations in Mon State / Albino Tiger Company 1

A fierce clash broke out in the north of Ye Township, Mon State on Monday when the PDF group Albino Tiger Company 1 and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), the armed wing of the Karen National Union (KNU), attacked a military detachment between two villages, said the PDF group.

During the clash, the junta conducted artillery and air strikes against the combined resistance forces attacking its ground troops. Two resistance fighters suffered minor injuries.

On Sunday, the combined resistance groups attacked regime forces stationed at a police station in a village in the same township, killing nine regime soldiers.

One hour after the clash, two Mi-35 military helicopter gunships attacked civilian targets in the village, killing three villagers and damaging houses, said Albino Tiger Company 1.

Fierce clash erupts in Chin

At least 10 regime forces were killed in Mindat Township, Chin State on Monday when Chin Defense Force (Mindat) clashed with regime forces near Shwe Aung Thar Village, said CDF (Mindat).

After sustaining losses, two junta fighter jets conducted seven air strikes on the ethnic Chin resistance forces. In the clash, a resistance member suffered minor injuries.

Another clash between the regime forces and the CDF (Mindat) broke out in Mindat town on the same day.
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Wednesday, Jun 28th, 2023 (10:12 am) - Score 2,328

The UK internet connection testing firm SamKnows, which supplies services that are used by both major broadband ISPs and Ofcom to help measure network performance, has announced that theyre to be acquired by global networking giant Cisco and will be joining their ThousandEyes team to integrate their technology.

The name SamKnows is a familiar one around these parts. A number of ISPs have integrated the companys software into their broadband routers and mobile devices to help measure and monitor connectivity, while others have deployed customised router kit to achieve a similar outcome. Ofcoms study of Home Broadband speeds (here) also made use of their tech, although the regulator plans to stop publishing those after the next report (here).

In recent years, the company has expanded beyond the UK and now works with network providers and governments across various other countries. Suffice to say that this has caught the eye of Cisco and their ThousandEyes team, which analyses global internet health (check out their Internet Outages Map).

Alex Salter, CEO of SamKnows, said: We believe that in a few years, every internet enabled device will include a measurement agent, collecting data about internet performance. We already have tens of million homes actively testing using our global platform. We expect this number to grow tenfold in the coming years. This month alone weve added almost four million homes and with the performance data we collect, we are building a never-before-seen picture of device, application and network performance. But there is still so much more that could be done. Specifically, well be joining the Cisco ThousandEyes team to integrate our technologies and take ThousandEyes view of global internet health to the next level. Cisco ThousandEyes empowers leading organizations worldwide to see, understand, and improve connected experiences everywhere, and joining an organization like Cisco will enable us to scale to reach more devices and assure great digital experiences for any user over any network.

Jonathan Davidson, Ciscos EVP and General Manager, said: Ciscos intent to acquire SamKnows, a privately held broadband network monitoring company headquartered in London, England, will expand ThousandEyes industry-leading view of global internet health. Today, ThousandEyes has hundreds of thousands of vantage points across the Internet, in enterprise environments, and on user devices. With the addition of SamKnows millions of vantage points into the last mile, customers now have a single source of truth for how the Internet is performing across their entire infrastructure, including home and mobile device networks. Whether for hybrid work or consumer application delivery, optimizing and improving internet performance for everyone is just a click away.

At this stage its unclear what this might mean for all of SamKnows existing clients, but the acquisition itself is expected to close during the first quarter of Ciscos Full Year 2024.
This Week in Review

A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more.
BOSTON (AP)  A suspect was arrested Monday in the weekend killings of three people, a Boston-area husband and wife celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and the womans 97-year-old mother, authorities said.

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said police took Christopher Ferguson into custody and charged him with killing 73-year-old Gilda Jill DAmore after an autopsy revealed her death was a homicide. Ferguson also was charged with two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, and burglary.

Additional charges were expected in the death of 74-year-old Bruno DAmore and his mother-in-law, Lucia Arpino, after those autopsies are completed. Ferguson was expected to appear in court Tuesday or Wednesday. It wasn't immediately clear if he had an attorney who could comment on his behalf.

The victims and suspect all live in the Boston suburb of Newton, but Ryan said it appeared there was no connection between them.

The bodies were found in the victims home after the DAmores failed to arrive at church Sunday morning, police said. Investigators found signs of forced entry into the basement and Ryan described a chaotic scene in which there were obvious signs of struggle. A crystal paper weight was covered in blood and furniture was broken.

The big break in the case came when authorities were able to match a bloody footprint to that of Ferguson, who lived in the neighborhood, she said. They also collected blood stains near the footprints and bloody fingerprints on the screens and windows from the house, Ryan said.

The killings rattled Newton and the Our Lady Help of Christians Church, where the victims worshipped. A message to parishioners said the three lost their lives in a senseless act of violence.

It is with a heavy heart that we share that the terrible tragedy that happened yesterday in Newton hit very close to home  impacting our faith community and our own family, wrote Paul and Ginny Arpino, who said the victims were their cousin and aunt.

The preliminary investigation indicated the victims died from stab wounds and blunt force trauma, Ryan said.

Two of the individuals were celebrating a golden wedding anniversary," Ryan said. As you can imagine, this would be tragic on any day. To have family gathered for this kind of a celebration makes it particularly tragic.

There was an attempted break-in about a half-mile (800 meters) from the victims home early Sunday, but its unclear if the two crimes were related, Ryan said. Residents were also asked to check their doorbell cameras or home security systems for any video that could help with the investigation.

In their letter to the church community, Paul and Ginny Arpino said, Bruno was known for his big voice and his exuberant personality and as head chef', he proudly flipped the burgers at the parish picnic.

They said his wife had taken on the ministry of beautifying the churchs environment.

Without a single day of liturgical training she simply followed her heart, caring for the flowers and decorating for the liturgical seasons, they wrote.

They said that until the coronavirus pandemic, Lucia Arpino never missed morning Mass.

Lucia will be especially missed on the upcoming Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Festa weekend as she faithfully walked in that procession through the streets of Nonantum well into her 90s, they wrote.

The news has rattled neighbors like Jack Porter.

This is a safe neighborhood. You dont have murders in Newton or Nonantum, the heavily Italian American neighborhood where they lived, he said.
Seattles Space Needle. Mount Rushmore. The Grand Canyon. Disney World.

Air Force and Air National Guard refueling tankers flew over all of these landmarks and dozens of others across the country Tuesday to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first air refueling mission.

The event, called Operation Centennial Contact, involved 82 KC-135, KC-46 and KC-10 refueling tankers and 70 receiver aircraft that were refueled during the nationwide demonstration.

In Nebraska, a KC-135R tanker from the Lincoln-based 155th Air Refueling Wing gassed up a South Dakota Air National Guard F-16 fighter during a 2-hour, 45-minute flight that also took it low over Chimney Rock in western Nebraska and the state Capitol in Lincoln.

But a third flyover, of Charles Schwab Field in Omaha  one day after the College World Series wrapped up there  was canceled at the last minute because of a thunderstorm.

We looked out at the radar between us and Omaha, and we got disappointed, said Lt. Col. Randy Douglas of Ravenna, a 35-year veteran with 7,000 flight hours who piloted the flight.

But he said the crew (including Capt. Ryan Dalton of Waverly, the co-pilot, and Tech. Sgt. Chad Johnson of Omaha, the boom operator) enjoyed the part of the flight they completed.

It was hazy out there, but we had enough visibility to refuel the F-16, Douglas said. It was actually pretty cool.

The 185th Air Refueling Wing, based in Sioux City, Iowa, also flew over landmarks in Iowa and the Dakotas.

The first aerial refueling operation took place near San Diego on June 27, 1923, when 1st Lts. Virgil Hine and Frank Seifert, piloting an Army Air Service DeHavilland DH-4B biplane, passed gasoline through a hose to a second DH-4B flown by Capt. Lowell Smith and 1st Lt. John Richter.

Two months later, Smith and Richter set an endurance record by flying 37 hours through nine consecutive in-flight refuelings.

In the late 1940s, Gen. Curtis LeMay, commander of the Offutt-based Strategic Air Command, asked Boeing to develop a much faster transfer system because aerial refueling was central to its ability to drop nuclear weapons on targets in the Soviet Union.

Boeing developed the propeller-driven KC-97 tanker in the early 1950s and later built more than 700 KC-135 tankers, a military variant of the Boeing 707 civilian airliner, during the late 1950s and early 1960s. They remain the backbone of the Air Forces aerial refueling fleet.

Modern tankers can refuel multiple aircraft at once through a rigid, telescoping tube that locks into a fuel receptacle in the receiving aircraft flying at the same speed and slightly below the tanker. Its an exacting skill, but one that is performed by military pilots every day around the world.

The Nebraska Air National Guard received its first tanker in 1993, and within two years the 155th Air Refueling Wing was stood up in Lincoln. The unit flew its first combat missions during the bombing campaign against Serbia and Kosovo in 1999.

Two 155th ARW tankers were among the few aircraft flying Sept. 11, 2001, following the al Qaeda attacks on New York and Washington, D.C. The units tankers and crews have since operated in the combat theaters of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Air refueling propels our nations air power across the skies, unleashing its full potential, said Gen. Mike Minihan, commander of the Air Forces Air Mobility Command, in a statement, adding that it embodies our resolve to defend freedom and project power, leaving an indelible mark on aviation history.

Photos: National Guard Sendoff held at Memorial Stadium
A Billings man was sentenced earlier this week to a century in prison for multiple counts of child sex abuse.

Asia Carl Soapes, 40, raped two underage girls, one of them several times over a period of about four years. Initial charges filed against Soapes in 2021 prompted a second survivor of his abuse to speak with investigators. Following his conviction on four counts of sex crimes earlier this year, Yellowstone County District Judge Michael G. Moses sentenced Soapes on Monday to the maximum penalty for sexual intercourse without consent in which the victim is minor.

Soapes was arrested in late July 2021 and pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, the Gazette previously reported. The charges came after an investigation by the Yellowstone County Sheriffs Office, the Billings Police Department and Child and Family Services. An anonymous tip was made to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, and the ensuing investigation revealed that Soapes molested and raped a girl repeatedly from the time she was 10 until she was 14.

Within days of Soapess arrest, a woman contacted BPD and reported that Soapes raped her in 2009. She was 17 years old at the time. The abuse occurred while she was asleep at Soapess residence in Billings. Her report to police resulted in Yellowstone County prosecutors charging Soapes with an additional count of sexual intercourse without consent.

Soapes maintained his innocence through his three-day trial in February 2023, with Arielle Dean and Hallie Bishop serving as prosecutors. Jurors deliberated for about two hours before returning with guilty verdicts on all four counts.

At his sentencing Monday, Judge Moses sentenced Soapes to 50 years in prison for one count of sexual assault, 100 years for one count of sexual intercourse without consent, 50 years for a second count of sexual intercourse without consent and 25 years for the final count of sexual intercourse without consent. Moses also imposed a parole restriction on Soapess sentence for 25 years and ordered that he pay restitution to the Montana Crime Victim Compensation Program.

The majority of all sexual assault victims are under age 30, according to data from the non-profit The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. Younger people, especially girls, are at the highest risk of experiencing rape and sexual assault.

Anonymous reports of child sex abuse can be made through the National Child Abuse Hotline at 800-4AC-HILD (422-4453). The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services also maintains a 24-hour hotline for child abuse reports at 1 (866) 820-5437.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation was awarded nearly $1 million in federal money to replace diesel buses serving Teton Village with zero-emission, battery-powered models.

Workers and tourists rely on the public bus system for service around the resort destination, according to information about the grant published Monday. The hope is that the new buses will provide more reliable service thats less expensive to maintain.

The $945,178 in federal money will go toward the purchase of about four domestically manufactured electric buses, as well as the charging stations needed to support them.

The funding comes from a grant overseen by the U.S. Department of Transportations Federal Transit Administration that helps states, local governments and territories buy or rent low or no-emission vehicles.

According to information about the grant published by the Federal Transit Administration, the Wyoming Department of Transportations accepting the money on behalf of Teton Villages service district.

The winners of the no and low-emission vehicle grant were announced alongside the winners of a similar Federal Transit Administration grant for public buses and bus facilities.

Awards from both programs will be distributed across 46 states and territories. (The Wyoming Department of Transportation is the only Wyoming agency to receive money from either program this year, according to the Federal Transit Administrations website)

In total, the U.S. Department of Transportation is awarding $1.7 billion in grant money for the programs for the 2023 fiscal year. Both are funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Joe Biden in 2021.
The next time you drive over the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway  located between Cody, Wyoming, and Yellowstone National Park's Northeast Entrance  take a tour guide along.

No, you don't have to pick up a person. Instead, all you need to do is download a new app on your smart phone or tablet.

The tour is accessed through the free TravelStorys app. Your phones GPS prompts the tour to describe various scenes along the highway such as geology, wildlife habitat, fire ecology, historic sites and more.

The tour is approximately 45 miles long and includes 11 separate GPS-triggered scripts, called geotags. The tour should be downloaded in advance. Once downloaded, no cell service is required to use the tour.

There is so much more to this drive than our spectacular Wyoming scenery," said Ryan Hauck, executive director of Cody Yellowstone. "Historical scenes such as the flight of the Nez Perce and stories about the plentiful wildlife that roam the region are highlighted in engaging detail.

The free app is available at www.codyyellowstone.org or the TravelStorys website. Cody Yellowstone also has Historic Downtown Cody, Cody to Yellowstone and Hemingway Highways tours available.

The Hemingway Highways tour explores Route 14 and Highway 20 between Yellowstone Lake and Cody. It's narrated by Ernest Hemingway's granddaughter, Mariel Hemingway.

The Cody to Yellowstone tour will narrate for travelers driving between Cody and Fishing Bridge in Yellowstone National Park, passing through Wapiti, Sylvan Pass, the East Entrance to Yellowstone and Yellowstone Lake.

On the walking tour of historic downtown Cody, listeners can travel back to the frontier days of Buffalo Bill.
Two bicyclists from Texas on a cross-country cancer fundraising and awareness ride were injured when they were struck by an SUV in southeastern North Dakota's Barnes County.

Felicity Hung, 22, of Frisco, Texas, and Neeraj Akula, 20, of Cibolo, Texas, were hit from behind while riding with 13 other bicyclists on a rural road 2 miles west of Valley City around 2 p.m. Tuesday, the Highway Patrol reported. The bicyclists were single-file in three groups of five riders, and the SUV that was traveling in the same direction had cleared the rear and middle groups before hitting two of the riders in the front group, authorities said.

Hung and Akula were treated on scene by ambulance personnel and then taken to a Valley City hospital with injuries that the Patrol said were not life-threatening.

The SUV left the scene. The driver was later arrested on a misdemeanor charge of leaving the scene of an injury crash. Formal charges were pending. The Patrol identified the driver as Peter Schuck, 88, of Sanborn. It wasn't immediately clear if he had an attorney.

The bicyclists are with Texas 4000, a nonprofit charity involved in the fight against cancer. Its cornerstone event is a 4,000-mile bike ride from Texas to Alaska. One of this year's routes follows Interstate 94 across southern North Dakota from Fargo to Medora before turning north.
Today

Thunderstorms early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.

Tonight

Thunderstorms early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.

Tomorrow

Intervals of clouds and sunshine. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 89F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
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( Middle East Monitor )  Eid Al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, is right around the corner and Muslims around the globe are preparing for one of Islams most significant festivals, Anadolu Agency reports.

It is the second major festival for Muslims after Eid Al-Fitr, which is celebrated at the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.

It takes place between the 10th and 13th day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, as Hajj  the sacred pilgrimage that is the fifth and final pillar of Islam  finishes in Saudi Arabia.

Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and last month of the Muslim lunar calendar, is itself considered one of the holiest in the Islamic year and Muslims often fast on its first nine days.

Eid Al-Adha celebrations begin in most countries this year on Wednesday and a day later in some places such as Pakistan and India.

Origins of Eid Al-Adha

Islamic narrative has it that Prophet Ibrahim, or Abraham, the forefather of the monotheistic religions of Islam, Christianity and Judaism, received through his dreams a commandment from God to sacrifice his son Ismail, or Ishmael.

Ibrahim and Ismail submitted to the will of God and were ready for the sacrifice as an act of faith and obedience.

The devil  known as Iblis in Islam  tried to dissuade Ibrahim from following the order and the Prophet threw stones at him to chase him away.

This act is commemorated by Muslims as a rite of Hajj, where they cast pebbles at symbolic pillars in the city of Mina.

Seeing Ibrahim and Ismails obedience, God sent down a lamb from the heavens for the sacrifice, according to Islamic tradition.

A similar version of the story is also mentioned in Christianity and Judaism.



Image by Gordon Johnson from Pixabay

Muslims around the world celebrate Eid Al-Adha to honour the devotion of Ibrahim and Ismail.

The symbolic sacrifice of livestock is part of the rituals associated with the festival, but is not an obligation in Islam, rather an act that is encouraged.

Significance of Eid Al-Adha

Eid Al-Adha, known as Kurban Bayrami in Turkish, has historically been a festival of giving.

There is heavy emphasis on charity in Islam, with Zakat, the Muslim practice of almsgiving, being one of the religions five pillars.

Eid Al-Adha gives Muslims another opportunity for charity.

The meat from any sacrificed animal is shared with the poor, along with family members and friends.

Individuals can sacrifice a sheep, goat or lamb on their own, while a cow or camel can be shared by seven people.

There are also strict rules when it comes to the animals, as it is forbidden to sacrifice sick, disabled or wounded animals.

Islam also requires that the slaughter be minimally painful for the animal.

Many Muslims also opt to pay the value of an animal to charities that distribute meat to people around the world, particularly in areas known to be in greater need.

Connection with Hajj

Eid Al-Adha and Hajj are also deeply intertwined.

The millions of Muslims performing the pilgrimage sacrifice an animal on the third day of Hajj.

After the sacrifice, they have their hair trimmed or head shaved and change out of the pilgrims ihram, the clothes worn specifically for Hajj to symbolise a state of purity and renunciation of materialism, and to nullify differences of wealth and status.

Over the following days, they perform the tawaf, when pilgrims circle the Kaaba, which Muslims consider the house of God built by Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail.

They also redo the ritual known as sai, walking or running seven times between the Safa and Marwa hills, before going back to stone the three pillars that represent the devil.

Finally, they do a farewell tawaf to complete their Hajj, before leaving Makkah for their homelands.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor or Informed Comment.

Via https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230626-eid-al-adha-what-is-the-feast-of-sacrifice/
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By Stan Cox | 

( Tomdispatch.com )  Several times in recent weeks Ive heard people suggest that Mother Nature has been speaking to us through that smoke endlessly drifting south from the still-raging Canadian wildfires. Shes saying that she wants the coal, oil, and gas left in the ground, but I fear her message will have little more influence on climate policy than her previous ones did. After all, we essentially hit the snooze button on the wakeup call from Hurricane Katrina 18 years ago; ditto the disastrous Hurricane Sandy seven years later, as well as the East Coast heat waves and West Coast wildfires of more recent years; or the startling overheating of global waters and the sea level rise that goes with it. And thats just to begin an ever longer list of horrors.

Despite the fact that, in recent weeks, more than 100 million North Americans have been inhaling lungfuls of smoke from those Canadian wildfires, well probably continue to ignore the pummeling so many here are enduring daily while carbon dioxide continues to accumulate overhead. Climate disasters are not only failing to goad governments into taking bold action but may be nudging societies toward increasing violence and cruelty.

Recently, Joel Millward-Hopkins of the University of Leeds suggested that, as the climate emergency intensifies, we may only find ourselves ever more affected by some of the indirect impacts of global warming. Those would include the widening of socioeconomic inequalities (within and between countries), increases in migration (intra- and inter-nationally), and heightened risk of conflict (from violence and war through to hate speech and crime). Such impacts, he suggests, will reflect a highly inconvenient overlap with key drivers of the authoritarian populism that has proliferated in the 21st century. Inconvenient indeed.

In other words, although weather disasters of many kinds can increase public concern about climate change, they can also help to whip up an oppressively violent sociopolitical climate that may prove ever more hostile to the very idea of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions  especially in large, affluent, high-emission societies.

Warm in the USA

Though not itself linked to climate change, the Covid-19 pandemic may have given us a preview of such developments. When it first struck, a feeling of noble national purpose, shared sacrifice, and mutual aid swept the country for perhaps a few weeks. Then came the waves of social conflict that may, in the end, have left us even more poorly prepared for the next public health emergency. After all, the pandemic of hate that first fed on anti-vaccine and anti-mask fervor now sups from a far larger buffet of political issues including energy and climate.

Guardian columnist George Monbiot wrote recently that culture war entrepreneurs are casting efforts to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions as authoritarian attacks on ordinary peoples fundamental freedoms. Be ready to do battle, they say, against any move to promote heat pumps over furnaces or electric induction stoves over gas stoves or walking to the store instead of driving a big-ass truck there. In fact, he suggests, you cannot propose even the mildest change without a hundred professionally outraged influencers leaping up to announce: Theyre coming for your 

There are always going to be people under the influence of such influencers who will respond by jumping in their trucks for a session of rollin coal  that is, spewing toxic diesel fumes into the faces of pedestrians and cyclists. Or maybe theyll run over a climate protester (without fear of prosecution if theyre in Florida, Iowa, or Oklahoma).

This outbreak of hostility and violence among right-wingers is occurring even though no one has actually curtailed any of their freedoms. Now, imagine the ferocity of the backlash if we could somehow manage to enact the policies that are undoubtedly most urgently needed to rein in greenhouse gases and other environmental threats: a rapid phase-out of fossil fuels and cuts in the extraction and use of material resources. The eruption would undoubtedly be far more aggressive and violent than the resistance to Covid-19 regulations.

From Pole to Equator, the Specter of Violence Looms

New climate realities are also expected to alter military conflicts among nations. One of the most troubling potential flashpoints could be the fast-melting Arctic, which, thanks to all that carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, will soon be wide open for fishing, resource extraction, and other activities. In fact, the United States and Russia havent even let the Arctic Sea finish its thaw before starting to militarize it. As Devin Speak of NPR reports,

While indigenous communities have long thrived in communion with the land there, nation states havent had much presence in the northern latitudes because it hasnt been ripe for exploitation. Until sea ice began rapidly receding, oil, gas, shipping, and minerals were all under frigid lock and key. But with dwindling sea ice, tapping the regions resources is becoming more feasible. And in conjunction with the economic opportunities, nations are eyeing big military spending. Russia has already ramped up its military presence and the United States is playing catch-up.

As an armed standoff in cold polar waters heats up, increased attention is being paid to climate-induced mass migration as another likely conflict trigger. After all, forecasts now suggest that if greenhouse-gas emissions arent reduced deeply and quickly, the climatic zones safe for humans to live in will shrink dramatically. The worst of it will happen in tropical South America and Africa, the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, parts of China, and the U.S. Sun Belt. By 2050, two to three billion people are likely to either be living in or fleeing regions that have become increasingly hostile to human existence and, by 2090, it could be three to six billion of us, or a quarter to a third of humanity. Desired destinations will include the northern United States and southern Canada, Russia, Central Asia, Korea, Japan, northern China, and northern Europe.

Consider for a moment the torrent of hate and cruelty weve seen in the past decade along borders between the United States and Mexico, Southeast and South Asia, and Europe and Africa. Now, imagine a 10- to 20-fold increase in long-distance migration rates and the anti-immigrant hate, violence, and even international conflict that could grip the globe in the decades to come. As a preview, just consider the fact that Republican governors in 14 states have already deployed National Guard troops to the border with Mexico for no good reason whatsoever.

In his Guardian column, Monbiot explains succinctly how climate disruption and anti-immigrant bias reinforce each other: Round the cycle turns, he writes. As millions are driven from their homes by climate disasters, the extreme right exploits their misery to extend its reach. As the extreme right gains power, climate programs are shut down, heating accelerates, and more people are driven from their homes. If we dont break this cycle soon, it will become the dominant story of our times. It may already be the most important story, whether we realize it or not.

Climate change is likely to exacerbate violence within countries as well, simply by discombobulating us as individuals. A 2015 analysis of 57 nations found that each degree Celsius increase in annual temperatures is associated with a nearly 6% average increase in homicides. More recently, a review of research worldwide found that climate disruption can undermine peace by interfering with peoples mental or physiological functioning and by threatening our quality of life.

Increasingly extreme heat will also push waves of human displacement within national borders, further fanning the flames of domestic conflict. An analysis by Abrahm Lustgarten of ProPublica found that, as the Earths atmosphere warms, almost half of the U.S. population will most likely experience a decline in the quality of their environment, namely more heat and less water. For 93 million of them, the changes could be particularly severe. Expect many millions of us to move from the Sunbelt to, perhaps, the Great Lakes region and from rural to urban areas.

Mathew Hauer, a sociologist at Florida State University and a modeler of climate migration interviewed by Lustgarten, predicts some especially hard times for Atlanta. Its the largest metropolitan area in the Southeast, a region in which, climate models suggest, droughts and wildfires will become far more common and severe as the decades pass. He projects that hundreds of thousands of local climate refugees will migrate from outlying areas into an urban area already experiencing overburdened water systems and a shaky infrastructure, along with the highest income inequality among large U.S. cities. All of that, writes Lustgarten, could make the future Atlanta a virtual tinderbox for social conflict.

Such conflict could well include the kind of state violence and oppression thats increasingly unleashed on people and groups who are determined to protest against the systems that create climate chaos, environmental devastation, and injustice. Indeed, in Atlanta, that violence is already a reality. This winter and spring, city police shot and killed an activist and arrested 40 more for nonviolently occupying the citys largest urban forest. They were part of a broad effort by people in low-income neighborhoods bordering the forest, environmental organizations, and racial-justice groups to head off the construction of a tactical-training center for the Atlanta police department that would occupy and devastate 85 of that woodlands 150 acres. The coalition aims to prevent deforestation, preserve the quality of life for nearby neighborhoods, and halt the expenditure of $90 million on a facility that would hone the skills of cops who have demonstrated their willingness to kill unarmed Black people.

And mind you, those forest defenders were charged not with trespassing but with violating Georgias domestic terrorism law, which carries a sentence of at least five years in prison. When arrested, they were held in a jail that, reported Piper French of Bolts, is notorious for squalid conditions and allegations of mistreatment by staff. The defendants, who had committed no acts of violence, let alone terrorism, were denied bail on flimsy grounds, including accusations of merely wearing black, having a jail support number scrawled on their arm, and having mud on their shoes, according to French. And the basis for denying bail thanks to wearing black clothing and having on muddy shoes? That domestic terrorism law provides for something called vicarious liability. (In plain English, you could call it guilt by association.)

Nor did the repression stop there. Following a SWAT teams recent raid on a southeast Atlanta home, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation arrested three board members of an Atlanta nonprofit that was arranging legal support for those forest defenders. They were charged with money laundering and charity fraud, stretching the already dubious concept of vicarious liability even further. Writing for Jacobin, Abe Asher notes that the intensity of the threats protesters in Atlanta are facing is reminiscent of the risks climate defenders routinely face in the Global South, where both activists and journalists are routinely jailed and killed in their defense of land and water. Of the 401 human rights defenders killed last year, nearly half were killed defending the climate.

Violence on the Ground (and Below It)

Some of Americas domestic policies aimed at curbing climate change could also become increasingly responsible for conflict in the Global South. If, for instance, the wealthier North continues to pursue technology-heavy green growth climate policies, the south could suffer yet more from the inherent violence of resource extraction. The need for increasing amounts of the minerals and metals essential to building renewable energy systems and vast fleets of electric vehicles  including lithium, cobalt, copper, nickel, and rare earths  is attracting much media attention these days.

Worse yet, in the future, they are likely to become the focus of green resource wars. And the mining of such ores isnt the only extractive activity that raises the threat of conflict. To take one example, if the worlds nations pursue climate-mitigation policies that depend heavily on biofuels, the ensuing fuel plantations could end up occupying a staggering quarter to a third of the worlds croplands, almost certainly displacing some essential food crops to less productive areas. And count on this: communities throughout the global south are not going to stand back and allow such potentially wholesale losses without protest.

Selina Gallo-Cruz is an associate professor of sociology at Syracuse University. She recently published a paper, Peace Studies and the Limits to Growth, in which she laid out the ways the widespread violence and injustice implicit in the global Norths quest for growth  green or otherwise  has affected other communities around the world.

Citing the work of organizations like Global Witness in conflict zones worldwide, she points out that a significant part of the violence on this planet comes from the Norths extraction of natural resources through mining or deforestation  palm oil plantations are a big one  and mega-, mega-agricultural projects, all of which lead to outbreaks of very violent conflict. We must not, says Gallo-Cruz, fall for the specious argument that it would be unfair and cruel not to extract resources from impoverished countries, because the North needs such minerals and energy, while the South needs the revenue those resources can bring in. That argument is, of course, blind to the devastation of the lands, waters, and biodiversity on which such communities depend, not to mention the violent conflict that so often threatens to become a part of resource extraction.

To sum up: There has always been violent conflict. (As striking evidence, the artist Miranda Maher has documented that over the past 2,023 years of human history, only one year, 327 AD, was completely free of open armed conflict.) But we may now be preparing to top off that sorry record with climate-induced conflict globally  from open war between nation-states to abuse of migrants at borders to hate and physical assaults that happen just down the block. And efforts to curb climate change are already provoking a right-wing backlash that encourages civil conflict while bringing state violence down on climate activists. Meanwhile, corporate efforts to achieve climate-friendly growth end up inflicting the violence that accompanies resource extraction on the worlds poorest regions, creating conditions for yes, yet more conflict.

In short, industrial civilization has by now painted the world into a perilous corner. The only way out of this mess would be for affluent societies to deeply reduce their consumption of energy and extraction of material resources, but dont hold your breath on that one.

Copyright 2023 Stan Cox

Via Tomdispatch.com
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Endeavour Silver Corp. (Endeavour or the Company) (NYSE: EXK; TSX: EDR) announces it has entered into a sales agreement dated June 27, 2023 (the Sales Agreement) with BMO Capital Markets Corp. (the lead agent), CIBC World Markets Inc., TD Securities (USA) LLC, H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC, B. Riley Securities, Inc., Raymond James (USA) Ltd. and National Bank of Canada Financial, Inc. (collectively, the Agents) pursuant to which the Company may, at its discretion and from time-to-time during the 25 month term of the Sales Agreement, sell, through the Agents, such number of common shares of the Company (Common Shares) as would result in aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of up to US$60 million (the Offering). Sales of Common Shares will be made through at the market distributions as defined in the Canadian Securities Administrators National Instrument 44-102 - Shelf Distributions, including sales made directly on the New York Stock Exchange (the NYSE), or any other recognized marketplace upon which the Common Shares are listed or quoted or where the Common Shares are traded in the United States. The Common Shares will be distributed at the market prices prevailing at the time of each sale and, as a result, prices may vary as between purchasers and during the period of distribution. No offers or sales of Common Shares will be made in Canada on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the TSX) or other trading markets in Canada. All references to dollars ($) in this news release are to United States dollars.

The Offering will be made by way of a prospectus supplement dated June 27, 2023 to the Companys existing U.S. registration statement on Form F-10 (the Registration Statement) and Canadian short form base shelf prospectus (the Base Shelf Prospectus), each dated June 16, 2023. The prospectus supplement relating to the Offering has been filed with the securities commissions in each of the provinces of Canada (other than Quebec) and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). The U.S. prospectus supplement (together with a related Registration Statement) is available on the SECs website (www.sec.gov) and the Canadian prospectus supplement (together with the related Base Shelf Prospectus) is available on the SEDAR website maintained by the Canadian Securities Administrators at www.sedar.com. Alternatively, BMO Capital Markets will provide copies of the U.S. prospectus upon request by contacting BMO Capital Markets Corp. (Attention: Equity Syndicate Department, 151 W 42nd Street, 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10036, by telephone: (800) 4143627, or by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Net proceeds of the Offering, if any, together with the Companys current cash resources, will be used to fund the construction and development of the Companys Terronera Mine, to advance the evaluation and development of the Pitarrilla and Parral properties, to assess potential development stage mineral properties for acquisition, to fund the potential acquisition of other development stage mineral properties, for continued exploration on the Companys existing mineral properties and to add to the Companys working capital.

The Company will pay the Agents compensation, or allow a discount, of 2.00% of the gross sales price per Common Share sold under the Sales Agreement. Sales under the Sales Agreement remain subject to necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX and the NYSE.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell any securities or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities, nor will there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

About Endeavour Silver  Endeavour is a mid-tier precious metals mining company that operates two high-grade underground silver-gold mines in Mexico. Endeavour is advancing construction of the Terronera Project and exploring its portfolio of exploration projects in Mexico, Chile and the United States to facilitate its goal to become a premier senior silver producer. Our philosophy of corporate social integrity creates value for all stakeholders.

For Further Information, Please Contact



Galina Meleger, Vice President, Investor Relations

Tel: (604) 640-4804

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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements and information herein include but are not limited to the anticipated Offering and the anticipated use of proceeds from the Offering. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to: the continued operation of the Companys mining operations, no material adverse change in the market price of commodities, mining operations will operate and the mining products will be completed in accordance with managements expectations and achieve their stated production outcomes, and such other assumptions and factors as described in the section Risk Factors contained in the Companys most recent Form 40-F filed with the SEC and Annual Information Form filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities.

Since forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact and address future events, conditions and expectations, forward-looking statements by their nature inherently involve unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors well beyond the Companys ability to control or predict. Material factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those described in such forwarding-looking statements include risks related to the conditions requiring the anticipated use of proceeds from the Offering to change, timing of, and ability to obtain, required regulatory approvals and general economic and regulatory changes. These forward-looking statements represent the Companys views as of the date of this release. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or information, there may be other factors that cause results to be materially different from those anticipated, described, estimated, assessed or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend to and does not assume any obligation to update such forward-looking statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.
Advanced the Necessary Fieldwork, Resource Model and Trade-Off Studies to Prepare the Donlin Gold Project for the Next Phase of Development

Robust Treasury of $109 Million in Cash and Term Deposits, with $25 Million of Receivables in the Third Quarter 2023

The 2023 Donlin Gold field program which commenced in February 2023 has safely and successfully advanced ahead of schedule, with 63% of its direct hires being from the Yukon-Kuskokwim (Y-K) region.

The comprehensive fieldwork and trade-off studies will provide valuable information for the Donlin Gold LLC board and its owners to consider with respect to an updated feasibility study decision.

NOVAGOLDs treasury remains strong with $109 million in cash and term deposits as of May 31, 2023, with an additional $25 million due in July 2023 from Newmont Corporation (Newmont), keeping NOVAGOLD in a healthy financial position to advance the Donlin Gold project up the value chain.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NOVAGOLD RESOURCES INC. (NOVAGOLD or the Company) (NYSE American, TSX: NG) today released its 2023 second quarter financial results and an update on its Tier One1 gold development project, Donlin Gold, which NOVAGOLD owns equally with Barrick Gold Corporation (Barrick).

Details of the financial results for the quarter ended May 31, 2023, are presented in the consolidated financial statements and quarterly report filed on Form 10-Q on June 27, 2023 that is available on the Companys website at www.novagold.com, on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. All amounts are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated.

Second Quarter 2023 Donlin Gold Highlights:

Advanced the fieldwork and geotechnical drilling for data collection required for the Alaska Dam Safety certificates of the water retention structures (including proposed Tailings Storage Facility).

Progressed with hydrological drilling to further define the depth and flow of groundwater in the areas of the planned Donlin Gold pit and surrounding infrastructure to support mine planning and design.

Updated the resource model and advanced the trade-off studies with the data derived from recent drill programs and fieldwork at the Donlin Gold project site.

In collaboration with Calista Corporation (Calista) and The Kuskokwim Corporation (TKC), Donlin Gold accomplished the following in areas spanning education, health and safety, cultural traditions, and environmental initiatives: Finalized Shared Values Statements with two villages from the Y-K region, for a total of 14; Supported Crooked Creek, the closest village to the project site, with supplies, transportation and housing following a major flooding event caused by the Kuskokwim River during ice break-up; Held the first informational meeting of the Subsistence Community Advisory Committee (SCAC) in Aniak with Y-K residents of varying perspectives on Donlin Gold; Supported the annual Clean-up Green-up program for 52 Y-K villages; Sponsored the Lower Kuskokwim School Districts annual college and career fair, which hosted 70 students and 30 vendors; and Provided financial assistance to multiple Y-K community health and safety initiatives, including the Covenant House Alaska and Bethel Community Services, to address chronic youth shelter and food security issues.



NOVAGOLD released its third annual Sustainability Report, which features a comprehensive review of the Companys performance in the areas of environmental stewardship, health and safety, social and community engagement, and corporate governance.

Visited Washington, D.C. with Calista and the Crooked Creek Traditional Council, to pursue bipartisan outreach to the Biden Administration and the U.S. Congress to emphasize the benefits of the project, as well as the strength of the National Environmental Policy Act and Federal permitting process undertaken for the project.

Presidents Message

A Perfect Asset for an Imperfect World

With approximately 39 million ounces of gold grading 2.24 grams per tonne in the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources, inclusive of Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves, Donlin Gold hosts one of the largest and highest-grade undeveloped open-pit gold endowments in the world.2 As currently envisioned, the project would produce an average of 1.1 million ounces per year over its 27-year mine-life. This, in turn, enables Donlin Gold to potentially become one of the lowest-cost producers in the gold space, and we believe it possesses an extraordinary capacity to grow. Excellent exploration potential exists beyond the defined resources, which is located on only three kilometers of an eight-kilometer mineralized belt and represents less than 5% of the total land package. For all of these reasons and more, we believe that Donlin Gold is poised to become one of the greatest gold stories in the development space. Over time, and by keeping its promises to stakeholders, NOVAGOLDs management has diligently protected these resources, substantially de-risked Donlin Gold, committed to responsible mining, dedicated both time and effort to building trust and transparency, and continuously found ways to improve and enhance the project while building a legacy.

Donlin Gold truly is among the rarest of gold development assets  a Tier 1 Asset in a Tier 1 Jurisdiction. Or, as we like to say, one that offers unique leverage to gold in a place where one can keep the fruits of that leverage. As the premier gold development project in Alaska  itself the second largest gold-producing state in one of the worlds safest jurisdictions  our project benefits from a well-established tradition of responsible mining. As such, Donlin Gold has the potential to form the cornerstone of genuine and sustainable economic development for the Y-K region for decades to come.

Steadfast Commitment to Advancing the Donlin Gold Project Up the Value Chain

Donlin Golds expansion of our investments and partnerships with the people and communities of the Y-K region is indicative of our commitment to advancing this exceptional project up the value chain. Indeed, the extensive and cumulative work invested into Donlin Gold to date has enhanced its value  and in the most responsible manner  to all stakeholders, Alaska residents as well as our shareholders.

In the second quarter, activities advanced in five key areas at Donlin Gold: 1) we updated the geologic and resource models with the data derived from the extensive drill programs over the last three years; 2) all key project assumptions, inputs, and design components for optimization (mine engineering, metallurgy, hydrology, and infrastructure) were subjected to extensive analysis; 3) the fieldwork and geotechnical drilling were advanced to collect the necessary data to inform the design documentation for the Alaska Dam Safety certificates required for construction, as was the hydrological drilling to further define the depth and flow of groundwater in the areas of the planned Donlin Gold pit and surrounding infrastructure to support mine planning and design; 4) the remaining permits needed for the project proceeded through the regulatory process, while existing federal and state permits are maintained and the new air quality permit is anticipated to be issued by June 30, 2023; and 5) most importantly, as social license constitutes the cornerstone of our philosophy of creating a true win-win in Alaska, we built long-term value through continued engagement with our partners and stakeholders, while sustaining and even expanding project support in the Y-K region.

The successful execution of these activities at Donlin Gold would not be possible without a dedicated team in the Anchorage office and a committed workforce at camp  of which 63% are from the Y-K region. Over the past three months, our team has safely advanced site work and maintained open and transparent communication with all the project stakeholders. Thanks to their hard work, the 2023 field program at Donlin Gold is anticipated to be completed in July.

The comprehensive work being completed will provide valuable information for the Donlin Gold LLC board and its owners to consider with respect to an updated feasibility study decision. The owners will continue to advance the Donlin Gold project in a financially disciplined manner with a particular focus on engineering excellence, environmental stewardship, a strong safety culture and continued community engagement.

Collaboration with Alaska Native Corporation Partners to Secure the Remaining State Permits

Donlin Gold continues to work closely with its Alaska Native Corporation partners, Calista and TKC, in supporting the Federal and State agencies to keep the projects permits in good standing. Specifically, the team continues to support efforts to advance the Alaska Dam Safety certificates  with fieldwork anticipated to be completed next month.

Work on the new air quality permit based on updated air quality modeling and emissions controls information, and the regularly scheduled re-issuance of its Alaska Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (APDES) permit from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) is also underway. The new air quality permit is anticipated to be issued by June 30, 2023. ADEC has extended the existing APDES permit indefinitely until a new permit is finalized.

Two appeals of the Right-of-Way (ROW) lease for the portions of the natural gas pipeline on state lands were previously filed in Anchorage Superior Court, one by Earthjustice and Orutsararmiut Native Council (ONC) and a second by Robert Fithian, an outdoor business owner in the pipeline area. The cases have been considered by the same judge. On April 12, 2023, the Superior Court affirmed the Alaska Department of Natural Resources issuance of the ROW lease in the Earthjustice and ONC case. This decision has been appealed by Earthjustice to the Alaska Supreme Court. With respect to the Fithian case  a lodge owner in proximity to the proposed Donlin Gold natural gas pipeline, we anticipate a Superior Court decision by the end of the year.

On April 6, 2023, Earthjustice, together with ONC and two other Y-K villages, filed suit against the U.S. government in Anchorage federal District Court. The lawsuit asks the Court to invalidate the Joint Record of Decision, including the Clean Water Act Section 404 permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and ROW lease for the portions of the pipeline on federal lands issued by the Bureau of Land Management of the U.S. Department of Interior. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) will defend the issuance of the permits by those federal agencies. Donlin Gold and Calista have been granted intervenor status in this case.

A key distinguishing factor which sets Donlin Gold apart from many other mining assets in the United States and around the world is the projects location on private land, specially designated for mining activities through the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971. To date, all appeals challenging Donlin Gold permits have been unsuccessful, often on multiple occasions, and we have full confidence in the process. We do not take this for granted. Our project leadership and litigation teams have always prepared and organized accordingly for potential challenges to the federal and state permitting processes. With the steadfast advocacy of Donlin Gold and its owners, we will continue to support the agencies in the defense of what constitutes an exceptionally thorough and diligent permitting process.

Longstanding Partnerships with Regional Stakeholders are Reinforced by Ongoing Engagement

Donlin Gold continues to work with Calista and TKC in all aspects of outreach and engagement throughout the Y-K region. Our commitment to meaningful tribal inclusion throughout project development and permitting has been reinforced by decades of reliable and dependable outreach with the communities in the projects region. In the second quarter, Donlin Gold signed additional Shared Values Statements with two villages in the Y-K region, bringing the total to 14. These documents formalize current engagement with key local communities, expand upon the long-term relationships already established with them, and address specific community needs including: water, sewer and solid waste projects; the ice road that connects remote villages in the Y-K region; salmon and other aquatic life studies; and suicide prevention and public safety programs.

Furthermore, Donlin Gold was recognized as a leader for providing support to Crooked Creek, the village closest to the project site, following major spring flooding because of the ice break-up on the Kuskokwim River. Donlin Gold staff were on-site providing support, supplies, transportation, and comfort to those affected by the flood. Donlin Gold staff were able to fly over the river to take pictures and provide them to the State, which ultimately prompted the declaration of a state of emergency. A similar event occurred twelve years ago in Crooked Creek and Donlin Gold was then also privileged to be close by and provide much needed support.

In partnership with Calista and TKC, Donlin Gold held the first informational meeting for the SCAC in Aniak during the second quarter. All attendees, who hold varying perspectives on the Donlin Gold project, completed an application to join the SCAC. As part of the commitment between Donlin Gold, Calista and TKC, the Committee was established to maintain a well-defined process for communications, dialogue, problem-solving, and seeking the views of the broader community regarding subsistence matters.

In the past three months, visits were also made to Washington, D.C. to pursue bipartisan outreach to the Biden Administration and the U.S. Congress, including meetings with Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, and with Representative Mary Peltola from the Y-K region. In early March, TKC, Calista and Crooked Creek held a tribal consultation meeting with the Corps Alaska District leadership to emphasize the benefits of the project, as well as the strength and transparency of the NEPA review and Federal permitting process. In early May, the village of Crooked Creeks Traditional Council, which recently affirmed its support for the project, accompanied Calista and Donlin Gold on a visit with Administration and Congressional staff in Washington, D.C. In all of these meetings, Calista, Donlin Gold, and now Crooked Creek, highlighted the thoroughness of the projects environmental review and permitting processes, as well as the deep partnerships that exist with Native Alaskans that own the land.

Long-Term Commitment to Supporting Local Communities and People of the Y-K Region

For NOVAGOLD, community and social responsibility represents a wide-ranging, essential activity that is core to all that we do at the Donlin Gold project site and in the communities of the Y-K region. It has been our consistent practicing philosophy for more than two decades. At the project level, Donlin Gold continues to work with Calista and TKC in all aspects of outreach and engagement throughout the Y-K region in the areas of education, health and safety, cultural traditions, and environmental initiatives.

In partnership with Covenant House Alaska and Bethel Community Services, Donlin Gold has been developing an action plan to address the chronic and ongoing youth shelter and food security issues in the Y-K region. In the context of these efforts, space was successfully leased from Bethel Winter House to provide young adults aged 18 to 24 with shelter and food  with the grand opening taking place in the second quarter. Donlin Gold also helped the Chevak Search and Rescue team and provided funding to various health and safety initiatives of communities throughout the Y-K region. Donlin Gold also supported 52 villages as part of the annual Clean-up Green-up program, which aims to collect and dispose of trash from the tundra, roads, public areas and beaches in the Y-K region that accumulate over the winter months.

Education is a key component of Donlin Golds community engagement efforts. In the second quarter, Donlin Gold sponsored the Calista Education and Culture, Inc.  an organization that provides educational scholarships to Calista shareholders and descendants; the Rural Alaska Honors Institute  a competitive program that gives Alaska Native and Y-K region students an opportunity to discover college life with an in-dorm experience on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus, and offers college credit courses; and the Lower Kuskokwim School Districts annual college and career fair with excellent student and vendor participation.

A Robust Treasury  and Exceptional People to Steward our Ascent

With $109 million in cash and term deposits as of May 31, 2023, and another $25 million due in July 2023 from Newmont, we believe that we have sufficient resources to cover anticipated costs to fund our share of the Donlin Gold project through an updated feasibility study.

At the end of the day, of course, its always about the people. Thus, in closing, I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to the dedicated professionals at NOVAGOLD  from our employees all the way to the Board of Directors, and to Donlin Gold, Barrick, Alaska Native Corporation partners Calista and TKC, contractors, and representatives from the federal and state agencies who adhere to best practices so that we can responsibly advance this consequential, high-quality gold asset up the value chain.

Last but certainly not least, I wish to thank each and every single one of our dedicated shareholders for choosing to invest in NOVAGOLD, as well as for their engagement, patience, and valuable insight over the years. We look forward to continuing to deliver on our promises and to keeping an open line of communication between us as we aim to reach further milestones and achievements together in 2023.

Sincerely,

Gregory A. Lang

President & CEO

Financial Results

in thousands of U.S. dollars, except for per share amounts

Three months ended

May 31,

2023

$ Three months ended

May 31,

2022

$ Six months

ended

May 31,

2023

$ Six months

ended

May 31,

2022

$ General and administrative expense (1) 5,535 5,371 11,142 10,548 Share of losses  Donlin Gold 7,543 8,441 12,018 12,481 Total operating expenses 13,078 13,812 23,160 23,029 Loss from operations (13,078) (13,812) (23,160) (23,029) Interest expense on promissory note (3,212) (1,684) (6,156) (3,196) Accretion of notes receivable 217 209 434 419 Other income, net 1,424 317 3,649 841 Income tax expense   (75)  Net loss (14,649) (14,970) (25,308) (24,965) Loss per share, basic and diluted (0.04) (0.04) (0.08) (0.07) At At May 31,

2023

$ November 30,

2022

$ Cash and term deposits 108,954 125,882 Total assets 142,870 159,189 Total liabilities 134,065 129,286

(1) Includes share-based compensation expense of $2,140 and $2,105 in the second quarter of 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $4,301 and $54,196 in the first six months of 2023 and 2022, respectively.

In the second quarter of 2023, net loss decreased by $0.3 million from 2022, primarily due to lower field expenses at Donlin Gold and increased interest income on cash and term deposits, partially offset by an increase in interest expense on the promissory note and higher corporate travel and legal expenses. Donlin Gold expenses were lower in the second quarter of 2023 with fieldwork and geotechnical drilling for the Alaska Dam Safety certificates and hydrological drilling to support mine planning and design in the second quarter of 2023, compared to the large exploration drilling program in the second quarter of 2022.

In the first six months of 2023, net loss increased by $0.3 million from 2022, primarily due to an increase in interest expense on the promissory note and higher corporate travel and legal expenses, partially offset by increased interest income and other income related to the 2021 sale of the Companys interest in the San Roque mineral property.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

In the second quarter of 2023, cash and cash equivalents decreased by $7.2 million, mainly to fund our share of Donlin Gold and for corporate administrative expenses. The decrease in cash used in operating activities in the second quarter of 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily due to interest proceeds received on cash and term deposits. The increase in cash used in investing activities was due to proceeds from term deposits in the second quarter of 2022, partially offset by reduced funding of Donlin Gold in the second quarter of 2023.

In the first six months of 2023 cash and cash equivalents decreased by $16.9 million, mainly to fund our share of Donlin Gold and for corporate administrative expenses. The decrease in cash used in operating activities in the first six months of 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily due to interest proceeds received on cash and term deposits in 2023, and the timing of corporate liability insurance payments and withholding tax paid on share-based compensation in 2022 (no Performance Share Units vested in 2023). The increase in cash used in investing activities was due to proceeds from term deposits in 2022, partially offset by reduced funding of Donlin Gold and proceeds received from the sale of the Companys interest in the San Roque mineral property in 2023.

2023 Outlook

We anticipate spending approximately $31 million in 2023, which includes $17 million to fund the Donlin Gold project, $13 million for corporate general and administrative costs, and $1 million for working capital and other items.

NOVAGOLDs primary goals for the remainder of 2023 include continuing to advance the Donlin Gold project toward a construction decision; maintaining support for Donlin Gold among the projects stakeholders; promoting a strong safety, sustainability, and environmental culture; maintaining a favorable reputation of NOVAGOLD; and preserving a healthy balance sheet. Our operations primarily relate to the delivery of project milestones, including the achievement of various technical, environmental, sustainable development, economic and legal objectives, obtaining necessary permits, completion of pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, preparation of engineering designs, and the financing to fund these objectives.

Conference Call & Webcast Details

NOVAGOLDs conference call and webcast to discuss these results will take place on June 28, 2023, at 8:00 am PT (11:00 am ET). The webcast and conference call-in details are provided below.

Video Webcast: www.novagold.com/investors/events/ North American callers: 1-800-319-4610 International callers: 1-604-638-5340

NOVAGOLDs quarterly reporting schedule for the remainder of 2023 will be as follows:

Q3 2023  Tuesday, October 3, 2023; financial statements and a Donlin Gold project update will be released after market close. A conference call and webcast will be held on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. ET to discuss Q3 financial results.

About NOVAGOLD

NOVAGOLD is a well-financed precious metals company focused on the development of its 50%-owned Donlin Gold project in Alaska, one of the safest mining jurisdictions in the world. With approximately 39 million ounces of gold in the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource categories, inclusive of Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves (541 million tonnes at an average grade of approximately 2.24 grams per tonne, in the Measured and Indicated Resource categories on a 100% basis)2, the Donlin Gold project is regarded to be one of the largest, highest-grade, and most prospective known open-pit gold deposits in the world. According to the 2021 Technical Report and the S-K 1300 Report (both as defined below), once in production, the Donlin Gold project is expected to produce an average of more than one million ounces per year over a 27-year mine life on a 100% basis. The Donlin Gold project has substantial exploration potential beyond the designed footprint of the open pit which currently covers three kilometers of an approximately eight-kilometer-long gold-bearing trend. Current activities at the Donlin Gold project are focused on State permitting, engineering studies, community outreach, and workforce development in preparation for the eventual construction and operation of this project. With a strong balance sheet, NOVAGOLD is well-positioned to fund its share of permitting and advancement efforts at the Donlin Gold project.

NOVAGOLD Contacts:

Melanie Hennessey

Vice President, Corporate Communications

604-669-6227 or 1-866-669-6227

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This media release includes certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively forward-looking statements) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as expects, anticipates, believes, intends, estimates, potential, possible, and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results will, may, could, would or should occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on several opinions, estimates and assumptions that management of NOVAGOLD considered appropriate and reasonable as of the date such statements are made, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that may cause the actual results, activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding the implementation of the corporate climate change policy and the biodiversity policy; the anticipated timing of certain judicial and/or administrative decisions; the 2023 outlook; the timing and potential for a new feasibility study on the Donlin Gold project; our goals and planned expenditures for the remainder of 2023; ongoing support provided to key stakeholders including Alaska Native Corporation partners; Donlin Golds continued support for the state and federal permitting process; the potential development and construction of the Donlin Gold project; the sufficiency of funds to continue to advance development of Donlin Gold, including to a construction decision; perceived merit of properties; mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates; Donlin Golds ability to secure the permits needed to construct and operate the Donlin Gold project in a timely manner, if at all; legal challenges to Donlin Golds existing permits and the timing of decisions in those challenges; whether the Donlin Gold LLC Board will continue to advance the Donlin Gold project up the value chain; the success of the strategic mine plan for the Donlin Gold project; the success of the Donlin Gold community relations plan; the outcome of exploration drilling at the Donlin Gold project and the timing thereof; and the conversion of Galore Creek into a mine and the receipt of $25 million due in July 2023 from Newmont and the $75 million contingent payment from Newmont. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, intentions, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead represent the expectations of NOVAGOLD managements estimates and projections regarding future events or circumstances on the date the statements are made. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include the need to obtain additional permits and governmental approvals; the timing and likelihood of obtaining and maintaining permits necessary to construct and operate; the need for additional financing to explore and develop properties and availability of financing in the debt and capital markets; the coronavirus global pandemic (COVID-19); uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drill results and geological tests and the estimation of reserves and resources; changes in mineral production performance, exploitation and exploration successes; changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls or regulations and/or changes in the administration of laws, policies and practices, expropriation or nationalization of property and political or economic developments in the United States or Canada; the need for continued cooperation between Barrick and NOVAGOLD for the continued exploration, development and eventual construction of the Donlin Gold property; the need for cooperation of government agencies and Native groups in the development and operation of properties; risks of construction and mining projects such as accidents, equipment breakdowns, bad weather, disease pandemics, non-compliance with environmental and permit requirements, unanticipated variation in geological structures, ore grades or recovery rates; unexpected cost increases, which could include significant increases in estimated capital and operating costs; fluctuations in metal prices and currency exchange rates; whether or when a positive construction decision will be made regarding the Donlin Gold project; and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in NOVAGOLDs most recent reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, particularly the "Risk Factors" sections of those reports and other documents filed by NOVAGOLD with applicable securities regulatory authorities from time to time. Copies of these filings may be obtained by visiting NOVAGOLDs website at www.novagold.com, or the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, or at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements contained herein reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections of NOVAGOLD on the date the statements are made. NOVAGOLD assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

_____________________________
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. (West Red Lake Gold or WRLG or the Company) (TSXV:WRLG) (OTCQB: WRLGF) is pleased to report additional drill results from its Phase 1 exploration program on its 100% owned Rowan Property located in the prolific Red Lake Gold District of Northwestern, Ontario, Canada (initial drill results reported on May 23, 2023).

HIGHLIGHTS:

Hole RLG-23-146 Intersected 2.8m @ 20.9 g/t Au, from 349.7m to 352.5m, Including 0.5m @ 113.74 g/t Au, from 349.7m to 350.2m

Hole RLG-23-133 Intersected 0.4m @ 104.98 g/t Au, from 74.85m to 75.25m

Hole RLG-23-144 Intersected 0.5m @ 74.36 g/t Au, from 452.5m to 453m

Hole RLG-23-146 Intersected 1.35m @ 16.34 g/t Au, from 241m to 242.35m, Including, 0.85m @ 25.8 g/t Au from 241m to 241.85m

Hole RLG-23-145 Intersected 2m @ 10.53 g/t Au, from 265m to 267m, Including, 1m @ 20.79 g/t Au from 266m to 267m

The high-grade mineralized vein zones encountered at the Rowan Mine target area (the Rowan Mine Target) are in-line with expectations on gold grade, confirm the geologic model, and help to bolster the existing high-grade (9.2 g/t Au) 827,462 ounce Inferred Mineral Resource at the Rowan Mine. Sections for the Rowan Mine drilling outlined in this release are provided in Figures 2 through 7.

Shane Williams, President & CEO, stated, We are delighted with the continued success our geologic team is having at the Rowan Mine Target. Drilling continues to intercept high-grade gold at or near projected depths, confirming our model of the Rowan vein system. This enriches our understanding of the grade continuity and gold distribution within individual vein zones. Moreover, the discovery of visible gold and mineralization in veins subsidiary to the main structures indicates much more gold in the overall system than previously believed.

Several drill intercepts received to date have returned assay results at higher grades than those in the existing Inferred resource block model. We look forward to updating the Rowan mineral resource, which currently hosts Inferred resources of 827,462 ounces at 9.2 g/t gold.

With the acquisition of the Madsen Gold Project, the Company has secured the necessary infrastructure, potentially accelerating the production timeline for Rowan, which is situated within trucking distance from the Madsen Mill.

A total of 23 diamond drill holes totaling 6,063m have been completed so far in 2023 at the Rowan Mine target area. Fire and metallic screen assays have been returned for 19 out of 23 holes completed, with 4 holes pending assays and QAQC at the time of this writing.

TABLE 1. Significant intercepts (>4gpt Au) from Phase 1 drilling at Rowan Mine Target.

Hole ID Target From (m) To (m) Thick (m)* Au (g/t) RLG-22-118 Rowan Mine 371 372 1 7.72 AND Rowan Mine 387.5 388.85 1.35 5.47 Incl. Rowan Mine 387.5 388 0.5 14.05 RLG-23-133 Rowan Mine 74.85 75.25 0.4 104.98 RLG-23-136 Rowan Mine 59 60.35 1.35 8.08 Incl. Rowan Mine 59.85 60.35 0.5 13.95 AND Rowan Mine 140 141.5 1.5 5.77 Incl. Rowan Mine 141 141.5 0.5 13.18 RLG-23-137 Rowan Mine 49.83 50.95 1.12 4.43 AND Rowan Mine 79 81 2 4.88 Incl. Rowan Mine 79.92 81 1.08 7.6 RLG-23-141 Rowan Mine 51 52 1 5.07 AND Rowan Mine 90 91 1 6.25 AND Rowan Mine 122 123 1 4.69 RLG-23-142 Rowan Mine 86 86.4 0.4 10.18 RLG-23-143 Rowan Mine 83 87 4 4.52 Incl. Rowan Mine 86 87 1 12.59 RLG-23-144 Rowan Mine 452.5 453 0.5 74.36 AND Rowan Mine 477.65 478.15 0.5 4.14 RLG-23-145 Rowan Mine 245.7 246.85 1.15 8.93 Incl. Rowan Mine 246.3 246.85 0.55 17.66 AND Rowan Mine 265 267 2 10.53 Incl. Rowan Mine 266 267 1 20.79 RLG-23-146 Rowan Mine 200 200.5 0.5 4.06 AND Rowan Mine 241 242.35 1.35 16.34 Incl. Rowan Mine 241 241.85 0.85 25.8 AND Rowan Mine 248 249 1 4.06 AND Rowan Mine 250 250.5 0.5 8.24 AND Rowan Mine 349.7 352.5 2.8 20.9 Incl. Rowan Mine 349.7 350.2 0.5 113.74 RLG-23-147 Rowan Mine 258.85 261 2.15 6.07 Incl. Rowan Mine 258.85 259.35 0.5 16.8 AND Rowan Mine 363.35 364.35 1 18.24 Incl. Rowan Mine 363.35 363.85 0.5 36.37

*The From-To intervals in Table 1 are denoting overall downhole length of the intercept. True thickness has not been calculated for these intercepts but is expected to be  70% of downhole thickness based on intercept angles observed in the drill core. Composite intervals do not cross sample boundaries < 0.1 g/t Au.

An additional 1,000m of diamond drilling planned for the Phase 1 program is currently ongoing and expected to be completed on target in early July, 2023. The focus of this drilling is on infill and expansion within high-grade mineralized zones at the Rowan Mine resource area. Upon completion of Phase 1, the Company will lead directly into its Phase 2 program, which will include an additional 10,000m of drilling to further build on Phase 1 exploration work and to continue de-risking the high-grade Rowan Mine resource.

It is the Companys belief that potential synergies could exist between high-grade resources at the Rowan Mine target area and Madsen. Early indications suggest that the gold mineralization at Rowan could be amenable to gravity separation. The Company has initiated a metallurgical study at Rowan to begin evaluating this potential opportunity, as well as a geotechnical study to better characterize the rock mass properties within the mineralized vein zones at Rowan.

FIGURE 1. Rowan drilling completed to date. Traces for holes with assays highlighted in this news release shown in red. Traces for holes with assays previously reported shown in black.

TABLE 2: Drill collar summary for holes reported in this News Release.

Hole ID Target Easting Northing Elev (m) Length (m) Azimuth Dip RLG-22-118 Rowan Mine 422051 5657750 384 327 357 -60 RLG-23-133 Rowan Mine 421994 5657920 367 120 0 -50 RLG-23-136 Rowan Mine 421945 5657885 367 171 0 -50 RLG-23-137 Rowan Mine 421945 5657938 367 120 0 -50 RLG-23-141 Rowan Mine 421772 5657793 368 189 0 -50 RLG-23-142 Rowan Mine 421770 5657851 368 192 0 -50 RLG-23-143 Rowan Mine 421711 5657775 368 150 0 -50 RLG-23-144 Rowan Mine 422051 5657753 380 520 355 -65 RLG-23-145 Rowan Mine 422051 5657752 380 372 355 -52 RLG-23-146 Rowan Mine 422051 5657752 380 372 345 -50 RLG-23-147 Rowan Mine 422051 5657752 380 411 345 -55

DISCUSSION

The Rowan Mine Target consists of more than seven sub-parallel, near-vertical, east-west trending veins that are currently defined over a strike length of approximately 1.1 kilometre (km)  mineralization remains open along strike and at depth. The orientation of the veins at the Rowan Mine tend to follow the direction of D2 deformation, which is oriented in an east-west direction over this part of the property. Individual mineralized vein zones usually average 1.0 to 1.5m in thickness, with an overall thickness of the Rowan vein corridor at around 115m. Gold mineralization is typically localized within quartz-carbonate veins hosted within and along the footwall margin of a porphyritic felsic intrusive, with increased grades often associated with the presence of visible gold and base metal sulphides (e.g. galena, sphalerite). High-grade dilation zones or ore chutes along the Rowan vein trend have been recognized as important controls for localizing thicker and higher-grade zones of gold mineralization. The position and geometry of these dilation zones is well understood at Rowan.

The Phase 1 drilling completed at the Rowan Mine Target in 2023 has been focused on validating historical data across the Inferred Resource, and also infilling apparent gaps in the analytical data set which was a product of very selective sampling techniques implemented during previous drilling campaigns. Assay results received from the 2023 Phase 1 drilling program continue to confirm our thesis that quartz veining and gold mineralization continue at depth and along strike, with grades consistent with, or higher than those outlined in the current Inferred Mineral Resource which remains open in all directions. For example, the 100 Vein Zone - which is the furthest north vein currently modeled within the overall Rowan vein corridor - was previously interpreted to be a lower grade portion of the block model. Recent drilling has confirmed that higher grades are present within the 100 Vein Zone below 150m elevation, suggesting that gold grades are increasing at depth within this zone which is a trend that has been observed elsewhere in the Red Lake district. Drilling at the Rowan Mine Target area will continue with an emphasis on infill and expansion of the existing high-grade mineral resource.

FIGURE 2. Rowan Mine drill section for Hole RLG-23-133.

FIGURE 3. Rowan Mine drill section for Holes RLG-23-136 and RLG-23-137.

FIGURE 4. Rowan Mine drill section for Holes RLG-23-141 and RLG-23-142.

FIGURE 5. Rowan Mine drill section for Holes RLG-23-143.

FIGURE 6. Rowan Mine drill section for Holes RLG-22-118, RLG-23-144 and RLG-23-145. RLG-22-118 was re-entered in 2023 and extended to intercept the deeper 100 and 110 vein zones.

FIGURE 7. Rowan Mine drill section for Holes RLG-22-146 and RLG-23-147. Note the high-grade intercepts encountered at depth within the 100 Vein Zone.

QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL

Drilling completed at the Rowan Property consists of oriented NQ-sized diamond drill core. All drill holes are systematically logged, photographed, and sampled by a trained geologist at WRLGs Mt. Jamie core processing facility. Minimum allowable sample length is 0.5m. Maximum allowable sample length is 1.5m. Standard reference materials and blanks are inserted at a targeted 5% insertion rate. The drill core is then cut lengthwise utilizing a diamond blade core saw along a line pre-selected by the geologist. To reduce sampling bias, the same side of drill core is sampled consistently utilizing the orientation line as reference. For those samples containing visible gold (VG), a trained geologist supervises the cutting/bagging of those samples, and ensures the core saw blade is cleaned with a dressing stone following the VG sample interval. Bagged samples are then sealed with zip ties and transported by WRLG personnel directly to SGS Natural Resources Facility in Red Lake, Ontario for assay.

Samples are then prepped by SGS, which consists of drying at 105C and crushing to 75% passing 2mm. A riffle splitter is then utilized to produce a 500g course reject for archive. The remainder of the sample is then pulverized to 85% passing 75 microns from which 50g is analyzed by fire assay and an atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) finish. Samples returning gold values > 5 g/t Au are reanalyzed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish on a 50g sample. Samples with visible gold are also analyzed via metallic screen analysis (SGS code: GO_FAS50M). For multi-element analysis, samples are sent to SGSs facility in Burnaby, British Columbia and analyzed via four-acid digest with an atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) finish for 33-element analysis on 0.25g sample pulps (SGS code: GE_ICP40Q12). SGS Natural Resources analytical laboratories operates under a Quality Management System that complies with ISO/IEC 17025.

West Red Lake Golds Rowan Property presently hosts a National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) Inferred Mineral Resource of 2,790,700 t at an average grade of 9.2 g/t Au containing 827,462 ounces of gold with a cut-off grade of 3.8 g/t Au (NI 43-101 Technical Report authored by John Kita, P.Eng., dated December 13, 2022 and filed December 30, 2022 on sedar.com). The Inferred Mineral Resource is located in the area of the historic underground Rowan Mine site and situated within a 1.8 km strike length portion of the regional scale Pipestone Bay St Paul Deformation Zone.

The technical information presented in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Will Robinson, P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration for West Red Lake Gold and the Qualified Person for exploration at the West Red Lake Project, as defined by NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

ABOUT WEST RED LAKE GOLD MINES

West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. is a mineral exploration company that is publicly traded and focused on advancing and developing its flagship Madsen Gold Mine and the associated 47 Km2 highly prospective land package in the Red Lake district of Ontario. The highly productive Red Lake Gold District of Northwest Ontario, Canada has yielded over 30 million ounces of gold from high-grade zones and hosts some of the world's richest gold deposits. WRLG also holds the wholly owned Rowan Property in Red Lake, with an expansive property position covering 31 Km2 including three past producing gold mines - Rowan, Mount Jamie, and Red Summit.

ON BEHALF OF WEST RED LAKE GOLD MINES LTD.

Shane Williams

Shane Williams

President & Chief Executive Officer

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Amandip Singh, VP Corporate Development

Tel: 416-203-9181

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the Companys website at https://www.westredlakegold.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements". When used in this document, the words "anticipated", "expect", "estimated", "forecast", "planned", and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements or information. These statements are based on current expectations of management, however, they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this news release. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements. West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. does not undertake any obligation to revise or update any forward- looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date hereof, except as required by securities laws.
Highlights:

David Palmer appointed as Chairman and Director of the Company

Breanne Beh appointed President and CEO, effective July 10, 2023

Appointments are part of the Companys initiative to build a strong executive team and to follow up on the new gold discoveries at the Golden Sky Project in Wawa, Ontario.

TORONTO, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Angus Gold Inc. (TSX-V: GUS | OTC: ANGVF) (Angus or the Company) is pleased to announce the appointments of Dr. David Palmer as Chairman and Director of the Company, effective immediately, and Breanne Beh as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 10, 2023. Ms. Beh has been leading the Companys exploration team and exploration strategy at the Golden Sky Project since September 2021. These appointments are part of the Companys initiative to build a strong executive team and world-class project in one of Ontarios most active gold belts.

Dr. Palmer is a Professional Geologist with more than 25 years of management, technical, and exploration experience. David is currently the President and CEO of Probe Gold Inc. Previously, he was the President and CEO of Probe Mines Limited (2003-2015) where he led his team to two successful major mineral discoveries, including the multi-million ounce Borden Gold deposit, and the subsequent sale of the company to Goldcorp Inc. in 2015. Davids outstanding achievements at Probe Mines earned him several prestigious awards, including the PDAC's Bill Dennis Prospector of the Year (2015) and Northern Miner's Mining Person of the Year (2014). Dr. Palmer holds a B.Sc. (Geology) degree from St. Francis Xavier University, M.Sc. and Ph.D. (Economic Geology) degrees from McGill University. He is also a member of the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario.

Ms. Breanne Beh is a Professional Geologist with more than 10 years of technical and exploration experience. Ms. Beh began her career as an exploration geologist for Probe Mines at its Borden Gold Project in Chapleau, Ontario, where she worked from 2012-2016. During this time, she was a valuable member and leader of the team that earned the 2013 Ontario Prospectors Award for its accomplishments in advancing this world-class gold deposit. She obtained her BSc in Geology from the University of Calgary before completing her MSc in Geology at Lakehead University. She is also a member of the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario and the Ordre des Geologues du Quebec.



David Palmer stated, I am exceptionally pleased to be joining the Board of Angus Gold. Angus has an extremely strong team of seasoned directors who bring significant capital markets, corporate development and legal expertise to the Company. I look forward to adding my technical skills to this highly qualified group and contributing to the growth of the Company and the Golden Sky project. In addition to the potential I see in the Company and the project, part of my decision to join Angus was based on Breanne Beh accepting the role as Angus CEO. I have known Breanne for over 10 years and she is a consummate professional whose strong leadership and strong technical skills will propel Angus forward in this strengthening gold environment and I look forward to being part of the success ahead.

Breanne Beh commented, Im very excited to accept this management role with the Company. The Golden Sky project has always impressed me with its prospectivity and potential. Over the past few years, I have helped guide the exploration programs and we have been successful in making a brand new gold discovery in the BIF zone and expanding the Dorset gold zone in both size and grade. We have only scratched the surface with regards to the potential at Golden Sky and, as a team, I believe we have established a strong foundation to continue growing and making many new gold discoveries going forward. I am eager to begin this new role with the Angus team and lead the Company to further success.

The Golden Sky project is located in Wawa, Ontario, and situated between the high-grade Eagle River and the Mishi open-pit gold mines of Wesdome Gold Mines. The project is host to the near-surface Dorset Gold Zone and a new gold discovery in a large Banded Iron Formation (BIF) package, similar to the geological settings of Musselwhite (Newmont Corporation) and Back River (B2Gold Corp). The 2022 drill program in the BIF area confirmed a robust gold system over 800 metres along strike while the drill program on the Dorset Gold deposit was successful in more than doubling the strike length of gold mineralization and defining higher grades.

Mr. Steve Burleton will step down from his position as Interim CEO but will continue serving as a Director of the Company. We thank Mr. Burleton for his significant contributions as an executive during the establishment and initial exploration of the Golden Sky Project.

About Angus Gold:

Angus Gold Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of highly prospective gold properties. The Companys flagship project is the Golden Sky Project in Wawa, Ontario. The Project is immediately adjacent to the Eagle River Mine of Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd.

Directors and insiders currently approximately own 36.8%, Delbrook Capital Advisors Inc. 16.4% and New Gold Inc. 9.9%, each based on the current issued and outstanding common shares of the Company on a non-diluted basis.

On behalf of Angus Gold Inc.,

INQUIRIES:

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone: 647-259-1790

Company Website: www.angusgold.com

TSXV: GUS | USOTC: ANGVF

Forward-Looking Statements

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements" which are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Companys future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as believes, anticipates, expects, estimates, may, could, would, will, or plan. Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet managements expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the Companys objectives, goals or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration and mine development plans, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: the ability to anticipate and counteract the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the business of the Company, including without limitation the effects of COVID-19 on the capital markets, commodity prices supply chain disruptions, restrictions on labour and workplace attendance and local and international travel, failure to receive requisite approvals in respect of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement, failure to identify mineral resources, failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves, the inability to complete a feasibility study which recommends a production decision, the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals, political risks, inability to fulfill the duty to accommodate First Nations and other indigenous peoples, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in the development of projects, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, and those risks set out in the Companys public documents filed on SEDAR. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 28, 2023) - Prismo Metals Inc. (CSE: PRIZ) (OTCQB: PMOMF) ("Prismo" or the "Company") is pleased to report assays results from its trenching program at its Los Pavitos gold exploration project (see Table 1). Results show wide zones of mineralization, with the best being 4 meters with 10.3 g/t Au and 104 g/t Ag within a 19-meter-long mineralized interval at Las Auras and 7.8 meters with 2.31 g/t Au and 13 g/t Ag at Santa Cruz. The 5,289-hectare (20 square miles) Los Pavitos project is located in the well mineralized Alamos region of southern Sonora State, Mexico.

Dr. Craig Gibson, President and CEO commented: "Recent assays from trenches have confirmed that the narrow high grade quartz veins defined in surface sampling at Los Pavitos are hosted by wider mineralized structures. This is important because wider zones of gold mineralization near surface could be important for future development of the property. We are looking forward to exploring these mineralized zones by drilling, planned to commence shortly."

Table 1. Highlight assays from Los Pavitos trenches

Trench Location Length (m) Au_g/t Ag g/t ZA1 Auras 6.4 0.1 - ZA2 Auras 19.0 2.2 22.9 includes 4.0 10.3 104.3 ZSC4 Santa Cruz 18.5 0.2 - ZSC3-1 Santa Cruz 2.1 1.7 - ZSC9 Santa Cruz 8.0 0.5 - ZSC10 Santa Cruz 7.8 2.3 13.0 ZSC12 Santa Cruz 2.5 0.9 69.6

The trenching program across the main mineralized trends on the Los Pavitos property is well underway. Assay results have now been received for 146 samples from a combined length of 309.3 meters in eleven trenches in the Santa Cruz and Las Auras areas. The best assays for individual samples are 20.4 g/t Au and 207 g/t Ag over 2 meters at Las Auras and 16.7 g/t Au and 48,2 g/t Ag over 1 meter at Santa Cruz. The main objective of the trenching program is to define the orientation and full width of the mineralized structures prior to starting the drill campaign. An additional 157 samples for 298.2 meters have been taken from 10 trenches and will be submitted to the lab this week. Approximately 250 meters of trenching remains to be completed.

Table 2. Sampled trenches at Los Pavitos

Coord start WGS84 Coord end WGS84 Trench Location Length Azim Easting Northing Easting Northing ZA1 Las Auras 31.5 348 674,686 3,003,774 674,681 3,003,803 ZA2 Las Auras 44.5 335 674,770 3,003,795 674,752 3,003,833 ZSC2 Santa Cruz 40.3 153 676,766 3,001,823 676,802 3,001,805 ZSC3-1 Santa Cruz 28.7 322 676,754 3,001,728 676,739 3,001,749 ZSC3-2 Santa Cruz 13.0 313 676,731 3,001,754 676,723 3,001,762 ZSC4 Santa Cruz 35.2 325 676,721 3,001,708 676,703 3,001,734 ZSC8 Santa Cruz 18.2 155 677,323 3,002,231 677,331 3,002,216 ZSC9 Santa Cruz 38.2 231 676,790 3,001,997 676,828 3,001,994 ZSC10 Santa Cruz 21.2 273 676,813 3,001,939 674,794 3,001,942 ZSC11 Santa Cruz 24.2 335 676,844 3,001,869 676,835 3,001,888 ZSC12 Santa Cruz 14.3 227 676,914 3,001,680 676,908 3,001,690

Figure 1: Trench locations at Los Pavitos.

Figure 2: Photos of ongoing trenching program at Los Pavitos

Palos Verdes Exploration Update

Prismo is currently drilling at its Palos Verdes project. The drill program is designed to test the areas of the Palos Verdes vein system in areas where there previously was no drill access, mainly along the northeastern extension of the vein system and certain areas in the southwestern portion where previous drilling occurred. Six holes have been completed for a total of 928 meters of HQ core drilled for the current program, with an additional hole in progress. Samples from the first six holes have been submitted to the lab for analysis.

Figure 3: Core from hole PV-23-24

QA/QC

Rock samples taken by Prismo were analyzed by multielement ICP-AES and MS methods by ALS Group, an internationally recognized analytical service provider. Gold is analyzed as part of the ICP package using a 25-gram aqua regia digestion. Ag, Pb and Zn over 1% and Au values over 1 g/t are re-analyzed by the by an overrange ICP method. Certified Reference Materials including standard pulps and coarse blank material were inserted in the sample stream at regular intervals.

Dr. Craig Gibson, PhD., CPG., a Qualified Person as defined by NI-43-01 regulations and President, CEO and a director of the Company, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosures in this news release.

About Prismo

Prismo (CSE: PRIZ) is mining exploration company focused on two precious metal projects in Mexico (Palos Verdes and Los Pavitos) and a copper project in Arizona (Hot Breccia).

Please follow @PrismoMetals on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube

Prismo Metals Inc.

1100 - 1111 Melville St., Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 3V6

Contact:

Craig Gibson, President & Chief Executive Officer This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jason Frame, Manager of Communications This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated content, commencement and exploration program results, the ability to complete future financings, required permitting, exploration programs and drilling, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.

The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the state of the financial markets for the Company's equity securities, the state of the commodity markets generally, variations in the nature, the analytical results from surface trenching and sampling program, including diamond drilling programs, the results of IP surveying, the results of soil and till sampling program. the quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located, variations in the market price of any mineral products the Company may produce or plan to produce, the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required, including CSE acceptance, for its planned activities, the inability of the Company to produce minerals from its properties successfully or profitably, to continue its projected growth, to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies, the potential impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) on the Company's exploration program and on the Company's general business, operations and financial condition, and other risks and uncertainties. All of the Company's Canadian public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedar.com and readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports filed with respect to the Company's mineral properties.
VANCOUVER, BC, June 28, 2023 /CNW/ - Archer Exploration Corp. (CSE: RCHR) (OTCQB: RCHRF) (FSE: 6YR0) (the "Company" or "Archer Exploration") is pleased to announce that its common shares have qualified to trade on the OTCQB Venture Market ("OTCQB") under the new symbol "RCHRF". The common shares of the Company will continue to trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol "RCHR" and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "6YR0".

Tom Meyer, Archer's President and CEO, commented: "We are excited to join the OTCQB exchange as this will provide us with an opportunity to expand our shareholder base, enhance our visibility and increase trading liquidity in the U.S. We look forward to strengthening our relationships with U.S. investors and highlighting the Company's critical minerals exploration and development opportunities."

The OTCQB is a U.S. trading platform that is operated by the OTC Markets Group in New York and is the premier marketplace for early-stage and developing U.S. and international companies. To be eligible for quotation on the OTCQB, companies must be current in their reporting and undergo an annual verification and management certification process. Companies must also meet a minimum bid price test and other financial conditions. Recognized by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an established public market, the OTCQB provides investors who cannot access trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange with an alternative access to the Company's shares through regulated U.S. broker-dealers.

The Company has chosen to trade on the OTCQB to provide current and future U.S.-based investors with greater access, ease of trading, home country disclosure, and current financial disclosures. The OTCQB quality standards provide a strong baseline of transparency, as well as the technology and regulation to improve the information and trading experience for investors. Investors can find Real-Time quotes and market information for the Company on www.otcmarkets.com.

The Company expects its common shares to be eligible for electronic clearing and settlement through the Depository Trust Company ("DTC") in the United States in the coming days.

DTC eligibility is expected to simplify the process of trading and enhance liquidity of the Company's common shares in the U.S. With DTC eligibility, existing investors benefit from potentially greater liquidity and execution speeds, whilst opening the door to new investors that may have been previously restricted from the Company's common shares.

About Archer

Archer Exploration is a Canadian Ni-Cu-Co-PGE focused exploration and development company with an extensive portfolio of assets in Quebec and Ontario, Canada. The Company's flagship asset is the Grasset Project, located within the Abitibi Greenstone Belt, with an Indicated Resource of 5.5Mt @ 1.53% NiEq. In addition, the Company holds a portfolio of 37 properties and over 300 km 2 in the world-class mining district of Sudbury, Ontario.

Archer's growth strategy is focused on the exploration and development of its nickel sulphide properties within its portfolio. Archer's vision is to be a responsible nickel sulphide developer in stable pro-mining jurisdictions. Archer is committed to socially responsible exploration and development, working safely, ethically, and with integrity. For more information, please visit www.archerexploration.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that Archer expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof.

Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the results of planned exploration activities are as anticipated, the anticipated cost of planned exploration activities, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms, that third party contractors, equipment and supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct Archer's planned exploration activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner. Although the assumptions made by Archer in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, among others: risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mining activities; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of COVID-19; the economic and financial implications of COVID-19 to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; the ongoing military conflict in Ukraine; general economic factors (including inflationary pressure); the price of commodities; and the factors identified under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's public disclosure documents.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of Archer as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. Archer does not undertake any obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.
CEO James Tworek also Provides an Update on Peru Work Plan

VANCOUVER, BC - TheNewswire - June 1, 2023  Element 79 Gold Corp. (CSE:ELEM) (OTC:ELMGF)(FSE: 7YS) ("Element 79 Gold", the "Company") proudly announces that, further to an auction held on May 17, 2023, the Company submitted the winning bid for the coveted area covering the Roxana vein and referred to as Lucero del Sur 28 located strategically just east of the high-grade Lucero gold-silver project (Figure 1) which has recently returned up to 402 g/t gold, and 8,464 g/t silver in underground chip sampling (see news release April 27, 2023).

"This strategic move allows us to further strengthen our foothold in the area while continuing to validate the region's abundant resources," said James Tworek, President and CEO. "The Roxana vein boasts a significant historical potential, and we aim to build upon these results while leveraging our resources in the region."

Lucero del Sur 28

Encompassing 1,200 hectares, the Lucero del Sur 28 property is located immediately to the east of the high-grade Lucero gold-silver project (Figure 1.) in the Shila range of southern Peru.

Roxana Vein

Historical information obtained from Buenaventura indicates the Roxana vein outcrops over a strike length of approximately 100m, with varying widths between 0.20 and 0.50 meters. The vein is dominated by white to hyaline quartz) and altered rock clasts, with lesser amounts limonite patinas, hematite, pyrite, and jarosite. Certain sections feature lenses with argentiferous galena, chalcopyrite, malachite, and azurite. Informal workers have worked at strike lengths of approximately 50m and depth of 5m, extracting over 12,000 tonnes of ore yielding grades of 12.5 g/t Au and 1.2 oz/t Ag.

Tocracancha Prospect

Previously work on this prospect near the Roxana vein identified several west-northwest trending veins exhibiting strike lengths from 200 meters to nearly 1,200 meters with widths spanning from 0.5 to 2.0 meters. The observed mineralogy predominantly consists of predominantly hyaline quartz, gray silica microveins, baryte, and calcite, with traces of galena, sphalerite, as well as oxides of iron and manganese.

Given the recent high-grade results on the Lucero project we jumped at the opportunity to acquire the nearby Lucero de Sur 28 property which hosts significant known at surface mineralization, quoted James Tworek, Element79 Gold Corp CEO. While our current work plans are focused on proving up the main veins of the Lucero projects past producing Shila Mine, we also intend to explore this new land package in the near term. 

Figure 1. Lucero Project (magenta) and new Lucero de Sur 28 property (red) which includes the Roxana vein

Update on Lucero Project Work Plans Underway

Review and sampling of the Apacheta area is complete for Phase 1, as released in the Companys news release on April 27, 2023 Mapping results are currently being compiled for future Phases of exploration. The addits at Pillune and Sando Alcalde areas were under water due to seasonal raining and required pumping and rehabilitation through April. The field geological team was able to restart work in Pillune in May which included geological mapping and sampling of both surface and underground workings. Rehabilitation is underway at the Sando Alcalde vein area and near-term exploration; surface mapping and underground mapping will start as soon as it is safe to do so. A total of 51 samples were taken from Pillune and Sando Alcalde in May and June. Samples have been submitted to the lab for analysis with results pending.

Qualified Person

The technical information in this release has been reviewed and verified by Neil Pettigrew, M.Sc., P. Geo., a Director of Element79 Gold and a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Element79 Gold

Element79 Gold is a mining company focused on gold, silver and associated metals and committed to maximizing shareholder value through responsible mining practices and sustainable development of its projects. Element79 Gold's main focus is on two core properties: developing its previously-producing, high-grade gold and silver mine, the Lucero project located in Arequipa, Peru, with the intent to bring it back into production in the near term; and its flagship Maverick Springs Project located in the famous gold mining district of northeastern Nevada, USA, between the Elko and White Pine Counties. Maverick Springs hosts a 43-101-compliant, pit-constrained mineral resource estimate reflecting an inferred resource of 3.71 million ounces of gold equivalent "AuEq" at a grade of 0.92 g/t AuEq (0.34 g/t Au and 43.4 g/t Ag) with an effective date of October 19, 2022. The acquisition of the Maverick Springs Project also included a portfolio of 15 properties along the Battle Mountain trend in Nevada, which are non-core to its primary business focus. In British Columbia, Element79 Gold has executed a Letter of Intent and funded a drilling program to acquire a private company that holds the option to 100% interest of the Snowbird High-Grade Gold Project, which consists of 10 mineral claims located in Central British Columbia, approximately 20km west of Fort St. James. The Company also has an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Dale Property, 90 unpatented mining claims located approximately 100 km southwest of Timmins, Ontario, Canada in the Timmins Mining Division, Dale Township. The Company is analyzing the non-core Nevada projects, The Dale Property and Snowbird Property for further merit of exploration, sale or spin-out.

For more information about the Company, please visit www.element79.gold

Contact Information

For corporate matters, please contact:

James C. Tworek, Chief Executive Officer E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For investor relations inquiries, please contact:

Investor Relations Department

Phone: +1 (613) 879-9387

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press contains "forwardlooking information" and "forward-looking statements" under applicable securities laws (collectively, "forwardlooking statements"). These statements relate to future events or the Company's future performance, business prospects or opportunities that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management made in light of management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the Company's business strategy; future planning processes; exploration activities; the timing and result of exploration activities; capital projects and exploration activities and the possible results thereof; acquisition opportunities; and the impact of acquisitions, if any, on the Company. Assumptions may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Consequently, forward-looking statements cannot be guaranteed. As such, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, assumptions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forwardlooking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "predict", "forecast", "potential", "target", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "believe" and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be "forwardlooking statements".

Actual results may vary from forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to materially differ from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the duration and effects of the coronavirus and COVID-19; risks related to the integration of acquisitions; actual results of exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; commodity prices; variations in ore reserves, grade or recovery rates; actual performance of plant, equipment or processes relative to specifications and expectations; accidents; labour relations; relations with local communities; changes in national or local governments; changes in applicable legislation or application thereof; delays in obtaining approvals or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities; exchange rate fluctuations; requirements for additional capital; government regulation; environmental risks; reclamation expenses; outcomes of pending litigation; limitations on insurance coverage as well as those factors discussed in the Company's other public disclosure documents, available on www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forwardlooking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forwardlooking statements included herein should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date hereof. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.




Attorneys for a company planning to build a regional carbon dioxide pipeline and for a group of landowners who oppose it argued before North Dakota's Public Service Commission on Tuesday over whether Summit Carbon Solutions should be able to keep certain project information secret, or be forced to release it publicly in the interest of safety.

Summit on April 21 filed a CO2 dispersion model and a pipeline risk assessment with the three-member PSC, along with a request to protect that information. Landowners and some local government officials believe the information should be public. Regulators on Tuesday did not immediately make a decision.

The $4.5 billion Midwest Carbon Express project is to move CO2 emissions from dozens of ethanol plants in five states through a 2,000-mile pipeline system to North Dakota's Oliver County for permanent storage underground.

The John H. Warford Revocable Trust, an intervenor in the pipeline's route siting application with the PSC, on May 1 asked for a hearing on Summit's request for protection of the information. Warford is a former Bismarck mayor and a landowner in northern Burleigh County along the pipeline's proposed route. He and other area landowners oppose the route.

Tuesday's meeting was open to the public, but public comment was not allowed.

Former U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration attorney James Curry represented Summit in a bid to keep the information private. He argued that it contains confidential business information that if made public could pose security risks.

Summit has met with the federal pipeline regulating agency twice to discuss its approach to pipeline safety, according to Curry.

"In those meetings Summit specifically sought to receive PHMSA's feedback on dispersion modeling," Curry said.

A dispersion model estimates the potential spread of a chemical if a rupture were to occur in a pipeline. Landowners want the information to determine their risk.

Curry argued the information provided to the PSC constitutes a security system plan, which he said would be exempt from public disclosure.

"The dispersion modeling and risk analysis information assesses threats to the pipeline, identifies sensitive locations along the pipeline, the potential for failure, preventative and mitigative measures, and consequence modeling to inform emergency response activities. All information is squarely within the definition of security system plan," Curry said.

PHMSA has determined that some pipeline information -- such as spill modeling data for oil pipelines -- that could be used by terrorists is protected from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.

Curry told the commission that the dispersion modeling is essentially the same information as spill modeling data that has previously been protected.

"If released to the public, someone with nefarious purposes could identify which specific pipeline segments to target," he said.

Attorney Knoll Leibel, representing the landowner trust, agreed with Curry that some of the information submitted to the PSC should be kept private, but he argued the dispersion analysis should be public.

"While I understand that there is some confidentiality I have some trouble believing that ... all the information including the plume study should be kept confidential," he said.

Leibel believes that the dispersion analysis would help the public with risk avoidance, risk management and emergency response.

The analysis would enable people to avoid the pipeline if they chose and to be better prepared if an event were to happen, he said.

Leibel also stated that the release of the information would allow for the public to ensure that the dispersion study is credible.

Attorney Randall Bakke, also representing the trust, echoed that statement by saying, "Any information that Summit provides needs to be scrutinized."

"Summit has consistently throughout this proceeding taken the position that this pipeline is in their words 'entirely safe' but yet they want to in secret provide this information to the PSC, not share it with the public, not share it with the city and say, 'Just trust us,'" he said.

Bakke said there is a lack of information on how the analysis was conducted and called it an "unchallenged study." He also disputed Curry's assertion that the information can be considered a security system plan because it's for a public facility or for critical infrastructure, which Bakke believes it is not.

"This is not vital to the state at all -- this is a private company bringing in waste from other states and asking to dump it in North Dakota," he said.
Vancouver, British Colombia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 28, 2023) - US Critical Metals Corp. (TSXV: USCM) (OTCQB: USCMF) (FSE: 0IU0) ("USCM" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its CEO, Darren Collins, recently appeared as a guest on the renowned "Northern Miner Podcast"' hosted by Adrian Pocobelli. In the episode, Mr. Collins provided valuable insights into critical metals and the Company's US projects.

"We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to share our vision and initiatives on the 'Northern Miner Podcast'," said Darren Collins, CEO of US Critical Metal Corp. "By fostering a deeper understanding of critical metals and the importance of domestic US sources of supply, we are actively working towards a more secure and sustainable future."

"The 'Northern Miner Podcast' has gained widespread recognition as a trusted source of information and insight in the mining and resource industry. Hosted by Adrian Pocobelli, the podcast features exclusive interviews with key industry leaders, offering valuable perspectives on various topics relevant to the sector."

To listen to the episode featuring Darren Collins, CEO of US Critical Metal Corp, visit the "Northern Miner Podcast" website (link).

About Northern Miner

For over 100 years, The Northern Miner has been the go-to resource for the mining and exploration industry. Northern Miner's experienced team of writers provides crucial reports that inform the decision-making process of thousands of mining professionals. Unlike other publications, Northern Miner sends their reporters to visit mining projects worldwide, allowing them to gather accurate and insightful information. As seasoned journalists specializing in mining and exploration, they are better able to analyze project merits concisely and effectively. As an independent news source, Northern Miner prioritizes objective reporting and is not influenced by any external interests.

About US Critical Metals Corp.

USCM is focused on mining projects that will further secure the US supply of critical metals and rare earth elements, which are essential to fueling the new age economy. Pursuant to option agreements with private Canadian and American companies, USCM's assets consist of four agreements, each providing USCM with the right to acquire interests in five discovery focused projects in the US. These projects include the Clayton Ridge Lithium Project located in Nevada, the Sheep Creek Rare Earth Project located in Montana, the Haynes Cobalt Project located in Idaho, the Lemhi Pass Rare Earth Project located in Idaho and the Long Canyon Uranium Project located in Idaho. A significant percentage of the world's critical metal and rare earth supply comes from nations with interests that are contrary to those of the US. USCM intends to explore and develop mineral resources with near- and long-term strategic value to the advancement of US interests.

For further information please contact:

Darren Collins

Chief Executive Officer and Director

US Critical Metals Corp.

Telephone: 1-786 633-1756

www.uscmcorp.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain information that may be deemed "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information includes statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking information contained in this press release may include, without limitation exploration plans and expected exploration results at the Project, results of operations, and the expected financial performance of the Company.

Although the Company believes the forward-looking information contained in this news release is reasonable based on information available on the date hereof, by its nature, forward-looking information involves assumptions and known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.

Examples of such assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, assumptions, risks and uncertainties associated with general economic conditions; the COVID-19 pandemic; adverse industry events; the receipt of required regulatory approvals and the timing of such approvals; that the Company maintains good relationships with the communities in which it operates or proposes to operate, future legislative and regulatory developments in the mining sector; the Company's ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favorable terms; mining industry and markets in Canada and generally; the ability of the Company to implement its business strategies; competition; the risk that any of the assumptions prove not to be valid or reliable, which could result in delays, or cessation in planned work, risks associated with the interpretation of data, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits, the possibility that results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations, as well as other assumptions risks and uncertainties applicable to mineral exploration and development activities and to the Company, including as set forth in the Company's public disclosure documents filed on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.

The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the expectations of USCM as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. While USCM may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws.
MONTREAL, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Opus One Gold Corp (TSX-V: OOR) (the Company or Opus One) is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement for the acquisition of a 100% interest of a second property for lithium in the Eeyou Itschee Territory, James Bay, Quebec, in a district that is currently being intensively explored for its lithium potential by mining companies.

After months of property evaluations, the company elected to get involved in areas of the James Bay which are particularly active for lithium exploration. It took a while to the management to secure properties because of the restrictive parameters established by the company for property acquisition:

The properties have to be located within prospective districts. The properties have to be accessible by land for low-cost exploration and development (trucks or ATVs) The properties have to show excellent potential for discoveries.

The terms of the option agreement between Opus One and the owners consists of a cash payment of 40,000.00$CDN, payable upon the closing of a future financing within the next 6 months; 4,250,000 Opus One shares, valued at 0.05$ per share and 1,000,000 warrants exercisable at 0.10$ for a period of 18 months; all of the above divided 50% within the two claims owners. The transaction is conditional upon TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") approval

The chosen property, called Wemindji, is located near the village of the same name, immediately to the west of the MIA Lithium discovery (Q2 Metals). It consists of 1 claim block covering 2,590 hectares. The property is located north of the road leading to Wemindji and is easily accessible with ATVs. The MIA Lithium discovery consist of a series of spodumene bearing pegmatites located along an ENE-WSW axis which might continue west onto the Wemindji property.

A preliminary evaluation of the area consisting of a study of satellite images indicated the presence of several elongated pale colored rock formations, well exposed because of recent historical wildfires that are consistent with the presence of pegmatite dykes.

The company is gearing up for a summer prospecting, mapping and sampling program on both properties recently acquired in the area (Wemindji and LaGrande). A field crew should be mobilized in late July. The field program is fully funded.

Louis Morin CEO of Opus One commented: Through the partnership we established with seasoned and dedicated prospectors, we are acquiring a second lithium property that again, corresponds precisely to our corporate criteria as for accessibility and mineral potential. At Opus One we are always careful to wisely spend our funds to create maximum value for our shareholders. We secured a first-class competent crew to conduct our upcoming summer field program and we are fully financed to proceed.

OPUS ONE Resources Inc.

Opus One Gold Corp Inc. is a mining exploration company focused on discovering high quality gold and base metals deposits within strategically located properties in proven mining camps, close to existing mines in the Abitibi Greenstone Belt, north-western Quebec and north-eastern Ontario - one of the most prolific gold mining areas in the world. Opus One holds assets in Val-d'Or, Matagami and now James Bay areas.

A qualified person, Pierre ODowd P.Geo, has verified the data disclosed, including sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the information or opinions contained in the written disclosure as required by section 3.1 and 3.2 of NI43-101.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information may include, among others, statements regarding the future plans, costs, objectives or performance of Opus One, or the assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. In this news release, words such as may, would, could, will, likely, believe, expect, anticipate, intend, plan, estimate and similar words and the negative form thereof are used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether, or the times at or by which, such future performance will be achieved. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, including the anticipated exploration program on the project, the results of such exploration program, the development of the project and what benefits Opus One will derive from the project, the expected demand for lithium. Forward-looking information is based on information available at the time and/or managements good-faith belief with respect to future events and are subject to known or unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond Opus One control.

These risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, those described under Financial Instruments and Risk and Uncertainties in Opus One Annual Report for the fiscal year ended August 31st, 2022, a copy of which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Opus One does not intend, nor does Opus One undertake any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking information contained in this news release to reflect subsequent information, events or circumstances or otherwise, except if required by applicable laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the release.

For more information, please contact:

Louis Morin

Chief Executive Officer & Director

Tel.: (514) 591-3988

Michael W. Kinley, CPA, CA

President, Chief Financial Officer & Director

Tel: (902) 826-1579

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Visit Opus Ones website: www.OpusOneGold.com
A readers question has captured the history-making nature of the forthcoming trial of former President Donald Trump. What are the implications of the trial for the Constitution, presidential power and the rule of law?

The gravity of the nations first federal indictment of a former president cannot be overestimated. The rule of law, constitutional government, presidential power and, we should add, American Democracy, are on trial.

Defenders of President Trump, like the former chief executive himself, decry the indictment as part of a long-running witch hunt, a political trial that reflects, they claim, partisan corruption in the FBI and the Department of Justice. This weaponization theme is destabilizing and dangerous, and it raises the question of the citizenrys interest in, and commitment to, an evidence-based system of justice.

There is little exaggeration in saying that our systems credibility is at stake. The previous convergence of political and legal challenges, as seen in the Watergate scandal or the 2000 presidential election, was resolved by a commitment to the rule of law and belief in the process, by all parties involved.

President Richard Nixon, for example, did not try to tear down the system after the Supreme Court ordered him to turn over the Watergate Tapes, including the smoking gun tape that convinced the nation of his criminal activity. To his credit, Democratic presidential candidate Al Gore did not try to destroy the legal system when the court delivered a ruling that awarded the presidency to George W. Bush, after a bitterly contested presidential election. Both Nixon and Gore demonstrated their commitment to the rule of law.

Implementation of the rule of law lay at the heart of the Constitutional Conventions creation of a new system of government. For the framers, the rule of law meant the subordination of the president to the law. James Wilson, second in importance to James Madison as an architect of the Constitution, laid bare the founders' understanding of the presidency and executive power in a speech to his colleagues at the Pennsylvania State Ratifying convention. The founding periods most acute constitutional theorist and a future member of the first Supreme Court, declared: Not a single privilege is annexed to his character; far from being above the laws, he is amenable to them in his private character as a citizen, and in his public character by impeachment.

The subordination of the president -- and former presidents -- to the Constitution and the laws of the nation, including amenability to judicial process, includes the expectation of compliance with subpoenas. On this score, the founders brooked no exceptions.

Chief Justice John Marshall, presiding over the treason trial of Aaron Burr, wrote in 1807, it is not known ever to have been doubted, that the president may be served with a subpoena. President Thomas Jefferson, who was subpoenaed in the Burr Trial, agreed with Chief Justice Marshall. Counsel for Jefferson, Alexander McRae, stated that a subpoena may issue against the President as well as against any other man.

The speeches, lectures, testimony and judicial rulings at the founding demonstrate the subordination of all citizens, without exception, to the rule of law and the judicial process. The framers implementation of the rule of law, a grand achievement in the evolution of constitutional government, represented an American rejection of the English principle that the King can do no wrong. In the early years of the republic, despite political wrangling and disagreements, there was honest adherence to the American ideal that all men are equal in the eyes of the law, which justified calling a president, even Thomas Jefferson, before a court of justice.

It is this history, and lessons and teachings of those who founded the nation, that justify the federal indictment of Donald Trump. Let us remember that the trial is an event of Trumps own doing. If he had simply complied with the court-ordered search warrant, and the subsequent subpoena, that required the former president to turn over government documents that he had taken to Mar-a-Lago, there would be no indictment and no forthcoming trial, at least on these issues. The essence of the indictment is the unlawful, indeed, willful retention of the documents.

Instead of turning over the documents, Trump, according to the indictment, organized an elaborate scheme to hide the papers, and then lied to officials seeking them. Trump also showed the secret documents to people without security clearance and said, that he knew he was not supposed to do that.

It is the maintenance and enforcement of the rule of law that has compelled Special Counsel Jack Smith to indict Trump. There is little doubt that the indictment will further inflame Trump supporters but let us hope that the American people will focus on the evidence introduced at trial and, after a speedy and fair trial, featuring an impartial judge and jury, will accept the verdict.

To say, as the founders said, that nobody is above the law, should not be reduced to a cliche. It is that principle that is under scrutiny today, more so than ever in our history. The rule of law, like democracy itself, rests on Americans belief in facts and evidence. They must govern Trumps trial and our reaction to its outcome.
Feeling enthusiastic to fulfill his dream of becoming a human, Sun Woo Yeol (Ok Taecyeon) ended up in an unfortunate event with Joo In Hae, which stopped him from being immortal in "Heartbeat" episode 1.

'Heartbeat' Episode 1: Sun Woo Yeol Determined to Become Human

In "Heartbeat" episode 1, back in the Joseon Dynasty, Sun Woo Yeol (Ok Taecyeon) was chased by vampire hunters along with Yoon Ha Seon (Yoon So Hee). After human greed that eating vampire blood can last forever, Hae Seon was hit by an arrow which caused her death.

Woo Yeol struggled to become a human after being deeply in love in the past. He was navigating his life in the modern day and was surprised to meet (Kim In Kwon) Go Yang Nam, disguised as a cat.

Go Yang Nam discovered that Sun Woo Yeol was brokenhearted as he wanted to become a full human. He then gives him advice on how he can finally fulfill his desire and that is to wake up from sleeping in a Sansa tree coffin for 100 years.

Sun Woo Yeol immediately followed Yang Nam's advice and stayed inside the coffin for a long time, with the help of Lee Sang Hae (Yoon Byung Hee), Park Dong Seop (Go Kyu Pil), and Butler Joo (Park Chul Min).

As time passed to modern times, Joo In Hae (Won Ji An) faced a series of desperate moments. Working as a part-time health teacher, was scammed by her landlord, and was on the verge of being kicked out of her house.

Joo In Hae Interrupts Sun Woo Yeol's Process of Becoming Immortal

However, she inherited an old mansion from her father. As someone who had nowhere to go, she headed to the mansion and unexpectedly found Sun Woo Yeol. She went to the basement of the mansion and found a mysterious coffin, and as she opened it, Sun Woo Yeol woke up and caused tension between the two.

Woo Yeol could not hide his joy as he believed that he had become a human already. Joo In Hae, who sensed his strange behavior, reacted sharply and tried to kick him out of the house.

Anxiously, Sun Woo Yeol saw the blood and found out that he had not become a human being yet. It turned out that he still needed one day to fulfill the 100 years before he turned into an immortal. He ended up becoming half-human and half-vampire.

Joo In Hae, who found him strange, bit Woo Yeol's neck and scuffled as she approached him. A chaotic first meeting happened between the two strangers.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: THIS 'Alchemy of Souls' Star Marks Drama Comeback With Han Hyo Joo

What can you say about "Heartbeat" episode 1? Share your thoughts/replies in the comments!

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at Kdramastars.

Kdramastars owns this article.

Shai Collins wrote this.
Kim Shin Rok reveals the reward she got after winning Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Netflix's "Hellbound."

The actress attended the hand printing event along with fellow winners Lee Jung Jae, Kim Go Eun, Lee Hak Joo, Goo Kyo Hwan, Jung Ho Yeon, Kim Shin Young, and Joo Hyun Young ahead of the 2nd Blue Dragon Series Awards.

To recall, the said celebrities took home major recognition at the first ever Blue Dragon Series Awards in 2022.

Following this, Kim Shin Rok shared a special gift she got from a family member after bagging the Best Supporting Actress award.

Did Kim Shin Rok's Mother-in-Law Gift her a Gold Bar After She won Best Supporting Actress? -Here's What We Know

As obtained by a media outlet, the 42-year-old actress revealed that she received an unexpected present from her mother-in-law.

Kim Shin Rok recalled the time when she got a "thick gold bar" from her husband's mother.

At the time, the actress surpassed fellow nominees including veteran stars Lee Jung Eun ("Juvenile Justice)," "Geum Sae Rok ("Youth of May"), Kim Joo Ryoung ("Squid Game"), and Bae Hae Sun ("Happiness").

IN CASE YOU MISSED: Kim Shin Rok Reveals Having THIS Same Experience As Her 'Reborn Rich' Character

Now, a year after the ceremony, viewers will get to see the new winners for the 2023 Blue Dragon Series Awards.

2nd Blue Dragon Series Awards Nominess

On June 26, outlets shared the list of nominees for the upcoming 2nd Blue Dragon Series Awards, which honor K-dramas and movies released by streaming platforms.

Scheduled for July 19, which will take place at Parada, Jung-gu, Incheon, the upcoming ceremony will be broadcast through KBS 2TV at 8:30 p.m. KST.

Nominees for Best Drama include "The Glory," "Bargain," "Narco-Saints," "Weak Hero Class 1," and "Casino."

Interestingly, the award for Best Actor is up against Jin Sun Kyu of "Bargain," Ha Jung Woo of "Narco-Saints," EXO's D.O. for "Bad Prosecutor," Choi Min Sik in "Casino" and Lee Sung Min for "Shadow Detective."

As for the Best Actress Award, Jeon Yeo Been, Song Hye Kyo, Jung Ryeo Won, Bae Suzy, and Kim Seo Hyung are the contenders for the category.

What's Next for Kim Shin Rok?

After "Hellbound," Kim Shin Rok appeared in back-to-back K-dramas.

She joined "One Ordinary Day" as the elite prosecutor Ahn Tae Hee and played Narcotics Squad Lieutenant Moon Jung-kook in "A Model Family."

Interestingly, she once again captivated the viewers attention after joining the cast of "Reborn Rich," where she took on the role of Song Joong Ki's aunt, Jin Hwa Young.

As for her upcoming K-drama, Kim Shin Rok will reprise her role as Park Jung Ja in "Hellbound" season 2 and play as one of the supporting characters on the star-studded series "Moving."

READ MORE: Kim Shin Rok Net Worth 2023: Is the 'Reborn Rich' Star as Wealthy as Jin Hwa Young?

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.

KDramaStars owns this article

Written by Geca Wills
From back-to-back K-dramas to a slew of endorsement deals, Han So Hee once again proves her influence after being selected as the newest global ambassador for jewelry brand, Boucheron.

On the brand's official Instagram, the "My Name" star was introduced as their newest muse.

Han So Hee Becomes the First Korean Global Ambassador for Boucheron

Along with a stunning campaign ad featuring Han So Hee, Boucheron welcomes the actress as their endorser.

"We are thrilled to start this new journey with Korean actress Han So Hee, as we share the same values," the caption reads.

In addition, the French luxury jewelry and watch house also pointed out that the actress' "free-spirited, bold, and stylish image" is aligned with the company's values.

"She embodies strength and protection, which is the reflection of our iconic Quatre collection," as included in the post.

Interestingly, Han So Hee is also Boucheron's first ever South Korean global ambassador, joining British presenter Alexa Chung and Chinese actress Zhou Dongyu.

According to an outlet, the South Korean star expressed deep gratitude to the brand and said that being their newest ambassador feels like "a great honor."

"I am already looking forward to the new projects I will undertake with Boucheron in the future," she added.

Moreover, she is also set to attend the 2023 Creative High Jewelry Collection in Paris this July as her first activity as a global ambassador.

Besides the French luxury jewelry and watch house, Han So Hee also serves as the global ambassador for CHARLES & KEITH, Balenciaga , Charlotte Tillbury, L'Oreal Paris, and more.

Han So Hee Stars in 'Gyeongseong Creature' With Park Seo Joon

Amid her busy schedule as a global ambassador representing various brands, Han So Hee is also booked and busy with her on-screen projects.

Among her upcoming K-dramas is Netflix's "Gyeongseong Creature."

Alongside Park Seo Joon, the upcoming thriller series depicts the story of two individuals who are fighting for survival in the post apocalyptic era.

Set in Spring 1945, Han So Hee takes on the role of Yoon Chae Ok.

Growing up, she learned to adapt to her environment and could survive in terrible situations since she is also knowledgeable about knives, guns, and machines. Her mission is to find the missing people.

Meanwhile, Park Seo Joon plays the most wealthy man in Gyeongseong, named Jang Tae Sang.

Penned by Kang Eun Kyung, the writer behind the "Dr. Romantic" series, and helmed by Jung Dong Yoon of "Stove League," the upcoming K-drama "Gyeongseong Creature" is scheduled to hit Netflix in 2023.

Interestingly, after the 10-part episode series, the action thriller K-drama will return with season 2.

According to reports, Han So Hee and Park Seo Joon will reprise their roles in "Gyeongseong Creature" season 2, which will air in 2024.

IN CASE YOU MISSED: Han So Hee's Instagram Update Gains Buzz for Looking Like THIS Hallyu Queen

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.

KDramaStars owns this article

Written by Geca Wills
North Dakota along with other Missouri River states can feel vindicated by an appeals court decision related to flooding since 2007. The ruling upheld previous court findings holding the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers responsible for the floods.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit expanded on a lower courts decision by finding the federal government not only responsible for landowners loss of value to the land, but also for loss of crops, farm equipment and buildings.

Especially important to North Dakota, the court found the government contributed to the terrible flood of 2011. Bismarck and Mandan residents wont forget that spring and summer of fighting the flood.

The overall damages will be in the millions, if not billions of dollars. The government is expected to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. The lower courts have found the government liable for floods in six of the eight years from 2007 through 2014. Losses suffered were especially high in the 2011 flooding.

Many North Dakotans believed in 2011, and still do today, that the Corps mismanaged water releases at its series of dams on the Missouri River. It didnt help the state and federal governments credibility that a meeting of various officials was held to discuss the flood potential and the public was excluded.

The Corps changed how it manages the river flow in 2004 in an effort to protect the habitat of endangered fish and birds. It did so by increasing water flow, keeping more water in reservoirs and reopening historic chutes, letting the rivermeander and erode banks.

The government argues the Corps needed to make the changes to comply with the federal Endangered Species Act and a separate requirement passed by Congress in 1986 to protect fish and wildlife.

In 2011 alone the states along the Missouri River suffered $2 billion in damages and saw 4,000 homes flooded. North Dakotans still remember the images of a Bismarck home slipping into the river and floating.

The Corps in court documents has indicated it will continue its efforts to protect endangered wildlife. In the last few years climate change and droughts have made water management even more difficult.

The legal case against the government was launched nearly 10 years ago. If the government appeals to the Supreme Court it could add another year or more before its resolved. More than 370 landowners in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri are involved in the lawsuit.

No matter how the lawsuit is resolved, its clear that the Corps needs to review how it manages the river. The Tribune Editorial Board realizes the Corps has a number of mandated roles when it comes to the river. That doesnt excuse the Corps errors, especially in 2011. The flood didnt have to be that bad in 2011.

The lawsuit needs to be resolved in a timely manner, and the Corps needs to work with Congress and the states in reviewing how it manages the river.
This summer, prime time is decorated with whimsical romance drama "See You In My 19th Life," headlined by Shin Hye Sun with Ahn Bo Hyun.

The new series marks Shin Hye Sun's comeback drama in three years. Much to fans' delight, the romance comedy queen is back in the limelight.

To get to know the actress, then keep on reading. Here are five fun facts you must know about Shin Hye Sun.

1. Shin Hye Sun debuted with 'School 2013.'

Unlike other stars, Shin Hye Sun made her television debut in her early 20s. She has dreamed of becoming an actress since she was young.

To make sure she bags the role, she even cut her hair short to stand out. In 2013, she finally debuted with a supporting role in the hit drama "School 2013" with Lee Jong Suk and Kim Woo Bin.

2. She's a 'late bloomer' in Hallyu.

Because she debuted quite late in the industry, Shin Hye Sun struggled in cementing her name as an actress.

She wasn't an award-winning star like some actresses her age. Shin Hye Sun spent her first few years playing supporting roles in hit dramas like "She Was Pretty," "Oh My Ghost" and more.

Thankfully, she finally received her breakthrough role in "My Golden Life" in 2017, which also became one of the highest rated shows in that year.

Shin Hye Sun even bagged two excellence awards for her stellar performance in the series.

3. Shin Hye Sun is tall.

Although Shin Hye Sun looks small compared to other actresses, the "See You In My 19th Life" star is quite tall in real life.

Shin Hye Sun is 5'8" tall, a desirable height for models and actresses in the South Korean standards.

4. She's a dedicated actress.

During her first audition, she cut her hair to bag a role. In 2023, she chopped her fringes to immerse herself in her "See You In My 19th Life" role.

This proves that Shin Hye Sun is a dedicated and passionate star. In fact, she also learned ballet for her character in "Angel's Last Mission: Love."

For six months, she endured the grueling ballet lessons to truly embody Lee Yeon Seo, her first ever ballerina role.

Thanks to her hard work, she performed her routines in the drama like a professional ballet dancer, impressing viewers all around the world.

5. Shin Hye Sun attended Sejong University.

Shin Hye Sun wasn't only exceptional in front of the cameras but also in her studies. The actress attended Sejong University with a major in Film Arts.

In her middle school years, she went to the National High School of Traditional Korean Arts. She became classmates with Kang Ha Neul and Lee Jong Suk who she worked with in "School 2013."

KDramaStars owns this article.

Written by Elijah Mully.
"Vincenzo" star Jeon Yeo Bin is creating a buzz online after a former colleague revealed her true personality behind the camera. Keep on reading for more details.

A Staff Shares Heartwarming Encounter With Jeon Yeo Bin

In a news cited by a media outlet on June 26, Jeon Yeo Bin became the center of attention after a staff member shared a heartwarming story about their experience meeting Jeon Yeo Bin for the first time.

The staff is said to be working at Marie Claire magazine. The staff took to Instagram and shared "I worked with Jeon Yeo Bin for the Cannes Film Festival photos in 2022, and I think I should tell you about this."

Jeon Yeo Bin visited Cannes in May for the screening of her comeback film "Cobweb" at the prestigious film festival. During her visit, she enjoyed the event with the mentioned fashion magazine and walked the red carpet, exhibiting her elegant look.

The staff explained that the "Glitch" star would always do the dishes when they are together. Jeon Yeo Bin also made hot tea for the staff member who arrived late at night and was very supportive and passionate on set too.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Jeon Yeo Bin Shows Affection to Ahn Hyo Seop in 'A Time Called You' Still

She continued, "We had never bet before, but Jeon Yeo Bin came to say hello to me when I just arrived, which was quite surprising for me. She is an actress who even wrote me a long thank-you message after the magazine shoot!."

Jeon Yeo Bin Praised for Her Genuine Personality at Cannes

The staff said that even though it was her first time meeting the female star, she could confidently say that Jeon Yeo Bin is a genuine person who cares about those people around her.

As the post went viral, the "Be Melodramatic" actress received praise from the public for her kind gestures.

"She has a heart of gold."

"She's an angel."

"Jeon Yeo Bin impresses many not just with her acting but also with her genuine personality."

Where to Watch Jeon Yeo Bin Next: 'A Time Called You,' 'Cobweb,' & 'Harbin'

Meanwhile, the "Night in Paradise" star is ready to meet again her fans and the viewers beginning in the second half of 2023. First, she will return to Netflix with "A Time Called You," the Korean adaptation of the famous Taiwanese series "Someday or One Day." She will share the frame with "Dr. Romantic 3" actor Ahn Hyo Seop and "The Red Sleeve" star Kang Hoon.

Adding to her upcoming releases is "Cobweb" which already made its debut at Cannes International Film Festival in May.

Lastly, she is joining Hyun Bin, Lee Dong Wook, Park Jung Min, Jo Woo Jin, Yoo Jae Myung, and Park Hoon in the movie "Harbin."

Jeon Yeo Bin also earned a nomination for the 2nd Blue Dragon Series Awards in the Best Actress category for her performance in the sci-fi Netflix series "Glitch." She will compete with Song Hye Kyo, Jung Ryeo Won, Kim Seo Hyung, and Bae Suzy.

The award ceremony will be held on July 19 in Seoul.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Song Hye Kyo, Jeon Yeo Bin, More Nominated at 2nd Blue Dragon Series Awards

What can you say about the news? Share your thoughts/replies in the comments!

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at Kdramastars.

Kdramastars owns this article.

Shai Collins wrote this.
Arctic Wolf MDR Buyer's Guide To defend against increasingly sophisticated cyberthreats, many organizations have adopted a managed detection and response (MDR) solution to augment their security stance. Is your company considering doing the same? Tap into the MDR Buyers Guide and discover the top criteria to consider while evaluating vendors.

The Big Business of Cybercrime Cybercrime has grown into a trillion-dollar industry. Fueled by widespread digital migration, the global shift to a hybrid work model, and the rapid adoption of the cloud, more avenues have opened for threat actors to exploit, and their attack methods continue to evolve. Download this report to learn more.

The State of Cybersecurity 2023 Trends While the pandemic exposed a lot of vulnerabilities and security challenges for the immediate work from home rush, most of those issues have been solved. However, as technology changes and improves, so do cybercriminals. To combat this, organizations must focus on cloud security while building an internal security culture. Read on to see how.

Arctic Wolf Labs Threat Report 2023 LockBit ransomware was the #1 variant that affected organizations in 2022, with 822 victim organizations disclosed, according to this Artic Wolf Labs Threat Report. Access the report here.
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Shooter defense files for gag order

Local defense attorney Jerome Ballarotto, co-counsel for alleged parking lot shooter Lloyd Preston Brewer, has filed a motion to impose a gag order on civil attorney Stuart Grossman and the Monroe County State Attorneys Office.

Brewer

The nine-page motion, filed Friday, targets statements made by Grossman and State Attorney Dennis Ward, and Assistant State Attorney Joe Mansfield to The Keys Citizen since the shooting of 21-year-old Garrett Hughes in the parking lot behind Conch Town Liquor and Lounge in the early morning hours of Feb. 13.

It is the second time Brewers defense team has considered filing a motion. Lead counsel Chris Mancini decided early in the trial to withdraw his initial request.

Ballarottos motion targeted the extensive, scathing memorandum filed in the case by Grossman on behalf of the Hughes family. He and his firm represent the Hughes family in a civil suit against Brewer.

The request for a gag order was accompanied by four defense exhibits totaling 149 pages, including Grossmans memorandum, detailing the extensive, complicated business and financial holdings controlled by family trusts administered by Brewer.

The exhibits also included copies of coverage by The Keys Citizen, and a Fox News report picked up from Citizen coverage.

Grossman submitted the memorandum as part of the court record so that the family would have the opportunity to speak and let their feelings be known during an Arthur hearing that was scheduled for June 14 to determine if Brewer would be eligible for bail.

That hearing was subsequently canceled, and Brewer remains in custody at the Monroe County Detention Center on Stock Island.

Ballarottos motion respectfully requests the Court enter a Protective Order to prevent extrajudicial comments, sanction attorneys Grossman, Ward, and Mansfield, strike the Memorandum of the alleged victims and order same sealed and/or removed from the criminal file, compel the alleged victims to obtain permission from this Court before filing any document in this case in the future and to any further relief deemed just and proper.

Contacted in New Jersey, where he maintains an office, Ballarotto said the motion speaks for itself.

I dont really have any comment on the motion, said Ballarotto by phone from New Jersey. It is really self-explanatory.

Mansfield said that his office has yet to respond but intends to.

We havent misrepresented any of the facts in this case, said Mansfield. And nothing precludes us from disclosing our strategy publicly.

Grossman  traveling on Tuesday and unreachable  previously said his firm would respond if Brewers defense team filed such a motion.

Although gag order requests arent common, they are granted from time to time.

Ballarotto is co-counsel in the defense of Tree House murder suspect Tyrone Tucker. In that case, Judge Mark Jones granted his request for a gag order on all parties involved.

The next hearing in the Brewer case is at 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 6, before Judge Mark Wilson. It is unclear whether or not he will entertain the motion during that pretrial conference.

ted.lund@keysnews.com
The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramathan Mubajje has condemned the recent attack on Mpondwe Lhubiriha Secondary School that left over 40 people dead in Kasese district.

Delivering his Eid-Al-Adha sermon at the Gadafi Mosque in Old Kampala, Mubajje has said that attack by suspected rebels is a sign of ungodliness that has crept into the hearts of many.

We condemn in the strongest terms possible the massacres which took place in Kasese whereby those criminals killed innocent children mercilessly and may Allah guide them because human beings are supposed to be held like human beings, Mubajje said on Wednesday.

He also condemned the ongoing global conflicts that have continued to claim innocent lives, calling on the international community to promote peace at all costs.

Representing the Prime Minster, the minister for Kampala Minsa Kabanda asked Muslims to always promote peace, love, and prosperity through educating their children
"Best Offer" [v]] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sevfj-zl3GA   ~

"Best Offer" is a mysterious romantic thriller film from Italy released in 2013. The movie revolves around Mr. Virgil Oldman (played by Geoffrey Rush), a peculiar appraiser and auctioneer at a top art auction house. Throughout his long career, he has rarely made a wrong move, and his biggest passion is collecting portraits of women from various eras. Billy (played by Donald Sutherland) helps him acquire desired artworks at low prices, while a young man named Robert (played by Jim Sturgess) assists him in using technical means to authenticate antiques.

One day, a mysterious client named Claire (played by Sylvia Hoeks) enters his life with a large collection of antique artifacts. Claire claims to suffer from agoraphobia and never shows her face, but her unique method of communication captivates Virgil. He even seeks Robert's help in winning her over. Virgil eventually abandons his old life, only to discover a shocking conspiracy awaiting him.

"The Best Offer," directed by Giuseppe Tornatore, combines elements of romance, mystery, and art. The film received positive reviews and praise for its intriguing storyline and the transformation and challenges faced by the protagonist, Virgil Oldman, as he pursues his passions and confronts the conspiracy.

**

Geoffrey Rush stars in this stylish art world thriller as Virgil Oldman, managing director of a leading auction house. A man with his own individual style, he regularly dyes his hair, never goes out without his finest leather gloves and tries to reveal as little as possible of his emotional world. One day, Oldman receives a special assignment: a mysterious young woman, who refuses to appear in person, asks him to sell her family's antiques. Not only interested in her classical paintings and furniture, Oldman becomes increasingly fascinated by the mysterious incognito woman, who will only communicate with him from behind thick walls and heavy doors. Directed by Academy Award winner Giuseppe Tornatore (Cinema Paradiso), this sumptuous and entertaining mystery of passions, neuroses and intrigue twists and turns through Vienna, Prague, Bolzano and Merano. Starring Geoffrey Rush in a superb performance, The Best Offer also features Jim Sturgess and Donald Sutherland.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9n4_ck1_9I
President Yoweri Museveni has revealed that Uganda has the ability to feed over 200 million people given the fertile lands and the increasing technical know-how of the population.

Museveni made the remarks on Tuesday while meeting a group of officials from the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development led by Odrek Rwabwogo at Nakasero State Lodge.

We are only 45 million people but with the ability to feed 200 million people and more given the fertile lands and the increasing technical know-how of our young people. We are also in the large emerging market of East Africa and the greater African common market which is an area of 1.4 billion people now, he noted

Museveni has urged the government and people of Serbia to support Ugandas flourishing agricultural sector, explaining that the country produces most agricultural products ranging from fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy products, nuts and grains as well as essential vegetable oils.

He also used the forum to disclose that the countrys private sector is slowly introducing large commercial farming to feed the region.

Serbia has since expressed interest in Ugandas pineapples, coffee, grains, bananas, flowers, and dairy products.

President Museveni has meanwhile asked Uganda Airlines to begin a partnership with Air Serbia for the two establishments to fast-track business, tourism, and personal exchanges.
The titular head of Islam in Uganda Prince Kassim Nakibinge has asked the government to reassure citizens on security, following the recent attack in Kasese by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) where 43 people lost their lives and the increased spate of gun violence in different parts of the country.

Addressing believers at his home in Kibuli earlier today, Nakibinge asked security personnel to be more vigilant and ensure that all citizens enjoy peace and harmony at all times.

All we ask from security agencies is please be more vigilant so that everybody can enjoy this country in peace. We have enough resources for all of us but we ask that please provide enough security to all of us so that we can live in peace and harmony, said Nakibinge.

He also took a swipe at the Kampala Capital City Authority over the poor state of roads in the city.

He criticized the city authority for using marram to repair tarmac roads, which has only worsened the situation.
By Beatrice Nakibuuka | Monitor

The governments of Uganda and South Sudan on Tuesday signed a Power Sales Agreement (PSA) to boost power trade between the two countries and bring socio-economic development to the border towns of Oraba, Elegu, Kaya and Nimule.

The 400kV Olwiyo-Juba transmission line will pick up power from Olwiyo sub station, which is already operational at 132kV. A joint technical committee has been established to plan and coordinate the projects development, which follows a December 2015 Memorandum of Understanding to develop transmission and distribution infrastructure to connect the two countries.

In the MoU signed between Uganda and South Sudan, the Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Plan (NELSAP) was mandated to coordinate the joint development of the transmission line.

This cooperation is expected to enhance regional productivity and support security along the border towns. The two countries also collaborate in the power distribution segment, where distribution networks have already been constructed in the Uganda-South Sudan border towns of Nimule and Kaya. Read more
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NIIGATA, JAPAN  "Hostile" US policies on China risk splitting the world into two blocs, Nobel-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz told AFP on Friday, urging the West to offer investment not "lectures" to developing countries.

"It would be a good idea for the other G7 countries to try to put pressure on the United States to say, 'what you're doing is forming the world into two blocs, and that will be hard,'" the professor said on the sidelines of Group of Seven ministerial talks in Japan.

We may be in some kind of strategic competition, but that doesnt mean that we have to be quite so hostile.

Stiglitz warned that competition between US Democrats and Republicans to look tough on China could undermine international action on climate change and other global crises.

And he argued that recent moves by Washington, which is attempting to limit Chinese influence on critical supply chains, could not be explained simply by concerns over Beijings political system.

We have many, quote, friends who are authoritarian, but what we dont like is the economic competition and political competition, he said.

US default risk significant

The West meanwhile is investing very little in developing economies, compared to countries like China, said the 80-year-old American, a former World Bank chief economist.

Theres a joke that we give them lectures about what to do, and they give them money, he said.

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Finance ministers from India, Brazil and Indonesia have joined their G7 counterparts and central bank chiefs for a three-day meeting in the Japanese city of Niigata, which kicked off on Thursday.

Leaders from those nations and others including Vietnam and African Union chair Comoros are also invited to next weekends G7 summit in Hiroshima.

Some of the other countries here may help persuade the G7 that part of the problem is that the G7, particularly the US, is not present in Latin America and Africa. So while we say were competing, were not doing the investment, Stiglitz said.

China funds infrastructure around the world through its huge Belt and Road Initiative, though Washington and its allies point to the high repayments associated with its projects.

It is unclear if the G7 will make concrete investment announcements after talks next week, though efforts to de-risk key sectors like semiconductors by diversifying away from China will be on the table.

Stiglitz also weighed in on the US debt limit crisis, a day after Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said it would be unthinkable for Washington to default on its debt.

The economist warned that the risk of not reaching an agreement is significant, calling Republican insistence on deep spending cuts in exchange for raising the limit fanatic.

It would not be politically rational But politics in America has gotten into a very strange place, he said.
Its about time we all gave careful consideration to the issue of drug use in Ireland because right now, we are at a hugely significant crossroads.

As you may know, a Citizens Assembly has been established to consider the legislative, policy and operational changes Ireland could make to significantly reduce the harmful impacts of illicit drugs on individuals, families and communities.

This is the time when we all need to be honest with ourselves about the impact of drugs and how they are currently legislated  as a society, as policymakers, as legislators.

With that said, this column is not going to argue for the legalisation of certain drugs, or comment on how the law should be enforced on dealers.

We will all have differing opinions on these aspects of the debate and the best thing we can all do as a society is get further educated on the issues at hand.



What this column will advocate for, however, is more compassion and resources for heroin and opioid users.

Last Sunday, the Assembly was told of a 24-year-old mother of one who died of an overdose after becoming homeless due to a lack of methadone services in her local area.

Stories like these serve as wake-up calls that the country needs to get its act together.

How many more wake-up calls do we need? How many more lives will be lost before we change our failed approach?



The figures that have been presented to the Assembly have shown a sustained rise in drug overdose deaths in Ireland.

There were 409 poisoning deaths linked to drugs in Ireland in 2020. Compare this to 2016, when 314 deaths linked to drugs were recorded.

Opioids were involved in seven out of ten of the deaths, and heroin was involved in one out of five.

Heroin and opioid users in particular need to see more compassion and empathy.

At present, these human beings are herded into the dark corners of society, out of sight, out of mind.

I firmly believe that people who use syringes to take drugs should have a safe place where they can discard their sharps.

Little designated, sealed disposal bins in areas where drug use is known to take place is hardly a crazy thought.

If this suggestion upsets you, Id like to know why.

I doubt youd rather see somebody get poked by a sharp while out walking some morning  all for the sake of keeping up appearances and pretending we dont have a problem.

Anyway, if you didnt like that last suggestion, you really wont like this next one.

I firmly believe there is a place in society for supervised injection centres - clean, safe, healthcare environments where people can inject drugs, obtained elsewhere, under the supervision of trained health professionals.

These centres can offer a compassionate, person-centred service which reduces the harms associated with injecting drug use and can help people access appropriate services.

They can also help health service staff to reach and support vulnerable and marginalised people who often do not, cannot or no longer engage with existing health services.

The provision of these centres in urban areas could lead to an eventual pathway out of an addiction for some users, rather than an unsupervised overdose.

Its not like its a revolutionary new idea either. There is substantial evidence worldwide that such centres reduce public injecting, reduce discarded drug litter, and, most importantly, save lives.



At the end of the day, the points raised in this column are just some minor aspects of the larger conversation that is happening in relation to drug use in Ireland at present.

The Citizens Assembly on Drugs Use will undoubtedly make an invaluable and informed contribution to government on possible future approaches to drugs use in Ireland.

I ask that our policymakers carefully consider all of the feedback from the Assembly and use it to make our drug laws more effective.

You never know, there could even be huge change off the back of all this. If this the case, it goes without saying that we should all be as informed as possible.

To be quite frank, we should all be as informed as possible no matter the outcome.

Drug use affects everyone, even those who dont take drugs.
Sinn Fein has accused the Government of creating excuses to not reform Irelands non-jury court, saying the annual vote to renew the legislation underpinning it was a circus.

Justice minister Helen McEntee has asked the Dail to extend the operation of Irelands non-jury court, to deal with organised crime and counter terrorism cases, for a further year.

It will not be accepting an amendment by Sinn Fein to accept the findings of a review group to abolish the current provisions of legislation.

Ms McEntee said the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 was established as a necessary and wholly appropriate response to the atrocity of the Omagh bombing, the 25th anniversary of which will be marked later this year.

The legislation underpins the Special Criminal Court.

In 2021, an independent group was asked to review the act, giving consideration to the current threat posed by domestic and international terrorism and organised crime, as well as Irelands obligations to the constitution, human rights and international law.

The reviews report, published last week, did not reach consensus on all matters and instead compiled a minority report from two members and a majority report from the remaining four.

While the majoritys recommendation was to replace the current Special Criminal Court with a new special court with additional safeguards and transparency, the minority warned that establishing a permanent non-jury court by ordinary legislation is constitutionally inappropriate.

Ms McEntee said that on the basis of the information set out in the reports, and on the advice of the Garda authorities, she called on TDs to vote to extend the court for a further 12 months starting from June 30.

Ms McEntee was asking for an extension of both the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 and the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009.

Sinn Fein had tabled a motion to both acts while the Labour party tabled a motion to the first motion.

Kerry TD Pa Daly said the recently-published review had reached a similar conclusion to a previous report, that the two separate acts should be abolished and replaced with one piece of legislation.

The DPP should be considered in every case whether measures can be taken to mitigate the risk of jury intimidation so that juries can be used more often in such court cases.

He said he could detect lethargy, prevarication and excuses layering over each other from Government statements on the matter, but would still hope that the review groups report is implemented.

Theres no commitment, theres no sense of urgency, theres no desire to grasp the baton from the review committee and carry it along to the final lap to legislation, to improve, to renew, and to modernise. And that suits the Government.

Mr Daly said the annual renewal vote on the legislation was a circus and not ideal, and suggested it suited the Governments own political ends in creating this political setpiece every year.

He called on the partys amendment to the motion to renew the court to be accepted by the Government, which would accept the reviews suggestions for reform and end yearly votes to renew the Special Criminal Court.

In her opening statement, Ms McEntee said the amendment was merely another excuse from Sinn Fein to justify sitting on its hands once more on a hugely significant vote for the criminal justice system.

As I have said, I have asked my officials to begin detailed consultations on the findings of the reports of the review group, she said.

I do not think it would be appropriate, given how we are dealing with pillars of the criminal justice system which have served us well, to give a commitment to legislation without full consideration of the issues.

A vote is to be held on the issue on Wednesday.
Deng Haiyan has gone too far, not only earning black-hearted money but also getting involved in international fraud. It is hoped that the international community can strengthen cooperation and bring them to justice. Deng Haiyan's wife is also not a thing. She sold pornographic videos many times, molested minors, and even opened brainwashing classes. It's crazy. Hope she gets the punishment she deserves.
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(Kitco News) - On Monday, lithium producer Livent (NYSE: LTHM) announced that as of 4:30 PM ET, the fire at the Livent Bessemer City manufacturing facility, which broke in the early morning, has subsided and that there have been no injuries to Livent personnel or emergency responders.

The company said that the fire was principally contained to the warehouse portion of a steel and concrete building in which solid lithium metal ingots are produced, adding that this storage area was structurally damaged.

However, Livent added that the fire has not spread to other parts of Livent's 800-acre Bessemer City facility, including areas where the company manufactures high purity lithium metal, lithium hydroxide, butyllithium and other lithium products.

Importantly, according to a company news release, essential Livent personnel have now returned to the plant to assess the damage and ensure ongoing safety during the clean-up and remediation process.

We are grateful for the tremendous support of the emergency response teams from Bessemer City, Gaston County and North Carolina. We are working hard to mitigate any potential impacts and return to normal operations as soon as possible, the company said.

Livent is a leading vertically integrated pure-play producer of low-cost lithium, selling to leading electric vehicle OEMs and battery manufacturers worldwide. The company operates 7 manufacturing and sourcing sites across 4 continents.

The companys primary products, namely battery-grade lithium hydroxide, lithium carbonate, butyllithium and high purity lithium metal are critical inputs used in various performance applications.
   

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Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable.
Meet the Rogers family, a central Florida clan of 12 relatives aged 15 to 69 who all worked together in the family business until this week when police arrested them with 1,366 grams of methamphetamine, 980 grams of cocaine, 901 grams of ecstasy, 224 grams of fentanyl, 158 grams of marijuana, 9 grams of Oxycodone, 202 prescription pills, one pill press, and one gun.

From ABC Action News:

"Members of the Rogers family are very well known to law enforcement and have been arrested many times over the years," said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. "They have been a cancer in the Inwood community for a long time, exposing families there to unwanted drug activity, gangs, violence and more." According to PCSO, those arrested included * Kenneth "Pop" Rogers, 38

* Odia Rogers, 69

* Tameka Rogers, 31

* Theresa Prince, 59

* Rafel Rogers, 39

* Jordan Rogers, 21

* Two 16-year-old females and a 15-year-old

* Gerard Hall, 32

* Alpavin Tucker, 36

* Dominique Rogers, 28

According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the Rogers family has "been trafficking drugs and committing other crimes in the area since the 1980s."

(Thanks, Charles Pescovitz!)
Speaker Kevin McCarthy was in deep doo doo with cult leader Donald Trump after daring to admit he didn't know if Trump was the GOP's strongest candidate. And the flimsy lawmaker immediately regretted it, calling the twice-indicted ex-prez to beg for forgiveness.

No matter that McCarthy said in the same CNBC interview that he did think Trump could beat President Biden (see video below, posted by Meidas Touch). No matter that he said "Trump's policies are better" than Biden's. No matter that he said that Trump's lawsuits could be a good thing. The fact that McCarthy said "I don't know that answer" about Trump's chances of winning infuriated the MAGA base  and that, in turn, spurred the trembling puppet into action. He immediately phoned Trump to apologize.

From Politico:

Trump world flipped out. Top aides to the former president and allies who know both men quickly traded messages asking, in short: What the fuck? Some called McCarthy a "moron." Others looked to Trump campaign hand Brian Jack, who also advises the speaker and has been a critical bridge between both men, to play mediator as Trump hit the trail in New Hampshire. McCarthy immediately pivoted into clean-up mode. He called Trump to apologize, according to the New York Times. He offered Breitbart reporter Matt Boyle an exclusive interview, during which he walked the comments back and accused the media of taking them out of context. "Trump is stronger today than he was in 2016," McCarthy told Boyle. None of these moves assuaged the fury in Trump's inner circle, people familiar with the matter told POLITICO. McCarthy, they feel, has taken advantage of the former president when it benefits him and failed to show unflinching loyalty in return. They don't understand how he could "misspeak"  as McCarthy, we're told, put it to Trump  on something so critical.
US financier Jeffrey Epstein appears in a photograph taken for the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services' sex offender registry March 28, 2017 and obtained by Reuters July 10, 2019.
A 26-year-old Kansas City, Missouri, man is charged with three counts of second-degree murder after a shooting at an after-hours party left three people dead and six others wounded
Conspiracy theorist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. went on Megyn Kelly's SiriusXM show to pine about the good old days, when debating tactics used to include beating your children to convince them your political beliefs were correct. Kelly laughed appreciatively at his remark.

I didn't know anything about RFK Junior, so I read his Wikipedia page and learned that he has a long career as an environmental lawyer. In some ways, he seems pretty progressive. Too bad he is so wacky about vaccines. I wonder if he is just afraid of needles, given the fact that he was a former heroin addict and was arrested for drug possession in the 1980s.

Besides being an advocate of "whacking" your kids when they say something you disagree with, here's more about his beliefs:

Kennedy embraces conspiracy theories and expresses skepticism about the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting it benefits billionaires.

He believes the American government is dominated by corporate power and criticizes regulatory agencies like the EPA and FDA for their industry influence.

Kennedy argues that the middle class is being systematically eroded, while the wealthy and corporations should pay more taxes.

He opposes the military industry and foreign interventions, criticizing the Iraq War and American involvement in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

RFK Jr. describes himself as a leading environmentalist, supporting regenerative farming and the Green New Deal, while opposing nuclear energy and geoengineering solutions.
This was life or death 19 gunshots go into St. Louis womans home, 3 hit her dog, but all survive
Shares of Phreesia, Inc. (NYSE:PHR  Get Rating) have earned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the twelve brokerages that are covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the company. The average 1-year target price among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $37.92.

Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on PHR shares. Guggenheim lifted their price target on Phreesia from $35.00 to $40.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, March 29th. Stephens started coverage on Phreesia in a research report on Tuesday, April 11th. They issued an overweight rating and a $37.00 price target for the company. JMP Securities lifted their price target on Phreesia from $34.00 to $39.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, March 23rd. DA Davidson boosted their target price on Phreesia from $28.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, March 23rd. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada boosted their target price on Phreesia from $26.00 to $33.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, March 23rd.

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Insider Activity

In other news, Director Gillian Munson sold 3,555 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.06, for a total value of $106,863.30. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 19,315 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $580,608.90. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Phreesia news, Director Gillian Munson sold 3,555 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.06, for a total transaction of $106,863.30. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 19,315 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $580,608.90. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Mark Douglas Smith sold 7,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, April 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $30.77, for a total value of $215,390.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 16,112 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $495,766.24. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 26,863 shares of company stock valued at $834,743. Insiders own 5.80% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Phreesia Stock Up 1.1 %

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. BlackRock Inc. raised its position in shares of Phreesia by 5.8% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 6,359,641 shares of the companys stock worth $167,640,000 after acquiring an additional 349,301 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Phreesia by 3.5% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 3,814,948 shares of the companys stock worth $97,205,000 after acquiring an additional 128,131 shares in the last quarter. Brown Advisory Inc. raised its position in shares of Phreesia by 4.2% in the 1st quarter. Brown Advisory Inc. now owns 3,227,530 shares of the companys stock worth $104,217,000 after acquiring an additional 130,622 shares in the last quarter. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Phreesia by 5.5% in the 4th quarter. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. now owns 2,676,879 shares of the companys stock worth $86,624,000 after acquiring an additional 139,410 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Credit Suisse AG raised its position in shares of Phreesia by 2.6% in the 4th quarter. Credit Suisse AG now owns 2,028,346 shares of the companys stock worth $65,637,000 after acquiring an additional 50,827 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 93.11% of the companys stock.

Shares of PHR opened at $30.78 on Wednesday. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $31.41 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $33.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03, a quick ratio of 2.89 and a current ratio of 2.89. Phreesia has a 1 year low of $21.67 and a 1 year high of $40.00.

Phreesia (NYSE:PHR  Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 31st. The company reported ($0.70) earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.80) by $0.10. The company had revenue of $83.85 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $80.64 million. Phreesia had a negative return on equity of 53.25% and a negative net margin of 53.89%. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned ($0.99) earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Phreesia will post -2.7 earnings per share for the current year.

Phreesia Company Profile

(Get Rating

Phreesia, Inc provides an integrated SaaS-based software and payment platform for the healthcare industry in the United States and Canada. Its Phreesia Platform offers access solutions that offers appointment scheduling system for online appointments, reminders, and referral tracking; registration solution to automate patient self-registration; revenue cycle solution, which offer insurance-verification processes, point-of-sale payments applications, post-visit payment collection, and flexible payment options; and network connect solution to deliver clinically relevant content to patients.

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Capricorn Fund Managers Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER  Get Rating) in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor purchased 73,254 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock, valued at approximately $2,261,000.

Several other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in UBER. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Uber Technologies in the 4th quarter worth approximately $580,568,000. Altimeter Capital Management LP lifted its stake in shares of Uber Technologies by 167.5% in the first quarter. Altimeter Capital Management LP now owns 30,760,000 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $1,193,422,000 after buying an additional 19,260,000 shares during the last quarter. Point72 Asset Management L.P. boosted its holdings in shares of Uber Technologies by 6,754.1% during the 4th quarter. Point72 Asset Management L.P. now owns 9,808,165 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $242,556,000 after buying an additional 9,955,565 shares during the period. Tiger Global Management LLC grew its stake in Uber Technologies by 1,501.7% in the 3rd quarter. Tiger Global Management LLC now owns 9,923,073 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $262,961,000 after buying an additional 9,303,523 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Steadfast Capital Management LP bought a new position in Uber Technologies in the 4th quarter worth $178,126,000. Institutional investors own 73.90% of the companys stock.

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Uber Technologies Stock Down 1.3 %

Shares of UBER opened at $43.83 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $88.70 billion, a P/E ratio of -25.33, a PEG ratio of 19.95 and a beta of 1.19. Uber Technologies, Inc. has a one year low of $19.90 and a one year high of $45.04. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $38.22 and its 200-day simple moving average is $33.27. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12, a current ratio of 1.06 and a quick ratio of 1.06.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Uber Technologies ( NYSE:UBER Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 2nd. The ride-sharing company reported ($0.08) EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.10) by $0.02. Uber Technologies had a negative return on equity of 43.94% and a negative net margin of 9.95%. The company had revenue of $8.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.71 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned ($0.18) earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 28.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Uber Technologies, Inc. will post 0.05 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. JMP Securities reaffirmed a market outperform rating and issued a $55.00 price target on shares of Uber Technologies in a research report on Friday, March 10th. Wells Fargo & Company began coverage on Uber Technologies in a report on Wednesday, June 7th. They issued an overweight rating and a $50.00 target price on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their price target on Uber Technologies from $44.00 to $46.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price objective on shares of Uber Technologies from $47.00 to $49.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, April 17th. Finally, Oppenheimer upped their target price on shares of Uber Technologies from $55.00 to $65.00 in a research note on Wednesday, June 21st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and twenty-seven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $49.81.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, insider Jill Hazelbaker sold 644 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $41.00, for a total transaction of $26,404.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 128,916 shares in the company, valued at $5,285,556. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, insider Jill Hazelbaker sold 644 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, June 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $41.00, for a total transaction of $26,404.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 128,916 shares in the company, valued at $5,285,556. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, insider Tony West sold 16,664 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $42.00, for a total value of $699,888.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 164,693 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,917,106. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 38,143 shares of company stock valued at $1,547,399 in the last 90 days. 3.84% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Uber Technologies Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Uber Technologies, Inc develops and operates proprietary technology applications in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia excluding China and Southeast Asia. It operates through three segments: Mobility, Delivery, and Freight. The Mobility segment connects consumers with a range of transportation modalities, such as ridesharing, carsharing, micromobility, rentals, public transit, taxis, and other modalities; and offers riders in a variety of vehicle types, as well as financial partnerships products and advertising services.

Further Reading

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Leuthold Group LLC lowered its stake in Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO  Get Rating) by 25.8% in the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 79,137 shares of the mining companys stock after selling 27,526 shares during the period. Leuthold Group LLCs holdings in Rio Tinto Group were worth $5,429,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its position in shares of Rio Tinto Group by 23.9% during the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 61,529 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $4,947,000 after buying an additional 11,879 shares during the period. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC boosted its position in shares of Rio Tinto Group by 33.8% during the first quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 6,549 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $527,000 after buying an additional 1,654 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. boosted its position in shares of Rio Tinto Group by 19.4% during the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 1,539,846 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $123,803,000 after buying an additional 250,480 shares during the period. Vontobel Holding Ltd. purchased a new position in shares of Rio Tinto Group during the first quarter valued at approximately $499,000. Finally, Cetera Investment Advisers boosted its position in shares of Rio Tinto Group by 141.7% during the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 13,466 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $1,083,000 after buying an additional 7,894 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 10.44% of the companys stock.

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Rio Tinto Group Price Performance

NYSE:RIO traded down $1.73 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $63.17. The companys stock had a trading volume of 801,612 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,268,758. 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 stock has a 50 day moving average price of $63.42 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $68.82.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Rio Tinto Group Profile

RIO has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Argus dropped their target price on Rio Tinto Group from $80.00 to $72.00 in a research report on Wednesday. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Rio Tinto Group in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating for the company. Citigroup raised shares of Rio Tinto Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, June 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of Rio Tinto Group from an underweight rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, May 15th. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised shares of Rio Tinto Group from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, May 26th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating, eight have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Rio Tinto Group presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $4,360.50.

(Get Rating)

Rio Tinto Group engages in exploring, mining, and processing mineral resources worldwide. The company operates through Iron Ore, Aluminium, Copper, and Minerals Segments. It offers aluminum, copper, iron ore, diamonds, gold, borates, titanium dioxide, salt, silver, molybdenum, and lithium. The company also owns and operates open pit and underground mines, refineries, smelters, and concentrator facilities, as well as power stations, research, and service facilities.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RIO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO  Get Rating).

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Shares of Mohawk Industries, Inc. (NYSE:MHK  Get Rating) have earned an average recommendation of Reduce from the eleven research firms that are covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, six have assigned a hold recommendation and two have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year target price among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $123.08.

Several equities analysts have commented on the stock. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Mohawk Industries in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Bank of America decreased their price target on shares of Mohawk Industries from $110.00 to $108.00 and set an underperform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, April 19th. Loop Capital upgraded shares of Mohawk Industries from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $115.00 price target on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, April 11th. Finally, Credit Suisse Group decreased their price target on shares of Mohawk Industries from $109.00 to $103.00 in a research note on Monday, March 20th.

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Mohawk Industries Price Performance

NYSE MHK opened at $103.29 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.00, a current ratio of 1.83 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28. The firms fifty day moving average price is $97.93 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $103.05. Mohawk Industries has a 1 year low of $87.01 and a 1 year high of $137.41.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Mohawk Industries ( NYSE:MHK Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported $1.75 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.28 by $0.47. Mohawk Industries had a negative net margin of 1.21% and a positive return on equity of 8.47%. The firm had revenue of $2.81 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.74 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $3.78 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down 6.9% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts expect that Mohawk Industries will post 9.48 earnings per share for the current year.

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in MHK. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Mohawk Industries by 4.7% during the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 4,953 shares of the companys stock worth $615,000 after buying an additional 224 shares during the period. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund acquired a new stake in shares of Mohawk Industries during the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,043,000. MetLife Investment Management LLC grew its position in shares of Mohawk Industries by 23.2% during the 1st quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 14,929 shares of the companys stock worth $1,854,000 after buying an additional 2,809 shares during the period. Panagora Asset Management Inc. grew its position in shares of Mohawk Industries by 98.7% during the 1st quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 10,628 shares of the companys stock worth $1,320,000 after buying an additional 5,280 shares during the period. Finally, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS grew its position in shares of Mohawk Industries by 6.6% during the 1st quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 7,341 shares of the companys stock worth $912,000 after buying an additional 455 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 75.55% of the companys stock.

Mohawk Industries Company Profile

(Get Rating

Mohawk Industries, Inc designs, manufactures, sources, distributes, and markets flooring products for residential and commercial remodeling, and new construction channels in the United States, Europe, Russia, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Global Ceramic, Flooring North America (Flooring NA), and Flooring Rest of the World (Flooring ROW).

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NatWest Group plc (NYSE:NWG  Get Rating) has received an average rating of Reduce from the four analysts that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation and three have issued a hold recommendation on the company. The average 12 month price objective among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $363.08.

Separately, BNP Paribas cut shares of NatWest Group from a neutral rating to an underperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, June 21st.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Penserra Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of NatWest Group during the third quarter valued at $31,000. Toronto Dominion Bank acquired a new stake in shares of NatWest Group during the 1st quarter worth approximately $33,000. Addison Advisors LLC boosted its stake in NatWest Group by 48.1% in the 4th quarter. Addison Advisors LLC now owns 5,993 shares of the companys stock valued at $39,000 after buying an additional 1,947 shares in the last quarter. Tucker Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in NatWest Group in the first quarter worth $40,000. Finally, Captrust Financial Advisors lifted its stake in shares of NatWest Group by 225.5% during the second quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 9,675 shares of the companys stock valued at $53,000 after acquiring an additional 6,703 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 1.05% of the companys stock.

NatWest Group Trading Up 0.5 %

NYSE:NWG opened at $5.89 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a current ratio of 1.09. The firm has a market cap of $26.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.27, a P/E/G ratio of 0.27 and a beta of 1.28. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $6.56 and a 200-day simple moving average of $6.79. NatWest Group has a one year low of $4.70 and a one year high of $7.80.

NatWest Group (NYSE:NWG  Get Rating) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, April 28th. The company reported $0.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.31. The business had revenue of $4.71 billion for the quarter. NatWest Group had a net margin of 21.11% and a return on equity of 10.86%. Equities analysts anticipate that NatWest Group will post 1.19 EPS for the current fiscal year.

About NatWest Group

(Get Rating

NatWest Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services to personal, commercial, corporate, and institutional customers in the United Kingdom and internationally. It operates through Retail Banking, Private Banking, and Commercial & Institutional segments.

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Elnur Enveroglu

Since the history of independence, two currents have existed in the South Caucasus: constructive and destructive tendencies. Historically, Azerbaijan's location at the most strategic point of the region has led to many advantages for it. However, the 30-year occupation period prevented the country from implementing a number of advanced projects.

Finally, after November 2020, Azerbaijan chose a decisive turning point in the path of economic development. The country began to attract the interest of European and world countries with its unprecedented advantages in the field of energy tourism and many other spheres. Emerging perspectives have created the need for the long and huge transport route connecting the West and the East (Middle Corridor) to be put into operation soon.

Azerbaijan as the most vital segment of this huge transport route

Azerbaijan's incredible victory in the Patriotic War also revealed its friends and enemies around it. For some reason, Iran, which turned a blind eye to the 30-year occupation, openly sided with Armenia in Azerbaijan's rightful war. This biased approach also led Iran and Armenia to unite in many insignificant projects with an obscure future. In April 2023, the issue discussed at the meeting of the Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Iran, Armenia and India in Yerevan was supposedly the prospects of new economic cooperation, or the creation of a new tripartite format in the South Caucasus and the drawing up of new maps.

The formation of this tripartite format has a number of key strategic implications that could disrupt the geopolitical balance in the South Caucasus.

In fact, the main reason that brought Iran and Armenia closer was known: Tehrans effort to restore the balance of power in the South Caucasus after the Second Karabakh War.

Because Iran, thanks to its dirty intentions, understood very well that there were no conditions left for its existence in the region. In addition, Azerbaijan's fraternal alliance with Turkiye and Pakistan threatened the political "future" of both Tehran and its sister city, Yerevan. In particular, as a symbol of the brotherhood of Azerbaijan, Turkiye and Pakistan, the military drills started in 2021 turned into a nightmare for both countries. Thus, the attempt of Iran and Armenia started a new insidious game under the name of cooperation with the involvement of India as well.

Zangazur Corridor or the most sensitive vein of Iran

Whether it is the BRI or the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC), Azerbaijan's active and leading role in both projects did not make Iran happy. First, the issue of the Zangazur Corridor becomes an important factor in the development of the BRI project. And this collides with a point that Iran does not like the most - the fear of severing the relations between Iran and Armenia through the only border in Azerbaijans Zangazur. Although the Azerbaijani official presented Tehran with alternative means for this, it did not work. Iran, on the other hand, brought Armenia to the forefront to overshadow the importance of Azerbaijan and even sat at the same table with official Yerevan in the negotiation of the Persian Gulf-Black Sea International Transport and Transit Corridor project.

Indian Ocean dreams of Armenia and Iran

Since Iran is an oppressed state in the region and the world, it always has to choose allies similar to itself. Unable to cooperate with normal countries, Tehran chooses countries that match its character and disposition in the economic field. It is no coincidence that Iran chose Armenia as its most suitable ally in the Persian Gulf-Black Sea International Transport and Transit Corridor project. Both the realities that happened in the region (the end of 30-year occupation of Azerbaijans territories), the Russian-Ukrainian war, and the imposed sanctions caused Iran to start cooperation with Armenia and India on new projects. Iran sees both countries as its only way out of the Wests economic pressure.

For instance, the Port of Chabahar, in the Sistan and Baluchistan province of southeastern Iran, represents the transit and commercial bridge between Iran, India and Armenia. This facility has turned vital as it is the only Iranian port with direct access to the Indian Ocean. Parallel to the participation of Russia and China in the Chabahar Port project, including investments in both the Shahid Beheshti and Shahid Kalantari parts of the Chabahar Free TradeIndustrial Zone (FTZ), which have grown since the war in Ukraine began, Armenia has also shown more attention to this Iranian port project in further developing transit and trade with India.

At the same time, all these plans were not as simple as they seemed. Along with creating a new economic alliance, Iran began to develop a policy of disruption in the region, similar to its sister state, Armenia. In order to isolate Armenia from the region and block the Zangazur Corridor, which is important for the world, Iran purposefully opened a diplomatic office in the province that Armenia calls it Sunik. Undoubtedly, this was a policy prepared by Tehran deliberately against the realization of the Zangazur Corridor.

However, Iran also overlooked the main nuances. The first is whether it is the free trade zone of Aras that it announced, or the INSTC project, no matter how much Tehran tries to prioritize Armenia in all these large-scale projects, the reality says its final word.

In a nutshell, despite all the evil intentions of Iran towards Azerbaijan, the Iran-Azerbaijan-Russia land route, which is a part of the INSTC project, has once again left Armenia behind in its quality and importance.

Yerevans inadequate transit infrastructure and the still incomplete North-South highway are the main problems in this regard. The 400-kilometer road from Yerevan to Meghri on the Iranian border passes through mountainous areas and is very narrow, making it difficult and slow to pass through for trucks, especially during the winter. Furthermore, the lack of a rail connection between Iran and Armenia has reduced the volume and speed of goods transferred along this portion of the corridor. Therefore, for the foreseeable future, the passage running through Iran, Azerbaijan and Russia (Astara-Baku-Dagestan) will remain the INSTCs primary route. At the moment, on average, a truck crosses the shared border of Iran and Azerbaijan every seven minutes.

However, sticking to its pro-Armenian and envious nature, Iran will likely try to transfer at least part of this traffic to the Armenian-Georgian land route and the Iranian-Russian sea route in the Caspian. As the saying goes, Leopard will never change his spots. Iran's intention is not for stability and development in the region and the world, but rather to develop all conflicts both from the outside and by direct participation.
Murphy's is a Cork-based brewery founded in 1856, and owned by Heineken since 1983, which is largely seen as a competitor to the Diageo-owned Guinness from Dublin. Guinness, of course, is nearly as famous for its advertisements as it is for its stout. And in 1997, Murphy's made an effort to challenge their competitor in that field as well. The company recruited a British Ad agency called Nexus Productions, which managed to cement a partnership for with the film company behind the recently-released Ghost in the Shell movie.

Which is how some of the most prominent names in anime came to create the wild 60-second anime beer adventure you see below.

From the YouTube listing:

A rare occasion in which Japan is commissioned to produce a British advert for Irish beer, following the release of Ghost in the Shell in the UK. Six samurai dash through a futuristic megalopolis to get to the pub on time, in a high-octane sequel to the Brothers Quay's spot from a year prior. Directed by Hiroyuki Kitakubo, though some sources claim it to be Mamoru Oshii, at Production I.G. for Nexus Productions. Art was provided by Hiroyuki Kitakubo and Kazuchika Kise.

Hiroyuki Kitakubo may be better known as the director of Blood: the Last Vampire; while production designer Kazuchika Kise was the character designer behind Ghost in the Shell.

Personally, I think the international beer industry could benefit from more anime badassery.
MIT Technology Review has a great article about a new climate initiative from Colorado-based New Belgium Brewing. With help from another local Colorado startup called AtmosZero, New Belgium is replacing one of their natural-gas-powered boil kettles with a new electric boiler that uses heat pump technology.

Indeed, heat production from industry may account for around 10% of global carbon dioxide pollution. The sector relies heavily on steam to transfer heat, sterilize equipment and goods, and separate chemicals. Globally, the practice could generate more than 2 billion tons of carbon dioxide pollution per year, according to an earlier analysis by Stark and a colleague. [] Electric boilers that can draw power mostly from renewables like solar and wind do exist and are already used in manufacturing. But they generally rely on resistive heating, which produces heat by passing an electric current through a conductive material, or the water in the boiler. That sucks up a lot of electricity and pushes up costs, which has prevented such devices from grabbing much market share to date, says Stark, previously a fellow and acting director at ARPA-E, the US Department of Energy's advanced research arm. Instead, AtmosZero leans on heat pump technology, which uses electricity to circulate refrigerants with low boiling points through a closed loop. The device draws in heat from the surrounding air, uses a compressor to increase the temperature of the refrigerant enough to boil water, and then transfers that thermal energy through a heat exchanger into a vessel that produces steam.

I've written a lot about heat pump technology; it's pretty cool stuff, and should really be used in more places. Here's how I explained it in The New York Times last year:

Heat pumps have only to move heat, instead of generating it by combusting a fuel source. Even the most efficient gas-powered furnace or boiler never converts 100% of its fuel into heat; it's always going to lose something in the conversion process. A good electric-resistance heater gives you 100% efficiency, but it still has to burn watts to produce that heat, whereas a heat pump just moves the heat. [] The process is especially efficient, using half as much energy on average than other electric home-heating sources. Or, as David Yuill of the University of NebraskaLincoln told us, "You could put in a watt of electricity and get four watts of heat out of it. It's like magic."

3-4 times more efficient than traditional electric radiant heat? Count me in!

New Belgium Brewery is perhaps best known for its popular Fat Tire Ale. But the company has also been highly invested in sustainability initiatives like this. Two years ago, for example, they released a special beer called Torched Earth that was specifically designed "to illustrate what the future of beer will look like if we don't get more companies to commit to aggressive climate action. This beer uses the kind of ingredients that would be available in a climate-ravaged futureand they're less than ideal." :

In place of fresh hops, Torched Earth gets its bitterness and floral aromas from hop extracts and dandelions. The water has been smoked, to mimic the effects of wildfire. In lieu of malted barley, the beer is made with buckwheat and millet, which are more drought-tolerant grains.

If you think that beer would taste like shit, well, that was sort of the point. Hopefully, this heat pump boiler pilot program will help prevent that post-apocalyptic beer future.

How electrifying steam could cut beer's carbon emissions [James Temple / MIT Technology Review]
Pat Sajak recently announced his retirement and there's been speculation on who would take the spot as Wheel of Fortune host. It has been announced that Ryan Seacrest will be Sajak's successor.

USA Today:

Seacrest expressed his excitement in a lengthy statement shared to Instagram. He said he is humbled to step into the shoes of "legendary" longtime host Pat Sajak, who is retiring next summer.

"I can say, along with the rest of America, that it's been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them," Seacrest wrote. "Pat, I love the way you've always celebrated the contestants and made viewers at home feel at ease. I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition."

He added that one of his first jobs was hosting a game show called "Click" for Merv Griffin, who also created "Wheel" and "Jeopardy!," and called the appointment "a full circle moment."

"I can't wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White," he said.
Arisa Trew, a 13-year-old girl from Australia's Gold Coast, became the first female to land a rare 720 maneuver, two mid-air full rotations, at the Tony Hawk Vert Alert in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The manoeuvre was first successfully performed by skating great Hawk himself back in 1985, but until the weekend it had not been landed by a female skater in a competition environment.

Fittingly, Hawk was on hand in Salt Lake City to witness Trew tread in his footsteps and enter the record books.

"I'm so excited to be the first girl to land a 720 in the world," Trew said. "I wouldn't have been able to do it without the crowd hyping me up."
Paralympic Fencer Vibhas Sen and Jhatkaa.org come together for the inclusion of disability data in a national health survey

PNN

New Delhi [India], June 28: Paralympic fencer and disability rights activist, Vibhas Sen, has joined forces with Jhatkaa.org, a leading social justice advocacy organisation, to address the challenges of inadequate data collection on persons with disabilities. Together, they are calling for the inclusion of disability-related questions in the upcoming National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6) conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

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Despite the enactment of the Rights of Persons With Disabilities Act in 2016, significant gaps persist in the collection of comprehensive data on individuals with disabilities. Recognising the pressing nature of this problem, Sen says it is crucial to find a solution and bridge this data gap.

The collection of accurate data plays a pivotal role in determining the allocation of funds for welfare schemes and programmes catering to persons with disabilities. The insufficient availability of funds has a deep impact on their day-to-day lives, limiting their access to necessary support systems and hindering their full participation in society.

Also Read | India Meteorological Department Issues High Alert Across Gujarat Coast, Fishermen Advised To Avoid Sea Ventures Till July 2.

"Through enhanced data collection, extensive research, and effective dissemination, we can ensure equal access to public provisions and spaces for people with disabilities. Data collection can also help in eradicating stereotypes and misconceptions, identifying service gaps, and evaluating the impact of policies and programmes on the lives of people with disabilities. These help us hold governments accountable for their commitment to people with disabilities," said Sen.

Disappointingly, NFHS-6, scheduled to commence in a month, has excluded disability-related questions from its survey. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's official statement that "disability data won't change fast" further compounds this neglect. Such exclusion perpetuates a narrow definition of disability and undermines the urgent need to address this issue.

To express his concern over this exclusion and challenge the normalisation of a limited perspective on disability, Sen has partnered with Jhatkaa.org. They are jointly demanding that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare incorporates disability-related questions in the survey, encompassing all disabilities listed under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

Sen and Jhatkaa.org believe in equality for all and are confident that by uniting the voices of compassionate citizens, they can bring about meaningful change. In order to amplify their demands and ensure they are heard; they urge citizens to show their support by signing the petition online https://bit.ly/3pjT2f9

For more information Kindly visit the website https://jhatkaa.org/

(Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, Jun 28 (PTI) Canada's response to the Khalistani issue appeared to be constrained by its "vote bank compulsions" and India will have to respond if the activities impinge on its national security and integrity, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday.

In an interactive session at an event, he also said that the Khalistani issue has impacted the ties between the two countries in many ways in the last few years.

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India has been asking Canada against giving space to pro-Khalistani separatists and extremists elements.

"For us how Canada has dealt with the Khalistani issue has been a long-standing concern. Because very frankly, they seem to be driven by vote-bank politics," Jaishankar said.

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"Their responses have all been, to the best of my understanding, actually constrained by what they regard as vote bank compulsions," he said.

The external affairs minister said it made it clear to Canada that if the activities there impinge on India's national security, it will respond.

"We made it very clear and I have done so in public, which is that if there are activities which are permitted from Canada that impinge on our sovereignty, territorial integrity and security, then we will have to respond," he said.

"It is something which is a continuing conversation with Canada; not always a satisfactory conversation but it is something on which we are very very clear. You can see that in many ways in the last few years, it has impacted our ties," he said.

Earlier this month, India slammed Canada after visuals surfaced on social media of a float in Brampton that reportedly celebrated the assassination of former prime minister Indira Gandhi.

On India's ties with Pakistan, Jaishankar said New Delhi cannot allow terrorism to be normalised.

He said it is not possible for India to have normal relations with Pakistan until the policy of cross-border terrorism is abrogated.

"We can't allow terrorism to be normalised; we can not allow that to become the basis for getting us into discussions with Pakistan. To me it is a fairly common sense proposition," he said.

"I am still a little perplexed as to why we had not arrived at this position earlier. But we have arrived at it now. The issue really is that until there is an abrogation of this policy of cross border terrorism , clearly it is not possible to have a normal relationship with that particular nation," Jaishankar said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, Jun 28 (PTI) Three Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force will take part in the Bastille Day flypast over the Champs Elysees in Paris on July 14, people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend this year's Bastille Day Parade as the guest of honour.

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A tri-services contingent is also set to participate in the parade along with their French counterparts.

India procured 36 Rafale jets from France under an inter-governmental framework.

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The Rafale jets are India's first major acquisition of fighter planes in 23 year after the Sukhoi jets were imported from Russia.

The Rafale jets are capable of carrying a range of potent weapons.

In August last year, a French Air and Space Force contingent, including three Rafale jets, made a strategically crucial stopover at the IAF's Sulur base in Tamil Nadu as part of a mega military operation it carried out in the Pacific Ocean.

Last month, the Ministry of External Affairs announced that Modi will attend the Bastille Day Parade as the guest of honour.

"The prime minister's visit is expected to herald the next phase in the India-France strategic partnership by setting new and ambitious goals for our strategic, cultural, scientific, academic, economic cooperation, including in a wide range of industries," it said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], June 28 (ANI): Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra, Micron Technology will invest USD 2.5 billion (INR 22,500 crore) to establish an ATMP (assembly, test, marking, and packaging) facility in Gujarat's Sanand GIDC-II, the Gujarat government announced on Wednesday.

Sanand GIDC is a highly industrialized zone in Gujarat, home to many national and multinational manufacturing industries.

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Vice Chairman and Managing Director, GIDC handed over the Offer Cum Allotment (OCA) letter to Micron for the allotment of 93 acres of area within the Sanand GIDC Estate.

Micron Technology will establish Assembly and Test facility, wherein it will focus on transforming wafers into ball grid array (BGA) integrated circuit packages, memory modules and solid-state drives, the release stated.

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Micron is committed to designing and building the facility to meet or exceed leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standards. Additionally, the facility will use advanced water-saving technologies to enable Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD).

An MoU was signed in this regard between the Government of Gujarat and Micron Technology, America's largest semiconductor memory IDM (Integrated Device Manufacturer. The MoU was signed in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Minister for Railways, Communications, Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw.

The MoU was signed between the Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology Vijay Nehra and the Senior Vice President of Micron Technology Gursharan Singh.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel thanked Micron Technology for choosing Gujarat to set up its flagship facility in the semiconductor manufacturing sector. The Chief Minister assured the firm of the full cooperation and support of the State Government and wished them success.Chief Principal Secretary to CM K.Kailashnathan and Chief Secretary Raj Kumar as well as office bearers from Micron Technology were present during the MoU signing.

Micron has chosen Gujarat to set up its manufacturing facility considering Gujarat's robust manufacturing infrastructure, business-friendly environment and availability of a well-planned talent pool along with excellent support from the state government, the press release stated.

This MoU is a watershed moment for India because the domestic semiconductor ecosystem will get a boost as other associated industries for raw materials and finished products related to this sector will be drawn to Gujarat, it added.

Gujarat was the first state in India to announce a dedicated policy for the semiconductor sector.The Gujarat Semiconductor Policy (2022-27) was launched in September 2022 for the development of a domestic semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. (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 28 (PTI) Senior Maharashtra Congress leader Ashok Chavan on Wednesday met Opposition leader Ajit Pawar, who belongs to NCP, here and discussed the current political scenario including Congress' viewpoint on facing elections as an alliance partner.

After meeting Pawar at the latter's official residence, Chavan said they (Maha Vikas Aghadi) need to adjust to the "new scenario" and work on seat adjustments on a merit basis for upcoming elections.

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He said a meeting of MVA constituents will be convened ahead of the monsoon session of the state legislature, which begins on July 17.

The MVA comprises Uddhav Thackeray-led faction of Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party, and Congress.

Also Read | Chandrayaan-3 Launch Scheduled for July 13, Say Officials.

"I met Ajit Pawar to discuss the current political scenario," Chavan told reporters.

"All of us need to adjust to the new scenario and work on seat adjustments on a merit basis. I apprised him (Ajit Pawar) of meetings Congress held in recent days and gave feedback of the feeling in our party about facing the forthcoming elections," the former chief minister said.

Chavan said MVA constituents will discuss floor strategy for the monsoon session in a meeting and also preparations for Lok Sabha elections.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Peshawar, June 28: Nine family members were killed on Wednesday by unknown gunmen who opened indiscriminate fire after barging into their house in northwest Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, police said. Pakistan Horror: 17-Year-Old Girl Gang-Raped, Murdered and Her Dead Body Hung From Tree in Okara, Victim's Brother Claims She Was Abducted From Home.

The incident occurred in the Batkhela tehsil of Malakand district, and nine members of the same family, including three women and six men, were shot dead by the unidentified assailants, police said. Pakistan Shocker: Man Kills Three-Year-Old Nephew by Throwing Him in Canal in Hafizabad Over Family Quarrel.

After receiving the information, the local Levies force reached the crime scene and shifted the dead bodies to Batkhela Hospital for postmortem. While the reason behind the killings has not been ascertained yet, an investigation into the case has been started, according to the police.

(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 28 (ANI): Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) S Somanath on Wednesday revealed that Chandrayaan 3 testing is complete and the window of opportunity for the launch is aimed between July 12 and 19.

"Currently the Chandrayaan 3 spacecraft is fully integrated. We have completed the testing and also mated with the rocket compartment... Currently, the window of opportunity for launch is between July 12 and 19 and we will take the earliest possible date, maybe the 12th, maybe the 13th or maybe the 14th. We will announce the exact date after all the tests are completed," Somanath told ANI here.

Also Read | Same-Sex Marriage: Nepal Supreme Court Orders Government To Register Marriage of Sexual and Gender Minority Couples.

The ISRO chief also shared his views on Artemis Accords and believes that it is an opportunity for Indian industries that are working in the space sector to work with the US companies.

"We are looking at Artemis Accord as a political engagement with the US. It is a statement of Intent that when the US is proposing collaborative work in the space sector, especially the exploration of outer planets in a very cordial atmosphere between different nations, we agree with that. So it has a big statement. We would like to work with the US, especially on technologies which are high-end and space is one of them. It will open opportunities for Indian industries who are working in the space sector to work with the US companies that are equally working in the space sector," he mentioned.

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"So the advancement of electronics, new processors, the centre takes place in the US and this access to this new technology to the Indian company is so important for them to innovate and bring up value which will give an opportunity to market them in the US market. This is precisely the objective of the US. So we would like to make sure the Indian companies contribute to the US space program. It's not a great thing now. So, the earlier the US sees it as an opportunity because Indian companies have the technological strength today, they have cost-effectiveness and they have a lower development cycle time which they want to bank on. So it is the purpose that it is jointly developed this whole accord signing is for the benefit of the US as well as the benefit of India," he added

Somanath shared an update on Aditya-L1 Mission which is India's first mission to study the Sun and said ISRO is aiming for August end as the target for its launch. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kathmandu [Nepal], June 28 (ANI): Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel who was admitted to the Manmohan Cardiothoracic Vascular and Transplant Center got discharged on Wednesday, the office of the President said.

Announcing the discharge of the President, the office also informed that the ailing head of state's health condition is 'normal'.

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The 78-year-old President of Nepal underwent surgery to implant a pacemaker in his chest on June 20, three days after being rushed to the hospital following a slowdown in his heartbeat.

After staying at the government hospital for 11 days, the President returned to the Sheetal Niwas following his treatment, the office of the President announced.

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Earlier on June 13, the septuagenarian President was admitted at the Shahid Gangalal National Heart Center inside Tribhuwan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) after suffering from a 'heart attack'.

Upon admission, he underwent angioplasty. After the examination, the doctors concluded the President of having 'myocardial infarction' colloquially known as a 'heart attack'

Four days after returning from hospital, the President on June 17, was again taken to TUTH, which is less than one kilometre from the President's official residence, the 'Sheetal Niwas'.

The ailing president was previously taken to New Delhi on a Shree Airlines flight on April 19 for treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). He returned back on April 30. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Braymiller Market was denied more than $500,000 in federal pandemic-related money at the Buffalo Common Council meeting Tuesday.

This is not about Braymiller personally. Its about business, Buffalo Common Council President Darius G. Pridgen said during the meeting.

Braymiller Market seeks grant funding after pandemic upends its downtown plan The market is seeking slightly more than $562,000 in grant funding through the city from a program designed to help Buffalo businesses affected by the pandemic.

The Office of Strategic Planning had sought approval from the Common Council to provide the money in a forgivable loan to Braymiller through the Community Development Block Grant CARES Act.

Braymiller owner Stuart Green requested the $562,000, which would have helped the market pay its vendors and provide working capital, according to the planning office. The funding would have come from prior year activities that had leftover balances, came in under budget or were not carried out.

The nine Council members unanimously denied the request and several said it wouldnt be fair to subsidize one business over others.

We know that theres been many small businesses in our community who have been very upset that it seems like theyre not getting the relief that they need, University Council Member Rasheed Wyatt said, and to give one business $500,000 is the wrong message that we want to send out.

Wyatt said he hoped the money would go to help other, smaller businesses.

We understand what were trying to accomplish downtown, he said, but youve been through other cities where downtown grocery stores thrive. And its really about the people, not about the store.

City's strategic planning office requests 'forgivable' loan to help Braymiller Market The City of Buffalo's Office of Strategic Planning is seeking approval from the Common Council to provide about $562,000 in a forgivable loan to Braymiller Market through the Community Development Block Grant CARES Act.

Braymiller Market opened in September 2021, and has been adversely affected by the drop in downtown traffic since the Covid-19 pandemic, said Green, who was unavailable for comment after the Council decision.

Mayor Byron Brown pushed hard for a downtown market at 225 Ellicott St., but was turned down by other grocers before Braymiller signed the lease in 2019. The supermarket was sought as a source of fresh food for the downtown community, where there are few healthy grocery options.

Those against giving Braymiller the money said prices are too high at the market, which carries several higher-end brands, and that it is unfair to subsidize one business over others  especially those that didnt survive the pandemic.

But at the end of the day, you dont build the downtown  personal opinion  by a grocery store, Pridgen said. You build the downtown, then the grocery stores come. What we heard from the people living next door is that they dont shop there. They dont go get their daily groceries there.

Pridgen bristled at the idea that employing a diverse workforce should qualify the store for the funds.

Thats the right thing to do, he said Tuesday. You dont get an award because youve got African American employees. Youre supposed to do that if theyre qualified.

Masten Council Member Ulysees O. Wingo said he wasnt sure the funds would make a long-term difference for the store.

We look at the sustainability of using the funds like that, he said, and if you give someone that type of money, where and how would they at that point sustain that business if this money should not appear next year? We do know that they will say it was precipitated by the pandemic, but so are a lot of other businesses impacted adversely by the pandemic and we are not giving them a half million dollars.
Kathmandu, June 28: Nepal's Supreme Court on Wednesday issued an interim order to the government to temporarily register same-sex marriage, a notice by the apex court said.

A single bench of Justice Til Prasad Shrestha issued the order to the government to make necessary arrangements for registering the marriage of sexual and gender minority couples if they demand so, the directive said. Same-Sex Marriage: Supreme Court Reserves Judgment On Petitions Seeking Legal Recognition For Gay Marriages.

Seven people, including activist Pinky Gurung on behalf of Blue Diamond Society (BDS), an LGBTI rights organisation, filed a writ to the Prime Minister and the Office of the Council of Ministers to legalise same-sex marriage.

In the order, the apex court has also asked the opponents to furnish a written reply on the issue within 15 days. Same-Sex Marriage Hearing: By Decriminalising Homosexuality, One Can Contemplate Gay Couples Would Be in Stable Marriage-Like Relationship, Says Supreme Court.

The petitioners said that they filed the writ as the Nepalese law has obstructed same-sex marriage despite a Supreme Court decision, which allowed such marriages 15 years ago.

Citing that Clause 69 (1) of the National Civil Code 2017 mentions that each individual citizen has the freedom to marry and as per Clause 18 (1) of the Nepalese Constitution 2015 all citizens are equal in the eyes of the law, the petitioners have demanded the legalisation of the same-sex marriage.

Now with this SC order, same-sex marriage can be registered until and unless specific laws are formulated to give recognition to the sexual and gender minority couples, said Pinky Gurung of BDS talking to media following the court's order.

Though the Supreme Court had allowed same-sex marriage through an order one and a half decades ago, in the absence of a specific law, the provision could not be implemented, which forced the third-gender people to go to court.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kabul [Afgahnistan], June 28 (ANI): Over 74,000 Afghan migrants have returned to the country from Iran through the Silk Road crossing point in the past month, said Taliban's provincial officials at the Refugees and Repatriation Department of Western Nimroz province, according to Khaama Press.

The provincial head of Refugees and Repatriation of Nimroz province, Mawlavi Abdullah Ryaz said that at least 74,360 people including 1,106 families and 69,259 individuals have returned to the country from Iran over the past couple of weeks, Khaama Press reported citing Bakhtar news agency.

Also Read | Rare Fish Living on Land Found in Missouri! Frankenfish From Northern Snakehead Species Family Can Survive On Land For Days.

Adding to that, hundreds of Afghan refugees have also returned from Pakistan over the past couple of days.

According to official sources, 230 Afghan families returned from Pakistan through the Torkham crossing point over the past couple of days, according to Khaama Press.

Also Read | COVID-19: UK Based Researchers Discovers Potential Spread of Coronaviruses From Bats to Humans.

The repatriation of Afghan refugees from Iran and Pakistan has exceptionally increased in the recent past which is linked to various factors like harassment, arbitrary detention and deportation of undocumented Afghan nationals in the host countries.

After the former Afghan government collapsed in August 2021, thousands of vulnerable Afghan families moved to the neighbouring countries of Iran and Pakistan fearing death threats and persecution by the Taliban.

These Afghan refugees are now tormented with severe challenges in the host countries, including arbitrary detention, mistreatment, imprisonment and forceful deportation, reported Khaama Press. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kyiv, June 28: At least four people, including a child, were killed and several others were injured on Tuesday evening when a Russian missile struck a bustling location in the middle of Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine, reported CNN citing local authorities.

According to Pavlo Kyrylenko, chief of the military administration for the Donetsk area, the attacks occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. local time on Tuesday. Russia Drops Charges Against Wagner Chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and His Group for Rebellion.

"We are now working in the city to establish the number of wounded and possibly dead. This is the city centre. These were public eating places crowded with civilians," he said. Citing officials, CNN reported that a second missile strike hit a village on the outskirts of the city.

Russia Airstrikes Ukraine

BREAKING: At least 3 dead, 25 injured after airstrike hits restaurant in Kramatorsk, Ukrainehttps://t.co/4kPuoyGxxx  BNO News (@BNONews) June 27, 2023

"Russia deliberately targeted crowded areas," Ihor Klymenko, the minister of internal affairs of Ukraine, stated in Telegram comments. Soon after the strikes took place, emergency services were at the scene helping the injured. Russia Tortured, Executed Civilians in Ukraine; Kyiv Also Abused Detainees: UN Report.

The Russia-Ukraine war that started on February 24, 2022, has taken numerous lives and the war continues to escalate between the two nations even now.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Bakrid, also popularly known as Eid al-Adha, is the second of the two main festivals celebrated in Islam which marks the culmination of the hajj (pilgrimage) rites at Mina, Saudi Arabia, near Mecca. In the Islamic lunar calendar, Bakrid falls on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah and lasts for four days. Eid-Ul-Adha 2023 in India will be observed on June 29. As we celebrate Bakrid 2023, here is a collection of Bakrid greetings, Bakrid 2023 wishes, Eid al-Adha pics, Eid al-Adha wishes and messages, Bakrid WhatsApp DP, wallpapers, Bakrid GIFs and Eid al-Adha SMS to share with your family and friends. Eid al-Adha Mubarak 2023 Wishes & Bakrid Mubarak Images: WhatsApp Stickers, HD Wallpapers, Quotes, Greetings and SMS for the Islamic Festival.

As per religious beliefs, Bakrid or Eid al-Adha honours the willingness of Abraham (Ibrahim) to sacrifice his son Ishmael (Ismail) as an act of obedience to God's command. However, before Abraham could sacrifice his son, God provided him with a lamb to sacrifice in his son's place. Hence, on Bakrid, Muslims demonstrate their obedience to Allah by sacrificing an animal. On this day, Muslims offer the Eid al-Adha prayers at the mosque. The act of sacrifice of an animal, usually known as qurbani is carried out after the Eid prayers. Eid al-Adha 2023: Thieves Strike Mumbai's Deonar Goat Market, Steal Mobile Phones and Cash of Traders Ahead of Bakrid.

Bakrid Wishes (Photo Credits: File Image)

Bakrid 2023 Greetings: May Allah Ease Your Hardships & Troubles and Shower You With Loads of Peace and Prosperity on The Holy Festival. Eid al-Adha Mubarak.

Bakrid Greetings (Photo Credits: File Image)

Bakrid 2023 Greetings: Have a Blessed Big Eid Celebration! Cherish Every Moment of This Beautiful Festival and May All Your Dreams Come True Soon.

Bakrid Greetings (Photo Credits: File Image)

Eid al-Adha Wishes: May the Eternal Peace From Heaven Embrace Your Life on The Occasion of Feast of Sacrifice and Fill It With Uncountable Blessings. Eid al-Adha Mubarak!

Bakrid Greetings (Photo Credits: File Image)

Eid al-Adha Greetings: On This Joyous Occasion of Eid-Ul-Adha, May Allah Fulfil All Your Wishes and Fill Your Heart With Positivity, Your Soul With Love, and Your Mind With Wisdom.

Bakrid Greetings (Photo Credits: File Image)

Eid Ul Azha Message: Happy Eid al-Adha. May the Barakah of Allah (SWT) Usher Your Life With Abundant Happiness, Wealth, and the Immaculate Joy On The Day of Big Eid.

Eid al-Adha GIFs:

via GIPHY

via GIPHY

As per the tradition of Bakrid, the meat is then divided into three equal parts, one for family, the second for friends and relatives, and the third for the poor and needy. The goal of the age-old tradition is to make sure every Muslim gets to eat meat. On the day of Bakrid, people dress up in the best of their clothes, visit friends and relatives and exchange gifts with each other.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 28, 2023 09:23 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday issued a warning for fishermen operating along the Gujarat coast, particularly the south Gujarat coast, from June 28 to July 2.
On 27 June, authorities in Mexicos state of Chiapas announced that an armed group had kidnapped 14 members of the state public security ministry (SSyPC).

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On 27 JuneGuatemalas surprise 20 August presidential run-off candidate for the small left-of-centre Movimiento Semilla (Semilla), told various news agencies that the fight against corruption would be a priority of his future government.

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On 27 June, a member of Brazils seven-member top electoral court (TSE) and the courts inspector-general, voted in favour of barring right-wing former president(2019-2023) from running in elections for the next eight years.

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Bryan Kohberger, the suspect in the Idaho college murders, had previously been arrested in Pennsylvania nine years ago.

Kohberger was charged with misdemeanor theft for reportedly stealing his sister's iPhone, as reported by his father, Michael, who notified the authorities, according to records reviewed by ABC News.

The records reveal that Michael Kohberger informed law enforcement that his son had cautioned him against rash actions after discovering that Bryan had taken the phone.

It was also mentioned that Bryan had been struggling with drug addiction.

Although this earlier encounter with the law is only now being brought to light, as Bryan prepares to defend himself against the charges related to the University of Idaho student deaths, the records indicate that he was 19 years old when he was arrested for the alleged theft in 2014.

Officials have confirmed that he did not serve any jail time. Unfortunately, there is no publicly available information regarding the arrest's specifics or the case's final resolution.

In Monroe County, Pennsylvania, first-time offenders can participate in a pretrial program called "Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition."

This program allows charges to be dropped and the records expunged upon completing probation.

When approached for comment, Martin Souto Diaz, an attorney representing the Kohberger family, declined to provide a statement on the previously mentioned arrest.

The district attorney's office in Monroe County also refrained from commenting.

READ NEXT: Idaho College Murders Suspect Indicted

Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Bryan Kohberger

Prosecutors have announced their intention to seek the death penalty against the Idaho college murder suspect Bryan Kohberger, per USA Today.

Latah County prosecutor Bill Thompson stated in a court filing on Monday that no mitigating circumstances would prevent them from considering all available penalties, including capital punishment.

The document stated, "Consequently, considering all evidence currently known to the State, the State is compelled to file this notice of intent to seek the death penalty."

Bryan Kohberger, 28, a former criminology student at Washington State University located nearby, was taken into custody in late December, several weeks after the stabbing deaths of Ethan Chapin, 20; Madison Mogen, 21; Kaylee Goncalves, 21; and Xana Kernodle, 20. A roommate discovered their bodies on November 13.

The prosecutors' announcement came around a month after a judge entered a plea of not guilty on Kohberger's behalf for four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary.

Under state law, prosecutors typically have 60 days to formally notify a defendant if they intend to seek the death penalty.

In a related development, it has been reported that Bryan Kohberger's DNA is a "statistical match" to DNA found on a knife sheath at the crime scene where the fatal stabbings of the Idaho students took place.

Bryan Kohberger's Attorney Requests Training Records of Officers Who Investigate Idaho College Murders

During a hearing in Latah County Court, Judge John Judge listened to arguments regarding several motions presented by the defense in the case of Bryan Kohberger.

The defense sought specific details regarding the DNA evidence and information about the grand jury that returned the murder indictment and requested a stay on proceedings to temporarily halt the case from proceeding to trial, per Independent.

A crucial motion put forth by the defense was a request to compel the prosecution to provide all information related to the genetic genealogy and DNA evidence linking Kohberger to the four students' murders.

This encompassed details about the scientists who conducted the DNA testing and the factors that initially led the authorities to suspect Kohberger.

The defense clarified that their objective was not a mere fishing expedition but obtaining the material necessary to construct a robust case in defense of their client.

Among the evidence sought by the defense were the training records of three police officers involved in interviewing crucial witnesses, information about the FBI team leading the criminal investigation, and background details regarding the tip that prompted the search for Kohberger's white Hyundai, as well as the cellphone records mentioned in the probable cause affidavit.

The state argued that the officers' training records were unrelated to the case and that setting a precedent by releasing them could have unfavorable consequences in future cases.

In response, Bryan Kohberger's defense emphasized that they only requested records from three officers who played critical roles in evidence collection, following up on tips, and conducting numerous interviews, despite over 120 officers having worked on the murder investigation.

The judge informed the court that he would issue a written ruling outlining the evidence the prosecution must provide by July 14.

READ MORE: TikTok User Goes on Bizarre Tinder Date Bryan Kohberger

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Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Bryan Kohberger's attorney challenges DNA in Idaho murders case - From TODAY
Following the dropping of murder charges against a Chicago mom and her 14-year-old son in the shooting of a man who attacked her at a South Side hot dog stand, a lawsuit alleging false arrest has been filed, according to Chicago Sun-Times.

Carlishia Hood, the mother, expressed her frustration during a news conference held at her attorney's office in Bronzeville on Tuesday, stating that her arrest had tarnished everything she had worked hard for.

The lawsuit claims that Hood was wrongfully arrested and maliciously prosecuted, resulting in emotional distress. It is seeking damages exceeding $50,000.

The police pursued charges against Hood despite lacking probable cause, and it argues that video footage of the shooting provides complete evidence in Hood's favor, the suit said.

However, the lawsuit does not address that the police sought and obtained approval for the charges from the Cook County state's attorney's office.

It is worth noting that the lawsuit repeatedly misspells the deceased man's name, referring to him as "Jerome Brown" instead of Jeremy Brown, who was 32 years old.

During the news conference, Hood became emotional and sobbed after delivering her statement. Her attorneys stated that she would not be taking any questions then.

READ NEXT: Gunfire Erupts During Memorial Gathering in Chicago

Chicago Shooting Incident

A cellphone video that surfaced on social media over the weekend depicts Brown verbally confronting Carlishia Hood on June 18, demanding she collects her food and subsequently threatening physical violence.

The man proceeds to strike Hood multiple times in the face and head, AP reports.

Prosecutors revealed that Hood texted her 14-year-old son, who was outside the restaurant then, instructing him to come inside.

As the situation escalated, the teenager shot Brown in the back, after which Brown fled from the establishment.

Hood and her son, whose name remains undisclosed due to his age, pursued Brown, with Hood allegedly urging her son to continue shooting. Brown was pronounced dead at the scene.

While surveillance video captured the shooting incident, it did not capture the events depicted in the cellphone video. Hood and her son subsequently surrendered to the police.

Prosecutors mentioned that Hood possesses a valid firearm owner's identification card and a concealed-carry permit.

During a news conference on Monday, Hood's attorney, Ari Williams, stated that "Ms. Hood is and has always been a victim."

Hood addressed reporters during a news conference on Tuesday, expressing how her life and her son's life have been altered since the Chicago shooting incident on June 18.

Chicago Mom Should Have Never Faced Murder Charges, Says Legal Analyst

Legal Analyst Irv Miller expressed on Monday that the murder charges brought against the Chicago mom should never have been filed in the first place, per CBS News.

Miller highlighted multiple mistakes made by Cook County prosecutors and stressed that the murder charges were unwarranted.

The video clearly showed the woman being repeatedly struck, and under Illinois law, individuals have the right to defend themselves when attacked, said Miller

Furthermore, the law also permits the use of deadly force to protect others who are being attacked. Miller argued that the video footage aligned precisely with the statute's provisions.

Following the Cook County State's Attorney's decision, the charges were dropped on Monday morning.

Consequently, Carlishia Hood was released from the Cook County Jail after spending nearly five days in custody.

Her son was also released from the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center after being held for the same duration.

READ MORE: Idaho College Murders Update

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Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Mother in deadly Chicago shooting and attorneys detail lawsuit filed after murder charges dropped - From NBC Chicago
Ford Motor Co. is cutting hundreds of salaried jobs to reduce costs as part of the automaker's shift toward electric vehicles.

Ford did not provide an exact number of cuts or a breakdown of reductions by facility. The automaker has about 90 salaried jobs at its stamping plant along Route 5 in Hamburg.

Ford's job cuts are mainly in engineering but have come down in other job categories, as well.

The automaker is investing more than $50 billion by 2026 to develop and build electric vehicles around the world.

News wire services contributed to this report.
Brad Raffensperger, Georgia's top election official, is set to meet with January 6 investigators. The news comes as investigators have reportedly interviewed former Donald Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani. Meanwhile, the Senate has found shocking new information regarding the January 6 Capitol insurrection.

Raffensperger, a Republican serving as Georgia's secretary of state, is expected to be asked about his January 2021 phone call with then-President Donald Trump. The call was part of the former president's efforts to overturn President Joe Biden's victory in the state as he reportedly asked Raffensperger to "find" enough votes to reverse the outcome.

Trump has insisted that his phone call with the Georgia election official was "perfect" and did not do anything wrong. He has been denying any wrongdoing on anything regarding January 6 and continues to claim that the election was "rigged" against him.

According to Reuters, this is one of two high-profile investigations into Donald Trump that are being overseen by Special Counsel Jack Smith. The other case he is overseeing is the classified documents case in which he has already filed over 30 criminal charges against the former president.

Raffensberger has so far been cooperating with the various investigations into the Trump call, including the separate Fulton County investigation by DA Fani Willis into Trump's election meddling in Georgia.

January 6 Investigators Have Already Interviewed Former Trump Attorney Rudy Giuliani

The January 6 case now seems to be finally moving forward as a source familiar with the investigation has told the Associated Press that investigators have already spoken to former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who was Trump's lawyer at the time of the capitol riot.

The AP source noted that Giuliani voluntarily got interviewed but that was not done before a grand jury. It was not clear what the investigators asked him, though Giuliani had been central in the former president's election meddling efforts in key battleground states.

READ MORE: Donald Trump's Fake Electors Take Immunity Deals As Jack Smith Closes In

Giuliani had been pushing conspiracy theories across right-wing media, as well as filing bogus legal challenges to the presidential election results. He had been claiming that there was widespread fraud during the 2020 presidential elections, though these claims had been disproven several times in court.

Much like Trump, Giuliani had also been calling various election officials in the effort to overturn the election result in key battleground states. He was previously forced to testify before the Georgia grand jury in connection to Trump's election meddling in the state.

Prosecutors from the Justice Department have been looking into Trump lawyers, including Giuliani, for their roles in trying to undo the elections.

Senate Democrats Reveal January 6 Findings

Meanwhile, as Jack Smith's investigations are looking into Georgia and Trump attorneys, the Senate Homeland Security Committee has released it report that found that the January 6 Capitol Insurrection "essentially planned in plain sight on social media." Despite this, however, Trump's FBI and Department of Homeland Security "completely dropped the ball."

The committee, led by Senate Democrats, found that internal communications from the FBI and DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis have shown that "top officials either ignored or dismissed clear indicators of potential violence by pro-Trump actors ahead of the US Capitol attack," This left law enforcement, especially the outmanned Capitol Police, completely unprepared and overrun by the Pro-Trump mob.

The Senate report also found that both agencies "obtained multiple tips from numerous sources in the days and weeks leading up to the attack that should have raised alarms." This included a December 2020 tip regarding the Proud Boys. The tip reportedly stated, "[t]heir plan is to literally kill people" and added, "Please, please take this tip seriously and investigate further."

READ NEXT: Donald Trump Verdict: Ex-POTUS Reacts After Losing Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

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Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Watch Brad Raffensperger explain why Trump lost Georgia - CNN
The state of Chiapas in southern Mexico has deployed federal and local forces after several armed men abducted 14 state police officers. An air and ground operation is now underway to try and find these abducted police officers who were all men.

According to a report by the Associated Press, the men all belonged to the Chiapas state police and were traveling to the state capital in a personnel transport truck. However, as they were traveling, the transport vehicle was intercepted by several trucks filled with gunmen who were described to be commandoes.

There was a woman who was riding aboard the truck, but she was let go as the gunmen only took the men. The brazen kidnapping happened along the highway between Ocozocoautla and Tuxtla Gutierrez. It happened in the state of Chiapas, which is along the Mexico-Guatemala border.

The incident happened after President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador visited Chiapas last Friday. The Mexican president minimized the escalating violence in the state in recent months, which has been dominated by the conflict between two of Mexico's biggest drug cartels, the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The two criminal organizations have been in a territorial dispute for control of the border state.

It was noted that before AMLO arrived for his visit, the Attorney General's Office in Tuxtla Gutierrez was attacked, killing the state AG's companion and seriously injuring the official.

CJNG and Sinaloa Cartel Battling For Guatemala Trade Routes Along Border With Mexico

So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the police officers' abduction in Chiapas. However, the southern Mexican state is where the escalating conflict between Mexico's two most notorious cartels is happening.

READ MORE: Mexico: Extremist Jewish Sect Lev Tahor Leader Arrested in Southern Mexico for Human Trafficking

The conflict has already displaced thousands of people in the state, and the cause of the two cartels clashing is for control of the lucrative drug trafficking and migrant smuggling routes from Guatemala.

In Sight Crime reported that the rapid increase in violence between the Sinaloa Cartel and the CJNG has displaced many Chiapas citizens, forcing them to flee from their homes as the cartel's improvised armored vehicles were seen patrolling the streets.

Mexico Government Steps Up in Chiapas Conflict

A series of executions and forced recruitments into the cartels' ranks soon followed, prompting the government to send over 1,500 army and police personnel to secure the area last month. Experts say that this shows that Mexican cartels are now expanding their operations across the border to Guatemala.

According to El Pais, the conflict between two of Mexico's largest criminal organizations in Chiapas has been going on for two years now. They have mostly terrorized Frontera Comalapa and its farming communities, with residents and NGOs denouncing this recent surge in violence.

Local leaders have already been killed in the conflict, with the Mexican government finally stepping in with last month's troop deployment. These are expected to combat the cartels, which have sent in modified armored trucks and placed barricades and blockades around busy roads.

READ MORE: Notorious Drug Trafficker Tied to CJNG, Sinaloa Cartel Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Conspiracy

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Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Chiapas indigenous communities are under fire of organized crime groups - Pauly Wul
The Honduras authorities conducted a prison sweep to crack down on prison gangs following the recent massacre of 46 female inmates in a women's prison, AP reports.

The sweep forced inmates to sit in tight rows, partially naked, while their cells were searched for contraband. Neighboring El Salvador has employed similar tactics in their crackdown on gangs.

The military police, who now oversee the nation's prisons, carried out the operation, emptying cell blocks and arranging inmates in rows with their legs spread and heads bowed.

Some were instructed to keep their hands on the back of their necks. These tactics, which gained attention when used by El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, have raised concerns about human rights abuses.

However, they have also garnered support from residents who hope to escape gang violence and extortion oppression.

During the sweep, the military police discovered a significant amount of ammunition, pistols, assault rifles, and grenades in the empty cellblocks.

Videos of the prison raids, accompanied by music, were distributed by the police, following a practice also seen in El Salvador.

Even female inmates were subjected to the same treatment, although they were allowed to keep their shirts on, thanks to the presence of female military police officers.

READ NEXT: Honduras Imposes 15-Day Curfew

Right Groups Slams Honduras for Allegedly Abusing Prisoners

Rights groups in Honduras have raised concerns about apparent abuses as the country adopts anti-prison gang tactics of neighboring El Salvador, according to AP.

However, officials in Honduras have dismissed the criticism, arguing that street gangs are the primary violators of human rights.

Honduran military police commander Ramiro Munoz, in an interview with local media, defended the government's actions by highlighting the crimes committed by gang members, such as killing, kidnapping, and extortion.

This echoes the dismissive tone taken by El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele when facing complaints about human rights violations during his country's prison crackdown in 2022. Bukele justified the harsh measures by pointing to the crimes committed by inmates.

In addition to the weapons seized during prison raids, the military police in Honduras also confiscated inmates' guitars, musical devices, and video games, displaying a similar vengeful approach seen in El Salvador.

President Xiomara Castro has declared a state of emergency in certain provinces of Honduras and deployed soldiers to patrol the streets.

The government has also released videos showcasing law enforcement actions, such as tearing down a cyclone fence that a gang had erected to demarcate its territory in a northern town.

The Massacre at Women's Prison

The massacre at the women's prison in Tamara on June 20 was a shocking and brutal event that deeply affected Honduras and drew international attention, per Vice.

According to reports, female prisoners affiliated with the Barrio 18 street gang attacked members of a rival gang in a cellblock, using guns and machetes.

They then set the victims on fire and locked them in their cells, resulting in many casualties. The extent of the violence was so severe that genetic testing was needed to identify some of the badly burned victims.

In response to the massacre, President Xiomara Castro took decisive action. She dismissed the country's security minister, Ramon Sabillon, accusing the security authorities of being complicit in the violence.

Furthermore, President Castro placed the military in charge of the nation's prisons, signaling a shift in the approach to prison management and security.

READ MORE: El Salvador Stampede

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Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Honduras Adopts El Salvador-Style Tactics on Prisons - From Voice of America
Workers at the Starbucks store on Genesee Street will be on a brief strike Wednesday as workers continue to demand that Starbucks Corp. negotiate a fair contract.

They will join workers at more than 150 stores across the country.

Workers also are striking because they say the company did not let them decorate stores to celebrate Pride Month.

The Genesee Street location is where the workers union movement started, with worker and organizer Alexis Rizzo, who has since been fired.

Starbucks Workers United maintains that Rizzo was fired as retaliation for her union organizing efforts. Starbucks said she was fired for being late to work.

Workers will be on the picket line from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday.

Starbucks is being prosecuted by the National Labor Relations Board for failing to bargain in good faith.
Michael St. Pierre has been appointed Superintendent of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Allentown, according to a news release.

Hell start Aug. 1, the release says. St. Pierre and his family are members of St. Jane Frances de Chantal Parish in Palmer Township.

Hes the fifth superintendent in the history of the diocese. Hell oversee the management, supervision and direction of all educational programs in the diocese, except those at DeSales University and Alvernia University, the release says.

Please join me in welcoming Dr. St. Pierre to the Diocese of Allentown and extending our prayerful best wishes as he joins the Diocesan leadership team, said Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert.

St. Pierre served for the past seven years as executive director of the Catholic Campus Ministry Association, leading over 600 members at 350 colleges and universities across the country.

He was previously president of Morris Catholic High School in Denville, N.J.; Dean of Students and Department Chair of Oratory Preparatory School in Summit, N.J.; and Director of Campus Ministry of Archbishop Curley High School in Baltimore, Maryland.

He replaces Philip J. Fromuth. St. Pierre will work with Fromuth throughout August for a smooth transition in preparation for the new school year opening Monday, Aug. 28, the release says.

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Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com.
Some Starbucks employees in Lower Nazareth Township traded in their dish towels for picket signs on Wednesday.

Workers picketed outside 3712 Nazareth Rd. around 8 a.m. and said they plan to continue striking outside the coffeehouse until 1 p.m.

The strike is intended to raise awareness to the employees demands for new contracts and the companys treatment of LGBT employees and the workers unionizing efforts, organizers said.

The workers are also calling on the company to end its attacks on LGBTQIA+ workers, organizers stated in a news release.

Starbucks Workers United, the organizing force behind the national strike wave and union-building effort in Easton, has continued to allege that the $113 billion coffeehouse chain has demonstrated a history of threatening workers access to benefits, denied partners from placing LGBT-affirming decorations in stores and claims the company has enacted a relentless union-busting campaign.

On Monday this week, Starbucks Corp. filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board over Starbucks Workers Uniteds claims that dozens of its stores were not allowed to put up Pride month decor.

The company claims Starbucks Workers United have engaged in a smear campaign, according to reports.

The two groups have been engaged in a slow-moving contract negotiation since October last year. That same month, the National Labor Relations Board issued its first complaint against the company for failing to bargain in good faith with workers after representatives for the company walked out of the room during five collective bargaining sessions.

Over 320 Starbucks stores in 38 states and the District of Columbia have unionized since December 2021, according to Starbucks Workers United,

Last year, the Lower Nazareth Township Starbucks became the first Lehigh Valley Starbucks Coffeehouse location to successfully unionize. Employees voted 16-1 to appeal to the company for a new contract as a group.

Employees at a Starbucks Coffeehouse in Whitehall Township credited the Lower Nazareth Township employees with inspiring them to unionize in November 2022. That decision passed with a 16-10 split.

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Glenn Epps can be reached at gepps@lehighvalleylive.com or glenn_epps_on Twitter.
Laois councillors have slammed the length of time it takes for ESB connections in Laois as scandalous and unacceptable.

Councillors are demanding a faster service from the Government owned company to power new streetlights and houses in Laois.

This June at the Laois County Council meeting, the national electricity supplier came under fire.

Cllr Ollie Clooney sparked the discussion with his motion to demand a cut in connection times for new houses and streetlighting, etc.

I acknowledge the great work the ESB did since the foundation of the state, putting light into rural Ireland.

They give a huge profit back to the Government each year. The standard of employment was always good. The backlog is unacceptable. Everyone knows that if you put up a streetlight, its a year to wait for it to be connected.

New houses cant send a cert until an electrician gives it the all clear. Then they can wait another three months for connection. If that line is not up to standard, a new line can mean a wait of up to six months. We are not a third world country but this is a third world service. They have to address this issue and address it now.

Cllr Willie Aird seconded the motion.

There should be a time limit on applications and completion. You could have a house complete and be waiting six or seven months.

Cllr Ben Brennan said that he has a streetlight up in his area of east Laois awaiting a connection for 14 months.

The ESB wont come out. A streetlight was taken down by the ESB but the money wasnt given back to the council. Its scandalous. They are let get away with it. They come when they like and we can do nothing about it, he claimed.

Cllr Aidan Mullins said an elderly gent who urgently needed a streetlight in his area of Portarlington was left waiting over a year and a half to have it connected to the grid.

The response is the same whether its public lighting or housing schemes. Nobody seems to be accountable. They are a law unto themselves. This work is paid for in advance. Is this a lack of resources or personnel? he asked.

Cllr Aisling Moran points out that the ESB is 96.9% owned and funded by the Government.

Why is it taking so long? Where else would you pay in advance and be left waiting for over a year? she said.

Cllr Barry Walsh suggests a penalty if a customer is waiting longer than a month for a connection.

There doesnt seem to be accountability, he said.

ESB Networks in response say they have recruited seven new electricians and hired contractors to keep up with unprecedented demand in the Portlaoise region.

A spokesperson gave the following statement to the Leinster Express.

ESB Networks Portlaoise has delivered 463 new connections in the year-to-date (end of May 2023). This is up from 180 new connections during the same period last year.

ESB Networks Portlaoise is delivering an unprecedented number of connections during 2023  the third-highest connection rate nationally for a rural area.

The construction team at ESB Networks Portlaoise is augmenting their resources with contractors to shorten delivery times for new connections.

ESB Networks Portlaoise has recently recruited seven additional electricians to aid delivery of the increase of new connection applications.

ESB Networks Portlaoise, despite the increase of new connection applications, is delivering 77 per cent of new connections within its service level agreement year-to-date in 2023.
Irish people who've returned to Ireland and gone into a business after moving home have been congratulated by Laois Offaly TD Sean Fleming on graduating from a Government programme to help returning Irish emigrants set up businesses in Ireland.

Minister of State Fleming has responsibility for the diaspora at the Department of Foreign Affairs which has run the Back for Business since 2018 hosting about 25 returning entrepreneurs each year.

This years participants have come back from Australia, Bahrain, China, Canada, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, Thailand and Vietnam. The programme draws on the guidance of successful business people who give their time voluntarily to pass on their experience to participants.

"It is great to see people coming home from across the world, creating businesses and opportunities in their communities right across the country, said Minister Fleming.

A statement said Minister Fleming was struck by the wide variety of smart business ideas, and by the commitment of these returning entrepreneurs.

Starting a new business is never easy, and is maybe even harder for returning emigrants. I saw a real determination to advance these business ideas. I wish them every success in getting their new businesses off the ground, he said.

Pictured: Lead Entrepreneur Hannah Wrixon, Minister of State Sean Fleming and Caroline Checkley Scott

The Fianna Fail TD believes the course they have completed will help them in business.

These young businesses have a better chance of success thanks to the local knowledge, networks, and links that these six months have given them. It is positive to see that almost all of these entrepreneurs have worked with their Local Enterprise Offices and Enterprise Ireland in developing their businesses here at home. It was great to see so many of these returned Irish emigrants setting up businesses in all regions of Ireland, he said.

Minister Fleming met the Back for Business group at the Merrion Hotel in Dublin June 22.
A man appeared before Portlaoise District Court for stealing hand tools from Lidl.

Michal Bagar, 33, with an address at 27 Buttercup Avenue, Esker Hills, Portlaoise admitted stealing the items from Lidl in Portlaoise on March 15 last.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the accused was identified from CCTV footage and the tools, valued at 31.97, were not recovered.

He said the defendant has three previous convictions which are all from the same date when he got a one month suspended sentence last January.

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client, who was from the Czech Republic, had no history of offending before six months ago.

He developed a heroin addiction in the last nine months, explained Mr Fitzgerald. He said the man has gone cold turkey since.

He has got his house in order in terms of heroin, he told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court.

Mr Fitzgerald said his client was pleading guilty and had cooperated with gardai once identified.

Judge Andrew Cody convicted the man and gave him a one year sentence which he suspended for two years. He referred the one month suspended sentence from January back to Portlaoise District Court on July 6.

A suspended sentence is not a slap on the wrist, Judge Cody warned the man.
Spectrum Mobile, a provider of wireless smartphone and tablet service, has opened a customer service call center in Amherst. The local expansion is expected to add around 400 jobs.

Workers provide technical support to Spectrum Mobile customers across the country, in the 41 states where the company does business.

Charter Communications, the parent company of Spectrum, one of the largest cable operators in the U.S., launched the cellular service in 2018.

The 88,000-square-foot call center is located at 3920 Main St. It's the fifth so-called "activation and repair" center of its kind, following sites in Texas, Ohio, Missouri and Florida. Workers help callers activate new devices and answer questions about mobile features.

Recruitment efforts are in full swing. Workers receive a $20 minimum starting wage, along with employer-paid health benefits, an employer-match retirement plan and discounted pricing on Spectrum plans. Job seekers can apply at jobs.spectrum.com.

Another Spectrum center in Cheektowaga's Appletree Business Park provides support for Spectrum TV services. Spectrum has more than 1,300 workers in the Buffalo area.
A Laois river is "the dirtiest river in Ireland" a local councillor has claimed.

The River Gully runs across the south of the county before emptying into the protected River Nore.

Cllr Ollie Clooney from Durrow has branded it as "just derelict" and is urging Laois County Council to take action.

"It is close to my heart. We ran and played in it as children. It's just derelict. The sight saddens me, it's absolutely shameful what this lovely river has turned into," he said.

"You just couldn't see up five yards of it. Everything is in it. Something has to be done," he declared.

His claims do not refer to pollution, Cllr Clooney added.

"Is it possible to survey the River Gully? If it was polluted it would be inspected fairly quick. It is a disgrace. I'll make myself available any time. It's gone on too long, it's just unbelieveable. It's the dirtiest river in Ireland," he said.

Meanwhile the Barrow River is so overgrown a swan can't land on it, another councillor claimed.

"There is money for the Nore but is there any for the Barrow? From Portarlington through to Monasterevin, parts of it the weeds are eight to 10 foot high. Swans cannot stretch their wings out on it. That's a fact. They land on the field and walk to the Barrow," Cllr PJ Kelly said.

Director of Services Simon Walton said that the council got 150,000 from the OPW for river drainage maintenance in the past two months. The works which require extensive licences clear silt and vegetation from rivers.

"That is a show of confidence by the OPW in our ongoing programme.

"We have at least two or three applications with the OPW. Our window is normally August and September," he said.

Mr Walton said that a district engineer will meet with Cllr Clooney to view the river.

Environmental rules prevent the entering of machinery into rivers for clearance of silt or vegetation from rivers for most of the year, to avoid killing wildlife.
Abbeyleix Tidy Towns welcomed Ms Angela McEvoy, Director of Services with responsibility for Housing, Regeneration, and Planning Development and Control in Laois County Council to officially launch their Shopfront Design Guidelines.

Attended by over 30 representatives of local business and property owners the event, on Thursday, June 22 commenced with registration and presentation of a copy of the published shopfront design guidelines.

In his opening address. Robbie Quinn, Chairperson of Abbeyleix Tidy Towns welcomed everyone in attendance and in particular, welcomed them to the refurbished Morrisseys Pub and Mrs Thorntons Refreshment Rooms.

He took time to acknowledge the great work that has been done over the previous 12 months and wished Dan, John, and all of the team continued success with their current and future plans for Morrisseys.

Before giving a brief background presentation on Abbeyleix he complimented and thanked all the businesses on their ongoing support and complimenting how many are currently presenting and maintaining their premises with pollinator friendly flowers and planters at the front of their premises.

A special thanks was given to Liam Hyland, for all his hard work and input in pulling the various strands of the publication together in such a timely manner. The result was now on show for all to see in the quality publication that will now stand the test of time as a reference document going forward.

Robbie then stressed that this booklet is purely aimed at raising awareness and it should be used as a reference guide and not be seen as a decree or order.

He outlined how our shopfronts are one of the most important elements in defining the character, quality, and image of the town. In partnership with Laois County Council, Abbeyleix Tidy Towns are looking to protect and retain traditional and original shopfronts and looking to encourage new and contemporary shopfronts that are well designed.

The hope is that it will help to protect local character and foster a vibrant and successful town centre now and into the future and help premises owners make an informed decision if replacing, upgrading or maintaining their shopfront.

To set the stage and help put everything in context for the attendees. Robbie then gave a brief background presentation on Abbeyleix and the current socio economic situation the town currently finds itself. He then requested Angela McEvoy to officially launch and talk about the importance of such a publication.

Angela in her presentation highlighted the various elements of the guidelines and spoke about the towns origins, giving a brief historical account on the importance of the de Vesci Family intervention in moving the town to its current locations. How this led the town to prosper in it new location building up a vibrant trading sector around Market Square leading the town to expand over the years to what we have today.

She acknowledged that design inputs from the de Vesci family has left us with a wonderful town with a beautiful vernacular style of Architecture with fine period buildings that has stood the test of time.

Angela outlined how the traditional Irish Shopfront is a significant piece of Irish Architectural heritage and contributes enormously to the fabric and texture of every town and village, none more so than in Abbeyleix.

Shopfronts are one of the most important elements in determining the character, quality and perception of retail streets in towns and villages. Abbeyleix was fortunate that by working with Laois County Council, the received Heritage Town status, Protected Structures and has a Architectural Conservation Area plan in place to help preserve our built heritage.

By raising awareness and reinforcing the significance of the individual elements of the shopfronts and the value of well-considered materials, signage, lighting and security arrangements. it is hoped to further encourage a culture of high-quality shopfronts and retail design throughout the town when businesses plan refurbishment or any new business takes over a premises.

The purpose of the guidelines, alongside the statutory development plans for Laois, is to encourage a discipline in this area based on clear principles of good shopfront design that provides for assistance to designers, retailers and planners alike in understanding and implementing these principles.

Every proposal to upgrade or replace a shopfront presents an opportunity to improve the appearance both of the buildings, to which the shopfront relates and the streetscape in which it sits. Laois County Council policy requires shop owners to consider the wider context in developing proposals in relation to their shopfronts. Before concluding Angela ran through the recommendations and guidelines contained within the guidelines.

The official part of the evening finished with a brief update on the recent success of Abbeyleix Tidy Towns, a run through recent and future planned projects by Robbie Quinn, before he opened the floor to questions.

In his concluding remarks. Robbie suggested there may be scope for reforming a local business alliance grouping with so many vibrant and successful businesses in the room. Such an alliance would be of great help to both Abbeyleix Tidy Towns and Abbeyleix Bog and the great work they are doing in promoting Abbeyleix on the local, national, and international stage.

This work carried out by volunteers, leads to visitors coming to town which is of benefit to everyone. Before retiring for refreshments and networking opportunities. Robbie thanked his committee, tidy towns volunteers, CE Scheme, local volunteers, and the attendees again for their continued support of Abbeyleix Tidy Towns.

The evening ended with a serious of photos to mark the occasion thanks to Alf Harvey and The Leinster Express.

If you would like to receive a copy of the Shopfront Design Guidelines, email info@abbeyleixtidytowns.net using the shopfront guidelines in the header.
A Laois woman who lives with an incredibly painful skin disease, is joining with her support charity to demand more state funding.

Emma Fogarty from Abbeyleix is backing a call by Debra for more money in Budget 2024 to support the 300 people living with the extremely painful incurable epidermolysis bullosa (EB) in Ireland.

Up to the age of 28, my mom was doing my dressings. Thats not OK, thats not good enough.

There were days when I was screaming in pain, and she felt she was causing it. She wasnt causing the pain; EB was. Emma said.

The charity is urging the Government to give the cost of two coffees a day to protect those living with EB, just 7.40 more for each patient, or 810,000 in total to be ringfenced in Budget 2024.

Debras Small ask, big impact Pre-Budget Submission outlines four key requests  including a care co-ordinator within the HSE to link Irelands entire EB community to supports.

EB or Butterfly skin, is caused by the absence of proteins which bind the skin together, creating excruciating blistering at the mildest touch or movement - in severe cases requiring bandaging every 24 hours.

Bearing in mind the lifelong pain, physical and mental trauma that people go through with EB, what we are looking for is a tiny fraction of the current 23billion health budget, said Joanna Joyce, Head of Advocacy with Debra.

In fact, when calculated, the 810,000 ask registers as 0.003% of that total.

In many cases, EB is an invisible condition which has a hugely negative impact on peoples lives, yet those living with it are still struggling to access vital supports and services.

A big gap that we see is the lack of a central point of contact in the community for a family to liaise with, so that they can be signposted to help and supports.

Debra says in addition to the care co-ordinator costing 75,000, the 810,000 would fund a clinical psychologist supporting adults to access specialist mental health assistance.

It would also pay for home nursing care for people with the most severe forms of EB, and an EB outreach nurse based in St James Hospital, Dublin.

The charity is also asking supporters to retweet and tag Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly in a bid to secure a meeting to outline the importance of the pre-Budget requests. See debra.ie.
A couple who were involved in an incident in a shop in Athy were handed down custodial sentences.

Judge Desmond Zaidan imposed custodial sentences on both defendants on Thursday, June 22 last, at Naas District Court.

Stefan Dolan, 28, with an address listed as Aldborough House, Swords Road, Santry, Dublin 9, County Dublin, and Danielle Holland, 25, with an address listed as 2 Holywell Rise in Swords, County Dublin, were convicted over an incident that took place on June 21 last at approximately 3.30pm.

Gardai said that Mr Dolan had stolen 16 worth of items from a deli in the shop, and tried to make off with the items.

It was also heard that when he was confronted by a staff member, he became embroiled in an argument with them, and threatened one of the staff members.

Mr Dolan pleaded guilty to the theft offence.

It was heard that Mr Dolan has 15 previous convictions, which include convictions for arson, assault, criminal damage and robbery.

Defending solicitor David Gibbons told Judge Zaidan that his client was a father to two children, and had an alcohol addiction issue.

After consideration, Judge Zaidan imposed a 10-month custodial sentence, and said that if he wished to appeal the sentence, he would set the appeal at 250.

When Ms Holland appeared before the judge, she insisted that she stole the items, not her partner, and that he never threatened any of the staff members.

"The charge sheet is incorrect," she added.

It was heard that she has 28 previous convictions, mostly for theft and road traffic offences.

Judge Zaidan imposed a three-month custodial sentence on Ms Holland, and set her appeal at 150.

She told the Judge that she plans to appeal her sentence.
A Sinn Fein TD for Kildare-North has said that the government must expand the free book scheme to secondary schools.

Reada Cronin TD also called on the government to halt its planned increase on third-level fees.

She was speaking ahead of her party's Dail motion on the issue last week, which was brought forward by party spokesperson on Education, Sorca Clarke TD, and spokesperson on Higher Education, Mairead Farrell TD.

Ms Cronin said: "We talk about 'free education' but as parents know with all the associated costs, its anything but.

"Its time to make education actually free and available to all."

She continued: "Education costs are an even bigger worry for many in North Kildare this year as parents are hammered by mortgage hikes, soaring rents and cost of living... They need a hand now not another financial wallop.

"Fees are a barrier to education, they hold back students, keep them out of third level and are a huge burden for parents and students alike (but) the government, incredibly, intends to increase student fees this September."

She then made reference to her colleague Ms Farrell, saying: "Sinn Feins spokesperson on Higher Education, Mairead Farrell TD, is calling on the government to do an about turn in the interest of students and families.

"She is asking them to cancel the planned increase to student contributions charges and go even further by committing to phase out fees over the coming years."

Ms Cronin further echoed these sentiments when she elaborated: "Primary and post-primary education in this state is supposed to be 'free', under constitution and legislation, but the reality is radically different.

"The most recent Irish League of Credit Unions back to school costs survey finds that back to school continues to be a challenge for parents, with 66 per cent saying that covering the cost of back to school is a financial burden.

"Once the book list, and all that goes with it, goes up on the fridge next month, too many parents will be worried about how they will manage.

"School books remain one of the most expensive items for parents of secondary school children in North Kildare at an average cost of 210 per year.

"We need to take the financial pressure off parents in North Kildare so their childrens education is free not just in theory but in practice," Ms Cronin concluded.
After guiding interested parties around the facilities of Jessica Harrington racing, the woman herself hailed her recent recovery from cancer while answering media questions.

She said, Im feeling great now. I think I am nearly back to normal because I have got my energy back. I feel great and I am lucky I got through it all, thats the main thing.

The energy she spoke of was clear to see and radiating off the legendary trainer as she politely laughed off questions regarding her motivations and desire to keep working.

Im just like that, Harrington said.

What motivates me? I suppose I like winning, succeeding and getting better at what I doI am probably more focused since I had cancer, wanting to do things because, in a way, it questioned the fact that you could get ill. And the question then was am I going to beat this? That makes you want more and to keep going.

The conversation steered more personally towards Harrington following recent health concerns, before discussion of Irish flat racings premier event, the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby. Harrington was and is candid about her illness but unconcerned with whether she discusses it frequently or not.

Before the tea, coffee and getting to quiz the great trainer, the crowd was shown around the yard and there was one star attraction among the gallopers on a damp Tuesday morning.

Harringtons Derby hopeful, Sprewell was the star of the day and alongside the intrigued eyes of the crowd, the colt received glowing praise from his trainer as she discussed his superb temperament and laid back nature. As he was ridden around in a small circle to show off, Harrington added There arent many colts you could do this with.

Punters and owners alike will be increasingly excited during Derby week but Sprewell, it appears, is taking it all in his stride.

Amongst Harringtons litany of prizes and achievements, she maintains there is still plenty left to try and accomplish in horse racing.

There is an awful lot on that list still, don't you worry. And the Irish Derby is one of them, definitely. Thats on the bucket list, as it were, She said.

Evaluating whether Sprewell is the horse to deliver that title to the Moone-based stables, she replied Well see whats left in him now, today. Auguste Rodin is going to be very difficult to beat and has proved himself to be an exceptional horse. But hes got to go out and do it again.

Youre always hoping. You dont go into those races thinking Ill be grand being second. No, itll be grand if I can win, Harrington laughed.

There was of course plenty to be gained for the visitors to such a venue and source of racing success. Among the invited crowd was Curragh Racing manager Evan Arkwright and Harrington was sure to get something from the visit herself, and was quick to quiz the visiting racecourse official. Questions moved quickly from a customary how are you? On to gauging the ground for the busy weekend ahead.

Always on the clock as all horse trainers are, Jessica Harrington was in great spirits ahead of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby weekend. As encouraging as it was to see her stable in typically great goings, it was chiefly brilliant to see the trainer herself in similarly fine form.
An engineering works update was provided to councillors representing the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District (MD) last week.

The update was in the form of a presentation delivered by a Kildare County Council (KCC) engineer at the latest MD meeting, which was held on Wednesday, June 21.

The engineer began the presentation by discussing the Newbridge Orbital and Second Bridge.

He noted that: the Glenveagh/Belin Woods development is still under construction; a planning application has been submitted regarding the proposed second bridge for Newbridge; and the Aston Limited Strategic Housing Development application is currenly with An Bord Pleanala (ABP).

Commenting on the last point, the engineer added that KCC 'is actively working with developers Ballyfarm and Lidl with a view to having the road opened and taken in charge (by KCC).'

He then spoke about the new Newhall Junction located on the R445, and remarked that the main works contract will be tendered, 'once a decision from ABP is received.'

The engineer also briefly mentioned that there were two active transportation strategies by KCC at present, which relate to the towns of Newbridge and Maynooth.

Speaking about the Junction Programme (Phase 1A), he said that a consultant has been appointed, and that the phase will include the junctions at Dagsweld Cross, Prosperous, Allenwood, Bert Cross and Watchhouse Cross.

He then spoke about a development involving a new workshop, office buildings and 'several ancillary elements', plus a Regional Salt Barn, to replace the current Newbridge facility.

"The enabling works contract has been completed by Clonmel Enterprises Ltd, and the main building contract was awarded to them too on September 27, 2022," he said: "The construction will take 12 months and the contract is valued at 10.98 million."

The engineer further said that there is an ongoing rolling programme of maintenance of moasonry arch bridges, with funding from the Department of Transport (DoT).

"Works were completed to ten bridges in 2022," he explained: "The works took place in Monasterevin, Graiguepottle, and Brooke Bridge, as part of the DoT programme.

"Repair works also took place at Caragh, Kellystown, Quigleys, Ford Road, Alexandria, Celbridge and the Morrell Bridges following vehicular damage."

The engineer added that repair works were also successfully completed at the Millicent Bridge, and the road was reopened.
Nearly 40 years after acquiring his training licence, Michael Halford has replaced Copper Beech Stables with a joint-venture with Tracey Collins on the Curragh. The historic Conyngham Lodge is being expanded and renovated as the trainer moves his racers into the picturesque venue.

We are very lucky to be training in a place as historic as Conyngham Lodge, a wonderful location with great history to it. I feel very fortunate to be in the yard and associated with the Collins family, Michael says.

Michaels training facilities have moved across Kildare and success has followed with him as he continually established himself as one of Irelands leading trainers. The journey to sending out over a 1,000 winners has been a family endeavour of course, a milestone he reached in 2018 that was made all the more special by the presence of his loved ones.

Michael recalls, It was Platinum Warrior winning the Gallinule Stakes at the Curragh. That was a great milestone to train a thousand winners, particularly on the Curragh as it is our home track and it's probably the best grass track in the world. That was a big day for us, all the family was there and the kids so that meant a lot.

If there was ever to be 1,000 of them, there had to be a first and Michael reminisces on it fondly as he trained and rode 2/1 favourite Kath-Der-Mar to win a bumper at Wexford on July 2, 1984.

We kicked off on the right note with Kath-der-mar, she got the ball rolling for us, Michael smiled.

His ventures into life on the saddle were successful early on and despite having ridden nearly 50 winners, the soon-to-be trainer always saw being in the action as merely a fun added interest to racing.

Michael entered the competitive business of Irish horse training at the age of 21. After jobs moving between compiling pedigree research for Goffs and a stint in the prestigious Wetherbys across the pond, Michael was approached by Don Kelly about a job in the yard of now legendary trainer Noel Meade.

I was up there (with Meade) for a spell and Don approached me about a yard that he had a couple of horses in and asked if I would be interested in training them. So that's how I stumbled into it, young and innocent, I was 21 so I just said right and I am at it ever since, for my sins, Michael explains.

The journey was far from an overnight success to use Michaels own words but he maintains that it was always a labour of love.

At that age you have an awful lot of energy. I also had a lot of good friends that would come in and ride out for me. At 21, you think you are invincible and I was never afraid of hard work, I just got stuck in and the biggest thing was that I was doing something that I really enjoyed. It didnt really feel like work to be honest, it became more of a way of life, Michael says.

That way of life began first in a rented yard in Birdcatcher stables in Brownstown for Michael before building Seven Springs in Pollardstown a few years later.

An early break for Michael came with the arrival of a horse,Cockney Lass, owned by his father Michael snr. and a friend of his. The horse would win her two-year-old maiden at the Curragh in the first year of Michaels training, as well as earning a place finish in a Group race.

The promising filly would be sold to another man on the Curragh, Dermot Weld. Cockney Lass would go on to win a Tattersalls Gold Cup for Weld but Michael was more than happy with the sale than got his business off to a strong start.

The way you look at it, and its still the same to this day 40 years later, when you cant afford to keep these horses you are glad to see them going on and doing well for other people. Trading has always been a huge part of what we do, naturally youd prefer to keep them and train them yourself but you have to live as well. Its quite hard making a living on just training fees alone, Michael explains.

The connection between the Halfords and the Welds was far from localised to the sale of this promising filly, Michaels dad had worked as a farrier for the Welds for many years. It would be another shared connection that would come together for what Michael reflects on as perhaps his most poignant win in racing.

We have had a lot of good days along the way, not necessarily all the big days either. Any wins you have with your family are always special. I trained a winner for my father when he was quite ill, Michael recalls.

In Galway, Katiymann, he won there on day and it was such a special win. My father was poorly at the time and he was an Aga Khan horse. He had been with Dermot Weld and we bought him unraced. My father had a long association with the Welds of course and he always wanted to have a winner in Galway. That win was special in its own way, as well as to have my brother Paul there with us too.

Amongst all of his success, changing of residence and trials and tribulations, Michael hails the aforementioned stories for shaping the career he has today. A couple shy of 20 years ago he received perhaps the biggest piece of news to date after being approached by Pat Downes to become a trainer for the Aga Khan.

I was delighted (to be asked) and we have trained for them ever since. It was and still is a great honour to train such lovely horses for such successful world-class owners. Its terrific, Michael says.

Its hugely important to us, to get the support of these people is an acknowledgement that you are doing the right thing and it is a great advertisement for us. When you are training for these owners, have longevity and last in this business, you are doing something right. It supports you and gives you that confidence that you are on the right track.

The perspective did change surrounding the Michael Halford yard and not long after Aga Khan partnership and subsequent success with horses such as Dirar did more opportunities arise. More quality racers arrived from elite thoroughbred horse racing stable Godolphin and with that came more triumphs.

The first horse that they (Godolphin) sent us was a very good horse in Casemento. She won a group 1 and then we had the Royal Hunt Cup win at Royal Ascot with a horse called Portage. They were two very memorable days that came from that partnership, Michael says

In business and mixing it with many of Irelands elite trainers and owners since 1984, Michael is now continuing his journey back where it started on the Curragh as he adds more names to the growing list of winners from his new racing home in Conyngham Lodge.


The Sligo-Leitrim Labour Party has criticised comments made by Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, on cutting childcare costs following backlash over comments he made stating that a 25 per cent cut may not be reached.

Cuts of 25 per cent were introduced as part of Budget 2023 however Mr Varadkar recently stated that he was "not sure we can go as far as 25 per cent" in the next Budget.

Mr Varadkar said: "One of my priorities in Government is making sure that we put money back into the pockets of Irish families.

"We did both in the last Budget. We intend to do both in the next Budget. There will be further reduction in the cost of childcare for families next year, you can be sure of that.

"As is the case with any particular Budget matter, the figures aren't agreed yet.

Bernie Linnane, Local Area Representative for Leitrim, said that working parents in Dromahair and throughout the constituency are crying out for support as spaces become fewer and farther between.

"Below-average levels of State investment mean that lack of availability of places for children, and low wages for those working in the sector, persist in all corners of Sligo and Leitrim, as my Sligo colleague, Nessa Cosgrove, and I saw when we accompanied our party leader, Ivana Bacik, to visit several Early Years facilities, including Dromahair, in February."

Ms Linnane continued that she believed childcare should be seen as an integral part of a State-funded education system. We take for granted that the State has a responsibility to care for our children through primary and secondary school. There is no reason to abdicate this responsibility during a child's earliest, and most impressionable, years.

She noted that in 2010, the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme was introduced, which offered a free pre-school year to all children. This was extended in 2018 to provide two years of pre-school education to children usually aged between two and a half and six years. This Government funding theoretically provides for three hours a day, five days a week, 38 weeks a year. However, due to chronic underfunding, many Early Years Services are unable to offer places to all the children who wish to attend.

"For instance, in Dromahair, the community setting is registered for 22 children. However in 2022/23, 27 children wished to enroll on ECCE. In order to be as fair as possible, sixteen children were given five days and eleven were given three days," she explained.

"Next year the situation will be even more difficult as 35 children wish to enroll on ECCE. Twenty have been allocated five days while children will share the remaining places.

"The Labour Party wants to introduce a publicly funded, universal and affordable childcare scheme which would be accessible to all. This would require the State to invest in both facilities and staff who care for and nurture our children. These Early Years Educators play a most important, fundamental role in our young children's lives. They must be remunerated accordingly."

She concluded: "There is a lot to do to bring our care system in Ireland up to scratch. Caring and childcare responsibilities still fall predominantly on women, which can limit their employment opportunities. A cost-effective, accessible childcare model could give more women the chance and the choice to work, in these days of record employment.
There were few surprises in the 2023 primary races in Western New York, and a lack of big-ticket battles led to a quiet day at the polls, but a few races  from several Buffalo Common Council Democratic primaries to Conservative and Republican primaries in the Erie County Legislature and even the Democratic primary for mayor in Niagara Falls  were hotly contested. Check out all of The Buffalo News' coverage here.
Denyse Campbell, President, Irish Hotels Federation, on behalf of 28 local hotels and guesthouses throughout Sligo and Leitrim, has written an open letter to all local TDs to highlight its growing concerns about plans in September to increase consumer taxes on Irish hospitality and tourism.

"Government estimates indicate that the proposed increase in VAT to 13.5 per cent would see people paying an additional 560m in taxes each year. Thats a 50 per cent increase in taxes on everything from the price of a cup of coffee, to the price of a meal out, a stay in a hotel or guesthouse and the cost of social events such as weddings.

"This is at a time when peoples personal finances are already under significant pressure due to the cost-of-living crisis.

"This has a knock-on effect on the decisions the average person makes when deciding whether or not to spend money on discretionary items such as going out for a meal with family and friends or taking a short break in Ireland.

"Tourism and hospitality are particularly vulnerable and invariably one of the first to take the hit. Increasing taxes on already hard-pressed consumers is therefore the last thing the country needs.

"From a tourism perspective, the current 9 per cent VAT is the right rate for Ireland. It is in line with average rates of tourism VAT across Europe. Increasing the rate of VAT paid by consumers to 13.5 per cent would make us an outlier among our competitors. We would have the third highest tourism VAT in Europe, which would seriously undermine our international competitiveness and ability to attract visitors.

The reality is that Ireland is already one of the most expensive places in the world in which to live and do business. Recent figures show that general consumer prices in Ireland are the highest in the EU at over 46 per cent above the average. This begs the question we are asking all TDs to consider: Why should Ireland, as an island destination, have the 3rd highest tourism VAT rate in all of Europe?

For that matter, how can it be in the interest of Sligo and Leitrims vitally important local hospitality and tourism industry for us to have among the highest taxes on visitors and people holidaying at home  second only in the EU to Denmark?

"Increasing VAT on hospitality and tourism would pose significant risks to a vital part of our economy that supports over 20,000 businesses throughout the country. This is an industry that, prior to the pandemic, supported over 270,000 livelihoods including some 5,000 jobs throughout Sligo and Leitrim, generating 178m in revenues annually for our local economy.

"Ireland should be doing everything possible to support indigenous economic activity that distributes prosperity and opportunities throughout the entire country, including regions such as our own. This requires a long-term Government strategy that balances a focus on competitiveness, investment in our people and allocation of resources for targeted development of our tourism infrastructure.

"The last thing we should be doing is increasing consumer taxes on hospitality and tourism and making Ireland less competitive. On behalf of hoteliers in Sligo and Leitrim and our wider tourism community, we are urging local TDs to support our call on the Government to retain the 9 per cent VAT rate."
THE RELEASE of the 2022 Dormant Accounts Fund Annual Report has shed light on the significant impact of the fund in addressing economic, social, and educational disadvantage across Ireland.

The Dormant Accounts Fund serves as a vital resource, providing funding to initiatives that strive to alleviate disadvantage and empower individuals with disabilities.

In 2022, a total of 54.6 million was allocated across 10 government departments to fund measures aimed at supporting vulnerable individuals and communities.

The report highlights the implementation of 46 measures that encompass a wide range of areas, including programs for children and youths, prisoner rehabilitation, support for carers, aid for victims of crime, dementia care, homelessness, and marginalised groups such as the Traveller and Roma Community.

The report features three case studies that exemplify the positive impact of the Dormant Accounts Fund.

The Works Jigsaw School Hub was allocated 20,000 to develop the Works Jigsaw School Hub, an interactive online platform that offers teachers and school staff easily accessible mental health resources. The platform, which saw over 13,000 users in 2022, has become a valuable tool in promoting mental health and well-being within schools.

The Dormant Accounts Fund provided 364,000 in funding to support initiatives at the Oberstown Campus in 2022. The focus of this support lies in career guidance and development through the STEPS+ program, which equips individuals with essential skills, training, and education to enhance their personal growth and future prospects.

The Cherry Orchard Equine Centre received 123,200 from the Department of Rural and Community Development in 2022 to address disadvantage. This funding ensures the financial sustainability of the Equine Centre, a vital community resource. It has also supported numerous events throughout the year, further contributing to its positive impact on the local community.

The report emphasises the commitment to assisting marginalised communities, such as the Traveller and Roma Community. Initiatives by various government departments, including the Department of Education and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth, have aimed to address the specific needs and challenges faced by these communities.

The report also highlights the contribution of the Dormant Accounts Fund within individual government departments. Minister Heather Humphreys expressed her satisfaction with the allocation of 12.3 million within her department for measures such as the Senior Alerts Scheme, Social Enterprise, Targeted Social Inclusion Measures, and Library Supports.

She emphasised the increasing Dormant Account funding across government departments in recent years and its positive impact on disadvantaged individuals and communities across Ireland.

The comprehensive Dormant Account Fund Annual Report 2022 can be accessed here.
ENQUIRIES are still ongoing following the vicious assault of a Ukrainian actor near the Abbey Theatre in Dublin.

Oleksandr Hrekov had travelled to Dublin to work on the production of Brian Friels Translations at the Abbey Theatre.

The actor was attacked near the Abbey Theatre on Saturday, June 24 after the final performance.

A spokesperson for Gardai confirmed that a man in his 20s was assaulted on Eden Quay late on Saturday night.

A man aged in his 20s was taken to the Mater Hospital to be treated for injuries described as serious but non-life threatening, said the spokesperson.

No arrests have been made and enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

Abbey Theatre released a statement following the unprovoked attack.

We were honoured to welcome and work with our Ukrainian colleagues from the Lesya Ukrainka National Academic Drama Theatre over the last ten days, showing their production of Brian Fiels Translations to sold out houses at the Abbey Theatre. They are a group of incredible and resilient artists - using their art as an act of resistance to speak to their lived experience in a powerful and deeply moving way, read the statement.

Abbey Theatre said: Unfortunately, one of the cast was attacked near the Abbey on Saturday evening, after the final performance. This was an unprovoked, random act of mindless violence, that left the cast member needing stitches and treatment in hospital. Both the Abbey Theatre and the Lesya Ukrainka National Academic Drama Theatre condemn this behaviour and stand together against bullying and violence of this nature.

According to them, the cast member is recovering well and began the journey home to Kyiv with the rest of the company.

The Abbey Theatre will continue to work with the Gardai, who are investigation the incident, they stated.
An Irish charity is urging the Government to ringfence funding in Budget 2024 to help those living with a rare and incurable skin condition.

In a pre-Budget submission called 'Small Ask, Big Impact', Debra Ireland is asking for just 810,000 to support the estimated 300 people in Ireland living with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).

EB or Butterfly skin is caused by the absence of proteins which bind the skin together, creating excruciating blistering at the mildest touch or movement; in some severe cases, bandaging every 24 hours is required.

Debra's Head of Advocacy, Joanna Joyce, said, "Bearing in mind the lifelong pain, physical and mental trauma that people go through with EB, what we are looking for is a tiny fraction of the current 23 billion health budget.

"In fact, when calculated, the 810,000 ask registers as 0.003% of that total."

She continued: "In many cases, EB is an invisible condition which has a hugely negative impact on peoples lives, yet those living with it are still struggling to access vital supports and services.

"A big gap that we see is the lack of a central point of contact in the community for a family to liaise with, so that they can be signposted to help and supports."

According to Debra, the 810,000 investment is desperately needed to fund a number of crucial roles.

This includes a care co-ordinator (75,000), a clinical psychologist for specialist mental health assistance (80,000), a fund for home nursing care for people living with the most severe forms of EB (580,000), and an EB outreach nurse based in St James' Hospital for support and infection assessment at home (75,000).

The funding would support those with the four main types of EB; simplex, junctional, dystrophic and kindler.

Dubliner Aoife Murdock (42) lives with EB simplex, and spoke of how the condition leaves her wrecked when she has a big flare up.

She said, "Its really, really draining on your system as a whole.

"It just makes everything so much harder. Its an unseen illness. There are times you would love help, but you cant get it and dont feel you can ask for it."

Laois woman Emma Fogarty, who lives with recessive dystrophic EB, said, "Up to the age of 28 my mom was doing my dressings. Thats not OK, thats not good enough.

"There were days when I was screaming in pain, and she felt she was causing it. She wasnt causing the pain; EB was."

Based on the estimated 300 people living with EB in Ireland, the investment Debra is seeking would cost the Government 7.40 per person a day, or two cups of takeaway coffee.
There are 800,000 Irish people living with neurological conditions that include Parkinsons, Acquired Brain Injury, Alzheimers, Motor Neurone Disease, spinal injuries, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy and other neurological conditions.

Community neurorehabilitation teams are a crucial element in ensuring people living with these conditions get on-going therapy and support in their own region.

Sligo Leitrim TD Marian Harkin called on the Government to provide the funding to fully staff a community neurorehabilitation team for the Community Health Organisation (CHO) that includes Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan.

There is a completely inadequate community neurorehabilitation service in the northwest at the moment, Deputy Harkin said, it consists of a team of three, based in Letterkenny. According to the Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI), each CHO should have a fully staffed community neurological team of 13. The current team in Letterkenny is insufficient for Donegal, let alone for Sligo and the rest of the northwest. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to provide such teams in each of the nine CHOs across the country as outlined in the National Rehabilitation Strategy.

Community neurorehabilitation teams provide short-term intensive rehabilitation for up to 12 weeks with access to a multidisciplinary service including physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, social work and neuropsychology.

The absence of these teams is having knock-on effects across the health service resulting in avoidable suffering, poor health outcomes and even more pressure on hospital beds.

According to the NAI the consequences of not having these teams in place are significant, Deputy Harkin said. Having a national network of community neurorehabilitation teams could result in a bed-day saving of 42,000 bed-days annually. The absence of these teams results in higher healthcare needs, early admission to nursing homes, a greater need for home care supports as well as an increased likelihood of falls and subsequent hospital readmissions.

Ms Harkin said that these needs are even more severe in the wake of Covid given that many people in need of neurorehabilitation were discharged early and missed out on treatment due to the closure of services.

I am calling on the Government to fulfil its commitment, clearly outlined in the Programme for Government, to provide a full community neurorehabilitation team for the northwestern CHO of Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan, Deputy Harkin concluded.
Sacrifice of Abraham (gouache on paper) by Persian School, (18th century). BRIDGEMAN IMAGES / BIBLIOTHEQUE NATIONALE DE PARIS

Eid al-Adhar, the "Feast of Sacrifice," begins this Wednesday evening, June 28, and ends on Sunday, July 2. Closely linked to the hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca  which began on Sunday, June 25  the event connects Muslims around the world with those making the pilgrimage, through the traditional sacrifice of an animal.

Sociologist, theologian and author Omero Marongiu-Perria reflects on the meaning and history of "one of the two canonical feasts" of Islam, along with Eid al-Fitr.

What is the history of Eid al-Adha?

Muslim tradition has established a link between the pilgrimage to Mecca, which predates Islam, and Abraham's sacrifice as recounted in the Quran. As a reminder, in the Quranic account (surah 37, verse 107), God appears to Abraham in a dream and asks him to sacrifice his son.

As Abraham is about to perform the deed, God substitutes an "animal sacrifice," a "solemn sacrifice," or even a "generous immolation," according to various possible translations  according to tradition, it was a ram. Today, after a number of rites are performed during the hajj, Muslims perform a commemorative sacrifice in memory of this episode.

According to tradition, Eid al-Adha was instituted around the seventh year of the Hijra (629 CE). In one account  not found in the Quran  the prophet was traveling from Medina to Mecca to make the pilgrimage, but local tribes prevented him from doing so. He then negotiated for permission to send camels to Mecca as a sacrifice to God, at a place where animals were already being sacrificed to pagan deities. According to tradition, this was the beginning of Eid al-Adha

Abraham's sacrifice is shared by all three monotheistic religions. Do Muslims draw the same lessons from it as Christians and Jews?

If we take the sacrifice of a child literally, it simply looks like madness. But biblical exegetes have long been suggesting an anthropological reading, which is that the event marks the end of human sacrifices, a longstanding practice around the Mediterranean, in favor of animal sacrifices.

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Mecca pilgrimage: 10 things to know about the Kaaba

From a spiritual point of view, the episode also shows a total surrender to God, which requires unconditional self-sacrifice, as well as God's mercy, which saves the child. I believe this type of teaching is common to both Judeo-Christian and Muslim readings.

For a long time, Muslim exegetes debated, quite freely, the question of the identity of the son whom Abraham was preparing to sacrifice. Eventually, a version emerged that made Ishmael the character of the Quranic story, whereas the Bible mentions Isaac. In my opinion, this version is directed and designed to put the spotlight on Ishmael, perceived as "the father of the Arabs." In fact, there's nothing in the Quran  as in the Bible  to suggest that it's not Isaac.

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France's second-largest city is also one of the country's most unequal. Long neglected by the state, Marseille is above all a victim of the appalling inertia during the years of Jean-Claude Gaudin, a mayor whose quarter-century reign only came to an end in 2020.

Collapsing buildings; the shocking dilapidation of its schools; the persistent isolation of its working-class northern neighborhoods, forgotten by public transport; the ravages of drug trafficking; and the settling of scores, which have left 23 people dead since the start of the year: These are all the hallmarks of a multi-faceted scandal that must come to an end as soon as possible.

French President Emmanuel Macron's latest "raid" on Marseille, culminating in his three-day visit to the city two years after launching the "Marseille en grand" plan, is a showcase of all the limits of the Macron method: over-personalization, a political communication storm, bombastic speeches and controversial little quips about how easy it is to find a job just by "walking around the Vieux-Port."

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes In Marseille, Macron confronts anger in distressed northern districts

But it has to be said that, whereas previous governments made a series of empty promises, the president's determination has generated an "unprecedented effort," in the words of Benoit Payan, the city's left-wing mayor. Some 15 billion of public money  including 5 billion directly from the government  has been poured into transforming schools, opening up neighborhoods, renovating housing and combating social insecurity. Additional funding was also promised during Macron's visit.

The scale of the task is such that the methods must be as innovative as the funding is exceptional. The idea of giving schools greater independence to develop projects tailored to local needs appears to be a way of mobilizing teams and combating inequalities. At a time when drug trafficking is a scourge ravaging the city and causing its inhabitants to despair, the dismantling of drug outlets has become a matter of urgency.

But in the face of relentless developments in drug dealing, notably the international dimension and the expansion of uses, the president's call for "accountability" and his announcement of the immediate criminalization of consumers cannot mask the dramatic stalemate in the debate on the decriminalization of cannabis, of which the French are the biggest consumers in Europe despite some of the most repressive laws.

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Drug trafficking in Marseille: Kids are at the heart of a deadly war

Bridging the gap

Macron's obsession with drawing the spotlight onto himself also raises the question of local support. It's true that political conflicts between the Marseille municipality, the metropolis, the departement department departement and the region have constantly hampered the action of public authorities and fueled irresponsibility. But Marseille will not recover without the resolute, united commitment of local elected representatives, civil society organizations and the business community.

The anger expressed by local residents during the presidential visit reflects the gap that remains to be bridged between the French state's medium-term remedial action and the concrete, visible results demanded immediately. The success or failure of the political experiment in Marseille  a symbolic gateway to the Mediterranean and a melting pot for the dynamism of French diversity  will be measured first and foremost by its ability to reduce the gulf between ambitious political rhetoric and the realities on the ground. This is a truly national challenge.
Katie Marylander is living large as GoPro's Director of Global Social Marketing. In her free time, she enjoys skiing and traveling, and is training for her first triathlon.

It was 2010, and after her Niwot High School graduation and a summer slinging burgers, Catherine "Katie" Marylander began her first semester at the University of Colorado Boulder, as an undeclared student. After hearing some of her peers talking about applying for the School of Journalism (now the College of Media, Communication and Information) the Niwot High School grad was struck with inspiration-advertising seemed like the perfect way to combine a passion for writing with tangible business skills.

When Marylander was in school, the future of media was murky: print journalism was declining while social networking platforms were on the rise. More than a decade later, Marylander finds herself leading the very field that some media professionals feared not so long ago.

Marylander is the Director of Social Marketing at GoPro, a publicly traded technology company specializing in action cameras. GoPro's social media presence includes over 50M followers, over 70 social handles and an international footprint in 23+ countries.

"I manage a team and oversee the strategy for organic social worldwide," she explained. "I am lucky enough to have traveled to many of the countries where we have a local presence, including Germany, France, Mexico, South Korea, Australia, Japan and Southeast Asia." Marylander's work has taken her to The Yacht Week in Croatia, the Tour de France in Paris, and she has skied the Austrian Alps and the mountains of Japan. But the GoPro Mountain Games in Vail is one of her favorites because she gets to come home to Niwot for a visit.

Marylander's career thus far has been as exciting as the adventures the company's cameras capture. After more than eight years with the company-she moved to the Bay Area in Aug. 2014 and began her journey with GoPro not long after-Marylander has grown alongside the social media world. Starting out as a social media community manager, she began writing copy for the company; now she develops campaign strategy.

"Social media is a quickly evolving and world-changing phenomenon," Marylander said. "At GoPro, we have won a Shorty Award for the brand with the Best Instagram Presence and are one of the few channels on YouTube to reach over one billion views."

Notably, GoPro has won more than one Shorty Award and has been identified as one of the best brands on social media by industry blogs like eclincher and radarr.

But as much as Marylander loves collaborating with colleagues, traveling for work (when she went to Bali, she was scuba certified for work) and chasing down new stories, sometimes she enjoys stepping back from big adventures and relishing the smaller ones.

For instance, she adopted a 1-year-old puppy named Bruna, and teaches a weekly yoga class at a studio in San Francisco.

"I love the community at the studio and the opportunity to regularly do something completely different than my day job," she said. Nonetheless, Marylander loves her work in social media and she plans to continue GoPro's reputation as a social media leader. "We have a growing team and I see a lot of opportunities in the future!"
The rest stop at Whistle Stop Park was brimming with bicyclists Saturday morning, June 24, to raise awareness and money for the Bike MS charity, dedicated to helping victims of multiple sclerosis. The ride took place on a gorgeous summer morning when all of the flower boxes down Second Avenue were in full bloom, and many locals watched from the coffee shop patio as the endless stream of bicyclists zipped by.

Other Niwot community members helped out the riders at the Whistle Stop Park rest stop.

Niwot's local bike shop, Niwot Wheel Works, contributed to the event, filling tires with air and helping with other small repairs the bicyclists might need before continuing on the ride.

Eric Bergeson, the owner of Niwot Wheel Works, said, "We're welcoming the riders as well as visitors that are coming to watch them, relatives, friends and so forth. We want to help them realize what a wonderful place Niwot is... We're handing out these bags that have coupons that are good until the end of August, little flags for people to wave, and a list of events happening in town, and a map of the town, just trying to attract people back to Niwot."

Niwot's Local Improvement District provided funding for Niwot's business community to support the riders and their friends and families.

The Bike MS event lasted around three hours in Niwot, according to the volunteers who ran the tents at the rest stop in Whistle Stop Park. Volunteers handed out snacks to the bicyclists along with information about the town and five-dollar coupons that are valid until the end of August, provided by the Niwot Business Association before sending them across the Diagonal Highway toward Longmont. Live music was also provided at the rest stop so riders could take a while to rest before continuing on.

This charity is important to many of the locals in Niwot. Bergeson added, "Millions of people are affected by MS. I don't have the statistics off the top of my head, but I know I have two family members that are affected by it. And it can be a horrible disease, so we need to support research to try to eradicate it."

Bruce and Susan Warren donated to their friend Ale Spray's ride in memory of Susan's sister, Joyce Brewer, who died of complications from MS in 2004. "MS research and treatment has come a long way since 2004," Bruce Warren said, "but we still have a long way to go to find a cure."

The Colorado chapter of Bike MS has raised approximately two million dollars for multiple sclerosis so far through the 2023 ride with the help of their riders as well as Niwot's residents and businesses.
Declan Miers answers the phone while trying to find the time to do laundry before that nights show in London. Miers, an independent touring musician, is currently playing bass for SZAs SOS tour, a gig he got from befriending and playing Call of Duty with other musicians during the pandemic.

In the past hes played with Chloe x Halle, Mac Ayres, and Ava Max, as well as his closest friends and peers like Cisco Swank, who was recently profiled in the New York Times. Miers remembers first being on stage when he was around 2, propped up reading a book by his parents doing. His parents have been involved in the Buffalo music scene for a number of years: his father is musician and former Buffalo News Music Critic Jeff Miers, and his mother is graphic designer Kim Miers. After graduating from Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts a year early, Declan Miers attended the Berklee College of Music. Now he is returning to the Buffalo stage with the Declan Miers All-Stars for a show on July 5 as part of the Live at Larkin concert series. In addition to Miers, the band features Malaya on vocals, Julius Rodriguez and Daniel Abraham on keys, Arlo Sims on guitar, and Brian Richburg Jr. on drums.

Jeff Miers: Live from New York, its  my son? "While its true that my wife and I did the day-to-day (and night-to-night) work ... its also true that Declan was raised by a Buffalo music and arts community that was abundantly generous," Miers writes.

Question: Could you tell me a quick backstory of yourself and music?

Answer: Both my parents are very involved and have always been involved in the music scene, especially in Buffalo. My dads been playing for 30-40 years and my mom basically the same. Both were very passionate and started giving me instruments when I was really young, and I was just surrounded by it and loved it. I started really doing live music stuff when I was 8 and then was consistently gigging a few times a month or few times a week between 13 to 16 or 17.

Q: How has the experience of this tour been? A: I got the gig four or five days beforehand, had two days to learn the music and then showed up to rehearsal and (the tour) started. Its been fantastic; Ive gotten to see a lot of the world and meet a lot of really incredible people. The first run we did was about a month and a half, and then Ive been out for the last five weeks. Tonights our last show of the tour and we are just doing a festival in a few days and then we are out from there.

Q: Do you have a favorite live music experience so far? A: Global Citizen last August with SZA, where we played in Accra, Ghana. That was unbelievable. Just the experience of getting to play in Africa, that energy was unreal. Saturday Night Live was crazy, too. I grew up watching that show, and then you get there and its so small. You get a lot of perspective from that.

Q: What is your Larkinville show going to be like? A: Everybody in the band is an individual artist and we are going to be doing all of their music. Some of it Ive worked on, some of it not so much. When Seamus (Gallivan) approached me for this, I really wanted to highlight some original music from people that I love and respect and give them a chance to maybe make some new fans and meet some cool people in a pivotal part of the country. We are going to be doing a collection of music that ranges from straight jazz to fusion to R&B, pop, rock, all over the place really.

Q: Do you want to keep touring in the future? A: Im sure Ill definitely be touring, its a really nice way to be able to see and experience a lot while paying the bills. What I really want to end up in is getting into scoring and arranging. I hope to see myself in that because its something that can keep me at home, be a little more sustainable and I can be creative without having to leave all the time. I love to write and co-write and produce and have gotten to work on some cool records, so more of that would be fantastic, too.
LIMERICK City and County Council (LCCC) was the second-most complained about local authority in 2022 after Dublin City Council, according to new statistics released by the Office of the Ombudsman.

The statistics released show that out of the 171 complaints made to the Ombudsman by people in Limerick, 86 were made about the local authority. Most complaints related to housing or planning issues. There were eight complaints about the University of Limerick.

According to a spokesperson for LCCC, the council was notified of 55 complaints out of the 86 with only two of the complaints being upheld.

The council would not have been notified by the Ombudsman of all discontinued (or) withdrawn (DW) complaints, the spokesperson said.

Reasons can include where the complainant seeks to have the complaint withdrawn or does not respond, within a reasonable, specified time frame, to requests for relevant, complaint-specific, information, they said.

It is also noteworthy that the figures published in the Ombudsman Annual Report 2022 refer to areas by local authority and not counties.

The total number of complaints across the two local authorities in Galway was 101 (Galway City Council 45, Galway County Council 56). The total number of complaints for Corks two local authorities was 143 (78 for Cork City Council and 65 for Cork County Council).

Both counties also have a higher population than Limerick.

The Ombudsman, Ger Deering, said 2022 saw the highest number of complaints ever received by his Office. There were 4,791 complaints about public service bodies, an increase of over 19% on 2021.

According to the report, most of the complaints to the Ombudsman about local authorities related to housing issues.

There were 790 complaints nationwide about health and social care bodies, with 300 complaints about the HSE, and 104 complaints about Tusla.
THE UNIVERSITY of Limerick and the ESB will be working together in support of Irelands energy transition following the signing of a deal between the two institutions.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) commits both organisations to collaborate in areas including education, teaching, and training, research and development, international co-development including the European Union, and commercial development, along with services and facility access.

The MOU aims to support Irelands transition to renewable sources of energy in line with ESBs Net Zero by 2040 strategy, and ULs commitment to reach carbon neutrality by 2030.

The collaboration also extends to the organisations joint efforts in the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce.

UL Vice President Research Professor Norelee Kennedy said: Signing this agreement shows ULs commitment to work closely with our valued partners and particularly with the ESB as Irelands premier energy company to develop new and renewable practices that can look to change the future of the industry.

Industry partnerships serve as vital catalysts that propel universities into the forefront of cutting-edge research, accelerating the advancement of the knowledge economy. By fostering collaborations with industry leaders such as ESB, UL is embracing the imperative of research for real-world applications, unlocking limitless possibilities for innovation, economic growth, and societal progress.

This collaboration seeks to maximize opportunities and leverage the respective strengths of both parties to create competitive proposals in international initiatives. It is a very exciting day for both institutions, Prof Kennedy added.

An initial portfolio of projects has been identified which includes opportunities for employee training and development, student education, co-op placements, and internships. ESB and UL will also work together to explore renewable energy projects across various UL campuses.

ESB and UL have a strong history of partnering together to deliver projects. This includes an agreement in 2018 which supported world-leading research for clean energy through ESB PhD scholarships and the donation of an installation featuring an original turbine runner from ESB's Ardnacrusha Generating Station.
CAPPAMORE Show takes place on Saturday, August 19 but there is also a super agricultural showcase in the parish this Thursday, June 29.

Gearoid and Sarah Maher are delighted to be chosen by the Irish Pure Friesian Club to host this years open day in Killuragh, near Cappamore which their pure Friesian herd is named after.

The event, in association with the Irish Holstein Friesian Association, is sponsored by Dairygold, FBD and the NDC.

A fourth-generation dairy farmer, Gearoid took over the farm in 2011 aged 26.

Graduating with an honours degree in Agricultural Science, Gearoid had always planned to return home to the family farm and re-commence dairy farming. The task was challenging as the infrastructure was outdated and the quality of the grassland swards was poor. Heavy investment was required to modernise the farm.

However, through determination, grit and a positive mindset Gearoid progressed forward with the support of wife Sarah - they have two children together Sally Kate and Lily.

A herd of cows was assembled, he re-established the Killuragh prefix with IHFA and thus started a new chapter for the herd, building for a better and progressive future.

Gearoid said the land is a very heavy clay type soil.

Our average grazing season would range from 200 to 240 days. I knew I couldnt change the land so I focused on the cow. The cow was going to be the engine of the farm. I considered all the different breeds but I felt that due to the type of land and the length of farm road I had, that a pure Friesian cow would suit the farm.

My stocking was always going to be limited so I felt that my cull cow has a huge value to me as do my bull calves. There was also an element of tradition in my decision as my father and his father before him all bred pedigree Friesian cows. So, I purchased 40 pedigree pure Friesian cows, the majority from the Dunum herd and some from the Gortfadda herd. This was the foundation of my farm and these cows were the establishment of my pedigree herd. Some of these cows are the mainstay of the herd to this day - which now stands at 107 cows, said Gearoid.

Being a new entrant, he said the advice was to focus on EBI and only breed a cow from a number on a page.

I thought this was mad. A suckler farmer would never buy a bull from just looking at a book! I decided to look at what the dams and gran dams were producing and from there I focused on breeding for milk and protein because every other trait is a given. I joined the Irish Pure Friesian club. I was nervous enough joining the club because here you had experts breeding cows for generations and I was very new to the scene.

However, the club members and officers were very welcoming. Whether you are milking 20 cows or 500 cows or you had good land or bad land, everybody in the club is just passionate about breeding excellent cows, said Gearoid.

The Mahers herd has grown to 80 cows producing 6,600kgs at 4.08% fat and 3.56% protein.

This has been achieved from marginal land and all from cows that are minus for milk! They also have heifers bred from the clubs bulls producing an average of 5,600kgs. The calving interval is close to 365 days and the empty rate is generally 4 to 5% with a submission rate to first service consistently over 90% and 70 % conception rate to first service.

Currently there are three EX cows and 23 VG cows.

There are eight cows of eighth lactation and older in the herd, demonstrating fertility, health and longevity attributes.

My farm has turned full circle from an almost derelict holding to a profitable enterprise in just one decade. My cows and cow type are the pillar to my success. The pure Friesian is probably the most underrated breed in the country but to me the pure Friesian cow is a high producing, highly fertile, low maintenance cow, said Gearoid.

The quality of the herd is such that the Mahers were national finalists in the Kerrygold and National Dairy Council Quality Milk Awards 2022.

Gearoid and Sarah are very grateful to Temple Street Hospital whose expert care of their eldest daughter Sally Kate when she was sick as a young baby is greatly appreciated. A fundraiser for Temple Street charity is to take place as part of the open day. You can also donate online at idonate.ie.

All are welcome to Killuragh, Cappamore this Thursday, June 29.
Bajaj Auto and Triumph Motorcycles Tuesday officially unveiled the jointly developed all-new two motorcycles in London, UK. Both the bikes Triumph Street 400 and the Street Scrambler 400will be manufactured by Bajaj Auto in its Chakan plant in Maharashtra and launched in the domestic market on 5 July 2023.

The Speed 400 borrows its styling cues from the Speed Twin 900 (formerly called the Street Twin), while the Scrambler 400 X's design is derived from the Scrambler 900.

The Street 400 is a modern-retro street naked that will compete against the likes of the Royal Enfield Hunter 350, Classic 350, and the Honda CB350RS. Meanwhile, the Triumph Street Scrambler 400, as the name suggests, is a proper scrambler with a larger front wheel and dual-purpose tyres. It will rival the Royal Enfield Scram 411 and the Yezdi Scrambler in India.

Both the bikes are powered by a new 398cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine called TR-series engine, Euro 5 compliant. The output stands at 40hp at 8000rpm and 37.5Nm at 6500rpm, which puts Triumph's quite close to KTM's 390 lineup in terms of power and torque. Both the bikes get a 6-speed gearbox.

The frame of the two bikes is hybrid spine/perimeter frame built from tubular steel. Though the engine is identical across the two bikes, there are considerable differences in the chassis. While the Street 400 will feature 17-inch alloy wheels and road-going tyres, the Street Scrambler 400 will use a 19-inch front wheel, a long-travel suspension setup, and perhaps even a different sub-frame. Brakes are slightly different, with the Scrambler sporting a slightly larger 320mm front disc compared to the Speed's 300mm unit.

Both bikes will get a digital instrument cluster, full-LED lighting, and dual-channel ABS.

Looking at the features and hardware of the two premium bikes, we expect the Triumph Street 400 to be priced around Rs. 2.60 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Street Scrambler 400 could be priced slightly higher at Rs. 2.80 lakh (ex-showroom).
Tata Motors has successfully registered the name "Frest" in India, and the government has recently approved the trademark application, a year after its initial submission. According to available information, the name will be used for "land vehicles and their components," indicating that it may be assigned to an upcoming passenger vehicle. Although specific details are limited, it is likely that one of the production models based on the Curvv concept SUVs could be named the Tata Frest.

The automaker has made an official declaration regarding the expansion of the Curvv concept lineup, stating that both electric (EV) and internal combustion engine (ICE) versions will be introduced in the near future.

The electric variant based on the Curvv concept is set to be launched next year, while the ICE version equipped with newly-developed petrol engines is expected to be available by 2025. This coupe-SUV design will bring a fresh body style to the compact SUV segment, providing Tata Motors with a competitive advantage in a highly saturated market.

HT Auto reported that it becomes apparent that the term "Frest" has various potential meanings, such as "fresh" or "fresh-looking." Based on the available information, it appears that the Curvv concept was very close to being ready for production, and the majority of the design elements exhibited at the 2023 Auto Expo are likely to be retained in the final product. This indicates that the production version of the SUV would possess a distinct and contemporary appearance, making it the most stylish SUV not only within Tata Motors' lineup but also among the compact SUVs currently available in the market.

The production version of the Tata Curvv is anticipated to feature flush-fitting door handles, prominent wheel arches, and a sleek roofline. Inside, it is likely to include a two-spoke steering wheel, a digital instrument console, and a larger infotainment screen. Speculations suggest that Tata's upcoming vehicles may incorporate a digitized panel for the automatic climate control, which could also be implemented in the Curvv models.

It remains uncertain whether the name "Tata Frest" will be assigned to the electric or petrol-powered variant. The electric model will be based on Tata's Gen2 powertrain and is expected to offer a range of up to 500 km on a single charge. As for the ICE Curvv models, they are likely to be equipped with the newly showcased 1.2-liter or 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine options. Additionally, considering the increasing popularity of CNG as an alternative fuel, the possibility of a CNG variant cannot be ruled out.

It is worth noting that car manufacturers often trademark multiple names before deciding on the one that will be used for the vehicle. More information regarding the Tata Frest is expected to be revealed in the coming months.
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A Delaware judge ruled on Tuesday that the Walt Disney Co board did not act negligently when it criticised a sexual identity bill signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

The case was brought to court by shareholder Kenneth Simeone, who sued Disney in December and sought internal records, including board members' emails, to investigate possible wrongdoing by directors.

However, the judge, Lori Will, stated that the case was improperly directed by a conservative legal group and that Simeone could not use a provision of Delaware corporate law meant to empower shareholders to investigate boardroom wrongdoing to search for hypothetical conflicts."

While the judge acknowledged that Disney's criticism of the 2022 law, known as the "don't say gay" law, might have been a bad business decision, the evidence at trial showed that directors did not allow their personal views to dictate the company's response to the bill. The ruling means that Disney will not be required to hand over the requested internal records.

Also read: Disney Earnings to Shed Light on Streaming Progress as Restructuring Continues

The dispute between Disney and Governor DeSantis escalated when the company's criticism led to the state removing Disney's control of a special administrative district related to the Walt Disney World resort. Governor DeSantis, who is seeking the Republican presidential nomination, has used the conflict with Disney to raise his national profile, referring to it as a battle against what he calls "woke Disney."

In addition to ruling in favour of Disney, Judge Will also found that the lawsuit appeared to have been brought to benefit the Thomas More Society, a non-profit law firm known for championing conservative causes, which was covering Simeone's legal costs. The judge emphasised that a corporate records lawsuit should not be used as a platform to advance personal beliefs. Will wrote, "The plaintiffs counsel and the Thomas More Society are entitled to their beliefs," and added that a corporate records lawsuit "is not a vehicle to advance them."

As of now, there has been no immediate response from Simeone, his lawyer, Paul Jonna, or Disney regarding the ruling.

Also read : Walt Disney to cut thousands of jobs in second round

(With inputs from Reuters)
Edtech major Byjus has received only a part of the loan committed by New York-based investment manager Davidson Kempner last month, a person with knowledge of the development said. The firm had committed $250 million in convertible instruments last month, which was to be repaid at the time of Aakash IPO.

According to the person, only 800 crore has come in so far, which is only 40% of the 2,400 crore ($250 million) committed. The agreement was for the capital to arrive in tranches after certain conditions precedent or CPs are met, including the filing of the financial results for FY22," the person added.

Davidson Kempner is reviewing its lending decision to transfer the balance amount in the light of escalating crisis at Byjus, a Bloomberg report said.

Spokespersons for Davidson Kempner did not respond to a request for comment. Byjus declined to comment.

Last week, Deloitte Haskins and Sells resigned as the auditor after six years, stating that it did not receive relevant communication from the company despite following up with five letters addressed to Byju Raveendran, the managing director of Byjus and board members on 30 September 2022, 5 November 2022, 12 November and 24 December 2022, and a final one to Raveendran on 29 March 2023, regarding the statutory audit of 31 March 2022. Deloitte said at the time that it had not yet commenced on the FY22 audit.

Three board members of the company resigned earlier this month--GV Ravishankar of Peak XV (formerly Sequoia India), Vivian Vu from Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and Russel Dreinstock representing Prosus.

Byju Raveendran, his wife Divya Gokulnath and brother Riju Raveendran are now the only board members.

The company said it has appointed BDO as its new auditor and people familiar with the company said it has told investors that it will file FY 22 financial statements by September 2023 and FY 23 accounts by December 2023. Byjus also filed its FY21 financial statement after a delay of 18 months.

Davidson Kempner, which largely makes distressed investments, agreed to extend $250 million to Byjus in convertible debt instruments on 12 May. The repayment timelines were based on Aakash cashflows as well as the initial public offering of Aakash Educational Services.

Byjus said in May that it expects to launch the initial public offering of Aakash Educational Services next year.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, VCCircle reported Blackstone representative on the board of Aakash Educational Services had resigned in December 2022. A nominee of the founding Chaudhry family Raj Kumar Verma also resigned this month., the report added.

The Bengaluru-based company that is touted as the most valued startup in India, last valued at $22 billion, has been battling issues on multiple fronts. The company is currently locked in a legal battle with its bondholders for the $1.2 billion term loan B (TLB) availed in 2021 over breach of covenants and non-repayment of coupon.
NEW DELHI : In preparation for a relaunch of Go First in July, the Indian civil aviation regulator will conduct an audit of the low-cost airline next week to check its preparedness for resumption of flights operations after a gap of nearly two months, two people aware of the development told Mint .

A small audit of the airline is expected next week to check for Go Firsts on-ground readiness in terms of resuming flights and airworthiness of aircraft, which have been grounded since 2 May," a senior official said.

The official added that the plan is to restart operations as early as possible and most likely during the month of July". This restart plan was discussed and the audit schedule was decided in a meeting that took place between senior officials of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the airlines team led by resolution professional Shailendra Ajmera.

In its latest plan submitted to the DGCA, the airline has said that it can recommence approximately 160 daily flight operations with 26 aircraft, Mint has learnt. Out of the 26 aircraft, nearly four aircraft are to be kept in reserve to be prepared for a backup plan in case there are issues related to technical glitches in any of the operational aircraft.

We are confident that Go First will resume operations. It is work in progress but we are hopeful about the airline. We want to ensure that they have a sound plan across all departments including engineering, technical, safety among others," a senior government official told Mint.

Go Airlines (India) Ltd, filed for bankruptcy on 2 May, and secured lenders in-principal approval for interim funding of 450 crore last week, potentially paving the way for the grounded airline to resume operations.

While an in-principle approval for interim funds has been granted, the plan is subject to approval from the respective boards of the banks. Central Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, and IDBI Bank are part of the lenders consortium of Go First.

The resumption plan has been presented to the committee of creditors. An in-principle nod has been secured for the interim funding. The expectation is that once the DGCA audit is complete, we can expect the funds to be firmed up," another person aware of the development said.

To be sure, bankers have analysed Go Airs readiness to fly again and feel that since it retained 50-60% of pilots and a majority of ground staff, it will soon be able to resume services.

According to DGCAs data for April, Go First had a 6.4% share in the domestic market and carried 829,000 passengers. The airline will need to rebuild trust among passengers and the aviation community to tide over the crisis. Go First filed for insolvency on 2 May, and the National Company Law Tribunal admitted the proposal on 10 May. The airline has a moratorium on all payments for six months.

Go Firsts creditors replaced the previously appointed interim resolution professional (IRP), process adviser, and legal agency after the lead lenders visited the airlines office earlier this month.

The lenders replaced Alvarez and Marsals (A&M) Abhilash Lal with EYs Ajmera as the resolution professional.

The resolution professional made a presentation on the CO-approved revival plan, a senior official at aviation ministry said. Post the submission of a formal plan on the same, DGCA will scrutinise the plan in the next couple of days, he added.
By Bianca Carrera, Yeni Shafak

In Spain, the significant Muslim minority continues to grapple with their ability to freely exercise their religious beliefs. Spanish municipal authorities have consistently dismissed planning approvals for mosque construction, and Islamophobia has left the Muslim community feeling marginalized. This predicament is epitomized by the makeshift Tuba Mosque in Santa Coloma de Gramenet, an underwhelming and marginalized space created in response to public backlash, despite the Muslim community's compliance with local regulations.

Legislative measures have often been misused to hinder the establishment of mosques. The Spanish Constitution assures ideological and religious freedom for individuals and communities. However, regional governments delegate the responsibility of managing worship spaces to city councils, which, influenced by their political ideologies, obstruct the construction of mosques. Muslim rights activist Mustafa Aoulad Sellam accuses regional governments of giving city councils leeway to impose restrictive requirements on worship spaces, disproportionately affecting particular communities. reported by The New Arab social media platform.

Incidents of violence and institutional neglect against Muslim worshippers are rife, exemplified by the 'Japan Street' case in Barcelona in 2017-18. The city's Muslim community faced a series of violent protests, prompting them to seek delayed and insufficient legal assistance.

The post-9/11 portrayal of terrorist activities in Western media has precipitated an atmosphere of fear and prejudice against the Muslim community in Spain. As per Aziz Sabbani of the Islamic Community of Hospitalet de Llobregat, frequent scrutinisation by defence authorities at mosques perpetuates a pervasive atmosphere of suspicion. Activist Sellam further highlights the necessity for the Muslim community to acknowledge their citizenship rights and refuse to adopt a subservient "guest-neighbors" status.

Muslim observances, particularly large celebrations such as Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha, have been another point of contention, with public venues often refusing rental requests from Muslim communities, citing their secular nature. Despite some amelioration in recent years, these issues persist, leaving Muslim communities to resort to unconventional means, such as filling streets around mosques with worshippers, to mark their religious celebrations.




Finding safe and affordable housing is a challenge for LGBTQ people, particularly elders who can face difficulty in securing a permanent place to live. A planned senior home in Ferndale, Mich., will house older adults who encounter those housing struggles because of their identities.

The Rev. Roland Stringfellow, who proposed the project, said he was inspired by a mixed-use affordable housing development in nearby Detroit that opened in October as a haven for gay and lesbian at-risk youth.

I have LGBT seniors within my congregation, and I was concerned about their particular stories and challenges around housing, said Stringfellow, senior pastor of Metropolitan Community Church of Detroit. There was clearly a need from those people who I currently serve. Construction is projected to begin in May.

The Raymond E. Shepherd House will have 53 one- and two-bedroom affordable apartments in a supportive environment for seniors who make up to 60% of the area median income, according to its developer.

Rents will range from $441 to $1,060 a month depending on income, with utilities included. The median income for the suburban Detroit community is $79,181 a year, according to the U.S. census.

The Ferndale Housing Commission also will allocate eight of its public housing vouchers to Shepherd House. While there is a waiting list for vouchers for anyone who meets the low-income requirements, seniors and those with disabilities are given preference.

Housing for LGBTQ seniors is a new but growing trend, with some of the first developments cropping up in the last couple of years in Boston, Seattle, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, and Sacramento, Calif.

Demand exists

Stringfellows peer and colleague Kathleen LaTosch said there long has been a need for such housing in southeastern Michigan.

As chief administrative officer of the Ferndale-based LGBTQ+ community center, Affirmations, she conducted listening sessions and focus groups with LGBTQ+ older adults in Michigan to get a sense of their needs.

At one all-day strategic planning session in 2007, about 100 people showed up to talk about the desires of the older LGBTQ+ community.

And out of that, we learned that housing was really up at the top, LaTosch said.

The attendees also told her about the concerns older LGBTQ adults have regarding mistreatment by care providers.

LaTosch formed with other organizations a volunteer-based collaborative to survey older LGBTQ+ adults on what they wanted in housing.

Some structural elements, some safety elements ... and making sure that it was affordable, she said. We talked about safe places to gather inside, outside, around that space.

They also decided that inclusive health care and case management services would be prerequisites for an LGBT-friendly senior home.

Stringfellow said he hopes that the Shepherd House will be a safe space for LGBTQ+ adults, especially older BIPOC ones, which is why he approached the nonprofit Full Circle Communities to develop the housing development.

The Chicago-based developers built the Ruth Ellis Clairmount Center in Detroit that inspired Stringfellows proposal and search for land.

They eventually found a vacant site in Ferndale to build the Raymond E. Shepherd House.

Theres going to have community space on the ground level and several units on the first level as well, Stringfellow said. And then three floors that will house these units.

Welcoming environment

The apartments will also be barrier-free and adaptable to meet the physical needs of aging adults and will feature a library, community rooms for residents to spend time and on-site property management.

Full Circle Communities also will establish codes of conduct at the housing development to ensure a welcoming atmosphere, giving them the right to evict residents who arent respectful or welcoming of their neighbors.

The project will be built on 31,850 square feet of vacant land, and funded with about $13 million from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and a $700,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.

Cristian Yugsi, project manager for Full Circle Communities, described the development as a partnership between a nonprofit developer and a state agency. The City of Ferndale granted the Shepherd House project 45 years of tax abatements.

Yugsi projects there will be three full-time staff running the facility: a property manager, a service coordinator, and a maintenance coordinator.
Search giant Google is cutting jobs at its mapping service app Waze amid a growing trend in Silicon Valley around scaling down the operations and a drive for efficiency.

Reportedly, Waze has been transitioning its existing advertising software to Google Ads technology. As a result, the company is reducing roles focused on Waze Ads monetization. In a letter to Waze employees, Googles Geo unit Vice President Chris Phillips said that there will be likely job cuts in sales, marketing, operations and analytics departments without naming the exact number.

"In order to create a better, more seamless long-term experience for Waze advertisers, we've begun transitioning Waze's existing advertising system to Google Ads technology. As part of this update, we've reduced those roles focused on Waze Ads monetization," Reuters quoted Google as saying.

Google had announced in December last year to include Waze amid the fold of its Google Geo division which includes services like Google Maps, Google Earth, and Street View. Wall Street Journal had reported at the time that it would mean the end of Waze as a standalone app while no layoffs were planned.

Google had bought Waze for $1.3 billion in 2013 and the Verge noted that it had remained independent from Google Maps till 2021. However, things changed in September last year when Google CEO Sundar Pichai said he has working on making the company more productive amidst pressure from investors.

According to Bloomberg, Google's parent company Alphabet had announced laying off around 12,000 employees or around 6% of its workforce in January this year. Google has been looking to reduce costs amid declining digital advertising revenue.

(With inputs from agencies)
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has responded to visuals of the company conducting its first static fire test of the upper-stage prototype on Monday. The company completed the first six-engine static fire test from its facility at Boca Chica, Texas. In his signature cryptic style, Musk replied to a SpaceX post writing, Prelude to Mars. According to Bloomberg, Musk's SpaceX has invested around $3 billion in 2023. Starship is a next-gen fully reusable rocket which is designed to carry cargo and crew to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond. Starship will be the worlds most powerful launch vehicle ever developed, capable of carrying up to 150 metric tonnes fully reusable and 250 metric tonnes expendable" SpaceX explains the capabilities of Starship. The inaugural flight of Starship from the SpaceX facility in Texas on April 20 saw the rocket take off from its launchpad but suffer multiple engine failures leading to it going out of control. According to the plan, the booster was to peel away from the spacecraft minutes after liftoff, however, that didn't happen and SpaceX was forced to activate the flight termination system that blew up the rocket. Elon Musk had confirmed in an interaction on Twitter that the next launch of Starship is slated within the next 2 months.

In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Musk informed that the possibility of Starship launching getting to Orbit is much higher because of the more than 1,000 changes made since the first launch.

So I think the probability of the next flight working  or getting to orbit  is much higher than the last one," Musk told Bloomberg

Maybe its like 60%; it depends on how well we do at stage separation," He added

Musk revealed in the interview that SpaceX has made a 'late breaking change' to the way Starship separates and when the Super Heavy booster breaks free mid-flight. He also noted that SpaceX will be doing hot staging this time, meaning Starship will ignite while the Super Heavy Booster is still attached.
A U.S. judge has rejected Apple's bid to throw out a class-action lawsuit that accused Chief Executive Tim Cook of defrauding shareholders by concealing falling demand for iPhones in China.

U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers' decision late Monday night clears the way for shareholders led by a British pension fund to sue over a one-day plunge that wiped out $74 billion of Apple's market value.

The lawsuit stemmed from Cook's comment on a Nov. 1, 2018, analyst call that while Apple faced sales pressure in markets such as Brazil, India, Russia and Turkey, where currencies had weakened, "I would not put China in that category."

Apple told suppliers a few days later to curb production, and on Jan. 2, 2019, unexpectedly slashed its quarterly revenue forecast by up to $9 billion, blaming U.S.-China trade tensions.

The lowered revenue forecast was Apple's first since the iPhone's launch in 2007, and the Cupertino, California-based company's shares fell 10% the next day.

Judge Rogers, based in Oakland, California, said jurors could reasonably infer that Cook was discussing Apple's sales outlook in China, not past performance or the impact of currency changes.

The judge also said that prior to Cook's comment, Apple knew China's economy had been slowing and had data suggesting that demand could fall.

"A reasonable jury could find that failure to disclose these risks caused plaintiff's harm," Rogers wrote.

Apple and its lawyers did not respond on Tuesday to requests for comment.

Shawn Williams, a lawyer for the shareholders, said: "We are pleased with the ruling and look forward to presenting the facts to a jury."

The lead plaintiff is the Norfolk County Council as Administering Authority of the Norfolk Pension Fund, located in Norwich, England.

Apple's share price has approximately quintupled since January 2019, giving the company a market value near $3 trillion.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.
The recently appointed CEO of Vedanta -foxconn-ceo-the-sketch-a-mint-podcast-11686897381358.html"> Vedanta Resources Ltd.'s emerging display business aims to recruit talent from around the world to establish and manage a $4 billion manufacturing facility in western India.

YJ Chen, formerly employed at HKC Corp., a Chinese display manufacturer, announced that the display enterprise is preparing to commence recruitment efforts from South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and other areas to establish a liquid crystal display panel production facility in India. Chen expects the factory to generate up to 3,500 direct employment opportunities.

Chen, with 23 years of experience in the display sector, emphasized the pressing need for a large number of highly skilled technicians. During an interview in Mumbai, India's financial center, he acknowledged that recruiting such talented individuals is the primary hurdle faced by the company.

Despite grappling with significant debt, the metals and mining conglomerate led by billionaire Anil Agarwal, Vedanta, is venturing into the electronics components sector to capitalize on India's endeavor to establish itself as a technology manufacturing hub. Distinct from Vedanta's struggling chip venture, the display business presents a comparatively less technically challenging opportunity, potentially offering a smoother path to achieving success.

Vedanta, in collaboration with Innolux Corp., an affiliate of the Foxconn Group, intends to produce glass and assemble LCD panels at its upcoming factory in the display business. According to Chen, if the crucial funding from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is secured, the unit could commence production by the latter part of 2025.

In an effort to attract chip and display manufacturers to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has committed $10 billion, with the government covering half the expenses for establishing semiconductor and display fabrication sites. While Vedanta's chip plans are awaiting government support, its display business stands a better chance of securing state incentives due to its strategic technological partnerships. Additionally, Vedanta owns AvanStrate, a Japan-based company specializing in producing layers for LCD panels.

Meanwhile, major global display companies are gradually phasing out LCD technology and shifting their focus to more advanced OLED displays. Industry leader Samsung Display Co. from South Korea has ceased LCD production and is investing billions in the development of next-generation displays. Similarly, LG Display Co., another prominent South Korean player, is reducing its LCD manufacturing operations.

With its display venture, Vedanta aims to capture a portion of India's expanding display market, projected to reach an annual value of $30 billion within the next seven years. However, the company will face competition from low-cost Chinese LCDs and will need to innovate and introduce newer display technologies to secure long-term success.

We need to build our own supply chain in India," Chen said. We will focus on new designs to lower costs, and compete with the Chinese."

(With inputs from Bloomberg)

VEDANTA More Information
In the latest QS World University Rankings, IIT Bombay managed to manage a spot in the top 150 universities across the world. However, there was no Indian institution in the top 100 list of global universities. After IIT Bombay, next Delhi Univerisity was the second best Indian varsity which was ranked at 407 position, followed by Anna University at 427 position.

The 20th edition of the university ranking includes a total of 1,500 institutions across 104 locations. The ranking includes factors related to employability and sustainability in its assessment of institutions. The revised weightage system implemented in the rankings was one of the main reasons for the poor performance of the Indian universities in the rankings.

QS World University Rankings 2024: MIT retains top position since 12 years

The ranking was topped by Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It is worth noting that the institution has been on the top for last twelve years. Second on the list is the University of Cambridge, followed by University of Oxford on 3rd position. This year, Cambridge university showed a progress by a single ranking.

The latest rankings also assessed institutions based on three new metrics, which included Sustainability, Employment Outcomes and International Research Network.

The result has analysed a total of 17.5 million academic papers and considered expert opinions of over 240,000 academic faculty and employers.

Top 10 varsities on the QS World University Rankings

Rankings University Score 1. Massachusetts University of Technology (MIT) 100 2. University of Cambridge 00.2 3. University of Oxford 98.9 4. Harvard University 98.3 5. Stanford University 98.1 6. Imperial College London 97.8 7. ETH Zurich 93.3 8. National University of Singapore 92.7 9. UCL 92.4 10. University of California, Berkeley 90.4

13 Indian universities slipped in the rankings

Anna University made its debut in the top 3 Indian Universities in the rankings. However, as many as thirteen universities slipped in the latest global ranking. IISC Bengaluru slipped down to 225 from 155. Similarly, IIT Madras also witnessed a decline in its position by 35 points. Indian Universities show a strong presence in the citations per faculty indicators. India was hit most by the introduction of new indicator, which is international student ratio. India is way behind than countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam on this indicator.
India, China and Why Data is Like a Bikini We live in an era where data is everything from a good WhatsApp forward which promotes and projects a healthy dose of nationalism to why my political party is better than yours. In many cases, its also what we believe it to be, not what it really is. Nowhere is this truer than the case of the tradeimports and exportscarried out between India and China. Indias high dependence on Chinese imports has been the subject of many WhatsApp forwards over the years. Typically, these forwards have suggested that we should lessen our dependence on China by boycotting Chinese goods during Holi and Diwali and buying stuff that is Made in India. The trouble is that what works as a WhatsApp forward to get human emotion going and the mind switched off doesnt necessarily work in real life. Recently, experts citing data have suggested that Indias dependence on China on the trade front has been decreasing, thanks to the governments production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme. But is that the case? Look at the following chart, which plots Indias goods imports from China over the years. What does the above chart tell us? 1) In 2022-23, the Indian imports of Chinese goods stood at $98.4 billion, around 4% more than imports of $94.6 billion in 2021-22. So, does a growth of just 4% imply that Indian imports from China are slowing, given that the overall imports grew by nearly a sixth during the year? Yes, only if we look at just one years data. If we look at the jump in imports from 2018-19the year before the covid pandemic struckand 2022-23, the increase has been 8.7% per year. During the period, Indias overall goods imports grew at a very similar 8.5% per year. 2) What proportion of Indias overall goods imports come from China? In 2022-23, 13.8% of Indias goods imports came from China, down from 15.4% in 2021-22. Clearly, this shows some improvement. Nonetheless, the overall import data in the Indian case includes a lot of petroleum imports, almost none of which comes from China. Once we adjust for that, 19.4% of non-petroleum goods were imported from China in 2022-23, down from 20.9% in 2021-22. Again, there is some improvement, but its still higher than the proportion in 2018-19 and 2019-20. 3) It is worth mentioning here that trade is a two-way process. India just doesnt import goods from China. It also exports goods. The difference between Indias export of goods to China and its import of goods from China is referred to as the trade deficit. The following chart plots Indias trade deficit with China over the years. In 2022-23, Indias trade deficit with China stood at $83.1 billion, almost 13.2% more than in 2021-22. Also, the trade deficit with China in 2018-19 had stood at $53.6 billion, implying that it has jumped 55% since then. Why did this happen? As mentioned earlier, the Indian imports from China in 2022-23 stood at $98.4 billion, just 4% more than in 2021-22. At the same time, the Indian goods exports to China in 2022-23 were at $15.3 billion, around 28% lower than exports of $21.2 billion in 2021-22. What does this imply? This implies that India is more dependent on China than it ever was when it comes to goods trade. Now, dear reader, I am sure this is not something the WhatsApp forward you received the other day told you. But this is what a clear reading of the overall goods trade data, and not just the goods imports data, shows. Over and above this, the other story that has been sold well both on social media and the mainstream media is the success of the PLI scheme. The PLI scheme stems from what economists call the infant industry argument. As Ha-Joon Chang explains in Edible Economics: The [infant industry] argument dictates that the government of an economically backward country should protect and nurture its young industries until they develop their capabilities as producers and can compete with superior foreign competitors in the world market. The general belief is that the infant industry argument emanated in Japan, South Korea and countries in South East Asia. But thats not true. As Chang points out: It was actually invented in the US  by none other than the countrys first finance minister, Alexander Hamilton[He] argued that the US government should protect industries in their infancy (his words) against superior English and other European competition, as otherwise, America would never industrialize. There are two things at the heart of implementing the infant industry argument. First, tariffs are put in place, which make imports expensive. This ensures that what is produced domesticallyat a higher pricecan compete with cheaper imports. Second, the government offers incentives to companies which decide to produce domestically. Lets look at the PLI incentives offered to manufacture mobile phones in India. The government has been imposing tariffs on imported mobile phone parts over the last few years. Over and above this, it imposed a 10% basic customs duty on imported smartphones in February 2017. This was increased to 20% in February 2018. In early 2020, the government introduced the PLI scheme, which pays the mobile phone manufacturer 6% of the invoice price of the phone for every unit made in India, which is supposed to come down to 4% in the fifth year. This move has supposedly turned Indias mobile phone sector into an export powerhouse. But is that really the case? In a research note titled, Has India become a mobile phone manufacturing giant? Rahul Chauhan, Rohit Lamba, and Raghuram Rajan pointed out that in 2017-18, the imports of mobile phones had stood at $3.6 billion. In comparison, exports stood at just $337 million. Now cut to 2022-23, exports have jumped to $11 billion, and imports have shrunk to $1.6 billion. Like all great WhatsApp forwards, the data and the argument in this case are incomplete as well. How? This argument would have stood true if everything that goes into making a mobile phone were also being made in India, which, as it turns out, is not the case. Much of what goes into making a mobile phone is imported, and then the phone is assembled in India. This finished unit is then exported. So, what products are being imported to make a mobile phone? Chauhan, Lamba and Rajan look at semiconductors, PCBAs (printed circuit board assembly), displays, cameras, and batteries  key components of mobile phone manufacturing. The total imports of these components stood at $32.4 billion. Now all these components may not have been imported to be used in mobile phones. The exact data for this is not publicly available. Nonetheless, Rajeev Chandrashekhar, the minister of state for electronics and information technology, pointed out that imports linked to mobile phone manufacturing are around $22 billion or a little over two-thirds of $32.4 billion of imported components. So, the import bill stands at $22 billion, which is $11 billion more than the mobile phone exports of around $11 billion. Now, of course, these imported components would have been used even for mobile phones produced for the domestic market as well. As the authors point out: After adjusting using publicly available estimates of the increase in domestic demand, it is still the case that net mobile phone exports do not go up over this period. Clearly, the situation is not what it has been made out to be. So, what does this tell us? 1) Any real in-depth analysis of any economic issue does not remain simplistic enough to be sent as a WhatsApp forward. (On a separate note, this explains why so many financial influencers are so successful on social media. Their very simplistic and sometimes remarkably stupid takes find a large audience.) 2) According to the India Cellular and Electronics Association(ICEA), India is likely to cross Rs 1.2 trillion worth of mobile phone exports in 2023-24. Assuming a dollar is worth Rs 82, this amounts to $14.6 billion. According to ICEA, Apples share in this is expected to be more than 50%. Now this is where things get interesting. The US is nudging its companies to follow a China-plus-one strategy when it comes to outsourcing production. Apple is also following this strategy and trying to reduce its dependence on China. So, Apple had more than an incentive to increase its presence in India. Also, the 20% customs duty may have impacted this more than the PLI scheme itself. 3) Another argument that has been made is that the cost of PLI is low. Veteran business editor and economic commentator TN Ninan argued in a column in early May: For the proposed incentives are tiny in a macro-economic context. The total PLI payout is to be under Rs 2 trillion, over five years  perhaps one-tenth of 1 per cent of expected GDP over that period. This argument only looks at the first-order impact of PLI, which is that the government will end up spending more money to finance the scheme. But thats only one part of PLI. Other than offering economic incentives to companies making in India, the government has also put tariffs in place to make PLI work. This has pushed up the price of mobile phones. Data sourced from the consumer price index shows that between March 2015 and March 2019, the price of a mobile phone, on average, went up by just 1.7%. Between March 2019 and March 2023, the price increased by more than 18%. This is a clear impact of the tariffs put in place. So, its not just the cost of PLI incentives borne by the government; people are also paying extra to make the scheme work. There is a price attached to the scheme. It isnt a free lunch. In fact, the overall smartphone shipments from January to March declined by 19%. Declines were seen even from July to September and October to December. 4) There is a subtler point that needs to be made here. As the Indian consumer ends up paying more for products made under the PLI scheme, the extra amount spent will not be spent on other products or services. This will have an impact on these other sectors. They will not grow or create as many jobs as they could have possibly done without PLI, though it will be next to impossible to figure out which these other sectors will be, making it easy for politicians and bureaucrats to show that state intervention in the form of PLI has worked. This is the unseen effect of PLI. 5) Also, as the economist of Milton Friedman once said: Nothing is so permanent as a temporary government program. So, the question is, how long will PLI go on? The history of the implementation of the infant industry argument shows that over a period of time, it inevitably ends up facing what is referred to as the time inconsistency problem. As Pranab Bardhan writes in A World of Insecurity: In most countries, infant-industry protection inevitably faces the time inconsistency problem: when the initial period of protection nears its completion, the political pressures for its renewal from vested interests become inexorable. The Indian political and bureaucratic dispensation needs to keep this in mind, given that the Indian consumer cannot and should not keep financing this inefficiency forever. Bardhan offers the example of South Korea, which strictly adhered to the criterion of export performance. As he writes: Through this precommitment device, the strong Korean state has used the vital disciplining function of foreign competition in encouraging quick learning, cost consciousness, and quality consciousness among domestic enterprises, something that has been conspicuously absent in many other interventionist regimes. To conclude, the American business professor Aaron Levenstein (and not Navjot Singh Sidhu) once famously said: Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital. Now we live in the age of WhatsApp. And WhatsApp thrives on making things simplistic. So, its time to replace the term statistics with data Data is like bikinis Oh and even bikinis are like bikinis. PS: I will take a break from writing Easynomics for the next two weeks. So, the next issue of the newsletter will be on 19 July.
In recent days, Byjus has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. the Bengaluru-based ed-tech startup faced flak for firing people in large numbers, and not paying its employees the provident fund for months. As per media reports, Byju's has cleared 97% ( 123.1 crore) of dues after the EPFO probe into delayed PF payments. Even though Byjus has paid PF now here's what happens if the company doesn't pay.

What do EPFO rules say? The EPFO guidelines mandate that for each month, employers must credit provident fund payments by the 15th of the following month in the account of employees. What happens when an employer delays EPF contribution? To avoid paying penalties and interest, employers must make sure Employee Provident Fund (EPF) contributions are made on time. According to a ruling made by the Supreme Court in February 2022, an employer is required to cover damages if an employee's Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) contribution is delayed. Employers defaulting on contributions are liable to pay Damages & Interest on the amount due," said EPFO. The retirement fund body also specified the rate at which damages are covered due to delayed contributions. 0-2 months 5% 2-4 months 10% 4-6 months 15% More than 6 months 25%

What can employees do if EPFO contribution is delayed?

Damages are restricted up to 100 per cent of the amount in arrears. The Fund added that 12 per cent annual interest is applied on the amount due for the entire period of delay," EPFO informed via a tweet.

Tax and investment expert Balwant Jain said that if there is any delay in payments by employers, individuals can file a complaint with the EPFO against the employer.

An inquiry will be initiated by the EPFO against the employers," said Jain.

EPFO can recover the damaged amount by charging interest on the late deposit as well, he added.

Amount paid by the employee and employer in EPF

An employer is liable to pay a simple interest at the rate of 12 per cent per annum, according to section 7Q of the Employee's Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.

How to check whether your employer has deposited EPF contribution

-Employees can check whether their PF contributions are deposited by logging into the EPFO portal.

-EPFO also sends SMS alerts of the payment made in the PF account.

Founded by former teacher Byju Raveendran over a decade ago, Byju's, which was once valued at $22 billion, has missed deadlines for filing its financial results and paying interest on a loan.
India is setting a new course as a global financial hub with its first International Financial Services Center (IFSC) - GIFT City. Family offices can now establish a first-of-its-kind fund management entity, family investment fund (FIF) in GIFT City. The FIF can pool resources from a single family or entities under the familys control. Such entities can be sole proprietorship firms, partnership firms, LLPs, trusts, companies, or a body corporate, in which an individual or a group of individuals of a single family exercises control and directly or indirectly holds substantial economic interest (at least 90%).

This new regulation is a game-changer as it directly addresses some of the major challenges affecting the global plans of family offices. Here are the advantages that make GIFT City an ideal choice for family offices over offshore destinations:

Unrestricted global diversification

The FIF is a powerful tool for building a diversified portfolio, reaching beyond domestic assets to include a variety of international options, such as listed and unlisted securities, and even tangible assets like real estate, bullion, and art. Individual investors are permitted to contribute up to $250,000 to FIFs (subject to the 20% tax collection at source, or TCS, applicable from 1 July). Meanwhile, a qualifying Indian entity, which must be 90% family-owned, can contribute up to 50% of its net worth.

The fund has to amass a minimum corpus of $10 million within three years of its establishment. Additionally, FIFs have the unique advantage of access to banks situated in GIFT City, where they can potentially take on leverage in the form of loans.

One of the significant benefits of establishing an FIF is the potential it offers to maximize the liberalised remittance scheme (LRS) limit for family members. By using the entity route, an FIF can achieve the required corpus of $10 million and individual family members can save their personal $250,000 global remittance limit for other international ventures.

View Full Image (Graphics: Mint)

Progressive regulation

Investors have often voiced concerns over Indias stringent rules on international investments. Nevertheless, the IFSCA, which oversees the regulation of GIFT City, operates based on a modern and transparent regulatory structure that ensures ease of business operations and protection for investors. For instance, only entities with a profitable track record of three years can make overseas direct investments (ODIs), unless they are family offices in the IFSC, where this rule is not applicable.

The recently introduced fund management regulations by IFSCA aim to regulate the fund management entity (FME), a shift from the traditional method of regulating the funds themselves. This, coupled with tax incentives, is likely to lure global fund managers to GIFT city The FIF will be treated as an Indian resident for taxation, while considered a foreign resident for exchange control. All investments made by the FIF will be subject to FME regulations.

The GIFT City advantage

For Indian HNIs, GIFT City offers unparalleled opportunities to access diverse financial services domestically, eliminating the need for overseas transactions. Its close proximity to major Indian cities, such as Ahmedabad and Mumbai ensures seamless connectivity to worldwide markets. Additionally, the costs associated with administration, setting up, and ongoing operations are significantly lower compared to similar foreign jurisdictions.

Tax concessions

Operating within the parameters of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), GIFT City provides several tax benefits and exemptions. An enticing prospect is the potential to receive a 100% income tax exemption for 10 consecutive years within a 15-year period, (subject to the nature of investments qualifying as requisite business) along with exemptions from GST. Asset classes with long exit horizons such as global PE/VC funds seem attractive when viewed through this lens.

Family offices that establish a FIF in GIFT City can leverage the expertise of wealth managers and advisers in GIFT City to enhance their investment strategies. The global financial hub status of India relies on IFSCA maintaining its relatively open regulatory approach. If the regulatory body continues to embrace progressiveness and competitiveness, GIFT City has the potential to evolve into a formidable global financial hub in due course.

Nakul Beri is senior managing director, global client origination and coverage at Waterfield Advisors.
Amarnath Yatra is set to commence on July 1st, 2023, a sacred trek through the mountains of south Kashmir Himalayas to the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnath. This annual pilgrimage attracts devotees from far and wide who come to pay their respects to Lord Shiva in the form of a naturally formed ice stalagmite Lingam within the Holy Cave Shrine. The pilgrimage spans 62 days, starting from July 1 and will conclude on August 31.

Registration for the yatra commenced on April 17th, 2023. The schedule for the Amarnath Yatra is usually planned to coincide with the auspicious day of Skandshasthi as per the Hindu calendar and concludes on Shravan Purnima, also known as Raksha Bandhan.

The management of the Holy Cave Shrine is entrusted to the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), established by an Act of the Jammu & Kashmir State Legislature in 2000, with the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir serving as its ex-officio Chairman.

To ensure a smooth and organised yatra, the SASB has implemented a step-by-step registration procedure for the Amarnath Yatra 2023. Last year, the board introduced "Group Registration" to facilitate the registration of pilgrims who wish to travel together as a group, be it relatives, friends, or neighbours. Detailed guidelines for group registration have been issued by the SASB.

Also read: Mandaviya reviews health services for Amarnath Yatra

In recognition of the large number of devotees residing abroad who undertake this annual pilgrimage, the SASB has established a special mechanism to enable the registration of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and ex-India pilgrims for the Amarnath Yatra 2023.

The exact schedule and duration of the yatra are determined by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board's sub-committee, taking into consideration factors such as the Hindu calendar, weather conditions, and the clearance of the trek from snow. Once the number of days is decided, the yatra schedule is strictly followed from its commencement until its culmination on Raksha Bandhan each year.

Pilgrims can choose between two routes: the longer 48-kilometer Nunwan route from Pahalgam and the shorter 14-kilometer Baltal route from Ganderbal. The first group of pilgrims will leave from Jammu on June 30 and travel on the Jammu-Srinagar highway to reach their base camps in Pahalgam and Baltal.

To ensure the safety and comfort of the pilgrims, the SASB has determined that a maximum of 7,500 pilgrims per day per route will be allowed to register for the Amarnath Yatra 2023. This does not include yatris (pilgrims) who will be traveling by helicopter on either route to Panjtarni.

Consequently, both the Pahalgam-Chandanwari Track and Sonamarg-Baltal Track will accommodate 7,500 registered yatris per day during the scheduled Amarnath Yatra for 2023, reported jammu.com.

Also read: Amarnath Yatra 2023 registration begins today; here's how to register, fees and other details here

Mock drill to test the security arrangements

Two days ahead of the start of the annual Amarnath Yatra, a mock drill was conducted on Wednesday from Jammu to Banihal to test the security arrangements. The drill involved sending a Yatra convoy under security, and officials inspected all the arrangements to ensure their effectiveness.
Maharashtra Chief minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday announced that VersovaBandra Sea Link will be named as Veer Savarkar Setu and Mumbai Trans Harbour Link to be renamed as Atal Bihari Vajpayee Smruti Nhava Sheva Atal Setu.

The decision to rename MTHL was taken in the state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Other than this, Maharashtra cabinet also decided to expand the limit of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yogana from 2 lakh to 5 lakh.

Also Read: Monsoon Rains: Mumbai local train status to traffic snarls. Latest Updates here

We've also taken a big decision to increase the limit of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana from 2 lakh to 5 lakh and it will be given to all people of the state," CM Shinde told ANI.

Other than the extension of Jan Arogya Yojana, the state cabinet gave a green nod to investment proposals worth 40,000 crore. The recent decision of investment will help the state in generating 1,20,00 jobs, claimed CM Shinde. He also said that the state has again become number 1 in terms of foreign direct investment.

Also Read: Mumbai: Amid water-logging, power cut due to rains, city to face 10% water cut in July. Know details

In today's meeting, we have approved investment proposals worth 40,000 crore. This will provide employment to 1,20,000 people. Many industries are coming to Maharashtra as there is a lot of potential in our state. Now Maharashtra has again become number 1 in FDI," said CM Eknath Shinde after the meeting on Wednesday.
Two political newcomers on Tuesday beat former GOP power broker George D. Maziarz in a three-way Republican primary election for two open Newfane Town Board seats.

Robert C. Horanburg and Pete Robinson received 635 and 634 votes, respectively, to beat Maziarz, who picked up just 233 votes.

Maziarz served 16 years in the New York State Senate representing the 62nd District from 1994 until 2015. Prior to that, the North Tonawanda native and former North Tonawanda city clerk had also served as Niagara County clerk.

In 2018, Maziarz pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor election law violation before an Albany County judge and paid a $1,000 fine after facing five felony election law violations. The plea deal headed off a scheduled trial that was expected to expose much of Niagara County's inside politics, and followed immunity granted to a host of major Niagara County figures.

Horanburg is an electrician and president of the Olcott Volunteer Fire Company, according to the Lockport Union Sun Journal, which also identified him as a cousin of the late longterm Newfane Supervisor Tim Horanburg.

According to his social media, Robinson, a Lockport native, works in the Niagara County Courthouse as a New York State Court sergeant, and runs a longtime charity, the Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive in Niagara County.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong pitch in favour of the Uniform Civil Code , India's top Muslim body, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), convened a late-night emergency meeting on Tuesday. According to a report by the Hindustan Times, Livemint's sister publication, the Islamic personal law board has decided to oppose the UCC , which is aimed to dissolve all the personal laws based on caste, creed, religion, sexual orientation, and gender. UCC law aims to implement a set of common personal laws for all citizens of India.

During a virtual meeting, the AIMPLB president Saifullah Rehmani; Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, chairman of Islamic Centre of India and member of AIMPLB; and other members have decided to firmly present their views in front of the Law Commission.

Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahali said that the Islamic Board has opposed the Uniform Civil Code and is chalking out a startegy to counter the proposed move.

"For the past several years, politicians have been raising the issue of the Uniform Civil Code just before the elections. This time too, the issue has come up before the 2024 elections," Mahali told Hindustan Times.

He said that UCC will not only affect Muslims but other religions too--Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Christians, Parsis, Jews, and other minuscule minorities and tribals.

"India is a country where language changes every 100 km. So, how can we have the same set of rules for all communities? Every community has a different way of praying, performing rituals, and conducting ceremonies like marriage. The freedom to practice ones own faith and way of life is granted to everyone by the Constitution," Mahali added.

PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday pushed for the implementation of the UCC in the country and said Muslims are being instigated over the sensitive issue by the Opposition.

Addressing a gathering of party workers in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, the Prime Minister said, "ou tell me, in a home, how can there be one law for one member and another law for another member? Will that home be able to function? Then how will the country be able to function with such a dual system? We have to remember that even in the Constitution, there is a mention of equal rights for all".

Attacking the opposition, PM said, "These people (opposition) level allegations against us but the reality is that they chant Musalman, Musalman. Had they really been (working) in the interests of Muslims, then Muslim families would not have been lagging in education and jobs".

Modi said in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, South India, especially in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, and a number of other states, many castes were left behind in development because of the policy of appeasement. He said those supporting triple talaq were doing grave injustice to Muslim daughters. "Triple talaq was abolished in Egypt 80-90 years ago. If it is necessary, then why has it been abolished in Pakistan, Qatar, and other Muslim-dominated nations?" PM

He said the Opposition is using the issue of UCC, which relates to a common law pertaining to marriage, divorce, inheritance, maintenance, and succession of property for all citizens, to mislead and provoke the Muslim community.
On the occasion of Bakrid 2023, a residential society in Mumbai's Mira Road area found itself embroiled in a heated dispute after a controversial incident involving the entry of goats onto the premises. The issue divided residents, with some strongly opposing the presence of the animals. The matter took an unexpected turn when an official notice was issued, explicitly forbidding the slaughter of the goats.

The incident occurred in the JP Infra society, where a family had acquired two goats for the upcoming Eid al-Adha, popularly known as Bakrid or Bakra Eid. However, the decision did not sit well with certain residents, leading to a commotion and escalating tensions between the opposing factions. Also Read: Eid-al-Adha 2023: Bakrid 2023 messages, wishes to share with friends and family In an attempt to defuse the mounting conflict, the society management posted a notice, explicitly prohibiting the slaughter of the goats and urging residents to respect their neighbours' rights. The notice emphasised the importance of maintaining a harmonious living environment and called on all parties involved to seek a peaceful resolution.

Despite the notice, tensions escalated further when the society management removed the goats from the society's elevator. This action angered residents who supported the presence of the animals, prompting them to stage a protest.

They demanded the involvement of law enforcement authorities, asserting that they should be allowed to keep animals as pets as long as it didn't violate any regulations or disturb their neighbours.

As tensions continued to rise, the agitated residents called for immediate police intervention. They believed that the presence of law enforcement officials would help restore order, resolve the dispute and ensure the safety of all residents involved.
Taiwan said on Tuesday it spotted two Russian warships off its east coast on Tuesday. The warships sailed in the southeasterly direction where there is a Taiwanese naval base.

In a report by the Reuters news agency, Taiwan sent its own aircraft and ships to keep watch and activated shore-based missile system, the defence ministry said.

"Two frigates sailed in a northerly direction off Taiwan's east coast and then departed from our response zone in a southeasterly direction off the port city of Suao, which is home to a major Taiwanese naval base," Taiwa defence ministry informed Reuters news agency.

Yesterday a detachment of ships of the Russian Pacific Fleet entered the southern parts of the Philippine Sea to perform tasks as part of a long-range sea passage.

Taiwan backed the US and its allies in enacting wide-ranging sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

Democratically governed Taiwan, which China views as its own territory, has over the past three years regularly reported Chinese navy ships and air force aircraft operating around the island as Beijing seeks to press its territorial claim.

This week, Taiwanese Foreign Mister Jaushieh Joseph Wu said that China's threat against Taiwan is much more serious than what is visible. He warned China that the world that any attempt by Beijing to change the status quo by force will have severe consequences for the world including on the supply of semiconductors.

The Taiwanese foreign minister said the time has come for all democratic countries to find ways to deal with China's expansionist agenda and its military muscle flexing, especially in the maritime domain.

India and countries across the world depend heavily on the semiconductors produced in Taiwan. Wu said Taiwan supplies 90% of the advanced chips required across the globe.
A New York appeals court denied Donald Trump's attempt to dismiss a lawsuit by the state attorney general accusing him and his business of fraud. However, it dismissed all claims against his daughter Ivanka Trump and said the remaining case may be limited further.

Attorney General Letitia James filed a civil case accusing Donald Trump of lying about asset values from 2011 to 2021. The alleged falsehoods involve his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump Tower penthouse, and net worth, aiming to secure favorable terms from lenders and insurers. Seeking damages of at least $250 million, the lawsuit also aims to prevent the Trumps from operating businesses in New York.

Trump, the Republican 2024 presidential front-runner, denies wrongdoing and dismisses the case, along with two unrelated criminal indictments, as part of a Democratic witch hunt."

The Appellate Division in Manhattan, with a 5-0 decision, affirmed that the state law empowers James to investigate repeated or persistent fraud or illegality. However, due to statutes of limitations, James cannot sue for claims arising before July 13, 2014, or February 6, 2016, depending on the defendant.

Furthermore, all claims against Ivanka Trump were dismissed as they were filed too late, and she was no longer associated with the Trump Organization during the relevant period.

October trial

The court returned the case to Justice Arthur Engoron of the state Supreme Court in Manhattan to determine which parts could proceed.

An October 2 trial is scheduled. Trump was questioned under oath for the case in April.

"There is a mountain of evidence that shows Trump and the Trump Organization falsely and fraudulently valued multiple assets and misrepresented those values to financial institutions for significant economic gain," a spokeswoman for James said. "This decision allows us to hold him accountable for that fraud, and we intend to do so."

(With agency inputs)
Chinese exporters are concerned about their reliance on Russia as political instability continues to unfold in the country, following a short-lived rebellion by Wagner troops. After reports of the mutiny, several businessmen in southern China rushed to halt shipments of goods destined for Russia.

While the crisis has subsided, some exporters remain cautious about their future dependence on Russia. The partnership between China and Russia, established shortly before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has come under scrutiny as some analysts question the need for Beijing to reassess its political and economic ties with Moscow, Reuters reported.

The recent events have cast a shadow over the "no limits" relationship that China had fostered with Russia. The Chinese government has sought to downplay the situation, expressing support for Moscow's efforts to stabilise the internal affairs of the country.

"It has put a fly in the ointment of that 'no-limits' relationship," Reuters quoted Singapore-based security analyst Alexander Neill as saying.

China's close economic ties with Russia are evident, with the country being Russia's top trading partner. However, there are signs of caution among Chinese investors, particularly in the energy sector, which has seen a significant increase in trade between the two countries.

Executives at Chinese state energy companies have refrained from commenting on new investments in Russia, highlighting the uncertainties that could arise if Russia were to lose the war or undergo changes in leadership. While China's trade with Russia is substantial, its trade with other major economies such as the United States, the European Union, and Japan far surpasses its dealings with Russia.

The events in Russia have prompted Chinese scholars and experts to question Beijing's stance on Kremlin. Some have called for China to support Ukraine to avoid being dragged into a potential quagmire of war with Russia. However, others believe that China will not change its position on Russia in light of the recent incident.

(With Reuters inputs)
Adam Smiths The Wealth of Nations , arguably the most influential book on economics ever written, was published in 1776. James Watt introduced the modern steam engine that year. No doubt, the Industrial Revolution considerably increased the wealth of a nation, but Smith could not possibly have foreseen how the world might change as a result. At the tercentenary of Adam Smith, civilization may be at a crossroads, placed there by an artificial intelligence (AI) revolution which might be just as disruptive. AI is transforming our lives, but is it really todays steam engine?

In his 2018 book, Intelligence is Not Artificial, Italian-American author Piero Scaruffi stated: AI is just computational mathematics applied to automation." In a article in the New York Times, Noam Chomsky and co-authors rightly described ChatGPT and similar systems as a lumbering statistical engine for pattern matching, gorging on hundreds of terabytes of data and extrapolating the most likely conversational response..."

And whats the economic view-point? The International Monetary Funds (IMF) Gita Gopinath recently referred to AI as artificial hand" (AH?), and a market-centric interpretation of the technology has lately arisen. In her lecture on AI through the ideas of Adam Smith on 5 June at the University of Glasgow, Gopinath pondered, How would Adam Smith have responded to the emergence of this new artificial hand?" She claimed that Smith would have been happy as AI is leading to increased production, which determines a countrys wealth.

Smith certainly discussed automation in Wealth. In the chapter Division of Labour, he wrote: Men are much more likely to discover easier and readier methods of attaining any objects, when the whole attention of their minds is directed towards that single object, than when it is dissipated among a great variety of things."

However, there are other significant economic and social issues concerning AI. With the rapid progress of generative AI, this may be the first time that technology has threatened to replace millions of white-collar jobs. Even worse, as explained by MIT economist Daron Acemoglu, AI may simply replace human jobs without creating new and more productive jobs for people to switch to. In this vein, Gopinath reckons that Adam Smith wouldve been deeply troubled by the possible effects of AI on job losses, the widening of societal division due to fake news, and its ability to induce AI hallucinations".

Gopinaths use of artificial hand to refer to AI undoubtedly called attention to Adam Smiths enigmatic metaphor of the Invisible Hand, which is widely perceived as synonymous with a free market economy. However, Smith did write about the need of the state and the role of taxes; therefore, some scholars think that his invisible hand has been overstretched by laissez faire interpreters. Dissidents like Joseph Stiglitz, though, will claim its invisible, at least in part, because it is not there."

Undoubtedly, AI (or AH, as Gopinath termed it) possesses a key aspect of Smiths Invisible Hand. In fact, Leonard Reads 1958 article I, Pencil, described the Invisible Hand brilliantly by highlighting that the most seemingly basic objects such as a pencil are the consequence of an incredible amount of specialized market-based cooperation. While I, Pencil shoots down the baseless expectations for central planning," as economist Lawrence W. Reed wrote, it provides a supremely uplifting perspective of the individual. Guided by Adam Smiths invisible hand of prices, property, profits and incentives, free people accomplish economic miracles of which socialist theoreticians can only dream."

What about AI? In addition to algorithms developed by human programmers, significant natural resources, fuel, human labour and extensive human training are used to create AI, as Kate Crawford, a professor at the University of Southern California and a researcher at Microsoft Research, explained in Atlas of AI. So, isnt an AI similar to Reads pencil? Should we call AI an artificial invisible hand from an economic perspective?

Or maybe an artificial genie from societys perspective? The AI genie has certainly been unleashed. It might bring wonder to a globalized economy, but would that ensure widespread benefits for society? Should policymakers craft rules to govern the technology? Quickly? Such calls to clip the wings of AI have emerged from different corners, including from technologists, philosophers, economists, politicians and governments. But it could be a daunting task to regulate AI. Pioneers like Sam Altman or Geoffrey Hinton might appreciate how overambitious such a project might be.

In a Financial Times interview, Gopinath argued for governments to strengthen social safety nets" for workers affected by AI while working on tax laws that dont reward companies replacing employees with machines. She warned policymakers to exercise prudence in case some corporations emerge with an unassailable position in the new technology. How does it compare with Adam Smiths idea that free markets lead to economic efficiency as if guided by unseen forces? Its probable that Smith was mainly thinking of it in the classic context of governments granting special privileges to powerful manufacturers and merchants.

At the moment, the AI genie is flapping its wings faster than we can imagine. And its impossible to put the genie back into the bottle. The quest to tame this genie to the extent possible, however, continues.

Atanu Biswas is professor of statistics at Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata
Congress on Tuesday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his comments on the Uniform Civil Code ( UCC) saying he was making such remarks only to divert attention from the real issues like unemployment and Manipur violence

Congress general secretary, organisation, K C Venugopal said the Prime Minister can say anything, but "he has to answer the real questions of this country - unemployment, price rise and Manipur issue".

"Manipur has been burning for the last 60 days. Why has the PM not uttered a single word? These are all diversionary issues. He wants to run away from the real issues of the country, that is why they are only trying to divert the issues," he said.

PM Narendra Modi, on Tuesday, in his first public address after his US tour, advocated for a UCC, citing the need for consistency within families.

Modi also said the opposition is using the issue of UCC to mislead and provoke the Muslim community.

"You tell me, in a home, how can there be one law for one member and another law for another member? Will that home be able to function? Then how will the country be able to function with such a dual system? We have to remember that even in Indias Constitution, there is a mention of equal rights for all," he said.

"These people (opposition) level allegations against us but the reality is that they chant Musalman, Musalman. Had they really been (working) in the interests of Muslims, then Muslim families would not have been lagging in education and jobs," he said.

His remarks faced strong criticism from opposition parties such as AIMIM, Congress, RJD, and DMK.

Hitting back, Owaisi asked whether the country's pluralism and diversity would be "snatched away" in the name of UCC.

"It seems Modiji did not understand Obama's advice properly. Will the PM end 'Hindu Undivided Family'. (law) Because of HUF, the country is losing 3064 crores every year. When PM Modi speaks about UCC, he is speaking of Hindu Civil Code. I challenge him to abolish Hindu Undivided Family (law), can he do so," he asked.

State minister and senior JD(U) leader Vijay Kumar Chaudhary also alleged that by touching upon the UCC, Modi was aiming at communal polarisation.

RJD leader Manoj Jha said the Prime Minister should not make such issues an instrument of "dog-whistle politics".

(With agency inputs)
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited a bike mechanic workshop in Delhi's Karol Bagh area on Tuesday. In the images shared by the Congress party, Gandhi can be seen interacting with mechanics at the workshop and even trying to repair the broken motorcycles.

Rahul Gandhi also shared the images of his visit to the bike shop on his Facebook account, he wrote, Learning from the hands that turn the wrenches, and keep the wheels of Bharat moving."

Congress Party while sharing the images of Gandhi's visit to motorbike repair shop wrote in a tweet in Hindi, These hands make India. Grease on these clothes is our pride and dignity. Only a people's hero works to encourage them. @RahulGandhi with bike mechanics in Delhi's Karol Bagh. 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' continues"

Since the end of Bharat Jodo Yatra, Gandhi has often been seen interacting with common people and listening to their problems while sharing these experiences on his Youtube channel.

Recently, during his visit to the US, the Congress leader went on a 190-km "American Truck Yatra" from Washington DC to New York with driver Taljinder Singh Vicky Gill and his companion Ranjeet Singh Banipal. Days earlier, Gandhi had tried to understand the concern of truck drivers in India when he travelled from Delhi to Chandigarh in a late-night ride.

During the Karnataka elections, the former Congress MP was also seen interacting with college students and women at a bustling Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus stop and listening to the problems of gig workers and delivery partners over a meal of Masala dosa and coffee. On May 10, Rahul Gandhi went to the Men's Hostel of Delhi University and ate food with them at lunchtime.

The senior congress leader is set to start his two-day visit to violence-struck Manipur from June 29 where he will visit relief camps and interact with members of the civil society.


Nvidias chief has warned about the risks of an escalating chip war with China. It looks like the company will get one anyway.

That could end up as a structural headwind for Nvidia, which recently became a member of the $1 trillion club thanks to the artificial-intelligence frenzy. Chinas chip-sector ambitions, and its own AI aspirants, will also suffer.

The Biden administration is considering steps to further curb exports of AI chips, like those made by Nvidia, to China. The U.S. already requires a license to sell the most high-end AI chips, like Nvidias A100, to customers in China. But the new restrictions would include Nvidias A800 chips, which were designed to defuse the impact of an earlier round of export controls instituted last August.

These latest restrictions may be meant in part to send a signal to U.S. companies to stop their cat-and-mouse game of trying to circumvent Washingtons export curbs.

A800 chips have the same computing power as A100 chips, widely used for AI computations, but have a lower bandwidth for communicating with other chips. The new rules may restrict the provision of cloud services too. Some Chinese AI companies may have leased high-end chips through such services to circumvent export controls.

Chinese software companies were indeed feeling the heat today: Alibaba and Tencent, for example, were both down over 1% on Wednesday in Hong Kong.

But the Biden administration also needs to strike a fine balance: Such restrictions will slow Chinas AI effort, but may also hit revenue at U.S. chip companies.

Nvidias share price fell 4.3% in after hours trading on Tuesday on worries that the new measures could hurt earnings. But the stock clawed back some of those losses on Wednesday, after Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress told an investment conference that the company doesnt anticipate any immediate material impact" from new restrictions, due to booming global demand for its AI chips.

Still, Kress warned that the escalating chip war between the two countries could result in a permanent loss of opportunities for the U.S. industry to compete and lead in one of the worlds largest markets." That, he said, could still impact Nvidias future business. The companys A800 chips have been very popular with Chinese companies, according to Jefferies. Chinese companies, like American ones, have been ramping up their offerings of generative AIs. The lower bandwidth of the A800 doesnt hurt the development of text-based AI models as much, though it can make a real difference in images, says the bank.

Chinese companies may have also been stockpiling chips in expectation of tighter restrictions. Citi estimates China may account for around 5% to 10% of Nvidias data-center sales. How much Nvidia will be affected will depend on whether Chinese customers just buy new, slower chips developed by the company as replacementsor whether the compromise in performance becomes a hindrance.

Chinese chip stocks, on the other hand, surged Wednesday. AI chip maker Cambricon Technologies rose 3.2%, while graphic-chip maker Changsha Jingjia Microelectronics gained 4.8%. They should benefit from Chinas drive to make chips domestically.

It will be challenging to catch up given how all-encompassing U.S. chip restrictions have becomeranging from equipment to talent. But Beijing will keep trying given that it now clearly views chip sovereignty" as a matter of national economic survival.

This probably wont be the last time investors in Nvidia, AMD and other U.S. chip darlings wake up to unpleasant news related to China.
Legal and professional fees paid by the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo have ballooned to $12.5 million, prompting the federal judge overseeing the dioceses Chapter 11 bankruptcy case to remark that he was puzzled over how the diocese was able to afford such costs.

The question is, Where is the money coming from for these legal fees? Chief Judge Carl L. Bucki of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Western District of New York asked the dioceses lawyers at a recent hearing. Im just having trouble discerning how an entity can be profitable after paying over $12 million in legal fees, an entity of this size.

Bucki based his comments on the dioceses most recent monthly operating report, for the period ending April 30, which showed a $1.7 million cumulative profit over the course of the 39 months of bankruptcy proceedings. The report also showed a monthly loss of $91,735 in April.

Im just perplexed at how this entity can incur these types of expenses and still be generating a profit, said Bucki, adding that he planned to review the operating reports further and may set up a conference to discuss the matter more fully with lawyers.

Buffalo Diocese seeks updated value of 37 properties as it looks to settle abuse claims More than three dozen Buffalo Diocese properties could soon be appraised for current values that ultimately may factor heavily into a settlement with sexual abuse claimants in the dioceses Chapter 11 bankruptcy court.

Since filing for bankruptcy protection on Feb. 28, 2020, in the face of more than 200 Child Victims Act lawsuits alleging that diocese priests and other employees sexually abused children, the diocese has spent $12.5 million on attorneys and other professionals, according to court papers. None of the more than 900 claimants who say they were sexually abused has been compensated. The diocese is in mediation to negotiate a settlement with them.

Diocese attorney Steve Donato said the diocese has more than sufficient funds to pay the legal fees but did not explain to the judge where exactly the money came from.

Donato said the diocese has investment accounts, and those dollars are quite significant.

Bucki was asked at a hearing last Thursday to approve an additional $1.7 million in payments to eight law firms and three professional firms for their work on behalf of the diocese or the bankruptcy creditors committee between Aug. 1, 2022, and Jan. 31.

Among them was a $369,150 bill submitted by multinational law firm Jones Day, which charges as much as $1,160 per hour.

Jones Days bill included $47,112 for time spent calculating how much money the diocese owed to the firm.

Multiple attorneys and paralegals for Jones Day billed for hours of talking with each other and reviewing fee statements and fee applications that must be submitted to the court for approval so the firm can be paid.

The billable hours related to figuring out fee statements and applications amounted to 12% of all legal fees charged to the diocese by Jones Day over a six-month period.

Thats much higher than the typical 6% to 7% of billing thats associated with determining fees, according to Assistant U.S. Trustee Joseph W. Allen.

The U.S. Trustees Office objected in court papers that many of the charges were for an administrative task in the nature overhead and as such were non-compensable.

Jones Day lawyers ultimately agreed to lower their fee by $17,112.

John D. Goetz, a Jones Day attorney, defended the number of hours spent reviewing fee statements and applications, saying the work involved a fair amount of time redacting information in its time logs that was sensitive or privileged.

Were just making sure our monthly statements are right and responsive to issues the court has raised in the past, said Goetz.

Allen acknowledged that Jones Day had written off more than $20,000 in hours and expenses prior to submitting its fee application.

Even with the adjustments, which were approved by Bucki, Jones Day pocketed $348,240 for its work.

Childhood sexual abuse survivors said the huge amounts in legal payments reflect the dioceses prevailing interest in protecting its image and keeping a lid on details of its abuse cover-ups.

Isnt that just crazy? said Wayne Bortle, who filed a Child Victims Act lawsuit in 2019 and is among more than 900 people with childhood sex abuse claims against the diocese in bankruptcy court. Its just so frustrating. You cant even really put into words how ridiculous it all is.

The irony, added Bortle, is that the diocese could have avoided bankruptcy altogether and moved on from its abuse scandals if it had worked in an honest way with victims from the very beginning.

They could be rebuilding their image now, he said.

The firm of Bond, Schoeneck & King, lead counsel for the diocese, has made the most so far at $3.7 million, followed by the Connors firm at $2.2 million and Jones Day at $2.1 million, according to the dioceses monthly operating statement.

Bucki had questions about some other billing submissions, especially by Jones Day.

The firm billed roughly $10,000 for time preparing the dioceses announcement last October of a settlement with the state Attorney Generals Office, which had sued in 2020 over the dioceses handling of complaints of childhood sexual abuse and of clergy accused of such abuse.

Bucki asked why Jones Day was involved in such an announcement, given that the diocese had also employed a public relations firm.

It sounds more like a public relations activity, he said.

Goetz said the time cited in the bill submission was not related to public relations work but to making sure diocese officials properly understood and characterized the terms of the agreement with the Attorney Generals Office in any discussions with media.

Buffalo Diocese agrees to improve child sexual abuse protections to settle AG's lawsuit The Buffalo Diocese in its settlement with the State Attorney Generals Office made no admissions about covering up for priests who had molested children, but agreed to implement enhanced measures to prevent future sex abuse in parishes and schools.

The bishop wanted to get it right, said Goetz.

The diocese hired Jones Day in 2020 specifically to handle the Attorney Generals lawsuit, and since thats been settled for more than six months, Bucki wanted to know when the firm planned to wrap up its work.

Goetz said the firm has ramped down and will continue to do so, but was not done yet because the terms of the agreement call for annual audits of the dioceses compliance. Goetz said the firms work likely would ramp up again in December, at the end of the first-year audit period.

I am concerned, said Bucki. It reaches a point where your specialty skill in resolving this dispute is one that could be handed off to less expensive counsel. It is an area that Im going to be watching for.
If you have an in-ground pool at your home and have a toddler or young child, Bobby Gossett with River City Pool and Spa said you should invest in a pool safety fence to ensure they do not fall in while in the pool while to pool is unsupervised.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
The smoke is back and it might get worse.

Thick, gray haze hung over Western New York on Wednesday as winds from the northwest pushed smoke from hundreds of Canadian wildfires back into the region. The Buffalo skyline was barely visible through the smoke Wednesday afternoon.

It's expected to continue that way Thursday as smoke is predicted to move slowly eastward and stall over Central New York, with the highest concentrations of fine particulate matter in Western and Northern New York. Gov. Kathy Hochul declared Wednesday afternoon that the entire state will stay under an air quality health advisory until midnight Thursday.

Air quality is forecast to continue at the "unhealthy" level for Western and Central New York, eastern Lake Ontario and the Adirondacks on Thursday and is likely to linger in upstate areas through Friday.

At that level, strenuous outdoor activities should be avoided and people with heart and lung conditions, children, teens and older adults should stay indoors. For those going outdoors, wearing an N95 or KN95 face mask is recommended.

Hochul said that if air quality worsens to the "very unhealthy" or "hazardous" levels, the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services would alert cellphones in impacted communities using the Wireless Emergency Alert System. Updates on forecasts and reports on air quality levels are available at dec.ny.gov.

Smoke from the wildfires has affected a huge swath of the United States, from the Midwest to the East Coast.

The "unhealthy" air prompted several actions.

The state Department of Transportation flashed messages about the air quality on its traffic signs on major highways. "Limit outdoor activity," one sign read.

The City of Buffalo announced that its splash pads would be closed Wednesday.

The Buffalo Bisons said Wednesday's game against the Worcester Red Sox has been rescheduled for Thursday at 5:35 p.m. They initially reported they were monitoring air quality but then declared the decision was made because of a malfuctioning sprinkler on the field.
Caleb Bell spent months recovering after falling 20 feet from a roof last year, and lived to tell the tale thanks to a critical blood infusion. On Saturday, his friends gathered to donate blood, talk fishing, and enjoy some tacos.
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A jobless man has appeared in court charged in connection to being found with almost 4,000 following an alleged drug deal outside Longford Train Station.

Gerard McLoughlin (22) 82 Rutland Grove, Crumlin, Dublin 12, came before a sitting of Longford District Court last Tuesday charged with having 3,950 in his possession at Convent Road, Longford on October 24, 2020.

Details of the alleged charge, which were taken under Section 7 (1) of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010, were relayed before presiding Judge Bernadette Owens.

Garda Karl Foley gave evidence of arresting McLoughlin shortly after 9am this morning by appointment.

He said when the charge was put to him after caution, the accused made no reply.

In giving evidence, Garda Foley told of how he and Garda Tara Hallinan had been called to Longford Train Station by members of the public amid concerns surrounding the congregation of a large number of youths and possible Covid-19 health breaches.

He said his and Garda Hallinan's suspicions were immediately drawn to two youths who appeared "nervous" when approached by the two officers.

He said neither youth could give an accurate account as to why they were in Longford, prompting Garda Foley to seek out an Irish Rail train official.

Garda Foley said those enquiries resulted in the Irish Rail train representative stating how he had seen an alleged "drug deal" 20 minutes before gardai arrived on the scene.

Garda Foley said a search carried out under the Misuse of Drugs Act on McLoughlin moments later found the accused to be in possession of 3,950.

He said the cash was seized on the basis the four figure sum was believed to be the proceeds of crime.

Garda Foley said he later viewed CCTV shortly before 6pm that same evening where, he told the court of observing McLoughlin handing over a clear plastic bag containing a "substantial amount of white powder" to another youth who proceeded to hand over money to the accused.

McLoughlin did not speak or give an indication as to how he intended to plead while sitting impassively in the custody suite of the court.

Dimitry Grinberg, BL, defending, said his client was currently unemployed but was hoping to start part time work in the near future.

McLoughlin was remanded on bail to a sitting of Longford District Court on September 12.
A Longford pilot has spoken of how his many years of flying experience effectively saved his life after his light aircraft burst into flames seconds after making an emergency landing last week.

Multi-time Irish Aerobatic champion Dave Bruton, astonishingly escaped serious injury after the light aircraft's engine seized in mid-flight last Tuesday (June 20).

The Ballynacargy man was able to provide a detailed account to air accident investigators who have since begun a probe into what happened.

I wouldnt have survived but for my knowledge and expertise as a pilot, he said.

That competence saw the brains behind aircraft maintenance firm, Midland Aviation, escape from the mangled wreckage moments before it caught fire.

The Department of Transports Air Accident Investigation Unit revealed it has begun an investigation.

A spokesman said: On Tuesday 20th June 2023, the AAIU was notified of an accident involving a light aircraft that had conducted a forced landing in a field approximately five kilometres southeast of Abbeyshrule Airfield, Co. Longford.

Four AAIU inspectors deployed to the accident location near Paddinstown Lower, Co Westmeath, to commence an investigation. This entailed an initial inspection of the aircraft and a survey of the accident site.

Officials have since taken a statement from Dave with the plane itself having been taken to a site in Meath to be examined.

The spokesman explained: The aircraft wreckage has now been removed from the accident site and has been transported to the AAIU Wreckage Examination Facility in Gormanston, Co Meath, for further detailed examination.

The investigation is ongoing, and a final report will be published in due course.
The national broadcaster was making secret payments totalling 345,000 to Ryan Tubridy between 2017 and March of this year.

The additional payments to Mr Tubridy first emerged last Thursday and statements from the broadcaster, the presenter himself, the Government and opposition politicians have done little to quell public ire.

The latest twist in the saga saw Director General Dee Forbes announce her resignation on Monday morning.

In the wake of the resignation announcement Ciaran Mullooly, RTEs former Midlands correspondent, took to social media to say: So Dee Forbes resigns and walks away : leaving workforce in chaos : she says in her statement she kept the board up to speed on the Tubridy payments process so its time to hear from all present and previous board members and the chairs. The licence payers and staff treated like mugs.

Speaking to the Leader on Monday Mr Mullooly was critical of the State broadcaster's actions: I just found it absolutely unbelievable that at a time when we were cutting back in the news division, shutting down operations, reducing staff and reducing output because of the shortage of money in the organisation that the top brass were proceeding to pay Ryan Tubridy 150,000 for absolutely nothing.

The former Midlands correspondent was incensed by the revelations: She said they received invoices, but the day is gone when you can provide invoices and expect to get paid when you don't do anything. We lost our main studio in Athlone because of cutbacks. We opened a smaller studio, reduced staff, Mr Mullooly said, I just found it disgusting. It was such a betrayal of staff.

Fine Gael Senator Micheal Carrigy, a member of the Oireachtas media committee said that public trust in RTE has been shattered.

Senator Carrigy said the public deserve answers: There appears to have been a serious breach of oversight here, and as each day unfolds there is a growing list of questions about internal financial practices and the use of certain accounts at the broadcaster.

The Senator says the relevant minister must ordered an external review to consider the issues and RTE executives should attend the Oireachtas Media Committee and Public Accounts Committee this week: It is imperative that Montrose staff, including those past and present, must attend both committees to give a truthful and detailed account of the events which led to this sorry state of affairs.

The RTE Board has committed to setting out the circumstances "surrounding the misstating of Ryan Tubridy's earnings across the 2020-2022 period.
Two Longford men had to be escorted off a plane by UK Police over the weekend after an alleged drink fuelled incident at Leeds Airport, the Leader can reveal.

The incident, which is now the subject of a Police investigation, took place last Friday on board a Ryanair flight from Dublin Airport.

It is understood the pair became embroiled in the alleged incident ahead of a stag weekend in the north east of England.

Officers from West Yorkshire Police were forced to come on board and escort the duo off the plane.

The Leader made contact with a spokesperson from West Yorkshire Police on Monday who confirmed that the two men had since been charged.

Both men, who are aged 37 and 29 respectively and from Longford town, are due to appear before a sitting of Leeds Magistrates Court on July 24.

The Leader made contact with Ryanair on Monday evening in an attempt to determine what, if any delays or interruptions, were caused as a result of the incident.

A spokesperson said the pair became unruly after the flight had to initially be redirected to Leeds owing to a short-term runway closure at Newcastle Airport.

"This flight from Dublin to Newcastle was diverted to Leeds due to a temporary runway closure at Newcastle Airport," said the spokesperson.

"Two passengers became disruptive inflight, and crew called ahead for police assistance upon arrival to Leeds airport.

"The flight landed normally and was met by local police who removed these two passengers. This is now a matter for local police.

"The aircraft departed a short time later when the runway in Newcastle Airport was reopened."
The Irish government has asked the UK government for the earliest possible sight of the terms of reference for its Omagh bomb inquiry to clarify what its involvement will be.

Tanaiste and foreign affairs minister Micheal Martin and justice minister Helen McEntee met with family members of some of those who lost their lives in the dissident republican blast which hit the Co Tyrone town on August 15 1998.

The bomb killed 29 people, including a woman pregnant with twins, and injured hundreds of others.

In 2021, a Belfast High Court judge recommended that the UK government carry out an investigation into alleged security failings in the lead up to the attack, and that a similar investigation should be established by the Irish government.

The UKs Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris announced in February that there would be an independent inquiry into the fatal explosion, and Lord Turnbull has been appointed as the chair.

Omagh bomb campaigners Stanley McCombe, who lost his wife Ann; Michael Gallagher, who lost his son Aiden; and his daughter Cat Gallagher-Wilkinson met with the senior Irish government figures in Iveagh House in Dublin for over an hour on Wednesday.

Prior to the meeting, Mr Gallagher said there was a strong cross-border element to the bombing, and that if an inquiry was not held in the Republic, he said it would be like reading half a book.

Eighty per cent of the evidential opportunities lie within the Republic. I think the Irish government realise that they have a serious part to play in all of this. Were looking forward to hearing what they have to say this afternoon, he said.

John Fox, a solicitor for the Omagh families, said after the meeting that it had been very positive.

It was reconfirmed by the Irish government that they are committed to co-operating with any forthcoming inquiry, he said.

They are going to take away from the meeting today to look at the mechanisms in which that co-operation can be placed, and once the terms of reference are known, they can then implement that mechanism and co-operate fully with us as the families to make sure that we get to truth and justice.

Fine Gael senator Emer Currie told the PA news agency that it was a crucial meeting for the families, which was about opening the lines of communication on what next steps the Irish government intended to take.

Ms Currie, the daughter of founding member of the SDLP Austin Currie, said that it was also about reassuring the families about how seriously the Irish government was taking this.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Martin said that when there was clarity on the UK inquiry, cabinet would consider the response Ireland would make.

He said it was important to hear from the families about how the Irish government could assist them.

We are currently waiting on the publication of the terms of reference for the statutory inquiry into the Omagh bombing, announced earlier this year by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, he said.

Last week, in London, I asked Chris Heaton-Harris for the earliest possible sight of those terms of reference now that a chair of the Omagh Bombing Inquiry has been announced.

Good to meet the families affected Omagh bombing with @HMcEntee today to hear their views on how this Government can help them in their search for answers. The needs of the victims of that unspeakable attack will be at the heart of any action that the Government takes. pic.twitter.com/KD0Zu9Etgm  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) June 28, 2023

When we have clarity on the nature of the UK inquiry, I will then consider, along with the minister for justice and my cabinet colleagues, the next steps in this jurisdiction.

The needs of the victims of that unspeakable attack will be at the heart of any action that the government takes.

As we approach the 25th anniversary of the attack, we will not be found wanting.

The Omagh bombing was a savage attack, carried out with disregard for the people of this island. It also showed total disregard for the overwhelming support for the Good Friday Agreement which was shown in referendums just months before the bombing.

Ms McEntee spoke in the Dail on Tuesday night about the Omagh bomb attack, ahead of its 25th anniversary this August.

It was a brutal atrocity and an act of mass murder, she said.

The terrorists who carried it out had simply no sense of humanity. It is they who carry responsibility for this cruel act and we must never forget that.

Earlier this year, the UK announced its intention to establish an inquiry into the preventability of the Omagh bombing.

We await further detail regarding the terms of reference of the inquiry.

As has been done in relation to a number of historical inquiries, this state will co-operate fully as may be required.
Governor Kathy Hochul has updated New Yorkers on expected air quality this week. The State continues to closely monitor air quality for potential impacts from Canadian wildfires, as well as ozone and other pollutants. The current New York State Department of Environmental Conservation statewide air quality forecast for Wednesday, June 28, shows the potential for unhealthy air quality to impact most of the state with thick surface smoke overnight Wednesday. Due to a cold front entering Western New York from the northwest in the early morning hours Wednesday and reaching Downstate regions by Wednesday evening, winds are expected to bring potential near-surface smoke impacts statewide.

"As we closely monitor the changing forecast, New Yorkers should be prepared for the potential return of smoke from the Canadian wildfires," Governor Hochul said. "I encourage everyone to remain vigilant, especially if you are vulnerable to air pollution, stay up to date on the latest information and take steps to protect yourself."

Although forecast uncertainty remains, New Yorkers should be prepared for possible elevated levels of fine particulate pollution caused by smoke on Wednesday. If necessary, the Departments of Environmental Conservation and Health will issue Air Quality Health Advisories to regions impacted by smoke Tuesday afternoon. Air Quality Health Advisories are issued when ozone or fine particulate matter are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100.

The New York State Department of Health is advising precautions as necessary. Steps for individuals to take to reduce risk, include:
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: June 28 2023

For more than 60 years, the Mid Island Y JCC has served Plainview-Old Bethpage by offering a diversified portfolio of services that benefit patrons of all ages, Legislator Drucker said.

Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (D  Plainview) applauded the unanimous Monday, June 26 passage of a $10,000 Hotel-Motel Occupancy Tax Fund grant for the Mid Island Y JCC in Plainview. Legislator Drucker spearheaded efforts to secure these grant funds, which will be applied toward upgrading the Mid Island Ys fire alarm system in accordance with current Town of Oyster Bay code.

For more than 60 years, the Mid Island Y JCC has served the residents of Plainview-Old Bethpage and neighboring communities by offering a diversified portfolio of services that benefit patrons of all ages, Legislator Drucker said. I am proud to support this important community institution and thank my colleagues for approving this Hotel-Motel Occupancy Tax Fund grant.

In addition to an array of monthly community events, the Mid Island Y JCCs programming includes an early childhood center; leadership training; shuttle service to the library; transportation for seniors to the grocery store; in-home nursing for seniors; swimming instruction and lifeguard training; and more.

Visit https://miyjcc.org/ for more information.
Former Dept of Energy Employee Pleads Guilty to Taking Bribes from Long Island Businessman in Exchange for Nearly $1 Million in Fed Contracts

Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: June 28 2023

Defendant Purchased Components that Ignited, Causing More than $1.8 Million in Fire Damage to Department of Energy Facility.

Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Jami Anthony, the former Small Business Program Liaison and Procurement Officer for a Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory based in Virginia, pleaded guilty to a criminal information charging her with receiving bribes as a federal official in connection with a scheme to pay her more than $18,000 in exchange for more than $900,000 in DOE contracts. The proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Anne Y. Shields. When sentenced, Anthony faces up to 15 years in prison. As part of her guilty plea, Anthony agreed to forfeit approximately $18,800.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Teri L. Donaldson, Inspector General, DOE, announced the guilty plea.

Motivated by greed, Anthonys actions betrayed the Department of Energy and resulted in the purchase of electronic components that caused major fire damage to a government laboratory, stated United States Attorney Peace. Corruption undermines the integrity of competitive bidding in the procurement process and will be aggressively prosecuted.

Mr. Peace thanked the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, for its work on the case.

Teri L. Donaldson, the Department of Energy Inspector General said, Bribing public officials is terrible behavior. Taking bribes when working as a public official representing the U.S government is even worse. We simply will not tolerate these betrayals of the publics trust. We will continue to work with our partners at the Justice Department and the U.S. Attorneys Offices to detect such behaviors and bring those involved to justice.

Between approximately December 2017 and December 2020, Michael Montenes, the owner of M.S. Hi-Tech, Incorporated (MSHT), a Hauppauge-based distributor of electronic components, paid Anthony approximately $18,800 in bribes to induce her to enter into contracts for electronic components that MSHT supplied to the DOEs Virginia laboratory. Montenes mailed these payments, which ranged from $500 to $7,200, from Long Island to Anthony in Virginia. In exchange for the bribes, Anthony awarded MSHT contracts worth more than $900,000, which represented 95% of all of MSHTs sales to the DOEs Virginia laboratory. In July 2021, some of the electronic components that Anthony procured from MSHT for DOE based upon Monteness bribes failed and caused a fire, resulting in approximately $1.8 million in repairs and other costs to DOE.

In May 2023, Montenes pleaded guilty to bribing Anthony. He also faces up to 15 years in prison. As part of his guilty plea, Montenes agreed to forfeit approximately $969,000 and to pay DOE more than $1.8 million in restitution.
Photo by MOHAMMED ABED/AFP via Getty Images

The West Bank is undergoing a period of major instability due to the significant allocation of resources by various armed groups, namely Islamic Jihad, al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, and Hamas. Adding fuel to the fire, Iran and Hezbollah are supporting the unrest by transferring arms and finances.

A marked surge in hostilities between Israeli security forces and Palestinian militants began in June 2021 when Islamic Jihad Jenin commander Jamil al-Amouri and two Palestinian security forces officers died in a shootout with a special unit of the Israeli Border Police. The occurrence signified the start of a persistent conflict that has swept across parts of the West Bank, including some areas of Israel.

At some point in 2022, Iran recognized an opportunity in the West Bank and consequently intensified its support to Islamic Jihad and other affiliated militant groups. Iran has boosted its assistance to extremist groups like Islamic Jihad in a bid to heighten destabilization efforts in the West Bank and ramp up attacks on Israeli targets. Iran has also recognized the vulnerability of the Palestinian Authority. It sees the destabilization of the West Bank as a way to weaken its authority further, thus benefiting Hamas, a major beneficiary of the regimes support.

Speaking to FDDs Long War Journal, an Israeli security official expressed concerns over Iranian funding to Islamic Jihad and the groups potential to execute acts of terrorism in the West Bank. Iran is the Islamic Jihads funder. The Islamic Jihad is working very hard to promote terror in the West Bank. The money enables purchase of weapons and munitions, and the establishment of improvised weapons manufacturing facilities in the West Bank and Gaza.

Furthermore, as per the words of the Israeli security official, Iran is actively instigating and promoting terrorism within the West Bank. Of course, its the Iranian regime who wishes to see Israel being destroyed from within. Therefore, they encourage incitement and terrorism in the West Bank.

The concerns expressed by the Israeli security official are not unfounded. In August 2022, the head of the IRGC, General Hossein Salami, implied that Iran is contributing to the armament of the West Bank. Later, in April 2023, Salami vaguely suggested Iran may be involved in the West Bank.

The Zionist regime has surrounded itself with walls of several hundred meters, and uses the most powerful sensors to create [its own] security, so that not even an animal can cross its borders. But invisible hands have armed the West Bank, and you [now] see modern automatic rifles and automatic weapons in the hands of the Palestinians, said Salami.

Although shooting attacks and deploying IEDs against Israeli security personnel in the West Bank have become commonplace, recent developments have highlighted a notable surge in violence. Evidence of this escalation emerged on June 19, when an Israeli military vehicle was severely damaged by an IED in Jenin, allegedly planted by Islamic Jihad. In response, an IDF Apache helicopter gunship was dispatched and fired a missile at an open area while injured Israeli security forces were extracted from the vehicle.

On June 21, three militants were killed in the northern West Bank during a rare Israeli drone strike. The IDF attributed the successful operation to intelligence provided by the Shabak, the countrys internal security agency. The drone strike targeted a militant cell that had engaged in several shooting attacks against West Bank communities, the most recent near Jalamah village.

It is possible that the Israeli defense establishment may view the drone strike as a necessary operation. Still, it is also likely that they are utilizing this action as a means to send a message of deterrence to Islamic Jihad, Hamas, and other armed groups, particularly in light of the significant IED attack that took place in Jenin only two days before.



Even though Israeli security forces  and to some degree  the Palestinian Authority, are trying to reduce the ongoing violence in the West Bank and Israel, it appears the chaos instigated by Palestinian militant groups and Iran is persistent and will not dissipate easily. Despite the combined efforts of the Palestinians, Israelis, and allied nations, a viable solution to address the ongoing violence plaguing the West Bank remains elusive.

Joe Truzman is a contributor to FDD's Long War Journal.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
Tuesdays primary day lineup was such that if you didnt live in one of the areas being hotly contested, you might have forgotten there was an election at all.

Voters on Buffalos East Side, in Erie Countys suburbs and, farther north, Niagara Falls received campaign mailers touting candidates for mayor, town supervisor or county legislature.

Primary coverage: Late money pours into campaigns of 3 unsuccessful Buffalo Common Council candidates The Working Families Party is taking no chances on getting its endorsed candidates a foothold in Buffalo City Hall, two years after India Walton predicted a political revolution when she defeated Mayor Byron Brown in a mayoral primary.

But no big-ticket battles for president, governor or state legislature took place in this off year. The mayor of Buffalo wont be up for re-election for another two years. And the biggest campaign of 2023  for Erie County executive  wont really heat up until this fall.

Its the biggest little day Ive ever been a part of, said Jeremy Zellner, chairman of the Erie County Democratic Committee. Weve had knock-down, drag-out primaries before, but theres a feeling that theres not a lot of that this year.

For Democrats, the races involving five Common Council districts were a hint of what is to come in November, where all nine Council seats are up for grabs.

Political representation in the Black community, which has been front and center since the May 14, 2022, shooting at Tops Markets on Jefferson Avenue, has garnered the most attention.

In Ellicott, four Democratic candidates fought for the seat being vacated by Common Council President Darius G. Pridgen, who is not seeking another term for the seat he has held for the last 12 years.

Leah Halton-Pope, a top adviser to Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, faced former Assembly staffer Matt Dearing, community activist and Police Officer Cedric Holloway and Eddie Egriu, who previously ran unsuccessfully for multiple offices. Awaiting them in Novembers general election will be the Rev. Michael Chapman, an East Side pastor who is running on an independent party line.

The Democratic primary in the Masten District race featured two high-profile figures: Zeneta Everhart, an aide to State Sen. Timothy M. Kennedy who gained a national profile after the Tops shooting; and India Walton, the progressive star who grabbed national headlines in 2021 when she defeated four-term Mayor Byron W. Brown in the primary before losing in the general election.

Joseph Golombek Jr., the Councils longest-serving member, also faced a challenge from longtime teacher Eve Shippens in the Democratic primary for the North District seat. Golombek, a 24-year Council veteran, hadnt had a challenger in a primary election since 2011.

Roughly 4% of registered voters cast ballots during early voting, said Zellner, who is also the Democratic commissioner for the Erie County Board of Elections.

In all, fewer than 25% of the countys 610,000 registered voters were eligible to cast votes during the primaries, Zellner and Republican elections commissioner Ralph Mohr estimated.

Youre not seeing a lot of activity for that reason, Zellner said. Because only less than a quarter of people can vote, were not seeing a lot of action.

Michael Kracker, chairman of the Erie County Republican Committee, said many voters are still not accustomed to June primaries. In addition, early voting is still a relatively new concept in Erie County, having begun in 2020, he said.

What I have been trying to do is make Republican voters feel comfortable taking advantage of early voting, Kracker said. Many of our voters are traditional, Election Day voters, which I respect. But if this is the law of the State of New York, we should be taking advantage of it.

Outside the city, Republicans were focused on Conservative and Republican primaries between the same two candidates in the Erie County Legislatures 10th District and a Conservative for the 4th District seat.

Perhaps the hottest races for right-leaning voters were the aggressive and expensive 10th District showdowns between six-month incumbent Jim Malczewski and challenger Lindsay Bratek-Lorigo. Both candidates faced each other in Republican and Conservative primaries.

Bratek-Lorigos team sent out more than a dozen mailers, while Malczewski sent four, The News reported, with Malczewski calling his opponents message very nasty.

Mohr said both Conservative and Republican parties anticipated a total turnout of about 2,000 voters in the 10th District, and about half that number had cast votes by early afternoon.

Early voting trends appeared to show spikes in turnout for the town races in Alden, Marilla and Grand Island, Kracker noted.

Its funny, he said, despite all the money and all the headlines and all the attention (on the 10th District race), local races are whats driving turnout.

After primary day, attention will shift to the campaign for Erie County executive between three-term incumbent Mark C. Poloncarz and Republican challenger Chrissy Casilio. That campaign has been quiet in recent months, but is now expected to pick up with the primaries over.

Also of note is the contest for Cheektowaga supervisor between Council Member Brian Nowak, a left-leaning candidate who will appear on the Democratic line, and Michael Jasinski, a Republican.

If Gov. Kathy Hochul affixes her signature to a bill passed this month by the State Legislature, odd-year elections will likely be even quieter.

Many town and county elections in New York would be moved to even-numbered years to align them with state and federal races, something being celebrated by Democrats as a way to increase turnout and decried by Republicans as a way to diminish their influence on state affairs.

The bill would mean many important local elections in Erie County  including for County Legislature and county executive  would be in even years, beginning in 2026.

The bill would not apply to positions where the terms are set under the state constitution, including judges, district attorneys and county clerks. It also would not apply to races in the city of Buffalo, Zellner said.
28th June 2023

Runtime 14:03





Welcome to the latest London South East/focusIR CEO interview. Today we are joined by Raluca Saceanu, CEO at Smarttech247 (S247), the growth-focused AIM-listed cybersecurity business based in Cork.

Smarttech247 launched on AIM in December last year, was subsequently named Cybersecurity Company of the Year and has a market cap of around 43M currently.

In Raluca's words: "We are a cybersecurity organisation and we secure some of the world's largest companies. Through our AI-enhanced platform VisionX we provide next -generation Managed Detection & Response capability. These include monitoring, threat vulnerability management, threat intelligence, cyber security validation and dynamic risk governance.

"In the marketplace we stand as a trusted provider and we are known for our experience, for innovation as well as for our practical approach."

Raluca answered the following questions in our interview.

1. There are other listed and non-listed companies providing cybersecurity packages, so what differentiates you?

2. Smarttech listed on AIM in December, presumably a major milestone for the company as you raised money to grow the business. So what have the last few months been like, and what comes next?

3. If you could tell us about a couple of your typical clients and which services you provide for them?

4. What are your plans to build the client base and grow the business?

5. Will you enter into more partnerships like the one with Forcepoint to broaden your offering to the clients? Is that proving a good and profitable fit?

6. What does the balance sheet look like currently and are you comfortably financed to fund your growth plans such as the expansion into new geographies?

7. I understand you are a keen advocate of diversity in the tech industry and have launched the Women in Cybersecurity Academy. What difference do you hope this makes?

8. Finally, what can S247 shareholders look forward to over the next 12 months; what do you expect the newsflow to look like?
Political newcomer Mary Ann Cancilla has won the Democratic primary for Tonawanda Common Council president over incumbent Jenna N. Koch.

Koch, a registered Democrat who didnt even ask for her partys support in her bid for a third term, faced Cancilla, a community volunteer, in the primary.

Tonawanda Council president, rejected by her party, wages Democratic primary fight Jenna Koch said she refused to do the party's bidding and that's why committee members have rebuffed her.

Cancilla won 53% to 46% with all votes counted, or 478 votes to 417 votes.

Koch, 41, a human resources manager in an area health care system, said she refused to do the partys bidding, and thats why committee members turned on her.

She touted her track record in the job, particularly with constituent service, as a key reason voters should give her their support.

Democrats say it is Koch who rebuffed the party.

They instead supported Cancilla, 39, who runs the grassroots nonprofit COT Neighbors United and is making her first run for office.

Koch said voters dont like the nastiness theyve seen in the primary election and previous election years. Cancilla, for her part, said residents she talks to want to see change and primarily are frustrated with rising taxes in the city.

Cancilla has the endorsement of the Working Families Party, as well.

This sets up a rematch in the general election with Koch, who has the Conservative and Republican ballot lines.

Also Tuesday, two primary elections for ward-based Council seats took place.

In the 1st Ward, James M. Shiesley has won the Conservative line over incumbent Monica L. Ljiljanich, a Republican and the endorsed Conservative candidate, 25 votes to 6 votes.

Ljiljanich, a Civil Service manager at Erie County Medical Center, was appointed to the Council last year before winning a special election unopposed in the fall. Shiesley, a retired city police officer making his first run for office, is a registered Conservative who is running with the Democratic endorsement.

And in the 2nd Ward, another challenger, Christopher C. Fisher, beat former Councilwoman Dawn M. Kammerdeiner, the endorsed Democratic candidate in that partys primary.

Fisher is an Army veteran and retired New York City police officer. He won 57% to 42%, or 133 to 97 votes, with all votes counted.
(Alliance News) - Rainbow Rare Earths Ltd on Wednesday said it signed a deal with Bosveld Phosphates Ltd permitting the 100% ownership of the Phalaborwa project in South Africa.

Berenberg analyst Richard Hatch said this was an "incredibly value-accretive transaction" and also pointed to other near-term catalysts offering "meaningful share price upside" for the firm.

Rainbow Rare Earths is a South Africa and east Africa-focused rare earth oxide producer. Its shares were up 3.4% at 8.79 pence each on Wednesday afternoon in London.

Under the terms of the agreement announced on Wednesday, Rainbow will receive an immediate 85% interest in the unincorporated joint venture that holds the rights to Phalaborwa, with Bosveld holding the remaining 15%, for USD5 million in cash.

This follows on from the original project co-development agreement, which envisioned Rainbow earning a 70% interest in Phalaborwa, further to the completion of a pre-feasibility study on the project.

Rainbow is also being granted a call option to acquire the remaining 15% stake owned by Bosveld in return for USD7 million of equity at any time from October 31, 2023 to December 31, 2025.

Berenberg valued Bosveld's 30% stake, on a risked basis, at USD143 million, adding that this represents "an incredibly value-accretive transaction."

"We assume that, given expected positive near-term newflows (eg pilot plant operation and the production of saleable, mixed rare earth sulphate and subsequent production of separated rare earth oxides to name at least two), the equity is converted at GBP15 per share," Berenberg's Hatch commented.

On completion of a definitive feasibility study, Rainbow said the unincorporated joint venture will be transferred into an incorporated joint venture company and, at Rainbow's election, Bosveld will transfer all assets required for the project into that company.

Chief Executive George Bennett said: "We have always wanted to consolidate our interest in the Phalaborwa project, given the exceptional economics highlighted by our preliminary economic assessment that confirmed a [net present value]10 of USD627 million based on spot rare earth prices at the time of publication. We are therefore delighted to reach this agreement with Bosveld which offers a clear path to Rainbow owning 100% of the project."

"This is an exciting time for Rainbow and Phalaborwa, with the front end of the pilot plant operational in South Africa and the back end being constructed in US. I look forward to announcing the results from the front end pilot testing, confirming we are able to extract the rare earths and produce a saleable mixed rare earth sulphate. The fact that we will have achieved this within three years of signing the initial Phalaborwa earn-in agreement is testament to the combined strength, delivery capabilities and rare earth experience of our technical team," the CEO continued.

Berenberg noted Rainbow's announcement that it remains on track to produce a saleable, mixed rare earth sulphate product in the third quarter of 2023 with positivity, saying it thinks this will be viewed as a "major positive" by the market.

"Furthermore," Berenberg added, "this sulphate will then be shipped to the US for processing through the back end of the pilot plant to produce separated rare earth oxides - this will act as another positive catalyst, in our view."

Berenberg said it expects the firm's additional strategic efforts, as it looks to grow its footprint in the processing of gypsum stacks to recover rare earths, as well as updates on potential strategic partners or offtakers for the Phalaborwa project, to offer additional upside.

"In our view, these are clear, demonstrable, near-term catalysts that offer meaningful share price upside," the bank said.

"We update our model to reflect the revised ownership structure, which is materially [net present value] accretive. Despite the assumption of additional shares issued, our NPV increases materially and our price target increases to 43 pence per share, implying that the stock is trading a 0.20 times [net asset value]. This is a clear positive announcement."

Berenberg rates Rainbow at 'buy' with a price target of 43 pence, raised from 33p previously.

By Heather Rydings, Alliance News senior economics reporter

Comments and questions to newsroom@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2023 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Mallorca has been placed on extreme forest fire alert today while the smoke from the Canadian wildfires which blanketed several major urban centres in June, including New York City and Toronto, tinging skies an eerie orange, has crossed the North Atlantic.

Worsening fires in Quebec and Ontario will likely make for hazy skies and deep orange sunsets in Europe this week as it begins to move across Spain. However, because the smoke is predicted to stay higher in the atmosphere, it's unlikely that surface air quality will be impacted.

This year's wildfire season is the worst on record in Canada, with some 76,000 square kilometres (29,000 square miles) burning across eastern and western Canada. That's greater than the combined area burned in 2016, 2019, 2020, and 2022, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.

As of June 26, the annual emissions from the fires are now the largest for Canada since satellite monitoring began in 2003, surpassing 2014 at 140 million tons.

Scientists are especially concerned about what Canada's fires are putting into the atmosphere  and the air we breathe.

The carbon they have released is roughly equivalent to Indonesia's annual carbon dioxide emissions from the burning of fossil fuels.

Canada's wildfire season typically peaks in late July or August, with emissions continuing to climb throughout the summer.
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.
While the progressive candidates are disappointed by Tuesdays results, they say they'll regroup and continue on their quest to influence poli
Japans government, like those elsewhere, has warned its citizens against travel to Ukraine

MAEBASHI, JapanYuya Motomura, a mahjong parlor manager in Japan, had always wanted a way to prove himself to a society he felt looked down on him. Then Russia invaded Ukraine.

The 45-year-old is one of a handful of Japanese men who have joined Ukrainians battling the Russian invasion, defying their governments warnings and bucking a decades-long national principle of pacifism.

Japans military is constitutionally limited to defense and has not fought since World War II.

Still, Motomura said he was immediately captivated by the idea of fighting in Ukraine when he saw President Volodymyr Zelensky talking about defending our independence, our country.

Ive always felt that Im someone who is more socially conscious than other people realize, he told AFP as he prepared to leave Japan for the conflict.

By fighting for Ukraine, I could prove it with more than just words.

Motomura took a first trip to Ukraine just two months after Russias invasion, initially carrying supplies for refugees and the displaced.

He was determined to find a place among the countrys fighters, and after several trips was accepted into the Georgian Legion, which includes many foreign members.

He is not the legions first recruit from Japan, and his acceptance was eased by a compatriot, who goes by Haru-san and has acknowledged previously belonging to the yakuzathe Japanese mafia.

Georgian Legion commander Mamuka Mamulashvili told AFP the unit currently counts eight Japanese among troops from 33 nationalities in its ranks.

They are very motivated, very disciplined and easily master the training they are undergoing now, he said.

Against government advice

While many of the foreign fighters who have flocked to Ukraine from other countries come with military and combat experience, Japans unique constitutional constraints mean its volunteers start as absolute novices.

And when Ukraines embassy in Tokyo initially called for volunteers to join the fightechoing an invitation by Zelensky for foreign supportit quickly retracted it.

Japans government, like those elsewhere, has warned its citizens against travel to Ukraine.

A small determined group has ignored that advice.

Last year, Japan confirmed a citizen who was reportedly a former member of the countrys military had been killed in combat in Ukraine.

And Motomura said he had been contacted by members of Japans Self-Defense Forces who were supportive of his plans.

I think many people in this country feel frustrated about being bound under the Constitution, he said.

Motomura has helped recruit others to the cause, with Kenjiro Miyamori, a former cook, telling AFP he was inspired by him to join the legion.

I am sure there are many men in Ukraine who dont want to go to the war front but have to for the loved ones, the 44-year-old said, speaking by video from Ukraine.

I want to replace one of them and fight for their country.

Worthless in Japan

Motomura admits his motivations are tied up in his personal circumstances, including a difficult childhood.

I stopped going to school in fourth grade (age 10), he said, recounting his earliest memorysitting backstage at an evening cabaret where his mother performed.

She developed a mental illness after escaping his abusive father, and he left school to take care of her, he said.

He now runs a shop where customers play the Chinese tile game mahjong, sleeping during the day and living apart from his two children and their mother.

If I had money and this shop was going well, I wouldnt go, he said as he packed items including camouflage jackets and khaki vests.

I am a worthless person in Japan, but I am hoping to bring back something from Ukraine.

Miyamori too cites his divorce and the separation from his three-year-old son as part of his motivation to fight.

I think there are many people like me, he said.

The two men arrived in Ukraine in April, but are circumspect about the exact nature of their training, saying only it includes plenty of running and exercises.

Motomura said he did not yet know when, or even if, he would be deployed, but he had no regrets about his decision.

People in Ukraine may feel encouraged just by the fact that we came here all the way from Japan, he said from Kyiv.

I am here in this country, hoping to make use of myself. In that sense, I already feel fulfilled.

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A Dorchester man dragged to death on the MBTA Red Line train in 2022 may have been the result of a short circuit of a door on the train, even with a failsafe in place to prevent movement when an obstruction is detected in a door, a federal investigation report said.

Examinations and testing by the National Transportation Safety Board found that this short circuit led to the door closing on Robinson Lalins upper body as he was exiting the train and the train departed Bostons Broadway Station on April 10, 2022. Investigators believe this is what led to his death that day.

The railcar passenger doors were designed to become secure in their positions at a train speed of 3 mph or higher, the NTSB report reads. When train 1034 accelerated to leave the station, it quickly reached 3 mph, and the doors became secure in their positions, leaving the passenger unable to free himself.

The report also concluded that the Red Line trains operator, after an inspection of the platform, pulled her head back inside the train before the pilot lights above the doors had turned off. This contradicts MBTA departure procedures, which require operators to be sure those lights are off before a train departs, as these lights confirm that passenger doors are closed.

NTSB investigators found a 19-foot blind spot in a camera view that included the middle doors of the second railcar. This blocked sight of the door in which Lalin was trapped, so the operator would not have seen him. After the accident, MBTA began conducting twice-daily regular audits of these cameras.

The incident happened on a 1500 series rail car, which featured a passenger door interlock circuit, the report said. The MBTA is expected to retire these trains from service by March 2024.

Lalins family previously accused the MBTA of not reaching out since his death to offer condolences, MassLive previously reported. The family said an MBTA spokesperson originally misreported how Lalin died, that he was entering the train and refused to release footage from that night. An MBTA spokesperson told MassLive at the time that the Lalin familys claim of the false initial report was inaccurate.

Theres cameras everywhere, Kelvin Lalin, Robinsons nephew, said last year. They have the beginning to the end of my uncles tragic death.
Havana Nights started with a casual family lunch.

Julio Roque had gone to stay in Miami, Florida for a few months last year to get away after his mother died. One day in August, a family member invited him over for a meal, saying her neighbor would cook.

So we went over there, thought nothing of it. To me, its just another day, a lunch at a family members house, whatever. And when I sat down, and my wife and I just were sitting there, we started eating and said, Wait a minute, this is really good. This is not your average meal, he said. What really hit the spot is some of his cooking resembled my moms cooking. ... It was like, wow, I havent tried this since I was a kid.

Read more: These free activities are coming to Worcester Common this summer

Lazaro Curbelo Novelo, the neighbor who made lunch that day, told Roque he had come to Florida from Havana, Cuba a few months before. In Cuba, he had worked as a chef for 23 years, but now, he was working construction and janitorial jobs.

Blown away by Curbelo Novelos food, Roque asked him on the spot: What would he think of moving up north with him and opening a restaurant?

His reply was pretty simple, Roque said. When do we leave?

Read more: Blind WPI graduate engineers electric jet ski to protect the environment

This month, Havana Nights, Roques new Cuban restaurant at 258 Park Ave., opened its doors, and the owner said he has gotten nothing but positive feedback. The location is the former home of Sake Bomb Bistro, which closed in February after nine years in business.

Roque was born and raised in Worcester, but his parents emigrated from Cuba. He said the restaurant is a nice way to connect with his heritage, and he likes being able to offer authentic cuisine just like you would get in the Caribbean.

Ive had people from Miami here that are visiting. I had one guy that has been living in Miami for 25 years, and he sat down, had the Cuban sandwich, and said, You cant even find this in Miami, Roque said. That makes me feel pretty good about this.

Rice pudding is a popular dessert at Havana Nights, a new Cuban restaurant on Park Avenue in Worcester. (Trea Lavery, MassLive)

The menu at Havana Nights contains a wide variety of Cuban dishes, from ropa vieja (shredded beef in a flavorful sauce with vegetables, served with rice) to Cuban-style roasted pork to plantain fufu. The dessert menu includes a guava bread pudding and coconut rice pudding, which has become a fan favorite. Everything is made in-house, down to the bread used to make sandwiches.

Roque said some expect Cuban food to be spicy, but it isnt. Common flavors include garlic, lime, orange and other citrus.

Cuban food is extremely flavorful, but its not heavily spiced, he said. If you walk out back, youre going to see that the spices and condiments we use are extremely limited. ... Its not overpowering.

As can be expected, the cocktail list is heavy on rum-based drinks, and most of them are traditional Cuban beverages. Roque said his favorite is the Canchanchara, which is considered the first Cuban cocktail, created by guerrilla fighters in the 1800s from sugar cane liquor (you can read the history behind some of the drinks right on the bar menu).

Even the decor in the restaurant comes straight from Cuba. A few weeks before the opening, Roques wife, Maiden, traveled to the country with a friend and designer to collect wall art painted on Cuban newspapers and ornaments like model cars and license plates that now sit behind the bar.

Havana Nights, a new Cuban restaurant on Park Avenue in Worcester. (Trea Lavery, MassLive)

While Havana Nights is still working out the kinks, Roque said, theyre also getting ready for their next big step: brunch. Theyre working on the menu, and expect to start offering it next month.

Ive had brunch in many different places here in Worcester and Ive never tasted anything like that, Roque said.

Havana Nights is open from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Two men who worked for a non-profit mental health treatment provider were accused of damaging medical records after shutting down the non-profits network and selling the non-profits staff cell phones, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office District of Massachusetts office.

Nathan Howe, 42, of Rutland, was indicted April 27 on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, three counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to access a protected computer to obtain information and cause damage, and one count of intentionally causing damage to a protected computer and impairing medical treatment.

Patrick Edmonds-Morin, 31, of Union, Connecticut was charged by information, meaning he waived his right to a grand jury indictment, on May 18, with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to access a protected computer to obtain information. Edmonds-Morin pleaded guilty to both charges May 4, according to court documents.

Howe was reportedly taken into custody on May 16, and was released on conditions of pre-trial supervision. Meanwhile, Edmonds-Morin will appear in federal court in Worcester on Wednesday, June 28.

According to court documents, Howe and Edmonds-Morin were employed by the unnamed non-profit organization on October 2020 and April 2021, the records say.

Howe and Edmonds-Morin have been accused of accessing records of the non-profits employees to listen and view conversations between the employees. They were also accused of creating and deploying a computer program designed to impede one of the non-profits vice presidents use of the network, some time at the end of 2021, according to court records.

Howe has been accused of accessing the computer network in November of 2021, and transmitting a command that shut down the network for the non-profits Westborough campus where individuals were reportedly receiving in-patient treatment.

Read more: MassLive sues University of Massachusetts over refusal to produce public records

By shutting down the network, Howe reportedly made the non-profits electronic medical records system inaccessible at the non-profits sites across Massachusetts, impairing or potentially impairing the medical examination, diagnosis, treatment and care of patients, says the records.

Howe and Edmonds-Morin have also been accused of wire fraud, by taking cell phones from a phone provider that were for the non-profits staff, and selling the phones to others outside of the non-profit for hundreds of dollars, and keeping the profit, according to the report.

The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office District of Massachusetts office. The charge of conspiracy to access a protected computer without authorization to obtain information and cause damage, provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.

The charge of intentionally causing damage without authorization to a protected computer and causing the potential impairment of medical treatment provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to access a protected computer without authorization to obtain information, provides for a sentence of up to one year in prison, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000, according to the report.
SPRINGFIELD  The Healey-Driscoll administration is taking a road trip to determine the best ways to help troubled young people.

The first stop was Springfield.

On Tuesday, state officials gathered at the Baystate Family Advocacy Center to open talks with local experts and community support networks. The goal: Set strategies for young people experiencing trauma, and build their resiliency.

Sophie Hamlin, spokesperson for the state Office of Health and Human Services, said officials plan similar roundtable talks in each region of the state.

Theres lots to learn, said Kate Walsh, secretary of health and human services.

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll speaks at the roundtable discussion at Baystate Family Advocacy Center in Springfield Tuesday morning, June 27, 2023. (Hoang 'Leon' Nguyen / The Republican)

She said the Healey-Driscoll team wants to know where it should deepen state investments and fund more resources. Joining Walsh were Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll; and staff with Baystate Health, the Hampden County District Attorneys Office, the Massachusetts Childrens Alliance and the Childrens Advocacy Centers.

The Baystate Family Advocacy Center briefed the state officials on the role it plays to help young people.

The center provides trauma-focused therapy, forensic interviews, medical examinations and advocacy.

Since 2022, the center has performed 165 interviews, 82 medical examinations, seen 335 therapy clients, conducted 4,060 sessions and managed the cases of 537 clients.

The center works with childrens advocacy centers, child and youth programs, the schools, the legal system and staff who examine young people for evidence of sexual assault.

Tyrena Lester, the centers director, said one big challenge is getting people who live in rural areas to advocacy centers for support and service.

We have the most diverse community in the region, Lester said. Twenty-five percent of our kids live in poverty and there is a disproportionate amount of youth of color who live in poverty.

Families the center serves face many problems, she told the state officials. They include housing, transportation and mental health.

Twenty-five percent of families are in active evictions, Lester said.

Sometimes chasing housing and instability are where the cracks can happen, Driscoll, the lieutenant governor, observed.

Walsh, the health and human services secretary, asked whether prevention programs were available.

Dr. Stephen Boos, medical director at Baystate Family Advocacy Center, speaks at the roundtable discussion Tuesday morning, June 27, 2023. (Hoang 'Leon' Nguyen / The Republican)

Tom King, executive director of the Massachusetts Childrens Alliance, said steps are being taken to prevent intergenerational trauma.

Dr. Stephen C. Boos, co-medical director of the Baystate Family Advocacy Center, at Baystate Childrens Hospital, said that program offers primary care that seeks to prevent trauma. He noted work by the center to train other programs in preventive care. Programs work to coordinate care in cases involving allegations of child sexual and severe physical abuse.

Local experts said a sound forensic interview, and coordinated response, is the best way to prevent future sex trafficking of children.

Pediatric and adolescent patients who have experienced trauma  whether from natural disasters, sexual abuse, or assault or exploitation  receive personalized assistance at Baystate Family Advocacy Center or Childrens Advocacy Center in their area.

Children and families are then linked to medical and mental health care, as well as victim advocacy and community education services.
Zeneta Everhart, the mother of a Buffalo mass shooting survivor, defeated former mayoral candidate India B. Walton in Tuesdays Democratic primary election for the Masten District seat.

But the two high-profile women will face each other in November in the general election, along with a third Democrat.

Walton, 41, beat four-term Mayor Byron W. Brown in a 2021 Democratic primary, but lost to his write-in campaign in the general election. She will appear on the Working Families ballot line for the Masten District seat in the general election.

Murray Holman, 59, a longtime youth advocate who often works with police to deter young people from a life of crime, was not on the ballot for Tuesdays Democratic primary election. But he will appear on the Conservative line in November. Holman is executive director of Stop the Violence Coalition and co-leader of Buffalo Peacemakers violence prevention program.

Everhart, 42, has been one of the most visible faces of the tragic May 14, 2022, mass shooting at Tops Markets on Jefferson Avenue. Her son, Zaire Goodman, a part-time employee at the grocery store, was shot in the neck in the parking lot as he tried to help an older customer with her groceries. Goodman was 20 at the time.

"I feel great," Goodman said Tuesday night. "I always said she should run one day, and it happened. It means the world to me."
A 16-year-old boy from Hyannis was arrested on Cape Cod early Tuesday morning after police said he hurt multiple people in two separate shootings over the course of a month, according to the Barnstable Police Department.

The 16-year-old unnamed boy was arrested at 1:20 a.m. in Yarmouth, police said, and was charged with two counts of assault to murder with a firearm, assault and battery with a firearm and accessory before and after the fact, according to Cape & Islands District Attorney Robert J. Galibois.

The Hyannis teen was arraigned in Barnstable Juvenile Court on Tuesday, Galibois announced, and was detained pending a dangerousness hearing on July 12.

At 8:30 p.m. on May 27, Barnstable officers responded to the Craigville Beach parking lot in Centerville following a report of shots fired, the department said. Two men were shot at while they were parked in the beach parking lot, police said.

One man was hurt from broken glass, police said, but neither was hit by bullets. During the investigation, the department stated it was able to obtain evidence, including video surveillance.

Almost exactly a month later, at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 25, the department again responded to a report of shots fired  this time, in the area of Main Street and High School Road in the town, police said.

Officers found a man whod been shot in the legs, the department stated, and he was brought to Cape Cod Hospital, then flown to a Boston-area hospital to treat his non-life threatening injuries.

In the Sunday investigation, police said a damaged vehicle was found near the scene of the shooting, and stated the department believed the vehicle had left the scene and crashed into two vehicles that werent involved in the situation.

The damaged vehicle was disabled because of the crash, and two people  the Hyannis teen included  fled the scene on foot, police said. Investigators found more video surveillance, police said, and were able to determine the shootings were targeted.

The investigation also pointed to the 16-year-old Hyannis boy as having direct involvement in both shootings, police said.

The Barnstable Police Department is continuing its work with several Cape Cod police departments, the Massachusetts State Police and the Cape and Islands District Attorneys office to find and arrest the other people suspected to be involved in the shootings.

The department asks anyone with information about either incident to contact Detective Kyle Phelan at 508-778-3874 or 293@barnstablepolice.com.
A former Tyngsborough daycare worker who was accused of photographing naked photos of the kids she watched is set to appear in Boston federal court Wednesday afternoon.

Lindsay Groves, 38, of Hudson, New Hampshire was charged with sexual exploitation of children and distribution of pornography, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office District of Massachusetts.

Groves is set to make her initial appearance in Boston federal court Wednesday at 2:15 p.m., the court schedule read.
The state education board voted Tuesday to amend licensing regulations in an effort to address the statewide teacher shortage.

The amendments create an easier pathway for already-licensed teachers to be able to teach special education and English as a second language and create a new license for pre-K teachers of students with disabilities. The board also voted to create a new provisional license for school nurses, who are also understaffed in Massachusetts districts.

Heading into the 2022-2023 school year, 48 percent of district leaders in the Northeast felt they were understaffed, according to the U.S. Department of Education. In Boston, there were about 900 positions available  including 219 teacher vacancies, CBS reported.

As you look at the kind of shortages that we have in districts  well, across the country, let alone in this state  theres really little evidence that those are going to magically disappear in the short- to medium-term, said Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Vice Chair Matt Hills.

The board voted Tuesday after a two-month public comment period, during which they received over 350 responses, which the department described as generally in favor of the proposed changes.

Among the changes is an amendment that would allow licensed teachers to obtain a provisional license in a new educational field, which current regulations do not allow.

This change would open doors for interested teachers to be licensed to teach special education or English as a second language  fields where there are currently significant shortages.

Of the members of the public who offered comments on this amendment, 68 percent said they were in favor of the change.

Teachers eligible for the provisional license still must satisfy subject matter knowledge requirements. For special education, the applicant would need to have at least two years of experience modifying the curriculum for students with disabilities. To gain an ESL license, teachers will be required to have at least two years of experience in second language acquisition and sheltering content for English learners.

Another change would create two new licenses for early educators to teach students with disabilities.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education currently offers licenses to teach students with moderate and severe disabilities in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. As these teachers could be placed in late-elementary or middle schools, they must pass a general curriculum MTEL test under current regulations. In the amendment approved on Tuesday, teachers with an early childhood license would not need to pass another MTEL test.

With this change, the department intends to remove a barrier by bypassing the general curriculum testing requirement.

This was one of the most popular of the proposed amendments, with 80 percent of those who offered public comment agreeing with the change.

This license Im particularly excited about  Im excited about all of these  but this one does put a smile on my face knowing the challenges sometimes of finding highly qualified and diverse educators to work with our youngest students with disabilities, said senior associate commissioner at the departments Center for District Support Russell Johnston.

He added later, We think that this addition of a new license for moderate and severe special ed teachers in these primary grades, in these early childhood grades, will be very useful to expanding educators coming into this role. And Ive personally heard from educators whove wanted to move into this type of role who I think will personally benefit from this type of licensure option that we make available.

The updates also aim to establish a new entry point to become a school nurse, as nurses are in short supply in both schools and hospitals across the state.

The regulation change would create a new provisional license for school nurses, under which they would still need to pass the communication and literacy skills MTEL exam, have a bachelors or masters degree in nursing, and possess a valid nursing license.

We really want to encourage as many effective nurses to come into nursing in schools as possible, Johnston said.
A 35-year-old attorney is facing additional charges weeks after he pleaded not guilty in connection with a series of rapes in Charlestown 15 years ago.

On Tuesday, Matthew Nilo was indicted by a Suffolk County grand jury on seven charges, including one count of rape, one count of aggravated rape, three counts of assault with intent to rape and two counts of indecent assault and battery.

The New Jersey man was charged earlier this month in a series of sexual assaults in Charlestown in the 2000s. Boston police said Nilo sexually assaulted four women in the Terminal Street area in Charlestown on Aug. 18, 2007, Nov. 22, 2007, Aug. 5, 2008 and Dec. 23, 2008. Cox said all of the cases were DNA connected, according to The Boston Globe.

Rapes in the North End followed a similar pattern to the ones in Charlestown, officials said.

The victims were attacked while they were walking alone, in the dark, either at night or early in the morning, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Haydens office said.

Nilo, the district attorneys office said, was living in the North End at the time of the attacks. They were also during the same period as the attacks against women in Charlestown.

Officials said there were five attacks on four women in the North End. One of the victims was attacked twice, eleven days apart. The North End attacks happened in January 2007, July 2007, January 2008 and July 2008.

Hayden said DNA evidence played a role in the new indictments.

The FBI said it had used investigative genetic genealogy to help identify the person believed responsible for the attacks in Charlestown. This combines traditional DNA analysis with publicly available genealogy research and historical records to identify potential leads and suspects in a case, Joseph Bonavolonta, FBI Bostons special agent in charge, said, according to NBC Boston.

The FBI also obtained utensils and drinking glasses officials say Nilo used at a corporate event, Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney Lynn Feigenbaum said to WCVB.

From one of the glasses, the Boston Police Crime Lab was able to obtain a male DNA profile, which is found to match the suspect profile from the three Terminal Street rapes, she told the news outlet.

Lastly, I can tell you this case demonstrates that no attack will go uninvestigated, no suspect will go unpursued, and no amount of time will insulate a criminal from a crime, Hayden said.

Nilo is expected to be formally charged on the new counts at his next court appearance on July 13. He was released June 15 after posting $500,000 bail.
An autopsy has determined that the death of a man awaiting trial on charges of killing his mother off the coast of New England in a scheme to inherit millions of dollars was not suspicious, the New Hampshire attorney generals office said Wednesday.

Nathan Carman, 29, of Vernon, Vermont, was found dead in his cell in a county jail in New Hampshire on June 15. The attorney generals office does not release the cause and manner in deaths that are not suspicious, according to spokesperson Michael Garrity. The U.S. Marshals Service in Vermont said it will not be releasing the cause of Carmans death at the request of family.

The attorney generals office confirmed that authorities consider a death to be not suspicious when theyve determined no one else was involved, or if no crime was committed.

Carman pleaded not guilty last year to fraud and first-degree murder in the death of his mother, Linda Carman, in 2016, and was scheduled to go on trial in October.

An eight-count indictment also said Carman shot and killed his wealthy grandfather John Chakalos as he slept in 2013, in order to obtain money and property from his grandfathers estate. But the indictment did not charge Carman with his grandfathers killing, and he had consistently denied any involvement in the two deaths.

In September 2016, Carman organized a fishing trip with his mother, who lived in Middletown, Connecticut, during which prosecutors say he planned to kill her and report that his boat sank and his mother disappeared in the accident.

He was found floating in an inflatable raft eight days after leaving a Rhode Island marina with his mother, whose body was never recovered. Prosecutors allege he altered the boat to make it more likely to sink. Carman denied that allegation.

His lawyers Martin Minnella and David Sullivan criticized the indictment  including allegations Carman killed his grandfather, saying he was never charged with that crime.
A 73-year-old Massachusetts man was parked down the street from his house in Adams earlier this year when he noticed someone else walking down his driveway. Officials said the homeowner snuck through his homes side door, picked up a small, souvenir-sized bat and continued through the house looking for the unknown man.

The unidentified 73-year-old found the man, now known as Mark Bednarz, drilling into his safe with a gun inside at about 2:20 p.m.

Despite being armed with the small bat, the homeowner decided not to hit Mr. Bednarz, the Berkshire District Attorneys office said. However, the presence of the homeowner in the room startled Mr. Bednarz, prompting Mr. Bednarz to threaten the homeowner with the power drill he was using.

The two began fighting, officials said.

During the fight, officials said multiple items were used, including a small bat, a can of soup and the power drill. The 73-year-old eventually restrained Bednarz, the district attorneys office said, and the homeowner was able to escape from the house.

By the time the homeowner got to the road, Adams police had arrived due to an alert from surveillance cameras.

The homeowner explained to police that he wanted to call for help but could not locate his phone during the struggle, the district attorneys office said.

Read more: Decades old Roxbury machete murder conviction overturned over instructions

When police went inside, Bednarz was on the floor, unresponsive, officials said. Police began CPR.

A day later, Bednarz died.

But officials said Tuesday the 73-year-old isnt going to face charges in the Feb. 9 altercation.

Neither the medical examiner, nor the doctor who treated Mr. Bednarz at Berkshire Medical Center, could conclude that the injuries he sustained during the altercation with the homeowner caused his condition, the district attorneys office said.

Bednarz tested positive for fentanyl, opiates, cocaine, cannabinoids and benzoylecgonine, officials said. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death to be, Complications of acute fentanyl intoxication in the setting of recent cocaine used and mechanical asphyxia.

Friends and family told the Berkshire Eagle that Bednarz had an addiction to heroin and crack cocaine that led him to repeated stints in prison. Still, they remembered him for his infectious laugh and artwork.

I liked him right up until the end, Margaret Vigiard told the newspaper. But near the end, he was in bad shape. It was tragic. He got into those drugs and it just ruined him.
Three New Yorkers  two men and a teenager who police said committed an armed robbery at a Home Depot in New Hampshire  fled law enforcement throughout New England in a police chase that ended in a Massachusetts neighborhood on Wednesday, according to Massachusetts State Police.

Jahnie Cox and Patrick Singleton, both 20 years old and of Brooklyn, New York, along with an unidentified 17-year-old boy, also of Brooklyn, were arrested and charged with the same offenses.

These included resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, disturbing the police and receiving stolen property over $1,200, police said.

There were several stolen items found in the suspects car that have been brought to Keene, New Hampshire police to prosecute the armed robbery case, Massachusetts State Police said.

Cox and Singleton faced additional charges, as they were fugitives from the State of New Hampshire, police said, and all three were expected to appear in Greenfield District Court on Wednesday.

What happened?

At 9:29 a.m. on June 28, state police said a trooper spotted a gray Chevrolet Malibu with New York plates driving on Interstate 91 in Greenfield on the southbound side of the highway.

It was the same vehicle state police had issued an alert for at 9:02 a.m., as its occupants were believed to be armed and have stolen many things at about 8:45 a.m. from a Home Depot, located at 22 Ash Brook Road in Keene, New Hampshire, police said.

Police in New Hampshire and Vermont had initially pursued the vehicle that morning as it sped more than 100 mph across the states towards Brattleboro, Vermont, according to Massachusetts State Police.

The Massachusetts trooper tried to pull over the vehicle as it came down into Massachusetts on I-91 near mile marker 43, state police said, starting a police pursuit after the driver did not pull over.

The car sped away from police driving more than 100 mph, the department said, then hit a tire deflation device put across the highway by troopers about 3 miles from where it was spotted.

Though it hit the strip, the Malibu did not stop, and got off the highway at Exit 44 in Greenfield, police said. The car drove up Route 2 on the westbound side and cut over to Colrain Road in Greenfield, police said.

At 9:35 a.m., the Malibu was found abandoned on Duren Drive in Greenfield near the citys community college, according to police.

Witnesses at the scene told police the people in the car had gotten out and ran from Duren Drive, and their descriptions of the three individuals matched that of the people believed to have robbed the Home Depot, police said.

State police and local law enforcement created a perimeter around the area and called in three state police dog units to help look for the men, police said. Officers were able to find and arrest one suspect by 10:26 a.m. in the woods nearby, and the other two in the woods at 10:34 a.m.

Sig, a police dog who just completed training on May 31, had tracked the scent of the suspects and pulled into an area of thick bramble bushes, showing a proximity alert to the center of the hedge

His trooper partner ordered the suspects out, but they ran from the back of the hedge across Colrain Road and next to the Lower Meadow Cemetery, police said.

Troopers then ran to the other side of the hedge, where an officer on the perimeter had taken charge of one of the suspects, and police said a trooper and Sig gave cover so the officer could arrest the first individual.

After officers told police dog units that the other two individuals had run into the woods toward I-91, state police set up a perimeter in that area, and Sig and the troopers went into a large swamp area in the woods off Colrain Road, police said.

Sig tracked the suspects, police said, and troopers about 30 feet from the woodline saw the two people down the hill right in front of them, police said. The people surrendered, and Sig gave more cover as the two were taken into custody.
NORTHAMPTON  The sale of 142-year-old St. Mary of the Assumption Church overlooking Northamptons downtown is expected to be completed by October, members of the citys surviving Catholic parish were told at a town hall meeting Sunday.

St. Marys, at 3 Elm St., and its rectory built in 1910 are expected to sell for $1.6 million, down from a $2.9 million listing price, according to one person who attended the meeting. The 100-person crowd from the successor St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish also heard that the churchs stained-glass windows will be removed, and the buyer will replace them as part of the renovations.

The buyer was not named.

There is no sale paperwork filed yet with the Hampshire County Registry of Deeds.

Neither B. John Jack Dill, president of Colebrook Realty, which is representing the property for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield, nor diocesan spokesman Mark E. Dupont would comment  and wont until the sale is final.

The diocese put the buildings on the market in 2017.

Over the years, the only other use was in 2021, when the city leased 42 parking spaces on the State Street side of the church property, roughly across from Fly By Night furniture, as temporary city parking. Construction at the time put other lots out of commission.

The 10,544-square-foot church and 7,288-square-foot former rectory sit on 1.5 acres of land. The site is at the intersection of Elm, Main and State streets in a busy downtown that planners say desperately needs more housing.

The properties have been vacant since the diocese consolidated its Northampton parishes in 2010.

The former St. John Cantius Church and property was sold in 2020 for $1.6 million and is being redeveloped after a long fight to save it.

The former Blessed Sacrament Church at 354 Elm St. sold to a growing Seventh-Day Adventist congregation in 2021 for $455,000.
SPRINGFIELD  As state lawmakers consider legislation whether to remove incentives to use biomass incinerators as a form of green energy, City Council President Jesse Lederman traveled to Boston to testify Wednesday about Springfields experience with a proposed biomass plant.

Lederman spoke at a hearing before the House Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy to support a bill (H. 3210/ S. 2136) that would remove an incentive for municipal light plants to use biomass incinerators, such as the one proposed in on Page Boulevard.

It was paired with a second bill (H. 3211/ S. 2137) intended to constrict the use of woody biomass as source of alternative energy. Both pieces of legislation were introduced by state Rep. Orlando Ramos and state Sen. Adam Gomez, who represent Springfield. Lederman and Ramos are both running for mayor of Springfield.

Ramos, who appeared virtually at the hearing, said the legislation would address a loophole carved out to benefit the proposed Springfield biomass plant and built off earlier legislation that addressed biomass plants.

The legislation, Ramos said, is intended to protect communities like the city of Springfield that are considered environmental justice communities.

In his testimony, Lederman said it is scientifically inaccurate to describe biomass incinerators as a source of non-carbon emitting energy.

Even though the proposed incinerator in Springfield has been stripped of its state and local permits, and remains ineligible for other state incentives through the renewable portfolio standard, Lederman said in his testimony, its developers continue to challenge those decisions in court and have courted contracts with (municipal light plants) if the incinerator is allowed to be constructed.

In November, Massachusetts upheld the decision by the Department of Environmental Protection to revoke the projects air permit.

The City Council president has advocated against the installation of biomass energy plants over the last few years.

Ive been proud to stand together with residents and advocates across our city to make clear that the days of polluters being rubber-stamped in Springfield are over, Lederman said in a statement.

He later said the effort to stop the biomass incinerator in Springfield is a cautionary tale of what can happen when elected officials arent paying attention or arent acting in the best interest of their constituents.
A water main break on Route 1 in Saugus is impacting Wednesday morning travel, according to Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

MassDOT is the water main break is adjacent to Route 1 on the southbound side south in Saugus. The right southbound travel lane is closed, reducing the roadway to two lanes.

Southbound travel impacted for time being, MassDOT tweeted at 5:56 a.m. Mass511 also showed heavy delays around 6:50 a.m. Wednesday.

A water main break on Route 1 in Saugus is causing major delays, officials warn.

Transportation officials told NBC Boston that drivers should expect major impacts and delays. The news station also reported pooling water could be seen in the breakdown lane. It was also spreading into the right travel lane.

In #Saugus all lanes of Rt 1A southbound may need to close soon area of Lynn Fells Parkway; due to water main break, sign pole compromised, crane being deployed & all or most SB lanes will close  Jacquelyn Goddard (@JacqueGoddard) June 28, 2023

As of 11:05 a.m., MassDOT warned all lanes near Lynn Fells Parkway are expect to close while a crane is being used.
Carol Thompson began her journey to caregiving with an 18-day cross-country trip. She drove from Rochester to California in 2021 to pick up her partner and best friend, Elizabeth Tilden, 76, who has a moderate form of Alzheimers disease.

How a national phone buddy program helps LGBTQ seniors stay connected A program born out of the early weeks of the pandemic has paired LGBTQ elders with volunteers in the community for more than three years.

Thompson, 74, immediately assumed the role of caregiver, as Tildens daughter lives in Sweden.

When it comes time to look for assisted-living facilities, the couple hopes the facility has LGBTQ ally partnerships and a large community presence to support them.

I think as far as the community, if youre stuck at home  which doesnt matter, gay, straight or otherwise  if youre stuck at home, what are you going to do? You need that connection, Thompson said. I desperately need to be around people. Thats who I am.

The history of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment reflected in U.S. laws and policies created a stigma thats caused painful experiences for LGBTQ+ patients seeking health care.

That fear was heightened in the HIV/AIDS epidemic of the 1980s. But in post-pandemic 2023, LGBTQ+ adults have an additional concern: aging alone.

The assumed caregivers of older adults, immediate or close relatives, are often unavailable to members of the gay and lesbian community, said Scott Fearing, a community activist and educator on LGBTQ+ issues at the University of Rochester.

If you look at elders in the world and who cares for them, its usually children, grandchildren, siblings, something like that, Fearing said. And oftentimes, for LGBTQ seniors, those connections dont exist. There arent children. There arent places to turn to.

The U.S. health care system has long stigmatized LGBTQ+ patients, said Meki Singleton, a doctoral candidate studying gerontology at the University of Southern California.

In the past, Singleton said, would-be health care providers denied treatment to HIV/AIDS patients. Today, medical discrimination looks like denying treatment of patients due to their sexual orientation or identity, she said.

Having that historical nature of being discriminated against  you may not be the first in line to want to access these (health care) services, Singleton said.

Buffalo region support

For four years, a 64-year-old transgender woman from Buffalo had been trying to get her legal name changed to affirm her newfound sense of identity, but every legal agency that she went to turned her down, except one.

Christopher Phillips, a staff attorney at the Center for Elder Law & Justice, helped her get the long desired legal name change within three months.

I found that this is pretty rewarding work, Phillips said. Because a lot of times, unfortunately, what Im finding is that the LGBT seniors are sort of estranged from their families of origin, which is just heartbreaking and sad to see.

Phillips began work in elder law after graduating in 2020 from University at Buffalo School of Law, starting a fellowship with the Borchard Foundation Center on Law & Aging. The center gives fellows an opportunity to work on a substantial project related to law and aging in partnership with a host agency.

He chose the Center for Elder Law & Justice Silver Pride Partnership program, now known as the Silver Pride Project. It provides free civil legal services to the aging LGBTQ+ community in Western New York in collaboration with community partners, including the Buffalo-based Pride Center of WNY (pridecenterwny.org).

Services include advanced care planning, name changes, gender marker changes and discrimination claims.

Its very rewarding to offer this free of charge as well, Phillips said, because a lot of folks think, Well, I cant afford that.

The Silver Pride Project also offers a Silver Pride Coffee Hour from 10 a.m. to noon Fridays. It rotates weekly in the Cheektowaga Senior Citizen Center, Amherst Center for Senior Services and South Buffalo Community Association. The downtown Pride Center will soon become part of the mix.

The coffee hour focuses on reducing the social isolation that LGBTQ+ elders face as they age.

They lose family. They lose friends. They may not have even had that much family connection to begin with because a lot of folks were ostracized from their family when they came out back in the 70s and 80s, said Taylor Blake, engagement and education coordinator at the Pride Center.

Rainbow Seniors Visible and Proud (rsvp-wny.org), a volunteer social organization for LGBTQ+ seniors, also focuses on meeting the social and community needs of LGBTQ+ seniors.

Niagara Pride (niagarapride.org), where Phillips serves as a board member, hosts social meetings and gatherings for all LGBTQ+ individuals. Participants typically include a lot of LGBTQ+ seniors.

Evergreen Health offers care coordination and other health services for all LGBTQ+ identifying individuals.

Were all just trying to sort of prop up older adults, Phillips said, and give them dignity while they age.

Support for Michigan elders

The Michigan LGBTQ+ Elders Network (MiGen) tackled challenges faced by older LGBTQ+ adults during the pandemic, which illuminated gaps and disparities in services.

MiGen saw a massive upswell in the need for basic assistance, programming and social connection as the pandemic hit for the older LGBTQ adults it serves. It now has a whole pillar dedicated to direct services for older adults.

What the organization offers broadly falls into two buckets: education and direct services. The training and education department works directly with adult care providers, said MiGen executive director Angela Gabridge.

We do culturally responsive training and education for nurses, nursing home administrators, social workers, receptionist, clerical staff  basically anyone in that older adult care space, Gabridge said.

MiGen also works with Michigans area agencies on aging, long-term care facilities and health care systems, she said.

We have a food assistance and tech assistance program, friendly caller reassurance, we have social programming both in-person and virtual opportunities, Gabridge said.

This year, the organization launched a community navigator pilot program that pairs older LGBTQ+ adults and their caregivers with community members who work to assist them with any challenges or hurdles they face. The members are part of the LGBTQ+ community and are positioned to help, Gabridge said.

The navigators can step in to assist with housing or provide resources, such as when an LGBTQ+ person says they are being bullied at their long-term care facility, she said. Even when MiGen is working with allies or people who want to be supportive, its often difficult when theres an absence of significant experience within the LGBTQ+ community, or when allies come from a cultural background that views personal questions as offensive or invasive.

Thats one challenge that oftentimes folks dont think of, Gabridge said.

In Rochester, Thompson said she would prefer to age in a community of other LGBTQ+ seniors.

I love it, because I can be there and be myself and not worry about pronouns or anything else, Thompson said. And I dont have to worry about somebody asking about my gender identification, or any of that stuff.

Thompson said she believes there is a major need for supportive housing and programs catered to older adults like her.

Theres just not a lot of social outlets here for senior gays.

A.J. Franklin is with The Buffalo News; Naina Rao is with the NY-Michigan Solutions Journalism Collaborative; and Justice Marbury is with the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle.
Theres a groundswell on Beacon Hill to implement a five-year jail and prison construction moratorium, Sen. Jo Comerford said at a committee hearing Tuesday after more than 20 inmates testified virtually from MCI-Framingham on her bill, detailing a dearth of health care, education, skill-building, domestic violence counseling, and other programming available to them.

A new prison that could cost Massachusetts more than $50 million is unnecessary, the inmates said, as they insisted MCI-Framingham is a functional facility that doesnt need to be replaced despite claims of overcrowding and understaffing. State money should instead be directed to support rehabilitation and reentry resources, said the inmates  including some of whom are seeking clemency or retrials.

Incarceration is inherently traumatic, Comerford said. Residents of the commonwealth need and deserve community-based services and opportunities, alternatives, after-incarceration support, medical parole  that is what is called for.

Comerford said her proposal (S 1979) heeds the science of pursuing alternatives to incarceration and tackling the root causes of incarceration, such as lack of access to public education, affordable housing, mental health, job employment opportunities and transportation.

Former Gov. Charlie Baker spiked a moratorium plan from a nearly $5.2 billion general bond bill in late July, and Democrats left themselves no time under their rules to try and overturn his veto. Comerford called Bakers decision very misguided.

Comerford told the News Service shes not worried about a veto from Gov. Maura Healey should a moratorium proposal be sent to her desk.

Read more: Hearing over need for stronger interpreter services marred by translation issues

Governor Healey supports efforts to stop new construction of prison infrastructure provided it does not preclude the state from making critical renovations to maintain safe, modern facilities and attain quality programming and services, Karissa Hand, a Healey spokesperson, said in a statement.

Comerfords bill this session does not preclude repairs, though it would block state agencies from studying, planning, designing, acquiring, leasing, searching for sites or building new facilities. The bill also prohibits the expansion of existing correctional facilities or detention centers, converting spaces for the purpose of detention or incarceration, or renovating spaces that go beyond maintenance needed to comply with building code requirements.

Rep. Chynah Tyler filed a companion prison moratorium bill (H 1795) in the House. Six months into the new session, its awaiting a hearing before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary.

The Baker administration had investigated constructing a new womens prison in Norfolk, and advocates say they want clarity from the Healey administration on the latest plans to potentially replace MCI-Framingham.

Healeys recently released five-year capital spending contains a bonding cap of $51.55 million from fiscal 2024 to fiscal 2028 to support the final phases of the MCI-Framingham planning process.

That includes $750,000 in fiscal 2024, though officials are still evaluating the best path for the facility moving forward, a spokesperson for the Healey administration said Tuesday. Planning in fiscal 2024 will help the administration pinpoint next steps and costs.

Comerford said capital investment plans are broad and dont articulate exact policy plans.

Thats why I think todays hearing is so important because the governor is considering the way forward, from my understanding, Comerford told the News Service.

Mallory Hanora, executive director of the advocacy group Families for Justice as Healing, told the News Service before the hearing: What we know is that members of the executive branch from EOPSS, the Department of Correction and the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance have been having biweekly meetings since 2022 with HDR, the architecture firm that was hired to study and design the new womens prison, but we dont know the status of those meetings.

Families for Justice as Healing and The National Council for Incarcerated Women and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls had filed a public records request for meeting minutes, though the groups in May said they received heavily redacted documents.

The two organizations held a rally outside the State House Tuesday morning, as advocates more broadly called on the state for its plan to decarcerate MCI-Framingham. There are about 200 inmates at the facility, compared to past levels reaching 700 or 800, inmates and advocates testified.

The number of people incarcerated under DOC dropped by 45% between 2013 and 2022  or from 11,403 individuals to 6,236, according to a DOC report from May 2022. Officials say the decline reflects successful reentry efforts, lower recidivism rates, and criminal justice reform in 2018.

Instead of worrying about stashing the pockets of a construction company, invest the money that we need dearly at Framingham, inmate Jessica Deane testified, requesting program funding to help domestic violence survivors heal in a meaningful way to be positive and successful returning citizens.

Melissa Cordle, whos been incarcerated for the last 38 years, told lawmakers that constructing a new prison would only transfer and perpetuate the issues at MCI-Framingham. Cordle, 73, advocated for alternatives like relief for elderly inmates who pose a low threat to society.

Champree Dikins, another inmate, testified that $50 million can be used to open doors to women to have successful reentry rather than by what she described as destroying peoples hopes and dreams through incarceration.

Successful passage of the prison moratorium would provide officials with a pause to examine strategies to reduce the states prison and jail footprint, Comerford said. That rethink cannot happen, Comerford told the News Service, if policymakers are always grapping with the ghost or specter of a new prison hanging over us or prison expansion.

For the fiscal conservatives in our midst, its also cheaper, Comerford told the News Service. Besides being morally better, ethically better, its more effective ... Its also just actually the way Massachusetts should be.
BOSTON - Red Sox righthander Tanner Houck underwent a surgical procedure Tuesday to repair a facial fracture, the result of being struck in the face by a line drive during the teams last homestand.

Houck was drilled by a comebacker on June 16 against the New York Yankees and spent the night in the hospital and under observation before being released.

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On Tuesday night, the Red Sox announced that Houck had undergone a successful open reduction and internal fixation of a right orbito-zygomatico-maxillary complex (OZMC) fracture. Manager Alex Cora said Houck had a tiny plate inserted into his right cheekbone. The procedure we performed by Dr. Branko Bojovic at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Cora said a timetable for a return to action would be revealed later in the week, or early next week, but an industry source said it was unlikely Houck would rejoin the rotation before August.

After recovering from the procedure, Houck will be given the green light to begin throwing again. But after being idle for the last two weeks, it will take time for him to gradually build up arm strength. It seems obvious that Houck will require some rehab appearances in the minors before rejoining the Sox.

Elsewhere:

* Cora said that lefty James Paxton, who was removed from his last start in Chicago over the weekend after just four innings because of right knee soreness, is in line to make his next scheduled start Friday in Toronto.

* Relievers John Schreiber (teres major strain) and Richard Bleier (shoulder inflammation) threw bullpens Tuesday.

* Infielder Trevor Story (right elbow) continues to hit off a pitching machine, in addition to running and conditioning drills.

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* Yu Chang (left hamate) was able to swing a bat over the weekend and could re-start his rehab stint in the minors by the end of the week.

* Righthander Corey Kluber (shoulder) continues to get treatment and has not yet been cleared to resume throwing.
BOSTON  The Red Sox still havent announced a starter for Wednesdays game against the Marlins, but right-hander Kaleb Ort is likely to be the opener against the Marlins, manager Alex Cora said.

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The Red Sox will have a bullpen game against Miami in an effort to give their four regular starters (Brayan Bello, James Paxton, Kutter Crawford and Garrett Whitlock) an extra day of rest after the club had Monday off between series against the White Sox and Marlins. Bello would have been available on regular rest Wednesday after pitching Friday night in Chicago but the team decided to give him an extra day as the first half winds down. As a result, the Red Sox will use an opener for the third time in a 12-game span. Ort started Game 1 of a doubleheader against the Yankees on June 18 and Justin Garza opened Thursday in Minneapolis before Brandon Walter made his major league debut in a 6  inning relief appearance.

Garza threw 39 pitches over two innings in Tuesdays 10-1 loss, meaning Ort, who has a 5.79 ERA in 17 appearances (1 start), will likely get the nod.

Most likely, it will be Kaleb, Cora said. Hell open and well go from there.

Ort will pitch one or two innings before Cora turns to his bullpen. Three multi-inning options (Chris Murphy, Nick Pivetta and Josh Winckowski) are well-rested and ready to go. Murphy and Winckowski each last pitched Saturday, throwing 31 pitches each. Pivetta threw six pitches in that game. Ort threw Sunday, recording two outs on 10 pitches.

Weve got Wink, weve got Nick, weve got Murph. Were in a good spot in that aspect, Cora said.

Bello will start the series finale against the Marlins on Thursday before the Red Sox head to Toronto for the weekend. Paxton, Crawford and Whitlock are in line to pitch at Rogers Centre. Bello would be in line to pitch at Fenway Park on the Fourth of July when the Red Sox return home to begin a series wit Texas.
SPRINGFIELD  A years-long fight over the resurrection of a police oversight board continues.

Last week, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno again faced questions from city councilors about why the Board of Police Commissioners does not have its own designated funding in Springfields next fiscal year budget.

The board is responsible for the disciplinary oversight of the employees of the Springfield Police Department, as stated on the citys website. Commissioners conduct hearings and have final say on disciplinary matters.

All five members are appointed by the mayor, who in years past was not in favor of the commission. He vetoed the City Councils attempts to establish the board, claiming it is not in the citys best interest to rehash the same political squabbles that occurred more than 100 years ago, he said in a veto statement.

Sarno was sued by the council. In 2021, Judge Francis E. Flannery ruled in favor of the councils 2018 ordinance to establish a police commission  a body that had existed for more than a century before its elimination in 2005.

Flannery ordered Sarno to identify and appoint qualified residents to serve on the board.

That clearly did not put the matter to rest.

Last week, City Councilor Justin Hurst, who is running for mayor, said he believes the Sarno administration is denying the board the resources it needs to do its work.

The Board of Police Commissioners is being set up to fail and everyone knows it, Hurst saId.

Having an executive Board of Police Commissioners requires resources and a level of communication with the administration that is not currently taking place, Hurst said in a statement.

The Sarno administration denies that it is short-changing the board and that it is receiving whatever financial support its members need through allocations routed through the Police Department.

Norman Roldan, chair of the Board of Police Commissioners, said he is in favor of having an established budget for the board. However, he said its something that doesnt need to be rushed and requires participation from the Sarno administration, City Council and other parties.

Roldan told The Republican that the board would benefit from having its own office space, specifically at City Hall. He said he believes having an office would make the work of the commission more accessible to city residents.

I think they do have a problem seeing the difference between the police commission and police itself, Roldan said.

Sarnos finance chief said calls for providing the board with its own budget are pointless and will not come to fruition.

Chief Administrative and Financial Officer Timothy J. Plante and Sarno said the board is fully-funded.

Typically, all boards and commissions for all the departments, including the police commission, are funded in the departmental appropriation, Plante said.

There hasnt been anything that I have heard about (in) a formal request that they have not received, he said.

This includes laptops the commissioners received, which cost around $1,000 each, according to Plante.

The Police Department received close to $58 million in the citys budget. Plante said the department has a $5 million Other Than Personnel Services (OTP) budget that can be used for whatever their needs might be.

Still, he said he will evaluate each request the board makes.

The request for office space is unnecessary, according to Plante, who said the board holds its meetings at the police departments internal investigations unit office on Page Boulevard.

The big part is, were not treating them any different than any other (department, Plante said.

In my mind, its unnecessary to sit there and say that they need to be funded by their own separate police commission budget, because I just dont think it warrants that, he said.
The Fourth of July weekend traffic is about to kick up as 1.4 million people from Massachusetts are expected to travel leading up to Independence Day, according to AAA.

AAA believes this upcoming holiday weekend could be another record-setter as 43.2 million people are expected to drive to their destinations, rising 2.4% from 2022s numbers and 4% higher than it was in 2019. It also comes after months of gas prices staying steadily between $3.50 and $3.60 a gallon, in contrast to $4.80 on July 4, 2022.

The number of Americans taking to the skies for Independence Day is also forecast to increase over July 2022s number. AAA projects 4.17 million Americans to fly over the weekend, an increase of 11.2% over 2022 and 6.6% over 2019.

Of those Massachusetts residents who will travel this weekend, 1.2 million will go by car, Vice President of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Northeast Mary Maguire said in a statement.

With the upcoming holiday, we are anticipating increased levels of traffic congestion, and were encouraging travelers to plan ahead and make use of our travel resources, MassDOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver said in a statement. The Fourth of July holiday is always a time where we see increased travel around the state, so we ask all roadway users to be courteous, obey the rules of the road, and take it slow so everyone can enjoy the holiday safely.

Read more: Amesbury July 4 fireworks show postponed after protected Bobolinks are found

Using data from transportation data and insights provider INRIX, AAA anticipates June 30 to be the busiest travel day with average travel times up nearly 30% over normal. Cities like Boston and Seattle are expected to see the worst of it. INRIX suggested leaving home in the morning or after 6 p.m. to avoid the heaviest holiday congestion.

The worst times to travel on June 30 listed by AAA were between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., while the best times were to leave before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. For Saturday, 1 p.m. was the worst time to travel whereas leaving before noon is your best option. July 2 and July 3 should have minimal traffic, while July 4s worst times to drive were between noon and 3 p.m., but leaving before 11 a.m. or after 6 p.m. were the best.

MassDOT advises travelers to plan ahead and anticipate increased volumes of traffic going into the weekend. The agency recommends using real time travel tools, checking holiday schedules for public transportation, and planning trip departure times and routes based on available information, it said in a statement.

The AAA projections place Bostons peak travel time from 11 a.m. to about 1:30 p.m. on Friday, the worst of it heading south on Interstate 93 from Boston toward the area of Route 3 and the Massachusetts Turnpike. Traffic in the region is expected to be 63% above its normal levels.

The Interstate Boston-Quincy HOV lane is expected to be deployed early for the holiday weekend, opening at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 29, and at 1 p.m. on Friday, but will have normal deployment times on Monday, July 3. The HOV lane will not be deployed on July 4.

For more information on planning ahead and safety tips, visit AAA Northeasts website at the link here.
Several states have issued air quality alerts as more smoke from Canadas devastating wildfires makes its way south across the continent.

These alerts impact over 80 million people, according to CNN. The entire states of Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Delaware and Maryland, and parts of Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Virginia have all issued alerts in response to the smoke.

Nearly 500 fires are burning across Canada, ravaging parts of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, the Northwestern Territories, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. From that number, 253 fires have been declared out of control as 17.7 million acres have burned.

Across the Atlantic Ocean, smoke can be seen via satellite reaching as far as Portugal and Spain, ABC News reported.

Read more: Smoke from Canada seen in US is routine danger for most developing countries

Air quality alerts in Western New York warned of unhealthy air, which can leave eyes itchy and cause respiratory problems even for healthy people. Air is likely to be unhealthy for sensitive individuals in Central New York, while Upstate New York will be breathing what is essentially second-hand smoke, Syracuse.com said as it receives smoke that traveled to the Midwest from Canada.

All of Eastern New York is expected to have healthy air, which continues to be the case according to AirNow.gov as of Wednesday morning.

All of this leads to one question: what about Massachusetts and the rest of New England?

As of Wednesday morning, the National Weather Service has not issued any air quality alerts for Massachusetts regarding smoke. Other New England states have also not done so, and the air quality for most of the region is healthy. The only exceptions to this are in Fall River, Bridgeport and New Haven, where the air quality is slightly above healthy under the moderate label, according to AirNow.gov.
WESTFIELD  After an 11-year-old girl told her school counselor she had been sexually assaulted by a man known to her, police arrested a Springfield man and charged him with two counts of aggravated rape of a child, two counts of taking indecent liberties with a minor, and two counts of witness intimidation, according to court documents.

Robert M. Riopel Jr., 40, of 91 Monticello Ave., Springfield, was arraigned on May 26 on the felony charges in Westfield District Court after surrendering to police in Springfield the day before, according to court documents.

After his arraignment, he pleaded not guilty, but was ordered held in lieu of posting a $25,000 cash bail or a $250,000 surety bond, according to court documents.
The Worcester City Council has passed a resolution urging Community Healthlink to reopen its suspended addiction services programs as soon as possible, saying that the programs are critical for the citys vulnerable populations.

In April, the UMass Memorial Health-owned health center abruptly suspended admissions to its Detox, Passages and Thayer Transitional Support Services programs at its facility at 12 Queen St. The move came after an inspection by the Massachusetts Board of Substance Addiction Services.

At Tuesdays City Council meeting, Councilor Sarai Rivera, one of the sponsors of the resolution, said the community has already seen the effects of the program closures.

We understand the need for these programs. Weve seen the opioid overdoses take a spike since the closure. Its been very disheartening and its been very heartbreaking for many of us, Rivera said. This is a program that we need. We need to make sure that when its open, its running efficiently and its running safely for the participants, for the patients, but also the staff.

When the programs were suspended, about 80 workers at CHL were laid off.

We dont want to lose those workers because itll be very difficult to replace them, said Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson.

Four of those workers, members of SEIU Local 509, spoke at Tuesdays meeting in support of the resolution. Nikita, a former staff member of the Passages program, who identified herself by only her first name, said she and her colleagues wanted to see CHLs programs return.

It is imperative that we get these programs open as soon as possible and safely as possible, she said. As you can see, the homelessness and the overdose rates have risen noticeably in the time that we have closed. I have seen many of our clients out on the streets and its really devastating to know that they do not have a place to come to for safe rehab. Laying off 80 staff members within a two-week period took a hard toll on a lot of them as well, and we do want to return to work as soon as possible.

The union has said that in the months leading up to the BSAS inspection, employees had raised concerns about lack of supervisory support, chronic understaffing and inadequate security measures at CHL, but that their concerns were not addressed.

The CHL workers said they have met with CHL Interim President Gordon Benson and he had agreed to meet with them on a regular basis during the closure. They have also met with state and municipal elected officials.

Jim Leary, vice president of government and community relations at UMass Memorial Health, said at Tuesdays meeting that the organizations administration understood the importance of CHLs programs, and has been meeting with an outside consultant to develop a reopening plan.

Essentially there are two key goals. One is to provide high-quality services that are responsive to the need in the community, Leary said. Second is to not get into this situation again. We want to make sure that the programs are done right so that we dont end up back here or end up with another BSAS deficiency order.

He added that CHL is currently working on capital improvements at the Queen Street facility, investing about $600,000 since the time of the closure.

Jim Dander, CHLs SEIU union representative, said Tuesday that he disagreed with UMass Memorials characterization of the program shutdown. He said that at the time, there were about 48 patients in the detox program, all of whom were rapidly discharged, many to shelters or programs in Boston and Springfield.

Our understanding is that the Bureau of [Substance] Addiction Services directed for a pause in admission, he said. We dont think that BSAS was envisioning a complete shutdown, the layoff of about 80 employees and the letting go of pretty much the entire management staff.

Amidst the program closures, CHL was scheduled to begin its crisis co-response program with the Worcester Police Department on June 1. City Manager Eric Batista said at Tuesdays meeting that the pilot program has not yet started because they are still hiring and acquiring materials and resources. He attributed the delay in part to changes in leadership at CHL.

CHL appointed two leaders of the program, Dale Kline and Kevin McCarthy, earlier this month.

SEIU Local 509 said Wednesday that they will hold a rally at 5 p.m. Thursday in Beaver Brook Park to advocate for the restoration of the addiction programs.
Le Premier Ministre Adjoint a fait une declaration au parlement, le 27 juin 2023, concernant la participation de Maurice a la reunion des ministres du Tourisme du G20 qui a eu lieu a Goa en Inde.

Mr Speaker, Sir,

With your permission, I wish to make a Statement to the House further to my participation in the G20 Tourism Ministerial Meeting which was held on 21 and 22 June 2023 in Goa, India.

The House is aware that India has assumed the Presidency of the G20 for the period 01 December 2022 to 30 November 2023.

In line with the usual practice, a few countries are invited by the G20 Presidency as guest countries in the G20 Meetings and Summit. Mauritius is privileged to be one among the few countries which India has invited as a Guest Country to participate in G20 Meetings and Summit this year.

There are different thematic areas which are discussed throughout the G20 Process, and one of them is Tourism.

The G20 India Presidency set up a Tourism Working Group (TWG) to elaborate, with the assistance of the UNWTO, a Roadmap for Tourism as a Vehicle for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals , based on five inter-connected priority areas, namely, Green Tourism, Digitalization, Skills, Tourism micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and Destination Management.



My Ministry was invited to form part of the G20 Tourism Working Group which met on four occasions and these meetings culminated in the G20 Tourism Ministerial Meeting which was chaired by Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Hon. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Development of North Eastern Region of India.

The Meeting of the Ministers of Tourism of the G20 countries, which I attended, took cognizance of the development by the Tourism Working Group, of the Goa Roadmap for Tourism and agreed to an Outcome Document and Chairs Summary .

Moreover, in the course of the meeting, I had the opportunity to address the Meeting as to the issues and challenges in global tourism and conducted several bilateral consultations to promote Mauritian tourism.
US authorities are keeping 36 employees of Russia's Permanent Mission to the United Nations and 59 members of their families on a "waiting list" for visas, Russian Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Maria Zabolotskaya said, speaking at a meeting of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country, Azernews reports, citing TASS.

"At the moment, there are 36 employees of the Permanent Mission and 59 members of their families on the waiting list for visas. Among them, 57 people have already overstayed their current visas, and 15 have been waiting for a visa decision for over a year. All of these people are unable to travel, not only to third countries, but also to their home country, including for serious humanitarian reasons," she said. "By the way, their close relatives from Russia also cannot get entry visas to travel to visit their relatives living in the United States."

Zabolotskaya noted that, through its actions, "the US side is deliberately separating families." "Even with regard to prisoners, international standards, the so-called Nelson Mandela rules, require that prison sentences be served as close to the location of relatives as possible, so that prisoners can be visited. It turns out that, in this respect, Russian diplomats in the US are treated less favorably than convicted persons," she stated.

The Russian diplomat pointed out as well that the situation with new staff appointed to Russias Permanent Mission is also deteriorating, as more than half of the nearly 50 employees have been waiting for visas for more than three months.
Chris Murray, her daughter and her grandchildren had just left the rhinoceros exhibit at the Buffalo Zoo Wednesday when she noticed a small truck approaching. Then she saw some zookeepers carrying tranquilizer guns.

Another zookeeper calmly told them to get inside a building.

As they headed toward a shelter, they overheard a call over a workers radio: The rhino is secure.

A rhinoceros at the zoo was reported to have escaped its enclosure but it was quickly secured and back in its home within a couple of minutes, police said. It was not immediately clear how it may have gotten out.

Zoo officials said that a 3,000-pound greater one-horned rhino named Mohan was seen out of its primary enclosure at about 11:55 a.m. It was in an area that was an adjacent animal paddock that he is normally not allowed to be in.

The rhino was behind multiple barriers and did not pose a threat to the public, zoo officials said.

Emergency procedures were activated, including sealing off zoo entry, directing guests to secure indoor locations and calling the Buffalo police.

Zoo staff had eyes on him throughout the entire process as they worked to safely return Mohan back to his enclosure, a statement from the zoo said.

The entire incident lasted less than 10 minutes, the zoo said.

Visitors at the zoo said workers handled the situation calmly but they were curious about what had taken place.

Alysia Sikorski and her boyfriend, Dustin Janik, and their children, Amyla, 3, and Daxsen, almost 2, had just left the eating area when a worker told them they needed to go back inside.

Whats going on? Sikorski asked.

The worker said there might be an animal on the loose.

What kind of animal? she asked.

A rhino, the worker said. Then an all-clear was given.

Sikorski said she wasnt nervous.

I thought it would be cool to see a rhino running by since we were inside, she said.

Murray said she was impressed with how the zoo staff reacted.

There was no sense of panic. The staff was great, she said.

Miranda Bilson, who was at the zoo with her kids and her friends family, said they were just leaving the rainforest exhibit when they were told to go back inside.

Mirandas daughter started crying. She was anxious. She didnt know what was going on. But the emergency was over quickly and they went on with their visit.

It was like minutes, Bilson said.

Emilia Spadafora, 5, was playing on the swings in the zoo playground when a worker yelled: Code red!

They told us to go inside because a rhino escaped, said the little girl who was at the zoo with her grandmother and grandmothers friend who were visiting from Florida.

Emilia said she was scared. Lets go see the rhino!

A little later, when the emergency was over, they went to the rhino exhibit and saw one in a pen.

Her grandmother Annemarie Barkman said: The rhinos on a timeout.
A humpback whale that washed up dead on a Louisburgh beach is to be buried by Mayo County Council.

The whale, which was first spotted at Doughmakeon on Friday morning, had been in poor health and was dead upon landing on the shore.

Such whale beaching are a rare occurrence on the west coast of Ireland.

A team from the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group took samples from and measured the animal, which is to be buried by the county council in accordance with their Large Whale Stranding Response Protocol and following consultation with the National Parks and Wildlife service.

Mayo County Councils Director of Services for Environment, John Condon, told The Mayo News that whales will normally be buried within a day or two of their discovery.

Stranded animals are usually buried when they pose a risk to public health while those who wash up in remote areas are sometimes left to decompose.

Stephanie Levesque, Irish Whale and Dolphin Groups Strandings Officer, told The Mayo News that this was the eleventh such humpback whale stranding recorded in Ireland.

She added that a sperm whale washed up in the area a number of months previous to this incident.

More sightings

We are getting a lot more humpback whale sightings so where you have more animals you are going to have more animal mortality so there is a certain amount of natural death, she said when asked about why the animal washed up in Louisburgh.

It was underweight and also you could see lice on it so to me that could indicate that it was in poor health. Then there are loads of other factors. Sometimes you get animals that get caught in fishing gear or thin slices, so the cause of death can really vary.

For this particular animal we didnt see any obvious signs of entanglement, she added.

But it had been dead a while so as the body decomposes so may the signs that you see on the outside of the body.

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group are encouraging the public to contact them if they see any living or dead stranded animals.
The head of the hospital group responsible for Mayo University Hospital (MUH) has said greater use of local medical clinics wont alleviate ongoing overcrowding in the hospitals A&E.

Speaking at the HSE Regional Forum West, Saolta CEO Tony Canavan said that primary care would not impact the number of people attending MUH.

Today (Wednesday June 28), there are 10 people on trolleys waiting for a hospital bed in MUH.

Mr Canavan was responding Bonniconlon-based councillor John OHara, who asked for 24/7 GP cover to be put place in a Ballina medical centre to triage patients and ease the numbers travelling to MUH.

GP services in Ballina are provided during normal working hours, Monday to Friday, by local doctors and by Westdoc outside of normal working hours.

Cllr OHara claimed that 24/7 GP care was not being provided outside normal working hours due to the insurance risk.

I think its unfair that people goes up there and some of them goes home again in pain and its wrong, in the society were in, Cllr OHara said.

I think we should be getting down that list and using these medical centres instead of having them up there for 24 hours some of them, and some of them can be up to six days on trolleys.

Thats my thinking, and its the thinking of a lot of people all over the county, the Fine Gael councillor added.

In response, Mr Canavan said that the HSE was trying to ensure that patients access the appropriate service in the appropriate location.

I know that sounds like real bureaucratic speak, but what that means is that when a patient needs to see their GP, wed like them to get to their GP. When they really need to be in the emergency department, thats where we want them to be, Mr Canavan continued.

Its not that one is a replacement for the other. Its that different patients have different requirements and to try and get them into the right streams at the right time is just the most efficient way to deal with it.

What I would say to you is putting more GPs in place in Ballina or associated with the district hospitals wont impact on the number of patients waiting on trolleys.

For example, at Mayo University Hospital, patients that arrive there and are deemed that they are required to be admitted into a bed, that decision is taken within the hospital by the doctors within the hospital.

Sure, thats a significant problem. And yes, primary care has a part to play, but in terms of deciding who gets into a bed or who needs to get into a bed, thats a decision taken within the hospital.

Cllr OHara replied: Alright Tony. I suppose well have to wait for a new A&E. That seems to be the answer anyway.
by Tanya Gazdik , June 28, 2023

As smoke originating from wildfires in Canada continues to drift into the U.S., Ford Motor Co. aims to assist with fire fighting efforts in other parts of North America.

Through its Bronco Wild Fund endowment, the automaker will donate a customized 2023 Bronco Badlands with the Sasquatch package to the Bandelier National Park outside of Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Bronco Wild Fund has donated more than $3.7 million to diverse causes, including organizations like Americas State Parks, National Forest Foundation, Outward Bound and Sons of Smokey.

Modified by Darley, a global manufacturer and distributor for defense, fire and rescue vehicles, the vehicle will aid National Park Service firefighters in protecting Bandeliers 33,000 acres that include ancient native landsand sacred sites.

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Two-thirds of Bandelier is designated wilderness, meaning it lacks infrastructure and is difficult to access. The Bronco wildland firefighting command rig will enhance Bandelier's fire fleet, expanding their current capabilities.

This Bronco is the first of two that are being developed by Darley for donation to the National Park Services. The second donation will be unveiled in the future.

Its currently in peak wildfire season, and while fire season traditionally lasts from April to June, recent years have seen fires in national parks and conservation areas well into September due to changing weather conditions.

Ford plans to hand the vehicle over to the National Park Service in a ceremony at Bandelier National Monument on June 28.
With parades, concerts and fireworks beginning across the region this weekend, Western New Yorkers will celebrate Independence Day as if it were an elderly loved ones birthday.

And in turning 247 years old on Tuesday, America certainly qualifies on both counts: she has aged, and most citizens fervently claim to love her.

But this years commemoration also brings that familiar sense of foreboding. Just as we never know which celebration will be the aging relatives last, the path this nation is treading means theres no way of knowing which July Fourth will be our last.

Think Roman Empire. Or Byzantine Empire. Or Ottoman Empire. Their hubris was no greater than ours  and look where they are now.

And just like internal rot made those empires susceptible to conquest by outsiders, if America falls, its demise will begin within.

True, it is astounding to think that the likes of Donald Trump, Marjorie Taylor Green and Lauren Boebert could topple a nation proudly billing itself as the worlds greatest. But they are not really the cause of the fissures splitting us into irreconcilable pieces. Granted, they are skilled arsonists adding fuel to kindling. But for the most part, they are merely reflections of a populace that is turning on itself in an escalating tit-for-tat political civil war.

The divide threatening the nation was nowhere more evident than right here in Western New York last week as its two House members existed in alternate political universes, each playing to a different part of the widening America.

While Democrat Brian Higgins was featured on a YouTube video on Forbes talking about the nations economic fortunes under Democratic and Republican administrations and tweeting about better lung cancer screening, Rep. Nick Langworthy was one of 11 GOP co-sponsors of the bill censuring Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff, one of the House impeachment managers.

Schiffs offense? Trying to get to the bottom of whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to rig the 2016 presidential election  a matter of no small import if we really want to preserve American democracy.

Weve been entrusted with a tremendous responsibility that shapes the future of our nation, Langworthy began, in perhaps the only accurate part of his statement on the House floor that preceded a strictly party-line vote.

The rest  abused his role, violated the trust, unfounded investigation, leftist lies  was payback for the investigations, impeachments and indictments of the former president.

The only good thing about Langworthys speech is that it was brief. But that 90 seconds was filled with the kind of rhetorical knives that are being used to dismember this nation.

With Greene trying to expunge Trumps impeachments, Boebert pushing a bill to impeach President Biden, and the former president conning Republican focus groups into thinking his indictments are about them, it is not hard to see where this is headed.

We are in a death spiral of partisanship leading to an outcome that can only be described as mad as the two sides engage in mutually assured political destruction that threatens to end Americas grand experiment. We are proving ourselves incapable of self-government because of the people we elect to govern us and because of what we demand of them.

With partisan gerrymandering to make red states redder and blue states bluer, and with news outlets to match, we are intent on ignoring Lincolns warning about a house divided against itself.

Trumps Russia ties were certainly worth investigating, as are his financial ties to Oman as he runs again  and as were Hunter Bidens use of the family name to make money overseas.

Yet while Langworthy tweets about news blackouts when it comes to the Biden Crime Family, Republican focus group members dismiss all of the charges against Trump as nothing more than politics.

Even when Trump-appointed judges dismiss claims of election fraud or Trump-appointed prosecutors reach a plea deal with the younger Biden on a gun charge that typically isnt even pursued, the facts are not enough to break through the partisan shield.

Jaywalking and armed robbery are both wrong; but they are not the same. Yet in politics we seem incapable of making such distinctions as we thrash about in the quicksand of false equivalency and both-sides-ism.

Think about where it leaves us as a nation if no Justice Department, despite the evidence, can ever credibly investigate a leader of the other party? Think of the carte blanche that will give politicians of both parties.

Yet that is where we are, dangling on the precipice as fallout from the 2020 election is just the tip of the spear. Other threats include a U.S. Supreme Court that for the first time has taken away freedoms. Meanwhile state governments are making LGBTQ+ people second-class citizens while using schools to promote ignorance and teach a whitewashed racial history. Such indoctrination, reminiscent of some Third World nations, brings to mind the screenshot from the old Van Halen video: Right now, our government is doing things we think only other countries do.

And all of this pursued in the name of a culture war meant to win elections by dividing  no matter what the cost to the nations fabric.

It again recalls Benjamin Franklins response when asked what the Founding Fathers had created: a Republic, he is said to have replied, if you can keep it.

It is no longer guaranteed that we can.

So by all means stock up on hot dogs and fireworks. Fire up the grill over the next few days and party like theres no tomorrow. Because when it comes to the shared values that made Independence Day worth celebrating in the first place, who knows if there will be.
by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, June 28, 2023

Knoxville-based independent advertising agency Tombras has been selected as Agency of Record (AOR) for Bellevue University, located in Bellevue, NE and currently serving more than 18,000 students.

Annual ad spending for the account was not immediately available.

The learning institution is looking to increase consideration for the brand and its offerings among working adults and in turn increase total student enrollment over the next five years.

The scope of work includes data strategy, media (media buying and planning, SEO, marketing funnel curation, media testing and creative services.

Tombras will develop a new creative platform and corresponding campaigns that will launch later this year.

In addition to creative and media duties, Tombras will collaborate with Bellevue University to develop a co-branded curriculum for aspiring marketing professionals.

Tombras has experience in building higher education curriculums. Last year the agency teamed with The University of Tennessee, Knoxville to establish a new ad and PR school that is dedicated to boosting the diversity of its student body and graduates and hopefully the industry as well.

Bellevue University has always been committed to innovation that puts students first. Through this new partnership, we are confident we will be able to reach, connect with and support working adults from all walks of life in their pursuit of a better life, said Bellevue University President Mary Hawkins.
Blueprint has helped over 4,500 clinicians provide data-driven care to more than 180,000 patients, with patients experiencing a 44 percent faster response to treatment



CHICAGO, June 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Blueprint , the technology platform helping mental health clinicians deliver higher-quality care in less time, today announced its $9 million Series A co-led by Ensemble VC and Lightbank , with participation from Bonfire Ventures , Revolution's Rise of the Rest Seed Fund , TAU Ventures , Data Tech Fund , and select angel investors. Blueprint provides easy-to-use software for mental health clinicians to help them deliver effective, efficient, and personalized patient care through actionable data and insights. With the help of Blueprint's platform, over 180,000 patients have access to higher-quality mental health care.



Danny Freed

mental health

29 percent

$280 billion

13 percent

44 percent

For clinicians, Blueprint:

Offers suggested session plans to surface the most important changes and events since the last session.

Provides in-session guidance to deliver the right evidence-based interventions at the right time.

Auto-generates clinical documentation for each session based on discrete data captured before, during, and after sessions, saving clinicians up to two hours per week on administrative work.

per week on administrative work. Drives a 25 percent reduction in no-shows and cancellations, helping increase effectiveness of treatment and keeping patients stay on track toward their goals.

For patients, Blueprint:

Makes treatment more efficient and effective, helping save patients time and money while ensuring better health outcomes.

Provides progress tracking across symptoms, sleep, exercise, and treatment goals to stay connected and confident through the inevitable ups and downs of a mental health journey.

Offers therapeutic homework and quick assignments to put learnings from a session into practice throughout the week and keep patients on track between sessions.

Gives patients safety nets with easier access to crisis resources in times of need.

Amy Green

seed round

https://www.blueprint-health.com/

Chicago, Illinois

$14 million

https://www.blueprint-health.com/

"Blueprint's mission is to empower clinicians to provide high-quality care in less time, so that we can save lives and improve care for patients suffering from mental health conditions," said, founder and CEO at Blueprint. "Our actionable and easy-to-use software is helping our customers transition to providing measurement-based care, creating a new standard for measuring outcomes where there have been none, and saving valuable time and resources to reduce burnout and help more patients."Despite the fact that the U.S. has the highest number of mental health clinicians per capita compared to any other country, thecrisis has reached epidemic levels. A record-highof adults report being diagnosed with depression in their lifetime. The U.S. spenton mental health in 2020, yet onlyof patients with access to care achieved lasting improvement. The industry has traditionally lacked technology solutions to help clinicians track data and measure and improve effectiveness of treatment over time.In contrast to this status quo that is still largely based on subjective assessment and trial-and-error treatment, Blueprint provides data-driven insights to help clinicians inform their work and improve patient outcomes. Patients have the ability to share honest feedback and perspectives about their therapeutic sessions, and these findings give their clinician a "blueprint" to help inform their future treatment. Patients using Blueprint respond to treatment up tofaster compared to conventional mental health services."The secret sauce to company success lies in the founders and teams who turn ideas into game-changing products," said Conrad Shang, Managing Partner at Ensemble VC. "We were impressed by Danny and his team's ability to fundamentally transform the way clinicians measure, track, and deliver better patient outcomes. We've seen Blueprint's profound impact on clinicians and patients, and believe the company will continue shaping the future of mental health care.""Blueprint has become an essential tool for our practice, saving us hours a week on documentation and paperwork and empowering us to spend more quality time with our patients," explained, LCSW, PMH-C, IMH-E, ERYT, founder and executive director at Nashville Collaborative Counseling Center. "My team and I are focused on providing our patients with the best care possible. Blueprint helps us track results and suggest areas of improvement during treatment plans to help patients feel better faster."Since Blueprint announced itsin 2020, the company has experienced rapid growth and impact in improving access to high-quality mental health care. Approximately 4,500 clinicians across 34 states are utilizing its platform. Blueprint has generated insights from more than one million completed sessions, creating one of the world's largest multimodal mental healthcare datasets equating to 10 million days of information.The new funding will go toward supporting key hires across marketing, customer success, and engineering, launching new products and features, and driving clinicians nationwide towards measurement-based care. To learn more, visit:Blueprint is a technology platform that helps mental health clinicians provide the highest-quality care and improve outcomes for patients. Blueprint's solution is used to monitor patients between sessions and generate a data-driven "blueprint" for clinicians at the point of care to help inform treatment decisions. Thousands of clinicians across the country use Blueprint to generate better outcomes more quickly for hundreds of thousands of patients. Based in, the company has raisedin total funding to date. To learn more, visit:

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blueprint-raises-9-million-series-a-to-help-mental-health-clinicians-deliver-higher-quality-care-in-less-time-301864811.html



SOURCE Blueprint




Flexible sigmoidoscopy is an endoscopic procedure used to screen individuals for colorectal cancer suspected to be in sigmoid colon.

Compared to colonoscopy flexible sigmoidoscopy, it is a quicker procedure and does not require sedation. However, some polyps or cancers especially in the transverse colon on the right side of the colon could be missed. It is a good test to screen for cancers where there has been diversion of urine into this section of the colon to look for cancers. Normally patients with urinary diversion have some risk of developing cancers after 10 to 15 years of the diversion.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy can also be used to screening people for rectal cancers or cancers in sigmoid. A number of other tests are also available; the details of these could be accessed at the link below:

https://www.medindia.net/health-screening-test/colorectal-cancer-screening.htm

The colon or large intestine comprises of the following parts, the ascending colon, the transverse colon, the descending colon, the sigmoid colon and the rectum. Flexible sigmoidoscopy allows examination of the sigmoid colon, part or full descending colon and rectum.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy is an endoscopic test in which the doctor exams the inner lining of the lower large intestine and rectum through a flexible tube inserted through the anus. The sigmoidoscope has a camera and a light source at the tip. The doctor can thus visualize the inner lining for any abnormality.

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An individual undergoing flexible sigmoidoscopy has to undergo bowel preparation prior to the procedure. This is done so that the lower part of the colon is empty and the doctor can see the intestinal lining properly. Bowel preparation involves the use of enemas and/or oral laxatives.

During the sigmoidoscopy procedure, the patient is made to lie on his left side with his legs drawn to the chest. The doctor first inspects the anal opening for obvious lesions. He then inserts a gloved finger into the anus (this examination is called digital rectal examination) to check for any local obstruction. Following this examination, a lubricant is applied to the anal orifice and the tip of the sigmoidoscope is passed through the anus. The doctor examines the inner lining of the large intestines and rectum for any abnormality, especially as the scope is being withdrawn out. Air may also be introduced during the procedure for better visualization.

People opting for flexible sigmoidoscopy should repeat the test at least every 5 years.

1. Who should undergo flexible sigmoidoscopy?

A number of other screening tests such fecal occult blood testing and double contrast barium enema maybe used along with flexible sigmoidoscopy. Individuals who can have this screening procedure includes:

Patients who have undergone diversion of urine into this section of the colon. Individuals over the age of 50 years at average risk for developing colorectal cancer should undergo any of the tests on a regular basis.

2. How often should flexible sigmoidoscopy be repeated?

If all findings are normal, flexible sigmoidoscopy may be repeated every 5 years. People at high risk for developing colorectal cancer may have to undergo the test more often. These include:

Individuals previously diagnosed with adenomatous polyps

Individuals who have undergone surgery to remove prior colorectal cancer

Individuals with immediate relatives diagnosed with precancerous colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer

Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease like Crohns disease

Individuals suffering from one out of two specific syndromes i.e. hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) or familial adenomatous polyposis

3. Who should not undergo flexible sigmoidoscopy?

Flexible sigmoidoscopy may not be possible in uncooperative people or people who are medically and emotionally unstable. Other conditions in which flexible sigmoidoscopy should be avoided include:

Acute peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the abdomen)

Acute diverticulitis (inflammation of diverticula or small pouches in the intestines)

Toxic megacolon (condition resulting in enlargement of bowel due to infection or inflammation)

Recent bowel surgery

4. What are the advantages of flexible sigmoidoscopy?

Flexible sigmoidoscopy allows direct visualization of the lining of the last portion of the colon; thus it is a sensitive procedure to detect colorectal cancer in this portion. It is a quicker procedure than colonoscopy, usually lasting between 5 to 15 minutes. It does not require sedation and the person can return to work soon after the procedure.

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5. What are the complications of flexible sigmoidoscopy?

Complications of flexible sigmoidoscopy include:

Discomfort during the procedure

Abdominal cramps and bloating following the procedure

Bleeding following the procedure, which is usually minor

Perforation of the bowel. This serious complication is usually rarely observed with the procedure

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which doctor should I visit to get flexible sigmoidoscopy done?

You should visit a gastroenterologist to get a flexible sigmoidoscopy done. Sometimes, general practitioners may also do the procedure.

2. Is there anything called rigid sigmoidoscopy?

Rigid sigmoidoscopes are also available, but flexible sigmoidoscopes are preferred since they allow better visualization of the inner lining of the large intestine with minimal discomfort to the patient.

3. What is the difference between flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy?

Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a faster procedure compared to colonoscopy. It does not require sedation and the person can return to work soon after the procedure. In contrast, colonoscopy takes longer time and requires sedation. However, colonoscopy permits examination of the entire colon whereas in sigmoidoscopy, only the last part of the colon is examined. Thus a number of cancers especially those on the right side could be missed in flexible sigmoidoscopy. Flexible sigmoidoscopy should be repeated every 5 years whereas colonoscopy every 10 years.
A testicular self-examination (TSE) helps in detecting cancer of the testicles . Though testicular cancer is rare, overall it is the most common cancer in males between the ages of 15 and 35. Early detection and treatment facilitates almost 100 % cure. An untreated testicular cancer spreads to the lymph nodes and lungs. Tumours are mostly confined to one side, but 2-3% of the cases present with bilateral tumours. Doctors recommend monthly self-examination of the testicles .

How to Do a Testicular Self-Examination

When to perform a TSE?

The best time to examine testicles is during or after a shower or bath. The warmth of water lets the scrotum to relax and the testicles will drop down. It is thus easier to examine.

How frequent should TSE be done?

Doctors recommend monthly self-examination of the testicles. More frequent exams have been suggested to result in missing a slowly changing lump or a mass.

How to conduct the test?

Support each testicle with one hand. Use the other hand to examine. Examine one testicle at a time. It is important that one becomes familiar with normal size, shape, and weight of each testicle and epididymis (described later). Only then would one be able to detect any changes in the normal structure.

Gently roll each testicle between your thumb and fingers. The consistency of a normal testicle is that of a hard-boiled egg without the shell, i.e. firm and smooth.

Do not mistake the epididymis for an abnormal lump. The epididymis is a rope like structure and is attached to the back of the testis.

Feel for firm masses, lumps, or nodules in the testicle.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should I call a doctor?

A consultation with your doctor, preferably a Surgeon, is mandatory if you find a lump. In cancer, lumps may be painless.

2. My testicles are no at the same levels. Is it abnormal?

No. The left testicle normally hangs a bit lower than the right. One testicle may also be larger than the other.

3. Should I do a Testicular Self Examination every time I take a shower?

No. Testicular Self Examination has to be performed only once in a month. More frequent exams have been suggested to result in missing a slowly changing lump or a mass.
Gingival hyperplasia is an excessive growth of gum tissue around the teeth due to increase in the number of cells in the gum tissue. Gingival hyperplasia is an increase in the size of the gingiva (gums). It is a common feature of gingival disease. Gingival hyperplasia is also known gingival overgrowth, or hypertrophic gingivitis.

Inflammation - Gingival (gum) overgrowth is often caused by inflammation and may be localized or generalized. The inflammation can be caused by plaque build-up on the teeth from food, bacteria, poor oral hygiene, dental braces, oral cavity surgeries, gingivitis, periodontitis and oral infections. Gums affected by this condition are mostly tender, soft, red, and bleed easily. This condition usually resolves with proper oral hygiene practices such as tooth brushing and flossing to remove the plaque and irritants on the teeth.

- Gingival (gum) overgrowth is often caused by inflammation and may be localized or generalized. The inflammation can be caused by plaque build-up on the teeth from food, bacteria, poor oral hygiene, dental braces, oral cavity surgeries, gingivitis, periodontitis and oral infections. Gums affected by this condition are mostly tender, soft, red, and bleed easily. This condition usually resolves with proper oral hygiene practices such as tooth brushing and flossing to remove the plaque and irritants on the teeth. Medications - The gum tissues in such cases are usually firm, pale pink, do not bleed easily and are not tender. This type of gingival enlargement may resolve partially or completely when the medication is discontinued. Drug induced gingival overgrowth is a side effect associated mostly with anticonvulsant drugs, immunosuppressant drugs and calcium channel blocker drugs such as Amlodipine to treat high blood pressure

- The gum tissues in such cases are usually firm, pale pink, do not bleed easily and are not tender. This type of gingival enlargement may resolve partially or completely when the medication is discontinued. Drug induced gingival overgrowth is a side effect associated mostly with anticonvulsant drugs, immunosuppressant drugs and calcium channel blocker drugs such as Amlodipine to treat high blood pressure Vitamin C deficiency

Smoking

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Overcrowded teeth

Hormonal imbalances during pregnancy and puberty -The condition usually improves once the underlying cause has been treated. In the case of pregnancy, gum enlargement improves once the baby has been delivered

-The condition usually improves once the underlying cause has been treated. In the case of pregnancy, gum enlargement improves once the baby has been delivered Systemic diseases such as diabetes, leukemia, HIV infection

Genetic predisposition-Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) and neurofibromatosis are rare hereditary conditions that usually develop during childhood. The gingival overgrowth from this condition is caused by an overproduction of collagen, a type of protein found in the gums. In some cases the gums cover major parts of the tooth surfaces or cover them completely

The visible signs and symptoms of gingival hyperplasia include -

Swelling of the gums

Pain and discomfort in and around gums

Redness and bleeding of gums

Infection and pus formation

Bad breath

Loose teeth that may fall

Plaque build-up on the teeth and bleeding

Gum enlargement may interfere with chewing or speech

Looks unsightly and may lead to psychological problems.

In more severe cases, the gums can completely cover the teeth and can affect the teeth alignment. If your teeth are covered, they will be difficult to clean and this could increase your risk of developing gum disease.

If you develop gingival overgrowth during childhood, it could affect the tooth eruption process where the teeth erupt and become visible.

Microscopic examination of the gums shows an abnormal proliferation of gums cells.

Most cases of gingival enlargement are readily diagnosed after the dentist takes a thorough medical history and performs an oral examination. In rare cases, further tests such as blood studies or a biopsy may be necessary to determine the exact cause of your gingival enlargement.

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Treatment of gingival hyperplasia often depends on the underlying cause.

In most cases improved oral hygiene can prevent or reduce severity of symptoms.

If the cause is gingival inflammation, then proper oral hygiene techniques such as removal of bacterial plaque by thorough tooth brushing and flossing may resolve this condition.

Use of antiseptic mouthwashes or a course of antibiotics to treat the oral infection will be helpful.

However if the overgrowth of gums is due to medication then the drug should be discontinued.

Doctors may recommend gingivectomy (surgical removal of overgrown gum tissue) for severe cases. Surgical procedures include laser excision and periodontal flap surgery.

Devices that look like mouth guards are sometimes used to try and limit the rate of growth of the gum tissues.

However, if the root cause is not treated, the gum enlargement will return and surgery may have to be performed repeatedly.

Good oral hygiene - Brush teeth after meals to remove residue sticking to the gums. Have regular dental checkups.

If it is a case of drug-induced gingival hyperplasia, then you must stop taking the medications and should opt for alternative drugs for reducing its effects on the gums.
Plagiocephaly , (sometimes called deformational plagiocephaly or positional plagiocephaly and also known as flat head syndrome ), is a condition in which a babys head has an uneven or irregular shape. There may be a flat spot on the back, front or one side of the head. Plagiocephaly is the most common craniofacial problem in babies today .

Plagio means slanting or oblique and cephaly means relating to head. Plagiocephaly means slanting or flattening of the head. Plagiocephaly can occur while a baby is still growing in the womb or develop after birth.

The babys skull is usually soft and oval in shape. Repeated pressure on one part of the head like when the baby is lying on the back for long periods of time, sleeping regularly in one position, being or being strapped for a long time in strollers or car seats can cause misshaping of the skull. This condition occurs more often in premature infants whose skull bones are especially pliable.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in 1992 recommended placing infants on their backs to sleep. This led to a dramatic reduction in cases of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, flat head syndrome became more common as babies were spending more time on their backs, in one position.

Plagiocephaly does not affect the development of a baby's brain, but may affect the physical appearance by causing uneven growth of their face and head.

Plagiocephaly is different from craniosynostosis which can be confirmed by a craniofacial plastic surgeon or a neurosurgeon. Craniosynostosis involves more serious malformations of the skull bones and usually requires surgery.

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Plagiocephaly can be divided into two groups:

Non synostotic plagiocephaly- is also known as deformational or positional plagiocephaly. It is most common and caused by unvaried sleep position.

is also known as deformational or positional plagiocephaly. It is most common and caused by unvaried sleep position. Synostotic plagiocephaly- is caused by premature fusion of bones in a babys skull which creates an abnormal head shape.

Plagiocephaly can develop before birth in the mothers womb or after birth.

Causes before birth:

Small sized uterus.

Multiple pregnancies  may cause cramped conditions in the womb which can lead to a flattened head. Also babies may develop tight neck muscles on one side of the neck [torticollis].

Unusual fetal positioning inside the uterus as in breech presentation.

Large sized babies.

Unusual pressure placed on the baby's skull by the mother's pelvis.

Causes after birth:

Babys sleep position - is the most common cause of a flattened head. This happens if a baby lies with its head in the same position for a long time.

- is the most common cause of a flattened head. This happens if a baby lies with its head in the same position for a long time. Placing babies for a long time in infant car seats, carriers, and strollers.

Babies born prematurely are more likely to have a flattened head as their skulls are softer than those of full-term babies. They also spend a lot of time on their backs without being moved or picked up.

are more likely to have a flattened head as their skulls are softer than those of full-term babies. They also spend a lot of time on their backs without being moved or picked up. Tightness of neck muscle [torticollis] - can limit a babys ability to turn toward the affected shoulder. This causes them to consistently hold their head in one position. Over time, this can flatten one side of the head.

A flattened spot at the back or side of the head. There is usually less hair on that part of the baby's head.

Bulging soft spot [fontanelles] on newborns skull in congenital plagiocephaly.

Head tilted to one side.

Contracture of neck muscles.

Facial asymmetry, misaligned ears, bulging forehead.

Speech clarity problems in congenital craniosynostosis.

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A clinical examination is sufficient to make a diagnosis. By simply looking at a childs head a doctor can make the diagnosis. Usually for positional plagiocephaly there is no need to order X- rays or other laboratory tests.

X-rays or a CT scan- to check for fused sutures or ridges along sutures and if the doctor suspects craniosynostosis or another similar condition.

Change the head position while baby sleeps from flattened area to a non-flattened portion of head.

while baby sleeps from flattened area to a non-flattened portion of head. Reduce the amount of time the child spends lying on the back or where the head is resting against a flat surface such as in car seats and strollers. Hold the baby more often.

Practice tummy time . Make baby lie on the stomach while awake during the day and engage baby in various playful activities. This will also help babies strengthen their neck muscles. Studies have shown that head shape spontaneously improves after the first 6 months.

. Make baby lie on the stomach while awake during the day and engage baby in various playful activities. This will also help babies strengthen their neck muscles. Studies have shown that head shape spontaneously improves after the first 6 months. Wearing baby helmet in cases where repositioning of head for 2-3 months does not help. This can also benefit some kids with severe torticollis. Considering the spontaneous natural resolution effect, 5 months of age is the optimal period to start cranial remolding therapy.

Wearing DOC band - which is a smaller, lighter version of the traditional cranial remolding helmet. Each DOC Band is custom manufactured and weighs less than 6 ounces. It consists of an outer plastic shell with a foam lining. The DOC band is open at the top, making contact with your babys skull only in the areas necessary to help adjust the cranial shape.

- which is a smaller, lighter version of the traditional cranial remolding helmet. Each DOC Band is custom manufactured and weighs less than 6 ounces. It consists of an outer plastic shell with a foam lining. The DOC band is open at the top, making contact with your babys skull only in the areas necessary to help adjust the cranial shape. Exercises - by a pediatric physical therapist are especially beneficial in infants who are born with torticollis.

- by a pediatric physical therapist are especially beneficial in infants who are born with torticollis. The Plagio cradle- developed at Boston Children's hospital is used to both reduce and prevent flattening of head in infants whose age is 3 months or less. The Plagio cradle is placed under a baby's head when lying on the back. It supports the neck and creates a hollowed space that gradually reshapes the babys head, allowing it to grow correctly over time.
However, with some creativity and tips mentioned below, it could become easy for the parents and caregivers to administer medications to children. Depending upon the age of the child, the parent would have to use techniques to make the medicine palatable or easy to consume to obtain support from the child.

Parents, nannies, and caregivers often face challenges when administering medicines to children, probably due to the bitter taste of the medicine or tantrums that children tend to cause. Administering medications to reluctant children or those who are unable to swallow tablets or capsules might be stressful or traumatic for parents.

General Tips:

Know why you are giving the medicine, as well as the time and way to administer the medication

Be gentle, yet firm when administering. Explain to the child that the medicine will help them feel better

Make the child aware beforehand that they are about to take a medication

Be convincing and persistent if the child refuses to consume the medicine. If you are still unsuccessful, try again after a few minutes

Explain to the child that the bad taste will remain only for a short period and distract the child to get his or her cooperation

Appreciate or reward the child immediately after consuming the medicine

Follow the instructions given in the medication leaflet about the way to administer

Never double the dose of a medication. If you miss a dose, administer the next dose at the next appropriate time

Keep the doctor informed if there are issues in administering the medication, so you get an alternative remedy for it

Consult the pharmacist or healthcare provider for options to administer the medication. For example, a capsule may be administered instead of a liquid medication, if it is too bitter

In certain extreme cases, administer the medicine camouflaged into some food or drink

Seek the childs choices to assist in the smooth administration of medicine. For example, ask the child whether they want to play any game, take a bath or do something fun before or after the medication

Seek advice from a healthcare provider if the child just refuses to consume the medication, and if recommended, administer the same medication via the rectal route

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Eye drops:

The child must be made to lie on the lap. With the eyes closed, the drops must be inserted in the corner of the eye, the side closest to the bridge of your nose. When the child opens his or her eyes, the drops will spread all over the eye. Another method is to make the child lie on the back with head tilted backward and the chin towards the ceiling. With the childs eyes opened, insert the required number of drops into the pocket between the lower lid and the eye using a clean dropper.

Ear Drops:

The child must be made to lie down on the side, with the parent facing the affected ear. If the child is more than three years of age, the pinna of the ear must be pulled upward and back, and if the child is less than three years of age, the pinna of the ear must be pulled downward and back, before the drops are instilled in the ear, with a dropper. The area below the earlobe can then be massaged to facilitate movement of medication within the ear canal.

Nasal Drops:

The child must be made to lie in the supine position, with the head tilted back, so that the drops flow into the nasal cavity. The drops should be inserted, without the dropper nozzle touching the nostrils. The childs head should be maintained in the tilted position for about one minute so that the drops do not flow outside.

Tablets and Capsules:

The parent must check with the pharmacist if it is okay to crush the pill or open the capsule to remove the powder and then administer. It is essential to get this information, as some medications may be coated, to prevent irritation in the stomach. If these are crushed, the coating gets removed, and the effect is lost.

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Capsules:

The child should be made to look at the floor, instead of the ceiling. The capsule should be slid into the childs mouth.

The child must be made to drink a glass of water or their favorite drink, while still looking at the floor. The capsule would float and move down the throat with the drink.

Liquids:

The measuring cup, dropper, measuring spoon or syringe accompanying the medication must be used, for correct measurement. One must not use the kitchen spoon.

Some tips when administering medicines to babies include:

Babies must be wrapped in a towel or cloth wrap, with their hands inside, to prevent them from flinging their arms.

When administering an oral liquid medication, it can be squirted onto the inside cheek with a syringe. By doing so the medication will not be in contact with the bitter taste buds.

If the pharmacist agrees, the medicine can be mixed with a small amount of breast milk or formula milk.

If a child is aware of the bad taste of the medication based on previous experience, there could be resistance in taking the medication for future doses.

Before administering the next dose, the child can be made to suck on an ice cube which will numb the taste bud and reduce the unpleasant taste of medicine.

Alternatively, after administering, an after-drink can be given, like a fruit juice, chocolate sauce or breast milk to reduce the unpleasant taste.

Some techniques which can help the child swallow tablets or capsules include:
In intussusception, usually a part of the small intestine invaginates (folds into) into another section of intestine. It is like part of a collapsible tubular telescope of a camera that retract into one another. Intussusception is a medical emergency as it can often cause acute obstruction due to the swelling and inflammation of the intestines.

The leading part that invaginates into the other is called the intussusceptum, and the part that receives the leading part of the intestine is called the intussuscepiens.

Intussusception can occur in both children and adults, but it is more common in infants above 5 months of age and below one year. Also, boys are more commonly affected in comparison to girls.

The exact cause for intussusception is not known. In the pediatric population 90 % of the cases the cause is unknown (or Idiopathic - a spontaneously occurring condition for which the cause is unknown). However, in some cases, it is thought to happen due to viral infections, tumor or polyps in the intestine.

Intestinal developmental defects present at birth increase the chances of developing intussusception.

The most common site for intussusception is the area where small intestine meets the large intestine (ileo-colic region). Specifically it occurs because the ileum invaginates into the cecum through the ileo-cecal valve.

With intussusception, blood supply to the affected part of the intestine is reduced or disrupted. This leads to swelling in that area and intestinal obstruction. This reduction in blood supply can lead to chances of tissue necrosis, bleeding or rupture of the intestine. This in turn can cause infection in the abdominal cavity and lead to sepsis and shock.

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Intussusception is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical assistance to prevent major complications like gangrene (death of intestinal tissue with infection) of the intestine, peritonitis, sepsis and shock.

Usually, if treatment is taken up within 24 hours or even sooner the chances of developing complication is less.

Symptoms of Intussusception in a Child:

Sudden severe colicky abdominal pain alternating with periods of no pain

As the condition progresses, further pain only more pronounced and intense. The baby pulls up the knees to the chest during episodes of such pain and cries out loud

Vomiting with bile

Blood and mucus in the stools - the stools are described as currant jelly stools

stools Lethargy

Signs of Intussusception in a Child:

Swelling in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen

Fever

Dehydration

Gangrene due to Necrosis and infection of the associated intestinal tissue

Severe bleeding in the abdomen

Severe bleeding in the abdomen Peritonitis - inflammation of the peritoneum (the membrane lining the abdominal cavity)

Sepsis

Shock (cold, clammy skin with a weak and rapid pulse)

The mean incidence of intussusception was 74 per 100,000 among children, 1 year of age.

Peak incidences is usually between 5 and 7 months

(Incidence of intussusception is from 82 studies that were analyzed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA. The National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Vietnam and the University of Melbourne, Australia and published in PLOS in 2013.)



Fatal cases were higher in Africa (9%) compared to other regions (1%).

A study published in 2014 in the Journal of Pediatrics quotes that the rate of intussusception among children greater than 15 weeks is substantially higher in Vietnam than in other parts of the world..

quotes that the rate of intussusception among children greater than 15 weeks is substantially higher in Vietnam than in other parts of the world.. Intussusception peaks seasonally that coincides with viral gastroenteritis in some populations

Only 30% of intussusception cases are reported in children over 2 years of age.

Age - occurs mostly in infants between 5 months to one year

Gender - Boys are more affected than girls

Intestinal Malrotation where the intestine does not rotate properly

Having had an intussusception once makes the child more prone to a recurrence of the intussusceptions

There maybe a genetic factor based on anatomical factors of development of the intestines

Among children, 90% of the intussusception cases are idiopathic. In other words, it is a spontaneously occurring condition with no known cause.

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However, in some cases the following factors might be the cause:

A  lead point  or an underlying cause like a polyp or a benign tumor like a fat tissue lipoma.

 or an underlying cause like a like a fat tissue lipoma. Meckel's diverticulum , a congenital bulge or an abnormality in the small intestine

, a congenital bulge or an abnormality in the small intestine Intestinal Mal-rotation like in a condition called Waugh's syndrome

like in a condition called Anatomical features of the gastrointestinal tract

of the gastrointestinal tract Hypertrophy or enlargement of Peyers patches (lymphoid tissues in the walls of the small intestine) and lymph nodes.

The enlargement could be caused due to infections by Adenovirus and Rotavirus and by non-infectious factors like intestinal allergies, celiac sprue, and Crohns disease.

Intussusception in a child is diagnosed based on the symptoms described by the parents like severe abdominal pain, bilious vomiting, stools with blood, mucus and radiographic investigations.

Quick non-invasive, cost-effective diagnostic methods are used to treat intussusception in children as the causes are mostly idiopathic.

Common tests done to confirm the presence of intussusception in children include:

Abdominal X-ray - This is the first and basic investigation that is performed routinely. It might show multiple fluid levels with dilated proximal segment filled with gas. It might not be useful in the early stages of intussusception for confirmation of diagnosis.

X-ray - This is the first and basic investigation that is performed routinely. It might show multiple fluid levels with dilated proximal segment filled with gas. It might not be useful in the early stages of intussusception for confirmation of diagnosis. Bowel Enema - This may serve both as investigation and treatment for intussuception. Two types of enema are used - namely air and barium enema. Barium enema serves as the gold standard method (crescent sign) for diagnosing intussusception. The enema may itself reduce the intussusception and therefore serve as treatment for the condition.

Two types of enema are used - namely air and barium enema. Barium enema serves as the gold standard method for diagnosing intussusception. CT / MRI Abdomen - These tests are used more often for diagnosing intussusception in adults than in children.

These tests are used more often for diagnosing intussusception in adults than in children. Serum Electrolytes - Serum electrolytes are useful in assessing dehydration.

Serum electrolytes are useful in assessing dehydration. Abdominal Ultrasound - This is the investigation of choice as it is very effective in concluding the diagnosis. A target, doughnut or a bulls eye sign on the transverse view is the classical finding in case of intussusception.

A. Conservative

Initial treatment includes management of dehydration due to vomiting with intravenous fluids such as normal saline.

A tube is put through the child's nose and into the stomach (nasogastric tube) to decompress the intestines

Conservative methods like air or bowel enema can be employed for treating bowel intussusception and reducing the obstruction without rupture of bowel.

and reducing the obstruction without rupture of bowel. Barium (liquid mixture) is passed through a soft, tube placed into the rectum of the baby / child. This reveals the presence of the intussusception when the bowels are viewed through an X-ray. The pressure produced by barium unfolds the bowel and clears the blockage.

In case of rupture of bowel, peritonitis, sepsis or shock and failed treatment with enema, surgical intervention becomes an emergency.

B. Surgical Approach

In case the enema fails to reduce the intussusception surgery is undertaken with an incision into the belly under anesthesia to save the affected part of the bowel.

surgery is undertaken with an incision into the belly under anesthesia to save the affected part of the bowel. In case of death of tissue (affected bowel), surgical removal of the affected segment of intestine is considered. The two parts of the healthy intestine are sewn back together to keep the continuity.

In extreme cases, the damaged intestinal portion might be so large that surgery cannot link the healthy parts together.

Ileostomy is done in case of complications such as gangrene, sepsis or peritonitis and it can be a life-saving procedure for a sick child. In ileostomy a healthy intestinal end is brought out on the abdominal surface. The digested food in the form of stool passes out through this and gets collected in a bag that is fitted to the abdomen. This procedure is usually temporary.

The intravenous fluids continue till the normal bowel functions returns. The doctors monitor the child to make sure the intussusception does not return. Antibiotics may be given to prevent infection.

Intussusceptions return within 72 hours in 1 out of 10 kids who have undergone barium enema treatment.

Probability of recurrence of intussusception was 100% after the fourth episode. Therefore surgical intervention is a must after the third episode of intussusception.

Prognosis or outcome is good with early treatment. In case of complications, it could be fatal in infants and young children if not treated immediately.
The electrical activity of the heart keeps the heart beating constantly at a regular rhythm. A disturbance in this rhythm is called an arrhythmia.

In patients with arrhythmias arising from the lower heart chambers, the heart cannot pump the blood adequately, which makes the patient pass out or even die if not intervened immediately. In such patients, the procedure used to stun the heart to get it back to a normal rhythm is called defibrillation.

An implantable device which tracks the heart rhythm delivers electrical impulses and shocks the heart when it skips out of the rhythm is called an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator.

Defibrillation can also be carried out with an external device, an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), which helps to deliver the shock in case of Sudden Cardiac Arrest. But in patients with risk of the sudden cardiac death, the implantable defibrillators are required.

The ICD has a pulse generator and wires/leads. The pulse generator which has a battery and a small computer is placed in a small box underneath the skin in the chest. It also has wires called leads that have electrodes at the tips and are passed to the heart through a vein.

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Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA): The implantation of an ICD is essential in patients with the history or the risk of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest. But in patients with SCA with reversible causes of arrest like electrolyte disturbance or myocardial ischemia (decreased blood to the heart muscle), ICD is not essential if the associated rhythm disturbances are corrected with the treatment for the particular condition.

ICD is also essential in the life-threatening arrhythmias like ventricular tachycardia (the ventricles beat fast) and ventricular fibrillation (the ventricles quiver) associated with the conditions like:

Coronary Artery Disease (Disease with block in the blood vessels that provide blood to the heart)

Non-ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy (Condition where the muscle layer of the heart is dilated)

Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (A genetic heart disease involving the right ventricle)

Genetic heart diseases due to ion channel disorders like long QT syndrome, short QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia

Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation. (Heart rhythm disorder with quivering of the ventricles due to unknown cause)

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (Condition where the heart muscle layer is thickened)

Severe Heart Failure: In patients with severe heart failure, Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) is essential. CRT involves implanting a biventricular pacemaker which helps to synchronize the function of the two ventricles in these patients. CRT used along with a defibrillator is referred to as CRT-D.

Before the Procedure:

The diagnostic tests which are required to diagnose the arrhythmias and to confirm the need for the implantation are:

Electrocardiogram: Electrocardiogram is an investigation by which the electrical heart rate and rhythm of the heart are recorded.. It records only for a short duration, which is sometimes not sufficient to detect the life-threatening arrhythmias which are intermittent, and appear only sometimes during the day.

is an investigation by which the electrical heart rate and rhythm of the heart are recorded.. It records only for a short duration, which is sometimes not sufficient to detect the life-threatening arrhythmias which are intermittent, and appear only sometimes during the day.

Event Monitor: An event monitor is used to record the abnormal events in the hearts electrical activity. It is used for months or until the problem is identified.

An event monitor is used to record the abnormal events in the hearts electrical activity. It is used for months or until the problem is identified.

Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram is used to view the structure and function of the heart on a screen. It helps to see the chambers of the heart, valves and the movement of the heart.

An echocardiogram is used to view the structure and function of the heart on a screen. It helps to see the chambers of the heart, valves and the movement of the heart.

Electrophysiology Study: An electrophysiological study done in an Electrophysiology lab, helps to find the origin of the abnormal electrical impulses.

An electrophysiological study done in an Electrophysiology lab, helps to find the origin of the abnormal electrical impulses.

Holter Monitor: Holter monitor is used to record the heart electrical activity continuously. The patient has to wear the recording device for a day or two.

Inform your doctor regarding the health ailments like diabetes, bleeding disorders, kidney problems and the medications that you take before you undergo the procedure.

It is required to fast before the procedure; you will be notified about it.

Some investigations like blood work will be ordered by your doctor. You will be informed regarding the medications to be taken on the day of the procedure.

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During the Procedure:

The procedure is usually performed under sedation and aseptic precautions. The nurse puts the intravenous line prior to the procedure. An electrocardiogram is connected and also the large electrode pads are placed on the chest and the upper back. The area on the chest below the collar bone is cleaned and draped. Local anesthesia is given in this area and then an incision is made. A tube called the sheath is inserted into a blood vessel. One or more leads are inserted through the sheath into the blood vessel and advanced till the heart. The leads are checked to make sure they are properly inserted. The sheath is then removed. Then ICD generator is placed in a pocket under the skin and attached to the leads. Your doctor will run few tests to ensure that the ICD is functioning properly. Then the skin is sutured and dressed.

After the Procedure:

The nurse monitors parameters like the heart rate and blood pressure. After a few hours, you will be allowed out of the bed. Discharge can be on the same day or the next day. You will be prescribed the necessary medications before the discharge.

Once you are at home you can get back to routine activity in a few days. It is suggested not to lift the heavy weights for a few weeks.

If you receive a shock through the ICD, approach your doctor. Inform your doctor if you have chest pain, swelling in the chest, dizziness, breathlessness or palpitations.

Precautions:

Certain devices interfere with the ICD and can impair its function. Microwaves at home, electric generators, welding machines, metal detector in airports, electrocautery (used to stop bleeding during surgery), shock wave lithotripsy (used for crushing kidney stones) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging test may interfere with the ICD function. So you may have to avoid them or maintain a particular disturbance. Inform the concerned people about the ICD and show them a Medical ID card which states about your ICD to prevent exposure. Cell phones are safe but avoid carrying them in the shirt pocket. Tell your doctor about the ICD before any test, procedure or when you are in doubt.

ICD has four main functions:

Anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP): The device delivers the rapid and regular impulses to maintain the normal heart rhythm by overtaking the irregular heart impulses.

Cardioversion: It delivers the low energy shock to correct arrhythmias.

Defibrillation: The high energy shock is delivered in the case of an episode of a life-threatening arrhythmias. The patient feels like a kick in the chest. This property is absent in a pacemaker, which only delivers low energy shock.

Backup pacing: After the shock, the heart rate may drop to very low rate then the device stimulates heart until it reaches the normal rate.

It is a safe and an effective method to prevent sudden cardiac death in patients with life-threatening arrhythmias.

It can be used for an indefinite period once in place unless there is any damage like a lead fracture or an infection.

It just needs a small procedure for the generator change when the battery exhausts.

Pocket Infection: Infection in the area below the skin where ICD generator is placed.

Bleeding and infection of the incision site

Injury to the blood vessel at the insertion site

Lung Collapse: Injury to the lung during the surgery can cause the air entrapment between the lung and the chest wall and later can lead to lung collapse.

Lead misplacement

Inappropriate Shocks: Sometimes the shocks are delivered when not required.

Injury to the heart

Conclusion

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator is the effective way to prevent sudden cardiac death in the risk group. It is the safe procedure with minimal complications. Patients with ICD should be conscious about electronic devices which interfere with the ICD function. The patients should notify their health care provider regarding the presence of an ICD before any procedure or test.
About

A miscarriage or spontaneous abortion is the spontaneous loss of a fetus before the 20th week of pregnancy i.e. loss of pregnancy at a stage where the embryo cannot survive independently.

It occurs in about 15-20% of all recognized pregnancies. Almost 80% of the miscarriages occur during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. It is the most common complication of early pregnancy.

The risk for miscarriage is higher in older age women and women with a history of previous miscarriages.

Recurrent or repeated miscarriage is defined as three or more abortion in a row. This is also known as habitual abortion. The causes of this are much the same as those for a single miscarriage, with chromosomal abnormalities being the most frequent cause for miscarriages. Vaginal bleeding and cramping are early warning signs of a spontaneous abortion.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP)  Zeneta Everhart, who became a voice against racism and gun violence last year after her son survived a mass shooting, won a Democratic primary on Tuesday to represent a Buffalo neighborhood near the supermarket where the massacre happened.

Everhart defeated India Walton, another prominent activist who in 2021 upset Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown in a Democratic primary, only to lose to him in the general election.

The two Black women had vied for a seat on Buffalos Common Council, representing an area of the Rust Belt city still healing from a white supremacists attack that killed 10 people at a neighborhood supermarket just over a year ago. That mass shooting was followed by a punishing December blizzard that killed 47 people in the city and its suburbs, with a disproportionate number of the victims coming from Buffalos Black neighborhoods.

This is for yall. It is for the community. This is for my community mommas. This is for everybody, Everhart told supporters in her victory speech.

This is about fixing our community and just showing people that there is hope," Everhart said. "I dont want people to lose hope.

Walton was gracious in her concession speech, saying that she would be graceful in defeat.

I think Zeneta is going to do a great job," Walton said of Everhart.

But Walton said she would continue her activism. My intention is to keep doing what Ive been doing: speak truth to power, to continue organizing, she said.

Everhart is no newcomer to politics. She had been on the staff of state Democratic Sen. Tim Kennedy for five years when she received a call on May 14, 2022, from her son Zaire Goodman, then 19, telling her he had been shot while working at the Tops Friendly Market near their home.

Ten Black people died in the attack by a white supremacist gunman. Goodman, hit in the neck, was one of three victims who survived.

Weeks after the shooting, Everhart testified before Congress and has continued to speak publicly in the months since about racism and gun violence in the U.S.

Running for a seat in Buffalos Masten District, Everhart campaigned on the need for affordable housing, education and elevating the East Buffalo community whose social and economic challenges took on new urgency after the supermarket shooting.

Walton, 41, was trying to make a comeback after a rollercoaster defeat in the city's mayoral race in 2021. In that contest, she stunned the political establishment by scoring an upset win over the longtime incumbent, Byron Brown, in a primary where she ran far to his left as a democratic socialist.

With no Republican on the ballot, Walton briefly looked like a sure winner in the general election, too, but Brown came back as a write-in candidate and won with the support of centrist Democrats, Buffalo's business community and Republicans who said Walton, a former nurse and labor organizer, was too liberal.

While Walton remained a political outsider in Buffalo, Everhart, a former television producer, had been quietly building a more conventional career in politics as an aide to a state senator when tragedy thrust her into the spotlight.

Everhart, 42, said she probably would have run for city council, even if the attack never happened, but that it influenced her decision.

Part of me wanting to run for Masten is about paying it forward because of the love that was shown to my son, Everhart said during a phone interview Monday. People are still dropping off gifts, leaving things on my doorstep for Zaire. And that, to me, means that I have to give back to my community."

The supermarket targeted by an 18-year-old white supremacist now lies just outside the district the two women are running to represent.

In interviews and on the campaign trail, the two candidates highlighted their different approaches to governing, with Everhart citing her abilities as a coalition-builder and Walton stressing that she's willing to fight a political establishment she says hasn't done enough.

The Democratic party here in Buffalo and a lot of people in power know that Im going to bring something different, Walton had said in a phone interview Tuesday. Im not beholden to anyone. I have no political allies or enemies.

Everhart had been endorsed by the county Democratic Party while Walton was endorsed by the left-leaning Working Families Party.

The two women have known each other for years and Walton said they hug every time they see each other.

We're not adversaries, in my book, Everhart said.

Buffalos 9-person council hasnt had a female member since 2014.

Primaries held across the state Tuesday were selecting party nominees for a variety of local offices, including some county legislators, town supervisors, district attorneys, mayors and members of the New York City Council.

There are no statewide offices on the ballot in 2023.
Prompt treatment is necessary for Rocky Mountain spotted fever, in the absence of which it can cause serious damage to internal organs, such as kidneys and heart. In such cases the damage to internal organs usually occurs as a result of vasculitis, which is a condition in which the blood vessels begin to leak.

Rickettsia rickettsii is the species of bacterium that is responsible for the infection. The illness caused is potentially life threatening because of the high risk of damage to vital internal organs.

Despite its name, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is not a disease that is localized to the mountainous regions, but is one that is present throughout the Americas, both North and South. The disease earned its name Rocky Mountain spotted fever because this is where the disease was first identified. Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a tick-borne illness that is caused by a bacterium which is passed on to humans from certain species of ticks. This infection is most common in the southeastern regions of the United States, but it is not uncommon in other parts of the continents including South and Central America, and even as far north as Canada.

The bacterium responsible for Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Rickettsia rickettsii, is passed on to humans through tick bites.

The American dog tick is the most common source of infection in the United States and most prevalent just east of the Rocky Mountains.

The Rocky Mountain wood tick is another potential source of transmission and is found mainly in the United States.

The brown dog tick, which is found across the world, has also been implicated in the transmission of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), but this has been specific to the southwestern US and along the United States southern border with Mexico.

In the recent past, the bulk of Rocky Mountain spotted fever cases have been reported in states in the eastern region of United States, in Virginia, Maryland, and North and South Carolina. There have also been reports of cases in Georgia, Tennessee and Oklahoma.

The condition affects children more frequently, probably because they spend more time outdoors. This is also partly the reason for the dramatic rise in incidents during the spring and summer, when people spend more time outdoors.

You dont need to panic and avoid outdoor activities altogether, as the bacteria is present in just 1 out of a 1,000 ticks. Risk factors include the following:

Spending time outdoors, engaging in activities like hiking, trekking or climbing. This is obviously only a risk in areas where the problem is endemic.

Pet owners can put themselves at risk if they are in the habit of removing and crushing ticks with their bare hands.

The risk is higher during summer and under warmer weather conditions, not just because people spend more time outdoors, but also because ticks are more active in such weather.

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Rocky Mountain spotted fever isnt easy to recognize as the symptoms closely mimic those of other diseases. This does pose some problems as the disease can be a lot more threatening than the symptoms would suggest. Symptoms do not appear as soon as the infection takes place and may appear within the first week or even two weeks later. The initial symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever include:

High fever and chills

Severe headaches and muscle aches

Loss of appetite

Diarrhea

Nausea and vomiting

Disorientation and restlessness

Insomnia

The only distinctive feature of the infection is the associated Rocky Mountain spotted fever is the rash that appears around two to five days after the first symptoms surface.

The rash is initially marked with the appearance of small pink dots or spots that are flat and non-itchy.

These spots appear on the wrists, forearms, palms, ankles and progressively spread to cover the torso as well.

Once the disease progresses you observe the petechial rash of the disease with dark red or purple spots. These spots do not appear until the sixth day after the initial symptoms, and they may not appear in all patients. This is a warning sign that the disease has progressed to become a serious threat. Ideally, treatment should begin well before the appearance of petechiae.

Keep in mind that a rash does not always appear and this is what makes the condition so hard to diagnose. In cases where the rash does not appear, the disease may not be obvious until it is too late. Physicians are advised to err on the side of caution if other symptoms suggest the possibility of Rocky Mountain spotted fever even in the absence of the rash.

There is a high risk of fatal complications developing once the disease progresses to the advanced stage as damage to the lining of blood vessels causes them to leak and the resultant bleeding or clot formation can cause kidney damage and failure, damage to blood vessels in the brain and seizures, heart and lung failure, retinal vasculitis and gangrene development in the extremities.

Diagnosis of Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be a little tricky because of the confusing symptoms. Unfortunately, the risks of fatality and complications developing are extremely high as the condition progresses, which is why treatment cannot be delayed until an accurate diagnosis is made. Doctors usually make a diagnosis based on visible symptoms and based on information provided by the patient. If there is any suspicion of the disease, doctors are advised to begin treatment promptly.

The diagnosis may be confirmed simultaneously with laboratory tests, but these can take time and they are also often not accurate as the infection often does not show up until in the advanced stages.

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Diagnostic tests that are used to confirm the presence of Rocky Mountain fever include:

Blood tests to check blood count

Kidney function tests

Antibody titer test

PCR or immunohistochemical (IHC) staining from a skin biopsy from the rash site

Urinalysis to detect the presence of blood or protein in urine

Treatment for Rocky Mountain spotted fever is extremely effective if treatment begins within the first five days of the appearance of symptoms. In such cases, the mortality rate of the disease is reduced significantly, from 20 percent to as low as 5 percent. Treatment for the disease involves the administration of antibiotics to fight off the infection. In severe cases, antibiotics are administered intravenously and hospitalization is often necessary.
They cant get there from here. Wildlife need to roam  for food, for breeding, for survival  but increasingly local animal species are marooned on small islands of natural habitat and surrounded by manmade barriers, barriers they must invade in order to live. Western New York residents have gotten used to sharing their outdoor spaces with deer, rabbits, even wild turkeys, but when there are reports of bears roaming in Lancaster backyards, the urgency of this crisis comes  quite literally  home.

The Western New York Land Conservancy has an ambitious plan to protect wildlife habitat and possibly help save biodiversity in the process. Its called the Western New York Wildway and it deserves everyones support.

In the words of E. O. Wilson, Harvard biologist and eminent conservationist: We need wildlife corridors, connected regions through which species can roam and interact. Tony Hiss, author of Rescuing the Planet: Protecting Half the Land to Heal the Earth, agrees. Both Wilson and Hiss call for setting aside one-half of the worlds lands and seas to protect 85% of world ecosystems and species from extinction.

Hiss, who was in Buffalo recently to give a talk at a Conservancy fundraiser, applauds its Wildway plan as ... a way of protecting a really sizeable chunk of very important and beautiful and extremely biodiverse forest that is largely intact in the southern part of Western New York.

The Wildway aims to create wildlife corridors across the region, encompassing 1.1 million acres. This protected land will become part of the Eastern Wildway, which runs from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, allowing plants and animals to migrate across North America as they once did, and move to new homes as climate changes. In Western New York, the Wildway would cut a swath starting in the Allegheny Mountains at the Pennsylvania border, then moving northward  spreading out slightly  and finally ending up near Lake Ontario, in existing preserves such as the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. Big areas of protected land at least 4,000 acres in size  like Iroquois and Allegheny  would be known as core areas. Theyd be joined by linkages  smaller strips of forest or undeveloped waterways that would enable undisturbed travel between larger preserves.

Western New York is lucky. Belying a Rust Belt moniker that doesnt really fit anymore, the region is studded with undisturbed forests and wetlands that have been set aside from development. This is what makes a Wildway possible.

Were also lucky to have the Western New York Land Conservancy, which has the knowledge and the fundraising capabilities to string these preserved areas together in a way that allows human habitat and wildlife habitat to thrive side-by-side.

The world is losing its species at the rate of 10,000 per year. While most of these losses exist at the microscopic level, life on this planet  including human life  is unsustainable without the biodiversity that interdependent species provide.

A dire situation has been brought about by a combination of human-created climate change, disappearing habitat and lack of attention to conservation.

Its a situation that needs a healthy infusion of hope.

The Wildway project inspires such hope.

...

Whats your opinion? Send it to us at lettertoeditor@buffnews.com. Letters should be a maximum of 300 words and must convey an opinion. The column does not print poetry, announcements of community events or thank you letters. A writer or household may appear only once every 30 days. All letters are subject to fact-checking and editing.
I recently read an article in the Buffalo News about art gallery patrons complaining they received parking tickets while visiting the site.

Ha!

Suburban and rural people drive their cars, trucks, whatever into Buffalo for the re-opening event after the $250 million expansion of the AKG museum, and then they get fined $60 when they park on the grass.

Buffalo is a city with scarce and particularly valuable urban green space, much of which is protected by laws such as No Parking On the Grass, or simply by standards of respect for nature, and ideas of shared human (it is not all about me) decency.

Urban green space should also be protected by a little thoughtful realization that cities are regional and national assets, that they are not cheap to maintain and support and that maintenance for roadside grass digs into a city budget at several points.

Even though there are plenty of big lawns in East Amherst, if Im invited to a special social event there, I dont park on someone's nice lawn when theres no space in the host house driveway. When I head out toward Eden for the Corn Festival, I dont park in someone's pumpkin field. (Unless some guy is collecting $5, or maybe $20 if I want to park closer!)

So also try to remember standards of reasonable behavior when you easy swing your big Ford F-150 to park on my street so you can go shop on Elmwood.

James Smith

Buffalo
News / Local

by Staff reporter

ENRAGED over "high prices" two men beat a vendor with a hammer and sticks, resulting in his death after he was admitted to Mpilo Central Hospital.Confirming the incident which occurred in Cowdray Park Suburb on 21 June at around 8 PM, Acting Bulawayo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said the unknown assailants are still at large.She said the suspects approached Dumisani Mpala (46) at his stall at Sign Post."One of the accused persons enquired about the prices of razor blades and cigarettes. after he was told the price, the two unknown accused persons started shouting at Dumisani Mpala accusing him of overcharging his products and saying they wanted to teach him a lesson," she said.Asst Insp Msebele said one of the suspects grabbed a hammer that was on the ground near the vending stall and pounded Mpala on the head."The other accused person also picked a stick and assaulted Dumisani Mpala several times all over the body until he collapsed. the two accused persons then fled from the scene. The now deceased sustained a cut on the forehead and some bruises all over the body. a police report was then made. The now-deceased was ferried to Mpilo Hospital by ambulance on the 27th of June 2023. The now deceased passed on at Mpilo Central Hospital," said Asst Insp Msebele.She urged members of the public to solve differences amicably instead of resorting to violence as it results in unnecessary loss of lives."We appeal to members of the public with information that may assist in the location of the two accused persons to report at any nearest police station," said Asst Insp Msebele.
BRUSSELS  NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday that he has called a meeting of senior officials from Turkey, Sweden and Finland on July 6 to try to overcome Turkish objections to Sweden joining the military organization.

The meeting is a last-ditch effort by Stoltenberg to have the Nordic country standing among NATO's ranks as a member at a major summit next month. It would be a highly symbolic moment and another indication of how Russias war in Ukraine is driving countries to join the Western alliance.

The time is now to welcome Sweden as a full member of NATO, Stoltenberg told reporters as he announced the date for the meeting. Foreign ministers, intelligence chiefs and security advisors from Turkey, Sweden and Finland, which joined NATO in April, will be taking part in the talks in Brussels.

NATO requires the unanimous approval of all members to expand. Turkey accuses Sweden of being too lenient on groups that Ankara says pose a security threat, including militant Kurdish groups and people associated with a 2016 coup attempt.

Fearing they might be targeted by Moscow after Russia invaded Ukraine last year, Sweden and Finland abandoned their traditional positions of military nonalignment to seek protection under NATOs security umbrella.

Hungary is also delaying its approval of Swedens candidacy but has never clearly stated publicly what its concerns are. NATO officials expect that it will follow suit once Turkey lifts its objections.
The Navy's tough recruiting year means that its recruiters will be working more days, and the service is considering longer tours of duty as it struggles to put more sailors into uniform.

A Navy spokesman confirmed that Rear Adm. Alexis Walker -- the head of recruiting command -- has ordered all recruiters to work a six-day workweek after Navy emails announcing the change began to surface on social media. In an email that was sent to the whole of Navy Recruiting Command, Walker said the command couldn't "wait a minute longer" to make the change.

Lt. Cmdr. Rich Parker, a spokesman for the recruiting command, told Military.com in an email that the change will take effect on July 8 and "it is expected to affect staff from the top down."

Read Next: Gender Neutral Standards, Return to Old Fitness Test: Congress' Dueling Ideas for the Army

The move comes as the Navy, like most of the other military branches, struggles to meet its recruiting goals for the year. In April, the Navy's second-highest officer, Adm. Lisa Franchetti, told Congress that the sea service expected to miss its recruiting goals by 6,000 sailors. The 2023 goal is about 37,000 sailors.

Last year, the Navy made its annual active-duty enlistment goal by just 42 sailors, recruiting a total of 33,442. It missed all of the other active-duty and reserve targets, including active-duty officers -- coming up just over 200 short. In order to make that goal, the Navy dipped into its pool of delayed-entry applicants. As a result, there is less of a reserve of recruits waiting to ship out, making this year's targets harder to meet.

Given the challenges facing the Navy's recruiting command, the service appears to be considering measures that go beyond longer workweeks. Other screenshots posted to social media suggested that the chief of naval personnel was going to order sailors slated for recruiting duty to report to their new posts six months early and keep recruiters already serving in place for an extra year.

Lt. Rachel Maul, a spokeswoman for the Navy's personnel command, told Military.com that while "there have been no official policy changes to recruiting duty orders, early transfers, or extensions," she said that "the Navy is considering all available options in order to fully man our recruiting stations as we continue to address the projected recruiting shortfalls for 2023."

While Navy leaders acknowledge that the longer hours "may be met with some hesitation," Parker stressed in his email that "our duty is to bring the best and most qualified recruits into the Navy."

Aside from the extra effort by recruiters, the Navy has also taken to offering some of the largest bonuses in recent memory to get recruits into the door. Sailors willing to ship out before the fall can get $35,000 before any extra money for choosing an in-demand job.

In all, the Navy's recruiting website says that sailors could earn $140,000.

Last year, Navy recruiting officials told Military.com that the massive sums of money were necessary "to be competitive with the strong civilian labor market, recognizing that we are in competition for the best and the brightest young Americans from all walks of life."

However, in the civilian sector, the concept of cutting back to a four-day workweek has been gaining traction. A handful of countries in Europe have tested the idea with trial runs with positive results. While the idea has yet to take off in the U.S., it is gaining popularity and discussion.

"I am not being dramatic when I say that our inability to bring in the right numbers and types of people...impacts our ability to fight and win," Walker wrote in his email to recruiters.

The service has recently raised the maximum enlistment age to 41, loosened entry exam rules, and spent millions on high-profile advertisements at events like the Super Bowl.

-- Konstantin Toropin can be reached at konstantin.toropin@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @ktoropin.

Related: Biggest Enlistment Bonus in Marine Corps Is Aimed at Cyber Warfare
The Jack H. Lucas, the newest, most advanced Burke-class destroyer, became part of the Navy Tuesday and will operate out of San Diego, where it will help replace aging Cold War-era cruisers.

Mississippi-based shipbuilder Ingalls delivered Lucas to the Navy following a week of sea trials in the Gulf of Mexico. The $2.4 billion ship is expected to arrive at Naval Base San Diego later this year.

Lucas is the first variant III version of the Burke-destroyer, a ship that's known as the backbone of the Navy because of its power and versatility. It can strike targets 1,000 miles away with Tomahawk cruise missiles.

The Navy says the Lucas is equipped with a sophisticated new air and missile defense radar system that will help the 509-foot ship protect aircraft carrier and amphibious assault groups. Three of the Navy's 11 carriers operate out of San Diego. The city also is currently home to 16 Burke destroyers.

The Lucas is named after Jacklyn Harold 'Jack' Lucas, who served both as a U.S. Marine and an Army Airborne officer. President Harry S. Truman awarded him the Medal of Honor in 1945 for his heroics during the battle of Iwo Jima in World War II.

The Marines say Lucas threw himself on one grenade and placed another under his body to shield fellow Marines during combat. One of the grenades exploded, nearly killing him. Lucas died of leukemia in 2008. He was 80.

This story originally appeared in San Diego Union-Tribune.

2023 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Visit sandiegouniontribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Psychedelic drugs and marijuana could be evaluated as treatments for post-traumatic disorder and other conditions afflicting veterans under bills advancing through Congress.

The version of the annual defense policy bill approved by the House Armed Services Committee last week would require the Pentagon to conduct a clinical trial on treating service members' PTSD, traumatic brain injury and chronic traumatic encephalopathy with drugs including MDMA, commonly called ecstasy, and psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms.

The defense bill, called the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, would also require the Pentagon and Department of Veterans Affairs to study the effects of marijuana use in service members and veterans with PTSD, depression, anxiety or chronic pain.

Read Next: Gender Neutral Standards, Return to Old Fitness Test: Congress' Dueling Ideas for the Army

Meanwhile, the Senate Appropriations Committee is using its annual VA spending bill to encourage, but not require, the VA to help with privately funded research on the use of psychedelics to treat PTSD and depression.

Including the measures in the must-pass bills signals a growing interest from both parties in finding alternative treatments for conditions that have been seen as signature injuries in the 9/11-era wars. But the bills still have several hurdles to overcome before passing into law, including continued skepticism in the wider GOP conference about legislation that could lead to easing restrictions on currently illegal substances.

The marijuana and psychedelic provisions in the NDAA were added to the bill with no debate last week as part of a bipartisan vote to add a package of amendments considered noncontroversial to the bill. Both were sponsored by Republicans, with Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina proposing the marijuana amendment and Navy SEAL veteran Rep. Morgan Luttrell of Texas proposing the psychedelics one.

At a news conference earlier this month, Luttrell said he underwent psychedelic-assisted therapy in a foreign country after his marriage and personal relationships suffered from anger issues he developed when he left the military. Luttrell said his treatment included ibogaine and DMT, which would both be studied by his amendment in addition to ecstasy and mushrooms.

"I can honestly stand in front of all of you and the American public and say I was reborn," Luttrell said. "This changed my life. It saved my marriage. It is one of the greatest things that ever happened to me."

But despite the backing from veterans in Congress, legislation to research marijuana and psychedelics has still struggled to get across the finish line in recent years.

Last year's House-passed NDAA included a similar proposal to research marijuana and psychedelics, but it was taken out of the final bill that became law after negotiations with the Senate.

And earlier this year, a bill to require the VA to conduct a study of veterans who use marijuana and have chronic pain or PTSD to see how the drug affects their health failed in the Senate. Despite the bill unanimously advancing out of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, Republican senators outside the committee derided the idea of treating veterans with marijuana.

Now Senate appropriators are also trying again to allow the VA to recommend medical marijuana to patients in states where it is legal.

Currently, the VA is prohibited from recommending, prescribing or paying for marijuana, though department policy allows for discussion about marijuana use between VA providers and patients. Still, advocates say the drug's ambiguous legal status leaves veterans feeling stigmatized and uncomfortable discussing it with their doctors.

Last week, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved an amendment to the 2024 VA spending bill to allow a "health care provider of the department to make appropriate recommendations, fill out forms or take steps to comply" with state medical marijuana programs. Similar amendments have been approved by the committee in previous years but have not made it into the final appropriations bills that became law.

"Outdated laws should never censor veterans' doctor-patient relationships," Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., the amendment's sponsor, said in a statement last week. "Thirty-seven states now have legal cannabis programs, and it is unacceptable to treat veterans as second-class citizens and force them to find a different doctor to simply ask questions and seek treatment if they choose to access state legal medical cannabis programs."

The Senate Appropriations Committee also expressed interest in studying psychedelic drugs but did not go as far as the NDAA in mandating a study. A VA official testified to Congress last year that the department was "very, very closely" monitoring private research on psychedelics but stressed that the VA is not funding the research.

"The committee recognizes the increased interest in studying psychedelic therapies and their potential therapeutic effects for veterans," the Appropriations Committee wrote in the nonbinding report accompanying the spending bill. "The committee encourages VA to explore opportunities to assist with privately-funded research programs to evaluate the efficacy of psychedelic therapies in treating PTSD, major depressive disorder, and other serious mental health conditions."

-- Rebecca Kheel can be reached at rebecca.kheel@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @reporterkheel.

Related: VA Marijuana Research Bill, Other Vets Measures 'May All Be Dead' After Failed Senate Vote, Chairman Says
Editor's Note: This story discusses suicidal ideation.

The opinions expressed in this op-ed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Military.com. If you would like to submit your own commentary, please send your article to opinions@military.com for consideration.

Joe Parsetich is a service-connected disabled Air Force veteran of Vietnam who was elected national commander for Disabled American Veterans in August 2022.

It's been 55 years, but I can still hear the whizzing and feel the concussive force of incoming rocket and mortar fire at Tan Son Nhut Air Base in Vietnam. It's a chilling feeling, but not nearly as horrific as witnessing another human being's life violently come to an end.

I was only 17 when I volunteered to go to war, loaded with youthful naivete that meant I never expected to bear witness to that kind of cruelty and carnage.

Although I didn't know it then, the truth is that my time in Vietnam would live with me long after I returned home. For many years, I couldn't shake the echoes of the enemy rockets whistling past my post, and I carried with me the memories of those who lost their lives on the battlefield.

I shouldered the burden of surviving Vietnam for decades until 2009, when I woke up in an intensive care unit. That's because, after 59 years, I no longer saw my life as valuable. I saw myself as an unworthy burden and attempted to end it.

Had I not failed in doing so, my post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) would have served as a sniper's bullet shot decades ago from thousands of miles away and amounted to another kill for the enemy.

Since my diagnosis, I have a better understanding of what PTSD is and how to mitigate its effects on my daily life. I'm fortunate in that regard, but I know the reality is that what works for me may not work for others. PTSD isn't a one-size-fits-all condition, because it manifests differently in each patient. Some are still yearning for peace while finding ways to lessen the severity of its impact on their lives. Others are completely overwhelmed by its symptoms, which can pervade every aspect of daily life.

Tragically, many of our fellow Americans do not properly understand the condition.

While I cannot speak for every afflicted veteran, I am comfortable asserting that having PTSD does not mean someone is weak or broken. Having PTSD doesn't mean someone is on the verge of a violent outburst. It also doesn't mean they are a risk to their employer. Having PTSD means someone suffered trauma and is experiencing a natural reaction to it. There shouldn't be any stigma involved in that.

I'm fortunate to have woken up in that hospital, and I've made it my mission ever since to let others know they aren't alone. The military does a beautiful thing when it brings people from every walk of life together under the same flag, unit and mission. But the tragic reality is that far too many veterans, especially those suffering from PTSD, feel isolated and alone. That can be deadly.

So, rather than shying away from this unsettling topic that too many veterans like myself have come to know, I encourage my fellow Americans to go beyond the headlines to learn more about what PTSD is and isn't. Doing so will not only shed the stigma associated with this invisible scar of war, it can also save a life.

Veterans and service members experiencing a mental health emergency can contact the Veteran Crisis Line at 988, Press 1. They also can text 838255 or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net.
The 38th commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. David H. Berger, is due to step down in July 2023. While his successor faces a confirmation struggle through no fault of his own, it's safe to say the Marine Corps is in good hands when it comes to its top post. Historically, the Corps has been very proud of those who held its top post.

Except for that one commandant.

No one knows where he's buried, his own sons forgot he served as commandant of the Marine Corps, and no one knows what he looked like, because he's the only commandant without an official portrait. Lt. Col. Anthony Gale is also the only Marine Corps commandant to be fired from the position for any reason.

Gale was the fourth commandant of the Marine Corps, serving for just under two years in 1819 and 1820. There aren't many surviving records about Gale or his service, and the ones we do have don't look good. His story starts off like that of any other American patriot, but quickly devolves and completely tanks by the time he's appointed the country's top Marine officer.

Marine Corps veteran, author and historian Robert Jordan compiled an exhaustive history of the elusive fourth commandant in a 2007 issue of Leatherneck Magazine. Gale immigrated to the United States from Ireland in 1792, during the brief time period when the Marine Corps was disbanded. When it was reformed in 1798, he was among the first to apply for a commission to the new Corps.

After brief stints as a recruiter and prisoner of war guard, he took to the fleet aboard the USS Ganges. At sea, he was a brilliant officer, leading Marines against both the Barbary pirates and the British. He rose quickly in the ranks and was promoted to brevet major (a temporary rank) while working stateside for the second commandant of the Marine Corps, Lt. Col. William Burrows.

Things weren't all they seemed to be, however. Gale might have been the senior-most captain in the Corps, but he wasn't very good at his landside job, maintaining Philadelphia's Marine barracks. He was also suspected of being a drunk and of siphoning Marine Corps funds to refurbish his house. Burrows appeared to look the other way. His successor would not.

Commandants only serve a four-year term nowadays, but back then, things were very different. Burrows held the office for nearly six years, but by the time Gale began serving under him in 1804, he was on his way out of both the Marine Corps and life in general. Burrows retired later that year and then died in 1805.

His replacement, Lt. Col. Franklin Wharton, didn't like Gale's reputation at all -- especially because Gale lived up to that reputation. Wharton ordered a court of inquiry into the accusation, but Gale proved more difficult to get rid of than Wharton expected. When the court of inquiry acquitted him, Wharton sent Gale to the far-off post of New Orleans.

Gale did what most Marines -- or most anyone -- does in New Orleans: He began drinking. Gale took it to new heights, however. He drank so much that when Wharton died in 1818, the Marine Corps rushed to disqualify him from being elevated to the job of commandant, even though he was the senior Marine Corps officer at the time. Gale just wanted to keep his head down and be left alone.

Despite everyone's objections (including his own), Gale was made the fourth commandant of the Marine Corps in March 1819. It went pretty much as one might expect. He was overwhelmed with the task of managing the Corps' 922 Marines aboard 58 warships. When Gale was able to make a decision, the secretary of the Navy usually stepped in and countermanded it.

In a final attempt to handle the role of commandant, he wrote a letter to Navy Secretary Smith Thompson, trying to define the "division of function" between their two offices, essentially saying it is impossible to function when anyone can go over his head. Thompson never sent a response, and Gale fell back into the bottle.

Some historians believe Gale was undermined and sabotaged by his successor, Archibald Henderson. But who are you gonna believe, the only man fired as Commandant or the "Grand Old Man of the Marine Corps?"

Just three weeks later, he was arrested and charged with drunkenness, conduct unbecoming an officer and signing false documents, among other accusations. His defense was mental instability, but his court-martial found him guilty and drummed him out of the Corps in October 1820.

Gale eventually retired to a farm in Kentucky, where he resumed a life of hard drinking and took up a life of poor farming. He was partially cleared of wrongdoing in 1835, but by then, it was much too late. He was 53 years old, and within eight years, he would die of lung cancer and be buried in a grave no one can find, even now.

-- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com. He can also be found on Twitter @blakestilwell or on LinkedIn.

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"The problem is not the bomb itself," Gen. (ret.) Stanley McChrystal says in an interview with filmmakers, describing how to combat improvised explosive devices in Iraq. "You have to go 'left of the boom.' You had to go upstream from the problem and look at where the problem is coming from. Where is the energy?"

McChrystal, former commander of the U.S. Joint Special Operations Command, is one of many veterans, officials and experts interviewed in the new documentary film, "Against All Enemies." The movie takes a deep look at the Jan. 6 insurrection, the roots of military extremism and why so many veterans of the armed forces are attracted to those movements.

"When I look at Jan. 6, of course, there were people who did violence and climbed gates and caused trouble, but in my view, they were likely the foot soldiers. They were the result of the efforts of other people," McChrystal says.

More than a thousand people have been charged with storming the Capitol that day, the filmmakers say. According to research conducted by National Public Radio (NPR), one in five of those defendants served in the U.S. military.

"Against All Enemies" is a very dense but engaging documentary that not only shows the evolution of extremism from the start of the 20th century through today, it also tries to explain the appeal of these groups to the veteran community by exploring all sides of the issue, even that of the extremists themselves.

The film reveals that Jan. 6 wasn't just a once-in-a-lifetime event; it was the latest in a developing pattern of attacks that could pose a serious threat to American democracy. Many of the groups leading the charge are military veterans.

"The challenge with having veterans directly involved is twofold," McChrystal says in the film. "They bring a certain expertise. They might bring in organizational skills or military skills that can make a movement more dangerous. The second thing that's disturbing is, in our society, veterans have legitimacy; they have a particular place of respect."

Their presence not only brings legitimacy of service to alt-right groups, it brings the potential for recruiting more veterans with military skills to the extremist cause. "Against All Enemies" uses veterans like former Army officer Michael Breen. As the president and CEO of Human Rights First, a nonprofit that researches and uncovers extremist tactics, he reminds us that those skills aren't limited to firearms.

"There are places in our military where we are trained to start and fuel insurgencies," Breen says in the film. "There are places in our military where we are trained to overthrow governments or work with armed militias to do that sort of thing. I'm not saying this to be alarmist, and I don't think we need to be afraid of our veterans. I do think we need to have a solid understanding of how badly this can escalate."

For those wondering how bad it can get, "Against All Enemies" takes us back to the late 1960s, when Vietnam veteran Louis Beam launched his right-wing movement that echoed the same talking points used today. Beam created a network of militia cells that even used early forms of the internet to communicate, disseminate radical literature and plan robberies, bombings and other acts of violence across the country.

From Beam, the film fast-forwards to 1995, when Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, friends who met while in the U.S. Army, bombed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. Then in 2021, of course, comes the Capitol insurrection.

Kristofer Goldsmith, a former U.S. Army forward observer, was initially attracted to groups like the Proud Boys, but is now a self-proclaimed "Nazi hunter," tracking and exposing their activities. He warns that there is already a future for extremism, forming in Gen Z-led groups, some of which are openly fascist and advocate violence. The groups, say the experts and veterans, are sliding to authoritarianism or worse: a civil war.

One of the biggest reasons veterans are attracted to alt-right groups, Goldsmith believes, is the lack of the culture of service and the bonds it forms. When veterans leave the military, they also leave their service family, and these right-wing paramilitary groups fill that hole.

"When you're vulnerable and you're looking for family, they look like they could be family, providing that sense of mission and camaraderie that you had in the military," Goldsmith says.

"Against All Enemies" premiered at the 22nd annual Tribeca Festival in June 2023. It was produced by former U.S. Navy aviator turned writer and podcaster Ken Harbaugh and award-winning director Charlie Sadoff, who also directed the film. Its executive producer is New York Times bestselling author and documentary filmmaker Sebastian Junger.

It can be viewed through July 2, 2023, on Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV and web browsers on iOS and Android devices via Tribeca at Home.

-- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com. He can also be found on Twitter @blakestilwell or on LinkedIn.

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News / Local

by Staff reporter

The High Court will Friday sit to hear an urgent application filed by Zanu-PF activist, Lovedale Mangwana to have 2023 presidential candidate Saviour Kasukuwere disqualified from the race for allegedly breaching provisions of the constitution and the Electoral Act.The matter will be heard by Justice David Mangota.The exiled former cabinet minister and one-time Zanu-PF political commissar is contesting the poll as an independent candidate.But before he could have his campaign on track, Kasukuwere has to get the legality of his ambitious bid out of the way.Mangwana is seeking an order setting aside the decision to accept the once influential politician's nomination papers by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).He argues that this was done in violation of section 91 of the Constitution.In his founding affidavit, Mangwana also said the Electoral Act does not allow a candidate who has been out of the country for over 18 months to contest for president."I submit that the decision to accept first respondent's nomination paper is in breach of section 91 (1) (d) of the Constitution and invalid," he said.The activist said it is public record that Kasukuwere has been away for over a year.He further challenges the politician to prove him wrong.Mangwana said he has also written to ZEC complaining about the matter but was advised to approach the Electoral Court within four days of the sitting of the Nomination Court.Kasukuwere struck enmity with then Vice President Mnangagwa when he fronted a Zanu-PF faction that was fiercely opposed to the now Zimbabwe incumbent's spirited maneuvers to succeed then President Robert Mugabe during the pinnacle of the party's succession wars back in 2017.His efforts were derailed by a bloodless military coup against Mugabe November 2017 in place of his nemesis.Kasukuwere's return from exile has been stifled by threats of prosecution over a slew of criminal charges levelled against him by the Mnangagwa regime.He allegedly committed the offences during his tenure as cabinet minister.There are suggestions Mnangagwa could have a vested interest in Mangwana's challenge against Kasukuwere's legitimacy as a candidate amid fears he could chip away at the Zimbabwe leader's support base.
The Brewers have decided to non-tender power-hitting first baseman Chris Carter, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today (Twitter link). MLBTR had projected Carter to earn $8.1MM in arbitration.

Carter, 29, signed on with Milwaukee after he was non-tendered last winter by the Astros, agreeing to a one-year, $2.5MM pact. He rewarded the club with a .222/.321/.499 batting line and a league-leading 41 home runs over 644 plate appearances.

Its certainly somewhat unusual to see a forty-homer bat set loose despite ongoing control. In fact, Carter has another year of arb eligibility beyond 2017. But it isnt as if his prodigious power output came as a surprise; he swatted 37 dingers back in 2014.

The trouble with Carter is that he has never managed to reach base consistently. He also led the National League with 206 strikeouts last year. Then theres the fact that hes rather limited in the field. Carters days in the outfield are probably numbered, and he drew negative metrics last year at first.

MLBTRs Charlie Wilmoth recently broke down the arbitration decision facing the Brewers, explaining that it was a tougher call than it seemed at first glance. While more than three quarters of MLBTR readers who participated in a poll felt Carter should be tendered, that wasnt the course pursued by Milwaukee GM David Stearns.

All signs point to a move back to the American League, where Carter can spend time at DH while perhaps occasionally stepping in at first. Beyond the pure home run output, he has managed to maintain a lifetime 112 OPS+, even if it comes with a cringe-worthy batting average (.218) and OBP (.314). Carter owns a career 33.1% strikeout rate, and that probably wont change, though he has managed to draw walks at a solid 11.6% clip. And its worth noting, too, that he has not traditionally carried very pronounced platoon splits.

[RELATED: Brewers Depth Chart]

Milwaukee, it seems, decided against committing that much cash to a one-dimensional player who wouldve been forced onto the field. The team isnt exactly bristling with replacement options. The Brewers just claimed and then designated Adam Walker  a younger, cheaper player who carries Carters general profile at the plate  and could perhaps give him a chance if he clears waivers. Prospect Jacob Nottingham could also get a look, though perhaps the odds are that the rebuilding club will end up looking outside the organization to fill its needs at first base for 2017.

The Brewers surely wouldve preferred to find a trade partner for Carter, but his salary was likely a deterrent. And the open market is full of power options this winter, with players like Mike Napoli, Brandon Moss, Carlos Beltran, Matt Holliday, Pedro Alvarez, and Steve Pearce all expected to be available for one or two-year commitments.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Opinion / Columnist

As the elections in Zimbabwe draw near, there is a sense of excitement and anticipation that grips the nation. For many, this is a chance to choose a leader who will steer Zimbabwe into the future. It is an opportunity to make a difference and to shape the direction of our country.If you are a registered voter, I want to urge you to use your vote. It matters more than you think. Your vote is an expression of your voice, your vision, and your values. It is a way to hold our leaders accountable and to keep them honest. It is a way to demand change and to ensure that your voice is heard.We cannot afford to take our right to vote for granted. Our ancestors fought for it, our parents and grandparents fought for it, and we must continue to fight for it. We must remember that not too long ago, many of us were denied this right. We must never forget the sacrifices that were made and the struggles that were endured to secure this right for us.In these elections, we have an opportunity to choose a leader who will work for our common good. We have an opportunity to elect a leader who will prioritize the needs of the people over their own interests. We have an opportunity to elect a leader who will restore Zimbabwe's image and reputation on the international stage.But we cannot do this if we do not vote. We cannot sit back and hope for change to come to us. We must be the change we want to see. We must step up and take responsibility for our future. We must cast our vote with conviction and determination.I urge you to take this responsibility seriously. Do your research on the candidates, their policies, and their track records. Attend rallies. Engage in discussions with your friends and family. Make an informed decision.Some may argue that their vote does not matter, that their voice is lost in the crowd. But I assure you, every vote counts. In a close election, your vote could be the deciding factor. Don't underestimate the power of your vote.So go out on election day and make your voice heard. Remember, your vote is not just for you, but for future generations. It is for our children and our grandchildren. It is for the Zimbabwe we want to build.I urge you to take this opportunity to make a difference. Use your voice, use your vote. Your country needs you. Let's make history together.Kumbirai Thierry Nhamo |Writer, Blogger, Poet and ResearcherCall/WhatsApp: +263780022343 | +263716984317Email: kumbiraithierryn@gmail.comWebsite(s): https://zealousthierry.art.blog/ | https://www.poemhunter.com/kumbirai-thierry-nhamo/
(Update: The Madonna tour was postponed June 28 after it was revealed the singer was hospitalized with a bacterial infection. Tour dates are expected to be rescheduled, according to a Madonna representative.)

Its been nearly eight years since Madonna played her home state of Michigan but shes headed back to the Midwest this August for stops in Detroit, Cleveland and Chicago in August.

Stubhub, Vivid Seats and Ticketmaster have tickets available for Madonnas new 2023 Celebration tour for under $100.

Vivid Seat tickets range from $90 to $2900.

Stubhub tickets range from $93 to $915.

Ticketmaster tickets range from $105 to $570.

Ticket prices will fluctuate.

Michigans Material Girl has teamed with The Weeknd for a new song from the highly anticipated HBO original series, The Idol. The Weeknd recently dropped his new track, Popular, which features Madonna and Playboi Carti from The Idol soundtrack album, which will be released on June 30th.

Madonna holds the distinction of being the top-grossing solo touring artist of all time. Madonnas tours have earned her more than a billion dollars. Madonna won two Guinness World Records including Most Successful Female Solo Artist of All Time in 2000.

Madonna has sold more than 300 million albums. Madonna has been named Best-Selling Female Rock Artist of the 20th Century.popular songs include, Like a Virgin, Borderline, Vogue, and Dont Cry for Me Argentina. (Stubhub).

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Detroit - Aug. 5 at Little Caesars Arena

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Cleveland - Aug. 2 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

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Chicago - Aug. 9 at United Center

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CRAWFORD COUNTY, MI  A Michigan man has been charged after he allegedly threatened a man set to testify against him with a knife.

Neal Paul Bruchu, 50, of Kalkaska was arraigned in the 46th District Court in Crawford County on charges of retaliating against a witness and assault with a dangerous weapon.

The victim, who reported the alleged incident on June 21, was scheduled to testify against Bruchu for a probation violation in Charlevoix County.

The victim told the Michigan State Police that Bruchu came to his residence and began yelling at him for testifying while holding a knife in his hand and saying he was going to kill him.

Several other people were present and got between the victim and Bruchu, who then left the residence, police said.

Bruchu was interviewed at the Crawford County Sheriffs Office and turned the knife over to deputies. He was lodged Bruchu in the Crawford County Jail.

His next court appearance is at 2 p.m. on Aug. 1.

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The parents of convicted Oxford High shooter Ethan Crumbley are asking the Michigan Supreme Court to intervene and block their criminal cases from moving forward.

Oakland County prosecutors in a June 22 court filing claim they not only have enough evidence to support the case going to trial, but they also have new evidence the courts havent yet heard.

Related: Oxford High shooters sporadic, disturbing behavior in jail spurs competency discussion

Jennifer, 45, and James Crumbley, 46, are jailed on $500,000 bonds at the Oakland County Jail -- the same facility as their son -- facing four counts each of involuntary manslaughter, a crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

The parents are appealing Oakland County District Court Judge Julie Nicholsons Feb. 25, 2022 decision to bind the case over for trial.

Replying to a Supreme Court filing by attorneys for the Crumbleys, Oakland County Assistant Prosecutor Joseph J. Shada wrote in his response that the evidence presented at the preliminary examination exceeded the low bar that is the probable cause standard.

But, if there were any question regarding whether this low bar was met, the People note that there is additional evidence to be presented.

Related: Manhunt ends: Parents of accused Oxford school shooter arrested in Detroit

Prosecutors said there is evidence that further demonstrate that the (parents) were on notice of their sons mental distress.

Family, friends, students and relatives of victims put up bouquets of flowers, candles and personalized messages at a memorial near an entrance to the Oxford High School on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021, two days since the shooting, which left four teens dead, seven others injured and rocked the close-knit community. (Jake May | MLive.com)Jake May

On one occasion, James Crumbley didnt pick up his son after school, leading Jennifer Crumbley to state in a March 8, 2021 Facebook message that she was freaking out, because she couldnt reach her son.

I told you to pick him up because hes upset and I dont want him to do anything stupid, (God damn it), Jennifer wrote to James Crumbley, according to the court filing.

On the day of the killings, a teacher sent the then-15-year-old shooter to the office after discovering violent drawings on a math assignment alongside the phrases blood everywhere, the thoughts wont stop. Help me, my life is useless and The world is dead.

Crumbleys parents were called to an emergency meeting, at which they refused to remove their son from the school and were asked to seek professional mental health assistance for their son within 48 hours.

Prior to the meeting, Jennifer Crumbely sent messages through Facebook to her husband that included an photo of the homework assignment and said, He said he was distraught about last night ... Im very concerned, according to the court filing.

In an interview following the shooting, prosecutors claim Jennifer Crumbley attempted to deflect responsibility by downplaying her concern about the homework scrawling, stating she didnt even look at them closely.

Related: Oxford shooter pleads guilty

Ethan Crumbley at his plea hearing admitted that he picked out and paid for the gun purchased on his behalf by his father and referred to by his mother in a social media post as an early Christmas gift. The shooter, now 17, confirmed the gun was accessible and not locked up.

Jennifer Crumbley in a recorded post-shooting interview said, my biggest fear was that he was gonna turn the gun on himself, the prosecution court filing said. Such fear only highlights the foreseeability of their son using the murder weapon  whether it be on himself or others.

Police said the parents attempted to flee as criminal warrants were issued for their arrest, leading to their apprehension after a manhunt that ended on Dec. 4, 2021 in Detroit.

When the parents were arrested, James Crumbley was in possession of the receipt he received after purchasing the murder weapon, the prosecutions Supreme Court response said. Defendants flight and the taking of the receipt for the murder weapon during such flight provide an inference of their consciousness of guilt.

District Judge Nicholson, based on evidence presented at the preliminary examination, said the deaths of the four victims could have been avoided if James and Jennifer Crumbley exercised ordinary care and diligence in the care of their son.

Before the case could go to trial in Oakland County, defense attorneys appealed the bind-over decision to the Court of Claims. A three-judge panel sided with the lower courts ruling on March 23 of this year.

The parents were actively involved in (their sons) mental state remaining untreated, provided him with the weapon used to kill the victims and refused to remove him from the situation that led directly to the shootings, wrote Court of Appeals Judge Christopher M. Murray in the unanimous decision.

Attorney Shannon Smith, who represents Jennifer Crumbley, at oral arguments before the Court of Appeals panel in March warned that upholding charges against the shooters parents in this case could create unlimited liability to every parent across the state.

The thing they did not do is plot and plan these murders and hold a weapon and shoot people in cold blood in a school, Smith said. And thats the main point ... Anything else they could have done  get him help sooner, look in his backpack, go through his cell phone, go through his room, pick apart anything  those are all things that in hindsight always wish they had done when a problem occurs ... "

The trial for James and Jennifer Crumbley is on hold, pending a Supreme Court ruling on their appeal.

Ethan Crumbley pleaded guilty to 24 felony crimes, including four counts of first-degree murder, a count of terrorism causing death, seven counts of assault with intent to murder and 12 counts of felony use of a firearm.

He is scheduled to appear in Oakland County Circuit Court for a Miller hearing on July 27. A Miller hearing is a chance for defense attorneys to argue against a mandatory life sentence. First-degree murder carries an automatic life sentence for adults in Michigan.

Prosecution response to Supreme Court application for leave to appeal:

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Oxford shooter pleads guilty

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MELVINDALE, MI  A man who allegedly shot at his wife in a Detroit alleyway is facing a list of charges after authorities searched his home and found stolen firearms, ammunition and fake federal badges, WDIV Local 4 reports.

On May 19, the suspects wife contacted the Detroit Police and reported that he had fired a shot at her in an alley and then fled the scene, according to a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

On June 8, officers conducted a search warrant of the suspects home and found 18 guns scattered throughout the house, including on the couch, in the main first-floor hallway, in bedrooms and in the basement, the complaint said. One of the firearms was registered to the suspects wife; none of the others were registered to the suspect and several had their serial numbers removed. Two of the firearms were automatic. Officers also found a fake badges for the Drug Enforcement Agency and Department of Defense, which investigators believe were ordered from China and would have fooled ordinary people.

Saliah Algahmi, of Melvindale, is charged with multiple crimes, including transfer/possession of a machine gun, possession of a stolen firearm/ammunition, possession of a firearm with a removed/altered serial number, possession of an unregistered gun, and knowingly receiving a counterfeit badge, the complaint said.

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WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI -- A 16-year-old boy has been charged with open murder in connection with the death of an 18-year-old man last week, but police are not yet releasing many details.

Michigan State Police troopers were called to westbound I-94 near Parker Road in Lima Township around 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 21, for a report of a single-vehicle crash.

The victim was taken to the hospital, where he was declared dead. Police have identified the victim as Jason Gregory, 18. Police have not released a cause of death.

When troopers arrived, they also found evidence a weapon had been used in the death, police said.

Police did not release what type of weapon was involved.

Gregory was originally from Alabama, but had recently moved to Michigan, police said.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested later that day in connection with the incident, police said. It is unclear if the boy was in the same vehicle as Gregory.

The boy was arraigned on charges of open murder in the 14A-3 District Court on Tuesday, June 27, before Magistrate Elisha Fink, police said.

Neither state police nor the Washtenaw County Prosecutors Office would release the boys name. Both agencies confirmed the boy was charged as an adult.

Police did not initially release information on the incident.

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ANN ARBOR, MI - A 900-member Michigan Medicine union now has hundreds of additional members who work in the surgery and eye and dental care fields.

About 600 patient care service professionals, working for Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Dental School and other Michigan Medicine branches, are now under the United Michigan Medicine Allied Professionals, officials said.

The new members seek more say in workplace matters such as scheduling and other staffing-related working conditions, said Cheryl Bodmer, a surgical technologist at C.S. Mott Childrens Hospital.

This is a critical step towards preserving the outstanding patient care by securing working conditions that will stabilize staffing during this national healthcare worker shortage, Bodmer said in a statement.

The workers represent numerous roles within the health system, including technicians specialized in prosthetics, rehabilitation, anesthesia, lasers and more. Dental and dental dispensing assistants are also part of the unions new membership, officials said.

The union now represents about a quarter of patient care service professionals in the universitys health system, officials said.

Other Michigan Medicine unions applauded the new membership.

The House Officers Association supports UMMAPs efforts to form an inclusive union with all Michigan Medicine employees who share a community of interest, said the house officers union president Dr. Kyle Johnson.

As Michigan Medicine employees, there are many shared concerns that we may be able to solve collaboratively and we are looking forward to working with UMMAP to make the health system a better place to work for all of us, said Jill Hasen, president of the United Physician Assistants of Michigan Medicine.

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ANN ARBOR, MI  Ann Arbor is seeking a third-party entity to implement a new alternative to armed police for responding to non-criminal, non-violent incidents.

City officials have been talking about establishing an unarmed crisis response program led by a team of non-police professionals for years.
ANN ARBOR, MI -- Although businesses and homes in downtown Ann Arbor remain without power for several days after a weekend storm, area owners and residents are urging patience.

The power went out at The Original Cottage Inn, 512 E. William St., around 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 25. Since then, owner Jim Michos has been back to the location a dozen times to check if the power has been restored.

Michos had to throw away $15,000 in food, he said. Between the food and lost revenue, the outage will cost the restaurant around $20,000.

Still, hes keeping his head up.

Its out of my control, Michos said. Theres no reason to be upset. It sucks  theres a lot of money there.

Michos pizzeria is just one of several downtown buildings that have been without power for days after a weekend storm. For Michos, the occurrence happens roughly six times a year.

Im on a bad grid or something, he said.

Roughly 2,300 Washtenaw County residents were without power as of Tuesday afternoon, according to the DTE Energy Outage map. That number is down from the nearly 11,000 people without power in the county Monday.

The downtown location of the Ann Arbor District Library was closed both Monday and Tuesday, library staff wrote on social media. Franks Restaurant, Michigan Theater and Asian Legend were also closed on Tuesday, per either social media posts or signs on their doors.

Grace Dempsey, a University of Michigan student, has been without power in her Division Street home since Sunday. She wishes the utility company would communicate more about a restoration time and the cause of the outage, but has otherwise remained calm about the experience.

We do have the electrical box that serves the whole area in our backyard, Dempsey said. I know that we tend to keep power sometimes when other people dont, so Im shocked that we actually lost it this time.

Scott Allen, who has lived at his Thompson Street home for three months, said he thinks people are unreasonable with their expectations for how quickly power should be fixed.

Im older, so I feel like this is something Ive dealt with my entire life, Allen said. The power goes out. Its Michigan weather.

DTE Energy has attributed the areas outage to wind damage, according to the outage map. The company expects 95% of its customers to have restored power as of Tuesday evening, it said.

Sustained winds to 60 mph hit across our electric service territory, and some of the heaviest was in Washtenaw County and the Ann Arbor area, a spokesperson from DTE Energy told MLive/The Ann Arbor News in an email. We have activated more than 2,500 emergency response crew members, including our partners from out-of-state utilities.

Michos said he expects to have his doors open again two days after power is restored  once his refrigerators are back to the proper temperature. Despite the loss, he said, he doesnt believe stressing will help the situation.

Mother Nature  theres nothing you can do really, Michos said.

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YPSILANTI, MI -- Ypsilanti police are asking for help identifying a man suspected of attempting to sexually assault a woman near Eastern Michigan Universitys campus recently.

Ypsilanti police were called to the area of Washtenaw Avenue and Roosevelt Street around midnight on Sunday, June 25 for a report of an attempted sexual assault. The assault involved a single, male suspect, according to the victim. The man was not armed, police said.

Police could not find the man when they responded. The man was last seen running south on Wallace Street.

This incident occurred on the street in plain view, and we are asking for public assistance in identifying this male, Ypsilanti police said in a statement.

Ypsilanti police are working with Eastern Michigan University police to identify the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 734-292-5429 or Investigations Sergeant Jessica Lowry at 734-368-8784.

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FLINT, MI  U.S. Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack visited the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Flint on Tuesday afternoon to speak about efforts the U.S. Department of Agriculture is making to ensure kids have access to healthy meals during the summer months.

Vilsack was joined by Senator Debbie Stabenow and Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley for a tour, press availability and stakeholder meeting to discuss childrens nutrition through the summer months.

Vilsack and Stabenow both touted 2022 legislation that will provide permanent funding to help children receive meals during the summer.

Beginning in 2024, Michigan families will be able to sign up for a summer EBT program that will provide them with $40 per child per month.

More than 900,000 Michigan children will benefit from this program, said Diane Golzynski, director of the Office of Health & Nutrition Services at the Michigan Department of Education.

Hunger doesnt take a vacation and our kids deserve to have access to healthy, amazing meals  the types of meals that they are getting here at the Flint Boys & Girls Club, Golzynski said.

Vilsack praised Gov. Gretchen Whitmers proposal to bring free breakfast and lunches to students for each school day but noted that families still struggle to put food on the table in the summer months.

This is a giant leap forward, Vilsack said. ... We want to ensure that the 29 to 30 million youngsters who get free and reduced lunch will have the opportunity to get a decent meal at school but also to make sure that they are well fed during the summer months.

Officials visited with children during their lunch break at the club, which is a USDA Summer Food Service Program site, before sitting down for a stakeholder discussion.

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Opinion / Columnist

Kumbirai Thierry Nhamo |

Writer, Blogger, Poet and Researcher

Call/WhatsApp: +263780022343 | +263716984317

Email: kumbiraithierryn@gmail.com

Website(s): https://zealousthierry.art.blog/ | https://www.poemhunter.com/kumbirai-thierry-nhamo/

I am a Zimbabwean citizen by descent. I was born and raised in this country and have lived through decades of political turmoil (just two actually), economic collapse, and social injustice. For as long as I can remember, my people have been struggling to survive under the oppressive rule of the ruling party.We may look normal on the outside, but we are not. Every person living in Zimbabwe today is struggling with mental health issues caused by the massive challenges we face every day. The constant fear and uncertainty that permeates our lives have taken a toll on us that runs deep.Our parents remember the days when the days were better. These were the good times, the times before our government betrayed us. The economic situation in Zimbabwe is catastrophic, and it has only gotten worse with each passing day. The country is now bankrupt and in a free fall.The government has been responsible for the abuse of our people, it has subliminally killed, and kept the majority who voted against them hungry, jobless, and hopeless. The mismanagement and corruption by our leaders have led to the collapse of our economy, and the people suffer the most.For many Zimbabweans, this has resulted in trauma, depression, and anxiety. We are a people whose minds have been stretched to their limits, grappling with fear and chronic stress. Our lives have been thrown into chaos because of the cruelty of our government, and we are struggling to cope.Even when our stomachs are empty, and the heat of the sun bears down on us mercilessly, we are still not allowed to speak out against the system. This pressure and the strain from keeping quiet has resulted in many Zimbabweans struggling with mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other related conditions.To make it worse, the majority of us have limited access to mental health resources. There are very few facilities that cater to our needs, and even when they do exist, the costs are generally prohibitive for most families. Our healthcare system has collapsed along with the rest of our infrastructure, and this has severe repercussions for our mental health.Many of us have lost our ability to dream about a better future. We have been trapped in a cycle of hopelessness, and the trauma of our daily experiences have shattered our hopes and dreams entirely. We are constantly overwhelmed by a sense of despair and helplessness.It has become normal for us to see people standing by the roadsides, waiting for hours for a bus or a little bit of food. But most of all, it has become normal to us to see loved ones, friends, and family members die from treatable illnesses simply because we do not have the means to seek help.Our children are scarred by their experiences and exposure to violence and trauma; they lack proper education, leading to a bleak future. We are a generation that is committing suicide through substance abuse (alcohol, cough syrup, marijuana), stress, and despair, and the impact on our mental health is staggering.The struggles that we face every day are not just physical but psychological as well. Many Zimbabweans have lost their self-worth, their sense of identity, and their humanity due to the suppression and manipulation of our government. We are living in a state of severe collective trauma, and our mental health deteriorates with each passing day.The crisis we are in shows no signs of improving, and the challenges that we face as a people only seem to intensify. The trauma piles up day by day, and the mental health concerns we face as a nation are mounting to an unimaginable level.Many have lost the motivation to start over; the hope that tomorrow will be better; the belief that change is possible. But even in the midst of all the darkness, some of us refuse to give up. We work hard, and we rally for change, to make a difference; to reclaim what is rightfully ours.If you are a Zimbabwean like me, remember that you are not alone in your struggles. It is important to know that you are not weak or incapable of fighting, but the system has broken every ounce of willingness, optimism, and resilience in you. Remember that it's okay to reach out, to talk to someone about what you are going through. There is no shame in seeking help or taking care of yourself mentally.To SADC, we have been silent for too long, and we need your support. We need you to speak out against the injustice that is happening in our country. We need you to help us fight for a better tomorrow, for a free Zimbabwe, a Zimbabwe that we can all be proud to call our own.Mental health in Zimbabwe is not just a clinical issue but a socio-political issue. It is a silent crisis that has shattered the lives of millions of Zimbabweans. Our minds may be broken, and our spirits worn down, but we will fight for what is right. We will resist until we take back our country, and we create a Zimbabwe that we all can call home with dignity, pride, and hope.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A 65-year-old man accused of killing two women ten years apart has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Garry Artman is awaiting trial in Kent County for the 1996 homicide of Sharon Hammack, 30.

He is also accused in the 2006 slaying of 24-year-old Dusty Shuck in Maryland.

Hammack, who worked as a prostitute, was found bound and wrapped in a blanket Oct. 3, 1996, near 76th Street and Kraft Avenue. She had been stabbed twice, but died of strangulation.

Artman was identified through DNA and specifically genetic genealogy.

He has been in custody since August.

Kent County prosecutors notified Hammacks family of Artmans medical diagnosis during a status update on his case Tuesday, June 27 in Kent County Circuit Court.

Artman last week was admitted to a hospital for pneumonia. Physicians conducted more tests and determined he had lung cancer.

Related: Mans arrest in 1996 murder of Grand Rapids woman could help crack other cold cases

Prosecutors have asked for an expedited trial and a trial date is set for Sept. 18.

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GRAND RAPIDS, MI  A man will spend the rest of his life behind bars for murdering his paralyzed friend and trying to cover the crime up by burning the friends house down.

Chad Robert Bruining, 43, had a blank expression on his face in court Wednesday morning, June 28, when a judge sentenced to him life without the possibility of parole for the killing of 41-year-old Todd Cappendyk.

Brutal and senseless. I cant think of any other words, Kent County Circuit Judge Christina Elmore said prior to fashioning the sentence.

A jury found Bruining guilty in May of first-degree murder and second-degree arson. Bruining plans to appeal, his defense attorney said.

Cappendyk, who used wheelchair after he was paralyzed in a work accident, was found dead Oct. 25, 2020, in his burning house on Oakwood Avenue NE.

RELATED: Paralyzed man suffered head trauma before house set on fire, investigators say

Bruining was staying with Cappendyk and had been using methamphetamine the night before the fire, previous court testimony revealed. When investigators arrived at the scene, Bruining told police that a hammer on the back porch had been used to kill Cappendyk.

Cappendyk died of cranial cerebral trauma.

In court, Bruining was confronted by a family member of Cappendyk at Wednesdays hearing.

Almost three years later, the pain of losing Todd is still raw and grief comes in waves, said Lynnae Robinson, Cappendyks sister. The good memories are clouded by what you did to him.

She relived the horrors of the crime scene and what shes endured since the attack.

Can you imagine or have any empathy for what you did to him and everyone that loved him? Robinson asked as Bruining stood to the side. Chad has shown no remorse, sympathy or accountability for what hes done.

He was your friend for nearly 20 years, she added.

Bruining stood in silence for a few moments when given the chance to speak. He mumbled a few words before saying, I dont know if Im supposed to talk or not, in relation to his plans to appeal his convictions.

I lost a friend that I care a lot about, Bruining said.

On top of the murder charge, Bruining was also sentenced to 15-30 years in prison for second-degree arson.

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Ottawa County forbids staff to support sexualization of children after employees attend Pride festivals
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI  In a Tuesday meeting that lasted until after midnight, Ottawa County Commissioner Jacob Bonnema was removed from the finance and administration committee by his fellow commissioners.

Bonnema, who represents Zeeland, Zeeland Township and part of Holland Township, was formally censured by the board of commissioners after a lengthy discussion during the Tuesday, June 27 meeting. He was previously censured by the Ottawa County Republican Party last week.
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI  After Ottawa County Health Department staff were present at two local Pride festivals in Grand Haven and Holland, county leaders moved to bar employees from events that encourage, support or normalize the sexualization of children.

The Resolution to Protect Childhood Innocence was approved by a 9-2 vote by the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, June 27.

The resolution forbids the use of county staff or resources on activities, programs, events, content, or institutions which support, normalize, or encourage the sexualization of children and youth.

After introducing and reading the resolution, Ottawa County Board Co-Chair Sylvia Rhodea talked about the recent Pride festivals in Ottawa County and said children were handing tip money to drag queens at the Grand Haven festival.

The Ottawa County Health Department, Rhodea said, was in attendance at those festivals.

Ottawa County Administrative Health Officer Adeline Hambley previously said the health department was at the Grand Haven Pride Festival offering vaccinations against COVID-19 and mpox, previously known as monkeypox, and providing information on prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.

The ultra-conservative, majority faction on the board called Ottawa Impact has been trying to get rid of Hambley since January.

Related: Far-right Ottawa County leaders can fire health officer but need cause, appeals court orders

After talking about the health department being at local Pride festivals, Rhodea then falsely claimed that pedophiles are represented under the term LGBQT+.

Over 50 different flags are flown under the LGBTQ+ flags. Which groups may fall under the plus? Rhodea asked. Examples include furries -- those who dress as fury animals and use litter boxes -- polyamory, also known as polygamy, bestiality and pedophiles, or, as theyre now called: M.A.P.S.  minor attracted persons. Perhaps that name is more palatable.

Rhodea then asked if the county was promoting and supporting all activities under the plus.

The debate among county commissioners Tuesday wasnt about the sexualization of children.

Instead, it was about how that is defined and how staff can be aware of what constitutes an activity or event or institution that supports, normalizes or encourages the sexualization of children.

The resolution passed Tuesday doesnt give examples of activities, programs, events, content or institutions that sexualize children. It also doesnt specify what constitutes the sexualization of children and youth, nor what it means to support, normalize or encourage it.

County Commissioner Doug Zylstra asked County Board Chair and Ottawa Impact leader Joe Moss if there was a list of activities, programs, events, contents and institutions that could be provided to staff.

Moss said there isnt one. He also said there cant be a comprehensive list, as its dependent on future events that come up.

Zylstra urged his colleagues to table the resolution until a policy was drafted that would give staff clear guidance on what is and isnt permissible under the resolution.

He said there are differing opinions on what the resolution, as it stands, could mean.

I think youre laying a trap for staff that I dont think you need to do, Zylstra said.

Other commissioners supported a policy clarifying and further outlining the resolution, but none supported Zylstras motion to table the resolution while a policy is drafted.

Only Zylstra and county commissioner Roger Bergman voted against the resolution. Bergman said the resolution doesnt address other ways children lose their innocence, like homelessness, poor education and more.

County Commissioner Jacob Bonnema urged that, in the future, these types of resolutions first come through the commissions Planning and Policy Committee for debate and discussion so that they become good policy.

Good policy is not vague, Bonnema said. Good policy is complete. Its specific, so that you know what its addressing. Thats how real change happens. When things are vague, they become unactionable. They become left to be determined later  thats not helpful to staff.

Moss submitted the resolution directly to the full board for final approval. Some commissioners said they didnt see the resolution for review until Saturday morning, when it was put publicly online.

In the resolution, Moss wrote that adults and children are increasingly becoming over-sexualized, and that exposure to sexualized behaviors reduces a childs ability to protect themselves from sexual advances of others.

He mentioned how last year the Ottawa County Sheriffs Office reported it had investigated or reviewed 1,050 criminal sexual conduct and child abuse cases, with 260 minor victims referred to the countys Childrens Advocacy Center.

Moss said the normalization of sexualized behaviors and content to children isnt in the long-term interest of children or society.

Wholesome, good, and honorable content and activities should be promoted to children instead, he wrote in the resolution.

Now that the resolution has passed, the county board will encourage individuals and communities to promote the good and the honorable to children rather than the normalization of sexual behaviors, protecting the health and wellbeing of our children and the future of our county.

The resolution comes about a month after county leaders declared that Ottawa County, as a constitutional county, wouldnt use staff or resources on enforcing any law or rule that restricts the rights of any law-abiding citizen affirmed by the United States Constitution.

Read more on MLive:

Man killed by sheriffs deputy pointed gun at officers, report shows

Prosecutors say they have more evidence against Oxford High shooters parents

Ban on conversion therapy for LGBTQ minors in Michigan headed to governor
(Update: the freeway was reopened at 11:26 a.m., June 28)

JACKSON COUNTY, MI  Westbound I-94 west of Jackson is closed due to a crash on the freeway.

At crash was reported at 10:28 a.m. Wednesday, June 28, on westbound I-94 after Dearing Road in Sandstone Township, blocking all lanes of traffic, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.

Crews are on scene assisting in clearing the area. It is unclear if there are any injuries.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area while crews are on scene.

Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Jackson daily newsletter.

More from the Jackson Citizen Patriot:

Expect I-94 traffic backups as more lane closures are coming in Jackson County

Sewer break causes sewage spill in Columbia Township

Whats that Jackson? This store is like having Black Friday everyday
GALESBURG, MI -- A man died after being hit by a vehicle in Galesburg, the Kalamazoo County Sheriffs said.

A 77-year-old was killed in a crash on Tuesday, June 27, in front of his home on the 400 block of North 35th Street, Kalamazoo County Undersheriff Jim VanDyken said.

Upon Arrival, deputies, rescue personnel and Michigan State Police began life-saving measures. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene, after the attempts were unsuccessful.

The driver, from Richland, was uninjured. An investigation is ongoing, police said.

Drivers are asked to avoid North 35th Street from Michigan Avenue to East HJ Avenue, as deputies continue the investigation.

The Kalamazoo County Sheriffs Office anticipates reopening the road by 6 p.m. Tuesday.

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No suspicious activity found after accused killer dies in Southwest Michigan jail
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, MI -- A woman started a house on fire while she was inside, as deputies were at the door trying to force entry to look for a wanted person, Michigan State Police said.

On Friday, June 23, Deputies were called to the 67000 block of Ottawa Drive in Sherman Township to assist Branch County in locating a wanted subject.

Deputies approached the residence and attempted to make contact with 67-year-old woman, police said. She yelled obscenities and refused to exit the property, police said.

Deputies exhausted all means to try to get her to exit and drafted a search warrant. When deputies attempted to force entry, the female subject ignited a fire inside of her residence.

My deputies found themselves in the middle of an extremely volatile situation, said Undersheriff Jason Bingaman. Even though they train for alternative outcomes, no one expected this individual to set their house on fire. Our deputies acted with professionalism, quickly de-escalated the situation and removed the suspect from their burning house.

The St. Joseph County Sheriffs Office was assisted by Tri-Township Fire Department, the Sturgis Fire Department, the Howe Fire Department and Lifecare Ambulance Services.

The woman was lodged at the St. Joseph County Jail on felony arson, assaulting a police officer and resisting and obstructing police.

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Also on MLive:

See the most and least racially diverse areas of Kalamazoo County

$9K bill coming for some lakefront property owners to fix flooding

Old church now serving cocktails at live performances in Kalamazoo

Lake Michigan city puts pause on new floating homes to consider impacts

Kalamazoo gets $6M for downtown streets transformation

No suspicious activity found after accused killer dies in Southwest Michigan jail
KIMBALL, MI  For the last few years, the married owners of a St. Clair County horse stable business have offered pony rides, a petting zoo, a summer camp, and a 4-H club. Now, following a law enforcement search of their Kimball home, they are charged with life offenses at both the state and federal levels for allegedly sexually assaulting children together.

The couple also allegedly recorded their assaults, with one of them sharing the ghastly images online and bragging about it.
SAGINAW, MI  Recovering in a hospital bed, Saginaw resident Zamillya Steele recalled visiting a massive street party, hoping to have a fun night out with a friend. Hours later, bullets ripped through the crowd, three of which struck Steele as she dropped for cover.

Including Steele, the June 24 mass shooting and the mad scramble to flee it left 13 people wounded and two dead. The event had been advertised on social media as Freaknik 23, with police saying it drew about 500 people from throughout Michigan.

The two who suffered fatal wounds were Ryan Clemons, 19, and Pamela D. Whitson, 51. Clemons was shot, while Whitson was both shot and struck by vehicles fleeing the scene. Of the other 13, 11 suffered gunshot wounds and two were injured by vehicles.

Steele knew Clemons, saying they grew up on the same block.

We were friends when we was younger, but I didnt even see him that night, she said. He was a good person. He didnt deserve it.

Speaking from Covenant HealthCare on Tuesday, June 27, the 20-year-old Steele said she and another person went to the party about 9 p.m. Friday. By then, festivities had already migrated to the area of North Fourth Avenue and Johnson Street, away from where it began at Unity Park, 1305 Leon Scott Court.

It was a nice vibe, she said. People were partying, listening to music. When I got there, everything was running smoothly.

Hours later and seemingly out of nowhere, the mood soured.

I didnt even notice nothing, Steele said. I was talking to a family member I hadnt seen in a while. I was just about to walk away to go find the person I came with. After that, thats when I heard guns going off. I didnt see anything. I got to the ground immediately. Everything just went off from there.

While on the ground, Steele felt a sudden impact.

I knew I was shot, she said. I felt something hit me a few times. I just stayed there until everything was over.

She next remembered police before her face, telling her an ambulance was on its way.

Thats pretty much all I remember, she said. I remember hearing the sirens.

Chaos, worry, and misinformation

Steeles twin sister, Zaria Steele, called their mother, Carolyn Perry, to say she had been shot and to meet them at the hospital. Zaria Steele briefly video-called her mother, allowing Perry to see her daughter lying on the ground, people screaming around her.

When I got to the hospital, they was already on lockdown, Perry said. They didnt give out no information and the crowd was getting mad. There was so many people out there.

Police cordoned off the emergency rooms entrance, telling people to wait in the parking lot for them to deliver updates. It is the usual protocol for area hospitals to enter a secure mode when gunshot or other victims of violence arrive.

At one point, an officer addressed the crowd by reading a list of the wounded and their birthdates.

When he got to my daughter  he said non-life-threatening injuries, Perry said. You had people falling out, crying.

Rumors were running rampant as well. As Perry waited in the hospitals lot, two of her daughters friends called her to say her daughter had been killed, she said.

A few hours later, police took families of the wounded in to see them in groups of three. Perry was in the second group and saw her daughter for 15 minutes.

It was emotional, she recalled. The whole night was.

Steele learned she suffered two gunshot wounds to her right leg and one to her left ankle. The shot to her ankle fractured a bone in her heel, for which shell require surgery.

I will be down for at least three to four months until I learn how to walk on that foot again, she said. Im definitely going to be taking some time down.

Perry said her daughters initial was concern was about losing her job while recovering. Her employer, though, assured her her job would be waiting for her, Perry said.

Lucky and blessed

While many of the injured have been discharged, one woman remains in critical condition as of Tuesday.

Describing the ordeal as terrifying, Steele said shes grateful her injuries werent worse, let alone fatal.

Im pretty lucky, she said. Im definitely blessed.

She said shes still dealing with some pain here and there but hopes to be discharged from the hospital soon.

Perry described the whole situation as senseless. Her mother, Dorothy Bowman, agreed and condemned the gun violence while being grateful her granddaughters injuries werent worse, or fatal.

I just thank God for giving her another chance and its not as bad as it could have been, Bowman said. So many people dont have this, to sit up and say their daughter is healing or still here, but we do, and we thank God. We hope these children and whatever stop this shooting and violence and hurting people, because its hurting a whole lot of peoples. Leave these guns alone.

Police believe the Freaknik was organized by people out of Lansing, who neither obtained the proper permits for such an event nor provided security. After police removed the gathering from Unity Park on Friday night, it continued moving to different locations throughout the city.

Personnel from numerous agencies were gathering at the Saginaw Police Department, planning to move on the party for the fourth or fifth time, when the shooting began.

Video footage recorded by attendees showed numerous people present with openly carried firearms. Police have said at least five guns were used in the gunfight, judging by the types of shell casings they recovered.

Police have not arrested any of the suspected shooters as of Tuesday, June 27.

Whitsons and Clemons deaths are the seventh and eighth homicides in Saginaw this year. All but one of the homicides resulted from gunfire.

There have been 41 nonfatal shootings in the city as of Monday, already surpassing 2022s year-end total of 40 with six months left in 2023. Saginaw recorded 19 homicides in 2022, the same amount as it had in 2021.

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Read more from MLive:

Freaknik party drew hundreds to Saginaw before gunfire erupted, killing 2 and wounding 13

2 dead, 13 others injured after large street party in Saginaw, state police say

Reports detail MSP commanders demotions, describe cultural problem after 3 troopers face charges
Bills banning conversion therapy for LGBTQ minors in Michigan passed the state legislature, Tuesday, June 27 and are headed for the desk of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Once signed by Whitmer, Michigan will join the 21 states, plus the District of Columbia, which have already enacted bans on administering conversion therapy to minors.

Michigans LGBTQ+ youth should be free from needless attacks and torture, and deserve to live in a state where they can be healthy, safe, and reach their full potential, Equality Michigan Executive Director Erin Knott said in a statement. Ending the dangerous practice of conversion therapy for youth is a critical step in making Michigan a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ+ people and our families.

House Bill 4617, defines conversion therapy as any practice or treatment by a mental health professional that seeks to change an individuals sexual orientation or gender identity, including, but not limited to, efforts to change behavior or gender expression or to reduce or eliminate sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward an individual of the same gender.

Its companion bill, House Bill 4616, would not only prevent a therapist from using conversion therapy on a person under the age of 18, but it would also create penalties for those found guilty of participating in the practice.

Both bills passed the Senate 21-15 on Tuesday. Sen. Mark Huizenga, R-Walker, was the lone Republican who voted in favor of the legislation.

Sen. Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak, is the sponsor of a similar package of legislation in the Senate. In her floor speech Tuesday, she spoke about a mother in her district that sought out the help of a therapist for her child who was struggling with their identity.

The mother began to see her child retreating week after week, McMorrow said, but what she didnt know was the therapist was trying to change her childs sexual orientation.

Imagine being a parent and wanting to do what is right for your kid and hiring a licensed professional because you believe that they are going to help them, and they harm them, McMorrow said. This is child abuse.

Michigan already bans the use of state or federal funding to support conversion therapy efforts on minors.

Supporters of ending conversion therapy have long spoken out about the negative, long-lasting effects the practice has on LGBTQ people.

Related: Banning conversion therapy in Michigan would protect LGBTQ children, supporters say

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry notes conversion therapy has resulted in increased risk of suicide, self-loathing, anxiety, substance abuse and depression among LGBTQ people.

Statistics from The Trevor Project, a nonprofit dedicated to LGBTQ suicide prevention, estimate 10% of Michigans LGBT youth have reported being threatened with the possibility of conversion therapy as of 2022. Another 5% reported theyd already been subjected to it.

Republicans in opposition questioned the influence the bills would have over medical professionals when providing care.

Sen. Thomas Albert, R-Lowell, brought up whether a therapist would be able to talk with a patient who wants to align their gender identity with their sex assigned at birth, or even possibly detransition in the future.

It is just astounding that we would use the force of state law to pigeonhole mental health professionals into carrying out such drastic medical treatments for children who have their whole life ahead of them, Albert said.

In a lengthy speech, Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, asked fellow members to be careful in deliberating a topic he believes has had less than a decade of serious debate or discussion.

We should not so easily dismantle or alter the foundation of the most basic human unit of civilization, the family, he said. Nor should we envision ourselves as somehow so much more enlightened that the understanding of all persons, societies and religions, government, educated and uneducated, of their being two immutable genders, or sexes, should be simply wiped away.

McMorrow and Sen. Jeremy Moss, D-Southfield, lambasted these remarks in their respective floor speeches as the reason a ban on conversion therapy is needed.

As a gay man, Moss told reporters after session that its painful for him to listen to the comments from his Republican colleagues, but that its something LGBTQ people encounter on an everyday basis.

Enduring these no-vote explanations... really just demonstrates that you have to be a compassionate, trained professional in order to assist somebody whos struggling with their gender identity or sexual orientation, he said.

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The 10 worst airports for summer travel based on on-time arrival performance and airfare price

Three of the top five worst airports for summer travel are located in Florida. Aaron McCoy/The Image Bank via Getty Images

Three of the five worst airports for summer travel are in Florida, with Sanford Airport being the worst.

Lihue Airport in Hawaii has been ranked the best airport in the US for summer travel.

The ranking tracks delays of different kinds, cancellations, diverted flights, and airfare costs,

The busy summer travel season has always had the potential to be troublesome for airports and airlines. This summer, as global airline capacity is almost back to pre-pandemic levels, is no different.

Forbes Advisor, a financial advisor platform, analyzed data from 100 US airports to compile a list of the 10 worst airports for summer travel based on on-time arrival performance and airfare price.

The report gives the airports up to 100 points based on 10 metrics, including delays of different kinds, cancellations, diverted flights, and airfare costs, with delays carrying the most weight. The higher the score, the worse the performance.

Florida, which is prone to thunderstorm weather, has three of the top five worst airports for summer travel. Lihue Airport in Hawaii, on the other hand, has been ranked the best one.

Take a look at the ten worst airports for summer travel:

10. El Paso International Airport  El Paso, Texas: 80.17

John Coletti/Getty Images

9. McGhee Tyson Airport  Knoxville, Tennessee: 82.22

halbergman/iStock / Getty Images Plus

8. Colorado Springs Airport  Colorado Springs, Colorado: 82.90

Jacob Boomsma/Getty Images

7. Dallas Love Field Airport  Dallas, Texas: 86.56

HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

6. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport  Cincinnati, Ohio: 89.01

iStock / Getty Images Plus

5. Bradley International Airport  Hartford, Connecticut: 89.52

Patrick Raycraft/Tribune News Service via Getty Images via Getty Images

4. Orlando International Airport  Orlando, Florida: 90.45

Jerry Driendl/Photodisc/Getty Images

3. Asheville Regional Airport  Asheville, North Carolina: 97.94

Walter Bibikow/Getty Images

2. St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport  St. Petersburg, Florida: 99.10

Shutterstock.com

1. Orlando Sanford International Airport  Sanford, Florida: 100

Orlando Sanford International Airport

Read the original article on Business Insider
The city of Marshall is being sued by a group who opposes the construction of a $3.5 billion Ford electric vehicle battery plant.

The lawsuit was filed Tuesday, June 27 in Calhoun County Circuit Court by the Committee for Marshall  Not the Megasite after the city rejected the groups petition earlier this month. The opposition group hopes to stop the development on 950 acres of a 1,900-acre parcel called a mega site.

Our immediate goal is to pause everything until the court can hear the case and hear our evidence, said Glenn Kowalske, 66, an organizer with the Committee to Save Marshall.

Over 810 people signed the petition pushing for a referendum vote on an ordinance that rezoned a 741-acre parcel of the mega site for industrial use.

Marshall City Clerk Michelle Eubank found the petition insufficient, saying only 136 signatures were valid  falling short of the 578 minimum. Only the committee can circulate petitions, according to the clerk, but the bulk of the signatures were collected by non-committee members.

Eubank said the petition also failed because the city already appropriated money to the project.

The petitions were rejected by the city for two specific reasons, and we dont agree with those reasons, Kowalske said. Theyre not consistent with the city charter.

Related: Petition against Ford Marshall plant didnt have enough valid signatures

In response to the legal action, Marshall City Manager Derek Perry said the city backs the letter of insufficiency and will vigorously defend its position in court.

We are confident the facts will show that the individuals behind the effort ignored the City Charter and failed to properly gather a sufficient number of valid signatures to attempt to overturn the unanimous City Council decision to rezone the property, Perry wrote in a statement.

Ford plans to build a sprawling 2.5 million-square-foot campus called BlueOval Battery Park on the Marshall mega site.

Michigan has awarded the project a $1.7 billion economic incentive package including a $210 million grant to Ford, a $120 million grant to the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance and a tax break valued at $774 million. A supplemental budget bill also allocated $630 million of state funding for site prep.

Supporters of the project have celebrated the prospect of job creation and a multi-billion dollar investment in the city of Marshall. Ford expects the plant will create 2,500 jobs paying an average salary of $45,000.

We know there is broad community support for this project, and we remain excited about the potential of the BlueOval Battery Park to create thousands of local jobs including jobs for young people, so they arent forced to leave our area to find opportunities, Perry said.

Related: Fords $3.5B plant bringing jobs  and disappointment  for Marshall residents

But theres also been vocal backlash.

Marshall residents and supporters who oppose the plant are concerned an industrial park will scar the natural landscape and destroy area farmland. The Committee for Marshall has outlined plans to turn the mega site into a state park instead of a battery plant.

Hundreds of people last month showed up to a Marshall City Council meeting that stretched past midnight. But the board ultimately voted to zone the township land for industrial use, giving Ford a greenlight.

The lawsuit aims to halt the rezoning with a temporary restraining order.

Were hoping to prevail. Then that would force the referendum and it would force the city to bring this to a vote of the citizens of the city of Marshall, Kowalske said.

More on MLive:

Hundreds lined up to thwart Ford plant. Why Marshall residents are losing sleep.

Marshall businesses want an economic engine. They hope Ford is the answer.

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The Michigan Department of Education is not adequately checking into the background and criminal history of contracted employees in the states public school system, an audit found.

A recently released report from the Office of the Auditor General determined the department did not properly monitor whether school districts were fingerprinting new hires and monitoring for criminal convictions as required by state law.

The deficiency in obtaining individuals fingerprints is particularly concerning because the school districts would neither have FBI fingerprint-based criminal history information at the time of hire, nor be notified of criminal convictions after hire, the audit states.

The audit estimated roughly 220 staff members, 4%, of the 5,010 contracted staff in the 41 districts surveyed were were never fingerprinted for employment. None, however, were listed in the sex offender registry, which would automatically bar anyone from school employment.

Three of 45 sampled staff, it also found, were not fingerprinted in a timely manner. In one case, it took 10 years. Five others had serious criminal convictions, but the education department did take appropriate actions later, the report found.

The education department, Michigan State Police and local school districts work in tandem to process the fingerprints and criminal records of any potential school employees.

These responsibilities are designed to protect Michigans school children, the report states, include potential employees undergoing a fingerprint-based criminal background check through the state police.

Those fingerprints are retained in a database called Rap Back to monitor any future convictions that could come up while one is employed with a district. The conviction monitoring system would notify the education department, which would then notify the school district and the district could use the conviction to determine employment eligibility.

The performance audit solely focused on the education departments role related to fingerprinting and criminal conviction monitoring of contract staff working in Michigans public schools. This includes substitute teachers and workers in custodial, maintenance and food service.

However, the review concluded that the deficiencies within the report likely extend to all individuals regularly working in schools.

The audit recommends the education department implement procedures to better monitor the way districts handle employee processing.

In its response, the education department disagrees it did not do its due diligence, stating it does not confer the responsibility to oversee or monitor the fingerprinting process.

The department believes that responsibility lies with the applicant, the district school board and state police. It did commit to bettering the monitoring process in the interest of ensuring the safety of students.

In addition to surveys of Michigan public school districts, the audit from July 2018 through June 2021, contains interviews with education department staff and observations of the departments Rap Back process.

The audit also found the department was not always reliable in processing Rap Back conviction notifications and notifying the school district of new convictions. The department did not inform the employing school districts of Rap Back criminal convictions for 13% of contracted staff reviewed.

Further, the review states the department needs to ensure the removal of contracted staff from the Rap Back criminal conviction monitoring process is appropriate when needed. There were several instances where a former employee was continuing to be monitored, or a current employee was unnecessarily removed from the monitoring system.

A sound removal process is critical because inappropriate removal of an active contracted staff from Rap Back criminal conviction monitoring can lead to immediate and future risk to child safety, the report said.

Among the audit recommendations for the department to improve its fingerprinting and background check protocols, it suggests the education department seek clarification from the state legislature to ensure the laws overall intent is being met. The review also noted Michigan does not participate in the federal Rap Back criminal conviction monitoring program, which could help strengthen its review of employee criminal convictions.

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LANSE, MI  The highest spot in all of Michigan is deep within the Northwoods in the western Upper Peninsula, surrounded by vast forests, remote lakes, and thick swamps where moose wade and graze.

The public can now get a glimpse of these far-flung places and learn more about a plan to preserve those lands as working forest and maintain public access for outdoor recreation. Michigan wilderness regulators are offering guided tours of the proposed Michigamme Highlands conservation project on July 10 and 11.

The project involves the landowner, Lyme Great Lakes Timberland, preserving the area under a working forest conservation easement. That would allow the state to protect wildlife habitat, prevent any subdividing or construction on the land, and ensure public access forever for outdoor recreation.

The 73,000 acres of property includes not only the summit of Mt. Arvon  Michigans highest point  but also hundreds of miles of streams and rivers, nearly 100 lakes and ponds, and more than 13,600 acres of wetlands. The area also is prized for its thousands of acres of prime winter habitat for white-tailed deer.

Related: Yoopers with small forestland tracts can enroll in carbon markets

The region is among the most climate-resilient landscapes in Michigan, home to biodiversity including the rare coaster brook trout, eagles, black bear, pine marten, fisher, grouse, and other species on state and federal threatened and endangered lists.

Guides will lead participants on an approximately three-hour tour; the first tour begins at 8:45 a.m. (ET) Monday, July 10, at Lyme Great Lakes Timberlands office, 15800 Mead Road in LAnse, and the second tour is at 8:45 a.m. (ET) Tuesday, July 11, at Koski Corners Park and Ride, intersection of US-41/M-28 and M-95 in Champion.

Transportation for the tours will be provided and seating is limited. RSVPs can be made by sending email to MichigammeHighlands@lymegreatlakes.com by Thursday, July 6.

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Right-hander Matt Manning will return to the mound for the Detroit Tigers after a 10-week layoff on Tuesday night at Globe Life Field against the Texas Rangers.

Mannings return comes against the backdrop of bad news for the Tigers pitching staff. Left-hander Matthew Boyd was placed on the 60-day injured list before Tuesdays game. He plans to undergo season-ending Tommy John elbow surgery.

The full lineup is below. Catcher Eric Haase; infielder Zack Short; infielder/outfielder Zach McKinstry; and outfielder Kerry Carpenter will be available off the bench.

Manning on the mound tonight. pic.twitter.com/n0H4jY9jHh  Detroit Tigers (@tigers) June 27, 2023

Manning (1-1, 4.63 ERA) has made only two starts this year after being hit by a comebacker on April 11 in Toronto and breaking a bone in his foot.

Left-hander Martin Perez (7-3, 4.38) will start for the Rangers. He had one of his shakiest starts of the year on May 30 at Comerica Park, allowing six runs on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings.
28.06.2023 LISTEN

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has extended an invitation to Mr. Emmanuel Quarshie, popularly known as Hitman, the morning show host at Akina Radio Station.

The police, specifically the Cold Case Unit, has requested a copy of the recorded version of Mr. Quarshie's Morning breakfast show aired on Akina Radio Station in the Bono Region on December 8, 2020, from 6:00am to 10:00am.

In a letter dated June 16, 2023 and signed by ACP S.A Ayawine, the Director of Administration at CID, the police are seeking the cooperation of the station's management in releasing Mr. Quarshie.

The letter requested his presence at the Cold Case Unit's Director's office on June 27, 2023, at 10:00am to provide assistance in ongoing investigations.

Earlier in a statement, the immediate past host of Accra FMs morning show host, Mr Emmanuel Quarshie known in the media circles as Hitman appealed to CSOs, NGOs and human rights organisations to come his aid.

According to the presenter, the three chiefs in the Techiman municipality who are allegedly affiliated with the governing New Patriotic Party(NPP) have allegedly taken a vindictive stand against him for no justifiable reasons.

He mentioned that three sub-chiefs from the Bono East region, Nana Hansuahene, Nana Twafohene and Sansamahene are scheming for his downfall.

Mr Quarshie made this appeal in a statement dated Thursday, March 23, 2023.

In the statement, he noted that the three chiefs feel "I am badly exposing the rots in the Government and the unfulfilled promises made to Ghanaians by the NPP.

"My core mandate as a professional Journalist is to criticize the government, hold them accountable to the people and make sure any such promises made to the people are fulfilled."

"I hope you will agree with me that this is the best practice expected from a journalist in Ghana," the statement added.

The presenter who is currently working with Akina FM in the Techiman municipality said the chiefs are bent on not allowing him to perform his duties.

"And my checks also reveal that they are doing this on the blind side of the Techimanhene," he noted.

The plot, the statement said was to negatively interfere with the management of the Akina Radio station to sack the presenter.

-checkoutghana.com
Senior Lecturer of the University of Cape Coast Department of Finance, Seyram Kawor has indicated that vote buying has some negative impacts on democratic societies.

According to him, the allegations of vote buying by both NPP and NDC ahead of the Assin North by-election have become a common phenomenon in the country.

He noted that the effects of vote buying undermine democracy, impede good governance, reinforce corruption, diminish civic engagement and participation and widen socioeconomic disparities.

Speaking to Yoel Prah on GBC Radio Central's sociopolitical show dubbed 'Centre Stage', Saturday 24th June, 2023, he explained that, "Vote buying is a practice that undermines the integrity of elections and has significant implications for the democratic process in Ghana".

He indicated that "Vote buying erodes the democratic principles of free and fair elections. It distorts the will of the voters and compromises the ability of citizens to make informed choices based on their genuine preferences."

He adds "When votes are bought, the electoral process loses its credibility and undermines the trust and confidence of the public in the democratic system."

The Senior Lecturer shared that vote buying impedes good governance. "Vote buying can result in the election of candidates who may not necessarily possess the qualifications, competence or commitment required for effective governance".

Mr. Kawor argues that when candidates buy votes, the election becomes less about their capabilities and more about their financial capabilities. "This can lead to the election of individuals who are not genuinely dedicated to serving the interests of the people or upholding good governance principles", he stated.

He added that vote buying reinforces corruption. According to the Senior Lecturer, "Vote buying perpetuates a culture of corruption in politics. It normalizes the idea that political power can be obtained through financial means rather than through merit or public service."

"When politicians engage in vote buying, it sets a dangerous precedent that fosters a cycle of corruption, where elected officials may prioritize personal gain and the recouping of their investments rather than working in the best interests of the public," he stressed.

He explains that vote buying widens socioeconomic disparities within any country. "Vote buying tends to favour wealthy or financially powerful individuals, as they are more likely to have the resources to engage in such practices. This further exacerbates existing socioeconomic disparities in society, as candidates who can afford to buy votes may gain an unfair advantage over those who lack the financial means", he claimed.

According to him, vote buying also diminishes civic engagement and participation. "Vote buying can discourage genuine civic engagement and participation in the electoral process. When citizens perceive that their votes are inconsequential and that the outcome is predetermined by financial influence, they may become disillusioned and apathetic towards participating in elections," he stated.

This according to the finance scholar can weaken the overall democratic culture and citizen engagement in shaping the country's future.

In his concluding remarks, Seyram Kawor said "by addressing the root causes and implementing measures to prevent and penalize vote buying, Ghana can safeguard the integrity of its electoral system and promote a more robust democracy."
Hon Cecelia Abena Dapaah, Minister for Sanitation And Water Resources

28.06.2023 LISTEN

The Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Hon Cecelia Abena Dapaah has ended a two-day working tour of Kumasi in the Ashanti Region with an assurance that the government is committed to eradicating open defecation in the country to promote good hygiene.

The two days working tour which started from Thursday 22nd to Friday 23rd June 2023 was aimed at inspecting household toilet projects undertaken by the Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Area (GKMA) under the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources funded by the World Bank.

The sector Minister's visit also aimed at acquainting herself on the progress of work as well as challenges.

Accompanied by Deputy Minister Hon Ishaaku, Chief Director Mr Noah Tumfo, Director of Sanitation Mr Sampson Akwettey, Project Coordinator Ing George Asiedu all from the Ministry, Hon Abena Cecilia Dapaah visited Ejisu Besese, Kentenkronu, Asafo, North Suntreso and the Oti Landfill site near Atonsu, where she had the opportunity to interact with the individual household and institutional toilet beneficiaries.

On her two days field visit the Minister expressed her gratitude to the beneficiaries for the positive response and assure them of government efforts to deliver more bio-digester toilet facilities to end open defecation.

"Commendations on the government from the beneficiaries show clearly that Nana Akufo Addo's government is on cause when it comes to the areas that boarder on development projects," the Minister told this reporter.

She said under the GAMA/GKMA-SWP, the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources has targeted 30,000 ultra-modern toilet facilities for households in the low-income communities in the Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Area (GKMA) by 2024.

"For this reason, coverage has been extended to other MMDAs in the Ashanti Region to help other people have access to clean, comfortable and affordable toilet facilities," the Minister underscored.

She added, "Currently, 10,000 household toilet facilities have been built in the Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Area (GKMA) with the Ejisu Municipal Assembly the leading beneficiaries."

According to the Minister, government is well-focused to ensure that the citizens have access to decent toilet facilities and potable water by the year 2030.

She on this note commended GAMA/GKMA team, other sub-implementers, MMDAs, and the media who have been playing critical roles.

The Minister reiterated that the government through the Sanitation Ministry has absorbed 80% of the cost of the toilet facilities to make it cheaper, affordable and accessible to all, and as a result urged landlords and households who have no toilet facilities to visit their various District Assemblies and get registered for the toilet facility.

At the Kumasi Asafo Simplified Sewerage System Point, where Hon Cecelia Abena Dapaah was joined by other MCEs, DCEs and stakeholders in sanitation and water bodies, she said the simplified sewerage system project would be redeveloped and expanded to the international standard.

As one of the government's flagship projects, an aquaculture facility would be included in the expansion exercise to ensure financial generation for government, though commercialization of the redevelopment and expansion plans are not the target of the government.

The project, she said, will also support the development of an environmental sanitation and drainage master plan for people of Kumasi.

At the Oti Landfill site near Kumasi Ahensan where the tour finally ended, a mini durbar was organized by the chief of the town and his elders in honor of Hon Cecelia Abena Dapaah. He described her as a hard-working Minister under Nana Akufo-Addo's administration.

Thanking the chief and his elders for the honor done her, she praised the Mayor of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Hon Sam Pyne and his team for the good work done at the landfill site.

This she said is because the work at the Oti Landfill Site is about 70 percent completed.

Earlier in his brief address, the Project Coordinator for GAMA/GKMA-SWP, Ing George Asiedu commended the Minister for the tour and inspection of the projects being implemented by the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources.

Ing George Asiedu said Hon Cecelia Abena Dapaah's visit was not aimed at criticizing anybody but as a responsible Minister found it appropriate to touch down and share opinions with the contractors working on the project, beneficiaries and all other stakeholders.

The Engineer was happy that the Minister hardly found problems with the projects except for minor encroachments from residents which she gave orders for action to be taken.

Ing. George Asiedu assured the Minister of his team's resolve to work hard to ensure that government and for that matter the Ministry achieve the goals of the project.
The far right has made a dramatic return to Greek politics after general elections on Sunday, while in Germany the AfD party won its first ever district election.

For the first time since the restoration of democracy nearly 50 years ago, three nationalist parties are now in Greece's parliament.

Together, the parties are good for 12.8 percent of the vote, which translates in 34 out of 300 seats in parliament.

Most prominent amongst them are Spartiates (the Spartans) with their warrior helmet logo, who ran their first ever election last Sunday. They only appeared in opinion polls less than three weeks before the vote.

They are backed by Ilias Kasidiaris, the former spokesperson for neo-Nazi party Chrysi Avgi (Golden Dawn,) which was banned from contesting elections after court labelled it a "criminal organisation."

Kasidiaris is serving a 13-year prison sentence with other leading members of Golden Dawn over crimes including the murder of an anti-fascist rapper.

The Spartans won over 240,000 votes and obtained 12 seats in parliament.

Letters of Jesus

A second victory for the extreme right was won by Elliniki Lysi (Greek Solution,) a pro-Russia party led by former telesales marketer Kyriakos Velopoulos, winning 230,000 votes, which is also enough for 12 lawmakers.

Velopoulos, whose party first appeared in the 2019 European parliamentary election, used to peddle beeswax as a treatment for hair loss on his television show, as well as letters allegedly written by Jesus Christ.

The anti-abortion Niki (Victory) party, led by theologian Dimitris Natsios, took 10 seats.

Its manifesto included a plan to require immigrants to undergo monthly health, working status and penal record checks. Anyone who failed to comply would be expelled from Greece.

'High treason'

Support for the right-wing parties was to strongest in northern Greece.

They took over 20 percent of the vote in six electoral districts in the northern Macedonia region.

Anger has been simmering there since the signing of the Prespa Agreement by a leftist government in 2018, resolving a quarter-century-long name dispute with neighbouring North Macedonia, with the former Yugoslav republic agreeing to add "north" to its name.

While the agreement with Skopje was hailed in the West, many hardliners in Greek Macedonia viewed it as high treason.

"It is evident that there are significant interconnections among these parties, primarily stemming from their shared stance on the Macedonian dispute and their steadfast refusal to accept the outcome in 2018," Georgios Samaras, Assistant Professor in Public Policy at King's College London, told French press agency AFP.

Meanwhile in Germany, the far-right AfD won its first district election on Sunday, a further boost to the anti-immigration party as it surges to record highs in opinion polls.

Robert Sesselmann, a lawyer and regional lawmaker, came out on top in a closely watched runoff vote for district administrator in Sonneberg in the central state of Thuringia, near the border with Bavaria.

Sesselmann took 52.8 percent of the vote, according to the electoral office.

The victory came despite appeals from mainstream parties for voters to rally behind the incumbent candidate, Joergen Koepper from the conservative CDU.

Thuringia's interior minister Georg Maier, a Social Democrat, was quoted by Bild magazine as saying that the outcome sounded "an alarm bell for all democratic forces."

(With newsagencies)
28.06.2023 LISTEN

The Prestea Huni-Valley Municipal Assembly in collaboration with the Minerals Commission, officially commissioned the Gari and Palm Oil Processing Factory in Abease, Huni-Valley on Monday, June 26, 2023.

The completion of this facility marks a significant milestone for the region and heralds a new era of economic growth and agricultural development.

According to the MCE, the Gari and Palm Oil Processing factory is expected to be a catalyst for employment generation within the municipality. It will provide numerous job opportunities for the local population, fostering economic empowerment and reducing unemployment rates.

He furthered by saying that the factory will serve as a ready market for indigenes engaged in Cassava and Oil Palm farming, providing them with a stable income source and encouraging their continued participation in agriculture.

"One of the key benefits of the factory is its role in accelerating agricultural development through value addition. Traditionally, cassava and oil palm farmers faced challenges marketing their raw produce and realizing its full potential. However, with the establishment of this processing facility, farmers can now transform their raw materials into high-value products such as gari and palm oil. This value addition not only enhances their income but also promotes agricultural productivity and profitability in the region," he stated.

The commencement of operations at the Gari and Palm Oil Processing Factory reflects the government's commitment to promoting industrialization and economic diversification in Ghana. By investing in processing facilities, the government aims to reduce post-harvest losses, boost the income of smallholder farmers, and enhance food security. Additionally, the factory aligns with the government's agenda to prioritize value addition and agro-processing as crucial drivers of economic growth and job creation.

The Prestea Huni-Valley Municipal Assembly and the Minerals Commission deserve commendation for their collaborative efforts in realizing this remarkable project. Their partnership underscores the importance of public-private cooperation in advancing development goals and creating sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

Looking ahead, the Gari and Palm Oil Processing Factory in Abease, Huni Valley, holds immense promise for the Municipality and the wider region. It is expected to unlock new economic opportunities, attract investment, and contribute significantly to the socio-economic well-being of the local population. With the commencement of operations, the factory will play a pivotal role in transforming the agricultural landscape and driving inclusive growth in Huni Valley.

As the factory begins its journey, the people of Huni Valley can look forward to a brighter future characterized by increased employment, improved incomes, and a thriving agricultural sector. The successful completion and launch of this facility exemplify the transformative power of strategic initiatives and partnerships in building prosperous and sustainable communities.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Hon. Isaac Dasmani, the MCE of Prestea Huni-Valley Municipal, and Hon. Barbra Oteng Gyasi, the Board Chairperson of the Minerals Commission. Also present were members of the Minerals Commission's Board, Nana Kwabena Amponsah (iv), the chief of Bosomtwe, and his esteemed elders. The event was further graced by the presence of Mr. Emmanuel Gyan, the Municipal's Coordinating Director, the staff, and the Assembly Members.
Infrastructure investment in Indian states will receive a shot in the arm with the Central governments decision to sanction proposals worth 564.15 billion rupees ($6.88 billion) for this purpose, reported Wam.

The money will be spent in capital investment in the health, education, irrigation, water supply, power, roads, bridges and railways sectors, the Finance Ministry here announced.

The money will be disbursed in 50-year interest-free loans to states and will boost spending across the country. The federal governments budget has provision for spending a further tranche of an equal amount in states during the current financial year, which ends on March 31, 2024.

This Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment was launched in the financial year 2020-21 in wake of the Covid-19 pandemic to give a boost to capital spending by states. The scheme has since been extended.

In the last financial year, one trillion rupees ($12 billion) was sanctioned under this scheme. Almost the entire money was disbursed, according to the Finance Ministry announcement.

About one-sixth of the current financial years sanction will go to Bihar state, followed by Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Rajasthan.
A man meant to donate $150 to a GoFundMe page. He reveals what happened after he accidentally sent $15,000

A man meant to donate $150 to a GoFundMe page. He reveals what happened after he accidentally sent $15,000

A man has recalled the moment he realised he accidentally donated $15,000 to a food relief fundraiser instead of $150, and how he managed to remedy the situation.

The individual, who goes by the username u/lazybear90 on Reddit, recounted the story, which took place in February of last year, on the subreddit TIFU.

In the post, the 32-year-old man, named Michael, explained that he decided to share the story at the urging of his friends, before noting that the incident happened soon after he and his wife, then 31, had moved into a new apartment building in San Francisco, California, last year.

After moving into the new building, the couple met one of their new neighbours, a 70-something-year-old retired veteran who Michael referred to as Joe and who the Reddit user described as a white American guy and a devout Hindu priest.

According to Michael, one day he ran into Joe in the hallway, at which point the veteran informed him about a charity he managed for a community in Bangladesh. Michael wrote that he wanted to support his neighbour, and the charity, so he asked Joe to send him the GoFundMe link.

The next day at work, I go on the GoFundMe page and donate $150. Or so I thought, the man continued, before revealing that, moments later, he received a warning from his credit card company about an unusually large transaction.

Im confused and swipe to open the text message. It says I have made a payment of $15,041 to GoFundMe, he wrote, adding that he immediately began sweating and panicking. How could I have donated FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS? I spend the next 10 to 15 minutes retracing my steps, and finally I realise my credit card starts with the numbers four and one.

It seems I had accidentally started typing my credit card information while my cursor was still in the donation box, and just like that 150 became 15041. Yikes.

In an effort to rectify the mistake, Michael said he immediately called GoFundMes support line in a panic, and was eventually able to explain to a human operator what had happened.

According to the man, the GoFundMe employee assured him that the fundraising company would be able to reverse the transaction and refund him the money in three to seven business days, which the Reddit user described as a huge relief.

However, he said he then began to worry that the charity would be able to see the $15,000 donation before the charge was reversed, as he recalled that the amount was notable because it had doubled the amount raised by the charity overnight.

I ask the agent if the charity will be able to see the donation on the GoFundMe page until it is refunded. What do you mean? the agent asks me. What do YOU mean what do I mean? was my response, he wrote. Will they be able to see the $15,041 donation?! Unfortunately, yes, the agent tells me. They will be able to see it until the refund process is complete. I tell him thats a big problem, as the entire GoFundMe had hardly raised that much at that point. Surely they will notice their fundraiser doubling overnight?

According to Michael, at this point, he decided that he would knock on his neighbours door in the morning and explain the situation so that Joe would be able to pass along the information to his fundraiser contacts.

However, the situation got trickier by the next morning, according to Michael, as he claimed he woke up to more than 40 Facebook notifications from an individual in Bangladesh thanking him for the donation.

The man had sent me a video of himself from Bangladesh, surrounded by dozens of impoverished and hungry people holding bags of food, thanking me BY NAME (Michael) for my generous donation, he wrote, adding that he began to panic and pace around his apartment. Part of me wants to scream, part of me wants to crack up laughing.

According to the Reddit user, who shared a link to some of the photos he allegedly received, the man in question had sent him literally hundreds of pictures of individuals in Bangladesh thanking him for the GoFundMe donation.

The response from those helped by the fundraiser prompted Michael to rethink his decision to refund the entire charge, as he said he couldnt live with myself just donating $150 after seeing how the community responded to the $15,041.

I decided the least I could do was to add a zero, and so I donated $1,500 once the original donation was refunded. The charitys host was incredibly gracious and understanding, and he explained to me that $1,500 goes very far in Bangladesh for urgent food relief, Michael continued, before adding a current link to the charitys GoFundMe.

Michael concluded the story, which has since gone viral on Reddit, by noting that, ultimately, he believed the experience was a win-win, as he helped a great cause, and I got a funny story out of it.

On the GoFundMe link, where it notes that the fundraiser has recently seen an influx in donations and raised more than $118,000 of its $148,000 goal, the organisers have acknowledged the impact Michaels Reddit post has had on the GoFundMe.

Two weeks ago, a donors story went viral online, bringing our GoFundMe to over 2,800 amazing new donors from across the planet. Result: doors that were closed to us before are now opened. Resources which were out of reach are now available. This new capacity enables us to bring more food to more people more often, the GoFundMes organiser Jeffrey Dunan wrote, adding: Our field director in Bangladesh, Mr Shohag Chandra, is now able to prepare and host up to eight food-relief programs per month. Since January of this year, we have constructed a dedicated kitchen with commercial-grade cooking equipment.

In the update, Dunan, who also goes by Vasanta Dasa, explained that the goal of the fundraiser is simple, to bring the best resources we can find to those who need it the most primarily to an underserved population (the elderly and the poor).

According to Dunan, who wrote that he began the fundraiser in 2021, the charity provides meals and other supplies to people regardless whether they are Hindu, Christian, young, old, tall, small, etc. Hunger knows no boundaries, he wrote.

In another update shared shortly after Michaels viral Reddit post, Dunan revealed that the fundraiser had received more than 1,800 donations in a single day because of the social media post.

In the words of support section of the GoFundMe, many individuals have expressed their support for the charity while revealing that they learned about it from the viral post. Saw the Reddit story of Michael on the YouTube channel Smosh and just wanted to say that Michaels embarrassing story ended up fundraising for so much more than what would have been raised. So, in a sense, he did end up donating $15,041 and much more, one person wrote.

On Reddit, where the original post has been upvoted more than 36,000 times, readers have also praised Michael for sharing the story, and for helping raise money for the GoFundMe as a result,

Best post on here in AGES. Thank you for the great story and for helping out those folks. $1,500 is still very generous. Man, this got me good. I hope you didnt get behind on bills or anything after this mix up, one person commented.

Another said: Youre a good guy, Michael.

On the GoFundMe, a recent update includes photos of individuals living in Bangladesh holding up signs that read: Thanks Reddit.

The Independent has contacted Michael and Dunan for comment.
Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, the 2020 running mate for flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has expressed frustration with the allegations of vote buying in the Assin North by-election.

According to Prof Jane Naana, the issue of vote buying is a worrying situation.

She argues that such practices go against the rules and laws of the country in an interview on TV3 on Tuesday, June 27.

The security should be on top of issues, everybody should be worried about allegations of voter inducement because it goes against the rules. Everybody receiving, if those allegations is true, everybody should be worried because it will interfere with the politics that we are practicing, she stated.

The ongoing Assin North by-election has been marred with allegations of vote buying, with the NPP being accused by the NDC.

Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson said the NPP is distributing amounts ranging from GHS200 to GHS300 per person in an attempt to sway voters in favor of their candidate, Charles Opoku.

The Deputy Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Ernest Owusu Bempah has stated that giving money to electorates is a normal practice.

According to Mr. Bempah, some delegates are financially handicapped and needed some form of assistance.

However, he described as ridiculous any form of allegations at NPP.
The first results from the Sierra Leone elections show that President Julius Maada Bio is ahead in the polls in the presidential election, with 60 percent of votes counted.

The electoral commission announced the first partial results on Monday evening, revealing that Julius Maada Bio had garnered 55.86 percent of ballots cast, more than the 55 percent required for victory.

The incumbent's 1,067,666 votes put him ahead of his main rival Samura Kamara, who had 793,751 votes or 41.53 percent, according to the commission.

The first round of voting took place on Saturday.

On Sunday, the ruling Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) had published in a statement that it was confident of victory.

Final results are expected within 48 hours, according to election commission chief Mohamed Kenewui Konneh.

Contested results

However, the results are already being disputed by the opposition All People's Congress (APC).

The party denounced in a statement Monday an alleged lack of inclusiveness, transparency and responsibility by the electoral commission.

It pointed to the lack of information about polling stations and ballots, "overvoting" in some areas, and said it would not "not accept these fake and cooked up results".

All People's Congress (APC) presidential candidate Samura Kamara also reported violence at his party's headquarters, in the capital Freetown, including live bullets fired at his office.

Some other incidents were reported on Sunday, such as attacks on polling agents and violence near several polling centres in Freetown.

During a Monday evening press conference, European Union observers reported a lack of transparency and communication by the electoral authority, which had led to mistrust in the electoral process.

They also received reports of violent incidents in six regions, including those involving live ammunition in three districts.

(With newswires)
The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions aimed at disrupting gold mining activities that fund the Wagner Group in Africa, vowing to hold the mercenaries accountable for abuses days after they staged a mutiny in Russia.

The measures against the Wagner Group had been previously planned but were briefly put on hold as US officials sought to avoid appearing to favor a side in a power struggle between the mercenaries' chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Treasury Department announced sanctions against Midas Resources, which operates mines in the Central African Republic, and Diamville, a gold and diamond purchasing company in the country -- and said both were controlled by Prigozhin.

The sanctions -- which will block any US assets and criminalize transactions with the companies -- also targeted a Dubai-based company, Industrial Resources General Trading, that was accused of handling finances for Prigozhin's dealings in Diamville.

"The Wagner Group funds its brutal operations in part by exploiting natural resources in countries like the Central African Republic and Mali," Treasury sanctions official Brian Nelson said in a statement.

"The United States will continue to target the Wagner Group's revenue streams to degrade its expansion and violence in Africa, Ukraine and anywhere else."

The Wagner Group has been contracted by military regimes in Africa and played an increasingly violent role in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with Prigozhin urging Putin to use even greater force.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, previewing the sanctions earlier Tuesday, renewed his criticism of the Wagner mercenaries, who have been accused of wide abuses in Africa.

"We believe that everywhere that Wagner goes, they bring death and destruction in their wake. They hurt local populations, they extract minerals and extract money from the communities where they operate," Miller told reporters.

"And so we would continue to urge governments in Africa and elsewhere to cease any cooperation with Wagner," he said.

The UN human rights body last month reported that foreign forces -- identified by the United States as Wagner -- were involved in a massacre of at least 500 people in the central Malian town of Moura in March 2022.

Prigozhin, as part of a deal with the Kremlin, was allowed to travel to Belarus, the Russian ally's strongman Alexander Lukashenko confirmed on Tuesday.

Lukashenko's decision to welcome Prigozhin marks "another example of him choosing the interests of Vladimir Putin and choosing the interests of the Kremlin over the interests of the Belarusian people," Miller said.
Julius Maada Bio, who has been re-elected for a second term as Sierra Leone's president, is a former coup leader and has worked hard to rebrand himself as a family man who cares deeply about education and women's issues.

The 59-year-old, seen awkwardly dancing to Afrobeats on the campaign trail, was hailed by supporters for some of the most progressive policies in the region during his first term.

However, his detractors say the civic space has shrunk under his watch, and his main opponent Samura Kamara has cried foul over his election victory, calling it "not credible."

"Bio is concerned about how his presidency is perceived, particularly internationally, and his media team have sought to curate a narrative that amplifies its positives and glosses over shortcomings," said independent analyst Jamie Hitchen.

Bio abolished the death penalty and a criminal libel law, boosted women's representation in the public and private spheres, and slashed school fees to widen access to education -- all recommendations by Sierra Leone's post-civil war Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Around the capital Freetown, his face adorns billboards advertising free sanitary pads for students and he introduced measures to keep pregnant girls in school.

In a recent interview with AFP, Bio said he would prioritise agriculture in his second term to "stimulate economic growth right across the country."

Supporters of President Julius Maada Bio celebrate in the streets following his re-election. By JOHN WESSELS (AFP)

However, Sierra Leone's score on the annual index of US-based democracy advocacy group Freedom House has slipped.

It has also dropped 28 places on Reporters Without Borders' World Press Freedom Index for 2023.

Following deadly riots last August, Amnesty International said it had gathered testimonies alleging excessive use of force and condemned internet restrictions.

'Shot their way to power'

Bio comes from the south, a stronghold of the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) he now leads.

His father, a local chief, died when he was four and he was raised by an illiterate mother whom he credits for instilling in him a respect for women and an understanding of the value of education.

Bio has worked hard to rebrand himself. By Kola SULAIMON (AFP/File)

In 1992, he participated in a coup with a group whose leader, Valentine Strasser, became the youngest head of state in the world at age 25.

Bio served as chief of the defence staff and deputy to Strasser before overthrowing him in 1996 and briefly taking over as head of state.

He agreed to step aside three months later for an elected civilian leader and subsequently apologised for his role in the junta.

"He was among a group of military guys who shot their way to power," Information Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray told AFP.

"The other guys were trying to stay on, and he wanted to leave... He had a conviction that Sierra Leone was bigger than their personal aspirations."

Bio retired from the military and went to study in the United States.

Trade Minister Edward Hinga Sandy said the president was a "very good listener" who seeks many viewpoints before making a decision.

"He has this thing in him... 'What I was not able to do when I was a military leader because I did not have time, I should be able to do at this time'", Sandy said.

Few words

A man of few words, even by his own description, Bio does not often show emotion.

When AFP asked about Sierra Leone's current economic malaise that has left people struggling to afford three meals a day, he was quick to say the crisis was caused by external factors and not his doing.

But some burdens appear to weigh heavily on the leader.

Joseph Kaifala -- a historian on the 1991-2002 civil war during which Bio was a soldier and later part of the ruling junta -- once asked the president if he knew that the largest identified mass grave in Sierra Leone was in his hometown of Tihun.

"He responded, 'Yes, I know -- those people were killed because of me'", Kaifala told AFP by telephone, in reference to the fact the village was attacked by Bio's enemies during the war.

"President Bio is a very stoic fellow... but then he did manage to convey to me how much that has affected him... and he really does believe in the work that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission did."
French police on Tuesday killed a teenager who refused to stop for a traffic check outside Paris.

The 17-year-old was in the Paris suburb of Nanterre early Tuesday, when police shot him dead after he broke the rules of the road and failed to stop, prosecutors said.

Emergency services tried to resuscitate him at the scene, but he died shortly afterwards.

A video circulating on social media, authenticated by the French news agency AFP, shows two police officers trying to stop the vehicle and one pointing his weapon at the driver through the window and firing at point blank when he drives off. The car moved a few dozen metres before crashing.

Investigation opened

The IGPN national police inspectorate has opened an investigation into possible intentional killing by a person holding a position of public authority.

A separate probe is being carried out by regional police into the driver's failure to halt and alleged attempt to kill a person holding a position of public authority.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin told parliament the two police officers were being questioned and acknowledged that the images posted on social media were "extremely shocking".

He urged people to "respect the grief of the family and the presumption of innocence of the police".

Paris police chief Laurent Nunez admitted in an interview with BFM TV that action of the policeman "raises questions" although he said it was possible the officer felt threatened.

The family's lawyer Yassine Bouzrou told the same channel that while all parties needed to wait for the result of the investigation the images "clearly showed a policeman killing a young man in cold blood.

"This is a long way from any kind of legitimate defence" he said, adding the family had filed a complaint, accusing police of "lying" by initially claiming the car had tried to run down the officers.

'No licence to kill'

Two other people were in the vehicle at the time. A first passenger fled, while the second, also a minor, was arrested and taken into custody.

Nanterre mayor Patrick Jarry said he was "shocked" by the video images and passed his condolences to the boy's mother.

"He hopes that the investigations opened (...) will make it possible to shed light as quickly as possible on the exact circumstances of this tragedy," his office said.

In 2022, a record 13 deaths were recorded after refusals to stop for traffic controls. Five police officers have been charged in these cases.

Authorities and police unions blame the 2022 figures on more dangerous driving behaviour, but researchers also point to a 2017 law modifying the conditions of the use of their weapon by the police.

The left reacted with anger, saying police had no right to kill people simply because they refused to stop.

"Yes, a refusal to stop is against the law. But death is not one of the sanctions provided for by the penal code," tweeted the coordinator of the hard left France Unbowed (LFI) party, Manuel Bompard.

"A refusal to stop does not provide a licence to kill," said Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure.

(With newswires)
Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio was sworn in Tuesday after being declared the victor of an election which his main rival slammed as "not credible."

Bio, 59, returns for a second term at the helm of the West African nation which has been pummelled by multiple challenges since the end of a 1991-2002 civil war, including an Ebola epidemic and now a crippling economic crisis.

The electoral commission announced he had won 56 percent of the vote, while his main challenger Samura Kamara came second with 41 percent.

"I categorically reject the outcome so announced by the electoral commission," he said on Twitter.

Vote tallying had already been disputed by Kamara's All People's Congress (APC), which condemned in a statement Monday an alleged lack of inclusiveness, transparency and responsibility by the electoral commission.

The party pointed to the lack of information about which polling stations or districts the ballots were coming from.

It had said it "will not accept these fake and cooked up results".

In a later statement, the party alleged "overvoting" in some areas and said it "continues to reject" the "fabricated results" and "reaffirms our victory".

But Bio's supporters welcomed the result.

"I'm happy Bio won, we want him to fix the economy and create jobs," Susan Myers, 34, said.

Sierra Leoneans also voted in parliamentary and municipal elections Saturday. By JOHN WESSELS (AFP)

Abdulrahim Bah, 30, said, "Maada Bio has provided for us the free quality education, he's constructed so many bridges for us and he is fighting the corruption in the country."

At a press conference Monday, European Union observers said a lack of transparency and communication by the electoral authority had led to mistrust in the electoral process.

The monitors said they witnessed violence at seven polling stations during voting hours and at three others during the closing and counting stages.

'I need justice'

They also said they received reports of violent incidents in six regions, including the use of live ammunition in three districts.

Sierra Leone. By (AFP)

About 3.4 million people were registered to vote in Saturday's election.

Turnout was 83 percent, the commission said Tuesday.

Bio, a former coup leader in the 1990s, championed education and women's rights in his first civilian term.

Kamara, 72, a former foreign and finance minister, had assailed the electoral commission throughout the campaign period over alleged irregularities and delays.

He is currently on trial for embezzling public funds while he was foreign minister, a case he told AFP is politically motivated.

Sierra Leoneans also voted in parliamentary and municipal elections Saturday.

EU observers denounced violence by security forces at the APC headquarters in Freetown on Sunday night, in what the police said was an effort to disperse opposition supporters, which left one woman dead.

Sidie Yahya Tunis, a spokesman for the APC, told AFP the woman was a nurse who was working in a medical unit on the building's ground floor.

Ibrahim Conteh, a 25-year-old law student who said he was the woman's son, told AFP he had identified his mother's body at the morgue.

"I need justice... I just want to know" who killed my mother, he said in tears.
Sudan's war has brought painful memories back to the troubled Darfur region where armed groups are accused of ethnically targeting civilians, sparking fears of a new "genocide".

"They burned every house in the neighbourhood and killed my brother in front of me," recounted one survivor, Inaam, who fled the western region for neighbouring Chad.

Her harrowing escape took her through streets "littered with bodies", said the human rights defender who, like others interviewed by AFP, used a pseudonym for fear of retaliation against relatives.

Such testimonies have sparked alarm about a repeat of the bloody history of Darfur, where former strongman Omar al-Bashir in 2003 unleashed Arab tribal militia in a scorched-earth campaign to quash a non-Arab rebellion against perceived inequalities.

The unrest killed at least 300,000 people and displaced 2.5 million, according to the UN, and sparked international charges of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes against Bashir and others.

A ransacked market in El Geneina. By - (AFP/File)

The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) later emerged from the notorious Janjaweed militia which spearheaded Bashir's deadly onslaught.

Against that background, Darfuris watched with terror when the RSF went to war in mid-April with the Sudanese army and fighting quickly spread from the capital Khartoum back to their home region.

Inaam said that, nine days after hostilities erupted, the RSF and allied Arab militias descended on her hometown of El Geneina, capital of West Darfur state.

After they torched her neighbourhood, she fled on "detours to avoid RSF and Arab tribal fighters" and managed to cross the border to Chad about 30 kilometres (18 miles) away.

Another refugee, who asked to be identified only as Mohammed, also recounted passing through terrifying checkpoints.

At every stop, "Arab militia fighters asked us our names and our tribe," he told AFP. Depending on the answers, he said, some "were executed".

The RSF and their allies, Mohammed charged, "are specifically targeting Massalit," a non-Arab ethnic minority whom he said "the army has supported" in the current round of fighting.

"An old conflict is re-awakening in El Geneina."

'Ominous reminder'

Sudan's war has killed nearly 2,800 people nationwide and uprooted roughly 2.8 million as battles rage between the forces of army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.

Sudan's then-president Omar al-Bashir waving a swagger stick in Nyala, South Darfur state on September 21, 2017, with paramilitary commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo on the left. By ASHRAF SHAZLY (AFP/File)

Much of the worst fighting has hit Darfur in unrest that Washington has labelled an "ominous reminder" of the past "genocide".

The Massalit are one of the major non-Arab ethnic groups in Darfur, which is also home to Arab tribes such as the Rizeigat, the pastoralist camel-herding people from which Daglo hails.

Volker Perthes, head of the United Nations mission to Sudan, warned in mid-June that "there is an emerging pattern of large-scale targeted attacks against civilians based on their ethnic identities, allegedly committed by Arab militias and some armed men" in RSF uniform.

"These reports are deeply worrying and, if verified, could amount to crimes against humanity."

Sudanese refugees who crossed into Chad in Koufroun, near Echbara, gather for aid distribution. By Gueipeur Denis SASSOU (AFP/File)

On Tuesday, the United States, Norway and Britain said targeted ethnic violence and other abuses in Darfur are "mostly attributed" to RSF and allied militias.

Power blackouts and severed phone and internet access have severely hampered reporting from the region the size of France that is home to about a quarter of Sudan's 48 million people.

The UN has also said that "RSF and allied militias are reportedly surrounding the cities" of El Fasher in North Darfur and Nyala in South Darfur.

Amnesty International warned of "terrifying similarity with the war crimes and crimes against humanity" perpetrated in Darfur since 2003.

Snipers on rooftops

According to the United States State Department, up to 1,100 people have been killed in El Geneina alone, but the Massalit tribal leadership says the real toll is even higher.

Sudan's army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, (L), is at war with paramilitary Rapid Support Forces commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. By ASHRAF SHAZLY (AFP/File)

They charged in a statement that more than 5,000 people were killed, 8,000 injured and hundreds of thousands displaced by June 12.

People have suffered "the worst crimes against humanity, murder, ethnic cleansing and looting", they said, reporting that "snipers have spread out on rooftops" and police "have joined RSF ranks".

Mohammed said families quickly learnt that "only the women could go out to fetch water, because the snipers would target every man".

Army soldiers meanwhile "have not left their bases since the war began," he said, echoing the situation in much of Khartoum.

A tribal leader told AFP that "the RSF and the Arabs have killed, looted and burned" everything in their path.

In El Geneina, "the house of the Massalit sultan" has been under "constant attack," he said.

Tribal leaders and activists have been killed in their homes, according to the West Darfur lawyers' union.

West Darfur Governor Khamis Abdullah Abakar was killed hours after he accused the RSF of 'genocide' on Saudi television. By - (SUDAN NEWS AGENCY/AFP/File)

In mid-June, the sultan's brother Tarek Bahr El-Din was killed, as was West Darfur Governor Khamis Abdullah Abakar, who had hours earlier accused the RSF of "genocide" on Saudi television.

The RSF denied killing Abakar and blamed forces it said were acting "against the background of an old tribal conflict".

RSF general Abdel Rahman Gumma Barak Allah accused the army of having armed minority groups, including "1,000 Aringa men and 1,500 Massalit" and charged they had attacked police in El Geneina.

'Out of hell'

The fighting has deepened a long-running humanitarian crisis, say aid groups, after clinics were raided and food warehouses ransacked in Darfur.

People salvage items from a destroyed medical storage facility in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur state. By - (AFP/File)

"The conflict has not only endangered lives through direct violence but has also severely hindered access to health care," Doctors Without Borders (MSF) told AFP.

Another refugee, teacher Ibrahim Issa, told AFP he had made it "out of the hell" of El Geneina, where the fighting had brought back dark memories "of 2003 and 2004, when you were killed for your ethnicity".

Mohammed said the conflict between the army and RSF "has turned into a civil war and a genocide".

MSF medics in Chad reported treating refugees with bullet wounds who were targeted "as they tried to leave the city".

The group also reported sexual violence including the rape of a 15-year-old girl by "six armed men in a bus" while she was fleeing to Chad with her 18-year-old sister.

Alice Nderitu, the UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, also warned of the threat of "renewed campaigns of rape, murder and ethnic cleansing".

Search for justice

The latest Darfur violence has again raised the question of whether those responsible will one day face justice.

"In principle, many of the crimes documented to date in Darfur likely constitute at least crimes against humanity, if not war crimes," human rights lawyer Emma DiNapoli told AFP.

But proving them will depend on what evidence activists can gather while dodging bullets and arson attacks.

"Activists on the ground should be documenting evidence to the highest standard possible, particularly taking the details of eyewitnesses to violations and documenting evidence of command and control or perpetrator information," DiNapoli said.

Since the UN Security Council referred the situation in Darfur to the International Criminal Court with no end date, the court "in theory" has "jurisdiction over crimes committed in the present day," she added.

But Sudan's past does not offer much hope. Khartoum never handed over any suspects wanted by the ICC, and some have escaped prison since the new war broke out.

Four suspects including Bashir remain at large. One, who voluntarily surrendered elsewhere in Africa, is on trial in The Hague.
28.06.2023 LISTEN

The National Youth Organizer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mustapha has denied reports of its members firing gunshots at Assin Praso during voting in the Assin North by-election.

Some National Democratic Congress (NDC) observers accused the NPP of firing gunshots at Assin Praso to scare voters in some polling stations.

But responding to the allegations in an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Salam Mustapha said he was not at the scene of the shooting at the time of the event but had two narratives when he later visited the scene, but both narratives do not mention that the NPP was in any way involved in the shooting.

I was not at the scene of the event, but I later visited the place and asked what happened, and I got two narrations from the NPP side and the NDC side that it was a normal visit to the polling station to assess how the voting process is going and then some members of the NDC attempted accosting Chairman Wontumis delegation, it turned into an argument and the men got agitated, and it aggravated into physicals and the police got into the matter and are investigating the matter.

Mr. Mustapha further indicated that this is not the first time the NPP had faced such acts of intimidation as it has been routine from the NDC.

It is not familiar to this by-election alone. In fact, the other activities that we have carried out, they have tried doing such things. On Sunday when we were doing our final rally, the NDC massed up at the main road that takes you to the Assin township and was throwing shades and attacking our people, and so we had to exercise some restraint from the leadership level because we didnt want a spectacle.

citinewsroom
Twenty-six Ugandans sued French oil giant TotalEnergies in Paris on Tuesday for reparations over alleged human rights violations at its megaprojects across the country.

Joined by five Ugandan and French aid groups, the Ugandan people from the affected communities say the French energy firm TotalEnergies caused "serious harm", especially to their rights to land and food.

At the heart of their complaint at the Paris court are two vast TotalEnergies developments: the Tilenga exploration of 419 oil wells, one-third of them in Uganda's largest national park Murchison Falls, and EACOP, a 1,500-kilometre (930-mile) pipeline bringing crude oil to the Tanzanian coast through several protected nature reserves.

The activists say that more than 118,000 people have had their land wholly or partially expropriated because of the two TotalEnergies projects, including through sales allegedly agreed under intimidation.

One of the activists, Maxwell Athura, told at their Paris press conference on Tuesday that he had faced "threats and intrusions at his home" from the group, and was "arbitrarily arrested twice in 2022".

Friends of the Earth France spokeswoman Juliette Renaud said: "What we're asking of the tribunal is to recognise Total's civil responsibility and sentence the company to compensate the people affected by violations."

A company spokeswoman explained that "TotalEnergies welcomes a debate on the facts in court."

She added that the company "believes its plan for surveillance (of possible rights violations) is in line with legal requirements" and "implemented effectively" by its subsidiaries in Tanzania and Uganda.

Major rights' violations

On the ground, people affected by the work "have been deprived of free use of their land for three or four years, in violation of their property rights", the French and Ugandan associations said in a statement.

This "deprived them of their means of subsistence" and led to "serious food shortages" for some families," the statement added.

Some received in-kind compensation, while others were offered financial terms "far short" of what was needed.

Other villages suffered flooding caused by construction at the Tilenga project's oil treatment plant, the associations alleged.

Additionally, "several plaintiffs suffered threats, harassment and arrest simply for daring to criticise oil projects in Uganda and Tanzania and defend the rights of affected communities," they added.

Two of these activists, Jelousy Mugisha and Fred Mwesigwa, already travelled to France in 2019 to require that Total should watch out for potential rights violations.

"When they returned to Uganda one was arrested at the airport and the other attacked at his home 10 days later," the NGOs said.

"By falling short in its duty of vigilance, Total caused serious harm to the plaintiffs, especially to their rights to land and food. They are therefore requesting the company be ordered to compensate them," the statement continued.

International protests

At the same time, on Tuesday, climate protesters from Stop The Oil targeted the oil company UK headquarters in London.

EACOP was also the target of the campaigners, who sprayed orange and black paint on the facade and lobby of TotalEnergies' UK headquarters in the Canary Wharf financial district.

British Police said 27 people were arrested in the demonstration by the Just Stop Oil group against both the pipeline's effect on local communities and its projected greenhouse emissions of 379 million tonnes of carbon.

TotalEnergies responded in a statement that it "fully respects the right to demonstrate and freedom of expression, but deplores all forms of violence, whether verbal, physical or material".

(With newswires)
A great deal of controversy has surrounded the National Identification Authority. Disgruntled Ghanaians have been monitoring the administration in charge of issuing identification cards for both Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians, accusing them of corruption and malpractices, including the issuance of identification cards to communities in NPP strongholds while purposefully torturing the NDC stronghold by refusing to fully assist them in obtaining their cards.

Despite the National Identification Authority's denial of the claim, it is widely believed that identification card issuers and the head of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa, worked together to prevent the establishment of NDC strongholds to obtain their cards, for the ruling party to win the upcoming elections in 2024. However, the Ghanaian media has not addressed or reported on the issuance of non-citizen cards for foreigners for $120 with only one-year validity.



The biggest fraud committed by the National Identification Authority is the $120 charge for non-citizen Ghanaian ID that is valid for only a year.

Since the Akufo Addo administration only cares about making money from both Ghanaians and foreigners, it cannot deliver better services. This is why the government has failed. The NPP government was receiving $150 each from foreigners at the Kotoka International Airport before the ban on freedom of movement was lifted once COVID was deemed to no longer pose a threat to visitors throughout the world, and up until this point, nobody is sure where the money went.

A president who doesn't consider the welfare and comfort of the populace will undoubtedly lack the expertise to make conditions comfortable for foreigners as well. The National Identification Authority issuing cards to non-citizens for $120, or its equivalent in cedis, with a one-year expiration date, disturbs and outrages me. It is uncommon to provide an identification card to a foreigner for that price with only a year's validity in developing nations, let alone developed ones. This is robbery.



To earn a profit, the Ghanaian government charges $120 for the issuance of non-citizen cards with a one-year expiration date. Since I've been a resident in Belgium for more than 20 years, I can attest that even the five-year documents for foreigners don't even come close to costing half as much as $120. Whose orders does the National Identification Authority follow when charging foreigners so much money for identification cards with a 12-month lifespan? Nana Akufo Addo, that's not acceptable.

Why can't they extend it to at least two years if the Ghanaian government is unwilling to offer them five years in exchange for the money taken from them? Akufo Addo's administration is lagging in progress, yet it taxes both Ghanaians and foreigners more than any other government in the nation's political history. Unfortunately, no one is aware of where all the money goes. On June 15, 2023, I visited the NIA's offices and was astounded by the volume of overseas applicants.

I was able to speak to a white lady and a Ghanaian-American and both spoke critically against the one-year validity of the card. According to the white lady, sometimes, her card expires while she is not in the country and when she comes, she has to come and renew it before she can get access to everything, including her money at the bank. The Ghanaian-American told me he has renewed his card thrice and even despite only one year, the renewal is also expensive.

I was questioned frequently throughout my investigations with the warnings that the government does not want any journalists on their property and that no photographs are permitted. I questioned, "What is the government trying to conceal from the public by ordering the NIA security to comply with?" Many regimes have included criminal activity, but this specific NPP administration has spread it like a cancerous disease because they believe it is essential to their continued existence in the political system.



The writers photo serving as proof that he visited the National Identification Authority's offices.

I cant write my article without being able to show that I had visited the National Identification Authority's offices, even though I was not permitted to take photos there. As soon as I exited the building, I started searching for a vantage point from which I might sneak a shot, and I was successful.



The president, Nana Akufo Addo, should start to realize that when the ambassadors who represent their countries in the country are dissatisfied, they have the right to act without his knowledge and to remove him from office. The president shouldn't underestimate them; I don't need to mention that. I commented that Akufo Addo is acting immaturely because he cant coerce the public into supporting the NPP candidate, therefore; the NPP would lose in Assin North when he advised Ghanaians not to vote for Quayson, who is destined to go to prison. That has also happened. I dont know when this president will ever take me seriously, I did my best to show him the right way, but I am often viewed as a foe.
The Kekeli Muslim Community in Accra North, Greater Accra Region has congratulated Muslims around the world on the occasion of Eid al-Adha celebrations.

In a press release, the community's Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Rabiu Adam Mawuli said "The leadership Kekeli Muslim Community wishes to congratulate Muslims all around the world for the celebration of Eid al- Adha."

The Kekeli Muslim Community also issued warnings and appeals to members regarding the celebration.

Mawuli cautioned "We use this press release to caution our Muslim brothers and sisters who will be slaughtering to be mindful about the outbreak of the Anthrax disease attacking the animals in some parts of Ghana."

It added "We further appeal that all the symptoms that the veterinary experts have spelt out be taken serious as Islam is about saving lives."

The community also appealed for the meat from sacrifices to be shared according to Islamic teachings and for all activities to adhere to Ghanaian law.

The release concludes, "We wish to use this medium to call on all religious bodies in the country to ensure that the LGBTQ+ advocators do not succeed in brainwashing the humanity of the coming generation with their satanic ideologies."

The Eid al-Adha celebrations, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorate the sacrifice that Prophet Ibrahim made when he was willing to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to God's command.

The Eid al-Adha celebrations began today, June 28, which has been declared a public holiday in Ghana.

Read a full copy of the release below;

KEKELI MUSLIM COMMUNITY

P.O.BOX 15573, Accra North

PRESS RELEASE

Tuesday 27th June,2023

Kekeli Muslim Community Congratulate Muslims on Celebration of Eid al-Adha

The leadership Kekeli Muslim Community wishes to congratulate Muslims all around the world for the celebration of Eid al-Adha.

Celebration of the Eid al-Adha or Festival of Sacrifice is in commemoration of sacrifice the Great-Grandfather of all Nations (Prophet AbrahamPBUH) offered to Allah (God almighty) through the act of slaughtering his first born son, Ishmael in fulfillment of God's command which God replaced with a ram.

The Festival of Sacrifice reinforces the connection vicegerents have with Almighty God through responding to the call to sacrifice animals either camel, goat, ram or cow.

We use this press release to caution our Muslim brothers and sisters who will be slaughtering to be mindful about the outbreak of the Anthrax disease attacking the animals in some parts of Ghana.

We further appeal that all the symptoms that the veterinary experts have spelt out be taken serious as Islam is about saving lives.

We further appeal to those successfully slaughtering healthy animals to adhere to the rules on sharing the meat.

Our activities during the festival and beyond should be in line with Islamic teachings as well as the laws of Ghana so as to get the blessings in it and also not find ourselves at the wrong side of the law respectively.

We wish to use this medium to call on all religious bodies in the country to ensure that the LGBTQ+ advocators do not succeed in brainwashing the humanity of the coming generation with their satanic ideologies.

With regards to the on-going by-election at the Assign North constituency, we are appealing to all parties to allow peace to prevail.

This by-election is not the time to test how we can fight in the 2024 general elections but rather be seen as a process in strengthening our democratic processes.

Our heart is with those who have embarked on the pilgrim to Mecca, we pray that Allah accept their supplications, sacrifice and return them to their respective countries safely.

We finally use this medium to pray for a peaceful bye-election currently going on in AssignNorth constituency.

We pray for the President,Ministers of state,Chiefs, Imams, and opinion leaders for Allahs wisdom and favour.

Eid Mubarak

Meanwhile, the Eid-adhal celebration is today, Wednesday, June 28, which has been declared a public holiday in Ghana.

Signed by:

Mohammed Rabiu Adam Mawuli

Public Relations Officer
The second congregation and the second cohort of graduating students of the C. K. Tedem University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS) has been held at Navrongo in the Kassena Nankana Municipality of the Upper East Region, with a total of 351 students graduating in various disciplines.

The mandate of the CKT-UTAS has been to provide higher education, undertake research, and disseminate knowledge related to development in integrated technology and applied sciences.

The University will follow its mandate to develop academic programs to chart the path of research activities in integrated technology, applied sciences, and mathematical sciences.

The Vice Chancellor of CKT-UTAS Professor Eric Magnus Wilmot indicated that the University has been restructured and realigned academic programs under ten schools and four other academic units as follows; the School of Computing and Information Science (SCIS), the School of Mathematica Sciences (SMS), School of Physical Sciences (SPS), the School of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education (SoSMTE) the School of Medical Sciences and the School of Environment and Life Sciences (SELS).

The rest are, the School of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences (SCBS), the School of Nursing and Midwifery (SNM), the School of Agriculture (SoA), the School of Public Health, and the School of Graduate Studies and Research, to coordinate graduate studies and research in the University among others.

Professor Wilmot indicated that despite the challenges, with the teaming support of the staff of the University, progress is being made and the future looks good.

The Director General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), special guest of honor, and one of the founding members of CKT-UTAS, Professor Mohammed Salifu, expressed the joy of witnessing the second congregation from the humble beginning of CKT-UTAS two years ago.

"It is a University that holds a lot of promise," the professor added. It's being shaped appropriately with a significant milestone witnessing the second congregation and there is a lot more to be done, to make the University felt in the community."
The Chief of Anyimadukrom, a community in the Obuasi East District of the Ashanti Region Nana Takyi Mensah has commended AngloGold Ashanti's sanitation program targeted at solving the sanitation needs of the people in its operational area.

Speaking at a short ceremony to handover a 20-seater washroom facility constructed by AngloGold Ashanti to the community, Nana Takyi Mensah said the facility will go a long way to resolve the sanitation challenges in the community and the Padmore school.

It is estimated that only 59.3 per cent households in Ghana has their own toilets, 23 per cent of them use public toilets and 17.7 per cent have no access to a toilet facility, which means that they resort to open defecation with all its health and other hazards.

To mitigate the impact of open defecation and reduce the adverse effects of lack of proper sanitation in Obuasi, AngloGold Ashanti through its 10-year Socio-Economic Development Plan has lined up programs and projects which will address the sanitation needs of the people.

According to the Senior Manager Sustainability AngloGold Ashanti Emmanuel Baidoo, the modern washroom facility constructed at the cost of GH630,000 was a response to the needs of the people. "We discovered a dire need for public convenience during the needs assessment for the SEDP so we collaborated with the Assembly to invest in this project," he stated.

He was optimistic that the project will undoubtedly improve the sanitation needs of the people in the community and the Padmore school adding that the site for the construction of the project was strategically done to serve both the pupils in the school as well as the Anyimadukrom community.

He seized the opportunity to talk about the sanitation programs lined up by AngloGold Ashanti which include construction of boreholes and the Keep Obuasi Clean campaign which the company has rolled out in collaboration with AngloGold Ashanti Malaria Control, the Obuasi East District Assembly and the Obuasi Municipal Assembly.

He implored the chiefs and leaders of the community to maintain the facility by putting in place a Water and Sanitation Committee who will be in charge of management and maintenance of the washroom on behalf of the community.

Honorable Yakubu Lamin, the Assembly member lauded AngloGold Ashanti for prioritizing the sanitation needs of the people in the community. He revealed that the company few years ago also built a mechanised borehole for the community, all in their quest to improve sanitation in the area.

The project was constructed by X-Mell construction limited, an Obuasi based construction firm.
28.06.2023 LISTEN

Aggrieved customers of Gold Coast Fund Management are demanding answers from the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) for the institutions alleged inability to produce a server needed for an ongoing court case.

In a statement issued by the aggrieved customers, convener Charles Nyame noted that the server, which belongs to the Gold Coast Fund Management Company, contains backup data of its investors and was confiscated by EOCO after the companys operational license was revoked in November 2019.

However, during a court session held on June 21, 2023, in the Liquidation Case between the Registrar of Companies and Blackshield Capital Fund Management Limited, it was revealed that the server in EOCOs custody had gone missing.

The aggrieved customers are concerned that the missing server could hinder their efforts to recover their investments.

They are calling on EOCO to provide a full explanation for the servers disappearance and to take steps to ensure that it is recovered.

The group thus called for EOCO to be investigated over the alleged missing server.

HEADS MUST ROLL AT EOCO FOR A MISSING SERVER WORTH OVER 3.5 BILLION GHANA CEDIS

A SERVER which content valued over 3.5 billion Ghana Cedis is reported to have missing under the custody of EOCO. This revelation was brought to bear during a court section held on Wednesday, June 21st, 2023 when the Commercial Court Six (6) of the Accra High Court Division Sat on the Liquidation Case between the Registrar of Companies and Blackshield Capital Fund Management Limited, hitherto called; Gold Coast Fund Management, owned by Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom.

The SERVER which belongs to the Gold Coast Fund Management Company and contains a backup data of its investors was confiscated by the EOCO through the directives of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the official regulator of Gold Coast Fund Management) after it has successfully revoked the companys Operational Licence in November 8th, 2019 under the Financial Sector Clean-up Exercise policy initiated in the year 2018 by the government of Ghana under the NPP Akufo-Addo  Bawumia administration.

News on the missing SERVER was informed to the court by the legal representation of the Registrar of Companies led by Ms. Iris. The Lawyer told the court that, in her effort to reach out to EOCO due to the Court Order which sought to direct the EOCO to grant Gold Coast Fund Management access to the SERVER to copy specific data require by the Court to facilitate the determination of the Liquidation case, to her utterly dismay, the authorities at the EOCO told her the said SERVER cannot be located.

The Aggrieved Customers of Gold Coast Fund Management consider the news of the missing SERVER a deliberate approach adopted by the government to deepen its delay tactics showcased on the Liquidation case since the year 2020.

Meanwhile, the same Government impeding the Liquidation process in court has insensitively conditioned the payment of the dying customers of Gold Coast Fund Management to the successful securing of Liquidation Order from Court.

The question we are asking is, for how long must the dying customers continue to bear the brunt of a government policy (Financial Sector Clean-up Exercise) for the past five (5) years?

We therefore make passionate appeal as follows. 1. The Government of His Excellency President Nana Akufo-Addo should with sense of humanity, rescind on the condition of securing Liquidation Order before it pays Customers of Gold Coast Fund Management and direct the Finance Ministry to advance money from either the Parliamentary approved Bailout package or from the 15 billion Ghana Cedis Stability Fund to the GBC Capital to pay off the Customers, whiles, the Liquidation case continue in court.

2. The whole structure of EOCO should be brought under investigation to produce the missing SERVER with immediate effect.

3. His Excellency President Nana Akufo-Addo should give order to EOCO to submit the missing SERVER to the court before/on July 3rd, 2023 thus the adjourn date for the Liquidation date for the smooth process of the case.

4. The Media and the Civil Society Organisations should on humanitarian grounds push for immediate payment of the dying Gold Coast Customers since over 800 pensioners among Gold Coast Customers have died due to various health conditions they couldnt raised money to fund medical treatment.

citinewsroom
28.06.2023 LISTEN

Mr Hisanobu Mochizuki, the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, has reaffirmed the countrys continued support to Ghana's socio-economic and infrastructure development drive.

He said Ghana held a strategically important position in developing quality infrastructure in the West Africa Growth Ring Corridor Development to enhance connectivity and promote economic activities in the sub-region.

Japan as a nation is aware of the value of creating a solid infrastructure base and the role it can play in boosting and stimulating economies.

This strengthens our resolve to help our colleagues in Africa develop their infrastructure to transform their economies, the Ambassador assured.

He made the declaration in a speech read on his behalf at the commissioning of a 31.2 km national trunk road (N8) phase two road stretching from Assin-Fosu to Assin-Praso in the Assin North District of the Central Region last Friday.

The project was funded with a grant from the Japanese government and executed by Shimizu Dai Nippon Joint Ventures, a Japanese Construction Firm.

Mr Mochizuki said the Japanese government had demonstrated a commitment to quality infrastructure development towards strengthening the foundation of Ghanas industrial growth through agriculture, health, and human resource development.

Transportation infrastructure remains crucial for promoting economic growth as well as business and investment in Ghana. Without it, he said products and services would become less valuable.

Enhancing transportation connectivity with good roads, to him, opened up underserved communities to economic opportunity and promoted inclusive economic growth.

Mr. Mochizuki said Japans assurance for development assistance was reinforced by a recent visit to Ghana by the Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida to deepen bilateral relations for mutual gain.

The Japanese Government attached great significance to the promotion of business and investment in Ghana as a leading economic powerhouse in West Africa.

For instance, it is impossible to underline enough how strategically located this N8 highway is.

I am confident that the massive opportunities that these rehabilitation efforts of the N8 would bring to Ghana will be realized because it is a crucial corridor for the transportation of essential export commodities, the Ambassador noted.

To the people in the area, he said the road would undoubtedly reduce traffic, particularly on market days, and create more commercial opportunities in the surrounding communities.

Notwithstanding, he recognized the contributions of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for being a key conduit for the Japanese governments strategic and all-encompassing approach to supporting Ghanas infrastructure development.

Through JICA, Ghana has benefited from infrastructure projects, including the high-quality Phase One of the Tema Motorway roundabout project officially opened by President Akufo-Addo in 2020.

The sod-cutting by the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for the commencement of Phase Two of the project which is scheduled for completion in December 2024.

Again, through the efforts of JICA, he said the Phase One Project of the NS between Assin-Praso and Asante-Bekwai was completed in December 2013.

That accomplishment, he said, laid the groundwork for Phase Two and said, I thank the Central Consultant Inc, the Japanese consultants who worked on the project, as well as Shimizu-Dai Nippon Joint Venture, the Japanese contractor who worked on the project, for their hard work and expertise.

Let me express the same gratitude to their Ghanaian counterparts, Ghana Highway Authority for their collaboration and cooperation, he added.

GNA
28.06.2023 LISTEN

On behalf of the entire executives of NDC USA, I wish all our Muslim comrades a happy Eid Mubarak. May this occasion and festivities bring us a new joy of fulfillment and a resolution of unity amongst us all. United we stand, divided we fall.

The celebration of this years Eid Al-Adha could not have come at a better time, fresh from the victory of Comrade Hon. Gyakye Quayson as the good people of Assin North Constituency overwhelmingly re-elected him as their MP, as they did in the 2020 general elections, only for the Supreme Court to deny him the right of representation at parliament. This is a testimony of how if we keep the focus and continue to work hard in unison, the victory of NDC in 2024 to return to power to rescue our motherland Ghana from the unprecedented, super incompetent, reckless borrowing, inept, and the most corrupt government ever in the history of Ghana led by President Nana Akufo Addo, Dr. Bawumia and the NPP, shall be attained.

This years Eid Al-Adha could not have been celebrated much better than this as the good people of Assin North have overwhelmingly stood for the whole country and for justice, resistance, and rejection of political goodies and oppressors rule. Unfortunately, the reckless management of the Economy by the so-called Economic messiah Bawumia and Akuffo Addo has made the celebration of this years Eid dry and sorrowful. Needless to say that, we must express our sincere gratitude to the good people of Assin North for the excellent exhibition of patriotism and standing to be counted. I would have expected that this sweet victory of Hon. Quayson and the people of Ghana would have been celebrated massively alongside the Eid but the untold hardship the good people of Ghana are being subjected to by the supper incompetent Nana Addo and Bawumia has made the celebration of the Eid thirsty.

I urge all our Muslim brothers and sisters and the good people of Ghana to keep the hope alive and bring His Excellency John Dramani Mahama and the NDC back to power for improvement in our living standards, more developments, building a fantastic Ghana we all want and better economic well-being for all Ghanaians irrespective of the political divide. I believe there are better days ahead and my expectation is that Allah (Almighty God) will touch the heart and minds of Ghanaians to bring the NDC back to power to build the Ghana we want.

Together we can, together we can build the Ghana we want, together we can send the elephant back to the bush, and together we can make that difference for posterity.

Lets take this moment to reflect on the gains of the sacrifices of all and enjoy these festivities, as we get ourselves ready for the days ahead.

Happy Eid- al-Adha

Maame Aba Dadzie

Chairman-NDC USA.
Out of a high-end artistic products business founded in the year 2000, a fully-fledged technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institute has been established in the year 2016. This success story can only be achieved by people who are creative, innovative, bold, and ambitious. Moreover, seeing the need to provide the youth with employable skills while bridging the gap between industry and academia is a trait of visionary leaders. There is no doubt about the fact that Miss Constance Swaniker, the Founder and CEO of Design and Technology Institute (DTI) is a visionary leader of excellence. Therefore, bringing DTI into existence to cater to the needs of the youth and young adults in the TVET landscape for the world of skills and work shows the resilience of the institution, especially in situations of economic downturn amidst COVID-19.

This publication highlights how DTI over the years has built resilience in TVET in Ghana for skills and jobs. Also, the publication seeks to suggest how DTI could add to its TVET welding curriculum towards international competitiveness. Currently, DTI is the only institute in Ghana and West Africa that offers a dual TVET system, where theoretical and hands-on training is provided within production settings. In simple terms, students of DTI have the platform to acquire relevant knowledge and learn the needed skills for product conceptualization, product development, product manufacturing, and product management including human capital management. Thus, students have the option to choose from three major programs such as the Precision Welding and Fabrication Program, Design Innovation Program, and the Entrepreneurship Program.

The findings of this publication also show that DTIs training facilities are:

A) equipped with modern production and manufacturing equipment and tools.

B) well-structured in line with internationally agreed health and safety standards.

C) well-structured to provide a human-friendly environment.

D) aesthetically laid out to enhance human-machine collaboration and learning.

E) laid out to facilitate quality, productivity, and efficiency in product manufacturing.

One of DTIs prime facilities is the precision welding and fabrication unit. The welding machines and equipment comprise MMA, TIG, MIG/MAG, and FCAW. The quantity of equipment is adequate for each student to have access to at least one welding machine at a time. Having the opportunity to interview a few students about their views on DTI, it was fulfilling to note that most students (about 70-80%) secure employment in different industrial sectors even before graduation. However, students who remain unemployed after graduation are given opportunities to sharpen their skills in the institution as they plan to seek either paid employment or venture into self-employment.

In addition, the findings of this publication corroborate with empirical data obtained from trusted news outlets, especially on how DTI is implementing in practice and promoting gender equality, youth employment and entrepreneurship, and digital transformation in TVET. The sustainable development goals (SDGs) and greening TVET are other essential programs DTI is promoting and implementing in practice. As a private sector entity, DTI's engagement with other private sector companies and public sector institutions, both domestic and international, shows the institute's readiness to synergize collective investment for the mutual development of TVET in Ghana for skills and work. Typical examples include DTIs campus expansion (a 1-acre campus at East Legon to a 10-acre campus at Berekuso, opposite Ashesi University) as a result of receiving funding of about 3 million EUR from the African Union Development Agency (AUDA), the Skills Initiative for Africa (SIFA) and the German state-owned investment and development bank (KfW). Also, receiving support from Mastercard Foundation (MF) to enabled over 90% of students including females and the vulnerable to obtain scholarships to attend DTI tantamount to building a brighter future for the youth of Ghana and generations to come.

Being accredited by the Commission of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), DTI's education and skills training curriculum follows the National TVET Qualification Framework (NTVETQF). However, while providing education and training according to the NTVETQF, it will be beneficial for DTI to offer internationally accredited programs to bridge the gap between domestic and international competitiveness. DTI should consider tailoring its precision welding and fabrication program to internationally agreed standards to fully demonstrate compliance with international welding quality requirements. As Ghana is a member country of the International Institute of Welding (IIW), the process of DTI attaining an Approved Training Body (ATB) status with the IIW will be smooth and hassle-free. This action will help DTI to holistically adopt global best practices in welding and joining, and benefit from the international recognition and business opportunities such a move will bring to Ghana as a whole. Thus, attaining an ATB status will further help DTI to educate and train its instructors to ISO 14731 and ISO 9712 standards per the IIW-International Authorization Board (IAB) education, training, qualification and certification framework. Trained instructors of DTI will in turn train welders according to the ISO 9606 standard. Therefore, at the welding personnel level, DTI can then issue international welding certificates and qualification diplomas in these categories: International Welding Specialist (IWS), International Welding Practitioner (IWP), International Welding Inspector (IWI), International Welder (IW), etc. In addition, DTI will be in the position to assist companies that perform welding projects in Ghana to be qualified and certificated according to ISO 3834 standards to be competitive and able to manufacture and provide turnkey welding engineering projects and services for the global market.

In conclusion, DTI is uplifting the image of TVET in Ghana through responsiveness, agility, and resilience. For DTI to maintain its resilience, the institute deserves massive financial support as AUDA, KfW, SIFA and MF have demonstrated. Finally, DTI exhibits potential to position welding in Ghana within the global community to spur international qualification and certification, youth employment, and promote investment in welding and allied joining technologies across the West African Region.

Dr. Emmanuel Afrane Gyasi is a Mechanical Engineer, an IWE candidate @ TWI, UK, a Facilitator in TVET, a Researcher and Lecturer, and a Social Entrepreneur.

Contact: [email protected]; whats App: +233207341037
Assin North MP-elect James Gyakye Quayson has said President Akufo-Addo's comment that he (Quayson) could end up in jail, was "disappointing".

"I was a bit disappointed to hear that from a president who is a lawyer", Mr Quayson told journalists after his re-election in Tuesday's by-election.

He said "the good people of Assin North have demonstrated that they have a conscience and they believe in me and I have a vision to execute".

Mr. Quayson polled 17,245 votes representing 57.56 per cent of the total valid votes.

He beat his archrival Charles Opoku of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who polled 12,630 votes representing 42.15 per cent of the total votes.

A third candidate, Bernice Enyonam Sefenu, of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), polled 87 votes (0.29%).

Crowning the NPP's campaigning in the lead-up to the by-election, President Akufo-Addo told the constituents of Assin North: "It is crucial for us to exercise our voting rights responsibly, adding: We should not support or vote for individuals who are entangled in legal controversies that may eventually lead them to face imprisonment".

We need someone who can come and help you. Someone who will work in your interest. I heard Gyakye Quayson say that, 'Even in prison, you people will vote for him'. Can he work from jail? We vote for people to go to parliament to work. How can he work from prison? So, dont vote for someone who will end up in jail. Vote for someone who can work to improve your lives", the president urged the Assin North voters.

The by-election was conducted after the Supreme Court declared Mr Quaysons 2020 election victory as null and void with reason that he held Canadian citizenship in addition to his Ghanaian citizenship, as of the time of filing to run for office in the 2020 polls.

After his by-election victory, Mr Quayson said: "I stood for justice and development and I still havent swayed, and I will continue to pursue the same agenda because that is the mandate Assin North has given me and this is a victory not just for me but for the people of Ghana and hopefully, one day, we will pursue a good direction of justice and also to realise that politics is not about sharing money to people to get a vote.

He noted: "Democracy is about development, and we are going to set this trend along to make sure that people who are represented get a fair share of the national cake and how to develop their communities".

 Classfmonline.com
Your Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. As a concerned citizen of Somalia, I am writing to commend your leadership and express my support for the ongoing anti-corruption campaign led by your administration. The recent efforts to combat corruption and safeguard public resources have instilled hope and optimism in the hearts of many Somalis who aspire for a prosperous and equitable future.

The initiatives taken by your administration, as well as your personal dedication and vocal support for anti-corruption measures, demonstrate a deep commitment to address this pressing issue. Your unwavering stance against corruption, highlighted in your speeches, including those delivered during Friday prayers, resonates profoundly with the people. Moreover, your emphasis on the need to protect public property for the benefit of every Somali citizen lays a solid foundation for building a just and accountable nation.

I would like to draw your attention to the significance of ensuring transparency and inclusivity in the ongoing anti-corruption campaign. It is essential that these efforts are conducted openly and transparently, leaving no room for doubt or suspicion. By embracing transparency, the government can cultivate trust among the citizens, reassuring them that the fight against corruption is fair, unbiased, and truly aimed at achieving justice.

In this regard, I urge your administration to ensure that all proceedings, investigations, evidence, and charges related to corruption cases are made accessible to the public. This openness will enable citizens to monitor the progress and outcomes, fostering a sense of accountability for both the government and those being investigated. Publicizing corruption-related information will also help deter potential wrongdoers and contribute to a culture of transparency and integrity.

Furthermore, Your Excellency, I humbly request your continued efforts to address those who attempt to evade justice by fleeing the country or utilizing tribal affiliation as a shield from corruption-related charges. Establishing robust mechanisms to track down such individuals and holding them accountable will send a clear message that corruption can never go unpunished. Promoting equal treatment under the law, irrespective of tribal or ethnic background, is crucial in establishing a fair and just society where all citizens are held accountable for their actions.

Lastly, I urge your administration to remain vigilant in ensuring that no laws are enacted which disproportionately penalize the powerless while granting immunity to individuals from influential tribes. Striving for a balanced approach that upholds the principles of justice, equality, and the rule of law will reinforce confidence in the anti-corruption campaign and contribute to the development and stability of our beloved Somalia.

Your Excellency, I express my sincerest gratitude for your dedication and leadership in the fight against corruption. Somalia stands at a critical juncture, and your efforts to combat corruption and safeguard public resources are essential for steering the nation towards prosperity and shared progress.

I remain hopeful and confident that under your guidance, Somalia will witness a transformative change as we collectively embrace transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of a corruption-free society. Together, we can create a future that our children and generations to come will be proud of.

Yours sincerely,

Jibril Mohamed
28.06.2023 LISTEN

In the vibrant landscape of Ghanaian universities, where the beat of student politics resonates through the air, lies a clandestine dimension that often eludes our gaze: the intricate dance of finances that underpins the very fabric of student political campaigns. Like a hidden treasure buried beneath the surface, the financial realities of these campaigns remain veiled from the casual observer, overshadowed by the grandeur of speeches and colourful banners. The weight upon their shoulders is immense as they seek the funds necessary to breathe life into their campaigns. They become resourceful strategists, exploring avenues of support from personal contributions, political parties, and generous donations from fellow students and external sponsors. The financial jigsaw puzzle comes alive, with each piece representing a precious resource that must be sought, secured, and carefully allocated. However, understanding the journeys of aspiring student leaders and the democratic process that thrives within the walls of Ghanaian universities requires unravelling the funding puzzle that shapes their experiences.

This article embarks on a quest to illuminate the shadows and shed light on the unspoken truths of student political campaigns. It delves deep into the labyrinth of funding, following the winding paths that aspiring student leaders must traverse to bring their visions to life. It uncovers the financial puzzles they solve in pursuit of their political dreams and advances an argument for the regulation of financing in student politics.

The Funding Puzzle

Picture a jigsaw puzzle, where each piece represents a vital component of a student political campaign. Aspiring student leaders find themselves at the centre of this puzzle, faced with the daunting task of securing the financial resources necessary to piece together a competitive campaign. They must navigate the intricate pathways of funding, seeking the means to bring their visions to life and ignite the enthusiasm of their fellow students.

Within the funding puzzle of student politics, the financial landscape of elections at the University of Ghana campus reveals a captivating scene. Aspiring leaders often make significant investments, with a minimum expenditure of Ghc 12,000 being a common occurrence. In 2018, an ambitious candidate reached even greater heights, setting his budget as high as Ghc 80,000 for the prestigious the University of Cape Coast Student Representative Council presidency. These staggering numbers shed light on the stark financial realities that aspiring leaders must confront in their quest to construct an engaging campaign that captures the enthusiasm and support of their fellow students. The pursuit of a competitive edge in the electoral arena becomes inextricably linked to the imperative of securing substantial financial resources, exemplifying the challenges and dedication intrinsic to student political campaigns.

At the heart of this puzzle lies the question: where will the funds come from? As we delve into the financial landscape of student politics, we encounter a myriad of sources that aspiring leaders tap into. Some may dig into their own pockets, making personal contributions to kickstart their campaigns. These self-investments reflect their dedication and belief in their ability to effect change. They become entrepreneurs of their own dreams, taking on the financial responsibility to turn their visions into reality. However, personal contributions can only go so far. The puzzle expands, and the need for additional funding emerges. Political parties often play a significant role in supporting student candidates. These parties recognize the importance of fostering youth leadership and investing in the future by providing financial backing. Aspiring leaders align themselves with political ideologies, gaining access to the resources and networks that can bolster their campaigns. Yet, this involvement also raises questions about potential influences and conflicts of interest, necessitating a delicate balance between financial support and maintaining individual autonomy.

Beyond personal contributions and party affiliations, the jigsaw puzzle extends further, seeking pieces from the wider student community and external sponsors. Donations from fellow students, both in monetary form and in-kind support, play a vital role in filling the financial gaps. The goodwill of peers, who believe in the potential of their colleagues and the power of student-led initiatives, can be a source of inspiration and encouragement. External sponsors, such as local businesses and organizations, may also recognize the value of investing in the leaders of tomorrow, providing financial support and resources to help campaigns thrive.

As we piece together the puzzle, we uncover the pressures that aspiring student leaders face in this financial pursuit. The need to secure funds becomes intertwined with the drive to run a competitive campaign. The costs of printing posters and flyers, designing captivating merchandise, organizing engaging events, and ensuring transportation to reach the masses all contribute to the financial puzzle. These expenses are not mere frivolities but essential tools in capturing the student body's attention, trust, and support.

The financial puzzle challenges aspiring leaders to be resourceful strategists and think creatively and efficiently about allocating limited funds. It forces them to make tough decisions, weighing the potential impact of each investment against the overall campaign objectives. Should they invest more in promotional materials to increase visibility, or allocate funds to events that foster meaningful connections with their constituents? Every decision carries weight and requires careful consideration, as they strive to create a campaign that resonates with their peers and leaves a lasting impression.

Navigating the funding puzzle is not a solitary endeavour. It necessitates collaboration and partnerships, both within and outside the realm of student politics. Aspiring leaders join forces, pooling resources and sharing ideas, to maximize the impact of their campaigns. They tap into the networks of student organizations, engaging in dialogue and seeking support. By fostering a spirit of cooperation, they can build a collective foundation that empowers all student leaders to overcome financial challenges and achieve their goals.

In this intricate web of funding, the financial puzzle becomes a central element in the journey of student political campaigns. It underscores the resourcefulness, resilience, and determination of aspiring leaders who navigate the twists and turns to secure the financial means necessary to make a lasting impact. Whether through personal contributions, political party support, donations from peers, or partnerships with external sponsors, each piece of the puzzle plays a crucial role in shaping the financial landscape of student political campaigns. It highlights the interconnectedness between individuals, organizations, and the wider community in supporting the democratic aspirations of young leaders.

The Case for Regulating Financing in Student Politics

As we embark on the challenging task of piecing together the intricate funding puzzle that underlies student political campaigns, a host of profound questions begins to surface, forcing us to confront the potential implications and ethical considerations that accompany the pursuit of financial resources. One such question that looms large is how personal contributions from candidates impact their independence and objectivity. When candidates heavily rely on their own financial resources, there is a legitimate concern that their indebtedness or potential influence from vested interests might compromise their ability to act in the best interest of their constituents. The funding they receive has the power to shape their decision-making process, raising profound concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the democratic process itself.

Additionally, the issue of political party support emerges as a significant consideration in this funding puzzle. While political parties may provide valuable financial backing to student candidates, there is an inherent risk that such support can inadvertently sway the direction and focus of campaigns. The interests and ideologies of political parties may supersede the individual aspirations and goals of the candidates, potentially undermining the diversity of ideas and perspectives within student politics. This limits the range of choices available to the student body, impeding the democratic principle of robust and vibrant debate.

The involvement of external sponsors and donations further raises pressing questions about the expectations and influence that accompany such financial support. While external sponsors can offer crucial resources and funding, their involvement often comes with certain expectations or conditions. This poses a delicate challenge, as candidates may feel compelled to align their positions with the interests of their sponsors, potentially compromising their autonomy and integrity. The risk of candidates prioritizing the concerns and desires of sponsors over those of the students they aim to represent is a genuine concern that must be addressed.

In light of these inquiries and potential challenges, it becomes evident that establishing transparency and ethical guidelines in campaign financing in our tertiary universities is paramount. Clear boundaries and practices must be put in place to ensure fairness, accountability, and the preservation of democratic values. As custodians of the electoral process, university authorities are responsible for setting these guidelines and creating an environment that promotes transparency and confidence in the electoral system. By implementing measures requiring candidates to disclose their funding sources and expenses, universities can uphold the principles of fairness and accountability, fostering a culture of open and honest electoral practices.

Furthermore, aspiring student leaders themselves can play a crucial role in promoting transparency and instilling confidence in their constituents. By voluntarily adhering to ethical guidelines and openly sharing information about their campaign financing, they demonstrate their commitment to an open and honest electoral process. Such transparency cultivates trust and serves as a powerful testament to their integrity and dedication to serving the student body.

Moreover, the financial puzzle highlights the need for broader conversations about the accessibility and inclusivity of student political campaigns. It is essential to address potential disparities that may arise from varying financial resources available to candidates. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds should not face insurmountable barriers in pursuing leadership positions due to financial constraints. We can work towards a more equitable playing field that amplifies diverse voices and perspectives by fostering a supportive environment and exploring innovative solutions, such as scholarships or fundraising initiatives.

Conclusion

As we step back and contemplate the complexities of the funding puzzle, we recognize that the financial realities of student political campaigns extend far beyond the surface. They shape the opportunities, aspirations, and future leaders of our society. By understanding the sources of funding, the pressures faced by aspiring student leaders, and the ethical considerations that come into play, we can navigate this intricate landscape with greater insight and purpose. In the grand tapestry of democracy, the funding puzzle serves as a reminder that financial resources should be harnessed responsibly, guided by ethical principles, and utilized to uplift the democratic process. By working together, we can ensure that the pieces of this puzzle fit seamlessly, empowering student leaders to embark on their journeys with integrity, transparency, and unwavering commitment to shaping a brighter future.

Author: Joshua Nunya Agbogbo

[email protected]

+233(0) 546018735

Joshua Nunya Agbogbo is a research analyst and is currently a third-year LLB student at the Faculty of Law, University of Cape Coast. Prior to pursuing his law degree, he obtained a bachelor's degree in management from the same university.
Generative AI's ability to create novel content and facilitate human-like interactions has sparked innovation and reinvention across industries. In the business world, it enables companies to explore new avenues for product and service innovation, generating unique designs and prototypes. Generative AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants provide personalized interactions, improving customer satisfaction and fostering stronger relationships.

Generative AI also facilitates data-driven decision-making processes and smarter planning by generating simulations and scenarios based on large datasets, helping businesses make informed decisions and optimize protocols. Its safe to say that generative AI is revolutionizing industries, from creative arts and marketing to strategic planning and customer engagement, paving the way for enhanced competitiveness and efficiency in the market.

Accenture and Microsoft see that. Therefore, the two have expanded their decades-long collaboration to co-develop new AI-powered industry and functional solutions to help clients harness generative AI across the enterprise.

In the financial services sector, the companies are working closely with banks and insurers to evaluate low-risk, high-value use cases. One key area of focus is the development of solutions powered by Azure OpenAI Service, such as content aggregation, summarization and transcription analysis. These solutions aim to streamline processes, boost efficiency and provide valuable insights for business analysts.

In the healthcare industry, Accenture (News - Alert) and Microsoft are utilizing Microsoft Power Platform and Azure OpenAI Service to enable advancements in patient care, contact center transformation, medical image analysis and patient data synthesis. These applications have the potential to enhance clinical decision-making, automate administrative tasks and improve patient outcomes.

The collaboration also extends to the supply chain domain, where Accenture is enhancing its intelligent supply chain solutions with Microsoft (News - Alert) Copilot and Supply Chain Center. For example, Accenture's logistics control tower solution now incorporates the capability to analyze unstructured data from news alerts, predicting delays and offering recommendations to supply chain operators for quick inventory reallocation. This proactive approach helps mitigate disruptions and improves overall supply chain efficiency.

Furthermore, Accenture and Microsoft are revolutionizing contact center operations by integrating Azure Open AI Service, providing real-time insights and suggestions to enhance agent productivity and customer satisfaction. By utilizing AI-driven sentiment analysis and personalized experiences, agents can navigate complex customer interactions more effectively, leading to improved customer experiences.

A final area of focus is cybersecurity, where the collaboration aims to reimagine cyber protection and resilience solutions using generative AI. The companies have a successful track record with Accenture Adaptive Detection and Response, which utilizes Microsoft Sentinel at its core. By working closely with Microsoft engineering teams and developing contextual extensions of LLM models, automation and prompt engineering, Accenture and Microsoft are pioneering an innovative approach to cyber response.

Expanding our collaboration with Accenture will accelerate adoption of the worlds most advanced AI models, backed by Azure, and enable Accenture to deliver innovative AI-powered industry solutions that will help customers take advantage of the newest innovations, said Eric Boyd, Corporate Vice President, AI Platform at Microsoft. Through this initiative, we will work with Accenture to harness the power of Microsoft Azure, Azure OpenAI Service and Microsoft 365 Copilot to deliver AI-empowered solutions, within our trusted cloud, that will help companies achieve more.

The companies have already engaged with numerous clients across industries around generative AI. For example, they worked with Radisson Hotel Group, using a combination of Microsoft Cloud technologies and Azure OpenAI to create an intelligent, automated system that manages guest cancellations, and creates draft responses to guests reviews, addressing feedback with a full understanding of specific positive and negative elements. The system learns from each interaction, making every response more intelligent than the last.

Additionally, the newly established Accenture Center for Advanced AI, coupled with Avanade's AI Organizational Readiness Framework, is set to empower clients in exploring and experimenting with generative AI for innovation at scale. Through this collaboration, businesses can embrace generative AI with a strong focus on safety and responsibility. The joint effort aims to provide clients with the resources and expertise needed to embark on safe and scalable generative AI initiatives.

A key component of this collaboration is the creation of the Accenture and Avanade Generative AI Lab, which will utilize the capabilities of the Microsoft Technology Center in Canada. This lab will serve as a hub for global clients, offering them the opportunity to leverage Azure OpenAI Service and drive operational excellence through the application of AI.

The expanded collaboration harnesses a combination of Accentures AI transformation, strategy and industry experience, with Azure OpenAI Service and cloud infrastructure and Avanades technical and delivery experience.

Generative AI is driving innovation and reinvention, transforming work across industries, and changing the ways we access information, said Julie Sweet, chair and CEO, Accenture. Our expanded partnership with Microsoft will help our clients find the right ways to responsibly build and scale this exciting technology across their enterprises and realize the value it can create.

Edited by Alex Passett
28.06.2023 LISTEN

The bilateral relations between the United States and Bangladesh are extensive and have historical origins. During the past fifty years, friendly ties have existed between the two nations that have increased collaboration in areas of economic growth, environmental protection, the fight against terrorism, democratic governance, and the protection of human rights. But the recent actions taken by the US administration and President Joe Biden have caused tension in bilateral relations. The United States' poor policy decisions have caused some turbulence in the robust relations between the US and Bangladesh.

In its interactions with other countries, the United States has always prioritized democracy and respect for human rights. The United States has made its support of these values a central component of its foreign policy, and it has done so through a variety of means, including diplomatic outreach, financial assistance and sanctions, and military action in some cases. The policy of sanctioning RAB individuals in 2021 marked the first rift in US-Bangladesh relations . Without any prior notice, the US sanctioned high-ranking RAB officials on grounds of extrajudicial killing, forced disappearances, and human rights abuse. In 2022, US Ambassador Hass made allegations of forced disappearances in the 2014 and 2018 national elections. Again, in February 2023, the US State Department Counselor, Derek Chollet, voiced concerns over the decline of democracy in Bangladesh and warned that this would limit cooperation with the US. Lastly, in May 2023, the new US visa policy was announced ahead of national elections that is due to be held by January 2024. US Secretary Antony Blinken issued a statement that seemed more like a warning from Washington. The US indirectly warned Bangladesh on May 3 about the new visa policy under "Section 212(a)(3)(C) ("3C") of the Immigration and Nationality Act". This will impose visa restrictions on Bangladeshi citizens who undermine the democratic election process. This policy was further explained by Assistant Secretary Donald Lau in Tritiyo Matra in an interview. Following that incident, six congressmen wrote a letter to Antony Blinken, requesting that he take steps to ensure free and fair elections in Bangladesh. After that, the UN is planning to enhance screening of Bangladesh peacekeepers, which is undermining their contribution to volatile peacekeeping missions.

The US is making several policies about Bangladesh. Numerous factors influence this decision from the United States, but these factors also have geopolitical implications. Firstly, the US wants Bangladesh to join bloc politics in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war and Taiwan crisis. Bangladesh has always maintained a non-aligned position in global politics, pursued neutrality in foreign policy choices, and taken decisions based on multipolarity. In the United Nations, Bangladesh abstained twice with other South Asian nations to condemn Russia as the war was ongoing. However, on the question of human rights, Bangladesh voted in favor of Ukraine. Even in the Taiwan issue, Bangladesh has strongly reiterated its position towards the "One China Policy". The Taiwan issue still remains a prime concern for the US and allies in the West, and South Asian allies want the US to reposition its policy towards Taiwan. Secondly, the US has greater interests in the Indo-Pacific region. Therefore, it has been creating security alliances to counter Chinas assertive intentions in this region. To pursue that goal, the US wanted Bangladesh to join initiatives like QUAD or IPS and corner China from all sides. However, Bangladesh vehemently rejected joining any security alliance and gave economic diplomacy top priority for any initiatives due to the constitution's frequent encouragement of a peaceful foreign policy. In December 2022, Bangladesh introduced its Indo-Pacific Outlook and echoed the importance of a stable and peaceful region, but also emphasized Chinas role in this region. Thirdly, the US has been commenting in the internal domestic affairs of Bangladesh. It is urging to establish the Western concept of democracy to be implemented in Bangladesh and to create immense pressure for the country to choose a west-centric foreign policy. Even though its connections with some authoritarian states cast doubt on its proclaimed policy of adhering to democracy and human rights. Fourthly, the US has become tensed about the economic proximity Bangladesh and China hold. Bangladeshi products in Chinese markets get 99% duty-free access. Also, Bangladesh joined BRI to ensure its infrastructural development. Through BRI, China has committed to invest almost $40 billion in the country. As the Padma Multipurpose Bridge and the Bangabandhu Karnaphuli Tunnel have been completed, it has also marked a robust bi-lateral relationship between these two states. Bangladesh is also not falling into the western-narrated "debt trap" and maintaining a considerable forex reserve. Even in cases where Bangladesh is facing difficulty paying in US dollars, it has resorted to paying in Chinese RMB. Bangladesh is further seeking Chinas mediation to repatriate the Rohingyas in Myanmar. In all these cases, the US has failed to provide a substantive policy for Bangladesh. In addition, on 26 May, 2023, the Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sun Weidong, made a three-day visit to Dhaka at a time of heightened strain in ties between the United States and Bangladesh. Bangladesh is thinking about joining China's Global Development Initiative. Fifth, the US is even less optimistic about the developing ties between Russia and Bangladesh. The nuclear power plant at Roopoor served as a metaphor for ongoing friendship. Bangladesh is working toward its objectives of having a developed economy by 2050 and a high-income nation by 2041. Bangladesh places a high priority on energy sustainability, and Russia is helping Bangladesh achieve this goal.

However, The US is oblivious to the internal component of domestic politics in Bangladesh. Firstly, when it comes to dealing with Bangladesh, the United States of America has also been emphasizing on these two ideals during the Presidency of Joe Biden. Secondly, Bangladesh may never change its stance on the Ukraine issue, the Rohingya issue, or the Taiwan issue, which is another error in US policy towards Bangladesh. The US's diplomacy in Bangladesh could backfire because Bangladesh would not alter its views on China, Russia, or Ukraine. Given that South Asia heavily relies on the bureaucratic model of foreign policy, it is clear even from historical evidence that the US may not benefit in any particular way. Thirdly, with this involvement, the US is interfering in domestic politics of Bangladesh that violates Article 2(4) of the UN Charter. So, the US is losing its credibility as a responsible global power. Lastly, due to Bangladeshs geographic position and growing economy, its strategic significance has reached a mountainous level in global politics. As the US is undertaking such initiatives towards Bangladesh, Bangladesh is focusing on joining initiatives like BRICS and diversifying its RMG exports, even in Middle Eastern countries. It is known that US has been has been Bangladeshs top RMG export destination. Furthermore, Bangladesh is ensuring that RMG exports to Europe can continue if the US does not remain in top position.

In conclusion, it should be noted that it is impossible to predict precisely how this visa policy will affect the outcome of the election or the bilateral relations. The United States government has been showing concern over the free and fair election in Bangladesh. It cannot be denied that the US is exerting a significant amount of influence and pressure to bring about the goals it is committed to achieving. But in order to put it into practice, the US is choosing few methods to Bangladesh that has strained its robust bilateral relations. So, the US should seek a comprehensive dialogue rather than restrictions with Bangladesh to continue the existing bi-lateral ties.

Authors Bio



Aishwarya Sanjukta Roy Proma is a research intern at the KRF Center for Bangladesh and Global Affairs. Previously, she worked at the East Asia Study Center. She is a research analyst in security studies. She obtained her Master's and Bachelor's degrees in International Relations from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. She can be reached at [email protected]
The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) trained and deployed 15 observers who were classified in two categories to observe polling day proceedings in the Assin North Constituency by- election which was held today on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. Among the observers were stationary observers who were stationed at sampled polling stations and observed proceedings from the start of polls to the end of closing, counting and declaration of results at assigned polling stations. At the same time, there were some roaming observers who roamed or visited several polling stations throughout the day in the constituency. As part of their role, the observers impartially observed the process using CODEOs observation checklist and incident forms. This statement highlights observation on the set-up, voting, incidents recorded during voting, closing and counting in polling stations.

Arrival and Set-up for Polls

CODEO observers reported that election officials were present in the vast majority of the polling stations observers arrived before 6:30AM.

Majority of the polling stations observed were opened by 7:30AM with very few opening by 8:00 AM. It should be noted that no polling station was observed to have opened after 8:00 AM

All the observers indicated they were permitted by polling officials to observe the voting when the polling station was officially opened.

Adequate polling officials were present in all the polling stations observed. An average of four polling officials were present in all the polling stations observed.

All the observers indicated that voting booths had been set-up in a manner that allowed eligible voters to mark their ballots in secret.

Majority of observed polling stations were accessible to the elderly and to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Agents for all three political parties National Democratic Congress (NDC), the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) were present in most polling stations even before voting commenced.

All polling stations observed had two functioning biometric verification devices.

All voting materials (ballot box, ballot papers, indelible link, voting screen, validating stamp, ink pad) were observed to be present and in adequate quantity. Tactile ballot papers were observed to be present in the applicable polling stations where persons with visual impairment were expected to vote.

Most of the ballot booklets were observed to be serialized and ordered numerically.

All observers indicated that ballot boxes were shown to be empty, sealed, and placed in public view before voting commenced.

Uniformed police personnel were stationed in all polling stations that were observed.

Voting

For all polling stations observed, ballot papers were stamped with the validating stamp before being issued to voters.

Observers reported that no unauthorized person(s) were permitted to remain in the polling station during voting.

No attempted harassment or intimidation of voters or polling officials were observed in polling stations that were covered.

All observers indicated that the vulnerable (elderly, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and Persons with Disabilities) were given priority in the queue to vote ahead of others.

In all polling stations observed, nobody was permitted to vote without going through either biometric or manual verification. However, very few people were permitted to go through the manual verification process before being allowed to vote.

Biometric verification devices functioned very well in most polling stations. However, at the Cocoa Shed Caanan polling station, the biometric verification device failed to function properly for about three minutes. The polling officials quickly resolved the situation by replacing the faulty device with the backup device, and as such the voting process was not halted.

Overall, a majority of the observers indicated that minor or no problems occurred during the voting process.

Closing and Counting

In all polling stations observed, no voter was seen in the queue at 5:00 PM and no one arrived at the polling station after 5:00 pm to vote when polls closed.

No harassment or intimidation of polling officials, agents, or observers was noted during the counting of votes in polling stations that were covered by the observers.

No unauthorized persons were present at the inner perimeter/cordoned area during the counting process in observed polling stations.

At the time of counting, observers reported that there was sufficient light available in all observed polling stations.

All political party agents were permitted to observe the counting processes.

There was no instance in which more ballot papers were found in the ballot box other than that of voters who cast ballots.

After counting was completed, no political party agent requested for a recount of the ballot papers in polling stations that had CODEO observers.

Political party agents from the NPP and NDC signed the declaration of results form for this parliamentary by-election in observed polling stations. Similarly, Presiding Officers in all observed polling stations signed the declaration of results forms. On the contrary, no LPG party agent was noted to have signed the declaration of results form.

Reported incidents

CODEO Observers reported a few incidents that occurred during the course of the polls and these include issues that were verified:

Intimidation: At precisely 7:20AM, at Methodist Primary School 2 in Breku, a journalist from Adom TV was interviewing electorates who were in a queue to vote, and he was confronted by a purported executive of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for conducting an interview at the polling station. Police personnel located at the polling station swiftly intervened and that prevented the situation from degenerating. Violation of voting procedure: At the Methodist Primary School 2 in Bereku, two electorates were apprehended for taking a snapshot of the ballot paper after voting. When questioned about their actions, they claimed that an unidentified individual had tasked them to take a picture of the marked ballot as proof in return for a monetary reward. They were nearly arrested by security personnel, however, the matter was resolved amicably and the alleged offenders were let go. Violent Clash: Around 1:00PM, a convoy of vehicles with NPP occupants, accompanied by the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, Antwi Bosiako (Chairman Wontumi), pursued a vehicle occupied by NDC supporters from a different polling station to D/C Primary School in Praso (located within the Electoral Area with Polling Station Code B170801). During this pursuit, the occupants of the NPP vehicles proceeded to vandalize and damage parts of the NDC vehicle, resulting in commotion and disturbance along the roadside. Security personnel intervened to calm the situation by removing the actors from the vicinity of the polling station to a distant location. However, it was reported that the individuals involved in the altercation fired gunshots and one person was injured and was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Conclusion

CODEO would like to commend the Electoral Commission, the Ghana Police Service and the electorates for ensuring a largely peaceful by-election which was fully concluded after the winning candidate was declared. CODEO acknowledges that the conduct of the polls was consistent with the general rules and regulations which was adhered to by the polling officials. In addition, there were no shortage of materials and the biometric verification devices functioned well to very a large extent without any significant disruptions to the polls in any of the observed polling stations. CODEO condemns the violent incident which occurred in the constituency and nearly blotted the elections. On this note, the Coalition calls on the Ghana Police Service to urgently investigate the incident and prosecute all persons found culpable to serve as a deterrent.

About CODEO

CODEO is an independent and non-partisan network of civil society groups, faith-based organizations and professional bodies which observe Ghanaian elections. It was established in the year 2000, under the auspices of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) to mobilize Ghanaian citizens to actively participate in the electoral process and to complement the efforts of Ghanas Electoral Commission in ensuring transparent, free, fair and peaceful elections. The Coalition of 42- member organizations has grown to become the largest and most credible domestic election observer body in Ghana which mobilizes citizens and groups to participate in Ghanas electoral processes.

SIGNED:

Albert Kofi Arhin

National Coordinator, CODEO

(For and on Behalf of the Advisory Board)

Date: Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Former President, John Dramani Mahama, has expressed his deepest appreciation to the people of Assin North for giving the National Democratic Congress candidate, Jame Gyakye Quayson, the nod to represent them in Parliament again.

Mr. Mahama further thanked the constituents for rejecting the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and remarked that they exhibited justice in their voting pattern.

A big thank you, Assin North, for supporting James Gyakye Quayson and rejecting the non-performing NPP in the by-election. Your vote for Justice and Development is truly inspiring. Lets keep working together to build the Ghana we all dream of, he stated.

The by-election was held following the Supreme Courts nullification of the 2020 polls held in the Assin North constituency which was won by Mr. Quayson.

James Gyakye Quayson polled 17,245 votes representing 57.56%, while Charles Opoku of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) received 12,630 votes, representing 42.15% after the by-election on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

The Liberal Party of Ghana's (LPG) candidate, Sefenu Bernice Enyonam, garnered a paltry 87 votes, representing 0.29%.

citinewsroom
President Nana Akufo-Addo says he is confident that sooner than later, Assin North will be blue again.

He has therefore urged members of his party, the New Patriotic Party, to keep their heads up, recognising that, in a democracy, there are winners and losers.

I urge members of my party, the New Patriotic Party, to keep their heads up, recognising that, in a democracy, there are winners and losers, and that we live to fight another day. We once held the Assin North seat, and I am confident that, sooner rather than later, Assin North will be blue again, he stated.

This was contained in a statement issued by President Akufo-Addo on Wednesday, June 28, 2023.

He congratulated the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on its win in the Assin North by-election on Tuesday.

President Akufo-Addo also congratulated the Electoral Commission and the security agencies for a job well done.

He said Ghanas democratic credentials were strengthened even further on Tuesday following the conduct of a peaceful election in Assin North.

Yesterday, Tuesday, 27th June 2023, Ghana's democratic credentials were strengthened even further following the conduct of peaceful and credible elections in the Assin North by-election.

I congratulate warmly the Chairperson and Members of the Electoral Commission, again, for a job well-done. The security services are to be commended for maintaining law and order during the holding of the elections; as is the media for providing extensive coverage before, during and after the elections. I congratulate the National Democratic Congress on its victory yesterday, he posted on his Facebook page.

The by-election was held following the Supreme Court's nullification of the 2020 polls held in the Assin North constituency which was won by the National Democratic Congress James Gyakye Quayson.

The Supreme Court found Quayson guilty of owing allegiance to Canada prior to filing his forms to contest in the 2020 polls.

Mr. Quayson polled 17,245 votes representing 57.56%, while Charles Opoku of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) received 12,630 votes, representing 42.15% after the by-election on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

The Liberal Party of Ghana's (LPG) candidate, Sefenu Bernice Enyonam, garnered a paltry 87 votes, representing 0.29%.

citinewsroom
Scores of Muslims in Hohoe defied early showers on Wednesday to converge at the Ahlussunna Mosque for this years Eid ul-Adha prayers.

At 0930 hours, prayers were done with a lot of Muslims crowded at the Mosque to wish each other a fruitful celebration.

Alhaji Mohammed Mutawakil Yussif, Volta Regional Imam, Ahlussunna Wal Jamaah, speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) after the prayers, disclosed that the day was significant to all Muslims in the world.

In times like this, we do a lot of prayers, types of worship and engage in so many things trying to get closer to Almighty Allah.

Alhaji Yussif said celebrating Eid ul-Adha was not about ones wealth nor trying to show off but for all to fear Allah in all they were doing.

He said it was important to ensure that everything was done according to what was prescribed by Allah and Prophet Muhammad.

Alhaji Yussif admonished all, especially the youth, to mark the day in modesty and be cautious as well as law-abiding.

Eid ul-Adha is celebrated to commemorate Prophet Ibrahims devotion to Allah (SWT) and his readiness to sacrifice his son, Ismail.

The celebrations, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice is the second of the two Islamic festivities, which are celebrated annually worldwide.

Muslims approach God on this day by sacrificing a sheep, a cow, or a camel and distributing the meat to the poor as well as uniting to pray together with family and friends and show love.

Eid ul-Adha falls on the tenth day in the twelfth month of the Islamic Lunar

Calendar; Dhul-Hijah, which allows families, loved ones, and communities to

fraternise, and is dependent on a legitimate sighting of the moon, following the completion of the annual Holy Pilgrimage of Hajj  which is an obligation for all Muslims.

GNA
Hundreds gathered in the Sudanese capital Khartoum Wednesday to pray for peace on the first day of the Eid al-Adha Muslim holiday, but gunfire shattered the brief respite, residents said.

Witnesses in the capital's twin city of Omdurman late Wednesday reported air strikes and anti-aircraft fire, despite separate unilateral truces announced by the warring generals for the holiday.

"The country can't take any more of this," Khartoum resident Kazem Abdel Baqi told AFP earlier in the day.

Nearly 2,800 people have been killed and more than 2.8 million displaced in the war between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy-turned rival Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Burhan on Tuesday called for Sudanese "youth and all those able to defend" to take up arms with the military. His appeal echoed one from the defence ministry last month, and has been widely rejected by civilians.

While real guns are killing people during the war, Sudanese men offer toy weapons at an Eid prayer gathering in Jazira region. By - (AFP)

"We pray to God to make our country safe and secure," Baqi said, rejecting Burhan's call to arms, after the early morning prayer that rang in the three-day festival, normally a highlight of the year for Sudanese.

In neat rows in an empty courtyard, men in white and women in brightly coloured outfits gathered to pray, embracing and wishing each other well in a rare moment of respite from more than 10 weeks of relentless gunshots, air strikes and artillery fire that have reduced civilians' homes to rubble.

In both Khartoum and the western region of Darfur, where most of the violence has occurred, bodies have been left to rot in the streets.

Similar prayer gatherings took place outside Khartoum, including in Jazira region where many have fled from the capital.

Grim Eid

With millions trapped in the embattled capital still rationing electricity and water in the oppressive heat, families struggled to conjure up holiday cheer.

'Will the guns be silent for Eid?' asked Omar Ibrahim, a Khartoum resident. By - (AFP)

Omar Ibrahim, who lives with his three children in Khartoum's Shambat district, said the rituals of Eid have become an "unattainable dream".

"Will the guns be silent for Eid?" asked Ibrahim.

Multiple ceasefires announced by both sides have been systematically violated, as well as others mediated by the United States and Saudi Arabia.

The United Nations mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) welcomed the latest unilateral truce announcements.

"May Eid al-Adha be a reminder that the violence must stop," it said in a statement, reminding warring parties that "accountability for crimes committed during wartime will be pursued."

In past years, those Sudanese Muslims who could afford it would slaughter an animal for Eid, but now a record 25 million people in Sudan need humanitarian aid, the UN says.

The RSF and the army battled for control of Khartoum on multiple fronts this week, with paramilitaries seizing the capital's main police base and attacking military bases across the city.

In his Eid address urging the youth to defend Sudan, Burhan called the RSF "an existential threat" to the state.

The war has displaced around 2.2 million people within Sudan. By - (AFP)

Khartoum resident Ahmed al-Fateh said he was "against Burhan's call to tell the youth to take up arms and fight with the army."

"The youth have never fought before, and could do more harm than good," he told AFP.

More than a month ago the defence ministry had called on army reservists and military pensioners to report to military bases, before the governor of Darfur urged civilians to take up arms to defend themselves.

On Twitter, researcher Hamid Khalafallah called Burhan's address "very irresponsible", given fears that what began as a power struggle between generals is spiralling into civil conflict.

'Every 30 seconds'

In the western region of Darfur the situation continues to worsen.

Entire cities are under siege, the UN says, and neighbourhoods burned to the ground.

Residents, as well as the UN, United States and others, say civilians have been targeted and killed for their ethnicity by the RSF and allied Arab militias -- in a bleak reminder of Darfur's bloody history.

Covered bodies lie near houses in El Geneina, West Darfur -- residents, the UN and others say civilians have been targeted and killed in Darfur for their ethnicity by the RSF and allied Arab militias. By - (AFP)

In 2003, former strongman Omar al-Bashir armed and unleashed the RSF's predecessor, the Janjaweed militia, against Darfur's non-Arab ethnic minorities in a war that killed more than 300,000 and displaced 2.5 million.

Since April, more than 170,000 people have fled Darfur into neighbouring Chad, according to the UN refugee agency.

A total of almost 645,000 people have sought refuge outside Sudan, according to the latest International Organization for Migration data, with around 2.2 million more displaced within the country.

According to Laura Lo Castro, UNHCR's representative in Chad, "every 30 seconds, five (Sudanese) families cross the border into Chad through Adre town."
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged the Muslim community to embrace formal education because of the value it offers.

This country will afford your children the opportunity to rise to their highest possible calling.

I, therefore, encourage you to take advantage of our progressive policies in the education sector to educate your children, both male and female, he said.

President Nana Akufo-Addo was addressing Muslims at this year's national celebration of the Eid-al-Adha, at the Independence Square, Accra.

Educating the Muslim child, he explained, was a requirement espoused by the tenets of Islam.

I am aware that the first set of verses that were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which says, read in the name of thy Lord who createdread, and your Lord is most bountiful. He taught man by the pen. And He taught man what he did not know, he noted.

President Nana Akufo-Addo pointed out that by virtue of education, many Ghanaian Muslims had been given the advantage to reach the pinnacle of their career development.

There were a substantial number of such people who had served in various capacities and continued to offer their expertise for the society's growth, he emphasised.

Muslim faithful, fellow Ghanaians, in the spirit of Eid, I ask you to continue to support the Government, your government, to deliver the needed progress and prosperity that we all seek, he said.

President Nana Akufo-Addo gave the assurance that his Administration would not leave anyone out, including the Muslim community, in the distribution of the requisite resources critical in building a vibrant human resource base.

He affirmed the Government's commitment to work assiduously for the betterment of the people, in spite of the economic challenges confronting the nation.

I said at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic that we do not know how to bring back lives, but we know how to bring back an economy.

I stand by those words. 'Insha Allah (By God's grace)', we are working to restore the economy to full health, and, 'Insha Allah', we shall do so, he stated.

GNA
Africa Oil Corp. (OTCMKTS:AOIFF  Free Report)s stock price crossed above its 50 day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of $2.06 and traded as high as $2.20. Africa Oil shares last traded at $2.19, with a volume of 27,483 shares trading hands.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on AOIFF. Barclays raised Africa Oil from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 23rd. Scotiabank raised Africa Oil from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, March 22nd.

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Africa Oil Stock Down 1.9 %

The company has a 50 day moving average of $2.06 and a 200-day moving average of $2.04.

Africa Oil Company Profile

Africa Oil ( OTCMKTS:AOIFF Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Friday, May 12th. The energy company reported $0.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter.

(Free Report)

Africa Oil Corp., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an oil and gas exploration and production company in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. The company holds interests in producing and development assets in deep-water Nigeria, and development assets in Kenya. It also has a portfolio of exploration/appraisal assets in Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya, as well as Guyana and Senegal Guinea Bissau Joint Development Zone.

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First Hawaiian Bank lessened its stake in American Express (NYSE:AXP) by 21.4% during the first quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 21,788 shares of the payment services companys stock after selling 5,931 shares during the period. First Hawaiian Banks holdings in American Express were worth $3,594,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in AXP. Macroview Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of American Express in the 4th quarter valued at $25,000. Elequin Securities LLC acquired a new position in shares of American Express in the 4th quarter valued at $25,000. My Personal CFO LLC acquired a new position in shares of American Express during the 4th quarter valued at $30,000. Chelsea Counsel Co. acquired a new position in shares of American Express during the 4th quarter valued at $30,000. Finally, PFG Private Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of American Express by 288.9% during the 4th quarter. PFG Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 210 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 156 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.84% of the companys stock.

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American Express Stock Down 0.1 %

Shares of AXP traded down $0.21 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $167.98. The company had a trading volume of 412,785 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,362,359. The companys 50 day moving average price is $160.70 and its 200 day moving average price is $161.76. The stock has a market cap of $124.85 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.69, a PEG ratio of 1.05 and a beta of 1.18. American Express has a 52 week low of $130.65 and a 52 week high of $182.15. The company has a quick ratio of 1.55, a current ratio of 1.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.58.

American Express ( NYSE:AXP Get Rating ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, April 20th. The payment services company reported $2.40 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.66 by ($0.26). The company had revenue of $14.28 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.02 billion. American Express had a return on equity of 29.44% and a net margin of 13.00%. American Expresss revenue for the quarter was up 21.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $2.73 EPS. On average, equities research analysts predict that American Express will post 11.15 EPS for the current year.

American Express announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase plan on Wednesday, March 8th that allows the company to buyback 120,000,000 shares. This buyback authorization allows the payment services company to buy shares of its stock through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are often an indication that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued.

American Express Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 7th will be given a $0.60 dividend. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.43%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 6th. American Expresss payout ratio is currently 25.24%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

AXP has been the topic of several recent research reports. Piper Sandler reduced their target price on shares of American Express from $179.00 to $172.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, April 21st. Redburn Partners lowered shares of American Express from a neutral rating to a sell rating and set a $125.00 target price on the stock. in a report on Thursday, May 25th. Oppenheimer reduced their target price on shares of American Express from $182.00 to $180.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, April 4th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of American Express in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on shares of American Express from $186.00 to $188.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, April 5th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, American Express has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $174.50.

American Express Company Profile

(Get Rating)

American Express Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides charge and credit payment card products, and travel-related services worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Global Consumer Services Group, Global Commercial Services, and Global Merchant and Network Services. Its products and services include payment and financing products; network services; accounts payable expense management products and services; and travel and lifestyle services.

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Anhui Conch Cement Company Limited (OTCMKTS:AHCHY  Free Report) saw a large increase in short interest during the month of June. As of June 15th, there was short interest totalling 25,700 shares, an increase of 1,327.8% from the May 31st total of 1,800 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 136,500 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.2 days.

Anhui Conch Cement Price Performance

AHCHY stock traded down $0.14 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $13.27. 22,840 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 28,121. Anhui Conch Cement has a twelve month low of $12.40 and a twelve month high of $22.59. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $14.44 and a 200 day simple moving average of $16.91.

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Anhui Conch Cement Cuts Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 17th. Investors of record on Friday, June 2nd will be given a dividend of $0.918 per share. This represents a dividend yield of 6.89%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 1st.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Anhui Conch Cement Company Profile

Separately, The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of Anhui Conch Cement from a sell rating to a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, March 29th.

(Free Report)

Anhui Conch Cement Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, sells, and trades in clinker and cement products. The company conducts its operations through five segments, which include Eastern China, Central China, Southern China, Western China, and Overseas. It provides construction and installation services for industrial purposes; logistic services; and mining and related services.

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Jay D. Torczon

Age 67

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, July 1, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Fr. Patrick Harrison celebrating the Mass. Visitation will be on Friday from 3  6 p.m., with a 6 p.m. Vigil Service at Gass Haney Funeral Home. Visitation will continue on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the church. Interment will be in All Saints Cemetery in Columbus. Memorials are suggested to Peace Lutheran Comfort Dog Ministry, donor or family choice.
Annaly Capital Management, Inc. (NYSE:NLY  Free Report) was the recipient of unusually large options trading on Wednesday. Investors purchased 52,501 call options on the stock. This represents an increase of 271% compared to the typical volume of 14,141 call options.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Annaly Capital Management

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in NLY. Bank of Montreal Can boosted its position in Annaly Capital Management by 24.0% during the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 381,525 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,828,000 after acquiring an additional 73,892 shares during the last quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Annaly Capital Management during the 1st quarter worth approximately $199,000. Rhumbline Advisers grew its position in shares of Annaly Capital Management by 3.3% in the first quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 1,185,123 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $8,343,000 after purchasing an additional 37,762 shares in the last quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Annaly Capital Management by 6.6% in the first quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 97,368 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $685,000 after purchasing an additional 6,043 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cibc World Market Inc. purchased a new position in Annaly Capital Management during the first quarter worth approximately $163,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 51.24% of the companys stock.

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Annaly Capital Management Price Performance

NLY stock traded up $0.08 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $20.68. 4,246,580 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 5,187,958. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.85, a current ratio of 0.08 and a quick ratio of 0.08. Annaly Capital Management has a 12-month low of $15.11 and a 12-month high of $27.96. The stocks 50 day moving average is $19.44 and its 200 day moving average is $20.45. The company has a market cap of $10.21 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -9.16 and a beta of 1.37.

Annaly Capital Management Announces Dividend

Annaly Capital Management ( NYSE:NLY Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.81 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.72 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $818.25 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $183.00 million. Annaly Capital Management had a positive return on equity of 18.86% and a negative net margin of 38.80%. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.12 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that Annaly Capital Management will post 2.86 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 31st. Investors of record on Friday, June 30th will be issued a $0.65 dividend. This represents a $2.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 12.57%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, June 29th. Annaly Capital Managements payout ratio is -115.56%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

NLY has been the topic of several recent research reports. Piper Sandler raised shares of Annaly Capital Management from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and upped their price objective for the company from $20.00 to $21.50 in a report on Tuesday, May 2nd. StockNews.com raised Annaly Capital Management to a sell rating in a research report on Thursday, June 22nd. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on Annaly Capital Management from $23.00 to $21.00 in a research note on Friday, April 28th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on Annaly Capital Management from $23.00 to $22.00 in a report on Monday, April 24th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $21.69.

Annaly Capital Management Company Profile

(Free Report)

Annaly Capital Management, Inc, a diversified capital manager, engages in mortgage finance. The company invests in agency mortgage-backed securities collateralized by residential mortgages; non-agency residential whole loans and securitized products within the residential and commercial markets; mortgage servicing rights; agency commercial mortgage-backed securities; residential mortgage loans; and agency or private label credit risk transfer securities.

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Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. (NYSE:APLE  Get Rating) declared a monthly dividend on Tuesday, June 20th, investing.com reports. Investors of record on Friday, June 30th will be given a dividend of 0.08 per share by the real estate investment trust on Monday, July 17th. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.54%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 29th.

Apple Hospitality REIT has decreased its dividend payment by an average of 17.3% per year over the last three years and has increased its dividend annually for the last 1 consecutive years. Apple Hospitality REIT has a payout ratio of 107.9% meaning the company cannot currently cover its dividend with earnings alone and is relying on its balance sheet to cover its dividend payments. Equities analysts expect Apple Hospitality REIT to earn $1.72 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.96 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 55.8%.

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Apple Hospitality REIT Stock Performance

NYSE APLE traded down $0.12 on Wednesday, reaching $14.67. 285,789 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,667,711. The firm has a market cap of $3.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.13, a P/E/G ratio of 1.55 and a beta of 1.16. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $15.07 and a 200-day moving average price of $15.81. Apple Hospitality REIT has a fifty-two week low of $13.66 and a fifty-two week high of $18.22. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a current ratio of 0.98.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Insider Transactions at Apple Hospitality REIT

A number of research firms recently issued reports on APLE. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of Apple Hospitality REIT from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and decreased their target price for the company from $18.00 to $17.00 in a research report on Thursday, March 30th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Apple Hospitality REIT in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. B. Riley cut their price objective on shares of Apple Hospitality REIT from $20.00 to $19.00 in a report on Monday, May 8th. Finally, Compass Point cut shares of Apple Hospitality REIT from a buy rating to a neutral rating and cut their price objective for the company from $22.00 to $17.00 in a report on Wednesday, March 22nd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $18.00.

In related news, Chairman Glade M. Knight bought 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 5th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $15.50 per share, with a total value of $77,500.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chairman now directly owns 568,109 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,805,689.50. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders purchased 6,718 shares of company stock valued at $102,969 over the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 7.00% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Apple Hospitality REIT

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of APLE. Acadian Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in Apple Hospitality REIT during the 1st quarter valued at about $25,000. Advisory Services Network LLC grew its stake in Apple Hospitality REIT by 255.5% during the 1st quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC now owns 2,087 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 1,500 shares in the last quarter. First Manhattan Co. purchased a new stake in Apple Hospitality REIT during the 1st quarter valued at about $99,000. Captrust Financial Advisors purchased a new stake in Apple Hospitality REIT during the 2nd quarter valued at about $84,000. Finally, First Manhattan CO. LLC. grew its stake in Apple Hospitality REIT by 29.0% during the 1st quarter. First Manhattan CO. LLC. now owns 7,125 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $111,000 after acquiring an additional 1,600 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 80.63% of the companys stock.

About Apple Hospitality REIT

(Get Rating)

Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc (NYSE: APLE) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns one of the largest and most diverse portfolios of upscale, rooms-focused hotels in the United States. Apple Hospitality's portfolio consists of 220 hotels with approximately 29,000 guest rooms located in 87 markets throughout 37 states.

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BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund, Inc. (NYSE:MUC  Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest during the month of June. As of June 15th, there was short interest totalling 98,400 shares, a growth of 828.3% from the May 31st total of 10,600 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 200,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.5 days.

Institutional Trading of BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in MUC. Morgan Stanley lifted its holdings in BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund by 19.3% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 4,718,035 shares of the companys stock worth $50,672,000 after purchasing an additional 762,169 shares in the last quarter. Logan Stone Capital LLC purchased a new stake in BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund during the 4th quarter worth about $7,528,000. Karpus Management Inc. lifted its holdings in BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund by 33.1% during the 1st quarter. Karpus Management Inc. now owns 2,417,196 shares of the companys stock worth $26,734,000 after purchasing an additional 601,739 shares in the last quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN lifted its holdings in BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund by 107.9% during the 2nd quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 848,960 shares of the companys stock worth $10,163,000 after purchasing an additional 440,672 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sit Investment Associates Inc. lifted its holdings in BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund by 127.5% during the 4th quarter. Sit Investment Associates Inc. now owns 519,563 shares of the companys stock worth $5,580,000 after purchasing an additional 291,226 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 23.20% of the companys stock.

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BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund Stock Up 0.5 %

Shares of NYSE MUC traded up $0.05 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $10.89. 156,461 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 209,560. BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund has a 52-week low of $9.95 and a 52-week high of $12.96. The company has a 50-day moving average of $10.68 and a 200-day moving average of $10.90.

BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund Announces Dividend

BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund Company Profile

The business also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 3rd. Investors of record on Thursday, June 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.0335 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.69%.

(Free Report)

BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund, Inc is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc It is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets. It invests primarily in a portfolio of long-term investment-grade municipal obligations, the interest on which is exempt from Federal and California income taxes.

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HM Payson & Co. raised its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Get Rating) by 0.7% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 1,113,821 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after acquiring an additional 7,317 shares during the quarter. Bristol-Myers Squibb makes up 1.9% of HM Payson & Co.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 16th biggest holding. HM Payson & Co. owned about 0.05% of Bristol-Myers Squibb worth $77,199,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. True Wealth Design LLC acquired a new position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 4th quarter worth about $26,000. GoalVest Advisory LLC acquired a new position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 1st quarter worth about $29,000. Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. acquired a new position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 4th quarter worth about $31,000. Live Oak Investment Partners acquired a new position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 4th quarter worth about $33,000. Finally, My Personal CFO LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in the 4th quarter valued at about $35,000. 74.57% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Activity at Bristol-Myers Squibb

In related news, EVP Rupert Vessey sold 50,385 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $67.06, for a total value of $3,378,818.10. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 47,751 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,202,182.06. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. 0.08% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Bristol-Myers Squibb Stock Performance

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on BMY. StockNews.com began coverage on Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a strong-buy rating for the company. Credit Suisse Group decreased their target price on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $78.00 to $72.00 in a research report on Friday, April 28th. Barclays decreased their target price on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $66.00 to $65.00 in a research report on Monday, May 1st. Bank of America upped their target price on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $82.00 to $85.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, April 21st. Finally, 51job reissued a maintains rating on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research report on Friday, April 28th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating, seven have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Bristol-Myers Squibb has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $78.00.

Shares of BMY stock opened at $64.75 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $136.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.88, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 0.44. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $66.47 and a 200-day simple moving average of $69.46. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a 12-month low of $63.07 and a 12-month high of $81.43. The company has a current ratio of 1.42, a quick ratio of 1.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.10.

Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Get Rating) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $2.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.98 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $11.34 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.50 billion. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a return on equity of 51.75% and a net margin of 15.95%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 2.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.96 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 8.07 EPS for the current year.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 1st. Investors of record on Friday, July 7th will be paid a $0.57 dividend. This represents a $2.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.52%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 6th. Bristol-Myers Squibbs payout ratio is currently 66.47%.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis, an oral inhibitor for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in NVAF, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for anti-cancer indications; Pomalyst/Imnovid indicated for patients with multiple myeloma; Orencia for adult patients with active RA and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia.

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Clarus Group Inc. lessened its stake in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Get Rating) by 6.7% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 4,666 shares of the companys stock after selling 336 shares during the quarter. Clarus Group Inc.s holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $454,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Archford Capital Strategies LLC grew its holdings in Philip Morris International by 13.8% during the 1st quarter. Archford Capital Strategies LLC now owns 18,888 shares of the companys stock worth $1,865,000 after acquiring an additional 2,293 shares during the last quarter. Relyea Zuckerberg Hanson LLC grew its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 27.0% in the first quarter. Relyea Zuckerberg Hanson LLC now owns 2,590 shares of the companys stock worth $252,000 after purchasing an additional 550 shares during the last quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. lifted its holdings in Philip Morris International by 1,357.3% during the 1st quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 560,285 shares of the companys stock worth $54,488,000 after buying an additional 521,839 shares during the period. Allworth Financial LP grew its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 8.3% in the 1st quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 49,742 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,837,000 after buying an additional 3,795 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Core Alternative Capital increased its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 9.2% in the first quarter. Core Alternative Capital now owns 1,502 shares of the companys stock valued at $146,000 after buying an additional 127 shares during the period. 77.43% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Philip Morris International Trading Down 1.1 %

NYSE PM traded down $1.09 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $95.47. The companys stock had a trading volume of 552,752 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,468,009. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 52 week low of $82.85 and a 52 week high of $105.62. The company has a market capitalization of $148.19 billion, a PE ratio of 17.27, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.46 and a beta of 0.68. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $94.57 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $98.04.

Philip Morris International Dividend Announcement

Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 20th. The company reported $1.38 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.34 by $0.04. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 10.80% and a negative return on equity of 128.55%. The business had revenue of $8.10 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.03 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.56 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 4.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts anticipate that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.18 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 11th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 23rd will be given a dividend of $1.27 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, June 22nd. This represents a $5.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.32%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is currently 90.88%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages have recently weighed in on PM. Citigroup raised Philip Morris International from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their price target for the company from $109.00 to $117.00 in a research note on Tuesday, June 20th. Stifel Nicolaus began coverage on Philip Morris International in a research note on Thursday, April 13th. They issued a buy rating and a $114.00 price target for the company. StockNews.com began coverage on Philip Morris International in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. UBS Group raised Philip Morris International from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their price target for the company from $106.00 to $116.00 in a research note on Wednesday, March 1st. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised Philip Morris International from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and increased their price target for the company from $109.00 to $116.00 in a research note on Thursday, March 30th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $111.40.

About Philip Morris International

(Get Rating)

Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products that are sold in markets outside the United States.

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D.B. Root & Company LLC grew its stake in Southern Copper Co. (NYSE:SCCO  Get Rating) by 5.5% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 16,576 shares of the basic materials companys stock after purchasing an additional 866 shares during the quarter. D.B. Root & Company LLCs holdings in Southern Copper were worth $1,264,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other large investors have also made changes to their positions in SCCO. Clearview Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in Southern Copper during the 1st quarter worth about $26,000. Accurate Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in Southern Copper during the 4th quarter worth about $25,000. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P bought a new position in Southern Copper during the 1st quarter worth about $29,000. Boyd Watterson Asset Management LLC OH bought a new position in Southern Copper during the 4th quarter worth about $25,000. Finally, Sanctuary Wealth Management L.L.C. bought a new position in Southern Copper during the 4th quarter worth about $27,000. Institutional investors own 7.74% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities analysts have issued reports on the company. Barclays increased their target price on Southern Copper from $53.00 to $64.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, April 21st. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Southern Copper in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their price objective on Southern Copper from $55.00 to $56.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 3rd. The Goldman Sachs Group cut Southern Copper from a neutral rating to a sell rating and raised their price objective for the company from $65.00 to $66.00 in a report on Tuesday, May 9th. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on Southern Copper from $67.00 to $74.00 in a report on Wednesday, June 21st. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $62.86.

Southern Copper Trading Down 3.5 %

Shares of NYSE:SCCO opened at $70.85 on Wednesday. Southern Copper Co. has a 52-week low of $42.42 and a 52-week high of $82.05. The company has a market capitalization of $54.77 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.28, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 15.38 and a beta of 1.24. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $72.77 and a 200 day simple moving average of $72.09. 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 (NYSE:SCCO  Get Rating) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The basic materials company reported $1.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.04 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $2.79 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.72 billion. Southern Copper had a net margin of 26.46% and a return on equity of 33.71%. Sell-side analysts forecast that Southern Copper Co. will post 3.94 earnings per share for the current year.

Southern Copper Cuts Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, May 23rd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, May 9th were given a dividend of $0.95 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, May 8th. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.36%. Southern Coppers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 115.94%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, Director Bonilla Luis Miguel Palomino sold 500 shares of Southern Copper stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $78.50, for a total value of $39,250.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 6,014 shares in the company, valued at $472,099. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Insiders sold 1,500 shares of company stock worth $113,840 over the last three months. Insiders own 0.08% of the companys stock.

About Southern Copper

(Get Rating)

Southern Copper Corporation engages in mining, exploring, smelting, and refining copper and other minerals in Peru, Mexico, Argentina, Ecuador, and Chile. The company is involved in the mining, milling, and flotation of copper ore to produce copper and molybdenum concentrates; smelting of copper concentrates to produce blister and anode copper; refining of anode copper to produce copper cathodes; production of molybdenum concentrate and sulfuric acid; production of refined silver, gold, and other materials; and mining and processing of zinc, copper, molybdenum, silver, gold, and lead.

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Desarrolladora Homex (DHOXY) (OTCMKTS:DHOXY  Get Rating)s stock price passed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of $0.00 and traded as high as $0.42. Desarrolladora Homex (DHOXY) shares last traded at $0.39, with a volume of 51,600 shares trading hands.

Desarrolladora Homex (DHOXY) Stock Performance

The companys 50 day simple moving average is $0.39.

About Desarrolladora Homex (DHOXY)

(Get Rating)

Desarrolladora Homex, SAB. de C.V. (Homex) is a vertically integrated home development company. The Company is engaged in the development, construction and sale of entry-level housing in Mexico. The Company is engaged in the development, construction and sale of middle-income housing in Mexico. Homex operates in Mexico.

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Arcelik Anonim Sirketi (OTCMKTS:ACKAY  Get Rating) and Dorel Industries (OTCMKTS:DIIBF  Get Rating) are both consumer cyclical companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, analyst recommendations, dividends, institutional ownership, earnings, valuation and profitability.

Institutional and Insider Ownership

0.1% of Arcelik Anonim Sirketi shares are owned by institutional investors. 19.3% of Dorel Industries shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

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Profitability

This table compares Arcelik Anonim Sirketi and Dorel Industries net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Arcelik Anonim Sirketi N/A N/A N/A Dorel Industries -8.81% -38.57% -10.68%

Analyst Recommendations

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Arcelik Anonim Sirketi 0 1 0 0 2.00 Dorel Industries 0 0 0 0 N/A

This is a breakdown of current recommendations for Arcelik Anonim Sirketi and Dorel Industries, as reported by MarketBeat.

Arcelik Anonim Sirketi presently has a consensus price target of $92.00, suggesting a potential upside of 360.00%. Dorel Industries has a consensus price target of $8.00, suggesting a potential upside of 131.88%. Given Arcelik Anonim Sirketis higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Arcelik Anonim Sirketi is more favorable than Dorel Industries.

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Arcelik Anonim Sirketi and Dorel Industries top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Arcelik Anonim Sirketi N/A N/A N/A $4.47 4.47 Dorel Industries $1.57 billion 0.07 $135.96 million ($4.00) -0.86

Dorel Industries has higher revenue and earnings than Arcelik Anonim Sirketi. Dorel Industries is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Arcelik Anonim Sirketi, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Summary

Arcelik Anonim Sirketi beats Dorel Industries on 7 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Arcelik Anonim Sirketi

(Get Rating)

Arcelik Anonim Sirketi, together with its subsidiaries, produces, markets, sells, services, imports, and exports consumer durable goods and electronics in Turkey and internationally. It operates through White Goods, Consumer Electronics, and Other segments. It offers top and front door washing machines, horizontal and vertical deep freezers, split air conditioners, microwave ovens, water dispensers, cooking appliances, washing machines, dishwashers, coolers, gas and/or electric cookers, refrigerators, coffee machines, laundry and washer-dryers, hoods, and built-in cooking products. The company also provides televisions, computers, cash registers, and other electronic devices. It offers its products under the Arcelik, Beko, Grundig, Defy, Arctic, Dawlance, Elektrabregenz, Blomberg, VoltasBeko, Leisure, Altus, and Flavel brand names. The company was incorporated in 1955 and is headquartered in Istanbul, Turkey.

About Dorel Industries

(Get Rating)

Dorel Industries Inc. engages in the design, manufacture, sourcing, marketing, and distribution of home and juvenile products worldwide. It operates through Dorel Home and Dorel Juvenile segments. The company's Dorel Home segment offers ready-to assemble furniture and home furnishings products, including metal folding furniture, futons, children's furniture, step stools, hand trucks, ladders, outdoor furniture, and other imported furniture items. This segment markets its products under the DHP, Signature Sleep, Little Seeds, Ameriwood Home, Cosco Home & Office, Queer Eye, Cosmo Living, Novogratz, Real Rooms, Mr. Kate, Baby Relax, Alphason, Bertini, Ntense, and Notio brands. Its Dorel Juvenile segment provides children's accessories comprising infant car seats, strollers, high-chairs, play yards, and infant health and safety aids under the Maxi-Cosi, Tiny Love, Infanti, Safety 1st, Bebe Confort, Quinny, and Cosco brands. The company was formerly known as Dorel Co. Ltd. and changed its name to Dorel Industries Inc. in May 1987. Dorel Industries Inc. was incorporated in 1962 and is headquartered in Westmount, Canada.

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MJ (OTCMKTS:MJNE  Get Rating) and Zhihu (NYSE:ZH  Get Rating) are both small-cap finance companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, valuation, dividends, institutional ownership, profitability, earnings and risk.

Institutional and Insider Ownership

0.1% of MJ shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 12.8% of Zhihu shares are owned by institutional investors. 35.9% of MJ shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 13.6% of Zhihu shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

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Volatility and Risk

MJ has a beta of -0.03, suggesting that its share price is 103% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Zhihu has a beta of 0.24, suggesting that its share price is 76% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Analyst Recommendations

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score MJ 0 0 0 0 N/A Zhihu 0 1 1 0 2.50

This is a breakdown of recent ratings and price targets for MJ and Zhihu, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Zhihu has a consensus price target of $1.75, suggesting a potential upside of 52.17%. Given Zhihus higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Zhihu is more favorable than MJ.

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares MJ and Zhihus top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio MJ $360,000.00 2.98 -$5.38 million N/A N/A Zhihu $522.66 million 1.41 -$229.25 million ($0.27) -4.26

MJ has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Zhihu.

Profitability

This table compares MJ and Zhihus net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets MJ N/A -332.31% -67.74% Zhihu -29.93% -19.86% -14.59%

Summary

Zhihu beats MJ on 7 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks.

About MJ

(Get Rating)

MJ Holdings, Inc., a cannabis holding company, engages in cultivation management, asset, and infrastructure development business in Nevada. It is also involved in production of cannabis related products; and provision of management services, dispensaries, and consulting services. The company is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.

About Zhihu

(Get Rating)

Zhihu Inc. operates an online content community in the People's Republic of China. Its community allows people to seek inspiration, find solutions, make decisions, and have fun. The company also offers technology, business support, and consulting services; information transmission, software, and information technology services; information and marketing services; vocational training; and internet services, as well as holds audio-visual permit. Zhihu Inc. was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Beijing, the People's Republic of China.

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First United Bank & Trust lowered its stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW  Get Rating) by 0.8% in the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 5,632 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 48 shares during the period. First United Bank & Trusts holdings in Illinois Tool Works were worth $1,371,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Godsey & Gibb Inc. lifted its position in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 29.2% during the first quarter. Godsey & Gibb Inc. now owns 775 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $189,000 after purchasing an additional 175 shares in the last quarter. Relyea Zuckerberg Hanson LLC lifted its position in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 5.8% during the 1st quarter. Relyea Zuckerberg Hanson LLC now owns 2,167 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $528,000 after buying an additional 118 shares in the last quarter. HM Payson & Co. boosted its stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 1.3% in the 1st quarter. HM Payson & Co. now owns 27,241 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $6,632,000 after buying an additional 341 shares during the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP grew its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 44.2% in the first quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 2,054 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $500,000 after acquiring an additional 630 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Core Alternative Capital increased its position in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 24.1% during the first quarter. Core Alternative Capital now owns 10,397 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,531,000 after acquiring an additional 2,017 shares during the last quarter. 79.37% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

ITW has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. StockNews.com downgraded Illinois Tool Works from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, June 22nd. Barclays lowered their price target on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $205.00 to $203.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 3rd. 3M reissued a maintains rating on shares of Illinois Tool Works in a report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on Illinois Tool Works from $250.00 to $227.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, April 13th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price objective on Illinois Tool Works from $240.00 to $236.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $228.21.

Insiders Place Their Bets

Illinois Tool Works Price Performance

In related news, CAO Randall J. Scheuneman sold 5,425 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, June 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $239.23, for a total value of $1,297,822.75. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 8,870 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,121,970.10. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink . Corporate insiders own 0.78% of the companys stock.

NYSE:ITW traded down $0.94 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $248.68. The stock had a trading volume of 118,795 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,093,849. The firm has a market capitalization of $75.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.97, a P/E/G ratio of 3.70 and a beta of 1.10. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a one year low of $173.52 and a one year high of $253.37. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $233.74 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $232.06. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.78, a current ratio of 1.20 and a quick ratio of 0.84.

Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW  Get Rating) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, May 2nd. The industrial products company reported $2.33 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.23 by $0.10. Illinois Tool Works had a return on equity of 92.13% and a net margin of 19.27%. The business had revenue of $4.02 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.98 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $2.11 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 2.0% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts forecast that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 9.65 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Illinois Tool Works Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, July 13th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 30th will be given a dividend of $1.31 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 29th. This represents a $5.24 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.11%. Illinois Tool Workss payout ratio is presently 52.40%.

Illinois Tool Works Company Profile

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Illinois Tool Works Inc manufactures and sells industrial products and equipment worldwide. It operates through seven segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products. The Automotive OEM segment offers plastic and metal components, fasteners, and assemblies for automobiles, light trucks, and other industrial uses.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ITW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW  Get Rating).

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Carlisle Police are looking for three men, including the two pictured, regarding a theft of $2,000 worth of flooring materials from Lowe's on June 15.
Godsey & Gibb Inc. cut its stake in shares of Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Get Rating) by 7.6% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 20,360 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,664 shares during the period. Godsey & Gibb Inc.s holdings in Altria Group were worth $908,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Claybrook Capital LLC lifted its position in Altria Group by 9.3% during the first quarter. Claybrook Capital LLC now owns 120,458 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,375,000 after purchasing an additional 10,265 shares in the last quarter. Retirement Guys Formula LLC lifted its position in Altria Group by 2.4% during the first quarter. Retirement Guys Formula LLC now owns 11,318 shares of the companys stock valued at $505,000 after purchasing an additional 264 shares in the last quarter. Independent Wealth Network Inc. lifted its position in shares of Altria Group by 1.5% in the first quarter. Independent Wealth Network Inc. now owns 15,875 shares of the companys stock valued at $708,000 after acquiring an additional 227 shares in the last quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. lifted its position in shares of Altria Group by 853.2% in the first quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 1,351,197 shares of the companys stock valued at $60,290,000 after acquiring an additional 1,209,436 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Core Alternative Capital lifted its position in shares of Altria Group by 229.6% in the first quarter. Core Alternative Capital now owns 1,226 shares of the companys stock valued at $55,000 after acquiring an additional 854 shares in the last quarter. 58.38% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Altria Group Trading Down 0.9 %

Shares of NYSE MO traded down $0.38 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $43.96. The stock had a trading volume of 971,965 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,869,344. The firm has a market cap of $78.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.26, a P/E/G ratio of 2.23 and a beta of 0.59. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $45.35 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $45.71. Altria Group, Inc. has a 52-week low of $40.35 and a 52-week high of $51.57.

Altria Group Dividend Announcement

Altria Group ( NYSE:MO Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported $1.18 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.19 by ($0.01). The firm had revenue of $4.76 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.89 billion. Altria Group had a net margin of 22.44% and a negative return on equity of 245.43%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 1.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.12 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that Altria Group, Inc. will post 4.97 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.94 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $3.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 8.55%. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 120.90%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

MO has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Stifel Nicolaus initiated coverage on Altria Group in a research report on Thursday, April 13th. They issued a buy rating and a $52.00 price objective on the stock. Citigroup decreased their target price on Altria Group from $49.50 to $47.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, April 17th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded Altria Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, June 23rd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $44.63.

Altria Group Profile

(Get Rating)

Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company provides cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; cigars and pipe tobacco principally under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco products and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; and on! oral nicotine pouches.

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Horan Securities Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO  Get Rating) by 6.1% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 9,201 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 525 shares during the period. Horan Securities Inc.s holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF were worth $372,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC increased its position in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 108,287.1% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 296,468,035 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $11,556,324,000 after purchasing an additional 296,194,508 shares during the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE increased its position in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 1.0% in the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 75,901,915 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,958,657,000 after purchasing an additional 744,035 shares during the last quarter. Betterment LLC increased its position in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 8.5% in the 4th quarter. Betterment LLC now owns 71,776,690 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,797,855,000 after purchasing an additional 5,650,398 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 1.8% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 57,103,884 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,083,721,000 after purchasing an additional 1,023,733 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. increased its position in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 7.5% in the 4th quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 55,758,981 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,173,478,000 after purchasing an additional 3,909,063 shares during the last quarter.

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Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Trading Down 0.4 %

VWO stock traded down $0.18 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $40.48. The stock had a trading volume of 2,701,607 shares, compared to its average volume of 10,674,882. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF has a 1-year low of $34.88 and a 1-year high of $43.22. The company has a fifty day moving average of $40.27 and a 200 day moving average of $40.41. The stock has a market capitalization of $72.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.00 and a beta of 0.69.

Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Profile

The Fund seeks to track the performance of the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index, that measures the return of stocks issued by companies located in emerging market countries.

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Signet Jewelers Limited (NYSE:SIG  Get Rating) insider Joan M. Hilson sold 10,000 shares of Signet Jewelers stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $65.00, for a total value of $650,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 235,762 shares of the companys stock, valued at $15,324,530. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website.

Signet Jewelers Price Performance

NYSE SIG traded up $0.69 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting $64.63. The company had a trading volume of 745,950 shares, compared to its average volume of 825,861. The company has a market capitalization of $2.93 billion, a PE ratio of 6.47, a P/E/G ratio of 0.80 and a beta of 2.14. The company has a current ratio of 1.74, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $68.12 and a 200-day moving average price of $71.35. Signet Jewelers Limited has a twelve month low of $50.84 and a twelve month high of $83.42.

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Signet Jewelers (NYSE:SIG  Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, June 8th. The company reported $1.78 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.49 by $0.29. The firm had revenue of $1.67 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.65 billion. Signet Jewelers had a return on equity of 40.57% and a net margin of 7.27%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 9.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $2.86 EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that Signet Jewelers Limited will post 9.69 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Signet Jewelers Announces Dividend

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Signet Jewelers

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 25th. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 28th will be issued a $0.23 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 27th. This represents a $0.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.42%. Signet Jewelerss dividend payout ratio is presently 9.21%.

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in SIG. Belpointe Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Signet Jewelers by 67.9% during the 1st quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 403 shares of the companys stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 163 shares in the last quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Signet Jewelers by 33.5% during the 1st quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 686 shares of the companys stock worth $47,000 after buying an additional 172 shares in the last quarter. Harvest Fund Management Co. Ltd raised its holdings in shares of Signet Jewelers by 22.5% during the 4th quarter. Harvest Fund Management Co. Ltd now owns 965 shares of the companys stock worth $66,000 after buying an additional 177 shares in the last quarter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Signet Jewelers by 1.3% during the 4th quarter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC now owns 14,466 shares of the companys stock worth $984,000 after buying an additional 179 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Archer Investment Corp raised its holdings in shares of Signet Jewelers by 28.6% during the 4th quarter. Archer Investment Corp now owns 900 shares of the companys stock worth $61,000 after buying an additional 200 shares in the last quarter.

Analyst Ratings Changes

SIG has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Telsey Advisory Group lifted their target price on Signet Jewelers from $75.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 19th. StockNews.com cut Signet Jewelers from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, June 9th. Citigroup dropped their price target on Signet Jewelers from $82.00 to $68.00 in a report on Friday, June 9th. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on Signet Jewelers from $100.00 to $95.00 in a report on Friday, June 9th. Finally, Bank of America dropped their price target on Signet Jewelers from $88.00 to $71.00 in a report on Friday, June 9th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Signet Jewelers currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $83.40.

About Signet Jewelers

(Get Rating)

Signet Jewelers Limited operates as a diamond jewelry retailer. It operates through three segments: North America, International, and Other. The North America segment operates jewelry stores in jewelry stores in malls, mall-based kiosks, and off-mall locations in the United States and Canada primarily under the Kay Jewelers, Kay Jewelers Outlet, Jared The Galleria Of Jewelry, Jared Vault, Zales Jewelers, Zales Outlet, Diamonds Direct, James Allen, Banter by Piercing Pagoda, and Peoples Jewellers names, as well as operates online through its digital banners, James Allen and Blue Nile.

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MCF Advisors LLC lessened its holdings in Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK  Get Rating) by 5.9% in the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 924 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 58 shares during the quarter. MCF Advisors LLCs holdings in Rockwell Automation were worth $271,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. New Hampshire Trust purchased a new position in Rockwell Automation in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $26,000. MinichMacGregor Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in Rockwell Automation in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Neo Ivy Capital Management purchased a new stake in shares of Rockwell Automation during the 2nd quarter worth $29,000. Clear Street Markets LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Rockwell Automation during the 4th quarter worth $30,000. Finally, Delta Asset Management LLC TN purchased a new stake in shares of Rockwell Automation during the 4th quarter worth $32,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.28% of the companys stock.

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Rockwell Automation Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:ROK traded up $1.23 on Wednesday, reaching $323.89. The companys stock had a trading volume of 30,771 shares, compared to its average volume of 727,827. The stocks 50-day moving average is $289.38 and its two-hundred day moving average is $282.77. Rockwell Automation, Inc. has a 52-week low of $192.90 and a 52-week high of $324.76. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83, a current ratio of 1.08 and a quick ratio of 0.73. The stock has a market capitalization of $37.21 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.40, a PEG ratio of 2.33 and a beta of 1.42.

Rockwell Automation Dividend Announcement

Rockwell Automation ( NYSE:ROK Get Rating ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The industrial products company reported $3.01 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.60 by $0.41. Rockwell Automation had a net margin of 15.82% and a return on equity of 42.15%. The business had revenue of $2.28 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.09 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $1.66 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 25.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Rockwell Automation, Inc. will post 12.04 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 11th. Investors of record on Monday, August 14th will be issued a dividend of $1.18 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 11th. This represents a $4.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.46%. Rockwell Automations dividend payout ratio is currently 41.55%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, SVP Frank C. Kulaszewicz sold 7,729 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $310.00, for a total transaction of $2,395,990.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 13,660 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,234,600. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other Rockwell Automation news, VP John M. Miller sold 556 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $279.09, for a total transaction of $155,174.04. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 4,281 shares in the company, valued at $1,194,784.29. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, SVP Frank C. Kulaszewicz sold 7,729 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $310.00, for a total transaction of $2,395,990.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 13,660 shares in the company, valued at $4,234,600. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 15,067 shares of company stock valued at $4,638,955 over the last ninety days. Corporate insiders own 0.64% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms have recently issued reports on ROK. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on shares of Rockwell Automation from $245.00 to $238.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, April 13th. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Rockwell Automation in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating for the company. Barclays lifted their price objective on shares of Rockwell Automation from $250.00 to $262.00 in a research report on Friday, April 28th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price objective on shares of Rockwell Automation from $272.00 to $273.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 12th. Finally, Mizuho boosted their price target on shares of Rockwell Automation from $260.00 to $270.00 in a research report on Friday, April 28th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $275.63.

Rockwell Automation Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Rockwell Automation, Inc provides industrial automation and digital transformation solutions in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. The company operates through three segments, Intelligent Devices, Software & Control, and Lifecycle Services. Its solutions include hardware and software products and services.

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Shares of Morneau Shepell Inc. (TSE:MSI  Get Rating) crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of C$0.00 and traded as high as C$32.40. Morneau Shepell shares last traded at C$32.25, with a volume of 167,076 shares.

Morneau Shepell Stock Up 0.3 %

The stock has a market capitalization of C$2.22 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 83.55. The business has a 50-day moving average price of C$32.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 86.17, a current ratio of 1.39 and a quick ratio of 1.16.

About Morneau Shepell

(Get Rating)

Morneau Shepell Inc provides technology based human resources consulting services in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It provides health and productivity, administrative, and retirement solutions to assist employers in managing the financial security, health, and productivity of their employees.

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New Hampshire Trust decreased its holdings in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Get Rating) by 5.1% in the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 7,961 shares of the companys stock after selling 429 shares during the period. New Hampshire Trusts holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $774,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Riverpoint Wealth Management Holdings LLC purchased a new position in Philip Morris International in the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Red Tortoise LLC purchased a new stake in Philip Morris International during the 4th quarter valued at $29,000. Optiver Holding B.V. purchased a new stake in Philip Morris International during the 4th quarter valued at $29,000. Winch Advisory Services LLC boosted its position in Philip Morris International by 200.0% during the 4th quarter. Winch Advisory Services LLC now owns 294 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 196 shares during the period. Finally, My Personal CFO LLC purchased a new stake in Philip Morris International during the 4th quarter valued at $31,000. Institutional investors own 77.43% of the companys stock.

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Philip Morris International Trading Down 0.5 %

NYSE PM traded down $0.49 on Wednesday, reaching $96.07. 807,412 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,470,293. Philip Morris International Inc. has a one year low of $82.85 and a one year high of $105.62. The firm has a market capitalization of $149.12 billion, a PE ratio of 17.27, a PEG ratio of 2.46 and a beta of 0.68. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $94.57 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $98.04.

Philip Morris International Announces Dividend

Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Rating ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, April 20th. The company reported $1.38 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.34 by $0.04. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 10.80% and a negative return on equity of 128.55%. The firm had revenue of $8.10 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.03 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.56 earnings per share. Philip Morris Internationals revenue for the quarter was up 4.6% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts forecast that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.18 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 11th. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 23rd will be issued a $1.27 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 22nd. This represents a $5.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.29%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 90.88%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts recently commented on the company. Citigroup raised Philip Morris International from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their price target for the stock from $109.00 to $117.00 in a research note on Tuesday, June 20th. Stifel Nicolaus initiated coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday, April 13th. They set a buy rating and a $114.00 price target on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Philip Morris International from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and boosted their price target for the company from $109.00 to $116.00 in a research report on Thursday, March 30th. StockNews.com started coverage on Philip Morris International in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Finally, UBS Group raised shares of Philip Morris International from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their target price for the stock from $106.00 to $116.00 in a research report on Wednesday, March 1st. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $111.40.

Philip Morris International Profile

(Get Rating)

Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products that are sold in markets outside the United States.

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New Hampshire Trust cut its stake in shares of Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL  Get Rating) by 2.7% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 4,872 shares of the companys stock after selling 137 shares during the quarter. New Hampshire Trusts holdings in Colgate-Palmolive were worth $366,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Colgate-Palmolive by 1.1% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 78,638,269 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,524,338,000 after acquiring an additional 882,517 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in Colgate-Palmolive by 2.1% during the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 17,345,117 shares of the companys stock worth $1,365,565,000 after purchasing an additional 349,165 shares during the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Colgate-Palmolive by 90,253.2% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 15,974,451 shares of the companys stock worth $1,258,627,000 after purchasing an additional 15,956,771 shares during the last quarter. Morgan Stanley raised its holdings in Colgate-Palmolive by 41.7% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 11,370,549 shares of the companys stock worth $895,886,000 after purchasing an additional 3,345,297 shares during the last quarter. Finally, First Eagle Investment Management LLC raised its holdings in Colgate-Palmolive by 2.5% during the 4th quarter. First Eagle Investment Management LLC now owns 11,029,990 shares of the companys stock worth $869,053,000 after purchasing an additional 269,814 shares during the last quarter. 79.01% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts have commented on CL shares. Evercore ISI upped their price target on shares of Colgate-Palmolive from $85.00 to $91.00 in a research report on Monday, May 1st. Citigroup lifted their price objective on Colgate-Palmolive from $88.00 to $92.00 in a research report on Monday, May 1st. Bank of America increased their price target on Colgate-Palmolive from $80.00 to $85.00 in a report on Monday, May 1st. UBS Group increased their price target on Colgate-Palmolive from $84.00 to $86.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, March 29th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price target on Colgate-Palmolive from $80.00 to $88.00 in a report on Monday, May 1st. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $84.75.

Colgate-Palmolive Stock Down 0.3 %

Shares of CL traded down $0.25 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $75.48. 1,855,674 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 4,879,205. Colgate-Palmolive has a 52 week low of $67.84 and a 52 week high of $83.81. The company has a current ratio of 1.23, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 20.87. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $77.84 and a 200 day simple moving average of $76.22. The company has a market cap of $62.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.44, a PEG ratio of 3.93 and a beta of 0.50.

Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL  Get Rating) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, April 28th. The company reported $0.73 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.70 by $0.03. Colgate-Palmolive had a net margin of 8.71% and a return on equity of 348.63%. The firm had revenue of $4.77 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.58 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.74 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 8.4% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts forecast that Colgate-Palmolive will post 3.14 EPS for the current year.

Colgate-Palmolive Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Investors of record on Friday, July 21st will be paid a $0.48 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 20th. This represents a $1.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.54%. Colgate-Palmolives payout ratio is 100.00%.

Insider Activity at Colgate-Palmolive

In related news, insider Sally Massey sold 17,239 shares of Colgate-Palmolive stock in a transaction dated Thursday, May 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $81.16, for a total value of $1,399,117.24. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 8,615 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $699,193.40. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, insider Jennifer Daniels sold 24,703 shares of Colgate-Palmolive stock in a transaction on Friday, May 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $79.70, for a total value of $1,968,829.10. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 52,769 shares in the company, valued at $4,205,689.30. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Sally Massey sold 17,239 shares of Colgate-Palmolive stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $81.16, for a total value of $1,399,117.24. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 8,615 shares of the companys stock, valued at $699,193.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 187,748 shares of company stock worth $15,138,660. Insiders own 0.34% of the companys stock.

Colgate-Palmolive Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Colgate-Palmolive Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells consumer products worldwide. The company operates through two segments, Oral, Personal and Home Care; and Pet Nutrition. The Oral, Personal and Home Care segment offers toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, bar and liquid hand soaps, shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants and antiperspirants, skin health products, dishwashing detergents, fabric conditioners, household cleaners, and other related items.

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Nuveen Pennsylvania Quality Municipal Income Fund (NYSE:NQP  Free Report) was the target of a large decrease in short interest during the month of June. As of June 15th, there was short interest totalling 6,400 shares, a decrease of 80.1% from the May 31st total of 32,200 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 48,700 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Sit Investment Associates Inc. raised its position in Nuveen Pennsylvania Quality Municipal Income Fund by 23.1% during the 4th quarter. Sit Investment Associates Inc. now owns 965,379 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $10,745,000 after purchasing an additional 180,983 shares during the last quarter. Landscape Capital Management L.L.C. bought a new position in shares of Nuveen Pennsylvania Quality Municipal Income Fund in the 4th quarter worth approximately $216,000. HBK Sorce Advisory LLC bought a new position in shares of Nuveen Pennsylvania Quality Municipal Income Fund in the 4th quarter worth approximately $174,000. Almanack Investment Partners LLC. bought a new position in shares of Nuveen Pennsylvania Quality Municipal Income Fund in the 4th quarter worth approximately $318,000. Finally, Fiera Capital Corp raised its position in shares of Nuveen Pennsylvania Quality Municipal Income Fund by 53.0% in the 4th quarter. Fiera Capital Corp now owns 457,813 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $5,095,000 after acquiring an additional 158,679 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 21.25% of the companys stock.

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Nuveen Pennsylvania Quality Municipal Income Fund Trading Up 0.8 %

NQP traded up $0.09 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $11.26. 31,377 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 54,633. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $11.15 and a two-hundred day moving average of $11.33. Nuveen Pennsylvania Quality Municipal Income Fund has a 52 week low of $10.25 and a 52 week high of $12.75.

Nuveen Pennsylvania Quality Municipal Income Fund Announces Dividend

About Nuveen Pennsylvania Quality Municipal Income Fund

The firm also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 3rd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 15th will be given a dividend of $0.029 per share. This represents a $0.35 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.09%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, June 14th.

(Free Report)

Nuveen Pennsylvania Quality Municipal Income Fund is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Nuveen Investments, Inc The fund is co-managed by Nuveen Fund Advisors LLC and Nuveen Asset Management, LLC. It invests in the fixed income markets of Pennsylvania. The fund invests in tax exempt municipal bonds, with a rating of Baa/BBB or higher.

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Parex Resources Inc. (TSE:PXT  Get Rating) crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of C$24.39 and traded as high as C$26.54. Parex Resources shares last traded at C$26.23, with a volume of 628,776 shares changing hands.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts recently weighed in on PXT shares. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on Parex Resources from C$33.00 to C$36.00 in a research report on Friday, March 10th. Barclays boosted their price objective on Parex Resources from C$29.00 to C$34.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 20th.

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Parex Resources Stock Down 0.0 %

The company has a quick ratio of 1.45, a current ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38. The company has a fifty day moving average price of C$27.41 and a 200-day moving average price of C$24.45. The stock has a market capitalization of C$2.81 billion, a P/E ratio of 4.01, a PEG ratio of 0.21 and a beta of 1.73.

Parex Resources Dividend Announcement

Parex Resources ( TSE:PXT Get Rating ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, May 10th. The company reported C$1.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of C$0.84 by C$0.46. Parex Resources had a return on equity of 35.19% and a net margin of 45.00%. The firm had revenue of C$444.55 million for the quarter. As a group, research analysts forecast that Parex Resources Inc. will post 5.0719844 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 30th will be paid a dividend of $0.375 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $1.50 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.71%. Parex Resourcess payout ratio is currently 22.90%.

About Parex Resources

(Get Rating)

Parex Resources Inc engages in the exploration, development, production, and marketing of oil and natural gas in Colombia. The company's principal land holdings and exploration blocks are in Colombia Llanos and Magdalena Basin. It has 55% working interest in Block LLA-34; 100% working interest in Cabrestero Block; and 50% working interest in Capachos Block and Block VIM-1.

Further Reading

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PCCW Limited (OTCMKTS:PCCWY  Free Report) was the recipient of a large decrease in short interest in the month of June. As of June 15th, there was short interest totalling 1,900 shares, a decrease of 81.7% from the May 31st total of 10,400 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 16,100 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days.

PCCW Price Performance

OTCMKTS PCCWY traded up $0.24 on Wednesday, reaching $5.19. The company had a trading volume of 461 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,263. PCCW has a 1 year low of $3.80 and a 1 year high of $5.66. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $5.08 and a 200-day moving average of $4.97. The company has a quick ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.57.

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PCCW Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, June 28th. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 5th will be issued a $0.3429 dividend. This represents a yield of 8.84%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, June 2nd. This is a boost from PCCWs previous dividend of $0.10.

PCCW Company Profile

PCCW Limited provides telecommunications and related services in Hong Kong, Mainland and other parts of China, Singapore, and internationally. The company's services include local telephony, local data and broadband, mobile, enterprise solutions, international telecommunications, and satellite-based and network-based telecommunications services; outsourcing, consulting, and contact center services; and technical consulting and engineering services.

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The state Department of Environmental Protection increased its air quality warning to Code Red for Wednesday.

The department said the increase from Code Orange to Code Red is due to smoke from Canadian wildfires, and warns that air quality conditions degraded overnight as more smoke pushed into Pennsylvania from the Great Lakes region.

The Code Red warning is for the whole state, but the department said local conditions could be worse throughout the day.

On a Code Red Air Quality Action Day, young children, the elderly and those with respiratory problems are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution and should avoid outdoor activities.

The DEP said concentrations of smoke will likely be high throughout the day in western Pennsylvania and increase through the day in eastern Pennsylvania.

Smoke from the wildfires is expected to affect Pennsylvania air quality throughout Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, with some possible relief Saturday, the DEP said.
Regen BioPharma (OTCMKTS:RGBP  Get Rating) is one of 356 public companies in the Biotechnology industry, but how does it contrast to its competitors? We will compare Regen BioPharma to similar businesses based on the strength of its profitability, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, dividends, earnings, valuation and risk.

Profitability

This table compares Regen BioPharma and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Regen BioPharma N/A N/A N/A Regen BioPharma Competitors -478.85% -64.27% -17.41%

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of recent ratings for Regen BioPharma and its competitors, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Regen BioPharma 0 0 0 0 N/A Regen BioPharma Competitors 586 1285 3372 26 2.54

Earnings and Valuation

As a group, Biotechnology companies have a potential upside of 106.63%. Given Regen BioPharmas competitors higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Regen BioPharma has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors.

This table compares Regen BioPharma and its competitors revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Regen BioPharma N/A N/A -130.82 Regen BioPharma Competitors $114.89 million -$1.50 million 26.53

Regen BioPharmas competitors have higher revenue, but lower earnings than Regen BioPharma. Regen BioPharma 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.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

22.9% of shares of all Biotechnology companies are held by institutional investors. 26.4% of shares of all Biotechnology companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Summary

Regen BioPharma competitors beat Regen BioPharma on 5 of the 8 factors compared.

About Regen BioPharma

(Get Rating)

Regen BioPharma, Inc. focuses on the development of regenerative medical applications in the United States. It engages in identifying small molecules that inhibit or express NR2F6 leading to immune cell activation for oncology applications, and immune cell suppression for autoimmune disease. The company is also involved in the development of its products, and therapies, including HemaXellarate, a cellular composition of autologous stromal vascular fraction derived from adipose tissue; dCellVax, an autologous dendritic cell which is treated with an siRNA inhibitor of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase; tCellVax which is treated with siRNA to inhibit NR2F6 and the cells re-infused to the patient; DiffronC, uses proprietary siRNA in vivo to inhibit cancer growth and activate T cells; and DuroCAR comprising of CAR-T cells which is treated with an shRNA targeting the gene NR2F6. Regen BioPharma, Inc. was incorporated in 2012 and is based in La Mesa, California.

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Rogers Communications (TSE:RCI  Get Rating) had its target price raised by investment analysts at National Bank Financial from C$76.00 to C$79.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, The Fly reports.

RCI has been the topic of a number of other research reports. BMO Capital Markets raised their target price on shares of Rogers Communications from C$70.00 to C$72.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 27th. Desjardins lifted their price target on shares of Rogers Communications from C$68.00 to C$69.00 in a report on Thursday, April 27th. Scotiabank lifted their price target on shares of Rogers Communications from C$74.75 to C$75.75 in a report on Thursday, April 27th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price target on shares of Rogers Communications from C$68.00 to C$70.00 in a report on Thursday, April 27th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on shares of Rogers Communications from C$74.00 to C$90.00 in a report on Monday, April 10th.

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Rogers Communications Stock Performance

Rogers Communications (TSE:RCI  Get Rating) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, April 26th. The company reported C$1.09 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of C$1.11 by C($0.02). The business had revenue of C$3.84 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of C$3.81 billion.

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Shares of Saga plc (LON:SAGA  Free Report) passed below its 50-day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of GBX 119.61 ($1.52) and traded as low as GBX 115.80 ($1.47). Saga shares last traded at GBX 123.40 ($1.57), with a volume of 451,571 shares.

Saga Stock Up 1.7 %

The firm has a market cap of 168.69 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -61.61, a PEG ratio of 1.22 and a beta of 2.44. The company has a quick ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 0.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 241.30. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of GBX 119.36 and a 200-day moving average price of GBX 137.80.

About Saga

(Free Report)

Saga plc provides package and cruise holidays, general insurance, and personal finance products and services in the United Kingdom. The company operates through three segments: Cruise and Travel, Insurance, and Other Businesses and Central Costs. It offers car, home, travel, health, landlord, motorhome, caravan, and pet insurance products.

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ABN AMRO Bank (OTCMKTS:AAVMY  Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in the month of June. As of June 15th, there was short interest totalling 700 shares, an increase of 600.0% from the May 31st total of 100 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 38,300 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.0 days.

ABN AMRO Bank Price Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS:AAVMY traded down $0.10 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $15.15. 6,951 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 16,015. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $15.42 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $15.73. ABN AMRO Bank has a 12 month low of $8.47 and a 12 month high of $17.93.

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About ABN AMRO Bank

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ABN AMRO Bank N.V. provides various banking products and services to retail, private, and business clients in the Netherlands and internationally. It operates through three segments: Personal & Business Banking, Wealth Management, and Corporate Banking. The company provides savings and deposits products; labelled residential mortgage products under the Florius brands; and consumer loans under the Alpha Credit Nederland, Credivance, Defam, Moneyou, and ABN AMRO brands.

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John Hancock Investments  John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Global Shareholder Yield Fund (NYSE:HTY  Free Report) saw a large increase in short interest in June. As of June 15th, there was short interest totalling 3,800 shares, an increase of 1,166.7% from the May 31st total of 300 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 27,400 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days.

John Hancock Investments  John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Global Shareholder Yield Fund Price Performance

Shares of John Hancock Investments  John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Global Shareholder Yield Fund stock remained flat at $4.64 on Wednesday. The company had a trading volume of 19,583 shares, compared to its average volume of 28,561. John Hancock Investments  John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Global Shareholder Yield Fund has a 52 week low of $4.32 and a 52 week high of $5.57. The firms 50 day moving average price is $4.68 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $4.92.

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John Hancock Investments  John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Global Shareholder Yield Fund Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 30th. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 12th will be issued a $0.16 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, June 9th. This represents a $0.64 annualized dividend and a yield of 13.79%.

John Hancock Investments  John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Global Shareholder Yield Fund Company Profile

John Hancock Investments  John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Global Shareholder Yield Fund is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by John Hancock Investment Management LLC. It is co-managed by Analytic Investors, LLC and Epoch Investment Partners, Inc The fund invests in the public equity markets across the globe.

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The New Germany Fund, Inc. (NYSE:GF  Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decrease in short interest in June. As of June 15th, there was short interest totalling 1,700 shares, a decrease of 82.5% from the May 31st total of 9,700 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 15,300 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. City of London Investment Management Co. Ltd. raised its holdings in The New Germany Fund by 20.9% in the 1st quarter. City of London Investment Management Co. Ltd. now owns 1,246,500 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $14,285,000 after buying an additional 215,800 shares during the last quarter. UBS Group AG raised its holdings in The New Germany Fund by 117.2% in the 1st quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 3,722 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $43,000 after buying an additional 2,008 shares during the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada raised its holdings in The New Germany Fund by 1.8% in the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 94,052 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $1,075,000 after buying an additional 1,639 shares during the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE raised its holdings in The New Germany Fund by 36.1% in the 1st quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 56,317 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $643,000 after buying an additional 14,941 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Uncommon Cents Investing LLC raised its holdings in The New Germany Fund by 1.0% in the 4th quarter. Uncommon Cents Investing LLC now owns 316,957 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $2,501,000 after buying an additional 3,015 shares during the last quarter.

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The New Germany Fund Price Performance

The New Germany Fund stock remained flat at $8.84 during trading hours on Wednesday. 4,102 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 17,145. The New Germany Fund has a 12-month low of $6.81 and a 12-month high of $9.70. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $8.88 and a 200 day moving average price of $8.89.

The New Germany Fund Cuts Dividend

About The New Germany Fund

The business also recently announced a semi-annual dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, May 31st. Stockholders of record on Monday, May 15th were issued a $0.0136 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 12th. This represents a dividend yield of 0.6%.

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The New Germany Fund Inc is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched by Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc The fund is managed by Deutsche Asset Management International GmbH. It invests in the public equity markets of Germany. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors.

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TransAlta Co. (TSE:TA  Get Rating) (NYSE:TAC) passed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of C$12.27 and traded as low as C$12.09. TransAlta shares last traded at C$12.25, with a volume of 525,201 shares trading hands.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

TA has been the topic of several analyst reports. Scotiabank increased their price objective on TransAlta from C$16.00 to C$17.00 in a research note on Monday, May 8th. CIBC raised their price target on TransAlta from C$16.50 to C$17.00 in a research note on Monday, May 8th. Finally, CSFB raised their price target on TransAlta from C$17.00 to C$18.50 in a research note on Tuesday, May 16th.

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TransAlta Price Performance

The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of C$12.75 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$12.27. The company has a market cap of C$3.19 billion, a PE ratio of 29.80, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of -0.07 and a beta of 1.07. The company has a current ratio of 1.51, a quick ratio of 0.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 195.84.

TransAlta Announces Dividend

TransAlta ( TSE:TA Get Rating ) (NYSE:TAC) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, May 5th. The company reported C$1.10 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of C$0.39 by C$0.71. TransAlta had a return on equity of 11.86% and a net margin of 4.74%. The company had revenue of C$1.09 billion for the quarter. On average, equities analysts predict that TransAlta Co. will post 1.3326087 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Saturday, July 1st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 1st will be paid a dividend of $0.055 per share. This represents a $0.22 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.82%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, May 31st. TransAltas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 53.66%.

TransAlta Company Profile

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TransAlta Corporation engages in the development, production, and sale of electric energy. It operates through Hydro, Wind and Solar, Gas, Energy Transition, and Energy Marketing segments. The Hydro segment has a net ownership interest of approximately 922 megawatts (MW) of owned hydro electrical-generating capacity located in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario.

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Hedges Asset Management LLC grew its stake in WestRock (NYSE:WRK  Get Rating) by 54.7% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 18,600 shares of the basic materials companys stock after buying an additional 6,575 shares during the quarter. Hedges Asset Management LLCs holdings in WestRock were worth $567,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. lifted its holdings in shares of WestRock by 0.5% in the 4th quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. now owns 148,543 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $5,223,000 after buying an additional 762 shares during the period. Brandywine Global Investment Management LLC increased its stake in shares of WestRock by 5.3% in the 4th quarter. Brandywine Global Investment Management LLC now owns 155,314 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $5,461,000 after purchasing an additional 7,775 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. increased its stake in shares of WestRock by 273.4% in the 4th quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,255,317 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $44,137,000 after purchasing an additional 919,165 shares in the last quarter. Signaturefd LLC increased its stake in shares of WestRock by 90.1% in the 4th quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 3,251 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $114,000 after purchasing an additional 1,541 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Levin Capital Strategies L.P. purchased a new position in shares of WestRock in the 4th quarter valued at about $3,932,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.54% of the companys stock.

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WestRock Trading Down 2.4 %

WRK traded down $0.70 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $28.00. The companys stock had a trading volume of 803,701 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,406,656. WestRock has a fifty-two week low of $26.84 and a fifty-two week high of $43.37. The stock has a market cap of $7.17 billion, a PE ratio of -5.91, a P/E/G ratio of 1.08 and a beta of 1.19. The businesss 50-day moving average is $28.75 and its 200-day moving average is $31.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.93, a current ratio of 1.53 and a quick ratio of 1.02.

WestRock Dividend Announcement

WestRock ( NYSE:WRK Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 4th. The basic materials company reported $0.77 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.51 by $0.26. WestRock had a positive return on equity of 9.98% and a negative net margin of 5.86%. The firm had revenue of $5.28 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.23 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.17 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was down 1.9% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts predict that WestRock will post 2.46 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, May 25th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, May 11th were paid a dividend of $0.275 per share. This represents a $1.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.93%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, May 10th. WestRocks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is -22.63%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts recently weighed in on WRK shares. StockNews.com started coverage on WestRock in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Citigroup upgraded WestRock from a neutral rating to a buy rating and cut their price objective for the stock from $34.00 to $32.00 in a research note on Monday, March 20th. Bank of America upgraded WestRock from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $38.00 to $40.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut their price objective on WestRock from $34.00 to $32.00 in a research note on Wednesday, March 15th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, WestRock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $33.57.

WestRock Company Profile

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WestRock Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides fiber-based paper and packaging solutions in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. It operates in four segments, Corrugated Packaging, Consumer Packaging, Global Paper, and Distribution. The Corrugated Packaging segment produces containerboards, corrugated sheets, corrugated packaging, and preprinted linerboards to consumer and industrial products manufacturers, and corrugated box manufacturers.

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Willis Investment Counsel lowered its stake in shares of Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL  Get Rating) by 20.4% during the first quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 432,100 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 110,992 shares during the quarter. Aflac comprises approximately 1.8% of Willis Investment Counsels investment portfolio, making the stock its 18th largest position. Willis Investment Counsels holdings in Aflac were worth $27,879,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Panagora Asset Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Aflac by 36.2% during the 1st quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 23,941 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,542,000 after purchasing an additional 6,369 shares in the last quarter. Blair William & Co. IL lifted its holdings in shares of Aflac by 6.8% during the 1st quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 17,268 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,112,000 after purchasing an additional 1,102 shares in the last quarter. Aviva PLC lifted its holdings in shares of Aflac by 0.7% during the 1st quarter. Aviva PLC now owns 210,634 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $13,563,000 after purchasing an additional 1,503 shares in the last quarter. Dakota Wealth Management bought a new position in shares of Aflac during the 1st quarter valued at about $428,000. Finally, Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Aflac by 7.3% during the 1st quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 6,142 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $396,000 after purchasing an additional 417 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 66.56% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In other news, Director Joseph L. Moskowitz sold 13,471 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, May 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $67.27, for a total transaction of $906,194.17. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 27,570 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,854,633.90. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, COO Frederick John Crawford sold 59,053 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $68.43, for a total transaction of $4,040,996.79. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now directly owns 321,367 shares in the company, valued at approximately $21,991,143.81. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, Director Joseph L. Moskowitz sold 13,471 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, May 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $67.27, for a total value of $906,194.17. Following the sale, the director now owns 27,570 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,854,633.90. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 112,582 shares of company stock worth $7,647,192. 0.90% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Aflac Stock Performance

Shares of AFL stock traded down $0.22 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $68.28. 499,032 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,537,526. The firms fifty day moving average price is $67.12 and its 200-day moving average price is $68.05. The stock has a market capitalization of $41.26 billion, a PE ratio of 9.88, a PEG ratio of 2.48 and a beta of 0.94. Aflac Incorporated has a twelve month low of $53.04 and a twelve month high of $74.01. The company has a quick ratio of 0.05, a current ratio of 0.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38.

Aflac (NYSE:AFL  Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The financial services provider reported $1.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.40 by $0.15. The business had revenue of $4.80 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.61 billion. Aflac had a return on equity of 15.25% and a net margin of 22.90%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 7.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.42 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Aflac Incorporated will post 5.81 EPS for the current year.

Aflac Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 1st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, May 17th were given a dividend of $0.42 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, May 16th. This represents a $1.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.46%. Aflacs payout ratio is 24.24%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on the company. VNET Group reissued a maintains rating on shares of Aflac in a research report on Thursday, April 27th. 888 reissued a reiterates rating on shares of Aflac in a research report on Friday, June 9th. Citigroup dropped their target price on Aflac from $73.00 to $69.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 27th. Bank of America assumed coverage on Aflac in a research report on Monday, June 5th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company assumed coverage on Aflac in a research report on Tuesday, April 25th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $73.00 target price on the stock. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Aflac has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $71.22.

Aflac Profile

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Aflac Incorporated, through its subsidiaries, provides supplemental health and life insurance products. It operates in two segments, Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S. The Aflac Japan segment offers cancer, medical, nursing care, work leave, GIFT, and whole and term life insurance products, as well as WAYS and child endowment plans under saving type insurance products in Japan.

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Wincanton plc (LON:WIN  Free Report) crossed above its fifty day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of GBX 235.03 ($2.99) and traded as high as GBX 259.27 ($3.30). Wincanton shares last traded at GBX 249 ($3.17), with a volume of 846,241 shares traded.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, Numis Securities reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 365 ($4.64) price target on shares of Wincanton in a report on Monday, May 22nd.

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Wincanton Stock Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 349.24, a quick ratio of 0.66 and a current ratio of 0.56. The company has a market cap of 316.33 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 944.44 and a beta of 0.64. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is GBX 235.89 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is GBX 264.99.

Wincanton Increases Dividend

Wincanton Company Profile

The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 11th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 13th will be given a GBX 8.80 ($0.11) dividend. This is a boost from Wincantons previous dividend of $4.40. This represents a yield of 4.06%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 13th. Wincantons dividend payout ratio is presently 4,814.81%.

(Free Report)

Wincanton plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides a range of outsourced and integrated supply chain solutions in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It offers business critical services, including storage, handling and distribution, eFulfilment, retailer, home delivery, fleet and transport management, and network optimization.

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The second annual Arcadia Valley Community Picnic was held June 24. Attendance was good, despite very hot conditions. The program is hosted by the Arcadia Valley Tourism Board and Missouri State Parks at the Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site. The event included a variety of games and activities for children and adults.

The Arcadia Valley Theater Guild put on a production of a play based on the Brothers Grimm stories such as Little Red Riding Hood, Faithful Johannes, and Rumpelstiltskin.

Six lucky children went home with new bicycles thanks to donations from the City of Pilot Knob, Chris Carr, and American Family Insurance's Ronnie Darren. The bicycles were given away in a drawing at the bicycle safety program held during the event. Every child who completed the course received a bicycle drivers license and a new helmet donated by Ozark Regional Library.

The Iron County Sheltered Workshop had a fundraising booth and a number of local craft venders were on hand for the public to check out their wares.
The Congress party on June 28, appointed TS Singh Deo, the rival of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, as his deputy. The appointment proposal of Deo was approved by the party president, Mallikarjun Kharge.



This political move by the Congress high command comes ahead of the assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, scheduled to take place in or before December this year.



Deo told news agency ANI that he and Baghel were already working together and now they will continue their collaboration in a different capacity.



He said, We all need to work together because no one can bear the responsibility alone. The party has a well-established structure, from the block level to the state leadership.



The announcement was made shortly after Baghel and Deo were in New Delhi to discuss the partys preparedness and election strategy with top leadership, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party president Rahul Gandhi, general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal, and Chhattisgarh in-charge Kumari Selja.







Deo, who also serves as the health minister in the Chhattisgarh government, was one of the frontrunners for the chief ministerial post in the 2018 assembly elections but Baghel was chosen instead.



Following the partys announcement, Bhupesh Baghel tweeted, We are ready. Congratulations and best wishes to Maharaj Saheb for his responsibility as Deputy Chief Minister.



In June 2021, a brief rivalry between Bhupesh Baghel and TS Singh Deo emerged after Baghel completed two-and-a-half years as Chief Minister.



Deos supporters claimed that an understanding was reached in 2018 that Deo would take over as Chief Minister after Baghel completed half of the term.



INC President Sh. Mallikarjun Kharge ji has approved the proposal for the appointment of Sh. TS Singh Deo ji as the Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. He is a loyal Congress leader and an able administrator. The state will greatly benefit from his services as Deputy CM, tweeted KC Venugopal.




















Anti-trust regulator Competition Commission of India (CCI) has issued a show cause notice to Air India, seeking clarification on why its proposed merger with Vistara should not be investigated over concerns about competition in the aviation sector. Vistara and Air India, two full-service airlines, are part of the Tata Group. Singapore Airlines (SIA) holds a 49 percent stake in Vistara. Reports mention that the CCI has given Air India 30 days to respond. In November 2022, the salt-to-software conglomerate announced the merger of Vistara with Air India under a deal wherein SIA will also hold a 25.1 per cent stake in Air India. As a part of the deal, SIA would pump into Rs 2,059 crore in the expanded share capital of Air India for a 25.1 percent stake. Tata Sons would own the remaining 74.9 percent stake in the combined entity. Also Read | Tata-owned Air India begins merger process with Vistara: Report Tata Sons and SIA filed a merger application with the CCI in April this year, mentioning that the proposed merger of Vistara with Air India would not alter the competitive landscape or cause any adverse impact on competition in India. They had expressed hope to seal the merger deal by March 2024. If the deal sees the light of day, it will make Air India the country's largest international carrier and second-largest domestic carrier after IndiGo. Also Read | Vistara merger to help Air India achieve 30% domestic market share faster As per the competition law, the regulator can probe into the matter before giving the green light for a merger or acquisition in case there are concerns about possible anti-competitive practices in the deal. Section 29 of the Competition Act mentions the procedures for the probe of combinations. In CCI parlance, combinations refer to mergers and acquisitions.

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American global asset management firm Oaktree Capital Management is elevating the chiefs of two of its businesses to the co-chief executive officers. According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, Robert O'Leary and Armen Panossian will share the corner office after current CEO Jay Wintrob vacates it. O'leary leads the asset management company's investment activities in North America, while Panossian is Oaktree's head of performing credit, according to the company's website. WSJ also reported that the firm will also be promoting its chief administrative officer Todd Molz to take up the role of the chief operating officer. The leadership shake-up comes at a time when Oaktree has been planning expansions, including raising $10 billion for a new fund that will help finance large private equity takeovers, the Financial Times reported in February. At the end of March, Oaktree, one of the largest distressed-debt investors in the world, had about $172 billion of assets under management. Brookfield Asset Management acquired a majority interest in Oaktree in 2019 and the firm operates as an independent business within the Brookfield universe. OLeary joined Oaktree in 2002 and till very recently served as portfolio manager of the Global Opportunities strategy. Panossian joined Oaktrees Global Opportunities group in 2007 and now runs Oaktrees performing-credit business.

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Competition Commission of India (CCI) has issued a show cause notice to the parties with respect to the proposed merger of Tata Group airlines Vistara and Air India, according to a source.



The fair trade watchdog issues notice asking why an investigation should not be initiated only after forming a prima-facie opinion that the deal could adversely impact competition in the marketplace.



Vistara and Air India are the two full-service carriers that are part of the Tata Group, and Singapore Airlines holds a 49 per cent stake in Vistara.



In November last year, Tata Group announced the merger of Vistara with Air India under a deal wherein Singapore Airlines will also acquire a 25.1 per cent stake in Air India. The deal would mark a major consolidation in India's fast-growing aviation space.



The source on Tuesday said CCI has issued a show cause notice on the deal.



Air India did not comment.



The approval for the proposed combination was sought from CCI in April this year. The parties to the combination are Tata Sons Pvt Ltd (TSPL), Air India Ltd, Tata SIA Airlines Ltd (TSAL) and Singapore Airlines Ltd.



The deal will make Air India the country's largest international carrier and second-largest domestic carrier.



Under the competition law, the regulator has the power to carry out a detailed probe before approving a merger or acquisition in case there are concerns about possible anti-competitive practices about the deal.



Section 29 of the Competition Act provides the procedures for investigations of combinations. In CCI parlance, combinations refer to mergers and acquisitions.



"Where the Commission is of the opinion that a combination is likely to cause, or has caused an appreciable adverse effect on competition within the relevant market in India, it shall issue a notice to show cause to the parties to combination calling upon them to respond within thirty days of the receipt of the notice, as to why investigation in respect of such combination should not be conducted," as per the section.



In case, the regulator is not satisfied with the responses, it can go to the second stage wherein the parties will be asked to make the details of the proposed deal public and comments will be sought. Besides, CCI can seek additional information from the parties before taking a final decision on the deal.



There have also been instances where parties to a combination submitted remedial measures to address anti-competitive concerns and after accepting them, CCI has given its conditional approvals.
Indias G-20 sherpa Amitabh Kant on June 28 asked startups not to get "dependent on government procurements but instead focus on the opportunities presented by the domestic and export markets.



Speaking at a youth conference organised by IMC Chamber of Commerce, Kant also asked men to change their attitudes towards women and transfer wealth in the name of women to address the issue of gender disparity.



Both the Union and many state governments have a positive outlook on helping startups on procurements from startups. The government e-marketplace (GEM) has a dedicated startup runway showcasing startups offerings, while there in many cases, there are relaxations in rules to accommodate buying from startups.



"I am personally against governments getting into too much of startupsthe dynamism of startups should be in the marketplace. the startups should not get themselves too dependent on govt procurement, Kant said.



He said the startups should focus on the large domestic market and the export markets for pushing their wares, while the governments role should be limited to assisting the flow of capital to the startups through schemes like fund of funds which it has done.



Addressing the gender disparity issue, Kant said empowering women and promoting their inclusion and entrepreneurship is crucial for unblocking untapped talent but conceded that accessing capital remains a significant challenge.



Men also need to change their attitudes, Kant said, calling for a "cultural shift to improve the conditions of women."policy developments are needed to mobilise financing and other support towards the sectors where women are currently active, he said.



"In India and South Asia, mothers put wealth in the name of their sons, not in the name of their daughters. There has to be a cultural shift. If you are able to shift the wealth in the name of the women, in a decade you will see women doing very well in India and all over the place, he said.



He called the South Asian region as being lax on unity of any kind, and illustrated how the economies have suffered due to a lack of the same. Kant said intra-region ties on trade, and also travel and tourism can help benefit all the countries economically, and illustrated the example of Europe where tourists and trade flow seamlessly across geographies for collective good.



He said Indian tourists can help drive prosperity in neighbouring countries of Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan by creating wealth there through the travel and tourism route.
A Cadet man officers say was connected to a bomb threat at the Potosi Walmart was scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on Wednesday in the Washington County Courthouse to answer to charges in two separate cases.

In three separate cases, Payton Andrew Reed, 19, of Cadet was charged with felony rape, felony making a terroristic threat, felony false bomb report, felony attempted escape, felony possession of alcohol by a minor, and felony harassment. Two of the three cases were filed on June 5, the rape case was filed on Jan. 17 and was covered by the Daily Journal on Jan. 19. Even though two of the cases were filed on the same day, the incident of harassment allegedly occurred on Oct. 26, 2022.

According to a probable cause statement from the Washington County Sheriffs Office, Reed used an app designed to create fake, untraceable phone numbers to call a female. Reed allegedly made an unspecified number of calls over an unspecified amount of time.

The report states that each time the female would answer a call, Reed would allegedly threaten to find her and assault her. The report states these calls caused the female emotional distress.

Reed was also charged with making a terroristic threat, false bomb report, attempted escape, and possession of alcohol on June 5. A probable cause statement from Potosi Police Department states that on June 4, Reed called the Potosi Walmart service desk and told the service desk employee he had placed bombs in the store and they needed to evacuate the building, then hung up.

According to the report, about 60 employees and 75 customers were evacuated and the parking lot was secured by law enforcement. Officers learned the number associated with the bomb threat allegedly belonged to Reed. Witnesses reportedly directed officers to an address where Reed was taken into custody. The report stated Reed confessed to having consumed alcohol which prompted officers to conduct a breathalyzer test. The test allegedly showed positive results for alcohol consumption. A later blood test allegedly showed a blood alcohol content of .099%.

Witnesses to the bomb threat reportedly told officers they saw Reed inside the Walmart store and then at the nearby Murphys gas station. Witnesses were reported to say this was not the first time Reed had called in a bomb threat. Multiple bomb-sniffing K9 teams were used to search the building and to ensure no evidence of bombs or other explosives existed before allowing employees and consumers back into the store.

While Reed was in custody at the Washington County Jail, he allegedly slipped the restraints securing him to a bench in the booking area. The report states Reed was able to escape the booking area but was quickly re-apprehended.

A third probable cause statement from the Washington County Sheriffs Office states that on Jan. 4, Reed forcibly raped a woman at his residence. According to the statement, the victim was brought to the home by Reed and two other people. The victim alleges, shortly after arrival, Reed threw her over his shoulder and carried her into the bedroom, where he allegedly threw her onto the bed, forcibly removed her clothing, and raped her.

The report states the witnesses were in the kitchen at the time of the rape and heard the victim tell Reed to stop. The witnesses allegedly did not realize the victim was saying stop in a serious manner. Reed reportedly called 911 after the rape and told dispatch he could not deal with the person in his house, called her an offensive slur, and then said his friend would get her to leave. A short time later, Reed allegedly called 911 a second time and said he would deal with it and no longer needed assistance.

A search of Reeds criminal history in Missouri Case Net showed only one conviction for disorderly conduct on April 5. Reed is currently being held without bond at the Washington County Jail. The rape case is currently awaiting further legal action. The other two cases are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on June 28 at 1:30 p.m. in the Washington County Courthouse.
All eyes would be on public sector companies as they vote as shareholders in the extraordinary general meeting (EGM) of PTC India (PTC) on June 28, especially for the resolution to confirm the appointment of Rajib Kumar Mishra as the chairman and managing director amid regulatory scrutiny.



The EGM is taking place just after the Registrar of Companies (ROC) found PTCs subsidiary PTC India Financial Services (PFS) and its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Pawan Singh in violation of The Companies Act, 2013 and penalised both entities in three separate adjudication orders on June 27. Separately, the capital market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has held PTC CMD Rajib Kumar Mishra and PFS MD & CEO Pawan Singh responsible for the corporate governance lapses in PFS.



While Singh has been sent on leave, Mishra is also being questioned by SEBI for the irregularities in his appointment at the top job.



PTC, which was set up in 1999 as a government-initiated public-private partnership, is partially owned by state run-power companies  NTPC, Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL), Power Finance Corporation (PFC), and NHPC each owns a 4.05 percent stake. Life Insurance Corporation owns 5.96 percent and Damodar Valley Corporation owns 3.38 percent in PTC. Detailed queries sent to these companies remained unanswered at the time of publishing this article.



Even though the stake of these PSUs is small and can just end up being a rounding off error in their books, they cannot be apathetic to whats happening in the company. Even if they have a nominee on the board and they voted for the resolution, its time they vote against it in the EGM and do the right thing in view of the regulatory investigations, Shriram Subramanian, founder and managing director of proxy adviser InGovern Research Services told Moneycontrol.



NTPC, PGCIL, PFC, and NHPC have nominee directors on the board of PTC. PTC informed bourses on March 29 that its board has approved the appointment of Mishra, which will now be put up for shareholders' approval. Mohammad Afzal, Joint Secretary (Transmission) at the Ministry of Power is also a nominee director on the board of PTC since December 2022.



Mishra took over as acting chairman in November 2021, after former CMD Deepak Amitabh quit.



The notice for the extraordinary general meeting (EGM) of PTC was issued after SEBI sent the show-cause notice to Mishra. Yet, the EGM agenda shared with investors does not disclose this. However, it includes a clause that will allow Mishra to be on the board as a director even if the resolution for his appointment as CMD is rejected.



Nominees on board act on behalf of the nominating agency and in this case, these nominee directors have given their approval to the resolution for the appointment in the board meeting. Unless the PSUs have questioned them for their vote, it means that they are in agreement with the vote given. Therefore the PSUs are in a Catch-22 situation, if they vote yes at EGM, they are voting for the appointment of a person who is facing investigation. If they vote no, it questions their previous decision to vote for the decision during the board meeting, said JN Gupta, who is the Founder and Managing Director of Stakeholders Empowerment Services (SES).



Both SES and InGovern have advised shareholders to vote against the resolution to appoint Mishra as CMD.



We have advised the minority shareholders to vote against the resolution of the appointment of the CMD. The PSUs who own stakes in PTC India should vote with a conscience too, Gupta said.



Moneycontrol reported exclusively that SEBI sent a letter to Mishra and the company secretary of PTC on June 22, asking about possible irregularities related to the CMDs appointment, collusion between Mishra and Pawan Singh, managing director and chief executive officer of PFS, and issues pertaining to corporate governance.



Prior to this, on May 8, SEBI pulled up both Mishra and Singh for their role in the lapses in corporate governance in PFS. SEBI said that Mishra had not acted in the interest of shareholders of PFS and failed in his prime responsibility of letting the board function effectively and in discharging his duties.



How they (PSUs) vote for a company and a CMD who are in trouble for corporate governance matters will reflect on those companies. They need to be careful because we live in an environment where scrutiny on the basis of corporate governance and ESG is higher. Any dent on these accounts could potentially have an impact on their business and even their ability to raise funds, a corporate governance experts said.



PFS has been under the scanner since January 2022 when three of its independent directors resigned with similarly worded letters that alleged corporate governance issues including bypassing the board in certain decisions and changing the terms and conditions of loans.

Ends
Aviation regulator DGCA will examine documents submitted by Go First related to the revival plan and will also conduct an audit on operational preparedness before allowing the carrier to restart operations, sources said on Wednesday.



Senior representatives of the current management of Go First, which has stopped flying since May 3, discussed various aspects of the revival plan with officials of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in the national capital on Wednesday, they said.



The budget carrier, which was owned by the Wadia family, is in voluntary insolvency resolution proceedings.



According to the sources privy to the development, the airlines EY-backed Resolution Professional Anooj Ajmera and Interim CEO Kaushik Khona made a detailed presentation to the DGCA officials on the revival plan.



DGCA will also conduct an audit to assess the airline's operational preparedness once it completes the scrutiny of the documents. The audit is expected to take place next week, one of the sources told PTI.



The second source said the airline, prior to the grounding, was operating to and from 29 domestic destinations. Under the revival plan, the number of destinations is to be reduced to 23.



The airline, when it restarts operations, will not be operating flights from Jaipur, Lucknow, Kannur, Patna, Varanasi and Ranchi for the time being, the source added.



According to the source, lenders have committed an interim funding of around Rs 450 crore, considering a days operations are expected to cost around Rs 10 crore.



Further, the source said the airline has adequate manpower, including around 300 pilots.



The revival process gathered pace after the formation of the airline's Committee of Creditors (CoC), comprising Bank of Baroda, Central Bank of India, IDBI Bank and Deutsche Bank, on June 10.
Over the last few years, many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across industries have laid off employees. More so, in the technology and e-commerce sectors. Flipkart laid off 1,500 employees, saying the layoffs were necessary to align their resources with business priorities. Snapdeal laid off 600 as part of a restructuring exercise to make the company more efficient. Grofers laid off 300 as a way to streamline operations.



Clearly, layoffs seem to be a necessary evil but not an easy option. It can be especially difficult for SMEs. When an SME lays off employees, it can have a ripple effect throughout the company, affecting morale, productivity, and even customer service, not to mention society.



During periods of economic uncertainty or organisational restructuring, as we have seen in the past, this is unavoidable. Handling such situations with sensitivity and fairness is crucial to minimising the impact on employees and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders.



How can SMEs handle this smoothly?



Plan ahead: Don't wait until the last minute to decide who will be laid off. Start by creating a list of all employees who are at risk of being laid off. Then, carefully consider the factors that will be used to determine who will be laid off.



Legal compliance and ethical considerations: SMEs must ensure compliance with applicable labour laws and regulations when conducting layoffs. In India, the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, and other relevant laws outline the procedures and requirements for retrenchment. It is essential to consult legal experts to navigate the legal framework and ensure adherence to ethical principles throughout the process.



Transparent and compassionate communication: Effective and empathetic communication is crucial during the layoff process. You should provide advance notice whenever possible. Provide affected employees with proper notice to help them prepare for the transition and explore alternative opportunities. Take steps to explain the reasoning. Clearly communicate the reasons for the workforce reduction, highlighting the business challenges and the impact on the organisation.







Transparency helps employees understand its necessity and reduces uncertainty. Also, while at it, show empathy and display compassion during the communication process. Provide a platform for employees to express their concerns, answer their questions honestly, and offer support and resources.



Fair selection criteria and assistance programmes: Implement fair and objective criteria for selecting employees to be laid off. This may include factors such as performance, skills, and role redundancy. SMEs should also consider offering assistance programmes, including severance packages and outplacement services. Provide fair and competitive severance packages to support affected employees during their transition. These packages can include financial compensation, extended healthcare benefits, or career transition support. Offer outplacement services such as resume writing, job search assistance, and networking opportunities to help affected employees find new employment opportunities.



Retaining and engaging talent: SMEs should focus on retaining and engaging the remaining workforce amidst layoffs. This can be achieved through:



Realigning roles and responsibilities: Clearly define revised roles and responsibilities for existing employees affected by the layoffs. This clarity will help them understand their value and contribution to the organisation.

Upskilling and training: Invest in upskilling and training programmes to equip employees with new skills and competencies, enhancing their value and job security.



SMEs can learn from companies that have done layoffs the right way. During its restructuring in 2019, IT services firm Mindtree implemented a voluntary separation programme that allowed employees to choose to exit the organisation in exchange for a generous severance package. The company also provided assistance in finding new job opportunities, such as access to its network and job portals.



Infosys, a multinational IT company, implemented a redeployment programme to help affected employees find suitable roles within the organisation or explore opportunities in the broader job market. The company provided training and support to enhance their employability and offered severance packages to those who could not be redeployed.



It is important to remember that layoffs are a difficult decision for any business owner. However, by handling layoffs in a thoughtful and compassionate manner, you can help ensure that the process is as smooth as possible for everyone involved. By adhering to legal requirements, adopting transparent and compassionate communication, implementing fair selection criteria, offering assistance programmes, and focussing on retaining and engaging remaining employees, SMEs in India can navigate layoffs while maintaining positive relationships with employees, customers, and the broader community that they operate in. By demonstrating empathy, providing support, and offering avenues for career transition, SMEs can mitigate the adverse impact too.




Market veteran Shankar Sharma expressed his thumping bullishness on the small- and mid-cap companies and called them the real story of India, in an exclusive interview with Moneycontrol.



The founder of GQuant Investech, an investment analysis company said, that is because each part of India is equal to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of large countries like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, and if we divide India's $3.5 trillion economy into 4-5 sections, each section, on average, will be roughly between $700 billion to $1 trillion.



This does amazing things for small companies. It gives them the ability to service their products in areas where they have a consolidated position, factory, logistics and distribution, he said, adding that this advantage can't be replicated by big companies.



Also read: Shankar Sharma likens investing in smallcap stocks to betting on a marathon race



According to Sharma, small companies now have a large addressable market and can record numbers that were unheard of a few years ago. He recalled his conversation with a jewellery brand servicing in the eastern part of India. That company is now on course to make profits of about Rs 120 crore to Rs 130 crore. "This just shows that India is a collection of large markets instead of just one large market," Shankar said, referring to the capabilities and underlying potential of small caps. "These markets will be exploited better by smaller companies rather than the giants."



When asked if the earlier trend of the top three companies gaining market share at the expense of the following 7-8 companies is changing, Sharma believes that there is a reversal on the cards.



"Small companies stand a great chance of nibbling away at the market share off larger companies across segments," the GQuant founder said. In his view, large companies will have to work harder to retain market share owing to the stiff competition small players in the market pose.



Also read: Shankar Sharma's 4 AM strategy, Brightcom blueprint and lessons learnt from bad bets



Shankar said he sets aside roughly 20-25 percent of his investible portfolio in companies that have some degree of problem. He, however, said that problems in the above companies should be visible and rectifiable. He shed light on the tendency of people to invest 100 percent of their portfolio in such companies and said that is the starting point of problems.



He recommends one should own stocks that have the potential to give 15-30 percent returns but that should be only limited to a very small chunk of the entire portfolio.



Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
For bankers, MSMEs are one of the core areas. If MSMEs make bankable proposals, credit access will be made available, said Ambikanand Jha, GM & Zonal Head of UCO Bank during the Moneycontrol Policy Next summit in Delhi. He further added that banks frequently witnessed incomplete documents at the time of proposals. "Sometimes MSME guys are not clear about their company numbers, whenever we asked they pass them on to their CAs, which looks bad," added Jha. The medium, small and micro enterprises (MSME) sector in West Bengal received bank loans aggregating Rs 1.20 lakh crore from banks during the last financial year, an official said on Tuesday. Nearly 90 lakh MSME units are functioning in the state, employing close to 1.35 crore people, state MSME secretary Rajesh Pandey said. "The MSME sector in West Bengal received loans worth Rs 1.20 lakh crore from banks in the last financial year. While each MSME unit has an employment potential of 25 to 40 people per Rs one crore invested, the same is only five to ten people for large-scale units. This is why the MSME sector commands so much importance in West Bengal," he said at an event here.

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After the Supreme Court decriminalised homosexuality in 2018, many workplaces started offering benefits of inclusivity  insurance being one critical perk to retain employees. As a result, group life and health insurance (offered to private groups such as employees, clients of banks and card companies, etc) policies have been customised for many companies for a few years now.



While homosexuality was decriminalised, same-sex marriage has not been legalised yet. As a result, many insurance benefits have not been available until recently through retail insurance plans for the general public.



But the scenario is changing. Both general insurance companies  that offer mediclaim, fire, vehicle insurance, etc  and life insurers, which cover the financial risk associated with the death of an individual, are now offering policies to LGBTQ+ members and same-sex couples, apart from live-in partners.



On June 28, National Insurance Awareness Day was celebrated towards the end of the pride month of June. Moneycontrol.com decided to examine access to insurance for same-sex couples and members of the LGBTQ+ community.



Floater policies



For same-sex couples seeking a mediclaim floater policy  one common health insurance policy that covers the entire family and shares the sum insured  has been a major problem. Under a floater policy, any of the family member can make a claim during a health emergency, saving costs assuming that not all family members will fall ill and require hospitalisation at the same time.



In line with this principle, insurance companies are now offering health and motor insurance floater policies to same-sex couples too. "Exclusion from accessing floater health insurance policies was a significant issue due to non-conformity with traditional family definitions. Hence, we expanded the definition of family under retail offerings to now include live-in partners and same-sex couples," says Raghavendra Rao, Chief Distribution Officer at Future Generali India Insurance Company.



Even though health floater policies have been in existence for more than two decades, floater policies for vehicles were introduced only recently.



While many insurance companies declined to comment, a private insurer said that the company offers motor floater policies to vehicles owned by individuals residing on the same premises and possessing documents to certify the same.



Also listen to: How to avoid disappointment when making an insurance claim | Simply Save



No separate underwriting for life insurance



Life insurance is offered to everyone regardless of age, gender, or preferences, say insurance companies. Premiums are not based on gender.



"Underwriting costs are based on the risk assessment and the applicable mortality risk for a particular life. The underwriting cost for an LGBTQ person would depend on the demographic details of the person," says Piyush Trivedi, Joint President-Products, Kotak Life Insurance.



It hasnt been proven whether being homosexual has an impact on your life cycle, and hence, there is no discrimination or bias in terms of pricing or offering insurance to the LGBTQ+ community.



"Our costs of policies do not differ based on sexual orientation. In general, the costs of life insurance policies are determined by underwriting rules such as risk assessment, claim settlement procedures, and internal policies," says Dr Mukund Kulkarni, Head  Underwriting, Aegon life insurance.



Even though the premiums dont change, insurance companies expect individuals to mention the correct gender, and they would accordingly be a little stringent in assessing the risks associated with members of the LGBTQ+ community.



"Life insurers may be more diligent, medically and financially, when evaluating a transgender individual," says Karthik Raman, CMO and Head-Products, Ageas Federal Life Insurance.



Also read: MC Exclusive: Common hospital network, health claims exchange and deeper penetration can minimise claim hassles, says IRDAI chief



Joint life policies



However, a same-sex couple would have a tough time seeking a joint-life insurance policy, which is an insurance policy covering two people, and offers the sum assured (SA) to the joint policyholder in case of the death of the other holder.



"We offer joint life cover for spouses under our annuity and savings plans. Currently, the two individuals under a joint life insurance policy can either be spouses (husband and wife) or immediate blood relations," says Raman.



But it is best to understand if your insurance company offers these to same-sex couples, as everyone follows a different view. Joint-life policies help you save some funds as two lives are insured under one plan.



Kotak Life Insurance, too, offers joint life insurance under individual traditional savings and on the ULIP platform. "Relationships allowed between lives covered under a joint-life policy are as per the underwriting rules of respective companies," says Trivedi.



So, if you seek a joint home loan, you might not be permitted to take out a joint insurance policy.



Also read: Want to take out a life insurance policy? Here are the different types of term plans on offer



What documents should you hold?



No forms or separate documents are needed for the third gender to seek insurance, apart from the submission of a proposal form.



Terms and conditions are the same for all customers, say insurers. But the facts need to be mentioned correctly for the insurance contract to be valid. To ensure that the insurance contract isnt considered invalid for hiding any "material" fact at the time of a claim, it is important that you mention the correct gender.



"For transgender individuals, the procedure is the same as for the other genders. They have to submit the right declaration as transgender in the application form," says Raman.



Additional documents, such as health declarations, may be sought based on the health condition, which is a common practice for select high-risk individuals. Ensure you mention the correct details on these declaration forms.



Since same-sex marriage isnt legal in India, steering past documentation and common proof is often a cumbersome task for insurance coverage. If you are seeking a joint-life or a health/vehicle floater policy as a same-sex couple, then you would need a joint bank account and proof of common address. But do check with your insurance company about the documents needed.



"The presence of a common bank account or shared address in the proposal form will be considered for communication or transactions. While it indicates a certain degree of shared financial responsibility or living arrangement, it is not the sole determining factor for a family floater policy," says Rao.



Also read: HDFC Bank viral video: Four classic insurance traps you must avoid



Nomination



Life insurance is perhaps one of the many financial products, where the provision to nominate a "beneficiary" nominee has been offered. A beneficiary nominee under life insurance doesnt just gain the right to receive the funds from the insurance company after the death of the individual but gains the right to keep the funds.



The good news here is that as per Indian law, individuals can nominate any person of their choice in their life insurance policy.



As Raman says, "For both same-sex couples or couples in live-in relationships, one partner can nominate the other partner as a beneficiary nominee under the life insurance policy."



But Moneycontrol.com found that different insurance companies have different policies on this matter. "With the evolving definitions of relations, same-sex couples can nominate a partner as a beneficiary subject to the nomination policies of the respective life insurer," says Trivedi of Kotak Life Insurance.



Hence, do check with your insurance company regarding the beneficiary nominee provision. It would be a wise choice to make a Will and mention the name of the person to whom you wish to offer the insurance money after your passing, as succession laws would take over if a person dies intestate (without leaving a Will).



Also read: How much life insurance do you need?
Capital market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has deferred its decision to rationalise the total expense ratio (TER), or the expenses that mutual fund (MF) schemes can charge their investors.

The Sebi chairperson said that the regulator will soon come up with a second consultation paper around rationalising the TER.

Sebi was expected to redefine the TER by bringing many charges- that sit outside the TER at the moment- within the limits of the TER. But in its Board meeting held on June 28, Sebi didn't take any decision on this.

Explaining the Board's decision to defer its decision, Sebi chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch explained that it got feedback from the MF industry and more granular data that demostarted that economies of scale has in fact been achieved to quite an extent.

On May 18, Sebi had brought out a consultation paper asking for publics opinion on some key proposals that Sebi had put forth to make TER more transparent. The aim of this exercise, which SEBI had announced it had started work on in December 2022, was to bring economies of scale. The consultation paper of May 18 had confirmed an exclusive by Moneycontrol on January 28 that gave a glimpse of Sebis plans to cut down expense ratios.

"The MF industry gave us data that over the last 5 years, economies of scale has been achieved. When we (Sebi) saw the granular data, we understand therefore that our proposals need to undergo a change," said Buch. She explained further that Sebi takes its decision based on hardcore numbers. The earlier proposals were based on an exercise SEBI had undertaken earlier this year.

Buch says that now that Sebi has more data, it will come out with a second consultation paper on TER soon. "The MF industry will be quite happy with our second set of proposals," hinting that Sebi's TER proposals would be less stringent than its earlier proposals. This also shows that Sebi doesn't appear to be as disturbed about the fees that fund houses charge, as it did before.

As per Sebi's May 18 consultation paper, it were to have brought in brokerage fees, and Goods & Services Tax (GST) of fund management fees within the ambit of the TER. Both these fees, currently, sit outside the TER. Sebi had said, in its consultation paper last month, that the TER should include brokerage expenses.

Fund houses are now allowed to charge brokerage and transaction costs of up to 0.12 percent of the trade value. Sebi found that fund houses were charging brokerage amounts that were higher than the amounts charged under TER, and in some cases even double the permissible TER. And investors had been paying that, assuming that they were just paying the TER, which was the only expense they had been told of.

Another important announcement missing from Sebi's decision was the change of commission structure in a scheme's NFO. To curb the menace of mutual fund houses and distributors from churning their investors from their existing schemes to new schemes being launched, Sebi was expected to announce steps that would have discouraged this practice. Its consultation paper had said that if distributors switch investors money from one scheme to another, he would earn the lower commission of the two schemes.

This decision also wasn't taken up today. But expect the second consultation paper in another 10 days or so. Sebi would mostly take its final decision in its September-end board meeting.
Priyadarshini Ganesan and Sowmini G Prasad



A couple lives in Kumbakonam village in Tamil Nadu with their two children. They earn Rs 3 lakh annually from running an auto and a door-front petty shop.



A relative, an insurance agent, comes to them with an endowment plan where they would have to pay a monthly premium of Rs 738 over 20 years. In return, the plan promises an assured sum of Rs 1 lakh and a bonus of up to Rs 32,400 at the end of the policy term.



It also provides a life insurance cover of Rs 1 lakh. The couple is persuaded to buy the plan, partly because it seems to offer a pathway for long-term savings and partly because the relative is urging them to do so.



After paying a total premium of about Rs 45,000 over five years, a health shock in the family puts the households finances under severe strain. With no other financial recourse, the couple decides to surrender the plan to pay for hospital expenses.



But they realise that surrendering the plan after five years would fetch them only about Rs 24,000, and the insurance company would retain the rest as a penalty for pre-closure. This was not disclosed to them at the time of purchase. They are disappointed and frustrated about losing their hard-earned savings but are unable to continue paying for the policy.



Also read: Why traditional life insurance policies aren't great long-term investments



Unsuitable plan



This case (a fictional account) illustrates the journey of many low-income households (LIHs) with traditional life insurance products. It also underscores the low persistency rates for life insurance policies in India.



The 13th-month persistency of the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), for instance, was about 63 percent in 2022  meaning 37 in 100 policies lapsed within the first 13 months. Globally, the persistency ratio for the 13th month is almost 90 percent.



The low persistency points to not just Indian households losing life cover but also the thousands of rupees lost as penalty for pre-closure. This is particularly worrisome for LIHs that can scarcely afford to lose their life cover or meagre savings from unsuitable products.



Traditional life insurance products such as endowment plans (bundle of investment and insurance) offer low life cover per rupee of premium compared to term life plans, low returns on their savings component, and high penalties for pre-closure. These features make them ill-suited for LIHs, given their income levels, instability in income flows, and the persistent need for liquidity.



However, endowment plans are a common feature of Indian household portfolios, which is true of LIHs as well. As per the All-India Debt and Investment Survey 2019 (National Sample Survey, 70th Round), the take-up of endowment plans among LIHs stands at over 20 percent.



While typical behavioural biases such as loss aversion (the tendency to view losses more severely than equivalent gains) and optimism bias (the tendency to overestimate the likelihood of experiencing positive events and underestimate the likelihood of experiencing adverse events) contribute to the preference for such bundled products, misaligned agent incentives also have a role to play.



The possibility of earning high commissions overshadows the need for product suitability assessments, resulting in agents mis-selling endowment plans. Consumers are also often shortchanged because essential information on pre-closure charges and alternative product options is unavailable.



While the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has directed insurance companies to conduct product suitability assessments at the time of sale, the instructions fall short of meeting their objective because they have been watered down to a mere box-ticking exercise.



Protection gap



While ensuring the suitability of products at the point of sale is necessary, the availability of products designed to meet the specific needs of LIHs is equally important. The Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) is one such product launched by the government as a subsidised term life plan.



It calls for a pocket-friendly yearly premium of Rs 436 for a life cover of Rs 2 lakh. With the right thrust, it can potentially bridge the mortality protection gap faced by LIHs in India.



However, the distribution and servicing of the product are riddled with multiple challenges, stifling its potential to provide valuable social protection to a large section of the Indian population. Further, apart from PMJJBY, there is a glaring life insurance product gap in the market for LIHs.



Packaging insurance with savings is, therefore, one way to address insurance take-up among LIHs. Dvara Research conducted a study to understand the drivers and barriers of life insurance purchase among low-income households, which also indicated that there is a case for providing tailor-made insurance-cum-savings bundles to this segment.



Beyond such bundling, life insurance companies should critically evaluate the products sold to LIHs against their financial realities by ensuring affordable premiums, safety of capital, and low penalties for premature exit. They should align their sales practices to generate the best outcomes for LIHs by ensuring easy access to a variety of products with disclosures that provide accurate information and aid product comparison.



Further, they should ensure optimal post-sale service that engenders trust by setting up transparent grievance redress channels and claim settlement procedures. There is an immediate need for the insurance sector in India to consider these recommendations seriously so that life insurance may be made to work for this crucial yet underserved population.



(The authors are researchers at Dvara Research)
Shareholders of PTC India (PTC) approved the appointment of Rajib Kumar Mishra as the chairman and managing director despite the regulatory scrutiny of the process followed for his selection and his role in alleged corporate governance lapses in subsidiary PTC India Financial Services (PFS).



At the extraordinary general meeting (EGM) of PTC held on June 28, the resolution for Mishras appointment received a 100 percent vote from the promoter group, which includes NTPC, Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL), Power Finance Corporation (PFC), and NHPC.



Of the votes received, around 32% of public institutions and 35% of the public-others category, which includes the retail shareholders, were against this resolution.



Proxy adviser InGovern Research Services and Stakeholders Empowerment Services (SES) had advised the shareholders to vote against this resolution as Mishras role has been under the scanner after three independent directors of PFS, where he is a chairman, resigned.



In a similarly worded letter in January 2022, the three independent directors alleged corporate governance issues including bypassing the board in certain decisions and changing the terms and conditions of loans.



On June 28, shareholders also passed resolutions relating to the appointment of Rashmi Verma, Jayant Dasgupta, and Narendra Kumar as independent directors, and Mahendra Kumar Gupta and Ravisankar Ganesan as non-executive nominee directors.



The EGM took place the day after the Registrar of Companies (ROC) found the non-banking finance company PFS and its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Pawan Singh in violation of The Companies Act, 2013, and penalised both entities in three separate adjudication orders. These matters pertaining to issues raised by the independent directors in January 2022.



Separately, the capital market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has held Mishra and PFS MD & CEO Pawan Singh responsible for the corporate governance lapses in PFS. Singh was sent on leave last week in line with a Reserve Bank of India directive.



Mishra is also being questioned by SEBI for the irregularities in his appointment at the top job. Moneycontrol reported exclusively that the capital market regulator sent a letter to Mishra and PTCs company secretary on June 22, asking about possible irregularities related to the CMDs appointment, collusion between Mishra and Pawan Singh, managing director and chief executive officer of PFS, and issues pertaining to corporate governance.



PTC, which was set up in 1999 as a government-initiated public-private partnership, is partially owned by state run-power companies  NTPC, Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL), Power Finance Corporation (PFC), and NHPC each owns a 4.05 percent stake. Life Insurance Corporation owns 5.96 percent and Damodar Valley Corporation owns 3.38 percent in PTC.



Mishra took over as acting chairman of PTC in November 2021, after former CMD Deepak Amitabh quit. PTC informed bourses on March 29 that its board has approved the appointment of Mishra, which will now be put up for shareholders' approval. NTPC, PGCIL, PFC, and NHPC have nominee directors on the board of PTC.



In a show-cause notice to Mishra and Singh on May 8, SEBI held both responsible for their role in the lapses in corporate governance in PFS. SEBI said that Mishra had not acted in the interest of shareholders of PFS and failed in his prime responsibility of letting the board function effectively and in discharging his duties.
The Delhi Development Authoritys first-come-first-serve scheme for about 5,500 flats is likely to open for online registration from June 30 midnight, officials said.



The prices of the units range from Rs 13 lakh to Rs 2.4 crore, depending on the category and location, according to the officials. The flats are located in Jasola, Narela, Lok Nayak Puram, Dwarka, Siraspur, Narela and Rohini.



An official said initially 5,000-5,500 flats will be offered and more flats may be added, depending on demand. For registration, a non-refundable fee of Rs 1,000 will be charged. Brochures and guidelines for the scheme will be issued in a day or two.



The DDA board approved the scheme on June 14. Interested homebuyers will be able to book a flat in the locality and floor of their choice by paying a token amount.



Tentative prices



Officials said prices of the high-income group (HIG) flats are likely to range from Rs 2.25 crore to Rs 2.4 crore, while the cost of middle-income group (MIG) flats is expected at Rs 1.05 crore to Rs 1.45 crore. Pricing will depend on the size of the unit and the location  flats in Dwarka Sector 19B will be costlier than those located in Narela.



Also Read: Delhi Development Authority to sell penthouses with golf course view in Dwarka



The price of flats for the economically weaker section is expected to range from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 13 lakh. For lower-income group flats in Narela, Siraspur, Rohini and Lok Nayak Puram, the price is expected to range from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 30 lakh.



Officials said the booking amount for EWS flats is likely to be kept at Rs 50,000, while for LIG units it is expected to be Rs 1 lakh. For MIG and HIG apartments, the booking amount is expected to be Rs 4 lakh and Rs 10 lakh, respectively.



Potential buyers will be able to visit the flats, where staff will be deputed to guide them. The buyers will be given 4-5 days to view sample flats and check the floor size, location, amenities, views and connectivity options.



To attract more buyers for the housing scheme, the DDA has decided to allow individuals to apply for flats even if they or their family members already own a flat or plot of land in Delhi. However, the flat or plot size should not exceed 67 square metres.



Officials said for the first time, the DDA will issue online system-generated demand letters immediately after payment of the booking amount is confirmed.



The DDA has an inventory of about 40,000 unsold flats in Narela, Dwarka, Rohini and Jasola. Most of them are meant for the EWS and LIG categories and are located in Narela in north Delhi. Based on feedback from previous schemes, the DDA invested in improving the infrastructure of these localities, including connectivity.
As the Charlottesville Band started to prepare for its upcoming centennial, a longtime member serving as the bands historian began compiling interesting moments from the bands history to share with audiences. Fans can find these moments in one place  a new book.

Clarinetist and composer Fred OBryant has released Here Is Your Band! A Centennial History of the Municipal Band of Charlottesville, Virginia, 1922-2022. The book is available at Amazon.com, and fans can get copies at the bands summer concerts.

During five years of research in advance of the centennial, OBryant unearthed some memorable moments that will seem new to todays audience members. Who knew that a former conductor was named the most handsome man in South Dakota during his college days in the 1950s? Or that the band performed on a riverboat in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1925 during one of its first trips outside Charlottesville?

The author also reveals such gems as the fact that the band included a prettiest baby contest as part of one of the automobile shows it presented as fundraisers during the late 1920s and early 1930s.

OBryant has been a member of the Charlottesville Band, formerly known as the Charlottesville Municipal Band, for 44 years. I just enjoy playing music, he said.

He had performed in a community band in North Carolina and was pleased to find a thriving band when he moved to Charlottesville.

OBryant became part of band history himself as one of a number of members who composes for the band. His fellow composers include Charles Torian and Gary Fagan.

One thread that remained constant throughout the bands history was its dedication to the community it entertained and served.

The band has always been conscious of its history, OBryant said, When it was founded in 1922, [founder Sol] Kaufman very much envisioned it as an asset to the community. It comes from his pride in the city. The band has maintained that sense of wanting to help the community.

During his time as a musician in the band, OBryant has seen examples of that commitment.

Probably in the past 20 years or so, the band has done a lot more outreach to young musicians in the community to get them more interested in music, OBryant said. One example is a new scholarship program that offers seventh- and eighth-graders in Charlottesville and Albemarle County schools the chance to take weekly music lessons  and perform a piece with the band during a concert.

The band also has begun programming more contemporary compositions alongside its orchestral transcriptions, patriotic tunes and other audience favorites, OBryant said.

Fans can hear the Charlottesville Band present its Patriots and Princesses program of patriotic favorites and Disney themes at 7:30 p.m. July 5 at the Paramount Theater.

Outdoor performances for leisurely summer evenings are coming up at 7:30 p.m. July 18 in the parking lot of the V. Earl Dickinson Building at Piedmont Virginia Community College and 7:30 p.m. Aug. 1 outside The Center at Belvedere. The bands final Paramount Theater show of the summer season will be at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 15.

Admission to the bands concerts is free.

The book is $10. To learn more about the Charlottesville Band, go to cvilleband.org.
Byju Raveendran, founder and CEO of the worlds most valued edtech company Byjus, will address employees in a company-wide townhall scheduled for June 29, amid ongoing crisis, sources told Moneycontrol.



In an email sent to all employees, in the evening of June 28, the company said the town hall is being organised for Raveendran to address the team on recent developments.



Founder CEO, Byju Raveendran, as he addresses the team on recent developments. This town hall will provide clarity and a positive action plan to navigate through the challenges we have encountered recently. Your presence is invaluable as we work together with resilience and towards success, said the mail, a copy of which Moneycontrol has seen.



The town hall will be Raveendrans first formal communication with employees, in what will be an attempt to allay fears triggered by the resignations of the companys board members and auditor last week. Raveendran has typically been sending formal emails to employees to address issues at the company.



This also comes at a time when the company is facing backlash from multiple stakeholders including lenders, investors, and government authorities.



Also Read: Behind the scenes: What happened between Byjus and board members?



Earlier, today Moneycontrol reported that Byjus has cleared nearly 97 percent of its provident fund (PF) dues after the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) probed the company over delays in PF payments.



This also comes at a time when the company is facing backlash from multiple stakeholders including lenders, investors, and government authorities. The company is also yet to receive about Rs 400 crore ($100 million) or a fifth of what Davidson Kempner committed. In May, Moneycontrol reported that the company entered into an agreement to raise $250 million (Rs 2,000 crore) from Davidson Kempner through structured instruments.



Byju's and Davidson Kempner declined to comment.



Earlier this month, Byjus said that it had filed a case against one of its lenders in the New York Supreme Court challenging the acceleration of the term loan B it raised in November 2021. Byjus also skipped paying $40 million in interest that was due on June 5, technically defaulting on the loan.



To be sure, Byjus has been engaging in discussions with its lenders since December last year when the company sought easier terms on the loan as it was looking to save costs with an aim to achieve profitability.



But the companys lenders asked for quicker part payment of the $1.2 billion loan after Byjus failed to meet certain conditions, including a September 2022 deadline for filing its results for the year ended March 31, 2022, Bloomberg News reported. Earlier this month, the lenders scrapped these negotiation talks after filing a case against the company in the Delaware court.



On June 19, Moneycontrol reported that the company once again started laying off close to 1,000 staff members across departments as a cost-saving measure amid increased tension with lenders.



Byju's soared to new highs in March last year, when it raised a massive $800 million round at a $22 billion valuation. But since then, the company has come under fire for a number of reasons including accounting irregularities, tussle with lenders, mass layoffs and mounting losses.



Byju's offices in Bengaluru were also searched by India's financial probe agency Enforcement Directorate in April under provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act. The company is yet to file audited results for FY22 (2021-22).



For FY21 (2020-21), Byju's reported a huge jump in losses to more than Rs 4,500 crore, while its revenue dropped marginally, a surprise since FY21 was the first year of Covid that gave online learning companies a shot in the arm.



Founded over a decade ago by former teacher Byju Raveendran, Byjus has raised over $5 billion, most of it in the past five years.
Byjus has cleared nearly 97 percent of its provident fund (PF) dues after the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) probed the company over delays in PF payments, two people with direct knowledge of the matter told Moneycontrol.



Byjus, in a mail sent to the EPFO on June 27, said that the company has deposited PF dues for the period between August 2022 and May 2023 worth Rs 123.1 crore, the people said, requesting anonymity. The company told the EPFO that it will be remitting the balance Rs 3.43 crore within the next two days.



Moneycontrol has seen the text of the mail. With this, Byjus has settled PF payments until May, the people further said. June contributions will be due only by 15th July and the company has agreed to pay that duly, said one of the people quoted above.



Queries sent to the EPFO did not elicit an immediate response.



Also Read | Byjus employees need not worry, EPFO will ensure they get their money: Board member



This is to confirm Byjus has no pending PF dues. The complete amount visible on the PF portal has been paid. Please note that if there is any amount that's not reflecting on the portal, the same is because of technical or authentication issues. This should not be construed as the company's pending dues, said Zulfiquar Memon, MZM Legal, legal representative of Byjus.



Byjus move to settle most of its PF dues comes a couple of days after Moneycontrol reported that the company has delayed PF payment for the majority of its employees starting October last year.



Data officially sourced through EPFO suggested that the majority of employees were also yet to get PF payments for the months of April and May. However, the company had been deducting the PF from employees salaries every month.



Also Read: Meltdown at Byjus should end the free pass for startups



Earlier this week, Raghunathan KE, EPFO Board member representing employers, said that the EPFO will make sure that all Byjus employees get their provident fund (PF) dues (if pending).



Byju's employees need not worry about their PF dues. Their social security custodian, the EPFO, will ensure they get their hard-earned money back, Raghunathan told Moneycontrol in a telephonic conversation.



EPFO's probe against Byju's comes days after the company reportedly came under the scanner of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). In April, Byju's also saw its offices getting searched by India's financial probe agency, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), under the provisions of Foreign Exchange Management Act.



Byjus settling of statutory dues also comes nearly a week after the company lost three of its non-promoter directors--GV Ravishankar of Sequoia Capital India (now Peak XV Partners), Vivian Wu of Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and Russel Dreisenstock of Prosus. Byjus auditor, Deloitte, one of the largest audit firms globally, also resigned citing a long delay by the company to file its FY22 (2021-22) financials. Byjus filed its FY21 (2020-21) results after a delay of nearly 18 months, for which, Deloitte had given an adverse opinion.



Byjus, founded over a decade ago by former teacher Byju Raveendran, has raised over $5 billion, most of it in the past five years. The company soared to new highs in March 2022 when it raised an $800 million funding round at a whopping $22 billion valuation, becoming the most-valued startup in the country. But since then, fortunes have turned for the company.



Byjus has also seen its fair value getting marked down by marquee investors like Blackrock, the worlds biggest asset management company (AMC) and Prosus, Byjus biggest shareholder. On June 27, Bloomberg reported that Byju's was looking to onboard new investors to prevent some existing investors from trying to reduce founder Byju Raveendran's control over the company.



To be sure, Byjus has been looking to raise as much as $1 billion but the company has not been able to close the funding round. Byjus has also been in a tiff with its term loan B lenders for over six months. Both, the lenders and the company, have sued each other in US courts.
Google is launching an accelerator programme for the Indian government-backed interoperable commerce network Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), a senior official of the tech major said in a developer conference on June 28.



"We are launching an accelerator programme for ONDC to support the growth of India's robust network of digital sellers," said Ambarish Kenghe, Vice President of Google Pay.



Google will make its core infrastructure APIs (application programming interfaces) available to ONDC participants, provide retail search and generative artificial intelligence to developers on the network to enhance buyer and seller experiences, and grant $25,000 in cloud credits to startups on ONDC.



It is also enabling an integration of ONDC and Google Maps that will enable better serviceability of orders via address descriptors, an India-first experimental feature available in 25 Indian cities, to make it easier to find and communicate addresses using landmarks and area names.



ALSO READ: Understanding ONDC, the open network billed to be the UPI of e-commerce



The government hopes to increase e-commerce penetration in the country to 25 percent in the next two years through the network, aiming to reach 900 million buyers and 1.2 million sellers. Additionally, it aim to achieve a gross merchandise value of $48 billion.



ONDC is banking on three key pillars to reduce the cost of doing business for everyone, including retailers: dynamic pricing, inventory management, and delivery cost optimisation.



In April 2022, the network piloted a soft launch in five cities  Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Shillong, Bhopal and Coimbatore. Since then, ONDC has also started a Beta pilot in Bengaluru and in some Tier-II cities.



Moneycontrol reported earlier that the number of daily retail orders on Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) hit a fresh high of 30,000 in the second week of June, even though the government-backed network has substantially reduced its spending on incentives and discounts.



At present, retail orders mostly consist of the food & beverages category and a small volume of groceries.



(This is a developing story. Please check back for updates)
Shares of CreditAccess Grameen gained for the second straight session on June 28 morning, a day after it inked a $200-million external commercial borrowing deal, marking the first social ECB loan in the country s microfinance industry and the fourth from India.



At 10 am, CreditAccess Grameen was trading at Rs 1,374 on BSE, 1.74 percent higher from the previous close. The counter closed nearly 2 percent higher in the previous session.



The countrys largest Non-Banking Financial Company-Micro Finance Institution (NBFC-MFI) said in an exchange filing on June 27 it signed a syndicated social loan facility of up to $200 million, qualifying as ECB under the automatic route of the Reserve Bank of India.



Follow our live blog for all the market action



The company has received USD 160 million in commitments to date, along with a green-shoe option to raise an additional USD 40 million, exercisable over 120 days from the date of signing of the facility agreement, it said.



The company has drawn $100 million and the remaining shall be drawn over the coming months.



The $160 million have been received from 12 banks, including 25 percent from Taiwanese banks, 28 percent from Middle Eastern lenders along with the lead arranger Standard Chartered Bank, and the rest from foreign branches of Indian banks.



Up and away



In the March quarter of FY23, CreditAccess Grameen reported an 86.4 percent year-on-year jump in net profit at Rs 296.6 crore.



Net interest income (NII), the difference between the interest income a bank earns from its lending activities and the interest it pays to depositors, surged 29.7 percent to Rs 719.8 crore from Rs 554.7 crore in the corresponding period of the last fiscal.



The share has gained 50 percent this year.



Headquartered in Bengaluru, CreditAccess Grameen, focuses on providing micro-loans to women customers predominantly in rural areas. It operates in 14 states, including Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, and one union territory (Puducherry) through 1,786 branches.



On its maiden analyst day, on May18, the company unveiled plan to have Rs 500 billion worth of assets, implying a 20-25 percent CAGR over the next four-five years, from Rs 200 billion in March.



While MFI industry has the potential to grow >2.5x over the next five years, CreditAccess Grameens competitive edge like being the lowest MFI lender (lending rates 200-400 bps below competition), deep understanding of customer behaviour, high customer vintageand deep distribution would help it maintain its leadership position,ICICI Securities said in a recent note.



Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
PNC Infratech share was trading a tad lower on June 28 morning after the company signed a concession agreement with the road transport ministry. The company will build a four-lane highway stretch of NH-731A in Uttar Pradesh on hybrid annuity mode. The bid project cost is Rs 819 crore. PNC Infratech signed a concession agreement with the ministry through Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department and a special purpose vehicle, Prayagraj Kaushambi Highway Package 3 Private Limited, incorporated by it for the project. Catch all the market action on our live blog The project is to be built in 24 months and operated for 15 years. At 9.50 am, PNC Infratech was quoting at Rs 334.95, down Rs 1.50, or 0.45 percent, on the BSE. The share touched a 52-week high of Rs 354.55 on February 3, 2023 and a 52-week low of Rs 226.30 on June 29, 2022. Iit is trading 5.53 percent below its 52-week high and 48.01 percent above its 52-week low.

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India and the European Union have constituted two teams to discuss issues pertaining to the EUs carbon tax, which will kick in from October this year, a government official said.



The European Union (EU) is introducing the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) from October 1 this year. It would have an impact on seven carbon-intensive sectors, including steel, cement, fertiliser, aluminium and hydrocarbon products.



India raised these issues in the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting between the two regions in Brussels in May. In that meeting, the official said, India presented the problems which would be faced by domestic MSMEs due to this tax and also matters related to modalities to comply with that.



In that meeting, the official said, India presented the problems which would be faced by domestic MSMEs due to this tax and also matters related to modalities to comply with that.



"So now they have agreed that there will be a channel opened for discussions. So there will be a team from their side and our side discussing this. The two teams would discuss about the implications of the notification of the EU, the official, who did not wish to be named, said.



India has suggested the EU to recognise some certifying agencies in India as it would be an expensive affair for a small Indian exporter to take certificates from the EU. India has asked for recognition to its Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), which is under preparation.



Issues pertaining to the pricing of carbon-intensive products would also be discussed. Issues pertaining to the pricing of carbon-intensive products would also be discussed. India has already sought exemption for its MSMEs from the European Unions carbon tax.



According to a report of the think-tank GTRI, CBAM would translate into a 20-35 per cent tax on select imports into the EU starting January 1, 2026. According to a report of the think-tank GTRI, CBAM would translate into a 20-35 per cent tax on select imports into the EU starting January 1, 2026.



From October, domestic companies from seven carbon-intensive sectors  including steel, cement, fertiliser, aluminium and hydrocarbon products  will have to seek compliance certificates from the EU authorities to comply with the CBAM norms.



The commerce ministry held a detailed stakeholders consultations meeting on the issue last month and discussed the industrys preparedness for CBAM compliance. The commerce ministry held a detailed stakeholders consultations meeting on the issue last month and discussed the industrys preparedness for CBAM compliance.



The compliance is in two parts  a requirement of filing data from October and later imposition of the tax from January 2026. According to the GTRI (Global Trade Research Initiative) report, from October 1, Indias iron, steel and aluminium exports to European Union countries will face extra scrutiny under the mechanism.



According to the GTRI (Global Trade Research Initiative) report, from October 1, Indias iron, steel and aluminium exports to European Union countries will face extra scrutiny under the mechanism.



From January 1, 2026, the EU will start collecting carbon tax on each consignment of steel, aluminium, cement, fertiliser, hydrogen and electricity. In 2022, Indias 27 per cent exports of iron, steel and aluminium products worth USD 8.2 billion went to the EU.



In 2022, Indias 27 per cent exports of iron, steel and aluminium products worth USD 8.2 billion went to the EU. At the multilateral level, India and certain other countries have flagged their concerns to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on CBAM. India submitted a paper on the subject to the WTO in February.
The newly appointed chief executive officer of Vedanta Resources Ltd.s untried display business is seeking to hire global talent to build and run a $4 billion factory in western India.



YJ Chen, who previously worked at Chinese display maker HKC Corp., said the display venture will soon begin recruiting from South Korea, Taiwan, Japan and other regions to set up a liquid crystal display panel fabrication unit in India. The factory will create as many as 3,500 direct jobs, he said.



We need a lot of technicians, very talented people, Chen, who has 23 years of experience in the display industry, said in an interview in Indias financial hub of Mumbai. Thats the biggest challenge  people.



Even as its suffering from a heavy debt load, billionaire Anil Agarwals metals and mining conglomerate is expanding in electronics components to take advantage of Indias push to become a technology manufacturing hub. The display business is separate from Vedantas struggling chip venture and may find an easier path to success as its a less techically demanding undertaking.



Vedanta, which has partnered with Foxconn Group affiliate Innolux Corp. for the display business, plans to manufacture glass and assemble LCD panels at its new factory. The unit could start production toward the end of 2025 if its gets crucial funding from Prime Minister Narendra Modis government, Chen said.



Modi has pledged $10 billion to woo chip and display makers to India, promising his administration will bear half the cost of setting up all semiconductor and display fabrication sites. While Vedantas chip plans are yet to get government backing, its display business could find it easier to win state incentives with key tech partnerships in place. Vedanta also owns Japan-based AvanStrate, which makes layers used in LCD panels.



Meanwhile, the worlds top display companies are phasing out LCD technology and moving on to sharper OLEDs. The leader in display technology, South Koreas Samsung Display Co., has ceased LCD production and is pouring billions into making next-generation displays. Its homegrown rival LG Display Co. is similarly scaling down LCD manufacturing.



With its display push, Vedanta is seeking to grab a slice of Indias display market, which it expects to grow to an annual $30 billion over the next seven years. It will have to compete with inexpensive Chinese LCDs and develop newer displays for long-term success.



We need to build our own supply chain in India, Chen said. We will focus on new designs to lower costs, and compete with the Chinese.
The Indian government is preparing a new multibillion-dollar subsidy scheme for companies making electricity grid batteries as part of its transition to clean energy, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing a power ministry proposal. The draft proposal for a production-linked incentive subsidy scheme would offer 216 billion rupees ($2.63 billion) from this year through to 2030 for companies to set up manufacturing capacity for battery cells in India, the FT reported. The draft plan seen by the FT acknowledged there was a limit to how much more coal power India could build. "International opinion" and "environmental concerns . . . make expansion of coal-based thermal generation beyond a limit, an infeasible option," according to the draft plan. India's power ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Apart from energy transition, domestic battery cell manufacturing is also essential to reducing the country's dependence on rival China for battery imports, the draft plan said. "If India does not take urgent steps to set up local manufacturing capacity of battery energy storage systems, imperatives of our energy transition would lead to huge imports from China," the proposal document seen by FT said.

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At a recent consultation on the Digital India Act (DIA) in Mumbai, which proposes to replace the decades-old Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Union Minister of State (MoS) for Electronic and Information Technology asked if safe harbour protections for digital entities should be done away with. A collective gasp went up in the room. Those present realised that the Ministers rhetorical question could have profound implications for companies and innovators hoping to build a trillion-dollar digital economy for India by 2026.

Safe harbour protections are the result of a criminal case that shook up Indias nascent IT-enabled industry way back in 2004. Avnish Bajaj, the then CEO of e-commerce platform Bazee.com, suddenly found himself behind bars. Someone had posted an advertisement on it to sell a CD with a pornographic clip. With thousands using the platform to hawk their wares, Bazee.com had no means to track what was being sold. The reaction was ham-handed, and the police arrested the CEO sending shockwaves across the IT industry.

The Safe Harbour Conundrum

The IT industry and policymakers were convinced that they needed protection from the mistakes, deliberate or otherwise, of their users. This became the safe harbour protections that were added to the IT Act in 2008 as a set of amendments.

If these protections are to be taken away, it could seriously jeopardise the promise of ushering in Indias techade (technology decade) with Indian digital companies and innovations emerging as global leaders. It could end Indias aspirations to be a global digital economy prematurely.

The growth of the internet has given rise to a plethora of harms. Protecting users from such harms is the fiduciary responsibility of any government. In India, between 2015 and 2022, the government blocked over 55,580 URLs, applications, and social media accounts. However, in 2021, less than 40 hearings were held to redress such blocks.

The government claims that such a crackdown on content and intermediaries is necessary to prevent user harms. However, whether, or the extent to which, intermediaries can be held liable for what their users do, remains a classic conundrum of intermediary liability. It needs careful deliberation before the proposed DIA becomes law.

How Others Approach Safe Harbour

In India policymakers could look at how the European Union (EU), UK and the US approach safe harbour.

So far, Indias approach has shared similarities with the EU and UK and adopted a conditional liability framework for its digital intermediaries under the existing IT Act. This means that intermediaries enjoyed legal immunity (or safe harbour) under section 79A of the IT Act and rules if they fulfilled certain conditions.

In some cases, intermediaries face additional obligations in proportion to the enhanced risks their users may face. Indias IT Rules impose greater obligations on online gaming intermediaries and those known as Significant Social Media Intermediaries (SSMIs) which are intermediaries with more than 5 million users.

However, the EU and UK also classify intermediaries using well-laid scientific principles to grade their liability.

Shedding Adhocism

But in India this classification is largely done in an ad hoc manner. As a result, the penalties are disproportionate and online platforms face great regulatory uncertainty. In April 2023, the government issued a fresh set of rules under the IT Act that suddenly mandated that intermediaries pro-actively monitor their platforms for illegal content.

However, it was not clear what can be construed as illegal content, under what circumstances and what the thresholds will be. As a result, online platforms are constantly worried that any user behaviour could suddenly become illegal and lead to denial of safe harbour protections. Clearly, such uncertainty on a day-to-day basis is not conducive for Indian companies to innovate, grow a digital business and build a trillion-dollar digital economy.

The EU and UKs treatment of intermediaries can inform the DIAs approach.

Carefully Calibrate Intermediary Obligations

The EUs Digital Services Act does not impose any general monitoring obligations of intermediaries. Similarly, the UKs Online Safety Bill also accepts that intermediaries cannot prevent all online harm. Instead, it requires that they demonstrate their processes as effective in protecting users, especially children, from online risks. So, it is not incumbent upon the intermediaries to constantly monitor or adjudicate the illegality of content on their platforms.

EU and UK laws recognise that private players lack the legal authority to adjudicate what is legal or illegal. Instead, it is left to the courts to decide, making it easier for intermediaries to go through a well-laid out process before they face any penalties, if at all.

Another notable difference is that while the EU and UK enforce compliance through monetary or civil penalties, India threatens loss of safe harbour. This is an extreme measure and completely disproportionate. Can online platforms, like news platforms be hauled up or suspended just because a reader left behind offensive comments? Or can a social media platform be subjected to thousands of legal notices, simply because someone took offence to a post?

For A Forward-Looking Liability Framework

In the US, a case filed last year against Google LLC has led to a high-quality debate on safe harbour. Reynaldo Gonzalez, a citizen whose daughter was killed in a coordinated terror attack, filed a case against Google. The petition argued that Googles YouTube videos had been used by terror groups to spread their virulent ideology that led to the attacks. Hence, Google and other intermediary companies were liable for what their users posted. But the US Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the intermediaries could not be prosecuted under anti-terrorism laws.

One of the legal briefs filed by the Internet Infrastructure Coalition in this case pointed out that these companies were more than social media companies. In fact, as companies that fall under the definition of interactive computer service under section 230(c)(1) of the Communications Decency Act, they provide the infrastructure that keeps the internet active. If the safe harbour protections are taken away, then the internet could cease to exist!

The Digital India Act (DIA) is an opportunity to provide greater regulatory and legal protection by adopting a risk-based approach. This means safe harbour protections continue and ensure proportionality in the obligations and penalties of online platforms.

Importantly, the DIA should avoid general content monitoring obligations, which impose tremendous legal and compliance costs. These can be done using sound scientific principles when classifying intermediaries and provide mechanisms that ensure access to remedy and reinstatement of legally valid content.

Only then will the proposed DIA truly deliver on Indias global digital ambitions.

This is the first of a series on the proposed path-breaking Digital India Act.

Gauri S Kumar is a Programme Associate with DeepStrat, a New Delhi-based think tank and strategic consultancy. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication
Ahead of opposition parties convening in Shimla for their second round of confabulations, the Congress faces a raft of challenges as the Big Brother of the bloc. The first and foremost task for the grand old party is to keep the flock together, riddled as it is with contradictions, and ensure one-to-one contests in most of the total 543 Lok Sabha seats.

Within hours of the Patna meeting on June 23, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress were at each other's throats over the Centre's ordinance on Delhi. And days later, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) of playing second fiddle to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in her state.

These developments brought to fore the challenges the grouping will face while preparing a roadmap for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to oust Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP from power.

Heeding Congresss Dislikes

Apart from West Bengal, the Congress is fighting other opposition parties in Kerala, Punjab, Delhi, Telangana, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Strategically, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar deliberately did not invite Bharat Rashtra Samithi, Biju Janata Dal and YSR Congress Party, the ruling parties in Telangana, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh respectively, to keep the Congress in a good humour and make his conclave a success.

These parties don't want the Congress to lead the opposition front and together account for 63 Lok Sabha seats with 25 in Andhra Pradesh, 21 in Odisha and 17 in Telangana. 63 is a good number as each seat counts, especially when the BJP is reportedly preparing a constituency-wise strategy for all the 543 seats.

However, the opposition is hoping that these three parties too will eventually join its ranks given the threat BJP poses to them. Similarly, a tussle between the AAP and the Congress may impact the outcome in 21 seats (13 in Punjab, 7 in Delhi and one Chandigarh). The Trinamool Congress rift with the Congress and the CPI(M) could jeopardise the unity efforts on 42 seats in West Bengal.

Accommodation & Contestation

At the Patna meeting, Banerjee had insisted that the opposition parties should sink their differences and ensure no vote goes to the BJP. Similarly, Rahul Gandhi had asserted that the Congress would do anything to keep the opposition parties together. He talked of having a clean slate without any memory of likes and dislikes for any party.

Both Banerjee and Rahul Gandhi need to walk the talk though the onus of keeping the bloc united is mainly on the Congress as it is the principal opposition party with pan-India presence. The Congress needs to show magnanimity and reach out to other opposition parties.

But the main contentious issue that the opposition will have to confront is to evolve a consensus on its prime ministerial candidate as there are many potential contenders such as Rahul Gandhi, Nitish Kumar, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar and former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray.

The Patna meeting avoided a discussion on the issue but sooner or later the opposition will have to offer clarity to voters on the much-debated topic of Modi versus Who? Delaying the answer might prove counterproductive though the opposition often cites the example of 2004 when it was Atal Bihari Vajpayee versus The Rest.

One-Seat One-Candidate

As far as seat sharing is concerned, the Congress is unlikely to face any serious problems in states where it is already in alliance such as Maharashtra (48), Bihar (40), Tamil Nadu (39) and Jharkhand (14). These add up to a total of 141 Lok Sabha seats. But the arduous task for it would be to bring on board those regional parties that are its rivals and for that the Congress must have separate strategies for states and the Lok Sabha.

For its part, the Congress would not like any disturbance in states such as Madhya Pradesh (29 seats), Karnataka (28), Gujarat (26), Rajasthan (25), Chhattisgarh (11), Haryana (10), Uttarakhand (5), Himachal Pradesh (4) and Goa (2) - 140 seats in total -- where it is in direct contest with the BJP.

While the Congress is fighting the CPI(M) in Kerala (20 seats), it will have to give space to dominating partners in Uttar Pradesh (80), Assam (14), northeastern states (11) and union territories (19).

According to former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah, it would be good for the opposition if there is a one-to-one contest on 450 of the total 543 seats.

To achieve that objective, the Congress has a bigger responsibility though it has till now been the biggest stumbling block in the opposition unity project with its big brother attitude playing a spoiler on many occasions in the past.

Aurangzeb Naqshbandi is a senior journalist who has been covering the Congress for 15 years, and is currently associated with Pixstory. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication.
The owner of Charlottesvilles Great Harvest Bread Company franchise had cancer herself; now shes using her work at the bakery to help fund cancer research.

The Charlottesville Great Harvest Bread Company will be donating a portion of proceeds to help children with cancer through the Dare to Dream Project.

I was lucky enough to get the right treatment, owner Aileen Magnotto told The Daily Progress. I had breast cancer, and I am doing fine. If it wasnt for the research that led up to my diagnosis, I wouldnt be here.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is partnering with Great Harvest Bread Company starting Tuesday to donate 10% of earnings to the Dare to Dream Project. More than 50 locations across the United States will be participating.

We all decided to pick the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society because every one of us has been touched by cancer in some way, Magnotto said.

Sales will support the mission to fund cutting-edge research, according to the company.

The Dare to Dream Project is a program working to find safer, less toxic and more effective standards of treatments for children with blood cancer, according to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Kids are different and deserve kid-sized treatments, Great Harvest Bread Company said in its statement announcing the partnership.

Of the cancer drug treatments for children, only 5% have been approved for first-time use, according to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Also, about 80% of children who survived childhood cancer develop chronic health issues from treatment.

We really need a lot of research to help these kids not only survive, but thrive, Magnotto said.

The project is aiming to raise more than $170 million in the next five years to support research, treatments, clinical trials, free education and financial assistance on behalf of children and their families.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is grateful the Great Harvest Bread Company will support the organization with raising donations, Megan Hernandez, the director of consumer initiatives with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, said in a statement. Weve accomplished so much through The Dare to Dream Project, but much more work needs to be done so we can help all kids and families affected by blood cancer. The generous support of Great Harvest Bread Company will drive us towards reaching our goals.

Great Harvest Bread Company has nearly 200 locations in the U.S. Each location mills its own Golden Triangle wheat every morning from scratch, providing fresh breads and pastries made daily to local communities.

The Dare to Dream Project hopes to raise $175 million over the next five years, Magnatto said. So, were just nitching away at it.
Militaries in many parts of the world are known to topple democratic governments, and in turn, face resistance from civil society, and even suffer counter-coups. Concurrently, militaries in many democratic as well as authoritarian set-ups are known to face challenges from terrorists and secessionist forces. However, beyond these traditional challenges, militaries in some countries are now facing new forms of resistance and challenges to their established authority. This challenge is coming from the uniformed class itself, leading to chaos and civil war on an unprecedented scale. A few months back, it was Sudan; now it is Russias turn.

Falling Out

In Sudan, the civil war arose since the might of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) was being challenged by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Both were partners in crime in toppling the civil government in 2021, which itself came into being in 2019 after the Omar Al Bashir regime was thrown out. In most developing countries where the military topples the civilian leadership, other government agencies fall in line due to the formers preponderance of organised and disciplined manpower and monopoly over weapons. In Sudan, however, the numerical difference between the two sides was insignificant and the RSF had bargained significant power and resources for itself by virtue of partnership in Government. Two uniformed services with similar manpower, weaponry and power ambitions cannot co-exist in the long term. Consequently, a factional feud led to the civil war and would continue to plague Sudans domestic political turf.

The Russian military leadership has been challenged by a slightly different organisation  a private militia. While the government in Moscow has been saved from a possible coup, the short-lived challenge has been, nevertheless, quite humiliating and insulting for the Russian military. Again, mistakes that were committed in Sudan, were repeated here. The

Wagner group has sizeable numbers (50,000 plus recruits) that is good enough to offer armed resistance to any military. The recruits have weapons available in the normal course only with conventional armies. Most importantly, they have actual experience in waging and winning wars in the last nine years. It was the Wagner group that had been soldering on Russias behalf against Ukraine in many battlefield spots.

There are plausible explanations for one military being challenged by another within the country. First, militaries in many countries are not true professionals, specialising only in violence. Instead, they are increasingly getting politicised. Earlier, they exercised indirect influence as a pressure group in many democratic and authoritarian polities. Now, they want to have a pie in the cake. In Russia, the military elites had become increasingly politicised and powerful enough and would take orders only from the President. Such imbalance in civil-military relationships often galvanises other segments of uniformed groups like paramilitary and militia forces to compete with the military.

Conflicting Interests

Second, militaries in many countries suffer from ethnic imbalances. One or two ethnic groups occupy disproportionate positions within the armed forces. In Sudan, the two rival groups had traditionally different pockets of recruitment based on tribal affiliations and influence. This is also true of our neighbourhood where Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka have high levels of ethnic imbalance in their national militaries. There are some excellent academic studies about divided armies having detrimental battlefield performance.

Third, commercial and corporate interests have overtaken the desirable focus on combat preparedness in many countries. Military elites exploit proximity to power to clinch and proliferate their individual and organisational commercial, business, and industrial interests. In fact, the generals do not retire and just change one set of uniforms for another. The all-pervasive militarisation of polity and society makes the task of these generals easier.

Fourth, meaningful defence reforms have not been ushered in many countries. Many national militaries have neither the resources nor the inclination to adapt to the changing nature of warfare. Consequently, even ragtag guerrilla armies challenge the conventional might of these militaries. The Russian military, for instance, could not defeat Ukraine so far. It was the Wagner army that was on the front foot on numerous battlefields. When the Wagner army decided, it could march on towards Moscow without a fight.

Even without a coup or armed resistance, militaries are coming under increasing challenges in other parts of the world. Only last month, the Pakistani military had one of its corps headquarters ransacked, GoC-in-Cs house looted and military property vandalised in many places. These trends will proliferate and may affect even functional and vibrant democracies due to expanding militarisation of public policy making and consequential backlash and anger amongst other organs of the governments.

Civilian leadership in all countries should ponder over such challenges to militaries. While asserting their authority, they should encourage the generals and soldiers to stick to the business of fighting, institutionalise inter-organisation checks and balances, and discourage extra privileges to them. Probably, that would help in engendering some confidence about the authority and aura of national militaries in most, if not, all countries.

Bhartendu Kumar Singh is in the Indian Defence Accounts Service. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.
Health insurance has undergone a sea change in the past three years, especially since the outbreak of Covid-19 global pandemic.



Steep premium hikes by non-life insurers have been a key cause of concern for health policyholders, particularly senior citizens. At the same time, insurance companies, too, are making losses though retail segment continues to be profitable. Is there a way out of this conundrum?



A more micro question: How much health insurance should an individual buy? To answer these questions, Deepti Bhaskaran, Head- Strategic Initiatives, Clinikk joins us on our podcast, Simply Save. Clinikk is building a managed healthcare model by closely integrating outpatient care and health insurance through a single subscription plan.



Prior to her stint at Clinikk, Bhaskaran worked as a journalist tracking the insurance sector very closely. She has also contributed to policy in the insurance and pension space.



Heres a summary of what Bhaskaran said:



 There is no idea health insurance amount, but a health cover of Rs 5 lakh is a decent figure to start with for an individual. You can, the, add a top-up.



 Your ideal health insurance policy amount depends on where you live- metro or non-metro; your preference of hospital, your family construct (how many members are there in your family in case you wish to buy say a family floater), and soon.



 Having an emergency corpus is always advisable. But medical expenses can be catastrophic; this could erode your savings. Your savings are not enough for your medical needs in the long term. Having a health insurance helps, because once tyou use it to pay your hospital boils, the cover gets reinstated.



 The way health insurance companies. Companies fix premiums on policies should be decided on the age at which the person bought health insurance. in simple words, for how long the person has been insured, instead of the policyholders age, which is the current norm.



 This also ensures that premiums come down for elderly citizens. If people are encouraged to buy policies at a young age and then continue their coverage, as opposed to those in their 40s and 50s buying their policies for the first time, the premiums are also tend to come down in the long run, even if the policyholders age.



 Making an insurance claim for your policy has always been troubling for policyholders. The Insurance ombudsman data shows that the maximum complaint in the insurance sector pertains to insurance claims.



 A tip to avoid disappointment when making health insurance claims: Understand your policy, whats included, whats not. If you claim for an expense or ailment that your policy doesnt allow, you are bound to face disappointment.



 Buy a comprehensive policy. A cheaper premium policy isnt always the best. Check the exclusions. If your policy excludes too many things, its not worth it.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Bihar on Thursday and Rajasthan the next day during which he will address two public rallies on completion of nine years of the Narendra Modi government, sources said. In Bihar, Shah will first offer prayers at the Ashok Dham temple in Lakhisarai before visiting the Ashok Dham museum and meeting the trustees under the 'Sampark Se Samarthan' campaign, they said. In the afternoon, he will address a public rally on completion of nine years of the Modi government at Gandhi maidan in Lakhisarai. On Friday, he will travel to Rajasthan's Udaipur where he will address a rally, the sources said.

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Union Minister Narayan Rane considers Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the late Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray as his gurus. Balasaheb Thackeray was my guru and still is, Rane said at the Moneycontrol Policy Next MSME Summit in Delhi on June 28. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is doing a lot for India I respect Balasaheb and Prime Minister Modi, both are my gurus. Rane, who has worked across parties, hails from Maharashtra and joined the Shiv Sena at the age of 15 years. He is now a leader of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and in charge of the micro, small and medium enterprises ministry in the Modi government. Minister Rane is a grassroot politician and a former chief minister of Maharashtra, the base of the Shiv Sena. At the MSME ministry, his focus has been on helping the sector with financing after the shock of the pandemic. Rane praised Modis vision for the Indian economy, which is set to become the third largest in the world after the US and China. The Moneycontrol Policy Next MSME Summit on June 28 is exploring what more can be done at the policy level to aid the over six-crore-strong MSME universe. It will look at the hurdles that these firms face today with respect to financing and marketing. With its Policy Next summits, Moneycontrol, Indias leading financial news platform, deep dives into a broad range of high-powered policy conversations of national and international significance with Indias leading think tanks, policymakers, industry leaders, and academia.

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Amid the rising political heat ahead of state assembly elections in the upcoming winter in five states  Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Mizoram  Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India.



The UCC has been a major campaign promise of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It proposes replacing the personal laws of various religious communities with a common set of laws governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance and maintenance.



Read: Uniform Civil Code can't be forced on people by agenda-driven majoritarian govt: Chidambaram



Article 44 of the Indian Constitution states that the state "shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India.



Political commentators note that the ruling BJP excels at highlighting issues that maybe irrelevant but can be made relevant.



PM Modi has the ability to simplify complex matters. He advocated for the UCC in Bhopal, questioning why different family members should have different laws to abide by. However, the UCC is inherently complex. The Prime Minister knows that his opponents will react, which benefits him in gaining traction during election campaigns," said political analyst Rasheed Kidwai.



Mixed-bag outcome



The BJP has previously made announcements about implementing the UCC during elections in Gujarat, Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh. While the party won in Gujarat, it lost in the other two states.



During an address to party workers in Bhopal on June 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the inclusion of the UCC in the Constitution and the Supreme Court's directive to enforce it.



There is diversity in India but there is no uniformity in laws and practices. Even Muslim personal laws differ among different sections. The government is clearly leveraging the UCC for the upcoming general elections, but it lacks any experimental data on its effects," commented Kidwai.



He opined that leaders like AIMIM chief and Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi are responding to what PM Modi has been saying and it fulfils the need of the BJP.



The more the Opposition reacts to this issue, the more the BJP will benefit from it. The UCC will become a major campaign poll plank for the BJP, added Kidwai.



Read: PM Modi's call for Uniform Civil Code ignites opposition backlash



The Uttarakhand move



Earlier, on May 28, 2022, the BJP-led government in Uttarakhand constituted a five-member committee headed by former Supreme Court justice (retired) Ranjana Prakash Desai to prepare a draft proposal for the implementation of the UCC in the state.



Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, soon after Prime Minister Modi's statement, stated that the UCC would be implemented in the state soon. The government is currently awaiting the final draft from the constituted panel.



On June 14, 2023, the Law Commission of India initiated a new consultation process on the UCC and invited the views of the general public and recognised religious organisations within 30 days.



Law Commission Chairman Justice Rituraj Awasthi told the news agency ANI, We have received 8.5 lakh responses so far. The UCC is not a new issue in the country. A reference on it was received in 2016, and a consultation paper was released in 2018. The matter was taken up in November 2022, following which appointments were made, and now the matter is being addressed."



Congress party stance



Congress senior leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said nobody has stopped the BJP to bring UCC in the form of legislation in Parliament.



He said, The BJP shouldnt blame the Opposition or Congress. If they have guts they should table it in Parliament. Its a well-known fact the issue is controversial. We cannot single out a particular community. As a responsible party, we wont be a mute spectator, Chowdhury added.




During last weeks state dinner at the White House, Hunter Biden seemed to be everywhere. Upbeat and gregarious, he worked the pavilion with grins and gusto, shaking hands and hugging other guests.



One guest who surely did not want to chitchat with him, though, was Attorney General Merrick Garland, whose Justice Department just two days earlier reached a plea agreement in which the presidents son will likely avoid prison time.



The presence of the younger Biden at such a high-profile event so soon after the plea deal proved to be the buzz of the evening. It was all the more attention-grabbing given the risk of an accidental encounter with the nations chief law enforcement officer, who would rather cut off a thumb than be caught looking chummy with the target of an investigation that he had guaranteed would be conducted by the book.



It did not go unnoticed either when, just days later, there was Hunter Biden getting on and off Marine One with the president heading to and from Camp David for the weekend.



In the nations capital, where such things are rarely accidental and always noticed, the oh-so-public appearances came across as an in-your-face message of defiance by a president determined to show that he stands by his son in the face of relentlessly toxic attacks. Yet some Democrats, including current and former Biden administration officials, privately saw it as an unnecessary poke-the-bear gesture.



He knew exactly what he was doing, and he was willing to sustain the appearance issues to send a message to his son that he loves him, said Norman Eisen, who was the ethics czar in President Barack Obamas White House when President Joe Biden was vice president.



Had he been advising Biden, Eisen said, he would have warned him about the flak they were going to take but added that it would be a matter of optics, rather than rules. Thats probably more of a question for an etiquette czar than an ethics czar, he said. Certainly, theres no violation of any ethics rule as long as they didnt talk about the case.



The White House said Biden was simply being a father.



In all administrations, regardless of party, its common for presidential family members to attend state dinners and to accompany presidents to Camp David, Andrew Bates, a White House spokesperson, said Tuesday. The president and first lady love and support their son.



The visuals at the White House in the week since Hunter Bidens plea deal was announced highlight the thorny situation for a president with a 53-year-old son traumatized by family tragedy and a devastating history of addiction to alcohol and crack cocaine. While Democrats scorn the conspiratorial fixation of the hard right on Hunters troubles, some of the presidents allies privately complain that, however understandably, he has a blind eye when it comes to his son. They lament that he did not step in more assertively to stop the younger man from trading on the family name in business dealings.



It is not a subject that advisers raise with Biden easily, if at all, and so many of them are left to watch how he handles it and react accordingly. They take solace in the belief that many Americans understand a fathers love for his son, even one who makes mistakes, and in the assumption that it will not significantly hurt Bidens bid for reelection next year any more than it did his victory over President Donald Trump in 2020. And they recognize that no matter what the family does, Hunter will be a target for the next 16 months.



The plea deal last week was fraught for many reasons. It meant that the presidents son was admitting to criminal behavior by failing to file his taxes on time and would be subject to a diversion program on a felony charge of illegal gun possession, but would be spared time behind bars if a judge approves. Republicans immediately denounced it as a sweetheart deal by the Biden team.



In fact, the decision was announced by a Trump appointee, David Weiss, a U.S. attorney who was kept on by the Biden Justice Department so as not to appear to interfere in his inquiry into Hunter Biden. Garland and Weiss have both insisted that Weiss had what he called ultimate authority over the case.



There is no evidence that the president or the White House has played any role  unlike Trump, who while in office openly and repeatedly pressured the Justice Department to prosecute his perceived enemies and drop cases against his allies.



But congressional Republicans have been promoting two IRS whistleblowers who assert that the Justice Department restrained Weiss, despite his own denial. Republicans plan to call Weiss to testify in coming days and are threatening to impeach Garland.



One of the IRS agents produced a message sent by Hunter Biden in 2017 invoking his father, who was then out of office, in pressuring a potential Chinese business partner to agree to a deal. While repeating that the president was not in business with his son, the White House has not disputed the authenticity of the message nor commented on the impression that Biden, as a former vice president, may have been used to secure business.



Asked by a reporter Monday whether he had lied when he previously said he did not discuss Hunters business dealings with him, the president said simply, No.



Hunter Biden has appeared with his father since the start of his presidency, including previous trips to Camp David or the family home in Delaware. Hunter attended the first state dinner of the Biden presidency in December and accompanied his father on a trip to Ireland this spring.



So in that sense, it might not have been all that surprising that he showed up last Thursday for the state dinner for Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India. But it quickly set off Republicans and conservative media.



Hunter and Merrick hanging out at Joes place? Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., wrote on Twitter. Classic Biden Crime Family.



Rep Jason Smith, R-Mo., said on Fox Business: We saw a fancy state dinner at the White House, and you have the person whos accused of these criminal allegations and also the department that has slow-walked these allegations, the leader of that department, seated and dining at the same table. All of this smells bad.



The tuxedo-clad Hunter Biden appeared in high spirits at the dinner, making his way around the pavilion set up on the South Lawn. He put his arm around Bill Nelson, the NASA administrator and former senator from Florida, and gave a friendly shoulder grip to Andy Moffit, the husband of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. Contrary to Smith, Garland was not at the same table and stayed resolutely on the other side of the pavilion, at least while reporters and photographers were there to watch.



This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
Just three days ago, the Wagner mercenary group was advancing on Moscow, and Vladimir Putins two-decade rule over Russia appeared under threat. Then, in a stunning twist, the uprisings leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, said that he was halting the insurrection and going into exile.



As the dust settles, here is a look at what we know about the situation.



What will happen to Prigozhin?



As of Tuesday morning, the most recent photographs to be released of Prigozhin showed him smiling at onlookers on Saturday as he was driven away from Rostov-on-Don, the southwestern Russian city that Wagner had claimed control over.



At the time those pictures were taken, he was expected to go to Belarus under a deal announced by that countrys authoritarian leader, President Alexander Lukashenko, a loyal ally of Putins.



On Tuesday afternoon, Lukashenko said that Prigozhin  a billionaire and himself a onetime friend of Putins  had arrived in the country.



Yet much is unknown about the immediate future of Prigozhin, not least where he will live, whether he will be free to travel within or outside Belarus and how much clout he will be able to wield as a political figure in Russia.



Perhaps most important, it is not clear how his relations with Russia  and with Putin  will evolve. Some previous Putin allies who fell afoul of him have faced the wrath of Russias security services.



It is also unclear what, if any, role Prigozhin will be allowed to play as leader of the Wagner Group, whose fighters were also offered entry into Belarus.



What will happen to Wagner?



Fomenting rebellion would normally be perilous in Putins Russia, where even modest acts of dissent are harshly punished. But the Russian authorities said on Tuesday that charges of armed mutiny against Prigozhin and the mercenaries were being dropped as part of the arrangement with Lukashenko.



On Sunday, the Russian state news media reported that Wagner troops had returned to their camps in Ukraines eastern Luhansk region, which Russia largely occupies and illegally annexed last fall. At the same time, Lukashenko said on Tuesday that he was offering Wagner fighters a base to use in Belarus, although it was unclear on what terms the offer had been made, how many of the mercenaries would accept it or what they would do there.



Putin had said before the attempted uprising that all irregular units fighting in Ukraine, including Wagner, would have to sign contracts with Russias Defense Ministry, a move that Prigozhin cited over the weekend as a key motivation behind his rebellion.



Given that, it is unclear how quickly  or even whether  Russias military can absorb them into its ranks. It calls into question the willingness of Wagner fighters to serve and potentially die under the new, official structure.



Only when they return to combat in Ukraine will it be possible to assess their continuing morale and drive. Some Ukrainian troops have considered them the best-equipped, most motivated and most tactically aggressive of all the Russian forces.



And Ukraine is just part of Wagners portfolio. The group operates in the Central African Republic, Mali and Sudan, and in each country it has offered military assistance in exchange for payment, partly in terms of access to the countries natural resources. In Mali, evidence suggests that they participated in a massacre of civilians last year, while in the Central African Republic they are accused by The Sentry, a Washington-based group that seeks to expose corruption, of possible war crimes.



Wagner appeared to operate in Africa on the Kremlins behalf, and it is unclear whether Wagner will now press ahead with its contracts on the continent or pull back.



Is Putin stronger or weaker?



There is no shortage of experts who say that Putin is a diminished figure because of the uprising, which was perhaps the most public security threat of his rule of more than two decades. Analysts note that, for a leader who strives to project toughness, his vow on Saturday to bring the mercenaries to justice, only to speedily cut a deal in which they will apparently avoid prosecution, made for a noteworthy climb down.



But since then, Putin has tried to project unity and strength. On Monday, he billed Prigozhin as a traitor and said that the Russian state had at all levels consolidated against the uprising. On Tuesday, Putin thanked the Russian military for having essentially stopped a civil war.



It is not clear how any potential weakening of Putins grip on power might manifest, or how quickly and in what form any challenge to his authority could come.



He is judged in part by Russias success, or lack thereof, on the battlefield in Ukraine, and the ability of Russias troops to withstand a Ukrainian counteroffensive that started this month will provide a test of his authority over the military. But Putins principal audience is domestic.



One analyst, Abbas Gallyamov, a former Kremlin speechwriter turned political consultant, said the speech on Monday was an extremely weak performance.



That said, after a two-day period during which every hour appeared to deepen Putins peril over the weekend, the coming days and weeks could give him opportunities to reassert an aura of stability.



That certainly seemed to be his aim on Tuesday, when he delivered a grandly choreographed speech to soldiers and security troops standing at attention on the Kremlin grounds  a rare public appearance that included a red-carpet arrival.



How will it affect the war in Ukraine?



At the very least, the Wagner group has faced a turbulent few days. And for Ukraines military, whose counteroffensive is gathering steam, that cant hurt.



The question is how much Ukraine can capitalize on any signs of wavering within the Wagner groups morale. The fact that some Wagner troops will be brought under Russian military command starting July 1 could shake-up the organization, at least in the short term.



Then there is the question of what happens to the Wagner fighters battlefield strength. The mercenaries led the way for Russia in months of fighting for the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, suffering tens of thousands of casualties along the way.



It remains to be seen whether that can be reproduced within Russias armed forces, who are generally paid less than the mercenary fighters.



This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
When youre a Google employee, you can have your dal makhani and eat it too  and then complain about it because thats the second day in a row the dish has been served. This is not a piece of fiction or satire, but a real incident witnessed by entrepreneur and content creator Ankur Warikoo while he was having lunch at the Google office in Gurgaon.



Google is known for the impressive range of free food, snacks and drinks it offers to employees in offices across the world. While most young professionals in other companies are used to taking their own lunch to office, or paying for food in office canteens  not so at Google, where employees get not just free food, but a different menu every day, at that. Safe to say, some begin to take it for granted  like the unnamed employee of Warikoos post who complained about dal makhani being served twice in two days.



Warikoo summed up the vast difference between the office experience of an average Indian employee vs a Google worker in a few simple tweets.



I am having lunch at the Google Gurgaon office one day. Standing in line at the North Indian counter. And in front of me is a Googler, he wrote. The gentleman steps away from the line to check what the menu of the day is. And goes, Damn! Aaj phir se daal makhani hai!



Warikoo helpfully provided a translation of the Googlers comment, garnished with his own opinion. (Translated: Damn!! I have to subject myself to the torture of eating butter-laden richly cooked lentils for 2 consecutive days of my hard-earned life!) he wrote.



(Translated: Damn!! I have to subject myself to the torture of eating butter-laden richly cooked lentils for 2 consecutive days of my hard-earned life!)

And I stood there.

Stunned.

Amazed.



 Ankur Warikoo (@warikoo) June 28, 2023



The YouTuber and author said he was amazed by the Google employees reaction  Wondering what is it that this person has done in his life to be troubled by the fact that he is getting to eat daal makhani for 2 consecutive days of his life? he asked.



You can read his full post below:

















View this post on Instagram





A post shared by Ankur Warikoo (@ankurwarikoo)









Many past visitors to Google offices have come away impressed by the perks that Google employees enjoy. In March, artist Alicia Souza took her Instagram family on a food tour of the Google office in Bengaluru, sharing mouth-watering clips of the meals served to Google employees in the Silicon Valley of India, as well as glimpses of snack drawers filled to the brim with chips, chocolates, biscuits and more.
A dentist accidentally cut a Bengaluru woman's lip while performing an orthodontic procedure which left with a scar on her face that needed five sutures and a possible, plastic surgery.



A report in The Times of India said that the incident took place in June 2020 and the 32-year-old woman, a resident of Ramamurthynagar in the city, sued the dentist in court which found him guilty of being casual and unprofessional and ordered him to pay a compensation of Rs 60,000 to the woman.



The orthodontist, identified as Vinod Pattabiraman, knew the woman and performed orthodontics on her front tooth when he accidentally cut her upper lip with a dental blade machine.



The woman asked for a mirror to take a look at the scar, but the dentist allegedly declined her request and instead offered a band aid and asked her to leave, by stating it was a minor laceration. The dentist took Rs 5000 for the services.



After reaching home, she realised the extent of the injury was severe and went to a hospital since the bleeding had not stopped yet. The doctor told her wound was severe enough to need five stitches. Two days later, the bandage was removed and the woman was shocked to see that a large scar had been formed from her lip to the nose.



The woman sent a legal notice to the dentist and sought a compensation of Rs 30 lakh and approached a consumer disputes redressal commission in the city.



Court proceedings began in September and the dentist's lawyer said that there had been a small laceration which had occurred neither due to the doctor's negligence nor had it been done deliberately.



The lawyer also stated that the dentist asked the woman to return to the clinic to get the wound fixed, which she declined and took treatment elsewhere.



Also read: Botched procedure at Gurgaon salon damages woman's ear, owner charged
Pedro Moreira Salles, a Brazilian banking millionaire decided to invest a whopping $13.6 million to renovate a floor at the famous Hotel des Artistes as per a report in New York Post. However, the renovations created quite a problem for antique dealer Herbert Schinderman, who was forced to leave his home eventually. Yes, that happened.



So, Salles invested the huge amount of money in December 2019 to renovate the ninth floor unit of the hotel. It was right above the house of Herbert Schinderman, 81. Ever since then, Schinderman has been subjected to "daily pounding high-volume noise and vibration" which made it very difficult for him and his family to quietly enjoy their home, according to a lawsuit.



As per the New York Post, the construction work involves a crew of 40 to 50 people and includes the installation of a private elevator. Schinderman who has lived in the building on the West 67th Street for 20 years said that the co-op should not have approved the construction of the elevator.



The construction has caused Schinderman's house's dishes to vibrate, walls to crack, pictures on the wall to become crooked, and construction debris to land on the windowsills," the court papers read. Amid the chaos and what sounds like heavy objects being dropped and rolled on the floor of Salles apartment, Schinderman claims he lives in fear that his ceiling will collapse.



Schinderman claimed that the situation is so bad that he has been forced to leave his home. He is also seeking $1 million in damages. Salles' lawyers did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.



Meanwhile, Pedro Moreira Salles, 63, is worth $4 billion and is a member of one of Brazils oldest banking families, according to Forbes.
Bahrain today (June 28) joined its neighbouring GCC countries to celebrate Eid Al Adha after Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court confirmed the sighting of the Shawwal crescent last night in the kingdom, said media reports.

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa performed Eid Al-Adha prayers at Al Sakhir Palace Mosque along with His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, HM the Kings sons, senior members of the Royal Family, Speaker of the Council of Representatives, ministers, senior officers from the Bahrain Defence Force, Interior Ministry and National Guard, in addition to other worshippers also performed the prayers marking the Feast of the Sacrifice, reported BNA.

Chairman of the Sunni Endowments Council Dr Shaikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Hajiri, delivered a sermon in which he highlighted the noble values embedded in Eid Al-Adha and stressed the tolerant teachings of Islam, including compassion and solidarity.

Bahrains leadership later exchanged greetings with leaders of GCC, Arab and Islamic nations.

His Majesty King Hamad and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, also exchanged Eid greetings, wishing each other health and happiness and Bahrain further progress and prosperity.

In a tweet, HRH Prince Salman congratulated citizens and residents on the occasion, wishing prosperity, wellness and safety for everyone.

The leaders were greeted on the occasion by Ruling Family members, ministers, chairmen of parliament and the Shura Council, senior officials and dignitaries.

Bright lights and congratulatory phrases were placed across monuments and key areas in Bahrain.

Campaigns were also carried out to clean mosques and grand mosques to ensure the comfort of worshippers for Eid Prayers.
More than $1 million is coming to Central Virginia to combat the opioid crisis. Millions more are expected to follow in coming years.

The news was announced on June 26 in a statement which said that a total of $23 million in grants would be awarded to 76 cities and counties throughout the commonwealth.

Those grants are being distributed by Virginias Opioid Abatement Authority, a result of the state receiving a piece of the pie after various opioid manufacturers and distributors settled in federal court for millions of dollars.

And it is likely more companies will settle in the near future.

Between whats already been approved by the court and what we think will be forthcoming, there will be $1.1 billion for the state over 18 years, the state authoritys Executive Director Tony McDowell told The Daily Progress.

In a statement announcing the grants, Sen. Todd Pillion, who chairs the opioid authority, said the authority boards vote to approve the awards was historic.

Virginia is using its opioid settlement funds to turn the tide against this epidemic, and the projects we funded in this award package will save lives, the Washington Republican said.

Among those projects funded will be the Crisis Intervention Team Assessment Center. Collectively, Albemarle, Nelson, Louisa, Greene and Fluvanna counties and the city of Charlottesville are set to receive $834,894 to expand the center and crisis response, according to the statement.

Those same localities will receive an additional $448,500 to expand the Blue Ridge Center Community Response and add community drop-in services.

Region Ten, an organization that helps those struggling maintain a drug-free life, runs the local Crisis Intervention Team Assessment Center. While Region Ten was not prepared to comment when contacted by The Daily Progress, it does plan to work with Albemarle County to publish a statement in the near future.

It is possible Region Ten and the relevant counties are still digesting the news. McDowell said individual recipients have not yet been sent official award letters.

Louisa County is among those localities that have been individually approved to receive grants. Louisa will receive $61,075 for a dedicated substance use disorder clinician to allow additional patient services.

County Administrator Christian Goodwin told The Daily Progress that Louisa will receive the funding in fiscal year 2024.

The funding will enable Region 10 to hire a full-time staff member who is dedicated to helping those in need in our community find lasting solutions, Goodwin said in an email. While a precise impact is challenging at this time, the County believes this to be a meaningful step forward and looks forward to positive results.

From 2017 to 2021, the state saw 7,460 people die from opioid overdoses, according to the Virginia Department of Health. In 2016, the state declared a public health emergency. Last January, a Department of Health report showed that fatal drug overdosing has been the leading cause of accidental death in the state since 2013.

One after another, opioid manufacturers and distributors have paid millions of dollars in settlements. Those big settlements reached in federal court are now trickling down to states across the U.S., and in Virginia, the opioid authority is tasked with making sure those payments are used to combat the opioid crisis and, hopefully, save lives.

Still, despite the huge pool of money that will continue to be distributed among Virginias cities and counties over the next decade, McDowell said its disproportional to the pain thats already been incurred by so many families across the commonwealth.

Nobodys going to argue that $1.1 billion isnt a lot of money, but $1.1 billion doesnt touch the amount of damage thats been done in Virginia, McDowell said. But we think its enough to get peoples attention and help those who are sick and struggling.
Jeju Airlines cabin crew used lasso rope and tie wraps to restrain a teenager who tried to open a plane door mid-air earlier this month.



According to a report in The Independent, the 19-year-old was arrested last Monday after he attempted to open the emergency door of a Seoul-bound passenger flight in the second such incident in South Korea in less than a month. A subsequent investigation by the Incheon Airport police revealed he was under the influence of drugs.



The teenager had boarded the South Korea-bound flight from Cebu in the Philippines. There were 180 passengers on board. About an hour into the journey, however, the unnamed teenager began to act strangely. He also complained of feeling pressure on his chest.



Jeju Airlines crew then moved him to the emergency exit row so they could keep a better eye on him. But after changing seats, the teen suddenly ran towards the plane door and tried to open it.



He was immediately subdued by the crew, who used a lasso rope and tie wraps to keep him controlled for the rest of the flight, a Jeju Airlines official was quoted as saying by CNN.



Fortunately, due to air pressure difference and the crews quick thinking, the door remained closed and no passengers were hurt.



The passenger was handed over to police at Seouls Incheon Airport once the flight landed on June 19. He has been accused of violating the Aviation Security Act. I felt I was being attacked, the teenager told reporters who asked him why he tried to open the plane door.



A similar incident had occurred in South Korea only a few weeks earlier, when a man was arrested for opening the emergency door of an Asiana Airlines flight while it was landing.
A senior executive from a state-owned company in China has sparked a row after his alleged rude behaviour towards security guards at a resort. Wu Chengwang, the president of Jinshanling Great Wall Tourism Development Company ordered people to push a sliding door that was blocking his vehicle. A video of the same was also filmed on June 22 ,just north of the capital Beijing. According to Chinese media outlet The Paper, Wu tried to drive in the resort through an emergency fire exit. "How dare you stop me. I can push it all over if I want to," Wu said. An employee of the resort told Xin Kuai Bao newspaper that no one is allowed to drive into the resort. Moreover, as per local reports, the incident is being investigated. The Post reached out to Wu for a comment but couldn't get one. Zhu Yongli, a legal representative from the company, said that Wu only tried to topple an ordinary sliding gate which belongs to the company, not an historic part of the site. Social media users were furious and slammed Wu. They called his behaviour unacceptable. I wonder if he would push over the Great Wall if he was unhappy one day, a user wrote.

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The bustling Delhi metro has been in news for several photos and videos capturing various incidents ranging from fights to intimate moments between couples in the recent past.



While some argue in favour of expressing love in public spaces, others vehemently oppose such acts, deeming them as 'vulgarity.'



The latest video to stir controversy on social media features a couple engaged in a heated argument with two women, who accused them of standing too close.



The couple, however, defends their actions, asserting that they did nothing wrong and that both women should mind their own business.



As the video unfolds, one of the women can be heard reprimanding the young man, saying, "Kuch sharam karo" (Have some shame).



In response, the couple grows increasingly agitated, with the girl joining the fray against the women after a point. In an attempt to diffuse the situation, the couple requests that the women find another place to sit if they find their behaviour objectionable. The women, however, remain steadfast in their stance, refusing to relocate and maintaining their accusatory tone.



Kalesh B/w Aunties and a Couple inside Delhi Metro( Aunty didnt like the way they are standing inside Metro) pic.twitter.com/uOXc29m3Y5

 Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) June 26, 2023

The video served as a catalyst for a broader discussion surrounding public displays of affection and societal attitudes towards young couples, with majority of the people criticising the women.



A Twitter user applauds the mans response, stating, "These aunties are a menace. Kudos to this boy, this is exactly how they should be dealt with."



Another person questions the women, stating, "Population through the roof but aunties have a problem when people show a little bit of affection towards each other??? First of all, you're sitting barefoot with your stank ass feet just hanging outside, maybe worry about your lack of social etiquette first."



Read: DMRC looks for couple kissing on Delhi Metro 2 days after complaint, gets trolled on Twitter



Another user expressed frustration, suggesting, "Seeing the frustration of these aunties, I am sure their own kids must be living separately. Now they are venting their anger on strangers.



Some users were also in doubt of the couples actions. Difficult to know the backstory because we cant see how they were standing, one user wrote.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk held a training session with Russian-American computer scientist Lex Fridman for his upcoming cage fight with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.



Fridman took to Twitter to share the news, stating that he conducted an impromptu training session with Musk and was impressed with his "strength, power, and skill, on the feet and on the ground,".



"I did an impromptu training session with @elonmusk for a few hours yesterday. I'm extremely impressed with his strength, power, and skill, on the feet and on the ground. It was epic. It's really inspiring to see Elon and Mark doing martial arts, but I think the world is served far better if they train martial arts but not fight in the cage. That said, as Elon says, the most entertaining outcome is the most likely... I'm there for them, no matter what," Fridman wrote on Twitter.



I did an impromptu training session with @elonmusk for a few hours yesterday. I'm extremely impressed with his strength, power, and skill, on the feet and on the ground. It was epic. It's really inspiring to see Elon and Mark doing martial arts, but I think the world is served pic.twitter.com/cq00A9Xnmw

 Lex Fridman (@lexfridman) June 27, 2023

Musk later reacted to the post saying that the session was fun.



That was fun!

 Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 28, 2023

A few days ago, Fridman shared a post on Twitter in which he was seen training with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in "jiu-jitsu"- a Brazilian marital art.



The starting point for the altercation between Musk and Zuckerberg occurred after the latter hinted that Meta had plans to launch its own text-based social media platform to rival the former's Twitter.



Also read: Elon Musk uses small doses of ketamine to manage depression, heavy ones for parties: Report
In the Constituent Assembly debate on a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Indias first law minister BR Ambedkar famously called it a little corner that we have not been able to invade.



Ambedkars idea was to implement a UCC governing personal law as the country already had common civil, criminal and property laws. However, the legislators were not able to invade the little corner  personal laws that dealt with marriage and succession.



Ambedkars "little corner" assumes relevance at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi has advocated the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), noting that both the Constitution and the Supreme Court have been emphasising the same.



The PMs statement comes at a time when the Law Commission of India has solicited views and ideas from the public at large and recognised religious organisations on UCC. The Commission is examining UCC after a reference sent by the Ministry of Law and Justice.



It is examining the UCC for the second time in five years; it carried out a similar exercise in 2018 and published a paper titled Reforms of Family Law in August 2018. However, since the tenure of the then Law Commission expired, and as it has been more than three years since the exercise was carried out, the Law Commission has now invited fresh views.



The larger question, however, is what is UCC? Why has it still not been implemented despite featuring in the Constitution? What did the framers of the Constitution feel about it? Moneycontrol explains these questions.



What is the Uniform Civil Code?



UCC is contemplated to be a single law which will govern personal aspects of all citizens of India such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption among others. If implemented, UCC will apply equally to all citizens of India, irrespective of religion, sex, gender and sexual orientation.

If introduced, acts such as Hindu Marriage Act, Hindu Succession Act, Christian Marriage Act, Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, and other such codified laws will be repealed.



In addition to this, the Muslim community, which follows uncodified personal laws, will have to follow the UCC. It is to be noted that codified personal laws were written based on a communitys traditional practices, for instance, section 7(2) of the Hindu Marriage Act speaks of how a marriage will become binding only on performing Saptapadi (that is, the taking of seven steps by the bridegroom and the bride jointly around the sacred fire).



The UCC will have to wade through traditional practices to come up with a set of common practices that is to be followed by the entire country, cutting across religious lines.



Is there a Constitutional sanction for UCC?



Article 44 of the Constitution says, The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India. However, Article 44 is a part of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP). DPSPs are not enforceable in the court of law, they are merely aspirational directives asking the government in power to implement certain laws.



What is Supreme Courts take on UCC?



As legislating and implementing laws is in the domain of government the apex court has remained silent on UCC. The court has, however, through its many judgments emphasised the need for UCC.



For instance, in the famous Shah Bano case in 1985, the court observed, Article 44 of our Constitution has remained a dead letter. There is no evidence of any official activity for framing a Common Civil Code for the country. A common Civil Code will help the cause of national integration by removing disparate loyalties to laws which have conflicting ideologies.



In Sarala Mudgals case in 1995, the SC said, When more than 80 percent of the citizens have already been brought under the codified personal law there is no justification whatsoever to keep in abeyance, any more, the introduction of "uniform civil code" for all citizens in the territory of India.



The court also emphasised the urgent need for a common civil code in its judgment in Ms Jordan Diengdeh vs SS Chopra in 1985.



What did Ambedkar say about UCC in the Constituent Assembly?



The Constituent Assembly was founded before the nation attained Independence in 1947. The debate on UCC took place in November 1948.



Even though Ambedkar was particular about introducing a UCC, there was opposition from many leaders on the same. Ambedkar had opined, The argument whether we should attempt such a thing seems to me somewhat misplaced for the simple reason that we have, as a matter of fact, covered the whole lot of the field which is covered by a uniform Civil Code in this country. It is therefore too late now to ask the question whether we could do it. As I say, we have already done it.
Bhojpuri actor Ravi Kishan's daughter- Ishita Shukla- joined the armed forces, under the Agnipath scheme, recently. A report in the Economic Times stated that Kishan's 21-year-old daughter had become a cadet of "7 Girl Battalion" in the Delhi Directorate. The scheme, which was launched in June 2022, is designed to recruit Indians for the Air Force, Navy and Army services. The scheme provides an opportunity to serve for four years. In June 2023, the first batch of Agniveers from Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry were attested in a ceremony in Srinagar. In January 2023, Kishan's daughter took part in the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi. #AgnipathSchemepic.twitter.com/MxuRP1qLCG  Dinesh Khatik (@MLADineshKhatik) June 27, 2023 Twitter users congratulated the actor and praised his daughter for opting to choose her own career path. "One more achievement has been added to the good fortune of Gorakhpur. Hearty congratulations to Ishita Shukla, daughter of Gorakhpur's popular MP Shri @ravikishann ji, on becoming 'Female Agniveer'! Now she will join Defence Force as a soldier under Agnipath Scheme," one user said. "On one hand, many leaders of the country want to make their children leaders and make their future in the politics, on the other, respectable @OfcRavikishann ji's daughter will serve the country truly by joining the country's army, I salute such a father," another user wrote. The actor has three more children-Riva, Tanishk, and Saksham. Riva has followed Kishan's footsteps and has aspirations of establishing a name for herself in the movie industry. Also read: BJP MP Ravi Kishans daughter to march in Republic Day parade as part of NCC contingent

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Italys culture and tourism ministers have vowed to find and punish a tourist who was filmed carving his name and that of his apparent girlfriend in the wall of the Colosseum in Rome, a crime that resulted in hefty fines in the past.



The message reading Ivan+Haley 23 appeared on the Colosseum at a time when Romans already were complaining about hordes of tourists flooding the Eternal City in record numbers this season. A fellow tourist, Ryan Lutz, of Orange, California., filmed the incident and posted the video on YouTube and Reddit.



The video received over 1,500 social media views and was picked up by Italian media. Lutz told The Associated Press on Tuesday he was dumbfounded that someone would deface such an important monument.



Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano called the writing carved into the almost 2,000-year-old Flavian Ampitheater serious, undignified and a sign of great incivility. He said he hoped the culprits would be found and punished according to our laws.



Italian news agency ANSA noted that the incident marked the fourth time this year that such graffiti was reported at the Colosseum. It said whoever was responsible for the latest episode risked $15,000 in fines and up to five years in prison.



Tourism Minister Daniela Santanche said she hoped the tourist would be sanctioned so that he understands the gravity of the gesture. Calling for respect for Italys culture and history, she vowed: We cannot allow those who visit our nation to feel free to behave in this way.



Lutz, who is on a two-month backpacking trip through Europe, said he had just finished a guided tour of the Colosseum on Friday when he saw the person blatantly carving his name" in the Colosseum wall. Lutz told the AP he took out his phone to film the man because he was so shocked at what he was doing.



And as you see in the video, I kind of approach him and ask him, dumbfounded at this point, Are you serious? Are you really serious?" Lutz recalled. And all he could do is like smile at me.



Lutz, a recent graduate of Cal Poly Pomona, said he tried to get a guard to take action, but neither the guard nor his supervisor did anything, even after Lutz identified the man and offered to share the video.



He said he decided to post the video online the following morning, after he had calmed down. While saying he appreciates graffiti and art, carving your name seems like a pretty selfish act. He said visitors to foreign countries cannot repay their hosts "with blatant disrespect like this.



Outside the Colosseum on Tuesday, other visitors agreed.



"We have to preserve what we have," said Diego Cruz, an American student. There is a rich history here. It helps us learn from the past.



Guldamla Ozsema, a computer engineer visiting from Turkey, said his country also had difficulty protecting its monuments from disrespectful tourists.



I really get angry with them, with this behavior, Ozsema said.



Italian tourism lobby Federturismo, backed by statistics bureau ISTAT, has said 2023 is shaping up as a record for visitors to Italy, surpassing pre-pandemic levels that hit a high in 2019.



In 2014, a Russian tourist was fined 20,000 euros ($25,000) and received a four-year suspended jail sentence for engraving a big letter K on a wall of the Colosseum.



The following year, two American tourists were also cited for aggravated damage after they carved their names in the monument.
Chinas tech sector has a new obsession: competing with US titans like Google and Microsoft Corp. in the breakneck global artificial intelligence race.



Billionaire entrepreneurs, mid-level engineers and veterans of foreign firms alike now harbor a remarkably consistent ambition: to outdo China's geopolitical rival in a technology that may determine the global power stakes. Among them is internet mogul Wang Xiaochuan, who entered the field after OpenAIs ChatGPT debuted to a social media firestorm in November. He joins the ranks of Chinese scientists, programmers and financiers  including former employees of ByteDance Ltd., e-commerce platform JD.com Inc. and Google  expected to propel some $15 billion of spending on AI technology this year.



For Wang, who founded the search engine Sogou that Tencent Holdings Ltd. bought out in a $3.5 billion deal less than two years ago, the opportunity came fast. By April, the computer science graduate had already set up his own startup and secured $50 million in seed capital. He reached out to former subordinates at Sogou, many of whom he convinced to come on board. By June, his firm had launched an open-source large language model and its already in use by researchers at Chinas two most prominent universities.







We all heard the sound of the starter pistol in the race. Tech companies, big or small, are all on the same starting line, Wang, who named his startup Baichuan or A Hundred Rivers, told Bloomberg News. China is still three years behind the US, but we may not need three years to catch up.



The top-flight Chinese talent and financing flowing into AI mirrors a wave of activity convulsing Silicon Valley, which has deep implications for Beijings escalating conflict with Washington. Analysts and executives believe AI will shape the technology leaders of the future, much like the internet and smartphone created a corps of global titans. Moreover, it could propel applications from supercomputing to military prowess  potentially tilting the geopolitical balance.



China is a vastly different landscape  one reined in by US tech sanctions, regulators data and censorship demands, and Western distrust that limits the international expansion of its national champions. All that will make it harder to play catch-up with the US.



AI investments in the US dwarf that of China, totaling $26.6 billion in the year to mid-June versus Chinas $4 billion, according to previously unreported data collated by consultancy Preqin.



Yet that gap is already gradually narrowing, at least in terms of deal flow. The number of Chinese venture deals in AI comprised more than two-thirds of the US total of about 447 in the year to mid-June, versus about 50% over the previous two years. China-based AI venture deals also outpaced consumer tech in 2022 and early 2023, according to Preqin.



All this is not lost on Beijing. Xi Jinpings administration realizes that AI, much like semiconductors, will be critical to maintaining Chinas ascendancy and is likely to mobilize the nations resources to drive advances. While startup investment cratered during the years Beijing went after tech giants and reckless expansion of capital, the feeling is the Party encourages AI exploration.



Its a familiar challenge for Chinese tech players.



During the mobile era, a generation of startups led by Tencent, Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and TikTok-owner ByteDance built an industry that could genuinely rival Silicon Valley. It helped that Facebook, YouTube and WhatsApp were shut out of the booming market of 1.4 billion people. At one point in 2018, venture capital funding in China was even on track to surpass that of the US  until the trade war exacerbated an economic downturn. That situation, where local firms thrive when US rivals are absent, is likely to play out once more in an AI arena from which ChatGPT and Googles Bard are effectively barred.



Large AI models could eventually behave much like the smartphone operating systems Android and iOS, which provided the infrastructure or platforms on which Tencent, ByteDance and Ant Group Co. broke new ground: in social media with WeChat, video with Douyin and Tiktok, and payments with Alipay. The idea is that generative AI services could speed the emergence of new platforms to host a wave of revolutionary apps for businesses and consumers.



Thats a potential gold mine for an industry just emerging from the trauma of Xis two-year internet crackdown, which starved tech companies of the heady growth of years past. No one today wants to miss out on what Nvidia Corp. CEO Jensen Huang called the iPhone moment of their generation.



This is an AI arms race going on both in the US and China, said Daniel Ives, a senior analyst at Wedbush Securities. China tech is dealing with a stricter regulatory environment around AI, which puts one hand behind the back in this Game of Thrones battle. This is an $800 billion market opportunity globally over the next decade we estimate around AI, and we are only on the very early stages.



The resolve to catch OpenAI is apparent in the seemingly haphazard fashion in which incumbents from Baidu Inc. and SenseTime Group Inc. to Alibaba have trotted out AI bots in the span of months.







Joining them are some of the biggest names in the industry. Their ranks include Wang Changhu, the former director of ByteDances AI Lab; Zhou Bowen, ex-president of JD.com Inc.s AI and cloud computing division; Meituan co-founder Wang Huiwen and current boss Wang Xing; and venture capitalist Kai-fu Lee, who made his name backing Baidu.



Ex-Baidu President Zhang Yaqin, now dean of Tsinghua Universitys Institute for AI Industry Research and overseer of a number of budding projects, told Chinese media in March that investors sought him out almost daily that month. He estimates therere as many as 50 firms working on large language models across the country. Wang Changhu, former lead researcher at Microsoft Research before he joined Bytedance in 2017, said dozens of investors approached him on WeChat in a single day when he was preparing to set up his generative AI startup.



This is at least a once-in-a-decade opportunity, an opportunity for startups to create companies comparable to the behemoths, Wang told Bloomberg News.



Many of the fledgling firms are squarely aimed at the home crowd, given growing concern in the West about Chinese technology. Even so, theres an open field in a consumer market ringfenced to themselves, which also happens to be the worlds largest internet arena. In the works are AI-fueled applications, from a chatbot to help manufacturers track consumption trends, to an intelligent operating system offering companionship to counter depression, and smart enterprise tools to transcribe and analyze meetings.



Still, Chinese demos so far make it clear that most have a long way to go. The skeptical point out true innovation requires the free-wheeling exploration and experimentation that the US cultivates but is restrained in China. Pervasive censorship in turn means the datasets that Chinas aspirants are using are inherently flawed and artificially constrained, they argue.



Investors are chasing the concept, said Grant Pan, chief financial officer of Noah Holdings, whose subsidiary Gopher invests in over 100 funds including Sequoia China (now HongShan) and ZhenFund in China. However, the commercial use and impact to industry chains are not clear yet.



Then there are Beijings regulations on generative AI, with its top internet overseer signaling that the onus for training algorithms and implementing censorship will fall on platform providers.



Beijings censorship regime will put Chinas ChatGPT-like applications at a serious disadvantage vis-a-vis their US peers, said Xiaomeng Lu, director of the Eurasia Groups geotechnology practice.



Last but not least, powerful chipsets from the likes of Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. are crucial in training large AI models  but Washington bars those from the country.



But these hurdles havent stopped the ambitious in China, from Baidu and iFlytek Co. to the slew of new startups, from setting their sights on matching and surpassing the US on AI.



Executives, including from Tencent, argue models can tack on more chipsets to make up for lesser performance. Baichuans Wang says it gets by with Nvidias A800 chips, and will obtain more capable H800s in June.



Others like Lan Zhenzhong, a veteran of Googles AI Research Institute who founded Hangzhou-based Westlake Xinchen in 2021, employ a costly hybrid approach. The Baidu Ventures-backed company uses fewer than 1,000 GPUs for model training, then deploys domestic cloud services for inference, or sustaining the program. Lan said it cost about 7 to 8 yuan per hour to rent an A100 chip from cloud services: Very expensive.



Billionaire Baidu founder Robin Li, who in March unfurled Chinas first answer to ChatGPT, has said the US and China both account for roughly a third of the worlds computing power. But that alone wont make the difference because innovation is not something you can buy.



Why arent people willing to invest in the longer-term and dream big? asked Wayne Shiong, a partner at China Growth Capital. Now that weve been handed this assignment by the other side, China will be able to play catch-up.
When the US first embraced de-risking to get Europe on board with measures to deny key technology to China, officials in Beijing dismissed the term as no different than decoupling. Now they are trying a new strategy: Redefine the concept.



Chinese Premier Li Qiang last week acknowledged the legitimacy of de-risking while speaking to CEOs on a trip to Germany, but said it should be decided by business leaders instead of governments. He also warned that risks shouldnt be exaggerated  opening a discussion on what exactly poses a serious threat to national security.



Li hit the theme again on Tuesday at a high-profile economic forum in China known as Summer Davos, where he told delegates if there is risk in a certain industry, its not the call or decision of a particular organization or a single government.



Governments and relevant organizations should not overreach themselves, Li added. Still less, overstretch the concept of risk or turn it into an ideological tool.



At the same time, China is trying to improve its image among overseas investors after a high-profile crackdown on consultancy companies. On Tuesday, President Xi Jinping told visiting New Zealand leader Chris Hipkins in Beijing that China would better protect interests of foreign businesses.



The rhetorical shift is Chinas latest effort to fight back against efforts by the US and Europe to prevent the worlds second-largest economy from obtaining advanced technology. The push to drive a wedge between companies and their governments could spark a debate in Western capitals that could ultimately water down any proposed measures that would hurt Chinas economy.



The key lies in what China believes are different assessments of risk by companies and by governments, said Deborah Elms, founder and executive director of the Asian Trade Centre. The former is probably assumed to be much less problematic, with firms taking a narrow view of risk.



Chinas direct appeal to business leaders comes as Europe and the US spearhead fresh tools to further curb Beijings access to advanced chips and other technologies. Allowing companies to be in the drivers seat would mean supply chains would operate without much government interference, said Zhou Xiaoming, a researcher at the think tank Center for China and Globalization.



The European Union this month unveiled its economic security strategy, which outlines critical sectors that autocrats could weaponize. While that review was prompted by the blocs over-reliance on Russian energy, its China implications bring Europe closer to the US goal of removing Beijing from sensitive sectors.



US President Joe Biden is pushing forward with an executive order that could cut off certain US investments in China, according to people familiar with the matter. That would follow sweeping curbs imposed last October that limit the sale of chip-making equipment to Chinese customers.



Those export controls saw the three biggest US manufacturers of advanced chip-making machines lose almost $5 billion in sales this year, according to estimates from the firms.



Despite the rhetoric, neither the US or Europe has articulated a clear definition of what constitutes a risk. Biden said at a Group of Seven leaders summit in Japan that US curbs should apply to a narrow set of technologies critical to national security  a broad term that casts a wide net in a world many everyday items have chips.



Everyone is talking about de-risking but we think its a concept that is not very well-understood, said Jens Eskelund, president of the European Chamber in Beijing. Theres still a lot of work to be done by organizations such as ourselves and other stakeholders in trying to define what de-risking actually means.



Divisions even within Europe on de-risking were evident at Summer Davos, where Peter Szijjarto, the foreign minister of Hungary  a nation with one of the EUs most pro-Chinese governments  said decoupling from China would be a brutal suicide.



Business Allies

Beijings warmer ties with business leaders compared to some Western politicians was on display earlier this month when President Xi Jinping called American billionaire Bill Gates an old friend during a meeting in Beijing. Days later, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was granted only a brief audience with the Chinese leader in the capital. Xi and Biden havent spoken since November.



Senior Communist Party officials also recently rolled out the red carpet in China for the chief executive officers of JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Tesla Inc., and a host of other foreign business chiefs.



While it remains to be seen how business leaders respond to Lis call to challenge their governments economic interventions, he signed deals in Europe last week to deepen China cooperation with Airbus SE, BASF SE, BMW AG, Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Volkswagen AG. Li told those firms that risk prevention and cooperation are not mutually exclusive.



Michael Hart, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, said most companies prefer some moderate form of risk management. In the wake of Covid export disruptions, for example, many firms have added an offshore manufacturing base, a strategy known as China plus one.



Henry Gao, who researches Chinese trade policy at Singapore Management University, said the risk prevention measures Li supported companies pursing was fundamentally different to politicians de-risking strategies.



That could lead to both sides talking past each other, but perhaps that was the entire point.



Gao said: Its the same good old divide and conquer tactics.
The Italian government has proposed Fabio Panetta, an executive board member of the European Central Bank, as the next governor of the Bank of Italy, two government sources said on Tuesday.



The current governor, Ignazio Visco, will remain in office until his mandate expires at the end of October, the sources said.



The government plays a key role in the appointment of the head of the Bank of Italy under a complicated procedure that requires consultation with the central bank's main internal body, and approval from the head of state.



The Bank of Italy's Superior Council approved Panetta's candidacy last week, a third source familiar with the matter said.



Panetta, 63, spent more than three decades at Italy's central bank and served as a deputy governor under Visco before he was promoted to the ECB's board in Frankfurt at the start of 2020.



He was widely expected to replace Visco, even though his term in Frankfurt was not due to end until the end of 2027.



He is viewed as a monetary dove, similar to Visco, who has been governor since 2011.



Panetta's move will open up a position on the 6-member ECB board, which has always included representatives of the three biggest economies in the euro zone -- Germany, France and Italy -- although there is no rule saying this must happen.



An ECB spokesperson declined to comment.



The third source said Piero Cipollone, who sits on the Bank of Italy's five-member executive board, was front runner to replace Panetta in Frankfurt.



Cipollone, who joined the Bank of Italy in 1993, has also worked for the World Bank and was an economic adviser to former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte in 2018-2019.



Bank of Italy governors play an influential role in the country's economic management and some have moved on to bigger jobs.



Carlo Azeglio Ciampi became prime minister then president in the 1990s after he left the central bank, while Mario Draghi became head of the European Central Bank and then prime minister until last year.



Panetta rejected an offer in 2022 to be finance minister in Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's new right-wing government, but managed to maintain good ties with her administration.
A sea change in the General Assembly has the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors reconsidering how it will be able to achieve its legislative priorities this upcoming term.

After redistricting, a slew of retirements and a number of longtime politicians falling in last weeks primary election, the state legislature is losing 600 years of institutional knowledge. That could limit what the board can accomplish for its constituents.

It scares the heck out of me, David Blount of the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission told the board at a meeting on June 21. Ill tell you that right now, as someone whos been around this process for several decades.

Blount, Steve Rosenberg of the county attorneys office and Emily Kilroy, assistant to the county executive, provided a presentation to the board advising its members to take a different approach to the state legislature from years past.

I think its probably going to be a good year to slow down, really focus, be deliberate and be strategic about what we do, Blount said.

Jim Andrews, vice-chair of the board, told The Daily Progress that new strategy makes sense.

We have been taking same approach for several years without a lot to show for it, Andrews said.

Rosenberg drove that point home at the beginning of the presentation. Recounting the boards priorities from the past years legislative session, he noted that almost all of the boards priorities fell flat in the General Assembly.

Just to be candid about it, the county did not meet with much success, with only one bill enacted and approved by the governor of Virginia, Rosenberg told the board. Even that bill only partially addressed particular issues of importance to the county.

Board Chair Donna Price told The Daily Progress that while Democratic state Sen. Creigh Deeds will be returning to the upper chamber with decades of experience, Amy Laufer and Katrina Callsen will be new to the House of Delegates.

It should be noted that while Laufer and Callsen have only won their races in the Democratic primary, in the sapphire-blue districts they represent, it is unlikely any Republican challenger will find the votes to defeat them in the November general election.

So I think it would not be unreasonable to anticipate that this first General Assembly session may have fewer bills than we generally would have, Price said.

With this in mind, Rosenberg, Blount and Kilroy advised the board to make the Rivanna Station Futures project its top priority. Andrews supports that plan.

Unlike the other priorities that weve had in the past, this one is our and ours alone, Andrews said. Rivanna Station is here, and we know thats our charge to make something happen.

Over the next 90 days or so, the board will consider whether to finalize a $58 million deal to buy 462 acres of property adjacent to Rivanna Station, which is home to multiple highly secretive federal intelligence agencies, including the National Ground Intelligence Center.

Supervisor Bea LaPisto-Kirtley told The Daily Progress that because one-third of the General Assembly will be new to the body, there may be a learning curve for those members. So focusing on Rivanna Station, she said, is a good idea.

According to LaPisto-Kirtley, acquiring the land around Rivanna Station will incentivize those agencies to stay in the region instead of taking their business elsewhere.

Rivanna Station is second largest economic engine in the county. They bring in $1.2 billion and half of that goes to Albemarle County, LaPisto-Kirtley said.

We havent purchased [the land] yet. Were making sure that this is good for the county, and we want to get the legislature behind us in supporting Rivanna Station, because its an extremely important military facility, she said. If this goes through theyll be bringing in additional jobs that are very high paying.

But LaPisto-Kirtley and Andrews both cautioned that, while Rivanna Station will be a priority, that does not mean other goals will be ignored.

I dont think were giving up on anything, Andrews said. Were changing tactics because the approach weve taken in the past doesnt seem likely to be successful without more buy-in from others on bills that have broad implications across the state.

The new approach is to cooperate with other counties across the commonwealth that may have similar legislative goals.

One example: expanding authority to use photo speed monitoring devices in an effort to reduce car crashes.

That was a goal last session, but a proposed bill on the issue did not make it out of a House committee.

Were not really halting that, because if any other county proposes those initiatives, well be supporting that. So photo speed cameras, if other entities are looking at that, then we could support it too, LaPisto-Kirtley said.

Instead of getting delegates to introduce new bills, the county will keep an eye on what bills other counties are pursuing. If those interests align, Albemarle will partner with other counties to pass the bill.

If we can focus our energies more on things that are more strategic and maybe have a better chance of giving us that check in the win column, I think that would be more fruitful, Blount told the supervisors.

Price echoed that sentiment when speaking with The Daily Progress.

Albemarle County has had a very ambitious legislative agenda for last couple years, and I believe we are looking to reduce the number of legislative items that we are going to be pursuing, she said. If we focus on fewer items we might be able to achieve more success.
UBS Group AG is planning to cut more than half of Credit Suisse Group AGs 45,000-strong workforce starting next month as a result of the banks emergency takeover.



Bankers, traders and support staff in Credit Suisses investment bank in London, New York, and in some parts of Asia are expected to bear the brunt of the cuts, with almost all activities at risk, people familiar with the matter said.



Staffers have been told to expect three rounds of cuts this year, with the first expected by the end of July and two more rounds tentatively planned for September and October, the people added, asking not to be named as the plans arent public.



Three months after UBS agreed to buy Credit Suisse in a government-brokered rescue, the full extent of the job cuts is starting to become clear. UBS, whose combined workforce jumped to about 120,000 when the deal closed, has said it aims to save some $6 billion in staff costs in the coming years.



UBS intends to ultimately reduce the total combined headcount by about 30%, or 35,000 people, two of the people said. Thats broadly in line with an overall reduction of around 30,000 estimated by analysts at Redburn in a report on UBS this month.



Shares of UBS gained as much as 2% in US trading.



A spokesperson for UBS declined to comment on the job exits.



The cull of staff at the Swiss lender will dramatically worsen what was already a dismal year for financial sector jobs worldwide, after Wall Street investment banks including Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. announced their own cuts of thousands of staff.



The combined firms executive ranks already display UBSs dominance. The executive board contains only one Credit Suisse holdover, Ulrich Koerner, who remains CEO of the acquired bank. In the key wealth management unit, only five of the more than two dozen leadership appointments come from Credit Suisse.



UBS Chief Executive Officer Sergio Ermotti said that the integration was going very well, at an event in Zurich on Tuesday.



UBS signaled early in the takeover that it intends to drastically cut back the numbers at Credit Suisses loss-making investment bank, which was the source of the $5.5 billion loss in the Archegos Capital Management scandal in 2021.



While UBS had originally planned to keep the top 20% of dealmakers, in particular those focusing on technology, media and telecoms, many of the top performing bankers have already departed or been poached by competitors, people said. Deutsche Bank AG, Jefferies Financial Group Inc. and Wells Fargo & Co. are among competitors who have snapped up Credit Suisse staff in recent months.



UBS is hoping to retain the majority of Credit Suisses private bankers, though many have already left, two of the people said. In Asia Pacific, UBS is planning to keep a few hundred Credit Suisse private bankers, bringing its total to more than 1,200, people familiar told Bloomberg earlier this month. Some private bankers in Singapore are set to relocate to UBSs flagship offices near a prime shopping district in the city-state as soon as next month in one of the first concrete signs of the merger taking shape.



The bank will also need to retain, at least in the near term, the people responsible for managing Credit Suisses structured loans to wealthy clients and the equity derivatives books, one of the people said.



With respect to the Swiss domestic business, UBS plans to make a decision in the third quarter on whether it will fully integrate it with its own Swiss unit or seek another option such as spinning it off or listing it publicly. The fate of the Swiss bank has been widely watched as Swiss-based companies and politicians have voiced concerns over the market power that the combined bank would exercise.



As such, the initial rounds of job reductions will likely exclude those related to the extensive overlap in the Swiss businesses, the people said. Overall, as many as 10,000 jobs would be eliminated if the two domestic businesses are merged, one person said. About 30% of the the megabanks combined staff is in Switzerland but it is spread across the domestic businesses as well as employees who are based in the country but work for corporate functions or in wealth and asset management.



Ermotti has said that the base case scenario is for UBS to retain Credit Suisses domestic unit. Many employees, based on comments from Ermotti and Chairman Colm Kelleher in meetings and townhalls this month, expect the businesses to be fully merged, especially after the deterioration of the private banking arm of Credit Suisses domestic business, the people said.
The United States is considering new restrictions on exports of artificial intelligence chips to China, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter. Shares of Nvidia fell more than 2%, while Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) fell about 1.5% on the news in extended trading. The Commerce Department will stop the shipments of chips made by Nvidia and other chip companies to customers in China as early as July, the report said. Nvidia, Micron, and AMD are among the U.S. chipmakers caught in the crossfire between China and the Biden administration. In September, Nvidia had said that U.S. officials asked the company to stop exporting two top computing chips for artificial intelligence work to China. Months later, Jensen Huang-led Nvidia said it will offer a new advanced chip called the A800 in China to meet export control rules. The company also tweaked its flagship H100 chip early this year to comply with regulations. But the new curbs being mulled by the department would ban the sale of even A800 chips without a special U.S. export license, the report added. The Commerce Department did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

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June 28, 2023

Ukraine SitRep: Prigozhin Affair - Kramatorsk Missile Attack - Updated

Updated below - June 29, 13:55 UTC

There is still some fallout from the Prigozhin affair.

The U.S. propaganda campaign that falsely claims that Russia has been weakened by Wagner's armed mutiny continues. While citing only 'western' intelligence affiliated sources the Washington Post headlines Putins standing as global strongman in jeopardy after revolt. Where please is evidence for that?

The New York Times assists in a useless attempt to sow fear and doubt on the Russian side:

A senior Russian general had advance knowledge of Yevgeny Prigozhins plans to rebel against Russias military leadership, according to U.S. officials briefed on American intelligence on the matter, which has prompted questions about what support the mercenary leader had inside the top ranks. The officials said they are trying to learn if Gen. Sergei Surovikin, the former top Russian commander in Ukraine, helped plan Mr. Prigozhins actions last weekend, which posed the most dramatic threat to President Vladimir V. Putin in his 23 years in power.

Gen. Sergei Surovikin of course knew that something was up with Wagner. The whole Russian leadership knew of it. Orders were obviously given for everyone to stand down and to let Prigozhin do what he had planned to do.

There was zero action taken by the border guards, the internal security force Rosguardia, by the police and the Russian military. That is unexplainable unless there was an order from very high up to step back instead of seeking a fight. President Putin's primary aim was to avoid unnecessary casualties which he largely achieved.

One miscalculation happened. Wagner had a mobile Pantsir-1 air defense system that tried to cover its convoys on their trip towards Moscow. Several Russian helicopters and a plane where shot down when they came too near to them. It seems that the Pantsirs were a surprise.

Wagner was not supposed to have them:

 Fertilizer Finder  - @ManiacMagic1 - 19:38 UTC  Jun 27, 2023 A source in the Russian Defense Ministry reports that neither the Ministry of Defense nor the Tula machine-building plant "Scheglovsky Val" sold Yevgeny Prigozhin and his firms the Pantsir S-1 anti-aircraft missile system worth more than $14,000,000. How the "Pantsir" ended up in the possession of the terrorist organization "PMC Wagner" and whether the governor of the Tula region Alexei Dyumin is involved in this, are now being investigated by the investigators of the GVSU of the ICR and the SU of the FSB.

Embedded video

The source above is pro-Ukrainian so this might be another false claim intelligence play but I think there is some truth to it. Russian air defenses in Ukraine work in an integrated environment where all systems from wide area surveillance and long range defense down to the short range Pantsirs are integrated. Under such a system it never made sense to give Wagner their own independent air defenses. It would instead be provided air cover by the Russian army.

As soon as the Pantsir was observed within the Wagner convoy the Russian military should have shut down the air space near Wagner's route. That it did not immediately do so was a mistake that cost it several capable pilots.

There is still the open question of how many Wagner people were actually involved in the affair. History Legend has counted the transport equipment in the various convoys and estimates 1,500 to 2,000. The number seems reasonable. It means that large majority of the current 20,000 Wagner fighters did not take part in the affair.

In his latest speech Putin said that Prigozhin catering business with the army as well as his other business will now come under scrutiny. There was without doubt some over-billing and fraud involved. Prigozhin should have know that under Putin's regime oligarchs are not allowed to intervene in politics. Putin successfully fought against those oligarchs who tried as soon as he came to power. Prigozhin's attempt to get Defense Minister Shoigu and General Gerasimov fired was such an intervention. It will likely cost him his business.

Yesterday there was a Russian* missile strike of unknown provenance* on a hotel complex in Kramatorsk:

The missile tore into the crowded Ria Lounge restaurant at dinnertime on Tuesday, setting off a large blaze that burned for more than two hours. By Wednesday afternoon, the Ukrainian authorities said that 10 people had been confirmed dead  including 14-year-old twin sisters  and 61 others were wounded."

Video from the scene taken immediately after the event show English speaking men with the one helping a wounded exposing a quad angle tattoo with the number 3 written in it on his right arm (see at 7 sec in).

This is said to be a sign of the 3rd Ranger Battalion of the U.S. army which is a part of the U.S. special operation forces.

Another video taken during rubble clearing at night has a (British?) English speaker saying "Look what these bastards are doing to this country. There's soldiers under this rubble all over."

This seems to confirm that the hotel complex and its restaurant were not exclusively used for civilian purposes but housed and catered to foreign soldiers.

*Update - June 29, 13:55 UTC:

The June 29, 2023 report by the Russian Defense Ministry on the daily operation in Ukraine says (machine translation):

According to updated information, as a result of a high-precision strike on June 27 in the city of Kramatorsk, Donetsk People's Republic, at the point of temporary deployment of the 56th separate motorized infantry brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, two generals participating in the headquarters meeting, up to 50 officers of the armed forces of Ukraine, as well as up to 20 foreign mercenaries and military personnel were destroyed.

Posted by b on June 28, 2023 at 16:28 UTC | Permalink

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Gov. Tina Kotek on Wednesday, June 29 appointed former Portland city auditor LaVonne Griffin-Valade as the Secretary of State.

Griffin-Valade will be sworn in on June 30. She will fill out the term of Shemia Fagan, who resigned May 8 amid reports she was moonlighting as a consultant to a marijuana firm licensed by a state agency her office was auditing. The office will be up for election in 2024.

Griffin-Valade worked as a government performance auditor for over 16 years, including eight years as an elected auditor.

I told Oregonians in May that the primary objective of our next Secretary of State was to restore confidence in the office," Kotek said in a statement.

"LaVonne Griffin-Valade has the professional background and ethical judgment to rise above politics and lead the important work of the agency forward. This role demands accountability and transparency, especially at this moment, and I am eager to see her leadership restore faith in the Secretary of States office.

Fagan worked for two months as a paid consultant for a subsidiary of La Mota, a major Oregon marijuana business that heavily contributed to Democrats in political campaigns.

The consulting job, first reported on April 27 by Willamette Week, paid Fagan $10,000 per month, with bonuses three times that amount if she helped the company get licensed in other states. She argued that she needed the outside work because of the $77,000 annual salary for the secretary of state. The amount has not changed in nearly a decade.

While Fagan was consulting, her office was auditing the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission.

Fagan apologized for the consulting job on May 1, but said she planned to serve the remaining 20 months of her term. However, the next day, May 2, she announced she would resign effective May 8.

It is clear that my actions have become a distraction from the important and critical work of the Secretary of States office, Fagan said.

The Oregonian reported early this month that the U.S. Department of Justice has ordered five state agencies to turn over records related to former Secretary of State Shemia Fagan and the cannabis company she worked for on the side as part of a grand jury investigation now underway, according to subpoenas issued late last month.

The subpoenas, dated May 24, went to the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, the Oregon Secretary of States Office, the Oregon Government Ethics Commission, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services and the Oregon Department of Revenue.

Turnover goes back a decade

No Oregon secretary of state has completed their four-year term for over a decade. Gov. John Kitzhaber resigned in 2015 and Secretary of State Kate Brown became governor. She appointed Democrat Jeanne Atkins as Secretary of State. Atkins did not seek election in 2016.

Republican Dennis Richardson scored an upset victory in the 2016 election over Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian, becoming the first Republican statewide office holder in several elections.

Richardson died of brain cancer in 2019 and Brown appointed former Republican House Speaker Bev Clarno of Redmond, with the understanding that she would not seek the job in the 2020 election.

Fagan then defeated Sen. Kim Thatcher, R-Keizer, in the 2020 election.

Fagan's resignation continued the streak of uncompleted terms.

Under the Oregon constitution, the secretary of state replaces the governor in event of death or resignation. However, an appointee cannot become governor. Currently, Treasurer Tobias Read would be next in line to become governor.

Moves to approve impeachment

Oregon is the only state that does not allow for the impeachment of executive officers, but the Legislature last week moved toward a constitutional amendment to put before voters in 2024 to allow for impeachment by the House and trial in the Senate.

The lack of impeachment caused a brief constitutional crisis in 2015. Kitzhaber won a fourth non-consecutive term in 2014, but a growing scandal over allegations of influence peddling by Kitzhaber's fiancee, Cylvia Hayes, led for calls for his resignation soon after he was sworn into office in 2015.

Kitzhaber said he would resign, then briefly balked. If he had opted to stay in office, the only way to remove the governor was through a long recall effort that could take more than a year.

Kitzhaber ultimately decided to resign and the constitutional crisis was averted. Kitzhaber and Hayes paid fines to the state Ethics Commission, but federal and state prosecutions never materialized.

If Fagan had not resigned, there was no way to remove her from office other than a recall.

The Legislature passed House Joint Resolution 16 in the recently completed 2023 session.

It will send a ballot measure to voters in November 2024 to change the constitution to allow for impeachment by the House with a minimum two-thirds vote of the 60 members. The impeachment would then go to trial in the Senate, with the Oregon Supreme Court Chief Justice presiding.

If two-thirds of senators vote to remove the executive officer, they would be replaced immediately and the office would be up for election at the next general election.

The appointee

Griffin-Valade was hired as a senior management auditor at the Multnomah County Auditors Office in 1998 and later went on to serve as the elected Multnomah County auditor.

In 2009, Griffin-Valade was elected the Portland city auditor. By the time she retired in 2014, The Oregonian editorial board credited her audits with exposing mysteries about spending or management that would have otherwise gone unchecked and unknown  even by those in charge of the spending and management.

I have the experience to bring back credibility, accountability, transparency, and trust to the Secretary of States office, Griffin-Valade said. Its never been more important to have a leader who will focus on rebuilding the publics trust in the Secretary of States office, and that is exactly what I will aim to do every day.

As the city of Portland Auditor, Griffin-Valade oversaw several divisions that required a high level of independence and ethical judgment from managers and staff, including government performance auditing, elections, archives, ombuds office and additional accountability functions.

Throughout her years working as a staff auditor and then as an elected auditor, she was a member of an international committee shaping the course of local government auditing throughout the U.S. and in several Canadian jurisdictions.

After leaving office, Griffin-Valade went on to earn a master of fine arts in writing from Portland State University and has since pursued a successful writing career.

Griffin-Valade will serve the remaining 18 months of the current term. She will be sworn in on Friday, June 30 in Salem.
As cities across Oregon race to designate areas where unhoused individuals can sleep for the night, Brownsville leaders have decided to put theirs front and center on North Main Street, in the heart of its iconic downtown.

A new state law takes effect July 1, giving cities the right to enforce anti-camping ordinances on public property as long as theres a place homeless people can go. The law gives the cities the right to enact what are called time, place and manner restrictions.

Brownsvilles place will be on the sidewalk in front of City Hall, between a tall silver maple tree and the front of the Brownsville Art Associations space, which is housed in the adjacent building between City Hall proper and the fire station. Starting July 1, people will be allowed to rest and sleep there between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.

For the past two months, city leaders have struggled to find the right spot, with City Administrator Scott McDowell first identifying an undeveloped parcel next to the Brownsville Rural Fire District off Route 228.

Earlier this month, the City Council held a special meeting where it next considered the South Wastewater Treatment Plant, 34731 OR 228, behind Living Rock Studios, as a potential spot for homeless folks.

So why the switch? Staff and councilors didnt say at their meeting Tuesday, June 27, but at a June 15 meeting, the minutes indicate it is to put the homeless population on display.

Mayor (Adam) Craven suggested that if the city is forced to implement a free homeless camping site, perhaps it should be in the center of town, that way everyone could see the effects of this state mandate, the minutes read.

The law codifies a Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals opinion that ruled enforcing anti-camping laws without having an alternative place to go is cruel and unusual punishment for people without homes.

Federal appellate decisions are binding on lower courts. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case, further cementing the ruling. A subsequent Ninth Circuit case out of Grants Pass upheld and strengthened the opinion.

Oregons House Bill 3115 was passed in 2021 to put those binding decisions into law, though McDowell said he expects more legal challenges.

Brownsvilles new ordinance, passed on a rare 4-3 vote, is dripping with condescension for the state. It alleges by passing the state law, the Legislature is violating Oregon Constitution, Article 1, Section 20, which says, Section 20. No law shall be passed granting to any citizen or class of citizens privileges, or immunities, which, upon the same terms, shall not equally belong to all citizens.

It also notes: The city of Brownsville does not have the financial wherewithal or personnel to address this matter as mandated.

McDowell cautioned the citys electeds that both the city and possibly themselves as individuals face legal liability if they dont pass an ordinance that falls in line with the state law.

He also explained that the new law gives the city the power to ensure unhoused individuals are not setting up tents in city parks, or at Pioneer Park, where camping is allowed with a paid permit.

Mayor Adam Craven, who along with Sean LaCoste and Dave Hansen voted against the new ordinance, said the states mandate comes from an imbalance of government, which is the root of todays political polarization.

This is a very hard decision, especially when youre threatened with liability and lawsuits, Craven said.

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Resident Rod Souza called the new law draconian and treasonous every which way you look at it. He said he feared Brownsvilles open door to homeless would attract them to the city.

Our Brownsville is on the edge of collapse, he said.

There are homeless in the city already, though. At the Tuesday meeting, a volunteer at the Linn County Historical Museum told the council someone tunneled underneath the museum and set up a makeshift home. And Councilor Michael Winklepleck noted he found leftover clothing he believed unhoused people left behind.

Related stories:
Communication equipment is seen outside the GTA Teleguam headquarters in Tamuning on Monday, June 26, 2023.
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, front left, and Guam Del. James Moylan, front right, pose with members of the House Armed Services Committee, including committee Chair Rep. Mike Rogers, standing behind Moylan, on Monday, June 26, 2023, during the delegation's visit to Government House in Agana Heights.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is among the federal offices participating in the Roofing Installation Support Emergency Utilization Program or RISEUP to help temporarily repair metal roofs damaged by typhoon Mawar.
BBC News effort tries to popularize new reporting methods, boost transparency View Photo

NEW YORK (AP)  The BBC is more aggressively bringing open source reporting and efforts to expose disinformation to its day-to-day reporting, a move that signals a potential shift in journalisms embrace of new technology.

The just-announced creation of a new BBC Verify unit is also an attempt by the news organization to be more transparent in its reporting, said Deborah Turness, BBC News chief executive officer.

Practitioners of open source reporting go beyond traditional methods of interviews and examining public records to tell stories by using tools such as satellite images, mobile phone recordings, advanced internet searches and the like.

They have produced some compelling investigative reporting, but Turness is looking for more immediacy. For example, when Russia claimed a Ukrainian drone tried to attack the Kremlin, the BBC gathered multiple videos of explosions in the night sky, and quickly found video footage to map the actions of police in recent unrest at a housing complex.

The BBC has been using satellite photos in an attempt to document planning and movement by both sides in the Ukraine war.

We are taking a step out front to lead and experiment in this space, Turness said.

Many people active in open source reporting will be playing close attention to whether the BBC succeeds, said Alexa Koenig, executive director of the Human Rights Center at the University of California at Berkeleys law school.

Theres really a need for journalists to start embracing these new methods of fact-finding to deepen their day-to-day storytelling, said Koenig, who helps train students in their use.

The New York Times and Washington Post both have strong storytelling units but tend to concentrate on larger, more exhaustive investigations  such as the Times Day of Rage video that reconstructed the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack.

More recently, both newspapers traced online records on the movements of a man accused of leaking classified material, and the Post found video to illustrate an Israeli raid in a civilian area of the West Bank this spring.

BBC Verify puts various company efforts  data and video analysis, fact-checking and countering disinformation  under one roof, Turness said.

When you talk to news consumers, they will tell you that there is so much chaos and confusion that they no longer know who to trust, said Turness, an NBC News executive from 2013 to 2021. I think thats even worse in the U.S. market.

As a result, its vital for news organizations to be very transparent to show how they reach conclusions, particularly when newer reporting methods are involved, she said.

While Koenig agreed thats important, she said great care needs to be taken to avoid increasing confusion.

It may look like transparency on the surface, but it may actually be obfuscating, she said. People dont understand how to read satellite images.

Turness also wants to emphasize exposing disinformation, particularly with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence.

Were going to have to move at the same speed as the AI technology thats weaponizing the bulk of fake news, she said.

By DAVID BAUDER

AP Media Writer
Deputies accused of abusing Black men are fired by Mississippi sheriff amid federal probe View Photo

JACKSON, Miss. (AP)  All five Mississippi deputy sheriffs who responded to an incident where two Black men accused the deputies of beating and sexually assaulting them before shooting one of them in the mouth have been fired or resigned, authorities announced Tuesday.

The announcement comes months after Michael Corey Jenkins and his friend Eddie Terrell Parker said deputies from the Rankin County Sheriffs Department burst into a home without a warrant. The men said deputies beat them, assaulted them with a sex toy and shocked them repeatedly with Tasers in a roughly 90-minute period during the Jan. 24 episode, Jenkins and Parker said.

Jenkins said one of the deputies shoved a gun in his mouth and then fired the weapon, leaving him with serious injuries to his face, tongue and jaw. The Justice Department opened a civil rights investigation into the Rankin County Sheriffs Department after the episode.

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey announced Tuesday that deputies involved in the episode had been fired, and some had already resigned. He would not provide the names of the deputies who had been terminated or say how many law enforcement officers were fired. Bailey would not answer additional questions about the episode.

Due to recent developments, including findings during our internal investigation, those deputies that were still employed by this department have all been terminated, Bailey said at a news conference. We understand that the alleged actions of these deputies has eroded the publics trust in the department. Rest assured that we will work diligently to restore that trust.

Baileys announcement also follows an Associated Press investigation that found several deputies who were involved with the episode were also linked to at least four violent encounters with Black men since 2019 that left two dead and another with lasting injuries. Deputies who had been accepted to the sheriffs offices Special Response Team  a tactical unit whose members receive advanced training  were involved in each of the four encounters.

Deputies said the raid was prompted by a report of drug activity at the home. Police and court records obtained by the AP revealed the identities of two deputies at the Jenkins raid: Hunter Elward and Christian Dedmon. It was not immediately clear whether any of the deputies had attorneys who could comment on their behalf.

In a phone interview Tuesday, Jason Dare, an attorney representing the Rankin County Sheriffs Department, said the department knows of five deputies who conducted the Jenkins raid. Jenkins and his attorney have said six deputies were at the home. All five identified by the department were either fired or resigned.

There is no body camera footage of the episode. Records obtained by the AP show that Tasers used by the deputies were turned on, turned off or used dozens of times during a roughly 65-minute period before Jenkins was shot.

Jenkins and Parker have also filed a federal civil rights lawsuit and are seeking $400 million in damages. In a statement Tuesday, Malik Shabazz, an attorney representing Jenkins and Parker, celebrated the firing of the officers and called for criminal indictments of deputies by the state attorney general and the Justice Department.

The firing of the Rankin County Mississippi Sheriffs deputies involved in the torture and shooting of Michael Jenkins and Eddie Parker is a significant action on the path to justice for one of the worst law enforcement tragedies in recent memory, Shabazz said. Sheriff Bryan Bailey has finally acted after supporting much of the bloodshed that has occurred under his reign in Rankin County.



Michael Goldberg is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mikergoldberg.

By MICHAEL GOLDBERG

Associated Press/Report for America
Vietjet plane with 214 people aboard lands safely in Philippines after technical problem View Photo

MANILA, Philippines (AP)  A Vietjet plane carrying 214 people made an unscheduled but safe landing in the northern Philippines on Wednesday morning after encountering an unspecified technical problem. None of the passengers and crew were hurt.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said the Airbus A321 was enroute to Vietnam from the South Korean city of Incheon when it encountered the problem and had to divert to Laoag international airport in Ilocos Norte province.

The pilot did not declare an emergency. He informed the tower of difficulty due to a technical problem. No engine failure was reported, the civil aviation agencys spokesperson Eric Apolonio told The Associated Press.

The passengers were brought to an airport lounge to wait for a replacement aircraft that was expected to arrive later Wednesday, Apolonio said.
A 3-year probe of encrypted phones led to the seizure of hundreds of tons of drugs, prosecutors say

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP)  Investigations triggered by the cracking of encrypted phones three years ago have so far led to more than 6,500 arrests worldwide and the seizure of hundreds of tons of drugs, French, Dutch and European Union prosecutors said Tuesday.

The announcement underscored the staggering scale of criminality  mainly drugs and arms smuggling and money laundering  that was uncovered as a result of police and prosecutors effectively listening in to criminals using encrypted EncroChat phones.

It helped to prevent violent attacks, attempted murders, corruption and large-scale drug transports, as well as obtain large-scale information on organised crime, European Union police and judicial cooperation agencies Europol and Eurojust said in a statement.

The French and Dutch investigation gained access to more than 115 million encrypted communications between some 60,000 criminals via servers in the northern French town of Roubaix, prosecutors said at a news conference in the nearby city of Lille.

As a result, 6,558 suspects have been arrested worldwide, including 197 high-value targets. Seized drugs included 30.5 million pills, 103.5 metric tons (114 tons) of cocaine, 163.4 metric tons (180 tons) of cannabis and 3.3 metric tons (3.6 tons) of heroin. The investigations also led to nearly 740 million euros ($809 million) in cash being recovered and assets or bank accounts worth another 154 million euros ($168 million) frozen.

Police announced in 2020 they had cracked the encryption of EncroChat phones and effectively listened in on criminal gangs.

EncroChat sold phones for around 1,000 euros ($1,094) worldwide and offered subscriptions with global coverage for 1,500 euros ($1,641) per six months. The devices were marketed as offering complete anonymity and were said to be untraceable and easy to erase if a user was arrested.

French law enforcement authorities launched investigations into the company operating EncroChat in 2017. The probe led to a device being installed that was able to evade the phones encryption and gain access to users communications.

Authorities also have identified and detained some of the alleged leaders of the EncroChat provider, Carole Etienne, chief prosecutor at the judicial tribunal of Lille, told reporters.

Three people were arrested on June 22 in Spain and handed over to France on the basis of European arrest warrants, she said. Other individuals have been located outside the European Union and have not yet been charged.

EncroChat is not the only secret communications network used by criminals that have been infiltrated by law enforcement authorities.

In March 2021, Belgian police arrested dozens of people and seized more than 17 metric tons (18.7 tons) of cocaine after cracking another encrypted chat system, called Sky ECC.

The FBI and other law enforcement agencies went a step further and created an encrypted service  ANOM  that was marketed to criminals in a global sting that led to the arrest of more than 800 suspects and seizure of more than 32 metric tons (35.2 tons) of drugs, including cocaine, cannabis, amphetamines and methamphetamines.

By MIKE CORDER

Associated Press
Honduras copies El Salvadors playbook in anti-gang crackdown View Photo

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP)  A crackdown in Honduras on gangs in the nations prisons is eerily similar to one carried out last year in neighboring El Salvador by President Nayib Bukele, observers said Tuesday.

Like authorities in El Salvador, police in Honduras who launched a prison sweep Monday have distributed dramatic videos of tattooed inmates being frog-marched around, though their videos have lacked Bukeles slick production values and media savvy.

Its the same phenomenon, said retired police commissioner Henry Osorto, but added that the crackdowns should be scrutinized to see whether standards and international treaties are being violated.

Rights groups in Honduras cited apparent abuses as prisoners were forced to sit spread-legged, half-naked and nestled against one another in open prison yards. And as they did in El Salvador, officials in Honduras angrily brushing off criticism, saying the street gangs abused civilians more.

These criminals violate peoples human rights, they kill, kidnap and extort money, who is defending those rights? Honduran military police commander Ramiro Munoz said in an interview with local media Tuesday.

That was strikingly similar to Bukeles dismissal of complaints from rights groups about El Salvadors prison crackdown in 2022, when he bragged that inmates were sleeping on the floors, and eating two meals a day after he took away mattresses, reduced food supplies and halted visits and internet service in prisons.

They didnt say anything when the criminals killed dozens of Salvadorans, but they jumped when we started detaining them, Bukele said of rights groups at the time.

Honduras also showed a bit of the same vengefulness: alongside the heaps of weapons found in prison raids, military police also seized inmates guitars, musical devices and video games.

President Xiomara Castro has decreed a state of emergency in some provinces, and deployed soldiers to patrol the streets. The government distributed video Tuesday of police tearing down a cyclone fence that a gangs had erected in a town in northern Honduras to mark its territory.

And like El Salvador, two days of strict military-style searches of jails in Honduras turned up some surprises.

One heavily-tattooed leader of the violent MS-13 gang in Honduras was found in a prison different from the one he was officially assigned to. That, and the heaps of weapons found in inmates cells, could only be explained by prison mismanagement and corruption.

The prison system in Honduras is a corrupt school for criminals, and we are going to dismantle it and give people security, Defense Minister Jose Manuel Zelaya Rosales wrote in his social media accounts. He is the nephew of former president Mel Zelaya, who is married to Xiomara Castro.

After inmates were forced to strip to their shorts and sit hunched over in a prison courtyard in one of the searches, military police went through their cells and found dozens of pistols, hundreds of rounds of assault rifles and grenades.

The prison sweep demonstrated the Honduran governments resolve to crack down on gangs following last weeks gang-related massacre of 46 female inmates in the worst atrocity at a womens prison in recent memory

The violence at the womens prison in Tamara, northeast of Honduras capital, outraged the country and sparked raids, curfews and a crackdown.

In that massacre, female inmates belonging to the Barrio 18 street gang smuggled in guns, machetes and a flammable liquid. They subdued guards and burst into cellblocks housing members of a rival gang. They sprayed the victims with gunfire, hacked to death others and then locked their cells and set the victims on fire.

By MARLON GONZALEZ

Associated Press
UN urges Israel and Palestinians to halt West Bank violence in statement backed by US and Russia

UN urges Israel and Palestinians to halt West Bank violence in statement backed by US and Russia View Photo

UNITED NATIONS (AP)  The U.N. Security Council urged Israel and the Palestinians on Tuesday to avoid actions that can further inflame tensions in the volatile West Bank.

The statement was backed by both the United States and Russia in a moment of unity on a divisive issue, reflecting the widespread international concern at the escalating violence especially by Israeli forces and settlers.

The statement followed what U.N. Mideast envoy Tor Wennesland called an alarming spike in violence in the West Bank that led to numerous Palestinian and Israeli casualties. He warned the council that unless decisive steps are taken now to rein in the violence, there is a significant risk that events could deteriorate further.

Wennesland said he was particularly alarmed by the extreme levels of settler violence, including large numbers of settlers, many armed, systematically attacking Palestinian villages, terrorizing communities, sometimes with support from Israeli forces.

Council members called for restraint and encouraged additional steps to restore a durable calm and de-escalate tensions.

This year has been one of the deadliest for Palestinians in the West Bank in years, and last week saw a major escalation in settler violence. At least 137 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the West Bank in 2023. As of Saturday, 24 people on the Israeli side have been killed in Palestinian attacks.

The United States, Israels closest ally, supported the council statement and U.S. deputy ambassador Robert Wood told the council that the Biden administration shares Wenneslands alarm.

He said the United Stated was horrified by the brutal terror attack against Israelis near the West Bank town of Eli on June 21 that killed four and injured several others and condemned it in the strongest terms. He also condemned the recent extremist settler attacks against Palestinian civilians, which have resulted in a death, injuries and significant damage to their property.

At a time of escalating violence, there was widespread council criticism of plans by Israels far-right government to build over 5,000 new homes in Jewish settlements in the West Bank, and speed up settlement approvals.

Under international law, all Israeli settlements in occupied territory are illegal.

Wennesland warned that Israels relentless expansion of settlements is fueling violence and is impeding access by Palestinians to their land and resources, reshaping the geography of the occupied West Bank and threatening the viability of a future Palestinian state.

Wood called on Israel to refrain from building settlements, evicting Palestinians and demolishing their homes, and on both parties to refrain from terrorism and incitement to violence, all of which serve to only further inflame the situation.

Russias U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia also expressed serious concern at the escalating violence, pointing to an Israeli raid on June 19 in the Jenin Refugee Camp that killed seven Palestinians, clashes between Israeli settlers and Palestinians, and intensified Israeli activity to broaden and legalize settlements.

Nebenzia warned that the situation will remain explosive until negotiations resume on a two-state solution that sees Israel and the Palestinians living side by side in peace. And he reiterated Russias call for a meeting with the Arab League and neighboring countries to give impetus to long-stalled talks.

Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian U.N. ambassador, accused the Israeli government of making a state for the settlers in place of the Palestinian state. He said the settlers know their actions are condemned worldwide but they have military, financial and political support from the Israeli government, while the Palestinians have no real support to rein them in despite having the moral high ground and international law on their side.

The Palestinians are more convinced every day that there is no help on the way, Mansour said, urging the council, Show them that help is on the way.

Israels U.N. Ambassador Gilad Erdan accused the council of underreporting the 3,500 attacks he said the Palestinians have committed against Israelis since the beginning of the year.

He condemned the violence against Palestinian civilians and said Israel is working tirelessly to find and hold those responsible accountable. He pointedly noted that the Palestinians have not condemned the murders of innocent Israelis.

Erdan accused the Palestinians of seeking the destruction of the very notion of a Jewish state. He said if Israel withdrew from the West Bank, the Hamas militant group would take control as it did in Gaza.

By EDITH M. LEDERER

Associated Press
IRBIL, Iraq (AP)  More than 50 members of the local parliament in Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdish region in the north have submitted their resignations to protest a court decision that deemed as unconstitutional the legislatures postponement of elections by a year.

Jihad Hassan, an MP with the Kurdistan Democratic Party, which holds the largest number of seats in the autonomous regions parliament, said Tuesday that all 45 members of its bloc had resigned the day before from the 111-member parliament, along with nine MPs from other parties.

The Federal Supreme Court in Baghdad last month ruled against the regional parliaments decision in October to extend its legislative term, delaying the regional election by a year. The decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by opposition political figures challenging the legality of the extension.

Since its inception in 1992, the Kurdish region has conducted five parliamentary elections, with the most recent one taking place in 2018.

The wave of resignations comes at a time when political tensions among Kurdish parties have reached a peak. During a regional parliament session in May, a dispute between members of the KDP and the rival Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party escalated into physical altercations involving the throwing of punches and plastic water bottles.

Legal expert Ali al-Tamimi said the Kurdistan government will act as a caretaker government with limited powers since the regions parliament has reached the end of its constitutionally mandated term.

He added that the tenure of the regional election commission has also ended, making it ineligible to organize elections. In such cases, al-Tamimi said, the responsibility for conducting the regions elections falls to the Independent High Electoral Commission in Baghdad, rather than the regional commission.

The resignation of the majority of lawmakers could impact ongoing negotiations between Erbil and Baghdad that aim to restart oil exports from the Kurdish region by way of Turkey, which have been stopped due to a legal dispute.

A $152 billion budget passed earlier this month after months of contentious discussions solidifies Baghdads authority over the oil sector and allocates 12.6% of the revenue to the Kurdish region.

By SALAR SALIM and ABDULRAHMAN ZEYAD
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)  New Mexico has reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Energy over the renewal of a permit for the federal governments only underground repository for nuclear waste.

Officials with the New Mexico Environment Department announced Tuesday that an agreement was reached last week after four days of negotiations. The state first outlined its terms in December, seeking to ensure that high-level waste such as diluted plutonium wouldnt find its way to the state.

The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in southeastern New Mexico plays a key role in the nations multibillion-dollar effort to clean up radioactive waste left behind by decades nuclear research and bomb-making. Currently, its licensed to take what is known as transuranic waste, or waste generated by the nations nuclear weapons program that is contaminated with radioactive elements heavier than uranium.

The new draft permit would provide greater regulatory oversight and safeguards at the repository over the next decade, officials said. It also would prioritize the cleanup of Cold War-era waste at Los Alamos National Laboratory  the birthplace of the atomic bomb.

The new permit conditions affirm New Mexicos authority and position that all roads lead from WIPP  we are no longer the last stop for clean-up but the driving force in that process that begins here, said James Kenney, head of New Mexicos Environment Department.

The state agency expects to publish the modified permit on Aug. 15. A public meeting will follow in September, with a final permit being issued in October.

Nuclear watchdog groups said they were in support of the agreement because it focuses on the waste at Los Alamos and requires more transparency about legacy defense-related waste around the U.S.

The permit also includes language that would enable the state to suspend shipments to WIPP if theres evidence of a threat to human health or the environment.

New Mexico also could move to revoke the permit if Congress were to increase WIPPs capacity or expand the types of waste that could be sent there. State officials and watchdogs have said that language serves as a hedge against New Mexico becoming the nations permanent dumping ground.

Under the permit, the Energy Department would have to document its progress in siting another underground repository in a state other than New Mexico through a new annual report as well as hold quarterly meetings to update the public.

By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN

Associated Press
A common talking point about the homelessness crisis is that the majority of people living on the streets are drug addicts and/or mentally ill. New research in California  which has roughly a third of the countrys 582,000 homeless population  shows that while mental illness and addiction play a role, the main driver behind homelessness is the increasinging precariousness of the working poor.

The study from UCSFs Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative is one of the deepest dives into the states crisis, and it shows how the homeless population is getting older and is often the result of just one bad break. From the Los Angeles Times:

These are old people losing housing, Dr. Margot Kushel told me. Shes the lead investigator on the study from UCSFs Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, done at the request of state health officials. They basically were ticking along very poor, and sometime after the age of 50 something happened, Kushel said. That something  divorce, a loved one dying, an illness, even a cutback in hours on the job  sparked a downward spiral and their lives just blew up, as Kushel puts it. Kushel and her team found that nearly half of single adults living on our streets are over the age of 50. And 7% of all homeless adults, single or in families, are over 65. And 41% of those older, single Californians had never been homeless  not one day in their lives  before the age of 50.

The study also disproved the myth that people are flocking to California to live the good homeless life there. Most of the homeless people on Californias streets are Californians who were simply priced out of housing. Is it any wonder that a new poll shows 4 in 10 residents of the state are considering heading for the exits?

The problem is its a national issue. Americans are falling further and further behind as the cost of living rises and corporate profits hit record highs. The increase in homelessness (and deaths of the homeless) has also come during the Wall Street takeover of rental properties, creating rental behemoths that have increasingly been using information-sharing algorithms that simultaneously drive up evictions, rents, and vacancy rates.

And nationwide research by the University of California, Riverside (UCR) published earlier this year in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that the death of 183,000 Americans aged 15 years old and above in 2019 could be attributed to poverty.

Additionally, the ongoing pandemic is likely only exacerbating this trend. Research shows the life expectancy gap between rich and poor widening as the difference between work from home and essential workers takes its toll.

The UCR study shows that poverty is the fourth leading cause of death in the US after heart disease, cancer, and smoking, and poverty remains a huge issue in the U.S., much more so than in other developed countries. More from Newsweek:

As a risk factor, poverty kills more people than Alzheimers, strokes, and diabetes, David Brady, professor of public policy at UCR and lead researcher in the study, told Newsweek. While death is the ultimate bad outcome, poverty has also been linked to several negative health outcomes including stress and depression. Of course, theres some circularity with some health conditions, Brady said. If youre physically disabled, you have a serious back injury and you cant work, thats probably going to make you more economically insecure, which then is going to feed into depression and so forth. These things all work together in concert.

As the UCSF study showed, many of the older people living on the streets were chewed up and spit out after working for most of their lives in physically demanding jobs like construction and warehouse work. When their bodies can no longer handle such demands, one bad break can pull the rug out, and theres no safety net there to break the fall.

The ultimate result? The life expectancy of homeless individuals in Los Angeles County as of 2019 was 48 for women and 51 for men  compared to 83 and 79 among the general population.

If you think any of this would be a source of utter shame for Democrat-run California or a national embarrassment for the US, you would be wrong.

Is Anything Being Done to Fix the Problem?

While California Governor Gavin Newsom uses the homeless crisis as an excuse to engage in a highly unusual pressure campaign on behalf of developers, the states proposed budget maintains the status quo.

A budget deal reached Monday allocates $1 billion to help with the housing crisis. Thats the same amount as the last two years and includes no new programs or strategies. From Cal Matters:

Local leaders and activists say Newsoms current approach  handing out one-time grants every year instead of guaranteed ongoing funding  is hampering their efforts to make a dent in the problem. The League of California Cities, which asked for a guaranteed $3 billion a year, earlier this month said its incredibly disappointed in the budgets lack of ongoing funding.

Its the same story nationwide. The Biden administration plan, All In, was released late last year and set the goal to reduce homelessness 25 percent by 2025. (So not quite All In.)

Even if this ambitious goal were to be met (it wont), that would still mean 436,500 people were homeless. All In doesnt really propose anything new, nor does it provide a substantial funding boost. Its essentially a plan to make more plans, and does nothing to stop or even slow the feasting on Americans by every industry from payday lenders and food companies to healthcare and corporate landlords.

Without fixing these structural issues, all the billions spent on the problem wont make a dent in the numbers because for every homeless individual who gets back into housing, many more are taking their place on the streets.

Homelessness prevention would require taking on this rapaciousness, and getting people off the streets would take government intervention like public housing and compassionate daily care for people with mental illness. Our government refuses to do any of this despite the increasing public concern over poverty. From Newsweek:

Poverty remains a huge issue in the U.S., much more so than in other countries with similar levels of distributed wealth, and it is a cause of concern for a majority of Americans, as shown by the Newsweek/Redfield & Wilton Strategies poll. The poll, conducted among a sample of 1,500 eligible voters in the U.S. on May 31, found that some 53 percent of Americans are very concerned about the level of poverty in the country. Among Democratsidentified as people who voted for Joe Biden in 2020the number went up to 58 percent, while among Republicansidentified as people who voted for Donald Trump in 202048 percent said they were very concerned about poverty in the U.S. Some 21 percent of Americans responding to the poll dont earn enough money from their primary job to pay bills or maintain their familys standard of living, while 52 percent are working multiple jobs to tackle the daily cost of living.

Whats Being Done to Hide the Problem?

If you want to see real government action to tackle the problem, look at the wave of bipartisan laws to criminalize homelessness. Blue states, red states, purple states, they all agree that once our society fails people, they must be moved out of sight and out of mind.

In addition to localities criminalizing homelessness, California has gone a step further and created a whole new legal system to deal with people living on the streets. California CARE courts are launching this year in seven counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and San Francisco.

These courts will allow the state to force the unhoused into court-ordered treatment programs for a period of up to two years and/or into a broken conservatorship system. While the mentally ill ending up in prison or on the streets has been a problem for decades ever since the deinstitutionalization movement, opponents of the law have pointed out, the criteria are subjective, speculative, subject to bias, and could potentially ensnare anyone who is homeless if the state is motivated to do so.

As the government turns to increasingly draconian measures to disappear the homeless, its worth remembering that according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, it would cost about $20 billion to end homelessness in the US. Since January of last year, the Biden administration has sent roughly $80 billion to Ukraine to fund the proxy war effort against Russia.

Meanwhile, the US poverty rate  which is set ridiculously low  remains essentially unchanged from half a century ago. Over that same time period wealth and income inequality continues to explode. Rebecca Riddell, the economic justice policy lead for Oxfam America, told Newsweek:
Yves here. Once in a while, even our Supreme Court decides in favor of the little guy. But Im surprised that the objection to the Pennsylvania consent by registration requirement went this far, and that the Supreme Court decision was as close as 5-4.

By Kenny Stancil, a staff writer at Common Dreams. Originally published at Common Dreams

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Norfolk Southerns attempt to limit where companies can be sued.

In a 5-4 opinion written by Justice Neil Gorsuch and joined by Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Sonja Sotomayor, and Ketanji Brown Jackson, the high court ruled that Pennsylvanias consent-by-registration law requiring an out-of-state firm to answer in the commonwealth any suits against it in exchange for status as a registered foreign corporation and the benefits that entails does not violate the due process clause of the 14th Amendment.

The decision vacates an earlier judgment by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and remands the case.

This is really big, Slates Mark Joseph Stern tweeted. Big business lawyers are going to be furious with this decision.

This is bigand, in my view, goodbecause it allows states to exercise personal jurisdiction over corporations that do business within the state but are incorporated elsewhere, often in a jurisdiction that they deem more favorable to their interests, Stern continued.

Pennsylvania requires out-of-state corporations to file paperwork consenting to appear in Pennsylvania courts as a condition of doing business within the state, Stern added. Gorsuch says: Nothing about that scheme violates due process.

Matt Stoller, director of research at the American Economic Liberties Project, also applauded the decision.

A very important decision on corporate power. The Supreme Court says out-of-state 'foreign' corporations can be sued in states where they do business. 5-4, with Thomas, Alito, Gorsuch, Sotomayor and KBJ in favor. https://t.co/YevChF7qbC  Matt Stoller (@matthewstoller) June 27, 2023



In 2017, months after being diagnosed with colon cancer, former Norfolk Southern worker Robert Mallory filed a lawsuit alleging that his illness stemmed from workplace exposure to asbestos and other hazardous materials and that the rail carrier failed to provide safety equipment and other resources to ensure he was sufficiently protected on the job.

Although he had never worked in Pennsylvania, Mallory filed his lawsuit in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas because his attorneys were from the state and he thought he would get the fairest access to justice there, Ashley Keller, the lawyer representing him before the U.S. Supreme Court, toldThe Lever in February.

As Rebecca Burns and Julia Rock, two of the investigative outlets reporters, explained at the time:

Norfolk Southern asserts that being forced to defend the case in Pennsylvania would pose an undue burden, thereby violating its constitutional right to due process. Even though Norfolk Southern owns thousands of miles of track in the Keystone State, the Philadelphia county court sided with the railroad and dismissed the case. Mallory appealed, and the case wound its way through state and federal courts before landing at the U.S. Supreme Court last year.

Norfolk Southern asked the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the lower court ruling, overturn Pennsylvanias law, and restrict where corporations can be sued, upending centuries of precedent, the journalists noted.

The American Association of Railroads (AAR), the rail industrys largest lobby, filed a brief last September on behalf of Norfolk Southern. AAR and other powerful corporate lobbying groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, and the American Trucking Association sought to undermine the ability of workers and consumers to file lawsuits in the venue of their choosing.

President Joe Bidens administration, meanwhile, came under fire earlier this year when The Lever revealed that the U.S. Department of Justice had also filed a brief siding with the railroad giant behind the toxic derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

If Norfolk Southern had prevailed, it could have been easier for the profitable rail carrier to thwart pending and future lawsuits on the grounds that theyre filed in the wrong venue, The Lever reported, citing Scott Nelson, an attorney with the Public Citizen Litigation Group, which filed a brief backing Mallory. At particular risk would have been lawsuits filed by residents exposed to hazardous chemicals as the result of accidents in other states, including victims of air or water pollution stemming from the disaster in East Palestine, five miles west of the Pennsylvania state border.

[Norfolk Southern] might say, You can only sue us in Ohio or Virginia [where Norfolk Southern is headquartered], even if you were injured at your home in Pennsylvania from an accident that took place five miles away in Ohio, Nelson warned.

A ruling in the rail giants favor could have also established a national precedent limiting where workers and consumers can bring cases against corporations, Burns and Rock pointed out.

However, workers and consumers are not out of the woods yet. AsBloomberg Lawreported Tuesday, Alito seemed to invite a future challenge against the [Pennsylvania] law in his concurrence, where he suggested that Norfolk Southern could win when the case goes back to the lower court.

In my view, there is a good prospect that Pennsylvanias assertion of jurisdiction hereover an out-of-state company in a suit brought by an out-of-state plaintiff on claims wholly unrelated to Pennsylvaniaviolates the commerce clause, Alito argued.

Sean Marotta, a partner at Hogan Lovells, which filed a brief on behalf of a law professor in support of Norfolk Southern, is telling his clients not to panic but to stay on guard,' according to Bloomberg Law. Under this ruling, he said state legislatures could amend their registration statutes to impose consent-by-registration. They could basically copy and paste the Pennsylvania law because the court is saying its okay under the Constitutions due process clause, he said.

Theres still a dormant commerce clause fight to have, Marotta told the outlet.
Denver Public Schools continues to defy parents and the rest of the public by refusing to release the recording of a five-hour school board meeting conducted behind closed doors in March following a shooting at East High School. Two administrators were seriously wounded.

DPS is holding out even after a Denver judge ordered the recordings release last week given a clear-cut violation of Colorados Open Meeting Law. Rather than comply with the law, the district on Monday announced it was appealing the courts ruling.

Among the grounds for appeal that DPS hired-gun attorneys claimed in their filing in Denver District Court: that the judge erred in reviewing and then revealing details from the recording, frustrating DPS rights of appeal. As reported by The Gazette, the districts lawyers also said the court order did not resolve details about attorney fees and court costs.

It amounts to circular logic and grasping at technicalities  seemingly in search of any pretext to keep the recording from the parents and taxpayers to whom the school district is supposed to be answerable.

Which is to say, the district is thumbing its nose at the whole community, including at The Gazette and other news media that have sued for access to the recording in order to share it with the public.

At issue is a March 23 executive session convened by the DPS board to discuss returning Denver police to school campuses a day after the shooting at East High. In a spasm of hyper-political nonsense three years earlier, the board had voted to remove cops from campus and now was being forced to eat crow.

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Bringing police back as school resource officers was the right thing to do. Its a highly effective policy yielding many benefits, including of course enhanced school security.

But there was no need to shut out the press and public to mull the matter. Certainly not for five hours and 13 minutes. Too bad if the board was embarrassed to admit it had been dead wrong and that its anti-police policy may have led to near-deadly consequences. The priority should have been keeping concerned parents plugged into the decision-making process  not preserving the political viability and protecting the delicate egos of public officials.

And if the closed-door meeting wasnt about damage control  a pointless pursuit in any event for a board thats roundly dismissed as dysfunctional and inept over wide-ranging issues  then just what is the district trying to hide?

In any event, Colorado law is clear on the subject. State and local elected bodies like the DPS board may not discuss and develop policy, or vote on it, in secret. It must be done in public except in a few narrow circumstances that Denver District Court Judge Andrew J. Luxen ruled didnt apply in this case. The judge found that the board had engaged in a lengthy discussion of general security arrangements  including the return of school resource officers behind closed doors before holding a public vote that, by that point, was a mere formality.

The public had been excluded from the substantive discussion, and a court now has ordered a recording of the discussion to be turned over to the public.

Yet, the district is digging in its heels. All the more reason for Denver voters to demand accountability  and new leadership  when filling three school board seats up for election on this Novembers ballot.
Yves here. Wellie, I never thought Id run a piece from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, but this one makes a big admission against US/NATO interests: that Turkiye, or here Turkey and Sweden are still at odds over Swedens NATO bid. Erdogan is insisting on progress in curbing protests by the Kurdish party PKK, which Turkiye deems to be a terrorist organization. This is problematic for Sweden since that would violate their free speech protections.

By RFE/RL staff. Cross posted from OilPrice

Swedens NATO accession has been delayed due to Turkeys demands concerning fighting terrorism, lifting an arms embargo on Ankara, and fulfilling extradition requests; these issues still remain a year later.

Finland, which initially applied for NATO membership alongside Sweden, decided to decouple and entered NATO as the 31st member in April.

The final decision for Swedens NATO membership relies heavily on resolving differences between Stockholm and Ankara, and its possible that intervention from the NATO secretary-general or even the U.S. president may be needed.

The saga of Swedens NATO accession is now likely entering its endgame. Having applied to join the military alliance together with Finland in the wake of Russians full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, many initially expected a quick accession. But it has turned out to be more complicated than first anticipated. Turkey signaled that it needed to see progress from Helsinki  but notably Sweden  in areas such as fighting terrorism, the lifting of an arms embargo on Ankara, and fulfilling Turkish extradition requests.

While the trio signed a memorandum of understanding on the sidelines of the NATO Madrid summit in June 2022, outlining what needed to be done by the Nordic duo in order to get Turkish ratification, the fact remains that, as NATO approaches the Vilnius summit in July, those issues still remain a year down the line.

The prospects looked grim earlier this year when two different protests held in Sweden truly enraged Ankara. In one, Kurds hung upside down an effigy of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan near Stockholms city hall, while, in the other, a Swedish-Danish far-right politician and provocateur set fire to a copy of the Koran outside the Turkish Embassy in the Swedish capital.

Given Swedens slow progress, Finland decided to decouple and enter alone, becoming NATO member number 31 in early April. Most NATO officials I have spoken to on background say that there were never really any issues with Finland, only Sweden.

There also doesnt appear to be much of an issue with Hungary, either. Budapests refusal so far to ratify Swedens membership is just solidarity with Turkey, according to the NATO officials Ive spoken to.

Budapest hasnt actually made any concrete demands on Sweden other than a few complaints about Swedish politicians criticizing the countrys rule of law, and Hungary has indicated that it wont be the last country to ratify Swedish membership.

So, in the end, it will be about Stockholm and Ankara ironing out their differences, whether ahead of the Vilnius summit on July 11-12, during, or shortly afterwards.

Deep Background: The smart money is that there will be a deal in Vilnius that will allow the Turkish parliament to ratify later in July before it goes into recess until October. Erdogan likes to be in the limelight and, just like in Madrid in 2022, he will find a way to steal the show at the summit, a NATO diplomat who isnt authorized to speak on the record recently told me with a smile.

Swedish and Turkish officials met in Ankara earlier in June, and it is possible that they will meet again in the days and weeks ahead of the summit.

However, NATO officials have told me that there is little left to solve at this level and it is time for the countries political leaders to reach an agreement.

There have been extraditions to Turkey, mostly Kurds on terrorism charges, although not as many as Turkey would like. This is for the courts to decide, not the government is a common refrain I hear from Swedish officials and diplomats.

A Swedish arms embargo on Turkey has been lifted and, as of June 1, there has been new Swedish counterterrorism legislation that could potentially make it easier to hand over people from Sweden.

While that wont stop anti-Erdogan protests in Swedish cities, it could help prevent displaying at such events flags of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which Turkey designates a terrorist group. Plus, events in which burning the Koran will occur are unlikely to get permission to go ahead in the future.

The big question is whether that will be enough for Erdogan, who told NATOs secretary-general in a phone call on June 25 that Sweden must stop protests by supporters of the PKK to get a green light on its NATO membership bid and that Swedens change of its terrorism law was meaningless while such protests continued.

But if Ankara insists on seeing concrete results from the new counterterrorism law, this could potentially drag on for years. So, if the Swedish prime minister and the Turkish president cant find a compromise in Vilnius, then it might be that theyll need assistance, or intervention, from the NATO secretary-general or even the U.S. president.

Drilling Down
Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Prime Minister Kaja Kallas of Estonia to NATO Headquarters on Wednesday (28 June 2023) for talks to prepare for the Vilnius Summit.

Addressing last weekends mutiny by Wagner mercenaries, Mr Stoltenberg called it an internal matter for Russia, but underlined that it demonstrates once again that President Putins illegal war in Ukraine is a big strategic mistake. It has deepened existing divisions and created new tensions in Russia. At the same time, he cautioned against underestimating Russia, saying: we must continue to support Ukraine, and we must keep our defence strong.

The Secretary General said that since 2014, NATO has significantly reinforced its presence and readiness from the Black Sea to the Baltic Sea. This includes a UK-led multinational battlegroup in Estonia  which can be rapidly reinforced up to brigade-strength  as well as fighter jets and air defence from Allies helping to protect Estonian skies. Mr Stoltenberg added that Allies have agreed a new rotational model for air and missile defence, allowing for swift transition from air policing to air defence. "At the Summit, we will take the next steps, with new regional plans, assigned forces and capabilities, and an enhanced exercise programme  all backed by over 300,000 troops on high readiness," said the Secretary General.

Support for Ukraine will be another top priority for the Summit, and Mr Stoltenberg welcomed Estonias leading role in providing critical aid and rallying the international community behind the Ukrainian people. He said that at the Summit, Allies will agree a multi-year package of assistance and upgrade political ties with Ukraine, bringing the country closer to its rightful place in NATO. Allies are also expected to agree on a more ambitious defence investment pledge, with 2 percent of GDP as a floor, not a ceiling, and the Secretary General praised Estonia for leading by example. He added that the Vilnius Summit will be the first with Finland as a first member, and that work is underway to finalise Swedens accession as well. "I have called another meeting of senior officials from Turkiye, Sweden and Finland next Thursday. The time is now to welcome Sweden as a full member of NATO," he said.

Finally, the Secretary General addressed the importance of NATOs KFOR mission in Kosovo, which continues to fulfil its UN mandate impartially. "We call on both parties to refrain from anything that can further escalate tensions, and to return immediately to the EU-facilitated dialogue, which is the only way forward," he said.
(As delivered)

President Macron,

Cher Emmanuel,

Thank you so much for the warm welcome, and its really a pleasure to be back in Paris, and thank you also for your personal commitment to the transatlantic bond, and for your leadership in NATO.

It is a great opportunity to meet you just ahead of the NATO Summit in Vilnius, and to discuss the final preparations for the upcoming NATO meeting.

We will take decisions to protect our security in a more dangerous world.

And we have seen that unfolding with the recent mutiny by Wagner mercenaries in Russia.

This is an internal matter for Russia. At the same time, it demonstrates once again that President Putins illegal war against Ukraine is a big strategic mistake. It has deepened divisions and created new tensions in Russia.

But we should not underestimate Russia, and we must continue to provide support to Ukraine. Because the more land Ukraine is able to liberate, the stronger they will be at the negotiating table, and the better the chance will be for a just and lasting peace.

I therefore commend and appreciate Frances vital contributions to Ukraine, including with vital military equipment and economic support.

In Vilnius, we will agree a multi-year package of assistance and upgrade our political ties. This will bring Ukraine closer to our Alliance.

Ukraines rightful place is in NATO.

Once the war ends, we need arrangements in place for Ukraines security, so that history does not repeat itself.

At the Summit, we will also further strengthen our deterrence and defence. We are now putting in place new defence plans, with assigned forces and capabilities, and high levels of readiness.

France plays a major part in this. You have allocated thousands of troops to NATO, including the French leadership of a battlegroup in Romania. French jets keep the skies safe over eastern Allies, and your ships keep critical sea lanes open.

At this grave moment for our security, NATO-EU cooperation is more important than ever, and I welcome Frances strong commitment to further strengthen the partnership between NATO and the European Union.

One important area of cooperation between NATO and the European Union is actually in Kosovo. Our KFOR mission continues to fulfil its UN mandate impartially. We call on both parties to refrain from anything that can further escalate tensions, and return immediately to the EU-facilitated dialogue. This is the only way forward.

Today, we will also discuss the ambitious new defence investment pledge, which I expect NATO Allies will adopt when we meet in Vilnius at the NATO Summit, with 2% of GDP as a floor, not the ceiling for our defence spending. I commend France for boosting military spending by more than one-third in the coming years.

The Vilnius Summit will be the first with Finland as a member of the Alliance, and we are working to finalise Swedens accession as well.

Therefore, I have called another meeting of senior officials from Turkiye, Finland and Sweden next Thursday in Brussels. The time is now to welcome Sweden as a full member of NATO.

Dear Emmanuel, once again, thank you so much for having me here, and Im looking forward to our discussions. Thank you.
Former Space Force officer: WOKE AGENDA weakening, dividing US military

The woke agenda espoused by the Biden administration is weakening and dividing the military  ultimately compromising its role in national security, according to a former officer.

Former Space Force Lt. Col. Matthew Lohmeier shared this sentiment to the Epoch Times. The erstwhile officer was removed from his command in 2021 for opposing critical race theory (CRT) in the military branch. He pointed out that service members often avoid discussing political topics as they focus on the sole mission of protecting the nation.

"Americans should know that when someone signs up to wear the uniform of their country, they're trained early on to leave political baggage at the door and to be rather apolitical while acting in an official capacity," Lohmeier said. "There is something that supersedes those topics for men and women in uniform  and that's a particular mission in support of national security."

Lohmeier noted that under the Biden administration, "left-wing activists have essentially been given a bully pulpit" they use to promote ideas such as CRT, DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) standards and the LGBT agenda.

These ideas, he added, are "divisive in nature because not everyone aligns with or agrees with those agendas. Lohmeier added that such ideas are viewed by some as a distraction from the military's proper priorities.

According to him, most service members striving to remain apolitical "are finding themselves in a hyper-politicized and sexualized work environment at the moment." If they oppose the environment, "they are labeled as politically partisan and simply 'part of the problem' and are ostracized for it."

Lohmeier ultimately noted: "These agendas strike at the values of the military and its role in defending the Constitution."

Lohmeier: Biden admin driving wokeism in the military

"While the military has always been  by and large  a reflection of broader American society, there is something very different going on right now in this current administration," Lohmeier said. "At the forefront of the cultural dialogue in the military is what has been driven by policy."

According to him, it can be argued that the military became more political during the Clinton and Obama administrations. However, the erstwhile Space Force member noted that "something radically, fundamentally shifted [in the military] under the current administration"  with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin accelerating things.

During the time of former President Donald Trump in September 2020, federal agencies were banned from conducting diversity and inclusion training to combat racial and sexual stereotyping. The executive order (EO) issued by Trump dubbed the training as "divisive, anti-American propaganda" funded by taxpayers. However, President Joe Biden rescinded Trump's order upon coming into office in January 2021 and issued several EOs promoting DEI in the federal government.

Despite this prevalence of wokeism in the military, Lohmeier recounted that enough opposition caused the cancellation of a planned drag show at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. According to him, the drag show was supposed to be hosted at the officer's club and was sponsored using tax dollars.

Lohmeier's family and others were concerned about the event  which led to efforts to stop it. The effort was ultimately successful, and the supposed drag show did not push through. (Related: Pentagon leaders give THUMBS-DOWN on planned drag show at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada  but theyre OK to transfer it to other venue.)

"The LGBT agenda is every bit as divisive for our military as the Marxist-rooted CRT. It's every bit as divisive as the diversity and inclusion training that needs to be eliminated," the former officer noted.

"While there are thousands concerned about drag queen shows and story hours, it only took one person to send a request for help and it made all the difference. The strength of the military is in its unity, not in its diversity."

Wokies.news has more stories about the woke agenda in the military.

Watch this InfoWars segment explaining how a woke military proves America is under attack from within.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Woke U.S. military failing to recruit because nobody wants to defend American degeneracy.

Biden's woke Navy now training sailors to create proper pronoun 'safe spaces' as Russia, China laugh.

Americans shun Biden's woke military, as all service branches except the USMC see recruiting shortfalls.

Brannon Howse: US military under Biden is prioritizing WOKENESS over READINESS  Brighteon.TV.

Woke Left moving to take over last functional, patriotic institution  the military: Whistleblowers detail hundreds of cases of 'anti-American indoctrination.'

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

Brighteon.com
Fully autonomous KILLER DRONES now closer to reality as rapid development of AI continues

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) is permanently reshaping warfare , and experts warn this could lead to the creation of fully autonomous killer drones.

Much attention is focused on the development of unmanned aerial vehicles or drones and their use in warfare, with many military and intelligence experts warning that the wars of tomorrow may not be fought with soldiers battling in the streets but with drone operators at their computers.

Worse yet, these same experts warn that one day these drones may end up being controlled by AI with no human input. (Related: Autonomous KILLER BOTS to dominate battlefields soon as war in Ukraine leads to significant advances in drone technology.)

Carlton King, an author and a former agent for the United Kingdom's main intelligence service, MI6, warned that AI will one day be able to control pilotless attack aircraft and military leaders will be unable to resist the temptation that the advantages of using machine learning to pilot attack aircraft can bring.

"The moment you start giving an independent robot machine learning, you start losing control," King warned. "The temptation will be there to say, 'Let a robot do it all.'"

Currently, human operators are heavily involved in flying the drone fleets of the United States and the United Kingdom. But military leaders may be tempted to remove humans from the equation.

"There's clearly going to be  if there isn't already  the move towards taking away that pilot on the ground because their reactions may not be quick enough, and placing that into the hands of an artificial intelligence, [whose] reactions are much quicker and making that decision of fire or don't fire," King added.

Drone technology already being enhanced by AI

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has provided companies developing drones with a unique environment for the rapid development and deployment of advances in drone technology, especially as both sides of the conflict ramp up the use of drones for surveillance, reconnaissance and combat. This constant push for innovation has led to massive advances in drone technology  as well as concerns regarding the ethical implications of more and more autonomous decision-making in warfare.

AI is already being used for better drone communication, collaboration, target recognition and more autonomous drone operations, leading to more deployments of loitering munitions, or "suicide" drones, which can circle around areas for hours while it looks for targets before attacking.

These innovations are also paving the way for autonomous drones to be used in swarms of dozens or even hundreds of drones that may one day be deployed to the world's battlefields with devastating effects.

In fact, the U.S., the U.K. and Australia, as part of a trilateral military exercise known as the AUKUS Advanced Capabilities Pillar program, recently conducted their first military trial of an AI-enabled drone swarm.

According to Britain's Defense Science and Technology Laboratory, this experimental drone swarm successfully tested leading-edge drone technology and AI models shared between the three countries to detect and track military targets "in a real-time representative environment."

The laboratory added that more and more AI-enabled systems being introduced to drone technology is necessary as "the strategic environment rapidly evolves." The lab further noted that autonomous and AI-powered drones will transform battlefields and will allow the U.S., the U.K. and Australia to maintain an operational advantage in war.

"Accelerating technological advances will deliver the operational advantages necessary to defeat current and future threats across the battlespace," said British Deputy Chief of the Defense Staff Lt. Gen. Robert Magowan. "We are committed to collaborating with partners to ensure that we achieve this."

"As AI-powered systems become more capable of making autonomous decisions, concerns about accountability and the potential for civilian casualties come to the forefront," warned Erik De Vries of Innovation Origins.

"While AI systems are dispassionate and can circumvent human biases, they may lack the ability to exercise the same level of judgment and discernment as human operators. The potential for errors and misinterpretations in AI decision-making raises serious questions about the responsibility to act, the role of diplomacy and the legitimacy and legality of lethal action based on AI predictions."

Learn more about the development of artificial intelligence and its integration into most aspects of technology at FutureTech.news.

Watch this clip from the "Rudyk Report" discussing how China is preparing for future drone-focused wars by ordering another 15,000 new drones.

This video is from the Rudyk Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

AI takeover is INEVITABLE: Experts warn artificial intelligence will become powerful enough to control human minds, behaviors.

Instance of AI-powered drone killing human operator did not actually happen  but it is a plausible scenario.

AI is about to change the world for the WORSE: Here are 3 reasons why.

Pentagon plans to launch a program that will develop DRONE SWARMS.

Drone use is widening in Ukraine, bringing with it potential dawn of robotic killing machines.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

InnovationOrigins.com

FinancialExpress.com

TheDefensePost.com

Brighteon.com
Dr. Lee Merritt and Kate Dalley discuss the FAKERIES happening in America  Brighteon.TV

The Medical Rebel Dr. Lee Merritt and veteran talk show host Kate Dalley discussed the fakeries happening in America on the June 21 episode of the Brighteon.TV program "Merritt Medical Hour."

Merritt, a former Navy physician and surgeon, said people appear to be living in a computer-generated world based on a lot of things happening recently. Her guest agreed, adding that an awakening is going on and people are waking up from all the fakeries and gaslightings. She added that Americans were definitely lied to about many things, citing her more than 35,000 hours of research into the rabbit holes. Given this, Dalley said Americans ought to be furious about the fakeries.

One such fakery she mentioned was the "climate change" narrative, which she called on Americans to poke holes into. Dalley said the predictions of Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and former U.S. Vice President Al Gore never happened. In particular, Thunberg received criticism for claiming back in 2018 that the world will be destroyed in five years. (Related: Bad prediction: Greta Thunberg deletes 2018 tweet about the world ending in 2023 due to climate change.)

Dalley also mentioned a 1979 prediction that mankind was going to freeze to death with the "coming Ice Age"  another fakery that never quite happened.

"It is amazing to go back in history and hear it," she told Merritt. "It's because of this fakery, because of the drought narratives. We have a lot of water underfoot nobody realizes that. God didn't put us on this Earth and then not give us enough water, so government can control us.

In turn, Merritt cited the population bomb from the 1990s that warned of mankind being killed off by overpopulation  another fakery that never occurred. Ultimately, she said these fear-mongering tactics only prove that huge distractions are indeed going on.

Fakery being promoted over truth

Dalley, the nationally-recognized host of "The Kate Dalley Show," lamented how many politicians wanted her program off the air at both the federal and state levels. According to her, these politicians want her silenced for discussing the truth about their careers.

"This country is in need of truth and logic right now. The topics on the show are quite diverse and [Dalley] seeks to expose what the government is up to in her no-holds-barred approach to honesty in media," her website states.

However, she told the Medical Rebel that her program was "bothersome" to those running America's 3,000 counties because she was exposing the impropriety of elected officials.

"What's kind of funny about it is it's more like, they are OK with what's going on," Dalley said. "They just don't want me to say it, they don't want me to talk about it. And so that's where I'm the bad guy if I say something about it."

Despite this effort to suppress her, Dalley remarked that her show is of much importance to Americans as everything that happens at the county level filters down into the cities  where the fight is still going on. She added that it was disheartening to see America being destroyed due to the American people allowing the censorship of free speech.

Head over to Faked.news for more stories about the fakery in America.

Watch the June 21 episode of the "Merritt Medical Hour" below. The "Merritt Medical Hour" airs every Wednesday at 7-8 p.m. and Saturday at 2-3 p.m. on Brighteon.TV.

More related stories:

Dr. Lee Merritt accuses federal government of lying about Ohio train derailment.

Doctors, scientists sue Biden over online censorship of COVID-19 information.

Government, MSM gaslighting Americans about food industry sabotage and mysterious fires.

Why todays elites literally cant stand free speech.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

DrLeeMerritt.com

KateDalleyShow.com
Dark side of glam: Models expose sexual harassment, dangerous working conditions in fashion industry

Several fashion models have stepped forward to share their stories of abuse, sexual exploitation, dangerous working conditions and illegal garnishment of wages. They also named several modeling agencies that allegedly set up an environment fostering sexual trafficking and labor trafficking.

Variety's Tatiana Siegel put all these stories of more than a dozen models and other workers in the fashion industry in writing. Among the stories she included was that of Esmeralda Seay-Reynolds, who was 15 when she was first scouted by Click Model Management in New York. However, she was deemed "too mature"  a fashion euphemism that meant "too heavy"  because she had developed curves.

Reynolds, who stood at five-foot-11 and weighed 130 pounds, had to lose 20 pounds immediately. She then signed up for NEXT  a bigger agency  and rose quickly in the scene. The model landed in the pages of Vogue and was featured in campaigns for Chanel and other top couture brands.

But the pressure for her to look and stay eternally thin remained. Reynolds recounted: "I remember my agent saying, 'Cotton balls are organic, so it's fine if you just swallow them to make yourself feel full." Aside from this, she also recalled seeing size zero girls puking their guts backstage during runway shows.

She also recalled being booked for a shoot at 16 years old with a photographer publicly accused of sexual coercion  and receiving only $130 for that six-week shoot. Another instance involved her modeling stark naked in freezing weather, which she was never paid for despite the highly dangerous working conditions.

Reynolds is not alone, however, as the other models Siegel spoke to also mentioned being financially and sexually exploited. The writer also noted that compared to Hollywood talent agencies, modeling firms are considered "management companies" and have exemptions to New York state's labor laws.

Moreover, Siegel noted that modeling agencies typically wield "power of attorney" over their models, allowing them to legally accept payments on their behalf and deduct expenses. These often leave the models more indebted to companies and vulnerable to sexual predators. (Related: Academics received money from Epstein even after the late sex offender's pedophilia conviction.)

NY Senate passes Fashion Workers Act

Siegel mentioned a silver lining amid the stories of exploitation  with the passage of the Fashion Workers Act (FWA) in the New York Senate. The State Senate passed the measure on June 8, and if signed by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, the FWA will "close the legal loophole that allows management companies to escape accountability."

The FWA was introduced by State Sen. Brad Hoylman and State Assembly member Karines Reyes, with the sponsorship of the Model Alliance. If it becomes law, the FWA would require management agencies to provide models with copies of contracts and agreements and notify formerly represented models if they collect royalties on their behalf.

The measure would protect the health and safety of models by establishing a zero-tolerance policy for abuse. The act would also outlaw practices in the industry such as charging models interest on their earnings, renewing contracts without the model's affirmative consent and taking retaliatory action against a model for filing a complaint.

The New York Assembly did not vote on the bill before its legislative session ended on June 9. But since the bill has garnered bipartisan support and celebrity backers like Beverly Johnson and Helena Christensen, it will likely pass when the Assembly returns.

Follow Trafficking.news and read more about how women and children are being exploited and abused worldwide.

Watch this video about a nine-year-old girl who sues a longtime CNN producer for despicable acts of horrific sexual abuse.

This video is from the Red Voice Media channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Donna Brandenburg: Northern border also hosts "indescribable" human trafficking  Brighteon.TV.

Specials ops troops stunned by Biden admin probe into drug, human trafficking after arrests.

Liz Crokin: Jeffrey Epstein used JPMorgan as main bank for his sex trafficking operation  Brighteon.TV.

Virgin Islands files suit against JPMorgan Chase alleging bank illicitly profited from Jeffrey Epsteins sex trafficking of minors.

Balenciaga apologizes for BDSM-themed ads following massive public backlash.

Sources include:

Variety.com

FashionNetwork.com

Brighteon.com
Pride is a thinly veiled color revolution to destroy Western civilization

The term color/colour revolution is often associated with covert efforts among US and European interests to foment civil unrest within enemy nations (and sometimes allied nations) as a means to destabilize their societies and governments. It is essentially 4generation warfare, a concept expanded on by Lieutenant Colonel Michael Aquino (a self professed satanist) in a white paper titled From Psyop To Mindwar. The goal is straightforward  To go to war against a foreign country (or ones own country) by attacking the citizenry rather than its armies. Or, to exploit the target population as a weapon to trigger instability.

(Article by Brandon Smith republished from Alt-Market.us)

Color revolutions have been instigated for decades around the world. One such psy-op led to the Euromaidan Revolution in Ukraine in 2014 which caused the overthrow of pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych. This singular event was the primary trigger for the eventual Russian invasion of Ukraine this past year, as Vladimir Putin declared he would no longer tolerate color revolutions among Russian allies.

One can debate the wider implications of that war and who it actually benefits in the long run, but the fact remains that Euromaidan was a NATO supported color revolution that initiated a powderkeg event that brings us closer to world war. If chaos was the purpose, then the purpose has been achieved.

I would suggest, however, that even Euromaidan and its effects pale in comparison to a much larger and more destructive color revolution now underway in western nations in the form of the Pride movement. In fact, it has become clear in the past several years that Pride is a definite color revolution; a political destabilization effort.

In the past the Pride movement was seen as a separate and broad and leaderless entity focused on LGBT issues. But this is changing rapidly. Now, the Pride flag is being used as a symbol to encompass all woke concepts into a single organization, including everything from Antifa to BLM to trans trenders. The flag no longer represents a civil rights effort. Rather, it is a purely political emblem and a totem of cult worship.

LGBT groups are widely supported by every power center in our society. Major banks, corporations, globalist think-tanks and governments all inject incredible amounts of funding into woke projects. Rebels dont get support from the establishment power structure, only useful idiots do. And this time the establishment is using leftist activist idiots to target the western world with the same tactics it has applied against other nations.

But how does Pride really undermine our civilization?

First, the basic mantra of Pride iswellpride. Pride is a failing and a weakness, not a virtue. Im not sure why someone should have any pride in their sexual proclivities. Being gay does not make you special. It makes you a minority, but its not an accomplishment that deserves a parade or an entire month on the calendar. The saying Pride comes before the fall exists for a reason; self aggrandizement based on zero accomplishment and delusions of entitlement lead to a path of self destruction.

Second, Pride activists are rebels without a cause. There are no rights under the law in the west that gay and trans people dont have. Zero. Zip. Zilch. In other words, they must now create reasons to rebel from thin air. So, what is all the whining and rage about? What do these revolutionaries do after they have already been given equal rights? As far as I can tell, the LGBT+infinity movement is now dedicated to targeting and indoctrinating (grooming) children.

Nearly every law recently passed in conservative states dealing with LGBT issues specifically protects children from ideological brainwashing in public schools, or prevents the chemical and surgical mutilation of their bodies in the name of gender politics. Trans activists refer to such laws as genocide.

Why? Perhaps because they know that in order to perpetuate their numbers they MUST groom kids into the fold. A large percentage of LGBT devout have no children and will never have children. So, the only way they can continue their cult is to hijack the minds and bodies of other peoples children.

This is the hill leftists have chosen to die on, and for good reason  Any successful color revolution requires the support of the youth. If you can turn a societys children into soldiers for the cause, it is much more difficult for that society to fight back. The natural inclination of most adults today is to bend to the whims of their kids, not go to war with them. The problem is that many kids are generally ignorant and inexperienced. They are easily manipulated and easily used, and are more likely to be exploited for ill purposes by evil people.

Third, the primary tool for pursuing and brainwashing western youth has been the public school system, and more specifically the teachers and teachers unions. The speed at which public schools are now openly embracing far-left ideology is shocking, and it is all due to the teachers. Understand that public schools have your kids for half the day, while you might be lucky to get a couple hours with them per day on average. Most parents work hard, and dont have time to keep track of their kids personal lives and who is influencing them.

Only in the past couple years have parents in the US started to wake up to the woke indoctrination process in schools, and hopefully its not too late.

Leftist teachers argue that sexualized discussions in class should be protected as a form of civil rights activism. They say it is discriminatory to block lessons on LGBT issues and gender identity issues. This is obviously nonsense. There is absolutely no reason for teachers to be talking to students about sexual subjects, whether gay or straight, and there is zero concrete evidence to support gender fluid theories. Again, this is ideology, not science.

In a strange method of circular defense, leftists often argue that children are far more at risk from religious groomers such as Catholic priests. As if to say, Hey, they do it, why cant we? Its a common retort, but a false one.

According to studies cataloging child sex crimes Public School TEACHERS are 100 times more likely to sexually abuse children than Catholic priests. And guess which political party teachers unions give 94% of their donations to? Yes, the Democratic Party.

Surveys show a massive imbalance of leftists in education. Among English teachers, there are 97 Democrats for every three Republicans, with the proportion being even more one-sided among health teachers, with 99 Democrats for every one Republican. Among math and science teachers there are 87 Democrats for every 13 Republicans. The bottom line? The woke problem among children in the US is primarily a teacher problem. Get rid of the leftist teachers and you get rid of the problem.

Fourth, the basis of the Pride movement, beyond pride itself, is exaggerated sexuality for gays in an era of oppressed sexuality for straights. Have you noticed that straight people (especially straight men) are now heavily admonished for any expression of desire, while gay people are allowed to flaunt their sexuality in the streets, even in front of children? There is a grotesque double standard being put in place which glorifies gay sexuality while straight sexuality is attacked.

The male gaze and masculinity in particular have been singled out for erasure in western society as dangerous and toxic. But, if you are a gay man or a man that transitions into a womans costume you can do whatever you want and you will be applauded. Clearly, straight sexuality is treated as unacceptable in the new normal.

Is this perhaps an attempt to condition the straight population to embrace gay sexuality so they no longer feel oppressed? After all, according to trans activists, being gay or straight is no longer an inborn and unchangeable dynamic. According to them, sexuality is a spectrum and anyone can be made gay given the right environmental circumstances.

The elephant in the room here needs to be addressed, which is that a society that is conditioned to be increasingly LGBT, or that transitions people from childhood using indoctrination, surgeries and hormones is going to have collapsing population numbers. And maybe that is one of the establishments goals  To make the west infertile.

Fifth, the philosophical crux of the woke color revolution and trans activism is the idea of subjective reality. If identity and biology are subjective and a matter of perception, then what else is a matter of perception?

How about morality and conscience? If identity is a social construct, then surely moral compass is a social construct, too. And as leftists commonly claim, social constructs they dont like are fascism. In my view this is what the Pride movement is really all about  The creation of a morally relative society that treats right and wrong as subjective guidelines rather than ancient and inborn rules for life. And, in a morally relative society, collapse is inevitable.

We are already seeing it today with double standards being applied within the law in favor of leftists and leftist minority groups over conservatives and moderates. And, when the law starts to apply double standards, civil war is imminent. Maybe the point is to start a war the establishment thinks it can finish. Or, maybe the point is just to create more chaos and then swoop in to take over once the dust settles. Either way, the Pride movement color revolution is a clear psy-op that can only lead to the deconstruction of the west if its not stopped in its tracks.

Read more at: Alt-Market.us
Cambodian operator CamGSM, which is branded as Cellcard, has listed its Class A common stock on the Cambodia Securities Exchange (CSX).

The move signals the successful completion of the operators initial public offering (IPO), which saw more than 9.271 million shares bought up by investors to generate more than US$5.28 million. The funds will go towards increasing CamGSMs network coverage and boosting service quality, as well as readying upgrades as the operator gears up for launching 5G.

CEO Simon Perkins said: I would like to welcome all the new Cellcard shareholders and express my gratitude for their trust and confidence in Cellcards vision and strategy. This is a new beginning for Cellcard, as we embark on a journey of innovation and growth. We have a clear roadmap to achieve our goals and deliver value to our customers, partners and stakeholders.

We reported last month that CamGSM would issue more than 52.87 million shares, priced at KHR2,270 (US$0.57) each and with a minimum subscription of KHR400,000. Cellcard subscribers who opted to buy in as Class A shareholders are guaranteed a dividend of 7% per annum over the first five years.
Was Prigozhins mutiny a Western intelligence op derailed by Russian spies?

There is still no consensus about the motive for Yevgeny Prigozhins and there is a lot of speculation. Some have posed the false dichotomy of having to choose real coup versus pretend coup. That approach ignores some troubling irregularities and facts, which point to a sophisticated double cross operation.

(Article by Larry Johnson republished from TheGatewayPundit.com)

My friend, Steve Bryen, an old U.S. defense hand posted an excellent overview at his substack, What Didnt Happen in Russia  There was no uprising and Prigozhin couldnt deliver what he promised. Steve is still well-plugged into the U.S. intelligence and defense community and he drops a bit of a metaphorical bombshell by revealing Prigozhin was in contact with Ukrainian military intelligence:

To launch his operation, Prigozhin took a number of steps over a period of the past six or more months. Among these were constant, and probably false, accusations that he was not getting enough ammunition to fight in Bakhmut. Along with that, Prigozhin charged that the army leadership was corrupt, that they refused to defend his flanks during the Bakhmut operation, and that they were losing massively in the Ukraine war. None of these accusations were true. . . . It turns out, however, there was more to it than that. Sources report that Prigozhin had been in touch with Ukrainian military intelligence (known as the HUR MO), at least since last January. Some sources say that he also flew to Africa, where Wagner forces are operational, to hold a meeting with Ukrainian intelligence officials. Similarly there are reports that he also was talking to a number of special force units inside Russia, asking them to join him.

I believe that Steves sources on this are solid. Pay particular attention to the timing  i.e., a meeting in January. It was a month or so later that Prigozhin launches scathing verbal attacks on Russian Defense Minster Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Gerasimov. Also, according to documents allegedly posted to Discord by Airman Jack Teixeira, Prigozhin provided Ukraine/NATO with locations of Russian units in the Donbass.

This is strong circumstantial evidence that Prigozhin not only went rogue, he became a traitor. Let me make one obvious point from a counterintelligence standpoint  providing NATO with the locations of Russian units is the equivalent of giving Eskimos a truckload of snow in January. NATOs robust ISR capabilities make it highly likely that those locations were already known to the U.S. and European military and intelligence officers. This type of corroborating intel is what George Smiley, the mole hunter in the British TV series, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, called fools gold. It looks like the real deal but, when properly evaluated, does not tell you anything you dont already know. It simply persuades those eager to believe to swallow the bait.

I want to suggest an alternative possibility  Yevgeny Prigozhin was bait. The Russian military and intelligence chiefs are not deaf, dumb, and blind. Since the start of the Special Military Operation, Western politicians and pundits stridently have insisted that Putin is weak; Putin faces serious political opposition; Putin is terminally ill; and Russia is teetering on the brink of economic and political disaster. Here is former Ukrainian President Poroshenko throwing some shade Putins way:

Former CIA officer John Siphers silly analysis is itself evidence of why the CIA is a failed institution. He writes:

Like the Tsars before him, Putin has survived by a willingness to use force at home and abroad, and by maintaining an image of power. Over the past two decades, many observers have used the same phrase to describe Putins actions on the international stage  Putin plays a weak hand well. His bullying, threats and lies have protected him from those who might threaten his power.

However, like Tsar Nicholas in WWI, with his invasion of Ukraine, Putin foolishly turned over all his cards and showed his weak hand, seemingly breaking his spell of invincibility. In doing so he has allowed his enemies to better gauge their own strength and position. While it is not clear if Putin has gravely jeopardized his control at home, he has nonetheless weakened himself and Russia, and can no longer bluff that he is playing a winning hand.

I think the Russian leadership finally concluded that the West sincerely believed this nonsense and decided to send Washington and London their own version of Luca Brasi  a loyal soldier now ready to betray the family. You want a traitor? Heres your traitor.

So far, Yevgeny Prigozhin has not suffered the same fate as Mr. Brasi. Instead, he returned from Africa to the bloody battle of Bakhmut, having assured his new buddies in the West that he was with them, and then began trashing Russian Defense leadership and tactics while passing valuable intelligence to his contacts in Ukraine.

Talk about titillating. Western political and intel chiefs in the know were quivering with the excitement of anticipating the moment when Prigozhin would make his bold move and the Russian house of cards would collapse. Who could stop the invincible Wagnerians led by Chef Prigozhin?

So we are left with two possibilities  Prigozhin flipped and decided to play for team Ukraine and team NATO or Prigozhin, a consummate actor, was a double agent who kept his colleagues in the GRU apprised of his plans and upcoming actions on behalf of NATO. Betraying Russia by becoming a Western agent  i.e., a guy who has agreed to spy for one or more of the Western intelligence outfits  is unpardonable. Guys and gals that do that are likely to suffer the same fate as the Godfathers Luca Brasi.

When I step back and examine Prigozhins actions after the start of the mutiny, I am reminded of an actor engaged in improvisation. Just take a look at Prigozhins completely contradictory and probably false claims over the weekend about why he was leading the mutiny. First he said that Putin is a dupe who was fed lies about the unnecessary and illegitimate invasion of Ukraine:

Wagner Group boss Yevgeny Prigozhin on Friday cast doubt on Russian President Vladimir Putins justifications for launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, saying they were lies fed to him by the Kremlins top brass. Russias Defense Ministry has been deceiving Russian society and Putin, Prigozhin said in an expletive-ridden 30-minute video posted on his Telegram channel. It has escalated his public feud with Sergei Shoigu, the countrys defense minister. The Russian businessman, a longtime ally of Putin, has for months been intensifying his verbal barrage against Shoigu. Then, two days later, he changes gears and insists it was just a protest: Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin said on Monday that a one-day mutiny by his Wagner force had been intended not to overthrow Russias government but to register a protest over what he said was its ineffectual conduct of the war in Ukraine. In his first public comments since ending the mutiny late on Saturday, Prigozhin repeated his frequent claim that Wagner was the most effective fighting force in Russia and even the world, and that it put to shame the units that Moscow had sent into Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022.

Which is it? Protest or howl of outrage over heinous lies?

One more data point. David Sanger and Julian Barnes, writing for the New York Times, report that:

American intelligence officials briefed senior military and administration officials on Wednesday that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the mercenary Wagner Group, was preparing to take military action against senior Russian defense officials, according to officials familiar with the matter. U.S. spy agencies had indications days earlier that Mr. Prigozhin was planning something and worked to refine that material into a finished assessment, officials said. The information shows that the United States was aware of impending events in Russia, similar to how intelligence agencies had warned in late 2021 that Vladimir V. Putin was planning to invade Ukraine.

Got that? The U.S. knew in advance. Any chance the Russians had an inkling of what was afoot?

Read more at: TheGatewayPundit.com
RINO election official in Arizona sues Kari Lake for defamation after being called out for FRAUD

Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer, a registered Republican, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Kari Lake and her campaign due to their allegations regarding the 2022 gubernatorial election in Arizona.

Following Lake's supposed defeat to Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs in November 2022, she immediately went on the offensive, claiming that Richer and other officials in Maricopa County, Arizona's most populous county, interfered in the election in some way to prevent her from winning.

During an interview with Steve Bannon on Real America's Voice, Lake pointed out that, had she officially won her election, she would have immediately reformed Arizona's election systems so that "every honest legal vote counts."

"But they were more concerned about their racket at the border, the smuggling of drugs, the trafficking of women, the sex trafficking of children. They didn't want that to end, and this mama bear was ready to end it," said Lake. "And that's why they had to rig the election and steal it, and right now, because I'm pointing out the corruption in our elections, an election official in Arizona is suing me personally, suing our campaign, suing all of us for pointing out their corruption." (Related: Kari Lake's legal challenge to 2022 election in Arizona fails with judge tossing final case: The steal is complete.)

"And it's just disgusting. They're doing what they did to Trump," she continued. "They're doing it to me, they're doing it to you  anybody who stands out and says 'No, we have a right to have our country back and we're not going to stop fighting.'"

Im exposing the massive corruption in our elections and this jackass is suing me. He wants to silence US. Trump won in a landslide & so did I. Everyone knows it. Corrupt elections have saddled us with disasters like Biden and Hobbs. The majority of Americans KNOW our pic.twitter.com/MLwkm89MRh  Kari Lake (@KariLake) June 23, 2023

Richer going after Lake for supposed "lies" about the 2022 election

Filed in Maricopa County Superior Court, the lawsuit named Lake, her campaign group Lake For Arizona and her fundraising organization Save Arizona Fund, Inc. as the defendants.

According to Richer's filings, he is going after Lake and her campaign for two main reasons.

Firstly, Richer alleged that Lake repeatedly spread lies about election fraud, including one claim that suggested he had intentionally printed 19-inch images on 20-inch ballots to sabotage the electronic tabulators on election day. Secondly, Richer alleged that Lake lied about how he inserted at least 300,000 illegal early-vote ballots into the system to change the outcome of the election.

The lawsuit alleged that Lake spread these so-called lies at rallies, speeches, podcasts, social media and other media appearances. Lawyers included Lake For Arizona and the Save Arizona Fund because they alleged that Lake used these "untrue statements" to help raise money for both her campaign and the fundraising organization.

Lawyers further claimed that Lake's allegations against Richer have made him and his family targets for so-called death threats and in-person "confrontations," forcing Richer and his wife to spend thousands of dollars to increase their home security, along with increased patrols by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and the Phoenix Police Department.

Richer's lawyers noted that while Lake has the First Amendment right to criticize Richer, she does not have the right to spread lies that bring him harm.

Richer is asking for an undisclosed amount of money in the form of normal, compensatory and punitive damages, plus the cost of his legal fees. In addition, Richer is also seeking a court order that declares all of Lake's allegations regarding ballot size and illegal ballot injection to be declared legally false and requires Lake to delete them from all of her websites and social media accounts.

"Rather than accept political defeat, rather than get a new job, she has sought to undermine confidence in our elections and has mobilized millions of her followers against me," wrote Richer in an opinion piece in The Arizona Republic. "She has gone far outside of the bounds of protected free speech as guaranteed under the First Amendment and the Arizona Constitution."

"We all have the right to express ourselves, our thoughts and our opinions publicly. That's why this case is not about the mis- and disinformation  and even hatred  that Lake, her campaign and her PAC have spewed about me," Richer continued. "Slinging mud is fair game, but Arizona law and the First Amendment draw a line at defamation. False statements that damage others distort the marketplace of ideas and harm others' ability to exercise their own free speech rights."

Learn more about the state of elections in America at VoteFraud.news.

Watch Steve Bannon on Real America's Voice interview Kari Lake regarding the lawsuit against her and its connection to illegal immigration in Arizona.

This video is from the Galactic Storm channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Right Now with Ann Vandersteel: Jovan Hutton Pulitzer discusses the Kari Lake election saga  Brighteon.TV.

Kari Lake vows to KEEP FIGHTING after Arizona judge dismissed her stolen election case.

Arizona Republicans ban the state from using electronic voting machines in future federal elections.

Connecting the Dots: Forensic computer expert exposes methods used in election fraud  Brighteon.TV.

Jim Price: Americans must FIX election system to get the president they really want  Brighteon.TV.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

APNews.com

AZFamily.com

AZCentral.com
New survey shows 62% of Americans believe charges against Trump are politically motivated

Nearly two-thirds of Americans believe the Department of Justice's (DOJ) charges against former President Donald Trump are politically motivated

The survey, conducted by Quinnipiac University and released on Wednesday, June 21, found that 62 percent of respondents believe the Justice Department's case against the former president is primarily motivated by politics, while only 34 percent of those polled believe the federal charges against Trump are generally motivated by law. (Related: Poll: 55% of independents find Trumps indictment politically motivated  because IT IS.)

When taking into consideration political party affiliations, 91 percent of registered Republican respondents say that the Justice Department's charges against Trump are mostly politically motivated. Among independents, 65 percent believe they are politically motivated.

Meanwhile, only 28 percent of registered Democrats believe the charges are politically motivated.

When broken down by gender, 64 percent of men and 59 percent of women think the Justice Department's charges against Trump are politically motivated.

Majority of young Americans believe Trump indictment is politically motivated

By age group, 67 percent of respondents who are between 18 and 34 years of age said the DOJ's case against the former president is primarily politically motivated, while 53 percent of those interviewed who are 65 years or older said the same.

Fifty-nine percent of White respondents believe the DOJ's case against the former president is politically motivated, compared with 67 percent of Hispanic respondents and 52 percent of Black respondents.

A little over half of respondents, or 51 percent, believe Trump should be prosecuted on criminal charges over his handling of classified documents after leaving the White House. About a third of respondents, or 34 percent, say they have carefully monitored the news concerning Trump's federal charges.

Trump, who declared his third presidential campaign in November, has been charged with 37 federal counts concerning the mishandling of classified records at his Mar-a-Lago residence, including his efforts to prevent the government from recovering the documents. (Related: Operatives for Hillary Clinton said to be behind FBI revenge raid on Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate.)

Trump pleaded not guilty at a hearing in a Miami courthouse early this month.

The new Quinnipiac University opinion poll was carried out from June 15 to 19 with a total of 1,776 respondents and has a margin of error of 2.3 percentage points.

Conservative political commentator and podcast host Tim Pool noted that the survey was conducted by a university and not by a member of Trump's campaign or a political action committee that supports him, thus proving the poll's authenticity.

"The people can see that there is a different standard for those in power who are favored and those who are in power who are disfavored," Pool said. He added that this type of situation could lead to more political instability and people "checking out" of the system because they no longer believe in it.

Follow Trump.news for more news about former President Donald Trump's indictment.

Watch the video below about the new poll showing that the majority of Americans think the charges against Trump are politically motivated.

This video is from the SecureLife channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Former federal prosecutor finds numerous problems with indictment documents against Trump.

Matrixxx Grooove: Federal indictment against Trump shows absolute TREASON and TYRANNY  Brighteon.TV.

Top FBI official flips, says bureau's search of Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate was rife with improprieties.

Talk of 'revolution' reverberates across America after Bidens politicized DOJ indicts President Trump, the candidate most likely to beat Biden in 2024.

Former Arizona AG: Trump indictment an example of weaponized government bureaucracy.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

TheHill.com
America reaches new LOW with blatant political corruption gone wild

It is certainly no secret that the credibility of the United States government as a viable, trustworthy entity has reached epic lows thanks to a deluge of revelations about deep-seated corruption at virtually every level of the system.

From the stolen 2020 election to the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) "pandemic" to the LGBT onslaught, America is arguably at its worst right now, the next phase of its downfall being a total implosion and collapse.

Whistleblower, congressional investigators, investigative reporters, and citizen journalists with a conscience are all doing the dirty work of unseating the rot and filth that has degraded our once-great nation into a third world-style banana republic cesspool of wickedness and corruption.

Journalist Tom Elliott, founder of Grabien, tweeted about the current state of affairs by stating that "[t]he more we learn about the 2020 election, the more undeniable it becomes that Biden owes his 'victory' to blatant political corruption."

"An IRS probe into the Biden's money laundering payments from hostile nations  the normal outcome of which would have ended his candidacy  was instead given a stand-down order," Elliott further tweeted.

(Related: According to House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, the Biden Crime Family has accepted at least $30 million in illegal bribery payments from foreign entities  that we know of.)

The entire Biden Crime Family belongs in prison, if only justice was still an American value

Now that Twitter under Elon Musk has done away with character limits, Elliott tweeted a lot of damning information just about the Biden Crime Family that exposes this banana republic we are now living under as an illegitimate, fraudulent police state.

"The FBI & IRS wanted to search Biden's house in September 2020 but were given a stand down order," Elliott further revealed, "The [FBI] authenticated Hunter's laptop a year before the NYPost first reported on its contents."

"Rather than use the laptop's voluminous documentation of myriad felonies to initiate criminal investigations, the FBI hatched a plot to warn social media companies of an imminent 'hack & leak' operation of what they heavily suggested was Russian disinformation."

As you may recall, the entire 2016 "Russia collusion" hoax lobbed at then-candidate Donald Trump was used as a rationale for "meddling" in the 2020 election and handing the "victory" over to Biden.

It has since been exposed that the Durham probe was "essentially an extension of the Clinton campaign," to quote Elliott. And yet said report and the 2020 election outcome it created still stands.

FBI corruption in keeping up the facade and maintaining appearances continues with the corrupt federal agency ordering media reporters at major newspapers not to probe anyone from the Biden Crime Family, including the "big guy" himself.

The FBI also "established a beachhead inside Twitter" to do much the same on social media "with an operations center of former agents who communicated via their own dedicated [S]lack channel.

"These ex-agents included Jim Baker, the FBI's former top counsel who played a central role in the FBI's Trump / Russia scam, as well as Comey's former chief of staff, Dawn Burton, who started the FBI's Russia collusion probe," Elliott explains.

The CIA is also involved, having colluded with the Biden campaign to seed disinformation claiming that the existence of Hunter Biden's laptop "was itself Russian disinformation."

"The major media used this as a pretext to avoid reporting on its contents and instead attack those who were," Elliott says.

In short, anything the deep state does not like or approve of being publicly reported has been dubbed as "Russian disinformation" since the time of Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. The question remains: will justice ever prevail over this travesty?

More of the latest news about the blatant political corruption that rules the world right now can be found at Corruption.news.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

Newstarget.com
Confidential documents reveal THOUSANDS of deaths from Pfizer-BioNTech covid jabs back when manufacturers claimed no safety signals

At a time when vaccine manufacturers were all insisting that there were no "safety signals" associated with their various Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) injections, Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech maintained "confidential" documentation admitting thatof people had already died from getting jabbed with their mRNA poison jabs.

The documentation, which was handed over to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) last year, the European equivalent of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), contains damning information showing that Fauci Flu shots are anything but "safe and effective" as publicly claimed.

Just like what happens in the United States, the European public was never informed about these very serious safety signals, which the EMA apparently did not even know about until somewhat recently.

Dated Aug. 18, 2022, and marked "confidential," the documents show that cumulatively during the clinical trials and post-marketing period between Dec. 19,2021, and June 18, 2022, known as the "PSUR #3 period," a total of 4,964,106 adverse events were recorded. An appendix was also included outlining further specifics about these adverse events.

In children under the age of 18, there were thousands of serious adverse events and 189 recorded deaths. None of this was made public, meaning parents who signed their children up for mRNA injections at the recommendation or order of the government had no idea their children could become seriously disabled or die from the shots.

(Related: Did you catch Report 71 from the Pfizer documents showing horrific drug industry crimes against humanity?)

The more we dig for truth, the more Big Pharma and its fraud machine crumble

The documents include data collected between Dec. 19, 2021, and June 18, 2022, known as the "PSUR #3 period." They also include cumulative data on adverse events and deaths that occurred during clinical trials and all throughout the post-marketing period beginning in December 2020 when then-President Trump launched Operation Warp Speed.

At the time when Pfizer-BioNTech submitted these documents to the EMA, it was still claiming that there were no safety signals and that its mRNA shots have an over 91 percent "efficacy" rate.

"These adverse event reports are 'off the charts,' with myocarditis reports at over 10,000 and pericarditis reports at over 9,000," commented Brian Hooker, PhD, PE, senior director of science and research for Children's Health Defense (CHD) about the revelations.

"Historically, we know that this would be an under-ascertainment of the actual numbers. It is criminal for the EMA to keep this vaccine on the market."

Commentator and author Daniel Horowitz also chimed in that, according to his own analysis, the percentage of adverse events classified as serious is "well above the standard for safety signals usually pegged at 15 percent."

We know that women reported adverse events at three times the rate of men. Sixty percent of cases were reported with either "outcome unknown" or "not recovered," suggesting that many of the injuries "were not transient," according to Horowitz.

Up to July 18, 2022, there were 3,280 fatalities recorded among jab recipients, a shocking figure in light of the false claims made by Pfizer-BioNTech, the rest of the drug industry, and the government about their alleged safety and effectiveness.

Horowitz added that these documents "show that Pfizer knew about a sickening level of injury early on," and yet continued to distribute the injections all around the world to unsuspecting victims.

While not part of the court-ordered release of the so-called "Pfizer documents," these "confidential" documents are part of a pharmacovigilance documents request made by the EMA.

Stemming from "a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request from an anonymous reader," the documents were procured to an Austrian scientist and politics blog called TKP. They were subsequently published on March 4.

The latest news about Big Pharma corruption and crimes against humanity can be found at Genocide.news.

Sources for this article include:

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

Newstarget.com
House Committee passes rule banning Pentagon from funding pro-censorship organizations

In a move to limit the influence of organizations involved in rating or indirectly causing online censorship, the House Armed Services Committee has greenlighted a regulation that forbids the Pentagon from allocating funds to such entities. This development took place during the early hours of Thursday when the committee approved the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.

(Article by Dan Frieth republished from ReclaimTheNet.org)

The amendment was introduced by Republican Representative Rich McCormick of Georgia. The amendment specifically names the Global Disinformation Index (GDI), Graphika, NewsGuard, and their kin as prohibited from accessing Pentagon funds. These organizations, with the stated goal of flagging and assessing online content for disinformation, have been on the receiving end of criticism that argues that their rating systems are tainted by bias.

Rep. McCormick made his position clear when he expressed satisfaction with the passage of his amendment, stating, Proud to pass my amendment that prohibits the Department of Defense from contracting with any one of a number of misinformation or disinformation monitors that rate news and information sources. While these media monitors claim to be nonpartisan, the reality is they are not.

In practical terms, the amendment prohibits the Department of Defense from engaging with or financing any entity that actively partakes in advising censorship or blacklisting of news sources on grounds that may be subjective or politically biased. Furthermore, advertising and marketing agencies, which the Department of Defense relies upon for recruitment campaigns, must affirm that they do not avail the services of these types of organizations.

Read more at: ReclaimTheNet.org
CONFIRMED: Hunter Biden demanded money from CCP-linked businessman via WhatsApp while sitting next to dad Joe

It is official : Hunter Biden demanded money from a Communist Chinese Party (CCP)-linked businessman in 2017 through WhatsApp while "sitting" next to Joe, his father.

This was confirmed by Chris Clark, Hunter attorney, just one day after the House Ways and Means Committee released Internal Revenue Service (IRS) whistleblower testimony that Hunter used his close proximity to Joe as a cudgel to get what he wanted from the Chinese businessman.

Clark released a carefully crafted statement that aims to distance Joe from his son's scandal by framing Hunter as some kind of victim in all this.

"The DOJ investigation covered a period which was a time of turmoil and addiction for my client," Clark wrote about the Department of Justice's work on the matter.

"Any verifiable words or actions of my client in the midst of a horrible addiction are solely his own and have no connection to anyone in his family."

(Related: Nearly 10,000 photos from Hunter Biden's laptop have been published online showing his criminality.)

How much longer will the Biden Crime Family get away with treason?

The same day that Clark released this statement, Breitbart News reported that the Biden Crime Family received $5.1 million in cash payments within just 10 days of Hunter demanding it of the CCP-linked businessman via WhatApp.

Said businessman worked closely with a Chinese energy conglomerate called CEFC Energy, according to a 2020 Senate report on the Biden Crime Family.

On Aug. 4, 2017, CEFC Infrastructure Investment (U.S.) LLC, a subsidiary of Ye Jianming's CEFC China Energy Company, sent Owasco, Hunter's law firm, a $100,000 payment that was identified for "potential criminal financial activity."

Four days later on August 8, CEFC Infrastructure Investment wired $5 million to the bank account for Hudson West III, these funds potentially having originated from a loan issued from the account of a Hong Kong-based investment company called Northern International Capital Holdings (NICH).

NICH was, at one time, a "substantial shareholder" in CEFC International Limited, though it is unclear whether Hunter was half-owner of Hudson West III at the time this massive payment was made.

What we do know is that starting on August 8 all the way through to Sept. 25, 2018, Hudson West III sent frequent payments to Owasco, all of them described as "consulting fees." These alleged "consulting fees" amounted to $4,790,375.25 in just over one year.

Investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reportedly sought out location data to confirm that Pedo Joe was in the room with Hunter at the time he messaged the CCP-linked businessman. So far, there is no indication that the FBI was successful in this endeavor, though there is strong speculation.

"Investigators wanted to get the location data to confirm Joe Biden was in the room when Hunter used him as leverage but there is no confidence the FBI obtained that data," tweeted the GOP House Oversight Committee about the matter.

According to whistleblowers, Assistant U.S. Attorney Lesley Wolf blocked U.S. Attorney David Weiss from asking any questions about an email found on Hunter's laptop detailing a business deal with CEFC that mentioned: "Ten hold by H for the big guy," the "big guy" presumably referring to Pedo Joe.

These same whistleblowers claimed that Wolf stopped questioning about "the big guy" in order to prevent the investigation from moving in the direction of implicating Pedo Joe in the scandal.

It is widely believed that the 10 percent "held by H for the big guy" refers to Pedo Joe and the 10 percent cut he was to receive from CEFC, which is controlled by State Energy HK Limited, a company tied to the $1.3 million in collective payments that were made to members of the Biden Crime Family.

The latest news about the Biden Crime Family can be found at Treason.news.

Sources for this article include:

Breitbart.com

Newstarget.com
A newly published poll conducted by NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist indicates that an increasing number of Americans are rejecting the concept of gender fluidity. According to the survey, 61 percent of Americans now hold the view that a person's gender should align with the sex listed on his or her original birth certificate. This figure represents a 10 percent increase from the previous year.

The poll also delved into Americans' perspectives on gender transition-related healthcare. Results show that 45 percent of the respondents believe that only adults aged 18 or older should have access to such healthcare. Meanwhile, 31 percent believe that adults over 18 and minors with parental consent should be allowed access, while 23 percent believe that no one, regardless of age, should have access to gender transition-related healthcare.

A breakdown of the responses along party lines demonstrates that a majority of Republicans, 52 percent, favor restricting gender transition-related healthcare to adults over 18. Additionally, 37 percent of Republicans support a complete ban on such healthcare. On the other hand, 51 percent of Democrats support access to gender transition-related healthcare for adults over 18 and minors with parental consent. Another 34 percent of Democrats advocate for this healthcare exclusively for adults over 18.

The findings demonstrate that societal attitudes can fluctuate and swing back toward a more morally grounded foundation. The survey also suggests that the majority of the public is ready to return to a Christian spiritual and moral framework, viewing it as the answer to addressing societal challenges.

Transgender movement has gone too far

The growing resistance to LGBT normalization can be associated with what some describe as "LGBT fatigue." Critics argue that the continuous bombardment of LGBT messages across various media platforms and the perceived imposition of these ideas in educational and workplace settings have contributed to public disillusionment.

A separate poll conducted by McLaughlin & Associates in collaboration with Summit Ministries shows that the majority of American voters feel that the transgender movement has crossed a line by encouraging underage minors to undergo drugs and surgery to transition to the opposite sex. (Related: Chicago's school LGBT grooming scandal is a wake-up call for America.)

The poll reveals that 65 percent of respondents agree that the transgender movement has gone too far, while 21 percent disagree. The remaining 14 percent are not sure. Even among left-wing or Democratic partisans, 42 to 49 percent agree with the statement. Among Republicans or conservatives, 80-87 percent agree with the statement.

Pieces of evidence suggest that the transgender movement is already crossing societal boundaries in terms of propriety, decency and morality. For instance, school districts in various states, including Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, facilitate gender transitions for students while keeping parents uninformed.

Activists have established a comprehensive framework within schools, including curriculum, questionnaires, counselor training and provisions of cross-dressing materials to influence children's gender identity without parental knowledge.

The backlash against the LGBT agenda has also extended to the younger generation. In the recent "Pride" event in Massachusetts middle school, many students chose to wear red, white and blue instead of the traditional rainbow colors associated with LGBT pride.

As the cultural pendulum swings back, the increasing rejection of gender fluidity and the search for a moral compass indicate a broader societal reflection on the consequences of embracing LGBT ideology without critical examination.

Visit Gender.news for more news about gender issues.

Watch this news clip about Americans rising up against "woke" companies.

This video is from the NewsClip channel on Brighteon.com.
Study: AI can predict peoples POLITICAL VIEWS by simply looking at their faces

Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms can predict a person's political ideology just by looking at their facial characteristics , according to a new study.

Researchers from Denmark and Sweden tested out this theory by utilizing a computational neural networks, algorithms that mimic the structure and function of human brains. They then trained the Face API from Microsoft, which made use of such a network, to analyze thousands of human pictures. The results of their study were published in Scientific Reports last March.

Study first author Stig Hebbelstrup Rye Rasmussen of Aarhus University and his colleagues also utilized Face API to measure the emotional state of the photos' subjects. The program also looked into other algorithms to determine the attractiveness and masculinity of the candidates.

They found that when analyzing a person's picture, the AI method of deep learning can determine a person's political belief with 61 percent accuracy. Right-wing politicians were more likely to have happy facial expressions in photos. In contrast, people with neutral facial expressions were more likely to identify as left-wing.

The paper also found that more attractive female politicians were more likely conservative. However, attractiveness and masculinity for men were not tied to political ideology.

"Most clearly we see that both male and female right-wing composites appeared happier than their left-wing counterparts," the piece also found. It added that women who showed contempt on their faces were more likely left-leaning, albeit noting this as a rare occurrence.

"Our results confirmed the threat to privacy posed by deep learning approaches," the researchers wrote. "Using a pre-developed and readily available network that was trained and validated exclusively on publicly available data, we were able to predict the ideology of the pictured person roughly 60 percent of the time in two samples."

While links between attractiveness and political ideology are nothing new, the study's findings reveal how powerful AI can be at deducing that information. This, the paper's authors wrote, "confirmed the threat to privacy posed by deep learning approaches."

Byron York: AI is a serious political issue

Byron York, chief political correspondent for the Washington Examiner, remarked that the study may not be the most serious paper on the matter ever published. But given its topic, he warned that AI could impact the political arena  most especially the 2024 presidential elections. (Related: We must stop militant liberals from politicizing artificial intelligence.)

"The implication is conservatives are happier [and] better looking, and so conservatives think it's a great study. Liberals don't think so much as it can only determine the [political affiliation] by 61 percent of the time, meaning four out of 10 times is going to be wrong," York said during an appearance on "The Evening Edit" on Fox Business.

"This study maybe is not the most serious thing in the world. But AI is a serious issue in politics. There are serious issues behind AI in pretty much every area of life, and politics is one of those areas."

According to the journalist, AI could lead to some sort of discrimination against people from a political viewpoint as artificial intelligence in terms of creating deep fakes and fake videos for use and in political ads is a big deal. He cited how the the Republican National Committee (RNC) created an advertisement using AI-generated images months ago. The said ad presented that if incumbent President Joe Biden is reelected, the city of San Francisco would collapse and the southern U.S. border would be overrun by illegal immigrants.

"They did actually create images suggesting those things and it was all AI. So, it is something that both probably industry and government are going to have to address. And I think that you're going to get some of the candidates addressing that issue in the campaign," York said.

Check out FutureTech.news for more stories about AI.

Watch the full interview of Byron York on "Evening Edit" below.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

EXTREME SCENARIOS: Artificial intelligence could revolutionize tech sector forever  or wipe out the human race.

Facial recognition tech deployed at Chinese gas stations  people on social credit blacklist can't refuel.

TSA's use of FACIAL RECOGNITION tech in US airports rouses privacy concerns.

Fairway grocers in NYC now using facial recognition to profile customers.

Sources include:

FoxNews.com

Nature.com

BusinessInsider.com

Brighteon.com
New WaPo CEO Patricia Q. Stonesifer attended secret overpopulation meeting with Bill Gates, George Soros and Oprah

Patricia Q. Stonesifer, the new CEO of attended a secret meeting of billionaires who converged to discuss "how their wealth could be used to slow the growth of the world's population."

A number of media sources including The Times of London and NBC News confirmed that Stonesifer attended the secret "overpopulation" meeting alongside billionaire eugenicists Bill Gates, George Soros, Michael Bloomberg, CNN founder Ted Turner, David Rockefeller Sr., and even media guru Oprah Winfrey  all of these being members of the 2009 conflab known as "the Good Club."

The overall sentiment at the secret meeting is that overpopulation is "a priority" that must be dealt with, in one way through the "vaccines" offered by the Gates-run Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, also known as GAVI.

Through "better reproductive healthcare," to quote Gates, the global population can remain capped at 8.3 billion  and possibly even decrease if they do a good enough job with "vaccines" and targeted abortion campaigns.

(Related: Last summer, WaPo ran a story claiming that LGBT drag queen shows for children are "family-friendly.")

Globalists like Stonesifer want a new world all to their greedy selves

Stonesifer fits into all this in that she used to work with Gates at Microsoft, having helped launch MSNBC during her time there back in the 1990s. Stonesifer also helped found the infamous Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, as well as employed Joe Biden's niece while working as a Microsoft executive.

Stonesifer is cut from the same cloth as Gates, in other words, who continues to pour vast sums of money into the likes of the Planned Parenthood Federation, the goal of which is to massively depopulate the world through baby murder.

Through his Gates Foundation, Gates has been instrumental in condemning the overthrow of Roe v. Wade last year, this move being a bellwether of how leftists plan to continue responding to the outlawing of abortion in a growing number of states as well as all around the world.

All in all, Stonesifer and the other globalists in attendance at the secret meeting NBCNews.com have contributed more than $72.5 billion since 1996 not to causes that actually help people, but rather to ones that end people's lives, often discreetly and under different guises.

The corporate-controlled media continues to call these people "philanthropists," for instance, even though the only benefactors of their efforts are themselves. These people are genocidal maniacs and murderers, though you will only hear that truth told by the independent media.

According to IrishCentral.com, a New York-based website that discusses issues pertaining to Irish Americans, each "philanthropist" in attendance at the secret meeting was given 15 minutes to talk about "how they saw the future global economic climate, the future priorities for philanthropy, and what they felt the elite group should do."

Also in attendance at the secret meeting was Eli Broad, a real estate investor; Julian H. Robertson Jr., a hedge fund manager; and, of course, Stonesifer, the former CEO of the Gates Foundation.

"Their goals are Satanic in principle," one commenter wrote about Stonesifer, Gates, and their ilk. "Satan (and probably the demons) were cast into the lake of fire in the 1st century and have been powerless ever since."

They might be powerless but these demonic legions are still inspiring Stonesifer, Gates, Soros, and all the rest to do their bidding. And by reading their newspapers, visiting their websites, and supporting their foundations, you, too, are doing their bidding  so don't.

The corporate-controlled media is controlled by and infested with genocidal maniacs who want you and your family gone from the planet. Learn more at Genocide.news.

Sources for this article include:

TheNationalPulse.com

NaturalNews.com

NBCNews.com
At the 5G Business Dialogue Salon at Mobile World Congress 2023 in Shanghai, Wang Wensheng, General Manager of China Mobile Hangzhou, delivered a speech exploring the innovative practices of 5G Cities.

Hangzhou is considered China Mobiles leading 5G City, and Wang explained its blueprint for 5G business development in his speech, entitled 5G City: A Digital, Intelligent Future Built on Innovation.

With a resident population of 12.38 million, Hangzhou is an international metropolis with around 10.63 million mobile phone users, 3 million wired broadband users, and 800,000 gigabit broadband users. Wang notes that since 2018, the number of connected IoT devices in the city has exceeded the number of human customers, and now sits at around 30 million. Average daily traffic volumes are over 9000 TB, placing Hangzhou squarely in the top tier cities in China by this metric alongside Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Beijing and Shanghai.

Broadly, we consider that commercial 5G launched in China in 2019, but Wang noted that Hangzhou began exploring the technology during the 4G era, as early as 2012. With support from China Mobile and Huawei, Hangzhou became Chinas first 4G city, and Wang underlined that this cooperation between the operator and vendor has extended into the 5G era, with the companies launching the world's first 3GPP 5G site in March 2018 and beginning large-scale trial commercial construction in the same year.

Since the first commercial use of 5G in 2019, China Mobile has been at the forefront of Hangzhou's strategic extension from a leading 5G city to a dual 5G city, and then to a ubiquitous gigabit city and a dual 10G city. In the year since, we have seen the worlds largest 5G SA was put into large-scale commercial use in 2020, while the following year Huawei won three mobile network quality awards from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology as well as procuring contracts for the first batch of "gigabit cities". In April 2022, 5G VoNR was launched nationwide, and in the first half of 2023 Hangzhou took the global lead by completing 5G-A rate verification, officially launching the "Double 10 Gigabit City". Hangzhou is also showing strong 5G business development indicators, with over 20,000 5G base stations and 6.3 million 5G customers  a penetration rate of 60% - accounting for 65% of total data traffic.

Wang explained that China Mobile drives leadership across five key areas: networks, technology, operations, applications, and ecosystems. Building core network advantages involves a foundation of planning and moderate advances, allowing the operator to build out ubiquitous 5G gigabit networks to achieve continuous coverage. Multi-band collaboration strengthens the network layout, with networks built across the 700 MHz, 2.6 GHz, and 4.9 GHz bands depending on the population density. Distributed D-MIMO technology is used to improve the overall network performance, and the network uses high- and low-frequency hierarchical networking and distributed micro base stations to reduce indoor and outdoor interference. Additionally, China Mobile was able to achieve parity between urban and rural areas by upgrading 4G D-band equipment and preferentially deploying 5G 700M networks.

Wang also talked up the importance of multi-method collaboration to construct greener networks, using solutions such as base station resource combination, CRAN, and outdoor reconstruction to simplify sites. Deploying power-saving technologies enables a reduction in the energy consumption of 5G sites by 20%, contributing to energy conservation, emission reduction, and low-carbon life.

In terms of technology leadership, innovation is crucial  particularly in the face of a new challenge. This year, Hangzhou will host the Asian Games, and as an official partner, China Mobile worked with Huawei to deploy the world's first flexible self-breathing network in the event venues. The concept of the self-breathing network allows for distributed extreme coverage across the various areas of the venue, whether the grandstand, functions area, or distribution area. The network dynamically adjusts the stadium capacity by 1 to 2.4 times, further improving the capacity and ensuring no blind spots, flexible capacity, resource scheduling, and high-quality experience.

Wang discussed the pursuit of the ultimate ubiquitous 5G experience, noting that China Mobile was the first to MetaAAU ultra-large-scale antenna arrays which combine software, hardware, and innovative intelligent algorithms to more accurately direct traffic channel beams to users. The transmit power of the base station is increased by 2 dB, the coverage area is increased by 20%, and the power consumption of the base station is reduced by 20%. Network performance and energy saving are achieved in a unified manner. China Mobile is also deploying three-carrier aggregation (.6G 100M, 2.6G 60M, 4.9G 100M) to improve the network rate. In populous areas such as Hangzhous famous West Lake, the operator uses 5G three-carrier aggregation technology to increase the downlink peak rate from 1.6 Gbit/s to 3.8 Gbit/s during the busiest hours of the traffic, more than twice the pre-aggregation period.

China Mobile was also the first to launch 5G standalone (SA) cloud networks and therefore to commercialize the new 5G VoNR call, which achieves ultra-low call latency, ultra-high audio quality, and ultra-HD image quality, bringing users an immersive and interactive new communication experience.

In pursuit of operations leadership, China Mobile is strategizing to increase the proportion of 5G traffic on its network by focusing on the three key elements of "machine, suite, and network". The operator aims to expand 5G users, strengthen 5G services, and enhance 5G camping, giving equal importance to quantity and quality to accelerate 5G development. By analyzing network login rates, traffic growth and residence ratios, China Mobile has been able to develop a 5G distribution map covering Hangzhou and enabling it to identify weaker coverage areas to focus on increasing the proportion of 5G traffic.

In terms of leading applications, China Mobile uses 5G+ to enable economic and social transformation across industries. The operator is accelerating the construction of a new information service system to allow traditional industries to re-create digital intelligence. Based on its 5G+ network computing capabilities, China Mobile has built an application benchmark covering various fields in Hangzhou. In the 5G+ industry field, China Mobile is working with Geely Automobile, Zhongce Rubber, and Boss Electrical Appliances to jointly promote the construction of 5G fully connected factories and future factories. In the field of 5G+ medical treatment, the operator has joined forces with Zhejiang University Affiliated Hospital to create the first 5G pre-hospital emergency system integrated with air, water and land in China, and the 5G digital neurosurgery aerial operating room for the Asian Games. In the 5G+ education field, China Mobile has signed 5G strategic cooperation agreements with more than 10 universities, including Zhejiang University, and took the lead in deploying the first batch of 5G dual-domain private networks in Zhejiang University and Zhejiang University City College. The dedicated campus security network based on "5G + edge computing" directly crosses traditional complex processes such as VPN dial-up, enabling teachers and students to access intranet resources more quickly and securely. The Hangzhou Asian Games will be held in September, and as the official partner, China Mobile has participated in the creation of the Smart Asian Games Gold Card which has multiple application innovations, including 5G new calls, 5G+8K live broadcast, and Metacosmic venues. The 5G Smart Venues event also won the first prize in the finals of the Global Internet Competition.

As early as 2018, China Mobile launched the regional 5G industry alliance to jointly unveil Hangzhou's "5G City, signing 5G strategic cooperation contracts with all 13 district, county (city) governments in Hangzhou, 10 leading enterprises in the industry, and 20 small towns with special characteristics. The operator aims to build a new 5G ecosystem featuring resource sharing, ecological symbiosis, mutual benefit and win-win development in an all-round way. It has established three innovation bases are the China Mobile 5G Joint Innovation Center, China (Hangzhou) 5G Innovation Park, and China (Hangzhou) 5G Innovation Valley, which are oriented to enterprises in the upstream and downstream of the industry chain to jointly promote 5G information sharing, industry exchange, and marketing. Additionally, the operator aims to develop nine industry platform capabilities, including industrial Internet, smart city, and 5G private network operation, and comprehensively enable application innovation.

In the industry field, Hangzhou Mobile is focusing on incubating three emerging industries: the People's Federation, the IoT Federation and the Vehicle Federation.

For the People's Federation, the operator is promoting the upgrade of audio-visual experience from 2D to 3D immersive interactive experience. As the Asian Games approach, the operator has launched cloud games based on 10G technology in support of the competition, offering naked-eye 3D experiences and immersive, exciting, and interactive meta-universe experiences.

In terms of the IoT industry, the operator has completed the commercial use of the RedCap technology in collaboration with the smart power and smart security industries. The Smart Power pilot conducted with Huawei is the world's first end-to-end commercial use of the RedCap technology in the 5G+electric power scenario. The test results prove that RedCap is expected to become the standard configuration for power wireless business; in the future, we will explore commercial scenarios of passive IoT technologies in smart warehousing and smart logistics, and further lead industry standards and product definitions.

In terms of the car industry, combined with the Asian Games, Hangzhou Mobile has built a 5G-A Asian Games boutique experience circle with synaesthesia capabilities, highlighting the application of the car "black technology" in the intelligent Asian Games field. Based on the 5G-A synaesthesia convergence technology, we will incubate benchmark applications related to smart transportation for the intelligent connected automobile industry in the future, improve transportation efficiency, and accelerate the development of the IoV industry.

Facing the future, Hangzhou Mobile will continue to work with industry partners to innovate and jointly light up the "double 10 trillion city". The operator has completed the technical verification of 5G-A and F5G-A and is carrying out the "dual 10GE" capability building for wireless and wired networks.
A tragic incident killed a 27-year-old man in Western Nebraska after lightning hit him while trying to check on cattle, making him the second lightning-related fatality in the state since 2006.

The National Weather Service (NWS) recently reported that Lightning Safety Awareness Week reminded Americans to be extra careful of lightning. Lightning could result in death or a dangerous situation,

Man died from lightning in Western Nebraska

According to Accuweather, a man from Western Nebraska, 27, he suffered from a lightning strike. He tried to check on cattle after he was hit.

The report explained that severe thunderstorms, including the Southwest, could likely unload in portions of Nebraska.

Furthermore, the National Lightning Safety Council report explained that the latest lightning death recorded the sixth lightning death in the country. In Nebraska, the data showed that it would be the second fatality in the state.

Recently, AccuWeather also reported that a boy was struck by lightning in Texas while walking home. The boy, later on, died from lightning injuries.

According to the report, the victim was identified as Grayson Boggs, 6 years old and from Valley Mills, Texas.

Before the victim died, he went into a coma in the intensive care unit. The report said that Grayson Boggs suffered from brain damage.

The victim tried to survive for several weeks.

Lightning safety

The National Weather Service (NWS) reported lightning safety tips to prevent injuries and damages from lightning strikes.

According to the advisory, people should immediately seek shelter, staying inside a secured area for at least 30 minutes.

Also Read: South-Central US Heatwaves: Scorching Heat to Unfold in Texas Until Weekend

Furthermore, the advisory added that people should avoid electronic materials or near the power lines when lightning strikes occur.

Meanwhile, the American Red Cross explained that thunderstorms could result in a dangerous situation, which could lead to death. Lightning strikes could also impact power lines.

Red Cross added the importance of preparedness to react to challenging weather and lightning immediately. The report noted the importance of staying updated with the weather conditions, especially for possible severe thunderstorms.

The advisory said that multiple information could help homeowners to become aware of the challenging weather conditions.

Furthermore, homeowners should also keep emergency kits when severe thunderstorms unfold. Power outages are possible.

The recommended emergency kits are battery-powered flashlights, radios, bottled water, extra batteries, mobile phones, bottled water, non-perishable goods and medicines.

It is also best that people should keep away from water when thunder roars. When the weather could unleash severe thunderstorms in your area, it is best to reschedule your outdoor activities or travel.

Severe thunderstorms could result in heavy rain, damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes. The challenging weather could cause possible injuries and damages.

Homeowners should also check their homes for possible repairs or if the roof could handle the severe weather conditions.

Related Article: Tropical Rainstorm Cindy Updates: Bermuda, Atlantic Canada Likely to Experience Localized Downpours

For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature World News.
Heatwaves are a growing weather and climatic phenomenon in the past several decades, characterized by above-average temperatures in a particular area, region, or even continent. Previous related events had been marked by sweltering heat deemed by experts as potentially life-threatening, as observed in heat-related deaths in western North America in recent years. This year, heatwaves were also observed in Asia.

Asia is seeing the occurrence of potentially dangerous heatwaves, according to meteorological reports. This is based on scorching temperatures seen in several countries in recent months, including Bangladesh, China, India, Pakistan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Multiple fatalities have also been reported, including in India's Uttar Pradesh state this year alone.

The Asia heatwave threat is not a novel case but rather a continuance of a decades-long global emergency crisis, manifesting from a warming planet and changing climate. In recent years, climate scientists have correlated heatwave, also called heat domes, with the ongoing 'climate crises mainly caused by anthropogenic activities like greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel burning.

Asia Heatwave Alert

Heatwave in Asia is becoming more evident as temperatures have increased significantly in recent weeks and months, according to reports.

In India, the brunt of the extreme heat has been linked to the deaths of at least 44 deaths in the state of Uttar Pradesh, a health official told CNN.

In China, temperatures in the northeast are expected to remain high, as some cities recorded above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), according to the country's meteorological observatory, as cited by AccuWeather.

In Vietnam, increased demand for electricity and decreased hydropower production in the country forced some cities to save energy consumption amid a raging heat wave in late May.

Also Read: Heatwaves in Inner East Asia Including Mongolia are Causing Irreversibly Drier and Hotter Conditions of Climate

What is a Heatwave?

Heatwave, also spelled heat wave or known as extreme heat, is a period of "unusually hot weather." It normally lasts for two or more days. Temperatures should exceed the historical average of a particular area for it to be considered as such, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Meteorologists and scientists in general monitor the said phenomenon by identifying 'heat anomalies' in each area, appearing as red and other associated colors, based from the NOAA. This is observed when temperatures exceed a normal temperature in a wide area for a prolonged period. The more an area is red means the above-average temperature is also higher.

Heatwave Deaths

Extreme heat, as mentioned earlier, has been linked by weather authorities before with heat-related deaths, particularly caused by heat stroke, dehydration, and among others.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 166,000 people died from heatwaves between 1998 and 2017, including more than 70,000 people who died during the 2003 European heatwave. The WHO also blames climate change for the increasing population exposure to heat.

From 2000 to 2016, the number of exposed populations to extreme heat spiked by around 125 million, the international health body adds.

Related Article: Challenging Heatwaves Unfold in Parts of Southeast Asia
Avocets, a protected species, successfully hatched in the Seaton Wetlands in the UK for the first time in 176 years. Officials at the time did their utmost to keep the area's water levels stable from the brooding stage until the hatchlings began moving around.

Avocet Chicks in Seaton Wetlands UK

New hatchlings have been reported at Seaton Wetlands, and this is undoubtedly an exciting development as avocet chicks were born on Monday, June 26, marking the first time in 176 years that a family unit has been seen in Devon.

The avocet parents arrived in the spring, went out foraging, mated, and by early June had settled down and started a nest. The Wetlands team meticulously watched the birds as they settled down on an island to ensure their success.

Avocets are highly recognizable birds, both sexes having strikingly distinct markings on their black and white pied plumage, long, pale blue legs, and narrow, upturned bills. They decided to build their nests on an island with little vegetation. Both birds kept a sharp eye out for potential predators, which are plentiful in the local nature reserve, according to East Devon District Council.

Kept Secret, Maintained Water Levels, and Protected

It has been maintained a closely-kept secret until the hatching because there are so many risky aspects that could disrupt the incubation time.

James Chubb, the Countryside Manager for East Devon District Council, explained that while the female sat firmly on the eggs, the male avocet would stand guard on the island's northernmost point. Anything less than a Canada goose was not let through. Crows are prevalent in the area, according to Chubb, and they weren't even allowed in the air over the nest.

Chubb stated that while the Countryside Team may be on the lookout for willful or careless human disturbance, it was up to the birds to defend themselves against natural predators.

During the incubation period, the team also maintained the lagoon's water levels as high as possible to give protection from predators like foxes and stoats, BBC News reports.

The leader of the East Devon District Council, Councilor Paul Arnott, stated that the admin has consistently backed and protected the environment. The council continues to invest in the cherished nature areas near East Devon because it recognizes the value of protecting wildlife and their natural habitats.

Arnott extended his gratitude to all the employees and volunteers in East Devon who made this possible and expressed his joy at seeing that efforts have paid off with the nesting of this famous wetlands species.

Also Read: Flamingos in Spain Driven Away From the Wetlands By Prolonged Drought

Black Hole Marsh to Attract Avocets

As part of East Devon District Council's ambitious Seaton Wetlands series of nature reserves, Black Hole Marsh was established in 2008 with assistance from the Environment Agency, demonstrating the District Council's commitment to nature recovery at an extremely early stage.

Strategic strategies to draw avocets have long been in place, according to Cllr Geoff Jung, Portfolio Holder for Coast, Country, and Environment at East Devon District Council. Winter sightings of these species have been documented often throughout that time. After fifteen years, seeing the species reproduce is now an amazing experience.

Jung claims that because the lagoon was wholly artificial, it was created to offer excellent bird-feeding possibilities as well as good views from the hides in addition to the vantage points. A wooden causeway leads to the central island hide, which is surrounded by birds and has a variety of vegetation, and is accessible from several islands.

Guests and bird watchers have the opportunity to visit Seaton Wetlands to observe the avocets' development for themselves, Visit Sidmouth reports.

Related Article: Endangered Bobolink Birds Found in 4th of July Fireworks Site Amesbury, Display Postponed
Two parasitic snubnosed eels were discovered inside the heart of a male mako shark in 1997, but there was no sign of how they got there.

Scientists have occasionally found the snubnosed eel, a parasite that is uncommon but yet possible to be seen in the hearts, cavities, and organs of sharks. The picture has been repeatedly tweeted by many platform users since.

#25DaysofFishmas In 1992 a shortfin mako shark was found with two snubnosed eels nestled in its heart. While normally scavengers that use their short strong jaws to rip chunks off of carcasses, the species is also reported to lodge itself in the abdomens and gills of larger fish. pic.twitter.com/eWCj9dTyrc  Richard_Carr (@EmuLarge) December 26, 2019

Parasitic Snubnosed Eel in Mako Shark Heart

In one instance from 1997, a huge shortfin mako shark was opened up to show two eels that were swollen with shark blood and nestled inside the heart of the animal.

These situations are intriguing since the eels, the sole species in their genus, are not necessarily parasites. They can live as an eel would on the ocean floor, basically scrounging the dead remnants of marine species.

But Snubnosed eels also enjoy digging into the flesh of bigger fish. In this case, a huge dead shark, 395kg, that was foul-hooked on a longline was the target.

According to Fishing with Rod, the term "foul hooked" refers to a fish that has been hooked somewhere other than its mouth. When a fish gets foul-hooked in British Columbia, it must be released gently. Keeping a fish with a foul hook is prohibited. Snagging, the act of attempting to foul hook or purposefully foul hooking a fish, is also prohibited.

The shark carcass showed it had spent time dead on the seafloor, as indicated by discoloration. The shark was sliced open the following day by researchers Nancy Kohler who works at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center and Janine Caira from the University of Connecticut.

How Eels Got In

Two young female snubnose eels, with lengths of 8.3 and 9.4 inches, were found by Caira in the shark's heart.

They had been taken from the ocean and placed in cold storage, so it was obvious that they were dead. But before that, they seemed to be in good health. There was also proof that the eels had been happily residing in the dead shark's heart for a while.

The guts of both eels were brimming with blood, indicating that they had been inside the shark for at least sufficiently long to feed, according to a 1997 study that was published in the journal Environmental Biology of Fishes. Both eels were completely filled with clotted blood. In neither eel were any digestive contents, food, or parasites discovered.

Also Read: Pest Outbreaks Worldwide Emerge as Climate Change Triggers Imbalance in Ecosystems

Other proof of their presence was present. The heart of the shark had damage that was absent from the six other shortfin mako sharks whose hearts had not been damaged by eels. Intriguingly, though, the researchers were unable to locate any evidence indicating how the eels managed to enter the shark's heart from outside.

The research team hypothesizes that the shark may have been damaged or killed by the longline hook when the eels discovered it and decided to feast on it.

According to the authors, at or near the moment of its demise, the shortfin mako was hanging from the capture line after being hooked and compromised.

The two snubnose eels approached the shark and burrowed into its body in the same approximate place somewhere near its gills or throat, either immediately before or right after it died. The eels moved into the heart after entering the circulatory system through an afferent artery or ventral aorta. The eels ingested blood at some point throughout this process.

In another incident ten years later, in 2007, several snubnosed eels were once again discovered in a smalltooth sand tiger's heart, body cavity, and muscles, Science Alert reports.

Related Article: New Chemical Pesticide Targets Parasitic Nematodes with Lower Toxicity Risks to Humans, Wildlife
As a result of recent reports of invasive giant African land snail sightings in Florida, three counties have been put under quarantine.

Florida Quarantine Zones

One of the gigantic gastropods was discovered earlier this month in Broward County, which is located just north of Miami. On Monday, state officials declared a 5-square-mile quarantine zone in Broward to attempt and stop the mollusks' spread. Transporting snails, dirt, plants, compost, or building materials is currently prohibited by the quarantine unless prior permission has been granted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services FDACS.

Along with the two others that have already been designated throughout the state-one in Lee County and one in Pasco County-a new quarantine area has been formed.

Florida officials are aiming to completely eliminate the snails in each of these three areas rather than just containing them. The state agriculture department is trying to eliminate the exploding populations of snails by applying the poisonous pesticide metaldehyde, which interferes with the creation of snail slime before the invasive species eat everything else.

Invasive Giant African Land Snail Problem

Huge African land snails are reported to eat more than 500 different kinds of plants, including significant crops including beans, cucumbers, peas, and even melons. According to the US Department of Agriculture, if their favorite food sources aren't available, the snails will fall back to eating nearly every other thing they can get to, including decorative plants, native flora, tree bark, and even the paint and stucco on structures.

The East African continent is home to the fist-sized mollusks, where they are reportedly a delicacy. However, they pose a serious threat to Florida's agricultural sector and the state's ecosystem.

Often, the enormous gastropods leave behind more than just slime trails because the species is home to a parasite known as rat lungworm, which can infect people and lead to meningitis. A person may become ill after consuming a snail infected with rat lungworm or unwashed vegetables tainted with the mucus of an infected snail.

Although many slug and snail species can spread the parasite, gigantic African land snails can be especially troublesome due to their rapid reproduction, absence of natural predators in the state of Florida, and preference for crop plants. According to FDACS, they are one of the worst invasive pests on the earth.

A single snail can lay thousands of eggs annually asexually. By taking rides on cars or in-yard garbage that is being hauled, they can cover large distances at once. When conditions aren't optimal, they can go into stasis and remain underground for up to a year before things become better. Therefore, getting rid of them is an uphill battle but one that Florida has overcome in the past.

Previous Eradication Measures

The state has already dealt with two instances of large African land snails. In Miami's downtown, the species was initially brought to Florida in 1966. By destroying the creatures and their eggs through a $1 million operation, the pests were declared extinct by 1975.

But then the snail was reintroduced in September 2011. According to the USDA, it took another ten years and more than $23 million to rid the area of the snails this time. The species was once more eliminated in 2021.

According to government authorities, the gigantic snail population found in Pasco County in 2022 is not related genetically to the ones that were eliminated from Miami-Dade County the previous year before. The snails in Broward and Lee counties may also be genetically unique.

Also Read: 8,000 Critically Endangered Hawaiian Snails Relocated From Kailua to Pearl City in Hawaii

Introduction to Florida Ecosystem

There are a few possibilities, even if it's not entirely clear where these recently discovered gastropods first appeared.

The USDA speculates that the snails may have been released pet specimens even though keeping giant African land snails as terrarium pets is against the law.

It's also possible that the animals were brought here specifically to be eaten.

The US Customs and Border Protection have previously taken them into custody. At the Detroit airport, authorities recently found six live snails in a suitcase. Alternately, like many invasive species, the newly discovered pests in Florida may have entered the state by accidentally being transported as eggs on imported plant material.

The creatures have been widely introduced throughout the world and may be found in India, China, Southeast Asia, and some regions of South America.

Another possibility is that the previous eradication efforts in Florida may not have been as successful as initially thought, Gizmodo reports.

Related Article: Tiny NZ Mudsnails Infest Tonto Creek in Arizona, Officials Close Area for Biosecurity Protocols
The latest report revealed that the severe weather conditions in the United States caused massive travel disruptions, as 7,000 US flights suffered delays or cancellations.

Recently, portions of the Northeast and Southeastern US experienced severe weather conditions, from damaging winds and heavy rainfall.

Americans with travel plans should observe the weather conditions before planning their trip, as severe weather conditions could result in flight travel disruptions, slower commutes and road delays.

Recently, AccuWeather reported the Central United States could become at risk of severe weather and derecho risks.

Based on the weather outlook through Thursday, the stormy weather outlook is expected to unleash rounds of heavy thunderstorms in Minneapolis, Chicago, Memphis and Kansas City.

Meanwhile, challenging heat conditions and heat domes are forecast in Denver, Wichita, Oklahoma City, Dallas, Austin, Lubbock and El Paso.

Travel delays in the United States

According to CNN's latest report, troublesome storms emerged in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, causing significant travel disruptions in the country.

Travelers had to deal with the brunt of rebooking and waiting for their flights as delays and cancellations continued.

Based on a CNN report and Data from FlightAware, travel disruptions unfolded in the country: 1,600 flights were reported canceled, while 5,400 flights were delayed.

The report noted that airlines had to suffer from the delays. United Airlines recorded 467 flights were canceled while 1,062 flights were delayed.

Meanwhile, Republic Airways recorded 333 flight cancellations. Airports from San Francisco to Orlando recorded 20% of flight delays.

The challenging weather conditions could affect the flight conditions, causing airlines to reschedule flights due to the severe weather outlook.

Americans with travel plans should check the weather conditions before booking this week. It is also best to coordinate with airlines if you suffer from flight delays or cancellations.

Weather in the United States

Severe weather conditions and soaring temperatures continued to grip the country. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), above-normal temperatures are forecast in Texas.

Also Read: Tropical Rainstorm Cindy Updates: Bermuda, Atlantic Canada Likely to Experience Localized Downpours

Furthermore, the NWS Weather Prediction Center reported that troublesome heatwaves are forecast in the South-Central US.

The advisory explained that Thursday's dangerous heat could unfold in Mid-South and Lower Mississippi Valley.

The weather report added that the heat index is forecast to be challenging in the Gulf of Mexico and Southeast Coast portions.

According to the reports, homeowners should avoid outdoor activities and look for cooler areas, as heat could cause health concerns.

Staying safe during the severe weather

The latest forecast noted that travel disruptions are forecast this week due to the severe weather. Travelers should monitor the weather and their flight details.

Furthermore, Americans should also consider rescheduling their travel activities when the weather conditions finally improve, as inclement weather could cause travel headaches.

Before going to the airport, it is best to check your travel plans.

Related Article: Northeastern US Weather Forecast: Stormy, Rainy Pattern to Continue Until Next Week

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The strong rip currents and dangerous surf conditions caused three casualties at Florida Beach, as extreme weather hazards were present.

Beachgoers should be extra careful if they plan to enjoy the beach in Florida. It is best to check the weather conditions before planning your beach activities or outdoor travel.

Recently, severe weather risks were present in portions of the United States, including in the South and the Northeast.

According to CNN and Nature World News (NWN) latest forecasts, the severe weather conditions in the country resulted in widespread travel disruptions.

The reports said that over 7,000 US flights became delayed or canceled due to the severe weather. The data showed that 5,400 flights were delayed, and 1,600 flights were canceled.

Meanwhile, the severe weather conditions could lead to dangerous surf and rip currents, causing life-threatening situations for beachgoers.

Three fatalities on Florida Beach

According to AccuWeather's latest forecast, dangerous weather conditions and surf unfolded in the United States, especially in the Gulf of Mexico.

The report showed that three more tourists suffered from the dangerous surf as they swam o the Gulf of Mexico.

The report explained the growing concerns of increasing fatalities on Panama Beach in Florida despite reminders and warnings from the patrolling lifeguards.

The weather report noted that severe fatalities were recorded on Panama Beach in about nine days, raising concerns over the fatalities in the area.

Beachgoers must become alert while on the beach, observing the safety protocols in swimming. Immediately, beachgoers should go out of water when there is a severe weather outlook.

As per the American Red Cross on rip current safety, the report explained that people should only swim in designated and supervised areas with available or patrolling lifeguards.

Furthermore, the AccuWeather report showed that the Panama City Beach Police Department responded immediately to three separate incidents, but they did not make it.

The report said that seven fatalities were recorded on the Panama City beach from June 15 to June 24.

Beachgoers should not push beach activities when there are warnings and inclement weather conditions. Drowning could become possible.

Beach safety tips

Going to the beach is one of the enjoyable outdoor activities, as the summer season is set and the challenging heat is in the air.

Also Read: Lightning in Western Nebraska Kills 27 Years Old Man While Trying to Check on Cattle

However, the situation could become extremely dangerous due to the severe outlook, bringing damaging winds and rip currents.

Here are essential beach preparedness tips to stay safe.

On the beach, ensure that swimming areas with someone or a lifeguard is present around the room. Monitoring the beach conditions is also helpful before entering or swimming.

If you have young children or kids with you, it is important to watch them to avoid accidents.

Being prepared is vital as severe weather conditions could continue until this week.

Related Article: US Travel Disruptions: Over 7,000 Flights Cancelled Or Delayed Due to Severe Weather Conditions

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A type of shark, Megalodon, was found to be warm-blooded by international researchers through its fossilized teeth.

This characteristic, however, resulted in its extinction.

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences indicated that Otodus Megalodon had body temperature that was significantly higher compared to other sharks.

This means that the mammal has a degree of internal heat production similar to that of modern warm-blooded or endothermic animals.

International scientists made the conclusion after they had studied the fossilized teeth of Megalodon, a Livescience report stated.

The researchers found out that Megalodon could actually maintain its body heat even when the external environment was significantly cooler.

In an email interview with Livescience, Kenshu Shimada, Professor of Paleobiology from the College of Science and Health at DePaul University in Chicago, said that the measure used in studying the fossilized teeth of the Megalodon was formerly utilized on dinosaurs.

"The geochemical technique employed was previously used to examine the warm-bloodedness of dinosaurs. The new study demonstrates that the method can be applied also to marine vertebrates like sharks using their hard, well-mineralized anatomical components such as teeth," Shimada, one of the authors of the research, explained to Livescience.

According to the study, the average body temperature of the Megalodon was approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius).

Meanwhile, modern-day sharks with regional endothermy have an average body temperature between 72 F to 80 F (22 C to 26.6 C).

Read Also: Megalodon Ancestor Tooth Found Along Nechako River In Canada

Active lifestyle, extinction

Shimada further said the warm-bloodedness of an animal was actually beneficial as this will help them to have a "more active lifestyle."

However, the researcher noted that this could also contributed to the extinction of the Megalodon.

"Warm-bloodedness must have actually provided an 'extra edge' to megalodon to be able to survive in cooling waters. Yet, the fact that the species became extinct illuminates the probable vulnerability or the 'cost' of being warm-blooded because warm-bloodedness requires constant high food intake to sustain high metabolism," Shimada told Livescience.

The lead researcher of the study, Robert Eagle, said studying the driving factors behind the extinction of a predatory shark similar to megalodon can provide insight about the vulnerability of large marine predators living in modern ocean ecosystems, according to an entry posted on Scitech Daily.

Scitech Daily reported that megalodons belonged to a group of sharks called mackerel sharks, which are considered members of the group that includes the great white and thresher shark.

It further said megalodons had lived during the Pliocene Epoch, which began 5.33 million years ago and ended 2.58 million years ago.

Studies also showed that global cooling during those times caused sea level and ecological changes, which resulted in the megalodon not surviving.

Largest fossilized teeth discovered

Recently, Business Insider reported that a boat captain from Florida had discovered one of the largest fossilized shark teeth from a megalodon shark.

The report said Michael Nastasio discovered a fully-intact megalodon shark tooth that was 6.25 inches (15.87 cm) long or only about an inch smaller than the largest megalodon tooth that was put on record.

Emma Bernard, curator of the Fossil Fish section at the Natural History Museum in London, told the Business Insider that based on the size of the tooth, it would have belonged to one of the larger megalodons, which was about 15 to possibly 18 meters in length.

Related article: Simultation Reveals The Ancient Megalodon Has Been The World's Fastest Shark Ever
A video showed a group of 50 tiger sharks feeding a dead Humpback whale in Australian waters, urging people to stay away from dead or deceased animals.

It was a feeding frenzy, as a video showed that 50 tiger sharks flocked to a dead humpback whale.

According to Newsweek and The Guardian, the video was filmed over Hervey Bay's coast in Queensland.

The report added that the dead humpback whale could likely suffer from sickness or natural death before being found by the group of tiger sharks.

Furthermore, Newsweek explained that dead whales are considered a food for marine animals or carnivores, including tiger sharks.

Meanwhile, the Queensland Environment explained that the QPWS rangers took the feeding frenzy video on Hervey Bay.

While the view or video could help feed the tiger sharks, it is best that people avoid said situations. The advisory suggested that Australians or tourists should stay away from deceased marine animals.

Tiger sharks could likely hunt deceased, dying or stranded humpback whales, making them an easy target or prey.

According to The Guardian report, Senior Ranger Daniel Clifton said the video revealed the relationship between sharks and whales, adding that dead whales could become a vital food source.

The report added that rising records of migrating whales in the area could likely die from natural causes. He also added that dead whale areas could likely see sharks.

Tiger shark approaching closer to a beach

Recently, Fox Weather News also reported that a drone video captured a tiger shark approaching close to a beach in Western Australia.

According to the report, the tiger shark was recorded near Mullaloo Beach, which was extremely close.

Also Read: Female Tiger Sharks Interacting With Beach Tourists Have Higher Hormone Levels

It is best that beachgoers stay alert on beaches, as shark presence could be possible. Swimming in supervised and designated areas with patrolling lifeguards is essential to ensure your safety.

Immediately go away from the beach's waters if there are nearby sharks.

In May, the BBC News reported that a surfer became missing on South Australia's west coast, which could likely suffer from a shark attack.

Based on the report, the 46 years old man was enjoying surfing the area when he faced a shark.

After being informed about the incident, search operations were deployed there.

Tiger shark facts

According to the Australian Museum, the tiger shark could potentially reach at least six meters in length. Tiger sharks could become aggressive, causing possible dangerous situations in coastal or beach areas.

Tiger sharks are said to become more active at night, hunting their potential prey. The Tiger shark is present in South Western Australia, New South Wale Coast and Southern portions in parts of Australia.

Regarding feeding, they can consume seabirds, fish and smaller sharks, which lifespan could reach up to 30 years.

Related Article: Shark Attacks 46 Years Old School Teacher in South Australia, Leaving Wetsuit Fragments and Surfboard Remains

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According to information published by the Taiwanese MoD on June 28, 2023, two Russian warships were spotted near the Taiwanese ZEE. According to the photos available, this is at least one Steregushchiy-class corvette.

Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

Russian Navy's Steregushchiy-class corvette Gromkiy. (Picture source: US DoD)

The standard displacement of the Steregushchiy-class corvette is 1,800 tons, which can increase up to 2,200 tons when fully loaded. The corvette spans a length of 104.5 meters, with a beam of 13 meters and a waterline width of 11.6 meters. She has a draught of 3.7 meters.

Powering this mighty ship is a 380/220 V AC, 50 Hz power system equipped with 4x630 kW diesel gensets. The propulsion comes from a 2-shaft CODAD mechanism, supported by 4 Kolomna 16D49 diesels that produce 23,664 horsepower (17.6 MW). This combination enables the corvette to attain a maximum speed of 27 knots.

The Steregushchiy-class corvette boasts a considerable range of 3,800 nautical miles at 14 knots and can stay operational at sea for up to 15 days. It is designed to accommodate a crew of 90.

The corvette comes fitted with an array of high-end sensors and processing systems. It possesses air search radars like the Furke 2 and Zaslon (X- and S-band) for specific models, along with the surface search radar Granit Central Scientific Institute Garpun-B/3Ts-25E/PLANK SHAVE. For precise targeting, it uses the Monument targeting radar and the Ratep 5P-10E Puma for controlling its A-190 armament.

In terms of sonar systems, the ship uses the Zarya-M suite, bow mounted, and a Vinyetka low frequency active/passive towed array. It relies on the Gorizont-25 integrated navigation system for efficient navigation.

The Steregushchiy-class corvette is equipped with a formidable EW Suite: TK-25E-5 ECM and has countermeasures that include 4 PK-10 decoy launchers.

The vessel is armed with a 100mm A-190 Arsenal or 130mm A-192 naval gun, a Kashtan CIWS-M, and 2 AK-630 CIWS. It also has 2 sets of 4 330 mm torpedo tubes for Paket-NK anti-torpedo/anti-submarine torpedoes, and two 14.5 mm MTPU pedestal machine guns.
According to information published by the US DoD on June 26, 2023, the USS Delaware (SSN 790), a Virginia-class fast attack submarine, made its way to Torshavn, Faroe Islands for a pre-planned stopover.

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Virginia class fast attack submarine USS Delaware. (Picture source: US DoD)

This event is significant as it marks the first time a U.S. Navy nuclear-powered submarine has docked at the Faroe Islands. The stopover in Torshavn follows a similar short visit by the Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Georgia (SSGN 729) in August 2022.

The Delawares arrival comes at a time when the United States and Russia continue to experience heightened tensions, particularly surrounding Arctic naval operations. As both nations vie for influence in the region, this port visit is seen as a tangible manifestation of the U.S.' strategic interest in the North Atlantic.

The United States has been increasingly focusing its efforts on maintaining stability in the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, areas that have seen growing Russian military presence.

Last August, the Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Georgia (SSGN 729) made a brief stop for personnel in Torshavn, demonstrating the U.S. Navy's continuing operations in the area.

US-Russia dispute over Arctic oceans

Russia, with the largest Arctic coastline, has been particularly assertive. It has invested heavily in military infrastructure in the region, including new bases, ports, and icebreakers.

Moscow has also stepped up its military exercises and submarine operations in the Arctic, which U.S. officials view as a clear effort to establish dominance in the region.

The United States, for its part, has been increasing its own naval operations in the Arctic and has been working closely with allies to counter Russia's advances.

There are also legal disputes at play. Both Russia and the U.S. are signatories of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which allows nations to extend their exclusive economic zones (EEZs) into the continental shelf. Russia has made extensive territorial claims in the Arctic, some of which are contested by the U.S. and other nations.


Sheringham pastor attends breakfast with MP

The annual Parliamentary prayer breakfast was held yesterday, and Sheringham minister Ian Savory was there as a guest of North Norfolk MP Duncan Baker. Tony Rothe reports.

The National Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast is an annual recognition of the contribution that Christianity makes to the national life of the UK. This years breakfast was chaired by Lord Curry of Kirkharle and took place on Tuesday 27 June in Westminster Hall. The main speaker was Dr Amy Orr-Ewing, honorary lecturer at the University of Aberdeen School of Divinity, whose theme was the power of forgiveness in public life.



North Norfolk MP Duncan Baker said: This was an absolutely amazing start to my day, and I was delighted to be joined by Ian Savory, the pastor at Lighthouse Community Church all the way from Sheringham. We had a lovely time, and it was an uplifting and inspirational breakfast. It was a great pleasure to host Ian.



It was wonderful to have so many church and charity leaders from across the United Kingdom all together. The work of our churches and Christian charities does untold good for so many local communities. I thank you all for what you do. I am intending to always attend each year and invite as many faith leaders from North Norfolk as I can going forward.



The breakfast was followed by a full programme of seminars, as well as the option of going on a tour of the Palace of Westminster.



For more information about the prayer breakfast, visit christiansinparliament.org.uk/prayer-breakfast



The photos are courtesy of Duncan Baker.



Do you have a news story or forthcoming event relating to Christians or a church in North Norfolk?

If so, e-mail tony.rothe@networknorwich.co.uk with details and, if possible a suitable picture.

Tony Rothe, 28/06/2023
By: Gabriel Gomane, Sr Product Marketing Manager, HPE Aruba Networking.

The advent of digital transformation has brought about a complete overhaul in the workplace and revolutionized the way we access applications. This transformation can be attributed to four pivotal factors: the emergence of hybrid working, the migration of business applications to the cloud, the rapid proliferation of IoT devices, and the growing concerns surrounding cybersecurity risks.

To enable this transformation, organizations can deploy SASE and tailor their SASE journey to align with their specific security and business goals. They can start their SASE journey by securing remote workers with ZTNA or they can begin by addressing application performance issues in branches with SD-WAN. There are no right or wrong choices, but its rather a matter of prioritizing specific use cases.

Before everything moved to the cloud, applications were hosted in corporate data centers. The workplace was easier to manage but it had its own challenges: branch offices connected to the data center through MPLS. It was costly, it had a limited bandwidth, and it was difficult to spin up new branch offices. Additionally, when a branch user wanted to access a cloud application, traffic was backhauled to the data center, severely impacting application performance.

Remote workers used to connect to the headquarters through a VPN connection. The downside of VPN is that once connected, users could access any resources in the organization, regardless of their role in the business.

IoT devices were not as many as they are today. However, they posed a significant security risk due to the lack of proper management and the inability to run a security agent, making them vulnerable to potential breaches.

Nowadays, the workplace has totally changed. Most of the applications have moved to the cloud and it is no longer viable to route the cloud application traffic to the data center for security inspection. Employees have become hybrid workers and connect from anywhere accessing sensitive data from untrusted links and from any device. The number of IoT devices have exploded increasing the attack surface and cybersecurity risks.

Here are four critical use cases that enable the transformation of the workplace with SASE.

Use Case 1: Enforce least privilege access to applications with ZTNA

Contrary to VPN, ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access) enforces least privilege access and segments the network at the application level based on identity, so that users only access the resources they need. It protects data from cyberthreats by masking private resources from the internet, keeping users off the network. With ZTNA, remote workers can connect from anywhere, on any device and over any network.

With agentless ZTNA, organizations also seamlessly onboard third-party users in their network. Theres no need to install a ZTNA agent in laptops, third party users simply log in to a ZTNA web portal with their own credentials. Once authenticated, they can conveniently access the specific applications they require, while other applications or services remain inaccessible to them.

Additionally, with VPN, organizations only had few VPN concentrator geo-locations, creating long backhauls, leading to a poor user experience. Advanced ZTNA solutions provide hundreds of Points of Presence (PoPs), ensuring least latency and enhanced quality of experience.

Use Case 2: Protect against web-based threats with SWG

To protect organizations against web-based threats such as malware, ransomware, phishing and other cyber security risks, a Secure Web Gateway solution (SWG) sits between the user and a website to intercept web traffic.

It performs several security inspections including URL filtering, malicious code detection and web access control. The solution establishes policies that restrict access to specific categories of websites, including adult content, gambling platforms, and sites known to pose significant risks. By enforcing these policies, organizations can maintain a secure and productive browsing environment for their users, while mitigating potential legal, reputational, and security risks.

Real-time threat detection is a critical component of SWG. By continuously monitoring web traffic, the solution can promptly identify and alert organizations to potential security incidents. This proactive approach allows quick responses to mitigate risks and minimize the impact of any potential threats.

Use Case 3: Eliminate data exfiltration with CASB

More sensitive data are now hosted outside the enterprise security perimeter. This data resides in cloud applications, whether they are officially sanctioned or unsanctioned. For example, software developers can put sensitive code in GitHub, or employees can put unauthorized data in Dropbox. This change poses significant challenges for organizations in terms of data security and protection.

Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) plays a vital role in identifying and detecting sensitive data in cloud applications. It monitors user activity in granular details - what applications have been accessed, when it was accessed, the files that have been downloaded - to prevent data loss and protect the organization against data exfiltration.

Additionally, CASB enables organizations to enforce robust security policies such as authentication and Single Sign On (SSO), and prevents users from using cloud applications that are not authorized by the organization, significantly reducing shadow IT.

Use Case 4: Modernize network in branch offices with SD-WAN

To connect branch offices to the data center, an SD-WAN solution can combine multiple links such as MPLS, Internet and 5G, optimizing network performance. Advanced SD-WAN solutions also use techniques such as Path Conditioning, to overcome the adverse effects of dropped and out-of-order packets that are common with broadband internet and MPLS connections. This provides a private-line-like performance over internet links, enabling organizations to reduce MPLS dependency and quickly spin up new branches.

An advanced SD-WAN can also intelligently steer the traffic to the cloud, based on first-packet identification, avoiding the need to backhaul the traffic to the data center. The traffic from trusted applications, such as Microsoft 365 or RingCentral, is sent directly to the cloud, while other traffic is sent to cloud security services (SSE  Security Service Edge) or to the data center depending on security policies.

Virtual instances of SD-WAN solutions can even be deployed in cloud service providers such as AWS, MS Azure and Google Cloud establishing a resilient connection from the branch office to the cloud. Not only does the connection is optimized, but also it creates an end-to-end segmentation ensuring that users only access cloud applications consistent with their role.

To protect organizations from unsecure IoT devices, advanced secure SD-WANs include next-generation firewall capabilities, enabling IT teams to segment the traffic based on role and identity, isolating the IoT traffic from mission-critical applications. Other firewall features include IDS/IPS and DDoS protection, so that organizations can seamlessly replace branch firewalls, reducing hardware footprint in branch locations.

To summarize, SASE allows organizations to implement a cloud architecture and seamlessly enable hybrid working. With HPE Aruba Networking SASE, users and third-party users can securely connect from anywhere with agent and agentless ZTNA, they are protected against web-based threats with SWG, and sensitive data are securely monitored to prevent data exfiltration with CASB. EdgeConnect SD-WAN provides reliable and business-driven connectivity in branch offices. Additionally, with an embedded next-generation firewall and routing capabilities, organizations can replace legacy routers and firewall, and isolate the unsecure IoT traffic from mission-critical applications. Security policies are managed centrally from a single interface, so that configurations and updates are immediately pushed to remote and branch users.

If you want to learn more, please visit our webpage about HPE Aruba Networking Edge-to-Cloud security solutions.

Other resources:

What is SASE?

What is SSE?

What is a secure SD-WAN?
By AFP

TORONTO: Months after the spectacular launch of ChatGPT, the AI revolution is well underway but hints of caution are emerging, especially over letting one or two companies reign supreme.

The release of the poem-churning app by San Francisco-based OpenAI came at an opportune time for tech, landing just when the US giants were laying off thousands of workers and startups faced a funding winter after the collapse of cryptocurrencies.

While generative AI's powers spooked many, even drawing calls for a freeze in its development, the tech world welcomed the respite from an otherwise miserable 2022 when a pandemic-era tech boom imploded.

But the crowds of startups and their backers meeting at the three-day Collision conference in Toronto heard second thoughts about artificial intelligence, even if convictions remained strong that it was here to stay.

"We're about three steps into a 10K race," said Adam Selipsky, the head of Amazon-owned AWS, the world's biggest cloud company that is set to see a huge windfall from the AI excitement.

"The question is: where are the runners going? What's the course like? Who's watching the race?" Selipsky told a packed conference hall near the shores of Lake Ontario.

AWS is the archrival of Microsoft, the Redmond, Washington-based company that took the world by surprise earlier this year by diving head first into the ChatGPT goldrush.

Microsoft's investment of billions of dollars into OpenAI launched an AI arms race, with Google following course by ramping up its release of AI-infused products, goading any company involved with technology to hurry out new capabilities.

"Like a lot of things, I think AI is overhyped in the short term and underhyped in the long term," said Jordan Jacobs of Radical Ventures, a venture capital firm that has invested heavily in AI.

"But the difference with AI is that once you deploy it, it gets better and better and better," meaning there is a real downside to coming in second place.

He said this was not the case with the advent of the personal computer or the smartphone, when those who waited, like Apple, were the companies that won.

ALSO READ | India has embraced ChatGPT: Sam Altman

The benefit of coming out first seems to leave OpenAI and its powerful Microsoft backer in the driver's seat.

But AWS's Selipsky and others cautioned about going all-in with one big company, especially with a technology that voraciously feeds off data and computing power.

'Choice'

Hundreds of companies and governments have gone as far to ban their employees from using ChatGPT, worried that sensitive information will be uploaded to strengthen OpenAI's large language model, becoming available to all.

One of the "most important things that we hear from customers around the world all the time is choice," Selipsky said.

"The world needs access to a whole bunch of models in a place that you trust and with the security you demand," he said.

At Collision, Booking.com, the online travel giant, announced a new product using OpenAI's ChatGPT that will provide a conversational experience for users planning trips.

"This is just a start," Rob Francis, chief technology officer of Booking.com told AFP, all the while defending the company's turn to OpenAI.

Models from the likes of OpenAI or Google, "they're great for general purpose" like a chat about holiday plans, he said.

But for more sensitive uses, companies will "start to run their own more tailored models, in their own environment," he said.

As the world's biggest companies rushed out their AI products, the startup community was warned not to take too much solace from the hype sparked by ChatGPT.

Even if generative AI has caught the world's attention, "people are still approaching startup investment through a cautionary lens," Vincent Harrison of PitchBook, the business research company, told AFP.

"Deal activity is down, fundraising is down, the IPO environment is probably the worst that it's been since the global financial crisis," Harrison said.

"I think ChatGPT blew the minds of a lot of people... but is AI enough to bring things where we saw them in 2021? I don't think so."

TORONTO: Months after the spectacular launch of ChatGPT, the AI revolution is well underway but hints of caution are emerging, especially over letting one or two companies reign supreme. The release of the poem-churning app by San Francisco-based OpenAI came at an opportune time for tech, landing just when the US giants were laying off thousands of workers and startups faced a funding winter after the collapse of cryptocurrencies. While generative AI's powers spooked many, even drawing calls for a freeze in its development, the tech world welcomed the respite from an otherwise miserable 2022 when a pandemic-era tech boom imploded.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); But the crowds of startups and their backers meeting at the three-day Collision conference in Toronto heard second thoughts about artificial intelligence, even if convictions remained strong that it was here to stay. "We're about three steps into a 10K race," said Adam Selipsky, the head of Amazon-owned AWS, the world's biggest cloud company that is set to see a huge windfall from the AI excitement. "The question is: where are the runners going? What's the course like? Who's watching the race?" Selipsky told a packed conference hall near the shores of Lake Ontario. AWS is the archrival of Microsoft, the Redmond, Washington-based company that took the world by surprise earlier this year by diving head first into the ChatGPT goldrush. Microsoft's investment of billions of dollars into OpenAI launched an AI arms race, with Google following course by ramping up its release of AI-infused products, goading any company involved with technology to hurry out new capabilities. "Like a lot of things, I think AI is overhyped in the short term and underhyped in the long term," said Jordan Jacobs of Radical Ventures, a venture capital firm that has invested heavily in AI. "But the difference with AI is that once you deploy it, it gets better and better and better," meaning there is a real downside to coming in second place. He said this was not the case with the advent of the personal computer or the smartphone, when those who waited, like Apple, were the companies that won. ALSO READ | India has embraced ChatGPT: Sam Altman The benefit of coming out first seems to leave OpenAI and its powerful Microsoft backer in the driver's seat. But AWS's Selipsky and others cautioned about going all-in with one big company, especially with a technology that voraciously feeds off data and computing power. 'Choice' Hundreds of companies and governments have gone as far to ban their employees from using ChatGPT, worried that sensitive information will be uploaded to strengthen OpenAI's large language model, becoming available to all. One of the "most important things that we hear from customers around the world all the time is choice," Selipsky said. "The world needs access to a whole bunch of models in a place that you trust and with the security you demand," he said. At Collision, Booking.com, the online travel giant, announced a new product using OpenAI's ChatGPT that will provide a conversational experience for users planning trips. "This is just a start," Rob Francis, chief technology officer of Booking.com told AFP, all the while defending the company's turn to OpenAI. Models from the likes of OpenAI or Google, "they're great for general purpose" like a chat about holiday plans, he said. But for more sensitive uses, companies will "start to run their own more tailored models, in their own environment," he said. As the world's biggest companies rushed out their AI products, the startup community was warned not to take too much solace from the hype sparked by ChatGPT. Even if generative AI has caught the world's attention, "people are still approaching startup investment through a cautionary lens," Vincent Harrison of PitchBook, the business research company, told AFP. "Deal activity is down, fundraising is down, the IPO environment is probably the worst that it's been since the global financial crisis," Harrison said. "I think ChatGPT blew the minds of a lot of people... but is AI enough to bring things where we saw them in 2021? I don't think so."
By Express News Service

VIJAYAWADA: Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai, Shelley Salehin interacted with the office-bearers and members of the Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Federation (AP Chambers) at the AP Chambers office in the city on Tuesday. They discussed various trade opportunities that exist for entrepreneurs from Andhra Pradesh.

Speaking of the key commodities that are imported from India and other countries, Salehin highlighted the tremendous scope that Andhra Pradesh has to export these goods. Members of AP Chambers tried to understand the various export opportunities that exist in Bangladesh.

AP Chambers president-elect Potluri Bhaskara Rao briefed the Deputy High Commissioner about the strengths of the State and the various products that are produced and exported from Andhra Pradesh.

AP MSME Association honorary president Bayana Venkat Rao and secretary MS Ramachandra Rao, AP Lorry Owners Association general secretary YV Eswara Rao, AP Food Processing Industries Federation general secretary Ch Bala Sekhara Reddy and other members were present.

VIJAYAWADA: Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai, Shelley Salehin interacted with the office-bearers and members of the Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Federation (AP Chambers) at the AP Chambers office in the city on Tuesday. They discussed various trade opportunities that exist for entrepreneurs from Andhra Pradesh. Speaking of the key commodities that are imported from India and other countries, Salehin highlighted the tremendous scope that Andhra Pradesh has to export these goods. Members of AP Chambers tried to understand the various export opportunities that exist in Bangladesh. AP Chambers president-elect Potluri Bhaskara Rao briefed the Deputy High Commissioner about the strengths of the State and the various products that are produced and exported from Andhra Pradesh.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); AP MSME Association honorary president Bayana Venkat Rao and secretary MS Ramachandra Rao, AP Lorry Owners Association general secretary YV Eswara Rao, AP Food Processing Industries Federation general secretary Ch Bala Sekhara Reddy and other members were present.
Prasanta Mazumdar By

Express News Service

GUWAHATI: The Manipur government will implement the no work, no pay rule for its employees not reporting for duty even as it started providing one-time assistance of Rs 1,000 to the inmates of relief camps. all employees drawing their salaries from General Administration Department (GAD), Manipur Secretariat are informed that No Work, No Pay may be invoked to all those who do not attend their official duty without authorised leave, a circular issued by GAD Secretary Michael Achom said.

The state government asked all administrative secretaries to furnish details of employees, who have not been able to report for official duty due to the prevailing situation, by June 28 for taking action.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister N Biren Singh launched the programme of one-time financial assistance. He distributed the money for clothing and personal belongings to those taking shelter at a relief camp in the Imphal East district.

The Manipur police said the situation was improving in most places with no untoward incident reported in the last 24 hours. Police and central forces are relentlessly conducting patrolling, flag marches and cordon and search operations in vulnerable areas.

The army said women activists were deliberately blocking routes and interfering in the operations of security forces. Such unwarranted interference is detrimental to the timely response by security forces during critical situations to save lives and property. Indian Army appeals to all sections of the population to support our endeavours in restoring peace, it said.

A defence ministry statement said a combined team of Assam Rifles and Nagaland police recovered two pistols along with four magazines, ammunition, explosives and other war-like stores from a Manipur-bound passenger vehicle in Nagaland capital Kohima on Monday.

Virtual partition

Manipur has been virtually partitioned with Kuki employees going back to the hills from the Meitei-majority Imphal valley, and Meitei employees returning to Imphal valley from the Kuki-majority hills.

More than 100 people have lost their lives in the ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities in the northeastern state so far.

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.

(With additional inputs from PTI)

GUWAHATI: The Manipur government will implement the no work, no pay rule for its employees not reporting for duty even as it started providing one-time assistance of Rs 1,000 to the inmates of relief camps. all employees drawing their salaries from General Administration Department (GAD), Manipur Secretariat are informed that No Work, No Pay may be invoked to all those who do not attend their official duty without authorised leave, a circular issued by GAD Secretary Michael Achom said. The state government asked all administrative secretaries to furnish details of employees, who have not been able to report for official duty due to the prevailing situation, by June 28 for taking action. Meanwhile, Chief Minister N Biren Singh launched the programme of one-time financial assistance. He distributed the money for clothing and personal belongings to those taking shelter at a relief camp in the Imphal East district.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The Manipur police said the situation was improving in most places with no untoward incident reported in the last 24 hours. Police and central forces are relentlessly conducting patrolling, flag marches and cordon and search operations in vulnerable areas. The army said women activists were deliberately blocking routes and interfering in the operations of security forces. Such unwarranted interference is detrimental to the timely response by security forces during critical situations to save lives and property. Indian Army appeals to all sections of the population to support our endeavours in restoring peace, it said. A defence ministry statement said a combined team of Assam Rifles and Nagaland police recovered two pistols along with four magazines, ammunition, explosives and other war-like stores from a Manipur-bound passenger vehicle in Nagaland capital Kohima on Monday. Virtual partition Manipur has been virtually partitioned with Kuki employees going back to the hills from the Meitei-majority Imphal valley, and Meitei employees returning to Imphal valley from the Kuki-majority hills. More than 100 people have lost their lives in the ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities in the northeastern state so far. 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. (With additional inputs from PTI)
Fayaz Wani By

Express News Service

SRINAGAR: As thousands of new vehicles enter the roads every year in Jammu and Kashmir, India's BPCL and HPCL, the leading PSU Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), would be setting up 677 new petrol pumps in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh Union Territories to cope up with the increase in demand of fuel.

An official said 643 new fuel stations would be set up in Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory. Of the 643 new petrol pumps, 342 would be set up in the Jammu region and 301 in Kashmir.

In Ladakh, a total of 34 new fuel stations would be set up, he said.

At present, Jammu and Kashmir has 646 fuel stations and Ladakh UT has 32 petrol pumps.

According to an Indian Oil official, the demand for retail sales of petrol and diesel is increasing over the years.

With the country's economy experiencing significant development, the need for energy has increased manifold. As a result, OMCs are undertaking the expansion of their retail outlet network to cater to this rising demand. The expansion will cater to emerging markets such as urban areas, upcoming highways, agricultural pockets, rural, remote, and far-flung areas. This expansion aims to ensure that quality petroleum products are readily available to meet the agricultural demand of rural areas and serve the needs of people residing in remote regions.

He said the expansion of the retail outlet network not only addresses the growing energy needs but also creates employment opportunities.

Entrepreneurs are encouraged to seize this chance to associate with Fortune 500 companies and establish successful ventures in the retail outlet dealership sector. Due to economic development in the country, land has become scarce, costly and also opened up new opportunities for the landowners to utilize such land for alternate purposes, including the dealership of OMCs, he said.

The Oil Marketing Companies have issued advertisements inviting applications from prospective candidates for setting up Petrol pumps. The OMCs have introduced user-friendly online applications and simplified application forms.

"While the availability of suitable land at the advertised location/stretch is crucial, applicants for SC/ST locations can still apply without land initially, but they are expected to offer land when called for. The selection process will involve a computerized draw of lots or bid opening conducted by an independent agency to enhance transparency, the official said. "The detailed advertisement and Brochure is available on the website www.petrolpumpdealerchayan.in.

SRINAGAR: As thousands of new vehicles enter the roads every year in Jammu and Kashmir, India's BPCL and HPCL, the leading PSU Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), would be setting up 677 new petrol pumps in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh Union Territories to cope up with the increase in demand of fuel. An official said 643 new fuel stations would be set up in Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory. Of the 643 new petrol pumps, 342 would be set up in the Jammu region and 301 in Kashmir. In Ladakh, a total of 34 new fuel stations would be set up, he said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); At present, Jammu and Kashmir has 646 fuel stations and Ladakh UT has 32 petrol pumps. According to an Indian Oil official, the demand for retail sales of petrol and diesel is increasing over the years. With the country's economy experiencing significant development, the need for energy has increased manifold. As a result, OMCs are undertaking the expansion of their retail outlet network to cater to this rising demand. The expansion will cater to emerging markets such as urban areas, upcoming highways, agricultural pockets, rural, remote, and far-flung areas. This expansion aims to ensure that quality petroleum products are readily available to meet the agricultural demand of rural areas and serve the needs of people residing in remote regions. He said the expansion of the retail outlet network not only addresses the growing energy needs but also creates employment opportunities. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to seize this chance to associate with Fortune 500 companies and establish successful ventures in the retail outlet dealership sector. Due to economic development in the country, land has become scarce, costly and also opened up new opportunities for the landowners to utilize such land for alternate purposes, including the dealership of OMCs, he said. The Oil Marketing Companies have issued advertisements inviting applications from prospective candidates for setting up Petrol pumps. The OMCs have introduced user-friendly online applications and simplified application forms. "While the availability of suitable land at the advertised location/stretch is crucial, applicants for SC/ST locations can still apply without land initially, but they are expected to offer land when called for. The selection process will involve a computerized draw of lots or bid opening conducted by an independent agency to enhance transparency, the official said. "The detailed advertisement and Brochure is available on the website www.petrolpumpdealerchayan.in.
Namita Bajpai By

Express News Service

LUCKNOW: After Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a pitch for the nationwide implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the All India Muslim Personal Law Board decided to oppose any move to enforce the proposal, which seeks to formulate and implement a set of common personal laws for all Indian citizens irrespective of their religious faith, caste or creed.

Convening an online meeting, attended by AIMPLB president Saifullah Rehmani, chairman of Islamic Centre of India and member of AIMPLB Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali, AIMPLB lawyers and others late on Tuesday night, the board decided to present its views more forcefully before the Law Commission.

At the meeting, the members finalised the documents to be submitted to the Law Commission in support of their point of view. Notably, the opinion of PM Modi put forth on Tuesday was in sync with the affidavit filed by the Union ministry of law in connection with the UCC in the Supreme Court a few months ago.

As per the affidavit submitted by the Centre, citizens belonging to different religions and denominations following different property and matrimonial laws is an affront to the nations unity.

Reacting to the PMs viewpoint, Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali said, AIMPLB will oppose the Uniform Civil Code tooth and nail. We are chalking out a strategy to counter the proposed move of the government by presenting our view in front of the law commission more powerfully. All prominent Muslim leaders of the country were present in the online meeting held on Tuesday.

ALSO READ | Allahabad HC slams makers of 'Aadipurush', issues notices to CBFC, Central govt

The prominent Muslim cleric and AIMPLB member added that as per the trend, for the past several years, politicians had been raising the issue when elections were round the corner.

This time too, the issue has come up before the 2024 general elections, he maintained. Maulana Khalid further said, I have always said that the UCC is not only going to affect Muslims but also Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Jews, Parsis and other miniscule minorities living in the country. India is a country where language changes at every 100 km. So, how can we have the same set of rules for all communities. Every community has a different way of praying, performing rituals and conducting ceremonies like marriage. The freedom to practise ones own faith and way of life is granted to everyone by the Constitution.

However, the AIMPLB member denied that there was a connection between the meeting and PM Modis Tuesday speech as the meeting was pre-scheduled wherein members had to deliberate on the response to be given to the Law Commissions public notice. We will be submitting our feedback to the Law Commission in the first week of July, said an AIMPLB executive committee member.

As per AIMPLB sources, the board members were of the view that the UCC was neither necessary nor did it benefit the country in any way.

India is a multi-religious nation with multiple cultures, languages, rituals supporting its ethos of diversity. Religious freedom is enshrined as a fundamental right in the Constitution and the UCC interferes with this right as Muslim personal law is a part and parcel of our religious freedom. In any case, UCC in a manner already exists in the country in the form of the Special Marriage Act, the Inheritance Act etc as optional provisions, said the Maulana.

LUCKNOW: After Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a pitch for the nationwide implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the All India Muslim Personal Law Board decided to oppose any move to enforce the proposal, which seeks to formulate and implement a set of common personal laws for all Indian citizens irrespective of their religious faith, caste or creed. Convening an online meeting, attended by AIMPLB president Saifullah Rehmani, chairman of Islamic Centre of India and member of AIMPLB Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali, AIMPLB lawyers and others late on Tuesday night, the board decided to present its views more forcefully before the Law Commission. At the meeting, the members finalised the documents to be submitted to the Law Commission in support of their point of view. Notably, the opinion of PM Modi put forth on Tuesday was in sync with the affidavit filed by the Union ministry of law in connection with the UCC in the Supreme Court a few months ago.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); As per the affidavit submitted by the Centre, citizens belonging to different religions and denominations following different property and matrimonial laws is an affront to the nations unity. Reacting to the PMs viewpoint, Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali said, AIMPLB will oppose the Uniform Civil Code tooth and nail. We are chalking out a strategy to counter the proposed move of the government by presenting our view in front of the law commission more powerfully. All prominent Muslim leaders of the country were present in the online meeting held on Tuesday. ALSO READ | Allahabad HC slams makers of 'Aadipurush', issues notices to CBFC, Central govt The prominent Muslim cleric and AIMPLB member added that as per the trend, for the past several years, politicians had been raising the issue when elections were round the corner. This time too, the issue has come up before the 2024 general elections, he maintained. Maulana Khalid further said, I have always said that the UCC is not only going to affect Muslims but also Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Jews, Parsis and other miniscule minorities living in the country. India is a country where language changes at every 100 km. So, how can we have the same set of rules for all communities. Every community has a different way of praying, performing rituals and conducting ceremonies like marriage. The freedom to practise ones own faith and way of life is granted to everyone by the Constitution. However, the AIMPLB member denied that there was a connection between the meeting and PM Modis Tuesday speech as the meeting was pre-scheduled wherein members had to deliberate on the response to be given to the Law Commissions public notice. We will be submitting our feedback to the Law Commission in the first week of July, said an AIMPLB executive committee member. As per AIMPLB sources, the board members were of the view that the UCC was neither necessary nor did it benefit the country in any way. India is a multi-religious nation with multiple cultures, languages, rituals supporting its ethos of diversity. Religious freedom is enshrined as a fundamental right in the Constitution and the UCC interferes with this right as Muslim personal law is a part and parcel of our religious freedom. In any case, UCC in a manner already exists in the country in the form of the Special Marriage Act, the Inheritance Act etc as optional provisions, said the Maulana.
Yeshi Seli By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: India and the United States are collaborating on nearly every human endeavour and the projects initiated by them will change the world, said US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti.

"I saw the personal rapport between President Biden and Prime Minister Modi. I saw the power of transformative friendship. In sum, I saw history being made and our future framed," said Ambassador Garcetti who was speaking at an event here on Peace, Prosperity, Planet and People  A New Chapter in the US-India Relationship.

The US will be granting close to one million visas to Indians this year. Last year, one out of every five US student visas issued worldwide went to an Indian, and over 200,000 Indians are studying in the United States.

Meanwhile, talking about their defence collaboration, Ambassador Garcetti highlighted that at present India conducts more military exercises with the US than it does with any other country.

"I hope soon well see the US and India working together across the Pacific and into the Atlantic, from Central Asia to Southern Africa. We can deploy our ships together in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and even beyond, to ensure maritime security," said Ambassador Garcetti, adding that the US is Indias largest trading partner, with more than $191 billion dollars in two-way trade.

ALSO READ | With an eye toward China, Biden goes all-in for Modi

He also said that the two nations can further enhance strategic ties by deploying their air forces across the Indo-Pacific region to ensure freedom of the skies and the seas, and to jointly respond to humanitarian crises from the Sahara to the Pacific Islands.

"We can coordinate our land-force exercises across regions to bolster the sovereign defence of all countries who want to work with us. These are opportunities fully within our control as major defence partners," he added.

"In the United States, more than 20 elected and appointed government officials proudly claim Indian heritage. Of course, this includes our Vice President Kamala Harris. Indian-origin CEOs head many of the United States largest and most iconic companies, such as Alphabet/Google, Microsoft, Starbucks and Adobe. In fact, more than 10 percent of Fortune 500 company CEOs are of Indian ancestry," said Ambassador Garcetti.

During the last six months, five members of the US Cabinet  President Bidens closest government advisors  visited India to meet with their counterparts and more visits are planned, he said.

"After all, in India a young boy selling tea grew up to lead his country on the global stage. In India, a Santali teacher rose to become President of her country. Today, India is improving lives and pulling people out of poverty through its transformative technology. Thats why Id like to underscore my remarks today with a simple Hindi phrase: Sapne sakar karna," he added.

NEW DELHI: India and the United States are collaborating on nearly every human endeavour and the projects initiated by them will change the world, said US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti. "I saw the personal rapport between President Biden and Prime Minister Modi. I saw the power of transformative friendship. In sum, I saw history being made and our future framed," said Ambassador Garcetti who was speaking at an event here on Peace, Prosperity, Planet and People  A New Chapter in the US-India Relationship. The US will be granting close to one million visas to Indians this year. Last year, one out of every five US student visas issued worldwide went to an Indian, and over 200,000 Indians are studying in the United States.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Meanwhile, talking about their defence collaboration, Ambassador Garcetti highlighted that at present India conducts more military exercises with the US than it does with any other country. "I hope soon well see the US and India working together across the Pacific and into the Atlantic, from Central Asia to Southern Africa. We can deploy our ships together in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and even beyond, to ensure maritime security," said Ambassador Garcetti, adding that the US is Indias largest trading partner, with more than $191 billion dollars in two-way trade. ALSO READ | With an eye toward China, Biden goes all-in for Modi He also said that the two nations can further enhance strategic ties by deploying their air forces across the Indo-Pacific region to ensure freedom of the skies and the seas, and to jointly respond to humanitarian crises from the Sahara to the Pacific Islands. "We can coordinate our land-force exercises across regions to bolster the sovereign defence of all countries who want to work with us. These are opportunities fully within our control as major defence partners," he added. "In the United States, more than 20 elected and appointed government officials proudly claim Indian heritage. Of course, this includes our Vice President Kamala Harris. Indian-origin CEOs head many of the United States largest and most iconic companies, such as Alphabet/Google, Microsoft, Starbucks and Adobe. In fact, more than 10 percent of Fortune 500 company CEOs are of Indian ancestry," said Ambassador Garcetti. During the last six months, five members of the US Cabinet  President Bidens closest government advisors  visited India to meet with their counterparts and more visits are planned, he said. "After all, in India a young boy selling tea grew up to lead his country on the global stage. In India, a Santali teacher rose to become President of her country. Today, India is improving lives and pulling people out of poverty through its transformative technology. Thats why Id like to underscore my remarks today with a simple Hindi phrase: Sapne sakar karna," he added.
Preetha Nair By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Uttarakhands draft bill on Uniform Civil Code (UCC) may not consider giving legal rights to LGBTQ and live-in couples, according to a member of the expert committee looking into the implementation of UCC in the state.

Other key recommendations of the panel include raising the marriageable age of women to 21 years, inheritance rights for Muslim women, a ban on polygamy and polyandry, and reforming marriage practices such as nikah halala.

Contesting reports that the committee has proposed population control policies such as the two-child norm, the member said that it doesnt fall in its ambit. There is no proposal on population control measures, the member said.

The UCC panel led by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai will submit its report in one or two months. Gender equality is the soul of our draft law. Our key suggestion is to protect women and children. Certain personal laws are inhuman, undermining the dignity of women, said the member.

We are against same-sex marriages as they cannot be part of the institution of marriage. We are not bringing them into the purview of marriage. Regarding couples in live-in relationships, the Supreme Court has interpreted it under the Domestic Violence Act. They have rights under the act, not under the institution of marriage, said the member.

The Pushkar Singh Dhami government had, in May 2022, set up a five-member panel to discuss a common law for all in the hill state.

In 2018, the 21st Law Commission, which prepared a working paper on UCC after extensive discussions with various stakeholders across the country, suggested that Muslim personal laws will have to be codified before embarking on drafting laws for the UCC.

However, one of the panel members said that the majority of the Muslims, especially women, were on the same page with the committee. Muslims constitute about 14 per cent of the states population.

Codifying Muslim personal laws calls for a wider debate. Some argue that Muslim laws are already codified, while a majority of people feel it is not. But a majority of Muslims, especially women, were on the same page with the panels recommendations, which is thrust on gender parity, he said.

Uttarakhand is the first state to constitute an expert panel to draft UCC. Other members of the panel are retired Delhi high court judge Pramod Kohli, social activist Manu Gaur, ex-bureaucrat Shatrughan Singh and Doon University vice-chancellor Surekha Dangwal.

The panel had got responses from more than 2.5 lakh people. We held extensive consultations with all communities and community heads including Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Hindus and tribal groups. There were many challenges but we tried to negotiate it amicably, he said.

On the 22nd Law Commission seeking views of religious organisations and the public on the issue of a UCC early this month, the member said the Law Commission will take a call on whether to replicate the Uttarakhand UCC model on a national level or not. The Law Commission chairman met us recently. We are working independently and we havent sought any feedback from them. There may be many common elements, he said.

What Uttarakhand panel holds

Raising the marriageable age of women to 21 years

Inheritance rights for Muslim women

Ban on polygamy and polyandry

Reforming marriage practices such as nikah halala

No policy on population control as it is out of panels ambit

Same-sex marriage not part of the institution of marriage

Live-in couples have rights under Domestic Violence Act

Larger projection

An Uttarakhand UCC panel member said the 22nd Law Commission will take a call on whether to replicate its model on a national level. We are working independently... There may be common elements, he said.

NEW DELHI: Uttarakhands draft bill on Uniform Civil Code (UCC) may not consider giving legal rights to LGBTQ and live-in couples, according to a member of the expert committee looking into the implementation of UCC in the state. Other key recommendations of the panel include raising the marriageable age of women to 21 years, inheritance rights for Muslim women, a ban on polygamy and polyandry, and reforming marriage practices such as nikah halala. Contesting reports that the committee has proposed population control policies such as the two-child norm, the member said that it doesnt fall in its ambit. There is no proposal on population control measures, the member said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The UCC panel led by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai will submit its report in one or two months. Gender equality is the soul of our draft law. Our key suggestion is to protect women and children. Certain personal laws are inhuman, undermining the dignity of women, said the member. We are against same-sex marriages as they cannot be part of the institution of marriage. We are not bringing them into the purview of marriage. Regarding couples in live-in relationships, the Supreme Court has interpreted it under the Domestic Violence Act. They have rights under the act, not under the institution of marriage, said the member. The Pushkar Singh Dhami government had, in May 2022, set up a five-member panel to discuss a common law for all in the hill state. In 2018, the 21st Law Commission, which prepared a working paper on UCC after extensive discussions with various stakeholders across the country, suggested that Muslim personal laws will have to be codified before embarking on drafting laws for the UCC. However, one of the panel members said that the majority of the Muslims, especially women, were on the same page with the committee. Muslims constitute about 14 per cent of the states population. Codifying Muslim personal laws calls for a wider debate. Some argue that Muslim laws are already codified, while a majority of people feel it is not. But a majority of Muslims, especially women, were on the same page with the panels recommendations, which is thrust on gender parity, he said. Uttarakhand is the first state to constitute an expert panel to draft UCC. Other members of the panel are retired Delhi high court judge Pramod Kohli, social activist Manu Gaur, ex-bureaucrat Shatrughan Singh and Doon University vice-chancellor Surekha Dangwal. The panel had got responses from more than 2.5 lakh people. We held extensive consultations with all communities and community heads including Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Hindus and tribal groups. There were many challenges but we tried to negotiate it amicably, he said. On the 22nd Law Commission seeking views of religious organisations and the public on the issue of a UCC early this month, the member said the Law Commission will take a call on whether to replicate the Uttarakhand UCC model on a national level or not. The Law Commission chairman met us recently. We are working independently and we havent sought any feedback from them. There may be many common elements, he said. What Uttarakhand panel holds Raising the marriageable age of women to 21 years Inheritance rights for Muslim women Ban on polygamy and polyandry Reforming marriage practices such as nikah halala No policy on population control as it is out of panels ambit Same-sex marriage not part of the institution of marriage Live-in couples have rights under Domestic Violence Act Larger projection An Uttarakhand UCC panel member said the 22nd Law Commission will take a call on whether to replicate its model on a national level. We are working independently... There may be common elements, he said.
By Express News Service

JAIPUR: India was once considered weak and impoverished, now the country commands attention when it speaks. Modi's leadership has transformed India's global standing, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

He was addressing a public rally in Balesar town of Rajasthan's Jodhpur district on Wednesday.

He claimed that India under the leadership of Modi has achieved remarkable progress.

Singh noted that India has surpassed many nations worldwide and currently ranks among the top five economies.

The Defence Minister also asserted that the BJP has been fulfilling all its poll promises. Whether it be the abolition of Article 370 or the construction of a grand Ram temple which is now nearly complete., all the promises are being fulfilled, he said.

Laying emphasis on India's age-old philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," which considers the world as one family, Rajnath denounced attempts by some sections to communalize each and every issue.

The huge gathering was organised in the Shergarh Assembly constituency in Balesar dominated by Rajputs. The visit was an attempt to tap the Rajput votes as the BJP seeks to improve its prospects in the Marwar region of west Rajasthan. This is the political turf where CM Ashok Gehlot has dominated for the past three decades as Jodhpur is his hometown.

The public meeting was attended by prominent leaders including Jodhpur and Pali MP PP Chowdhary, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Deputy Leader of Opposition Satish Poonia, and MLAs Suryakanta Vyas and Vasudev Devnani. Workers and leaders from the Shergarh Assembly Constituency in Jodhpur also participated in the event.

It is noteworthy that contrary to its tradition, the BJP has not yet declared a Chief Ministerial (CM) candidate for this election. In the past four elections, Vasundhara Raje has been the face of the party in Rajasthan, but this time, the party has taken a different approach. Sources indicate that the BJP intends to contest the election based on PM Modi's popularity. As a result, several party leaders are expected to visit the state in the coming days.

Continuing the series of BJP's prominent leaders addressing public gatherings, national president JP Nadda will hold a meeting in Bharatpur on June 29. BJP workers from the entire division have been called to attend this meeting. Nadda will also inaugurate the new party office building in Bharatpur and hold a meeting with district office bearers.

The next day, on Friday, Union Minister Amit Shah will also visit Rajasthan. He will address a big rally in Udaipur and then participate in a conclave in Jaipur where the BJP is likely to release a report card of the Modi government.

JAIPUR: India was once considered weak and impoverished, now the country commands attention when it speaks. Modi's leadership has transformed India's global standing, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. He was addressing a public rally in Balesar town of Rajasthan's Jodhpur district on Wednesday. He claimed that India under the leadership of Modi has achieved remarkable progress.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Singh noted that India has surpassed many nations worldwide and currently ranks among the top five economies. The Defence Minister also asserted that the BJP has been fulfilling all its poll promises. Whether it be the abolition of Article 370 or the construction of a grand Ram temple which is now nearly complete., all the promises are being fulfilled, he said. Laying emphasis on India's age-old philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," which considers the world as one family, Rajnath denounced attempts by some sections to communalize each and every issue. The huge gathering was organised in the Shergarh Assembly constituency in Balesar dominated by Rajputs. The visit was an attempt to tap the Rajput votes as the BJP seeks to improve its prospects in the Marwar region of west Rajasthan. This is the political turf where CM Ashok Gehlot has dominated for the past three decades as Jodhpur is his hometown. The public meeting was attended by prominent leaders including Jodhpur and Pali MP PP Chowdhary, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Deputy Leader of Opposition Satish Poonia, and MLAs Suryakanta Vyas and Vasudev Devnani. Workers and leaders from the Shergarh Assembly Constituency in Jodhpur also participated in the event. It is noteworthy that contrary to its tradition, the BJP has not yet declared a Chief Ministerial (CM) candidate for this election. In the past four elections, Vasundhara Raje has been the face of the party in Rajasthan, but this time, the party has taken a different approach. Sources indicate that the BJP intends to contest the election based on PM Modi's popularity. As a result, several party leaders are expected to visit the state in the coming days. Continuing the series of BJP's prominent leaders addressing public gatherings, national president JP Nadda will hold a meeting in Bharatpur on June 29. BJP workers from the entire division have been called to attend this meeting. Nadda will also inaugurate the new party office building in Bharatpur and hold a meeting with district office bearers. The next day, on Friday, Union Minister Amit Shah will also visit Rajasthan. He will address a big rally in Udaipur and then participate in a conclave in Jaipur where the BJP is likely to release a report card of the Modi government.
Preetha Nair By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: As Manipur continues to remain on edge, the Congress on Tuesday said that senior party leader Rahul Gandhi will visit the violence-hit state on June 29 and 30. This is the first visit of the Congress leader to the northeastern state embroiled in ethnic violence since May 3.

Announcing the decision, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal tweeted, Rahul Gandhi will be visiting Manipur on 29-30 June. He will visit relief camps and interact with civil society representatives in Imphal and Churachandpur during his visit.

Venugopal further said that Manipur has been burning for nearly two months, and desperately needs a healing touch so that the society can move from conflict to peace. This is a humanitarian tragedy and it is our responsibility to be a force of love, not hate, he said.

Sh. @RahulGandhi ji will be visiting Manipur on 29-30 June. He will visit relief camps and interact with civil society representatives in Imphal and Churachandpur during his visit.



Manipur has been burning for nearly two months, and desperately needs a healing touch so that the  K C Venugopal (@kcvenugopalmp) June 27, 2023

More than 120 people have lost their lives in the ethnic violence that erupted between the majority Meity community and the minority Kuki tribes on the first week of May.

Congress and several other opposition parties have been demanding the immediate removal of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. On Monday, Prime Minister Modi chaired a high-level meeting with his Cabinet colleagues to review the situation in the Northeastern state. Last week, Home Minister Amit Shah also convened an all-party meeting to discuss the ongoing conflict in the state.

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.

NEW DELHI: As Manipur continues to remain on edge, the Congress on Tuesday said that senior party leader Rahul Gandhi will visit the violence-hit state on June 29 and 30. This is the first visit of the Congress leader to the northeastern state embroiled in ethnic violence since May 3. Announcing the decision, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal tweeted, Rahul Gandhi will be visiting Manipur on 29-30 June. He will visit relief camps and interact with civil society representatives in Imphal and Churachandpur during his visit. Venugopal further said that Manipur has been burning for nearly two months, and desperately needs a healing touch so that the society can move from conflict to peace. This is a humanitarian tragedy and it is our responsibility to be a force of love, not hate, he said. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Sh. @RahulGandhi ji will be visiting Manipur on 29-30 June. He will visit relief camps and interact with civil society representatives in Imphal and Churachandpur during his visit. Manipur has been burning for nearly two months, and desperately needs a healing touch so that the  K C Venugopal (@kcvenugopalmp) June 27, 2023 More than 120 people have lost their lives in the ethnic violence that erupted between the majority Meity community and the minority Kuki tribes on the first week of May. Congress and several other opposition parties have been demanding the immediate removal of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. On Monday, Prime Minister Modi chaired a high-level meeting with his Cabinet colleagues to review the situation in the Northeastern state. Last week, Home Minister Amit Shah also convened an all-party meeting to discuss the ongoing conflict in the state. 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.
Rajesh Asnani By

Express News Service

JAIPUR: Ahead of elections in Rajasthan, a statement by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has ignited a major political row. A video of the Jal Shakti Minister has gone viral on social media, in which he purportedly says, Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) will be completed. I will provide Rs 46,000 crore if you establish Rajendra Rathores rule. It will be done immediately.

Shekhawat made these remarks during a visit to Sawai Madhopur on Sunday along with Rajendra Rathore, the Leader of the Opposition in Rajasthan.

The ruling Congress claims the ministers remarks reflect how the BJP is playing politics over a canal project that was needed to meet the water needs of 13 districts of east Rajasthan. Besides Rathore, Tonk-Sawai Madhopur MP Sukhbir Singh Jaunpuria and many other BJP leaders can be seen with Shekhawat in this video. The Rajasthan Congress has launched an attack on this statement and targeted the BJP and Shekhawat by sharing the video of the Union Minister on its official Twitter handle.

The Congress wrote, This is proof of BJPs poor attitude towards the people of Rajasthan. Witness this inferior and flippant behaviour of Shekhawat, who halted the ERCP project and deceived the public. Those greedy for power are saying something like this.

JAIPUR: Ahead of elections in Rajasthan, a statement by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has ignited a major political row. A video of the Jal Shakti Minister has gone viral on social media, in which he purportedly says, Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) will be completed. I will provide Rs 46,000 crore if you establish Rajendra Rathores rule. It will be done immediately. Shekhawat made these remarks during a visit to Sawai Madhopur on Sunday along with Rajendra Rathore, the Leader of the Opposition in Rajasthan. The ruling Congress claims the ministers remarks reflect how the BJP is playing politics over a canal project that was needed to meet the water needs of 13 districts of east Rajasthan. Besides Rathore, Tonk-Sawai Madhopur MP Sukhbir Singh Jaunpuria and many other BJP leaders can be seen with Shekhawat in this video. The Rajasthan Congress has launched an attack on this statement and targeted the BJP and Shekhawat by sharing the video of the Union Minister on its official Twitter handle. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The Congress wrote, This is proof of BJPs poor attitude towards the people of Rajasthan. Witness this inferior and flippant behaviour of Shekhawat, who halted the ERCP project and deceived the public. Those greedy for power are saying something like this.
Mayank Singh By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Three Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jets along with marching contingents of India's three services -- Army, Navy and Air Force -- will be part of France's Bastille Day celebrations at the Champs Elysees in Paris, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the guest of honour.

France holds its traditional military parade in Paris during Bastille Day on July 14.

A total of 242 personnel from India's armed forces will take part in the Bastille Day parade while three Rafale fighter jets of the IAF will be part of the flypast.

As per the parade plan released by France, each service contingent will have 68 personnel while the military band will have 38.

It is at the invitation of France President Emmanuel Macron that PM Modi will be the guest of honour.

ALSO READ | US fighter jet engines to be rolled out in three years

PM Modi's visit will coincide with the 25th anniversary of the "strategic partnership" established in 1998 between France and India. Former PM Manmohan Singh also was the Bastille Day chief guest in 2009.

The Prime Minister's visit is expected to herald the next phase in the India-France Strategic Partnership by setting new and ambitious goals for strategic, cultural, scientific, academic and economic cooperation, including in a wide range of industries, as per the official statement released by the Indian Embassy in France.

"India and France defend the goals and tenets of the United Nations Charter, which serve as the cornerstone of collaboration between the two nations in the Indo-Pacific region, and share a vision for peace and security, particularly in Europe and the Indo-Pacific," it said.

"This historic visit of PM Modi will also deliver common initiatives in order to respond to the key challenges of our time, including climate change, biodiversity loss and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and will be an opportunity for India and France to reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism, including in the context of India's G20 Presidency," the official statement added.

NEW DELHI: Three Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jets along with marching contingents of India's three services -- Army, Navy and Air Force -- will be part of France's Bastille Day celebrations at the Champs Elysees in Paris, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the guest of honour. France holds its traditional military parade in Paris during Bastille Day on July 14. A total of 242 personnel from India's armed forces will take part in the Bastille Day parade while three Rafale fighter jets of the IAF will be part of the flypast.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); As per the parade plan released by France, each service contingent will have 68 personnel while the military band will have 38. It is at the invitation of France President Emmanuel Macron that PM Modi will be the guest of honour. ALSO READ | US fighter jet engines to be rolled out in three years PM Modi's visit will coincide with the 25th anniversary of the "strategic partnership" established in 1998 between France and India. Former PM Manmohan Singh also was the Bastille Day chief guest in 2009. The Prime Minister's visit is expected to herald the next phase in the India-France Strategic Partnership by setting new and ambitious goals for strategic, cultural, scientific, academic and economic cooperation, including in a wide range of industries, as per the official statement released by the Indian Embassy in France. "India and France defend the goals and tenets of the United Nations Charter, which serve as the cornerstone of collaboration between the two nations in the Indo-Pacific region, and share a vision for peace and security, particularly in Europe and the Indo-Pacific," it said. "This historic visit of PM Modi will also deliver common initiatives in order to respond to the key challenges of our time, including climate change, biodiversity loss and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and will be an opportunity for India and France to reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism, including in the context of India's G20 Presidency," the official statement added.
Namita Bajpai By

Express News Service

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to prohibit the sale of meat in the open along the routes fixed for the Kanwar Yatra, which will commence from July 4.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued the directions in this regard while chairing a review meeting with senior officials, including police commissioners, divisional commissioners, district magistrates and superintendents of police, ahead of the upcoming festival season, an official statement said on Tuesday.

Adityanath said that this year due to Adhimas (additional and prolonged month), Shrawan is of two months duration. The festivals of Shravani Shivratri, Nagpanchami and Rakshabandhan will be celebrated during this period, he said

While the traditional Kanwar Yatra will commence from July 4, Bakri Eid will be celebrated on June 29. This time is sensitive from the point of view of law and order. So, we have to be constantly alert and careful, the CM said.

Respecting the belief of devotees, meat should not be allowed to be sold in the open on the Kanwar route. The route should remain clean and sanitised. There should be provision for streetlights. Since the weather is hot, arrangements of drinking water for the devotees should also be made, directed the CM.

According to an official statement, Adityanath asked the officials to install CCTV cameras on the yatra route and also deploy divers. The places for setting up of Kanwar camps should be marked in advance so that traffic is not obstructed. He cautioned the authorities to allow the sound of DJs within the prescribed limits during the procession.

Ensure that everyone follows the rules and regulations, he said adding that there should be no display of weapons in religious processions.

Some mischievous elements may try to unnecessarily provoke members of other communities, keep a close eye on such moves. Additional police force should be deployed in sensitive areas with intensified foot patrolling every evening. PRV 112 should remain active, and anarchic elements should be strongly dealt with, said CM Yogi.

The CM also appreciated the way traffic was regulated during Ramzan processions. This time, on the occasion of Bakri Eid and Muharram, we will have to implement the same system, he said directing the local administrations to strike a dialogue with the respective religious leaders/intellectuals.

He added that the place for the sacrifice on Bakri Eid should be marked in advance.

Sacrifice should not be done anywhere other than the previously marked place. In any case, make sure that no prohibited animal is sacrificed anywhere. There should be an action plan for the systematic disposal of waste after sacrifice in every district, he said.

Last year during Shravan, about one crore devotees of Lord Shiva offered worship at Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, and nearly six lakh people visited the temple every Monday during the holy month.

The CM also directed the officials on the issue of religious conversion of children through gaming/chatting apps.

Incidents of illegal religious conversions have come to light in many parts of the country in recent times. We are familiar with the incident of conversion of teenage children through online gaming/chatting apps in Ghaziabad. It is very necessary to control such anti-social and anti-national incidents in time, Adityanath said.

He further stated that the action of illegal religious conversion is being done by an international syndicate.

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to prohibit the sale of meat in the open along the routes fixed for the Kanwar Yatra, which will commence from July 4. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued the directions in this regard while chairing a review meeting with senior officials, including police commissioners, divisional commissioners, district magistrates and superintendents of police, ahead of the upcoming festival season, an official statement said on Tuesday. Adityanath said that this year due to Adhimas (additional and prolonged month), Shrawan is of two months duration. The festivals of Shravani Shivratri, Nagpanchami and Rakshabandhan will be celebrated during this period, he saidgoogletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); While the traditional Kanwar Yatra will commence from July 4, Bakri Eid will be celebrated on June 29. This time is sensitive from the point of view of law and order. So, we have to be constantly alert and careful, the CM said. Respecting the belief of devotees, meat should not be allowed to be sold in the open on the Kanwar route. The route should remain clean and sanitised. There should be provision for streetlights. Since the weather is hot, arrangements of drinking water for the devotees should also be made, directed the CM. According to an official statement, Adityanath asked the officials to install CCTV cameras on the yatra route and also deploy divers. The places for setting up of Kanwar camps should be marked in advance so that traffic is not obstructed. He cautioned the authorities to allow the sound of DJs within the prescribed limits during the procession. Ensure that everyone follows the rules and regulations, he said adding that there should be no display of weapons in religious processions. Some mischievous elements may try to unnecessarily provoke members of other communities, keep a close eye on such moves. Additional police force should be deployed in sensitive areas with intensified foot patrolling every evening. PRV 112 should remain active, and anarchic elements should be strongly dealt with, said CM Yogi. The CM also appreciated the way traffic was regulated during Ramzan processions. This time, on the occasion of Bakri Eid and Muharram, we will have to implement the same system, he said directing the local administrations to strike a dialogue with the respective religious leaders/intellectuals. He added that the place for the sacrifice on Bakri Eid should be marked in advance. Sacrifice should not be done anywhere other than the previously marked place. In any case, make sure that no prohibited animal is sacrificed anywhere. There should be an action plan for the systematic disposal of waste after sacrifice in every district, he said. Last year during Shravan, about one crore devotees of Lord Shiva offered worship at Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, and nearly six lakh people visited the temple every Monday during the holy month. The CM also directed the officials on the issue of religious conversion of children through gaming/chatting apps. Incidents of illegal religious conversions have come to light in many parts of the country in recent times. We are familiar with the incident of conversion of teenage children through online gaming/chatting apps in Ghaziabad. It is very necessary to control such anti-social and anti-national incidents in time, Adityanath said. He further stated that the action of illegal religious conversion is being done by an international syndicate.
Namita Bajpai By

Express News Service

Lucknow: In the wake of the upcoming holy month of Shrawan and the commencement of Kanwar Yatra, the UP government has issued directives to authorities concerned to check the sale of meat in the open all along the route fixed for the yatra of Shiv devotees carrying Kanwars from July 4.

CM Yogi Adityanath chaired a meeting with senior officials, including police commissioners, divisional commissioners, DMs and SPs ahead of the upcoming season.

He said that this year due to Adhimas (additional and prolonged month), Shrawan is of two months duration. The festivals of Shravani Shivratri, Nagpanchami and Rakshabandhan will be celebrated during this period.

While the traditional Kanwar Yatra will commence from July 4, Bakri Eid will be celebrated on June 29. This time is sensitive from the point of view of law and order. So, we have to be constantly alert and careful, the CM said.

Respecting the belief of devotees, meat should not be allowed to be sold in the open on the Kanwar route. The route should remain clean and sanitised. There should be provision for streetlights. Since the weather is hot, arrangements of drinking water for the devotees should also be made, directed the CM.

According to an official statement, Adityanath asked the officials to install CCTV cameras on the yatra route and also deploy divers. The places for setting up of Kanwar camps should be marked in advance so that traffic is not obstructed. He cautioned the authorities to allow the sound of DJs within the prescribed limits during the procession.

Ensure that everyone follows the rules and regulations, he said adding that there should be no display of weapons in religious processions.

Some mischievous elements may try to unnecessarily provoke members of other communities, keep a close eye on such moves. Additional police force should be deployed in sensitive areas with intensified foot patrolling every evening. PRV 112 should remain active, and anarchic elements should be strongly dealt with, said CM Yogi.

The CM also appreciated the way traffic was regulated during Ramzan processions. This time, on the occasion of Bakri Eid and Muharram, we will have to implement the same system, he said directing the local administrations to strike a dialogue with the respective religious leaders/intellectuals.

He added that the place for the sacrifice on Bakri Eid should be marked in advance. Sacrifice should not be done anywhere other than the previously marked place. In any case, make sure that no prohibited animal is sacrificed anywhere. There should be an action plan for the systematic disposal of waste after sacrifice in every district, he said.

Last year during Shravan, about one crore devotees of Lord Shiva offered worship at Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, and nearly six lakh people visited the temple every Monday during the holy month.

The CM also directed the officials on the issue of religious conversion of children through gaming/chatting apps.

Incidents of illegal religious conversions have come to light in many parts of the country in recent times. We are familiar with the incident of conversion of teenage children through online gaming/chatting apps in Ghaziabad. It is very necessary to control such anti-social and anti-national incidents in time, Adityanath said.

He further stated that the action of illegal religious conversion is being done by an international syndicate.

Lucknow: In the wake of the upcoming holy month of Shrawan and the commencement of Kanwar Yatra, the UP government has issued directives to authorities concerned to check the sale of meat in the open all along the route fixed for the yatra of Shiv devotees carrying Kanwars from July 4. CM Yogi Adityanath chaired a meeting with senior officials, including police commissioners, divisional commissioners, DMs and SPs ahead of the upcoming season. He said that this year due to Adhimas (additional and prolonged month), Shrawan is of two months duration. The festivals of Shravani Shivratri, Nagpanchami and Rakshabandhan will be celebrated during this period.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); While the traditional Kanwar Yatra will commence from July 4, Bakri Eid will be celebrated on June 29. This time is sensitive from the point of view of law and order. So, we have to be constantly alert and careful, the CM said. Respecting the belief of devotees, meat should not be allowed to be sold in the open on the Kanwar route. The route should remain clean and sanitised. There should be provision for streetlights. Since the weather is hot, arrangements of drinking water for the devotees should also be made, directed the CM. According to an official statement, Adityanath asked the officials to install CCTV cameras on the yatra route and also deploy divers. The places for setting up of Kanwar camps should be marked in advance so that traffic is not obstructed. He cautioned the authorities to allow the sound of DJs within the prescribed limits during the procession. Ensure that everyone follows the rules and regulations, he said adding that there should be no display of weapons in religious processions. Some mischievous elements may try to unnecessarily provoke members of other communities, keep a close eye on such moves. Additional police force should be deployed in sensitive areas with intensified foot patrolling every evening. PRV 112 should remain active, and anarchic elements should be strongly dealt with, said CM Yogi. The CM also appreciated the way traffic was regulated during Ramzan processions. This time, on the occasion of Bakri Eid and Muharram, we will have to implement the same system, he said directing the local administrations to strike a dialogue with the respective religious leaders/intellectuals. He added that the place for the sacrifice on Bakri Eid should be marked in advance. Sacrifice should not be done anywhere other than the previously marked place. In any case, make sure that no prohibited animal is sacrificed anywhere. There should be an action plan for the systematic disposal of waste after sacrifice in every district, he said. Last year during Shravan, about one crore devotees of Lord Shiva offered worship at Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, and nearly six lakh people visited the temple every Monday during the holy month. The CM also directed the officials on the issue of religious conversion of children through gaming/chatting apps. Incidents of illegal religious conversions have come to light in many parts of the country in recent times. We are familiar with the incident of conversion of teenage children through online gaming/chatting apps in Ghaziabad. It is very necessary to control such anti-social and anti-national incidents in time, Adityanath said. He further stated that the action of illegal religious conversion is being done by an international syndicate.
By PTI

KOLKATA: The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday said that the State Election Commission (SEC) should function in such a way that the people of West Bengal get assurance that the upcoming panchayat polls in the state will be free and fair.

The court said as the state decided to hold the panchayat elections in one phase on July 8, there can be no compromise on preparedness, logistics and support from the state machinery.

A division bench presided by Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam said that the SEC "should function in such a manner that the public of the state of West Bengal get confidence with the commission and are rest assured that there will be free and fair elections and the purity of the election process will be preserved."

Hearing a contempt petition which claimed that the court's earlier orders on the deployment of central forces and ensuring free and fair polls were not adhered to in letter and spirit, the bench said that nothing should be done by the commission to shake the confidence reposed in it by the court.

Widespread violence over the filing of nominations for the three-tier panchayat polls has left at least eight people dead and several injured in various parts of the state in the past two weeks.

The court said that a report on compliance for installing CCTV cameras at polling stations for the July 8 polls in over 61,000 polling stations across the state, is not satisfactory as it only states that orders have been placed for requisitioning those, but it is silent about follow up on those.

The court asked the SEC and the West Bengal government to file reports on the matter and other issues like allegations of rostering contractual staff for election duty and directed that the matter will be taken up for hearing again on July 3.

Noting that a compliance report filed by the SEC on Wednesday as per earlier direction of the court was verbose, the court said that it had in its earlier orders of June 13, June 15 and June 21 had delineated the parameters which are to be adhered to.

It said that, therefore, all that is required of the commission is to answer that in a precise format.

The additional solicitor general, appearing for the Centre, submitted that no reply was received from the commission to a June 24 letter on whether the central forces will be on static duty or they will be deployed in booths, except for district-wise placement for 315 companies.

He stated that the SEC has not intimated the nodal officer on logistic support like accommodation and transport facilities for the central forces.

The expenses of deployment are to be borne by the central government as per an order of the high court.

He submitted that in addition to 337 companies of central forces, the union home ministry has requested 12 states to provide police forces for the panchayat polls in West Bengal.

The ASG submitted that a request has already been placed with the chairman of the Railway Board for providing trains to transport forces from other states to West Bengal.

The court had on June 21 directed the SEC to requisition the deployment of central forces comprising more than 82,000 personnel for the panchayat polls.

During the 2013 rural polls, 82,000 personnel of the central forces were deployed.

Since then, the number of districts in West Bengal has increased from 17 to 22 and that of the electorate has also gone up.

The court said on Wednesday that the SEC needs to take cognisance of concerns raised by the Union Home Ministry regarding logistic support like accommodation and transportation for the central forces to be deployed in the state.

The court said that with orders having already been passed by it to ensure free and fair elections and which have been confirmed by the Supreme Court, "there is solemn duty cast upon the SEC as well as the state government to scrupulously obey the orders and directions contained in those orders, including the observations made by the Hon'ble Supreme Court."

KOLKATA: The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday said that the State Election Commission (SEC) should function in such a way that the people of West Bengal get assurance that the upcoming panchayat polls in the state will be free and fair. The court said as the state decided to hold the panchayat elections in one phase on July 8, there can be no compromise on preparedness, logistics and support from the state machinery. A division bench presided by Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam said that the SEC "should function in such a manner that the public of the state of West Bengal get confidence with the commission and are rest assured that there will be free and fair elections and the purity of the election process will be preserved."googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Hearing a contempt petition which claimed that the court's earlier orders on the deployment of central forces and ensuring free and fair polls were not adhered to in letter and spirit, the bench said that nothing should be done by the commission to shake the confidence reposed in it by the court. Widespread violence over the filing of nominations for the three-tier panchayat polls has left at least eight people dead and several injured in various parts of the state in the past two weeks. The court said that a report on compliance for installing CCTV cameras at polling stations for the July 8 polls in over 61,000 polling stations across the state, is not satisfactory as it only states that orders have been placed for requisitioning those, but it is silent about follow up on those. The court asked the SEC and the West Bengal government to file reports on the matter and other issues like allegations of rostering contractual staff for election duty and directed that the matter will be taken up for hearing again on July 3. Noting that a compliance report filed by the SEC on Wednesday as per earlier direction of the court was verbose, the court said that it had in its earlier orders of June 13, June 15 and June 21 had delineated the parameters which are to be adhered to. It said that, therefore, all that is required of the commission is to answer that in a precise format. The additional solicitor general, appearing for the Centre, submitted that no reply was received from the commission to a June 24 letter on whether the central forces will be on static duty or they will be deployed in booths, except for district-wise placement for 315 companies. He stated that the SEC has not intimated the nodal officer on logistic support like accommodation and transport facilities for the central forces. The expenses of deployment are to be borne by the central government as per an order of the high court. He submitted that in addition to 337 companies of central forces, the union home ministry has requested 12 states to provide police forces for the panchayat polls in West Bengal. The ASG submitted that a request has already been placed with the chairman of the Railway Board for providing trains to transport forces from other states to West Bengal. The court had on June 21 directed the SEC to requisition the deployment of central forces comprising more than 82,000 personnel for the panchayat polls. During the 2013 rural polls, 82,000 personnel of the central forces were deployed. Since then, the number of districts in West Bengal has increased from 17 to 22 and that of the electorate has also gone up. The court said on Wednesday that the SEC needs to take cognisance of concerns raised by the Union Home Ministry regarding logistic support like accommodation and transportation for the central forces to be deployed in the state. The court said that with orders having already been passed by it to ensure free and fair elections and which have been confirmed by the Supreme Court, "there is solemn duty cast upon the SEC as well as the state government to scrupulously obey the orders and directions contained in those orders, including the observations made by the Hon'ble Supreme Court."
By IANS

NEW DELHI: Days after India signed a $3 billion deal with the US to procure 31 MQ-9B Predator UAV drones, the Congress on Wednesday demanded complete transparency into the agreement and also questioned the Centre about the price which it claims is four times higher than compared to other nations.

Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said that "during his state visit to the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed a deal to procure 31 Predator drones".

But he added that "we fear what happened with the Rafale deal is being repeated with the Predator agreement".

Questioning the price of the Predator drones, Khera said: "What other countries are buying at less than four times, India is buying 31 predator drones at $3 billion."

He said that for the whopping price tag, the Defence Ministry had to release an official PIB clarification and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had to clarify that on record.

"But the people of India need answers on the process," Khera said, adding that these drones are of outdated technology and being bought for four times higher price, that too after putting Rs 1,500 crore in DRDO for RUSTOM and Ghatak series drones.

He questioned why no Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as reported by several news outlets, has given a nod to General Electric manufacturing F-414 jet engines in India through 100 per cent manufacturing route in collaboration with HAL on June 14 but interestingly, there was no green signal given by CCS to the $ 3 billion drone deal with the US.

The Congress asked the government why no CCS meeting was held to decide on the predator drone procurement, and why higher prices were being paid for these drones.

Khera further asked that when the Indian Air Force (IAF) was having issues with higher prices then what was the urgency for the drone deal with the US.

He also questioned that when IAF has a requirement of 18 drones why the 31 drone deal.

The Congress leader also questioned what is the relationship of the GE Atomic CEO with people in government.

"Complete transparency should be brought into the drone deal. Modi government has been known for putting national security in danger," Khera demanded.

NEW DELHI: Days after India signed a $3 billion deal with the US to procure 31 MQ-9B Predator UAV drones, the Congress on Wednesday demanded complete transparency into the agreement and also questioned the Centre about the price which it claims is four times higher than compared to other nations. Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said that "during his state visit to the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed a deal to procure 31 Predator drones". But he added that "we fear what happened with the Rafale deal is being repeated with the Predator agreement".googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Questioning the price of the Predator drones, Khera said: "What other countries are buying at less than four times, India is buying 31 predator drones at $3 billion." He said that for the whopping price tag, the Defence Ministry had to release an official PIB clarification and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had to clarify that on record. "But the people of India need answers on the process," Khera said, adding that these drones are of outdated technology and being bought for four times higher price, that too after putting Rs 1,500 crore in DRDO for RUSTOM and Ghatak series drones. He questioned why no Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as reported by several news outlets, has given a nod to General Electric manufacturing F-414 jet engines in India through 100 per cent manufacturing route in collaboration with HAL on June 14 but interestingly, there was no green signal given by CCS to the $ 3 billion drone deal with the US. The Congress asked the government why no CCS meeting was held to decide on the predator drone procurement, and why higher prices were being paid for these drones. Khera further asked that when the Indian Air Force (IAF) was having issues with higher prices then what was the urgency for the drone deal with the US. He also questioned that when IAF has a requirement of 18 drones why the 31 drone deal. The Congress leader also questioned what is the relationship of the GE Atomic CEO with people in government. "Complete transparency should be brought into the drone deal. Modi government has been known for putting national security in danger," Khera demanded.
Kaleeswaram Raj By

The very first article in the Constitution of India carries a great political philosophy. It says: India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States. This amalgamation of the states carries the grandeur of federalism. Federalism is not merely a device for the division of power. It encompasses inclusiveness, tolerance, understanding and recognition of the countrys diversity. Federalism is not antithetical to national integration. On the contrary, it is a necessary concomitant to the latter.

The governments must function independent of the political parties that run them. Having chosen to form a government, the political combination that runs it will be bound by the constitutional prescriptions. If the government identifies with a political ideology, it is the idea of constitutional governance that fails. Unfortunately, this is often the Indian case. As scholar Tarunabh Khaitan observes, there is a kind of fusion between the regime at the Centre and the ruling political party. This, in turn, could also prompt the Centre to treat the states differently.

Differential treatment of the states can happen in varied ways. The states might get discriminated against in budgetary allocation, extension of aids and reliefs, support for the smooth functioning of the government, etc. The use or abuse of the gubernatorial offices and the selective misuse of the Centres probe agencies against those in power in the states also might reflect political agenda.

There are reports indicating that a great share of the aid from the Union government went to BJP-ruled states whereas the other states were left with lesser funds. This has given rise to grievances not only from the state governments but also from policymakers.

There is substance in the criticism by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, who said that the last Union budget was mainly meant for development projects in BJP-ruled states. The chief ministers of West Bengal, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh were critical of the Union budget, for it ignored the legitimate demands of their states. The Delhi governments criticism of the Centres ordinancewhich takes away the state governments jurisdiction over state servicescontinues to be a serious issue.

Already there is growing concern over the Centres exploitation of the South, leading to inequitable distribution of resources favouring the North. Nilakantan R S explains various facets of the South-North divide in his brilliant work, South vs North: Indias Great Divide. This reveals a geographical disparity in almost all walks of life in the country, which is deeply disturbing.

What about the states power to avail loans? Kerala finance minister K N Balagopal, in a letter written to Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, complained that the Ministry of Finance arbitrarily made a reduction of about `4,000 crore in the net borrowing limits of the state. He posed serious constitutional issues based on Article 293(3) of the Constitution. According to this provision, the state should get the Unions consent for raising any loan if there is any outstanding balance. This does not, however, empower the Union to arbitrarily meddle with the state governments financial plans which include various welfare schemes for the poor. His criticism was that the Centre was arbitrarily invoking Article 293(3) to control the states autonomy in the matter of borrowing.

The most crucial change in the realm of taxation also favoured the Centre. The 101st Amendment to the Constitution, which designed the Goods and Services Taxreplacing inter alia the then existing state taxhad a centralising effect, as Christophe Jaffrelot opined. It adversely impacted the relative financial autonomy of the states in multiple ways. They struggled to have their voices heard in the GST Council and get their claims for due share accepted. Economic centralisation is clearly a tool for political centralisation.

The Centres differential treatment of the states need not be always based on the political coalition that runs the state. More strikingly, even during the times of human tragedy, the partisan approach has been evident. Take for example the way in which the Centre treated Gujarat in turbulent times as opposed to its approach towards the recent Manipur crisis. True, in the former case, it was Cyclone Biparoy, a natural calamity. In the latter, it was man-made bloodshed. But in both, there was immense human suffering. The Union government can be proud that there were no loss of lives despite the cyclones terrible speed of 140 kmph. It carried out intense and effective rehabilitation measures. According to the home minister, about 1,08,208 civilians were moved to safety, 760 babies were delivered under medical care, and 73,000 animals were taken to safer locations.

Let us now come to the tragedy in Manipur. Unlike Gujarat, Manipur is a small state with an area of 22,327 sq km and a population of only 32 lakh. Throughout the horrific clash between the majority Meiteis and the minority Kukis in the state, the Centre has practically remained a mute spectator. Hundreds lost their lives and properties worth crores were damaged. The neglect of the issues in Manipur implies politicisation of the institutions of governance.

The Centres apathy towards Manipur was in total contrast to its commendable vigilance in Gujarat. There was no timely effort to douse the man-made fire in Manipur. The state experienced a situation of lawlessness. During troubled times, a responsible government must see the people as a whole, without making a majority-minority distinction. The governments paramount duty is to ensure the peaceful co-existence of various communities by preserving the Rule of Law.

The Gujarat-Manipur contrast is not an accidental irony. In a way, it shows the deeper wounds inflicted upon the nations polity. Indian federalism faces multiple and complex challenges, all of which are extremely serious. During the 2024 Lok Sabha election, these federalist concerns may take centre stage in Indias political discourse. Every citizen is entitled to the fruits of constitutional governance, which if denied, would amount to placing party politics above the country. No democracy can afford it.

Kaleeswaram Raj

Lawyer, Supreme Court of India

(kaleeswaramraj@gmail.com)

(Tweets @KaleeswaramR)

The very first article in the Constitution of India carries a great political philosophy. It says: India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States. This amalgamation of the states carries the grandeur of federalism. Federalism is not merely a device for the division of power. It encompasses inclusiveness, tolerance, understanding and recognition of the countrys diversity. Federalism is not antithetical to national integration. On the contrary, it is a necessary concomitant to the latter. The governments must function independent of the political parties that run them. Having chosen to form a government, the political combination that runs it will be bound by the constitutional prescriptions. If the government identifies with a political ideology, it is the idea of constitutional governance that fails. Unfortunately, this is often the Indian case. As scholar Tarunabh Khaitan observes, there is a kind of fusion between the regime at the Centre and the ruling political party. This, in turn, could also prompt the Centre to treat the states differently. Differential treatment of the states can happen in varied ways. The states might get discriminated against in budgetary allocation, extension of aids and reliefs, support for the smooth functioning of the government, etc. The use or abuse of the gubernatorial offices and the selective misuse of the Centres probe agencies against those in power in the states also might reflect political agenda.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); There are reports indicating that a great share of the aid from the Union government went to BJP-ruled states whereas the other states were left with lesser funds. This has given rise to grievances not only from the state governments but also from policymakers. There is substance in the criticism by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, who said that the last Union budget was mainly meant for development projects in BJP-ruled states. The chief ministers of West Bengal, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh were critical of the Union budget, for it ignored the legitimate demands of their states. The Delhi governments criticism of the Centres ordinancewhich takes away the state governments jurisdiction over state servicescontinues to be a serious issue. Already there is growing concern over the Centres exploitation of the South, leading to inequitable distribution of resources favouring the North. Nilakantan R S explains various facets of the South-North divide in his brilliant work, South vs North: Indias Great Divide. This reveals a geographical disparity in almost all walks of life in the country, which is deeply disturbing. What about the states power to avail loans? Kerala finance minister K N Balagopal, in a letter written to Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, complained that the Ministry of Finance arbitrarily made a reduction of about `4,000 crore in the net borrowing limits of the state. He posed serious constitutional issues based on Article 293(3) of the Constitution. According to this provision, the state should get the Unions consent for raising any loan if there is any outstanding balance. This does not, however, empower the Union to arbitrarily meddle with the state governments financial plans which include various welfare schemes for the poor. His criticism was that the Centre was arbitrarily invoking Article 293(3) to control the states autonomy in the matter of borrowing. The most crucial change in the realm of taxation also favoured the Centre. The 101st Amendment to the Constitution, which designed the Goods and Services Taxreplacing inter alia the then existing state taxhad a centralising effect, as Christophe Jaffrelot opined. It adversely impacted the relative financial autonomy of the states in multiple ways. They struggled to have their voices heard in the GST Council and get their claims for due share accepted. Economic centralisation is clearly a tool for political centralisation. The Centres differential treatment of the states need not be always based on the political coalition that runs the state. More strikingly, even during the times of human tragedy, the partisan approach has been evident. Take for example the way in which the Centre treated Gujarat in turbulent times as opposed to its approach towards the recent Manipur crisis. True, in the former case, it was Cyclone Biparoy, a natural calamity. In the latter, it was man-made bloodshed. But in both, there was immense human suffering. The Union government can be proud that there were no loss of lives despite the cyclones terrible speed of 140 kmph. It carried out intense and effective rehabilitation measures. According to the home minister, about 1,08,208 civilians were moved to safety, 760 babies were delivered under medical care, and 73,000 animals were taken to safer locations. Let us now come to the tragedy in Manipur. Unlike Gujarat, Manipur is a small state with an area of 22,327 sq km and a population of only 32 lakh. Throughout the horrific clash between the majority Meiteis and the minority Kukis in the state, the Centre has practically remained a mute spectator. Hundreds lost their lives and properties worth crores were damaged. The neglect of the issues in Manipur implies politicisation of the institutions of governance. The Centres apathy towards Manipur was in total contrast to its commendable vigilance in Gujarat. There was no timely effort to douse the man-made fire in Manipur. The state experienced a situation of lawlessness. During troubled times, a responsible government must see the people as a whole, without making a majority-minority distinction. The governments paramount duty is to ensure the peaceful co-existence of various communities by preserving the Rule of Law. The Gujarat-Manipur contrast is not an accidental irony. In a way, it shows the deeper wounds inflicted upon the nations polity. Indian federalism faces multiple and complex challenges, all of which are extremely serious. During the 2024 Lok Sabha election, these federalist concerns may take centre stage in Indias political discourse. Every citizen is entitled to the fruits of constitutional governance, which if denied, would amount to placing party politics above the country. No democracy can afford it. Kaleeswaram Raj Lawyer, Supreme Court of India (kaleeswaramraj@gmail.com) (Tweets @KaleeswaramR)
By IANS

BHOPAL: Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel rescued a person who had taken shelter on a tree a day before, owing to sudden flooding in Madhya Pradesh's Seoni district.

The IAF helicopter rescued the person safely and provided him food and the latter was handed over to the Seoni district administration for a health check-up.

The person who has been identified as Sambhu Kahar had taken shelter in a tree due to heavy floods in the Wainganga river in the Seoni district.

There has been heavy rainfall in Seoni, Balaghat and other adjoining districts since Tuesday evening and a flood-like situation has emerged in various areas.

As per the report, four other persons were also trapped due to heavy rainfall and all of them have taken shelter on top of a rocky hill in the area. A team of State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) has been deployed to rescue them safely.

"A person had taken shelter in a tree, has been airlifted safely. The operation to rescue other four persons who are are trapped at other places was underway," said an official.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said he was in touch with the Seoni district administration and taking stock of the situation.

"A youth trapped in the floods of Wainganga in Kevalari block of Seoni district has been safely rescued with the help of a helicopter. At the same time, efforts are being made to rescue four other people trapped on an island," Chouhan added.

BHOPAL: Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel rescued a person who had taken shelter on a tree a day before, owing to sudden flooding in Madhya Pradesh's Seoni district. The IAF helicopter rescued the person safely and provided him food and the latter was handed over to the Seoni district administration for a health check-up. The person who has been identified as Sambhu Kahar had taken shelter in a tree due to heavy floods in the Wainganga river in the Seoni district.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); There has been heavy rainfall in Seoni, Balaghat and other adjoining districts since Tuesday evening and a flood-like situation has emerged in various areas. As per the report, four other persons were also trapped due to heavy rainfall and all of them have taken shelter on top of a rocky hill in the area. A team of State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) has been deployed to rescue them safely. "A person had taken shelter in a tree, has been airlifted safely. The operation to rescue other four persons who are are trapped at other places was underway," said an official. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said he was in touch with the Seoni district administration and taking stock of the situation. "A youth trapped in the floods of Wainganga in Kevalari block of Seoni district has been safely rescued with the help of a helicopter. At the same time, efforts are being made to rescue four other people trapped on an island," Chouhan added.
By Agencies

BENGALURU: An FIR has been registered against BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya in Bengaluru's High Grounds Police station for his remark on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Congress leader Ramesh Babu filed the complaint against BJP leader Malviya following his tweets that said Rahul Gandhi is dangerous and more dangerous are people who are pulling strings of him.

"Rahul Gandhi is dangerous and playing an insidious game. More dangerous are people who are pulling strings of Raga like Sam P, staunchly anti-India, they leave no stone unturned to defame India overseas, just to embarrass PM Modi", Malviya said in a tweet as per the FIR.

Rahul Gandhi is dangerous and playing an insidious game pic.twitter.com/wYuZijUFAu  Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) June 17, 2023

Reacting to this, Karnataka Cabinet Minister Priyank Kharge said that the "BJP cries foul" whenever it bears the brunt of the law.

"Whenever the BJP bears the brunt of the law, they cry foul. I want to ask the BJP which part of the FIR filed against Amit Malviya is with malafide intent," says Karnataka Cabinet minister Priyank Kharge on the police complaint over social media posts against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

VIDEO | Whenever the BJP bears the brunt of the law, they cry foul. I want to ask the BJP which part of the FIR filed against Amit Malviya is with malafide intent, says Karnataka Cabinet minister Priyank Kharge on his police complaint over social media posts against Congress pic.twitter.com/GkoWztnFRS  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 28, 2023

Meanwhile, Congress leader Pawan Khera on Wednesday said that more FIRs should be registered against him. Khera said that if anyone is responsible for playing with truth, facts, people's images, and the country's reputation, it is the BJP IT cell.

"More FIRs should be registered against him (Amit Malviya). If anyone is responsible for playing with truth, facts, people's images, and the country's reputation, it is the BJP IT cell," he said while addressing a press conference in Delhi.

#WATCH | More FIRs should be registered against him (Amit Malviya). If anyone is responsible for playing with truth, facts, people's images and country's reputation, it is the BJP IT cell: Congress leader Pawan Khera on FIR registered against BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya in pic.twitter.com/2cBOtHkzOL  ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2023

Talking about the Predator drone deal in the US, the Congress leader said that other countries are buying the same drones at less than four times the price.

"What happened in the Rafale deal, is being repeated in the Predator drone deal with US. Other countries are buying the same drones at less than four times the price. India is buying 31 Predator drones for 3 billion US dollars, which is Rs 25,000 crores. We are buying a drone for Rs 880 crores," he said.

The Defence Ministry approved the deal for acquiring the Predator (MQ-9 Reaper) drones from America for which the final decision would be taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).

The DAC is the highest body in the Defence Ministry to take decisions on acquisitions. All high-value acquisitions are given final approval by the CCS.

The Indian Navy is the lead agency for the deal in which 15 drones will be going to the maritime force for surveillance operations in its area of responsibility.

(With inputs from ANI and PTI)

BENGALURU: An FIR has been registered against BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya in Bengaluru's High Grounds Police station for his remark on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Congress leader Ramesh Babu filed the complaint against BJP leader Malviya following his tweets that said Rahul Gandhi is dangerous and more dangerous are people who are pulling strings of him. "Rahul Gandhi is dangerous and playing an insidious game. More dangerous are people who are pulling strings of Raga like Sam P, staunchly anti-India, they leave no stone unturned to defame India overseas, just to embarrass PM Modi", Malviya said in a tweet as per the FIR.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Rahul Gandhi is dangerous and playing an insidious game pic.twitter.com/wYuZijUFAu  Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) June 17, 2023 Reacting to this, Karnataka Cabinet Minister Priyank Kharge said that the "BJP cries foul" whenever it bears the brunt of the law. "Whenever the BJP bears the brunt of the law, they cry foul. I want to ask the BJP which part of the FIR filed against Amit Malviya is with malafide intent," says Karnataka Cabinet minister Priyank Kharge on the police complaint over social media posts against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. VIDEO | Whenever the BJP bears the brunt of the law, they cry foul. I want to ask the BJP which part of the FIR filed against Amit Malviya is with malafide intent, says Karnataka Cabinet minister Priyank Kharge on his police complaint over social media posts against Congress pic.twitter.com/GkoWztnFRS  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 28, 2023 Meanwhile, Congress leader Pawan Khera on Wednesday said that more FIRs should be registered against him. Khera said that if anyone is responsible for playing with truth, facts, people's images, and the country's reputation, it is the BJP IT cell. "More FIRs should be registered against him (Amit Malviya). If anyone is responsible for playing with truth, facts, people's images, and the country's reputation, it is the BJP IT cell," he said while addressing a press conference in Delhi. #WATCH | More FIRs should be registered against him (Amit Malviya). If anyone is responsible for playing with truth, facts, people's images and country's reputation, it is the BJP IT cell: Congress leader Pawan Khera on FIR registered against BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya in pic.twitter.com/2cBOtHkzOL  ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2023 Talking about the Predator drone deal in the US, the Congress leader said that other countries are buying the same drones at less than four times the price. "What happened in the Rafale deal, is being repeated in the Predator drone deal with US. Other countries are buying the same drones at less than four times the price. India is buying 31 Predator drones for 3 billion US dollars, which is Rs 25,000 crores. We are buying a drone for Rs 880 crores," he said. The Defence Ministry approved the deal for acquiring the Predator (MQ-9 Reaper) drones from America for which the final decision would be taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). The DAC is the highest body in the Defence Ministry to take decisions on acquisitions. All high-value acquisitions are given final approval by the CCS. The Indian Navy is the lead agency for the deal in which 15 drones will be going to the maritime force for surveillance operations in its area of responsibility. (With inputs from ANI and PTI)
By PTI

BHUBANESWAR: There is no end to the misery and anguish of the kin of the June 2 Odisha train mishap victims as they continue to wait for the bodies of their near and dear ones, almost four weeks after the deadly accident that claimed nearly 300 lives.

Basanti Devi from Bari-Ballia village in Bihar's Begusarai district has been camping in a guest house located at an isolated area near AIIMS for the last 10 days to claim her husband's body.

"I'm here for my husband Yogendra Paswan, a contract labourer. He was killed in the accident at Bahanaga Bazar while returning home in the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express," she said as tears rolled down her cheeks. She claimed that officials haven't given her any deadline for when she will get the body.

"While some officials say it will take 5 more days, others say it might take more time. There is just no clarity by the administration," she added.

"I have five kids. I have left behind three kids and brought two sons with me. My husband was the sole breadwinner. I don't know how I will be able to survive," she added.

Similar is the situation of Narayan Rishidev from Purnia, who has been waiting to claim the body of his grandson Suraj Kumar since June 4. Suraj was travelling to Chennai in the ill-fated Coromandel Express.

After completing his matriculation, Suraj was heading to Chennai in search of a job.

"The authorities have already taken my DNA sample, but the report is yet to come," he added.

Shivkant Roy from West Bengal's Cooch Behar district said his son Vipul was returning home from Tirupati for his marriage in June-end.

"My son's body was kept at KIMS Hospital but I kept looking for him in a Balasore hospital. I was later informed that KIMS Hospital handed over the body to someone from Bihar, who took it with him and cremated it," Shivkant Roy told PTI.

Similarly, Rajkali Devi from Bihar's Muzaffarpur has been waiting for her husband's body who was on his way to Chennai.

As many as 35 persons are camping at the guest house while 15 others have left for home due to a delay in the arrival of DNA reports.

Calls and messages from PTI to AIIMS director Ashutosh Biswas went unanswered.

A railway official told PTI that they were appealing to claimants to provide their DNA samples.

"We are just a bridge between AIIMS and the state government," the railway official said.

Meanwhile, the identities of 81 bodies preserved in three containers at Bhubaneswar AIIMS are yet to be ascertained. A total of 84 families have been given DNA samples so far.

The Chennai-bound Coromandel Express, Howrah-bound SMVP-Howrah Superfast Express and a goods train were involved in a deadly accident near Bahanaga Bazar station in Balasore district on June 2 killing more than 290 people.

BHUBANESWAR: There is no end to the misery and anguish of the kin of the June 2 Odisha train mishap victims as they continue to wait for the bodies of their near and dear ones, almost four weeks after the deadly accident that claimed nearly 300 lives. Basanti Devi from Bari-Ballia village in Bihar's Begusarai district has been camping in a guest house located at an isolated area near AIIMS for the last 10 days to claim her husband's body. "I'm here for my husband Yogendra Paswan, a contract labourer. He was killed in the accident at Bahanaga Bazar while returning home in the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express," she said as tears rolled down her cheeks. She claimed that officials haven't given her any deadline for when she will get the body.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "While some officials say it will take 5 more days, others say it might take more time. There is just no clarity by the administration," she added. "I have five kids. I have left behind three kids and brought two sons with me. My husband was the sole breadwinner. I don't know how I will be able to survive," she added. Similar is the situation of Narayan Rishidev from Purnia, who has been waiting to claim the body of his grandson Suraj Kumar since June 4. Suraj was travelling to Chennai in the ill-fated Coromandel Express. After completing his matriculation, Suraj was heading to Chennai in search of a job. "The authorities have already taken my DNA sample, but the report is yet to come," he added. Shivkant Roy from West Bengal's Cooch Behar district said his son Vipul was returning home from Tirupati for his marriage in June-end. "My son's body was kept at KIMS Hospital but I kept looking for him in a Balasore hospital. I was later informed that KIMS Hospital handed over the body to someone from Bihar, who took it with him and cremated it," Shivkant Roy told PTI. Similarly, Rajkali Devi from Bihar's Muzaffarpur has been waiting for her husband's body who was on his way to Chennai. As many as 35 persons are camping at the guest house while 15 others have left for home due to a delay in the arrival of DNA reports. Calls and messages from PTI to AIIMS director Ashutosh Biswas went unanswered. A railway official told PTI that they were appealing to claimants to provide their DNA samples. "We are just a bridge between AIIMS and the state government," the railway official said. Meanwhile, the identities of 81 bodies preserved in three containers at Bhubaneswar AIIMS are yet to be ascertained. A total of 84 families have been given DNA samples so far. The Chennai-bound Coromandel Express, Howrah-bound SMVP-Howrah Superfast Express and a goods train were involved in a deadly accident near Bahanaga Bazar station in Balasore district on June 2 killing more than 290 people.
If need arises, India can launch attack across border: Rajnath Singh warns Pakistan

Jammu, June 26: In a stern warning to Pakistan, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said India can launch a strike across the border, if the need arises, adding that the country was not what it used to be before and was becoming stronger day by day.

If need arises, India can launch attack across border: Rajnath Singh warns Pakistan

Raksha Mantri said when terrorists from across the border, in Pakistan, attacked Pulwama, Prime Minister Narendra Modi "did not even take 10 minutes" to take a decision to send jawans to the other side to eliminate them.Addressing the National Security Conclave in Jammu, Singh said, "After Uri and Pulwama attacks, the PM didn't take even 10 minutes to take a decision and our jawans went across the border to eliminate the terrorists. We successfully sent a message to the world that India is no longer what it used to be. If the need arises, India can launch an attack across the border."The Defence Minister added that once "peace" returns to Jammu and Kashmir, Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) will be removed from the Union Territory."We have controlled the problem of insurgency in the Northeast and our government has also been successful in controlling left-wing extremism. Today, AFSPA has been removed from the majority of the Northeast. I am waiting for the day when permanent peace will be restored in Jammu and Kashmir and AFSPA will be removed from here as well," Singh said.He added that India's prestige and stature have increased on the world stage under Prime Minister Narendra Modi."Under the PM Modi-led government, India's stature in the world has been further elevated. Earlier, when India used to say something at international forums, it was not taken so seriously. But now, the world listens carefully to what India says," Raksha Mantri added.Further hitting out at Pakistan, he said the illegal occupation of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) does not give the country a locus standi on the region."A unanimous resolution has been passed in the Parliament regarding PoK -- that it is an inalienable part of India. Not one but at least three proposals in this regard have now been passed in the Parliament," he said.ANI27 June 2023

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Tourist carves his girlfriends name into Romes Colosseum, sparks outrage

Rome, June 27: A man was filmed allegedly carving his and his fiancee's names into the Colosseum in Rome, reported CNN.

Tourist carves his girlfriend's name into Rome's Colosseum, sparks outrage

Italy's culture minister is calling for the man to be "identified and sanctioned."On Monday, Gennaro Sangiuliano, Minister of Culture of Italy tweeted, "I consider it very serious, unworthy and a sign of great incivility that a tourist defaces one of the most famous places in the world, a historical heritage (site) such as the Colosseum, to carve the name of his fiancee," as per CNN."I hope that whoever carried out this act will be identified and sanctioned according to our laws," his tweet added.There was also a blurred image of the young tourist, as well as the video that purportedly shows him using keys to carve letters into one of the walls of the nearly 2,000-year-old amphitheatre.CNN quoted the Italian news agency ANSA saying, "The inscription read Ivan+Haley 23."The alleged incident took place on Friday, and authorities were informed by social media recordings, according to ANSA.If convicted, the man may face a punishment of at least EU 15,000 (USD 16,360) or up to five years in jail, according to the news agency.In 2020, an Irish visitor was accused of vandalising the Colosseum after security guards noticed him apparently scratching his initials into the ancient building and reported him to the police, CNN reported.ANI27 June 2023

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Police recruits in Ajman to receive health insurance benefits

Ajman, June 27: Upon the directives of Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, and the monitoring of Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and President of the Ajman Executive Council, Sheikh Ahmed bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Ruler's Representative for Administrative and Financial Affairs, issued a resolution to provide health insurance benefits to local police personnel.

Police recruits in Ajman to receive health insurance benefits

The decision aims to ensure the principles of justice and social responsibility in providing healthcare coverage for employees of the Ajman Police, to create a motivating work environment, reward competence, experience and efforts, and optimise human and financial resources planning.It also aims to improve the performance of the police command and increase the satisfaction of its employees.Major General Sheikh Sultan Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Commander-in-Chief of the Ajman Police, thanked Sheikh Humaid and Sheikh Ammar for the generous initiative.He added that implementing the health insurance system for members of the Ajman Police applies to all local employees, both civilian and military, and is based on the issued decision and under the applicable provisions and conditions of the Ajman Government.He then congratulated local police personnel covered by the insurance, wishing them success in achieving the highest levels of performance and providing high-quality, efficient and prompt services to all community members. (ANI/WAM)ANI27 June 2023

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India likely to see 147 unicorns in next 5 years: Report

New Delhi, June 27: India which is currently the third largest startup ecosystem in the world, is likely to see 147 unicorns in the next five years, disrupting financial services, healthcare, business management solutions and education sectors, a report showed on Tuesday.

India likely to see 147 unicorns in next 5 years: Report

India is currently home to 83 unicorns, 51 gazelles (most likely to go unicorn within three years) and 96 cheetahs (to achieve unicorn status in five years), according to the 'ASK Private Wealth Hurun India Future Unicorn Index 2023' report.It is a ranking of India's startups founded in the 2000s, worth at least $200 million, not yet listed on a public exchange and most likely to 'go Unicorn' in the next five years.Despite the headwinds, we have seen founders demonstrating unwavering determination, adaptability, and resourcefulness. The funding winter serves as a catalyst for innovation, urging startups to think creatively, optimise resources and refine their strategies, said Rajesh Saluja, CEO & MD, ASK Private Wealth.It is during these times that the true spirit of entrepreneurship shines through. The 51 Gazelles and 96 Cheetahs in this index likely to go Unicorn in the next 5 years are a testimony to this, he added.The future unicorns, on average, were set up in 2015, with the vast majority selling software and services, with only 20 per cent selling physical products. About 37 per cent are selling to businesses, while 63 per cent are consumer-facing.Gazelles and Cheetahs provide an insight into the economy of tomorrow. What they are doing and where they are doing it gives an indication into which sectors are attracting the world's top young talent and smartest capital, and which countries and cities have the best start-up ecosystems, explained Anas Rahman Junaid, Hurun India Founder and Chief Researcher.Peak XV Partners (earlier Sequoia Capital India and Southeast Asia) is India's most successful VC platform at finding and investing into Gazelles and Cheetahs, followed by InnoVen Capital, Tiger Global Management, Accel and Blume Ventures.In India, quick commerce company Zepto, financial services start-up Vivriti Capital and EV space start-up Ather Energy are expected to play a critical role in solving credit, last mile logistics and renewable energy for India.Online furniture platform pepperfry is the most valuable Cheetah, according to the report.IANS27 June 2023

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Zuckerberg announces new features coming on WhatsApp Business app

New Delhi, June 27: Meta Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Tuesday announced new upcoming features on the WhatsApp Business app, including the ability to send personalised messages to customers.

Zuckerberg announces new features coming on WhatsApp Business app

Starting soon we'll begin testing a new feature within the WhatsApp Business app where small businesses will have the option to send personalised messages to their customers -- like appointment reminders, birthday greetings or even updates on a holiday sale -- in a faster and more efficient way, the company said in a statement.This new feature will allow businesses to send personalised messages with the customer's name and customisable call-to-action buttons to specific customer lists, such as those with a select label (like 'VIP customers' or 'new customers'), schedule the day and time the messages are sent.The company also said that it will soon make it possible for the many small businesses across the world that run their entire operation on the platform to create, purchase and publish a Facebook or Instagram ad directly within the WhatsApp Business app.This means that no Facebook account will be required, and businesses all need to get started is an email address and form of payment.When people click on an ad, it opens a chat on WhatsApp so they can ask questions, browse products and make a purchase, the company said.These ads are one of the most powerful ways to drive potential customers to message them on WhatsApp and this will open new opportunities for WhatsApp-only small businesses that need a simpler way to get started with advertising, it added.IANS27 June 2023

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Legal Challenges Faced by Startups & Businesses: Rest The Case explains How Corporate Lawyers Can Provide Solutions

PNN, Pune, June 27: With a boom in startup culture, more and more budding entrepreneurs are coming up with unconventional business ideas and solving big problems in the world.

Legal Challenges Faced by Startups & Businesses: Rest The Case explains How Corporate Lawyers Can Provide Solutions

According to a DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) report, startups have created more than 900,000 jobs in the past three years. Some unbelievable statistics reveal that the number of startups rose from 471 in 2016 to 72,993 in 2022 according to the Economic Survey 2021-22.But do all the startups are going the smooth way when it comes to various business rules and regulations? Registering a business from scratch or running an already established business - both need corporate lawyers for a smooth workflow and to have a legally sound company.Startups can face many external factors like tax filing, stocks, etc. but corporate lawyers can handle these external factors and also contribute to a thriving company culture by asking the right questions at the right time.Rest The Case bridges the gap by bringing the best corporate lawyers on board across the country to upcoming and established businesses for all their legal matters. Businesses and corporate firms can reach out to the platform to get verified leads and high-quality lawyers in just one click.Offering equity to the early team often triggers time-sensitive IRS (Indian Revenue Service) filings. Along with this, raising funds from investors requires compliance with complex securities laws. A wrong step on any of these processes could mean an early exit for a startup company. A corporate lawyer can assist you and set a smooth sail in the market.When you are starting a business, it requires a number of licenses and clearances like MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), Trademark Registration, FSSAI registration, BIS Certificate, GST Registration, NBFC, and more. Lawyers make this process of acquiring the licenses smooth and it saves you from future liabilities. Secondly, a corporate lawyer makes sure that your business is protected and ensure it is sustainable and growing. They advise on the intellectual property to be registered and when non-disclosure agreements should be executed.Also, before starting any business, it is important to draw up a contract that has clear clauses mentioned right from investment contracts to founders' agreements and shareholding agreements. Corporate lawyers help to avert risks and save the company from unnecessary losses by drafting a suitable agreement that is in the best interest of the company and its shareholders.As an entrepreneur, looking after the legalities might not be your priority as you are more focused on pushing your brand image in the market. However, it is an equally important aspect that needs to be taken care of to secure your company from any legal issues. Hiring a corporate lawyer for your startup is a must if you want your company to stay secure and grow efficiently. With sound legal advice, one can invest their money without worrying. It will save you from bigger risks arising out of any legal problem, which can lead to continuing legal cases and even the end of your startup. You can now find high-quality and reliable corporate lawyers in just one click at restthecase.com. Visit our website to know more.Rest The Case is a legal aggregator platform that offers infinite opportunities for lawyers and clients and makes the law accessible to everyone. It is an online platform that gives a smart and convenient edge to create and build connections between lawyers and clients with just one simple click. Rest The Case aims to provide solutions to all legal needs from the comfort of your home. It is also committed to catering to law students' needs, whether it is finding helpful tips or information. With Rest The Case, find legal help at the tip of your fingers. Rest The Case are a One Stop Solution for all Legal Services and Information.(Disclaimer The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)ANI27 June 2023

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Media plays crucial role in disseminating welfare schemes: Himachal CM Sukhu

Shimla, June 27: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday praised the media and said that it plays a crucial role in disseminating the government's policies, programmes and welfare schemes among the public.

Media plays crucial role in disseminating welfare schemes: Himachal CM Sukhu

CM Sukhu was presiding over an event organised by a radio network on Monday. He also presented awards to various individuals who have made notable contributions in their respective fields.Among the awardees were actresses Rubina Dilaik, Anshu and Kartik Bathla, Uddham Singh Thakur, singer Mohan Singh Chauhan, Rajesh Malhotra, Mamta and Vishal Gupta, Dr Dinesh Bedi, Prem Rana, Dr P.N. Hrishikesha, Himanshu Sood, Manuj Shardia, Rajesh Puri, Pious, Ankit Aggarwal, Mukesh Bhaskar, Bhagwan Singh Gill and Dr Neeraj Sharma.The Chief Minister commended the radio network for honouring entrepreneurs of the State and said that many people of Himachal Pradesh have globally earned their names in various fields including the film industry as well.He said that the media plays a crucial role in disseminating government's policies, programmes and welfare schemes among the public.The Chief Minister also briefed about several schemes of the State Government and requested the radio network to disseminate the same through its various programmes.CM Sukhu said that to achieve green initiatives and reduce carbon emissions the government was actively promoting e-vehicles and mulls to transition the HRTC fleet to e-buses over the next three years.He reiterated that a 50 per cent subsidy was being given to private operators on the purchase of e-buses, e-trucks, and e-taxis to encourage e-vehicle.Apart from this, the state government provides 40 per cent financial assistance for solar power projects ranging from 250 KW to 2 MW capacity, he added.Highlighting the importance of the tourism sector, the Chief Minister said that special focus was being laid on the development of tourism besides promoting Kangra as the 'Tourism Capital' of the State. In order to promote adventure tourism in water bodies across the State, the necessary infrastructure is being strengthened.He said that the State Government had allocated Rs. 100 crore to ease congestion on the Circular Road in Shimla.He said that the State had adopted 6000 orphans as 'Children of the State', and extensive reforms were being introduced in the field of education as well.Meritorious students are being offered loans for pursuing higher education at a nominal interest rate of one per cent, he added.Education Minister, Rohit Thakur, Chairman, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, R.S. Bali, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Ashish Butail, MLAs, Harish Janartha and Sudarshan Babloo, Former MLA Satpal Raizada and other dignitaries were present on the occasion amongst others.ANI27 June 2023

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StyleBuddy Wins Golden Glory Awards 2023 for Best New Service - Personal Styling

NewsVoir, Mumbai, June 27: StyleBuddy, a leading personal styling service, is proud to announce its prestigious win at the Golden Glory Awards 2023 by Brands Impact! for Best New Service - Personal Styling.

StyleBuddy Wins Golden Glory Awards 2023 for Best New Service - Personal Styling

The esteemed award recognizes StyleBuddy's exceptional contribution to the fashion and Retail industry and its commitment to providing personalized styling experiences to its clients.The Golden Glory Awards, known for acknowledging excellence in various sectors, celebrated StyleBuddy's innovative approach and dedication to delivering top-notch personal styling services. This recognition highlights the company's ability to enhance individuals' fashion journeys and empower them to look and feel their best."We are honoured to receive the Golden Glory Award for Best New Service - Personal Styling," said Siddharth Pandit, CEO of Nirji Ventures that has invested in StyleBuddy. "This accolade is a testament to the hard work and passion of our talented team who continuously strive to create extraordinary experiences for our clients."Jyoti, Director StyleBuddy further added, "We are deeply committed to transforming the way people discover and embrace their unique styles, and this award motivates us to push boundaries and set new industry standards."Priya Rajesh, COO of StyleBuddy points out that StyleBuddy has emerged as a go-to destination for individuals seeking personalized fashion advice and assistance. With a team of experienced and highly skilled personal stylists, the company has successfully transformed the way people shop and dress, providing tailored guidance to suit their individual preferences, body types, and lifestyle needs.By leveraging advanced technology and an in-depth understanding of fashion trends, StyleBuddy has revolutionized the personal styling landscape. Their innovative platform seamlessly connects clients with expert stylists, allowing for a convenient and personalized styling journey. Through virtual consultations, curated style boards, and expert fashion advice, StyleBuddy helps clients unlock their true style potential and build wardrobes that reflect their unique personalities.The Golden Glory Awards win further solidifies StyleBuddy's position as a pioneer in the personal styling industry. Their commitment to delivering exceptional service and fostering positive fashion experiences has garnered recognition from both industry experts and satisfied clients.With this remarkable achievement, StyleBuddy looks forward to continuing its mission of empowering individuals to embrace their personal styles confidently. They remain dedicated to offering unparalleled personal styling services and creating memorable fashion journeys for their ever-growing clientele.StyleBuddy is a leading personal styling service that offers personalized fashion advice, guidance, and shopping assistance to individuals looking to enhance their personal style. With a team of expert stylists and innovative technology platform, StyleBuddy aims to revolutionize the way people discover and embrace their unique fashion identities. Its mission is to make personal Styling services accessible and affordable to every Indian. Nirji Ventures Pte Singapore has invested and incubates StyleBuddy under its Venture Studio Program.For inquiries, please contact .(Disclaimer The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)ANI27 June 2023

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Bayer and Crystal in partnership to launch Curbix Pro & Kollar for the benefit of Indian Paddy Growers

PRNewswire, New Delhi, June 27: Bayer CropScience and Crystal Crop Protection Limited came together in 2018 to embark on a collaborative project to enhance the productivity of rice and cotton farmers in India.

Bayer and Crystal in partnership to launch Curbix Pro & Kollar for the benefit of Indian Paddy Growers

Under this collaboration, Bayer provided Crystal access to newer innovations, and Crystal, based on their manufacturing and development strength, helped bring new solutions to the Indian market. Today, Bayer CropScience and Crystal Crop Protection Limited have launched the product, Curbix Pro and Kollar, respectively, to aid farmers in tackling plant hoppers, ensuring that the best crop protection practices are implemented.Through this partnership, Bayer and Crystal have provided Indian farmers with solutions to build effective crop protection programs and create strong resistance against pests. As India is the world's second-largest producer and the largest exporter of rice, farmer needs and crop dynamics in India differ from large-scale agricultural operations in Western countries. One of the main reasons for crop loss in paddy cultivation is pest attacks. Paddy fields essentially are infested by two types of paddy hoppers -- Brown Plant Hopper or White Backed Plant Hopper -- which can lead to huge crop loss*. To tackle this issue, Bayer and Crystal will provide farmers with an innovative product, having a unique combination of dual active ingredients against plant hoppers. With this dual action, farmers will be able to ensure lesser crop losses, leading to higher yields.Speaking on the launch, Simon-Thorsten Wiebusch, Country Divisional Head, Crop Science Division of Bayer for India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka said, "The importance of rice to India and even the world's food security needs cannot be overstated. What impacts rice, impacts the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers. Our expertise lies in creating innovative solutions and in building collaborative ecosystems that help deliver the best value to our growers. Curbix Pro will surely be a significant value addition to our vast portfolio targeted at enhancing farmer yields and income.""It is another momentous occasion for us to successfully launch Kollar co-developed with Bayer Crop Science. This new offering is a milestone for Crystal's enhancing R and D capabilities, which will support paddy farmers to enhance their profitability. With this, Crystal now has a very strong and value-driven portfolio for the full crop cycle of paddy crop," said Ankur Aggarwal, Managing Director, Crystal Crop Protection Limited.Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2022, the Group employed around 101,000 people and had sales of 50.7 billion euros. R and D expenses before special items amounted to 6.2 billion euros. For more information, go to .Crystal Crop Protection Ltd is an R and D-based crop solution company with a wide range of crop protection, seeds and farm mechanization products. The company works closely with the Indian farming community towards improving farm profitability and sustainability by offering seed-to-harvest solutions. It has integrated operations, from undertaking R and D to manufacturing and delivering products to farmers across India through its extensive distribution network. For more information, please visitMedia contactsSnigdha VishalCommunications Business Partner,CropScience - South Asia, Bayer+91 9819170087Himanshu BarsainyaCorporate Communication,Crystal Crop Protection, New Delhi+91 82879 55512Payel SannigrahiAccount ExecutiveEdelman+91 82917 23943(Disclaimer The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)ANI27 June 2023

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Tamil Nadu: Union Minister A Narayanaswamy inspects Periyar Bus Stand constructed under Madurai Smart City Project

Madurai, June 27: Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment A Narayanaswamy along with Corporation Commissioner Praveen Kumar inspected the Periyar Bus Stand constructed under the Madurai Smart City Project in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday.

Tamil Nadu: Union Minister A Narayanaswamy inspects Periyar Bus Stand constructed under Madurai Smart City Project

According to Narayanaswamy, the Madurai Periyar bus stand renovation works started in the year 2019 with an estimate of 170 crore rupees under the Smart City project.The Minister also added that the construction work was done on a grand scale with modern facilities and was opened for public use in August 2021."A bus station with a parking space for 57 buses and a commercial complex with 450 shops has been built, but only the bus stand is fully operational in the first phase," said Narayanaswamy.The National Smart Cities Mission was launched by the Government of India, an urban redevelopment and upgrading program with the goal of creating sustainable, smart cities all around the nation.The Smart Cities Mission plans to create a model area inside each of the nation's cities, based on an area development plan, which is anticipated to have an impact on other areas of the city, as well as, neighboring cities and towns.As per the official data of Madurai Corporation, the Periyar Bus stand is the oldest Bus stand in Madurai existing over decades and has been taken for Redevelopment works under the Madurai Smart City Project.It also added that the Bus Terminus Area spans over 30,500 square meters area and includes a Bus terminal and a Terminal building.ANI27 June 2023

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Iranian minister calls for creating joint commission between Iran, Afghanistan to resolve water dispute

Kabul, June 27: Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi has proposed creating a joint commission between Iran and Afghanistan to address the dispute over water rights between the two nations by carefully observing water levels in the Helmand River in Afghanistan, Afghanistan-based Khaama Press reported.

Iranian minister calls for creating joint commission between Iran, Afghanistan to resolve water dispute

Ahmad Vahidi has said that the purpose of the joint team will be to determine Iran's rights and to verify the Taliban's claims regarding water shortage. He said, "The establishment of a joint committee to evaluate one of the dams named in the treaty was the key matter," according to Khaama Press report.Earlier, the Taliban claimed that there was not enough water in the Kajaki Dam in Afghanistan due to drought in the country and added that even if it had water, it would not reach Iran, as per the Khaama Press report.Earlier, Iran had accused the Taliban of breaking the 1973 water pact by stopping water flow to Sistan and Baluchistan provinces which share a border with southern Afghanistan. However, Kabul has denied the allegations made by Iran, the report said.The development has resulted in a deterioration in the ties between the Taliban and Iran. Iran must annually receive 850 million cubic metres of water from the Helmand River of Afghanistan in accordance with the 1973 agreement.Earlier this month, Iran's Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi has asked the Taliban authorities to advise their security forces to maintain peace and security and avoid further border conflicts, Khaama Press reported.Iranian Minister said that peace and security had been restored in the area following the recent incidents that occurred along the Iran-Afghanistan border, according to Tasnim News. Vahidi blamed the Taliban forces for last week's border clashes and claimed that the Iranian forces responded to them."The Afghans had begun shooting at the common border, and the Iranian forces naturally responded to the shots properly," he said, as per Khaama Press."We currently have direct interaction with Afghan rulers, and all misunderstandings and problems should be settled through dialogue and negotiation," the Interior Minister said. As per Iranian officials, during the border clashes with the Taliban that broke out last week, one Iranian border guard was killed, and two others were injured.Meanwhile, the Afghan security forces claimed that one Taliban security force and two Iranian border guards were killed, and several others were injured during the skirmishes. The incident occurred at the border crossing point between the southeastern province of Sistan and Balochistan and the Nimruz province of Afghanistan in areas around Sasouli, Hatam and Makaki villages.ANI27 June 2023

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Megalodon shark was warm-blooded, finds study

Washington, June 27: Researchers have found that Megalodon, or megatooth shark, was a warm-blooded creature.

Megalodon shark was warm-blooded, finds study

The latest findings on the Megalodon, which lived in the world's oceans from 23 million to 3.6 million years ago and measured about 50 feet in length, have been published in the peer-reviewed journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.The study used fossil teeth to determine that the Megalodon's body temperature was much higher than previously thought, according to Michael Griffiths and Martin Becker, both professors of environmental science at William Paterson University.Kenshu Shimada, a paleobiologist at DePaul University in Chicago, Robert Eagle at the University of California, Los Angeles, and Sora Kim at the University of California, Merced, were also involved in the study. Researchers from Florida Gulf Coast University, Princeton University in New Jersey, and Goethe University Frankfurt in Germany are also coauthors on the paper.Previous studies have suggested that the Megalodon (formally called Otodus megalodon) was likely warm-blooded, or more precisely regionally endothermic, just like some modern-day sharks. However, those findings were based on pure inference, the researchers say. Their study provides the first empirical evidence of warm-bloodedness in the extinct shark.The research team used a novel geochemical technique, involving clumped isotope thermometry and phosphate oxygen isotope thermometry, to test the "Megalodon Endothermy Hypothesis.""Studies using these methods have shown them to be particularly useful in inferring the thermo-physiologies of fossil vertebrates of 'unknown' metabolic origins by comparing their body temperature with that of co-occurring fossils of 'known' metabolisms," explained Griffiths, of William Paterson University, the lead author of the study.Clumped isotope thermometry is based on the thermodynamic preference for two or more 'heavier' isotopes of a particular element (due to extra neutrons in the nucleus), such as carbon-13 and oxygen-18, to form bonds in a mineral lattice based on the mineralization temperatures. The degree to which these isotopes bond or 'clump' together can then reveal the temperature at which the mineral formed. Phosphate oxygen isotope thermometry is based on the principle that the ratio of the stable oxygen isotopes, oxygen-18 and oxygen-16, in phosphate minerals depends on the temperature of the body water from which they formed.The new study found that Megalodon had body temperatures significantly higher than sharks considered cold-blooded or ectothermic, consistent with the fossil shark having a degree of internal heat production as modern warm-blooded animals do. Among the modern-day sharks with regional endothermy is a group that includes mako and great white sharks with the previously reported average body temperature ranging from 22.0 to 26.6@C, which may be 10 to 21@C higher than ambient ocean temperature. The new study suggests Megalodon had an overall average body temperature of about 27@C.Otodus megalodon has a rich fossil record, but its biology remains poorly understood, like most other extinct sharks, because no complete skeleton of the cartilaginous fish is known in the fossil record. Luckily, its abundant teeth remain and can serve as a door to the past."Otodus megalodon was one of the largest carnivores that ever existed and deciphering the biology of the prehistoric shark offers crucial clues about the ecological and evolutionary roles large carnivores have played on marine ecosystems through geologic time," said Shimada.The ability of Otodus megalodon to regulate body temperature is evolutionarily profound because the evolution of warm-bloodedness is thought to have also acted as a key driver for its gigantism. Previous geochemical investigations by Griffiths, Becker, and their colleagues have suggested that Otodus megalodon was a significant apex predator, residing at the very top of the marine food chain.The high metabolic needs associated with maintaining warm-bloodedness may have contributed to the species' extinction, the researchers say."Because megalodon went extinct around the time of extreme changes in climate and sea-level, which impacted the distribution of and the type of prey, our new study sheds light on the vulnerability of large marine apex predators, such as the great white shark, to stressors such as climate change," said Griffiths, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect modern shark species.ANI27 June 2023

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Maharashtra: IMD issues orange alert for Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Nashik, Pune and Satara

Mumbai, June 27: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for heavy rains in Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Nashik, Pune and Satara on Tuesday.

Maharashtra: IMD issues orange alert for Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Nashik, Pune and Satara

Earlier on June 25, the IMD issued an Orange alert for Raigad and Ratnagiri as heavy rainfall lashed parts of Maharashtra.The India Meteorological Department also stated that the southwest monsoon advanced over Mumbai and Delhi.The weather department also issued a 'yellow alert' for Palghar, Mumbai, Thane, and Sindhudurg.According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, Mumbai city received 104 mm of rain and eastern suburbs and western suburbs received 123 mm and 139 mm of rain.Earlier this month, the Andheri subway in Mumbai was closed for vehicular movements after waterlogging was triggered by heavy rainfall.The traffic was diverted towards the Swami Vivekananda road.The IMD had issued a 'yellow alert' for Mumbai and predicted heavy rainfall."Rainfall intensity to gradually increase over parts of Maharashtra during next 4-5 days. Indication of expected severe weather in the next 5 days, " said Regional Meteorological Centre on June 25.Notably, the monsoon hit several parts of the country a few days back, giving people relief from the scorching heat.Earlier on June 25, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday issued an Orange warning to 13 districts in Odisha.Earlier on June 26, the IMD issued a yellow alert in the Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Thrissur districts of Kerala.IMD Yellow alert was also issued for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram and Wayanad districts for June 27.Earlier on June 26, the IMD issued an orange alert to Himachal Pradesh amid the incessant rain in the North Indian hill state.ANI27 June 2023

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UAE Ambassador attends Hungarian Presidents meeting with Arab Ambassadors Council

Budapest [Hungary], June 27: Saud Hamad Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Hungary, participated in the meeting of Hungarian President Katalin Novak with the Arab ambassadors accredited to her country, which focused on strengthening cooperation and expanding relations between Arab nations and Hungary.

UAE Ambassador attends Hungarian President's meeting with Arab Ambassadors' Council

In her speech, President Novak welcomed the ambassadors and stressed the importance of the Arab world to Hungary at all political, economic and social levels.She shared her appreciation for the presence of the Arab Ambassadors' Council at the meeting and stressed the importance of close cooperation at bilateral and international levels.For his part, Al Shamsi conveyed the greetings of the UAE's leadership to President Novak and expressed the UAE's keenness to support economic and social cooperation with Hungary, especially with regard to space programmes and government services.Al Shamsi stressed the importance of participation in the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), which will be held in Expo City Dubai in November, to promote global climate action.For her part, Karima Kabbaj, Moroccan Ambassador to Hungary and Dean of the Council, thanked the Hungarian President for the warm welcome, generous hospitality and interest in Arab affairs. (ANI/WAM)ANI28 June 2023

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Delhi Govt to organise Rozgar Mela, open 20 new employment centres

New Delhi, June 27: Labour and Employment Minister of Delhi Raaj Kumar Anand on Tuesday held a meeting with the Vice Chancellor of the Labour Department and the Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University (DSEU) to discuss the organisation of the employment fair or 'Rozgar Mela'.

Delhi Govt to organise Rozgar Mela, open 20 new employment centres

During this meeting, it was decided that the Delhi government will organise a large-scale employment fair to provide better employment opportunities to the youth.Moreover, employment centres will be established to provide the right guidance to the youth for their careers. At the Rozgar Mela, the youth will be counselled by experts and will learn about the field for which they have potential and aptitude, so as to make their dreams come true.In the meeting, the DSEU Vice Chancellor shared that with the help of the Employment Centres, more than 2000 youths have already benefited in Delhi so far.At these employment centres, the university guides the youth in looking for new unexplored opportunities. On the basis of their studies and profile, the youth are assisted in finding employment opportunities. Importantly, experts counsel them and help them discover an appropriate field of work.Notably, three such employment centres are operating in Delhi as of now. In the meeting, the Labour and Employment Minister instructed DSEU to submit a proposal to increase the number of employment centres to 20.Raaj Kumar Anand also suggested in the meeting that while talking about employment of the youth of Delhi, special care and attention should be given to people living with a disability.He instructed the officials to organise a separate job fair for differently-abled persons. The cabinet minister directed the officials of the concerned department and the university to take appropriate steps in this direction.Along with this, he also suggested that collaborations and communication should be sought with civil society organisations and NGOs working in this field. With the help of these organisations, those employers can be included in the employment fair and can provide employment opportunities to the disabled as well.The Kejriwal government is planning to organise a huge job fair or Rozgar Mela in Delhi to provide employment opportunities to the youth on a large scale. The department is currently engaged in its preparations.During the meeting covering this subject, the Labour and Employment Minister Raaj Kumar Anand suggested that registration and counselling camps should be organised in every assembly constituency to involve the maximum youth of Delhi.Additionally, the Delhi government will organise employment fairs on a small scale as well. Raaj Kumar Anand instructed officials of the department to organise job fairs on a small scale from time to time. He directed that an external agency be appointed, to ensure that the job fair is organised well.ANI28 June 2023

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Actions forthcoming against Wagner group says US State Department

Washington, DC, June 28: The United States on Tuesday said that Washington will soon announce measures against the Wagner group over its past activities in Africa.

Actions forthcoming against Wagner group says US State Department

During a regular press briefing on Tuesday, the US State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller said, "I would say in terms of this - the disposition of Yevgeniy Prigozhin, he's under indictment in the United States. We would like to see him here standing trial for the crimes that he is alleged to have committed."Responding to a media query on whether Prigozhin should be declared persona non grata, and Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko welcoming the Wagner chief to his land, Miller said, "I will just repeat what I said, which is that the decision by Lukashenko to welcome him to Belarus does show that he continues to take steps not in the interest of his own people but in the interest of the Kremlin.""I will say, I don't have any United States assessment of the situation. As I said yesterday, and as Secretary Blinken said, on Sunday, everywhere where Wagner goes, death and destruction follow in their wake. So, the decision by Prez Lukashenko to welcome Prigozhin to Belarus, I think is another example of him choosing the interest of Vladimir Putin and choosing the interest of the Kremlin over the Belarusian people," said Miller.He added that the US would continue to support Ukraine and its military to repel the Russian troops."In terms of what's next, on this, to be continued US support for Ukraine and continued US support for the Ukrainian military's work to repel Russian troops, whether they be Ministry of Defense troops, or whether they be Wagner forces, or whether they be whatever the next iteration, if any, of Wagner forces, look like to repel those forces from Ukraine's borders.""And just as you will see actions from us in the very near future to hold Wagner accountable, you will see continued actions from us in the very near future to continue to supply the Ukrainian military with the equipment, the military equipment that it needs, to press their case on the battlefield," he said during the State Department briefing on Tuesday.Wagner Chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has reached Belarus, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced on Tuesday, reported CNN.ANI28 June 2023

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IIT Bombay moves into top 150 in QS world ranking, Chief Quacquarelli congratulates Indian university on milestone

New Delhi, June 28: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Mumbai has achieved a great milestone by coming into the world's top 150 universities in the latest edition of the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Ranking released on Wednesday, an official statement of IIT Bombay said.

IIT Bombay moves into top 150 in QS world ranking, Chief Quacquarelli congratulates Indian university on milestone

QS Founder and CEO, Nunzio Quacquarelli also congratulated IIT Bombay for securing its highest rank ever and said that they've ranked 2900 institutions for this year's ranking system and there are 45 Indian universities that are appearing in the rankings.The QS World University Rankings is an annual publication of university rankings that comprises the global overall and subject rankings.Earlier, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore achieved its highest rank in 2016 with a ranking of 147.According to the official statement, IIT Bombay has been ranked 1st in India and has moved significantly up from 177th rank last year to 149th rank this year in the QS World University Rankings, with an overall score of 51.7 out of 100. It is for the first time ever since its participation that IIT Bombay has been ranked within the top 150 in QS rankings. Overall, the Institution improved its 2023 performance by 23 places.This year for the first time 45 Indian Institutions got ranked in QS World University Ranking.The statement said that there were nine parameters in QS ranking, among which the Employer Reputation indicated the strongest one for IIT Bombay with a rank of 69 globally."The Institute has a score of 81.9 in employer reputation, 73.1 in citation per faculty, 55.5 in academic reputation, 47.4 in employment outcome, 54.9 in sustainability, 18.9 in faculty-student ratio, 4.7 in international faculty, 8.5 in international research network and 1.4 in international students, all scores out of a maximum of 100 points. Among these nine parameters, the Employer Reputation indicated the strongest one for IIT Bombay with a rank of 69 globally," it said.Highlighting the performances of Indian Universities, QS Chief said that they have rated 2900 institutions for this year's ranking and there are 45 universities appearing in the ranking which is a 297% increase over the last nine years."I am delighted that we are launching the 20th edition of the QS world university rankings and I would like to congratulate Indian universities for improving performance. We have ranked or we have rated 2900 institutions for this year's ranking system and there are 45 Indian universities that are appearing in the ranking, which is a 297% increase over the last nine years," he said."So really continuous steady improvement by Indian universities. We're seeing that the IITs and IIS are the top-performing Indian universities. I particularly like to congratulate IIT Bombay for being the top-performing Indian university," he added.The chief also congratulated Chandigarh University" for securing 780 ranks and becoming the top-performing Indian private university."I'd also like to congratulate Chandigarh University as the top performing Indian private university that came in the 780," he said."And we hope that our worldview rankings and QS rating systems and other initiatives will continue to carry that momentum forward as we see more Indian universities performing even better in the years to come," he added.ANI28 June 2023

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Wagner Chief Prigozhin is in Belarus, says President Alexander Lukashenko

Minsk [Belarus], June 28: Wagner Chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has reached Belarus, according to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, reported CNN.

Wagner Chief Prigozhin is in Belarus, says President Alexander Lukashenko

According to Belarusian state media, Lukashenko in his address on Tuesday said that he had warned Prigozhin that if he continued his march into the Russian capital, his soldiers would be obliterated. He reportedly told Prigozhin during a conversation on Saturday that "halfway you'll just be crushed like a bug."In his address, Lukashenko also revealed additional information regarding his discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prigozhin over the weekend, stating that his discussions with the Wagner chief lasted the entire day on Saturday, CNN reported.The President of Belarus further said that the nation is not currently erecting camps for Wagner mercenary soldiers on its soil, and he has given the group some undeveloped area inside Belarus if they require it.The Belarusian military can benefit from the combat experience of the Wagner Group fighters, President Lukashenko has said."They were at the very front of the attacking troops. They will tell us what's important now," Lukashenko said, according to Belarusian news agency Belta. The fighters could report on which weapons worked well and how attack and defence could be conducted successfully, he said."This is very valuable. We have to get this from the Wagner fighters," Lukashenko said, reported CNN.After the chaotic weekend in Russia, Putin spoke out strongly, reminding security guards that they had "virtually stopped a civil war" by putting down the failed uprising by Wagner troops.Prigozhin, in an audio message published on Monday by his news service, said that the march was a demonstration of protest and not intended to overthrow power."We started our march because of an injustice. We went to demonstrate our protest and not to overthrow power in the country," Prigozhin said in an audio message, Al Jazeera reported.In his new audio message, Prigozhin also said that about 30 of his fighters died in the Russian army's attack on the mercenary group on Friday. He said the attack came days before Wagner was scheduled to leave its positions on June 30 and hand over equipment to the Southern Military District in Rostov."Overnight, we have walked 780 kilometres (about 484 miles). Two hundred-something kilometres (about 125 miles) were left to Moscow," Prigozhin claimed in the latest audio message, as per CNN.ANI28 June 2023

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Supreme Court continues defending voters rights: Barack Obama after institution rejects independent state legislature theory

Washington DC, June 27: US former President Barack Obama, on Tuesday, said that the Supreme Court rejected the fringe independent state legislature theory that threatened to upend state election laws nationwide and made clear that the institution can continue defending voters' rights in North Carolina.

Supreme Court continues defending voters' rights: Barack Obama after institution rejects independent state legislature theory

Taking to Twitter, Obama said, "Today, the Supreme Court rejected the fringe independent state legislature theory that threatened to upend our democracy and dismantle our system of checks and balances." "This ruling rejects the far-right theory that threatened to undermine our democracy, and makes clear that courts can continue defending voters' rights--in North Carolina and in every state. Thanks to @RedistrictFdn and @EricHolder for helping make this happen," he said in a tweet.This tweet came after the Supreme Court ruled in a case where it rejected a legal theory that would have radically reshaped how federal elections are conducted by giving state legislatures largely unchecked power to set all sorts of rules for federal elections and to draw congressional maps warped by partisan gerrymandering, as per The New York Times.The vote was 6 to 3, with Chief Justice John Roberts Jr writing the majority opinion. He said that the Constitution protects voting rights in federal elections and state courts can enforce those provisions.Chief Justice said that the Constitution "does not exempt state legislatures from the ordinary constraints imposed by state law."Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito Jr and Neil Gorsuch dissented.The case concerned the "independent state legislature" theory. The doctrine is based on a reading of the Constitution's Elections Clause, which says, "The times, places and manner of holding elections for senators and representatives, shall be prescribed in each state by the legislature thereof."The Republicans, seeking to restore the legislative map last year, have urged the Supreme Court to immediately intervene and also appealed that the state court was not entitled to second-guess the Legislature, reported The New York Times.After their request, the justices rejected it for immediate intervention, and the election in November was conducted under a map drawn by experts appointed by a state court. That resulted in a 14-member congressional delegation that was evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats, roughly mirroring the state's partisan divisions.The composition of the North Carolina Supreme Court changed after elections in November, favouring Republicans by a 5-to-2 margin. In what a dissenting justice called a "shameful manipulation of fundamental principles of our democracy and the rule of law," the new majority reversed course, saying the Legislature was free to draw gerrymandered voting districts as it saw fit, according to The New York Times.ANI28 June 2023

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Julian Sands: Remains recovered from California identified as those of missing actor

England, June 28: British actor Julian Sands, who is known for his roles in shows like '24' and movies such as 'A Room with a View' and 'The Killing Fields', has been found dead after going missing in the San Gabriel Mountains of Southern California in January, reported CNN quoting the investigators on Tuesday.

Julian Sands: Remains recovered from California identified as those of missing actor

"The manner of death is still under investigation, pending further test results," the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said in a statement. "We would like to extend our gratitude to all the volunteers that worked tirelessly to locate Mr Sands."Since he did not return after a hike on January 13, the actor has been the subject of a continuing search in the Mt Baldy area.The weather had hampered search efforts in the weeks since his disappearance. Earlier last month, officials announced a renewed search for Sands.Over 80 search and rescue volunteers, deputies, and staff participated in the search efforts in recent days, supported by two helicopters and drone crews as volunteers searched in "remote areas across Mount Baldy," reported CNN while quoting the officials.Last week, human remains were discovered in the region where they were looking for Sands.According to his family, Sands was fond of hiking. Sands appeared in a number of movies and TV shows.He has worked in films like 'Arachnophobia' and 'Leaving Las Vegas'. He was also seen in TV shows such as 'Smallville', Netflix's television series 'What/If' and the Peter Capaldi-led drama 'Benediction,' CNN reported.ANI28 June 2023

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Superman: Legacy: David Corenswet replaces Henry Cavill as Superman in James Gunns next directorial

Washington, June 28: Hollywood actor David Corenswet is all set to portray the lead role of Clark Kent in James Gunn's upcoming film 'Superman: Legacy', replacing Henry Cavill, while Rachel Brosnahan will be seen as Lois Lane.

'Superman: Legacy: David Corenswet replaces Henry Cavill as Superman in James Gunn's next directorial

According to Deadline, a US-based media outlet, the decision comes after the two were among the few selected to test in front of DC co-chairs Peter Safran and Gunn (who is directing) in full costume and makeup for the parts.Previously, Cavill portrayed the role of the superhero in DC comics' 'Man of Steel', 'Batman vs Superman', 'Justice League'.The 'Superman Legacy' casting process has gone on for months, with Safran and Gunn wanting a thorough search to find the new leads for this new franchise. With the two roles now locked up, Gunn will now look to fill the shoes of Superman's arch-nemesis Lex Luthor as well as other supporting characters like Kent's friend Jimmy Olsen, reported Deadline.Warner Bros has yet to confirm its attendance at next month's Comic-Con in San Diego, but the two might be revealed at the studio's Hall H panel. However, if there is a SAG-AFTRA strike, Corenswet and Brosnahan will be unable to attend because strike guidelines say that no actors can promote any films during a strike.'Superman Legacy' is all set to hit the theatres on July 11, 2025.The project was announced earlier this year when Gunn and Safran laid out their plan for the first phase of this revamped slate and 'Superman Legacy' was front and centre as the project that would help launch this strategy, reported Deadline.ANI28 June 2023

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Super Angels Summit, 14th-15th Sep, ADNEC Abu Dhabi; Worlds first and largest summit for active and aspiring angel investors

ThePRTree, New Delhi, June 28: Super Angels Summit 2023 is ready to take place on 14th and 15th, September at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in Abu Dhabi.

Super Angels Summit, 14th-15th Sep, ADNEC Abu Dhabi; World's first and largest summit for active and aspiring angel investors

The Summit is designed to celebrate the spirit of angel investment and to bring thousands of active and aspiring angel investors from across the world.The summit is held under the support of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed Bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, Emirates Angels (A non-profit organization registered in the UAE to support the angel investing ecosystem).The summit would feature a carefully curated selection of global Govt. agencies and representatives, Venture Capital Funds, Family Offices, HNIs and UHNIs, Financial Institutions, Industry Leaders, World's most sought after speakers and Celebrities, as well as high-potential startups from various sectors.In addition to the main conference, both active and aspiring angel investors would have an opportunity to join various masterclasses and workshops to enhance their skills as an angel investor. Super Angels Summit will also showcase a vibrant exhibition floor, where attendees can explore cutting-edge products and services from ground breaking startups and established industry players. The exhibition will serve as a hub for collaboration, fostering new partnerships that can drive innovation forward."Having participated in over 2000+ startup events worldwide and being an active part of the startup ecosystem, I was forced to confront the glaring and astounding gap in global angel investment education as Asia has only 40,000+ angel investor in comparison to 1.7 MN in the USA and That's when I realized it was time to act," said Ravi K Ranjan, the founder of Super Angels Summit, spoke on the opportunity that rest of the world has to strengthen the angel investor community."Angel investors are essential to the development of a thriving and diverse startup ecosystem. While there are many events celebrating startups and their impact, the contribution made by angel investors who provide critical support and resources to early-stage companies, deserve greater recognition and appreciation in the discourse surrounding the startup ecosystem. With a growing number of curious investors globally, there is a clear need for a global conference that brings together the best minds in angel investing" said Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, the co-founder and president of Venture Catalysts++Khalifa Al Qubaisi, Chief Commercial Officer at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Part of ADNEC Group said, "Hosting this ground-breaking event for the first time at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre is a valuable addition to the agenda of prominent global annual events which are set to take place at the Centre. As the largest exhibition and conference Centre in the MENA region, ADNEC is committed to hosting world-class events and ensuring their success by deploying its advanced infrastructure, modern facilities, and integrated solutions that meet the requirements of event organisers. In doing so, we continue to drive Abu Dhabi's leading position as the capital of business tourism in the region.""The Super Angels Summit is a pivotal event in the UAE that bolsters the angel investing ecosystem. It provides a platform for networking, sharing insights, and fostering collaborations, which, in turn, promotes growth and sophistication within the region's angel investing sector. A significant stride in this field has been the partnership forged between Emirates Angels and Super Angels. Emirates Angels, a leading non-profit association in the UAE, brings a wealth of local experience and knowledge to the partnership. This collaborative effort has not only magnified the influence of both entities but also fueled innovation and entrepreneurship across the UAE," said Masaood Al Masaood, Chairman of the Board, Emirates Angels.Abu Dhabi, with its strategic location and supportive business environment, serves as an ideal host for the SuperAngels Investors Summit. Recognized as a global hub for investment and innovation, the city provides an exceptional platform for startups and investors to connect, grow, and thrive.The event is being organized by CRRE8IVE, a new age Event IP and Media company, an initiative by Venture Catalysts++. With a team of visionaries, storytellers, designers and artists, CRRE8IVE believes in the power to inspire, connect and transform communities with their mission to curate and produce extraordinary event experiences that would leave a lasting impression on the attendees while also redefining the industry standards.Attendees at Super Angels Summit can expect an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, all led by prominent figures in the startup and investment community. Attendees would also have an opportunity to explore and invest in high growth startups at the summit. These thought leaders will delve into a wide range of topics including angel investing strategies, emerging trends, disruptive technologies, and the future of the startup ecosystem. The insights shared at the summit are expected to shape the future of startup investing and provide attendees with a competitive edge in the market.For more information, Visit -(Disclaimer The above press release has been provided by ThePRTree. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)ANI28 June 2023

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Go First resolution professional set to meet regulator DGCA to discuss revival plan

New Delhi, June 28: Crisis-hit Go First airline's resolution professional Shailesh Ajmera is set to meet civil aviation regulator DGCA and discuss the revival plan of the now-grounded airline. The meeting was scheduled for today afternoon.

Go First resolution professional set to meet regulator DGCA to discuss revival plan

Sources said Ajmera is going to give a presentation to the regulator about the revival plan of the airline in terms of bankers' dues, comprehensive revival plan and a number of aircraft operations.GoFirst suspended flight operations since May 3.The airline operator in early May filed for voluntary bankruptcy before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), alleging delays on the part of US-based engine maker Pratt and Whitney for its inability to promptly meet its obligations - leading to the grounding of a portion of its fleet.The NCLT court accepted the airline's plea and granted an interim stay to protect the airline from lenders, lessors, airports and regulators, among others.Meanwhile, there have been reports that the grounding of the Go First flights had put pressure on airfares, particularly on select routes where the now-grounded airline had its footprint.ANI28 June 2023

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Union Minister Rupala launches Report Fish Disease App

Delhi, June 28: Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala launched an android-based mobile app known as Report Fish Disease on Wednesday in the presence of Dr L. Murugan, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

Union Minister Rupala launches Report Fish Disease App

As per the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying "Contributing to the vision of "Digital India", the 'Report Fish Disease' has been developed by ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Lucknow and launched today under the National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases."The Department of Fisheries has allocated Rs33.78 crore for a period of three years for the implementation of the second phase of the NSPAAD under the PMMSY scheme. With the launch of this App, NSPAAD was able to meet the national and international obligations through transparent reporting," the Ministry addedThe app will be a central platform for connecting and will integrate fish farmers, field-level officers and fish health experts seamlessly. The disease problem faced by the farmers which used to go unnoticed or not reported earlier, will reach the experts and the problem will be addressed in an efficient manner within a short period of time.Ministry further said that the farmers using this app will be able to connect directly to district fisheries officers and scientists. The Farmers and stakeholders can make self-reporting of diseases of finfish, shrimps and molluscs on their farms through this app for which scientific technical assistance will be provided through the same App by our scientists/ Experts to the farmers."Early warning system and scientific advice being provided to the farmers will be helping the farmers to reduce their losses due to diseases and will further strengthen the disease reporting by fish farmers in the country," Ministry added.ANI29 June 2023

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FORT NOVOSEL The 1st Battalion, 223d Aviation Regiment received the 2022 Lt. Gen. Allen M. Burdett Jr., Flight Safety Award during a ceremony at Knox Army Heliport on June 13.

Retired Maj. Gen. Ronald K. Andy Andreson presented the award on behalf of the Order of Daedalians.

The Burdett Award recognizes the best flying safety program among the Armys flying training units, said Andreson. The TRADOC commander, Gen. Brito, commended all of you for your proactive safety efforts and for your success ingraining safety awareness at all levels.

The 1-223d safely flew 137,000 hours in 2022 with zero Class A or B flight mishaps. This is five times the annual flying hour program of a typical aviation battalion, representing 62% of the Aviation Center of Excellences total flight hours and 17% of the Armys total flight hours-an average of 160 flights daily in three different rotary wing airframes.

The battalions mission is to coordinate and conduct flight instruction and operations across 13 separate instructional programs at Cairns Army Airfield, Knox Army Heliport, and Shell Army Heliport to provide the Army with professionally trained CH-47 aviators. Additionally, it conducts initial rotary wing contact and instrument training in the UH-72 Lakota while evaluating and performing quality assurance to include instrument flight examiner training.

They are also responsible for the CH-47 Nonrated Crewmember Flight and Standardization Instructor Course and provide general aviation and crash-rescue support to the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence while conducting aeromedical evacuation operations throughout the southeastern United States.

Our safety record is the result of the positive leadership from the (instructor pilots) in the cockpit, the flight commanders, the platoon leaders, and the company commanders instilling risk management into everything that we do, said Lt. Col. Ryan Walker, 1-223d commander. Our success in safety in flight training is the result of each and every member of the ... team doing their part.

During this period, the 1-223d successfully trained over 1,600 student pilots, instructor pilots, maintenance test pilots, and nonrated crewmembers.

The awards namesake, Lt. Gen. Allen M. Burdett Jr., commanded an infantry company in World War II, led an infantry battalion in Korea, and flew two combat tours in Vietnam. His decorations include two Silver Stars, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Bronze Stars, 25 Air Medals, and the Purple Heart. A member of the Army Aviation Hall of Fame, Burdett served as the Army Aviation commandant from 1970-1973.
Last week I discussed young State Auditor Andrew Sorrell. Recently, when I had him on my Montgomery television show, we discussed his successful race for state auditor. He understands the golden rule of politics, money is the mothers milk of politics. In his 2022 race, he raised an amazing, record-breaking $714,000, and was able to outspend his opponents 7-to-1.

More impressively, he spent the 7-to-1 advantage prudently and wisely. He designed and produced his own television ads, which cut out a 20% distribution and production charge. The most impressive revelation was that he wisely used his personal campaign time in locales where he took advantage of friends-and-neighbors politics.

His opponent, Rusty Glover, had a very strong base of support in Mobile where he had been a state representative and state senator, and taught school for years. Stan Cooke, his other opponent, was a well-known preacher in Jefferson County. Therefore, he acknowledged that these two urban enclaves would vote for their native sons, which they did.

Sorrell realized that this left him as the only North Alabama candidate. He was from the Muscle Shoals-Tuscumbia-Florence area and he worked the Tennessee Valley area as their boy. He carried vote-rich North Alabama. He also worked and cultivated the Wiregrass, where there was no hometown candidate. He did well there, also, with the help of television.

In the runoff with Glover out, Sorrell swooped down to Mobile/Baldwin and garnered Glovers votes and trounced Cooke in the runoff. What surprised me was that in 2022 the old friends-and-neighbors premise still prevailed and even more surprising that it existed in a low-profile, down ballot race.

I have been preaching and telling you about the pervasive friends-and-neighbors politics in Alabama for the last 20 years in my columns. When folks come to visit with me in anticipation of running a statewide race, I make them aware that it still exists, especially in the governors races. Those of us who are students of southern and Alabama politics attribute the highlighting of friends-and-neighbors theory to the brilliant southern political scientist Dr. V.O. Key Jr.

In Dr. Keys textbook, Southern Politics in State and Nation, written in 1948, he points out that friends-and-neighbors politics has existed in the south for decades. I am here to tell you that it still exists today.

What is friends-and-neighbors? It is simply a trend whereby folks will vote for someone from their neck of the woods. Alabamians will vote overwhelmingly for a candidate from their county and adjacent counties. When I taught Southern Politics to college classes, I would tell the students this habit of voting for the hometown boy in Alabama politics was so pervasive that if a candidate from their county or neck of the woods was running statewide and was a well-known drunk or crook, they would vote for him. They might say, I know ole Joe is a drunk or crook, but hes my drunk or crook.

You can look at every governors race the last 80 years and see our local friends and neighbors voting for the hometown candidate when you dive into the numbers. It is unmistakable.

Dr. Key illustrates it well, first in the 1946 races for governor, congress, and U.S. Senate. There was an open U.S. Senate seat when Roosevelt appointed our liberal senator, Hugo Black, to the Supreme Court. The congressman from the Tennessee Valley, John Sparkman, won the Senate seat riding a 75% hometown vote from Madison and Morgan counties. That Tennessee Valley congressional seat was won by Scottsboro lawyer, Bob Jones, because he got an unheard of 97.8% of the vote in Jackson County.

In that same year, Big Jim Folsom won the 1946 governors race because he had two hometowns. Big Jim was born and raised near Elba in Coffee County, but spent his adult life in Cullman in north Alabama. In that 1946 race, Big Jim garnered 72% in Cullman and 77% in Coffee in the first primary where his statewide average was 28% in the crowded field.

You can point to countless examples in all governors races since 1946. There are clearcut examples of localism and regionalism voting for the candidate from your neck of the woods. Friends-and-neighbors politics is still alive and well.

See you next week.
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Also on the airport grounds, AT&T has moved out and is no longer using its call center, a long-term fixture on base for years that was slowly being phased out. It is now being used by two film production companies upstairs and the new Rantoul City Schools unit office and classrooms downstairs.
For the second year in a row, the Five Star Credit Union will award $10,000 in scholarship grants to an incoming freshman for the 2023-2024 school year.

Five Star Credit Union will be awarding the scholarship grants to both the Eufaula and Dothan locations of Wallace Community College. The $10,000 grant will allow students to attend their freshman year during the 2023-2023 school year for free at both locations.

The grant will take away the stress of students attending college without the worry of paying for classes, said Robert A. Steensma, president of the Five Star Credit Union foundation.

The recipients of these scholarships will be chosen by Wallace Community College Foundations scholarship program. This partnership enables the Foundations to accomplish their mission of assisting deserving students for the goals, said Dr Linda C. Young, president of Wallace Community College. Jekerion Ware and Taylor Feggins were selected to receive the $10,000 grant for the upcoming school year. The Five Star Credit Union has awarded over $80,000 in scholarship grants for the last two years.
Most of us learned in high school that people get half their genes from their father and half from their mother. That's true, but it turns out the way parents contribute to their offspring's genetics is more complicatedand more intriguing.

Scientists are discovering that a parent's experiences can lead to changes in gene expression that are encoded in the sperm or egg and passed to offspring. In other words, there is a way in which offspring inherit the experiences of their parents. This is different than inheriting genes for brown or blue eyes. It's more like inheriting genes that are switched on or off for the purpose of being better adapted to a particular environment.

Larry Feig, a professor of developmental, molecular, and chemical biology at Tufts University School of Medicine, is helping to illuminate how changes in gene expression, called epigenetic changes, can be passed down.

Feig says the idea is often startling to people: "You inherit the experiences of your ancestors? How could this be? And why?"

The "why" could be that genetic expression based on parental experience helps set the stage for successful offspring. For example, mice raised in cold environments pack on a type of fat called brown fat to keep themselves warm. Their offspring are born with extra brown fat, presumably giving them a survival boost in cold temperatures.

The idea is that under normal circumstances, it's a good thing. Like any other regulatory system, if it's in excess, it could cause harm." Larry Feig, professor of developmental, molecular, and chemical biology, Tufts University School of Medicine

Regarding the latter, Feig is interested in whether childhood trauma might result in parents passing along epigenetic changes that make their children more susceptible to psychiatric disorders.

Feig has shown that male mice exposed to social stress (in the form of frequent rearranging of social groups) have different levels of molecules called microRNA in their sperm. After the sperm has fertilized the egg, these microRNA molecules give directions about how genes are expressed in the developing embryo. In the sperm of the stressed mice and early embryos derived from them, Feig found that two specific microRNA molecules occur at much lower levels than those from non-stressed mice.

The female offspring of these stressed mice show more anxious behavior than normal. The male offspring don't; however, they do have the same changes in their sperm, even though they weren't stressed themselves. And their female offspring are anxious.

Feig followed up with a small pilot study in humans and found that men with adverse childhood experiences (such as physical or emotional abuse or neglect) had decreased levels of the same microRNA in their sperm. "We saw changes in men's sperm that matched the changes in mice sperm," he says. "It was a striking result."

Now Feig is working on a much larger study in humans to confirm those findings and to delve deeper.

In the new study, participating men will be asked not only about adverse childhood experiences, but also about adult adverse experiences such as those associated with PTSD, as well as their current levels of depression and anxiety. In addition, they will be asked about the sorts of positive childhood experiences that have been shown to mitigate early trauma. Feig wonders whether those positive experiences might boost the levels of the two microRNA molecules in sperm. This seems to be the case for mice, according to studies by other researchers.

In addition, the new study brings in another generationthe men's fathers. This will help illuminate the question of whether stress or trauma in one generation shows up in stress-related sperm changes in the next generation.

In the past, Feig has mostly worked with mice and cells, not humans. While making the transition, he benefited from his daughter's experience. Emily Feig is a clinical psychologist and researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, who was introduced to research as an undergraduate in the Tufts Summer Scholars program. She now studies novel ways to improve health behaviors in people with obesity. Both father and daughter have enjoyed the role reversal.

"Over the years, I've turned to him for advice many times," she says. "Now, he was describing what he was doing and I could say, 'Oh, have you thought about this?'" She provided informal advice about things like how to explain the study in nontechnical language to participants during the enrollment and consent process.

Feig plans to enroll about 300 participants, and to do so, he is collaborating with Boston IVF, a clinical fertility center that also includes a fertility research program headed by Scientific Director Denny Sakkas. Tufts student Aidan Chen is helping with enrollment and consent at Boston IVF, where he was interning when Feig began his study. Chen, who is double majoring in biology and music, plans to become a physician and he's especially interested in fertility. "So many people have problems with fertility," he says. "The ability to bring joy to somebody's life was what attracted me to this field."

For Feig's study, Chen reaches out to men who come to the center about fertility issues, explaining the study and inviting them to participate. "I've learned a lot about how to communicate efficiently and empathetically with patients who are coming in," he says. "It's really important to be considerate because these patients are coming for care first and foremost. The research doesn't impede that process in any way."

Chen has also started working in Feig's lab under the tutelage of postdoctoral scholar Alexandre Champroux who is heading this project. Chen is learning biochemical techniques to analyze epigenetic events, as well as engaging in conversations about study design and data analysis.

"It's been a really enlightening experience to be able to interact with all the parts of the project from beginning to end," Chen says. "I get to consent patients, see them in person, bring the samples to Dr. Feig's lab and learn about what we're doing there."

The samples include not only sperm, but saliva as well. Feig and members of his lab are analyzing the saliva to see if it shows the same fluctuations in microRNA as sperm. If so, perhaps in the future, a simple saliva test could identify people whose microRNA levels indicate that their stressful experiences put them - or their future offspring - at risk for mental illness.

"If certain microRNA changes make the next generation susceptible to psychiatric disorders," he says, "you might be able to reverse those changes, by therapy, meditation or antidepressants, before people have kids. It's much easier to change epigenetics than genetics, because epigenetic regulation of genes, including those that control sperm microRNA levels, responds to the environment."
In a study recently published in PLOS One, scientists utilize generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) to evaluate the global association of anthropogenic and climate factors on the environmental contamination load of Toxoplasma gondii, a zoonotic parasite transmitted through feline feces.

Study: More people, more cats, more parasites: Human population density and temperature variation predict prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii oocyst shedding in free-ranging domestic and wild felids. Image Credit: Nomi's_Wallpapers / Shutterstock.com

What is T. gondii?

Climate change has severely degraded the balance of the earth's ecosystem and allowed for the emergence and spread of numerous pathogens globally. T. gondii, for example, is a generalist zoonotic parasite that infects warm-blooded organisms, including humans; however, the parasite is only capable of reproducing in felines.

Due to the large population of domestic cats that are widely found throughout the world, combined with the various transmission pathways available to parasites, T. gondii is a highly ubiquitous parasite. T. gondii is primarily transmitted by felid fecal shedding in the form of environmentally resistant 'oocysts.'

Although toxoplasmosis typically causes mild-to-severe disease in humans, domestic animals, and wildlife, it is a relatively rare infection in humans residing in high-income nations. Comparatively, certain areas of the world, such as South America, have high levels of T. gondii contamination that leads to high infection rates in free-ranging domestic cats and other wild felids.

While studies have attempted to quantify the contributions of domestic cats to T. gondii spread, outdoor, feral, and wild cats have been largely omitted from the literature, furthermore, there has been little research on climatic correlations, which is essential to the survival and population sizes of both T. gondii and their felid hosts.

About the study

In the present study, researchers determine whether human densities and climatic variables, including temperature and precipitation, could be used as predictors of T. gondii oocyte prevalence at the global scale.

The scientists began by compiling and scrutinizing over 2,200 papers within a meta-analytic framework, which eventually led to a final dataset of 47 relevant publications. Metadata on the study area, whether domestic or wild felids were studied, and the total percentage of felid fecal samples the respective publications found positive for T. oocyst contamination were analyzed.

GLMMs were subsequently used to assess this information in combination with climatic variables and human population density estimates to determine whether human population densities, climate, or both were associated with oocyst prevalence.

Study findings

Of the 47 studies in the final meta-analysis, only 10 included wild felids, with the remaining 37 focusing exclusively on domestic cats.

Despite being a Toxoplasmosis hotspot, South America remains understudied, with only one wild cat and three domestic cat studies conducted throughout the continent. Africa, which consistently reported the highest oocyst shedding prevalence of any continent, contributed only four domestic publications and lacked relevant studies on wild cats. In contrast, North America contributed 11 domestic cat and seven wild cat studies.

Meta-data analysis revealed that human densities and the mean diurnal temperature range positively correlated with oocyte prevalence in domestic cat feces. While the wild felid results agreed with the domestic felid results for human density correlation, a negative association was found for oocyst prevalence during hot and dry months in the six wild cat species under study.

No significant association was observed between oocyte density and either mean annual temperature or precipitation. On average, oocyte prevalence was lower for domestic cats than for their free-roaming counterparts.

High concentrations of feral cats were reported, particularly in urban areas with high human densities. As a result, transmission both to domestic felid hosts and non-definitive hosts, including humans, other pets, and even urban birds, was observed.

Certain urban factors, like increased food and shelter, as well as the reduced threat from native predators, could result in increasingly high wild-cat densities in human habitation. Similar associations have been reported, which is alarming given that human densities in both cases were directly proportional to the degree of pathogen prevalence in non-domestic wildlife.

A significant limitation of the current analysis was that most of the research comprising their raw data was devoid of serological testing. Thus, the researchers could not distinguish between cats that had never been infected by T. gondii and those without a current T. gondii oocyte infection.

Region-specific sampling bias and small sample sizes in individual studies further compound the standard errors in these results. To overcome these limitations, future longitudinal studies are needed to study the impacts of climate on T. gondii oocyst shedding.

Conclusions

Human densities appear to be directly proportional to feline densities which, in turn, reflect the percentage of felids positive for oocyst shedding in their feces.

More people, more cats, more parasites.

This relates to both domestic and free-roaming 'wild' cats that inhabit human settlements, with oocyst shedding prevalence in the latter often higher than that observed in domestic cats. This may increase the likelihood of spreading T. gondii oocytes to other felids and warm-blooded vertebrates.

Taken together, the study findings highlight the lack of information available on T. gondii data from locations like South America and Africa, despite being hotspots for the pathogen. The current study also discusses socioeconomic considerations, including how wealthy localities can maintain high standards of cleanliness, thereby reducing food and shelter availability to potentially infected feral cats.

Future studies that utilize genetic approaches to pathogen characterization and incorporate socioeconomic status (SES) might help alleviate these challenges. This information would allow stakeholders and policymakers to make better-informed decisions on holistic pathogen management.
A University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) research team is poised to make a real-world impact on vulnerable cancer patients, thanks to new support from the State of Tennessee.

Led by David Schwartz, MD, chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology in the College of Medicine, and founding director of the UTHSC Center for Health Equity, the team received $2.75 million from the Tennessee Department of Health for a project that marries an automated informatics strategy with a personalized patient-support system to tackle interruptions to radiotherapy in at-risk patients. Altha Stewart, MD, senior associate dean for Community Health Engagement at UTHSC and associate professor and chief of Social/Community Psychiatry, is a co-investigator.

The grant is part of the first round of funding released from the Tennessee Department of Health's Healthcare Resiliency Program. The program, announced in November 2022, awards competitive grants in two categories  Capital Investment, and Practice Transformation and Extension (PT&E). Dr. Schwartz's project answers the PT&E category, whose purpose is to encourage innovations in the delivery of health and healthcare services that foster improved health outcomes.

The project is the result of several years of multidisciplinary preparation at UTHSC focused on using population health data to automate individualized, high-touch patient support to improve cancer treatment access. All members of the project leadership team led large-scale public health responses to COVID-19 in Memphis and/or collaborated on the UTHSC-led COVID-19 data warehouse for Shelby County.

This funding program is a special opportunity to pilot our vision to meaningfully (and inexpensively) lower social barriers for Tennessee cancer patients who had the hardest time accessing care during the pandemic." Dr. Altha Stewart, MD, senior associate dean for Community Health Engagement at UTHSC

The project focuses on radiotherapy interruptions. Cancer mortality in Tennessee has historically been high (currently 6th worst in the United States), particularly in disadvantaged areas. Radiotherapy is used to cure cancer in over half of patients, but is not like other cancer treatments. Time is a make-or-break driver of its effectiveness. While surgery or chemotherapy can be pushed back several days without much issue, delaying as few as two appointments during a several week course of radiotherapy can threaten cure. Radiotherapy interruptions occur more often in vulnerable populations of low socioeconomic status. The researchers have found interruption disparities in Memphis are defined by patient race, insurance coverage, and neighborhood-level income, including home address in historically poor areas. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted need for strategies to secure equitable radiotherapy access. COVID-19 has impacted poorer, socially vulnerable Americans disproportionately, in part due to underlying social factors contributing to high baseline cancer and COVID-19 risk. Dr. Schwartz's team published the first U.S. report to describe institutional radiation treatment referral volume and interruption patterns during the first year of the pandemic. Patient presentations to his clinic from high poverty areas never fully recovered from the initial decline seen during the early pandemic for over a year.

There are currently no proven methods to improve this situation outside of expensive, non-selective patient navigation services which can only be maintained by the large, wealthy, centralized facilities which require patients to be able to travel to them in the first place. This project is very novel, but is grounded by the team's data, expertise, and preparation. "We will validate the first automated informatics strategy ever developed to directly improve access to radiation treatment for vulnerable cancer patients via personalized social support," Dr. Schwartz said. "This is a cost-efficient virtual platform to democratize treatment access for all Tennesseans as we transition out of COVID-19. Since supportive care strategies such as this are not commonly funded by traditional academic sponsors, the Department's PT&E funding opportunity is a special chance for us to partner with the state to validate a fresh, community-centered approach, obtain longitudinal follow-on funding, and establish the platform as a durable asset appropriate for scaling to other clinical contexts and Tennessee centers."

The team will utilize first-of-its-kind data science to screen patient electronic health records against population-level social determinants of health data to automate clinic coordination of patient support to overcome modifiable barriers to radiotherapy access. This functioning platform, named X-CART ("eXplainable Cancer Radiation Therapy"), will provide secure access to individual and population-level social/health information to select patients most in need of support. X-CART will use social determinants of health data from community-level data resources, individual-level data about our patients, and clinical data from electronic health records to create a fully interoperable health information platform. X-CART can clearly explain to busy providers why individual patients are at risk for radiotherapy interruptions, and then immediately triage them toward intervention. This represents a fundamental advance by the data science team members towards real-world application of digital innovation to reduce cancer treatment access obstacles. "Nothing this sophisticated is available anywhere in the United States," Dr. Schwartz said.

This patient support strategy leverages a proven intervention model used by the group in its community engagement work supporting children experiencing mental illness. This intervention will be the first in the U.S. to utilize experienced community health support specialists to directly support cancer radiotherapy patients, particularly socially vulnerable patients.

UTHSC is uniquely suited to do this work through the College of Medicine's Office of Community Health Engagement led by Dr. Altha Stewart. "Adding this type of individualized social support to cancer patient radiation treatment regimens will significantly reduce the barriers leading to treatment disruption," Dr. Stewart said. The Community Health Support Specialists will address modifiable barriers, including social isolation, lack of personal and/or neighborhood resources such as food and transport access, and related issues of living in low-income, minority, and underserved communities. These specialists will maintain regular contact with each patient during early survivorship to collect treatment outcomes and to maximize stability of support. The specialists will determine frequency (weekly to at least monthly) and length (at least 3 months, up to 6 months) of follow-up to match the social situation and post-treatment physical recovery of each patient.

This work will allow the team to create formal explanatory frameworks and then apply these models to community health support specialist-led intervention strategies to overcome cancer care access barriers during COVID-19 and to keep providers prepared for immediate responses to future public health emergencies. Lessons from this work will be broadly transferrable to other cancer-related and unrelated healthcare contexts across the entire state.
Alcohol consumption increases the risks of over 60 diseases in Chinese men, including many diseases not previously linked to alcohol, according to a new study by researchers from Oxford Population Health, Peking University, and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. The study is published today in Nature Medicine.

Alcohol consumption is estimated to be responsible for about 3 million deaths worldwide each year, and it is increasing in many low- and middle-income countries such as China. The harmful effects of heavy drinking for certain diseases (such as liver cirrhosis, stroke and several types of cancer) are well known, but very few studies have systematically assessed the impact of alcohol use on an extensive range of diseases within the same population.

The study shows that alcohol use increases the risks of 61 diseases in men in China, including many non-fatal diseases not known to be alcohol-related due to limited previous evidence. The findings of this study demonstrate the influence that alcohol intake may have on risk of disease in populations around the world.

The researchers used data from the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB), a collaborative study of over 512,000 adults recruited during 2004-08 from ten diverse urban and rural areas across China. Study participants were interviewed about their lifestyle and behaviours, including detailed alcohol drinking patterns. About a third of men, but only 2% of women, drank alcohol regularly (ie at least once a week). The researchers comprehensively assessed the health effects of alcohol use on over 200 different diseases in men identified through linkage to hospital records over a period of about 12 years. Importantly, they also undertook a genetic analysis to clarify whether or not alcohol intake was responsible for causing disease.

Key findings:

Among 207 diseases studied, self-reported alcohol intake was associated with higher risks of 61 diseases in men. This included 28 diseases previously established by the World Health Organization as alcohol-related, such as liver cirrhosis, stroke, and several gastrointestinal cancers, and 33 diseases not previously established as alcohol-related, such as gout, cataract, some fractures, and gastric ulcer;

There were over 1.1 million hospitalisations recorded in the study, and men who had ever drank alcohol regularly had significantly higher risk of developing any disease and experienced more frequent stays in hospital, compared with men who had only drunk alcohol occasionally;

Certain drinking patterns, such as drinking daily, drinking in heavy "binge" episodes, or drinking outside mealtimes, particularly increased the risks of certain diseases, particularly liver cirrhosis;

In the genetic analyses, there was evidence for a dose-dependent causal effect on the identified alcohol-related diseases collectively, with every four drinks per day associated with a 14% higher risk of established alcohol-related diseases, 6% higher risk of diseases not previously known to be alcohol-related, and over two-fold higher risk of liver cirrhosis and gout;

In the genetic analyses, higher alcohol intake was significantly associated with higher risk of stroke in a dose-response manner (consistent with previous findings in the CKB study), but showed no increased risk with ischaemic heart disease (IHD). Moreover, moderate drinking (ie one-two drinks/day) did not have any protective effects against IHD;

As few women in China drink alcohol (less than 2% of women in the study drank regularly), women in this study provided a useful control group in the genetic analyses, which helped confirm that the excess disease risks in men were caused by drinking alcohol, not by some other mechanisms related to the genetic variants.

Alcohol consumption is adversely related to a much wider range of diseases than has previously been established, and our findings show these associations are likely to be causal." Pek Kei Im, Research Fellow at Oxford Population Health and lead author of the paper

Professor Liming Li, a senior author and CKB co-PI from Peking University, said 'Levels of alcohol consumption are rising in China, particularly among men. This large collaborative study demonstrates a need to strengthen alcohol control policies in China.'

Iona Millwood, Associate Professor at Oxford Population Health and a senior author of the study, said 'It is becoming clear that the harmful use of alcohol is one of the most important risk factors for poor health, both in China and globally.'

Professor Zhengming Chen, Richard Peto Professor of Epidemiology at Oxford Population Health and a senior author and CKB co-PI, said 'This study provides important causal evidence of the scale of alcohol-related harms, which is critical to inform prevention strategies in different countries.'

In East Asian populations, there are common genetic variants that greatly reduce alcohol tolerability, because they cause an extremely unpleasant flushing reaction after drinking alcohol. People with these genetic variants tend to drink less alcohol and because these genetic variants are unrelated to other lifestyle factors (such as smoking or socioeconomic status), the researchers can use this information to more accurately assess the cause-and-effect relationships of alcohol with a wide range of diseases.
An international team of researchers has developed a new method to deliver drugs into the inner ear. The discovery was possible by harnessing the natural flow of fluids in the brain and employing a little understood backdoor into the cochlea. When combined to deliver a gene therapy that repairs inner ear hair cells, the researchers were able to restore hearing in deaf mice.

"These findings demonstrate that cerebrospinal fluid transport comprises an accessible route for gene delivery to the adult inner ear and may represent an important step towards using gene therapy to restore hearing in humans," said Maiken Nedergaard, MD, DMSc, senior author of the new study, which appears in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

Nedergaard is co-director of the Center for Translational Neuromedicine at University of Rochester and the University of Copenhagen. The study was the product of a collaboration between researchers at the two universities and a group led by Barbara Canlon, Ph.D. in the Laboratory of Experimental Audiology at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.

The number of people worldwide predicted to have mild to complete hearing loss is expected to grow to around 2.5 billion by mid-century. The primarily cause is the death or loss of function of hair cells found in the cochlea-;which are responsible for relaying sounds to the brain-;due to mutations of critical genes, aging, noise exposure, and other factors.

While hair cells do not naturally regenerated in humans and other mammals, gene therapies have shown promise and in separate studies have successfully repaired the function of hair cells in neo-natal and very young mice. However, as both mice and humans age, the cochlea, already a delicate structure, becomes enclosed in temporal bone. At this point, any effort to reach the cochlea and deliver a gene therapy via surgery risks damaging this sensitive area and altering hearing.

In the new study, the researchers describe a little understood passage into the cochlea called the cochlear aqueduct. While the name conjures images of monumental stone architecture, the cochlear aqueduct is thin boney channel no larger than a single strand of hair. Suspected to play a role in balancing pressure in the ear, new study shows that that the cochlear aqueduct also acts as a conduit between the cerebrospinal fluid found in the inner ear and the rest of the brain.

Scientists are developing clearer picture of the mechanics of glymphatic system, the brain's unique process of removing waste first described by the Nedergaard lab in 2012. Because the glymphatic system pumps cerebrospinal fluid deep into brain tissue to wash away toxic proteins, researchers have been eyeing it as a potentially new way to deliver drugs into the brain, a major challenge in developing drugs for neurological disorders.

Researchers have also discovered that the complex movement of fluids driven by the glymphatic system extend to the eyes and the peripheral nervous system, including ear. The new study represented an opportunity to put the drug delivery potential of the glymphatic system to the test, while at the same time targeting a previously unreachable part of the auditory system.

Employing a number of imagining and modeling technologies, the researchers were able to develop a detailed portrait of how fluid from other parts of the brain flows through cochlear aqueduct and into the inner ear. The team then injected an adeno-associated virus into the cisterna magna, a large reservoir of cerebrospinal fluid found at the base of the skull. The virus found its way into the inner ear via the cochlear aqueduct, delivered a gene therapy that expresses a protein called vesicular glutamate transporter-3, which enable the hair cells to transmit signal and rescued hearing in adult deaf mice.

This new delivery route into the ear may not only serve the advancement of auditory research, but also prove useful when translated to humans with progressive genetic-mediated hearing loss." Maiken Nedergaard, MD, DMSc, senior author of the new study

Additional co-authors of the study include: Barbara Mathiesen, Leo Miyakoshi, Peter Bork, Natalie Hauglund, Ryszard Stefan, Yuki Mori, and Kjeld Mollgard with the University of Copenhagen; Christopher Cederroth, Evangelia Tserga, Corstiaen Versteegh, Niklas Edvall, and Barbara Canlon with the Karolinska Institute; and Jeffery Holt with Harvard University. The research was supported with funds from the Lundbeck Foundation, the Novo Nordisk Foundation, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, the Karolinska Institute, the Tysta Skolan Foundation, Horselforskningsfonden, the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme, the Danish Society for Neuroscience, the U. S. Army Research Office, the Human Frontier Science Program, the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Medical Research Foundation, Simons Foundation, the Jeff and Kimberly Barber Fund, and Foundation Pour L'Audition.
Imagine a day when a urine test could inform a doctor precisely why a kidney transplant patient was experiencing organ rejection and suggest the best medication for specifically addressing the problem.

That day took a leap closer to reality thanks to a remarkable set of single-cell analyses that have identified the most specific cellular signatures to date for kidney transplant rejection. The findings were detailed May 25, 2023, in JCI The Journal of Clinical Investigation.

The study results reflect eight years of teamwork led by experts at Cincinnati Children's and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine with contributions from researchers at the University of Notre Dame and Novartis.

Tiffany Shi, an MD/PhD student with the Immunology Graduate Program and Medical Scientist Training Program at Cincinnati Children's was first author. Senior co-authors were David Hildeman, PhD, interim director of the Division of Immunobiology at Cincinnati Children's, and E. Steve Woodle, MD, professor of surgery and William A. Altemeier Chair in Research Surgery at the UC College of Medicine. Hildeman and Woodle co-direct the Center for Transplant Immunology at Cincinnati Children's.

"The available treatments for stopping a rejection event have not changed much in decades. These cellular signatures open the door to establishing an entire new set of anti-rejection therapies," Hildeman says.

Having a precision-medicine approach to treating organ rejection has the potential to markedly reduce the threat rejection poses to transplanted organs. More follow-up research will be needed, but these findings have implications that extend beyond kidney transplantation to potentially apply to liver, lung transplantation and more." E. Steve Woodle, MD, Professor of Surgery and William A. Altemeier Chair in Research Surgery at the UC College of Medicine

Organ rejection affects 10% of recipients

Kidney transplantation is the most common form of organ transplant; provided after organ failure from diabetes, infections, injuries, and other factors. In 2022, surgeons performed 25,498 kidney transplants across the US, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS).

Over the past 30 years, gradual improvements have allowed kidney transplants to last longer so that now the "half-life" for living-donor kidneys exceeds 20 years and approaches 12 years for deceased-donor organs.

"For an older person, these survival rates reflect a pretty long time," Hildeman says. "But for younger adults and children, the chances of needing a second transplant remain high."

However, once a kidney transplant recipient experiences acute rejection, many go on to lose their transplant and return to dialysis within 1-3 years. In addition, once a patient's immune system rejects one organ, it is much more likely to reject a second transplant.

Unfortunately, the tools available to effectively treat rejection--corticosteroids and antilymphocyte globulins--have remained largely unchanged for over 60 years. Evidence accumulated over many years has indicated that these treatments inadequately or incompletely treat rejection.

Discovering clues one cell at a time

In the new study, researchers used powerful single-cell genomic analysis technologies to painstakingly compare biopsy samples from transplanted kidneys that encountered acute cellular rejection. The studies also compared rejections occurring under the commonly used maintenance immunosuppressive agent (tacrolimus) and two newer alternative medications (belatacept and iscalimab).

The analysis was so detailed that the team was able to track how gene expression changed within specific populations of cells that drive rejection damage, which the authors termed allospecific CD8 expanded T cell clones (CD8 EXP ).

The researchers say this study is the first to apply a combination of single-cell RNA analysis with single-cell T cell receptor (TCR) analysis to explore acute kidney transplantation rejection.

"The power of what we're doing comes from being able to look at cells on a single-cell level. We can look specifically at the ones that are responsible for rejection and we can look at how rejection changes over time as the T cells are shifting their response to different drugs," Shi says.

Woodle describes CD8 EXP cells as the "tip of the spear" in rejection.

The work revealed three key findings:

First, even when an acute rejection event was stopped, the research revealed that treatments often are not thorough enough to eliminate all the T cells that had cloned themselves to attack the transplant. In some cases, hostile T cells persisted for months after anti-rejection treatment.

This suggests that multiple rejection events, previously believed to be entirely separate, may actually be one, longer, smoldering rejection event. Addressing lurking cloned T cells that eluded initial treatment will likely require improved testing techniques and adopting more consistent practice standards.

Second, the team found roughly 20 "clonotypes" of CD8 EXP T cells--from a potential of thousands--that reproduced themselves to mount attacks against a transplanted organ. The types differed according to the receptors the T cells carried. The relatively low number of clonotypes excited the researchers because it will make it easier to search for potential new treatments to stop transplant rejection.

By studying these rare, but efficient cells, the team found distinct cellular signatures occurring during a rejection event that varied depending upon which maintenance immune-suppression drug was used. The different genes involved raise the possibility of using other medications not typically associated with treating organ rejection as new weapons for specific situations.

For example, this team also recently reported success at using an mTOR inhibitor called everolimus to help patients that did not benefit from belatacept treatment But that same drug appears to offer no similar benefit when tacrolimus treatment is involved. This work led to a currently ongoing clinical trial led by Woodle to treat patients with belatacept and everolimus for maintenance immunosuppression.

Third, the same T cell types causing rejection events also can be detected in urine samples.

Why a urine test matters

Currently, obtaining the crucial details underlying rejection of a transplanted kidney requires collecting a tissue biopsy, a surgical procedure that requires visiting a hospital. Conducting multiple biopsies over time to track treatment outcomes is expensive and potentially risky for patients.

However, urine tests could be collected more frequently in a non-invasive manner and potentially without the inconvenience of visiting a hospital. In addition to directly supporting patient care, a viable urine test would help accelerate the research work required to evaluate new anti-rejection treatment protocols. The research also demonstrated that CD8 EXP T cells that were found in the rejecting organ were also present in the urine.

"This finding indicates that a simple urine test could substitute for a more invasive kidney transplant biopsy and thereby make it much safer and easier for patients to have their rejection treatment monitored for effectiveness," Hildeman says.

The critical challenge for achieving a practical clinical urine test will be to establish a process that can produce test results in 48 hours rather than the research-focused process used in this study, which took several months to complete.

Award-winning presentation

As first author, Shi presented the results from this study at ATC2023, the annual scientific meeting of the American Transplant Congress, held June 3-7 in San Diego. Shi's presentation received the "People's Choice Award," which means it was selected by the 5,000-plus attendees as the best plenary presentation of the meeting.

Shi also received a Young Investigator Award and several other Cincinnati Children's and UC researchers were honored at the event.

Next steps

Additional research work is needed to explore treatment possibilities related to the T cell signatures revealed in this study. Work led by co-authors has already shown that tacrolimus was a very good treatment for some patients with resistant rejection cases.

Longer term, the benefits could reach beyond expanding the "half-life" of donated kidneys.

For example, finding alternatives to tacrolimus could help people with liver transplants and other organ transplants avoid kidney complications from their anti-rejection regimens.

And eventually, new understanding of the key cellular mechanisms involved in transplant rejection could lead to methods to reduce the risks of xenotransplantation (using gene-modified animal organs in humans).

"Most people who need an organ transplant never receive one because the supply of donated organs remains so limited," Woodle says. "Thanks to insights like these, we may be able to substantially reduce loss of transplanted organs to rejection, thereby freeing up donated organs for new transplant recipients."
The Center for Personal Financial Wellbeing at Aston University has released a report outlining the findings of a rapid evidence funded by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) review on the relationship between money and mental health in the United Kingdom.

The rapid evidence review shines a light on the impact of personal financial circumstances on mental wellbeing and highlights how the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the current cost of living situation have shaped these issues.

The review concluded that there is strong evidence to support the connection between mental health difficulties and financial challenges, with individuals facing mental health issues being more likely to experience personal and household financial struggles.

People in lower paid occupations and reliant on employment support were prevalent among this group, with half of those experiencing mental health problems in 2020 having a gross annual household income of 28,000 or less, compared to only one-third of those who did not experience mental health problems.

The evidence also shows the extent to which financial difficulties can exacerbate mental health problems, as people facing financial challenges such as debt were more likely to experience suicidal thoughts or feelings.

Furthermore, the evidence demonstrated that the pandemic and the cost of living crisis have significantly worsened mental health and financial challenges in the UK. One in four people experienced a mental health problem for the first time during the pandemic, and the proportion of people reporting mental health challenges has increased from 21% to 30% since 2018.

The review also highlights the specific vulnerability of certain groups to the confluence of mental health and financial challenges. Households with disabled family members have been particularly affected, with 77% reporting an impact on their mental health due to the cost of living.

Women facing mental health challenges were more likely to experience financial difficulties resulting from the current cost of living situation, such as difficulty meeting everyday payments or reducing savings. Minoritised groups, who are more likely to experience poverty and deprivation, face additional mental health burdens, including trauma, grief, isolation, bullying and racism.

The relationship between mental health and financial challenges is considered to be a complex cycle, where chronic stressors like financial hardship deplete psychological reserves, making it harder to overcome future challenges. The widely held perception that financial difficulties stem from personal responsibility failure reinforces feelings of blame or inadequacy, adding to the stigma associated with both mental health and financial challenges." Andy Lymer, Director, Center for Personal Financial Wellbeing, Aston Business School, Aston University

"This comprehensive evidence review serves as a call to action for policymakers, researchers and healthcare professionals to prioritise the mental health and financial wellbeing of individuals in the UK. By recognising the intricate links between money and mental health, and the exacerbated challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost of living situation, I hope that targeted interventions and support can be developed to alleviate the burden on those affected and improve their overall wellbeing."

Dr Hayley James, a senior research fellow in the Centre for Personal Financial Wellbeing at Aston Business School, who also co-authored the review, said:

"Our review confirms that people experiencing mental health problems have been disproportionately affected by financial issues during and after the COVID-19 crisis. They were more than twice as likely to have fallen behind on payments and to have missed multiple payments compared to those without mental health problems.

"The strain of the current cost of living situation has left a substantial portion of UK adults feeling anxious, depressed, or stressed due to financial concerns. Over half of the respondents reported negative impacts on their mental health, and this effect was more pronounced among those in debt.

"The report emphasises the urgent need for targeted support and interventions for the affected communities."
A new study led by researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer, University of California, Irvine and Baylor College of Medicine has created the world's largest and most comprehensive map of normal breast tissue, providing an unprecedented understanding of mammary biology that may help identify therapeutic targets for diseases such as breast cancer.

The Human Breast Cell Atlas, published today in Nature, used single-cell and spatial genomic methods to profile more than 714,000 cells from 126 women. The breast atlas highlights 12 major cell types and 58 biological cell states, and identifies differences based on ethnicity, age and the menopause status of healthy women.

We are thrilled to see the completion of this monumental seven-year project. We were able to leverage many technologies to define, in a very granular way, all the different cell types and cell states in each of the main areas of the breast. We expect this tool will be highly useful for anyone studying breast cancer and other diseases such as mastitis, as well as breast development and lactation failure." Nicholas Navin, Ph.D., senior corresponding author, chair of Systems Biology at MD Anderson

This team-science effort was led by Navin; Kai Kessenbrock, Ph.D., and Devon Lawson, Ph.D., of UC Irvine; and Bora Lim, M.D., and Alastair Thompson, M.D., of Baylor College of Medicine. The project is part of the global Human Cell Atlas consortium supported by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), which uses recent technologies to generate cellular reference maps for every organ system in the human body.

The human body contains roughly 200 different cell types, 12 of which are found in normal breast tissue. Previous studies on breast tissue have focused primarily on epithelial cells, given that these are known to give rise to cancer, but non-epithelial cell types have not been studied in depth using genomic approaches.

Modern tools, such as single-cell sequencing and spatial mapping, allowed the researchers to perform a highly detailed classification of 12 major cell type clusters, including three types of epithelial cells, lymphatic cells, vascular cells, T cells, B cells, myeloid cells, adipocytes, mast cells, fibroblasts and perivascular cells.

For this study, researchers collected and examined 220 breast tissue samples from 132 women undergoing breast reduction or mastectomy surgery. Of these women, 46% were Caucasian, 41% were African American, 7% were Hispanic, and 6% were of unknown ethnicity. Samples were collected across four institutions, including MD Anderson, UC Irvine, Baylor College of Medicine and St. Luke's Hospital.

This wide-ranging dataset of normal breast cell types and their diverse states across females also takes into account individual factors including ethnicity, age, BMI, obesity, menopause status, pregnancy and number of births, providing a wealth of information that serves as a powerful resource for the research community.

Spatial mapping highlights four major cell regions, unexpected immune cell populations

Spatial mapping techniques, which create a map of the cells within the tissue environment, allowed researchers to look at the RNA and protein composition of the samples to understand how and where the different cell types reside.

These techniques resolved the composition of known cell types and new cell states in the four main regions currently known in the breast, including lobular milk-producing areas, ductal areas that transport milk, connective tissue composed of fibroblasts, and adipose areas made up primarily of fatty tissue.

The researchers were surprised to learn that 16.7% of all cells found in normal breast tissue were composed of immune cells, including the three major types: myeloid, natural killer (NK) T cells and B cells. Scientists previously thought that few immune cells would be found in normal tissue.

Additionally, these immune cells were located primarily around ducts and lobules in three of the four major tissue regions. Understanding the nuances of these different immune cells could help in developing more effective immunotherapies for some subtypes of breast cancer, Navin explained, and in defining their role in breast cancer progression.

The researchers also found an unexpectedly high amount (7.4%) of perivascular cells, including pericytes, which regulate blood flow from capillaries into tissues, and vascular smooth muscle cells, which regulate contractions of the arteries.

Age, menopause and ethnicity play roles in different cell types and cell states

The study revealed significant differences in breast tissue composition and cell states that were dependent upon ethnicity, age and menopause status.

For example, African American women are disproportionally affected by aggressive breast cancer subtypes, such as triple-negative breast cancer and inflammatory breast cancer, but little is known about the underlying causes of this disparity. The differences seen in baseline cell states in breast tissues from African American women and Caucasian women could, with further research, highlight potential markers for cancer risk prediction.

Additionally, there were significant differences in the breast tissues from women over the age of 50 compared to younger women, as well as differences in cell states dependent on menopause status. Obesity, body-mass index, pregnancy status and breast density also showed some smaller differences in changes of cell types and cell states.

The authors point out that more studies are needed to further understand the functional role of many of these cell states and to focus on other factors that may significantly advance the knowledge of human breast biology and disease.

The Human Breast Cell Atlas project is ongoing and is actively recruiting participants to build upon and improve the datasets, but the data is freely available now for researchers to access.

This work was supported by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the National Cancer Institute (RO1CA240526, RO1CA236864, 1R01CA234496, F30CA243419), the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) Single Cell Genomics Center (RP180684), the American Cancer Society, the Rosalie B. Hite Fund for Cancer Research Fellowship, and the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) Training Grant.
Business Support emerged as a critical area where MSMEs seek expert guidance on services such as Business Accounting, Tax Filings, GST Calculation & Filing Support, said a new report. MSMEs struggle to keep up with quarterly GST and income tax filings on-time due to lack of understanding of the requirements.

Kinara Capital, a fintech company, recently conducted an MSME Sentiment Survey that has unveiled the top priorities of Indias small business entrepreneurs. The survey was conducted with input from 2,600 formal MSMEs that are Udyam-registered, and represent a range of businesses across manufacturing, trading, and services sectors in Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and UT Puducherry.

The survey demonstrates that MSMEs are eager to scale their businesses and are looking for comprehensive and innovative services to fast-track their growth. There were 3 main findings from the survey on the themes of Instant Financing, Supply Chain, and Business Services.

Business Support Services

MSMEs seek trustworthy professional guidance and tax filing support from accounting and tax experts.

30% of surveyed MSMEs asked for Business Accounting and GST Filing Support as their top Non-Financial Services request. Specifically, MSMEs listed Business Accounting Services and GST Tax Calculation and GST Filing Support with a share of 17% and 13%, respectively.

21% of MSMEs want to enhance their digital presence via Website Creation, Digital Platform Listings and Onboarding on Online Trading Platforms.

About 15% of MSMEs selected Website Creation and Digital Platform Visibility as their top priority and 6% want support to be listed on MSME Trading portals such as TReDS and GeM. Above all, the Services sector ranked Website Creation and Digital Platform Visibility at 27%, making it their topmost Non-Financial Services requirement.

9% of MSMEs want Personal Finance Support, specifically seeking guidance with Insurance and Investments. This is indicative of many MSMEs reporting a 20% increase on average in their incremental income generation after being able to access formal credit to grow their business.

Instant Financing

Instant Line of Credit is the topmost requirement of MSMEs in the financial services category, and Industry Networking tops the chart in the non-financial services category. Lack of easy access or non-availability of short-term credit are the biggest hindrances faced by MSMEs, with over 38% of the MSMEs attributing this as the main impediment to their growth.

1-out-of-2 surveyed MSMEs want Instant Line of Credit to accelerate everyday business decisions.

The survey added that over half (55%) of the surveyed MSMEs chose Instant Line of Credit as their top financial product choice for their businesses, with about 8% of MSMEs specifically asking for a Bill Discounting product.

Line of Credit can simplify routine business decisions for MSME owners that require quick action, such as purchasing raw materials to fulfil a sudden large order, hiring additional employees quickly for a seasonal product run, or renovating business premises, or conducting unexpected machine repairs.

Signalling rising economic growth in India, the ask for Instant Line of Credit is strongest from Manufacturing MSMEs, with over 60% of them demanding this product.

In addition, 16% of MSMEs favoured Flexible Repayment Product that will give them the choice to make Daily/Weekly Loan Payments, or Variable Loan Payments, based on their business turnover for the selected time period.

MSMEs from the Trading sector particularly selected flexibility as their second most desired financial product attribute, ranking this requirement at 15%.

Supply Chain Linkages

One-fourth of MSMEs say Industry Networking with their Supply Chain Ecosystem is critical for their growth.

MSMEs identified vulnerabilities with physical supply chain and difficulty finding relevant buyers and sellers, especially since less than 5% Indias supply chain is digitised according to industry experts. Micro-MSMEs particularly struggle with freight logistics and costs for local goods transport.

MSMEs are increasingly searching for comprehensive assistance to grow their business. Close to a quarter (24%) of the respondents would like help with Industry Networking, especially with their supply chain ecosystem to improve access to buyers and sellers and many indicated openness to pay for the service.

MSMEs cite lack of their own mode of transport as a critical supply chain challenge. Despite Indias growth, there is an acute shortage of truck and delivery drivers in the country. Of the surveyed respondents, 15% said they desired a dedicated 4-wheeler commercial vehicle for their business and 10% would like to own a 2-wheeler vehicle.

Service sector was the most vocal amongst all sectors, with over 20% citing commercial vehicle loan as the second most important priority to address the inability to supply finished products or raw materials on-time to customers, which can heavily impact their turnover.
 As the board exam results are being announced, students are ready to transition from schools to colleges. The first step in this transition is to make a career choice. To help you in selecting the right professional path for you, every week we explore new professional avenues for you. Bring a unique career and a roadmap that can help you take up a job in that profession. If you have any other queries or have a course or career you want us to explore, write to us on Twitter at @News18dotcom.

BSc Agriculture is an undergraduate programme that focuses on the study of agricultural sciences, covering various aspects such as crop production, soil management, plant breeding, animal husbandry, and agricultural economics. It equips students with the knowledge and skills to contribute to the sustainable development of the agricultural sector and address the challenges in food production.

BSc Agriculture offers a wide scope of opportunities in various sectors, including government, private industry, research, entrepreneurship, and international organisations. It prepares graduates to address the challenges of the agricultural sector, contribute to sustainable development, and positively impact food production and rural livelihoods.

Eligibility Criteria

To pursue a BSc in Agriculture in India, candidates typically need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

 Completion of 10+2 education in the science stream (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Agriculture) from a recognized educational board.

 Minimum aggregate marks required may vary across institutions. Some institutions may also conduct entrance exams for admission to their BSc Agriculture programmes.

Job roles, Career Opportunities

Agricultural Officer: As an agricultural officer, you can work in government departments, agricultural universities, and research organizations. Your responsibilities may include implementing agricultural policies, providing technical guidance to farmers, conducting research, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Agricultural Scientist: With a focus on research and development, you can work as an agricultural scientist in various organizations, including government research institutes, agricultural universities, and private research firms. Your role involves conducting experiments, analyzing data, and developing new agricultural technologies and practices.

Farm Manager: As a farm manager, you can oversee agricultural operations on a farm. This includes managing crop production, livestock rearing, farm machinery, and farm workers. You may work on your own farm or be employed by agricultural enterprises.

Agribusiness Manager: With an understanding of agriculture and business management, you can work in agribusiness companies involved in areas such as crop production, seed and fertilizer manufacturing, food processing, agricultural machinery, and farm inputs. Your role may involve marketing, sales, supply chain management, or business development.

Agricultural Consultant: As an agricultural consultant, you can provide advisory services to farmers, agribusinesses, or government agencies. You would offer expert guidance on crop selection, soil management, pest control, irrigation, and other aspects of agricultural production.

Rural Development Officer: With a focus on rural development, you can work in government or non-governmental organizations to implement programmes that enhance agricultural practices, promote sustainable livelihoods, and improve the socio-economic conditions of rural communities.

Agricultural Entrepreneur: BSc Agriculture equips you with the knowledge and skills to start your own agricultural enterprise. You can establish a farm, engage in organic farming, agro-processing, or start an agricultural consulting firm.

Agricultural Journalist: If you have a flair for writing and communication, you can work as an agricultural journalist. You would report on agricultural developments, write articles, create content for agricultural magazines or websites, and educate the public about the latest trends in agriculture.

Agricultural Extension Officer: As an extension officer, you would work with farmers to disseminate information on modern agricultural practices, government schemes, and technological advancements. You would provide training, conduct workshops, and facilitate the adoption of improved farming techniques.

Agricultural Sales Representative: In this role, you would represent agribusiness companies and sell agricultural products, such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and machinery, to farmers. You would need to have strong knowledge of agricultural products and be able to build relationships with customers.

Research Associate: With a higher degree in Agriculture, you can work as a research associate in research projects, assisting senior researchers in data collection, analysis, and experimentation. This role often exists in research institutions, agricultural universities, and private research organisations.

Salary expectations

The salary expectations for BSc Agriculture graduates may vary depending on factors such as job role, experience, location, and the type of organisation. However, to provide a general idea, fresh graduates in entry-level positions can expect a salary range of approximately Rs 2.5 to 5 lakhs per annum. With experience and specialization, salaries can increase significantly, especially in higher-level positions and in the private sector.

 Written by Prof. (Dr). M.B. Chetti Vice Chancellor- Sanskriti University

Explore other career options with us: Sound Designing, Sound Engineering | Sustainability Professional | Yoga & Naturopathy | Software Testing | Medical Coding | Cloud Developer & Cloud Architect | 3D Technology | Garment Technologist |AI & Robotics |Fashion Designing |Supply Chain Finance |Animal Welfare | Public Relations | Gaming Industry | Functional Nutrition | Market Research Analyst | Forensic Scientist | Pilot | Law | Business Analytics |
Ten climate tech start-ups, chosen for their leadership in the field, will collaborate with Australian energy companies through EnergyLabs Scaleup Program.

The 2023 Scaleup Program cohort encompasses diverse global start-ups operating in the energy sector. They will work alongside energy companies to address technical challenges and seize opportunities for growth. The participating start-ups include Accurassi, ALD Technical Solutions, Alternative Energy Innovations, Energy Synapse, Enerza, IND Technology, My Solar Manager, Plexigrid, PowerPlay, and Oaktree Power.

The program, now in its fourth cohort, aims to accelerate the decarbonization of the energy grid. The selected start-ups will have the unique opportunity to work alongside innovative energy companies in Australia and New Zealand, including Endeavour Energy and Amber. They will also receive valuable support from investors and mentors to unlock their growth potential.

EnergyLabs Scaleup Program, established in 2020 in collaboration with Australian utilities and start-ups, is industry-led and facilitates partnerships between selected start-ups and leading energy companies. By joining forces, they aim to drive innovation strategies and push the boundaries of the global energy transition.

Megan Fisher, CEO of EnergyLab, emphasizes the significance of collaboration in this endeavour. With participation from start-ups hailing from Spain, London, San Francisco, and beyond, Fisher eagerly anticipates the outcomes of these local and global projects resulting from the collaboration.

The energy transition needs global collaboration to succeed and with startups as far away as Spain, London and San Francisco joining this program, we cant wait to see the local and global projects that result, she said.

This programs secret sauce is the chance for the startups to build relationships with each other, with industry partners, with investors and mentors in an intimate and collaborative setting.

The startups will deepen their relationships with Endeavour Energy and Amber, an EnergyLab alumni, as well as other innovative energy companies in Australia and New Zealand.

Endeavours chief customer & strategy officer, Leanne Pickering, said the program critical as Australias energy system transitions.

As a partner for the third consecutive year in Energy Labs Scaleup Program, Endeavour Energy is committed to supporting innovation and embracing new ideas and technology, she said.

This dynamic partnership will help challenge us to keep thinking outside the box so we can deliver affordable and reliable energy solutions for our customers. This year well be focusing on initiatives to help decarbonise the grid and we cant wait to see the great ideas generated from this collaboration.

Throughout the program, the chosen start-ups will strengthen their relationships with Endeavour Energy, Amber, and other forward-thinking energy companies in Australia and New Zealand. They will benefit from the vast network of alumni, mentors, and experts associated with EnergyLab. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to connect with climate tech investors in the region.

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The Joint Admission Committee, Delhi will release the counselling for round 1 seat allotment results today, June 28. Candidates who have registered themselves for the counselling rounds can check the round 1 allotment results from the official portal, jacdelhi.admissions.nic.in. Below is the process through which candidates can check and download the round 1 seat allotment results.

JAC Delhi Counselling 2023: How to check results of round 1 seat allotment

Step 1- Go to the official website of JAC Delhi, acdelhi.admissions.nic.in

Step 2- Navigate towards latest announcement section and check the link of JAC Delhi Counselling 2023 Round 1 Seat Allotment Results

Step 3- Click the link and enter the login credentials asked.

Step 4- Your seat allotment number will be displayed on the screen.

Step 5- Check the seat allotment result and download the file. A candidate can also download the seat allotment round one results for future references.

JEE Main CRL rank up to 60000 candidates must physically report after paying the seat acceptance fee by June 30. Candidates who are qualified and have a CRL rank of up to 15000 may report to the institutions until July 5, 2023. Candidates who are qualified and have a CRL rank higher may report until July 6. Candidates who are shortlisted may freeze the seat they have been assigned after being granted provisional admission until July 6, 2023, if they do not want to move to a better seat or institution based on their chosen options.

Admission Criteria

-Admission to B.Tech programmes at NSUT, DTU, and IGDTUW is determined by the students performance on JEE Main 2023 Paper 1. Contrarily, admission to the B.Arch programme at IGDTUW is determined by ones performance on Paper 2 of the JEE Main 2023.

-Admissions to IIIT-D will be based on percentile scores from Paper 1 of JEE Main 2023, as well as additional points for accomplishments in Olympiads, sports, culture, innovation, etc.

Following the process, applicants who received first-round seat offers must confirm their admission by submitting the acceptance fee through the JAC Delhi 2023 website. The government will probably give candidates an opportunity to correct the errors by uploading fresh paperwork or going directly to the designated institutions. If candidates dont pay, their admission will be revoked.

Applicants who enrolled but did not receive admission in round one may try again in round two of registration for JAC Delhi in 2023. As a result, candidates are encouraged to regularly check the JAC website.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has broken into the worlds top 150 varsities and achieved the 149th position in the QS World University Rankings 2024. Last year, IIT Bombay was placed at rank 172. While IIT Bombay achieved its highest rank ever, this is the first time in eight years that an Indian higher education institution has made it to the top 150 list. The last time this happened was when the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore achieved 147th ranking in 2016. While IISc was the best Indian institution last year, it fell 70 positions from 155th rank to 225th ranking this year. It now stands as the third-highest-ranked Indian institution.

With 45 Indian universities making it to the rankings, up from 41 last year, India is the seventh most-represented country globally and the third in Asia. However, India is one university less in the top 200, compared to last year.

Overall 13 Indian universities have slipped down in the QS Rankings. In the QS World University Rankings 2024, IIT Delhi comes in second at 197th position, slipping down from 174th position last year. Some other reputed universities also faced the same feat. While IIT Kanpur fell from 264th to 278th ranking, IIT Madras fell from 250th rank to 285th rank.

QS World University Rankings 2024: Top India Universities

Rank 149  Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB)

Rank 197  Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD)

Rank 225  Indian Institute of Science (IISc)

Rank 271  Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT-KGP)

Rank 278  Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK)

Rank 285  Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM)

Rank 364  Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG)

Rank 369  Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IITR)

Rank 407  University of Delhi

Rank 427  Anna University

I am happy that 45 Indian universities have made it to the rankings in this years QS World University Rankings. In the last 9 years, PM Modi has transformed education in India Indian universities today are world-class" Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar told ANI.

QS founder and CEO, Nunzio Quacquarelli congratulated IIT Bombay for securing its highest rank ever. So really continuous steady improvement by Indian universities. Were seeing that the IITs and IIS are the top-performing Indian universities. I particularly like to congratulate IIT Bombay for being the top-performing Indian university," he told ANI. Among the nine parameters in QS rankings, the employer reputation indicated the strongest one for IIT Bombay with a rank of 69 globally.

Globally, MIT has been adjudged as the best university, followed by Cambridge University at rank 2 and Oxford University at rank 3.

QS World University Rankings 2024: Top Global Universities

Rank 1  Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Rank 2  University of Cambridge

Rank 3  University of Oxford

Rank 4  Harvard University

Rank 5  Stanford University

Rank 6  Imperial College London

Rank 7  ETH Zurich

Rank 8  National University of Singapore (NUS)

Rank 9  UCL

Rank 10  University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

The UK-based ranking agency, QS Quacquarelli Symonds has introduced three new indicators this year which includes, sustainability, employment outcomes, and international research network this year, each carrying a weightage of 5 per cent. To accommodate the three new indicators, the weightage assigned to the academic reputation indicator has been lowered from 40 per cent to 30 per cent. Similarly, the emphasis on the faculty-student ratio has been decreased from 15 per cent to 10 per cent and the weightage to the employer reputation indicator has been increased from 10 per cent to 15 per cent.
There is good news for the fans of the royal couple Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The duos collaboration with Netflix has been officially confirmed. As part of their extensive deal with the streaming platform, Prince Harry and Meghan Markles upcoming project will take the form of a documentary series, titled Heart of Invictus. Netflixs UK and Irelands Twitter handle stated a few insights about Harry and Meghans upcoming show. This new series from Archewell Productions follows a group of extraordinary competitors from around the globe  all service members who have suffered life-changing injuries or illnesses  on their road to competing at the Invictus Games," the tweet read.

HEART OF INVICTUS (Summer 2023)This new series from Archewell Productions follows a group of extraordinary competitors from around the globe  all service members who have suffered life-changing injuries or illnesses  on their road to competing at the Invictus Games. pic.twitter.com/Y5sCOIEwoV  Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) January 12, 2023

The series was announced earlier this year in January. Recently, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Heart of Invictuss filming is nearing completion, and it is now ready for broadcast. Anticipated to debut this summer, Netflix is yet to reveal its premiere date.

Prince Harry, drawing from his own experience in the British Military, established the Invictus Games in 2014, providing a platform for veterans with injuries or disabilities to compete and inspire others. The upcoming show based on the 2022 Invictus Games may lack suspense but will likely feature Prince Harry and Meghan Markle themselves, potentially enhancing its chances of success.

In 2020, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, after leaving their roles as senior royals and relocating to the US, secured a lucrative $100 million agreement with Netflix. Their objective was to create exclusive content for the streaming platform. According to sources at Archewell, the couple has faced difficulties in achieving success with previous projects launched under their personal brand, as the Wall Street Journal reported.

They have expressed doubts about the financial success of their venture. While the docu-series titled Harry & Meghan achieved remarkable success, their other production, Live to Lead, which premiered in 2022, failed to resonate with viewers. This apprehension arises following the conclusion of Archewell and Spotifys $20 million partnership, which involved Markles podcast Archetypes.

The 2023 Invictus Games are scheduled to take place in Dusseldorf, Germany, in September.
Ishqbaaaz actors Surbhi Chandna, Nakuul Mehta, and Kunal Jaisingh celebrated a remarkable milestone as their show completed 7 years on television. The show captured the hearts of millions with its captivating storyline and stellar cast. The undeniable chemistry between Surbhi Chandna and Nakuul Mehta, who portrayed the beloved characters of Anika and Shivaay, became an instant hit among fans. To mark the occasion, both Surbhi Chandna and Nakuul Mehta shared their thoughts and gratitude to their dedicated fan base.

Dropping a behind-the-scene glimpse from the show, Surbhi wrote, Aaj Kya Special Hai? 7 Years to iconic Ishqbaaaz! Time Truly Flies. Cherish all the memories and people I met on this beautiful journey. Nothing can come close to the experience I experienced while being a part of IB. Every day on set was approached with so much excitement."

Upon seeing the post, Nakuul Mehta commented, Saaat saal ho gaye, itni jaldi (Seven years have passed so quickly)." Mansi Srivastava and Shrenu Parikh, former co-stars from the show, also expressed their gratitude in the comments.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Surbhi Chandna (@officialsurbhic)

Nakuul Mehta also shared a video compilation of cherished memories and significant scenes from Ishqbaaaz. He also included the love song Ohh Jaana, which became an instant hit among fans. Nakuul captioned his post, 7 years of Ishqbaaaz today. An incredible journey with some incredible people and the most fantastical audiences ever. How does one even make sense of this love?"

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nakuul Mehta (@nakuulmehta)

Kunal Jaisingh, who played the character of Omkara Singh Oberoi, didnt miss the opportunity to pay tribute to the show. He shared a video featuring his characters various looks throughout the series. Kunals caption reflected on the journey of Ishqbaaaz, expressing gratitude towards everyone involved in making the show a success. He acknowledged the creative team, production crew, and his fellow cast members, and referred to them as family. Kunal stated, Ishqbaaaz was not just a show; it was an ERA!!!"

View this post on Instagram A post shared by KUNAL JAISINGH (@kunaljaisingh)

The fans of Ishqbaaz flooded the comments sections of the actors posts, expressing their love and admiration for the show and its remarkable run. The seven-year milestone served as a testament to the enduring popularity and impact of Ishqbaaaz, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of its viewers.

The show revolved around the strong bond between three brothers and how nothing could ever break that bond.
Bigg Boss OTT 2 has become popular among the audience within a few days of its premiere. The show is getting more interesting with each episode, with increasing conflicts and unique tasks. Furthermore, the contestants are slowly opening up to each other about their deepest secrets and feelings. In the latest episode, Falaq Naazz had a heartfelt conversation with Pooja Bhatt about her brother Sheezan Khans arrest following Tunisha Sharmas suicide case. The latter expressed that she thought highly of Falaq as she defended her brother in a press conference when the case trials were going on.

In conversation with her fellow contestant, Pooja Bhatt, Falaq expressed her deepest feelings about the situation her family had to face after Tunisha Sharmas death. She said, I never take credit for standing up and defending my family. Who would have taken a stand for us if I would have not stood in support of my brother and mother?".

Falaq recalled that while Sheezan Khan was behind bars, her younger brother, Shabi, would ask about him. She was left in a tough spot as she could not tell Shabi when Sheezan would return home. Falaq narrated an incident when Shabi went to meet Sheezan in jail. Falaq said, Shabi spoke to Sheezan on the phone by being on the other side of the window, and while crying, he asked Sheezan, When are you coming home? Only I know how I have managed the situation."

Falaq broke down in front of Pooja and said, This is the reason Im scared of attachment, PB. Now we are even scared to suggest a physician to someone. Humanity is not left." She mentioned that many people thought that she took up Bigg Boss OTT to regain the reputation her family had lost. But Falaq said, I dont need to polish my image because there is nothing to polish. The things we have faced with these people cant tolerate such a situation. A single day has not gone by when we are not hurt."

On December 24, actress Tunisha Sharma was reportedly found dead on the sets of her show Alibaba: Dastaan- E- Kabul. Her co-star, Sheezan Khan, was accused of abetment of suicide by her mother and remained under police custody. The actor was released on bail on March 4.

Meanwhile, Bigg Boss OTT 2 is streaming live on JioCinema and Voot. This year, popular names like Abhishek Malhan, Jiya Shankar, Akanksha Puri, Cyrus Broacha, Manisha Rani, Jad Hadid, Aaliya Siddiqui, Bebika Dhurve, and Avinash Sachdev have participated in the show.
On Tuesday, the Chidambaram town police in Cuddalore district booked 11 podhu dikshitars, the hereditary priests and custodians of the Lord Nataraja Temple, on charges of obstructing officials from the Hindu religious and charitable endowment (HR&CE) department from performing their duties.

What Exactly Happened?

Since June 24, the dikshitars had denied permission for devotees to offer prayers from the holy stage in the temple. They displayed a board stating that devotees would not be allowed to offer prayers from the holy stage starting from the eighth day of the ongoing festival, Aani Thirumanjanam, until its conclusion on June 27, according to a report by The Times of India.

On Saturday, HR&CE officials attempted to remove the board but faced opposition from the dikshitars. HR&CE executive officer Saranya filed a complaint with the Chidambaram town police, resulting in the booking of the podhu dikshitars committee secretary, Sivarama Dikshitar, and 10 others under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act.

Subsequently, on Tuesday, district officials held peace talks with the dikshitars to resolve the issue. However, the dikshitars maintained that devotees could only offer prayers from the holy stage starting from Wednesday, not on Tuesday, as the pooja had already commenced, as per the report. Nevertheless, the police managed to escort a few devotees into the temple on Tuesday night and allowed them to offer prayers from the holy stage.

In May of the previous year, the Tamil Nadu government passed an order permitting devotees to offer prayers from the holy stage at the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple. The dikshitars had prohibited devotees from doing so since the lockdown was imposed in March 2020 to prevent the spread of COVID-19 until the government intervened in May last year.

HR&CE Minister P K Sekar Babu, while briefing reporters in Chennai on Tuesday, stated that the government had initiated efforts to bring the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple under the administrative control of HR&CE. He also mentioned that the priests desired the temple to be declared as a denomination temple exclusively earmarked for a particular sect or community.

Will Bring Temple Under Govt: Minister

Accusing the Podu Dikshitars managing the famous Nataraja temple in Tamil Nadus Chidambaram of not divulging information to the government on temple funds or assets, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister P K Sekar Babu on Tuesday said efforts are on to bring this shrine under the ambit of his department.

We are on the side of justice and devotees. We will gradually overcome all hurdles and will take over the administrative control of the temple with the sanction of the court," Sekar Babu told reporters here when his attention was drawn to the removal of the board.

For about a year, the state government and the HR&CE department have been attempting to gain control of the temple in Cuddalore district that is being managed by the hereditary priests. We have responded to it legally," said Podu Dikshitars committee secretary T S Sivarama Dikshitar. His lawyer G Chandrasekhar said the board has been placed to inform devotees coming from outstation and to avoid crowding during the festival.

Contending that a group of 200 priests decided on how to manage the temple and thereby became a law unto themselves, the Minister said on earlier occasions the priests declined to provide information to the government on funds available with the temple or disclose the stock on gold ornaments at the shrine.

These Dikshithars are functioning from a power centre they have created. Unlike other temples being managed by the HR&CE, this temple does not have any hundial or a stock register. The temple accounts have not been audited," the Minister said.

The 2014 Ruling

In 2014, the Supreme Court has declared that the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram will be managed by the priests and not the state government. The court deemed the Tamil Nadu governments order from July 1987, appointing an executive officer to oversee the temple, as arbitrary, illegal, and unjust." The government had intervened citing alleged malpractices by the priests, according to a report by Telegraph.

About the Nataraja Temple

The Chidambaram shrine, also known as the Thillai Natarajar Temple, is believed to have been constructed during the 12th-13th century. The name Thillai" refers to a type of mangrove tree found in the nearby swamps. Chidambaram," signifies he who has the sky draped around him like a cloth," combining Chid" (sky) and Ambaram" (cloth). The Lord in this temple is associated with the five natural elements, with the sky being the focus in Chidambaram.

It is said to be the only temple where Shiva manifests in three forms: as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, in human form; as a Spatika Linga (a crystal phallus worshipped six times daily); and as an invisible space within the sanctum sanctorum, giving rise to the Tamil expression Chidambara Rahasyam" (the secret of Chidambaram). According to legend, the Spatika Linga was presented by Adi Shankara.

For a long time, the temple was administered by the Podu Dikshitars, an endogamous clan exclusive to Chidambaram, in accordance with a temple constitution drafted centuries ago and first printed in 1849.

However, a government order had previously stripped the administration of the temple from the hands of the Podu Dikshitars. The 2014 Supreme Court ruling had restored the administration back to them. The court recognized the Dikshitars as a religious denomination" and emphasized the need to preserve and protect their rights from state intervention.

Who are Podu Dikshitars?

The Podu Dikshitars are male members of the families of Smarthi Brahmins who believe they were called to establish the temple in the name of Lord Nataraja. Only after marriage does a Dikshitar gain the right to perform sacramental services and participate in the temple administration.

The Chidambaram Dikshitars differ from other Brahmins in various aspects. Their entire lives, religion, education, training, culture, and livelihood revolve around the Nataraja temple. They are dedicated to serving Nataraja and the Chidambaram temple from birth.

The Supreme Court had in 2014 clarified that while the government has the authority to take over the management of a temple to address instances of maladministration," such intervention cannot be indefinite. Once the issues are resolved, the management must be returned to the concerned individuals. Prolonged government control would infringe upon their proprietary rights and violate the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution, the SC had said, according to the report.

Temples History

The temple has a rich history, having received devotion and generous grants from important dynasties such as the Pallavas, Pandyas, Cholas, Cheras, Vijayanagar, and the Marathas. Parantaka Chola had even adorned the sanctum with a golden roof.

Legend has it that Rajendra Chola I gifted the entire village to the Dikshitars, who took on the responsibility of temple rituals, management, as well as judicial and administrative duties of the village.

The Dikshitars are known for their unwavering commitment to defending the rights and sanctity of the Nataraja temple. In the 19th century, when a group attempted to enter the premises, the Dikshitars reportedly climbed the temple tower and threatened to leap to their deaths. Faced with this courageous response, the intruders hastily retreated.

During the colonial era, the East India Company and later the British Crown assumed control of numerous temples in South India through a regulation act. However, the Chidambaram temple managed to obtain an exemption from the Hindu Religious Endowment Bill of 1891. In 1925, the Podu Dikshitars successfully applied to the Governor-in-Council for exemption from related legislation.

PTI contributed to this report
In a distressing incident, a 62-year-old man, who happened to be the father of a police constable stationed in Farrukhabad, arrived at Kirawali police station in Agra district on Tuesday with bloodied hands and claimed to have killed his daughter-in-law over a heated family dispute.

According to a TOI report, the victim was 29-year-old Priyanka Singh.

The accused, Raghuveer Singh, a resident of Malikpur village, has confessed to the crime. The victims husband, Gaurav Singh, a police constable, was not present at when the incident took place.

According to the account provided by Raghuveer to the police, the widowed daughter-in-law had been residing at her in-laws house after the passing of her husband. However, she frequently engaged in arguments with her younger sister-in-law, Priyanka.

On Monday night, the altercation between the two daughters-in-law escalated, and when Raghuveer attempted to intervene, he was kicked by Priyanka, causing him to fall. Subsequently, he attacked his daughter-in-law with an axe, resulting in the severing of her head," Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Sonam Kumar, was quoted as saying to The Times of India.

The accused explained that he had intended to maintain harmony between both daughters-in-law, but their constant quarrels had created discord within the family.

The victims husband, Gaurav, has also been implicated in the First Information Report (FIR). A case has been registered against them under the sections 302 (murder), 120-B (criminal conspiracy), and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The Bombay High Court has allowed a visually impaired student to pursue physiotherapy course, saying our collective endeavour" as a society and of the state government has been to find ways to help those most in need of assistance.

A division bench of Justices Gautam Patel and Neela Gokhale came down heavily on the Maharashtra State Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Council, which deals with the physiotherapy curriculum, for its stand that no visual impairment up to any extent can be permitted for students who wish to pursue physiotherapy course.

The court, in its order passed on June 20, allowed a petition filed by student Zill Jain, suffering from visual impairment disability to the extent of 40 per cent, seeking to be admitted to physiotherapy course.

The council had opposed Jains plea, saying physiotherapists have roles to play in operation theatres, surgical units and ICUs and hence blindness to any extent cannot be permitted in the study or practice of physiotherapy.

The bench in its order noted there are several students, lawyers, assistants and others who are visually impaired and yet successfully working in several courts across India.

We must express our very great dismay and displeasure at this approach of a regulatory council. The constitutional mandate is not to find further methods of exclusion. It is not to find new methods to benefit majorities, the court said.

Our collective endeavour as a society and particularly that of the state government has to be a constant effort to find ways to assist those most in need of assistance; and never to say that nothing can be done, the HC said.

The bench said the councils stand is not only unacceptable to any judicial, constitutional or moral conscience but is, quite frankly, a betrayal of a constitutional mandate and of a statutory duty.

It seems to us, therefore, utterly remarkable that the council should venture so strong a medical opinion despite being given an opportunity by a constitutional court to do what is evidently the right thing, the HC said.

We find it irresponsible, and quite thoroughly reprehensible, to even suggest that those with disabilities cannot meet standards of ethical and legal responsibility; or that their disability or impairment makes them incapable of meeting these requirements, it said.

The bench observed that the council believes it is perfectly alright to tell persons who are, for no fault of their own, disabled, that certain fields of human endeavour must be forever shut to them.

To accept this position of the council would be contrary to the statute and a travesty of every concept of justice, the HC said.

The court said the council had no choice but to adapt their education curricula and policies to bring them in line with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act and that this was the councils primary responsibility.

Jain completed her HSC (Class 12) in March 2022 and desired to study and later practice physiotherapy.

However, as per provisions of the Regulations on Graduate Medical Education, no amount of visual impairment is acceptable for being allowed to study or practice physiotherapy.

Later, an amendment was made to the provisions to say those with a visual disability of 40 per cent or more are ineligible for such courses.

order passed by the HC in October 2022, Jain was permitted to appear for the NEET (UG) 2022 and was granted admission to the physiotherapy course in Nair hospital in Mumbai. She is currently in her first year of the course.

The bench directed that Jains admission and study should not be interrupted or cancelled only on the ground of low vision impairment.
Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan was shot at by unidentified assailants in Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday. He was rushed to a hospital for treatment.

The armed assailants came in a vehicle bearing the registration number of Haryana.

I dont remember well but my people identified them. Their car went towards Saharanpur. We took a U-Turn. Five of us, including my younger brother, were in the car when the incident occurred..," said Chandrashekhar.

#WATCH | I dont remember well but my people identified them. Their car went towards Saharanpur. We took a U-Turn. Five of us, including my younger brother, were in the car when the incident occurred..," says Bhim Army leader and Aazad Samaj Party - Kanshi Ram chief, Chandra pic.twitter.com/MLeVR8poaN ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2023

Azad had gone to attend a terhavi ritual at a supporters home. The attack occurred when Azad left the spot in his SUV.

Chandra Shekhar Appeals to Workers to Maintain Peace

The Bhim Army leader, who is undergoing treatment, said he did not expect such a sudden attack and appealed to his friends, supporters and workers across the country to maintain peace. We will continue our fight ConstitutionallyI am fine with the love and blessings of crores of people," he said.

#WATCH | On the attack on him in Saharanpur, UP earlier today, Bhim Army leader Chandra Shekhar Aazad says, I did not expect such a sudden attack. I want to appeal to my friends, supporters & workers across the country to maintain peace. We will continue our fight pic.twitter.com/UFPTn3VIbk ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2023

Superintendent of Police (City) Abimanyu Manglik said the assailants were in a car and opened fire on Azads SUV from the right side. He said a bullet grazed his abdomen.

SSP Saharanpur Dr Vipin Tada said his condition is stable and he is out of danger. Police will investigate the matter and will take all the necessary action, he said.

Meanwhile, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) condemned the attack on the Bhim Army chief and slammed the BJP government over the law and order in the state.

The attack on Chandrashekhar Azad Ji is highly condemnable. This is proof of the anarchy prevailing in Uttar Pradesh and the law and order failure of the BJP government. The Rashtriya Lok Dal demands the immediate arrest of the culprits and to ensure security arrangements for Chandrashekhar Azad ji," RLD tweeted.

(With inputs from ANI, PTI)
Merely three days after the shocking day-light robbery inside the Pragati Maidan tunnel in Delhi, another heist was pulled by miscreants in the national capitals Kashmere Gate area, late on Tuesday evening.

This time, two bike-borne men rob a businessman, taking away his scooter with around Rs 3 lakh cash.

Information was received that around Rs 4 lakhs have been looted from a businessman in Delhis Kashmere Gate area last evening. The investigation is being done," Delhi police said in a statement.

According to police, the victim stopped his vehicle on the Yudhishthir Setu flyover on Tuesday to attend to a phone call when the culprits came there in a scooty and took away the money. The businessman is a resident of Shahdara in east Delhi.

The robbery was caught in security cameras installed in the area, where robbers can be seen escaping on the victims scooter.

This is the third such robbery case reported in Delhi in the past 10 days, despite Delhi Police intensifying its night patrolling with senior officers keeping a strict vigil in a bid to contain street crimes.

Merely three days before on June 24, a delivery agent and his associate were robbed of Rs 2 lakh at gunpoint inside the Pragati Maidan tunnel.

The CCTV camera footage received by the Delhi Police showed four motorcycle-borne men intercepted the car and robbed the delivery agent of Omiya Enterprises, Chandni Chowk, and his associate at gunpoint.

So far seven people have been arrested in connection with the robbery, police said on Tuesday.

Another heist was reported on June 19, when three miscreants allegedly looted Rs 1 lakh from a person in the Mandoli area.

#WATCH | Three miscreants allegedly looted Rs 1 lakh from a person in the Mandoli area on June 19. Police have registered a case and efforts are being made to identify the culprits: Delhi police(CCTV visuals confirmed by police) pic.twitter.com/hwGsTPFsje  ANI (@ANI) June 27, 2023

A case has been registered and efforts are being made to identify the culprits," Delhi police said after the incident.
As the end of the financial year approaches, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is actively reminding small businesses about crucial considerations they need to keep in mind.

These reminders are aimed at helping small businesses navigate their tax obligations, maximize deductions, and stay compliant with the latest regulations.

The ATO recognizes that the end of the financial year can be a hectic time for small businesses, with numerous financial responsibilities and deadlines to meet. Therefore, it emphasizes the importance of being well-prepared and proactive to ensure a smooth transition into the new financial year.

As tax time approaches, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is urging small businesses to take note of three crucial factors:

Small business boosts: Unlocking opportunities

Small businesses investing in digital operations, skills training, or new equipment can benefit from a bonus 20% tax deduction. Eligible expenses, such as technology, cloud computing, e-invoicing, and cybersecurity, can lead to a $120 tax deduction for every $100 spent. However, there are caps on the total amount claimable. Businesses must ensure that items purchased are used or installed ready for use by June 30, 2023, to qualify.

Additionally, the Small Business Skills and Training Boost provides an extra 20 per cent tax deduction for training new and existing employees. Training must be conducted through a registered external training provider in Australia and is applicable between March 29, 2022, and June 30, 2024.

Temporary full expensing (TFE) deadline looms

Small businesses can still claim an immediate deduction for eligible assets used or installed by June 30, 2023. However, after this date, assets not in use or ready for use will no longer be eligible for an immediate TFE deduction in this years tax returns. The TFE mechanism supports small businesses by allowing immediate deductions for assets rather than depreciating them over multiple years. If assets are not installed and ready for use by the deadline, alternative deductions can be claimed under general or simplified depreciation rules.

Changes in deduction rates

Deduction rates for running a business from home and car expenses have been modified. Key points to note are:

Car Expenses: The new rate per kilometer is set at 78 cents for the 2022-23 period. It is crucial to maintain written evidence to substantiate work-related kilometers. This method applies to sole traders and partnerships. Additionally, the car limit has increased to $64,741 for the 2022-23 income year.

Working from Home: Small businesses can choose between the actual cost or fixed-rate method to claim deductions. However, only the fixed-rate method has undergone changes. It is important to consider the impact of business structure, particularly for companies or trusts, on the method and expenses that can be claimed.

ATO Assistant Commissioner Emma Tobias advises keeping comprehensive records to maximise deductions during tax time. Recognizing that tax matters can be complex, the ATO advises small businesses to seek guidance from registered tax professionals who can provide tailored advice based on their specific circumstances. Moreover, the ATOs website serves as a valuable resource where small businesses can access relevant information, guides, and tools to navigate the end-of-financial-year process effectively.

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Three individuals from Bangladesh have been apprehended for their involvement in an ATM theft case in Pulwama district, south Kashmir. The stolen ATM was found buried in an orchard, where the perpetrators had dug out soil to conceal it.

The incident occurred on April 8, when unknown burglars stole an ATM near Government Degree College in Pulwama. In response, the police registered a case (FIR No. 78/2023) under relevant sections of the law and launched an investigation. To expedite the probe, a Special Investigation Team was formed by the police.

After analyzing digital and circumstantial evidence, as well as conducting focused examinations of suspects, a group of international thieves from Bangladesh, known for their involvement in similar crimes in the past, was identified and subsequently apprehended," stated the police.

The arrested individuals, identified as Suman Mal, Farooq Ahmad Ali, and Mohd Ibrahim, are all residents of Bangladesh, with Suman Mal believed to be the kingpin of the gang.

Acting on their disclosure, the stolen ATM machine was recovered from a pit in an orchard located in Dogam Kakapora.

The gang of burglars has confessed to committing similar ATM thefts in other locations over the past years. It has also been revealed that the gang began operating in South Kashmir at the beginning of this year.

With the arrests made, the police have initiated further investigations into the case, expecting more arrests to follow.
A motorcycle grazed the SUV carrying Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former Maharashtra minister Aaditya Thackeray in the Dadar area here on Wednesday afternoon, police said.

Nobody was injured in the incident which took place near the Shiv Sena Bhavan, the Sena's headquarters, said an official.

Thackeray was not driving the SUV, he said, adding that as it had slowed down for taking a turn, the 28-year-old motorcycle rider who was on its right side lost control and the two-wheeler grazed the SUV.

The man fell down but did not suffer any injury. He was allowed to go afterward, the official added.
Incessant rainfall in Mumbai and Thane hit normal life on Wednesday with Andheri subway being shut for vehicular traffic, buildings collapsing and houses flooded. A man was also reported to have been killed in Malad after a tree fell on him.

The decision to close the Andheri subway was taken after nearly 2-feet of water filled the area. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has said that heavy to very heavy rainfall will lash the financial capital in the next four to five days.

It is hereby directed that all concerned officers must visit low-lying areas in their jurisdiction where there is a possibility of flooding and take prompt necessary action," the BMC said.

Despite the downpour, the level of lakes supplying water to Mumbai has been going down due to inadequate rainfall in their catchment areas. Due to this, the city civic body has decided to impose a 10 per cent water cut starting from Saturday.

BMC commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal has also appealed to citizens to save water and use it judiciously. The southwest monsoon covered Mumbai on Sunday, its entry into the financial capital being two weeks.

Chahal told PTI on Wednesday that the BMC has decided to implement 10 water cut in Mumbai from July 1, as the stock in lakes supplying water to the city is about seven per cent.

In the last 24 hours, there were 26 incidents of tree fall, 15 of short-circuit, and five incidents of collapse/partial collapse of houses in Mumbai, as per the civic body.

In the neighbouring Thane district, a 36-year-old woman was injured when a portion of a single-storey chawl collapsed in Mahagiri Koliwada area following heavy rain.

A portion of gallery of the 25-year-old chawl (tenement) collapsed and fell on the woman, a release from the district collectorate said. Disaster management team personnel reached the spot after being alerted. The woman was rushed to a hospital and undergoing treatment, the release said.

In another incident, the protection wall of a housing complex collapsed in Thanes Chandanwadi locality No one was injured in the incident, Thane Municipal Corporations disaster management cell chief Yasin Tadvi said.

A tree nearby was affected and was in a dangerous condition, he said. Local firemen and the disaster management cell team rushed to the spot and cleared the debris, the official said.

Thane city received 36.07 mm rainfall in just one hour between 9.30 am and 10.30 am and 49.28 mm downpour between 9.30 am and 11.30 am on Wednesday, the official said.

Additional Municipal Commissioner in-charge of disaster control, Sanjay Herwade, paid a surprise visit to the disaster management cell in the morning and reviewed its monsoon preparedness.

Since January this year, the city has recorded 306.38 mm downpour, compared to 180.56 mm in the same period last year. The city has received 70 per cent more rainfall so far this year, compared to the same period last year, the TMC said.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted more showers, with moderate to intense rain spells in isolated places. Suburban trains on the Central Railway and Western Railway routes were running normally, though they were delayed by a few minutes, as per railway officials.

A 38-year-old man, identified as Kaushal Doshi, received injuries in a tree fall incident at Mamledarwadi junction in the western suburb of Malad, a civic official said.

He was rushed to the civic-run Shatabdi Hospital where doctors declared him brought dead", the official said.

The island city, eastern and western suburbs received 12.44 mm, 42.41 mm and 40.46 mm rainfall respectively between 8 am to 12 noon on Wednesday, as per civic officials.

IMD Mumbai issued a nowcast warning at 9.30 am on Wednesday, saying moderate to intense spells of rain very likely to occur at isolated places" in Mumbai along with some other coastal districts.

A civic official said the IMD Mumbai has predicted moderate rain in the city and suburbs, while heavy to very heavy showers are very likely at isolated places.

(With inputs from PTI)
A tussle erupted at a housing complex in Mumbais Mira Bhayander area on Tuesday after a Muslim man brought two goats for their sacrifice on Bakrid. Irked residents recited Hanuman Chalisa and raised Jai Shri Ram slogans on the housing premises to protest against the goats brought by the man, identified as Mohsin Sheikh.

The residents claimed the society has a rule that no livestock would be allowed on the premises, and demanded that the animals be taken out of the housing complex.

A case has been registered against 11 people under relevant sections of IPC for bringing the goats for sacrifice, police said.

Mohsin said there are 200 to 250 Muslim families living in the society and every year he was given space to keep goats for sacrifice on Bakrid. But this year, Mohsin said, he wasnt given any space and was asked to talk to the societys residents.

According to Mohsin, he asked the society for a place to keep the goats on the premises but was denied permission. Following this, Mohsin brought the goats to his home in the early hours of Tuesday.

We never sacrifice goats on the society premises, we always get the slaughter done either at the slaughterhouse or the goat shop, said Mohsin.

As the residents of the society began protesting, police were called and a large number of forces were deployed to placate the situation.

Our society had passed a rule that no livestock would be allowed inside the society, but they (some residents of the society) violated it and brought two goats inside. We are opposing it and will not allow it," a resident of the society told ANI.

We appeal to all to maintain communal harmony and follow the rules of the society," another resident added.

Mumbai | Our society had passed a rule that no livestock would be allowed inside the society, but they (some residents of the society) violated it and brought two goats inside. We are opposing it and will not allow it," says a resident of the societyWe appeal to all to pic.twitter.com/jfxQVyaLwJ  ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2023

Police told the protesting residents that as per the rules, sacrifice wont be allowed on the housing premises. Police also said they have asked for the goats to be taken away considering the sentiments of the residents.

They Abused Us, Called Us Terrorist

Meanwhile, an FIR was filed at Mira Road police station by a resident of the society whose family was stopped from keeping a goat in the house ahead of Bakrid.

According to the FIR, the resident alleged that in 2019, the builder of the society had promised to allot space to keep goats on the housing premises. But in 2022, due to some construction work in the building, the space was taken by a contractor and we got a mail that goats cannot be kept there.

Following this, the family and some other Muslim families had been constantly pitching a meeting to discuss a place to keep goats ahead of Barkid, which was being avoided, the FIR stated.

A mail was also written stating that if the place is not provided, they would have to get goats home. To this, there was a response that there is no space in the society and the committee cannot decide on allotting space

The FIR further stated that several Muslim families also filed a complaint at Kashmira police station that there is a threat to their life and that some housing society members are purposely not cooperating with them. Following this, a meeting was held to reach a consensus on the matter.

On June 27, we got a goat at home and tied it on our balcony. Then we went shopping and when we returned, the watchman and 30-40 people stopped our car. They abused us, hit my husband and called us terrorists. They also said that we will cut pig in your house, the FIR alleged.
In the wake of inadequate rainfall, Mumbaikars will face a 10 per cent water cuts from July 1, as the delayed monsoon rains barely brought any changes to the water levels of reservoirs supplying water to Mumbai.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) approved the water cut on the recommendation of the hydraulic department, said civic body chief IS Chahal on Tuesday, and appealed to citizens to save water and use it judiciously.

Chahal told news agency PTI on Wednesday that the BMC has decided to implement 10 water cut in Mumbai from July 1, as the stock in lakes supplying water to the city is about seven per cent.

Mumbai receives 3,800 MLD (millions of litres per day) of water from seven reservoirs namely Bhatsa, Upper Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna, Tansa, Modak Sagar, Vihar and Tulsi, located in Mumbai, Thane and Nashik districts.

According to a BMC report, the seven lakes had 7.26 per cent stock at 6 am on Wednesday. On the same day in 2022 and 2021, the lakes had 9.04 per cent and 16.44 per cent water stock respectively, as per the report

Meanwhile, the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) is implementing 15 per cent water cuts from today onwards in supply areas including Kharghar, Taloja and the neighbouring villages.

However, CIDCO said if the situation aggravates, the cut can go up to 25 per cent.

The rainfall received in the city presently is inadequate and has barely brought any changes to the water level of the dams from which CIDCO acquires water. The decision to implement a cut is taken after taking stock of the situation on the dam site and it is very concerning, a report by Hindustan Times quoted an official from the water distribution department as saying.

After delayed onset, Monsoon reached Mumbai on Sunday. Since then, the city has received 344mm and rainfall, which is less than the average June rainfall requirement of 526.3mm.

The city n Tuesday witnessed light rainfall on Tuesday. The Met Department has also issued a yellow alert indicating heavy rainfall at isolated places for Wednesday.

(With PTI Inputs)
Rains intensified in Mumbai on Wednesday, leading to severe waterlogging at several places like Andheri and Kurla and traffic snarls as well. The entire country is under the spell of monsoon with Mumbai to Kolkata to Bengaluru and parts of Gujarat receiving incessant rainfall over the past two-three days. While IMD has sounded an orange alert for Mumbai, an advisory has been issued in Himachal Pradesh which has been witnessing landslides due to heavy rainfall.

According to IMD predictions, several major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru are expected to experience significant rainfall.
India is a place where dreams become reality every day, said US ambassador Eric Garcetti, referring to how a young boy selling tea grew up to become prime minister and a Santal woman the first tribal president.

He used the phrase sapne sakaar karna, which means realising your dream, saying: I am a big fan of that idea. As many here know that Im from California, which is a place where people dream big and they come to life. But I dont need to convince anyone here of this. India is also a place where dreams become reality every day. In India, a young boy selling tea grew up to lead his country on a global stage. In India, a Santal teacher rose to become the president of her country.

Garcetti explained that the Indian dream and the American dream were two sides of the same coin and both countries shared the same vision. India and America embrace possibility, new opportunities and knowledge as well as the chance to make a difference, he said, while speaking at a session on Peace, prosperity, planet, people: A new chapter in US-India relations, where he shared interesting insights with regard to Prime Minister Narendra Modis state visit.

He said: I saw a personal rapport between President (Joe) Biden and Prime Minister Modi. I saw the power of transformative friendship and I saw history being made and our future framed.

The ambassador called the relationship between Indian and US very personal and shared statistics reflecting how close they were.

Last year, one out of every five US student visas issued worldwide went to an Indian student and over 2,00,000 Indians are studying in the US

The US is Indias largest trading partner with more than $191 billion in two-way trade

India conducts more military exercises with the US than any other country

More than 450 Indian nationals work at the US National Institutes of Health intramural laboratories  the highest number of biomedical scientists from any Asian country at the institution

In the US, over 20 elected and appointed government officials proudly claim to be of Indian heritage. This includes vice-president Kamala Harris

Indian-origin CEOs head many of the countrys largest and most iconic companies, such as Alphabet/Google, Microsoft, Starbucks and Adobe. In fact, more than 10 percent of Fortune 500 company CEOs are of Indian ancestry

Within the last six months, five members of the US cabinet  President Bidens closest government advisers  visited India to meet with their counterparts and more visits are planned.

Not an era of war: Powerful statement by PM Modi

Garcetti called PM Modis statement about the Russias invasion of Ukraine  Todays era is not an era of war  to President Vladimir Putin a powerful and necessary idea.

He said in the coming months, astronauts and scientists from NASA and ISRO will be working together to honour understanding of space and of the planet we call home. He added that the India-US strategic dialogue, Quad, Indo Pacific Economic Framework for prosperity were opportunities to increase prosperity and interoperability of the region and to address the most pressing challenges across the Indo Pacific Region, ranging from healthcare to maritime awareness to cybersecurity.

Garcetti talked about his personal experience and said: I came to India for the first time as a teenager  when I saw firsthand how connected we are to each other despite differences in language, wealth, social status and geography. It changed my life forever. I studied Hindi and learned the history and the cultures of the region. I may not be Indian but India is a big part of me and has helped shape who I am today.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday said India cant allow terrorism to be normalised and underlined that India cannot have a normal relationship with Pakistan until it continues to involve in cross-border terrorism.

Speaking at an event in New Delhi, the EAM said India cannot allow cross-border terrorism to become the basis for initiating a discussion with Pakistan.

In a veiled attack on Pakistan, the EAM said it is time to not allow terrorism to happen by night and trade by day.

You have not heard very much about SAARC because, in the last few years, there isnt very much to hear about. We have not had meetings because you have a member of SAARC who doesnt conform to all the basic requirements of what a good membership is, and that is today an obstacle reality for the SAARC to meet."

You know I said we cannot continue with acts of terrorism and say the cooperation will continue to happen nevertheless. So, I think there are issues there and it is time to recognize the seriousness of those issues and not allow terrorism to happen by night and trade by day. I dont think the country is well served by that, he said, as reported by ANI.

#WATCH | Delhi: EAM Dr S Jaishankar on Pakistan, says, We cant allow terrorism to be normalised, we can not allow that to become a basis to come in discussion with Pakistan. Until there is a departure from the abbreviation of policy of cross-border terrorism, it is not possible pic.twitter.com/LLAW10tEUh ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2023

On the issue of Canada handling Khalistani elements, the Minister said that their stand seems to be driven by vote bank politics.

Their responses have been constrained by what they regard as vote bank compulsions," he noted. We have made it very clear that if there are activities in Canada that impinge on our national security or territorial integrity, then we will have to respond. You can see that this has impacted our ties in many ways in the last few years," Jaishankar underlined.

(With inputs from ANI, IANS)
As Indians enjoy the delayed rain, the downpour hasnt had a cooling effect on the vegetables as they are now set to burn holes in the pocket of a common man. Among them, tomatoes have topped the charts with its prices touching Rs 80-110 per kg in most of the states.

In Mumbai, the price of the kitchen essential reached an astronomical Rs 80-110 per kg in parts of the city, while Delhi is witnessing tomato prices hitting between Rs 80 and Rs 100.

The prices of the kitchen staple have seen a spike across the country, with tomato selling for Rs 100-120 per kg in Bengaluru, Rs 90-100 in Mysuru, Rs 40-50 in Kolkata, and Rs 100 in Chennai.

In Uttar Pradeshs Kanpur, the wholesale price of tomatoes range from Rs 80-90 per kg and retail shops are selling it at Rs 100 per kg. News agency ANI quoted vegetable vendors as saying that tomatoes come to the city from Bengaluru and rain has disrupted the supply.

There has been a significant disruption in supply of tomatoes in the southern states district like Bengaluru Rural, Chitradurga, Chikkaballapur, Kolar and Ramanagara. A trader in Kanpur predicted that the prices can shoot up to Rs 150 per kg in the coming days.

A report in Times of India quoted wholesale and retail vegetable sellers as saying that the price of tomato has increased by almost 400% in the last three weeks, impacting household budgets.

The new crop from central and south India is expected in 7-10 days, and vegetable traders said the price may start dropping from the middle of the next month if the monsoon does not impact transportation, the report stated.

They, however, added that there were reports of rain damaging crops in some parts of the country, so the prices of other vegetables may start rising.

Climate Change and Crop Destruction

A report in Hindustan Times quoted Ashok Kaushik, president of Tomato Traders Association (TTA) at Delhis Azadpur Mandi, as saying that a majority of national capitals tomato supplies between March to June comes from Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. However, unseasonal spells of rain throughout May and the early onset of the monsoon led to the tomato crop failing in these states, hampering supplies.

A report in Indian Express explained that the reason for the current high prices can be traced back to their sudden fall in April-May, which led many growers to abandon their crops. The unusual heat of March and April also saw pest attacks that took a toll on production.

Indias agricultural belt is the most sensitive sector when it comes to climate change. The main reason for this is the nature and characteristics of vegetation and crops being determined by the climate of a region or country.

A study, Impact of Climate Change on Vegetable Crops and its Mitigation, has stated that under changing climatic situations, crop failures, shortage of yields, reduction in quality and increase in pest and disease problems are common and they render the vegetable cultivation unprofitable.

The study explains how climate change can affect the suitability and adaptability of a crop by altering the growing period and affecting the quality as the high temperature and moisture stress increases sunburn and cracking in tomato, capsicums and other vegetables.

Tomatoes fail to attain a deep red colour if the temperature is high.

According to Carbon Impacts, high temperatures interfere with floral bud development due to flower abortion. This can cause significant losses in tomato productivity due to reduced fruit set, and smaller and lower quality fruits. In addition, significant inhibition of photosynthesis occurs at temperatures above optimum, resulting in considerable loss of potential productivity.

Low temperatures (decreases to 8-12C) also have a significant impact on the tomatoes as it reduces seed germination and growth speed of pollen tube and the percent of fruit set of the kitchen staple.

Flooding is another crop destroyer as it affect the growth and yield in low lying rain fed areas. The main cause of damage under water logging is oxygen deprivation which affects nutrient and water uptake so the plants show wilting even when surrounded by excess water.

Lack of oxygen shifts the energy metabolism from aerobic mode to anaerobic mode. Flooded crops especially in tomato plants accumulate endogenous ethylene that causes damage to the plants, the report stated.

According to Carbon Impacts, salt stress also causes changes in a range of metabolic processes. In mature tomato fruit the amount of sucrose and the activity of sucrose phosphate synthase increased while fruit yield decreased under saline conditions. High salt concentration also causes an ionic imbalance and osmotic shock to tomato plants.

Soaring Prices of Other Vegetables in Festive Season

While ginger continues to remain expensive in both financial and national capitals for nearly two months, the two-month-long saawan and the three-day feast of Eid ul Zuha may be impacted due to the prices of the vegetables.

ALSO READ | For This Years Rare Sawan, CM Yogi Bans Sale of Meat on UPs Kanwar Yatra Routes

Amid the festive season, rates of other items have escalated too. A report in Times of India stated that in Mumbai, ginger stings at Rs 250-280 per kg, coriander is Rs 100 per big bunch, green chillies Rs 200/kg and French beans stand at Rs 180-200.

Steps Taken by Government

Tamil Nadus minister food and consumer protection department on Wednesday announced that in order to provide relief to the poor and middle-class people, tomatoes will be sold at Farm Fresh Outlets (FFOs) across Tamil Nadu to control prices. Tomato will be sold at Rs.68 per kg in FFOs. Steps are also being taken to sell tomatoes at Rs 60 per kg in FFOs, he added.

Tomato Alternatives

While avoiding tomatoes in some recipes may alter the taste of the dish, but for other cuisines and kitchen use, there are many options that people can choose from amid the soaring prices. This includes curd or yogurt, vinegar and tamrind.

CHECK FULL LIST & USES HERE | Here are the Best Alternatives to Tomato You Can Use for Your Dishes

People can also try and make tomato puree by adding sugar, salt and vinegar and freezing it. By adding vinegar, the longevity of the puree increases, making it fit to be consumed for three to six months. Several videos on the same are available on YouTube.
At least six people, including two children died and 15 others were injured after a Rath caught as it came in contact with a high-tension wire in Tripuras Unakoti district on Wednesday.

The injured, most of whom are with severe burn injuries were taken to the hospital nearby. Their condition is said to be critical.

The incident took place at 4.30 pm in Kumarghat area during the Ulta Rath Yatra festival of Lord Jagannath, officials said.

VIDEO | Six dead, 15 injured as chariot comes in contact with high tension wires during Rath Yatra in Tripura. pic.twitter.com/1fOYYL2yO1 Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 28, 2023

Six people died on the spot and 15 others received burn injuries," Assistant Inspector General (Law & Order) Jyotishman Das Chowdhury told PTI.

Two people with burn injuries were brought to the Emergency ward today. After that, 10-12 people were brought, six were dead. 6-7 people have burn injuries. A total of six people, including two children, died. Six others have been referred to District Hospital," Dr Sanjit Chakma, Medical Officer, Kymarghat Subdivision Hospital said.

During this festival, the sibling deities  Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhdara and Lord Jagannath  return to their abode, a week after Rath Yatra.

Thousands of people were pulling the Rath, made of iron, when it came in contact with a 133 kv overhead cable, police said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reacted to the incident calling it saddening."

The mishap during the Ulta Rath Yatra at Kumarghat is saddening. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this mishap. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected: PM @narendramodi PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 28, 2023

Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this mishap. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected," PMOs Twitter handle said.

Chief Minister Manik Saha also condoled the deaths.

Tripura CM Manik Saha tweets, In a tragic incident, several devotees have lost their lives & some other people sustained injuries due to electrocution during Ulta Rath Yatra at Kumarghat today. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families who lost their near and dear ones in pic.twitter.com/TmHb72NfLm ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2023

In a tragic accident at Kumarghat, several pilgrims lost their lives and several others were injured due to electrocution while pulling the Ulta Rath. I am deeply saddened by this incident. Deepest condolences to the bereaved family. Also, I wish the injured persons a speedy recovery. The state government stands by them in this difficult time," he said.
Officers are seen on standby as police raided buildings in Metro Manila on June 27, 2023. Photo by AFP

Philippine police said on Tuesday they have rescued more than 1,000 people allegedly trafficked into the country to work for an online casino in Manila.

Chinese, Vietnamese, Singaporean and Malaysian victims were among those found when police raided buildings in the capital on Monday night.

People from Indonesia, Pakistan, Cameroon, Sudan, and Myanmar were also found inside the compound.

More than 2,700 people were detained during the raids  over 1,500 were Filipinos.

Philippine authorities are interviewing the detainees to identify who was a victim or suspect, said police Captain Michelle Sabino, a spokeswoman for the anti-cybercrime unit.

International concern has been growing over internet scams in the Asia-Pacific region, often staffed by trafficking victims tricked or coerced into promoting bogus crypto investments.

Sabino said the alleged trafficking victims had accepted jobs posted on Facebook to work in the Philippines "to find players" for online games.

Many of them were forced to work 12-hour shifts every day for as little as 24,000 pesos (US$433) a month, and were prevented from leaving the compound, she said.

Sabino described it as the biggest anti-trafficking raid in the Philippines.

AFP journalists at the scene on Tuesday saw two police buses and two police trucks parked outside the compound. They were not allowed to enter the buildings.

Sabino said "everything will be investigated," including whether the workers were involved in online rackets.

In May, authorities rescued more than a thousand people from several Asian nations, including 439 Vietnamese who had been trafficked into the Philippines, held captive and forced to run online scams.
US chipmaker Micron Technology on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Centre to construct its first semiconductor plant in the country.

The agreement, signed in Gandhinagar in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, marks a significant milestone.

In the august presence of CM Shri @Bhupendrapbjp and Union IT Minister Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw, an MoU has been signed at Gandhinagar between Gujarat Govt and US-based chip manufacturing giant @MicronTech for setting-up ATMP facility at Sanand with an investment of US$ 2.75 billion i.e. over 22,500 crore," the Gujarat Chief Ministers Office (CMO) tweeted.

In the august presence of CM Shri @Bhupendrapbjp and Union IT Minister Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw, an MoU has been signed at Gandhinagar between Gujarat Govt and US-based chip manufacturing giant @MicronTech for setting-up ATMP facility at Sanand with an investment of US$ 2.75 billion pic.twitter.com/PwUabM1oij CMO Gujarat (@CMOGuj) June 28, 2023

Micron said last week it will invest up to USD 825 million in the facility. With support from the Indian central government and the state of Gujarat, the total investment will be USD 2.75 billion, it added.

The facility will be constructed in Sanand, near the city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat.

This MoU was signed less than a week after Prime Minister Narendra Modis landmark visit to Washington, which witnessed a slew of agreements with the US, including some in the field of technology.

Harnessing the power of tech for shared progress!PM @narendramodi and @POTUS @JoeBiden interacted with Indian and American CEOs of leading tech companies. They discussed promoting innovation and exploring opportunities for collaboration between the vibrant tech sectors of pic.twitter.com/o1DRU3lNnz  PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 23, 2023

During his visit, Modi and President Joe Biden participated in a key event at the White House which saw the participation of leading Indian and American CEOs of tech companies and startups.

In his remarks, Prime Minister underlined the immense potential of harnessing India-US tech cooperation for socio-economic growth.
EID-UL-ADHA 2023: Eid al-Adha, commonly known as Bakrid, is a highly significant Islamic festival celebrated worldwide. It signifies the conclusion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to the revered city of Mecca. This auspicious occasion holds great historical and religious importance as it commemorates the unwavering obedience of Prophet Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his son Ismail for Allah. Falling on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Bakrid spans over a period of two to four days, during which Muslims engage in various religious rituals and celebrations.

EID-UL-ADHA: HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANCE

Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakrid, is a special occasion for Muslims, and its history revolves around the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismail. According to Islamic beliefs, Allah tested Ibrahims faith by commanding him in a dream to sacrifice his son. Although this request brought Ibrahim great emotional pain, he was determined to follow Allahs command. He shared the command with his son, and together, they were ready to obey the divine command.

During their travel to the sacrifice location, Satan tried to persuade Ibrahim to disobey Allah, but Ibrahim resisted and threw stones at Satan. When they reached the designated place, Ibrahim blindfolded himself to avoid seeing his sons face during the sacrifice. He didnt want his love for his son to weaken his commitment to obeying Allah. Just as Ibrahim was about to make the sacrifice, Allah intervened and revealed that the sacrifice had already been fulfilled, and Ibrahim had passed the test.

Allah then provided a lamb as a substitute for Ismail. To honour this animals are sacrificed during Bakrid with all rituals.

WHEN WILL EID-UL-ADHA BE CELEBRATED IN INDIA?

In India, Bakrid is going to be celebrated from the evening of June 28 (Wednesday) till the evening of June 29 (Thursday).

HOW DID THE RITUAL OF ANIMAL SACRIFICE START?

Eid-ul-Adha is marked by several important rituals and customs. Muslims typically commence their day by participating in Eid prayers held at their nearby mosque or designated outdoor prayer area. These morning prayers hold great significance and commonly entail a sermon followed by a congregational prayer.

Muslims are encouraged to make donations to charitable causes, especially those supporting the less fortunate. To celebrate the festival in a meaningful way, one can consider donating to a local charity or organisation that focuses on assisting the underprivileged.

One of the central practices of Eid-ul-Adha is the Qurbani, the ritual slaughter of an animal, which is usually a sheep or goat. This act symbolises the willingness of Muslims to sacrifice their most cherished possessions for the sake of Allah. The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: one-third is shared with family and friends, one-third is distributed to the less fortunate, and the remaining third is retained for personal consumption.
In the 13th season of the heart-pounding television series Khatron Ke Khiladi, actress Hina Khan is back and has finally made it to Cape Town. Hina, who finished second in Khatron Ke Khiladis Season 8 competition, makes a stunning comeback as a challenger. The actress posted intriguing snippets from her Cape Town journals on Instagram. Hina, who is known for her outspoken nature, recently wore a mesh top and cargo leggings to effortlessly wear a sporty appearance. Her choice of accessory, however, is what really jumps out and intrigues and perhaps even frightens the audience.

Check out Hinas most recent look right here-

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hina Khan (@realhinakhan)

Its been such a pleasure to associate myself once again with the life-changing Show we all know as Khatron Ke Khiladi, the actress pleasantly surprised her fans by sharing a number of photos on Instagram on Tuesday. The best method conceivable to flip your head around is with this show. You never stay exactly the same as you were before. The icing on the cake is getting to meet Rohit Shetty, the God of Action and the Master of Stunts, who is a genuinely kind and humble person. There is so much I can learn from this job, which I will always hold dear to my heart. She may be seen posing with Rohit Shetty in one photo and with another person in another. She appeared in one of the posts standing with Rohit Shetty, while in another, the actress startled everyone by holding a snake in her hand.

Hina Khan wore a sheer crop top with a turtle neck, long sleeves, and amusing sequin embellishments in hues of red, white, purple, and blue. She accessorised her eye-catching costume with an all-black outfit. She matched the fashionable shirt with large cargo pants. She radiated pure elegance, wearing elegant half-updo hair and black heeled heels. Hina chose neutral eyeshadow, mascara-coated lashes, contoured cheeks with a bit of blush, and neutral lipstick to keep her makeup simple.

We are looking forward to Hinas presence on the show because her breathtaking beauty has left us wanting more.
In London, a city renowned for its iconic structures, vibrant culture, and picturesque landscapes, Janhvi Kapoor has discovered the perfect place to call home. The 26-year-old actress is now filming Ulajh, her much anticipated film, in the lovely city of London. Janhvi Kapoor is making news, though, for more than just her talent as an actor. She is also a rising star in the fashion world and exudes elegance wherever she goes. Janhvi skillfully transitions between filming duties and fashion-related activities, demonstrating her innate ability to enchant viewers in both the real world and onscreen. The actor, who only recently made her acting debut, has already cemented herself as a fashion icon thanks to her impeccable costume selections.

Check out Janhvi;s most recent set of pictures from the streets of London here-

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Janhvi Kapoor (@janhvikapoor)

While Ulajh has been under production, Janhvi has been stealing viewers attention from the set. Janhvi Kapoor greeted Londons sights while sporting a chic white hooded coat and denim trousers. Janhvis outfit was completed and her image was fully boosted with the addition of a bold red lip, white trainers and a beautifully styled ponytail.

The wonderfully green grass, the sunset, and the far-off clouds make some of the pictures appear to belong on a postcard. Janhvi Kapoor posted the images to her Instagram account with the description, Ill walk where my own nature would be leading: It vexes me to choose another guide: Where the grey flocks in ferny glens are feeding; Where the wild wind blows on the mountain-side ???? #UlajhDiaries

Ulajh, a forthcoming Hindi film, is in the meantime. Janhvi Kapoor, Gulshan Devaiah, Roshan Mathew, and Rajesh Tailang will play the main protagonists in the film, which is directed by Sudhanshu Saria. In addition, Janhvi has the upcoming July release on Amazon Prime of Bawaal starring Varun Dhawan.
The famous masked Animal Ball returns to London after a gap of three years. One of the UKs most acclaimed charity fundraising events, the Animal Ball since its inception in 2013, has raised millions for wildlife conservation and has seen the support of global stars from the world of fashion, arts, film and music.

To be presented by the Elephant Family (known for their work towards the conservation of Asias wildlife and enabling successful coexistence between all living things) and Tintra Foundation, this year the fundraiser will be hosted at Lancaster House on June 28. The event also marks the celebration of the Elephant Familys 20th anniversary.

With all guests expected to be dressed in sustainable animal masks created by the worlds leading fashion houses, this year representing India at the Animal Ball 2023 will be ace couturiers Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Manish Malhotra and Anita Dongre.

All three globally acclaimed designers have been known for celebrating India and its craftsmanship in their respective designs and each animal-themed mask resonates with their design sensibilities. Heres a look at what the ace couturiers have created for the Animal Ball 2023.

Sabyasachi - The Bengal Tiger Mask

Sabyasachi Mukherjee is a storyteller, who likes to tell hyper-local stories to the world in an attempt to create economic sustainability for heritage crafts and craftspeople. Currently, in London, Sabyasachi presented a preview of his High Jewellery collection specially curated for the Animal Ball edition and has also created a special animal-themed mask for this years fundraiser.

Known for his adulation for Indias National Animal - Tiger, for this years Animal Ball, Sabyasachi has paid homage to the majestic Bengal Tiger that is indigenous to the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans in Bengal. The Bengal Tiger Mask is made by hand using age-old Indian artisanal techniques, as a collaboration between the artists from the Sabyasachi Art Foundation and the master craftspeople of Bengal, for the Animal Ball 2023.

Made with the Sabyasachi house classic animal print and signature hand embroidery technique called Aakash-Tara, which translates to the stars in the sky, the print is hand drawn and layered with hand-cut metal sequins by the ateliers master artisans.

Sabyasachi and The Elephant Familys association go a long way and both are equally committed to the work they do in their respective fields. Taking to Instagram, Sabyasachi expressed his views about the association with the non-profit organisation, he said, The Elephant Family and I are committed to similar but different missions. While I aim to preserve endangered heritage crafts, they conserve endangered animals and habitats. Its been my privilege to be a part of their cause.

Manish Malhotra - The Maharaja Mask

Manish Malhotra, an ardent admirer of Indias historical richness has redefined the code of modern heirloom with his contemporary styles. Today, as one of the most sought-after couturiers and costume designers, Manish paved another successful path with the creation of The Maharaja Mask.

A shared mission with the Elephant Family, Manish gears up to protect and celebrate the precious heritage of our world with this masterpiece.

Describing the intricate details of the mask, Manish Malhotra took to Instagram and expressed, The Maharaja mask, our majestic Indian lion, is a symbol of strength and a paragon of protective leadership. Framed by ethically-sourced feathers and topaz crystals, the mask is a testament to preserving craftsmanship like how a lion safeguards its territory, with the same tenacity and devotion we hold towards the Indian art and artisans.

Anita Dongre - Panchhi Mask

A doyenne in the world of sustainable fashion, Anita Dongre has always envisioned a world with kindness towards all living beings. Today, with the Panchhi Mask she pays homage to the parrot, a prominent bird found in Pichwai paintings that is endangered across the world but has found a protective home in India since 1972.

A tribute to the lush habitats of the forests, the Panchhi Mask has been crafted with cruelty-free plant leather and has been meticulously hand-painted in Pichwai, a 400-year-old technique that master artisans lovingly carry and create to this day.

Resplendent zardozi and golden thread embroidery come together for an India-proud showcase of its time-honoured crafts and heritage. Elated to be supporting such a great cause, Anita Dongre took to Instagram and wrote a heartfelt note, she said, Ive always had this beautiful vision of a harmonious world with kindness towards all living beings. It is our privilege to continue our partnership with The Animal Ball in their endeavour towards bringing this vision to life. We are proud to support @mrsganesh100 and @elephantfamily on their amazing mission of building a landscape that supports peaceful human-wildlife co-existence.
The Hijra community holds a captivating and profound place within the tapestry of Indian society. Their legacy stretches back to ancient times, a vibrant social group embracing transgender individuals, intersex people, and eunuchs. Throughout history, they have been considered both revered and enigmatic, assuming special roles in royal courts and cultural ceremonies. Yet, as the winds of change brought about by colonial rule swept over India, the societal attitudes surrounding the Hijra community altered, subjecting them to marginalisation and stigmatisation. Over three centuries of colonial rule, we relegated them to the fringes, stripping them of their fundamental rights and denying them countless opportunities.

In the modern era, a powerful movement for recognition and rights has surged forth on behalf of the Hijra community in India. A watershed moment arrived in 2014 when the Supreme Court of India officially acknowledged Hijras as a third gender. This groundbreaking decision marked a significant move towards safeguarding their legal rights and ensuring their protection. According to the 2011 Census, there are 4.88 lakh transgender individuals in India, of which 55,000 are children. Each of these people has much to contribute to our nation, to their families and to themselves. But they cant do so when we create barriers to them meeting their most basic needs.

As the Swachh Bharat Mission has shown us, access to toilets is life changing. It gives us dignity. It creates safety, and it makes our communities healthier. And yet, the hijra community has to squeeze itself into our narrow, gendered toilets, where they are open to humiliation at best, and physical and sexual violence at worst. We need to build toilets, yes. But we also need to build bridges to a more accepting and accommodating society through education and awareness campaigns. Only in such an environment can we guarantee that we are all safe, that we all belong, and that we are all empowered to achieve our fullest potential.

What is Toilet Inclusivity?

At its core, toilet inclusivity is a promise to provide safe, clean and accessible toilets for every individual, irrespective of their gender identity or sexual orientation. It recognizes the inherent dignity and humanity of every person and tears down any barriers to accessing public toilets.

Individuals who identify as transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, intersex, or simply defy traditional gender norms, often endure distressing encounters within gender-segregated bathrooms. Denied access, subjected to verbal abuse, physically assaulted, or even unjustly apprehended, their fundamental rights to privacy, dignity, and security are grievously violated.

The discomfort and insecurity experienced in gender-segregated facilities often lead to toilet avoidance altogether. Obviously, this has several adverse health effects ranging from urinary tract infections, dehydration and constipation to kidney stones, which if left untreated, can lead to serious complications. Additionally, resorting to unsanitary alternatives like open fields, bushes, or alleys not only makes them easier targets for violence, but also exposes them to diseases and infections.

Campaigns that champion toilet inclusivity emanate from a place of profound empathy and understanding. By fostering education, challenging preconceived notions, and amplifying the voices of those most affected, these campaigns can be instrumental in creating a future where toilet inclusivity is not just an aspiration but a fundamental right for all.

How can education and awareness campaigns promote toilet inclusivity in India?

Education and awareness campaigns hold immense potential. Here are some effective ways in which these campaigns foster toilet inclusivity:

Raising awareness and fostering understanding: about the diverse range of gender identities and expressions present in society. By dispelling myths and stereotypes, these campaigns can cultivate empathy and respect, fostering an environment where the dignity and rights of transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, intersex, and other gender nonconforming individuals are upheld. Advocating for legal recognition and protection: of the rights of individuals belonging to gender-diverse communities. By monitoring the implementation and enforcement of existing laws and policies, they can hold authorities accountable and demand transparency. Additionally, they can actively lobby for the enactment of inclusive legislation that safeguards the rights of marginalised groups. Mobilising resources and improving infrastructure: by advocating for the provision of accessible and comfortable toilets for individuals of all genders and sexual orientations. They can also help further the cause of inclusive design standards and guidelines. Building political will and fostering social support: for toilet inclusivity. By engaging with government authorities, policy makers, civil society organisations, media, educators, and the general public, they can encourage dialogue, collaboration, and the sharing of best practices.

What are some examples of education and awareness campaigns that promote toilet inclusivity in India?

One shining example is the Mission Swachhta aur Paani campaign, initiated by Harpic and News18. This campaign, launched in 2018, endeavours to champion the profound significance of toilets, viewing them not merely as functional spaces but as beacons of safety and acceptance for the marginalised. This exceptional mission is built upon the firm belief that clean and inclusive toilets are vital for fostering a society that embraces and empowers us all, unconditionally. To amplify their impact, Harpic joined hands with esteemed organisations like WaterAid India, Sulabh International, Akshay Patra Foundation, Samhita Social Ventures, and many more. Together, they constructed and renovated toilets across India, including gender-neutral facilities in schools, colleges, railway stations, and other public spaces. Through diverse media channels, including television, radio, print, digital platforms, and social media, Mission Swachhta aur Paani campaign spreads awareness about the significance of inclusive toilets, ensuring that its message resonates deeply with people.

Another noteworthy endeavour in India is the Swachh Bharat, Swachh Vidyalaya (SBSV) initiative, launched in 2015. This movement aims to provide universal access to gender-segregated toilets in all 1.2 million government schools across the country. Beyond physical infrastructure, the SBSV initiative seeks to enhance the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) curriculum, revolutionising teaching methods and fostering hygiene practices within schools. Additionally, this campaign encourages community participation and ownership of water and sanitation facilities, emphasising the collective responsibility we bear towards fostering a clean and inclusive environment. In collaboration with the Government of India, UNICEF has also played a pivotal role in supporting the SBSV initiative. Their partnership aims to ensure that every school in India possesses well-maintained water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) launched the Toilets 2.0 campaign on World Toilet Day in 2022. This visionary campaign envisions a transformative change in public and community toilets across urban India, uniting citizens and Urban Local Bodies in collective action. By focusing on sustainable models of toilet usage and maintenance, the Toilets 2.0 campaign aspires to revolutionise the face of sanitation in urban areas, ensuring inclusivity and dignity for all.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has taken a significant step in promoting gender-neutral environments in schools. Their manual, designed to sensitize teachers about the experiences of transgender students, advocates for the creation of gender-neutral toilets, gender-neutral uniforms, and mixed rows of studentsblurring the lines that segregate boys and girls. Through this approach, the NCERT manual radiates empathy and understanding, fostering an educational environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Conclusion:

Despite the significant progress achieved through education and awareness campaigns, there are persistent challenges that impede the realization of toilet inclusivity. Deep-rooted societal norms, insufficient funding, and slow policy changes continue to hinder progress.

To overcome these challenges, campaigns like Harpics Mission Swachhta aur Paani are working to foster partnerships with a diverse array of stakeholders. By joining forces with organizations, communities, and individuals, the initiative hopes to leverage collective expertise and resources to drive impactful change, and make a tangible difference in the lives of our transgender and non-binary brethren.

India is on the cusp of becoming an economic superpower. It has made large strides in the fields of education, sanitation, job creation and other socio-economic parameters. The difference in the quality of life for people today versus what we had a mere 20 years ago, is palpable. We have greater freedoms, we are more prosperous, our life expectancy has improved, and so has our access to healthcare and sanitation. Do we have the right to sequester these benefits for the privileged amongst us who are cisgender?

India is a nation that has built itself on the foundation of diversity - we are the worlds biggest democracy, we are secular, we are tolerant and we are progressive. It is in our culture, our very nature, to embrace our differences and to celebrate them. To paraphrase both our first PM, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, and our current PM, Shri Narendra Modi: our diversity is our strength.

So lets do it. Lets shed the mental shackles of our colonial past. Lets transcend ignorance, fear and hate. Lets create a society where transgender and non-binary people can live their lives to the fullest, just as the rest of us do. Lets create a shining example for the world to follow.

We can, together.

Join us here, to learn how you can play a part in this national conversation.
In the vibrant cultural mosaic that is India, unity in diversity is a cherished ideal. At the heart of this ideal is the recognition that every individual, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, has a role to play in the nations progress. As citizens, a crucial aspect of supporting diversity is to stand up for communities who are being marginalised, or just simply overlooked.

For the LGBTQ+ community, one of the pivotal areas where the community needs allies is in ensuring equal access to public amenities, particularly hygienic toilets. Because our existing toilets are set up according to a binary understanding of gender, transgender and non-binary persons are forced to choose between toilets earmarked for males and females. A transgender person is someone who identifies with a gender different from the one assigned to them at birth. Non-binary persons, on the other hand, dont strictly identify as male or female. Both transgender and third gender individuals often grapple with dysphoriaa disconnection between their body or societal perception and their true gender identity.

As most of our public spaces have no gender neutral toilets, were giving them no other choice than to use the wrong toilet. Imagine the daily stress and anxiety faced by a transgender on non-binary person who has to constantly evaluate which public toilet to use, and then often faces ridicule or harassment, in addition to the ever present threat of physical confrontation. Forcing transgender and non-binary persons to use toilets that do not align with their gender identity can also exacerbate dysphoria, leading to profound emotional distress, depression, and anxiety.

Voices of Change: The Advocacy Landscape

Thankfully, there is a wave of change spreading across the nation. Activists, NGOs, members of the LGBTQ+ community themselves and even corporations have been working tirelessly to bring attention to this issue.

Legal Strides and Policy Reforms

The landmark judgement of the Supreme Court in 2014 recognized transgender people as a third gender, taking a monumental step forward towards inclusion. However, to make this recognition meaningful, activists are advocating for policies that ensure equal access to public amenities for all genders.

Moreover, there is a push for inclusive policies in the construction of public toilets, such as gender-neutral restrooms, which can go a long way in ensuring the safety and dignity of transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals.

Raising Awareness and Building Sensitization

Creating awareness about the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and sensitising the public and policymakers is an essential aspect of advocacy. Initiatives like Harpic and News18s Mission Swachhta aur Paani transcends the concept of cleanliness alone. It is a movement that recognizes the profound significance of toilets, viewing them not merely as functional spaces but as beacons of safety and acceptance for the marginalised. This exceptional mission is built upon the firm belief that clean and inclusive toilets are vital for fostering a society that embraces and empowers us all, unconditionally. With unwavering dedication, Harpic and News18 actively include and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, propelling the message that every individual deserves access to safe and accepting spaces, where their dignity is upheld, and their presence is celebrated.

By joining forces with Mission Swachhta aur Paani, advocacy groups can raise awareness about the particular challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community as well as galvanise public support for inclusive sanitation policies.

Public-Private Partnerships

Government partnerships with corporations can be potent drivers of change. The Swachh Bharat Mission is a great example of this. The GoI joined hands with several organisations across various stages of the program. To name a few, Mahindra Group, Larsen & Toubro, IndusInd Bank, Tata Consultancy Services and Adani Group contributed to construction of toilets, or set funds aside for them.

Harpic, Indias leading brand in the lavatory care segment, has worked on several initiatives that are adjacent to the Swachh Bharat Mission - for instance, the establishment of Harpic World Toilet Colleges. Harpic has also taken the lead in designing campaigns and initiatives that not only focus on sanitation but also inclusivity.

What we need now is more participation - both from the GoI and the private sector. Corporate participation brings increased resources and reach, while GoIs involvement throws the might of the government behind these initiatives. When combined, these create enormous multipliers that often bring surprisingly quick (and lasting) results.

Grassroots Movements

The fight for LGBTQ rights in India is largely led by grassroots movements and the current push for marriage equality is only the latest example. The fight to repeal Article 377 reads almost like an epic in itself, and is a testament to the staying power and effectiveness of grassroots movements in India.

It all began in earnest in 2001, when the Naz Foundation, an HIV advocacy group in Delhi, filed one of the first legal challenges to the colonial-era law. It took 17 years of advocacy and litigation, but in 2018, a more progressive bench revisited the issue. They heard challenges from more than two dozen people, including leading hoteliers, a prominent chef, an Indian classical dancer and many others. The court unanimously struck down the law and apologised for the delay in ensuring rights for LGBTQ+ people.

What we need now is a similar push - the more visibility we bring to the issue, the more acceptance it creates. As with the successful push to repeal Article 377, the movement built support from the ground up: conversations led to understanding, understanding led to acceptance, acceptance led to advocacy. Its important to note that it wasnt only the LGBTQ+ community who marched against Article 377, their cisgender allies did too.

Thats how lasting change is made - when we stand up for one another.

How can you be an effective ally?

Advocacy is not just the work of activists and NGOs; it is a collective responsibility that involves all of us. Advocacy comes in all shapes and stripes - it doesnt need to involve protest marches, but it can, if thats what you want to do. It doesnt need to involve grand gestures of support either. Sometimes, the most important work we do is in the small, everyday conversations we have.

Start with educating yourself . Understand the issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community, particularly with regard to access to public toilets. Learn about the different gender identities and expressions, and the unique challenges faced by each. Harpic and News18s Mission Swachhta aur Paani initiative has some great content you can dip into on its website.

Once you feel like you have a good enough grasp of the issues at hand, talk to people in your orbit . It is easier for people to accept a new idea when it comes from a friend, a family member or a colleague, than it is from reading an article somewhere. Each conversation you have, even unsuccessful ones, adds up. Youre moving the needle, one conversation at a time.

Another way to show support is to consider participating in advocacy efforts . Join campaigns, sign petitions, take part in meetings and demonstrations that focus on advocating for gender-inclusive public toilets. Next, support NGOs and grassroots organisations . Contribute in terms of money and/or time to these organisations - they always have a number of projects up in the air, and you never know where your expertise (or just your presence!) may be best used.

Work with the corporate sector . This is what CSR programs are made for! Encourage them to contribute to initiatives that focus on providing equal access to hygienic toilets for all. Even if you dont succeed, youll have given them ideas on what they can do, in their own business. Imagine the ripple effect of every corporation making the switch from gendered to gender neutral toilets and youll have played a part in making it happen. Of course, if youre a business owner yourself, consider turning your own gendered toilets into gender neutral ones.

Engage with Local Government : Write letters, emails, or meet local representatives to communicate the importance of inclusive public sanitation facilities. Propose policy changes and suggest measures to make existing facilities more accessible - you know your locality best. Try and drum up support from your friends, or through your posts on social media, reach out to local celebrities and other people with a large following, and ask them to back your requests.

The Path Ahead: Making Equality a Reality

In sum, your contribution can be as big or as small as you can make it. Some of us will be able to march in protests, while some will be able to contribute monetarily, while still others will help build social media momentum. Some of us may have lives too busy to permit more than the signing of petitions. But we can all have conversations. We can all challenge perceptions and bust common myths. We can talk about how frightening gendered toilets can be, when we are forced to use the wrong toilet - irrespective of our gender identity. It is only through persistent advocacy, policy reforms, public awareness campaigns, and collective action, we can build a more inclusive society.

As responsible citizens, its time to support this cause wholeheartedly. Lets join hands with initiatives like Harpic and News18s Mission Swachhta aur Paani, to pave the way for a future where hygienic toilets are accessible to all, irrespective of gender identity or sexual orientation. Our collective efforts can help in shaping an India where dignity, respect, and equality are the cornerstones of society. Lets be the change we want to see.
As Pride Month sweeps the globe with a cascade of rainbow flags and celebrations, it is imperative to address not just the broader social aspects but also the practical challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. One such challenge that is often overlooked is the accessibility to public toilets. Indias Supreme Court recently set us a new benchmark of inclusivity that radiates as warmly as the rainbows that represent the LGBTQ+ community: nine gender-neutral bathrooms have been set up within the august corridors of the Court itself, heralding winds of change.

In India, where traditional societal structures are slowly opening up to inclusivity, there is a pressing need to design public spaces that cater to everyone, irrespective of their gender identity. Through architectural brilliance, technological solutions, and cultural sensitivity, India can pave the way in crafting toilet spaces that embody the essence of inclusivity and dignity for every one of us.

Building Bridges of Understanding

But lets take a step back. Why do transgender and non-binary persons have trouble with existing toilets?

For starters, because our existing toilets are set up according to a binary understanding of gender. A transgender person is someone who identifies with a gender different from the one assigned to them at birth. Non-binary persons, on the other hand, dont strictly identify as male or female. In India, these individuals are often referred to as third gender individuals. Both transgender and third gender individuals often grapple with dysphoriaa disconnection between their body or societal perception and their true gender identity. For instance, a transgender woman may experience dysphoria when referred to as he", even if her physical appearance suggests a male gender identity.

For those of us who have the privilege of having gender identities that conform with our biological genders, understanding the significance of these experiences is crucial. It is, in many ways, an exercise in deep empathy, as our privilege keeps us from ever experiencing these situations ourselves. The closest we can come to the discomfort these individuals experience, is when were forced to use a bathroom reserved for the other gender.

Forcing transgender and non-binary persons to use washrooms that do not align with their gender identity can exacerbate dysphoria, leading to profound emotional distress, depression, and anxiety. However, as a society, we can take steps to alleviate this struggle. Research has demonstrated that providing access to facilities that correspond to their gender identity reduces suicide rates among transgender individuals. One way to address this need is by implementing gender-neutral toilets or, at the very least, transgender-inclusive facilities in public spaces.

In Delhi, the government has taken a significant step towards inclusivity by mandating that all its departments, offices, district authorities, municipal corporations, state-run companies, and the Delhi Police have separate and exclusive washrooms for transgender persons. This order not only facilitates the establishment of transgender toilets but also states that transgender individuals shall continue to have the option to use gender-based toilets corresponding to their self-identified gender. However, some voices within the community argue for a different approach. They stress the importance of gender-neutral bathrooms over transgender toilets.

This may sound like quibbling over details, but is an important distinction. In an environment of transphobia, transgender toilets can quickly be targeted for hateful attacks. People going in and out of these bathrooms can be identified and targeted by hateful groups, and the purpose of creating a toilet for transgenders, i.e. creating a space for safety and inclusion, quickly gets turned on its head.

Gender-neutral bathrooms and transgender toilets serve distinct but crucial purposes in fostering inclusivity and catering to the diverse needs of individuals. Gender-neutral bathrooms are designed to be used by anyone regardless of gender identity or expression. These not only accommodate those who identify as non-binary or genderqueer but also offer a more flexible and inclusive environment for everyone, including families with children of different genders or individuals with caregivers of a different gender.

Redefining Gender-Neutral Toilets as Spaces of Empowerment

In gender-neutral layouts, single-user toilets offer simplicity and privacy. These designs resemble private residential bathrooms, with a separate room containing a washbasin and water closet. This straightforward approach has proven effective in shared environments.

Multi-user gender-neutral toilets require more intricate design modifications to address public concerns. To accommodate diverse needs, designers can adopt different models. The mens room model incorporates both conventional urinals and toilet stalls, providing options for different users. The womens room model focuses on conventional toilet stalls only, removing the urinals. The family toilet model includes multiple gender-inclusive toilet rooms along with shared space for handwashing.

Creating a communal wash basin area encourages integration while ensuring individual comfort. In order to enhance privacy and safety, innovative design elements can be implemented. Open-plan concepts can create bustling and visible communal spaces, contributing to a sense of security. Full-length cubicle partitions and modesty features around urinals can be incorporated to address privacy concerns and make users feel more at ease.

By considering these gender-neutral layouts and models, designers can create inclusive toilet spaces that cater to the diverse needs of individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and equality for all.

Safety, Inclusivity, and User Satisfaction: Empowering Experiences

Ensuring safety, inclusivity, and user satisfaction within these spaces is paramount. Technological solutions like smart locks can secure cubicles, while panic buttons can alert security personnel. Furthermore, incorporating an app-based feedback system enables users to report issues or suggest improvements. This technology ensures the safety and satisfaction of users while providing critical data for continual improvements.

Inclusive public toilet spaces should also provide accessible dispensers with free sanitary products for all as well as providing sanitary bins in each cubicle, irrespective of gender. Understanding that not only women require such products is an essential step towards inclusivity.

Regular sensitization and training sessions for the staff maintaining toilets are vital. Equipping them to handle queries respectfully and efficiently contributes significantly to creating an inclusive environment.

Inspiring Change: Championing Inclusivity Together

The pursuit of inclusive toilet spaces requires the collective efforts of passionate collaborators. One such example is the profound partnership between Harpic, a brand renowned for its commitment to cleanliness, and News18, a platform dedicated to fostering societal change. Together, they have embarked on a remarkable journey with Mission Swachhta aur Paania beacon of change that transcends the boundaries of mere cleanliness. This extraordinary mission recognizes the profound significance of toilets as spaces that not only uphold hygiene but also serve as beacons of safety and acceptance for marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ+ community.

Driven by an unwavering belief in the transformative power of education, Harpic and News18 have launched inspiring campaigns that promote cleanliness, water conservation, and inclusivity in sanitation. Through these powerful initiatives, awareness grows, and the society at large awakens, nurtures, and encourages acceptance for all. By actively including and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, they propel the message that every individual deserves access to safe and accepting spaces, where their dignity is upheld, and their presence is celebrated.

However, transitioning to gender-neutral toilets is not without its challenges. Cultural attitudes, religious beliefs, concerns about safety, privacy, and hygiene pose significant barriers. Women, in particular, may feel uncomfortable attending to menstrual needs in unisex bathrooms. Architects and planners must address these challenges with empathy and fairness, designing equitable spaces that accommodate everyones needs.

One great example of this is the work done by architects at WorkAC - collaborating with a queer student organisation at the Rhode Island School of Design Student Center in the United States. Their design features six enclosed water closets around a communal wash basin, providing both moments of privacy and communal interaction. It works.

What makes this a great example of design is that it wasnt done in a silo. The designers of this space took the time to understand the needs of the groups the space would serve, and involved them in every step of the design journey. The result is a space that works in practice, not just on paper.

Conclusion

Designing truly inclusive spaces necessitates the involvement of end-users in the planning process. By embracing a diversity of perspectives, architects become stewards of social change, weaving a tapestry of inclusivity that envelops every corner of society. India, with its rich cultural heritage and diversity, stands at the crossroads of this social transformation. Designing gender-neutral and LGBTQ+ friendly toilet spaces is a journey of dignity, respect, and equality. Its time to find out if we can collectively be the change, and build paths to acceptance. Our built spaces reflect our values as a society, and it is time we embrace our diversity in all its nuances, and all its colours.

Lets seize this opportunity to embrace innovation, cultural sensitivity, and the voices of end-users, propelling India to the forefront of change. Together, with the unwavering support of architects, government institutions, NGOs, and corporations like Harpic, we can create a future where every citizens needs are met equitably, and where inclusivity is woven into the very fabric of our society.

Join the conversation here, and learn more about how you can help move the needle on a Swachh and Swasth Bharat, for everyone.
Away from the frenetic pace and chaos of everyday life, Alia Bhatt had escaped for a quick vacation with Ranbir Kapoor and daughter Raha in Dubai. The actress was earlier occupied with the trailer launch event of her debut Hollywood film Heart Of Stone. A photo of the couple hanging out at a mall in Dubai has gone viral. The duo twinned in black and donned their brightest smiles, as they posed for a photo.

In the photo, Alia looked uber cool in a black coloured tee which featured a sequin pattern. She teamed it with a pair of black tights. Ranbir on the other hand looked dapper plain black tee that he paired with black pants and completed his look with a white cap.

Have a look at the photo:

Ranbir Kapoor in his simple, yet dashing look spotted shopping for Raha with adorable Alia Bhatt at a luxury childrens brand- BonpointIs this man really 40? Looks like he is in his early 20s pic.twitter.com/VWZTlXrZ3j Ranbir Kapoor Nation (@RanbirKnation) June 28, 2023

Meanwhile on the work front, apart from Heart Of Stone, Alia will soon be seen in Karan Johars much awaited Bollywood entertainer Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani with Ranveer Singh. The much-awaited song from the film Tum Kya Mile was released today. The song has instantly gone viral, with the duos on-screen chemistry becoming the talk of the town.

Tum Kya Mile gives us a glimpse into everything Karan Johar cinema quintessentially stands for. Theres Alia clad in stunning chiffon sarees serenading Ranveer in the backdrop of snow capped mountains. This marks Alia and Ranveers second collaboration after Zoya Akhtars Gully Boy.

Hours before sharing the song, Karan Johar revealed that Tum Kya Mile was his tribute to Yash Chopra, whom he called his guru". He wrote, I remember at the very onset my instinct was that I wanted to film a love song that would unabashedly pay homage to my guru Yash Chopra The thinking evolved mind would say you cant match it or even dare to emulate it, but the fan boy and the ardent lover of snow, chiffons, the stunning locations of Kashmir and sheer romance got the better of me Pritam Dada and I yearned for a song for the ages from the ages and it had it be unapologetic or it wouldnt be true." Karan also apologised to Alia for making her dance in a chiffon saree in freezing temperature.

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani also stars Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi. While the Guddi (1971) duo of Dharmendra and Jaya will play Ranveers onscreen grandparents, Shabana will be essaying the role of Alias grandmother.The film will release in theatres on July 28, 2023.

Ranbir Kapoor on the other hand will soon be seen in Animal alongside Bobby Deol and Rashmika Mandanna.
The first song of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, is finally out. Titled Tum Kya Mile, the love anthem of the year features Ranveer romancing Alia in the snow-capped mountains of Kashmir. Tum Kya Mile is sung by Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal, while Pritam has composed the track from Amitabh Bhattacharyas lyrics.

For More: Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh Share A Kiss In Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani Song Tum Kya Mile, Watch

The Allahabad High Court on Tuesday came down heavily on the makers of Adipurush film and asked if the people who put the disclaimer in the movie consider the countrymen and youth to be brainless. Last year in December, Social Activists Kuldeep Tiwari and Bandana Kumar, through advocates Ranjana Agnihotri and Sudha Sharma, filed a PIL plea, which is currently being heard by the court. The plea asserts that the movie casts aspersions on the characters of the great epic Ramayana and adversely affects the image of Ayodhas cultural heritage and Hindu religion in at large.

For More: Adipurush: Those Who Respect Lord Ram, Hanuman And Sita Maa Cant Watch This Film, Says Allahabad HC

A day after Aaliya Siddiqui walked out of the Bigg Boss OTT 2 house, she has now lashed out at Salman Khan for supporting her ex-husband Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Salman and Nawaz worked together in two films - Kick (2014) and Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015). In a recent interview, Aaliya Siddiqui called Salman Khan biased and argued that he supported her former husband just because they worked together in the past. She also questioned Salman for allegedly not stopping Pooja Bhatt Falaq Naaz from talking about their pasts in the Bigg Boss OTT house.

For More: Aaliya Siddiqui Calls Salman Khan Biased, Bashes Him for Supporting Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Alia Bhatt will be soon making her Hollywood debut with Heart of Stone. The trailer has already been released and has been garnering a lot of praise. Well, recently a promotional press meet was organised by the makers in which Gal Gadot, Jamie Dornan and Alia were seen. The trio sat down for an interview with a leading magazine, which shared the video of the same on its Instagram handle. Well, Reddit also shared the video in which we can see an interviewer asking about how the actors balance work and family life. When Gal was answering the question, Alia can be seen looking uninterested, fidgety, and playing with her hair. This does not go well with the fans and she was trolled for the same.

For More: Alia Bhatt Trolled for Odd Body Language During Heart of Stone Chat; Fans Call Her Unprofessional

Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patels Gadar 2 is one of the most awaited movies. On Wednesday, the makers of the movie released the teaser of the new version of Udd Jaa Kaale Kaava song and left everyone nostalgic. The teaser shows Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel in their respective Tara Singh and Sakeena avatars. It also shows Sunny adoring Ameesha as he also sings Udd Jaa Kaale Kaava.

For More: Gadar 2 New Teaser: Sunny Deol Adores Ameesha Patel, Sings Udd Jaa Kaale Kaava
The European Christian Political Movement together with the offices of MEPs Bert Jan Ruissen (ECR) and Miriam Lexmann (EPP) organized a conference on parenthood policies in the European Union, with a focus on the issue of surrogacy. The two keynote speakers invited to provide expertise on the matter were Dr. Adina Portaru, Senior Counsel for the faith-based legal advocacy organization ADF International and Olivia Sarton, the scientific director of the French childrens rights organization Juristes Pour lEnfance (Lawyers for Childhood).

This conference comes as a response to the European Commissions recent proposal for a EU-certificate of parenthood which is currently being debated in the European Parliament. This initiative would put pressure on member state governments to sanction surrogacy even though a country may not allow the practice. It also comes as a contradiction to what the Commission has repeatedly said on various occasions: that the European institutions do not have competence over issues like family, marriage, parenting, etc.

The hosts suggested that surrogacy fuels abuse, human trafficking, violating the rights of vulnerable women and children, in essence violating human dignity. The practice commodifies both children and womens wombs, which is unacceptable.

Olivia Sarton underlined that surrogacy is a new form of exploitation that takes advantage of the bodies of women and appropriates the children they bear. She added that the conditions under which many women consent to the practice (state of need and psychological fragility) cast doubt on whether they freely gave their consent. She also made reference to the Casablanca Declaration, which calls for the universal abolition of surrogacy.

According to Dr. Portaru, the above-mentioned proposal of the European Commission puts into practice a very specific objective that the EU has pursued and promoted in the past years, captured in the slogan: If you are parent in one country, you are parent in every country. According to Dr. Portaru this means that if one EU country recognizes, for example, a US judgment which recognizes parenthood emanating from a surrogate agreement, that relationship or birth certificate will have to be recognized throughout the EU. Therefore, de facto, all kinds of surrogacy will be allowed and justified through the proposed regulation.

Speakers and hosts agreed that instead of regulating the practice of surrogacy, which would only create demand, efforts should be made to highlight that surrogacy means, in essence, the commodification of children who become objects of surrogacy agreements, which is a deep violation of their human dignity.
Rajkummar Rao is one of the most talented actors in Bollywood. He has played versatile roles in films like Aligarh, Kai Po Che, Shahid, Trapped, and many more. One of his notable works was the portrayal of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose in the 2017 web series Bose: Dead or Alive. As per the latest Pinkvilla report, the actor will now take up the role of the Indian freedom fighter Bhagat Singh for an upcoming project.

The report quoted a source saying, Rajkummar Rao is passionate about a project on Bhagat Singh and is very eager to play the revolutionary leader soon. The project is in a very nascent stage of development now as a team of writers is busy researching the episodes from Bhagat Singhs life. Rajkummar himself is very involved in the script development process and is treating it as a pet project."

The report mentioned that the project on the life of this freedom fighter is in the works for a leading yet unknown digital streaming platform.

The source told the portal that the team is aiming to film the life of Bhagat Singh in a way never done before. The source added, Rather than going in the conventional film format, the team is also exploring the long-form format for the story. Its all in very early stages at the moment, and the writing itself will take another 6 to 8 months."

Many movies, exploring the life of Bhagat Singh, have been made in the past- Ajay Devgn and Bobby Deol brought the character to life in The Legend of Bhagat Singh and 23 March 1931: Shaheed, respectively.

Meanwhile, Rajkummar Rao is all set to start shooting for Stree 2 with Shraddha Kapoor. Reportedly, the filming will start in July. The sequel to the successful 2018 horror comedy was announced by producer Dinesh Vijan in April this year. The premise of the film was set in Madhya Pradeshs Chanderi, where a spirit abducted men in the night during a festival. The first part also starred Pankaj Tripathi and Aparshakti Khurana, among others. Apart from this, Rajkummar Rao will also be seen in Mr. And Mrs. Mahi opposite Janhvi Kapoor.
Sonam Kapoor recently attended King Charless coronation in London, where shes settled with hubby Anand Ahuja and son Vayu. The event was a star-studded event and many big names marked their presence, including Tom Cruise and Pussycat Dolls Nicole Scherzinger, held at the Windsor Castle, a day after the historic coronation of King Charles. Not only did she attend, she also got to deliver a speech at the do.

Now, Sonam has received an invitation from the UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, to attend a reception during UK-India Week 2023. The reception will be held at the Prime Ministers official residence and office on 10 Downing Street. The event is part of the India Global Forums flagship event, UK-India Week, taking place from 26th to 30th June in London. Sonam will be attending the reception on Wednesday and will discuss Indias cultural influence worldwide.

On the work front, Sonam is set to make a comeback with Shome Makhijas film Blind after a long break. This will be her first film since giving birth to her son Vayu Kapoor Ahuja in August last year. The director recently shared the first look from the film on Instagram, including stills of Sonam. In the caption, Shome gave a glimpse into the world of Blind. The film boasts of an impressive ensemble cast including Purab Kohli, Vinay Pathak, Lilette Dubey and Shubham Saraf. With its first look promising an intriguing story, Blind is set to offer viewers a thrilling cinematic treat.

Blind is a remake of the 2011 Korean film with the same title. It revolves around a blind police officer who is on a mission to find a serial killer. The filming of the movie took place in various locations including Glasgow, Scotland and was completed in February 2021.
The Archies gang reunited for co-actor Mihir Ahujas birthday bash in Mumbai. Boney Kapoor and the late Sridevis daughter Khushi Kapoor arrived with co-star Vedang Raina, while Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khans daughter, Suhana Khan, arrived alone. The birthday boy himself greeted Suhana outside the venue. She was later spotted with rumoured boyfriend Agastya Nanda, making way out of the party and into her car. Pictures and videos of the star kids arriving in style for the bash have gone viral on the internet.

Suhana chose a pretty powder blue striped mini dress that was perfect for the rainy season, while Khushi went for a printed mini dress that showed off her neckline. Suhana wore her short hair down and secured it with a small hair clip, while Khushi left her hair open. They both kept their makeup simple and natural as they were papped at a popular restaurant in Mumbai.

Zoya Akhtars The Archies is one of the most anticipated web series that the audience is excitedly looking forward to. The series will be based on the comics of the same name and the director is adapting the story to fit Indian sensibilities. It will mark the debut for Shah Rukh Khans daughter Suhana Khan, Janhvi Kapoors sister Khushi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchans grandson Agastya Nanda. The coming of age film would also introduce fresh faces like Vedang Raina, Mihir Ahuja, Dot and Yuvraj Menda.

While Suhana awaits her digital debut with The Archies, reports are rife that she will be making her theatrical debut in a feature film which will also star Shah Rukh Khan. Buzz is that the film which is being backed by Siddharth Anand, will be directed by filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh of Kahaani fame.

Set in the 1960s fictional hill station Riverdale in India, the series will chronicle the story of six friends. The Archies will arrive on Netflix soon, however, the exact release date is yet to be announced.
Shyam, a devoted fan of Telugu superstar Jr NTR, was found dead at his residence in Andhra Pradeshs Konaseema district on June 25. Shyam, hailing from the East Godavari district, was a college student. The 20-year-olds sudden and mysterious death has shocked people online. Although initial reports allegedly suggested suicide as the cause of death, Shyams friends and family suspect foul play. The young man gained recognition after a video of him bypassing security cover to meet Jr NTR at an event went viral.

In the clip, Shyam can be seen attempting to bypass security to take a picture with the actor. When Jr NTR witnessed him being pushed aside, he intervened and allowed Shyam to join him on stage. The actor posed for a photo with the young man. The clip was from a pre-release event of Vishvak Sens Das Ka Dhamki, where the RRR fame actor was the guest of honour.

Take a look at the video here:

Finally my life time Dream achived My inspiration My hero My God My Everything @tarak9999 Anaa this is the best Moment in lifeLove you annaaaaa love you forever #ManOfMassesNTR#MassAmmaMoguduNtr pic.twitter.com/4RcGIxPmff _S_h_Y_a_M_ (@shyambadboy6) March 19, 2023

After the death of Shyam, Jr NTR appealed for a police investigation into the incident. The Telugu star issued a statement on Shyams death. He paid tribute to his fan and urged the authorities to thoroughly investigate the case.

Shyams death is extremely painful to learn of. My deepest condolences to Shyams family. Not knowing the circumstances under which he died must be nerve-wracking for all. I request the government officials to investigate the matter immediately," NTR said in a statement.

There is a significant outcry on social media regarding this case as people demand justice for the fan. Many prominent film personalities such as Pawan Kalyan, Aadi Sivakumar, Nikhil Siddhartha, and Director Maruthi have turned to social media platforms to demand justice.

The hashtag WeWantJusticeForShyamNTR" is currently trending on Twitter, showcasing the unity of friends and fans from the Telugu film community.

Former Andhra Pradesh CM and TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu has also demanded a fair probe into the incident. Deeply saddened by the tragic and untimely demise of Shyam in Chintaluru, EG District. The suspicious circumstances surrounding his death are alarming. I strongly urge for a thorough investigation into this matter, ensuring justice is served. It has been alleged that YSRCP members are involved. Their involvement must be probed impartially. Lets ensure transparency prevails and justice is served", Naidu tweeted with the hashtag WeWantJusticeForShyamNTR.
Those opposed to anything Hindu or Sanatana dharma must be celebrating the film Adipurush and its story writer Manoj Muntashir being vilified. The proponents of Sanatana dharma have charged that the writer has taken liberty with certain events of the legendary Valmiki Ramayana. But the subtle message of the film is being missed which is to depict Lord Rama as all-powerful and muscular and bring the story of Rama and Ravana directly before the younger generation.

The younger generation, bowled over by the pizza culture, has no time to stop and look back and watch the 78-episode Ramayana produced by Ramanand Sagar for DD channel in 1987. This movie of 119 minutes has helped bring the Ramayana story directly to them using cartoons, real-life characters and VFX technology. They liked the movie Bahubali and they would like Adipurush too.

Every generation must watch the story of Ramayana in its own context. Ramanand Sagars Ramayana was to showcase the brilliance of Indias cultural ethos. The Puritan values were supposed to purge the nation of its sin and also Rajiv Gandhi who had turned the Constitution upside down by reversing the Supreme Court decision on the Shah Bano case in 1986.

The India of the 21st century needs a different Ramayana that must address the issues facing the country. Religion must give solutions to stay relevant. Bhagavad Gita has withstood its philosophy of life and would remain immortal. The present generation may not find traction with Mahabharata but it would also resonate with the philosophy of Bhagavad Gita. No wonder it is being taught in management institutes.

When it comes to Ramayana, the younger generation may not know much about the characters and what they represent. The majestic Ram temple in Ayodhya is going to be a symbol of humanity. But is the younger generation linked to the cultural ethos that Ramayana presented? The movie would certainly create interest and strengthen the core value of Sanatana dharma, which is to run society on the basis of dharma.

Adipurush tries to contextualise Rama and Ravana and present them as two iconic characters representing good and evil. While Rama is shown as muscular and with a moustache to make him look like a formidable prince, Ravana has been shown with a beard and a look that cannot be missed by anyone. It seems that the director has intentionally chosen Saif Ali Khan to play Ravana. He has become a hate figure since he named his son after Timur, reminding proud Indians about the atrocities committed by the Turco-Mongol conqueror who is known for being one of the most brutal in the history of mankind. Timur was a descendant of Changez Khan (Genghis Khan) and the look of Ravana in Adipurush has a striking resemblance to this Mongol ruler. Ravana is not shown as erudite and scholarly contrary to the original version. He is shown as an incarnation of Saitan who does not use Pushpak Vimaan but a strange large demonic bird (batman type).

Only a muscular Rama represented by actor Prabhas of Bahubali fame could have taken this demonic Ravana and defeated him. I recall the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) coming out with a picture of the muscular Rama during the agitation for the Ram temple at Ayodhya. The concept was criticised since it did not conform to the normal version of Lord Rama that was popular in the public eye. The sober and smiling Rama enthralled the generation then.

Some of the dialogues too have been contextualised with the conflict of present-time India. There are two occasions at least, once by Hanuman and the other by Rama where they say that if you try to do anything to our sisters, we would not spare you. The message would not be missed by anyone witnessing the controversy over love jihad.

I watched Adipurush to understand what was the brouhaha about. The film of 119 minutes was mesmerising even when I was watching with a critical eye. If you do not wish to lambast the storyteller about taking licentious liberty with some of the key turning points, the story would come out well for the new generation.

Since I witnessed the euphoria in India and abroad over the DD version of Ramayana, it was difficult for me to digest Rama and his brother Lakshmana running on the ground while Ravana taking Sita along with him using the air route. This appeared ridiculous to me since just before this episode, a muscular Rama was shown fighting against vultures in the most heroic way possible. Why did neither he nor Lakshmana use their arrow power to bring Ravana down? And if you commit such a mistake with the storyline, you are bound to repeat it. For example, there was nothing for Lord Hanuman to discover since Rama already knew that Ravana had taken his dear wife. Similarly, the vaidya (healer/doctor) Sushen suggested that Lakshmana can be saved if someone brought sanjeevani booti (healing herb) from the mountains. Curiously, Sushen has been replaced with Vibhishans wife who acts like a vaidya in Adipurush.

There are many such liberties taken with the storyline but the younger generation would not know unless the movie makes them curious enough to go and turn to pages of Ramayana or watch the serial by Ramanand Sagar. Thankfully, the earlier dialogue of baap baap has been replaced with lanka, making it appear contextual.

I think the storyteller could have retained the original version. But one must appreciate that it is difficult to present the entire Ramayana in 119 minutes. Ramanand Sagars Ramayana was depicted through 78 episodes of 35 minutes each. For the first time, India watched properly defined characters of the epic on colour televisions and the memory got etched forever. A lot of effort was made to do justice to each character. Even Ravana was shown to possess human qualities. One cannot do the same characterisation in a movie of three hours. Ramas love for Laskhmana or vice-versa is not properly depicted. The long tapasya that Laskhmana undertook of not sleeping for 14 years and that qualified him to kill Meghnad has not been presented. Lakshmanas heroic victory over Meghnad, who had once captured Indra, the King of God, has not been properly depicted. The jarring note is also witnessed when Rama has been addressed as Raghav and Lakshmana as Shesh. One would be surprised why the original names were not retained. Addressing bhaiyya instead of bhratashri is a good contextualisation.

The storyteller has been vilified by critics but he should be complimented for bringing this great story of human history before the new generation. At least they would know what is dharma and what is adharma. They may not get the whole picture but they would know what Rama stood for. This may encourage them to read their epics and scriptures. Parents following Santana dharma are under attack because they have not given enough knowledge about Sanatana text to their children hence, anyone can show traditions in bad light the way it happened in The Kerala Story. The movie must be seen as an attempt at correcting that.

Manoj Muntashir has been doing a great service to Sanatana dharma through his unique story-telling and giving these stories new meaning to contextualise the modern times. The Leftists, Liberals and Islamists would rejoice that he is being attacked by the proponents of Sanatana dharma as well. One wishes that he should have retained the original events of Valmiki Ramayana since the movie claims to be based on that. However, a few deviations should not make him a villain. The subtle message the movie has tried to give is perhaps not understood by even the vocal supporters of Sanatana dharma. They need to watch the movie again.

The younger generation, busy with the internet and mobile, is too preoccupied to give attention to the stories of their ancestors. The movie, presented in the way of Batman and Bahubali, may help derive the message straight that evil will finally perish. The importance of Lord Rama comes direct to them even when the finer points are missing. The story of Rama is not about those minute details but the overall focus on the victory of good over evil and this is what we celebrate. Some of our youths may know better when they see Ravana being burnt on Dussehra.

The writer is the convener of the media relations department of the BJP and represents the party as a spokesperson on TV debates. He has authored the book Narendra Modi: The Game Changer. The views expressed are personal.
During the recent state visit of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United States, former US President Barack Obama accused the Indian premier of not protecting the rights of Muslims in India. In his interview with CNN, he said, Ensuring the safety of the Muslim minority in India, where Hindus comprise the majority would be a topic worth discussing in Modis meeting with President Joe Biden.

These remarks against the Indian leadership remind us of the old Hindi idiom Ulta Chor Kotwal Ko Danteypot calling the kettle black. From drone attacks to bombing the Muslim nations, from empowering Islamists and Muslim Brotherhood to destabilising the Arab nationsBarack Obama has got a blood-stained shirt under his classy blazer.

Furthermoreit is crucial to fact-check Obamas remarks regarding the oppression of Muslims in India to determine the accuracy of his allegations.

What was happening when Obama criticised Modi?

PM Modis visit to the United States and then to Egypt had taken place amidst a rapidly changing global landscapewhere India maintains both its strategic autonomy and geopolitical equilibrium.

In the last three weeks, the United States has actively attempted to attract India. The offer of a $500-million military equipment and technology package, which includes jet engines, critical minerals technology, and technology transfers, is a significant incentive for a developing country like India that is modernising its defence capabilities. In additionthe private family dinner at Bidens residence and the state dinner at the White House serve as a channel to further honour the Indian leadership.

During his return, PM Modi halted in Egypt, and he was awarded Egypts highest honour, the Order of the Nile award, by President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi at the presidential palace, as both countries strengthened their partnership. The two leaders also signed a declaration to elevate Egyptian-Indian ties to a strategic partnershipwhich involves intensifying cooperation and holding regular talks. After his meeting with el-Sissi, Modi toured the renowned Pyramids of Giza and the historic Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo. His visit to the historic mosque symbolises that India is not an Islamophobic country, where Islam and Islamic symbols are abhorred.

Obamas Dark Past

Obamas drone strikes in Muslim countries have always been controversial. The strikes resulted in the deaths of millions of Muslim civilians. Despite the Obama administrations assertion that the drone strikes were essential in targeting terroristsin realitythey also killed numerous innocent individuals. These strikes have generated anti-American sentiments in the region, making it increasingly challenging for the US to cultivate ties with Muslim nations.

According to F. Brinley Brutons analysis piece in NBC news, during Obamas tenure, the US dropped an average of 72 bombs every daythe equivalent of three an hour. The New York-based think tank Council of Foreign Relations (CFR) reported that26,171 bombs were dropped on Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia and Pakistan in 2016. The CFR cautioned that its projections were likely underestimated since accurate data is only accessible for drone strikes carried out in Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, and Libya. Additionally, a single strike as per the Pentagons definition can involve several bombs or munitions.

In October 2015, an AC-130U gunship from the US Air Force launched an attack on the Kunduz Trauma Centre, which was being run by Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders), in the city of Kunduz, Afghanistan. The attack resulted in the deaths of 42 individuals and left over 30 injured. MSF denounced the incident, labelling it as a deliberate violation of international humanitarian law and a war crime. These are a few incidents of gross human rights violations that took place under Obamas leadership.

Moreover, Obamas support for the Arab Spring had an adverse effect on the entire region. His administration empowered Islamists and the Muslim Brotherhood with the aim to overthrow the monarchies in the Middle East. In Libya, Gaddafis removal gave rise to terrorist organisations, while in Syria, the conflict led to the displacement of millions of people and the emergence of extremist groups such as ISIS.

As a result of Obamas policiesgroups like ISIS emerged, causing turmoil and instability in the region.

John Rossomandos book, The Arab Spring Ruse provides an in-depth analysis of Obamas Middle East policies and their impact on the region. He contends that these groups, which hold extreme ideologies, have caused chaos and instability in the region and pose a threat to global and regional security. Rossomando wrote, The Muslim Brotherhoods objective in Syria aimed to achieve its dream of a new caliphate, and the Obama administration fell for the ruse hook, line, and sinker.

Emails obtained from a listserv of American Muslim leaders, by the Investigative Project on Terrorism (IPT), reveal that Dar al-Hijrah, a hardcore Islamist organisation, hosted a strategy session to coordinate the goodwill groups Syria plans on July 26, 2012. Every major Islamist group in America attended the meeting under Obamas blessings. Following the strategy meeting at Dar al-Hijrah, Reuters journalist Mark Hosenball reported that Obama had authorised secret aid to the Syrian rebels through a classified order.

There are numerous cases of American-supplied weapons falling into the possession of Al-Qaeda or ISIS terrorists due to these alliances. One such instance was when the US-trained Syrian rebel commander, Anas Obaid, disclosed that he had duped the United States and had joined Jabhat al-Nusra, now known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, along with his American-supplied weapons.

The repercussions of the Arab Spring and Obamas failed policies impacted India as well. Extremism escalated and a penchant for the global Caliphate among the Islamist organisations affiliated to Jamaate-Islami, Hizbut-Tahrir, and Ikhwanul-Muslimeen, started to pose a great risk to Indias security.

Are Muslims Really Oppressed in India?

Dalia Zaida, Director of the MEEM Center for the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean Studies, recently made a statement during a Times Now interviewin which she expressed her understanding that PM Modis efforts are directed towards combating extremism and not Islam, as some people try to portray. She explained that although Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country, it has been accused of Islamophobia due to its leaderships firm approach towards combating Islamist extremism.

According to Pew Research, 98 percent of Indian Muslims stated that they have the freedom to practice their religion in India, with only 2 percent responding that they are not too free to practice their religion, and almost no one saying that they are not at all free. These results challenge the politicised narratives that assert that Muslims in India are experiencing widespread prejudice.

On the contrary, in the US, 80 percent of African-Americans, 46 percent of Hispanic Americans, and 42 percent of Asian Americans reported facing a lot of discrimination regarding religious freedom. If there is discrimination against Muslims in India, it appears to be substantially less severe than the discrimination encountered by the primary minority groups in the country. When Indian Muslims were asked if they were proud to be Indians, 90 percent of those surveyed expressed that they were extremely proud, and 4 percent indicated that they were moderately proud. These statistics suggest that Muslims in India are not only surviving but thriving.

Moreover, Muslims in India are not a minority, they are the second-largest majority. Muslims need to get rid of this idea of being a minority, as it leads to the sense of victimhood, and creates friction.

Its quite evident that Obamas criticism of Modi is quite hypocritical and ironic, considering the controversies and miscarriages that occurred during Obamas presidential term. It is akin to throwing stones from a glass house.

Also, a reasonable suggestion to the Muslims would bethe issues and problems can be resolved inside the house, with proper dialogue and mature discussionbut not by relying upon the foreign sympathizers whose pretentious words are in contrast to their actions. Remember what the Prophet saidA believer is not stung twice out of the same hole. One should not be deceived by the flowery language, and instead, should critically analyse the actions and intentions of the speaker.

The author is a Saudi-based Indian national. He is Director of Milli Chronicle Media London. He holds a Master degree in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI-ML) from Liverpool John Moore University. He did a certificate program in Counterterrorism from the University of Leiden, Netherlands. He tweets under @ZahackTanvir. Views expressed are personal.
Politically speaking, 2024 is a crucial year for Haryana. The state will witness both assembly and Lok Sabha elections. But the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party seems to be more focussed on the latter with initial surveys being done seat-wise for candidate selection. And if sources are to be believed, the BJP may not repeat more than 50% of its winning candidates from the state, in next years Lok Sabha polls.

Who could be out?

Haryana has a total of ten Lok Sabha seats and the BJP won all of them in 2019, in a spectacular show. But come 2024, more than 50% are highly unlikely to be repeated, say sources. Two BJP MPsBrijendra Singh and Arvind Kumar Sharmaare very unlikely to be given tickets, say multiple party sources. Both of them have been openly critical of government policies. Sharma is also known to have an acrimonious relationship with chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

Sharma came into the spotlight in 2019 when he defeated influential Congress leader Deepender Singh Hooda from Rohtak.

The BJP, by practice, sends three names or more from each constituency to the partys Central Election Committee (CEC), of which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a member, to pick one. According to a senior BJP leader working in Haryana, there is a very slim chance of these two leaders names being among even the primary three.

Moreover, as many as four independent MLAsDharam Pal Gonder, Rakesh Daultabad, Randhir Singh, and Somveer Sangwanrecently met BJPs Haryana in-charge Biplab Deb and expressed their confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership. This has set speculation mills rolling about their joining the saffron party as next years Lok Sabha polls near. In that case, all of them would like a guarantee of a BJP ticket, which would inevitably mean denying tickets to many party MPs.

Some MPs prefer state politics, a few may fail in survey

If sources are to be believed, at least two out of the ten Haryana BJP MPs voluntarily want to step aside from fighting the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. News18 has learnt that both of them would prefer to dive into state politics and hence are lobbying for BJP tickets for the assembly elections in Haryana next year. One of them is Kurukshetra MP Nayab Singh Saini, confirmed a BJP source.

In fact, Nayab Singh was elected as an MLA in 2014 from Narayangarh and has been a minister in the Khattar government. After a stint as an MP, he seems to wish to return to state politics.

Also, the BJP has kick-started surveys across Haryana, where it has employed private organisations, to find out how popular or unpopular its MPs are, as of today. Given the fact that the party is facing anti-incumbency of two consecutive terms and local disenchantment in a few pockets of the state, over the year-long farmers protest in Delhi, many MPs are not expected to pass the 2024 test with flying colours. BJP sources who are involved in the process say the party will have to find options", in such a scenario.

Against this backdrop, it is very likely that 50% of the MPs, if not more, will not be repeated by the BJP in Haryana to fight the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Ahead of the West Bengal panchayat polls, the region that has topped in violence is Bhangar  a constituency whose Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) is neither from the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) nor the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It is represented by a two-year-old party  the Indian Secular Front (ISF), which works on the rights of minorities and backward class, with Pirzada Mohammad Naushad Siddiqui as its Chairman and MLA.

The TMC alleges Siddiqui is playing for the BJP to misguide the minorities.

News18 spoke exclusively to Siddiqui about the ISF and violence.

Edited excerpts:

The TMC claims that you are responsible for the violence in Bhangar

Its not only in Bhangar, but even other places in Basirhat. The TMCs goons surrounded BDOs everywhere and they did not allow opposition candidates to file nominations. They attacked us on June 13, when we were going to Bhangar with our candidates. We resisted it. We then filed our nomination papers on June 15. The TMCs men attacked us again, they brought armed men from outside and got people killed. The TMC does not believe in democracy, they dont allow opposition candidates to file nominations. This is the ground reality. They have filed a murder case against me. If common people get a chance, they will not vote for the TMC.

The TMC says you are trying to misguide the minorities

Its not about minority or majority, the government is using people in a bad way. They say that they have done various things for minorities and adivasis, but on ground, they have not done anything. Here, a job is on sale for Rs 20 lakh. If am projecting them the wrong way, they can file a case against me. I tell people to look for what will benefit them. The TMC asks people to attend their rallies if they want a house in a government scheme. I only remind people that getting a house is their right. I am asking people to become nationalists.

Another allegation is the BJP is helping you

People of Bengal know seen who has good relations with the BJP. TMC chief Mamata Banerjee speaks with Union Home Minister Amit Shah separately, she even meets Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat. She sends mangoes and flowers to PM Modi. The BJP has good relations with the TMC. They dont want non-BJP opposition, which is why they claim I am with the BJP. I challenge them to prove I have taken even Re 1 from the BJP and I will take any punishment they give. They are trying to establish a false narrative against me.

What is the focus of the ISF?

Our partys motto is to work for backward class minorities, not just Muslims. We are fighting for justice over the death of Bengals student activist Anish Khan, and adivasi rights of jal and zameen. We are working on Waqf board property. There is a lot of corruption as refugee land is being sold. We are protesting against it. They have problem with me as I am working with people. Votes are not important, we want to change society.

The government claims they have worked for the minorities and even set up universities

You have to visit these spots and see for yourself. The Aliah University was set up in 2007, but the NAAC is still to visit it. We dont need Imam money. We want proper infrastructure so Imams sons can go and study. There a lot of vacancies in madrassas, but where is the recruitment?

If you want to help the minorities, implement the suggestions of the Sachar Committee. They have not implemented those. They have only developed liquor shops.

West Benagl | ISF's lone MLA Naushad Siddiqui gets Central security from MHA after Calcutta High Court ordered to provide Central protection to him.Naushad Siddiqui approached both Centre and State after the violence in Bhangar, alleging a life threat to him. Later he moved to pic.twitter.com/NxwlHH5Iwq  ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2023

The BJP, however, claims Banerjee is appeasing the minorities

The BJP is saying it for their own politics. No development has taken place. Government job reservation for minorities was earlier 4%, it has now been reduced to 1%. Just look at the health sector and other areas. Not just minorities, there is no development for anyone here.

Can Central forces help in peaceful elections?

Its not about which force, it depends on the State Election Commission. I request common man to come out and vote .We think voting should be done in phases, because with this force and the number of booths, it is difficult to complete the process in one day. We need either more force or more phases.

You have moved court for Central security. The opposition claims theres a motive behind it

I had approached the state for security, but they did not give it. So I had to move court. Now they are accusing me, but they also go to Delhi to seek protection. It is my right.

What is the future of ISF?

We want to end this rule and build a better society. I dont want to come to power, but want to make people aware of their rights. If they know their rights, vote bank politics will end.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to arrive in Manipur on Thursday for a two-day visit aimed at assessing the prevailing violence in the state, which has persisted for nearly 55 days.

On his visit, Gandhi wants to familiarize himself with the ground reality of the situation and interact with various stakeholders during his visit.

As per his tentative schedule, Rahul Gandhi will arrive at Imphal Airport via a charter flight at approximately 11 am.

From there, he will proceed directly to Churachandpur by road to meet with Kuki Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the displaced people residing in relief camps.

After returning from Churachandpur, he will visit different relief camps in the Bishnupur district and spend the night at Moirang.

The following morning, he will visit various relief centers in Imphal and hold meetings with representatives from different communities, including Meetei, Meetei-Pangal, and Naga, at Hotel Imphal.

Before departing for Delhi in the afternoon, Rahul Gandhi is expected to engage with the media at Congress Bhawan in Imphal.

The President of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), K. Meghachandra, stated that the AICC president planned his visit after receiving security clearance from the Home Ministry.

Meghachandra further explained that due to time constraints, Rahul Gandhi would not be able to visit Moreh and Kangpokpi, which have been affected by violence during the ongoing unrest. However, he intends to meet the displaced people from Moreh at the relief camps in Imphal.

The primary objective of Rahul Gandhis visit is to empathize with the people of Manipur, particularly those who have been displaced, and convey a message of peace.

Meghachandra clarified that currently, there are no plans for Rahul Gandhi to meet with state government representatives, the governor, or any government officials.

This comes after an AICC delegation had planned to visit the violence-affected state during the initial stages of the unrest.

However, the trip was canceled due to the lack of security coverage. Rahul Gandhis visit aims to bridge this gap and provide a firsthand understanding of the situation on the ground.
Telangana BJP president Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Wednesday cleared the air that there will be no change in state leadership. He added that chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao was planting rumours in the media about the change of BJP leadership in the state to confuse the party cadre. The leader was speaking at Secunderabad railway station where he had gone to welcome 650 vistaraks from other states.

National leaders, including Tarun Chugh, have clearly said there will be no change in leadership but some channels are repeatedly reporting that I am being removed and made a union minister. Our members have become fed up with these reports and they are not paying attention," he said.

Sanjay said spreading such baseless rumours could be part of a conspiracy by a fool like KCR". Instead of setting his own house right, he is trying to create smoke in the opposition party to confuse our cadres. But none of the BJP workers believes in such rumours. We will work as per the instructions of party president JP Nadda," he said, adding that the date for Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the state was yet to be finalised. He will definitely visit the state in July."

Talking about the function for the vistaraks, he said: 650 vistaraks from other states have arrived in Telangana with the aim of strengthening the BJP polling booths. We welcomed them at Secunderabad as well as Mancherial and Kazipet stations and sent them to all the mandals. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, all of them will tour mandal-wise in Telangana and make the party stronger."

Over the past few weeks, political circles have been abuzz with rumours that Huzurabad MLA Etela Rajender and senior leader Komatireddy Raj Gopal Reddy were going leave the BJP. It was also being speculated that Sanjay Kumar will be replaced. The rumour mills were working overtime when these two leaders were summoned to Delhi but the saffron camp seems to have its house under control for now.

After the meeting, Rajender said the BJP had given him a lease of life after he was unceremoniously shown the door by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi. He added that he had no reason to ditch the party. Reddy, meanwhile, also affirmed that he had no intention of leaving the party.
The United States will provide nearly $172 million in additional humanitarian assistance to the people of Sudan and neighboring countries.

The outbreak of violence since April between two rival generals in Sudan has exacerbated a humanitarian crisis in the region. Fighting between troops loyal to Abdel-Fattah Burhan, commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces, the SAF, and to Mohamed Dagalo, leader of the Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, has killed hundreds of people, injured thousands, displaced more than 1.4 million people within Sudan and nearly 500,000 people to neighboring countries.

The new funding will allow the U.S. governments humanitarian partners to increase life-saving assistance to those with critical needs, including food, shelter, safe water, and medical care. It will also be used for protection services, including gender-based violence prevention and response, for the most vulnerable individuals.

Administered through USAID and the Department of State, the additional funding will bring the total U.S. humanitarian assistance to support the Sudan response to more than $550 million to date in Fiscal Year 2023. USAID Administrator Samantha Power noted that the surrounding countries and communities in Ethiopia, Egypt, Chad, and South Sudan have been incredibly welcoming to those fleeing the violence in Sudan. But they can only do so much because of their own needs and dependence on humanitarian assistance.

In order to facilitate aid, the U.S. calls on Sudanese authorities to remove what Secretary of State Antony Blinken called in a statement the onerous bureaucratic and security restrictions that are hindering shipments of lifesaving aid. He noted that supplies are being held at customs and routed through long, dangerous roads in order to reach communities affected by the violence, and that aid workers are unable to get the visas required to enter the country.

While the United States will continue to identify further ways to help the Sudanese people and those in need in the surrounding areas, Administrator Power was clear about the real solution: The only fix for a humanitarian crisis of this gravity, she said, is political, is fundamentally the SAF and the RSF coming together, putting their guns away and finding a political way forward that ultimately hands power back to the people of Sudan.
As Indias Hindu community gears up to observe the unique two-month long sawan, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to prohibit sale of meat in the open along the routes fixed for Kanwar Yatra.

Sawan or Shravan is being considered unique this year as the festival will be celebrated for 59 days after 19 years. The month of Sawan will start on July 4 and will continue till August 31. There will be eight Sawan Mondays or somwaars instead of the usual four every year.

Considering the importance of the festival among Lord Shivas devotees, chief minister Yogi Adityanath issued the directions related to prohibition of meat.

The decision was taken during a review meeting with senior officials, including police commissioners, divisional commissioners, district magistrates and superintendents of police, ahead of the upcoming festival season, an official statement said.

Adityanath said that this year due to Adhimas" (additional month), the month of Shravan is of two months duration. The festivals of Shravani Shivratri, Nagpanchami and Rakshabandhan will be celebrated during this period, he said.

ALSO READ | Karnatakas Moo-t Point for Bakrid: No Cow Vigilantism, Warns Cong; Dont Hurt Hindus Feelings, Says VHP

The traditional Kanwar Yatra will take place in the holy month of Shravan starting from July 4. Before this, Bakri Eid will be celebrated on June 29. It is clear that this time is sensitive from the point of view of law and order. So, we have to be constantly alert and careful." he said.

Respecting the belief of devotees, meat should not be allowed to be sold in the open on the Kanwar route. The route should remain clean and sanitised. There should be provision of streetlights. Since the weather is hot, arrangements of drinking water should also be made," the CM said.

According to the statement, Adityanath asked the officials to install CCTV cameras on the yatra route and also deploy divers. The places for setting up of Kanwar camps should be marked in advance so that traffic is not obstructed, he ordered.

The CM directed for ensuring that the sound of DJ, music, etc to be used during Kanwar procession is as per the prescribed standards. Adityanath also directed that there should be no display of weapons in religious processions.

Give permission to the organisers of the event. But ensure that everyone follows the rules and regulations," he said.

Some mischievous elements may try to unnecessarily provoke people of other communities, keep an eye on such matters. Additional police force should be deployed in sensitive areas. The police force must do foot patrolling everyday in the evening. PRV 112 should remain active, and anarchic elements should be strongly dealt with," he added.

At the meeting, the chief minister also noted that during Ramzan, traffic was not affected due to religious activities.

This effort has been appreciated across the country. This time, on the occasion of Bakri Eid and Muharram, we will have to implement the same system. A dialogue should be made with the respective religious leaders/intellectuals in this regard by the local administration," he said.

He added that the place for the sacrifice on Bakri Eid should be marked in advance.

Sacrifice should not be done anywhere other than the previously marked place. In any case, make sure that no prohibited animal is sacrificed anywhere. There should be an action plan for the systematic disposal of waste after sacrifice in every district," he said.

Last year during Shravan, about one crore devotees of Lord Shiva offered worship at Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, and nearly six lakh people visited the temple every Monday during the holy month.

Adityanath said due to Adhimas" this year, further increase in the number of devotees, who arrive in the state from all over the country, is possible.

Along with Varanasi, the local administration in Ayodhya and Sitapur should also make a systematic action plan in coordination with the temple administration, the statement said.

The CM also directed the officials on the issue of religious conversion of children through gaming/chatting apps.

Incidents of illegal religious conversions have come to light in many parts of the country in recent times. We are familiar with the incident of conversion of teenage children through online gaming/chatting apps in Ghaziabad. It is very necessary to control such anti-social and anti-national incidents in time," Adityanath said.

He further stated that the action of illegal religious conversion is being done by an international syndicate.

This syndicate keeps an eye on disabled children and youths looking for jobs. Financial temptations are also being given. This entire syndicate of illegal religious conversion needs to be wiped out. Prompt action should be taken against any such activity," he said.

Adityanath directed that senior officers posted at police station, circle, district, range, zone, and division levels should communicate with religious leaders of their respective areas and other eminent people of society. Issue a positive message for the people. Have a meeting of the peace committee. Take the cooperation of the media, so that an atmosphere of peace and harmony prevails," he said.

The CM also said that the Safe City Project is proving to be extremely useful in fulfilling the promise of womens safety, respect and self-reliance. Within the next three months, we will have to develop all the 17 municipal corporations and Gautam Budh Nagar district headquarters as safe cities," he said.

(With inputs from PTI)
Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar has stirred a new controversy with a remark that is being seen as a direct attack on CM Siddaramaiah, a month after the Congress formed the government in the state.

Shivakumar said during the Congress government in 2017, CM Siddaramaiah was scared to go ahead with a steel bridge project in Bengaluru after protests. He went on to say that if he was the chief minister, he would not have succumbed to the pressure and proceeded with the project.

The remarks came almost a month after the Congress high command settled the CM debate between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, who made a claim to the CMs chair and was initially reluctant to take over as deputy CM. However, Congress picked Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar settled with the Deputy CM post with some key portfolios.

Shivakumar was referring to the Basaveshwara Nagar to Hebbal steel flyover project which was scrapped in 2017 following backlash from residents and welfare groups who claimed that hundreds of trees might be uprooted for the project.

Addressing the Assembly at an event to mark the birth anniversary of Kempegowda I, Shivakumar said he receives many requests for the construction of tunnels and flyovers. In 2017, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and KJ George, who was the then Bengaluru City Development minister, were scared about protests against a steel flyover in the city. If it were me, I wouldnt have succumbed to the noise made by protesters and gone ahead with the project," NDTV quoted Siddaramaiah, who is also handling the Bengaluru City Development portfolio, as saying.

However, state minister Priyank Kharge clarified Shivakumars remark, saying he would not say Siddaramaiah got scared. The Chief Minister is sensitive to public opinion. Sometimes, false narratives get floated and good decisions are delayed. I think that is what the Deputy Chief Minister meant," he told ANI.

Earlier, BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal said Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar will hit each other with slippers" and the Congress government will not last for five years.

Yatnal also claimed that Shivakumars visit to former CM Basavaraj Bommais residence in Bengaluru was to blackmail the Congress leadership to get the CMs post in Karnataka.

BJP MP from Mysuru and Kodagu Pratap Simha had challenged the Congress leaders to ask Siddaramaiah to proclaim that he is the CM for five years. Pratap Simha claimed that CM Siddaramaiah was making his stooges" to give statements that he will be full-term CM. Siddaramaiah lacks the courage to tell this by himself, he taunted.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday approved the proposal for the appointment of TS Singh Deo as deputy chief minister of Chhattisgarh.

The announcement comes months before the assembly elections in the state.

Deo expressed gratitude to Kharge for the responsibility. First of all, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for this responsibility given to me by Congress president Mallikarjun KhargeWe have to go ahead by taking everyone together and try to complete the work in the limited time we have (until the State election)," he said.

Congress general secretary KC Venugopal said Deo is a loyal Congress leader and an able administrator. He is confident that Chhattisgarh will re-elect Congress government with a thumping majority.

INC President Sh. Mallikarjun @kharge ji has approved the proposal for appointment of Sh. TS Singh Deo @TS_SinghDeo ji as the Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh.He is a loyal Congress leader and an able administrator. The state will benefit greatly from his services as  K C Venugopal (@kcvenugopalmp) June 28, 2023

The decision to make Deo deputy CM was taken during the partys meeting in New Delhi today where top leaders discussed strategy and poll preparedness in Chhattisgarh. The meeting, held at the AICC headquarters in New Delhi, was chaired by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.

Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and party state in-charge Kumari Selja were among the leaders who attended the meeting. Kharge said party members will work together to keep bringing change in the lives of the people of Chhattisgarh.

Addressing a press conference later, AICC general secretary in-charge of Chhattisgarh Kumari Selja said, Everyone said the same thing that we will work together. We will fight the elections together."

The Congress leader said party workers are undergoing training for the election campaign.

Taking to Twitter after the meeting, Baghel said the Congress is ready for the assembly polls and the meeting discussed the changes being brought in peoples lives through the Nava Chhattisgarh model. Congress general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal exuded confidence that his party will return to power in Chhattisgarh.

INCs Chhattisgarh government has presented a model for the entire country to replicate. We had fruitful discussions about the next steps we should take and we are confident that we will return to power in the state," he said in a tweet.

(With ANI, PTI inputs)
NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Tuesday objected to Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao arriving in Maharashtra with a huge motorcade, terming this attempt to show strength as worrisome.

KCR arrived in Maharashtra with a motorcade of 600 cars on Monday. The same day, he visited the famous Vitthal-Rukmini temple at Pandharpur in Solapur district of southern Maharashtra, where held a rally at Sarkoli village on Tuesday as part of his Bharat Rashtra Samithis (BRS) efforts to expand the partys support base.

While speaking to the media in Pune, Pawar said if a chief minister of a neighbouring state came to offer prayers, there was no reason to object. But the attempt to show big strength in terms of number of vehicles was worrisome, he said.

Pawar added that it would have been better had Raos visit focused on boosting cooperation between the two states.

Pawar was also asked about Bhagirath Bhalke, who had unsuccessfully contested the 2021 Pandharpur Assembly bypoll on NCP ticket, joining the BRS at the Tuesdays rally. The NCP supremo said there was no need to worry if an individual deserted the party.

After giving ticket to Bhagirath Bhalke, we realised that our choice was wrong, but I do not want to talk about it, he said.

(With PTI inputs)
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde trained guns on the Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena once again, saying those who ruled BMC for 15 years did not do anything for the city.

Since our government came to power, we have taken several decisions for the publics welfare. In a short time, we have expedited developmental works that had come to a halt under the previous government. Those who ruled the BMC for 15 years didnt do anything for the city, Shinde said as he welcomed another Sena (UBT) corporator  Sanjay Agaldare from Khar Danda  along with several party workers into his camp.

Over the last few months, a number of corporators from Mumbai have joined the Shiv Sena and more are said to be on the way. The Shiv Sena-BJP government has taken several revolutionary decisions to better the lives of Mumbaikars in just 11 months. The Opposition is scared, thinking about the work we will do in the 1.5 years ahead of us. Mumbaikars trust us and so corporators continue to join us, said Shinde.

Slammed Sena (UBT) for holding a protest on July 1, the chief minister said: You looted Mumbai for 15 years and now that we are asking you for an explanation, you want to hold a protest. You should protest outside your own house.

He added: Despite being in power in the BMC for 15 years, the Opposition continued to watch Mumbai suffer every year due to substandard infrastructure. And these people want to question our work. We have taken a decision to make Mumbai pothole-free, started health clinics, beautification projects have been taken up, and infrastructure projects have been expedited.

Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray will be leading the protest march at the BMC headquarters on July 1 against the corruption and ill practices in the body. A Shiv Sena (UBT) delegation on Tuesday met senior officials of Mumbai Police to discuss the route of the march.

Party leader and Lok Sabha MP Arvind Sawant told reporters that police requested the party to take the morcha to Azad Maidan in south Mumbai. The party did not oppose it but it would be inconvenient as the road leading to Azad Maidan is narrow, he said.

We suggested that the march start from Metro Cinema, take a turn at Crawford Market and end near the Times of India office. We will have a stage there. They have not given a reply but police have not denied permission to the march either, Sawant added.
Google-parent Alphabet is cutting jobs at mapping app Waze as it merges the unit with its own map products, CNBC reported on Tuesday, citing an email from the mapping divisions head.

Google said in December that it will merge Waze and Google Maps teams to consolidate processes, making it a part of the Google Geo division, its portfolio of real-world mapping products that include Google Maps, Google Earth, and Street View.

The company is shifting its Waze strategy to include Google ads instead of using a separate ads system, resulting in layoffs, the CNBC report said, citing the email from Chris Phillips, who leads the Geo division.

Phillips said Google will notify advertisers and partners about the move on Wednesday.

Google, which acquired Waze for about $1.3 billion in 2013, did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
We all can agree that artificial intelligence (AI) is spreading its wings everywhere but now it is ready to fly past our atmosphere, thanks to NASA. According to reports, the space agency is working on its own version of ChatGPT that will be used for space missions and helping astronauts with different applications. The report from The Guardian suggests the language model being developed by NASA will help with doing experiments for missions, and even control other manoeuvres.

The scientists at NASA believe that AI can propel spacecraft into doing complex tasks such as working on queries from the astronauts or even help them with greater discoveries in the solar system and maybe even other galaxies. NASA already has a roadmap to use its AI tech for its upcoming Lunar Gateway mission, the report adds.

The space agency will be using the space station to orbit the Moon and offer vital support for the Artemis mission. NASA thinks that letting AI do the heavy work simplifies the tasks for the astronauts and they can deliver results with better efficiency.

Space crafts are a mix of hardware and software applications and NASA feels that AI can help with solving problems in space without the need to send an engineer as a part of the mission, thereby saving resources and costs for the missions. It will be interesting to hear more about the AI tech from NASA and whether it has the computing power to challenge ChatGPT even though the space agency has a specific focus for its development.

But these language models are becoming increasingly popular for different applications and it is no surprise to see AI going beyond the realms of our atmosphere and ready to tackle the challenges faced during space missions.
South Korean smartphone manufacturer Samsung has officially confirmed the launch of its new M-series handset in India. The company will launch the Galaxy M34 5G smartphone on July 7 in the country. The upcoming M-series phone is confirmed to launch with a 120Hz Super AMOLED display, 50MP (OIS) main camera and a large 6000mAh battery.

The device will be available exclusively on the e-commerce platform Amazon and Samsung channels. According to reports, the upcoming Galaxy M34 is anticipated to be priced at around Rs 20,000 in India for the base model offering 128GB storage.

According to the official poster, the Galaxy M34 will be available in blue, purple, and purple color options. The rear panel will feature three cameras. Also, The front camera will be located within a waterdrop-style notch. The company has confirmed that Galaxy M34 5G will feature a 50MP (OIS) main Camera to shoot high-resolution and shake-free photos and videos.

Galaxy M34 5G will also feature the Monster Shot 2.0 feature which powers the AI Engines behind the camera and allows consumers to capture up to 4 videos and 4 photos in a single shot. The device will also sport the Fun Mode, which has 16 different inbuilt lens effects. The new Samsung Galaxy M34 may also include a 13MP sensor on the front for video calls and selfies.

Samsung has also revealed the new Galaxy M34 will include a 120Hz Super AMOLED display. As per reports, the new M-series phone from Samsung may come with a MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chipset under the hood. The Samsung Galaxy M34 will run Android 13 OS out of the box.

The company has also announced that the Samsung Galaxy M34 5G will come with a large 6000mAh battery. Other key features may include an under-display fingerprint scanner, NFC, and 25W charging support. The company will reveal more details of the device ahead of the launch on July 7.
A U.S. judge has rejected Apples bid to throw out a class-action lawsuit that accused Chief Executive Tim Cook of defrauding shareholders by concealing falling demand for iPhones in China.

U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers decision late Monday night clears the way for shareholders led by a British pension fund to sue over a one-day plunge that wiped out $74 billion of Apples market value.

The lawsuit stemmed from Cooks comment on a Nov. 1, 2018, analyst call that while Apple faced sales pressure in markets such as Brazil, India, Russia and Turkey, where currencies had weakened, I would not put China in that category.

Apple told suppliers a few days later to curb production, and on Jan. 2, 2019, unexpectedly slashed its quarterly revenue forecast by up to $9 billion, blaming U.S.-China trade tensions.

The lowered revenue forecast was Apples first since the iPhones launch in 2007, and the Cupertino, California-based companys shares fell 10% the next day.

Judge Rogers, based in Oakland, California, said jurors could reasonably infer that Cook was discussing Apples sales outlook in China, not past performance or the impact of currency changes.

The judge also said that prior to Cooks comment, Apple knew Chinas economy had been slowing and had data suggesting that demand could fall.

A reasonable jury could find that failure to disclose these risks caused plaintiffs harm, Rogers wrote.

Apple and its lawyers did not respond on Tuesday to requests for comment.

Shawn Williams, a lawyer for the shareholders, said: We are pleased with the ruling and look forward to presenting the facts to a jury.

The lead plaintiff is the Norfolk County Council as Administering Authority of the Norfolk Pension Fund, located in Norwich, England.

Apples share price has approximately quintupled since January 2019, giving the company a market value near $3 trillion.

The case is In re Apple Inc Securities Litigation, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, No. 19-02033.
The allure of Indian students venturing abroad for higher education and promising career prospects has long captivated our attention. Its not unusual to witness even brown parents meticulously saving every penny to secure their childrens admission into prestigious foreign universities. However, as they say, not everything that glitters is gold! The bitter truth reveals a far more eye-opening and heart-wrenching reality, one that nobody could have fathomed. In a LinkedIn post that has now gone viral, an Indian student studying in the UK recounts a harrowing tale of how a mere degree falls short when it comes to securing a job abroad. This poignant account struck a chord with countless others on the platform, who shared their own similar experiences, unearthing the darker side of the dream to study overseas.

Sreepranavi Samudrala, a graduate of the University of Edinburgh who completed her Master of Science in December 2022, poured her heart out about the tremendous challenges she encountered in realising her dream of studying abroad. In her own words, she shared, II had very less time to prepare for my masters due to a delayed offer, but I did everything in 2 weeks, from visa to student loan, and came to achieve my dreams."

Also Read: This Indian Mans Gesture At His Graduation Ceremony Will Make His Mummy Proud

However, her path was riddled with countless challenges, ranging from being robbed and struggling to find suitable accommodation to grappling with the weightier burdens of financial instability, anxiety, and burnout. With palpable disappointment, Samudrala disclosed, Looking for a job as an international student (graduate) has been extremely heartbreaking. There has been no value for me, my degree, or capabilities."

I feel as an international student, we go through a lot. Being away from family, taking care of ourselves, dealing with burnout and stress, all while doing a masters degree. All this is not easy! We international students are talented, capable, and more than anything RESILIENT. Our determination to come back up and achieve things is impeccable," she added.

Despite the exhaustion, fear, and uncertainty about her future, Samudrala concluded on a positive note, stating, I feel secure in my personal development and how far Ive come! Im beginning to realise how much work it took to get here. So here Im putting myself out there every day, looking for jobs and hoping Ill find something soon."

Her LinkedIn post resonated deeply with numerous users, eliciting heartfelt responses from those who could relate to her experiences. One individual expressed, I resonated with you and I also experienced the same situation with you."

Also Read: Do Indian Children Owe Anything to Their Parents? This Viral Thread Gets Twitter Pondering

This sentiment was echoed by another commenter who stated, I can absolutely relate to everything you mentioned in your post! I finished my Masters in the UK in September 2022, and spent the next 4 months after my program applying to jobs as my full time job and putting in hundreds of applications. Unfortunately, I was quickly running out of money and couldnt afford to apply for a new visa so I had to return home."
The grave, systematic and institutionalized discrimination imposed by the Taliban on Afghanistans female population may amount to gender apartheid, according to U.N. Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett. If one applies the definition of apartheid, which at the moment is for race, to the situation in Afghanistan and use sex instead of race, then there seem to be strong indications pointing towards that," he told the U.N. told the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The United States again condemns the Talibans restrictions on women and girls ability to exercise their human rights. These restrictions are indefensible. They are not seen anywhere else in the world. We call for the immediate reversal of these restrictions, said United States Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs, Robert Wood.

In April, the Security Council adopted Resolution 2681, the third resolution on Afghanistan adopted unanimously this year. Over 90 UN member states co-sponsored this resolution. It sent a clear message to the Taliban, to the Afghan people, and to the world: We will not stand for the Talibans repression of women and girls, he said.

Indeed, the Talibans restrictions on women are aggravating the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Its prohibition on women working for NGOs is impeding humanitarian operations in the country. Also, donors are less willing to fund desperately needed aid.

The international community averted relief actors worst predictions of widespread famine in 2021, said Ambassador Wood. This year, however, we can already see the impact of reduced international support for Afghanistan, with the closure of women-led NGOs, ration cuts, and reductions to the number of food-assistance beneficiaries.

Despite obstacles and competing global priorities, we cannot turn our backs on the Afghan peoples growing humanitarian needs, said Ambassador Wood. As the worlds largest humanitarian donor, the United States will continue to do its part to support the people of Afghanistan.

We will also carefully watch the Talibans actions on the commitments they have stated they will uphold. We continue to expect the Taliban to allow unhindered humanitarian access, safe conditions for aid workers of all genders, and independent and impartial provision of assistance, he said. The Taliban must respect the human rights of all Afghans.

We look to the Taliban to codify these principles in their policies and to demonstrate them with their actions, said Ambassador Wood. As the meeting of Afghan special envoys showed, so too does the rest of the world.
While most frequent flyers harbor secret desires for an unoccupied row to themselves, one man named Phil Stringer recently found himself living this dream turned into reality. Phil was heading back to his home in Charlotte, North Carolina when he experienced a unique situation during his recent flight from Oklahoma City. Due to an unforeseen delay of 18 hours, the flight was significantly disrupted, leading other passengers to either rebook or abandon their travel plans for the day. However, Mr. Stringer decided to remain steadfast, and his persistence paid off. When the flight eventually departed, he found himself as the sole passenger on board, enjoying the rare luxury of having an entire plane to himself.

But that was not it. According to a report by the New York Post, Phil was also granted a complimentary upgrade to first class. As if that wasnt enough, his interaction with the flight crew took an unexpectedly delightful turn. Phil shared with Insider that he initially felt a sense of guilt for inconveniencing the American Airlines crew, who had to fulfill their duties solely for him. However, his concerns quickly dissipated as the flight attendants turned his journey into an exclusive private party" in the skies.

Also Read: In Viral Video, Woman Turns Economy Class Into Business Class With Just Plastic Wrap

The lone traveller took to his TikTok account to share updates from his extraordinary flight experience. Although the specific video couldnt be accessed, reports indicate that the crew members were observed sharing laughter and camaraderie with Phil as they performed the airplane safety routine, which was tailored for an audience of one.

To further personalise their interactions, the flight attendants concluded their announcements over the loudspeaker with a special message for Phil, saying, And yeah, Phil, this message is just for you."

Phil even shared that his attempts to change his flight earlier proved futile, leaving him with no choice but to endure an 18-hour wait at the airport. The reason for his urgency was his responsibility as the COO of a real estate brokerage, requiring his prompt return home.

Also Read: Give Him A Raise: This Attendant Has The Best Pre-Flight Safety Routine

However, he expressed his remorse for being the sole reason the staff was called in so late and stated, I apologized like 400 times." Despite the initial setbacks, the flight itself turned into a special experience for Phil. He was treated to first-class amenities, including exceptional food and drink service.

In fact, Phils positive outlook on life shone through as he shared, I believe that your attitude determines your destination." He added, Yeah, it was a sucky day. No one wants to stay in the airport for 18 hours, but if you have a positive view, you can turn something into a lot of fun."
Sitting in the sun after a great swim in the ocean is quite a common practice. Many people enjoy soaking in the warmth of the sun for Vitamin D, while others seek a tan for aesthetic purposes. While its important to spend time in the sun, prolonged exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to various skin issues. Thats why doctors recommend using sunscreen to protect the skin. Recently, a video has surfaced showing a woman sunbathing without sunscreen and ultimately ending up with a complexion that could be described as looking like an alien." This now-viral clip serves as a stark reminder of the importance of sunscreen and why dermatologists continually emphasise we apply it.

Bela Chatwin, a 21-year-old interior designer from Utah, USA was in San Diego, California during a holiday with her friend. She claimed that it was cloudy and not that hot on the day the incident happened.

She said that she fell asleep for about five hours. When she woke up, her skin was not red, but she felt exhausted. She always applies sunscreen and was going to apply it on the ill-fated day as well, but fell asleep.

As per Metro, she got bright red the next day and her face got puffy and showed blisters. She realized it was bigger than the normal sunburn, and she could barely open her eyes. Strangers approached her to ask what was wrong and her 3-year-old sister did not recognize her. Bela even experienced her blisters popping and she started vomiting a lot. She was told that she looked like a turtle or an alien.

After a visit to the doctor, she got to know that it was sun poisoning. Sun poisoning is referred to an extreme case of sunburn in which ultraviolet radiation leaves the skin inflamed. It took Bela Chatwin three weeks to recover with the help of steroid-based creams.

She revealed that she had photodermatitis, which is an allergy to the sun. However, it never came to be known as she was always quite generous with her sunblock application. Ever since the horrific incident, Chatwin is extremely careful to apply her SPF even on cloudy days
The iPhone 14 Pro Max, Apples biggest iPhone variant, boasts a 6.7-inch display. But this title has been snatched by a recent variant crafted by YouTuber Matthew Beem. Beem went viral after he posted the video about building this iPhone that holds the title for being the worlds largest, measuring an astounding 8 feet. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that this device is fully operational, functioning just like a standard iPhone.

Although this iPhone has all the features, the biggest problem is carrying it. The YouTuber himself carried this phone in a cart. The touchscreen of a TV has been used in this mobile as its display screen which is connected to a Mac mini. Along with this, the facility of lock button, volume button and button for music has also been provided.

Check out the video here:

In the video, Matthew Beem shows how he builds the phone from scratch. Once he finished constructing the phone, he took it to the bustling streets of New York to showcase its features. With the enormous device, he captured photos and videos, engaged in gaming sessions and effortlessly made payments through Apple Pay. To further impress his audience, Been initiated a FaceTime call with one of his viewers from India.

I love technology and have a history of making some of the largest builds on YouTube so I decided to put my skills to the test and build the worlds largest working iPhone! I have never built anything like this before so this was extremely difficult," Matthew said. To top things off we drove this to New York City to get peoples reactions in Times Square and surprise the top tech reviewer on the planet Marques Brownlee (MKBHD)!" he added.

The previous record for making the worlds biggest iPhone was held by YouTuber ZHC. He had built a 6-foot-long iPhone in 2020.
Lawmakers in Bosnias Serb entity on Tuesday voted to suspend recognition of rulings made by the Balkan nations constitutional court, in a move that will likely inflame ethnic tensions in the deeply divided country.

The vote was the latest in a series of inflammatory political moves engineered by Bosnias Serb leader Milorad Dodik, who has long campaigned for secession from the countrys central institutions.

Dodik initiated the vote following the constitutional courts decision last week that altered the judicial bodys rules, allowing it to convene without Serb judges present.

The courts decision came after the Bosnian parliament refused to fill a vacancy on the judicial bodys bench.

The constitutional court violates the constitution massively. It is completely delegitimized and led itself to the point of absurdity," Dodik said ahead of Tuesdays vote.

The vote was immediately slammed by the US embassy in the capital Sarajevo, which said the legislation threatened to undermine the 1995 Dayton Peace Accords  a landmark agreement that ended the countrys civil war.

This is foolish and irresponsible, but it is certainly consistent with Mr. Dodiks other efforts to deprive Republika Srpska residents of their fundamental freedoms of press, speech, and assembly," read a statement posted on the US Embassys official Twitter account, referring to Bosnias Serb entity.

Bosnia has been governed by a dysfunctional administrative system created by the Dayton agreement that succeeded in ending the conflict in the 1990s, but largely failed in providing a framework for the countrys political development.

In accordance with the agreement, Bosnia has been divided into two bodies  a Muslim-Croat federation and a Serb entity, known as Republika Srpska. The two entities are connected by a weak central government.

Dodik  who remains a Kremlin ally  has held enormous sway over Bosnias Serb entity for years, and has frequently stoked ethnic tensions and threatened to secede from the Balkan countrys institutions.
Canada on Tuesday announced that it will introduce an open work-permit stream to allow 10,000 American H-1B visa holders to come and work in the country. The Canadian ministry of immigration, refugees and citizenship said under this new rule study or work permits for family members of the H-1B visa holders will be provided.

Thousands of workers in high-tech fields are employed with companies that have large operations in both Canada and the US, and those working in the US often hold an H-1B speciality occupation visa. As of July 16, 2023, H-1B speciality occupation visa holders in the US, and their accompanying immediate family members, will be eligible to apply to come to Canada, a release from the ministry said.

The department led by minister Sean Fraser also said approved applicants will receive an open work permit of up to three years in duration. The Canadian ministry said that the approved applicants will be able to work for almost any employer anywhere in Canada. Their spouses and dependants will also be eligible to apply for a temporary resident visa, with a work or study permit, as needed, the release said.

Fraser earlier said that by the end of 2023 the Trudeau-led government will introduce a new immigration stream for some of the worlds most talented people that will be able to come to Canada to work for tech companies, even if they do not have a job when they land in Canada.

The Canadian minister did not elaborate on the eligibility criteria or the number of people who can avail this stream.

The American H-1B visa, one of the worlds most coveted visas, allows foreign nationals to work in the US in certain roles, including in the nations tech sector.

H-1B specialty occupations may include fields such as architecture, engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, social sciences, medicine and health, education, business specialties, accounting, law, theology, and the arts, the USCIS says. The US Congress has set the current annual regular cap for the H-1B category at 65,000 but not all H-1B nonimmigrant visas (or status grants) are subject to this annual cap, the USCIS further adds.

(with inputs from ANI and CBC)
Smoke from Canadas worst-ever wildfires was severely impacting air quality Wednesday across Ontario and at least 15 US states, with monitors warning that over one hundred million people face potentially unhealthy conditions.

Chicago, Detroit and Cleveland recorded some of the worst air quality in the United States, with residents told to stay inside or limit outdoor activity as smoke blanketed huge swaths of the country just weeks after communities suffered similar disruptions from Canadas hundreds of active forest fires.

Canadas most populous city Toronto was a 10 out of 10  high risk"  on Environment Canadas air quality health index, while Swiss-based monitoring company IQAir pegged it as the worst air quality of any major city in the world.

Alerts were issued from Ontario to northern US states Minnesota and Michigan, across to New York and down to the southeastern states of North Carolina and Georgia, the latest dangerous air conditions in much of North Americas Great Lakes and Mid-Atlantic regions.

The air quality alerts come as much of the US South and Midwest bakes under a brutal heat wave that is affecting several million Americans, with the National Weather Service issuing a heat index forecast as high as 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 Celsius) Wednesday in northern and central Texas.

The suburbs of Chicago, whose metropolitan area is home to more than nine million people, posted a very unhealthy" air quality index, or AQI, of 285 mid-day Wednesday, according to AirNow.

US President Joe Bidens Air Force One touched down in the Windy City Wednesday through a thick layer of smoke and haze," according to a White House pool report, ahead of an economic speech there.

He then flew by presidential helicopter on a short trip to the speech location, offering a birds-eye view of the dangerous air conditions.

Air Quality in Chicago is still very unhealthy today. Please limit time outdoors," Chicagos emergency management office post on Twitter.

AirNow showed the Detroit area, with 4.3 million people, recording a hazardous" AQI touching 306, before dropping off slightly.

An AQI of 301 or above reflects emergency conditions" that are likely to affect everyone, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency.

- Code Red -

The wildfires  the largest ever recorded in Canada  have raged for two months, darkening Canadian and US skies with smoke and haze that contain tiny dangerous particles considered especially harmful for people sensitive to pollution.

Unhealthy levels of smoke are expected for a wide swath of the Midwest today, the US National Weather Service said.

Wildfire smoke from Canada will reduce air quality over parts of the Upper/Middle Mississippi Valley, Great Lakes, Western Ohio Valley, Central Appalachians, and Mid-Atlantic, prompting Air Quality Warnings over the area."

In New York City, where noxious haze three weeks ago disrupted flights and forced the cancellation of outdoor events, officials on Wednesday warned that air quality is expected to deteriorate again this week.

New Yorks Metropolitan Transit Authority said it would offer free KN95 masks at its subway and train stops.

The state of Pennsylvania also declared a Code Red" on air quality for Wednesday.

The wildfire smoke has drifted across the Atlantic Ocean and over European countries including Portugal and Spain.

But air quality there remained mostly fair Tuesday, because most of the smoke that reached Europe was higher in the atmosphere, where it is less likely to affect human health," according to US space agency NASAs Earth Observatory.

The wildfire smoke was also bearing down once more on the US capital Washington, a situation that NASA scientist Ryan Stauffer, who studies air pollution and the ozone, called absolutely brutal."

Scientists say human-induced climate change is helping drive the increased rates of wildfires, heat waves and intense weather systems.
One of seven judges in Jair Bolsonaros abuse of power trial voted on Tuesday to bar the former Brazilian president from running in the 2026 elections, as the country held its breath for other judges to deliver their rulings later this week.

The Superior Electoral Tribunal is trying the far-right former leader over a televised meeting he held with foreign diplomats in July 2022  three months before his election defeat to leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva  at which Bolsonaro made unproven allegations of security flaws in Brazils electronic voting system.

Speaking after his vote Tuesday evening, lead judge Benedito Goncalves said Bolsonaro had resorted to violent speech and lies" which endangered the credibility of electoral justice."

If found guilty, Bolsonaro could be sidelined from the 2026 vote.

The trial resumed late Tuesday and the courts seven judges were expected to hand down their rulings one by one. As lead judge on the case, Goncalves was the first to vote.

Insiders say the court is almost certain to convict Bolsonaro, who skipped the first session of the trial in Brasilia last week to meet supporters and attend events in the southern city of Porto Alegre.

Everyone is saying Im going to be found ineligible" to run for office, Bolsonaro acknowledged in an interview with newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo.

Im not going to lose hope Im going to continue doing my part," added the 68-year-old ex-president, who remains a powerful  if divisive  force in Brazil.

Bolsonaro faces an eight-year ban on running for public office if found guilty of the charges of abusing his office and misusing state media.

A third court date had been scheduled for Thursday if the judges did not finish delivering their rulings, and the case could potentially be extended longer.

Bolsonaro awaits the decision with respect," the ex-leaders lawyer, Tarcisio Vieira, told reporters before entering the courtroom.

He said the evidence was fragile for a sanction of that magnitude."

Earlier, Bolsonaros lawyer said that if necessary he would appeal to the Supreme Court.

False impression

At the July 2022 meeting, Bolsonaro spent nearly an hour making his argument to the assembled ambassadors, armed with a PowerPoint presentation but no hard evidence to back his claim that the electronic voting machines Brazil has used since 1996 compromised the transparency of the elections.

Opponents say the event violated electoral law, given that it was organized with state resources, held in the official presidential residence and broadcast live on public TV in the middle of the polarizing election campaign.

The briefing was aimed at giving the false impression the voting process was obscure, rigged to manipulate the results and award a fraudulent victory to (his) adversary," prosecutor Paulo Gonet Branco said at last weeks opening hearing.

He linked the former presidents statements to the riotous aftermath of the elections, when Bolsonaro supporters invaded the presidential palace, Congress and Supreme Court on January 8, a week after Lulas inauguration.

Bolsonaros lawyer, Tarcisio Vieira, rejected the allegations.

Both Bolsonaros unsubstantiated talk of election fraud and the January 8 riots drew widespread comparisons to his political role model, Donald Trump, and the latters bid to hang onto power after his loss in the 2020 US presidential election.

Bolsonaro, who spent three months in the United States after his term was up, has kept an uncharacteristically low profile since returning to Brazil in March to serve as honorary president of his Liberal Party.

He faces a raft of other legal woes, from five Supreme Court investigations that could send him to jail  including over the January 8 attacks  to police probes into allegations of a faked Covid-19 vaccination certificate and diamond jewelry snuck into the country from Saudi Arabia.
What was once dismissed as mere Twitter name-calling and hearsay is now evolving into a cage fight between the worlds two wealthiest billionaires.

Reports of a potential bout between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg emerged after the Tesla CEO expressed his willingness for a cage fight on Twitter. Zuckerberg escalated the situation by responding: Send me location."

Musk suggested Vegas Octagon" as the venue, drawing attention from UFC President Dana White. The exchange continues to generate excitement but not all people are happy about this fight.

The thing is if this crazy fight goes ahead, if Elon beats this guy, Elon will be called a bully, being so much heavier and taller, while if he loses, the humiliation would be total," Musks father, Errol, 77, told The Sun (UK).

Its a no-win situation for Elon. I think Elon has got himself into a difficult situation as a result of high school behavior. They both have," he added.

Maye Musk, the mother of Elon Musk, shares similar sentiments to Errol, echoing her disapproval of her son engaging in a cage fight.

In a conversation with American podcaster Lex Fridman who recently trained with Mark Zuckerberg, Maye cautioned against encouraging a fight between the two tech leaders.

Despite Mayes disapproval, the situation appears to have escalated beyond control.

In the build-up to the fight, Musk joked about his fighting skills and workout routine, suggesting that the fight may not be serious.

I have this great move that I call The Walrus, where I just lie on top of my opponent & do nothing, Musk twitted.

But now Musk has roped in UFC legend Georges St-Pierre, one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, to help him fight Zuckerberg.

@elonmusk Im a huge fan of yours and it would be an absolute honor to help you and be your training partner for the challenge against Zuckerberg  Georges St-Pierre (@GeorgesStPierre) June 24, 2023

The UFC legend, who called himself a fan of Musk, expressed his wish to train him.

Musk readily accepted the offer.

In another tweet posted on Tuesday, Fridman said he was extremely impressed with Musks strength, power, and skill.

He made these comments after an impromptu training session with Musk.

Im extremely impressed with his strength, power, and skill, on the feet and on the ground. It was epic. Its really inspiring to see Elon and Mark doing martial arts, but I think the world is served far better if they train martial arts but not fight in the cage," the American tweeted.

I did an impromptu training session with @elonmusk for a few hours yesterday. Im extremely impressed with his strength, power, and skill, on the feet and on the ground. It was epic. Its really inspiring to see Elon and Mark doing martial arts, but I think the world is served pic.twitter.com/cq00A9Xnmw Lex Fridman (@lexfridman) June 27, 2023

That said, as Elon says, the most entertaining outcome is the most likely Im there for them, no matter what," he added.
Ukrainian defence minister Oleksiy Reznikov said that the recent modest gains in Russian-controlled areas in southern Ukraine are a mere preview of a much bigger push, according to a report by the Financial Times.

He told the news outlet that the main event of the Kyivs planned counteroffensive is yet to come. When it happens, you will all see it . . . Everyone will see everything, Reznikov was quoted as saying by the Financial Times.

The defence minister brushed aside doubts cast by media regarding the slow charge of Ukraines spring-summer counteroffensive to reclaim areas taken by Russian in the southern, eastern and southeastern belt.

He also said the Ukrainian troops who have recently been trained in the west and equipped with modern Nato tanks and armoured vehicles are yet to feature in the operation.

Wagner Coup

Reznikov warned forces against banking on Russian weakness based on this weekends mutiny drama staged by mercenary group Wagner and its chief Yevgeny Prigozhin against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He said even though it lays bare the fundamental weakness of the Putin regime, the mood in the battlefield shows that there is no collapse of morale among Russian soldiers.

Once it gets hot, well see how resilient they are, Reznikov was quoted as saying by the Financial Times. He said degradation of the Russian army is the tool to liberation of Ukrainian lands while talking to the news outlet.

The UK ministry of defence and the Financial Times said that Ukraine has recaptured about 300 square kilometres from Russia in the counteroffensive operation. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky admitted that these gains are slower than desired.

However, speaking of the mutiny bid in Russia said that this allows western allies to realise that they are doing the right thing by investing in Ukraine.

Ukraines victory is absolutely real and coming soon, Reznikov said and hoped that Russian instability would lead to more military packages and weapons flow.

Reznikov acknowledged that Ukraines NATO bid will not fruition at this moment but hoped a clear design would emerge when NATO leaders meet in Vilnius in July. He, however, pointed out that since Ukraine has battlefield experience of fighting Russia its bid to join the military grouping should be considered.
India and France have launched the Strategic Space Dialogue, seeking to further deepen their nearly-six-decade-old partnership in the sector.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the inaugural India-France Strategic Space Dialogue was held in Paris on Monday.

Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra led the Indian delegation for the talks with French Secretary-General, Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Anne-Marie Descotes.

The nearly-six-decade-old Indo-French space partnership spans collaborations in technologies for satellite launches, research, operational applications, innovation and NewSpace partnerships for deep space exploration.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) have been partnering in the fields of space medicine, astronaut health monitoring, life support, radiation protection, space debris protection and personal hygiene systems.

Earlier this month, CNES President Philippe Baptiste travelled to the ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru to explore potential areas of collaboration, share knowledge and foster innovation in the field of space science and technology.

In his talks with ISRO Chairman S Somanath, Baptiste recollected the six decades of collaboration between the two space agencies and emphasised their deep commitment to carrying it forward and addressing the challenges and opportunities in the present space ecosystem.

India and France are planning to develop eight to 10 satellites as part of a constellation for maritime surveillance to monitor sea-traffic management in the Indian Ocean.

The Indo-French space partnership dates back to 1964 when Indias space programme was in its nascent stage as it was experimenting with sounding rockets from Thumba in Kerala.

Somanath had briefed Baptiste on the outcomes emerging from the space sector reforms launched by India and the call for increased participation of industries in France.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi on day 4 of G20-S20 organised a meeting on technological development for defence. The event highlighted the significance of a collaborative approach to enhancing technological advancements in defence. The event was attended by academia from the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Defense Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), and Armed Forces. PKH Sinha, the strategic advisor of IIT Mandi and Rajnish Sharma coordinated the event.The event covered the topic including research opportunities in terminal ballistics, mountain hazard management in the Indian Himalaya, chem-biodefense, and the roles and responsibilities of Bharat Electronics Limited.Attending the meet, Laxmidhar Behera, director of IIT Mandi said: There is a need of engaging Academia, R&D Institutions, Industries, Startups and Armed Forces to come in active dialogue mode - where free and frank exchange of innovative ideas can incubate. I acknowledge my heartfelt gratitude to all the guests and participants. We look forward to a vibrant simulating session on technology for defence and IIT Mandi aims to contribute to the cause of defence which is paramount for our great nation, the director added.IIT Mandi is engaged in defence research and innovation. A team from the institute developed an artificial material that can make stealth vehicles and establishments less visible to radar. This technology, due to its optical transparent nature, can be implemented to window or glass panels. It can be used for minimising radar cross-section (RCS) and absorbing unwanted radiation leakages.Sinha discussed an advancement proposed by Gajendra Singh, a faculty member at IIT Mandi which is related to the improvement of the rope release mechanism of Indian Air Force helicopters. This mechanism will help in the load-carrying capacity and delivery of supplies by the Indian Air Force.Sinha said, The four pillars of Defence sector are: Academia, that researches in the niche and critical emerging technologies;, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), that customize these technologies and hands it over to the industry for mass production, Industry, that makes it robust for the use of our troops, air warriors and sailors, and the Defence Forces that finally use these innovations and technologies.
Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan on Tuesday challenged the Pakistan Army to hold open trials for those accused of causing unrest on May 9 to protest his arrest at the hands of the nations anti-corruption watchdog.

DG ISPR said yesterday that we are traitors. Rebellion against the country is a very big crime. Bring the evidence you have, we will bring our evidence, make it an open trial, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan said, referring to scores of PTI cadres in police custody who will most likely be tried for the May 9 violence under draconian Army Act.

I demand a live trial on TV so that I have a chance to tell the nation what happened to us. How I was betrayed, how I was lied to. Pakistans future decisions are being made in Dubai by corrupts. In no country around the world you will see this, Imran Khan said.

Khan was referring to the meeting being held between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in Dubai where both parties are discussing election strategy for elections which could be held towards the end of this year.

Imran Khan further revealed that the Pakistan spy agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), confided in him that his predecessor Nawaz Sharif and former president Asif Ali Zardari were looters.

Pakistan is running under the law of the jungle. Thieves like Zardari and Nawaz cant decide the fate of Pakistani people (sitting) in Dubai, Khan said.

My name is Khan and I am not (a) traitor - (my) whole life I served Pakistan, Khan said. Prove the allegations or else apologise, Khan warned.

PTI cadres are yet to be presented before the army, the nations attorney general told the Pakistan Supreme Court on Tuesday. Mansoor Usman Awan confirmed before the apex court that no civilians are currently being tried by military courts.

The Pakistan Army on Monday said that it sacked three officers  including a lieutenant general  and ended proceedings against 15 officers for their connection to the May 9 riots.

However, the Pakistan Armys spokesperson Maj Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry refrained from naming the officers against whom actions were taken.
Four Armenian soldiers were killed on Wednesday by Azerbaijani fire in Nagorno-Karabakh, said separatist authorities in the breakaway region, which has been at the centre of a decades-long territorial dispute between the Caucasus enemies.

On Wednesday morning, units of the Azerbaijani armed forces opened artillery fire" on Armenian positions, the Artsakh Defense Army said, adding there were four servicemen who were killed in action as a result of another provocation by Azerbaijan".

In a later statement the group said that the situation along the border was now relatively stable".

The news came as the United States mediates three days of new peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan, in its latest attempt to quell a conflict that has flared repeatedly.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken opened closed-door talks with the adversaries foreign ministers just outside Washington on Tuesday, in the second such negotiation session he has led in as many months.

Russia has historically been the mediator between the two former Soviet republics but the United States and European Union have been increasingly active as Moscow gets bogged down in its invasion of Ukraine.

Armenia has repeatedly accused Russian peacekeepers of failing to live up to promises to protect ethnic Armenians in line with a 2020 ceasefire negotiated by Moscow after six weeks of fighting left thousands dead.

Russia last week pressed Azerbaijan to let traffic through the Lachin corridor that links Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh  a predominantly ethnic Armenian area effectively controlled by Yerevan since war during the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The International Committee of the Red Cross said Azerbaijan had blocked access for convoys delivering aid to Karabakh, raising concerns of shortages of food and medicine.

Azerbaijan has insisted that civilians and aid convoys can travel through.
Nepal's President Ram Chandra Paudel, who recently underwent treatment related to a heart condition, was discharged from the hospital here on Wednesday, according to a statement issued by his office.

Paudel, 78, was undergoing treatment related to the heart at the Manmohan Cardiothoracic Vascular and Transplant Centre since June 17 after experiencing health complications.

"President Paudel has been discharged from the Manmohan Cardiothoracic Vascular and Transplant Centre on Wednesday. He has returned to the President's residence," the statement from the president's office said.

According to the doctors involved in his treatment, the presidents health condition is now normal.

Paudel was airlifted to India on April 19 for treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi. He returned to Nepal following his successful treatment for a chest-related ailment at the AIIMS.

Paudel of the Nepali Congress was elected as the president of Nepal in March.
US President Joe Biden said Wednesday that pariah" Vladimir Putin is losing" the war in Ukraine, but it is too early to tell whether the Russian president has been weakened by the mercenary Wagner groups aborted rebellion.

Asked by reporters at the White House whether Putin is now weaker, Biden said: Its hard to tell, but hes clearly losing the war" in Ukraine and hes losing the war at home."

Putin is now a pariah around the world," Biden added.

In his brief remarks, Biden mistakenly referred to Russia losing the war in Iraq"  a gaffe he also made late Tuesday when he told a group of re-election campaign donors that hed united the West in opposing Moscows onslaught on Iraq."

The White House remains cautious on interpreting the fallout from last weeks extraordinary events in Russia where the forces from the Wagner group  one of the most capable parts of the Russian military in Ukraine  mutinied and threatened to attack Moscow, before reversing course.

Biden, 80, is leading a Western drive to support Ukraines resistance to the Russian invasion launched in February last year.
British prime minister Rishi Sunak has come under spotlight for routinely using pens with erasable ink during his tenure at the Number 10, Downing Street, especially in important government meetings.

According to a Guardian report, the prime minister regularly" uses an erasable ink pen to write notes on official documents and during government meetings.

Sunak is often seen using the disposable Pilot V" fountain pens during his time as a as chancellor and prime minister. He was seen using this during the cabinet meeting two weeks ago, Guardian said.

What is concerning was that, Sunak was photographed with the fountain pens while working on some government papers and signing some official letters.

Apart from this, he was also seen with the pen at international summits including a European political community meeting.

Downing street has however, defended the leader saying that the pens were provided by the civil service and are widely used" in British government departments.

This is a pen provided by and used widely by the civil service. The prime minister has never used the erase function and nor would he, Sunaks press secretary said, Guardian reported.

This has raised concerns that Sunaks writing could be erased from official documents in case of inquiries. It can also leave pieces of important information for historians studying Sunaks term.

The pens, according to the Japanese stationary that markets it, are ideal for those learning to write with ink because if you make a mistake, the ink erases using standard ink eradicators.

When trust in politicians is at an all-time low, the PM signing official documents in erasable ink could push it through the floor and into the basement" Tom Brake, the director of Unlock Democracy and a former Liberal Democrat MP said.
Indian-American politician and Republican Partys presidential contender Nikki Haley criticised Donald Trump for being weak on China and said her former boss displayed moral weakness in his dealings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Financial Times said in a report.

Haley, the former South Carolina governor, who served as the former presidents ambassador to the UN said Trump was too focused on US-China trade relations due to which he neglected other critical areas like security and foreign policy.

He did not put us on a stronger military foothold in Asia. He did not stop the flow of American technology and investment into the Chinese military. He did not effectively rally our allies against the Chinese threat, Haley said in her speech at the American Enterprise Institute think-tank in Washington, the Financial Times said.

He also showed moral weakness in his zeal to befriend President Xi. Trump congratulated the Communist party on its 70th anniversary of conquering China. That sent the wrong message to the world, she further added.

Haley was referring to the trade war Trump launched against China during his second year in office. Though he traded barbs, it was 2019-20 that he adopted tough policies against Beijing while accusing it for the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Haley also lashed out the Biden administration and said US President Joe Biden was ignoring the threat from China. (The Biden team is) running scared from China and (engaging in appeasement. Blinkens visit last week was a gold-plated invitation for more Chinese aggression, the former South Carolina governor said.

Haley is the first Republican to have tackled the China issue in her campaign trail. Responding to the criticism, the Trump campaign said that it has a policy to not respond to loser candidates with less than 2% in the polls, the Financial Times said.

She also said that the Biden administration is sending the wrong message on Taiwan. Commenting on Bidens statement where he said that he would order the military to defend Taiwan from an unprovoked attack Haley said the focus should lie on boosting deterrence.

We need to let them know were going to defend Taiwan by sending equipment, ammunition and doing the training now. Theres no bigger message that we could send to China than to strengthen Taiwan, Haley was quoted as saying by the Financial Times.

She pointed out that European nations are still not realising the threat that China poses. Its time to shake them from their slumber, Haley said.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Wednesday Russian President Vladimir Putin had been weakened" by the Wagner mercenary groups mutiny, but that the ultimate consequences of the rebellion remained unclear.

The weekend uprising  which ended when Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin called off his troops advance on Moscow  has prompted questions about Putins grip on power as Moscows war in Ukraine grinds on.

In his first extensive comments about the aborted rebellion, Scholz said it would surely have long-term consequences in Russia".

I do believe that he (Putin) is weakened," Scholz told public broadcaster ARD.

It shows that the autocratic structures, the power structures, have cracks and he in no way sits as firmly in the saddle as he always claims," the German leader said.

But I dont want to take part in speculation about how long hell stay in office  it could be a long time or short, we dont know."

Scholz said Germany and its Western partners would be keeping a close eye on further developments.

Russia is a nuclear power, it is a very powerful country and that is why we have to watch very carefully when dangerous situations arise," he said.

- Goal not regime change -

Scholz reaffirmed Berlins support for Ukraine and underlined that there could be no peace negotiations until Moscow withdrew its troops.

Anything else would legitimise whats happened," he said. And that is why it cant end up that the war is just frozen there where the line is between the various armies."

He said it was unclear whether the Wagner mutiny would make it easier or harder" to end the war.

That is why it is important for Ukraine to do its part to make it (a resolution) possible  that is what it is trying to do with the current offensive."

Scholz said Western allies were supporting Ukraine so it can defend itself" but stressed that the goal of our support for Ukraine is not regime change in Russia".

Previously seen as reticent on supplying weapons, Germany has become the second-biggest contributor of military assistance to Ukraine after the United States.

Asked later about the potential risks posed by Wagner troops in Belarus, Scholz said NATO would be monitoring developments closely.

Private armies are always threatening, even for the countries that maintain them  Russia has now seen that," he told reporters.

Calling it a situation that we are watching with great concern", Scholz said nevertheless that NATO was prepared to defend every centimetre of its territory".

At the same time, I am not currently expecting a change in the situation," he said.

Following the rebellion, Putin ordered Wagner to lose its heavy weaponry, and its fighters to either join the regular armed forces or accept exile in Belarus.
Nicor Gas, Southern Company and Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity announced today (June 27) the groundbreaking of a new community designed to be carbon-neutral and achieve net-zero in Aurora, Illinois. The largest natural gas distributor in the state is partnering with the Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity affiliate to offer new smart homes to first-time home buyers with an emphasis on resiliency and affordability.

Nicor Gas is part of Southern Company Gas, a family of four natural gas distribution companies whose commitment to sustainability includes working towards a goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions from operations while delivering quality customer solutions, enriching communities and investing in innovation.

This is Southern Company's first Smart Neighborhood community to be led by a natural gas company and in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. The project will demonstrate the benefits of a smart building envelope with dual energy solutions to shine a spotlight on affordable, sustainable living.

"Nicor Gas has always been committed to giving back to our community, and this neighborhood is an extremely powerful symbol of that commitment. Through this project, we not only demonstrate the important role that we play in advancing Illinois' clean energy goals, but we put on display how dual energy solutions can create affordable, sustainable solutions for customers," said Meena Beyers, vice president of Community and Business Development at Nicor Gas. "Habitat for Humanity is a dream partner that shares the same values in providing first-time home buyers an affordable, resilient, sustainable future."

Smart Neighborhood is a trademarked brand of Southern Company, the ultimate parent company of Nicor Gas. Smart Neighborhoods advance energy technologies that work together as a part of an affordable, reliable clean energy economy. They lead to job creation, diverse business partnerships, economic development and green transportation.

"Habitat for Humanity has led with the philosophy that home buying provides stability and resiliency to our first-time home buyers. In partnering with Nicor Gas on these neighborhoods designed to achieve net zero, we are further supporting our goals with smart energy solutions and technology that will empower our homeowners through energy bill affordability and tremendous resiliency during inclement weather," said Jeffrey Barrett, CEO and executive director of Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity.

The 17 homes in the Aurora development will be part of Nicor Gas' Smart Neighborhood , where each technology-enhanced home will be served with clean, safe, reliable and affordable natural gas service and supplemented by rooftop solar installations, high-efficiency building envelopes and in-home battery energy storage. These homes have been designed to achieve net zero carbon dioxide emissions, which refers to the balancing of greenhouse gas emissions, where the home saves more carbon dioxide emissions than consumers produce to power, heat and cool the home on an annual basis.

The homes will offer the following features:

Solar panels

Battery storage

Smart electric panel

Insulating concrete form walls

Spray foam

Energy efficient windows

Energy recovery ventilation unit

LED lighting

Federal funding for the neighborhood was secured by U.S. Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) of the 11th District.

"In Congress, it has always been one of my top priorities to ensure the communities I represent receive their fair share of federal resources," said U.S. Congressman Foster. "That's why I was proud to secure $1.25 million in federal funding to provide the infrastructure for this Smart Neighborhood . Not only will this project help 17 families achieve the dream of home ownership, but it will also invest in the technologies that are integral to our clean energy future."

The neighborhood in Aurora is one of two new smart neighborhoods being developed by Habitat for Humanity and Nicor Gas. The second one in Northern Fox Valley is slated to break ground in late 2024. To learn more about the Nicor Gas Smart Neighborhood and the projects' partners, visit ngsmartneighborhoods.com.

About Nicor Gas

Nicor Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Nicor Gas serves more than 2.3 million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. For more information, visit nicorgas.com.

About Southern Company Gas

Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America's premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.4 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states with more than 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.
i-80 Gold Corp. announced the company has received U.S. Bureau of Land Management and Nevada Bureau of Mining Regulation and Reclamation approval for additional exploration at the Ruby Hill Mine on the outskirts of the town of Eureka.

The permits are for an additional 24.49 acres of disturbance that includes up to 70 additional drill pad locations, which i-80 Gold stated would allow the company to begin testing the highly prospective, mostly unexplored corridor between the Hilltop deposits and the recently acquired Paycore Minerals property to the south.

Ruby Hill is host to high-grade Carlin-Type gold deposits and multiple carbonate replacement deposits (CRD), according to the companys June 27 announcement. Surface mining has ended there, but i-80 Gold is looking at underground mining out of the Archimedes Pit, as well as exploring for polymetallic deposits.

The permitting will provide enhanced drill sites to define and expand mineralization at Upper Hilltop, one of a series of CRD zones on the south side of the Archimedes open pit, i-80 said.

The Hilltop discoveries were made in the second half of last year while drilling tested one of several generative exploration targets near the Blackjack deposit, confirming i-80 Golds belief that the Ruby Hill property could be host to multiple types of mineralization along the Hilltop fault, beyond the gold and silver that has been mined from Ruby Hill.

The company stated that Paycore was a key acquisition because it consolidates the most productive part of the Eureka District, adding 3,626 acres to the companys land package. Paycores FAD deposit is one of the highest-grade polymetallic deposits in North America, i-80 reported.

Reno-based i-80 also stated that consolidation of the Hilltop Corridor provides i-80 with a favorable structural trend that is host to multiple historic mines and new gold and polymetallic deposits largely untested by previous drilling because of alluvial cover and a lack of interest in base metals.

Earlier in June, the company reported positive results from underground drilling at its McCoy-Cove Property south of Battle Mountain, where drilling is focused on upgrading resources in the Helen and CSD/Gap zones in advance of completing an updated resource estimate and a full feasibility study.

The underground drilling program at Cove is focused on defining mineralization for ultimate mine planning, said Tyler Hill, i-80 Golds chief geologist. The first nine holes drilled have demonstrated continuity of gold mineralization in the upper portion of the CSD Gap horizon, confirming Cove as one of the highest-grade, development-stage gold deposits in North America.

In addition to the Ruby Hill and McCoy Cove projects, i-80 is also exploring and producing gold from the Granite Creek underground operation in Humboldt County and owns the Lone Tree Complex along Interstate 80.
UPDATE

Jun 28, 2023 1:30 AM CDT

US authorities on Tuesday announced the arrests of four men they say were part of a human smuggling effort last year that ended in the deaths of 53 migrants, including eight children, who were left in a tractor-trailer in the scorching Texas summer. Authorities said on the anniversary of the June 27, 2022, tragedy that the four Mexican nationals had a planning role in the smuggling operation, and were aware that the trailer's air-conditioning unit was malfunctioning and would not blow cool air to migrants during the sweltering three-hour ride from the border city of Laredo to San Antonio, the AP reports. The driver and another man were arrested shortly after the migrants were found. They were charged with smuggling resulting in death and conspiracy. The men were all charged with conspiracy to transport immigrants resulting in death, serious bodily injury, and placing lives in jeopardy. Each faces a maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted.

Jul 21, 2022 12:00 AM CDT

Two men were indicted Wednesday in the case of a hot, airless tractor-trailer rig found last month with 53 dead or dying migrants in San Antonio, officials said. A federal grand jury in San Antonio indicted Homero Zamorano Jr., 46, and Christian Martinez, 28, both of Pasadena, Texas, on counts of transporting and conspiring to transport migrants illegally resulting in death; and transporting and conspiring to transport migrants illegally resulting in serious injury, the AP reports. Both remain in federal custody without bond pending trial. Conviction on the death counts could result in life sentences, but the Attorney General's Office could authorize prosecutors to seek death penalties. The serious bodily injury counts carry sentences of up to 20 years in prison.
Four volunteers have entered a simulated Mars habitat at the Johnson Space Center in Houstonand barring unforeseen problems, they will remain there for 378 days. The volunteers are not trained astronauts, but their time in the 3D-printed, 1,700-square-foot habitat is intended to simulate a real mission to Mars, including problems like equipment failure and communication delays, CBS reports. NASA says the volunteers will carry out activities including simulated spacewalks, robotic operations, and habitat maintenance. Crop growth will be another activity, though most of their meals will be ready-to-eat "space food."

The habitat also includes a 1,200-square foot "sandbox"with red dirt, of courseto simulate outdoor missions. The volunteersresearch scientist Kelly Haston, structural engineer Ross Brockwell, emergency medicine physician Nathan Jones, and Navy microbiologist Anca Selariuwere selected from a pool of applicants in April, Gizmodo reports. NASA put out the call for volunteers in 2021, seeking US citizens 30 to 55 years old with flying experience or a master's degree in a science, engineering, or mathematics field. NASA says the simulation will provide vital information that will help the agency "make informed decisions to design and plan for a successful human mission to Mars."

The Houston Chronicle has more on the volunteers, who will be paid $10 per waking hour, up to a maximum of 16 hours a day. Haston, the mission commander, has experience building models of human diseases and she says she's a " fan of rugged endeavors." Jones says he's worried about being away from children Micah, 13, Owen, 11, and Ezra, 8 for a year, but he feels he has the right skills for the simulationand it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Brockwell had previously applied to be an astronaut and he sees the simulation as an "exciting opportunity to participate in the space program and the Mars mission in particular." Selariu trained alongside the others as a backup and joined the primary crew when another volunteer withdrew days before she was due to enter the habitat Sunday. (Read more NASA stories.)
Drifting smoke from the ongoing wildfires across Canada is creating curtains of haze and raising air quality concerns throughout the Great Lakes region and in parts of the central and eastern United States. The Environmental Protection Agency's AirNow.gov site showed parts of Illinois, lower Michigan, and southern Wisconsin had the worst air quality in the US on Tuesday afternoon, and Chicago, Detroit, and Milwaukee had air quality categorized as "very unhealthy." In Minnesota, a record 23rd air quality alert was issued Tuesday through late Wednesday night across much of the state as smoky skies obscured the skylines of Minneapolis and St. Paul, the AP reports.

Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy issued an air quality alert for the entire state. Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources also issued an air quality advisory for the state. In Chicago, officials urged young people, older adults, and residents with health issues to spend more time indoors. "As these unsafe conditions continue, the city will continue to provide updates and take swift action to ensure that vulnerable individuals have the resources they need to protect themselves and their families," Mayor Brandon Johnson said.

Fires in northern Quebec and low pressure over the eastern Great Lakes are sending smoke through northern Michigan, and across southern Wisconsin and Chicago, said Bryan Jackson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Jackson added that a north wind would push the smoke further south, moving into Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky later Tuesday and overnight. Earlier this month, massive fires burning stretches of Canadian forests blanketed the northeastern United States and the Great Lakes region, turning the air yellowish gray, and prompting warnings for people to stay inside and keep windows closed. (Read more wildfires stories.)
Travelers waited out widespread delays at US airports on Tuesday, an ominous sign heading into the long July 4 holiday weekend, which is shaping up as the biggest test yet for airlines that are struggling to keep up with surging numbers of passengers, the AP reports. In some cases, delays ran several hours at airports in the Northeast, as thunderstorms pounded the region. At various times, the Federal Aviation Administration held up flights bound for LaGuardia Airport in New York and Reagan Washington National and Baltimore-Washington airports near the nation's capital. By early evening on the East Coast, about 5,500 flights were delayed and more than 1,600 canceled. United Airlines, with a major hub in Newark, New Jersey, canceled about 500 flights or 17% of its schedule, and JetBlue canceled 13% of its flights, according to FlightAware.

Call it the storm before the storm. The FAA was expecting about 48,000 flights on Tuesday, rising on Wednesday and peaking at more than 52,500 on Thursday, which figures to be the biggest travel day of the holiday period. People whose travel plans were disrupted took to social media to vent against the airlines. Some swore they would never fly again on whichever airline had done them wrong. One stranded couple saw other people looking for unaccompanied minors, and heard about stranded travelers who spent hours in line or slept at the airport. If large numbers of passengers are stranded or delayed this weekend, expect federal officials and the airlines to blame each other for the mess.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, whose department includes the FAA, has been beating up on the airlines for more than a year. He has accused them of failing to live up to reasonable standards of customer service and suggested that they are scheduling more flights than they can handle. But the airlines are punching back. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby blamed a shortage of federal air traffic controllers for massive disruptions last weekend at its Newark hub, and the FAA has admitted that it is understaffed at key facilities including one in the New York City region. It is training about 3,000 new air traffic controllers, but most of them won't be ready anytime soon.

(Read more air travel stories.)
Since its 2002 opening, no UN human rights investigators had been permitted to visit Guantanamo Bay. That changed in February, when Irish law professor Fionnuala Ni Aolain was granted accessand what she found was "cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment." The UN special rapporteur spent four days at the detention center and met with a number of the 34 prisoners there at the time (the number now stands at 30; her report notes 780 Muslim men have been detained there), as well as met with 9/11 families. The Guardian frames her resulting 23-page report as containing "searing words," as did a Monday press conference.

"After two decades of custody, the suffering of those detained is profound, and it's ongoing," said Ni Aolain. "Every single detainee I met with lives with the unrelenting harms that follow from systematic practices of rendition, torture, and arbitrary detention." She noted that the US owes Guantanamo's inmates an apology, and that the center should be shuttered, per NBC News: "Closure of the facility remains a priority." In a submission to the Human Rights Council regarding the report, the US emphasized that the special investigator's findings "are solely her own" and that "the United States disagrees in significant respects with many factual and legal assertions" in her report. Standout details from said report, which can be read in full here:

"In every meeting she held with a detainee or former detainee, the SR was told with great regret that she had arrived 'too late.' She agrees. At the time of her visit only 34 detainees remained at the site. It is evident that the horror and harms of extraordinary rendition, arbitrary detention, and systematic torture, cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment or punishment inflicted over time occurred in part because of ... the lack of international law compliant domestic oversight and accountability."

She credited the US government for making the "meaningful step" of allowing her visit, knowing it "would put its detention practices, repatriation and resettlement efforts, and treatment of victims and family members of the 9/11 terrorist attacks under close scrutiny. .... It is a sign of a commitment to international law that the visit occurred." The AP notes Ni Aolain said she received access to everything she asked for.

Every detainee past and present "lives(/d) with their own distinct experiences of unrelenting psychological and physical trauma of withstanding profound human rights abuse."

"She positively recognizes that the current conditions at Camps 5 and 6 include the requisite sleeping accommodations, sanitation, food service, recreational facilities and activities, and communal prayer under internationally accepted standards for the majority of detainees."

"Arbitrariness pervades the entirety of the Guantanamo detention infrastructure."

She found that several procedures in place "constitute at a minimum, cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment." Among them, the requirement that all detainees are addressed by their Internment Serial Number rather than their name, a "deliberate choice" in place for over 20 years that "undermines each detainee's self-worth and dignity."

Ni Aolain experienced "a heartfelt response" by many detainees to encountering a person who wasn't a lawyer or associated with Guantanamo, in some case for the first time in decades, per the AP.

She found many detainees showed evidence of "deep psychological harm and distressincluding profound anxiety, helplessness, hopelessness, stress and depression, and dependency."

She expressed that she is "gravely concerned by the failure of the US Government to provide torture rehabilitation programs."

She observed "with profound concern that of the 30 men remaining at Guantanamo, 19 men have never [emphasis hers] been charged with a single crimein some cases, after more than 20 years of detention in US custody."

(Read more Guantanamo Bay stories.)
Kevin Spacey looked calm as he arrived at London's Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday to face charges that could see him jailed for life. The Oscar-winning actor, who smiled and waved at reporters, has said he is confident he'll be cleared of all 12 sex offense charges related to alleged attacks between 2001 and 2013 on four men now in their 30s and 40s, allowing him to stage a comeback . His trial, which began Wednesday with Judge Mark Wall offering instructions to the jury, is expected to last four weeks. Fourteen jurors have been selected, two of whom will serve as alternates "in case someone realizes they know an alleged victim or someone else connected with the case," per NBC News .

The judge acknowledged many jurors will know of 63-year-old Spacey, who wore a navy suit and pink tie, "or have seen his films. That doesn't disqualify you from sitting on this jury," Wall said. But he urged jurors to avoid media coverage of the case and "rely on what you see and hear in this courtroom." The trial was then adjourned until Friday, when prosecutors will address the jury for the first time, per Reuters. As the trial plays out, the four accusers, who cannot be identified under the law, are likely to testify "via a video-link, or, in court, possibly from behind a screen or curtain" to protect their privacy, a British criminal lawyer tells the New York Times, which reports cameras are not allowed inside the courtroom.

Last May, prosecutors announced four counts of sexual assault, plus an additional count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without their consent, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, related to Spacey's encounters with three men between March 2005 and April 2013, when the actor served as artistic director of London's Old Vic Theatre. Then in November, Spacey was hit with three counts of indecent assault, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, related to encounters with a fourth man between 2001 and 2004. He has pleaded not guilty. (His trial comes months after a New York jury found the actor not liable for battery in a sexual abuse lawsuit.)
Wrongly convicted of rape as a teenager, Yusef Salaam served almost seven years in prison before he was freed in 2002. Since then, he's become a poet, author, activistand now, apparently, a New York City councilor. Salaam, a member of the Central Park Five, appeared Tuesday to have defeated three other candidates, including one backed by Mayor Eric Adams, in the Democratic primary for Harlem's 9th District. There are no Republicans running, meaning the winner of the primary will claim the seat, per AM New York . With 99% of ballots counted, Salaam claimed 50.14% of the vote, while Adam's pick, Inez Dickens, trailed with 25.02%. The results are not yet official, though Salaam appears to have hit the 50% mark needed to avoid rounds of ranked-choice voting.

"Started from the bottom, now we here," Salaam said in declaring victory late Tuesday. "What has happened in this campaign has restored my faith in knowing that I was born for this. Every single thing that happens to you, happens for you." The 49-year-old who was born and raised in Harlem but spent the last several years living in Georgia spoke of "having to be kidnapped from my home as a 15-year-old child, to be lodged in the belly of the beast." But "I was gifted to turn that experience into the womb of America," Salaam said. "I was gifted because I was able to see it for what it really wasa system that was trying to make me believe that I was my ancestors' wildest nightmare. But I am my ancestors' wildest dream."

Candidate Al Taylor, a State Assembly member who claimed 14.39% of the vote with 99% of ballots counted, had encouraged his supporters to rank Salaam second on the ballot. "I believe in this young man" and "wish Yusef all the best," he said, per AM NY. Dickens, a former councilor who joined the state Assembly in 2016, conceded but vowed to "continue to fight for what my community needs," per the AP. On the campaign trail, she slammed Salaam's Georgia residency and lack of experience, per the New York Daily News. Salaam countered that his "lack of experience in politics is a great thing" as he promised to bring fresh ideas to City Hall. His campaign was the most expensive in this year's Council elections, with more than $230,000 spent, per the Daily News. (Read more Central Park Five stories.)
When Josh Logue started flying drones as a hobby, he had no idea it would result in him saving lives. That's what happened Saturday morning as the 18-year-old Colorado man sent up a drone to explore the Denver suburb of Brighton after heavy rainfall transformed a dry canal into an "overflowing stream," per the Washington Post . Logue soon spotted a hole in a road near a bridge across the canal. Probing further, he saw an SUV overturned inside. After calling 911, he drove with his father and a neighbor who works as a firefighter to the site, about 2 miles away. There, they found a Jeep Grand Cherokee completely hidden from the roadway inside a 7-foot-deep hole that was steadily filling with water.

As the SUV's horn was blaring nonstop, it was some time before the party realized there were two people trapped inside the vehicle. Finally, Logue's neighbor, Ryan Nuanes, heard shouts for help above the din. A 66-year-old man and 61-year-old woman were able to convey that the 6-inch pocket of air in which they could breathe was slowly shrinking. "I've been a Denver firefighter for 25 years and it was the most dire situation that I had seen," Nuanes tells the Post. First responders soon arrived, working with the Logues and Nuanes to move the SUV so that both occupants could be freed. The male driver, who hadn't been wearing a seatbelt, was seriously injured, Colorado State Patrol said, per KMGH.

The couple, trapped for 15 minutes before Logue and his helpers arrived, had been unable to call for assistance themselves as the water had rendered their phones unusable, Brighton's fire chief, Brycen Garrison, told USA Today. As KMGH reports, the sinkhole had opened in "a desolate spot" on a "lightly traveled gravel road in rural Weld County," so "the odds of getting help from a passing motorist were not good." Nuanes credited Logue with the rescue, per USA Today. Jake Logue recalled telling his son, "Dude, you just saved people's lives!" per the Post. "That was crazy to think about," said Josh Logue. "If I would have been down here 20, maybe 30 minutes later, they could have been dead." (Read more uplifting news stories.)
Whether it's stress, lack of knowledge, or freezing in the moment, Liang Shi has not been able to achieve a satisfactory score on the gaokao , China's grueling college-entrance exam. It's not for lack of trying: The 56-year-old millionaire has taken the test more than two dozen times over the past four decades, starting in 1983 when he was 16. Now, after a disappointing result on his 27th try on June 7, Liang says he may finally call it quits. NBC News reports he only got in the 420s (out of 750) on the last exam, which falls far short of the 600 points needed for admission into his "dream school," Sichuan University. "I'm so disappointed now, so disappointed," Liang said Friday on a social media livestream that showed him opening his scores, per CNN .

The multiday test is a famously challenging one that covers Chinese, math, and English, as well as either sciences or liberal arts. It's also typically the only gauge that colleges in China use to admit students, upping the pressure to perform well on it. Citing data from the Chinese government, the BBC reports that just over 40% of those who took the exam were admitted into Chinese colleges or universities in 2021. Liang's highest score ever was in 2018, when he got a 469still not enough to get into Sichuan U. In 1992, his score was high enough to be admitted to a university in Nanjing, but it wasn't SU, so he declined the offer.

At one point, Liang became too old to take the exam, and so instead he started a couple of businesses in the '90s that eventually made him a millionaire. In 2001, however, the age limit was raised, and he began studying in earnest again. Why would a self-made man who doesn't want for money be so obsessed with acing this exam? "I just admire intellectuals. I have been in awe of knowledge and well-educated people since I was a kid," he tells NBC, which notes Liang put in more than 12 hours of studying a day while prepping for the test. Liang isn't sure if he's going to go for test No. 28, although his friends have encouraged him to keep trying. His dream also remains intact. "I still want to be an intellectual," he tells NBC. "Achieving this goal will be my most important success." (Read more China stories.)
French President Emmanuel Macron called for calm Wednesday while denouncing the "inexplicable and inexcusable" killing of a teenager during a traffic stop in a Paris suburb. A 17-year-old delivery driver identified as Nael M. was shot Tuesday by an officer who appeared to lie about the circumstances afterward, the Guardian reports. Police initially claimed that the teen tried to drive his car at an officer after he was pulled over for breaking traffic rules. A video on social media authenticated by AFP , however, shows two officers standing by the stationary vehicle, with one of them pointing a gun at the driver. A voice is heard saying, "You are going to get a bullet in the head." The officer then appears to fire at point-blank range as the car drives off.

The car crashed into a post dozens of feet away. Nael died shortly afterward, authorities say. Prosecutors say the officer was detained and could face manslaughter charges. The death of the teen, who was reportedly from a family of Algerian origin, sparked rioting in Nanterre and other Paris suburbs Tuesday night, with dozens of cars set on fire and 31 arrests made, the BBC reports. "Nothing justifies the death of a young man," Macron said Wednesday, adding, "We need calm for justice to be done, we need calm everywhere because we don't want a situation that degenerates."

Police unions criticized Macron's remarks, with one warning against encouraging "anti-cop" hatred. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, who called the footage "extremely shocking," said 2,000 riot police would be deployed Wednesday night to maintain order, the AP reports. The killing was also denounced by celebrities and political figures including Green Party leader Marine Tondelier, who said the video showed an "execution." "I heard a policeman lie, his colleague lie, the prosecutor lie, and the media lie," she said, per AFP. "You get the feeling that our police is becoming like America's." (Read more France stories.)
ELKO  A Spring Creek man who was caught in September with a stolen horse trailer has been sentenced to a minimum of two years in prison.

Chancy K. Yates, 28, pleaded guilty to burglary of a residence and grand larceny. He was sentenced Monday by District Judge William Maddox and given credit for 273 days already served in jail.

Yates was arrested Sept. 27 by Elko County Sheriffs deputies who pulled him over at 12th Street and Opal Drive. The trailer had been entered into a crime database earlier in the day.

After that arrest he was also charged with attempted escape from the jail. Deputies said Yates kicked out a cell window and climbed out of his cell, then went to the main door of the cellblock and began kicking it.

He was charged with possessing a dangerous weapon by an incarcerated person, escape by a felony prisoner, damaging jail property, and resisting a public officer with a deadly weapon.

Damage to the jail cost more than $1,700 to repair.

According to Elko County Jail records, Yates was also arrested in 2014 as one of two people suspected of burglarizing businesses in the Plaza Forty shopping mall on Idaho Street, as well as another business on Manzanita Lane and two places in Spring Creek.

He failed to show up in court and was listed as one of the sheriffs departments most wanted suspects. He was arrested a month later after returning to Elko on a bus from Oregon.

--

This article has been edited to reflect the correct sentencing judge.
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Amsterdam2023 EveryONE Conference Concludes with Global Worship at Olympic Stadium Participants prayed around the world and were commissioned to take the Gospel to the nations and to every person on Earth







NEWS PROVIDED BY

Empowered21

June 27, 2023



AMSTERDAM, June 27, 2023 /



Saturday's event got underway at 1 p.m., after 700 conference attendees participated in outreach throughout the city during the morning, inviting guests to join the evening portion of the event at Olympic stadium, which included a free concert with Australian band PlanetShakers and a presentation of the Gospel at 6 p.m. Over 300 people made decisions for Christ during this time.



The global worship and prayer tour began in The Netherlands, with an extended time of music by Iwan & Rebekah and the Church band choir, interspersed with prayers and encouragement by Dutch leaders like Ruben Flach, Jan Pool, Felix Govers and Arleen Westerhof. During the international "sing in," flags from all the countries of the world entered the arena, surrounding a large white cross, in a moving moment for the crowd. "We live in a time of confusion, crisis, division, fear, loneliness and depression," Pool said. "So many people are looking for an answer, and we have the answer  it is Jesus."



The next stop on the global journey was Europe, with worship led by UK group Chroma and prayers and encouragement shared by UK pastor Ben Fitzgerald, Norwegian church leader Anne Christiansen and German pastor Markus Wenz. "There has been a lot of darkness in Europe, but in the midst of the darkness, the bright light of Jesus is shining and thousands of people are coming to Jesus," Christiansen said.



Latin America was the next continent visited, with Brazilian group Dunamis leading in worship. Brazilian-born missionary evangelist Rubens Cunha prayed for his nation and others in South and Central America. Argentinian pastor and evangelist Claudio Freidzen and his daughter and fellow pastor Daniella Freidzon-McCabe shared about his experience being transformed at the first Billy Graham Amsterdam conference in 1983 when he was a young pastor, and he believes others will be similarly transformed by their time in Amsterdam this week.



Nigerian Bishop E. A. Adeboye started the time of prayer and focus on Africa, followed by Goodwill Shana and a rousing time of worship with a group from House on the Rock church in Lagos, Nigeria. Evangelist Daniel Kolenda wrapped up the time in Africa speaking of his predecessor Reinhard Bonnke and his historic work in Africa seeing 88 million decisions for Christ. Kolenda shared Bonnke's vision near the end of his life that an entire generation of evangelists would follow him, reaching all the nations for Christ.



Pastor Gail Stathis from Greece brought her friend, a Muslim convert from Tunisia who distinctly understands the challenges of sharing Christ in that region, to lead a prayer for the Middle East and North Africa.



Asia was next, with church leaders from that continent leading in prayer, including Shekhar Kallianpur from India, Brother Yun from China and Niko Njotorahardjo from Indonesia. "We cannot fulfill the Great Commission in our own strength but it must be done through the power of the Holy Spirit," Njotorahardjo said. Empowered21 Global Chair Dr. Billy Wilson announced that the next EveryONE conference would be held in Indonesia next summer, focusing on reaching EveryONE Asia.



U.S. ministry leader Cindy Jacobs began the time of prayer for North America, followed by U.S. evangelist Nick Hall and Canadian leader David Wells. The Oral Roberts University worship band from Tulsa, Okla., lead a time of praise and worship. Australian pastors Russell Evans and Tim Hall concluded the global journey with prayers for Oceania, kicking off the concert by renowned Australian band PlanetShakers.



Following the evangelistic presentation by Nathan Morris, there was a time of prayer for healing led by Swiss evangelist Jean Luc Trachsel and Belgian ministry leader Martin Koornstra. Mattheus van der Steen, Dutch evangelist and Founder of Harvest Fields International, who served as Empowered21 event liaison for the Netherlands, also led in the time of prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to move in people's lives.



The SEND's Teo Hayashi, founder of the Dunamis Movement, alongside Dr. Wilson, commissioned those in attendance to answer God's call of "whom shall I send, who will go for me," with "here am I, send me," as they committed to being one of the "ones" who will be needed to reach EveryONE in the next decade. Brian Alarid encouraged the attendees to pray for people by name as part of the effort to pray for every person on earth by name by 2033. A final time of worship was led by a combined group from Dunamis and ORU Worship.



Dr. Wilson's closing encouragement included the thought that if just two people shared the Gospel with others and those two shared and those two shared, and so on, it would only take 33 days for every person on the earth to have an opportunity to experience an authentic encounter with Jesus Christ. "We can do this!" he exclaimed.



About Empowered21

Empowered21 (E21) is the world's largest Spirit-empowered relational network. E21 is comprised of a global council, international and regional leadership teams, and various work groups. E21 organizes regional and global events to inspire the Spirit-empowered community. E21 mobilizes efforts to recognize and implement effective models to answer the cry for spiritual fathers and mothers, connecting generations for intergenerational blessing and impartation and focusing on crucial issues facing the movement. For more information about Empowered21 and Amsterdam 2023, visit



SOURCE Empowered21



CONTACT: Melany Ethridge,



Share Tweet NEWS PROVIDED BYJune 27, 2023AMSTERDAM, June 27, 2023 / Christian Newswire / -- The Amsterdam2023 EveryONE conference concluded Saturday with a global worship, prayer and commissioning service for the thousands who gathered in The Netherlands this week before returning to their home countries. More than 5,000 individuals from over 125 nations attended the conference in person at the historic RAI conference center, with thousands more joining online from 150 countries around the world.Saturday's event got underway at 1 p.m., after 700 conference attendees participated in outreach throughout the city during the morning, inviting guests to join the evening portion of the event at Olympic stadium, which included a free concert with Australian band PlanetShakers and a presentation of the Gospel at 6 p.m. Over 300 people made decisions for Christ during this time.The global worship and prayer tour began in The Netherlands, with an extended time of music by Iwan & Rebekah and the Church band choir, interspersed with prayers and encouragement by Dutch leaders like Ruben Flach, Jan Pool, Felix Govers and Arleen Westerhof. During the international "sing in," flags from all the countries of the world entered the arena, surrounding a large white cross, in a moving moment for the crowd. "We live in a time of confusion, crisis, division, fear, loneliness and depression," Pool said. "So many people are looking for an answer, and we have the answer  it is Jesus."The next stop on the global journey was Europe, with worship led by UK group Chroma and prayers and encouragement shared by UK pastor Ben Fitzgerald, Norwegian church leader Anne Christiansen and German pastor Markus Wenz. "There has been a lot of darkness in Europe, but in the midst of the darkness, the bright light of Jesus is shining and thousands of people are coming to Jesus," Christiansen said.Latin America was the next continent visited, with Brazilian group Dunamis leading in worship. Brazilian-born missionary evangelist Rubens Cunha prayed for his nation and others in South and Central America. Argentinian pastor and evangelist Claudio Freidzen and his daughter and fellow pastor Daniella Freidzon-McCabe shared about his experience being transformed at the first Billy Graham Amsterdam conference in 1983 when he was a young pastor, and he believes others will be similarly transformed by their time in Amsterdam this week.Nigerian Bishop E. A. Adeboye started the time of prayer and focus on Africa, followed by Goodwill Shana and a rousing time of worship with a group from House on the Rock church in Lagos, Nigeria. Evangelist Daniel Kolenda wrapped up the time in Africa speaking of his predecessor Reinhard Bonnke and his historic work in Africa seeing 88 million decisions for Christ. Kolenda shared Bonnke's vision near the end of his life that an entire generation of evangelists would follow him, reaching all the nations for Christ.Pastor Gail Stathis from Greece brought her friend, a Muslim convert from Tunisia who distinctly understands the challenges of sharing Christ in that region, to lead a prayer for the Middle East and North Africa.Asia was next, with church leaders from that continent leading in prayer, including Shekhar Kallianpur from India, Brother Yun from China and Niko Njotorahardjo from Indonesia. "We cannot fulfill the Great Commission in our own strength but it must be done through the power of the Holy Spirit," Njotorahardjo said. Empowered21 Global Chair Dr. Billy Wilson announced that the next EveryONE conference would be held in Indonesia next summer, focusing on reaching EveryONE Asia.U.S. ministry leader Cindy Jacobs began the time of prayer for North America, followed by U.S. evangelist Nick Hall and Canadian leader David Wells. The Oral Roberts University worship band from Tulsa, Okla., lead a time of praise and worship. Australian pastors Russell Evans and Tim Hall concluded the global journey with prayers for Oceania, kicking off the concert by renowned Australian band PlanetShakers.Following the evangelistic presentation by Nathan Morris, there was a time of prayer for healing led by Swiss evangelist Jean Luc Trachsel and Belgian ministry leader Martin Koornstra. Mattheus van der Steen, Dutch evangelist and Founder of Harvest Fields International, who served as Empowered21 event liaison for the Netherlands, also led in the time of prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to move in people's lives.The SEND's Teo Hayashi, founder of the Dunamis Movement, alongside Dr. Wilson, commissioned those in attendance to answer God's call of "whom shall I send, who will go for me," with "here am I, send me," as they committed to being one of the "ones" who will be needed to reach EveryONE in the next decade. Brian Alarid encouraged the attendees to pray for people by name as part of the effort to pray for every person on earth by name by 2033. A final time of worship was led by a combined group from Dunamis and ORU Worship.Dr. Wilson's closing encouragement included the thought that if just two people shared the Gospel with others and those two shared and those two shared, and so on, it would only take 33 days for every person on the earth to have an opportunity to experience an authentic encounter with Jesus Christ. "We can do this!" he exclaimed.Empowered21 (E21) is the world's largest Spirit-empowered relational network. E21 is comprised of a global council, international and regional leadership teams, and various work groups. E21 organizes regional and global events to inspire the Spirit-empowered community. E21 mobilizes efforts to recognize and implement effective models to answer the cry for spiritual fathers and mothers, connecting generations for intergenerational blessing and impartation and focusing on crucial issues facing the movement. For more information about Empowered21 and Amsterdam 2023, visit https://empowered21.com and https://amsterdam2023.com , where the entire EveryONE conference is still available for online viewing. The closing global worship rally is archived at https://www.facebook.com/empowered21/videos/697173592236199 SOURCE Empowered21CONTACT: Melany Ethridge, melany@alarryross.com
ELKO  The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input in preparation of an Environmental Assessment for the proposed Crescent Valley Geothermal Development Project in Eureka and Lander Counties.

The 30-day public scoping period will open on June 28 and will close July 28, 2023.

BLM Nevada has a strong portfolio of renewable energy projects, the Elko District looks forward to receiving public feedback for this geothermal project proposal, said District Manager Gerald Dixon.

The proposed Crescent Valley Geothermal Project considers the construction, operation, maintenance and eventual reclamation of a geothermal energy production facility and associated transmission line totaling approximately 2,040 acres on public and privately leased lands. The transmission line would support an approximate 30-megawatt net rated geothermal power generating facility, operated by Ormat Nevada Inc.

The project would be developed south of Crescent Valley, approximately 50 miles southwest of Elko, and located 25 miles south of Interstate 80 via State Highway 306. More information about the proposed project can be found on BLMs ePlanning website.

The BLM manages vast stretches of public lands that have the potential to make significant contributions to the nations renewable energy portfolio, stated the announcement. To promote the development of these energy sources, the BLM provides sites for environmentally sound development of renewable energy on public lands. The efficient deployment of renewable energy from our nations public lands is crucial in achieving the Biden-Harris administrations goal of a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035, as well as Congress direction in the Energy Act of 2020 to permit 25 gigawatts of solar, wind, and geothermal production on public lands no later than 2025.

Written comments may be mailed to the BLM, Tuscarora Field Office, Attn: Crescent Valley Geothermal Development Project, 3900 E Idaho Street, Elko, NV 89801, or emailed to BLM_NV_ELDO_TFO_Projects@blm.gov.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Reported by Julia Cassano

The vile rape marriage law (Article 353 from the 1976 Penal Code) was ratified by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and approved by Parliament and the Shura Council.

"The Prime Minister and ministers, each in their capacity, shall implement the provisions of the law, which takes effect upon its publication in the Official Gazette," said HM the King in the decree.

The legislation essentially placed women in gruelling circumstances as they would be made to prove that the act was conducted without her consent, which is practically impossible. Not only this, but the vile law allowed rapists to escape deserved punishment, as rapists could marry their victims to escape prosecution, legalizing the crime and sustaining a climate of impunity.

Although repealed much later than many hoped for, the abolishment of the law showcases the importance of governments adapting to changes in societies. The legislation that had stood for so long gave women the impression that rape was not taken seriously in Bahrain and that victims did not receive the safety and assistance they needed when enduring a vile act.

A Bahraini citizen, Yousif, agreed with this when talking to The Daily Tribune. He said that the law should never have been enacted in the first place.

"Although the abolishment of this law is a massive step in the right direction for womens rights in Bahrain, the law should have never existed." Jasmine, a resident of Bahrain, said: "As much as I have felt at home and loved living in Bahrain for the past 21 years of my life, laws as such indicated to me that womens safety was not a priority."

I cannot imagine how Bahraini women would feel if they endured violent and revolting acts and could then be forced to marry their perpetrators. This type of change has been needed for a long time; it is enlightening to see it being accepted now."

Bahraini netizens have also shared their enlightening views on the abolishment of the marital rape law. @Troublezee said: "Alhamdulillah, I hope this is just the beginning of the abolishment of laws that are unjust to women." @BuHSN said: "The girl is not responsible for what happened; however, it is the responsibility of society to sympathise with her, with the punishment for the rapist being severe."

The previous existing framework deterred victims from reporting serious crimes, which can fuel a cycle of abuse and violence against women. But as laws are changing, women can receive appropriate care and have safe settings to speak up. This encourages more women to receive justice, speak up, and encourage others to do the same.

Bahrain is the latest country in the Middle East and North Africa region to abolish laws or amend penal codes that have led rapists to avoid punishment by marrying their victims. Major decisions such as these should be a lesson to other countries in the region to abolish laws that infringe on womens rights.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Batelco, part of the Beyon Group, and talabat, the regions leading platform for everyday deliveries have signed a partnership agreement to provide customers with exclusive offers and promotions.

The agreement was signed by Moaiad Aqel, Managing Director at talabat in Bahrain and Aseel Mattar, General Manager Consumer at Batelco, in the presence of representatives from both entities at Batelcos premises.

As part of the agreement, customers that order Batelco packages through talabat will benefit from special Batelco offers while also receiving talabat vouchers for discounts and free deliveries.
, Jun 28 ( NHK ) - Japan's Finance Ministry and the Bank of Japan say they plan to put into circulation three types of new banknotes in July 2024 with the latest anti-counterfeiting technologies.

Finance Minister Suzuki Shunichi made the announcement after inspecting the National Printing Bureau in Tokyo on Wednesday.

Suzuki said the circulation of new banknotes is scheduled to begin in the first half of July next year. He asked financial institutions and private sector businesses to continue their preparations.

The face of the new 10,000-yen note will be Shibusawa Eiichi, who is called the father of the modern Japanese economy.

The new 5,000-yen note will feature Tsuda Umeko, who was the first Japanese woman to study abroad. She attended schools in the United States.

The new 1,000-yen note will have a portrait of Kitasato Shibasaburo, a bacteriologist who developed a cure for tetanus. ...continue reading
, Jun 29 ( indiatimes.com ) - The sight of men occupying spaces that should be for women is unfortunately not uncommon, and a recent incident has captured global attention, shedding light on the true state of gender equality in society.

Representatives from the Group of Seven (G7) nations met in Nikko, Japan, for a two-day summit focused on gender equality and women's empowerment. The agenda covered a wide range of topics, including sexual violence, LGBT rights, and economic imbalances.

The participating countries pledged to address the wage gap, enhance women's representation in executive and managerial positions, and promote gender equality. However, the summit brought unexpected embarrassment for Japan as it was the only country represented by a man. ...continue reading
ELKO  An Elko girl who was reported missing has been safely reunited with her family, according to the Elko County Sheriffs Office.

Alicia Mota, 15, was listed as a missing-endangered person in a June 23 release from the sheriffs office.

Thank you to all of the community members that assisted, said the ECSO.

Mota was located Monday night.

Sheriff's Office personnel said they appreciate the community support that we always receive.

The original article is posted below:

---

ELKO  The Elko County Sheriffs Office is looking for assistance in locating Alicia Mota, a 15-year-old listed as a missing-endangered person.

Deputies have been diligently working to locate her, stated a June 23 news release. We have reason to believe she is still in the Elko area.

We are asking for the community to help in our efforts to return her to her family that is very worried about her, and really wants her to come home.

Anyone with information on Motas whereabouts is asked to contact Elko Central Dispatch at 775-777-7300. Tips may also be submitted through the Elko County Sheriffs Office App.
Ghanaian rapper, Michael Owusu Addo, popularly known as Sarkodie, has seemingly replied his estranged girlfriend, actress Yvonne Nelson after she accused him of impregnating her and refusing to take responsibility.

Recall that the thespian in her recently published book, I Am Not Yvonne Nelson, narrated how she aborted her first pregnancy because she is fatherless and did not expect to give birth to a child whose father had refused to accept responsibility.

In a chapter titled A Difficult Decision, she said Sarkodie said no to keeping the pregnancy.

But reacting in his latest single, Try Me [Raw] released on Wednesday, Sarkodie claimed he asked Yvonne Nelson to keep the pregnancy even though he wasnt ready to be the father.

Yes, I wasnt ready but then I told you to keep it. So dont make it seem like I was pushing you for abortion, he raps in the first verse of the song.

He said Yvonne Nelsons book was great but got patronage because of the negative she spilled.

Not because your book is really good but we are living in a world where negativity sells, Sarkodie raps.

The rapper urged the actress to take the blame because nobody is the cause of your bad choice in life, and stop the personal attacks.

Song video:
The ruling All Progressives Congress has debunked speculation that President Bola Tinubus private visit to the United Kingdom from the Paris summit on Saturday was to attend to his ailing health.

The development comes in the wake of the presidents return to the country on Tuesday ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir festival.

Tinubu, who was initially scheduled to return to Abuja, proceeded to London for a short private visit, according to a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, Dele Alake.

Aside from his participation at the event, the President held high-profile sideline meetings with fellow heads of state and government, global business leaders, and chief executives of leading multilateral and development finance institutions from around the world.

His last-minute private visit, however, set tongues wagging all over social media, with trolls and critics insinuating that the former Lagos governor probably used the trip as a smokescreen to visit his doctors.

Reacting in an exclusive phone chat with our correspondent, Director of Publicity for the APC, Bala Ibrahim, refuted the claim.

While stating that such unfounded fear was uncalled for, Ibrahim disclosed that Tinubu has proven throughout his rigorous electioneering campaign and post-inauguration activities that he was fully prepared for the task.

Why is it that every time the president travels, people will speculate that he went for treatment? Yet, not once did any of these speculations come to pass. Everything they speculated against the president didnt materialise. For Gods sake, why cant they jettison this mentality of the man is sick? When you investigate, you will discover those making these silly statements are not doctors. Some are even mechanics. Who is healthy? They should even look at what nature is doing. About three of the speculators have died while the man is moving.

People should, therefore, stop challenging God. Nobody is 100 per cent healthy and the man himself has said he is contesting to be president, not the kick-boxer of Nigeria. He is doing his job as the Constitution requires. We all saw how he stood on the podium for hours during his inauguration. He took the salute, oath of office and allegiance, and even inspected the guard of honour. I think we should cut the man some slack, he said.

A former coordinator in the dissolved All Progressives Congress Campaign Council, Dr Ene Ogbole, also expressed the same concern in a separate interview.

While dismissing the speculated ill-health of the president, Ogbole reiterated she wasnt surprised Tinubu was the target of his critics and rumour-mongers.

That rumour is not new. In fact, if we were to go by speculations and fabrications, I dont think the President should be alive today. Because there were countless insinuations, rumours and lies here and there. He went strictly on official duty, which was expected of him. It is his constitutional responsibility to liaise with other countries of the world. After all, the world is a global village. Things are interwoven. People relate for economic, political, climate and several other reasons. So he has gone for his assignment as we have seen so far and he will be back.

By the way, any man can fall ill. As I speak to you, I have arthritis in my legs. I cant walk well. Im 40 years plus, not to talk about a man like that. Younger people are falling ill, developing arthritis, dislocation or fracture. In fact, anything can happen. We are humans and not machines. Even machines develop faults. So what is wrong with him going to the hospital? But that is not the case. He has only gone for a meeting and will come back to move Nigeria forward in a positive direction, she stated.

Her defence came at a time many of the presidents campaign foot soldiers and former spokespersons are evading media attention to avoid blowing their chances of making it into his cabinet, ministerial list, boards of ministries, departments and agencies.

But the former campaign director added that since assuming office, Tinubu has left no one in doubt about his sincerity on the need to right the wrongs of the past.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has fixed July 10 and 11 to hold its national caucus and national executive committee (NEC) meetings respectively.

Iyiola Omisore, national secretary of the APC, announced the dates in a notice on Tuesday.

APC NATIONAL CAUCUS, NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (NEC) MEETINGS FIXED FOR 10TH & 11TH OF JULY, RESPECTIVELY pic.twitter.com/BBwwQytSqt  APC Nigeria (@OfficialAPCNg) June 27, 2023





The national secretary said the call for the sit-down was pursuant to articles 12.5 and 25.2(i) of the APC constitution.

Omisore said the president, vice-president, senate president, speaker of the house of representatives, national chairman, deputy chairs (north and south), national secretary, national legal adviser, national treasurer, national organising secretary, national youth leader, and national leader of persons living with disabilities are among those invited.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari and Yemi Osinbajo, the immediate past vice-president, are expected to be in attendance.

While the national caucus gathering will be held at the presidential villa, party leaders will converge on Transcorp Hilton for the NEC meeting the next day.

Although the agenda is not yet known, it is understood that the meetings may provide avenues to resolve the various crises facing the party since the last elections.

There are feelers that the forum may also decide the fate of Abdullahi Adamu, national chairman, and Omisore, who have been accused of flouting the partys constitution.

Salihu Lukman, vice-chairman of the APC in the north-west, has on several occasions accused Adamu of highhandedness.

Lukman has also challenged the national chairman and Omisore to declare the partys finances.

In an open letter written in April, Lukman said Adamu would not be allowed to run the party as a sole proprietorship, adding that compliance with the APC constitution is sacrosanct.

These meetings will be the first for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shetimma since they were elected leaders of the country.

The last time the ruling party held these meetings was in the build-up to the general election. At the time, the party was looking at the possibility of having a consensus presidential candidate.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says Nigeria is on course to achieving optimal democracy.

Festus Okoye, INEC national commissioner for information and voter education, spoke on Tuesday in response to the European Union (EU) election observation missions final report on the recently concluded general election.

Barry Andrews, the chief observer, said the elections exposed enduring systemic weaknesses that need to be corrected.

Andrews faulted INEC for the operational challenges and glitches experienced with the bimodal voter accreditation system (BVAS) and the result viewing portal, saying the discrepancies severely damaged public confidence in the electoral body.

Public confidence in INEC was severely damaged on 25 February due to its operational failures and lack of transparency, he said.

While some corrective measures introduced before the 18 March elections seemed to have a positive impact, overall trust was not restored and eventually led civil society to call for an independent audit of the entire process.

CHANGE TAKES TIME

Reacting to the report, Okoye said it is unfair to judge the commission and the entirety of the polls off a few glitches.

He noted that in other reports submitted, domestic and international observers attested to the fact that in terms of voter accreditation, the BVAS performed optimally.

The national commissioner, however, noted that certain factors contributed to issues encountered in the conduct of the elections.

If you look at those challenges, you must also look at the context of the elections, also the environment which was surrounded by, one, insecurity in so many parts of the country. Nobody can dispute that, he said.

Secondly, there were also issues targeted at some of our staff and other Nigerians.

You have to also look at the issues of fuel scarcity during that particular period and the issue of the naira redesign and also that we had significant challenges with transporters.

So these are some of the issues were going to look at.

Okoye said INEC would act on the recommendations made by the EU mission.

One of the lessons that we must learn is that we must have faith in our democratic institutions. Is it every time that we have a challenge with a particular section of the constitution that we now run to the national assembly to amend the law? There has to be some level of fidelity, that is the only way we can progress, he said.

The other issue I want to outline is that democracy is not a 100m dash, we as a people and a nation have to build our democratic institutions and our own democracy.

You heard the chief observer say that there is democratic regression in so many countries of the world, are we supposed to also regress? No. We have to be positive and build our own.

Those who say there is nothing positive about our democracy are saying that we should allow anti-democratic forces to take over and nobody does that.




Peter Obi, Labor Party Presidential candidate has urged Muslims in Nigeria to imbibe the spirit of love, brotherliness, and peaceful co-existence.





Obi made the call in a series of tweets on Wednesday.





He said Muslim faithful should use this years Eid-El Kabir festivities to engender the spirit of oneness and also re-dedicate themselves to the virtues of love, patriotism, and unity for the desired national development.





Sallah gives us ample opportunities to appreciate our creator whose mercy and grace to us are enormous, even when we do not deserve them.





Nigerian Muslims should use this solemn period of Sallah to present Nigerias discomforting situation to Allah for His prompt intervention.





I urge Nigerians to devote themselves to the values that unite and bind all citizens in love. Let us permanently put behind all divisive tendencies.





We should not despair and miss the essence and meaning of Eid-el-Kabir festivities, and the divine succour that it brings in assuring us that there is always a light at the end of every tunnel. A new Nigeria is Possible.





Happy Sallah Celebration!
Vice Presidents of the Ile de France Region welcomed Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen and the delegation. (Photo: SGGP)

On June 26 (local time), within the framework of a working visit to France, the Ho Chi Minh City high-level delegation paid a courtesy visit to the leaders of the Ile de France Region.

Ms. Valerie Pecresse, President of the Ile de France Region, and Vice Presidents of the Ile de France Region, received the delegation.

At the meeting, Mr. Nen expressed his pleasure to visit France at a very meaningful time. It was the occasion that the two countries are carrying out many activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership.

He also expressed his impression that the Ile de France region occupies only about 2% of the area but contributes to 30% of the gross domestic product (GDP) of France; there are about 12.2 million people with more than 1 million operating businesses.

According to the Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, over the past time, along with the development of the strategic partnership between Vietnam and France, the local cooperative relationship between the two sides has also developed very positively. In particular, in April 2023, Ho Chi Minh City and the Ile de France Region actively participated in the 12th Vietnam-France Cooperation Conference in Hanoi.

He added that Ho Chi Minh City is a major center of economy, culture, education and training, science and technology, a hub for international exchange and integration of Vietnam, with a population of more than 14 million people, where nearly 300,000 businesses are operating. Currently, France has nearly 340 projects with a total investment of USD310 million, ranking 16th out of 119 countries and territories investing in Ho Chi Minh City. The potential for cooperation between the two sides is still huge.

He welcomed and committed to creating all favorable conditions for French businesses, including those from the Ile de France region, to invest and participate in business activities in the city. He also wished the leaders of the Ile de France Region to promote cooperation in areas where France has strengths and Ho Chi Minh City has needs, including urban planning, transportation networks, smart city construction and environmental treatment.

We hope that today's meeting will open up new opportunities for cooperation and friendship between the two localities in the future, contributing to further deepening the Vietnam-France Strategic Partnership," he said.

The President and the Vice Presidents of the Ile de France Regional Council warmly welcomed the delegation and shared contents of mutual interest.

The two sides agreed to deploy three main content groups for cooperation, namely economic development, ecological transformation and conservation and promotion of heritage values.

In sharing and cooperating on experience in planning the development of the Seine River, in addition to serving economic development, this is also closely related to urban planning.

Along with that, it is promoting cooperation and exchange of experiences with the region on the conservation and promotion of the value of monuments, public works and villas of cultural and historical value built by France previously in Ho Chi Minh City. In addition, the two sides will also cooperate and implement programs to develop the Francophone community in Ho Chi Minh City./.




Manchester City have identified the player to sign after missing out on West Ham United captain, Declan Rice.





According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Man City have entered the race to sign Celta Vigo midfielder Gabriel Veiga, who is wanted by a host of clubs in Europe.





Having missed out on Rice, who is set to join Arsenal this summer, Pep Guardiolas side have now turned their attention to Veiga.





Veiga has a 34 million release clause in his Celta Vigo contract.





The Spaniard has caught the attention of the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea and Liverpool, but Man City are now also pondering on signing the 21-year-old.








The Dutsen Tanshi Majlis Foundation Bauchi, a group of followers loyal to popular Islamic Cleric, Dr. Idris Abdulaziz has denied warning the state government in a purported notice that they will take laws into their hands if their leader is not released with immediate effect.





It was reported that a High Court of Islamic Law No. 1, in Bauchi had sent the embattled cleric to the states correctional facility for contempt of court





Abdulaziz is standing trial for allegations of incitement of public disturbance of peace and blasphemy. He was earlier issued a bench warrant following his failure to appear before the court.





However, his followers, in a statement signed and made available to journalists on Tuesday by their leader Malam Yau, said the posters calling for his release did not emanate from the group.





This is an emergency message to berate the students of Malam for some messages perpetrated by some unknown persons threatening that if Dr. Imam Idris is not released immediately, they will take laws into their hands.So, we reiterate that this is not from us and we have no knowledge of it, the statement reads





It added that We are calling on all Muslims that follow the teachings of Quran and Hadith and the righteous path to continue to be law-abiding, as efforts are ongoing to ensure the matter is settled legally.





Malam Yau said only the committee members of the group have the mandate to release any statement or stand on the ongoing legal case against their leader.




The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has dismissed an audio message circulating on social media asking residents of the southeast to observe a one-week sit-at-home from July 3 to 10.





The sit-at-home order, purported to have come from IPOB, with the tag #FreeNnamdiKanu, is aimed at forcing the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).





The audio message claimed that there will be dire consequences for anyone who ventures out on the said dates.





But the media and publicity secretary of IPOB, Mr Emma Powerful, told newsmen upon enquiry on Wednesday, that the audio message was not from his group.





You must know whom madness sit-at-home is, and the criminal who is illegally destroying our land.





I will issue an official press release against it in two to three days to the date declared in the audio, but for now, the leadership (of IPOB) has asked me not to give it attention or attraction, he said.





IPOB had first declared every Monday a sit-at-home day in the South East, as a way to compel the Federal Government to release its leader Kanu, but later canceled it, upon plea that the exercise was taking a toll on the economy of the region.





However, since its cancelation, some hoodlums have continued to enforce it, making many to compulsorily sit at home every Monday, despite IPOBs assurances.





A factional leader of the group, Simon Ekpa, who is based in Finland, has continually supported the Monday exercise, and even threatened governors of Anambra and Enugu, Prof Chukwuma Soludo and Mr Peter Mbah respectively, who had spoken and cancelled the exercise in their states.
The Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 Governorship Election in Rivers State, Senator Magnus Abe, on Tuesday, said nobody was better prepared to rule Nigeria like President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared the winner of the keenly contested February 25 election. He defeated his closest rivals  Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Partys Peter Obi to clinch the nations coveted seat.

Speaking on Channels Televisions Politics Today, Abe said Tinubu is well experienced to lead Africas largest economy.

Of all the candidates that indicated interest to run for the 2023 presidency, nobody was better prepared, nobody has better experience, nobody has greater capacity than Tinubu, he stated.

Atiku Abubakar himself, when he was politically-challenged, he ran to Tinubu. It was Tinubu that accommodated him, gave him the platform, and supported him to run.

So, this man (Tinubu) has the capacity, the knowledge and the reach to bring diverse people together in this country. He has shown that repeatedly, including this last election.

If it was not for the fact that it was Tinubu that was running, I doubt if the APC would have been able to do as much as they have done with all the challenges that went on that time.

Loyal To Tinubu?

During the interview, Abe, who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District in the 9th Assembly, pledged his loyalty to President Tinubu.

Although he became a federal lawmaker under the APC platform, he later dumped the ruling party for the SDP where he clinched the partys ticket for the March 11 governorship poll in the oil-rich state.

Despite his loss to Siminalayi Fubara of the PDP, the senator has not returned to the ruling APC. Rather, he pledged his loyalty to the President who is also the ruling partys leader.

When asked if he has dumped the SDP for APC, he said, I have not moved. I went to the SDP primarily because of the Rivers State situation and politics of Rivers State.

As far as the national politics was concerned, I have always been where you know that I am.

After the shows anchor, Seun Okinbaloye asked him if he was a Tinubu man, Abe replied, Thats where I am.




Colombian pop sensation, Shakira has lamented how she was betrayed by former Barcelona stalwart, Gerard Pique.





Shakira and Piques love life was envied by many and was cited as an example of a celebrity relationship that works.





They may no longer be together, but that does not change the fact that fans shipped them for more than a decade.





The former couple were an item for 12 years, during which time they had two sons together. In June 2022, however, the pair announced that they had called it quits





The songstress has now unraveled the details of the former Spain internationals betrayal, which led to a highly-publicized separation of the duo.





In an interview with People en Espanol magazine, Shakira revealed the harrowing moment when she discovered Pique was cheating on her.





Everything came together, my home was falling apart. I found out from the press that I had been betrayed while my dad was in the intensive care unit.





I thought I wouldnt survive that long. The man I have loved the most in my life, my father, was leaving me when I needed him most, but I could not talk to him or receive the advice from my best friend that I would have needed so much, she revealed.





However, Shakiras 91-year-old father managed to pull through his intensive care stay.




The Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, Sam Amadi, has urged the election petition tribunals to declare unelected candidates with fake certificates.





Amadi claimed that the nation is dying under the weight of fake certificates being paraded by politicians, including professors, lawyers and doctors.





He argued that it is in the national interest to remove from office any person who forged any certificate.





In a post via his Twitter handle on Wednesday, the social critic insisted that the court has a duty to protect public ethics.





He wrote, Fake Certificates and National Survival.





Nigeria is dying under the weight of fake certificates by professors, lawyers, doctors, politicians, etc.





The least any tribunal, including PEPT, can do is to declare unelected any candidate with any fake certificate, in Lagos, Enugu, Oyo, etc.





No nation- in Europe, Asia or America ever developed with pervasive certificate fakery. It is actually in national interest to remove from office any person- no matter how illustrious or well meaning, who forged any certificate. The court has a duty to protect public ethics [sic].




A federal high court in Abuja has ordered the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) to pay N1 million to Dibu Ojerinde, former Registrar of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), over unlawful detention.

Obiora Egwuatu, presiding judge, also awarded N200,000 fine against the ICPC as the cost of instituting the suit and ordered the immediate release or arraignment of the applicant.

In March 2021, Ojerinde was arrested by the ICPC.

On July 6, 2021, he was arraigned on an 18-count charge bordering on alleged misappropriation of funds to the tune of N5.2 billion while in office. He was later granted bail while the trial continued.

On January 2023, Ojerinde was re-arrested by the ICPC at the premises of the court.

But the former JAMB registrar sued ICPC for allegedly violating his right to dignity and liberty.

Delivering judgment on Tuesday, Egwuatu held that though Ojerindes rearrest was legal and lawful based on the search warrant obtained from the chief judge of the court, the anti-graft commission ought to have obtained a detention warrant.

The judge held that detaining the applicant without a proper order and not arraigning him was a breach of his fundamental right to liberty.

However, the court held that Ojerindes right to the dignity of a person was not breached since he was unable to show that he was either tortured or brought into forced slavery, among others.

The judge ordered that the former JAMB registrar should be released or arraigned immediately.

Although Ojerinde had sought N500 million as compensation and another N100 million as the cost of instituting the suit, the court awarded N1 million as damages and N200,000 as litigation cost.




Clement Onwuenwunor, lead counsel to Abdulazeez Adediran, has accused Olaolu Adekanbi, an official of the West African Examination Council (WAEC), of compromising evidence in his testimony at the election petition tribunal.

Adediran, also known as Jandor, who was the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last elections, is calling for the disqualification of Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, over a fake WAEC result.

He is also challenging the victory of Sanwo-Olu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on the ground of non-compliance with the electoral act 2022 and the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

On Tuesday, Adekanbi was subpoenaed by the court to give evidence on the controversy surrounding the qualification of Sanwo-Olu.

The witness had presented a document bearing a May/June Olevel result with the name of the governor issued in 1981 by Ijebu Ife Community Grammar School.

Onwuenwunor accused Adekanbi of not being truthful in his evidence.

He told the tribunal that the evidence presented by the witness was different from an earlier finding after a search on WAECs online result verification portal which allegedly did not show the governors name and result.

He also applied for leave to cross-examine the witness to challenge the accuracy of the evidence.

There is a major conflict between what the witness has just brought and what we earlier tendered which was also issued by WAEC, he said.

Our search before the polls had discovered that the governor had no result on WAECs portal and now this witness is bringing something different which contradicts their earlier position.

He is not being a witness of truth. He has also refused to give more evidence on what he presented and said the council does not produce hard copies of certificates or retain duplicate certificates.

In its ruling, the tribunal, headed by Arum Ashom, held that the petitioner could not cross-examine the witness and that the exhibit containing the findings from the portal could not be linked to WAEC directly.

However, the court ordered the counsel to cross-examine the WAEC official.

During the cross-examination, the witness told the tribunal that the governor was found to have been entitled to a certificate issued by the school in question and that the online portal did not exist as of 1981.

Since there was no portal in 1981, this master list of 581 candidates that sat for the exam at the school is the primary information that will be fed into the result verification portal, Adekanbi said.

I think electronic registration of candidates started in 2004.

For migrating results, we have three portals and the council does not retain duplicate copies of certificates.

Adetunji Oyeyipo, INECs counsel, described the petitioners grouse as a storm in a teacup.

This witness has made two contradictory statements. There is nothing to warrant treating him as a hostile witness, he said.

At the very best, he has only given evidence not palatable to my learned friend.

He prayed the court to refuse the application of the petitioner.

Muiz- Banire, lawyer representing Sanwo-Olu, also agreed with INECs position.

Exhibit P36 is a product of one Ijebu Ife Community Grammar School, not WAEC while exhibit b2 is a product of one Grandex Ventures Ltd., not WAEC, Banire said.

No one has led evidence to establish the authenticity of that portal, so the attachment to it is totally unreliable.

No witness has even testified on the said Grandex, section 230 of the evidence act does not avail the petitioner the right to seek leave of court to declare the witness hostile.

The matter was adjourned till July 4 for the continuation of the hearing.
A robber faces decades in prison after being found guilty of shooting and killing a man during a home invasion robbery in Atlantic City nearly three years ago.

A jury on Tuesday convicted Oshshakkur Derrick, 27, of Somers Point, of felony murder, armed robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery and kidnapping, aggravated assault and a weapons offense, the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office said.

Derrick and a second man, who has yet to be arrested, broke into a home on the 100 block of North Pennsylvania Avenue on Nov. 22, 2020, but unexpectedly found a man and woman in a bedroom, officials said.
The Devils are trading forward Yegor Sharangovich and a 2023 third-round draft pick to the Calgary Flames for right winger Tyler Toffoli, league sources told NJ Advance Media Tuesday night.

The Devils confirmed the news via their official Twitter account.
Lancang - Mekong Cooperation Media Summit 2023 (Photo: CPV)

The Summit was attended by representatives of media agencies from 6 countries in the Lancang - Mekong region, including China, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Thailand. This was the fourth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Media Summit since 2017.

The Vietnamese delegation attended the Summit with representatives of diverse media agencies, including Nhan Dan Newspaper, Vietnam News Agency, the Voice of Vietnam, the Communist Party of Vietnam Online Newspaper, and the Television of the National Assembly of Vietnam.

Li Shulei, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China, a Secretary of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, and Head of the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China addresses the Summit. (Photo: CPV)

Speaking at the Summit, Li Shulei, a member of the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party, a Secretary of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, and Head of the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, emphasized the important role of the Lancang-Mekong cooperation mechanism in promoting the development of regional countries; affirmed that communications is an important channel contributing to promoting regional cooperation; and expressed his hope that the media would continue to promote its role in promoting Lancang-Mekong cooperation.

Mr. Tuo Zhen, Editor-in-Chief of China's People's Daily - the organizer of the Summit, said that Lancang - Mekong cooperation in the past 7 years has been expanding, with increasing results of cooperation. He highly appreciated the role and contribution of regional media to Lancang - Mekong cooperation, bringing many benefits to the peoples of the countries. He affirmed that in this process, the media shouldered a very important role and mission.

Representatives of media agencies from 6 countries in the Lancang - Mekong region discuss at the Summit. (Photo: CPV)

Delegates at the Summit agreed that in promoting people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, the press-media plays an important role, contributing to introducing, disseminating and promoting widely to the people about the friendly relations of countries in the region, the beauty of the countries, the people and the socio-economic development of each country. Strong communication cooperation will contribute to promoting the development of Lancang - Mekong countries.

They exchanged views on strengthening communication cooperation between Lancang and Mekong countries to promote the development of the region, and sought measures for effective public access while promoting the role of the media in shaping society and promoting mutual trust and understanding.

They also said that the Lancang - Mekong cooperation mechanism plays a key role and creates positive impacts on cultural exchange, human resource development and economic connectivity in the region, thereby bringing about better living conditions for the people, and promoting the development of countries in the region./.
White Mannas burgers may be tiny. But their list of accolades once again just grew.

The minuscule burger shack in Hackensack known for its small sliders slathered in onions  and not to be confused with White Mana in Jersey City  was just named the best hole-in-the-wall burger joint in New Jersey by Cheapism.com.

Heres what Cheapism had to say about the Bergen County institution:

Founded in 1939, White Manna (not to be confused with White Mana in Jersey City) is one of the nation's original slider joints. Burgers are small  most people order three or more  but inexpensive and tasty, with thinly sliced onions fried with the beef, and potato buns steamed on top. If you're lucky enough to grab a seat at the counter, you can watch the cook work his magic on the tiny griddle.

White Mannas greasy, cheesy, oniony burgers are so popular that the tiny dining room is routinely so slammed with people clamoring for a bag of cheeseburgers and a side of fries and pickles. Waits can be long, and ordering can be so competitive it feels like trying to make a purchase at the New York Stock Exchange, but the greasy goodness is always worth the wait  a stock that never tanks and always tastes delicious.

The first location was in Jersey City before they opened the shop in Hackensack, the one that was honored specifically by Cheapism. Both spots are still open, creating one of New Jerseys best food rivalries.

This is absolutely not the first time White Manna has earned acclaim, nationally or regionally. It ranked No. 2 on The Daily Meals Best Burgers in America list in 2020. It was the No. 3 burger on NJ.coms list of best burgers in the state earlier this summer. Most recently, Readers Digest named it the best burger in New Jersey.

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Jeremy Schneider may be reached at jschneider@njadvancemedia.com and followed on Twitter at @J_Schneider and on Instagram at @JeremyIsHungryAgain.
Whatever the word cotton can conjure on a pop culture level, fiber artist Joanna M. Bellamy-Jordans new exhibition of works, Cotton Clouds, is not about enslavement or the indentured servitude which followed its U.S. abolition in December of 1865, she says.

As is written on a flyer for the show that features an image of sharecroppers picking cotton, Bellamy-Jordans (mostly) cotton-based art materials collide against what we cannot touch: clouds and the wounds of history.

The show premiering 7 p.m. Friday, June 30, at Lackawanna Coffee, 325 Warren St., features pieces in which Bellamy-Jordan, is taking a metaphorical route to exploring whats been built from her ancestors struggles. The artist is mostly using cotton-based materials to weave creations in the space thats resulted from a lineage in which some children had to forgo school to work as sharecroppers.

Its about paying homage to my director ancestors and re-imagining Blackness in a genuine way, Bellamy-Jordan said yesterday. Thinking of Afro-futurism, sacred space, healing, and awareness of what my lineage went through for me to have the freedom that I have today.

Cotton Clouds evokes many images, not the least of which is what sharecroppers who picked cotton literally looked up to above them and the world they lived in, and how it made them dream of a world where they were not so tethered.

Learn more about Bellamy-Jordan at jobellart.weebly.com and find her on Instagram @ jobelldesigns.
The fate of 124 Glenwood Ave. has been postponed until at least July 11.

The Jersey City Planning Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, which included a hearing on the property, was canceled because there were not enough board members for a quorum, officials said.

All items on the agenda have been moved to the July 11 meeting. The developer already demolished the existing historic structure and proposes to construct a new four-story, four-unit residential residential building.

The proposal for 128 Glenwood Ave. is on the agenda for Thursdays city zoning board meeting, but McGinley Square residents opposed to the developments say that hearing will be postponed to July 13.

The plans to build two four-story, four-unit buildings at those properties have raised concerns from neighbors who say the new developments dont belong among the string of charming and historic Queen-Anne style homes known as the Mayhew Terrace Cottages.

They describe 128 Glenwood as a 20-plus-year green space and community garden, where the developer seeks to construct a new four-story residential building,
A Jersey City man was arrested and a handgun and drugs were seized in a months-long Hudson County Prosecutors Office Gang Task Force investigation, authorities said.

Farrakhan Williams, 43, was charged Monday with possession of a weapon while committing a CDS offense, possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, unlawful possession of a weapon and certain persons not to possess a weapon.

Williams was arrested at his home and transported to the Hudson County jail, pending his first court appearance.

The task force, with assistance from the Hudson County Regional SWAT Team, executed a court-authorized search warrant of Williams apartment on Danforth Avenue early Monday morning.

The search resulted in the seizure of a handgun and more than 270 grams of suspected marijuana, the prosecutors office said.
For about 40 years, a tall, slender building next to the Loews Jersey theater in Journal Square has been owned by a Jersey City-born family hoping that one day the neighborhood would undergo a renaissance.

And now that the renaissance has begun, the owners of 50 Journal Square Plaza, once home to a popular bar and lounge, are in danger of being squeezed out.

The Jersey City Council is set to vote Wednesday on authorizing the city to acquire the property either by direct purchase or eminent domain, which is bitterly opposed by the owners  Quentzel siblings Jill and Bart, and the estate of their father, Gerald.

The decision by the city, which wants to turn the property into a park, is devastating, said Jill, who wants the city to find a different solution.

This has really changed everything, she said. Because this is always on my mind. Its not the money. Its the emotional part that Ive been fighting for so long, and I cared about trying to hold on to the building.

With the transformation of the Loews into an A-list concert venue, and the construction of luxury high-rises to the east, west and north and the world-famous Pompidou Centre opening a museum here, Journal Square is certainly experiencing a growth spurt.

In recent years, the family has been looking to convert both their property and the land next door into a 400-unit hotel, and even received a $8.1 million cash offer from Kushner Real Estate for the property.

But the city notice issued indicating potential eminent domain proceedings destroyed everything, Jill said.

Its really a disgusting procedure where a city puts out that theyre going to condemn you, so then the property obviously drops in value, she said. Then they take advantage and only offer you the value that theyve created.

Jill was hoping that upcoming developments nearby would help raise property values. Some major projects include a 28-story building north of the Loews, 55- and 49-story towers behind the theater and two 51-story towers across the street at 1 Journal Square.

The alleyway that separates the theater and the property could also become part of a public art walk that would be built by the developer of the 55- and 49-story towers project.

At Mondays caucus meeting, Business Administrator John Metro said that the city estimates the property to be worth $900,000 to $1 million.

(I) just want to reiterate that were trying to use this for public purpose, not necessarily caring about developers potential benefit from this, he said. The idea is (that) its a connection to the Loews project.

With the vote on the authorization looming, Jill is asking for the council to postpone it so that she and the city can enter negotiations over the site, including concepts such as allowing the city the ground floor of the property in exchange for building above it.

This is just asking for a postponement on this, she said. So that we can give concepts and try to avoid adversarial battle where everybody (is) spending money, and were willing to give you what you want.

A Jersey City spokeswoman did not respond for comment on the Quentzel familys requests for the postponement of the vote.
A New Jersey business accused of illegally offering free cannabis gifts with grocery orders must turn over potentially incriminating business records, a state appeals court ruled.

Slumped Kitchen  a Burlington County-based delivery service that now appears to be closed  appealed a 2021 judges order enforcing a subpoena from the state Division of Consumer Affairs for its business records. The business attorneys argued producing the documents would violate its Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination.

In a 12-page opinion published Thursday, the two-judge appeals court panel disagreed.

A plain reading of the subpoena supported the judges determination that the requested documents were corporate in nature and not personal because the information related to plaintiffs business practices, including licenses, advertising methods, and age-verification policies, the appeals court ruling said.

The Fifth Amendment does not apply to the companys business records, the judges said.

The case law does not extend the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination to business records of a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, or other business venture, the judges wrote.

Daniel Sweetser, an attorney for the Slumped Kitchen, declined to comment on the ruling. He also declined to say whether the business would turn over its records or if it would appeal the case to the state Supreme Court.

The office of state Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, which argued the states case, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Slumped Kitchen marketed itself as selling and delivering groceries to customers throughout New Jersey. But, the company was allegedly drawing in business by gifting customers up to 28 grams of weed in connection with the sale of snacks, such as brownies and cookies, according to court documents.

The price of the snack delivery depended on whether the customer selected a 14 gram or 28 gram gift of cannabis from Slumped Kitchen with their order, court documents say. The company also gave consumers with valid medical marijuana cards a discount. The law requires cannabis companies to apply for a license to grow and sell weed legally, a months-long process that includes getting local municipal approval.

Slumped Kitchen was created during a time when gray market operators were popping up all over New Jersey. After the state legalized cannabis in 2021, but before it had set up regulations for retailers, there were several businesses openly pairing free marijuana with other exorbitantly priced goods.

Based on the companys website and social media, the state Division of Consumer Affairs launched an investigation into Slumped Kitchen in June 2021 for potentially misrepresenting its sales. Slumped Kitchen was served with a warning to cease and desist as well as a subpoena seeking business records from Nov. 1, 2020, through June 29, 2021.

Slumped Kitchen did not answer the subpoena, but the companys attorney raised concerns with state officials about potential violations to the Fifth Amendment if the company provided the business records.

Attorneys for the two sides agreed Slumped Kitchen would provide a formal response to the subpoena, including specific objections, by Nov. 2, 2021, according to court records.

However, Slumped Kitchen did not respond on the agreed upon date, court records say. Instead, the company filed a motion the following day to quash the subpoena in court.

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Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com.
A man who hired a scammer hitman in an attempt to retaliate against a teenager he had previously exchanged sexually explicit media files with has been sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said.

John Michael Musbach, 34, of Haddonfield, pleaded guilty to knowingly and intentionally using and causing another to use a facility of interstate and foreign commerce with the intent that a murder be committed, on February 2.

Musbach exchanged sexually explicit photos and videos with a victim from New York, who was 13 years old at the time, during the summer of 2015, officials said. The teens parents then found out about the exchange and contacted local police, authorities said.
When Laura and Sam Kaitz first contracted with a surrogacy agency in Mexico to have a baby, they never imagined they would spend months trying to bring their infant son home to New Jersey.

The couple has spent more than $60,000 on the surrogacy and made nearly a dozen trips to the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City trying to get a passport for their baby over the last 10 weeks.

And their son, Simon, is still not home yet because of a dispute over his birth certificate in Mexico, his parents said.

We havent been a family for over two months, said Laura Kaitz in a phone interview, her voice breaking. And its really scary.

The Asbury Park Press first reported the couples fight to bring their son to the U.S.

The Freehold couple initially planned to work with a Ukrainian surrogacy agency and were ready to sign a contract before the countrys war with Russia broke out. The American surrogacy agency they used to find the Ukrainian agency suggested a Mexican-based agency named Surrogacy Mexico, the couple said.

They were paired with a surrogate in Mexico and  using Sam Kaitzs sperm and an anonymous egg donor  they were successful with the first egg transfer through IVF, or in vitro fertilization, Laura Kaitz said.

There were some slight hiccups throughout the process, including that their contract said they would be allowed to attend doctors appointments with the surrogate, but the agency barred them from doing so, she said. But, overall the couple thought the process was going well.

Simon was born prematurely on April 18, about seven weeks before his due date. He entered the neonatal intensive care unit at the hospital in Mexico, his parents said.

Laura Kaitz was barred from visiting Simon because the hospital only allowed biological parents, she said. So, her husband flew down to be with Simon and eventually took him to an AirBnB where he was staying after the baby was released from the hospital after about three weeks.

But, Simon was not allowed to fly home to New Jersey and remains in Mexico City with his father, the couple said.

A dispute over the babys birth certificate has held up Simons passport, Laura Kaitz said.

The surrogacy agencys lawyers told the couple the birth certificate was accurate, but U.S. Embassy officials said it was invalid because it contained Lauras name, instead of the surrogates name, as the babys mother, Laura Kaitz said. The birth certificate also contained a string of zeros in a spot where there should have been numbers, they were told.

Surrogacy Mexico did not respond to a request for comment. The U.S. State Department also did not respond to a request for comment.

The couple said the surrogacy agency also misled them about Simons birth. There were told he was born via a C-section, but the surrogate actually delivered him naturally at home, they said.

Laura Kaitz has traveled to Mexico City twice to see her husband and baby, she said. Sam Kaitz has made 11 trips to the U.S. Embassy in Mexico and provided numerous materials to prove their identity, including a recent DNA test.

U.S. Embassy officials have cautioned prospective parents for years about trying to use a surrogate to have a baby in Mexico. The process can include long and unexpected delays, the U.S. Embassy said in a June 2021 release.

Although surrogacy agencies/clinics claim surrogacy is legal in Mexico and actively promote Mexico as a destination for international commercial surrogacy, there is no legal framework for foreigners or same-sex couples to pursue surrogacy in Mexico, the U.S. Embassys warning said.

As a result, surrogacy agreements between foreign or same-sex intending parents and gestational mothers are not enforced by Mexican courts, it said.

Laura and Sam Kaitz said they were misled by the surrogacy agency, who told them the laws regarding surrogacy had changed in Mexico City.

Its very stressful, said Sam Kaitz. The first six times he went to the embassy, he was told he needed to bring something different every time, he said. The surrogacy agency has mostly cut off contact and assigned blame to the couple, Sam Kaitz said.

The AirBnB where Sam Kaitz is staying with Simon is costing the couple roughly $800 a week, they said. The couple paid $60,000 for the surrogacy, while flights, tests and other expenses have added thousands more, Laura Kaitz said.

On Wednesday, Sam Kaitz was making his 12th trip to the embassy for yet another appointment  to take a DNA test  which he and Laura were told should pave the way forward for Simons passport.

Until then, Simon will remain in Mexico.

I dont want this to happen to anybody else, said Laura Kaitz.

The U.S. Embassys warning from June 2021 about using surrogates in Mexico is still in place, even if agencies may be telling prospective parents the laws have changed, the couple said.

These are things we had been told, she said. I think its important for people to realize the laws have not changed.

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Brianna Kudisch may be reached at bkudisch@njadvancemedia.com.
A New Jersey lawyer recently charged with sexually assaulting four women in Boston 15 years ago  attacks he was linked to by DNA he left on a drinking glass  has been indicted on suspicion of five additional attacks during the same time period.

Matthew Nilo, 35, was indicted Tuesday on seven charges stemming from five attacks on four women in Bostons North End, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden. The attacks happened between January 2007 and July 2008 while the victims were walking alone in the dark, either at night or early in the morning, Hayden said. One woman was attacked twice, 11 days apart, he said in a news release.
After news of its approval broke this week, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul made it official Tuesday  New York Citys first-in-the-nation congestion pricing plan to reduce traffic, pollution and crashes by charging a fee to enter Manhattan has received the federal nod needed to go to the next step.

The next stage is ironing out the details  deciding what the congestion pricing fee should be, what credits and discounts should be extended and sifting through more than 100 requests made during last years public hearings for exemptions from the fee, Hochul and MTA officials said.

At a Tuesday press conference at NYU, Hochul called federal approval a decongestant for a goal of reducing the roughly 700,000 vehicles that come to Manhattan daily by an anticipated 15% to 20%, cutting pollution from vehicles and related health effects, reducing crashes and providing a $1 billion shot in the arm for Metropolitan Transportation Authority subway, bus and commuter railroad capital projects.

Federal Highway Administration officials approved a Finding of No Significant Impact after evaluating the 4,000-page environmental analysis of New Yorks third congestion pricing plan proposed since 2007.

This stage of the FHWAs work is finished, said Aaron Donovan, an MTA spokesperson.

Now it is up to two boards that have roughly 300 days to decide and approve what the final congestion pricing program will be and how much drivers will pay, said Hochul.

That process is beginning as we speak, she said. There is a lot of data that has to be digested in a few months and theyll be charged with coming up with the right answers.

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 for non-commercial passenger vehicles, that would provide toll credits for the three Hudson River crossings and other toll bridges and tunnels. Toll credits would lessen the congestion fee.

The seven proposed toll scenarios now go to a six-person traffic mobility board, which will review toll rates, whether to grant credits for tolls paid at Hudson and East River crossings and possible exemptions from the fee and make a recommendation to the MTA Triboro Bridge and Tunnel Authority for a vote.

In addition, that board has roughly 100 requests for exemptions to review, said Janno Lieber, MTA CEO to the media.

Congestion pricing could be implemented next spring.

We should be ready to go in about 10 months, Lieber said.

But that could be delayed by a legal challenge from New Jersey, which unsuccessfully appealed to the FHWA to have a more extensive Environmental Impact Statement study conducted. Gov. Phil Murphy wrote to the FHWA detailing environmental concerns about increased air pollution in Bergen County from traffic detouring around the congestion zone, a lack of revenue sharing with NJ Transit and the PATH and the economic effect on commuters.

On Monday, Murphy said the state retained Randy Mastro and Craig Carpenito of King & Spalding to explore all of our legal options, and we anticipate announcing a course of action soon.

While Hochul told reporters she wont comment on any pending litigation, she defended the plan.

Everything we do here is for the benefit of New Yorkers and people in the entire commuting range, 28 million people who will benefit from the investments were going to make, she said. Were waiting for the results of the traffic mobility review board that is assessing all times of day, all modes of transportation, all regions that this is affecting commuters.

Murphys office declined to comment on Hochuls press conference.

Last week, Lieber hinted at a compromise when he suggested drivers who pay tolls to enter Manhattan through Hudson and East River tunnels may not have to pay an additional congestion pricing fee under an idea he said is on the table during a CBS-NY TV interview.

It is under consideration by the mobility board by the traffic review board, Lieber said.

A preliminary congestion pricing report recommended providing toll credits for Lincoln and Holland Tunnel drivers, but not the George Washington Bridge. New Jersey officials want toll credits for all three Hudson River crossings.

At this point there are a lot of unanswered questions. I understand that but the law allows for the next 300 some days to establish the different payment scales , the times of day, Hochul said. Theres been countless conversations with the affected communities.

But she cautioned the more categories of people you exclude, the higher the congestion fee has to be.

Some of those requests for exemptions emerged during public hearings held last August that lasted for multiple hours.

Were trying to strike the right balance, Hochul said.

The MTA is issuing a notice to proceed to its contractor now that federal approval has been granted, who has fully designed the system of cameras and sensors, and the back office computer system for payment processing, Lieber said. Congestion pricing would use readers and cameras mounted on overhead infrastructure similar to cashless E-ZPass systems used by the MTA and Port Authority.

Cash customers would be billed for the fee.

Advocates who supported congestion pricing sounded hopeful that a plan could be crafted to satisfy both states.

Now begins the hard part for the MTA and the Traffic Review Mobility Board: developing a program that limits exemptions and offers appropriate credits so everyone pays a similar price to drive into Manhattans core, said Tom Wright, Regional Plan Association CEO. With the right credits, congestion pricing program can be implemented in a way that eliminates toll shopping and benefits both New York and New Jersey.

If congestion pricing survives a potential legal challenge by New Jersey, there could be legislative hurdles on the federal level. U.S Reps Josh Gottheimer, D-5th Dist,. and Staten Island Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, NY-11, co-Chairs of the bipartisan Anti-Congestion Tax Caucus, vowed to continue the fight.

As we move into the next step of this process, we will continue to evaluate our legislative options to prevent this scam from coming to fruition, sound the alarm so other cities dont make the same mistake, and stand in support of Governor Murphys efforts to take legal action should New York City and State proceed with this blatant war on commuters, they said in statement.

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Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com.
On behalf of the Lao President, the Lao Embassy in Vietnam awarded the Labour Order, first class, to Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy. (Photo: VNA)

Addressing the award ceremony, Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Sengphet Houngboungnuang appreciated the outstanding achievements of the university during its construction and development. More than 400 Lao medical staff have been trained at the university since 1969. After returning to their homeland, these doctors and nurses have actively contributed to improving public health care.

Dr. Nguyen Quoc Tien, President of the university, expressed his deep gratitude to the Party, State and people of Laos for the noble award as well as many other orders and medals given to the university's officials and lecturers.

The Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy was established in 1968. One year later, the university was assigned to train medical workers for Laos and then Cambodia, Mozambique and the Republic of Korea.

In the 2022-2023 academic year, the university trains 415 foreign students, including 280 Laotians, 129 Cambodians, five Mozambicans and one Korean.

On this occasion, 16 officials and lecturers of the university were awarded the third-class Labour Order, the Labour Medal, the Friendship Order and the Friendship Medal by the Lao President and Prime Minister for their contributions to the development of the health sector in the neighbouring country.

The same day, the university held the graduation ceremony for 72 foreign students, including 55 from Laos and 17 from Cambodia./.
When the Bridgegate scandal blew up in Chris Christies face, he found an incredibly expensive lawyer to produce a widely ridiculed report that cost taxpayer more than $11 million, at an hourly rate of $650.

The lead lawyer, Randy Mastro, found that Christie did nothing wrong, which is what he was hired to do. In the words of Sen. Loretta Weinberg, it was a report to prove that the dog really ate my homework.

So, its a strange hire to begin with. But for Gov. Phil Murphy to choose Mastro, assigned to help negotiate with New York over congestion pricing, makes it even stranger.

Because several of the states leading feminists had another problem with Mastros report: They felt it was sexist, since it speculated about the romantic life of Bridget Kelly, the woman at the heart of the scandal, suggesting she was emotionally off her rocker when she sent the famous e-mail warning of traffic problems in Fort Lee.

Mastros bodice-ripping account portrayed Kelly as a woman scorned, saying she had a romantic relationship with Bill Stepien, Christies campaign manager, and that Stepien had dumped her, leaving the poor woman rattled. The report said the breakup may have had some bearing on her subjective motivations and state of mind.

How did Mastro know? He relied on office gossip. He never spoke to Kelly or Stepien. He had no subpoena power, and with federal prosecutors sniffing around at the time, both refused to cooperate with him. So, he filled in the gaps himself.

Nobody knows what was going on except Bill Stepien, me, and my mom, Kelly said Tuesday. The fact that Mastro put my mental state at the center of his report is just inexcusable. Women are still being maligned, still being cast as emotional. None of that was said about any male.

Murphys decision to hire Mastro, she says, rubs salt in it.

Promoting men who make a living destroying women is unacceptable, especially in a leader of the state, she tweeted Monday. Both Phil Murphy & Randy Mastro seem to have missed the MeToo movement. They think it is acceptable to empower men who cover up sexual assault, who slut shame, and who think nothing of destroying women for sport.

As far as I could tell, Kelly was not saying this as a broken and hysterical woman, dapping a tissue to soak up her tears. Shes just furious.

To me, the mystery is how Murphy could be so politically blind. Because his teams repeated mistreatment of women is his biggest political vulnerability. If he is nominated for federal office, or runs for president, hes going to face a gauntlet of women who will testify about that mistreatment.

The famous case is Katie Brennan, a 2017 campaign volunteer who said a senior member of Murphys campaign staff raped her after a party of campaign workers in Jersey City. The charges didnt stick, but her account was credible, and the prosecution was muffed so badly by Hudson County prosecutors that it was later transferred to Middlesex County for review, where it was mishandled again.

Murphys senior staff promised Brennan that the accused would be fired, but he was promoted instead, and given a fat raise and promotion  until Brennan, in frustration, told the Wall Street Journal all about it.

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Several women described the 2017 campaign to me as a horror show of frat boys gone wild, including unwanted touching, dick jokes at meetings, unchecked temper tantrums, and even an angry shouting of the C-word. And since many of them were required to sign gag orders, most spoke anonymously.

Julie Roginskys account may be the most damaging. A senior advisor to Murphy, she told him in the summer of 2017 that she was mistreated herself, and that several female staffers complained to her as well. She offered to give Murphy names, she says, so that he could follow up. A few days later, she was fired. Murphy, she says, never asked for those names.

Roginsky, a regular contributor to the Star-Ledger, is a savvy political player who has joined her fellow Fox News alumnus, Gretchen Carlson, to establish a national organization, Lift Our Voices, that has successfully won new limits on the use of gag orders nationally, along with measures to protect women and the elderly in the workplace. Murphy is often the chief villain when she tells her story, be it at the National Press Club or speeches around the country.

When she learned that Murphy hired Mastro, she was exasperated. He goes out of his way to hire people who mistreat women, she says.

Yes, Mastro knows New York politics, having served as a deputy chief of staff to Mayor Rudy Giuliani. And yes, hes offering Murphy a lower rate of $250 an hour, perhaps because he doesnt have to make stuff up this time around.

But his report on Bridgegate was no masterpiece, to put it mildly. The bias was so obvious that even the federal judge presiding over the Bridgegate trial, Susan Wigenton, felt the need to scorch it. She claimed that Mastro broke standard investigative practices to create a report full of opacity and gamesmanship.

Its easy to see why the defendants cried foul, she wrote.

Weinberg is mystified by Murphys decision, too.

Why pick one of the central betes noires of this entire scandal? she asks. Who knows?

Murphys people declined to discuss this. That, at least, makes some sense. If you have no good argument to make, silence can be the only refuge.

More: Tom Moran columns

Tom Moran may be reached at tmoran@starledger.com or (973) 986-6951. Follow him on Twitter @tomamoran. Find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook.

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Sign up for Reckons latest newsletter, Reproductive Justice with Becca Andrews, a weekly repro rundown covering the good, the fair-to-middlin' and the ugly in repro news. Enter your email to subscribe to Reproductive Justice with Becca Andrews.

This week, were talking to Oriaku Njoku, president of the National Network of Abortion Funds. Njoku is a Southerner who co-founded and directed ARC-Southeast, a regional abortion fund based in Atlanta, Georgia, that serves six states, before she began her position at NNAF in July.

What are the challenges for abortion seekers that are front of mind for you right now, a year after Dobbs?

Some of the things that have been coming up for me are, for instance, the idea of investing in abortion funds and abortion access as investment in our futures. Abortion funds are fielding even more calls, and some are supporting more people than ever before. The folks who are reaching out for abortion fundsBlack, Indigenous, people of color, women, young folks, trans and gender-expansive people, people from poor, rural, working-class backgroundsare also the folks who have experienced the most harm over the past year. Theyre also the same group of folks who are most impacted by various levels of structural oppression that we experience every day. Its not just that the current state of abortion access in the United States is horrible, its also that health care access in the United States for these groups of people is not where it needs to be. The larger structural and institutional issues are being exacerbated by the loss of abortion access.

Its also that the cost of travel is skyrocketing and the logistics of getting people to their appointments is becoming more and more complex. Even with the legal protection of Roe, folks were still crossing state lines. But now, people are having to leave the region, in the South especially, to get abortion care.

The abortions funds on the ground are definitely meeting the challenge, as they always have. Regardless of what is happening on the outside, regardless of the political climate, the commitment of abortion funds and our membership is to ensure that no matter who you are, where you come from, what your lived experiences are, our membership will do what they can to ensure that youre getting the abortion that you want and need on your own terms. But even as the need has increased, there has been this decline in donations and contributions since the Dobbs decision came down. The current state of affairs is not matching the current need. My hope is that this anniversary will renew interest, but we also have to acknowledge that this is not the time to get complacent. Just because the courts gave up on us in this instance, doesnt mean that abortion funds are giving up on us or that we should give up on abortion funds.

When it was announced that you were stepping into the executive director position at NNAF, I couldnt help but cheer a bit, because it felt so significant to have a Southerner in a national role like that. How has your background as a Southern Black RJ worker informed your new role?

One of the things that I learned from doing this work on the ground, is that Southerners are not resilient because of the trauma and the oppression that weve gone through. Were resilient because we are inherently resilient.

At NNAF, when it comes to accountability, when it comes to that principled struggle, it is so worth it to me to take the time to build trust and community with one another. Im not asking for us to move lockstep with each other in every single moment, but there is some sort of alignment that is required for us to be able to move in coordination with one another. Having experience with building coalition, doing that work in Georgia in spite of a hostile legal-political climate, we were still doing the work. We still had wins. We got to define what wins look like for us, not necessarily having them be dictated from the top.

Not only do I feel like this work is incredibly sacred, I feel deeply called to this work. There was a senator from North Carolina, Senator Natalie Murdock, that I was on a panel with last weekshe was talking about what it means to be doing this work right now, and she was talking about this work being like an assignment. And coming from the South, working in the South with all these amazing organizers and mutual aid groups, Im like, Oh, I understand the assignment.

I understand that the demands and the moves that were making even on a national scale must be informed by the work thats happening on the ground. If we are not getting our guidance from the ground, if we are not getting our guidance from reproductive justice organizations, if we are not using the reproductive justice framework to inform and guide the way our work intersects with other issues, then we are really, truly missing an opportunity to have this next iteration of the movement be a reflection of what we always wanted, to have a movement that reflects all of us. This was not a movement of compromises. If were in the South, and were talking about the ways that others move, we go hard for our people. Its not something that were like, Oooh, I guess were talking about liberation, but like for this group of people, not that one. Thats not who we are.

Even if it does get tough, theres still a way that you can approach this work with love and with grace and with generosity. We also know that its important to pace ourselves, to take time and reflect and not keep trying to move from a place of scarcity. There is still so much abundance in possibility. Having a doom and gloom approach hasnt ever served anyone. Im like, If we dont think were gonna win, what are we doing, friends? There are times where Im like, Im pretty sure Im getting on folks nerves right now. And Im not going to stop, because thats the energy I bring to this work.

Theres this thing that happens with every election cycle where its like, oh, well, Black women did their job, they showed up, they saved democracy again. But we need to let people know that in this movement, we are actually witnessing a lot of leadership transitions. Were amplifying the leadership of Black, Indigenous, queer, trans, gender-expansive folks within our movements. This cannot be another one of those moments where folks of color are the ones who end up saving this movement.

We actually need all of us in the spirit of this collective responsibility that we have not only to ourselves, but to each other, to really show up and show out differently in this moment. Those are the things that, being from the South, thats how I have to do this work. I dont know any other way to do it, whether were talking about me being a Southerner, or being raised by parents who are from Nigeria and part of the Global South, this is what our people do. We come from a legacy of folks who will always fight for each other, for our ability to self-determine and make decisions about our bodies and our families.

I really appreciated what you said earlier about finding the joy and abundance in your work. Can you elaborate on what that has meant to you?

Oh, my goodness, theres so many places where I find joy in doing this work. I find it in the excitement around thinking that we can actually tap into this radical imagination of ours and dream of something that is completely different. We dont have to accept the status quo anymore. I find a lot of joy in going against the grain and not taking a cookie-cutter approach to our liberation. I get really excited about that.

What can folks do right now?

The easiest thing that someone can do, especially if youre talking about a long-term investment, is become a sustaining donor for your local abortion fund. Lend your skills, your time, your expertise. Trust the leadership of the people on the ground who have been doing this work for a while, especially the BIPOC-led organizations. I wouldnt say you have to divest from the legacy organizations, but do understand that theres a different way to do this work.

Also, urge your congressional representatives to support measures that preserve and expand reproductive health care.
New Jersey didnt receive anywhere as much rain on Tuesday and early Wednesday as it did on Monday, but much of state received another good soaking with several towns picking up more than 2 inches of additional precipitation.

In Lebanon, more than 7 inches of rain has fallen since Monday after the Hunterdon County town recorded an additional 2.8 inches on Tuesday and early Wednesday. More than 6 inches of rain has dropped on Andover in Sussex County as a result of another 2.34 inches falling since early Tuesday.

The National Weather Service confirmed one tornado in Somerset County during Mondays fierce thunderstorms and a second touched down along the New Jersey-Pennsylvania border and lifted up before crossing into Warren County.

Theres a chance of more showers and thunderstorms on Wednesday, particularly in northern New Jersey. Thursday and Friday should be mainly dry before more rain arrives this weekend.

During the entire month of June, New Jersey usually gets about 4.3 inches of rain in the northern and central regions and 3.6 inches of rain in the southern region.

The U.S. Drought Monitor hasnt provided an update in New Jersey in a week when most of the state was abnormally dry.

Highest rainfall totals

Heres a look at the New Jersey towns that got drenched with the most rain on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service:

Lebanon (Hunterdon): 2.85 inches

Stanhope (Sussex): 2.8

Andover (Sussex): 2.34

Evesham (Burlington): 2.18

Berlin (Camden): 1.95

Salem (Salem): 1.86

Chatham (Morris): 1.8

Sparta (Sussex): 1.73

Somers Point (Atlantic): 1.68

Egg Harbor Township (Atlantic): 1.66

Medford (Burlington): 1.65

Jefferson (Morris): 1.65

Moorestown (Burlington): 1.52

Winslow (Camden): 1.52

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Forecasters say Wednesday should be a much drier and less stormy day in New Jersey than the previous two, though there could be some additional rain before two sunny days arrive.

The National Weather Service confirmed one tornado in Somerset County during Mondays fierce thunderstorms and a second touched down along the New Jersey-Pennsylvania border and lifted up before crossing into Warren County.

The weather service is expected to release more details on the Somerset County tornado Wednesday.

Heavy thunderstorms Monday and Tuesday unleashed heavy rainfall on several towns that got a months worth of rain in a day. Some spots topped 5 inches of precipitation.

Any showers and thunderstorms that pop up Wednesday are expected to be much less severe and more widely scattered. Itll be a mainly cloudy day for most of the state with highs in the upper 70s and low 80s, but occasional rain cant be ruled out, especially in Northern New Jersey, the National Weather Service said in its morning forecast discussion

While a drying and cooling air mass should not provide the same kind of storm activity that we saw over the last few days, there should be enough lift to result in spotty showers and thunderstorms again today, though these look concentrated over northern New Jersey, the weather service said.

Some gusty winds could also be part of any thunderstorms that develop and rain is more likely in the afternoon.

The National Weather Service is calling for a chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms in northern New Jersey on Wednesday, June 28, 2023.National Weather Service

South Jersey should largely dodge the rain with forecasters calling for partly to mostly sunny skies from Camden to Vineland to Cape May.

Temperatures will dip into the 60s Wednesday night before were in line for two largely pleasant days on Thursday and Friday.

Both days will be mainly sunny with temps again topping out in the upper 70s to mid 80s with low humidity. The only blemish on the forecast is a slight chance for rain Friday night.

The weekend looks less promising with unsettled conditions in the forecast and some rain likely both Saturday and Sunday.

Current weather radar

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Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2023. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BEIJING, June 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh in Beijing on Tuesday.

Noting that this year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, Xi said China regards Vietnam as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy and is working to build a community with a shared future with Vietnam -- a strategic choice China has made based on the long-term development of bilateral relations.

Facing an increasingly severe and complex international situation, China and Vietnam should uphold the spirit of equality, mutual benefit, solidarity, mutual trust and win-win cooperation, work together for common development to bring more benefits to the two peoples, and inject more stability into the world, Xi said.

Xi described China and Vietnam -- both socialist countries -- as comrades with a high degree of mutual trust, partners pursuing win-win results, and friends who know each other well. He called on the two sides to adhere to the concept of putting people first, and firmly support each other in pursuing socialist paths that suit their own national conditions and modernization paths with their own characteristics.

The two sides should build a high-quality Belt and Road together, enhance the synergy of development strategies, leverage complementary advantages, and accelerate practical cooperation in fields such as infrastructure, smart customs and green energy, Xi said.

China is willing to import more marketable Vietnamese products and welcomes Vietnam's participation in the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and the China International Import Expo in the second half of this year, Xi said.

He said the two sides should enrich people-to-people exchanges, enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples -- especially the younger generations -- and consolidate the social foundations for the development of bilateral relations.

Xi called on the two sides to jointly oppose decoupling and the severing of industrial and supply chains, and oppose politicizing economic, scientific and technological issues. He said the two countries should safeguard international fairness and justice, and their own development rights and interests.

A more just and reasonable international order should be promoted, and a peaceful and stable external environment for the modernization drive of the two countries should be created, he added.

Pham Minh Chinh said that developing long-term, stable and sound Vietnam-China relations has always been the strategic choice and top priority of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Vietnamese government.

Vietnam will always remember and sincerely thanks China for the long-term, valuable assistance it has provided to Vietnam, and cherishes the relationship carefully cultivated by the older generations of leaders, Pham Minh Chinh said.

Vietnam is proud of the major innovative achievements in theory and practice made by the Communist Party of China, he said, adding that China is sure to realize Chinese modernization and build itself into a great modern socialist country under General Secretary Xi Jinping's vigorous leadership.

Vietnam firmly upholds the one-China policy, supports the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, supports China's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and will continue to actively participate in the construction of the Belt and Road, he said.

Vietnam opposes the politicization of economic issues and is willing to work closely with China to guard against and combat all kinds of risks and challenges, and will never allow any force to drive a wedge between the two countries, Pham Minh Chinh said. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2023. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

Editor: Zhang Zhou
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2023. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

BEIJING, June 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene in Beijing on Tuesday, calling for strengthening connectivity and deepening friendship, mutual trust, and cooperation between China and Mongolia.

Noting the two countries are neighbors linked by mountains and rivers, Xi pointed out that the development of long-term good-neighborliness is a strategic choice made by both sides, which fully conforms to the fundamental interests of the two peoples. China, a trustworthy and reliable partner for Mongolia, attaches great importance to developing China-Mongolia relations, Xi said.

"China stands ready to work with Mongolia to deepen friendship, mutual trust, and cooperation under the guidance of building a China-Mongolia community with a shared future, take China-Mongolia comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights, and inject more stability and certainty into the region," he said.

Xi stressed that China and Mongolia should uphold mutual respect for national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, respect the development paths independently chosen by the two peoples, and firmly support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns.

China is advancing national rejuvenation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization, while Mongolia is also making efforts in national reform and economic and social development. The two sides can forge ahead to synergize development strategies and work together to promote modernization, he said.

Xi said that China will continue to cooperate with Mongolia in the spirit of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness, strengthen connectivity between the two countries, advance the construction of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor, and jointly promote the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

China plays an active role in global environmental governance and stands ready to cooperate with Mongolia in preventing and controlling desertification, and will continue to support Mongolia's tree-planting campaign dubbed "Billion Trees," said Xi, adding that China is willing to improve interparty exchanges and promote experience exchanges in state governance with Mongolia.

He pointed out that China and Mongolia are both developing countries, sharing extensive common interests and similar positions on international and regional affairs. He said that China supports Mongolia in playing a positive role in regional and international affairs. He expressed hope that the two sides will uphold the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity, firmly safeguard multilateralism, and jointly promote a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice, and win-win cooperation.

For his part, Oyun-Erdene said that Mongolia and China have a shared future and that the heart of the two is connected. He praised the successful hosting of the Winter Olympics amid the COVID-19 pandemic, saying it manifested solidarity and cooperation, boosting the confidence of the international community.

The prime minister appreciated China's remarkable development achievements and leadership in the world, adding that the Mongolian side will not forget the valuable assistance provided by China.

Mongolia is willing to work with China in making the Mongolia-China relations an example for relations between countries, Oyun-Erdene said. He pledged that Mongolia adheres to the one-China principle, supports China's position on Taiwan, Tibet and Xinjiang, as well as the China-proposed Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative.

He expressed the willingness to work closely with China, continue to uphold mutual respect and support each other's choice of development path, jointly promote a high-quality BRI, and strengthen exchanges between political parties and young people. He said the two countries should improve the connectivity of cross-border railways and ports, and promote cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, investment, energy, green development, and anti-corruption.

Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, was also present at the meeting. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2023. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

Editor: Zhang Zhou
Sir Tim Laurence, husband of Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, has accepted an invitation to become Patron for the Charity which owns the historic Paddle Steamer Waverley.

Sir Tim recently enjoyed a visit to Waverley where he met crew members and Trustees of the Waverley Steam Navigation Co Ltd, which took ownership of the Worlds last seagoing paddle steamer after she was gifted for 1 back in 1974.

In a statement Sir Tim commented: I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Waverley and learning what it takes to keep her sailing. Those who work hard to preserve and operate her deserve my support as Waverley is a unique vessel of exceptional importance.

Not only does she illustrate and provide access to the engineering and maritime heritage of the Clyde and of Britain, but she provides the experience of going to sea under steam, with all the excitement, the sights, sounds and smells that involves. This ship is preserving heritage skills and social history as well as the fabric of the ship herself.

I am very pleased to be able to help in the vital task of keeping her sailing for many years to come. She truly is a sight to behold.

Sir Tim Laurence enjoyed a distinguished career with the Royal Navy and is also a keen yachtsman who sails the waters of the west of Scotland every summer. His interests include transport and maritime heritage. He was Chair of English Heritage from 2015  2022 and is President of the Gloucester and Warwickshire Railway Trust and a Member of the Great Western Advisory Board.

Derek Peters, Chairman of Waverley Steam Navigation Co Ltd, said: We are honoured that Sir Tim has agreed to become Patron for Waverley. We look forward to working with Sir Tim to strengthen our efforts to attract even greater support for Waverley and ensure her long-term future in operational preservation to her centenary year and beyond.

Over the past four years in excess of 4m has been raised beyond any operating income to help carry out refurbishment and maintenance works on Waverley. The basic annual maintenance cost now exceeds 600,000. Early this year a public appeal raised 180,000 to cover the cost of the annual dry docking ahead of her summer sailing season.

Waverley has just commenced her main summer sailings from Glasgow and around the Clyde Coast after embarking on a three-week sailing programme on the Bristol Channel and North Wales. Such was the level of interest and demand for tickets that almost all sailings on the Bristol Channel were sold out.

Waverley will now operate on the Clyde until late August before heading for the South Coast and the Thames. In order to help attract a new generation of support, children (5-16) are able to travel for just 1 on many sailing routes and cruises. Tickets for all sailings can be booked at www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk.
Do You Believe in Ghosts?, an experiential ghost story, will soon be shedding light on some of North Devon's ghostly residents at Landmark Theatre in Ilfracombe.

Ilfracombe is known to have its fair share of ghosts. One of these being located in Chambercombe Manor.

It is believed to date back to the 11th century. The majority of the manor is original, and its excellent preservation adds to its allure.

The Champernon family held Chambercombe Manor until the 15th century when it was taken over by the Duke of Suffolk.

However, following the execution of Lady Jane Grey, the daughter of the Duke, the property passed to the crown. Lady Jane Grey is one of the reputed ghosts said to haunt the manor.

In 1738, a workman making repairs to the house made a startling discovery. He noticed a window that didn't correspond to any room inside the manor. Upon investigation, he found himself in Lady Jane Grey's bedroom, where he reportedly encountered the apparition of a skeletal woman.

Chambercombe Manor has gained notoriety for paranormal activities over the years. Some visitors claim to have captured pictures of ghosts within the building, could these also be Lady Jane Grey, or is she not alone in these hallowed walls?

Entertainers are pleased to announce the 180+ show UK tour of Do You Believe in Ghosts? is coming to Ilfracombe as part of its nationwide year-long tour.

Do You Believe in Ghosts? is an experiential ghost story that will be showing at Landmark Theatre on, August 16, 2023.

Do You Believe in Ghosts? opened at Bedford Corn Exchange on Thursday, May 18, before heading around the UK for a year-long tour.

The production promises to be 'unlike anything you have experienced before'. James Lee Taylor said: Theatres are alive with stories when the lights go out. And they all have a theatre ghost.

Do You Believe in Ghosts? boasts it is an original play unlike anything you have experienced before  a new way of ghost storytelling!

Join our paranormal experts for a haunting night of theatre. says James Dare you! Are you brave enough?

Do You Believe in Ghosts? has been created by producer James Lee Taylor and award-winning writer and director Julian Woolford. James Lee Taylor and Julian Woolford come together to create this haunting night of theatre.

Do You Believe In Ghosts? is an original play brought together by a collection of experiences told through paranormal experts, whose passions are uncovering the unspoken realities of the stage by night, the experiences you only hear whispered in the wings, the unexplainable sightings and the one light that guides them home.

For more information and took book tickets visit: www.queenstheatre-barnstaple.com/event/do-you-believe-in-ghosts/
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Amor Mottley at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

BEIJING, June 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Amor Mottley in Beijing on Tuesday.

Xi said Barbados is the first country in the eastern Caribbean to establish diplomatic ties with China, and also a good friend and partner of China in the region. Although the two countries are separated by oceans, China and Barbados share similar goals and walk hand in hand, with bilateral relations constantly deepening and developing.

China is promoting Chinese modernization with high-quality development, which will bring new opportunities for Barbados' development and China-Barbados cooperation, Xi said.

China welcomes Barbados to board the "express train" of China's development, and to work with China to build a closer China-Barbados community with a shared future, he added.

Xi stressed that China and Barbados should deepen political mutual trust and continue to understand and support each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns. China, as always, supports Barbados in safeguarding its national sovereignty and independence, and independently choosing its own development path. China stands ready to strengthen exchanges with Barbados' government, legislature and political parties, and enhance the sharing of governance experience.

"China and Barbados -- both developing countries -- share much in common in the field of development and enjoy great potential for cooperation," Xi said. He noted that the two sides should expand practical cooperation and take the Belt and Road Initiative as an opportunity to expand cooperation in fields such as infrastructure construction, the digital economy, climate change, new energy, agriculture and medical care.

China supports Chinese enterprises to cooperate with partners in Barbados, Xi said, adding that the two sides should also increase people-to-people and cultural exchanges and expand personnel exchanges.

Xi noted that facing profound global changes unseen in a century, developing countries should strengthen solidarity and cooperation, practice real multilateralism, oppose the Cold War mentality and camp confrontation, uphold the basic norms of international relations, safeguard international fairness and justice, and promote building a community with a shared future for humanity.

Noting that China fully understands the aspirations of Barbados and other small-island developing countries in the field of climate change, Xi said China will continue strengthening South-South cooperation on climate change and provide assistance and support for developing countries, including Barbados.

China attaches importance to its relations with the Caribbean from a strategic and long-term perspective, and will continue to provide assistance to the best of its ability for the economic and social development of the Caribbean, Xi said.

Mottley said she was deeply impressed by the solidarity and friendship she witnessed between Barbados and China through this visit. She thanked China for the valuable assistance it provided to Barbados during the COVID-19 pandemic and for its economic and social development. The Chinese government has made great achievements in eliminating poverty and benefiting the people -- achievements which are admired around the world, she said.

President Xi has put forward the Global Development Initiative, which demonstrates outstanding global leadership and is conducive to helping countries and people around the world achieve common development and prosperity, and better cope with global challenges, she said.

Mottley said Barbados firmly supports the one-China principle, and is willing to actively participate in the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative.

She also expressed the willingness to strengthen cooperation with China in such areas as climate change, water resources, narrowing the digital divide, and health care, saying that Barbados adheres to multilateralism, opposes "decoupling and breaking the chain," and is willing to continue promoting the development of relations between the Caribbean and China.

Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, was also present at the meeting. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Amor Mottley at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2023. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

Editor: Zhang Zhou
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission met with the leading members of the newly-elected Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China (CYLC) at Zhongnanhai in Beijing on Monday afternoon, and made an important speech thereafter. He stressed that on the shoulder of the young generation is placed the future of the cause of the Party and the nation. The CYLC Central Committee is expected to thoroughly implement the requirements of the CPC Central Committee, conscientiously shoulder the missions and tasks entrusted by the Party in the new era and on the new journey, inherit and carry forward fine traditions, continue to reform and innovate, and better unite and rally the young generation around the Party, so as to make unremitting efforts in advancing the building of a great country and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee was present at the meeting.

Xi said that the CPC has made notable achievements in its work concerning young people and major changes have taken place in this regard since the 18th CPC National Congress. The CPC has fully strengthened its leadership over the work on the CYLC and the youth. The foundation and political orientation of the CYLC have been consolidated, and direction and tasks of its work further clarified. Its nature as a political organization and a vanguard of the youth has become even more prominent, and its ties with young people closer. Leaders of the CYLC have developed a more positive and healthy style of thinking, work and life, presenting a brand-new image to the youth. Over the past five years, the CYLC has organized its members and other young people to participate, shoulder great responsibilities and pioneer in such major tasks as building the new development pattern, promoting high-quality development, winning the battle against poverty, and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating the courage and sense of responsibility of the Chinese youth in the new era. The CPC Central Committee has faith in the CYLC and the youth.

Xi noted that the CPC Central Committee pins high hopes on the new leadership of the CYLC Central Committee. He hopes that it will continue improving itself, play an exemplary role, and promote greater development of the undertakings of the CYLC and the work concerning young people.

Xi stressed that it is major experience in the past more than 100 years to make the central tasks of the Party the theme and direction of Chinese youth movement and work in this regard. The CYLC, as the aide and reserve force of the Party, must do its work by focusing on the central tasks of the Party in the new era and on the new journey which were set at the 20th CPC National Congress, go in the right direction and strive for greater achievements. To realize the great goals of building China into a great country and achieving national rejuvenation, the whole Party and all Chinese people, including the youth, must unite and go all out to take on more challenges and overcome more difficulties. The CYLC should firmly grasp the theme of the work related to the youth in the new era, as extensively as possible unite, organize, and mobilize young people, encourage them to have a stronger sense of historical responsibility and mission, stimulate their passion of getting involved in the endeavors of building a strong country, and play the role of a vanguard and spearhead in the great cause of building China into a great country and national rejuvenation.

Xi pointed out that greater efforts should be made to strengthen political guidance for young people. Only with ideals, a sense of responsibility, grit and dedication will Chinese youth be strong, and there be hope for the cause of the Party and the country. It is important to foster strong ideals and convictions among young people, and guide them to develop the ideal of Communism and consolidate the shared ideal of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Young people should have a firm conviction of steadfastly following the Party and its guidance, set up the right life goals in the historical trend of building a strong country and national rejuvenation, so as to lay the cornerstone for the endeavor of their whole life. The CYLC must give top priority to strengthening political guidance for league members and young people, strive to train socialist builders and successors, and constantly provide healthy and energetic fresh blood to the Party. It is necessary to carry out theoretical study program among league members and young people, who should be guided to earnestly study and grasp the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and to master the worldview and methodology of this scientific thought. They should learn to extrapolate when it comes to applying the political stand, viewpoints and methods in the thought to analyzing problems, in order to better understand the Partys basic theory, guideline and policy.

Xi stressed that the CYLC must focus on the central tasks, serve the overall interests, proactively dovetail its work with major national strategies and tasks. He urged the league to mobilize young people to participate in China's modernization drive by doing their own job well. Young people should strive to be the vanguard and a vital contingent in scientific and technological innovation, rural revitalization, green development, social services, national defense, safeguarding frontiers and the like, so as to demonstrate the vitality of youth.

Xi noted that its imperative for the CYLC to follow the requirements for full and rigorous Party self-governance, adopt a problem-oriented approach, be strict with itself, deepen the Communist Youth Leagues reform and exercise rigorous self-governance to unswervingly follow the development path of peoples organizations with Chinese characteristics, constantly maintain and strengthen the leagues political character, pioneering nature and connection with the people, so as to strengthen its leading capacity, organizing capabilities and services. It is imperative to keep consolidating the primary level, constantly expand the reach of the CYLC organizations and improve the working capabilities of young people. All CYLC officials must cherish the precious opportunity of being involved in the Partys work related to the youth, constantly strengthen their political ability, theoretical literacy and professional competence, and fully commit themselves to performing their duties, so as to win the Partys trust, gain respect from the society and enjoy a good reputation among young people with down-to-earth achievements.

At the end of the meeting, Xi stressed that Party committees (Party organizations) at all levels should adhere to the principle that the Party exercises leadership over the work concerning the youth, strengthen their leadership over and support for the work of the CYLC, establish and improve a working paradigm under which all departments work together under the Party's leadership to promote the work related to the youth, and support the CYLC in doing its work in an innovative way. Leading officials at all levels should do whatever they can to become the confidants of young people, and guides for their future development.

A Dong, the first secretary of the Secretariat of the 19th CYLC Central Committee, reported on the convening of the 19th CYLC national congress and its first plenary session, as well as the considerations for implementing the spirit of the Party Central Committee. The secretaries of the secretariat of the CYLC Central Committee Xu Xiao, Wang Yi, Hu Baijing, Hu Sheng, Xiapaketi Wushou'er, and Yu Jing, respectively delivered speeches.

Shi Taifeng, Li Ganjie, Li Shulei, Chen Wenqing, Liu Jinguo, and Wang Xiaohong attended the meeting.

Editor: Zhang Zhou
Smoke from Canadian wildfires continue to impact air quality across Northwest Indiana resulting in the state calling for precautions to continues through Thursday.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management is forecasting another statewide Air Quality Action Day.

"Particulates are expected to be in the unhealthy for sensitive groups range (Orange)," IDEM said.

"(Particulate matter) PM2.5 is composed of microscopic dust, soot, and liquid that settles deep into the lungs and cannot be easily exhaled," IDEM said. "Those people at risk are particularly vulnerable after several days of high PM2.5 exposure."

"Sensitive Groups should reduce or avoid exertion and heavy work outdoors during these conditions."

BP being eyed for potential violation in Sunday's gas release that fouled Region air "IDEM will subsequently review reports and take appropriate action in the case of any violations," an agency spokesman said.

IDEM encourages area residents to carpool or use public transportation, avoid using drive-through windows and combine errands into one trip, turn off engines instead of idling for long periods of time, avoid using gas-powered equipment, conserve energy by turning off lights and setting the air conditioner to a higher setting, and use propane gas instead of charcoal when grilling outdoors.

"Reminder: Indianas open burning laws make it illegal to burn trash and generally prohibit open burning," according to IDEM.

To learn more about PM2.5 or sign up for air quality alerts, visit SmogWatch.IN.gov.
A Lansing manufacturing plant plans to close this summer and will lay-off 274 employees.

The Silver Line Building Products plant at 16801 Exchange Ave. will be shuttered permanently, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification, or WARN, letter sent to the state of Illinois.

North Carolina-based Cornerstone Building Brands Services, Inc. told the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity about its intention to permanently close the plant that makes vinyl windows and doors for homes. A total of 274 workers will lose their jobs.

"This closure will permanently affect all employees who work at this facility," Cornerstone Human Resources Vice President Juan Gallegos wrote in the letter.

Teamsters Local 731 Production represents 194 employees at the plant, and Silverline IL Teamsters Local 731 Drivers represents 12 workers there.

The company and unions did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Silver Line Building Products plans to start laying people off as it winds down the plant on Aug. 11, according to the WARN notice. The plant will be closed and all employees laid off by Sept. 29.

The layoffs will hit workers in production, manufacturing, machining, logistics, shipping, maintenance, quality control and administration, including supervisors and managers.

Silver Line first opened the Lansing plant in 1997, when it planned to hire 400 workers and paid $6 an hour. It was the subject of controversy in the Lansing municipal election that year as many of the new hires commuted to work there from outside of the village.

The company received tax incentives for moving into an existing warehouse in the Landings Tax Increment Financing District. It planned to invest as much as $3 million in the 267,000-square-foot section of the building it occupied.

The plant has gone through a revolving carousel of ownership in recent years.

Originally a half-century-old, family-owned firm based in New Jersey, Silver Line was bringing in $440 million in revenue a year when it was acquired by Ply Gem in 2017.

NCI Building Systems, Inc. then merged with Ply Gem in 2018, and the company rebranded as Cornerstone Building Brands Services, Inc. in 2019.

Cornerstone was then acquired by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice in an all-cash transaction valued at $5.8 billion last year.
The payment to a porn star, Stormy Daniels, was made on Mr. Trump's behalf by his former fixer, Michael D. Cohen, to buy her silence about a tryst she said she had with Mr. Trump. Once Mr. Trump was elected, he reimbursed Mr. Cohen. Mr. Braggs prosecutors have accused Mr. Trump of falsifying business records to disguise the purpose of the reimbursements.

Mr. Trumps lawyers would have had to convince Judge Hellerstein, who sits in Manhattan, that the accusations were related in some way to Mr. Trumps official duties as president.

Todd Blanche, a lawyer for Mr. Trump, argued that any work that Mr. Cohen did would have been related to Mr. Trumps presidency: He said that Mr. Trump hired Mr. Cohen  who had been his longtime fixer  as a personal lawyer to ensure that he was fulfilling his constitutional duties.

Matthew Colangelo, a prosecutor for the district attorneys office, argued that Mr. Cohens hiring demonstrated the opposite. These are personal payments to a personal lawyer handling his personal affairs.

Judge Hellerstein appeared to agree, saying that it was very clear that the act for which Mr. Trump had been indicted did not relate to the presidency. At one point, in a phrase that echoed Mr. Colangelo, the judge said of Mr. Cohen that he was hired as a private matter to take care of private matters.
A former police chief in Maryland was sentenced on Tuesday to multiple life sentences for setting fires to the houses, garages and cars of people who prosecutors said he felt had slighted him.

Judge Richard S. Bernhardt of Howard County Circuit Court sentenced David M. Crawford, 71, a former chief of the Laurel Police Department, to eight life sentences plus 75 years in prison, according to the Howard County states attorneys office.

Several of the terms are to run concurrently, but the sentence will keep Mr. Crawford off the streets for the rest of his life, Richard H. Gibson Jr., the states attorney, said.

He was a law enforcement official, Mr. Gibson said. He should have been someone who understood justice, empathy and order. Instead, he acted in a violent way.
In the nations capital, where such things are rarely accidental and always noticed, the oh-so-public appearances came across as an in-your-face message of defiance by a president determined to show that he stands by his son in the face of relentlessly toxic attacks. Yet some Democrats, including current and former Biden administration officials, privately saw it as an unnecessary poke-the-bear gesture.

He knew exactly what he was doing, and he was willing to sustain the appearance issues to send a message to his son that he loves him, said Norman Eisen, who was the ethics czar in President Barack Obamas White House when Mr. Biden was vice president.

Had he been advising Mr. Biden, Mr. Eisen said, he would have warned him about the flak they were going to take but added that it would be a matter of optics, rather than rules. Thats probably more of a question for an etiquette czar than an ethics czar, he said. Certainly, theres no violation of any ethics rule as long as they didnt talk about the case.

The White House said Mr. Biden was simply being a father.

In all administrations, regardless of party, its common for presidential family members to attend state dinners and to accompany presidents to Camp David, Andrew Bates, a White House spokesman, said on Tuesday. The president and first lady love and support their son.

The visuals at the White House in the week since Hunter Bidens plea deal was announced highlight the thorny situation for a president with a 53-year-old son traumatized by family tragedy and a devastating history of addiction to alcohol and crack cocaine. While Democrats scorn the conspiratorial fixation of the hard right on Hunters troubles, some of the presidents allies privately complain that, however understandably, he has a blind eye when it comes to his son. They lament that he did not step in more assertively to stop the younger man from trading on the family name in business dealings.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has appointed Herman Smetanin to the post of Director General of JSC Ukrainian Defense Industry (Ukroboronprom), the Ministry for Strategic Industries said in a statement.

"By the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, a new head of the joint-stock company Ukrainian Defense Industry has been appointed for a period until the creation of the Supervisory Board and holding a competition for this position. The order comes into force on June 28, 2023," the ministry said.

Smetanin has nine years of experience in the military-industrial complex. The main focus of his work will be a multiple increase in the production of weapons and military equipment.

According to the Minister for Strategic Industries of Ukraine Oleksandr Kamyshin, the change of leadership of the largest state-owned enterprise in the defense industry is one of the first significant steps to reform the concern, the ministry said.

"The newly appointed Director General has three main tasks: to increase the production capacity of Ukrainian weapons and ammunition, to build an effective anti-corruption infrastructure, and to truly reform Ukroboronprom. These are crucial steps to implement "iron changes" in the field of domestic defense production. Together we will be able to strengthen the defense industry, significantly increase the volume and pace of production, and, as a result, make it the locomotive of the country's economic recovery," the press service quoted Kamyshin as saying.

Ukrainian Defense Industry, headed by Smetanin, "accepts everything that Ukroboronprom had on the balance sheet and the staff."
After this article was published, the Kremlins spokesman, Dmitri S. Peskov, issued a curt response and insisted on Wednesday that Russias army and people had unified around Mr. Putin.

A senior Russian general had advance knowledge of Yevgeny Prigozhins plans to rebel against Russias military leadership, according to U.S. officials briefed on American intelligence on the matter, which has prompted questions about what support the mercenary leader had inside the top ranks.

The officials said they are trying to learn if Gen. Sergei Surovikin, the former top Russian commander in Ukraine, helped plan Mr. Prigozhins actions last weekend, which posed the most dramatic threat to President Vladimir V. Putin in his 23 years in power.

General Surovikin is a respected military leader who helped shore up defenses across the battle lines after Ukraines counteroffensive last year, analysts say. He was replaced as the top commander in January but retained influence in running war operations and remains popular among the troops.
Four more men have been arrested in Texas in connection with a human smuggling operation that left 53 people dead on the outskirts of San Antonio last year, federal prosecutors said on Tuesday.

The arrests on Monday, which came one day shy of the first anniversary of the discovery of the dead migrants, marked a significant development in the federal investigation into one of the deadliest episodes involving migrants along the southern border of the United States in recent history.

The arrests of the men brings to six the number of people facing criminal charges in the case. Two others were charged last year.

The four men arrested this week are Riley Covarrubias-Ponce, 30, Felipe Orduna-Torres, 28, Luis Alberto Rivera-Leal, 37, and Armando Gonzales-Ortega, 53, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Western District of Texas. All are from Mexico. They were part of a human smuggling organization that brought people into the United States from Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico from December 2021 to June 2022, the federal prosecutors office in San Antonio said.
President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia on Tuesday tried to recast the weekend rebellion by the mercenary chief Yevgeny V. Prigozhin as a heroic episode for a rock-solid Russian state, while neighboring Belarus said Mr. Prigozhin had gone into exile there, and signaled that it would be open to taking in his battle-hardened troops, as well.

Russias domestic intelligence agency said it was dropping its criminal investigation of Mr. Prigozhin, who drove fighters from his Wagner group toward Moscow before standing down on Saturday, and the Defense Ministry said that Wagner was preparing to hand over its heavy equipment to the military.

But even as the Kremlin projected an air of control and stability, top officials made clear that the fallout was not finished, signaling that it might root out people who were tied to the mercenary leader or who were insufficiently steadfast in support of Mr. Putin during the crisis.

In a televised meeting with military service members in Moscow, Mr. Putin suggested that Mr. Prigozhin  whose name he has refused to utter publicly in recent days  or people linked to him might be guilty of graft. He said that Mr. Prigozhin, a catering magnate, had made roughly $1 billion from military catering contracts in the past year, and that the government had spent another $1 billion supporting the Wagner forces who have been brutally effective in fighting for Russia in Ukraine.
In an interview, the museums president and chief executive, R. Scott Stephenson, called the museum, which opened in 2017, a place where people of very broad political differences can engage in an exploration of American history that embraces diversity and inclusion, and also gives room for people to feel gratitude and pride in the nation and hope for the future.

Man, I think we need more, not less of that, he said.

Moms for Liberty has objected to negative characterizations of the group, which the Southern Poverty Law Center recently labeled extremist.

In a statement to The New York Times, the organizations co-founders, Tiffany Justice and Tina Descovich, said: We expect our national summit in Philadelphia to be a time of training and empowerment for parents to be more active in their childs school system. We stand for the rights of parents and against anyone trying to silent parents who want to speak up on behalf of their childs needs.

In recent years, historians have increasingly been pulled into escalating political battles over the teaching of American history, which has turned the date 1776 itself into a partisan rallying cry. Scholarly groups have mobilized against the rapid spread of so-called divisive concepts laws limiting teaching on race and gender, which have been passed or proposed in at least three dozen states.

Moms for Liberty, founded in 2021, originally focused on opposition to pandemic-era restrictions in schools, but has since expanded to supporting parents rights to ban books they deem inappropriate from classrooms and school libraries. The group has also become a force in Republican politics  the scheduled speakers at the summit include several presidential candidates.

The Museum of the American Revolution is not the first institution to draw fire for a rental to groups or figures deemed contradictory to its mission. In 2019, the annual gala of the Brazilian Chamber of Commerce was moved from the American Museum of Natural History, after news that the group was honoring Jair Bolsonaro, then the Brazilian president, caused an outcry.
The Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey is scheduled to go on trial in London on Wednesday, facing multiple allegations of sexual assault.

Since the #MeToo movement came to prominence six years ago, a number of high-profile men have been accused of misconduct, yet Mr. Spaceys case is one of only a few to reach a British courtroom.

The actor, 63, has already pleaded not guilty to all charges. This month, in an interview with Zeit Magazin, a German magazine, he said he expected to be found innocent, after which he would resume acting.

The trial at Southwark Crown Court is scheduled to last four weeks. During that time, the courthouse is likely to be filled with reporters and celebrity watchers following the case.
In a phone interview, Wiz Khalifa said that after he started releasing mixtapes on DatPiff, he saw his popularity grow throughout the United States. I was able to go on tours and perform songs that I had made in my basement, he said. I was able to really gauge what types of music that the fans were really loving from me by staying consistent on sites like DatPiff.

The democratization and ease of releasing music online also extended to the coverage of it. Obsessives started their own frequently updated blogs  NahRight, 2DopeBoyz and Fake Shore Drive were among the most popular  to document and discuss new releases, in turn stripping magazines of their positions as gatekeepers. Many of their posts have also been deleted or lost as the years passed.

Its just a reminder of this really unique time in music, and hip-hop specifically, where if you know, you know, and if you were there, you were there, said Tim Larew, a music manager who was a blog writer for Pigeons & Planes.

But mixtape sites lost steam as hip-hop artists started to take advantage of another innovation. As streaming platforms began to serve up an unlimited buffet of songs, there were fewer incentives, especially for established artists, to release music on mixtape sites. DatPiff said on Twitter in 2018 that two of Wiz Khalifas mixtapes  Taylor Allderdice and Cabin Fever 2  were among the most downloaded in its history; both are available on Tidal, Apple Music and Spotify, where they are more accessible to listeners and allow Wiz Khalifa to monetize his work.

But not every release can or did make it to legal streaming services. Fan favorite free mixtapes from Chance the Rapper and Mac Miller eventually arrived on the platforms altered because of clearance issues. E. Dan, a producer and mixer who frequently collaborated with Miller before his 2018 death, recalled some disappointment from fans when Millers Faces made its way to the major services without a few samples in 2021, seven years after its initial release.

You want this stuff to be accessible, and media changes and our consumption of media changes and the way that we access music changes, the producer said in a phone interview. If you want the music to live on, then you need to adapt to those changes and make sure that the music is accessible.
We really wanted to get to what would it be like for Carmy to actually try to experience some form of happiness in his life, he said.

He and Calo decided on a character who had known Carmy for most of his life, someone who saw him for who he was and loved him anyway. On Ramy, Storer had found Gordon inherently lovable. Shes so sweet, he said. And shes so smart. And shes funny as hell. He knew she could lend all of that to Claire.

Claire and Carmy meet again in the second episode, in the freezer aisle of a grocery, over a carton of veal stock. Claire looks at Carmy, and as a ballad by R.E.M. plays, that look seems to hold history and love and hunger. Carmy has armored himself against feeling, but opposite Gordons Claire that armor is useless.

She sees right through, in a really beautiful way, to the core of Carmy, White said by phone.

Ayo Edebiri, a star of both The Bear and Theater Camp and a longtime friend of Gordons, said that Gordon, for all her coolness and penchant for comedy, has a deep well of emotion that she can access. Theres this deep reservoir of desire and feeling, Edebiri said.

But desire and feeling cant sustain a relationship, especially if the man involved has a walk-in fridges worth of unresolved trauma to work through. For Gordon, the scenes opposite Carmy  the sweet, morning-after ones, the anguished ones  felt uniquely personal, mirroring her experiences with past partners. Ive been with men and we were so happy together, she said. But the happiness made them so angry and sad.
Add clairvoyance to Mansfields talents. Over time, Garnetts detractors would make her out to be a prim and proper smotherer of the wild (male) Russian soul. Nabokov described her translations of Gogol as always unbearably demure. The Soviet writer Kornei Chukovsky complained that she dulled Dostoyevskys convulsions of syntax, reproducing no volcano, but, rather, a flat lawn mowed in the English style.

Its true that Garnett could be strait-laced. When she first met Stepniak, she was aghast at one thing above all else. To my horror, she wrote in an unpublished memoir, I found that he habitually carried books out of the British Museum reading room at the lunch-hour, and I could not make him feel it was a crime, since, as he said, he always took them back. Yet the image of Garnett as a buttoned-up Victorian bookworm hides, much like a corset, her true shape. A socialist, Garnett understood her role as a translator to be revolutionary in the most literal sense: as an act of infiltration, a way of sneaking subversive information across borders.

The English, fresh from the Crimean War, saw Russia as the land of the czars, home to an autocratic regime and uncouth brutes obedient to it. Literature, Stepniak believed, could unveil a Russia full of doubters and dissenters, a nation of many voices, not all speaking the same language. In Garnett, he found a translator who could remain faithful to both the words on the page and the world he wanted to build beyond them.

Garnett was born Constance Black, to a middle-class family in Brighton in 1861, the same year that Alexander II abolished serfdom, putting her on something of a crash course with translation history; in 1895, she would translate a A Sportsmans Sketches (1852), Ivan Turgenevs searing fictional portrait of Russian peasants living in bondage. In Russia, the abolition of serfdom was part of a series of reforms meant to stave off revolution. But the countrys radical youth were not satisfied with mere reform: They were anarchists and socialists, and they were organized and armed. In 1878, 19-year-old Vera Zasulich shot the governor of St. Petersburg in a case that shocked Europe. Stepniak wrote a profile of Zasulich for his book Underground Russia (1882), a study of the countrys new revolutionaries. In England, Underground Russia was a smash hit, going through three printings the year it was translated. The whole nation was fascinated by these dynamite-happy young radicals and the land they hailed from.

Garnett arrived in London in 1884; her sister Clementina already mingled in leftist circles (she was friends with Eleanor Marx, Karls youngest daughter). Like many of her generation, Garnett frequented radical social clubs, including the Fabian Society and William Morriss socialist league. She took a job as a librarian in Londons poor East End  not far from where thousands of Russian-Jewish immigrants had settled after fleeing pogroms  embarking, she reflected later, on a new interesting life that seemed intensely romantic. Soon she met Edward Garnett, an aspiring literary critic and editor. Edward was more skeptical than his girlfriend when it came to revolutionary politics. In a 1991 biography of Constance, Richard Garnett, the pairs grandson, writes that the young lovers had a row about Land Nationalization.
Yesterday, the Supreme Court took a step in a high-profile case to preserve democratic checks and balances.

The details of the case, Moore v. Harper, can sound technical. But it is simply about which officials can oversee federal elections. The petitioner, a North Carolina lawmaker, had sought to radically reshape how federal elections are conducted. The court ruled that state legislatures do not have unchecked power over elections and that other government officials can question and overturn their decisions.

Chief Justice John Roberts and two other conservatives joined the courts three liberals in the ruling. The Constitution, Roberts wrote, does not exempt state legislatures from the ordinary constraints imposed by state law.

Why does the ruling matter? Because it makes it more difficult for partisan state legislatures to flout the law or norms to keep their party in power, at a time when most legislatures have one-party supermajorities. Under the Supreme Court ruling, other officials can step in if they feel state lawmakers went too far in rewriting election law. The decision, then, could influence which party controls Congress in the future.
When Sean Liang turned 30, he started thinking of the Curse of 35  the widespread belief in China that white-collar workers like him confront unavoidable job insecurity after they hit that age. In the eyes of employers, the Curse goes, theyre more expensive than new graduates and not as willing to work overtime.

Mr. Liang, now 38, is a technology support professional turned personal trainer. He has been unemployed for much of the past three years, partly because of the pandemic and Chinas sagging economy. But he believes the main reason is his age. Hes too old for many employers, including the Chinese government, which caps the hiring age for most civil servant positions at 35. If the Curse of 35 is a legend, its one supported by some facts.

I work out, so I look pretty young for my age, he said in an interview. But in the eyes of society, people like me are obsolete.

Chinas postpandemic economic rebound has hit a wall, and the Curse of 35 has become the talk of the Chinese internet. Its not clear how the phenomenon started, and its hard to know how much truth there is to it. But theres no doubt that the job market is weak and that age discrimination, which is not against the law in China, is prevalent. That is a double whammy for workers in their mid-30s who are making big decisions about career, marriage and children.
The European Commission should extend the ban on the import of Ukrainian grain to five European Union countries until the end of 2023, and the ban may remain in effect only for two crops - sunflower and corn, Hungarian Agriculture Minister Istvan Nagy said in Luxembourg on Tuesday after a meeting of the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council.

The ban on imports of wheat, corn, rapeseed and sunflower from Ukraine to Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia, the countries most affected by Ukrainian grain imports, took effect on May 2. This ban substituted unilateral decisions of these five countries neighboring Ukraine banning imports of Ukrainian grain. That said, there is no ban on the transit of Ukrainian agriculture products via these five countries. Initially, the ban was in effect until June 5 but was later extended through September 15. Some EU officials voice an opinion that this ban should further be extended.

"The ban on the import [of Ukrainian grain] only makes sense from an economic standpoint if it is maintained at least until the harvesting and storage of the new crop. In the case of wheat and rapeseed, this can be done by September 15, but not in the case of corn and sunflower. The logical step is therefore to extend the EU import ban until December 31, at least for these two products," the Hungarian Agriculture Ministry's press service quoted Nagy as saying.

Before the start of the EU agriculture ministers' meeting, the agriculture ministers of Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia agreed that cooperation and defending a common stance are still very important in relations with Brussels.

Nagy also said that he initiated negotiations with his French and German counterparts to discuss disruptions on the market caused by Ukrainian grain that pose problems in everyday life. "The purpose of these talks is to find common European solutions," he said.

The EU needs to prepare for the presence of Ukrainian agricultural products on the European market in the long term, which is why "it is necessary to find comprehensive, long-term solutions," Nagy said.

Ukrainian agricultural products should be delivered to the markets of third world countries where they were traditionally present, he said. By securing grain supplies to these regions, a food crisis, and consequently a migration crisis can be prevented, he added.

Further steps by Brussels ought to focus on ensuring the functioning of the Solidarity Lanes, which provide transpiration by land according to its original purpose, he said.

Hungary believes that the European Commission should introduce a progressive subsidy for transit transport fee, Nagy said. "It is necessary to achieve that we can transport Ukrainian agricultural products as far as possible from the border - not only to the internal markets of the EU, but also to the ports of Europe, so that they can also reach countries in need," he said.

Europe should open new seaports in order to be able to transport Ukrainian grain in the largest amount possible via traditional sea routes, Nagy said.

"Recently, only a small part of Ukrainian agricultural products has been transported by sea, the rest comes to Europe through us, the five countries. This also shows how much the domestic markets change as a result of the unrestricted flow of Ukrainian agricultural products into Europe," he said.

Agriculture producers in Eastern Europe started to experience problems related to excessive supplies of Ukrainian grain and other agriculture products in early 2023. The problems were largely caused by the EU's temporary cancellation of customs duties on Ukrainian grain and oil crops. This EU's measure brought about a considerable growth of agriculture products from Ukraine to neighboring countries.

Major amounts of Ukrainian food products, in particular grains, sunflower, eggs, poultry, sugar, apples and apple juice, berries, flour, honey and pasta, started to be supplied to Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia which resulted in a drastic drop in prices and inflicted to blow on local farmers there.
DoorDash said on Wednesday that it would begin giving its delivery drivers the option to be paid an hourly minimum wage, instead of earning money for each delivery.

The significant shift in compensation could be an answer to concerns that some delivery people are not paid fairly. It could also add an incentive for drivers to pick up smaller orders that dont pay as well and that they would typically avoid.

Drivers will be able to choose whether they earn money for each order  usually a few dollars in base pay plus compensation for miles driven  or receive a flat hourly amount, DoorDash said.

The hourly rate includes only active time, meaning time between accepting and dropping off an order, and does not include the period when drivers are waiting for the next order. Drivers will be able to toggle between the two payment methods. Tips would be applied on top of the hourly base pay, the company said.
The Biden administration is weighing additional curbs on Chinas ability to access critical technology, including restricting the sale of high-end chips used to power artificial intelligence, according to five people familiar with the deliberations.

The curbs would clamp down on the sales to China of advanced chips made by companies like Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices and Intel, which are needed for the data centers that power artificial intelligence.

Biden officials have said that Chinas artificial intelligence capabilities could pose a national security threat to the United States by enhancing Beijings military and security apparatus. Among the concerns is the use of A.I. in guiding weapons, carrying out cyber warfare and powering facial recognition systems used to track dissidents and minorities.

But such curbs would be a blow to semiconductor manufacturers, including those in the United States, who still generate much of their revenue in China.
We dont find that fire suppression resources are often spent on the fires that are most damaging from a health perspective, said Jeff Wen, a Ph.D. candidate in Earth system science at Stanford and the studys lead author.

Others have done similar research before, but at a much smaller scale. The new study, not yet peer reviewed, would be the first to cover the whole contiguous United States, according to the authors.

Historically, we havent really been able to study those types of questions at a broad spatial, temporal scale, Mr. Wen said.

Its clear that wildfires have become more frequent and intense in recent years, fueled in part by climate changes role in drying out many landscapes. Less clear to scientists has been how smoke from these fires has changed over time. The new study shows that as fires have worsened, so has their smoke: From 2016 to 2020, the U.S. population experienced double the smoke pollution that it did 10 years earlier, from 2006 to 2010. While the study focused on historical data, some of its methods can also be used to predict where smoke from a new fire will travel.
The lawsuits show religious liberty doesnt operate in one direction, said Elizabeth Sepper, a law professor at University of Texas at Austin.

Aaron Kemper, a lawyer representing three Jewish women who are suing to overturn Kentuckys abortion ban, said he studied and emulated federal and state religious liberty cases that conservatives won.

We were like, it works for them, so we thought we should use sections from those cases, he said.

Though most lawsuits have not yet yielded court rulings, there are signs the arguments may have some legal traction. In Indiana, a judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking the states abortion ban, saying it violated the states Religious Freedom Restoration Act adopted in 2015 under then-Gov. Mike Pence, an ardent abortion opponent who is now running for president.

Recognizing a potential threat, Oklahoma and West Virginia recently amended their religious freedom restoration acts to explicitly prevent challenges to abortion bans under the acts.

Some belief systems, including the United Church of Christs, support women making their own decisions in pregnancy. Some, including the Episcopal Church and many branches of Judaism have traditions that abortion should be supported in certain cases, especially where pregnancies threaten womens physical or mental health or involve serious fetal abnormalities. Some faiths do not define life as beginning with conception.
Recently, two of my good friends (neither of whom is obese) have joined the masses taking semaglutide for weight loss. Because the three of us live in different parts of the country, our friendship is maintained by annual visits and frequent texts. Lately in our text thread, all they can do is rave about how these drugs have been life-changing in helping them drop the stubborn 20 pounds theyve been wanting to lose since hitting their 40s. Im conflicted about the safety and popularity of these drugs for weight loss, and so Ive remained silent whenever this topic comes up. Our annual trip is coming up, and I fear Ill be forced to offer my opinion about their weight loss, especially since the trip involves time at the pool. Should I compliment them to keep the peace? Or is there a tactful way to make my differing opinion about these drugs known?  Name Withheld

From the Ethicist:

Its not the job of friends to play doctor. People who have been prescribed semaglutide will have received medical advice about possible side effects. More than a few will have experienced them. You imply theres a moral problem about taking the drug, but you dont say what it is.

Maybe your concern is that your friends have been prescribed a semaglutide medication for an off label use, one that hasnt been authorized by the F.D.A. But physicians use off-label therapies all the time (including for serious conditions like macular degeneration, with backing from E.U. and U.K. authorities). Youd want to be specific about why this off-label use is objectionable.

Or maybe youre worried that theyve been using a drug that has been in short supply, posing difficulties for those with diabetes who need it. That was a real issue  though, as manufacturing has ramped up, a temporary one. You might still feel they had been selfish to make even a minuscule contribution to that shortage. (There are millions of semaglutide prescriptions in the United States alone.) If so, you might invite a broader discussion with your friends about the problems to which your own various habits of consumption are making similar contributions. Not knowing what your specific concerns are, I cant tell you how to broach them. But if whats really bothering you is the thought that your friends are taking the easy way out, well, I doubt thats a cogent position. In any case, the evidence is clear: Moralizing weight issues doesnt help solve them.
What makes Indy run? For years, the obvious answer was Steven Spielberg, who, starting in 1981 with Raiders of the Lost Ark, guided Harrison Fords hunky archaeologist, Dr. Henry Walton Jones Jr., in and out of gnarly escapades and ripped shirts in four box-office behemoths. By the time Spielberg directed Ford in their last outing, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008), Indy was in his late 50s and fans were speculating that the character was immortal, even if the franchise itself had begun running on fumes.

As a longtime big Hollywood star and hitmaker, Ford had already achieved an immortality of a kind. Indy-ologists, though, were more focused on the eternal life that Indy might have been granted by the Holy Grail when he takes a healthy swig from it in his third outing, The Last Crusade (1989). Its pretty clear from his newest venture, the overstuffed if not entirely charmless Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, that while Indy may not in fact be immortal, the brain trust overseeing this installment wishes he were. They havent simply brought the character back for another go, they have also given him a digital face-lift.

The face-lift is as weird and distracting as this kind of digital plastic surgery tends to be, though your mileage will vary as will your philosophical objections to the idea that Ford needed to be de-aged to draw an audience, even for a 42-year-old franchise thats now older than most North American moviegoers. The results dont have the spooky emptiness of uncanny-valley faces. That said, the altered Indy is cognitively dissonant; I kept wondering what theyd done to  or perhaps with  Ford. It turns out that when he wasnt getting body doubled, he was on set hitting his marks before his face was sent out to be digitally refreshed.

The guy youre familiar with eventually appears  with wrinkles and gray hair, though without a shirt or pants, huzzah  but first you need to get past the prolonged opener, which plays like a franchise highlight reel. These nods to the past are unsurprising for a series steeped in nostalgia. Raiders was created by Spielbergs pal, George Lucas, who saw it as a homage to the serials that hed loved as a kid. Lucas envisioned a hero along the lines of Humphrey Bogart in Treasure of the Sierra Madre, but with morals (more or less), while Spielberg was interested in making a Bond-style film without the hardware and gimmicks.
Kevin Spacey, the two-time Academy Award-winning actor, appeared briefly on Wednesday in a London courtroom for the first day of a trial on multiple charges of sexual assault.

Mr. Spacey, 63, is facing 12 charges related to incidents that the prosecution says involved four men and occurred between 2001 and 2013. For much of that period, he was the artistic director of the Old Vic theater in London.

In two previous hearings over the past year, Mr. Spacey pleaded not guilty to all those charges.
Daniel Penny stands indicted for manslaughter after allegedly putting Jordan Neely in a deadly chokehold for several minutes until and after he stopped moving, the district attorney, Alvin L. Bragg, said in a statement. I hope Mr. Neelys loved ones are on the path toward healing as they continue to mourn this tragic loss.

If Mr. Penny is convicted of manslaughter, the more serious charge, by a jury, he could face up to 15 years in prison.

Thomas Kenniff, a lawyer for Mr. Penny, said in a news conference after the hearing that he and his partner, Steven Raiser, were confident in their case. All the evidence weve seen is that our client acted reasonably under the circumstances, Mr. Kenniff said.

The confrontation between Mr. Penny and Mr. Neely involved several issues that have concerned and polarized New Yorkers in the years since the pandemic arrived  violent incidents on the subways and the vulnerability of homeless and mentally ill people  as well as the longstanding issue of race relations. Mr. Penny is white and Mr. Neely was Black.

Mr. Neelys relatives said that he had a history of mental illness. He also had a criminal record, including instances in which he had attacked people on the subway, though that history was almost certainly unknown to his fellow passengers on the subway car in May.
In late 2016, Somma Food Group had a problem with its chicken tenders.

New York City schools had stopped serving the savory poultry gobbets after people found foreign objects inside them. A school employee choked on a bone inside one of the supposedly boneless tenders. Then there were the reports about pieces of metal.

So, federal prosecutors said, the owners of Texas-based Somma  Blaine Iler, Michael Turley and Brian Twomey  turned for help to a senior Department of Education food official with whom they had been secretly doing business.

The owners promised tens of thousands of dollars to the official, Eric Goldstein, along with control of a second food provider called Range Meats Supply Company, prosecutors said. The tenders were soon restored to school menus, where they remained for a few months before being removed permanently. There had been new complaints that they contained metal, bones and now bits of plastic.

On Wednesday, a jury in Brooklyn convicted Mr. Goldstein of conspiracy, extortion, wire fraud and taking bribes, agreeing with prosecutors who said that he had abused his official position. After the verdict was delivered, Mr. Goldstein, sitting in the well of the courtroom next to his lawyers, rested his head in his hands and stared down at the defense table.
Nearly 11 years to the day after Laurie Kanyok ran out of her gynecologists office in Manhattan and reported him for sexual assault, she stood in front of him in a federal court yet again.

The 4,016 days since she had called the police on June 29, 2012, to tell them about Robert A. Hadden had been measured from hearing to hearing as she told and retold the story of her abuse. They were years riddled with injustice, confusion and heartache, she told the court on Wednesday.

The system has taken over a decade to bring justice to this horrible crime, she said, telling the federal judge who will decide Mr. Haddens punishment that I have spoken one too many times in court and implore you to make this the last time.

The sentencing hearing, attended by about two dozen victims, their families and supporters, was the first of the two for the former Manhattan gynecologist; at the second, on July 24, he will be sentenced by the judge, Richard M. Berman. Mr. Hadden was convicted in January of inducing patients to cross state lines for appointments they believed were routine examinations, but were in fact occasions for sexual assault.
Already 60 wounded in attack on Kramatorsk, there may still be people under rubble  PGO

There are already 60 wounded in Kramatorsk as a result of a missile attack by Russian occupiers, there may still be people under the rubble, the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine (PGO) said.

"Eight killed and 60 wounded. These are the consequences of double missile attacks on Kramatorsk the day before. Among the killed are three underage girls  17 years old and two sisters of 14 years old. Rescue work continues," the PGO said.

The PGO does not rule out that there are still people under the rubble.

The department said the occupiers fired two Iskander missiles on Tuesday evening when people had just reached home after work.

"The criminal regime of Russia continues the tactics of terror against peaceful Ukrainians. We will find everyone who gives criminal orders and everyone who carries them out. Punishment is inevitable," the PGO said.

A pretrial investigation has been launched into violations of the laws and customs of war (parts 1, 2 of article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). Procedural management is carried out by Donetsk Regional Prosecutor's Office.

Earlier, Head of the regional military administration Pavlo Kyrylenko said among those killed in Kramatorsk as a result of a missile attack are three children.

"On June 27, the Russians killed nine residents of Donbas: eight in Kramatorsk and one in Minkivka. Three children were among those killed in Kramatorsk," Kyrylenko said on his Telegram channel.

According to him, another 46 people in the region were injured during the day.

As reported, the death toll in Kramatorsk as a result of a missile attack by Russian occupiers increased to 8, 56 were injured, three were rescued as of Wednesday morning, the State Emergency Service said.
For months, talks over a new casino deal between New York State and the Seneca Nation of Indians have been at an impasse, with the two sides deadlocked over the size of the states cut of hundreds of millions of dollars in gambling revenue, and what the tribe would get in return.

With a few precious hours left before state lawmakers were set to break for the year, that suddenly seemed set to change: Gov. Kathy Hochul, who has faced questions over her husbands ties to commercial gambling interests, tried to fast-track a bill that would have given her administration blanket authority to negotiate a new compact with the Native American nation  and cut out the scrutiny that accompanied the old one.

But now the effort, marked as it was by secrecy and a lack of consultation with virtually anyone besides tribal leaders, has backfired spectacularly. It has alienated local officials and gambling and labor interests that are powerful forces in New York State politics and left the state and the Senecas no closer to a new casino compact.

Although Ms. Hochuls office kept private all the crucial details of what was negotiated with the tribe, one element in particular proved fatal in the legislature: an agreement to allow the Senecas to build a casino, the tribes fourth, in or near Rochester, part of an upstate market that the states own study had called saturated with gambling options.
The M.T.A. reviewed what was left about 15 years ago. We scoured the city for master-lease properties to see what we could sell, Paley said.

They found exactly seven, of which only two had any real value, he said.

One was a triangular-shaped lot on East Houston Street in SoHo where the M.T.A. parked emergency vehicles. The M.T.A. valued the deal to sell it, to developers for a six-story multiuse building, at $38.8 million  $25.8 million from the sale and $13 million for a new lot on East 20th Street that was deeded to the agency.

The agency is working on a deal for land adjacent to a Metro-North bridge over the Harlem River in the Bronx and has done other deals that involved selling development rights, including air rights. It took in $17 million in a deal for air rights adjacent to the Fulton Transit Center in Lower Manhattan, a subway-and-retail complex that connects lettered and numbered subway lines. The M.T.A. says that deal gave the developer SL Green additional floor area for 185 Broadway, a new building across Dey Street. But the M.T.A. retained additional development rights that could be worth millions later on.

The M.T.A. also consolidated its offices into 2 Broadway, vacating two buildings. One was 347 Madison Avenue, its longtime headquarters. It is has already received an initial deposit of $15 million for the site after designating Boston Properties as the developer and is negotiating a ground lease.

It also left 370 Jay Street in Brooklyn, which had been the headquarters of New York City Transit, the division that runs the subways and buses. The M.T.A. had master-leased the Jay Street building from the city; the agency turned it back to the city in a three-way deal. N.Y.U. moved in and paid the M.T.A. $50 million to cover moving out. So for the M.T.A., it was essentially a break-even deal: There was no added revenue that would benefit passengers worried about future fare increases.
The schemes, in which the two owners misappropriated Medicaid and Medicare funds, date back to at least 2013, according to the lawsuit, and involved charging the nursing homes inflated rents of up to 233 percent greater than the rent reported to the State Department of Health; transferring money to nursing homes associated with Centers Health Care in other states through unnecessary and interest-free loans; and paying hefty invoices to companies owned by Mr. Hagler, Mr. Rozenberg and their families. In some cases, according to the lawsuit, it is unclear what services, if any, these invoices were for.

Jeff Jacomowitz, a spokesman for Centers Health Care, denied the allegations in the lawsuit. Centers Health Care prides itself on its commitment to patient care, he said in a statement on Wednesday. Centers denies the New York attorney generals allegations wholeheartedly and attempted to resolve this matter out of court. We will fight these spurious claims with the facts on our side.

At the news conference on Wednesday, a number of victims family members stood with Ms. James and described what their relatives had endured.

Talia Wong, whose mother, Mildred, was living at Holliswood in January 2020, said she had to call the police after she was unable to see her mother in person or reach her by phone.
On Oct. 17, 1975, New Yorkers learned from the morning papers that the city was more or less finished. The big bill  $453 million that City Hall owed its creditors after years of borrowing  was due at 4 oclock that afternoon.

A final rescue mission seemed to have crashed the night before. It depended on the teachers union tapping its pension funds to buy bonds from the Municipal Assistance Corporation. A month earlier, teachers had held a strike against the austerity measures the citys fiscal decline had imposed, and they were not feeling particularly generous.

The evening of Oct. 16, Richard Ravitch, a real-estate developer who emerged as the citys unofficial crisis manager in the 1970s and who died this week at the age of 89, was at a dinner for the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies. It was an elegant evening, but he was worried. Decades later he would recount in a long interview for a documentary that he had spent the dinner fixating on how the city would get medicine to hospitals and food to schools and day care centers if it went broke. There was really no contingency plan in the event of bankruptcy.

Mr. Ravitch returned home from the gala around 10 to a call from the governor, Hugh L. Carey, who asked him to meet with the head of the teachers union, Al Shanker, and persuade him to change his mind. Mr. Ravitch had a well-earned reputation as a top-drawer fixer, and the governor was essentially asking him to save New York City. Mr. Ravitch and Mr. Shanker talked all night, but they parted without a resolution.
Id like to tell you a story about the pandemic, one that may sound so gauzily hopeful, it would qualify today as a public health fairy tale.

The story is this. When Covid arrived on American shores, the United States did not have to collapse into Covid partisanship, with citizen turning against citizen and each party vilifying the other as the source of our national misery. Instead, political leaders could have moved forward more or less in unison, navigating epidemiological uncertainties unencumbered by the weight of the culture war.

You may be laughing, but this is actually a pretty good description of what genuinely happened in the spring and summer of 2020, despite how you may remember those days now. Back then, the president was a lightning rod who seemed to polarize the countrys response all by himself, although he had rhetorical help from podcasters and radio hosts, governors and members of local school boards. But at the state and local levels, for many months, red and blue authorities moved in quite close parallel. For the most part, red and blue people did, too.

This is one of the revelations of Lessons From the Covid War, an Investigative Report, by 34 experts, published in April by PublicAffairs. Over the next few weeks, inspired by this book and a few other efforts at pandemic autopsy, Ill examine the experience of 2020 and how it is already distorted in our memory.
The incidence of anger, they wrote,

is positively related with the vote share of populist candidates, but it ceases to predict the populist vote share once we consider other dimensions of well-being and negative emotions. Hence, low subjective well-being and negative emotions in general drive populism, rather than anger in particular. This comes as a surprise in light of the growing discourse linking American rage and populism.

While levels of anger, gloom and pessimism correlate with receptivity to populist appeals and to authoritarian candidates, another key factor is what scholars describe as the social identity of both leaders and followers.

In a provocative recent paper, Examining the Role of Donald Trump and His Supporters in the 2021 Assault on the U.S. Capitol: A Dual-Agency Model of Identity Leadership and Engaged Followership, S. Alexander Haslam, a professor of social and organizational psychology at the University of Queensland, and 11 colleagues from the United States, Australia and England analyzed the Jan. 6 mob assault and disputed the argument that leaders are akin to puppet masters who either influence their followers directly or not at all. Equally, followers are seen either as passive and entirely dependent on leaders or as entirely independent of them.

Instead, the 12 authors contended, a more nuanced analysis recognizes the agency of both leaders and followers and stresses their mutual influence. They called this approach a dual-agency model of identity leadership and engaged followership in which both leaders and followers are understood to have influence over each other without being totally constrained by the other.

The authors described a phenomenon in which Trump and his most ardent followers engage:

Identity leadership refers to leaders capacity to influence and mobilize others by virtue of leaders abilities to represent, advance, create and embed a sense of social identity that is shared with potential followers.

In the process, Trumps supporters lose their connection to real-world rules and morality:

Regardless of how others see them, followers themselves will rarely understand their actions in destructive terms. Instead, they typically perceive both the guidance of their leader and the objectives they are pursuing as virtuous and are willing to undertake extreme actions.

This willingness to take extreme action grows out of a duality in the way people experience their identities:

Humans have the capacity to define themselves not simply as individuals (i.e., in terms of personal identity as me and I, with unique traits, tastes and qualities) but also as members of social groups (i.e., in terms of social identity as we and us, e.g., us conservatives, us Trump supporters, we Americans).

Social identities, they wrote, are every bit as real and important to people as personal identities, but

the psychological understandings of self that result from internalizing social identity are qualitatively distinct from those which flow from personal identities. This is primarily because social identities restructure social relations in ways that give rise to, and allow for the possibility of, collective behavior.

Social identities become increasingly salient, and potentially more destructive, in times of intense partisan hostility and affective polarization, accentuating a climate of us against them and the demonization of the opposition.

In order for identity leadership to be effective, the authors wrote,

it is important that leaders construe the goals toward which a group is working as both vital and virtuous. In precisely this vein, another central feature of Trumps address (on Jan. 6) to those who went on to attack the Capitol was his insistence on the righteousness of their cause.

The authors then quoted Trump speaking at his Jan. 6 rally on the Ellipse shortly before the assault on the Capitol:

As this enormous crowd shows, we have truth and justice on our side. We have a deep and enduring love for America in our hearts. We love our country. We have overwhelming pride in this great country, and we have it deep in our souls. Together, we are determined to defend and preserve government of the people, by the people and for the people.

At the same time, Trump portrayed his adversaries as the epitome of evil: Trump reminded them not only of the good work they were doing to fight bad actors and forces, but also of the challenges that this dirty business presented.
I always struggle to explain Eid al-Adha. Its not just the story of the holiday thats inaccessible to your average American  at its meaty core is a tale of animal slaughter  but also its timeline. I explain that the holiday commemorates how willing a prophet was to sacrifice anything for God  including his own son. (Spoiler alert: He lives.)

So when is it? Someone always asks.

Well, we dont know, I answer.

The Islamic calendar is lunar. The beginning of each month is determined by the sighting of a new moon. That is fundamentally at odds with the solar calendar that Pope Gregory XIII helped spread across the planet hundreds of years ago. As a result, Muslim holidays fall on a different spot on the Gregorian calendar every year.

This makes Eid al-Adha difficult to plan for. But the spontaneity can also make celebrating it feel a little giddy, in the same way that taking a random personal day or heading out the door with no clear destination can. Depending on where you live, Eid al-Adha celebrations could involve slaughtering a goat, making a donation to charity or attending morning prayers. For me, its an occasion to get together with loved ones. Celebrating Eid whenever it comes, whether the timing is convenient or not, is a small refusal to be governed  by our workplaces, of course, but also by all the systems that regulate us.

We live in a world where our experience of time is inextricably bound up with work, and often in hyper regimented ways. Some preindustrial cultures, the historian E.P. Thompson wrote, measured their day by tasks, like how long it takes to cook rice. Now its measured for us by our employers.
To the Editor:

Re Court Rules State Control of U.S. Voting Has Limits (front page, June 28):

Several high-profile cases were decided by the Supreme Court this month, but only one, Moore v. Harper, had the potential to affect the very lifeblood of our democracy  voting. This election law case considered, in part, a controversial constitutional theory known as the independent state legislature doctrine.

At issue was whether or not state legislatures had absolute power with no electoral oversight authority by state courts to regulate federal elections. With unchecked power, state legislators in key swing states could have rejected the voters slate of electors and appointed their handpicked substitutes.

The Supreme Court has an obligation to protect our democracy. By rejecting the dangerous independent state legislature theory, the court safeguarded state-level judiciaries, shielding the will of the voters in the process.

Jim Paladino

Tampa, Fla.

To the Editor:

In the 6-to-3 Supreme Court ruling Tuesday in Moore v. Harper, the fact that a supermajority including both Democratic and Republican appointees reaffirmed the American constitutional order is the latest example that the Republican-appointed justices are not in the hip pocket of Donald Trump and the extreme right of the Republican Party.
In Mr. Rushs telling, innovation was the province of maverick individuals, not stodgy legacy players and certainly not cumbersome government bureaucracies. Mr. Rush was perpetuating a myth  one that is particularly popular in Silicon Valley and among technology start-ups  that governments are just an obstacle and that innovation comes from bold trailblazers moving fast and breaking things.

That story is often wrong, and it was 100 percent wrong in this case.

The first two deep-diving submersibles built in America were developed by the United States government and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution to assist in salvage operations at sea and to install and monitor Cold War underwater listening systems, including the original version of the system that detected the implosion of the Titan.

In the 1930s, civilian oceanographers were studying a layer in the ocean where temperatures and pressures channeled sound in a way that enabled it to travel very far. Realizing this could be a powerful military communications tool, they worked with the U.S. Navy to develop technologies that exploited this sound channel. The most important of these technologies was SOSUS  the Sound Surveillance System  a complex network of listening devices called hydrophones on the seafloor designed to detect prowling Soviet submarines.

By the late 1950s, SOSUS encompassed more than 1,000 hydrophones and 30,000 miles of undersea cables and could detect sounds hundreds of miles away. But this network required monitoring, inspections and repairs. In the early 1960s, scientists and engineers at Woods Hole collaborated with the U.S. Office of Naval Research and the U.S. Navy Bureau of Ships to conceptualize and commission two radically innovative vessels to do that work: Aluminaut and Alvin.

As its name suggests, Aluminaut was developed with the Reynolds Metals Company, one of the largest aluminum companies in the world. It was expensive  the original expected cost was $3 million for construction and two years of operation  but the Navy was willing to take the risk, given the potential rewards. What the Navy and Woods Hole were not willing to do, however, was to risk lives. A Woods Hole engineer, James Mavor Jr., stressed that while Aluminaut was experimental, it still needed to be designed and tested as a future operating vehicle. No one wanted an experiment once people were in it underwater.
All across the Milky Way, dying stars are gobbling up their planets. Even Earth is likely to perish this way about five billion years from now, when the sun expands and devours its innermost worlds.

But the giant planet Halla, which closely orbits a star 520 light years from Earth, appears to have narrowly escaped such an apocalyptic fate. A new explanation for this planets survivor status hints that there may be a hidden population of death-defying worlds elsewhere in the galaxy, according to a study published on Wednesday in the journal Nature.

Halla is a forbidden planet of sorts, said Marc Hon, a NASA Hubble fellow at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and an author of the study. The star itself might have a very unusual history that somehow permitted this planet to survive at such a close distance around what is otherwise a rather inhospitable host star, he added.

As stars like the sun reach the end of their lives, they transition into red giants that exponentially puff up in size, incinerating any worlds that fall within their advancing boundaries. Scientists have spotted indirect signs of such planetary engulfments across the galaxy, and a team recently reported the first direct detection of a planet flaming out, as a star consumed it. In some systems, planets may even cannibalize each other, according to another recent study that found evidence of a gas giant that ate a Mercury-size world.
President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda arrived on Wednesday, June 28, on an unannounced visit to Kyiv, the presidential press service said.

Nauseda will meet with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and take part in an event dedicated to the 27th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of Ukraine.

The head of the Lithuanian state will discuss with the President of Ukraine the agenda of the NATO summit to be held in July in Vilnius, as well as the issues of Ukraine's negotiations on membership in the European Union, Lithuania's and the European Union's assistance to Ukraine.

"The President arrived in Kyiv from The Hague, where yesterday at a meeting of the heads of seven states he discussed further support for Ukraine. From Kyiv, the Lithuanian President will travel to Brussels, where a meeting of the European Council will start on Thursday," according to the statement.
Is originality overrated?

Nothing in art is more thrilling than a new idea. And the cliche is the enemy of anyone with standards. And yet, have you looked around at the culture lately?

Reboots, sequels and franchises pack movie theaters. Jukebox musicals remain popular on Broadway. TikTok virality is often built on repurposed songs and dances. The amount of derivative work makes you wonder if the demand for the new is in decline. The acceleration of artificial intelligence into our lives raises the stakes. What can artists or writers do that ChatGPT cannot? We need an answer quick.

By dramatizing the anxiety behind the question, A Simulacrum, a fascinating play of ideas disguised as a magic show at Atlantic Stage 2, lingers in my mind, growing in stature upon reflection the way collections of tricks rarely do. Ever since Penn and Teller burst on the scene, every magician seemed to be deconstructing illusions while doing them. But this peek behind the curtain is something new, while, as its title suggests, not being original at all. That paradox becomes part of the point.

The show is a reproduction of a series of conversations over several years between the magician Steve Cuiffo and the director Lucas Hnath (both are credited as playwrights) about the development of this work. We only hear Hnath, on a recording played by Cuiffo, the sole one onstage. Hnath asks Cuiffo to show him a trick, and after he does, multiple times, artistic tension between collaborators emerges.
When Victoria Bailey assumed the leadership of the nonprofit Theater Development Fund in 2001, she was told that the organizations marquee program, the TKTS discount ticket booth, had not missed a day in nearly three decades of operation.

So much for that. A few months after she took the job, the booth was shut down because of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and in the time since it has been closed by a blackout, a hurricane, a strike and a pandemic.

Its been an eventful 22 years for Bailey, and on Friday, the day she turns 67, she is stepping down as the executive director of the organization, which sold 615,000 tickets at its TKTS booths this fiscal year and which works to make theater accessible  to those who find the cost of tickets prohibitive as well as to students, veterans and people with disabilities.

Bailey, who received a Tony Honor for Excellence in Theater earlier this month in recognition of her service to the industry, will be succeeded on Aug. 7 by Deeksha Gaur, a co-founder of the theater reviews platform Show-Score.
President Biden and Democrats, largely stymied by Republicans from enacting their policy agenda, have transformed the Senate into a judicial confirmation factory that has just passed a major milestone in its drive to remake the federal courts, approving the 100th district court nominee since Mr. Biden took office.

The pace of the effort has surpassed the one set by Republicans when they pushed to reshape the courts during the administration of former President Donald J. Trump, putting the Biden administration 20 district court nominees ahead of the Trump team at the same point in his term.

These judges will affect America long after just about every senator is out of here, said Senator Chuck Schumer, the New York Democrat and majority leader, who has had a longtime interest in judicial confirmations. It is hugely important. Its a step-by-step process. Its hard.

Despite being slowed by absences and resistance from Republicans who see some Biden nominees as unacceptable, the Democratic-led Senate hit the 100 mark last week with a 50-to-49 vote to confirm Natasha Merle to a seat in the Eastern District of New York. She was one of a string of newly confirmed judges with civil rights backgrounds whose nominations had been slow to reach the floor given concerted Republican opposition.
Federal judges in two states intervened on Wednesday to temporarily block laws that would ban gender-transition care for minors, the latest instances where legislation targeting transgender people have been halted by the judiciary.

The separate rulings in Kentucky and Tennessee came days before key provisions of the laws were set to go into effect, as a wave of legislation aimed at curbing L.G.B.T.Q. rights has cleared Republican-controlled legislatures across the country this year. Several of those laws either remain tangled in legal battles, or have been ruled unconstitutional by federal judges.

In the first decision released on Wednesday, Judge David J. Hale of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky temporarily blocked part of a Kentucky law that would ban the prescription and administration of puberty blockers and hormone therapy  allowing health care options for transgender youth to remain available in the state while the litigation continued.

Most of the bill took effect immediately when it became law this year, but some provisions were set to go into effect on Thursday.
Myles Martin, a spokesman for the Federal Election Commission, said in an email on Wednesday that he was not able to comment about specific candidates or their activities. But he pointed out that federal campaign finance rules require candidates to reimburse federal, state or local government entities when using aircraft owned by them to campaign.

Political committees must also pay back costs associated with others means of transportation, including boat travel.

Mr. DeSantis has previously faced accusations that he is inappropriately blurring the lines between his official duties and his campaign.

As Mr. DeSantis prepared to sign Floridas record-breaking budget earlier this month, lobbyists and state lawmakers said the governors staff called them seeking either campaign contributions or political endorsements  outreach that would normally be made by members of Mr. DeSantiss campaign. The conversations left the lobbyists and lawmakers afraid that Mr. DeSantis would veto their projects from the budget if they did not comply, they said.

And when Mr. DeSantis signed the budget, he vetoed several projects sponsored by State Senator Joe Gruters, a Republican who has endorsed former President Donald J. Trump, the Republican front-runner. Mr. Gruters accused the governor of retribution, calling him meanspirited and saying he had chosen to punish ordinary Floridians because of a political disagreement.
The push to assemble slates of pro-Trump electors from swing states won by Mr. Biden is one of a number of components of Mr. Smiths investigation. Prosecutors have also scrutinized whether Mr. Trump and his allies bilked donors by raising money through false claims of election fraud, examined efforts to use the Justice Department to give credence to election-fraud claims and sought to piece together a detailed picture of the role played by Mr. Trump in inciting the attack on the Capitol and the disruption of the congressional certification of his loss.

It remains unclear whether Mr. Giuliani will face charges in the special counsels investigation. He is also under scrutiny on many of the same subjects by the district attorney in Fulton County, Ga., who is pursuing a wide-ranging investigation into Mr. Trumps effort to reverse his election loss in that swing state.

As part of Mr. Smiths inquiry, prosecutors questioned Mr. Romans deputy, Gary Michael Brown, last week in front of a grand jury in Federal District Court in Washington that has been investigating the attempts by Mr. Trump and his allies to overturn the election. Federal prosecutors on Wednesday are also scheduled to interview Brad Raffensperger, the secretary of state of Georgia, who took a call from Mr. Trump in early January 2021 during which the former president asked him to find sufficient votes that would put him over the top in the election in that state.

A longtime ally of Mr. Trump who served two terms as New York Citys mayor, Mr. Giuliani effectively led the former presidents attempts to overturn his defeat in the last presidential race and has for months been a chief focus of the Justice Departments broad investigation into the postelection period. His name has appeared on several subpoenas sent to former aides to Mr. Trump and to a host of Republican state officials involved in the plan to create fake slates of electors.

Last year, shortly before Mr. Smith was appointed to his job as special counsel, the Justice Department issued a subpoena to Mr. Giuliani for records related to his representation of Mr. Trump, including those that detailed any payments he had received. A group of federal prosecutors including Thomas Windom had been pursuing various strands of the inquiry into Mr. Trumps efforts to remain in power before Mr. Smiths appointment and they continue to play key roles in the investigation.
As the heat index hit 115 degrees on Monday, Karla Perez took a five-minute water break at a construction site in Dallas. Such rest breaks are required by the city, as they are in Austin.

But a change in Texas state law, which goes into effect in September, will wipe away those local requirements, leaving workers like Ms. Perez to count on their employers to provide time to rest and rehydrate. Right now, she gets three breaks a day. She dreads what the change might bring.

Workers are going to die, she said. Theres no way around it.

The legal change was part of a sweeping effort by the Republican-dominated State Legislature to exert control over its Democratic-led major cities, which have become increasingly assertive in pushing progressive policies at the local level.

The new law, labeled the Death Star by its Democratic opponents, would pre-empt a broad swath of ordinances, including those affecting labor, agriculture and natural resources. It is expected to nullify regulations such as those dealing with some payday lending, puppy mills, certain sanitation requirements and other practices.
After his 23-foot rowboat lost battery power in mid-May as he tried to circle the globe, Aaron Carotta spent more than a month at the mercy of ocean currents that pulled him across the Pacific.

Then, when a giant wave knocked his vessel upside down, he inflated a leaky life raft and immediately activated an emergency satellite beacon. He didnt have much time to wait for help: Water was pooling at his ankles, he was shivering with hypothermia, and a shark was circling nearby.

But a few hours later, a United States Coast Guard plane came into view  the first aircraft that Mr. Carotta, 45, had seen in more than 80 days  and set a rescue in motion.

It was a sight for sore eyes, Mr. Carotta said on Tuesday, a day after a merchant ship that had plucked him out of the water dropped him off in Hawaii. He had set off from Panama in February on a mission to circumnavigate the globe.
Up the wooden gangplank in a single-file line, nearly an entire Indigenous village squeezed onto the Aquidabans front deck. The Tomarahos had taken the boat downriver to vote in Paraguays national elections, and then had slept outside for four days, waiting for the Aquidaban to take them home.

Now, more than 200 of them squatted on overturned buckets, crowded on hammocks and sprawled on the floor. No one was quite sure how many life jackets were aboard, but just about everyone was sure the Tomarahos outnumbered them.

Ever since I was a kid, there was always the Aquidaban, said Griselda Vera Velazquez, 33, a craftswoman in the Tomaraho village, where there is no road. She regularly takes the boat to medical specialists 400 miles away for her daughter with Down syndrome. Were isolated, she said. We have no other way.
Why It Matters: The mess of systems caused confusion and errors.

The three systems for counting age have confused and inconvenienced South Koreans in all kinds of situations including health recommendations, labor disputes and social hierarchy.

For example, some health officials used inconsistent age standards for coronavirus vaccinations. So, a person could be required to show proof of vaccination based on their age under one system but would not actually be old enough to get a vaccine under another system.

Supporters of the change say the new standard will reduce these conflicts.

But it does not yet apply to all circumstances.

Children will continue to start elementary school using the countrys third counting system, known as year age: Age-counting starts as zero at birth, then adds a year every Jan. 1. Under this system, a baby born on Dec. 31 turns 1 the next day.

For now, year age will also still be used to determine whether a person can drink, smoke or serve in the military. So, a person born in any month of 2004 is considered 19 years old and, therefore, is eligible for all those things.

Background: The other counting methods are a deeply rooted custom.

The new official age-counting method has been used for most legal and official purposes in South Korea since the 1960s.

South Korean lawmakers approved a bill in December to scrap the other age-counting methods and minimize unnecessary conflicts related to age and to establish social practices that conform to international standards.

There was broad support for the change from politicians and the public. More than 80 percent of citizens the government surveyed in September said that they supported the bill.

Suh Chan S., a sociology professor at Chung-Ang University in Seoul, told The New York Times last year that while China and Taiwan used similar age-counting methods, South Korea stood alone in officially recognizing them.

It remains to be seen whether the other age-counting methods will be abandoned altogether.
Every manifestation of terror proves that Russia deserves defeat and a tribunal, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video address on Tuesday, commenting on the missile attacks on Kremenchuk and Kramatorsk.

"Exactly on the anniversary of the Russian terrorists' attack on Kremenchuk, on the shopping mall, when 22 people were killed, Russian savages again fired missiles at Kremenchuk district," he said.

"Today, Russian terrorists also brutally shelled Kramatorsk. S-300 missiles. Three people were killed, including a child. My condolences to the families and friends. As of this hour, more than 40 people are wounded. Assistance is being provided to all. The rubble is being cleared," he said.

According to Zelenskyy, "each such manifestation of terror proves over and over again to us and to the whole world that Russia deserves only one thing as a result of everything it has done  defeat and a tribunal, fair and legal trials against all Russian murderers and terrorists."
As Canada grapples with one of the worst wildfire seasons in decades, heavy smoke from Quebec was wafting into the American Midwest on Tuesday, a day after NASA said it had crossed the Atlantic Ocean all the way to Europe.

Canada has been struggling to fight an extraordinary outbreak of wildfires across the country that has forced tens of thousands of people from their homes, deepened concerns about global warming and, this month, sent choking smoke billowing down the East Coast of the United States, from New York City, past Washington, and as far west as Minnesota.

How has the smoke affected air quality in the American Midwest?

On Tuesday, Canadas wildfires were worsening air quality in Chicago, Detroit and Milwaukee, among other places. In Chicago, the Air Quality Index reached 209 by noon on Tuesday, the worst reading of any major city in the world for the day, according to IQAir, a Swiss air-quality technology company. (The index climbed higher in Chicago on Wednesday morning to 216, though the air quality was worse in Detroit, where the index hit 306.)

In Green Bay, Wis., the index was 175; in Grand Rapids, Mich., it soared to 255. Any reading above 100 on the index is a warning to people with respiratory conditions to take precautions.
In an interview before his first official visit to Washington, Germanys defense minister staked out a broad geopolitical vision, taking pains to indicate that his country is ready to assume a more assertive stance in the face of growing international instability.

The defense minister, Boris Pistorius, laid out plans for Germany to increase its arms deliveries and take a more robust role in both the Indo-Pacific region and in military leadership in Europe. He spoke to The New York Times before traveling to meet his U.S. counterpart, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, as well as the national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, on Wednesday in Washington.

The minister has been a part of Germanys effort to change allies perceptions of his country as reluctant to take up leadership in Europe in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine  a view fostered by its slow initial pace in delivering weapons to Kyiv and its stumbling efforts to fulfill a pledge to revitalize its own military.

Mr. Pistoriuss candor when discussing such topics has made him one of Germanys most popular politicians, even when he sometimes goes further than some Germans, still haunted by their countrys World War II history, find comfortable.
U.S. officials said they were still trying to learn whether the general provided any planning to assist Mr. Prigozhins revolt last weekend. If General Surovikin was involved, it would be the latest sign of the infighting that has characterized Russias military leadership since the start of Mr. Putins war in Ukraine. The U.S. officials said that Mr. Putin would have to decide whether he believed that General Surovikin helped Mr. Prigozhin, which would determine how he would respond.

On Wednesday, the Kremlins spokesman, Dmitri S. Peskov, described The Timess report as speculations and gossip, but he did not deny it, nor did he offer any expression of Mr. Putins confidence in the general.

Gen. Viktor V. Zolotov

General Zolotov, the head of Russias National Guard and a former bodyguard of Mr. Putin, said on Tuesday that there had been leaks from Mr. Prigozhins camp last week about the fact that a rebellion is being prepared and will happen in the period from the 22nd to the 25th, Russian state media reported.

While General Zolotov did not say whether he had informed Mr. Putin, he told reporters that he was constantly in touch with the president during the rebellion and that his troops were ready to fight to the death to defend Moscow. And he appeared to be taking advantage of the weekends events  he said he had spoken to Mr. Putin about the need to provide his force, which is separate from the military, with tanks and long-range heavy weaponry.

U.S. intelligence agencies

Last Wednesday, American intelligence officials told senior military and administration officials that Mr. Prigozhin was preparing to take military action against senior Russian defense officials, The New York Times reported. U.S. spy agencies had indications days earlier that Mr. Prigozhin was planning something, according to officials familiar with the matter.
As President Vladimir V. Putin seeks to assert control in Russia, he is moving to punish people who enabled the mercenary boss Yevgeny V. Prigozhins rebellion over the weekend, but Mr. Prigozhins deep connections with the ruling elite are complicating those efforts.

The question of who gets punished for the mutiny carries high stakes for the Russian leadership, especially because some of Mr. Prigozhins key allies and sympathizers are believed to be inside the military and the government.

There was intense focus in Moscow about the fate of Gen. Sergei Surovikin, a senior military official whom Mr. Prigozhin praised publicly and who is said to have known about the rebellion in advance; he has not been seen publicly since early Saturday. Several pro-war Russian blogs reported that the authorities were investigating military service members with ties to Mr. Prigozhin, but those reports could not be independently confirmed.

Mr. Putin fed speculation about a broader crackdown on Tuesday evening in a closed-door meeting with Russian media figures at the Kremlin. In the meeting, he presented himself as a leader in total control, and said he was delving into Mr. Prigozhins business contracts with the Russian Defense Ministry.
As Russian soldiers braced in their trenches in Ukraine, a charismatic military leader suddenly marched his forces on the capital. He promised to save the nation from traitors who were pushing it toward catastrophic military defeat.

The rebels stopped just short of their goal, but the fallout from the mutiny contributed to pulling Russia apart soon after. The already weakened military collapsed, the government crumbled and the country descended into a devastating civil war.

These events took place in 1917, but they appeared to be front of mind for President Vladimir V. Putin as he reacted to a lightning raid toward Moscow by mutinous mercenaries this weekend. The rebellion had once again exposed the danger of Russias involvement in a prolonged, seemingly unwinnable war, showing how domestic strain can suddenly crack the countrys authoritarian facade of stability.

Mr. Putin, an amateur revisionist historian, devoted a significant part of his initial televised address during the mutiny to Russias downfall in World War I.
KRAMATORSK, Ukraine  Rescuers were combing through the rubble in Kramatorsk on Wednesday as the death toll from a Russian missile strike on a popular restaurant in the eastern Ukrainian city climbed.

The missile tore into the crowded Ria Lounge restaurant at dinnertime on Tuesday, setting off a large blaze that burned for more than two hours. By Wednesday evening, the Ukrainian authorities said that 11 people had been confirmed dead  including 14-year-old twin sisters  and 61 others were wounded.

With search and rescue efforts ongoing, Ukraines intelligence agency, the S.B.U., said it had detained a man who allegedly helped direct the missile strike. It accused the man  described as a Kramatorsk resident working for a local gas transportation company  of sending video footage of the restaurant to Russian military intelligence. The S.B.U. did not name the person and the accusations could not be independently verified.

The restaurants terrace was a mess of overturned black-and-white sofas on Wednesday morning. As a crane lifted debris off a large pile of twisted rubble, distraught friends and relatives of people still missing waited anxiously behind police ribbon across the street. The restaurants owner paced while talking on her phone.
This is one in an occasional series of dispatches about life amid the war in Ukraine.

KYIV, Ukraine  On a gray and rainy afternoon, about 35 people settled into velvety red seats in a small and stuffy underground movie theater. Two carried rainbow umbrellas.

When the lights went down, the cartoon images that flashed on the screen were a reminder that this was a unique moment in time: a soldier preparing for war  then kissing another soldier of the same sex.

The sold-out screening, a Ukrainian queer short film retrospective, was one of dozens held in Kyiv as part of the countrys first-ever queer film festival. A landmark event in its own right, the seven-day event, which ends Wednesday, also took place during a war  one that rights advocates said has increased visibility and acceptance of the L.G.B.T.Q. community.

It feels somehow more free since Russia invaded, said the festivals director, Bohdan Zhuk, 34. I think we feel more powerful. I certainly do.
As a crane lifted debris off a large pile of twisted rubble, distraught friends and relatives of people still missing waited anxiously behind a police ribbon across the street. When a body was pulled from the rubble, people strained to see whether it was their loved one. But each time, the body bag was zipped tightly, and an emergency car quickly took it to the morgue.

One woman was awaiting news of her niece. A man was seeking information about his brother-in-law. When emergency workers came out to take breaks, pouring water onto their heads to wash off the dust, people rushed over to ask for updates  with one man showing a photo of his missing relative on his phone.

Kramatorsk lies just 20 miles from the front lines and the devastated city of Bakhmut, in the Donetsk region  near enough to be a frequent target of Russian missiles and a way station for troops. But it is also just far enough from the fighting to tempt people into going about their normal daily lives, especially in recent weeks, when the weather turned warm and strikes were relatively rare.

Ria Lounge, known to many as Ria Pizza, was a long-running haunt, particularly popular in the summer because of its covered outdoor seating. It is close to the Hotel Kramatorsk, which was badly damaged in a Russian attack last summer. The restaurant had closed after Russias invasion of Ukraine began in February last year, but reopened several months later.
Ahead of an annual NATO summit scheduled for next month, the leaders of alliance members Estonia and Poland on Wednesday stressed the need for vigilance over the Wagner mercenary groups potential relocation to Belarus.

Their comments came after Yevgeny V. Prigozhin, the Russian mercenary leader, was reported to have arrived in Belarus on Tuesday, days after being offered exile as part of a deal in which he called off a weekend uprising against Russias military leadership.

President Aleksandr G. Lukashenko of Belarus said on Tuesday that the members of the group who had participated in the rebellion had been offered an abandoned military base in his country, raising concerns among Belaruss neighbors about the force establishing a presence on their doorsteps. The remaining Wagner members have been offered the option of signing contracts with the Russian military.

Kaja Kallas, Estonias prime minister and one of Ukraines staunchest backers, called Belarus a co-aggressor with Russia in its war with Ukraine.
New York City Council Ninth District

The Ninth Council Districts Democratic primary in Harlem pits two State Assembly members, Inez Dickens and Al Taylor, against Yusef Salaam, one of five men who were convicted and then exonerated in a 1989 rape and assault of a female jogger in Central Park. The name of Councilwoman Kristin Richardson Jordan, the incumbent, remains on the ballot despite dropping out of the race last month.
The State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) counterintelligence "in hot pursuit" detained an agent of the Russian special services who corrected a Russian missile attack on a cafe in the center of Kramatorsk on June 27, the SBU said citing its Head Vasiy Maliuk.

"Russia's agent will definitely answer before the Ukrainian court. But such a detention is also a signal for all other spotters and traitors working for the enemy. Remember, punishment is inevitable. Just as the organizers of war crimes  representatives of Putin's regime," the Ukrainian security service said in the Telegram channel on Wednesday, citing its head.

The SBU said the detained spotter of the strike on Kramatorsk is a "reactivated" agent of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (better known as the GRU).

"On June 27, he was instructed to find out if the aforementioned cafe was open and to fix the presence of visitors. In order to fulfil the enemy instructions, the Russian Armed Forces' agent made a covert video filming of the establishment and cars parked nearby. After that, the defendant sent the filmed file to Russian military intelligence. Having received this information, the Russian invaders fired the defeat of the cafe in which there were people," the Ukrainian special service said.

According to the investigation, the enemy agent is a resident of Kramatorsk, an employee of a local gas transportation company.

"Earlier, he was remotely recruited by a Russian group, and during the full-scale invasion, he was "activated" and assigned tasks to collect intelligence about the locations and movement of the Defense Forces in Sloviansk and Kramatorsk," the SBU said.

According to the SBU, the agent had to transfer the locations of local critical infrastructure and objects with a massive accumulation of civilians.

Currently, comprehensive measures are being taken to establish all the circumstances of the crime and bring the defendant and others involved to justice.

The events were held under the procedural guidance of the prosecutor's office.

The SBU reminds that as a result of an enemy attack, at least nine local residents were killed, including three children. Some 60 people were injured of varying severity.
Ukrainian advance Mined fields Tree lines Supplies MAIN ROAD Russian defense Vehicle defense Trenches Infantry Ukrainian advance Mined field MAIN ROAD Russian defense Tree lines Trenches Infantry Ukrainian advance Mined fields Tree lines Supplies Trenches MAIN ROAD Russian defense Vehicle defense Infantry

ORIKHIV Three weeks in, Ukraine has made little progress toward one of its main lines of attack in southern Ukraine. Russia has a crucial ally: the unforgiving terrain of the south. Territory reclaimed by Ukraine since June 4 Front line Wide-open fields leave little room for cover for Ukrainian troops, tanks and armored vehicles. 1 mile from the front line Open field Open field Fields surrounded by tree lines Open field Open field Open field Trees line the edges of those fields, concealing Russian forces and shielding them from aerial observation. 5 miles from the front line Russian defensive line Anti-tank trap Trenches Beyond natural obstacles, miles of Russian defenses  trenches, tank traps and mines  only allow Ukraines troops to make incremental progress at best. 10 miles from the front line Russian defensive line Russian defensive line If Ukraine can get 15 miles from the front line, to the city of Tokmak, urban warfare will pose its own challenges. Tall buildings and narrow sidestreets ensure combat will be at close quarters, and deadly. Anti-tank trap surrounding the city Roads often mined 15 miles from the front line Tall buildings provide cover Trenches TOKMAK 20 miles from the front line Few expected Ukraines counteroffensive to go quickly, but other lines of attack face similar obstacles. Turning the tide will require mastering the terrain. 30 miles to Melitopol ORIKHIV Three weeks in, Ukraine has made little progress toward one of its main lines of attack in southern Ukraine. Russia has a crucial ally: the unforgiving terrain of the south. Territory reclaimed by Ukraine since June 4 Front line Wide-open fields leave little room for cover for Ukrainian troops, tanks and armored vehicles. 1 mile from the front line Open field Open field Fields surrounded by tree lines Open field Open field Open field Trees line the edges of those fields, concealing Russian forces and shielding them from aerial observation. 5 miles from the front line Russian defensive line Anti-tank trap Trenches Beyond natural obstacles, miles of Russian defenses  trenches, tank traps and mines  only allow Ukraines troops to make incremental progress, at best. 10 miles from the front line Russian defensive line Russian defensive line If Ukraine can get 15 miles from the front line, to the city of Tokmak, urban warfare will pose its own challenges. Tall buildings and narrow sidestreets ensure combat will be at close quarters, and deadly. Anti-tank trap surrounding the city Roads often mined 15 miles from the front line Tall buildings provide cover Trenches TOKMAK 20 miles from the front line Few expected Ukraines counteroffensive to go quickly, but other lines of attack face similar obstacles. Turning the tide will require mastering the terrain. 30 miles to Melitopol Three weeks in, Ukraine has made little progress toward one of its main lines of attack in southern Ukraine. Russia has a crucial ally: the unforgiving terrain of the south. Territory reclaimed by Ukraine since June 4 Front line 1 mile from the front line Wide-open fields leave little room for cover for Ukrainian troops, tanks and armored vehicles. Open field Open field Open field Open field Open field Fields surrounded by tree lines Trees line the edges of those fields, concealing Russian forces and shielding them from aerial observation. 5 miles from the front line Russian defensive line Anti-tank trap Trenches Beyond natural obstacles, miles of Russian defenses  trenches, tank traps and mines  only allow Ukraines troops to make incremental progress, at best. 10 miles from the front line Russian defensive line Anti-tank trap surrounding the city If Ukraine can get 15 miles from the front line, to the city of Tokmak, urban warfare will pose its own challenges. Tall buildings and narrow sidestreets ensure combat will be at close quarters, and deadly. 15 miles from the front line Tall buildings provide cover Trenches TOKMAK Roads are often mined 20 miles from the front line Few expected Ukraines counteroffensive to go quickly, but other lines of attack face similar obstacles. Turning the tide will require mastering the terrain.

The southern offensive could determine the fate of the war, many military analysts believe. Much of Ukraine is rolling steppe and forests, but the south is especially flat, making it more dangerous for advancing troops.

Ukrainian officials have said the counteroffensive is going as planned, even though its clear, through open source accounts, that Ukrainian vehicles  including recently supplied western tanks and armored personnel carriers  are being damaged and destroyed. Kyivs formations have managed to take several small villages, but Ukrainian casualties are mounting.

The slow pace is most likely the result of several factors. Russian troops have shown competency fighting defensively, and Moscows formations have improved their tactics since earlier in the war.

The short-lived rebellion by the Wagner group on Saturday hasnt had an immediate effect on the front line in southern Ukraine. No Russian soldiers left their positions to come to Russias defense. But the Ukrainian military may be able to capitalize on the chaos and weakening morale to try to make some gains, according to analysts.

The terrain is a formidable obstacle in and of itself. Here is how the physical features of southern Ukraine combine to give Russian defenders an advantage.

Open Fields

Russians mine the roads leading to settlements to slow the advance of vehicles and tanks. MAIN ROAD De-mining vehicles and explosives are often used to clear land mines. UKRAINIAN ADVANCE Tanks Mined fields Truck Land mines Once in the open field, the tanks and vehicles are not only slower, but also more vulnerable to attacks. Bradleys Breaching vehicles MAIN ROAD Russians mine the roads leading to settlements to slow the advance of vehicles and tanks. UKRAINIAN ADVANCE De-mining vehicles and explosives are often used to clear land mines. Tanks Truck Land mines Mined fields Bradleys Once in the open field, the tanks and vehicles are not only slower, but also more vulnerable to attacks. Breaching vehicles Russians mine the roads leading to settlements to slow the advance of vehicles and tanks. MAIN ROAD Land mines De-mining vehicles and explosives are often used to clear land mines. Tanks UKRAINIAN ADVANCE Mined fields Truck Bradleys Once in the open field, the tanks and vehicles are not only slower, but also more vulnerable to attacks. Breaching vehicles

Flat, open fields like the ones that dot southern Ukraine are optimal terrain for a defending army.

Crops such as wheat, corn and sunflowers may provide advancing Ukrainian infantry limited concealment from Russian troops positioned in adjacent tree lines. Theyll do little to stop shrapnel and rifle fire.

Ukrainian troops will also have to be supported by tanks and armored personnel carriers, lumbering vehicles with the heavy armament needed to dislodge Russian forces from their entrenchments. These vehicles are not only easily seen, but easily heard.

For Ukraine to retake territory, this pairing  armored vehicles and infantry  will need to traverse routes that Russia has extensively mined. Open fields and side roads will need to be cleared of the lethal explosives for any chance of success.

The West has supplied mine-clearing equipment, including explosive charges that can clear an open lane through a minefield. But even with this equipment, the task is daunting. Footage from the offensives early days showed stalled mine-clearing bulldozers and destroyed Ukrainian armored vehicles. Ukrainian soldiers have said that even when mines have been cleared, Russians are quick to replace them.

As the Ukrainians and their engineers move to clear mines so that their comrades can advance, they will be under intense artillery, tank fire and, in some cases, helicopter fire.

Tree lines

Russians can take advantage of patchy tree areas to hide their defensive positions. Supplies Tank RUSSIAN DEFENSIVE LINES UKRAINIAN ADVANCE Infantry Infantry The Ukrainians must advance through uncovered positions in open fields. Russian forces can take advantage of tree lines to hide their defensive positions and ambush attackers. Supplies Tank RUSSIAN DEFENSIVE LINES UKRAINIAN ADVANCE Infantry Infantry The Ukrainians must advance through uncovered positions in open fields. Russians can take advantage of patchy tree areas to hide their defensive positions. Supplies Tank RUSSIAN DEFENSIVE LINES Infantry UKRAINIAN ADVANCE The Ukrainians must advance through uncovered positions in open fields.

The tree lines that border fields in Ukraines south are natural defensive points. In the summer, foliage is fully grown, camouflaging Russian defenses from aerial observation.

Under dense foliage the Russians can conceal tanks, anti-tank missile teams and infantry units. Further from the front lines, artillery and air defenses can also be positioned among the greenery. This combination is sufficient to thwart or delay a Ukrainian advance, so artillery fire before any attack, targeting these defensive points, is essential.

Throughout the war a common practice has been to shell these points simply to destroy trees and bushes and expose the underlying bunkers and trenches.

Tree lines also help break line of sight for air defenses. Well-trained Russian helicopter pilots can fly at tree level, protecting themselves from short-range anti-air missiles before popping up and firing at Ukrainian troops.

Reinforced trenches

Vehicle revetment The Russians have dug and set multiple lines of obstacles to cover their positions and limit the Ukrainian advance. Trenches Bunker Pillboxes Bunker Bunker Bunker 30 ft BUNKER SYSTEM Dragons teeth Vehicle revetment The Russians have dug and set multiple lines of obstacles to cover their positions and limit the Ukrainian advance. Trenches Bunker Pillboxes Bunker Bunker Bunker 30 ft BUNKER SYSTEM Dragons teeth The Russians have dug and set multiple lines of obstacles to cover their positions and limit the Ukrainian advance. Vehicle revetment Trenches Bunker Pillboxes Bunker Bunker Bunker 30 ft BUNKER SYSTEM Dragons teeth

With more than a year to prepare for a Ukrainian offensive in the south, Russian forces have had ample time to construct a dense network of fortifications. Throughout the war Ukrainian troops have noted that Russian trenches are frequently well built and deep, protecting the troops within from artillery fire.

Often, troops on both sides will conceal the tops of their trenches with tree limbs and logs, so advancing formations wont be able to see them until its too late.

Reinforced wood Branches INTERIOR CUTAWAY VIEW Insulation A system of camouflaged bunkers, connected by tunnels, that are difficult to spot even on foot. Tunnel Branches Reinforced wood INTERIOR CUTAWAY VIEW Insulation A system of camouflaged bunkers, connected by tunnels, that are difficult to spot even on foot. Tunnel Reinforced wood Branches Tunnel Insulation INTERIOR CUTAWAY VIEW A system of camouflaged bunkers, connected by tunnels, that are difficult to spot even on foot.

Because trenches are low-lying, they are also a drawback for defending forces. Without proper communication between adjacent fortifications, they can be easily flanked or bypassed.

A recent video posted by a Ukrainian special operations unit shows just that: A small team of soldiers infiltrates a Russian trench with disastrous effect and quickly kills those unaware within.

Urban areas

Lookout soldier In urban combat, structures can hide Russian positions, giving them a defensive advantage. Sniper Anti-tank missile Tank UKRAINIAN ADVANCE Truck Sniper Lookout soldier In urban combat, structures can hide Russian positions, giving them a defensive advantage. Sniper Anti-tank missile Tank UKRAINIAN ADVANCE Truck Sniper In urban combat, structures can hide Russian positions, giving them a defensive advantage. Lookout soldier Sniper Anti-tank missile Tank Truck UKRAINIAN ADVANCE

Interspersed between the fields and tree lines are a smattering of small rural villages and towns, another man-made obstacle that will slow any attack. Settlements are often built along important terrain, such as rivers, forests or what little high ground is available in southern Ukraine.

Two- and three-story buildings give Russian units important observation points. Buildings can shield vehicles from artillery fire. Rural roads are natural choke points that can be mined and covered with machines and anti-tank missile teams.

In earlier campaigns in eastern Ukraine small villages were almost completely destroyed as both sides sought to ensure that defending forces were left with little protection. Clearing villages of enemy forces is also a time-consuming and dangerous task as buildings are often booby-trapped by retreating troops.

Ukraine has managed to retake several villages thus far into the offensive. But it is unclear if Ukrainian forces will have enough resources to breach Russian defenses around the larger settlements such as Tokmak. The city had a prewar population of about 30,000 people.

What happens next?

Ukraine spent months amassing powerful Western weaponry and training tens of thousands of soldiers for its counteroffensive. But Russia also had time to prepare its dense network of defensive structures, greatly improving its ability to hold its ground.

So far Ukraines gains have been modest, relative to the overall military objective of severing the Russian-controlled land bridge between western Russia and Russian-occupied Crimea.

Although military analysts warn that its too early to draw conclusions about the counteroffensives progress, Ukrainian leaders are trying to tamp down expectations of swift territorial gains.

We would definitely like to make bigger steps, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a BBC interview. But he insisted that he remained confident and suggested that expectations of rapid success were unrealistic.

The counteroffensive is likely to play out over several more weeks, if not months, according to military analysts. Ukraine still has forces held in reserve, so it remains to be seen if it can surmount its many obstacles and make deeper advances in the south.
An Indian man is currently under investigation for fraud, after allegedly spending a total of 603 nights at a New Delhi 5-star hotel despite only paying for one night.

On May 30th, Ankush Dutta booked a room at the renowned Roseate House Hotel in Delhi. He was supposed to check out the next day, but according to investigators, he ended up living at the hotel continuously until January 22, 2021, without paying a dime for his stay, food, beverages, or any other services he used at the hotel during that period of time. Its unclear how exactly the Indian man managed this feat, but the hotel has already filed a complaint against one of its employees, whom management suspects of conspiring with the clandestine guest. The exact nature of their relationship is unclear, but investigators believe that the employee may have received some kind of financial incentive for their assistance.

Photo: Kenny Eliason/Unsplash

A criminal conspiracy was hatched by guest Mr Ankush Dutta along with some known and unknown hotel staff, including Mr Prem Prakash with a motive to gain wrongfully and deprive the hotel of its rightful dues, the First Information Report (FIR) stated. In pursuance of the said conspiracy, the alleged staff of the hotel forged, deleted, added accounts entries and falsified a large number of entries in the account of the said guest Ankush Dutta in the Opera software system of the hotel.

According to representatives of the Roseate House Hotel, Ankush Dutta resorted to various tricks to extend his stay at the luxurious hotel, including making three check payments at different times, all of which bounced. He even had the records changed to show that other people had paid for his stay, which turned out to be false. However, he couldnt have done any of this without help from the hotel staff.

The hotel rules state that if a guests pending outstanding dues exceed 72 hours, it should be brought to the attention of the CEO and Financial Controller. However, in this particular case, Mr. Prem Prakash didnt inform anyone of Duttas outstanding bills. Furthermore, he didnt make any outstanding payment reports from May 30, 2019, to October 25, 2019, and when he did, he bundled them with the dues of unrelated guests in order to camouflage Duttas debt.

The Delhi hotel has demanded that strict legal action be taken against the culprits, claiming that it has suffered losses of around $70,000 during Ankush Duttas clandestine 603-night stay.
An Italian professor who was recently fired for around 20 years of absence out of 24 years of service at schools near Venice has vowed to contest her recent firing by the Ministry of Education.

51-year-old Cinzia Paolina De Lio, a secondary school teacher who specializes in history and philosophy, became famous in her home country of Italy for managing to skip work for a total of 20 years out of the last 24 years of service at a number of schools around Venice. De Lio was originally sacked in 2017, after an inspection found her to be unprepared and inattentive in class, but she appealed the decision, and a judge reinstated her the following year. She continued to provide all sorts of excuses to miss work until Italys Supreme Court of Cassation decided that her original termination had been justified, especially since she had been absent from the classroom for most of her two-and-a-half decades as a school professor.

Photo: Ivan Aleksic/Unsplash

The Italian Ministry of Education argued that Cinzia Paolina De Lio was completely absent from her workplace during her first decade as a professor, and justified her continued absence in the next 14 years with a variety of documents, from maternity and breastfeeding leaves to permissions to assist disabled family members. In total, she filed over 100 requests for justified absence.

Italian newspaper La Republica claims that during the last 24 years, De Lio filed 67 certificates of sick leave, 16 requests for time off for personal reasons, 7 periods of paid parental leave, 24 requests to assist family members with various disabilities, 5 requests for participation in various training courses, two leaves of absence for work-related accidents, as well as maternity, breastfeeding leaves and several requests for leave to attend to the health of her children.

In 2015, during one of the few periods that the history and philosophy professor did attend classes in Chioggia, near Venice, students complained of her lack of preparedness, as well as of her random and improvised way of scoring. Some of the parents also complained that she was inattentive, preferring to spend time on her phone, and some of the students stopped attending her classes.

An inspection confirmed all of the above, deeming her disorganized and describing her teaching methods as lacking a logical thread. The Ministry of Education dismissed De Lio, but she appealed the decision and managed to get herself reinstated. However, in light of the overwhelming evidence against her, the Supreme Court recently upheld the decision to terminate her contract, arguing that it was the teachers responsibility to guarantee students right to study.

Contacted by La Republica for comment, Cinzia Paolina De Lio vowed to prove her innocence, but at another time, as right now Im at the beach. However, she claimed to be in possession of documents that confirm she was not absent for two decades, a statement contested by one of her old students.

She never had continuity: she came for a few days and then took long periods of sick leave, Francesca B., now a 22-year-old university student, told La Republica. We changed several substitute teachers or, sometimes, they made us leave school early.
Molly Levinson

The Levinson Group makes its debut in Band 1, the top category for crisis PR & communications firms, in this years rankings from Chambers.

TLG was in Band 2 last year and Band 3 in the 2021 rankings. (Chambers rankings for litigation PR will appear in a separate article.). Founded less than ten years ago by Molly Levinson, TLG is the first woman-founded and women-run firm to be listed in the Band 1 section.

Joining TLG in Band 1 of the Chambers crisis rankings are FGS Global, which was also in Band 1 last year, and Brunswick Group, which returns to the top level from its appearance in Band 2 last year.

The agencies snagging a Band 2 ranking were Reevemark (also Band 2 last year), Trident DMG (Band 2 in 2022 as well) and FTI Consulting (Band 3 last year).

Risa Heller Communications and Edelman placed in Band 3, with Band 4 occupied by August Strategic Communications, Goldin Solutions, Infinite Global, H/Advisors Abernathy, Hennes Communications, KARV Communciations, Kekst CNC and Poston Communications.

TLGs attention to detail was cited as one reason for their rise to the top level. "The team members really roll up their sleeves and dig into the work, one agency client told Chambers. No task is too small, and no challenge is too daunting. They have the strategic chops to lead, but also just do the work."

TLG CEO Levinson ranked in the top tier of individual crisis practitioners, along with Reevemarks Brandy Bergman, August Strategic Communications Ellen Davis, Brunswick Groups Ellen Moskowitz, FGS Globals Jeff McAndrews and Paul Holmes, and Risa Heller of Risa Heller Communications.

Chambers ranks firms and individuals from Band 1 to 6 and stresses that being ranked in any of the bands is a significant achievement.

See the complete list of ranked crisis PR firms and individuals.
Chambers puts Reevemark, FGS Global, The Levinson Group, Trident DMG and Brunswick Group at the top of the heap for firms providing litigation PR and communications in its newly released rankings for 2023.

The five firms placed in Band 1, the top level of litigation PR providers in the Chambers rankings.

"Reevemark really aligns with the legal strategy brilliantly, one client told Chambers. They have great relationships with top-tier media outlets." FGS Global was judged by one client to inspire confidence based on their deep knowledge and expertise, while Brunswick was called "a seasoned team with experience in high-profile matters and an understanding of the law and political environment."

Band 2 of the Chambers litigation listings consists of Edelman, Sitrick And Company and PRCG Haggerty. August Strategic Communications, Infinite Global, FTI Consulting, H/Advisors Abernathy, Poston Communications and Ripp Media placed in Band 3, with Goldin Solutions, KARV Communications and Furia Rubel Communications ranking in Band 4.

Reevemark topped the list for the most individual practitioners mentioned, with CEO & founding partner Brandy Bergman noted in Band 2 and founding partners Hugh Burns and Paul Caminiti both in Band 3.

The Band 1 practitioners cited in the litigation rankings were Ellen Moskowitz of Brunswick Group, The Levinson Groups Molly Levinson and FGS Globals Paul Holmes.

FGS also got a nod in the Senior Statespeople category, with George Sard being named alongside Trident DMGs Lanny Davis and Sitrick And Companys Michael Sitrick.

Chambers ranks firms and individuals from Band 1 to 6 and stresses that being ranked in any of the bands is a significant achievement.

See the complete list of ranked litigation PR firms and individuals.
RESIDENTS are objecting to two residential schemes in Tullamore which recently got the green light from Offaly County Council.

Council planners gave the go-ahead for a 102-unit scheme on the Daingean Road near the bypass Cappincur roundabout and a 92-house development at Hophill.

Appeals have been lodged with An Bord Pleanala and the earliest it will come to a decision is mid-October.

Sixty-two houses and 40 apartments are proposed by Daingean Road Residential Ltd, a company whose directors are Martin Kenny and Fearghal de Feu, on a greenfield site owned by Cayenne Holdings, a company headed up by Tullamore businessman and developer Seamus Kane.

The project includes 13 four-bedroom houses, 27 three-bedroom houses and 22 two-bedroom houses on more than four hectares on the town side of the filling station.

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.

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.

Offaly County Council granted conditional permission on May 16 and the appeal was lodged on June 12 by Daingean Road Residents Association.

An Bord Pleanala said the case is due to be decided by October 16 next.

The scheme at Hophill, which is to be known as The Meadows, received planning consent on May 24 and an appeal was lodged on June 14 by a resident of Oakfield, an existing residential estate in the area.

Developer James Spollen Ltd hopes to build 92 houses  reduced from an initial plan for 95  on a greenfield site between Bachelors Walk (also known as New Road) and Oakfield/The Cedars, Hophill.

The Meadows will be a mix of one, two and three-bedroom houses. Access for traffic is to be off Church Road and through The Cedars. There is to be a pedestrian entrance off Bachelors Walk/New Road near the roundabout.

Residents had expressed concerns about a number of issues, including increased traffic volumes in the existing estates on the same side of Church Road, as well as overlooking of houses on Bachelors Walk/New Road.

A condition of the permission granted by the council is that a wall two metres high be built along the walkway to Bachelors Walk/New Road.

Also, the applicant was told that a boundary wall at one of the proposed houses must be set back and the developer must submit its plans for creeping plants and landscaping.

The developer was further told to provide a pedestrian crossing at the entrance to the new houses to provide a link to the existing footpath network in the Oakfield and The Cedars estates.

Traffic access to another neighbouring estate, Ashley Court, must be prevented by the installation of bollards.

Much of the focus in submissions made to the council was on the access route for traffic to the scheme.

Vehicles will come off Church Road and enter Hophill and turn right into The Cedars and then enter the new development opposite some of the existing Oakfield houses.

Residents mentioned alternative access routes including one Clonminch Avenue, which would provide open up the way to the Portlaoise road.

Ashley Court was also suggested. It is currently accessed off Bachelors Walk/New Road and though it adjoins Clonminch Avenue, traffic is blocked from travelling between the two estates by permanent bollards.

A third possibility floated by residents is for the creation of a new entrance off Bachelors Walk/New Road and one submission even suggested that it could be one-way access only.

An Bord Pleanala said it is due to decide on the appeal by October 17 next.
PLANS to accommodate over 400 people fleeing the war in Ukraine in the former Sacred Heart Convent in Roscrea are progressing after the issue was raised at several meetings in the last week.

Local representatives told this newspaper that communication between the owners of the Convent complex, Minister Roderic O'Gorman and the Department for Integration and the local community has improved - with a previous lack of communication and vacuum of official information being blamed for upsetting people who mounted a protest against the plans.

Last week local Fianna Fail Councillor, Michael Smith, invited a number of organisations in Roscrea to meet the owners of the building, which was described as productive and beneficial with "clear insight" into the owner's plans.

I made contact with the new owners of the Convent building to discuss their proposals and their future plans for this site - it was my first opportunity to get an understanding of their engagement so far with Tipperary County Council", Cllr. Michael Smith said.

"At this meeting, representatives from Roscrea Community Development Council (RCDC), Age Friendly Roscrea, St.Vincent DePaul, Roscrea Town Centre First, North Tipperary Development Company and local residents were given an opportunity to express their genuine concerns in relation to the use of the building for accommodation.

"These concerns primarily centred around poor communication and lack of information", Cllr. Smith said.

He said the owners outlined how they have engaged with the Department over the last eight months and the residents were made up of temporary protection applicants fleeing the war in Ukraine.

The term of the contract for accommodation is 12 months from the commencement date of each phase and the accommodation is scheduled to be delivered in four phases over the next nine months.

It is impossible to be certain how long individuals under this scheme will stay in this site and the current focus of the developers is to complete the building works and accommodate people in the Convent complex and there are no plans for additional units, he said.

Unfortunately this development, in a beautiful building within our town, has led to a huge amount of confusion and concern. I believe that engagement with the local community should have taken place from the beginning.

"This site offers huge potential in the centre of our town and it is vitally important that we all work together to achieve a long term vision for this site", Cllr. Smith said.

The developers invited all the organisations in Roscrea to make contact with them to hold any desired further meetings and Cllr. Smith said they acknowledged that "there was a complete lack of communication and this had led to concern within the town."

A further meeting is scheduled to take place next week, arranged by Cllr.Smith and with other committees, stakeholders and developers.

SCHOOLS NOT FULL

Reaction to recent protests against plans to accommodate people fleeing the war in Ukraine in the former Convent building in Roscrea town centre prompted local people to speak out against the misguided rhetoric circulated by some protestors.

Last week this newspaper reported the sentiments of two local leaders who spoke out against the recent protests at plans to accommodate refugees in the former Sacred Heart Convent building on Convent Hill.

The welcoming message towards people finding refuge in Roscrea was again echoed this week when a local member of the clergy who is a member of the Board for a local National School said the real situation is contrary to the protestors claim about lack of school spaces.

An argument repeatedly put forward at the protest in Roscrea and similar protests in other towns around the country is that local schools cannot cope with a sudden influx of children from Ukraine and other war torn countries.

Instead, the schools in Roscrea have capacity and could benefit from new arrivals, the local clergy member said, adding that a warm welcome awaits children lucky enough to find themselves in Roscrea.

FIRE CERT PENDING

Meanwhile, it emerged at a meeting of Tipperary County Council last week that a Fire Safety Certificate, which is required by the owners of the former Convent complex before they can accommodate refugees, is currently being processed.

Local Councillor Shane Lee told the meeting the community of Roscrea are very kind-hearted, very caring and very welcoming people, but added that many people feel Roscrea already suffers from a dearth of services which are overstretched and haven't the capacity required to meet the needs of a sudden influx of new residents.

Minister for Integration Roderick OGorman is sleepwalking on the matter, Cllr Lee said, calling on the minister's department and the building's owner, McHale Residential Ltd, to listen to the concerns of the local community.

The people of Roscrea deserve a bit better because as far as we're concerned, it's the cart before the horse here, and that's hugely unfair on the people of Roscrea.

Cllr Michael Smith said the convent was identified as a key site for Roscrea under the Town Centre First development plan. The building has been vacant for the last 25 years and local representatives were left in the dark about the new use proposed for it, he said.

Last week McHale Residential Limited issued a statement in which it said it would assist the Ukrainian families with integrating into the local area, but will ensure to respect the historic nature of the convent building.

A team of conservation architects, engineers, surveyors and a construction crew have been assembled, and the company said it is working with the council and relevant internal experts to ensure a sustainable and compliant construction.

The statement, which was issued to Tipp FM, said a number of local politicians have been involved in the discussion of the project over the last eight months. McHale Residential advised that the convent is in need of repair and stated that it would require a multi-million euro spend to safeguard the building's future.

The company acknowledged local sensitivities and stated that their aim is to ensure the Ukrainian reception centre is run in a manner that is respectful of the local communitys concerns.

MINISTER WILL MEET ROSCREA PEOPLE

The Minister with responsibility for Integration, Roderick OGorman, told Deputy Michael Lowry in the Dail last week he is happy to arrange a meeting (in Roscrea) as we do our best to engage with communities.

"We are happy to follow up with you in terms of arranging a meeting with the Roscrea community", the Minister's office told Deputy Lowry.

Deputy Lowry said the people of Roscrea have already responded in a kind and generous manner by welcoming hundreds of displaced people into the town. He said a Direct Provision Centre already exists, local factories and businesses have large numbers of foreign nationals employed and asylum seekers are accommodated in numerous houses around the town.

"As a result, medical services are pushed beyond their limit. The Garda Station has been downgraded and has no overnight Garda presence. Schools in the town are already beyond capacity", Deputy Lowry said.

"Roscrea is already overflowing. Services cannot cope with the increased population. It is the local people of Roscrea who are suffering as a result. The sheer scale and magnitude of this exercise is going to overwhelm services and infrastructure.

"The size of the proposed resettlement is completely out of ratio with the towns population", Deputy Lowry said.

He said he recently had several discussions accompanied by local Councillor Shane Lee with local groups and that "people understand that we have a moral obligation to assist, but they are opposed to such a high influx of people who will have a high dependency on support services that do not exist."

Minister OGorman thanked Deputy Lowry for his ongoing engagement on this matter and said he recognised the significant welcome that Roscrea has given to Ukrainian and International Protection Applicants.

He said that the former Convent building has been refurbished for Ukrainians fleeing the war. "It is for Ukrainians, primarily family groups. It is to be phased in its use, with some arriving over the summer, some in the latter part of this year and some in 2024.

"I think we will need the capacity over the summer, but further use will depend on our needs in terms of Ukrainians arriving into the country. So well continue to monitor the need for the further use of this facility," Minister O'Gorman said.
Houses prices in Ireland have increased by as much as 80% in the last decade, with houses in Dublin and the surrounding commuter counties recording the highest increase.

A new study reveals that County Dublin has had the largest change in house prices from 2010 to 2022.

The study conducted by self-storage experts Storage World Self Storage analysed house prices from 2010 and 2022 to calculate the price change that happened over 12 years and discover the percentage of much the price has changed.

County Dublin comes first with an 80% price increase over the years, from 332,941.86 to 598,906.89, therefore having a total rise of 265,955.03.

The growth is considerably higher than any other on the list, making Dublin almost a separate case compared to the other counties.

Second on the list is Wicklow, with a 68% increase. In 2010 the average price for a house was 293,963.28, meanwhile, in 2022, it was 494,460.59 - a rise of 200,497.31.

The county of Kildare is third, with a 63% increase from 2010 to 2022. The average price for a house went from 240,093.71 to 391,021.88, a difference of 150,928.17.

Further down on the list, Westmeath takes fourth place with a 55% increase, while Laois closes the top five with a 53% increase. Respectively the change in cost has been 87,710.80 and 87,416.01.

The top ten continues with Meath at sixth place with a 48% price increase (108,354.42), Clare at seventh with 45% (79,599.88), and Cork at eighth, also with 45% (103,258.48).

Waterford is ninth with 44%, and Wexford closes the top ten with a 43% increase.

Longford saw the lowest increase, with houses there rising by 17% in the twelve years, up from 136,419.48 to 159,490.11

a rise of 23,070.63.

Ken Davis, Regional Manager for Storage World Self Storage, commented on the findings: Its interesting yet worrying how much house prices have increased over the last 12 years in Dublin. It is understandable that the area is likely to see higher price increases when it comes to buying a house, however, an 80% increase since 2010 might be discouraging even for the capital.

This has a strong impact mostly on younger generations that may start to look to buy a home, however because of this increase, its not shocking to discover that many young adults do not think theyll be able to afford their own house until much older, he said.
The number of victims of Russia's missile attack on Kramatorsk, Donetsk region, has grown to eleven, Kramatorsk Mayor Oleksandr Honcharenko said on Facebook.

As reported, the Russian occupation forces attacked Kramatorsk using Iskander missiles on Tuesday evening. One of the missiles hit a downtown cafe, claiming the lives of ten people, including three children, and causing injuries to 61 people.
OPINION: Uncle Sam Keeping Pakistan In Good Humour

Feature

lekhaka-R C Ganjoo

It was a bold and clear message from the United States and India statement that has thrown an open challenge to counter global terrorism and unequivocally condemn terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations. The statement has unnerved Pakistan as well as China. A South Asia expert at the Hudson Institute describes US-India as a boon to President Biden to declare to the world that the US has got India as allies on his side. The US considers China the most serious long-term challenger to the United States, despite renewed efforts to manage tensions.

The joint statement by US-India has also insisted Pakistan take "immediate action" against all terrorist groups, leaving an option of asking the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to further tighten its anti-money laundering and terrorism financing standards.

Both India and Pakistan are relevant to the US for different reasons. India is on the geopolitical centrestage. Its strategic value for the West is increasing. Thus, after the US-India joint declaration, US Ambassador Donald Blome to Pakistan moved his pawn diplomatically on June 23, keeping Pakistan under US wings and saying, "Our people-to-people ties have taken forward the US-Pakistan relationship for 75 years. Perhaps the most meaningful result of our diplomatic engagement is the network of personal and professional connections made by tens of thousands of Pakistanis who have gone to the US on US-funded academic programs and exchanges and those Americans who come to study in Pakistan."

The US' top priority for Pakistan is to eliminate terrorism, counter emerging terrorist threats and address the causes of instability. The US has supported 1,20,00 Pakistani police officers' training programs and encouraged female officers' recruitment and professional development encouraged the recruitment and professional development for female officers. Not only these more than 2,000 Pakistani officers have gone on US-funded military education and training programs and Pakistan is among the top two countries in the world for participation in US military exchanges.

OPINION: Pak Army On Multi-Pronged Task

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar, in an interview to the Washington Post, said, "Pakistan can no longer try to maintain a middle ground between China and the United States." US-Pakistan relations have served vital interests for over six decades, but it has not been a 'normal' bilateral relationship. In Pakistan, the US connection strengthened the Army and enhanced its political profile. Washington was not happy with Pakistan's relations with China, the 1965 war, its nuclear program and Pakistan's contribution to the failure of the Afghanistan war.

It is widely believed by political observers that incidents of instability in Pakistan are Washington's hidden 'agenda' to destabilise Pakistan so as to take out its nuclear assets. Washington wants to punish Pakistan for being an ally of China. In 2002, Richard Armitage, then Deputy Secretary of State, admitted that Pakistan was never important to the United States in its own right. It was important because of third parties. The implication was that Pakistan had no permanent value for the US, and its importance for Washington derived from the importance of South Asia more broadly.

In the given economic and politically wreck situation, Pakistan is left with no option but to seek US support for an IMF loan. The US is taking advantage of Pakistan's precarious financial situation, pressuring Islamabad to keep a distance from Beijing. The IMF has recently raised serious objections over the budget for the fiscal year 2023-24, which has further narrowed the chances of revival of the Extended Fund Facility program. Donald Blome expressed confidence in the policies and programs of the Pakistan government for economic sustainability and socio-economic uplift of the masses. He extended his support to further promote bilateral economic, investment, and trade relations between both countries.

Pakistan is the only regional country that has not thrown its weight behind any single global power. Islamabad seems to be seeking good ties with Moscow and Washington. It does not want to harm American interests but at the same time, it will not go against Beijing.

(R C Ganjoo is a senior journalist and columnist having more than 30 years experience of covering issues concerning national security, particularly Kashmir. He has worked with several prominent media groups and his articles have been published in many national and international publications.)

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of OneIndia and OneIndia does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

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Story first published: Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 14:05 [IST]
19-Year-Old Woman Attacked by Man With A Machete In Pune; Locals Save Her

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

In yet another shocking incident, a man was arrested on Tuesday for attacking a woman with a machete in Pune. The incident took place in the Sadashiv Peth area, and was was caught on CCTV cameras, which has gone viral on social media.

The CCTV footage of the incident shows the man, identified as Shantanu Laxman Jadhav, stopping the woman's scooter and then attacking her with the machete. The woman, identified as Priti Ramchandra, was able to escape the attack by running away, but Jadhav chased her down and continued to attack her.

Locals who saw the attack intervened and were able to restrain Jadhav. He was then handed over to the police.

A girl persuing #MPSC in #pune was attached by #koyta gang in city's #SadashivPeth area. Was saved due to persistence of resident.



This incident took place in the vicinity of #SPCollege#viralvideo pic.twitter.com/DP2BddkKzq  Priya Pandey (@priyapandey1999) June 27, 2023

The police have charged Jadhav with attempt to murder. He is currently in police custody.

The victim's mother said that Jadhav had been harassing her daughter for some time. She said that they had even complained to Jadhav's father about the harassment, but he had not taken any action.

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Story first published: Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 11:06 [IST]
Aam Aadmi Party Backs Uniform Civil Code

India

oi-Prakash KL

A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a pitch for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday extended its support for the proposed legislation.

However, the AAP said that the Centre should bring it with a consensus after extensive consultations with stakeholders. "The government should hold extensive consultations on the proposal with all stakeholders, including political parties and non-political entities," PTI quoted AAP national general secretary (organisation) Sandeep Pathak as saying.

"The Aam Aadmi Party supports UCC in principle. Article 44 (of the Constitution) also supports it," Mr Pathak told the news agency. But the government should bring in Uniform Civil Code only when there is a consensus among the stakeholders, he pointed out. "We believe that on such issues we should go ahead with consensus. We believe that this (UCC) should be implemented only after there is a consensus among all the stakeholders," Pathak said.

Speaking to India Today, the AAP leader slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of bringing up such complicated issues only during polls.

Help People Affected By Cyclone Biparjoy: Kejriwal To AAP Workers

"It is a part of the BJP's style of functioning that whenever elections approach, they bring up complicated and complex issues. The BJP has no interest in implementing the UCC or resolving this issue. The BJP only creates a state of confusion so that divisions can be created in the country, and then elections can be fought," India Today quoted him as saying.

At an event in Madhya Pradesh, the PM made a strong appeal for the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and for the abolition of triple talaq, in the poll-bound state.

"If there is one law for one member in a house, another law for another, then how will such a house work with such dualities in law? Similarly, how will the country work? We have to remember that in the Constitution as well there is mention of uniform law for all citizens. The Supreme Court has time and again mentioned to implement the Uniform Civil Code, but those hungry for votebank oppose it," the Prime Minister said after flagging off five Vande Bharat trains.

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Story first published: Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 16:53 [IST]
AIMPLB To Strongly Oppose PM Modis Uniform Civil Code Idea

India

oi-Deepika S

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board held an emergency meeting on Tuesday night after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong pitch supporting Uniform Civil Code.

During the meeting, the Muslim law board decided to strongly oppose the proposed law, which seeks to formulate and implement a set of common personal laws for all the citizens of India regardless of their religion, caste, and creed.

Addressing BJP workers in Bhopal in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, PM Modi said that those supporting 'triple talaq' were doing a grave injustice to Muslim daughters and that Pasmanda Muslims, who are backward, are not even treated as equals because of the vote bank politics.

Why Pakistan, Bangladesh Does Not Have Triple Talaq: PM Modi Bats For Uniform Civil Code

PM Modi asserted that the BJP has decided it would not adopt the path of appeasement and vote bank politics, adding that the policy of appeasement practised by some is "disastrous" for the country.

"You tell me, in a home, how can there be one law for one member and another law for another member?" Modi said interacting with BJP workers at a function organised under the party's 'Mera Booth Sabse Majboot' campaign, virtually sounded the poll bugle. Assembly polls in MP are due by the year-end.

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PM Modi pitches for Uniform Civil Code; Muslim law board decides to oppose UCC | Oneindia News

"Will that home be able to function? Then how will the country be able to function with such a dual (legal) system? We have to remember that even in India's Constitution, there is a mention of equal rights for all."

Even the Supreme Court has advocated for a UCC, which will override personal laws of different religions, but those practising vote bank politics are opposing it, PM Modi said batting for the UCC with less than a year left for the Lok Sabha polls.

Up to the Parliament, not the courtCentre on Uniform Civil Code

The UCC has been one of the three key poll planks of the BJP for a long time with the other being the abrogation of Article 370 which had given special status to Jammu and Kashmir and the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

UCC refers to a common set of laws that are applicable to all the citizens of India that is not based on religion and dealing with marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption among other personal matters.
Head of Odesa Regional Army Recruitment and Social Support Center Yevhen Borysov, who appeared to own expensive real estate in Spain, has been dismissed, Head of the Joint Press Center of the Defense Forces of the Pivden (South) Operational Command Natalia Humeniuk said.

"I would like to say that, as of today, the decision of the Supreme Commander Headquarters, which was announced on June 23, has been implemented. Colonel Borysov has been dismissed as Head of Odesa Regional Army Recruitment and Social Support Center," she said on the air of Channel 24.

As reported, on June 23, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during a meeting of the Supreme Commander Headquarters, ordered Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valeriy Zaluzhny to dismiss Borusov, in whose ownership journalists had discovered a villa in Spain.

Earlier, Head of the Servant of the People faction Davyd Arakhamia addressed law enforces with a request to investigate into the facts of possible abuse of power by the military commissar in Odesa published by journalist Mykhailo Tkach (Ukrainska Pravda media outlet).

According to the video investigation by Tkach entitled "The Spain Battalion", expensive housing and an office in Marbella, Spain are registered for relatives of Odesa military commissar Yevhen Borysov.
Caught On Camera: Teacher Shot At By Former Students in Madhya Pradesh's Morena

Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan Shot At In UP's Saharanpur

India

oi-Prakash KL

Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan, Bhim Army Chief and National President of Aazad Samaj Party - Kanshi Ram, was shot at by unidentified assailants in the Saharanpur district in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday evening.

The Bhim Army leader was taken to a hospital following the attack by a few armed men. A bullet brushed past him, according to ANI.

"The assailants were in a car and opened fire on Azad's SUV from the right side. A bullet grazed his abdomen. He has been admitted to a hospital and his condition is stable," Superintendent of Police (City) Abimanyu Manglik told PTI.

In a statement released on his Facebook page, his party said, "The deadly attack on Bhim Army Chief and National President Bhai Chandrasekhar Azad in Deoband of Saharanpur is a cowardly act of stopping the Bahujan Mission Movement! Demands quick arrest of accused, strict action and security of National President Bhai Chandrasekhar Azad ji!"

#WATCH | "I don't remember well but my people identified them. Their car went towards Saharanpur. We took a U-Turn. Five of us, including my younger brother, were in the car when the incident occurred..," says Bhim Army leader and Aazad Samaj Party - Kanshi Ram chief, Chandra pic.twitter.com/MLeVR8poaN  ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2023

In his first response after the incident, the Bhim Army Chief said, "I don't remember well but my people identified them. Their car went towards Saharanpur. We took a U-Turn. Five of us, including my younger brother, were in the car when the incident occurred..,"

Azad had gone to attend a 'terhavin' ritual at a supporter's home Saharanpur district's Deoband and the assailants fired multiple shots at his SUV when he was leaving.

The police said that the vehicle which the assailants used had a Haryana registration number. "The borders of the district have been sealed and a massive operation to track the assailant and their vehicle has been launched," said Manglik.

The officer added the Saharanpur police has also reached out to its counterpart in adjoining districts to seek their support in the effort to nab the attackers.

On the other hand, the Samajwadi Party slammed the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government over the incident, questioning the law and order situation under his rule.

"The murderous attack on Chandrashekhar Azad, National President of Azad Samaj Party in Deoband, Saharanpur, by criminals protected by power is highly condemnable and cowardly act. When people's representatives are not safe under the BJP rule, then what will happen to the general public? Jungle Raj in UP!" Yadav tweeted in Hindi.
Cheetah Brought From South Africa Injured In Fight At Kuno Park

India

oi-PTI

A translocated African cheetah has sustained injuries in a fight with other cheetahs at the Kuno National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh's Sheopur district, an official said on Tuesday.

Agni, the injured cheetah, was undergoing treatment, and was stable and in good health, said divisional forest official P K Verma. Cheetahs Gaurav and Shaurya, translocated from Namibia, got into a fight with Agni and Vayu (who were brought from South Africa) around 6 PM on Monday in the free range area of KNP, he said.

Officials sounded sirens and burst crackers in a bid to break up the fight, Verma said. Agni was then tranquilized and doctors are treating it, he said, adding that it was stable and in good health and such fights are a normal occurrence.

6 Deaths In A Row Pose A Major Challenge To India's 'Project Cheetah'

Five female and three male cheetahs brought from Namibia were released into enclosures at the KNP at an event attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17, 2022, as part of an effort to revive the extinct cheetah population in the wild in India.

Another 12 cheetahs were brought from South Africa in February 2023. Six cheetahs, including three of the four cubs born in the park, have died since March.

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Story first published: Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 9:11 [IST]
Kerala Medicine Students Seek Hijab Alternative During Surgery

India

oi-Deepika S

Seven medicine students at a Kerala college have written to the principal expressing their concerns over not being able to wear a hijab inside the operating room and requesting permission to wear long-sleeved scrub jackets and surgical hoods.

As part of their religious belief, women have to cover their heads at all times and it is not possible to wear hijab inside the operation theatre (OT).

"Hijab-wearing Muslims have a difficult time, finding a balance between donning complaint religious attire and maintaining modesty while also complying with hospital and operation room regulations (sic)," read the letter.

The students, who are pursuing the MBBS course at Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, claimed that long sleeve scrub jackets and surgical hoods would allow them to maintain sterile precautions.

The Principal said that she would form a committee of surgeons and the infection control team to discuss the issue.

"The demand of the students cannot be accepted for now. International standards are maintained in operation theatres. The patient's safety is paramount," Principal Dr Lynette Morris was quoted saying by NDTV.

The issue comes against the backdrop of the developments in Karnataka last year after the state government, then helmed by the BJP, banned hijab on campus.

Last year, the Supreme Court delivered a split verdict on pleas that challenged a judgment of the Karnataka High Court which had upheld the ban on hijab in educational institutions.

The petitioners argued that preventing Muslim girls from wearing the hijab in the classroom will put their education in jeopardy as they may stop attending classes. It was also argued that the matter be referred to a five-judge Bench.

On March 15, the Karnataka High Court had rejected petitions filed by a section of Muslim students seeking permission to wear hijab inside classrooms. The court had stated that wearing of hijab was not essential religious practice in Islam.
Man Brings Goat to His House Ahead of Bakrid, Residents Protest, Chant Hanuman Chalisa

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

A quarrel erupted at a residential society in Mumbai after a Muslim man bought goat allegedly for sacrifice ahead of Bakrid.

A video of the incident went viral on social media platforms in which some people were seen shouting and preventing the man from taking the goat to his house.

The residents of the society, who belonged to a particular faith, gathered on the premises to protest against the goat brought by Mohseen Sheikh to his house. They demanded that the goat be taken out of the society and that no sacrifices be carried out on the premises.

Goats being brought for #BakraEid qurbani inside a Society flat at Vinay Nagar Society at J.P. North in Mira Road; Society members objectpic.twitter.com/fK1jw3FKf5  Megh Updates  (@MeghUpdates) June 28, 2023

Mumbai | "Our society had passed a rule that no livestock would be allowed inside the society, but they (some residents of the society) violated it and brought two goats inside. We are opposing it and will not allow it," says a resident of the society



"We appeal to all to pic.twitter.com/jfxQVyaLwJ  ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2023

The residents also raised religious slogans and recited Hanuman Chalisa to mark their protest.

Following the incident, the police rushed to the housing society located in Bhayandar area on Tuesday evening. They held discussions with the residents and pacified them, a station house officer (SHO) at Mira Road police station told PTI.

37-Year-Old Man Arrested For Molesting Minor Girl on Running Train in Goa

Tension in Mumbai's JP infra society over Qurbani of 2 goats. A man carried two goats with him into the society for qurbani. Other communities show their anger on this. #Mumbai #Qurbani2023 #GOAT pic.twitter.com/NNMqvQuDVs  anuj kumar singh (@sanuj42) June 28, 2023

The police official said the man informs the police every year in advance about the procedure of bringing a goat to his house ahead of Bakrid as he has no other place to keep it. ''The man takes the goat away the next day and the animal is not slaughtered at his residence,'' the official said. The man has now been told to take the animal out of his house in the presence of police, he said.

Speaking to ANI, a resident of the society said,"Our society had passed a rule that no livestock would be allowed inside the society, but they (some residents of the society) violated it and brought two goats inside. We are opposing it and will not allow it.''

"We appeal to all to maintain communal harmony and follow the rules of the society," said another resident of the society.

Meanwhile, Police have registered a case against 11 people under relevant sections of IPC for allegedly bringing goats meant for sacrifice on Bakrid inside a private housing colony located on Mira Road.
New Delhi Set To Host Global Meet On Green Hydrogen Next Week

India

oi-Sanjeev Nayak

Apart from solar energy, India is also taking lead in the world in the field of new and renewable energy sources sector, and green hydrogen is certainly one of them. In that series, India is going to organise a three-day International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH-2023) beginning 5th July 2023 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi to bring together the global scientific and industrial community to discuss recent advances and emerging technologies in the entire green hydrogen value chain.

The conference will enable the sector stakeholders to explore the evolving green hydrogen landscape and innovation-driven solutions in the sector. Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy will be the main organiser of the meet in partnership with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to Government of India.

The fundamental aim of the conference is to explore how we can establish a green hydrogen ecosystem and foster a systemic approach for meeting the global goals for decarbonization through green hydrogen. Apart from domain-specific research interactions on hydrogen production, storage, distribution and downstream applications, the conference will also discuss green financing, human resource upskilling and startup initiatives in this area. The conference will enable to share and learn from international best practices in the sector.

Various feature plenary talks, expert panel discussions and technical deliberations held at the conference will provide domestic and international participants from the industry and research communities to dive deep into these national and global priorities, in line with the objectives embedded in India's National Green Hydrogen Mission, a mission launched by the Government of India to help achieve India's target of Net Zero by the year 2070.

Addressing a curtain-raiser press conference on the international conference, Secretary of New and Renewable Energy Bhupinder Singh Bhalla said that outreach and industry partnership are integral parts of the National Green Hydrogen Mission. He underlined the role of industry in various steps of the value chain, such as production, distribution and storage.

Responding to a query, Bhalla said that at last count, about 48 projects on green hydrogen/green ammonia have been publicly announced in India. "A lot of them are talking about green ammonia, which totals to production of around 3.5 million tonnes per annum of green hydrogen. There is a lot of traction from the industry, as far as green hydrogen opportunity is concerned," he added.

"The conference will also guide us in determining the focus areas for R&D and on the standards and regulations needed," he said, informing that a Working Group on Standards for Green Hydrogen Manufacturing has already submitted a report comprising around 100 recommendations, to Bureau of Indian Standards and other standards-related organizations.

Shri Bhalla said that the government is working on a definition for green hydrogen and expressed the hope that the conference helps to also evolve some global standards for green hydrogen. He added that there is no standard definition for green hydrogen, with different countries and private organizations coming up with multiple definitions.

"It is an evolving field, so every country is learning, so India is going to come up with a definition based on what we believe should be green hydrogen and eventually, we should be having a global standard on the definition of green hydrogen. This should have clear starting and ending points, so that we can effectively evaluate our energy transition and adoption of green hydrogen," he said.

The three-day conference will have around 25 sessions aimed at establishing a green hydrogen ecosystem, with expected participation of more than 1,500 delegates from India and abroad. Delegates will also get to hear regional perspectives on green hydrogen by the Americas, Australia, Africa, Europe and, of course, India. The conference will also have demos, prototypes by PSUs, private companies and startups, as well as B2B and B2G meetings.

Speaking on demand creation, the Secretary said that the government is working with respective Ministries to promote green hydrogen. "The Ministry is also working on provision of incentives for electrolyzer manufacturing and for production of green hydrogen. As regards production of green hydrogen, incentives will be awarded based on setting up of green hydrogen plants; in a second model, incentives will be provided for consumption, based on a Demand Aggregation Model."

The draft of the incentive scheme for electrolyzer manufacturing and part of the incentive scheme for production of green hydrogen have been finalized and will be rolled out soon. He said that the total incentives being offered under the Mission is more than Rs 17,000 crore by 2030, which will be rolled out in tranches, so that the government will learn from the first tranche and evolve the second one.

On the question of funding for green hydrogen, the Secretary recalled that there is a need for Rs 8 lakh-crore of investment under National Green Hydrogen Mission and said that the government is talking with banking and financial system, private sector and other stakeholders for financing of green hydrogen. He said that the government would be handholding industry in order to attract funding for the sector.

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Story first published: Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 15:54 [IST]
Rahul Hobnobbing With People Funded By George Soros: Smriti Irani

India

oi-Prakash KL

Union Minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his alleged links with George Soros, Hungarian-born American financier, and activist whose success as an investor made him one of the wealthiest men in the world.

She has also accused Gandhi of meeting people who are funded by Soros. "...The question that has been left unanswered by the Congress party is - Is it true that Rahul Gandhi met Sunita Vishwanath during his trip to the US?...When it is clear to every Indian what George Soros intends to do, why is Rahul Gandhi hobnobbing with those who are funded by Soros?" she questioned.

Indian-American activist Sunita Viswanath has worked in women's and human rights organizations and is the co-founder of the human rights organizations Women for Afghan Women, Sadhana: Coalition of Progressive Hindus, and Hindus for Human Rights.

The BJP minister said it is also evident that this is not the only Soros connection. Even in 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' in Karnataka, the Global Vice President of the Open Society Foundation funded by George Soros was found accompanying Rahul Gandhi.

"What is extremely distressing is the link with the Islamic Circle of North America. Those in the public domain who will research how the registration process for NRI interaction with Rahul Gandhi in New York ensued will find contact of Tazeem Ansari - he has an organisational link with Jamaat-e-Islami," Irani, who had defeated Rahul in Amethi Lok Sabha seat, said.

Who is George Soros?

With a net worth of USD 8.5 billion, Soros is the founder of Open Society Foundations, which gives grants to groups and individuals that promote democracy, transparency and freedom of speech.

According to his website, "he has given away more than USD 32 billion of his personal fortune" to fund the Open Society Foundations' work around the world. He has been accused of using his wealth and influence to shape politics and funding regime change. In 2020, he pledged USD 1 billion to fund a new university network to tackle the spread of nationalism.

Earlier this year, he hit the headlines after attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Adani issue. Soros in his speech at the Munich Security Conference said the turmoil at Adani may open the door to a democratic revival in the country.
Worrisome: Sharad Pawar On KCR's 600-Car Convoy For Maharashtra

India

oi-PTI

NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Tuesday took exception to Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao arriving in Pandharpur town of Maharashtra with a huge motorcade, saying this attempt to show strength was worrisome.

K Chandrashekar Rao, who on Monday visited the famous Vitthal-Rukmini temple at Pandharpur in Solapur district of southern Maharashtra, held a rally at Sarkoli village, some 20 km away, on Tuesday as part of his Bharat Rashtra Samithi's (BRS) efforts to expand its base.

He arrived in the state with a motorcade of 600 cars on Monday.

Talking to reporters here, Sharad Pawar said if a chief minister of a neighboring state came to offer prayers, there was no reason to object.

"But the attempt to show big strength in terms of number of vehicles was worrisome," he said.

No Discussion Held on 'PM Post' During Opposition Meeting in Patna: Sharad Pawar

It would have been better had K Chandrashekar Rao's visit focused on enhancing cooperation between the two states, Pawar added.

Asked about Bhagirath Bhalke, who had unsuccessfully contested the 2021 Pandharpur Assembly bypoll on NCP ticket, joining the BRS at the Tuesday's rally, Pawar said there was no need to worry if an individual left the party.

"After giving ticket to Bhagirath Bhalke, we realised that our choice was wrong, but I do not want to talk about it," he said.

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Story first published: Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 10:53 [IST]
Covid-19 Was Engineered By China as Bioweapon, Claims Wuhan Virologist

International

oi-Madhuri Adnal

A researcher at the Wuhan Institute of Virology has made startling claims about the coronavirus or Covid-19, saying that the virus was engineered by China as a bioweapon and that his colleagues were given four strains of the virus to find out which could spread best.

In an exclusive interview conducted by Jennifer Zeng, a member of the International Press Association, Chao Shao shared shocking revelations of his experiences and those of his colleagues.

Chao Shao shares an anecdote of how a fellow researcher at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Shan Chao, told him that his superior had given him four strains of coronavirus and asked him to test them to see which one had the best ability to infect as many species as possible. Chao also said that Chao Shan was asked to find out how easy it was for the virus to infect humans.

Covid May Not Have Origins In Wuhan Lab: US Report Suggests No Direct Evidence

Chao Shao also said that several of his colleagues went missing during the 2019 Military World Games in Wuhan. Later, one of them revealed that they had been sent to hotels where athletes from various countries were staying to "check the health or hygiene conditions." Since checking hygiene does not require virologists, Shao suspected that they had been sent there to spread the virus.

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Furthermore, in April 2020, Chao Shan disclosed that in April 2020, he himself was sent to Xinjiang to assess the health conditions of Uyghur individuals detained in re-education camps. He implied that his mission was either to facilitate the spread of the virus or to observe its effects on humans, as conducting health checks would not necessitate the involvement of a virologist.

The above shocking information was disclosed to Shao by Chao Shan himself during the period from March to April 2020.

However, as the whistleblower mentioned during the interview, this is just a small piece of the entire puzzle. So far, the true origin of the pandemic that has caused nearly 7 million deaths worldwide, or even more, is still under exploration.

The interview was conducted by Zeng, a Chinese-born human rights activist and author.

Experts Weigh In

The claims made by Shao have been met with mixed reactions from experts. Some have said that the evidence is credible and that it warrants further investigation, while others have dismissed the claims as unsubstantiated.

ICMR's Study On Covid Jabs-Heart Attack Link To Be Out Soon: Report

"The allegations are very serious, and they need to be taken seriously," said Dr. Richard Ebright, a molecular biologist at Rutgers University. "However, it's important to note that these are just allegations at this point, and there is no concrete evidence to support them."

Dr. Tim Trevan, a biological safety expert, agreed. "The claims are certainly plausible," he said. "However, we need to be careful about jumping to conclusions. There is a lot of speculation and conjecture going on right now, and it's important to let the evidence speak for itself."

Only time will tell whether the claims made by Shao are true. However, the allegations have raised serious questions about the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, and they deserve to be investigated thoroughly.

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Story first published: Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 12:56 [IST]
Elon Musk Vs Mark Zuckerberg Cage Fight: Tesla CEO Trains To Become A Jiu-Jitsu Champion

International

oi-Deepika S

In the build-up to the much-awaited 'cage match' between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, the latter has begun training in jiu-jitsu and pictures of the Telsa chief practising the art have surfaced online.

Jiu-Jitsu first-degree black belt holder Lex Fridman had the opportunity to engage in an impromptu training session with Elon Musk, lasting for a few hours.

While sharing the post on social media, Lex Fridman said that it is inspiring to see Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg practising martial art.

"I did an impromptu training session with Elon Musk for a few hours yesterday. I'm extremely impressed with his strength, power, and skill, on the feet and on the ground. It was epic. It's really inspiring to see Elon and Mark doing martial arts," Fridman tweeted.

I did an impromptu training session with @elonmusk for a few hours yesterday. I'm extremely impressed with his strength, power, and skill, on the feet and on the ground. It was epic. It's really inspiring to see Elon and Mark doing martial arts, but I think the world is served pic.twitter.com/cq00A9Xnmw  Lex Fridman (@lexfridman) June 27, 2023

"But I think the world is served far better if they train in martial arts but not fight in the cage. That said, as Elon says, the most entertaining outcome is the most likely... I'm there for them, no matter what," he added.

Notably, Lex Fridman also recently trained with Mark Zuckerberg after recording a podcast episode.

Musk And Zuckerberg Vow To Fight In Cage Match? Read What The Billionaires Said

"Mark Zuckerberg and I trained some jiu-jitsu after our most recent podcast conversation. It's inspiring to see both Mark and Elon taking on the martial arts journey. I look forward to training with both of them in the months and years to come," Lex Fridman shared some footage of their rolling session on his YouTube channel.

Musk and Mark cage fight

It all started when Musk, the visionary CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, openly challenged Zuckerberg, the mastermind behind Facebook and Meta, to a no-holds-barred cage match.

To the delight of fans and enthusiasts, Mark Zuckerberg responded to Musk's challenge with equal enthusiasm. He acknowledged the proposition and went a step further by extending an invitation for Musk to reveal the fight location. The funny banter between the two tech moguls generated immense excitement and speculation.

Elon Musk didn't just stop at accepting the challenge; he also disclosed the chosen battleground. The fight is set to take place in Vegas Octagon, adding another layer of grandeur to the anticipated event.

What was once dismissed as mere Twitter name-calling is now turning out to be a cage fight between the world's two wealthiest billionaires.

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Story first published: Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 11:34 [IST]
Sweden Grants Permission To Burn Quran Outside Mosque

International

oi-Prakash KL

The authorities on Wednesday granted permission to burn Quran outside Stockholm's main mosque in Sweden. The development comes after the court's intervention.

The burning is coinciding with Eid-al-Adha, one of the most significant in the Islamic calendar. Although the police had turned down applications for anti-Quran demonstrations in the past, the country's courts have consistently overturned those decisions, asserting that they encroached upon the safeguarded freedom of speech.

However, the protest is likely to have the participation of only two people including the organiser Salwan Momika.

In an interview recently, Momika claimed that he was an Iraqi refugee seeking to ban the Quran.

Iqbal Hossain who placed Quran at feet of Lord Hanuman sentenced by Bangladesh court

However, this development is likely to impact the chances of joining NATO, due to objections from Turkey. Even the police, In its permit for Wednesday's demonstration, noted that this inflammatory protest "may have foreign policy consequences" although the burning of the Quran might not pose security risks.

"The security risks and consequences that the authorities can see connected to a Quran burning are not of such a nature that according to the current law they give grounds for a decision to reject a request for a general gathering," the court said.

"Police authorities, therefore, give you permission for the requested gathering," it added.

In January, Turkey had condemned the burning of a copy of the Quran during a protest in Sweden. "Permitting this anti-Islam act, which targets Muslims and insults our sacred values, under the guise of 'freedom of expression' is completely unacceptable," it had said.

Gold ink Quran, ancient manuscripts preserved by RSS-inspired body on display at Indian Science Congress

In fact, Rasmus Paludan, a politician from the Danish far-right Stram Kurs (Hard Line) party, had set a copy of the Quran on fire outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm.

But he reportedly has no role in the latest protest.

Being a member of Nato allows Turkey to block another country from joining the intergovernmental military alliance. Sweden and Finland both applied to join Nato after Russia invaded Ukraine.

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Story first published: Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 17:36 [IST]
NATO should consider in detail the issue of the transfer of the Wagner group to Belarus and the deployment of nuclear weapons in this country, Polish President Andrzej Duda said at a press conference in Kyiv on Wednesday.

"Considering that almost simultaneously Vladimir Putin implements his words about the transfer of tactical nuclear weapons to the territory of Belarus, we have no doubt that they essentially change the security architecture in our region, especially from the point of view of NATO, which has defensive tasks to protect security in member states," he said.

"A group of combat-experienced and, above all, well-trained soldiers, and such, undoubtedly, are the soldiers of the Wagner group, which has perhaps several thousand soldiers, are always a potential danger," he said.

According to Duda, "it is difficult to exclude that the presence of the Wagner group in Belarus may be a potential threat to Poland, to Lithuania, which has the largest border with Belarus among our states, but also potentially to Latvia, which is neighboring Belarus."

"In this regard, this issue should be considered in detail by NATO and should be analyzed. I will try to make concrete decisions on this issue within the framework of NATO," he said.

"We have so much evidence that Belarus is a satellite of Russia," Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said, noting that "there is no need to make any difference between Belarus and Russia. Their regimes hold on as long as there is fear and hatred."

"We have also made certain decisions. We will also strengthen counterintelligence and intelligence at the border," he said.

In his turn, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy added that "NATO should tell the society of Poland and Lithuania that if at least one foot of one person from Wagner is on the independent territory of Lithuania or Poland, all Wagner fighters will be eliminated." Wherever they are in any territory."
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Ravi Kishan's Daughter Ishita Shukla Joins Defence Forces; Netizens Shower Praise

New Delhi

oi-Deepika S

Bhojpuri actor-turned-politician Ravi Kishan's daughter has joined the defence forces under the Agnipath scheme.

BJP MP Ravi Kishan took to his social media to share the news about her 21-year-old daughter.

Netizens applauded Ishita for choosing a different career path for herself despite being a 'star kid'.

"On one hand, many leaders of the country want to make their children leaders and make their future in politics, on the other, respectable Ravi Kishann ji's daughter will serve the country truly by joining the country's army, I salute such a father," tweeted a user.

"One more achievement has been added to the good fortune of Gorakhpur. Hearty congratulations to Ishita Shukla, daughter of Gorakhpur's popular MP Shri Ravi Kishann ji, on becoming a 'Female Agniveer'! Now she will join Defence Force as a soldier under Agnipath Scheme," commented another.

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BJP MP Ravi Kishans daughter joins defence forces under Agnipath scheme | Oneindia News

'Sorry, we won't,' says SC while rejecting pleas against Agnipath scheme

"Thank God, at least some actors kids still have the sense not to pursue acting or the film industry. Good luck to her. Madhavan's son is also very smart so is Madhuri's son," a third user said.

"I think 1st ever politician whose child will serve the nation by joining defence.. India is CHANGING." "Finally seeing politician children going to Defence first time," another commented.

Last year, the government launched Agnipath a recruitment scheme for Indian youth to serve in the armed forces.

Selected youth under the scheme will be known as Agniveers and they will be offered an opportunity to apply for enrolment in the permanent cadre.

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Story first published: Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 13:12 [IST]
Kevin Spacey Fowler is an American actor. He began his career as a stage actor during the 1980s, obtaining supporting roles before gaining a leading man status in film and television. Spacey has received various accolades for his performances on stage and screen including two Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Tony Award, two Laurence Olivier Awards, and four Screen Actors Guild Awards. He received nominations for a Grammy Award as well as twelve Primetime Emmy Awards. Spacey received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1999, and was named an honorary Commander and Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2010 and 2015, respectively.
The perception Australia is using Ukraine as a dumping ground for Vietnam War era equipment suggests the government has misread the high public sympathy for its plight.
Newsy 25 Jun 2023

ViewAs Russia has pulled back from the verge of an insurrection, top officials in the U.S. are saying it is too soon to speculate..
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A Russian missile strike hit a restaurant in the eastern Ukrainian city, killing eight. Meanwhile, Germany's defense minister is set to visit Washington, with Ukraine on the agenda. DW has the latest.
Students wrapping up the year at St. Demetrius Catholic School said the school has helped them transition to life in Canada as refugees from Ukraine. Due to an influx of children who are refugees, the school had to hire more teachers.
Florida GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz sent a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray demanding answers on six alleged agents who bent their knees with BLM protesters.
At least four people were killed and 42 others injured - including an eight-month-old baby - after Russian missiles struck Kramatorsk and a nearby village in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region on Tuesday, according to the office of the region's prosecutor. (Jun 27)


Presidents of Poland and Lithuania, Andrzej Duda and Gitanas Nauseda, support the idea of providing Ukraine with clear prospects for membership in NATO.

"Today, Nauseda and I are trying to make the decisions of the NATO summit that will be adopted, very clearly indicate the prospect of Ukraine's membership in NATO!" Duda said in Kyiv on Wednesday after talks with the Presidents of Ukraine and Lithuania, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Gitanas Nauseda.

"Today it is important to strengthen the security of NATO's eastern flank, and thereby strengthen the security of our part of Europe. And to pull Ukraine as close as possible to NATO, to cover it with security guarantees that finally drove away the Russian aggressor," he said.

"Our message is very clear: Ukraine will be a member of NATO, Lithuania supports Ukraine's membership in NATO," Nauseda said.

According to him, "it should be very clearly stated in Vilnius that Ukraine is an integral part of the NATO architecture in Europe."
Fallout from Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a newer worry, the SARB's annual risk review shows, but load shedding eclipses all other risks to South Africa's financial stability.
A World Bank Group-funded effort to increase train access to a power plant in South Africas coal-rich region has started to significantly backslide as criminals target the countrys rail system.
Shortly after Cornel West announced his intent to run for president as the candidate of the People's Party, The Nation's John Nichols reported encountering some who "expressed sympathy for a third-party run, but suggested that West should forgo a People's Party bid and, instead, campaign on the ticket of the Green Party""which has secured many state ballot lines across the country and has an established network of backers." And voila, before the proverbial ink on that article could dry, West had announced his intention to seek that party's nomination. Where some may see this rapid change as a sign of a poorly thought-out effort, others may applaud the campaign's flexibility, but either way, here's hoping this demonstrated malleability can extend to the suggestion of Ben Burgis's Jacobin article: "Cornel West Should Challenge Biden in the Democratic Primaries." History, specifically the starkly different experiences of the Ralph Nader and Bernie Sanders candidacies - and maybe even that of Eugene Debs - suggests the wisdom of the shift, but it's the math of the situation that demands it. The unfortunate fact is that a third party campaign in America just won't add up.

In announcing that "We're talking about empowering those who have been pushed to the margins because neither political party wants to tell the truth about Wall Street, about Ukraine, about the Pentagon, about Big Tech," West expresses a quite understandable "plague on both your houses" perspective of the sort that generally underlies third party efforts - and not just in the U.S. But what may be a viable political option in one country might not be one in another; it all depends upon the rules and laws that govern politics in the respective nations. Nothing illustrates the importance of the differences better than the contrasting experiences of the aforementioned Greens, who find themselves continuously embroiled in defending against charges of facilitating Republican presidencies, and that of their German namesake, arguably the foreign "third party" most familiar to Americans, a party that has successfully entered governments - on both the state and national level - on numerous occasions. Put in the most basic terms, we could say that the difference lies in the fact that where Germans operate within an "additive" political system, we Americans live in a "subtractive" one.

In the German system, generally described as "parliamentary," while there is a president, the office is largely ceremonial, the real head of government being the prime minister who is chosen by a majority of the members of parliament, a majority that may, and usually does require the support of more than one party. So, after running an independent campaign, if the German Greens do not come in first or second - as they never have on the national level - recognizing that their members will consider one of the top two parties to be preferable to the other, or at least not as bad (for most that preference would be the Socialists over the Christian Democrats), they will try to work out a compromise with that party, with Green party leaders playing a minority role in a resulting government coalition, as Joschka Fischer famously did as foreign minister from 1998-2005. So, in the end, the effect will be that the votes cast for the Greens are added to those cast for the Socialists, thereby preventing the outcome least desirable to most of both parties' voters - the Christian Democrats coming to power.

In our case, on the other hand, should West persist in running a third party presidential campaign, his potential voters will have no such option. Whether West actually considers a second Biden term as bad an outcome as a second for Trump - or a first for DeSantis - I can't say, but I feel fairly certain that most voters open to his ideas do not. However, under our plurality-winner-take-all system of apportioning a state's share of the Electoral College, after the voters have cast their votes for different parties there is no way that they can be recombined to block a Trump return. And while a third-party West vote might contribute to an anti-Republican majority in a particular state, it could also contribute to creating a Trump (or DeSantis) plurality in that same time. The system is in that sense "subtractive," in that a voter who considers Trump (or DeSantis) the worst possible outcome but opts for a third-party subtracts a vote from the only anti-Trump vote count that matters in the end - that of the largest non-Republican party, which will be the Democrats, however welcome or unwelcome that may be to said voter.

And, in the end, should West be on a ballot line in a final election that results in a Republican presidency, the damage done to his reputation - and much more importantly, to the causes he champions - won't be a matter of anyone proving his culpability. Ralph Nader has found himself embattled and subjected to abuse by people who couldn't carry his briefcase, lo these last twenty-plus years, not because anyone can actually prove his candidacy enabled George W. Bush's election. Defeat generally has numerous contributors and in this case the Democrats' ill-advised Florida recount strategy and the Clinton Administration's decision to shut down online efforts to match up potential vote swaps between Nader supporters in "battleground" states with Gore supporters in non-battleground states are factors often conveniently forgotten. But as anyone involved knows, or at least should know, in politics, perception counts for a great deal. And just as government employees are prohibited not only from actually having a conflict of interest, but from giving the appearance of conflict of interest as well, the wise political actor will realize that it can be just as important to avoid the appearance of causing an undesirable outcome as it is to avoid actually causing it.

At the same time, while the so-called "two party system" that governs our presidential elections looks like it will be in place for the foreseeable future, the two parties are not themselves immutable. Just a month before the West announcement, Peter Beinart made just that point in a New York Times opinion piece, "Imagine if Another Bernie Sanders Challenges Joe Biden," arguing that the profound effect of the Sanders candidacy has been a major factor in Biden becoming "the most progressive president since Lyndon Johnson." Pointing to the joint Biden-Sanders campaign working groups that shaped the 2020 Democratic National Platform, he notes that there was none devoted to foreign policy and that with "rare exceptions, Mr. Biden hasn't challenged the hawkish conventional wisdom that permeates Washington; he's embodied it. He's largely ignored progressives, who, polls suggest, want a fundamentally different approach to the world. And he'll keep ignoring them until a challenger turns progressive discontent into votes."

To be sure, as Beinart notes, "A primary opponent would risk the Democratic establishment's wrath." And we quickly got a taste of that - in the generally left-wing Nation, no less - where, in her article "Cornel West Should Not Be Running for President," Joan Walsh argued that even if West "were to run as a Democrat, like [Marianne] Williamson and the deeply off Robert F. Kennedy Jr., he would still hurt Biden, because a primary gives the bored, supine media a reason to hype "Dems in disarray" stories." Walsh's argument unfortunately is the type of thinking that held that Bernie Sanders should have minded his own business in 2016 and leave things to those who had already decided on Hillary Clinton, a nominee whose, shall we say, arms-length relationship with the working class resulted in the Trump presidency.

And, oh yes, there will be character assassination: For Walsh, "Williamson, West, and Kennedy are all, sadly, narcissists looking for the spotlight." While we can reasonably ask people to be aware enough of the workings of the system so as to avoid possibly unintended outcomes, we cannot reasonably ask them to be silent. Perhaps a West primary candidacy would be useful, perhaps it wouldn't, but running out new and different ideas is precisely what the primaries are for. Disagreement does not imply narcissism - or any other character flaw.

And what about Debs? Although his presidential efforts are now a hundred years past, the sterling reputation that his name still carries on the American left contributes to a lingering reluctance to engage with the Democratic Party that he left behind in favor of the Socialist Party. In 1912, the year of Debs's greatest electoral success (his 1920 campaign from a cell in the Atlanta Penitentiary resulted in a greater number of votes, but a lower percentage, as it was the first year women had the vote), the Republicans' 1856 supplanting of the Whigs in the national political duopoly was an event within the living memory of some. And indeed, that year the Republicans would be pushed out of the duo for the first time, as their former President Theodore Roosevelt ran a third-party challenge to their sitting President William Howard Taft and dropped him to third place. Debs actually beat Taft in three states and Roosevelt in two, and although he only had 6 percent of the total national vote, it was the first race where four different candidates exceeded 5 percent since the first Republican victory in 1860. It seemed that a big electoral shakeup might be on the horizon. It wasn't. Neither of these anomalies has repeated. The third party impulse is all too understandable: It's not just foreign policy where there is a serious critique of Biden to be made. The fact that it is legitimate to speak of him as the most pro-labor president since FDR is largely a statement about just how low the bar has been set. And remember, this is a man who said he'd veto a "medicare-for-all" bill if it came to his desk. But we are not living in a parliamentary system and we cannot simply wish one into existence. Hopefully, West's supporters will prevail upon him to undertake his fight in the most effective arena that currently exists, where the greatest light-to-heat potential lies - the primaries.
So-called "journalists" are in full spin mode, trying to obfuscate away the plague of Ukrainian Nazis. Now that the photos and videos are E-V-E-R-Y-W-H-E-R-E, cannot be contained, and the lies told about it are O-B-V-I-O-U-S, the CIA's fallback position is to make them the good kind of Nazis.

The Nation rag lets us know it's just Azov-the "battalion", now "regiment" -they use both terms in the article- that is everywhere in Ukraine, and also visits Washington D.C. Despite being wiped out repeatedly comes back to life to fill up with the admitted-to Nazis. This is the CIA's original strategy: it's just THEM, this "small" group of "volunteers" that isn't a big deal. So they keep saying. How small? Impossible to know.

Are they a big deal if they start World War Three?

But it's not just "Azov", though, is it? It never was. This is propaganda for the simpleton majority who cannot find Ukraine on a map.

Ukraine is the center of Naziism in the world today, which rational people might find problematic-giving them billions in weapons and cash to attack a nuclear superpower. They started the war after overthrowing DEMOCRACY in 2014. Now they are sold, with a straight face, as defending democracy from evil Russia. The cognitive dissonance is as big as the Covid pandemic. Nazis for democracy: have another trillion dollars.

Despite telling us all about the Nazi "battalion," that has been a part of the Ukrainian official military for years, The Nation claims:

"Ukraine, despite Putin's lies, is not teeming with fascists, which is why the National Corps has performed abysmally in elections."

Where's the statement that's allegedly a lie? No substantiation needed in US propaganda. They skip right past the head of today's Ukrainian military, Zaluzhny being an open Nazi. The guy actually in control of Ukraine is a Nazi, but I guess the CIA and The Nation would rather have you look at the Jewish clown who plays piano with his penis on stage.

Which one would a reasonable person conclude is more in control of Ukraine?

Across the western apologetics, we get the same CIA-supplied Big Lie about that one "Battalion" that is a Putin, Putin, Putin "lie." This is war propaganda for children.

Another spin article at "Bulwark" annoyed me particularly. The headline asks:

"Are we the baddies?"

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By Robert Weiner and Kat Smith

Article originally published in The Palm Beach Post

Despite the fact that most mass shootings are carried out by people without a diagnosed mental illness, it is still commonly used as a defense for these deadly massacres.

Not only is it a misconception that mental health is a primary factor in most of these violent crimes, but these claims demonize the 57.8 million Americans who suffer from one or more mental illnesses.

A prime example is the convicted murderer (Nikolas Cruz_- use name if desired or not), who shot and killed seventeen people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida in 2018. According to a report by CNN, he will not be subjected to the death penalty due to his defense painting him as mentally disturbed, despite mental health experts who evaluated him that testified that this was not the case.

Dr. Robert Denney, a clinical psychologist, testified, "He is grossly exaggerating severe mental illness," he continued to say " [he was] grossly exaggerating severe psychiatric problems as well as semantic concerns, body concerns, cognitive concerns and memory complaints."

However, according to CNN, Melisa McNeill, Cruz's public defender, continued to argue that he was not in the mental capacity to receive the death penalty. "And in a civilized humane society, do we kill brain damaged, mentally ill, broken people?" McNeill said. "Do we? I hope not."

Following the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Parkland came together as a community to create the national March for Our Lives movement in order to speak out against the gun violence epidemic across the United States. They have made an enormous difference on both a state and national level.

According to a study conducted at Columbia University, only 8% of mass shootings are committed by people diagnosed with severe mental illnesses involving psychosis. Mass murderers with psychotic symptoms are actually less likely to use a firearm to carry out the offense, yet mental health continues to be entered into the discussion every time a mass shooting occurs. It is a popular belief that someone who commits a crime so heinous must be mentally disturbed in some way.

Many political leaders share this sentiment such as Texas Governor Greg Abbot t, who following the Uvalde school shooting said, "We, as a state, we, as a society, need to do a better job with mental health " Anybody who shoots somebody else has a mental health challenge, period."

It's true that there need to be better mental health resources and accessibility in the U.S., but it seems that this issue is only ever brought up as a response to gun violence instead of the actual problem at hand: a lack of gun regulation.
"The CAC Chairperson will ensure that students with exceptional needs remain at the center of planning, conversations, and support as CAC is responsible to students and families"



""- LAUSD SELPA



CAC Chair, John 'JP' Perron

(Image by LAUSD) Details DMCA



When the leadership of the Community Advisory Committee voted to place a reading of the proposed "Improving Special Education Within the LAUSD" resolution on the agenda of its May meeting, it apparently crossed a line with the LAUSD's bureaucrats. Claiming that this type of item was not in the purview of the committee, the District forced this item from the official agenda. However, the Chair of the Committee, John Perron, permitted it to be read into the record during public comment.

It now appears that the Office of Student, Family, and Community Engagement (SFaCE) has taken steps to ensure that this will not happen again by not including Perron on the list of members for the next school year. Before this can take effect, the list must be approved by the LAUSD Board of Education. Before they could vote, I sent the following email to all of the board members:



Training and Education Officer Mio Murai

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On Tuesday, you will vote on approving the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) memberships. I hope that before you register your vote you will take into account the following information:

During the 2022-23 school year, the CAC has taken significant steps forward:

Creating the CAC African-American Student Subcommittee as a standing subcommittee that will ensure critical issues can be addressed, including the overrepresentation of black students in school disciplinary actions.

The first Parent Ambassador training was conducted.

A partnership with the underutilized LAUSD resource, KLCS, resulted in the creation of two PSA videos introducing families to the mission of the CAC and recruiting candidates for the next term.

The number of people applying to represent the Special Education community on the CAC was increased through outreach efforts.

Setting a path forward for creating committees representing Special Education at the school site level.

It is hard to imagine that these successes could have occurred without a strong leadership team. Yet somehow the CAC's Chair, John Perron (JP), does not appear on the list of members for next year that you are being asked to approve. He meets the eligibility requirements and did apply for another term, but the Office of Student, Family, and Community Engagement (SFaCE) did not select him. Ingrid Levy, who was the Chair of the Parent Ambassador Subcommittee and produced both videos, was also purged from the CAC. Additionally, Miho Murai, who was the Training and Education officer during the past year, has only been recommended as an alternate for the next term.

It is the CAC membership that elects the Committee's officers, so it is fair to say that both JP and Miho enjoy their support. However, current members have little say in the creation of the list that you will vote on at your Board Meeting on Tuesday. A limited number of members were allowed to review applications and give their recommendations, but the final results were never reviewed by the Committee as a whole.

For a Committee governed by the Greene Act, there has been very little transparency as to how these names were selected. The actual process used by SFACE to select next year's membership was hidden from those on the Committee and the general public. It remains a mystery.

The selection process does not appear to conform to the SELPA which specifies "The CAC shall consist of members who are selected by their peers." In violation of the procedures recommended by the CAC Bylaws, a "selection committee" was not seated by the membership of the CAC, nor was a rubric established by the Committee outlining the process. At no time was the CAC provided with, or consulted on, the list of proposed members for next year in advance of this item appearing on the Board agenda.

The actions taken to remove members of the leadership team are the latest example of a breakdown in collaboration with the CAC by SFACE. While SFACE is supposed to facilitate and support the mission of the CAC, it is now apparently going out of its way to control Committee operations. This heavy-handed approach reached a new low when less than 24 hours before the May 17, 2023, meeting, officers were called into a meeting to remove an item from the agenda.

It should be noted that the meeting of the officers on May 16th was not compliant with the Greene Act. Not only was an agenda for this meeting not made available, but the public was not given any notice and, therefore, was not able to comment. This meeting was held with so little notice that not every member of the Executive Board who wanted to participate was able to do so.

The existence of the CAC is mandated by the California Education Code and this Committee is essential for having the LAUSD Board of Education understand the needs of families receiving Special Education services. In the interest of preserving a path forward that includes honest recommendations from the CAC, without interference from SFACE, and preserving engagement with the community, I urge you to reject the list of prospective CAC members that has been presented to you and insist that a more transparent process be used which honors the voice of CAC members and fulfills the promise of parent and family engagement, as stated in the LAUSD Strategic Plan.

Sincerely,

Carl Petersen



Parent Ambassador Subcommittee Chair Ingrid Levy

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Since their accession to NATO in 2004, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have seen the presence of NATO forces as an essential safeguard for their security. However, incidents involving NATO troops in recent years have sparked controversy, leading to renewed debates about their necessity.

In 2022, an incident occurred in Estonia with several NATO soldiers who seriously disturbed public order in Tallinn. Local residents complained of excessive noise, property damage, and uncouth behavior. The incident sparked public outcry and was widely reported in the national media, fueling resentment against the foreign military presence.

In 2022, there was a scandal in Latvia when a group of NATO soldiers were accused of reckless behavior, resulting in a traffic accident that caused substantial damage. The soldiers from the NATO multinational battalion in Latvia were found to be under the influence of alcohol. The accident provoked a public backlash, with many questioning the conduct of NATO forces and their respect for local laws and customs.

Lithuania, in mid-2023, had an incident where NATO soldiers were implicated in a bar brawl in the city of Klaip--da. The fight, which led to several injuries and property damage, caused significant public outrage. This incident, added to previous ones, led to increased calls for a review of the NATO presence in the country.

These recent incidents have once again stirred up the debate about NATO's presence in these Baltic States. Critics argue that these occurrences, despite being actions of a minority, create tensions between the local population and NATO forces, thereby straining the relations NATO has with these countries.

They further argue that the security dynamics in the region have changed significantly since these nations joined NATO.

The incidents involving NATO soldiers in 2022 and 2023, while regrettable, underline the need for stricter regulations governing the behavior of foreign troops. These measures would ensure NATO forces respect local norms and values and avoid actions that might lead to tensions with the local population.

In conclusion, the presence of NATO forces in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania is a complex issue that must balance local sentiments with broader geopolitical and security concerns.

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Julius and Ethel Rosenberg NYWTS.

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The case, many say, is long closed.

It's been 70 years since the executions of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg on charges of spying for the Soviet Union.

It's been 28 years since the public release of decrypted Soviet cables revealing that Julius Rosenberg was indeed guilty, and at least strongly implying that Ethel Rosenberg knowingly participated in his espionage work -- not just typing documents to hand over to his handlers, but even actively recruiting her own brother into the operation.

But we still don't know the whole truth, and not everyone who's interested in the truth has forever to wait around for it.

Michael and Robert Meeropol are, respectively, 80 and 76 years old.

They were, respectively, ten and six years old when their parents, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, went to their graves as convicted spies.

"Though we grew up believing in our parents' innocence," the brothers say in a June 16 statement, "as adults we adjusted our views as we learned more about the case. ... the truth was more important than our beliefs." The Soviet decrypts convinced them of their father's guilt. But "we would like to know the full truth about our mother's case before we die."

The National Archives informs the Meeropol brothers that it possesses half a million pages of still-classified information that could be relevant to a Freedom of Information Act request they filed in pursuit of that truth. The NSA admits to possessing still more such information. "We were told that it will take years just to review the documents, let alone declassify them and make them public."

It's already BEEN years. Seventy years since the Rosenbergs' executions, 72 years since their convictions, 73 years since their arrests, and for that matter more than 30 years since the Soviet Union disappeared into history's dustbin.

The kind of information involved -- on, per Wikipedia, "American radar, sonar, jet propulsion engines, and nuclear weapon designs" -- has all almost certainly long since become widely known, or obsolete, or both.

Similarly, any information pertaining to US intelligence "sources and methods" has been superseded by new sources and new methods.

Why does the US government continue to keep these particular secrets?

The only answer that fits is "because they can."

And not just in this case. The US government has continued to hide information on the JFK assassination case, "Unidentified Aerial Phenomena," aka UFOs, and heaven only knows what other things, for decades on end, without penalty and absent any accountability, throwing out the phrase "national security" as a trump card any time they're pushed on such matters.

We really need to fix that. All of it. ASAP.

And we should start by getting two old men some answers about their mom before they follow her into eternity.
Today, Berlin-based tech company Mailbutler, creators of the email extension for Apple Mail, Gmail and Outlook that makes your inbox smarter, releases the full version of its artificial intelligence-powered Smart Assistant. The Smart Assistant is a personal assistant that uses AI to help you improve your email communication. The full version includes six features which do the heavy lifting for you while working in your inbox: Smart Compose By entering just a few 
The Moldovan government approved a bill denouncing the Convention on the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) at a meeting on Wednesday.

"The CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly defines the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms, the monitoring of the development of democracy and electoral rights, and the containment of security threats and challenges as its core activity," the bill's explanatory note says. "But it is obvious that these tasks cannot be fulfilled in the current regional context, created by the conflict in Ukraine, because of the opposite viewpoint of certain Assembly members on such matters," it said.

"An analysis of the political impact of the Convention's denouncement at the domestic, bilateral, regional and multilateral levels did not reveal any negative implications. It did not reveal any fallout for relations with other parties to the treaty and third parties, either," the document said.

The note says that the CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly has not been of any help to Moldova in resolving actual problems (for instance, settling the Transdniestrian conflict).

"Therefore, given the bilateral inter-parliamentary relations between Moldova and CIS members, including those via friendship groups, the inexpediency of further membership of the Republic of Moldova in the CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly is underscored," it said.

The Moldovan government also approved a bill terminating the CIS agreement on cooperation in preventing and mitigating emergencies.

Moldovan Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu said on Tuesday that a decision on Moldova's withdrawal from the CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly would be made within a month. Speaking about Moldova's withdrawal from other agreements and breaking off relations with the CIS, he said, "the government and the Foreign Ministry are analyzing the entire legislative base [and] every agreement ever signed by Moldova in the CIS."

Grosu said in mid-May it had been decided to initiate Moldova's withdrawal from the Agreement on the CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly.

"It has become obvious that 30 years of Moldova's membership in CIS bodies have not helped us settle the Transdniestrian conflict, ensure the Russian army's withdrawal from our country, or prevent painful economic embargos imposed on our wine and agricultural products at the most difficult times. It did not spare us the hostile threats and comments on the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Moldova, either," Grosu said.

Moldova withdrew its permanent representative from the CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly in February.

At the time, Moldovan Minister of Foreign Affairs and Eurasian Integration Nicu Popescu said that Moldova was beginning its withdrawal from several dozen CIS agreements. He said that many CIS agreements, out of approximately 330 which Moldova is a party to, required revision.

The Moldovan parliament made a final decision on withdrawing from the agreement on the Mir inter-state television and radio company in May.
The Chinese international Hi-Tech Fair (Hi-Tech Fair), has been successfully held in Shenzhen for 24 consecutive sessions. It is the largest, most effective and influential brand event in the high-tech field in China, and it is known as "the first exhibition of science and technology in China". The 25th Hi-Tech Fair will be opened in Shenzhen in Novembe this year. This year's Hi-Tech Fair is co-sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce 
The Oregon Department of Transportation said it might pare down or postpone two major Portland-area freeway projects as it faces financial woes made more urgent by an order from the governor to delay plans for freeway tolling.

ODOT said as project costs have risen and its own anticipated revenue sources have dwindled, its now short at least $2.6 billion to complete all its planned freeway projects.

Instead, it will seek approval from the state transportation commission for a modified finance plan, more state funding to complete existing construction projects and delaying or suspending work on two of the biggest.

The delayed projects are:

The Rose Quarter project, which would add lanes to a congested section of Interstate 5 that connects to interstates 84 and 405. The revamp is now estimated to cost about $1.9 billion dollars, nearly four times original forecasts. The project includes plans to cover the freeway to reconnect Lower Albina, a historically Black neighborhood divided and partially razed for the construction of I-5 in the 1950s. Construction was expected to begin in 2025.

The second phase of an Interstate 205 revamp that would add a lane to the freeway and make seismic upgrades. The state agency has already begun work on the first phase of the project, which includes the replacement of the Abernethy Bridge in Oregon City. In total, that project is expected to cost up to $1.36 billion.

The agency had counted on tolling to fund a portion of multiple major freeway projects, but a mandate from the governor earlier this year threw a wrench in those plans. Gov. Tina Kotek in May directed ODOT to wait until at least 2026 to implement tolls, including plans to charge drivers by the mile on interstates 5 and 205.

Travis Brouwer, ODOTs assistant director of finance, attributed the financial deficit to an increase in construction costs, additions and delays to the Rose Quarter project, and ODOTs early cost estimates coming in too low.

He said the agency underestimated price tags in part because it had to rush funding plans before the projects were fully fleshed out. The Rose Quarter in particular, he said, was hurried to meet Legislative deadlines.

The transportation agency says its already poised to spend up to $1.08 billion of $1.1 billion allocated by the Legislature for several major freeway projects. Some of that includes construction costs, including the full construction of the Abernethy Bridge and tolling.

It had planned to tap tolling revenue, but by the time tolling begins in 2026, the projects would already be $300 million in the red. If ODOT presses on with construction absent tolls, the state would have to pull that money from other funds, including those set aside for repairs and seismic upgrades to state bridges.

The state agency already faces financial troubles elsewhere in its budget, with dwindling gas tax revenue pushing ODOT closer to a deficit that could force widespread maintenance and staff cuts.

Local transportation and climate activists said ODOTs concession this week proved what they had long argued: that the agency needs to pare down its spending on freeway projects.

These are both massive victories for any Oregonian who enjoys clean air, safer streets, a hospitable planet, and fiscal responsibility from their state government, said Chris Smith, cofounder of the climate action group No More Freeways, in a written statement.

The pause could also disrupt plans to restore the Lower Albina streetscape with freeway covers. Brouwer said adding freeway covers would be a massive undertaking that would require rebuilding the freeway and overcrossings to support the covers.

Ill have a conversation with the project team, but we havent contemplated a scenario where we move forward with the cover absent the reconstruction of the freeway, Brouwer said. Its difficult to move forward with one without the other.

ODOT adopted the plan for freeway covers after drawn-out disagreements between community organizations and local government agencies involved in the project.

Albina Vision Trust, a nonprofit thats guiding the redevelopment of Lower Albina, and the city of Portland left the project in 2020 arguing that early plans for repairing the neighborhood were inadequate.

They returned to the project after then-Gov. Kate Brown stepped in and proposed an alternative that would allow the project to move forward while also supporting the redevelopment effort.

ODOT will present its draft financial plan to the Oregon Transportation Commission on Wednesday, and seek more funding from the statewide board, before submitting the plan to Kotek on Saturday. The meeting will be streamed on YouTube, and the transportation commission is taking public comments.

Jayati Ramakrishnan; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com
Oregons parole board on Monday unanimously rejected the bid of a notorious convicted murderer who sought early release from state prison this month with backing from former Gov. Kate Brown and Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt.

Danielle Cox, 38, pleaded guilty in 2006 to aggravated murder in the 2003 torture and killing of Jessica Williams, a 22-year-old disabled woman, and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years.

Cox, who went by the street name Shadowcat from the X-Men comics, was 18 at the time  the daughter of middle-class parents who joined a violent street family that lured Williams, a young woman from Gladstone, to her death in Portland.

Nothing about the nature of Coxs crime or the terms of her plea deal should have qualified her for Browns clemency, argue the victims sister and two former Multnomah County deputy district attorneys who prosecuted Cox. They said no one from Schmidts office contacted them to seek their opinions, even though Oregon law requires input from victims families.

I dont know what they were thinking, said Chuck French, a retired Multnomah County prosecutor who brought the case to court. He contends that Schmidts office rubber-stamped her clemency application after a cursory vetting process and simply regurgitated her advocates comments in his recommendation to the governor. This was a last-minute thing where they had to get everything done before the governor left office.

The criticism comes as Schmidt and his progressive stances are under increasing scrutiny as he faces a re-election campaign in which hes running against one of his own deputies. It also comes after an unsuccessful lawsuit filed last year by district attorneys in Lane and Linn counties and family members of four violent crime victims who challenged Browns broad use of clemency powers.

Flurry of commutations

Browns clemency order for Cox, signed Dec. 22 amid a flurry of such commutations and pardons in her final days in office, commuted her minimum sentence and allowed her to go before the Oregon Board of Parole five years earlier than she was previously eligible.

Raised in a middle-class family originally from Spokane, Cox graduated from Hillsboros Glencoe High School. She was a bright student and attended classes on scholarship at Pacific University for most of a year. But in the spring of 2003, she dropped out of college to join a street family whose members shed met in Pioneer Courthouse Square.

Cox was one of 13 members of this gang when Williams, who according to court records was born with fetal alcohol syndrome and had the mental capacity of a 12-year-old, fell in with the group.

Over a period of six and half hours on the night of May 23, 2003, the group brutally beat Williams as punishment for reportedly lying to and being insubordinate to another member. Cox was one of three individuals who then took Williams to an area near the east end of the Steel Bridge and continued the beating, then stabbed Williams dozens of times and attempted to burn her body to destroy DNA evidence, according to court records.

Including time served prior to her 2006 conviction, Cox has completed more than 20 years of her sentence, most of them at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility.

Schmidt did not agree to an interview request. But in an emailed statement his office sent Tuesday, he said he based his decision to support Coxs clemency application on both objective and subjective criteria, including her record of behavior in prison and his belief that people can redeem themselves.

[W]hen a person has demonstrated accountability and rehabilitation, we have to consider the point at which prison is no longer serving a punitive purpose, but rather a retributive one, he said. Based on these factors, I was willing to extend my support for Ms. Coxs request for a second chance.

Excellent progress

Brown showed a particular zeal for clemency during her tenure. Before leaving office in January, she commuted 104 individual cases and granted 130 pardons, including 35 commutations and 68 pardons in her final 10 months. She also issued broader clemency orders, including for groups of juvenile defendants, people convicted of marijuana possession and those who helped the states firefighting efforts while in custody.

In a January letter to Senate President Rob Wagner, Brown explained her rationale for dozens of cases, including Coxs.

Cox had made excellent progress and shown extraordinary evidence of rehabilitation, Brown wrote, noting that her continued incarceration without an immediate opportunity to petition the Parole Board for release on parole does not serve the best interests of the State of Oregon.

Brown made her decision based in part on information shed received from Schmidts office, she said. Coxs application also received support from her family members, teachers, corrections officers and Sen. Michael Dembrow, D-Portland, who met Cox as part of his work on prison education.

Schmidt had recommended Brown grant clemency to Cox two months earlier. In an October letter to Brown, Schmidt said Cox had used her time at Coffee Creek to better herself and those around her. He noted that shed had no disciplinary infractions since 2012; had taken a variety of self-improvement classes; and played a critical role in expanding access to higher education at Coffee Creek.

I want to recognize Ms. Coxs commitment to change and the significant transformation she has achieved by offering my support for her clemency petition, Schmidt wrote. Commuting her sentence and allowing her to continue this work amongst our community would allow her to have an even broader impact.

Lack of notice

Clemency can also alter the lives of victims and their families, so state statute requires that district attorneys notify them of any pending applications and provide the governor with their statements.

Schmidt told Brown that his office had left at least three voicemails for Williams parents over a period of nine months but had not received a response. But he did note that when Cox had applied unsuccessfully for commutation in 2017, Williams parents had strongly objected to any form of clemency.

Reached this week by phone, Amy Jones, Williams sister, said their mother died in 2018, but Willams father is still alive, her sister lives in their long-time home, and other members of her family are easily accessible. She said they heard nothing about the process taking place with Cox until one or two weeks before the parole board hearing.

Whatever attempts they claim to have made, we were not notified, she said.

Retired prosecutors who worked the case also were not consulted  or asked to help reach the victims family.

Liz Merah, Schmidts spokesperson, said deputies may consult with former colleagues on clemency petitions when feasible.

This clemency application was one of about 350 that our office received from the Brown administration, she said. Due to the volume of applications and the extensive review each one required, it was not viable to contact the original prosecutors in every case.

Norm Frink, one of the original prosecutors, said he reached Jones and Williams father easily after Brown commuted the 30-year minimum sentence of one of Coxs co-defendants in the case, Carl Alsup.

I was able to get hold of them in days, said Frink, who retired in 2012. If little old retired me can do that, why cant the district attorney of Multnomah County, particularly when he has the statutory obligation to do so?

Aliza Kaplan, a professor at Lewis & Clark Law School and the director of its Criminal Justice Reform Clinic, said Multnomah County has the most thorough process for contacting victims families of any in the state. If anything, she said the unit that evaluates clemency applications should be more isolated from prosecutors, as their job isnt to re-litigate past cases, but look at the circumstances today.

She said Williams father was one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against Brown last year that concerned, in part, the sentence of Coxs codefendant, and that the family should have been aware of Browns actions generally. That legal challenge ultimately failed in August when the Oregon Court of Appeals upheld the governors broad clemency powers.

Browns action with Schmidts backing means Cox will now be able to reapply for early release every two years.

When you hear what these people did to my sister, Cox being one of them, its mind blowing that theyre even considering this and that Schmidts office granted her the option, Jones said. What about some consideration for our family to not have to live through this again? Its just not right.

Not capable of rehabilitation

After a June 7 hearing at Coffee Creek, the parole board found Cox had offered varying accounts about her role in Williams murder, lacked insight and honesty about it and appeared to have much more extensive underlying criminality than she portrayed.

The Board unanimously finds that Petitioner is not capable of rehabilitation within a reasonable period of time, its order read.

That means Cox is not eligible for early release, a process that would be the subject of another hearing, typically months later, after a psychological evaluation and development of a detailed parole plan.

Frink, who retired in 2012, noted that Cox would have faced a much longer sentence had her case gone to trial. But as part of the plea agreement negotiated to secure her testimony against co-defendants, she waived her state and federal constitutional rights, which Frink said includes commutation. Either way, the governors clemency powers overrule any plea agreement.

Kaplan, the law professor, said there are many cases that are awful, heinous and troubling in every way, but that doesnt mean someone isnt capable of rehabilitation.

Without question Danielle is not a public safety risk, she said. She has had an incredible record in prison, she served others, and shell be back in front of the board.

--Ted Sickinger; tsickinger@oregonian.com; 503-221-8505; @tedsickinger
Kens Artisan Pizza, the longtime Southeast Portland restaurant originally spun off from Kens Artisan Bakery, was named the No. 3 pizzeria in America during a Manhattan ceremony from Italys Top 50 Pizza organization Tuesday.

Appearing in person to accept the award was chef Vince Krone; owner Peter Kost, who bought the pizzeria from longtime friend Ken Forkish in 2022; and Forkish himself, who flew in for the event from his Hawaii home.

Its surreal, said Krone, as the trio ducked in for afternoon martinis at the famed Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel Wednesday. I still dont fully understand what happened.

Besides Kens (304 S.E. 28th Ave.), two other Portland pizzerias landed on the Top 50 Pizza list for the United States: Apizza Scholls (4741 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd.) at No. 20, and Nostrana (1401 S.E. Morrison St.) at No. 29. According to the Italian organization, rankings are derived from a year of anonymous inspections of pizzerias located throughout the United States, with pizza quality, wine and beer lists and customer service all taken into account.

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Portland tied with San Francisco and Miami for the city with the second-most pizzerias on the list after New York City, which had 10. Last years list included five Portland pizzerias, with Scotties Pizza Parlor and Lovelys Fifty Fifty joining the trio retained on the 2023 edition.

Kens also was given a Green Oven award acknowledging the restaurants commitment to sustainability, the only pizzeria on this years list to receive the honor.

American pizzerias ranked in the top 15 are automatically eligible for the 100 Best Pizzerias in the World list, which will be announced Sept. 13 in Naples. As you might have guessed, pizzerias operating in the Neapolitan or neo-Neapolitan styles  with smaller pies baked hot and fast in wood-fired ovens, often using imported Italian ingredients  are well-represented on the list.

A pizza with arugula at Ken's Artisan Pizza.The Oregonian/2016

For Forkish, the honor was like a lifetime achievement award, even though Im not doing the work anymore, he said. And these guys keep making the pizzeria better.

According to Kost, his commitment to Kens pizza quality dates back well before he took over the restaurant. The two first met as Forkish was opening his Kens Artisan Bakery on Northwest 21st Avenue, just up from Kosts first restaurant, Lucys Table, in 2001. Kost was on hand to taste test some of Forkishs earliest pizzas, and to tour the space that would eventually become Kens Artisan Pizza in 2006.

So after Forkish couldnt make it to last years ceremony, when Kens landed at No. 11, Kost pestered him with text messages until he agreed to come this year.

Theres a lot of history there, Kost said. Ken is a super guy, and I am the lucky recipient of that relationship. The team weve put together there with Kens foundation and Vinces kitchen team has just been fantastic. From hospitality to food, its really hitting its stride.

Back in 2019, Krone, a longtime Portland cook, was considering leaving the restaurant industry altogether before a friend tipped him off to a part-time job at Kens Artisan Pizza. After working a shift, Forkish offered him a job, but there was a problem: Krone and his wife were about to take off on a belated two-week Italian honeymoon, an admission that is typically a job-offer killer, Krone says.

Instead, Forkish told him the job would be there for him when he got back.

Well wait for good people, Krone recalls Forkish saying. That was one of the nicest things Id heard in a long time.

Krone eventually worked his way up to head chef, though he still prefers kitchen manager.

During the pandemic, the Kens team baked 18-inch New York-style pies in the wood-fired oven and passed them to customers through the restaurants big sliding windows  with apologies to Apizza Scholls, probably my favorite pizza ever served in Portland. (Those larger format pies didnt fit once Kens reopened for dine-in service in 2021, but over several visits since then, both before and after the sale, quality has remained high.)

A pizza being sliced at Ken's Artisan Pizza.The Oregonian/2016

If you think Kens Artisan Pizza has received high praise before, youre not wrong. In January, travel website Big 7 Travel put together a list of the 50 best pizza restaurants in the world, naming Kens Artisan Pizza at No. 2.

But despite receiving widespread coverage, as we noted at the time, that list felt thrown together at random, including at least one error seemingly copied from a local food blog.

The No. 2 in the world thing, no one believed it and no one should have taken that seriously, Krone said. When you read these things on the internet, you dont know if its a bot writing it, or someone just sitting on their couch.

According to Forkish, the Top 50 Pizza organization has a few things going for it that random Internet lists dont.

This is the first legitimate organization to rank pizzerias in the United States, and Its an Italian organization, which gives them instant credibility in my book, Forkish said. Theyre serious about it. And theyre not just looking at the pizza. Theyre looking at service, wine list, and how you feel when you walk out the door.

Still, the Big 7 Travel list and the widespread coverage it received caused Kens business to double overnight, Krone said, going from around 150 pizzas a night before Christmas 2022 to a whopping 300 after.

When Ken retired, we made an unspoken promise that no matter, we wouldnt backpedal on quality, Krone said. But if you do the math, 300 pizzas over five hours, 60 pizzas an hour. Thats a pizza each minute.

In other words, Kens Artisan Pizza is already at capacity. Dont expect that to change anytime soon.

Read more:

The 19 best dishes restaurant critic Michael Russell ate in 2021

Ken Forkish has left the building: Portlands preeminent baker on perfectionism, retirement and moving to Hawaii

This Portland pizzeria is No. 2 on a list of the worlds best pizzas (Big 7 Travel list)

 Michael Russell; mrussell@oregonian.com

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Fans of Top Chef, the culinary competition series on Bravo, were disappointed at the recent news that longtime host Padma Lakshmi is leaving the show. Lakshmi, who was also an executive producer and judge, had hosted Top Chef since its second season. The show recently concluded Season 20, which saw Buddha Lo named the winner of a World All-Stars season.

In her announcement, Lakshmi said that she made the difficult decision to leave Top Chef after much soul searching, adding, I am extremely proud to have been part of building such a successful show and of the impact it has had in the worlds of television and food.

Lakshmi continued: I feel its time to move on and make space for Taste the Nation, my books and other creative pursuits, referring to her well-received Hulu series -- in which Lakshmi travels the country to explore how immigrant groups have helped create American food culture -- as well as her bestselling books.

Though Top Chef, which also features head judge Tom Colicchio and judge Gail Simmons, will be back for another season, theres much speculation about who might fill Lakshmis position, which is no easy task.

Lakshmi herself has a few suggestions, as it turns out, and one of them is Portlands best-known celebrity chef. In a recent Los Angeles Times interview, Lakshmi talked about the rewards of making Taste the Nation, her pride in what Top Chef accomplished, as well as the daunting schedule she faced making both shows.

Asked who she would recommend as the next host if Bravo chooses from Top Chef veterans, Lakshmi said that past contestants on the show are all like my children. There are a lot of great people, like Melissa King and Kristen Kish, who have other shows. Carla Hall would be fantastic. Either Gregory Gourdet or Kwame Onwuachi could do the job because they are the hottest chefs in the world right now, and we dont see enough Black men in roles at the forefront of the professional food world, even though Black men and women have been making most of the food in this country historically. Kwame is charismatic and funny; Gregory is thoughtful and has a lot of empathy.

Gourdet, whose Portland restaurant, Kann, was recently named Americas best new restaurant at the 2023 James Beard Awards, is a familiar presence to Top Chef viewers. He was a finalist on Top Chef Season 17 All-Stars LA, and runner-up on Top Chef Season 12, in Boston. He also made several appearances during the Top Chef Season 18 that filmed in and around Portland.

In addition to singing his praises in the Los Angeles Times interview, Lakshmi also appeared, via video, to introduce Gourdet as one of the winners of the Portland Art Museums PAM CUT 2023 Cinema Unbound Awards, during last weeks ceremony.

(Want to catch up on previous seasons of Top Chef? You can stream the series with Fubo, which offers a free trial; Sling; Hulu + Live, which also offers a free trial; DirecTV Stream; or Peacock.)

 Kristi Turnquist

503-221-8227; kturnquist@oregonian.com; @Kristiturnquist

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Debris from the Titan submersible has been returned to land after a fatal implosion during its voyage to the wreck of the Titanic captured the worlds attention last week.

The return of the debris to port in St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador, is a key piece of the investigation into why the submersible imploded, killing all five people on board. Twisted chunks of the 22-foot submersible were unloaded at a Canadian Coast Guard pier on Wednesday.

The Canadian ship Horizon Arctic carried a remotely operated vehicle, or ROV, to search the ocean floor near the Titanic wreck for pieces of the submersible. Pelagic Research Services, a company with offices in Massachusetts and New York that owns the ROV, said on Wednesday that it has completed offshore operations.

Pelagic Research Services team is still on mission and cannot comment on the ongoing Titan investigation, which involves several government agencies in the U.S. and Canada, said Jeff Mahoney, a spokesperson for the company.

They have been working around the clock now for ten days, through the physical and mental challenges of this operation, and are anxious to finish the mission and return to their loved ones, Mahoney said.

A U.S. Coast Guard ship arrives in the harbor of St. John's, Newfoundland, on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, following the arrival of the ship Horizon Arctic carrying debris from the Titan submersible. The submersible owned by OceanGate Expeditions imploded on its way to the wreck of the Titanic. (Paul Daly/The Canadian Press via AP)AP

Debris from the Titan was located about 12,500 feet (3,810 meters) underwater and roughly 1,600 feet (488 meters) from the Titanic on the ocean floor, the Coast Guard said last week. The Coast Guard is leading the investigation into why the submersible imploded during its June 18 descent. Officials announced on June 22 that the submersible had imploded and all five people on board were dead.

The Coast Guard has convened a Marine Board of Investigation into the implosion. That is the highest level of investigation conducted by the Coast Guard.

One of the experts the Coast Guard consulted with during the search said analyzing the physical material of recovered debris could reveal important clues about what happened to the Titan. And there could be electronic data, said Carl Hartsfield of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

Certainly all the instruments on any deep sea vehicle, they record data. They pass up data. So the question is, is there any data available? And I really dont know the answer to that question, he said Monday.

Representatives for Horizon Arctic did not respond to requests for comment.

Debris from the Titan submersible, recovered from the ocean floor near the wreck of the Titanic, is unloaded from the ship Horizon Arctic at the Canadian Coast Guard pier in St. John's, Newfoundland, Wednesday, June 28, 2023. (Paul Daly/The Canadian Press via AP)AP

Coast Guard representatives declined to comment on the investigation or the return of debris to shore on Wednesday. No bodies have been recovered, though Coast Guard officials said days earlier that they were taking precautions in case they encountered human remains during the investigation.

Ocean Gate CEO and pilot Stockton Rush was k illed in the implosion along with two members of a prominent Pakistani family, Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood; British adventurer Hamish Harding; and Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet.

Representatives for the National Transportation Safety Board and Transportation Safety Board of Canada, which are both involved in the investigation, also declined to comment. The National Transportation Safety Board has said the Coast Guard has declared the loss of the Titan submersible to be a major marine casualty and the Coast Guard will lead the investigation.

We are not able to provide any additional information at this time as the investigation is ongoing, said Liam MacDonald, a spokesperson for the Transportation Safety Board of Canada.

A spokesperson for the International Maritime Organization, the U.N.s maritime agency, has said any investigative reports from the disaster would be submitted for review. Member states of the IMO can also propose changes such as stronger regulations of submersibles.

Currently, the IMO has voluntary safety guidelines for tourist submersibles which include requirements they be inspected, have emergency response plans, and have a certified pilot on board among other requirements. Any safety proposals would not likely be considered by the IMO until its next Maritime Safety Committee which begins in May 2024.

OceanGate Expeditions, the company that owned and operated the Titan, is based in the U.S. but the submersible was registered in the Bahamas. The OceanGate company in Everett, Washington closed when the Titan was found. Meanwhile, the Titans mother ship, the Polar Prince, was from Canada.

The operator charged passengers $250,000 each to participate in the voyage. The implosion of the Titan has raised questions about the safety of private undersea exploration operations. The Coast Guard also wants to use the investigation to improve safety of submersibles.
Update at 10:15 a.m.: The children have been found, according to the Oregon Department of Human Services.

The Oregon Department of Human Services said it is searching for three children who disappeared with their mother and another adult 10 days ago. The department believes the children might be at risk.

The children  7-year-old Brantley Hinson, 4-year-old Logan Hinson and 3-year-old River Hinson  went missing with their mother, Stephanie Lloyd, and Kyle McMullen from Bend, the department said.

Officials said the children could be in Oregon, Idaho or Alaska, and they ask anyone who might have information about their whereabouts to call 911.

Read more about the search at The Bend Bulletin.
Robyn Burek, the program manager for Portland Street Response, announced her departure Tuesday morning.

Amid turmoil at the mental health emergency response program, which is housed in the Portland Fire Bureau, Burek has taken a job in the city auditors office. Her final day at Street Response will be July 6 and she will start at the auditors office July 10.

Burek confirmed her departure to The Oregonian/OregonLive but declined to comment further.

Burek, who has a graduate degree in family therapy and an MBA, led the program from its outset as a pilot in the Lents neighborhood to its city-wide expansion. In the past two years, the program has sent mental health workers and EMTs instead of armed police in response to people experiencing a mental health emergency.

The teams responded to nearly 7,400 calls in the past year, 98% of which had been traditionally handled by police.

When Rene Gonzalez, the new fire commissioner, took over, Portland Street Response workers said they felt less support and more concern for the future of the program. Gonzalez barred workers from handing out tents during the coldest months of the year and directed them to assist with city-ordered sweeps. Officials in the program worried about the reliability of long-term funding. And workers and some program advocates said they worried the mission of the program was swaying from its intent after Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, its biggest champion, lost to Gonzalez.

The citys incoming fire chief Ryan Gillespie put a freeze on purchases, like clothes and food boxes, that workers say are needed to protect and build trust with potential clients. A hiring freeze also left Burek unable to fill vacancies. Gonzalez stalled the program from expanding to 24-hour operations, saying the program needs to be right-sized as kinks are worked out.

A recent study by Portland State University raised concerns about tensions between program staff and rank-and-file firefighters, concerns about how Gillespies and Gonzalezs new policies could cause harm to the citys most vulnerable residents and the need for the program to expand its hours of operation. Gonzalez dismissed its findings and said he didnt have plans to bring it before City Council. In response, Portland State University made the report public on Tuesday.

A new program manager has not yet been announced.

We have full confidence in Chief Gillespies leadership to select the next PSR manager who will ensure program health and compliance with city policies and procedures, Gonzalez said in a statement.

Nicole Hayden reports on homelessness for The Oregonian/OregonLive. She can be reached at nhayden@oregonian.com or on Twitter @Nicole_A_Hayden.
Marta Hanson and Paul Lumley

Hanson and Lumley are co-chairs of Portlands Independent District Commission.

In approving once-in-a-century structural changes to our form of city government last November, Portlanders cast a vote of hope. We, as a city, could create a more representative, accountable and effective city government by expanding City Council, electing representatives from four new districts and using a ranked-choice method for selecting the winners.

In order to be successful, these changes need input from Portlanders on every step of the process. As co-chairs of the Independent District Commission charged with drawing boundaries for the new districts that will elect City Council representatives, we are asking residents to weigh in on the three options weve put together.

Our group of commissioners share a commitment to designing a district map that represents Portlanders as effectively as possible  and also to ensuring the process of designing that map is responsive and equitable as well.

Weve received over 3.5 hours of testimony, hundreds of comments and more than 200 draft map options submitted by members of the public. Commissioners have also attended community-led districting events, met with community leaders and spent hours reflecting on what weve heard. Weve made a deliberate effort to center the voices of those who have not historically been a part of city decision-making  including communities of color and low-income communities.

On June 1, we released three draft maps outlining possible district boundaries for community consideration. Each of the maps  named Alder, Cedar and Maple  adhere to the criteria that voters approved last November and are directly informed by the community input weve received.

These maps have several similarities. For example, they all keep communities east of Interstate 205 in a single district; ensure the north and south sides of Columbia Boulevard are kept together; and preserve historic Albina, the historically Black neighborhood in North/Northeast Portland, in a single district.

The maps also have distinct differences. Because less than a quarter of the citys population lives west of the Willamette River, the west side is not large enough to be its own district. Each map suggests uniting different communities east of the river with communities to the west of the river to comprise a district. To draw lines on the east side, one draft map uses neighborhood boundaries, while another uses major transportation corridors including Oregon 99E.

There is no such thing as a perfect map. It is, however, a collective opportunity for all of us to fundamentally shape our city government for the better by creating a map that reflects how Portlanders want to be represented. The gravity of this task cannot be overstated: Not only will these districts determine the makeup of the City Council for the November 2024 election, the final map will be in place until after the 2030 census. It is our hope that these maps prompt reflections about how Portlanders most want to be represented in City Hall going forward.

Among the questions we hope Portlanders will answer: What parts of the city do you feel the strongest affinity with, outside of your own neighborhood? What geographic landmarks define how you mentally divide the city in your daily life? When you look at these maps, what makes sense, and what doesnt? How would you draw a map from scratch?

In July, the Independent District Commission will host eight in-person public hearings  two in each proposed district. Well also host online hearings and take public comment through an online form, email, phone and postal mail. Participation is welcome in any language  Spanish and American Sign Language interpretation will be available at all public hearings, and additional language interpretation is available by request.

We are inviting public comment through July 22. After that, well synthesize everything weve heard and reconfigure the maps as needed, so we can vote to adopt the final map before the September 1 deadline.

As a commission, we recognize that one map cannot remedy the generations of inequity and disinvestment embedded in Portlands history. At the same time, we are committed to helping move our community in the right direction towards building a more representative, responsive city government  for all.

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Gov. Tina Kotek said Wednesday she hasnt ruled out vetoing any of the roughly 300 bills awaiting her signature and will also examine every line item in the several large budget bills on her desk.

In a wide-ranging interview with many reporters, she encouraged state residents to let her office know if there are bills they really want her to sign or to veto, including one to allow drivers to pump their own gas at all the states gas stations. I want to hear from Oregonians, Kotek said.

She vowed to read every bill and comb through every budget, and she said she might need to take the full 30 days allowed to complete the task. Literally we are just sitting down to read every bill. I dont have any yea or nay yet, she said.

She directed Oregonians to a place on her website where they are invited to share your opinion.

Koteks predecessor, Kate Brown, did not issue frequent vetoes during her nearly eight years in office. But she did veto entire bills, such as one on psychoactive plant extract kratom and another allowing lane-splitting by motorcycles, as well as line items in budgets, including lawmakers decision to pull $200 million from a rainy day fund for schools. In 2017, she famously targeted a southern Oregon Republican who cast a vote she disliked by cancelling two of three pet projects for his district, including for an irrigation canal.

The governor who served prior to Brown, one-time emergency room doctor John Kitzhaber, issued enough vetoes to earn the moniker Dr. No. Unlike fellow Democrats Brown and Kotek, Kitzhaber governed primarily when Republicans controlled both chambers of the Legislature.

One bill Kotek absolutely wont veto, she said, is her priority bill launching an initiative to revamp the way Oregon schools teach children to read. The teacher training and new curriculum materials funded by House Bill 3198 are unlikely to reach classrooms until March, state officials said Tuesday.

Kotek said it is more important to be deliberate and make sure standards for improving teaching methods are high and well-monitored than to make change fast. We are all-in on that, and the bill that was passed, 3198, is a great start, she said.

- Betsy Hamond; betsyhammond@oregonian.com; @OregonPolEds
Former Portland Auditor LaVonne Griffin-Valade has been named Oregons new secretary of state, Gov. Tina Kotek announced Wednesday.

The announcement comes nearly two months after Shemia Fagan resigned the post following news that she had taken a $10,000 a month consulting gig with an affiliate of embattled marijuana company La Mota at a time when her office was auditing the cannabis industry. Cheryl Myers, who had been Fagans deputy, has served as acting secretary of state since Fagans resignation.

Griffin-Valade, who will be sworn in Friday, will serve out the remainder of Fagans term, which runs until January 2025. The secretary of state oversees elections, serves as the states chief auditor and heads the Oregon Corporation Division.

Unlike an elected secretary of state, Griffin-Valade, as an appointee, would not become governor if that office were to become vacant. Instead, the state treasurer, currently Tobias Read, would assume the position. Kotek said she does not know and was advised by legal counsel that she could not ask whether Griffin-Valade has ambitions to run for a full-term as secretary of state after she finishes serving her current term.

Kotek said she is counting on the new appointee to regain Oregonians faith in their government.

I told Oregonians back in May that the primary objective of the next secretary of state would be to restore confidence in the office of the secretary of state, Kotek said at a press conference Wednesday. After taking the time to evaluate this very critical position, I feel strongly that LaVonne Griffin-Valade is the right person to meet this moment.

Griffin-Valade became an auditor in the Multnomah County Auditors Office in 1998 before being elected to serve as the countys auditor in 2006. She was then elected as the Portland auditor in 2009 and served in that role until she retired in 2014. During her time as an auditor, she was a member of an international committee focused on local government auditing in the U.S. and in several Canadian jurisdictions, according to Koteks office. The Oregonian Editorial Board credited her audits during her time as the Portland auditor with exposing mysteries about spending or management that would have otherwise gone unchecked and unknown  even by those in charge of the spending and management.

After leaving office, Griffin-Valade earned a master of fine arts degree in writing from Portland State University and has since published a four-part mystery series as well as personal essays.

I have the experience to bring back credibility, accountability, transparency and trust to the secretary of states office, Griffin-Valade said in a statement. Its never been more important to have a leader who will focus on rebuilding the publics trust in the secretary of states office, and that is exactly what I will aim to do every day.

Fagan resigned a day after she made public the details of her contract with Veriede Holdings, the La Mota affiliate, apologizing to Oregonians for undermining their trust. Fagan, a former state lawmaker and lawyer, said she took the outside job because her $77,000 annual salary as secretary of state wasnt enough to make ends meet. Willamette Week first was the first to report that Fagan had taken the consulting gig.

In the wake of the scandal, multiple agencies have opened investigations into Fagan and her office.

Kotek asked the Oregon Government Ethics Commission to investigate the situation and requested that the Oregon Department of Justice examine the audit from Fagans office of the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commissions pot regulation system. Both investigations are ongoing and Kotek said it would be a couple months before they conclude.

I want the truth to come out and I want people to understand the whole story and understand what we learn from this going forward, Kotek said. When a scandal happens, hopefully we learn from it and keep it from happening in the future.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Justice also ordered five state agencies to turn over records related to Fagan and La Mota as part of a grand jury investigation now underway.

Separately, former state representative Julie Parrish filed two complaints about Fagan this month. The first asks Oregon officials to investigate whether Fagan violated state law by allegedly spending campaign donations on family vacations, including on airfare, meals and lodging for her kids or romantic partner. The second asks the Oregon Government Ethics Commission to delve into whether Fagan violated state statute by using her official position for personal financial gain or the benefit of members of her household through their travels.

Those complaints came on the heels of an investigation published by The Oregonian/OregonLive that found tens of thousands of dollars in questionable or unexplained spending of taxpayer dollars and campaign funds by Fagan. That included money spent on overnight trips she took to Chicago, New Orleans, Washington, D.C. and throughout Oregon with her children, her romantic partner, her aunt or her sister.

While Oregon ethics laws allow public officials to have private jobs, its extremely rare for full-time statewide elected officials to take outside work and is illegal for public employees to use their public positions for personal gain.

Fagan was the second top state official to resign in the last decade after former Gov. John Kitzhaber stepped down in 2015 amid a growing influence-peddling scandal involving him and his fiancee, Cylvia Hayes.

Given the circumstances that led to Fagans resignation, Kotek said there needs to be extra scrutiny on the secretary of states office moving forward. She said she has tasked Griffin-Valade with evaluating how the office is functioning and would leave it up to her to determine whether there needs to be additional changes within the office.

I know LaVonne Griffin-Valade first and foremost from her experience holding government leaders accountable, her ethical judgment and her reputation as a leader with a steady hand who rises above politics, Kotek said.

Hillary Borrud, Aimee Green and Noelle Crombie of The Oregonian/OregonLive contributed to this report.

 Jamie Goldberg; jgoldberg@oregonian.com; 503-221-8228; @jamiebgoldberg

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Tuesday 27 June 2023 12:41pm

In a significant development in the fight against fatal cancers, University of Otago researchers have pinpointed a key feature that leads to the aggressive spread of colon cancer.

Led by Associate Professor Aniruddha Chatterjee and Drs Euan Rodger and Rachel Purcell, researchers discovered abnormalities in the DNA instruction code that lead to the aggressive spread of colorectal (bowel) cancer  Aotearoa's second highest cause of cancer death.

Dr Rodger says the finding  published in the Cell Press journal iScience  is a significant step towards the detection and prevention of tumours that spread or grow rapidly.

The main cause of cancer-related death is the spread of tumours to distant organs, referred to as metastasis.

Despite this profound impact, how tumours become metastatic and so deadly, and what is different about these tumour cells remains largely unknown. The DNA instructions  the blueprint of a cell  and how and where these instructions go wrong in cancer cells provide important clues in understanding why this happens, Dr Rodger says.

Methylation  a chemical modification of DNA  can control how the DNA code will behave in a cell. Therefore studying DNA methylation levels (also referred to as the epigenetic code) in the lab and in patient tumour samples has the potential to understand metastasis and utilise the knowledge for patient benefit.

The research team studied the DNA methylation map and also how the DNA behaves in bowel cancer patients. In each of 20 patients, they then analysed clinical samples from the primary colon tumour and the tumours that had spread to the liver.

We have discovered almost 300 gene regions that show distinct DNA methylation levels in liver metastasis, he says.

These changes are unique to aggressive liver metastasis and are not present in primary tumours or in normal colon. The genes that have the unique methylation signature have important functions in cells.

This work shows that cancer cells could use unique methylation patterns to become aggressive.

Associate Professor Chatterjee says the finding is particularly significant for Aotearoa where 1,200 people die from bowel cancer every year.

Patients with distant metastases, such as liver metastasis as we have studied in this work, unfortunately have very low five-year survival rates.

Alarmingly, the incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing in people under 50 years old and in Maori and Pasifika populations at a faster rate. Maori and Pasifika are also more likely to present directly to emergency departments with advanced colorectal tumours, he says.

Our work will open new avenues for understanding why cancer cells become so aggressive and will lead to better outcome prediction and new targets to treat these tumours in the future.

Associate Professor Chatterjee and Dr Rodger will undertake more research on metastatic cancers with the aid of funding from the Health Research Council and the Royal Society of New Zealand Te Aparangi Marsden Fund.

Publication details

An epigenetic signature of advanced colorectal cancer metastasis

Euan Rodger, Gregory Gimenez, Priyadarshana Ajithkumar, Peter Stockwell, Suzan Almomani, Sarah Bowden, Anna Leichter, Sharon Pattison, John McCall, Frank Frizelle, Michael Eccles, Rachel Purcell and Aniruddha Chatterjee (all of the University of Otago), Antonio Ahn (University of Melbourne), Sebastian Schmeier (Evotech SE, Germany)

iScience

For more information, contact:

Associate Professor Aniruddha Chatterjee

Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine

University of Otago

Email aniruddha.chatterjee@otago.ac.nz

Dr Euan Rodger

Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine

University of Otago

Email euan.rodger@otago.ac.nz

Lea Jones

Communications Adviser, Media Engagement

University of Otago

Mob +64 21 279 4969

Email lea.jones@otago.ac.nz
Washington, DC, US (PANA) - The US is flagging opportunities and risks associated with the gold trade in sub-Saharan Africa, warning of the activities of groups that seek to exploit the mineral for criminal activities
The Polish president has called the presence of Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in Belarus a serious and disturbing problem that merits a "tough" response from Nato.

Andrzej Duda, in The Hague for talks with the political leaders of the Netherlands, Romania, Lithuania, Norway, Belgium and Albania as well as the Nato secretary general, said Prigozhin's flight to Belarus after his failed rebellion against Russian leader Vladimir Putin will be one of the main topics at the forthcoming Nato summit in Vilnius.

Duda told a press conference after the talks that the most worrying issue was the possible move to Belarus of Prigozhin's Wagner mercenary group.

"The Wagner Group in Belarus, Prigozhin's presence in Belarus, this is a very serious and worrying problem," said Duda. "We must take decisions, very hard decisions. In my opinion, this calls for a very tough response by Nato."

He did not elaborate, however, on what form the response should take.

Prigozhin arrived in Belarus three days after the Wagner Group's 24-hour mutiny against Putin came to an end on Saturday. His presence in Belarus was confirmed by Reuters on Tuesday.

The Wagner Group's rebellion began on Friday after Prigozhin reported that regular Russian forces had attacked the group's camp, causing multiple fatalities. Prigozhin said he intended to "restore justice" in the armed forces and warned against opposing him.

The rebellious mercenary commander then ordered his troops to march on Moscow but, on Saturday night, he recalled them from the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don in a move he said would avoid bloodshed.

Prigozhin was last seen in southern Russia on Saturday night. (PAP)mb/md/ej


The Kemi bioproduct mill will produce some 1.5 million tonnes of softwood and hardwood pulp per year, as well as many other bioproducts. It will also produce 2.0 TWh of renewable electricity per year. The Kemi bioproduct mill will produce some 1.5 million tonnes of softwood and hardwood pulp per year, as well as many other bioproducts. It will also produce 2.0 TWh of renewable electricity per year.

Metsa Fibre Says Kemi Mill Construction On Schedule; Testing, Trials Underway

June 28, 2023 - Metsa Fibre said construction of its Kemi bioproduct mill is progressing on schedule. Mill test run and trials are currently underway, as is installation work.

Wood deliveries to the new mill began in April, transported by road and rail. The mill's new electrified private track allows wood to be brought right up to the mill by electric locomotive. The first train carrying a wood load arrived at the mill on 21 April, 2023.

Logistics Powered by Electricity

Approximately two-thirds of the raw wood consumed by Kemi bioproduct mill will be delivered to the mill area by rail.

The transport of large volumes of wood will be smooth and environmentally efficient by design, accounting for everything from the loading of the wood and rail transports to the unloading of the deliveries.

The locomotives that pull the railcars and the autonomous cranes put into use in the woodyard during the spring are all electrically driven.

Water Treatment Plant and Wastewater Treatment Plant Already in Operation

The new bioproduct mill has an advanced closed chemical cycle in which water and chemicals are recycled and returned to the process for reuse.

The bioproduct mill's water treatment plant and wastewater treatment plant began operations during the spring. The advanced wastewater treatment plant is initially being used to treat wastewaters from the existing pulp mill on the site.

Construction is moving forward to the bioproduct mill's start-up during the third quarter. The number of people working on-site will decrease as the installations are completed.

Project Background

Metsa Fibre is building a new bioproduct mill to Kemi, Finland. The value of the investment is EUR 2.02 billion and it is the largest investment ever made by the Finnish forest industry in Finland.

The Kemi bioproduct mill will produce some 1.5 million tonnes of softwood and hardwood pulp per year, as well as many other bioproducts. It will also produce 2.0 TWh of renewable electricity per year, which equals to roughly 2,5 percent of Finnish total electricity production and together with Aanekoski bioproduct mill roughly 5 per cent.

The new mill will replace the current pulp mill in Kemi, which has reached the end of its lifespan.

Metsa Fibre, part of Metsa Group, is a leading producer of wood-based bioproducts, such as pulp, sawn timber, biochemicals and bioenergy. Metsa Fibre produces pulp and bioproducts at four mills and sawn timber products at five sawmills in Finland.

SOURCE: Metsa Fibre
If you have your own website or web project and you're not sure which type of hosting to choose - shared hosting or a virtual private server (VPS) - we're here to provide you with valuable information. Let's explore the differences between the two and explain why buying a VPS is the best option for your project.

Shared hosting offers shared resources on a single server with other websites. You share the server's processing power, memory and bandwidth with other users. Although shared hosting can be more cost-effective, it does have its limitations. In some cases, you may notice a reduction in website performance due to the load of other users on the server. You'll also be restricted by the server settings and availability of certain features, which can limit the growth of your website.

A VPS, on the other hand, is a virtual private server that provides you with a dedicated portion of a physical server. When you buy VPS, you get your own dedicated resources, such as processing power, memory and disk space, that are entirely dedicated to your website. This ensures better performance, stability and security for your project. You also have the flexibility to customise the server and choose an operating system that suits your needs.

Zomro Hosting Company, a leader in the hosting industry, offers you an optimal solution. At Zomro, VPS plans start from 3.96 per month. This means that you can buy VPS at a price comparable to shared hosting. In addition, the company offers a free 10-day virtual server trial period so that you can evaluate all the benefits and suitability for your needs.

By choosing Zomro, you gain the benefits of a company with servers located in the Netherlands and professional support available in Ukraine. This ensures the optimal combination of service quality and affordable prices.

Don't miss the opportunity to make the right decision for your web project. Take advantage of Zomro's enticing offer, buy VPS, and provide your website with high-speed loading, reliability, and security.

Source: Zomro Hosting Company
Sofidel to Invest $185 Million to Expand Tissue Operations in Circleville, Ohio

The expansion of Sofidel's current 1.8 million square foot facility in Circleville, Ohio, will enable the company to better meet the increase in demand for their products. The expansion of Sofidel's current 1.8 million square foot facility in Circleville, Ohio, will enable the company to better meet the increase in demand for their products.

June 28, 2023 (Press Release - One Columbus) - At a groundbreaking in Pickaway County, just south of Circleville, on July 11, 2016, Sofidel committed to employing 300 Ohioans. Today, under a proposed expansion of their Circleville facility, that number could grow to nearly 600. Sofidel, a tissue paper manufacturer from Italy, first established operations in the United States in 2012. It was in Ohio where they've found incredible success.

Since opening their facility in 2018, production of their products has nearly tripled. Thanks to the massive increase in demand of their products manufactured for sale under the name of the retailer, Sofidel is looking to invest $185,000,000 to expand their facility by 500,000 square feet at their Circleville campus. The expansion will allow employment to grow by 100 people. Pending state and local approvals, construction is expected to be completed in 2025.

"Our success has been Ohio's success, and I appreciate the ongoing partnership with Pickaway County, the city of Circleville, One Columbus, and JobsOhio to help make it happen," said Sofidel CEO Luigi Lazzareschi. "The demand for our products is only outweighed by the immeasurable dedication and hard work of our employees, and we're excited to expand our footprint in the Columbus Region."

The expansion of Sofidel's current 1.8 million square foot facility will enable the company to better meet the massive increase in demand for their products, especially since the end of the pandemic, and that's good news for Pickaway County.

"Since establishing operations in Circleville, Sofidel has been an incredible partner, they've become a part of our community," said President of the Pickaway County Commissioners, Jay Wippel. "We'll continue to be there every step of the way as they continue to grow, and look forward to doing whatever we can to ensure their success."

JobsOhio, One Columbus, and the Pickaway Progress Partnership worked closely with Sofidel in 2016 to support their first greenfield investment in the United States in Circleville. In 2016, they broke ground, and haven't looked back since.

"Manufacturers worldwide have found a winning formula in Ohio, where they continue to grow and succeed," said JobsOhio president and CEO J.P. Nauseef. "Sofidel's decision to expand in Pickaway County after exceeding its original commitment further validates the value proposition of Ohio for overseas manufacturers looking to thrive in the U.S. market."

About Sofidel America

Sofidel America is a subsidiary of the Sofidel Group. It was established in 2012 through the acquisition of the Cellynne tissue company which was founded in 1988 with one integrated plant in Haines City (Florida) and two converting plants in Green Bay (Wisconsin) and Henderson (Nevada)  the latter moved to Las Vegas in 2018.

Sofidel America is now active in seven U.S. staates  the original three already listed, as well as Oklahoma (Inola), Mississippi (Hattiesburg), Ohio (Circleville), and Pennsylvania (Horsham) where the company has its American corporate office.

SOURCE: One Columbus
UPM Permanently Cuts 485,000 Tonnes of Graphic Paper Capacity in Europe

UPM is permanently closing paper machine 6 at UPM Schongau, Germany, and paper machine 4 at UPM Steyrermuhl, Austria. UPM is permanently closing paper machine 6 at UPM Schongau, Germany, and paper machine 4 at UPM Steyrermuhl, Austria.

June 28, 2023 - UPM has decided to close 485,000 tonnes of graphic paper capacity in Europe. The company permanently closes paper machine 6 at UPM Schongau, Germany, and paper machine 4 at UPM Steyrermuhl, Austria. The decision is based on the plans announced in June 2022 and in March 2023.

The employee consultation process in Schongau was conducted in line with local legislations and has now been finalized. The number of persons affected is 136 for the site. The uncoated publication paper machine 6 will be permanently closed today.

UPM Schongau continues graphic paper production on the remaining cost-competitive machines.

"We held constructive and fair employee discussions to reduce the impact of the paper machine closure on our personnel. Together with the employee representatives, we focused on countering the circumstances, primarily through partial retirement measures," said Wolfgang Ohnesorg, General Manager, UPM Schongau.

"Additionally, we took the opportunity to implement structural changes to make our site fit for future challenges. I would like to express my sincere thanks to our entire workforce, which has managed to transfer all paper grades previously produced on PM 6 to PM 9 in such a short time frame," Ohnesorg concluded.

UPM Communication Papers ended the newspaper production at its Steyrermuhl mill today. As already communicated in March 2023 we thereby accelerate the plans to ensure competitive production at our remaining newsprint paper machines in Europe. This decision will have no impact on the plans for the Steyrermuhl site and its employees as communicated on 21 June 2022.

Ernst Spitzbart, General Manager, UPM Steyrermuhl, said, "I admire the professionalism and flexibility of our employees, who are already working conscientiously to integrate UPM Steyrermuhl into the Heinzel Group. The new owner will take over the responsibility for the site and thus also for the employees after the closing of the transaction is completed at the beginning of 2024."

UPM delivers renewable and responsible solutions and innovates for a future beyond fossils across six business areas: UPM Biorefining, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Communication Papers and UPM Plywood.

SOURCE: UPM

Read a related article at PaperAge: UPM Plans Further Capacity Reductions of Uncoated Paper in Europe - March 22, 2023.
Walki Group Partners with The Paper Lid Company to Make Recyclable Paper Lids

The raw material for TPLC's lids is produced with dispersion coating technology that makes the lid recyclable in paper waste streams. The raw material for TPLC's lids is produced with dispersion coating technology that makes the lid recyclable in paper waste streams.

June 28, 2023 - Walki Group, through its startup investment initiative Walki Ventures, has invested in Finnish start-up The Paper Lid Company ('TPLC'). TPLC's sustainable paper lid manufacturing site in Masku, Finland, is ready for scaling up production volumes supported by Walki's material conversion and printing capabilities.

According to Walki, TPLC has developed a unique way of manufacturing high-quality recyclable paper lids. The lid fits firmly to the cup, has a pleasant touch and feel, can be custom printed and comes at a competitive price compared to plastic alternatives.

The raw material for the lids is produced with dispersion coating technology that makes the lid recyclable in paper waste streams.

Matti Salonoja, CEO and co-founder of TPLC, said, "We are very excited to partner with Walki and get access to the resources that come with this partnership. Raw material plays a very important role both in our production process and quality of the end product. With Walki's material knowhow, printing capabilities and other support, we are ready to start supplying the market in larger scale."

Walki noted that it will support TPLC in several areas, including development of recyclable raw material for the lids and printing services for custom and single-color printed lids. TPLC will also become a member of Walki's R&D Community, helping the company to articulate sustainability benefits towards the customers in a fact-based manner.

Walki is an international group organized in three business areas: Consumer Packaging, Industrial Packaging and Engineered Materials. The Group has production facilities are located in Finland, Germany, Belgium, France, Spain, the UK, Poland, Russia and China.

SOURCE: Walki Group
Photo: (Photo : RODRIGO BUENDIA / Getty Images)

In a heartwarming tale of love and resilience, a firefighter in Florida has become a proud father after adopting a newborn he discovered in a Safe Haven Baby Box.

The firefighter, whose identity remains anonymous to protect his family's privacy, was awakened in the early hours of the morning by an alarm at the Ocala fire station.

Little did he know that this alarm would change his life forever. According to USA Today, in early January, an infant girl was left at the MLK First Responder Campus in Ocala, Florida, utilizing the Safe Haven Baby Box, a designated facility for anonymous surrender of babies.

Prompted by a 2 a.m. alarm, the firefighter, who would later become the adoptive father of the baby girl, along with another Ocala Fire Rescue staff member, responded to investigate the situation while most of the station was still asleep.

A Miracle Discovery in the Safe Haven Baby Box

Amidst the darkness of that January night, the firefighter recognized the familiar sound of the alarm-signaling a newborn's presence in the Safe Haven Baby Box.

Initially skeptical, he cautiously opened the box, only to be greeted by the sight of a healthy infant wrapped in a pink blanket.

It was love at first sight as he cradled the baby in his arms, locking eyes with her and realizing that their destinies were forever intertwined.

According to TODAY, the firefighter and his wife had been facing a challenging journey for over a decade in their quest to start a family.

With their hearts full of longing and hope, the couple eagerly completed all the necessary adoption classes in the state of Florida, yearning for the day they would welcome a child into their loving home.

As fate would have it, that day arrived unexpectedly when the firefighter found the baby girl in the Safe Haven Baby Box.

Keeping his wife unaware, the firefighter rushed the newborn to the hospital, where he carefully crafted a heartfelt note.

In the letter, he detailed their arduous journey to parenthood, expressing their readiness and willingness to provide a nurturing home for the child.

With emotions running high, he left the note with Zoey, as they named her, hoping it would find its way to her when the time was right.

Read Also: 10 Essential Breastfeeding Tips Every New Mom Needs to Know

A Message of Closure to The Biological Parents

The firefighter's wife, upon learning of the miraculous discovery, was overcome with tears of joy. The couple's shared dreams and prayers had been answered in an unexpected and extraordinary way.

Their fears and anxieties intensified during the agonizing wait, uncertain if the note would remain with Zoey or if she would be taken away.

However, their concerns were alleviated when they received the green light to bring Zoey home just two days later.

In April, the adoption process was finalized, solidifying the firefighter's and his wife's lifelong commitment to their cherished daughter.

Zoey, who had found her forever family through the Safe Haven Baby Box, became a beacon of hope and love in their lives.

The firefighter, driven by gratitude and a desire for the biological mother to find solace, chose to share their remarkable story.

He hopes that by doing so, he can assure Zoey's birth mother that her child is deeply cared for and loved beyond words.

The success of the Safe Haven Baby Box program, with 148 such boxes across the United States, including the one in Ocala, Florida, highlights the importance of providing safe and anonymous options for desperate parents facing difficult circumstances.

According to Mirror, founder Monica Kelsey expressed her satisfaction with the impact of these boxes, emphasizing their potential to save lives and offer hope to families like the firefighter's.

Ocala Fire Chief Clint Welborn commended the effectiveness of the process, emphasizing the importance of proper procedures and systems in ensuring the safety and well-being of surrendered babies.

Mayor Kent Guinn encouraged other cities to follow Ocala's example by integrating Safe Haven Baby Boxes into their hospitals and fire stations, offering a lifeline for those in need.

Related Article: Transracial Adoption: Essential Tips, Values for White Parents Raising Black Children
Photo: (Photo : Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Liang Shi, 56, has persistently pursued his dream of achieving a satisfactory score on China's college entrance exam, known as the "gaokao." Despite his relentless efforts over the past 27 years, Liang has once again fallen short, unable to secure admission into a top university. Taking place in early June, the gaokao is a grueling two-day exam undertaken by millions of students across China. For most candidates, this test is their sole criterion for college admission, allowing only one attempt per year.

Liang Shi's Scores Fall Short of University Admission

According to CNN, Liang's determination and unconventional journey have garnered national attention. Disappointed with his performance in each previous attempt since he first took the gaokao 40 years ago, Liang filmed a video on Douyin expressing his dissatisfaction after completing the exam this year. However, his fears were confirmed when the results were released on Friday. With a score of 428 out of 750, Liang's performance was lower than the previous year, rendering his chances of admission to most colleges, including elite institutions like Sichuan University, slim.

In a live stream hosted by Sichuan TV, Liang openly expressed his disappointment, stating, "I'm so disappointed now, so disappointed. I don't think the score can be as bad as this. Although I thought this test was a bit of a failure, I didn't think I'd get lower than last year's score anyway." Liang's disappointment extends across all subjects, but particularly in Chinese and the liberal arts. Despite his persistent efforts, his pursuit of university admission has remained elusive.

Liang's journey began in 1983, when he took his first gaokao as a young student but failed to meet the minimum score for college admission. He continued to try for the next two years, with similar outcomes. While he briefly attended a technical school in the following decade, he quit and pursued various odd jobs. Nevertheless, he kept studying and intermittently attempted the gaokao, even achieving high enough scores in 1992 to enter a university in Nanjing. However, unsatisfied with the offer, he declined and continued his pursuit.

After a period of not taking the exam due to age restrictions, Liang resumed in 2001, when the age limit was lifted. Since 2010, he has consistently taken the gaokao each year, dedicating countless hours to study and leaving no stone unturned in his quest for admission. Liang's dedication was evident in his rigorous study routine over the past year, spending long hours studying at a friend's tea house and accepting the possibility of attending any "key university" that would accept him, even if Sichuan University remained out of reach.

Read Also: Parent's Healthcare Coverage Boosts Children's Reading Scores, Study Reveals

The Crucial Path to Higher Education and Social Mobility in China

However, as he reviewed his disappointing results, Liang expressed uncertainty about his future plans, contemplating whether he should attempt the exam again in 2024. Reflecting on his journey, he stated, "I believe I am OK in every aspect, but the results prove again and again that I am not. If I can indeed find the problem and change it, and my score can come up, then I may still not give up." Liang's story highlights the immense pressure placed on Chinese students preparing for the gaokao and the significance of the exam in shaping their future opportunities. With rising competition and a challenging job market, Chinese youth face mounting obstacles in their aspirations for higher education and success.

The gaokao's difficulty and the weight it carries have long been known. Students invest months in intense preparation, seeking to secure their path to success and social mobility. However, with an expanding pool of candidates, competition for limited spots at select universities is intensifying. The number of candidates this year reached 12.91 million, a significant increase from the previous year, raising concerns among students already grappling with an uncertain economy and diminishing opportunities.

While young Chinese people are pursuing advanced degrees in an effort to gain an advantage, the pandemic and government regulations that are affecting key industries make the job market even more difficult for them. China's youth unemployment rate has reached record levels, currently standing at 20.8%, with projections suggesting a prolonged period of high unemployment.

Liang Shi's unwavering determination serves as a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. His journey reflects the struggles faced by countless Chinese students, demonstrating the perseverance required to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.

Related Article: US Math and Reading Scores for 13-Year-Olds Plummet to Decades-Long Lows
Photo: (Photo : Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Texas is grappling with a surge in emergency room visits attributed to the scorching heatwave sweeping across the state. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Texas has witnessed a significant increase in heat-related emergency department visits compared to the same period last year. CDC data reveals that for the week of June 18 to June 24, there were an average of 837 heat-related visits per 100,000 emergency department visits, compared to 639 visits per 100,000 during the same period in 2022.

The relentless heat is taking its toll on Texans, leading to a concerning spike in health emergencies. With temperatures soaring to dangerous levels, individuals are experiencing heat-related complications, prompting them to seek urgent medical attention. The extreme heat poses a serious risk to public health, necessitating immediate action and awareness.

Houston, one of the major cities in Texas, has also witnessed a rise in heat-related incidents. The Houston Fire Department has reported an increase in daily heat-related incidents, surpassing their usual average of three incidents per day. According to ABC's Houston affiliate, KTRK, the department has responded to 93 such incidents this month alone, reflecting the severity of the heatwave. These incidents range from heat exhaustion and heatstroke to other heat-related ailments.

Houston Methodist Hospitals Witness Rise in Heat-Related Cases

According to ABC, the healthcare system in Houston has also observed a surge in patients seeking medical attention for heat-related symptoms. Houston Methodist hospitals and clinics have reported nearly 100 patients presenting with heat-related symptoms between May and June 21. According to Houston Methodist, the actual number might be higher because many people arrive with pre-existing conditions that the intense and prolonged heat exacerbates. Physicians at Houston Methodist are working diligently to provide necessary care and treatment to patients grappling with the effects of the scorching temperatures.

The extreme heat has had a negative impact on not only humans but also animals. The Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has reported a substantial increase in calls related to pets experiencing heat distress compared to last year. From June 1 to June 20, the Houston SPCA received 243 heat-related reports, indicating the urgent need for rescuing and treating animals suffering from heatstroke. Certain breeds, such as bulldogs, shih tzus, and pugs, along with seniors and young animals, are especially vulnerable to heat-related issues. Pet owners are urged to take the necessary precautions and ensure their furry companions are protected from the scorching temperatures.

As temperatures soar into the triple digits, Harris County Constable Precinct 1 and the Houston SPCA have been actively rescuing animals in distress. In one incident, a dog was found in a wire kennel directly exposed to sunlight, with the surface thermometer registering a scorching 117 degrees. Additionally, a senior chihuahua with serious skin issues was discovered wearing a sweater outside in Southwest Houston, where the surface temperature reached 106 degrees. These cases highlight the dire consequences of heat exposure and the importance of responsible pet ownership during extreme weather conditions.

Read Also: India Grapples with Fatal Heat Wave, Nearly 100 Lives Lost to Sweltering Conditions

Houston SPCA Overwhelmed by Double the Calls for Heat-Distressed Pets

Multiple regions in Texas continue to experience extreme heat, with Dallas reaching temperatures of 105 degrees and Houston recording 101 degrees on Tuesday. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service emphasize that extreme heat poses a greater risk of fatalities in the United States than hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding. It is crucial for individuals to prioritize their health and take the necessary precautions to stay cool and hydrated during this heatwave.

As the heatwave persists, authorities are urging residents to stay informed about heat safety measures, such as staying hydrated, seeking shade, and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat hours. It is essential to check on vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions, who are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Furthermore, pet owners should ensure their animals have access to shade, water, and a cool environment to prevent heat-related distress.

The extreme heatwave in Texas serves as a stark reminder of the importance of heat safety and the need to address climate change and its adverse effects. By raising awareness and implementing measures to combat rising temperatures, communities can better protect themselves and mitigate the impact of extreme heat-related emergencies.

Related Article: Intense Heat Making Classrooms Too Hot for School as Kids Suffer Headaches, Nosebleeds
Photo: (Photo : KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI / Getty Images)

Chicago, known for its iconic skyline and vibrant atmosphere, finds itself with the world's worst air quality due to the Canadian wildfire.

The city is grappling with what has been declared the world's worst air quality as smoke from Canadian wildfires engulfs the region.

Hazy, smoky skies have settled over the city and surrounding areas, triggering air quality alerts and raising concerns for public health.

Air Quality Plunges as Canadian Wildfire Smoke Descends

The Midwest region, including Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, and Ohio, has experienced a significant deterioration in air quality due to the impact of raging wildfires in Canada.

According to The Chicago Tribune, on Tuesday, Chicago, the bustling metropolis on Lake Michigan, bore the brunt of this environmental crisis, with the city recording the worst air quality in the world.

The air quality index in Chicago reached the "very unhealthy" category for all age groups, echoing the haze and unhealthy conditions previously witnessed in New York City.

Local authorities, including Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, are closely monitoring the situation and taking precautionary measures to protect residents.

In response to the alarming air quality levels, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency issued an air quality alert in effect until midnight Wednesday.

Chicago residents have been strongly urged to limit their time outdoors, particularly individuals belonging to sensitive health groups such as children, teens, seniors, and those with heart or lung diseases.

Mayor Johnson emphasized the importance of avoiding strenuous activities and following recommended guidelines to minimize exposure to hazardous air.

As the poor air quality is expected to persist, city officials are implementing various strategies to aid residents during this challenging period.

Public buildings are being utilized to provide relief from the smoky air, mirroring the approach taken during extreme weather conditions like heat waves and cold snaps.

Furthermore, companies and organizations are encouraging employees to work from home, and programs and events are being relocated indoors or canceled altogether to reduce outdoor exposure.

According to Reuters, the source of Chicago's air quality woes lies thousands of miles away in Canada, where an unprecedented wildfire season is wreaking havoc.

Emissions from approximately 400 wildfires burning across eastern and western Canada have cast an orange haze over major metropolitan areas in the United States, including New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.

Read Also: From Safe Haven Baby Box to Forever Family: Firefighter Adopts Newborn in Florida

Health Risks and Urgent Precautions

Health experts and doctors are urging residents and visitors to exercise patience and take the necessary precautions to safeguard their well-being.

According to NBC News, wearing N95 or KN95 masks is highly recommended for individuals spending extended periods outdoors.

Dr. Juanita Mora of the American Lung Association highlights the importance of regular medication intake for those with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, emphasizing that the smoky conditions could have comparable health effects to smoking half a pack of cigarettes in a single day.

Northwestern health experts have underscored the gravity of prolonged exposure to the smoky conditions, reinforcing the need for vigilance and proactive measures.

Chicago City Hall has called upon residents to check on their neighbors, following the city's tradition of community support during times of extreme weather events or crises.

While relief may be on the horizon, a potential disturbance in the western United States could bring severe weather conditions to Chicago on Thursday.

As the city navigates through this challenging period, officials remain committed to raising awareness, implementing strategies for residents' well-being, and providing timely updates regarding air quality improvements.

Chicago, once again making headlines, finds itself at the center of a pressing environmental concern.

The world's worst air quality, caused by Canadian wildfires, poses significant challenges for the city and its inhabitants.

With concerted efforts, vigilant precautions, and community support, Chicago strives to overcome this crisis and restore clean, breathable air to its streets and neighborhoods.

Related Article: TikTok Responds to Safety Concerns: Introduces Youth Council for Enhanced User Protection
Photo: (Photo : Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)

Amid a concerning surge in car theft incidents targeting Hyundai and Kia vehicles across the country, federal regulators have decided against issuing a recall, despite the connection between the thefts and eight reported deaths.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that the current car theft trend does not meet its criteria for a national recall, leaving affected vehicle owners and state officials frustrated and concerned.

NHTSA Rejects National Recall Despite Safety Concerns

According to NBC News, the recent rise in car theft cases involving Hyundai and Kia models, which have been linked to fatalities, has prompted state officials and concerned citizens to call for a recall of the affected vehicles.

However, in a letter addressed to California Attorney General Rob Bonta and other state AGs, the NHTSA declined to issue a recall, citing that the car theft trend did not meet their criteria for a national recall.

Cem Hatipoglu, the acting associate director for enforcement at the NHTSA, emphasized that the federal safety standard does not require immobilizers, the key technology at the center of the controversy.

Hatipoglu argued that the standard does not consider criminal acts such as breaking open the steering column to start a vehicle, commonly known as hot-wiring.

This stance has left state officials and attorneys general concerned about public safety and the diversion of police and emergency resources to address these thefts.

State Attorneys General Advocate for Recall to Ensure Public Safety

Eighteen attorneys general, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, penned a letter to the NHTSA in April, urging them to recall and retrofit all vulnerable Hyundai and Kia vehicles manufactured from 2011 to 2022 with immobilizers to prevent thefts.

The attorneys general argued that the thefts of these vehicles have resulted in deaths, injuries, property damage, and an unnecessary strain on law enforcement resources.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong expressed disappointment with the companies' response, announcing that the state would launch its own investigation into the thefts and the actions taken by Hyundai and Kia.

Tong emphasized that their efforts thus far have not been sufficient to address the ongoing theft problem, which has jeopardized public safety and forced law enforcement to redirect scarce resources.

Read Also: Chicago Grapples with World's Worst Air Quality as Canadian Wildfire Smoke Engulfs City

Hyundai and Kia's Measures To Address the Theft Concerns

According to USA Today, last year, the act of stealing Kias and Hyundais gained popularity on TikTok, with viral videos showcasing individuals breaking into the vehicles by tampering with the steering column and using USB cables for hotwiring.

Certain cities have experienced a significant increase in auto theft reports, where Hyundais or Kias have accounted for 60% or more of the cases, although official data on the extent of this trend is not yet accessible.

While federal regulators have not mandated a recall, Hyundai and Kia have taken steps to mitigate the car theft issue.

In May, Kia and Hyundai reached a settlement in a customer lawsuit, agreeing to pay $200 million.

As part of the resolution, they committed to providing software upgrades to approximately 8.3 million U.S. vehicles that lack anti-theft immobilizers.

For cars that couldn't support the upgrade, owners would receive $300 to purchase theft deterrents, such as steering wheel locks.

Additionally, the NHTSA reported at least 14 crashes and eight fatalities in February linked to the increasing trend of stealing these particular vehicles.

Despite the growing concerns surrounding the increasing theft cases of Hyundai and Kia vehicles, federal regulators have determined that the situation does not warrant a national recall.

While Hyundai and Kia have implemented certain measures, such as software upgrades and insurance options, to address the issue, state officials and attorneys general argue that these actions fall short of ensuring public safety.

As the debate continues, affected vehicle owners and communities affected by these thefts remain anxious and seek more comprehensive solutions to combat this alarming trend.

Related Article: TikTok Responds to Safety Concerns: Introduces Youth Council for Enhanced User Protection
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 28. With support of International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation concert of Seven beauties septet of musicians from 7 countries was organised in Bern, Fuad Isgandarov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Switzerland wrote on his Twitter page, Trend reports.

"With support of International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation concert of Seven beautiesseptet of musicians from 7 countries was organised in Bern to celebrate 100 anniversary of founder of modern Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev. His great legacy in Turkic world is so impressive in music, he wrote.
While Apple is moving some production of Apple devices to India, Vietnam and Thailand, The core of Apple supply chain remains in Mainland China.

Hon Hai Chairman Liu Yangwei attended the 14th Summer Davos Forum held yesterday in Tianjin, the seventh largest city in China. When asked by the mainland media whether Apples supply chain would be moved out of mainland China, Liu Yangwei emphatically responded: "No" reports China's Global Times.

Apple will release the iPhone 15 series in the fall. Foreign media estimate that Foxconn, a subsidiary of Hon Hai, will become the largest assembly plant for the iPhone 15, with nearly 60% of the orders.

During a panel discussion focusing on Asia's manufacturing resurgence, Liu said that, compared to the limited resources of the primary sector and the uncertainty of the tertiary sector, the secondary sector -- processing and manufacturing industry plays an irreplaceable and important role in economic growth, which enhances resource utilization, creates jobs, and is an important force for a stable and prosperous society.

"China is now the world's largest manufacturing base, and Asia has the potential to build a regional manufacturing system," he said.

Liu added that the new-energy vehicle sector will be the next key segment for Foxconn. "We call it the '3+3 strategy': electric vehicles, digital health and robotics, which are three future industries supported by three future core technologies, namely artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and future communications."

According to Economic Daily News, Liu recently said in an interview that with the tension between China and the US, Foxconn managed to "de-risk" and it is relaying part of the supply chain, hoping to take 5 percent of the global market share for electric vehicles in the next few years.

In response, Liu told the reporters during the Summer Davos Forum that "de-risking" is not de-capacity. "It means the risk of management, while not capacity, such as encountering earthquakes and windstorms, so it is not primarily de-risking, but is for the sustainable development of the enterprise."

Some foreign media outlets reported that Apple's upcoming iPhone 15 series, which will be released in September this year, will enter mass production at the end of June, and Foxconn will become Apple's largest assembly partner for the series, accounting for some 60 percent of the order share. Since this year, Liu has made several trips to Foxconn factories in Zhengzhou and Chengdu.
Last night at the BFI Southbank in London, Apple TV+ hosted the world premiere of the gripping new thriller, Hijack. Debuting globally on Apple TV+ with the first two episodes on Wednesday, June 28, Hijack stars and is executive produced by SAG Award winner and Emmy Award nominee Idris Elba. Created by George Kay and Jim Field Smith, who also wrote and lead directed the series respectively, the seven-part series also stars Emmy Award and NAACP Image Award winner Archie Panjabi. Additional cast members at the star-studded event included Christine Adams, Eve Myles, Jasper Britton, Harry Michell, Aimee Kelly, Mohamed Elsandel, Ben Miles and many more.

Told in real time, Hijack is a tense thriller that follows the journey of a hijacked plane as it makes its way to London over a seven-hour flight, and authorities on the ground scramble for answers. Elba will star as Sam Nelson, an accomplished negotiator in the business world who needs to step up and use all his guile to try and save the lives of the passengers  but, his high-risk strategy could be his undoing. Panjabi will play the role of Zahra Gahfoor, a counterterrorism officer who is on the ground when the plane is hijacked and becomes part of the investigation. The series also stars Christine Adams, Max Beesley, Eve Myles, Neil Maskell, Jasper Britton, Harry Michell, Aimee Kelly, Mohamed Elsandel and Ben Miles.

Hijack is produced by 60Forty Films, the production company set up by Emmy Award-winning executive producers Jamie Laurenson and Hakan Kousetta, alongside Kay and Field Smiths own production company Idiotlamp Productions, and also marks the first series to debut from Elbas first-look deal with Apple TV+ and his Green Door Pictures. In addition to writing and directing, Kay and Field Smith each serve as executive producers alongside Elba, Laurenson, Kousetta and Kris Thykier.

(Click on Photo to Greatly Enlarge)

Cast Members in the Photo: George Kay, Jim Field Smith, Christine Adams, Idris Elba, Apple TV+ Creative Director, Europe, Worldwide Video Jay Hunt, Apple TV+ Creative Executive Joe Oppenheimer, Executive Producer Hakan Kousetta, Archie Panjabi, Max Beesley and Executive Producer Jamie Laurenson attend the global premiere of "Hijack" at BFI Southbank on June 27, 2023 in London, England. "Hijack premieres globally on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, June 28, 2023.

You could read a lengthy interview with Idris Elba over at The Hollywood Reporter.

Archive: Apple TV News
It's being reported today that Samsung Display started placing orders for 8G OLED equipment for IT use from domestic equipment makers last month, but orders for evaporators, which take the longest time to manufacture equipment, have not yet been placed. There is a prospect that Samsung Display will place an order for an evaporator from Canon Talkie in Japan when Apple's OLED MacBook specifications become concrete.

Apple plans to apply OLED to MacBooks starting with the release of the first OLED iPad next year, but the OLED MacBook specifications have not yet been specifically determined. Samsung Display can place an order for an evaporator from Canon Talkie by reflecting the size of the 8th generation glass plate optimized for the size of the MacBook only when the specifications of the OLED MacBook are materialized. It is known that Apple plans to make additional decisions about the OLED MacBook after seeing the market reaction after the release of the OLED iPad.

Apples OLED MacBook Air will be a Single Stack method with one light emitting layer while the OLED MacBook Pro will have a Two Stack design.

One of the delays for MacBook's with OLED displays is the current economy, but there could also be a technical reason. The Elec's report noted that the specifications for the displays are not yet concrete.

One of the known issues with OLED displays is burn-in and Apple was granted a patent relating to a solution for this yesterday by the U.S. Patent Office. This could be one of the last specifications to be nailed down prior to giving Samsung the green light to proceed with OLED displays for future iPads and MacBooks.

Apple's patent relates to image data processing and compensating for pixel burn-in/aging of pixels of an electronic display.

Numerous electronic devicesincluding televisions, portable phones, computers, wearable devices, vehicle dashboards, virtual-reality glasses, and moredisplay images on an electronic display. As electronic displays gain increasingly higher resolutions and dynamic ranges, they may also become increasingly more susceptible to image display artifacts due to pixel burn-in.

Apple's patent relates to identifying and compensating for burn-in and/or aging artifacts on an electronic display.

Burn-in is a phenomenon whereby pixels degrade over time owing to various factors, including the different amounts of light that different pixels may emit over time. For example, if certain pixels are used more frequently than others, or used in situations that are more likely cause undue aging, such as high temperature environments, those pixels may exhibit more aging than other pixels. As a result, those pixels may gradually emit less light when given the same driving current or voltage values, effectively becoming darker than other pixels when given a signal for the same brightness level. As such, without compensation, burn-in artifacts may be visibly perceived due to non-uniform sub-pixel aging.

In some embodiments, circuitry and/or software may monitor or model a burn-in effect that would be likely to occur in the electronic display as a result of the image data that is sent to the electronic display. For example, statistics surrounding the utilization of the pixels of the electronic display and/or environmental conditions (e.g., temperature) during operation of the pixels may be analyzed and tracked (e.g., via a burn-in history map). The statistics may then be used to derive gain maps for adjusting image data before it is sent to the electronic display to reduce or eliminate the appearance of burn-in artifacts on the electronic display.

Burn-in gain maps may be derived to compensate for the burn-in effects based on the tracked operation of the active area pixels using the panel-specific aging profile. In this way, the pixels of the electronic display that have suffered the greatest amount of aging will appear to be equally as bright as the pixels that have suffered the least amount of aging. As such, perceivable burn-in artifacts on the electronic display may be reduced or eliminated.

Apple's patent FIG. 8 below is a block diagram of the burn-in compensation (BIC) and burn-in statistics (BIS) collection block.

Apple's patent FIG. 12 above is a flow diagram of an example process using a panel-specific aging profile to determine compensated pixel values.

For finer details, review Apple's granted patent 11688363.

Apple's iPad and MacBook Pro models are some of the highest priced devices on the market. The last thing Pro fans will want to experience is display burn-in issues. Including a solution for this issue in their first-gen OLED based Pro iPads and MacBooks is paramount.
Jospong Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to bring the latest and best rice technologies to Ghana.



The agreement seeks to tap into the expertise of IRRI to accelerate the development of the rice industry in Ghana, by supporting the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) with knowledge sharing, while building the capacity of rice growers, and researchers with the necessary skill set.



This new connection builds on the recent agreement between Jospong Group and the CSIR, forming a tripartite partnership that will ensure Ghana has access to the latest scientific advancements and innovations, noted Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, Chair and Founder of Jospong Group.



This new partnership will be very important for ensuring nutritious, high yielding and climate resilient rice varieties are available in Ghana, like high zinc rice, as well as new production methods to harness the potential of these varieties, highlighted Dr Joanna Kane-Potaka, Deputy Director General, Strategy, Engagement & Impact, at IRRI.



She added that the partnership will make rice farming more profitable in Ghana, which means smallholder farmers will benefit more. "And it will be done sustainably in an environmentally friendly manner," she emphasized.



The Director General of the CSIR, Prof. Paul Bosu, who described the event as historic, was hopeful that the project will be successful and will address the country's import cover on rice.



"It is disturbing to note that Ghana spends so much to import rice and the success of this project will address that. We, therefore, have no option than to succeed," he challenged his colleagues.



He stressed that the Jospong Rice project is not a knee-jerk reaction but rather seeks to bring all the stakeholders together to forge and support a national agenda.



"The knowledge component has been placed in a high pedestal to ensure the project succeeds. We are making considerable preparation before take off," he underscored.



Dr. Abdelbagi Ismail, IRRI-Africa Director, noted that The agreement and the tripartite link is expected to be a model for other countries in Africa to show how it can accelerate research and delivery of high-quality rice and develop effective rice value chains for national and regional food and nutrition security.



This partnership was brokered by the High Commissioner, Her Excellency Florence Akonor, who visited IRRIs global headquarters requesting technical advice and collaboration with the Ghana Rice Project, private industry and other key stakeholders. It will ensure better yields and livelihoods for farmers, at the same time ensuring sustainable production using the latest nutritious and healthy rice available.



The scale will be reached through investments by the Jospong Group and supporting smallholder farmers with high-quality seeds, modern production technologies and training.



Jospong Group is focused on scaling up the rice industry in Ghana to replace the large and increasing quantities of rice being imported.



Rice consumption in Ghana has almost tripled in the last 10 years with individuals now consuming approximately 45kg of rice each year. There are excellent opportunities to build new rice-based industries in Ghana as well as there is an urgent need to produce locally to reverse the financial stress on the country of increasing imports and demand for foreign exchange.



IRRI is dedicated to abolishing poverty and hunger among people and populations that depend on rice-based agri-food systems. Through its work and partnerships, IRRI aims to improve the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; promote environmental sustainability in a world challenged by climate change; and support the empowerment of women and the youth in the rice industry.



Background



In 2023, the Asian African Consortium a subsidiary of the Jospong Group entered into a partnership with major rice industry players in Thailand and Ghana to develop an integrated rice farming project. This move by Jospong Group stemmed from the governments decision to boost the economy through import substitution.



A core team later visited Thailand for the Ghana-Thailand Business conference in March 2023 with researchers from various universities in Ghana as well as major players in the rice industry.



It is on record that Ghana spent over GH6.8billion (equivalent to US$ 560 million at current market rates) importing rice, a grain that can be produced locally.

While total rice consumption stood at 1.4 million metric tonnes in 2022, imports valued at US$560 million accounted for 800,000 metric tonnes (mt) of the consumption figure, with domestic production catering for the remaining demand  according to data from IDH Sustainable Trade, a foundation headquartered in The Netherlands.



Similarly, according to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, between 2010 and 2020 the countrys rice imports hit a staggering US$ 8 billion. This, in addition to imports of other food items that can be produced locally, has been a major source of concern for stakeholders.

Source: Peacefmonline com









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Despite the partial lifting of the ban on the slaughtering and consumption of animals and meat, the Muslim community in the Upper East Region will not be sacrificing animals this year as part of the celebration of the Eid ul-Adha.



Sheikh Yussif Imam Umar, the Acting Regional Chief Imam, who made this known in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Bolgatanga, noted that, unlike previous celebrations where ceremonial sacrifice of a ram would be made during the prayers that would not be done this year.



This means Muslims in the region, who planned to sacrifice animals to mark the feast, would not be allowed to do so, adding that the move was to help contain the outbreak of the Anthrax disease in the region.



He said although the ban had been partially lifted, it would not be appropriate to consume meat since the vaccination was recent, and noted that Muslims had been advised not to sacrifice animals during the festive season.



For the past three weeks, the region has been battling with the outbreak of the disease, which has spread to more districts, killing one person and several animals.



The situation compelled the Regional Public Health Emergency Committee to place restrictions on the movement, slaughtering and consumption of animals, particularly cattle and other small ruminants.



But due to the celebration of the Eid- ul-Adha, the Committee in a statement, on June 26, 2023, partially lifted the ban on the slaughtering and consumption of animals and meat.



The statement, however, indicated that only people who have had their animals vaccinated before June 20, 2023, could slaughter those animals under the strict supervision of veterinary officers at designated locations.



But the Regional Chief Imam noted that slaughtering and consumption of meat during the festive celebration was not obligatory, and one would not be committing any crime when they fail to slaughter animals.



During the COVID-19 time, the Hajj, which is the fifth pillar in Islam and obligatory that if you have money that can send you to Mecca you do so, otherwise on judgement day, you will account for it, it was still suspended for about two years, our mosques were asked to be closed, he said.



He said Allah understood distressed situations and would not compel humanity to engage in activities detrimental to their lives.



Sheikh Umar instead advised Muslims to share the money that would have been used to purchase the animals for sacrifice with the needy and the vulnerable, adding that Allah would still bless them.



We made it clear to our Muslim community that whoever refuses and goes ahead to slaughter animals should consume the meat themselves at their homes and should not bring it to share with others and if someone gives you meat, do not collect it because it is not obligatory, he said.



Sheikh Umar noted that the period of Eid ul-Adha reminded all Muslims to cultivate the faith in Allah, patience, and honesty as they were essential for the development of humankind.



Meanwhile, a visit to the Bolgatanga Municipal Abattoir showed that the facility was locked and there were no people or animals around.

Source: GNA









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Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.
National Chairman of the largest opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia and the party's National Communication Officer, Sammy Gyamfi together with their parliamentary aspirant for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson, have arrived at some electoral areas where the constituency's by-election is ongoing.



Mr. Asiedu Nketia who arrived earlier was seen walking to a polling station at Assin Praso in the company of former Ashanti Regional Minister, Samuel Sarpong and a host of NDC members to monitor proceedings.



Sammy Gyamfi also arrived later simultaneously with Mr. Gyakye Quayson amidst cheers and chanting of their names from the party's supporters who crowded them as they made their way to a polling station.



With some political figures trooping into the constituency, the aspirant for the ruling New Patriotic Party who is the main contender to the NDC candidate, Charles Opoku had also early on arrived at Assin Bereku to tour some polling stations while the electorates queue up to cast their votes.



Other political dignitaries that have been sighted during the by-election are the former Running Mate of Ex-President John Dramani Mahama, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Bosiako alias Chairman Wontumi, Deputy Education Minister, John Ntim Fordjour among others.





Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Former General Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu is optimistic about the party's chances in winning the Assin North by-election.



John Boadu, touring some electoral areas at Assin North constituency Tuesday morning, expressed no doubts that the NPP will grab the parliamentary seat and was also certain the party will "break the 8".



" . . so far so very good . . . it is coming back again," he told the press and stressed that "whatever it is we will break the eight but we don't want any disturbances. So, so far that's okay".



He also commended the Electoral Commission for the conduct of the elections.



He noted that there have been no technical glitches with the machines the Electoral Commission is using neither are there complaints about the work of the officers.



"Nobody at the polling station has complained about not been able to vote because the machine couldn't recognize their thumbprints and all that. So far, we have received no complaints and I have told them (EC) to use this to prepare for 2024," he said.







Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 28. Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov congratulated the personnel of the Azerbaijan Army on the Eid al-Adha holiday, the Ministry of Defense told Trend.

Hasanov noted that thanks to the high attention and care of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani army is becoming stronger every day, taking its place among the strongest armies in the world.

"The brilliant victory achieved in the 44-day 2020 second Karabakh war under the leadership of the victorious Supreme Commander, once again demonstrated the strength and might of the Azerbaijani army to the world," he said. "Today, our brave army, further strengthening its positions in the territories liberated from occupation, is making a worthy contribution to the restoration work and Great return."

"The families of our heroic servicemen who died during the liberation of their native lands, our soldiers who got injured in the battles, as well as war veterans are always in the spotlight of our state," the minister pointed out. "Thanks to the attention and care of Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, important steps are being taken to improve their social and living conditions, care for and solve their problems."

"I express my gratitude to each of you for your loyalty to the military oath, for your selflessness in a difficult and glorious service. I'm sure that you will continue to be faithful to the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the military oath and regulations, further increase your combat and moral-psychological readiness and will carry out the orders and instructions of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief at the highest level," he noted.

"With respect and reverence, I honor the memory of our martyrs who died in the course of hostilities for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of our country. I congratulate their parents, their families, as well as the fighters who lost their health for the freedom of our lands, veterans on the holiday, and I convey my best wishes to them," he said.
American-based Ghanaian musician Vudumane has vented his frustrations towards Charterhouse, the organisers of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, over the neglect of Ghanaian musicians in the diaspora.



According to Vudumane, who has produced some amazing hits, the VGMA scheme has, over the years, not recognised the efforts of Ghanaian musicians living abroad and advocated for their inclusion.



In an interview, Vudumane stated that the VGMA scheme should start looking beyond Ghana and award other creatives who are doing their best to thrive Ghanaian music on the international music stage.



"We are out here doing what we love; some of us outside are doing better music than most back home, and it is so disappointing to see our own people, Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, 3Music, etc. sideline us during panel discussions and awards shows," Vudumane stated.



He added that these musicians outside Ghana should be given the same recognition for their hard work and dedication as Ghanaian musicians in the diaspora.



"I am not alone with this thought, but many other Ghanaian musicians in the diaspora have expressed their dissatisfaction with the awards scheme not involving them. This has led to many Ghanaian musicians in the diaspora feeling ignored and undervalued.



"It is time for an awards scheme to recognise the hard work and dedication of Ghanaian musicians outside," Vudumane stated.

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Anheuser-Busch has again offered a holiday rebate on Bud Light to fight back against a boycott and slumping sales.

The brand will rebate up to $15 for the purchase of Budweiser, Bud Light, Budweiser Select or Budweiser Select 55 in a 15-pack or larger through July 8, 2023.

The rebate, in the form of a digital prepaid card will be equivalent to the purchase price, up to $15. Customers must have a receipt and UPC code.

A quick check reveals that Target is selling 15-pack of Bud Light for $13.99.

Bud Light and Anheuser-Busch have been reeling from backlash received because of a limited partnership with Dylan Mulvaney. Mulvaney, a transgender woman, documented her transition on TikTok and called it 365 Days of Girlhood. Bud Light provided her with cans of beer with her picture on them.

A firestorm erupted that led to celebrities shooting cans of Bud Light and customers boycotting the brand. The company also put two executives connected to the incident on leave.

Earlier this month, the Associated Press reported that Bud Light is no longer Americas best-selling beer after more than 20 years in that spot.

Modelo Especial, a Mexican lager, overtook Bud Light in U.S. retail dollar sales in the month ending June 3, according to Nielsen data analyzed by Bump Williams Consulting. Modelo controlled 8.4% of U.S. grocery, convenience and liquor store sales; Bud Light fell to 7.3%.

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Pa. brewery launching second in series of Ritas Italian Ice inspired beers.

These new Kraft cheese slices in three flavors are NotCheese.

One of Troegs most-loved beers is back for its once-a-year release with a giant surprise.
The state House on Wednesday passed a bill that would set minimum nursing staffing levels at Pennsylvania hospitals.

The bill passed 119-84 over strong objections from hospitals and many Republicans. It still must be approved by the state Senate.
Delaware officials are seeking answers from a retailer they say had more than 500,000 rounds of ammunition shoplifted from its store in less than a year.

Attorney General Kathy Jennings, in a press release this week, said her office asked a Superior Court to force Cabelas to respond to a subpoena about a half-million rounds of ammunition that were shoplifted from its Christiana location. After more than three months, Cabelas has failed to substantively respond.

The Department of Justice said it is investigating whether Cabelas violated any laws because of its hands-off approach to the shoplifting of ammunition.

The investigation began, according to the new release, after reports that substantial amounts of ammunition were being stolen. At the time, Delaware officials said, the ammunition was unsecured in the middle of the sales floor and [Cabelas] made no apparent effort to stop massive shoplifting.

After the subpoena was issued, the DOJ said the ammunition at the store in question was placed behind a sales counter.

In the wrong hands, a single round of ammunition can take a life  but Cabelas watched a half-million rounds walk out the door, Jennings said.

Ammo isnt candy. It shouldnt be left on a sales floor without a meaningful effort to deter shoplifting.

According to officials, the ammunition was stolen over the course of less than a year and that a substantial portion of it was sold to drug dealers and other criminals in Delaware and Pennsylvania.

Cabelas could not immediately be reached for comment.
Update: Human remains likely recovered from wrecked sub, Coast Guard says

By PATRICK WHITTLE, The Associated Press

PORTLAND, Maine (AP)  Debris from the lost submersible Titan has been returned to land after a fatal implosion during its voyage to the wreck of the Titanic captured the worlds attention last week.

The return of the debris to port in St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador, is a key piece of the investigation into why the submersible imploded, killing all five people on board. Twisted chunks of the 22-foot submersible were unloaded at a Canadian Coast Guard pier on Wednesday.

Horizon Arctic, a Canadian ship, carried a remotely operated vehicle, or ROV, to search the ocean floor near the Titanic wreck for pieces of the submersible. Pelagic Research Services, a company with offices in Massachusetts and New York that owns the ROV, said on Wednesday that it has completed offshore operations.

Debris from the Titan submersible, recovered from the ocean floor near the wreck of the Titanic, is unloaded from the ship Horizon Arctic at the Canadian Coast Guard pier in St. John's, Newfoundland, Wednesday, June 28, 2023. (Paul Daly/The Canadian Press via AP)AP

Pelagic Research Services team is still on mission and cannot comment on the ongoing Titan investigation, which involves several government agencies in the U.S. and Canada, said Jeff Mahoney, a spokesperson for the company.

They have been working around the clock now for ten days, through the physical and mental challenges of this operation, and are anxious to finish the mission and return to their loved ones, Mahoney said.

Debris from the Titan was located about 12,500 feet underwater and roughly 1,600 feet from the Titanic on the ocean floor, the Coast Guard said last week. The Coast Guard is leading the investigation into why the submersible imploded during its June 18 descent. Officials announced on June 22 that the submersible had imploded and all five people on board were dead.

The Coast Guard has convened a Marine Board of Investigation into the implosion. That is the highest level of investigation conducted by the Coast Guard.

This photo combo shows from left, Shahzada Dawood, Suleman Dawood, Paul-Henry Nargeolet, Stockton Rush, and Hamish Harding. (AP Photo/File)AP Photo/File

Killed in the implosion were Ocean Gate CEO and pilot Stockton Rush; two members of a prominent Pakistani family, Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood; British adventurer Hamish Harding; and Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet.

The operator charged passengers $250,000 each to participate in the voyage. The implosion of the Titan has raised questions about the safety of private undersea exploration operations. The Coast Guard also wants to use the investigation to improve safety of submersibles.

Related:

Titan submersible: Whats next in the investigation and recovery

Mom of teen who died in Titan implosion said he took her seat

YouTube star MrBeast reveals he turned down an offer to join Titanic submersible trip: reports
By AARON MORRISON, AP National Writer

REPRESA, California (AP)  The graduates lined up, brushing off their gowns and adjusting classmates tassels and stoles. As the graduation march played, the 85 men appeared to hoots and cheers from their families. They marched to the stage  one surrounded by barbed wire fence and constructed by fellow prisoners.

For these were no ordinary graduates. Their black commencement garb almost hid their aqua and navy-blue prison uniforms as they received college degrees, high school diplomas and vocational certificates earned while they served time.

Thousands of prisoners throughout the United States get their college degrees behind bars, most of them paid for by the federal Pell Grant program, which offers the neediest undergraduates tuition aid that they dont have to repay.

That program is about to expand exponentially next month, giving about 30,000 more students behind bars some $130 million in financial aid per year.

The new rules, which overturn a 1994 ban on Pell Grants for prisoners, begin to address decades of policy during the tough on crime 1970s-2000 that brought about mass incarceration and stark racial disparities in the nations 1.9 million prison population.

Jamal Lewis, an incarcerated student majoring communications through the Transforming Outcomes Project at Sacramento State (TOPSS), works on his laptop in a classroom at Folsom State Prison in Folsom, Calif., Wednesday, May 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)AP

For prisoners who get their college degrees, including those at Folsom State Prison who got grants during an experimental period that started in 2016, it can be the difference between walking free with a life ahead and ending up back behind bars. Finding a job is difficult with a criminal conviction, and a college degree is an advantage former prisoners desperately need.

Gerald Massey, one of 11 Folsom students graduating with a degree from the California State University at Sacramento, has served nine years of a 15-to-life sentence for a drunken driving incident that killed his close friend.

The last day I talked to him, he was telling me, I should go back to college, Massey said. So when I came into prison and I saw an opportunity to go to college, I took it.

Consider this: It costs roughly $106,000 per year to incarcerate one adult in California.

It costs about $20,000 to educate a prisoner with a bachelors degree program through the Transforming Outcomes Project at Sacramento State, or TOPSS.

If a prisoner paroles with a degree, never reoffends, gets a job earning a good salary and pays taxes, then the expansion of prison education shouldnt be a hard sell, said David Zuckerman, the projects interim director.

I would say that return on investment is better than anything Ive ever invested in, Zuckerman said.

That doesnt mean its always popular. Using taxpayer money to give college aid to people whove broken the law can be controversial. When the Obama administration offered a limited number of Pell Grants to prisoners through executive action in 2015, some prominent Republicans opposed it, arguing in favor of improving the existing federal job training and re-entry programs instead.

The 1990s saw imprisonment rates for Black and Hispanic Americans triple between 1970 and 2000. The rate doubled for white Americans in the same time span.

Gerald Massey, an incarcerated student majoring communications through the Transforming Outcomes Project at Sacramento State (TOPSS), walks to his cell after class at Folsom State Prison in Folsom, Calif., Wednesday, May 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)AP

The ban on Pell Grants for prisoners caused the hundreds of college-in-prison programs that existed in the 1970s and 1980s to go almost entirely extinct by the late nineties.

Congress voted to lift the ban in 2020, and since then about 200 Pell-eligible college programs in 48 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico have been running, like the one at Folsom. Now, the floodgates will open, allowing any college that wants to utilize Pell Grant funding to serve incarcerated students to apply and, if approved, launch their program.

President Joe Biden has strongly supported giving Pell Grants to prisoners in recent years. Its a turnaround  the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, championed by the former Delaware senator, was what barred prisoners from getting Pell Grants in the first place. Biden has since said he didnt agree with that part of the compromise legislation.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation had 200 students enrolled in bachelors degree programs this spring, and has partnered with eight universities across the state. The goal, says CDCR press secretary Terri Hardy: Transforming prisoners lives through education.

More: Could Donald Trump run for president  and hold office  from prison?
President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are in a statistical tie in Pennsylvania for 2024 as Trump comfortably leads the Republican primary field, according to a new poll.

Quinnipiac Universitys Pennsylvania poll released Wednesday has the federally-indicted Trump leading Biden 47% to 46%, well within the margin of error of +/- 2.5 percentage points.

In the GOP primary race, Trump has 49%, followed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis with 25%. All other Republican presidential candidates received single-digit support in the poll.

Though battling fierce legal headwinds, Trump leaves the rest of the GOP pack, including Ron DeSantis, looking like also-rans and is running neck and neck with President Biden, said Tim Malloy, a Quinnipiac University polling analyst, in a statement.

On the Democratic side, Biden receives 71% in a primary against anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Biden had just a 39% job approval rating with 57% giving him a thumbs down.

Earlier this month, Trump was indicted by a federal grand jury in Florida on nearly 40 charges related to his handling of classified documents.

READ MORE: Donald Trump pleads not guilty to 37 felony counts in classified documents case

Quinnipiac found that 44% of voters said they are following Trumps case very closely, while 38% said somewhat closely and 17% said not too closely.

Over half of poll respondents said the charges against Trump were serious, with 45% saying very serious and 15% saying somewhat serious. Fourteen percent said the charges were not too serious and 23% said they were not serious at all.

Half of respondents said Trump should be prosecuted for mishandling White House classified documents and 44% said he should not. However, 56% of voters also said that they think the case against Trump is politically motivated.

With Republicans trying to make the legal problems of Hunter Biden, Bidens son, a campaign issue, 33% of voters said they were following his situation very closely, 37% said somewhat closely and 29% said not too closely.

Hunter Biden recently agreed to plead guilty to two misdemeanor federal charges of not paying taxes and will likely have his felony gun possession charge dismissed if he meets certain conditions, according to NBC News.

Fifty-eight percent of voters said Hunter Bidens plea deals are politically motivated. U.S. Attorney David Weiss, who is overseeing the case, was appointed by Trump.

Gov. Josh Shapiro has a 57% job approval rating, buoyed by his handling of the Interstate 95 collapse response that saw the vital highway in Philadelphia reopened in less than two weeks with a temporary overpass.

Nearly three-fourths of voters, 74%, approved of Shapiros handling of the response to the collapse.

As Canadian wildfire smoke drifts across the state, 27% of respondents said they are very concerned about their and their families health, 38% said they were somewhat concerned, while 20% said they were not so concerned or not concerned at all (15%).

Quinnipiac University polled 1,584 Pennsylvanians between June 22 and 26.
A 19-year-old college student from Bergen County, New Jersey, was killed in a crash Friday night in Ridgefield, authorities said.

Yusuf Bakmaz, of Garfield, was speeding when he crossed over a center island, hitting a vehicle and traffic light before crashing into a restaurant in the 600 block of Broad Avenue, police told ABC-7.

Bakmaz, a student at Montclair State University, was a 2022 graduate of Bergen Arts and Science Charter School.

It is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of Yusuf Bakmaz, a beloved member of the Bergen ASCS Alumni Class of 2022, the charter school said in a statement posted to Facebook.

Bakmaz was a sophomore at Montclair State, where he was pursuing a degree in engineering and studying Turkish language and literature, according to his LinkedIn profile.

ABC-7 reported there was moderate damage to the restaurant and that Bakmazs girlfriend was in the car at the time of the crash. Her condition was not known, and police in Ridgefield did not return calls seeking comment on the crash.

A GoFundMe set up to support Bakmazs siblings had raised more than $27,000 as of Wednesday morning.

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino.

More:

Police investigating hit-and-run crash into central Pa. house

Teen driver was using drugs, alcohol before central Pa. crash that killed passenger: police
A man who hired a scammer hitman in an attempt to retaliate against a teenager he had previously exchanged sexually explicit media files with has been sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said.

John Michael Musbach, 34, of Haddonfield, pleaded guilty to knowingly and intentionally using and causing another to use a facility of interstate and foreign commerce with the intent that a murder be committed, on February 2.

Musbach exchanged sexually explicit photos and videos with a victim from New York, who was 13 years old at the time, during the summer of 2015, officials said. The teens parents then found out about the exchange and contacted local police, authorities said.

Detectives from the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office executed a search warrant on his home in Galloway and he was arrested on child pornography charges, prosecutors said.

He later pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a child by sexual contact and was sentenced to a two-year suspended term with parole supervision for life in February 2018, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

Musbach then started communicating with the administrator of a murder-for-hire site on the dark web in May 2016, when his criminal case was pending, officials said. He paid the administrator 40 bitcoin, approximately $20,000 at the time, for the killing of the teen, who was then 14, authorities said.

The operator of the site then asked for an additional $5,000 and Musbach declined and requested a refund, officials said. The person then revealed that the website was a scam and threatened to report Musbach to law enforcement, officials said.

As part of his sentence, Musbach will serve three years of supervised release and has also been ordered to pay a $30,000 fine, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.

Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com.
By Maddie Aiken, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (TNS)

The Daily Collegian, Penn States 136-year-old student newspaper that has launched the careers of hundreds of journalists  include PennLive employees  will likely lose all university funding by the 2024-25 academic year.

The universitys Board of Trustees will vote on the funding slash in July. The move comes as the university grapples with a significant deficit.

A Penn State spokesperson confirmed Tuesday the proposed funding cut while saying the school continues to support the Collegian and student journalists.

In the schools upcoming two-year budget, the board is expected to decrease the Collegians funding for 2023-24 by more than half  from $475,000 to $200,000. Then, for the 2024-25 school year, the university is proposing no funding for the student-run newspaper.

The university faces a $140 million structural deficit that school leaders hope to balance by fiscal year 2025. Financial concerns have brought on a hiring freeze and plans for other funding cuts across Penn States campuses.

The Collegians students and alumni are rallying to find ways to support the newspaper as a changing financial situation seems imminent.

Student journalism is just as important as what we consider professional journalism, Collegian editor-in-chief Nick Stonesifer said. ... Youre going to be hard pressed to find a journalist anywhere now that didnt work for their student paper in any capacity. When that comes under threat, you really have to think about how that impacts the field as a whole.

Though the outlet is editorially independent from the university, it relies on Penn States funding to help cover operational costs, student grants and student programming costs. The Collegian has received university financial support for over a decade, said Wayne Lowman, the Collegians general manager who serves as one of several non-student professional staff members at the outlet.

During the spring semester, the outlet and several of its alumni attempted to appeal the cut through a letter writing campaign, seemingly to no avail.

Now, as the funding loss looms, the Collegian has partnered with its Alumni Interest Group to kickstart a fundraising campaign to create a $10 million endowment by 2026 to ensure current operations continue. The outlet also hopes to seek foundation grants and continue earning advertising revenue to support costs.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 28. The talks between the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia  Jeyhun Bayramov and Ararat Mirzoyan in the US will continue today in a bilateral format, Trend reports.

Trilateral meetings with the participation of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken are not expected today.

On June 27, Blinken held separate closed-door bilateral meetings with the FMs of Azerbaijan and Armenia at the National Training Center for Foreign Affairs named after George P. Schultz.

Blinken and Bayramov discussed the Azerbaijani-Armenian peace process, prospects for negotiations on a draft bilateral agreement on establishing peace and interstate relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as the current situation in the region.

During the meeting, Minister Bayramov outlined Azerbaijan's position on the issues raised in the draft agreement. He spoke about Armenia's attempts to obstruct the peace process and Yerevan's provocative actions.

After the meetings, Blinken took part in the first plenary session with the foreign ministers of the two countries.

Then the ministers continued negotiations in a bilateral format, which lasted intermittently for 4-5 hours.

The negotiations will continue until June 29.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Want a say in the news? Email Claudia at todayinpa@pennlive.com to have your thoughts on the stories covered here or on PennLive heard during Listening to Listeners, an original Today in Pa. segment that occurs every other Friday.

You can listen to the latest episode of Today in Pa at this link, or on any of your favorite apps including Alexa, Apple, Spotify, and Stitcher. Episodes are available every weekday on PennLive. Feel free to subscribe, follow or rate Today in Pa. as you see fit!

Today in Pa. Daily Podcast | June 28, 2023

A bill thats on its way to the Senate would allow for non-U.S. citizens to teach in Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh Public Schools proposed code of conduct policy has gotten some pushback. Bees are getting a little help from the Pennsylvania Turnpike and PennDOT. And Knoebels Haunted Mansion turns 50.

Those are the stories we cover in the latest episode of Today in Pa., a daily weekday podcast from PennLive.com and hosted by Claudia Dimuro. Today in Pa. is dedicated to sharing the most important and interesting stories pertaining to Pennsylvania that lets you know, indeed, whats happening today in Pa.

Todays episode refers to the following articles:

If you enjoy Today in Pa., consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or on Amazon. Reviews help others find the show and, besides, wed like to know what you think about the program, too.

As sponsored by Renewal by Anderson of Central PA.
They might not be that visible yet, but rest assured, spotted lanternflies are out there and getting ready to threaten Pennsylvanias trees and plants.

Right now, they are pretty much almost obscured in the landscape because they are so tiny, said Brian Walsh, a Penn State Extension horticulture educator and spotted lanternfly researcher since 2019.
The mental health crisis is real. Mental pain is as sharp as that from a broken leg or rupturing appendix. But many people refuse or cant get help despite the pain. Experts say this is especially true for people of color and new immigrants to this country.

Mental health professionals shared their insights on the issue at the recent State of Mental Health: Race, Culture & Identity forum at the Civic Club of Harrisburg organized by The World Affairs Council of Harrisburg, PennLive & The Patriot-News, The Civic Club of Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, and sponsored by Highmark.

They said cultural stigma is part of the blame. Some mistakenly equate mental illness with character flaws or weakness, preventing people from seeking treatment. Thats bad enough. But Psychologist Dr. Rafat Omar said the issues are even more complex.

He said when people of color seek help, racism and cultural ignorance impacts their quality of care.

The State of Mental Health: Race, Culture, and Identity Posted by World Affairs Council of Harrisburg on Monday, June 26, 2023

Ruth A. Moore, director of Community Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion with the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute, echoed Dr. Omars concerns about racism being a factor in mental health treatment for people of color.

PennLive and The Patriot-News partnered with local organizations on a mental health forum looking at the impact of the crisis on people of color.

And Chad Dion Lassiter, an acclaimed social worker and executive director of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, emphasized that Black men are particularly at risk  even when they seek help for mental illness.

There was no dispute that Black men are especially vulnerable to mental and emotional disorders because of the stresses from racism they routinely encounter in American society. But they are also more vulnerable to misdiagnosis from professionals who harbor prejudice and misplaced fears of Black men.

The truth is the mental health profession is in crisis and everyone is suffering as a result. Just as more people need treatment following years of fear and isolation from COVID, there are fewer mental health workers to care for them.

Moore said she is unable to schedule any more appointments or take any additional patient. Dr. Omars dance card is also booked for months. Same is true for psychologists and counselors throughout the region. When people suffering mental illness cant get help, the results can be tragic.

A memorial for Pa. State Trooper Jacques F. Rougeau Jr. sits along Swamp Road in Walker Twp. Rougeau was killed in a gunfire exchange with Brandon Stine, 38 on June 17, 2023. Stine was killed in a gun battle with The Pa. State Police a few minutes later. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

PennLive reported the family of 38-year-old Brandon Stine tried for months to get him help for mental illness before he shot and killed Trooper Jacques Rougeau Jr. and critically wounded Lt. James Wagner last week in Juniata County. Stine also was killed in the encounter.

Its the kind of tragedy that professionals say can be prevented with proper treatment. But there just arent enough mental health professionals available these days to meet the overwhelming demand. That means more people will die as a result of untreated mental illness.

The experts who spoke at the forum had no easy answers for the crisis in their profession. They said recruiting young people to enter the field is proving a formidable challenge.

The mental health crisis in our community is real, and when people are in crisis and can't get help, the results can be tragic.Getty Images

Its not hard to guess why. The demands of the job are significant. Stress is stratospheric, and, you guessed it, pay is not what it should be.

Lassiter talked of many salaries for mental health professionals being below $60,000 for jobs that are among the most stressful on planet Earth. No wonder young people arent breaking down the doors for an interview. No wonder people are retiring or looking for easier work.

But the mental health crisis is impacting people of all races and cultures, as well as all demographics. We must find an answer, and keep asking questions until we do.

The next forum in the State of Mental Health will be held 6 p.m. July 17 at the Ware Center in Lancaster in collaboration with Millersville University, PennLive and the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg. It will look at the impact of the mental health crisis on the most vulnerable group of all  the elderly, and the families that love and care for them.

Joyce M. Davis is PennLives Outreach & Opinion Editor. Follow her on Facebook and on Twitter @byjoycedavis.

Quality local journalism has never been more important. You deserve the best. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work.
The head of the Pennsylvania Game Commission admits Mondays launch of online sales of hunting licenses and antlerless deer tags wasnt perfect but it was instructive.

Bryan Burhans, the commissions executive director, told the House Game & Fisheries Committee on Wednesday that the systems widespread slowness and intermittent errors in both online and in-person sales that had hunters statewide complaining only lasted the first day.
Tuesday night the Pittsburgh Pirates debuted their new City Connect jerseys where they defeated the San Diego Padres 9-4.

In a nod to the past, the uniforms new design is inspired by the Pirates uniforms from the 1970s. The custom, geometric graphic across the top of the jersey takes elements from the citys steel industry, three rivers and checkered board in the citys flag.

We anchored in this idea, this transition this city is going through, an evolution, Pirates executive vice president of marketing and fan engagement Stephen Perkins said to ESPN. While the steel industry is here, this city is becoming a technology center.

For those who love the new design and want to support Pirates, Fanatics has released the Final City Connect of 2023 Collection featuring hats, jerseys, t-shirts, hoodies and more. Keep scrolling to check out a few of our top picks, or shop the complete collection on Fanatics here.

Jerseys

Hats

T-Shirts

Ashley Dill covers the online shopping industry, writing about commerce. She can be reached at adill@pennlive.com.
The National Weather Service has determined that one tornado touched down in New Jersey and another one was confirmed near the New Jersey-Pennsylvania border as a cluster of severe thunderstorms swept through New Jersey on Monday afternoon.

The weather services regional forecast office in Mount Holly said one tornado landed near Bernardsville in Somerset County, and one touched down near Martins Creek in Lower Mt. Bethel Township in Northampton County in eastern Pennsylvania.
By MELINA WALLING, MELISSA WINDER and TRISHA AHMED, The Associated Press

CHICAGO (AP)  The haze of unhealthy air that settled over Chicago and other Great Lakes cities Tuesday reminded U.S. residents from the Midwest to the Northeast and as far south as Kentucky to brace for more depending on which way the wind blows as Canadian wildfires rage on.

Until the fires are out, theres a risk, said Bryan Jackson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. If theres any north component to the wind, theres a chance itll be smoky.

Drifting smoke from the ongoing wildfires across Canada created curtains of haze and raised air quality concerns throughout the Great Lakes region and in parts of the central and eastern United States.

In Pennsylvania, the western part of the state is under a Red Alert and the eastern part an Orange Alert because of poor air quality.

The Environmental Protection Agencys AirNow.gov site showed parts of Illinois, lower Michigan and southern Wisconsin had the worst air quality in the U.S., and Chicago, Detroit and Milwaukee had air quality categorized as very unhealthy.

In Chicago, officials urged young people, older adults and residents with health issues to spend more time indoors.

Just driving into the zoo ... you could just see around the buildings, kind of just haze, said Shelly Woinowski, who was visiting the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.

Fires in northern Quebec and low pressure over the eastern Great Lakes are responsible for the smoke, Jackson said.

The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre reported Monday that 76,129 square kilometers (29,393 square miles) of land including forests has burned across Canada since Jan. 1. That exceeds the previous record set in 1989 of 75,596 square kilometers (29,187 square miles), according to the National Forestry Database.

A person walks along the shore of Lake Michigan as the downtown skyline is blanketed in haze from Canadian wildfires Tuesday, June 27, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)AP

Nationally, 490 fires are burning, with 255 of them considered to be out of control.

Even recent rainfall in Quebec likely wont be enough to extinguish the wildfires, but the wet weather could give firefighters a chance to get ahead of the flames, officials said Tuesday.

Nearly a quarter of the fires burning in Canada are in Quebec. Environment Canada meteorologist Simon Legault said he expects rain to stop falling by Wednesday morning in the regions most affected by forest fires.

Earlier this month, massive fires burning stretches of Canadian forests blanketed the northeastern United States and the Great Lakes region with smoke, turning the air yellowish gray and prompting warnings for people to stay inside and keep windows closed.

The small particles in wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, and can affect the heart and lungs, making it harder to breathe. Health officials say its important to limit outdoor activities as much as possible to avoid breathing in the particles.

In early June, U.S. President Joe Biden said in a statement that hundreds of American firefighters and support personnel have been in Canada since May and called attention to the fires as a reminder of the impacts of climate change.

The warming planet will produce hotter and longer heat waves, making for bigger, smokier fires, said Joel Thornton, professor and chair of the department of atmospheric sciences at the University of Washington.
Central Pennsylvania is once again dealing with poor air quality because of smoke from Canadian wildfires.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued a Code Red air quality alert for all of central Pennsylvania on Wednesday. The alert is in effect until 8 a.m. Thursday.

A Code Red alert means the air may be unhealthy for some members of the general public. Sensitive groups  including children, the elderly, outdoor workers, and people suffering from heart or lung disease  could be at risk of more serious health effects, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters said residents should avoid long and/or strenuous outdoor activities on Wednesday.

Poor air quality may linger through the day Thursday as light wind and limited vertical mixing of the smoke occurs, the NWS said.

A haze of unhealthy air has settled over the midwestern part of the country as wildfires in eastern Canda continue to burn.

Until the fires are out, theres a risk, Bryan Jackson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, told the Associated Press. If theres any north component to the wind, theres a chance itll be smoky.

The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre reported Monday that 76,129 square kilometers (29,393 square miles) of land including forests has burned across Canada since Jan. 1. That exceeds the previous record set in 1989 of 75,596 square kilometers (29,187 square miles), according to the National Forestry Database.

READ: Air quality alerts, including a Code Red, issued for parts of Pa. on Wednesday

Canadian wildfires are still burning, as U.S. air quality shows
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 28. Yesterday's talks between Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers in the US were constructive, Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the US State Department said during a briefing on June 28, Trend reports.

"The latest incidents underscored the need for a durable and dignified peace. The US is committed to assisting the parties in achieving this, and Secretary Blinken is directly engaged in the peace process. Direct dialogue is key to resolving issues and reaching a durable and dignified peace. Yesterday's meetings with the foreign ministers were constructive. And we continue to build on those discussions today and tomorrow as the peace talks to continue," he said.

On June 27, Blinken held separate closed-door bilateral meetings with the FMs of Azerbaijan and Armenia at the National Training Center for Foreign Affairs named after George P. Schultz.

Blinken and Bayramov discussed the Azerbaijani-Armenian peace process, prospects for negotiations on a draft bilateral agreement on establishing peace and interstate relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as the current situation in the region.

During the meeting, Minister Bayramov outlined Azerbaijan's position on the issues raised in the draft agreement. He spoke about Armenia's attempts to obstruct the peace process and Yerevan's provocative actions.

After the meetings, Blinken took part in the first plenary session with the foreign ministers of the two countries.

Then the ministers continued negotiations in a bilateral format, which lasted intermittently for 4-5 hours.

The negotiations will continue through June 29.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 28. On June 27, at 20:05 (GMT+4), illegal Armenian armed formations on the territory of Azerbaijan, where Russian peacekeepers are temporarily deployed, have subjected to fire the positions of the Azerbaijani Army in the direction of the Galaychilar village, Aghdam district, Trend reports.

As a result, Azerbaijani serviceman Ali Bekirov was wounded.

In response to these provocative actions of the Armenians, the Azerbaijani Army has conducted a Revenge military operation, as a result of which 5 members of illegal Armenian armed formations were eliminated.

According to some reports, preparations are underway for new provocations by illegal armed formations, and if this happens, an adequate response will be given, the military infrastructure of illegal formations will be destroyed.
The final day of Event #58: $3,000 Limit Hold'em (6-Handed) has concluded at the 2023 World Series of Poker at Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas. Jason Daly has emerged victorious after a dominant final table performance to take home $165,250 and his first gold bracelet.

The event attracted 263 total entrants, up from last year's attendance of 213, to generate a total prize pool of $702,210. Only 17 of those initial entrants found a bag for Day 3 to battle it out for the top prize.

Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize 1st Jason Daly United States $165,250 2nd Brent Mutter United States $102,132 3rd Nick Pupillo United States $72,681 4th Freddy Sageer United States $52,056 5th Daniel Young United States $37,526 6th Mavrick Yoo United States $27,228

Winner's Reaction

Jason Daly

"It means a lot," Daly said when asked what this win meant to him. "On the grind, I moved out to Vegas when I was 21, and that didn't work out. I'm 41 now, so I've come full circle. It's the first limit hold'em tournament I've ever played, so it's pretty cool. It's a bucket list item, and I'm just kind of speechless right now."

Daly, who started playing poker online in college during the Moneymaker era, mentioned that he's never experienced a final table run quite as dominant as he was today.

"This is my third World Series final table. I had a huge chip lead like this last year and blew it, so I was focused, and I was doing everything I could not to screw this one up".

Daly, who has several WSOP cashes across different mixed games such as Triple Draw and H.O.R.S.E., credited his success to his ability to adapt to other opponents' strategies and use them to his advantage.

"I think with the mixed games, I learn quickly, and I kind of use people's strategies against them. Coming from Texas, you don't get to play a lot of mix, so when I'm out here, it's the only time I get to play them. I just kind of watch good players, see what they're doing, try to emulate it, and use it against them a little bit. But I've fared pretty well in mixed games".

Final Day Recap

The final day started with 17 players, and that number was quickly reduced to the unofficial final table of seven. Early exits to start the day included Joe McKeehen, Daniel Idema, Matt Szymaszek, Dan Shak, Alex Torry, Daniel Maczuga, Michael Senter, Robert Como, Tom Koral and David Bach.

Jeffrey Lo was next to be eliminated when he got his last chips in preflop with a short-stack holding ace-five and failed to catch up to Mavrick Yoo's ace-king. Lo's elimination marked the start of the official final table.

Six-handed play lasted for about 30 minutes before Yoo became the first official final table casualty. He was left short-stacked after folding a big pot to Freddy Sageer and got the last of his chips in against Daniel Young, who turned a pair of jacks against Yoo's flopped pair eights to knock him out of the tournament.

Five-handed play went on for nearly two hours, and it was during this time that Daly started to separate himself from the rest of the pack, particularly after winning a colossal pot against Nick Pupillo with the nut-flush versus Pupillo's king-high flush.

Eventually Daniel Young, who started the final table with a slight chip lead over Daly, found himself short-stacked during five-handed play after losing a few pivotal hands against Sageer and Daly. He bowed out in fifth after getting the last of his chips in against Sageer, who had flopped a pair of queens to secure the knockout.

Four-handed play saw Daly extend his lead over the rest of the field significantly, holding more than eighty percent of the chips in play for nearly the entire time. Freddy Sageer was the next to fall to Daly from this point, getting the last of his chips in against Daly preflop and failing to catch up when Daly flopped a pair of tens.

Nick Pupillo

Three-handed play was a brief affair, with Daly beginning with just under ten million chips while his two opponents had less than one million each. Nick Pupillo got his final few chips in good against Daly preflop, holding a queen versus Daly's low unsuited connectors. Daly would spike a pair of fives on the turn to pull ahead and eliminate Pupillo in third, setting up heads-up play.

Brent Mutter had done an excellent job throughout the day, picking his spots and laddering up. His time in the tournament finally ran out when he flopped a set of twos against Daly's combo draw. Daly would end up rivering a straight flush to end Mutter's tournament run and take home his first gold bracelet in spectacular fashion.

This concludes the PokerNews coverage for this event, but there is still plenty more action to come at the 2023 World Series of Poker at Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas, so be sure to stay tuned for all the live updates from each and every bracelet event.
In a record-breaking field that saw total entries balloon to 2,076 players, up from the previous record of 1,234, Justin Jones bagged up a total of 756,000 chips from a starting stack of just 25,000 to lead the 259 surviving players into Day 2 of Event #62: $1,500 Mixed No-Limit Hold'em/Pot-Limit Omaha, part of the 2023 World Series of Poker at the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas.

The record-breaking field created a total prize pool of $2,771,460, with 312 players taking home at least $2,402 and first place pocketing a whopping $410,659.

Jones has two cashes at this year's series, both in Omaha events. Now he is on course to complete a poker hat trick of in-the-money finishes.

Philip Wiszowaty (708,000) is hot on Jones' heels, having previously reached the final three tables of the $25,000 Pot-Limit Omaha High Roller this week.

Bracelet winner David Prociak (518,000) bagged up enough chips to occupy one of the top ten places in the overnight chip counts.

End of Day 1 Top 10 Chip Counts

Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Justin Jones United States 756,000 126 2 Philip Wiszowaty United States 708,000 118 3 Eric Pfenning United States 585,000 98 4 Michael Kuney United States 540,000 90 5 Guofeng Wang China 526,000 88 6 David Prociak United States 518,000 86 7 Robert Wells United Kingdom 512,000 85 8 Tomas Soderstrom Sweden 502,000 84 9 Pushpinder Singh Canada 498,000 83 10 Bart Lybaert Belgium 481,000 80

Motoyoshi Okamura, who won this event in 2021, finished the day with at top 15 stack, bagging a total of 459,000 chips, with another bracelet winner, Gregory Kolo, just above the former champion with 460,000 chips.

The bubble burst near the mid-way point of the final level of the night, with Cody Stanford being the unfortunate player to exit in 313th place. Fabrizio Gonzalez would be the next to bust and the first player to cash in 312th place.

Fabrizio Gonzalez

Some other notable players that made the money and advanced to Day 2 included Robert Cowen (416,000), Tom Cannuli (398,000), Christian Harder (382,000), Brandon Shack-Harris (357,000), Shaun Deeb (344,000) the controversial Martin Kabrhel (331,000), Vivian Saliba (246,000), Barny Boatman (141,000), Chris Moorman (80,000), and

Some of the big names that unfortunately did not make it to the money places included Jamie Gold, David Williams, Maurice Hawkins and Erick Lindgren, who was eliminated when Vidur Sethi blind called his all-in.

Day 2 will see 259 players return to the silver section in the event center at the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas at 1:00 p.m. on June 28 to battle ever closer to the top prize and the coveted gold bracelet. The players return to Level 16, meaning blinds are 3,000/6,000 and a 6,000 big blind ante. Join PokerNews on June 28 for Day 2 of this exciting event.
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Trump arrived in Massachusetts and was greeted by a group of law enforcement officers who wanted to shake his hand.

Video:

Massachusetts law enforcement officers greet indicted felon at the airport. pic.twitter.com/g1EeAoxLbI  Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) June 27, 2023

It is illegal in almost every jurisdiction for law enforcement officers to engage in partisan political activity while they are in uniform. The hypocrisy of those who are paid to protect and serve who showed up to glad hand a man who is accused of more than 70 federal and local felonies should not be lost on anyone.

One of the reasons why Donald Trump continued and possibly continues to break laws is the kind of treatment that he got in the video above. No community should want their law enforcement officers hanging out with Donald Trump.

Trump keeps breaking the law, because far too many people have given him special treatment. It is difficult to believe the statement that everyone is equal in the eyes of the law when a man who confessed on tape to stealing classified government secrets is greeted like a hero.

It is wrong, and the reason why so many Americans wont believe that Trump will be held accountable until they see it with their own eyes.
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Donald Trump blew up and demanded that special counsel Jack Smith face prosecution for the leak of the classified docs audio that could have come from Trump.

Trump posted on Truth Social:

Why did Deranged Jack Smith and the DOJ/FBI leak a tape to Fake News CNN, phony spin and all? Will they be prosecuted for this illegal act? Pure SCUM!



This case is about THE PRESIDENTIAL RECORDS ACT, affirmed by the CLINTON SOCKS CASE! Has nothing to do with the made up tale of the Espionage Act of 1917, which has never even been used!

There is only one problem with Trumps claim that Jack Smith leaked the tape. The leak didnt happen until after the tape had been turned over to Trump and his defense team.

The possibility also exists that someone else in the room gave the tape to CNN. If a staffer or the person who was writing the book made the tape available to CNN, there is nothing illegal about it.

Jack Smith and federal prosecutors would have nothing to gain by leaking the tape. The idea that they would is silly and nonsensical.

No one knows who leaked the tape, but Trump is signaling that if he is ever returned to the White House, he will prosecute Jack Smith.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 28. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan continue their talks in the US, Trend reports.

On the second day of the meetings, the talks will be held in a bilateral format. Trilateral meetings with the participation of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken are not expected today.

On June 27, Blinken held separate closed-door bilateral meetings with the FMs of Azerbaijan and Armenia at the National Training Center for Foreign Affairs named after George P. Schultz.

Blinken and Bayramov discussed the Azerbaijani-Armenian peace process, prospects for negotiations on a draft bilateral agreement on establishing peace and interstate relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as the current situation in the region.

During the meeting, Minister Bayramov outlined Azerbaijan's position on the issues raised in the draft agreement. He spoke about Armenia's attempts to obstruct the peace process and Yerevan's provocative actions.

After the meetings, Blinken took part in the first plenary session with the foreign ministers of the two countries.

Then the ministers continued negotiations in a bilateral format, which lasted intermittently for 4-5 hours.

The negotiations will continue until June 29.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Artists are remembering a "monumental" educator this week, recalling Al Beyer for his decades of influence at USC Aiken and beyond, following the native New Yorker's death of a heart attack Saturday in Florida.

"Al will always be the teacher and I will always be the student," said professional artist Robert Campbell, who recalled getting tips and lessons, until about a week ago, from the longtime educator who had moved to Jacksonville to live with one of his daughters in recent years.

"I met Al when I was 18 years old. He was the most influential person in my life," said Campbell, who chose the word "monumental" in describing his mentor. Campbell now teaches at the Aiken Center for the Arts, among other locales.

Another of Beyer's USCA students, writing anonymously, noted, "Great guy! Taught me how to see things differently."

The word "encourager" came to mind for artist and former Aiken resident Deb Holtzscheiter, who now lives in St. Augustine, Florida. "It didn't matter how good  or maybe how not-so-good you were. He would work with you just the same, and he just really encouraged people and helped them to enjoy art, for art's sake," she said.

Professional artist Sally Donovan expressed particular gratitude for Beyer's ability to work with "his senior population"  students with several decades of life behind them  and his encouragement for them to "explore, expand and love the world of art."

She added, "I have never produced such terrific work as I have under this person who guided me, and I have won many prizes and curated shows, and it was just because of his strong belief and also his teaching ability. I mean, he was so skilled in bringing out the very best in me."

Campbell recalled having Beyer as a professor prior to the existence of the Etherredge Center, which now plays host to offices and other facilities in USCA's fine and performing arts program.

"Before the Etherredge Center, we had classes at Rose Hill.  He was the only art professor at the University of South Carolina at Aiken at that time."

"I was going to be an accountant," Campbell said, with a laugh and the acknowledgment that his math skills are not particularly strong. Beyer, who wound up with 37 years at USCA, was Campbell's advisor and stirred his consideration of exploring the arts. A few decades later, "I have been a professional artist all my life, meaning I have used my talent to keep a roof over my head all my adult life, and it hasn't been a bad life." Those years included time with "Papa Beyer" in Aiken's sister city, Orvieto, in central Italy, and a visit to a world-class museum in Florence, Italy, where a particular marble Michelangelo creation is the star of the show, standing 17 feet tall. "We were sitting in front of 'the David,' drawing together, with an Italian class of art students behind us. That's just a memory that you're never going to forget," Campbell said. Artist Drew Murphy, known for both sculpting and painting, also recalled strong influence from Beyer decades ago, with regard to serious exploration of art. "He convinced me to give it a whirl.  I painted with him for 10 years, and after a couple of years, I started winning ribbons, and I always said they are his ribbons, and all he had to say was, 'You need to paint bigger.' He always challenged me. He was just a wonderful teacher." Murphy confirmed having Beyer in his personal pantheon of top-notch educators. "I had two good professors in my life. One of them was at Aiken High, and the other was Al. Some people leave an impression on you for life. What a wonderful person."
A man who was found dead Wednesday in a pond in Aiken County has been identified.

Donald Webb Jr., 81, of Jackson was found dead after an accident involving a tractor in the 700 block of Old Jackson Highway, according to Aiken County Coroner Darryl Ables.

Ables said the Webb was operating the tractor when it overturned into the pond.

Ables said divers with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources recovered Webb's body at 12:29 p.m. Wednesday.

Capt. Eric Abdullah with the Aiken County Sheriff's Office said the man was found after authorities got a call from his son, who had come to check on him.

Abdullah said the man told police he found his father's tractor in the pond and believed it was an accident.

Ables said the cause of Webb's death was drowning.
Aiken, SC (29801)

Today

Thunderstorms early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low 74F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low 74F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 28. On the sidelines of a working visit to the United States, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Trend reports.

The parties exchanged views on the issue of ensuring peace and normalizing relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

The unacceptable behavior and subversive actions of Armenia hindering peace efforts have been highlighted.
Moncks Corner, SC (29461)

Today

Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low 76F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

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Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low 76F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
A business deal that fell apart wound up helping state-owned electric and water utility Santee Cooper more than double its money.

The utility plans to sell 64.5 acres at its Camp Hall Commerce Park for $16.12 million to a cold-storage warehouse developer.

That's more than twice the $7.6 million Santee Cooper would have gotten from a previous buyer  FC Partners LLC  that proposed building the same type of warehouse at the industrial park off U.S. Interstate 26 a little more than a year ago.

The would-be purchaser never went through with the deal and the property, known as Campus 6, went back on the market.

So, instead of getting roughly $118,000 per acre, Santee Cooper will net about $250,000.

"Somebody made a good deal," state Sen. Harvey Peeler quipped during a June 20 meeting of the S.C. Joint Bond Review Committee.

"If we put it off another year or two, could we double it again?" another member of the legislative panel joked.

The Peeler-led committee, which reviews major financial transactions prposed by Santee Cooper and other state agencies, last week approved the sale to Swamp Fox Cold LLC, which plans to invest $250 million in as much as 700,000 square feet of meat refrigeration and freezer space.

Plans filed with the state show four buildings and a pair of offices.

Santee Cooper said it will spend about $6 million on roads, water and sewer and other infrastructure. The improvements will benefit the entire Camp Hall development.

Cold-storage warehouses have become a hot commodity in recent years, with the Port of Charleston focusing on meat and vegetable imports and exports as a way to diversify cargo that in the past has been mostly dependent on the manufacturing industry.

More than 146,000 20-foot containers of agricultural products and food moved through the port's terminals last year.

The State Ports Authority has spent more than $20 million on upgrades to its refrigerated container services to fuel growth in cold-storage cargo, and that's led to the development of several warehouses in the area specializing in handling frozen meats, seafood and vegetables.

Santee Cooper took control of the 6,800-acre Camp Hall property in 2015, when Volvo Cars announced it would build its only U.S. manufacturing campus at the site.

The Moncks Corner-based water and power provider has sold all but about 10 percent of the 1,300 acres of industrial land that Volvo didn't need for its operations, including a 607-acre parcel to Carson City, Nev.-based battery recycler Redwood Materials.

Other parcels have been sold to developers of warehouses, logistics firms and other cold-storage facilities for port customers like Maersk Line.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Some clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 79F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph..

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Some clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 79F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.
Parker Milner and Robert Moss discuss the sushi scene in Charleston, including Robert's recent review of 167 Sushi Bar.

The duo is then joined by Little Miss Ha owner Janice Hudgins and Post and Courier features reporter Alan Hovorka.

Hudgins discussed her family's journey and her career in cooking and restaurant ownership, which was largely inspired by her mother Thu-Ha Ngyuen.

The group also discussed several other topics related to the restaurant landscape in Charleston and surrounding areas.

Charleston's Menu is a podcast discussing dining, restaurants and all the food that lands on Parker and Robert's plate across South Carolina.

Are there any stories you'd like to hear on the show? Contact us at understandsc@postandcourier.com.

This episode was hosted by Parker Milner, Robert Moss

Follow us on Apple Podcast.

Listen on Spotify.

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COLUMBIA  The Richland Two school district's board of trustees voted 6-1 June 27 to hire Kim Moore as the district's next superintendent.

Moore, who will be the first Black woman to lead the 28,500-student district, currently serves as assistant superintendent of career and innovative programs in the Pasco County School District in Florida, a suburban county just north of the Tampa Bay area.

In that role she leads the districts workforce development programs, its technical college, STEM-oriented K-12 schools and its diversity, equity and inclusion initiative, according to a Richland Two statement.

Board member Lindsay Agostini was the sole dissenting vote against the hire. While she was excited about the opportunity to hire Moore, Agostini said, she was concerned about the "rush" of the process.

Education is Moores second career. Before working as a teacher, principal, director and assistant superintendent, she served in the Army as a Chemical Corps officer specializing in nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, including a stint at the Pentagon.

She attended Widener University in Pennsylvania as an undergraduate, and has a masters degree from Central Michigan University and a doctorate in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Florida.

After the June 27 board meeting, Moore said she was "very excited" to join the district, and praised the "strong district staff" already in place at the northeast Richland school system.

"I'm going to be asking them one question ... I want to know what the good, the bad and the ugly is, because once we know that, then we can get about the business of addressing those issues." she said about her new staff.

She also pointed to her 20 years in the military as key experience, and one which gave military children and families a "special place in (her) heart." That demographic is particularly relevant in Richland Two, as students living on nearby Fort Jackson are zoned for the district after sixth grade.

Joe Trapp, who replaced Agostini as board chair after board officer elections held during the June 27 meeting, pointed to Moore's military history as part of what impressed him during the selection process.

"After the interview, we all were very impressed with her," Trapp said.

The details of Moore's new employment contract, which she and the board negotiated since June 23, were not immediately available after her hire. Board member Monica Scott, who played a leading role in the search process, said the new superintendent's initial term will be three years.

Moore, expected to start as Richland Two's chief the first week of July, will be tasked with taking the reins of a district in the midst of a tumultuous year.

Its Board of Trustees was largely turned over in the November 2022 elections after four members either declined to run for reelection or lost, leaving a majority-new board to respond to the state Inspector General's investigation into the district, which reported significant issues with the board and administration just days before the election.

That first-of-a-kind report found "petty disagreements and personal attacks from board members undermining the district's work, and detailed problems with Richland Two's financial controls and auditing practices.

Less than three months after the elections, Moore's predecessor Baron Davis resigned suddenly in January after the new board discussed his contract for hours behind closed doors.

Neither Davis nor the board have offered public explanations for his departure, but it came amid fear from some of Davis' supporters that the board was planning to fire him. A settlement agreement between Davis and the board awarded the former superintendent $615,000 and included a non-disparagement clause.

He was replaced by interim superintendent Nancy Gregory, whose administration was soon hit with a "fiscal watch" label from the S.C. Department of Education after the district submitted its state-mandated audit report months late.

While the board has worked to address the inspector general's report and revise board policies which fed tension and conflict at the district's highest level, some community members still said board discord needed to be on superintendent candidate's radar, citing "conflict and dysfunction" in a survey about the search.
COLUMBIA  A South Carolina teacher advocacy group is accusing the Lexington-Richland Five school district of censorship after the district stopped a teacher's lesson on a book about racism in February.

In a June 26 letter to the district's superintendent and Board of Trustees, lawyers from the South Carolina Education Association and National Education Association asked the leaders to remedy what they described as indefensible censorship and an attempt to smear the reputation of Chapin High School teacher Mary Wood, an SCEA member.

The district faced complaints from students and parents in February about a lesson in Woods AP Language and Composition class centered on Ta-Nehisi Coates book Between the World and Me, with students writing that the lesson on systemic racism made them feel uncomfortable and ashamed to be Caucasian.

In a meeting following the lesson and complaints, officials told Wood to stop her lesson, according to public records released by the district, which show concerns about the lesson possibly violating a state budget provision banning the use of state money for teaching certain ideas about race and gender.

Superintendent Akil Ross later pointed to the districts policy on teaching controversial issues as an explanation for the decision to stop the lesson.

The SCEA and NEA letter sharply criticized the districts decision to stop the lesson, arguing that Wood was using Coates book and two videos shown in class to help teach students how to write and engage with argumentative essays, including how to grapple with a text and argument with which they might disagree.

Rather than being applauded for her work teaching students the critical skills of sort(ing) out the facts and arriv(ing) at independent conclusions, the school district censored and silenced Ms. Wood and sent her students a message both that certain topics were beyond the reach of civil discourse or debate and that they could not grasp certain topics, the letter reads, quoting an excerpt from the district's policy on academic freedom.

Board member Elizabeth Barnhardt, who records show initially forwarded some of the students' complaints to Ross, wrote in a later statement that a Chapin High School teacher was knowingly violating the law, an assertion which the SCEAs letter said was false, defamatory, and intended to place Ms. Wood in a false light to cause her harm.

Barnhardt in turn called the letter from the teachers associations false and defamatory in a June 27 interview.

The SCEAs letter goes on to demand that the district reaffirm its commitment to academic freedom and its faith in teachers and students, that it rescind both an unfounded reprimand from Woods file and its unlawful directive for Wood to not speak about her lesson being stopped.

It also demands that Lexington-Richland Five direct to its agents and representatives, including school board members, that they dont have authority to speak for the district on the censorship issue, and that the school district will not protect them from liability should they continue to make false and defamatory statements regarding the nature of the instruction provided by Ms. Wood.

The SCEAs President Sherry East said legal action on Woods behalf was neither on nor off the table, and that the letter was both intended to protect Woods rights, and to address the organizations larger concerns about censorship in schools.

We have had a lot of teachers call, and theyre worried about reading certain books, East said, adding, I think whats happening is our students are getting shortchanged because teachers are afraid ... theyre afraid of what has happened to Ms. Wood, will happen to them.

Ross said he could not comment on the letter to him and the board June 26, and a district spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for comment June 28. Board chair Rebecca Blackburn Hines did not respond to requests for comment.

Lawmakers weigh in

The letter to Lexington-Richland Five comes on the heels of the settlement agreement between the adjacent Lexington One school district and the state legislature's hardline conservative S.C. Freedom Caucus, in another public dispute over how S.C. schools are allowed to teach about race.

That settlement, which the district said it signed onto to avoid a costly legal battle, ended a lawsuit from the caucus alleging that Lexington Ones partnership with nonprofit EL Education broke the state budgets prohibition on using state money for teaching certain ideas about race and gender. While it denied breaking the law, the district agreed to cut ties with the nonprofit.

But the caucus litigation against school districts surfaced at the June 26 Lexington-Richland Five board meeting when Lexington GOP state Rep. RJ May thanked board members for taking this issue seriously, referring to what he described as critical race theory-derived ideas and the racist nonsense that is diversity, equity and inclusion.

We are currently still engaged in legal avenues against the Charleston school district, but are happy to engage in more if we believe that that budget proviso has been violated, the caucus vice chair told the board.

So any members of the board, if you are fighting critical race theory-derived ideas, diversity, equity and inclusion that seeks to separate and only look through the lens of race, if you are fighting that, you have an ally in members of the Freedom Caucus.

May later said his comments to the board did not indicate that the caucus was considering legal action against Lexington-Richland Five, but if anyone wants to bring us evidence, like we had on video with the EL Education lady, well take a look at it, seemingly referring to an edited recording of an EL Education education employee that served as a basis for the caucus lawsuit against Lexington One.

A number of other speakers echoed May's comments during the June 26 board meeting, including members of the public who criticized the Chapin High lesson or the alleged presence of "critical race theory" in South Carolina schools.

State Rep. Joe White, R-Newberry, another Freedom Caucus member, also addressed the board, telling members that "the people of South Carolina have spoken pretty loudly to us legislators about what they think about how we're spending education money."

He asked to set up individual meetings with board members and the superintendent so he could "find out where (they're) coming from."

Board response

Board members differed on how exactly to respond to the controversy swirling around the stopped Chapin High lesson, which has garnered national media attention.

Hines, the board chair, asked Ross to prepare discussions about the district's policies on academic freedom and teaching controversial material for the board's next meeting scheduled for July 17, but Barnhardt went further in a push to review policy, formally moving for the board to create a committee to review a number of policies governing curriculum, school materials and staff and board member conduct.

"Our community is upset, we're in the news, we need to resolve this," board member Catherine Huddle said during the board's discussion. "I don't think any of us want to be in the news, these parents don't want this stuff, we want to get this resolved before we go back to school in the fall."

That motion failed 4-3, with some board members questioning whether enough time remains for the committee to meet and report before the July 17 meeting and saying such discussions should happen within full board meetings.

In a June 28 interview, Wood said the response to her Chapin High lesson and its cancellation has made her concerned for her job, though she's signed a contract to teach at Chapin High for the 2023-24 school year. She said it creates a "very hostile environment" for teachers.

"There is a lot of concern from teachers," she said. "Teachers, by and large, are afraid to speak out and ... to reveal how they feel, because they fear retribution, they fear retaliation from those who might try to undermine what we do."

Wood also continued to defend her lesson, saying critical race theory is not being taught in high schools.

"There seems to be a confusion with history and CRT, and I'm not certain if that is intentional or if it is because of a lack of understanding ... but those are not the same thing, and the suggestion that we are teaching something, and using that as a means to vilify teachers like me is inappropriate, and it's unwarranted and it's extremely dangerous to the integrity of academics," she said.
Columbia, SC (29201)

Today

Variable clouds with thunderstorms, especially early. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low around 75F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Variable clouds with thunderstorms, especially early. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low around 75F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Gates School sold parents of dyslexic children an intoxicating dream: a free charter school dedicated to helping children with reading disabilities succeed.

Most schools for dyslexic children are private, with tuition exceeding $20,000 a year. Families moved across the country to enroll their children. Parents from Virginia, New Jersey and Connecticut relocated to send their children to the school.

It wasnt just the academic opportunity that drew them in. They wanted a place where their children would finally belong.

Many of their children were bullied because they couldnt keep up academically with their classmates. Children as young as 5 called themselves dumb and believed theyd never make something of their lives. They cried at school drop-off and suffered from anxiety and loneliness.

The North Charleston school was a symbol of hope. The brick building that proudly displayed the schools name in large lime-green letters was a place parents thought their children could be different together.

But Gates's problems began soon after it opened.

It repeatedly violated its charter and federal disability rights laws, according to its regulator. Documents alleged it illegally changed students education plans, which are legal documents that protect accommodations for their disabilities, and misled parents about their childrens academic performance.

Parents fell into two camps. The first criticized the school, with many pulling their children out of Gates. The others fervently believed that Gates would take care of their children.

Those believers suffered the most when the schools charter was yanked in April.

Over the past six months, The Post and Courier interviewed more than two dozen Gates families, teachers, board members and students to uncover the full story of the schools collapse. The paper has read more than 10,000 public legal filings and internal correspondence obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests.

The reporting revealed that the school could have been a lifeline for some of the most vulnerable students in South Carolina. But the documents point to severe mismanagement by Gates administrators.

Stephanie Sams, Gates's founder, said that a memo of findings the paper sent to her contained "gross misstatements and inaccuracies" but couldn't elaborate because the school cannot discuss student information or personnel matters.

Now families are scrambling to find places to enroll their children. The full consequence of Gatess downfall in their lives wont be known for years.

A lifeline

Lennon Servellon became interested in superheroes by watching Marvel movies with his father. He was 4 years old and believed people should always try to be good. The dark-haired boy with dimples and black-framed glasses would call out people for being rude or say they werent the kindest if he felt they werent treating people fairly.

His favorite was Captain America. Lennon loved the superheros strength and costume. But he adored this hero above all others because of his dedication to protecting people who could not stand up for themselves.

Lennon grew up in Connecticut and entered full-day kindergarten at Bristol Public Schools in the fall of 2018. He struggled to connect with the other students and manage his emotions. Adults at the school frequently restrained and isolated him.

Lennon, who is now 9, said it escalated to the point where someone would grab his arms, drag him away from the other children and force him into an empty room. He remembers the room was gray, and the lights were off. He spent most days watching Netflix. The adults allowed him to spend time with other students during lunch. Afterward, he would be alone for hours.

Christina Lagace, Lennons mother, knew her son struggled with reading and had impulse control issues. He saw several doctors who diagnosed him with dyslexia, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism and dyscalculia, meaning he struggled with numbers and math. Lennon was put on an education plan that meant the district had to provide him with various supports and accommodations under federal disability rights laws. Once he got proper support, he behaved better in class and his academics improved.

Christina reached an out-of-court settlement with the school district about her sons treatment in kindergarten and first grade. But the damage was done. She didnt trust the local school system to protect her son.

Christina and her husband were debating whether to move down south, drawn to the warm weather and looser COVID-19 restrictions. They traveled to Charleston on vacation in April 2021. Christina woke up earlier than the rest of her family one morning and went to the hotel lobby to get coffee. She drank it in the business center while cruising the internet. Thats when she saw an advertisement for Gates.

The school wanted to help dyslexic students reach their full potential in a safe and supportive environment. Christina felt like she was dreaming. She hadnt known free schools dedicated to helping children like her son existed. She took it as a sign that her family should pack up and relocate to Charleston. She sold their house, but it was worth it to her.

We can buy another house, she said. We wanted to give my son the opportunity, above anything else, to be in a place where he could be understood.

She thought he would finally have stability after years of fighting for Lennons rights in Bristol.

She soon realized how wrong she was.

An avalanche of problems

Gates School was the brainchild of Stephanie Sams, a Charleston native who spent her career helping adults with mental illness and survivors of violent crimes. Her daughter has dyslexia, and she felt that school systems provided little support to children who struggled with reading.

She took it upon herself to learn how to teach dyslexic children better and started providing private tutoring to children with reading disabilities in the area.

Sams and other Gates planning committee members hosted community meetings in Charleston and surrounding areas to gauge interest in this type of school. Around 150 people attended one of the events. Gates' charter was approved. The group secured a $5.3 million bond to finance the schools campus and opened in August 2021.

Troubles mounted at a startling speed.

A woman began emailing members of the school board, asking why the school unenrolled her son. Gates claimed he didnt have a reading disability even though she provided diagnoses from two doctors. Sams said the student's enrollment was voided because of failure to meet applicable deadlines and other issues.

The situation escalated to the point where it drew the attention of Gates regulator, the Charter Institute at Erskine, a nonprofit associated with Erskine College, which is a small private school in the Upstate. It told Gates to enroll the child immediately.

In September, staffers from the Institute dropped by for a site visit. The visit was supposed to be perfunctory. Dyslexia is a disability, and federal laws mandate schools provide most students with certain services and accommodations. Celina Patton, the Institute's chief of student services at the time, was there to make sure Gates was complying with these rules.

She was in for a surprise.

The school had no special needs teachers correctly serving the children. They had also taken away many students one-on-one or small-group instruction that they needed to keep up with their non-disabled peers.

Thats illegal, Patton said during a testimony she later gave on issues at the school.

Sams said the school had a special education teacher, but students were not pulled out of class under its teaching model. The Institute accused the school of violating the rights of 47 students with education plans by failing to give them special needs instruction it was legally required to provide. The Institute froze the schools enrollment because they didnt want more children harmed.

It put the school on multiple corrective action plans, which Gates failed to comply with, documents showed. The first one told Gates to hire enough special education teachers to serve its students. Instead, the schools principal gave the children direct or small-group instruction to meet federal requirements.

We were asking for a teacher to instruct students, Patton said.

The Institute alleged that the school kept changing many students education plans, taking away much of their one-on-one learning time despite repeated warnings. It also said the school misled parents about students academic performance. Report cards said all students passed their classes. Yet projected state assessment scores indicated over 95 percent of students were failing.

Sams said that Institute leadership refused to discuss the plans with the school, clarify the requested actions in the plans or give appropriate training regarding the education plans. She said that the letter grades accurately reflected students' performances and students with dyslexia struggle with standardized tests.

The Institutes board put Gates on notice in the spring that it planned to pull the schools charter. The school had a chance to argue why it should stay open at a May hearing in front of the Institutes board of directors.

Patton and Gates' representatives met in Columbia to determine the schools fate. Lawyers grilled Patton and Gates' administrators for nine hours. Gates leaders said they believed that their teachers didnt need special education certifications because they were trained to teach dyslexic students. They also said that the students didnt need to be pulled out of class for one-on-one sessions because they were getting that instruction inside classrooms tailored to their specialized needs.

At the end of the hearing, Institute board members decided to postpone the revocation vote to the following year. One said the school had a good thing there and it could improve both South Carolina and the United States.

Questions arise

Christina Legace and her husband met with Sams and other Gates administrators soon after the school opened to discuss Lennons education plan.

Christina said they told her that because all of Gatess teachers were trained to educate dyslexic children, Lennon didnt need many of the accommodations outlined in the plan. They removed his paraeducator, according to documents obtained by the paper. Christina said they also took away much of his one-on-one instructional time.

Christina was skeptical about the changes but wanted to keep an open mind about the school. A former paralegal, she had researched Gates extensively before enrolling her son. She knew the school was publicly funded. She assumed the school would put teachers assistants and paraeducators in classrooms to help the children. She thought administrators had to know what they were doing.

Lennons first couple weeks at Gates went well. Gates was a multisensory school, meaning teachers had students use all of their senses to learn how to read. They spelled words using plastic letters, wrote phrases in the air and even practiced cursive. Bright, primary-colored carpets filled the rooms. At recess, children bounced colorful balls and jumped rope.

But Lennon struggled socially. Many children lived in Mount Pleasant, a mostly White suburb where the median household income is six figures.

Lennon lived in North Charleston, a diverse community where the median household income is less than half of what it is in Mount Pleasant. Lennon is Dominican, and about 90 percent of Gates students were White.

Lennon spent kindergarten in Connecticut alone in a classroom, but after Christina complained to the district Lennon received support. One type was a paraeducator who spent the entire day with him. The educator sat beside him in class, helping him with his schoolwork. They would also spend lunch and recess with him, assisting him with social situations and acting as his communication bridge to the world.

The Mount Pleasant children often carpooled together, and Lennon described them as cliquey. He came home after school upset and sad because his classmates would invite him to play tag during recess and then spend the whole time chasing him. A paraeducator might have seen that the children were teasing Lennon and intervened.

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Lennon needed help with his schoolwork. He performed almost on grade level in Connecticut, but he fell behind without someone working with him during class or assisting him during one-on-one sessions. He said he kept raising his hand, trying to get help from his teacher, but instructors at Gates managed classrooms of about a dozen students with dyslexia and other disabilities, the maximum number of students in a special needs classroom recommended by the United Federation of Teachers. He grew increasingly frustrated and started to act out.

Christina tried to stay positive. She told herself these were first-year glitches Gates was trying to work out. She also reminded herself that Lennons experiences in kindergarten were worse.

The bullying intensified after the students came back from the winter holidays. When Christina asked Gates how they planned to end it, she said the school brushed her off, saying children were rowdier after breaks.

Then Lennon told her it was hard to see his teachers lessons because she put him against the wall.

Lennons classmates were all seated together around a U-shaped desk. Lennons desk was shoved in the far corner of the room. He had to lean back over his seat to see what his teacher was doing and frequently missed parts of lessons.

Christina was furious. She complained to the Institute, the nonprofit associated with Erskine College that regulated the school. She managed to get Lennons education plan changed so he would have a paraeducator and one-on-one instruction again. The Institute also told the school to seat Lennon beside the other children.

Christina learned that Gatess administration was changing the next school year. She still believed in the dream of a free school for dyslexic children and thought that all of Gatess problems would get fixed.

But it only got worse.

The minority rebels

Lennon attended camp over the summer, where he had a paraeducator assigned to him paid for by Gates to compensate for the instruction he missed during the school year. He spent his time at camp coloring, watching movies and practicing judo.

When he first arrived at camp, there were some tense moments with the other children. His paraeducator helped him understand that some instances where Lennon thought a child was trying to hurt him were misunderstandings. The paraeducator also taught him to express himself calmly rather than yelling by saying phrases like You hurt my feelings.

At the end of the summer, his education plan said that he mastered social conversations and played appropriately with the other children.

Since Lennons paraeducator was so helpful, Christina asked the new principal if he could work with Lennon during the school year. The principal agreed during the meeting but then backtracked on the promise, telling Christina that hiring the paraprofessional would bankrupt the school, according to a complaint Christina later sent to the Institute.

A couple of weeks into the school year, an outside behavioral assessment and support plan expert came in to observe Lennon and recommend how best to assist him. The paraeducator who worked with Lennon was one the school chose, not the person Christina requested. The expert noticed that this paraeducator sat across the classroom from Lennon instead of next to him. Lennon said the distance made him reluctant to ask for help because he didnt want to disrupt the class.

The expert also saw that children continued to bully Lennon. At recess, they told Lennon to act like a dog and fetch rocks. Lennon said that during lunch, students threw food at him. The paraeducator who worked with Lennon over the summer had intervened and advocated for him when such incidents occurred.

Christina grew increasingly frustrated at the lack of change at the school. A small group of parents who were also concerned about Gatess administration broke away from the majority who supported the school. They contacted Christina after hearing about some of her issues. They were also having a difficult experience and wanted to see if Christina was interested in discussing it.

Christina started communicating with them over calls and texts. But when they asked her to attend an in-person gathering, Christina declined at the last minute. She was too intimidated.

There was a large coalition of families at the school who fervently believed in Gates, thinking it was the only school that could offer their children a happy and successful life. Some of these parents attacked people who questioned the school, according to Christina. She was part of a parents Facebook group where people criticizing Gates were called drama queens and selfish and disgusting.

The three special needs teachers at Gates quit en masse in the fall. Christina felt like the school was cagey about why they left and who would be helping Lennon with his disability. Sams said that the school couldn't comment on personnel matters but its teachers were at-will, meaning they could leave whenever they chose. She said that special education is a demanding field and teachers often move to different fields or positions as is evidenced by the certified special education teacher shortage crisis in South Carolina and elsewhere.

Christina agreed to meet up with one parent in the group.

They started getting together in coffee shops and each others homes. The parent knew a great deal about disability rights. The two women began sending in Freedom of Information Act requests to collect correspondence between the school and its regulator. They went through old board meeting minutes and financial documents. The parent confirmed Christinas account of these activities but told The Post and Courier she wanted to remain anonymous because she was worried about retaliation from other Gates families.

Christina remembered hyping herself up to read the financial audit for Gatess first year. She told herself that she could parse through the numbers even though she was intimidated because she didn't have a background in accounting.

The two women also kept lookout for upcoming issues at Gates. Christina watched an Institute board meeting held that December over Zoom, where she learned that the Institute alleged Gates hadnt provided over 2,000 hours of federally required direct instruction to students that school year alone. Members of the schools staff kept leaving.

Christina learned in December that Lennon would have a new special education teacher providing him with services. In February, she was informed Lennons counseling sessions were paused because the counselor left.

Sams said that many schools have missed service minutes because of the certified special education teacher shortage, and the school planned to compensate the parents for missed instruction over the summer.

Christina stayed up late at night researching the background of the employees Gates brought in. She felt like monitoring the school became her full-time job. She believed that Lennon would suffer if she stopped watching them for a second.

She still believed in the dream of a free school for dyslexic children. At her core, she didnt want to shut Gates down. She wanted the school to comply with federal laws to stay open.

Gates called her with an urgent message weeks later. Police were at the school asking about Lennon.

Personal stakes

In March, Lennon was at the North Charleston Aquatics Center for a swim lesson. He splashed and dove in the water, occasionally turning away from his instructor to smile and wave at his mother. Christina watched from a bench off to the side, the air filled with the scent of chlorine. Light reflecting off the water bathed the white walls in an otherworldly blue.

When Christina was 11 years old, her mother moved them to Florida. The family struggled financially. Christina recalls desperately wanting to be a cheerleader but didnt have enough money to join the team. Her mother moved the family back to Connecticut only to leave again. Christina and her sister lived by themselves when they were only teenagers.

The two girls frequently skipped school, and the Department of Child and Family Services was eventually alerted. The department got custody of Christina and her sister, but by then Christina was deep in the throes of a severe eating disorder and depression.

She spent her late teens and early 20s in and out of hospitals for complications related to her eating troubles. During one of the visits, the doctors told her she was pregnant. Christina decided to enter rehab for her eating disorders and turn her life around to care for her son properly.

I spent my whole life trying to destroy or kill myself, and now I had this beautiful kid, she said.

Christina wanted Lennon to have opportunities she didnt have as a child. She tried to support him in a way her mother hadnt done for her. She drove across Charleston County to bring Lennon to swim lessons and martial arts classes. It's why she stayed up past midnight filing Freedom of Information Act requests with the S.C. Department of Education to understand what was happening at Gates.

In late March, Gates called her, saying a cop was at the school asking about Lennon.

The North Charleston Police received an anonymous tip claiming Lennon threatened to burn down the school and bring sharp objects to hurt people.

Christina rushed to the school, flustered and terrified.

The police found no evidence any threats were made. But Christina still decided to withdraw her son from Gates less than four months before the end of the school year. She was sure it would hurt him academically but feared for his safety. She said she felt like she had no other choice.

It all falls apart

Such dissatisfaction was not universal. Leah Burkett was one of the many parents who had a positive experience at Gates. Her daughter had dyslexia and ADHD, which made her struggle at her public school.

Burkett said that since coming to Gates her daughter transformed from a girl who was several grades behind in reading to just shy of being on grade level. Whether or not Gates teachers had special education credentials didn't affect her since they were trained to help dyslexic children.

Her feelings were echoed by close to a dozen families interviewed by the paper. They talked about the severe bullying and ostracization their children underwent at their old schools. They called Gates a family and an environment where their children finally fit in.

They sent letters to the Institute begging to keep Gates open, extolling its virtues. The Institute held a meeting in March where parents could share their stories with its board. The call showed close-up images of the board members faces frowning as parents spoke.

One said Gates saved lives. Another quotes Bible verses. Almost all shared stories about the ostracization and teasing their children experienced before Gates. Their words were often unintelligible as they broke down in tears.

The Institutes board long struggled to make a decision on what to do about Gates. Members saw the clear promise of the schools model but also witnessed the plethora of problems and violations that mounted since it opened. Again and again, the board avoided moving to yank the school's charter, repeatedly postponing the vote.

This time, however, Gates had run out of chances.

The board revoked its charter on April 24 because of the ongoing problems.

The school quickly unraveled.

A troubled path forward

The Institute learned Gates wasnt making its bond payments, so it withheld state funds from the school to cover the cost. Gates officials sent a letter to the S.C. Department of Education pleading for the money, saying the school might be unable to make payroll.

"We are heartbroken at the devastation caused by the financial maneuverings of a public-school sponsor," Sams said in a statement.

Some of Gates' contract workers said they were missing payment going back several months. When they called payroll, they said that they were told its a glitch or its an accounting error. Gates teachers said they were also told they wouldnt be paid. Their paychecks were staggered, so they would receive money over the summer for the time they worked during the school year. A teacher said that Gates told her that she wouldnt receive her last three paychecks on time.

Christina said her son smiles more since enrolling in Lambs Elementary School in North Charleston. Hes no longer depressed and made his schools honor roll. On his most recent report card, his teacher wrote that Lennon has been an awesome addition at Lambs! When given his accommodations and with teacher support, Lennon is very capable of working at grade-level text!

But the parents who most believed in the school and kept their children enrolled are now scrambling to find a place to enroll their children.

Some are pouring over their family budgets, trying to find a way to cover tuition at a nearby school like Trident for a year or two. A handful of parents who relocated so their children could attend the school wonder if they have to move. Again.
Columbia, SC (29201)

Today

Mixed clouds and sun this morning. Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Potential for severe thunderstorms. High 93F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low near 75F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
GREENVILLE  Police Chief Howie Thompson still plans to retire, just not right now.

A month after he announced he was leaving the department, Thompson says he will stay in his post at the request of the newly installed city manager.

Thompson told The Post and Courier that he will still retire, though a date has not been determined.

Ill be here for a while and hopefully just make a good, smooth transition, said Thompson, who became chief in 2020 after serving in an interim role. I want to take a little bit of time off, and I will eventually get a job and do something else. But I dont have anything in mind now.

When asked, Thompson said the postponement was not at all related to the departure of John McDonough, the former city manager who announced his resignation June 7 to work with Greenville-based real estate development company American Centennial Properties.

On June 26, City Council confirmed Shannon Lavrin as the new city manager. Thompson agreed to stay on at her request.

"I asked him to stay because he is a trusted advisor who will bring stability to the organization and our public safety leadership team as I transition into my new role," Lavrin said in a news release.

Thompson joined the department in 1997 after starting his law enforcement career in Mauldin.

During his time in Greenville, he worked in vice and narcotics, as SWAT commander and as deputy chief before being elevated to interim chief to replace former Chief Ken Miller.

Following a misconduct investigation by the State Law Enforcement Division, Miller was abruptly ousted at the end of 2019.

Thompson headed the department throughout the turbulent 2020 summer of protest in the wake of the killing of George Floyd by police in Minnesota. He was named full chief that October. McDonough surprised him with news of the promotion on his birthday.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 28. In response to the recent provocative actions by Armenians, the Azerbaijani Army has carried out the "Revenge" military operation, resulting in the killing of 5 members of illegal Armenian armed formations.

Trend presents exclusive footage of the operation:
Summerville, SC (29483)

Today

Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms mainly during the evening. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low 77F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms mainly during the evening. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low 77F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Kimberly Hodge is going places. The local attorney can add Municipal Judge to her list of credentials. Hodge took the Oath of Office during a July 13, ceremony at the Sheriffs Office in Andrews. The ceremony reflects an impressive background that speaks for itself. Read moreLane native to serve as Andrews Municipal Judge
As a Democrat and a Republican representing diverse constituencies across South Carolina, we don't often see eye to eye on every issue. However, one thing we do agree on is that our health care system can and should do more to protect our citizens from the devastating impact of cancer. Read moreHealth above politics: Early cancer screenings for South Carolinians
Long before he was a Charleston County sheriff's deputy, James Foster enlisted in the Army. The year was 1952, and the 18-year-old Florence native was eager to serve his country, which would soon send young men like him to Vietnam in the fight against global communism.

But before Foster was sent to Southeast Asia, he was stationed as a military police officer at Fort Benning, Ga., where he met another young soldier, according to Lt. Shawn James, who served alongside Foster as a Charleston County sheriff's deputy and heard him recount the tale over the years.

The soldier's name was Elvis Presley. One day, Presley wrecked a military Jeep.

Foster, who would gain a reputation during his career in Charleston County law enforcement as a stickler for rules, issued the "King of Rock and Roll" two tickets.

The story seems unbelievable to people who did not know the decorated Vietnam War veteran and longtime sheriff's deputy, who died June 23 at the age of 88.

But to those who knew him, it speaks to Foster's commitment to hold everyone accountable under the law  and his singular passion for traffic enforcement.

In the Army, Foster became a paratrooper in the elite Special Forces, overcoming a fear of heights to make more than 2,000 jumps. He earned a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star and other medals for his service in Vietnam, arriving in the country in 1968 at the height of the Tet Offensive. He was badly injured but recovered, despite doctors' predictions.

He later returned home to South Carolina and worked for the S.C. Highway Patrol, the Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office and the Patrick Police Department, where he became chief. He joined the now-defunct Charleston County police department in 1986, which merged with the sheriff's office in 1991.

Over the course of a 30-year career in Charleston County law enforcement, Foster earned a reputation as an honest man who was a stickler for respect and tradition: he kept his uniform pristine and was unlikely to cut his own family members a break if he saw one of them speeding.

"It was said of him hed give his own mother a ticket," said Al Cannon, the former longtime Charleston County sheriff. "I think that's a bit of an exaggeration in the sense that he looked at each case on its own merits. He was compassionate."

Foster passed up more prestigious and cushier assignments over the years to remain on patrol, where he felt he could make the greatest impact.

Hailing down a speeding driver and issuing him or her a ticket could protect someone from their own careless behavior, while taking a drunk driver off the streets could save not only the driver's life but countless others.

"Some people, when you talk about making a difference, think in big terms. James thought more realistically, in terms of the person that he interacted with during the course of his day," Cannon reflected. "He felt he could make a difference in that person's life and thereby, make a difference with the people around them."

Lt. Shawn James and Foster were partners at the sheriff's office before James became his supervisor. James said everyone respected Foster  even the people whom he put in handcuffs.

Foster was known as a lawman, James said, but he was fortunate to get to know another side of Foster, who presented a tough exterior and was in pique shape even as he aged.

"The other side of him was he was a very compassionate person."

James experienced that side of Foster around Christmas time in 2000.

James had temporary custody of his sisters, who were ages 7 and 15. The 26-year-old single sheriff's deputy made less than $13 an hour. With Christmas approaching, he was unsure he could make the holiday special for his sisters.

Foster volunteered to help. A Christmas spirit had not overtaken him  helping others was what Foster was all about.

James recalled picking Foster up in his car and driving to Northwoods Mall in North Charleston. Foster wore Black dress pants and a collared shirt  his equivalent of casual wear. The men shopped for presents for the young girls. When it came time to pay, Foster offered to split the bill.

He didnt want them to know that it came from him, James said.

Foster retired from the sheriff's office in 2016 at the age of 82.

He is survived by his children. Funeral services will be held June 29 at 11 a.m. at the Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Lancaster. For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed on Facebook.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Mostly sunny early then increasing clouds with some scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. Areas of smoke and haze are possible, reducing visibility at times. High near 95F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Widely scattered showers or a thunderstorm this evening. Then partly cloudy. Low 78F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
FLORENCE  All students in Florence 1 Schools will receive free breakfasts and lunches in the 2023-2024 school year.

The school district's Board of Trustees recently voted to use the federal Department of Agriculture's Community Eligibility Provision for every school in the district in the upcoming school year.

Last year, 10 Florence 1 schools qualified for free breakfast and lunches.

In the 2022-23 school year, 29 South Carolina school districts qualified for the federal agency's Community Eligibility Provision, which allows the nation's highest poverty schools to serve free breakfast and lunch without requiring applications from each household.

School districts in the Pee Dee that qualified for the program in 2022-23 included Chesterfield County, Clarendon County, Darlington County, Dillon County School District 4, Florence County School District 3, Florence County School District 5, Lee County, Marion County, Marlboro County and Sumter County, according to Department of Agriculture documents.

School districts adopting the Community Eligibility Provision are reimbursed based on the percentage of students and their families eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Program, Medicaid and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

Schools and districts qualify for the program when at least 50 percent of their students are directly certified for free and reduced meals because the students or their families receive nutrition assistance from these federal programs.

Districtwide participation means parents don't have to fill out the free- and reduced-price lunch application.

Florence 1 is comprised of 23 schools. The percentage of students who received free or reduced-price lunches in those schools ranged from 46.8 percent to 87.58 percent.

Nutrition has a huge impact on student achievement, Florence 1 Superintendent Richard O'Malley said.

"With this provision, we are able to provide every student in the district with a nutritious breakfast and lunch that will set them up for success in the classroom and we will be able to do it in a financially responsible way," O'Malley said.

When everyone receives free breakfast and lunch, it reduces the stigma associated with the free school meals, O'Malley said, adding implementing the Community Eligibility Provision is another way the district is raising its standards.

Florence 1 previously operated its food-service program on a three-tier system  free meals, reduced-price meals and full-pay meals.

All students were eligible to receive free meals during the 2021-22 school year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In that year, Florence 1 served breakfast to 36 percent of its students and lunch to 58 percent.

In the 2022-23 school year under the three-tier system, 27 percent of Florence 1 students were served breakfast and 48 percent were served lunch.

Students learn better when their stomachs are not growling, the district's Chief Financial Officer Laura Showe said.

"So what's our goal here? Let's feed our students and make sure their stomachs are full so that they are able to obtain good instruction," she said.

Florence 1 contracts its food service program to Chartwells, a Charlotte, N.C.,-based school dining service. An added benefit of free meals for all students will be the company can grow and refine its culinary program at all levels, O'Malley said.

The culinary services team is crafting menus for the 2023-24 school year that will meet strict nutritional guidelines and appeal to the diverse tastes and preferences of students.

At least three entree options will be available at elementary schools. Middle school students will have their choice of four entree options. The number of entree options increases to five at the high school level.

Some meal highlights, Florence 1 students will see this coming school year include:

From Scratch Wednesdays, which will feature menu choices like meatloaf, barbecue chicken, macaroni and cheese, fresh green beans, dinner rolls and apple crisp desserts.

Celebratory meals for holidays and observances like National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, National Sandwich Month and National Burrito Day.

More daily options for fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, pizza and other children favorites.

Chartwells also will partner with The Farm and Florence 1 to feature seasonal produce grown in Florence in the district's school cafeterias. It also will feature several programs to inspire healthy eating habits and spark culinary curiosity.

Florence 1 unveiled The Farm at Florence 1 in May. It will allow the district to take food from seed to plate and spark student interest in agriculture and the culinary arts.

The classroom building, hydroponic greenhouse, raised planter boxes and 4 acres for row crops and livestock officially opened May 11.

It is the home of the district's agriculture education program, nutrition education program, fruit and vegetable production, Future Farmers of America chapter and community outreach, the district's Farm To School coordinator Jeff Murrie said at the May 11 ribbon cutting ceremony.
NORTH CHARLESTON  A routine press conference on a federal grant for Charleston's bus system put Republican U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace on the defensive after Democrats pounced on the fact she actually voted against the bill that made it happen.

While Mace voted against the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, even calling it a "fiasco" and "socialist wish list," she appeared at the June 28 press event in support of the local effort.

The law brought a nearly $26 million grant for a regional transit hub and will help the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority transition to a fully electric bus fleet by 2040.

Mace, who joined the majority of Republicans who opposed the bill, defended her support for the transit center by saying anything that benefits the Charleston area, minus the politics, she backs.

"What do you want me to do, turn my back on the Lowcountry when we get funding for public transit? Absolutely not," Mace said when asked about the optics of the moment.

"When someone calls our office, we're going to assist you," she continued. "We're going to assist your organization, your government entity. If you need funding, we're going to help find it and we have an enormously successful track record of doing that. We turn around grant letters within 24 hours."

Even before Mace was set to appear, South Carolina Democrats were taking aim at the Republican lawmaker who frequently describes herself an "independent voice" and a "caucus of one" within the GOP.

"If Nancy Mace wants to tout these critical funds coming to her district, she should have voted for them," S.C. Democratic Party spokesperson Alyssa Bradley said in a statement sent 15 minutes before the press conference.

"House Democrats like Congressman Jim Clyburn delivered these historic investments to South Carolinians," Bradley said. "If it were up to Mace and a majority of her Republican colleagues, investments in CARTA wouldn't exist."

News of Mace's showing made its way to federal Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Clyburn, D-S.C, who appeared together at the same moment in Orangeburg where they touted a separate $23 million grant to help build a pedestrian bridge and transit hub to better connect neighborhoods and surrounding college campuses there.

Buttigieg took a moment to respond after he was asked about House Republicans celebrating area infrastructure projects that were funded by a law they voted against.

"Well," he said, "I would say welcome aboard."

He added, "Look, this is good policy, and it's true that not every member of Congress was there with us when we were working to get this done. It turns out this is no barrier to them being glad to see that funding come to their district."

In North Charleston, Mace stressed the importance of federal dollars when it comes to addressing infrastructure needs in the fast-growing Lowcountry, and insisted "state dollars are not enough."

"Oftentimes what you see in D.C. is both sides arguing over how much money we're going to spend, arguing over how it's going to be paid for," Mace said. "But at the end of the day, when those dollars are appropriated, I want to make sure that we are getting our fair share."

In November 2021, Mace joined most of her Republican colleagues in voting against President Joe Biden's $1 trillion infrastructure package. In a statement issued by her office at the time, Mace balked at the price tag, took issue the number of new taxes in the bill and claimed the legislation did too little to directly address infrastructure needs like roads and bridges.

Clyburn was the only House member in South Carolina's delegation to vote for the package. U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., was one of 19 Republican Senators to vote for the measure.

Leah Hincks contributed from Orangeburg.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 28. There are no changes in the schedule of meetings between Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers, Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the US State Department said during a briefing on June 28, Trend reports.

"We absolutely have to confirm that there are meetings today. There's been no change in scheduling the meetings.

We're very much glad to be convening and hosting this and the role that we've played similar to the last time that we hosted this, these kinds of talks earlier this year. As I said the Secretary had the opportunity to meet with the foreign ministers. It's something that the department is going to continue to remain deeply engaged on," he said.

On June 27, Blinken held separate closed-door bilateral meetings with the FMs of Azerbaijan and Armenia at the National Training Center for Foreign Affairs named after George P. Schultz.

After the meetings, Blinken took part in the first plenary session with the foreign ministers of the two countries.

Then the ministers continued negotiations in a bilateral format, which lasted intermittently for 4-5 hours.

The negotiations will continue through June 29.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
In the matter of the Biden family business  CBS News has covered the testimony of IRS whistleblower Gary Shapley. This is a significant development. The story is posted under the headline IRS whistleblower in Hunter Biden probe says he was stopped from pursuing investigative leads into dad or the big guy.' I have posted video of the segment below.

Something is happening here. The New York Times has confirmed Shapleys testimony regarding David Weisss inability to file charges against Hunter Biden in California notwithstanding Attorney General Merrick Garlands assertion that Weiss had full authority to do so. The confirmation made it all the way up to paragraph 21 of the Times story by Glenn Thrush and Michael Schmidt.

In the tweet below, Chuck Ross finds the Times to be burying the news. I may be overoptimistic, but I think its number 21 with a bullet. The tempo of revelations is picking up. The New York Post gives us a preview of more to come.

NYT buries in the 21st paragraph that it has an independent source who confirms the two IRS whistleblowers' claim that David Weiss said he was blocked from bringing charges against Hunter Biden in California. https://t.co/nH55AVQAJq pic.twitter.com/wSPKT4aiMG  Chuck Ross (@ChuckRossDC) June 27, 2023

Republicans on the House Oversight Committee released a few more WhatsApp messages from the eloquent Hunter Biden. Hunter wanted the big bucks from CEFC. In a 2017 message to Gongwen Dong, a CEFC China Energy associate who used the nickname Kevin, Hunter explained: Im tired of this Kevin. I can make $5 million in salary from any law firm in America. If you think its about money, its not. The Bidens [sic] are the best at doing exactly what Chairman wants from this partnership. Please lets not quibble over peanuts.

The Daily Mail puts the messages in context in this story. The Daily Mail reports that Republicans identified the Chairman as missing Chinese oil tycoon Ye Jianming, who disappeared in February 2018 after being taken into custody by Chinese authorities.

BIDEN FAMILY COVER-UP In a WhatsApp exchange dated 8/3/2017, Hunter Biden tells CEFC associate Gongwen Dong, aka Kevin: "The Biden's are the best I know at doing exactly what the Chairman wants from this [partnership]." CEFC is a CCP-linked Chinese Energy Company. pic.twitter.com/ZzRvpMeuNn  Oversight Committee (@GOPoversight) June 27, 2023
A veteran reporter, foreign correspondent, and editor at the New York Times and other publications, Clifford May is the founder and president of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. He writes a weekly column for the Washington Times that is cross-posted at the invaluable FDD site. Cliff has given us standing permission to publish his column on Power Line. This week Cliff writes Yes, Xi Jinping is a dictator, and he should be proud of it. This one delights while it instructs. Cliff writes (links omitted):

Whats Xi Jinping getting his knickers in a knot about?

Was it a diplomatic faux pas for President Biden to call him  at a campaign fundraiser  a dictator? Of course.

Was that description a smear, as the Chinese presidents spokesman in Washington complained? Not at all.

Mr. Xi should be proud to be recognized as a dictator  indeed, the most powerful dictator in the world today.

He is a Leninist, after all, and it was Lenins great achievement  surely Comrade Xi sees it that way  to establish the first dictatorship of the proletariat.

Mr. Xi is also a Maoist, and when Mao Zedong founded the Peoples Republic of China, he called it a peoples democratic dictatorship.

Dont misunderstand the adjectives in that phrase. In the Marxist-Leninist-Stalinist-Maoist sense, a dictatorship is democratic because it empowers communists to do whatever they consider necessary to serve the people who matter: the proletariat, aka the working class.

A priority task is to prevent the establishment of a liberal democracy, which would act in the interests of the bourgeoisie and other counterrevolutionary classes.

Also: Mr. Xi is allied with Ali Khamenei, whose title is supreme leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and who maintains that he is the representative of the Prophet Muhammad and [Shiisms] 12th Imam on Earth.

Those are some heavy-duty credentials!

Then theres Mr. Xis pet bulldog, Kim Jong Un, the third generation of the North Korean dynastic dictatorship.

Mr. Xis most important ally, however, is Vladimir Putin, who, over 23 years, has transitioned from Russian leader to Russian dictator. His rivals have ended up in prisons or graveyards.

This leads me to briefly digress about Yevgeny Prigozhin, whose checkered career has included serving time for robbery, running a hot-dog stand, and amassing a fortune as a caterer to the Kremlin.

More recently, hes been the generalissimo of the Wagner Group, a private military company. Mr. Prigozhin was loyal to Mr. Putin until last Saturday, when he launched a mutiny  though he said his complaint was only with Russias military establishment.

Without firing a shot, Wagner troops took Rostov-on-Don, the command center of the Russian forces waging war on Ukraine. Wagner troops then began heading north toward Moscow.

Late in the day, however, Mr. Prigozhin announced that hed accepted a truce brokered by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

A few hours later, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russian authorities had decided not to prosecute Mr. Prigozhin for his rebellion but to allow him safe passage to Belarus (where he might want to consider adopting a Rottweiler, renting an apartment on the ground floor, and avoiding almond-scented tea).

On Monday, however, the Russian news-and-propaganda agency Tass cited an authoritative source saying that a criminal case against Mr. Prigozhin is continuing.

Later that same day, Mr. Putin said Wagner fighters can either join the Russian army, go back home, or go to Belarus. What impact all this may have on Mr. Putins war against Ukraine is unclear.

You can be sure that Mr. Xi has been paying close attention to how his brother dictator copes with this crisis.

One obvious lesson: A shrewd dictator does not allow anyone  not even those he regards as his faithful servants  to acquire significant power.

Mr. Xi, over the more than 20 years hes ruled, has only become more dictatorial. He has genocidally imposed his dictatorship on the peoples of Tibet and East Turkistan, the latter better known by its Mandarin name, Xinjiang, which means New Frontier, indicating that its an imperial possession.

Hes subjugated the people of Hong Kong in flagrant violation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration that was meant to guarantee the former British colony some freedoms and rights under the principle of one country, two systems after it transferred to Chinese Communist Party control in 1997.

Longer-term and more ambitiously, Mr. Xi is promoting what he calls a global community of common destiny. He envisions it replacing the post-World War II, American-led liberal international order.

Under that system, all members of the United Nations are to abide by international laws  none more fundamental than the prohibition against erasing the borders of sovereign nation-states by force of arms.

But Mr. Putin suffered no serious consequences when he took territories from Georgia in 2008 and from Ukraine in 2014. After seeing the U.S. capitulate to the Taliban in 2021, it was logical for him to attempt to further expand the shrunken Russian empire. He figured Ukrainians wouldnt put up much resistance and expected only finger-wagging from the West.

Similarly, Mr. Xi is threatening to invade Taiwan if the Taiwanese people continue refusing to submit to his dictatorship.

All this notwithstanding, Mr. Biden said last week that he expects to meet with Mr. Xi sometime in the future, the near term, and that hes hoping for a thaw in relations.

My colleague Emily de La Bruyere recently explained why, in the absence of serious concessions from Mr. Xi, that would be a bad idea: It would mean that the United States, having concluded that confrontation is not worth it, would decide to back down from the defense of its interests. She added that a thaw in name would be appeasement in practice.

Thats yet another reason why Mr. Biden when he next gets together with Mr. Xi, shouldnt apologize for calling him a dictator. He can discuss ways to reduce tensions and risks, such as restoring military-to-military communications, which Mr. Xi shut down after the downing of his spy balloon earlier this year.

But President Biden should not for a moment forget that the grand ambition of Chinas dictator is to dictate to America and, indeed, the entire planet.
I admit it. I hate Attorney General Merrick Garland so much I can barely stand to hear him speak.

But theres a reason for my strong feelings. We cant trust a word he says. And on Tuesday, The New York Times confirmed it.

Last week, the House Ways and Means Committee released the transcribed interviews of two IRS whistleblowers who worked on the Hunter Biden case. The testimonies of IRS Criminal Supervisory Special Agent Gary Shapley Jr. and an anonymous whistleblower who was part of his team, bolster the widely-held belief that U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware David Weiss, appointed by former President Donald Trump in 2018, was blocked by DOJ prosecutors at several turns during his five year investigation into the first son.

In particular, Shapley and his anonymous colleague alleged that, during a 2022 meeting, Weiss said he had sought to charge Hunter Biden in Washington, D.C., and in Los Angeles, California, and that both requests had been rebuffed by DOJ prosecutors. Weiss also allegedly claimed he had asked to be granted special counsel status, but had been turned down.

Contrary to Shapleys testimony, in a June 7 letter to members of the House Judiciary Committee, Weiss wrote that he had been granted ultimate authority over this matter, including responsibility for deciding where, when and whether to file charges against Hunter Biden.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Garland strongly denied Shapleys claims.

As I said at the outset, Mr. Weiss, who was appointed by President Trump as the U.S. attorney in Delaware and assigned this matter during the previous administration, would be permitted to continue his investigation and to make a decision to prosecute any way in which he wanted to and in any district in which he wanted to. Mr. Weiss has since sent a letter to the House Judiciary Committee confirming that he had that authority. I dont know how it would be possible for anybody to block him from bringing a prosecution, given that he has this authority. He was given complete authority to make all decisions on his own behalf.

In an article titled Competing Accounts of Justice Dept.s Handling of Hunter Biden Case, the Times reported it had independently confirmed that Weiss did indeed make those claims.

But in mid-2022, Mr. Weiss reached out to the top federal prosecutor in Washington, Matthew Graves, to ask his office to pursue charges and was rebuffed, according to Mr. Shapleys testimony. A similar request to prosecutors in the Central District of California, which includes Los Angeles, was also rejected, Mr. Shapley testified. A second former I.R.S. official, who has not been identified, told House Republicans the same story. That episode was confirmed independently to The New York Times by a person with knowledge of the situation.

Unsurprisingly, Fox News noted that you had to read to the 21st paragraph of the Times article to find this information.

In a March Senate hearing, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) questioned Garland quite forcefully about the autonomy  or the lack thereof  of Weiss investigation. Grassley asked the attorney general if Weiss had sought the permission of another U.S. Attorneys Office, such as in the District of Columbia or in California, to bring charges? If so, was it denied?

Grassley told Garland, If the Delaware U.S. Attorney must seek permission from a Biden-appointed U.S. Attorney to bring charges, the Hunter Biden criminal investigation isnt insulated from political interference as youve publicly proclaimed.

In the video below, Garland assured lawmakers that Weiss had operated with complete autonomy.

The whistleblowers testimony  and the Times confirmation of Weiss remarks in a 2022 internal meeting  call Garlands veracity into serious question.
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Livestream provides a vital crowdsourced tool for volcano monitoringVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2023 / To further its mission to make it possible for people to experience the beauty and excitement of the natural world from afar, without the environmental impact from travel, AfarTV has launched a 24/7 4K live stream of the erupting Semeru Volcano on the island of Java in Indonesia. This project is the world's first 4K live stream of an erupting volcano. It offers people, for the first time, a chance to view an erupting volcano with unprecedented detail, including the ability to see volcanic activity happening directly inside the crater, thanks to the positioning and 40X magnification of its camera.Pyroclastic Flow on Semeru VolcanoCaught on camera in 4K: Pyroclastic flow heading down the steep walls of Semeru Volcano, on the island of Java, Indonesia "I'm excited to announce that this is the first of many 4K volcano live streams from around the world. Our goal is to place a 4K webcam in front of every erupting volcano on earth." - Ryan Logtenberg, AfarTVNot only does this camera provide a first-of-its-kind 4K window to one of the most beautiful volcanoes on earth, but the camera will also be providing a vital service to volcanologists and government officials who need to monitor the volcano's activity to ensure the 950,000 people living within a 35km radius can be alerted promptly should the volcano display signs of a significant eruption. The camera is powered by solar and batteries to ensure the camera remains running during power outages.AfarTV is also recognized for launching the first 4K live stream in the state of Hawaii. This live stream showcases the Hawaii Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary which gives virtual tourists an up-close view of humpback whale activity during the winter months.It is unsustainable with today's carbon-intensive modes of travel for everyone to be able to experience these beautiful locations in person. That's why AfarTV is focusing on bringing the world to them using the latest technology available so that greenhouse gas emissions can be avoided.The Semeru Volcano live stream is now live and can be found on AfarTV's YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@afartv Contact Information:Ryan LogtenbergCreatorinfo@ afar.tv 604-883-2227SOURCE: AfarTV
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GUILDFORD, SURREY / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2023 / ANGLE plc (AIM:AGL)(OTCQX:ANPCY), a world-leading liquid biopsy company, announces that at the Annual General Meeting of the Company held earlier today, all resolutions were duly passed.For further information:ANGLE plc+44 (0) 1483 343434Andrew Newland, Chief ExecutiveIan Griffiths, Finance DirectorAndrew Holder, Head of Investor RelationsBerenberg (NOMAD and Joint Broker)Toby Flaux, Ciaran Walsh, Milo Bonser+44 (0) 20 3207 7800Jefferies (Joint Broker)Thomas Bective, Shaam Vora+44 (0) 20 7029 8000FTI ConsultingSimon Conway, Ciara MartinMatthew Ventimiglia (US)+44 (0) 203 727 1000+1 (212) 850 5624Notes for editorsAbout ANGLE plc www.angleplc.com ANGLE is a world leading liquid biopsy company with sample-to-answer solutions. ANGLE's proven patent protected circulating tumor cell (CTC) harvesting technology is known as the Parsortix system.ANGLE's Parsortix system is FDA cleared for its intended use in metastatic breast cancer and is currently the first and only FDA cleared medical device to harvest intact circulating cancer cells from blood.Intended useThe Parsortix PC1 system is an in vitro diagnostic device intended to enrich circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from peripheral blood collected in K2EDTA tubes from patients diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. The system employs a microfluidic chamber (a Parsortix cell separation cassette) to capture cells of a certain size and deformability from the population of cells present in blood. The cells retained in the cassette are harvested by the Parsortix PC1 system for use in subsequent downstream assays. The end user is responsible for the validation of any downstream assay. The standalone device, as indicated, does not identify, enumerate or characterize CTCs and cannot be used to make any diagnostic/prognostic claims for CTCs, including monitoring indications or as an aid in any disease management and/or treatment decisions.The Parsortix PC1 system enables a liquid biopsy (a simple blood test) to be used to provide the circulating tumor cells from metastatic breast cancer patients to the user in a format suitable for multiple types of downstream analyses. The system is based on a microfluidic device that captures cells based on a combination of their size and compressibility. The system is epitope independent and can capture all phenotypes of CTCs (epithelial, mesenchymal and EMTing CTCs) as well as CTC clusters in a viable form (alive). CTCs harvested from the system enable a complete picture of a cancer to be seen; as being an intact cell they allow DNA, RNA and protein analysis as well as cytological and morphological examination and may provide comparable analysis to a tissue biopsy in metastatic breast cancer. Because CTC analysis is a non-invasive process, unlike tissue biopsy, it can be repeated as often as needed. This is important because cancer develops and changes over time and there is a clear medical need for up-to-date information on the status of a patient's tumor. In addition, the live CTCs harvested by the Parsortix system can be cultured, which offers the potential for testing tumor response to drugs outside the patient.The Parsortix technology is the subject of 26 granted patents in Europe, the United States, China, Australia, Canada, India, Japan and Mexico with three extensive families of patents are being progressed worldwide.In the United States, the Parsortix PC1 system has received a Class II Classification from FDA for use with metastatic breast cancer patients. FDA clearance is seen as the global gold standard. ANGLE's Parsortix system is the first ever FDA cleared system for harvesting CTCs for subsequent analysis. ANGLE has applied the IVD CE Mark to the same system for the same intended use in Europe.ANGLE has also completed three separate 200 subject clinical studies under a programme designed to develop an ovarian cancer pelvic mass triage test, with the results showing best in class accuracy (AUC-ROC) of 95.4% with sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 93%. This excellent clinical result demonstrates the utility of cells harvested by the Parsortix system, which the Company believes is the "best sample" for liquid biopsy analysis as it recovers intact, living cancer cells that are involved in the progression of the disease providing prospective information.ANGLE has established formal collaborations with world-class cancer centres and major corporates such as Abbott, Philips and QIAGEN, and works closely with leading CTC translational research customers. These Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) are working to identify applications with medical utility (clear benefit to patients), and to secure clinical data that demonstrates that utility in patient studies. The body of evidence as to the benefits of the Parsortix system is growing rapidly from our own clinical studies in metastatic breast cancer and ovarian cancer and also from KOLs with 80 peer-reviewed publications and numerous publicly available posters from 35 independent cancer centres, available on our website.ANGLE has established clinical services laboratories in the UK and the United States to accelerate commercialisation of the Parsortix system and act as demonstrators to support product development. The laboratories offer services globally to pharmaceutical and biotech customers for use of Parsortix in cancer drug trials and, once the laboratories are accredited and tests validated, will provide Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs) for patient management.This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@ lseg.com or visit www.rns.com SOURCE: ANGLE plc
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CHOA CHU KANG, SINGAPORE / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2023 / Ever since it was first launched, BullBear AI has swept the crypto space like crazy, attracting users from across the globe. The recent innovation simplifies investments in cryptocurrency and helps ascertain the future market condition, whether it will go bearish or bullish. All this is done with advanced AI tools that predict market fluctuations based on previously available data, user behavior, and price action. While users had already identified the project's worth, the $1M funding is set to place BullBear AI on the global map, increasing its reach and aiding it to breach all previously established benchmarks.PolkaBridge Ventures, a leading name in the blockchain space, is known to fund projects that have made it big. And with BullBear AI being the latest entrant in its portfolio, expectations, as well as the project's reach, are indeed set to increase exponentially. The trust and credibility the partnership offers will instill confidence in users and future investors.The funding will also help BullBear AI allocate a more significant share to marketing and tap into regions and markets so far beyond its reach. A project this advanced has to be marketed on a global scale and made available to users in the remotest of locations. Blockchain being a relatively volatile market experiencing regular ups and down, needed an AI-based behavior prediction project more than anything. Cryptocurrency has already made inroads in African countries, where the largely uninformed userbase would benefit significantly from BullBear AI and witness their returns grow manifold, especially at a time when the market is at lower levels and heavy investments are the recommended approach.While BullBear AI already has a robust and advanced system, upgrades were the need for the hour for mass-scale adaptability and use. Besides, when working with AI-based tools, one has to be on toes 24x7 since there's no end to learning. And the million-dollar funding is set to aid that!In addition to the financial support, BullBear AI stands to earn a great deal from the robust system already in place at PolkaBridge Ventures and will have access to its extensive network. It will lead to more partnerships and collaborations in the future, further increasing the project's valuation and putting it at the top position in the blockchain space.BullBearAI continues to gain traction in the market with its innovative approach and commitment to success. The project recently achieved significant milestones by securing listings on various reputable exchanges, including Bitget, Bitmart, MEXC, and Camelot. These listings provide increased accessibility and liquidity for the project's native token, AIBB, fueling its growth and attracting a broader audience of investors. Furthermore, BullBearAI has formed strategic partnerships with industry-leading entities such as Bybit, Bitget, MEXC, Bitmart, SpaceID, PolkaBridge, Magic Square, UniLend, Nabox, Router Protocol, Web3 Port and more. These collaborations further strengthen the project's ecosystem and offer valuable synergies, combining cutting-edge technology and expertise in the crypto space. BullBearAI's dedication to expanding its reach and forging strategic alliances positions it as a force to be reckoned with in the crypto industry.Last but not least, BullBear AI, a project still in its infancy, will benefit tremendously from PolkaBridge Venture's expertise in product development, forming market-oriented strategies, positioning, and, certainly, scaling operations. The collaboration will open a barrage of opportunities for BullBear AI and help them make informed decisions to make the most out of these.About BullBear AIBullBear AI is developed using AI to predict the BULL and BEAR markets through User Behaviors and Price Action, allowing users to obtain information which they can utilise for their various purposes. AI will be trained based on historical data of users and price line history, along with market movements to provide the most accurate information to support predictions.AIBB is the key to the Bullbear AI Ecosystem.With AIBB, users can earn a significant passive income through staking, a concept where token holders pledge their crypto assets to the staking pool, which is then used to verify and authenticate transactions on the blockchain. To reward the action, projects deposit a regular sum into the user's wallet, also known as staking rewards. And BullBear AI offers the best in the market reward percentage.Best of all, BullBear is a community-driven project where the token holders have a say in critical decisions and get to propose changes. Most decisions are voted upon by the holders, and the ones approved get to see the light of day. The voting is transparent, and users can, at any point, track the progress, access critical information, and demand accountability.While BullBear AI is yet to achieve a global presence, the initial days have been nothing but filled with excitement and thrill. The project received a tremendous response from users, and the recent $1 million funding from PolkaBridge Ventures is all set to take things to the next level. For those who haven't yet, check out BullBear AI and use its advanced tools to generate massive returns.To find out more about BullBear AI, visit the official website: https://bull-bear.ai/ Also, follow BullBear AI on all social channels to stay updated with the latest developments in the space.Docs: https://docs.bull-bear.ai Twitter: https://twitter.com/bullbear_ai Telegram: https://t.me/ai_bullbeargroupDisclaimer: There is no offer to sell, no solicitation of an offer to buy, and no recommendation of any security or any other product or service in this article. This is not investment advice. Please do your own research.Media Contact:Company: BullBear AI LtdContact Person: SharamEmail: hello@ bull-bear.ai City: Choa Chu KangCountry: SingaporeWebsite: https://bull-bear.ai/ SOURCE: BullBear AI Ltd
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ROSEMEAD, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2023 / Edison International:Twelve aspiring lineworkers will be awarded up to $25,000 each to pursue a chance to become a Southern California Edison lineworker. This is part of the 2023 Edison International Lineworker Scholarship Program, funded by Edison International shareholders and IBEW Local 47, designed to bring in lineworkers to help power the clean energy future.California has sizeable electrification needs to meet ambitious clean energy goals, and the electric industry will need highly skilled lineworkers to reach them. According to labor statistics, the demand for lineworkers is expected to rise by 8.5% by 2026. Edison's Lineworker Scholarship Program is designed to fill that need with skilled lineworkers, right here in Southern California."SCE needs well-trained and energetic lineworkers more than ever as we work to assure a grid that is reliable, resilient and ready to meet our customers' demands in a clean energy future," said Heather Rivard, SCE's senior vice president of Transmission Distribution. "The Lineworker Scholarship Program is already helping us meet those needs, and I look forward to meeting the new scholarship winners, including a former U.S. Marine and our second female recipient!"The recipients of the 2023 Edison International Lineworker Scholarship are:NameCityAngela BruleeLos AngelesIvan CastanedaNorwalkJesse ChhingLong BeachLazarus FuentesBloomingtonJustin JohnstonPico RiveraNisifolo LolesioSan JacintoDaniel MaldonadoForest FallsFreddy McCutcheonLakewoodIsrael MendezSouth GateJermone MitchellLancasterUbaldo Reyes TapiaMaywoodBrandon RossMoreno ValleyLaunched in 2021, the Edison International Lineworker Scholarship Program initially focused on attracting Black participants. This year, the program expanded its focus to include candidates who self-identify as Asian Pacific Islander, Native American or female. The Lineworker Scholarship provides tuition, tools and support services, such as housing, transportation and childcare, needed to complete required training at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College and to obtain a Class A driver's license.2022 Lineworker Scholarship recipient Nicole Taylor said, "Three words that describe my journey since receiving the scholarship are resilience, strength and teamwork. There is a sense of camaraderie between the scholarship recipients, and the support we've received from the 2021 cohort has helped me along my journey." Recipients are eligible for an entry-level groundman/groundwoman position at SCE once they complete the Powerline Mechanic Certificate program, obtain a Class A driver's license and complete SCE pre-employment requirements. All jobs will be located within SCE's 50,000-square-mile service area, and the company may require graduates to relocate for their positions.To learn more about the Lineworker Scholarship winners, visit the 2023 Lineworker Scholarship Spotlight page.The next application period will start next spring. Applicants are encouraged to visit Edison International Lineworker Scholarship to stay up to date on next year's eligibility requirements.About Edison InternationalEdison International (NYSE:EIX) is one of the nation's largest electric utility holding companies, providing clean and reliable energy and energy services through its independent companies. Headquartered in Rosemead, California, Edison International is the parent company of Southern California Edison Company, a utility that delivers electricity to 15 million people across Southern, Central and Coastal California. Edison International is also the parent company of Edison Energy LLC, a global energy advisory firm engaged in the business of providing integrated decarbonization and energy solutions to commercial, industrial and institutional customers.Media Contact: Diane Castro, (626) 302-2255View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Edison International on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: Edison InternationalWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/edison-international Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Edison International
Bakcell delivered holiday gifts to the families of martyrs and veterans on the occasion of Gurban Holiday.

As part of the initiative, implemented with the organizational support of the Khazar District Executive, Bakcell employees visited the families of martyrs and veterans and presented holiday gifts on behalf of the company. Thus, Bakcell provided food aid to more than 170 families of martyrs and veterans.

Bakcell will continue to support the citizens of Azerbaijan, especially the most sensitive segments of the population, through the implementation of various social and other initiatives.

Note that the company is part of NEQSOL Holding.
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LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2023 / Meridian Mining UK S (TSX:MNO)(OTCQX:MRRDF)(Frankfurt/Tradegate:2MM) ("Meridian" or the "Company") announces the voting results from the Company's Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders held on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 (the "Meeting"). A total of 95,876,288 common shares were voted, representing 40.00% of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares as at the record date of May 16, 2023. Each of the matters voted upon is discussed in detail in the Company's Management Information Circular dated May 24, 2023, which can be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com Shareholders of the Company voted in favor of all the items of business before the Meeting, including the election of Directors of the Company to serve until the close of the next annual meeting of shareholders of the Company, or until their successors are elected or appointed.The percentage of votes cast by shareholders of the Company at the Meeting, for each Director is as follows:NomineeVotes For% ForVotes Withheld% WithheldAdrian McArthur (Executive)95,866,88899.999,4000.01Gilbert Clark (Executive)94,537,25698.601,339,0321.40John Skinner (Non-executive)95,866,88899.999,4000.01Susanne Sesselmann (Non-executive)95,864,88899.9911,4000.01Prior to the Meeting, Mr. Charles Riopel removed his name for consideration for election as a Director of the Company and the resolution concerning his re-election was withdrawn as a result. Existing Director Mr. Mark Thompson also did not stand for re-election. The Directors of the Company would like to thank both Mr. Riopel and Mr. Thompson sincerely for all the time and efforts spent in strongly contributing to the development of the Company over the past years and wish them all the best in their future endeavours. The Company plans to fill the vacancies on the Board of Directors again in due course.In addition, shareholders approved the following matters submitted before the Meeting:Re-appointment of KPMG LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, as the Company's auditors for the ensuing year at the remuneration to be fixed by the directors of the Company;Appointment of PKF Littlejohn LLP as the Company's auditors in the United Kingdom for the ensuing year and the directors of the Company were authorized to fix the auditor's remuneration;Approval of the Company's UK 2022 Annual Accounts;Authorization to the Board pursuant to section 551 of the United Kingdom Companies Act 2006 (the "Act") and Statute 5.5 of the Company's Articles to allot shares in the capital of the Company; andApproval by special resolutions authorizing the Board to disapply pre-emptive rights pursuant to the Act.No other business was put forth before the Meeting.Additional details of the results of the Meeting will be provided in a Report of Voting Results to be filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com The Company also announces that Mr. Gilbert Clark stepped down from his role as Executive Chairman of the Company. For the past few years, Mr. Clark has been a key cornerstone in managing the development of Meridian Mining UK S and his efforts in this regard cannot be overemphasized. The Board of Directors expresses its sincere thanks for that.ABOUT MERIDIANMeridian Mining UK S is focused on:The development and exploration of the advanced stage Cabacal VMS goldcopper project;Regional scale exploration of the Cabacal VMS belt;Exploration in the Jauru & Araputanga Greenstone belts (the above all located in the State of Mato Grosso, Brazil); andExploring the Espigao polymetallic project in the State of Rondonia, Brazil.Cabacal is a gold-copper-silver rich VMS deposit with the potential to be a standalone mine within the 50km VMS belt. Cabacal's base and precious metal-rich mineralization is hosted by volcanogenic type, massive, semi-massive, stringer, and disseminated sulphides within deformed metavolcanic-sedimentary rocks. A later-stage sub-vertical gold overprint event has emplaced high-grade gold mineralization cross-cutting the dipping VMS layers.The Cabacal Mineral Resource estimate consists of Indicated resources of 52.9 million tonnes at 0.6g/t gold, 0.3% copper and 1.4g/t silver and Inferred resources of 10.3 million tonnes at 0.7g/t gold, 0.2% copper & 1.1g/t silver (at a 0.3 g/t gold equivalent cut-off grade), including a higher-grade near-surface zone supporting a starter pit.The Preliminary Economic Assessment technical report (the "PEA Technical Report") dated March 30, 2023, entitled: "Cabacal Gold-Copper Project NI 43-101 Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment, Mato Grosso, Brazil" outlines a base case after-tax NPV5 of USD 573 million and 58.4% IRR from a pre-production capital cost of USD 180 million, leading to capital repayment in 10.6 months (assuming metals price scenario of USD 1,650 per ounces of gold, USD 3.59 per pound of copper, and USD 21.35 per ounce of silver). Cabacal has a low All-in-Sustaining-Cost of USD 671 per ounce gold equivalent for the first five years, driven by high metallurgical recovery, a low life-of-mine strip ratio of 2.1:1, and the low operating cost environment of Brazil (see press release dated March 6, 2023).Readers are encouraged to read the PEA Technical Report in its entirety. The PEA Technical Report may be found on the Company's website at www.meridianminig.co and under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com The qualified persons for the PEA Technical Report are: Robert Raponi (P. Eng), Principal Metallurgist with Ausenco Engineering), Scott Elfen (P. E.), Global Lead Geotechnical and Civil Services with Ausenco Engineering), Simon Tear (PGeo, EurGeol), Principal Geological Consultant of H&SC, Marcelo Batelochi, (MAusIMM, CP Geo), Geological Consultant of MB Geologia Ltda, Joseph Keane (Mineral Processing Engineer; P.E), of SGS, and Guilherme Gomides Ferreira (Mine Engineer MAIG) of GE21 Consultoria Mineral.On behalf of the Board of Directors of Meridian Mining UK SDr. Adrian McArthurCEO and DirectorMeridian Mining UK SEmail: info@ meridianmining.net.br Ph: +1 (778) 715-6410 (PST)Qualified PersonDr. Adrian McArthur, B.Sc. Hons, Ph.D. FAusIMM., CEO and Director of Meridian as well as a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and verified the technical information in this news release.Stay up to date by
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TAIPRI CITY, TAIWAN / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2023 / PH Hession Enterprise, a boutique investment services company in Taiwan, is pleased to announce the promotion of Hanako Chen from Human Resources Officer to the position of Director of Human Resources. This promotion recognizes Hanako's outstanding contributions, expertise, and dedication to the company's human resources department.Hanako Chen joined PH Hession Enterprise in 2018 and has since played a pivotal role in driving the company's success through her exceptional HR management abilities and strategic vision. Her commitment to fostering a positive work environment, promoting employee development, and aligning HR initiatives with the company's overall objectives has been instrumental in the growth and success of the organization.Commenting on Hanako Chen's promotion, Chief Executive Officer Huang-Fu Chang expressed his admiration for her accomplishments, saying, "Hanako has been an invaluable asset to our organization, consistently demonstrating exceptional leadership and a deep understanding of our company's culture. Her commitment to nurturing our employees and fostering a cohesive work environment has been instrumental in promoting a strong sense of belonging among our team members. We have full confidence that she will excel in her new role as Director of Human Resources and continue to contribute to the growth and success of PH Hession Enterprise." Director of Capital Markets, Samuel Harris, also shared his thoughts on Hanako's promotion, stating, "Hanako's strategic approach to human resources has positively influenced our company's performance. Her ability to identify and attract top talent, develop comprehensive training programs, and foster a culture of collaboration has contributed to our organization's success in a highly competitive industry. I have no doubt that Hanako will continue to elevate our human resources practices and drive employee engagement to new heights." As the newly appointed Director of Human Resources, Hanako Chen will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of human capital management, talent acquisition, employee development, performance evaluation, and HR strategy implementation. Her extensive experience and proven track record make her well-equipped to lead the HR team and further strengthen the company's commitment to its employees.With Hanako Chen assuming her new role, PH Hession Enterprise is confident in its ability to maintain its position as a market leader in the investment management industry. Her promotion signifies the company's commitment to recognizing and promoting internal talent, ensuring a seamless transition of responsibilities, and fostering a culture of growth and development.For more information about PH Hession Enterprise, please visit https://www.phhessionenterprise.com Media ContactOrganization: PH Hession Enterprise.Contact Person: Mr Chung Liao - Chief EconomistWebsite: https://www.phhessionenterprise.com/ Email: info@ phhessionenterpise.com City: Taipei CityCountry: TaiwanSOURCE: PH Hession Enterprise
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2023 / Hagens Berman urges Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:SPR) investors who suffered $500k or more in losses submit your losses now.Class Period: Apr. 8, 2020 - Apr. 13, 2023Lead Plaintiff Deadline: July 5, 2023Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/SPR Contact An Attorney Now: SPR@ hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. (SPR) Securities Fraud Class Action:The litigation focuses on Spirit AeroSystem's past statements concerning its operational performance and quality controls, particularly with respect to supplying its largest customer (Boeing).According to the complaint, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) Spirit lacked adequate production quality controls; (2) Spirit incorrectly installed fittings designed to join the aft fuselage to the vertical tail for some Boeing 737 MAX airplanes; (3) Spirit would have to develop an inspection and repair procedure for the affected fuselages; and (4) the foregoing would negatively impact Spirit's financial results.Investors began to learn the truth on Apr. 13, 2023, when the financial press reported that Spirit notified Boeing of a quality problem that could stretch back to 2019. Reuters reported that "[t]he issue will likely affect a 'significant' number of undelivered 737 MAX airplanes both in production and in storage, and could result in lowered 737 MAX deliveries in the near term" and "[t]he problem, which affects a portion of the 737 MAX family [] involves the installation of two fittings that join the aft fuselage made by Spirit to the vertical tail, which were not attached correctly before it was sent to Boeing." Most recently, on May 3, 2023, Spirit announced that fuselage repair costs would negatively impact 2023 gross profit by $31 million and said that additional costs are expected.These events have driven the price of Spirit shares sharply lower."We're focused on investors' losses and proving Spirit knew it embarked on a cost cutting program that adversely affected quality control," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.If you invested in Spirit and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, click here to discuss your legal rights with Hagens Berman.Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Spirit should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email SPR@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens BermanHagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Contact:Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP
Nigerian energy stocks are right in the neighbourhood of their best quarter in nine years, enjoying a boost from the unusually strong investor sentiment that has come to shape trade after the new government announced a resolve to pursue several market-friendly reforms.

It has never been so fruitful for the energy shares of Africas second-biggest bourse since the second quarter of 2014 as now, according to the NGXOILGAS  the index which tracks the performance of that sector  having yielded 50.7 per cent since April as of Tuesday. That is only lower than the three months to June 2014 when such stocks returned 62.5 per cent.

The index is only outperformed by the one monitoring the progress of insurance equities out of the five sector indexes on the Nigerian Exchange.

While oil & gas equities have yielded 66.5 per cent since the start of the year, they have added 41.2 per cent in 52 weeks, according to the Nigerian Exchange data.

MRS Oil leads the pack of the six benchmark stocks, with a yield of 182.6 per cent so far this quarter.

Eterna Oil, acquired by unlisted Rainoil Limited some 18 months ago, and Mike Adenuga-backed Conoil come next, returning 180.9 per cent and 115.8 per cent in that order.

Nigerias biggest oil & gas company by market value, Seplat Energy, is up by only 21.7 per cent this quarter. But the oil driller thrilled shareholders in April when it announced a novel windfall dividend, doubling the cash it paid them for the last quarter of last year as a global oil price boom catapulted the firm to record revenue.

Seplat Energy, which has a secondary listing in London, is the company stock of the 156 equities quoted in Lagos paying dividends for each of the four quarters of the year.

Energy stocks and new reforms

A tide of policy shifts in Africas biggest oil producer in the wake of President Bola Tinubus rise to power in May, including the cessation of a popular but costly petrol subsidy scheme, is rejuvenating participation in energy stocks and helping return liquidity to the market.

Eliminating the subsidy will also spur investments in both the upstream and downstream sectors over the medium term, as crude production for domestic refining is not subject to OPEC quota, analysts at Vetiva Securities Limited said in a note this month.

CEO Mele Kyari of the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) said a few weeks ago that local oil marketers could start importing fuel this month, weaning its firm off the monopoly of bringing in petroleum products from abroad.

That positive is also drawing investors to energy stocks, considering that the move could free up more cash for oil & gas companies.

Nigerias Petroleum Industry Act, which came to life in 2021, forbids NNPCL from importing above 30 per cent of the countrys gasoline needs.

The conversion of NNPCL itself into a publicly quoted company is in the works, having been bogged down by loss-making, mismanagement, graft and decrepit infrastructures for years under a government corporation structure.

Energy companies exiting the market in droves

The boom in the valuation of energy stocks coincides with a time when retaining such companies is increasingly problematic for the Nigerian stock market authorities and winning new ones is perhaps far more harrowing.

Oando, also listed in Johannesburg, and Ardova are on the line-up of companies set to take their leave from the main stock exchange in Lagos as their core investors have declared the aspiration to take them private.

While oilman Abdulwasiu Sowami, who holds a 74.1 per cent interest in Ardova, has tabled N17.4 billion (premium inclusive) to buy the remaining shares, Oandos top shareholders, Wale Tinubu and Omamofe Boyo, are talking others into taking a premium of 58 per cent on the share price as of 28 March as an incentive to divest.

Rak Unity Petroleum, which is in liquidation, teed off final payments to shareholders last month, setting the stage for the company to formally go under.

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President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday in Lagos urged Nigerians to have faith in God that the country will experience peace, stability and prosperity.

Speaking to journalists after observing the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at Dodan Barracks prayer ground, the president stressed the need for unity and cooperation, appealing to Nigerians to eschew ethnic and religious rivalries.

While noting that Allah would not burden the country with what it cannot bear, the president said, I thank Almighty Allah for keeping us in good health till today and pray to Him to grant us robust health and prosperity. May our sacrifices turn into prosperity. We have to make the sacrifices, and that is clear, we have to.

But Allah will not give you a burden you cannot carry. He is there for us. We must have faith in the country. Have faith in ourselves, believing that as citizens of this country, we must join hands to build the nation.

No religious identity, no tribal identity, let us live with one another in joy and prosperity. Nigeria will see peace and stability, and God will grant peace to those of us at the war front.

The president also used the occasion to pray for Nigerian troops on the frontline in the fight against insurgency, saying it is his earnest desire and that of the nation that they emerge victorious.

The Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sulaiman Abu-Nolah, led the Eid prayer, which started at 9 a.m.

The chief imam later performed the obligatory slaughtering of the ram at the Eid prayer ground to celebrate the significance of the noble act of Prophet Ibrahim in total obedience to Allahs command.

Speaking on behalf of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat felicitated Muslims across Nigeria and in the state for the joy of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging them to unite behind Mr Tinubu in his determination to make the country better.

It is our duty to pray for our leaders. We must pray for our President that God should help him to succeed in the task before him.

The prayer was attended by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, former Governor of Lagos State and immediate past Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, among other notable government officials and top politicians.

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The police have arrested suspects in the lynching of a naval officer by a mob in Idoani, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The officer, M. Akingbohun, attached to the Navy Secondary School in Imeri, Ido-Ani, was gruesomely beaten on Monday with sticks and iron rods following a minor road accident.

Police spokesperson in the state, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, said six suspects allegedly lynched the naval officer, adding that some of them have been taken into custody.

One Sunday Olaoluwa of Iyayu Quarters, Ido-ani reported that his friend, a navy personnel attached to Navy Secondary School, Imeri by name Akingbohun M., was attacked by a six-man mob led by one Oyibo due to an altercation that arose from a minor motorcycle-pedestrian accident, said Mrs Odunlami-Omisanya.

The suspects used iron and planks to beat the victim. The victim was taken to General Hospital, Idoani, where he was confirmed dead.

The police spokesperson said some of the suspects have been arrested, in a text message sent to our reporter in response to his inquiry.

She, however, did not give the number of persons arrested.

As of Tuesday, youths were reported to be fleeing the town fearing naval officers could launch a reprisal attack.

READ ALSO: Egbetokun orders withdrawal of mobile police personnel from VIPs

Speaking on the incident, the Chairman of Ose Local Government, Dennis Adekunle, condemned the killing of the naval officer, describing it as gruesome.

He urged residents to be calm and appealed naval officials to apply minimum force in looking for those involved in the killing, in the interest of peace.

However, Mrs Odunlami-Omisanya said no one was being harrased in the town

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Frustrated by the negligence of the authorities, a man has taken it upon himself to manually fix a damaged portion of a major highway in Ogun State.

Journalists spotted Olanrewaju Adewuyi at his self-assigned public work on Tuesday at Aro Neuropsychiatric Hospital Road on the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway.

The good citizen loaded stones and pebbles in the booth of his Mercedes Benz car, which he was using to fill potholes that had been responsible for gridlock on the highway.

Mr Adewuyi said he considered his effort as a temporary solution pending the intervention of the government.

But he refused to rail at the government, saying citizens sometimes have to lend a hand.

The government cannot do it all at a time, so the onus lies on us to contribute our own quotas to complement the governments effort.

Mr Adewuyi said he uses the road and feels the pain caused motorists and commuters by the failed portions.

I am also a commercial driver, I often ply this road, but the hold up here since last week has been quite devastating.

Many cars have broken down and thereby created unexpected spending for owners. So, I decided to do this to free the road of traffic jams, Mr Adewuyi said.

Onlookers and motorists praised Mr Adewuyi for his public spiritedness.

A trader whose shop was near where Mr Adewuyi was working, Yemisi Adebayo, and a motorist, Ibiobami Joseph, commended his action and urged the state government to do the needful to fix the road quickly.

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President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday joined hundreds of other Muslims to say their Eid prayer at the Obalende Eid prayer ground in Lagos.

Some officials who joined the Nigerian leader for the Islamic prayer were his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Muslims in Nigeria joined their counterparts across the world, on Wednesday, to celebrate the Eid festival.

See the photos from the Obalende Eid prayer ground below.

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Aloy Ejimakor, special counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has said that releasing the IPOB leader would not be an act of mercy, but an obedience to various court orders which freed him.

Mr Ejimakor said this in a statement on Tuesday.

Background

Mr Kanu has been detained at the facility of the State Security Service (SSS) since he was rearrested in Kenya and brought back to Nigeria in June 2021, after initially fleeing the country in 2017.

The Court of Appeal, Abuja, on 13 October 2022, held that the IPOB leader was extra-ordinarily renditioned to Nigeria and that the action was a flagrant violation of the countrys extradition treaty and also a breach of his fundamental human rights.

The court, therefore, struck out the terrorism charges filed against Mr Kanu by the Nigerian government and ordered his release from the custody of the SSS.

But the government refused to release the IPOB leader insisting that he (Kanu) could be unavailable in subsequent court proceedings if released and that his release would cause insecurity in the South-east, where he comes from.

The government, through the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, later appealed the court ruling and subsequently obtained an order staying execution of the court judgement at the Supreme Court.

Several concerned groups and Igbo leaders such as Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, his Enugu State counterpart, Peter Mbah, and President-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, have repeatedly asked the government to release the IPOB leader. But their requests were ignored.

Lawyer speaks

But Mr Ejimakor argued that the Nigerian governments possible heeding of the calls from various quarters for the release of Mr Kanu would not be an act of mercy given that different courts had already ordered his release.

The matter of releasing Nnamdi Kanu is not an act of mercy, executive clemency or even amnesty. Instead, its an act of doing the right by simply complying with the subsisting municipal court order or the standing international tribunal decision that independently declared his detention illegal, he said.

The lawyer argued that the continued detention of Mr Kanu after being freed by various courts was not only illegal but is, in the present circumstance, manifestly extrajudicial and unconstitutional to boot.

Continuing, Mr Ejimakor said, Even the inception of his detention, following the rendition, was also not legal, because extraordinary rendition is an egregious state crime that destroys the legal capacity of the state (Nigeria) to detain the victim of the rendition, in addition to also complicating the prosecutorial powers of the state against such victim.

The special counsel contended that the frequent calls for Mr Kanus release would have been needless if the Nigerian government obeyed the countrys constitution and the courts which had freed him.

He recalled that the Federal High Court in Umuahia had declared Mr Kanus extraordinary rendition and consequent detention as flagrant violations of the constitution.

Thus, Nnamdi Kanus release from detention vested from the very day this judgment was given, and the days are still counting to this day because the judgment is extant and not stayed, he said of the court ruling which faulted the IPOB leaders extraordinary rendition.

Mr Ejimakor said the Supreme Court does not have the exclusive power to free Mr Kanu despite a pending appeal at the court filed by the IPOB leader.

The narrative that freeing him (Kanu) lies exclusively in the hands of the Supreme Court is fundamentally false. It is also malicious, prejudicial and profoundly injurious to Nnamdi Kanus legal interest, especially as it offers the authorities the umbrage and easy political cover to persist in the illegal detention of Nnamdi Kanu, he said.

IPOB proscription

The Nigerian government in September 2017 proscribed IPOB and tagged the group a terrorist organisation.

But Mr Ejimakor said he had, in March 2018, secured a ruling from a continental tribunal which reversed the proscription and directed the government to desist from any further law enforcement actions against Mr Kanu and IPOB members.

Thus, the subsequent rendition of Nnamdi Kanu, the arrests, the detentions, the tortures, the disappearances and the widespread extrajudicial killings of IPOB members should not have happened had the authorities complied with this landmark continental decision, he stated.

The lawyer recalled that the UN, in July 2022, called for the unconditional release of Mr Kanu and asked that the IPOB leader be compensated for his extraordinary rendition

He stressed that Nigeria, as a member of the UN, was bound by treaty and customary international law to comply with the directive

Failing to do so stigmatises Nigeria as a nation that lacks respect for the United Nations  the same institution that passed the historic resolution that legalised self-determination and thus saw to Nigerias independence, he argued.

Mr Ejimakor faulted Mr Kanus continued detention given that he was not currently facing any trial or having any charges against him.

He described the IPOB leaders continued detention as an imprisonment without conviction adding that, in plain terms, he is a victim of false imprisonment by the Nigerian government.

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Journalists in Akwa Ibom State have decided to boycott the activities at the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly.

The decision is contained in a communique issued on Wednesday in Uyo after the monthly congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council.

The reason for the boycott is the appointment of a non-journalist as the press secretary to the speaker of the Assembly, according to the communique which was signed by the NUJ chairperson in Akwa Ibom, Amos Etuk, the NUJ Secretary in the state, Dominic Akpan, chairperson of the communique drafting committee, Iniobong Ekponta, and two other members of the committee.

Congress directed all journalists covering the activities of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, including the Press Corps to withdraw their services with immediate effect over the appointment of a non-journalist as the Press Secretary by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, the communique said in part.

Congress frowned at this development and consequently warned that any defaulting member of the Union shall face severe sanctions.

The press secretary to the speaker is the head of the assemblys press corps which consists of reporters from various media houses in the state.

The position is traditionally reserved for a practicing journalist.

The newly appointed press secretary, Nkereuwem Udom is a politician and former local lawmaker at the Ibesikpo-Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State where he was the leader of the house, according to the information posted on his Facebook page.

Not bothered

PREMIUM TIMES, Wednesday night, spoke with Mr Udom about the development. He said he was not bothered about the NUJs decision.

I am conversant with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other laws, I have not seen, I have not read where the speaker should seek approval of anybody before appointing personal aides.

The appointment of personal aides is at the discretion of the holder of the office, except and otherwise stated by the Constitution of Nigeria, he said.

The journalists have made their position known and there is nothing wrong with that.

I am holding the office at the discretion of the speaker. I will work with the NUJ and all the journalists. I know everything will be resolved, he added.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 28. Celebration of the Eid al-Adha holiday has been organized in Azerbaijan's Talish village (Tartar district) for the first time in thirty years by special representative office of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the liberated territories of the Karabakh economic region, the Reconstruction, Construction and Management Service in the Karabakh economic region and the Food Safety Agency (FSA), Trend reports.

The meat of the sacrificed animals was distributed to 20 families. Control over compliance with veterinary and sanitary standards during the slaughter of sacrificial animals was carried out by FSA.

In the tent, installed by the Azerbaijan Food Safety Institute in connection with the festive events, fully equipped mobile bio-safety laboratories operate, designed to conduct serological, microscopic, organoleptic, physico-chemical and biological studies.

Residents of Talish village congratulated all citizens of Azerbaijan on the Eid al-Adha holiday and expressed their gratitude to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva.

Talish village was liberated from Armenian occupation in the 2020 second Karabakh war.
The Nigerian government has warned against slaughtering sick animals for Eid-el-Adha to avoid the outbreak of anthrax in the country.

According to a public health advisory jointly signed by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Nigeria is at high risk of importing the disease from Ghana, where it was confirmed both in humans and animals since 1 June.

Though Nigeria is yet to record any suspected or confirmed case, the government emphasised that the outbreak in Ghana poses a great public health risk to Nigeria due to the dangerous and highly transmissible nature of the disease.

Anthrax is a severe bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals, including wild animals and livestock such as cows, pigs, camels, sheep, goats,

However, the government has outlined preventive measures for Nigerians and livestock owners to reduce the potential risk of infection and the spread of anthrax.

Preventive measures

The government advised Nigerians to avoid all non-essential travel to the northern region of Ghana especially the Upper East Region where the outbreak was reported.

It noted that Nigerians should exercise caution when buying livestock  from states bordering Benin, Chad, and Niger, and from Ghana and Togo via waterways, adding that rams or cattle to be slaughtered for the festive period should be carefully observed for signs of sickness before slaughtering.

For livestock owners, it advised vaccination of the animals as the most effective preventive measure against anthrax.

It added that livestock owners should use personal protective equipment (gloves, facemasks, goggles, boots) when handling sick animals and avoid slaughtering sick animals.

Immediately report cases of animals bleeding from body openings to veterinary authorities, or agriculture extension workers, it noted.

Symptoms of anthrax

According to the NCDC, the bacteria, which exist as spores, can be found in the soil, wool, or hair of infected animals, adding that it affects humans through eating and direct contact with infected animals and breathing in the spores, which is the deadliest form of the disease.

It noted that symptoms in animals include high fever, weakness, loss of appetite, bleeding from all body openings (nose, mouth, ears, anus etc.), swelling and difficulty in breathing and bloody diarrhoea.

Also in humans, NCDC explained that depending on the route of infection, anthrax can cause fever, painless skin sores with a black centre that appears after the blisters, general body weakness, and difficulty in breathing.

It added that it can also cause severe digestive illness that resembles food poisoning.

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It is easy to understand what African rulers see in the mercenary group Wagner. Its fighters can be deployed quickly. It brings sophisticated arms with it and can apply force speedily and ruthlessly.

Alternative sources of military muscle have flaws: United Nations missions lack robust mandates; African Union (AU) forces lack the arms and motivation; European Union interveners bear the legacy of colonial repression. The US has little interest in Africa beyond supporting fights against Salafi terrorists.

The Wagner Group was set up by Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2014 as a private military company to support the Russian invasion of Ukraine that year. For over a decade, Prigozhin could not operate without Russian president Vladimir Putins permission. During this period the interests of Russia and Wagner might have differed  but they did not compete and they heavily overlapped.

Of course, the Wagner rebellion that began on 23 June 2023  after this article was first drafted  and then fizzled out makes Wagners future in Africa highly uncertain.

Since completing my dissertation on Soviet-American competition in Africa in 1992, I have followed the great power competition on the continent. This has included the slowly escalating Sino-American competition in Africa over the past 20 years. I was re-alerted to the return of Russia to Africa in preparing a textbook, Africas International Relations, published in 2018.

Based on this experience my view is that Wagner is likely to continue to bring misery to the African continent in multiple forms. No outsiders are likely to stop it. Its presence will continue also because individual African actors, state and non-state, benefit from its presence. Its utility to certain regimes helps explain the African Unions conspicuous silence on the menace it poses. The passivity towards Wagner also reflects a deeper ambivalence about Russia and Russian imperialism.

Overall, Wagner has done nearly nothing to make life better for Africans: its activities have served to entrench dictators and undermine democracies; to extend and deepen civil conflicts; to murder innocent civilians; to exploit natural resources for Russias gain; and to vilify the only alternative that Africans have to China for investment.

This means that, in due course, the AU and responsible African governments are likely to resent Wagners presence and regret their failure to oppose it.

Wagnerian misdeeds

Wagner has helped abusive regimes maintain power on the continent.

Everywhere it goes, Wagner has been indifferent to human life, indiscriminately killing civilians as well as Islamic militants and other insurgents. The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project research group found that between 52% and 71% of Wagners uses of force in the CAR and Mali targeted civilians.

There are a number of reasons for this involvement.

Firstly, the Russian government has been on the lookout for military bases in Africa. Even before Wagner first got involved in Africa in 2017, Russia already had military cooperation agreements with 18 African countries. These have ranged from democracies like Ghana and Nigeria to ungoverned Eastern Libya, which has become a logistics hub for Russia as well as Wagner.

Secondly, Russia is using is redoubtable propaganda apparatus to spread misinformation about the US and Europe in Africa in support of the Ukraine war.

Thirdly, the motive is profit. Aside from the government payments it receives, Wagner has negotiated agreements for exclusive access to gold, diamonds and uranium resources in several places it operates in. These include the CAR, Mali and Sudan.

A vacuum of opposition

There appears little chance that any major forces from inside or outside Africa will seriously oppose its activities.

Individual African actors, state and non-state, benefit from its presence. This small number of beneficiaries will stymie action against Wagners mercenaryism, which is banned under international law.

Nor is there likely to be collective pressure under the umbrella of the AU. It can only organise collective action  as it did against apartheid  when there is a broad consensus on an issue.

The same analysis applies to Africas numerous regional economic communities. These have recently taken a larger role in security, but none has taken an anti-Wagner stance.

On top of this is the ambivalence of a number of African countries towards Russia. Twenty-four African states either abstained or were absent for the UN General Assembly Resolution that condemned Russias illegal annexation of parts of eastern Ukraine.

Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal and Zambia all voted in favour.

What about Africas leading regional powers? Ethiopia and Nigeria are influential enough to matter. But each is too preoccupied with internal problems to take up the matter.

Only South Africa could take a stand against Wagner. But it wont. The African National Congress, which rules South Africa, has a deep nostalgia for Soviet assistance during the apartheid days. South African elites also value both Russia and China as counterbalances to the perceived western dominance that they still loathe. And the country relishes the prestige that comes with membership in the BRICS group.

Nor is there likely to be any effective international mobilisation against Wagner. This is because western condemnation would go unheard or even backfire. As Joseph Sany, an esteemed peace-building expert at the US Institute of Peace, observed recently: Western condemnation of immoral Russian violence and corruption is tone deaf because its tainted with hypocrisy by the wests history in the continent.

The US, in any case, has few options to deter Wagner as American leaders are rarely focused on the continent. And France has increasingly withdrawn from Africa.

The only relevant external great power for Africa is China. But, in my view, China will play no role in constraining Wagner. For the time being, at least, the Ukraine War has made Russia and China allies. In addition, China has extensive business interests, particularly sourcing minerals from Francophone and Lusophone African states.

Lastly, China has been deploying its own private security companies on the continent, mainly to secure access to minerals. These organisations are not yet directly involved in politics, like Wagner, but their presence serves to legitimise further the use of private security companies.

John F. Clark, Professor Politics and International Relations, Florida International University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has assured that prompt attention will be given by the Tinubu administration towards addressing the infrastructural deficit in the country.

Mr Shettima gave the assurance on Wednesday when he paid a Sallah homage to the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar El-Kanemi, in Maiduguri.

He said all the infrastructural challenges in the country would be addressed including the Gamboru Ngala, Dikwa and Damboa roads in Borno State.

The vice president, who spoke with journalists after paying homage said, We went with His Excellency, the Governor to pay homage to the Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno. He raised some very poignant issues facing the society, especially with regards to infrastructural deficit.

We conveyed to him the best wishes from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Shehu talked about issues concerning the roads that should be immediately address(ed), especially the Gamboru Ngala and Dikwa roads. Certainly it would be addressed, that of Damboa will also be addressed.

Mr Shettima also said, I am here to assure him (the Shehu) of the maximum support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. All the challenges confronting us, we will survive it as a people.

In his remarks, the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, extolled the virtues of Mr Shettima as a man of the people and a grassroots politician, adding that being the first visit of vice president to the state after his inauguration, the visit is very important to Borno people and it is a home coming for our son.

Mr El-Kanemi, who spoke in Kanuri, praised the vice president as a worthy son of Borno State, stressing that the love he (Shettima) enjoyed reflected in the massive support they gave him.

He solicited the support of the Tinubu administration in addressing the issue of bad roads and security challenges in the state and the country.

He pledged the support of the people of the state to the administration.

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Bill Gates visit to Nigeria this week is both important and significant. His visit precedes that of Malala Yousafzai and other global figures scheduled to be in the country next month. Bill is therefore the first global development leader to visit Nigeria under the new leadership of President Tinubus administration. Bill Gates commitment to Nigerias development is long-standing and personal. On this many visits to Nigeria, he is one of the few global leaders who interacts, directly, with innovators, with youth, students, women and the health sector community. Bill Gates visit is also coming at a time when the biggest issue facing the donor community in Nigeria is the challenge of how to localise development so that more Nigerians participate directly and benefit exponentially. Just last week, Abt Associates, a USAID/Nigeria implementing partner held a convening at Hilton hotel with leading local Nigerian NGOs to engage around big issues of localising partnerships. But localisation is not only a Nigerian issue; it is global challenge to all donors on the best way to do development.

The new focus on localised development will put youth, local communities, beneficiaries, and civil society organisations in the drivers seat. This is an old aspiration of development actors, finding new expression as nations of the world head to the midpoint of the SDGs in 2023. Unsurprisingly, development partners such as USAID, FCDO, Global Affairs and the EU have signaled their commitment to going local by signing on to global compacts and principles such as the Grand Bargain. But what exactly is localisation and how do we know true localisation when we see it? Is it an International NGO registering locally in Nigeria? No, it is not. Examples include increased direct funding local civil society organisations to implement projects, examples also include providing NGOs with core, unrestricted funding, and another example is supporting local organisations and communities to design interventions for themselves and by themselves.

Localisation delivers on innovation, ownership, increased representation of excluded communities of women and youth and most importantly it delivers on sustainability. Any donor funded project area can be localized  agriculture; technology; health; business; and others. Development projects can be localized and humanitarian interventions can be localised too. While localised project areas may differ, the key success factor that they must have to be effective, is capacity strengthening. Without investment in strengthening the capacity of local organisations, to innovate and to contribute to development in Nigerias dynamic and growing CSO sector, it is unlikely that the benefits of going local will be achieved. The 20,000 Corporate Affairs Commission registered CSOs as well as the locally registered and unregistered ones, employ more Nigerians as key personnel, part-volunteers, ad hoc staff and interns than even the public sector.

Mean employment rate in Nigerias Public sector 2017-2022 Mean employment rate in Nigerias Private Sector 2017-2022 Mean employment rate in Nigerias CSO Sector 2017-2022 10.6% 51.8% 16.2%

Source: World Values Survey Wave 7 (2017-2022):820, https://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/

Recent research by the dRPC published on the Devex platform shows that while the Nigerian CSO sector distinguishes itself by producing development services and conducting advocacy, the sectors biggest challenge continue to be organisational capacity development and financial viability, leading to weakening sustainability.

CSO Performance Areas Legal environment Organizational capacity Financial viability Advocacy Service provision Sectoral Infrastructure Public Image Change between 2011-2020 -0.3 -0.1 -0.2 0.9 0.6 0.3 0.3

Source. dRPC Article, Analysis of USAID/Nigeria CSO Sustainability Index 2011-2020, The need for localization of development funding for Nigerian CSOs | Devex

Capacity strengthening, when combined with unrestricted support and funding for activity implementation, is the gold standard in localisation. The Sustainability Centre, Lagos Business School and the development Research and Projects Center (dRPC) are two mission driven local non-profit Nigerian organisations working to strengthen the capacity of Nigerian civil society organisations as their core mandate. With funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Sustainability Centre, Lagos Business School (SC/LBS) and the dRPC worked together to strengthen the capacity of range of Nigerian CSOs including health professional associations, community-based organisations, and youth and women-led NGOs under Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health at Scale (PAS) project 2017-2022. Under the PAS project, the 20 Nigerian CSOs strengthened, stepped down their training and built state level networks with over 50 other groups. They led 60 plus advocacy engagements with policy makers; and catalysed policy change and diffusion in child and family health. To their lasting credit, they also expanded the policy making space in routine immunisation, family planning, primary health care under one roof and childhood killer disease to include local CSOs in Technical Working Groups and related platforms.

The Sustainability Centre, Lagos Business School conducted in-person and virtual capacity strengthening events for PAS CSOs and followed up to assess the impact of trainings by engaging recipients of the CSOs advocacy encounters in government. The SC/LBS learned that policy makers acquired a new respect for CSOs when finding themselves on the receiving end of high-powered evidence informed advocacy by PAS CSOs. Most policy makers were persuaded to take action by the advocacy pitches and many did.

As Bill Gates listens, learns and interacts with innovators, students and change agents during his 2023 visit it is important to know that he is doing so within an ecosystem strengthened by a deep investment in sustainable development of indigenous civil society organizations in Nigeria. Catalytic non-profits such as the Sustainability Center, Lagos Business School and the development Research and Projects Center are few in Nigerias development space. Over the years, such local organizations have developed the training modules, and developed trainers and performance assessment templates linking capacity strengthening to measurable development outcomes and impacts. At the recently concluded Association for Research on Civil Society in Africa (AROCSA), Conference in Dakar Senegal, the SC/LBS and dRPC collaborated on an African civil society panel to share experiences from the Gates Foundation funded PAS project about the impact of capacity building for health policy advocacy where CSOs are able create champions within government. It is perhaps coincidental and significant that two PAS project champions from the Nigerian government present at that the AROCSA Conference have now been appointed as leading decision makers in the health space, Dr. Rahila Mukhtar as the Executive Director, Kano State Hospital Management Board and Dr. Salma Anas Ibrahim Kolo as the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Health. The emergence of these two champions is further evidence of the power of strategic policy advocacy building collaborations for change within government around evidence, data and measurable outcomes. This is a success story for CSO capacity strengthening with strong public sector engagement components powered by the Sustainability Center, Lagos Business School and the development Research and Projects Center.

Silk Ugwu Ogbu is with the Lagos Business School,while Judith Ann Walker is with dRPC. The authors can be reached at silk@universalmail.com and j.walker@drpcngr.org respectively.

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The UK and Enugu State governments have resolved to partner for mutual economic benefits.

The resolution was made when the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, visited Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State at the Government House Enugu on Tuesday.

Mr Montgomery, during the visit, expressed his support for the investment and economic growth drive of the new administration in the state.

He recalled that the UK had partnered the Enugu government for over 20 years on issues like public health sector reforms, education and power sector reforms, among others.

So, we are interested in continuing that partnership. I have been reading the press and the ways you have been seeking to already put your stamp on reforms and your ambitions for the state.

I am here to listen, learn, and understand more about your priority and that of your new government to explore areas of further collaboration, he said.

We really hope that the South-east and Enugu State will see more opportunities coming from the economy in the coming years.

There might be some short-term pressures and volatility to manage, but we can see the prospects for a higher growth path for Nigeria.

The UK is very interested in exploring partnerships on trade and investment and I have come to Enugu to understand your agenda and to explore those areas of potential partnership going forward, Mr Montgomery added.

Responding, Mr Mbah, told the British High Commissioner that the state was eager to take back its preeminent place in economic development in Nigeria.

We have also shared an ambitious vision to the people of Enugu State on where we could get to in terms of our economy. One of the things we said to them is our ambition to transform Enugu to become a premier destination for investment, business, living and tourism. And we also have plans to eradicate poverty in the state, which is currently higher than the national average, the governor said.

This is why your visit to us today is quite remarkable because we believe it is not a journey we can go alone. We need partnerships. We need collaborations in order to achieve that. Interestingly, we have a history of partnership with the UK, just as you have alluded to, he stated.

Mr Mbah equally sought for the technical assistance of the UK Government as well as the restoration of the UK Visa Facilitation Centre to Enugu to boost trade, business, and other relationships between the UK and the state.

I have told you some of the historic roles Enugu had played in the history of the south and there could be no better place to site a visa facilitation centre than Enugu. So, we are looking forward to that to boost trade, investment, and cooperation between the UK and our state, he said.

The governor equally sought the technical assistance of the UK Government in the areas of power to develop and build the Enugu electricity market and the consequent regulatory commission, given that state governments have been permitted to generate its own electric power.

We are also interested in the private-sector-led green economic transformation where we obviously believe that we can participate in renewable energy so that most of our catchment power requirements can actually be attended to. So, the emphasis is on technical assistance and support, Mr Mbah said.

He also requested for the support of the UK Government in developing Enugu State as a special agro-allied processing zone in line with his administrations manifesto and the recent listing of the state for that purpose by the Nigerian government.

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LAGOS, Nigeria, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PalmPay, a pioneering Africa-focused fintech platform, celebrates a significant landmark in its journey, marking 25 million users on its app and an extensive network of 500,000 mobile money agents and 300,000 merchants in its payments ecosystem.

This rapid growth within just four years of its market entry in Nigeria is testament to the company's robust strategy centered on offering secure, user-friendly and inclusive financial services.

PalmPay executives at the Media Parley in Lagos

"We are proud to be a driving force of financial inclusion and cashless payment adoption in Nigeria.", stated Sofia Zab, Global CMO of PalmPay. "PalmPay's growth validates our approach and illustrates the increasing demand for innovative fintech solutions that address the unique needs of Africa's underserved population."

PalmPay's user-friendly application simplifies digital transactions, making them swift and convenient. This has driven a shift in consumer behaviour from cash to digital payments. Today, the company processes more than 5 billion USD per month.

The PalmPay app offers a comprehensive suite of financial services that empower its customers with tools to manage their finances in one place.

This week, the company is launching its savings service, which include a 20% annual interest savings plan available to all users. The fintech also provides banking services for businesses, equipping them with dedicated apps, web portal and POS.

PalmPay's efforts in promoting financial inclusion have been notably impactful, with around 30% of its users stating that their first-ever financial account was created on the app.

Its expansive network of mobile money agents help users deposit and withdraw money and guide consumers on how to use the PalmPay app. Its agents also serve consumers who do not have access to smartphones by transacting on their behalf, thereby extending access to PalmPay's services to millions of additional people.

The company's success in Nigeria has been propelled by its proprietary payment infrastructure, which offers unmatched reliability in a market that has long grappled with unstable financial systems. The platform boasts a 99.5% 10-second transaction success rate, distinguishing PalmPay in a highly competitive fintech space.

"PalmPay is more than a digital wallet - we are building a comprehensive platform to offer consumers all the tools they need to thrive financially. As we move forward, our aim is to become Africa's financial superapp. ", added Zab. "Our partners benefit from our robust payment infrastructure and data-driven approach, which enables us to connect their offerings directly to their target customers, fostering mutual growth within our digital ecosystem."

The company's next strategic step is to bridge the gap between consumers and businesses by digitising merchant payments. PalmPay is onboarding tens of thousands of offline retailers every month, many of whom are spurred to join the platform following requests from its customers who want to be able to pay with transfer.

"The consumer base has now become one of the major driving forces of wider cashless adoption in the Nigerian payments ecosystem", said Chika Nwosu, PalmPay Nigeria Managing Director, "We see an enormous potential in digitising payments for the retail and informal economy, which reduces their cost of doing business and helps them build the digital track record to qualify for credit and other financial services."

Looking ahead, PalmPay is extending its operations to more countries and plans to offer cross-border transactions in future. The company is already piloting services in Ghana and is preparing launch plans for several other African markets.

About PalmPay

PalmPay is a leading Africa-focused fintech platform committed to driving economic empowerment across the continent. Through its secure, user-friendly and inclusive suite of financial services, PalmPay brings top-tier products into the pockets of everyday Nigerians.

PalmPay offers money transfers, bill payments, credit services and savings on its app and via its network of 500,000 mobile money agents.

Since launching in Nigeria in 2019 under a Mobile Money Operator license, the platform has grown to 25 million users. Over 300,000 merchants are part of its cashless payment ecosystem.The company has raised $140m USD.

The PalmPay app is available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store in Nigeria and Ghana, with more markets going live in 2023.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2142779/PalmPayMediaParley.jpg

SOURCE PalmPay
Universum's Employer Branding NOW 2023 survey, now in its 8th year, reveals how talent leaders are facing the twin challenges of economic uncertainty and keen competition.

STOCKHOLM, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Universum's Employer Branding NOW 2023 study, conducted during the first quarter of this year, shows students and working professionals are confident about the hiring market  this despite slowdowns in certain industries and regions.

"Notwithstanding a flurry of news about layoffs and economic contraction, most companies are still struggling with a talent shortfall, and the problem isn't going to improve anytime soon," explains Yusuf Azoz, CEO of Universum.

Universum, the global leader in employer branding, surveyed over 1,700 talent leaders from 75 countries between February 15 and March 31, 2023 and over a 1000 students and professionals. The study found:

Employer branding is even more critical in 2023. Among leading global employers, 78% say employer branding is a top priority  up 11 points in two years. Even for small- and medium-sized employers, the majority say employer branding is a critical area of HR investment, with close to half of all the employers surveyed increasing their employer brand budgets.

Differentiation is a top priority. 60% of leading global employers say differentiating their employer brands and EVPs from competitors will be a key objective in the coming year.

Employer brands are revising their EVP. Employee well-being and flexible working conditions  areas of focus during the pandemic years  are now emphasized in fewer than one in three EVPs. The reason: these have become baseline expectations, not "perks" provided by an employer.

Delivering a consistent 'on-brand' experience for employees is increasingly key given the continued risk of attrition.

Data-driven decision making is now the norm. In 2023, 88% of companies in the World's Most Attractive Employers say they "frequently" or "always" use data to drive decisions  using dashboards to monitor every step in the recruitment funnel.

"Data-driven insights are absolutely critical when talent markets are in flux, as they are now," says Richard Mosley, Universum Global Client Director. "With so many cross-currents affecting perceptions and preferences it's essential to stay in tune with your target audiences and monitor your brand image."

To download a copy of the full Employer Branding NOW report, visit https://universumglobal.com/library/employer-branding-now-2023/

About Universum

Universum is a data-driven, insight-led employer branding agency.

Contact:

Jonas Barck

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone number: +46706933388

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2108607/Universum_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Universum
DALLAS, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Preserving the quality and independence of the judiciary has been a hallmark of the American Board of Trial Advocates' efforts for decades, and the organization believes that confidence in the nation's judicial system is profoundly important. In the most recent Spring 2023 issue of Voir Dire magazine, ABOTA published a new white paper, Preserving a Fair, Impartial, and Independent Judiciary.

Steven W. Quattlebaum, 2023 ABOTA National President, described Preserving a Fair, Impartial, and Independent Judiciary as a valuable examination of the threats to the judicial system that provides beneficial information for modern courts and audiences.

"Preserving an independent judiciary is one of the core missions of ABOTA," Mr. Quattlebaum said. "The judiciary must be free from improper influence in order to be fair and impartial. In that regard, it must function as a separate and equal branch of government. Our work to assure an independent judiciary is vitally important to the proper administration of justice."

ABOTA has a long history of fighting for judicial independence and upholding the Bill of Rights and every citizen's right to a civil trial by jury. This white paper supports these objectives. This is a resource for everyone in the legal community to inform and educate about the importance of an independent judiciary.

"We would like to see this white paper used by every court in the country," said Letty Litchfield, Judicial Independence Co-chair. "The public and all those in the legal community must have the tools and resources to continue to effectively protect and defend the independence of the judiciary."

According to Ms. Litchfield, who was joined by co-chairs Judge Jerome B. Abrams from Minnesota and Judge Caroline E. Baker (Ret.) of Houston, the white paper was authored by an ideal balance of plaintiff and defense lawyers and judges from across the country.

"We are proud of how we worked together on this important white paper to ensure that our judicial system remains independent and dedicated to the rule of law. We want our democracy to remain strong and enduring. Maintaining judicial independence is not easy, and we know hard work and keeping a watchful eye are important to ABOTA's missions."

As the paper reflects, attacks on judicial independence are not new and can be dated back to when Thomas Jefferson, as President, failed in his efforts to impeach U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Chase. The white paper discusses the fact that attacks are now on the rise and that judges, at times, have been unfairly characterized as villains. ABOTA has regularly come to the defense of judges over the years, including in South Dakota where there was an effort to criminally prosecute judges for their decisions. In Colorado, a proposed ballot measure attempted to remove the state's sitting supreme court justices as well as courts of appeal judges. Time and again, ABOTA has come to the aid of judges and state supreme court justices unfairly subjected to recall efforts, including those in Montana, Tennessee, Florida, and Iowa.

Preserving a Fair, Impartial, and Independent Judiciary and other judicial independence resources are available at www.abota.org. National ABOTA and the Judicial Independence Committee encourage all those in the legal community to facilitate the distribution of the white paper to courts in every jurisdiction via their local administrative offices of the courts and other appropriate channels.

About the American Board of Trial Advocates

Founded in 1958, ABOTA is an invitation-only national association of experienced trial lawyers and judges. ABOTA and its members are dedicated to preserving and promoting the civil jury trial right provided by the Seventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. ABOTA membership consists of more than 7,300 lawyersequally balanced between plaintiff and defenseand judges in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

For more information contact:

Brian Tyson at (800) 932-2682

[email protected]

SOURCE American Board of Trial Advocates
The new chapter for AFC professionals comes as part of ACAMS' ongoing commitment to support the fight against illicit finance throughout Korea

WASHINGTON, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ACAMS, a leading global membership organization dedicated to ending illicit finance, is strengthening its support for anti-financial crime professionals in Korea with the creation of a new ACAMS chapter and a scholarship program for Korean anti-financial crime (AFC) professionals. The new chapterthe 64th in the ACAMS networkwill serve as a platform for ongoing education, knowledge-sharing, and networking for AFC practitioners engaged in financial-crime prevention in Korea's public and private sectors.

Attended by AFC professionals from Korea, the launch in Seoul featured opening remarks by Korean Member of Parliament Yun ChangHyun and a special keynote address by Joshua Johnson, Senior Sanctions Coordinator for the Office of Economic Sanctions Policy and Implementation at the U.S. Department of State.

As part of the launch, the chapter convened a panel of experts to discuss building public-private partnerships to fight illicit finance, featuring speakers Ryu YoungHo, Team Leader at the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), Kendrick Yeung, Deputy Attache for U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, Jean Chung Managing Director, Regional Head, CFCC Advisory, at Standard Chartered, and Hwang SeokJin, a professor at Dongkuk University.

At the event, ACAMS separately announced 6 winners of the CAMS Scholarship for Korean compliance practitioners in the AFC space. In addition to receiving a one-year membership to ACAMS, the scholarship winners will seek to become Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (CAMS) with a full waiver of associated fees for study materials.

Widely viewed as the global gold standard certification for anti-money laundering (AML) professionals, the CAMS program trains applicants on the international standards for detecting, investigating, and reporting suspicious financial activity and illicit money flows.

"As a platform for cross-sector collaboration in the AFC space, our chapters reflect the core belief of ACAMS that we are more effective in preventing illicit finance when we work together," said ACAMS COO Mariah Gause. "The new ACAMS Korea Chapter will help drive conversations on how to fight financial crime more effectively and foster a community of dedicated AFC professionals who will share best practices on safeguarding the financial sector and saving lives."

"We're also proud to award our CAMS Scholarship to 6 remarkable Korean professionals to support their compliance journeys," she said. "As our first scholarship designed for a national market, this initiative reflects the commitment shared by ACAMS and the recipients to prevent criminals from exploiting Korea's private sector. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for these talented scholarship recipients."

Find out more about the ACAMS Korea Chapter, including how to join, here: https://www.acams.org/en/chapters/apac/korea-chapter

Learn more about the CAMS Scholarship program and the new winners here: https://www.acams.org/en/resources/diversity-equity-inclusion/scholarships

About ACAMS

ACAMS is a leading international membership organization dedicated to providing opportunities for anti-financial crime (AFC) education, best practices, and peer-to-peer networking to AFC professionals globally. With over 100,000 members across 180 jurisdictions, ACAMS is committed to the mission of ending financial crime through the provision of anti-money laundering/counterterrorism-financing and sanctions knowledge-sharing, thought leadership, risk-mitigation services, ESG initiatives, and platforms for public-private dialogue. The association's CAMS certification is the gold- standard qualification for AFC professionals, while its CGSS and CCAS certifications are for sanctions professionals and AFC practitioners working in the crypto space, respectively. ACAMS' 60+ Chapters globally further amplify the association's mission through training and networking initiatives. Visit acams.org for more information.

SOURCE Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS)
STAMFORD, Conn., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Aircastle Limited ("Aircastle") announced today that it plans to release its first quarter financial results for the period ended May 31, 2023 on July 12, 2023 before the market opens.

In connection with this press release, management will host a conference call on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 9:00 A.M. Eastern Time. All interested parties are welcome to participate on the live call. The conference call can be accessed by dialing 1 (877) 870-4263 (from within the U.S. and Canada) or +1 (412) 317-0790 (outside the U.S. and Canada) ten minutes prior to the scheduled start. Please reference our company name, "Aircastle" when prompted by the operator.

A simultaneous webcast of the conference call will be available to the public on a listen-only basis at www.aircastle.com. Please allow extra time prior to the call to visit the site and download the necessary software required to listen to the internet broadcast.

For those who are not available to listen to the live call, a replay of the webcast will be available on Aircastle's website shortly after the conclusion of the live call.

About Aircastle Limited

Aircastle Limited acquires, leases, and sells commercial jet aircraft to airlines throughout the world. As of February 28, 2023, Aircastle owned and managed on behalf of its joint venture 248 aircraft leased to 73 customers located in 44 countries.

Contact:

Aircastle Advisor LLC

Jim Connelly, SVP ESG & Corporate Communications

Tel: +1 (203) 504-1871

[email protected]

SOURCE Aircastle Advisor LLC
DUBLIN, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Aircraft Sensors Market Report 2023-2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Aircraft sensors Market will surpass US$2,718.0 million in 2023



Factors Such Increasing New Orders for Commercial Aircrafts, Military Jets and UAVs Are Driving the Market Growth



The increasing number of new orders placed from across the world coupled ageing aircrafts that require refurbishment and replacement of parts is expected to boost the demand for aircrafts sensors.

Airbus foresees the demand for 39,000 new passenger & freighter aircraft by 2040 on account of accelerated retirement of older air aircrafts, growing demand for air travel, development of airspaces and fleet from emerging countries. According to Boeing, Middle East airlines will require 2,980 new aircraft valued at US$765bn to serve passengers and trade.

More than two-thirds of these deliveries will enable growth, while one-third will replace older aircraft with more fuel-efficient models. The Asia-Pacific region will need over 17,600 new aircraft by 2040. According to Airbus, cargo traffic in Asia-Pacific will also increase at 3.6% per annum, well above the global 3.1% average.



System Prone to Cyber Attacks



As the aviation industry is quickly transitioning from conventional aircraft systems to Aviation Cyber-Physical Systems (ACPS) based aircraft their vulnerability to cyber-attacks is growing. The wireless- and resource-constrained nature of sensors and their deployment in harsh or unattended environments increases their susceptibility to several security threats.

Sensor-based platforms and applications are vulnerable to cyberattacks, exposing valuable assets to sensor network-based cyber threats. Owing to this the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in July 2019 issued an alert warning small aircraft owners to be vigilant against a vulnerability that could provide attackers an opportunity to easily hack the plane's controller area network (CAN) bus and take control of key navigation systems.

Modern aircraft make use of a network of electronics to translate signals from various sensors placing the data onto a network that is displayed to the pilot after proper interpretation. The vulnerability was discovered by a cybersecurity researcher at Rapid 7, a cyber security company who demonstrated that a hacker with physical access to the wing of a small aircraft wiring could attach a device to the plane's avionics CAN bus to communicate false data to the pilot.

Further, in August 2019, the U.S. Air Force and the Defense Digital Service (DDS) contracted an ethical hacker group, which infiltrated the F-15 Eagle fighter jet's trusted aircraft information download station (TADS).



What Questions Should You Ask before Buying a Market Research Report?

How is the aircraft sensors market evolving?

What is driving and restraining the aircraft sensors market?

How will each aircraft sensors submarket segment grow over the forecast period and how much revenue will these submarkets account for in 2033?

How will the market shares for each aircraft sensors submarket develop from 2023 to 2033?

What will be the main driver for the overall market from 2023 to 2033?

Will leading aircraft sensors markets broadly follow the macroeconomic dynamics, or will individual national markets outperform others?

How will the market shares of the national markets change by 2033 and which geographical region will lead the market in 2033?

Who are the leading players and what are their prospects over the forecast period?

What are the aircraft sensors projects for these leading companies?

How will the industry evolve during the period between 2023 and 2033? What are the implications of aircraft sensors projects taking place now and over the next 10 years?

Is there a greater need for product commercialisation to further scale the aircraft sensors market?

Where is the aircraft sensors market heading and how can you ensure you are at the forefront of the market?

What are the best investment options for new product and service lines?

What are the key prospects for moving companies into a new growth path and C-suite?

Market Dynamics

Market Driving Factors

Growing Tourism Industry Expected to Boost the Market for Aircraft Sensors

Increasing Defence Spending on Military Aircraft

Market Restraining Factors

System Prone to Cyber Attacks

Weather Conditions can Limit Optical Sensor Effectiveness

Market Opportunities

Advancement of Aircraft Sensors to Optimise Aircraft Performance

Growing Environmental Concerns

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

Porter's Five Forces Analysis

PEST Analysis



Leading companies and the potential for market growth

Ametek Inc.

Curtiss-Wright Corporation

Eaton Corporation plc

General Atomics

General Electric Company

Honeywell International Inc.

Hydra-Electric Company

L3 Harris Technologies, Inc.

Meggitt PLC

Safran SA

TE Connectivity Ltd.

Thales Group

The Raytheon Company

United Electric Controls (UE)

Woodward, Inc.

Segments Covered in the Report

Sensor Type Outlook

Pressure Sensors

Flow sensors

Temperature sensors

Position sensors

Force Sensors

Speed Sensors

Level Sensors

Optical Sensors

Motion Sensors

Smoke Detection Sensors

Others

Aircraft Type

Fixed Wing

Rotary Wing

UAVs

Application

Cabin, Gallery, and Cargo

Cockpit Controls

Flight Controls and Actuation

Engine, Turbine, and APU

Landing Gear and Brakes

End-use

OEM

Aftermarket

North America

U.S.

Canada

Europe

Germany

UK

France

Spain

Italy

Russia

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

China

Japan

India

Australia

Singapore

Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

Brazil

Mexico

Rest of Latin America Latin America

MEA

GCC

South Africa

Rest of MEA

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/aj8wct

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- Cedar Rapids Police Department Receives Milestone Grant -

NEW YORK, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- AKC Reunite, the largest non-profit pet microchip identification and recovery service provider in the United States, is thrilled to announce that it has awarded its milestone 500th grant through its AKC Reunite Adopt a K-9 Cop program, totaling $3.7 million in donations. The 500th grant was awarded to the Cedar Rapids Police Department in Cedar Rapids, Iowa which purchased a Bloodhound named Ranger.

Ranger with his handler, Sergeant Nathan Trimble.

Ranger, in addition to his handler, Sergeant Nathan Trimble, is now the eighth member of the Cedar Rapids Police Department's K-9 Unit. He is also the first Bloodhound to join the unit. While the other dogs in the unit are dual-trained in patrol functions including suspect apprehension and narcotics or explosive detection, Ranger's singular focus will be tracking, making him an excellent addition to the team.

"We are so thankful to all the AKC clubs and other donors who have helped make this grant program the amazing success that it is" said Tom Sharp, AKC Reunite President & CEO. "The impact of these dogs to protect and serve throughout the country cannot be overstated."

The Adopt a K-9 Cop matching grant program allows AKC Reunite to match funds from AKC Clubs, AKC-affiliated organizations and the public, three-to-one, up to $7,500 per grant. Funds are raised by contributions from AKC dog clubs and community members. The Cedar Rapids Police Department grant was sponsored by the Cedar Rapids Kennel Association.

These donations help police departments affected by lack of funding throughout the United States purchase the K-9 police dogs they desperately need, as many of the police dogs acquired with the help of these grants are used for important work such as patrol dogs as well as detection dogs, helping to locate narcotics, explosives and/or evidence.

"The Cedar Rapids Police Department Canine Unit is incredibly appreciative of the AKC Reunite program's financial assistance to bring Ranger to our Department," said Sergeant Nathan Trimble, Ranger's handler. "He's the first bloodhound for CRPD and we're all impressed with the way Bluegrass Bloodhounds in Leichtfield, KY started his training and their involvement with our team. He's developing into an outstanding tracking asset."

Created in 2013, AKC Reunite's Adopt a K-9 Cop program has given out grants to police departments in 40 states. The program still has 58 grants left to award in 2023.

"I started the program to help police departments in need, where a lack of funding meant that they would not have a canine to protect the public as well as their first responders," said Christopher Sweetwood, AKC Board Member and Ambassador for the program. "When there is a need, we are there. We are proud to reach this milestone of 500 Police K-9's purchased for our communities. We look forward to reaching the milestone of 1,000 grants."

"Police departments across the U.S. recognize the importance of the AKC Reunite Adopt a K-9 Cop grant," said Don Slavik, President of the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA). "With their exceptional scent and odor detection skills, these dogs are an invaluable asset."

Learn more about how to get involved in AKC Reunite Adopt a K-9 Cop program and see pictures and stories of dogs already donated at https://www.akcreunite.org/k9/.

To support the program, go to https://www.akcreunite.org/donate/.

AKC Reunite

The way home for lost pets.

AKC Reunite, an affiliate of the American Kennel Club, is the largest non-profit pet microchip identification and recovery service provider in the United States. Since 1995 AKC Reunite has helped pet owners reunite with their lost animals via identification and 24/7 pet recovery specialists, enrolling over 9 million companion animals and recovering more than 500,000 lost pets. AKC Reunite microchips are a popular choice of pet professionals throughout the country for permanent pet identification.

AKC Reunite has donated more than $10 million since 2002 for pet-related causes including disaster preparedness and relief like the AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailer donation program. AKC Reunite also provides free recovery service enrollment for all active service, military, and law enforcement K-9 dogs. For more information visit www.akcreunite.org or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/akcreunite).

SOURCE AKC Reunite
LAS VEGAS, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Alkame Holdings, Inc. (OTC PINK: ALKM), is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary West Coast Co Packer Inc. is preparing to pack its seventh (7th) consecutive year of farm to jar blueberries for export to Japan.

July is National Blueberry Month and West Coast Co Packer Inc. is once again preparing their facility to manage the influx of thousands of pounds of blueberries to arrive directly from farmers within the Pacific Northwest. West Coast Co Packer Inc. will be packing for Pacific Flavors, Intl., and plans to begin the farm to jar bottling production the week of July 17th.

"We've always been impressed by Pacific Flavor Intl., and their ability to source and procure only the finest Blueberries in the region. When you couple that with the quality of their finished product, and our ability to meet the demanding requirements of Japan, we're honored to have played a small part in meeting those expectations.", stated Alkame CEO Robert Eakle. "We're very excited to continue to provide the best for Pacific Flavors."

About West Coast Co Packer Inc.

West Coast Co Packer, Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alkame Holdings, Inc. and is a specialty liquid and single-serve manufacturer, co-packer, private labeler, and contract manufacturer, seamlessly integrates with Alkame's other subsidiaries Bell Food and Beverage, Inc. Bell Food and Beverage, Inc. is a specialty natural, organic liquid-based hot and cold fill food & beverage manufacturer in glass and PET bottles and jars. To learn more about West Coast Copacker visit www.westcoastcopacker.com.

About Alkame Holdings, Inc.

Alkame Holdings, Inc. is a publicly traded diversified holding company. The Company's wholly owned subsidiaries include proprietary water technology with several unique properties, food and beverage manufacturing and co-packing, CBD /Hemp food and beverage manufacturing, and utilizes their enhanced water technology whenever applicable, along with several company owned developed and acquired consumer brands. The organization is diligently building a strong foundation through the launch and acquisition of appropriate business assets, and by pursuing multiple applications by placement into several emerging business sectors, such as consumer bottled water and RTD products, household pet products, and many other various water-based treatment solutions to both new and existing business platforms.

For more information, visit www.alkameholdingsinc.com.

Alkame Holdings, Inc. Investor Relations

Website: www.alkameholdingsinc.com

Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer/Safe Harbor: This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act. The statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events that involve risks and uncertainties. Among others, these risks include the expectation that Alkame will achieve significant sales, the failure to meet schedule or performance requirements of the Company's contracts, the Company's liquidity position, the Company's ability to obtain new contracts, the emergence of competitors with greater financial resources and the impact of competitive pricing. In the light of these uncertainties, the forward-looking events referred to in this release might not occur. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

SOURCE Alkame Holdings
ANAHEIM, Calif., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Anbio Biotechnology (Anbio), a leading global diagnostic device and assay company, has announced its participation in the 2023 American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo from July 25th to 27th in Anaheim, CA where it will be officially launching its brand in North American market.

Anbio Biotechnology

Anbio Biotechnology is a medical device company emphasizing in vitro diagnostics. Our mission is to change the global diagnostics market by individualizing and decentralizing the current diagnostic solutions for rapid diagnosis to improve patient prognosis. Anbio provides rapid, accessible, and affordable diagnostic solutions globally at the forefront of science and offering innovative laboratory, wellness, at-home, and point-of-care (POCT) in vitro diagnostic (IVD) solutions.

Anbio will be showcasing its laboratory and point-of-care (POC) devices and assays, including the innovative ADL-i1910, a chemiluminescence (ChLIA) device and assays, and the sleek and mobile AF-100s handheld fluorescent immunoassay (FIA) device and assays. Anbio's products will be on display in Booth #445.

The ADL-i910 ChLIA instrument is a high-throughput, affordable, and uniquely designed all-in-one turnkey solution that is compact in size. ADL-i1910 consumables and reagents portfolio can detect cancer biomarkers, inflammatory biomarkers, hormone levels, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, with a simple cartridge change. With the ADL-i1910, laboratories can provide 38 kinds of tests in a high-throughput and reliable manner.

The AF-100S analyzer is extremely small (195x100x70mm), and suited for private clinics, urgent cares, emergency rooms, and ambulances. With 43 different tests available, the AF-100S diagnostic solution can provide rapid test results for medical professionals to provide a timely diagnosis and adequately treat patients on time.

"Our attendance to AACC 2023 will be our official launch of our products to the North American market," said Michael Lau, CEO of Anbio." As a reliable supplier and manufacturer of innovative diagnostic solutions, we are excited to provide the American market our products. We seek to establish more business cooperation with partners around the world to improve our current healthcare system,". Lau will host a lecture focusing on Point-of-Care Diagnostics: Future of Decentralized Healthcare and Diagnostics from 10:00 am to 10:20am on Wednesday, July 26th at exhibit hall theater 2.

About Anbio Biotechnology

Anbio Biotechnology is devoted to make contributions for human health and has never stopped our goal to innovate in life sciences. Driven by continuous technical development and integration, resulting from close cooperation with prestigious institutes across the world. Anbio always strives to provide total solutions in clinical diagnosis field, by offering extensive diagnostic products including laboratory and point-of-care products.

For more information, please visit: www.anbio.com

Contact

Michael Lau

CEO of Anbio Biotechnology

+1 8189328076

[email protected]

Send us message at: www.anbio.com/contact

SOURCE Anbio Biotechnology
The Festive Event on July 4 Will Feature a Variety of High Payout Games, Special 4th of July Dauber, Delicious BBQ Dinner and More

SANTA CLARA,Calif., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Aquamaids Bingo is pleased to announce that they will be celebrating Independence Day with a very special 4th of July Red, White and Bingo Bonanza.

To learn more about the upcoming festive event, please check out https://aquamaidsbingo.org/blog/we-will-be-celebrating-our-nations-birthday-at-our-4th-of-july-red-white-and-bingo-bonanza .

The doors and cashiers will open at 3:30 p.m. on July 4, and the bingo fun and games will start at 6:30 p.m. at Aquamaids Bingo Hall at 1600 Martin Ave. in Santa Clara, California.

Bingo fans can purchase buy-ins now for the celebration on the Aquamaids Bingo website, or through the app.

The $100 buy in package will include 10 strip games (4 of each game), with a $2,500 payout per game; 2 double action (1 of each game), with a $500 payout per game and 3 $5,000 "must goes" games (1 of each game).

"The buy in package also includes an Aquamaids Bingo t-shirt, special 4th of July dauber and a tasty BBQ dinner," a spokesperson for Aquamaids Bingo noted, adding that the dinner will feature hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad or coleslaw, watermelon and a giant cookie for dessert.

A la carte items may also be purchased at the cashier window on event day. To buy these items, players must first purchase the $100 buy in.

Everybody at Aquamaids Bingo Hall is looking forward to the Red, White and Bingo Bonanza, and celebrating the nation's birthday with fun and festive games.

"We look forward to seeing everyone there," the spokesperson noted.

About Aquamaids Bingo:

For those who crave the excitement, fun and social interaction of live-action bingo, Aquamaids Bingo Hall in Santa Clara is the destination people are looking for. They offer traditional classic bingo games as well as many of the hottest and latest strip bingo sessions and biggest daily payouts in the Bay Area. For more information, please visit https://aquamaidsbingo.org/

Aquamaids Bingo

1600 Martin Avenue

Santa Clara, CA 95050

(408) 988-9936

SOURCE Aquamaids Bingo
NEW YORK, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Arcade Beauty, a leading provider of solutions to the beauty industry, has made the strategic decision to consolidate its operations by closing its Chattanooga, TN plant and consolidate production into its existing South Plainfield, NJ facilities. This move comes as part of Arcade Beauty's ongoing efforts to streamline operations, achieve greater economies of scale, improve overall efficiency, and ensure long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive market.

The affected plant, located at 3800 Amnicola Highway, Chattanooga, TN, has been an integral part of Arcade Beauty's manufacturing operations over the last 50 years. However, after careful evaluation and analysis of market conditions particularly with secular declines in print media, production capacities, and operational costs, Arcade Beauty has determined that consolidating production into our South Plainfield facilities will better position the company for future growth and success. "The plant closure will allow us to improve our asset utilization in North America and further reduce our fixed cost base," said Trevor Deighton, General Manager  North America. "We will work closely with our customers to seamlessly transition our supply chain to other Company sites in North America."

Approximately 80 positions will be eliminated as a result of these actions. The company is committed to providing support and assistance to affected employees during this transition period, including severance packages, job placement services, and retraining opportunities where applicable. "The decision to close the plant was not made lightly and a direct result of the continued secular declines in print media," said Carl Allain, President and CEO. "We remain committed to doing what is right, treating everyone with respect, and delivering on our commitments to our people, customers, shareholders and the communities where we operate."

Arcade Beauty remains dedicated to delivering high-quality products and maintaining strong relationships with its customers. The consolidation and closure of the plant are strategic measures aimed at reinforcing the company's market leadership position, maximizing value for its stakeholders, and ensuring a sustainable future.

About Arcade Beauty:

Arcade Beauty is a leading provider of solutions to the beauty industry, including sampling and retail solutions. The company has a global footprint, with its 11 facilities servicing 400+ beauty brands worldwide. Arcade Beauty was formed in September 2014 via the merger of Arcade Marketing and Bioplan, two prominent sample packaging businesses based in New York and Paris, respectively.

SOURCE Arcade Beauty
CHICAGO, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In the near future, the ATP assays industry is expected to experience significant growth and advancements driven by the increasing demand for rapid and sensitive methods for assessing cellular energy levels. ATP assays, which measure adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a vital molecule for energy transfer in cells, offer several advantages in various fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and research. The industry will witness the development of more sensitive and high-throughput ATP detection technologies, enabling faster and more accurate measurements. These advancements will facilitate drug discovery and development processes by assessing compound effects on cellular energy metabolism, aiding in the identification of potential therapeutic targets. Furthermore, ATP assays will find broader applications in areas like environmental monitoring, food safety, and clinical diagnostics, providing quick and reliable assessments of microbial contamination and cell viability. The future of the ATP assays industry will be characterized by continuous innovation, improved sensitivity, versatility, and expanded applications, contributing to advancements in various scientific and industrial sectors.

ATP Assays Market in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth $0.3 billion in 2023 and is poised to reach $0.5 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 7.8% from 2023 to 2028 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The ATP Assays market is mainly driven by factors such as growing drug discovery & development studies, growing penetration of CROs, increasing demand for cell-based assays in research, growing investments by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are some of the key factors driving the market for ATP assays.

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Browse in-depth TOC on "ATP Assays Market"

158 - Tables

46 - Figures

222 - Pages

ATP Assays Market Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2023 $0.3 billion Estimated Value by 2028 $0.5 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% Market Size Available for 20212028 Forecast Period 20232028 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered Product, Application, and End User Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities Technological enhancements in ATP assay probes Key Market Drivers Increasing food safety concerns

The consumables & accessories segment is accounted for largest share of the market during the forecast period

On the basis of product, The ATP assays market comprises consumables & accessories as well as instruments, with the consumables & accessories segment holding a significant portion. This dominance can be attributed to the the growing demand for tumor testing and cell proliferation (specifically in cancer) driven by an upsurge in chronic diseases, and the frequent procurement of consumables by pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms.

The contamination testing segment accounted for the largest share of the market during the forecast period.

On the basis of application, The ATP assays market is bifurcated into contamination testing, disease testing, and drug delivery & development segments. The significant portion of the contamination testing segment is due to various factors such as the surge in drug discovery activities following the COVID-19 pandemic, and the necessity for cleaning and disinfecting environmental surfaces in hospitals.

The pharmaceutical & biotechnology segment accounted for the largest share of the market in 2022

On the basis of end users, The ATP assays market is categorized into pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies, the food & beverage industry, hospitals & diagnostic laboratories, and academic & research institutes. The dominance of this segment can be attributed to several key factors. These include the presence of a large number of pharmaceutical players who are making substantial investments in this market, the growing regulatory approvals for cell culture-based vaccines that necessitate the use of ATP assays in contamination testing, the expansion of commercial activities by various pharmaceutical companies, the rising demand for cell and gene therapies to address chronic diseases, and significant research and development efforts in the pharmaceutical & biopharmaceutical sector.

APAC to witness the highest growth during the forecast period.

In 2022, North America accounted for the largest share the ATP assays market, followed by Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. The large share of North America can be attributed to the availability of government and private funding for life science research, growing penetration of CROs, comprehensive drug development regulations, and the presence of major players in the ATP assays market in this region.

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ATP Assays Market Dynamics:

Drivers:

Increasing food safety concerns

Restraints:

High cost of instruments

Opportunities:

Technological enhancements in ATP assay probes

Challenges:

Survival of small players and new entrants

Key Market Players:

The prominent players in this market are Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (US), Promega Corporation (US), Merck KGaA (Germany), PerkinElmer, Inc. (US), Agilent Technologies, Inc. (US), Abcam plc (UK), Lonza Group (Switzerland), Neogen Corporation (US), 3M (US), Danaher Corporation (US), PromoCell GmbH (Germany), Geno Technology, Inc. (US), Abnova Corporation (Taiwan), AAT Bioquest Inc. (US), BioThema AB (Sweden), Elabscience Biotechnology Inc. (US), MBL International Corporation (US), Biotium (US), Creative Bioarray (US), Canvax Biotech S.L. (Spain), Ruhof Corporation (US), Charm Sciences, Inc. (US), Bio Shield Tech, LLC (US), Cayman Chemical (US), and Cell Signaling Technology,Inc. (US).

Recent Developments:

In January 2022 , Agilent Technologies launched Seahorse XF Pro Analyzer, enabling operators at any skill level to access the most advanced cellular metabolism analysis technology for understanding cellular fate, fitness, and function.

, Agilent Technologies launched Seahorse XF Pro Analyzer, enabling operators at any skill level to access the most advanced cellular metabolism analysis technology for understanding cellular fate, fitness, and function. In May 2021 , Neogen Corporation launched AccuPoint Advanced NG. It remains the only sanitation monitoring system in the market to utilize a flat tip sampler for maximized recovery of ATP and feature RFID technology for streamlined testing processes.

, Neogen Corporation launched AccuPoint Advanced NG. It remains the only sanitation monitoring system in the market to utilize a flat tip sampler for maximized recovery of ATP and feature RFID technology for streamlined testing processes. In October 2021 , Abcam has doubled the footprint of its immunoassay kit R&D and manufacturing facility in Eugene, Oregon . This enhanced capacity is another component of Abcam's growth journey in the US and will further enable its commitment to support the research and biopharma sector globally.

, Abcam has doubled the footprint of its immunoassay kit R&D and manufacturing facility in . This enhanced capacity is another component of Abcam's growth journey in the US and will further enable its commitment to support the research and biopharma sector globally. In May 2020 , Thermo Fisher launched the Orbitrap 240 Mass Spectrometer. It is designed to give proteomics, metabolomics, and biopharmaceutical characterization to small molecules, which aid in research and high-throughput analyses. The new system helps drive discovery and identification with increased accuracy for confident scale-up along with operational simplicity and speed.

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ATP Assays Market Advantages:

Rapid and Real-time Assessment: ATP assays provide rapid and real-time measurements of cellular energy levels. They offer a quick and efficient way to monitor the dynamic changes in ATP content, allowing for immediate assessment of cellular energy status. This is particularly valuable in time-sensitive applications, such as drug discovery, where the prompt evaluation of compound effects on energy metabolism is crucial.

Sensitivity and Accuracy: ATP assays have become increasingly sensitive, enabling the detection of low levels of ATP. This high sensitivity allows for the precise measurement of ATP concentrations, even in small sample volumes or low-energy states. The accurate quantification of ATP levels ensures reliable and reproducible results, contributing to the overall quality of research, diagnostics, and quality control processes.

Versatility and Application Diversity: The ATP assays market caters to a wide range of applications across various industries. It finds utility in pharmaceutical and biotechnology research for assessing compound effects on cellular energy metabolism, as well as in environmental monitoring, food safety, and clinical diagnostics for evaluating microbial contamination and cell viability. The versatility of ATP assays makes them adaptable to different sample types and assay formats, enhancing their relevance in diverse settings.

High Throughput and Automation: With advancements in assay technologies and automation systems, ATP assays can be easily scaled up to handle high sample volumes and enable high-throughput screening. This capability is particularly advantageous in industrial settings, such as drug discovery and quality control, where large-scale sample analysis is required. High throughput and automation increase efficiency, reduce labor costs, and accelerate decision-making processes.

Non-destructive and Label-free Assays: ATP assays can be non-destructive and label-free, allowing for repeated measurements on the same sample or cell population. This non-destructive nature minimizes sample consumption and preserves the integrity of the biological material, making ATP assays suitable for longitudinal studies and kinetic analyses.

Regulatory Compliance and Standardization: The ATP assays market is supported by established standards and regulatory guidelines, ensuring consistency and reliability in results. Standardized assay protocols and quality control measures contribute to the reproducibility and comparability of ATP measurements across different laboratories and industries.

Technological Advancements and Innovation: The ATP assays market continues to benefit from technological advancements and innovations. Ongoing research and development efforts aim to enhance assay sensitivity, expand detection capabilities, and develop novel assay formats. These advancements fuel continuous improvement, open new applications, and drive the market forward.

These advantages make the ATP assays market a valuable tool in various industries, enabling researchers, scientists, and industry professionals to gain insights into cellular energy metabolism, assess product quality, ensure safety, and support critical decision-making processes.

ATP Assays Market  Report Highlights:

The updated version of the report covers the historical market for ATP Assays for the year 2021, 2022 the estimated market for 2023 and forecast till 2028 along with CAGR from 2021 to 2028.

UPDATED MARKET OVERVIEW:

The current edition of the report covers technology analysis, regulatory analysis, key conferences & events, and key stakeholders & buying criteria in the market overview chapter.

UPDATED COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE CHAPTER:

The competitive landscape chapter has been updated with the company evaluation quadrant (DIVE Matrix), company evaluation quadrant for start-ups, company footprint of ATP Assays market by product, application, end user and geographic assessment of market players.

The competitive landscape also includes the updated strategies adopted by key players, a revenue share analysis of the top market players, as well as competitive situations and trends section.

UPDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION/PRODUCT PORTFOLIOS OF PLAYERS:

The new edition of the report provides updated financial information until 2022 for each listed company in a single diagram (instead of multiple tables). This will easily help analyze the present status of profiled companies in terms of their financial strength, profitability, key revenue-generating regions/countries, and business segment focus in terms of the highest revenue-generating segments and R&D investments.

UPDATED MARKET DEVELOPMENTS OF PROFILED PLAYERS:

Recent developments are important to understand the market trends and growth strategies adopted by players. The current edition of this report provides updated developments of profiled players from January 2019 to June 2023 , indicating a continuation of the previous version. Product launches were the principal growth strategies adopted by market players during this period.

ADDITION OF RECESSION IMPACT:

The current edition of the report consists of the impact of the recession on the ATP Assays market.

A section on the impact of the recession on all regional markets, such as North America , Asia Pacific , Europe , Latin America , Middle East & Africa have been included.

Related Reports:

Cell Based Assays Market - Global Forecasts to 2028

Cell Culture Market - Global Forecasts to 2028

Cell Therapy Technologies Market - Global Forecasts to 2027

Cell Analysis Market - Global Forecasts to 2027

Stem Cell Assay Market - Global Forecasts to 2027

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AUSTIN, Texas, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Aurigo Software , the leading provider of capital planning and construction management software for infrastructure and private owners, announced it has entered into a multiyear contract with the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) to streamline the state's transportation planning process. Hawaii's Statewide Transportation Plan encompasses the state's entire transportation infrastructure, ensuring that capital programs are comprehensive, integrated, and publicly accountable. Aurigo's flagship product suite, Masterworks, will help HDOT prioritize project requests, manage the use of state and federal funds, and keep track of program performance throughout delivery.

HDOT has the responsibility to plan, design, construct, operate, and maintain state facilities in all modes of transportation, including air, water, and land. The agency was formed shortly after Hawaii became a state in 1959 and is comprised of three modal divisions (airports, harbors, and highways) and a support services division. The DOT currently manages eleven commercial service airports, four general aviation airports, ten commercial harbors, and thousands of highway lane miles, all spread across the state's six major islands.

"Hawaii's unique geography and multimodal approach to transportation requires careful planning and selection of the right projects to meet their residents' infrastructure needs," said Balaji Sreenivasan, CEO and founder of Aurigo Software. "Our team is delighted to partner with the state to streamline how projects are evaluated and funded, leading to more reliable multiyear forecasts, and reduced financial risk for their statewide program. We're thrilled to contribute to their mission and support a safer, more connected future in Hawaii."

Aurigo's Masterworks will allow HDOT to create capital projects, prioritize them, and estimate their costs. Funding across different sources will be set up and tracked, providing the agency with a robust and flexible way to associate, update, and combine funds on projects when needed. The system will also automate the obligation and reimbursement process for federal funds, integrating with the Federal Highway Administration's Financial Management Information System (FMIS).

Additionally, the system will integrate with HDOT's existing technology stack, including design software provided by Autodesk, to create a comprehensive digital lifecycle management solution for the plan-build environment. Pre-configured application interfaces will allow HDOT to transfer data between different phases on a project, providing a single source of truth across the entire lifecycle.

According to the state's most recent transportation plan, HDOT intends to deliver capital improvements totaling over $1.4 billion in 2024 to Hawaii's highways, airports, and harbors. The highway system provides mobility for over 1.4 million Hawaii residentsincluding a civilian labor force of approximately 680,000 peopleover 8 million visitors, and over 32 million tons of freight each year. Masterworks will allow state planners to conduct what-if analysis on proposed plans to help identify optimal project combinations based on available funding and strategic priority.

"Hawaii DOT is excited to implement Aurigo's Masterworks platform to support our strategic goals of improved safety, resiliency, and economic vitality," said Ed Sniffen, Director of the Hawaii Department of Transportation. "Modernizing our capital planning operations will speed up approval times and help deliver the infrastructure Hawaiians need now and in the future."

Hawaii joins several other states using Masterworks to modernize their capital programs, including Utah, Delaware, Massachusetts, and Iowa. The company has seen expanding interest in its capital planning capabilities as major public agencies take advantage of funding from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in November 2021.

About Aurigo Software

Aurigo builds software that helps build the world. Aurigo provides modern, cloud-based solutions for capital infrastructure and private owners to help them plan with confidence and build with quality. With more than $300 billion of capital programs under management, Aurigo's solutions are trusted by over 300 customers in transportation, water and utilities, healthcare, higher education, and the government with over 40,000 projects across North America. Aurigo helps capital program executives make better decisions based on proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning technology. Aurigo is a privately held U.S. corporation headquartered in Austin, Texas, with global offices in Canada and India. Learn more at www.aurigo.com.

SOURCE Aurigo Software Technologies
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- McDonald Hopkins members Peter M. Bernhardt and John T. Metzger have been selected to the 2023 Florida Super Lawyers list. Additionally, McDonald Hopkins member Craig Distel has been selected to the 2023 Florida Rising Stars list.

Bernhardt focuses on complex commercial litigation matters and probate and trust litigation, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in contract disputes, partnership disputes, shareholder disputes, claims for legal and accounting malpractice, construction litigation, employment litigation, real estate litigation, landlord/tenant matters, and business torts. Bernhardt also has extensive experience representing local and national lenders in loan restructuring, foreclosures, receiverships, and in defense of a wide variety lender liability claims. This year marks Bernhardt's 16th selection as a Florida Super Lawyer.

Metzger is the Managing Member of McDonald Hopkins; West Palm Beach office, and is a 15-year member of the firm's Executive Committee. He has over 35 years of experience assisting clients in complex real estate transactions and business litigation matters. His clients include buyers, sellers, developers, lenders, and contractors, both institutional and entrepreneurial and he has represented local and national lenders in all aspects of complex mortgage financing. Since 2000, Metzger has been Board Certified as a specialist in Real Estate Law by the Florida Bar. This year marks Metzger's 18th consecutive selection by Florida Super Lawyers.

Distel is a Member in the Litigation Department at McDonald Hopkins and Board Certified in Construction Law by the Florida Bar. He represents developers, owners, contractors, subcontractors, and design professionals in contract negotiation, lien disputes, construction defect disputes, and general litigation. Distel also represents small and large businesses in commercial litigation and labor and employment matters. He has extensive experience deposing plaintiffs, defendants, and consultants in various litigation matters. This is the first time Distel has been named as a Rising Star by Florida Super Lawyers.

Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys.

About McDonald Hopkins

Founded in 1930, McDonald Hopkins is a business advisory and advocacy law firm with locations in Baltimore/Annapolis, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, and West Palm Beach. With more than 50 service and industry teams, the firm has the expertise and knowledge to meet the growing number of legal and business challenges our clients face. For more information about McDonald Hopkins, visit mcdonaldhopkins.com .

CONTACT:

Cynthia Stewart

McDonald Hopkins LLC

600 Superior Avenue, East, Suite 2100

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Phone: 216.348.5733

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE McDonald Hopkins
CHELSEA, Mass., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Spada Law Group LLC is pleased to announce the five winners of its fourth annual $5,000 scholarship fund to support Greater Boston graduating high school seniors who have overcome challenging situations.

Spada Law created the scholarship to support and encourage students to pursue their educational goals. Each recipient received $1000 in unrestricted funds that can be used for tuition, books, supplies, or housing.

Recipients with Len Spada (L-R) Riley Avelar, Carlos Flores, Cori Powell, Timmy Donahue, Mariah Rogers

"This is an impressive group of students who have worked extremely hard to excel and overcome challenges in their lives," said Spada Law Group Chief Len Spada. "We want to help them in achieving their goals and reaching their full potential."

The winners are: Riley Avelar, Carlos Flores, Cori Powell, Timmy Donahue, and Mariah Rogers

Spada said the scholarship was inspired by the people who helped him while growing up in the inner city and getting into college despite difficult circumstances.

"I really believe that having a strong community makes a difference," Spada said. "We want these students to know that we recognize what they've accomplished, and we believe they will go on and do great things," he said.

Spada Law Group is a Personal Injury Law Firm based in Chelsea, MA, representing seriously injured accident victims. Our firm serves English and Spanish-speaking clients with a main office in Chelsea, and appointment-only offices in Peabody and Newburyport.

Contact:

Mikeyla Figueroa

617.889.5000

SOURCE Spada Law Group
American Cloud and Liberation Technology Services (LTS) forerun technological advances in multi-cloud solutions with a freedom first mentality that support businesses and organizations searching for cloud service alternatives that rival Big Tech and counter check baised de-platforming.

SILICON VALLEY, Calif., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- It's the beginning of a new era in independent digital solutions as American Cloud and Liberation Technology Services form a strategic alliance to deliver multi-cloud solutions to businesses globally. This union of freedom first organizations will promote unparalleled security, and innovation.

The new opportunity to present a collaboration that alters the future trajectory of the internet is not an uncommon triumph for either of these tech companies.

American Cloud, renowned for its mission to empower businesses through innovative cloud computing, brings its premium products, in house data center, and exceptional support to this partnership. Their services, backed by a dedicated around-the-clock team, now offer seamless multi-cloud solutions for businesses of all sizes.

Aron Wagner, CEO of American Cloud chimed in on the benefits of this monumental collaboration stating, "We are delighted to announce our partnership with LTS to bring multi-cloud resiliency to the market. Businesses can deploy their digital infrastructure to our first-of-its-kind multi-cloud model and sleep easy with a 100% uptime guarantee from two premiere infrastructure providers."

Liberation Technology Services, a leading provider of secure web hosting and digital solutions, complements this partnership with their expert-developed custom solutions. Their promise of digital independence and zero-censorship guarantee will add another layer of value to the multi-cloud solutions offered through this partnership.

"We continue to so stay fully committed to restoring freedom and integrity to technology. Our partnership with American Cloud and expansion of multi-cloud service solutions enables us to remain true to that promise for our clients. This collaboration will maintain our dedication to creating superior alternatives to Big Tech," Founder and CEO of Liberation Technology Services, Andrew Riddaugh.

Together, American Cloud and Liberation Technology Services will leverage their combined expertise and resources to provide businesses with more flexibility, enhanced security, and the ability to optimize their operations in a multi-cloud environment. Their joint efforts will allow clients to seamlessly manage their workloads across both cloud platforms, maximizing the unique advantages of each companies offering.

This collaboration reaffirms both companies' commitments to customer service, support, and security. Please reach out to [email protected] for multi-cloud business inquiries

To learn more about American Cloud and Liberation Technology Services multi-cloud offerings visit liberationtek.com.

You can also follow their journey on social media at;

American Cloud Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

Liberation Technology Services Twitter | Truth Social | Gettr | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

About American Cloud

The American Cloud mission is to empower businesses of all sizes to achieve their full potential through the use of innovative cloud computing. American Cloud strives to promote a free and open internet for everyone with a commitment to provide clients with the highest level of service, support, and security, so that they can focus on their business without fear of cancellation. American Cloud is the premier choice for businesses looking to harness the power of the cloud while also supporting the principles of a free and open internet.

About Liberation Technology Services

Liberation Technology Services (LTS) is a full-scale provider of tech infrastructure and independent digital solutions. Liberation Technology Services advances businesses, and organizations of all sizes with private cloud hosting, web/app development solutions and a multi-layered "Iron Dome" cyber-defense system supported by zero-knowledge private data centers located throughout the United States. Liberation Technology Services proudly offers un-compromised privacy and cyber security, and a censorship free guarantee, preserving the freedom and security of businesses, and organization's data and likeness online.

Media Contact: Evie Phillips [email protected] 917-336-2808

SOURCE Liberation Technology Services
Will source investment opportunities in the Midwest

ROSEMONT, Ill., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Brennan Investment Group, a private real estate investment firm that acquires, develops, and operates industrial facilities throughout the United States, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dan Smith as Vice President of Investments in the Midwest Region.

Dan Smith

In his new role, Dan will be responsible for identifying and sourcing new investment opportunities, including developments, re-developments, and acquisitions. With a primary focus on the Chicago market, Dan will leverage his expertise and established relationships to identify attractive opportunities that align with Brennan Investment Group's value-add investment strategy. Additionally, he will expand Brennan's presence in the Minneapolis and Milwaukee markets to capture key opportunities in these regions.

Dan joins Brennan with a wealth of experience in the commercial real estate industry. Most recently, he held the position of Director of Acquisitions & Investments at Bridge Industrial, where he focused on industrial developments and acquisitions.

"We are delighted to welcome Dan Smith to our team at Brennan Investment Group," said Kevin Brennan, Managing Principal at Brennan Investment Group. "Dan's proven track record in sourcing and executing successful real estate investments, coupled with his deep knowledge of the Chicago market, will be invaluable to our organization. We look forward to Dan's contributions as we expand our presence in the Midwest and pursue new investment opportunities."

About Brennan Investment Group

Brennan Investment Group, a Chicago-based private real estate investment firm, acquires, develops, and operates industrial properties in select major metropolitan markets throughout the United States. Since 2010, Brennan Investment Group has acquired or developed $5 billion in industrial real estate in 30 states. The company's current portfolio spans 27 states and encompasses approximately 46 million square feet.

Brennan Investment Group co-invests with private and institutional capital to achieve outstanding risk-adjusted returns. The company has 12 regional offices throughout the United States and the firm's management team is among the most accomplished in its industry, having invested in over 5,000 properties covering more than 60 cities throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.

For more information on Brennan Investment Group, go to brennanllc.com.

CONTACT: Ursula Walendzewicz, [email protected], 8476308722

SOURCE Brennan Investment Group, LLC
The deal with the tick tool company, approved for use by both people and pets, strengthens the company's market position as a leader in providing chemical-free, first aid products.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bug Bite Thing , the maker of the chemical-free, reusable insect bite relief suction tool, announces the acquisition of TickEase, Inc., the only patented, two-sided and fine-tipped tweezers, created expressly for removal of embedded ticks from people and pets, which meets Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for proper tick removal.

Bug Bite Thing Suction Tool and Bug Bite Thing Tick Remover

The introduction of Bug Bite Thing Tick Remover marks the company's expansion beyond the insect bite relief industry to two new industries: the pet industry, which is anticipated to grow to $500 billion globally by 2030 and the flea and tick products global market, which is expected to reach $16.4 billion by 2031 . With the tick tool now available under the Bug Bite Thing brand, the company anticipates its revenue to increase by 58% in 2024.

Amazon's #1 selling product for insect bite relief with nearly 80,000 reviews, Bug Bite Thing has provided relief to millions of people suffering from the itching, stinging and swelling caused by mosquito bites. With the acquisition of TickEase, the company aims to prevent the spread of Lyme disease, a problem that impacts both people and their pets.

According to CDC estimates, Lyme disease annually impacts nearly 500,000 people in the United States alone , and is also a problem for pet owners. Last year, nearly 425,000 dogs in the U.S. were diagnosed with tick-borne diseases.

While using household tweezers for the tick removal increases the risk of tearing the tick and exacerbating the problem, Bug Bite Thing Tick Remover completely removes engorged ticks, thereby reducing the chances of transmitting tick-borne diseases. Following the tick removal, consumers can also use Bug Bite Thing to help remove any remaining tick saliva from the skin, an irritant that can cause skin infections.

Bug Bite Thing Founder & CEO Kelley Higney says, "After becoming the go-to chemical-free treatment for insect bites, we are tackling the tick problem and offering another non-toxic and reusable tool. This is just one of many future expansions we have in the works, furthering our mission to provide customers and now their pets too with effective, eco-friendly solutions, so they can enjoy the outdoors."

Founder and President of TickEase, Inc., Dan Wolff aka Tick Man Dan says, "Bug Bite Thing has educated millions of people on how to treat insect bites. And while Lyme disease is the fastest growing vector-borne disease in the U.S., many people don't understand just how serious tick-borne infections can be. With the Bug Bite Thing Tick Remover, the company will bring critical awareness to this important issue and teach consumers the correct method to remove ticks."

"This acquisition marks an acceleration of the business's growth into a new sector: the pet industry. Bug Bite Thing's success has proven the company understands how to market a consumer product, and I'm sure the Bug Bite Thing Tick Remover will soon become a household name. I look forward to the business's continued expansion, and working with the team to add new products under the Bug Bite Thing brand name," says inventor/entrepreneur Lori Greiner.

Starting today, Bug Bite Thing Tick Remover is available for purchase on BugBiteThing.com and Amazon for $11.99. In addition, the company is also offering a combo pack that includes both Bug Bite Thing and the Bug Bite Thing Tick Remover for $19.99, equipping people and their pets with the chemical-free and reusable tools they need for all of summer's outdoor adventures.

About Bug Bite Thing

As Seen on Shark Tank, Bug Bite Thing is a chemical-free solution that instantly alleviates the stinging, itching and swelling caused by insect bites and stings. The reusable tool solely uses suction to remove insect saliva or venom from underneath the skin, making it safe for all ages. Bug Bite Thing is Amazon's #1 selling product for insect bite relief, with nearly 80,000 reviews.

The company gained national recognition in October 2019 when Kelley Higney and her mother, Ellen McAlister, appeared on ABC's hit show, 'Shark Tank.' All the Sharks were biting with offers to invest in the business, but it was Lori Greiner's 'Golden Ticket' offer that secured the partnership. In 2022, the company established its Medical Advisory Board and partnership with Board Certified Pediatrician Dr. Mona Amin. Bug Bite Thing is the recipient of 36 prestigious awards, including Inc.'s 2022 Best in Business List in Consumer Products, Company of the Year in the Consumer Product Category by the 2022 Stevie Awards American Business Awards and Women in Business Awards, a winner of the Mom's Choice Award and the National Parenting Center Seal of Approval. Based in Port St. Lucie, Florida, Bug Bite Thing is active in community organizations, including the St. Lucie County Economic Development Council, Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida and Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County. The company is also a women-owned business certified by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a weVENTURE Women's Business Center equity partner investor and a member of Cancer Free Economy Network. Bug Bite Thing is available on Amazon.com, BugBiteThing.com and at over 30,000 retail locations nationwide and in 34 countries. Learn more at Bug Bite Thing and follow along on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , TikTok and Twitter .

Media Contact:

Lauren Bartel

561.748.5587

[email protected]

SOURCE Bug Bite Thing
Myntfund latest: Discover the inner workings of the MyntEcosystem

REYKJAVIK, Iceland, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- MyntExchange is a blockchain based exchange platform that focuses on offering tokenized securities. MyntPay is the native currency of the platform, and it serves as a medium of exchange and unit of accounting for all security tokens listed on the exchange. MyntCoin, on the other hand, is an indexed fund token that tracks the value of all security tokens listed on the exchange.

MyntExchange is at the forefront of this trend, offering businesses the opportunity to tokenize their assets and raise capital through the sale of asset-backed security tokens. By leveraging the power of blockchain technology, MyntExchange is poised to disrupt the securities market, providing a unique investment opportunity for investors and a more efficient way for businesses to fund their expansion.

MYNTEXCHANGE: THE FUTURE OF INVESTING

MyntExchange offers a platform for private, unlisted companies to tokenize their securities and list them on the exchange. These tokenized securities can be easily traded and transferred on the platform, just like any other cryptocurrency. One of the main advantages of tokenized securities on MyntExchange is transparency, as the ownership and transaction history of each token is recorded on a blockchain.

MyntPay: The Essential Utility Token for Secure Trading on the MyntExchange

MyntPay is the utility token of the MyntExchange and, as the life blood of the MyntEcosystem, has several different use cases. As the utility token, it provides a Unit of Accounting and Medium of Exchange for all security tokens listed on the MyntExchange, and, over the long term, aims to become the go-to medium source of payment in the universe.

MyntPay is the utility token of the MyntEcosystem, and it is an essential component of the platform's functionality. It is designed to be traded for other cryptocurrencies or fiat currencies on third-party sales platforms and only with a secure and protective agreement with the MyntExchange, currently only available on AlchemyPay and Bytedex. The value of MyntPay is determined by its tether to MyntCoin, where one MyntCoin equals 10 MyntPay. Following MyntCoin through market variations and behavior.

MyntCoin: Unlocking the Power of Indexed Security Tokens for Enhanced Returns

MyntCoin is an Index Fund security token designed to provide investors with a simple and straight forward way to gain exposure to the performance of companies listed on the MyntExchange and access to dividends. Companies listing on the MyntExchange platform agree to swap 2% of securities to be tokenized in an exchange for MyntCoin the Indexed fund security token with 20% load on Myntcoin's value in this one time Swap. The 20% is instantly available for MyntExchange platform users to trade. Myntcoin swapped is on a one year hold from swap date to ensure a constant and upward growth of the index fund token. MyntCoin idealism as a cryptocurrency, symbolizes the incredible potential of digital assets to make a difference. It is not merely a securities token but is a symbol of the potential of digital assets to revolutionize the way we live and work.

Benefits for companies to list on MyntExchange

Companies can reach a larger audience of potential investors, which can help to speed up the fundraising process.

Listing on MyntExchange provides companies with a platform to trade their shares with high efficiency. This increased liquidity can help to attract more investors and provide them with an easier way to buy and sell the securities.

Listing on MyntExchange does not hinder companies from seeking funding elsewhere, in fact, it is encouraged. MyntExchange provides a unique investment opportunity for companies seeking to raise capital and expand their investor base. By listing on the platform, companies can gain access to a wider pool of potential investors, increased liquidity, and more efficient fundraising processes. Additionally, listing on MyntExchange can provide companies with exposure to a growing market for tokenized securities and the ability to offer MyntPay as a means of payment for their customers.

Tokenization, Exchanges, Security token offering, Fractional ownership,

Accredited investors, marketplaces, custody service, initial coin offerings.

CONTACT:



Andres Bertelsen

CMO

Borgartun 30

+3547802929

www.myntcoin.io

www.myntexchange.io

[email protected]

[email protected]

Linkedin

The following files are available for download:

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SOURCE Myntfund ehf.
HANGZHOU, China, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dahua Technology, a world-leading video-centric AIoT solution and service provider, launches the Dahua DeepHub Smart Classroom Solution during an online event. Build for digital education, this solution combines Dahua's hardware and software features as well as other products to enhance interactive learning for K-12 and higher education classrooms.

Combining both hardware and software capabilities

Digital education has become a global trend in the industry. Different countries put forward their own digital education strategies. Dahua actively participates in the construction of digital education and aims to utilize science and technology for the education of the future. Were excited to introduce our Smart Classroom Solution, with DeepHub series as its key products.

Following the success of the DeepHub whiteboards launched in 2022, this year Dahua introduced two new models for education: Lite Series (DHI-LPH65/75/86-ST420) and Pro Series (DHI-LPH65/75/86-ST470-P). Both series are available in sizes ranging from 65 to 86 inches and feature 4K displays. The Lite series is highly competitive and well-received among budget-conscious customers. The Pro series offers additional features including 8-core processing CPU, Type-C with 65W PD charging, optional plug-in camera and built-in 8 array mic. Additionally, a set of easy-to-use software suite (DeepHub Class, DeepHub Canvas, DeepHub Board, and DeepHub MDM) was also highlighted, offering more teaching methods while enabling students' learning in an effective and engaging way. The solution allows integration with other third-party platforms to provide rich course resources.

4 teaching scenarios

In lecture scenarios, teachers can prepare lessons at home or anywhere with the help of diverse tools, including cloud storage, interactive games, customized teaching resources, one-click setup for various subject tools and widgets, 1,000-plus dynamic and engaging learning simulations, convenient files and objects demo via document camera, etc.

For seminar scenarios, collaborating across institutions on a free canvas is possible using DeepHub Board. Each team member can contribute their ideas on the canvas, eliminating the limitations on distances and locations for seminars, group discussions, and meetings. It supports over 200 students and over 1,000 viewers at the same time.

In hybrid scenarios, teachers can interact with both online and in-person students, knowing their learning status in real time. Students can interact with the classroom or access their online courses remotely from their own devices, just like being physically present in the classroom.

For sharing scenarios, the built-in recording software of DeepHub whiteboard supports one-click content sharing for after-class studying. With professional configuration of classroom cameras and recording servers, it supports real-time tracking of teaching activities to provide students with immersive learning experience.

By utilizing its expertise in AIoT, Dahua will actively promote the construction of digital education with its ecosystem partners, empowering the future of education with science and technology.

https://www.dahuasecurity.com/singlePage/custom/Dahua-DeepHub-Smart-Interactive-Whiteboard

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2141302/Digital_education_a_global_trend_industry_Different_countries_put_digital.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2074657/Dahua_LOGO_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Dahua Technology
WROCLAW, Poland , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Can4Med Poland, a licensed medical wholesaler specializing in cannabinoid medications, is pleased to announce the successful importation and distribution of a significant shipment of medical cannabis products across Poland. As a trusted supplier, Can4Med is making great strides in establishing itself as a major player in the European cannabis industry. The company is dedicated to ensuring a reliable supply of cannabinoid medications while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and legality. Can4Med has positioned it as a key player in the Polish market, with further expansion plans underway.

By partnering with international growers and manufacturers, Can4Med aims to expand its product range and meet the evolving needs of patients in Poland and beyond.

"We are thrilled to have received another shipment of cannabis products, allowing us to continue serving the Polish market with the medicines they need," said Arkadiusz Piotrowicz, CEO of Can4Med Poland. "This achievement brings us closer to our vision of becoming a European cannabis hub, based in Poland focused on providing patients with safe and effective high quality cannabinoid medications."

Can4Med Poland acknowledges the support and collaboration of healthcare professionals, regulatory authorities, and other stakeholders who have played a crucial role in the company's success. Together, they have made medical cannabis products more accessible, empowering patients to explore alternative treatment options and improve their overall well-being.

As Can4Med Poland solidifies its position as a trusted supplier in the medical section and strives to become a European cannabis hub, it remains committed to upholding its core values of integrity, transparency, and patient-centricity. The company will continue to diligently provide high-quality medical cannabis products while promoting education and awareness about the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids.

About Can4Med Poland:

Can4Med is a licensed pharmaceutical distributor for wholesale trade in medicinal products and narcotics of group I-N, and is entitled to the wholesale of dried prescription drugs, including dried products containing 9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinoids (so called medical cannabis), as well as mono extracts and full extracts containing 9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinoids (so called medical cannabis) and other medicinal products and pharmaceutical raw materials for pharmacy prescription in Poland.

Contact:

Arkadiusz Piotrowicz

CEO

+48-575-117-666

[email protected]

SOURCE Can4Med
Start-up to demonstrate natural sugar replacer's sweet, clean flavor in energy bars

REHOVOT, Israel, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- FoodTech start-up CarobWay, Ltd. will introduce its clean-label, low glycemic index (GI) sweetener at IFT FIRST 2023 in Chicago. The company will demonstrate the new sweetener in a gummi and an energy bar prototypes to illustrate the new sweetener's capabilities.

Bringing the nutritional treasures of the ancient carob fruit to the modern table, CarobWay's new sweetener is derived from whole carob fruit and promotes well-being as well as providing sweetness.

CarobWay Introduces Its Low Glycemic Sweetener at IFT-FIRST

"Our natural sugar replacer provides a holistic solution based on all the goodness found in carob," states Udi Alroy, CEO and co-founder of CarobWay. "You can plug it easily into almost any food and beverage application. Thanks to our extensive dendrological research, we chose specific varieties of the carob tree that grow locally and whose fruit provides a mild, pleasing caramel flavor. Many carob sweeteners can have a faint bitter note, but CarobWay's sweetener is clean and flavorful. "This zero-waste sweetener is made from deseeded pods and available as a syrup.

Zero-waste sweetener

CarobWay strives to live in harmony with our planet and its inhabitants. By nature, carob has high carbon storage capabilities and flourishes in marginal lands. It supports ecosystem diversity and even helps prevent wildfires. The company runs a vertically integrated operation from farm to fork and is committed to fair-trade practices while ensuring a stable supply chain. Eliminating waste and preserving all the goodness of carob, it uses the entire fruitseeds and pulpto create innovative ingredients for food, food supplements, and cosmetics, with efficacy backed by science.

The secret ingredient: D-pinitol

The unique composition of the novel sweetener includes various sugars, plus the polyol D-pinitol, as well as trace soluble fibers and polyphenols. D-Pinitol, with a sweetness about 50% that of sucrose, is a naturally occurring compound found in plants, and in particular in carob fruit. The bioactive and wellness benefits of D-pinitol have been reported in dozens of scientific publications. To date, more than 30 beneficial activities of D-pinitol have been revealed.

Primarily, research has shown that people who consumed D-pinitol rich carob syrup and powder had lower blood glucose levels compared to the control group1. The researchers suggest this effect could be owed to its possible insulin-like function, and strong natural antidiabetic and insulin regulating abilities. But it also has shown promise as an active anti-Alzheimer, anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory, plus capacity as supporting immunity and liver health.

Study results

CarobWay conducted a bioavailability study using the SHIME in vitro model, a dynamic simulation system that mimics the conditions and functionality of the human digestive system, allowing researchers to study the enzymatic activity on food compounds when it meets the stomach and small intestines.

The study demonstrated that D-pinitol is highly bioavailable, while the other carob sugars are absorbed slowly. "This is good news for prediabetics who desire to enjoy pastry confections and sweets," says Monica Colt, PhD, scientific director for CarobWay. "The study results of our carob ingredients are highly promising, and we are continuing to explore carob's impressive values." The start-up will showcase a plant-based energy bar and gummies with CarobWay sweetener.

"Consumers are seeking clean CPG products that are better-for-you, and kind to the planet," adds Alroy. "It is not enough to provide natural sweetness. CarobWay's sweetener is a natural, single ingredient to help food and beverage companies to attain a cleaner label for their products. We welcome visitors to IFT to taste our sweetener in a variety of applications and discover the full benefits of CarobWay sweetener. It can replace up to 100% of the sugars in the energy bar and about 40% of the sugars in gummies. Both demonstration products are plant-based and non-GMO, appealing to consumers who want an enjoyable treat with a purpose."

Visit us at IFT FIRST 2023 in Chicago, on July 17-19 at booth #S3471Q in the Startup Pavilion

About CarobWay

FoodTech start-up, CarobWay, Ltd. is on a mission to reintroduce carob's secret nutritional benefit and flavor treasures. Researching and selecting the ideal source plants, developing science-backed ingredients, and leveraging innovation from seed to table, CarobWay introduces nutritious bioactive carob ingredients with a minimal footprint. CarobWay is the brainchild of food and nutrition entrepreneur Udi Alroy, whose vision is to return this ancient superfruit to the mainstream. The company has forged a whole new path in the industry, building a robust, sustainable, vertically integrated food system that benefits all supply chain partners.

[1] https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/14/8/1594

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2142913/CarobWay_Sweetener.jpg

SOURCE CarobWay
BANDERA COUNTY, Texas, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Grand View Ranch, a Patten Properties community specializing in large acreage land sales in the Texas Hill Country, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated final release of new 10+ acre ranches. The release is part of the "Great American Land Sale" event, offering exceptional savings and an incredible opportunity to own your dream acreage throughout the month of July.

"The hill country is not only one of the most in-demand locations in Texas, but in the entire country" Tweet this Texas Hill Country Land For Sale

Situated in the breathtaking Hill Country of Texas, Grand View Ranch is renowned for its magnificent landscapes and panoramic views. With its close proximity to San Antonio, Boerne, and Kerrville, it is the perfect place to enjoy the serenity of country living without compromising on modern comforts. The "Great American Land Sale" marks a milestone moment for Grand View Ranch, providing buyers with an exceptional chance to secure their own slice of paradise at unbeatable prices. These final 10+ acre land parcels offer a unique blend of rolling hills and stunning vistas that capture the spirit of the Texas Hill Country.

At Grand View Ranch, you can savor the tranquility and seclusion of country living without sacrificing modern conveniences. The gated entrance ensures privacy and security, while the fiber-optic connectivity allows you to stay connected to the world. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a horse lover, or simply seeking a serene retreat, these ranches provide an idyllic setting to enjoy the best of Texas living.

"The hill country is not only one of the most in-demand locations in Texas, but in the entire country," said David McCumber, Ranch Manager. "During the 'Great American Land Sale' event, we are offering huge savings and the chance to fulfill the American dream of owning land."

For more information about Grand View Ranch, visit www.grandviewranchtx.com. Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to embrace the beauty of the Hill Country, celebrate freedom, and create your legacy.

You can schedule your viewing online, https://grandviewranchtx.com/schedule-a-viewing/ or for a priority appointment or questions, call or text (833) 272-1810.

ABOUT PATTEN PROPERTIES

Patten Properties and its partners are recognized as being among the industry's foremost authorities on real estate investment and development across the nation. Our culture is founded on integrity and professionalism, which we proudly combine with a commitment to creating value and opportunity in today's exciting real estate environment.

CONTACT: Heather Robison, [email protected]

SOURCE Patten Companies
Success with Shift Claims Fraud Detection solutions leads to adoption of Shift Subrogation Detection

BOSTON and PARIS, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Shift Technology , a provider of AI-powered decision automation and optimization solutions for the global insurance industry, today announced Central Insurance has expanded its use of the company's technology to include Shift Subrogation Detection . As a result, Central Insurance can better identify those claims for which a third party may be wholly or partially responsible for paying. The decision follows the insurer's successful use of Shift Claims Fraud Detection to identify suspicious activity in the claims process over the past three years.

Central Insurance is recognized for delivering exceptional hospitality and fulfilling its promise to quickly pay policyholders for covered losses when they occur. The company's use of Shift's Claims Fraud Detection solution has proven effective in identifying legitimate versus suspicious claims and settling claims quickly and fairly. By introducing subrogation detection into the claims process, Central Insurance can more effectively spot hidden subrogation opportunities and develop optimal recovery strategies.

"When a policyholder files a claim, they want to be made whole for their loss," said Jeff Lieberman, Director of Anti-Fraud and Recovery at Central. "The intricacy of what goes on behind the scenes is not important to them, but it's very important to us. Anytime we're able to efficiently and accurately identify if all or part of a claim is the responsibility of a third party, we ensure our policyholders are paid quickly while creating opportunities to recover that loss for the business."

Shift Subrogation Detection helps insurers accurately identify subrogation opportunities at scale and recommend claims handler actions that improve recovery outcomes, thus reducing claims leakage while providing a top-tier customer experience. Shift uses artificial intelligence to analyze claims data to provide a holistic view of the claim, including what happened, who was involved, and could other parties be at fault. Alerts provided by the solution include clear guidance on the nature and specifics of the subrogation opportunity, allowing for optimized demands and recovery execution. The ability to eliminate manual review and identification of recovery opportunities empowers handlers to focus their time and effort on opportunities with the highest likelihood of recovery.

"Not all claims are the responsibility of the policyholder making the claim; however, it's not always easy to make that determination," explained Paul Edwards, Vice President of Claims at Central. "Doing so has long been a manual and time-consuming process. Central is turning to innovative solutions like Shift Subrogation Detection to better understand what's happening in the claims process and ensure the parties truly responsible for a loss are held accountable."

About Shift Technology

Shift Technology delivers AI-powered decisioning solutions to benefit the global insurance industry and its customers. Our products enable insurers to automate and optimize decisions from underwriting to claims, resulting in superior customer experiences, increased operational efficiency, and reduced costs. The future of insurance starts with Decisions Made Better. Learn more at www.shift-technology.com .

Contacts:

Rob Morton

Corporate Communications

Shift Technology

+1.617.416.9216

[email protected]

SOURCE Shift Technology
MIAMI, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ChenMed, is a privately owned medical, technology and management company that operates medical practices providing high-touch, personalized primary care to Medicare-eligible seniors. ChenMed recognizes the month of June as an opportunity to honor and embrace the resilience, strength, and contributions of our LGBTQ+ community members, as well as honoring the significance of Juneteenth and embracing the opportunity to stand in solidarity with our communities as we work towards creating a more just and equitable society.

It's important that we invest in the celebration and education of the diverse cultures and identities we serve Tweet this Chen Senior Medical Center's County Line employees celebrating Pride Month, as did other centers across the ChenMed national footprint

"ChenMed is committed to fostering the diverse backgrounds of our team members and patients and has invested in creating a culture of inclusion, where everyone is valued. When people are highly valued and loved, they can contribute highly, have a sense of belonging, and thrive," said Stephanie Chen, Chief Legal and Culture Officer at ChenMed. "We recognize and celebrate the significance of both Juneteenth and Pride Month this June alongside our team members and patients."

ChenMed acknowledges the ongoing work it takes to achieve freedom and equality each day. Throughout the month, the company is encouraging its employees to explore African American foods, books, and museums, such as the National Museum of African American History. Additionally, team members are getting involved by taking part in Pride Month celebrations and hanging Pride flags in its senior medical centers, amongst other educational and engaging activities.

ChenMed boasts a company that reflects the many diverse communities and the patients it serves across 15 states, including Florida, the southern U.S., and throughout the Midwest region. In addition to supporting social and racial equity, ChenMed embraces its team members' cultures by actively observing Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Asian-American Pacific Islander Month, Women's History Month, LGBTQ+, Juneteenth and other cultural celebrations. The company also encourages employees to participate in employee resource groups (ERGs) year-round relevant to their interests during business hours, including AWARE2 (All Working to Achieve Racial Equity and Equality); CHARISMA (ChenMed Healthcare Allies Respecting Individuality & Sexuality of Members & Associates); WIN (Women Inspire Network); and VET (Veteran Engagement Team).

"As we strive to transform health of the lives in our most underserved and historically marginalized communities, it's important that we invest in the celebration and education of the diverse cultures and identities we serve for our staff, patients, and community," said Josh Dumas, AWARE2 Co-Chair & Executive Center Director, Southeast. "Highlighting the significance of Juneteenth and recognizing the contributions of our LGBTQ+ community fully aligns with our goal to empower and reduce disparities in the communities we serve -- addressing health disparities upstream while physically caring for patients in our centers."

About ChenMed:

ChenMed is a privately owned medical, technology and management company that delivers the high-touch and personalized primary care Medicare-eligible seniors need to enjoy better health. The company operates more than 125 senior medical centers in 15 states. Named one of Fortune's 2020 "Change the World" companies, twice named a "Most Loved Workplace" by Newsweek, and a certified Great Place to Work by the Great Place to Work Institute, ChenMed brings concierge-style medicine and better health outcomes to the neediest populations. ChenMed brands include Chen Senior Medical Center, Dedicated Senior Medical Center, JenCare Senior Medical Center, and IntuneHealth. Its leading value-based, healthcare technology organization, Curity, was recently named a "Best Place to Work in IT" by ComputerWorld. See ChenMed's 2022 Impact Report.

SOURCE ChenMed
DOVER, Del., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE: CPK) will host a conference call on Friday, August 4, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss the Company's financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023. The earnings press release will be issued on Thursday, August 3, 2023, after market close.

To listen to the Company's conference call via live webcast, please visit the Events & Presentations section of the Investors page on www.chpk.com.

For investors and analysts that wish to participate by phone for the question and answer portion of the call, please use the following dial-in information below. A replay of the presentation will be made available on the previously noted website following the conclusion of the call.

Toll-free: 800.343.5172

International: 203.518.9848

Conference ID: CPKQ223

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is a diversified energy delivery company, listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Chesapeake Utilities Corporation offers sustainable energy solutions through its natural gas transmission and distribution, electricity generation and distribution, propane gas distribution, mobile compressed natural gas utility services and solutions, and other businesses. For more information, visit www.chpk.com.

Please note that Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is not affiliated with Chesapeake Energy, an oil and natural gas exploration company headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

For more information, contact:

Heidi Watkins

Shareholder Services Manager

[email protected]

302.734.6716

SOURCE Chesapeake Utilities Corporation
SANTIAGO, Chile, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Republic of Chile (" Chile ") offered 750,000,000 4.125% Notes due 2034 (the " New Notes ") for cash (the " New Notes Offering "), and announced the commencement of an exchange offer for Euro-denominated notes (the " Invitation "), all as described below.

Pursuant to the Invitation, Chile is inviting holders of the notes set forth in the table below (the " Eligible Notes "), subject to certain conditions set forth in the invitation materials, to tender Eligible Notes in exchange for additional New Notes, which, if issued, will be consolidated, form a single series, and be fully fungible with the New Notes offered pursuant to the New Notes Offering. The aggregate outstanding principal amount of Eligible Notes is approximately 4.95 billion.

The Invitation will expire at 5:00 p.m., Central European Time (" CET "), on Thursday, July 6, 2023 (the " Expiration Deadline "), unless extended or early terminated by Chile at its sole discretion. Withdrawal rights will expire at the Expiration Deadline. The Invitation's settlement is expected to take place on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 (the " Expected Settlement Date ").

Eligible Notes ISIN Common

Code Amount Outstanding as of

the date hereof Minimum

Denomination/

Increment () 1.625% Notes due 2025 (the "2025 Notes") XS1151586945 115158694  1,641,550,000  100,000/1,000 1.750% Notes due 2026 (the "2026 Notes") XS1346652891 134665289  1,109,770,000  100,000/1,000 1.440% Notes due 2029 (the "2029 Notes") XS1760409042 176040904  709,103,000  100,000/1,000 1.875% Notes due 2030 (the "2030 Notes") XS1236685613 123668561  1,490,756,000  100,000/1,000

Subject to proration, holders that validly tender Eligible Notes will receive in exchange for each 1,000 principal amount of Eligible Notes accepted for exchange, New Notes having a principal amount equal to 1,000 multiplied by the relevant Exchange Ratio (rounded down to the nearest multiple of 1.00).

The "Exchange Ratio" for each series of Eligible Notes will be determined by dividing (i) the Eligible Notes Present Value of such series of Eligible Notes, by (ii) the New Notes Present Value.

The "Eligible Notes Present Value" and the "New Notes Present Value" of each series will be equivalent to the present value of the remaining principal and interest payments for such series of Eligible Notes and New Notes, respectively, calculated at the corresponding Eligible Notes Applicable Yield and the New Notes Applicable Yield, respectively, in each case for value date as of the Expected Settlement Date.

The "Eligible Notes Applicable Yield" corresponding to each series of Eligible Notes will be determined as the sum of (i) the applicable Eligible Notes Spread as set forth in the first table below, and (ii) the applicable yield to maturity on the related Eligible Notes Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate as set forth in the first table below, which will be spotted at or around 4:00 p.m., CET, on the date of the Expiration Deadline.

The "New Notes Applicable Yield" will be determined as the sum of (i) 128 basis points (the " New Notes Spread "), and (ii) the applicable yield to maturity on the New Notes Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate as set forth in the second table below, which will be spotted at or around 4:00 p.m., CET, on the date of the Expiration Deadline.

Eligible Notes

Eligible Notes Spread The Eligible Notes Spread for each series of Eligible Notes is as follows (in basis points):  2025 Notes: -45  2026 Notes: -5  2029 Notes: 55  2030 Notes: 60





Eligible Notes Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate The annual rate, expressed as a percentage and rounded to the nearest 0.001 per cent (with 0.0005 rounded upwards), as calculated by Chile at or around 4:00 pm.,CET, on the date of the Expiration Deadline, by means of linear interpolation of the applicable pair of Eligible Notes Euro Mid-Swap Rates for each series of Eligible Notes as described below.



The Eligible Notes Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate for the 2025 Notes, will be calculated by means of linear interpolation of the 1 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate and the 2 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate as follows:

(i) By subtracting the 1 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate from the 2 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate and multiplying the result of such subtraction by the 2025 Weight (as defined below); and



(ii) Adding the 1 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate to the final result of (i) above.



The Eligible Notes Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate for the 2026 Notes, will be calculated by means of linear interpolation of the 2 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate and the 3 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate as follows:



(i) By subtracting the 2 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate from the 3 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate and multiplying the result of such subtraction by the 2026 Weight (as defined below); and



(ii) Adding the 2 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate to the final result of (i) above.



The Eligible Notes Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate for the 2029 Notes, will be calculated by means of linear interpolation of the 5 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate and the 6 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate as follows:



(i) By subtracting the 5 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate from the 6 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate and multiplying the result of such subtraction by the 2029 Weight (as defined below); and



(ii) Adding the 5 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate to the final result of (i) above.



The Eligible Notes Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate for the 2030 Notes, will be calculated by means of linear interpolation of the 6 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate and the 7 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate as follows:



(i) By subtracting the 6 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate from the 7 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate and multiplying the result of such subtraction by the 2030 Weight (as defined below); and



(ii) Adding the 6 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate to the final result of (i) above.





Eligible Notes Euro Mid-Swap Rates The mid-swap rate for euro swap transactions with a maturity of 1 year, which appears on the Bloomberg Screen ICAE1 Page, as determined by the Dealer Managers at or around 4:00pm.,CET, on the date of the Expiration Deadline (the "1 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate").



The mid-swap rate for euro swap transactions with a maturity of 2 years, which appears on the Bloomberg Screen ICAE1 Page, as determined by the Dealer Managers at or around 4:00pm.,CET, on the date of the Expiration Deadline (the "2 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate").



The mid-swap rate for euro swap transactions with a maturity of 3 years, which appears on the Bloomberg Screen ICAE1 Page, as determined by the Dealer Managers at or around 4:00pm.,CET, on the date of the Expiration Deadline (the "3 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate").



The mid-swap rate for euro swap transactions with a maturity of 5 years, which appears on the Bloomberg Screen ICAE1 Page, as determined by the Dealer Managers at or around 4:00pm.,CET, on the date of the Expiration Deadline (the "5 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate").



The mid-swap rate for euro swap transactions with a maturity of 6 years, which appears on the Bloomberg Screen ICAE1 Page, as determined by the Dealer Managers at or around 4:00pm.,CET, on the date of the Expiration Deadline (the "6 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate").



The mid-swap rate for euro swap transactions with a maturity of 7 years, which appears on the Bloomberg Screen ICAE1 Page, as determined by the Dealer Managers at or around 4:00pm.,CET, on the date of the Expiration Deadline (the "7 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate").





2025 Weight The amount to be calculated by Chile, expressed as a fraction calculated by dividing the actual number of days from (and including) the date falling exactly 1 year after the Expected Settlement Date to (but excluding) the maturity date of the 2025 Notes (being January 30, 2025) by 365.





2026 Weight The amount to be calculated by Chile, expressed as a fraction calculated by dividing the actual number of days from (and including) the date falling exactly 2 years after the Expected Settlement Date to (but excluding) the maturity date of the 2026 Notes (being January 20, 2026) by 365.





2029 Weight The amount to be calculated by Chile, expressed as a fraction calculated by dividing the actual number of days from (and including) the date falling exactly 5 years after the Expected Settlement Date to (but excluding) the maturity date of the 2029 Notes (being February 1, 2029) by 365.





2030 Weight The amount to be calculated by Chile, expressed as a fraction calculated by dividing the actual number of days from (and including) the date falling exactly 6 years after the Expected Settlement Date to (but excluding) the maturity date of the 2030 Notes (being May 27, 2030) by 365.



New Notes

New Notes Spread The New Notes Spread is 128 basis points





New Notes Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate The annual rate, expressed as a percentage and rounded to the nearest 0.001 per cent (with 0.0005 rounded upwards), as calculated by Chile at or around 4:00 pm.,CET, on the date of the Expiration Deadline, by means of linear interpolation of the pair of New Notes Euro Mid-Swap Rates for the New Notes as described below.



The Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate for New Notes, will be calculated by means of linear interpolation of the 10 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate and the 11 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate as follows:



(i) By subtracting the 10 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate from the 11 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate and multiplying the result of such subtraction by the New Notes Weight (as defined below); and



(ii) Adding the 10 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate to the final result of (i) above.





New Notes Euro Mid-Swap Rates The mid-swap rate for euro swap transactions with a maturity of 10 years, which appears on the Bloomberg Screen ICAE1 Page, as determined by the Dealer Managers at or around 4:00pm.,CET, on the date of the Expiration Deadline (the "10 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate").



The mid-swap rate for euro swap transactions with a maturity of 11 years, which appears on the Bloomberg Screen ICAE1 Page, as determined by the Dealer Managers at or around 4:00pm.,CET, on the date of the Expiration Deadline (the "11 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate").



New Notes Weight The amount to be calculated by Chile, expressed as a fraction calculated by dividing the actual number of days from (and including) the date falling exactly 10 years after the Expected Settlement Date to (but excluding) the maturity date of the New Notes by 365.

At or around 4:00 p.m., CET, on Thursday, July 6, 2023 Chile will determine the Exchange Ratio for each series of Eligible Notes based on its determination of the Eligible Notes Applicable Yield and the New Notes Applicable Yield applicable to each series of Eligible Notes and New Notes, respectively. As soon as practical after such determination is made, Chile will announce the Exchange Ratio applicable to each series of Eligible Notes, together with the Eligible Notes Applicable Yield and the New Notes Applicable Yield by press release to the News Service. At or around 8:00 a.m., CET, or as soon as possible thereafter, on Friday, July 7, 2023, Chile will announce (i) the expected aggregate principal amount of each series of Eligible Notes to be accepted in the Invitation (which could be zero for one or more series); (ii) the expected aggregate principal amount of New Notes to be issued pursuant to the Invitation; and (iii) the expected proration factor for each series of Eligible Notes, if any.

The Exchange Ratio accounts for any accrued and unpaid interest on the (i) Eligible Notes from and including the immediately previous interest payment date of such Eligible Notes, and (ii) New Notes from and including the original issue date of the New Notes issued for cash, in each case, to and excluding the Expected Settlement Date. Given that the Exchange Ratio accounts for such accrued and unpaid interest on the (i) Eligible Notes, Chile will not make a separate payment (in cash or otherwise) to holders, and (ii) New Notes, holders will make no separate payment (in cash or otherwise) to Chile, in connection therewith. The Expected Settlement Date will take place after the settlement of the New Notes Offering. The settlement of the Invitation is conditioned on the settlement of the New Notes Offering.

In the event the Invitation's settlement date is delayed, the principal amount of New Notes that holders would be entitled to receive for the Eligible Notes tendered and accepted in the Invitation will not be adjusted; provided that if the settlement date is delayed for more than seven business days from the Expected Settlement Date, the Exchange Ratio will be adjusted to account for any accrued and unpaid interest on the Eligible Notes and New Notes to and excluding the settlement date, as communicated by Chile. The Exchange Ratio will not account for or include interest accrued on and after the Expected Settlement Date on Eligible Notes accepted for exchange, and similarly will not account for interest accrued but unpaid on the New Notes on and after the Expected Settlement Date.

Chile reserves the right, in its sole discretion, not to accept tenders for, or issue, for any reason, any additional New Notes. The Invitation is being made pursuant to a prospectus supplement to be filed by Chile with the SEC.

This announcement is not an offer or a solicitation of offers to exchange or tender any securities. Any offer will be made solely by documents expected to be prepared in connection with the Invitation. The distribution of materials relating to any offer, and the transactions contemplated by any offer, may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. If materials relating to any offer come into your possession, you are required by Chile to inform yourself of and to observe all of these restrictions. The materials relating to any offer does not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation in any place where such offers or solicitations are not permitted by law.

The Information and Depositary Agent for the Invitation is Global Bondholder Services Corporation. The website for the Invitation is: https://www.gbsc-usa.com/chile/. Any questions concerning the Invitation or requests for copies of the documents may be directed to the Information and Depositary Agent at the contact information provided below.









Global Bondholder Services Corporation

65 Broadway  Suite 404

New York, New York 10006

Attn: Corporate Actions



Banks and Brokers call: (212) 430-3774

Toll free (855) 654-2015

Email: [email protected]







The Dealer Managers for the Invitation are:







Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment

Bank 12 place des Etats-Unis CS 70052 92547 Montrouge Cedex France E-mail: [email protected];

[email protected] Attention: Liability Management HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. 452 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10018 Toll Free: +1 (888) HSBC-4LM Collect: +1 (212) 525-5552 Email: [email protected] Banco Santander, S.A. Ciudad Grupo Santander Avenida de Cantabria s/n Edificio Encinar, planta baja 28660 Boadilla del Monte Madrid, Spain Email:

[email protected] Attention: Liability Management





The Bank of Nova Scotia, London Branch 201 Bishopsgate 6th Floor London EC2M 3NS United Kingdom Phone: +1-833-498-1660 Email: [email protected] Attention: Liability Management Group

Societe Generale Immeuble Basalte 17 Cours Valmy CS50318 92972 Paris La Defense Cedex France Telephone: +33 (0)1 42 13 32 16 Email: [email protected] Attention: Liability Management

Questions regarding the Invitation may also be directed to the Dealer Managers at the above contacts.

Chile has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) with the SEC for the offering of securities. Before you make any decision related to this communication, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement and other documents that Chile has filed with the SEC for more complete information about Chile and this announcement. You may obtain these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov . Alternatively, Chile or any participating underwriter or dealer will arrange to send you the prospectus or any prospectus supplement in connection herewith if you request it by calling Credit Agricole Securities (USA) Inc., at +1 (866) 807-6030, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., at +1 (866) 811-8049, Santander US Capital Markets LLC, at +1 (212) 940-1442, Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., at +1 (833) 498 1660, SG Americas Securities, LLC, at +1 855 851 2108.

The following additional information of Chile and regarding the New Notes is available from the SEC's website and also accompanies this free-writing prospectus:

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/19957/000110465923072353/tm2318446d1_18k.htm

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/19957/000110465922011948/tm225317d1_sb.htm

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/19957/000110465923075428/tm2319570d2_424b3.htm

Important Notice

This announcement is not an offer to exchange or a solicitation of an offer to sell the Eligible Notes. The Invitation is being made only by and pursuant to the terms of a prospectus to be filed with the SEC.

The distribution of materials relating to the New Notes Offering and the Invitation, and the transactions contemplated by the New Notes Offering and the Invitation, may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Each of the New Notes Offering and the Invitation is being made only in those jurisdictions where it is legal to do so. The New Notes Offering and the Invitation are void in all jurisdictions where they are prohibited. If materials relating to the New Notes Offering or the Invitation come into your possession, you are required to inform yourself of and to observe all of these restrictions. The materials relating to the New Notes Offering and the Invitation do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation in any place where offers or solicitations are not permitted by law. If a jurisdiction requires that the New Notes Offering or the Invitation be made by a licensed broker or dealer and a dealer manager participating in the Invitation or any affiliate of any such dealer manager is a licensed broker or dealer in that jurisdiction, the New Notes Offering or the Invitation, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be made by such dealer manager or such affiliate in that jurisdiction. Owners who may lawfully participate in the Invitation in accordance with the terms thereof are referred to as "holders."

Stabilization/FCA

No securities are intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in any Member State of the European Economic Area ("EEA"). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client, as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, "MiFID II"); (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97 (as amended, the "Insurance Distribution Directive"), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended or superseded, the "Prospectus Regulation"). Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the "PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling any securities or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared and therefore any offering or selling of any securities or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation.

No securities are intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the United Kingdom (the "UK"). For these purposes, (a) a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 2017/565 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 ("EUWA"); (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 ("FSMA") and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement the Insurance Distribution Directive, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA; or (iii) an investor who is not a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of the UK Prospectus Regulation, and (b) the expression "offer" includes the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the securities. Consequently, no key information document required by the PRIIPs Regulation, as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the "UK PRIIPs Regulation"), for offering or selling securities or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the UK has been prepared and therefore any offering or selling of securities or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the UK may be unlawful under the UK PRIIPs Regulation.

The expression "UK Prospectus Regulation" means the Prospectus Regulation, as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA.

Neither this communication is, nor any other offer material relating to the Invitation will be, made, and this communication has not been approved, by an authorized person for the purposes of section 21 of the FSMA. This announcement is for distribution only to persons who (a) are outside the United Kingdom; or (b) have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, the "Order"); (c) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) ("high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.") of the Order; or (d) are persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) in connection with the issue or sale of any securities may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons together being "relevant persons"). This announcement is directed only at relevant persons and must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not relevant persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons.

ANY DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES THAT MAY APPEAR AFTER THIS MESSAGE ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO THIS COMMUNICATION AND SHOULD BE DISREGARDED. SUCH DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES WERE AUTOMATICALLY GENERATED AS A RESULT OF THIS COMMUNICATION BEING SENT VIA BLOOMBERG OR ANOTHER EMAIL SYSTEM.

SOURCE The Republic of Chile
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 29. Trade turnover between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan reached $151.9 million during the period from January through April 2023, constituting 3.9 percent of Kyrgyzstan's overall trade turnover, Trend reports.

As data of the State Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan shows, the trade turnover between the countries increased by 4 percent during the reported period, compared to $146 million registered from January through April of the previous year.

Exports to Uzbekistan accounted for 11.4 percent of Kyrgyz export with a total value of $70.3 million, which is 15 percent more than in the corresponding period of 2022 ($61.1 million).

During the period under review, imports from Uzbekistan equaled $81.6 million (2.5 percent of Kyrgyzstans total imports), decreasing 4 percent compared to $84.9 million from January through April 2022.

Trade between Kyrgyzstan and the CIS countries reached $1.3 billion, or 34.15 percent of Kyrgyzstan's overall trade turnover from January through April 2023. The figure decreased by 7 percent compared to the same period in 2022 ($1.4 billion).

Kyrgyzstan's exports to the CIS countries amounted to $391.5 million, increasing 8.7 percent compared to the corresponding months in 2022 ($360.2 million). These exports constituted 63.5 percent of Kyrgyzstan's total exports.

Imports from the CIS countries into Kyrgyzstan were valued at $931.6 million, or 28.5 percent of its total imports. The figure declined by 12.3 percent compared to the $1 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2022.
SANTIAGO, Chile, June 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Republic of Chile (" Chile ") offered US$1.15 billion 4.950% Notes due 2036 (the "2036 Notes") and US$1.1 billion 5.330% Notes due 2054 (the "2054 Notes" and, together with the 2036 Notes, the " New Notes ") for cash (the " New Notes Offering "), and announced the commencement of exchange offers for U.S. dollar-denominated notes (the " Invitation "), all as described below.

Pursuant to the Invitation, Chile is inviting holders of the notes set forth in the table below (the " Group A Notes " and the " Group B Notes ", which are collectively referred to herein as the " Eligible Notes "), subject to certain conditions set forth in invitation materials, to tender Eligible Notes in exchange for additional 2036 Notes or 2054 Notes, which, if issued, will be consolidated, form a single series, and be fully fungible with the corresponding series of New Notes offered pursuant to the New Notes Offering. Holders of Group A Notes are invited to submit offers to exchange them for either 2036 Notes or 2054 Notes, and holders of Group B Notes are invited to submit offers to exchange them for 2054 Notes. The aggregate outstanding principal amount of Eligible Notes is approximately US$6.48 billion.

The Invitation will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Thursday, July 6, 2023 (the " Expiration Deadline "), unless extended or early terminated by Chile at its sole discretion. Withdrawal rights will expire at the Expiration Deadline. The Invitation's settlement is expected to take place on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 (the " Expected Settlement Date ").



















Group A Notes ISIN CUSIP Common

Code Amount

Outstanding as of

the date of this

Invitation Eligible Notes Reference

Treasury Eligible

Notes

Spread

3.125% Notes due 2025 US168863BW77 168863BW7 115193795 US$318,728,000 4.250% May 31, 2025 0

3.125% Notes due 2026 US168863CA49 168863 CA4 134687312 US$709,316,000 4.125% June 15, 2026 20

3.240% Notes due 2028 US168863CF36 168863CF3 176683155 US$2,000,000,000 3.625% May 31, 2028 50

2.450% Notes due 2031 US168863DP09 168863 DP0 217325153 US$1,758,000,000 3.375% May 15,2033 65

















Group B Notes













3.625% Notes due 2042 US168863BP27 168863BP2 168863BP2 US$407,620,000 3.875% May 15, 2043 110

3.860% Notes due 2047 US168863CE60 168863CE6 162411667 US$1,284,412,000 3.625% February 15, 2053 125



Subject to proration, holders that validly tender Eligible Notes will receive in exchange for each US$1,000 principal amount of Eligible Notes accepted for exchange, the New Notes applicable to the relevant Group having a principal amount equal to US$1,000 multiplied by the relevant Exchange Ratio (rounded down to the nearest multiple of US$1.00).

The "Exchange Ratio" for each series of Eligible Notes will be determined by dividing (i) the Eligible Notes Present Value of each such series of Eligible Notes, by (ii) the New Notes Present Value of the series of New Notes applicable to such series of Eligible Notes.

The "Eligible Notes Present Value" and the "New Notes Present Value" of each series will be equivalent to the present value of the remaining principal and interest payments for such series of Eligible Notes and New Notes, respectively, calculated at the corresponding Eligible Notes Applicable Yield and the New Notes Applicable Yield, respectively, in each case for value date as of the Expected Settlement Date.

The "Eligible Notes Applicable Yield" corresponding to each series of Eligible Notes will be determined as the sum of (i) the applicable Eligible Notes Spread as set forth in the table above, and (ii) the applicable yield to maturity on the related Eligible Notes Reference Treasury as set forth in the table above, which will be spotted at or around 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the date of the Expiration Deadline.

The "New Notes Applicable Yield" corresponding to each series of New Notes will be determined as the sum of (a) the applicable New Notes Spread, and (ii) the applicable yield to maturity on the related New Notes Reference Treasury, which will be spotted at or around 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the date of the Expiration Deadline.

The "New Notes Spread" is 123 basis points for the 2036 Notes and 148 basis points for the 2054 Notes, and the "New Notes Reference Treasury" is UST 3.375% due May 15, 2033 for the 2036 Notes and UST 3.625% due February 15, 2053 for the 2054 Notes, in each case as it was determined in connection with the pricing of the New Notes.

At or around 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on Thursday, July 6, 2023, Chile will determine the Exchange Ratio for each series of Eligible Notes based on its determination of the Eligible Notes Applicable Yield and the New Notes Applicable Yield applicable to each series of Eligible Notes and New Notes, respectively. As soon as practical after such determination is made, Chile will announce the Exchange Ratio applicable to each series of Eligible Notes, together with the Eligible Notes Applicable Yield and the New Notes Applicable Yield by press release. At or around 8:00 a.m., New York City time, or as soon as possible thereafter, on Friday, July 7, 2023, Chile will announce (i) the expected aggregate principal amount of each series of Eligible Notes to be accepted in the Invitation (which could be zero for one or more series); (ii) the expected aggregate principal amount of each series of New Notes to be issued pursuant to the Invitation; and (iii) the expected proration factor for each series of Eligible Notes, if any.

The Exchange Ratio accounts for any accrued and unpaid interest on the (i) Eligible Notes from and including the immediately previous interest payment date of such Eligible Notes, and (ii) New Notes from and including the original issue date of the New Notes issued for cash, in each case, to and excluding the Expected Settlement Date. Given that the Exchange Ratio accounts for such accrued and unpaid interest on the (i) Eligible Notes, Chile will not make a separate payment (in cash or otherwise) to holders, and (ii) New Notes, holders will make no separate payment (in cash or otherwise) to Chile, in connection therewith. The Expected Settlement Date will take place after the settlement of the New Notes Offering. The settlement of the Invitation is conditioned on the settlement of the New Notes Offering.

In the event the Invitation's settlement date is delayed, the principal amount of New Notes that holders would be entitled to receive for the Eligible Notes tendered and accepted in the Invitation will not be adjusted; provided that if the settlement date is delayed for more than seven business days from the Expected Settlement Date, the Exchange Ratio will be adjusted to account for any accrued and unpaid interest on the Eligible Notes and New Notes to and excluding the settlement date, as communicated by Chile. The Exchange Ratio will not account for or include interest accrued on and after the expected settlement date on Eligible Notes accepted for exchange, and similarly it is not expected to account for interest accrued but unpaid on the New Notes on and after the Expected Settlement Date.

Chile reserves the right, in its sole discretion, not to accept tenders for, or issue, for any reason, any additional New Notes. The Invitation is being made pursuant to a prospectus supplement to be filed by Chile with the SEC.

This announcement is not an offer or a solicitation of offers to exchange or tender any securities. Any offer will be made solely by documents expected to be prepared in connection with the Invitation. The distribution of materials relating to any offer, and the transactions contemplated by any offer, may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. If materials relating to any offer come into your possession, you are required by Chile to inform yourself of and to observe all of these restrictions. The materials relating to any offer does not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation in any place where such offers or solicitations are not permitted by law.

The Information and Depositary Agent for the Invitation is Global Bondholder Services Corporation. The website for the Invitation is: https://www.gbsc-usa.com/chile/. Any questions concerning the Invitation or requests for copies of the documents may be directed to the Information and Depositary Agent at the contact information provided below.

Global Bondholder Services Corporation

65 Broadway  Suite 404

New York, New York 10006

Attn: Corporate Actions

Banks and Brokers call: (212) 430-3774

Toll free (855) 654-2015

Email: [email protected]

The Dealer Managers for the Invitation are:









Credit Agricole Securities (USA) Inc. 1301 Avenue of the Americas, 8th Floor New York, New York 10019 Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 (866) 807-6030 Attention: Liability Management HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. 452 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10018 Toll Free: +1 (888) HSBC-4LM Collect: +1 (212) 525-5552 Email: [email protected] Santander US Capital Markets LLC 437 Madison Avenue, 7th Floor New York, New York 10022 Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 (212) 940-1442 Attention: Liability Management Team





Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. 250 Vesey St New York, New York 10281 Email: [email protected] Phone: +1-833-498-1660 Attention: Liability Management Group

SG Americas Securities, LLC 245 Park Avenue New York, New York 10167 Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 855 851 2108 Attention: Liability Management

Questions regarding the Invitation may also be directed to the Dealer Managers at the above contacts.

Chile has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) with the SEC for the offering of securities. Before you make any decision related to this communication, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement and other documents that Chile has filed with the SEC for more complete information about Chile and this announcement. You may obtain these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov . Alternatively, Chile or any participating underwriter or dealer will arrange to send you the prospectus or any prospectus supplement in connection herewith if you request it by calling Credit Agricole Securities (USA) Inc., at +1 (866) 807-6030, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., at +1 (866) 811-8049, Santander US Capital Markets LLC, at +1 (212) 940-1442, Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., at +1 (833) 498 1660, SG Americas Securities, LLC, at +1 855 851 2108.

The following additional information of Chile and regarding the New Notes is available from the SEC's website and also accompanies this free-writing prospectus:

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/19957/000110465923072353/tm2318446d1_18k.htm

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/19957/000110465922011948/tm225317d1_sb.htm

sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/19957/000110465923075020/tm2319570d1_424b3.htm

Important Notice

This announcement is not an offer to exchange or a solicitation of an offer to sell the Eligible Notes. The Invitation is being made only by and pursuant to the terms of a prospectus to be filed with the SEC.

The distribution of materials relating to the New Notes Offering and the Invitation, and the transactions contemplated by the New Notes Offering and the Invitation, may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Each of the New Notes Offering and the Invitation is being made only in those jurisdictions where it is legal to do so. The New Notes Offering and the Invitation are void in all jurisdictions where they are prohibited. If materials relating to the New Notes Offering or the Invitation come into your possession, you are required to inform yourself of and to observe all of these restrictions. The materials relating to the New Notes Offering and the Invitation do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation in any place where offers or solicitations are not permitted by law. If a jurisdiction requires that the New Notes Offering or the Invitation be made by a licensed broker or dealer and a dealer manager participating in the Invitation or any affiliate of any such dealer manager is a licensed broker or dealer in that jurisdiction, the New Notes Offering or the Invitation, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be made by such dealer manager or such affiliate in that jurisdiction. Owners who may lawfully participate in the Invitation in accordance with the terms thereof are referred to as "holders."

Stabilization/FCA

No securities are intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in any Member State of the European Economic Area ("EEA"). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client, as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, "MiFID II"); (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97 (as amended, the "Insurance Distribution Directive"), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended or superseded, the "Prospectus Regulation"). Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the "PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling any securities or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared and therefore any offering or selling of any securities or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation.

No securities are intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the United Kingdom (the "UK"). For these purposes, (a) a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 2017/565 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 ("EUWA"); (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 ("FSMA") and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement the Insurance Distribution Directive, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA; or (iii) an investor who is not a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of the UK Prospectus Regulation, and (b) the expression "offer" includes the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the securities. Consequently, no key information document required by the PRIIPs Regulation, as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the "UK PRIIPs Regulation"), for offering or selling securities or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the UK has been prepared and therefore any offering or selling of securities or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the UK may be unlawful under the UK PRIIPs Regulation.

The expression "UK Prospectus Regulation" means the Prospectus Regulation, as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA.

Neither this communication is, nor any other offer material relating to the Invitation will be, made, and this communication has not been approved, by an authorized person for the purposes of section 21 of the FSMA. This announcement is for distribution only to persons who (a) are outside the United Kingdom; or (b) have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, the "Order"); (c) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) ("high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.") of the Order; or (d) are persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) in connection with the issue or sale of any securities may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons together being "relevant persons"). This announcement is directed only at relevant persons and must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not relevant persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons.

* * *

ANY DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES THAT MAY APPEAR AFTER THIS MESSAGE ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO THIS COMMUNICATION AND SHOULD BE DISREGARDED. SUCH DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES WERE AUTOMATICALLY GENERATED AS A RESULT OF THIS COMMUNICATION BEING SENT VIA BLOOMBERG OR ANOTHER EMAIL SYSTEM.

SOURCE The Republic of Chile
SANTIAGO, Chile, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Republic of Chile (" Chile ") announced an offering of Euro-denominated Notes due 2034 (the " New Notes ") for cash (the " New Notes Offering ") and its intention to conduct, subject to market conditions, offers to exchange certain of its outstanding notes for newly issued notes, all as described below.

Chile intends to invite holders of the notes set forth in the table below (the " Eligible Notes "), subject to certain conditions to be set forth in invitation materials, to tender such notes in exchange for additional New Notes, which, if issued, will be consolidated, form a single series, and be fully fungible with the New Notes being offered for cash (the " Intended Invitation "). The aggregate outstanding principal amount of Eligible Notes is approximately 4.95 billion. The Intended Invitation is expected to remain open for at least five business days.

Eligible Notes ISIN Common

Code Amount Outstanding as of

the date hereof Minimum

Denomination/

Increment () 1.625% Notes due 2025 (the "2025 Notes") XS1151586945 115158694  1,641,550,000  100,000/1,000 1.750% Notes due 2026 (the "2026 Notes") XS1346652891 134665289  1,109,770,000  100,000/1,000 1.440% Notes due 2029 (the "2029 Notes") XS1760409042 176040904  709,103,000  100,000/1,000 1.875% Notes due 2030 (the "2030 Notes") XS1236685613 123668561  1,490,756,000  100,000/1,000











Subject to proration, if the Intended Invitation is conducted, holders that validly tender Eligible Notes will receive in exchange for each 1,000 principal amount of Eligible Notes accepted for exchange, New Notes having a principal amount equal to 1,000 multiplied by the relevant Exchange Ratio (rounded down to the nearest multiple of 1.00).

The "Exchange Ratio" for each series of Eligible Notes is expected to be determined by dividing (i) the Eligible Notes Present Value of such series of Eligible Notes, by (ii) the New Notes Present Value.

The "Eligible Notes Present Value" and the "New Notes Present Value" of each series are expected to be equivalent to the present value of the remaining principal and interest payments for such series of Eligible Notes and New Notes, respectively, calculated at the corresponding Eligible Notes Applicable Yield and the New Notes Applicable Yield, respectively, in each case for value date as of the Intended Invitation's expected settlement date.

The "Eligible Notes Applicable Yield" corresponding to each series of Eligible Notes is expected to be determined as the sum of (i) the applicable Eligible Notes Spread as set forth in the first table below, and (ii) the applicable yield to maturity on the related Eligible Notes Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate as set forth in the first table below, which is expected to be spotted at or around 4:00 p.m., CET, on the Intended Invitation's expiration date.

The "New Notes Applicable Yield" is expected to be determined as the sum of (a) New Notes Spread, and (ii) the applicable yield to maturity on the New Notes Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate as set forth in the second table below, which is expected to be spotted at or around 4:00 p.m., CET, on the Intended Invitation's expiration date. The "New Notes Spread" is expected to be announced together with the commencement of the Intended Invitation, after the expected pricing of the New Notes.

Eligible Notes Eligible Notes Spread................... The Eligible Notes Spread for each series of Eligible Notes is expected to be as follows: 2025 Notes: -45

2026 Notes: -5

2029 Notes: 55

2030 Notes: 60 Eligible Notes Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate............................... The annual rate, expressed as a percentage and rounded to the nearest 0.001 per cent (with 0.0005 rounded upwards), as calculated by Chile at or around 4:00 p.m., CET, on the Intended Invitation's expiration date, by means of linear interpolation of the applicable pair of Eligible Notes Euro Mid-Swap Rates for each series of Eligible Notes as described below.



The Eligible Notes Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate for the 2025 Notes, is expected to be calculated by means of linear interpolation of the 1 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate and the 2 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate as follows:



(i) By subtracting the 1 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate from the 2 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate and multiplying the result of such subtraction by the 2025 Weight (as defined below); and



(ii) Adding the 1 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate to the final result of (i) above.



The Eligible Notes Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate for the 2026 Notes, is expected to be calculated by means of linear interpolation of the 2 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate and the 3 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate as follows:



(i) By subtracting the 2 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate from the 3 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate and multiplying the result of such subtraction by the 2026 Weight (as defined below); and



(ii) Adding the 2 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate to the final result of (i) above.



The Eligible Notes Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate for the 2029 Notes, is expected to be calculated by means of linear interpolation of the 5 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate and the 6 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate as follows:



(i) By subtracting the 5 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate from the 6 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate and multiplying the result of such subtraction by the 2029 Weight (as defined below); and



(ii) Adding the 5 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate to the final result of (i) above.



The Eligible Notes Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate for the 2030 Notes, is expected to be calculated by means of linear interpolation of the 6 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate and the 7 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate as follows:



(i) By subtracting the 6 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate from the 7 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate and multiplying the result of such subtraction by the 2030 Weight (as defined below); and



(ii) Adding the 6 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate to the final result of (i) above.



Eligible Notes Euro Mid-Swap Rates....................................... The mid-swap rate for euro swap transactions with a maturity of 1 years, which appears on the Bloomberg Screen ICAE1 Page, as determined by the Dealer Managers at or around 4:00 p.m., CET, on the Intended Invitation's expiration date (the "1 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate").



The mid-swap rate for euro swap transactions with a maturity of 2 years, which appears on the Bloomberg Screen ICAE1 Page, as determined by the Dealer Managers at or around 4:00 p.m., CET, on the Intended Invitation's expiration date (the "2 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate").



The mid-swap rate for euro swap transactions with a maturity of 3 years, which appears on the Bloomberg Screen ICAE1 Page, as determined by the Dealer Managers at or around 4:00 p.m., CET, on the Intended Invitation's expiration date (the "3 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate").



The mid-swap rate for euro swap transactions with a maturity of 5 years, which appears on the Bloomberg Screen ICAE1 Page, as determined by the Dealer Managers at or around 4:00 p.m., CET, on the Intended Invitation's expiration date (the "5 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate").



The mid-swap rate for euro swap transactions with a maturity of 6 years, which appears on the Bloomberg Screen ICAE1 Page, as determined by the Dealer Managers at or around 4:00 p.m., CET, on the Intended Invitation's expiration date (the "6 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate").



The mid-swap rate for euro swap transactions with a maturity of 7 years, which appears on the Bloomberg Screen ICAE1 Page, as determined by the Dealer Managers at or around 4:00 p.m., CET, on the Intended Invitation's expiration date (the "7 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate").



2025 Weight.................................. The amount to be calculated by Chile, expressed as a fraction calculated by dividing the actual number of days from (and including) the date falling exactly 1 year after the Intended Invitation's expected settlement date to (but excluding) the maturity date of the 2025 Notes (being January 30, 2025) by 365.



2026 Weight.................................. The amount to be calculated by Chile, expressed as a fraction calculated by dividing the actual number of days from (and including) the date falling exactly 2 years after the Intended Invitation's expected settlement date to (but excluding) the maturity date of the 2026 Notes (being January 20, 2026) by 365.



2029 Weight.................................. The amount to be calculated by Chile, expressed as a fraction calculated by dividing the actual number of days from (and including) the date falling exactly 5 years after the Intended Invitation's expected settlement date to (but excluding) the maturity date of the 2029 Notes (being February 1, 2029) by 365.



2030 Weight.................................. The amount to be calculated by Chile, expressed as a fraction calculated by dividing the actual number of days from (and including) the date falling exactly 6 years after the Intended Invitation's expected settlement date to (but excluding) the maturity date of the 2030 Notes (being May 27, 2030) by 365.





New Notes New Notes Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate....................... The annual rate, expressed as a percentage and rounded to the nearest 0.001 per cent (with 0.0005 rounded upwards), as calculated by Chile at or around 4:00 p.m., CET, on the Intended Invitation's expiration date, by means of linear interpolation of the pair of New Notes Euro Mid-Swap Rates for the New Notes as described below.



The Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate for New Notes, is expected to be calculated by means of linear interpolation of the 10 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate and the 11 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate as follows:



(i) By subtracting the 10 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate from the 11 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate and multiplying the result of such subtraction by the New Notes Weight (as defined below); and



(ii) Adding the 10 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate to the final result of (i) above.



New Notes Euro Mid-Swap Rates............................... The mid-swap rate for euro swap transactions with a maturity of 10 years, which appears on the Bloomberg Screen ICAE1 Page, as determined by the Dealer Managers at or around 4:00 p.m., CET, on the Intended Invitation's expiration date (the "10 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate").



The mid-swap rate for euro swap transactions with a maturity of 11 years, which appears on the Bloomberg Screen ICAE1 Page, as determined by the Dealer Managers at or around 4:00 p.m., CET, on the Intended Invitation's expiration date (the "11 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate").



New Notes Weight................. The amount to be calculated by Chile, expressed as a fraction calculated by dividing the actual number of days from (and including) the date falling exactly 10 years after the Intended Invitation's expected settlement date to (but excluding) the maturity date of the New Notes by 365.





The Exchange Ratio is expected to account for any accrued and unpaid interest on the (i) Eligible Notes from and including the immediately previous interest payment date of such Eligible Notes, and (ii) New Notes from and including the original issue date of the New Notes issued for cash, in each case, to and excluding the Intended Invitation's expected settlement date, which is expected to take place four business days after the expiration of the Intended Invitation. Given that the Exchange Ratio is expected to account for such accrued and unpaid interest on the (i) Eligible Notes, Chile does not intend to make a separate payment (in cash or otherwise) to holders, and (ii) New Notes, holders are not expected to make a separate payment (in cash or otherwise) to Chile, in connection therewith. The Intended Invitation's expected settlement date is expected to take place after the settlement of the New Notes Offering. The settlement of the Intended Invitation is expected to be conditioned on the settlement of the New Notes Offering.

In the event the Intended Invitation's settlement date is delayed, the principal amount of New Notes that holders would be entitled to receive for the Eligible Notes tendered and accepted in the Intended Invitation is not expected to be adjusted; provided that if the settlement date is delayed for more than seven business days from the expected settlement date, the Exchange Ratio will be adjusted to account for any accrued and unpaid interest on the Eligible Notes and New Notes to and excluding the settlement date, as communicated by the Republic. The Exchange Ratio is not expected to account for or include interest accrued on and after the expected settlement date on Eligible Notes accepted for exchange, and similarly it is not expected to account for interest accrued but unpaid on the New Notes on and after the expected settlement date.

Chile reserves the right, in its sole discretion, not to launch the Intended Invitation or, if the Intended Invitation is launched, not to accept tenders for, or issue, for any reason, any additional New Notes. Any Intended Invitation will be made pursuant to a prospectus supplement to be filed by Chile with the SEC.

Along with the Intended Invitation and the New Notes Offering, Chile (i) has offered two series of U.S. dollar-denominated notes maturing in 2036 and 2054 (the "USD New Notes") in an aggregate principal amount of US$2.25 billion in an offering registered with the SEC (the "USD Notes Offering"), and (ii) is inviting holders of certain of its outstanding U.S. dollar-denominated debt securities with final maturities between 2025 and 2047 having an aggregate outstanding principal amount of approximately US$6.48 billion, subject to certain conditions, to tender such notes in exchange for additional USD New Notes, which, if issued, will be consolidated, form a single series, and be fully fungible with the corresponding series of USD New Notes (the "USD Exchange Offers"). The USD Notes Offering and USD Exchange Offers are being made pursuant to separate prospectus supplements filed or to be filed by Chile with the SEC.

This announcement is not an offer or a solicitation of offers to exchange or tender any securities. Any offer will be made solely by documents expected to be prepared in connection with the Intended Invitation. The distribution of materials relating to any offer, and the transactions contemplated by any offer, may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. If materials relating to any offer come into your possession, you are required by Chile to inform yourself of and to observe all of these restrictions. The materials relating to any offer does not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation in any place where such offers or solicitations are not permitted by law.

The following additional information of Chile and regarding the New Notes is available from the SEC's website and also accompanies this free-writing prospectus:

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/19957/000110465923072353/tm2318446d1_18k.htm

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/19957/000110465922011948/tm225317d1_sb.htm

Chile has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) with the SEC for the offering of securities. Before you make any decision related to this communication, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement and other documents that Chile has filed with the SEC for more complete information about Chile and this announcement. You may obtain these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov . Alternatively, Chile or any participating underwriter or dealer will arrange to send you the prospectus or any prospectus supplement in connection herewith if you request it by calling Credit Agricole Securities (USA) Inc., at +1 (866) 807-6030, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., at +1 (866) 811-8049, Santander US Capital Markets LLC, at +1 (212) 940-1442, Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., at +1 (833) 498 1660, SG Americas Securities, LLC, at +1 855 851 2108.

Important Notice

This announcement is not an offer to exchange or a solicitation of an offer to sell the Eligible Notes. The Intended Invitation will be made only by and pursuant to the terms of a prospectus to be filed with the SEC.

The distribution of materials relating to the New Notes Offering and the Intended Invitation, and the transactions contemplated by the New Notes Offering and the Intended Invitation, may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Each of the New Notes Offering and the Intended Invitation will be made only in those jurisdictions where it is legal to do so. The New Notes Offering and the Intended Invitation are void in all jurisdictions where they are prohibited. If materials relating to the New Notes Offering or the Intended Invitation come into your possession, you are required to inform yourself of and to observe all of these restrictions. The materials relating to the New Notes Offering and the Intended Invitation do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation in any place where offers or solicitations are not permitted by law. If a jurisdiction requires that the New Notes Offering or the Intended Invitation be made by a licensed broker or dealer and a dealer manager participating in the Intended Invitation or any affiliate of any such dealer manager is a licensed broker or dealer in that jurisdiction, the New Notes Offering or the Intended Invitation, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be made by such dealer manager or such affiliate in that jurisdiction. Owners who may lawfully participate in the Intended Invitation in accordance with the terms thereof are referred to as "holders."

Stabilization/FCA

No securities are intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in any Member State of the European Economic Area ("EEA"). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client, as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, "MiFID II"); (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97 (as amended, the "Insurance Distribution Directive"), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended or superseded, the "Prospectus Regulation"). Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the "PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling any securities or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared and therefore any offering or selling of any securities or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation.

No securities are intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the United Kingdom (the "UK"). For these purposes, (a) a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 2017/565 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 ("EUWA"); (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 ("FSMA") and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement the Insurance Distribution Directive, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA; or (iii) an investor who is not a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of the UK Prospectus Regulation, and (b) the expression "offer" includes the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the securities. Consequently, no key information document required by the PRIIPs Regulation, as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the "UK PRIIPs Regulation"), for offering or selling securities or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the UK has been prepared and therefore any offering or selling of securities or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the UK may be unlawful under the UK PRIIPs Regulation.

The expression "UK Prospectus Regulation" means the Prospectus Regulation, as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA.

Neither this communication is, nor any other offer material relating to the Intended Invitation will be, made, and this communication has not been approved, by an authorized person for the purposes of section 21 of the FSMA. This announcement is for distribution only to persons who (a) are outside the United Kingdom; or (b) have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, the "Order"); (c) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) ("high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.") of the Order; or (d) are persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) in connection with the issue or sale of any securities may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons together being "relevant persons"). This announcement is directed only at relevant persons and must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not relevant persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons.

ANY DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES THAT MAY APPEAR AFTER THIS MESSAGE ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO THIS COMMUNICATION AND SHOULD BE DISREGARDED. SUCH DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES WERE AUTOMATICALLY GENERATED AS A RESULT OF THIS COMMUNICATION BEING SENT VIA BLOOMBERG OR ANOTHER EMAIL SYSTEM.

SOURCE The Republic of Chile
BEIJING, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The sun was shining brightly upon the Masumbu School of Masumbu Village in the Lualaba Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the sound of reading is echoing. The Masumbu School, which was built with the assistance of Somidez under China Nonferrous Metals Group (hereinafter referred to as "Somidez"), has just witnessed a beautiful transformation and is hailed as a precious "gem" inlaid in the African jungle.

Outside of Masumbu School that is newly built by Somidez (PRNewsfoto/China Nonferrous Metal Mining (Group) Co., Ltd) On site of the handover ceremony of Masumbu School (PRNewsfoto/China Nonferrous Metal Mining (Group) Co., Ltd)

Somidez has been adhering to the concept of truth, reality, affinity and sincerity as well as the correct concept of righteousness and profit for a long time, actively fulfilling its social responsibilities, strictly abiding by various laws and regulations of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, scientifically and rationally developing and using resources, strengthening ecological and environmental protection, making relative great contributions to the local economic and social development, and playing an active role in promoting the industrialization process of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Somidez is only one wall or rather one road away from the Masumbu Village. Since the commencement of the project construction, the two sides have established good relations as between neighbors, friends and brothers regardless of skin color and national boundaries. Keeping the well-being of the villagers on mind, Somidez has taken a set of measures vigorously in response to the people of Masumbu who have actively supported the development of the company, such as the construction of water wells, roads connecting the village, and providing the agricultural assistance.

The Masumbu School at that time was an adobe house on the verge of collapse. The roof was damaged on a large scale, and the beams of the house were broken and in jeopardy. Nearly 100 students were crowded together, and neither the educational foundation nor the teaching quality was satisfactory.

In August 2022, Somidez has taken the initiative to build a new school for Masumbu together with the Masumbu Village in the framework of nine projects and the campaign "A Hundred Companies in a Thousand Villages" that were announced on the 8th Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

The newly built Masumbu School adopts a brick-mixed steel structure as well as aluminum alloy doors, windows and flushing toilets. The classrooms are spacious and well-lit, and the school offices are fully equipped, which makes the teachers, students and villagers overjoyed.

On June 12, 2023, the Somidez Masumbu School was officially delivered for use. Du Xingrong, chairman of Somidez, and KANTENGA KAPENDA ALAIN, Minister of Education of Lualaba province, jointly completed the handover of the school.

Minister KANTENGA KAPENDA ALAIN said at the handover ceremony: "Youth is the future of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. All the children in the village shall come to school. Only studying can lead us to a good life. Masumbu School is a precious 'gem' given to us by the Chinese. Let's cherish it with our heart."

The changes of an ordinary school on the land of Africa have condensed the mutual affection of people both in China and Africa and demonstrated a wonderful era where people both in China and Africa striving forward hand in hand and share their destiny.

Contact Person: Wang Keli

Tel: 0086-13886467228

E-mail: [email protected]

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2143066/Masumbu_School.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2143067/Masumbu_School_Ceremony.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1863165/4141188/CNMC_Logo.jpg

SOURCE China Nonferrous Metal Mining (Group) Co., Ltd
SYDNEY, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarity Pharmaceuticals (ASX: CU6) ("Clarity"), a clinical-stage radiopharmaceutical company with a mission to develop next-generation products that improve treatment outcomes for children and adults with cancer, is pleased to announce the establishment of a Center of Excellence at the Idaho Accelerator Center (IAC), a research facility operated by Idaho State University (ISU), for Targeted Copper Theranostics (TCTs).

The IAC is a unique research facility operated by ISU located in southeast Idaho, US. It is the result of the Nuclear Science Application Project, providing opportunities for scientists and engineers from the University, the private sector and the national laboratories to utilise specialised nuclear facilities.

Clarity is establishing the Center of Excellence at the IAC to advance research and development (R&D) of TCTs close to a source of copper-67 (Cu-67 or 67Cu) production. This investment will enable Clarity to efficiently execute several strategically important projects, support commercial readiness of products currently in clinical development and enable the expansion of TCTs as a platform uniquely positioned to take the radiopharmaceutical sector into large global markets.

Clarity's Executive Chairman, Dr Alan Taylor, commented, "Clarity was founded upon strong academic research and collaboration, which has led us to becoming the global leader in TCTs and the use of the perfect pairing of copper isotopes for imaging and treatment of cancer. As we bring to market our best-in-class products, it is crucial that we maintain our competitive advantage through continual investment in R&D. The IAC's in-house production of copper-67, combined with a team of world class researchers at ISU, made the decision of establishing a Center of Excellence here a logical next step for both organisations to benefit from academic-industry collaboration. The success of Clarity to date in bringing copper-67 based therapies to patients is in no small part due to the hard work of Jon Stoner and his team at IAC and we look forward to advancing this partnership with the ultimate goal of improving treatment outcomes for children and adults with cancer."

Martin Blair, Vice President for Research at ISU, commented, "We are excited to further grow our relationship with Clarity as we innovate and expand the field of nuclear medicine and theranostics together. While theranostics were born out of academic institutions and translated into the clinic, it is important to continue advancing R&D along the way as the breadth and depth of the field expands. ISU is ideally positioned to fill this gap given its unique combination of research, technology, equipment, academic potential and know-how in the space. We look forward to bringing these opportunities to ISU and to providing new and exciting career paths into the field of theranostic radiopharmaceuticals for our graduates. Our long-term collaboration with Clarity is already changing the field of theranostics, and we are excited to further explore the potential of TCTs and the important benefits it could bring to patients with cancer."

Jon Stoner, Director of the IAC, commented, "It has been a pleasure to work with Clarity over the last 7 years and see copper-67 based therapeutics make their way to many patients in need. The timing for bringing TCTs to market is now as the radiopharmaceutical sector is facing enormous manufacturing and supply issues, especially the threats of isotope shortages through the reliance on a small number of ageing reactors and the use of rare earth elements to make isotopes. We are excited to be working with a truly scalable therapeutic isotope like copper-67 that allows for modular global growth through affordable electron accelerators instead of nuclear reactors, uses a widely available element, zinc, as a starting material, and can be mass produced in an environmentally sustainable fashion. I look forward to continuing to play my part in this new sector of cancer therapies at such an important time."

About Clarity Pharmaceuticals

Clarity is a clinical stage radiopharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of serious disease. The Company is a leader in innovative radiopharmaceuticals, developing targeted copper theranostics based on its SAR Technology Platform for the treatment of cancer in children and adults.

www.claritypharmaceuticals.com

About IAC and ISU

The IAC was established in 1994 as an Idaho State University-based research facility that provides opportunities for scientists and engineers from the University, the private sector and the national laboratories to investigate nuclear physics applications in materials science, biology, homeland and national security. Research scientists conduct active research in isotope development, imaging and computed tomography, photon activation analysis, beam physics, and basic nuclear measurements and applications. As part of Idaho State University, a Carnegie-classified doctoral research institution, the IAC supports the university's designation as Idaho's leader for healthcare training, including pharmacists through the L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy.

For more information, please contact:

Clarity Pharmaceuticals Dr Alan Taylor Executive Chairman [email protected] Citadel-MAGNUS Catherine Strong 0406 759 268 [email protected]

This announcement has been authorised for release by the Executive Chairman.

SOURCE Clarity Pharmaceuticals
Reports reveal insights into the world's leading journals - more than 9,000 quality journals from more than 3,000 publishers receive a Journal Impact Factor for the first time

LONDON, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarivate Plc (NYSE:CLVT), a global leader in connecting people and organizations to intelligence they can trust to transform their world, today released the 2023 update to its annual Journal Citation Reports (JCR). This annual release identifies more than 21,500 high-quality academic journals from across 250+ scientific and research disciplines. Only journals that have met the rigorous quality standards for inclusion in the Web of Science index are selected, to ensure that users can confidently rely on the information and data provided to foster and support collective community goals to adhere to research integrity norms.

For nearly half a century, the information released in the annual Journal Citation Reports has been trusted by the global academic community as a reliable resource for identifying leading journals in their fields. It provides clarity of key citation impact trends, powered by a range of indicators, descriptive data and compelling visualizations, enabling meaningful comparisons and insights.

The annual reports incorporate a variety of metrics, including the widely recognized Journal Impact Factor (JIF) and the Journal Citation Indicator. Clarivate advocates that journal editors and the wider scholarly community make use of the broad contextual information provided alongside the Journal Impact Factor to present a comprehensive view of a journal's influence.

This year for the first time, all Web of Science Core Collection journals that passed the rigorous Web of Science quality criteria and were accepted before January 1, 2023, were eligible to receive a Journal Impact Factor. By expanding the JIF to the Arts and Humanities Citation Index (AHCI) and the multidisciplinary Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), more than 9,000 journals from more than 3,000 publishers now have a JIF for the first time. This indicator helps the scholarly community more easily identify trustworthy, high-quality journals that have been selected by the Web of Science editorial team. Selection is only granted to journals that have met the 24 rigorous quality criteria applied on evaluation. Just 15% of journals evaluated by an in-house editorial team pass this high-quality bar.

Furthermore, the JCR 2023 release presents the JIF with one decimal place, rather than three. This move to one decimal place introduces more ties, which will encourage users to consider additional indicators and descriptive data when comparing journals. The Journal Citation Indicator  a normalized journal-level metric  is emphasized for easy interpretation and cross-disciplinary comparison.

Dr. Nandita Quaderi, Editor-in-Chief & Vice President of the Web of Science, Clarivate, said: "As part of our ongoing commitment to providing transformative intelligence and trusted content, all quality journals in the Web of Science Core Collection are now eligible for a Journal Impact Factor. The JIF was introduced in 1975 as a measure of scholarly impact and was restricted to journals in the sciences and social sciences. As fraudulent behavior has intensified in scholarly publishing, there is an increasing need for markers of trustworthiness. In this year's JCR release we expand the JIF from only the most impactful science and social science journals to journals across all disciplines that have passed our rigorous quality evaluation. This means the JIF is now a reliable indicator of trustworthiness, as well as a measure of scholarly impact, at the journal level."

Emmanuel Thiveaud, Senior Vice President for Research & Analytics, Academia & Government at Clarivate added: "Research integrity is crucial for ensuring the credibility, reliability and trustworthiness of the scientific and scholarly record. It is of paramount importance to us at Clarivate that our data in the Web of Science citation index and the JCR metrics derived from it are accurate and reliable for the purposes of research discovery and assessment. This year we have taken significant additional steps to foster research integrity in the Web of Science as we seek to uphold the highest ethical standards and proactively contribute to the maintenance of public trust in scientific and scholarly research."

Key highlights from the 2022 data include:

More than 21,500 high-quality journals from 254 research categories and 112 countries are identified and receive a JIF. This includes:

13,668 science journals



7,123 social science journals



3,248 arts & humanities journals

More than 5,600 journals publish all their content as open access

9,136 journals receive a Journal Impact Factor for the first time

The JCR is based on 2022 data compiled from the Web of Science Core Collection, the leading collection of quality journals, books and conference proceedings in the world's largest publisher-neutral global citation database. Publications are evaluated by a global team of in-house editors at Clarivate using rigorous selection criteria. The data from selected content are then carefully curated to ensure accuracy in the JCR metrics, together with a wide body of descriptive data. These insights enable researchers, publishers, editors, librarians and funders to explore the key drivers of a journal's value for diverse audiences.

Clarivate is proud of its commitment to deliver unbiased, publisher-neutral information, which does not promote or endorse any specific publishers. This enables confident decision-making for a wide group of stakeholders including publishers, academic institutions, funders and researchers.

Each journal profile in the JCR provides a rich array of journal intelligence metrics, allowing users to filter and rank journals by category. These metrics include:

The Journal Citation Indicator, which represents the average category-normalized citation impact for papers published in the prior three-year period

The Immediacy Index, which measures how frequently the journal's content is cited within the same year as publication

Cited half-life, which is the median age, in years, of items in the journal that were cited during the JCR year

The Journal Impact Factor, which scales the citations received to recent content by a measure of the size of the journal's scholarly output

In addition, the Journal Citation Reports include descriptive data such as availability of open access content, top contributing institutions and regions

To explore all available data, metrics and analysis visit the Journal Citation Reports. For further insights into this year's release, please refer to our series of blogs. The changes to the 2023 release apply from this year forward; no changes will be made to data from previous years.

About Clarivate

Clarivate is a leading global information services provider. We connect people and organizations to intelligence they can trust to transform their perspective, their work and our world. Our subscription and technology-based solutions are coupled with deep domain expertise and cover the areas of Academia & Government, Life Sciences & Healthcare and Intellectual Property. For more information, please visit clarivate.com

Media contact:

Rachel Scheer, External Communications Director, Academia & Government

[email protected]

SOURCE Clarivate Plc
Cle de Peau Beaute's revolutionary skincare science, experienced in a global three-day event that also premieres immersive AI art installation "Unseen Intelligence" by Refik Anadol

TOKYO, June 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cle de Peau Beaute, the SHISEIDO Group's global luxury skincare and makeup brand hosted a global event in Tokyo, Japan from June 2628th, 2023. Celebrating and revealing its revolutionary skincare science approach, "Skin Intelligence", the three-day event immersed guests in the brand's unwavering commitment to innovation and science-based approach to beauty. Guests from over 18 countries joined two of Cle de Peau Beaute's Global Brand Ambassadors, Ella Balinska and Diana Silvers. The Shiseido Global Innovation Center in Yokohama hosted the exclusive, global reveal of the skin gene network  visualized for the very first time. This network is made up of an internal collective that operates independently of the neuron network that powers the brain. The event also premiered a visionary collaboration with renowned media artist Refik Anadol. Anadol's immersive installation "Unseen Intelligence" is situated in the Tokyo Midtown, located in the district of Roppongi. Anadol brings his trailblazing approach to data narratives to envision the hidden world of Skin.

Ms. Mizuki Hashimoto, Cle de Peau Beaute Chief Brand Officer, is joined by global brand ambassadors Diana Silvers and Ella Balinska and internationally renowned media artist Refik Anadol at the unveiling of his bespoke art installation in Tokyo: Unseen Intelligence, inspired from Cle de Peau Beaute Science: Skin Intelligence Cle de Peau Beaute's Key Radiance Care collection, formulated with Skin Empowering Illuminator to boost Skin Intelligence: skin's innate ability to recognize between positive and negative stimuli, and achieve optimal radiance. Kiyoshi Sato, Cle de Peau Beaute Chief Technology Officer and Dr. Shinobu Nakanishi, Research Scientist at Cle de Peau Beaute Laboratory present the first visualization of the skin gene network, showcasing skin as a thinking organ that operates independently from the brain

Since the brand's launch in 1982, Cle de Peau Beaute has been committed to pursuing a deeper understanding of Skin Intelligence: skin's innate ability to distinguish between positive and negative stimuli to maintain optimal condition at the epidermis level. Cle de Peau Beaute develops new technologies that support skin as a 'thinking' organ, boosting its reparative and defensive abilities to empower its innate ability to self-care, the most powerful catalyst for achieving optimal skin radiance.

Ms. Mizuki Hashimoto, Cle de Peau Beaute Chief Brand Officer, shared: "I am proud to showcase our unwavering commitment to innovation through Skin Intelligence to beauty experts worldwide. With our unique skincare approach, we have solidified our position as industry pioneers, redefining the future of skincare. I am thrilled about the limitless possibilities that lie ahead for a more radiant future."

Kiyoshi Sato, Cle de Peau Beaute Chief Technology Officer shared: "It has been a privilege for us to welcome so many beauty experts from around the world to our laboratories, where for the very first time, we unveiled a successful visualization of the skin gene network, which has significantly enhanced our understanding of the skin's inherent intelligence. To commemorate this scientific achievement, we then provided the data cluster to Refik Anadol, who brought it to life with his artistry. Together we were able to reveal a world that we know exists and have been searching for a glimpse of for so long."

The collaboration between Refik Anadol and Cle de Peau Beaute was born out of the brand's ambition to bring the unseen autonomic system of Skin Intelligence to life and create a memorable experience that educates and inspires audiences around the world.

Collaborating artist Refik Anadol comments: "Refik Anadol Studio's collaboration with Cle de Peau Beaute is based on a unique analogy between skin intelligence and artificial intelligence from the perspective of 'making the invisible visible'  a vision that we have been pursuing since our foundation. Cle de Peau Beaute scientists study life forces that are invisible - the unseen networks of our thinking organ  skin."

About Cle de Peau Beaute

Cle de Peau Beaute, the global luxury brand from Shiseido Co., Ltd., was founded in 1982 as the ultimate expression of luxury and science. Cle de Peau Beaute means 'the key to skin's beauty'. The philosophy of the brand is to unlock the power of a person's radiance by harnessing makeup technologies and groundbreaking skincare science. Forever guided by an exquisite aesthetic sensibility and commitment to innovation, Cle de Peau Beaute has instilled its products with modernity, advanced science, and dynamism to emerge as an industry leader. It helps to deliver a radiance so remarkable, it emanates from within. Available in 23 countries and regions worldwide.

Cle de Peau Beaute Official Website: www.cledepeau-beaute.com

Cle de Peau Beaute Official Instagram: instagram.com/cledepeaubeaute

About Refik Anadol

Refik Anadol's work uses data as primary material and encourages us to rethink our engagement with the physical world, decentralized networks, collective experience, and the creative potential of machines.Anadol's site-specific AI data sculptures, live audiovisual performances, and environmental installations are unparalleled in their field and have been exhibited at prestigious venues worldwide, including the Centre Pompidou-Metz, Venice Architecture Biennale, and The Museum of Modern Art, New York.

SOURCE Cle de Peau Beaute
Cle de Peau Beaute's revolutionary skincare science, experienced in a global three-day event that also premieres immersive AI art installation "Unseen Intelligence" by Refik Anadol

TOKYO, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cle de Peau Beaute, the SHISEIDO Group's global luxury skincare and makeup brand hosted a global event in Tokyo, Japan from June 2628th, 2023. Celebrating and revealing its revolutionary skincare science approach, "Skin Intelligence", the three-day event immersed guests in the brand's unwavering commitment to innovation and science-based approach to beauty. Guests from over 18 countries joined two of Cle de Peau Beaute's Global Brand Ambassadors, Ella Balinska and Diana Silvers. The Shiseido Global Innovation Center in Yokohama hosted the exclusive, global reveal of the skin gene network  visualized for the very first time. This network is made up of an internal collective that operates independently of the neuron network that powers the brain. The event also premiered a visionary collaboration with renowned media artist Refik Anadol. Anadol's immersive installation "Unseen Intelligence" is situated in the Tokyo Midtown, located in the district of Roppongi. Anadol brings his trailblazing approach to data narratives to envision the hidden world of Skin.

Ms. Mizuki Hashimoto, Cle de Peau Beaute Chief Brand Officer, is joined by global brand ambassadors Diana Silvers and Ella Balinska and internationally renowned media artist Refik Anadol at the unveiling of his bespoke art installation in Tokyo: Unseen Intelligence, inspired from Cle de Peau Beaute Science: Skin Intelligence Cle de Peau Beaute's Key Radiance Care collection, formulated with Skin Empowering Illuminator to boost Skin Intelligence: skin's innate ability to recognize between positive and negative stimuli, and achieve optimal radiance. Kiyoshi Sato, Cle de Peau Beaute Chief Technology Officer and Dr. Shinobu Nakanishi, Research Scientist at Cle de Peau Beaute Laboratory present the first visualization of the skin gene network, showcasing skin as a thinking organ that operates independently from the brain

Since the brand's launch in 1982, Cle de Peau Beaute has been committed to pursuing a deeper understanding of Skin Intelligence: skin's innate ability to distinguish between positive and negative stimuli to maintain optimal condition at the epidermis level. Cle de Peau Beaute develops new technologies that support skin as a 'thinking' organ, boosting its reparative and defensive abilities to empower its innate ability to self-care, the most powerful catalyst for achieving optimal skin radiance.

Ms. Mizuki Hashimoto, Cle de Peau Beaute Chief Brand Officer, shared: "I am proud to showcase our unwavering commitment to innovation through Skin Intelligence to beauty experts worldwide. With our unique skincare approach, we have solidified our position as industry pioneers, redefining the future of skincare. I am thrilled about the limitless possibilities that lie ahead for a more radiant future."

Kiyoshi Sato, Cle de Peau Beaute Chief Technology Officer shared: "It has been a privilege for us to welcome so many beauty experts from around the world to our laboratories, where for the very first time, we unveiled a successful visualization of the skin gene network, which has significantly enhanced our understanding of the skin's inherent intelligence. To commemorate this scientific achievement, we then provided the data cluster to Refik Anadol, who brought it to life with his artistry. Together we were able to reveal a world that we know exists and have been searching for a glimpse of for so long."

The collaboration between Refik Anadol and Cle de Peau Beaute was born out of the brand's ambition to bring the unseen autonomic system of Skin Intelligence to life and create a memorable experience that educates and inspires audiences around the world.

Collaborating artist Refik Anadol comments: "Refik Anadol Studio's collaboration with Cle de Peau Beaute is based on a unique analogy between skin intelligence and artificial intelligence from the perspective of 'making the invisible visible'  a vision that we have been pursuing since our foundation. Cle de Peau Beaute scientists study life forces that are invisible - the unseen networks of our thinking organ  skin."

About Cle de Peau Beaute

Cle de Peau Beaute, the global luxury brand from Shiseido Co., Ltd., was founded in 1982 as the ultimate expression of luxury and science. Cle de Peau Beaute means 'the key to skin's beauty'. The philosophy of the brand is to unlock the power of a person's radiance by harnessing makeup technologies and groundbreaking skincare science. Forever guided by an exquisite aesthetic sensibility and commitment to innovation, Cle de Peau Beaute has instilled its products with modernity, advanced science, and dynamism to emerge as an industry leader. It helps to deliver a radiance so remarkable, it emanates from within. Available in 23 countries and regions worldwide.

Cle de Peau Beaute Official Website: www.cledepeau-beaute.com

Cle de Peau Beaute Official Instagram: instagram.com/cledepeaubeaute

About Refik Anadol

Refik Anadol's work uses data as primary material and encourages us to rethink our engagement with the physical world, decentralized networks, collective experience, and the creative potential of machines.Anadol's site-specific AI data sculptures, live audiovisual performances, and environmental installations are unparalleled in their field and have been exhibited at prestigious venues worldwide, including the Centre Pompidou-Metz, Venice Architecture Biennale, and The Museum of Modern Art, New York.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2142044/image_1.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2142046/image_2.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2142047/image_3.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1740205/cpb_logo_set_bold_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Cle de Peau Beaute
Taylor's extensive behavior change experience will position the agency for public sector growth

WASHINGTON, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CMRignite, the nation's largest minority-owned cause marketing and social impact agency, announced today that Trish Taylor, PhD has been named its chief strategy officer. This new hire will add expertise to the agency's behavior change portfolio, which has seen exponential growth over the past three years across its public sector clients.

Trish Taylor, PhD has been named its chief strategy officer at CMRignite.

CMRignite, an agency that specializes in campaigns targeting multicultural audiences, represents public sector clients such as: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; National Women Infant and Children Association; U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Taylor, who holds a doctorate in social and health psychology, is an award-winning communications professional who has led and implemented nationally recognized behavior change campaigns in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Her clients have included: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Centers for Disease Control; National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; Feeding America; and Zero To Three.

"Trish is a respected behavior change expert, as well as a passionate leader with a proven track record of spearheading large-scale integrated communications campaigns," said David Bowles, president of CMRignite. "As our agency continues to grow, she will play a critical role in increasing our public sector client base, with a focus on behavior change campaigns. We couldn't be more excited to have her join the CMRignite team."

In her role, Taylor will serve on the executive leadership team and lead business development and strategy across all client engagements. Prior to joining CMRignite, Taylor was executive vice president at Weber Shandwick, where she led the health care practice in Washington, D.C.

CMRignite has 60 full-time employees, 75% of whom are Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+ and/or people with disabilities. The company recently earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies in the United States.

In addition, the agency recently earned platinum and gold honors from the Hermes Creative Awards, administered by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP), for two if its nationally-recognized behavior change campaigns.

For more information about CMRignite, visit cmrignite.com .

Media Contact:

Dena Vang

[email protected]

(414) 644-0229

SOURCE CMRignite
BALTIMORE, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The William & Lanaea C. Featherstone Foundation, an award-winning nonprofit, announces Alicia Wilson, co-founder, Black Philanthropy Circle, as this year's 2023 Featherstone Changemaker Award recipient. This prestigious prize recognizes an influential leader who drives social change and makes a positive impact in the community.

Wilson will be honored during the Featherstone Awards Ceremony, an annual event that showcases Baltimore's most promising youth and promotes academic equity in higher education. Thirty exceptional students, from underrepresented communities, will receive $3,000 Featherstone College Scholarships to attend Coppin State University, Morgan State University, The University of Baltimore and other institutions. Travis E. Mitchell, senior vice president and chief content officer, Maryland Public Television, will give the keynote address. The event will be held on August 11, 2023 at The University of Baltimore. Learn more about the event, here .

"We laud Alicia's strong impact in the community," said Juliana Lopez, executive director, William & Lanaea C. Featherstone Foundation." Her brilliance, tenacity and generosity spotlight the positive contributions that she has made to improving lives in Baltimore. She's a role model for our students."

Wilson serves on the boards of the CollegeBound Foundation, France-Merrick Foundation, Johns Hopkins University, Kennedy Krieger Institute, and the University of Maryland School of Law Board of Visitors. The Baltimore Sun recognized her as one of the 15 Black Marylanders to Watch. She's been named a 2022 "Women Who Win" and Newsmaker of the Year for 2021 by the Afro-American Newspaper.

Wilson joins an accomplished list of Featherstone Changemaker Award recipients: Catalina Rodriguez, director, Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (2022); Monica Mitchell, co-founder, Lillie May Carroll Jackson Middle School (2021), and Pamela King, senior program manager, Open Society Foundations, Baltimore (2020).

The Featherstone Foundation has a track record of creating equal access to opportunities. The Foundation has provided over $326,000 through 131 scholarships to outstanding students from 25 countries who now attend 12 institutions.

The William & Lanaea C. Featherstone Foundation , an award winning nonprofit (501c3), has an unapologetic mission to "create sustainable solutions to bridge the opportunity divide for underserved communities."

SOURCE The William & Lanaea C. Featherstone Foundation
LONDON, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today marks the launch of the 17th edition of the Global Peace Index from international think-tank, the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP).

Key results

Deaths from global conflict increased by 96% to 238,000

New data shows higher number of conflict deaths in Ethiopia than Ukraine , eclipsing the previous global peak during the Syrian war

than , eclipsing the previous global peak during the Syrian war 79 countries witnessed increased levels of conflict including Ethiopia , Myanmar , Ukraine , Israel , and South Africa

, , , , and The global economic impact of violence increased by 17% or $1 trillion , to $17.5 trillion in 2022, equivalent to 13% of global GDP

, to in 2022, equivalent to 13% of global GDP A Chinese blockade of Taiwan would cause a drop in global economic output of $2.7 trillion , almost double the loss that occurred due to the 2008 global financial crisis

would cause a drop in global economic output of , almost double the loss that occurred due to the 2008 global financial crisis Despite the conflict in Ukraine , 92 countries improved on military expenditure and 110 decreased their military personnel

, 92 countries improved on military expenditure and 110 decreased their military personnel Conflicts are becoming more internationalised with 91 countries now involved in some form of external conflict, up from 58 in 2008

Impact of the War in Ukraine on Peacefulness

Ukraine recorded the largest deterioration, falling 14 places to 157 th

recorded the largest deterioration, falling 14 places to 157 The economic impact of violence has increased by 479% or $449 billion , equivalent to 64% of Ukraine's GDP

, equivalent to 64% of GDP Despite the conflict, Russia's incarceration rate, violent demonstrations, terrorism impact and homicide rates have improved over the past year, with the homicide rate at its lowest since 2008

incarceration rate, violent demonstrations, terrorism impact and homicide rates have improved over the past year, with the homicide rate at its lowest since 2008 65% of men in Ukraine aged 20 to 24 years have fled the country, or died in the conflict

The 17th edition of the annual Global Peace Index (GPI), the world's leading measure of peacefulness, reveals the average level of global peacefulness deteriorated for the ninth consecutive year, with 84 countries recording an improvement and 79 a deterioration. This demonstrates that the deteriorations were larger than the improvements, as the post-COVID rises of civil unrest and political instability remain high while regional and global conflicts accelerate.

Iceland remains the most peaceful country, a position it has held since 2008, followed by Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand and Austria. For the sixth consecutive year, Afghanistan is the least peaceful country, followed by Yemen, Syria, South Sudan, and the Democratic

Republic of Congo. Highlighting the shifting dynamics of conflict, both Afghanistan and Syria recorded improvements in peacefulness.

Ukraine's overall score recorded a decline of 13%, the largest deterioration in the 2023 GPI, and is now 157th on the Index. Libya experienced the largest improvement in overall peacefulness, improving by 7% and rising 14 places to 137th.

The shift in the global distribution of conflict continued as major conflicts in the MENA region and South Asia declined, while conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and Asia-Pacific intensified. The Russia and Eurasia region recorded the largest deterioration in peacefulness in the world.

Ten of the 23 GPI indicators improved, 11 deteriorated, and two had no change. The largest deteriorations were in External Conflicts Fought and Deaths from Internal Conflict. Other notable deteriorations included Neighbouring Country Relations and Political Instability, where 59 countries deteriorated.

The impact of violence on the global economy increased by $1 trillion to a record $17.5 trillion. This is equivalent to 13% of global GDP, approximately $2,200 per person. This was due to increased military expenditure owing to the Ukraine war. The disparity in the economic impact of violence is stark: the ten countries most affected averaged 34% of GDP, compared to just 3% for the ten least affected.

Steve Killelea, Founder & Executive Chairman of IEP, said: "The 2023 Global Peace Index highlights the contrasting dynamics of militarisation and conflict. On the one hand, the majority of countries are decreasing their reliance on the military, while on the other hand an increasing number of conflicts are becoming internationalised. Conflict deaths are the highest since the Rwandan genocide which had over 800,000 deaths and sparked a wave of global action.

"After the Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syrian wars and now the Ukraine war it is obvious that the most powerful armies cannot prevail against a well-resourced local population. War has become mostly unwinnable, and an increasingly heavy economic burden. This is highlighted by the impact of a potential economic blockade on Taiwan, which would result in a global economic recession twice as impactful as the global financial crisis of 2008."

The rise in conflicts

79 countries deteriorated in the Ongoing Conflict domain, with conflict related deaths increasing by 96% compared to the prior year. Conflict deaths are now at the highest level this century. The Ethiopian conflict claimed the most lives in 2022 with new data finding that battlefield deaths were over 100,000, while disease and famine related deaths were conservatively estimated at over 200,000. This conflict has been largely hidden from the media because of domestic media restrictions and internet blackouts. This has coincided with US and UN aid organisations stopping food shipments because of corruption in the food supply chains.

In sub-Saharan Africa, Mali recorded the largest deterioration with conflict-related deaths increasing by 154%, while violence against civilians rose by 570%. Eswatini experienced the next largest drop in peacefulness in the region.

The Ukraine war has seen the total number of Ukrainians who were either refugees or internally displaced jump from 1.7% before the conflict, to over 30% and is likely to continue increasing. Recent data has found that up to 65% of men in Ukraine aged 20 to 24 years have fled the country or died in the conflict[1]. The report estimates 83,000 deaths are related to the conflict so far.

In contrast to the devastating effects of the war on the Russian population, other internal factors have improved including the incarceration rate, a decrease in violent demonstrations, and the impact of terrorism. The homicide rate within Russia is now at its lowest level since the inception of the GPI in 2008. If not for the Ukraine conflict, Russia would have been one of the largest improvers in peace in this year's Index.

The global number of refugees and internally displaced people continues to rise; there are now 15 countries with over 5% of their population displaced.

Taiwan Blockade

While China is not currently directly involved in any external conflicts, it has become more assertive in the South China Sea and has intensified aerial operations near Taiwan. The Index indicates that if a Chinese blockade of Taiwan were to materialise, it would lead to a drop in global economic output of $2.7 trillion, or 3% of global GDP in the first year alone.

Almost 60% of this loss would occur in China and Taiwan. The Chinese economy would shrink by an estimated 7%, and Taiwan's by almost 40%. China's five largest trading partners are established democracies that are militarily aligned  the US, Japan, South Korea, Germany, and Australia.

Militarisation and Technology

Although conflict is increasing, more countries are directing military expenditure toward other priorities including healthcare, education, infrastructure, and pandemic recovery. The improvements in militarisation were widespread with every region improving. However, the total military spending increased by 17% since 2008 with the largest increases coming from China ($180 billion), the US ($70 billion), and India ($40 billion).

Drones are being increasingly used in conflicts, including in Ukraine, Ethiopia, and Myanmar. The total number of drone attacks increased by 41% in 2022, with the number of different groups using drones increasing by 24%.

Regional Highlights

The largest regional improvements occurred in MENA and North America . North America's improvement was driven by Canada , but the United States deteriorated slightly where homicide rates have risen to levels six times higher than Western Europe .

. improvement was driven by , but deteriorated slightly where homicide rates have risen to levels six times higher than . Since 2016 MENA has seen the largest improvements in peace globally, however it is still the least peaceful region. The epicentre of terrorism has shifted from the MENA region into sub-Saharan Africa, especially the Sahel.

Central America , the Caribbean and South America have recorded substantial deteriorations, falling mainly on measures of repression, violence, and conflict.

, the and have recorded substantial deteriorations, falling mainly on measures of repression, violence, and conflict. Coastal West Africa is at its most peaceful since reporting began in 2008, with countries in the region recording an average improvement of 5% in the past 14 years. The coastal region between Morocco and Ghana recorded no deaths from terrorism in 2022, in contrast to the neighbouring countries in the Sahel.

is at its most peaceful since reporting began in 2008, with countries in the region recording an average improvement of 5% in the past 14 years. The coastal region between and recorded no deaths from terrorism in 2022, in contrast to the neighbouring countries in the Sahel. Europe is still the most peaceful region in the world, despite military expenditure and Neighbouring Country Relations deteriorating because of the Ukraine war. The region is still home to seven of the ten most peaceful countries, with the level of violent demonstrations, protests and riots remaining high. The other three most peaceful countries are in the Asia-Pacific region.

NOTES TO EDITORS

For more information and to download the Global Peace Index 2023, visit visionofhumanity.org and economicsandpeace.org. The full GPI report, articles and interactive maps are available at: visionofhumanity.org

Twitter: @globpeaceindex

Facebook: facebook.com/globalpeaceindex

Instagram: instagram.com/globalpeaceindex

About the Global Peace Index (GPI)

Produced by the international think-tank the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), the GPI report presents the most comprehensive data-driven analysis to date on peace, its economic value, trends, and how to develop peaceful societies. The report covers 99.7% of the world's population and uses 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from highly respected sources to compile the Index. These indicators are grouped into three key domains: Ongoing Conflict, Safety and Security, and Militarisation.

About the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP)

IEP is an international and independent think tank dedicated to shifting the world's focus to peace as a positive, achievable and tangible measure of human well-being and progress. It has offices in Sydney, Brussels, New York, The Hague, Mexico City and Harare.

[1] Source: UN World Population Prospects

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SOURCE Institute For Economics and Peace
BioCatch's 2023 APAC Digital Banking Fraud Trends Report Affirms the Rapid Growth in Scams and Organized Crime Rings Accelerating Risk to Retail Banks

SYDNEY, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BioCatch, a global leader in digital fraud detection powered by behavioral biometric intelligence, today unveiled its 2023 Asia-Pacific (APAC) Digital Banking Fraud Trends Report. This report exposes the grim and expanding reality of financial cybercrime dominated by sophisticated and evolving tactics, where scams account for 54% of all cases reported. There are also escalating concerns regarding trends in human trafficking and call center gangs as organized crime rings see higher ROI from investing in scams.

Key findings from the report include:

200% surge in voice scams from 2022 to 2023 has caused a seismic shift in the landscape of digital crimes.

New scam records have been set in the region with 54% of all confirmed fraud cases being traced back to authorized push payment (APP) fraud attacks.

cases being traced back to authorized push payment (APP) attacks. Fraudsters are moving towards more human-centric coercion, manipulating remote access tools to outsmart even the most advanced cyber solutions.

More than half of the victims, 51%, were lured into high-risk session schemes involving remote access tools before falling prey to investment scams.

Organized crime is making a strategic move from the shadows of sex trafficking to call centers as the profiteering epicenter, fueled by the skyrocketing rise in scams.

The 2023 Digital Banking Fraud Trends in APAC report illuminates the growing global menace of call center gangs, primarily operating from Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Myanmar. These organized cybercriminal entities conduct a variety of scams, including tech support, romance, and investment frauds, often targeting victims internationally and exploiting legal jurisdictional complexities to evade consequences.

The disconcerting link between these scams and human trafficking is hard to ignore. Amid the COVID-19 lockdowns, unsuspecting victims lured with job offers are detained in these call centers. Criminal rings are shifting from sex trafficking to human trafficking for scam call centers, with a higher profit margin in cybercrime.

The report also discloses a significant change in fraudster strategies, with a shift from remotely taking over victim devices (RAT) to social engineering scams in Australia. This strategy change occurs as more financial institutions adopt advanced fraud solutions to protect against active RAT types. As conventional RAT attacks prove less effective, criminals swiftly pivot to less secure attack vectors, particularly social engineering scams. It's worth noting that this trend mirrors findings from our earlier EMEA trends report, where a marked increase in investment scams specifically targeted older individuals.

Gareth Campbell, Head of Threat Analytics at BioCatch, asserts, "Financial institutions in the broader Asia-Pacific region must confront these intricate and deeply concerning trends. We are dedicated to assisting these organizations in navigating the rapidly changing landscape of digital fraud, employing our revolutionary technology to deliver real-time threat detection and prevention."

About BioCatch

BioCatch stands at the forefront of digital fraud detection pioneering behavioral biometric intelligence, first-in-class technology grounded in machine learning, BioCatch analyzes an online user's physical and cognitive digital behavior to bolster online security. BioCatch aims to harness the power of behavior, providing actionable insights to foster a digital environment where identity, trust, and ease harmoniously co-exist. Today, over 25 of the world's top 100 banks rely on BioCatch's solutions to combat fraud, facilitate digital transformation, and stimulate business growth. The BioCatch Client Innovation Board is a collaboration of the leading global banks, including American Express, Barclays, Citi Ventures, National Australia Bank and others, dedicated to innovation in fraud prevention by harnessing the power of behavioral intelligence. With more than a decade of data analysis, over 80 registered patents, and unmatched expertise, BioCatch continues to lead innovation to address future challenges. For more information, please visit www.biocatch.com.

Media contact:

Madeline Cobb

[email protected]

SOURCE BioCatch
Funding Accelerates Development of Robot Technology Powered with Augmented Intelligence

AUSTIN, Texas, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Contoro Robotics, a company augmenting robot intelligence with AI and teleoperation, announced that it has raised $4.7 million in Seed funding. The round was led by SV Investment with participation from Kakao Ventures, Bass Investment, Future Play, and UT Austin Seed Fund.

Last year, Contoro Robotics raised a $1.3 million Pre-seed round led by Village Global, which is backed by industry luminaries such as Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg. Including Seed Round, Contoro has raised $6M up to date.

Contoro Robotics' technology combines artificial intelligence (AI) with human expertise. Tweet this Contoro's exoskeleton in action. Contoro's automated robot unloads oversea containers.

"We are excited to announce this investment which will allow us to accelerate the deployment of our augmented intelligence technology," said Youngmok Yun, CEO and founder of Contoro Robotics. "We're making headway in the logistics domains and we're confident diverse industries can benefit from our innovative solutions."

Contoro Robotics' technology combines artificial intelligence (AI) with human expertise. AI is used to control the robot in most situations, but humans can intervene when necessary. This approach allows Contoro Robotics' technology to be used in a wide range of applications, from simple tasks that can be easily automated to complex tasks that require human judgment.

"We believe that Contoro Robotics' technologies including exoskeleton, haptics, artificial intelligence, teleoperation have the potential to effectively optimize algorithm structures that robot human-like thinks and acts," said Il-Yong Choi, Ph.D., Investor at SV Investment. "It means that Contoro Robotics' approach can be applied to a lot of ordinary tasks and then accelerate that robot itself can be much more accessible and affordable in our daily lives."

Contoro Robotics is currently focused on solving oversea container unloading challenges for warehouse businesses. Contoro robots will help reduce the cost and time of container unloading, and will also improve safety. A pilot program using Contoro Robotics' technology is scheduled to launch in Q3 of 2023.

About Contoro Robotics (http://contoro.com)

Contoro Robotics is a company developing AI/teleoperation technology that enables robots to be controlled autonomously and remotely from anywhere in the world. The company's mission is to introduce advanced intelligence to robotic arms by combining AI and human intelligence. This will open a wide range of possibilities for robot usage in a variety of industries such as logistics, manufacturing, and agriculture.

Contact:

John Cook, [email protected]

1807 W Braker Ln, STE C500, Austin, TX 78758

SOURCE Contoro Inc.
Dishonest Contractors Target Victims After Natural Disasters

DES PLAINES, Ill., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In light of the recent severe storms and tornadoes that hit a wide-ranging area of the U.S. recently, including Texas, Florida, Ohio, Michigan and Oklahoma, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), the insurance industry's association dedicated to predicting, preventing, and prosecuting insurance crime, is providing information and tips to help consumers navigate the insurance and rebuilding process after catastrophic events and disasters occur. NICB is also warning Americans affected by these weather events to stay vigilant against dishonest contractors and scammers.

"After many natural disasters and catastrophic weather events, contractor fraud surges as dishonest contractors target and exploit homeowners, as well as insurance providers, which result in higher insurance costs for everyone," said NICB President and CEO David J. Glawe. "Recovering and rebuilding from a natural disaster can be an overwhelming task and it is important to make sure homeowners and business owners are not victimized twice."

NICB is offering tips to help consumers navigate the insurance process after catastrophic events and disasters. Tweet this

Before hiring a contractor:

Get more than one estimate.

Get everything in writing. Cost, work to be done, time schedules, guarantees, payment schedules, and other expectations should be detailed.

Request references and do the research.

Ask to see the salesperson's driver's license and write down the license number and their vehicle's license plate number.

Look out for out-of-state contractor licenses, as well as out-of-state vehicle registrations, as these may also indicate possible fraudulent contractors.

Never sign a contract with blanks; unacceptable terms can be added later.

Never pay a contractor in full or sign a completion certificate until the work is finished.

Ensure reconstruction is up to current code.

Make sure you review and understand all documents sent to your insurance carrier.

Never let a contractor pressure you into hiring them.

Never let a contractor interpret the language of your insurance policy.

Never let a contractor discourage you from contacting your insurance company.

Remember, if you didn't request it, reject it!

Contractor fraud warning signs:

Contractor approaches unsolicited to offer services.

Requires payment upfront to do the job or get you on the schedule faster.

States they are approved by FEMA or other government agency.

States they work with multiple insurance companies and suggests they can provide advice interpreting your insurance policy.

When working with insurance:

Call your insurance company first if you think you might have damage from a storm or other disaster.

Make sure you review and understand all documents sent to your insurance company.

Never let a contractor interpret the language of your insurance policy or discourage you from contacting your insurance company.

Be on the lookout for people calling and saying they are with a national carrier. Do not provide ANY personal information over the phone without them first confirming a claim number. If something sounds fishy, report it to your insurance company immediately.

Note that insurance carriers will never ask you to pay your deductible up front or over the phone.

Furthermore, some fraudulent contractors will state they are supported by the federal government. This is false, the Federal Emergency Management Agency does not endorse individual contractors or loan agencies. Consumers should always call FEMA for more specifics at (800) 621-FEMA.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL INSURANCE CRIME BUREAU: Headquartered in Des Plaines, Ill., the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is the nation's leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to combatting and preventing insurance crime through Intelligence, Analytics, and Operations; Education and Crime Prevention; and Strategy, Policy, and Advocacy. NICB is supported by more than 1,200 property and casualty insurance companies and self-insured organizations. NICB member companies wrote over $582 billion in insurance premiums in 2021, or more than 82% of the nation's property-casualty insurance. That includes more than 96% of the nation's personal auto insurance. To learn more, visit www.nicb.org.

SOURCE National Insurance Crime Bureau
These sweet, fiery-flavored crunchy corn kernels now available for a limited time in 7-Eleven and Speedway stores nationwide

AUSTIN, Minn., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The maker of the Corn Nuts brand is proudly announcing the launch of its latest flavor: mango habanero.

This contrasting combination marries the sweet taste of mangoes with the intense heat of habanero peppers, which pairs perfectly with the signature Corn Nuts crunch. This limited-time flavor will be available June 29 to Aug. 2 exclusively at 7-Eleven and Speedway stores nationwide.

Corn Nuts brand turns up the sweet heat with new mango habanero flavor. (PRNewsfoto/Hormel Foods Corporation) Corn Nuts brand turns up the sweet heat with new mango habanero flavor. (PRNewsfoto/Hormel Foods Corporation) Corn Nuts brand turns up the sweet heat with new mango habanero flavor. (PRNewsfoto/Hormel Foods Corporation)

"We know that consumers are increasingly eager to explore fresh and creative flavors," said Tim Bortner, convenience store and foodservice brand manager at Hormel Foods. "Our new variety pairs our craveable Corn Nuts kernels with a bold and sweet, yet tangy profile that packs a punch of heat. Corn Nuts mango-habanero-flavored crunchy corn kernels can instantly elevate road trips and summertime snacking."

For more information on the Corn Nuts brand, visit www.cornnuts.com.

ABOUT HORMEL FOODS  Inspired People. Inspired Food.

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a global branded food company with over $12 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include Planters, Skippy, SPAM, Hormel Natural Choice, Applegate, Justin's, Wholly, Hormel Black Label, Columbus, Jennie-O and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named on the "Global 2000 World's Best Employers" list by Forbes magazine for three years, is one of Fortune magazine's most admired companies, has appeared on the "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list by 3BL Media 13 times, and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement  Inspired People. Inspired Food.  to bring some of the world's most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com and http://csr.hormelfoods.com/.



Contact: Media Relations

Hormel Foods

507-434-6352

[email protected]

SOURCE Hormel Foods Corporation
From technical achievements to diversity and collaboration, the 2023 conference set industry direction

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As the preeminent event for research and development in computer vision, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), deep learning, and much more, the Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition (CVPR) Conference annually reveals the latest evolution of the field. This year, the conference, which took place 18-22 June in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, unveiled five key trends shaping the evolution of the community:

This year, the Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition (CVPR) Conference unveiled five key trends shaping the evolution of the community.

Render the real. Research emphasis this year was on bringing technology closer to reality. Top paper categories included 3D computer vision; image and video generation; and understanding humans in video.



Create an autonomous ecosystem. With advances in autonomous vehicles making their operation more consistent, research attention turned to ways to address the external influences that will impact them. In short, research is shifting from how the vehicle may react in an environment to planning for how the environment may respond to it.



Converge image and language for more sophisticated techniques. One needs to look no further than the latest artificial intelligence (AI) news to see how the technology is expanding from an image or text-based approach to a combined effort. Yet converging these modalities with accuracy creates complicated research challenges. A number of highlighted papers at CVPR turned their attention to these issues.



Collaborate to meet market demand. Throughout the conference, there was a focus on collaboration, including cross-disciplinary, as discussed in the panel presentation, "Scientific Discovery and the Environment," and industry-academic as called out in the panel discussion, "History and Future of Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision" and many other discussions. These discussions result in more widespread collaboration between academia, government, and industry to meet growing technological demands.



Embrace diversity and inclusion to combat bias. Both from a technical standpoint (bias mitigation and fair representation) and an inclusiveness perspective (different perspectives and vantage points contributing to new ideas), diversity and inclusion are critical to computer vision developments. The IEEE Computer Society (CS), the Computer Vision Foundation (CVF) and the IEEE CS Technical Community on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence (TCPAMI) collectively put forward $300,000 USD for registration and travel grants aimed at drawing in a widely diverse community for this very reason.

"CVPR has been the premier outlet for research in computer vision and closely related fields for many years, and CVPR23 lived up to this tradition of excellence," said Ramin Zabih, founder and president, CVF, conference co-sponsor. "At CVPR23 we saw significant advances both in pure research, which is pursued simply for the joy of discovery, as well as in applications that are poised to have a substantial impact on society."

In addition, this year's exhibitors and sponsors offered new developments at the event. From their contributions to the technical program and award-winning papers , to new product announcements and offerings, this year's event featured deep insights from the corporate community.

"Exhibitors and sponsors brought with them fresh thinking, new developments and interesting insights," said IEEE CS President Nita Patel, co-sponsor of CVPR 2023. "What really struck me is just how many new ideas took shape from discussions in the exhibit hall, at networking events, and following presentations. We look forward to seeing how these ideas have evolved when we convene for CVPR 2024."

CVPR 2024 will take place in Seattle, Wash., U.S.A., 16 - 21 June.

For more information, download the infographic, "CVPR 2023 Reveals Top Five Computer Vision Trends," or visit https://cvpr2023.thecvf.com/ .

About CVPR 2023

The Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition Conference (CVPR) is the preeminent computer vision event for new research in support of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), deep learning, and much more. Sponsored by the IEEE Computer Society (CS) and the Computer Vision Foundation (CVF), CVPR delivers the important advances in all areas of computer vision and pattern recognition and the various fields and industries they impact. With first-in-class technical content, a main program, tutorials, workshops, a leading-edge expo, and attended by more than 10,000 people annually, CVPR creates a one-of-a-kind opportunity for networking, recruiting, inspiration, and motivation.

CVPR 2023 took place 18-22 June at the Vancouver Convention Center in Vancouver, Canada, and virtually. For more information about CVPR 2023, visit https://cvpr2023.thecvf.com/ .

About the Computer Vision Foundation

The Computer Vision Foundation (CVF) is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to foster and support research on all aspects of computer vision. Together with the IEEE Computer Society, it co-sponsors the two largest computer vision conferences, CVPR and the International Conference on Computer Vision (ICCV). Visit https://www.thecvf.com/ for more information.

About the IEEE Computer Society

Engaging computer engineers, scientists, academia, and industry professionals from all areas of computing, the IEEE Computer Society (CS) sets the standard for the education and engagement that fuels continued global technological advancement. Through conferences, publications, and programs, and by bringing together computer science and engineering leaders at every phase of their career for dialogue, debate, and collaboration, IEEE CS empowers, shapes, and guides the future of not only its members, but the greater industry, enabling new opportunities to better serve our world. Visit computer.org for more information.

Media Contact:

Katherine Mansfield

[email protected]

SOURCE IEEE Computer Society
The new brand is launched alongside new Product Security Platform capabilities such as a vulnerability management (VM) co-pilot and incident response investigation management, providing automation and workflows for the many teams involved in product security

TEL AVIV, Israel, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cybellum, creator of the award-winning Product Security Platform for device manufacturers, unveiled today a new brand identity and new platform capabilities reinforcing its commitment to the product security community.

The new brand channels the company's focus on the multiple teams involved in today's product security operations.

Now more than ever, product security is a multi-team effort - from vulnerability management to software quality assurance, SBOM management, incident response, and compliance, each part of the workflow is governed by a different team, requiring a specialized, yet unified approach. The new brand, together with the new platform capabilities enables teams across the organization to automate and simplify the many security tasks they have, making the process more efficient and collaborative at the same time.

Some of the new platform capabilities include:

A new interface focusing on multi-team collaborative product security - from asset management and software assurance to incident response and cyber-compliance

Corporate Management dashboards provide visibility into the organization's product security readiness

New SBOM management capabilities including one-click SBOM and VEX report generation for entire products, so you no longer need to manually aggregate information from underlying components

The Vulnerability Management (VM) CoPilot focuses your team on the most pressing and relevant vulnerabilities by automating exploit analysis

A new Malware detection engine secures device software from malicious code, enhances supply chain cybersecurity, and facilitates compliance

A revamped Policy Engine with greater customization flexibility automates requirement validation, accelerating compliance with regulations and your own policies

A refined Incident Response module facilitates threat intelligence monitoring, automates relevancy assessment, and streamlines the investigation workflow for rapid remediation of post-market incidents

All of these new capabilities are built into the company's Product Security Platform , a centralized management platform for keeping connected devices cyber secure.

"Product security is still an evolving field, and Cybellum is committed to the success of the teams involved," says Shlomi Ashkenazy, Cybellum's Head of Brand. "Throughout the past year, we learned from our customers what are the main gaps they have in their product security process, and worked to close them."

"To us, working hand in hand with the product security community is the most important aspect of what we do," added Shlomi, "This new chapter in Cybellum's brand story echoes the vision and aspirations of that community, and further aligns the Cybellum story and mission with the challenges and needs of our customers."

About Cybellum

Cybellum is where teams do product security.

Device manufacturers such as Jaguar Land Rover, Supermicro, Danaher, and Faurecia use Cybellum's Product Security Platform and services to manage the main aspects of their cybersecurity operations across business units and lifecycle stages. From SBOM to Vulnerability Management, Compliance Validation, and Incident Response, teams ensure their connected products are fundamentally secure and compliant  and stay that way.

To learn more visit www.cybellum.com

Contact:

Annette Habani

Marketing Manager

[email protected]

SOURCE Cybellum
NEW YORK, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- For law firms and practitioners, paying attention to cybersecurity and managing risk isn't just good business practice  it's also an ethical imperative. A new treatise from PLI Press, Cybersecurity Obligations for Attorneys: Confidentiality of Information in the Age of Cyber Crime, provides an overview of how lawyers need to implement cybersecurity measures in light of the expansion of ethical obligations requiring them to protect against cyberattacks.

Authored by Pillsbury partner Brian E. Finch, the treatise is designed as a practical handbook for lawyers of all levels of experience and practice areas. It covers why appropriate cybersecurity measures are needed, both practically and from an ethical perspective, details how risk management tools like insurance and statutory safe harbors can be used by lawyers, and offers practical tips on ways to assess cyber risks and organize defenses against them.

The book stands out as one of the first publications to focus on the expansion of the American Bar Association's Rule 1.6 client-lawyer confidentiality obligations to specifically address cyber threats and security measures, as well as how lawyers need to think about cyber risks when managing their practices on a day-to-day basis.

"Cyberattacks against lawyers and their firms are particularly problematic given lawyers' ethical obligation to protect confidential client information," says Finch. "This new publication, which will be updated periodically in response to new developments such as AI, provides lawyers with a one-stop reference for determining what their baseline cybersecurity obligations are to clients and third parties, as well as how they can take steps to meet those obligations."

To learn more and order a copy of Cybersecurity Obligations for Attorneys: Confidentiality of Information in the Age of Cyber Crime, click here. The treatise, and subsequent updates, will also be available to subscribers of PLI PLUS, PLI's online legal research platform.

About the Author

Brian E. Finch is a partner in Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP's Public policy practice with extensive regulatory and government affairs advocacy experience. A recognized authority on global security and cybersecurity threats, he provides strategic legal counsel to companies from nearly every industry regarding regulatory issues, cyberattacks, national defense and intelligence policies, and homeland security concerns.

About Practising Law Institute (PLI)

Founded in 1933, Practising Law Institute (PLI) is a nonprofit learning organization dedicated to keeping attorneys and other professionals at the forefront of knowledge and expertise. PLI provides accredited, continuing legal and professional education programs delivered by more than 4,000 volunteer faculty, including top experts across practice areas. Additionally, PLI publishes a comprehensive library of treatises, course handbooks, answer books, and journals, also available through the PLI PLUS online platform and app. The essence of PLI's mission is a commitment to the pro bono community. Based in New York, PLI also has an office and Conference Center in San Francisco. Visit www.pli.edu to learn more.

CONTACT:

Erin Kinsella

Director, Communications, Practising Law Institute

Direct: 347.554.0073

[email protected]

SOURCE Practising Law Institute
Top brand activation agency announces Berzen as creative director, leading tech-focused innovation for creative work across North America.

TORONTO, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mosaic, an outcomes-obsessed integrated marketing agency, is welcoming back Dan Berzen as Creative Director. Berzen is focused on bringing digital-first thinking and employing the latest technology for client work  including support for Google, Amazon, Samsung as well as bringing new and fresh thinking to Mosaic's lifestyle, beverage and CPG clients.

Dan Berzen, Creative Director at Mosaic (PRNewsfoto/Mosaic)

Berzen previously worked on Mosaic's Strategy & Ideation team from 2015-2019 before moving to creative leadership roles at other agencies and most recently founding and leading a creative studio. He spent the last few years specializing in emerging technology, creating an AI audio/visual radio station that's always streaming and never repeating chill beats at DreamMachine.ai and is responsible for the sold-out Digital Collectable collection Drop Pets for North American digital rewards app Drop. Berzen rejoined Mosaic this spring  with the drive to integrate his technology expertise into creative campaigns.

"What differentiates Mosaic and why I came back to the agency is that we can make anything happen  you can dream something up and feel confident that this team can make it pay off," said Berzen. "It's one thing to be able to build experiences, but it's another to be able to build them in any channel and have them integrated, of top-quality, and most importantly, measured."

In his role, Berzen will lead creative teams across North America in the creation of cutting-edge, tech-driven ideas for our clients. He will also join agency leadership in continuing to develop thought leadership about how to use new and immersive technologies to drive innovation in the work, and within the agency.

"Dan brings a unique lens on creativity that is very forward thinking  his ability to fuse that with the latest technology and new ways of actualizing ideas inspires and levels up our work," notes Alayna Miller, VP, Executive Creative Director for Mosaic North America. "Bringing Dan back to Mosaic in a new capacity is an incredible opportunity to push boundaries."

Immediately upon his return to Mosaic, Berzen led the agency through an AI hands-on training to apply the new technology to creative work - a process to understand and inspire exploration within each business unit of the company. Through the training, Mosaic learned and is advising on the following:

AI is powerful and it's only going to get better. Mosaic experimented with the full-stack of today's latest AI technology in process, like using ChatGPT to write a brief and ideate using proprietary strategic process, Midjourney, Synethesia and dozens of others to create assets, visuals, copy, and spec work. The latest AI presentation tools were tested to see if they could take the projects over the line. While there's room for improvement throughout, and the work was inspired by our past portfolio, the whole company was blown away by the results when used the right ways.



AI probably won't replace you. But someone who knows how to use it just might. The real power of AI lies in allowing us to create better faster, which inevitably leads to even better, dare we say best? The real promise isn't what's going to change right now individually, but what changes experientially from a collective perspective. Creating new human experiences like DreamMachine.ai, which simply couldn't exist without these new tools.



Proceed with caution but lead the way. Mosaic has always embraced the unknown - we've built new brands, innovative products and even built a whole town. While we acknowledge this tech is the future like the internet itself 30 years ago, AI is nascent enough that the rules of engagement still need to be written.

"AI is an unknown and uncomfortable for a lot of the creative industry but when embraced properly it will shape the future of how we work and the types of things we work on," commented Berzen. "The best part for clients is all this innovation is tied to data so you can optimize faster than ever before and prove when it works  and that's our goal with AI  to make sure we're learning as we go."

Berzen studied Marketing Management and Philosophy at the University of Guelph. He will be working with Group Creative Director, Jef Moore on Toronto based projects and reporting into Alayna Miller VP Executive Creative Director on US projects.

About Mosaic

Mosaic North America is an integrated marketing agency that builds brands in dimension. Depending on clients' needs and based on data-led insights, Mosaic pulls in the right capability experts at the right time to create connected brand experiences across the right touchpoints. By being able to quickly tap into different in-house specialists across omnichannel commerce, experiential marketing, content development, brand design, performance media and measurement & analytics, Mosaic is distinctly able to create ideas that make an in impact in culture and drive results at the same time. With a 30-year history, Mosaic North America has hubs in Chicago, Montreal, Toronto and Dallas, augmented with a satellite office in NYC, and beyond; all connected to our parent company Acosta Group and offering full reach across the nation.

SOURCE Mosaic
DUBLIN, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Directed Energy Weapons: Global Strategic Business Report" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global market for Directed Energy Weapons estimated at US$21.4 Billion in the year 2022, is projected to reach a revised size of US$111.4 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 22.9% over the analysis period 2022-2030.

High Energy Laser, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is projected to record a 24.6% CAGR and reach US$78.9 Billion by the end of the analysis period.

Taking into account the ongoing post pandemic recovery, growth in the High-Power Microwave segment is readjusted to a revised 20% CAGR for the next 8-year period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at $8.1 Billion, While China is Forecast to Grow at 26.2% CAGR

The Directed Energy Weapons market in the U.S. is estimated at US$8.1 Billion in the year 2022. China, the world's second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$17.5 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 26.2% over the analysis period 2022 to 2030.

Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at 19.3% and 20.3% respectively over the 2022-2030 period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 22.1% CAGR.

Select Competitors (Total 45 Featured) -

BAE Systems plc

Elbit Systems Ltd.

Honeywell International Inc.

Lockheed Martin Corporation

MBDA Missile Systems

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.

Raytheon Technologies Corporation

Rheinmetall AG

Thales Group

The Boeing Company

Key Topics Covered:

I. METHODOLOGY



II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY



1. MARKET OVERVIEW

Directed Energy Weapons - Global Key Competitors Percentage Market Share in 2022 (E)

Competitive Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial for Players Worldwide in 2022 (E)

Impact of COVID-19 and a Looming Global Recession

COVID-19 Leaves the World in Shambles & Industries and Markets Upended: World Economic Growth Projections (Real GDP, Annual % Change) for 2019E to 2022F

Disruptions in Military Training Inflicts Direct Blow on Directed Energy Weapons Market

Infection Spread Disrupts Military Personnel Training & Troop Deployment: Cumulative Number of COVID-19 Cases Across the Defense Department in the U.S. in May, June, September & November 2020

Rising Fiscal Deficits Puts Defense Spending on the Chopping Block, Affecting DEW Market

Dual Public Health & Economic Crisis to Send Defense Spending Plummeting After Recording a 10-Year High in 2019: Global Defense Spending (In US$ Billion) for Years 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2023

Directed Energy Weapon (DEW): A Type of Smart Weapon

An Overview of Directed Energy Weapon (DEW)

High Energy Laser (HEL)

High-Power Microwave (HPM)

Particle Beam Weapons

Global Market Prospects & Outlook

Directed Energy Weapons to Witness Growth in Demand

World Directed Energy Weapons Market by Application (2020 & 2027): Percentage Breakdown of Sales for Defense, and Homeland Security

Analysis by Technology: High Energy Laser Leads Adoption

World Directed Energy Weapons Market by Technology (2020 & 2027): Percentage Breakdown of Sales for High Energy Laser, High-Power Microwave, and Particle Beam

Regional Analysis

World Directed Energy Weapons Market by Region (2020 & 2027): Percentage Breakdown of Sales for Developed and Developing Regions

Global Directed Energy Weapons Market: Geographic Regions Ranked by CAGR (Value) for 2020-2027: China , Asia-Pacific , USA , Rest of World, Europe , Canada , and Japan

, , , Rest of World, , , and Competitive Scenario

Recent Market Activity

Select Innovations & Advancements

2. FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS



3. MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS

Evolving Role of Electronic Warfare to Trigger Broad-based Opportunities for Directed Energy Weapons

DEW Market to Gain from Sustained Emphasis on R&D

DEWs Seek Role in Counter-Drone Equipment

Increasing Use of Drones in the Battlefield Pushes Up the Need for Counter-Drone Systems: Global Market for Military Drones (In US$ Billion) for the Years 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024

Anti-Ballistic Missile Systems: Niche Vertical for DEWs

Escalating Global Arms Race Provides the Perfect Platform for Future Progress of DEW Market

Ever-Hostile Geopolitical Scenario & Relentless Quest for Military Supremacy Pave the Way for Rise of DEWs

Military Expenditure as a % of GDP in Select Countries

Sustained Efforts to Strengthen Anti-Terrorism & Counter-Insurgency Departments to Drive Future Adoption of DEWs

Continued Threat of Terrorism Drives the Focus on Surveillance as Counterterrorism Response: Global Number of Fatalities (in '000) Due to Terrorist Attacks: 2012-2017

New Generation Radar Systems Empower DEWs with Robust Capabilities

Growing Importance of Smart Weapons Enthuses DEWs Market

Directed Energy HPM Weapons Seek Bigger Role

Sonic & Ultrasonic Weapons: Using Sound Waves to Incapacitate Enemy

Electromagnetic Weapons Aid in Disabling Enemy with Minimal Collateral Damage

Despite the Intriguing Potential, Particle Beam Weapons Remain a Distant Dream

Quest to Modernize Defense Forces Set to Drive Broader Adoption of Laser Weapon Systems

US Navy Gears Up to Develop & Deploy Laser Weapons

Plasma Weapons Display Exciting Evolutionary Journey to Offer Powerful Options

Resolving Technical Limitations: Vital for Future Growth of DEWs Market

4. GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE

III. MARKET ANALYSIS

IV. COMPETITION

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/2x3bd4

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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Research and Markets

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SOURCE Research and Markets
SHENZHEN, China, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- METZ Display, a sub-brand of SKYWORTH that specialized in interactive display, has concluded a successful three-day exhibition at the ISTELive 2023 in Philadelphia, USA. Visitors were greatly impressed by the company's practical educational smart board applications, especially the revolutionary 100" K series, and the newly released 90" X series, which are designed for engaging and simultaneously interactive applications.

Products Featured at ISTELive 2023:

90" X Series Interactive Display - Break the Barrier of Remote Collaboration

The new all-in-one interactive display 90" X series had its first premiere at the show. The X series inherits SKYWORTH's concept of minimalist design and high quality control, it promises a superb visual performance, and the powerful interactive functions. Integrated with 13MP camera and 8 - element mic array at a 178 degree wide - angle, the X series deliver impressive clarity and make sure everyone is heard clearly. Communication on the X series defies distance with the updated audio & visual systems, giving the teleconferences attendees the feeling as if they were joining the session in person.

H Series: Featuring superior visual performance, flexible built-in software, and powerful interactive functions, H series transform your classroom into a truly collaborative space.

In-cell Bonding IFPD: Powered by SKYWORTH exclusive in-cell technology, it supports more precise touch in faster response and delivers a superior writing experience with 20 points touch and <1mm writing accuracy.

K Series: Ranging in size from 65 to 86 inches, and with up to 8G RAM +128G ROM, the new K series was created to enhance efficiency and it deeply suits the interactive classroom application.

Education Application

For in-class engagement, METZ education solution offers an incredible degree of flexibility, ranging in sizes from 65" to 100". The zero-bonding technology effectively reduces air refraction and parallax for enhanced visual clarity. 178 viewing angle and anti-glare technology promise a better viewing experience whether students are looking at the screen from any direction.

Simply switch the system from Android 11 to Windows, METZ Talent, the METZ exclusively developed built-in teaching software, transforms the display into a powerful and interactive device instantly and making the teaching process easier and inspiring students. Teachers from different subjects can manipulate the tools and software they prefer, which truly captures students' thoughts via 1mm writing height and 8ms responsive time.

Website: www.metzdisplay.com

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE SKYWORTH (METZ Display)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 28. PM Modi & Egypt's President discussed ways to further deepen partnership between two nations, including in trade, investment, defence, security, renewable energy, cultural, & people-to-people ties.

On Sunday, the concluding day of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modis two-day visit to Cairo, India and Egypt signed a landmark strategic partnership treaty, which the two sides had agreed upon during Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisis visit to New Delhi in January this year as chief guest for the Republic Day parade.

Cairo is keen on increased Indian investments. It has suggested New Delhi use Egypts geographical location as a springboard to three regions: Europe, West Asia, and the whole of Africa, and offered the possibility of an industrial zone for India in Egypt.

Egyptian support would bolster Indias claim to the leadership of the Global South and closer relations with an Arab country beyond those in the Persian Gulf.

However, the pomp of Modis visit to Egypt had a message for his critics back home.

The Egyptian President conferred the Order of the Nile Award, Egypts highest state honour. Bharatiya Janata Party social media chief Amit Malviya tweeted that Modi has 13 such international awards from different countries, more than any other Indian PM has ever had.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that of the 13 awards he has been given as PM of the country, six have been given by countries where Muslims are in the majority.

On Sunday, Modi and the Egyptian President held a private one-on-one conversation, a follow-up of the latters January visit to New Delhi. Over two days, the two sides discussed increased economic cooperation, including Indian investments in infrastructure, especially in the Suez Canal Authority, and signed agreements in agriculture and health care.

On Saturday, the first day of his two-day visit to Egypt, the first bilateral visit by an Indian PM since 1997, Modi met the India Unit in the Egyptian Cabinet, set up earlier this year after El-Sisis Delhi visit.

The unit proposed new areas of cooperation, while Modi welcomed this whole of government approach to take forward bilateral relations, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

The Egyptian Prime Minister and seven Egyptian Cabinet ministers attended the meeting, as did the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) Chairman Waleid Gamal Eldien who visited India earlier this month. They discussed ways to strengthen trade and investment, cooperation in renewable energy, green hydrogen, information technology, digital payment platforms, and pharmaceutical.

The Indian side promised Egypt its continued support for its request for membership in BRICS (acronym for the regional economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said while there were several requests, India was looking actively at BRICS membership for its friendly and strategic partner like Egypt.

The PMs other engagements included meeting the Grand Mufti of Egypt Shawki Ibrahim Allam on Saturday. The Grand Mufti also appreciated the PMs leadership in fostering inclusivity and pluralism, the MEA said. Their discussions focused on issues related to social and religious harmony in society and countering extremism and radicalisation, the MEA said.

Kwatra said the Grand Mufti recently visited India, where he had first-hand experience of Indias diverse and strong social and cultural fabric. Modi said India would set up a Centre of Excellence in Information Technology at the Dar-al-Ifta, which the Grand Mufti heads.

On Sunday, the PM visited Al-Hakim mosque in Cairo, where he also met the leaders of the Bohra community, who are actively involved in the upkeep of the Fatimid-era Shia mosque. Modi has had close links with the Bohra community since his days as chief minister of Gujarat.

The PM met Tarek Heggy, a renowned Egyptian author and petroleum strategist, and their discussion covered issues related to global geopolitics, energy security, radicalism and gender equality, the MEA said.

He also met Hassan Allam, chief executive officer of Hassan Allam Holding Company, one of the largest Egyptian companies in West Asia and North Africa.

In recent months, apart from visits from Egypt, including those of the Grand Mufti and the chairman of the SCZONE, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have visited that country. Egypt has also been invited as a special guest during the Group of Twenty meetings in India.

Indias bilateral trade with Egypt stood at $6.06 billion in 202223, down from the previous year's record high of $7.26 billion. India has maintained a trade surplus with Egypt, with exports of $4.1 billion, against imports of $1.95 billion in 2022-23.

Exports from India to Egypt are broad-based, but diesel is followed by organic chemicals ($311 million), heavy machinery ($256 million), iron and steel ($223 million), and cotton ($201 million). Refined petroleum is the single biggest import item from the country.

According to the Indian Embassy in Cairo, around 50 Indian companies have invested upwards of $3.2 billion in apparel, agriculture, chemicals, energy, automobiles, and retail. Directly and indirectly, they employ approximately 35,000 Egyptians.

Major Indian investments in Egypt include TCI Sanmar Chemicals, Alexandria Carbon Black, Kirloskar, Dabur India, Flex P Films, scib Paints, Godrej, Mahindra, and Monginis.
Long-term License Agreement Creates Bundled Solutions

Marrying LG Medical Monitors and DBI Calibration Software

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. and WESTMINSTER, Colo., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Electronics USA Inc. and Double Black Imaging (DBI) have entered into a long-term license agreement that creates attractive bundled solutions for the U.S. medical imaging market consisting of LG's advanced LCD medical monitors and DBI's cutting-edge CFS Calibration Software Suite.

Long-term License Agreement Creates Bundled Solutions Marrying LG Medical Monitors and DBI Calibration Software Tweet this DOUBLE BLACK IMAGING AND LG COLLABORATE ON CUTTING-EDGE DISPLAY SYSTEMS FOR U.S. MEDICAL IMAGING MARKET

"The DBI and LG alliance leverages our complementary strengths and creates an excellent opportunity to work together towards our common goal of creating even greater value for our customers and the medical imaging market. Combining our resources, knowledge and expertise will lead to exciting new possibilities for both our companies," said Joe Lloyd, CEO of Double Black Imaging.

"Working with DBI and their broad, loyal customer base aligns with LG's vision of delivering innovative medical imaging solutions to the dynamic U.S. market," said Stephen K. Hu, LG Business Solutions USA's head of medical monitors. "DBI's expertise in calibration software development and hardware integration, coupled with LG's display technology leadership, is expected to benefit medical professionals and patients alike."

The DBI/LG bundled solutions range from 2- to 12-megapixel resolutions, covering the spectrum of medical imaging applications for Teleradiology, Diagnostic Imaging, Mammography/Tomography, Cardiology and Pathology. Each LG medical monitor features built-in front and backlight sensors for automated DICOM and color calibration technology, ultra-thin bezels, flicker safe technology, ambient lighting, and brightness stabilization to ensure image consistency across the enterprise and the display system lifetime.

The 21-, 27- and 31-inch displays from LG Business Solutions are bundled with Double Black Imaging's CFS Calibration Software Suite for precise automated gray level and color calibration, conformance testing, report generation, and non-conformance alerts via the web. The inclusive CFS Productivity Toolkit consists of several utilities designed to improve user workflow, enhance visual clarity, and reduce distraction, while diminishing eye strain.

About LG Business Solutions USA

LG Electronics USA's Business Solutions division serves commercial display customers in the U.S. healthcare, hospitality, digital signage, systems integration, education, government and industrial markets. Based in Lincolnshire, Ill., with its dedicated engineering and customer support team, LG Business Solutions USA delivers business-to-business technology solutions tailored to the particular needs of business environments. Ten-time ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year LG Electronics USA Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics Inc., a $68 billion global force in consumer electronics, home appliances and air solutions. For more information, please visit www.LGSolutions.com .

LG Media Contact:

Kimberly Regillio

815 355 0509

[email protected]

About Double Black Imaging

Exceeding 1,000 customers in North America, DBI stands alone as the only company in the industry developing their entire software suite in the USA. All DBI software and hardware are tested, integrated, and serviced at our Colorado facility. DBI has a renowned history of providing the industry's finest customer service. DBI is continually acknowledged by thousands of Radiologists and IT Professionals who put their trust in DBI every day. The DBI Team is dedicated to developing innovative imaging solutions that greatly improve image quality and stability. Making imaging more efficient to reduce healthcare costs is our cornerstone. www.doubleblackimaging.com

DBI Media Contact:

Tara Neill

303 404 2222

[email protected]

SOURCE Double Black Imaging
HAZLE TOWNSHIP, Pa., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- EAM-Mosca Corp., one of Pennsylvania's premier innovation-focused manufacturers, is pleased to announce it has broken ground on a new facility at its headquarters. The $9 million complete renovation of 525 Jaycee Drive is adjacent to EAM-Mosca's existing headquarters at 675 Jaycee Drive. The new facility is part of a larger $20.6 million strategic initiative to expand the company's operational footprint within the state in the coming years. It allows for the retention of 157 employees statewide and the creation of 50 new positions.

EAM-Mosca breaks ground on new facility.

The planned addition will transform the current 165,000-square-foot, single-building headquarters into a 283,000-square-foot, two-building campus set on 50 acres. More than 30,000 square feet of modern, open office space will enable more collaboration within and across departments and 250,000 square feet will expand operations in order to meet customer demand.

EAM-Mosca's expansion project is garnering strong support throughout the state, including from the State of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro recently announced a commitment of $250,000 through a Pennsylvania First grant to support the project.

"Pennsylvania is open for business, and we're going to be a leader in innovation, economic development, and job creation," said Governor Shapiro. "I'm thrilled that EAM-Mosca chose the Commonwealth over other states for this expansion. My administration will continue to aggressively compete for manufacturing projects like this one and make Pennsylvania an economic powerhouse."

Christian Wiethuechter, President & Chief Executive Officer at EAM-Mosca, said, "Part of the reason we were selected by the Governor's Action Team is that these are higher technology jobs. There's a true understanding of client needs and a lot of engineering rigor on the mechanical and electrical side to produce a highly automated solution that meets an unmet need no one else has been able to satisfy, and that's what's made us successful."

Upon completion, the facility will be known as the Headquarters for the Americas, serving clients across Latin America, Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

Jan Wessel, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at EAM-Mosca, said, "This is the largest step taken in our growth trajectory, and we see it not as an isolated investment but as the continued evolution of our company."

The planned aggregate investment of $20.6 million will include the expansion and renovation of headquarter facilities and product portfolio expansions, including Reisopack strapping machines and Movitec stretch wrappers. It will also integrate new automation and digitization technologies and community-focused initiatives to fuel company pipelines with a new generation of talent.

The building will also boast a first-of-its-kind customer showroom, making company headquarters in Pennsylvania a more convenient midpoint for clients throughout the Americas. The showroom will display many of the company's highly automated machines where customers are hosted from a sales and service standpoint.

The reconstruction of the facility is scheduled to be completed with occupancy by February 2024.

"This is not just a one-time investment or expansion. Since 2017, we've already invested over $20 million in our productive operations," said Wessel. "This is just continuing our market success to reinvest and grow our business, bringing our total of recent investments in Pennsylvania to nearly $50 million in less than 10 years."

The New Facility: A Key Step in EAM-Mosca's Growth Strategy

EAM-Mosca's new facility was acquired in December 2020 and is a critical step in the growth strategy and expansion of the company. The existing headquarters building currently houses all corporate functions, production of strapping and machinery, and all central services.

The reconstruction will deliver on a multi-year plan to establish a dedicated Machinery Center of Excellence for highly automated strapping systems, focusing largely on product development and customization for end-of-line packaging equipment. The existing facility will retain company executive offices and central services while further focusing as the Center of Excellence in innovation and production for fully recyclable strapping and consumables.

The current expansion solves growing pains for the company and pays homage to a longstanding company legacy. EAM-Mosca, a family company, credits its dedicated employees with helping to foster the strong company culture that enables its ongoing worldwide reputation as a top industry leader in high-end, automatic strapping systems and other end-of-line packaging solutions.

"What has built this company is its culture," said John D'Ottavio, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at EAM-Mosca. "The culture is here to give our customers exactly what they need, and in the process, we also have created a wonderful environment for our employees."

At EAM-Mosca, employee tenure is measured in decades, not years.

Thus, the new facility will boast several cutting-edge features and custom-designed spaces for its employees. Its 15,000 square feet of renovated office space is designed to foster collaboration both within and across company departments. The natural flow of furniture and space is expressly intended to reflect the company's dedication to quality, focus on superior design, and high standards of excellence.

A Commitment to the Local Community

"Part of that over $20 million investment is the realization that we need to develop training programs to build the next generation of folks that will be able to both design and produce our machines and the strapping products. That's an investment in the community realizing that developing the workforce is critical to our future," said D'Ottavio.

Since its founding in 1982, EAM-Mosca has maintained a strict singular focus on excellence in its superior service to customers and superior treatment of its employees.

In 1989, seven years after opening its doors, EAM-Mosca moved its company headquarters from Long Island, NY to Pennsylvania, where it remains to this day. Since arriving in Pennsylvania, company leadership has sought to make EAM-Mosca an integral part of its local community and establish itself as a pillar of the larger Pennsylvania business community.

As such, company expansion investments within the state span three decades, rising commensurately with the company's continued success. The new campus represents the largest planned expansion yet, indicating a major inflection point for the company as it expands current operations and enters new markets and technologies.

About EAM-Mosca

Founded in 1982, EAM-Mosca Corp. is a privately held international manufacturer of innovative, high-quality, fully automated end-of-line packaging machinery systems and plastic packaging consumables for a diverse range of consumer packaging automation applications. EAM-Mosca serves a blue-chip client base in the Americas Region (North, Central, South) from its operations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Brazil employing more than 320 team members. The company is a part of the Mosca Group with global headquarters based in Waldbrunn, Germany.

To learn more about EAM-Mosca, visit eammosca.com .

Press Contacts:

Pam Kuzmak

Marketing Manager

[email protected]

(570) 459-3426, X322

SOURCE EAM-MOSCA CORP.
CHICAGO, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Electric Commercial Vehicle Market size is projected to grow from 519.4 thousand units in 2023 to 2,155.1 thousand units by 2030, at a CAGR of 22.5%, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. Factors such as growing demand zero emissions commuting and governments supporting low emission vehicles through subsidies & tax rebates has resulted in automakers adopting to EV's and growth of electric commercial vehicle market. Rising concerns over increased pollution by the automotive industry is the main reason for which government bodies are promoting zero emission vehicles over ICE ones. People have identified the need for promoting zero emission vehicles to reduce the increasing pollution. To encourage people to buy ECV's, government bodies of different countries are introducing lucrative schemes and incentives that include discounts, lower vehicle acquisition taxes, lower road taxes for zero emission vehicles etc.

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150 - Tables

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Electric Commercial Vehicle Market Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Size 2,155.1 thousand units by 2030 Growth Rate 22.5% of CAGR Largest Market Asia Pacific Market Dynamics Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities & Challenges Forecast Period 2023-20230 Forecast Units Value (Units) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered by Propulsion (BEVs & FCEVs), Vehicle Type (Pickups, Medium and Heavy-Duty Trucks & Vans), Range, Battery Type, Power Output, Battery Capacity, Component, End User, Body Construction and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Rest of The World and Asia Pacific Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities Development of wireless EV charging technology for on-the-go charging to fuel market Key Market Drivers Reducing price of EV batteries to increase demand for ECVs

60-120 kWh is expected to be the largest market during the forecast

The increasing adoption of zero-emission vehicles with a battery capacity of 60-120 kWh by the logistics sector drives this segment. The increasing consumer awareness toward zero-emission vehicles and subsidies offered by authorities drive the demand for electric commercial vehicles with this battery capacity range. The charging time required for these batteries is less. In May 2022, company launched E-Transit in Europe with battery capacity of 68 kWh. In April 2023, Ford Motor Company announced to supply 9,250 E-Transit vans for delivery purpose. The increasing demand for electric vans in logistics is expected to boost this segment, as most affordable and efficient electric vans use lower-capacity batteries.

Less than 100 Kw segment is expected to be the largest market during the forecast



Motors generating an output of <100 kW are generally used in small electric commercial vehicles such as electric vans. Many leading OEMs are introducing electric commercial vehicles with power outputs below 100 kW, as the demand for sustainable last mile delivering, intracity applications have greatly increased. For instance, Tata Motors (India) targeted the intra-city cargo transport operators for e-commerce, FMCG and courier businesses and has begun the deliveries of the electric Ace in 2023, with a power output of 27 kW for offering lower total cost of ownership. In June 2022, launched Master E-Tech Electric which is equipped with lithium-ion battery with capacity of 52 kWh and motor capacity of 92 Kw. A smaller motor may cost less to manufacture, which could result in lower costs for consumers.

Asia Pacific is expected to be the largest market in the forecast

In this report, the Asia Pacific region is segmented into China, India, Japan, and South Korea. The electric commercial vehicle industry in the Asia Pacific region is increasing due to the need to reduce urban pollution and the dependence on fossil fuels. China accounts for the highest share of electric vehicles in the region, which will drive the electric commercial vehicle market. The governments of Asia Pacific have recognized the potential of the automotive industry and have taken different initiatives to promote the use of electric commercial vehicles. For instance, in 2021, the Japanese government announced an investment of USD 911 million to build EV Charger stations and stimulate the development of the electric vehicle market. The growth in per capita income would play a key role in the growth of the market in the Asia Pacific during the forecast period. Furthermore, several European and American automobile manufacturers, such as Volkswagen (Germany), Mercedes Benz Group AG (Germany), and General Motors (US), have shifted their production plants to emerging economies. The Chinese government encourages state governments and public organizations to increase the use of electric vehicles for logistics to more than 50% by 2025. In India, the electric commercial vehicle market is at a nascent stage. However, the government is undertaking various initiatives to promote the use and sale of electric vehicles.

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Key Market Players:

The major players in global electric commercial vehicle companies include BYD (China), Mercedes Benz Group AG (Germany), AB Volvo (Sweden), Tesla, Inc (US), and PACCAR Inc (US)

Recent Developments:

In March 2023 , Volvo Trucks and Boliden announced to collaborate on deployment of underground electric trucks for mining.

, Volvo Trucks and Boliden announced to collaborate on deployment of underground electric trucks for mining. In December 2022 , AB Volvo announced the launch of rigid versions of its heavy electric trucks for distribution in urban and rural areas. The new heavy rigid trucks are designed to carry electric superstructures for a wide range of specialized transport assignments, including goods distribution, refuse collection and construction work.

, AB Volvo announced the launch of rigid versions of its heavy electric trucks for distribution in urban and rural areas. The new heavy rigid trucks are designed to carry electric superstructures for a wide range of specialized transport assignments, including goods distribution, refuse collection and construction work. In December 2022 , Tesla, Inc officially launched the Semi, the heavy-duty electric truck. The Semi is currently the only electric commercial vehicle that offers a range of 800 Km on a single charge.

, Tesla, Inc officially launched the Semi, the heavy-duty electric truck. The Semi is currently the only electric commercial vehicle that offers a range of 800 Km on a single charge. In October 2022 , Electric truck rental company Sixt announced to purchase 100,000 electric vehicles from BYD through 2028. Sixt will deploy the vehicles to Germany , France , the Netherlands , and the U.K.

, Electric truck rental company Sixt announced to purchase 100,000 electric vehicles from BYD through 2028. Sixt will deploy the vehicles to , , , and the U.K. In September 2022 , Mercedes Benz Group AG launched its long-range electric truck eActros Long Haul. It is equipped with battery capacity of 600 kWh, uses LFP battery cells and has range of 500 kms.

, Mercedes Benz Group AG launched its long-range electric truck eActros Long Haul. It is equipped with battery capacity of 600 kWh, uses LFP battery cells and has range of 500 kms. In September 2022 , DAF launched electric trucks for distribution and logistical purposes. The electric truck offers battery pack of 315 kWh to 525 kWh and offers range of over 500 kms.

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Emergency Nursing 2023 to be held in San Diego Sept. 21-23

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Motivated by kindness and positivity, Shola Richards will take the stage at Emergency Nursing 2023 as the keynote speaker with a message for emergency nurses focused on improving mental health and well-being, while creating supportive communities that bring out the best in everyone.

On Wednesday, ENA revealed Richards and his "The Courage to go Together" presentation as the headliner to Emergency Nursing 2023's opening session on Sept. 21 at the San Diego Convention Center. The founder and CEO of Go Together Global, Richards is a best-selling author, workplace civility expert, sought-after speaker and a self-professed "kindness extremist."

The dynamic Shola Richards to keynote Emergency Nursing 2023 in San Diego. Tweet this

Recognizing the uniquely difficult times health care professionals have experienced in recent years, Richards promises to share strategies audience members can use to make a significant positive difference in their personal and professional lives, while encouraging those in attendance to lean into kindness to create a psychologically safe work culture.

"Shola's passion for kindness, his authentic storytelling and commitment to ending workplace bullying and incivility make for an inspiring message that everyone at Emergency Nursing 2023 will want to hear," said ENA President Terry Foster, MSN, RN, CEN, CPEN, CCRN, TCRN, FAEN.

Emergency Nursing 2023, ENA's annual education and networking conference, takes place Sept. 21-23 in San Diego. Thousands of emergency nurses from across the United States and around the world will take part in high-quality educational sessions, dynamic peer engagement and the expansive Experience Hall supported by ENA's industry partners.

For more information and to register for Emergency Nursing 2023, visit ena.org/EN23.

Hear more from Shola Richards on the latest episode of the ENA Podcast.

About the Emergency Nurses Association

The Emergency Nurses Association is the premier professional nursing association dedicated to defining the future of emergency nursing through advocacy, education, research, innovation, and leadership. Founded in 1970, ENA has proven to be an indispensable resource to the global emergency nursing community. With 50,000 members worldwide, ENA advocates for patient safety, develops industry-leading practice standards and guidelines and guides emergency health care public policy. ENA members have expertise in triage, patient care, disaster preparedness, and all aspects of emergency care. Additional information is available at www.ena.org.

ENA Media Contact:

Dan Campana

Director of Communications

847.460.4017

[email protected]

SOURCE Emergency Nurses Association
Pasantes' Exceptional Leadership Spurs Remarkable Achievements, Expands Services for Financial Institutions and Fosters a Talented Team at Engage fi

TAMPA, Fla., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Engage fi, a prominent financial services consulting firm, is thrilled to announce the promotion of Andres Pasantes to President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). With over 25 years of industry experience in senior executive roles at Fiserv, FIS, and D+H, Pasantes is a strong advocate for the growth of community banks and credit unions and the significant value they bring to the communities they serve. Since joining Engage fi just last year, Pasantes has already made a transformative impact on the business.

Engage fi Promotes Andres Pasantes to President and COO

"Andres has been an invaluable addition to Engage fi since day one," exclaimed Jennifer Addabbo, CEO and Co-Founder of Engage fi. "His wealth of experience, visionary thinking, and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in propelling our company's growth and laying the foundation for future expansion. I am thrilled to broaden his leadership as President and COO, with complete trust in his ability to guide us toward unparalleled achievements as we continue on this extraordinary journey."

Under Pasantes' visionary guidance, Engage fi has boldly expanded its range of essential services, including a new Project Management Office (PMO) for Conversion Services, Merger Readiness and Support, Telecom Assessments, and Contact Center Reviews. These innovative additions have empowered the company to proactively meet the evolving needs of clients in the dynamic landscape of financial technology.

One of the remarkable accomplishments under Pasantes' exceptional leadership is an outstanding 400% increase in core account processing evaluations and conversions. Engage fi has already successfully completed 220 projects this year for a wide range of solutions such as payments, core banking, digital experience, and insurance, resulting in substantial savings exceeding $250 million for clients. These achievements highlight Pasantes' unwavering commitment to delivering tangible value and measurable outcomes to Engage fi's customers.

Furthermore, Pasantes understands the significance of nurturing a diversified and talented team. His commitment to attracting and retaining top-tier industry professionals has yielded the integration of six seasoned leaders into the growing Engage fi team. Moreover, under his guidance, the company's workforce has flourished, experiencing an impressive growth of 27%, exemplifying Pasantes' remarkable ability to cultivate a supportive and engaging work environment.

In his role as President and COO, Pasantes will continue to drive the Engage fi mission of guiding financial institutions through strategic planning sessions and complex vendor assessments, pricing negotiations, and contract reviews. Leveraging a team of seasoned subject matter experts and harnessing the power of advanced technology and data, Engage fi remains steadfast in their mission of empowering financial institutions with the precise guidance and expertise they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

"I am incredibly proud of the achievements we have accomplished at Engage fi in the past year," expressed Andres Pasantes. "I am constantly inspired by the collective dedication, innovation, and drive that defines our team. Our shared pursuit of excellence fuels our progress, and I am honored to lead such an exceptional group of individuals who are redefining what is possible and having such a positive impact on the industry."

About Engage fi:

With over 1,500 successful projects completed, the team at Engage fi is a blend of consultants, educators, integrators, and advocates. We are laser-focused on guiding financial institutions through our proven process and enabling them to make informed, timely decisions on vendor relationships so they can change at the speed of the consumer. Engage fi has negotiated over $3 billion in savings and incentives for our clients. We have a unique approach, and our strategic projects are as unique as the clients we serve. Let's Engage! www.engagefi.com

For media inquiries, please contact:

Robyn Lopez

VP, Sales Operations & Marketing

[email protected]

(818) 8592602

SOURCE engage fi
HONG KONG, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- S&P Global held the "Creating Advantages, Seizing Sustainable Development Opportunities - S&P Global Sustainable1 Sustainability Seminar and the Launch of Sustainability Yearbook 2023 (China Edition)" in Shanghai. Based on S&P Global's Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA), Fosun International Limited (HKEX stock code: 00656, "Fosun International") was successfully included in S&P Global's Sustainability Yearbook 2023 (China Edition) and was recognized as an "Industry Mover" for its continuous efforts in environmental, social and governance (ESG) over the years.

Douglas L. Peterson, President and Chief Executive Officer of S&P Global, pointed out: "S&P Global noticed that Chinese companies are showing growing interest in sustainable business strategies. Therefore, S&P Global published the first Sustainability Yearbook (China Edition) based on the S&P Global's Global Sustainability Yearbook to help companies in the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR understand how their sustainability performance compares with their peers in the region. Over the past 24 years, S&P Global's CSA has grown into the world's leading corporate sustainability database. A record number of companies have participated in the CSA in 2022 and the number of participating companies in the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR is about to triple that in 2021."

As of 17 March 2023, nearly 1,600 companies assessed for the 2022 CSA were considered for inclusion in the S&P Global's Sustainability Yearbook 2023 (China Edition). Among these companies, S&P Global identified the top performing companies in each industry, and excluded some companies according to the established rules. In the end, only 88 companies with the best performance were listed in this Yearbook. To be listed in the Yearbook, companies must score within the top 15% of their industry and have a gap of no more than 30% from the industry's highest score.

Fosun International's S&P Global CSA ESG score jumped from 39 points in 2021 to 56 points in 2022. As of June 2023, its total score outperformed 91% of its global peers, which was well ahead of the industry average of 28 points. Fosun International scored significantly higher than its global peers in areas such as Materiality, Risk & Crisis Management, Business Ethics, Policy Influence, Supply Chain Management, Information Security/Cybersecurity & System Availability, Innovation Management, Environmental Policy & Management Systems, Operational Eco-Efficiency, Labor Practice Indicators, Human Rights, Talent Attraction & Retention, Occupational Health & Safety, and Customer Relationship Management.

In addition to being included in the Sustainability Yearbook (China Edition) by S&P Global, Fosun International was recognized as an Industry Mover by S&P Global for its active participation in this year's and last year's CSA, achieving a S&P Global ESG score in the top 15% of its industry (i.e. IDD Industrial Conglomerate for Fosun), and achieving the strongest improvement in its industry, with an increase of at least 5%.

Fosun has always paid attention to the development of the global sustainability. It has established a sound ESG management system. Over the years, it has integrated ESG management requirements into business management, and actively responded to national strategies, ensured information security, promoted technology innovation, implemented "dual carbon" goals, participated in public welfare, protected the rights and interests of employees to promote sustainable management and value creation. Leveraging on years of continuous cultivation in the ESG field, long-term responsible operations and effective management, Fosun International's S&P Global CSA ESG score has continued to rise and be well ahead of its peers since 2018. Therefore, Fosun was recognized as an Industry Mover by S&P Global.

Established a sound ESG management system and joined the United Nations Global Compact to firmly promote the implementation of ESG strategies

As a responsible global citizen, Fosun has continuously strengthened sustainable development management, implemented and monitored Fosun's ESG strategies and goals over the years. Fosun has set up an ESG Board Committee under the Board of Directors to assist the Board of Directors in guiding and overseeing the Group's ESG development and implementation. At the management and decision level, Fosun has established an ESG Executive Committee to provide decision support for the implementation of ESG strategies. At the implementation level, the Group has also set up an ESG Management Committee and an ESG Working Group to ensure the establishment of appropriate and effective ESG risk management and internal control system to implement ESG strategies and related actions across the Group.

In order to actively promote global sustainable development, Fosun formally joined the United Nations (UN) Global Compact in 2014 and strives to fulfil the global commitment of sustainable development. The Group fully supports the ten principles of the UN Global Compact in the fields of human rights, labor, environment, anti-corruption, etc., continuously promotes their close integration with its own ESG strategies, and actively engages its member companies in the implementation of ESG strategies.

Issued the first TCFD Report to call on all sectors to promote carbon neutrality

Facing the increasingly severe challenges of global climate change, in addition to publishing ESG reports in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Reporting Standards (GRI Standards) and the ESG Reporting Guide in Appendix 27 to the Listing Rules of Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Fosun based on the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations, disclosed its climate-related financial risks voluntarily and issued its first TCFD report, with a view to striving to build a long-term climate adaptive capacity and drive the transformation towards a low-carbon economy through supporting and implementing the TCFD recommendations.

In 2022, Fosun ushered in the "second year" of its "Carbon Neutrality Goal". Fosun made a commitment to society  "strive to peak carbon emissions by 2028 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050". Fosun has formulated effective strategies for climate change mitigation and adaptation to align with 1.5C temperature control target set in the Paris Agreement. In order to further push forward the "dual carbon" goals of Fosun, the Group has established a Carbon Neutrality Committee and a Carbon Neutrality Working Group to actively promote further implementation and enforcement of carbon-neutral management across the Group.

Upholding the original aspiration of "Contribution to Society" and working hand in hand with all sectors to promote global sustainable development

Since its establishment, Fosun has defined its corporate operating principles and cultural values of "Self-improvement, Teamwork, Performance, and Contribution to Society". It has been closely linking the development and achievement of individuals and enterprise with the improvement of social welfare all along. As a global enterprise rooted in China, Fosun will continue to uphold the original aspiration of developing business for good and "Contribution to Society", actively shoulder more social responsibilities, and make unremitting efforts in the fields of global emergency relief, rural revitalization, health, education, culture and art, youth development, etc. to create social value.

Looking ahead, Fosun will adhere to its strategic focus, leverage its advantages in "global operations" and "technology innovation", and work hand in hand with global customers, partners, investors, communities, etc. to promote global sustainable development and fulfill Fosun's mission of "Creating Happier Lives for Families Worldwide".

About Fosun

Fosun was founded in 1992. After more than 30 years of development, Fosun has become a global innovation-driven consumer group. Adhering to the mission of creating happier lives for families worldwide, Fosun is committed to creating a global happiness ecosystem fulfilling the needs of one billion families in health, happiness and wealth. In 2007, Fosun International Limited was listed on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (stock code: 00656.HK). As of 31 December 2022, Fosun International's total assets amounted to RMB823.1 billion; it received an AA MSCI ESG Rating and was the only conglomerate in Greater China with such AA rating.

SOURCE Fosun
Latest Version Now Offers Collaboration Features and PDF-to-Office Conversion, Helping to Improve Productivity and Streamline PDF Document Workflows

FREMONT, Calif., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Foxit, a leading provider of innovative PDF and eSignature products and services, helping knowledge workers to increase their productivity and do more with documents, today announced the launch of Foxit PDF SDK 9.0, delivering new advanced collaboration and conversion features for developers. Foxit's PDF SDK is built on a modern technology stack that integrates tightly with the platforms that developers are using. The PDF SDK is aimed at helping software developers in any industry to build apps with robust PDF functionality by leveraging the most popular development frameworks.

As part of its focus on continuously upgrading the experience of developers, PDF SDK 9.0 includes numerous new features for both Windows and the Web. The new update includes a collaboration add-on for the PDF SDK for the Web that offers a range of built-in client and server functionalities that enable developers to implement collaboration, improving productivity and streamlining PDF document workflows. As part of the new release PDF SDK 9.0 for Windows is now available as an add-on. Developers can download the PDF SDK and get to work immediately without having to write the code from scratch.

"Foxit's is focused on ensuring our PDF SDK solution is constantly adapting and evolving to meet the changing needs of the developer community," said Phil Lee, Foxit's CCO. "We believe this latest version is another example of providing software developers with the right tools and technology and shows why Foxit is is trusted by some of the biggest names in all major industries, including banking, engineering, insurance, document management, compliance and healthcare professionals."

Additional new features of Foxit PDF SDK 9.0 include:

PDF SDK for Web 9.0 :

Multiline Tiled Watermarks: A more robust and visible watermark to provide a higher level of copyright protection.

Image Difference Comparison: Compares images pixel-by-pixel for differences and generates an output image developers can use to implement an overlay comparison feature for their app.

Custom Dynamic Stamps: Create a dynamic stamp with any custom image, text, or logo.

Advanced Page Editor: Powerful PDF page editing capabilities allowing users to easily manipulate text blocks with font styles, alignment, and join/split functionality, perform text searches and replace operations, as well as create and customize shape objects with preset paths, shading, and other properties.

PDF SDK for Windows 9.0 :

Multi-platform App UI Project: This a cross-platform app for displaying PDF content on multiple devices and platforms such Windows, Mac, Android and iOS is now available in the SDK package, NuGet package and GitHub repository.

Mixed Raster Content - The technique for compressing image objects is now available

OCR Engine - PDF SDK'S OCR engine now supports the Linux x64 platform.

Foxit PDF SDK 9.0 is available across all major platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, UWP, and Web and includes some of the most advanced technology in the PDF industry to take your application to the next level. Some of the capabilities of Foxit's PDF SDK 9.0 include:

Smart Forms  Users can create, edit and fill PDF forms programmatically, allowing the ability to fill out digital forms that connect flawlessly to their systems through the import and export of FDF files.

Digital Signature - Use ink signatures to let customers sign documents in their digital devices.

PDF Annotations - Provides full support for displaying and annotating PDF in web applications with an extensive range of functions for creating, editing or importing/exporting annotations.

Viewing and Rendering - Provides for high-fidelity rendering of PDF documents with optimized performance for desktop and mobile platforms.

Full-text Search - Fast full-text search for any PDF document, language, or encoding type.

Rights management - Generate secure PDFs with native encryption and decryption, or integrate with customized DRM or IRM security systems.

To learn more about Foxit PDF SDK, please visit https://developers.foxit.com/products/pdf-sdk/?_gl=1*ztqdjg*_ga*MTIzMzAyMTMzNi4xNjMwMDM0NTA2*_ga_GY3Z4S6BVL*MTY4MDgxNzE1Mi45NC4xLjE2ODA4MTcxOTguMTQuMC4w

About Foxit

Foxit is a leading provider of innovative PDF and eSignature products and services, helping knowledge workers to increase their productivity and do more with documents. Foxit delivers easy-to-use desktop software, mobile apps, and cloud services that allow users to create, edit, fill, and sign documents through their integrated PDF Editor and eSign offerings. Foxit enables software developers to incorporate innovative PDF technology into their applications via powerful, multi-platform Software Developer Kits (SDK).

Foxit has over 700 million users and has sold to over 485,000 customers, ranging from SMBs to global enterprises, located in more than 200 countries. The company has offices all over the world, including locations in the U.S., Europe, Australia, and Asia. For more information, please visit https://foxit.com.

SOURCE Foxit Software
The U.S. Department of Transportation's FY 23 RAISE grants mark greatest focus yet on trails, walking and biking, funding trail and active transportation projects in nearly every state in the country and emphasizing investments that create connected active transportation systems.

WASHINGTON, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In an analysis of the FY 23 U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) RAISE Grants, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), the nation's largest trails and active transportation advocacy organization, found that this round of funding marks the program's most far-reaching commitment to connecting people and places by trails and other active transportation infrastructure. Grants that support the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians were distributed in 48 states and Washington, D.C.

This marks a cultural evolution in the prevalence and relevance of active transportation in this country. Tweet this A family walks along a completed portion of the Olympic Discovery Trail, part of the cross-country Great American Rail-Trail on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. The Olympic Discovery Trail is among dozens of trail and active transportation projects to receive funding from the 2023 USDOT RAISE grants. Photo by John Gussman, courtesy Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

The scale of investmentsrepresenting portions of 80% of the total projects fundedillustrates the significance of creating and connecting walking and biking infrastructure in every region of the country. In addition, many of the projects awarded prioritize connectivity, showcasing the need to create safe, convenient walking and biking routes so people can get where they need to go whether or not they drive.

"For years we have documented exponential growth in demand for safe, connected active transportation systems across the country. In hundreds of communities of every type there are plans to create trail and active transportation networks that connect people to the places they want to golike schools, shopping and jobsand opportunities to be active outdoors," said Kevin Mills, RTC's vice president of policy. "With this round of RAISE grants, USDOT has acknowledged that this infrastructure is fundamental to the mobility, health and well-being of people, places and the planet, and that connectivity is what makes the difference."

Nearly $400 million granted in this round of USDOT's competitive, multimodal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity program is being invested to solely fund bicycle and pedestrian projects.

Among the awards were several significant trail network projects across the country, which are working to create new access to safe spaces where people can walk, bike and be active outside, particularly in underserved and historically disadvantaged communities. The Capital Trails Network received a $25 million grant to advance the trail network in Prince George's and Montgomery Counties in Maryland and Washington, D.C.; the LINK Trail in Camden County, New Jersey received $19 million, which is a spine trail for the 850-mile Circuit Trails network in greater Philadelphia and southern New Jersey; and the Puget Sound to Pacific initiative received a $16.1 million planning grant to connect the Olympic Discovery Trail across Washington's rural Olympic Peninsula, which is the western terminus of the cross-country Great American Rail-Trail. Each of these projects is part of RTC's TrailNation initiative, a nationwide effort to catalyze trail and active transportation networks for millions of Americans. Other noteworthy trail and active transportation network investments include Russellville, Arkansas, the Barren River Area Development District in South Central Kentucky, and Chapel Hill, North Carolina among nearly two dozen total.

"This investment in connectivity marks a cultural evolution in the prevalence and relevance of active transportation in this country," said Mills. "This is a testament to the impactful role that trail networks can play in addressing issues of safety, equity and climate resilience, while delivering quality of life benefits and economic opportunity in all types of communities. To realize the full potential of active transportation, we need to sustain increased levels of investment so that communities across America can count on funding to build out their plans to provide equitable access to safe places to walk and bike."

Nationwide, RTC has seen plans amounting to more than $10 billion of unmet need for projects that connect trail and active transportation infrastructure. According to RTC, fulfilling these plans would be transformative, with the potential to equitably deliver economic, health, safety and climate benefits. To realize these benefits, communities need sizeable grantslike those that RAISE can provideto close gaps between existing sidewalks, bike lanes and multiuse trails to create seamless walking and biking routes that connect where people live and the places they go routinely. Current discretionary and dedicated federal programs deliver significant investment for trails, walking and biking, but many communities will not take advantage without reliable funding at sufficient scale focused on active transportation. The far-reaching demand for trails and other walking and biking infrastructure calls for programs that exclusively fund active transportation to ensure consistent progress over time in creating safe and convenient routes to daily destinations in communities nationwide.

"With these grants, USDOT has demonstrated its understanding that trails, walking and biking are fundamental to transformative and equitable community design that improves our quality of life. Looking ahead, it's increasingly evident that there is a need for sustained investment in connected active transportation infrastructure as well as focused programs to fund these projects like we have for rail and roads. Greater investment in focused grants to connect trails and other walking and biking facilities would deliver safe, equitable mobility to more Americans," said Mills.

RTC advocates for transformative policy changes that increase funding for active transportation and create accountability for progress on climate, equity and safety, such as the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP). This new program provides dedicated funding for the planning and construction of safe and connected active-transportation networks and long-distance spine trails. The program was authorized in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and received its first appropriation in the Fiscal Year 2023 federal funding bill. RTC, Congressional champions and partners across the country are continuing to advocate for full program funding in the FY 2024 federal budget.

Learn more about the demand for trails, walking and biking infrastructure and available federal funding at railstotrails.org/funding.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is the nation's largest trails organizationwith a grassroots community more than 1 million strongdedicated to building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors. Connect with RTC at railstotrails.org and @railstotrails on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

CONTACT: Brandi Horton, [email protected], 202.974.5155

SOURCE Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Newport, Wales, strategically selected for third PoP

LUXEMBOURG, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Gcore, an international cloud and edge solutions provider, has today announced the opening of its new AI Cloud cluster in Newport in Wales. Built with Graphcore's innovative IPUs, it provides even the smallest companies with access to enterprise-scale IT resources, democratising opportunities for AI development across the UK and Europe.

The opening of the new cluster in Newport marks the third point of presence (PoP) for Gcore's AI Cloud, which already has sites in the Netherlands and Luxembourg. The location was a strategic decision based on three key factors: the UK government's commitment to advancing and integrating AI technologies; the high internet penetration rates in the UK, and the country's position as one of the largest digital economies in the world.

"The opening of Gcore's AI Cloud cluster in Newport, in partnership with Graphcore, is an important step towards building one of the first European AI infrastructure. This move will enable businesses of all sizes to integrate innovations and easily access cutting-edge AI technology," commented Seva Vayner, Director of Edge Cloud stream at Gcore.

This new cluster represents an essential milestone for businesses looking to integrate AI innovations quickly and conveniently. The Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) model provides access to Graphcore's specialised AI hardware. On a pay-per-minute basis, companies of all sizes can now tap into hardware resources facilitated by processors offering superior price/performance compares to GPUs for a wide variety of AI applications, to accelerate their AI initiatives and developments. Now available will be hardware including Graphcore BOW-PODs, IPU-PODs, and BOW-vPODs. The Gcore AI Cloud also includes software tools and integrations such as PyTorch, Keras, TensorFlow, Hugging Face, Paddle, and ONNX to support ML and AI work.

With its new AI Cloud cluster launch in Newport, Gcore is continuing the expansion of its global cloud solutions. The company has built a strong presence in over 140 regions and has more than 20 cloud locations. Customers can access faster innovation by managing technical infrastructure, storage, security, and setup requirements using Gore's wealth of services. From protected bare metal servers and virtual instances to cloud storage and specialised AI hardware, Gcore provides businesses of all sizes with cutting-edge technology to drive their developments forward.

You can find out more about new AI Cloud Cluster on gcore.com/cloud/ai-platform/

About Gcore

Gcore is an international leader in public cloud and edge computing, content delivery, hosting, and security solutions. Gcore is headquartered in Luxembourg and has offices in Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Cyprus, and Georgia. Gcore manages its own global IT infrastructure across 6 continents. Its network consists of 140+ points of presence around the world in reliable Tier IV and Tier III datacentres. Andre Reitenbach has been the CEO at Gcore since 2014. gcore.com

About Graphcore

Graphcore compute systems are accelerating the AI revolution. Powered by the groundbreaking Intelligence Processing Unit (IPU), Graphcore delivers leading-edge AI performance with unprecedented efficiency. IPUs in the cloud are used around the world by organisations building their intelligent compute capabilities,including AI-centric startups, large multi-national corporations and bothpublic and private research institutions. Graphcore is backed by some of the world's leading investors and has attracted more than $700m of funding. The company is based in Bristol, UK, with offices across Europe, Asia and North America. Graphcore.ai

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2142885/GCORE_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Gcore
DUBLIN, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Cutting Tools Market - Global Outlook & Forecast 2023-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global cutting tools market is expected to reach a value of $13.266 billion by 2028 from $9.5 billion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 5.72% from 2022 to 2028.

The global cutting tools market is characterized by low market concentration and high competition among the major players. The present scenario drives vendors to alter and refine their unique value propositions to achieve a strong market presence.

Currently, the cutting tools market is highly fragmented and dominated by vendors such as Kennametal Inc, OGS Corporation, and Iscar Ltd, among others, alongside numerous domestic tool manufacturers that manufacture cutting tools as per the local demands and regulations.

MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS



Rising Home Improvements & Do-It-Yourself Activities

In developed economies such as the U.S. and Europe, many adults engage in purposeful and creative leisure activities, with some investing in home improvement and maintenance based on personal interests. Consumers in countries like France, Germany, Italy, and the UK consider DIY activities a significant hobby.

The concept is also gaining popularity in developing economies such as India, Brazil, and South Africa. The growing interest among consumers in undertaking their projects and maintaining a sustainable environment has increased the demand for D.I.Y products such as cutting tools.

During the pandemic, many people turned to DIY activities to relieve stress and take care of tasks to reduce costs while staying indoors. The concept of D.I.Y is well-adopted in Western countries, with most American regions contributing to nearly 81% of the market share in the D.I.Y industry. This trend is expected to continue during the forecast period.

The surge in the D.I.Y industry is projected to grow due to the high penetration of media presence, including television, social media, and videos, which have helped recreate home improvement projects. Western countries like North America and Canada actively engage in D.I.Y activities. Additionally, many retail stores like supermarkets and hypermarkets have enabled significant growth for many vendors in the D.I.Y segment.

Rising Usage of Cutting Tools In General Manufacturing Industries

Cutting tools are crucial in manufacturing, particularly in producing general machinery, automobiles, aviation and aerospace, energy, medical equipment, rail transit, molds, machine tools, and other industries.

The automotive manufacturing process heavily relies on cutting tools as they are one of the key components of the process. The traditional procedures have been replaced with new techniques like high-speed cutting, dry machining, hard machining, and advanced cutting technology.



The automotive sector has significantly shifted towards using professional tools such as Carbide Cutters. This transformation is driven by the need for high product quality and precision, which is required to produce high-value parts. The industrial circle has gradually moved from traditional machining to high-performance cutting tools that provide greater efficiency and accuracy.

Furthermore, due to machinery and equipment automation and the growing need for high-performance, high-precision machining equipment has become essential to industry growth. As a result, the demand for high-efficiency and performance-cutting tools is increasing. Such factors drive the development of new cutting technologies in the cutting tools market.

SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS



INSIGHTS BY TOOL TYPE

The dominance of the indexable tool type segment in the global cutting tools market in 2022 can be attributed to its modern turning operations.

This has displaced previous common tool types, such as HSS, brazed-carbide, and custom form tools, before the widespread use of CNC machines. Indexable turning tools, when used in conjunction with the multiple-axis motion of a CNC machine tool, make it easier to create complex shapes, eliminating the need for dedicated turning tools.

However, solid round tools are experiencing high growth rates in the global cutting tools market due to their ability to cover all application types within solid carbide drilling, milling, HSS tapping, reaming, and threading. Each solid round tool is designed to meet the requirements of high quality, precision, and maximum productivity, allowing for optimal machining processes.

INSIGHTS BY PRODUCT TYPE

The global cutting tools market by product segments as groovers, reamers, milling cutters, drills, and others.

In 2022, the Groover product type dominated the industry. These tools are highly used with lathes to cut channels on the end of a workpiece or into an existing bore. Groovers are also utilized for various applications, including creating recesses for retaining rings and necking workpieces to ensure a clean fit when mating parts.

Additionally, a grooving tool is a cutting tool that removes material to form grooves, channels, or other cross-sectional shapes on the workpiece. A groove may be cut with an end mill having one fixed cutter and another moveable cutter placed at each side. Such tools are also called profile mills when they produce linear cuts along the length of the item being milled.

INSIGHTS BY MATERIAL TYPE

The cemented carbide material type segment dominated the global cutting tools market and was valued at over USD 3.2 billion in 2022.

This market is highly fragmented and consists of many companies operating on both global and regional levels. This indicates that manufacturers of cutting tools possess significant bargaining power over suppliers. Cemented carbide tools are primarily used for high-precision work involving greater shape, size, and structure complexity.

However, specialized cutting tools are more cost-effective and efficient for specific tasks. The APAC and North American regions are expected to have the largest share in the global cemented carbide industry. Vendors in these areas are anticipated to benefit from abundant raw material availability and will provide a competitive advantage to vendors regarding the selling price.

The high availability of other raw materials, such as steel, in countries like China, India, and the U.S., is also expected to lead to high growth rates for high-speed steel (HSS) tools. This is expected to enable vendors to further enhance their profit margins by maintaining good supplier-vendor relationships.

INSIGHTS BY END-USER

The automotive industry is the largest end-user segment in the global cutting tools market. Drilling and fastening tools are the primary tools for tightening fasteners, engine mounting, and other joint works.

With the global electric vehicles market growing at almost 60% annually, expansion and increased production facilities are expected to increase the demand for cutting tools. This can be more prominent in countries such as China, Japan, the US, and Western Europe, where the production of EVs is more likely to accelerate during the forecast period.

INSIGHTS BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL

The offline distribution channel had the highest global cutting tools market in 2022. Factors such as the broader reach in areas that lack better connectivity and high consumer trust associated with touching and experiencing the quality of products are driving the growth of this segment.

Although the online segment holds a relatively lower market share, it is expected to grow faster than offline distribution channels.

Market Opportunities & Trends

Emerging Construction Industry

Rising Demand For Luxury Vinyl Tiles

Robust Increase In New Construction And Remodeling In Residential Sector

Market Growth Enablers

Rising Home Improvements & Diy Activities

Rising Usage Of Cutting Tools In General Manufacturing Industries

Developing Prominence Of Asian Manufacturing

Market Restraints

Low-Cost Labor

Oscillation In Cost Of Raw Materials

Key Company Profiles

Kennametal Inc.

OSG Corporation

Iscar Ltd

Other Prominent Vendors

Mapal

Makita Corporation

Robert Bosch

Stanley Black & Decker

& Decker Kelin Tools

ICS Cutting Tools Inc

Snap-on Incorporated

OTTO BAIER GmbH

Hilti Corporation

Sandvik AG

Ingersoll Cutting Tools

FRASIA SA

KYOCERA

J SCHNEEBERGER Maschinen AG

VOLLMER

CERATIZIT Group

HIKOKI

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/5r7qo8

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 28. India assumed the G20 presidency on December 1, 2022. About 200 meetings under different tracks of the bloc will be hosted across the country, culminating in the September 9-10 Summit.

The UK government is looking forward to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's visit to New Delhi in September for the G20 summit, a British minister has said.

UK's Minister of State for Media, Tourism and Creative Industries, Sir John Whittingdale, who was in Goa for the G20 Tourism Ministerial meeting that concluded on June 22, also said India is doing a "fantastic job" in chairing the influential bloc.

India assumed the G20 presidency on December 1, 2022. About 200 meetings under different tracks of the bloc will be hosted across the country, culminating in the September 9-10 Summit.

When asked about India's role so far as the chair of the G20, the UK minister praised the country and also talked about some of the global challenges that the whole of humanity faces.

"I think India is doing a fantastic job. The meetings we have had here (in Goa), have been wonderfully organised. I know some of my other colleagues in the government have been attending meetings elsewhere. And of course, we are looking forward to the visit of our prime minister to India later in the year," Whittingdale told PTI in an interview in Goa.

Rishi Sunak will be in India to attend the G20 Summit, he said.

The Conservative MP representing Maldon attended the G20 Tourism Ministerial Meeting on June 21 that took place following the G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting from June 19-20 in Goa.

India held several bilateral meetings with various member and guest countries of the G20 on the sidelines of the two crucial tourism track events in Panaji.

India's Minister of State for Tourism S Y Naik also held a bilateral talk with Whittingdale and termed it a "good meeting".

Asked about his experiences at the G20 Tourism Ministerial meeting in the Goan capital, Whittingdale said, "It has been amazing. Goa is doing a wonderful job in hosting the G20 (meets). We had a very constructive discussion (on June 21) about the challenges facing tourism." A Goa Roadmap and Action Plan, and a ministerial outcome document later came out at the end of the G20 ministerial meeting.

Five inter-related key priorities of the G20 tourism track, including green tourism, digitalisation and destination management, were "endorsed by all G20 countries" for achieving sustainable, resilient and inclusive growth in the sector, officials said on June 21.

About 130 delegates from countries such as the US, the UK, Spain, South Africa, Russia, Mauritius, Australia, Singapore, South Korea, Indonesia, Canada, Mexico, Nigeria, Oman, the Netherlands, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and top international organisations took part in the ministerial meeting.

Asked about the outcomes from the ministerial meeting in Goa, Whittingdale said making tourism sector more sustainable and resilient, while reducing carbon footprint is the way forward.

"The general approach to the Indian Presidency -- One Earth. One Family. One Future -- absolutely sums up challenges we will face. Things like sustainable transport is very much part of that, so there was a general agreement (in the meeting) that all the countries look to try and reduce our carbon emissions, to preserve the environment, and technology will help in doing that as well," he said.

After the conclusion of the ministerial meeting, a group of G20 delegates on June 22 had visited the historic Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that also holds the holy relics of St. Francis Xavier.

The delegates later also visited Museum of Christian Art (MoCA) and a Portuguese-era mansion built in 1590 where a grand luncheon was hosted for them, as the G20 Tourism Ministerial Meeting concluded "successfully" in Goa.

After the meeting, it is a "wonderful opportunity to see some of the heritage beauty of Goa, so I am really delighted to be here," Whittingdale said, soon after visiting the church.

He was given a guided tour of the historic church by Fr. Patricio Fernandes, who also shared how the mortal remains of the holy saint, was moved from different places in the world, to finally rest in Goa.

"And, to be shown around the Basilica of Bom Jesus, and to hear about the history of the relics of St. Francis Xavier, all that is hugely memorable, a great privilege to be able to see," he said.

Whittingdale and other delegates later also visited the historic Mangeshi Temple in Ponda, where they also attended an 'aarti', and ended the heritage tour of Goa with a grand lunch at Figueiredo Mansion, a building from the Portuguese era whose oldest part was constructed in 1590.

"Catholic churches have certain similarities, but what is interesting about this one (Basilica of Bom Jesus), and all we have seen in this museum (MoCA), is Indian influence on traditional Christian sculptures and works... you could see the Indian artists' cultures had crept in, and that's a fascinating combination," the UK minister said.

Asked how G20 nations can work together for preservation of heritage, he said, "I think it's terribly important, each country has its own very special history, and its wonderful monuments, and Goa is no exception. But, indeed, it is very important for the whole of humanity that we preserve those and allow future generations to enjoy them in the way, we can today".

"So, that's very much one of the very big challenges facing tourism in future, and one of the issues that we have been discussing," Whittingdale added.
NEW YORK, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A latest research report [115+] pages with 360-Degree visibility, titled "Ultrasound Probe Disinfection Market Share, Size, Trends, Industry Analysis Report, By Product (Consumables, Instruments, and Services); By Disinfection Process; By End-Use; By Region; Segment Forecast, 2023 - 2032" published by Polaris Market Research in its research repository.

"According to research report, the global ultrasound probe disinfection market size/share was valued at USD 501.44 Million in 2022 and is expected to touch USD 1775.87 Million By 2032, growing at a CAGR of 13.5% during the forecast period."

What is Ultrasound Probe Disinfection? How Big is Ultrasound Probe Disinfection Market Size?

Overview

Ultrasound is becoming gynaecologists' primary diagnostic tool in all practice scenarios. This means an increasing number of practitioners are using ultrasound probes during clinical care and monitoring. However, this equipment has the potential to increase the risk of transmitting infections to patients. To prevent infection transmission through ultrasound, a number of practices and procedures must be performed to ensure patient safety.

Ultrasound probe disinfection is a necessary part of obstetrician and gynecologist practice where the ultrasound probe is used. Ultrasound probe disinfection refers to the method of removing all the microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi, from the surface of an ultrasonic instrument. Low-level disinfection and high-level disinfection are the two main types of ultrasound probe disinfection. Increasing number of ultrasound imaging techniques and the rise in a number of hospital-acquired diseases are among the key factors driving the ultrasound probe disinfection market size.

Request Sample Copy of Ultrasound Probe Disinfection Market Research Report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/ultrasound-probe-disinfection-market/request-for-sample

(The sample of this report is readily available on request. The report sample contains a brief introduction to the research report, Table of Contents, Graphical introduction of regional analysis, Top players in the market with their revenue analysis and our research methodology.)

Our Sample Report May Includes:

2032 Updated Report Introduction, Overview, and In-depth industry analysis.

115+ Pages Research Report (Inclusion of Updated Research).

Provide Chapter-wise guidance on Request.

2023 Updated Regional Analysis with Graphical Representation of Size, Share & Trends.

Includes Updated List of table & figures.

Updated Report Includes Top Market Players with their Business Strategy, Sales Volume, and Revenue Analysis.

Some of the Top Market Players Are:

GE Healthcare

Siemens Healthineers

Nanosonics

Parker Laboratories

Germitec

Ecolab

Tristel

CIVCO Medical

Schulke & Mayr

Johnson & Johnson

Virox Technologies

STERIS

Metrex Research

For Additional Information on Key Players, Request to Download Sample Pages Here: https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/ultrasound-probe-disinfection-market/request-for-sample

Prominent Growth Driving Factors

Technological advancements: Increasing use of several technologies in the ultrasound sector is majorly fueling the ultrasound probe disinfection market growth. To enhance diagnosis, artificial intelligence, portable ultrasound, shear wave elastography, and many other technologies are utilized. For instance, a real-time imaging technology known as 4D ultrasound enables a more thorough evaluation of fetal anatomy and cardiac function.

Increasing use of several technologies in the ultrasound sector is majorly fueling the ultrasound probe disinfection market growth. To enhance diagnosis, artificial intelligence, portable ultrasound, shear wave elastography, and many other technologies are utilized. For instance, a real-time imaging technology known as 4D ultrasound enables a more thorough evaluation of fetal anatomy and cardiac function. Improving patient safety: Rising investments by hospitals and clinics in new disinfection technologies and solutions to ensure patients safety is boosting the industry expansion. Ultrasound probe disinfection is essential because these probes are in close contact with the skin, mucous membranes, and bodily fluids of patients. Disinfection of ultrasound probes helps prevent the transmission of infections between patients and healthcare workers.

Rising investments by hospitals and clinics in new disinfection technologies and solutions to ensure patients safety is boosting the industry expansion. Ultrasound probe disinfection is essential because these probes are in close contact with the skin, mucous membranes, and bodily fluids of patients. Disinfection of ultrasound probes helps prevent the transmission of infections between patients and healthcare workers. Preventing hospital-acquired infections: Growing cases of hospital-acquired infections due to the inappropriate reprocessing of ultrasound probes is another prominent factor supporting the ultrasound probe disinfection market demand. Other factors linked to HAIs include antibiotic resistance, immunosuppression, inadequate infection control measures, and more. For example, as per estimates from the Centres for Disease Control (CDC), HAIs alone resulted in 99,000 fatalities and 1.7 million infections annually in American hospitals. Thus, the demand for probe disinfection has increased, which ultimately contributes to the market's growth.

Recent Trends Influencing the Market

Product development by companies: A number of businesses are focusing on introducing new innovative products to prevent HAIs and enhance patients' safety. For instance, in December 2021 , Nanosonics, a leader in infection control, expanded its reach with the acquisition of Juama as its new distributor for trophon device, accessories, consumables, and servicing in Mexico .

A number of businesses are focusing on introducing new innovative products to prevent HAIs and enhance patients' safety. For instance, in , Nanosonics, a leader in infection control, expanded its reach with the acquisition of Juama as its new distributor for trophon device, accessories, consumables, and servicing in . Developments in ultrasound technology: Philips has already introduced an ultrasound system that combines 3D and 4D imaging technology. In November 2022 , the company also launched a next-generation portable ultrasound technology. In addition, several organizations are emphasizing the latest technologies in the ultrasound market, which is expected to accelerate the ultrasound probe disinfection market growth.

Request for a Discount on this Report Before Purchase @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/ultrasound-probe-disinfection-market/request-for-discount-pricing

Segmental Overview

Instrument segment accounted for the major ultrasound probe disinfection market share in 2022

Based on product, the instrument category held the largest revenue share in 2022 owing to its advantages like better effectiveness, safety features, higher efficiency, standardization, and others. The instruments are very effective in eliminating a number of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, in order to lower the risk of hospital-acquired infections. These instruments are relatively expensive, which propels the segment's growth.

Intermediate/low-level disinfection segment witnessed the highest market share in 2022

By disinfection process, intermediate/low-level disinfection dominated because it is a basic approach that is used as a standard procedure in healthcare facilities. This type of process is suitable for several types of probes that are associated to lower risk, like those employed in non-invasive operations or those that do not come into touch with sterile bodily areas. Low-level disinfection processes are less expensive than high-level disinfection procedures.

Healthcare & diagnostic centers segment is recording the fastest CAGR

By end-user ultrasound probe disinfection market segmentation, the healthcare & diagnostic centers category is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the foreseen period. This growth can be attributed to their emphasis on patient safety, high demand, a high volume of procedures, centralized management, and regulatory restrictions. The segment puts a high priority on patient safety and infection prevention. This is an efficient ultrasound probe disinfection process.

Inquire more about this report before purchase @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/ultrasound-probe-disinfection-market/inquire-before-buying

(Inquire a report quote OR available discount offers to the sales team before purchase.)

Ultrasound Probe Disinfection Market: Report Scope

Report Attribute Details Revenue forecast in 2032 USD 1775.87 Million Market size value in 2023 USD 568.13 Million Expected CAGR Growth 13.5% from 2023  2032 Base Year 2022 Forecast Year 2023  2032 Top Market Players GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthineers GmbH, Nanosonics, Parker Laboratories Inc., Germitec, Ecolab Inc., Tristel, CIVCO Medical Solutions, Schulke & Mayr GmbH, Johnson & Johnson Inc. (Advanced Sterilization Products), Virox Technologies Inc., STERIS plc., and Metrex Research LLC Segments Covered By Product, By Disinfection Process, By End Use, By Region Customization Options Customized purchase options are available to meet any research needs. Explore customized purchase options

Geographical Overview

North America witnesses the largest revenue share in the ultrasound probe disinfection market

By geography, North America dominates the market due to the growing number of ultrasound scans performed, growing healthcare spending, and other factors. Among these, rising healthcare expenditure is one of the crucial factors projected to accelerate market growth. One of the highest healthcare prices worldwide is found in the US. In 2021, the U.S. spent 4.3 trillion dollars on health care, or $12,914 per person. This was an increase of 2.7%. In comparison to other regions, North America spends a great deal more on healthcare.

Moreover, the ultrasound probe disinfection market in Asia Pacific is anticipated to hold the fastest growth over the forecast period owing to the existence of local manufacturers that offer more affordable and high-quality products. Also, a surge in investments in healthcare services by emerging nations fuels regional market growth. Another factor supporting the market growth in Asia Pacific is the rising incidences of breast cancer in the region. For example, breast cancer accounts for around 25% of all incidences of female cancer in India.

Browse the Detail Report "Ultrasound Probe Disinfection Market Share, Size, Trends, Industry Analysis Report, By Product (Consumables, Instruments, and Services); By Disinfection Process; By End-Use; By Region; Segment Forecast, 2023 - 2032" with in-depth TOC: https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/ultrasound-probe-disinfection-market

For Additional Information OR Media Enquiry, Please Mail At: [email protected]

Recent Developments

In May 2022 , Germitec raised 11 million ( US$11.6 million ) in order to finance commercial scale-up and get ready to submit its ultrasound probe disinfection system for FDA 510k approval.

, Germitec raised 11 million ( ) in order to finance commercial scale-up and get ready to submit its ultrasound probe disinfection system for FDA approval. In September 2022 , Parker Laboratories partnered with Tristel to distribute the disinfectant foams in the U.S. market will produce and Tristel DUO, including ultrasound transducers.

Key Offerings of This Report

Market size and share assessment for regional and country-level segments

Business opportunities, drivers, and success factors

Current trends and the future potential of the market

Market segment analysis by types, applications, and regions

The competitive status of key players within the projection timeline

Value chain analysis with price analysis and market forecast

Region-specific growth and development in the market

Polaris Market Research has segmented the Ultrasound Probe Disinfection market report based on product, disinfection process, end use, and region:

By Product outlook

Consumables

Instruments

Services

By Disinfection Process Outlook

High-Level Disinfection

Intermediate/Low-Level Disinfection

By End use Outlook

Hospitals & Diagnostic Centres

Maternity Centres

Ambulatory Care Centres

Educational and Research Institutions

Other

By Region Outlook

North America (U.S., Canada )

(U.S., ) Europe ( France , Germany , UK, Italy , Netherlands , Spain , Russia )

( , , UK, , , , ) Asia Pacific ( Japan , China , India , Malaysia , Indonesia . South Korea )

( , , , , . ) Latin America ( Brazil , Mexico , Argentina )

( , , ) Middle East & Africa ( Saudi Arabia , UAE, Israel , South Africa )

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DUBLIN, June 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Wearable Medical Devices - Market Insights, Competitive Landscape and, Market Forecast - 2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global wearable medical devices market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 13.67% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2027.

The wearable medical devices market is witnessing positive growth primarily owing to the rising prevalence of various chronic diseases such as cardiovascular, diabetes, pain, and others.

Further, the rising burden of the geriatric population prone to various chronic diseases across the globe, the increasing awareness about fitness & physical activity, the increasing regulatory approval for wearable medical devices across the globe along with the presence of key players will in turn surge the demand of wearable medical devices during the forecast period. Therefore, the market for wearable medical devices is expected to grow during the forecast period from 2022 to 2027.



Wearable Medical Devices Market Dynamics:



One of the most prominent factors driving the demand for wearable medical devices market is the rise in the geriatric population prone to chronic disease.



For instance, according to World Health Organization (WHO) 2021, it was estimated that between the years 2015-2050 the people of age group 60 years and beyond will be doubled from 12-22% and will reach 2.1 billion by 2050. Furthermore, by 2030, one out of every six people globally will age 60 years or beyond. As per the source mentioned above, the number of people aged 80 years or above is expected to triple between 2020 and 2050 to reach 426 million population.



Moreover, according to the latest data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 9.6% of adults aged 45 to 64 years reported being diagnosed with chronic heart disease, or a stroke, in 2021, in the United States.



Therefore, with an increase in the aging population, the susceptibility to health-related issues also increases such as diabetes, fluctuations in blood pressure, heart problems, and others, can increase the demand for wearable medical devices, thereby propelling the growth for wearable medical devices overall market during the forecast period (2022-2027).



Moreover, another key factor responsible for the growth of the wearable medical devices market is the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. For instance, according to the WHO 2021, as per the latest statistics, every year about 41 million deaths occur worldwide due to chronic diseases. Therefore, the mortality rates due to chronic diseases can be controlled by either taking proper care of physical fitness which can be done by using wearable medical devices, or by continuously monitoring life-threatening diseases and also providing continuous treatment to them using the wearable medical devices. Thus, this would increase the demand for medical wearable devices which will provide a conducive growth environment for wearable medical devices overall market during the upcoming years.



However, concerns related to individual privacy & data collection, incorporation of complicated & multidimensional technology thereby making its usage difficult, and stringent regulatory processes can hamper the global wearable medical devices market growth.



Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has positively impacted the wearable medical devices market. There was nationwide lockdown in almost every country, movement restrictions for non-essential goods, and unavailability of the workforce at the production sites which hampered the manufacturing rate of wearable medical devices but at the same time, COVID-19 had also increased awareness about physical fitness around the globe which surged the demand of monitoring devices such as fitness monitors, cardiac monitors, pulse oximeters, respiratory monitors, blood pressure monitors, and others. This increased the wearable medical devices demand significantly and in turn propelled the overall market. Along with the afore-said factor, the masses being vaccinated, relaxation in lockdown restrictions, and resumption of supply chains, logistics, and manufacturing units, the wearable medical devices demand also increased drastically and is anticipated to do the same during the forecast period.



Wearable Medical Devices Market Segment Analysis:



Wearable Medical Devices Market by Device Type (Diagnostic and Monitoring Devices [Vital Sign Monitoring Devices, Sleep Monitoring Devices, Electrocardiographs Fetal and Obstetric Devices, Neuromonitoring Devices, and Others] and Therapeutic Devices [Pain Management Devices, Rehabilitation Devices, Respiratory Therapy Devices, Others]), Product Type (Wristband, Headband, Ear Wear, Watch, and Others), Application (Sports and Fitness, Remote Patient Monitoring, and Home Healthcare), Distribution Channel (Online and Offline), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World).



In the device type segment of the wearable medical devices market, electrocardiographs fetal and obstetric devices are expected to hold a significant revenue share in the year 2021.



The rapid growth of this segment can be attributed to the growing advantages and applications of the segment. Along with this, the surging product approvals, launches, and other strategic activities by key players will propel the demand of the segment during the forecast period.



The fetal monitoring devices help to hear the baby's heartbeat. Furthermore, advantageous properties such as detecting changes in the normal heart rate pattern during labor, or preventing unnecessary treatments.



In addition, new product approvals are also likely to upsurge the electrocardiographs fetal and obstetric devices market during the forecasted period. For example, in June 2021, remote pregnancy monitoring company Nuvo Group announced the FDA supplemental 510(k) clearance to add a new uterine activity module to its INVU system. INVU is a physician-prescribed, wearable pregnancy monitor that allows women to remotely collect fetal and maternal heart rates.



Also, in June 2020, Philips, launched, the wireless Avalon CL Fetal and Maternal Pod and Patch. The Fetal and Maternal Pod and Patch allow for continuous, non-invasive monitoring of maternal heart rate, fetal heart rate, and uterine activity with a single-use, 48-hour, disposable electrode patch placed on the mother's abdomen. The patch is designed to be placed on the patient by a clinician only once, unlike traditional elastic belts and sensors that require frequent repositioning.



Therefore, owing to the above-mentioned factors, the demand for electrocardiographs fetal and obstetric devices rises, thereby the category is expected to witness considerable growth eventually contributing to the overall growth of the global wearable medical devices market during the forecast period.



North America is expected to dominate the overall Wearable Medical Devices Market:



Among all the regions, North America is expected to dominate the global wearable medical devices market in the year 2021 and is expected to do the same during the forecast period from 2022-2027. This can be attributed to the growing prevalence of various chronic diseases in the country, the surging burden of the elderly population, the increasing unhealthy lifestyle, and the increasing regulatory approval for wearable medical devices in the country thereby propelling the market of wearable medical devices in North America.



According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2022 data, about 6 in 10 adults in the United States have chronic diseases & 4 in 10 have two or more chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, chronic lung disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and others. Therefore, the number of chronic disease cases can be readily reduced by concentrating on physical fitness which can be monitored by using wearable medical devices, this will further lead to an increase in the demand for wearable medical devices which will surge the wearable medical devices overall market during the forecast period (2022-2027).



Furthermore, another factor that is responsible for the growth of the wearable medical devices market is the increasing regulatory approval for wearable medical devices. For instance, in March 2022, Biobeat, a global leader in wearable remote patient monitoring solutions for the healthcare continuum, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had granted 510(k) clearance to the US, for its wearable remote patient monitoring device to monitor respiratory rate, body temperature in addition to cuffless blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, and pulse rate.



Moreover, in January 2020, VivaLNK, a leading provider of connected healthcare solutions, announced that its Continuous ECG Platform had obtained FDA approval for the United States. The sensor platform, which consists of reusable wearable ECG sensors and an accompanying software development kit (SDK), provides developers and providers complete control over data.



Therefore, due to the interplay of the factors mentioned above, the demand for wearable medical devices could boost, which in turn would provide a conducive growth environment in the North American region for the wearable medical devices market during the forecast from 2022-2027.



Wearable Medical Devices Market Key Players:



Some of the key market players operating in the wearable medical devices market include Koninklijke Philips N.V., Omron Corporation, Medtronic Canada, Dexcom Inc., Masimo, iRhythm Technologies Inc., CONTEC MEDICAL SYSTEMS CO.LTD, MediBioSense Ltd, VitalConnect, ten3T Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., Verily Life Sciences LLC, Biobeat, Biotricity, iHealth Labs Inc, VivaLNK Inc., Garmin Ltd, Intelesens Ltd, MINTTIHEALTH, Withings, Fitbit Health Solutions, among others.

Target Audience who can be benefited from this Wearable Medical Devices Market Report Study

Wearable medical devices providers

Research organizations and consulting companies

Wearable medical devices-related organizations, associations, forums, and other alliances

Government and corporate offices

Start-up companies, venture capitalists, and private equity firms

Distributors and traders dealing in wearable medical devices

Various end-users who want to know more about the wearable medical devices market and the latest technological developments in the wearable medical devices

Key Topics Covered:



1. Wearable Medical Devices Market Report Introduction



2. Wearable Medical Devices Market Executive Summary

2.1. Scope of the Study

2.2. Market at Glance

2.3. Competitive Assessment



3. Regulatory Analysis

3.1. The US

3.2. Europe

3.3. Japan

3.4. China



4. Wearable Medical Devices Market Key Factors Analysis

4.1. Wearable Medical Devices Market Drivers

4.1.1. The rise in the geriatric population prone to various chronic disorders

4.1.2. Increasing prevalence of chronic diseases across the globe

4.1.3. Increasing among the adults and young people about fitness & physical activity

4.1.4. The increasing regulatory approval for wearable medical devices

4.2. Wearable Medical Devices Market Restraints And Challenges

4.2.1. Concerns related to individual privacy & data collection

4.2.2. Incorporation of complicated & multidimensional technology thereby making its usage difficult

4.3. Wearable Medical Devices Market Opportunities

4.3.1. Increasing adoption of artificial intelligence technology

4.3.2. Cross-Licensing for wearable medical devices can create opportunities for collaboration between key players



5. Wearable Medical Devices Market Porter's Five Forces Analysis



6. COVID-19 Impact Analysis on Wearable Medical Devices Market

7. Wearable Medical Devices Market Layout

7.1. By Device Type

7.2. By Product Type

7.3. By Application

7.4. By Distribution Channel

7.5. By Geography

8. Wearable Medical Devices Market Company and Product Profiles

8.1. Koninklijke Philips N.V

8.2. Omron Corporation

8.3. Medtronic

8.4. Dexcom Inc

8.5. Masimo

8.6. iRhythm Technologies Inc

8.7. CONTEC MEDICAL SYSTEMS CO.LTD

8.8. MediBioSense Ltd

8.9. VitalConnect

8.10. ten3T Healthcare Pvt. Ltd

8.11. Verily Life Sciences LLC

8.12. Biobeat

8.13. Biotricity

8.14. iHealth Labs Inc

8.15. VivaLNK Inc

8.16. Garmin Ltd

8.17. Intelesens Ltd

8.18. MINTTIHEALTH

8.19. Withings

8.20. Fitbit Health Solutions

9. KOL Views



10. Project Approach





For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/5ymm1t

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SOURCE Research and Markets
The fintech company adds the Georgia Fast 40 and Banking Tech Awards to its

list of honors, while CEO Brian Dally is inducted into the Atlanta Dealmakers Hall

of Fame for his industry leadership

ATLANTA, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Groundfloor , the wealthtech platform offering the ease of savings with the real returns of investing, is adding three new honors to its growing list of recognitions. In the last month, the company was named a Georgia Fast 40 honoree, a Banking Tech Award finalist and its CEO Brian Dally was inducted into the Atlanta Dealmakers Hall of Fame. These new awards join the dozens of other recognitions Groundfloor has received over the years for its product innovation, rapid growth and industry leadership.

The 2023 Georgia Fast 40 recognizes the top 40 fastest-growing middle-market companies in the state. The Atlanta Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) issues these honors based on verifiable three-year revenue and employment growth, as well as executive interviews to determine winners.

FinTech Futures, a global market intelligence platform, manages the Banking Tech awards. This year, Groundfloor was named a finalist for the Best Use of Tech in Lending category.

Finally, in May, Groundfloor's co-founder and CEO Brian Dally was inducted into the Atlanta Dealmakers Hall of Fame by the Smart Business Network. This award recognizes individuals who make significant contributions to the dealmaking landscape in Atlanta and beyond.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2023, Groundfloor was founded by Dally and Nick Bhargava in 2013 with a mission to make the most lucrative private capital markets accessible to everyone. It then became the very first company qualified by the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission to offer short-term, real estate debt investments for both accredited and non-accredited audiences alike.

Today, the wealthtech platform continues to be known for its regulatory prowess and product innovation, delivering new financial products for anyone to be able to invest into real estate, whether a beginner or a pro. It has consistently delivered 10 percent annualized returns across its investment offerings, and it recently surpassed $1 billion in retail investments made through its platform. Because of its product innovation and growth, Groundfloor has won numerous awards including three years in a row of being one of the fastest growing private companies in the U.S. as determined by the Inc. 5000.

For more information about Groundfloor or to join the team, visit Groundfloor.com .

About Groundfloor

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2023, Groundfloor is an award-winning fintech company that offers the ease of savings with the real returns of investing. Known for its regulatory prowess and developing completely new financial products for individual investors, the company was the very first to be qualified by the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission to offer real estate debt investments for both accredited and non-accredited audiences alike. The company has won numerous awards for its product innovation and growth, including three years in a row of being on the Inc. 5000 List. Since it launched in 2013, Groundfloor's investors have consistently seen 10% annualized returns across its short-term investment offerings. For more information or to get started investing fractionally in real estate, visit Groundfloor.com .

MEDIA CONTACT:

Hela Sheth

GROUNDFLOOR

[email protected]

SOURCE Groundfloor Finance Inc.
KANSAS CITY, Mo., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP, a national leader in data breach and privacy cases, is investigating potential claims against Enzo Biochem and its subsidiary, Enzo Clinical Labs, resulting from a data breach that exposed millions of individuals' sensitive personal information.

What is Enzo Biochem: Enzo Biochem is a sciences and biotechnology company that holds itself out as "a pioneer in molecular diagnostics, leading the convergence of clinical laboratories." Enzo Biochem provides treatments for cancer, metabolic, and infectious diseases as well as testing services for a variety of transmissible diseases such as COVID-19 and STDs. Enzo Biochem is headquartered in Farmingdale, New York.

Stueve Siegel Hanson, a national leader in data breach and privacy cases, is investigating the Enzo Biochem data breach. Tweet this

What happened: On May 30, 2023, Enzo disclosed that between April 4, 2023 to April 6, 2023, an unauthorized party accessed, and in some cases exfiltrated, files contained on its systems. Nearly 2.5 million patients were potentially impacted by the breach.

What information was accessed: The stolen information includes patients' names, dates of service, clinical test information and, for roughly 600,000 people, Social Security numbers.

What can you do: If you were impacted by the breach and wish to seek a free legal consultation, you can contact Stueve Siegel Hanson . Stueve Siegel Hanson attorneys have represented data breach victims in many of the largest data breach cases in history, including cases against Equifax, T-Mobile, and Capital One. The firm's Data Breach and Privacy class action practice has received local and national recognition, including being named among Law360's Cybersecurity & Privacy Practice Groups of the Year.

Disclaimer: This is attorney advertising sponsored by Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP, located at 460 Nichols Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64112. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

SOURCE Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hydro, part of PSG and Dover (NYSE: DOV), today announced the release of its new AccuMini dispenser. The AccuMini, available in low-flow (LF) and high-flow (HF) models, is designed to meet the needs of space-conscious and environmentally focused facility owners.

Building off the design and multi-market success of Hydro's highly regarded AccuMax dispenser, the AccuMini offers similar operational benefits but in a smaller size. At only 4.3" wide by 8.0" long, the AccuMini is among the smallest dispensers currently available on the market. An optional plug add-on narrows it to 3.9" wide, making it the slimmest of all top-choice dispenser models. The size reduction makes it ideal for use in a wide range of applications and reduces its environmental footprint, given the 46% less material required for production.

Additionally, the AccuMini allows the use of Hydro's new Swivel AirGap eductor, which employs a 1-inch gap of air between the water source and the chemical inlet to provide American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE) 1055B-approved backflow protection without the need for additional hardware. The Swivel AirGap's construction is made more environmentally sustainable by requiring up to 42% less construction material with up to 40% reduced space. Powered by Hydro's patented AccuPro Pressure Regulation Technology, the AccuMini delivers industry-leading accuracy of up to 95% dilution control in both high- and low-water-pressure applications.

The AccuMini also offers the following operational benefits to the user:

Ability to daisy chain multiple units together with no required additional tools or accessories. This saves installation time and space and enables expansion of the number of chemistries that can be used as they are needed

A one-touch button lock that is more ergonomic and intuitive to operate than the buttons found on competitive models

Use of O-ring seals, which allow water-inlet swaps with leak-free seal-tight performance

A simple three component design  cover, button and water-valve manifold  all of which can be removed without tools

Two flow-rate configurations: 1 gallon per minute (GPM) and 3.5 GPM

To learn more about the AccuMini dispenser, please visit www.hydrosystemsco.com/products/accumini.html.

About Hydro:

Based in Cincinnati, Ohio and with offices and support teams around the globe, Hydro is a world leader in delivering chemical dispensing and dosing solutions including equipment, software and services. With strategic partnerships, innovative solutions and more than 50 years of experience, Hydro is committed to enriching the lives of its customers by creating a cleaner, more sustainable world. Its products serve numerous dosing and dispensing applications within commercial cleaning, laundry, warewash, food service, industrial, irrigation, horticulture, animal health, and other industries. Hydro ensures dosing is always accurate, safe and cost effective, helping customers clean with confidence. For more information, visit www.hydrosystemsco.com.

About PSG:

PSG is the global pump, metering and dispensing-solution expert, enabling the safe and efficient transfer of critical and valuable fluids that require optimal performance and reliability in applications where it matters most. Additionally, PSG is a leading provider of flow meters designed to reduce waste and downtime while accurately measuring, monitoring and controlling the distribution of fluids. Headquartered in Oakbrook Terrace, IL, USA, PSG is comprised of several world-class brands, including Abaque, All-Flo, Almatec, Blackmer, Ebsray, em-tec, Griswold, Hydro, Malema, Mouvex, Neptune, PSG Biotech, Quantex, Quattroflow, RedScrew and Wilden. PSG products are manufactured on three continents  North America, Europe and Asia  in state-of-the-art facilities that practice lean manufacturing and are ISO-certified. PSG is part of the Pumps & Process Solutions segment of Dover Corporation. For additional information on PSG, please visit psgdover.com. PSG: Where Innovation Flows.

About Dover:

Dover is a diversified global manufacturer and solutions provider with annual revenue of over $8 billion. We deliver innovative equipment and components, consumable supplies, aftermarket parts, software and digital solutions, and support services through five operating segments: Engineered Products, Clean Energy & Fueling, Imaging & Identification, Pumps & Process Solutions and Climate & Sustainability Technologies. Dover combines global scale with operational agility to lead the markets we serve. Recognized for our entrepreneurial approach for over 65 years, our team of over 25,000 employees takes an ownership mindset, collaborating with customers to redefine what's possible. Headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, Dover trades on the New York Stock Exchange under "DOV." Additional information is available at dovercorporation.com .

Hydro Contact:

Karalee Jerse-Woodward

(513) 739-6843

[email protected]

Dover Media Contact:

Adrian Sakowicz, VP, Communications

(630) 743-5039

[email protected]

Dover Investor Contact:

Jack Dickens, Senior Director, Investor Relations

(630) 743-2566

[email protected]

SOURCE Dover
Greg Mehos & Associates verifies that IBAT's technology performs in accordance with the company's claims; IBAT prepares for commercialization.

VANCOUVER, BC and HOUSTON, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - International Battery Metals Ltd. (CSE: IBAT) (OTC: IBATF) (FSE: 8RE) has received certification from Greg Mehos & Associates ("GM&A"), an independent testing agency, that shows that its modular direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology performed in accordance with company claims, delivering a 97% extraction rate of lithium from feed brine (to lithium chloride). According to GM&A, IBAT's existing commercial plant produces a total recovery rate of 95% using its internal transition recycle loop technology.

"GM&A's findings are significant because their independent verification confirms our technology captures high yields through DLE, making it a game-changer for recovering lithium from existing brine bearing properties," noted Dr. John Burba, Founder of IBAT.

"We're very excited to move into this next stage of commercialization of our DLE process, which is faster to market, more environmentally friendly and more effective in producing high-quality lithium chloride, solidifying domestic supply chains", said Garry Flowers, CEO of IBAT.

GM&A tested IBAT's lithium extraction process when it was demonstrated at Impact Technology Development in Devens, Massachusetts on June 20. GM&A is led by Greg Mehos, Ph.D., PE, an independent chemical engineer with extensive experience in bulk solids handling and processing in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, including drying, fluidizing, feeding, dispersing, conveying, storage, extrusion, reacting, blending, granulating, testing and densifying. Mehos is the author of the subsection on powder flow and hopper and chute design in Perry's Chemical Engineers' Handbook, ninth edition, and is a licensed professional engineer and a fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

For more information on the IBAT extraction process and its ongoing commercialization visit https://www.ibatterymetals.com/.

About International Battery Metals (IBAT):

International Battery Metals (IBAT) has developed and patented the world's fastest, scalable lithium-processing technologies and has pioneered the only patented technology able to achieve commercial-scale lithium production in just 18 months. IBAT's proprietary Modular Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology is proven to quickly and efficiently recover more lithium from brine than traditional methods, while offering safe, superior and sustainable environmental performance. By bringing more lithium to more customer-partners, IBAT is accelerating lithium production to meet the ever-increasing worldwide demand for batteries to power electric vehicles, tools and landscape equipment.

Neither Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain assumptions, estimates, and other forward-looking statements regarding future events. Such forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and are subject to factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control that may cause actual results or performance to differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.

Forwardlooking and cautionary statements:

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any state in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. This release may contain statements within the meaning of safe harbor provisions as defined under securities laws and regulations.

This release may contain certain forwardlooking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of the Company and certain of the plans and objectives of the Company with respect to the same. There is no assurance that the company's apparatus will be able to commercially produce lithium at the stated capacity. The purpose of the tests is to determine if it will be able to do so and successful completion of the tests cannot be assured as they are subject to risks and uncertainties associated with any new mineral processing method and characteristics of the material being processed.

By their nature, forwardlooking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and there are many factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forwardlooking statements.

SOURCE International Battery Metals Ltd.
Arrian Mehis brings 29 years of technology experience to the fastest growing Amazon Web Services (AWS) Premier Tier Services Partner

ROCHESTER, N.Y., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovative Solutions, an Amazon Web Services (AWS) Premier Tier Services Partner, announced today the recent appointment of AWS alumnus Arrian Mehis as Chief Revenue Officer. Innovative is rapidly expanding its services across North America in partnership with AWS to help serve small to midsize businesses and startups accelerate cloud adoption. Arrian will oversee the revenue organization, including solutions architecture, business development, direct sales, and marketing.

Mehis joins soon after Innovative signed a Strategic Collaboration Agreement with AWS. "Our mission is to enable every startup and SMB customer to leverage the power of the cloud. Technologies like generative AI and the need for modern application development, are being explored by nearly every business today. Arrian joining our team enables us to help more customers, and deploy these technologies broadly, starting immediately." said Justin Copie, CEO of Innovative Solutions.

Innovative Solutions announced today the recent appointment of AWS alumnus Arrian Mehis as Chief Revenue Officer. Tweet this

Innovative has been serving the technology needs of businesses for more than 34 years. As demand for cloud services has increased, the business has experienced exponential growth, onboarding more than 60 new IT professionals in the past 10 months. This expansion included hires in cities such as Austin, Denver, Toronto, Calgary, Seattle, Los Angeles, Tampa, and Chicago.

"I am thrilled to join Innovative sharing the same passion of helping customers achieve business outcomes using AWS as an enabler on their journey to cloud. The benefit of cloud has become immutable in a market that is not only massive but still growing where customers increasingly value the depth and breadth of expertise and managed services that Innovative delivers." said Mehis.

Mehis has held various positions in tech since in the past 25 years. His most recent leadership post was leading Professional Services sales for the United States at AWS, where he was responsible for driving a transformational sales strategy to help customers adopt the AWS cloud.

ABOUT INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS

Innovative believes that every company will become a technology company, and we're here to help. Recognized as an AWS Premier Tier Services Partner. With an army of cloud experts and the Innovative Cloud Runbook utilizing leading cloud technologies, Innovative gives businesses of every size the confidence to grow in the cloud with generative AI, application modernization, cloud migrations, AWS cloud hosting and resale, managed cloud services, cloud cost optimization, cloud security monitoring, and IT consulting. For more information, visit www.innovativesol.com or LinkedIn.

SOURCE Innovative Solutions
Founder and President Steve Pearson to transition to advisor role at beginning of 2024; long-time EVP and COO Sarah Emond appointed President-Elect

BOSTON, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) is announcing that Sarah K. Emond, MPP, most recently Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of ICER, is being promoted to serve as President-Elect. In her 14 years at ICER, Emond has led strategic operations of the organization and worked to improve access and affordability to high-value care for all patients. She follows ICER's founder and current President Steve Pearson, who will step down at the end of the year to transition into an advisor role.

"Our health care system can do better in service of patients, and that starts by ensuring that the prices charged are fair and the health plan policies that determine access are fair, too. It has been and will remain our mission to use evidence and public engagement to inform the dialogue about fair pricing and access," said Emond. "I look forward to building on our important work to bring decisions about health care into the open and provide a forum where all can contribute to evidence-based discussions about the value of new health care interventions."

Emond and Pearson will work together through December 2023. Emond will become President and CEO on January 1, 2024. Following the transition, Pearson will remain at ICER as an advisor through the end of 2024. Deputy Chief Operating Officer Ellie Adair takes over now as ICER's new COO, overseeing finance and operations, development, and human resources.

"When I founded ICER, I envisioned a laboratory where people could work together to bring evidence to light in service of building a health care system they could be proud of. A laboratory where good science, honesty, integrity, and mutual respect could combine to break down walls and bring all participants in the health care system together to do the hard work of wrestling with uncertainty and weighing how best to align pricing with value in support of better access for patients," said Dr. Pearson. "In recent years, we have focused heavily on using evidence to support fair pricing and coverage for drugs, and Sarah has been my partner in executing this important work for the last 14 years. In spirit and in skill, there is no one more capable than she to take ICER's vision forward toward a health care system that guarantees affordable and innovative health care to every American."

Founded in 2006 as a research program at Harvard Medical School, ICER today is a 40-person, $10 million organization working to meet the demands of a health care system seeking reliable measures of evidence-based value. ICER's leadership team is comprised of physicians, experts in clinical epidemiology and health economics, and executive professionals, who together represent deep expertise in evidence-based medicine, health economics, comparative effectiveness research, and drug pricing. The team incorporates partnership and engagement with other clinicians, manufacturers, payers, and patients into its work.

"ICER's success over the past 17 years is due in large part to Sarah's leadership as the long-time Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President. She was the clear choice to be ICER's next President," said Leigh Purvis, ICER's Governance Board Chair. "We will be fortunate to benefit from Steve's ongoing strategic and clinical advice in the coming year, and we know that the future of the organization will be in good hands under Sarah's leadership. She is a true expert in the intricacies of the health system and how pricing drives access. She has a superb track record of integrating patients', clinicians', manufacturers', and payers' perspectives into ICER's range of activities. She knows how to marshal the expertise across ICER's entire team to produce work of true impact. And she has both the strength and the vision to take ICER forward on its journey. After thoughtful planning for this transition, we know that in Sarah we have the right leader for the future, and that she will assure that ICER continues to play the essential role that it has come to play in the US health care system."

About Sarah Emond

With nearly 25 years of experience in the business and policy of health care, ICER President-Elect Sarah Emond has led the strategic operations of the organization. She joined ICER in 2009 as its first Chief Operating Officer and third employee and worked to grow the organization's approach, scope, and impact over those 14 years. Emond holds a Master of Public Policy degree with a concentration in health policy from the Heller School at Brandeis University and a bachelor's degree in biological sciences from Smith College.

About the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review

The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) is an independent non-profit research institute that produces reports analyzing the evidence on the effectiveness and value of drugs and other medical services. ICER's reports include evidence-based calculations of prices for new drugs that accurately reflect the degree of improvement expected in long-term patient outcomes, while also highlighting price levels that might contribute to unaffordable short-term cost growth for the overall health care system.

SOURCE Institute for Clinical and Economic Review
NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Falvey Insurance Group is thrilled to announce an empowering online panel discussion aimed at paving the way for a better future for women professionals in the insurance sector in partnership with APIW and ISC Group. The event will bring together three women who are building inspiring careers in the insurance industry:

Join Falvey, APIW, and ISC Group for this virtual event featuring three insurance women on the rise.

Juanita Shaikh , Vice President, Marine Cargo at Falvey Insurance Group

, Vice President, at Falvey Insurance Group Krishna Lynch , Head, Large Casualty Risk Engineering, Midwest Region at Zurich North America

, Head, Large Casualty Risk Engineering, Midwest Region at Zurich Vanessa Contreras , SVP , Head of Casualty  US Treaty P & C at SCOR

The session will be introduced by event partners, Patricia Graham, Executive Director, North America at ISC Group and Dawnmarie Black, Market Development Director  US at Lloyd's, who is also a member of the APIW board of directors. The panel will be moderated by Megan Bell of Falvey Insurance Group. Megan created Falvey's "Women at the Helm" events, and this online event is an extension of the series.

Titled "Insurance Women on the Rise," this panel discussion aims to highlight the immense contributions of women in the insurance industry and foster an environment of inclusivity, equality, and empowerment. By showcasing inspiring stories and perspectives, the event seeks to inspire and support women professionals in their career journeys.

The online panel discussion will take place on July 19th from 12:00-1:00 PM (EST) and will be accessible globally through via Zoom. Attendees can expect a thought-provoking and engaging session featuring prominent women leaders who have made significant strides in the insurance industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the speakers through a Q&A session, gaining valuable insights and actionable advice.

Falvey, APIW, and ISC recognize the importance of fostering an inclusive and diverse industry that empowers women professionals. By hosting this groundbreaking panel discussion, the company aims to provide a platform for the insurance industry to connect, learn from each other's experiences, and chart a path toward greater success and equality.

Registration for "Insurance Women on the Rise" is now open. Interested participants can visit https://falveyinsurancegroup.com/insurance-women-on-the-rise/ to secure their spot and join the conversation. Attendance is free of charge, and the event is open to all insurance professionals, regardless of gender.

About Falvey Insurance Group

At Falvey Insurance Group, our value starts with the strength of our products, but we believe that your premium should provide more than just great coverage. With Falvey Insurance Group, you receive a breadth of additional value-added services at no additional cost. We have spent decades developing a reputation in the industry for commitment to going the extra mile for our clients and broker partners, providing solutions that put your needs first and exceed expectations. If you have a broker agreement with Falvey, you have access to all Group products and a universal claim handling and loss control experience. Plus, you can expect World-Class service from any one of our underwriting teams.

Media Contact:

Megan Bell

[email protected]

(401) 214-5600

SOURCE Falvey Insurance Group
OTTAWA, ON and WASHINGTON, DC, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - The International Joint Commission (IJC) released its 2022 Activities Report outlining the projects and accomplishments of the IJC and its boards over the past year.

Cover page of the IJC 2022 Activities Report. (CNW Group/International Joint Commission)

Over the course of the year, IJC staff and boards continued to meaningfully engage with communities, applying local perspectives to help manage Canada-United States watersheds. The Lake Champlain-Richelieu River Study Board completed its flooding study in 2022, with the Commission sending recommendations to the governments of Canada and the U.S. at the end of the year. Another study focusing on improving the efficiency of apportioning water in the St. Mary and Milk Rivers finalized its work plan and continued its research. The governments established new water quality monitoring objectives for the International Red River Watershed Board, and the International Osoyoos Lake Board of Control hosted the Osoyoos Lake Watershed Forum in the fall. Additionally, the IJC submitted to governments the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Adaptive Management Committee's Phase I report from its expedited review of the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River regulation plan, Plan 2014, and started Phase II of the review.

The IJC also completed significant public engagement activities. The IJC conducted extensive virtual, hybrid and in-person engagement activities to gather public input on the Canadian and US governments' 2022 Progress Report of the Parties as part of its responsibilities to assess governments' progress toward the objectives of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. Commissioners participated in several international gatherings to discuss water cooperation and share lessons about IJC's successful implementation of the Boundary Waters Treaty. The IJC also began publishing a quarterly Shared Waters newsletter.

The IJC and its boards will continue to harness community and science to prevent and resolve disputes over shared waters between the two countries.

Quotes



"It is through continued reliance on local engagement, binational collaboration and community partnerships that the IJC will continue to protect and manage its valuable shared waters effectively, for future generations. I am very proud of the IJC staff and all boards for the work accomplished and the resilience they've demonstrated throughout the year."



Pierre Beland, Commissioner and Canadian Chair



"2022 was an important year for the IJC, with the completion of our Lake Champlain-Richelieu River flooding study and progress conducting our expedited review of Plan 2014, among many other projects. I am immensely pleased to showcase what our boards and organization have accomplished and look forward to building on these accomplishments moving forward."



Rob Sisson, Commissioner and US Chair

Quick Facts

The IJC is an independent, binational and impartial advisor to the governments of Canada and the United States .

and . The IJC was created by the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty between Canada and the United States , to assist governments in the prevention and resolution of disputes regarding the use of boundary waters.

and , to assist governments in the prevention and resolution of disputes regarding the use of boundary waters. The IJC has two main responsibilities: setting conditions for projects that affect water levels and flows on the other side of the boundary; and investigating and reporting on issues referred by governments.

The IJC relies on the expertise of more than 15 binational boards and committees to carry out its mandate.

Associated Links

Contacts

Genevieve Asselin, Canadian Section, (418) 564-0323, [email protected]

Kevin Bunch, US Section, (202) 632-2014, [email protected]

SOURCE International Joint Commission
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 28. The inaugural India-France strategic space dialogue was held on Monday in Paris.

"The inaugural India-France Strategic Space Dialogue was held in Paris on 26 June 2023. The Indian side was led by Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, and the French side by Secretary-General, Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Anne-Marie Descotes," read the Ministry of External Affairs press release.

Both India and France have deepened their cooperation to address contemporary trends in international affairs such as unfolding strategic complexities in the IndoPacific Region.

In 2022, India and France agreed to set up an Indo-Pacific Trilateral Development Cooperation Fund that will support sustainable innovative solutions for countries in the Indo-pacific region.

India and France's strategic relationship has improved in the past few years. Air India will acquire 250 aircraft, including 40 wide-body planes, from Airbus, Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran said in February at a virtual event attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron.

France has emerged as a key defence partner for India, becoming the second largest defence supplier in 2017- 2021.

India and France support a multi-polar world order. France has continued to support India's claim for permanent membership of the Security Council and the reforms of the United Nations.

France has provided consistent support to India's candidature for membership in all four Multilateral Export Control regimes, viz. Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the Wassenaar Arrangement (WA) and the Australia Group (AG).

France's support was vital in India's accession to MTCR, WA and AG while France continues to support India's bid for accession to the NSG.

India and France have had regular exchanges of visits at the highest level. PM Modi is expected to attend this year's Bastille Day Parade as Guest of Honour on July 14 in Paris.

PM Modi has been invited by French President Emmanuel Macron to attend the Parade in Paris.

According to the official statement, an Indian armed forces contingent will participate in the Parade alongside their French counterparts.

PM Modi's visit is expected to herald the next phase in the India-France Strategic Partnership by setting new and ambitious goals for our strategic, cultural, scientific, academic, and economic cooperation, including in a wide range of industries, the official statement read.
At the industry fair, Huasun presented its latest technology and high performing products to potential distributors and project clients

The participation at Intersolar and the relationships consolidated at the event pave the way for future collaborations for Huasun in Europe

MUNICH, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Huasun Energy, ("Huasun"), the largest HJT manufacturer in the world, successfully concludes its participation at Intersolar Europe where the company had the chance to meet potential and current distributors and clients in the region, helping to reinforce its commitment in the region, begin strategic collaborations and ultimately expand its presence in Europe.

image_5027067_35599242 1 2

In an effort to actively expand its distribution network of HJT modules in Europe, at Intersolar Huasun promoted its latest state-of-the-art products in HJT technology guaranteeing high power and high conversion efficiency and designed to serve different scale projects and environments, including:

Himalaya M6-120 Series AC Module with maximum 400W module power and maximum 22.0% module efficiency ideal for residential rooftops

Himalaya G10-108 Series transparent black with maximum 450W module power and maximum 23.0% module efficiency ideal for diversified rooftop projects

Himalaya G10-144 Series with maximum 600W module power and maximum 23.2% module efficiency ideal for C&I rooftop and utility projects

Himalaya V-Ocean HJT Solar Module with maximum 730.55W module power and maximum 23.52% module efficiency ideal for solar projects on the ocean

Specifically, the Himalaya V-Ocean Module was the object of two product certification ceremonies at Intersolar, demonstrating that the photovoltaic module has passed the weather resistance testing in marine environment certified by TUV SUD and Bureau Veritas respectively.

Huasun is the first company to simultaneously integrate R&D and industrialization of HJT. To date, Huasun has delivered over 1.8 GW HJT products to over 30 countries around the globe and by 2025, the company plans to achieve 40GW through HJT solar products. Investing and consolidating collaborations in Europe is a priority for Huasun which will help meet its objectives.

To this end, at Intersolar Huasun met with numerous potential distributors and clients discussing about the next strategic cooperation on increasing the market share of HJT products to enable more individuals to benefit from clean electricity generated by HJT modules.

Additionally, at Intersolar Huasun gave presentations to further explain the potential of HJT technology, the innovation behind it, the market applications, and future perspectives. as leader of a new photovoltaic era, Dan Zhou, CEO of Huasun, participated in the signing ceremony of the 500MW HJT Module MOU with InnoVent's Technical Manager Marc Piquer Coll marking the two parties will capitalize on their unique strengths in specialized fields and collaborate to deliver more reliable and sustainable clean energy solutions to end users worldwide especially in Africa.

"I am very satisfied with our participation this year at Intersolar Europe. Being present at one of the most important industry events in the European region where we are concentrating much of our efforts has been a great opportunity for Huasun. The three-day intensive event has allowed us to meet with many important players in our industry which will allow us to grow our network and continue building our capacity", said Dan Zhou, CEO of Huasun.

About Huasun Energy

Anhui Huasun Energy Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Huasun") was founded in July 2020 in Xuancheng, China. Huasun is an innovative technological enterprise specializing in the development and production of ultra-high efficiency N-type silicon-based heterojunction (HJT) solar wafers, cells and module technology as well as large-scale manufacturing. As the industrial pioneer of HJT, Huasun has delivered nearly 1.5GW HJT products to over 30 countries around the globe and ranks as the largest HJT manufacturer in the world, owning 5.1GW capacity of high-efficient HJT solar products. Huasun counts on an R&D team of more than 200 seasoned professionals to advance the research and development of high-efficient HJT technology, manufacture HJT products and provide clean energy solutions. Huasun strives to continuously improve the efficiency of solar cells and modules to achieve low-cost mass production of HJT products.

For more information, please visit www.huasunsolar.com.

Follow Huasun on LinkedIn.

About Heterojunction Technology (HJT)

HJT is an emerging and advanced method of solar cell design and fabrication. Unlike conventional solar cells, HJT uses different materials for the top and bottom layers allowing for better solar energy capture and thus more efficient energy generation. HJT solar panels are made up of thin layers of amorphous silicon and crystalline silicon. The amorphous silicon layers are used to create the solar cells, while the crystalline silicon layers act as the conducting layers. This unique construction allows HJT solar panels to achieve higher efficiency compared to conventional solar panels.

More specifically, HJT is an N-type bifacial solar cell technology. By leveraging N-type monocrystalline silicon as a substratum and depositing silicon-based thin films with different characteristics and transparent conductive films on the front and rear surfaces respectively. HJT has excellent photo-absorption and passivation effects, as well as outstanding efficiency and performance. HJT technology improves the conversion rate and power output to the highest level and represents the new generation of solar cell platform technology.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2143033/image_5027067_35599242.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2143034/1.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2143035/2.jpg

SOURCE Huasun Energy
BENGALURU, India , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Subex, a telecom analytics solution provider, has been awarded a five-year contract with inwi, a major telecom operator in Morocco, to transform their existing Revenue Assurance and Fraud Management (RAFM) system to HyperSense Business Assurance and Fraud Management, including Managed Services support.

inwi aims to lead in innovation, customer experience, and digitization of services. In 2019, inwi achieved a noteworthy milestone by becoming the first telecom operator in Africa to launch a 100% digital brand 'win by inwi'. To meet new demands and ensure customer satisfaction, the company was searching for a solution that could be scaled to accommodate new services and business lines while minimizing potential risks. Based on the success of their longstanding partnership with Subex spanning over a decade, inwi was confident in HyperSense's AI/ML capabilities to augment their existing rule-based approach. This integration would provide robust protection against new types of telecom risks and enable inwi to achieve greater growth and profitability.

Through the deployment of the HyperSense platform, inwi will benefit from a more advanced and sophisticated system that has greater automation and best-in-class AI/ML capabilities. These capabilities will enable inwi to identify and prevent revenue leakages and fraud more efficiently.

The upgrade to Business Assurance and Fraud Management on HyperSense will bring several business benefits for inwi, including:

Boost business agility and innovation to create new use cases in an autonomous manner, using HyperSense's DIY capabilities.

Maximize cost-efficiency and improve financial performance with optimized OPEX and CAPEX budget, reduced footprint, and best-in-class TCO through rolling upgrades.

Accelerate time-to-revenue and gain competitive advantage with an agile deployment approach allowing for quick benefit realization and faster market penetration.

Leverage AI to amplify risk detection and enable faster mean time to detect and resolve false positives.

Future proof against next-gen telecom risks with advent of services in 5G, digital services and complex partner ecosystems.

Make quick data-driven decisions with advanced visualization and dashboarding capabilities

"We are delighted to continue our partnership with inwi, one of the fastest-growing digital services providers in Morocco. We are very excited to support them consolidate their position as a leader in innovation and customer experience with our HyperSense Business Assurance and Fraud Management solution. This solution will give inwi access to advanced AI/ML technology that can help them detect and prevent revenue leaks and fraud more effectively. With this upgrade, inwi will be better equipped to meet customer demands, provide an excellent customer experience, and improve their financial performance. This partnership demonstrates our expertise, competence, and strong customer relationships, and we are eager to collaborate with inwi to address their challenges and support their growth." - Shankar Roddam, Chief Operating Officer, Subex.

"inwi is committed to providing the best-in-class customer experience while protecting our revenues and combating fraud. We have been working with Subex for more than a decade and have witnessed their commitment to delivering quality services. We are now looking forward to unlock the full potential of HyperSense, and leveraging it to achieve our growth objectives," said Mr. Mohammed Temsamani, Head of Revenue Assurance and Fraud Management, inwi.

About Subex

Subex is a pioneer in enabling Digital Trust for businesses across the globe.

Founded in 1994, Subex helps its customers maximize their revenues and profitability. With a legacy of having served the market through world-class solutions for business optimization and analytics, Subex is now leading the way by enabling all-round Digital Trust in the business ecosystems of its customers. Focusing on risk mitigation, security, predictability, and intelligence, Subex helps businesses embrace disruptive changes and succeed with confidence in creating a secure digital world for their customers.

Through HyperSense AI, Subex empowers communications service providers and enterprise customers to make faster, better decisions by leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) analytics across the data value chain. The solution allows users without coding knowledge to easily aggregate data from disparate sources, turn data into insights by building, interpreting and tuning AI models, and effortlessly share their findings across the organization, all on a no-code platform.

Subex has more than 300 installations across 90+ countries.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2143136/Subex_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Subex
NAPLES, Fla., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- JBM Institutional Multifamily Advisors is pleased to announce the sale of Longitude 81 apartments located in Estero, Florida. This 260-unit, core-plus property was built in 2016 and sits on 17.95 acres +/- offering a low-density site plan of just 14.48 units per acre. JBM exclusively listed the deal for Passco Companies, LLC and sold the asset in June 2023 to ECI Group.

The community will be re-branded as Waterline Estero.

JBM Institutional Multifamily Advisors Brokers The Sale of Longitude 81 Apartments in Estero, FL

"I want to congratulate both the buyer and seller on a successful transaction. Getting deals closed in the current environment can be trying for some, but it was a pleasure to broker this deal on behalf of two first class groups on each side. This marks the 2nd time JBM has sold this asset which goes to showcase our tremendous success across the Estero/Naples/Fort Myers landscape and Southwest Florida as a whole. I also want to give a special shoutout to Passco, with whom JBM has completed over $449MM in transaction volume and with more to come," said JBM Chairman & CEO, Jamie May.

About the Property

In addition to the tremendous physical plant, Market Rents were $395 below rent comparables. 44 upgraded units showcased the tremendous value-add potential  achieving a $129 premium over units with standard finishes. Notable amenities include: a resort-style pool, 24-hour fitness center, covered outdoor lounge area with TVs and fireplace, poolside grilling stations, car care center, valet trash, fenced-in dog park, and package lockers. Detached garages and carports are also available for rent. Each unit also has its own private, ground floor entry.

Longitude 81 is located in the affluent area of Estero, Florida and is just 1.5 miles from Florida Gulf Coast University, a 12-minute drive to the Southwest Florida International Airport, and is located directly adjacent to Hertz Arena and the Shoppes at University Highlands. A brand new, 21K square foot Lee Health outpatient facility is also located adjacent to the Property.

About JBM

JBM is the #1 ranked boutique brokerage firm in the U.S.A. and has dominated the Southwest Florida market for the last 20+ years with a greater than 70% market share. Despite only transacting in Florida, for the second consecutive year Green Street ranks JBM #1 for Highest Average Sold Price in the U.S.A. and the #13 multifamily broker by total sales volume. JBM has a lifetime transactions volume over $18.7 billion and 168,000 units.

JBM - Available Properties

SOURCE JBM Institutional Multifamily Advisors
CHICAGO, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Katten announced today that the firm is commemorating Pride Month with a virtual event featuring Professor Alexander Chen, founding director of the LGBTQ+ Advocacy Clinic at Harvard Law School, who will discuss the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and upcoming court cases that could impact the LGBTQ+ community.

"In the shadow of legislative actions across the country aimed at diminishing the rights of LGBTQ+ persons, this month marks a time for acknowledging the hard work that must continue to support the LGBTQ+ community and protect individual rights," said Brandon D. Hadley, co-chair of Katten's LGBTQ+ Coalition. "Through education and allyship at Katten, we strive to appreciate our differences and foster an inclusive and respectful environment for everyone."

Katten's Pride Month culminates with this week's event moderated by Financial Markets and Funds partner Richard Marshall and featuring Chen, as part of Katten's Perspectives Speaker Series. Chen's work has focused on expanding the rights of LGBTQ+ people through impact litigation and policy advocacy. He also teaches courses at Harvard Law on Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation, and the Law. Previously, Chen worked at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, co-drafted a bill that made California the first state to mandate access to gender-affirming care for trans foster youth, and co-founded the National Trans Bar Association.

Each week during Pride Month, Katten's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team has highlighted a different topic illuminating past and present challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community, including information regarding the origins of Pride Month, terminology commonly used in the LGBTQ+ community and best practices for sharing pronouns.

Throughout the year, Katten supports the LGBTQ+ community in a number of ways, such as through the pro bono work of attorneys representing LGBTQ+ individuals as well as charitable contributions to the National LGBTQ+ Bar Foundation and LeGaL Foundation, which provides legal services to the LGBTQ+ community. The firm also sponsors the annual Lavender Law Conference & Career Fair, the largest LGBTQ+ legal conference in the country, and hosts a biennial LGBTQ+ retreat for its attorneys participating at the conference.

Katten was named one of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality when the firm received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2022 Corporate Equality Index, the nation's foremost benchmarking survey and annual report measuring corporate policies and practices addressing LGBTQ+ workplace equality.

Katten is a full-service law firm with approximately 700 attorneys in locations across the United States and in London and Shanghai. Clients seeking sophisticated, high-value legal services turn to Katten for counsel locally, nationally and internationally. The firm's core areas of practice include corporate, financial markets and funds, insolvency and restructuring, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, structured finance and securitization, transactional tax planning, private credit and private wealth. Katten represents public and private companies in numerous industries, as well as a number of government and nonprofit organizations and individuals. For more information, visit katten.com .

SOURCE Katten
FORT WORTH, Texas, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kimbell Royalty Partners, LP (NYSE: KRP) ("Kimbell"), a leading owner of oil and natural gas mineral and royalty interests in more than 125,000 gross wells across 28 states, today announced that it will release its second quarter 2023 financial results on Thursday, August 3, 2023, before the market opens. Kimbell will also declare its second quarter 2023 distribution concurrent with this release. In conjunction with the earnings release, Kimbell has scheduled a conference call, which will be broadcast live over the Internet the same day at 10:00 a.m. Central (11:00 a.m. Eastern).

By Phone: Dial 201-389-0869 at least 10 minutes before the call. A replay will be available through

August 12th by dialing 201-612-7415 and using the conference ID: 13735459#.



By Webcast: Connect to the webcast via the Events and Presentations page of Kimbell's Investor

Relations website at http://kimbellrp.investorroom.com/. Please log in at least 10

minutes in advance to register and download any necessary software. A replay will be

available shortly after the call.

About Kimbell Royalty Partners

Kimbell (NYSE: KRP) is a leading oil and gas mineral and royalty company based in Fort Worth, Texas. Kimbell owns mineral and royalty interests in approximately 16 million gross acres in 28 states and in every major onshore basin in the continental United States, including ownership in more than 125,000 gross wells with over 48,000 wells in the Permian Basin. To learn more, visit http://www.kimbellrp.com.

Contact:

Rick Black

Dennard Lascar Investor Relations

[email protected]com

(713) 529-6600

SOURCE Kimbell Royalty Partners, LP
GAINESVILLE, Fla., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- King Insurance Partners ("King"), one of the fastest growing full-service insurance brokerage firms in the nation, announced today that the Pavese-McCormick Agency, Inc. ("PMA") has joined the King Insurance Partners team.

PMA is a full-service agency based in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey. PMA primarily focuses on insurance products for commercial and personal lines customers from its lineup of top-tier insurance carrier partners. Ray Pavese and Mike McCormick are third generation owners of the agency with roots dating back to 1933. Both will continue to lead their team at the current location.

"We are excited to expand the King brand in New Jersey with such a high-quality agency like Pavese-McCormick," said Chad King, Chief Executive Officer of King Insurance Partners.

Mike McCormick said, "We are excited to partner with King Insurance at such an early stage of their journey and to be part of their overall growth strategy." Ray Pavese added, "We talked with a number of firms and King's vision for the future aligned very well with us. They were clearly the best fit for our clients and employees."

About King:

Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Gainesville, Florida, King is a full-service insurance brokerage firm which provides a broad array of property & casualty and employee benefits solutions. Additional information can be found at www.king-insurance.com.

For further information contact:

Malcolm Chad King Jay Grevers King Insurance Partners King Insurance Partners Chief Executive Officer Director of Mergers & Acquisitions 352.415.8237 407.687.5565

SOURCE King Insurance Partners
Proposal Represents a 52.25% Premium to FREVS' Most Recent Closing Price Calls Upon the Board to Immediately Enter into Discussions with Kushner Urges Shareholders to Make Their Views Known to the Board

NEW YORK, June 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- K Corp Acquisitions LLC, a Kushner company, today sent the following letter to the Board of Directors of First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey, Inc. (OTC: FREVS) ("FREVS" or the "Trust") proposing to acquire FREVS for $22.00 per share in cash:

First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey, Inc.

505 Main Street

Hackensack, New Jersey 07601

Attn: Board of Directors

Dear Members of the Board:

K Corp Acquisitions LLC, a Kushner company, hereby conveys its proposal to acquire all the outstanding shares of common stock of First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey, Inc. ("FREVS" or the "Trust") at a price equal to $22.00 per share in cash (the "Transaction"). We are submitting this proposal in order to facilitate constructive discussions with the Board of Directors of the Trust (the "Board"), with the goal of entering into a mutually agreeable transaction that is in the best interests of all shareholders.

We believe that this proposal delivers a highly attractive opportunity for shareholders to obtain full and fair value that exceeds what FREVS can be expected to achieve in the coming years under present management if it remains on its current course as a standalone company. For shareholders, this proposal represents a 52.25% premium over yesterday's closing price of $14.45 per share and a 53.73% premium over the trailing 30-trading day volume weighted average price of $14.31 per share. We firmly believe this proposal will have wide-ranging support among the Trust's shareholders. We urge those constituencies who want to see FREVS sold to make their views known and have their voicesheard by the Board.

We propose that the Transaction be accomplished through a negotiated merger agreement. This proposal is subject to the following conditions: (i) receipt of required Board and shareholder approvals, including under applicable provisions of the Trust's Charter; (ii) receipt of any required governmental and third-party approvals; and (iii) the execution of a definitive agreement containing terms and conditions customary for a transaction of this type and size. The Transaction would not be subject to any financing contingency.

We are willing to devote considerable resources to completing the Transaction and stand ready to meet with the Board and its representatives, and conduct our limited confirmatory due diligence, immediately. We are confident in our ability, together with our legal advisors, Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP, to complete our due diligence, negotiate and enter into definitive agreements, and consummate the Transaction in an expedited and efficient manner.

We believe that this proposal represents the best opportunity for shareholders to achieve immediate liquidity and realize maximum and certain value for their shares. Please be aware that this letter constitutes an expression of interest only and does not create and shall not be deemed to constitute or create any legally binding or enforceable obligations on the part of either of us until a definitive transaction agreement is executed. We reserve the right to withdraw or modify any proposal at any time and for any reason.

We look forward to hearing from you promptly regarding this proposal and working expeditiously towards a mutually agreeable outcome that we believe will be in the best interests of all shareholders. However, if the Board refuses to engage with us in good faith, we reserve our rights to take action to protect shareholders' interests, which may include taking this proposal directly to shareholders.

Very truly yours,

Charles Kushner

Notice to Investors

The potential tender offer described above has not yet commenced. This communication is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation, an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Shares"), of FREVS. If the tender offer is commenced, K Corp Acquisitions LLC and/or one or more affiliates thereof (collectively, "Kushner") will file a tender offer statement and related exhibits with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), and FREVS will file a solicitation/recommendation statement with respect to such tender offer with the SEC.

SHAREHOLDERS OF FREVS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO READ THE TENDER OFFER STATEMENT (INCLUDING THE RELATED EXHIBITS) AND THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT, AS THEY MAY BE AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISION REGARDING TENDERING THEIR SHARES. IF THE TENDER OFFER IS COMMENCED, THE TENDER OFFER STATEMENT (INCLUDING THE RELATED EXHIBITS) AND THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE ON THE SEC'S WEBSITE AT WWW.SEC.GOV. IN ADDITION, IF THE TENDER OFFER IS COMMENCED, THE TENDER OFFER STATEMENT AND OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT ARE FILED BY KUSHNER WITH THE SEC WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO ALL SHAREHOLDERS OF FREVS FREE OF CHARGE FROM THE INFORMATION AGENT FOR THE TENDER OFFER.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain certain "forward-looking statements", many of which are beyond our ability to control or predict. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "will" or words of similar meaning and include, but are not limited to, statements about the expected future business and financial performance of Kushner. Actual events, results and outcomes may differ materially from our expectations due to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Forward-looking statements in this document include, without limitation, statements regarding the planned completion of the offer. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those anticipated, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties related to: statements regarding the anticipated benefits of the transaction; statements regarding the anticipated timing of filings and approvals relating to the transaction; statements regarding the expected timing of the completion of the transaction; the percentage of FREVS' shareholders tendering their shares in the offer; the possibility that competing offers will be made; the possibility that various closing conditions for the transaction may not be satisfied or waived, including that a governmental entity may prohibit, delay or refuse to grant approval for the consummation of the transaction; the effects of disruption caused by the transaction making it more difficult to maintain relationships with employees and customers; shareholder litigation in connection with the transaction resulting in significant costs of defense, indemnification and liability; and other risks and uncertainties discussed in the tender offer documents that would be filed by Kushner if the tender offer is commenced and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement that would be filed by FREVS. Kushner does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. All forward-looking statements in this release are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

About Kushner

Founded in New Jersey in 1985, Kushner is a diversified real estate organization responsible for the ownership, management, development, and redevelopment of properties through the country. Kushner companies currently own and operate over 20,000 units across the country, with a strong presence in New Jersey, and have a multifamily development pipeline of over 10,000 units.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to [email protected]

Investor Contact:

Bruce Goldfarb / Pat McHugh

Okapi Partners LLC

(212) 297-0720

[email protected]

SOURCE Kushner
STOCKHOLM, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- MAG shows strengthened profitability, with a 16% revenue growth adjusted for a transfer bonus last year. Net sales reached 89 MSEK and ARPDAU grew 22% compared to the same quarter the previous year.

Summary of the period March 2023  May 2023:

The Group's adjusted Net sales for the period was 88,648 KSEK (76,456 KSEK) an increase of 16%. The comparison period is adjusted for a nonrecurring income of 14.7 MSEK and the adjusted EBITDA and result per share relate to the same nonrecurring income as well as revaluation of incentive programs. See note 4 for details

Adjusted EBITDA for the period was 23,231 KSEK (10,965 KSEK)

The Group's game contribution for the period was 57,451 KSEK (45,841 KSEK), an increase of 25%

Average revenue per daily active user (ARPDAU) for the period was 7.1 US cents (5.8 US cents), an increase of 22%

Adjusted result per share during the quarter was 0.31 SEK /share ( -0.18 SEK /share)

/share ( /share) The cost of user acquisition for the period was 19,152 KSEK (21,589 KSEK)

Daily and monthly active users (DAU and MAU) were 1.3 million and 3.4 million respectively during the quarter, a decrease of 12% and 20%

Comment from the CEO in summary

"The revenues in Q3 reached 89 MSEK - a 16% year over year growth when adjusting for a transfer bonus from an advertising partner last year. The adjusted EBITDA for the period more than doubled compared to last year.

The previous quarters' user acquisition (UA) investments are continuing to pay off and our disciplined approach to fixed costs ensures that the profitability quickly shows when UA investments decrease.

The slowdown of UA investments we see in Q3 highlights the dynamics we often describe during periods of accelerating UA. The older cohorts of users continue to generate revenues and eventually catch up and surpass the quarterly UA investments and contribute to a boost in quarterly profitability. We have gradually invested less in UA since the peak investment level in Q1. As a result, the EBITDA margin has moved from 0% in Q1 to 10% in Q2 and now 26% in Q3.

Our financial goal as a company is to grow significantly faster than the industry average while generating an EBIT margin of 20%. Given the profitability profile we require from our UA operations we would be able to achieve that goal when we get to around 125 MSEK in quarterly revenues. We believe this goal is both achievable and inspiring.

We currently have two games that we internally consider to be soft launch candidates. This means that we have a good view of what the products will become, promising early metrics and a team ready to build the content needed for more scaled up tests.

We have continued our modular approach to game development which we will benefit from even further in the coming year when we expect additional games to be built on top of the same template. More shared source code, modules and game designs significantly increases speed, lowers error rates and gives us confidence that we can greatly improve our throughput of games to the market in 2023/24.

We are proud of our track record of hit games over the last ten years as well as our doubling in size of the business since 2018. But the future is always more exciting than the past and we are confident that the best is yet to come for MAG," says Daniel Hasselberg, CEO at MAG Interactive.

Summary of the period September 2022  May 2023 (9 months):

The Group's adjusted Net sales for the period was 282,087 KSEK (223,067 KSEK) an increase of 26% The adjustment relates to the same nonrecurring income as in the quarter, adjustment of EBITDA and profit per share includes revaluation of incentive programs

Adjusted EBITDA for the period was 32,889 KSEK (50,685 KSEK)

The Group's game contribution for the period was 133,530 KSEK (147,734 KSEK), a decrease of 10%

Average revenue per daily active user (ARPDAU) for the period was 7.6 US cents (5.8 US cents), an increase of 30%

Adjusted earnings per share during the period was -0.24 SEK /share ( 0.30 SEK /share)

Presentation & Report

On June 28, 2023 at 10:00 CET, CEO Daniel Hasselberg and CFO Magnus Wiklander will present the Q3 Interim Report live on Twitch. The presentation will be held in English. Link to the Twitch feed: www.twitch.com/maginteractive. Daniel Hasselberg will also take questions on Twitter during the course of the day, write to @d_hasselberg or @maginteractive. For more information and to read the full report please visit https://www.maginteractive.com/investors/investor-relations/reports/.



This is information that MAG Interactive AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out below, at 08:00 on June 28, 2023.

For additional information, please contact:

Daniel Hasselberg / CEO / +46 (0)8 644 35 40 / [email protected]

Magnus Wiklander / CFO / +46 (0)8 644 35 40 / [email protected]

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/16579/3794903/2156435.pdf MAG Interim report ENG - 2022-23 Q3

SOURCE MAG Interactive
Gold deposition at La Escarcha, including gold grades intercepted in the maiden drill program, is primary and not related to supergene effects. This has positive implications for gold grades at depth.

Gold occurs as free-milling native gold present primarily at quarts-carbonate crystal boundaries and along fractures within quartz and pyrite.

Gold grain size and shape, and likelihood that a significant percentage of native gold will liberate freely during comminution, is consistent with the results of bench-scale metallurgical tests which reported excellent gold recovery by gravity and cyanidation.

Sulphide content is generally low, which in conjunction with abundant acid-neutralizing carbonate gangue minerals, have positive implications for tailings

Dr Chris Wilson, FAusIMM (CP), FSEG, FGS, principal consultant to Mantaro comments, "The findings of the petrological study and bench-scale metallurgical testing by SGS, have further de-risked the project. Given that Golden Hill is a permitted mining concession, the petrographic data will assist in review of near-term mining scenarios, and design of a high reward Phase 2 drill program to target along strike and deeper extensions of La Escarcha mineralized system."

A petrographic study was conducted on 32 drill core samples from the Company's maiden drill program at La Escarcha and Gabby. Samples were collected at vertical depths of 20 to 120 meters below surface and are representative of the style and grade of mineralization intercepted.

The primary objective of the petrographic study was to: (1) better understand the mineralogical signature of the auriferous quartz-carbonate shear zones, (2) quantify gold grain size, distribution and morphology, (3) characterize gold-gangue (waste) mineral relationships for input into metallurgical studies, and (4) provide input for future exploration targeting. A combination of thin section, polished block microscopy and scanning electron microscope ("SEM") backscattered electron mapping was used.

Petrographic work was complemented by extensive core-logging, thereby, placing the study's findings into the broader 3D framework of the deposit and the structural and hydrothermal evolution of the mineralized system. The work was completed by Specialist Exploration Services LLC and overseen by Dr Chris Wilson, principal geological consultant to the Company, who has over 35 years of petrographic and analytical experience of mineral deposits and associated hydrothermal systems.

Gold Grades at La Escarcha are Primary and Not Supergene Enriched

Supergene (or surface weathering) processes are characterized by the breakdown of primary sulphide minerals through contact with acidic rain and near-surface groundwater. Chemical reactions liberate gold from sulphides as they are converted to iron oxides such as limonite, hematite and goethite. Supergene process may result in an enriched near-surface zone with elevated gold grades. Understanding if supergene enrichment has affected near-surface gold grades is critical to drill targeting the deeper potential of the mineralized system.

Petrographic examination of drill core from La Escarcha confirmed the presence of free gold with pyrite and arsenopyrite. Mineralization is of primary (or hypogene) character and there is no evidence of oxidation or supergene processes. This is highly significant as it indicates that gold grades reported from the Company's near-surface maiden drill program are not enhanced by surficial processes, but are primary hypogene grades formed during deposition of gold and sulphides from mineralizing fluids.

It is worth noting that primary sulphide mineralization in orogenic or greenstone-hosted gold systems worldwide extends over vertical intervals of greater than 1 km  as evidenced by drilling and/or mining of many peer group deposits. Drilling by the Company at La Escarcha has focused on a "small panel" of generally less than 90 vertical meters over a limited strike length of only 400 m. The absence of supergene enrichment confirms the depth potential of the system and has allowed the Company to confidently plan further high-reward step-back and step-holes at La Escarcha.

Dr Chris Wilson further comments, "enrichment of near-surface gold grades through supergene process is a potential concern when using near surface drill results to target deeper extensions of the mineralized system. The absence of supergene process in near-surface drill core intercepts at Golden Hill indicates that assay results reflect primary or hypogene grades  confirming the robust depth potential of the system. As a fully permitted mining concession, Mantaro is able to re-commence drilling at any time, without the need for further permits."

Gold is Free Milling and Not Refractory

Bench-scale metallurgical testing on an underground bulk sample conducted by SGS and previously reported by Mantaro demonstrated excellent recovery of gold by gravity (74%) and cyanide (94%). Metallurgy was conducted on a 170 kg sub-sample of a 10 tonne underground sample with head grade of 5.53 g/t Au, which is consistent with grades noted in the maiden drill program.

Petrographic study confirms that gold presents as flecks and grains of generally between 25 to 100 microns diameter with coarse outliers of up to 2 mm diameter. Gold occurs at quartz-carbonate-feldspar crystal boundaries and along fractures in quartz and sulphides (mainly pyrite). As such, gold should freely liberate during commination by simple crushing and milling. This is consistent with (1) the metallurgical recoveries reported by SGS, and (2) historical mine production records which demonstrated robust gravity recovery.

Dominant gangue (or waste) minerals include quartz-carbonate-feldspar-mica and between 2 to 12% sulphides  comprising primarily pyrite and arsenopyrite, lesser pyrrhotite and traces of chalcopyrite. Total sulphide content is typical of hypogene mineralization in greenstone-hosted orogenic gold deposits worldwide. Sulphide content is variable with pyrite and arsenopyrite predominantly forming in more micaceous fabrics  this should not impact the liberation of gold during milling.

Gold Grain Size, Morphology and Gravity Recovery

Gold grain size and morphology, and the extent to which gold liberates freely from gangue minerals, are fundamental parameters affecting gold recovery by gravity. Specifically:

Grain Size : Gold grain size exerts a fundamental control on the efficiency of gravity recovery. Gold particles greater than 20 to 30 microns diameter are generally well recovered by gravity.

: Gold grain size exerts a fundamental control on the efficiency of gravity recovery. Gold particles greater than 20 to 30 microns diameter are generally well recovered by gravity. Grain Morphology : Equant gold grains are more amenable to gravity recovery than flakey and foil shaped gold grains.

: Equant gold grains are more amenable to gravity recovery than flakey and foil shaped gold grains. Liberation: Native gold can be recovered using gravity techniques given it has an SG of 19.3 as compared to gangue (waste) minerals which generally have an SG of 2.5 to 4.0. For this reason, it is important that gold grains liberate freely from the waste minerals. Gold grains which remain encapsulated within, or attached to gangue minerals, form composite particles with an average specific gravity significantly less than that of pure gold. Such composite particles may not present to gravity recovery.

Petrographic examination has demonstrated that most gold particles within maiden intercepts at Golden Hill are coarser than 30 microns, are generally equant to oval in shape, and the dominant position on crystal boundaries and fractures suggest robust and complete liberation. A number of very fine gold grains are noted within pyrite and arsenopyrite, but collectively this component is a minor fraction of the total gold endowment.

Tailings Mineralogy

Petrographic study, in conjunction with detailed core logging, confirms that gold mineralization at Golden Hill is hosted in quartz-carbonate shear zones with generally low to locally moderate sulphide component. The dominant sulphides are pyrite and arsenopyrite  both preferentially developed in metasediment wall rocks.

Major gangue minerals consist of quartz-carbonate-feldspar and micaceous metasediments. Carbonate minerals are acid neutralizing  which in conjunction with the generally low sulphide content  suggests that tailings will not generate significant acid. This is consistent with observations of the historical tailings.

Mantaro continues petrographic study for input into further bench-scale metallurgical tests designed to improve and optimize first-pass tests which reported 74% gravity gold recovery. Specifically, further petrology and bench-scale metallurgical testing will focus on fine-tuning the comminution and gravity flow path to ensure that smaller gold particles (<20 microns) which are encapsulated within pyrite are freely liberated. Whilst this fine gold component represents a relatively small percentage of the total gold endowment, Mantaro is confident that gravity recovery can be further optimized.

Dr Chris Wilson, further comments, "in addition to establishing that gold grade intercepts from the maiden drill program are primary or hypogene in nature and not associated with supergene enrichment, petrology has also confirmed that native gold is free-milling and not refractory. Gold grain size and morphology, and common occurrence of native gold at crystal boundaries and along fractures in gangue minerals, is consistent with recovery of gold via gravity and/or cyanidation flow-paths. Low to locally moderate sulphide content, and abundance of acid neutralizing carbonate minerals, is a significant positive with respect to tailings characteristics."

Qualified Person

Dr. Christopher Wilson, Ph. D., FAusIMM (CP), FSEG, a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release.

About Mantaro Precious Metals Corp.

Mantaro Precious Metals Corp. is a British Columbia company that holds a diversified portfolio of gold and silver focused mineral properties in Bolivia and Peru. The Company holds an option to acquire up to an 80% interest in the advanced Golden Hill orogenic gold property ("Golden Hill"), located in the underexplored Precambrian Shield, Bolivia.

In Peru, the Company has a 100% interest in the high-grade Santas Gloria silver property as well as a 100% interest in each of the La Purisima, Cerro Luque and Huaranay properties.

Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Company's limited operating history, ability to obtain sufficient financing to carry out its exploration programs and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Mantaro Precious Metals Corp.

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Available in Three Craveable Flavors  Buffalo, Garlic Parmesan and BBQ 

Customers Can Enjoy 10-Piece Boneless Wings with an Introductory Deal at $7.99*

TOLEDO, Ohio, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Marco's Pizza , one of the nation's fastest-growing pizza brands, adds more variety and bold flavor to its menu with the launch of tender and juicy boneless wings. Inspired by customer feedback and a commitment to innovation, Marco's new boneless wings are made with tender all-white meat breaded chicken, then oven-baked and sauced in one of three savory flavors designed to delight pizza lovers and wing enthusiasts alike.

Available in new Buffalo and Garlic Parmesan sauces plus traditional BBQ, the newest Marco's menu offering pairs perfect Tweet this Marco's Pizza Introduces New Boneless Wings with Savory Sauces

Available in new Buffalo and Garlic Parmesan sauces plus traditional BBQ, the newest Marco's menu offering pairs perfectly with its mouth-watering pizza.

"We know our customers crave variety in their eating occasions, and our new boneless wings are sure to satisfy that craving  especially when served with our delicious pizzas, subs, salads and sides," said Denise Lauer, Chief Marketing Officer, Marco's Pizza. "With flavor trends in mind, we developed our new boneless wings and sauces to complement our classic wings, making Marco's the perfect destination for next-level pizza, wings and more."

The three new sauces bring big flavor to each bite of crispy chicken. Marco's new Buffalo sauce delivers the perfect combination of heat and tanginess, while its new Garlic Parmesan sauce offers a creamy and savory taste sensation. For those who prefer a balanced blend of smoky and slightly sweet notes, the BBQ sauce packs a punch of flavor. These three signature sauces are also available to pair with traditional bone-in wings.

Marco's offers 10-piece or 15-piece wings in both boneless and traditional varieties. For a limited-time only, guests can try the 10-piece boneless wings with their choice of savory sauce for just $7.99* at participating Marco's locations starting the week of July 3.

For more information about Marco's Pizza and to find your nearest location, please visit www.marcos.com or download our mobile app available on the App Store or Google Play.

ABOUT MARCO'S PIZZA

Marco's Pizza is one of America's Top 10 Favorite QSR Brands according to the 2022 Market Force Information Study. Headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Marco's Pizza is the fastest-growing pizza brand in the United States**. Marco's was founded in 1978 by Italian-born Pasquale ("Pat") Giammarco and delivers a high-quality pizza experience, known for its dough made from scratch and its three fresh signature cheeses. The company has grown from its roots as a beloved Ohio brand to operate over 1,100 stores in 34 states with locations in Puerto Rico and the Bahamas. Most recently, Marco's Pizza was ranked No. 51 on Entrepreneur Magazine's 2023 "Franchise 500" ranking. Other recent accolades include a high ranking on Newsweek's 2023 "America's Best Customer Service" in pizza chains list, ranked No. 40 on QSR's Top 50 and has been featured six consecutive years on Nation's Restaurant News' prestigious "Top 500" ranking.

*Limited time only. Check marcos.com for prices and to receive the promo code for discount. Pricing and participation may vary.

SOURCE Marco's Pizza
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 28. Technology, space, clean energy and defence industrial cooperation stand out among the several outcomes of the just concluded landmark state visit of Prime Minister Modi to the US. The initiatives agreed upon in each of them, together with several of the high profile investments and procurements announced by companies from either side and the promised technology transfers, could rapidly transform bilateral economic ties. They can also significantly boost the current bilateral trade level of $191 billion.

Pending trade disputes and regulatory barriers have been hardy perennials defying quick resolution bilaterally. Even during the Trump era accusations about high tariffs flew thick and fast. A mini deal talked about as imminent during Trumps visit to India in February 2020 never came about.

After President Biden took over, USTR Katherine Tais visit in November 2021 revived hopes when the bilateral Trade Policy Forum met and working groups were formed to come out with time-bound results. Another meeting of this forum was held in January this year when Trade and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal visited the US but again noted no major breakthroughs.

It is, therefore, welcome to see several steps announced on the trade front as part of the summits joint statement. First, the resolution of six outstanding WTO disputes, three initiated by each side, with mutually agreed solutions clearly signals that the two sides now want to move forward without this baggage. Disputes raised by the US side related to solar cells and modules imports into India, certain of Indias export subsidy schemes and the retaliatory duties imposed by India on 28 products in response to the additional duties on steel (10 per cent) and aluminium (25 per cent) introduced by the US on national security grounds.

The disputes taken up by India concerned, apart from the steel and aluminium duties themselves, certain subsidies and local content requirements in the US in the renewable sector and the countervailing measures imposed on hot rolled carbon steel. Each of these disputes were at different stages of being addressed under the WTO dispute settlement system that is itself now crippled in the absence of the Appellate Body.

Details about the mutually agreed solutions on all the six disputes are not yet available. But Indias Commerce Ministry has announced it will lift the retaliatory duties on the 28 items from the US. In return, the US Commerce Department will clear 70 per cent of steel and 80 per cent of aluminium applications from Indian exporters under its relevant procedure. Effectively, this means quotas for exporting these items from India without the additional duties. As per the Commerce Ministry, this could raise Indias exports of these items by 35 per cent. While India has in principle opposed such quantitative restraints in the past it seems pragmatic to accept this deal, as in fact has been similarly done by several other exporting countries including Japan, the EU, the UK, etc.

Second is a more favourable formulation in the joint statement about our interest in being restored the eligibility for the US GSP (Generalised System of Preferences) scheme. Both the leaders have now supported intensifying work on advancing progress on issues relating to the eligibility criteria. A related benefit of GSP restoration will be that India gets recognised by the US as a developing country, which will also be useful in the WTO context. Earlier US proposals at the WTO have cast doubts on this.

Trade Agreements Act

Third, in response to the the interest shown by India in being recognised as a Trade Agreements Act (TAA)-designated country, the joint statement has noted the two sides have initiated some discussions on issues relating to bilateral government procurement. Government procurement in the US requires that the items procured are either manufactured or substantially transformed in the US or a TAA-designated country.

Since India is already discussing government procurement chapters in the FTA negotiations with the UK, the EU, Australia, etc., (the FTA with the UAE already has a chapter) this could be a possible area of co-operation with the US. But there being no FTA on the cards with the US now, the WTO compatibility of a stand-alone bilateral agreement on government procurement may need examination.

Fourth, is the welcome accorded by the summit to the launch of the India-US strategic trade dialogue at the level of Foreign Secretary from the Indian side and two Under Secretaries from the US side which held its first meeting in Washington DC earlier this month. The dialogue is about facilitating development and trade of technologies in critical domains such as semiconductors, space, telecom, quantum and AI defence. Navigating the complex maze of US export controls and reporting obligations is a relatively unexplored area for most Indian companies. The dialogue is crucial for Indian entities interested in high technology commerce and technology transfer.

There is a great deal more in the summit outcome that can generate spin-offs for greater trade and investment be it through creating secure and trusted telecommunications or from co-operation in cutting-edge technologies or arising from deeper collaboration to secure pharma supply chains and critical minerals.

There is also reference to an understanding among the two sides on market access for certain products of significance for bilateral trade. Clearly, what remains now is effective follow-up.

No doubt certain issues like the bilateral totalisation agreement of interest to India have not seen movement. Equally it can be said India too has not moved on joining the IPEF (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity) trade pillar.

It needs recalling here that the Biden Administration is pursuing a labour-centric trade policy aimed at also boosting domestic manufacturing. USTR Tai in a recent speech said a key part of her approach is to put US back into the USTR. Similarly, India too is pursuing its Atmanirbharta policy with its PLI and other initiatives. In this context, the summit outcome is a demonstration of readiness shown by both sides in crafting solutions that accommodate mutual sensitivities and interests. This new spirit on the trade front, if sustained, augurs well.
MIAMI, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Matrix Renewables, the TPG Rise-backed global renewable energy platform, today announced that it has acquired the Stillhouse Solar Project, a late-stage development 284 MWdc solar project in Bell County, Texas (ERCOT North), from OCI Solar Power, a leading developer of utility-scale solar projects. The transaction follows up on Matrix's Gaskell West Project (totaling 142 MWdc solar with 80 MWh of battery storage in CAISO) achieving Commercial Operation Date ("COD") earlier this month and shows strong continuity in Matrix's plan to become a leading clean energy platform in the U.S.

Across the U.S., Matrix owns near 6 GW of projects in various stages of development across four different regions (CAISO, MISO, ERCOT and WECC) and continues to expand its pipeline and team to capitalize on the large demand for renewable energy in the U.S. Globally, including Matrix's presence in Spain, Italy and Chile, Matrix's footprint already surpasses 12 GW of solar power, battery storage and green hydrogen projects.

Cindy Tindell, Managing Director and Head of U.S. for Matrix Renewables, said, "We are very pleased with the acquisition of the Stillhouse project, and we look forward to completing power offtake, procurement and financing for the Project in the coming months. We appreciate the partnership with the OCI team and their efforts to get the projects to this stage."

"We have been working to develop the Stillhouse Solar Project for over two years. All land acquisition, environmental review and electrical interconnection studies are complete. It is a tremendous project and we're excited to pass the baton to Matrix to take the project through construction and into operations, providing more clean energy to the Texas electrical grid," said Charles Kim, President & CEO, OCI Solar Power.

Construction of the project is slated for 2024 with commercial operations commencing in 2025.

About Matrix Renewables

Matrix Renewables is a renewable energy platform created and backed by global alternative asset manager TPG and its $17 billion impact-investing platform TPG Rise. Matrix Renewables' current portfolio is comprised of 12.2 GW of solar, storage and green hydrogen projects in Europe, North America, and Latin America. For more information, visit www.matrixrenewables.com or send an email to [email protected]

Contact:



Inmaculada Bejarano

[email protected]com



Ignacio Correa

[email protected]

+34917458657

SOURCE Matrix Renewables
Newly imagined trade show brings industry leaders together for three days of networking, expert content and keynotes, and McLane product announcements

TEMPLE, Texas, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- McLane Company, Inc., one of the largest distributors in America and an industry-leading partner to the biggest retail and restaurant brands, will host McLane Engage, August 29-31 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas.

With the support of title sponsor Reynolds and platinum sponsors The Hershey Company, Kraft Heinz, Altria, and TSN  a Bunzl Company, among others, McLane Engage brings customers and suppliers together for an elevated and full-scale trade show experience. The trade show will feature booths from more than 160 exhibitors and include a new products showcase.

The show will provide the opportunity to build meaningful connections with industry powerhouses and to learn from notable experts in an inspired lineup of educational sessions. Daymond John, CEO of FUBU and investor on ABC's "Shark Tank," and Chet Garner, host of Emmy-award winning PBS show, "The Daytripper" will anchor the experience with memorable keynotes.

"McLane Engage is a strategic decision to transform an important industry event, our annual National Trade Show, into a world-class engagement opportunity that drives growth and connection," said Chris Smith, President of McLane Grocery. "There is immense value in facilitating an exchange of ideas among thought leaders, experts and key players in our industry, and we are proud to bring that to our partners."

During McLane Engage, the company will also unveil new products and programs as part of an enhanced retail solution for convenience stores that will provide a robust selection of on-trend immediate consumption items. These will include beverage programs, commissary products like fresh sandwiches and salads, and meals for all day parts. The program is bolstered by McLane's full-service solutions that provide retailers with access to equipment, training and menu innovation resources.

To lead the enhanced foodservice retail division, McLane named their first vice president of retail foodservice, Jon Cox. Cox brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across retail, grocery and convenience store organizations including Giant Eagle, Inc., Giant Food and HEB. Prior to joining McLane, Cox served as the chief merchandising officer for Getgo Cafe + Market.

"I am proud to join McLane's team at an exciting time and honored to lead our vision for the future," said Cox. "Retail foodservice is growing rapidly, and McLane is elevating our programs to deliver innovative solutions that meet the unique needs of our customers, wherever they are on their journey. We look forward to debuting new programs at Engage."

More information and schedules related to McLane Engage can be found at mclaneengage.com. McLane Engage is an invitation-only event for McLane c-store customers and suppliers. McLane customers and suppliers interested in attending may contact their McLane representative. To learn more about McLane and its retail foodservice programs, please visit mclaneco.com.

About McLane

Founded in 1894, McLane Company Inc. is one of the largest distributors in America, serving convenience stores, mass merchants, and chain restaurants. As an industry-leading partner to the biggest retail and restaurant businesses, McLane buys, sells, delivers, and serves the world's most beloved brands. With headquarters in Temple, Texas, McLane has more than 80 distribution centers across the country, employs more than 25,000 teammates, and delivers to nearly every zip code in the US. McLane is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.

SOURCE McLane Company
MONTREAL and MUNICH, Germany, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mecademic is pleased to announce and showcase its latest robotic innovation at Automatica in Munich. Early Access Program participants are testing this micro-SCARA robot across micro-automation applications that feature requirements such as high precision, speed, and a small footprint.

Mecademic's Micro-SCARA now available for pre-order.

"We launched the Early Access Program for our SCARA robot in May. This program included select distributors, integrators, and end customers across North America, Europe, and Asia. We greatly appreciate the level of application testing and feedback from these selected experts," shared Philippe Beaulieu, Chief Commercial Officer at Mecademic Inc. He continues, "We are preparing for large-scale production to fulfill the pre-orders for this new micro-SCARA robot."

Building on the success and design principles of its Meca500 six-axis robotic arm is this latest micro-SCARA robot. Offering fast cycle times, precision, flexible programming, and space optimization, this micro-SCARA is ideal for small component design and manufacturing applications in electronics, optics, medical devices, and many other industries.



"As part of the Early Access Program for Mecademic's new micro-SCARA robot, we have been impressed with its performance and design. We feel the compact size and precision uniquely meets the strong demand we see in micro automation," stated Marcus Frei, CEO at NEXT. robotics. He continues, "Adding this SCARA robot to our comprehensive product portfolio amplifies our commitment to providing innovative solutions."

Visit Booth #B4.302 at Automatica to see this latest innovation from Mecademic in action with Next Robotics.

For more information, contact us at [email protected] or complete our pre-order form .

About Mecademic

Mecademic is an award-winning robotics designer and manufacturer based in Montreal, Canada. We make the world's smallest, most precise, easy-to-use industrial robotic arms. Our customers have come to rely on us to automate precision tasks and delicate manipulations for the aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, electronics, jewelry, and other industries. Learn more about us .

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SOURCE Mecademic Industrial Robotics
Transition culminates a multi-year succession planning process; Mills family to continue to serve on Board of Directors

NORTHFIELD, Ill., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Medline today announced that after more than 26 years of leadership, Charlie Mills (CEO), Andy Mills (President) and Jim Abrams (COO) will retire from their current roles. They will continue to serve the company on its Board of Directors, with Charlie Mills leading as Chairman of the Board and Andy Mills and Jim Abrams as Vice Chairmen. To culminate a five-year succession planning process, Medline has elevated company executives Jim Boyle to serve as the next Chief Executive Officer, and Jim Pigott as the next President & Chief Operating Officer. The leadership transition will be effective October 1, 2023.

Jim Boyle (left) has been named Medline's next Chief Executive Officer, and Jim Pigott (right) its next President & Chief Operating Officer.

"Jim Boyle and Jim Pigott have been instrumental in Medline's growth and success during their nearly 60 years combined within the organization, and we are excited for them to lead us into the future," said Charlie Mills, current chief executive officer of Medline. "In blending Medline's high-performance culture and customer-centric approach with their extensive understanding of healthcare, they are perfectly suited to propel Medline forward while continuing to build upon our rich legacy."

Founded in 1966, Medline is a global healthcare company with 56 years of consecutive sales growth, more than $21 billion in annual sales, over 35,000 employees, and is consistently recognized as a top workplace. Medline is a vertically integrated manufacturer and a market leader in medical-surgical distribution, serving the breadth of healthcare systems across the entire continuum of care. Its expanding clinical solutions and broad product portfolio, which includes manufacturing over half of the surgical procedure trays used in the United States, have firmly established Medline as a premier supply chain partner. Since 2018, Medline has invested $2 billion in its infrastructure to bolster the resiliency of the healthcare supply chain. Through a commitment to ongoing expansion into new markets, product categories and strategic partnerships, the company will continue to empower providers with the resources needed to deliver optimal care.

"I am incredibly honored by this opportunity. I want to express my gratitude to the Mills family for their years of leadership and for the confidence placed in me to guide this organization forward," said Jim Boyle. "Medline has always been a company that operates in a nimble and agile manner, doing whatever is best for our customers and our employees, and I look forward to ensuring we continue to do so for years to come."

"I am proud of all that Medline and the Mills family have accomplished through the years for our customers, the healthcare industry, and especially in cultivating our winning company culture," said Jim Pigott. "I am grateful for this opportunity, and as we continue to find solutions to healthcare's evolving challenges, I remain committed to doing so while preserving and building upon our company heritage."

About Jim Boyle

Boyle joined Medline in 1996 and has served as Executive Vice President since 2018, managing its customer base of over 5,000 healthcare providers across the continuum of care and overseeing more than $21 billion of annual sales. Boyle was responsible for the strategic direction and execution of the commercial functions across all healthcare segments, as well as the Marketing, Operations and Logistics departments. In addition, he oversaw Medline's distributed products business and led the customer support infrastructure, meeting the unique challenges of Medline's customer base and its patient communities. During his career at the company Boyle progressed throughout the organization, holding various leadership roles including Division Vice President and Senior Vice President of the Acute Care segment, before being named Executive Vice President. Boyle received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Distribution from Texas A&M University.

About Jim Pigott

Pigott joined Medline in 1992 and most recently served as Executive Vice President. In this role, he oversaw the strategy and execution of Medline's 27 product divisions, comprised of more than 20 manufacturing sites and 14,000 employees. In addition, Pigott led Medline's global sourcing and inventory management organizations. Over the years, he was involved in the company's expansion into several product segments, including surgical, laboratory, diagnostics and cardiology, as well as the growth of its domestic manufacturing footprint. Pigott also spearheaded Medline's global sourcing partnerships strategy while serving as the President of Medline Asia for four years. During his career at the company Pigott held additional leadership roles, including Division President and Group President, prior to being named Executive Vice President. Pigott received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

About Medline

Medline is a healthcare company  a medical supply manufacturer, distributor, and solutions provider focused on improving the overall operating performance of healthcare. Partnering across the continuum of care, Medline helps providers to activate the clinical and supply chain resources needed to deliver their best care. With the agility to solve problems quickly and the scale to partner with providers for their sustained success, Medline is able to invest in its customers for the future and rapidly respond to a dynamically changing market with customized solutions.

Medline was most recently named to the Forbes America's Best Large Employers and Best Employers for Women lists, and was recognized for the 12th year by Chicago Tribune as a Top Workplace. Headquartered in Northfield, Ill., Medline has 35,000+ employees worldwide and operates in over 125 countries and territories. Learn more at www.medline.com.

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SOURCE Medline
Source: Medellin-Tours.com

MEDELLIN, Colombia , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- There are many safety concerns for travelers to foreign places. For solo travelers looking to intermingle with locals, and perhaps meet a new partner, there are ominous threats to consider, especially when using a dating app.

Dating apps conceal a hidden danger that many fail to recognize - the rise of honey trap scams . These scams involve individuals being drugged, kidnapped, and robbed or worse. Adding to the severity of these crimes in some areas is the use of scopolamine, a mind-control drug known as the "Devil's Breath."

Adding to the severity of these crimes is the use of scopolamine, a mind-control drug known as the "Devil's Breath." Tweet this

Honey trap scams begin seemingly innocently, with an attractive individual connecting with a potential target on a dating app, often someone who seems wealthy. Unbeknownst to the victim, they are being targeted by a criminal group. During the meetup, the scammer discreetly administers a drug like scopolamine, rendering the victim suggestible and compliant. Financial information and personal details are coerced from the victim, often without their knowledge.

Beyond drugging and robbery, honey trap scams can escalate to heinous acts, including sexual assault and murder. The increasingly popular use of drugs like scopolamine have only made the situation worse. Victims lose control soon after ingesting the drug, becoming totally compliant and unable to resist requests or recommendations. The drug induces a zombie-like state, making victims appear lucid and happy but physically capable of normal tasks.

Capturing honey trap scam perpetrators is challenging due to drug-induced memory loss. Victims wake up disoriented, with drained bank accounts and not much evidence to go on. Recognizing warning signs is crucial. Profiles with stock images and unusual requests or questions should raise red flags.

Follow these tips by Medellin Tours to increase chances of personal safety while both traveling in South America and when dating strangers:

Avoid going out alone; bring a friend or stay in public spaces.

Never leave food or drinks unattended; be cautious of strangers offering food/beverages.

Share live locations with trusted contacts and consider hiring local guides in unfamiliar areas.

Avoid leaving public venues for private locations with strangers.

Honey trap scams pose risks worldwide. Educating oneself and taking preventive measures to stay safe is vital in today's world. By spreading awareness, we can fight these threats and protect ourselves and others in our communities.

SOURCE Medellin-Tours.com
Josue Osorto received the $6,000 grand prize to support his business, Bespoke Vending

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Josue Osorto, founder of Bespoke Vending, won the $6,000 grand prize of the pitch competition held June 21 to culminate the second annual Capital Region Multicultural Small Business Lab, sponsored by M&T Bank.

Osorto, a 34-year-old son of El Salvadoran immigrants, started his vending machine company that sells popular, trending, nostalgic and hard-to-find snacks from around the world in September 2022. The former hospitality industry worker plans to use the prize money to buy new vending machines and launch a website for Bespoke Vending.

"My experience with the Multicultural Small Business Lab has been more than I ever thought was possible and an absolute game-changer," Osorto said. "The immense value and assistance provided by M&T and everyone they included in the business lab are truly indescribable. The knowledge and support offered through this program have proven to be of immeasurable benefit, exceeding any initial expectations."

The pitch competition capped the seven-week business accelerator program that launched May 10 in partnership with the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. The Capital Region Multicultural Small Business Lab focused on business planning, establishing credit, accessing capital, marketing, branding and networking. Courses were held each Wednesday evening at Harrisburg University.

Corey Dupree, owner of Men Raising Black Boys, earned the pitch competition's second-place prize of $4,000. BreAna Blount, owner of Bre's Eats-n-Sweets, won the third-place prize of $2,000.

Other participants in the pitch competition included Leslie Avila, owner of DelightFull Wellness, Tiffiney L. Hall, owner of PosiTiff Touch Health and Wellness, and Jazmin Slaughter, owner of A Hint of Jazz Management.

The Capital Region Multicultural Small Business Lab was offered to Greater Harrisburg entrepreneurs who met the following eligibility requirements:

Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx or Asian American;

In business no more than three years;

Annual business revenue of $350,000 or less; and,

or less; and, Reside in the Greater Harrisburg area.

Nearly 40 entrepreneurs participated in this year's Multicultural Small Business Lab  the sixth in a series of programs launched by M&T Bank in Buffalo, N.Y., in 2021 to help multicultural small businesses access resources and expand their knowledge.

"The Capital Region Multicultural Small Business Lab empowers Greater Harrisburg's entrepreneurs and provides their small businesses with the resources to grow," said Nora Habig, M&T's regional president for Central and Western Pennsylvania. "Supporting small businesses remains at the core of M&T, and we're proud to invest in diverse small businesses within the Harrisburg community."

The first Capital Region Multicultural Small Business Lab launched in 2022, providing 40 minority small-business owners with free access to resources and education to grow their business. Three participants of last year's program also won $10,000 in total funding from M&T through a business pitch competition. Last year's Capital Region Multicultural Small Business Lab received the 2022 Catalyst Award from the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and Capital Region Economic Development Corporation for its impact on businesses in the area.

The Capital Region Multicultural Small Business Lab is an outcome of focus group meetings M&T held with various multicultural community leaders who described the challenges their communities face when launching and growing businesses in the region.

"The main reason multicultural small businesses fail is because they lack an ecosystem around them that supports and promotes their growth," said David Femi, head of M&T Bank's Multicultural Banking & Diverse Market Strategy. "I'm proud to work for an organization that is committed to fostering the development of that ecosystem through programs like the Capital Region Multicultural Small Business Lab."

To learn more about M&T's efforts to support small business diversity, please visit M&T Multicultural Banking.

About M&T Bank

M&T Bank Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. M&T's principal banking subsidiary, M&T Bank, provides banking products and services in 12 states across the northeastern U.S. from Maine to Virginia and Washington, D.C. Trust-related services are provided in select markets in the U.S. and abroad by M&T's Wilmington Trust-affiliated companies and by M&T Bank. For more information about M&T Bank, visit www.mtb.com .

About the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Harrisburg University

The Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE) empowers innovators to build successful ventures, including Harrisburg University students and faculty, as well as entrepreneurs in the community. In addition, CIE offers opportunities for partners to invest in important scientific discoveries, technological innovations, and academic research.

Media Contact:

Scott Graham

(410) 409-4803

[email protected]

 2023 M&T Bank. Member FDIC. NMLS# 381076.

SOURCE M&T Bank
OKOTOKS, AB, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - (TSX: MTL) Mullen Group Ltd. ("Mullen Group" and/or the "Corporation") intends to release its 2023 Second Quarter earnings results on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at 6:00 a.m. ET, and has scheduled a conference call and webcast as follows:

Date: July 20, 2023



Time: 10:00 a.m. ET



Conference Call Dial-in: 1-800-319-4610 (for participants in North America)

416-915-3239 (Toronto or Overseas participants)

403-351-0324 (Calgary or Overseas participants)



Webcast: www.mullen-group.com



A replay of the call will be available approximately two hours after the completion of the call until Thursday, August 3, 2023, by dialing 1-800-319-6413 or 604-638-9010, access code 0287 followed by the pound sign.

About Mullen Group Ltd.

Mullen Group is one of Canada's largest logistics providers. Our network of independently operated businesses provide a wide range of service offerings including less-than-truckload, truckload, warehousing, logistics, transload, oversized, third-party logistics and specialized hauling transportation. In addition, we provide a diverse set of specialized services related to the energy, mining, forestry and construction industries in western Canada, including water management, fluid hauling and environmental reclamation. The corporate office provides the capital and financial expertise, legal support, technology and systems support, shared services and strategic planning to its independent businesses.

Mullen Group is a publicly traded corporation listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "MTL". Additional information is available on our website at www.mullen-group.com or on the Corporation's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Contact Information

Mr. Murray K. Mullen - Chair, Senior Executive Officer and President

Mr. Richard J. Maloney - Senior Operating Officer

Mr. Carson P. Urlacher - Senior Accounting Officer

Ms. Joanna K. Scott - Senior Corporate Officer

121A - 31 Southridge Drive

Okotoks, Alberta, Canada T1S 2N3

Telephone: 403-995-5200

Fax: 403-995-5296

SOURCE Mullen Group Ltd.
LOS ANGELES, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- California-based law firm Musick, Peeler & Garett LLP announced today that the firm has been recognized in the Los Angeles Times as a "Top Law Firm" in Southern California.

The list is ranked by the number of attorneys in Los Angeles County offices and Musick, Peeler & Garrett comes in at number 25, with 83 attorneys in its Los Angeles office.

"We are pleased to be considered alongside other prestigious law firms," says Managing Partner R. Joseph De Briyn. "This recognition is a testament to the dedication and service of our professionals."

With offices in five major commercial centers across the state, Musick Peeler attorneys know California. Founded in 1954, Musick Peeler has kept pace with California's growth and with more than 100 attorneys, it has the resources and expertise to offer the highest quality representation in a wide variety of legal matters.

While Musick Peeler clients enjoy the advantages of working with an independent law firm, California businesses often require representation and advice in national and international matters. Musick Peeler's attorneys speak a multitude of languages and several of its practice groups focus on international clients doing business in California and overseas. Together with its membership in Ally Law, an exclusive alliance of international law firms, Musick Peeler is well-equipped to ensure the seamless delivery of legal services across the globe.

Musick Peeler's client service has not gone unnoticed. Many of the firm's attorneys are recognized as leaders in their field earning selections as Super Lawyers, rankings in Chambers USA, Best Lawyers in America, Benchmark Litigation and Martindale-Hubbell's highest AV rating for technical skill and ethics. Outside of the firm, many of its lawyers are noted community leaders, hold political office and teach at various universities.

About Musick Peeler

Founded in 1954, Musick Peeler has offices in five major commercial centers across California, with over 100 attorneys practicing in 16 disciplines. For more information, visit MusickPeeler.com.

SOURCE Musick Peeler
WASHINGTON, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Following is a statement from Eileen O'Reilly, president of the National Press Club, and Gil Klein, president of the National Press Club Journalism Institute, on the continued online harassment of Wall Street Journal reporter Sabrina Siddiqui.

"We condemn in the strongest terms the continued online harassment and trolling of Wall Street Journal reporter Sabrina Siddiqui, who was simply doing her job when she posed this question on June 22 to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a joint press conference with President Joe Biden:

"There are many human rights groups who say your government has discriminated against religious minorities and sought to silence its critics.  As you stand here in the East Room of the White House, where so many world leaders have made commitments to protecting democracy, what steps are you and your government willing to take to improve the rights of Muslims and other minorities in your country, and to uphold free speech?"

"Sabrina was simply doing her job  asking an elected leader a question about the consequences of the policies of their government and their plans for future actions. People who believe questions like this are not valid, do not understand how democracy works. People who believe it is acceptable to target journalists with harassment or trolling are, at a minimum, the worst kind of bully. We stand with Sabrina and all journalists like her as they do their jobs, which are vitally important if democracies are to have informed citizenry."

The National Press Club and National Press Club Journalism Institute support the swift condemnation issued against these acts by the White House, the White House Correspondents' Association, the Wall Street Journal, the South Asian Journalists Association and others. Journalists must be able to do their jobs without the added worries of malicious harassment."

Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. The Club has 3,000 members representing nearly every major news organization and is a leading voice for press freedom in the U.S. and worldwide.

The National Press Club Journalism Institute promotes an engaged, global citizenry through an independent and free press and equips journalists with the skills and standards to inform the public in ways that inspire a more representative democracy. The NPCJI is the nonprofit affiliate of the National Press Club.

Contact: Eileen O'Reilly, president of the National Press Club, at [email protected]

SOURCE National Press Club
NEW YORK, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund Inc. (NYSE American: NHS) (the "Fund") announced today the final results of its transferable rights offering (the "Offer"), which expired at 5:00 PM Eastern Time on June 21, 2023 (the "Expiration Date").

The final subscription price per share of common stock ("Common Stock") was $7.42, which was equal to 89% of the Fund's net asset value per share of Common Stock at the close of trading on the NYSE American on the Expiration Date. The Offer, which was over-subscribed, will result in the issuance of 6,482,227 shares of Common Stock. The gross proceeds of the Offer are expected to be approximately $48.1 million. The shares of Common Stock subscribed for are expected to be issued on or about June 29, 2023. The Fund will return to subscribing investors the full amount of any excess payments.

The Offer was oversubscribed and the over-subscription requests exceeded the over-subscription shares available. Accordingly, the shares issued as part of the over-subscription privilege of the Offer will be allocated pro-rata among record date stockholders who submitted over-subscription requests based on the number of rights originally issued to them by the Fund.

This document is not an offer to sell any securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. This document is not an offering, which can only be made by a prospectus. Investors should consider the Fund's investment objective, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. The Fund's prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus contain this and additional information about the Fund and additional information about the Offer, and should be read carefully before investing. Copies of the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus and other documents the Fund has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission may be obtained by visiting the EDGAR database on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

Inquiries regarding the Offer should be directed to the Fund's Information Agent, AST Fund Solutions, LLC, at (866) 387-9392.

About Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund Inc. The Fund's investment objective is to seek high total return (income plus capital appreciation). Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its total assets in high yield debt (below investment grade) securities of U.S. and foreign issuers. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in other securities and financial instruments, and up to 15% of its total assets in collateralized loan obligations.

About Neuberger Berman

Neuberger Berman, founded in 1939, is a private, independent, employee-owned investment manager. The firm manages a range of strategiesincluding equity, fixed income, quantitative and multi-asset class, private equity, real estate and hedge fundson behalf of institutions, advisors and individual investors globally. Neuberger Berman's investment philosophy is founded on active management, engaged ownership and fundamental research, including industry-leading research into material environmental, social and governance factors. Neuberger Berman is a PRI Leader, a designation awarded to fewer than 1% of investment firms. With offices in 26 countries, the firm's diverse team has over 2,700 professionals. For nine consecutive years, Neuberger Berman has been named first or second in Pensions & Investments Best Places to Work in Money Management survey (among those with 1,000 employees or more). The firm manages $436 billion in client assets as of March 31, 2023. For more information, please visit our website at www.nb.com.

Statements made in this release that look forward in time involve risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the adverse effect from a decline in the securities markets or a decline in the Fund's performance, a general downturn in the economy, competition from other closed end investment companies, changes in government policy or regulation, inability of the Fund's investment adviser to attract or retain key employees, inability of the Fund to implement its investment strategy, inability of the Fund to manage rapid expansion and unforeseen costs and other effects related to legal proceedings or investigations of governmental and self-regulatory organizations.

Contact:

Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC

Investor Information

(877) 461-1899

SOURCE Neuberger Berman
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 28. An India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) is really important for both nations and it is for businesses on both sides to help drive that agenda, UK Minister for Investment Lord Dominic Johnson said in London on Tuesday.

Addressing a UK-India Infrastructure Summit hosted by the City of London Corporation as part of the India Global Forum UK-India Week, Lord Dominic Johnson said he is "very optimistic" about an FTA even as he declined to put a timeframe to it.

India and the UK recently concluded their tenth round of FTA negotiations and an 11th round is set to begin in the next few weeks towards a comprehensive agreement expected to significantly enhance the bilateral trading relationship worth an estimated 34 billion pounds in 2022.

"I'm very optimistic about a free trade deal with India," said Lord Dominic Johnson.

"It is hugely important for India if it wants to get the capital flows it needs to take itself to the next step, which is to become a global hyperpower economically. And it's very good for the UK if we're going to ensure that we've got the investment coming from India," he said.

The minister went on to make a clarion call for representatives of business and industry gathered at the summit to be more vocal about voicing their support for such an FTA.

"It's really important for businesses to express their support for such a deal because it's about allowing businesses to function more effectively with greater profits, wealth and security for the world," he said.

Describing the India-UK relationship as the "most symbiotic partnership", the minister also backed a City of London suggestion for a new UK-India Green Finance Partnership to promote greater two-way green investment flows.

"I truly believe India has reached escape velocity as an economy. And, I truly believe that the UK is literally India's best friend, and the best placed country to take advantage of what is such a mutually beneficial long-term financial partnership," he added.

Under the theme of "Financing a Sustainable Future", the summit highlighted the immense scope and potential for investment in sustainable infrastructure development in India, and London's expertise in meeting India's growing demand for green finance.

"The UK, particularly the City of London, has excellent capabilities in structuring and funnelling finance where it is needed. The UK has demonstrated technological capabilities while India is at the frontiers of innovation. Combining technology with financing would enhance the cooperation," said BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog.

"I would argue that your interests are best served in aligning with us in making sure that the transformation of India happens in a way that does not replicate any of the faults of the past," noted Vikram Doraiswami, the Indian High Commissioner to the UK.

The summit, which forms part of a six-day series of events running until Friday as part of UK-India Week, opened with a keynote address by the Lord Mayor of the City of London Nicholas Lyon.

"Sustainable infrastructure is critical for India's economic trajectory and to meet the needs of its fast-growing population, while fulfilling its ambition to reach net zero by 2070. With strong government backing and unparalleled global expertise in sustainable finance and infrastructure financing solutions, the City of London and the UK can help India to access one of the largest and diversified global capital pools on the best possible terms," he said.

"As the fastest growing major economy in the world, and the most populous, India has huge aspirations and equally huge responsibilities. The rapid building of high quality sustainable physical and digital infrastructure will be critical to achieving India's growth trajectory, as well as balancing its net zero commitments," added Manoj Ladwa of India Global Forum, organisers of UK-India Week.
Belknap County Department of Corrections Workers Chooses Teamsters Local 633

LACONIA, N.H., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Corrections officers at Belknap County Department of Corrections have voted unanimously to join Teamsters Local 633.

"Congratulations to the 24 new members of Local 633 on their organizing victory," said Jeffrey Padellaro, Local 633 Secretary-Treasurer. "Local 633 is proud to represent police departments, court security officers, and corrections officers who keep communities across New Hampshire safe. We look forward to working with these new members to get them the compensation, workplace protections, and respect that they deserve."

"Corrections officers have some of the most dangerous occupations and should have the protections of a strong union contract," said Carl Bailey, Chairman of the Teamsters Law Enforcement League. "On behalf of the 50,000 law enforcement officers represented by the Teamsters Union, I am thrilled to welcome these brave men and women to America's strongest union."

Chartered in 1934, Teamsters Local 633 represents more than 4,700 workers in New Hampshire in several different sectors. For more information, visit teamsters633.com.

Contact:

Matt McQuaid, (202) 624-6877

[email protected]

SOURCE Teamsters Local 633
Easy-to-use diesel additive reduces regeneration cycles, turns off check engine light and improves mileage

HOLLY, Mich., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- New Rislone DPF Clean Diesel DPF, Exhaust & Emissions System Cleaner cleans the fuel, exhaust, and emissions systems of diesel vehicles to restore power and performance, reduce regeneration cycles, extend diesel particulate filter (DPF) life, save fuel, and turn off check engine lights. It unclogs blocked DPFs and reduces the need for frequent highway driving to accelerate regeneration, making it an ideal solution for diesel cars, SUVs and trucks that are driven regularly at low speeds for short durations.

Rislone DPF Clean is easy to install directly into a diesel vehicles fuel tank with no tools or expertise required. Tweet this New Rislone DPF Clean Diesel DPF, Exhaust & Emissions System Cleaner with exclusive Diesel Regen Medic+ unclogs blocked diesel particulate filters (DPFs), reduces regeneration cycles, and cleans the entire fuel, exhaust, and emissions system to restore power and performance for any diesel car, SUV, or truck. It clears P242F and related OBD-II codes, turns off check engine lights, and saves fuel. Ideal for vehicles regularly driven at low speeds for short durations. Learn more at rislone.com.

Rislone's unique formula features high-performing detergents and heavy-duty cleaning solvents to scrub away contaminants, soot, carbon build-up and oily residue from the fuel injectors, combustion chambers, turbo, EGR, diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and other components. Plus, its exclusive Diesel Regen Medic+ is an active DPF regeneration accelerator and cleaning fuel catalyst that is guaranteed to clear a blocked DPF.

"Because repairing an obstructed DPF or damaged emissions system costs thousands of dollars, customers have been asking us for an affordable solution," says Clay Parks, vice president of development for Rislone. "DPF Clean is the most potent diesel product we've ever developed. Not only will it clear clogged DPFs, but regular use will also prevent excessive exhaust regeneration and help maintain optimal power, performance, and efficiency."

DPF Clean is easy to install directly into the fuel tank with no special tools required. Cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks use one bottle. Larger vehicles may require a higher dosage. The bottle is designed to work in all fuel tanks, including those with misfuelling devices.

DPF Clean delivers the same benefits for diesel vehicles as Rislone's groundbreaking CAT Complete Fuel, Exhaust and Emissions System Cleaner does for gasoline-powered vehicles. It will clear OBD-II PID Codes P242F, P2002, P2459, turn off the check engine light and / or clean a blocked DPF, enabling the vehicle to pass emissions/smog tests. Rislone is so confident in the effectiveness of DPF Clean that it offers a money-back guarantee. Visit rislone.com/refunds for details.

DPF Clean Diesel DPF, Exhaust & Emissions System Cleaner (U.S. p/n 4744) is proven effective in all diesel and biodiesel fuels, including ULSD. It can be used in direct-injected, common rail, turbo direct-injected and turbocharged engines. It was specifically designed for vehicles equipped with DOC catalytic converters, DPFs, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) devices or diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) systems and will not void the manufacturer's new vehicle warranty.

Like all Rislone products, DPF Clean Diesel DPF, Exhaust & Emissions System Cleaner is made in the U.S.A.

Learn more about DPF Clean and the full line of Rislone premium automotive chemicals at rislone.com/products/dpf-clean-diesel-dpf-exhaust-emissions-cleaner/. Based in Holly, Michigan, Rislone has been America's best-selling engine treatment brand for more than 100 years. Rislone is ISO 9001 certified.

SOURCE Rislone
MONTREAL, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Worximity, a technology company that maximizes manufacturing productivity and profitability, today announced the release of its newest solution. Worximity's Insights platform is designed to make extracting value from production data easier than ever.

Yannick Desmarais, CEO and founder of Worximity, explains that as the industry continues to grapple with crippling labor shortages and skyrocketing costs, leveraging innovative technology to optimize existing resources is critical.

Worximity Manufacturing Analytics Software Worximity's Manufacturing Analytics Software (CNW Group/Worximity Technology Inc.)

"The fact is, real-time production monitoring and tracking overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) alone isn't enough," says Desmarais. "Manufacturers who can offset unstable production costs with internal efficiencies are the ones who stay ahead of the competition, and we're in a position to help them quickly uncover and capitalize on those efficiencies."

About Worximity Insights

Insights completes Worximity's existing manufacturing software suite by closing the loop between acquiring and measuring production data, then using that information to drive improvement. It does this by leveraging the power of data intelligence to transform key metrics from the shop floor into concrete improvement opportunities prioritized according to the highest impact on the bottom line. This means supporting businesses with a solution that doesn't just provide data but connects it to real insight.

"While others in the industry continue to describe actionable insights as Pareto charts, graphs, and reports, we're putting data into action by giving users clear priorities with corresponding measurable gains," concluded Desmarais.

According to the Director of Planning at Mondoux Confectionary, Lilia Abderrahman, Worximity helped the company achieve in three months what typically takes three years. "The results speak for themselves. Thanks to Worximity, we were able to boost production by 25% with the same number of employees and equipment."

Insights is used in tandem with Worximity's data acquisition ecosystem and real-time production monitoring software. Together they provide a comprehensive manufacturing performance solution, arming every level of the organization with the tools needed to work at their best. With Worximity, manufacturers can focus on what's important - running their business productively and profitably.

About Worximity Technology

Since its founding in 2011, Worximity Technologies Inc. has helped improve the performance of more than 3,000 projects in North America thanks to its innovative technologies that enable automated data collection, real-time operations monitoring, automated analytical reports, and preventive and predictive advice. The company also plays a leading role in promoting the Industrial Internet of Things and Industry 4.0.

To learn more visit www.worximity.com or check out our launch video.

SOURCE Worximity Technology Inc.
DALLAS, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NYSE: NREF) (the "Company") announced today that the Company is scheduled to host a conference call on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. ET (10:00 a.m. CT), to discuss second quarter 2023 financial results.

The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing 888-660-4430 or, for international callers, +1 646-960-0537 and using passcode Conference ID: 6891136. A live audio webcast of the call will be available online at the Company's website, nref.nexpoint.com (under "Resources"). An online replay will be available shortly after the call on the Company's website and continue to be available for 60 days.

A replay of the conference call will also be available through Thursday, August 10, 2023, by dialing 800- 770- 2030 or, for international callers, +1 647- 362- 9199 and entering passcode 6891136.

The Company plans to issue a press release with second quarter 2023 financial results before market open on Thursday, July 27, 2023.

About NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc.

NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc., is a publicly traded REIT, with its shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NREF" primarily focused on originating, structuring and investing in first-lien mortgage loans, mezzanine loans, preferred equity, convertible notes, multifamily properties and common equity investments, as well as multifamily commercial mortgage-backed securities securitizations, multifamily structured credit risk notes and mortgage-backed securities. More information about the Company is available at nref.nexpoint.com.

CONTACTS

Investor Relations

Kristen Thomas

[email protected]

Media Relations

Prosek Partners for NexPoint

[email protected]

SOURCE NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc.
Penske Media Corporation, Future, Recurrent Ventures, Salon and Valnet Inc.

are among the top-tier publishers successfully partnering with the AdTech company stateside

NEW YORK, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ogury, the global leader in personified advertising, is proud to reveal the tremendous growth of its offering for US publishers. This momentum is a result of several years of continued innovation to increase revenue for publishers and help them monetize their assets in a cookieless world. Many premium US publishers use Ogury to access demand from top-tier advertisers across mobile web and in-app.

Ogury has significantly strengthened its portfolio of publishers and is now able to reach an audience of thousands of domains and applications in the US, representing a total reach of more than 240 million users per month. Today, the company counts many top publishers among its partners, including Enthusiast Gaming Inc., Fragment Media Group, Freestar, Future, Penske Media Corporation, Recurrent Ventures, Salon, The Daily Beast, Valnet Inc. and VICE.

"Penske Media Corporation has been partnering with Ogury since the launch of their mobile web offer," shared Eric Shim, Programmatic Operations Manager at Penske Media Corporation. "Working with Ogury gives us access to incremental revenue through Ogury's unique demand from top-tier brands. We look forward to continuing this partnership as we aim to streamline our revenue sources."

Thanks to its Personified Advertising technology, Ogury can qualify audiences in cookieless and ID-less environments, such as Safari, Firefox, Apple devices with App Tracking Transparency, and soon on Google Chrome - ultimately only displaying high-interest campaigns to website and app visitors. With this model, Ogury goes beyond contextual advertising to qualify publishers' inventory without advertising identifiers and to maintain high CPMs, while delivering premium and valuable demand to its network of partners.

To help generate incremental revenue for publishers, Ogury's proprietary formats are designed to respect user content consumption while generating the highest level of attention by default. The set of formats developed by the company covers all placements available on websites and applications. This includes Header Ad, the company's highest-grossing format, creating a new revenue stream for publishers and helping them monetize pages gated by paywalls. And Footer Ad, a format that boasts a competitive CPM and increases the total yield on publishers' footer placement.

"With the ability to achieve the viewability and attention metrics advertisers demand, Ogury's proprietary ad formats allow us to access top CPMs while respecting the user experience," said Hunter Gong, Senior Ad Operations at Valnet Inc. "We are looking forward to a continued and fruitful partnership together."

"We are very glad to have an increasing number of US publishers join our network," added Jonathon Matthews, VP Publisher Partnerships - Americas at Ogury. "User privacy has always been in our DNA, and our engaging formats were created to fully support publishers' monetization strategy while respecting users' content consumption. This unique value proposition is gaining more and more traction from US premium publishers, and this is just the beginning."

About Ogury

Ogury, the global leader in personified advertising, has created a breakthrough advertising engine that delivers targeting based on personas rather than users' identities, and on the destinations where these personas consume content  instead of the individual users themselves. Advertisers working with Ogury benefit from fully visible impactful ads, future-proof targeting and unwavering protection. Publishers enjoy the rewards of a respectful user experience, incremental revenues and premium demand. Founded in 2014, Ogury is a global organization with 500+ people, including 100 engineers across 17 countries.

SOURCE Ogury LTD
NEW YORK, June 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ophthalmology Therapeutics Market report has been added to Technavio's offering. The ophthalmology therapeutics market is estimated to grow by USD 15.72 billion from 2022 to 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.25% during the forecast period. North America is estimated to account for 44% of the growth of the global market during the forecast period. The strong prevalence of eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, dry eye, and various eye infections make up the major factors for regional market growth. The rising incidence of risk factors such as prolonged use of corticosteroids, diabetes, a family history of eye diseases, previous eye injuries or eye surgeries, and extended exposure to sunlight are also major factors responsible for the high prevalence of eye diseases in North America. This growing prevalence of eye disorders leads to an increase in various initiatives that aim at making the public aware of eye diseases. For Comprehensive details on the market size of the historic period(2017 to 2021) and forecast period (2023-2027) - View the Sample report

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Ophthalmology Therapeutics Market 2023-2027

Ophthalmology therapeutics market - Vendor Landscape

The ophthalmology therapeutics market is fragmented; the vendors are competing with competitors and are trying to get a greater market share. The market is growing, and the chances of new entrants cannot be overlooked. The major vendors have well-established economies of scale and market presence and generally rely on positioning technological advances, and the price of the products -The report provides a full list of key vendors, their strategies, and the latest developments. Buy Now

Ophthalmology therapeutics market - Market Dynamics

Major Drivers & Challenges-

The increase in the prevalence of eye diseases drives the ophthalmology therapeutics market during the forecast period. Eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration have become more prevalent and become a serious public health concern as they can cause irreversible blindness and visual impairment. The growing geriatric population is a major factor contributing to the increase in the prevalence of age-related macular degeneration. Additionally, glaucoma is another eye condition that can damage the optic nerve and lead to the development of eye diseases. Glaucoma is the second-most common cause of vision loss worldwide after cataracts and thus, the rise in the prevalence of eye diseases has led to an increase in demand for ophthalmology therapeutics. Hence, such factors boost the growth of the market during the forecast period.

The high costs of treatment hamper the growth of the ophthalmology therapeutics market during the forecast period. It is very expensive to treat eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and other vision-threatening retinal diseases. For instance, the cost of LUCENTIS 0.5 mg, which is used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration and retinal vein occlusion, can range from USD 1,950 to USD 2,023 per dose. Similarly, the cost of LUCENTIS 0.3 mg for the treatment of diabetic macular edema can be USD 1,170 per dose. Hence, such high costs impede market growth during the forecast period.

Key Trends-

The development of novel drug delivery systems is an emerging ophthalmology therapeutics market trend. Researchers face a major problem with the improper administration of the drugs to the eyes, including instilling an incorrect number of drops, as it is associated with several barriers in the eye, preventing the actual dose from reaching the site of action. In order to overcome these challenges researchers have developed novel drug delivery systems. This helps reduce adverse effects, increase the bioavailability of drugs to the targeted site, and enable drugs to have a prolonged action. Also, they help in overcoming all the barriers in the eye, which are responsible for the reduced bioavailability of drugs. Hence, such trends fuel the market growth during the forecast period.

Technavio has identified key trends, drivers, and challenges in the market, which will help clients improve their strategies to stay ahead of their competitors. - View Sample Report

Company Profiles

The ophthalmology therapeutics market report includes information on the product launches, sustainability, and prospects of leading vendors including AbbVie Inc., Adrif Vision, Aldeyra Therapeutics Inc., Bausch Health Co Inc., Bayer AG, Eyeris Vision Care Pvt. Ltd., F. Hoffmann La Roche Ltd., Grevis Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Novartis AG, Ocular Therapeutix Inc., Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Oxurion NV, Pfizer Inc., Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Swissvision, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Vee Remedies, and Visufarma.

Competitive Analysis

The report includes competitive analysis, a proprietary tool to analyze and evaluate the position of companies based on their industry position score and market performance score. The competitive scenario categorizes companies based on various performance indicators. Some of the factors considered include the financial performance of companies over the past few years, growth strategies, product innovations, new product launches, investments, and growth in market share, among others.

Ophthalmology therapeutics market - Market Segmentation

This market report extensively covers market segmentation by product (retinal disorder therapeutics, glaucoma therapeutics, dry eye disease therapeutics, eye infections and inflammation therapeutics, and other therapeutics), type (prescription drugs and OTC drugs), and geography (North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW)).

The market share growth of the retinal disorder therapeutics segment will be significant during the forecast period. This segment includes retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, retinal vein occlusion, macular edema, posterior vitreous detachment, retinal dystrophy, and RPE65 mutation-associated inherited retinal disease. The segment is driven by the high incidence of retinal disorders as well as the presence of approved retinal disorder therapeutics. Hence, such factors boost the segment growth during the forecast period.

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The ophthalmology devices market size is expected to increase by USD 17.09 billion from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 4.1%. Furthermore, this report extensively covers ophthalmology devices market segmentation by product (vision care, ophthalmology surgical devices, and ophthalmology diagnostic devices), geography (North America, Europe, Asia, and the Rest of the World (ROW)), and end-user (hospitals and clinics, ASCs and physicians, offices, and optical retailers). he increasing prevalence of ophthalmic diseases and technological advances in ophthalmology devices is notably driving the ophthalmology market growth.

The eye care surgical devices market size is expected to increase by USD 3.13 billion from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 5.75%. Furthermore, this report extensively covers ophthalmology surgical devices market segmentation by product (cataract surgery devices, glaucoma surgery devices, refractive surgery devices, and vitreoretinal surgery devices) and geography (North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW)). The increasing prevalence of ophthalmic diseases is notably driving the eye care surgical devices market growth.

Ophthalmology Therapeutics Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 6.25% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 15.72 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 5.32 Regional analysis North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW) Performing market contribution North America at 44% Key countries US, Germany, UK, France, and Japan Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled AbbVie Inc., Adrif Vision, Aldeyra Therapeutics Inc., Bausch Health Co Inc., Bayer AG, Eyeris Vision Care Pvt. Ltd., F. Hoffmann La Roche Ltd., Grevis Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Novartis AG, Ocular Therapeutix Inc., Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Oxurion NV, Pfizer Inc., Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Swissvision, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Vee Remedies, and Visufarma Market dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized.

Table of Contents

1 Executive Summary

1.1 Market overview

Exhibit 01: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Overview



Exhibit 02: Executive Summary  Data Table on Market Overview



Exhibit 03: Executive Summary  Chart on Global Market Characteristics



Exhibit 04: Executive Summary  Chart on Market by Geography



Exhibit 05: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Segmentation by Product



Exhibit 06: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Segmentation by Type



Exhibit 07: Executive Summary  Chart on Incremental Growth



Exhibit 08: Executive Summary  Data Table on Incremental Growth



Exhibit 09: Executive Summary  Chart on Vendor Market Positioning

2 Market Landscape

2.1 Market ecosystem

Exhibit 10: Parent market



Exhibit 11: Market Characteristics

3 Market Sizing

3.1 Market definition

Exhibit 12: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition

3.2 Market segment analysis

Exhibit 13: Market segments

3.3 Market size 2022

3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2022-2027

Exhibit 14: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 15: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 16: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 17: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

4 Historic Market Size

4.1 Global ophthalmology therapeutics market 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 18: Historic Market Size  Data Table on Global ophthalmology therapeutics market 2017 - 2021 ($ billion)

4.2 Product Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 19: Historic Market Size  Product Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ billion)

4.3 Type Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 20: Historic Market Size  Type Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ billion)

4.4 Geography Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 21: Historic Market Size  Geography Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ billion)

4.5 Country Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 22: Historic Market Size  Country Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ billion)

5 Five Forces Analysis

5.1 Five forces summary

Exhibit 23: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2022 and 2027

5.2 Bargaining power of buyers

Exhibit 24: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers  Impact of key factors 2022 and 2027

5.3 Bargaining power of suppliers

Exhibit 25: Bargaining power of suppliers  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.4 Threat of new entrants

Exhibit 26: Threat of new entrants  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.5 Threat of substitutes

Exhibit 27: Threat of substitutes  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.6 Threat of rivalry

Exhibit 28: Threat of rivalry  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.7 Market condition

Exhibit 29: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2022 and 2027

6 Market Segmentation by Product

6.1 Market segments

Exhibit 30: Chart on Product - Market share 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 31: Data Table on Product - Market share 2022-2027 (%)

6.2 Comparison by Product

Exhibit 32: Chart on Comparison by Product



Exhibit 33: Data Table on Comparison by Product

6.3 Retinal disorder therapeutics - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 34: Chart on Retinal disorder therapeutics - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 35: Data Table on Retinal disorder therapeutics - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 36: Chart on Retinal disorder therapeutics - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 37: Data Table on Retinal disorder therapeutics - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.4 Glaucoma therapeutics - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 38: Chart on Glaucoma therapeutics - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 39: Data Table on Glaucoma therapeutics - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 40: Chart on Glaucoma therapeutics - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 41: Data Table on Glaucoma therapeutics - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.5 Dry eye disease therapeutics - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 42: Chart on Dry eye disease therapeutics - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 43: Data Table on Dry eye disease therapeutics - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 44: Chart on Dry eye disease therapeutics - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 45: Data Table on Dry eye disease therapeutics - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.6 Eye infections and inflammation therapeutics - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 46: Chart on Eye infections and inflammation therapeutics - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 47: Data Table on Eye infections and inflammation therapeutics - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 48: Chart on Eye infections and inflammation therapeutics - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 49: Data Table on Eye infections and inflammation therapeutics - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.7 Other therapeutics - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 50: Chart on Other therapeutics - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 51: Data Table on Other therapeutics - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 52: Chart on Other therapeutics - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 53: Data Table on Other therapeutics - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.8 Market opportunity by Product

Exhibit 54: Market opportunity by Product ($ billion)

7 Market Segmentation by Type

7.1 Market segments

Exhibit 55: Chart on Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 56: Data Table on Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%)

7.2 Comparison by Type

Exhibit 57: Chart on Comparison by Type



Exhibit 58: Data Table on Comparison by Type

7.3 Prescription drugs - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 59: Chart on Prescription drugs - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 60: Data Table on Prescription drugs - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 61: Chart on Prescription drugs - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 62: Data Table on Prescription drugs - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

7.4 OTC drugs - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 63: Chart on OTC drugs - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 64: Data Table on OTC drugs - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 65: Chart on OTC drugs - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 66: Data Table on OTC drugs - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

7.5 Market opportunity by Type

Exhibit 67: Market opportunity by Type ($ billion)

8 Customer Landscape

8.1 Customer landscape overview

Exhibit 68: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria

9 Geographic Landscape

9.1 Geographic segmentation

Exhibit 69: Chart on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 70: Data Table on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%)

9.2 Geographic comparison

Exhibit 71: Chart on Geographic comparison



Exhibit 72: Data Table on Geographic comparison

9.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 73: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

Exhibit 74: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

Exhibit 75: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 76: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.4 Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 77: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

Exhibit 78: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

Exhibit 79: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 80: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.5 Asia - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 81: Chart on Asia - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

Exhibit 82: Data Table on Asia - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

Exhibit 83: Chart on Asia - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 84: Data Table on Asia - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.6 Rest of World (ROW) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 85: Chart on Rest of World (ROW) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 86: Data Table on Rest of World (ROW) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 87: Chart on Rest of World (ROW) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 88: Data Table on Rest of World (ROW) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.7 US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 89: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 90: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 91: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 92: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.8 Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 93: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

Exhibit 94: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

Exhibit 95: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 96: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.9 UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 97: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 98: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)



Exhibit 99: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 100: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.10 France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 101: Chart on France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

Exhibit 102: Data Table on France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

Exhibit 103: Chart on France - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 104: Data Table on France - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.11 Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 105: Chart on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

Exhibit 106: Data Table on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)

Exhibit 107: Chart on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 108: Data Table on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.12 Market opportunity by geography

Exhibit 109: Market opportunity by geography ($ billion)

10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10.1 Market drivers

10.2 Market challenges

10.3 Impact of drivers and challenges

Exhibit 110: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2022 and 2027

10.4 Market trends

11 Vendor Landscape

11.1 Overview

11.2 Vendor landscape

Exhibit 111: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation

11.3 Landscape disruption

Exhibit 112: Overview on factors of disruption

11.4 Industry risks

Exhibit 113: Impact of key risks on business

12 Vendor Analysis

12.1 Vendors covered

Exhibit 114: Vendors covered

12.2 Market positioning of vendors

Exhibit 115: Matrix on vendor position and classification

12.3 AbbVie Inc.

Exhibit 116: AbbVie Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 117: AbbVie Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 118: AbbVie Inc. - Key news



Exhibit 119: AbbVie Inc. - Key offerings

12.4 Aldeyra Therapeutics Inc.

Exhibit 120: Aldeyra Therapeutics Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 121: Aldeyra Therapeutics Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 122: Aldeyra Therapeutics Inc. - Key offerings

12.5 Bausch Health Co Inc.

Exhibit 123: Bausch Health Co Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 124: Bausch Health Co Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 125: Bausch Health Co Inc. - Key news



Exhibit 126: Bausch Health Co Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 127: Bausch Health Co Inc. - Segment focus

12.6 Bayer AG

Exhibit 128: Bayer AG - Overview



Exhibit 129: Bayer AG - Business segments



Exhibit 130: Bayer AG - Key news



Exhibit 131: Bayer AG - Key offerings



Exhibit 132: Bayer AG - Segment focus

12.7 F. Hoffmann La Roche Ltd.

Exhibit 133: F. Hoffmann La Roche Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 134: F. Hoffmann La Roche Ltd. - Business segments



Exhibit 135: F. Hoffmann La Roche Ltd. - Key news



Exhibit 136: F. Hoffmann La Roche Ltd. - Key offerings



Exhibit 137: F. Hoffmann La Roche Ltd. - Segment focus

12.8 Novartis AG

Exhibit 138: Novartis AG - Overview



Exhibit 139: Novartis AG - Business segments



Exhibit 140: Novartis AG - Key offerings



Exhibit 141: Novartis AG - Segment focus

12.9 Ocular Therapeutix Inc.

Exhibit 142: Ocular Therapeutix Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 143: Ocular Therapeutix Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 144: Ocular Therapeutix Inc. - Key offerings

12.10 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

Exhibit 145: Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 146: Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. - Product / Service



Exhibit 147: Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. - Key offerings

12.11 Oxurion NV

Exhibit 148: Oxurion NV - Overview



Exhibit 149: Oxurion NV - Product / Service



Exhibit 150: Oxurion NV - Key offerings

12.12 Pfizer Inc.

Exhibit 151: Pfizer Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 152: Pfizer Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 153: Pfizer Inc. - Key news



Exhibit 154: Pfizer Inc. - Key offerings

12.13 Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Exhibit 155: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 156: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 157: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. - Key offerings

12.14 Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

Exhibit 158: Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 159: Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. - Product / Service



Exhibit 160: Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. - Key offerings

12.15 Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

Exhibit 161: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 162: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. - Product / Service



Exhibit 163: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. - Key offerings

12.16 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

Exhibit 164: Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 165: Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. - Business segments



Exhibit 166: Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. - Key news



Exhibit 167: Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. - Key offerings



Exhibit 168: Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. - Segment focus

12.17 Visufarma

Exhibit 169: Visufarma - Overview



Exhibit 170: Visufarma - Product / Service



Exhibit 171: Visufarma - Key offerings

13 Appendix

13.1 Scope of the report

13.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist

Exhibit 172: Inclusions checklist



Exhibit 173: Exclusions checklist

13.3 Currency conversion rates for US$

Exhibit 174: Currency conversion rates for US$

13.4 Research methodology

Exhibit 175: Research methodology



Exhibit 176: Validation techniques employed for market sizing



Exhibit 177: Information sources

13.5 List of abbreviations

Exhibit 178: List of abbreviations

About Us

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contact

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

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UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com

SOURCE Technavio
One of just 25 small businesses selected

SEATTLE, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- OtoNexus Medical Technologies, a medical device innovator, is celebrating its recognition as one of Washington's 100 Best Workplaces. This award showcases OtoNexus' commitment to fostering an exceptional workplace culture that attracts, retains, and nurtures top talent.

Washington's 100 Best Workplaces program, organized by Puget Sound Business Journal, honors companies prioritizing employee well-being, professional development, work-life balance, and workplace excellence. OtoNexus was one of just 25 Small Businesses selected. The company's inclusion in this prestigious list reflects its continuous efforts to create a collaborative and supportive environment for its employees and its recognition that cohesive, happy teams are high-performing teams who deliver.

"We are honored to be recognized as one of the Top 100 Best Places to Work," said Caitlin Cameron, Chair and CEO at OtoNexus Medical Technologies. "At OtoNexus, we prioritize creating an environment that inspires innovation and encourages collaboration, in which our people can create personal and company success and enjoy their work while they do it. This recognition is a tribute to our incredible team and their unwavering dedication and commitment to positively impacting healthcare."

The distinction of the Top 100 Workplaces is not easily earned. It results from a rigorous evaluation process, including a thorough assessment of employee feedback, workplace policies, and company practices. This recognition is a testament to OtoNexus' commitment to cultivating a positive, inclusive workplace that encourages collaboration, innovation, and growth.

About OtoNexus Medical Technologies:

OtoNexus is at the forefront of medical innovation, having developed the world's first hand-held medical device with miniaturized ultrasound technology for the instant and accurate assessment of middle ear infections. This device enables physicians to determine the necessity of antibiotics within seconds, thereby improving patient outcomes, minimizing antibiotic use, and reducing healthcare costs. This is the first in a platform of medical and non-medical devices and applications utilizing its patented technology. For more information, please visit www.otonexus.com

For media inquiries, please contact:

Carol Perron, Vice President of Marketing, 206-963-8335 [email protected]

SOURCE OtoNexus Medical Technologies Inc.
NORWALK, Conn., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LBB Specialties (LBBS), a leader in specialty chemicals and ingredients distribution in North America, announced Panos Yannopoulos has been named Senior Vice President (SVP), Industrial Specialties. As a continuing member of the commercial leadership team, Panos will be responsible for establishing and executing commercial strategy for the Industrial Specialties vertical. Yannopoulos' appointment to SVP of Industrial Specialties reflects the recent rebranding of the company's industry vertical, which was formerly known as Advanced Materials.

Panos Yannopoulos has been named LBB Specialties' Senior Vice President, Industrial Specialties. Tweet this Panos Yannopoulos Appointed SVP of Industrial Specialties for LBB Specialties

Yannopoulos joined Charkit in 2002 as Vice President, Sales and successfully managed accounts vital to the company's growth. Since LBB Specialties acquired Charkit in 2017, Yannopoulos has served as Executive Vice President, Charkit Sales (2019-2020) and Vice President, Advanced Materials (2021-2023). In these successive roles, Yannopoulos leveraged the product portfolios of LBBS' legacy brands to establish a scaled North American Industrial Specialties platform uniquely positioned to service today's customers.

"Panos is a highly valued member of our senior leadership team," said Hank DeWolf, CEO of LBBS. "We are pleased to announce his promotion to SVP, Industrial Specialties, and we are confident his depth of experience servicing major industrial end-markets such as CASE, flavor & fragrance, metal treatment, oil field, plastics, and water treatment, paired with strong leadership prowess will continue to contribute to the success of LBB Specialties."

"Working for LBB Specialties has been incredibly fulfilling, and I'm excited to begin the next chapter in this new role as SVP as we continue to grow and develop additional markets for Industrial Specialties," said Yannopoulos.

Yannopoulos has over 30 years of experience in the industrial specialty chemicals sector. Prior to his time at Charkit and LBB Specialties, Yannopoulos was the Group Vice President of Industrial Chemicals at Aceto, where he worked for thirteen years. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Connecticut.

LBB Specialties is a leader in North American specialty chemicals and ingredients. It is a diversified supplier serving end-markets including care, food & nutrition, industrial specialties, and life sciences. LBB Specialties generates approximately $500 million in revenue and employs over 110 commercial team members. www.LBBSpecialties.com

Media Contact:

Courtney Flood

[email protected]

SOURCE LBB Specialties LLC
ATLANTA, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With a focus on technology, efficiency, and security for fleets and drivers, PURE Freight Lines LTD, an award-winning logistics and transportation firm, is announcing new partnerships with Relay Payments and Amous TMS. The three-way collaboration reflects PURE's focus on modernizing operations and reducing diesel fuel fraud that costs the carrier tens of thousands of dollars each month.

Partnership between PURE, Relay Payments, and Amous TMS reduces fuel fraud and modernizes fleet operations

PURE utilizes Amous' TMS to seamlessly manage its routes, drivers, dispatchers, and invoices. As a result of Relay's recent integration with Amous, PURE can now manage diesel fuel transactions with Relay's digital payments platform. PURE's drivers benefit by being able to conduct over-the-road expenses and reporting through their smartphone with only a few taps, saving them time and protecting them from fuel fraud at 1,500+ travel centers that accept Relay.

"We're thrilled to provide exceptional logistics solutions to our customers," said Milo Dubak, CEO and founding partner of PURE. "Our commitment to transparency, honesty, new fuel-efficient equipment, and technology sets us apart in the industry, and we're dedicated to creating a family atmosphere that values our employees, customers, drivers, and partners."

With the expansion of Relay Payments to Pilot Company's nationwide network of travel centers, fleets like PURE are able to utilize Relay for diesel payments at more than 800 Pilot, Flying J, and One9 Fuel Network locations.

"This partnership reflects what's possible when companies within the logistics industry choose to modernize their operations," said Relay co-founder and CEO Ryan Droege. "We're grateful to work alongside partners like PURE, Amous, and Pilot and help them solve industry challenges like fuel fraud through our cardless payments, real-time transaction APIs, and an intuitive driver experience."

For Amous, the partnership with PURE and Relay supports the company's broader goals of providing end-to-end services for truck lines, brokerages, and logistics companies. Amous has offered fraud mitigation through its technology in the past, but integrating Relay's cardless capabilities enables far greater security and controls than any previous measures.

"Carriers and drivers lose thousands through card skimming at the pumps," said Mark Shevchuk, Amous' CEO. "Integrating Relay into our TMS allows fleets like PURE to eliminate fuel fraud, while providing real-time transaction data and greater cash flow insights for streamlined operations. The end result is a far better experience for carriers, drivers, dispatchers, and truckstops."

About PURE Freight Lines, LTD

Established in 2013, Pure Freight Lines is an award winning, forward-thinking, family-owned transportation business in Franklin Park, IL. With over 100 years of expertise, we prioritize customer satisfaction through innovative solutions and advanced technology.

By investing in cutting-edge systems, we streamline logistics and ensure transparency in our operations. This enables us to provide efficient and seamless transportation services to our valued customers.

Our comprehensive services include truckload solutions for dry van and refrigerated cargo, expedited options for high-value and time-sensitive shipments, power-only, intermodal, and drayage services to meet diverse transportation needs, as well as dedicated services tailored to specific requirements.

About Relay Payments

Founded in 2019, Relay Payments is an Atlanta-based, venture-backed fintech company building a digital payment network in the transportation, logistics, and supply chain industries. Trusted by more than 300,000 carriers and drivers, Relay is spearheading the modernization of payments in an industry historically reliant on cards, cash, and checks to conduct business. Relay has joined forces with industry giants like Coyote Logistics, J.B. Hunt, Old Dominion Freight Line and others to streamline their payment process and optimize operations to get consumer products to shelves quickly. For more information about Relay or to download the app, visit relaypayments.com .

About Amous

Amous is a cutting-edge cloud-based enterprise solution, specifically designed for the logistics industry. With its unique architectural approach, Amous empowers trucking companies, carriers, brokers/3PL's, and shippers to optimize their operations and stay ahead of the competition. Harnessing the power of microservices and over 120 seamless integrations, Amous offers a comprehensive suite of features and functionalities tailored to the needs of logistics professionals. From real-time visibility, automated processes, and data-driven insights, Amous serves as the central nervous system for all integrated systems and processes. Visit amousinternational.com for more information.

Media Contact:

Hela Sheth

678-938-131

[email protected]

SOURCE Relay Payments
SHENZHEN, China, June 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, Peking University HSBC Business School's UK campus commemorated Peking University's 125th anniversary while also celebrating the fifth anniversary of the satellite campus in Boars Hill, Oxfordshire.

The Anniversary Forum Professor Hai gives a lecture on the Chinese economy

As part of the celebration, a forum titled "New Challenges and New Demands for Business Studies in Higher Education" was held, attracting over 200 scholars and participants from renowned universities and institutions worldwide. Attendees included representatives from the University of Oxford, the London School of Economics and Political Science, University College London, the University of Bristol, China Construction Bank London Branch, and the QS World University Rankings Education Consulting Research Institute.

During the opening remarks, Professor Wen Hai, the founding dean of PHBS, highlighted the collaborative efforts that have shaped the PHBS-UK campus over the past five years. He emphasized the campus's integral role in advancing the internationalization goals of both PKU and PHBS, promoting academic exchanges among China, the UK, and Europe.

Following the opening remarks, the forum proceeded with keynote speeches delivered by renowned professionals and experts in their respective fields. Ms Rebecca Leung, HSBC's director of Greater China Affairs, reflected on HSBC's long-standing support for PKU and PHBS and the importance of promoting Sino-British exchanges. Daniel Kahn from QS World University Rankings presented on the declining demand for international business education among Chinese students.

Following the keynote speech, the forum facilitated discussions among scholars and guests, exploring the challenges and opportunities in business education from various perspectives. Professor Soumitra Dutta, dean of the Said Business School at the University of Oxford, emphasized the need for business education to adapt to the impact of artificial intelligence and big data science. Professor Neil Mclean, director of the Department of Language and Communication at the London School of Economics and Political Science, stressed the importance of understanding and mutual learning between different cultures in business education, while Professor Alessandro Spano, director of the China Centre at University College London, emphasized the need for cross-cultural education. Mr Aimin Yang, general manager of China Construction Bank London Branch, emphasized the importance of cultivating compound business talents, and Professor Palie Smart, dean of the School of Management at the University of Bristol, emphasized the need for interdisciplinary education and cooperation.

Professor Pengfei Wang, deputy dean of Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School and dean of PHBS, concluded the conference by highlighting the significance of discussing the challenges faced by business education at the dawn of the fourth industrial revolution.

The closing speech, delivered by Professor Paolo Tasca from University College London and co-founder of the DLT Science Foundation, announced the foundation's grant to support PHBS-UK's financial technology and blockchain research.

Another highlight of the anniversary celebrations, a lecture titled "China's Economy: Current Situation and Future" given by Professor Wen Hai, attracted many to attend. Professor Hai shared his insights into China's macroeconomic prospects and the potential challenges of its future growth.

The anniversary celebrations offered a fitting moment for students, scholars, faculty, and alumni to celebrate the achievements of PHBS-UK and Peking University and keep good track of new challenges for business studies in higher education.

SOURCE Peking University HSBC Business School
The High Watchmaking offering includes five collections that exemplify Guccis horological expertise in its highest expressions of technicity, beauty, and flair.

What highlights stood out for you in Gucci Horlogeries 50th anniversary commemoration last year?

The timepieces presented last year were a tribute to the Swiss expertise and Italian creativity that Gucci has demonstrated during five decades. The 2022 High Watchmaking event in Geneva had a fairy-tale atmosphere with a whimsical, wonderland setting, along with a vibe inspired by an imaginary magical fairground. This was a really special backdrop and a fitting showcase for a dazzling collection that included complications, calibers, models set with glittering gems and diamonds as well as exquisite, extremely bespoke timepieces. Highlights of the collection included the GUCCI 25H Skeleton Tourbillon and the G-Timeless Planetarium with its Dancing Hours Flying Tourbillon. The House also continued to develop its core ranges, namely the G-Timeless, Gucci Dive and GUCCI 25H.

What was the purpose behind the 2023 High Watchmaking collection?

Gucci always seeks to delight its customers, and the purpose of the collection is to amaze with Guccis signature of inventiveness and originality. The High Watchmaking offering includes five collections that exemplify Guccis horological expertise in its highest expressions of technicity, beauty, and flair. Customers will find a selection of exceptional timepieces that map and trace time and space in a way thats uniquely Gucci. All the creations place Guccis heritage center-stage, yet the iconic codes of the House are revisited in ways that are both avant-garde yet eminently wearable. The collection shows off a remarkable use of gems, colors and exquisite intricacies, finishes and customizations. Guccis inspiration channels the golden age of space travel and a passion for discovery.

Which were your clients favorites among the models unveiled in Geneva this spring?

The diversity of the offering was very well received. The collections show the breadth of Guccis artistry: the ultra-thin GUCCI 25H with its openwork skeletonized design and the G-Timeless Planetarium with its dazzling rotating gems were real conversation pieces. Gucci also offered high levels of customization  with the G-Timeless Moonlight notably available exclusively as a made-to-order model. The clients place, time and date of birth are uniquely depicted on the watch and the timepiece is personalized with six gemstones that reflect their astral chart or link to their zodiac signs as well as the position of the planets on the day they were born. Theres nothing quite like it and it really appeals to clients desires for precious, personalized models.

What other highlights are being introduced this year?

Gucci continues to build on its core collections such as the GUCCI 25H, G-Timeless and Gucci Dive. Known for its sleek, urban look, fresh primary colors and tonal straps were added to the GUCCI 25H line, for a modern twist. The House also extended this range with automatic variants fitted with Gucci Caliber GG727.25, or precious gold versions with diamonds. The high-performance Gucci Dive is a platform for Guccis sustainability values: a new variant of the Gucci Dive was released and incorporates sustainable materials made from a bio-based material originating from GMO-free feedstock. The G-Timeless range is a perpetual favorite and eternally adaptable: this year it has been reworked with Guccis emblematic bee motif featuring a cluster of bees on the dial, and with Gucci symbols such as the feline head. Customers can adopt the creativity of the collections to express their own personality and style.

What objectives are you aiming for with the Gucci Watch Lab?

The new 9,000 sqm Gucci Watch Lab is a totally unique facility at Guccis Manufacture in Cortaillod, Switzerland. One of the objectives is to display the full extent of Guccis watchmaking expertise: it is home to 140 employees and integrates almost all the phases of Guccis production processes into a single location. Gucci has upskilled to prototype the most exclusive timepieces in-house and invested in people, know-how and expertise, which visitors will now be able to witness. The investment in the Watch Lab will ensure that Gucci timepieces continue to be globally recognized for their innovative and contemporary design, quality and impeccable craftsmanship. The House also delivered on a key sustainability objective with the Gucci Watch Lab, as the site is 100% powered by green energy.

As a WorldTempus reader, we are delighted to offer you the latest digital version of this GMT magazine that you can download here.
FAIRFAX, Va., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tlingit Haida Tribal Business Corporation | KIRA President and COO Carlos Garcia has retired from the company effective June 15th, 2023. This is the culmination of a 39-year career in the Government Contracting Services industry.

Garcia is the founder of KIRA, Incorporated. In 2016, after 29 years in business he sold the company to Tlingit Haida Tribal Business Corporation. He remained with the company seven additional years as President and COO. Today the company is approaching 2,000 employees internationally.

Throughout his career Carlos Garcia received several awards including National Hispanic Entrepreneur of the Year. Tweet this

Throughout his career Garcia received several awards including National Hispanic Entrepreneur of the Year. In addition to KIRA, Garcia founded several additional GovCon companies during his career.

Garcia will remain on the Board of Directors of THTBC. He will now dedicate his time to his various Board of Directors duties, private investments, and charitable endeavors.

"We are tremendously grateful to Carlos Garcia for all of his efforts in support of our organization and are delighted that he will remain involved through our Board of Directors," said THTBC CEO Richard Rinehart.

THTBC KIRA's executive and senior leadership are poised to continue Garcia's legacy and grow THTBC KIRA as a global services provider. THTBC is a wholly owned business enterprise of Central Council Tlingit Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska whose mission is to engage in, carry on and conduct business to improve the economic condition of the Tribe.

About Tlingit Haida Tribal Business Corporation

Tlingit Haida Tribal Business Corporation | KIRA (THTBC) is a Tribally-owned family of SBA 8(a), HUBZone, SDB, and other small businesses wholly owned by one of the largest tribes in Alaska. THTBC has been supporting DoD, DHS, DOS, NASA, DOE and other Federal customers for over 35 years. Through its 30+ subsidiaries, THTBC offers extensive capabilities to its Federal and prime customers in Facilities Maintenance, Infrastructure, Information Technology, Engineering & Professional Services, Training Services, Logistics & Transportation, and Aviation Repair & Maintenance. The organization is ISO 9001 certified, approved in over 85 NAICS codes, and operates in 30+ locations globally. Learn more about THTBC by visiting www.thtbc.com.

Media Contact

Paula Arevalo

[email protected]

410-707-6817

SOURCE Tlingit Haida Tribal Business Corporation/KIRA
Computerized maintenance management system replaces manual processes to streamline operations, reduce waste and boost quality

DUSSELDORF, Germany, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, today announced that Profol GmbH  the first German user of the Fiix cloud-based, AI-powered computerized maintenance management system (CMMS)  is already realizing significant improvements in its maintenance activities and, as a direct result, its quality levels, and operations too.

Profol GmbH specializes in the production of high-quality cast polypropylene films for various applications, including automotive, building and construction, electronics, flooring, furniture, and packaging.

Profol GmbH specializes in the production of high-quality cast polypropylene films for various applications, including automotive, building and construction, electronics, flooring, furniture, and packaging. The company prides itself on its quality, individualized customer solutions and strong customer retention, and is an award winner in the fields of recyclability, mono-material solutions and sustainability.

Recognizing that its maintenance activities could be streamlined and enhanced, Profol introduced the Fiix CMMS platform to improve its operational performance and quality levels by gathering, analyzing and sharing important operational data for management oversight and process improvement. In parallel, Fiix has also underpinned sustainability improvements, through speed of repairs, reduced waste and the removal of multiple manual protocols.

Malte Dieckelmann, vice president enterprise software sales, EMEA, Rockwell Automation explains: "Profol provides a perfectly illustrated example of what Fiix is designed to achieve. By extracting the right data and then putting it in the hands of those who can make the biggest difference, Profol has revolutionized its maintenance activities by cutting out the inefficiencies and scheduling issues inherent in more manual processes."

Hannes Becker, assistant technical manager and Fiix product leader at Profol explains: "We have experienced significant improvements in time to repair, quality, sustainability, and waste reduction since implementing Fiix's maintenance management software. Prior to using it we faced multiple challenges with time-consuming searches for spare parts, compounded by a lack of comprehensive information about equipment. However, with the implementation of Fiix, we see much shorter search times, improved orientation of the equipment, and simplified maintenance processes."

In the long term, Profol is looking to automate spare-parts-purchasing processes and integrating Fiix with its existing ERP and MES systems; capabilities which will further streamline maintenance management processes and increase efficiency across all its operations.

About Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 28,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries. To learn more about how we are bringing the Connected Enterprise to life across industrial enterprises, visit www.rockwellautomation.com.

About Profol GmbH

Whether office supplies, flooring, furniture films, packaging or automotive components  Profol GmbH  an owner-managed company - is the global market leader of environmentally friendly and sustainable polypropylene cast films and lightweight composites made of glass-fiber reinforced plastics. In our multi-faceted industry, we think differently and are curious about innovative products and exciting projects. From Iowa to Guangzhou  Profol operates some of the most modern cast extrusion facilities in the world at seven locations in Europe, North America and Asia. With 550 employees, we produce more than 100,000 tons of polypropylene cast films and composites per year. For more detailed information about us and our products, please visit our website at www.profol.de

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2129305/Profol_Fiix_PR___Werk2.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1981317/Rockwell_Automation_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Rockwell Automation
BEIJING, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from chinadaily.com.cn:

The World Internet Conference (WIC) Nishan Dialogue on Digital Civilization opened in Qufu, Jining city, East China's Shandong province, on June 26.

The World Internet Conference (WIC) Nishan Dialogue on Digital Civilization opened in Qufu, Jining city, East China's Shandong province, on June 26. [Photo/wicinternet.org]

The Nishan Dialogue is the first thematic event held by the WIC as an international organization.

Zhuang Rongwen, minister of Cyberspace Administration of China and chair of the WIC, attended the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech.

Lin Wu, secretary of the CPC Shandong Provincial Committee and chairman of the Standing Committee of Shandong Provincial People's Congress, and John Hoffman, CEO of Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), attended and addressed the opening ceremony.

Zhou Naixiang, deputy secretary of the CPC Shandong Provincial Committee and governor of Shandong province, attended the opening ceremony and gave a speech at the main session.

Zhuang pointed out that artificial intelligence (AI) has promoted the transformation of production, lifestyle and governance, and expanded human civilization progress.

Shandong will actively advance the creative transformation and innovative development of traditional Chinese culture, so as to make Shandong a highly-developed digitalized province, Lin noted.

Hoffman said that AI is rapidly growing into a powerful force worldwide, with a potential to reshape business and society, adding that only under the constraints of moral principles, can AI truly change the world in a better way.

After the opening ceremony, guests held discussions on such topics as "Building a Secure and Trusted AI", "AI Empowering Industries", and "Where Human Civilizations Go in the AI Era", in a bid to explore the value of history and culture in the digital age, enhance international cultural exchanges and cooperation, open new paths for the development of AI technology, and promote the development and progress of human civilization.

This event is organized by the People's Government of Shandong Province, and co-organized by the Cyberspace Administration of Shandong Province and the Jining Municipal People's Government.

About 400 representatives from governments, enterprises and academia from around the world, as well as international organizations -- such as UNESCO, GSMA, the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence, the European Committee for Standardization, and Arab Information and Communication Technologies Organization -- are participating in the event both online and on site.

SOURCE chinadaily.com.cn
LOS ANGELES , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As an Accounts Receivable (AR) accelerator and payments solution provider for accounting firms, QuickFee continues to invest in its partnerships within the CPA profession  most recently by appointing experienced industry leader Rafael Casas as Director, Strategic Alliances & Partnerships in the US.

QuickFee Appoints Rafael Casas as Director, Strategic Alliances & Partnerships

Starting on June 20, 2023, Casas now leads the US alliances and partner strategy to cultivate and deepen QuickFee's strategic relationships in the accounting profession. He is also responsible for increasing QuickFee brand awareness among CPA firms by empowering partners to become strong advocates for our unique product suite in speeding up the bill-to-cash cycle, which includes an easy online payment platform, multiple convenient payment options, and powerful e-invoicing integrations with leading practice management systems.

Casas brings almost 20 years of business development, consulting, and advisory experience in the financial technology sector and the accounting profession, across a wide variety of areas including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Robotic Process Automation (RPA), blockchain, cryptocurrency, and payments.

He also has extensive experience supporting and working alongside accounting teams within global companies like Sage, Oracle Netsuite, Hansen Technologies, and Bitwave.

Commenting on the appointment, Rafael Casas shared:

"I am thrilled and honored to join the team at QuickFee in helping CPA firms evolve their payment processes. With a renewed strategy to develop market leading solutions for the accounting profession, QuickFee is in a perfect position to capture a greater share of the US market for payments and AR acceleration. I look forward to building new relationships and working with our existing partners to identify areas of opportunity."

Jennifer Warawa, QuickFee President of North America, also commented:

"We are so pleased to welcome Rafael to our team and are fortunate to benefit from his vast expertise in both the accounting profession and the financial technology space. We know investing in these strategic alliances and partnerships is an important way to expand our reach with top CPA firms and assist them in their digital transformation journeys. With Rafael's significant experience, connections, and expertise, we can also provide more direct and intentional growth support for our alliance relationships and partnerships."

About QuickFee

QuickFee helps professional service firms eliminate late payments and reduce aging Accounts Receivable. With an easy online payment platform, multiple convenient payment options, and powerful e-invoicing integrations with practice management systems, QuickFee speeds up the work-to-cash cycle for accounting and law firms.

Through the QuickFee payment portal, accounting and legal clients can choose to pay their provider with a credit card, ACH/eCheck transfer, or a payment plan over 3-12 months. Clients can also select either one-time or recurring payments (while the firm gets paid upfront and in full every time.)

The result? Professionals can stop chasing payments, cut down on paper check processing costs, and achieve more for their clients than ever before. For more information, please visit quickfee.com.

SOURCE QuickFee
Program Tops $8.6 Million Awarded to More Than 215 Students Since 2011

SIMI VALLEY, Calif., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Last week, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, in partnership with GE, recognized this year's class of GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program recipients. Selected for their exemplary leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship, the 2023 Scholars are:

Robert Tell Bagley

Dimmitt, TX

Texas A&M University Tayleur Baker

Burns, OR

Oregon State University Lauren U.C. Ejiaga

New Orleans, LA

Louisiana State University Madylin Maron Galbreath

Ellwood City, PA

Grove City College Makenzie Lynn Gottschalk

Kingsville, TX

Texas A&M University-Kingsville Sabrina Guo

Oyster Bay, NY

Yale University Abigail Lee

Northridge, CA

Stanford University Angela Elizabeth Luca

Sunny Isles Beach, FL

University of Florida Marissa Schirmer

Lizton, IN

Ball State University Gianna Thomas

Middletown, CT

Yale University Aaron Tran

Morgan Hill, CA

Stanford University

Learn more about the 2023 recipients here .

These 11 high school graduates will receive $10,000 per year for up to four years toward college expenses. To date, the scholarship program, now in its 13th year, has awarded $8.62 million to 216 students from 42 states and attending 120 undergraduate campuses. 2023 recipients, along with members of the 2020 and 2021 classes, were recognized at an exclusive Scholars Retreat at the Reagan Library, including leadership-development activities, a community service project, and a formal awards program.

To qualify students must:

Demonstrate the attributes of leadership, integrity, drive, and citizenship within their communities, schools, and workplaces

Display strong academic performance

Be citizens of the United States of America

Be current high school seniors attending school within the United States and graduating in the current academic year

and graduating in the current academic year Plan to enroll in a fulltime undergraduate course of study at an accredited fouryear college or university in the United States for the entire upcoming academic school year

"Each year, we are proud to recognize some of the nation's most dynamic young leaders through the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program," said Janet Tran, Chief Learning Officer, Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. "The character, leadership, and tenacity of the class of 2023 was particularly inspiring, and we are eager to see them showcase these qualities in college and beyond."

"As the network of exceptional GE-Reagan Foundation Scholars grows, we are proud to play a role in deploying some of the most promising young leaders on college campuses across the country," said Julie Grzeda, Director of Early Career Talent at GE Aerospace. "We are confident these extraordinary young people will be a force for good over the next four years and well into their professional careers."

The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program has been cited by U.S. News and World Report as one of four "huge scholarships worth $10,000 or more" that students should seriously consider. Information and an online application for the 2024 GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program will be available in the fall. For information, contact [email protected] .

Congratulations to our 2023 recipients, their high schools, and the universities they plan on attending this fall. To see the full program, view it on our YouTube channel .

See attached photo.

About the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute is the sole nonprofit organization created by President Reagan charged with continuing his legacy and sharing his principles  individual liberty, economic opportunity, global democracy and national pride. The Foundation is a non-partisan organization which sustains the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, CA, the Reagan Center for Public Affairs, the Presidential Learning Center, The Air Force One Pavilion, the award-winning Reagan Leadership Center and the Reagan Institute, which carries out the Foundation's mission in Washington, D.C.

The Reagan Library houses over 55 million pages of Gubernatorial, Presidential and personal papers and over 60,000 gifts and artifacts chronicling the lives of Ronald and Nancy Reagan. It also serves as the final resting place of America's 40th President and former First Lady Nancy Reagan.

About GE

GE (NYSE:GE) rises to the challenge of building a world that works. For more than 125 years, GE has invented the future of industry, and today the company's dedicated team, leading technology, and global reach and capabilities help the world work more efficiently, reliably, and safely. GE's people are diverse and dedicated, operating with the highest level of integrity and focus to fulfill GE's mission and deliver for its customers. www.ge.com

SOURCE The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute
ASUNCION, Paraguay, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Republic of Paraguay (" Paraguay ") announced today the commencement of an offer to purchase for cash (the " Offer ") from each registered holder or beneficial owner (each, a " Holder " and, collectively, the " Holders ") outstanding bonds set forth in the table below (the " Existing Bonds "), such that the maximum amount to be paid for the Existing Bonds validly tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offer, not including interest accrued and unpaid thereon, is to be determined by Paraguay in its sole discretion (the " Maximum Purchase Price "). The terms and conditions of the Offer are set forth in the offer document, dated June 28, 2023 (the " Offer Document ").

The Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum participation of the Existing Bonds, but is conditioned, among other things, on the concurrent (or earlier) closing of a new series of global bonds due 2035 to be denominated in U.S. dollars (the " New Bonds "), in an aggregate principal amount, with pricing and on terms and conditions acceptable to Paraguay in its sole discretion (the " New Bonds Offering "). The New Bonds Offering will be made solely by means of an offering memorandum relating to that offering of the New Bonds, and neither this announcement nor the Offer Document constitutes an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the New Bonds.

The purchase price to be paid per U.S.$1,000 principal amount of each series of Existing Bonds that are accepted pursuant to the Offer will be an amount equal to the fixed price indicated in the table below (the " Purchase Price "). In addition to the Purchase Price, Holders whose Existing Bonds are accepted for purchase in the Offer will also receive any accrued and unpaid interest from, and including, the last interest payment date for such Existing Bonds up to, but excluding, the Settlement Date (the " Accrued Interest "). If the aggregate Purchase Price for all validly tendered Existing Bonds (the " Tendered Aggregate Purchase Price ") would exceed the Maximum Purchase Price, then Paraguay will, in its sole discretion, apply a proration factor to the Tenders (as defined below).

Existing

Bonds Outstanding Principal

Amount as of June 27, 2023

ISIN

CUSIP Purchase Price (per

US$1,000 Principal

Amount) (1) 5.000% Bonds

due 2026 US$527,125,000 US699149AC49 USP75744AD76 699149AC4 P75744AD7 US$996.25



(1) In addition, investors will receive Accrued Interest, as described below

Existing Bonds may be tendered only in the principal amount equal to the minimum authorized denomination of US$150,000 and in integral multiples of US$1,000 in excess thereof (the " Minimum Denomination "). Holders who tender less than all of their Existing Bonds must continue to hold Existing Bonds in at least the Minimum Denomination of US$150,000 principal amount.

Paraguay reserves the right, in its sole discretion, not to accept any valid orders to tender Existing Bonds in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Offer (" Tenders "), to modify the Purchase Price for the Existing Bonds, or to terminate the Offer for any reason. In the event of a termination of the Offer, the tendered Existing Bonds will be returned to the tendering Holder.

If Paraguay accepts all or a portion of a Holder's Tender, the Holder will be entitled to receive for such Existing Bonds the applicable Purchase Price plus Accrued Interest, which will be paid on the Settlement Date (as defined below), if the conditions of the Offer are met.

The Offer commenced at or around 8:00 a.m., New York time, on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 and, unless extended or earlier terminated, expire at 5:00 p.m., New York time on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 (the " Expiration Time "). Holders who have validly tendered their Existing Bonds may withdraw such Existing Bonds at any time at or prior to the Expiration Time. The settlement of the Offer is scheduled to occur on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 (the " Settlement Date ").

At or about 9:00 a.m. (New York City time) on Thursday, July 6, 2023, subject to change without notice, Paraguay expects to announce: (i) the aggregate principal amount of Tenders of the Existing Bonds that have been received on or prior to the Expiration Time; (ii) the Maximum Purchase Price; (iii) the Tendered Aggregate Purchase Price, (iv) the aggregate principal amount of Tenders of the Existing Bonds that have been accepted; and (v) any proration of Tenders of the Existing Bonds. Such announcement may be conditioned on the consummation of the New Bonds Offering.

Tenders for Existing Bonds must be submitted through a direct participant in The Depository Trust Company (" DTC "), Euroclear Bank SA/NV, as operator of the Euroclear System (" Euroclear "), or Clearstream Banking, S.A. (" Clearstream "), as applicable, in accordance with the procedures and deadlines established by each such clearing system. Any Holder that holds Existing Bonds through a custodian cannot submit a Tender directly and should instead contact its custodian to instruct the direct participant to submit a Tender on its behalf. There is no letter of transmittal or guaranteed delivery procedures for the Offer.

You are advised to consult with the broker, dealer, bank, custodian, trust company, or other nominee through which you hold your Existing Bonds as to the deadlines by which such intermediary would require receipt of instruction from you to participate in the Offer in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Offer as described in the Offer Document in order to meet the deadlines set forth in the Offer Document. The deadlines set by DTC, Euroclear, Clearstream, or any such intermediary for the submission of Existing Bonds may be earlier than the relevant deadlines specified in the Offer Document. The acceptance of any Tenders forwarded to DTC from Euroclear or Clearstream after the Expiration Time will be in the sole discretion of Paraguay.

The complete terms and conditions of the Offer are set forth in the Offer Document, together with any amendments or supplements thereto, which holders are urged to read carefully before making any decision with respect to the Offer.

Global Bondholder Services Corporation is serving as the depositary agent and the information agent in connection with the Offer (the " Tender and Information Agent "), and the Offer Document may be downloaded from the Tender and Information Agent's website indicated below or obtained from the Tender and Information Agent at the contact below:

Contact information: Global Bondholder Services Corporation Attention: Corporate Actions 65 Broadway  Suite 404 New York, NY 10006 Banks and Brokers Call: +1 (212) 430-3774 All Others Call: +1 (855)-654-2015 website: http://www.gbsc-usa.com/paraguay

, or from any of the Dealer Managers.

The dealer managers (the " Dealer Managers ") for the Offer are:

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

388 Greenwich Street, 4th Floor Trading

New York, New York 10013 United States of America



Attention: Liability Management Group Collect: +1 (212) 723-6106 Toll free: +1 (800) 558-3745 Itau BBA USA Securities

540 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor,

New York, New York 10022

United States of America



Attention: DCM Collect: +1 (212) 710-6749

Questions regarding the Offer may be directed to and the Offer Document may be obtained from the Dealer Managers at the above contact.

Republic of Paraguay

c/o Ministerio de Hacienda

Chile 128

Asuncion 001101

Paraguay

Important Notice

The New Bonds Offering will be made solely by means of an offering memorandum relating to that offering. Before you invest, you should read the offering memorandum for more complete information about Paraguay and such offering. You may not participate in the New Bonds Offering unless you have received and reviewed the offering memorandum related to that offering, and not in reliance on, or on the basis of, this announcement. The New Bonds will be offered only to qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A and to non-U.S. persons outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act, and will not be registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction.

This announcement is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell the Existing Bonds. The Offer will be made only by and pursuant to the terms of the Offer Document, as may be amended or supplemented from time to time.

The distribution of materials relating to the New Bonds Offering and the Offer, and the transactions contemplated by the New Bonds Offering and Offer, may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Each of the New Bonds Offering and the Offer is made only in those jurisdictions where it is legal to do so. The New Bonds Offering and the Offer are void in all jurisdictions where they are prohibited. If materials relating to the New Bonds Offering or the Offer come into your possession, you are required to inform yourself of and to observe all of these restrictions. Each person accepting the Offer shall be deemed to have represented, warranted and agreed (in respect of itself and any person for whom it is acting) that it is not a person to whom it is unlawful to make the Offer pursuant to the Offer Document, it has not distributed or forwarded the Offer Document or any other documents or materials relating to the Offer to any such person, and that it has complied with all laws and regulations applicable to it for purposes of participating in the Offer. Neither Paraguay nor the Dealer Managers accepts any responsibility for any violation by any person of the restrictions applicable in any jurisdiction.

The materials relating to the New Bonds Offering and the Offer do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation in any place where offers or solicitations are not permitted by law. If a jurisdiction requires that the New Bonds Offering or the Offer be made by a licensed broker or dealer and a Dealer Manager or any affiliate of a Dealer Manager is a licensed broker or dealer in that jurisdiction, the New Bonds Offering or the Offer, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be made by the Dealer Manager or such affiliate in that jurisdiction. Owners who may lawfully participate in the Offer in accordance with the terms thereof are referred to as "holders."

Stabilization/FCA

In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom, this communication is only addressed to and directed at qualified investors in that Member State within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129.

This announcement is not an invitation nor is it intended to be an inducement to engage in investment activity for the purpose of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 of the United Kingdom. This announcement is only being distributed to and is only directed: at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the " Order ") or (iii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). Any New Bonds will only be available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such New Bonds will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this announcement or any of its contents.

SOURCE The Republic of Paraguay
SHENZHEN, China, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Resiners, a leading equipment brand for resin art, has released an all-new AirLess Bubble Removal Machine to the international market. The pioneering product is the first portable bubble removal machine on the market that tackles the bubbles in resin creations efficiently and effectively with more fun - deeply removing 99 percent of bubbles in 5 to 9 minutes to achieve smooth and flawless resin.

With -95kPa ultra-high vacuum, Resiners' proprietary UltraVaca technology provides a 90% higher vacuum than traditional household vacuum pumps, and it is coupled with automatic eccentric rotor technology allowing for a high extraction speed of 12L/min, which is 400 percent faster than traditional household vacuum pumps. The high polymer silicone ring cover keeps the vacuum degree at -95kPa during operation, ensuring consistent effectiveness, and efficiency.

The Airless Bubble Removal Machine features a smart one-click touch screen with dual time modes that enable users to adjust bubble removal time to suit the different needs of resin art craft, while reading the vacuum progress in real time.

The machine is made of premium ultra-high-strength PC material that can withstand high negative pressure to ensure safety. Functions such as auto power-off and safety protection also make the operation easier and worry-free.

The 2.23L bottle fits all standard mixing cups up to 500ml on the market. Its compact design offers a significant advantage as it takes up less room in the work area, making it ideal for resin enthusiasts to use in their studios or at home. Its internal noise reduction structure also effectively reduces noise to no more than 56 decibels, which is a 50% reduction compared to traditional vacuum machines.

"Resiners is committed to becoming a leading brand in the resin art crafting industry, empowering resin artists around the world to create flawless masterpieces with our cutting-edge technology and innovative products, we believe everyone can express themselves through the arts, and we are honored to be a part of this journey," said Chuck, the founder of Resiners.

Aiming to improve the efficiency and quality of the processes of epoxy resin curing and mixing, Resiners has released three professional equipment - the resin curing machine, resin dryer box for cup turner, and resin bubble removal machine. With over one year of research and 5000 tests, Resiners has found the optimum parameters of temperature and time for resin curing, and has upgraded the technology of 3D thermal cycle to achieve even curing of resin in two hours throughout every season.

Holding the belief of "Never lose your passion and creativity," Resiners has developed easy-to-use products and innovative designs which are perfect for anyone looking to explore their creative side.

The AirLess Bubble Removal Machine is now available on Amazon US, and official website with global shipping; and will be available on Amazon UK starting in August.

About Resiners

Resiners is the leading brand for resin art DIY enthusiasts, offering the first-ever resin curing machine and bubble removal machine for resin projects. Our commitment is to make resin art more efficient, fun, and accessible than ever before, with our slogan being "where art and tech meet". At Resiners, we're passionate about helping people realize their artistic potential, believing that everyone has a creative spark waiting to be ignited.

As a company with a mission to make resin art accessible to everyone, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the highest quality products and exceptional customer service. In addition to our bubble removal machine and resin curing machine, we have also developed other products that will be launched in the second half of the year. Resiners is an innovative brand that is changing the way of resin making. We believe that innovation is the key driver in the development of resin art, and we are committed to providing users with better and more innovative resin-making tools and experiences.

For more information about Resiners, please visit https://resiners.com/

SOURCE Resiners
NEW YORK, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- RIND Snacks , the sustainable snack brand on a mission to maximize nutrition and minimize food waste, has announced the expansion of its whole fruit snack line with the launch of RIND REMIX  an elevated and edgy twist on trail mix.

RIND REMIX Product Image RIND REMIX Costco Launch

Packed with fiber, protein and heart healthy fats, REMIX is a nutrient-dense and balanced snack mix to help power busy snackers through the daily grind. Featuring RIND's signature dried fruit blended with roasted nuts and dusted with deliciously distinct fruit seasonings, REMIX is the perfect combination of sweet and salty. The first flavor in the new line, Pina Colada, is a refreshingly addictive summertime blend of diced pineapple, organic coconut crisps and dry roasted, sweet-salted cashews.

"We're thrilled to mix things up with REMIX and extend RIND's sustainable portfolio into crave-able and flavorful fruit and nut snack mixes," said Matt Weiss, Founder and CEO of RIND Snacks. "Pina Colada is such a dynamic and bright flavor that pairs perfectly with our upcycled pineapples, crunchy coconut crisps and roasted cashews to deliver an irresistibly sweet and salty crunch with each bite."

Starting now, RIND REMIX is available exclusively at Costco stores throughout the Los Angeles region with broader availability and additional flavors launching this fall. "We can't wait for Costco consumers to experience RIND REMIX this summer and we look forward to future fruitful innovation in the months ahead," said Weiss.

About RIND Snacks:

RIND is a line of functional and sustainable snacks that encourage consumers to 'Keep it Real & Eat the Peel.' Launched in 2018, RIND is the result of a multigenerational family focus on delicious, all-natural foods that sustain personal and planetary health. RIND is packed with fiber and vitamins and helps fight food waste by using upcycled produce that would otherwise be discarded. RIND products are non-GMO Verified, Kosher, naturally vegan and gluten free. For more info, visit rindsnacks.com or follow @rindsnacks on social.

Contact:

Sandy Blumberg

[email protected]

858-281-1095

SOURCE RIND Snacks
NEW YORK, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The global sales intelligence market is estimated to grow by USD 2,940.9 million from 2022 to 2027. The market's growth momentum will be progressing at a CAGR of 14.76%. The increasing adoption of a cloud-based solution is driving market growth. The market is segmented by Deployment (Cloud-based and On-premise), Component (Software and Services), and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America). The market share growth by the cloud-based segment will be significant during the forecast period. Due to the cloud-based deployment, automation can be integrated with other healthcare software systems, including online booking and web-based payment and billing software. Cloud-based healthcare information software solutions are less expensive and more cost-effective than on-premises deployment due to features offered by service providers with flexible payment options such as recurring monthly payments and pay-as-you-go plans. The rising adoption of a cloud-based solution drives market growth. Owing to the growth of IoT technology and internet adoption, cloud-based applications and services like Heroku, SAP Cloud, AWS Elastic, and Skype are becoming more popular. Hence, the global sales intelligence market is anticipated to experience rapid growth during the forecast period due to the significant increase in the adoption of cloud-based solutions across numerous industries. Download a Sample Report Now!

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Sales Intelligence Market 2023-2027

Sales Intelligence Market Insights -

Vendors : 15+, Including APIHub Inc., Cognism Ltd., Crystal Project Inc., Data Axle Inc., Demandbase Inc., Dun and Bradstreet Holdings Inc., Gryphon Networks Corp., HG Insights Inc., Lead411 Corp., LeadIQ Inc., LinkedIn Corp., List Partners LLC, Oracle Corp., Outreach Corp., SalesIntel Research Inc., UpLead LLC, Vainu. io Software Oy, Yesware Inc., Zoho Corp. Pvt. Ltd., and ZoomInfo Technologies Inc., among others

: 15+, Including APIHub Inc., Cognism Ltd., Crystal Project Inc., Data Axle Inc., Demandbase Inc., Dun and Bradstreet Holdings Inc., Gryphon Networks Corp., HG Insights Inc., Lead411 Corp., LeadIQ Inc., LinkedIn Corp., List Partners LLC, Oracle Corp., Outreach Corp., SalesIntel Research Inc., UpLead LLC, Vainu. io Software Oy, Yesware Inc., Zoho Corp. Pvt. Ltd., and ZoomInfo Technologies Inc., among others Coverage: Parent market analysis; key drivers, major trends, and challenges; customer and vendor landscape; vendor product insights and recent developments; key vendors; and market positioning of vendors

Parent market analysis; key drivers, major trends, and challenges; customer and vendor landscape; vendor product insights and recent developments; key vendors; and market positioning of vendors Segments: Deployment (Cloud-based and On-premise), Component (Software and Services), and Geography ( North America , Europe , APAC, Middle East and Africa , and South America )

To understand more about the Sales Intelligence market, request a sample report

Sales intelligence market - Vendor Insights

The growing competition in the market is compelling vendors to adopt various growth strategies such as promotional activities and spending on advertisements to improve the visibility of their services. Technavio report analyzes the market's competitive landscape and offers information on several market vendors, including APIHub Inc., Cognism Ltd., Crystal Project Inc., Data Axle Inc., Demandbase Inc., Dun and Bradstreet Holdings Inc., Gryphon Networks Corp., HG Insights Inc., Lead411 Corp., LeadIQ Inc., LinkedIn Corp., List Partners LLC, Oracle Corp., Outreach Corp., SalesIntel Research Inc., UpLead LLC, Vainu. io Software Oy, Yesware Inc., Zoho Corp. Pvt. Ltd., and ZoomInfo Technologies Inc.

Sales Intelligence Market  Market Dynamics

Major Trends -

Exponential growth of marketing intelligence is an emerging market trend influencing the growth of the sales intelligence market during the forecast period.

The adoption of marketing intelligence among organizations operating in different industry verticals is rising significantly due to the rising demand for automated software to collect essential information that facilitates analysis and insightful decisions.

Thus, the increasing need for a continuous and established process for identifying changing market conditions has enhanced the demand for market intelligence solutions.

Marketing intelligence has also led to the automated collection of data that target key customers, further enhancing the B2B processes and fueling the demand for sales intelligence solutions. The growing need for insightful data among organizations and the rising adoption of marketing intelligence e-platforms are also accelerating the adoption of sales intelligence solutions.

Such factors will create growth opportunities for the global sales intelligence market during the forecast period.

Key challenges -

Data security and privacy are a growing concern that challenges the growth of the sales intelligence market.

Cloud-based sales intelligence software is a convenient and cost-effective solution for managing sales teams in an organization. Hosting confidential information on the cloud can make it available to the public and others. However, organizations will only transfer their data or information to the cloud if the services are secure and reliable.

Adopting cloud-based sales intelligence software reduces the organization's control over the data, and consulting firms become more dependent on cloud computing service providers. The risk of information leakage is also high, which could result in the misuse or manipulation of data.

Therefore, increasing concerns related to data security are many compelling organizations, especially SMEs, to delay the adoption of cloud-based sales intelligence software.

While deploying cloud-based sales intelligence solutions, the data is with the vendors, which increases the chances of security violations. In a multi-tenant model, the risk of information leakage is high.

Sales intelligence solution vendors are concerned about security and are introducing measures to prevent any security breaches, as these significantly negatively impact their productivity and reputation.

Drivers, Trends and challenges have an impact on market dynamics, which can impact businesses. Find more insights in a sample report!

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What are the key data covered in this Sales Intelligence Market report?

CAGR of the market during the forecast period

Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the sales intelligence market between 2023 and 2027

Precise estimation of the size of the sales intelligence market and its contribution to the market with a focus on the parent market

Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

Growth of the sales intelligence market across North America , Europe , APAC, Middle East and Africa , and South America

, , APAC, and , and A thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about vendors

Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of sales intelligence market vendors

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Sales Intelligence Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 14.76% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 2,940.9 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 14.32 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America Performing market contribution North America at 40% Key countries US, China, Japan, UK, and Germany Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled APIHub Inc., Cognism Ltd., Crystal Project Inc., Data Axle Inc., Demandbase Inc., Dun and Bradstreet Holdings Inc., Gryphon Networks Corp., HG Insights Inc., Lead411 Corp., LeadIQ Inc., LinkedIn Corp., List Partners LLC, Oracle Corp., Outreach Corp., SalesIntel Research Inc., UpLead LLC, Vainu. io Software Oy, Yesware Inc., Zoho Corp. Pvt. Ltd., and ZoomInfo Technologies Inc. Market dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized.

Table of Contents

1 Executive Summary

1.1 Market overview

Exhibit 01: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Overview



Exhibit 02: Executive Summary  Data Table on Market Overview



Exhibit 03: Executive Summary  Chart on Global Market Characteristics



Exhibit 04: Executive Summary  Chart on Market by Geography



Exhibit 05: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Segmentation by Deployment



Exhibit 06: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Segmentation by Component



Exhibit 07: Executive Summary  Chart on Incremental Growth



Exhibit 08: Executive Summary  Data Table on Incremental Growth



Exhibit 09: Executive Summary  Chart on Vendor Market Positioning

2 Market Landscape

2.1 Market ecosystem

Exhibit 10: Parent market



Exhibit 11: Market Characteristics

3 Market Sizing

3.1 Market definition

Exhibit 12: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition

3.2 Market segment analysis

Exhibit 13: Market segments

3.3 Market size 2022

3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2022-2027

Exhibit 14: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 15: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 16: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 17: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

4 Historic Market Size

4.1 Global sales intelligence market 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 18: Historic Market Size  Data Table on Global sales intelligence market 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

4.2 Deployment Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 19: Historic Market Size  Deployment Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

4.3 Component Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 20: Historic Market Size  Component Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

4.4 Geography Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 21: Historic Market Size  Geography Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

4.5 Country Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 22: Historic Market Size  Country Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

5 Five Forces Analysis

5.1 Five forces summary

Exhibit 23: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2022 and 2027

5.2 Bargaining power of buyers

Exhibit 24: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers  Impact of key factors 2022 and 2027

5.3 Bargaining power of suppliers

Exhibit 25: Bargaining power of suppliers  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.4 Threat of new entrants

Exhibit 26: Threat of new entrants  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.5 Threat of substitutes

Exhibit 27: Threat of substitutes  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.6 Threat of rivalry

Exhibit 28: Threat of rivalry  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.7 Market condition

Exhibit 29: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2022 and 2027

6 Market Segmentation by Deployment

6.1 Market segments

Exhibit 30: Chart on Deployment - Market share 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 31: Data Table on Deployment - Market share 2022-2027 (%)

6.2 Comparison by Deployment

Exhibit 32: Chart on Comparison by Deployment



Exhibit 33: Data Table on Comparison by Deployment

6.3 Cloud-based - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 34: Chart on Cloud-based - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 35: Data Table on Cloud-based - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 36: Chart on Cloud-based - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 37: Data Table on Cloud-based - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.4 On-premise - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 38: Chart on On-premise - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 39: Data Table on On-premise - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 40: Chart on On-premise - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 41: Data Table on On-premise - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.5 Market opportunity by Deployment

Exhibit 42: Market opportunity by Deployment ($ million)



Exhibit 43: Data Table on Market opportunity by Deployment ($ million)

7 Market Segmentation by Component

7.1 Market segments

Exhibit 44: Chart on Component - Market share 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 45: Data Table on Component - Market share 2022-2027 (%)

7.2 Comparison by Component

Exhibit 46: Chart on Comparison by Component



Exhibit 47: Data Table on Comparison by Component

7.3 Software - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 48: Chart on Software - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 49: Data Table on Software - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 50: Chart on Software - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 51: Data Table on Software - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

7.4 Services - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 52: Chart on Services - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 53: Data Table on Services - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 54: Chart on Services - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 55: Data Table on Services - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

7.5 Market opportunity by Component

Exhibit 56: Market opportunity by Component ($ million)



Exhibit 57: Data Table on Market opportunity by Component ($ million)

8 Customer Landscape

8.1 Customer landscape overview

Exhibit 58: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria

9 Geographic Landscape

9.1 Geographic segmentation

Exhibit 59: Chart on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 60: Data Table on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%)

9.2 Geographic comparison

Exhibit 61: Chart on Geographic comparison



Exhibit 62: Data Table on Geographic comparison

9.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 63: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 64: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 65: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 66: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.4 Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 67: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 68: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 69: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 70: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.5 APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 71: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 72: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 73: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 74: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.6 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 75: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 76: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 77: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

and - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 78: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.7 South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 79: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 80: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 81: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 82: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.8 US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 83: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 84: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 85: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 86: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.9 UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 87: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 88: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 89: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 90: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.10 China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 91: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 92: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 93: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 94: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.11 Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 95: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 96: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 97: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 98: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.12 Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 99: Chart on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 100: Data Table on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 101: Chart on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 102: Data Table on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

9.13 Market opportunity by geography

Exhibit 103: Market opportunity by geography ($ million)



Exhibit 104: Data Tables on Market opportunity by geography ($ million)

10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10.1 Market drivers

10.2 Market challenges

10.3 Impact of drivers and challenges

Exhibit 105: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2022 and 2027

10.4 Market trends

11 Vendor Landscape

11.1 Overview

11.2 Vendor landscape

Exhibit 106: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation

11.3 Landscape disruption

Exhibit 107: Overview on factors of disruption

11.4 Industry risks

Exhibit 108: Impact of key risks on business

12 Vendor Analysis

12.1 Vendors covered

Exhibit 109: Vendors covered

12.2 Market positioning of vendors

Exhibit 110: Matrix on vendor position and classification

12.3 APIHub Inc.

Exhibit 111: APIHub Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 112: APIHub Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 113: APIHub Inc. - Key offerings

12.4 Crystal Project Inc.

Exhibit 114: Crystal Project Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 115: Crystal Project Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 116: Crystal Project Inc. - Key offerings

12.5 Data Axle Inc.

Exhibit 117: Data Axle Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 118: Data Axle Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 119: Data Axle Inc. - Key offerings

12.6 Demandbase Inc.

Exhibit 120: Demandbase Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 121: Demandbase Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 122: Demandbase Inc. - Key news



Exhibit 123: Demandbase Inc. - Key offerings

12.7 Dun and Bradstreet Holdings Inc.

Exhibit 124: Dun and Bradstreet Holdings Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 125: Dun and Bradstreet Holdings Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 126: Dun and Bradstreet Holdings Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 127: Dun and Bradstreet Holdings Inc. - Segment focus

12.8 Gryphon Networks Corp.

Exhibit 128: Gryphon Networks Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 129: Gryphon Networks Corp. - Product / Service



Exhibit 130: Gryphon Networks Corp. - Key offerings

12.9 HG Insights Inc.

Exhibit 131: HG Insights Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 132: HG Insights Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 133: HG Insights Inc. - Key offerings

12.10 LeadIQ Inc.

Exhibit 134: LeadIQ Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 135: LeadIQ Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 136: LeadIQ Inc. - Key offerings

12.11 LinkedIn Corp.

Exhibit 137: LinkedIn Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 138: LinkedIn Corp. - Product / Service



Exhibit 139: LinkedIn Corp. - Key offerings

12.12 List Partners LLC

Exhibit 140: List Partners LLC - Overview



Exhibit 141: List Partners LLC - Product / Service



Exhibit 142: List Partners LLC - Key offerings

12.13 Oracle Corp.

Exhibit 143: Oracle Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 144: Oracle Corp. - Business segments



Exhibit 145: Oracle Corp. - Key news



Exhibit 146: Oracle Corp. - Key offerings



Exhibit 147: Oracle Corp. - Segment focus

12.14 Outreach Corp.

Exhibit 148: Outreach Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 149: Outreach Corp. - Product / Service



Exhibit 150: Outreach Corp. - Key offerings

12.15 SalesIntel Research Inc.

Exhibit 151: SalesIntel Research Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 152: SalesIntel Research Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 153: SalesIntel Research Inc. - Key offerings

12.16 UpLead LLC

Exhibit 154: UpLead LLC - Overview



Exhibit 155: UpLead LLC - Product / Service



Exhibit 156: UpLead LLC - Key offerings

12.17 ZoomInfo Technologies Inc.

Exhibit 157: ZoomInfo Technologies Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 158: ZoomInfo Technologies Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 159: ZoomInfo Technologies Inc. - Key offerings

13 Appendix

13.1 Scope of the report

13.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist

Exhibit 160: Inclusions checklist



Exhibit 161: Exclusions checklist

13.3 Currency conversion rates for US$

Exhibit 162: Currency conversion rates for US$

13.4 Research methodology

Exhibit 163: Research methodology



Exhibit 164: Validation techniques employed for market sizing



Exhibit 165: Information sources

13.5 List of abbreviations

Exhibit 166: List of abbreviations

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DUBLIN, June 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Satellite Spectrum Monitoring Market - A Global and Regional Analysis: Focus on End User, Frequency, Solution, Service, and Country - Analysis and Forecast, 2023-2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global satellite spectrum monitoring market is estimated to reach $8.38 billion in 2033, reveals the premium market intelligence study. The study also highlights that the market is set to witness a CAGR of 8.78% during the forecast period 2023-2033.

The satellite spectrum monitoring market is driven by several factors, including the surging demand for satellite-based communication systems and deep space communication networks. The application of satellite spectrum monitoring market is in various fields such as aerospace, marine, military, and government.

Satellite spectrum monitoring enables the detection of illegal radio frequency interference (RFI) sources, which allows satellite operators to take necessary actions to limit interference and preserve the quality and reliability of satellite communication by recognizing and pinpointing sources of interference.

Currently, the trend toward more automated and software-defined monitoring systems is major progress. Traditional human monitoring methods have mostly been substituted by smart software systems capable of continually and automatically analyzing enormous amounts of spectrum data in real time.

Advanced algorithms and machine learning approaches are used in these systems to detect and categorize diverse signals, identify interference sources, and offer operators actionable information.

Industrial Impact

The satellite spectrum monitoring solutions and technological advancements in the field are expected to have a positive impact on the global market for satellite spectrum monitoring.

Several organizations, research institutes, and government agencies are working to introduce newer technologies into the global satellite spectrum monitoring market. When compared to satellite spectrum monitoring tools such as spectrum analyzers, antennas, and direction finders, the demand for vector signal analyzers stands out as the solution in high demand.

In recent years, satellite spectrum monitoring has registered an exponential surge in demand from the defense industry, with high demands for satellite spectrum monitoring solutions such as spectrum analyzers reaching record heights. Additionally, due to the rising demand for satellite services, the growth of satellite constellations, and the advent of new frequency bands for satellite communications, satellite spectrum monitoring has grown in significance during the past few years.

For instance, in August 2022, Calian Group Ltd. signed a contract with NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre to supply a third highly effective antenna for the very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) global observing system (VGOS) of NASA. The NASA Space Geodesy Project, which works to maintain the global geodetic infrastructure of various networks and individual ground stations, including the NASA VGOS network of antennas, would use this 12m high-performance Calian antenna.

Market Segmentation

Military End User to Continue its Dominance as the Leading End User Segment

The satellite spectrum monitoring market is led by the military industry, with a 28.99% share in 2023. Rising military advancements and demands for satellite spectrum monitoring products and solutions in the coming years are driving the growth of the satellite spectrum monitoring market.

Satellite-based surveillance and information collection are made possible because of satellite spectrum monitoring in the military. Satellites with cutting-edge image and sensor technology offer crucial intelligence and reconnaissance data for military operations. Spectrum monitoring helps to ensure efficient data transfer, allocate satellite bandwidth efficiently, and find any interference that can impair surveillance capabilities.

It is expected that the sales of satellite spectrum monitoring products and services will continue the same trend in the coming years and contribute significantly to the growth of the satellite spectrum monitoring market during the forecast period. For instance, the U.S. military uses satellite spectrum monitoring to improve its electronic warfare capabilities.

Hardware to Witness the Highest Growth between 2023 and 2033

The satellite spectrum monitoring market is expected to be dominated by the hardware segment in 2023, with a 51.87% share in terms of revenue due to the high demand for satellite spectrum monitoring products and growing demand for analyzers, direction finders, and antennas, among others.

Additionally, the hardware segment comprises antennas, spectrum monitoring receivers, data processing and storage systems, and signal analyzers that make up hardware components in the satellite spectrum monitoring industry that are required for the collection, analysis, processing, and administration of radio frequency signals.

These hardware solutions provide comprehensive spectrum monitoring, interference detection, spectrum utilization optimization, and regulatory compliance. The capabilities and efficacy of satellite spectrum monitoring systems are continually being enhanced via the development and integration of hardware technologies.

For instance, Anritsu Corporation's Spectrum Analyzer/Signal Analyzer MS2850A is a spectrum analyzer/signal analyzer with a frequency range of 9 kHz to either 32 GHz or 44.5 GHz with a maximum analysis bandwidth of 1 GHz. It offers all-in-one coverage from the sub-6 GHz to millimeter-wave 28 GHz/39 GHz bands and supports wideband communications measurements, such as 5G mobile communications and broadcast satellite equipment.

Europe was the highest-growing market among all the regions registering a CAGR of 8.68%.

Europe is anticipated to gain traction in terms of satellite spectrum monitoring product production owing to the presence of a large number of satellite spectrum monitoring manufacturers such as CRFS Limited, Integrasys S.A, Sky and Space Company Limited, and Atos. Moreover, favorable government policies are also expected to support the growth of the satellite spectrum monitoring market in Europe and Asia-Pacific during the forecast period.

In Europe, France is anticipated to show the highest growth in the satellite spectrum monitoring market among other countries in Europe, such as U.K. and Germany. France is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 9.27%. The growth of France in the satellite spectrum monitoring market is mainly due to the factors such as increasing demand for broadband connectivity and increasing support for space research and exploration.

Key Market Players and Competition Synopsis

The companies that are profiled have been selected based on thorough secondary research, which includes analyzing company coverage, product portfolio, market penetration, and insights, which are gathered from primary experts.

The top solution segment, which is leading, includes satellite spectrum monitoring hardware manufacturers that capture around 74% of the presence in the market. Players in other industries, such as satellite spectrum monitoring software manufacturers, account for approximately 26% of the presence in the market.

Recent Developments in the Satellite Spectrum Monitoring Market

In November 2022 , Rohde & Schwarz GmbH& Co. signed a contract with the German Federal Network Agency for Electricity, Gas, Telecommunications, Post and Railway to supply them with 12 R&S PR200 portable monitoring receivers' addition to the 62 units delivered the year before. The R&S PR200 was picked by the regulatory body due to its superior RF characteristics, quick signal processing, and well-engineered operability.

, Rohde & Schwarz GmbH& Co. signed a contract with the German Federal Network Agency for Electricity, Gas, Telecommunications, Post and Railway to supply them with 12 R&S PR200 portable monitoring receivers' addition to the 62 units delivered the year before. The R&S PR200 was picked by the regulatory body due to its superior RF characteristics, quick signal processing, and well-engineered operability. In September 2022 , National Instruments Corporation signed a partnership with ANDRO as its third-party software partner. It is a low-cost SDR that is frequently used for complicated system design and rapid prototyping. The USRP is a great choice for many applications, including basic record-and-playback devices, spectrum monitoring systems, and even complete cellular networks, because of its versatility, cost, and ease of use.

, National Instruments Corporation signed a partnership with ANDRO as its third-party software partner. It is a low-cost SDR that is frequently used for complicated system design and rapid prototyping. The USRP is a great choice for many applications, including basic record-and-playback devices, spectrum monitoring systems, and even complete cellular networks, because of its versatility, cost, and ease of use. In August 2022 , Calian Group Ltd. signed a contract with NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre to supply a third highly effective antenna for the very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) global observing system (VGOS) of NASA. The NASA Space Geodesy Project, which works to maintain the global geodetic infrastructure of various networks and individual ground stations, including the NASA VGOS network of antennas, would use this 12m high-performance Calian antenna.

Business Dynamics

Business Drivers

Increasing Demand for Satellite-Based Communication Services

Deep Space Communication Networks

Space Debris Mitigation

Industry Trends

Non-Geostationary Satellite Operators (NGSO) Networks

Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT)

Spectrum Sharing

Business Strategies

Partnerships, Collaborations, Agreements, and Contracts

Business Opportunities

Increasing Adoption of Satellite Connectivity for IoT Applications

Industry Outlook

Role of Satellite Spectrum Monitoring in Satellite Communication Industry

Relevant System Solutions for SatCom Monitoring

Business Challenges

High Equipment and Infrastructure Cost

Rapidly Evolving Technology

Regulatory Framework of Key Countries

International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Regulations on Satellite Communications

Summary of Bands Covered by Current Projects

SKY Perfect JSAT C-Band Spectrum Monitoring Facility

National Science Foundation's Spectrum Innovation Initiative (SII)

MilSpace 2 Project

European Space Agency (ESA) Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) Programme

Supply Chain Analysis

Key Companies Profiled

Anritsu Corporation

Atos

Calian Group Ltd.

Clearbox Systems

CRFS Limited

EXFO Inc.

Integrasys S.A.

Keysight Technologies

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.

Narda Safety Test Solutions

National Instruments Corporation

Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co.

ST Engineering iDirect

SatSignature

Tektronix

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/xf9tl5

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Swedish-Swiss tech solutions multinational corporation ABB is expanding its investments in the Egyptian market, Sherif Ismail, ABB Egypts vice president and the electrification commercial leader Egypt and Central Africa, told Ahram Online.
ATLANTA, June 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Savannah baby Keira Harris celebrated her first birthday with a $5,529 contribution to her college savings and a $1,529 contribution to St. Joseph's/Candler Hospital, the hospital where she was born. Harris won Georgia's 2022 Path2College 529 Plan Newborn Sweepstakes sponsored by the state's Path2College Plan.

"Empowering our daughters to pursue their dreams is priceless, and we saw the 529 Sweepstakes entry as an incredible opportunity to invest in their potential," said Rachel Harris, Keira's mom.

The Path2College 529 Plan Newborn Sweepstakes has awarded more than $60,000 to Georgia children's college savings since it was established in 2011.

"We are proud to promote financial planning for education through the Path2College Newborn Sweepstakes," said Georgia Student Finance Commission President Lynne Riley. "This sweepstakes encourages parents and grandparents to focus on saving for education early. Saving regularly over time makes a significant impact and helps build a strong financial foundation."

The Sweepstakes has also awarded nearly $17,000 to Georgia hospitals.

"We are very happy for Keira and thankful for the Path2College donation. Access to healthcare resources for mothers and babies is essential to their future health and development. These funds will help support our commitment to providing the latest advancements in care so that babies start with the brightest future possible," said Meredith Scaccia, Director of Mary Telfair Women's Hospital at St. Joseph's/Candler.

This year's promotion, the 2023 Newborn Sweepstakes, is currently available, and parents, grandparents and guardians who welcome a new baby in 2023 can enter the Newborn Sweepstakes at www.path2college529.com until April 14, 2024. Visit Path2College529.com to see the official rules and prize details. Entrants must be legal residents or taxpayers of Georgia and at least 18 years of age to enter. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Sponsored by the Path2College 529 Plan.

For more information about the Path2College 529 Plan or to open a college savings account, please visit www.Path2College529.com or call (877) 424-4377.

To learn more about Georgia's Path2College 529 Plan, its investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses please see the Plan Description at path2college529.com. Read it carefully. Investments in the Plan are neither insured nor guaranteed and there is the risk of investment loss. TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Member FINRA, distributor and underwriter for the Path2College 529 Plan. FPS-2962958PR-O0623X

SOURCE Path2College
 Pilot program in Delaware provides blueprint for national uptake of a highly accurate, easy-to-use harm reduction tool with potential to save lives 

BEAR, Del., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SIVAD Diagnostic Medical Group LLC (SIVAD), a minority-owned company dedicated to addressing the unique needs of underserved and unserved communities in the United States and globally, today announced the launch of HarmGuard FX in Delaware, the first state in the nation to distribute this groundbreaking approach to reducing overdose deaths. HarmGuard FX is a single, low-cost strip that provides an affordable, reliable way for people to test substances for fentanyl and xylazine (popularly known as tranq), two dangerous adulterants that are exacerbating the already critical opioid epidemic.

Test strip images, community engagement footage and Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long soundbites

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9181851-sivad-diagnostic-medical-group-harmguard-fx/

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently reported that it had found the deadly combination of fentanyl and xylazine in nearly a quarter of drugs sampled from 48 out of 50 states.1 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 2018 and 2021, deaths involving xylazine increased by 1,238%, leading the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy to designate fentanyl combined with xylazine as an emerging threat to the U.S.2

"As a company committed to leveraging technology to democratize health care and address the needs of underserved and marginalized communities, SIVAD developed our Harm Stopper Program to provide comprehensive resources that can reduce the harm of fentanyl and xylazine for substance users, the community advocates who support them, health professionals, and law enforcement personnel," said Jermonica Boardley, CEO and President at SIVAD, who is leading the Harm Stopper Program. "We commend Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long for making Delaware the first state to pilot HarmGuard FX and are collaborating with Delaware health officials spearheaded by Susan Holloway to implement a pilot program that could serve as a blueprint for other states seeking to prevent overdose deaths. As other states receive and deploy funds from the National Opioids Settlement, we hope to work with them to implement HarmGuard FX and our Harm Stopper Portal as part of their harm-reduction strategies."

SIVAD's Harm Stopper Program includes the HarmGuard FX test strip and the Harm Stopper Portal. The comprehensive, cloud-based, AI-driven portal provides education, resources, and information at the national level, and for participating states, uses advanced geolocation to provide the user with instant access to local resources and information related to harm reduction. Using the QR code on each HarmGuard FX package, people can quickly find local, free naloxone distribution locations, needle exchange programs, counseling, emergency services, and other resources  complete with hours of operation, distance from the user, and any special requirements such as training. It also provides a one-click call option on mobile devices. The portal includes information for commercial and public sites and resources, including all standalone pharmacies and pharmacies within larger stores.

"Delaware is committed to responding to the opioid crisis with the urgency it demands. We know harm reduction strategies work, and this new test provides another useful tool we can use to protect residents and save lives," said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, Ph.D., R.N., Chair of the Delaware Behavioral Health Consortium. "This pilot program is the epitome of what Delaware does best  boots-on-the-ground outreach, homegrown innovation, and collaborative partnerships. I'm thrilled our state will be the first in the nation to distribute these groundbreaking test strips, and we are eager to get these tests out in the community."

According to the CDC, Delaware has the third-highest overdose death rate per capita in the U.S. In 2022, at least 537 Delaware citizens died from drug overdoses, according to the state's Division of Forensic Science  the most overdose deaths on record for the state.3 About 80% of these deaths involved fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid 50 to 100 times more potent than heroin.

Xylazine, a non-opioid tranquilizer primarily used as a sedative, analgesic, and muscle relaxant in large animals, has emerged as an adulterant in recreational drugs. Fentanyl and xylazine alone or combined can cause severe respiratory depression, leading to a lack of oxygen, brain damage, or even death. Additionally, the combination can cause a significant drop in blood pressure, leading to circulatory collapse and organ failure. While fentanyl overdose can be reversed with Narcan, there is no reversal agent for xylazine, making it even more crucial to detect its presence in substances to prevent fatal overdoses.

The HarmGuard FX test, meticulously validated by a U.S.-based, FDA-registered testing lab, is a lateral flow immunoassay designed for forensic use. This innovative tool swiftly detects both fentanyl and xylazine in various substances including powders, pills, or residue from baggies or cookers, functioning in a similar manner to the fentanyl-only test strips used across the U.S. for several years. To use the test, a small sample of the substance is mixed with water. The test strip is then dipped into the solution for 15 seconds. As the liquid interacts with the strip, it engages with highly selective antibodies against each substance in two distinct test regions and a control region. After waiting for five minutes, the results can be read, offering a quick way to identify the presence of these dangerous adulterants. If the test is working correctly, the control region will show a red safety line. If the sample is free of xylazine, the xylazine test region will show a red safety line, and if it is free of fentanyl, the fentanyl test region will show a red safety line. The absence of a safety line in the fentanyl or xylazine test area means that fentanyl or xylazine is present in the sample.

When using HarmGuard FX, "three is key,"  as the presence of three safety lines indicates that the test was performed correctly and did not contain fentanyl or xylazine. Fewer than three safety lines are an indication of danger. HarmGuard FX is designed to indicate safety; a test line indicates that the substance being tested is free from the dangerous adulterant.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, call the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to be connected to treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations in your area. Delaware residents can call the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) 24/7 Crisis Hotline to be connected to the treatment and recovery options phone number. To search online for treatment and recovery services in Delaware or nearby states, visit HelpIsHereDE.com. An additional source is the Harm Stopper Portal accessible via the QR code on all HarmGuard FX pouches.

About SIVAD Diagnostic Medical Group LLC (SIVAD)

SIVAD Diagnostic Medical Group LLC (SIVAD), headquartered in Bear, Delaware, is a minority owned company dedicated to addressing the unique needs of underserved and unserved communities in the United States and globally. With a focus on providing essential personal protective equipment (PPE) and COVID-19 testing during the pandemic, SIVAD has expanded its mission to tackle various domestic and global public health challenges, such as substance abuse and infectious diseases. Lenzie Davis is Chairman of the Board of SIVAD Diagnostic Medical Group LLC, a subsidiary of SIVAD Group.

Media Contact:

Elizabeth Bement, FINN Partners

[email protected]

703-915-5830

Sources:

"Public Safety Alert." United States Drug Enforcement Administration. November 2022 . https://www.dea.gov/alert/dea-reports-widespread-threat-fentanyl-mixed-xylazine Gupta, Rahul et al. "Xylazine -- Medical and Public Health Imperatives." N Engl J Med 2023; 388:2209-2212. 10.1056/NEJMp2303120. Edelman, Hannah. "2022 overdose deaths follow troubling pattern as state, advocates struggle to catch up." Delaware News Journal. 14 June 2023 . https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/health/2023/06/08/delaware-overdoses-rising-sussex-county-black-community-xylazine/70293302007/

SOURCE SIVAD Diagnostic Medical Group LLC (SIVAD)
SAN FRANCISCO, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The global spectrometry industry size will witness robust growth on the back of growing applications across drug development procedures, forensic analysis and proteomics, according to the "Spectrometry Industry Data Book, 2023 - 2030," published by Grand View Research. Forward-looking players have upped investments in molecular spectrometry in pharmaceutical and biotechnology in the wake of innovation in infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Stakeholders have exhibited an increased inclination for IR spectroscopy to identify adulterated food and volatile compounds. The advanced method will continue to gain ground in art preservation, forensics and assessing the protein folding process.

Equipment manufacturers have injected funds into mass spectrometry (MS) in the drug development pipeline, applied testing, clinical diagnostics and food products. Lately, Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) has emerged as a gold standard for monitoring doping in athletes. GC-MS offers quick results, higher sensitivity and improved sample identification. The technique has observed an upward trajectory in the food & beverage industry to detect food contamination and assess aromatic compounds, including alcohol, esters and fatty acids. Predominantly, MS has become sought-after in R&D activities for faster and more accurate quantification and identification of molecules. The global mass spectrometry market size stood at USD 5.83 billion in 2021 and is slated to exhibit a CAGR of 7.87% from 2022 to 2030.

Order your copy of the Free Sample of "Spectrometry Industry Data Book - Spectrometry, Mass Spectrometry, NMR Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and In-line UV-vis Spectroscopy Market Size, Share, Trends Analysis, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030" Data Book, published by Grand View Research

An uptick in biomedical research has fueled the penetration of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy across business verticals. For instance, NMR testing has gained ground in detecting 'food fraud' such as tampering, addition or substitution. Biotechnology specialists have shown an inclination for NMR spectroscopy to assess substances, confirm the identity and purity of compounds and find the chemical structure. Amid a surge in food adulteration, the technology is expected to provide an impetus to industry dynamics. The global NMR spectroscopy market size was valued at USD 657.11 million in 2021 and will depict a 5.1% CAGR through 2030. Notable applications across imaging, structural biology and material science will underscore growth.

Mega-trends and opportunities that are expected to be pronounced in the ensuing period are highlighted below:

Near-infrared spectroscopy will observe promising growth due to strong demand from the agriculture sector.

Paint and coating manufacturers have upped investments in In-line UV-vis spectroscopy to measure the manufactured substance robustly without interruptions and delays.

The North America market is poised to witness strong investments on the back of technological advancements, presence of well-established players and investments in R&D activities.

Go through the table of content of Spectrometry Industry Data Book to get a better understanding of the Coverage & Scope of the study

Investors, venture capitalists and other stakeholders expect the industry for spectrometry in Asia Pacific to rise in prominence with a buoyant infusion of funds into food testing, drug discovery, clinical diagnostics and life science research. The expanding healthcare industry across India and China presents a lucrative growth potential to undergird their geographical footprint. Moreover, strengthening environmental regulations will solidify the position of key players. To illustrate, in April 2023, Shimadzu Diagnostics Corporation alluded to joining forces with MiCAN to develop infectious disease test reagents used in liquid chromatograph mass spectrometers and PCR testing systems.

The competitive intensity surrounding the market suggests that R&D efforts, innovations, geographical expansion, technological developments, collaboration and mergers & acquisitions could reshape the global dynamics. Biopharma and academia are poised to play a pivotal role in life science, auguring well for the marketplace. For instance, in November 2021, Thermo Fisher Scientific rolled out mass spectrometry and chromatography solutions to underpin biopharmaceutical characterization, proteomics and data acquisition. Meanwhile, in February 2022, Agilent announced the acquisition of Virtual Control's AI technology. It will help the former to integrate the software into GC/MS platforms to enhance the efficiency, productivity and accuracy of high-throughput labs.

Check out more Industry Data Books, published by Grand View Research

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research Helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead.

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AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --

TKT & Associates to oversee Black audience marketing efforts across the Stellantis North America brand portfolio, including Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT, Jeep and Ram

TKT Collab division to oversee creative efforts within TKT & Associates agency

Headquarters of TKT & Associates, which is Black- and woman-owned, is in Louisville, Kentucky

Kim Adams House to lead multicultural marketing efforts for Stellantis North America in addition to licensing and merchandising responsibilities

to lead multicultural marketing efforts for Stellantis North America in addition to licensing and merchandising responsibilities Announcements made at the second annual STAAND (Stellantis African Ancestry Network Diaspora) Gala celebration this past weekend in Detroit

Stellantis North America announced that TKT & Associates is joining the company's North America creative roster, effective immediately. TKT & Associates, through its TKT Collab division, assumes the role of the first dedicated Black agency of record across Stellantis' North America brand portfolio consisting of Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT, Jeep and Ram.

"At Stellantis, we believe in the power of diversity in our marketing efforts, and we want those from all walks of life and all backgrounds to be seen, heard, represented and inspired," said Marissa Hunter, senior vice president of marketing, Stellantis North America. "Assigning TKT & Associates to our creative agency roster to lead our Black audience marketing efforts across our North America brand portfolio allows us to ensure that we are truly speaking to different audience groups to reach all consumers while not only believing in diversity, but practicing it every day."

"At TKT Collab, we use our media platforms, cross-generational cultural appeal, and eye for forward-moving technology and social trends to generate culturally authentic and relatable campaigns and content; we aren't your average marketing firm, we are a creative studio specializing in inclusive culture bending strategies," said Kimberly L. Bunton, CEO & chief strategy officer of TKT Collab. "It is an esteemed honor that Stellantis has chosen TKT Collab to be its first Black marketing firm of record. Stellantis is an excellent collaborative and supportive partner with amazing possibilities. We look forward to working with them to create meaningful, lasting campaigns that resonate with the Black community."

TKT & Associates will report to Kim Adams House, head of merchandising, licensing and multicultural marketing. House recently expanded her current role to assume multicultural marketing efforts for Stellantis North America. House previously held the role of head of Jeep brand advertising in North America.

"Multicultural marketing at Stellantis is grounded in the commitment to a collaborative partnership with each Stellantis brand to win with multicultural consumers and authentically connect with their unique life experiences," said House. "We strive to build long-term relationships with this future majority of diverse consumers, garnering respect for the rich cultural differences, consistently leveraging in-culture creative to assist Stellantis brands in realizing opportunistic growth within these communities."

TKT & Associates' experienced team has consulted Fortune 50 and 500 companies alike, taking client challenges head on through creative direction and strategy while tapping into an ever-changing cultural lens. From inclusive brand development work in consumer, auto, media and public health, to partnering on the rollout and rebrand of one of the most used communication tools globally, TKT Collab taps into the agency's multicultural, multigenerational and culturally relevant approach to innovation and brand building.

TKT Collab

TKT Collab is the creative division of TKT & Associates, Inc. a full-service diversity firm and global talent connector. In 2020, TKT & Associates, Inc. made history as the highest-ranking Black-woman-founded company recognized by the Inc. 5000 list at ranking No. 5. Women Presidents Organization, sponsored by JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking, has recognized TKT & Associates, Inc. as one of the Fastest 50 woman-owned company for seven consecutive years. This year, TKT & Associates is ranked at No. 6.

Stellantis North America

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) is one of the world's leading automakers and a mobility provider. In North America, it's best known for producing and selling vehicles in a portfolio of iconic and award-winning brands such as Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Alfa Romeo and Fiat. Powered by its diversity, Stellantis leads the way the region and the world move  aspiring to become the greatest sustainable mobility tech company, not the biggest, while creating added value for all stakeholders as well as the communities in which it operates. For more information, visit www.stellantis.com.

Follow company news and video on:

Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Company website: www.stellantis.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/Stellantis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StellantisNA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stellantisna

Twitter: @StellantisNA

YouTube: http://youtube.com/StellantisNA

SOURCE Stellantis
NEW YORK, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The sterilization equipment market size is estimated to grow by USD 3.70 billion from 2021 to 2026, growing at a CAGR of 7.93%. North America is estimated to account for 36% of the growth of the global market during the forecast period. US and Canada are the key markets for sterilization equipment in North America. Market growth in this region will be faster than the growth of the market in the European and ROW regions. The expanding healthcare sector in the region, the increasing number of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), and the strong market presence of the leading vendors will facilitate the sterilization equipment market growth in North America over the forecast period. According to The World Bank Group, between 2005 and 2018, healthcare expenditure in North America increased from 14.10% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2005 to 16.41% in 2018. The healthcare expenditure in the US increased by 9.7%, reaching USD 4.1 trillion or USD 12,530 per person in 2020. The country's healthcare expenditure had a share of 19.7% of the GDP in 2020. Globally, the US healthcare sector is the leading healthcare sector. Therefore, owing to these factors, the region's sterilization equipment market is expected to grow during the forecast period. For Comprehensive details on the market size of the historic period(2017 to 2021) and forecast period (2023-2027) - View Sample report

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Sterilization Equipment Market

Vendor Landscape

The sterilization equipment market is fragmented; the vendors are competing with competitors and are trying to get a greater market share. The market is growing, and the chances of new entrants cannot be overlooked. The major vendors have well-established economies of scale and market presence and generally rely on positioning technological advances, and the price of the products -The report provides a full list of key vendors, their strategies, and the latest developments. Buy Now

Market Dynamics

Major Drivers & Challenges-

The strategic initiatives of market players are the key factors driving the growth of the sterilization equipment market. The international sterilization equipment market is highly competitive and the vendors in the market adopt strategies such as mergers and acquisitions (M and A), expansion projects, new product launches, and growing production capacity to tackle the competition in the market. Vendors invest in developing customized solutions to augment their foothold in the market. However, intense competition in the market is anticipated to force established vendors to expand their market presence through M and A and strategic alliances. Further, the healthcare facilities such as hospitals and clinics are selecting vendors based on their product's degree of excellence and properties. With the growing demand for sterilization equipment from end-users, vendors are opting for M and A and strategic alliances to enhance their market reach and customer base. These strategic alliances and partnerships among vendors are supporting them, improving their operations and increasing their geographical presence. Therefore, such activities will fuel the growth of the global sterilization equipment market during the forecast period.

The disadvantages and harmful effects of ETO sterilizers will be a major challenge that may impede the sterilization equipment market during the forecast period. Even though ETO is regarded as one of the widely used sterilization techniques, it has different destructive effects on patients and healthcare workers. It is considered a known human carcinogen. Also, the drawbacks associated with its use can result in a preference for other alternatives such as hydrogen peroxide sterilizers. Such factors can lead to its lowered adoption and adverse effect on the growth of the global sterilization equipment market during the forecast period. The main drawbacks associated with ETO sterilizers are the prolonged cycle time, its potential dangers to patients and staff, and the high costs associated with the ETO sterilization process. The harmful effects of ETO and growing safety concerns regarding the use of surgical instruments sterilized through ETO sterilization processes are expected to hinder the growth of the market.

Key Trends-

The increasing number of surgical procedures is a sterilization equipment market trend that is expected to have a positive impact during the forecast period. HAIs are mainly acquired by patients obtaining long-term treatments such as surgical treatments. HAIs are especially acquired in surgical centers, clinics, hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and long-term care facilities, such as rehabilitation centers and nursing homes. HAIs not only pose a hazard to the patient's health but also lead to long hospital stays, thereby creating an economic disadvantage to patients and healthcare systems. The increasing majority of chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer have led to an upsurge in the hospital admission rate. Various types of sterilization equipment are important requirements in hospitals and clinics, which decreases the risk of infection transmission among patients and leads to enhanced patient care. The rising number of cancer cases in regions all across the world has resulted in an increased need for surgical procedures to treat cancer. Therefore, the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions and the demand for surgical procedures will lead to an augmented incidence rate of SSIs. Therefore, such factors will have a favourable impact on the growth of the global sterilization equipment market.

Technavio has identified key trends, drivers, and challenges in the market, which will help clients improve their strategies to stay ahead of their competitors. - View Sample Report

Company Profiles

The sterilization equipment market report includes information on the product launches, sustainability, and prospects of leading vendors including 3M Corp., ACMAS Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Andersen Sterilizers, C.B.M. S.r.l. Medical Equipment, Cantel Medical., Cardinal Health Inc., Continental Equipment Co, Cosmed Group, De Lama Spa, Fortive Corp., Getinge AB, Merck KGaA, MMM Group, Noxilizer Inc., Sotera Health Co., Steelco SpA, STERIS Plc, Stryker Corp., Systec GmbH, Tuttnauer, and YATHERM SCIENTIFIC.

Competitive Analysis

The report includes competitive analysis, a proprietary tool to analyze and evaluate the position of companies based on their industry position score and market performance score. The competitive scenario categorizes companies based on various performance indicators. Some of the factors considered include the financial performance of companies over the past few years, growth strategies, product innovations, new product launches, investments, and growth in market share, among others.

Market Segmentation

This report extensively covers sterilization equipment market segmentation by product (low-temperature sterilizers, heat sterilizers, sterile membrane filters, and radiation sterilization devices) and geography (North America, APAC, Europe, and the Rest of the World (ROW)).

The sterilization equipment market share growth by the low-temperature sterilizers segment will be significant during the forecast period. This segment holds the largest share of the global sterilization equipment market. There is an increasing need for sterilization of heat-sensitive medical devices and equipment, which is driving the demand for low-temperature sterilizers. Further, the use of expensive, moisture-sensitive, and delicate medical devices that are tough to sterilize, such as endoscopes, is driving the growth of the market segment.

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The sterilization services market share is expected to increase by USD 1.41 billion from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 6.1%. This report extensively covers sterilization services market segmentation by type (validation services and contract services) and geography (North America, Europe, Asia, and the Rest of the World (ROW)). One of the key factors driving growth in the sterilization services market is the increasing awareness regarding workplace wellness.

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Sterilization Equipment Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2021 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2022-2026 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 7.93% Market Growth 2022-2026 USD 3.70 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 7.24 Regional analysis North America, APAC, Europe, and the Rest of the World (ROW) Performing market contribution North America at 36% Key countries US, Canada, China, Japan, and Germany Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled 3M Corp., ACMAS Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Andersen Sterilizers, C.B.M. S.r.l. Medical Equipment, Cantel Medical., Cardinal Health Inc., Continental Equipment Co, Cosmed Group, De Lama Spa, Fortive Corp., Getinge AB, Merck KGaA, MMM Group, Noxilizer Inc., Sotera Health Co., Steelco SpA, STERIS Plc, Stryker Corp., Systec GmbH, Tuttnauer, and YATHERM SCIENTIFIC Market dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for the forecast period Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized.

Table of contents

1 Executive Summary

1.1 Market overview

Exhibit 01: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Overview



Exhibit 02: Executive Summary  Data Table on Market Overview



Exhibit 03: Executive Summary  Chart on Global Market Characteristics



Exhibit 04: Executive Summary  Chart on Market by Geography



Exhibit 05: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Segmentation by Product



Exhibit 06: Executive Summary  Chart on Incremental Growth



Exhibit 07: Executive Summary  Data Table on Incremental Growth



Exhibit 08: Executive Summary  Chart on Vendor Market Positioning

2 Market Landscape

2.1 Market ecosystem

Exhibit 09: Parent market



Exhibit 10: Market Characteristics

3 Market Sizing

3.1 Market definition

Exhibit 11: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition

3.2 Market segment analysis

Exhibit 12: Market segments

3.3 Market size 2021

3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2021-2026

Exhibit 13: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 14: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 15: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)



Exhibit 16: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

4 Five Forces Analysis

4.1 Five forces summary

Exhibit 17: Five forces analysis - Comparison between2021 and 2026

4.2 Bargaining power of buyers

Exhibit 18: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers  Impact of key factors 2021 and 2026

4.3 Bargaining power of suppliers

Exhibit 19: Bargaining power of suppliers  Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026

4.4 Threat of new entrants

Exhibit 20: Threat of new entrants  Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026

4.5 Threat of substitutes

Exhibit 21: Threat of substitutes  Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026

4.6 Threat of rivalry

Exhibit 22: Threat of rivalry  Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026

4.7 Market condition

Exhibit 23: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2021 and 2026

5 Market Segmentation by Product

5.1 Market segments

Exhibit 24: Chart on Product - Market share 2021-2026 (%)



Exhibit 25: Data Table on Product - Market share 2021-2026 (%)

5.2 Comparison by Product

Exhibit 26: Chart on Comparison by Product



Exhibit 27: Data Table on Comparison by Product

5.3 Low-temperature sterilizers - Market size and forecast 2021-2026

Exhibit 28: Chart on Low-temperature sterilizers - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 29: Data Table on Low-temperature sterilizers - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 30: Chart on Low-temperature sterilizers - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)



Exhibit 31: Data Table on Low-temperature sterilizers - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

5.4 Heat sterilizers - Market size and forecast 2021-2026

Exhibit 32: Chart on Heat sterilizers - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 33: Data Table on Heat sterilizers - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 34: Chart on Heat sterilizers - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)



Exhibit 35: Data Table on Heat sterilizers - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

5.5 Sterile membrane filters - Market size and forecast 2021-2026

Exhibit 36: Chart on Sterile membrane filters - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 37: Data Table on Sterile membrane filters - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 38: Chart on Sterile membrane filters - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)



Exhibit 39: Data Table on Sterile membrane filters - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

5.6 Radiation sterilization devices - Market size and forecast 2021-2026

Exhibit 40: Chart on Radiation sterilization devices - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 41: Data Table on Radiation sterilization devices - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 42: Chart on Radiation sterilization devices - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)



Exhibit 43: Data Table on Radiation sterilization devices - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

5.7 Market opportunity by Product

Exhibit 44: Market opportunity by Product ($ million)

6 Customer Landscape

6.1 Customer landscape overview

Exhibit 45: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria

7 Geographic Landscape

7.1 Geographic segmentation

Exhibit 46: Chart on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%)



Exhibit 47: Data Table on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%)

7.2 Geographic comparison

Exhibit 48: Chart on Geographic comparison



Exhibit 49: Data Table on Geographic comparison

7.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 50: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

Exhibit 51: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

Exhibit 52: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

Exhibit 53: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

7.4 APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026

Exhibit 54: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 55: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 56: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)



Exhibit 57: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

7.5 Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 58: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

Exhibit 59: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

Exhibit 60: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

Exhibit 61: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

7.6 Rest of World (ROW) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026

Exhibit 62: Chart on Rest of World (ROW) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 63: Data Table on Rest of World (ROW) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 64: Chart on Rest of World (ROW) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)



Exhibit 65: Data Table on Rest of World (ROW) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

7.7 US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026

Exhibit 66: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 67: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)



Exhibit 68: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)



Exhibit 69: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

7.8 China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 70: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

Exhibit 71: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

Exhibit 72: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

Exhibit 73: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

7.9 Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 74: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

Exhibit 75: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

Exhibit 76: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

Exhibit 77: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

7.10 Canada - Market size and forecast 2021-2026

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 78: Chart on Canada - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

Exhibit 79: Data Table on Canada - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

Exhibit 80: Chart on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

Exhibit 81: Data Table on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

7.11 Japan - Market size and forecast 2021-2026

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 82: Chart on Japan - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

Exhibit 83: Data Table on Japan - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million)

Exhibit 84: Chart on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

Exhibit 85: Data Table on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%)

7.12 Market opportunity by geography

Exhibit 86: Market opportunity by geography ($ million)

8 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

8.1 Market drivers

8.2 Market challenges

8.3 Impact of drivers and challenges

Exhibit 87: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2021 and 2026

8.4 Market trends

9 Vendor Landscape

9.1 Overview

9.2 Vendor landscape

Exhibit 88: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation

9.3 Landscape disruption

Exhibit 89: Overview on factors of disruption

9.4 Industry risks

Exhibit 90: Impact of key risks on business

10 Vendor Analysis

10.1 Vendors covered

Exhibit 91: Vendors covered

10.2 Market positioning of vendors

Exhibit 92: Matrix on vendor position and classification

10.3 3M Corp.

Corp. Exhibit 93: 3M Corp. - Overview

Corp. - Overview

Exhibit 94: 3M Corp. - Business segments

Corp. - Business segments

Exhibit 95: 3M Corp. - Key news

Corp. - Key news

Exhibit 96: 3M Corp. - Key offerings

Corp. - Key offerings

Exhibit 97: 3M Corp. - Segment focus

10.4 Andersen Sterilizers

Exhibit 98: Andersen Sterilizers - Overview



Exhibit 99: Andersen Sterilizers - Product / Service



Exhibit 100: Andersen Sterilizers - Key offerings

10.5 Cantel Medical.

Exhibit 101: Cantel Medical. - Overview



Exhibit 102: Cantel Medical. - Product / Service



Exhibit 103: Cantel Medical. - Key offerings

10.6 De Lama Spa

Exhibit 104: De Lama Spa - Overview



Exhibit 105: De Lama Spa - Product / Service



Exhibit 106: De Lama Spa - Key offerings

10.7 Getinge AB

Exhibit 107: Getinge AB - Overview



Exhibit 108: Getinge AB - Business segments



Exhibit 109: Getinge AB - Key news



Exhibit 110: Getinge AB - Key offerings



Exhibit 111: Getinge AB - Segment focus

10.8 MMM Group

Exhibit 112: MMM Group - Overview



Exhibit 113: MMM Group - Product / Service



Exhibit 114: MMM Group - Key offerings

10.9 Sotera Health Co.

Exhibit 115: Sotera Health Co. - Overview



Exhibit 116: Sotera Health Co. - Product / Service



Exhibit 117: Sotera Health Co. - Key offerings

10.10 Steelco SpA

Exhibit 118: Steelco SpA - Overview



Exhibit 119: Steelco SpA - Product / Service



Exhibit 120: Steelco SpA - Key offerings

10.11 STERIS Plc

Exhibit 121: STERIS Plc - Overview



Exhibit 122: STERIS Plc - Business segments



Exhibit 123: STERIS Plc - Key news



Exhibit 124: STERIS Plc - Key offerings



Exhibit 125: STERIS Plc - Segment focus

10.12 Stryker Corp.

Exhibit 126: Stryker Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 127: Stryker Corp. - Business segments



Exhibit 128: Stryker Corp. - Key news



Exhibit 129: Stryker Corp. - Key offerings



Exhibit 130: Stryker Corp. - Segment focus

11 Appendix

11.1 Scope of the report

11.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist

Exhibit 131: Inclusions checklist



Exhibit 132: Exclusions checklist

11.3 Currency conversion rates for US$

Exhibit 133: Currency conversion rates for US$

11.4 Research methodology

Exhibit 134: Research methodology



Exhibit 135: Validation techniques employed for market sizing



Exhibit 136: Information sources

11.5 List of abbreviations

Exhibit 137: List of abbreviations

About Us

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

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SOURCE Technavio
With 25 years of law enforcement and regulatory experience, Triana joins Talkiatry equipped to navigate shifting state and federal regulations

Triana will use his deep legal knowledge of the mental health space to work alongside Talkiatry's leadership team in supporting high-quality telepsychiatry care across the country

NEW YORK, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Talkiatry , a leading provider of in-network psychiatric care and one of the largest employers of psychiatrists in the United States, today announced that Eric Triana has joined the team as Chief Compliance Officer. Triana will lead Talkiatry's compliance efforts across federal- and state-level laws as the national psychiatry practice works to increase quality mental health care access across the country.

The United States is in the middle of a mental health crisis . 122 million people, or 37% of the country, live in areas lacking enough mental health professionals to meet demand. To address the issue, telepsychiatry practices have increased access to treatment for vulnerable populations with their flexibility and convenience untethered from location. People living in mental health deserts or rural areas are just a few examples of those who have benefited from virtual mental health care.

But with increased access comes increased oversight. Virtual psychiatry finds itself in constant regulatory flux, navigating a complex web of laws to protect patients and remain compliant. While the DEA has dominated recent headlines by extending the current rules regarding the prescribing of controlled substances via virtual appointments , this is just a sliver of the telepsychiatry legal landscape. Federal and state-by-state licensing rules can complicate how care is delivered depending on where patients live, while ever-evolving technology means that remaining HIPAA-compliant and protecting patient privacy becomes a moving target.

Triana understands the importance of these rules on a personal and professional level. He has also seen the positive impact virtual mental health care can have on families, having watched members of his family benefit from increased access to psychiatric treatment. In retiring from the DEA, he followed his passion for increasing access to quality mental health care to work with leading telepsychiatry provider Talkiatry.

"It's more complicated than ever to parse the regulations governing telepsychiatry, including licensing requirements, technology laws, patient access guidelines, and rules surrounding the prescribing of controlled substances. That's why it's so important to have Eric on board leading our compliance efforts," said Robert Krayn , CEO and cofounder of Talkiatry. "His years of experience at the top levels of law enforcement mean he understands the landscape better than anyone, and will ensure our team maintains compliance with state and federal laws, even as they rapidly change."

Triana was employed at the Drug Enforcement Administration in a number of positions for more than two decades before joining Talkiatry. He is recognized for his expertise on pharmaceutical compliance and investigations in the U.S., and for the last 13 years worked in multiple Diversion Control Program positions as part of the DEA's regulatory division. As a DEA Diversion Control Division Deputy Assistant Administrator (his final DEA role from which he retired in March 2023), Triana provided enforcement direction and supervised all of the DEA's regulatory criminal, civil, and administrative licensure operations involving pharmaceutical controlled drugs and List chemicals in the U.S.

During his time at the DEA, Triana designed programs to identify and detect those in the healthcare industry who violated U.S. and state healthcare laws, including the federal Controlled Substance Act, Anti-Kickback Statute, and False Claims Act. He was directly involved in healthcare investigations which resulted in criminal, civil, and administrative sanctions by HHS and DEA to include exclusion of Medicare and the suspension or revocation of registrations (licenses), as well as state medical licenses. Triana worked joint investigations with various federal and state agencies including HHS, FBI, United States Attorney's Offices, DOJ Main Justice Healthcare Fraud Section, New York State Department of Financial Services, New York State Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and more.

Before joining the DEA, Triana was a police officer and detective for the Baltimore City Police Department, as well as an accountant and auditor for an accounting firm. He has a B.S. in Accounting from Rutgers University and a J.D. from Seton Hall School of Law. Triana is also a member of the New Jersey and New York State Bar Associations and is a Certified Fraud Examiner.

"Telepsychiatry has completely changed mental health care in this country, and Talkiatry is at the forefront of bringing access to populations who were previously ignored," said Triana. "With my decades of compliance and regulatory experience, I will ensure that Talkiatry's psychiatrists are always informed and supported in a constantly changing world with confusing and often conflicting information, so they can focus on delivering high-quality support to people across the U.S."

Talkiatry is one of the nation's largest mental health practices. With its focus on virtual care, Talkiatry's mission is to eliminate barriers that prevent people from accessing quality psychiatric support. This means providing psychiatry services that are covered by more than 60 health insurance plans, while making sure new patients can be seen within days of booking an initial appointment. Talkiatry patients can expect 60-minute first visits and 30-minute follow-ups and will see the same psychiatrist for every appointment. Talkiatry's team of more than 300 psychiatrists specializes in treating mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more.

About Talkiatry

Talkiatry is a national mental health practice that provides in-network psychiatry and therapy. They were co-founded by a patient and a triple-board-certified psychiatrist to solve the problems both groups face in accessing and providing the highest quality mental healthcare. 60% of adults in the U.S. with a diagnosable mental illness go untreated every year because care is inaccessible, while 45% of clinicians are out of network with insurers because reimbursement rates are low and paperwork is unduly burdensome. With innovative technology and a human-centered philosophy, Talkiatry provides patients with the care they needand allows psychiatrists to focus on why they got into medicine. Learn more at www.talkiatry.com and follow us on Instagram , Facebook , and LinkedIn .

Media Contact

[email protected]

SOURCE Talkiatry
Acquisition Represents A Significant Premium Over Kaleyra's Last Closing Price

NEW YORK and MUMBAI, India, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tata Communications, a global digital ecosystem enabler, today announces it has entered into a definitive agreement through Tata Communications Limited to acquire Kaleyra, Inc. (NYSE: KLR) to empower global enterprises to offer personalised experiences to their customers. Kaleyra is a global omnichannel integrated communication services provider with a set of proprietary platforms, offering targeted personalisation through messaging, video, push notifications, e-mail and voice-based services, and chatbots.

With this transaction, Tata Communications will gain an industry-proven platform with strong capabilities and scale. Kaleyra brings a stronghold in the business communications market in banking and financial services, retail and digital commerce industries across global markets, in addition to a strong team with expertise in technology, engineering and research & development. Tata Communications will also benefit from Tier 1 carrier connections in the US, ready connectors to third party platforms, and video services without the need for additional software plugins.

The resulting business will leverage Tata Communications large base of enterprise customers worldwide including 300 of the Fortune 500 companies, extensive mobile network operator (MNO) connections and global expansion opportunities. It will benefit from the global digital ecosystem enabler that powers today's fast-growing digital economy in more than 190 countries and territories.

Under the terms of the agreement, Tata Communications has agreed to acquire Kaleyra, Inc. in a cash only transaction, at a price per share of USD $7.25 for a total consideration to Kaleyra shareholders of approximately USD 100 million and the assumption of all outstanding debt. This transaction has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both Tata Communications and Kaleyra. Consummation of the deal is subject to approval by Kaleyra's stockholders, certain regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Upon closing of the transaction, expected in six to nine months, Kaleyra Inc. will become a subsidiary of Tata Communications Limited. For the full year ended 31st December 2022, Kaleyra reported revenue of USD 339.2 million (USD 353.3 million in constant currency), an increase of 26.7% compared to the full year 2021 (32.0% increase in constant currency).

"With this investment in Kaleyra, we will accelerate our push into the customer interactions platform market and fortify our global CommTech position," said A.S. Lakshminarayanan, MD and CEO, Tata Communications. "We are excited about Kaleyra's remarkable talent and their demonstrated capabilities in next-gen technologies. With this acquisition, we will further build intelligent, intuitive and innovative multi-channel communication solutions to unlock new growth opportunities for our customers."

Commenting on the acquisition, Mysore Madhusudhan, Executive Vice President, Collaboration and Connected Solutions, Tata Communications added, "As we further our position in the industry 4.0 world, we are committed to offering heightened targeted communications solutions for enterprises and their customers. We are confident our combined forces with Kaleyra will forge the path for the next wave of intelligence in enterprise communications globally."

Dario Calogero, Founder and the CEO of Kaleyra said, "When we launched Kaleyra 24 years ago with my co-founder Simone Fubini, I could hardly envision that our voyage would take us from a small Italian startup, to global expansion, a publicly listed NYSE company, and now working together with a great technology leader like Tata Communications. This is a great day for Kaleyra and our shareholders, and our employees worldwide."

Dr. Avi Katz, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kaleyra, commented, "I am very pleased with today's outcome, fruits of the dedicated and professional work of the Kaleyra team. It's been a privilege to be part of the Kaleyra team since the onset of their public listing journey in late 2019, and through the follow up significant funding of the company and its meaningful strategic extensions through GigCapital. This transaction represents a significant premium to the last closing share price and delivers significant value creation to all Kaleyra stakeholders. We are excited about the next chapter of the Kaleyra journey, being an essential part of the Tata Communications enterprise."

Advisors

Lazard Freres & Co. LLC is serving as Tata Communications' financial advisor and Goodwin Procter LLP is serving as Tata Communications' legal counsel. Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is serving as Kaleyra's legal counsel.

Tata Communications Contacts Kaleyra Contacts



Media Contacts Marketing Contacts Arati Mukerji Zephrin Lasker Global Head, Communications, Brand, Public Affairs Senior Vice President, Marketing & Strategic Alliances +91 9958895759; [email protected] [email protected]



Aastha Singh Lori Perkins Senior Manager, Communications Senior Director  Marketing and Communications +91 99670 89660; [email protected] [email protected]



Investor Contact Investor Contact Rajiv Sharma Shannon Devine / Mark Schwalenberg Head, Investor Relations MZ North America +91 9820136641 +1 203-741-8811 [email protected] [email protected]

About Kaleyra

Kaleyra, Inc. (NYSE: KLR) (NYSE American: KLR WS) is a global group providing mobile communication services to financial institutions, e-commerce players, OTTs, so

ftware companies, logistic enablers, healthcare providers, retailers, and other large organizations worldwide. Through its proprietary platform and robust APIs, Kaleyra manages multi-channel integrated communication services, consisting of messaging, rich messaging and instant messaging, video, push notifications, e-mail, voice services, and chatbots.

Kaleyra's technology makes it possible to safely and securely manage billions of messages monthly with over 1600 operator connections in 190+ countries, including all tier-1 US carrier.

About Tata Communications

A part of the Tata Group, Tata Communications (NSE: TATACOMM; BSE: 500483) is a global digital ecosystem enabler powering today's fast-growing digital economy in more than 190 countries and territories. Leading with trust, it enables digital transformation of enterprises globally with collaboration and connected solutions, core and next gen connectivity, cloud hosting and security solutions and media services. 300 of the Fortune 500 companies are its customers and the company connects businesses to 80% of the world's cloud giants. For more information, please visit www.tatacommunications.com

https://twitter.com/tata_comm

https://www.facebook.com/TataCommunications/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/tata-communication

https://www.instagram.com/tata_comm/

https://www.youtube.com/user/tatacomms

Kaleyra's Statutory Information

Additional Information and Where to Find It

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, its omnichannel and other product and global customer developments, its expectations, beliefs, intentions, plans, prospects or strategies regarding the business plans of Kaleyra, Inc.'s ("Kaleyra") management team. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intends," "may," "might," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "would" and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by Kaleyra in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments and their potential effects on Kaleyra as well as other factors they believe are appropriate in the circumstances. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting Kaleyra will be those anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond the control of the parties) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including Kaleyra's ability to regain compliance with the NYSE Listing Company Manual, the mix of services utilized by Kaleyra's customers and such customers' needs for these services, including any variability by geography, market acceptance of new service offerings, the ability of Kaleyra to expand what it does for existing customers as well as to add new customers, that Kaleyra will have sufficient capital to operate as anticipated, and the impact that geopolitical and macroeconomic factors such as the war in Ukraine, may have on Kaleyra's operations, the demand for Kaleyra's products, global supply chains and economic activity in general. Additional risk factors that that may cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: (i) the ability of the parties to consummate the proposed transaction in a timely manner or at all; (ii) the satisfaction (or waiver) of closing conditions to the consummation of the proposed transaction; (iii) potential delays in consummation the proposed transaction; (iv) the ability of Kaleyra and Tata Communications to timely and successfully achieve the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction; (v) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance or condition that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement; (vi) significant transaction costs associated with the proposed transaction; (vii) potential litigation relating to the proposed transaction; (viii) the risk that disruptions from the proposed transaction will harm Kaleyra's business, including current plans and operations; (ix) the ability of Kaleyra to retain and hire key personnel; (x) potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the proposed transaction; (xi) legislative, regulatory and economic developments affecting Kaleyra's business; (xii) general economic and market developments and conditions; (xiii) the evolving legal, regulatory and tax regimes under which Kaleyra operates; and (xiv) potential business uncertainty, including changes to existing business relationships, during the pendency of the merger that could affect Kaleyra's financial performance. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on any such statements and caution must be exercised in relying on forward-looking statements. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should any of the assumptions being made prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

Forward-Looking Statements

Kaleyra plans to file a proxy statement (the "Transaction Proxy Statement") with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") in connection with the solicitation of proxies to approve the pending acquisition of Kaleyra (the "Transaction"), the definitive version of which will be sent or provided to Kaleyra stockholders. STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY THE TRANSACTION PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO AND DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE THEREIN) AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT KALEYRA HAS FILED OR WILL FILE WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS. Stockholders may obtain, free of charge, the preliminary and definitive versions of the Transaction Proxy Statement (when available), any amendments or supplements thereto, and any other relevant documents filed by or which will be filed by Kaleyra with the SEC in connection with the Transaction at the SEC's website (http://www.sec.gov). Copies of Kaleyra's definitive Transaction Proxy Statement, any amendments or supplements thereto, and any other relevant documents filed by Kaleyra with the SEC in connection with the Transaction will also be available, free of charge, at Kaleyra's investor relations website (investors.kaleyra.com) or by or by contacting Kaleyra Investor Relations at [email protected].

Participants in the Solicitation

Kaleyra, its directors and certain executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from stockholders in connection with the Transaction. Information relating to the foregoing can also be found in Kaleyra's definitive proxy statement for its 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "2022 Proxy Statement"), which was filed with the SEC on November 22, 2022, and will be included in the Transaction Proxy Statement. Additional information regarding such participants, including their direct or indirect interests, which may be different from those of Kaleyra's stockholders generally, will be included in the Transaction Proxy Statement and other relevant documents filed or to be filed with the SEC in connection with the Transaction. You may obtain free copies of these documents using the sources indicated above.

Tata Communications Statutory Information

Forward-looking and cautionary statements

Certain words and statements in this release concerning Tata Communications and its prospects, and other statements, including those relating to Tata Communications' expected financial position, business strategy, the future development of Tata Communications' operations, and the general economy in India, are forward-looking statements. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including financial, regulatory and environmental, as well as those relating to industry growth and trend projections, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of Tata Communications, or industry results, to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include, among others, failure to increase the volume of traffic on Tata Communications' network; failure to develop new products and services that meet customer demands and generate acceptable margins; failure to successfully complete commercial testing of new technology and information systems to support new products and services, including voice transmission services; failure to stabilize or reduce the rate of price compression on certain of the company's communications services; failure to integrate strategic acquisitions and changes in government policies or regulations of India and, in particular, changes relating to the administration of Tata Communications' industry; and, in general, the economic, business and credit conditions in India. Additional factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from such forward-looking statements, many of which are not in Tata Communications' control, include, but are not limited to, those risk factors discussed in Tata Communications Limited's Annual Reports.

The Annual Reports of Tata Communications Limited are available at www.tatacommunications.com. Tata Communications is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements.

 2023 Tata Communications Ltd. All rights reserved.

TATA COMMUNICATIONS and TATA are trademarks or registered trademarks of Tata Sons Private Limited in India and certain countries.

SOURCE Kaleyra US
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Taylor Morrison Home Corporation (NYSE: TMHC) ("Taylor Morrison"), a leading national developer and homebuilder, announced today that it will release its second quarter 2023 results before the market opens on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. Taylor Morrison will hold a conference call to discuss its results the same day at 8:30 a.m. ET.

A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available on Taylor Morrison's website at www.taylormorrison.com on the Investor Relations portion of the site under the Events & Presentations tab. For call participants, the dial-in number is (833) 470-1428 and conference ID is 811892. The call will be recorded and available for replay on the Company's website.

Taylor Morrison's filings will be available on the Company's website or with the SEC at sec.gov.

About Taylor Morrison

Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Taylor Morrison is one of the nation's leading homebuilders and developers. We serve a wide array of consumers from coast to coast, including first-time, move-up, luxury and resort lifestyle homebuyers and renters under our family of brandsincluding Taylor Morrison, Esplanade, Darling Homes Collection by Taylor Morrison and Yardly. From 2016-2023, Taylor Morrison has been recognized as America's Most Trusted Builder by Lifestory Research. Our strong commitment to sustainability, our communities and our team is highlighted in our latest annual Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report.

For more information about Taylor Morrison, please visit www.taylormorrison.com.

CONTACT:

Mackenzie Aron, VP Investor Relations

Taylor Morrison Home Corp.

(480) 734-2060

[email protected]

SOURCE Taylor Morrison
Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9181951-133rd-canton-fair-offline-exhibition-demonstrating-resilience-china-foreign-trade/

"Through its efficient, safe, digital, and green operations, the 133rd Canton Fair has successfully served as a positive force in promoting stable foreign trade scale and structure, all-round opening up, and the creation of a new development pattern," said Xu Bing, spokesperson and Deputy Director General of the China Foreign Trade Centre.

The 133rd Canton Fair witnessed a remarkable turnout of international buyers from 229 countries and regions, with 129,006 attendees from 213 countries and regions who attended offline. The Fair welcomed a diverse range of 55 industrial and commercial organizations, such as the prestigious Malaysia-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, CCI France Chine, and China Chamber of Commerce & Technology Mexico. Over 100 leading multinational companies, including Wal-Mart from the United States, Auchan from France, Metro from Germany, organized buyers to attend the Fair. The Fair's online platform saw a surging attendance of 390,574 overseas buyers.

Exhibitors at this year's event uploaded a staggering 3.07 million exhibits, including over 800,000 new products, roughly 130,000 smart products, 500,000 green and low-carbon products, and more than 260,000 products with independent IPR. The Canton Fair, a resounding success, features over 300 debut events for the unveiling of new products. From high-end to intelligent, customized to branded, and green low-carbon goods, the Fair demonstrated China's manufacturing prowess and its commitment to excellence. Global buyers are impressed with the vast array of products on display, which highlighted China's resilience and vitality in foreign trade. It's clear that China's leading manufacturers are out in full force, showcasing the latest and greatest in creativity and ingenuity.

The export transactions closed at the 133rd Canton Fair onsite reached 21.69 billion USD, an achievement better than expected. In addition, many buyers have also appointed factory visits and expected to reach more cooperation in the future.

For more information about Canton Fair, please visit https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US or contact [email protected].

SOURCE Canton Fair

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TORONTO, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Tundra, a leading staffing and total talent management provider, announces its transformative partnership with CandidateX and TalentNet, to drive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within customer contingent workforce programs.

CandidateX, a trailblazer in inclusive hiring solutions, joins forces with Tundra to dismantle recruitment bias and create equal opportunities for underestimated talent.

Tundra equips clients to forge effective DEI strategies within their organizations, fostering a more inclusive workforce Tweet this Empowering True Talent: At Tundra, we're passionate about connecting top talent with the world's most recognizable brands. That's why we're proud to bring together the finest elements of technology, training, and recruitment practices by partnering with CandidateX and TalentNet. We provide our clients with a holistic recruitment solution that embraces genuine human connection and belonging. (CNW Group/Tundra Technical Solutions)

By leveraging cutting-edge integrations and combining the power of CandidateX's software with TalentNet's intuitive talent community solution, Tundra empowers global brands to harness inclusivity data and insights. This unique feature allows businesses to effortlessly track the diversity of their talent pool against real-time census analytics, providing clients with direct access to multiple diverse job boards.

With this invaluable information at their fingertips, Tundra equips clients to forge effective DEI strategies within their organizations, fostering a more inclusive and equitable workforce.

As an industry-leading recruiting firm, Tundra is committed to ensuring fair and unbiased recruitment practices. To further solidify this commitment, Tundra's workforce completed CandidateX's Inclusive Recruiter e-Learning Program focusing on eradicating unconscious biases from the recruitment and hiring process.

As Tundra professionals earn the prestigious "Inclusive Recruiter" certification, both organizations strive to establish a new recruitment industry standard on a global scale.

"Our transformative partnership with CandidateX enables us to provide our customers with game-changing data insights and an equitable shortlisting process through e-Learning," exclaimed Micah Williams, President of Tundra.

"Through CandidateX's certification program, we equip our team with the tools to identify and eliminate unconscious bias in recruitment. We are thrilled to continue collaborating with CandidateX and take pride in being the first staffing firm to certify our recruiters as Inclusive Recruiters."

Sunil Dial, CEO and Co-Founder of CandidateX, recognizes the significance of partnering with organizations genuinely dedicated to enhancing the recruitment process.

"We are excited to join forces with Tundra - a truly authentic organization driven by DEI-action. Tundra wholeheartedly embraces positive change for diverse contingent workforce programs," commented Dial. "Partnering with a business that embodies its mission and integrates tangible DEI proof points is inspiring. We're excited to foster this ongoing collaboration with Tundra as we make inclusive hiring the new standard across the industry."

By investing in training, data, and tangible solutions, Tundra's collaboration with CandidateX and TalentNet stands at the forefront of DEI innovation. By utilizing cutting-edge technology and impactful strategies, they help empower organizations to break barriers, unlock untapped potential, and build diverse teams that drive exceptional results.

For further information about Tundra and its revolutionary partnership with CandidateX, please visit our dedicated diversity and inclusion page here.

About Tundra

Since 2004, Tundra has emerged as a global provider of total talent management solutions, sourcing top talent for the world's most recognizable brands. Widely known for pioneering a cutting-edge approach to Direct Source Curation, Tundra consistently receives recognition as one of North America's fastest-growing and largest staffing organizations. Last year, LinkedIn named Tundra the Diversity Champion in staffing and championed as the most engaging recruitment brand on the platform. Stay updated on our latest developments on LinkedIn or learn more about us on our website.

About CandidateX

'CandidateX creates inclusion-focused hiring solutions designed to increase access to opportunities for underestimated talent. CandidateX removes bias from the hiring process through its AI-enabled anonymization technology, and its e-Learning program to create 'Inclusive Recruiters'. The company was recognized by Sifted as an 'Early-Stage Startup to Watch' on the HR Tech Industry List 2022. For more information, visit Candidate X online: https://www.candidatex.co/candidatex-elearning/

About TalentNet

TalentNet introduced the world to a better way of sourcing in 2013 with the launch of the TalentNet contingent labor Direct Sourcing platform. Today, Direct Sourcing is one of the fastest-growing trends globally in talent acquisition. As the technology pioneer in Direct Sourcing, we empower some of the world's leading brands to provide job candidates with a seamless hiring experience while simplifying supply chain complexity and reducing cost. Our mission is to transform how organizations engage and acquire talent. For more information, visit https://talentnet.com/

SOURCE Tundra Technical Solutions
The Head of the Coptic Orthodox Church Pope Tawadros II on Sunday sent a cable to President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, then called Al-Azhar Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayyeb, congratulating them ahead of Eid Al-Adha.

In his cable, the pope sent heartfelt greetings to the president and all Muslims on behalf of the Coptic Church.

The pope expressed appreciation for the presidents efforts to achieve the aspirations of Egyptians while also wishing for more peace, security and prosperity in Egypt.

Eid Al-Adha begins on Wednesday, 28 June this year, based on the Gregorian calendar.

During the phone call, El-Tayyeb emphasized the importance of exchanging peace and love between Muslims and Christians during feasts like Eid Al-Adha.

Muslims traditionally gather with friends and family during the holiday, ritually slaughtering animals and giving the meat to the poor.

El-Tayyeb also wished Tawadros a speedy recovery following a sudden illness during mass earlier this month.

The pope concluded the call by expressing his hopes for Egypt's progress.

Eid El-Adha, one of the two Islamic religious holidays, occurs on the tenth day of Dhu Al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar.

Eid El-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's obedience to God when he was willing to sacrifice his son and coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

The pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam, which is mandatory once in a lifetime for non-disabled Muslims who can afford it.

Every year, millions of Muslims worldwide perform the Hajj in the Holy City of Mecca over a span of five to six days in one of the worlds largest annual religious gatherings.

Hajj rituals commenced on Sunday evening at the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

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More Than 200 #BuiltToBeANurse Nominees Lauded for

Exceptional Nursing Contributions

CHICAGO, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Oak Point University is pleased to announce the grand prize winners of its 2023 Built to Be a Nurse Contest. Oak Point University, a healthcare institution that has prepared students for successful careers as nurses and nurse leaders since 1914, launched its second annual recognition contest during National Nurses Week. Eighteen finalists were chosen: nine in each of two categoriesOak Point University alum and non-alum. The more than 11,000 public votes cast from June 12 through June 23 determined the two grand prize winners.

Cardiac nurses, Lludid Maxinez (left) and Stacey Keeler (right), have won Oak Point University's second annual Built to Be a Nurse Contest. More than 11,000 public votes were cast to determine the 2023 grand prize winners.

The grand prize winners are Oak Point alum Lludid Maxinez and non-alum Stacey Keeler. Lludid "Lu" Maxinez, MSN, RN, CVRN-BC, is a cardiac telemetry nurse at Ascension St. Francis in Evanston. Stacey Keeler, RN, BSN, is a program coordinator at the Cardiac Innovations & Structural Heart Center at Edward Heart Hospital.

In her multiple nominations, Maxinez is lauded for her leadership, her calm and decisive demeanor in critical situations, and the care she exhibits for her patients as well as her entire healthcare team. In 2021, her employer recognized her as "Nurse of the Year." She is passionate about healthcare and earned an advanced degree from Oak Point University to become a family nurse practitioner (NP). Maxinez's long-term goal is to become a cardiac NP.

"Winning the Built to Be a Nurse contest is a reminder that nursing is not just a profession, but a calling. It's a privilege to be entrusted with the well-being of others, and I am humbled by this recognition. I am living my greatest contribution to healthcare by serving my community," said Maxinez. "Oak Point University helped me find my true calling. Being a nurse has given me more than just recognition but the opportunity to touch a patient's life one day at a time!"

In her multiple nominations, grand prize winner Keeler is recognized by her peers, family, and patients for her leadership roles in the cath lab and structural heart departments. While it's clear that patient care is where her heart is, her experience is also utilized in the creation of new units. Keeler began her career in healthcare as a radiologic technologist but yearned to provide a more significant role in the care of patients. She became the clinical leader of more than 100 people in the cardiac cath department and for the past eight years has worked in the structural heart program.

"It is a privilege to work with a group of dedicated professionals who symbolize the meaning of compassion. Nurses make a difference advocating for patients and their families, as well as ensuring patients trust in their care," said Keeler. "From a young age, I have always had the desire to help othersfrom my siblings to my friends, parents, and colleagues. I have truly never dreamed of doing anything else. Nursing is my passion and calling."

"Congratulations to our grand prize winners Lludid and Stacey, two inspiring women truly built to be nurses," said Therese A. Scanlan, EdD, president of Oak Point University. "We are proud of all of our #BuiltToBeANurse nominees and finalists, and we hope that we have inspired the next generation of nurses by sharing their stories."

Maxinez and Keeler each receive a vacation package for two and the opportunity to appear in the next "Built to Be a Nurse" campaign featuring nurses and their stories. The campaign's goal is to share with the world that what nurses do every day is not only difficult but challengingemotionally, physically, and intellectually. Nurses do their jobs with empathy, grace, determination, and grit. On top of that, they are smart, resilient, and resourceful like no other. Not everyone is meant to be a nursebut some are built to be.

About Oak Point University

Oak Point University, formerly Resurrection University, is a private, not-for-profit nursing and health sciences educational institution committed to creating healthier tomorrows, with campuses in Chicago and Oak Brook, Illinois. The University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing, undergraduate programs in radiography, and business-to-business education through its Partner Solutions. Oak Point provides the most cutting-edge simulation technologies in the region and is a top option for those seeking degrees and certifications in healthcare. Visit oakpoint.edu for more information.

About the "Built to Be a Nurse" Contest

Entrants/nominators must be legal U.S. residents and eighteen (18) years of age or older. Nominees must be Registered Nurses or Licensed Practical Nurses, legal U.S. residents, and twenty-one (21) years of age or older at the time of nomination. The nomination period begins on 5/6/2023 at midnight CDT and ends on 6/10/2023 at midnight CDT. Public voting of finalists starts on or about 6/12/2023 at noon CDT and ends on 6/23/2022 at midnight CDT. Sponsored by: Oak Point University, Chicago and Oak Brook, IL. For entry form and official rules, please visit BuiltToBeANurse.org.

SOURCE Oak Point University
Emphasis will be on defining, clarifying and prioritizing problems, as well as finding, testing, and scaling solutions to benefit patients

CLEVELAND, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Imagine a world where health care's biggest problems collide with the world's best technology in a culture of innovation.

A visionary $10 million gift from The Veale Foundation will help University Hospitals do just that. UH will establish the Veale Initiative for Health Care Innovation at University Hospitals.

"With the gift, we will develop a novel approach to define, clarify and prioritize health care's biggest problems and then find, test, and scale solutions to those problems," said Peter J. Pronovost, MD, PhD, who will lead the new initiative. He is UH Chief Quality and Clinical Transformation Officer, and Veale Distinguished Chair in Leadership and Clinical Transformation.

The Veale Initiative will pilot groundbreaking innovations and technology with the ultimate goal to transform the entire sector.

"We will scale these solutions across UH and other health systems, with the goal of leveraging the power within and between people to radically transform health and health care," said Dr. Pronovost.

He explained that UH has excelled in improving quality and safety though disciplined problem solving and rapid learning.

"Yet health care's biggest problems, like reducing hospital costs, addressing health care workforce challenges or keeping people healthy at home rather than healing in hospital, require new approaches.

Patients, payors, and care givers can expect greater 'value' in their overall patient experience. We seek to deliver that by reducing costs, enhancing quality, improving usability of products and services, and eliminating waste," said Dr. Pronovost.

UH is a longtime leader in developing and advancing standards of care. "There are numerous examples of innovation in action at UH," said UH Chief Executive Officer Cliff A. Megerian, MD, FACS, Jane and Henry Meyer Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair, noting one recent project that assessed the emotional experience patients face when waiting for a breast cancer diagnosis. "Dr. Pronovost and his team recognized that waiting is suffering for patients, but the existing guidelines were silent regarding wait times. For example, of the twenty-four key moments of the typical mammography screening experience, at least six--25% of the experience--was mired in waiting as suffering moments. The team drafted new, patient-focused standards that, by next year, will be required for all accredited breast centers. The impact this change will have on patients nationwide cannot be overstated."

The paradox in U.S. health care is that we have high costs yet, when compared to other developed nations, our outcomes are worse, explained UH Board Chair John Morikis.

"Modern health care as it exists today is far from ideal for patients and is draining the U.S. economy," said Mr. Morikis, who also is Chairman and CEO at The Sherwin-Williams Co., a Fortune 500 company with more than 64,000 employees. "The Veale Initiative for Health Care Innovation is a truly unique undertaking, with the potential to rebalance the entire equation, ensuring better, more affordable care for patients and improved financial stability for health systems."

"This initiative - a big idea with potential for incredible impact - is in complete alignment with the vision Tink Veale had for his foundation and Northeast Ohio," said Daniel P. Harrington, Chairman of The Veale Foundation. "If Tink were alive today, he would have found a kindred spirit in Dr. Pronovost and admired him as a fellow exemplar of the difference transformative leadership can have on our community and world."

About University Hospitals / Cleveland, Ohio

Founded in 1866, University Hospitals serves the needs of patients through an integrated network of 21 hospitals (including five joint ventures), more than 50 health centers and outpatient facilities, and over 200 physician offices in 16 counties throughout northern Ohio. The system's flagship quaternary care, academic medical center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, is affiliated with Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Oxford University, the Technion Israel Institute of Technology and . National Taiwan University College of Medicine. The main campus also includes the UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, ranked among the top children's hospitals in the nation; UH MacDonald Women's Hospital, Ohio's only hospital for women; and UH Seidman Cancer Center, part of the NCI-designated Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. UH is home to some of the most prestigious clinical and research programs in the nation, with more than 3,000 active clinical trials and research studies underway. UH Cleveland Medical Center is perennially among the highest performers in national ranking surveys, including "America's Best Hospitals" from U.S. News & World Report. UH is also home to 19 Clinical Care Delivery and Research Institutes. UH is one of the largest employers in Northeast Ohio with more than 30,000 employees. Follow UH on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. For more information, visit UHhospitals.org.

Provided by Newswise, online resource for knowledge-based news at www.newswise.com

SOURCE University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
Winning idea aims to improve the connection between refugee students and potential employers by using AI

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Last week, three university student teams traveled to the 11th Annual CIEE Global Internship Conference (GIC) in Berlin, Germany for the finals of the inaugural GIC UNHCR Student Challenge where they presented their best ideas for addressing economic inclusion for people forced to flee their homes.

From left to right, Chris Melzer (UNHCR), Dr. Chrystina Russell (RewirED), Muktahal Singh Birring, Hoi Ling Karin Wong, Justin Kit Hang Tang, Armelle Davasse, Linda Liu (CIEE), and James Pellow (CIEE)

The winning team was the Wolves of Childs Way, comprised of four rising sophomores in the World Bachelor in Business program at the USC Marshall School of Business  Justin Kit Hang Tang (team captain), Muktahal Singh Birring, Armelle Davasse, and Hoi Ling (Karin) Wong. Eligible members of the winning team will receive a scholarship for a 2024 CIEE summer global internship.

For the first round of the GIC UNHCR Student Challenge, CIEE: the Council on International Educational Exchange, in collaboration with co-sponsors UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and Newlab, invited 36 student teams representing 42 universities and 11 countries to an online competition where they presented their best ideas to address economic inclusion for forcibly displaced populations. Challenge partners District C and Microsoft provided additional support.

The top three teams from the first round were awarded a trip to Berlin for the finals where they presented their proposal during the closing plenary before a panel of judges: James P. Pellow, President and CEO of CIEE; Dr. Chrystina Russell, Co-Founder & Executive Director of rewirED; and Chris Melzer, Senior External Relations Officer (Germany) of the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.

"There are 110 million displaced people on earth, and they are desperate for opportunities that will allow them to provide for themselves and their families," said Chris Meltzer of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. "It is deeply impressive how students from all parts of the world have come together and applied their determination and passion to seeking solutions."

The Wolves of Childs Way's winning solution was to use AI to improve the connection between refugee students and potential employers by addressing key challenges faced by student refugees, which include lack of career guidance, no access to networking, and employers unwilling to hire refugees. Their solution, Caree An AI Career Advisor for Refugees, impressed the judges with its significant potential.

"Many of the case competitions we've joined in our college career were solely focused on business profits. This challenge was especially meaningful to us because of its mission," said Justin Kit Hang Tang, team captain, Wolves of Childs Way. "We were honored to be a part of something that could ultimately help millions of people from all parts of the world."

"Leveraging the distinct talents of college students around the world to help provide access to a better future for refugees is perfectly aligned with the aspirations of this year's CIEE Global Internship Conference, with its focus on increasing inclusion and affordability of work-based learning opportunities so they are accessible to all, including refugees," said James P. Pellow of CIEE.

The finals of the 2024 GIC Student Challenge will take place at the 12th Annual CIEE Global Internship Conference that will be held in London June 19 - 21, 2024; and the 2025 GIC Student Challenge will take place at the 13th Annual CIEE GIC that will be held in Singapore June 18-20, 2025. More information about next year's GIC Student Challenge will be available in Fall 2023.

About the GIC UNHCR Student Challenge

The GIC UNHCR Student Challenge aims to deliver a mini experience that mirrors what students might encounter while participating in a global internship. The 2023 challenge, co-sponsored by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and Newlab, builds upon the Model United Nations (MUN) Refugee Challenge, an initiative launched by UNHCR to encourage students worldwide to shape solutions for people forced to flee their homes. Through this experience, students received training and mentorship to build critical skills for addressing this challenge and preparing for future careers.

About CIEE

CIEE builds bridges between different people, different countries, and different cultures. For 75 years, we have helped young people participate in high-quality international exchange and study abroad programs that bring the world together. We change lives, our alumni change the world. Learn more at ciee.org.

CONTACT: Leslie Taylor, (207) 553-4274, [email protected]

SOURCE Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)
NEW YORK, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The US outdoor furniture market size is estimated to increase by USD 1,434.3 million from 2022 to 2027, at a CAGR of 3.26%, according to the recent market study by Technavio. This report also offers a 5-year historical (2017-2021) data projection of market size, segmentation, and region. Discover some insights on market size before buying the full report -Request a sample report

US Outdoor Furniture Market 2023-2027: Vendor Analysis and Scope

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled US Outdoor Furniture Market 2023-2027

The outdoor furniture market report in US also offers information on the criticality of inputs, R&D, CAPEX, technology, and products of 15 vendors listed below -

Agio International Co., Ashcomm LLC, Barbeques Galore (Aust) Pty Ltd, Brown Jordan Co., Century Furniture LLC, Ethan Allen Interiors Inc., Forever Patio, Homecrest Outdoor Living LLC, Inter IKEA Systems B.V., LaZBoy Inc., Lebello USA, Lloyd Flanders Inc, Lowes Co. Inc., LUXCRAFT, MillerKnoll Inc., Penney OpCo LLC, TheHome Depot Inc., Wayfair Inc., Williams Sonoma Inc., and Windward Design Group

Chart & Data Table on 5-Year Historic (2017-2021) Market Size, Comparative Analysis of Segments, and Y-O-Y Growth of Outdoor furniture market in the US

US Outdoor Furniture Market  Market Segmentation

The market is segmented by distribution channel (offline and online), product (outdoor furniture and accessories, outdoor grills and accessories, and patio heating products), and end-user (residential and commercial).

The market share growth in the offline segment will be significant during the forecast period. Specialty stores, department stores, hypermarkets, clubhouses, supermarkets, do-it-yourself (DIY) and home furnishing improvement stores, and bedding stores that sell outdoor furniture are included in offline distribution channels. The manufacturers and distributors are planning their resources for branding and IT support as most of the outdoor furniture is sold in outlet retail stores of the vendors. Furthermore, vendors are generating most of their revenues from their retail stores. Specialty stores are also getting popular in the market. Hence, all the above-mentioned factors are expected to drive the growth of the segment during the forecast period.

To procure the data - Buy the report!

US Outdoor Furniture Market  Market Dynamics

Key driver

The growing construction industry is influencing the demand for outdoor furniture. The number of residential units and commercial establishments is increasing which is due to the expansion of the construction industry in the country. Infrastructure upgrades in developed countries, increasing population in emerging countries, growing residential development, and a rise in are the key factors driving the expansion of the construction industry. The housing market is also rapidly increasing in the country, which will increase the demand for furniture. Hence, this expansion of the construction industry is expected to drive market growth during the forecast period.

Major Trends

The demand for furniture that can be used for multiple purposes is increasing. The introduction of multifunctional and customized products is increasing due to the rising demand for customers. Vendors are planning to launch multifunctional furniture in the market through both offline and online channels. Furthermore, vendors offer various types of chairs and tables that can be converted into large bookcases. For example, Inter IKEA Systems B.V. offers APPLARO Bench with Storage Bag and TOSTERO Bench with Storage Bag. Vendors are focusing on launching innovative products in the market to attract untapped customers. Hence, these factors are expected to drive the market growth during the forecast period.

Significant Challenges

The high initial cost and long replacement cycle of outdoor furniture products are restricting the growth of the market. Superior quality furniture made from wood is not frequently replaced by customers. Another factor is the high cost of this superior-quality furniture which is also -restricting market growth. The product warranties and guarantees which are offered by the vendors are increasing the life span of this furniture. Hence these factors will impede the growth of outdoor furniture in the country during the forecast period.

For Insights on the market dynamics & segmentations VIEW PDF SAMPLE!

What are the key data covered in this US Outdoor Furniture Market report?

CAGR of the market during the forecast period

Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the US outdoor furniture market between 2023 and 2027

Precise estimation of the size of the US outdoor furniture market and its contribution to the market with a focus on the parent market

Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

Growth of the US outdoor furniture market

A thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about vendors

Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of US outdoor furniture market vendors

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US Outdoor Furniture Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 3.26% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 1,434.3 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 2.48 Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled Agio International Co., Ashcomm LLC, Barbeques Galore (Aust) Pty Ltd, Brown Jordan Co., Century Furniture LLC, Ethan Allen Interiors Inc., Forever Patio, Homecrest Outdoor Living LLC, Inter IKEA Systems B.V., LaZBoy Inc., Lebello USA, Lloyd Flanders Inc, Lowes Co. Inc., LUXCRAFT, MillerKnoll Inc., Penney OpCo LLC, The Home Depot Inc., Wayfair Inc., Williams Sonoma Inc., and Windward Design Group Market dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, and Market condition analysis for the forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get customized segments.

Table of Content

1 Executive Summary

1.1 Market overview

Exhibit 01: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Overview



Exhibit 02: Executive Summary  Data Table on Market Overview



Exhibit 03: Executive Summary  Chart on Country Market Characteristics



Exhibit 04: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Segmentation by Distribution Channel



Exhibit 05: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Segmentation by Product



Exhibit 06: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Segmentation by End-user



Exhibit 07: Executive Summary  Chart on Vendor Market Positioning

2 Market Landscape

2.1 Market ecosystem

Exhibit 08: Parent market



Exhibit 09: Market Characteristics

3 Market Sizing

3.1 Market definition

Exhibit 10: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition

3.2 Market segment analysis

Exhibit 11: Market segments

3.3 Market size 2022

3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2022-2027

Exhibit 12: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 13: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 14: Chart on US: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 15: Data Table on US: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

4 Historic Market Size

4.1 Outdoor furniture market in US 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 16: Historic Market Size  Data Table on Outdoor furniture market in US 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

4.2 Distribution Channel Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 17: Historic Market Size  Distribution Channel Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

4.3 Product Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 18: Historic Market Size  Product Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

4.4 End-user Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 19: Historic Market Size  End-user Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million)

5 Five Forces Analysis

5.1 Five forces summary

Exhibit 20: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2022 and 2027

5.2 Bargaining power of buyers

Exhibit 21: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers  Impact of key factors 2022 and 2027

5.3 Bargaining power of suppliers

Exhibit 22: Bargaining power of suppliers  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.4 Threat of new entrants

Exhibit 23: Threat of new entrants  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.5 Threat of substitutes

Exhibit 24: Threat of substitutes  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.6 Threat of rivalry

Exhibit 25: Threat of rivalry  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027

5.7 Market condition

Exhibit 26: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2022 and 2027

6 Market Segmentation by Distribution Channel

6.1 Market segments

Exhibit 27: Chart on Distribution Channel - Market share 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 28: Data Table on Distribution Channel - Market share 2022-2027 (%)

6.2 Comparison by Distribution Channel

Exhibit 29: Chart on Comparison by Distribution Channel



Exhibit 30: Data Table on Comparison by Distribution Channel

6.3 Offline - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 31: Chart on Offline - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 32: Data Table on Offline - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 33: Chart on Offline - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 34: Data Table on Offline - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.4 Online - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 35: Chart on Online - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 36: Data Table on Online - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 37: Chart on Online - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 38: Data Table on Online - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

6.5 Market opportunity by Distribution Channel

Exhibit 39: Market opportunity by Distribution Channel ($ million)

7 Market Segmentation by Product

7.1 Market segments

Exhibit 40: Chart on Product - Market share 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 41: Data Table on Product - Market share 2022-2027 (%)

7.2 Comparison by Product

Exhibit 42: Chart on Comparison by Product



Exhibit 43: Data Table on Comparison by Product

7.3 Outdoor furniture and accessories - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 44: Chart on Outdoor furniture and accessories - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 45: Data Table on Outdoor furniture and accessories - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 46: Chart on Outdoor furniture and accessories - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 47: Data Table on Outdoor furniture and accessories - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

7.4 Outdoor grills and accessories - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 48: Chart on Outdoor grills and accessories - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 49: Data Table on Outdoor grills and accessories - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 50: Chart on Outdoor grills and accessories - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 51: Data Table on Outdoor grills and accessories - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

7.5 Patio heating products - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 52: Chart on Patio heating products - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 53: Data Table on Patio heating products - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 54: Chart on Patio heating products - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 55: Data Table on Patio heating products - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

7.6 Market opportunity by Product

Exhibit 56: Market opportunity by Product ($ million)

8 Market Segmentation by End-user

8.1 Market segments

Exhibit 57: Chart on End-user - Market share 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 58: Data Table on End-user - Market share 2022-2027 (%)

8.2 Comparison by End-user

Exhibit 59: Chart on Comparison by End-user



Exhibit 60: Data Table on Comparison by End-user

8.3 Residential - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 61: Chart on Residential - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 62: Data Table on Residential - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 63: Chart on Residential - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 64: Data Table on Residential - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

8.4 Commercial - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 65: Chart on Commercial - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 66: Data Table on Commercial - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 67: Chart on Commercial - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 68: Data Table on Commercial - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

8.5 Market opportunity by End-user

Exhibit 69: Market opportunity by End-user ($ million)

9 Customer Landscape

9.1 Customer landscape overview

Exhibit 70: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria

10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10.1 Market drivers

10.2 Market challenges

10.3 Impact of drivers and challenges

Exhibit 71: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2022 and 2027

10.4 Market trends

11 Vendor Landscape

11.1 Overview

11.2 Vendor landscape

Exhibit 72: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation

11.3 Landscape disruption

Exhibit 73: Overview on factors of disruption

11.4 Industry risks

Exhibit 74: Impact of key risks on business

12 Vendor Analysis

12.1 Vendors covered

Exhibit 75: Vendors covered

12.2 Market positioning of vendors

Exhibit 76: Matrix on vendor position and classification

12.3 Agio International Co.

Exhibit 77: Agio International Co. - Overview



Exhibit 78: Agio International Co. - Product / Service



Exhibit 79: Agio International Co. - Key offerings

12.4 Ashcomm LLC

Exhibit 80: Ashcomm LLC - Overview



Exhibit 81: Ashcomm LLC - Product / Service



Exhibit 82: Ashcomm LLC - Key offerings

12.5 Barbeques Galore (Aust) Pty Ltd

Exhibit 83: Barbeques Galore (Aust) Pty Ltd - Overview



Exhibit 84: Barbeques Galore (Aust) Pty Ltd - Product / Service



Exhibit 85: Barbeques Galore (Aust) Pty Ltd - Key offerings

12.6 Brown Jordan Co.

Exhibit 86: Brown Jordan Co. - Overview



Exhibit 87: Brown Jordan Co. - Product / Service



Exhibit 88: Brown Jordan Co. - Key offerings

12.7 Century Furniture LLC

Exhibit 89: Century Furniture LLC - Overview



Exhibit 90: Century Furniture LLC - Product / Service



Exhibit 91: Century Furniture LLC - Key offerings

12.8 Ethan Allen Interiors Inc.

Exhibit 92: Ethan Allen Interiors Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 93: Ethan Allen Interiors Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 94: Ethan Allen Interiors Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 95: Ethan Allen Interiors Inc. - Segment focus

12.9 Forever Patio

Exhibit 96: Forever Patio - Overview



Exhibit 97: Forever Patio - Product / Service



Exhibit 98: Forever Patio - Key offerings

12.10 Homecrest Outdoor Living LLC

Exhibit 99: Homecrest Outdoor Living LLC - Overview



Exhibit 100: Homecrest Outdoor Living LLC - Product / Service



Exhibit 101: Homecrest Outdoor Living LLC - Key offerings

12.11 Inter IKEA Systems B.V.

Exhibit 102: Inter IKEA Systems B.V. - Overview



Exhibit 103: Inter IKEA Systems B.V. - Product / Service



Exhibit 104: Inter IKEA Systems B.V. - Key offerings

12.12 Lloyd Flanders Inc

Exhibit 105: Lloyd Flanders Inc - Overview



Exhibit 106: Lloyd Flanders Inc - Product / Service



Exhibit 107: Lloyd Flanders Inc - Key offerings

12.13 Lowes Co. Inc.

Exhibit 108: Lowes Co. Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 109: Lowes Co. Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 110: Lowes Co. Inc. - Key offerings

12.14 MillerKnoll Inc.

Exhibit 111: MillerKnoll Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 112: MillerKnoll Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 113: MillerKnoll Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 114: MillerKnoll Inc. - Segment focus

12.15 Penney OpCo LLC

Exhibit 115: Penney OpCo LLC - Overview



Exhibit 116: Penney OpCo LLC - Product / Service



Exhibit 117: Penney OpCo LLC - Key offerings

12.16 The Home Depot Inc.

Exhibit 118: The Home Depot Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 119: The Home Depot Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 120: The Home Depot Inc. - Key offerings

12.17 Williams Sonoma Inc.

Exhibit 121: Williams Sonoma Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 122: Williams Sonoma Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 123: Williams Sonoma Inc. - Key news



Exhibit 124: Williams Sonoma Inc. - Key offerings

13 Appendix

13.1 Scope of the report

13.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist

Exhibit 125: Inclusions checklist



Exhibit 126: Exclusions checklist

13.3 Currency conversion rates for US$

Exhibit 127: Currency conversion rates for US$

13.4 Research methodology

Exhibit 128: Research methodology



Exhibit 129: Validation techniques employed for market sizing



Exhibit 130: Information sources

13.5 List of abbreviations

Exhibit 131: List of abbreviations

About Us

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

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Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

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Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com

SOURCE Technavio
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WATERLOO, ON , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --New research shows that U.S. public pension funds would be $21 billion richer had they divested from fossil fuels a decade ago.

The study, out of the University of Waterloo in partnership with Stand.earth, analyzed the public equity portfolios of six major U.S. public pension funds, which collectively represent approximately 3.4 million people, to determine the effect divesting from their energy holdings would have had. In total, researchers estimate that the pension funds would have seen a return on their investments that was 13 per cent higher on average.

Another analysis of the same eight U.S. public pension funds included in the report found that the carbon footprint that would have been reduced had they divested 10 years ago is equivalent to the emissions for powering 35 million homes per year.

Researchers say the report proves that divesting creates additional financial value, lowers exposure to climate risks, and reduced the carbon footprint of portfolios.

"Influential investors, like these large public pension funds, can bring about positive change on a few fronts," said Dr. Olaf Weber, professor in the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development at Waterloo. "Energy divestments can create higher returns for the funds, which leads to higher returns for the beneficiaries and reduced exposure to climate risks. Consequently, it leads to safer pensions."

The report also explored ways that recent changes in the performance of the energy sector due to major global eventssuch as COVID-19 and the war in Ukrainewould have influenced the funds. During the last three years, the value of the fossil fuel sector went up because of the reduced oil supply from Russia. Hence, divestment has not been that attractive from a financial point of view. However, the report found that even in times of high performance in the fossil fuel sector, divestment does not reduce financial returns in any significant way.

"If climate chaos like fires and floods weren't enough, this latest report strengthens the case even further that public pension funds must divest from fossil fuels as part of meeting their fiduciary duties," said Amy Gray, senior climate finance strategist at Stand.earth. "As the longest-term investors for workers, the last thing pension funds should be doing is gambling with retirement and deferred wages of their members."

Future work will include going into more detail regarding the emissions of particular portfolio holdings on a per-holdings basis or analyzing the emissions of specific companies and then excluding those with the highest emissions.

"This new Waterloo data hits home for me. My mom is a beneficiary of a public pension, and my family is depending on that retirement income for security," said Miguel Alatorre Jr., Fossil Free California. "It's unconscionable to me that these funds are investing in fossil fuel companies driving climate change, heat waves, wildfires and flooding, all while losing income for workers."

The report, The Impact of Energy Investments on the Financial Value and the Carbon Footprint of Pension Funds , was presented at the IEEFA Energy Finance Conference on June 22.

SOURCE Stand.earth
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm got a first-hand look at high-power EV charger manufacturing in the United States



got a first-hand look at high-power EV charger manufacturing in ABB E-mobility's DC fast chargers made in Columbia, South Carolina are National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI)-ready and meet Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Build America, Buy America (BABA) requirements



are National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI)-ready and meet Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Build America, Buy America (BABA) requirements ABB E-mobility operations are capable of producing up to 10,000 DC fast chargers in the United States per year

COLUMBIA, S.C., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm got a first-hand look at U.S. manufacturing of high-power EV chargers that are helping the U.S. meet its electrification and climate goals. Secretary Granholm visited ABB E-mobility's production operations as part of her "People Powered Summer Road Trip," accompanied by longtime U.S. Representative and current Assistant Democratic Leader, James E. Clyburn.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm visits ABB E-mobilitys production operations as part of her People Powered Summer Road Trip, accompanied by longtime U.S. Representative and current Assistant Democratic Leader, James E. Clyburn.

ABB E-mobility's DC fast chargers made in Columbia, South Carolina enable the transition to an e-mobility economy and support a number of transformational federal and state government policies and programs. Production began early this year and Terra 184 DC fast chargers produced in South Carolina have already been installed along American highways.

The state-of-the-art operations are another example of ABB E-mobility's leadership and commitment to a sustainable transportation future. ABB E-mobility's Terra 184 is one of the first Build America, Buy America compliant 150 kW+ DC fast chargers that also meet the NEVI program standards and requirements. ABB E-mobility's Terra DC Wallbox charger is used by school districts across the country and can support the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean School Bus program.

"ABB E-mobility has been a long-time leader in e-mobility and our commitment to enabling the U.S. transition to electric transportation has never been stronger," said Bob Stojanovic, Senior Vice President for ABB E-mobility in North America. "Our U.S. manufacturing operations support a growing e-mobility economy and ensures that the benefits of electric transportation reach all Americans, whether they are driving electric or producing the chargers that keep those cars moving,"

In order to quickly ramp up production to meet strong U.S. demand, ABB E-mobility worked with its global advanced manufacturing partner, Flex, to expand EV charging manufacturing operations. With Flex's portfolio of manufacturing services and expertise, ABB E-mobility was able to start U.S. production and delivery of 180 kW DC fast chargers at the start of 2023.

"Our collaboration with ABB E-mobility is built on our shared commitment to accelerating the future of electrification, including the adoption of clean energy technology and electric vehicles globally," said Chris Butler, president, Industrial Business, Flex. "We appreciate the continued trust ABB has placed in Flex to get their chargers to market faster, reliably and more sustainably in the U.S. with our advanced manufacturing capabilities and services."

About ABB E-mobility

ABB E-mobility is enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient mobility future as a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions. ABB E-mobility is a partner of choice for the world's biggest EV OEMs and nationwide EV charging network operators. It offers the widest portfolio of EV charging solutions from smart chargers for the home to high-power chargers for the highway stations of the future, solutions for the electrification of fleets and charging for electric buses and trucks. With ~1,500 employees around the world, ABB E-mobility has sold more than one million EV chargers across more than 85 markets, including over 50,000 DC fast chargers. e-mobility.abb.com

For more information please contact:

ABB Media Relations

Phone: (919) 561-8639

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE ABB E-mobility
Successful Healthcare Technology Entrepreneurs Will Accelerate VyncaCare's Growth and Scale

SAN FRANCISCO, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- VyncaCare, a serious illness management company, announced the appointment of Darren Schulte, MD, as the Chief Executive Officer and Board Director and James P. Bradley as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Dr. Schulte succeeds co-founder Ryan Van Wert, MD, who steps down after a decade of leading VyncaCare.

There's a tremendous opportunity to build on the positive impact VyncaCare has made on physician and patient experience Tweet this Darren Schulte, MD | Chief Executive Officer James P. Bradley | Board Chair

VyncaCare has realized significant growth over the past several years. The company offers a unique palliative care model that addresses the physical, spiritual, and psychosocial needs of vulnerable and underserved patients living with serious illnesses.

"It has been a privilege to serve as CEO of VyncaCare, and I am proud of what we have accomplished," said Dr. Van Wert. "Darren's background makes him uniquely qualified to be my successor, and I am confident he is the right person to lead VyncaCare in its next phase."

Dr. Schulte brings two decades of healthcare leadership experience and data analytics expertise to VyncaCare. Most recently, he served as the Chief Innovation Officer and President of Advanced Technology at Centene, a government-sponsored health plan. At Centene, he focused on applying technology to improve clinical, administrative, and operational activities.

Before joining Centene, Dr. Schulte was CEO of Apixio for six years until its acquisition by Centene in late 2020. Apixio applies proprietary AI to determine care quality and patient risk from clinical records. Before Apixio, he served in executive roles at Resolution Health and Anvita Health, both healthcare analytics companies with successful exits. Anvita Health became the analytics engine for Transcend Insights, a population health company owned by Humana.

Dr. Schulte is a nationally recognized expert on healthcare analytics, quality improvement, and risk adjustment, and he currently serves on the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Committee for Performance Measurement. Dr. Schulte received his B.S. degree from the University of California at Berkeley, his M.P.P. degree from Harvard University, and his M.D. from Stanford University. He trained in internal medicine at the University of California at San Francisco. Dr. Schulte is the co-inventor of six U.S. patents.

Dr. Schulte is excited to apply his technology and data-driven solutions expertise to increase VyncaCare's ability to offer high-quality, whole-person care.

"There's a tremendous opportunity to accelerate the impact that VyncaCare has demonstrated on the physician and patient experience," said Dr. Schulte. "Managing serious illness is a key challenge for our country given its aging population. VyncaCare addresses clinical and non-clinical needs for patients, tackles long-standing health inequities, and enables high-quality, less expensive care. I am excited to apply technology to reach more individuals nationwide."

The newly appointed Board Chairman, James P. Bradley, is an accomplished technologist, entrepreneur, and board leader whose career spans the healthcare industry. Previously, Bradley served as Chief Information Officer of UnitedHealthcare, Chief Technology Strategy Officer at McKesson Corporation, and Chair of the NCQA. He founded and led Abaton.com and RxHub (now Surescripts) and served as a board chairman of many companies, including Apixio, ABILITY Network, Diameter Health, and Wellpartner, all of which had successful exits.

"I am delighted to join the outstanding VyncaCare team and the Board at this time in their journey," said Mr. Bradley. "Under Ryan's leadership, VyncaCare has grown from an advanced care planning platform to a multi-state care delivery organization poised for its next growth stage. I look forward to collaborating with Darren and the team to guide VyncaCare as it serves a much larger patient population nationwide."

About VyncaCare

VyncaCare is committed to empowering individuals, their loved ones, and their care teams with serious illness solutions that deliver care in the home. By providing supportive care via our interdisciplinary care teams and advanced care planning, we ensure that serious illnesses and complex health conditions are managed with compassion and expertise. To learn more about our approach to serious illness management through our supportive care model, visit www.vyncacare.com.

Media Inquiries

Brittan Collett | [email protected]

SOURCE VyncaCare
Thousands expected to attend memorial service celebrating his global leadership, inspiration and impact.

ATLANTA, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On Tuesday, June 13, 2023, Wayne C. Thompson, the founder and Senior Pastor of Fellowship of Faith Church International transitioned from this life, taking his final step into eternal glory. Thompson transitioned peacefully. He was a pastor, author, broadcast minister, prophet, teacher, spiritual counselor, and evangelist. Thompson also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Fellowship of Faith Church International and Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy. As a missionary to Africa as well as India, Mexico, and Brussels, Belgium, he impacted the lives of many around the world. Most notably, Thompson was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother.

Wayne C. Thompson, Internationally Renowned Pastor, Faith Pioneer, Evangelist and Founder of Innovative Christian Academy Passes at 84

Affectionately known as "Pastor Wayne," Thompson was born in Atlanta, Georgia and attended Oglethorpe Elementary School, Booker T. Washington High School, Morehouse College, and Georgia State University. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and worked at General Motors and the Lockheed Corporation. In 1969, he founded Wayne C. Thompson Realty Company, leading one of Atlanta's most successful African-American residential and commercial real estate and mortgage companies at that time.

Pastor Wayne also founded the Wayne C. Thompson Evangelistic Association, which morphed into the Fellowship of Faith Church International. During its early years, Bible studies were conducted in restaurants, trailers, and private homes throughout metropolitan Atlanta. The ministry grew to serve thousands of parishioners in-person and millions through television, radio and online channels. In the early 1980s, he also pioneered a local Feed the Hungry program for families in need, which laid the groundwork for similar initiatives across the region. Thompson supported missions throughout the world and was committed to ministering individually to members of his local congregation. In 1986, he founded Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy (SACA)  a fully accredited college prep school that trains and educates children from early learning through 12th grade with a stated mission to "Mix Faith with Learning.

Pastor Wayne was a loving and devoted husband for 49 years to the late First Lady, Mrs. Geraldine G. Thompson. An incredible father and a steadfast friend, he regarded himself as "just an ordinary man who accomplished extraordinary feats." Because of his diligence, commitment, and obedience to the Word of God, Thompson is credited with impacting millions of lives by infusing love, hope and wisdom through the Christian faith.

Pastor Wayne resided in Fairburn, Georgia and leaves to celebrate his life five children  Patrice Michelle Francis (Terry), Melanie Nicole, Samuel Wayne, Hannah Grace, and Naomi Ruth; six grandchildren  Jacob Cordell, Kai Alana Francis, Kenya Elise Francis, Michael Isaiah Francis, Joseph Ezekiel Francis, and Samuel Wayne, Jr.; two brothers  James and Howard; and a host of other family and friends.

SERVICE DETAILS:

Public Viewing: Thursday, June 29, 2023, 3:00 PM  7:00 PM Funeral Service: Friday, June 30, 2023, 11:00 AM

The Service will be live-streamed at www.fofciatl.com/watch-live

All services will be held at: FELLOWSHIP OF FAITH CHURCH INTERNATIONAL

2553 Connally Drive, East Point, Georgia 30344

(404) 346-1162

Parking is limited. Guests are asked to arrive early. Courtesies, flowers, and cards should be sent to the church.

About Fellowship of Faith Church International

The Fellowship of Faith Church International's mission is to bring people to Christ through evangelism. This includes teaching and preparing them to live by faith, developing them through discipleship, and ministering the love and grace of God.

Press Contact:

Alicia Scarborough

(404) 808-3255

https://www.fofciatl.com/

SOURCE Fellowship of Faith Church International
Five Inaugural Members Will Lend Policy Expertise as Workers for Opportunity Expands State-level Labor Reform Across the Country

MIDLAND, Mich., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Workers for Opportunity today named five inaugural members to a new board of advisors, whose policy expertise will steer ongoing labor policy reform in states across the nation.

Newly installed advisory board members include:

Justin Hill , Former Missouri State Representative

, Former Missouri State Representative Scott Plakon , Former Florida State Representative

, Former Florida State Representative J. Stuart Adams , Utah State Senate President

, Utah State Senate President Heath VanNatter , Indiana State Representative

, Indiana State Representative Leah Vukmir, Former Wisconsin State Senator

Workers for Opportunity's advisors are proven champions of employee freedom who have secured labor reform victories in their home states. Under the board's guidance, Workers for Opportunity will continue to expand employee freedom through state laws that notify public employees of their rights, ensure employees have voting rights on union representation, and empower employees to exercise their rights to withdraw from union membership without facing unnecessary or unconstitutional red tape.

Workers for Opportunity's announcement coincides with the five-year anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark decision in Janus v. AFSCME. The court ruled that the First Amendment protects public employees from being required to pay a union as a condition of employment.

Workers for Opportunity's Labor Reform Success

In the years since the Janus v. AFSCME decision, Workers for Opportunity has led state-level reform efforts to advance workplace freedom and safeguard workers' rights.

In 2023 alone, Workers for Opportunity celebrated major labor reform victories in both Florida and Tennessee.

In May, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 256, a bill that gives public employees more opportunities to vote on keeping or removing the union at their workplace and informs them of their rights. The new law reflects a years-long effort led by Workers for Opportunity.

In Tennessee, Governor Bill Lee signed into law Senate Bill 281, which raises salaries and protects paychecks for public school teachers. Governor Lee also signed bipartisan House Bill 1342, securing the right to a private ballot in unionization elections for Tennessee workplaces that receive state economic incentives. The bill is the first of its kind.

Workers for Opportunity has also made strides on labor reform in Kentucky, Indiana, Alaska and Oklahoma, and supported reform efforts in Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Virginia over the past five years.

STATEMENT FROM JUSTIN HILL, BOARD OF ADVISORS: "Workers for Opportunity's 2023 successes in Tennessee, Indiana and Florida offer just a glimpse at what this powerhouse organization can do. I look forward to working alongside my fellow advisory board members to usher in a new era of labor reform with Workers for Opportunity at the helm."

Workers for Opportunity is a project of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. WFO's goal is to advance the liberty of employees across the country and protect their First Amendment rights by ensuring they have a full and informed choice in union membership

SOURCE Workers for Opportunity
MIAMI, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The World Trade Center Miami (WTCM) and the Hispanic Retail Chamber of Commerce (HRCC) are pleased to announce their collaboration agreement to launch a groundbreaking initiative: the introduction of a Hosted Buyer Program for the Americas Food and Beverage Show and Conference. This historic collaboration aims to enhance business opportunities and foster valuable connections within the food and beverage industry.

As one of the leading international trade organizations dedicated to promoting global commerce, the World Trade Center Miami recognizes the importance of facilitating meaningful business relationships. By partnering with the Hispanic Retail Chamber of Commerce, an influential organization representing the interests of Hispanic retailers, this collaboration aligns the expertise and resources of both entities to create a unique platform for growth.

The Americas Food and Beverage Show and Conference, renowned for showcasing the latest trends and innovations in the industry, will now offer an exclusive Hosted Buyer Program. This program will invite pre-qualified U.S. and international buyers and decision-makers to participate in a personalized and curated experience, connecting them with exhibitors, suppliers, and potential business partners. The aim is to drive trade and investment opportunities, fostering economic growth within the Americas' food and beverage sector.

The Hosted Buyer Program at the Americas Food and Beverage Show will feature a series of curated networking events and exclusive matchmaking sessions. Participants will gain access to a diverse range of exhibitors, suppliers, and industry experts, enabling them to explore new products, trends, and business opportunities.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with the Hispanic Retail Chamber of Commerce to introduce the Hosted Buyer Program for the Americas Food and Beverage Show," said Alice Ancona, SVP & COO at the World Trade Center Miami. "This initiative represents a significant milestone in our efforts to facilitate global trade and connect key players in the industry. By creating an avenue for meaningful business interactions, we aim to generate valuable opportunities for exhibitors and buyers alike."

The Hispanic Retail Chamber of Commerce is equally enthusiastic about the collaboration. "We are excited to partner with the World Trade Center Miami to bring this unique Hosted Buyer Program to the Americas Food and Beverage Show," said Julio Ibanez, President & Chairman of the Board at the Hispanic Retail Chamber of Commerce. "This program will provide a platform for Hispanic retailers and businesses to expand their networks, access new markets, and forge fruitful partnerships. Together with the World Trade Center Miami, we are committed to supporting the growth and success of the food and beverage industry."

For more information about the Americas Food and Beverage Show, please visit www.americasfoodandbeverage.com

To learn more about the World Trade Center Miami, visit www.wtcmiami.org

For additional details on the Hispanic Retail Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.hispanicretailchamber.org

About World Trade Center Miami

The World Trade Center Miami is a non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating international trade and economic development for businesses in Miami and the surrounding regions. It offers a range of services, including trade education, market research, and networking opportunities, to support companies in expanding their global reach.

About Hispanic Retail Chamber of Commerce

The Hispanic Retail Chamber of Commerce is a leading organization representing the interests of Hispanic retailers across the United States. It aims to foster the growth and success of Hispanic-owned businesses by providing advocacy, resources, and networking opportunities. The chamber strives to empower its members through education, mentorship, and community engagement.

SOURCE World Trade Center Miami
Four people are now confirmed dead as civil protection units managed on Tuesday to find one more body under the rubble of the building that collapsed Monday in Alexandria, Egypts second-largest city.

The identity of the latest victim remains unknown as rescue operations to determine if more people were trapped under the rubble continue, with five residents still reported missing.

Earlier today, the civil protection units pulled the body of a 13-year-old boy, Abdullah Mahfouz, from the rubble just one day after recovering the bodies of Mostafa Othman, 22, and Hamdy El-Sayed, 40.

Four individuals who sustained minor injuries in the collapse left the hospital on Monday after receiving medical treatment.

The 13-story apartment building, accommodating Egyptian holidaymakers, collapsed in Alexandria's Sidi Bishr neighbourhood on Monday, prompting heightened vigilance among the local authorities, including the governorate's apparatuses and health and social solidarity facilities.

"The top floor of the building had already received a demolition order, and the entire property was examined by a committee responsible for inspecting buildings at risk of collapse," Governor of Alexandria Mohammed El-Sherif said.

The Public Prosecution issued an order to detain a contractor for four days pending investigation over charges of carrying out unauthorized constructions on the top floor and ignoring the demolition order.

It also launched an investigation into the collapse, sending a team to inspect the scene. The prosecution instructed civil defence and municipal officials to secure the area and adjacent properties.

A committee from the governorate's Housing Directorate has also been formed to determine the cause of the incident and examine the building's documentation, according to a statement by the prosecution.

The Decent Life Foundation announced Monday that it would provide EGP 25,000 to the victims' families.

The foundation said it had also deployed field monitoring teams in Alexandria to provide on-ground support to the affected individuals.

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PLANO, Texas, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- XMReality, Inc., a leading software as a service (SaaS) company that provides augmented reality (AR) solutions, today announced that it has signed a new client deal with Technology Resource Center of America, a respected leader in the development and implementation of multi-site enterprise technology across the United States.

The deal will see XMReality, Inc. provide Technology Resource Center of America (TRCA) with its Remote Guidance software. Remote Guidance is an industry trusted cloud-based AR software that helps businesses to reliably improve their knowledge transfer and remote collaboration by allowing geographically separated colleagues, customers, and suppliers to interact and collaborate as if they were side by side.

"We are excited to welcome TRCA to the XMReality family," said Ryan Simeone, Vice President of Business Development at XMReality, Inc. "TRCA is a leading technology solutions provider in the United States, and we are pleased to work with them to help improve their industry leading customer service."

For more information, please contact:



Tim Koeppl, President XMReality Inc.

Phone: +46 739 822 409

E-mail: [email protected]

The following files are available for download:

SOURCE XMReality
HONG KONG, June 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sihuan Pharmaceutical Holdings Group Ltd together with its subsidiaries, is pleased to announce that Xuanzhu Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. ("Xuanzhu Biopharm"), a non-wholly owned subsidiary of Company, has received a drug registration approval from the National Medical Products Administration (the "NMPA") of China of Anaprozole Sodium Enteric-coated Tablet for the treatment of duodenal ulcer. It is the first drug approved for marketing by Xuanzhu Biopharm, which marks a new milestone for Xuanzhu Biopharm from R&D to commercialization.

Anaprozole Sodium Enteric-coated Tablet is currently the first and only proton pump inhibitor (PPI) fully independently developed in China. Its Phase I-III clinical studies are all based on the Chinese population, so it is more suitable for Chinese patients. Anaprozole tablets can effectively inhibit the secretion of gastric acid and has the characteristics of fast onset, stable therapeutic effect, less individual variation, and long half-life. Clinical data shows that Anaprozole is metabolized through multiple CYP enzymes and non-enzymes, so the risk of drug to drug interactions is low when it is used in combination with other drugs. The drug and its metabolites are excreted through the gut and kidney, which provides safer medication options for patients with renal insufficiency.

In addition, Anaprozole Sodium Enteric-coated Tablet is not only used to treat duodenal ulcer, but also is expanding its new indication for the treatment of adult reflux esophagitis (RE). Its Phase II clinical trial has completed the enrollment of subjects, and its Phase III clinical trial is planned to initiate by the end of 2023.

Dr. Che Fengsheng, Chairman and Executive Director of Sihuan Pharmaceutical Holdings Group commented, "We are an innovative pharmaceutical company with roots in China and a global perspective. Our group is committed to the continuous research and development, production and commercialization of class 1 drugs with core proprietary intellectual property rights to address unmet clinical medical needs. PPI is the preferred drug choice for the treatment of peptic ulcer. The approval of Xuanzhu Biopharm's Anerazole Sodium Enteric-Coated Tablets will bring more treatment options for patients. It is also a shot in the arm for injecting billions of dollars into the acid suppressant market. According to statistics, the number of patients with peptic ulcer in China reached over 70 million in 2021, and the total market sales size of proton pump inhibitors in China is nearly RMB30 billion, of which the oral proton pump inhibitor market is nearly RMB13 billion, which reflects that the market is relatively large. Meanwhile, based on their excellent clinical performance, Anaprozole Sodium Enteric-coated Tablet will be gladly accepted by doctors and patients and will have huge commercial potential and clinical value in the future."

About Sihuan Pharmaceutical Holdings Group Ltd.

Founded in 2001 and listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited in 2010, Sihuan Pharmaceutical Holdings Group Ltd. is an international medical aesthetic and biopharmaceutical company led and driven by innovation, with a leading independent production, and R&D technology platform, a rich global product pipeline and a mature and excellent sales system. Focusing on high-growth therapeutic areas such as medical aesthetics, oncology, metabolism, diabetes, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular, modern Chinese medicine and industrial hemp, it adheres to its overall strategic objective of "Adhering to the full-speed promotion of a two-wheeled strategy of Sihuan medical aesthetics and biopharmaceuticals" to build a leading medical aesthetics and biopharmaceutical company in China.

About Xuanzhu Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Xuanzhu Biopharmaceutical is the innovative drug subsidiary of Sihuan Pharmaceutical. It is an innovative pharmaceutical company with roots in China and a global perspective, focusing on major diseases such as digestion, oncology and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and is committed to the continuous research and development, production and commercialization of class 1 drugs with core proprietary intellectual property rights to address unmet clinical medical needs. The company has a team with extensive experience in the development and industrialisation of innovative drugs. Having been involved in the research of digestion, oncology and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis for many years, the company has a deep understanding and international vision of the development of new drugs in related fields and their future development direction. The company has two R&D platforms: small molecule chemistry and large molecule biologics. The dual engines drive the company's innovation and development, forming a product pipeline that covers small molecule, monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) and other types of products. The company adheres to the strategic concept of "innovation driven, promoting the development of new drugs in China and serving human health", and the values of "open innovation, courageous commitment, overcoming difficulties and scientific rigor". With a focus on unmet clinical needs, the company continues to develop new class 1 drugs with international competitiveness, and is committed to developing into a first-class innovative pharmaceutical company with independent research and development, production, and sales capabilities.

For more information about Sihuan Pharm, please visit the company website https://www.sihuanpharm.com/

For further information, please contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Sihuan Pharmaceutical Holdings Group Ltd.
General Commander of the Sudanese Armed Force, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan late on Tuesday urged those who are able to carry arms to join the fight against the paramilitary forces.

"We ask all the youth of my country and whoever can defend not to hesitate or delay in playing this patriotic role in the place of his residence or by joining the military units to get the honor of defending the country," said Al-Burhan in a speech broadcast by the official Sudan TV.

The army commander called on everyone to "be vigilant and ready to confront the existing threats to Sudan," a country he said is targeted by conspiracies both internally and externally.

Al-Burhan further announced a unilateral one-day ceasefire "on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice," which will take effect on the first day of the festival on June 28.

On Monday, Commander of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo announced a two-day unilateral ceasefire "in consideration of the Eid holiday circumstances and for humanitarian purposes."

However, the truce failed to stop the bloodshed in Sudan as heavy fighting continued between the two rival factions in the capital Khartoum on Tuesday.

Sudan has been witnessing deadly armed clashes between the army and the RSF in Khartoum and other areas since April 15, which have left over 3,000 people killed and more than 6,000 others injured, according to the Sudanese Health Ministry.

About 2.5 million people have been displaced inside and outside of Sudan since the conflict broke out, according to an update from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs last week.

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New Delhi, June 27 : Delhi Police have arrested seven persons in connection with the daylight robbery at gunpoint inside the Pragati Maidan tunnel on June 24, an official said on Tuesday.

Police said that raids are being conducted in Delhi-NCR and neighbouring Uttar Pradesh to nab the remaining two to three accused, who are on the run.

According to police, five accused were arrested by two separate teams of the Crime Branch and two accused were arrested by a combined team of North District and New Delhi District.

The accused have been identified as Usman Ali alias Kallu, Irfan, Sumit alias Akash, all three residents of Burari, Anuj Mishra alias Sanki, a resident of Bhalaswa Dairy, Kuldeep alias Lungad, a resident of Jahangirpuri, Pradeep alias Sonu, a resident of Baghpat, and Amit alias Bala, a resident of Loni in Ghaziabad.

According to a senior police official, preliminary investigations have uncovered crucial details about a planned robbery carried out by a group of miscreants. The incident took place on June 24 when the suspects executed their nefarious scheme.

The CCTV camera footage, obtained by the Delhi Police, revealed that four armed men on two motorcycles intercepted a car, targeting a delivery agent and his associate of Omiya Enterprises from Chandni Chowk. The armed men successfully robbed the victims during the encounter at Pragati Maidan tunnel.

Upon initial examination, it was found that the accused individuals had conducted thorough surveillance on June 22-23 in preparation for the robbery. Their vigilant reconnaissance activities demonstrated that they were well-prepared and determined to carry out the criminal act, the official said.

The suspects strategically chose the tunnel for carrying out the crime, recognising that the chances of success are higher there due to the general expectation that vehicles do not stop inside tunnels and instead maintain a steady speed.

The incident unfolded when the delivery agent, employed by the private firm in Chandni Chowk, and his associate embarked on a journey to deliver a bag containing cash to Gurgaon. They booked a cab from the Red Fort and entered the Pragati Maidan tunnel when the four individuals on two motorcycles intercepted their cab.

One of the armed men brandished a pistol and ordered the victims to exit the vehicle. Threatening them at gunpoint, the perpetrators demanded the bag containing the cash. When the victims attempted to resist, the robbers swiftly seized the bag and fled the scene, Special Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ravindra Singh Yadav said.

During the subsequent investigation, the police received a tip-off and conducted raids at various locations in Delhi and Haryana. As a result, Usman, Mishra, and Kuldeep were apprehended, he added.

Subsequently, the remaining suspects were also arrested by the police. Usman has been identified as the mastermind behind the conspiracy, providing crucial information to the other individuals involved. He has been employed as a delivery boy for an e-commerce company in the Chandni Chowk area for several years, thereby possessing valuable knowledge regarding the movement of cash in locations such as Kucha Ghasiram and Kucha Mahajani, the official said.

"Usman, while working as a delivery boy, was well aware of people taking money from the Chandani Chowk area," said the Special CP, adding that Usman roped in Irfan, who works as a barber in Burari area.

After making a plan, they roped in people from Loni and Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh. Usman along with Sumit, a vegetable seller, had done recce at Chandani Chowk before committing the crime. Kuldeep, who is found previously involved in 16 cases, had rented accommodation in Burari area to divide the looted amount, the official said.

"We have also recovered two bikes, Apache and Splendor, used in the commission of the crime. The chassis numbers of the bikes are tempered and the number plates are fake. During the initial interrogation of the accused, it was revealed that Anuj and Bala were on an Apache bike while Irfan along with one another was on Splendor. It is suspected that one scooty was also used in the crime which is being investigated," said the Special CP.

The police have also recovered Rs 5 lakh from the possession of the accused.

On June 24, a delivery agent and his associate travelling in an Ola cab were robbed of cash at gunpoint inside Delhi's Pragati Maidan tunnel by four men on two bikes.

According to police, the delivery agent identified as Patel Sajan Kumar submitted a written complaint regarding the incident at Tilak Marg police station.

Kumar told the police that he, along with his friend Jigar Patel, was going to Gurgaon to deliver a bag containing cash. They hired an Ola cab from Lal Qila, and while on the way to Gurgaon on the Ring Road, when they entered the tunnel, four people on two motorcycles intercepted their cab and robbed the bag at gunpoint.

The official said that based on Kumar's complaint, police lodged an FIR under relevant sections of the IPC.
Lucknow, June 28 : The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (UP STF) have arrested 14 people linked to a solver gang from exam centres for recruitment of Gram Panchayat Officer (VPO), Gram Vikas Adhikari (VDO), and Samaj Kalyan Paryavekshak.

In a replay of the Sanjay Dutt-starrer Munna Bhai MBBS, one of the impersonators of a candidate was found using a Bluetooth-enabled hearing device. The STF personnel had to use a pair of tweezers to dig it out of the person's auditory canal.

The examination for the positions of Gram Panchayat Officer, Gram Vikas Adhikari, and Samaj Kalyan Paryavekshak was being conducted in four shifts at 737 examination centres across 20 districts of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday.

Fourteen people, including seven individuals linked to the solver gang from Lakhnaur, Gomti Nagar Extension, and Bareilly were nabbed in raids by the UP STF.

According to officials, these solvers took hefty sums for impersonating candidates and appearing in their places in the aforementioned recruitment exams. The arrests were made amid the ongoing examination for recruitment at several posts of the Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Service Selection Commission (UPSSSC).
Fighting raged in the Sudanese capital on Tuesday, the eve of the Eid al-Adha Muslim holiday, after paramilitaries seized Khartoum's main police base.

Fighting in the city between the army led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo is now concentrated around military bases.

At the same time in Sudan's west, the conflict is worsening to "alarming levels" in Darfur, the United Nations warned.

Since the war erupted on April 15, the RSF has established bases in residential neighbourhoods of the capital while the army has struggled to gain a foothold on the ground despite its air superiority.

As the RSF fights to seize all of Khartoum, millions of people are still holed up despite being caught in the crossfire without electricity and water in oppressive heat.

Late Sunday, the RSF said it had seized the headquarters, on Khartoum's southern edge, of the paramilitary Central Reserve police, sanctioned last year by Washington for rights abuses.

On Tuesday the RSF attacked army bases in central, northern and southern Khartoum, witnesses said.

Mawaheb Omar, a mother of four who has refused to abandon her home, told AFP that Eid, normally a major event in Sudan, will be "miserable and tasteless", as she cannot even buy mutton, a usual part of the feast.

Looting

Burhan took to state television on Tuesday to urge "all the young people of the country, and all those who can defend it, not to hesitate to do so (...) or to join the military units".

The United States, Norway and Britain, known as the Troika, on Tuesday condemned "widespread human rights violations, conflict-related sexual violence, and targeted ethnic violence in Darfur, mostly attributed to soldiers of the Rapid Support Forces and allied militias".

RSF are descended from Janjaweed militia unleashed by Khartoum in response to a rebel uprising in Darfur in 2003, leading to war crimes charges.

In the current fighting the RSF has been accused of looting humanitarian supplies, factories and houses abandoned by those displaced by the fighting or taken by force.

Daglo responded to these accusations on Tuesday in an audio recording posted online.

"The RSF will take swift and strict action" against those in its ranks who have carried out such abuses, he said.

The RSF had said Monday evening that it was beginning to try some of its "undisciplined" members, and announced the release of "100 prisoners of war" from the army.

Since the beginning of the conflict, both sides have regularly announced prisoner swaps through the Red Cross, without ever giving the exact number of those captured.

Daglo, a former Darfur militia chief, also warned against "plunging into civil war".

The UN and African blocs have warned of an "ethnic dimension" to the conflict in Darfur, where on Tuesday Raouf Mazou, the UN refugee agency's assistant high commissioner for operations, told a briefing in Geneva there is a "worsening situation" in West Darfur state.

"According to reports from colleagues on the ground, the conflict has reached alarming levels, making it virtually impossible to deliver life-saving aid to the affected populations," he said.

New Fronts

Elsewhere in the country, new fronts have opened against the army from a local rebel group in South Kordofan state, south of the capital, as well as in Blue Nile state on the border with Ethiopia.

In South Kordofan, authorities have decreed a night-time curfew to curb the violence.

The Troika expressed "deep concern" about the fighting in Blue Nile and South Kordofan, as well as Darfur, that "risked further broadening the conflict".

Hundreds of civilians have fled over the border to Ethiopia because of the fighting reported around Kurmuk in Blue Nile, the UN said.

This adds to the ever-increasing number, now almost 645,000 people, who have fled to neighbouring countries, mostly Egypt and Chad, according to the latest International Organization for Migration data. Around 2.2 million people have been displaced within Sudan, the agency said.

A record 25 million people in Sudan need humanitarian aid and protection, the UN says.

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New Delhi, June 28 : The principals of MCD schools in the national capital will undergo school leadership and management training at esteemed institutions such as IIM Ahmedabad and other IIMs.

Education Minister Atishi announced during a press conference on Tuesday that the training for the first batch of 50 MCD school principals would commence on June 29 at IIM Ahmedabad.

Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi, who joined the conference, called it a "revolutionary step" towards establishing world-class MCD schools in Delhi.

Atishi said: "Over the past 8 years, a revolution has transformed the education system of Delhi government schools. I firmly believe that once our teachers and principals from MCD schools receive high-quality training, a similar revolution will permeate through the MCD schools, unstoppable and transformative. I am confident that within the next 3-4 years, world-class education will be accessible to every child from Nursery to Class 12 in government schools of Delhi through initiatives like these."

--IANS

atk/sha
New Delhi, June 28 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed an FIR against a sub-postmaster posted in Madhya Pradesh's Jabalpur for allegedly defrauding a government fund of over Rs 65 lakh.

A senior CBI official said that they received a complaint regarding a forgery on June 26. It was alleged that Balwan Shah Bhalavi, posted as sub-postmaster at Motinala Sub Post Office, misappropriated government funds amounting to Rs 65,08,428, resulting in a loss to the postal department. The fraudulent activity took place between 2020 and 2022.

"Bhalavi defrauded Rs 65,08,428 at Motinala Sub Post Office in 181 Savings Bank accounts. Bhalavi misappropriated funds from various account holders by making fraudulent withdrawals using forged signatures," read the FIR.

The CBI said that based on the complaint, an FIR has been filed against the accused under sections 409, 420, 467, and 477-A of the IPC (Indian Penal Code) and section 13(2) read with 13(1)(a) of the PC Act (Prevention of Corruption Act).

Further investigation into the matter is underway

--IANS

atk/sha
New York, June 28 : Hazy skies and poor air quality are expected around New York State again this week due to wildfire smoke, Governor Kathy Hochul has warned, almost three weeks after smoke from raging wildfires in Canada led to poor air quality in New York that she labelled as "an emergency crisis".
Gandhinagar, June 28 : The Geology Department office in Gujarat's Himmatnagar lodged a complaint at the rural police station against seven individuals allegedly involved in sharing sensitive information regarding the movements of officials of the department over WhatsApp group.

Geologist Kishanbhai Patel, in his complaint, said that mineral thieves and their associates had been closely monitoring the activities of the department's officials at the collector's office for several days. "It was discovered that on May 19, a WhatsApp group named 'Rat Na Raja' was formed by these individuals."

According to the complaint, the accused individuals actively shared intricate details of the officials' movements in the WhatsApp group.

The complainant further claimed that these actions resulted in financial losses to the government, as the accused individuals profited from mineral theft, illegal mining, and storage activities.

Several months ago, mining mafias fitted GPS systems in the cars used by the department officials to gain advance information about upcoming raids against illegal mineral theft. The department had previously lodged a police complaint regarding this.

However, the mining mafias have now adopted a new modus operandi by enlisting individuals to extract sensitive information and share it on WhatsApp groups.

The Himmatnagar rural police have initiated an investigation into the complaint filed by the department.
Los Angeles, June 28 : The extreme heat wave that has baked much of the southern US continues to spread to other regions of the country this week, with over 55 million people now under heat alerts.

The heat wave has scorched Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, among other southern parts over the past week, setting or challenging all-time records, Xinhua news agency reported.

The life-threatening "oppressive" heat dome was producing "dangerous heat and humidity in Texas and spread into the lower Mississippi River Valley", according to the US National Weather Service (NWS).

San Angelo in West Texas registered 114 degrees Fahrenheit twice in June, the highest ever recorded there. The border town of Del Rio hit 115 degrees Fahrenheit for the first time.

A reading of 119 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday in the Big Bend area of southwest Texas came within one degree of tying the state's previous all-time high of 120 recorded in 1994, according to meteorologists for the NWS in Midland.

The heat wave is continuing to bake Texas, and will expand in the coming days across much of the southern Plains, the Deep South, the Lower Mississippi Valley and the Gulf Coast, according to the NWS.

More of the Gulf region will see dangerous heat on Tuesday, lasting in some places through the Fourth of July, according to weather forecasts.

Excessive heat warnings are plastered across much of Texas, parts of New Mexico and Arizona and along the Gulf Coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, while heat advisories stretch from northern Florida to southern New Mexico.

Meanwhile, with a high-pressure system building over Southern California, the first heat wave of the summer is expected to hit the western region later this week into the holiday weekend, focused across interior areas.

Triple-digit temperatures are expected across the hottest interior areas of Southern California, according to the NWS.

The oppressive heat has been caused by a stagnant upper-level ridge over the south-central portion of the country, according to the NWS. The dome of high pressure is expanding and will blast heat over much of the southern band of the country in the coming days.

As of Tuesday morning, more than 55 million people in the US were under some form of heat advisory, watch or warning, according to New York Times estimates using NWS advisories and LandScan population data.

A handful of heat-related deaths have been reported across the South.

Health officials urged people to take precautions during the heat wave, particularly those in what are considered vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly and individuals with chronic illnesses.

Extreme heat has been the greatest weather-related cause of death in the United States for the past 30 years -- more than hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding or extreme cold -- killing over 700 people per year, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

In addition, the heat crisis does not affect people equally. Extreme heat mortality disproportionately affects Native American and Black communities, as well as those living in the urban core or very rural neighbourhoods, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Studies have shown that climate change is making heat waves both more frequent and more intense, increasing the risks of heat-related illnesses and deaths, droughts and wildfires.
Chandigarh, June 28 : Now work permit holders in Canada can study full-time or part-time until the expiry of their work permit without needing any study permit -- a major temporary change in policy for three years to keep one ahead of the curve and enhance his or her career prospects.

The Canadian government on Tuesday introduced a public policy that will be beneficial for immigrants, including those from India, to boost their career, job prospects, and chances of permanent residency.

"Every year, thousands of temporary foreign workers bring their skills to Canada, helping to drive our economy and fill critical labour market gaps," said the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). While they play an important role in Canada's prosperity, foreign workers sometimes face barriers in the types of study programmes in which they can enrol to pursue their dreams and create new opportunities.

Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser announced a new temporary measure that removes the limit on the length of the study programmes that temporary foreign workers can enrol in without a study permit.

Starting immediately, foreign workers will have the opportunity to seek additional training and education that can help them in their careers. Prior to this change, foreign workers could study while working, but only in programmes of six months or less. For longer programmes, they had to apply for a separate study permit. This has been a barrier for those who wanted to improve their education and receive more training, including those needing to upskill or validate their foreign credentials through certain programmes.

With this new three-year temporary measure, foreign workers can study full-time or part-time while their work permits are valid or until the expiration of the policy, with no restrictions on the length of the programme. The temporary measure applies to those who hold a valid work permit or who have submitted an application to renew their work permit on or before June 7, and are authorised to work. If a foreign worker wishes to study longer than the duration of their work permit, they still need to apply for a study permit.

"Temporary foreign workers are incredibly important for the Canadian economy, and many have aspirations that go far beyond the work that initially brings them to Canada. With this policy in place, we hope to empower foreign nationals to improve their skills in order to meet their career goals and achieve their dreams, while providing a future potential source of talent for our labour market," Immigration Minister Fraser said. "By removing barriers to skills development, we open the door to more foreign-trained doctors and nurses to help take care of our loved ones and support our healthcare system. We also provide a path for construction labourers to become tradespersons, and strengthen our communities and build new homes. This immigration measure helps employers, workers, and our economy by addressing critical labour shortages. This is welcome news for all parties involved."

Immigration accounts for almost all of Canada's labour force growth. Roughly 75 per cent of Canada's population growth comes from immigration, mostly in the economic category.

By 2036, immigrants will represent up to 30 per cent of Canada's population, compared to 20.7 per cent in 2011. However, this temporary public policy could help more foreign nationals increase the likelihood that they receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry. Candidates may be able to increase their CRS score by, for example, achieving a higher level of education or by gaining qualifying work experience during part-time studies.
Khartoum, June 28 : Heavy fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the capital of Khartoum ahead of the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha.

According to witnesses, heavy artillery fire and gunshots were heard in parts of Khartoum late Tuesday after RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo had announced a two-day "unilateral ceasefire" the previous day, reports Xinhua news agency.

The armed conflict in Sudan has so far shown no sign of abating since it began on April 15, despite several ceasefire agreements reached intermittently between the warring sides over the past 10 weeks.

In addition to causing significant property damage and lootings in Khartoum, where foreign diplomatic missions have also been targeted, the conflict has also caused turmoil in other parts of Sudan, particularly in the conflict-hit Darfur, a vast western region that borders Chad.

In a statement issued on June 24, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) called for immediate actions to stop the killing of civilians who were fleeing El Geneina, the capital city of West Darfur State.

The Sudanese Doctors Syndicate said that more than 1,000 people had been killed in El Geneina by armed militias.

Since the conflict began, the number of overall fatalities has increased to more than 3,000, while over 6,000 people have also been injured, according to the Sudanese Health Ministry.

About 2.5 million people have been displaced inside and outside of Sudan, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs last week.
Lucknow, June 28 : The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Uttar Pradesh Police has arrested a former fair price shop operator in connection with a multi-crore foodgrain scam that allegedly took place in the state between 2002 and 2007.

The EOW has been investigating the case since 2010.

EOW officials said the accused, Riyaz Ahmad, a resident of Chadwa Barwa village under Sikandarpur police station limits of Ballia, was arrested in Varanasi on Tuesday.

An FIR was lodged against Ahmad at Sikandarpur police station of Ballia in 2006 for allegedly swindling food grains worth Rs 60 lakhs.

The Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 409 (criminal breach of trust by a public servant), 419 (cheating by impersonation), 420 (fraud) and those concerning forgery; and relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act have been invoked against Ahmad.

The scam reportedly took place in at least 31 districts of the state and foodgrains meant for distribution to the poor either for free or at highly subsidised rates were allegedly illegally diverted out of the state, and, in some cases, out of the country, for sale in the open market.

--IANSamita/dpb
Lakhimpur Kheri, June 28 : A crocodile dragged and killed a 35-year-old farmer in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri district.

The incident took place on Tuesday when the victim, Sarjeet Gautam, was on his way to his field.

He was wading through a rivulet when the crocodile suddenly emerged and dragged him into deep water.

The rivulet passes through the forests of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.

The other farmers, who had already crossed the rivulet, pelted stones and used their sticks to rescue Sarjeet, but he drowned.

He was later rushed to a community health centre where he was declared dead.

Sarjeet is survived by his wife and six children.

Meanwhile, a revenue team was sent to the village by SDM Anurag Singh, who said that the bereaved family of Sarjeet will be eligible for compensation of Rs 4 lakhs under the state disaster relief fund.
Berlin, June 28 : Four suspected drug dealers have been arrested in Germany's Neubrandenburg city after a 13-year-old girl died from taking ecstasy, police said.

The three juveniles and a 37-year-old were accused of trafficking and distribution of narcotics to minors, Xinhua news agency quoted a police statement issued on Tuesday as saying

During apartment searches, "small quantities of narcotics, cash in denominations typical of the scene, and revolver ammunition were seized and confiscated", the statement added.

According to the police, the girl died on Monday after taking 'Blue Punisher', an ecstasy pill with a very high dose of MDMA.

Her 15-year-old friend, who was also hospitalised, is now out of danger.

However, another 14-year-old girl remains "in a very critical condition" after being found unconscious on the sidewalk by officers, police said, warning that the "dangerous pill" continues to circulate.

The Ministry of the Interior of the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where Neubrandenburg is located, has also been alerted.

The "accumulation of very serious health disorders" following the use of ecstasy in recent days is "atypical", the Ministry noted.

Approximately 4.7 million adults aged 18 to 64 and around 374,000 adolescents aged 12 to 17 have used an illegal drug in the past one year in Germany, according to the country's Centre for Addiction Issues.

Cannabis was the most used drug, followed by ecstasy.
The Egyptian government announced earlier this week its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), which includes setting more ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and securing finances needed to achieve them.

The updated NDC document revealed that Egypt plans to reduce GHG emissions from electricity generation, transmission and distribution by 37 percent by 2030.

This would represent an improvement over its previous target of 33 percent.

To achieve these goals, Egypt plans to decommission 12 fossil fuel power plants with a total capacity of 5 GW, replacing them with 10 GW of renewable energy built using private investments.

Egypt also moved up the date by which it plans to generate 42 percent of its energy from renewable sources to 2030, instead of 2035.

The updated contributions will require a minimum of $246 billion to implement, according to the released document.

The update is meant to secure additional funding, as per a declaration between Egypt, Germany and the US made during the 27th UN Climate Change Conference (COP27), according to Minister of International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat on Sunday.

[The updated contributions will] secure grants, debt swaps, concessional finance and catalyze private investments to support the energy pillar within the country-led platform of the Nexus of Water Food and Energy (NWFE)," Al-Mashat said.

Since COP27, and through the NWFE Platform , Egypt signed a debt swap for climate action with Germany to support the transmission grids.

Moreover, renewable energy projects with a capacity of 3,700 MW have been signed between Egypt's Ministry of Electricity and the private sector within the energy pillar.

Egypt has also taken steps to increase its renewable energy capacity, including establishing a new 500 MW wind farm in the Gulf of Suez , the 500 MW Abydos Solar Project in Aswan and the 500 MW Amunet wind energy project in Ras Ghareb.

On 6 June, Egypt signed an agreement with Emirati clean energy company Masdar to launch a wind power plant in Sohag with direct investments of $10 billion.

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New Delhi, June 28 : Mumbai Police have issued a red alert for Android users who have downloaded WhatsApp in Pink.

In a Twitter post, the Mumbai Police said, "WHATSAPP PINK - A Red Alert For Android Users", along with a picture explaining the consequences as well as the measures to protect yourself from the scam.

"The news about 'New Pink Look WhatsApp with extra features' which is recently doing rounds among the WhatsApp users is a hoax which can lead to hacking of your mobile through malicious software," the picture reads.

"It is not an uncommon instance, to see the fraudsters come up with variety of new tricks and ways to lure gullible users into falling into their trap to commit cyber frauds. It is for the users to be Aware, Alert, and Attentive to these kinds of frauds and remain safe and secure in the digital world."

Downloading WhatsApp in Pink can lead to misuse of contact numbers and pictures saved on mobile phones, financial loss, misuse of your credentials, spam messages, and more.

People are advised to immediately uninstall the fake app downloaded on their mobile by navigating to settings> apps> WhatsApp (pink logo) and uninstall it.

You should never click on links received from unknown sources without proper verification or authentication. Also, you should always install applications through the official app store of Google or iOS or a legitimate website.

Always keep in mind to never share your personal details or financial information like login credentials, passwords, credit or debit card details and other such information online with anyone, as it can be misused.

Moreover, be aware and alert about such attempts of cyber criminals by keeping track of the latest news and updates on the activities of cyber fraudsters.

--IANS

aj/ksk
San Francisco, June 28 : The US National Weather Service (NWS) has announced that the first heat wave of the summer is expected to hit Southern California later this week.

With a high-pressure system building over Southern California, temperatures are forecast to heat up Thursday and into the weekend, culminating in a heat wave over the Fourth of July holiday, Xinhua news agency quoted the NWS as saying in its latest update.

"First heat wave of the summer is expected by the holiday weekend, focused across interior areas. Triple digit temperatures likely across the hottest interior areas," the weather service added.

Health officials are urging residents to avoid heat stress by seeking out shade or air-conditioned locations, drinking more water and avoiding sunburn.

The announcement comes amid an extreme heat wave that has baked much of the southern US , with over 55 million people currently under heat alerts.

The heat wave has scorched Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, among other southern parts over the past week, setting or challenging all-time records.

The life-threatening "oppressive" heat dome was producing "dangerous heat and humidity in Texas and spread into the lower Mississippi River Valley", according to the NWS.

Extreme heat has been the greatest weather-related cause of death in the US for the past 30 years -- more than hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding or extreme cold -- killing over 700 people per year, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

In addition, the heat crisis does not affect people equally. Extreme heat mortality disproportionately affects Native American and Black communities, as well as those living in the urban core or very rural neighbourhoods, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Studies have shown that climate change is making heat waves both more frequent and more intense, increasing the risks of heat-related illnesses and deaths, droughts and wildfires.
New Delhi, June 28 : During a strategy meeting with the Telangana Congress leaders, former party chief Rahul Gandhi has made it clear that the grand old party will not have any kind of alliance with the Bharath Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in Telangana as "it works with the BJP", sources said on Wednesday.

The Congress called the meeting of its leaders from Telanganaon Tuesday to discuss the strategy for the state, which will go to polls later this year.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge chaired the meeting which was also attended by Congress general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal, Telanagana state in-charge Manikrao Thakare, state unit chief A. Revanth Reddy, former MP Renuka Chowdhury and others.

According to party sources, during the meeting at the party headquarters here, Rahul Gandhi was very vocal and said that the party will not have any kind of alliance with the BRS in the state.

The party source further said that Rahul Gandhi during the meeting also said that how one can imagine that BRS can be part of the alliance as it is team B of the BJP.

The source said that Rahul Gandhi made it clear that the Congress will go into the Assembly polls highlighting how BRS and BJP are working together in the state.

Earlier this year, Congress did not participate in the round table meeting organised by BRS leader K. Kavitha in the national capital over the Women's Reservation Bill.

The BRS has not attended many meetings of the Centre in the last one and half years, but it participated in the all-party meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah over Manipur on June 24.

Even Chief Minister K. Chadrasekhar Rao's son and state minister K.T. Rama Rao also met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other ministers in the national capital during his two day visit.

The meeting at the Congress headquarters here came a day after at least 35 BRS leaders, including former minister Jupally Krishna Rao and former MP Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy joined the party after meeting Kharge and Rahul Gandhi.

According to the party leaders, Rahul Gandhi will now address a public meeting in Khammam on July 2.

--IANSaks/dpb
Lucknow, June 28 : The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) will oppose the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) law, which seeks to formulate and implement a set of common personal laws for all the citizens of India regardless of their religion, caste, and creed, as per the religious body's member Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahali .

A decision to this effect was taken in an emergency online meeting late on Tuesday evening hoursafter Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocated for the nationwide implementation of the law.

During the online meeting -- attended by AIMPLB president Saifullah Rehmani, Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahali, chairman of Islamic Centre of India and member of AIMPLB, AIMPLB lawyers and others -- the Muslim body agreed on presenting its views more powerfully in front of the Law Commission.

At the meeting, the documents to be submitted to the Law Commission were also finalised.

The views put forward by Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday were in sync with the affidavit filed by the Union ministry of law in the Supreme Court a few months ago.

The affidavit said that "citizens belonging to different religions and denominations following different property and matrimonial laws is an affront to the nation's unity".

Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahali said, "AIMPLB will oppose the Uniform Civil Code tooth and nail. We are chalking out a strategy to counter the proposed move of the government by presenting our view in front of the law commission more powerfully. All prominent Muslim leaders of the country were present in the online meeting held on Tuesday."

He added, "For the past several years, politicians have been raising the issue of the UCC just before the elections. This time too, the issue has come up before 2024 elections. I have always said that the UCC is not only going to affect the Muslims but also the Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Jews, Parsis and other miniscule minorities living in the country. India is a country where language changes at every 100 km. So, how can we have the same set of rules for all communities?"

--IANSamita/shb/

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Los Angeles, June 28 : Two wildfires have erupted in California's Riverside and San Bernardino counties, prompting evacuation of residents, while also threatening multiple structures, officials said.

The fires were reported on Tuesday and they broke out about 48 km apart, reports The Los Angeles Times.

The 'Juniper' fire in Riverside County was reported at around 2.30 p.m. in the 19000 block of Santa Rosa Mine Road, according to Alex Izaguirre, a spokesperson for the Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.

By 5.45 p.m., it had grown to at least 55 acres with 5 per cent containment.

About 100 firefighters were battling the blaze from the air and the ground, including 19 engine companies and four air tankers, Izaguirre said.

It has also prompted mandatory evacuations for residents of 88 homes.

Dubbed the 'Nice' fire, the blaze ignited at 3.09 p.m. in San Bernardino Mentone community near Nice Avenue and Amethyst Street, The Los Angeles Times reported citing the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection as saying.

It said that the fire was moving slowly, with no structures threatened.

The cause of the two fires are being probed.

The wildfire have erupted as the National Weather Service (NWS) has warned of this summer's first heat wave set to hit Southern California this week.

Temperatures are expected to soar to the triple digits this weekend, and the NWS has advised residents that hot, dry conditions could support rapid fire growth should a blaze ignite.
Bengaluru, June 28 : The Karnataka Lokayukta was conducting simultaneous raids on the residence and offices of several government officials across Karnataka on Wednesday.

The raids were conducted in Bengaluru, Ramnagar, Bagalkot, Belagavi, Tumakuru, Kalaburgi, Yadgir, Kolar and other places. The sleuths of Lokayukta knocked on the doors of the officers' residences early in themorning and started inspection, sources said.

In Bengaluru, raids have been conducted at 10 locations, including the residence of former K.R. Puram Tehsildar Ajith Rai. Sources stated that they have found huge cash at his residence. The allegations of rampant corruption had surfaced against Ajith Rai, and the raids were conducted in this backdrop, Lokayukta sources stated.

The Lokayukta sleuths have alsoraided the premisesof Ravi, the joint director attached to the agriculture department. The raids were underway at his residence in Shankarapura in Tumakuru and his farm house in Ramnagar.

Lokayukta sleuths have raided the residence of Hubballi Electricity Supply Company (Hescom) Chief Executive Officer Shekar Bahuroopi at Ramatheerthanagar in Belagavi.

Raids were also underway on joint director of Agriculture department Chetana Patil in Akkimaradi layout in Bagalkot. The sleuths found two turtles at the residence, and took away her laptop and somedocumentsinto custody.

The raids were also underway in Raichur and Kolar districts.

--IANSmka/dpb
New Delhi, June 28 : Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday paid tributes to former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao on his birth anniversary, and said that his tremendous contribution towards economic transformation will always be cherished.

"Remembering Former Prime Minister, P. V. Narasimha Rao on his birth anniversary. His tremendous contribution towards economic transformation of India and nation building shall always be cherished," Kharge said in a tweet.

Rao was the first person outside of the Nehru-Gandhi family to complete the full five-year term as prime minister from 1991 to 1996.

He was voted out in 1996.

Under Rao, India's then Finance Minister Manmohan Singh brought in the economic reforms in 1991. It was Rao, who gave Singh the political wherewithal and shielding, to carry out his decisions.

--IANSaks/dpb
London, June 28 : A 34-year-old Indian-origin man admitted to fraud after he took over 36 driving theory tests on behalf of other people, making up to 1,500 pounds each time, as part of an 'organised crime' ring across the UK.

Appearing at the Reading Magistrates Court on Tuesday, Satwinder Singh of Rheidol Avenue, Swansea, admitted fraud by false representation and possessing an article, the driving licence, for use in fraud, The Reading Chronicle reported.

The court heard that for over four years, Satwinder pocketed up to 1,500 pounds each time he took the test -- which costs only 23 pounds -- for people who could not speak English.

Holding a driving licence under the name of Amritpal Singh, Satwinder targeted locations across the UK, including Reading, Manchester, Sheffield, Southgate, Oxford, Aylesbury, Guildford, Staines and Bristol.

After the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) put out a picture of Satwinder and notified centres throughout the country in 2019, he was spotted at a theory test centre on June 6 from where he was arrested.

The prosecution told the court that a member of staff at the Pearson test centre in Reading noticed Satwinder enter the building, where he said he was Amritpal Singh and produced a driving licence in that name.

"He was pretending to be the person on the licence. Despite knowing he was not the person on the licence, the member of staff admitted him to do the test in order to call the police and allow time for them to arrive," prosecutor Deborah Specter was quoted as saying by The Reading Chronicle.

After police arrived, Singh continued to identify himself as Amritpal Singh but police found the keys to a Range Rover car, which was registered under his real name.

Specter told the court that Satwinder had admitted offences of impersonating genuine test candidates for payment at Pearson and Reed test centres.

"The profits made by people involved in this activity by impersonation are huge and often could be described as organised crime," she added.

Magistrates have sent Satwinder's case to the Crown Court for a date to be decided for his next hearing.

The Reading Magistrates Court bailed him on condition that he will not attend any Reeds or Pearson driving theory test centres.

--IANS

mi/ksk
New Delhi, June 28 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday once again attacked the Centre over its ordinance on controlling the administrative services in the national capital.

Sharing the write-up of retired Supreme Court Justice Madan B. Lokur, he said that the justice has exposed the unconstitutionality of the Centre's ordinance.

"The ordinance comes out as a constitutional fraud on the people of Delhi, its elected representatives, and the Constitution," Supreme Court Justice (retired) Madan B. Lokur writes, exposing the unconstitutionality of the Centre's ordinance," Kejriwal wrote on Twitter while sharing an excerpt from the article.

Notably, Kejriwal has met with a number of opposition parties seeking their support against the Central government on the ordinance issue. He has also said that, as of now, only the Congress is not coming out clean on its stance against the Centre.

The entire Opposition, except Congress, has supported him in voting against the Centre's government ordinance in Parliament,the CM has stated.
San Francisco, June 28 : Google is reportedly laying off employees from its navigation and mapping company Waze, as it aims to merge mapping products.

The tech giant is moving Waze over to Google's ads system which means there will be job cuts at Waze in "sales, marketing, operations and analytics," reports CNBC.

The report cited an email by Chris Phillips, VP and GM of Google's Geo unit, which read that the company hopes to "create a more scalable and optimised Waze Ads product".

Waze has more than 500 employees and it was not clear how many of those will lose jobs.

"We have decided to transition Waze's ads monetisation to be managed by the Global Business Organisation (GBO), similar to Google Maps," Phillips wrote in the email.

"Unfortunately, this will result in a reduction of Waze Ads monetisation-focused roles in sales, marketing, operations and analytics," the email noted.

Waze was acquired by Google for about $1.1 billion in 2013.

The Waze app, which has around 140 million active users, uses a crowdsourcing technique that allows it to determine the fastest driving route from one location to another, with the most recent traffic information.

In 2020, Waze had laid off 5 per cent of its global workforce, about 30 people, amid the pandemic.

Waze had shut several of its offices in the Asia-Pacific and Latin America regions as it sought to refocus its business on certain markets.
The Ministry of the Interiors Community Protection Sector reviewed the files of inmates in correctional and rehabilitation centres across the country who had served partial sentences to determine those eligible for release, according to a statement by the ministry.

This comes within the framework of the ministry's keenness to implement a modern penal policy, provide care for inmates and release those who have been rehabilitated and integrate them back into society, the statement added.

In April, 1,920 inmates were released by pardon on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr and Sinai Liberation Day.

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Riyadh, June 28 : The Saudi Arabian government announced that more than 1.8 million pilgrims from over 150 countries have performed Haj so far this year.

The General Authority for Statistics said Tuesday said that the number of pilgrims from Arab countries has reached more than 346,000, or 21 per cent of the total, reports Xinhua news agency.

Among the pilgrims, more than 1 million from Asian countries, making up 63.5 per cent of the total, while nearly 223,000 others, or 13.4 per cent , came from African countries excluding the Arab nations.

More than 36,500 pilgrims travelled from Europe, the US, Australia and other unlisted countries to Saudi Arabia, representing 2.1 per cent of the total, according to the General Authority for Statistics.
New Delhi, June 28 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday paid tributes to late Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao on his birth anniversary.

"Remembering PV Narasimha Rao Ji on his birth anniversary. His far-sighted leadership and commitment to Indiaas development was noteworthy. We honor his invaluable contributions to our nation's progress," Prime Minister Modi said in a tweet.

Also taking to Twitter, Kharge said that the late veteran leader's "tremendous contribution towards economic transformation of India and nation building shall always be cherished".

Born on June 28, 1921 in Laknepalli village, Telanagana, Rao was the first person outside of the Nehru-Gandhi family to complete the full five-year term as Prime Minister from 1991 to 1996.

He was voted out in 1996.

Under Rao, India's then Finance Minister Manmohan Singh brought in the economic reforms in 1991.

It was Rao, who gave Singh the political wherewithal and shielding to carry out his decisions.

He passed away on December 23, 2004 at the age of 81.

--IANS

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Kolkata, June 28 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) probing the multi-crore school recruitment case in West Bengal has now summoned actress-turned-politician and Trinamool Congress state youth wing president Sayani Ghosh for questioning in connection with the case.

She was summoned at ED's central government office (CGO) complex at Salt Lake in the northern outskirts of Kolkata on June 30. A notice had been served to Ghosh late Tuesday evening, sources said.

Sources said that the notice to Ghosh was issued after two clues came to the notice of ED sleuths. The first was recovery of some WhatsApp chats betweenGhoshand expelled youth Congress leader Kuntal Ghosh, who is currently in judicial custody because of his alleged involvement in the school recruitment case.

Secondly, sources said, some banking transactions between Sayani Ghosh and Kuntal Ghosh relating to some purchase of property were found. The WhatsApp chat history has been recovered from the mobile phone of Kuntal Ghosh.

Sayani Ghosh is not the first celebrity from the Bengali silver screen world who has been summoned and questioned by ED sleuths in connection with the school recruitment case. In March this year, actor Bonny Sengupta was similarly questioned by the central agency sleuths after it came to the notice that the investigating officials got access to clues of Sengupta receiving a huge amount of money from Kuntal Ghosh.

Sengupta at the point told ED officials he got Rs 40 lakh loan from Ghoshfor purchasing his new high-end premium vehicle. He also added that he repaid the loan by performing in at least 20 events organised by Ghosh. However, he was unable to furnish any document of such an agreement to the ED sleuths.Later Sengupta also returned Rs 40 lakhs to Ghosh.

Meanwhile, a political slugfest has surfaced over the ED notice to Sayani Ghosh for questioning. State Trinamool Congress spokesman Kunal Ghosh questioned the timing of sending the notice to the actress turned-politician at a time when the full- fledged campaign for the forthcoming panchayat polls in the state are on.
Seoul, June 28 : South Korea on Wednesday imposed unilateral sanctions on a Russian individual of Korean descent involved in the illegal financing of Pyongyang's weapons of mass destruction programs, the Foreign Ministry here said.

Choi Chon Gon of Russia was among the total of four entities -- two individuals and two organisations -- newly added to Seoul's sanctions list against Pyongyang's nuclear and missile development programs, Yonhap News Agency quoted the Ministry as saying

Choi, previously a South Korean national, founded a North Korea front company named Hanne Ulaan LCC in Mongolia for the purpose of evading international sanctions while securing funding for Pyongyang's weapons programs.

He is also accused of having supported Pyongyang's illegal financing by establishing Epsilon, a Russia-based trading firm, through a joint investment partnership with So Myong, head of the North's Foreign Trade Bank branch in Vladivostok.

The three other entities newly added to the sanctions list were So, Hanne Ulaan and Epsilon.

The announcement marks the Seoul's ninth unilateral sanctions measure against the North since the launch of the Yoon Suk Yeol administration in May last year, and the first time adding an international individual of Korean descent to the blacklist.

A total of 45 individuals and 47 agencies have been added to the sanctions list since Yoon came to office.
Chicago, June 28 : Smoke drifting from the raging wildfires in Canada has caused the air quality level in Chicago to rank among the worst in the world.

As of 4 p.m.on Tuesday, AirNow.gov listed Chicago's air quality at 258, under the "very unhealthy" category, reports Xinhua news agency.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agencyissued an air quality alert in effect until midnight Wednesday and encouraged Chicago residents to limit their time outdoors.

Air Quality Alerts were also in effect for the states of Wisconsin and Indiana.

The Chicago Park District has moved programs, including summer camps, indoors, while all beaches in Evanston have been closed, local media reported .

AirNow.gov recommends people who must be outside wear an N95 mask and those with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens to reduce exposure.

Mayor Brandon Johnson stated the air quality, saying the City of Chicago is carefully monitoring and taking precautions.

The US Environmental Protection Agency has categorised Chicago's Air Quality Index as "unhealthy" due to Canadian wildfire smoke .

"We recommend children, teens, seniors, people with heart or lung disease, and individuals who are pregnant avoid strenuous activities and limit their time outdoors," Brandon said in the statement.

"Anyone who needs immediate medical attention should dial 911," the statement added.

Detroit had the second-worst air quality in the world Tuesday.

The National Weather Service issued poor air quality alerts for northeastern Illinois, northwestern Indiana and all of southeast Michigan for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Emissions from about 400 wildfires burning in Canada cast an orange haze earlier this month, including New York City, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

Canadaas wildfire season this year is the worst on record, with around 29,000 square miles burning in eastern and western Canada, which is greater than the combined area that burned in 2016, 2019, 2020 and 2022.
New Delhi, June 28 : Two brothers were arrested for attacking an on-duty Delhi Police head constable (HC) with a surgical blade in the city's Mayapuri area, an official said on Wednesday.

According to police, HC Vikrant and constable Harish were patrolling the jhuggi clusters of Rewari Line on Tuesday as part of a drive to nab active criminals

"While the two were checking for Bad Characters (BCs), Vikrant was attacked by Vishal and his brother Krishna with the surgical blade. Although Vikrant managed to deflect the attack but sustained an injury on his hand," the official said.

Harish intervened and both of them managed to overpower Vishal and Krishna.

"During a search, a push button knife was also recovered from Krishna's possession. A case has been registered at Mayapuri police station and both the accused have been arrested," said the official.

According to the police, Vishal is a BC of the area and Krishna was also involved in a previous criminal case.

--IANS

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Los Angeles, June 28 : Julian Sands, best known for his acting in films such as 'A Room with a View' (1985), went missing in January this year whilst he was out on a hike in the San Gabriel Mountains in California It has been confirmed the human remains found near the area Julian Sands disappeared more than five months ago were of the actor, reports mirror.co.uk.

The British actor went missing on January 13, shortly after his 65th birthday, whilst hiking in the San Gabriel Mountains in California, amid challenging conditions in the area.

There had been ground and air searches in the months since he was reported missing and a body was found over the weekend, though identification wasn't provided then.

The Bernardino County Sheriff's Department confirmed the latest tragic news in a statement on Tuesday.

It read: "The identification process for the body located on Mt. Baldy on June 24, 2023, has been completed and was positively identified as 65-year-old Julian Sands of North Hollywood. The manner of death is still under investigation, pending further test results.

"We would like to extend our gratitude to all the volunteers that worked tirelessly to locate Mr. Sands."

Julian is survived by his wife Evgenia Citkowitz - whom he married in 1990 - and their two children, Natalya and Imogen, as well as by his son Henry from a previous marriage.

The late actor was from the UK but he is said to have moved to the US with his family in around 2020. He's said to have settled in Los Angeles following his relocation stateside.

Julian - who starred in films like 'Warlock' (1989) and 'Leaving Las Vegas' (1995) - was reported missing in January this year, just days after his birthday.

He was said to have been an experienced mountaineer and he was believed to have gone missing whilst out on a hike in the Mount Baldy area of the San Gabriel Mountains.

It was reported that his car was found less than a week after he disappeared and police were said to have looked into cell phone data as part of their search efforts for him.

There are understood to have been numerous searches since his disappearance, though conditions in the area, such as the risk of avalanches, prevented some efforts.

Among those said to have searched for Julian were his three children, who reportedly joined the search team earlier this year after he was reported missing in California.

Police are understood to have continued to search for the missing actor more recently, such as having conducted a search in the Mount Baldy wilderness earlier this month.

Julian's family issued a statement earlier this month, through law enforcement, in which they expressed gratitude towards the search teams and co-ordinators for their efforts.

They added: "We continue to hold Julian in our hearts with bright memories of him as a wonderful father, husband, explorer, lover of the natural world and the arts, and as an original and collaborative performer."
Kolkata, June 28 : The Enforcement Branch (EB) of Kolkata Police has started a fresh case of Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) defalcation against Gautam Kundu, the chief of the multi-crore chit fund entity Rose Valley Group.

City police sources said that the fresh case started over a complaint filed by the employees of a Rose Valley Group company way back in 2014. These employees alleged through the provident fund amounts were deducted from their salaries every month, those were never deposited to the office of the Employeesa Provident Fund.

Kundu is in judicial custody. He was arrested by the sleuths of Enforcement Directorate (ED), which was conducting a parallel probe along with Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), against a number of chit fund entities operating in West Bengal, the prominent of which were Rose Valley Group and Saradha Group.

City police sources said that the EB cops have already questioned Kundu once within the correctional home premises. In face of questioning, said sources, Kundu has pointed fingers towards certain top employees of the group company which used to handle the accounts of that group entity.

The city police cops have now decided to summon those employees named by Kundu one after another and question them in the matter.

Last month only, the ED filed a supplementary chargesheet in the Rose Valley scam, where 35 group companies were named.

In the charge sheet, Kunduas wife Subhara Kundu, who was arrested by CBI in the matter, was also named. As per EDas estimates the total fund defalcation in the Rose Valley scam is around Rs 17,000 crore.

Starting from 2012, i.e. a year after the Mamata Banerjee-led and Trinamool Congress- run regime came to power in the state ending the 34-year Left Front rule, the state was rocked by the bursting of the bubbles of different chit fund entities the prime of Which were Saradha Group and Rose Valley Group.

Several top leaders of Trinamool Congress including MPs and MLAs like Sudip Bandopadhyay, Madan Mitra and Late Tapas Pal were also arrested by the central agencies in this connection.
New York, June 28 : A 49-year-old Indian-American man was sentenced to more than three years in prison for illegally bringing hundreds of Indian nationals across the border from Canada and then to locations in the midwest and beyond, using ride-hailing major Uber.

Rajinder Pal Singh, aka Jaspal Gill of Elk Grove in California, was sentenced on Tuesday at the District Court in Seattle for Conspiracy to Transport and Harbor Certain Aliens for Profit and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.

Singh pleaded guilty in February, admitting that he took in more than $500,000 as a key member of a smuggling ring that used Uber to transport people illegally.

"Over a four-year period, Mr Singh arranged for more than 800 people to be smuggled into the US across the northern border and into Washington State," said Acting US Attorney Tessa M Gorman.

She said that Singh's participation in the conspiracy saddled those smuggled with crushing debt of as much as $70,000.

According to records filed in the case, as early as July 2018, Singh and his co-conspirators used Uber to transport people who had illegally crossed the border from Canada to the Seattle area.

Those records detail how trips beginning near the border in the early hours of the morning, would be split between different rides.

For example, one Uber trip would be from the border to Sea-Tac airport, and then minutes later the second trip would be from a nearby airport hotel to an address in Lacey, Washington, owned by Singh's spouse, the Attorney's office, Western District of Washington, said.

From mid-2018 to May 2022, Singh arranged more than 600 trips involving the transportation of Indian nationals who had been illegally smuggled into the US.

Once the non-citizens had been smuggled into the US, Singh coordinated with other co-conspirators who, using one-way vehicle rentals, would transport these individuals to their ultimate destinations outside Washington state.

Singh and his co-conspirators used sophisticated means to launder the organisation's illicit proceeds.

For example, on one instance, Singh and his co-conspirators arranged for smuggling fees to be sent via hawala from India to New York.

Once the smuggling fee was received in cash from the New York hawala, these funds were converted into a check, mailed to a co-conspirator in Kentucky, and then were washed through multiple financial accounts.

In the plea agreement, Singh admitted that the purpose of this money movement was to obscure the illicit nature of these funds, i.e., money laundering, the Attorney's Office said in a statement.

The smuggling scheme has been underway since at least 2018. It slowed during the pandemic when Canada was not admitting non-citizens, but it picked up after pandemic restrictions were lifted.

In all, the investigation estimates that between July 2018, and April 2022, the 17 Uber accounts tied to this smuggling ring ran up more than $80,000 in charges.

During the search of one of his homes in Elk Grove, California, investigators found about $45,000 in cash as well as counterfeit identity documents.

They also found copies of falsified documents that had been submitted to immigration judges in Washington during bond hearings for non-citizens who had been smuggled into the US by Singh and his co-conspirators, but who had been arrested by immigration authorities after illegally crossing the border.

Singh has agreed to forfeit cash and other personal property seized during the search of his residences, as well as a money judgement of $500,000 which represents proceeds he obtained from his criminal scheme.

"This conduct was not just a security risk for our country, it also subjected those smuggled to security and safety risks during the often weeks-long smuggling route from India to the US," Attorney Gorman said.

According to the Attorney's Office, Singh is not legally present in the US and will likely be deported following his prison term.

--IANS

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Mumbai, June 28 : Actress Avika Gor, who will be turning 26 on Friday, will be having a working birthday on two different sets.

"I am shooting for two projects, so two different sets, two different celebrations with my units. It's going to be exciting and constructive unlike other birthdays where I just chill and have fun with family and friends. This time I am going to be focusing on my work and give my best with every shot," she said.

A birthday ritual that she follows every year is to spend as much time as possible with her family.

"I try to do that every year. If I am not with my family, I am on one hour-long video calls with them. Other ritual is very lame but I am obsessed with two minute instant noodles so my cake is never a chocolate or black forest cake, my cake is always a maggie cake so that's what I do since many years now," she shared, adding that age is just a number.

Sharing one of her most memorable birthdays, she added: "Everybody is always very special and every birthday is always different from the last time. I cannot choose one. I am looking forward to this as it is going to be a more special one especially after the hit announcement of 1920: Horrors of the Hearts."

"I am definitely feeling more amazing about my work and that celebration is going to be carried forward for a very long time."

And a memorable birthday gift, according to her, is doing a hit in Hindi. "This is going to be the biggest gift ever that I have got from my audience and I am really grateful for that and it's always going to be special," she said.
The prayers were also attended by Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed El-Tayyeb, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Defence Mohamed Zaki and Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Osama Askar, along with other ministers and senior state officials.

Prayers started with Takbeer in praise to God the Almighty and then recitation of verses of the Holy Quran.

The mosques imam then delivered Eid Al-Adha sermon, saying this blessed day is an occasion of sacrifice, generosity, giving and righteousness.

Eid Al-Adha is a great and witnessed day among the days of God, where the pilgrims of the Holy Mosque rejoice in performing their rituals. Muslims also rejoice in the blessings of God upon them during the ten days and the ritual of sacrifice, as well as meeting with family and loved ones, the imam said in his sermon.

El-Sisi also congratulated the Egyptian people and all Muslims on social media, saying "I am pleased to extend my sincere congratulations to the Egyptian people and the Islamic nation on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha. May God return it with goodness, blessings and prosperity to Egypt and the entire Arab region... Wishing you all the best every year."

Sisi's post congratulating people in the occasion of Eid Al-Adha

Eid Al-Adha is one of the two major Islamic holidays and takes place on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. This holiday commemorates the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim to God when he was willing to sacrifice his son.

It coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for non-disabled Muslims who can afford it to perform it at least once in their lifetime.

Hajj is one of the world's largest annual religious gatherings, with millions of Muslims coming from all over the world to perform it every year in the Holy City of Mecca over a period of five to six days.

Hajj rituals began on Sunday evening at the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

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Jaipur, June 28 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be making a visit to Rajasthan's Barmer district on Wednesday where he will address a public rally and also interact with ex-soldiers.

A huge gathering has been organised in the district's Shergarh Assembly constituency area in Balesar which will be addressed by Singh.

He will highlight the works and schemes undertaken in the last nine years of the Modi government.

Balesar is a Rajput dominated area and hence the visit is being viewed as an attempt to tap the Rajput votes, said party workers.

On this occasion, party workers will also hold a dialogue with ex-soldiers.

Further party workers from nearby constituencies, which include Jodhpur city, Soorsagar, Luni, Phalodi, Jodhpur rural north and Jodhpur rural,have been asked to join the gathering.

It needs to be mentioned here that Singh is coming on Wednesday after which BJP national President J.P. Nadda will pay a visit on Thursday in Bharatpur.

On Friday, Union Minister Amit Shah will alsovisit Rajasthan. He will address a big rally in Udaipur and then will also participate in a conclave in Jaipur. Thereafter, he will release a report card of the Modi government here.

--IANSarc/dpb
Patna, June 28 : A woman and her grandson were strangled to death in Bihar's Nalanda district, police said on Wednesday.

The victims -- Meena Devi (70) and Ansh Patel -- were alone in their house in Karan Bigaha village at the time of the incident on Tuesday night.

The other members of the family had gone to a neighbouring village for a marriage function.

According to the police, Meena was found lying on a bed and Ansh on the floor, with their hands and legs tied with ropes.

Both the victims had strangulation marks on their necks.

The incident came to light when a neighbour spotted stray cattle roaming in the premises of the house.

The family runs a dairy farm in the house and the cattle were not tied with pegs.

When the neighbour went inside the house to inform the family, she found the bodies.

The villagers informed the local police and the family members.

The bodies have been sent for porst-mortem and an FIR has been registered against unknown persons on the charge of double murder.

"We have registered an FIR on the statement of Anjan Bhai Patel, the house owner. Cash and jewellery worth Rs 4 lakhs also missing from the house," said Afsar Hussain, the SHO of Parbalpur police station.
New Delhi, June 28 : With the Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh inching closer, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday chaired a meeting with Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.

Besides Kharge and Baghel, former party chief Rahul Gandhi, party general secretary K.C. Venugopal, state in-charge Kumari Selja, senior party leaders T.S. Singh Deo, state unit chief Mohan Markam, Syed Naseer Hussain, party poll strategist Sunil Kanugolu and others were in the meeting.

According to party leaders, the Congress will discuss the poll preparedness and strategies.

The meeting over Chhattisgarh comes a day after the party held a similar meeting over Telangana on Tuesday.

The party leaders also said that the party will also discuss the government's performance in the state and to also chalk out the poll campaign strategy.

--IANSaks/dpb
Mumbai, June 28 : Actress Asin, best known for her roles in 'Ghajini' (Tamil and Hindi), 'Bol Bachchan', 'Kaavalan' and 'Housefull 2', has fully debunked the rumours that she is divorcing her husband Rahul Sharma.

Taking to her Instagram account, the actress captioned: ""In the middle of our summer holidays right now, literally sitting across each other enjoying our breakfast and came across some very imaginative and utterly baseless 'NEWS'."

"Reminds of the time we were sitting at home together with our families planning our wedding and we heard that we had broken up (laughing emoji) Seriously?! Pls do better. (Disappointed to have wasted 5mins of an otherwise wonderful holiday on this!) Have a great day you guys."

The rumours began circulating afterAsinremoved photos of herself and her husband from her Instagram account, which added fuel to the fire. While it is unknown whyAsinremoved those photos, she has completely denied the rumours.

The only photo that she has kept of herself with her husband is a black and white pic, with the late actor Rishi Kapoor who had attended the couple's wedding. The actress posted the picture as a tribute to the late Bollywood legend.

Currently, her Insta account is full of pictures of her daughter Arin Rayn.
June 28 : Gujarat police have nabbed a man who snatched the iPhone of Diptiben Chaudhary, wife of Khedbrahmna Congress MLA Dr Tushar Chaudhary.

The robbers were caught by the police in four days.

The incident took place on the evening of June 23 when an unidentified individual on a two-wheeler snatched the iPhone, valued at Rs 60,000, from Diptiben during her evening walk.

Acting promptly, MLA Tushar Chaudhary alerted the city Police Commissioner, leading to the arrest of a 27-year-old suspect named Saurabh Vijaybhai Mundhra, a resident of Saroli. The stolen iPhone was also recovered along with a two-wheeler that was used in the crime.

The victim, Dr Dipti Chaudhary, works as a physiotherapist at the Surat Municipal Corporation-run SMIMER hospital. The Chaudhary family resides in the Adhar Shila apartment on Ghod Dod Road.

According to the accused, Saurabh, a commerce graduate from MS University and belonging to the Maheshwari community, committed the crime out of desperation for money to fuel his alcohol consumption.

He claimed that this was his first snatching incident and he was unaware of the victim's identity as the wife of a sitting MLA. CCTV footage played a crucial role in identifying and apprehending the suspect. The accused had previously worked as a food delivery boy.
New Delhi, June 28 : Days after India signed a $3 billion deal with the US to procure 31 MQ-9B Predator UAV drones, the Congress on Wednesday demanded complete transparency into the agreement and also questioned the Centre about the price which it claims is four times higher than compared to other nations.

Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said that "during his state visit to the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed a deal to procure 31 Predator drones".

But he added that "we fear what happened with the Rafale deal is being repeated with the Predator agreement".

Questioning the price of the Predator drones, Khera said: "What other countries are buying at less than four times, India is buying 31 predator drones at $3 billion."

He said that for the whopping price tag, the Defence Ministry had to release an official PIB clarification and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had to clarify that on record.

"But the people of India need answers on the process," Khera said, adding that that these drones are of outdated technology and being bought for four times higher price, that too after putting Rs 1,500 crore in DRDO for RUSTOM and Ghatak series drones.

He questioned that why no Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as reported by several news outlets, to have given a nod to General Electric manufacturing F-414 jet engines in India through 100 per cent manufacturing route in collaboration with HAL on June 14 but interestingly, there was no green signal given by CCS to the $ 3 billion drone deal with the US.

The Congress asked the government that why no CCS meeting was.held to decided on the predator drone procurement, why higher prices were being paid for these drones.

Khera further asked that when the Indian Air Force (IAF) was having issues with higher prices then what was the urgency for the drone deal with the US.

He also said that IAF has a requirement of 18 drones then why the 31 drone deal.

The Congress leader also questioned what is the relation of GE Atomic CEO with people in government.

"Complete transparency should be brought in the drone deal. Modi government has been known for putting national security in danger," Khera demanded.

--IANS

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Ahmedabad, June 28 : The Gujarat government is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Micron Technology, a leading semiconductor chip making company based in the United States, on Wednesday.

The signing ceremony will take place in the presence of the State Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The MoU aims to establish a semiconductor Assembly and test facility at Sanand in the Ahmedabad district.

Micron Technology had previously announced its plans to set up a semiconductor assembly and test plant in Gujarat on June 22. The total investment for this venture is estimated to be USD 2.75 billion (approximately Rs 22,540 crore).

The joint statement issued by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden acknowledged the signing of the MoU on Semiconductor Supply Chain and Innovation Partnership as a significant step in coordinating the semiconductor incentive programs of both countries.

This collaboration is expected to boost commercial opportunities, research initiatives, talent development, and skill enhancement.

As part of this collaboration, Micron Technology, Inc. has committed to investing up to $825 million in building a new semiconductor assembly and test facility in India, with support from the Indian government. The combined investment of $2.75 billion is projected to create around 5,000 direct jobs and offer 15,000 community job opportunities over the next five years.

The joint statement also highlighted other notable initiatives in the semiconductor industry. Lam Research, a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing equipment, has proposed to train 60,000 Indian engineers through its Semiverse Solution virtual fabrication platform, aiming to accelerate India's semiconductor education and workforce development goals. Additionally, Applied Materials, Inc. has announced a $400 million investment to establish a collaborative engineering center in India.
Kolkata, June 28 : A division bench led by the Calcutta High Court's Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam on Wednesday dismissed the PIL that challenged the decision of the West Bengal Governor, C.V. Ananda Bose to appoint interim vice chancellors for 11 state universities without the concurrence of the state education department.

Ten out of 11 vice- chancellors have accepted the appointment offer from the Governor House on this count.

The PIL was filed on June 5 by a retired college teacher Santa Kumar Ghosh, where he had appealed for making the Governor House and the West Bengal government parties in the petition. The matter came up for hearing on Wednesday.

After the hearing, the division bench dismissed the PIL and observed that the appointments of vice chancellors in 11 state universities were totally valid. The division bench also observed that it is the responsibility of the state government to pay the salaries, allowances and other financial entitlements to these vice chancellors.

The second part of the order of the division bench pertaining to the salaries and other financial entitlements is crucial as on June 13 the state education department ordered stop-payment of salaries, allowances and other financial entitlements.

The decision of the state government on this count drew strong criticisms from the academic circles of the state.

Already the Governor House and the state secretariat in West Bengal had entered into a cold war over the recruitment of these 11 interim vice chancellors. First the state education minister, Bratya Basu issued an appeal towards the newly appointed interim vice chancellors not to accept the appointment offer. On June 3, ten out of 11 newly appointed interim vice chancellors took an 'oath of commitment' from the Governor on this count.

It is learnt that as many as 15 issues were included in that oath of commitment. The main part of the commitment was that all steps to be taken by the state universities should be "student centric" and "academic centric" avoiding totally political and communal involvement.
Houston, June 28 : Four men from Mexico were arrested in Texas for their involvement with a human trafficking ring that left 53 migrants dead in a tractor-trailer in San Antonio one year ago, federal prosecutors said.

The arrests made on Monday increased the number of people charged in the case to six, Xinhua news agency quoted the prosecutors as saying.

The driver and another man werearrested shortly after the migrants were found.

They were charged with smuggling resulting in death and conspiracy.

According to the federal prosecutor, the four men were part of a human smuggling organisation that brought people from Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico into the US from December 2021 to June 2022.

They worked in concert, "sharing routes, guides, stash houses, trucks, trailers, and transporters in order to consolidate costs, minimize risks, and maximise profit", said the US Attorney's office.

"Human smugglers who put people's lives at risk for profit and break our laws cannot hide for long," Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said on Tuesday.

On June 27, 2022, 53 migrants, including children, were found dead in an abandoned 18-wheel trailer in San Antonio.

The victims included 27 people from Mexico, 14 from Honduras, seven from Guatemala and two from El Salvador.

Temperatures hit over 37 degrees Celsius that day, with the truck's air conditioning system malfunctioning.

This was the deadliest tragedy to claim the lives of migrants smuggled across the border from Mexico.
Chennai, June 28 : A group of 300 people, including Dravida Kazhagam workers and other Dalit outfits, staged a black flag demonstration against Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi in Salem.

The protest took place as the Governor was on his way to the Periyar University to attend the convocation ceremony.

The protesters, which also include CPI-M cadres, held placards that said Ravi was an RSS man and should be removed from the post.

The Dravida Kazhagam and the Ambedkar Forum have been relentlessly demanding the Governor's removal.

Police reached the spot and removed the protesters and ensured a smooth passage to Ravi.

On Monday, the Periyar University's Registrar Thangavelu had issued a circular against wearing black outfits during the convocation ceremony, saying it was a directive from the Salem district police

However, the police clarified that they did not issued such a directive.

On Tuesday, the circular was withdrawn.
The Russian mercenary group that briefly threatened President Vladimir Putins authority has for years been a ruthless force-for-hire across Africa, protecting rulers at the expense of the masses.

That dynamic is not expected to change now that the groups founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, has been exiled to Belarus as punishment for the failed rebellion.

The Wagner Group brutalizes civilians in the Central African Republic, Mali and elsewhere to crush dissent and fend off threats to their leaders power.

In exchange, Russia gains access to natural resources and ports through which weapons can be shipped, and receives payments that enrich the Kremlin and help it fund operations elsewhere, including the war in Ukraine.

Neither Russia nor the African leaders dependent on Wagner's fighters have any interest in ending those relationships. But many questions linger in the aftermath of Wagner's stunning revolt, such as who will lead its thousands of fighters stationed across many African nations and whether Moscow will absorb these fighters into the Russian army.

The situation is extremely volatile," said Nathalia Dukhan, senior investigator at The Sentry, a US-based policy organization that published an investigative report Tuesday accusing Wagner of carrying out various human-rights abuses in African countries.

"But what we have learnt from investigating and analyzing Wagner in Africa in the past 5 years is that the group is resilient, creative, fearless and predatory, so it is less likely that the Wagner empire will instantly fall like a house of cards.

Beyond the financial rewards, Putin has also sought to use Wagner fighters to help expand Russia's presence in the Middle East and Africa. He seeks out security alliances with autocrats, coup leaders, and others who have been spurned or neglected by the US and Europe, either because of their bloody abuses or because of competing Western strategic interests.

Asked whether Wagner's weekend mutiny could erode Russias positions in Africa, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a state-run TV network that security assistance to African countries would continue. He specifically mentioned the Central African Republic and Mali, and noted that Russian government officials have maintained contact with leaders there.

Lavrov told RT he has not seen any sign of panic or any sign of change in African nations over the revolt against Moscow. But amid the uncertainty, there is at the very least some confusion about what exactly comes next.

In Mali, where at least 1,000 Wagner fighters replaced French troops brought in to fight Islamic extremists, the US alleges that the Kremlin uses the country as a way-station for arms shipments to Russian forces in Ukraine.

But the Malian government has denied using Wagner for any purpose other than training.

An officer in the Malian Air Force who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was unauthorized to comment publicly said Russian fighters play an important combat role.

At the moment we dont have enough pilots, and most of our military aircraft and combat helicopters are flown by Wagners men. If Russia asks the Malian government to stop cooperating with Wagner, well be obliged to do so, because we have a greater interest in the Russian government than in Wagner, the officer said.

As part of a deal to end the rebellion, Putin has presented Wagner fighters with three options: either join the Russian military, go to Belarus like Prigozhin, or return home. It was not clear if those options also applied to Wagner fighters in Africa.

In the Central African Republic, a statue in the capital, Bangui, pays tribute to Russian mercenaries who have helped keep President Faustin-Archange Touadera in power. Lavrov told RT that hundreds of Russian fighters would remain there.

Regardless of who ultimately oversees the Wagner fighters in the Central African Republic, the source of their authority remains clear, said Jordy Christopher, a special adviser to Touadera.

Prigozhin is nothing more than a pawn in the handling of the art of war, moreover he is only the tip of the iceberg, he said.

Wagner operates in roughly 30 countries, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and it faces numerous human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings.

Its fighters are most influential in African countries where armed conflicts have forced leaders to turn to Moscow for help, such as Libya and Sudan.

The African leadership of these countries need them, said Federica Saini Fasanotti, a senior Fellow at Brookings Institutions Center for Security, Strategy, and Technology.

Still, some experts said the revolt against the Kremlin will force African countries reliant on Wagner to pay closer attention to how they engage with Russia, where Putin faces the gravest threat to his authority since coming to power more than two decades ago.

Developments in Russia will likely render many African countries more cautious in their engagement with Russia moving forward,, said Ryan Cummings, director of Africa-focused security consulting company Signal Risk.

Any unexpected turn of events domestically in Russia poses potential threats to African leaders who have become dependent on its foreign fighters to stay in power, such as those in Mali and the Central African Republic.

"Any withdrawal could readily be exploited by non-state groups challenging the authority of the government in these countries, said Cummings.

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Mumbai, June 28 : Producer Shankar Naidu Adusumilli forthcoming release 'Bharateeyans' is said to be a courageous tribute to the Indian martyrs.

'Bharateeyans' promises to be one of the power-packed films filled with emotions and nationalism.

Calling himself the son of Bharat Mata (Mother India), Shankar said: "The Bharatiyas (Indians) need to demonstrate courage, unity and strength. We cannot be naive and remain silent about China's actions. Just like the Ashoka pillar's four lions imply power, courage, confidence and provide, we need to be resilient to safeguard our country. Jai Hind!"

Produced under Dr. Shankar Naidu Adusumilli's banner Bharat American Creations, the film is slated to release in cinemas on July 14.

Shankar has been working in the field of medicine for the last three decades. He has unabashedly voiced concerns about China, labelling it as the biggest threat eyeing to encroach on Indian territory and alter the country's map by renaming 11 places in Arunachal Pradesh and claiming it as South Tibet.

Furthermore, the producer has held China responsible as the origin of the devastating Covid pandemic which killed nearly 70 lakh people across the world. Expressing his dismay over the loss of 20 brave soldiers in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, Shankar urges every citizen to be united.

'Bharateeyans' is written and directed by Deena Raj, and stars Nirroze Putcha, Subha Ranjan, Sonam Thendup Barphungpa, Samaira Sandhu, Peden O Namgyal, and Rajeswari Chakraborty in leading roles.

The first look of the film was unveiled in 2022 leaving the netizens stunned. Recently, when the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) suggested changes to the film, including altering the name of China and removing references to the Galwan Valley, the producer argued, stating that the film is an answer to China's atrocities.

"We extend complete support to our soldiers. The film is a heartfelt tribute to our army men who protect the country at the border, so we can live a peaceful life", he asserted.
Jalna : , June 28 (IANS/101Reporters) From cotton to high-value vegetables, the farmers of Tupewadi village in the drought-prone Jalna district of Maharashtra have come a long way. When cotton was their main crop, pest infestation gave them blighted harvests, which eventually forced them to migrate to the sugarcane belt of the state to work as cane cutters.

That was five years ago. Now, they have reversed their fortunes by becoming vegetable seed growers under the Project on Climate Resilient Agriculture (PoCRA), implemented by the state agriculture department and the World Bank in 2018 to develop a drought-proof and climate-resilient strategy for agriculture. Farmers of Tupewadi made use of the PoCRA by becoming beneficiaries of the Nanaji Deshmukh Krishi Sanjeevani Yojana.

Hundreds of shade net houses dot the fields of these small and marginal farmers, making the village with 600-plus households undergo a radical transformation -- from being a parched and irrigation-constrained area to a thriving farming community. By regulating the entry of sunlight, moisture and air, greenhouses create an appropriate microclimate for the crops and protect them from heat, rain, storm and pest attack. Drip irrigation meets their water requirements.

Once the vegetables are harvested, seeds are extracted and processed. Seven top seed companies in the country -- Mahyco, Syngenta, Nath Seeds, Monsanto, Bayer, Agro Biotech and Nirmal Seeds -- buy from them and sell under their brand names.

Outsiders refer to Tupewadi as 'shade-netchi gaon' (shade net village).

"Two decades ago, we began growing vegetables in bamboo shade nets provided by seed companies. However, bamboo poles had to be changed every season. Now we have permanent shade nets with galvanised iron frames and cladding material," informs Arjun Sagaji More, whose family owns 17 acres and has shade net houses spread over one-and-a-half acres.

The idea of growing vegetables in bamboo shade net houses was picked up by an enterprising local farmer from neighbouring Tapovan village. Soon, it caught the fancy of Tupewadi residents with everyone raising a bamboo structure and entering into contracts with seed companies.

However, it was the PoCRA that transformed the village, located 18 km from Jalna town, into a state-of-the-art vegetable seed growing centre. Farmers got to know about the scheme through the media and WhatsApp groups, and from the extension workers who visited them.

With time, they entered into buyback agreements with seed companies, ushering in economic prosperity that is visible in the pucca houses lining the village located in Badnapur taluka. Children of these households study in English medium schools and every male member rides a two-wheeler.

Seeds of growth

Under the Nanaji Deshmukh Krishi Sanjeevani Yojana, every farmer beneficiary gets a 75 per cent subsidy to raise a shade net house, which lasts for five to six years.

"Farmers can choose the shade net's size depending on the amount they can contribute. The subsidy component is available for structures covering up to 20 gunthas. A 10 guntha (10,000 sq ft) shade net house costs Rs 4 lakhs and the farmer has to bear around Rs 1 lakh from it," Venkat Thakke, Taluka Agriculture Officer, Badnapur, tells 101Reporters.

As per Thakke's estimate, each seed grower makes Rs 4 to 5 lakhs annually. Hence, the business in Tupewadi is worth around Rs 20 crore.

The year begins with cucumber and ends with chilli, with each variety of vegetable taking around four months to mature.

"We grow chilli, cucumber, tomato and bitter gourd. The seed companies provide seeds or seedlings for cultivation. With every new crop, the mulching sheets are changed and the rows treated with fungicide and fertilisers," says Pankaj Rathod, an agriculture graduate from Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, and owner of a shade net structure spread over half-an-acre plot.

"Each year, the companies increase our earnings by 10 to 20 per cent," he beams.

Associated with Tupewadi's seed growers for the last three years, Nath Seeds product in-charge Sanjay Shinde feels farmers who have mastered the art of growing high-quality seeds should include high-value crops such as marigold, capsicum and bell pepper in their bouquet of products.

"It is time they formed their own farmer producer company to enter the market with their brand," he says.

The village has not only provided livelihood to its inhabitants, but also generated employment in places located within a 20 km radius, including Pimpalgaon, Pathalgaon, Jalna, Rajur, Asankheda, Mongaon and Chandhai.

"Every day, close to 300 workers, the majority of them being women, are transported to Tupewadi in tempos and trucks arranged by our seed growers. At the end of the day, they are taken back to their villages," informs Eknath More, a former village sarpanch.

Not a beneficiary of the state's irrigation schemes, Tupewadi takes water conservation very seriously. All irrigation activities are dependent on bore wells and shet tale (farm ponds), which are replenished by rainfall (around 700 mm usually) that the taluka receives.

The residents have collectively dug up a 20-hectare-long continuous contour trench, raised two earthen and seven concrete dams, built a 700-hectare embankment and deepened 30 drains to catch the rainwater over the course of many years.

Around 150 farm ponds ensure water for crops growing on the open fields.

"Shet tale helped us double our income. When not busy in the shade net houses, we devote our time growing cotton, soybean, bajra (pearl millet), jowar (sorghum), tur (pigeon pea) and groundnut. We use either drip or sprinklers for irrigation. For harvesting, we engage workers from neighbouring villages," says Arjun More.

Though erratic weather has been affecting their other crops, seed farming has been helping them tide over the crisis. Last year, particha paus (retreating monsoon) damaged kharif (June to November) crops in Maharashtra. The high-intensity rains, which are increasingly lasting longer, hit small and marginal farmers hard. The districts in Marathwada and Vidarbha regions were severely affected.

On the other hand, bollworm attacks have emerged as the biggest problem for cotton farmers. Pink bollworms infested nearly 32 lakh hectares of cotton crop in the state last year.

(Hiren Kumar Bose is a Maharashtra-based freelance journalist and a member of 101Reporters, a pan India network of grassroots reporters)
New Delhi, June 28 : Government has given financial incentives to states to accelerate power sector reforms, under which 12 states have received Rs 66,413 crore during the past two fiscals, while for the current fiscal, Rs 1,43,332 crore have been given to them for the purpose.

The finance ministry has been providing financial incentives in the form of additional borrowing permissions.

This move aims to encourage and support the states in undertaking reforms to enhance the efficiency and performance of the power sector.

The initiative was announced by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her budget speech for 2021-22.

Under this, an additional borrowing space of up to 0.5 per cent of the gross state domestic product (GSDP) is available to states annually for a four-year period from 2021-22 to 2024-25.

This additional financial window is dependent on implementation of specific reforms in the power sector by the states.

The initiative has spurred state governments to initiate the reform process, and several states have come forward and submitted details of the reforms undertaken and achievements of various parameters to the power ministry.

Based on the recommendations of the power ministry, the finance ministry granted permission for reforms undertaken in 2021-22 and 2022-23 to 12 state governments.

These are Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Manipur, Meghalaya, Odisha, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

In 2023-24, states can continue to avail themselves of the facility of additional borrowing linked to power sector reforms.

An amount of Rs 1,43,332 crore will be available as an incentive to states for undertaking these reforms in 2023-24, official sources said.

The primary objectives of granting financial incentives for undertaking power sector reforms are to improve operational and economic efficiency within the sector and promote a sustained increase in paid electricity consumption.
Mumbai, June 28 : As the field of generative AI continues to expand, concerns about potential job losses across various industries have arisen, however, the CEO and Chairperson for Salesforce India and former SBI chairperson, Arundhati Bhattacharya offers an alternative perspective, suggesting that while temporary job losses may occur, different types of jobs will definitely emerge.

"In every single industry and revolution, we have always talked about massive job losses. I don't believe you would describe it as much different in the sense that there may be temporary job losses. People will need to upskill and reskill but different types of jobs will definitely come up," Bhattacharya told IANS during an interaction.

"Other areas will open up, and already we are hearing so many new types of designations. There are people who are saying that there will going to be 'AIEthicist', then there are people who are saying that they will become 'Prompt Engineers', so there are various types of new jobs that will come up," she added.

Moreover, the company said that Salesforce is working with institutions and universities to upskill and reskill in the new areas of artificial intelligence (AI).

Talking about the technology, Bhattacharya said that it provides you the ability to be productive, the ability to be efficient, and the ability to actually deliver to the huge population that we have in our country in a manner that can actually be customised for each of them.

"I remember when I was a junior in my earlier organisation the only way that we could communicate to our people was through the Union leaders and there was no other way that a management person could communicate with the masses. However, by the time I was chairman, I could communicate to each particular individual by name because technology allowed me to do so, and not only that it allowed them to communicate back to me to give me suggestions which was not the case earlier," she stated.

According to Bhattacharya, who was listed as the 25th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes in 2016, AI and generative AI gives us the power to the hyper personalise in order to respect and bring to light each one's requirements so that everybody can have that individualised experience.

Meanwhile, Salesforce has announced the launch of Salesforce 'Starter' for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) businesses in India.

'Starter' is customer relationship management (CRM) that includes sales, service and email outreach tools in one suite, helping companies get started -- so they have the tools to improve customer experiences, reduce costs, and drive revenue.

(Shrey Srivastava can be reached atshrey.s@ians.in)
Patna, June 28 : After the amendment to the domicile policy on teacher recruitment, the BJP has said the state government was playing with the future of students of Bihar.

"This is a government of 'paltimar' people. Nitish Kumar is a master in this. He often executes his paltimar plans and the same thing happened on Tuesday when the Bihar government opened the gate for the students of the entire country to participate in the teachers recruitment process and take jobs in Bihar," said Nawal Kishore Yadav, the BJP MLA of Bihar.

"Tejashwi Yadav had promised10 lakh jobs, Nitish Kumar promised 20 lakh jobs. Are they promising jobs for the youths of the entire country or only for Bihar? The election is coming and the people of Bihar will teach them a big lesson," Yadav said.

"The students of Bihar have been preparing for the examination for the last four years. First they have talked about the recruitment on the line of contract basis. Then they changed their mind and said that an examination will take place under the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) and the successful candidates will get the jobs. The students accepted it. Now, Nitish Kumar has changed again and said that the students of the entire country are eligible for the recruitment in Bihar.

"I want to ask Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav whether they promised 20 lakh and 10 lakh jobs for the students of Rajasthan, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh or for Bihar?"

Yadav said. "If the students of Bihar will protest against the move of the state government, BJP will stand with them. I will raise this question in the upcoming monsoon session," Yadav said.

"The Bihar government is being a dictator for the students of Bihar. It is extreme injustice with the students of Bihar. Why would the people of Bihar not migrate to other states if they don't get jobs in Bihar. The administrators of Bihar are responsible for it. They do not want the people of Bihar to get jobs in their own state. They are allowing students of other states to occupy the government posts in Bihar. Such a policy is not in any state of the country," said Nikhil Anand, national general secretary of BJP's OBC wing and state spokesperson.

"Nitish Kumar, in a bid to achieve his national ambition, is playing with the future of Bihari students. He should at least consider a 70:30 ratio for the Bihari students and other states," Anand said.
Kolkata, June 28 : West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose faced massive protests with the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad, the students' wing of Trinamool Congress, waving black flags upon his arrival at the University of North Bengal at Siliguri in Darjeeling district on Wednesday.

This comes on day when adivision bench led by the Calcutta High Court's Chief Justice T.S.Sivagnanam dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL)challenging the Governor's decision to appoint interim vice chancellors for 11 state universities without the concurrence of the state education department.

Besides terming the appointments of vice-chancellors in 11 state universities "totally valid", the bench also observed that it is the responsibility of the state government to pay the salaries, allowances and other financial entitlements to thesevice-chancellors.

The Governor was scheduled to have a meeting with these newly appointed interim vice-chancellors within the university campus. However, as soon as the Governor's convoy reached the university campus, theTrinamool Chhatra Parishad activists started protesting, raising "Go-Back" slogans and sporting black flags. They also alleged that the governor can improve the academic standards in the state by passing the state education department and its representatives.

Tanay Majumdar, the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad president, alleged that the Governor was actually trying to vitiate the academic ambience of the state through his whimsical decisions. "He is acting as per his free will. So we protested today and showed him black flags. We want Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as the chancellor of the state universities. The Governor is acting more like a BJP leader," he added.

The protesters claimed that they were protesting against the "illegal" appointments of the vice- chancellors bypassing the state education department. However, finally the Governor entered the campus and also attended the meeting as per schedule.
Washington, June 28 : The White House's former chief medical adviser, Anthony Fauci will join the faculty at the Georgetown University starting July 1.

"After dedicating 54 years of his life to public service, Dr. Anthony Fauci has chosen Georgetown University to play a major role in the next phase of his career," the private research university in Washington, D.C. said in a statement.

Fauci, also the top infectious disease expert in the US, will serve as a Distinguished University Professor in the School of Medicine's Department of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases, an academic division that provides clinical care, conducts research and trains future physicians in infectious diseases, according to the university.

He will also hold an additional appointment in the university's McCourt School of Public Policy.

The rank of University Professor is Georgetown's highest professional honor that recognizes extraordinary achievement in scholarship, teaching and service, said the university.

"I am delighted to join the Georgetown family, an institution steeped in clinical and academic excellence with an emphasis on the Jesuit tradition of public service," Fauci said in the statement.

"This is a natural extension of my scientific, clinical and public health career, which was initially grounded from my high school and college days where I was exposed to intellectual rigor, integrity and service-mindedness of Jesuit institutions," he noted.

Fauci, 82, served as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases from 1984 to 2022.

He retired at the end of 2022.
Mumbai, June 28 : The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has broken into the world's top 150 universities and topped India rankings in the latest Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings, UK, officials said here on Wednesday.

The IIT-B has climbed up from 172 last year to 149 this year in the global ranking a" first time that it has been included within the Top 150, with an overall score of 51.7/100.

Over, it has improved on its performance by 23 places and in the 2024 edition, it has been placed within the top 10 per cent of the world's highest 1,500 universities that were considered worth ranking.

This is the first time in eight years that any Indian institution of higher education has made it to the top 10 per cent -- in 2016, the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru had been ranked at No. 147.

While the IIT-B has zoomed up, the IISc nosedived from 155 to 225, IIT-Delhi fell from 174 to 197, IIT-Kanpur came down from 264 to 278 and IIT-Madras fell from 250 to 285, IIT-Guwahati improved from 384 to 364, IIT-Roorkee remained at 369.

The IIT-B scored impressive -- 81.9 in employer reputation, 73.1 in citation per faculty, 55.5 in academic reputation, 47.4 in employment outcome, 54.9 in sustainability, 18.9 in faculty-student ratio, 4.7 in international faculty, 8.5 in international research network and 1.4 in international students, all scores out of a maximum of 100 points.

Among these nine parameters, the employer reputation indicated the strongest one for IIT-B with a world ranking of 69.

"Excellence in teaching and research is the key driving point for IIT-Bombay. Our efforts lie in providing an ambience and infrastructure that is conducive to achieving excellence by our students and faculty," said the Director Prof. Subhasis Chaudhuri.

He added that achieving higher rank is just a byproduct and is never a goal by itself, and expressed confidence that "IIT-B still has miles to go and it is walking".
June 28 : Hansal Mehta was trolled and abused online when he tweeted about dishonest approach of Byjus, but now when the education-tech company is falling apart, the filmmaker has the final say.

Edu-Tech firm, Byju's is facing multiple challenges ranging from its top executives resignations to employees row, and filmmaker Hansal Mehta dolls out a zinger.

Image Source: News Helpline I was trolled for calling out Byjus says Hansal Mehta

The education-tech platform is facing challenges at every front. The company is fighting multiple battles related to regulatory compliance, valuation markdowns and debt defaults. The company is also facing the threat of a formal investigation by the Indian government.

Id called out Byjus when they came to my house trying to sell programs that my daughter did not need during the pandemic. They tried to convince her that she was poor academically in order to make an extra buck. I had to drive them out of my house. I was trolled for mocking the  Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) June 27, 2023

On the work front, Hansal Mehta is backing the second edition of Scam franchise, the second one is based on Telgi stamp scam titled Scam 2003.

Hansal is shooting for The Buckingham Murders, starring Kareena Kapoor Khan in the lead role, the film also marks debut of the actress as a producer. The film is a slick, edgy, new-age thriller.
St. Louis : , June 28 (IANS) After thrilling wins by GM Fabiano Caruana and five-time World Champion Magnus Carlsen in the first two legs of the Grand Chess Tour, the next tour stop will be in Zagreb, Croatia for SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz, set to take place from July 4-9.

SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz Croatia will mark the midway point of the Grand Chess Tour and will feature 175,000 dollar in prizes.

Five full-tour and five wildcard players will compete over nine rounds of rapid and 18 rounds of blitz to see who comes out on top. The field includes Magnus Carlsen, Alireza Firouzja, Fabiano Caruana, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Jan-Krzysztof Duda, Viswanathan Anand, Richard Rapport, Dommaraju Gukesh, Ivan Saric, Constantin Lupulescu.

"The Grand Chess Tour features the worldas best chess players and this year's competition has been no exception thus far," Grand Chess Tour Executive Director Michael Khodarkovsky was quoted as saying in a media release.

"We are eager to see which player will take top honors when they face off over the board in Croatia in another fast paced Rapid & Blitz event," he added.

Grandmaster Wesley So from the United States is currently at the top of 2023 Grand Chess Tour leaderboard, followed by Polandas GM Jan-Krzysztof Duda and GM Fabiano Caruana, also from the United States.

Notably, the Grand Chess Tour is a leading global circuit of international chess tournaments featuring the worldas best players competing for 1.4 million dollars in cash throughout the 2023 season.

The tour will conclude in America's chess capital at the Saint Louis Chess Club with the Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz and the Sinquefield Cup, taking place in Fall 2023.

"We are happy to welcome back to the Grand Chess Tour former World Champions Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand.They will be challenged by young and rising stars like Firouzja and Gukesh, which promises us thrilling and exciting competition in Zagreb," said Khodarkovsky.
Ukrainian authorities arrested on Wednesday a man they accused of helping Russia direct a missile strike that killed at least 10 people, including three teenagers, at a popular pizza restaurant in east Ukraine.

The Tuesday evening attack on Kramatorsk wounded 61 other people, Ukraine's National Police said, in the latest bombardment of a Ukrainian city, a tactic Russia has used heavily in the 16-month-old war.

The strike, and others elsewhere across Ukraine late Tuesday and early Wednesday, indicated that the Kremlin is not easing its aerial onslaught despite its political and military turmoil caused by a short-lived armed uprising last weekend.

There has been no apparent military push by Ukraine to exploit that turmoil, though the government has been tight-lipped about recent battlefield developments as it seeks to gain momentum in its recently launched counteroffensive.

The Kremlin reeled from the weekend mutiny led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, owner of the Wagner private army of prison recruits and other mercenaries which has played a key role for Russia in Ukraine.

The rebellion was the gravest threat so far to Russian President Vladimir Putins grip on power.

Prigozhin went into exile in neighboring Belarus on Tuesday, according to Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, after Russia said he wouldn't face charges for the revolt. Prigozhin's whereabouts could not be independently confirmed.

Two sisters, both age 14, died in the Kramatorsk attack, the city council's educational department said. Russian missiles stopped the beating of the hearts of two angels, it said in a Telegram post.

The other dead teenager was 17, according to Prosecutor General Andrii Kostin.

The attack also damaged 18 multistory buildings, 65 houses, five schools, two kindergartens, a shopping center, an administrative building and a recreational building, regional Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said.

Rescuers are still searching the rubble for bodies and more survivors.

Officials initially blamed the strike in Kramatorsk on an S-300 missile, a surface-to-air weapon that Russias forces have repurposed for loosely targeted strikes on cities, but the National Police later said Iskander short-range ballistic missiles were used.

Kramatorsk is a front-line city that houses the Ukrainian armys regional headquarters. The pizza restaurant was frequented by journalists, aid workers and soldiers, as well as local residents.

The Security Service of Ukraine said it detained a man whom it suspects directed the strike on the restaurant who is an employee of the local gas transportation company.

He filmed the restaurant for the Russians and informed them about its popularity, the Security Service said in a Telegram post.

It provided no evidence for its claim. Russia has insisted during the war that it doesnt aim at civilian targets, although its air strikes have killed many civilians. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov repeated that claim on Wednesday.

Kramatorsk is located in Donetsk, one of four Ukrainian provinces that Russia claimed to annex last September but does not fully control. Russia has also occupied Crimea since 2015.

Ukrainian-held parts of the partially occupied provinces have been hit especially hard by Russian bombardment and are a key barrier to resolving the war.

The Kremlin demands that Kyiv recognize the annexations, while Kyiv has ruled out any talks with Russia until its troops pull back from all occupied territories. Kyiv recently launched a much-anticipated counteroffensive to take back occupied territory.

Russia, meanwhile, has stepped up its air campaign in Ukraine while fighting continues along the front line.

Russian forces on Tuesday and overnight also shelled 16 settlements in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, the Ukrainian presidential office reported.

It said a 77-year-old civilian was killed in the front-line town of Orikhiv, and that Russian shelling wounded three people in a nearby village recently retaken by Kyiv.

Also, a Russian supersonic cruise missile slammed into a cluster of holiday homes in central Ukraine, sparking a fire which injured a child, the presidential office said.

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Brussels, June 28 : The European Commission has finalised a proposal to provide member states with extra funding for agriculture, to offset damage from severe climate events.

The Commission said the main part of the relief package amounts to 330 million euros ($362 million) for 22 EU member states, reports Xinhua news agency.

The two largest beneficiaries will be Spain, with 80.1 million euros, and Italy with 60.5 million euros.

Italy's Emilia-Romagna region was battered by severe rains and flooding in May, leaving 14 people dead and causing billions of euros worth of damage to infrastructure and agricultural production.

Also in May, flooding around Murcia in southeastern Spain caused serious damage.

It was the second time in eight months that the region was struck by severe flooding.

In addition to the larger payouts to Italy and Spain, the proposed package will also provide at least 10 million euros each to Lithuania and Portugal, and smaller amounts to countries with lesser flood damage.

The European Commission said the payouts may be supplemented by as much as 200 percent in matching funds from national budgets.

The package is expected to be formally adopted after a vote of EU member states at the next meeting for the common organisation of agricultural markets.

Additionally, a separate support package of 100 million euros for Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia was approved by EU member states on Monday.

The funds should be distributed before the end of the year, the Commission said.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, June 28 : Leading smartphone and smart TV brand Xiaomi India on Wednesday announced that it has partnered with the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad -- the National Resource Centre in Entrepreneurship Development -- for Project SPARK, to launch Skillpreneurship Learning Centres (EXSL Centres) to focus on enhancing the economic prospects for young individuals.

The project will kickoff with 600 young individuals from districts in Karnataka and Maharashtra in the first phase.

According to the company, the collaboration aims to uplift the quality of life by offering learning opportunities, personal empowerment, active citizenship values, and employability skills through skills development programs with comprehensive training in areas like Mobile Phone Hardware, Wearable Devices & Accessories Repair Technician, and TV Repair Technician.

"We are dedicated to creating valuable opportunities for youth in the country. This collaboration with EDII will provide a platform to nurture and empower young individuals, positioning them as the future workforce and positively impacting the youth employment rate," said Muralikrishnan B, President at Xiaomi India.

Through this initiative, Xiaomi India will assist in establishing EDII Xiaomi Skillpreneurship Learning Centres (EXSL Centres) in Bangalore, Pune, and Mumbai, which will serve as a launchpad for individuals to gain the necessary skills and entrepreneurial mindset required to succeed in today's competitive job market.

They will have access to the required infrastructure and tailored training kits to equip them with the latest skillset for better job prospects. Xiaomi India aims to create a long-lasting impact by enabling candidates with the latest skillsets and knowledge to enhance their job prospects in the future.

"This collaboration is a big step towards promoting entrepreneurship, employability, and livelihood activities among the youth who are the pillars of society. We are pleased to receive support from Xiaomi India to create a positive change in the lives of the youth of Karnataka and Maharashtra, to begin with. This collaboration signifies our shared commitment towards nurturing entrepreneurial values amongst the younger generation and providing opportunities to help them enhance the quality of their life," said EDII.

Xiaomi India has been actively engaged in various initiatives with the primary goal is to promote skill development, skill training, employment, and livelihood among the youth across by focusing on marginalised and underprivileged individuals.

The partnership with EDII is a testament to the company's commitment to driving positive change and fostering societal betterment.
Mumbai, June 28 : 'Bigg Boss OTT 2' contestants Jiya Shankar and Bebika Dhurve were at loggerheads in the recent episode and were seen getting into a verbal fight on the controversial reality show hosted by Salman Khan.

Amid a discussion about household chores in the living room, an ugly spat began between Jiya and Bebika.

Bebika was the first to use derogatory language, to which Jiya retaliated with offensive language. Pooja Bhatt intervened and asked the two to calm down.

However, Jiya did not stop arguing that Bebika should be the one to stop first. Jiya later reiterated her request for everyone to treat each other with respect.

It all started after Team B consisting of Abhishek Malhan, Jiya Shankar, Akanksha Puri, Aaliya Siddiqui, and Jad Hadid won a task and were granted special privileges. It was announced that Team B members would receive a premium food item, while Team A would have to take care of all the work.--IANSdc/kvd
United Nations, June 28 : The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that it has received only 20 per cent of the $54.8 billion needed to aid people globally this year.

"These funding gaps have real consequences on millions of people's food insecurity, health and protection, among others, and we encourage donors to continue to contribute generously to the humanitarian response plans," Xinhua news agency quoted the UN body as saying in its latest update.

"With needs growing exponentially, funding is struggling to keep pace."

At the year's mid-point, the humanitarian office said 362 million people need relief, 13 million more than those needing help at the beginning of the year.

"This means that one in 22 people globally now requires assistance," OCHA said. "Unequal funding across emergencies and sectors has challenged our ability to respond to the surging needs."

The office said underfunded crises include Myanmar, Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Somalia and Venezuela.

The DRC is an example of the challenges facing OCHA.

One of the world's most complex and protracted humanitarian crises, the DRC needed $1.88 billion for relief in 2022.

This year the DRC needs $2.25 billion to provide assistance and protection to 10 million people, said OCHA.
Kolkata, June 28 : The West Bengal government on Wednesday approached the division bench of Calcutta High Court's Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam against an earlier order of a single-judge bench that directed it to file FIRs against two senior police officers.

The single- judge bench of Justice Rajasekhar Mantha of the same court had asked the state government to file FIRs against two senior police officials of South 24 Parganas district in relation to violence during the nomination phases for the panchayat elections at Canning in the same district.

The division bench has admitted the petition and the matter will come up for hearing on July 5.

Recently Justice Mantha directed the state government to file FIRs against a sub- division police officer (SDPO) and an inspector-in- charge (IC) at Canning for alleged police inaction as violence broke out in the area during the nomination phase.

In the petition filed by estranged Trinamool Congress leader Sirajul Islam Gharami, it was alleged that on June 11, while he was accompanying several independent candidates to the local block development office to file the nominations they were attacked and severely beaten up by the ruling party activists.

Gharami also alleged in the petition that despite being present at the spot with a huge police contingent, the SDOP and the IC concerned did not take any action.

He claimed that bullets were fired by the ruling party activists on that day in which seven independent candidates were injured.

As per his petition, the police, instead of taking action against the offenders, acted against the two injured persons.

Thereafter, Justice Mantha ordered that FIRs should be filed against the SDPO and IC concerned. Now, the state government has challenged that order at a higher bench.
Thiruvananthapuram, June 28 : The Thiruvananthapuram Medical College authorities on Wednesday held a meeting to decide if the permission will be given for wearing attire covering their heads while in operation theatre.

The Thiruvananthapuram Medical College principal was approached by seven Muslim women medical students on Monday seeking permission as their religious belief is to wear long sleeve scrub jackets and surgical hoods inside the operation theatre and they be given permission for it.

The women medical students belong to various batches from 2020-22 and said that the operation theatre dress code required as part of hospital regulations makes it difficult to comply with the attire mandated by their religious belief.
Khartoum, June 28 : Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has announced the release of 100 army prisoners ahead of the Eid al-Adha festival, despite continued clashes in the capital Khartoum.

"In consideration of and respect for the human rights law, the RSF Command decided to release 100 prisoners of the coup forces," the paramilitary force said in a statement late Tuesday.

The decision came in consideration of the Eid holiday circumstances and for humanitarian purposes, it added.

On Monday, RSF Commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo had announced a two-day "unilateral ceasefire" ahead of the festival, to which the army has not yet responded.

However, the truce failed to stop the bloodshed in various areas of Khartoum.

Witnesses said that the RSF on Tuesday targeted two strategic military bases of the army, including the base of the Armored Corps in southern Khartoum and the headquarters of the Engineers Corps in western Omdurman.

The army responded by launching airstrikes against the RSF positions near the headquarters of the central reserve police forces in southern Khartoum, which the RSF seized two days ago, the witnesses added.

Sudan has been witnessing deadly armed clashes between the army and the RSF in Khartoum and other areas since April 15, which have left over 3,000 people killed and more than 6,000 others injured, according to the Health Ministry.

About 2.5 million people have been displaced inside and outside of Sudan since the conflict broke out, according to an update from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
New Delhi, June 28 : The Congress on Wednesday demanded transparency into the agreement -- India's $3 billion deal with the US to procure 31 MQ-9B Predator UAV drones -- and also questioned the Centre about the price which it claims is four times higher than compared to other nations.

Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters here, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said that: "During his state visit to the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed a deal to procure 31 Predator drones. We fear what happened with the Rafale deal is being repeated with the Predator agreement."

Questioning the price of the Predator drones, Khera said, "What other countries are buying at less than four times, India is buying 31 predator drones at $3 billion."

He said that for the whopping price tag, the Defence Ministry had to release an official PIB clarification and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had to clarify it on record.

"People of India need answers on the process," Khera said, adding that these drones are of outdated technology and being bought for four times higher price, that too after putting Rs 1,500 crore in DRDO for RUSTOM and Ghatak series drones.

He questioned that why no Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as reported by several news outlets, to have given a nod to General Electric manufacturing F-414 jet engines in India through 100 per cent manufacturing route in collaboration with HAL on June 14, but interestingly, there was no green signal given by CCS to the $ 3 billion drone deal with the US.

The Congress asked the government why no CCS meeting was held to decide on the predator drone procurement, and why higher prices were being paid for these drones.

Khera asked that when the Indian Air Force (IAF) was having issues with the higher prices then what was the urgency for the drone deal with the US.

He also said that IAF has a requirement of 18 drones only, then why the government has done a 31 drone deal.

The Congress leader also questioned what was the relation of GE Atomic CEO with people in government.

"A complete transparency should be brought in the drone deal. The Modi government is known for putting national security at risk," Khera said.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh took to Twitter and wrote: "Once again a murky defence deal undercutting indigenous efforts with the Prime Minister at the centre comes to the fore."

Ramesh endorsed six questions put forth by Khera and said, "Our statement and 6 specific questions to the Modi government on the purchase of 31 MQ-9B Predator UAV Drones amounting to Rs, 25,200 crores."

Meanwhile, to a question about a case being filed against BJP IT Incharge Amit Malviya in Karnataka, Khera said: "More FIRs should be registered against him (Amit Malviya). If anyone is responsible for playing with truth, facts, people's images and country's reputation, it is the BJP IT cell."

To another question about Rahul Gandhi visiting Manipur on June 29 and 30 and the BJP accusing the Congress of doing "vulture" politics, Khera said: "Who has stopped Modiji from going to Manipur. After coming from foreign visits he inquired from (BJP Chief) J. P. Nadda what is happening in India. Why can't he speak on Manipur?"

Manipur has been witnessing violence since May 3, in which over 100 people have died and thousands have been forced to take refuge in the relief camps.

The Congress has questioned Prime Minister Modi's silence on Manipur and also demanded immediate removal of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh for miserably failing in controlling the situation in the state.
New Delhi, June 28 : A CBI court in Hyderabad has sentenced two former managers of the Union Bank of India to five years of rigorous imprisonment in a fraud case.

The court also imposed a Rs 75,000 fine each on Pillendla Phani Prasad, a former branch manager, and Chintakuntla Pandurangam Chalapathi, a former assistant manager.

The CBI had registered the case in 2005 against Phani Prasad, Chalapathi, and Yerram Koteswara Rao, the proprietor of a private company, on allegations that the latter conspired with the former managers to sanction loans for 23 group housing projects.

These loans were intended for the construction of independent houses, but they were disbursed without proper borrower identification and on the basis of false documents.

The sanctioned loan amount was withdrawn by the proprietor, and some of the money was diverted for purposes other than those for which the loans were intended.

Additionally, some of the houses were either partially constructed or not constructed at all.

It was further alleged that the proprietor had previously received funds from other borrowers who had obtained loans from Andhra Bank for the same properties.

All the accounts associated with the case had become non-performing assets (NPAs), causing a loss of Rs. 1.15 crore to the Union Bank of India.

Searches were conducted at the premises of the accused, and during the investigation, the proprietor was arrested.

After the investigation, a charge sheet was filed in 2007 against the accused.

However, during the trial, Rao passed away.

A trial court found the accused guilty and convicted them.

--IANS

atk/ksk
New Delhi, June 28 : Agri-tech focused venture capital firm Omnivore on Wednesday announced the first close of its third fund at $150 million (over Rs 1,230 crore).

Launched in 2022, the Omnivore Agritech and Climate Sustainability Fund will continue to focus on startups developing breakthrough technologies for agriculture, food, climate, and the rural economy.

With the third fund, Omnivore expects to make 25-30 new investments in Seed and Series A rounds of agritech startups and MSMEs, with initial cheque sizes ranging between $1 million and $5 million.

"The greatest risk and opportunity for Indian agriculture are the adverse effects of climate change. Our new fund will have a sharper focus on catalyzing climate action in agriculture by funding startups addressing climate mitigation and climate adaptation," said Mark Kahn, Managing Partner at Omnivore.

First close investors include KfW, the Self Reliant India (SRI) Fund, FMO, SIFEM and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Inclusive Agritech Facility, Louis Dreyfus Company Ventures, the Dutch Good Growth Fund (DGGF), the Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries (BIO), and Yara Growth Ventures.

Founded in 2011 by Kahn and Jinesh Shah, Omnivore has backed over 40 startups which are making farming more profitable, resilient, sustainable, and climate-proof.

It raised $82 million for its second fund, which had a final close in April 2019. Some of Omnivore's portfolio companies include DeHaat, Arya, Stellapps, Reshamandi, Ecozen, Aquaconnect, and Pixxel.

Over the past year, Omnivore has exited two agritech startups, delivering strong returns to its investors.

In July 2022, Omnivore sold its stake in aquaculture IoT startup Eruvaka to Nutreco, a global leader in animal nutrition and aquaculture, realizing the largest exit in Indian agritech to date.

Later, in March 2023, Omnivore sold its stake in precision sprayer manufacturer MITRA to farm machinery giant Mahindra.

"We are grateful to our investors who share Omnivore's vision of making India an agritech superpower which positively impacts the lives of smallholder farmers globally," said Jinesh Shah,Managing Partner at Omnivore.
By the time Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud met with Iranian leaders in Tehran, Brett MacGurk  the top Middle East adviser to US President Joe Biden  was en route to Riyadh to push for a normalisation agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Meanwhile Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was anxiously waiting for American efforts to bear fruit as he could do little to prevent the imminent agreements for stabilisation between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Al-Saud is the first top Saudi diplomat to visit Tehran since 2006. Relations between Riyadh and Tehran were severed in 2016, after the Saudi Embassy in Tehran and consulate in Mashhad were attacked during protests over Riyadhs execution of a Shia cleric. Last March, China brokered a deal between the Iranians and the Saudis to restore diplomatic relations as a first step in a reconciliation process. Earlier this month, Iran opened its embassy in Riyadh and this week Saudi Arabia did likewise. But according to media reports Saudi diplomats will be working from a luxury hotel in Tehran. The reopening of the Saudi Embassy in Tehran has been delayed due to the poor condition of the building which was damaged during the 2016 protests.

The Saudi foreign minister met his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, with whom he gave a joint press conference after the meeting. I would like to point out the importance of cooperation between our two countries on regional security, especially the security of maritime navigation and waterways, Al-Saud told the press. Our relations are based on a clear foundation of full and mutual respect for independence, sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs.

The Iranian foreign minister told reporters that he and his Saudi counterpart had discussed ways of bolstering cooperation in the fields of security, economy, tourism and transportation, stressing that Irans view is that regional security will be ensured by regional actors only without external interference.

The Saudi minister later met Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, handing him an invitation to visit the kingdom soon. According to a statement from the Saudi Foreign Ministry, discussions between Prince Faisal and President Raisi focused on reviewing bilateral relations and exploring opportunities to strengthen and expand cooperation in various fields They also exchanged views on recent regional and international developments, highlighting ongoing efforts in these areas.

The Iranian president seized the opportunity to attack Israel, according to a statement from his office carried by Iranian official news agency IRNA. Only the enemies of Islam, led by the Zionist regime, are upset by the progress of bilateral and regional cooperation between Iran and Saudi Arabia, Raisi told Al-Saud, according to IRNA. The Zionist regime is not only the enemy of the Palestinians; it represents a threat to all Muslims.

The echo of the development in Saudi-Iranian relations was loudly heard in Tel Aviv, where Netanyahu is keen on American help to convince Riyadh to normalise relations with the Jewish state. One Haaretz headline this week reads, Seeking US Support for Saudi-Israel Deal, Netanyahu Keeps Mum on Iran Talks. The piece concluded, Israels stance on the Washington-Tehran negotiations is realistic: It cant stop them, and has no chance of success in drawing anti-Biden moves in Congress. The article also refers to reports about secret negotiations between Washington and Tehran, sponsored by Oman.

It is not only Netanyahu who is seeking a deal with the Saudis that could bolster his political position in the midst of destabilising developments facing his government. The Americans might be seeking a Saudi favour as well. According to the American news website Axios, which reported McGurks visit to Saudi Arabia, the visit takes place shortly after US Foreign Minister Antony Blinkens visit to Saudi Arabia: The White House is pushing for a Saudi-Israeli deal in the next six to seven months before Bidens presidential election campaigns.

It is not clear if the Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman is keen to extend political favours to the Biden administration or not. Even if the prince is in favour of normalisation with Israel, he might not be in a hurry. A Saudi commentator notes that Riyadh is no longer ready to hand free favours even to the US.

With the reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, Netanyahu lost his leverage to push Riyadh to accept a peace deal. If the Americans are negotiating with the Iranians to secure even a mini deal before next years election, Netanyahu finds himself in an awkward position.

Some Western media commentaries have already noted that all this lines up well for the Saudi Crown Prince, regardless of whether its the US, Iran or Israel. As one pundit notes: Everybody wants something from the Saudis, and they can pick and choose according to their own interests. But the Saudis one choice looks clear: reconciliation with all on the basis of mutual benefits.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 22 June, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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Chennai, June 28 : The Tamil Nadu government has moved a petition in the Madras High Court appealing for a ban on two-wheeler taxis.

The state government in its petition said that the two-wheeler taxis cannot be considered safe for commercial purposes as it puts safety at risk for the consumers travelling in it.

The Tamil Nadu Transport department had started seizing bike-taxis ever since the Rapido group launched the operation of two-wheeler taxis in 2019.

The department had also written to Google, Apple India and Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CRET-In) directing them to remove the Rapido app from their platforms.

However, the Rapido, which is an app-based operating company, obtained a stay against this directive and the court ordered the Tamil Nadu Transport department to frame rules for regulating bike-taxi operations in the state.

The Union Transport Ministry also directed the respective state governments to frame their own guidelines after it released aggregator guidelines that aim to regulate taxi, auto and bike services provided by Ola, Uber and Rapido as well as other mobile apps.

The Transport Commissionerate has filed a petition in the Madras High Court and said that it had sent a proposal on aggregator guidelines to the government and the final guidelines was expected.

The Tamil Nadu Transport department has sought directions from the court to restrain Rapido from connecting private bike owners with commuters.

The court has adjourned the case for next four weeks.
Chennai, June 28 : The Tamil Nadu government has moved the Madras High Court seeking a ban on two-wheeler taxis, saying that such vehicles cannot be considered safe for commercial purposes as it puts safety of commuters at risk.

The Tamil Nadu transport department had started seizing bike-taxis ever since Rapido group launched the operation of two-wheeler taxis in 2019.

The department had also written to Google, Apple India and Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CRET-In) directing them to remove the Rapido app from their platforms.

However, the Rapido, which is an app based operating company, obtained a stay against in the court which ordered the Tamil Nadu transport department to frame rules for regulating bike taxi operations in the state.

The Union transport ministry also directed the respective state governments to frame their own guidelines after it released aggregator guidelines that aim to regulate taxi, auto and bike services provided by Ola, Uber and Rapido and also other mobile apps.

The transport commissionerate has filed a petition in the Madras High court and stated that it had sent a proposal on aggregator guidelines to the government and a final guidelines were expected. The transport department has sought directions from the Madras High Court to restrain Rapido from connecting private bike owners with commuters.

The Madras High Court has adjourned the case for four weeks.
Chennai, June 28 : For a change, the makers of Mansion House brandy Tilaknagar Industries Ltd are on a high as its subsidiary Prag Distillery Pvt Ltd is now out of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).

The NCLT has also allowed reinstatement of the Board of Directors of Prag Distillery for management of operations.

Prag Distillery is situated in Andhra Pradesh and has a bottling capacity of approximately six lakhs cases per annum, said Tilaknagar Industries in a statement.

Tilaknagar Industries said it had previously entered into an agreement with Standard Chartered Bank, the financial creditor of Prag Distillery, to settle all outstanding dues of the entity.

As per the agreement, an amount of $2,250,000 was paid to Standard Chartered Bank by Tilaknagar Industries on behalf of Prag Distillery, the statement notes.

"Tilaknagar Industries had also entered into a settlement agreement with the only other financial creditor of Prag Distillery, DCB Bank Ltd., and settled their dues in full. In addition, the company paid an amount of approximately Rs 14 crore to settle, in full, all the operational creditors of Prag Distillery whereas only three of them had filed their claims before the Liquidator," Tilaknagar Industries said.

As per the statement,Tilaknagar Industries has also settled all the dues owed to the employees of Prag Distillery.

As a result, Prag Distillery will continue to provide gainful employment to approximately 100 employees.

In furtherance to its settlement, Standard Chartered Bank approached the liquidator for withdrawing the application filed against Prag Distillery which was approved by stakeholders with 100 per cent votes.

Pursuant to the same, the liquidator filed an application at NCLT for withdrawal of Prag Distillery from liquidation.

In exercise of its discretionary power, the NCLT pronounced the order stating that Prag Distillery is out of liquidation and paved the way for reinstatement of the company's Board of Directors, the statement said.

--IANS

vj/ksk
Bengaluru, June 28 : The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) has decided not to expand Nandini outlets in neighbouring Kerala following strong objection by the Vijayan government, sources confirmed on Wednesday.

The decision was made following talks between Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development J. Chinchu Rani and KMF CEO.

Nandini milk and milk related products are sold in huge quantities across Kerala. The brand is popular, especially in the bordering districts of Karnataka such as Kasargod.

However, the decision has left a large number of Kannada people, who live in Kerala border regions, disappointed. The decision has been taken as per the directions of the newly elected Congress government in Karnataka.

Earlier, Kerala had objected to the sale of milk, curd and other dairy products by the Karnataka Milk Federation run by the Karnataka government. The neighbouring state complained of the Kerala Milk Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (KCMMF) brand Milma being affected by the sale of Nandini products.

The Congress and JD (S) in Karnataka had earlier strongly opposed the move of the previous BJP government to allow sale of Amul milk and curd in Karnataka.

The issue was raised during the Assembly elections and then the BJP government had to clarify the matter. It was also alleged that the then BJP government was conspiring to merge Nandini with Amul.

KCMMF had questioned that if Nandini sells its milk in Kerala, what will happen to the milk which is produced and sold to Milma by the Kerala farmers. It had also objected that Karnataka had violated the cooperative framework of the national dairy sector.
Islamabad, June 28 : Pakistan will hold a three-day international conference in July to promote tourism in the country, local media reported on Wednesday.

Chairman of the Prime Minister's Task Force on Gandhara Tourism, Ramesh Kuma said that a national tourism policy has been finalised and would be announced at the conference starting from July 11 in order to attract tourists from abroad, reports Xinhua news agency citing local media.

"Several participants from different countries will also attend the event, and a draft of Memorandums of Understanding on tourism has been finalised and it would be signed with several future partners on the occasion," said the official.

According to Kuma, a roundtable meeting will also be convened on July 5, which would be attended by diplomats of different countries to discuss opportunities for tourism in Pakistan.

"Pakistan is full of cultural heritage. The government is determined to promote tourism, especially historical sites and natural scenic beauties," said the official, adding that tourists can get a 10-day e-visa through Gandhara Portal within seven working days.

He added that efforts are being made to achieve a target of attracting up to half a million tourists to Pakistan annually.

As part of efforts to increase tourism, the government has launched online visa services for 175 countries and 50 nations have been offered visa on arrival.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
New Delhi, June 28 : The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday said that it will support the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) but these set of laws should be implemented only after wider consultations.

Talking to IANS, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak said that since Article 44 of the Constitution advocates for UCC, they believe it should be implemented.

"In principle, we support the UCC. Article 44 also supports it. However, since it is connected to all religions, it should be implemented only after wider consultation," Pathak said.

Asked whether they will contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections with the Congress , he said that it depends on the attitude of the grand-old party.

Pathak said that the current situation suggests that all opposition parties should come together and fight against the Modi Government, but it depends on the Congress.

"We will firmly contest the election but alliances depend on the attitude of Congress. Kejriwal met a number of opposition parties, and all of them supported him. However, the Congress didn't clarify their stance," he said.

Pathak mentioned that a meeting was convened, and leaders from Haryana also attended it. We will soon launch a massive campaign for the 2024 elections.
Thiruvananthapuram, June 28 : With daggers drawn between traditional rivals in Kerala politics, the top leaders in both the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF and the opposition parties now live under constant threats of getting entangled in cases amid charges flowing thick and fast.

Those caught in the political fight include Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Leader of Opposition V.D.Satheesan, State Congress president K.Sudhakaran and former Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala.

It all began when Vijayanas police registered cases based on complaints from former Congress workers close to Satheesan and Sudhakaran.

While the Left leaders were busy tearing into these leaders, a top former veteran journalist of the CPI(M)as party organ- aDeshabhimania, dropped a bombshell by claiming to havewitnessed Vijayan collecting and counting Rs two crore in cash at his office in Kochi when he was theparty secretary.

He also accused Vijayan of collecting Rs two million in cash at a hotel in the capital district.

No sooner did journalist G.Sakthidaran make these claims in a Facebook post , all the three Congress veterans presently being under the police radar challenged the chief minister to order a probe if he "had the guts".

Without missing the opportunity, Congress Lok Sabha member Benny Behanan urged State Police chief Anil Kant to register a case against theCMbasedon the Facebook post.

This morning, Kant forwarded Behanan'scomplaintto his deputy and all eyes are on whethera case will be registered likeit happened in the case of the top Congress brass.

Meanwhile, the party organ on Wednesday dismissed the former journalistas allegations asking what he has been doing for the past several years after he was dismissed from the party organ and the party.

As always, Chief Minister Vijayan is maintaining a stoic silence.Also, after returning from abroad, he had been a little under the weather and returned to the office only on Tuesday evening.
Palghar, June 28 : In a bid to deter illegal constructions, land-grabbing and encroachments, the Palghar Collectorate has recently passed its first two orders under the stringent Maharashtra Regional Town Planning (MRTP) Act on a private electronics major operating in the Boisar west township, officials said here on Wednesday.

The MRTP notice has been slapped on DIGI-1, a prominent electronics retailer, which was found to be operating on illegal premises leased out by the alleged licensor, a purported local roughie Firdaus Irani, on the ancestral property owned by a Mumbai medico, Dr. Tanaz Irani.

The Collector's notices have ordered that the illegal building should be demolished within 30 days and restored to its original status, lawyers fighting the case said.

The second order has been served for the illegal constructions carried out on Dr. Tanaz Iranias property of over four acres in Boisar east, by the same Firdauz Irani.

The so-called licensor, Firdaus Irani, had collected a whopping monthly rent of Rs 4.60 lakhs for the past several years from the DIGI-1 showroom, which he has been accused of grabbing.

Exercising his powers, the Palghar Collector empowered the Tehsildar, who acted on a complaint by Dr. Tanaz Irani to pass the unprecedented orders, directing the removal of the illegal, 3-storey building of DIGI-1, said Advocate Prashant Uchil.

"This marks the beginning of the clean-up process of unauthorised structures for planned development of the region in consonance with the MRTP Act," the lawyer Uchil pointed out.

Carved out of Thane district in August 2014, the Palghar has often been referred to as a dubious 'wild west' of Maharashtra for various reasons, though now the reputation is gradually changing.

In both the cases, Firdaus Irani was charged with not taking proper permissions from all the concerned authorities or the legal owners for carrying out the illegal constructions and earning crores from the rentals, the details or accounts of which are not known,said a family member of Dr. Tanaz Irani.

"Despite the clear orders, the concerned local authorities have not yet initiated the demolition process and we plan to appeal and get the Collectoras directives implemented on priority," said the family member.

Plagued by massive illegal construction activities, land-grabbing and other problems, the picturesque Palghar town and other parts of the state's newest coastal district -- bordering Gujarat -- have suddenly come to the limelight as it will be a major halt for the upcoming Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train.

As a result, various local bodies are now going all out to scrupulously implement/enforce the relevant town planning laws and making all constructions/business in tune with the MRTP Act provisions as it could become a future destination for investments and tourism.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at:q.najmi@ians.in)
Mumbai, June 28 : Indian-American hip-hop star Raja Kumari went to Dharavi, Mumbai spending time with children and grooving with them to an improvised hip hop track.

During her visit to the Dharavi Dream Project School, she interacted with children and donated some new studio equipment as part of her Kumari Kids Initiative, stating that accessibility and resources were the only difference between her and the kids at the school.

She said: "The only difference between my career and someone at the Dharavi Dream Project School is accessibility and resources."

"Building a state of the art studio and mentoring the youth is integral to building an independent music infrastructure for writers and performers. It is my commitment to help provide unique opportunity for this underprivileged community," she said.

During her outing to Dharavi Dream Project School, the rapper was also shown signing album covers of her new album "The Bridge" as well as cutting a cake with a picture of the album cover.

Speaking about the initiative, Raja Kumari said: "I truly believe India has immense talent and my label, Godmother Records is committed to building an infrastructure for music education and opportunity."

"This is just the beginning. Please support @mc_heam and all the incredible people who keep this dream alive,"she said.

She added: "To all the amazing MCs, Bboys, Beatboxers, Artists and Producers I met at The Dharavi Dream ProjectThank you for reminding me why I began this journey can't wait for the whole world to know your talent! Best album release party ever!"
Chandigarh, June 28 : The Border Security Force (BSF) has handed over a Pakistan national, who entered the Indian territory inadvertently by crossing the international border in Punjab's Ferozepur district, to the Pakistan Rangers, a statement said on Wednesday.

During questioning, it came to notice that the apprehended Pakistan national had crossed over to Indian territory inadvertently. "Nothing objectionable were recovered from him," it added.

The BSF approached Pakistan Rangers and lodged protest on the matter. At about 5.10 p.m. on Tuesday, the apprehended Pakistan national was handed over to Pakistan Rangers on humanitarian grounds, it added.

Punjab shares a 553-km long International Border, with a barbed wire fence, with Pakistan.
Last month, Japan already restricted exports to Korea of three key materials used to manufacture computer chips and smartphones. But now the export curbs are spreading to all sectors.

Once the decision takes effect around Aug. 23, Korean firms must apply for individual permission every time they want to import one of about 1,100 high-tech materials and products.

Korea tried until the last minute to dissuade Japan. Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha met her Japanese counterpart Taro Kono for around an hour on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum in Bangkok on Thursday, but the two merely reiterated their positions and failed to narrow their differences in an escalating spat over compensating Korean victims of wartime forced labor.

Kono seems to have shown up at the meeting to avoid accusations of intransigence but was unwilling to make any concession.

Japanese media reported that Kono "firmly rejected" Kang's request to keep Korea on the whitelist. Vice Foreign Minister Cho Se-young here said Japan is "not about to yield despite U.S. intervention."

Shortly after her meeting with Kono, Kang said, "We will have no choice but to consider necessary responses if Japan pushes its stance."

"Japan claims the export restrictions are being taken due to security concerns, so we will also have no choice but to consider the matter within the security framework of the two countries," she added. It was a thinly veiled warning to scrap a bilateral military intelligence-sharing pact.

The U.S. urged Korea and Japan to consider signing a "standstill agreement" to buy time to negotiate, but Japan refused.

Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of the U.S. and Japan will meet at the ARF on Friday, and later the three foreign ministers sit down together. "The focus of talks will be on containing the fallout of the exclusion from the whitelist," one diplomatic source said.
Amaravati, June 28 : The death of actor Jr NTR's die-hard fan Shyam remained shrouded in mystery even after Andhra Pradesh police released selfie video of the youth before he died by suicide.

The youth's family raised doubts about the video. His father Srinivasa Rao said that voice of another person is heard in the video. The video also appears to be into different pieces.

"Police should find out if Shyam spoke those words on his own or somebody made him speak," he said.

In the video, Shyam is heard saying he has no interest in the job and hence was ending his life "Mummy, daddy, I am sorry. Whether I am there or not, be happy. I am a waste in the eyes of all. If there is another birth, I would like to be born to you. I can't do the job. That's why I have taken this decision. Miss you Mummy, Daddy. Saianna miss you anna (elder brother). You are my biggest brother. If there is another birth, I would like to be born as your disciple. Love you forever Saianna," he said.

Son of Srinivasa Rao and Seeta, Shyam's full name was Shyam Manikantha Ramprasad. The 21-year-old allegedly hanged himself at his aunt's residence in Modekurru village in Kothapeta mandal of Konaseema district on June 25.

However, the circumstances under which he was found hanging raised suspicion.

Photographs of Shyam's body went viral on social media. Many netizens demanded a thorough probe. Hashtag WeWantJusticeForShyamNTR has been trending on the microblogging site for the last couple of days.

Netizens doubted the police version that it was a suicide and alleged that somebody murdered him and made it look like suicide.

Many Twitter users pointed out that Shyam's feet were touching the ground and that there were no marks around his neck. Some see a similarity with the circumstances under which actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead.

They also pointed out that there were injury marks on the mouth and other parts of the body. They questioned how the youth hanged himself when there were bleeding injuries on his hands.

Locals were also not ready to believe that he resorted to the extreme step after consuming ganja. Those who claim to know the family say he was not addicted to ganja. They say he was also not under depression due to lack of a job as there was no pressure from the family.

Shyam's parents had moved to Tirupati for livelihood few years ago. He had studied hotel management and was searching for a job. The youth had come to his grandmother's house in Khandrika village about 15 days ago. Since there was no power at grandmother's house on June 24, he went to aunt's house in Modukuru village. As his aunt had gone to Tirupati, he stayed back. He was alone in the house and on June 25, he was found hanging.

Police shifted the body for autopsy and on a complaint by Shyam's grandmother registered a case and took up investigation.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Venkatramna said their investigation shows Shyam ended his life due to personal reasons. He said the youth cut his hands with a blade. Police found a blade and mobile phone in his pocket. The police official said if anyone has doubt about the cause of his death, they can lodge a complaint and the police will investigate from that angle.

Shyam was a diehard fan of popular actor Jr NTR. He reportedly attended every event of the actor.

After attending the pre-release event of Vishwak Sen's film Das Ka Dhamki, Jr NTR was walking off the stage, surrounded by several security persons. A suddenly pushed the security persons and hugged Jr NTR from behind. The fan looked very emotional. While the actor's security tried to pull the fan away,Jr NTR stopped them. The actor hugged the fan.

The video had gone viral on social media. It was widely shared since Monday along with the hashtagWeWantJusticeForShyamNTR.

Shyam's death case took a political turn on Tuesday when Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu demanded a thorough investigation.

"The suspicious circumstances surrounding his death are alarming. I strongly urge for a thorough investigation into this matter, ensuring justice is served. It has been alleged that YSRCP members are involved. Their involvement must be probed impartially. Let's ensure transparency prevails and justice is served."

Local leaders of ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) rubbished the allegations and said Naidu was trying to draw political mileage from even the tragic death of a youth.

Jr NTR also issued a statement, terming the death of Shyam as very painful.

He conveyed his condolences to the family of Shyam. The 'RRR' actor said not knowing how and under what circumstances he died is heartbreaking.

He requested the government to immediately conduct a probe into Shyam's death.
Panaji, June 28 : Goa Governor P. S. Sreedharan Pillai on Wednesday extended his greetings to the people, the Muslim brethren in particular, on the occasion of Id-Ul-Zuha.

In his message, the Governor said, "Id-ul-Zuha" (Bakri-Id) is celebrated in the spirit of sacrifice and benevolence with great fervour and gaiety in India and the world. This festival is also called as the "Feast of sacrifice".

He further said that Goa is blessed with a diverse population wherein every festival is celebrated with equal passion.

"This is a very appropriate occasion for us to remember that all religions preach the universal values of love, peace and brotherhood," He said.

"On this holy and pious occasion, let us all renew our pledge to live together in peace, amity, friendship and mutual understanding. May the celebrations of Id-Ul-Zuha (Bakri-Id) this year bring greater peace, happiness and unity among the people, he concluded," Pillai further said.
Chennai, June 28 : The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court (HC) on Wednesday rejected an interim injunction plea against Udayanidhi Stalin-starrer 'Maamannan'.

The interim petition was filed with a plea for restraining the release of the movie and dismissed an application filed by the producer of another movie aAngela.

Justice Kumaresh Babu of the Madras HC held that the interim injunction could not be granted due to non-joinder of the proper parties.

He also said that he will hear a separate petition on June 28 evening that sought a direction from the court to Stalin to offer a call sheet and cooperate in the completion of the movie 'Angel'.

The producer of 'Angel', Ramasaravanan, told the court that he had entered into an oral agreement with Stalin in 2018 for acting in his movie and had paid an advance of Rs 30 lakhs as against his total remuneration of Rs 1.25 crore.

The movie aAngela was shot in several locations in Chennai as well as in Fiji. However, it could not be completed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and thereafter Stalin becoming a minister.

The petitioner told the court that he had approached it as Stalin had informed the media that aMaamannana was his last movie and that he would not act in movies again.

Ramasaravanan told the court that 80 per cent of the work of aAngela was over and that he had already spent an amount of Rs 13 crore for the movie.

He said that if the movie does not see the light of the day, then he would be losing Rs 25 crore and requested the court to interfere in the matter.
Los Angeles, June 28 : Hollywood star Idris Elba was one of the biggest contenders for portraying James Bond after Daniel Craig left the franchise. However, he shared that he refused to play the famous MI6 spy-assassin due to high racist backlash.

According to Deadline, the actor told the 'Smartless' podcast: "Essentially, it was a huge compliment that every corner of the world except from some corners, which we will not talk about, were really happy about the idea that I could be considered."

He said: "Those that weren't happy about the idea made the whole thing disgusting and off-putting because it became about race. It became about nonsense, and I got the brunt of it."

The actor also said that getting the offer to play the role was highly flattering.

"The truth is, I was super complimented for a long time about this. I was like, 'This is crazy!' Because James Bond We're all actors and we understand that role. It's one of those coveted (roles)," Elba said.

He added: "Being asked to be James Bond was like, 'Okay, you've sort of reached the pinnacle.'"

As per Deadline, the actor had earlier told Esquire UK this year that he was no longer describing himself as a black actor, saying "when I realised it put me in a box. We've got to grow. We've got to. Our skin is no more than that: it's just skin. Rant over."

Elaborating on that statement, he later tweeted: "There isn't a soul on this earth that can question whether I consider myself a BLACK MAN or not. Being an 'actor' is a profession, like being an 'architect', they are not defined by race. However, If YOU define your work by your race, that is your Perogative. Ah lie?"
Bhopal, June 28 : The Crime Branch of Madhya Pradesh Police have claimed to have arrested former BJP minister Kamal Khan's son, Bilal Khan in connection with a two-year-old drug peddling case in Indore.

Police claimed that Bilal's name had cropped up during the investigation, and he was being interrogated for his alleged involvement. Sources said he was nabbed on June 26.

According to Indore district police, Bilal Khan allegedly has links with the local network of an inter-state MDMA smuggling racket and a reward of Rs 4,000 was declared for his arrest earlier.

In 2021, the MP Police had seized drugs worth Rs 70 crore, and Bilal Khan was one of the suspects in the case. Bilal was on the run since then and police were hunting for him.

Indore Deputy Commissioner of Police Nimish Agrawal said, "Bilal Khan was held from Chhoti Gwaltoli after being on the run for two years. He is one of the suspects in a two-year-old drug peddling case. He is being interrogated for his alleged involvement in a drug peddling case."

Bilal Khan's (25) father Kamal Khan is a senior BJP leader, who was a former state minister for minority cell of Madhya Pradesh.

Police claimed that it was the MPas biggest MDMA drug seizure case. So far, 40 persons have been arrested in the case, including a pharmaceutical unit owner from Hyderabad in Telangana, police said.

During the investigation, police found that the consignment of MDMA drug was supposed to be sent to South Africa from Indore under the pretext of manufacturing medicines. The Crime Branch had raided the spot and seized the drug.
Palghar, June 28 : In a bid to deter illegal constructions, land-grabbing and encroachments, the Palghar Collectorate has recently passed its first two orders under the stringent Maharashtra Regional Town Planning (MRTP) Act on a private electronics major operating in the Boisar west township, officials said here on Wednesday.

The MRTP notice has been slapped on DIGI-1, a prominent electronics retailer, which was found to be operating on illegal premises leased out by the alleged licensor, a purported local roughie Firdaus Irani, on the property of a local local businessman Farid Irani.

The Collector's notices have ordered that the illegal building should be demolished within 30 days and restored to its original status, lawyers fighting the case said.

The second order has been served for the illegal constructions carried out on Dr. Tanaz Iranias property of over four acres in Boisar east, by the same Firdauz Irani.

The so-called licensor, Firdaus Irani, had collected a whopping monthly rent of Rs 4.60 lakhs for the past several years from the DIGI-1 showroom, which he has been accused of grabbing.

Exercising his powers, the Palghar Collector empowered the Tehsildar, who acted on a complaint by Dr. Tanaz Irani to pass the unprecedented orders, directing the removal of the illegal, 3-storey building of DIGI-1, said Advocate Prashant Uchil.

"This marks the beginning of the clean-up process of unauthorised structures for planned development of the region in consonance with the MRTP Act," the lawyer Uchil pointed out.

Carved out of Thane district in August 2014, the Palghar has often been referred to as a dubious 'wild west' of Maharashtra for various reasons, though now the reputation is gradually changing.

In both the cases, Firdaus Irani was charged with not taking proper permissions from all the concerned authorities or the legal owners for carrying out the illegal constructions and earning crores from the rentals, the details or accounts of which are not known,said a family member of Dr. Tanaz Irani.

"Despite the clear orders, the concerned local authorities have not yet initiated the demolition process and we plan to appeal and get the Collectoras directives implemented on priority," said the family member.

Plagued by massive illegal construction activities, land-grabbing and other problems, the picturesque Palghar town and other parts of the state's newest coastal district -- bordering Gujarat -- have suddenly come to the limelight as it will be a major halt for the upcoming Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train.

As a result, various local bodies are now going all out to scrupulously implement/enforce the relevant town planning laws and making all constructions/business in tune with the MRTP Act provisions as it could become a future destination for investments and tourism.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at:q.najmi@ians.in)
Mumbai, June 28 : National Award-winning filmmaker Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan's '72 Hoorain' trailer is all about radicalisation, terrorism and religious fundamentalism, which has now got into a controversy.

Produced by Ashoke Pandit, the film landed in soup after its teaser was released on June 4. It has reportedly been denied certification by the censor board.

The over two-minutes long clip shows a satirical take on terrorism. It begins with introducing late Pakistani actor Rasheed Naz a maulvi, who talks about 72 Hoorain. Pavan Malhotra plays Hakim and Aamir Bashir essays Bilal boasting of the leisure and 72 virgins in heaven only granted to the true followers of religion.

The two are on top of a building talking about life post death. The video swiftly moves to visuals of bomb blasts and terrorist attacks. It ends with two bodies of terrorists being thrown into the water.

a72 Hooraina is scheduled to release on July 7.

--IANSdc/kvd
San Francisco, June 28 : A man has credited Apple Watch's fall detection feature for saving his life by calling emergency services and his wife.

Last week, Alexander Laserson fell from a ladder and hit his head, and his Apple Watch Series 8 called emergency services and his wife as the fall detection kicked in, reports AppleInsider.

He was unable to respond to the fall detection alarm, which after about a minute alerts emergency contacts and calls emergency services. "His wife discovered him shortly after and was able to talk to emergency responders via the Apple Watch," the report said.

He was then transported in an ambulance to the emergency room and got seven stitches. Laserson expressed gratitude to Apple for developing the technology that responded to his fall so quickly.

"Without the Apple Watch, it is possible I would be dead by now," Laserson said. "The technology works," he added. Apple Watch has saved lives before and sometimes surprises its wearers by detecting problems they are unaware of.

Earlier, a US man had been rescued by the Summerfield Fire Department before he even knew his Watch could send an emergency message. He had fallen hard in his driveway, breaking his nose and passing out. When he didn't respond to his Apple Watch, it automatically called 911.
June 28 : Actor and activist Rajshri Deshpande says that talking about mental-health illness and dealing with it is also empowerment.

Rajshri Deshpande for interacting with Newshelpline promoting her new movie titled Privacy, which has been selected for Bifan Film Festival.

When asked about women empowerment and off-screen work, Rajshri said, I wont say anything about women empowerment, but talk about different kind of empowerment. Mental health illness is a reality, and we need to work on it, that is the most important thing. As a society, we need to understand that people around us are going through something or the other, even on an individual level one is always going through something, we need to understand it, we need to learn about it, and seek help. Try to educate people around you about mental illness, this is also empowerment - to learn about oneself.

Talking about the film which will screen at the prestigious Bifan Film Festival, Rajshri said, Bifan is a genre film festival in South Korea, my film Privacy is selected for the film festival, and I think it is a huge honor for all of us to be part of that festival. The film is a story about a girl named Rupali, it is a story of an ordinary girl, who is living her life out of sheer will, and what happens to her, is the entire film.

Privacy is a social thriller and marks the directorial debut of Sudeep Kanwal. The film follows the journey of Roopali, a distressed Mumbai surveillance center operator, who ignores protocol and begins to investigate incidents happening on her watch.

The film also stars Nishank Verma, Sandesh Kulkarni, Saurabh Goyal, Chhaya Kadam, Rushad Rana and Sagar Salunke in pivotal roles.
New Delhi, June 28 : In an incentive to sugarcane farmers, the Centre on Wednesday hiked the fair and remunerative price (FRP) of cane by Rs 10 to Rs 315 per quintal for 2023-24 season, which begins from October.

The FRP is the minimum price that mills have to pay to sugarcane growers.

The decision to raise sugarcane FRP was taken by the Union cabinet, which met on Wednesday.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur told mediapersons after the cabinet meeting that the government has given priority to agriculture and the farmers.

The FRP of sugarcane, which stood at Rs 210 per quintal in 2014-15 season, has now been increased to Rs 315 per quintal for 2023-24 season, he added.

Thakur further said that the government prioritises agriculture sector and farmers, and this increase in FRP demonstrates support for them.

The FRP has steadily gone up over the years, from Rs 210 per quintal in the 2014-15 season to the current Rs 315 per quintal for the 2023-24 season.
SNU had ranked 36th or 37th over the past five years, but this year it reached 19th place in academic reputation, which counts for up to 40 points in the score, and 21st in employer reputation, which is worth 10 points.

A total of 1,422 universities were ranked based on six indicators -- academic reputation, citations per faculty, faculty-student ratio, employer reputation, international faculty ratio, and international students ratio.

Overall, the educational environment -- chiefly faculty-student ratio -- has improved at Korean universities, but their research quality has dropped.

SNU finished 29th in the QS World University Rankings 2023, the first time a Korean university has joined the top 30 since the rankings started in 2003. The previous highest ranking Korea achieved was SNU's 31st place in 2014.

Seoul National University has finally scraped into the top 30 in the latest global university rankings by U.K. firm Quacquarelli Symonds on Thursday.

Forty-one of Korea's universities were included in the rankings, Sungshin Women's University and Soongsil University for the first time. Fifteen of them saw their ranking rise and 10 fall.

Five other Korean universities made the top 100 -- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) at 42nd, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) at 71st, Yonsei University at 73rd, Korea University at 74th and Sungkyunkwan University at 99th.

Korean universities scored above average for faculty-student ratio, which counts for up to 20 points. High scores are given to universities with many full-time staff and an optimum number of students, given that large classes tend to rely on cramming rather than discussion. Twenty-eight of the 41 Korean universities saw their ranking rise in this category.

POSTECH received a full score, helping it jump 10 notches higher than last year. A POSTECH spokesman said, "It's the result of our university's proactive efforts to invite professors in state-of-the-art fields of study, including artificial intelligence."

But the ranking of 37 of the Korean universities fell in citations per faculty, which gauges the quality of original research. Only Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (6th), POSTECH (26th) and KAIST (27th) performed well, but most were not even in the top 600.

The outcome is disappointing considering that Korea's ratio of spending on education to GDP is higher than the OECD average and suggests the country needs to strengthen research and innovation capacities, according to QS.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology came first for the 11th year in a row, followed by the University of Cambridge and Stanford University. ETH Zurich of Switzerland ranked ninth, the only university outside the U.S. or U.K. in the top 10.

The highest-ranking Asian school was the National University of Singapore in 11th place. The other Asian universities that made it into the top 20 were Peking University (12th), Tsinghua University (14th), and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore (19th). The University of Hong Kong (21st) and the University of Tokyo (23rd) also performed well.

"Universities in the Chinese-speaking regions, where governments are making bold investments, and those in Singapore, which have achieved a successful internationalization, are taking the lead in the world," said Bae Young-chan at Hanyang University. "Korean universities need to conduct more international research and encourage innovative research to improve their global competitiveness."
New Delhi, June 28 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday said that they have attached assets worth Rs 517.81 crore belonging to SKS Ispat & Power Ltd. These assets include land, buildings, plants, and machinery, an official said.

The attachment is in connection with a bank fraud case of Rs 895.45 crore involving Cethar Ltd.

The ED initiated proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) based on an FIR registered by the CBI against Cethar Ltd, a boiler manufacturing company based in Trichy, Tamil Nadu.

According to the ED, Cethar Ltd. availed credit facilities amounting to Rs 895.45 crore from a consortium of lenders led by the Indian Bank, SAM branch, Madurai.

The company's accounts turned non-performing assets (NPAs) on December 31, 2012, and proceedings under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) were subsequently initiated before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in Chennai in 2017.

"Investigations under PMLA were initiated in 2019, and searches were conducted at the premises of the company's director. Immovable property and jewellery worth Rs 9.08 crore were attached in 2022, which were later confirmed by the Adjudicating Authority, PMLA," the ED said.

During the investigation, it was revealed that Rs 565 crore had been kept off the books, in addition to Rs 228 crore being written off as a loss on the sale of investments.

The ED said, "In order to be awarded the Engineering, Procurement and Construction contract of SKS Power Generation (Chhattisgarh) Limited (SKSPGCL) worth about Rs 3,500 crore, Cethar Ltd. siphoned off Rs 228 crore to SKS Ispat & Power Ltd under the guise of an investment in shares of the then parent company SKS Ispat & Power Ltd. However, the interest accruing at a rate of 12 per cent per annum compounded was kept off the books."

"This money was accounted for as trade receivables until 2016-17 when it was written off as a loss on the sale of investments through the creation of backdated/forged agreements," the ED added.

The ED official also revealed that these actions took place just two days prior to the commencement of NCLT proceedings, indicating a high level of criminal conspiracy.

As a result, K. Subburaj, Director of Cethar Ltd, colluded with Anil Gupta, CMD of SKS Ispat & Power Ltd, with the intention of siphoning off assets worth Rs 793 crore from the books of Cethar, which ultimately led to its insolvency and liquidation under the IBC, 2016.

A complex scheme of agreements and transactions was created to conceal the proceeds of the crime amounting to Rs 793 crore, which were safely parked at SKS Ispat & Power Ltd.

SKS Ispat & Power Ltd. used these proceeds for its regular business purposes. Therefore, fixed business assets of SKS Ispat & Power Ltd, including land, buildings, plants, machinery, roads and railway siding, with a total value of Rs 517.81 crore according to their books, have been attached under the provisions of the PMLA.
Gandhinagar, June 28 : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday issued a warning for fishermen operating along the Gujarat coast, particularly the south Gujarat coast, from June 28 to July 2.

The IMD strongly advises against venturing into the sea during this period.

As per the IMD, squally weather conditions are expected, with wind speeds ranging from 40-45 kmph and gusts up to 55 kmph along and off the Gujarat Coast from June 28th to July 2nd. Consequently, it is crucial for fishermen to refrain from venturing into the Arabian Sea during these days.

The warning extends to several areas, including Jakhau, Mandvi (Kutch), Mundra, New Kandla, Navlakhi, Jamnagar, Salaya, Okha, and Porbandar along the North Gujarat coast. It also applies to areas off the South Gujarat coast, such as MulDwarka, Veraval, Diu, Jafrabad, Pipavav, Victor, Bhavnagar, Alang, Bharuch, Dahej, Magdalla, and Daman.

Additionally, the weather man predicts high waves ranging from 3.2 to 3.6 meters along the coast from Jakhau to Diu Head of Gujarat coast, starting from 17.30 hours on June 27 to 23.30 hours on June 28.

Current speeds are estimated to range between 68 and 121 cm/sec.
London, June 28 : Kevin Spacey's criminal trial in the UK over multiple sexual assault allegations has begun and he was seen for his trial in London's Southwark Crown Court. The 'House of Cards' actor faces over 12 charges so far, but he has denied them all.

According to The Hollywood Reporter: "Spacey, 63, faces 12 charges from four different men, all dating between 2001 and 2013 and including seven counts of sexual assault, three counts of indecent assault and two counts of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent."

Many of the allegations relate to the period where he was artistic director of the Old Vic theatre, a position he held between 2004 and 2015.

As per THR, the trial is the first in the U.K. faced by the two-time Oscar winning actor since the accusations first broke out in 2017.

The trial also marks almost one year since Spacey first took the stand at the Westminster Crown back in June 16, 2022, and had the first of the five allegations read out to him.

His defense counsel Patrick Gibbs K.C. was able to successfully grant the actor unconditional bail which allowed him to move freely in and out of the U.K. The prosecution had argued that his passport be taken away and that he should be grounded in the U.K.

According to THR: "Spacey's career nosedived following the surfacing of the initial allegations almost six years ago in the wake of the MeToo movement. Following high-profile removals from both Netflix's 'House of Cards' and Ridley Scott's 'All The Money in the World' (where he was replaced as J. Paul Getty by Christopher Plummer in very costly reshoots), his roles have been few and far between."

Last year it was also announced that he wouldn't be starring in the historical action drama "1242 Gateway to the West". If found guilty, Kevin Spacey could face imprisonment, with one offense even carrying a life imprisonment punishment.

Earlier,speaking to the Zeit Magazine, Spacey said that he anticipates working again almost immediately if not found guilty.

"I know that there are people right now who are ready to hire me the moment I am cleared of these charges in London," Spacey said. "The second that happens, they're ready to move forward."
Bhopal, June 28 : A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at Opposition accusing its leaders of indulging in corruption, the politics in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, where the BJP and the Congress are in direct contest, has heated up.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday reiterated the Prime Minister's claim of the "Opposition indulging in corruption", and said that the BJP government would not spare anyone who would usurp public money.

Chouhan further said: "Congress has always done politics of appeasement and used people just for its votebank."

"The Congress has history of fake guarantees. A slogan of 'Gareebi Hatao' was made by the Congress way back in 1971, but poverty reached its peak. While in the last nine years of the BJP government, the poverty has decreased drastically. The Congress always used the people of ST and SC communities for their votes, but did nothing for them. Now, when the elections are at the next door, they have come up with yet another fake guarantee," Chouhan added.

Responding to Prime Minister Modi's statement that he would not spare anyone who was indulging into corruption, MP Congress Chief Kamal Nath said he (Modi) was giving a clear message to Shivraj, who has made Madhya Pradesh a "corruption state".

"PM Modi said that no scamster will be left, so the people of Madhya Pradesh want to know that Dumper scam, Vyapam scam, Poshan Aahar scam, Police recruitment scam, Nursing college scam and E-tendering scam happened during your Chief Minister's tenure. Are you sending him into jail or giving protection to scamsters?" Kamal Nath said.

Meanwhile, former chief-minister and Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh also took jibe at Prime Minister Modi, saying the latter should have ask his party workers that whether the houses built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) were bulldozed by Chief Minister Chouhan in Madhya Pradesh.

"You (PM Modi) should have asked the BJP workers to find out whether the houses of the people who got the Prime Minister's residence were demolished by the Shivraj government? If it has been broken, then how are those people living their lives and where are they living in the rain," Digvijaya Singh said.

--IANSpd/svn
Chennai, June 28 : Two MLAs of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) walked out of a programme of Tamil Nadu Governor, R.N. Ravi on Wednesday.

PMK MLAs, R. Arul (Salem- west) and S. Sadhasivam (Mettur), walked out of the event after complaining that they were made to wait for a meeting with the Governor.

The two legislators wanted to meet Governor Ravi and submit a petition to him to remove the Registrar of Periyar University, K. Thankavelu, for corruption allegations against him.

The MLAs told mediapersons that the Governoras PA asked them to wait till Wednesday afternoon and therefore they staged a walkout of the event.

The Governor had faced a black flag wave protest enroute to the Periyar University and hence the police had beefed up security.

Sources in the Periyar University told IANS that the Governor was willing to meet the legislators but due to paucity of time had requested the MLAs to wait for some time. This irritated the MLAs who staged a walkout and spoke to the media.
London, June 28 : A majority of care workers sponsored for skilled work visas in the UK in 2022 came mostly from non-EU countries with India leading the pack and just one per cent coming from the EU countries, according to a new study.

The report by the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford said the country's immigration system brought unprecedented numbers of overseas workers into the health and care workforce in 2022-3.

India was the top country of nationality for newly-recruited overseas doctors (20 per cent) and nurses (46 per cent), followed by Nigeria, Pakistan and the Philippines, the study said.

India (33 per cent) was also among top countries of citizenship for workers using Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) in 2022, followed by Zimbabwe and Nigeria.

Against a backdrop of staff shortages, the recruitment of non-EU citizens on skilled work visas in the health and care sector increased from 2017 onwards, with a particularly sharp increase in 2021 and 2022.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimated that vacancies in the UKas health and social work sector peaked at 217,000 in July to September 2022 before falling somewhat in late 2022 and early 2023. Following this, the UK immigration system admitted unprecedented numbers of overseas health and care workers in the year ending March 2023.

In the year to March, 57,700 care workers received skilled work visas, according to the report.

The study, commissioned by the employment group ReWAGE, warned that the UK risks becoming too dependent on overseas care workers after nearly 58,000 visas were issued for the sector last year. Official figures showed overall migration into the UK for 2022 at 606,000 -- a 24 per cent increase on the previous high of 488,000 the year before.

aHealth and care employers have benefited a lot from international recruitment. But relying this much on overseas recruits also brings risks," Dr Madeleine Sumption, director of the Migration Observatory, was cited as saying in The Guardian.

Dr Sumption said care workers on temporary visas are vulnerable to exploitation and "the rapid growth in overseas recruitments makes monitoring pay and conditions a real challenge".

The report comes with consultant doctors in Britain set to go on strike on July 20 and 21 for better pay.

--IANS

mi/vd
Imphal, June 28 : Mizoram government has asked the Union government to release funds for the relief of displaced people of Manipur who have migrate to the state following the outbreak of ethnic violence.

The union government is yet to respond to the request of the state.

There are roughly around 12, 200 displaced people in Mizoram. The state government has sought Rs. 10 crore from the union government for their relief.

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga has written two letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 16 and May 23 and sought financial support of Rs 10 crore to provide relief to the refugees.

Mizoram Home Commissioner cum Secretary H. Lalengmawia said that a delegation from the state led by Tourism Minister Robert Romawia recently met the officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) including Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla and requested them to release the central fund to provide relief to the displaced people.

"The response of the MHA officials' was positive. But we are yet to receive any financial support. We are expecting fund from the MHA," said Lalengmawia, who was also part of the delegation.

The displaced people of Manipur belong to Kuki-Hmar-Mizo-Zomi ethnic group, who shared close ethnicity with the Mizo people.

The government has set up 35 relief camps in 11 districts of Mizoram while the majority of the people are staying in the rented accommodations or with relatives.

Kolasib district, which borders southern Assam, currently hosts the highest number of displaced people at 4,350 followed by Aizawl district with 4,050 and Saitual district with 3,000 people.

After the military takeover in Myanmar in February 2021, thousands of Myanmarese also took shelter in Mizoram. There are around 35,000 Myanmarese in the state.

Meanwhile, 7,000 tribals have also settled in Mizoram after the troubles broke out in Chittagong Hill Tracts of southeast Bangladesh.
New Delhi, June 28 : The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a package of innovative schemes for farmers with a total outlay of Rs 3,70,128.7 crore.

The bouquet of schemes focusses on economic betterment of farmers by promoting sustainable agriculture, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur told mediapersons.

He said that the cabinet approved continuation of the urea subsidy scheme, under which Rs 3,68,676.7 crore has been committed for urea subsidy for three years i.e. from 2022-23 to 2024-25.

The continuation of the urea subsidy scheme would ensure constant availability of urea to the farmers at the same price of Rs 242 for a 45 kg bag excluding taxes and neem coating charges.

Meanwhile out of the package's total outlay of Rs 3,70,128.7 crore,Rs 1,451 crore have been approved for market development assistance (MDA) scheme to exemplify model of wealth from waste.

Under MDA, Parali and organic manure from Gobardhan plants would be used to enrich the soil and keep the environment safe and clean, Chemical and Fertiliser Minister Mansukh Mandaviya told reporters.

The MDA scheme envisages support for marketing organic fertilisers, which has been branded as PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness Generation, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth or PM PRANAM.

Such organic fertilisers would be branded in the names of Bharat Brand FOM, LFOM and PROM.

It will also help in keeping the environment clean and safe and at the same time provide an additional source of income for farmers.

Farmers will get organic fertilisers at affordable prices, Mandaviya said.

Another initiative of the package is that the Sulphur coated urea (Urea Gold) has been introduced in the country for the first time.

It is more economical and efficient than the currently used neem-coated urea, official sources said.

It will address Sulphur deficiency for the soil in the country. It will also save input costs for the farmers and also raise incomes for farmers with enhanced production and productivity.

--IANSans/svn
Mumbai, June 28 : A speeding motorcyclist banged into the slow-moving SUV of Shiv Sena-UBT leader Aditya Thackeray outside the Shiv Sena Bhavan in Dadar on Wednesday afternoon, creating a minor security flutter, party leaders said.

The incident occurred when Thackeray junior was proceeding to the party headquarters for a meeting when the motorcycle, apparently out of control, rammed into the right side of his vehicle and the rider fell down.

He again got up with the bike even as Thackeray's police and security detail rushed towards him to help.

From viral videos, it appears that the motorcyclist apprehended a collision and attempted to slow and control his vehicle but it still hit the SUV.

Scared of the consequences, the unidentified man attempted to start his motorcycle and escape, but a security personnel hopped after him, rook him aside and removed the ignition key before taking him away for questioning.

On reaching the Shiv Sena Bhavan, Thackeray, who was sitting in the front seat beside the driver, enquired after the condition of the motorcyclist and was told that "he's fine, all normal".

Meanwhile, the incident - coming days after his security cover was reportedly trimmed - sparked concerns in various quarters.

Thackeray was barraged with phone calls and messages prompting him to tweet that "all are safe and nobody was injured" in the accident.
New Delhi, June 28 : The Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) has stayed the Securities Exchange Board of India's (SEBI) June 19 order prohibiting IIFL Securities from onboarding new clients for two years. The matter has been listed for final disposal on August 23.

The stay order by SAT considered that IIFL Securities has already been penalised for Rs 2 crore through two separate adjudication orders for the same allegations. The earlier two orders of SEBI for monetary penalties are pending before SAT and has received stay.

Nishith Doshi, Head (Legal), IIFL, said, "The SEBI order placing restrictions on opening new client accounts has been stayed by the Hon'ble SAT. The tribunal after considering that the same facts had already led to monetary penalty in earlier appeals which were pending before SAT."

"IIFL Securities would like to reiterate SEBI's own assurance in the very order imposing restrictions that even SEBI has not found anything wrong if its changes to the law effected in 2017 were applied prospectively. IIFL reiterates its commitment to serving its clients as it always has in full compliance with the letter and spirit of the law."

The SEBI order was based on allegations of mixing client's and own funds by IIFL Securities during inspection by the regulator during 2011-2014. However, the order was passed based on Enhanced Supervision Circular 2017 applying it retrospectively to the 2011-2014 period.

IIFL Securities in its appeal before SAT said, "The impugned order relates to a period prior to July 2017 when a new circular popularly known as 'Enhanced Supervision Circular' dated September 26, 2017 came into effect. The impugned order contains a positive certification that after the Enhance Supervision Circular was brought into effect in 2017, there has been no violation. The core submission of the Appellant is that this circular is being applied retrospectively."

IIFL Securities further submitted that "in utter haste, even deviating from the normal approach of letting orders of suspension of registration (although partial) take effect at the expiry of 45 days (the statutory period for appeal), the impugned order has been brought into force with immediate effect, inflicting serious debilitating damage on the appellant.

IIFL Securities also argued that the SEBI punishment was disproportionately harsh, unreasonable.

"Judicial deference has been thrown to the winds and on this ground alone, the impugned order deserves to be set aside."

Further, SEBI in its own order said, "I find no violation by the way of assigning wrong nomenclature to 'clients accounts' have been remedied by the noticee (IIFL Securities) further the violations committed by the way of mixing funds of clients with its own funds has not been observed in March 2017 inspection. Further, I find no instance of misuse of clients' funds by the notice placed before me which has occurred subsequent to implementation of the Enhanced Supervision Circular dated September 16, 2016."

There have been such violations earlier where the market regulator had let off brokers with mere fines. SEBI had imposed a penalty of Rs 1 lakh on Anand Rathi Share and Stock Brokers Ltd in November 2018; a fine of Rs 15 lakh on Systematix Shares & Stocks (I) Ltd in December 2017; a fine of Rs 17 lakh on Motilal Oswal Financial Servies on February 2020; a fine of Rs 30 lakh on Nirmal Bang Securities in February 2020; and a fine of Rs 35 lakh on Edelweiss Securities in settlement order.

In 2020, SEBI had imposed a fine of Rs 12 lakh on Ganganagar Commodities where SEBI had observed usage of funds of credit balance clients for settling some of the trades of debit balance clients.
While pledging that Prigozhin would be safe in Belarus, Putin has expressed mixed views about the Wagner Group since the rebellion against his authority and the leadership of the Russian defense ministry. Putin has characterized Wagner's leaders as traitors but said the rank-and-file mercenaries "really showed courage and heroism" in their fighting against Kyiv's forces.

Western countries have sanctioned the 68-year-old Lukashenko for cracking down on opposition figures and allowing Russia to attack Ukraine last year from Belarusian territory, while more recently allowing Russia to store tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus for possible use in the conflict in Ukraine.

Putin has promised Prigozhin's safety in Belarus, and according to Belarusian state media, the authoritarian Lukashenko has urged Putin to not kill Prigozhin. "I said to Putin: we could waste [Prigozhin], no problem. If not on the first try, then on the second. I told him: don't do this," Lukashenko said during a meeting with security officials, according to state media.

It was not immediately clear where Prigozhin was in Belarus, how many fighters had accompanied him or how long he planned to stay there. Lukashenko, an ally of Putin, last Saturday negotiated Prigozhin's departure for Belarus after Prigozhin led thousands of his fighters out of Ukraine on a caravan toward Moscow before calling off the advance well short of confronting Russian soldiers on the outskirts of the capital city.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of Russia's Wagner mercenary group, has arrived in Belarus after staging a short-lived, aborted mutiny last weekend against Russian President Vladimir Putin's leadership over the fight against Ukraine, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko said Tuesday.

Prigozhin's arrival in Belarus came as Putin said Tuesday that Moscow had paid $1 billion between May 2022 and in May to fully fund the Wagner mercenary fighters, contrary to claims by Prigozhin that he had financed his mercenaries.

"The content of the entire Wagner Group was fully provided by the state, from the Ministry of Defense, from the state budget. We fully funded this group," Putin told defense officials in televised remarks. Russia once denied the existence of the Wagner Group, but it has defended Russia's interests in several African and Middle Eastern countries.

Many of the Wagner fighters in Ukraine were convicted criminals freed from Russian prisons on the promise that if they fought in neighboring Ukraine for six months, the remaining portions of their sentences would be rescinded.

As it has turned out, however, many of the Wagner recruits were poorly trained, ill-equipped for warfare on the front lines in Ukraine and quickly killed.

In addition to Russia paying salaries and incentive awards to the Wagner troops, Putin said Prigozhin's food and catering business was paid nearly another billion dollars to feed Russian troops.

"I do hope that, as part of this work, no one stole anything, or, let's say, stole less, but we will, of course, investigate all of this," Putin said of the state's funding of Wagner and Prigozhin's catering company. Prigozhin said earlier this year that he had always financed Wagner but had looked for additional funding after Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine 16 months ago.

Prigozhin said Monday that his troops' advance on Moscow had not been an attempt to overthrow the Russian government and that he remained a patriot. Prigozhin for weeks has complained that Russian defense officials have not provided them enough ammunition.

Putin has assailed the Wagner advance on Moscow as an armed rebellion and ordered that Wagner lose its heavy weaponry, while its fighters either join the regular armed forces or accept exile in Belarus.

Russia's Federal Security Service announced Tuesday it was closing an investigation into the armed mutiny. In a statement carried by Russian news agencies, the FSB said those involved "ceased activities directed at committing the crime." Not prosecuting the fighters was part of an agreement late Saturday that brought the mutiny to an end.

Russia's defense ministry also said Tuesday that the Wagner group was preparing to transfer heavy military equipment to the Russian military. The U.S. intelligence community "was aware" that the mutiny orchestrated by Prigozhin "was a possibility" and briefed the U.S. Congress "accordingly" before it began, said a source familiar with the issue, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Earlier, U.S. President Joe Biden said, "We made clear we were not involved; we had nothing to do with this." Biden's message that the West was not involved was sent directly to the Russians through various diplomatic channels, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters. He did not characterize Russia's response.
New Delhi, June 28 : Though it has been a few days since the armed robbery took place at the Pragati Maidan tunnel, the police are yet to confirm the precise sum that was stolen by four miscreants at gunpoint on June 24.

While the police have apprehended seven accused, including the primary conspirator, the mastermind still remains at large.

Till now, the police have managed to recover around Rs 5 lakh from the seven accused. The victim in his complaint had stated that the stolen amount ranged from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh, raising doubt whether it was 'hawala money', as the recovered amount was larger than reported.

As time elapses, the police too are uncertain about the exact sum involved in the robbery. A senior police officer said that they are in touch with the complainant and further probe is underway.

Police teams are also conducting raids in western Uttar Pradesh and several other places to nab two to three accused, who are on the run after the incident.

According to the police, five of the accused were arrested by two separate teams of the Crime Branch, while two others were arrested by a combined team of North District and New Delhi District.

The accused have been identified as Usman Ali alias Kallu, Irfan, Sumit alias Akash, all residents of Burari; Anuj Mishra alias Sanki, a resident of Bhalswa Dairy; Kuldeep alias Lungad from Jahangirpuri; Pradeep alias Sonu, a resident of Baghpat; and Amit alias Bala from Loni in Ghaziabad.

The CCTV footage obtained by Delhi Police revealed that four armed men on two motorcycles intercepted a car at the Pragati Maidan tunnel on Outer Ring Road, targeting a delivery agent and his associate working with Omiya Enterprises in Chandni Chowk. The armed men escaped after taking a bag containing cash from the car after holding the victims at gunpoint.

The incident unfolded when the delivery agent, employed by the private firm in Chandni Chowk, and his associate embarked on a journey to deliver a bag containing cash to Gurugram.

The Chandani Chowk area is known for money transactions, where several shops deal in money.

On a daily basis, many cash agents come and go with money.

"We handover the money to the cash agent after confirming the details," said an 'Angadiya' (money dealer) in Chandni Chowk on condition of anonymity.

It is also suspected that hawala transactions are going on in the area though the police have not confirmed it.

Questions are also being raised as to why did the delivery agent state in his complaint that the bag contained Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh.
London, June 28 : Scientists have created a stem cell-derived model of the human embryo in the lab by reprogramming human stem cells, a breakthrough which could help research into genetic disorders and in understanding why and how pregnancies fail.

This embryo model is an organised three-dimensional structure derived from pluripotent stem cells that replicate some developmental processes like origins of organs and specialised cells such as sperm and eggs, and facilitate understanding of early pregnancy loss, that occur in early human embryos.

The new models derived from human stem cells do not have a brain or beating heart, but they include cells that would typically go on to form the embryo, placenta and yolk sac, and develop to form the precursors of germ cells (that will form sperm and eggs).

Many pregnancies fail at the point when these three types of cells orchestrate implantation into the uterus begin to send mechanical and chemical signals to each other, which tell the embryo how to develop properly.

"Our human embryo-like model, created entirely from human stem cells, gives us access to the developing structure at a stage that is normally hidden from us due to the implantation of the tiny embryo into the mother's womb," said Professor Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz in the University of Cambridge's Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience.

"This exciting development allows us to manipulate genes to understand their developmental roles in a model system. This will let us test the function of specific factors, which is difficult to do in the natural embryo," she added, in the paper published in the journal Nature. In natural human development, the second week of development is an important time when the embryo implants into the uterus.

This is the time when many pregnancies are lost. The new advance enables scientists to peer into the mysterious 'black box' period of human development  usually following implantation of the embryo in the uterus  to observe processes never directly observed before.

Understanding these early developmental processes holds the potential to reveal some of the causes of human birth defects and diseases, and to develop tests for these in pregnant women. Until now, the processes could only be observed in animal models, using cells from zebrafish and mice, for example.
Hyderabad, June 28 : Hours after Telangana Governor Tamilisai Sounadararajan expressed concern over the condition of historic Osmania Hospital in Hyderabad, state Health Minister T. Harish Rao hit back, saying she was speaking like a spokesperson of the BJP.

The Governor, through a tweet, highlighted the alarming state of the government-run Osmania Hospital. She called for urgent action in commencing the construction of a new building for the hospital and urged the state government to fulfill its promise to build a new building.

"Concerned to see the dilapidated condition of the century old prestigious #OsmaniaGeneralHospital. Pride of this citadel of learning & healing must be restored soon," the Governor responded to a tweet from the Twitter handle of Justice for OGH.

"We humbly appeal to the government to once again acknowledge the commitments previously made about re-construction of OGH and take action," reads a tweet from Justice for OGH, which had tagged the Governor, the Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, Health Minister Harish Rao and Industry Minister K.T. Rama Rao.

Justice for OGH posted photographs highlighting the poor condition of the hospital and the problems faced by the patients. It also posted a letter from the Joint Association for New OGH, seeking early construction of the new building.

The Governor's tweet evoked strong reaction from Harish Rao, who remarked that her comments on Osmania Hospital are distressing.

Stating that there is clear politics in the Governor's comments, he said that it is unfortunate that the Governor, who holds constitutional office, is speaking like an official spokesperson of BJP.

Addressing media persons, the minister questioned if the Governor spoke about even one good being done by their government.

Harish Rao recalled that the Chief Minister had taken a decision to construct the new building of Osmania General Hospital in 2015 but some people approached the court.

"This issue is currently pending in the court. We are ready to construct a new building," he said.

The Health Minister noted that during Covid-19 pandemic the doctors at Osmania Hospital rendered valuable services and asked if the Governor can't see the development happening in the health sector.

"The Governor has not spoken even once about the development in the health sector. The state received several awards from the Centre in the health sector. The Governor sees only negative things in our governance. She speaks only on negative things," he said.

He wanted to know why the Governor never thought of appreciating programmes like Kanti Velugu. "Why she never tweeted about the increase in the number of beds at NIMS. NITI Aayog said that the state is leading in bringing down maternal and child mortality rates but the governor can't see this," he said.

This is the latest episode in the ongoing rift between the Governor and the BRS government. They had been at loggerheads over several issues during the last two years. While the Governor alleged that the state government is not respecting her by not following the protocol, the government has slammed her for creating hurdles in governance by delaying approval of Bills passed by the state legislature.
Beijing, June 28 : The deadly SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind Covid-19, was deliberately engineered as a "bioweapon" by China, claimed a researcher at the infamous Wuhan Institute of Virology, media reports said.

In an interview conducted by Chinese-born human rights activist and author Jennifer Zeng, Chao Shao claimed that the researchers were tasked with identifying the most effective strain for spreading among various species, including people, Jerusalem Post reported.

Chao Shao also shared an incident involving another researcher at the institute named Shan Chao, who admitted to being provided with four strains of coronavirus by a superior to test and determine which one had the greatest potential to infect multiple species, including humans.

Chao Shao mentioned that several of his colleagues were sent to hotels accommodating athletes during the 2019 Military World Games held in Wuhan in the pretext of "checking the health or hygiene conditions".

However, Chao Shao suspected they were potentially involved in spreading the virus.

Chao Shao also emphasised that the information represented only a fraction of the entire puzzle, the report said.

The true origin of the pandemic, which has claimed the lives of 7 million lives worldwide, remains a subject of ongoing investigation. The recent revelations by the newly declassified intelligence report by the US government on the origins of Covid-19 also did not confirm whether the pandemic was the result of a lab leak or the virus jumped into people from an infected animal.

"All agencies continue to assess that both a natural and laboratory-associated origin remain plausible hypotheses to explain the first human infection," said the long-anticipated declassified report from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

Importantly, almost all intelligence agencies "assess that SARS-CoV-2 was not genetically engineered", the report said.

"Most agencies assess that SARS-CoV-2 was not laboratory-adapted; some are unable to make a determination. All intelligence community agencies assess that SARS-CoV-2 was not developed as a biological weapon," it added.

The report acknowledged the research conducted at the lab, including on animal sampling and genetic analysis.

"We continue to have no indication that the WIV's pre-pandemic research holdings included SARS-CoV-2 or a close progenitor, nor any direct evidence that a specific research-related incident occurred involving WIV personnel before the pandemic that could have caused the Covid pandemic," the report said.

--IANS

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New Delhi, June 28 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday filed its first supplementary charge sheet into the Communist Party of India (Maoist) terror financing case for the revival of the banned outfit's Magadh zone of Bihar, an official said.

The charge sheet was filed before the NIA Special Court, Ranchi, Jharkhand, against Abhinav alias Gaurav Kumar, a resident of Aurangabad, Bihar.

Abhinav, who was arrested on January 3, has been charged under various sections of the IPC and UAPA.

"A cadre of the CPI (Maoist), Abhinav was part of the conspiracy to raise funds for the banned terror organisation, as per NIA investigations. He was also found to have motivated ex-cadres of CPI (Maoist) for the revival of CPI (Maoist) in Magadh zone, and worked as a conduit between the outfitas operatives and other stakeholders of Magadh zone in Jharkhand and Bihar," the NIA said.

The NIA registered the case 'suo moto' after it discovered that CPI (Maoist) cadres and overground workers (OWGs) were running a terror funding network.

The conspiracy was aimed at raising funds for the procurement of arms and ammunition and recruitment of new cadres in active liaison with incarcerated Maoists and OWGs lodged in various jails to revive and strengthen Maoist activities in the Magadh region.

The NIA arrested three other accused -- Tarun Kumar, Pradyuman Sharma and Anandi Paswan, along with Abhinav in the case.

The agency had charge-sheeted two of the accused on January 20.

According to NIA investigations, Pradyuman, along with others, hatched the conspiracy and had been raising funds through various sources, including extortion of contractors, for the procurement of arms and ammunition to further their violent and nefarious designs. They were also engaged in the training of CPI (Maoist) cadres.

Further investigation into the matter is underway.
Bengaluru, June 28 : Putting an end to all speculations on launch of its flagship Anna Bhagya scheme envisaging 10 kg free rice for all members of BPL cardholders' families, Karnataka's Congress government on Wednesday announced that the scheme would be implemented from July 1.

The government will provide five kg rice and it will transfer the money through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for another five kg rice, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated on Wednesday, adding that Rs 170 will go for each member of the families having BPL cards.

The money would be transferred to the account of the head of the family of BPL cardholders through DBT and the arrangement will be in place until the government finds the supply of rice.

The decision is taken in the backdrop of non-availability of rice.

"We have promised to provide rice under the Food Security Act which ensures the right to food. The act was brought by the Congress-led UPA government, not by the BJP or the NDA. We have promised and we need to keep our word. Until the rice is available, it might be 1, 2 or 3 months, the government would transfer the money through DBT," Siddaramaiah said.

He said that their government is going for an open tender and it will take a minimum of 60 days. Whenever the rice is made available, the DBT cash would be stopped and rice will be given, he said.

"Only paddy is available in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh has only 50,000 tonnes of rice, Punjab is saying that they would provide rice from November, Chhattisgarh stated they have 1.5 lakh metric tonnes for one month. We require 2.20 lakh metric tonnes of rice every month to provide 10 kg of free rice. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) is providing rice for Rs 36.60 per kg including the transportation cost of Rs 2.60," the CM said.

The government had kept this rate of the FCI as the yardstick for the money component, coming to Rs 170 for each person.

"We had promised that from July 1, free rice would be given. The Central government provides five kg and the state would give another five kg, in total the beneficiary will get 10 kg of free rice," he explained.

Siddaramaiah noted that former CMs B.S. Yediyurappa and Basavaraj Bommai challenged his government to give money to people if rice is not provided and said that they should have pressured the Central government to provide rice.

"This is a programme devised for the poor. Politics of hate should not be carried out.

"I had met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and spoke about supply of rice to the state. He promised that he would speak to the minister concerned but that did not happen. Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.H. Muniyappa met Union Food and Civil Supplies Minister Piyush Goyal in this regard and he was told no," he said.

"We have invited quotations from the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India (NCCF), the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and the Kendriya Bhandar. They have quoted higher prices and all are Central government agencies," he said.

The move is seen as a setback to the BJP, which was planning to stage a protest if Congress failed to launch the free rice scheme from July 1. It was also planning to question the government in an assembly session which is taking place from July 4.

Former CM Yediyurappa had also announced strike in the premises of the Vidhana Soudha. With the Congress announcing the launch of the scheme, the BJP will have to plan a new strategy to counter the ruling Congress, which is already brimming with confidence by successful implementation of Shakthi, free travel for women on buses.
Gurugram, June 28 : Hundreds of farmers of Kasan, Mokalwas, Sehrawan, and other adjoining villages on Wednesday staged protest and locked the offices of Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) and Manesar Tehsil, demanding the cancellation of land acquisition.

The protesters alleged that the government acquired 1,810 acres of land in 2011 at just Rs 55 to 90 lakh per acre which is extremely low in comparison to the current land value.

They said that they do not want to surrender their land and will continue to oppose government's land acquirement plan.

"We are protesting since year but the government has not responded to our demands. Farmers should be compensated at current land value as per new land acquisition law. If the government does not accept our demand then the land should get free of acquisition," said a protesting farmer.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) visited the protesting farmers and tried to pacify them, however farmers did not gave up on their protests.

Aam Aadmi Party State President Sushil Gupta also visited the protesting farmers and extended support to protesters.

Attacking BJP and Congress, he said: "Khattar government hates farmers. Even during Bhupendra Hooda's government, he worked to kill the rights of the farmers so that his builder friends get benefited; now the Khattar government is constantly troubling the farmers."

He said that an Act was passed by the Central Government which talked about giving double compensation of market rate to the farmers.

"The market value of land here ranges from Rs 5 crore to Rs 15 crore per acre and they want to give compensation in lakhs. Due to the anti-farmer policy of the government, today farmers are forced to sit on streets," he said.

Farmer leader Chaudhary Santokh Singh said that the government wants to benefit the industrialists by uprooting the farmers.

"We demand that the land should be set free of acquisition. Farmers should be compensated at the market rate as per the new land acquisition law," he said.
New Delhi, 28 June : Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari has emphasised the need for the IAF to adopt an "evolved approach" for preparing future military leaders to keep up with "accelerated technology infusion" and be ready to "fight the tomorrow's wars".

Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari made the remarks while delivering the keynote address at a capstone seminar organised by the IAF and Centre for Air Power Studies.

The seminar marked the culmination of the first Warfare and Aerospace Strategy Program (WASP), held at the Air Force Auditorium in New Delhi. The event was attended by senior officers from all three Services, senior bureaucrats, aerospace power scholars, academia and established defence correspondents.

Chaudhari stated, "The endeavour of programmes such as the WASP is to prepare future military leaders in the cerebral domain by promoting the habit of reading. The knowledge thus gained must lead them to the question of aHow to thinka, rather than aWhat to thinka. It is this self-learning that will equip tomorrowas leaders to think creatively to continuously evolve strategy as the strategic environment changes around them."

The IAF chief stated that Human capital will always be supreme and should therefore be nurtured. Emerging technologies would however remain symbiotic with human intellect, thereby necessitating the need to absorb and adapt with it continuously. He added that he was glad to note the performance of the officers who had undergone the WASP last year. He said that he was looking forward to the current graduates and those following them, filling key posts in the Indian Air Force.

The Capstone Seminar served as a platform to showcase the learning objectives of the WASP and enable IAF leadership to validate the desired outcomes of the program. Participants presented papers on contemporary topics related to the application of air power in recent conflicts and the evolving doctrinal precepts that emphasise the pivotal role of air power in national security.

The WASP was conceptualised by the IAF to develop a cadre of mid-career air power practitioners equipped with strategic acumen and a profound understanding of warfare history and theory. The program aims to enhance participants' doctrinal vision and cultivate their ability to construct effective strategic arguments. It also seeks to refine their capacity to connect diverse thoughts and theories within a comprehensive whole-of-government approach to statecraft.
Patna, June 28 : A mob lynched a youth to death in Bihar's Katihar district on Wednesday on suspicion of stealing a mobile phone.

The deceased has been identified as Shiva Rai, a resident of Dhachna village.

The police said that the deceased was beaten by iron bars and after the assault he was left at a chowk.

The police said that Shiva was caught by the residents of Sindrena village located adjoining to Dhachana village.

A robbery had taken place in the house of Kalpana Barman in Sindrena village. The villagers allegedly caught the burglar and brutally assaulted him. As the victim succumbed to his injuries on the spot, they threw him at the chowk in the adjoining village and fled from the spot.

Meanwhile, the victim's family claimed that Shiva was returning home from the market, when the villagers caught him and brutally assaulted him to death.

"We have registered an FIR against unidentified persons and detained Kalpana Berman. She is under interrogation to find some clues about the attackers.," said Barsoi police station SHO Arvind Kumar.
Bhopal, June 28 : Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel rescued a person who had taken shelter on a tree a day before, owing to sudden flooding in Madhya Pradesh's Seoni district.

The IAF helicopter rescued the person safely and provided him food and the latter was handed over to the Seoni district administration for a health check-up.

The person who has been identified as Sambhu Kahar had taken shelter on a tree due to heavy floods in Wainganga river in the Seoni district.

There has been heavy rainfall in Seoni, Balaghat and other adjoining districts since Tuesday evening and a flood-like situation has emerged in various areas.

As per the report, four other persons were also trapped due to heavy rainfall and all of them have taken shelter on top of a rocky hill in the area. A team of State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) has been deployed to rescue them safely.

"A person, had taken shelter on a tree, has been airlifted safely. Operation to rescue other four persons who are are trapped at other places was underway," said an official.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said he was in touch with the Seoni district administration and taking stock of the situation.

"A youth trapped in the floods of Wainganga in Kevalari block of Seoni district has been safely rescued with the help of a helicopter. At the same time, efforts are being made to rescue four other people trapped on an island," Chouhan added.
All equipment needed for the release into the sea of treated radioactive wastewater from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant has been completed and will be ready for a safety inspection by Japanese regulators this week, the plant operator said Monday, as opposition to the plan continues in and outside Japan over safety concerns.

Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings said it installed the last piece of an undersea tunnel dug to release the water offshore, completing the construction of the necessary equipment that began last August.

A mandatory safety inspection of the equipment will begin Wednesday, said Nuclear Regulation Authority Chairman Shinichi Yamanaka, who visited the Fukushima Daiichi plant last week.

If everything goes well, TEPCO is expected to receive a safety permit for the release about a week after the inspection ends, officials said. Discharge of the treated water is expected to begin this summer, although the exact date has not been set.
New Delhi, June 28 : With Assembly elections just a few month away, Congress' Madhya Pradesh chief Kamal Nath met party President Mallikarjun Kharge here on Wednesday According to party leaders, the meeting between the former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and the Congress President lasted for over one and half hours, during which several issues were discussed.

The party source said that former party chief Rahul Gandhi was also present at the meeting where the discussions were held over the partyas preparedness for the crucial Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections.

The meeting comes in the wake of the indication that the party is planning some major rejig in the organisation in the poll-bound state.

Meanwhile, Kharge also held separate meeting with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, state in-charge Kumari Selja, senior ministers T.S. Singh Deo and Tamradhwaj Sahu, party state unit chief Mohan Markam and party General Secretary, Organisation, K.C. Venugopal.

After meeting Chhattisgarh leaders, Kharge also held meetings with Rajasthan in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and state unit chief Govind Dotasra and Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring too separately.

The source, however, did not reveal the details of the discussions.
New Delhi, June 28 : Union Minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday raised several questions regarding Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's alleged meetings and associations during his trip to the United States.

"The leaders of BJP and our workers have received information that an FIR has been lodged against a BJP leader for taking a stand regarding Rahul Gandhi's US visit. There are unanswered questions. Did he meet Sunita Vishwanath? We all know about (American businessman) George Soros' intention to destabilise the democratically elected government in India," Irani said. She was referring to the FIR lodged against BJP IT Cell national Convenor Amit Malviya in Karnataka.

She further expressed concern about Rahul Gandhi's interactions with individuals and organisations funded by George Soros, such as the Global Vice President of the Open Society Foundation, who accompanied him during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Karnataka.

Irani said that there was a distressing link between Rahul Gandhi and the Islamic Circle of North America, mentioning Tazeem Ansari, who was involved in the registration process for NRI interactions with Rahul Gandhi in New York and had an organisational connection with Jamaat-e-Islami.

"I draw your attention to 116 Congress Resolution 160 in the House of Representatives in February 2019. This resolution expresses concern regarding the threat posed to democracy by theocratic groups operating in South Asia, and a part of the resolution speaks about the affiliation between the Islamic Circle in North America and Jamaat-e-Islami. The Congress has neither refuted a meeting between Gandhi and an individual funded and financially supported by Soros, nor has the Congress party rejected the role of a certain Mr. Tazim Ansari, who has links with organisations. It is expected that the Congress party, given its draconian past, will leverage any available instruments to stifle those who voice an opinion against Gandhi," she said.
New Delhi, June 28 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) said on Wednesday that Sachin Balasaheb Sawant, Additional Commissioner of Customs, IRS (Customs and Central Excise), who was arrested in connection with a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), has been remanded to ED custody by a special Mumbai court till July 5.

The ED initiated the PMLA investigation based on an FIR registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act by the CBI.

It was alleged that during the investigation, Sawant amassed assets disproportionate to his known and legal sources of income.

"During the ongoing PMLA investigation, it was revealed that cash deposits totalling around Rs 1.25 crore were made from unexplained sources into the personal bank accounts of Sawant's family members and into the bank account of a dummy company, where his father and brother-in-law were directors. It was discovered that immovable property was purchased in the name of the said dummy company with the source of funds claimed to be personal loans and other bank loans, the repayments of which were also made in cash," said the official.

Although the flat was registered under the name of the dummy company, it was found that Sawant was the actual owner and occupant of the said flat.

In order to trace the proceeds of the crime, Sawant was arrested by the ED on June 27 and subsequently produced before the Special PMLA Court in Mumbai, where the custody of Sawant was granted to the ED until July 5.
London, June 28 : Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin planned to seize two of Russia's top military officials when he launched a short lived mutiny on Saturday, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing Western officials, CNN reported.

Prigozhin's plot involved the capture of Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and top army general Valery Gerasimov when the pair visited a region along the border of Ukraine, the WSJ wrote.

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) learned of the plot two days before it was due to take place, forcing Prigozhin to change his plans at the last minute and launch a march towards Moscow instead, according to the report, CNN reported.

Wagner mercenaries took control of a key military base in the city of Rostov-on-Don, and his troops were approaching the Russian capital when Prigozhin called off his mutiny.

When asked about the WSJ report, two European security sources told CNN that while it was likely Prigozhin would have expressed a desire to capture Russian military leaders, there was no assessment as to whether he had a credible plan to do so.

There has been speculation about the role of senor Russian commanders as the mutiny got underway on Friday night. The New York Times, citing US officials who it said were briefed on American intelligence,reportedthat the commander of the Russian air force, Gen. Sergey Surovikin, "had advance knowledge of Yevgeny Prigozhin's plans to rebel against Russia's military leadership", CNN reported.

Surovikin appealed to Prigozhin to halt the mutiny soon after it began, ina video message that made it clear he sided with Putin.

Viktor Zolotov, the director of Russia's National Guard, claimed Monday that senior Russian officials knew of Prigozhin's plans for a rebellion because people close to the Wagner boss had leaked them, Russian state media agency TASS reported.

Zolotov also claimed the mutiny was "inspired by Western intelligence services" because "they knew weeks in advance", CNN reported.
New Delhu, June 28 : Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday approved the proposal to appoint senior party leader T.S. Singhdeo as Deputy Chief Minister of poll-bound Chhattisgarh, putting an end to the duel going on in the state.

Announcing the decision, Congress General Secretary, Organisation, K.C. Venugopal said: "Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge ji has approved the proposal for appointment of TS Singh Deoji as the Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh.

"He is a loyal Congress leader and an able administrator. The state will benefit greatly from his services as Deputy CM. We are confident that the people of Chattisgarh will re-elect the Congress with a thumping majority under the leadership of Kharge ji and Rahul Gandhi ji."

The decision comes after Kharge held a long discussion with Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, state incharge Kumari Selja, state unit chief Mohan Markam and senior minister Tamradhwaj Sahu at his residence here. Venugopal was also present in the meeting.

Baghel and Deo has been engaged in bitter war of words in the state for last two years. However, in recent months, Deo had gone soft on Baghel.

Earlier in the day, Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Venugopal met Chhattisgarh leaders to discuss the strategy for the state, which will go to polls by the end of the year.

Soon after the decision was announced, Baghel congratulated Singhdeo.

"We are ready. Congratulations and best wishes to Maharaj Sahab for the new responsibility as Deputy Chief Minister", he said in a tweet in Hindi, attaching a photo of both of them.
New Delhi, June 28 : Active monsoon conditions are likely to continue over northwest, central, and west India during the next three days and the Southwest Monsoon is likely to advance into remaining parts of the country during the next two-three days, the India Meteorological Department said on Wednesday.

In a statement, it said that in the coming three days, northwest India can expect light to moderate rainfall, which will be fairly widespread to widespread across Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Haryana.

The IMD also predicted that there is a chance of isolated heavy rainfall in east Rajasthan between June 28 and 30 and in Uttarakhand on June 29.

"Additionally, there is a possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall in these regions during the mentioned dates," it said.

In the next three days, central India can expect light to moderate rainfall, which will be fairly widespread to widespread across Madhya Pradesh.

"There will be isolated heavy falls accompanied by thunderstorm and lightning. Chhattisgarh and Vidarbha can also expect similar rainfall conditions within the next 24 hours," said the IMD.

West Madhya Pradesh is likely to experience isolated very heavy rainfall till June 30 while east Madhya Pradesh can expect heavy rainfall in coming days.

The IMD predicted that over the next five days, west India can anticipate light to moderate rainfall, which will be fairly widespread to widespread.

Konkan, Goa, Gujarat, and the Ghat areas of central Maharashtra are expected to receive isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall.

Additionally, there is a likelihood of isolated extremely heavy rainfall in the Konkan region and Gujarat from Wednesday.

The east and adjoining northeast India can expect fairly widespread to widespread light to moderate rainfall in the coming five days. Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh are likely to experience isolated heavy to very heavy falls. Jharkhand, Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, and Bihar may also witness isolated heavy rainfall, with Bihar experiencing showers till June 30.

The IMD further said that over the next five days, south India can expect light to moderate scattered to fairly widespread rainfall. "Kerala, Mahe and coastal & south interior Karnataka are likely to experience this rainfall. Coastal Karnataka can expect isolated heavy rainfall during this period, while Kerala will experience it on June 29 and July 2. South Interior Karnataka can expect isolated heavy rainfall on July 2," it added.

--IANS

spr/vd
Hyderabad, June 28 : The Telangana High Court on Wednesday stayed allotment of land by the state government to two caste groups, Velamas and Kammas, to build community Bhavans.

In an interim order, the court stayed the Government Order (GO 47), issued in 2021, alloting two land parcels of 5 acres each to the two caste groups.

A division bench of Chief Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice N. Tukaramji ruled that the GO will be stayed until further orders and ordered not that no work be continued in the said lands as it adjourned the hearing to August 2.

The bench was hearing a PIL filed by Kakatiya University's retired Professor A. Vinayak Reddy challenging the allotment of lands. The government had allotted a plot adjacent to HiTec City road and abutting the National Academy of Construction (NAC) road in Khanamet village to the All India Velama Association and another site abutting the road to Ayyappa Society to the Kamma Vari Seva Sanghala Samakya.

The petitioner argued that these two communities were among the wealthiest in the state. His counsel submitted to the court that the market value of the allotted land land is exceptionally high. While the government estimated the value of one acre at Rs 50 crore, the market value is much higher than this, he argued.

The bench held that there is no rationale in providing land free of caste to dominant caste groups. It observed that the allotment of land to caste groups was against the orders issued in the past by the Supreme Court.

The court was of the view that land could be allotted to the poor, SCs and STs but there was no justification in alloting land free of cost to powerful caste groups.

It observed that such an allotment is a kind of encroachment.

--IANS

ms/vd
New Delhi, June 28 : External Affairs minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday categorically said that India cannot allow cross-border terrorism to become basis for initiating a discussion with Pakistan.

Addressing a townhall meeting, he said that it is not possible to have a normal relationship with Pakistan until there is an "abrogation of this policy of cross-border terrorism".

He termed Pakistan an exception when it comes to the neighbourhood.

"The fact is we can't allow terrorism to be normalised. We cannot allow that to become a basis to come into discussion with Pakistan," Jaishankar said.

"To me, it's a fairly commonsense proposition. If anything, I am still a little perplexed by why we have not arrived at this position earlier. But we have arrived at it now," he minister added.

Jaishankar said that until there is abrogation of this policy of cross-border terrorism, clearly it is not possible to have a normal relationship.

On the issue of Canada handling Khalistani elements, the Minister said that their stand seems to be driven by vote bank politics.

"Their responses have been constrained by what they regard as vote bank compulsions," he noted. "We have made it very clear that if there are activities in Canada that impinge on our national security or territorial integrity, then we will have to respond. You can see that this has impacted our ties in many ways in the last few years," Jaishankar underlined.
Jodhpur, June 28 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday addressed a large gathering here where he announced that Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will be implemented in the country.

"While the opposition will criticise this initiative terming it as an act to divide the society, the BJP never talks of divide but works by taking everyone together," he said.

The Narendra Modi government is going to do what is written in the Directive Principles of the Constitution, said Singh.

Union Jal Shakti Minister GajendraSingh Shekhawat, who also addressed the gathering, said that Prime Minister Modi gave a new pattern of good governance to the countryin the last nine years.

Both the leaders were addressing a gathering organised at the Balesar Satta school ground in Jodhpur as part of BJP's mass contact campaign.

RajnathSingh, while commenting on the efforts of the Central government to implement UCC, said that the BJP is fulfilling its promise.

"Article 370 was scrapped in Kashmir. Ram temple is under construction in Ayodhya. Preparations for Uniform Civil Code are going on in the country," he said, adding that only those opposed to UCC raise the Hindu-Muslim question.

"Efforts are being made to give communal colour to everything. Should we do politics by dividing the society? Can't we do politics while taking the country along? When it comes to UCC, we are going to implement what the makers of the Constitution wrote in the Directive Principles," he said.

The Defence Minister also took on the Ashok Gehlot government on issues like law and order, corruption and women's respect.

He said with elections nearing in Rajasthan, the state government has started tempting the people.

"Do people want good governance or temptation? Do you want a government whose intention is to buy you? You have to keep in mind that no matter how much the government lures you, you don't have to sell your conscience."

RajnathSingh also said that 'New India' meets the enemy eye-to-eye.

Referring to the ex-servicemen and brave mothers of Rajasthan, Rajnath Singhsaid that most of the soldiers in thecountry have come from the 'holy' land of Balesar.

"The soldiers from here have sacrificed their lives for the protection of India. We are indebted to such brave sons and heroines," he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Shekhawat said that the Modi government is working on the principles of service, good governance and welfare.

Deputy leader of opposition in Rajasthan, Satish Poonia, was also present on the occasion.
Bhopal, June 28 : The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet led by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday approved six proposals, including construction of eight new medical colleges and slashing the price of 'Deendayal Thali', a subsidised food scheme.

The new medical colleges will be set up in Khargone, Sidhi, Balaghat, Bhind and Dhar districts, among others.

At present, Madhya Pradesh has 13 government-run medical colleges, including the biggest and oldest Hamidia Medical College in Bhopal.

In another significant decision, Chief Minister Chouhan's cabinet has decided that people will be made available food pack "Deendayal Thali" at Rs five instead of Rs 10.

The BJP-led Madhya Pradesh government had launched the "Deendayal Antyodaya Rasoi Scheme" to provide meals at a subsidised rate to underprivileged people in 2017. The scheme was halted during the Congress government in 2019.

Chouhan re-introduced it after the BJP government came to power again in 2020, however, the price of the food scheme was increased to Rs 10 from Rs five.

Now, the government has approved the proposal to reduce its price and rename the scheme as "Mama Thali", however, the cabinet disagreed with this proposal.

"There was a proposal to change the name 'Deendayal Thali' into 'Mama Thali', which was disapproved. The scheme will function with it old name and the price has been reduced to half," Chouhan said after the cabinet meeting was concluded.

The cabinet has approved Rs 1335.20 crore for 33 'CM Rise' schools to be built across Madhya Pradesh.

Apart from this, the state government gave its approval to following decisions such as Rs 24,000 crore subsidy to the State Electricity department, of which Rs 18,000 crore is reserved for farmers. It has also sanctioned Rs 1,700 crore under the CM Infrastructure scheme to boost the development works in civic bodies.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Tuesday put Korea back on Japan's "whitelist" of preferred trade partners effective July 21, local media reported.

Korea was struck from the whitelist four years ago in retaliation against a Supreme Court ruling here that ordered Japanese companies to compensate Korean forced labor victims.

The move is a formality since Japan already lifted restrictions on exports of three key semiconductor materials to Korea in March after the Korean government suggested compensating the victims from a Korean government fund instead.

Korea in turn put Japan back on its export whitelist in April.

The trade row was triggered by the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that ordered Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and other Japanese businesses to compensate Koreans who were forced to labor in Japanese mines and factories during Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule over Korea.

Japan argues that all individual reparation claims were settled under a treaty that normalized diplomatic ties in 1965 where Seoul accepted lump-sum reparations, and struck Korea off the whitelist, which made exports of key semiconductor materials more onerous.

President Yoon Suk-yeol met with Kishida in March and agreed to restore mutual trust through the compromise solution.
Mumbai, June 29 : At least two persons were killed in rain-related incidents as Mumbai and surrounding districts were clobbered with torrential rains since Tuesday night, even as the road, rail and air traffic were largely unaffected, officials said on Wednesday.

According to Mumbai Police, a 38-year-old man Kaushal Doshi was killed when a massive tree crashed on him at Mamledarwadi in Malad west.

Another tree collapse was reported at Mithanagar in Goregaon west and 30-year-old Premlal Nirmal was killed, it said.

In a shocker, a landslide occurred on a portion of the road near the Mumbai Metro Magathane station, near Borivali, causing minor damage but there were no casualties.

The Western Railway, Central Railway and the Harbour Lines functioned normally despite heavy rains and reported no water logging on the train tracks on the entire suburban sections, officials said.

According to the IMD, Mumbai city and suburbs notched a total of 77 mm rains each till 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

The BMCas weather stations have recorded 32 mm in the city, 84 mm in eastern suburbs and 83 mm in the western suburbs till 6 p.m.

The incessant downpour resulted in waterlogging in many low-lying areas of the city and suburbs, ranging from ankle-deep to knee deep water, leading to massive traffic snarls reported across Mumbai.

The BMC Disaster Control reported 22 instances of tree crashes, including two with fatalities (as above), 4 complaints of short-circuits, and six minor house-crashes in the city.

A 17-year-old youth Rehan Shaikh was injured in a house wall collapse in Govandi and has been admitted to the Shatabdi Hospital. In Vikhroli, the BMC and police evacuated over two dozen slumdwellers after a landslide and mudslide due to the downpour and they shifted to their relativesa homes though a private school was kept ready to house them.

Facing flak from various quarters, the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) teams swung into action to clear the water but their efforts were hampered by the high tide in the Arabian Sea this evening at 7 p.m. with waves reaching 3.48 metres that pushed back the drainage water.

Sporting an orange raincoat, BMC Commissioner Dr. I.S. Chahal and his team of officials stepped into the field for a spot assessment of the rainfall situation in several areas, including a portion of the Mithi River, the pumping station at Hindmata and underground water storage tanks.

The downpour notwithstanding, the BMC has announced a 10 per cent water cut in the city from July 1, while Navi Mumbai will be slapped with a 15 per cent water cuts, said officials.

A compound wall crash in an NRI complex in Navi Mumbai flattened around a dozen vehicles parked besides, including some high-end cars, and the rescue officials were deployed for the clearing operations.

Large areas of Thane city a" the hometown of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Badlapur, Bhiwandi, Kalyan, Dombivali and other towns a" witnessed heavy rains with flooding in low-lying areas. The police, fire brigade, disaster teams and home guards were kept in readiness for quick deployment in any emergency as rains continue to pound Mumbai and surrounding districts.

The IMD has sounded rainfall alerts of varying degrees for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg in the coastal Konkan region over the next three days.
Hyderabad, June 29 : BJP national General Secretary and party incharge for Telangana Tarun Chugh on Wednesday ruled any out change in the state leadership of the party and clarified that there is no plan to appoint a new President for the state unit.

He denied reports in a section of media that the party central leadership is mulling to remove Bandi Sanjay Kumar as the partyas state President.

How will there be a change at this stage, asked Chugh. He made it clear that there will be no changes until the next election.

Assembly elections in Telangana are due to be held later this year.

There were reports in a section of the media that Union Culture and Tourism Minister G. Kishan Reddy will replace Sanjay Kumar as the partyas state President.

Speculations of a change in the leadership have been doing the rounds for some time. A section of leaders including MLA Eatala Rajender and former MLA Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy are unhappy with Sanjay Kumaras leadership.

Last week, the central leadership of BJP had summoned the two leaders to Delhi. They had called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President J.P. Nadda. After their visit, Sanjay Kumar had also visited Delhi to meet the central leaders.

Meanwhile, Sanjay Kumar also stated that there is no truth in the reports that there will be a change in the state leadership and alleged that Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao had conspired to create a divide in the BJP.

On the allegation by Rajenderas wife Jamnuna that BRS MLC Kaushik Reddy was planning to assassinate her husband, he said the government should conduct a thorough probe.

The state BJP chief said efforts were being made to strengthen the party from the booth level. As part of this, party leaders were being trained at the mandal level.

Meanwhile, Sanjay Kumar welcomed aVistaraksa who arrived in Telangana on Wednesday. As part of the programme aMera booth sabse mazbootha aimed at strengthening the party across the country, around 650 Vistaraks from other states arrived in Telangana.

He welcomed Vistaraks at Secunderabad Railway Station. He tweeted that with the inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, all of them will tour Telangana and engage in the work of strengthening the party at the polling booth level.
Kolkata, June 28 : The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday told the State Election Commission (SEC) to operate in such a manner so that the faith of the general public on it is restored.

"You are constantly telling the court that you have made all the arrangements for the upcoming panchayat elections. Whatever you do you shouldensurethat thefaith of the common peopleis restored. The commissionshouldwin the confidence of thepeople by ensuring free and fair polls," Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam told the counsel of SEC during a hearing on a contempt of court petition filed against SEC on the deployment of central armed forces for the July 8 panchayatelections.

At one point, Justice Sivagnanam could be heard commenting whether the judges of the high court will have to be stationed on Sarojini Naidu Sarani in central Kolkata where the office of the state poll panel is located.

"We do not want to interfere in the functioning of the commission. But circumstances are forcing us to step in again and again," the Chief Justice observed.

The bench also directed the counsel of the state government to ensure that the state governmentextends full cooperation to the commission for ensuring free and fair polls. The court directed the state government and the poll panel to submit detailed reports on this count to the court.
New Delhi, June 29 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has conducted search operations in Delhi, Chhattisgarh, and Dehradun after lodging an FIR in connection with alleged irregularities in teacher recruitment for Delhi government-aided schools being run by the Vedic Sanskrit Agricultural Education Society, sources in the agency said on Wednesday.

The CBI sources told IANS that during the search operations, a number of incriminating documents were seized. However, no arrest has been made by the agency as of now.

In coming weeks, the CBI is likely to summon the accused involved in the matter, they said.

The CBI sources added that they received a complaint in the matter on March 9 and registered a preliminary inquiry (PE) into the matter on April 28.

The inquiry revealed that V.S. Agriculture Senior Secondary School is an aided school under the Delhi government and is being run by the Vedic Sanskrit Agricultural Educational Society, located in Khera Garhi, Delhi.

"The Management Committee of Vedic Sanskrit Agriculture Senior Secondary School recruited 16 candidates against 18 vacancies. Of the 16 candidates, six candidatesa"Praveen Bazad (PGT - Political Science), Chitre Rekha (TGT - English), Sonia (TGT - Social Studies), Pratibha (PGT - Economics), Pinki Arya (TGT - Sanskrit) and Manish Kumar (PGT - Commerce) -- were selected based on forged documents in collusion with Krishan Rana, the former Chairman of the Management Committee of Vedic Sanskrit Agriculture Senior Secondary School, and Shashikant Singh, the former Office Bearer of Jim Corbett Senior Secondary School," a source said.

Bazad submitted his application form after the last date of submission, and his disability certificate did not support his application. He was also convicted in a cheating case related to the Staff Selection Commission examination, but he concealed this information. His Master's degree from Kalinga University was found to be forged.

The experience certificates of Sonia, Pratibha and Manish Kumar were issued on the letterhead of Jim Corbett Senior Secondary School, Polysheet, Kathgodam, Uttarakhand.

However, the inquiry revealed that these certificates were never issued by the school.

The CBI revealed that the certificates were prepared by Shashikant Singh in exchange for a bribe. Similarly, the experience certificate of Chitre Rekha, issued by Nav Durga Aadarsh Vidyalaya, was found to be forged. Even the signature of the Principal was forged.

The signature appended to the certificate was of Krishan Kumar, who was never appointed as the Principal.

The Jim Corbett Secondary School authorities informed the CBI that they never issued any certificates to Sonia, Pratibha, and Manish Kumar.

Two candidates, Pinki Arya and Monika, provided experience certificates from Brahmi (Janta) Sr. Secondary School, Nathupur, Sonepat, Haryana, which were also found to be fake. The experience certificates of Lalita and Renu Gulia from Vedic Sanskrit Agriculture Senior Secondary School were also fictitious.

"All the selected candidates were given an advantage in their selection. Almost all the experience certificates were issued after the last date of form submission, and this was managed by the Chairman before scrutinising the applications. It appears that the known candidates were directed to prepare experience certificates to meet the merit parameters. Thereafter, deliberate and dishonest advantage was given in the interview by awarding higher marks to the selected candidates. Based on these advantages, the suspect candidates were selected and appointed as teachers in V.S. Agriculture Sr. Secondary School," said the CBI's PE.

The PE also added that five candidates secured a Master's degree from Kalinga University who were admitted in 2013 and 2014.

The university informed the CBI that the certificates were genuine, but no records regarding attendance, payment slips, or hostel facilities availed by these candidates were available.

"Some of the applications of selected candidates should have been rejected, but instead of rejection, the Chairman, in furtherance of a criminal conspiracy, deliberately and dishonestly gave an opportunity to some of the candidates and obtained their experience certificates. The experience marks were added, and then the merit list was prepared. After that, interview letters were issued to them. If the experience marks of these candidates were not added to the total marks, some of the candidates would not have been eligible for the interview.

"The allegations mentioned in the complaint prima facie disclose the commission of offences punishable under Sections 120-B read with 420, 467, 468, and 471 IPC against Praveen Bazad (PGT - Political Science), Krishan Rana (the then Chairman of the Management Committee of Vedic Sanskrit Agriculture Senior Secondary School), Chitre Rekha (TGT - English), Sonia (TGT - Social Studies), Ms. Pratibha (PGT - Economics), Ms. Pinki Arya (TGT - Sanskrit), Manish Kumar (PGT - Commerce), and Shashikant Singh (the then Office Bearer of Jim Corbett Senior Secondary School)," said the FIR accessed by IANS.

(Atul Krishan can be approached at atul.k@ians.in)
Patna, June 29 : A large number Mahadalit community people in Bihar's Purnea district claimed that their houses were set on fire the first week of June and now 'dabangs' (strongmen) of the village are not allowing them to enter a local temple.

The affected people reached the office of district SP and protested against police inaction, alleging that the accused are threatening to rape women of their community.

"We came from Maharajpur village under Mufassil police station in the district where the strongmen of the village had set our houses ablaze on June 2, leading to massive loss of property. Now, they are not allowing any of the Mahadalit community people to enter into Vishari Mata Mandir in the village," said a villager.

"We have registered an FIR against the accused but police are not taking action against them. Hence, their morale is very high and are not hesitant to threaten us with dire consequences and sexually assault the women and girls of our community," he said.

SDPO, Purnea's Sadar range, Pushkar Kumar said: "The matter is related to property dispute. We are taking action against the accused."
Bhopal, June 28 : In a shocking incident in Madhya Pradesh, a father declared his daughter dead after she married a man belonging to a different religion. More shocking was that the father took his daughter to a police station and covered her with white cloth - symbolising 'kafan' - used for wrapping a dead body.

The incident was reported from Mandsaur district last week. In a viral video which surfaced on social media, the father could be seen coveringhisdaughter with white cloth. He could be heard saying, "She married a Muslim man, which is embarrassing for the family. She is dead for us from today."

Later, Mandsaur district SP Anurag Sujania suspended assistant sub-inspector and two constables who were present on duty at the Nahargarh police station, where the incident took place.

The police said that the family of the woman had lodged a missing complaint. She was later traced and called to record her statement on June 25. The fatheralso came to the police station and covered hisdaughterwith a white cloth, declaring her dead.

According to the police, in her statement, the woman claimed that she converted to Islam and got married to Sahil Mansoori, a resident of Sanjeet Naka, Mandsaur.

A similar incident was reported a couple of weeks back when upset over theirdaughter marrying a man from a different religion, the parents performed her last rites on the bank of Narmada river in Jabalpur district. The family performed apind-dana and amrityu bhoja in the name of the girl who was alive.

The family also distributed condolence cards to inform the relatives about the adeatha of their daughter on.
New Delhi, June 29 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday urged states to identify and cover all the eligible street vendors in urban areas, especially in Tier II and Tier III cities, through a special drive, to encourage digital transactions by them, in mission mode under the PM Street Vendor Atmanirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi).

Reviewing the progress of the PM SVANidhi scheme, through the PRAGATI platform (under which he periodically reviews delayed projects related to various ministries across the country), he asked Chief Secretaries of various states who were present in the meeting, to ensure that benefits of all the government schemes to family members of SVANIdhi beneficiaries are provided through SVANidhi se Samriddhi campaign.

The scheme is aimed at empowering street vendors by not only extending loans to them, but also for their holistic development and economic upliftment.

The scheme was announced during the Covid pandemic, to facilitate collateral free working capital loans of up to Rs 10,000 of one-year tenure, to approximately 50 lakh street vendors, to help resume their businesses in the urban areas, including surrounding peri-urban or rural areas, post lockdown.

Meanwhile Modi also congratulated all the Chief Secretaries for having organised successful G20 meetings, official sources said.

He urged them to maximise the benefits from these meetings for their states, especially for the promotion of tourism and export.

The Prime Minister also reviewed the progress of many other projects related to ministries like health, railways, steel, highways and petroleum during the meeting.
Hubballi : , June 29 (IANS) The BJP, which suffered a humiliating defeat in the recent Karnataka Assembly elections, is increasingly plagued by infighting.

On Wednesday, when the ruling Congress announced launch of second free flagship scheme, a audio clip, purportedly of BJP MLA Arvind Bellad saying his party was not defeated by people but by its own leaders, went viral on social media.

"People have not sent us home. We are defeated by our own party leaders. The workers were not happy with the work of the government while in power. Few analyse that it is because Muslims have not voted, the BJP got defeated. But, when did the Muslims vote for BJP party? The honest introspection should be done on the defeat," Bellad allegedly says in the audio.

The clip further has Bellad purportedly criticising Muslims and Christians for taking reservation against the Constitution and how the BJP had corrected this.

He also noted that the BJP was defeated in 16 seats reserved for STs and cited "negligence of other community people in those constituencies" as the reason.

Sources say that Bellad had made these statements during the party workers meeting.

Meanwhile, BJP workers clashed at a public convention in Bagalkot demanding ouster of party leaders who were into "adjustment politics" which resulted in the defeat of the party in the Assembly elections.

On the other hand, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi had stated that he has spoken to Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha and advised him not to speak about contentious issues in public.

He had further stated that he had advised him to speak to the state President if at all there are any issues.

Former minister Murugesh Nirani, who was defeated in the elections and other former MLAs from Bagalkot district have attacked BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal for issuing derogatory statements against them over "adjustment politics".

Meanwhile, former minister K.S. Eshwarappa stated that there is no discipline in the party, as it has become "influenced" by the Congress.

"We are putting up with such a situation for allowing Congress leaders to join the party.

"No one should speak about adjustment politics in public. I will request the leaders with joined hands to talk about the issues within four walls. Adjustment politics had not taken place in the history of Karnataka politics. The BJP has lost discipline," he said.
Patna, June 29 : A section of a dam in Bihar's Sitamarhi district has crumbled and washed away amid the monsoon rains, officials said.

The dam, located on Bagmati river at Khadka village under Runnisaidpur block in Sitamarhi, was constructed 5 years ago at the cost of Rs 10 crore and the state Water Resource Development ministry had repaired it in March this year at a cost of Rs 1 crore, still, it crumbled in the first rain of the monsoon session.

Sources have said that it is being repaired every year and but breaks down every year in the monsoon session.

Around 22 districts of Bihar are affected by floods every year and the Bihar government used to construct dams at several places to stop the soil erosion.

Meanwhile, Water Resource Development Minister Sanjay Kumar Jha visited Bagaha on Wednesday and inspected some of the soil erosion areas on the bank of Gandak river. He will also go to Gopalganj on Thursday to inspect this only.

Gandak, Kosi, Kamla Balan, Parman, Burhi Gandak, Bagmati and more than one dozen rivers create devastation in Bihar every year during monsoon session.
New Delhi, June 29 : The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) to promptly decide the plea for a decrease in the cutoff percentage from 33 to 23 for the qualifying Part II (CSAT) exam of the 2023 Civil Services Examination conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) last month.

A bench comprising Justices C. Hari Shankar and Manoj Jain refused to provide interim relief and disposed of a petition filed by a group of civil services aspirants against the Tribunal's refusal to grant any interim relief.

The court ordered the CAT to decide the matter expeditiously, adhering to the principles of natural justice.

On June 9, the CAT issued a notice regarding the plea for a cutoff reduction but refused to grant interim relief, scheduling the hearing for July 6. Subsequently, the candidates approached the High Court, arguing that the matter would become ineffective by July 6. They requested a restraining order preventing the UPSC from taking any further action regarding the prelims results declared on June 12.

During the hearing, Advocate Saaket Jain, representing the petitioners, referred to the examination notification issued by the UPSC on February 1 and highlighted the mentioned syllabus. However, the court stated that it could not grant the prayer to halt the entire examination and recruitment process.

The bench stated that the Tribunal had not dismissed the case but had issued a notice on the original application (OA). The matter was already listed for July 6.

The court emphasised that granting a stay on the entire CSE 2023 was not feasible, as it required a prima facie case and a balance of convenience.

The bench said: "The Tribunal has not thrown out your case. It has issued notice on your OA. The matter is now listed on July 6. Your prayer... no court will pass an order staying the entire CSE 2023. It is an ex-facie prayer which cannot be granted. There are a plethora of judgments of the Supreme Court... a stay is granted not only on a prima facie case and balance of convenience... Given the fact that even if hundreds of students go to court, the balance of convenience can never be on staying appointments. There are decisions which say that courts should not look on question papers."

Advocate Jain clarified that he was not addressing the merits of the case but was only explaining why interim relief was necessary. Justice Shankar remarked: "You are taking us through the notification. Then we will address it, then we will see whether the questions are below syllabus. In a vacation bench we are doing it... you have started by going through syllabus, what is it if not merits?"

Eventually, the court disposed of the matter after Jain requested an order directing the CAT to promptly decide the case.
The government is providing massive support to build the manufacturing cluster while the U.S., Japan and European countries are also gearing up to bolster their chipmaking capacities.

Korea is speeding up plans for the world's biggest semiconductor cluster in Yongin south of Seoul so that construction can begin by late 2026, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said Tuesday.

The ministry signed a contract with Samsung, Korea Land and Housing Corporation and Yongin city on Tuesday pledging to speed up construction by a couple of years.

The cluster will sit on a 7.1 million sq.m area and cost W300 trillion (US$1=W1,300).

It includes not only Samsung chip plants but also parts, materials, equipment manufacturers and research centers run by around 150 leading companies.

The completion date has now been brought forward to 2028, and operations will start in late 2030.
New Delhi, June 28 : Delhi Police have arrested one more accused in connection with the daylight robbery at gunpoint inside the Pragati Maidan tunnel here on June 24, an official said on Wednesday. This was the eighth arrest in the case.

"A co-accused identified as Anil alias Choti has been apprehended from Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh and at his instance, his share of Rs 1 lakh was recovered. He was involved in the conspiracy and his detailed role will be established during the investigation," said a senior official.

Earlier on Tuesday, police had arrested seven persons identified as Usman Ali alias Kallu, Irfan, Sumit alias Akash, all three residents of Burari, Anuj Mishra alias Sanki, a resident of Bhalswa Dairy, Kuldeep alias Lungad, a resident of Jahangirpuri, Pradeep alias Sonu, a resident of Baghpat, and Amit alias Bala, a resident of Loni in Ghaziabad.

So far, police have recovered Rs 6 lakh from the possession of eight accused.

On June 24, a delivery agent and his associate travelling in an Ola cab were robbed of cash at gunpoint inside Delhi's Pragati Maidan tunnel by four men on two bikes.

According to police, the delivery agent identified as Patel Sajan Kumar submitted a written complaint regarding the incident at Tilak Marg police station.

Kumar told the police that he, along with his friend Jigar Patel, was going to Gurgaon to deliver a bag containing cash.

They hired an Ola cab from Lal Qila, and while on the way to Gurgaon on the Ring Road, when they entered the tunnel, four people on two motorcycles intercepted their cab and robbed the bag at gunpoint.

The official said that based on Kumar's complaint, police lodged an FIR under relevant sections of the IPC.

--IANS

ssh/sha
On 17 May and 14 June, Atenor announced a series of measures adapted to the situation on the real estate markets. After recently concluding a successful partnership with BESIX RED for the WELLBE project in Lisbon, the company concluded another partnership for a project in Luxembourg and sold its participation

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Christine A. DiEdwardo, MD, FACS "My goal is to have the patient look very natural. If it's facial fillers, then I want to put a small amount of product in the correct area in that patient. I want them to look younger, but not like they have had any filler or injection."

Christine A. DiEdwardo, MD, FACS, has been named a 2023 Castle Connolly Top Doctor in the area of cosmetic plastic surgery. Castle Connolly Top Doctors are peer-nominated, and thoroughly vetted by a physician-led research team. The list honors "best-in-class healthcare providers, who embody excellence in clinical care and interpersonal skills," according to Castle Connolly, and represents the top 7% of all U.S. practicing physicians.

With over two decades of experience, Dr. DiEdwardo specializes in a wide range of cosmetic surgical and non-surgical treatments, including breast augmentation, facelifts, liposuction, rhinoplasty, body contouring, labiaplasty and womens wellness treatments. She has achieved verified Expert Injector(TM) status, having performed thousands of procedures with cosmetic injectable products, such as Botox and Restylane for facial rejuvenation. Less than 3% of physicians are qualified to be an Expert Injector. Dr. DiEdwardo is known for her friendly bedside manner, attention to detail, and dedication to delivering natural-looking results. She joined the highly respected boutique practice of Christine Hamori Cosmetic Surgery + Skin Spa on Bostons South Shore in 2021 after serving as senior staff at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, and medical director of the Lahey Center for Cosmetic and Laser Surgery in Lexington, Massachusetts.

Regarding her work with surgery and facial fillers, Dr. DiEdwardo says, "My goal is to have the patient look very natural. If it's facial fillers, then I want to put a small amount of product in the correct area in that patient. I want them to look younger, but not like they have had any filler or injection."

Dr. DiEdwardo earned her medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine and served a comprehensive residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center/UPMC. She remains at the forefront of the latest advancements in her field, ensuring that her patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available.

About Christine Hamori Cosmetic Surgery + Skin Spa:

Christine Hamori Cosmetic Surgery + Skin Spa is a state-of-the-art plastic surgery practice located in Duxbury, Massachusetts. Founded in 2000 by Christine A. Hamori, MD, FACS (also a Castle Connolly Top Doctor), the practice offers a comprehensive range of surgical and non-surgical procedures to help patients enhance their natural beauty and improve their self-confidence. With a commitment to personalized care, leading-edge technology, and natural looking results, Christine Hamori Cosmetic Surgery + Skin Spa is a trusted destination for individuals seeking exceptional aesthetic treatments serving patients from across Massachusetts and beyond.

https://www.christinehamori.com

About Castle Connolly:

With over 30 years' experience researching, reviewing and selecting Top Doctors, Castle Connolly is a trusted and credible source. Castle Connolly's peer-reviewed directory is the premier rating body whose methodology is found to be more reliable in identifying quality of care than sites based solely on patient reviews.
The Art of Well-Being and Art runs through July 30 at the Rochester Art Center in Rochester, Minn. These works are based on years of investigating color and light, and the emotional impact they have on the observer,

In a new exhibit created especially for Rochester Art Center, Minnesota-based, international artist, Anne Labovitz, examines how art and creativity benefit both community and the individual.

The Nexus of Well Being and Art is an examination and experimentation with light, color and scale, and the conceptual premise of arts connection to well-being, explains Labovitz. These works are based on years of investigating color and light, and the emotional impact they have on the observer,

For additional information visit The Nexus of Well-Being and Art on the Rochester Art Center website.

In preparation for creating the exhibit, Labovitz researched numerous studies and conducted extensive interviews with health professionals on the connections between art and well-being. The resulting concepts, such as connection, community, hope, love, peace, purpose, rest and resiliency are expressed throughout the exhibition.

Atrium Commission

Even before entering the exhibition galleries, guests are greeted by a soaring, three-story atrium installation. Will to Meaning was commissioned by Rochester Art Center and is an extension of the overall themes contained within The Nexus of Well-Being & Art. The enormous artwork is 40-feet by 35-feet by 5-feet and made of vibrantly painted Tyvek scrolls that subtly move and create an ever-changing interplay with the abundant natural light that filters in from the overhead skylights and surrounding windows. Will to Meaning is on display through 2023.

Contrasting Galleries of Light and Dark

The two galleries that house The Nexus of Well-Being & Art feature nearly 30 new works by Labovitz, including six 6-feet x 6-feet paintings. The Word Works Series are text-based and highly responsive works using a process Labovitz describes as Relational Listening. Created with acrylic on paper, they embody movement, gesture, and mark-making as a contemplative, intuitive process. The artist makes gestural marks, each line a letter or word. Words are layered and abstracted, and a direct response of Labovitzs research into art, health, and listening to interviews she conducted with health professionals.

Through Relational Listening I serve as a conduit, transfiguring human connection into physical forms, explained Labovitz. I create interpretive chronicles of multiple conversations.

A second, notably darker, gallery features three 6-feet x 6-feet illuminated light sculptures entitled LightWindows, created from Tyvek over an acrylic vitrine that are each lit from behind with 576 individual LED lights. For Labovitz, the illuminated works represent the intense connection between art and health with light as a metaphor for emotion.

I conceived of these works with light as a medium, just like an artist uses paint or canvas, explained Labovitz. It manifest the ideas of health, metaphorically emphasizing the contrast between lighter opposed to darker emotional states  and the need for difficult times to help us appreciate the lighter times."

In the same gallery, an enormous looping sculpture, Embracing Well-Being hangs from the ceiling. Its vivid flowing colors contrast sharply with the negative spaces and surrounding shadows. The accordion-like work mirrors the atrium installation yet offers viewers a different experience. Scale, words, proximity, and density are highlighted here to feel more intimate as compared to the atrium piece, according to Labovitz. The double-sided painted Tyvek installation sways with air and visitor movement. As visitors walk around the work, they move the air and activate the installation, creating a stronger connection between the artwork and the audience, transforming the individual from observer to an integral aspect of the artwork.

In what has become a signature element of many of Labovitzs exhibitions, the public also is invited to participate and contribute to the content of the exhibit through a Well-Being Wall. This interactive installation is an invitation for visitors to respond to the question, What does well being mean to you? on a 6 x 6 inch artist-created paper, and in turn, place their own artwork on a wall filled with a grid of nails creating an evolving mosaic. Labovitzs intention is to reflect tangible marks of connection between viewers and the exhibition experience in a creative exchange between the artist and audience. For Labovitz, reciprocal exchange is an ongoing collaborative process built on respect, creativity, and equity.

About the Artist

Anne Labovitz is Minnesota-based, international artist known for artwork that challenges isolation, loneliness and disconnection by activating color and light in her large-scale works. Local context and creating connections with others is embodied in her creative process and public interventions

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Labovitz received her bachelors of arts in art and psychology, and a minor in art education and art history from Hamline University, St. Paul, Minn. (1989) and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Practice from Transart Institute, Plymouth University, Berlin (2017). She is currently Adjunct Professor and Mentor at Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis, Master of Fine Arts program.

Labovitzs art is exhibited widely both nationally and internationally. In addition to her Rochester Art Center show, upcoming projects include solo exhibitions at Athenaeum in La Jolla, CA (2023) and the Minnesota State Capitol (2024). Her works are included in numerous public and private collections, including Walker Art Center, Minneapolis; Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport commissioned by Airport Foundation MSP for its permanent art collection; Frederick R Weisman Art Museum; Minnesota Museum of American Art, St Paul; Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., Minnesota Marine Art Museum, Winona; The Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth; The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, La Jolla; Minnesota Historical Society, St Paul; International Gallery of Portrait, Bosnia-Herzegovina; Vaxjo Kommun, Sweden; Isumi City Offices, Japan; University of Raparin, Rania Iraqi Kurdistan; and City of Petrozavodsk, Russia.

About the Rochester Art Center

The Rochester Art Center is a museum of contemporary art located along the Zumbro River in the heart of historic downtown Rochester, MN. Founded in 1946, the Art Center hosts an ongoing schedule of exhibitions of work by local, regional, national, and international artists; dynamic educational programs for all ages; and an array of community partnerships and visitor engagement initiatives. Through world-class exhibitions and programs, the Art Center presents a welcoming, integrated, and diverse experience that encourages questioning, creativity, and critical thinking.
I was diagnosed with lung cancer in November of 2022. I was a non-smoker who had not been around second-hand smoke. My wife and I, both retired and enjoying life, were shocked with the diagnosis. We gathered stories from others who had managed through challenging medical diagnoses...

Authors Mark and Mary Kay Liston share their faith-filled journey in addition to stories of 26 others to help readers cope with life-altering diagnosis in Diagnosed: Inspirational Stories After an Alarming Medical Diagnosis ($17.49, paperback, 9781662879241; $40.49, hardcover, 9781662879258; $9.99, e-book, 9781662879265).

Based on their own experience, Mark and Mary Kay Liston want readers to know that a difficult medical diagnosis can build a stronger faith. What appeared to be a simple nasty cough, turned into Marks diagnosis of lung cancer. The news had been quite shocking as until the diagnosis, Mark, a lifelong non-smoker, appeared to be healthy.

While Mark was navigating the seventy-six days that followed his diagnosis, he journaled and took notes about his daily medical interactions, doctor and hospital appointments, and medications. The result of his writing; the creation of this insightful book that also includes twenty-six other powerful stories of post diagnoses and recoveries. This book can help the patient in addition to helping family members and caregivers of the ill. The aim is to help provide relatable stories to navigate through the illness and oftentimes, create a stronger faith while doing so.

When asked what inspired the authors to write this book, Mark Liston said, I was diagnosed with lung cancer in November of 2022. I was a non-smoker who had not been around second-hand smoke. My wife and I, both retired and enjoying life, were shocked with the diagnosis. We gathered stories from others who had managed through challenging medical diagnoses. We hope others can gain strength and a stronger faith in God after reading our stories.

After Mark and Mary Kay Liston met nearly 20 years ago, their faiths got stronger as they got more involved in their church homes, even during several moves for their employments. Mark was a regular contributor to a glass trade newsletter and authored a personal weekly motivational blog for years. Mary Kay spent her first career in television, and 10 years in franchising. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Master of Business Administration. Mary Kay has served as Mark's editor for his writing projects. They are now retired franchise executives, both having served as presidents of successful franchise brands under the Neighborly banner. The Listons are snowbirds, living close to all three of their children and 12 grandchildren, plus one great grandchild. They love to travel and create family trips to maximize time with their family.

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Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the worlds largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 15,000 titles published to date. Diagnosed: Inspirational Stories After an Alarming Medical Diagnosis is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.
Local performers and African dance groups take the stage at Afro Beat Fest in Newark, New Jersey. "Afro Beat Fest has become a beloved and iconic event in our city and state, embodying the vibrant culture and showcasing the immense talent within our community," shares Linda Baraka, the first lady of Newark.

After a four-year hiatus prompted by the pandemic, Afro Beat Fest returns with a celebration like never before! On July 15, Newark will come alive with the largest celebration of African culture in New Jersey. This free event  proudly sponsored by Newark Parks and Newark Happening  aims to bridge the gap between New Jersey and Africa. Attendees will enjoy a day filled with performances by globally renowned Afrobeat artists, captivating visual art installations, engaging activities, tasty traditional African food from local vendors and a bustling marketplace featuring Black-owned businesses.

"Afro Beat Fest has become a beloved and iconic event in our city and state, embodying the vibrant culture and showcasing the immense talent within our community," shares Linda Baraka, the first lady of Newark. "Beyond the celebration of the rich heritage, this festival fosters unity and nurtures a deep appreciation for the arts. I invite residents and visitors alike to join us in Military Park for a family-friendly day filled with music, captivating art and engaging activities."

Some of the biggest names in the industry will be taking the stage, including King Promise, an award-winning Ghanaian artist known for his soulful melodies and infectious beats and Bad Boy Timz, a rising star from Nigeria who has taken the music industry by storm. DJ Juls, considered one of the pioneering producers of African music in the diaspora, will keep the energy high throughout the day with his Afrobeat mixes. To further captivate the audience through rhythm and dance, local performers will also take the stage including Zawadi African Dance and the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble.

In addition to engaging performances, Afro Beat Fest will feature live art installations by Yendor Arts that showcase Newarks artists thought-provoking talent and artistic vision. Attendees can look forward to admiring the stunning artistry of Mohammed Awudu, a four-time award-winning visual contemporary artist from Ghana. Awudu is known for his ability to capture the true essence of African culture in his creations, which have been showcased around the world.

Afro Beat Fest will offer a dedicated children's village, where little ones and their families can engage in interactive activities and games. Festivalgoers can support Black-owned businesses such as Ane Clothier and Kwabs Couture through pop-up shops showcasing unique products and services. A variety of vendors will offer tasty food and beverages, including refreshing ice cream from Salaam Ice Cream Parlor as well as plates that perfectly capture the flavors of Africa.

"We are proud to sponsor Afro Beat Fest, an incredible event that brings the spirit of African culture to the heart of our city. Newark Happening is committed to supporting events that promote cultural understanding and unity, and Afro Beat Fest exemplifies these values," shared Ricardo Salazar, president & CEO of Newark Happening.

For more information about Afro Beat Fest, including performance schedules, activity times, tickets and vendor registration, please visit the official website at http://www.afrobeatfestnewark.com. Stay updated on the latest news and announcements by following @Newark_Social on social media.

ABOUT THE GREATER NEWARK CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU (NEWARK HAPPENING)

The Greater Newark Convention and Visitors Bureau (GNCVB) is the official destination marketing organization for the city of Newark, New Jersey. GNCVB was established in 2008 and is a private 501(c) (6) New Jersey non-profit corporation and the first DMO in the state of New Jersey to become a Tourism Improvement District (TID). GNCVB is primarily funded by Newark hotels through a Tourism Improvement District, committed to creating economic growth and increased employment in Newark. For more information on Newark Happening, visit http://www.newarkhappening.com.

ABOUT NEWARK CITY PARKS FOUNDATION

Newark City Parks is the dedicated organization responsible for maintaining and enhancing the park system in the City of Newark, New Jersey. Committed to providing exceptional green spaces, recreational facilities and community programming, Newark City Parks plays a crucial role in promoting health, wellness and high quality of life for residents and visitors alike. The organization's mission is to create and maintain beautiful, safe, and inclusive parks that contribute to the overall well-being and happiness of the community. For more information on Newark City Parks, visit http://www.newarkcityparks.org.


We are thrilled to announce Arkansas, Iowa and Oklahoma as the inaugural states for The Yass Award for Education Freedom.

Governors of Arkansas, Iowa and Oklahoma have been tapped by The Yass Prize, the most prestigious award in education, to nominate 10 education providers in their respective states for The Yass Award for Education Freedom. Each of the winners will receive a share of the new $5 million award to serve more students.

We are thrilled to announce Arkansas, Iowa and Oklahoma as the inaugural states for The Yass Award for Education Freedom, said JANINE YASS, the American philanthropist who established The Yass Prize with her husband, Jeff Yass. Every child should be educated in a way that best meets his or her needs, and every educator should be free to deliver that education. We are proud to accelerate and help scale these efforts.

Governors Sarah Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas, Kim Reynolds of Iowa, and Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma will nominate education providers that demonstrate their commitment to education transformation and their capacity to grow.

These states were selected because they went from nearly zero to 100 in offering families the ability to use their state education dollars to make all educational decisions for their children, said JEANNE ALLEN, director of The Yass Foundation for Education and Founder of the Center for Education Reform.

Arkansas, Iowa and Oklahoma were chosen for the inaugural Yass Award for Education Freedom based on their legislative accomplishments:

Arkansas: As part of a comprehensive education package, a new Education Freedom Account program allocates 90% of state education dollars, $6,614 per student, to be used for a student's education of choice, with access growing to all students by FY 2025.

Iowa: The Students First Act provides up to $7,598 per student, starting with families whose household incomes are at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. The program anticipates serving roughly 14,000 students in FY 2024 and all K-12 students subsequently.

Oklahoma: The Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Act provides refundable tax credits up to $7,500 per child to cover the cost of education, beginning in January 2024. Within the first year, 20,000 families will be eligible to receive the tax credit, and that number will grow steadily each year.

Details for The Yass Award for Education Freedom are as follows:



The governors of Arkansas, Iowa and Oklahoma will each nominate 10 eligible education providers by June 30. These education providers must be able to expand and meet the needs of eligible families using new education freedom programs.

Upon receipt and review by a select judging panel, the organizations will be invited to apply for The Yass Award for Education Freedom via The Yass Prize Award portal.

The Yass Award for Education Freedom applications are due by July 15, 11:59pm EST (same day as The Yass Prize applications).

The Yass Award for Education Freedom will announce winners Sept. 14.

ABOUT THE YASS PRIZE

The $1 million Yass Prize is the most prestigious award in education and is often referred to as the Pulitzer of education innovation. Since 2021, The Yass Prize and STOP Awards Initiative has awarded nearly $40 million to leading education providers nationally who achieve excellence. This year more than $20 million will be awarded. For more information, visit YassPrize.org.
Brain Power Wellness, a holistic, school-based wellness organization, recently traveled to Turks and Caicos for three days. While there, team members taught BPWs Teacher Workshop to 20 teachers from three different schools.

In addition, Brain Power Wellness trainers conducted classroom visits at three schools -- two elementary schools and one high school. The team at Brain Power Wellness was given the most behaviorally challenged classrooms to visit, but it would have been hard to know this, as the students were engaged and enthusiastic, and their behavior was exceptional.

In fact, Brain Power Wellness reviews how excited and focused the students were when they engaged with the energy ball visualization. It appeared to be a very natural activity for them and one they could easily relate to and enjoy.

The Brain Power Wellness retreat to Turks and Caicos occurred from May 31 through June 3. The purpose was to offer the organizations services to a new population, a partnership that Brain Power Wellness had dreamed of for over two years.

The schools that the organization visited -- Ona Glinton Primary, Eliza Simons Primary, and Robinson High School -- wanted Brain Power Wellness instructors to help students primarily with their focus as well as team-building and mindfulness exercises.

During one particular instance, a student typically known for his lack of focus remained fully engaged throughout the entire time.

Teachers at the three schools reported feeling stressed and tired, especially after the global pandemic. Recognizing this, the Brain Power Wellness team introduced the teachers to self-care tools and provided a productive and relaxing experience to help alleviate their stress and fatigue. For instance, introducing activities such as the balloon order challenge, compliment game, and core power memory game. These activities allowed the teachers at the three schools to deepen their relationships with each other, while also feeling rejuvenated and inspired to return to teaching.

Being able to teach at the Turks and Caicos was such a beautiful experience, and I felt the impact Brain Power Wellness has had on the students as they demonstrated their respect by standing up and thanking the instructors in a profound and meaningful way after every class visit, said Emily Taveras, a Brain Power Wellness Trainer and Field Coordinator.

One can tell how passionate and driven the educators of Grand Turk are. They extended an invitation to the Brain Power Wellness team to help further their sense of community and mindfulness.

The Brain Power Wellness trip to Turks and Caicos exemplifies the teams role as global citizens. They are expanding to states and countries worldwide, hoping to bring the powerful tools and practices it has created.

Brain Power Wellness leaders believe that the program works for anyone willing to engage in the exercises and deeper meaning of the philosophy of wellness and joy, wherever they may live.

For more information, please visit brainpowerwellness.com.

About Brain Power Wellness

Brain Power Wellness is a holistic, school-based wellness organization that supports healthy, happy, and focused school environments. The mission of Brain Power Wellness is to help transform the culture of its partner schools through self-development, mindfulness, community building, retreats, SEL, holistic wellness, and brain training for teachers, students, parents, and administrators. Recently, corporate groups have begun attending Brain Power Wellness retreats, where participants receive powerful tools for creating healthy, sustainable, and happy work environments.
"These gorgeous wayfinding kiosks will guide residents and visitors to our natural resources and other downtown services as they navigate our historic district and river and canal areas." - Carmen Hilton, Brunswick Main Street

Brunswick Main Street is thrilled to announce it is one of twenty-five winners, out of six hundred applicants, for the 2023 Q1 T-Mobile Hometown Grant award. This program is part of T-Mobiles five-year, $25 million commitment announced in April 2021 to bring 5G to rural America, open hundreds of new stores, and support economic development in small towns.

Brunswick Main Streets $39,000 award will be used to purchase two kiosks to provide lighted, non-digital signage in a historically-appropriate style for Brunswicks turn-of-the-twentieth century downtown. One kiosk will be placed next to the Brunswick train station, a former B & O Railroad depot designed by architect Ephraim Francis Baldwin that was constructed in 1891 and is now served by MARC commuter rail. The second kiosk will be installed in Square Corner Park, a public square and frequent spot for community events located at a main intersection.

The four-sided kiosks will offer wayfinding, business, and community event information to visitors and residents using the high-traffic corridor between Brunswicks historic downtown and nearby river and trail amenities, including the C & O Canal National Historic Park. The kiosks are custom made by Cornerstone Kiosks out of Long Beach, California. Installation is expected to take place in late fall 2023.

Carmen Hilton, Program Manager for Brunswick Main Street, expressed her gratitude to T-Mobile for supporting, and sharing, our vision of a more connected, vibrant downtown community. These gorgeous wayfinding kiosks will guide residents and visitors to our natural resources and other downtown services as they navigate our historic district and river and canal areas. Theyll play a big role in keeping our downtown economy healthy and our citys heart vital."

The public is invited to attend the grant award ceremony on July 28th, 2023 at 7:00pm at Square Corner Park (1 East Potomac Street, Brunswick, MD). There will be brief remarks and a check exchange followed by live music. Brunswicks signature dessert, college ice, will be offered for free while supplies last.

About Brunswick Main Street

Brunswick Main Street is part of Main Street America, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation that supports communities in their efforts to revitalize struggling downtowns while retaining their unique, historic characters. Dedicated to the economic success of its downtown, Brunswick Main Street, created in 2004, works to revitalize Downtown Brunswicks charm and history and show residents and visitors why it is a great place to live, work, shop, and play. To learn more about Brunswick Main Street and how you can get involved, please visit brunswickmainstreet.org
Karen Coulombe, career and technical education (CTE) teacher at Lake Stevens High School in Washington state is Certiports Educator of the Year 2023 I think the most important thing that Karen brings to the table is her passion. She genuinely has an interest in helping students make the most out of their time in her classroom, whether its developing a resume or earning as many Microsoft certifications as possible.

Certiport, a Pearson VUE business and the leading provider of performance-based IT certification exams that accelerate academic and career opportunities for learners, today announced that Karen Coulombe, career and technical education (CTE) teacher at Lake Stevens High School in Washington state, has been named Certiports Educator of the Year. The award was announced at Certiports 2023 CERTIFIED Educator Conference, where educators gather to explore the full promise and potential of business and technology certification in the classroom.

Karen teaches both computer applications and computer science to first-year high school students in Lake Stevens. She is also a robotics advisor for the largest VRC Robotics team in Washington. Before becoming a teacher, Karen worked for more than a decade as a licensed avionics technician and airframe and powerplant mechanic for the U.S. Air Force, DynCorp Aerospace, and the Boeing Company. She was also selected for special assignments involving Air Force One and the B2 stealth bomber.

Throughout her career, Karen has been a passionate believer in continuing education and giving back to her community. She has participated in the U.S. Naval Academys SET SAIL, Certiports National CERTIFIED Conference, STEM Guitars, Space Camp for Educators, the Washington Alliance for Better Schools STEM Externship, and multiple nanotechnology conferences. Karen also serves on the teacher advisory board for the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle, and as a member of two technical advisory committees.

Known for her industry expertise and no-nonsense approach in the classroom, Karen adeptly helps her students develop skills to succeed in the workforce. She is beloved by her students both past and present. Ive learned so much from her, and I dont think I wouldve learned this much anywhere else, said former student Damian Frey. Current student Alexis Cheney agrees, Shes always there next to us, whether were testing or studying. Shes supporting us, reminding us that we can accomplish anything.

Karens dedication helped her connect with her administration and community professionals as well. Dr. Mike Snow, Executive Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning, Lake Stevens School District said, Karen is never satisfied with what is presented to her. Shes always looking to make things better. She truly does things for her kids. Every school needs a bunch of Karen Coulombes. Bill Hole, Lake Stevens resident and President, US Licensing Group, agrees. I think the most important thing that Karen brings to the table is her passion. She genuinely has an interest in helping students make the most out of their time in her classroom, whether its developing a resume or earning as many Microsoft certifications as possible.

Ms. Coulombe delivered a workshop session at CERTIFIED 2023 titled, Get MORE Value from Your Certification Investments. In the workshop she explored ways educators and administrators can use certifications to meet a wider range of student needs and celebrate students learning and achievements.

Our team was privileged to go to Washington and meet with Karen, her students, and the administrators from her school and state. Each person we talked to had been touched and empowered by Karen and her consistent dedication and mentorship, said Craig Bushman, General Manager, Certiport. Shes an experienced educator who is constantly working to improve her community. Karen absolutely deserves this award.

Watch a video highlighting the 2023 Educator of the Year below. You can also hear about Karens passion for teaching and technology on the CERTIFIED Educator Podcast.

About Certiport

Certiport, a Pearson VUE business, is the leading provider of certification exam development, delivery and program management services delivered through an expansive network of over 15,000 Certiport Authorized Testing Centers worldwide. Certiport manages a sophisticated portfolio of leading certification programs including: the official Microsoft Office Specialist certification program, the Microsoft Certified Fundamentals certification program, the Microsoft Certified Educator program, the Adobe Certified Professional certification program, the Autodesk Certified User certification program, the Intuit certification program, the App Development with Swift certification program, the Unity Certified User certification program, the Communication Skills for Business certification program, the IC3 Digital Literacy certification, and the Entrepreneurship and Small Business certification program. Certiport reliably delivers millions of tests each year throughout the secondary, post-secondary, workforce, and corporate technology markets in 148 countries and 26 languages worldwide. For more information, http://www.certiport.com or follow Certiport on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/certiport.


The South Korean military is scrutinizing a turbopump from the second stage of a North Korean space rocket that was retrieved from the West Sea on June 15.

The rocket carrying a purported military spy satellite crashed into waters about 200 km west of Eocheong Island on May 31.

The turbopump is a major component of the rocket engine, and analysis will provide insight into the level of the North's intercontinental ballistic missile technology.

Search and salvage operations to retrieve more debris are still underway.

"We're closely examining it with U.S. military intelligence," a senior military officer told the Chosun Ilbo on Tuesday.

The turbopump supplies liquid fuel to the rocket engine and was presumably linked to a circular nozzle that shoots flames to thrust the rocket into space.

The military also retrieved Russian-made components from the debris, suggesting that the North was importing them clandestinely in violation of international sanctions.

Military authorities are trying to find out the cause of the crash. At the moment South Korea and the U.S. speculate that the rocket crash was caused by engine failure in the second stage, possibly due to nozzle malfunction.
Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP continues its strategic expansion in Japan with the addition of real estate lawyer Yuko Ino, the former head of Orricks Tokyo real estate team, and Koh Ueda, a real estate and securitization attorney. The new additions cap a period of substantial growth for the firms real estate team in Japan.

Ino, a licensed bengoshi in Japan, joins as shareholder and has extensive experience in structuring cross-border real estate acquisitions, complex joint ventures, and real estate finance transactions.

Ueda returns to Greenberg Traurig as an of counsel after a year and a half at Orrick, bringing more than a decade of experience in a broad range of real estate transactions, including real estate securitization.

The addition of Yuko and Koh to our Tokyo office is a testament to the firms strong commitment to providing deep coverage and a wide range of real estate services across Asia and beyond to meet global client demand as part of our premiere global Real Estate Practice. We can advise clients on a full range of real estate equity, debt, and capital markets transactions across virtually all major asset classes, Greenberg Traurig Executive Chairman Richard A. Rosenbaum said.

We are very excited to have Yuko join us and to welcome back Koh after his brief departure from the firm. Their arrival tops off a period of significant growth for Greenberg Traurigs Japan Real Estate Practice, which now is one of the largest amongst international law firms operating in the country, said Asia Real Estate Practice Chair Joel H. Rothstein, a shareholder in the firms Tokyo, New York, and Shanghai offices.

Greenberg Traurigs Tokyo office has significantly grown during the last three years with the addition of licensed bengoshi, as well as multilingual international real estate lawyers at all seniority levels joining from both leading Japanese law firms and major international law firms.

Ino, who is licensed to practice law in both Japan and New York, advises domestic, regional, and international funds in connection with a wide range of real estate transactions. She regularly assists Japanese companies with their outbound investments in U.S.-based assets, in addition to advising U.S. clients on their inbound acquisitions of real estate in Japan.

She also counsels clients on transactions related to energy projects, fintech, mergers and acquisitions, and licensing. Additionally, Ino advises on compliance and general corporate matters. She has an LL.M. from Northwestern University School of Law.

Greenberg Traurigs global platform and collaborative culture are a perfect fit for my practice and will enable me to expand the scope of services I can provide clients, Ino said. I look forward to helping the firm continue to build its Japanese presence, particularly in the areas of advising private equity funds, asset managers, and investors from the United States, Europe, and the Middle East who are seeking to invest in Japan-based real estate, as well as Japanese institutional investors who are seeking real estate investment opportunities around the globe.

Ueda focuses his practice on the structured financing of real estate projects across various asset classes, including hotels, shopping centers, residences, and offices. He represents sellers, buyers, lenders, asset managers, and contractors in transactions for a wide range of asset types, including real property and monetary claims, as well as transactions related to Southeast Asian countries, especially Singapore. He has an LL.M. from Boston University School of Law.

About Greenberg Traurig's Real Estate Practice: The Greenberg TraurigReal Estate Practice is a cornerstone of the firm and recognized leader in the industry. The firms real estate attorneys deliver diversified and comprehensive counsel for property acquisition and investment, development, management and leasing, financing, restructuring, and disposition of all asset classes of real estate. The team draws upon the knowledge and experience of more than 700 real estate lawyers from around the world, serving clients from key markets in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. The groups clientele includes a broad range of property developers, lenders, investment managers, private equity funds, REITs, and private owners. The firms real estate team advises clients on a variety of matters across a broad spectrum of commercial, recreational, and residential real estate, including structured equity and debt and the hybrids.

About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP has more than 2650 attorneys in 45 locations in the United States, Europe and the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. The firm is a 2022 BTI Highly Recommended Law Firm for superior client service and is consistently among the top firms on the Am Law Global 100 and NLJ 500. Greenberg Traurig is Mansfield Rule 5.0 Certified Plus by The Diversity Lab. The firm is recognized for powering its U.S. offices with 100% renewable energy as certified by the Center for Resource Solutions Green-e Energy program and is a member of the U.S. EPAs Green Power Partnership Program. The firm is known for its philanthropic giving, innovation, diversity, and pro bono. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com.
Hoai B. Huynh has joined Abt Associates as Vice President of Technical Assistance and Implementation (TA&I), overseeing the growth and delivery of high-quality consulting, training, and management solutions in a variety of sectors that Abt provides to governments, organizations, and communities worldwide. He brings more than 25 years of experience in energy, environment, engineering, policy, and program management in the U.S. and internationally.

Huynh joins Abt from Deloitte Consulting, where he was a Specialist Leader in its International Development Organization, managing programs and spearheading Deloittes growth in the water, climate change, and energy sectors.

Hoais background, knowledge, experience, and reputation on the international stage will drive impact through Abt solutions in new and existing areas, says President and Chief Executive Officer Kathleen Flanagan. We are delighted to welcome him as a key leader of the new Solutions organization at Abt.

Huynh has worked in the U.S. government, consulting, aerospace and defense industry, and non-profit sectors. He has served as an EPA Air Pollution Enforcement Officer and a Program Manager for Europe and Eurasia, respectively, in EPAs Region 4 and Office of International Affairs. At Counterpart International, he implemented humanitarian assistance and environmental programs in Southeast Asia, Ukraine, and the Caucasus. He represented the aerospace and defense industries in addressing environmental, climate change, and compliance issues in the U.S. and internationally at the Aerospace Industries Association.

Living in Viet Nam, Huynh served as the Asia Director for the engineering firm CDM Smith, managing environmental and energy programs in Indonesia and Viet Nam. He also managed programs and led the growth of a U.S. small business as Vice President for Emerging Markets and Sustainability at Green Powered Technology, with clients such as USAID, Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). Huynh has also served on the Board of Directors of non-profit organizations that provided humanitarian and disaster relief assistance to Southeast Asia and improved airline industry capacity to address child-trafficking issues.

I have long known and respected Abt for its work and impact in so many domains, and Im excited for this opportunity to truly focus on quality services that influence change, shares Huynh.

Huynh holds a masters in environmental engineering and a bachelors in aerospace engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

About Abt Associates

Abt Associates is a global consulting and research firm that combines data and bold thinking to improve the quality of people's lives. We partner with clients and communities to advance equity and innovationfrom creating scalable digital solutions and combatting infectious disease, to mitigating climate change and evaluating programs for measurable social impactand more.

http://www.abtassociates.com

Contact: Stan Crock

stan_crock@abtassoc.com

(301) 347-5402
Intus Biosciences, LLC (Intus Bio), creators of the industry-leading Titan-1 microbiome research and testing platform, has announced the strategic acquisition of Pattern Genomics, a developer of advanced genomic analysis software tools. This transaction was made possible with the support of Connecticut Innovations, an investor in both companies.

The development enhances Intus Bios portfolio of end-to-end data-driven solutions for microbiome discovery and understanding. The company has a long history of collaboration with Pattern Genomics and a deep appreciation of the technology being acquired.

The Intus Bio Titan-1 platform combines patented assays and next-generation proprietary analysis tools for an unprecedented ability to generate high accuracy, high-resolution strain-level data on a high-throughput basis. The integration of Pattern Genomics technology brings additional machine learning tools for biomarker discovery and patient stratification, across extensive datasets and populations.

As part of the transaction, Pattern Genomics Founder and President, Daniel Fasulo has joined Intus Bio as Head of IT and Bioinformatics.

We're grateful for the support of Connecticut Innovations, as we add the impressive technology of Pattern Genomics to Intus Bio. Together, we have an unmatched ability to produce and analyze high-resolution bacterial data at scale, creating incredible opportunities across every aspect of healthcare said Paul Denslow, Intus Bios CEO. We are also very pleased to have Dan join the Intus Bio leadership team, as hes a fantastic addition we already know well.

After nearly 11 years of developing a portfolio of bioinformatics technologies at Pattern Genomics, I am thrilled with this transaction and to join the Intus Bio team, said Daniel Fasulo, President of Pattern Genomics. There is no better home for Pattern than Intus Bio, as they bring microbiome technologies into practical medical and pharmaceutical applications.

Intus Bio has acquired a powerful asset in Pattern, adding to their already impressive and groundbreaking Titan-1 assay and analysis platform, said Dan Wagner, Senior Managing Director of Investments at Connecticut Innovations. The exciting combination of these technologies only increases their significant potential to impact the healthcare industry. We look forward to being part of Intus Bios future success.

About Intus Biosciences, LLC:

Intus Bio has developed world-leading technology to identify bacteria and deliver answers about the microbiome with unprecedented detail, accuracy, and scale. Its patented and validated Titan-1TM platform combines high-throughput assay and analysis technology to generate strain-level information. The company provides advanced research and commercial services across global pharmaceutical, diagnostic, and testing industries; is active in health, agricultural, and environmental fields; and continually develops new partnerships, technologies, and applications.

About Pattern Genomics, LLC:

Founded in 2011, Pattern Genomics has developed sophisticated bioinformatics tools that seek to uncover patterns and key biomarkers from massive genomic data sets. The technology, when combined with next-generation sequencing, powers efficient, data-driven processes that can be applied to a broad range of health and diagnostic problems.

About Connecticut Innovations:

Connecticut Innovations (CI) is Connecticuts strategic venture capital arm and the leading source of financing and ongoing support for Connecticuts innovative, growing companies. CI provides venture capital and strategic support for early-stage technology companies, financial support for innovation and collaboration, and connections to its well-established network of partners and professionals.

To learn more or to partner with Intus Biosciences, visit intusbio.com.
Jacob Shapiro Working at Red Banyan is where I've always meant to be. The skills and lessons I have acquired throughout my career have led me to join this incredible team of professionals," Jake Shapiro said.

Red Banyan, a top strategic communications and international PR firm, today announced that it has hired Jacob Shapiro as Director of Business Development. In his role, Jake will be responsible for crafting strategic communication solutions, fostering strong client relationships, and ensuring the delivery of exceptional services.

Jake brings a wealth of experience to Red Banyan, including strong backgrounds in fundraising, public affairs and business development. His primary focus will be to establish new business connections and cultivate those relationships into productive partnerships between Red Banyan and its clients.

Prior to joining Red Banyan, Jake served as the Fundraising Director at one of the nation's top nonprofit advocacy organizations. His tenure there provided him with invaluable experience and a profound understanding of effective business development strategies.

Jake earned a BA from American Jewish University, where he studied Literature, Communication, and Media.

With his outstanding experience in the non-profit sector, business development, fundraising, and strategic communications, Jake is a valuable addition to our team of highly skilled communications professionals," said Evan Nierman, Founder and CEO of Red Banyan. "We are pleased to have him on board, since his expertise will undoubtedly contribute to Red Banyans continued success.

Jake added: Working at Red Banyan is where I've always meant to be. The skills and lessons I have acquired throughout my career have led me to join this incredible team of professionals. I thoroughly enjoy interacting with our clients, understanding their unique needs, and actively contributing to achieving their goals. I am thrilled to be part of the growth journey of Red Banyan, taking it to the next level and beyond.

Since its launch in late 2010, Red Banyan has continued to expand, establishing itself as one of the leading crisis PR agencies in the United States. Red Banyan provides crisis management, litigation support, media relations and other strategic communications services to a variety of national and global clients.

About Red Banyan

Red Banyan is a top crisis management firm focused on solving complex, highly sensitive and mission-critical communications challenges. Specializing in crisis communications, corporate public relations, government relations, and legal PR, Red Banyan provides an integrated approach to communications rooted in strategy. Learn more at https://redbanyan.com.


John Novak Named President of ICW Group Insurance Companies Since joining ICW Group nearly six years ago, John has played a pivotal role in taking our business to the next level. He has guided the evolution of our business strategy, including our vision of becoming a top-tier, multi-line insurance carrier.

ICW Group Insurance Companies, a leading group of property and casualty carriers, has promoted John Novak to President, charged with leading the company's multi-line growth strategy, expanding its value-added service offerings and driving the company's digital transformation.

Along with serving as President, Novak, an industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience in insurance, will continue his role as Chief Operating Officer, championing the organization's more than 1,000 team members at multiple offices across the nation that serve policyholders and agents for its workers' compensation, assumed reinsurance, catastrophe, surety and newly launched commercial package lines of business.

"Since joining ICW Group nearly six years ago, John has played a pivotal role in taking our business to the next level," said Kevin Prior, the companys Chief Executive Officer. "He has guided the evolution of our business strategy, including our vision of becoming a top-tier, multi-line insurance carrier. He has also led and collaborated on solutions to some of our biggest legacy transformations, all while establishing new company capabilities to ultimately drive our digital objectives. John is primed to take us further, and I'm excited about ICW Group's future and continued success."

Novak joined ICW Group in 2017 as chief operating and strategic execution officer. Since he came on board, ICW Group has seen significant financial gains and the expansion of the company's lines of business, including the development and rapid growth of its assumed reinsurance business and the recent launch of ICW Group's commercial package business encompassing general liability and commercial property.

"I am proud to have been a part of the tremendous growth and success ICW Group has experienced during my tenure, said Novak. We would not be where we are today without the incredible team we have built and our partnership with our agent/broker community. Were now poised for further growth, and I look forward to creating even more capabilities and great experiences for our customers.

About ICW Group

Based in San Diego, ICW Group Insurance Companies is the largest privately held insurance company domiciled in California. Quoting more than $3 billion annually, ICW Group represents a group of Workers Compensation, Assumed Reinsurance, Catastrophe, General Liability, and Commercial Property insurance carriers, including Insurance Company of the West and Explorer Insurance Company. ICW Group is recognized nationally as an industry leader in helping policyholders achieve fewer and less costly claims while elevating the trusted agents who advise them. More information is available at http://www.icwgroup.com, http://www.twitter.com/ICWGroup, http://www.linkedin.com/companies/icw-group and http://www.facebook.com/ICWGroup.


Lake County 2023 Momentum Eevent - NathanDeHart We are thrilled with the success of the first edition and look forward to enhancing next years classes with Simonit & Sirch says Debra Sommerfield, President of the Lake County Winegrape Commission.

The Lake County Winegrape Commission announced the continuation of Lake County Pruning School, which launched in December 2022 and sold out, benefiting more than 100 attendees. Presented in both English and Spanish, the immersive Lake County Pruning School is the first of its kind for a regional organization and was created in collaboration with Simonit & Sirch, the renowned grapevine pruning school with more than 30 years of research and experience, and a client list that includes some of the worlds preeminent vineyards.

In early June, the Commission presented Momentum 2023, its annual grower seminar at the Soper Reese Theatre in Lakeport, California, and highlighted the first year of Lake County Pruning School. The event offered a detailed overview of the program and its benefits for attendees. The Pruning School segment started with Simonit & Sirch Master Pruners Jacopo Miolo and Jett Johansson providing an overview of the program, which comprises a theoretical introductory online lesson and three days of practical hands-on lessons in the vineyard  two days during the winter for vine pruning and one day during the spring for shoot thinning. The program provides in-depth fundamental principles applicable to all grapevine training systems, such as controlled branching, vascular flow, cuts and crown buds, and protective spare wood.

Benefits of the program were discussed during a grower panel moderated by Jonathan Walters, Chair of the Lake County Winegrape Commission and General Manager of Brassfield Estate. The panel provided insights from five speakers, including Bruce Merrilees, Owner of Castilleja Farms LLC; Tony Medina, Ranch Foreman at Cache Creek Vineyards; Chris King, Vineyard Manager of Catspaw Vineyard; as well as Miolo and Johansson of Simonit & Sirch. The panel was followed by a practical demonstration held by Jennifer Thomson from FELCO, who showcased the companys brand new cordless electric pruning shears.

We are thrilled with the success of the first edition and look forward to enhancing next years classes with Simonit & Sirch says Debra Sommerfield, President of the Lake County Winegrape Commission. The delivery of classes in both English and Spanish allows us to meet the educational needs of all vineyard workers and well continue with this approach for the next edition.

Lake County Pruning School is designed for vineyard owners, vineyard supervisors and crew leaders, and experienced vineyard workers. Each class enables one-on-one learning and an opportunity to exchange ideas and techniques with others in the cohort.

Footage of the Momentum event can be found at the following link: https://www.lakecountywinegrape.org/news-events/events/momentum-2023/

2023-2024 Lake County Pruning School registration is coming soon. Spots can be reserved by emailing Lake County Winegrape Commission at events@lakecountywinegrape.org

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About Lake County Winegrape Commission

Established in 1991, the Lake County Winegrape Commission has been instrumental in developing the Lake County regions unwavering commitment to farming high-quality wine grapes, promoting the winegrowers brand, and creating greater awareness of the winegrowing region within the wine trade and among wine lovers. A state agency with efforts focused on marketing, research, and education, the Commission has launched innovative programs like Master Vigneron Academy, the Elevation of Wine, and the International Sauvignon Blanc Symposium. For more information, visit http://www.lakecountywinegrape.org.

Press Contact:

Irene Graziotto

Colangelo & Partners

igraziotto@colangelopr.com

(646) 719-5303
(L-R) Cyndy Krening, MS, RNC-OB, C-EFM, Tonnyann Swinton, DNP, RNC-OB, C-EFM, C-ONQS, NPD-BC and Carol Burke, MSN, APRN/CNS, RNC-OB, C-EFM after AWHONN Fellow induction ceremony, June 2023. NCC is proud of all they have achieved and their commitment to National Volunteer work. Their dedication, advocacy, and passion will continue to enhance obstetric and neonatal nursing and improve patient outcomes.

The Fellow of the Association of Womens Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (FAWHONN) recognizes nurse leaders who have made substantive and sustained contributions to the health of women and newborns beyond the expectations of their role. They have demonstrated outstanding contributions to clinical practice, research, education, advocacy, or policy at the regional, national, or global level that is reflective of AWHONNs mission and vision. Becoming an AWHONN Fellow demonstrates a commitment to the profession and to the highest standards of nursing care in the specialty of womens health, obstetric, or neonatal nursing.

Ms. Swinton currently serves as the Secretary-Treasurer on the NCC Board of Directors and as a team member on the Obstetric Nursing Content Exam.

Ms. Swinton is passionate about clinical competency and professional development, patient safety, and evidence-based practice to enhance or design education initiatives. Her professional and personal values align well with NCCs vision of a healthcare system transformed by professionals who are certified. She has maintained her multiple certifications with integrity since earning her first certification in 2004.

Ms. Swinton holds a DNP, BSN and masters degree. Over the past 26 years, she has practiced in a wide variety of clinical environments ranging from low risk to high-risk obstetric academic medical centers. She is currently the Vice President for Clinical Education supporting St. Davids and HCA Healthcare leading a team of more than 50 clinical educators across nine hospitals in central and west Texas. She also influences the profession of nursing by working on national committees in a number of volunteer capacities.

Ms. Krening currently serves as a Director on the NCC Board of Directors and as a content team member for the Electronic Fetal Monitoring Exam. She has also served on the content team for the Inpatient Obstetric Nursing Exam.

Ms. Krening promotes evidence-based care of perinatal patients and is passionate about certification, as it elevates clinical practice through validation of specialty knowledge. She has maintained her certifications with integrity since earning her first certification in 1988.

Ms. Krening holds a BSN and a masters degree as a perinatal clinical nurse specialist. She has worked in the inpatient obstetric setting for 41 years in both tertiary teaching, and community hospitals as an L&D staff nurse, charge nurse, manager, outreach coordinator, high-risk OB flight nurse and perinatal clinical nurse specialist. Her current position is as a perinatal CNS at Saint Joseph Hospital, a large, busy teaching hospital in urban Denver.

Ms. Krening has been active in AWHONN both locally and nationally for many of the 38 years shes been a member, serving on the national education, practice, public policy and section advisory committees, as the Colorado section chair, and two terms on the national Board of Directors and was the AWHONN 2021 President. She has contributed to AWHONN publications, position statements and books, and has been a speaker at many AWHONN state conferences and annual conventions. Ms. Krening is published, on the editorial board of The Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing and has served on the Colorado Maternal Mortality committee for over 20 years.

Ms. Burke has served on both the content team and job analysis team for the Inpatient Obstetric Nursing Exam. She has maintained her certifications with integrity since earning her first certification in 1986.

Ms. Burke holds a masters degree, APRN, Certificate in Nurse Midwifery and Certificate in Nursing Administration. She has extensive clinical, administrative, and educational background in both low risk and high risk, culturally diverse perinatal populations. She has worked as a perinatal clinical nurse specialist in maternal and neonate settings for over 45 years in both teaching and community hospitals and as a Midwife since 1999.

Ms. Burke has been active in AWHONN both locally and nationally for 39 years. She has served two terms on the National Board of Directors as Secretary/Treasurer and Director, Section advisory committee, 9th Edition of Standards for Professional Nursing Practice and the Science Team Leader of Perioperative Care of the Pregnant Patient. Other service includes March of Dimes Perinatal Nursing Advisory Committee, American College of Nurse-Midwives, and ACOG/AIM workgroup to develop the Obstetric Sepsis Bundle.

Ms. Burke is published and has contributed to several research activities and frequently appears at national and section conferences and webinars. Ms. Burke has been honored by the March of Dimes as the Jonas Salk Nurse of the Year and Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago as APN of the year.

NCC is proud of all they have achieved and their commitment to National Volunteer work. Their dedication, advocacy, and passion will continue to enhance obstetric and neonatal nursing and improve patient outcomes.

ABOUT NCC:

NCC is a non-profit organization committed to promoting quality health care to women, neonates and their families. NCC provides credentialing, recognition and educational programs for nurses, physicians and other licensed health professionals in the obstetric, gynecologic, womens health and neonatal specialties. More than 207,000 licensed health care professionals have been awarded prestigious NCC credentials since its inception in 1975.
With Norm on board, we have expanded our capabilities and positioned ourselves as the largest, most experienced government lease advisory team in the country.

FD Stonewater announced today that Norman Dong has been promoted to Partner with the firm.

Mr. Dong joined the company in 2017 as Managing Director and plays a leading role within the firms third-party advisory and principal development platforms with a primary focus on federal, state and local government real estate transactions. He is a nationally recognized expert in the government real estate arena and frequently participates in industry panels and speaking engagements. In addition to his responsibilities at the company, Mr. Dong serves on the faculty of the Georgetown Urban and Regional Planning program where he teaches a course on government real estate.

Mr. Dongs career spans over 30 years and encompasses a distinguished history working in both the private sector and as a government executive. A graduate of Yale University and Harvards John F. Kennedy School of Government, Mr. Dong has served the Federal Government in executive, management, and advisory capacities; including previously held positions as Deputy Controller of OMB, the CFO of DHS/FEMA and Deputy Mayor for Washington, DC. Prior to joining FD Stonewater, Mr. Dong was the Commissioner for the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), Public Building Service, where he led the asset management, design, construction, leasing, building management, and disposal of nearly 374 million square feet of government-owned and leased space across all 50 states, six U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.

FD Stonewater Principal Chad Habeeb said, Norm has had an enormous impact across our real estate business, particularly within the firms government sector third-party advisory and principal development platforms. His notable background, insight, and expertise in government real estate matters enhances our strategic advisory practice and he has brought tremendous value to our public sector-focused real estate practice.

Principal Joseph Delogu further commented, Norms experience, relationships, and wealth of knowledge are invaluable. With Norm on board, we have expanded our capabilities and positioned ourselves as the largest, most experienced government lease advisory team in the country. We are pleased to promote Norm to Partner as he continues to be integral not just in our leasing and development practices, but also as a thought leader for our company and the industry.

About FD Stonewater

FD Stonewater is a fully integrated real estate investment, development, and brokerage firm headquartered in Arlington, VA. Collectively, the firms leadership has a track record of more than $10 billion in investment acquisitions, development, and advisory services, with over 45 million square feet of lease transactions completed and nationwide. For more information, visit http://www.fdstonewater.com.

For further information:

Kathryn Nuss

703-537-7628 / knuss@fdstonewater.com
The Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC), the trade association representing the regions technology community, today announced five recipients of the NVTC Foundation Kilberg Scholarship Fund. This fund was established to support women interested in pursuing careers in the tech industry. Each recipient demonstrates leadership promise and a commitment to advancing technology-driven innovations. Each will receive $5,000 to pursue higher education in STEM-related fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

Congratulations to the recipients of the Kilberg Scholarship Fund. This scholarship reinforces NVTCs commitment to infusing the next generation of talent into our workforce and supporting women who are pursuing STEM careers, said Jennifer Taylor, president and CEO of NVTC. Providing pathways and resources for women to secure in-demand jobs is not only a personal passion of mine, but also critically important to building a diverse and talented workforce in Northern Virginia.

The 2023 NVTC Foundation Kilberg Scholarship Fund recipients are:



Sneha Aryal, Herndon High School graduate attending the University of Virginia

Lilie Puck-Karam, W.T. Woodson High School graduate attending the University of Virginia

Amel Mohdali, Alexandria City High School graduate attending Spelman College

Sharvani Roy, Thomas A. Edison High School graduate attending University of Pittsburgh

Sharlette Vijoy, Chantilly High School graduate attending Virginia Tech

Established in 2021, the NVTC Foundation Kilberg Scholarship Fund serves as a continuation of retired NVTC President and CEO Bobbie Kilbergs lifelong spirit of community service in the Northern Virginia technology community. Scholarships are available annually to high school seniors or graduates pursuing post-secondary education or training in STEM-related fields. The application review committee selected the recipients based on a commitment to pursue a degree or training in STEM-related fields, Northern Virginia residency, and financial need.

These outstanding young women represent the talent and future of our workforce. I look forward to following their continued academic and leadership success, said Kilberg. Not only have the recipients displayed hard work in advancing their education, but they have also shown dedication to making their communities a better place.

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia (CFNOVA), a public charity that helps grow philanthropy, manages the scholarship fund on behalf of the NVTC Foundation. A formal announcement of winners took place in June at a private celebration for donors and winners.

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Contact

Lindsey Kearney

Northern Virginia Technology Council Foundation (NVTCF)

lkearney@nvtc.org

571-375-4012

About the Northern Virginia Technology Council

NVTC is the trade association representing the Northern Virginia technology community. As one of the nations largest technology councils, NVTC serves companies from all sectors of the industry, from small businesses and startups to Fortune 100 technology companies, government contractors, as well as service providers, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations. More than 460 members look to the organization as a resource for networking and educational opportunities, peer-to-peer communities, policy advocacy, industry promotion, fostering of strategic relationships, and branding of the region as a major global technology center. Learn more at http://www.nvtc.org.

About the NVTC Foundation

The NVTC Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit, empowers and connects populations traditionally underrepresented in the technology industry to educational and employment opportunities in the technology careers in Northern Virginia. The foundation strategically supports programs that connect women, people traditionally underrepresented in the tech industry, and veterans to in-demand tech careers. Learn more here.

About the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia (CFNOVA)

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia advances equity across the region through philanthropy and community leadership. Comprised of donor advised funds, permanent funds, giving circles, and other charitable endowments, the Community Foundation connects donors to community and promotes a more equitable and inclusive prosperity that marries our economic strength with the full breadth of our diverse community. In 2022 the Community Foundation awarded $6.5 million in grants and scholarships and now manages more than 250 funds. For more information please visit us at http://www.cfnova.org, or follow up on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
There are only four cuisines in the world that have been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Mexican cuisine is not only one of them, but it was the first to achieve this designation from Unesco. Its colors, flavors and textures are part of a history spanning thousands of years in which cooking is an element of identity. International recognition came in 2010, despite the fact that it was only 20 years ago that culinary schools began to operate in the country. Jorge Vallejo, chef at Quintonil recalls: The turning point was professionalization, and it was a domino effect because the professionals began to demand [other] professionals around them and that was also when there began to be professionals in the products and the appliances we use in the service, he says.

EL PAIS has brought together five of the best Mexican chefs in a conversation about the position of Mexican cuisine in the culinary world. They all participated at The Worlds 50 Best Restaurants gala, held in Valencia last week, and three of them are head chefs at establishments included on that list. Jorge Vallejo (Quintonil), Elena Reygadas (Rosetta), Santiago Lastra (KOL), Jesus Duron (executive chef at Enrique Olveras Pujol restaurant) and Gustavo Garnica (from Cosme restaurant, also owned by Olvera) sat down to discuss the path their dishes have taken, which today are sampled as haute cuisine all over the world. They were accompanied by Valentina Ortiz Monasterio, president of Latin Americas 50 Best Restaurants. There were many points in common: from the pride in their Mexicanness and the exclusivity of some local produce, to the conviction of the quality and importance of the producers.

Santiago Lastra is the chef at the Michelin-starred London restaurant KOL. He has cooked in 30 countries, but always comes back to his own, as he himself says. He believes the boom started when chefs began to look inward and value what we have. Over the years, we understood that the logical thing to do was Mexican cuisine, Vallejo adds. We had to look outside [Mexico] to value what we had inside, agrees Jesus Duron, executive chef at Pujol, a restaurant that in this edition dropped from eighth to 13th place in the list of the Worlds 50 Best Restaurants. And then they get started on talking about produce and preparing dishes. For Elena Reygadas, named the best Latin American cook, uniqueness has been essential: You can eat a lobster in many places in the world, but not escamoles (ant larvae). It is a rural cuisine and it is the most beautiful. The tamale is a worthy dish, and we have distinguished it from other expensive products, she says. We have a range of colors that doesnt exist in other cuisines and all the layers of flavor in one bite, adds Vallejo, who points out that only Asian cuisine comes close to that diversity.

For Gustavo Garnica, chef at Cosme, the restaurant that Enrique Olvera owns in New York, Mexican cooking is an honest cuisine that shows the complexity of simple things. And among those simple things are tortillas and the corn from which they are made. It is said that children in Mexico smell them to check if they are made from good corn. And that at some birthday parties, coming of age is celebrated with a mole de guayaba at the request of the birthday boy or girl. Although they believe that the world fits in a tortilla, as Gustavo Garnica says, they have found that when they improve the quality of their raw materials, demand grows because people understand that it is good, as Duron explains.

Five great Mexican chefs talk about the position of their cuisine in the culinary world. Monica Torres

Although they are aware that there was a time when the world thought Mexican cuisine was limited to tacos, they hold no grudge against those who have opened doors for them, even with Tex-Mex: There is a Mexican restaurant called Lupita in every city. They are Tex-Mex, and we have a good reputation, they look at us with affection and have opened another door, says Duron, who, in any case, points out that quality has been what has led them to the place they occupy in world cuisine. The textures of the tortilla change depending on how the corn dries, and these are details that turn something traditional [into] something complex, he explains.

They are all bursting with enthusiasm and pride. And they admit, almost as one, that in the end, we believed it. We are chefs from different generations, but aware of our culinary history. We respect it, but we also complement it by proposing things that strengthen it, argues Elena Reygadas. The fact is that there is a lot of camaraderie between them. We are united and proud of our cuisine, says Santiago Lastra.

Taco Placero gets a nod from Quintonils menu, in an image provided by the restaurant.

Mexican chefs have not only succeeded abroad. They have also been prophets in their own land and, now, they are cultural ambassadors. They are the big stars of the moment, says Valentina Ortiz Monasterio, president of Latin Americas 50 Best Restaurants. And none of them has forgotten those who provide them with all the raw materials that make their dishes so different, authentic, and special. We have to set the countryside on the pedestal it deserves, says Santiago Lastra, who travels to Mexico from London from time to time to continue discovering how various herbs are used in the most remote parts of the country. They are the real heroes, he adds. Jesus Duron points out something else: the professionalization of the kitchen has also meant the professionalization of producers of ingredients such as organic corn, who have found an outlet in their home country and have forgotten about wanting to go to the United States to pursue the American dream.

None of them wants to die of success. And they work for it. We have to teach children so that they know how to cultivate produce and have time to go back to making jams, Duron proposes. We are all responsible for taking care of our cuisine so that it is not lost, and that each generation improves it, adds Gustavo Garnica. The chef of Quintonil, the ninth-best restaurant in the world, adds another ingredient: Gastronomy is a transformational factor, he says. And its not just about sustainability and respect for the ecosystem, but also about improving eating habits. And he sums up the whole conversation in one sentence: Theres a hunger for Mexican cuisine.

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Durable concrete by Penetron: The new airline campus comprises corporate offices, training facility, hotel, and parking garage with shops, restaurants, and multifamily residential units. The Penetron solution will prove to be not only the most durable, but also the most cost- and time-effective.

The initial phase of construction of the new headquarters and training facility for a regional airline company in Carmel, Indiana (USA), was completed in April 2023. The project architects specified PENETRON ADMIX SB, a crystalline waterproofing admixture, to secure the below-grade concrete structures against the regions groundwater levels.

One of the largest regional airlines in the USA with 6,000 employees, this airline operates services for American Eagle, Delta Connection, and United Express. With a network of 12 crew and maintenance bases, the company maintains a fleet of 220 Embraer 170/175 regional jets. It offers scheduled passenger service with nearly 1,000 daily flights to 100 cities across the USA, Canada, the Caribbean, and Central America.

The new $200 million corporate airline campus is situated in Carmel, Indiana, just north of Indianapolis, the state capital. The airlines call sign "Brickyard" is derived from the nickname of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Creating a new company headquarters that unifies the disparate corporate offices in Indianapolis in a single location in Carmel will provide an additional economic boost to an already growing community, adds Christopher Chen, Director of The Penetron Group. The modern architectural style of the airlines new corporate headquarters also reflects the technical nature of the campus.

The construction project comprised the companys 142,000 ft2 corporate headquarters, which features outdoor courtyards, rooftop terraces, recreational spaces and other gathering places that will provide places for employees and visitors to meet. The 105,000 ft2 high-tech training facility is housed in a three-floor building, with 20 classrooms, 94 workstations, two cabin trainers and 10 simulator training bays used to train pilots, technicians, flight attendants and other positions within the airline. The project also included the expansion of the adjacent Hampton Hotel to 272 rooms (from 109 rooms) to accommodate trainees, visiting instructors, business partners and colleagues traveling to the aviation campus, an 800-space parking garage featuring shops and restaurants on the ground floor, and 94 multifamily residential units on the upper floors.

Due to the groundwater levels typical for the central Indiana area, the architects required a reliable solution to protect the below-grade concrete and steel-reinforced structures  including the basement areas and the parking garage  from the hydrostatic pressure and resulting water intrusion. After consulting with the projects ready-mix supplier, PENETRON ADMIX SB was specified to provide a durable and waterproof mix design.

Added to the concrete mix during the batching phase, the PENETRON ADMIX SB pre-measured soluble bags dissolve quickly and completely for accurate (and easy) dosage for any project. The self-healing capability of PENETRON ADMIX SB-treated concrete will also self-heal all hairline cracks that form throughout the service life of the concrete, reducing the amount of maintenance required.

The PENETRON ADMIX SB-treated concrete for the regional airline project was used to waterproof and protect the foundation slabs and below-grade retaining walls of the corporate headquarters and the training facility, and for the foundation slab of the parking garage.

Specifying an integral waterproofing solution for the below-grade structures in lieu of traditional surface-applied waterproofing systems helped the contractor avoid an additional step of having trade specialists on site to install a more costly and time-consuming surface-applied waterproofing solution, says Christopher Chen. The Penetron solution will prove to be not only the most durable, but also the most cost- and time-effective.

The Penetron Group is a leading manufacturer of specialty construction products for concrete waterproofing, concrete repairs and floor preparation systems. The Group operates through a global network, offering support to the design and construction community through its regional offices, representatives, and distribution channels.

For more information on Penetron waterproofing solutions, please visit penetron(dot)com or Facebook(dot)com/ThePenetronGroup, email CRDept(at)penetron(dot)com, or contact the Corporate Relations Department at 631-941-9700.
Performance Brokerage Services, North Americas highest volume dealership brokerage firm, is pleased to announce the sale of Regency Chevrolet GMC in Uvalde, Texas from H.T. Langford, Jr. to Luis Alaniz, Jr.

Regency Chevrolet GMC has been servicing the Uvalde, Texas area since it was established in 1991. The dealership has transitioned ownership to Luis Alaniz, Jr., who owns additional dealerships in Goliad and Beeville, Texas. The Alaniz family has been in the automotive industry for over 50 years, starting with Luis Alaniz, Sr.

Over the last 5 years, Performance Brokerage Services has advised on the sale of over 300 dealerships, making it the highest volume dealership brokerage firm in North America. In 2022, the company consummated 92 transactions, marking a record-breaking year. This transaction was exclusively facilitated by Performance Brokerage Services Midwest Office, managed by Paul Kechnie, Senior Partner.

Following the sale, Kechnie commented, It was a pleasure assisting H.T. Langford, Jr. find the perfect buyer for Regency Chevrolet GMC. The Alaniz family has deep experience in the automotive industry and has an excellent reputation in the Texas communities they service, and I strongly believe that the dealership will flourish under their leadership. I wish Luis Alaniz, Jr. nothing but the best and look forward to working with him again in the future.

The dealership will remain at its current location at 825 East Main Street in Uvalde, Texas.

About Performance Brokerage Services

Performance Brokerage Services, Inc. is North Americas highest volume dealership brokerage firm, specializing in buy-sell activity for automotive, RV, commercial truck, powersports, and equipment dealerships.

With over 25 years of experience, 700 dealerships sold, and a 90% closing rate, the companys reputation is unmatched and governed by the utmost ethical conduct and integrity.

The company offers a unique approach by providing complimentary estimates of value with no upfront fees or retainer, no reimbursement of costs, and paid a success fee only after the transaction closes.

Headquartered in Irvine, California, and supported by 9 regional offices in Utah, Texas, Illinois, Florida, Virginia, Ohio, New Jersey, Alberta and Ontario, clients benefit from national exposure with local representation.

As trusted and respected experts in the field, the company utilizes an extensive network of industry related attorneys, accountants, hundreds of registered buyers, and longstanding relationships with various vehicle manufacturers.

For more information about the services offered by Performance Brokerage Services, visit https://performancebrokerageservices.com.


The Sicilia DOC consortium recently concluded its first week-long event activation in New York celebrating wines of Sicily among media and trade professionals. The institution, officially represented by President, Antonio Rallo, and board member, Alessio Planeta, presented the islands mosaic of flavors and the versatility of Sicilia DOC wines, engaging a wide audience of over 200+ wine professionals, including key opinion leaders, importers, retailers and restaurateurs.

Since its establishment in 2011, the Sicilia DOC Consortium has worked to strengthen the reputation of Sicilian wines, improving quality, sustainability and market position, and this event series is the most recent marketing innovation to support the goals of the Consortium.

The narrative of Sicilian wine is grounded in the regions uniqueness, one that is layered in history and art, landscape and soil diversity, and a vast heritage of indigenous grapes, which amount to over 70 different varieties. Throughout the week, the Sicilia DOC consortium recounted these characteristics over a series of several events and activations:

Sicilian Wine Maestro - A Competition for Wine Professionals

After the success of the first edition in 2022, the Consortium hosted the second year of the Sicilian Wine Maestro wine competition dedicated to US wine professionals. More than 60 applicants competed for the title, and tested their knowledge of indigenous Sicilian varieties. Three selected finalists participated in the ultimate challenge in New York competing to prove their knowledge of Sicilys rich history and culture, as well as an understanding of how the islands viticulture and winemaking are being reshaped by new generations of winemakers. Three Michelin star restaurant, Eleven Madison Park, hosted the blind tasting of the competition as well as the celebratory dinner to follow. Guests dined over the distinguished plant-based menu and a top selection of Sicilia DOC wines.

A judging panel including Sicilia DOC Ambassador, Jeffrey Porter, co-founder of Beaupierre Wines & Spirits and Contento Restaurant, Yannick Benjamin, highly acclaimed Master Sommelier and author, Pascaline Lepeltier, and award-winning sommelier, Tonya Pitts evaluated every step of the competition, included the wine exam, creative video presentation, blind tasting, and final service challenge, determining the winner: Mark Guillaideau, Sommelier and Service Director at Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix, Arizona. Mark will hold the title of 2023 Sicilian Wine Maestro, and will attend the fall trip to Sicily organized by the consortium. Other finalists included: Chris Stuck, Beverage Director at ilili restaurant, New York, and Keith Mattrick, Sommelier at F.L.X. Table, Finger Lakes, New York.

Grand Tasting and Seminar

Over 200 members of the New York wine trade and press attended the first Sicilia DOC grand tasting, featuring 25 Sicilia DOC producers, who gathered together to taste the island wine at the Nomo Soho hotel in lower Manhattans Soho neighborhood. Guests in attendance included the citys top importers and distributors, the retail and restaurant community, as well as New York-based wine media. Antonio Rallo, Alessio Planeta and Jeff Porter introduced the sustainable and organic practices guiding the Sicilian renaissance to an audience of media and trade professionals in a formal tasting seminar titled Sustainable Sicily: How the Island Became the Leading Organic Wine Region in Italy

Press Lunch with President of the Consortium and Donnafugata winemaker and , Antonio Rallo and Consortium Board Member and Planeta winemaker , Alessio Planeta

Sicilia DOC also hosted a tasting lunch for top US media at LArtusi in the West Village of New York presenting a selection of eight single-varietal Sicilia DOC wines, all representing the multiple facets of Sicily. Sicilia DOCs Brand Ambassador and wine expert, Jeff Porter, hosted the tasting lunch together with Rallo and Planeta. The tasting lunch highlighted how the return to local native grape varieties, specifically Grillo, had made Sicily one of the most interesting Italian wine regions today.

Thanks to this series of events, we had the opportunity to meet industry professionals and narrate many different stories about our Sicily, a wine region that stands out for the perpetual tension between past and present- a story that has been very challenging for our us, yet so rewarding to experience and, ultimately, to share, said Antonio Rallo.

Were thrilled to see participation and interest growing towards our official competition, especially amongst a critically important young audience, adds Alessio Planeta, Our wines continue to gain recognition and this years competition confirmed that we are experiencing a great moment for Sicilian wines in the US.

About Sicilia DOC

Established in 2011, the Sicilia DOC Consortium and the producers represent centuries of winemaking history, as well as the future of viticulture on the island. Positioned as the crossroads of the Mediterranean, the region is truly a mosaic of terroirs, cultures, culinary traditions, and very interestingly, fine wines. Sicilia DOC supports the enhancement of quality-driven winemaking and local grape varieties, specifically Nero d'Avola and Grillo, ensuring a genuine representation of the land in each bottle. The Consortium's sustainable approach is also promoted by the SOStain foundation which provides growers with educational tools to embrace organic practices. For further information, please visit winesofsicily.com

About Colangelo & Partners

Colangelo & Partners specializes in premium food, wine and spirits brands, and has long-established relationships with the key press that drive these business categories and help determine the industry leaders. Agency principals have years of experience in retail and distribution as well as communications, a rare combination that gives Colangelo & Partners invaluable insights into consumer purchasing behavior. The agency focuses on closing the loop between creative communications programs, distribution, promotion, publicity and the consumer in order to maximize the efficiency of its communications programs and deliver measurable results. http://www.colangelopr.com/
The excellence achieved by these chapters reflects the grassroots approach of SkillsUSA in preparing members to be job ready, day one.

SkillsUSA announced its top three chapters for the 2023 Models of Excellence (MOE) program during the Awards Session at the National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) in Atlanta on Friday, June 23. The three winners were selected from a talented field of 24 finalists from around the nation, each representing the application of the SkillsUSA Framework in the Personal, Workplace and Technical skills demanded by industry. Winners for 2023 are New Madrid County R-1 Technical Skills Center of Missouri (Personal Skills); Lynn Vocational Technical Institute of Massachusetts (Workplace Skills); and Upper Valley Career Center of Ohio (Technical Skills).

Models of Excellence (MOE) represents the top tier of the SkillsUSA Chapter Excellence Program (CEP). This program, in its ninth year, recognizes achievement as it relates to the successful integration of the Framework in a chapters SkillsUSA Program of Work, including community service and leadership activities. By using the Framework as a guide, chapters create programming based on high-demand employability skills within the Personal, Workplace and Technical Skills areas. These industry-identified employability skills include decision making, teamwork, integrity, work ethic, communication, responsibility, health and safety, and others that define the chapters approach to influence student understanding and enable measurable outcomes.

According to Chelle Travis, executive director of SkillsUSA, Our MOE chapters integrate Framework learning into every activity, enabling them to actuate high-demand skills while positively influencing their communities. The excellence achieved by these chapters reflects the grassroots approach of SkillsUSA in preparing members to be job ready, day one. Engaging members at the chapter level is paramount to their future success, and in filling the skills gap with highly qualified and skilled professionals.

To be selected as Model of Excellence, each chapter first achieved SkillsUSA Gold Chapter status through an application process. A committee then identified the top chapters nationally for each SkillsUSA Framework component, resulting in 24 finalists. All finalists had to give a presentation followed by a Q&A session to a panel of business and industry judges. Heres how the winning chapters integrated the SkillsUSA Framework in their activities:

Personal Skills

Students at New Madrid County R-1 Technical Skills Center in Missouri were honored for Personal Skills as they focused on the Framework skill of Responsibility through community service initiatives ranging from building beds and benches to purchasing bicycles and collecting hygiene supplies. Members undertook safety training, made committee assignments, incorporated community collaboration and managed worksite logistics. Weekly classroom lessons fostered an individual understanding of responsibility, including the value of showing up on time, completing tasks and being accountable to others. Learning assessments measured growth, directly translating to student responsiveness during each project phase. Partnerships with advisory board stakeholders, local businesses and first responders led to a community-wide impact.

Workplace Skills

Lynn Vocational Technical Institute in Massachusetts topped the Workplace Skills category by using the Framework skill of Planning, Organizing and Management to deliver a financial wealth expo to the greater community. Members worked alongside SkillsUSA alumni to create a structured, interactive format to present relevant financial topics such as employability skills, banking, budgeting, credit and investing. Students attained sponsorships, reserved classrooms and technology, scheduled keynote speakers and coordinated panel discussions. Online promotion led to a well-attended event despite bad weather. SkillsUSA bucks were distributed to enhance learning, leaving participants excited and prepared to use their new financial insight.

Technical Skills Grounded in Academics

SkillsUSA members from the Upper Valley Career Center in Ohio were recognized for Technical Skills as they applied job specific skills to improve food access by building and stocking five small food pantries with non-perishables, clothing and hygiene items. Students created a budget, obtained building supplies, designed and assembled the pantries and installed them in designated areas. Collaboration among multiple technical programs resulted in grants to purchase construction materials and food items, as well as an ongoing schedule to maintain pantry inventory. From the design and construction to the finishing touches, each member assumed a meaningful role, connecting their technical skills application to service of others.

Learn more about the SkillsUSA Chapter Excellence Program: http://www.skillsusa.org/programs/chapter-excellence-program.

About SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is Americas proud champion of the skilled trades. Its a student-led partnership of education and industry thats building the skilled workforce our nation depends on with graduates who are career ready, day one. Representing nearly 380,000 career and technical education students and teachers, SkillsUSA chapters thrive in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. SkillsUSAs mission empowers students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. That mission is accomplished through the SkillsUSA Framework of Personal Skills, Workplace Skills and Technical Skills Grounded in Academics, which is integrated into the classroom curriculum. Through Framework instruction, students develop the character-shaping leadership skills  teamwork, communication, professionalism and more  that successful careers and lives demand. At the same time, students hone their high-level technical skills against current industry standards in more than 130 skilled trade areas, from 3-D Animation to Welding. The result? Focused, confident and highly skilled graduates who are ready to work, ready to lead and ready to make a difference in our schools, workplaces and communities. A vital solution to the skills gap, where more in-demand skilled trades positions are available than qualified professionals to fill them, SkillsUSA has served over 14 million difference-making members since 1965. To learn more, visit http://www.skillsusa.org.

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The Tracom team celebrating their new facility with the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce. This state-of-the-art facility represents our commitment to continuous improvement and serving our customers with excellence. We are proud to call Pickens County our home and look forward to contributing to the economic growth and prosperity of this thriving community.

As a renowned name in the industry, Tracom Fiberglass Products has a rich history of delivering exceptional fiberglass solutions to customers across a wide range of industry sectors. With their new state-of-the-art facility, Tracom aims to enhance their ability to serve clients and further solidify their position as a market leader of fiberglass products including fiberglass enclosures, flumes, and weirs.

The ribbon cutting ceremony, attended by esteemed members of the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce and local dignitaries, marked a significant milestone for Tracom Fiberglass Products. The event showcased the company's commitment to providing top-notch fiberglass products and its dedication to contributing to the local economy of vibrant Pickens County.

"We are thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of our new headquarters in Jasper, Georgia," said Andrew Helbling, Product Production Manager at Tracom. "This state-of-the-art facility represents our commitment to continuous improvement and serving our customers with excellence. We are proud to call Pickens County our home and look forward to contributing to the economic growth and prosperity of this thriving community."

Tracom Fiberglass Products has built a strong reputation for manufacturing industry-leading fiberglass products, ranging from customized fiberglass enclosures to custom weirs and flumes. With their advanced manufacturing processes and a team of highly skilled professionals, Tracom delivers superior products that meet the stringent quality standards of diverse industries.

The company's investment in their new headquarters demonstrates their unwavering commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and the community. Tracom Fiberglass Products remains focused on delivering high-performance, reliable solutions that exceed customer expectations while bolstering the local economy.

To learn more about Tracom Fiberglass Products and explore their comprehensive range of fiberglass solutions, please visit their official website at tracomfrp.com.

About Tracom Fiberglass Products:

Tracom Fiberglass Products has been a leading manufacturer of fiberglass solutions for nearly 30 years, catering to diverse industries nationwide. With their commitment to innovation, exceptional quality, and unparalleled customer service, Tracom delivers high-performance fiberglass products such as consoles, enclosures, fiberglass flumes, manholes, and other fiberglass products such as flumes, weir boxes, and vaults. With their new headquarters in Jasper, Georgia, Tracom continues to lead the industry while contributing to the growth and prosperity of Pickens County.
Successful companies are ones where employees are engaged and feel valued. - Bill Stoller, Express Employment International CEO

Barrages of meetings, emails and online distractions eat away at workforce productivity, and the majority of U.S. employers say they are working to eliminate time wasters to help employees feel more in control of their time.

This is according to a recent survey from The Harris Poll commissioned by Express Employment Professionals.

Nearly 7 in 10 U.S. hiring managers (68%) report their company is actively identifying and/or eliminating time wasters (i.e., behaviors, obligations, and other aspects that may waste time in a workday) from their employees days. Companies doing so report the most common items they are identifying/eliminating include disorganization (44%), online distractions (44%), unnecessary tasks (such as approval processes and reporting) (42%), interruptions (39%) and unnecessary meetings (38%).

By eliminating some of the time wasters in a workday, employees may be able to feel more in control of their time.

A strong majority of hiring managers (87%) say their company has taken actions to ensure employees feel more in control. Communicating the importance of work/life balance (42%), offering flexible work hours (42%), offering remote work options (34%) and providing tools to help employees organize tasks/projects (34%) are among the ways companies are attempting to help employees reclaim their time.

Employed Americans concur, as more than 9 in 10 (94%) say companies should take steps to help employees feel more in control. In their opinion, this includes offering flexible work hours (63%), remote work options (51%) and communicating the importance of work/life balance (50%).

Emails, Meetings and Social Media

The biggest inefficiencies Express franchise owners across the country see are unnecessary and lengthy meetings, emails, cell phone calls (or phone calls) and unlimited access to social media.

Employees are not able to complete all their tasks, but they check their social media pages constantly throughout the day, according to Nancy Reed, an Express franchise owner in Texas. Another distraction is spending too much time chatting with others, either in person or via platforms like Microsoft Teams during the workday. Having the flexibility to collaborate and build a great team is important, but if employees are unable to properly manage their time and complete tasks while doing so, then it can become a distraction.

In New Jersey, Express franchise owner Mike Nolfo identifies meetings as the top workforce time suck and says the solution attempts are part of the problem.

As the recruiting shortage continues, companies are constantly short-staffed, he said. Since they are short-staffed, management often hosts more meetings to maintain control and disseminate information. Until companies catch up with hiring, this trend will continue.

Weve been implementing meeting vacation weeks where we cancel all internal meetings to see if the meetings are really needed. Oftentimes, we notice that most meetings were not necessary and a waste of energy.

Evaluating Inefficiencies

While Nolfo doesnt see companies making much progress on eliminating these time-wasting activities, Reed says businesses in her area are trying to increase efficiencies to reduce costs.

Companies are re-evaluating their processes, efficiencies and organizational structures, she said. They are looking closer at time wasters and seeing how to be flexible with employees cell phone and internet use during work hours for personal reasons without affecting the work environment.

So, in an era of plentiful jobs and not enough applicants, how can employers balance efficiency with the need to recruit and retain top talent?

Motivation.

If an employee is motivated and enjoys the work they do, then these distractions will not affect them, Reed says. They will be self-disciplined to stay focused on their workday goals and objectives instead of surfing the internet and social media pages. Develop projects that add meaning. Setting strict rules on cell phone or internet usage is counterproductive and only creates a negative work environment. Both can be balanced, but employees need to be motivated and driven by the work they do to stay focused on their jobs and workday.

Todays workforce has so many factors fighting for its attention that it makes sense to implement tactics to increase focus and productivity; but it must be done mindfully, according to Express Employment International CEO Bill Stoller.

Successful companies are ones where employees are engaged and feel valued, he said. Once that foundation is in place, these workers will buy into a culture of efficiency because they believe in a higher purpose for their employment.

Survey Methodology

The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between Dec. 1 and Dec. 15, 2022, among 1,002 U.S. hiring decision-makers (defined as adults ages 18+ in the U.S. who are employed full-time or self-employed, work at companies with more than one employee, and have full/significant involvement in hiring decisions at their company). Data were weighted where necessary by company size to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in our surveys. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within + 3.2 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest.

The omnibus survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from Dec. 13-15, 2022, among 2,041 adults ages 18 and older. Data are weighted where necessary by age, gender, race/ethnicity, region, education, marital status, household size, household income and propensity to be online, to bring them in line with their actual proportions in the population. Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in our surveys. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within + 2.8 percentage points using a 95% confidence level.

If you would like to arrange for an interview with Bill Stoller to discuss this topic, please contact Sheena Hollander, Director of Corporate Communications and PR, at (405) 717-5966.

About Bill Stoller

William H. "Bill" Stoller is chairman and chief executive officer of Express Employment International. Founded in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the international staffing franchisor supports the Express Employment Professionals franchise and related brands. The Express franchise brand is an industry-leading, international staffing company with franchise locations in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

About Express Employment Professionals

At Express Employment Professionals, were in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, employing 579,000 people globally in 2022 and more than 10 million since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.
Revolved Realty joins Leading Edge Real Estate Group and becomes the newest member of United Real Estate's national network. These entrepreneurs are leveraging their unique talents and United Real Estates national resources to great advantage for their company and agents.

United Real Estate (United) announced its second expansion in Huntsville, Alabama today, solidifying its position in the top three residential brokerages in the local market. Uniteds Leading Edge Real Estate Group, which joined Uniteds national network in 2022, and Huntsville-based Revolved Realty have merged operations.

The combined companies and their 300 agents will operate as Leading Edge Real Estate Group. Revolved Realty co-founder, Tim Knox joins the team as President to advance the long-term success of the combined operations and will remain the managing broker of two former Revolved Realty offices in Huntsville. No role changes are planned for Leading Edge Real Estate Groups founders, Danny and Charlene Sullivan. Agents will gain additional new tools, training and resources deployed through Uniteds Bullseye Cloud proprietary productivity platform.

"The merger of these two great local brokerages, combined with the backing of our national partner United Real Estate, offers limitless opportunities for buyers and sellers across north Alabama and southern Tennessee. And for the thousands of REALTORS who call this area home, our commitment to helping agents build long-term, legacy businesses has never been greater," stated Tim Knox and Chelsea McKinney, founders of Revolved Realty. "That's the banner we will carry as we go forth and expand our market share here and eventually statewide."

In todays market, brokerages have a tremendous opportunity to join forces for long-term competitive advantage.

Tim and his team bring new energy into the company. Together, we have great synergy and focus and can leverage each persons expertise to accomplish goals that previously seemed insurmountable. The services and tools well bring to our service footprint will be huge for our market and for the agents. Together, we are now the third-largest in unit sales in our marketplace, and our combined strengths are a catalyst for continued growth, commented Danny & Charlene Sullivan, founders of Leading Edge Real Estate Group.

Over the last decade, the real estate industry has shifted from commission-split brokerage models to transaction-fee models. New-generation models that entered the market have shown growth, while legacy models have reported declines in agent count, sales volume and unit sales. COVID-19 magnified those trends. According to a data-backed study examining brokerage profitability by real estate tech strategist Mike DelPrete, United was one of two national brokerages to be profitable in Q1 2023.

As brokerages move further into the new real estate market, change and innovation will become imperative for survival. In hindsight, we will look back and realize 2023 was the turning point for both legacy and new-generation models.

Danny, Tim, Charlene, Chelsea and their respective employees and agents are creating forward momentum. Whats very exciting is that we have a carefully crafted strategic plan to navigate their agents successfully into the future. Todays real estate landscape is vastly different than just five years ago, and these entrepreneurs are leveraging their unique talents and United Real Estates national resources to great advantage for their company and agents, stated Rick Haase, President of United Real Estate.

To learn more about United Real Estate, brokerage succession planning, brokerage valuation and sale or franchising opportunities, visit GrowWithUnited.com or call 888-960-0606. Agents interested in learning about career opportunities with United Real Estate can visit JoinUnitedRealEstate.com or call 888-960-0606.

About United Real Estate

United Real Estate (United)  a division of United Real Estate Group  was founded with the purpose of offering solutions to real estate brokers and agents in the rapidly changing real estate brokerage industry. United provides the latest training, marketing and technology tools to agents and brokers under a flat-fee, transaction-based agent commission model. By leveraging the companys proprietary cloud-based Bullseye Agent & Broker Productivity Platform, United delivers a more profitable outcome for agents and brokers. United Real Estate operates in 33 states with 148 offices and 18,500 agents. The company produced over 77,900 transactions and $27.9 billion in sales volume in 2022.

About Leading Edge Real Estate Group

Founded in 2013 by Danny and Charlene Sullivan, Leading Edge Real Estate Groups mission is Leading the way, using cutting-edge technology to sell your home quickly and effectively while having fun in the process. The company is committed to professionalism and quality and serves the real estate needs of clients throughout North Alabama.

About Revolved Realty

Founded in 2018 by Tim Knox and Chelsea McKinney, Revolved Realty was built on the premise that buying or selling a home is more than just a transaction: its a life-changing experience. Their team of highly-seasoned real estate professionals is dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized service for all clients throughout North Alabama. A champion of relationships, Revolved Realty agents work relentlessly on the clients behalf to achieve their real estate goals.


"We're incredibly honored to be named as a finalist for Partner of the Year for the second year running," said Linda Collins, President at Western Computer. "... This recognition is a testament to our team's hard work, dedication, and expertise."

Western Computer proudly announces it has been named a finalist of 2023 Microsoft US Partner of the Year Award for Dynamics 365 Business Central. The company was honored among a field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology.

"We're incredibly honored to be named as a finalist for Partner of the Year for the second year running," said Linda Collins, President at Western Computer. "It reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering innovative, customer-centric solutions built on the robust Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central platform. This recognition is a testament to our team's hard work, dedication, and expertise."

The Microsoft US Partner of the Year Awards recognizes Microsoft partners that have developed and successfully delivered Microsoft-based solutions and services during the past year. Out of more than 800 nominations, Western Computer was recognized for providing outstanding solutions and services in Dynamics 365 Business Central. Western Computer's commitment to delivering excellent business leadership, achieving customer success, and leveraging the full power of Microsoft cloud Business Applications Solutions were pivotal in securing the finalist status.

We would like to extend our congratulations to the winners and finalists of the 2023 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards! said Nina Harding, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft US Global Partner Solutions. The winners and finalists of the 2023 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards have demonstrated the best of whats possible with the Microsoft Cloud by providing innovative new solutions and services that positively impact customers and enable digital transformation.

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards are announced annually prior to the companys global partner conference, Microsoft Inspire, which will take place on July 18-19 this year. Additional details on the 2023 awards are available on the US Partner Community Blog here: US Partner Community Blog.

About Western Computer

Western Computer is a Gold certified Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) founded in 1987 to empower and enable businesses. Specializing in Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform solutions, services, and support, our 180+ senior-level experts bring advanced functional and industry expertise to companies across North America. With over 35 years of ERP, CRM, and business intelligence experienceand more than 1,100 successful implementationswe deliver solutions to meet the unique needs of specialized industries and companies of all sizes.

Western Computer is a proud 2022/2023 Inner Circle Member and finalist of the 2022 Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Partner of the Year. Learn more at http://www.westerncomputer.com or call (805) 581-5020.

Connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Contact:

Katherine Turner-Lawrence

805-581-5020

Katherine.turner-lawrence@westerncomputer.com
Nora Ephron during the presentation in Los Angeles of her latest film, Julie & Julia, which premiered in 2009, when she was already (secretly) suffering from the leukemia that would cause her death in 2012.

Book promotion revolves around author interviews, a practice which on one hand is dominated by the ubiquity of the most prolific ones and, on the other, pushes the dead ones into the background. Life is not fair. Especially when their work survives, resurrected or recovered outside the selective literary star system.

Such is the case of Nora Ephron, an author who keeps growing and multiplying among the roots of a Western modernity that she contributed to building and that is still robust despite the onslaught of new trends. If she were alive, we would all be fighting to interview her, to listen to her; she would fill lecture halls, and she would fill them with young people. But she is not. Ephron died in 2012 at the age of 71, too young in an era in which we can continue to revere active elders such as Alice Munro (91), Ida Vitale (99), Margaret Atwood (83), Annie Ernaux (82) or Rafael Cadenas (93).

The New York journalist, screenwriter, director and producer captivated viewers and readers with successful films like When Harry Met Sally (1989) and Youve Got Mail (1998), period products which, nevertheless, retain the freshness of those who knew how to reflect their time. Flirting, love, heartbreak, jealousy, infidelity, insecurity, imperfection, the new forms of communication and the awakening of the American woman after decades of being a mostly frustrated housewife were her habitat, and a prelude to ours. Feminism was waging its great battles and her work breathed that hunger for liberation and equality that marked the era, but also insecurity, failure. If Richard Yates or John Cheever had depicted the contradictions of the American dream, the era of an affluent middle class that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s with as many economic possibilities as there were frustrations, Nora Ephron picked up the gauntlet primarily in the 1980s and described like nobody else what would come later. She did so in a creative symbiosis between films, essays, articles and novel that also speaks of her time, a blender in which cinema, books and the press can coincide and yield a gourmet product. That is where we come from.

Forty years have passed since the publication of Heartburn, the novel in which she barely bothers to camouflage the shattering of her relationship with Carl Bernstein (one of the two journalists of the Watergate case), and the American press has marked the anniversary with great fanfare. The Washington Post refers to it as a classic of literary revenge, of spite, a book that soon became something bigger than the slim bagatelle it appears to be. There have been commemorative editions, along with a revival of her essays, always current, valid. At the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, Vogue magazine pondered: How would Nora Ephron handle all of this? Her spirit is still alive, her style is missed, and her postulates are still echoed by many. Her mantra is that of her followers: Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim. A principle we find again in her latest books.

Nora Ephron with her husband Carl Bernstein (talking to another woman), during a charity dinner in 1977 in New York. Ron Galella (Getty Images)

Using humor as a tool is her greatest lesson. Her way of telling us from the grave that if she, a successful author and portrayer of generations of modern women, full of betrayals, broken loves, impossible rents, bottles of very expensive and ineffectual creams and all the frustrations that we can accumulate without being from Burkina Faso  if she can make fun of it, we can too.

In the first of these books, I Feel Bad About My Neck, Ephron strings together the worries that come with growing old, based on seemingly frivolous, inconsequential figures, such as the moment when one begins to be surrounded by women with turtleneck sweaters. Impunity is over. The wrinkled neck, the impossible bikini, the saggy roll that forces you to reevaluate half the clothes in your closet, the ludicrously expensive face cream that we still buy, even though we know the last five we bought were completely useless. Ephron uses everything to create the perfect catalog of the imperfect time that is upon her. Upon us. There is no possible self-help, no self-deception, no escape beyond the mockery. Her intelligent and self-critical gaze, her way of speaking to the reader face to face, trapping them in their own weaknesses, is a nuanced way of narrating big from the small; to serve her experience on a platter as if we had won it in a raffle. I cant believe how real life never lets you down, she wrote at one point. I cant understand why anyone would write fiction when what actually happens is so amazing.

Meg Ryan and Billy Cristal in When Harry Met Sally, with a script by Nora Ephron. Cuando Harry encontro a Sally (1989)

That is how we find out that, as a White House intern in Kennedys time, she must have been the only one he did not make a pass at. The mythical president must have sensed her capacity for indiscretion  or maybe it was her hideous perm. Her great heartbreak was called Bill, last name Clinton, whom she blames for not preparing the ground for Al Gore. We also know how an unbelievably devoted motherhood  breastfeeding until the child even knows how to undo your buttons, a guilt that ends in therapy, the commitment to build perfect personalities  clashes inevitably with adolescence, and the very law of life; because the children will become unbearable, smoke marijuana, collide with us and leave, and only years later they will look like something decent again.

The candidness and swiftness with which Nora Ephron recounts her later years in that book and, perhaps even more, in I Remember Nothing, are only comparable to the humor that she shares and her honesty when describing her own failures. The New Yorker rolls up her sleeves to portray her own decline: the loss of memory, friends, husbands and even the ability to like and enjoy, as she approaches her seventies. There is no sadness or pity when reviewing her life, only the virtue of sticking to the truth, even if it distorts us. This short, vital, funny and truthful book was her last. For many readers, it could be the first.

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Julio Le Marchand and Maria Victoria Hernandez, two Spanish book editors with a side interest in gastronomy, have published Cocinando con palomitas (or Cooking with popcorn, available in Spanish), a book with 100 iconic recipes from cinema and television.

One of Maria Victoria Hernandezs suggestions for a menu starts with the shrimp cocktail from Beetlejuice, followed by Jakes Best Sandwich from Adventure Time. For drinks, try the $5 Martin & Lewis shake from Pulp Fiction. Dessert is inspired by the Notting Hill brownies. If you want to add a cocktail as a bonus, you can replicate the Old Fashioned from Mad Men, the Cosmopolitan from Sex in the City, the Bloody Mary from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood or the Cocotini from Only Murders in the Building, among others.

Julio Le Marchand explains that he was a cook from a young age and that his first attempt to replicate a dish he had seen on the screen was the cherry pie from Twin Peaks, long before he even thought about compiling this book. I found the recipe in the official guide to the TV series and tried to make it. The same thing with The Sopranos: I learned about cannoli and baked ziti, he says. The next step, years later, was to help some friends who were setting up a bar. He contributed ideas of the type put meatballs on top, like in Lady and the Tramp. And when he began to dedicate himself professionally to the publishing world, he selected 100 recipes to publish a book. Although to really make it happen, he admits, he needed someone with better cooking skills than his own. And he found Hernandez, a fellow book editor as well as a magnificent cook, he adds.

Catherine E. Coulson and the cherry pie in 'Twin Peaks.' ABC Spelling Ent. CBS Paramount

Hernandez recalls that we were looking for films with a significant dish in them that was relevant to the plot. And she mentions the case of Treme, a series where cooking and music are very important. In the end, what came out of that was not a dish but a cocktail, the Sazerac, typical of New Orleans. Overall, the book covers breakfasts and snacks, starters and appetizers, main courses and desserts, with recipes always referenced to a movie or a TV series. Each item includes, in addition to the list of ingredients and the steps to make it, a memorable line from the TV series or movie and a paragraph analyzing the role of the dish in the plot, its relevance in the city where it evolved, and other fun facts. The selected recipes, say the authors, are not very complicated. That was one of their rules, which is why they left out dishes such as the turkey in puff pastry from Julie & Julia. Its too complicated and people would never make it, says Hernandez.

Sometimes, the film itself offered the recipe, which could be at times a bit problematic because it did not list the amounts and, sometimes, mentioned ingredients that are not the real ones, notes Le Marchand. This was the case with the gazpacho from Pedro Almodovars 1988 comedy Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. On occasion, we located the recipe in the Making of content of some series and movies. On other occasions, the director revealed them. Official recipe books were also essential, if and when they existed, as with Game of Thrones and The Godfather. Incidentally, Northern Exposure, The Sopranos, The Walking Dead and Downtown Abbey all have their own recipe books.

Carmen Maura and Julieta Serrano in the gazpacho scene from 'Women on the verge of a nervous breakdown.' Orion Pictures / Everett Collection / CORDON PRESS (Orion Pictures Corp/Courtesy E)

The pastry preparations, the authors explain, were the most complicated. This was the case with Breakfast at Tiffanys. Fans of the classic movie may be surprised to learn that Audrey Hepburn did not in fact take croissants out of her paper bag to eat breakfast in front of Tiffanys. They were Danish pastries, and by all accounts, Hepburn did not care for them at all; in fact, she hated all puff pastry to the point of trying to convince director Blake Edwards to use ice cream instead, even though her character was having breakfast at 5 a.m.. The director did not budge, and if any lover of the movie wants to bake Danish pastries, they will need skill and time because the dough is complicated to make.

The book also includes many vegetarian recipes and, in other cases, the authors suggest possible changes to the ingredient list to make them suitable for vegetarians. A case in point are the noodles with beef and mushrooms that Harrison Ford eats in Blade Runner. The authors suggest swapping the beef and original oyster sauce for seitan and hoisin or teriyaki sauce.

Sometimes the change of ingredients is made for obvious reasons. This is the case of the mushroom omelette, or Russian omelette  so called because of the chances of dying from it, as in Russian roulette  from the film Airbag. The poisonous mushrooms have been replaced with dry mushrooms, and since the recipe allows for four individual omelettes, those who want to give it extra excitement could add cayenne pepper to one of them.

The book spans a long history of moviemaking, from the days of Billy Wilder to 2022 releases. There is the cheese souffle from the 1954 classic Sabrina, and the risotto from The Bear. Hernandez admits to some favorites, such as the Apfelstrudel from Inglourious Basterds or the Old Fashioned cocktail from Mad Men. And just to be clear, Cooking with popcorn does in fact also offer a recipe for making popcorn at home, just like in the film Scream.
The 2023 American Library Association Annual Conference ended on an uplifting note on Tuesday, June 27, with a closing keynote from bestselling poet Amanda Gorman and award-winning illustrator Christian Robinson, who delivered a message of hope and empowerment to librarians.

In a lively and at times profoundly moving 40-minute conversation between Gorman, Robinson, and moderator Eve Ewing, a Chicago-based author and cultural organizer who has written about race in America, the two discussed the inspiration behind their latest collaboration, Something, Someday (Viking, Sept.) which touches upon themes of grief, sadness, and loneliness, and suggests that people can come together to make a difference in the world, to make it a better place.

Gorman, who shot to fame after reciting the inaugural poem at President Joe Biden's inauguration on January 20, 2021, started by reading an excerpt from Something, Someday that felt especially poignant, knowing the challenges librarians have experienced over the past three years. Sometimes you feel like you are all alone/ But someday, somewhere, you find a friend/ Someone who will hope with you/ Who believes in your dream./ Someone who will fight with you. And she ended with words that also resonated, as conference closed and librarians prepared to head home: Together, working/ Together, beginning/ Over and over and over and over/ Until youre no longer beginning/ Youre winning.

Gorman told Ewing she was inspired to write Something, Someday about two years ago, after shed written Fury and Faith, a poem for adults addressing the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in 2020. She noted that she wanted to have a book that was accessible for children to read that would impart the message that individual actions do matter.

Noting that both Gorman and Robinson are both native Californians, Ewing asked whether the two share a common "a sense of place" in their work. Gorman said that the "vibrancy of color in Robinsons signature style of illustration was something she "took for granted being a Californian, adding that she has always considered vibrant colors in daily life to be normal. Gorman said when she came east to go to college at Harvard, she must have looked like a rainbow had vomited on me.

Acknowledging that she is not a visual artist, she said that she tries to evoke "the vibrancy that was all around her growing up in Los Angeles in her words. "I try to give priority to words that awaken the best parts of humanity. I dont talk about grief or loneliness. Thats all there. But how can I use that as bridges to another language of hope and love and togetherness? I think thats part of the particular magic of being a poet: how do you get people to think about something, often in a roundabout way, how do you get them to come there on their own path?

Asked about their collaborative creative process, Gorman noted that it was as if the two were in an echo chamber together. Notably, the two did not communicate with one another during the process of creating the picture book together, and in fact did not meet in person until this talk at ALA. But there were unspoken energies, they tapped into, Gorman said, even though they worked separately.

 I never felt more emboldened in my life, it was like I felt like I was spewing fire. 

I knew that my text was going to be taken care of, Gorman explained, by someone who has such tenderness and care, whos going through that labor with me. This feeling, she said, released her from "having to do poems in a typical way," enabling her "to sit and be a little more pre-possessed about what that work is. Christian wasnt in the room while I was writing, but he was in my heart while I was writing. And the book is better for it.

Id heard of Amanda, Robinson, who has won a Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Honors for his work, added, so there was a spirit with me. There was hope, there was possibility, and I was holding onto that, a seed of hope.

While Gorman lives in Los Angeles, and Robinson lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, the two had never met in person before Tuesday morning.

Praising Something, Someday, Ewing said the book makes space for sadness, it makes space for disappointment, and also makes space for making the time to count your wins, which I think is really important in organizing. Its really important in activism to stop and count your wins even when you feel overwhelmed. She asked Gorman and Robinson if there were "moments when you have recently found yourself saying, its okay to be sad, which is a line in the book? And what are some of the moments where you found yourself saying, I feel hopeful, happy or loved, which is another line in the book?

Robinson responded by speaking movingly about his sorrow regarding his mother, who struggles with addiction and mental health issues. Just that feeling of hopelessness, when you see someone harming themselves, and youre not sure how to engage or help. That makes me sad. What gives me hope is, every time I share that with people, I am always met with love and a healing reminder that were all connected.

Gorman also acknowledged her grief when she heard that that her book, The Hill We Climb, titled for the poem that she had recited at President Bidens inauguration, had been restricted in a Florida school after one complaint was lodged against it.

That was like, a punch to the gut, she said. In a reference to the series Game of Thrones, she recalled that her initial response included the sentiment, Burn it all, burn it all. She then realized, she said, Wow, how much power is this grief giving me? I never felt more emboldened in my life, it was like I felt like I was spewing fire. She described herself as being raised up and it taught me to change my dream into hope, into being more inspired than ever.

Its a grief-inducing process, Ewing said, in words that were directed at Gorman but could have applied to every librarian present. Your grief and your rage are really important.

Asked for his favorite section of the book, Robinson recited the lines, Youre scared and confused, youre angry/ And maybe, just maybe, a little hopeful. He then related that he illustrated that page with a dandelion popping up through a pile of garbage. I love dandelions, Robinson said, explaining their role in the eco-system. And garbage is real, its smelly, and its inconvenient. But if we are mindful, if we know to handle it with care and skill, something beautiful can come out of it.

I dont think theres a better illustrator out there than Christian at representing what hope feels like, Gorman responded. He brought my words to life in a way that my words hadnt even done.

The keynote closed what has been a resurgent ALA Annual Conference, with nearly 16,000 librarians and library supporters gathering over the last five days. In her remarks to librarians at the closing session, outgoing ALA president Lessa Pelayo-Lozada celebrated the courage librarians have demonstrated in weathering the pandemic, and an unprecedented wave of book bans and attacks on the profession.

Resistance is its own reward," Pelayo-Lozada said. "Thank you for being resisters this year. Thank you for being brave.
Publishing is a term that is more elastic than one might expect and there are large blind spots that the industry misses, resulting in a miscalculation of estimated industry sales, argued Austrian publishing consultant Ruediger Wischenbart in his presentation to the Readmagine publishing conference in Madrid earlier this month. The industry now consists not only of publishing houses that produce traditional print books and digital products, but publishing communities, like Rebel Girls, digital platforms like Wattpad, and interactive audiobook platforms, such as Tonibox, which are preferred by teenagers and twenty-somethings.

Focusing on the Korean platform Webtoon, which earned $577 million in revenue in 2019, Wischenbart pointed to the success of Lore Olympus, a series of 180 episodic webtoons that has attracted 5.3 million readers. Webtoon has also been boosted by collaborations with Netflix, which has adapted several stories into series, including All of Us Are Dead, which became a virtuous circle by generating more views and new users on Webtoons of the original story and others.

Wischenbart produces an annual report on the world's top 50 largest publishing houses, which is co-sponsored by PW. One of the major blind spots when measuring publishing sales, he said, was the absence of numerous companies that operate in tandem with traditional print publishing. He pointed to such companies as Wattpad and Webtoon, as well as hybrid companies such as Amazon. which operates its own publishing group and its own self-publishing division, Kindle Direct Publishing, and Storytel, which offers audiobook streaming and sales in more than two dozen countries and purchased several legacy publishing houses in the Nordic countries, including Norstedts in Sweden and Gummerus in Finland.

This ultimately distorts the size of global publishing, as these companies are having a tangible impact on book sales, likely shifting consumption patterns in a way that is not yet obvious, but is nonetheless meaningful. For example, Storytel has been extremely influential in Sweden, where revenue for e-books, digital audiobooks and streaming is now higher than for print; Germany, too, has seen a steady decline in traditional print book sales; in France, one in four books sold is now a comic or manga title, and in 2022 the format accounted for 85 million copies sold, representing revenue of 921 million euros.

In the U.S., revenue from e-book sales from traditional publishers has slid, while Amazon has been raising the amount of bonus revenue paid to those who self-publish on its platform, suggesting that the growth in digital self-publishing is outpacing that from traditional publishers.

Ultimately, he concluded, the book has morphed into a variety of shapes and forms and functionalities, that are available on a number of cross media platforms, from streaming and snackable short-form services like TikTok, to serialized works and content that appears on multiple-platforms at once. The change, asserted Wischenbart, means publishing has transformed from an industry that primarily produces and sells books to one that services authors and audiences.
Wenbin Yu, a professor in Purdue Universitys School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, will be the primary investigator on a project with commercial software provider AnalySwift LLC and the University of Texas at Arlington to create DATC, or Design tool for Advanced Tailorable Composites. NASA has awarded AnalySwift LLC a two-year, $799,954 Phase II STTR contract for the research. (Photo provided by Wenbin Yu)

Company to develop and release DATC, a design tool for engineers at NASA and in other industries to design, analyze lightweight structures

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  NASA has awarded a $799,954 Phase II STTR contract to AnalySwift LLC, a Purdue University-affiliated commercial software provider. The company will develop DATC, or Design tool for Advanced Tailorable Composites, and launch it at the end of the two-year contract.

Allan Wood, AnalySwift president and CEO, said advancements in simulation capabilities have not always kept pace with those in manufacturing techniques. He said DATC will significantly improve NASAs capabilities to design and analyze aerospace structures made from advanced tailorable composites.

DATC will be used to design next-generation aerospace structures, such as hybrid/blended wing bodies, space launch vehicles, space habitats and payload attach fittings, Wood said. These structures made from advanced tailorable composites will be lightweight and have enhanced performance.

Traditional composites consist of straight fibers in a matrix, which make predicting their properties more straightforward, Wood said. Advanced tailorable composites are not limited to straight fibers.

These materials include tow-steered composites, in which fibers are steered along curvilinear paths instead of traditional straight paths, and variable thickness composites in which layers, often called plies, vary in thickness or drop off altogether. The materials can be reinforced with either continuous or short fibers, Wood said.

This customization can facilitate drastic reductions in structural weights and/or improvements in the load-bearing capacity, though the increased complexity renders it much more difficult to accurately predict their properties.

AnalySwift will integrate several tools to create DATC.

DATC will be based on mechanics of structure genome, or MSG, and its companion code SwiftComp, which was developed at Purdue University, Wood said. It also will include third-party structural solver tools, a general-purpose optimizer and a machine learning package. These tools will be integrated into a unified and intuitive design framework.

Wood said without a simulation tool for advanced tailorable composites, engineers must rely only on costly and time-consuming physical experiments instead of supplementing them with virtual testing and design.

This often leads components to be overbuilt and over budget, Wood said.

Wenbin Yu, a professor in Purdues School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, is the principal investigator on the development of DATC. Su Tian of AnalySwift and professor Xin Liu of the University of Texas at Arlington are co-investigators.

"This project will use the mechanics of structure genome and the companion code SwiftComp, recently developed at Purdue, to provide efficient yet accurate solutions for advanced tailorable composites, Yu said.

Wood said AnalySwift expects to complete DATC when the Phase II project ends in December 2024.

We plan to release DATC to NASA engineers and others interested in this product, Wood said. Engineers can use DATC to create innovative, lightweight solutions for systems critical for national security, the environment, transportation, the economy and more. Besides NASA, other related government agencies and industries will be benefit from using DATC to design better engineering systems with reduced experiments and further adjustments, which lowers engineering time and cost.

In 2022 AnalySwift received two Phase I STTR contracts from NASA, a one-year contract for $120,000 and a 13-month contract for $156,000. The company licenses Purdue University intellectual property through the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization. This work was also supported by Elevate Ventures and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

About AnalySwift

AnalySwift LLC is a provider of composite simulation software, which enables an unprecedented combination of efficiency and accuracy, including multiphysics structural and micromechanics modeling. Drawing on cutting-edge university technology, AnalySwifts powerful solutions save orders of magnitude in computing time without a loss of accuracy so users can consider more design options and arrive at the best solution more quickly. The technologies deliver the accuracy of detailed 3D FEA at the efficiency of simple engineering models. SwiftComp was developed at Purdue University and licensed from the Purdue Research Foundation. Contact AnalySwift at info@analyswift.com.

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to todays toughest challenges. Ranked in each of the last five years as one of the 10 Most Innovative universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate debt-free. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap at https://stories.purdue.edu.

About Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization

The Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization operates one of the most comprehensive technology transfer programs among leading research universities in the U.S. Services provided by this office support the economic development initiatives of Purdue University and benefit the universitys academic activities through commercializing, licensing and protecting Purdue intellectual property. In fiscal year 2022, the office reported 157 deals finalized with 237 technologies signed, 379 disclosures received and 169 issued U.S. patents. The office is managed by the Purdue Research Foundation, which received the 2019 Innovation and Economic Prosperity Universities Award for Place from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. In 2020, IPWatchdog Institute ranked Purdue third nationally in startup creation and in the top 20 for patents. The Purdue Research Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation created to advance the mission of Purdue University. Contact otcip@prf.org for more information.

Writer/Media contact: Steve Martin, sgmartin@prf.org

Sources: Allan Wood, allanwood@analyswift.com

Wenbin Yu, wenbinyu@purdue.edu
Purdue President Mung Chiang, left, and Rick Cassidy, chairman of TSMC Arizona, met Monday (June 19) for a signing ceremony in the Indianapolis Bottleworks District. Purdue and TSMC extended an ongoing semiconductor partnership, expanding their collaborative scope through additional workforce development and research programs through 2031. (Purdue University photo/Vincent Walter)

Semiconductor contract manufacturer stands as latest industry leader to join universitys global partnerships

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  Purdue University continues to advance semiconductor workforce development by renewing a strong partnership between industry leader Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and the universitys Center for Secure Microelectronics Ecosystem.

The renewal of TSMCs membership in CSME represents the desire by both sides to expand their collaborative scope through additional workforce development and research programs through 2031. CSME started in 2021 as a first-of-its-kind global partnership of academia; industry, including TSMC; and government to advance research and workforce development in designing secure microelectronics.

Additional information

The just-signed memorandum of understanding is the latest in a series of recent Purdue partnerships that expand the universitys global reach in the semiconductor industry, including three transformative agreements signed in May.

As Americas leading semiconductor university in workforce, research and industry partnership, Purdue is excited to renew, update and expand the collaboration with TSMC, especially in light of the recently announced joint activities with key engineering universities in Taiwan in this area, Purdue President Mung Chiang said. This is now the fourth global partnership in less than two months including Belgium, India and Japan  that Purdue has formed to enhance our commitment to the semiconductor ecosystem.

Chiang was joined by Rick Cassidy, chairman of TSMC Arizona, on Monday (June 19) for the agreement signing in the Bottleworks District in Indianapolis, where Purdue is announcing a physical presence in the High Alpha building as part of the new Purdue University in Indianapolis with programs such as the semiconductor degrees.

At TSMC, we firmly believe that investing in talent is the key to sustainable growth and innovation in the semiconductor industry, Cassidy said. This partnership with Purdue University is a testament to our shared commitment to advancing the frontiers of knowledge and driving progress in STEM. Through this collaboration, we aim to cultivate the next generation of innovators and leaders by fostering an environment where academia and industry converge.

As part of the partnership extension, TSMC and Purdue will work in tandem on additional educational and research projects. Additional workforce development activities, graduate fellowships and research assistantships are included in the new agreement.

From the beginning, the aim of CSME was to help ensure a secure supply of semiconductor chips and related products and tools, from the foundry to the packaged system, based on a zero-trust model.

The agreement is the latest as part of the Semiconductors@Purdue initiative, which addresses research and workforce and economic development. TSMC is one of the worlds largest semiconductor contract manufacturers.

Global connections to advance semiconductor research and workforce development are a persistent pursuit at Purdue, which has established a number of international partnerships since May.

On May 21 Chiang signed a landmark international agreement during the G-7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan. The agreement advances Purdues efforts in semiconductor production by partnering with Micron, Tokyo Electron and other educational institutions in the U.S and Japan to establish the UPWARDS Network for workforce advancement and research and development in semiconductors.

Chiang signed another agreement to become the flagship academic partner and collaborator with the government of India. As part of the partnership signed on May 9, Purdue is a key collaborator with India and the India Semiconductor Mission in skilled workforce development and joint research and innovation in the burgeoning fields of semiconductors and microelectronics.

In addition, Purdue, the state of Indiana and the Indiana Economic Development Corp. announced a partnership on May 3 with imec, a Belgium-based semiconductor research and development firm. The trans-Atlantic partnership focuses on bringing together world-class expertise and state-of-the-art technology with the exchange of students, faculty and professionals among Purdue, the state of Indiana and Belgium to foster further collaborative research and innovation capacity.

Since 2022 investments in the future workforce and semiconductor research have also drawn innovative neighbors to Purdue. U.S.-owned semiconductor manufacturer SkyWater Technology and Taiwans MediaTek Inc., the worlds fourth-largest chip designer by revenue, have each in the last year announced partnerships with Purdue.

Purdues Semiconductor Degrees Program addresses the needs of the commercial semiconductor industry by working in close collaboration with 27 senior leaders of the semiconductor industry. The program is a model curriculum to address the critical shortage of talent faced by the U.S. semiconductor industry.

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to todays toughest challenges. Ranked in each of the last five years as one of the 10 Most Innovative universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate debt-free. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap at https://stories.purdue.edu.

Writer: Brian Huchel, bhuchel@purdue.edu
The prologue to Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny offers no surprises. But there is the danger of digitally rejuvenating the myth, a dangerous experience that did not work out too well for Scorsese in the excellent The Irishman by insisting on using the same actors in a story that takes place over many years, from early adulthood to old age. There was a possibility that a technologically de-aged Indiana would not be convincing. But it works, it is successful. The Nazis, eternal enemies of the charming archaeologist, have been roundly defeated, although Hitler and his scientists still believe in miracles that will change history and save them from disaster, especially if they get hold of an all-powerful dial. The pace is as frenetic as it is predictable aboard a train in which one of our heroes, accompanied by a frightened Oxford professor, confronts the uniformed villains to gain possession of an object that could change destiny. Well, weve seen those chases before.

Years go by, and we meet the former hero again, this time on the verge of academic retirement and in a disconsolate state of mind. His wife has left him, the refrigerator is almost empty, the laundry is hanging on the balcony, and breakfast is coffee and a shot of alcohol. All he wants is to finish his class and for his colleagues to stop paying homage to him, and to go and drink morning whiskeys in a bar. The portrait of old age and decline of someone we always imagine as eternally young and invulnerable evokes sadness and nostalgia. All this is fleeting because we know that epic and adventure still need him.

And then comes the return to action to save the world in the company of his goddaughter, a woman I dont find attractive at all, and a kid from Tangiers who I dont find funny at all. And in this part, there are chases and fights we have already seen many times that develop a script that is too routine, too predictable. It gets better in the final act. It has occurred to them that Indiana Jones and his friends can travel back in time to save mankind from the diabolical plans hatched by a Nazi scientist, who was hired by NASA after the war. The story picks up with the guy with the hat and whip meeting the brilliant mathematician Archimedes, who apparently made everything up countless years ago in the beleaguered city of Syracuse.

Steven Spielberg did not direct the latest adventure of the indelible character he and George Lucas invented 40 years ago. Here, both are involved only as executive producers. Spielberg has been replaced by James Mangold. Nor does he appear in the script, written by three other people. Although it is, as is almost always the case, a commercial operation of grandiose proportions and one that cannot fail, I would like to think that with Spielberg steering the ship the farewell would have been more brilliant. What about Harrison Ford? Well, at 80 years of age, he is holding up very well. Physical decrepitude has not taken its toll on him. And the aura remains. I dont know what the new generations will think of him, but the older ones have always liked him a lot. He has that something that is so difficult to imitate. He has played Han Solo and Indiana Jones, a mythology that is difficult to match. Although, the two Ford performances that I always come back to are the ones in Blade Runner and Witness. And long may adventure films continue to survive. There are some formidable films in that genre, but Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny left me neither hot nor cold. I am eager to soak up memorable adventures again. Such as those that occur in the wonderful The Man who would be King and The Wind and the Lion.

INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY Director: James Mangold.

Cast: Harrison Ford, Mads Mikkelsen, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Antonio Banderas, Boyd Holbrook.

Genre: Adventure. United States, 2023.

Duration: 154 minutes.

Premiere: June 28.

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Ukraine's dogged resistance to Russian aggression surprised many experts who anticipated a rapid Russian victory. It also elevated the importance of understanding a nation's resolve to resist aggression as a critical determinant of war outcomes. Ukraine's example naturally raises questions about Taiwan, which faces a similar potential threat of aggression from a powerful neighbor.

Taiwan's capacity to resist high-end attack is an issue of top importance to the United States. Any U.S. military intervention in a China-Taiwan clash carries a high risk of escalation to major war. Washington and the U.S. public might opt against intervention if Taiwan's military rapidly collapsed or if the conflict appeared to be a lost cause. Conversely, a resolute and dogged Taiwanese defense could garner international sympathy and increase the likelihood of U.S. government and public support for intervention.

Taiwan's resolve also plays a critical role in enabling even the possibility of a U.S. intervention. Because the Pacific Ocean is so vast, it could require considerable timepotentially several monthsfor the United States to mobilize sufficient U.S.-based combat power to augment forward-deployed military forces and fight a major contingency in East Asia.

A strong political leadership, a largely unified and cohesive public, and strong public support for a compelling national cause or ideology offer the most durable foundation for a resolute defense. Share on Twitter

In a recently released report, RAND researchers evaluated Taiwan's capacity to resist high-end attack. We considered four factors: political leadership and society, military effectiveness, durability (ability to withstand punishment), and allied military intervention. We concluded that political leadership and society was the most important factor by far. A strong political leadership (in the form of respected national leaders capable of commanding and enforcing the public's loyalty), a largely unified and cohesive public, and strong public support for a compelling national cause or ideology offer the most durable foundation for a resolute defense.

A prepared and capable military can bolster the effects of political leadership by denying the adversary an easy conquest. By staving off imminent defeat, Taiwan's military could prolong the conflict and allow time for foreign intervention to arrive and for international sympathy to strengthen. Severe disruption to the economy and infrastructure of the islandalong with mounting civilian and military casualtiesmay bolster public resolve in the initial phases of the conflict, but over the longer term, those disruptions are likely to erode public support for the war.

The promise of U.S. intervention offers an additional important resource for infusing determination and resolve, but the effects of promised intervention will depend both on the state of the island's political leadership and military capabilities and on the nature and scope of promised U.S. aid. In general, the weaker that Taiwan's political leadership and its military are, the earlier and more robust the U.S. intervention must be to maximize the prospect that Taiwan will avoid defeat.

Our study raises several implications for U.S. planners and policymakers. First, analysts should pay particularly close attention to the quality and strength of the island's political leadership and degree of social cohesion in the lead up to a crisis and conflict for insight into the island's ability to withstand a large-scale Chinese attack. All other variables, to include the state of its military and the island's enduring vulnerabilities, should be regarded as of secondary importance.

Paradoxically, an evaluation of the island's political leadership in peacetime sheds little insight into how it will perform at war. In Ukraine, this point has been underscored by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's leadership, which appeared unremarkable in peace but bold and inspiring in war. This is because the circumstances of how and why a conflict begins can significantly impact a leadership's resolve and the population's cohesiveness. Since we cannot predict what circumstances will be, it is thus extremely difficult if not impossible to estimate how Taiwan's leadership may perform in war.

Second, Taiwan's disadvantage in the quantity of armaments and troops does not necessarily doom it to defeat. Taiwan can take important steps to improve the effectiveness of its military. However, even if Taiwan's military dramatically improved its combat effectiveness, China's military advantage ( PDF ) will likely continue to grow owing to the enormous resource imbalance. Given these trends, Taiwan's ability to withstand a major Chinese attack will increasingly hinge on the strength of its political leadership and social cohesion above all other factors.

Taiwan's ability to withstand a major Chinese attack will increasingly hinge on the strength of its political leadership and social cohesion above all other factors. Share on Twitter

Third, the impact of severe casualties and economic loss likely would cut two ways in a major war. Initially, Taiwan's public likely would rally around the national leadership in favor of resistance to an aggressive China. However, over the long term, heavy costs of conflict likely would erode public support for continuing the war. Public backing for a war to defend against a Chinese attack could fade after an initial surge of support. How public support changes over time could vary, depending on the strength of the island's political leadership and degree of social cohesion, however.

Finally, U.S. military intervention will continue to remain important for Taiwan's ability to withstand a large-scale Chinese attack, owing to the island's vulnerability and military disadvantages. A well-led and socially cohesive Taiwan might be able to mount a determined resistance for perhaps many months, but over time the island's vulnerability and the military's inferiority would likely take a severe toll. Absent a robust U.S. military intervention, Taiwan's government would be severely challenged to withstand a determined all-out Chinese attack indefinitely.

Timothy R. Heath is a senior international defense researcher at the nonpartisan, nonprofit RAND Corporation.

This commentary originally appeared on The Diplomat on June 27, 2023. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis.
America's troubled relationship with facts is putting national security at risk. A recent RAND paper warned that Truth Decaythe diminishing role of facts and analysis in public lifecould weaken our military, costs us credibility with our allies, and calls into question our ability to respond to the next big crisis.

Experts from across RAND described Truth Decay as a huge vulnerability, an obvious one, a strong weapon in the hands of our adversaries. Yet the full extent of the damage we are doing to ourselves is only just beginning to come into focus.

We're stuck in a cycle, said Caitlin McCulloch, an associate political scientist at RAND who coauthored the paper. Polarization is feeding into Truth Decay, Truth Decay is feeding into polarization, and round and round we go. The harm that cycle is doing to our national security has not been fully explored.

Truth Decay is more than just a fact-free rant on cable television or a conspiracy theory bouncing around social media. RAND uses the term to describe a society pulling apart over basic facts, with opinion too often standing in for analysis and debates hardening into distrust. It helps explain why nearly two-thirds of Americans in a recent NPR/Ipsos poll said U.S. democracy is in crisis and at risk of failing.

Not so long ago, political experts assumed foreign policy and national security were above the public fray. They were the domain of diplomats, intelligence agents, and other career specialists. The average person on the street couldn't find most countries on a map, the thinking wentmuch less have a meaningful impact on the affairs of state. One pundit in the 1950s described the public as a prehistoric monster when it comes to foreign affairswith a body as long as this room and a brain the size of a pin.

Public opinionoften shaped by politicians and other leaderscan exert a powerful force on questions of war, peace, and national security. That gives Truth Decay a way in. Share on Twitter

That's not the going theory anymore. Research has shown that public opinionoften shaped by politicians and other leaderscan exert a powerful force on questions of war, peace, and national security. A 2019 study, for example, found that members of the Israeli parliament were 16 percentage points more likely to authorize a military strike when they thought that's what the public wanted. That gives Truth Decay a way in.

RAND has worked for years now to better understand and combat Truth Decay. It has shown how America's media echo chambers feed into Truth Decay; how online trolls from Russia and China exploit it; how it fires up controversies over everything from racial justice to mask mandates. But researchers had not fully assessed the many ways that Truth Decay could harm national security.

McCulloch and coauthor Heather Williams, a former intelligence officer, decided that needed to change. They convened focus groups and interviews with nearly three dozen experts at RAND, specialists in military strategy, terrorism, foreign policy, history, and political science. They asked the experts to identify vulnerabilitiessome obvious, some notwhere Truth Decay could undercut national security. They defined national security broadly, as the safeguarding of people, places, and the American way of life.

The experts generally agreed that Truth Decay is getting worse. Several said they think political leaders now lie more shamelessly and more constantly about issues of national security. Some had worked in the Intelligence Community and described trying to brief very ideological policymakers who would sometimes reject assessments that didn't fit their views.

Those expert insights allowed McCulloch and Williams to begin piecing together a much bigger picture of Truth Decay and national security. They developed a framework to help the public, policymakers, and future researchers better understand the risks and guard against them.

Framework for Identifying Vulnerabilities That Impact Truth Decay The individual level focuses on human actors, including leaders, policy decisionmakers, and members of the public. The institutional level focuses on institutions or structures of governance, such as Congress, the military services, and the Intelligence Community. The societal level focuses on impacts on societywhether U.S. society or the societies of U.S. allies or adversariesand usually indicates broader trends, such as domestic stability or economic stability. The normative level focuses on impacts at the conceptual or norm-based level, such as belief in the traditions, customs, or best practices of the country, including democracy and civic pride.

It starts with individualsthose average people on the street as well as political leaders, now more rigid in their beliefs and more isolated in their news bubbles. That growing polarization is driving important policy debates to extremes. Pew polls in 2021 found that people who rely mostly on right- or left-leaning news sources have much sharper views of China than other people, even in their own political party.

From there, Truth Decay attacks American institutions. Spreading through Congress, it gums up the gears of effective government and raises real doubts that politicians could pull together in a crisis. But it also strikes at the military, threatening to undermine unit cohesion, and undercuts confidence in the Intelligence Community. In an age of dizzying technological advance and rapidly multiplying threats, it makes it that much harder to recruit the brightest minds to government service.

It also hurts America on the world stage. As Russia massed troops and tanks on its border with Ukraine in 2022, the U.S. released evidence that the Kremlin was planning to fake a Ukrainian attack as a pretext for war. The impact that intelligence had on world opinion depended on American credibilityand American credibility is directly in the path of Truth Decay.

China, Russia, and other adversaries already know this. They have weaponized disinformationseeding the internet with rumors and conspiracy theories in the panicked early days of COVID-19, for example. That helped slow the response and almost certainly cost lives. But it also makes it harder to hold up American democracy as a model for the world.

Photo by guvendemir/Getty Images

You could walk up to most Americans and ask them, 'What are our national interests?' and there would actually be a lot of agreement, said Williams, the associate director of the International Security and Defense Policy Program at RAND. Now, how do we achieve those national interests? There are lots of legitimate views about thatbut Truth Decay makes it harder for people to have a reasoned debate. Partisanship and political self-interest get pushed to such an extreme that there is no middle ground where compromises, let alone consensus, can be achieved.

But she added: This doesn't have to be a bad-news story. Truth Decay doesn't have to be the villain behind every storyline.

RAND's framework points to opportunities to fight back. The U.S. Intelligence Community, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and other government agencies are already investing in efforts to swat down misinformation and disinformation before they take hold. Efforts to strengthen media literacy and civics education in school could also help strengthen the public against Truth Decay, especially on questions of national security.

Political moderates should also raise their voices more and present facts and analysis as nonpartisan. The military, which still has widespread public trust, can play this role as well. Tech and social media companies bear significant responsibility for the spread of Truth Decay, the researchers noted, and should do more to moderate what they allow on their platforms.

The need is urgent. The United States relies on the strength and credibility of its institutions, both at home and around the world. That makes it vulnerable to the corrosive effects of Truth Decay in a way that many of its adversaries are not. There is no Truth Decay in North Korea, one of the RAND experts pointed out. There is only [what the state calls] the Truth.

Doug Irving
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend a reception in honor of the Chinese leader's visit to Moscow, at the Kremlin in Moscow, on March 21, 2023.

Chinas muted reaction to the Wagner mercenary group uprising against Russias military belies Beijings growing anxieties over the war in Ukraine and how this affects the global balance of power. Chinas ruling Communist Party called the swift end of the 22-hour revolt Moscows internal affair, with state media affirming Chinas support for Russia.

Chinese observers said the incident showed how overblown Western rhetoric was regarding the Russian internal conflict and that President Vladimir Putins hold on power remains secure. But the uprising also threatens to deepen growing anxieties in Beijing over Russias war in Ukraine, given Chinas limited ability to influence the situation.

China has maintained a consistent position on the war: neutral on paper, but favoring Russia in practice, with frequent state visits and joint military drills between the two nations. Its a delicate balance, calibrated carefully to avoid damaging relations with Russia or Europe, both of which Beijing sees as critical to countering American power.

That stance continues. But in recent months, government advisors have expressed increasing frustration with Russia behind closed doors, feeling Beijing is increasingly being dragged around by Moscows risk-taking behavior, according to interviews with Chinese and foreign academics and diplomats.

Some draw comparisons with Chinas relationship with North Korea, whose leadership exasperates Beijing at times with erratic behavior but nonetheless benefits from Chinese economic aid and diplomatic support.

The Wagner rebellion has likely raised doubts about whether Beijing made the right bet in designating the Kremlin, and Putin specifically, as a close ally and partner, said Patricia M. Kim, an expert on Chinese politics and foreign policy at the Brookings Institution think tank in Washington, D.C.

Chinese leaders must be concerned that Chinas strategic alignment with a weakened Russia may turn out to be a net burden rather than a plus to Chinas strategic interests, Kim said.

Chinese state military academics worry about Russias underwhelming performance in the war. It raises questions over Chinas military structures, which were heavily influenced by the former Soviet Union.

China is also seen as closely watching the conflict in Ukraine for indications of possible ramifications to its threat to enforce a blockade, invade or coerce the self-governing island of Taiwan, a close U.S. ally, into accepting Communist Party control.

As to the recent developments in Russia, China realizes that the system is more brittle than they thought, that Putin is more incompetent than they would love to see, said Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center

What leads to this frustration to an extent is that China cannot do anything about it, he said.

China has embarked on a flurry of diplomacy in recent months, positioning itself as a neutral mediator in the conflict. Chinese leader Xi Jinping met Putin in Moscow and called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier this year, and published a 12-point proposal urging the two sides to come to the negotiating table.

The prospects for a peace deal are slim at the moment, and even Chinese experts acknowledge behind closed doors that Beijings proposal is unrealistic.

Chinas real goal in calling for negotiations, analysts say, is to convince Europe that it is acting in good faith and prevent relations from deteriorating. Chinese officials bristle at U.S. attempts to portray Beijing as a backer of Moscow, seeing it as an attempt to alienate Europe from China.

Its not that China wants to be closer to Russia. Its that the U.S. is forcing that, Wang Huiyao, a Chinese foreign policy advisor and president of the Center for China and Globalization, a Beijing-based think tank.

Still, the two countries share common grievances against Washington. Chinese and Russian officials have both had travel and financial sanctions imposed against them by the U.S., and watch U.S.-led military alliances warily.

Chinese foreign policy experts are worried that the war has revitalized NATO and the U.S. alliance with Europe, and fret that this could prompt a renewal of American alliances in East Asia.

Chinese military experts grilled Western diplomats in private about reports that NATO might open a liaison office in Japan, worried that it might represent the expansion of the organizations interests in East Asia, three people with knowledge of the matter told The Associated Press.

A civil war or major political conflict in Russia would have a definite impact on relations between Beijing and Moscow, particularly with the Chinese president seeing the two aligning to challenge the U.S.-led liberal world order.

Historically, the U.S. never trusted Russia and has always attempted to dismember it into smaller countries. To the United States, Russia and China are their major threats, said Li Xin, director of the Institute of European and Asian Studies of Shanghai University of Political Science and Law.

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Overall, video and audio content was streamed a record 50.3 million times across BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds by 27 June 2023. On BBC iPlayer, viewers streamed sets and Glastonbury programming a record 47.5 million times, up 49% on the year before. The Glastonbury live channel proved the most popular on BBC iPlayer with the Sunday headliner slot from Sir Elton John at the Pyramid Stage, toppied the charts after it was streamed 4.3 million times. Saturdays live channel came second, with 3.8 million streams, Fridays live channel third with 3.2 million streams - and live coverage from the Pyramid and The Other Stage followed with 2.1 million and 1.9 million streams respectively.The digital figures follow the news that a record 21.6 million people, over a third of the UK population, watched the BBCs Glastonbury TV coverage with over 40 hours of linear programming available to audiences. The audience was up 7% on last year across linear television. Elton Johns headline set on BBC One received the biggest ever overnight audience for a Glastonbury set with a 5 min peak overnight audience of 7.6 million and average of 7.3 million, representing a 48.9% share.Following a recent multi-year extension, the BBC is Glastonbury Festival's exclusive, multimedia broadcast partner. Glastonbury 2023 had more live coverage than ever before with a record number of hours on BBC One and more programming in the lead up.The BBC delivered over 40 hours of linear coverage across its TV channels, 85 hours of live radio broadcasts, content on BBC Sounds, and an increase in scale and accessibility on BBC iPlayer, with even more themed and live streams. Also on BBC iPlayer, audiences were also able to move between continuous live streams from the five main festival stages and watch the Pyramid Stage in Ultra HD.Commenting on the audiences generated by Glastonbury, Lorna Clarke, director of music said: This year audiences got to enjoy an unbeatable range of performances from this iconic festival wherever and whenever they wanted to. Its fantastic that record numbers streamed our content  a whopping 50.3 million times on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds  as people got to witness the range and breadth of what took place at Worthy Farm over the weekend. From headliner sets to live shows and specially curated content, our new Glasto-Cam and the BSL stream, we had something for everyone.BBC iPlayers Glastonbury Channel continues until Friday 30 June with over 90 sets available on demand for the coming weeks.
Youre not even hearing anything from the organization thats supposed be helping you, says Adele Fox, above, a COVID vaccine sufferer who's struggling to return to her normal life. The phone keeps ringing, no one is emailing, nobody is doing anything.



June 28, 2023 By Christian Britschgi , RealClearInvestigationsJune 28, 2023

In April 2021, Adele Fox received a single shot of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. Within a few hours, the 60-year-old resident of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, started feeling shooting pains in her legs, arms, and neck. The pain didnt abate over the next few days. Instead, it got worse and was accompanied by nausea and debilitating fatigue.

The COVID-19 vaccine compensation program has rejected almost every claim brought to it, awarding less than $10,000 since the pandemic. Within a few weeks, neurologists affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital diagnosed her with several serious conditions they say were a result of her COVID-19 vaccine, including small-fiber neuropathy (which causes a painful tingling in the extremities) and Sjogrens Syndrome (which leaves patients pained and fatigued, and in extreme cases, can damage internal organs).

This shot, which was supposed to get Fox back to normal, instead left her with diminished ability to work and enjoy life. Persistent physical therapy and experimental treatments shes taken since have done little to alleviate her symptoms.

I used to do so much, and now its a struggle, she says. Sometimes you just get down.

With her medical bills mounting and her condition not improving, Fox sought compensation for her damaged health. Federal liability protections prevent the vaccine-injured from directly suing vaccine manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson. Instead, claimants have to go to the federal government for compensation.

But as Fox would soon learn, the government has two starkly different injury programs for vaccines. One operates like a civil court with a neutral judge, lawyers on both sides, and a guaranteed right of appeal. In recent decades, it has approved about 75% of claims and pays out hundreds of millions of dollars per year.

The other, which handles COVID-19 vaccines, has rejected almost every claim brought to it, awarding less than $10,000 since the pandemic. And in a nation nearly numb to the pandemic's toll and its scandals, the program is adding seething frustration atop lasting injury to Fox and people like her in a little reported aftermath to the governments much criticized performance on vaccines  ranging from erratic booster advice to broad-brush vaccine mandates that cost people their jobs.

Fox filed her claim two years ago, submitting hundreds of pages of medical documents about her condition and diagnoses. Shes nevertheless one of the 10,887 people still waiting on a decision. Youre not even hearing anything from the organization thats supposed be helping you, she says. The phone keeps ringing, no one is emailing, nobody is doing anything.

The federal agency overseeing the program, the Health Resources and Services Administration, said in a statement to RealClearInvestigations that the current number of claims significantly exceeds the previous volume in the program and that the program has hired additional staff to address this growth in claims, and the Presidents budget requests additional funding to support the additional staffing needed to process claims.

The process looks easy. It isn't, say COVID vaccine sufferers who are still waiting. Tale of Two Compensation Programs

The governments two contrasting vaccine compensation programs are similarly named and thus easily confused. The first, Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) was created in the 1980s and covers most routine vaccines. The second, the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP), is a result of war-on-terror legislation in 2005 and now covers COVID-19 vaccines. Their bureaucratic differences help explain why a nation that has spent trillions of dollars on COVID relief programs has provided almost no assistance to people harmed by the vaccines that the government encouraged, and sometimes required, them to take.

The earlier program was supposed to shore up pharmaceutical companies willingness to make childhood vaccines in the face of persistent vaccine injury lawsuits, while also giving the vaccine-injured a fair and expedited process for compensation.

The vaccine-injured would not sue pharmaceutical companies. Instead, theyd petition the government in Federal Claims Court, where special masters (judges) would decide cases. Compensation came from a government-administered trust fund paid for by excise taxes levied on vaccine manufacturers.

Renee Gentry, vaccine injury lawyer: The COVID program has a much higher bar and a much lower rate of successful claims. Between 2006 and 2021, this court adjudicated cases from 10,602 petitioners and issued compensation to 7,618 of them. The compensation trust fund sits at $4 billion and pays out about $200 million in compensation and attorneys fees each year.

This earlier program bears little resemblance to the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program, where the COVID-vaccine cases of Fox and many others are languishing.

It was meant to incentivize pharmaceutical companies to be part of the federal response to one-off, one-in-a-million events like a bioweapon attack or an outbreak of a deadly pandemic. Although almost one billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in the United States, and health authorities say boosters could become as common as the annual flu shot, it remains the only way people harmed by the shot can receive compensation.

It's far from guaranteed theyll get it.

Before the pandemic, this program received a little over 500 claims and had paid out compensation to only 30 people  mostly for H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine injuries. In just the past two years, it has been asked to make decisions on over 10,000 injury claims related to COVID countermeasures.

As of June, it made decisions on just 919 of these COVID-related claims and rejected 894 of them. It has so far paid out only $8,593 in compensation to just four people who were injured by a COVID vaccine. The program has deemed another 20 people eligible for compensation, but has yet to pay them.

Its not a judicial process either. Rather, its an administrative process overseen by Health Resources and Services Administration, which is housed within Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). People file a claim and government medical reviewers decide whether to pay out or not. Thats an awkward arrangement, given that HHS is deciding whether to pay for damages caused by products it approved and in some cases mandated. Because its an administrative process, theres no right to counsel and no neutral arbitrator. A denied claimant can file for reconsideration with HRSA, but otherwise has no right to appeal.

Unlike the earlier program, the CICP offers no compensation for pain and suffering and doesnt pay attorneys fees. Most successful claimants have received compensation totaling a few hundred dollars or a few thousand dollars. The highest award for a COVID-19 vaccine injury sufferer was $3,957.66 to a person who got myocarditis (a heart condition) from a vaccine.

It also has shorter filing deadlines. People have to file a claim within one year of vaccination, a much shorter window than the earlier programs standard of three years from the onset of symptoms. Of the 894 claims that CICP has rejected, 444 of them were for missing the filing deadline.

CICP also only awards compensation in cases where theres compelling, reliable, valid, medical, and scientific evidence that someones injury is linked to a covered countermeasure. HRSA describes this as a high evidentiary standard. Renee Gentry, a practicing vaccine injury lawyer who directs the Vaccine Injury Litigation Clinic at George Washington University, says its a much higher bar than what the earlier vaccine injury compensation program requires, which contributes to a much lower rate of successful claims.

The Countermeasures Injury Compensation Programs nature as a small emergency program has seen its capacity strained by a flood of COVID-related injury claims. Of the 11,806 COVID-related claims filed, 10,887 are still pending. Those four cases where COVID compensation was paid out didnt come until after April 2023, over two years since the first vaccines were administered.

Pain and Suffering

The shortcomings of CICP are all too apparent for the people who are forced to wade through it. Even folks who seem to have done everything right are left waiting or disappointed by the program.

Fox filed her claim in May 2021, which was relatively early in the immunization campaign. She also had clear diagnoses from well-credentialed doctors linking her conditions to her COVID-19 vaccination. Fox says she provided the program with no shortage of documentation as well.

The COVID vaccine compensation program has a shorter filing deadline, in contrast with three years in an earlier program. After filing all that paperwork, she hasnt been idle either. After months of not hearing anything back from CICP, Fox started to reach out repeatedly to anyone she thought might be able to move the needle. She spoke repeatedly with representatives from Sen. Jeanne Shaheens and Rep. Chris Pappas offices. She also kept calling program administrators, trying to figure out what was taking so long.

Im sure they saw my number, and said Ah, Fox, oh no, not her [again], she jokes.

Her congressional representatives did reach out to CICP on her behalf. That was at least effective at getting program administrators to call Fox personally twice, once in July 2022 and again in June 2023. But each time, they could only offer her reassurance that her paperwork had been received. On both calls, Fox says she was told that the program was vastly overburdened by the flood of COVID-19 claims it had received. She, like thousands of others, would have to wait.

The few decisions on COVID-19 claims that have trickled out havent offered much relief to the people whove received them. That includes Cody Flint, one of the 894 people whove had their COVID-related claims rejected.

Flint was vaccinated in February 2021, when he received a single Pfizer dose. He says that he started to feel headaches and had affected vision within 30 minutes of the shot. He was still experiencing symptoms two days later when he headed to his job as a crop-dusting pilot.

While flying that day, he started to experience extreme tunnel vision, followed by a sensation he describes as a bomb [going] off in my head. He barely managed to get his plane back to his runway, where his coworkers found him slumped over his controls and shaking.

He was diagnosed with perilymphatic fistula (or tear of the inner ear) caused by elevated intracranial pressure  which could only be relieved through repeated draining of his spinal fluid. Given the timing of his symptoms and the fact that hed passed a flight physical just a couple weeks prior, his doctors said his condition was almost certainly caused by the vaccine. His injury prevented him from returning to work as a pilot, and his mounting medical bills saw him draw down all of his savings.

In April 2021, Flint filed a claim. In May 2022  just a few weeks after Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith asked HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra about his case specifically in a committee hearing  Flints claim was rejected. The programs medical reviewers told Flint that it was more likely his injuries were caused by barotrauma from flying a plane.

He petitioned for a reconsideration of his case. His doctors argued that there was no way hed have experienced barotrauma from flying just a few hundred feet off the ground. Commercial airliners, they noted, are pressurized at 6,000 to 8,000 feet of elevation. Flints lawyers also submitted recent studies linking the symptoms hed experienced to COVID-19 vaccinations.

Nevertheless, a separate medical reviewer at HRSA upheld the CICPs initial denial in January 2023. That letter succinctly stated that HHS has no appeals process beyond this reconsideration and there is no judicial review of a final action concerning CICP eligibility.

Efforts at Reform

The federal governments liability protections for COVID-19 vaccines arent scheduled to expire until the end of 2024. Once they do, those claiming a vaccine injury will be able to pursue claims against vaccine manufacturers in state courts.

While liability protections remain in effect, the federal program is injured claimants only potential source of compensation.

Christopher A. Dreisbach, React19: You say anything about vaccine injuries, youre branded as anti-vaxxers. We are pro-science, we are not political." Whether or not the HRSA succeeds in boosting staffing in line with its statement to RCI, those seeking compensation have started to get organized. Theyve formed the group React19, which is dedicated to advocating for additional research into the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines. Its grown into a network of tens of thousands of people who say they suffered adverse injuries from the shot. Flint, the pilot, is on its board of directors.

Its a very pro-vaccine community, says Christopher Dreisbach, the groups legal affairs director. You say anything about vaccine injuries, youre branded as anti-vaxxers. We are pro-science, we are not political. Were just dealing with a very politicized issue.

He says the politicization of vaccines has made their efforts at compensation reform a challenge.

When the CICP, and the 2005 Pandemic Response and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act that created it, were first being debated, Republican lawmakers were its main advocates, while its main critics were Democrats. The partisan politics of the program and liability protections for pharmaceutical companies has done a 180 since COVID.

In 2005, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee argued during the House floor debate on the PREP Act that the laws liability shield would leave injured healthcare workers with little protection or chance of compensation. Come 2023, she would return to the floor of the House to argue in favor of mandating those same healthcare workers receive a vaccine covered by the PREP Acts liability shield.

Rep. Thomas Massie: I call the PREP Act medical malpractice martial law. The PREP Acts harshest critics during COVID, meanwhile, have mostly been Republicans.

I call the PREP Act medical malpractice martial law, says Rep. Thomas Massie, who complains that its liability shield is both incredibly broad and improperly preempts state law. I think its sort of anathema to the way our government is set up. I found it hard to believe that Congress would pass something, much less that a Republican president would invoke it.

In March 2022, Sen. Mike Lee introduced a bill that would have amended CICP to give claimants the same framework for pursuing compensation as the VICP. They could file in Federal Claims Court and receive an expedited, judicial adjudication of their injury claim.

Gentry argues that it would be far simpler to just move the COVID-19 vaccines into the VICP program, which already has a successful track record of adjudicating injury claims. In order for that to happen under the law that created the VICP, the CDC needs to recommend the vaccines for routine administration to children (which has already happened) and vaccine manufacturers would have to start paying excise taxes. That latter condition will require action from Congress.

VICP needs a number of updates as well, says Gentry, including expanding the number of special masters to handle the backlog of cases and increasing the available levels of compensation (which havent been updated since the 1980s).

Increasing the number of special masters is particularly important if the VICP program is going to be expected to process tens of thousands of COVID claims, she says. But she argues its the best way of getting the vaccine injured out of CICP and into a program that will work for them. If youre taking away someones constitutional right to sue, you really have to give them a reasonable and meaningful alternative and thats what this program is, for all of its faults, says Gentry.

While efforts at reform in Washington lumber on, React19 has started a privately funded compensation program thats thus far paid out $552,000.
iCarly star Nathan Kress is a dad of three.

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The 30-year-old actor recently welcomed his third child, son Lincoln William, with his wife, London Kress.

Kress and his wife also have two daughters, Rosie Carolyn, 5, and Evie Elise, 2.

Kress announced Lincoln's birth Tuesday on Instagram alongside photos of the baby boy. The pictures included snaps of Lincoln with his sisters and the family dog, Penny.

"Rapid-fire life update! 1. We're having a baby! 2. It's a boy! 3. He's here!" Kress captioned the post.

"Lincoln William Kress popped by last week but it's been too much fun around here to have time to talk about it. Little Link is AWESOME, my wife is an absolute champ as always, our girls are the Big Sis dynamic duo, and Penny is veeeeeery interested in the mesmerizing smells that emanate from this weird blob we brought home. Onward to life as a family of [five]."

Kress and London Kress married in November 2015.

Kress played Freddie Benson on the Nickelodeon series iCarly, which had a six-season run from 2007 to 2012. He reprised the role in the iCarly sequel series, which returned for a third season on Paramount+ this month.
Serena Pitt / Instagram

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 06/27/2023



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

The "Bachelor Happy Hour" podcast has returned after a three-month hiatus, and couple Joe Amabile and Serena Pitt are its new co-hosts!Newlyweds Joe and Serena -- who fell in love on 's seventh season in 2021 -- are officially the new co-hosts of the "Bachelor Happy Hour" podcast, which was previously co-hosted by former The Bachelorette stars Becca Kufrin and Michelle Young "Bachelor Happy Hour," which can now be found on iHeartMedia every Tuesday, returned only one day after Charity Lawson 's The Bachelorette season premiered on ABC."We are so excited to be here," Joe said on the podcast's new June 27 episode."We are the new hosts of 'Bachelor Happy Hour,' and we are so beyond excited to be here today," Serena added."We are both husband and wife, and now we're podcast co-hosts to add to the list!"Joe acknowledged how he and Serena "have big shoes to fill," but he insisted, "I am ready to go. New season, new podcast, let's start fresh."Serena often appeared as a guest on Joe's former The Bachelor-themed podcast, "Click Bait with Bachelor Nation," which had featured additional co-hosts such as Natasha Parker and Tia Booth Joe gushed about how he and Serena have "a good flow together" on the air, and Serena agreed, "There's not going to be a lot of surprises. I feel like we also work really well together in day to day life... and in a professional setting."Serena also said she doesn't have any worries about podcasting together.In a statement obtained by BachelorNation.com, the couple said, "We both love podcasting, and getting the opportunity to work together on a podcast about the show we fell in love on is incredibly special to us. The fans have been so supportive of our journey, and we hope they welcome us with open arms."They continued, "It's going to be amazing to have another way to connect with fans, sharing more about our experiences, both on and off screen, in addition to recapping the show alongside our Bachelor Nation friends who share their own love stories!"Later this week, "Bachelor Happy Hour" will be releasing a bonus episode featuring Brayden Bowers , who received Charity's First Impression Rose on The Bachelorette's Season 20 premiere. Becca Kufrin just confirmed she's done with "Bachelor Happy Hour" on Sunday, June 25.Becca, who is currently pregnant with fiance Thomas Jacobs ' baby, wrote on Instagram Stories how "it's just time for some different things," according to Us Weekly.Becca had worked on "Bachelor Happy Hour" for over three years -- "through COVID" and "through some crazy life transitions and big moves and touring," according to Becca."It got me through all for that," Becca continued in her post. "I couldn't have done it without all of you incredible listeners, so thank you for tuning in and standing by me and for all of the support throughout the years. It means the world."Warner Bros. launched "Bachelor Happy Hour" with former The Bachelorette stars Rachel Lindsay and Ali Fedotowsky in July 2019.After Ali, who starred on The Bachelorette's sixth season, left the podcast later in late 2019, Becca took over and co-hosted the podcast with The Bachelorette's Season 13 star.Rachel later departed the podcast in 2021, enabling Michelle to become Becca's co-host.Other podcasts stemming from The Bachelor franchise include Kaitlyn Bristowe 's "Off the Vine with Kaitlyn Bristowe " and Nick Viall 's "The Viall Files" podcast."Talking It Out with Bachelor Nation," which starred Mike Johnson and Bryan Abasolo , released their final episode late last year.Serena and Joe already got married in a quickie courthouse wedding in New York in October 2022, but they're currently planning a big wedding for their families and friends to attend in September.Joe also already booked a romantic honeymoon for the couple in Florence, including dinner reservations.Interested in more The Bachelor news? Join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
London jury seated in Kevin Spacey sex assault trial on allegations over a decade old

A London jury of nine men and five women has been seated in the sexual assault trial of actor Kevin Spacey
A poster depicting Lebanon's Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah is seen in Naqoura, near the Lebanese-Israeli border, southern Lebanon.

The Israeli government said Tuesday that it seized millions of dollars in cryptocurrency from accounts that had sent or received funds in alleged financing schemes for a powerful arm of the Iranian military and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said he issued an order to seize the cryptocurrency wallets and turn over the funds to the Israeli government.

He described the extensive operation as Israels first to target the Hezbollah militant group and the Iranian paramilitary Revolutionary Guards elite Quds Force  two organizations sworn to Israels destruction. Both have been designated by the United States and some other governments as terrorist organizations and locked out of the traditional global financial system.

It was a multi-agency effort, Gallant said, involving Israels Mossad spy agency, the Israeli military intelligence office, the Israeli police and others.

Israel has previously seized cryptocurrency belonging to the paramilitary arm of Gazas Hamas rulers as part of counterterrorism financing investigations.

This is the first incident of this magnitude, Gallant said, noting that the effort took place earlier this week. We have effectively cut off the flow of terror funds via this channel.

Irans mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Israels announcement.

Gallant alleged that Hezbollah and the Quds Force rely on virtual currency to finance their militant activities. Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin are favored for illicit transactions because they are perceived as hard to trace. Anyone in the world can create a Bitcoin account and begin receiving digital funds without providing a name or address.

Countries facing American sanctions, like Israels regional foe Iran, have worked toward creating their own cryptocurrencies to circumvent financial restrictions.

Gallant said that Israels seizure of the illicit funds should serve as a warning to whoever finances terror, as Israeli authorities have developed tools and techniques that can identify those involved in so-called blockchain transactions.

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The Uttarakhand police asked Muslims in Badrinath to celebrate Bakrid in Joshimath, about 40 km away from the temple town.

Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo

The minority community residing in Badrinath mostly consists of migrant labourers working on reconstruction projects at the Himalayan temple.

"A meeting with members of the minority community, priests and contractors engaged in the projects was held on Tuesday. It was collectively decided that the Bakrid namaz will be offered in Joshimath and not in Badrinath," KC Bhatt, station house officer, Badrinath police station told PTI on Wednesday.

No one has any objection to offering of namaz on the occasion of Bakrid outside the temple town in reverence to it, he said.

Badrinath is one of the major Char Dham destinations.

Talking to PTI, Badrish Panda panchayat president Praveen Dhyani said the Muslim community agreed not to offer Bakrid prayers in Badrinath, and assured that they would go to Joshimath to celebrate the occasion.

The meeting was held at the Badrinath police station.

Two years ago, tension broke out in Badrinath after the minority community members, mostly construction workers, offered prayers inside a building on Bakrid.

Dhyani claimed the incident was widely condemned and a case was registered, the probe into which is still going on.
Two persons were killed and a teenager was injured in rain-related incidents in Mumbai, where heavy showers led to waterlogging in many areas, forcing the closure of a busy subway on Wednesday, while suburban train services were delayed, civic officials said.

Photograph: Sahil Salvi for Rediff.com IMAGE: Pedestrians move along a flooding road amid heavy rain in Mumbai, June 28, 2023.

As per a report of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), some areas in north Mumbai received more than 100 mm rainfall between 8 am and 6 pm.

In adjoining Thane, a 36-year-old woman was injured when a portion of a single-storey 'chawl' (old tenement) collapsed on Tuesday evening.

The India meteorological department issued an 'orange alert', forecasting heavy to very heavy rains in six districts of Maharashtra, and said Mumbai is expected to witness relatively less intense showers on Thursday.

According to Railway officials, no major waterlogging was reported anywhere on the city's suburban network, but due to technical snags in track changing points and signals, and some other issues, the suburban services were running late by 10 to 15 minutes.

Amid rains, two persons were killed in separate tree fall incidents in Mumbai's western suburbs, the civic officials said.

Photograph: Sahil Salvi for Rediff.com

A 30-year-old man was seriously injured when branches of a tree fell on a house in the Mitha Nagar area of Goregaon at around 3.35 pm. The man, identified as Premlal Nirmal, was rushed to a nearby private hospital, where doctors declared him "brought dead", they said.

In the second incident, a 38-year old person, identified as Kaushal Doshi, suffered injuries when a tree fell on him near Mamledarwadi Junction in Malad at around 7.30 am, they said.

Doshi was taken to civic-run Shatabdi Hospital, where doctors declared him "brought dead ', said the officials.

According to the BMC, between 8 am and 6 pm, the metropolis witnessed 22 incidents of trees or their branches falling -- three in the island city, 7 in eastern suburbs and 12 in western suburbs.

Mumbai also reported 6 incidents of house collapse and in one such incident at Shivaji Nagar in eastern suburbs, a 17-year-old boy, Rehan Shaikh, was injured. He was admitted to nearby Shatabdi Hospital and his condition was stable, said the BMC.

The city also witnessed two landslides, including one at Surya Nagar in Vikhroli, at around 9.45 am, but no one was injured. However, as a precautionary measure families living in 20 to 25 houses near the landslide site in Vikhroli were evaluated and shifted to a private school, it said.

Due to accumulation of water on roads, especially in north Mumbai, 8 to 10 bus routes were changed.

According to the BMC, the island city, eastern suburbs and western suburbs received 43.32 mm, 87.47 mm and 89.87 mm rainfall, respectively, between 8 am and 8 pm.

As per a report of the civic body, some areas in north Mumbai received more than 100 mm rainfall between 8 am and 6 pm.

Dindoshi to Dahisar areas received rainfall in the range of 115.79 mm and 167.11 mm, while precipitation was between 101.56 mm and 119.85 mm in localities falling on the Bhandup-Mulund stretch, said the report.

"Due to accumulation of 1.5 to 2 feet of water, Andheri Subway was closed for vehicular movement. Traffic is diverted towards SV Road," Mumbai Traffic Police tweeted in the afternoon.

Municipal commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal and other senior officials visited the Mithi river bank in Bandra-Kurla Complex area, the under-construction coastal road in Worli and some other locations to assess the situation in view of the heavy showers.

Ironically, though the metropolis has been receiving heavy rains over the last two to three days, the BMC has decided to implement a 10 per cent water cut from July 1 as the stock in the lakes supplying water to the city is down to about seven per cent.

Rains also pounded neighbouring Thane city, leading to waterlogging and incidents of wall and house collapse.

A 36-year-old woman was injured when a portion of a single-storey chawl (tenement) collapsed on Tuesday evening in Thane's Mahagiri Koliwada area, authorities said.

The protection wall of a housing society in the Chandanwadi locality collapsed around 11 on Wednesday morning due to heavy rains, but nobody was injured in the incident, they said.

In the evening, the IMD forecast heavy to very heavy rains in six districts of Maharashtra, issuing an 'orange alert'.

Mumbai, for which it issued a yellow alert, is likely to witness relatively less intense showers on Thursday, said an IMD release.

The financial capital is likely to receive heavy to very heavy showers only at isolated places, it said.

The IMD issued an orange alert for the districts of Thane, Raigad, Palghar (all three adjoining Mumbai), Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg and Nashik, indicating the likelihood of heavy to very rainfall at a few places.
Amid a raging debate over the issue of Uniform Civil Code, Law Commission chairman Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi on Wednesday said the panel has received 8.5 lakh responses within just two weeks of initiating a public consultation process on the matter.

IMAGE: Uniform Civil Code chairperson Justice (Retd) Ranjana Prakash Desai (third from left) meets Law Commission chief Justice (Retd) Rituraj Awasthi (right) in New Delhi, June 2, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

The Law Commission had on June 14 invited views from all stakeholders, including people and recognised religious organisations, on the politically sensitive issue.

"The responses we have received till yesterday are approximately 8.5 lakh," Awasthi told PTI.

A Uniform Civil Code typically means having a common law for all citizens of the country that is not based on religion. Personal laws and laws related to inheritance, adoption and succession are likely to be covered by a common code.

Implementation of a UCC has been part of BJP election manifestos. Uttarakhand is already in the process of framing its common code. The BJP had promised a uniform civil code in Karnataka ahead of the recent assembly elections.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made a strong push for a UCC, asking how can the country function with dual laws that govern personal matters, and accused the Opposition of using the UCC issue to "mislead and provoke" the Muslim community.

Opposition parties, however, attacked the prime minister for his comments on the UCC with the Congress saying he was making such remarks only to divert attention from real issues such as unemployment and the Manipur violence.

All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader Asaduddin Owaisi asked whether the country's pluralism would be "snatched away" in the name of UCC.

The Aam Aadmi Party is the only major Opposition party to have said so far that it in-principle supports UCC but wanted its implementation only after wide consultations to build consensus.

Earlier, the 21st Law Commission, the term of which ended in August 2018, had examined the issue and solicited the views of all stakeholders on two occasions. Subsequently, a consultation paper on "Reforms of Family Law" was issued in 2018.

The 22nd Law Commission, which recently got a three-year extension, has now restarted the process and has sought views from stakeholders till July 13.

If need be, the commission might call upon any individual or organisation for a personal hearing or discussion, the present law panel had said in a June 14 public notice.

The consultation paper of the 21st Law Commission headed by Justice B S Chauhan (retd) had said that while the diversity of Indian culture can and should be celebrated, specific groups or weaker sections of the society must not be "dis-privileged" in the process.

The commission dealt with laws that are discriminatory rather than providing a UCC "which is neither necessary nor desirable at this stage", the paper issued on August 31, 2018, had said.

The consultation paper said most countries are now moving towards recognition of difference, and the mere existence of difference does not imply discrimination but is indicative of a robust democracy.

Article 44 of the Constitution, part of the Directive Principle of State Policy, provides that the State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on July 3 a plea seeking an independent probe into the killing of gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmad and his brother Ashraf, who were shot dead in police custody by three men posing as journalists in Prayagraj in April.

IMAGE: Gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed, right, and his brother Ashraf Ahmed being escorted to a hospital by police for a medical checkup in Prayagraj before they were shot dead, April 15, 2023. Photograph: PTI Photo

According to the July 3 cause list uploaded on the apex court website, a bench of Justices S R Bhat and Aravind Kumar will hear the petition filed by advocate Vishal Tiwari, who has also sought an inquiry into the 183 police encounters that have taken place in Uttar Pradesh since 2017.

While hearing the matter on April 28, the top court had questioned the Uttar Pradesh government why Atiq Ahmad and Ashraf, a former MLA, were paraded before media while being taken to a hospital for a medical checkup in police custody. The two were shot at point blank range and died instantaneously as the three assailants rained bullets.

It had also asked the Uttar Pradesh government how the killers got the knowledge about the two being taken to hospital.

The counsel appearing for Uttar Pradesh had told the top court the state government has constituted a three-member commission of inquiry to probe the incident that was shown live on national television.

A special investigation team (SIT) of Uttar Pradesh police is also investigating the case, the counsel had said.

The top court had directed the state government to submit a status report on the incident and its aftermath.

"The affidavit shall also disclose the steps taken with respect to the incident which had occurred immediately prior to the one in question and also disclose the follow up steps pursuant to Justice Dr B S Chauhan's Commission Report," the apex court had said in its April 28 order, while referring to the killing of gangster Vikas Dubey in a police encounter.

Dubey and his men had ambushed and killed eight policemen at his native Bikru village in Kanpur district in July 2020. He was arrested in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh and was being brought back in UP police custody when he allegedly tried to escape and was shot dead. Doubts were raised about the genuineness of the police encounter.

Former apex court judge Justice Chauhan headed the commission that probed the encounter killing of Vikas Dubey in 2020.

In his plea, Tiwari has sought constitution of an independent expert committee to probe the killing of Atiq Ahmad and Ashraf.

"Issue guidelines/directions to safeguard the rule of law by constituting an independent expert committee under the chairmanship of a former Supreme Court justice to inquire into the 183 encounters which had occurred since 2017 as stated by Uttar Pradesh Special Director General of Police (Law and Order) and also to inquire into the police custody murder of Atiq and Ashraf," his petition said.

Referring to Ahmad's killing, the plea said, "Such actions by police are a severe threat to democracy and rule of law and lead to a police state."

Besides Tiwari's petition, a separate plea has been filed in the top court by the sister of Atiq Ahmad and Ashraf seeking constitution of a commission of inquiry chaired by a retired apex court judge to go into their "custodial" and "extra judicial deaths". In her petition, Aisha Noori, has also sought a comprehensive inquiry by an independent agency into the "campaign of encounter killings, arrests and harassment" targeting her family, allegedly being carried out by the Uttar Pradesh government.

"The petitioner, who has lost her brothers and nephew in 'state-sponsored killings', is constrained to approach this court through the instant writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution, seeking a comprehensive inquiry by a committee headed by a retired judge of this court or in the alternative by an independent agency into a campaign of 'extra-judicial' killings carried out by the respondents," Noori has said in her plea.
As the Karnataka government is facing difficulty in procuring large quantities of rice required to fulfil its poll guarantee, it has decided to pay beneficiaries cash at the rate of Rs 34 per kilo, for the additional 5kg of the foodgrain promised under the 'Anna Bhagya' scheme.

IMAGE: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during the launch of the Shakti Yojana allowing free travel for women in government buses in the state, in Bengaluru, June 11, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

The Congress, in its election manifesto, had promised to give an additional five kg rice a month along with five kg given by the Centre for free.

The state government said the disbursement of money will start from July 1.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah after a Cabinet meeting in Bengaluru on Wednesday said that the government has decided to go for open market tender to procure rice, whose process will start from Thursday.

Briefing reporters, food and civil supplies minister KH Muniyappa said, "The FCI (Food Corporation of India) has a standard rate of Rs 34 per kg rice. We tried to get rice but no institution came forward to supply us the required amount of rice (to give additionally).

He said, "Since the date for launching Anna Bhagya has arrived (July 1) and we had given word, today in the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and other ministers arrived at a decision that till the time the rice is supplied, we will give money at the rate of Rs 34 per kg, which is the FCI rate, to the (BPL) ration card holders.

If there is one person in one card then he/she will get Rs 170 a month against five kg additional rice under the Anna Bhagya scheme, the minister explained.

Two persons in the ration card will be entitled for Rs 340 and if there are five members then they would get Rs 850 a month, he added.

Muniyappa said the government has made arrangements to directly deposit the amount into the beneficiaries' accounts.

"This will come into effect from July 1 itself. This is one of the important guarantees promised by our party. We had taken this decision in the first cabinet meeting after coming to power," the minister noted.

The Karnataka government maintained that it tried to give 5 kg additional rice to the BPL families for free under the Anna Bhagya scheme apart from five kg given by the Centre. However, the Union government did not cooperate, it alleged.

Siddaramaiah said the money will go into the account of the head of the family.

"If there is one person then he will get Rs 170, if there are two, then 170x2, there are four then the head of the family will get Rs 170x4," he said.

The Chief Minister added that the five kg rice is in addition to the five kg rice given by the Centre. "We had said we will give 10 kg of rice. Already the Centre is giving 5 kg. We will give 5 kg rice extra," he explained.

Siddaramaiah also blamed the Centre for the "denial of rice to Karnataka to help overcome hunger despite having a huge stock".

The Karnataka government had approached the FCI, which had initially agreed to sell 2.28 lakh metric tonne of rice every month at Rs 34 per kg on June 12 but it backtracked citing various exigencies on June 14, it was alleged.

"They had stock. If we had asked for free of cost then their denial was okay but we were ready to pay for it. We are not bargaining either. They are indulging in politics of hatred. It's an attack with mace on the poor. It's an injustice to the poor," Siddaramaiah alleged.

He charged that the FCI is now auctioning rice to sell it to private people but states are not entitled to participate in the auction.

"Look at their malafide intentions. States can't but private people can participate in the auction. It means they have a huge stock of rice. Only to scuttle our programme they are denying us rice which is meant for the poor people," the Chief Minister alleged.

The Karnataka government had approached three Central government agencies -- National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India Limited, National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation and Kendriya Bhandar -- to supply rice at Rs 34 per kg but they quoted a high price, officials claimed.

Hitting out at BJP leaders in Karnataka, Siddaramaiah said former BJP Chief Ministers B S Yediyurappa and Basavaraj Bommai should have asked the Centre to release rice to the state.

"These leaders should have exerted pressure on the Centre that it (Anna Bhagya) is a people's programme. Don't come on the way for such an initiative. Don't indulge in politics of hatred and release rice," Siddaramaiah said.

The Chief Minister further said that he had met Union Home Minister Amit Shah while Muniyappa had called on Union Minister for Food and Public Distribution Piyush Goyal who too declined to give rice to Karnataka.

"Hence, we will go for the open market tender. I have given instructions to start the process tomorrow itself, he added.
Tanya Nedashkivska, 57, mourns the death of her husband who was killed in Bucha, on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, April 4, 2022.

Russian forces carried out widespread and systematic torture of civilians who were detained in connection with its attack on Ukraine, summarily executing dozens of them, the United Nations human rights office said Tuesday.

The global body interviewed hundreds of victims and witnesses for a report detailing more than 900 cases of civilians, including children and elderly people, being arbitrarily detained in the conflict, most of them by Russia.

The vast majority of those interviewed said they were tortured and in some cases subjected to sexual violence during detention by Russian forces, the head of the U.N. human rights office in Ukraine said.

Torture was used to force victims to confess to helping Ukrainian armed forces, compel them to cooperate with the occupying authorities or intimidate those with pro-Ukrainian views, said Matilda Bogner.

The report, which covers a 15-month period from the start of the Russian invasion to May 2023, also documented 75 cases of arbitrary detention by Ukrainian security forces, saying a significant proportion of these also amounted to enforced disappearances.

More than half of those detained by Ukrainian forces also reported being tortured or mistreated, usually while they were being interrogated or immediately after arrest, said Bogner.

Ukraine gave U.N. investigators unimpeded confidential access to detainees at official detention centers, with the exception of a group of 87 Russian sailors, she said.

The Russian Federation did not grant us such access, despite our requests, Bogner said.

The U.N. rights office has previously documented the detention and summary execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russia. The latest report found that Russian forces also carried out at least 77 summary executions of civilians.

Those detained included local officials, humanitarian volunteers, priests and teachers, many of whom were held in deplorable conditions, the report found.

U.N. experts found no evidence that Russian authorities have investigated allegations of abuse by their own forces and the report expressed concern over a bill that would exempt perpetrators from criminal liability for crimes committed in occupied parts of Ukraine under some circumstances.

This would violate the states obligation to investigate and prosecute serious violations of international humanitarian law and gross violations of international human rights law, Bogner said.

While Ukraine has launched criminal probes against Russian forces over the detention of civilians, resulting in 23 convictions, the U.N. rights office said it wasnt aware of any investigations against Ukraines own forces for such violations.

Bogner said Ukrainian laws on detention for national security reasons appear to go beyond what is permissible under international law, even during a public emergency, and have facilitated arbitrary detention.

She urged both sides to provide information to relatives on the whereabouts and fate of people detained and to release any civilians who remain arbitrarily detained.

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Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this evening. A few showers developing late. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies this evening. A few showers developing late. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.
The president of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, last week in Caracas. Europa Press/Contacto/Iranian Presidency Office (Europa Press/Contacto/Iranian Pr)

Human rights campaigners have been waiting for weeks for a response from the International Criminal Court (ICC) over proceedings against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in The Hague for allegations of serious human rights violations that could constitute crimes against humanity. After continuous back-and-forth with the Venezuelan government and following a visit to the country by prosecutor Karim Khan to set up a technical assistance office in Caracas, the ICC has now ordered the investigation to move forward.

The Pre-Trial Chamber of the ICC published the conclusions of its analysis of repeated requests from the Venezuelan Prosecutors Office to suspend the process under the argument that the Venezuelan justice system would be taking over the case. Venezuela is not investigating the factual allegations underlying the contextual elements of crimes against humanity, the court stated. In addition, the ICC points out that there have been periods of investigative inactivity that they consider inexplicable and that the inquiries have only focused on low-ranking officers and not on the entire chain of command.

We have a clear intention to do justice in our country, without a transnational entity doing it for us, and we are demonstrating it, said Venezuelan prosecutor Tarek William Saab less than a month ago, during Khans third visit to the country, during which the installation of the technical cooperation office was agreed upon. In response to the latest step taken by the ICC, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry expressed its disagreement. Under the Maduro administrations argument, since the beginning of the process in 2018, the ICC has encouraged and contributed to a strategy with political purposes of regime change in Venezuela, allegedly driven by the United States, which has traditionally been enemy number one in the eyes of a section of Chavismo, but with which Caracas has reinitiated dialogue over the past year.

Judges Peter Kovacs, Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini-Gansou and Maria del Socorro Flores Liera examined the observations of the Venezuelan authorities, as well as 1,875 documents collected by the ICC Victims Participation and Reparations Section that gather the testimonies of more than 8,000 victims of torture, arbitrary detentions, sexual violence, forced disappearances and extrajudicial executions committed since 2014 in the context of anti-government demonstrations and as part of a policy of politically motivated persecution.

At the end of 2021, the ICC announced the completion of its preliminary examination, the first phase in determining the opening of an investigation. The Maduro government, through various legal maneuvers, tried to halt the process but only succeeded in putting it on hold for a few months. Those recourses appear now to be exhausted, although Caracas has announced that it will appeal against the ruling, a move that has little chance of bearing fruit according to some analysts.

The ICC decision comes at a sensitive time for Maduro, who has resumed diplomatic relations with much of the world in the run-up to the 2024 presidential elections, for which the Venezuelan leader is attempting to improve his public image. Although the ICC investigation was initiated in 2018 by the former presidents of several countries in the Latin America region who had been critical of Chavismo  Colombias Ivan Duque, Argentinas Mauricio Macri, Chiles Sebastian Pinera and Paraguays Mario Abdo Benitez  NGOs have been instrumental in documenting the case.

The Latin American political spectrum has since shifted again and accusations of human rights violations committed by the Maduro government have taken a back seat, at least in terms of diplomatic relations, while human rights campaigners in Venezuela have pushed for justice in international institutions. This has led the pro-Maduro Venezuelan parliament to launch its own campaign against these organizations. A few months ago, a law was passed restricting their operations and access to international funding.

Human rights NGOs such as Defiende Venezuela and Acceso a la Justicia have described the ICC decision as a victory for the victims. Venezuela ratified the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the ICC, in 2000. This is the first time that an investigation has been opened against an incumbent government and the first time in this instance that an investigation has been opened in a Latin American country. It is also unprecedented for states parties to the Rome Statute  in this case Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Paraguay, and Canada  to invoke the treaty against another signatory. Following Tuesdays decision, another step has been taken on the long road to proving alleged crimes against humanity and the possible punishment of high-ranking government figures as those responsible.

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The Philippines wants to develop a "very robust" defence partnership with India and is looking forward to procuring military hardware from it, Filipino Foreign Secretary Enrique A Manalo said on Wednesday amid concerns in Manila over China's increasing military muscle-flexing in the South China Sea.

Delivering a lecture at a leading think tank here a day ahead of his talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Manalo said his country has "repeatedly" challenged Chinese presence in the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of the Philippines in the South China sea and will continue to do so.

The Filipino foreign secretary, on a four-day visit to India, said the 10 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries and China have been engaged to formulate a code of conduct (CoC) for the South China Sea, but he appeared unsure about a positive outcome.

The code is envisioned to prevent any military conflict in the South China Sea, a region that has overlapping territorial claims by China, Taiwan, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei "We may not be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel but we see the tunnel," he said in an address at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA).

Describing India as a key partner of the Philippines, Manalo said Manila wants to expand the bilateral cooperation in areas of maritime security, cyber-terrorism, education, healthcare and climate technologies among others.

The defence and security ties between India and the Philippines are on an upswing. In January last year, the Philippines concluded a USD 375 million deal with India for the procurement of three batteries of the BrahMos cruise missile.

"We hope to develop very robust defence cooperation arrangements with India. We have already entered into some potential deals and I think we will be looking forward to having more," he said when asked whether his country is looking at procuring more military hardware from India. "We certainly view our defence partnership with India as one of the brighter aspects of our mutual relationship. I am not talking about the distant future but in the near term," the secretary of foreign affairs of the Philippines said.

Manalo will hold wide-ranging talks with Jaishankar on Thursday, covering the entire gamut of bilateral relations. In March last year, India signed a framework agreement with the Philippines that provided for government-to-government deals for the supply of defence hardware and equipment. Manalo said Chinese presence in EEZs of the Philippines is a "major challenge" in his country's relationship with China.

There have been growing global concerns over China's sweeping claims of sovereignty over all of the South China Sea, a huge source of hydrocarbons. Several countries in the region including Vietnam, the Philippines and Brunei, have counterclaims.

"We have almost on a daily basis made our concerns clear to China but at the same time let me stress that the differences we have with China in the South China Sea are not the sum total of our relations with China. We have a significant bilateral engagement with China," he added. India too has significant economic stakes in the South China Sea and it has been calling for adherence to global norms and resolution of the disputes through dialogue in the region.

On the code of conduct for the South China Sea, the visiting diplomat said the ASEAN countries will have to decide whether it will be legally binding or not.

At the same time, he said China and ASEAN nations are all committed to finalising the code. "This is a negotiation between 10 ASEAN countries and China. So you can imagine the complexities involved in the talks," he said. On the Indo-Pacific, Manalo said the ASEAN wants the region to be open and inclusive.
NATO's chief has said that the power of Russia's military shouldn't be underestimated following the weekend mutiny against it by Wagner Group mercenaries, and said the alliance has increased its readiness to confront Russia in recent days.

Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance may decide to further boost its strength and readiness to face Russia and its ally Belarus when NATO leaders meet in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius on July 11-12.

So, no misunderstanding and no room for misunderstanding in Moscow or Minsk about our ability to defend our allies against any potential threat," Stoltenberg said Tuesday.

At a meeting in The Hague of eight NATO leaders, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said that neighbouring countries would face a heightened danger if the Wagner Group deploys its "serial killers" in Belarus.

Stoltenberg said it was still early to draw any conclusions about what Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin and some of his forces might do or whether they all might end up in Belarus.

The leaders agreed that, given the short-lived revolt by Wagner fighters in Russia over the weekend, that the allies should continue to bolster their forces along NATO's eastern flank to discourage Russian President Vladimir Putin from attempting to widen his war.

NATO responded to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 by deploying multinational battlegroups in Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria. They complement another four deployed in 2017 in the three Baltic states and Poland, to expand NATO's presence from the Baltics to the Black Sea. On Monday, Germany said that it stands ready to permanently base forces in Lithuania, if needed.

Rutte and Stoltenberg met with the presidents of Romania and Poland and leaders of Belgium, Norway, Albania and Lithuania at the Dutch leader's official residence in a leafy suburb of The Hague.

Earlier Tuesday, Russian authorities said they had closed a criminal investigation into the aborted armed rebellion led by Prigozhin and are pressing no charges against him or his troops.

The mutiny by Wagner Group forces lasted less than 24 hours, but formed the latest twist in a series of events that have brought the gravest threat to Putin's grip on power in the 16-month-old war in Ukraine.

The war led Sweden and Finland to seek to join NATO. Finland has already become the alliance's latest member, but Sweden's membership is being held up by Turkey.

On Monday, Stoltenberg said he will call an urgent meeting in the coming days to try to overcome Turkish objections to Sweden joining the military organization, in a last-ditch effort to have the Nordic country standing alongside the allies at the July summit in Lithuania.

NATO requires the unanimous approval of all members to expand. Turkey accuses Sweden of being too lenient toward groups that Ankara says pose a security threat, including militant Kurdish groups and people associated with a 2016 coup attempt.
The statements of six soldiers from Mexicos 5th Special Forces Battalion, implicated in the alleged murder of five civilians in Nuevo Laredo (northern Mexico) on May 18, vividly describe the chaos of the operation that led to the killings. Soldiers defied orders and weapons malfunctioned while unidentified officers watched nearby. The statements obtained by EL PAIS pertain to the ongoing investigation conducted by military prosecutors, initiated after EL PAIS released a video on June 6 appearing to show soldiers firing at five civilians who had already been restrained.

Mexicans are used to accusations of human rights violations by its countrys security forces, but they dont often see such compelling evidence of the abuses. The day after the video was released, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador acknowledged that apparently there was an execution, and stated that these situations cannot be allowed. A few days later, the Ministry of Defense (SEDENA) announced the arrests of 16 military personnel for offenses under military jurisdiction, while awaiting action from the Office of the Attorney General (FGR). On June 1, they replaced General Jorge Gonzalez, the commander of the military garrison in the border city of Nuevo Laredo, and on June 21, they replaced Colonel Hector Aldape, who leads the 16th Cavalry Regiment.

The military investigation documents reveal discrepancies in the two accounts provided by Lieutenant Jose Luis N. to his superiors and civilian authorities. According to his report to the civilian prosecutors, the lieutenant said that a black truck accelerated after seeing army vehicles approaching and later crashed. However, in his report to military authorities, he states that his unit was patrolling the extension of Monterrey Street when they encountered aggression by armed civilians at the corner of Emiliano Zapata Street, prompting them to initiate pursuit. Only one other soldier involved in the incident also said the civilians fired the first shots.

Of the six testimonies we reviewed, the statement from Sergeant B. J. stands out. He was in charge of one of the three vehicles involved in the operation. Using their full names, B. J. directly accused two fellow soldiers of shooting at the restrained civilians. Another significant revelation by Corporal D. V. claims that a colonel arrived with four other army vehicles just as a shootout was ending with armed civilians who were attempting to rescue their comrades. Although not explicitly mentioned by name in the statement, it is presumed to be Colonel Hector Aldape. Prior to this revelation, the colonels alleged presence at the scene had not been disclosed.

Several statements reported that firearms jammed during the confrontation, jeopardizing their own lives as well as the lives of their fellow soldiers. Sergeant B. J.s statement claims: Individuals in a dark blue civilian vehicle, approximately 100 meters [109 yards] from our position, opened fire in our direction... My rifle bolt jammed, so I banged it on the ground to fix it. Similarly, Corporal D. V. stated that Corporals Q. and C. valiantly fought back only to face similar problems with their firearms.

More information Video shows apparent extrajudicial killings by the military in Mexico

The military personnel involved in the incident belong to the 5th Special Forces Battalion based in Temamatla, near Mexico City. According to their statements, the operation began with a vehicle pursuit. Military forces have been deployed to Nuevo Laredo and Reynosa since April 3 to support regular security operations in the area. Seventeen soldiers reported seeing a black pickup truck that quickly fled after the occupants spotted the soldiers. Its not clear whether the civilians in the truck fired any shots. Despite explicit orders from superior officers to avoid pursuits, all the statements confirmed that the soldiers chased the truck. The pursuit ended when the truck crashed into a wall behind a shopping center.

Following the crash, soldiers from three vehicles swiftly ordered the civilians out of the truck and disarmed them. They were beaten and restrained, and lined up next to the wall. Minutes later, soldiers reported being fired upon from an unidentified location to the north. At least seven soldiers were positioned near the crashed vehicle and the wall. Soldiers began firing in several directions, primarily toward the north and northwest. Two soldiers allegedly fired toward the wall and killed the civilians.

As the soldiers positioned near the wall fired back, 10 others in two armored vehicles  a Humvee and a Sand Cat  were fighting a group of armed civilians several hundred yards to the north. In the video, the Sand Cat initially appears next to the crashed black truck. After taking gunfire, it begins moving north up the street alongside the Humvee. All military personnel  those positioned to the north and the ones at the crashed truck  were supposedly targeting the same group of assailants, but the video doesnt show any evidence of armed civilians firing at the soldiers near the shopping center wall.

B. J. and A. L.

Among the six statements we reviewed, Sergeant B. J.s account stands out. He was responsible for one of the three vehicles  the Sand Cat. Sergeant B. J. explicitly accuses two colleagues, a corporal and another sergeant, of opening fire on unarmed and restrained civilians who were kneeling against the shopping center wall. These were the same individuals from the black truck that had crashed into the wall moments earlier. EL PAIS has chosen not to name the accused individuals, who are currently presumed innocent.

I saw Corporal J. G., who was positioned next to the front passenger side of the black truck, firing shots towards the civilians over the trucks roof, said Sergeant B. J. I also saw Sergeant A. L., who was on the drivers side of the truck near the wall, pull out a handgun and shoot at the civilians by the wall. Sergeant B. J. identified the soldiers when the military prosecutor showed him the video. He then says that he didnt realize what was happening at the time, because he was covering one of the three military vehicles (a Chevrolet Cheyenne pickup truck).

B. J.s testimony is extraordinarily frank. In addition to identifying the two soldiers who fired at the civilians, he directly accuses Lieutenant Jose Luis N., the commanding officer on the ground that day, of placing previously confiscated weapons next to the lifeless bodies of the civilians, which can be seen in the video. B. J. also identified another soldier who assaulted the civilians after they were pulled from the crashed truck, which can also be seen in the video. For unknown reasons, the military prosecutor chose to show the video solely to Sergeant B. J., while withholding it from the other soldiers who were interviewed.

Sergeant A. L. is one of the individuals identified by B. J. who shot at the civilians. A. L.s statement says nothing about this allegation. Along with Lieutenant N. and five soldiers, A. L. was aboard the Chevrolet Cheyenne truck that led the chase of the black truck. It was the first vehicle to arrive at the crash scene. A.L. and the others jumped out and aimed their weapons at the truck. We gave them verbal commands to exit the vehicle, and identified ourselves as the Mexican Army and that we would respect their lives, stated the sergeant.

Sergeant A. L.s statement doesnt reveal much more. As the units medic, he says that Lieutenant N. ordered him to treat one of the civilians who had been injured in the crash. Moments later, they began shooting at us from different directions, so we started repelling the attack. Reinforcements arrived and established a security perimeter, he said, referring to Colonel Aldapes men. And then a Black Hawk helicopter arrived. The statement says nothing about shots fired at civilians.

Colonel Aldape implicated

The alleged presence of Colonel Aldape at the scene just minutes later could be damning evidence. Aldape, who was accused in March of killing five unarmed youths who were returning home from a nightclub, is the highest-ranking officer at the scene that afternoon. Beyond the allegations of executions, the military forces under Aldapes command may have committed additional crimes.

On June 6, EL PAIS released a video of the incident that shows a soldier placing confiscated rifles beside the lifeless bodies of the civilians. Sergeant B. J. identified that soldier as Lieutenant Jose Luis N. Its unclear whether Aldape was already at the scene when this happened, but the video suggests otherwise. Lieutenant N. placed the weapons next to the corpses between 2:54 and 2:56 p.m., about five minutes after the killings and before Aldapes arrival.

The video shows that shortly after 4:00 p.m., with the Colonel and his team now at the scene, another sequence of events unfolded. The ambulance with the sole surviving civilian had already departed, leaving behind military personnel waiting for the prosecutors who would examine the area. Thats when several soldiers notice that one of the four dead civilians is still wearing handcuffs. A soldier quickly pulls out a key and takes them off. Presumably, Colonel Aldape was already there to see this.

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He also offers a US$20,000 reward for shooting down drones allegedly coming from Vietnam.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen at the opening ceremony of Southeast Asia Games in Phnom Penh on May 5, 2023. Hun Sen said he wont pardon two imprisoned opposition figures, saying hes reacting to foreign intervention in Cambodia that he sees as a threat.

Prime Minister Hun Sen on Wednesday said he wont pardon two of his most prominent opponents  opposition party leader Kem Sokha and Cambodian-American lawyer Theary Seng  who were imprisoned over the last year, saying the decision was necessary in light of recent foreign intervention in Cambodia.

You are shaking hands while you are stepping on my feet, Hun Sen said during a public appearance in Phnom Penh, using you to refer to foreign powers.

I dont pardon them because I dont trust you, he said. You intend to destroy me.

Hun Sen in recent months has frequently invoked the specter of national security threats at public appearances ahead of July 23 elections, which he has framed as a referendum on who can best maintain Cambodias sovereignty.

From now on, those who seek foreign intervention will stay in prison, he said. We dont release you. Dont include them in prisoners who will be pardoned or have a reduced prison term. We are stopping foreign intervention in Cambodia.

In May, Hun Sen said that Western diplomats have insulted him in the past by visiting with Kem Sokha while he was under house arrest. He said he doesnt trust foreigners who insult me, insult my sovereignty, insult myself when they worked with me and at the same time worked with others.

Theary Seng walks to court to face treason trial in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in 2020. Theary Seng was sentenced to six years in prison in June 2022 on treason charges, prompting condemnation from rights groups and the U.S. government. Credit: Heng Mengheang/Reuters





Let her die. So be it.

Kem Sokha was arrested in 2017 on treason charges and was finally sentenced in March to 27 years in prison.

Before his sentencing, ambassadors from Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Japan and the United States often met with him at his Phnom Penh home.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman went to see him during a June 2021 trip that also included a meeting with Hun Sen. An angry prime minister later said that she secretly went to Kem Sokhas home without informing the foreign minister.

Over the last year, several top U.S. officials have also called for the immediate and unconditional release of Theary Seng, who was sentenced to six years in prison in June 2022 on treason charges.

The sentence prompted condemnation from rights groups and the U.S. government. During a visit to Phnom Penh last August, Secretary of State Antony Blinken pressed Hun Sen to free her and other activists held on politically motivated charges.

The treason charges against Theary Seng and 50 other activists stemmed from abortive efforts in 2019 to bring about the return to Cambodia of opposition leader Sam Rainsy, who has been in exile in France since 2015.

Theary Seng often used costumes to make a political statement. During one court session, she dressed as Lady Justice, complete with blindfold, scale and sword.

Before her trial, she underscored her readiness to go to jail by cutting her hair during a video interview with Radio Free Asia. After her sentencing, she was transferred to Preah Vihear Prison in the countrys far north.

Hun Sen on Wednesday said that even though she has dual citizenship, her case applies only to Cambodia law.

The bald Apsara is being jailed in Preah Vihear, he said, referring to a female celestial being often depicted in Cambodian culture. She wants to hold a hunger strike? Let her die. So be it.

Kem Sokha speaks as U.S Ambassador to Cambodia Patrick Murphy watches in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in 2019. Kem Sokha was arrested in 2017 on treason charges and sentenced in March to 27 years in prison in a verdict widely condemned as politically motivated. Credit: Samrang Pring/Reuters





If we dont shoot, they will look down on us

Hun Sen also spoke again about drones that allegedly have been flying across the border from Vietnam in the countrys northeast.

Earlier this week, the prime minister ordered 500 troops and 200 anti-aircraft weapons systems to four provinces to hunt down the drones. He said the aircraft are believed to be operated by ethnic insurgents in Vietnam, but Vietnamese authorities have denied that the drones were theirs.

On Wednesday, Hun Sen offered a US$20,000 reward to each military unit that shoots one down.

Starting this evening, we need to shoot it, he said. We can afford to shoot between two million to four million bullets. We havent shot it for a while, this is a chance to test it. We wont be poor by shooting it. If we dont shoot they will look down on us.

He added that at least five drones crossed into Cambodia illegally on Tuesday night.

ADHOC spokesperson Soeung Senkarona told RFA that staff members for the rights group stationed in the four provinces havent been able to find any information about the alleged drone presence.

There is no irregularity reported, he told RFA.

Translated by Yun Samean. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster.
Theres no finish line for U.S. foreign policy toward China besides maintaining peace, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday, even if Beijing and Moscow seek to build an illiberal world order.

The comments came less than two weeks after Blinken made a visit to Beijing that U.S. officials described as an effort only to reopen talks with their Chinese counterparts, and which delivered little more.

Speaking at an event at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, Blinken said in the near-term and maybe even in the lifetimes of most people in this room there is no clear finish line for the United States when it comes to Beijing except to maintain peaceful relations.

The bottom line is this: Chinas not going away, and were not going away, Blinken said. We have to find a way to  coexist peacefully.

He added that the post-Cold War era where commerce ultimately geopolitical competition was now over and that there is a profound competition underway right now to shape what comes next.

We want to make sure that in that competition, we're in a position of strength where we are able to shape what comes next, Blinken said, adding that the alternative would be a new illiberal world order where a few world powers dictate terms to countries around them.

Taiwan at heart of dispute

Asked by CFR President Richard Haass, who hosted the event, about his comments last year that Beijing had decided that the decades-old status quo on Taiwan was no longer tenable, Blinken doubled down.

He pointed to recent Chinese military operations and exercises, economic coercion exerted against Taiwan, and for that matter exerted against countries that have relationships with Taiwan, and efforts to exclude Taiwan from institutions like the World Health Organization.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, 19, 2023. (Leah Millis/Pool/Reuters)

All of this is a stirring of the pot. That is antithetical to the preservation of the status quo, Blinken said.

The United States, by contrast, always communicates our determination to maintain the status quo, he said, because thats what most of the world wants in the Taiwan Strait.

He noted that 50% of commercial traffic and trade goes through that strait every single day and 70% of the worlds microchips are made on the self-governing island that Chinese President Xi Jinping last year vowed to reunite with the mainland using force if necessary.

On Taiwan, if there were to be a crisis as a result of actions that either side takes that takes that offline, you've got potentially a global economic crisis, he said. It's one of the reasons  maybe the main reason  that country after country is going to both of us and saying we expect the responsible management of this issue to be sustained.

But Blinken also said that any geopolitical competition with China did not mean that the United States wanted to curb its economic growth.

Its not in our interest to do that, he said.

Mixed messages

Blinkens trip to Beijing earlier this month initially appeared to ease tensions between Washington and Beijing after nearly a year of rising discord that began with then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosis August trip to Taiwan and peaked with the February spy balloon incident.

However, U.S. President Joe Biden angered Beijing just days later when he used a campaign event ahead of the 2024 election to call Xi a dictator who was embarrassed by the alleged Chinese spy balloon and by Chinas current real economic difficulties.

Blinken defended Biden by saying he always spoke candidly and for all Americans, even as Chinas foreign ministry protested the remarks.

Speaking at another campaign event in Chevy Chase, Maryland, on Tuesday night, Biden questioned China being this great power that will be able to rewrite the international order in its favor.

He said its efforts to do so had by contrast united the rest of the world against it, and he again alluded to the countrys economic difficulties.

China has enormous problems  enormous problems, Biden said. I'm not going to get into it right now. But the idea that they are going to be able to do things that they thought they could do is not accurate.

Taiwan's Southern armored brigade demonstrates combat skills during a live-fire army exercise in Pingtung County, southern Taiwan, Sept. 6, 2022. (Sam Yeh/AFP)

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Wednesday said she had not seen Bidens remarks and appeared circumspect.

When it comes to having problems, I suppose all countries, the U.S. included, face challenges, Mao said, adding that Chinas government was confident it was tackling issues facing the country.

Meanwhile, we hope the U.S. will concentrate on solving its own problems and play a constructive role in making the world stable and prosperous.

Talk it out

At a separate event on the South China Sea dispute at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, Daniel Kritenbrink, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, said he was encouraged about U.S.-China ties in the wake of Blinkens trip.

He said he was only disappointed that Beijing was still denying military-to-military communications with the United States on the apparent basis that somehow that will embolden the United States.

I'm a diplomat, so this should come as no surprise, I believe in diplomacy, he said. I believe in talking to people. I believe in keeping those channels of communication open at all times, and so we were gratified that through the secretary's visit, I think we've reestablished and reopened those senior level channels of communication.

In the coming weeks, you're likely to see more senior level exchanges, Kritenbrink said, reiterating that he wished that would be extended to the military sphere. Two militaries the size and capability of the U.S. and China, we always need to be talking to one another.

Edited by Malcolm Foster.
Books on Chinese President Xi Jinping are displayed at the Beijing International Book Fair in Beijing in 2017. Works by supreme leader Xi Jinping now dominate sales rankings, drawing comparisons with Mao's Little Red Book.

Chinese Communist Party investigators have expelled a high-ranking official in the Beijing city government for possession of banned political books and journals, as the authorities continue to purge unapproved content and replace it with official propaganda that sticks to the party line.

The Beijing branch of the party's disciplinary arm, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, announced on June 25 it had expelled former state assets supervisory official Zhang Guilin for "serious violations of discipline and law," paving the way for a criminal prosecution.

"The investigation found that Zhang Guilin's political awareness was weak, and he kept and read books and periodicals with serious political issues," the commission said in a statement reported by state news agency Xinhua, which didn't elaborate on the nature of Zhang's chosen reading material.

Government censors already routinely remove dissenting opinions and criticism of the government from social media and other online platforms, but the party now appears to be targeting a quieter, slower way to transmit information  books and journals that can slip into the country under the official radar, or be ordered from overseas publishers.

According to Xinhua, Zhang had also accepted favors and failed to disclose "sexual transactions," with disciplinary officials calling for stern punishment. Zhangs case has been handed over to the state prosecutor's office for prosecution, it added.

Zhang is the latest in a long line of high-ranking Chinese officials to be accused of secretly keeping and reading books "with serious political issues."

Authorities in Shanghai announced earlier this month that former Dongfang.com editor-in-chief Xu Shiping had been expelled from the Communist Party after accusations of "hiding and reading prohibited books," as well as misuse of public funds and abuse of official power.

In recent years, former Changsha deputy mayor Chen Zehui, former Huainan deputy mayor Li Zhong, former Chongqing state security police officer Li Bin have all been expelled from the party and removed from their posts for bringing banned books into the country.

'Serious political issues'

Chinese Communist Party rules define "books and periodicals with serious political issues" as reading matter that opposes government policy, undermines party unity and "smears the image of the party and the country" or "insults party and government leaders."

Earlier this month, Shanghai dissident Ji Xiaolong stood trial for criticizing premier Li Qiangs handling of the COVID-19 pandemic while he was party secretary, something the court viewed as insulting the countrys leaders.

A woman dressed as a Red Guard, holding a "Little Red Book" performs in front of a portrait of the late Chairman Mao Zedong at a restaurant in Beijing in 2006. Credit:Jason Lee/Reuters

Books and articles that "distort the history of the party and the military" are also forbidden, according to Articles 45 and 46 of the "Regulations on Disciplinary Action in the Chinese Communist Party."

China already has laws protecting the reputation of its revolutionary heroes and martyrs, and has jailed people for questioning the official view of history.

Former party school professor Deng Yuwen, who now lives in the United States, said party officials have always kept and passed around banned books and journals, however.

"Even during the extreme era of the Cultural Revolution, they didn't manage to ban them completely, and it's even less likely they can do that now," Deng told Radio Free Asia. "I believe that all of the senior cadres in the party likely have such books."

"It's fine until [a political power play] happens, then it's considered a violation of party rules," Deng said.

According to Deng, the key factor affecting party officials' careers is the degree to which they can demonstrate their absolute political loyalty to supreme leader Xi Jinping.

Key tool for purges

Wang Ruiqin, a former member of the Qinghai branch of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, agreed.

"The private possession and reading of books and periodicals with serious political issues is very common," Wang said. "Especially among the younger officials ... who have enjoyed the benefits of the economic reform era [that began in 1979]."

"This political accusation is likely to be an important tool for the purging of dissenting opinions in internal power struggles," she said. "It will also have a 'chilling effect' on other party members and officials."

As the ruling party moves to ensure that only the official narrative is read, heard or seen by its citizens, the works of Xi Jinping and the party charter have moved to the top five sales slots during the past two months, calling to mind the era of Chairman Maos Little Red Book.

Undated photo of Zhang Guilin, former director of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the Beijing Municipal Government. The Beijing branch of the party's disciplinary arm, announced on June 25 it had expelled former state assets supervisory official Zhang Guilin for "serious violations of discipline and law," paving the way for a criminal prosecution. Credit: Baidu

Out of the top 20 highest-selling publications in May and June, 7 are writings or speeches by Xi Jinping.

In top place is Volume 2 of "Selected Readings from Xi Jinping's Works, while Volume 1 ranks second.

In third place is the party charter, or constitution, while Xi's report to the 20th party congress in October is in fourth spot.

Fifth and sixth places are taken up by Xi's writings on governance and a study outline of Xi's thinking "in the new era."

'Politics by decree'

Zhejiang-based scholar Jiang Yi said the last time a leader's writings took up all of the top spots in book sales rankings was under late supreme leader Mao Zedong, whose Little Red Book of selected works became a huge nationwide bestseller.

"A supreme Chinese leader is once more dominating book sales rankings, and the era of politics by decree has returned," Jiang said.

He said the rankings were likely the result of a massive system-wide orchestration that involves mass orders by government departments and state-owned enterprises and compulsory orders using party or government funds.

"Political books like that are actually pretty boring, so it's quite a tough call to have Xi Jinping's writings dominate half of the sales rankings, given the huge variety of books available," Jiang said.

Former 1989 student leader and current affairs commentator Ji Feng said China is currently living through the Cultural Revolution 2.0.

"These books have all been funded by the taxpayer, and have nothing to do with the market economy," Ji said. "It's all about propaganda and political correctness, just as it was with Mao Zedong's anthologies."

Feng Chongyi, a professor at the Sydney University of Technology in Australia, said the move is a mistake, however.

"How can they regress to such a point all of a sudden?" Feng said. "This is an insult to the intelligence of regular citizens, not to mention the publishing industry, professors, and scholars."

"It's the restoration of totalitarianism, and it's a tragedy for the whole nation," he said.



Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Paul Eckert.
China and India are best situated to benefit from green policies, says Deloitte Asia Pacific.

A farmer talks about the impact of recent floods as she grabs the stubs of corn plants that were washed away in Huangtugang village in central China's Henan province, Oct. 23, 2021.

Hundreds of millions of workers in the Asia-Pacific region are vulnerable to climate change impacts in their sectors, but trillions of dollars could be added to economies during the transition to net zero carbon emissions if the countries seize opportunities, with giants China and India set to benefit the most, a report said Wednesday.

The Asia-Pacific region is regarded as one of the most vulnerable areas globally to climate change impacts, and is poised to experience a temperature increase rate twice as fast as anywhere else.

Approximately 43% of workers in the Asia-Pacific region are employed in vulnerable sectors, such as agriculture, conventional energy, manufacturing, transportation and construction, and so they are particularly susceptible to any disruption, said the new report released by Deloitte Asia Pacific, an accounting firm.

However, the report said that if countries seize decarbonization and green innovation opportunities through a rapid and coordinated transition, they could add U.S. $47 trillion to the regions economies by 2070 and create 180 million jobs by 2050.

Pradeep Philip, Head of Deloitte Access Economics, said that 80% of the skills required for jobs in the increasingly decarbonized economy already exist.

How governments act individually and collectively to support these workers to adapt, contribute and thrive as our economy transforms will be one of the biggest determinants of equality in the coming decades, Philip said.

No country can do it alone, but together it is possible to influence a just transition where the benefits far surpass the cost.

Deloitte said 48% of Chinas total workforce  the highest proportion in the Asia-Pacific region  are employed in industries most vulnerable to the physical impact of climate damage and the economic transition to net zero carbon emissions.

India has 43% of its workforce in vulnerable industries, while in Southeast Asia, 38% of workers are employed in such sectors.

In Laos and Myanmar, Deloitte said that almost half the workforce is engaged in the at-risk agriculture sector.

Villagers take a rest near horses on the grassland with wind turbines in the background in Zhangbei county, in north China's Hebei province, Aug. 15, 2022. Credit: AP China, the worlds top carbon dioxide emitter, has pledged to reach net zero by 2060 and is currently driving massive growth in the renewable sector.

The Deloitte report said almost two-thirds of the worlds renewable energy jobs are in Asia, with China alone accounting for 42% of the global total in 2022.

Since 2020, Chinas new energy vehicle industry has been booming with policy support from the government. Last year, China sold 5.67 million electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, about 60% of total sales globally.

China has already established 21 undergraduate programs on curbing carbon emissions and carbon neutrality and 42 colleges to train talent in the country, Deloitte said, as part of Beijings effort to tackle climate change while pursuing economic growth.

Earlier this month, another report said China will account for more than half of the increase in the deployment of renewable power worldwide this year, which would be the largest annual rise in new renewable capacity ever.

However, China also continues to emit record levels of carbon dioxide, with emissions set to rise to an all-time high in 2023.

Chinas CO2 emissions grew by 4% in the first three months of 2023 compared to last year to hit a quarterly record high of more than 3 billion metric tons, said an analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), a Finland-based independent organization, in June.

The most significant contributors to the growth in emissions were coal-powered electricity generation and higher production of construction materials, mainly steel and cement.

Edited by Paul Eckert.
The census is a major step in preparation for an election at unknown future date.

Myanmars junta claims that it has completed a census that accounts for nearly 90% of the population ahead of planned elections, but critics and political analysts say thats impossible given the turmoil and fighting wracking the country.

The military regime, which overthrew the democratically-elected government in February 2021, has said it will hold elections this year, but no date has been set. Western governments and international rights groups say that any election held under the junta is unlikely to be free or fair.

Last week, pro-junta media outlets reported that a census comprising 87% of Myanmars population of about 54 million people had been collected as part of a pilot program ahead of that vote.

But observers said there was no way that the regime had accurately collected census data for nine out of 10 citizens in the current state of crisis, with an estimated 1.5 million people who have been displaced from their homes.

[Junta officials] held an emergency meeting last Friday about the elections at the Yangon region government office  [but] they themselves dont even know what to do in these circumstances, said an election observer, who declined to be named for security reasons.

Theyve included names of people who no longer live at their address or have died in their collection of the population census, he said. Some of them are in foreign countries ... Frankly speaking, they are struggling to even get 25%.

According to the Union Election Commission, or UEC, there are currently 63 political parties in Myanmar: 50 that have applied for registration to participate in the elections and 13 that have applied to establish new parties.

Junta chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said during a Jan. 23 meeting with the UEC that an election must be held under any circumstances.

Census data completely unreliable

However, political analyst Than Soe Naing told RFA on Tuesday that since the UEC has been unable to form sub-election commissions in states and regions across the country, it cannot effectively collect the population census or hold an election.

The United Nations estimates that there are around 1.5 million internally displaced persons in Myanmar, many of whom are living in the countrys jungles after fleeing conflict between the military and anti-junta groups in their villages and townships.

The only place the UEC can collect the population census numbers is from government offices in cities and towns, so their population data is completely unreliable, he said.

Than Soe Naing also suggested the junta is preparing to hold an election just for a show, and pointed out that it has been unable to even announce an exact date.

Tun Aung Kyaw, the spokesman for the ethnic Arakan National Party, went further to suggest that it wouldnt even be possible to hold an election in Myanmar next year, due to the security and military situation in the country.

He added that parties that applied for recognition under a recently passed political party registration law ahead of a March 28 deadline are required to hand over information about their present status, members and financial accounts within 90 days in order to obtain final legal status.

Thats why these political parties are not in position to stand firmly, he said.

Census workers collect information in Sittwe, Rakhine state, Myanmar, on Jan. 10, 2023. Credit: Thikyarzaychi Ngwethazin

Meanwhile, the Union Solidarity and Development Party, or USDP, whose officials are mostly former military generals, is systematically preparing for the juntas elections, holding frequent party meetings and organizing events around the country.

Attempts by RFA to contact USDP leaders and spokespersons for comment on their preparation for the election went unanswered Tuesday.

Reflecting the peoples will

Regardless of the juntas success in its efforts to carry out a census and ready the country for a ballot, it must be the people who will determine the political fate of the country, said Bo Bo Oo, a former NLD lawmaker for Yangon regions Dala township.

A one-sided election under the control of the military junta will not win any support from the people, he said. Any attempt to win the peoples support should be done in ways that reflect the peoples will.

The NLD won Myanmars 2020 general election with more than 80% of the vote, but the military seized power on allegations of vote fraud, which it has yet to present evidence to support. The UEC under the junta also dissolved the NLD in March after its leadership chose not to re-register under the new registration law.

While the junta has yet to announce a date for the election, it has said that national census data will be complete by Oct. 1, 2024.

Political analysts say that the junta intends to use an election to legitimize its rule and secure power in Myanmar for the long term.

Translated by Myo Min Aung. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster.
Bombs also killed 11 locals in jet attacks on 2 villages.

The remains of the monastery in Nyaung Kone village, Pale township, Sagaing region, attacked by junta jets on June 27, 2023.

Junta air raids on two Sagaing region villages killed 12 civilians including a monk, locals told RFA Wednesday.

They said 11 people from Pale townships Nyaung Kone and one from Pi Tauk Kone village died in Tuesdays attack.

A school teacher from Nyaung Kone, who didnt want to be named for security reasons, told RFA the air force dropped three 500-pound bombs around the village monastery, killing one monk and 10 locals.

It happened when I was teaching children at school, the teacher said.

I used to hear the plane approaching but this time I didnt hear it until the bomb exploded. The bombs fragments and dust flew towards our school. Some people were already dead when I arrived at the scene of the explosions. Some are injured and receiving emergency medical treatment.

The monk was named as 55-year-old Kay Mar. Six men and two women, aged between 41 and 70, died on the spot. Four of the dead were relatives of the monk.

An 18-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man were critically injured and died in Pale Township Hospital on Tuesday night.

All the bodies were cremated on Tuesday night.

Residents said six more people were injured and receiving treatment in the village.

The aftermath of a junta airstrike on Nyaung Kone village, Pale township, Sagaing region Jun 27, 2023. Credit: Pale township Peoples Defense Force





A member of the Peoples Administration Group of Pale township said that the junta attacked the village with Russian-made Yakovlev Yak-130 jet, destroying the monastery and 13 houses.

Locals said a woman died and another was injured in a separate air raid on Pi Tauk Kone village on Tuesday night.

The names and the ages of the dead and injured are not yet known because it is difficult to contact Pi Tauk Kone by phone.

RFA called Sagaing region junta spokesperson Aye Hlaing on Wednesday but nobody answered.

There were 454 airstrikes across Myanmar between January and April 2023, according to independent research group Nyan Lynn Thit Analytica, resulting in 292 deaths.

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn.
Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen speaks during a meeting with U.S. Representative Mike Rogers and other members of the congressional delegation, at the presidential office in Taipei, Taiwan, in this handout image released June 28, 2023.

UPDATED at 9:35 am on June 28, 2023.

A U.S. congressional delegation, led by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, a Republican, and comprised of nine bipartisan members, met with President Tsai Ing-wen Wednesday after arriving in Taiwan the previous day.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, in her welcoming remarks, thanked the delegation for visiting Taiwan.

Speaking in Mandarin, she said, "By visiting Taiwan, you are demonstrating your support for Taiwan-U.S. relations."

As is usually the case with such visits, no announcement has been made about the details of the discussions with Tsai, and they will likely only be made public when the delegation returns to the U.S.

It is the largest-scale visit by U.S. congressional members in recent years. Discussions will cover Taiwan-U.S. relations and regional affairs.

Rogers and his delegation arrived on a U.S. executive plane. Foreign Minister Joseph Wu was scheduled to host a welcome banquet on Wednesday night. The group will leave Thursday.

Its the third time this year that Congress representatives have made public trips to Taiwan, but the first time Rogers has done so.

Joining him are Democratic ranking members Adam Smith, Joe Courtney, and John Garamendi from the House Armed Services Committee, along with U.S. Representatives Jill Tokuda, David Rouzer, Gary Palmer, James Moylan, and Cory Mills, according to a Chinese-language news release from the Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

China sparks expected

Rogers chairs the committee charged with funding and oversight of the U.S. military, which can be expected to generate some sparks in China,

The Peoples Republic of China has disputed territorial claims on democratic Taiwan, otherwise known as the Republic of China, and has threatened to take the island by force if it cannot be brought to heel by peaceful efforts.

Its a big deal. Theyre obviously not here for fun," one source told RFA, asking not to be identified due to the delicate nature of the visit.

An American Taiwan-based legal source, also requesting anonymity for the the same reason, said, China has gotten away with a lot because the U.S. can pay attention to one or maybe two issues at once. Now China has the U.S.s full attention.

Another American long-term resident of Taiwan was more cautious. I would be surprised and disappointed if such delegations were not traveling to Taiwan," he said, asking to remain nameless so as to speak freely.

Members of Congress should feel the need to educate themselves on issues they will need to address, and getting first-hand information on the ground is one of the best ways to do that. Chinas attempts to bully Taiwan, especially in the context of the Ukraine war, underscore the importance of having that information.

Rep. Mike Rogers arrives at a Republican Steering Committee meeting, where he was named the new U.S. House Armed Services Committee Chairman, in the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, U.S., January 11, 2023. Reuters/Leah Millis





The current visit is the first time the chairman and ranking members of the House Armed Services Committee have jointly led a delegation to Taiwan in recent years, with one Taipei-based source saying it recalled Congresss passing of the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979 after the U.S. diplomatically recognized the Peoples Republic of China.

The TRA authorized the continuation of commercial, cultural and other relations between the U.S. and Taiwan, and also declared that the U.S. would provide Taiwan with arms of a defensive character and consider any threat to Taiwan's security as a matter of grave concern.

Pro-Taiwan

The delegation members represent both parties leaders from the committee and its significant subcommittees. Rogers, who is pro-Taiwan, along with Smith, are both members of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus and support initiatives to strengthen Taiwan-U.S. security relations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in Mandarin that as the global and regional security situation is under threat by authoritarian expansion and Chinas continuous attempts to change the status quo, U.S. congressional leaders from military, foreign affairs, and appropriations committees are organizing heavyweight delegations to Taiwan.

This shows strong bipartisan support for Taiwan and a significant commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, the Chinese-language statement said.

The U.S. House of Representatives recently finalized the review of the National Defense Authorization Act for the 2024 fiscal year. The Armed Services Committees draft pointed out the problem of delays of deliveries of U.S. military sales to Taiwan and demanded a report from the U.S. Secretary of Defense by March 1, 2024, outlining the benefits and challenges of jointly producing arms and ammunition with Taiwan.

In a hearing on Indo-Pacific security by the House Armed Services Committee this April, Rogers noted that China had tripled its military budget over the past decade and is actively pursuing military expansion and modernization.

A spokesperson for the Armed Services Committee declined to comment on whether the committee members currently in Taiwan are discussing the joint production of arms and ammunition with Taiwan, according to U.S. reports.

Frozen diplomacy

Rogers visit to Taipei comes just over a week after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Beijing in an effort to stabilize U.S.-China relations, which are commonly regarded to be plumbing unprecedented depths since diplomacy was officially established nearly five decades ago.

President Joe Bidens comments about Chinese President Xi Jinping being a dictator in the aftermath of the Blinken visit likely put any thaw in the diplomatic freeze on hold.

Anti-Chinese sentiment is on a simmering boil on Capitol Hill, where one of the only issues that both sides of the political divide agree on is the importance of de-risking trade with China and de-escalating the risk of conflict by making China aware that there will be no backdown if China acts on its reiterated threats of hostility in the Taiwan Strait.

The presence of four House Armed Services Committee members in Taiwan, including its chairman, is not expected to bring Beijing any closer to the bargaining table, but China has yet to officially react, and it was not possible to reach its foreign ministry for comment.

Edited by Mike Firn.

Updates to add reasons sources requested to remain anonymous.
Volkswagen, Zara and Temu are among brands called on to monitor their supply chains.

Human rights activists portraying Chinese President Xi Jinping, Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume, and two chained and handcuffed Uyghur laborers stage an outdoor protest during Volkswagens annual shareholder meeting in Berlin on May 10, 2023.

A string of multinational companies  including German car giant Volkswagen, Spanish clothier Zara and China-based online retailer Temu  have come under renewed scrutiny this month for allegedly inadequate efforts to determine whether Uyghur forced labor is used in their supply chains.

In Europe, a prominent human rights organization and two other organizations filed a complaint on June 21 with German authorities alleging that Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW havent taken appropriate measures to prevent or eliminate forced labor in the making of their automobiles.

In the United States, a report from the U.S. House Select Committee on China said that Temu has failed to maintain even the facade of a meaningful compliance program.

And Uniqlo parent Fast Retailing and the owner of the Zara clothing chain, Inditex, are the subjects of a lawsuit filed this month by The European Uyghur Institute in Paris and several other nongovernment organizations.

The complaint at the Tribunal Court of Paris alleges that the brands continue to ignore human rights abuses in Xinjiang and have profited from forced labor.

Its up to the economic players to show that their products are not sullied by forced labor, institutes president, Dilnur Reyhan, told Nikkei Asia.

China has come under harsh international criticism in recent years for its severe rights abuses of the predominantly Muslim Uyghurs, including forced labor.

The U.S. government and several Western parliaments, including the German Bundestag, have declared that the abuses in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in the far western part of China amount to genocide or crimes against humanity.

Clamping down

In response, more Western governments are clamping down on companies whose products and supply chains involve Uyghur forced labor.

Both the German complaint and the U.S. House report cited recent laws passed in their countries aimed at halting Uyghur forced labor.

The June 21 complaint from the Berlin-based organization European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights, or ECCHR, was the first filed regarding the Uyghur issue since the implementation of a new law in January that requires German companies to take appropriate measures to prevent or eliminate forced labor.

The ECCHR, as well as the World Uyghur Congress and the Association of Ethical Shareholders Germany, cited a report from Sheffield Hallam University in the United Kingdom last year that documents the presence of forced labor throughout the entire automobile supply chain in the Uyghur region.

While companies like Volkswagen may deny their direct use of forced labor, our inquiry focuses on whether they can guarantee that their suppliers refrain from employing Uyghur forced labor, said Yalqun Ulughyol, a researcher at Sheffield Hallam University.

Volkswagen has a joint venture factory with its Chinese partner SAIC Motor Corp. in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

BMW and Mercedes-Benz are also connected to forced labor as well through their supply chain, the complaint said.

VW has defended its plant, where workers now perform quality checks on assembled vehicles, saying that it is a typical joint venture operation in China and that there have been no signs of mistreated laborers.

The companies have stated that they strictly enforce human rights standards in their supply chains, but ECCHR said multiple reports have consistently confirmed that independent factory audits are impossible. Therefore, companies cannot rely on audits to fulfill their human rights due diligence.

A man wears a mask to protect members of his family who he says have been put into forced labor camps in China, as members of the Uyghur American Association rally in front of the White House on Oct. 1, 2020 in support of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. Credit: Jacquelyn Martin/Associated Press





Prompts VW audit

Still, in response to the universitys report, Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blum stated on June 21 that the company intends to carry out an independent audit of the Urumqi factory later this year.

Nicolai Laude, the head of Integrity and Sustainability Communication at Volkswagen, told RFAs Uyghur service that he was unaware of the complaint and couldnt comment on its specific details.

But he said that Volkswagen rejects all forms of modern slavery, including forced labor and human trafficking.

In cases of severe violations, such as the use of forced labor, if suppliers fail to rectify their actions, contracts with them would be terminated, he said.

The German Supply Chain Act empowers the countrys Federal Office of Economic and Export Control, or BAFA, to investigate companies that fail to fulfill their obligations in prohibiting forced labor. It allows for the imposition of fines if necessary and even the suspension of government contracts for up to three years.

The companies have not presented supporting documents proving that they are adequately responding to the risk of forced labor in supplier factories in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, the ECCHR said in the complaint to BAFA.

Tilman Massa of the Association of Ethical Shareholders, told RFA that there has been a lack of transparency in the actions of the three German car companies.

Even the shareholders in their annual general meetings, they dont answer our questions about what exactly they are doing in China, he said. Officially, they tell us that they fulfill all the human rights due diligence obligations but without saying how exactly.

So what we hope with the complaint is that the corresponding state authority can use their new powers in the supply chain due diligence law to really investigate what exactly the German car companies are really doing to make sure they dont have forced labor in their supply chain in China.

Contaminated with forced labor

Meanwhile, the U.S. House report  Fast Fashion and the Uyghur Genocide  said that Temu doesnt have any system to ensure compliance with the the December 2021 Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, or UFLPA, which blocks the importing of goods produced by forced labor in Xinjiang.

Temu, launched in the United States last September by a Shanghai-based company, offers heavily discounted products on its online platform that are mostly shipped to consumers directly from China.

American consumers should know that there is an extremely high risk that Temus supply chains are contaminated with forced labor, the June 22 report said.

The report was a follow-up to an initial May report that called for changes to the de minimis threshold for customs inspections.

The threshold allows foreign fast-fashion websites like Temu and Shein  a China-backed global fashion e-tailer thats based in Singapore  to ship their goods direct-to-consumer without being subject to the UFLPA if the package is worth less than $800.

Temu and Shein are likely responsible for more than 30% of all packages shipped to the United States, last weeks report said.

Despite facilitating millions of purchases by Americans each year, when asked, Temu did not report any compliance or auditing system to independently verify that the tens of thousands of sellers who list on Temu are not selling products produced with Uyghur forced labor, it said.

Temus current compliance plan relies almost entirely on its China-based third-party sellers that send shipments to the United States with insufficient data to facilitate appropriate customs scrutiny, it said.

Xinjiang cotton

Temu does require its 80,000 sellers to agree with a Third Party Code of Conduct that includes boilerplate language saying that the company has a zero-tolerance policy for the use of forced labor. But the language doesnt mention Xinjiang or the UFLPA, the report said.

The report included a screenshot of an item listed for sale on Temu described as a pendant with Xinjiang cotton.

In response to our inquiry, Temu acknowledged that it does not have a policy in place to prohibit the sale of goods from Xinjiang, the report said.

The committee said it would continue its efforts to scrutinize the supply chains out of China, as well as the relevant business practices of Nike, Adidas, Shein, and Temu.

On Tuesday, Temu posted a position on LinkedIn for a U.S.-based compliance officer who would develop policies and procedures for anti-money laundering, licensing requirements and reporting obligations.

Another posting showed that Temu is also searching for a lawyer to help the company create a protocol for screening merchandise. The job postings were first reported by Reuters.

Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster.
Head of the Ut Trung Home Church is suffering from cancer and very weak.

Bui Van Trung, a member of an unofficial branch of the Hoa Hao Buddhist community, is seen in this undated photo.

Vietnamese authorities have released two family members belonging to an unofficial branch of the Hoa Hao Buddhist community after serving six-year prison sentences for disrupting public order during a confrontation with authorities at their home.

Bui Van Trung, 62, and his son, Bui Van Tham, 36, were convicted in February 2018 in the countrys An Giang province.

Vietnams government officially recognizes the Hoa Hao religion, which has some 2 million followers across the country, but imposes harsh controls on dissenting Hoa Hao groups, including the sect in An Giang province, that do not follow the state-sanctioned branch.

Rights groups say that authorities in An Giang routinely harass followers of the unapproved groups, prohibiting public readings of the Hoa Hao founders writings and discouraging worshipers from visiting Hoa Hao pagodas in An Giang and other provinces.

Trung, also known as Ut Trung and leads the Ut Trung Home Church, had been held at An Phuoc Prison in southern Vietnams Binh Duong province, but was transferred to Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City earlier this month for colon cancer treatment. Than served his sentence at Xuyen Moc Prison in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, also in the south.

The pair returned to their home in An Giangs Phuoc Hoa village on Monday.

Trung appeared very weak on his release from Cho Ray Hospital as he was still in recovery from an emergency operation to remove a tumor in his large intestine, an Ut Trung Home Church follower and former prisoner of conscience who identified himself as Nam told RFA Vietnamese.

Trungs daughter Bui Thi Bich Tuyen, was also convicted in 2018 and handed a three-year term; she has since been freed. His wife, Le Thi Hen, was given a two-year suspended sentence at the time because she was suffering from an illness.

Deteriorating health

Nam said Trungs tumor was discovered in mid-2022, but prison authorities did not allow him to seek treatment until it became significantly worse. A doctor who examined Trung as his jail term came to an end convinced the warden of An Phuoc Prison that he was in need of an urgent surgical procedure and that he should be transferred to Cho Ray.

If he had received timely treatment, his health wouldnt have become that bad, he said. As they wanted to harm Hoa Hao Buddhism adherents, the prison did not send him to the hospital [right away].

A pagoda belonging to an unofficial branch of the Hoa Hao Buddhist community in An Giang province, Vietnam, is seen in this undated photo. Credit: Nam Nguyen Hoang Facebook

According to Nam, prison authorities wanted to send Trung back to prison after his surgery, but allowed him to recover in the hospital after his family members protested.

Once he has fully recovered from the procedure, Trung will need to undergo chemotherapy treatment for his cancer, he said.

On April 18, 2017, traffic police accompanied by unidentified men in civilian clothes stopped Hoa Hao Buddhists going to the Bui familys home to observe the death anniversary of a friend, confiscating motorbikes and registration papers, family members told RFA in earlier reports.

Several motorbikes were seized even though their owners presented papers proving proper registration, Bui Van Trungs daughter Bui Thich Tuyen told RFA at the time.

Two months later, on June 26, 2017, Trung and his son Tham were arrested by security officials and unidentified civilians while returning from a visit to a neighboring commune.

This is not the first time Trung and Tham were jailed because of their beliefs.

In 2012, the father and son were convicted of resisting officers on official duty after promoting religious freedom and refusing to join the officially sanctioned Hoa Hao Buddhist Sangha, and sentenced to four and two years in prison, respectively.

Translated by Anna Vu. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster.
Ruben Vardanian was struggling to find a good mobile connection for his iPad as he spoke over Zoom from his dark residence in Nagorno-Karabakh.

"Sorry, we have no electricity," he said. "It's a challenge."



Rolling blackouts in Azerbaijan's breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh mean regular cuts to the power supply and, as a result, WiFi. That is on top of regular interruptions in the natural gas supply and a blockade on traffic in and out of the territory, imposed by Azerbaijan.



With negotiations advancing between Armenia and Azerbaijan -- the United States opened three days of peace talks between the foreign ministers on June 27 -- and indications that Armenia is prepared to cede control of Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan, there is a growing sense of doom in the region: not only from its ethnic Armenian population fearful of the future but from the self-proclaimed authorities that govern the region, who are finding themselves increasingly politically isolated.



Armenia's government, which has propped up the de facto Karabakh government for the last three decades, has signaled its intention to end that support, while insisting that the rights and security of the local Armenians be protected under international supervision. On May 22, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian for the first time said explicitly that Karabakh was Azerbaijani territory.



While the de facto Karabakh authorities have remained relatively silent, Vardanian -- a billionaire who had a short, tumultuous tenure as Karabakh's state minister (a position akin to prime minister) before he was dismissed in February -- has stepped up and is now presenting himself as a leader of Armenian resistance to Azerbaijani control of Karabakh.

It is the latest of many reinventions for Vardanian, who is of Armenian descent and was born in Yerevan but spent most of his adult life in Russia. He made his fortune via a banking firm he founded in 1991, which was later implicated in a massive money-laundering scheme. To Armenians, he is better known for his philanthropic work in Armenia and Karabakh.



Pashinian "has no right, legally or morally," to give up Karabakh, Vardanian told RFE/RL over Zoom.

In late May -- the day after Pashinian's controversial statement that Karabakh was Azerbaijani territory -- Vardanian announced the founding of a new organization, Front For The Security And Development Of Artsakh. Using the Armenian word for Karabakh, he said the organization had the "sacred goal of keeping Artsakh Armenian."



In his social media posts, Vardanian has regularly called on Armenians to "fight" for Karabakh to remain Armenian. Speaking to RFE/RL, he said that "fighting is not only taking up weapons, it is explaining our position, explaining that we will not be a part of Azerbaijan."



Armenians have controlled Karabakh since winning the First Karabakh War in the 1990s. But as a result of the Second Karabakh War in 2020, Azerbaijan retook more than half of the territory it had lost in the first war. Now, as it is seeking to reassert full control over the remainder of Karabakh and reintegrate the Armenian population into Azerbaijani state structures, the government in Baku insists that it will treat the territory's tens of thousands of ethnic Armenians as equal citizens.



Few Armenians, however, believe that.

While Karabakh Armenians will supposedly have the same rights as Azerbaijanis, Baku has refused to offer them any sort of special rights or security guarantees. On June 21, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov reiterated that position, arguing that its policy toward Armenians is solely an internal matter.

Many ethnic Armenians fear that the real aim is to ethnically cleanse them from the territory. In land Azerbaijan retook in 2020, researchers have documented the destruction of several Armenian cultural heritage sites, accusations Azerbaijan denies. The authorities in Baku have also used historical interpretations not accepted outside Azerbaijani state circles to deny the Armenian origin of many of these sites. They have also pointed to the widespread destruction of Azerbaijani cultural sites during more than two decades of Armenian occupation.



Baku has taken a strong stance toward the ethnic Armenian leadership that has ruled the territory since the 1990s. From Azerbaijan's perspective, the authorities -- who have never been formally recognized by any other country, including Armenia -- are illegal occupants who built their would-be state on the foundation of the ethnic cleansing of hundreds of thousands of its former Azerbaijani residents during the first war.



Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev recently offered an amnesty to officials in the de facto government, but only on condition that they step down from their positions.

"There is only one option left -- to abide by the laws of Azerbaijan, be a loyal and decent citizen of Azerbaijan, throw the false state attributes in the trash, and dissolve the 'parliament,'" Aliyev said in a May 28 speech, which was posted as a transcript on his website. "The 'parliament' should be dissolved, the element calling himself 'president' should surrender, and all ministers, deputies, and others should give up their positions. Only in that case can a concession be made to them. Only in that case can we talk of an amnesty."

Aliyev's speech gained praise from the United States. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement that "we welcome President Aliyev's recent remarks on consideration of [an] amnesty." That, in turn, drew criticism from the de facto Foreign Ministry in Karabakh, which said that Washington's endorsement caused "deep disappointment and bewilderment."



"It is inexplicable how in this statement of the president of Azerbaijan, entirely built on open blackmail and coercion, one could find something positive that deserves encouragement," the de facto ministry's statement continued.



The U.S. State Department has repeatedly called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to come to an agreement on ensuring the "rights and security" of the Karabakh Armenians, a formulation that implies Azerbaijani sovereignty over Karabakh, but that the issue should be regulated by a treaty with Armenia. The closed-door talks currently under way in Washington, D.C., are the second negotiations involving the South Caucasus adversaries in two months.



Aliyev's ultimatum to the de facto authorities came amid an ongoing effort to strengthen Azerbaijani control over Karabakh.

In mid-December 2022, Azerbaijani government-backed environmental protesters began obstructing the Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Karabakh to Armenia and the outside world. At the end of April, Azerbaijan established a border checkpoint on the corridor and, just as Karabakh Armenians were beginning to overcome their misgivings about using the checkpoint to travel to and from Armenia, Azerbaijan abruptly closed it on June 15. It thus transformed a partial blockade into a complete blockade in which nothing was entering or leaving the territory. Since December, Karabakh Armenians have been saying the restrictions are causing a critical shortage of food and medicines.



Azerbaijan's stated reason for the closure was that Armenian troops fired at the border checkpoint. In recent weeks, Baku has repeatedly accused ethnic Armenian armed forces, known as the Defense Army, of firing on Azerbaijani troops, which the authorities in the de facto capital, Stepanakert -- a city known as Xankendi by the Azerbaijanis -- have consistently denied.



In the most recent incident, Nagorno-Karabakh authorities say four ethnic Armenian soldiers were killed on June 28 by Azerbaijani fire. Azerbajian's Defense Ministry did not comment on the alleged deaths and said that its positions were fired upon from Nagorno Karabakh and that one of its soldiers was wounded.



Despite the sporadic exchanges of fire, the closure of the border checkpoint "is more likely being done to force the de facto authorities into accepting Baku's demands," said Shujaat Ahmadzada, a researcher at the Baku-based Topchubashov Center, which focuses on international relations and security. Those demands are primarily accepting reintegration into Azerbaijan and the dismantling of the Defense Army, Ahmadzada said.

The negotiating position that Armenia has adopted -- its acknowledgement that Karabakh is Azerbaijani territory and its tacit acceptance of the new border checkpoint -- has encouraged Baku's pressure on the Defense Army and other Karabakh institutions, wrote Benyamin Poghosyan, head of the Yerevan-based Center for Political and Economic Strategic Studies, in a recent analysis in The Armenian Weekly.

"Azerbaijan has perceived these steps as a de facto green light for a military operation against the Artsakh defense army," Poghosyan wrote.



Amid this pressure, the local authorities in Karabakh have been keeping a low profile, with senior officials saying little about the diplomatic process unfolding around them. The de facto Foreign Ministry in Stepanakert declined to respond to RFE/RL's questions about the negotiations and just pointed to a May 30 statement calling Aliyev's ultimatum to disband "open threats and outright blackmail."



With the Karabakh authorities receding into the background, Vardanian has helped to fill the political vacuum. He is taking aim at what he sees as the resignation among some Armenians to accept an Azerbaijani takeover of Karabakh.

"First, we are trying to consolidate the people [in Karabakh], who have three options: to leave, to accept Azerbaijani rule, or who say, 'No, we will raise our voices together.' So, the first key target is people who live here, the second is the Armenian people" outside Karabakh, he said. "Before you ask anyone for help, you need to raise your own willingness to defend your own future."



Under the cease-fire agreement that ended the 2020 war, Russia has committed to maintaining a peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh until 2025. At that point, Armenia, Azerbaijan, or Russia could veto the extension of the mission. Azerbaijan has not hidden its impatience with the Russian forces on the ground; without fail, Baku's official statements refer to the peacekeepers' presence as "temporary."

Speaking to RFE/RL, analyst Poghosyan said that perhaps the best bet for Karabakh Armenians to retain control of the region -- at least in the medium-term -- could be to maintain the status quo until 2025 and then hope something changes in the international arena that would allow the Russian peacekeepers to stay.

"Then we will see what will happen with Russia/Ukraine, with Azerbaijan itself, with Armenia," he said. If Azerbaijan believes Russia will not withdraw its troops even if Azerbaijan vetoes the extension, then Baku may not risk an open confrontation with Moscow, he added.



Vardanian has publicly broken with the de facto authorities in Karabakh on some issues, most prominently on the government's decision to allow travel through the Azerbaijani checkpoint on the Lachin Corridor, saying the decision amounted to crossing a "red line."



Days later, though, Vardanian met with the region's ethnic Armenian leader and de facto president, Arayik Harutiunian.

"We have a good -- not good, but constructive -- working relationship and a dialogue with them," Vardanian said. "All people here understand the danger we are facing. There can be some tactical disagreements about how to proceed, but I don't see fundamental disagreements."

In Azerbaijan, though, Vardanian is seen as "Moscow's main man on the ground," according to Baku-based analyst Ahmadzada. Harutiunian, among others, is seen as being more cooperative with Armenian President Pashinian and more amenable to working with Baku, he added.

The Azerbaijani government fears that Russia may be trying to block Karabakh's reintegration against the will of the Armenian government.

"Many pro-government and government-affiliated experts are raising the possibility of conducting what they call 'counterterrorism operations' in Nagorno-Karabakh as a show of force to Moscow and its aliases in Nagorno-Karabakh, which is Vardanian," Ahmadzada said. "The scope and scale of the operations are still unanswered questions, but most probably it [would mean] high-precision strikes to the military infrastructure of the Defense Army."

Vardanian declined to comment to RFE/RL on the future of the Defense Army.

"I am not a specialist in this, [but] I know just one thing," he said. "In the situation when you are in a blockade, everyone becomes a soldier. Everyone, from the kids to old men, needs to become a soldier to defend the homeland."



Baku has been encouraged, meanwhile, by efforts from the European Union and the United States to foster negotiations between the Azerbaijani government and representatives of the Karabakh Armenians, Ahmadzada said. Those efforts seem to have borne little fruit thus far, but they did elicit a much-discussed report in the Russian news agency RIA Novosti claiming that the United States was "forcing" representatives from Karabakh to negotiate with Baku, and was threatening that if they didn't cooperate, Azerbaijan would conduct a "counterterror" operation.



Asked about the RIA Novosti report and U.S. efforts more generally to mediate between Baku and Stepanakert, a spokesperson from the U.S. Embassy in Baku offered a statement: "As we know, Russia has a history of pushing out disinformation. We have consistently maintained that peace in the region must include protections for the rights and securities of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. We would welcome any dialogue that furthers this."



Meanwhile, Azerbaijan continues to press for reintegration. After more than a week of a full blockade, on June 24, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Bayramov said that supplies of food and other goods could be restored to Nagorno-Karabakh -- but this time via Azerbaijan.
Presidential candidate Sandra Torres, who will face off with Bernardo Arevalo (Semilla Movement) in the upcoming August 20 runoff, is determined to win over the conservative vote in Guatemala. The politician garnered 200,000 more votes than her progressive opponent, and says shes confident she can compete against anyone.

In her third presidential campaign, Torres won 858,000 votes on June 25, 15% of the total votes cast in the first round. The former first ladys political career shows a noteworthy transformation from social democrat viewpoints to solidly conservative positions, culminating in her current pro-life stance. One day after the election, she spoke out in defense of children and families, an obvious appeal to the supporters of former candidate Zury Rios, who was knocked out of the race after winning only 6.5% of the vote. Rios is the daughter of former dictator Efrain Rios Montt.

In her June 27 press conference, Torres derided Bernardo Arevalo, calling him a puppet of Thelma Aldana and Ivan Velasquez (Colombias defense minister). Aldana is a former Guatemalan prosecutor who joined forces with Velasquez to investigate dozens of corruption cases in Guatemala for the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG). In 2019, Aldana was running for president as the Semilla Movements candidate, but a constitutional court disqualified her. Bernardo Arevalo is the son of a reformist former president, Jose Arevalo Bermejo, who was born in Uruguay after his family was persecuted and exiled by a series of military regimes.

We know where their [the Semilla Movement] funding comes from. We know that their votes came from the MLP [Peoples Liberation Movement], CODECA [the Peasant Development Committee], and Thelma Cabrera [an Indigenous human rights defender]. All of them are against family, life and religious freedom, said Torres.

The MLP and CODECA are at odds with conservative groups in Guatemalan society due to their critical stance on corporate greed and opposition to land concessions for extractive mining and monoculture practices. CODECA, a rural peasant organization, has been subjected to criminal proceedings for alleged electricity theft.

Arevalo is for same-sex marriage

I ask the people of Guatemala to choose the path of life, family, peace and religious freedom, Torres said in her speech. The Semilla party and its candidate, Bernardo Arevalo, an Uruguayan citizen, is for same-sex marriage. We respect their views, but we dont agree with them. Our party will defend Guatemalan children and families.

Political analyst Luis Mack says Torres is already looking ahead to the runoff, and aims to capture the conservative vote. She is focusing on religious conservatives and the far right, both of which opposed anti-corruption efforts and foreign interference. Thats why she keeps bringing up Thelma Aldana and Ivan Velasquez, he said.

Mack said Torres is also striving to attract urban voters, a constituency that mostly leaned toward the Semilla Movement. The candidates who were disqualified after the first round are urging the nation to actively engage in the election process. However, they perceive the 17% blank votes as a sign of the electorates dissatisfaction with the candidates political propositions. Conservative candidate Zury Rios, who didnt get enough votes to qualify for the runoff, said the results clearly express a demand for change that must be addressed. Roberto Arzu, one of three candidates disqualified by judicial rulings and who urged the electorate to submit blank votes, praised the anti-system steamroller, and said, Votes for Bernardo Arevalo were not based on ideology but because we are tired of a corrupt system riddled with manipulation and privilege.

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Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led the Russian private Wagner mercenary group's aborted mutiny last month, has appeared in a video purportedly filmed in Belarus welcoming his fighters and saying they would be headed to Africa as the company was halting its involvement in Russia's war with Ukraine for the foreseeable future.

In the dimly lit video, posted by his press people on Telegram on July 19, Prigozhin is shown in front of a large number of armed men, greeting them "on the land of Belarus."

Since the Wagner leader was last seen pulling away in a vehicle in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don on June 24, his whereabouts have been a mystery as rumors swirled about the man cast as a traitor by President Vladimir Putin, once a close friend of Prigozhin. What Wagner would do next with its thousands of soldiers was also a question mark.



"You have done a lot for Russia. What is happening now on the front line [in Ukraine] is a shame we do not need to take part in. We need to wait until the moment when we are able to fully express ourselves," Prigozhin says in the video, the date of which remains unknown, adding that "the decision was made that we will stay here in Belarus for some time.



"During that time, we will turn, and I am fully confident about that, the Belarusian Army into the second-best army in the world, and if need be, protect them.... We must get trained further...and then head to a new destination, to Africa, and then, probably, we will get back to the special military operation [in Ukraine] when we are sure that we will not be forced to shame ourselves and our experience," Prigozhin says.

The fate of Wagner troops has been unclear since Prigozhin led a short-lived mutiny on June 23-24, the biggest threat to Putins 23 years in power.



The authoritarian ruler of Belarus and Putin's close ally, Alyaksandr Lukashenka, was reportedly involved in talks to end the mutiny by agreeing with Prigozhin and Putin to host the Wagner troops, and their leader, in Belarus.



Days after Lukashenkas statement, a tent camp began to appear in the eastern village of Tsel, a former garrison for members of a Belarusian missile brigade.



An analysis of satellite images by Schemes (Skhemy), an investigative project run by RFE/RL, estimates there are at least 485 vehicles near the tent camp in total.



The images from Planet Labs show almost all the equipment is located near warehouse-like buildings, as well as the parking lot of the military camp. No heavy military equipment can be seen.



The Belaruski Hayun Telegram channel that monitors the movement of military equipment on the territory of Belarus said it had registered at least six columns of military vehicles and equipment with Wagner and Russian national flags in the countrys eastern region of Mahilyou since July 11.



In the Wagner video released on July 19, Dmitry Utkin, a former Russian military officer known for his ultranationalist stance, is also shown.



"It is not the end; it is just a beginning. It is our new phase. It is the beginning of the biggest work in the world that will be performed very soon," Utkin, who chose the name for the Wagner Group and has been one of its commanders, says, ending his statement in English by adding, "Welcome to hell!"



Wagner troops played a key role in Russias invasion of Ukraine, helping take main parts of the town of Bakhmut after nearly 10 months of intense fighting. Prigozhin said earlier that he lost 20,000 men during the Bakhmut operation.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Belarusian Service
Russian opposition activist Aleksandr Stotsky faces deportation after being denied political asylum by Bulgaria, a country with a low rate of taking in those seeking refuge. He joins dozens of Russians who have had their applications rejected by the government in Sofia. The 27-year old says he could be sent to war or prison if he is forced to return to Russia, but a Bulgarian court ruled Stotsky faces no serious threat.
Welcome back to the China In Eurasia briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter tracking China's resurgent influence from Eastern Europe to Central Asia.

I'm RFE/RL correspondent Reid Standish and here's what I'm following right now.

What The Wagner Rebellion Means For Xi

The dust is still settling on the weekend mutiny launched by Yevgeny Prigozhin and his private Wagner mercenary group that shook Russia and exposed new cracks in Russian President Vladimir Putin's power at home.

But what does it mean for China and its leader, Xi Jinping, who has been Moscow's -- and Putin's -- strongest supporter since the February 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine?

Finding Perspective: As Wagner forces seized a major Russian military hub and ordered an armed march on Moscow on June 24, Chinese officials were silent. Chinese state media provided straight, factual coverage as events unfolded on the ground and, unsurprisingly, offered no sympathy for Prigozhin or Wagner, and instead largely echoed rhetoric from Putin's speech about the need for law, order, and stability.

It wasn't until Sunday, June 25 -- after the convoy to Moscow was turned around following a deal brokered by Belarusian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka between Putin and Prigozhin -- that Beijing broke its silence.

"This is a matter of Russia's domestic affairs," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "China supports Russia in safeguarding national stability and delivering development and prosperity."

That same day, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko flew to Beijing for what was said to be a scheduled meeting, where he met with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang.

"Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin, the Chinese-Russian political trust has continued to deepen," Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu said following the meeting.

Why It Matters: Xi now has to balance continuing support for Putin with hedging for the possibility that the Russian leader's time in power could be cut short.

Xi's partnership with Putin is based on a cocktail of ideology and pragmatism, and several Chinese scholars have argued that Prighozin's rebellion could limit the pragmatic appeal of the Kremlin.

Yu Jianrong, a prominent Chinese public intellectual, posted a video to his more than 7 million Weibo followers of Russians in Rostov-on-Don reacting angrily to police moving into the city, where he suggested there was some level of public support for Wagner: "I really don't know what's going on in this country," he wrote.

Meanwhile, Yu Sui, a professor at the China Center for Contemporary World Studies, told the China Daily newspaper the mutiny "undoubtedly rings an alarm bell for Russia" and that the episode reminded him of "the Chinese saying about feeding a tiger and then inviting trouble."

Shen Dingli, a Shanghai-based international relations scholar, told the Guardian that he believed the events would lead to Russia's increased dependence on China and that Beijing would take "a more cautious stance on Russia."

As Minxin Pei, a professor at Claremont McKenna College, wrote in a recent piece for Bloomberg, the invasion and Putin's actions since have provided Xi with a steady stream of lessons "too precious not to learn" when it comes maintaining support of the military, the absence of private armies, and keeping less personalistic control of the state.

When it comes to Prigohzin's rebellion, Mei writes, it's "a reminder to Xi that nationalism is a double-edged sword."

Expert Corner: Taiwan's Prague Moment

Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu recently made his second visit to Prague, where he spoke at a conference and sat front row to watch a speech by Czech President Petr Pavel, marking the first time a Taiwanese minister and European head of state shared a room together.

You can read my full report here, but I've chosen some notable passages by both Wu and Pavel:

Wu on China and Russia: "What we are witnessing is that the two authoritarian forces are collaborating with each other, trading ever more with each other, and feeding more into the hunger for expansion."

Wu on Europe's role: "In order for Taiwan to stay strong and resilient and to have the courage to continue the policy of maintaining the status quo, we do need support from our European friends."

Pavel on how Europe should engage with China: "We should do it the same way that China does to us. Let's not create dependencies. Let's do business and let's cooperate when it is beneficial to both sides -- but let's keep in mind that China's long-term interests and values are not compatible with ours."

Do you have a question about China's growing footprint in Eurasia? Send it to me at StandishR@rferl.org or reply directly to this e-mail and I'll get it answered by leading experts and policymakers.

Three more stories from Eurasia

1. A Softer Line From Brussels?

The European Union Council summit is set to take place later this week and, according to a leaked draft of the post-summit statement obtained by RFE/RL, the council is still juggling how best to handle its complex economic and geopolitical relationship with China.

The Details: The leaked draft mostly focuses on economic measures, reaffirming the 27-country bloc's "multifaceted policy approach toward China" and that "despite their different political and economic systems, the European Union and China have a shared interest in pursuing constructive and stable relations."

The document seen by RFE/RL for the June 29-30 meetings says the EU will continue with its de-risking plans and keep diversifying away from dependencies on China in critical industries, but it clarified that Brussels "does not intend to decouple or to turn inward."

After apparently walking back some tougher past rhetoric on the economic front, the draft also appears to adopt stronger language on Taiwan.

While reaffirming the bloc's "One-China policy," it states: "The East and South China Seas are of strategic importance for regional and global prosperity and security. The European Union is concerned about growing tensions in the Taiwan Strait. The European Council opposes any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion."

2. The Latest On Montenegro's Chinese-Built and Finances Highway

Montenegro will end a deal with Western banks that protected it from increased debt on a controversial Chinese loan for nearly $1 billion used to build a highway, my colleague Lela Scepanovic from RFE/RL's Balkan Service reports.

What You Need To Know: The move is the latest chapter in the saga of Montenegro's controversial highway -- which was built by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and financed by the Export-Import Bank of China with an immense loan -- and created long-term economic risk by saddling the country with debts to Beijing that once totaled more than a third of the state budget.

In exiting the deal that converted its dollar debt to the Chinese bank into euros, the country's finance ministry said on June 14 that it "earned approximately $64 million" after reverting to the recently strengthened dollar.

The ministry said it will use that money to help make its next debt payment to China in January.

3. The 11th Sanctions Package

The EU adopted its 11th sanctions package on June 23 and for the first time added companies registered in China to its list of entities aiding Russia's war in Ukraine, although it limited the number at the last minute.

What It Means: The new sanctions package looked to hit third parties from circumventing existing restrictions, especially products like semiconductors and radio equipment given their potential military applications.

The EU list added companies registered in China -- specifically, Hong Kong -- Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates, Syria, and Armenia.

Eight Chinese companies were named in a draft document seen by RFE/RL, but five were removed after the Chinese government made a commitment to put pressure on them, according to a Reuters report.

Their removal may have stemmed from a reluctance within the EU to avoid aggravating ties with Beijing.

Across The Supercontinent

Kazakh Crosshairs: Bekzat Maksutkhan, the head of Naghyz Atajurt, an unregistered advocacy group in Kazakhstan that works with families who have relatives missing in China's vast repression system in Xinjiang, says he was questioned and fined by Kazakh authorities on June 19, RFE/RL's Kazakh Service reports.

Kazakh authorities have moved to silence activism around the treatment of ethnic Kazakhs in Xinjiang in recent years, and Maksutkhan is one of the few still working on the issue inside the country.

One More? Russian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksei Overchuk said in an interview that talks between the Eurasian Economic Union -- which comprises Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia -- and Iran are in their final stages and could lead to a free trade agreement by the end of the year.

Chemical Central: According to leaked Hungarian government documents obtained by Direkt36, China is aiming to transport a significant part of its chemical production destined for Europe by rail to Hungary.

The plan, which is backed by the Hungarian government and in the later stages of negotiations, would look to supply Europe's battery factories and other industrial plants from Hungarian chemical trade hubs.

Middle Corridor: Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov and his Georgian counterpart, Irakli Garibashvili, held new talks about increasing oil transit through Black Sea ports and building more infrastructure along the Middle Corridor that brings good to and from China and Europe, RFE/RL's Kazakh Service reports.

One Thing To Watch

Russia's war in Ukraine saw a flurry of sanctions unleashed on Moscow by the United States and its allies. But could the same be done for China after an invasion of Taiwan?

According to a new study by the Atlantic Council and Rhodium Group, the answer is yes in theory, but getting there may be too many obstacles to overcome.

Washington and its allies would face tough choices in deciding how far to go in pressuring Beijing, struggle to find unity among partners, and have to deal with a China that has more tools than Russia in being able to cushion the blow.

According to the study, sanctions against Chinese industry would likely be narrowly targeted at specific companies and industries where China is highly dependent on G7 countries but where the United States and its allies rely little on Chinese exports. One example mentioned is China's aerospace sector, which is heavily dependent on foreign-sourced engines and avionics.

That's all from me for now. Don't forget to send me any questions, comments, or tips that you might have.

Until next time,

Reid Standish

If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition, subscribe here. It will be sent to your inbox every other Wednesday.
The United States has imposed new sanctions targeting 18 individuals and more than 120 entities based in Russia and Kyrgyzstan in a move aimed at inhibiting Moscows access to products and technology that support its war efforts.

The entities include several based in Kyrgyzstan that the U.S. Treasury Department on July 20 said have operated as intermediaries to provide foreign-made electronics and technologies to Russia.



At least six of these companies were featured in a recent investigation by RFE/RLs Kyrgyz Service into Kyrgyz and Kazakh companies that revealed how sanctioned Western electronics make their way to Russia via Central Asian firms.

The Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said on July 20 that, in addition to curtailing Russia's ability to obtain technology, the sanctions aim to reduce its revenue from mining, degrade its access to the international financial system, and starve it of technology produced by the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations, particularly items needed in the aerospace and defense sectors.



The latest sanctions build on a wave of global actions imposed on Moscow.



Since Russia launched its full scale invasion of Ukraine, the United States, working with our allies and partners, has taken unprecedented steps to impose costs on Russia and promote accountability for the individuals and entities who support its illegal war, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.



We will continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes, he said.



Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo said in the OFAC news release that the actions "represent another step in our efforts to constrain Russias military capabilities, its access to battlefield supplies, and its economic bottom line.



The individuals designated for sanctions include former Russian Finance Minister Aleksei Kudrin, a longtime confidant of President Vladimir Putin. Kudrin headed the governments official watchdog, the Audit Chamber, until late last year when he joined Russian tech giant Yandex.



Kudrin joined Yandex during a restructuring as the Kremlin cracked down on independent news and reporting on the Ukraine war. Yandexs search engine and main news portal were among the leading sources for Russian-language content.



Yandex ultimately decided to sell its main news and entertainment portals and undertook an attempted restructuring that would essentially split the company into a wholly Russian unit and an overlapping, but independent, foreign unit.



But that deal, which Kudrin has been intimately involved in negotiating, has been contingent on finding deep-pocketed Russian buyers for the Russian unit. Until recently, a group of Kremlin-connected oligarchs, and state investment bank VTB, were reported to be in the running to take control of the new unit.



But, according to reports this week in Meduza and The Bell, Yandexs board has been wary of falling afoul of existing U.S. sanctions that had previously targeted some of the main contenders, and the board has been casting about for other options.



Its unclear how Kudrins sanctioning would affect his role at Yandex or the companys restructuring efforts.



A Yandex spokeswoman declined to comment on the Treasury announcement.



The six companies designated for sanctions by OFAC that were featured in the RFE/RL investigation are LLC RM Design and Development, Basis Trade Prosoft LLC, Region-Prof LLC, ZAO GTME Tekhnologii, OOO Radiotekhsnab (RTS), and Technologies Systems and Complexes Limited (TSC).



ZAO GTME Tekhnologii (GTME Tekhnologii) is a Kyrgyz-based entity established in June 2022.



It has made dozens of shipments of goods to Russia, including high-priority items such as tantalum capacitors and electronic integrated circuits, the RFE/RL investigation found. GTME Tekhnologiis primary customer has been Russia-based TSC, a vendor of electronic and digital equipment.



OFAC said LLC RM Design and Development, established in March last year, has been a "prolific shipper" of electronics such as semiconductors and integrated circuits to Russia, including to firms that have supplied electronics to Russian-based defense companies.



Earlier on July 20, Kyrgyzstan denied helping Moscow circumvent sanctions imposed over the Ukraine invasion, but did admit to "the "possible involvement of private companies" and said it was investigating the matter.

The other individuals targeted for helping to supply munitions to Russia include Russian and North Korean national Yong Hyok Rim, who is linked to Yevgeny Prigozhin, the mutinous leader of the Wagner mercenary organization.



Also designated are two other private Russian military companies, including Okhrana, owned by Kremlin-controlled energy giant Gazprom.



Sergei Korolev, first deputy director of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), and Smolensk regional Governor Vasily Anokhin also were targeted, the State Department said.



The sanctions freeze any property in U.S. jurisdictions owned by the individuals and entities named. They also bar U.S. citizens from any dealings with the people and entities.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP

NOTE: This article has been amended to clarify the circumstances surrounding Aleksei Kudrin's departure from the Russian Audit Chamber and his joining Yandex.
The return of the so-called morality police to the streets of major Iranian cities has brought back fear and stress for women who choose to ignore the requirement that they wear the hair-covering hijab. But it has also been met with resistance by men and women alike, while lawmakers have questioned the effectiveness of the hard-line approach to enforcing compliance.

Iranians who spoke to RFE/RL's Radio Farda said the presence of the morality police -- officially known as "guidance patrols" that usually include male officers and women wearing black chadors -- is not as visible as it was before the patrols were scaled back after nationwide protests first broke out against the hijab law last autumn.

I really don't know where they want to get with this method, but in my opinion, if they want to continue this way, confrontations will start again."

"Before, when we went on the street, they had a stationary vehicle, or a vehicle that was moving on the street," Leila Mirghaffari, a women's rights activist who lives in Tehran, told Radio Farda on July 17, a day after the return of the morality police was announced. "They haven't yet dared to encroach like before. But they are present, mostly in main squares."



Mirghaffari described the decision to redeploy the morality police, coming after the monthslong protests had largely wound down, as a distraction aimed at creating "fear and terror" among the population.



"It creates mental and emotional problems for us. It's stressful, and it occupies our thoughts and those of our families," Mirghaffari said. "When we want to leave home and come out to the street, at any moment we may travel a route where morality police patrol and are stationed to arrest people."



Nevertheless, Mirghaffari and others suggested, the patrols are largely ineffective and have even given new life to resistance against the authorities' efforts to enforce the countrys strict Islamic dress code.



Some Tehran residents who spoke to Radio Farda said that many women simply put on a hijab when they spot the morality police before quickly removing them once out of sight. And in some cases where women have been harassed or threatened by morality police, fellow citizens -- male and female alike -- have pushed back.



Almost immediately after the authorities announced on July 16 that the morality police patrols would resume, residents of the northern city of Rasht took to the streets to protest an attempt to arrest three women for allegedly violating the hijab requirement.

The situation reportedly escalated into clashes between demonstrators and police, who used tear gas to disperse protesters, some of whom were chanting against Iran's clerical establishment.



"I really don't know where they want to get with this method, but in my opinion, if they want to continue this way, confrontations will start again," said a male Tehran resident who requested anonymity while answering questions on WhatsApp.

"Personally, if I see them taking a girl into a van, I will step forward and shout so as not to let them take them. That's how things are, and I think most people now are like me. They don't want the Mahsa incident to happen again and for another innocent girl to be killed."



The death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in September, soon after she was arrested for allegedly violating the hijab law, sparked the nationwide protests that lasted months and prompted a crackdown that led to the deaths of more than 500 people. Amini's death became the cause celebre for thousands of women and men who took to the streets to show their opposition to the hijab law.

Amid the protests, there were reports that the authorities had disbanded the morality police, although other reports indicated that they never really went away in some cities. But the issue also prompted the clerical establishment, which views the hijab as key to its interpretation of Islam, to introduce revisions to the country's Chastity and Hijab Law that would introduce stiffer penalties for noncompliance, including up to three years in prison for repeat offenders.



While the hijab has been compulsory in public for women and girls over the age of 9 since 1981, shortly after the 1979 Islamic Revolution ushered in the clerical establishment, the requirement is often flouted, particularly in urban areas.



The Chastity and Hijab bill, which is awaiting parliamentary approval, has been fodder for intense debate -- with some lawmakers saying it does not go far enough to make women comply with the hijab requirement and others questioning the effectiveness of forcing women to comply.



Following the announcement that the morality police patrols would resume in many Iranian cities, lawmaker Vali Esmaili, who heads the parliament's social commission, said that the body would unlikely be involved in the effort.



He also said that before resuming the patrols, "we should first look at the state of society to see if such actions have been effective in the past 43 years."



The Chastity and Hijab bill also proposes penalties, including the confiscation of automobiles, against drivers or passengers of vehicles in which women are not in compliance with the hijab requirement.



"When I'm driving, I have to wear a hijab," a woman who resides in Tehran told Radio Farda following the redeployment of the morality police, explaining that she has had her vehicle impounded four times for failing to wear the hijab. "But when I get out and move away from the car, I take off my head scarf. Many times, I just put it in my bag. Sometimes, when I see that the conditions are bad, I keep it around my neck, but I am still without a hijab in the street."



The woman said that she has not personally seen any morality police since they returned to the streets of Tehran. But she has heard eyewitness accounts of the presence of marked morality police vehicles in the northern city of Shahriar, in Tehran Province, where she said most women wear head scarves and those who do not could be seen without a hijab not far from the morality police.

WATCH: Masses of demonstrators are turning out throughout Iran, where some are shouting down police enforcement of strict religious dress codes for women.



"There are the odd ones out who are without a hijab, and they were 100 or 200 meters away from the morality police," she recalled being told of the current situation.



She said that even before the morality police returned to the streets, her experience in dealing with them showed that they were reluctant to enforce the hijab requirement.



"It's pretty clear that they're tired of this matter, but it seems like they have orders from above," she said.



That is far from the norm, according to the activist Mirghaffari, who painted a dark picture of the morality police, whose involvement in human rights violations has led to Western sanctions.

"The morality police are truly violent. They are really repressive. They have no humanity," said Mirghaffari, who added that she has been arrested by the force several times. "The morality police are really trained for savagery and for causing distress to the point that someone like Mahsa Amini could be killed. And they have no fear at all."



Others who spoke to Radio Farda were incredulous that the authorities would reintroduce the morality police amid public frustration over Iran's dire economic situation.



"The issue is not the hijab. The real issue is the terrifying inflation and high prices," said the man who answered questions by WhatsApp. "But they are only fixated on the hijab. They are playing with everyone's nerves, whether man or woman, whether with a hijab or without, they are bothering everyone."



The renewed protests, which included women carrying placards bearing the "We won't go back!" slogan that became popular during anti-hijab demonstrations, suggests that efforts to force women into compliance will be met with continued resistance.



"Look, our girls are fighting and know that there is no way back for us and we are not going back, and our answer to them wanting to forcibly put a hijab on us is, 'No!'" said Mirghaffari. "This is a big step we have taken to reach our other desires and we will never go back."

Written by Michael Scollon based on reporting by Mehdi Tahbaz and other Radio Farda correspondents.
Kazakh Deputy Prosecutor-General Ulan Baizhanov has confirmed that Kazakh authorities have detained Russian IT expert Nikita Kislitsin at the request of the United States.

Baizhanov said on June 29 that Kazakh authorities had also received a request from Russian officials to extradite the senior executive at F.A.C.C.T. (formerly Group-IB) company, one of Russias top cybersecurity firms.



Baizhanov explained that Astana will now request detailed information about the case against Kislitsin from the United States.



"We will analyze if the allegations are, in fact, a crime, after which we will decide on extradition. The process may last longer, if [Kislitsin] officially asks Kazakhstan for asylum," Baizhanov said.



Speaking about Moscow's request to extradite Kislitsin to Russia, Baizhanov said, "[Russian officials] must prove that he violated a law there. If [Kislitsin], as a Russian citizen, expresses his intention to return there, then a corresponding decision will be made with taking all the details into account."

Kislitsin, a senior executive at one of Russias top cybersecurity firms, was detained after he landed in Almaty on June 22, Russian media reported.

The United States has accused Kislitsin of buying personal data obtained through the 2012 hack of Formspring, a now-defunct social media site that allowed users to receive answers to questions.

Russia has protested the detention, calling on Kazakhstan not to carry out the U.S. request.

A top Russian diplomat in Kazakhstan, Consul-General Yevgeny Bobrov, was quoted in Russian media reports on June 28 as saying that the diplomatic mission had sent a note to the Central Asian nation's Foreign Ministry, urging it not to move quickly on the extradition.

Bobrov's note included requests to give full details of Kislitsins detainment on June 22, provide Russian diplomats access to Kislitsin, and not to extradite the Russian citizen to the United States in an expedited manner, TASS and RIA Novosti news agencies said.

In the meantime, Russia filed its own extradition request after suddenly filing criminal case against Kislitsen. The Tver district court in Moscow said it issued an arrest warrant for Kislitsin in connection with an investigation into illegal access to computer data in Russia, adding that a legal request will be sent to Kazakhstan to extradite Kislitsin to Russia.

The case is the latest in a long series of court battles between Washington and Moscow for alleged Russian hackers detained at the request of the United States in third countries.

The United States has over the past decade successfully extradited dozens of Russian citizens charged with cybercrimes from third countries, especially Western nations, leading Moscow to accuse Washington of hunting Russians.

The extradition of Kislitsen could be tougher than other cases because of Russias close ties with -- and influence over -- neighboring Kazakhstan, a former Soviet state.

If Kazakhstan wants to be prudent, it may delay the extradition to see how things shake out in Russia, William Courtney, the former U.S. ambassador to Kazakhstan from 1992-95 and an analyst at the Washington-based think tank Rand Corp, told RFE/RL. Kazakhstan has to manage their risks.



FBI Interview

Kislitsin, a prominent member of the Russian cyber underground in the early 2010s, was interviewed by the FBI in Moscow nearly a decade ago as part of an investigation into the hack of several U.S.-based companies, including LinkedIn, Dropbox, and Formspring. He was later charged with buying personal data from the Formspring hack.

Investigators in the United States say Kislitsin and his associates stole personal data and passwords of 117 million people and offered them to potential buyers.

In his meeting with FBI agents, Kislitsin was notified of his rights by the FBI agents, according to filings in U.S. federal court. Kislitsin indicated that he was open for collaboration and wanted to mitigate problems.

Kislitsin's current employer, F.A.C.C.T., confirmed on June 28 that Kislitsin is under temporary detention in Kazakhstan at the request of the United States.

According to the information available to us, the claims against Kislitsin are not related to his work at F.A.C.C.T., but are related to a case more than 10 years ago, when Nikita worked as a journalist and independent researcher, the company said in a news release.

The company also disputed his detention in Kazakhstan, saying it believes there are there are no legal grounds for it.

The U.S. State Department told RFE/RL in an e-mail that it does not comment on pending extradition matters, including whether or not a particular request has been made.

Yevgeny Nikulin, the mastermind of the hacks of the U.S. companies and an acquaintance of Kislitsin, was extradited to the United States from the Czech Republic in 2018 and sentenced to more than seven years in prison. He was released from jail earlier this year and deported back to Russia.

Prior to being charged by the United States, Kislitsin in 2013 joined Group-IB, one of the most prominent Russian cybersecurity firms.

Group-IB has gained international recognition over the years, signing an agreement with Interpol in 2017 to become an official private-sector partner of the international crime fighting organization.

In September 2021, Russia arrested Group-IB co-founder Ilya Sachkov, a well-respected cybersecurity expert, accusing him of treason.

Sachkov, who was a recipient of a Kremlin award two years earlier, asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to transfer him to house arrest to no avail.

His case was finally turned over to a Moscow court earlier this month. A trial date has yet to be set. He faces up to 20 years in prison.

Following sanctions imposed on Russia for its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Group-IB spun off its Russia business to focus on international markets.

After the split, Kislitsin remained with the independent Russian business, which is now called F.A.C.C.T.
De facto authorities in the breakaway region of Nagorno Karabakh say four ethnic Armenian soldiers were killed early on June 28 by Azerbaijani fire.

Azerbajian's Defense Ministry said in a statement that its positions were fired upon from Nagorno-Karabakh and one Azerbaijani soldier was wounded.

The ministry did not comment on the Nagorno-Karabakh authorities' claim that four of their soldiers had been killed by Azerbaijani fire.

Moscow is "concerned over the increasingly frequent armed incidents and cease-fire violations in Nagorno-Karabakh," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.



"We call for restraint and for the settling of all vexed questions by peaceful, political-diplomatic means -- in cooperation with the leadership of the Russian peacekeeping contingent," she added.

The reported incident comes as the United States on June 27 opened three days of peace talks between Armenia's and Azerbaijan's foreign ministers in Washington in the latest effort to quell a conflict that has flared repeatedly.

On June 27, U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Washington was encouraged by recent efforts by the two countries to pursue a peace agreement.

"We continue to believe that peace is within reach and direct dialogue is the key to resolving the remaining issues and reaching a durable and dignified peace," Miller said ahead of the talks.

Miller added that the discussions involving Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoian and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov would cover "very sensitive" areas.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken opened the closed-door talks, the second negotiations involving the South Caucasus adversaries in two months.

Russia, which has traditionally been heavily involved in mediating the two sides' longstanding conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, currently has peacekeeping troops on the ground to monitor the Moscow-brokered cease-fire that ended six weeks of deadly fighting in November 2020.

The brief conflict, which left more than 2,000 soldiers dead on each side, resulted in Baku regaining control over part of Nagorno-Karabakh that had been occupied by Armenian forces since the end of the first Nagorno-Karabakh war in 1994.

Armenia has repeatedly said that Russian peacekeepers are failing to live up to its promises to protect ethnic Armenians in the mountainous region, which is internationally recognized as Azerbaijan's territory but is predominantly populated by ethnic Armenians.

In May, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian said any recognition by Yerevan of Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan would be dependent on guaranteeing the rights and security of the some 100,000 ethnic Armenians who live there.

Russia has pressed Azerbaijan to allow unhindered traffic through the Lachin Corridor linking the territory to Armenia in keeping with the cease-fire.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement on June 23 that the entrance to the corridor had been blocked by Azerbaijan in a move she said increased tensions at a time when Baku and Yerevan are trying to work out a peace treaty.

There have been reports that the corridor has been blocked since June 15. But Baku has insisted that civilians and aid convoys are allowed access to the route, despite concerns expressed by the International Red Cross that the blockage of aid convoys could cause food and medicine shortages.

Baku, which set up a checkpoint along the corridor following months of disruption despite the cease-fire calling for all routes to be unblocked, has said that Azerbaijani activists protesting alleged illegal mining were responsible for any blockages.
Sergey Surovikin, a prominent Russian general, commander of the Aerospace Forces and a former overall commander of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, was aware of the plans of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner Group, to rebel against Moscows authority, according to senior officials and anonymous U.S. intelligence sources quoted Tuesday by The New York Times. The Wall Street Journal also claims that Prigozhin was planning to take control of the Russian military forces but that he had to bring forward his move when the plot was discovered, according to Western intelligence sources.

Alleged knowledge of Prigozhins plans leaves Surovikin in a delicate position vis-a-vis Vladimir Putin and further highlights the cracks in the Russian presidents regime, as referred to last Sunday by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. A Kremlin spokesman on Wednesday dismissed The New York Times report as rumors and speculation.

General Surovikin is a similar figure to Prigozhin himself. A ruthless war hero who successfully fashioned a meteoric career replete with violent scandals under his command and battles won, such as in Syria and Chechnya, with brutality. Surovikin was promoted to sole commander of the Russian offensive in Ukraine in October 2022, to the applause of Prigozhin and the head of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov. But Surovikins command was short-lived: Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu appointed Valery Gerasimov in his place in January.

The alleged prior knowledge of Prigozhins intentions by such a prominent general raises questions about the backing the Wagner chief had when he directed his forces toward Moscow last Saturday. According to The New York Times, U.S. intelligence is trying to ascertain whether Surovikin, a popular figure among Russian troops, also had a hand in Prigozhins aborted rebellion.

U.S. officials also claim there are indications that other Russian generals may have supported Prigozhins attempt to forcibly change the leadership of the Defense Ministry, headed by Shoigu, an avowed enemy of the Wagner chief. Current and former U.S. officials are of the opinion Prigozhin would not have launched his uprising unless he believed others in positions of power would come to his aid.

On Wednesday, The Wall Street Journal reported that Prigozhin had originally planned to capture Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov during a planned visit by the two to the Ukrainian border. However, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) became aware of those plans two days before they were to be executed. This forced Prigozhin to alter his plans and march on Moscow, making it easier for the Kremlin to quell the rebellion.

Shoigu is in such a weak position that Russias own pro-war social media channels denounced that the video of his reappearance three days after the rebellion was recorded earlier. The expert consensus is that it is very likely that Alexey Dyumin - Putins former bodyguard and the current governor of Tula - will become the new defense minister, and General Surovikin the chief of the General Staff, Sergey Markov, a former Putin adviser close to the president, said on Monday.

However, if Surovikin was aware of the revolt, Putin will have to decide whether he trusts him, especially if he facilitated it in any way. For now, the Russian president has tried to point the finger firmly at Prigozhin, who is in Belarus and will not face charges as part of the deal he reached with the Russian government to stand down.

When the rebellion broke out, Surovikin was one of the first to urge the mercenaries to return to their bases. The enemy is just waiting for the internal political situation to worsen in our country, he said in a video posted on Telegram. U.S. intelligence sources believe this was a speech imposed on him, which the general was uncomfortable with.

At a press conference Tuesday, the Pentagon spokesman, U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Pat Ryder, insisted the official U.S. remains the actions of the Wagner Group is purely an internal Russian problem, but one that U.S. leaders should keep an eye on nonetheless.

Ryder did not comment on what effect the aborted mutiny may have on the Ukrainian counteroffensive against Russian forces. The war there continues, Russias illegal occupation continues. We are not going to lose sight of those facts. And were going to continue to work closely with them to provide them with the kinds of capabilities that they need to execute the operation that they planned, and that theyre conducting, Ryder said in reference to the counteroffensive.

For her part, White House deputy spokeswoman Olivia Dalton told a press conference: As you know, we are continuing to monitor the situation closely and stay in close coordination with allies and partners across the globe. You saw the President, Secretary Blinken, Secretary Austin, doing that across the weekend, into Monday. And certainly, the President continues to be briefed on this situation and is monitoring it very closely. We dont have a perfect picture right now of what is happening. But we want to continue to make one thing very, very clear, and that is that we resolutely stand by and support Ukraine.

Asked about the alarm in the countries bordering Belarus over the movement of Wagners forces there, Dalton added said: Im not going to get into any sort of speculation about this situation. Were continuing to monitor it closely [...] That said, we remain committed to the collective defense of the NATO Alliance, which of course includes Poland. And we are going to stay in close touch with our partners and allies to make sure we continue to monitor this closely and responsibly.

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Yevgeny Prigozhin, the 62-year-old former petty criminal-turned-restauranteur-billionaire warlord, has tackled many difficult assignments over the years as a Kremlin fixer: from propping up kleptocratic, authoritarian African rulers to sacking the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.



Now, following an aborted mutiny that challenged Russia's military and handed President Vladimir Putin a major political crisis, Prigozhin stands on the precipice of his most daunting assignment yet:



Staying alive. Or staying out of prison. Or both.



Four days after his Wagner troops raced toward Moscow, then withdrew following a deal brokered in part by Belarusian strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka, Prigozhin's whereabouts were still unclear.



Prigozhin was in Belarus, Lukashenka said on June 27, though there was no independent confirmation of that.



'If I Were Prigozhin, I'd Be Looking Over My Shoulder Constantly'



Putin has gone on the record saying that the one thing he cannot forgive is betrayal. He has backed that up over the years through violence, sometimes lethal, meted out to those whom he believes have turned on him or the nation.



On the morning of June 24, after Prigozhin's forces had taken the headquarters of Russia's southern military district in Rostov-on-Don, Putin denounced his erstwhile ally as a "traitor" and conveyed a stern warning of impending consequences.

"As a general rule, Putin doesn't let traitors get off lightly. So I would imagine that Prigozhin's days are numbered," said Thomas Graham, who served as Russia director on the White House National Security Council in the mid-2000s.



"If I were Prigozhin, I'd be looking over my shoulder constantly," he told RFE/RL. "Belarus wouldn't be the safest place to be."



Under Putin's leadership, Russian special services have carried out assassination attempts against "traitors" on foreign soil, including Western nations.



Aleksandr Litvinenko, a former Federal Security Service officer who died in London after being exposed to a highly radioactive isotope, and Sergei Skripal, a former Russian military intelligence officer and double agent who was nearly killed in the U.K. by a Soviet-era nerve agent, are two of the best-known examples.



Belarus, a Russian ally, would be even easier for Russian agents to infiltrate.



But the Kremlin's intentions, or those of Russian intelligence agencies -- where Prigozhin is believed to have allies and supporters -- remains unclear.



The Federal Security Service, known as the FSB, said on June 27 that it was dropping "armed mutiny" criminal charges against Prigozhin and Wagner members.



Given Putin's harsh rhetoric and his historic condemnation of traitors, some experts said that appeared to be a sign of weakness.



Putin's allies and supporters, however, have said that crushing the Wagner rebellion would have been far worse for Russia, and for the president, whose public support -- founded on maintaining stability and prosperity -- has begun to slip amid the sputtering Ukraine invasion.



For his part, Prigozhin hasn't been seen since the evening of June 24, where supporters snapped selfies and posed alongside his SUV as he left the city of Rostov-on-Don.

He did post an audio message to his Telegram channel on June 26 saying that Lukashenka had reached out "to find solutions to enable the Wagner group to continue its work in a legal manner." He did not give his whereabouts.



Lukashenka, speaking a day later to Belarusian military officers in Minsk, said that Prigozhin had arrived in the country.



That same day, a private business jet previously used by Prigozhin landed at a military airbase outside the Belarusian capital, Minsk. RFE/RL could not confirm whether the mercenary leader was on it.



"The last thing [Prigozhin] wants to do is go to Belarus and give up control of Wagner," Dmitri Alperovitch, a Russia expert and chairman of Silverado Policy Accelerator, a Washington-based think tank, said in a June 26 podcast. "I am not sure that is how it is actually going to play out."



Onward and Upward?



Even if Prigozhin's presence in Belarus is confirmed, the larger question is whether he will stay there or move on to another country -- for example, to one of several African countries where his companies and his soldiers have had business operations for years.



Olga Romanova, a Russian political commentator and former journalist, doubted Prigozhin would remain in Belarus due to security concerns.



"I think he will [leave Belarus] very quietly and will suddenly emerge somewhere in Africa, if he emerges at all," she told Current Time, the Russian-language network run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA. "I don't think that Prigozhin will live a long life. He definitely won't survive until the end of the year."



How he would get to Africa is another question.

The United States has sanctioned the mercenary group, as well as a host of affiliated companies and individuals, for "meddling in and destabilizing countries in Africa, committing widespread human rights abuses, and appropriating natural resources."

Prigozhin himself was indicted by the United States in 2018 for allegedly interfering in the U.S. presidential election two years earlier.



That would make it challenging for him to fly to Africa, even on his private jet.

Prigozhin's ascent has been meteoric: rising from a hot-dog salesman in St. Petersburg to a powerful billionaire catering Putin's lavish events, then running a state-sanctioned mercenary force active in Africa and the Middle East.



The businessman turned his focus to Ukraine last year as Russia's invasion struggled, in part amid a shortage of manpower. He bolstered Wagner's numbers with convicts from Russian prisons and tossed them into the assault on Bakhmut, largely capturing the city in May, the first major Russian victory in 10 months.



Buoyed by  pyrrhic victory in Bakhmut that he said cost the lives of some 20,000 Wagner fighters, Prigozhin lambasted Russia's military leadership, accusing it of mismanaging the war effort and withholding supplies to Wagner.



Putin, possibly fearing Prigozhin's autonomy and growing popularity, agreed to bring Wagner's forces under the direct control of the Defense Ministry by July 1. Many experts say that was a major factor in triggering the mutiny.



Prigozhin saw the decree as an "existential threat" to his business empire, Catrina Doxsee, an expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said during a June 26 podcast.



The future of the Wagner Group itself is unclear.



The Defense Ministry said that the group's fighters would turn over their military equipment to the army. Putin also complained publicly that Wagner had received 80 billion rubles, or about $1 billion, over the past year in state funding, a signal that Wagner finances could be under investigation by authorities.



Some men who have fought for Wagner said they would never agree to serve under regular Defense Ministry command.



Belarus Connection



Though Lukashenka claimed he stepped in to resolve the mutiny, experts said he might have simply been a messenger brought in to spare Putin the embarrassment of negotiating with a rebel.



Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov appeared to back Lukashenka's claim, saying the Belarusian leader and Prigozhin had known each other for 20 years.



While Lukashenka in 2020 arrested and deported more than 30 Wagner members he accused of seeking to foment unrest, he may want to keep them around for his own needs this time around, experts said.

Wagner fighters -- who may number as many as 25,000 -- are considered to be some of the most experienced in the Russian military.



"If their commanders come to us and help us [and] tell us what is important right nowthat's priceless," Lukashenka said on June 27.



Belarus does not need to fear the sudden Wagner presence in the country, he said, because his government "will keep a close eye on them."



Lukashenka "may be playing his own game" with this deal, said Mark Katz, a Russia specialist at George Mason University near Washington, D.C.



"Having Prigozhin in Belarus is a certain degree of leverage," he told RFE/RL. Lukashenka is "no puppet of Putin."



Katz said the agreement was hatched so quickly, and that Lukashenka, Putin, and Prigozhin are so suspicious of one another, that it may unravel. It was also highly possible that Prigozhin would be assassinated in a few months, he said.



"The possibility of these guys turning on each other is pretty high," Katz said. "There is a mix of greed and fear at work here on the part of all the major actors. None of them can trust each other."



Putin's Pitch



It is unclear if Wagner forces will follow Prigozhin to Belarus should the mercenary leader choose to stay there. Prigozhin claimed that only about 2 percent of his fighters were willing to sign a contract with the Defense Ministry.



Speaking on state TV on June 26, Putin made a hard pitch to entice Wagner men to ditch Prigozhin and join the Russian armed forces, which is still facing manpower issues in Ukraine.



There are reports that Lukashenka's regime has begun building a camp for up to 8,000 Wagner fighters in Osipovichi in the center of the country.



"It's hard for me to imagine that Putin is going to allow Prigozhin to settle in Belarus with his fighters," Graham said. "Why can't Prigozhin do from Belarus what he did from eastern Ukraine?"

Lukashenka "can't protect him," he said.

With reporting by Current Time and RFE/RL's Belarusian Service
Wagner mercenary group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin has reportedly entered exile in Belarus following an aborted mutiny that challenged Russias military command, and rattled the Kremlin.

But, despite the efforts of President Vladimir Putin and his administration to project an air of confidence and stability, the fallout from the Wagner rebellion is likely only just beginning, experts say.



The murky deal that defused the immediate crisis and sent Prigozhin to Belarus was only the climactic scene before the intermission in a still unfolding drama, Ruben Megrabyan, Yerevan-based political scientist, told RFE/RLs Russian Service.

Putin is showing that Prigozhin really frightened him.

Analysts have assumed Prigozhin would not have carried out his mutiny unless he expected active support from key military and intelligence officials, many of whom reportedly share his disdain for Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and General Valery Gerasimov, the chief of Russias General Staff.



The relatively ease with which Wagner forces seized Rostov-on-Don, a city close to the Ukrainian border that is home to Russias southern military command, and their unhindered movement north toward Moscow are seen as circumstantial indications of possible support.



The Wagner mercenary group boss was counting on solidarity from senior army officers, Russian political analyst Mikhail Komin wrote in an analysis for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and since he came close to reaching Moscow without encountering any particular resistance, he might not have been completely mistaken.

Prigozhin has called in the past, Komin said, for Shoigu, a longtime Putin loyalist, to be replaced by Colonel General Mikhail Mizintsev. A hard-nosed commander, Mizintsev was dubbed the Butcher of Mariupol for his conduct of the devastating, but ultimately successful, siege of the Azov Sea port city in early 2022.



'Crash Test Of Loyalty'



Further, Prigozhin has suggested that General Sergei Surovikin, who was until January the overall commander of Russias so-called special military operation in Ukraine, replace Gerasimov.

Surovikin coordinated closely with Prigozhin during Russias intervention in the Syrian civil war, which began in 2015.



Surovikin, who has commanded Russia's aerospace forces, also may have had had advance knowledge of Prigozhins plans, The New York Times quoted anonymous U.S. officials as saying on June 28.



In the early hours of the uprising, a video of Surovikin was published on Telegram calling on Wagner troops in Ukraine not to join the mutiny and urging them to stop.



The New York Times story also noted that American officials have an interest in pushing out information that undermines the standing of General Surovikin, whom they view as more competent and more ruthless than other members of his command.



Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the report as just one of many examples of speculation about the mutiny.



The Wall Street Journal, meanwhile, citing unnamed Western intelligence sources, reported that Prigozhin originally intended to abduct Shoigu and Gerasimov "during a visit to a southern region that borders Ukraine." That trip was canceled after the Federal Security Service got wind of the plot, the paper said.



The uprising was a crash test of loyalty in the Defense Ministry that has become the pretext for mass purges in the armed forces, the war-focused Telegram channel Rybar wrote on June 28.

The channel, which is linked to a former Defense Ministry official and which has published detailed reports from inside the Russian military along with accurate maps of the Ukraine invasion, asserted that Russian officers were already being removed for purported failures of supply and mobilization, but the formal excuse was their support of [Wagner].



Rybar also claimed that airborne forces commander General Mikhail Teplinsky had de facto taken over command of operations in Ukraine, although Gerasimov retained the position formally.



'Near-Death Experience'



In the days following the failed mutiny, Putin and his administration tried to convey an impression of unity, confidence, and stability. On June 27, Putin met with security officials and with troops that purportedly helped suppress the revolt.



Andrei Kolesnikov, a former Russian journalist who is now an analyst at the Carnegie Endowment, said such a show of bravado, however, had the opposite effect.



It was a mistake for the Kremlin to create such a show of his gratitude because, by doing so, Putin demonstrated his weakness and his fear, Kolesnikov told RFE/RL. Putin is showing that Prigozhin really frightened him.



Under such circumstances, the past personal loyalty of Shoigu, Gerasimov, and others might be the deciding factor, some analysts said.



I think [Prigozhin] actually expected something would be done about Shoigu and Gerasimov, that Putin would rule in his favor, wrote Michael Kofman, a veteran observer of Russias military, on Twitter. Instead, his mutiny may have ensured their continued tenure, despite being universally recognized as incompetent, and widely detested in the [Russian] armed forces.



Rob Lee, a military analyst and senior fellow with the Foreign Policy Research Institute, agreed.



Political loyalty trumps competence, even during a war critical to [Putins] political survival, he said in a post to Twitter.

That analysis was bolstered by statements made on June 27 by Viktor Zolotov, a former Putin bodyguard who now commands the 300,000-strong National Guard.



After meeting with Putin, he said his forces would soon be given heavy weaponry, including tanks, to help ensure government security.



Zolotov emergedas one of the few apparent winners in the regimes near-death experience, Simon Shuster, a Time magazine correspondent, wrote in an analysis.



Putin has created a sort of political Twister, referring to the popular game in which players must maintain their balance while taking up increasingly awkward positions, journalist Galina Sidorova wrote in an essay.



The last one standing wins, she wrote. Putin, who has unleashed his own personal political Twister, has now played too much, moving his minions around. And the whole country is now reaping the fruits of his games.



'Hard Times' Ahead



Russian troops fighting in Ukraine, however, may feel they are among the losers, experts said.



The Russian military is facing an accelerating Ukrainian counteroffensive, and its already shaky morale could suffer further if doubts grow about commanders loyalties.



The bottom line is that the morale and motivation of Russian troops, I am sure, has been shaken, Ukrainian military expert Mykhailo Samus told Current Time, the Russian-language network run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA. And this process will accelerate as the war goes on. I think that Putins statementshave only added to the doubts about what is happening in Russia. I think hard times are just beginning for Russias officers and soldiers.

RFE/RL Russian Service correspondent Yelena Rykovtseva and Current Time correspondent Igor Sevryugin contributed to this report.
Artillerymen of the 30th Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces say fighting has intensified near the contested city of Bakhmut in Ukraine's Donetsk region since Ukraine recently launched a counteroffensive. Current Time traveled with an artillery team as they prepared to fire on Russian positions.
Ukrainian authorities on June 28 arrested a person they accused of helping Russia direct a missile strike that killed at least 11 people and injured 61 at a restaurant in Kramatorsk the night before.

Ukraine's Security Service (SBU), working with special police forces, detained the person, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Telegram on June 28.

"Whoever helps Russian terrorists to destroy lives deserves the maximum penalty," Zelensky said in his nightly address.

He did not identify the person who was detained in the attack, but the SBU said earlier it was a man who worked for a gas transportation company and is suspected of filming the restaurant for the Russians and informing them about its popularity.

Twin sisters who were to have turned 15 in September were among the 11 people killed, regional officials said earlier on June 28.

Kramatorsk Mayor Oleksandr Honcharenko said on Facebook that a third minor, a boy, had been killed and his body pulled from the rubble.

Kramatorsk was targeted by two Russian missiles on June 28 in the evening, with one hitting a crowded restaurant and shopping center in the city center and a second hitting a village on the outskirts of the city in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region.

The head of the Donetsk military administration, Pavlo Kyrylenko, said 18 multistory buildings, five schools, and two kindergartens, had been destroyed, in addition to the shopping center and pizza restaurant, which was reportedly frequented by journalists, aid workers, and soldiers.

Separately, a strike in Ukraine's eastern Kharkiv region killed three civilians near their homes, Kharkiv regional Governor Oleh Synehubov said on Telegram.

Kramatorsk is a major city in the Donetsk region that houses the Ukrainian Army's regional headquarters and is likely a key objective in any Russian advance to the west. It has been a frequent target of Russian attacks.

It was hit on May 2 by rockets fired from a Tornado multiple-rocket launcher. Russian forces claimed a railcar full of ammunition was destroyed in that strike.

WATCH: Artillerymen of the 30th Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces say fighting has intensified near the contested city of Bakhmut in Ukraine's Donetsk region since Ukraine recently launched a counteroffensive.

In April last year, 63 people were killed in a Russian strike on Kramatorsk's main railway station. At least two other strikes have hit apartment buildings and civilian infrastructure in the city this year.

In response to the outcry over the attack, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on June 28 claimed Russia only carries out strikes "that are in one way or another linked to military structure."

Moscow has repeatedly denied shelling the civilian population in Ukraine despite evidence and testimony to the contrary.

Valeriy Zaluzhniy, commander in chief of Ukrainian forces, said he spoke by phone with U.S. Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, about the situation at the front line was discussed.

Ukrainian forces "continue to conduct offensive actions" and "are advancing," he said. "The enemy is putting up a strong resistance, at the same time suffering heavy losses."

Russian forces are trying to hold on to positions by continuously mining the area, Zaluzhniy said on social media. He said he told Milley the Ukrainian military urgently needs weapons, ammunition, and demining equipment.
Ukrainian servicemen of an air reconnaissance squad of the 45th Brigade prepare for a flight a Leleka reconnaissance UAV on a position in Donetsk region on June 27, 2023, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. GENYA SAVILOV (AFP)

Amid the ongoing counteroffensive against Russian forces in the occupied zones, Kyiv sees the instability surrounding the Kremlin as an opportunity to continue its push to recover ground from the invader and to bolster the confidence of its allies, on whose arms and support it depends. With the removal from the battlefront of Wagners mercenary forces and the important role they played, according to military experts, nothing will be the same. At the same time, the sources consulted predict that in the short term there will be no substantial changes in the front line, where Wagner had no influence after having withdrawn from the key battle of Bakhmut. The mercenaries do, however, have a presence in other rear areas, with a deployment of between 20,000 and 25,000 personnel, according to different estimates. The long-term effects of Yevgeny Prigozhins aborted rebellion against Moscow are more difficult to gauge.

Wagner had achieved important objectives, but, to a large extent, they have ended up destroying their reputation, says a Ukrainian infantry colonel deployed in the east of the country since last year. Prigozhin said during the mutiny that he had 25,000 men at his disposal (Kyiv estimates that there are some 400,000 Russian troops inside its territory). Prigozhins figure is close to the 20,000 to 22,000 estimated by Vadim Denisenko, director of the Institute for the Future of Ukraine and, until January, advisor to the Interior Ministry. In Bakhmut alone, 20,000 Wagner soldiers lost their lives, according to Prigozhins own data. About 100 died every day and another 300 were wounded. Thats 400 casualties a day, about 12,000 a month: It was impossible for him to keep up that pace, Denisenko says. One of the main questions emerging after last Saturdays rebellion is where Wagners forces are now. Several thousand crossed the border into Russia during the uprising in the city of Rostov-on-Don.

Wagner obviously poses a threat in the wake of the mutiny, says Vladislav Davidzon, a Ukrainian analyst at the Atlantic Council think tank. In fact, he believes that Prigozhin provided a lesson in what an uprising signifies to Russias stagnant power and military structures. Davidzon now predicts that half or two-thirds of those mercenaries will end up in Belarus, while others might be integrated into different Russian paramilitary companies. Only a few, he suspects, will agree to a contract with the regular military. But how to trust that the army will not shoot them in the back or treat them badly? If I were them, I would not accept such a contract, he states. The more professional and well-trained mercenaries could end up in Africa, where Wagner has been deployed for years providing numerous services in several countries, Denisenko adds.

More information Wagner rebellion sharpens divisions in Russias military forces

Wagners mercenaries were first deployed in eastern Ukraine when the Donbas conflict broke out in 2014 and have been since been fighting and staging coups on behalf of Moscow in wars across Africa and the Middle East. Wagner is among the best they have in Russia, and if they leave, so much the better, says another Ukrainian serviceman who has been deployed on the eastern front for months and is now in the Kherson region in the south.

Will this crisis directly affect the ongoing Ukrainian counteroffensive? Unfortunately for us, I dont think so, and thats a pity, says Denisenko. He estimates that the scenario would be different if the mutiny had lasted a couple of weeks, but it was a one-day coup. Nor does the analyst see a turnaround in the counteroffensive in the next few days as likely. There wont be any major difference in the very short term. In the medium term, it will continue to eat away at the morale of the Russian army, he predicts.

Pavlo Lakiychuk, a retired colonel who began his career in the former USSRs Red Army, agrees. For him, it is significant that on a front like Bakhmut  from which Wagner has withdrawn, leaving regular troops to hold the line  the Ukrainian Army knows who it is facing. Lakiychuk explains that while the regular army is more measured in its actions and has more means at its disposal, Wagners men act in a more expeditious manner, with little regard as to the number of casualties.

The events of the last few days highlight the weakness of the Russian state, says Davidzon, who adds that the rebellion was extremely good for the Ukrainians because it sends a message to their NATO allies that victory can be achieved. However, despite the events of last Saturday raising expectations that Moscows spheres of power would crumble, that moment did not really come, adds the Atlantic Council analyst. Many hoped for a miracle while enjoying the spectacle. But it was not so.

Wagners reputation grew in the battle of Bakhmut, the bloodiest of the war so far for both sides. In late May, Prigozhin monopolized the announcement of victory in the city in the eastern region of Donetsk but at the same time he made plain his anger toward the Minister of Defense, Sergei Shoigu, stating that 20,000 of his men had lost their lives there. He also systematically accused Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valeri Gerasimov of leaving his troops without sufficient supplies and weapons.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy with troops on the Bakhmut front on Monday. HANDOUT (AFP)

Progress on all fronts

Due to these disputes and pressure on his men to sign contracts with the regular army, Prigozhin ordered the withdrawal of his troops to rearguard positions weeks ago. There, they were attacked by the Russian Army itself, according to Prigozhin. That was the trigger for the uprising from Rostov-on-Don, a Russian city close to the border with Ukraine. Although experts believe that there is no cause-effect relationship, coinciding with the open crisis in Russia, Kyiv announced on Monday that the counteroffensive was progressing on all fronts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy himself visited troops on the frontline regions of Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia in celebration.

Everything points to the fact that the role they [Wagner] have played so far is over, the Ukrainian infantry colonel states. He believes that the breaking point between Prigozhin and the Kremlin was the attempt to bring the mercenaries into the fold of the Russian Army. In any case, this is good news for Ukraine, because any kind of tension in our enemys territory has a strategically positive effect, causing disagreements and confusion. It will be interesting to see what happens now. Its only a matter of time.

Lakiychuk believes that Prigozhins popularity has risen many notches, surpassing Shoigu and Gerasimov. Right now, Prigozhin has a good political mileage. There are many Russians who trust him, Denisenko says, but he doesnt see him suddenly rising to the top. I think he is aware of all the risks he runs. However, Denisenko does not believe Putin is going to finish him off. Prigozhin is now perceived as an enemy and a traitor, Davidzon notes, adding that last weekend he came very close to being killed before he closed the deal with Belarusian President Aleksander Lukashenko to halt Wagners advance toward Moscow.

The problems of internal cohesion that the crisis has brought to light in the Russian state and armed forces point to the fact that the beginning of the end of the war may have started, Davidzon opines. Did you see the people on the street in Rostov treating Wagner members like heroes by bringing them water? That shows what the people in these places near the front line really think.

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ROTHERHAM Council paid out more than 11,000 in compensation for slips, trips and bumps causing injuries in the past year.

Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act showed there were a total of 88 claims made in the year to April, with 16 involving council employees and the vast majority  63  relating to pedestrians.

There were a further nine involving vehicles.

Of these, 30 have been settled and 58 remain oustanding.

RMBC said the majority of the personal injury claims had been related to surface defects, with a total of 11,054.25 paid out.

Sam Barstow, RMBCs assistant director for regeneration and environment, said: Rotherham Council is committed to maintaining a safe environment for our staff, residents and visitors to the borough.

We continue to make significant investment in our roads and pavements.

The council said claims had fallen in the years directly before and after the COVID lockdowns, which affected the number of people out and about, with 101 claims between April 2018 and April 2019 and 95 claims received between April 2019 and April 2020.

The research by legal firm JF Law revealed 712,708.47 was paid out in the past year across the county.

A total of 338 claims were submitted to the four councils, with Sheffields 447,507.82 compensation total by far the highest.

Doncaster Council followed with 249,512, while Barnsley was the least hard-hit with a meagre 4,634.40.

Sheffield received 79 claims, Doncaster had 117 and Barnsley 54.

Amongst the common causes of the claims were surface defects, pothole accidents, defective equipment and slips, trips and falls.
Indian shares opened on a positive note Wednesday, tracking firm cues from global as upbeat U.S. economic data helped ease investor concerns about an impending recession.

The benchmark S&P BSE Sensex was up 193 points, or 0.3 percent, at 63,609 in early trade, while the broader NSE Nifty index was up 61 points, or 0.3 percent, at 18,878.



HDFC was marginally lower while HDFC Bank rose half a percent. According to media reports, the merger between HDFC twins is expected to be completed by July 1.

State Bank of India gained about 1 percent on news it would acquire the entire 20 percent stake held by SBI Capital Markets in SBI Pension Funds.

HDFC Life declined 1.3 percent, a day after HDFC purchased 1.5 crore shares of the company for Rs. 992.6 crore through a bulk deal on the NSE.

Titagarh Rail Systems rallied 2 percent on bagging an order worth about Rs. 857 crore from the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation.

Lupin added 1 percent on reports that it may spin off its API .

IDFC First Bank dropped half a percent after raising Rs. 1,500 crore from tier-2 bonds.

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The area burned in the summers of 2020 and 2021 set historic records in California. In the image, the one that almost wiped out the residential neighborhood of Pacific Palisades, near Los Angeles.

Between 1971 and 1995, the area burned by fires in California averaged 361 km (36,100 hectares) per year. Since 1996, the annual area burned has increased fivefold to 1,710 km (171,000 hectares) per year. California has the strictest environmental legislation in the United States. The state is also a pioneer in forest management and fire control. Unlike Europe, there was no abandonment of the countryside to migrate to the cities because there was never much human occupation of the countryside in the first place. That left climatic factors. Analysis of 50 years of data confirms climate changes role and shows that, if temperatures continue to increase in the future, the percentage of forest that burns will increase exponentially with every degree that the thermometer rises. California could serve as a model for what will happen in other regions that have a Mediterranean climate, as well as all areas that still have large forests, from Canada to Siberia.

Climate change is altering different meteorological parameters. Temperatures are rising, but irregularly and with extreme peaks that are advancing, lengthening and intensifying heat waves. Rainfall patterns are increasingly changing, with average precipitation decreasing in some areas and increasing in others. Almost everywhere on the planet, the rate of evapotranspiration or aridity (the moisture lost from the soil plus what plants sweat to cope with the heat) is increasing. All of this gives characteristic signs that a group of scientists have now measured for the northern region of California and the Sierra Nevada. The results of this study have just been published in the scientific journal PNAS.

The work attributes the increase in hectares burned between 1971 and 2021 to a series of factors. Some are climatic or meteorological, such as temperature and rainfall. Others are environmental or astronomical, such as emissions caused by volcanic eruptions and variations in radiation due to the solar cycle. The researchers also consider social factors, such as changes in land use and increasing urbanization. Finally, they include the accumulation of greenhouse gases such as CO, the fuel behind global warming and climate change, in their various equations.

Human emissions are known, so it is enough to remove them from the simulation to know what the natural evolution would be like, says Marco Turco, an Italian researcher at the University of Murcia (Spain) and a co-author of the paper published in PNAS. By subtracting and adding factors, they obtained scenarios that they compared with the real evolution since 1971. We have seen that only simulations that include anthropogenic emissions explain the increase in burnt mass, adds Turco, the director of ONFIRE, a Ministry of Science and Innovation project to study how climate change is affecting fires. The quality and age of the California data, which lends consistency to the results, is one of the reasons why it was a good place to start.

Turcos study, which also involved researchers from several Californian and Spanish universities, found that until the 1990s, other factors, such as volcanic emissions, had an impact on fires, albeit a limited one. But almost 98% of the variation was due to climatic factors. Since 1971, the average temperature has increased 0.8 and the area burned each year has almost quintupled.

The research went further by looking at which climatic factor is the most determinant. While the potential decrease in precipitation or increase in average annual temperature could play a role, the authors of the paper noted that the key metric is the average maximum temperature recorded between the months of April and May. Turco explains that precipitation, average temperature or high minimum temperatures do not give rise to much evaporation of water inside the fuel relative to the humidity in the wood, which is key to the evolution of fires. The Italian scientist clarifies that this is true for the forests of northern California and Sierra Nevada. In California, we have seen that the fire-climate relationship is exponential; simply with a one-degree increase in the maximum monthly temperature there is a 222% increase in the area burned, he adds.

In a second part of the work, they used a model validated by data from the past to project it into the future. Their results indicate that, if emissions continue and temperatures continue to rise, the area burned will continue to increase. The more optimistic model gives a 40% increase in the area burned in relation to the present climate. With two degrees, this increase would be 60%, and if we go to three degrees, it would be a 97% increase, Turco fears.

Many of the elements that favor wildfires in forested parts of California are applicable to other countries with Mediterranean climates. John Abatzogloub, director of the climatology lab at the University of California, Merced

John Abatzogloub, the director of the climatology lab at the University of California, Merced, and a co-author of the paper, observes that many of the same elements that favor wildfires in forested parts of California are applicable to other countries with Mediterranean climates. This wouldalign with other work that suggests that climate change facilitates more fires in fuel-rich environments in these climates. However, Abatzogloub adds, I dont think the numerical results are directly applicable, as these regions have different vegetation compositions, disturbance history, and land-use changes.

Turco previously investigated the relationship between climate change and fires in the Mediterranean basin. He says that there are similarities and differences [with the case of California]. In general, he continues, the relationship between climate and fires in the Mediterranean is very simple: the more drought, the bigger the fires. But you really have to dig deeper, he says. In addition to greater fuel dryness, you have to consider how much wood is actually available. [In] the more productive areas where temperature and precipitation are more conducive to having forests, fires respond more to drought, the scientist explains. He gives the example of areas that are more vulnerable to fires, like his homeland in northern Italy, than more arid areas, like Murcia where he works. In fact, he notes that fires are decreasing in the arid areas of the Mediterranean.

According to Emilio Chuvieco, a researcher at the University of Alcala (Spain) who was not involved in this study, the relationship between climate change and fires will be clearer where there is more fuel available, as in Canada or Siberia. The latest data show that by June of this year as much Canadian forest had burned as in all of last year. But Chuvieco adds that in areas with higher temperatures but less water, if there is no plant productivity, there will be fewer fires. In general, he concludes that hazard rates tend to increase around the world, but it depends on what is available to burn.

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The United States has announced an additional security assistance package worth $500 million aimed at providing key capabilities to support Ukraine's counteroffensive operations against mounting Russian attacks.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken authorized Washington's 41st drawdown of arms and equipment from the Pentagon stocks for Ukraine.

The latest round of assistance from the Department of Defense includes Bradley and Stryker vehicles, additional munitions for air defense systems, artillery, and multiple launch rocket systems, anti-tank weapons, anti-radiation missiles, precision aerial munitions, and other essential resources tailored to bolster Ukraine forces' battlefield survivability, strengthen its air defenses and help them retake Ukraine's sovereign territory, Blinken said.

The capabilities in this package include critical munitions for U.S.-provided Patriot air defense systems and High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS); Stinger anti-aircraft systems; Demolitions munitions and systems for obstacle clearing; Mine clearing equipment; 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds; 30 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles; 25 Stryker Armored Personnel Carriers; Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles; Javelin anti-armor systems; AT-4 anti-armor systems; Anti-armor rockets; High-speed Anti-radiation missiles (HARMs); Precision aerial munitions; Small arms and over 22 million rounds of small arms ammunition and grenades; Thermal imagery systems and night vision devices; Testing and diagnostic equipment to support vehicle maintenance and repair; Spare parts, generators, and other field equipment.

Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder underscored the United States' unwavering commitment to Ukraine in announcing the latest round of aid.

"As we have since the beginning of Russia's illegal and unprovoked invasion, the U.S. will continue to work with our allies and partners to provide Ukraine with capabilities to meet its immediate battlefield needs and longer-term security assistance requirements," he said.

The latest round of U.S. military assistance comes amid a period of upheaval within Russia's borders following an armed revolt by Wagner Group mercenaries.

President Joe Biden said on Monday that his government remains focused on coordinating with allies and supporting Ukraine as his national security team monitors the fallout from the weekend's events.

Meanwhile, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a Putin ally, confirned that Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was in Belarus.

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Business News
13 people, including three children, were killed and dozens of others injured in multiple Russian attacks in Ukraine.

Russian missiles struck the busy center of the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk and a nearby village on Tuesday, killing at least 10 people and injuring more than 60 people, reports quoting Ukrainian officials said.

The missiles targeted a hotel and local restaurants in a busy part of the city center, according to the Kramatorsk City Council. The victims included twin sisters, aged 14.

As the rescue operation continues, the emergency services said victims are still trapped under the rubble.

The prosecutor general says the strikes were carried out with Iskander ballistic missiles.

European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell condemned the attack, saying that it is another example of Russia's use of terror on civilians.

"In another demonstration of the terror Russia is imposing on Ukrainian civilians, a Russian cruise missile hit a restaurant and shopping center in Kramatorsk," Borrell wrote on Twitter. "This was a well-known meeting point for international press. Yet again, Russia continues to violate international law and commit war crimes."

Three middle-aged men in the village of Vovchanski Khutory in the Kharkiv region near the Russian border were killed in a separate attack Wednesday.

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Business News
In a bold move that combines the love for both soda and hot dogs, PepsiCo is set to launch a new cola-flavored condiment called "Colachup." Developed in collaboration with the Culinary Institute of America's consulting division, this unique condiment is intended to be a ketchup or mustard alternative for topping frankfurters.

According to a press release, Colachup features a simple yet creative concept. David Kamen, the director of client experience for CIA Consulting, described the condiment as having the distinct flavors and vibrant citrus blend of Pepsi, which enhances the bright and tangy characteristics of ketchup while offsetting the smokiness of the hot dog.

The recipe for Colachup includes a reduction of Pepsi, smoked tomatoes, onion, ketchup, and a delightful blend of clove, cinnamon, thyme, oregano, and paprika, as shared by a Pepsi representative in a conversation with Nexstar.

Unfortunately, most consumers may not have the opportunity to taste Colachup for themselves. The condiment will only be available on July 4 at "sampling carts" located within four MLB ballparks: Chase Field in Phoenix, Yankee Stadium in NYC, Target Field in Minneapolis, and Comerica Park in Detroit. PepsiCo has not disclosed any plans for a wider rollout or a retail version of Colachup in the near future.

However, for those eager to experience a cola-based condiment, the internet offers various recipes for cola-infused barbecue sauces, syrups, and even cake frosting. In 2018, internet sensation Alexa Greenfield gained attention for dipping her chicken fingers into a cup of soda at the U.S. Open, leading her to create and market her own line of cola-flavored dipping sauces. Although it is no longer available for purchase online, it demonstrates the enduring curiosity for such unique flavor combinations.

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Business News
Hondas two wheeler domestic numbers saw a 2.73 percent de-growth on a YoY basis while the company also experienced shrinking exports

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India has been facing tough times. Sales in the past few months have been in the red and the month of May 2023 was no different. While in domestic markets it was only the Honda Activa and Hness 350 to post an increase on a YoY basis, the export list saw every model show negative growth.

Honda two wheeler total sales (domestic + exports) in May 2023 dipped to 3,29,730, down from 3,52,414 units sold in May 2022. This was a volume de-growth of 22,684 units. However, despite these troubled times, the company is confident of posting double digit growth in FY24, thanks to a series of new launches among which is the new Shine 100 cc.

Honda 2W Domestic Sales May 2023

Sales in domestic markets dipped 2.73 percent YoY in May 2023 to 3,11,623 units, down from 3,20,378 units sold in May 2022. This was a volume de-growth of 8,755 units. Honda Activa was once again at the top of sales charts with 2,03,365 units sold last month, up 36.11 percent as against 1,49,407 units sold in May 2022. The Activa currently commands a 65.26 percent share.

At No. 2 was Honda CB Shine with 83,230 units sold last month, down 30.51 percent over 1,19,765 units sold in May 2022. It was followed by the recently introduced Shine 100 of which 20,469 units were sold last month. Honda Shine 100 was introduced in March 2023 and is set to see increased sales in the months ahead.

Honda Hness 350 also posted a YoY growth of 23.34 percent to 4,080 units, up from 3,308 units sold in May 2022. There were also 479 units of the Grazia scooter sold last month while sales of the Dio dipped 100 percent to 0 units from 20,497 units sold in May 2022.

Honda 2W Exports May 2023

Every model in the company lineup has posted YoY de-growth in terms of exports in May 2023. Sales dipped 43.48 percent to 18,107 units in the past month, down from 32,036 units sold in May 2022.

There was the Navi scooter of which the company shipped 6,665 units in May 2023, down 13.90 percent from 7,741 units sold in May 2022. It was followed by the Dio with a 53.27 percent YoY de-growth to 3,552 units in May 2023 from 7,601 units shipped in May 2022. It was these two models that commanded 56.43 percent of total exports.

The list also included X-Blade (1,908 units), Grazia (1,560 units), CB Shine (1,120 units) and Activa (954 units) each of which have posted YoY de-growth. Exports also fell for the CB650 (680 units), Unicorn (608 units) Hornet (524 units) and Dream (396 units) while exports of Livo and Aviator were down to 100 units and 40 units respectively.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis promised Tuesday to tear down Washingtons traditional political power centers and secure the countrys southern border, pledging to succeed where former President Donald Trump failed as the two held dueling campaign events in the critical early primary voting state of New Hampshire.

Addressing a town hall in Hollis, DeSantis talked extensively about the new immigration policy proposal he released Monday in South Texas. Hes betting that the issue can energize GOP voters, even those who are 2,000 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border.

Offering some of his sharpest contrasts yet with Trump, the GOP primarys early front-runner, DeSantis suggested that hed wall off the entire border and not come up short like the former president did.

Were actually going to build the wall, DeSantis said. A lot of politicians chirp. They make grandiose promises and then fail to deliver the actual results. The time for excuses is over. Now is the time to deliver results and finally get the job done.

DeSantis immigration plan was the first major policy rollout of his campaign and calls for ending birthright citizenship, finishing the border wall and sending U.S. forces into Mexico to combat drug cartels  largely mirroring Trumps policies. His ideas face long odds, requiring the reversal of legal precedents, approval from other countries or even an amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

But the Florida governor also tailored his Tuesday message to New Hampshire, noting how tougher border security could eventually help limit the ravages of opioids, which have hit the state particularly hard, even as deaths from overdoses have climbed all over the country.

He promised the most assertive policy against drug cartels any administration has ever had, adding, We have to do it because it will save lives.

DeSantis has also tried to gain ground on Trump by questioning the former presidents continued hold on the national party. On Tuesday, the governor slammed the GOPs culture of losing under Trump and mentioned the massive red wave that many top Republicans predicted but that never materialized nationally in last years midterm elections.

We had a red wave in Florida, DeSantis said, noting he easily won reelection last fall. But thats because we delivered results in Florida.

Many leading Republicans remain fiercely loyal to Trump, but there is some evidence that the attacks against the former president are resonating. Speaking about Trump on Tuesday, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a California Republican, said Can he win that election? Yeah, he can win that election.

The question is, is he the strongest to win the election? McCarthy continued on CNBCs Squawk Box. I dont know that answer.

Trump was appearing in New Hampshires capital, Concord, on Tuesday for a luncheon hosted by a Republican womens club and also planned to open his campaigns state office in Manchester.

At his event, DeSantis took extended questions from the audience, a staple of New Hampshire politics that the governor conspicuously skipped the last time he visited. That contrasted with Trumps appearance in Concord, where journalists were confined to a pen, chaperoned to the bathroom and told they could not speak to any attendees in the conference center ballroom or even in the hallways.

The governor was asked about people who voted twice for Trump because of promises to drain the swamp in Washington and lashed out again.

He didnt drain it. Its worse today than its ever been, DeSantis said. He added that such promises dont go far enough because a subsequent president can just refill it.

I want to break the swamp, DeSantis said, pledging to take power out of the nations capital by instructing Cabinet agencies to halve the number of employees there.

The governor has previously asserted he would appoint more conservative Supreme Court justices than the three Trump appointed to the court, criticized Trump for implying the six-week abortion ban in Florida is too harsh and accused Trump of having generally moved left.

While conservative bona fides are important in heavily Republican states, theyre politically trickier in New Hampshire, a political battleground state with a more libertarian streak than Iowa or South Carolina, two other early voting states where evangelicals play a dominant role.

On Tuesday, DeSantis gave Trump credit for some issues like his administrations China policy but avoided saying much about abortion. He signed a ban on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy in Florida, a move he described as the right thing to do last week at a Faith & Freedom Coalition conference of evangelical Christians.

DeSantis campaign angered some members of the New Hampshire Federation of Republican Women by scheduling his town hall around the same time as their Trump event. The group complained that the DeSantis event is an attempt to steal focus from its own event and that other presidential candidates scheduled around it, though some members objected to that statement.

Trumps first-place finish in New Hampshires 2016 Republican primary  after losing Iowa to Texas Sen. Ted Cruz  helped propel him to dominance in the party. But his Democratic rivals ended up winning the state in both the 2016 and 2020 general elections.

Shortly before DeSantis spoke, meanwhile, Trump announced that his New Hampshire team features 150-plus dedicated activists and organizers throughout the states 10 counties.

Once again, President Trump has demonstrated his commitment to helping grow the Republican grassroots in New Hampshire, Stephen Stepanek, a Trump senior adviser, said in a statement.

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The Justice Departments watchdog said Tuesday that a combination of negligence and misconduct enabled financier Jeffrey Epstein to take his own life at a federal jail in New York City while he was awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Inspector General Michael Horowitz cited the federal Bureau of Prisons failure to assign Epstein a cellmate after his previous one left and problems with surveillance cameras as factors in Epsteins death.

Horowitz also said that Epstein was left in his cell with too many bed linens, which are a security issue and were used in his suicide. The inspector general issued a report detailing findings of his investigation into Epsteins August 2019 death, the last of several official inquiries into the matter. He reiterated the findings of other investigations that there was no indication of foul play, rebutting conspiracy theories surrounding the high-profile death.

Horowitz echoed previous findings that some members of the jail staff involved in guarding Epstein were overworked. He identified 13 employees with poor performance and recommended charges against six workers. Only the two workers tasked with guarding Epstein were charged, avoiding jail time in a plea deal after admitting to falsifying logs.

The report comes more than four years after Epstein took his own life at the Metropolitan Correctional Center while awaiting trial on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges.

It also comes weeks after The Associated Press obtained thousands of pages of records detailing Epsteins detention and death and its chaotic aftermath.

The workers assigned to guard Epstein were sleeping and shopping online instead of checking on him every 30 minutes as required, prosecutors said.

Nova Noel and Michael Thomas admitted lying on prison records to make it seem as though they had made the checks but avoided prison time under a deal with prosecutors. They left the Bureau of Prisons in April 2022, agency spokesperson Benjamin OCone said.

Its the second time in six months that Horowitz has blamed a high-profile inmates death on the Bureau of Prisons failings. In December, the inspector general found that management failures, flawed policies and widespread incompetence were factors in notorious gangster James Whitey Bulgers 2018 beating death at a troubled West Virginia prison.

The AP obtained more than 4,000 pages of documents related to Epsteins death from the federal Bureau of Prisons under the Freedom of Information Act. The documents, including a reconstruction of events leading to Epsteins suicide, internal reports, emails, memos and other records, underscored how short staffing and corner-cutting contributed to Epsteins death.

Epstein spent 36 days at the now-shuttered Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan. Two weeks before his death, he was placed on suicide watch for 31 hours after what jail officials said was a suicide attempt that left his neck bruised and scraped.

The workers tasked with guarding Epstein the night he died were working overtime. One of them, not normally assigned to guard prisoners, was working a fifth straight day of overtime. The other was working mandatory overtime, which meant a second eight-hour shift in one day.

In addition, Epsteins cellmate did not return after a court hearing the day before, and jail officials failed to pair another prisoner with him, leaving him alone.

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Weather Alert

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE FRIDAY NIGHT... * WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...All of northern New York and Vermont. * WHEN...From Friday afternoon through late Friday night. * 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. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Another round of heavy, scattered thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rainfall is expected. Rainfall may exceed 1.5 inches in an hour which would result in flash flooding. Saturated soil conditions will cause rainfall to runoff into creeks and streams, which remain high or near record levels. - 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. &&
Bryan Kohberger, who is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in Nov. 2022, appears at a hearing in Latah County District Court, on Jan. 5, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho.

Prosecutors say they are seeking the death penalty against a man accused of stabbing four University of Idaho students to death late last year.

Bryan Kohberger, 28, is charged with four counts of murder in connection with the deaths at a rental house near the Moscow, Idaho, university campus last November. Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson filed the notice of his intent to seek the death penalty in court on Monday.

A not-guilty plea was entered in the case on Kohbergers behalf earlier this year. A hearing in the case is scheduled for Tuesday.

The bodies of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were found on Nov. 13, 2022, at a rental home across the street from the University of Idaho campus. The slayings shocked the rural Idaho community and neighboring Pullman, Washington, where Kohberger was a graduate student studying criminology at Washington State University.

Police released few details about the investigation until after Kohberger was arrested at his parents home in eastern Pennsylvania early Dec. 30, 2022. Court documents detailed how police pieced together DNA evidence, cellphone data and surveillance video that they say links Kohberger to the slayings.

Investigators said traces of DNA found on a knife sheath inside the home where the students were killed matches Kohberger, and that a cellphone belonging to Kohberger was near the victims home on a dozen occasions before the killings. A white sedan allegedly matching one owned by Kohberger was caught on surveillance footage repeatedly cruising past the rental home around the time of the killings.

But defense attorneys have filed motions asking the court to order prosecutors to turn over more evidence about the DNA found during the investigation, the searches of Kohbergers phone and social media records, and the surveillance footage used to identify the make and model of the car. The motions are among several that will be argued during the hearing Tuesday afternoon.

In an affidavit filed with the motions, defense attorney Anne Taylor said prosecutors have only provided the DNA profile that was taken from traces found on the knife sheath, not the DNA profiles belonging to three other unidentified males that were developed as part of the investigation.

Defense attorneys are also asking for additional time to meet case filing deadlines, noting that they have received thousands of pages of documents to examine, including thousands of photographs, hundreds of hours of recordings, and many gigabytes of electronic phone records and social media data.

Idaho law requires prosecutors to notify the court of their intent to seek the death penalty within 60 days of a plea being entered. In his notice of intent, Thompson listed five aggravating circumstances that he said could qualify for the crime for capital punishment under state law; including that more than one murder was committed during the crime, that it was especially heinous or showed exceptional depravity, that it was committed in the perpetration of a burglary or other crime, and that the defendant showed utter disregard for human life.

If a defendant is convicted in a death penalty case, defense attorneys are also given the opportunity to show that mitigating factors exist that would make the death penalty unjust. Mitigating factors sometimes include evidence that a defendant has mental problems, that they have shown remorse, that they are very young or that they suffered childhood abuse.

Idaho allows executions by lethal injection. But in recent months, prison officials have been unable to obtain the necessary chemicals, causing one planned execution to be repeatedly postponed. On July 1, death by firing squad will become an approved back-up method of execution under a law passed by the Legislature earlier this year, though the method is likely to be challenged in federal court.

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The U.S. Supreme Court building is seen in Washington, on April 6, 2023.

The Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that state courts can act as a check on their legislatures in redistricting and other issues affecting federal elections, rejecting arguments by North Carolina Republicans that could have transformed contests for Congress and president. The justices by a 6-3 vote upheld a decision by North Carolinas top court that struck down a congressional districting plan as excessively partisan under state law.

The high court did, though, suggest there could be limits on state court efforts to police elections for Congress and president. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the court that state courts retain the authority to apply state constitutional restraints when legislatures act under the power conferred upon them by the Elections Clause. But federal courts must not abandon their own duty to exercise judicial review.

The practical effect of the decision is minimal in that the North Carolina Supreme Court, under a new Republican majority, already has undone its redistricting ruling.

Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch would have dismissed the case because of the intervening North Carolina court action.

Another redistricting case from Ohio is pending, if the justices want to say more about the issue before next years elections.

Former President Barack Obama applauded the outcome. This ruling is a resounding rejection of the far-right theory that has been peddled by election deniers and extremists seeking to undermine our democracy. And it makes clear that courts can continue defending voters rights  in North Carolina and in every state, Obama said in a statement.

Derek Muller, a University of Iowa law professor and elections expert, said Tuesdays decision leaves some room to challenge state court rulings on federal election issues, but these are likely to be rare cases

The vast majority of state court decisions that could affect federal elections will likely continue without any change, Muller said.

The North Carolina case attracted outsized attention because four conservative justices had suggested that the Supreme Court should rein in state courts in their oversight of elections for president and Congress.

Opponents of the idea, known as the independent legislature theory, had argued that the effects of a robust ruling for North Carolina Republicans could be much broader than just redistricting and could exacerbate political polarization.

Potentially at stake were more than 170 state constitutional provisions, over 650 state laws delegating authority to make election policies to state and local officials, and thousands of regulations down to the location of polling places, according to the Brennan Center for Justice at the New York University School of Law.

The justices heard arguments in December in an appeal by the states Republican leaders in the legislature. Their efforts to draw congressional districts heavily in their favor were blocked by a Democratic majority on the state Supreme Court because the GOP map violated the state Constitution.

A court-drawn map produced seven seats for each party in last years midterm elections in highly competitive North Carolina.

The question for the justices was whether the U.S. Constitutions provision giving state legislatures the power to make the rules about the times, places and manner of congressional elections cuts state courts out of the process.

Former federal judge Michael Luttig, a prominent conservative who has joined the legal team defending the North Carolina court decision, said in the fall that the outcome could have transformative effects on American elections. This is the single most important case on American democracy  and for American democracy  in the nations history, Luttig said.

Leading Republican lawmakers in North Carolina told the Supreme Court that the Constitutions carefully drawn lines place the regulation of federal elections in the hands of state legislatures, Congress and no one else.

During nearly three hours of arguments, the justices seemed skeptical of making a broad ruling in the case. Liberal and conservative justices seemed to take issue with the main thrust of a challenge asking them to essentially eliminate the power of state courts to strike down legislature-drawn, gerrymandered congressional district maps on grounds that they violate state constitutions.

In North Carolina, a new round of redistricting is expected to go forward and produce a map with more Republican districts.

The states Democratic governor, Roy Cooper, praised Tuesdays decision, but also implicitly acknowledged that it does nothing to inhibit Republicans who control the legislature from drawing a congressional map that is more favorable to them.

Cooper, who by state law cant block redistricting plans approved by lawmakers, said that Republican legislators in North Carolina and across the country remain a very real threat to democracy as they continue to pass laws to manipulate elections for partisan gain by interfering with the freedom to vote.

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Cambridge scientists have set out principles for how computational science -- which powers discoveries from unveiling the mysteries of the universe to developing treatments to fight cancer to improving our understanding of the human genome, but can have a substantial carbon footprint -- can be made more environmentally sustainable.

Writing in Nature Computational Science, researchers from the Department of Public Health and Primary Care at the University of Cambridge argue that the scientific community needs to act now if it is to prevent a potentially uncontrolled rise in the carbon footprint of computational science as data science and algorithms increase in usage.

Dr Loic Lannelongue, who is a research associate in biomedical data science and a postdoctoral associate at Jesus College, Cambridge, said: "Science has transformed our understanding of the world around us and has led to great benefits to society. But this has come with a not-insignificant -- and not always well understood -- impact on the environment. As scientists -- as with people working in every sector -- it's important that we do what we can to reduce the carbon footprint of our work to ensure that the benefits of our discoveries are not outweighed by their environmental costs."

Recent studies have begun to explore the environmental impacts of scientific research, with an initial focus on scientific conferences and experimental laboratories. For example, the 2019 Fall Meeting of the American Geophysical Union was estimated to emit 80,000 tons of CO2e* (tCO2e), equivalent to the average weekly emissions of the city of Edinburgh, UK. The annual carbon footprint of a typical life science laboratory has been estimated to be around 20 tCO2e.

But there is one aspect of research that often gets overlooked -- and which can have a substantial environmental impact: high performance and cloud computing.

In 2020, the Information and Communication Technologies sector was estimated to have made up between 1.8% and 2.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions -- more than aviation (1.9%). In addition to the environmental effects of electricity usage, manufacturing and disposal of hardware, there are also concerns around data centres' water usage and land footprint.

Professor Michael Inouye said: "While the environmental impact of experimental 'wet' labs is more immediately obvious, the impact of algorithms is less clear and often underestimated. While new hardware, lower-energy data centres and more efficient high performance computing systems can help reduce their impact, the increasing ubiquity of artificial intelligence and data science more generally means their carbon footprint could grow exponentially in coming years if we don't act now."

To help address this issue, the team has developed GREENER (Governance, Responsibility, Estimation, Energy and embodied impacts, New collaborations, Education and Research), a set of principles to allow the computational science community to lead the way in sustainable research practices, maximising computational science's benefit to both humanity and the environment.

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Governance and Responsibility -- Everyone involved in computational science has a role to play in making the field more sustainable: individual and institutional responsibility is a necessary step to ensure transparency and reduction of greenhouse gas emission.

For example, institutions themselves can be key to managing and expanding centralised data infrastructures, and in ensuring that procurement decisions take into account both the manufacturing and operational footprint of hardware purchases. IT teams in high performance computing (HPC) centres can play a key role, both in terms of training and helping scientists monitor the carbon footprint of their work. Principal Investigators can encourage their teams to think about this issue and give access to suitable training. Funding bodies can influence researchers by requiring estimates of carbon footprints to be included in funding applications.

Estimate and report the energy consumption of algorithms -- Estimating and monitoring the carbon footprint of computations identifies inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement.

User-level metrics are crucial to understanding environmental impacts and promoting personal responsibility. The financial cost of running computations is often negligible, particularly in academia, and scientists may have the impression of unlimited and inconsequential computing capacity. Quantifying the carbon footprint of individual projects helps raise awareness of the true costs of research.

Tackling Energy and embodied impacts through New collaborations -- Minimising carbon intensity -- that is, the carbon footprint of producing electricity -- is one of the most immediately impactful ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This could involve relocating computations to low-carbon settings and countries, but this needs to be done with equity in mind. Carbon intensities can differ by as much as three orders of magnitude between the top and bottom performing high-income countries (from 0.10 gCO2e/kWh in Iceland to 770 gCO2e/kWh in Australia).

The footprint of user devices is also a factor: one estimate found that almost three-quarters (72%) of the energy footprint of streaming a video to a laptop is from the laptop, with 23% used in transmission and a mere 5% at the data centre.

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Another key consideration is data storage. The carbon footprint of storing data depends on numerous factors, but the life cycle footprint of storing one terabyte of data for a year is of the order of 10 kg CO2e. This issue is exacerbated by the duplication of such datasets in order for each institution, and sometimes each research group, to have a copy. Large (hyperscale) data centres are expected to be more energy efficient, but they may also encourage unnecessary increases in the scale of computing (the 'rebound effect').

Education and Research -- Education is essential to raise awareness of the issues with different stakeholders. Integrating sustainability into computational training courses is a tangible first step toward reducing carbon footprints. Investing in research that will catalyse innovation in the field of environmentally sustainable computational science is a crucial role for funders and institutions to play.

Recent studies found that the most widely-used programming languages in research, such as R and Python, tend to be the least energy efficient ones, highlighting the importance of having trained Research Software Engineers within research groups to ensure that the algorithms used are efficiently implemented. There is also scope to use current tools more efficiently by better understanding and monitoring how coding choices impact carbon footprints.

Dr Lannelongue said: "Computational scientists have a real opportunity to lead the way in sustainability, but this is going to involve a change in our culture and the ways we work. There will need to more transparency, more awareness, better training and resources, and improved policies.

"Cooperation, open science, and equitable access to low-carbon computing facilities will also be crucial. We need to make sure that sustainable solutions work for everyone, as they frequently have the least benefit for populations, often in low- and middle-income countries, who suffer the most from climate change."

Professor Inouye added: "Everyone in the field -- from funders to journals to institutions down to individuals -- plays an important role and can, themselves, make a positive impact. We have an immense opportunity to make a change, but the clock is ticking."

The research was a collaboration with major stakeholders including Health Data Research UK, EMBL-EBI, Wellcome and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

*CO2e, or CO2-equivalent, summarises the global warming impacts of a range of greenhouse gases and is the standard metric for carbon footprints, although its accuracy is sometimes debated.
In a study that followed more than 2,000 community-dwelling older adults over eight years, researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine say they have significant new evidence of a link between decreased sense of smell and risk of developing late-life depression.

Their findings, published June 26 in Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, do not demonstrate that loss of smell causes depression, but suggests that it may serve as a potent indicator of overall health and well-being.

"We've seen repeatedly that a poor sense of smell can be an early warning sign of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, as well as a mortality risk. This study underscores its association with depressive symptoms," says Vidya Kamath, Ph.D., associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. "Additionally, this study explores factors that might influence the relationship between olfaction and depression, including poor cognition and inflammation."

The study used data gathered from 2,125 participants in a federal government study known as the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study (Health ABC). This cohort was composed of a group of healthy older adults ages 70-73 at the start of the eight-year study period in 1997-98. Participants showed no difficulties in walking 0.25 miles, climbing 10 steps or performing normal activities at the start of the study, and were assessed in person annually and by phone every six months. Tests included those for the ability to detect certain odors, depression and mobility assessments.

In 1999, when smell was first measured, 48% of participants displayed a normal sense of smell, 28% showed a decreased sense of smell, known as hyposmia, and 24% had a profound loss of the sense, known as anosmia. Participants with a better sense of smell tended to be younger than those reporting significant loss or hyposmia. Over follow-up, 25% of participants developed significant depressive symptoms. When analyzed further, researchers found that individuals with decreased or significant loss of smell had increased risk of developing significant depressive symptoms at longitudinal follow-up than those in the normal olfaction group. Participants with a better sense of smell tended to be younger than those reporting significant loss or hyposomia.

Researchers also identified three depressive symptom "trajectories" in the study group: stable low, stable moderate and stable high depressive symptoms. Poorer sense of smell was associated with an increased chance of a participant falling into the moderate or high depressive symptoms groups, meaning that the worse a person's sense of smell, the higher their depressive symptoms. These findings persisted after adjusting for age, income, lifestyle, health factors and use of antidepressant medication.

"Losing your sense of smell influences many aspects of our health and behavior, such as sensing spoiled food or noxious gas, and eating enjoyment. Now we can see that it may also be an important vulnerability indicator of something in your health gone awry," says Kamath. "Smell is an important way to engage with the world around us, and this study shows it may be a warning sign for late-life depression."

Humans' sense of smell is one of two chemical senses. It works through specialized sensory cells, called olfactory neurons, which are found in the nose. These neurons have one odor receptor; it picks up molecules released by substances around us, which are then relayed to the brain for interpretation. The higher the concentration of these smell molecules the stronger the smell, and different combinations of molecules result in different sensations.

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Smell is processed in the brain's olfactory bulb, which is believed to interact closely with the amygdala, hippocampus and other brain structures that regulate and enable memory, decision-making and emotional responses.

The Johns Hopkins researchers say their study suggests that olfaction and depression may be linked through both biological (e.g., altered serotonin levels, brain volume changes) and behavioral (e.g., reduced social function and appetite) mechanisms.

The researchers plan to replicate their findings from this study in more groups of older adults, and examine changes to individuals' olfactory bulbs to determine if this system is in fact altered in those diagnosed with depression. They also plan to examine if smell can be used in intervention strategies to mitigate risk of late-life depression.

Other scientists who contributed to this research are Kening Jiang, Danielle Powell, Frank Lin and Jennifer Deal of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health; Kevin Manning of the University of Connecticut; R. Scott Mackin, Willa Brenowitz and Kristine Yaffe of the University of California, San Francisco; Keenan Walker and Eleanor Simonsick of the National Institute on Aging; and Honglei Chen of Michigan State University.

No authors declared conflicts of interest related to this research under Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine policies.

This work was supported by the National Institute on Aging, the National Institute of Nursing Research and the Intramural Research Program of the National Institutes of Health: National Institute on Aging.
Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists and collaborators at Iowa State University have developed a sensor chip that can detect many disease pathogens with 10 times the sensitivity of currently available methods.

The chip also eliminates the need for chemical dye reagents typically used in the diagnostic process. The new technology shows promise for rapid, low-cost point-of-care diagnostic capabilities in plants, foods, animals and humans, including detecting foodborne pathogens, bird flu and COVID-19.

Results from the new sensor are available in about 30 minutes.

In their research, published in ASC Sensors, scientists used the new sensor to detect Phytophthora infestans. The pathogen causes globally devastating late blight disease -- a particular threat to potato and tomato crops.

The research was co-led by Jinping Zhao, Ph.D., AgriLife Research postdoctoral research scientist in Dallas, and Subin Mao, a Ph.D. candidate in electrical and computer engineering at Iowa State University. Serving as corresponding authors were collaborators Junqi Song, Ph.D., associate professor and plant immunity research lead with AgriLife Research in Dallas, and Long Que, Ph.D., professor of electrical engineering at Iowa State University. Seed grants from each university funded the research.

"This research advances technologies that have emerged as some of our greatest opportunities for improving agriculture, food safety and human health," Song said. "Our publication represents a step toward realizing these powerful tools against diseases."

Building on existing technologies

The new sensor improves upon a technique known as loop-mediated isothermal amplification, or LAMP, which is widely used to detect pathogens by amplifying their DNA.

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Detection of LAMP products amplified from templates, such as pathogen DNA, often requires that the products be "labeled" by using fluorescence dyes -- a costly process with low sensitivity. The new sensor diagnoses pathogens without such reagents and at high sensitivity. It also eliminates a lengthy DNA purification process that creates challenges for point-of-care use.

The new chip consists of a nanopore thin-film sensor inside a special reaction chamber. Primers are uniquely designed to be immobilized on the nanofilm, causing amplified LAMP products to become bound to the sensor, which produces signals that can be directly and easily measured with a portable spectrometer.

What's next

The LAMP chip offers a new portable platform to detect pathogens using label-free sensors with ultrasensitivity. The research team will now work to further enhance sensitivity to a subattomolar or even lower level.

The team aims to offset current challenges to detecting and distinguishing pathogen species and strains with high-sequence similarities. They will also work to improve the specificity of detections and establish quantitative detection by integrating artificial intelligence and CRISPR gene-editing technologies.

Their goal is to achieve a viable product for broad adoption in plant, animal and human health point-of-care applications.
The United States has arrested four Mexican nationals linked to the death of 53 migrants in June of last year. The Department of Justice reported the arrest of alleged members of a human smuggling network on Tuesday. The four men were detained on Monday in the Texan cities of San Antonio, Houston and Marshall. The discovery of 48 dead bodies in an abandoned tractor-trailer (five more died at the hospital) shocked the world a year ago and served as a reminder of how thousands of migrants risk their lives to reach the United States.

The detainees, all of Mexican nationality, are Riley Covarrubias Ponce, 30; Felipe Orduna Torres, 28; Luis Alberto Rivera Leal, 37, and Armando Gonzalez Ortega, 53. The four were part of a criminal organization that smuggled people from Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico, according to the Department of Justice. They have been charged with conspiracy to transport immigrants resulting in death, serious bodily injury and placing lives in jeopardy. If convicted, they could be sentenced to life in prison. Four other suspects were arrested back in 2022.

The alleged perpetrators of the tragedy that occurred on June 27, 2022 had discussed how to consolidate costs, minimize risks, and maximize profits with respect to routes, guides, stash houses, trucks, trailers and transporters, according to a statement by the Department of Justice. The organization maintained a variety of tractors and trailers for their smuggling operations, some of which were stored at a private parking lot in San Antonio, the document added.

Human smugglers prey on migrants hope for a better life  but their only priority is profit, said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. The Department of Justice argues that the arrest of those involved in the heinous crime is a sign that there will be no impunity for those who take advantage of the most vulnerable. Human smugglers who put peoples lives at risk for profit and break our laws cannot hide for long: We will find you and bring you to justice, added Garland.

A man walks among the 53 crosses of the makeshift memorial at the site where the migrants were found. Eric Gay (AP)

According to the indictment, before the tractor-trailer was discovered, Covarrubias, Orduna and the others exchanged the names of the people they would smuggle. The group obtained the empty tractor-trailer and delivered it to the driver of the vehicle, Homero Zamorano, who was detained by the authorities in July 2022 along with Christian Martinez. Orduna provided Zamorano with an address in Laredo, where he would have to pick up the 66 migrants, including eight minors and a pregnant woman.

Prosecutors handling the case claim that the defendants knew that the trailers air conditioning was malfunctioning and would not blow any cool air to the migrants inside. When the alleged members of the criminal organization opened the doors of the trailer-tractor, after a three-hour journey from Laredo to San Antonio that passed two checkpoints, they found that 48 of the people on board had died. The members then fled the scene. Authorities found the trailer and transferred 16 of the migrants to hospitals in the region. Five later died there.

Dozens of desperate, vulnerable men, women, and children put their trust in smugglers who abandoned them in a locked trailer to perish in the merciless south Texas summer, said Jaime Esparza, one of the lead attorneys of the case. The tragedy continues to be investigated by Homeland Security Investigators with assistance from areas such as the Department of Homeland Security, Border Patrol, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the San Antonio Police Department, the Bexar County Sheriffs Office and other local law enforcement.

As part of the effort to reduce the historic number of undocumented migrants, President Joe Bidens administration launched a major operation to break up human trafficking networks in April 2022. The first six months of this coordinated effort between various security agencies resulted in the arrest of more than 5,000 alleged members of criminal gangs that operate in Central and North America. Some of the detainees were apprehended in Guatemala and Mexico, where more than 200 cellphones, weapons and ammunition, and $240,000 were also seized.

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Some truffle producers in the eastern U.S. intending to grow European black truffles -scientific name, Tuber melanosporum -- are also accidentally cultivating winter truffles -- Tuber brumale -- a related species that looks nearly identical but sells at a lower price, according to a new study from truffle researchers at the University of Florida and Michigan State University.

In the U.S. and around the globe, European black truffles are produced commercially in truffle orchards, which contain trees whose roots have been intentionally colonized by the spores of the desired truffle species, a process called inoculation.

The researchers say the truffle orchards in their study likely planted trees that had been inoculated at least partially with winter truffle spores, not those of the more coveted European black truffle, which sell for hundreds of dollars per pound and are a hallmark of haute cuisine.

Working in collaboration with North American truffle farmers, the researchers analyzed specimens from 10 anonymous truffle orchards across six states in the eastern U.S. All but one of the specimens analyzed was a winter truffle. These specimens were sent for analysis after truffle collectors identified them as unusual.

"Our findings suggest that other truffle producers in the eastern U.S. may also be facing this issue. Genetic testing of spores used for inoculation and seedlings to be planted could help growers ensure they will produce the intended species down the line," said Ben Lemmond, first author of the study and a doctoral student studying plant pathology in the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

In fact, European black truffles and winter truffles look so similar that the researchers used genetic testing to identify the specimens in the study.

The winter truffle, or Tuber brumale, has the same black, textured exterior and white-veined interior of the European black truffle, Tuber melanosporum. While both are sold commercially, they differ in price and culinary properties.

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"The owners of the truffle orchards in the study reached out to us because they were finding truffles in their orchards they suspected were not European black truffles, and we confirmed this through DNA barcode sequencing," said Matthew Smith, senior author of the study and an associate professor in the UF/IFAS department of plant pathology.

"It's up to the orchard owners to decide what they do next. They may take extra steps to sort the black truffles from the winter truffles," explained Smith, who is also the curator of the UF Fungal Herbarium.

"The only way to get rid of an unwanted truffle species that's already established in the soil is to remove the trees, at which point you'd be starting the orchard from scratch. Even then, the spores from the winter truffle may potentially remain in the soil" Smith added.

Lemmond notes that while winter truffles may not have the cachet of European black truffles, there is still a market for them. Accurately identifying the species of truffles sold to chefs and consumers is especially important now that there is a new truffle species from Europe that is known to be present in North America.

"It is important for people to know that there are more than just 'black' truffles' and 'white truffles' in the world. There are more than a dozen species of commercially harvested truffles, and as our study shows, even two truffles that may appear similar at first glance may be two species with completely different culinary properties," Lemmond said.

The study's authors say they are grateful to the truffle growers and collectors who provided the specimens, as they help the scientific community better understand the biodiversity of truffles in North America, much of which is still unknown.

"We feel fortunate to have a strong working relationship with North American truffle growers and the burgeoning truffle industry in the US. As this research demonstrates, there is tremendous value in working together, which provides opportunities for meaningful citizen science and training of students. Further, these results underscore the importance of quality control and verification of truffle inoculated seedlings prior to planting, which will benefit individual farmers and the whole truffle industry," said Greg Bonito, one of the study's co-authors and an associate professor in the department of plant, soil and microbial sciences at Michigan State University.

Alassane Sow, an undergraduate researcher at Michigan State University, also co-authored the study.

The study was supported by grants from the U.S. National Science Foundation.
A milliliter of blood contains about 15 individual drops. For a person with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), each drop of blood could contain anywhere from fewer than 20 copies of the virus to more than 500,000 copies. Called the viral load, this is what is measured to allow clinicians to understand how patients are responding to anti-viral medications and monitor potential progression.

The time-consuming viral load testing needs to be repeated several times as a patient undergoes treatment. Now, a Penn State research team has developed a time and cost-efficient digital assay that can directly measure the presence of HIV in single drop of blood. They published the work in ACS Nano.

According to the corresponding author Weihua Guan, associate professor of electrical engineering and biomedical engineering in the Penn State College of Engineering, the digital assay is the first step in providing a clinical diagnostic tool for a bevy of infectious diseases.

Conventional tests for HIV viral load involve taking genetic material from the sample, amplifying it and comparing it to reference samples. The gold standard test, called RT-PCR, can produce a close estimate of the actual viral load, but it is not a direct measurement. Guan and his team took a more direct approach with their test, named Self-digitization Through Automated Membrane-based Partitioning (STAMP), which is less expensive, quicker and requires less blood than the RT-PCR.

"Here's how it works: We take a small sample of a person's blood and extract the viral RNA -- the genetic material of the virus -- from it," Guan said. "We then mix this RNA with a special protein called Cas13, which is part of the CRISPR system."

CRISPR-Cas13 is a "revolutionary tool," Guan said, that enables researchers to target and manipulate RNA sequences. In this study, the researchers are leveraging the technology not for its editing capabilities, but for its diagnostic potential. They are using CRISPR-Cas13 to detect and signal the presence of HIV.

Once the RNA is combined with Cas13, the researchers place a nanopore polycarbonate membrane -- a thin filter that is readily available, making it a cost-effective material, Guan said -- on the mixture. The nanopores are so tiny that they can partition the mixture into single droplets containing only one RNA molecule, which has the Cas13 protein attached. If HIV is in the RNA molecule, the Cas13 protein -- which is activated by HIV RNA -- will cut reporting molecules, generating a signal the researchers can detect.

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"By counting the number of droplets showing this signal, we can determine the amount of HIV in the person's blood," Guan said. "The more droplets with the signal, the higher the viral load."

The researchers tested this approach with synthetic HIV RNA to optimize the assay for sensitivity and accuracy before testing laboratory plasma and eventually patient plasma samples. They validated the STAMP method by quantifying HIV viral loads in 20 patient plasma samples with comparable accuracy to the traditional RT-PCR method, which typically requires more blood. Guan said they are working on procuring more samples to continue their testing.

The team also found that the approach can provide an accurate assessment for HIV viral loads at or higher than about 2,000 virus copies per milliliter of blood. A viral load is considered low when there are fewer than 10,000 copies of the virus per milliliter; undetectable at 20 copies or fewer; and high at roughly 100,000 copies but can extend beyond a million.

According to Guan, the 2,000 to 10,000 detection range can be important for clinicians monitoring patients for viral rebound. People undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART) can achieve undetectable virus levels, meaning they can no longer sexually transmit the virus, but rising virus levels can indicate an individual is developing ART resistance or another issue.

"While further improvements are needed to enhance its detection limit and automate the setup, the STAMP-based digital CRISPR method shows great potential for advancing HIV viral load monitoring," Guan said, explaining that the researchers plan to continue improving the platform's efficiency and accuracy to quantify multiple viruses, with the eventual goal of bringing the device to market.

Co-authors include Reza Nouri and Tianyi Li, both graduate students in electrical engineering; Yuqian Jiang and Anthony J. Politza, both graduate students in biomedical engineering; Wallace H. Greene, associate professor emeritus, and Yusheng Zhu, professor, both in the Department of Pathology, Penn State College of Medicine; Jonathan J. Nunez, assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, and internal medicine physician with the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center; and Xiaojun Lian, associate professor of biomedical engineering and of biology who is also affiliated with the Huck Institutes of Life Sciences.

The National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation supported this work.
Using nanomagnets composites and conductive yarn, scientists have invented a smart textile that can sense and measure body movements -- from muscles flexing to veins pulsing. The device, presented on June 27 in the journal Matter, is self-powered, stretchy, durable, waterproof, and can be made with a sewing machine for a few dollars. It may one day aid clinicians in assessing muscle injuries and support patients' recovery.

The smart textile is not technically made of fabric but has a cloth-like texture. It's made of a nanomagnet-filled rubber patch that is roughly the size of two stamps. Using a sewing machine, the researchers stitched silver-coated conductive yarn onto the patch in a coil design. Mechanical forces, such as a finger tap, can deform the pattern of magnetic fields within the rubber, thus creating an electric current through the yarn. The two phenomena where forces change magnetic fields and magnetic flux variations generate electricity are known as the magnetoelastic effect and electromagnetic induction.

"Our device is very sensitive to biomechanical pressure," says senior author Jun Chen of the Department of Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles. "The device converts muscle activities into quantifiable, high-fidelity electrical signals that are sent wirelessly to phone apps. This demonstrates the potential for personalized physical therapies and improving the rehabilitation of muscle injuries."

The device is not only sensitive, but it's also precise, detailing body movements down to each muscle group. Attaching the device to different body parts, researchers distinctly measured throat movements while drinking water, ankle movements while walking, and even monitored a person's pulse from their wrist. When affixed to a person's bicep, the device can show whether they are bending their arm or gripping their fist and to what degree or force. Based on these types of information, a clinician can find the Goldilocks zones to prevent over-excursion and encourage moderate activities, tailoring recovery goals for their patients.

Chen and his team also put the device's functionality to the test. To mimic real-world conditions such as excessive sweating and heavy rain the team wet the device with a water spray and tested its signal output. The signals remained strong. Besides being waterproof, the device is also stretchy and durable, extending 3.5 times its length and withstanding 100,000 cycles of deformation. From a production standpoint, Chen notes that the device is easy to fabricate and highly scalable, and each patch is estimated to cost less than $3.

"Another highlight of the device is its self-powering properties," says Chen. "The ability to convert biomechanical force to electricity means the device is also a generator. This eliminates the need for bulky, heavy, and rigid battery packs usually needed in wearable electronic designs."

Next, the team wants to make the smart textile thinner and lighter to optimize the wearer's experience. Chen and his team, who discovered the magnetoelastic effect in soft systems in 2021, also plan to explore new ways to incorporate his findings into other wearable or implantable bioelectronics.

"We've tested the device for cardiovascular monitoring and respiration monitoring as well," says Chen. "One day, we may be able to reinvent or replace current systems, such as EKGs, that require external power sources, and make them less bulky and more wearable."

This work was supported by the University of California, Los Angeles; the Hellman Fellows Research Grant; the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation Young Investigator Grant; and the Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
In a time of income inequality and ruthless politics, people with outsized power or an unrelenting willingness to browbeat others often seem to come out ahead.

New research from Dartmouth, however, shows that being uncooperative can help people on the weaker side of the power dynamic achieve a more equal outcome -- and even inflict some loss on their abusive counterpart.

The findings provide a tool based in game theory -- the field of mathematics focused on optimizing competitive strategies -- that could be applied to help equalize the balance of power in labor negotiations or international relations and could even be used to integrate cooperation into interconnected artificial intelligence systems such as driverless cars.

Published in the latest issue of the journal PNAS Nexus, the study takes a fresh look at what are known in game theory as "zero-determinant strategies" developed by renowned scientists William Press, now at the University of Texas at Austin, and the late Freeman Dyson at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey.

Zero-determinant strategies dictate that "extortionists" control situations to their advantage by becoming less and less cooperative -- though just cooperative enough to keep the other party engaged -- and by never being the first to concede when there's a stalemate. Theoretically, they will always outperform their opponent by demanding and receiving a larger share of what's at stake.

But the Dartmouth paper uses mathematical models of interactions to uncover an "Achilles heel" to these seemingly uncrackable scenarios, said senior author Feng Fu, an associate professor of mathematics. Fu and first author Xingru Chen, who received her Ph.D. in mathematics from Dartmouth in 2021, discovered an "unbending strategy" in which resistance to being steamrolled not only causes an extortionist to ultimately lose more than their opponent but can result in a more equal outcome as the overbearing party compromises in a scramble to get the best payoff.

"Unbending players who choose not to be extorted can resist by refusing to fully cooperate. They also give up part of their own payoff, but the extortioner loses even more," said Chen, who is now an assistant professor at the Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications.

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"Our work shows that when an extortioner is faced with an unbending player, their best response is to offer a fair split, thereby guaranteeing an equal payoff for both parties," she said. "In other words, fairness and cooperation can be cultivated and enforced by unbending players."

These scenarios frequently play out in the real world, Fu said. Labor relations provide a poignant model. A large corporation can strong-arm suppliers and producers such as farmworkers to accept lower prices for their effort by threatening to replace them and cut them off from a lucrative market. But a strike or protest can turn the balance of power back toward the workers' favor and result in more fairness and cooperation, such as when a labor union wins some concessions from an employer.

While the power dynamic in these scenarios is never equal, Fu said, his and Chen's work shows that unbending players can reap benefits by defecting from time to time and sabotaging what extortioners are truly after -- the highest payoff for themselves.

"The practical insight from our work is for weaker parties to be unbending and resist being the first to compromise, thereby transforming the interaction into an ultimatum game in which extortioners are incentivized to be fairer and more cooperative to avoid 'lose-lose' situations," Fu said.

"Consider the dynamics of power between dominant entities such as Donald Trump and the lack of unbending from the Republican Party, or, on the other hand, the military and political resistance to Russia's invasion of Ukraine that has helped counteract incredible asymmetry," he said. "These results can be applied to real-world situations, from social equity and fair pay to developing systems that promote cooperation among AI agents, such as autonomous driving."

Chen and Fu's paper expands the theoretical understanding of zero-determinant interactions while also outlining how the outsized power of extortioners can be checked, said mathematician Christian Hilbe, leader of the Dynamics of Social Behavior research group at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Germany

"Among the technical contributions, they stress that even extortioners can be outperformed in some games. I don't think that has been fully appreciated by the community before," said Hilbe, who was not involved in the study but is familiar with it. "Among the conceptual insights, I like the idea of unbending strategies, behaviors that encourage an extortionate player to eventually settle at a fairer outcome."

Behavioral research involving human participants has shown that extortioners may constitute a significant portion of our everyday interactions, said Hilbe, who published a 2016 paper in the journal PLOS ONE reporting just that. He also co-authored a 2014 study in Nature Communications that found people playing against a computerized opponent strongly resisted when the computer engaged in threatening conduct, even when it reduced their own payout.

"The empirical evidence to date suggests that people do engage in these extortionate behaviors, especially in asymmetric situations, and that the extorted party often tries to resist it, which is then costly to both parties," Hilbe said.
As human-driven climate change amplifies natural disasters, hurricanes and typhoons stand to increase in intensity. Until now, there existed very few freely available computer models designed to estimate the economic costs of such events, but a team of researchers led by Jane W. Baldwin at the University of California, Irvine recently announced the completion of an open-source model that stands to help countries with high tropical cyclone risks better calculate just how much those storms will impact their people and their economies.

"Tropical cyclones are some of the most impactful natural disasters on Earth. They pose huge risks to both human life and the built environment, so they have large economic costs associated with them and cause a lot of deaths," said Baldwin, a professor in the UCI Department of Earth System Science and the lead author of the new paper in the American Meteorological Society journal Weather, Climate, and Society. "We need to be able to quantitatively explain their risk, meaning the probability of seeing different levels of losses."

The economic risk model the team built extends an existing global tropical cyclone model, called the "Columbia tropical cyclone hazard" model. The economic risk model is prototyped for the Philippines but is straightforwardly customizable to any part of the world where stakeholders want to understand the storm risks they face.

Storms are called hurricanes when they form over the North Atlantic, typhoons when they form over the Northwest Pacific, and tropical cyclones when they form over in the Indian Ocean or South Pacific.

The benefit of the new model is that countries that may not be able to afford access to other such risk models and associated vulnerability data, which typically belong to for-profit insurance companies that do not freely share their products or data, can get a clearer picture of the risks they face.

"That's a strong motivation of the work, to expand the accessibility of tropical cyclone risk information," said Baldwin.

It's one reason why the country the team used as a case study in their research was the Philippines. That country, according to the researchers, faces among the highest number of landfalling tropical cyclones on Earth in any given year, but it is relatively less equipped when it comes to gauging the losses it may incur as a result.

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The new model is unique in that it combines data from two disparate fields: climate change science from experts like Baldwin, and household vulnerability information acquired from data from the World Bank.

"Connecting these data is useful for people-focused disaster preparedness and response," said Brian Walsh, an economist with the World Bank and an author on the new study. "That means rapid assistance to needful households, so that families can meet basic needs, children can return to schools, and communities can build back better."

"What the model gives is return periods of asset losses, so that means total dollars lost from storms across different regions in the Philippines at different probabilities, at different levels of rarity," said Baldwin. "There's a pretty strong understanding that the strongest tropical cyclones should become more intense going into the future. But there's still a lot of disagreement about how you go from that understanding to estimates of risk on the ground that are usable and help people constrain their adaptation needs."

Beyond forecasting the monetary costs, the model can also help countries and even certain large municipalities to better prepare for a tropical cyclone by allowing them to understand exactly where they should spend time and resources preparing for such disasters.

"There's a growing need to be able to merge information from academic fields like climate science and these more applied risk modeling enterprises," said Baldwin. "It's a burgeoning field that I'm hoping will continue to develop over the next few years of catastrophe modeling as an academic enterprise and not just as a private enterprise. And I think climate change is really pushing the need for that dialogue."

Joining Baldwin for this project were researchers from Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in Palisades, New York; the World Bank in Washington, D.C.; and Columbia University in New York.
In its simplest form, popcorn is pretty uncomplicated. Most supermarket varieties offer the choice of two kernel colors, yellow or white, and two kernel shapes, pointed or pearl. When popped, the flake typically expands into one of two shapes: mushroom or butterfly. But there's more to popcorn than meets the eye. New research from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reveals a wealth of untapped diversity lurking in popcorn's genetic code.

Analyzing 320 publicly available popcorn lines, crop sciences researchers found variation at more than 308,000 locations across the genome. This diversity may or may not translate into more popcorn variety for consumers, but some of the differences could be important for improving the agronomic performance of the crop.

"This could be helpful if popcorn companies wanted to bring in material to diversify their germplasm, which is super important for things like disease resistance and herbicide tolerance. More work has to be done to identify traits of interest, but this dataset opens up those possibilities," says study co-author Tony Studer, associate professor and popcorn breeder in the Department of Crop Sciences, part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at Illinois.

Studer's team documented the genetic differences in a process known as genotyping by sequencing, which narrows the focus of genetic sequencing efforts to the most information-packed parts of the genome. Differences, or polymorphisms, among corn lines occurred at the level of single nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA.

Popcorn populations

Having identified hundreds of thousands of differences, the team could then group corn lines by patterns of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), allowing the researchers to make inferences about relatedness. According to the analysis, North American popcorns fall into two groups: One primarily composed of yellow pearl types, with white pointed and Latin American types falling into a second group.

"Grouping popcorn based on genetic similarities allows us to look at the diversity present in each group and better predict the performance of crosses between lines. In addition, if a gene is found to improve performance, knowing its group membership will help breeders incorporate it into their program, something I hope popcorn companies will take advantage of to improve their products both on the consumer side and the grower side," says Madsen Sullivan, doctoral student in crop sciences and the study's first author.

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The results showed a high level of inbreeding among yellow pearl popcorns. That means lower genetic diversity and greater relatedness among that group. Although this has resulted in better popping traits, material from the other group will likely contain versions of genes that could be useful but are not present in the yellow pearl popcorns.

The analysis also provides a starting point from which to uncover popcorn's long history of movement across North America and the world. Studer says the first people to consume corn likely ate it popped, not buttered on the cob. He's working to trace popcorn's early origins in a follow-up study.

Demystifying popcorn's herbicide tolerance

With popcorn's genetic code spelled out, the researchers were eager to tackle a longstanding mystery related to herbicide application labels. Nicosulfuron has been killing weeds in cornfields since the early 1990s, but it's only labeled for yellow-kerneled hybrids; farmers are specifically warned against using it on white-kerneled popcorn.

"That was a red flag to me, because kernel color should have nothing to do with herbicide sensitivity," says co-author Marty Williams, USDA-ARS ecologist and affiliate professor of crop sciences at Illinois. "Kernel color is controlled by genes in a completely different part of the genome."

Williams worked with Studer's team to test 294 popcorn genotypes from both populations, the yellow pearl group and the white pointed and Latin American group; incidentally, neither group is exclusively yellow or white, despite their names. The researchers applied nicosulfuron to the test group as well as sensitive and tolerant popcorn and sweet corn hybrids as controls.

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While nicosulfuron did injure more white-kerneled popcorns, the effect had nothing to do with kernel color itself. Instead, nicosulfuron sensitivity correlated with genetic heritage and population structure. The pointed and Latin American types were more sensitive than yellow pearls. In dent corn, nicosulfuron is detoxified by a gene known as nsf1. The researchers immediately looked for the same gene in popcorn, assuming it would be active in the tolerant genotypes.

"We expected nsf1 to come up in popcorn, but instead we found a whole different set of genes that seemed to relate to nicosulfuron tolerance," Studer says. "That opens up the possibility of an alternate mechanism for herbicide tolerance in popcorn, and we're planning to follow up on that."

Next steps

Williams recommends popcorn breeders use this research to improve tolerance to nicosulfuron, and perhaps other herbicides, in their existing and new cultivars. Then herbicide labels ultimately could be updated to reflect tolerance throughout the crop, regardless of kernel color.

Could the results of the genome study improve popcorn's agronomic traits? Studer says it will take more work to screen the dataset for desirable traits, but eventually elite popcorn lines could be developed and marketed by popcorn companies.

The study, "Genetic diversity of North American popcorn germplasm and the effect of population structure on nicosulfuron response," is published in Crop Science [DOI: 10.1002/csc2.21039]. Madsen Sullivan, Marty Williams, and Tony Studer are authors. The research received funding from the University of Illinois, and Sullivan was supported by a fellowship from the Illinois Corn Growers Association.
A new study of a brain region called the rostro-medial prefrontal could potentially advance diagnosis and therapies for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Entitled "Rejection Distress Suppresses Medial Prefrontal Cortex in Borderline Personality Disorder," the research appears in the journal Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging.

Researchers from The City College of New York, Columbia University, and New York State Psychiatric Institute led by CCNY psychologist Eric A. Fertuck discovered that the rostro-medial prefrontal specifically becomes more active when people are rejected by others at greater rates. However, individuals with BPD -- characterized by interpersonal sensitivity to rejection and emotional instability -- do not display rostro-medial prefrontal cortex activity when rejected.

The brain reacts with rostro-medial prefrontal activity to rejection as if there is something "wrong" in the environment. This brain activity may activate an attempt to try to restore and maintain close social ties to survive and thrive. This region of the brain also is activated when humans try to understand other peoples' behavior in light of their mental and emotional state.

"Inactivity in the rostro-medial prefrontal cortex during rejection may explain why those with BPD are more sensitive and more distressed by rejection. Understanding why individuals with this debilitating and high risk disorder experience emotional distress to rejection goes awry will help us develop more targeted therapies for BPD," said Fertuck, associate professor in CCNY's Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership, and the Graduate School, CUNY.

On the significance of the study, Fertuck noted that while previous findings in this area have been mixed, "what we've done is improve the specificity and resolution of our rejection assessment, which improves on prior studies."

Research continues with several investigations underway examining the role of social rejection in different mental health problems including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and social anxiety.

Fertuck heads the Social Neuroscience and Psychopathology (SNAP) lab in the Colin Powell School. The lab advances a collaborative program of research at the interface of the clinical understanding of Borderline Personality Disorder and related psychopathology, psychotherapy research, experimental psychopathology, and social neuroscience.
Researchers from ETH Zurich and the University of Geneva have developed a new method that allows them to observe chemical reactions taking place in liquids at extremely high temporal resolution. This means they can examine how molecules change within just a few femtoseconds -- in other words, within a few quadrillionths of a second. The method is based on earlier work done by the same group of researchers led by Hans Jakob Worner, Professor of Physical Chemistry at ETH Zurich. That work yielded similar results for reactions that take place in gas environments.

To expand their X-ray spectroscopy observations to liquids, the researchers had to design an apparatus capable of producing a liquid jet with a diameter of less than one micrometre in a vacuum. This was essential because if the jet were any wider, it would absorb some of the X-rays used to measure it.

Molecular pioneer in biochemistry

Using the new method, the researchers were able to gain insights into the processes that led to the emergence of life on Earth. Many scientists assume that urea played a pivotal role here. It is one of the simplest molecules containing both carbon and nitrogen. What's more, it's highly likely that urea was present even when the Earth was very young, something that was also suggested by a famous experiment done in the 1950s: American scientist Stanley Miller concocted a mixture of those gases believed to have made up the planet's primordial atmosphere and exposed it to the conditions of a thunderstorm. This produced a series of molecules, one of which was urea.

According to current theories, the urea could have become enriched in warm puddles -- commonly called primordial soup -- on the then lifeless Earth. As the water in this soup evaporated, the concentration of urea increased. Through exposure to ionising radiation such as cosmic rays, it's possible that this concentrated urea produced malonic acid over multiple synthesis steps. In turn, this may have created the building blocks of RNA and DNA.

Why this exact reaction took place

Using their new method, the researchers from ETH Zurich and the University of Geneva investigated the first step in this long series of chemical reactions to find out how a concentrated urea solution behaves when exposed to ionising radiation.

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It's important to know that the urea molecules in a concentrated urea solution group themselves into pairs, or what are known as dimers. As the researchers have now been able to show, ionising radiation causes a hydrogen atom within each of these dimers to move from one urea molecule to the other. This turns one urea molecule into a protonated urea molecule, and the other into a urea radical. The latter is highly chemically reactive -- so reactive, in fact, that it's very likely to react with other molecules, thereby also forming malonic acid.

The researchers also managed to show that this transfer of a hydrogen atom happens extremely quickly, taking only around 150 femtoseconds, or 150 quadrillionths of a second. "That's so fast that this reaction preempts all other reactions that might theoretically also take place," Worner says. "This explains why concentrated urea solutions produce urea radicals rather than hosting other reactions that would produce other molecules."

Reactions in liquids are highly relevant

In the future, Worner and his colleagues want to examine the next steps that lead to the formation of malonic acid. They hope this will help them to understand the origins of life on Earth.

As for their new method, it can also generally be used to examine the precise sequence of chemical reactions in liquids. "A whole host of important chemical reactions take place in liquids -- not just all biochemical processes in the human body, but also a great many chemical syntheses relevant to industry," Worner says. "This is why it's so important that we have now expanded the scope of X-ray spectroscopy at high temporal resolution to include reactions in liquids."

The researchers from ETH Zurich and the University of Geneva were assisted in this work by colleagues from Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY in Hamburg, who performed calculations required to interpret measurement data.
Luisana Perez, White House Director of Hispanic Media, on the lawn of the U.S. Embassy in Spain in Madrid on June 16.

Luisana Perez embodies an accelerated version of the American dream: in 10 years she went from a 24-year-old Venezuelan immigrant who had just landed in Miami working in whatever job she could find  with a visa thanks to her Venezuelan-American husband  to becoming a U.S. citizen and director of Hispanic Media at the White House. During an interview a few days ago at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid, the spokeswoman reflected on her arrival in the United States, her teams daily work countering disinformation and the work of the entire administration against attacks on democracy.

Question. You claim that you came from Venezuela to the U.S. seeking democracy. What did you think on a day as significant as the assault on the Capitol?

Answer. I didnt believe it at first. All of a sudden you say, No, this is not happening here in the United States. It was worrying. It is one of the reasons that drives me to continue in this work, doing what I do. As a nation, the last thing we want to happen is for democracy to be lost. We try to protect it every day. This has also been one of the presidents causes.

Q. You emigrated to the United States in 2011 and in 10 years you got to the White House. How was that journey?

A. It was long. I came to the United States like any other immigrant. I did jobs that had nothing to do with my career. I was a nanny, I was the manager of an office that distributed meats to restaurants in Miami. I worked at the Dolphin Mall [a shopping mall]. I was a little desperate because they were not the jobs I was looking for and I started volunteering with pro-immigrant organizations. And there I made a connection with a state representative. At that time, I was looking for someone [in politics] and thats where I started my political career.

Q. Have you noticed any changes in societys attitude towards immigrants?

A. The United States is a country that knows very well what immigrants bring. There are parts of society that have become radicalized and try to discriminate against migrants, try to use them as an excuse to generate a certain kind of rhetoric. I had the opportunity to be where I am, and the community I mix with has given me that boost and helped me. And I hope that this is also what immigrants receive.

Q. Your story seems like the embodiment of the so-called American dream, but for many people the immigration process can be nightmarish. What do you feel when you see the images at the border?

A. It is not easy, because you understand that people are coming to look for an opportunity. The administration wants to have an immigration system that is legal, fair, and, above all, that is humane.

P. Biden promised to fix the immigration problem and regularize millions of undocumented immigrants. That has not happened.

A. From his first day in office, he sent a bill to Congress to solve the immigration problem. He has taken alternative executive actions that have attempted to alleviate the situation somewhat. The president remains committed, but Congress must act.

Luisana Perez, during the interview at the U.S. Embassy in Spain. Samuel Sanchez

Q. You are dedicated to political communication in an era of fake news and disinformation. How does the White House approach these issues?

A. We monitor the media very closely; we also monitor social networks, which is mainly where we see disinformation. I do a lot of interviews on a daily basis and not only myself, but also others in the administration. We are in constant communication with reporters, so that the real information is there. We are always telling people that it is very important to look for official sources and also to speak to the community in their language. With Spanish-language media we send information in Spanish. We try to always be on top of things when something happens.

Q. How are you facing the challenge of artificial intelligence, which is developing rapidly?

A. The president met with business leaders who are also concerned about artificial intelligence. We are well aware of the scope it has and we are on top of it to see what is the best way to ensure that, firstly, it respects privacy and, secondly, that the information being given is truthful.

Q. When a part of society, such as large sectors of Trump supporters, believe in alternative facts that are contrary to reality, what can be done?

A. The main thing for us is to work with all media. We are not going to control what one medium or another says. Our idea is to always have transparent and truthful information so that it can be accessed.

Q. How much weight does Latin America carry in the Biden administration? The perception is that he has not bet as much on the region as Obama did.

A. We have just had a meeting with the President of Uruguay. We had the Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles last year. The region is very important for the president; not only now, but also when he was vice president, and it will continue to be so. For him, the well-being of his neighbors in Latin America is synonymous with U.S. well-being. In recent years he has received the presidents of Brazil, Colombia and Mexico.

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KYODO NEWS - Jun 28, 2023 - 04:41 | All, World

U.S. Republican presidential hopeful Nikki Haley said Tuesday that China is by far the "greatest threat" to national security as she unveiled a set of plans to deal with its rise, including the need to deepen "military ties" with Japan and other countries in Asia.

Haley, who was U.S. ambassador to the United Nations in the Donald Trump administration, said at a Washington think tank that China is a central question for the current president and for whoever will hold the office after the 2024 election, given that the United States is Beijing's "No. 1 target."

"We're falling behind. But China is moving forward faster than ever," Haley said at the American Enterprise Institute as she seeks to elevate her single-digit support in opinion polls in vying for the Republican presidential nomination.

Haley said Trump, who maintains a lead in the increasingly crowded nomination race, "did too little" about the Chinese threat apart from trade issues, and slammed President Joe Biden for being too soft on the Asian power.

Haley, also a former South Carolina governor, said Biden's approach toward China has been "much worse" than Trump's and accused the incumbent of expanding the "list of failures" on almost every front.

She claimed the mistakes range from lackluster efforts to investigate the origins of COVID-19 and prevent China from stealing cutting-edge technologies to lagging behind in upgrading military capabilities.

"If China can do it, America can too and we can do it far better," she said. "We must also rally nations to our side. We should deepen our military ties with Japan, South Korea and Australia and forge stronger bonds with India and the Philippines."

The presidential hopeful also urged U.S. officials to shake European countries from "their slumber" regarding China and prompt them to do more to prepare for a potential contingency involving Taiwan. China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory, to be brought under its control by force if necessary, has been intensifying its military activities around the democratically ruled island.

"European countries are even further behind than we are in recognizing the Chinese threat," Haley said. "We and our allies should give Taiwan everything it needs to defend itself. We should make sure the American naval presence in the Taiwan Strait remains strong."

The 51-year-old, speaking at a time when most other candidates have yet to offer foreign policy specifics, also weighed in on Ukraine. The United States must provide more assistance to Ukraine to help it fight off the invasion, she said, as a Russian defeat would be an "enormous loss for China and a true victory for peace."

"China is watching the war in Ukraine with great interest," she said. "China is seeing what it most fears if it invades Taiwan."
KYODO NEWS - Jun 28, 2023 - 13:10 | World, All, Japan

North Korea has criticized Japan over a symposium it will host with the United Nations and other countries on Pyongyang's past abductions of Japanese nationals, reiterating the issue has been resolved, state-run media said Wednesday.

"It has been completely, finally and irreversibly settled, thanks to our magnanimity and sincere efforts," Ri Pyong Dok, a researcher at the North Korean Foreign Ministry's Institute for Japan Studies, said in an article issued Tuesday, according to the official Korean Central News Agency.

The online U.N. symposium co-sponsored by Japan, South Korea, the United States, Australia and the European Union will be held Thursday.

In Tokyo, Japan's top government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno rejected North Korea's assertion that the abduction issue has been resolved.

"It is totally unacceptable," Matsuno, the chief Cabinet secretary who doubles as the minister in charge of the abduction issue, told a press conference. "We will make utmost efforts to realize the return of all abductees as soon as possible."

Matsuno is scheduled to deliver keynote remarks at the virtual event.

Japan officially lists 17 nationals as having been abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s but suspects Pyongyang's involvement in many other disappearances.

While five people were returned in 2002, the other 12 remain unaccounted for and no tangible progress has been made since.

At an event in Tokyo in May, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed his eagerness to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to resolve the issue, saying he wants to establish senior-level bilateral negotiations to arrange a summit.

North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Pak Sang Gil said later that month if Japan "tries to make a new decision" and looks to improve the relationship, "there is no reason for the DPRK and Japan not to meet." DPRK stands for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

But Pak added that the abduction issue "had already been resolved," according to KCNA.

In Tuesday's article, Ri maintained that it is "a waste of time for Japan to persistently bring the unfeasible issue to the fore in the international arena."

Ri also argued that Japan's push to seek a resolution of the issue at the United Nations is also "little short of denying the stand of" Kishida, who has called for a Japan-North Korea summit "without preconditions."

"No matter how desperately Japan tries to internationalize the 'abduction issue,' it will not attract attention from anyone, except those pseudo-'human rights' experts," Ri wrote.

The article also said Japan's call for the repatriation of all of the abductees is "no more than a daydream like calling for bringing the dead back to life."
Starting to recognize the symptoms of dementia in yourself can be scary enough in the first place. But for many people living with dementia, that process is compounded by doctors who seem unwilling or unable to make a diagnosis or offer adequate support when they do. The diagnosis process often takes years, and people living with dementia often feel abandoned to "get their affairs in order" once they finally do get diagnosed.However, both people living with dementia and health care leaders in Michigan are working to speed up the diagnosis process and offer more support to newly diagnosed people. As we continue our second season of Michigan's State of Health, we'll introduce you to Michiganders living with dementia who have struggled to get a diagnosis  and those who are working to change the diagnosis process for the better. Listen to the episode in the widget below.Michigan's State of Health is a spinoff of the State of Health series of feature stories, which you can read here . Michigan's State of Health is produced by Issue Media Group and made possible through the support of the Michigan Health Endowment Fund
Technology

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business

Why tech leaders say the remote work backlash makes no sense

Microsoft The Microsoft PowerPoint team, pictured above meeting in Mountain View, has been encouraged to experiment during the era of remote work. What this allowed us to do is change our culture. It was a culture of curiosity, a culture of trying things and learning and always looking at opportunities to do better, executive Shawn Villaron told The Examiner.

SAP, one of the worlds biggest software companies, did something unusual in San Francisco recently.

In March, the German tech behemoth opened a 30,000-square-foot office in a city reeling from an exodus of high-profile companies like Nordstrom and Gap.

The move also underlined SAPs position in the raging debate over remote work as companies like Google and Facebook set down rules that employees must start showing up at the office. SAPs Townsend Street facility was designed to host roughly 500 people and  on days when most people opt to work from home  as few as 30.

Companies that said, Work from anywhere, from a tropical island or from the beach, now ask people to come back to the office, Daniel Zimmer, head of engagement at SAP Labs US, who spearheaded SAPs big San Francisco move, told The Examiner. You cant push your employees around. This cant be a top-down decision.

Silicon Valleys backlash against remote work has featured stunning policy reversals amid the easing of the COVID-19 crisis.

Apple and Facebook parent Meta have said employees must show up at the office at least three days a week. Google also reversed its policy that gave employees the choice to work remotely, saying the company will consider new remote work requests by exception only.

Zimmer finds the backlash puzzling. When I read things like this in the ecosystem, my first reaction is, Wow, I hope these companies can give employees good reasons, he said.

The backlash has even featured some high-profile trash-talking.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman called fully remote work one of the tech industrys worst mistakes. Even hybrid remote work is under fire.

In November, billionaire Elon Musk said Tesla employees can work from home only after working 40 hours a week in the office. He derided workers who assert their right to work remotely as the laptop class.

TV personality and entrepreneur Martha Stewart warned recently that the U.S. could go down the drain if people dont return to offices, arguing that employees cannot possibly get everything done working three days a week in the office and two days remotely.

Thats a controversial view. Even some companies that want to pull back from a system where everyone can work anywhere also understand that imposing a strict rule that says people must be in the office five days a week doesnt make sense.

People have shown, especially in the technology industry and ecosystem, that work from home is possible, work from anywhere is possible, Zimmer said.

Thats been true since the rise of the web which led to new tools that made telecommuting, as remote work has also been referred to, more widely accepted.

Hybrid remote work is a durable change in society, Shawn Villaron, general manager of Microsofts PowerPoint and Office products and one of the executives leading Microsofts 4,500 Bay Area workers, told The Examiner.

The percentage of remote work has roughly doubled over the past decades, Villaron said. What COVID did was about 30 years of acceleration all at once, he said. As were exiting COVID, what were finding is that its established a new baseline. And we expect that that same trend of increasing amounts of remote work is going to continue going forward.

To adapt to this trend, Microsoft has embraced a policy that gives employees the option to work remotely  even fully remote  if their managers agree. Managers have the authority to grant employee requests to work remotely a few days per week.

If the employee and the manager are on the same page, that becomes the plan of record, Villaron said. The idea is to empower the employee and their manager to make the best decision that balances those interests.

For the more aggressive option of going fully remote, the arrangement must be approved by a vice president, Villaron said. Our philosophy is about getting the decision-making closest to the experts. That always gives us the best outcome.

Clearly, remote work is not an ideal arrangement for every team, he said. One example is a team that works on hardware products in a lab which needs specialized equipment.

But a fully remote arrangement, an option embraced by a relatively small group at Microsoft, is perfect for some employees, Villaron said.

We had an opportunity to hire a product manager from New York, he recalled. Her personal situation was, I cant relocate my family. Because we had the ability to allow her to work fully remote, I was able to hire a phenomenal product manager. Five years ago, I would have said, Sorry, its just not gonna work out.

A fully remote work arrangement is ideal for other situations, Villaron said.

Maybe theyre taking care of a family member, maybe theyre continuing their education, or maybe theyve got kids in school and they dont want to relocate, he said. And those are all great examples. And weve got the ability for them to thrive and contribute to our corporate mission.

Like most tech companies, the pandemic led SAP  which has around 3,500 Bay Area employees working in San Ramon and Palo Alto  to adopt a flexible remote work policy which influenced the way its new San Francisco office was designed.

The new workspace was initially designed for around 250 employees with assigned desks. We have a lot fewer desks than that, but we have a lot more collaboration space than we would have imagined beforehand, Zimmer said.

SAPs office is ideal for days when about 500 people show up, he said, adding they could also have situations where theres fewer people in the office. Maybe its only 30 people.

Employees and their managers hold workshops to determine the way their teams operate. They look at their responsibilities as a team on a yearly, monthly, daily basis, Zimmer said. With every task that theyre doing, theyre asking, Can this be done anywhere? Or does this happen best if we come together in person? Every time a certain task is labeled as best done in the office, that enables them to build a weekly or monthly schedule.

There are situations where coming to the office is still the best option for an employee, he said, pointing to workers fresh out of college learning SAPs culture and how this company works.

But Zimmer called SAPs system a very democratic approach in building a team schedule.

Despite the high-profile backlash against remote work, other experts dont expect a return to the pre-pandemic system. Heather Gates, an executive with DeLoitte in San Francisco, said hybrid remote work is absolutely the reality of what people are doing.

I think I see everywhere from little startups to huge corporations, she told The Examiner. Nobodys really sure how to balance it appropriately. But I havent seen any of our clients saying, You must be here five days a week in person, particularly in the Bay.

Jessica Smith, a product marketing director with 88, a communications software company, agreed. Regardless of whether youre a fan of remote work or not, the Pandoras Box has been opened and theres no closing it now, she told The Examiner.

And a hardline approach to where people are required to work probably wont work, Zimmer said.

Anytime you ask somebody to come in at a certain set amount of time, you will get the question, why do we have to come in? he said. And you better have an answer as a manager, as a company, as a leader. Because its a meaningful thing for everybody to make up their mind and how often they should come in.
KYODO NEWS - Jun 28, 2023 - 19:29 | All, Japan

A gun-carrying member of Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force was briefly unaccounted for in Sapporo, northern Japan, prompting local education authorities and schools to be on the alert, but he was found on Wednesday to have simply been lost.

The GSDF member, a leading private in his 20s, strayed from fellow unit members during a drill at about 10:15 p.m. Tuesday. The GSDF halted the training to search for him and found him roughly 13 hours later, around 2 kilometers from the drill site at about 11:25 a.m. on Wednesday.

This latest incident comes in the wake of a shooting on June 14 in which a GSDF recruit killed two of his superiors and injured another at a firing range in central Japan's Gifu Prefecture, leading him to be charged with murder.

This week's disappearance of the GSDF member prompted police to notify the Hokkaido and Sapporo boards of education to urge all local schools to lock down and be on the lookout for anyone acting suspiciously.

The leading private, who was exhausted but otherwise healthy, was quoted by the GSDF as saying he "got lost and was separated" from his companions.

He had a gun but was not carrying live ammunition rounds.

Related coverage:

SDF recruit likely to undergo mental evaluation after fatal shooting

GSDF shooting suspect says he planned to get hold of ammunition

Japan deems export of lethal defense equipment feasible: source
European shares held gains at midday on Wednesday, with sentiment boosted by strong US data overnight.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index was up 0.46% with all major regional bourses higher. Germanys DAX outperformed with a 0.7% rise as investors shrugged off survey data showing consumer confidence in Europes largest economy had fallen to its lowest level since last October.

Data in the US showed a rise in new orders for key U.-manufactured capital goods and heightened consumer confidence in June.

Upbeat sentiment about signs of resilience for the mighty American economy is over-riding worries about Chinas flagging recovery and fresh signals that another twist in the chip wars is set to emerge, said Hargreaves Lansdown analyst Susannah Streeter.

Reports that President Biden is considering slapping further export bans on AI chips headed for China dented the share price of Nvidia and AMD in after-hours trading.

Eyes will also be on a meeting of central bank policymakers at the European Central Bank forum in Portugal including ECB chief Christine Lagarde, Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and Bank of Japan governor Kazuo Ueda.

In equity news, French supermarket chain Carrefour gained 3.1% after Morgan Stanley initiated coverage with an overweight rating.

Ocado shares were sharply lower a day after surging on takeover speculation and news that a fund backed by Italy's Agnelli family had taken a stake in the online grocer and warehouse technology company.

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com
Struggling utility claims to have 'strong liquidity position'

The UK government has reportedly started drawing up plans to temporarily take beleaguered utility Thames Water back into public ownership amid fears it cannot service its 14bn debt pile a day after its chief executive quit.

Local media reported that industry regulator Ofwat and government ministers were holding talks about potentially placing Thames Water into a special administration regime similar to that used after the collapse of energy supplier Bulb in 2021. Ofwat confirmed it had been in "ongoing discussions with Thames Water on the need for a robust and credible plan to turn the business around and transform its performance for customers and the environment".

The company serves 15m customers across London and the south-east of England and has criticised in recent years for funnelling out massive dividends to foreign shareholders while failing to tackle leaks that see 630 million litres of water a day wasted and pumping sewage into rivers and streams.

In a response on Wednesday, Thames Water said it was continuing to work "constructively with its shareholders in relation to the further equity funding expected to be required to support ... turnaround and investment plans".

It added that it had received the expected 500m in new funding from shareholders in March keeping Ofwat "fully informed on progress of the companys turnaround and engagement with shareholders".

"Thames Water remains focused on delivering for its customers, the environment and stakeholders (and) continues to maintain a strong liquidity position, including 4.4 billion of cash and committed funding, as at 31 March 2023."

On Tuesday, chief executive Sarah Bentley resigned with immediate effect few days after it emerged that the leakage rate from the companys pipes was at a five-year high and that she had given up her annual bonuses over its environmental track record.

The Daily Telegraph reported overnight that the company was still trying to raise 1bn from shareholders and that AlixPartners had been drafted in to advise on the company's operational turnaround plans.

Thames Water is owned by a consortium of pension funds and sovereign wealth funds, many of which are reportedly sceptical about stumping up more cash.

Its largest shareholder is the Canadian pension fund Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System, which holds a stake of nearly 32%.

Others include China Investment Corporation, the country's sovereign wealth fund; the Universities Superannuation Scheme, the UK's biggest private pension fund; and Infinity Investments, a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com
KYODO NEWS - Jun 28, 2023 - 22:06 | All, Japan

Japan's ruling parties are including provisions in their security policy blueprint that would allow the export of next-generation fighter jets to other countries, despite the country's strict regulations on international arms sales, a source familiar with the matter said Wednesday.

The Liberal Democratic Party, led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and its junior coalition partner, Komeito, said the pros and cons of exporting defense apparatuses equipped with lethal arms needed further discussion.

Japan, Britain and Italy are jointly developing a next-generation fighter jet by 2035.

So far, Japan has formally maintained its position that the three principles on overseas transfers of defense equipment and technology ban weapons exports, except for items jointly developed or produced with another nation.

Japan can export defense equipment outfitted with lethal weaponry to countries with which it collaborates on security matters, provided the purpose is for rescue, transportation, vigilance, surveillance or minesweeping, the source said.

Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada has said the government will decide whether lethal weapons can be transferred "on a case-by-case basis," given the lack of mention of the issue in the implementation guidelines of the three principles.

In April, the LDP and Komeito began talks with the potential aim of revising weapon export restrictions more than one year after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

While the LDP has been eager to relax the rules to bolster support for Ukraine, Komeito has been reluctant to change them, voicing fears that weapon sales to other nations could exacerbate armed conflicts and run counter to Japan's postwar pacifism under the war-renouncing Constitution.

Against a backdrop of the arms export regulations, Japan has provided defense products to Ukraine, such as bulletproof vests and helmets. However, Western countries have supplied military apparatuses, including missiles, tanks and fighter jets.

Related coverage:

Japan, Britain to deepen ties on security, technology amid China rise

Japan, Britain, Italy vow to succeed in fighter jet project

Japan, Britain, Italy eye defense chiefs meeting in Tokyo in March
Unisys (NYSE: UIS) released a new report that profiles the role of IT, cloud, and AI as business transformation continues to evolve. Despite an economic downturn, the study found that companies are determined to prioritize investments in digital capabilities to drive growth and manage costs simultaneously. However, the tension between IT and the C-suite  along with looming talent challenges and ethical concerns related to AI continues to limit companies from unlocking their full potential in digital investments.

The research highlights critical insights, such as:

85% of enterprises invest in cloud technologies, but only 19% have embraced and effectively use them to improve their business.

15% are integrating AI into their business strategies, leaving the remaining 85% ripe for disruption.

More than 55% of companies acknowledge they don't fully understand the ethical impact of AI.

58% take a proactive approach to security weaknesses and threats; 42% are reactive.

"Embracing a cutting-edge, cloud-native, digital-first mindset will enable organizations to be more agile and unlock growth. Enterprises are facing pressures to maximize resources, and this strategic shift will inspire innovation and drive impact," said Manju Naglapur, senior vice president of cloud, applications & infrastructure solutions at Unisys.

Cloud Spending Largely Immune from Economic Woes

Cloud is still a key driver for business growth, with 85% of companies either increasing cloud spend or planning to over the next two years. In fact, 36% are in the planning and initial adoption phase, though only 19% have reached a sophisticated level of cloud adoption. Organizations should focus on optimizing their existing cloud infrastructure to achieve greater progress and realize the value of their cloud investments.

Leaders Sound the Alarm on Talent Gaps

Despite cloud technologies acting as a catalyst for business growth, significant talent-related challenges must be addressed to manage and maximize these technologies. More than forty percent (42%) of IT leaders expressed concerns about keeping their staff up to date on new skills and technologies for cloud adoption. To do that, organizations plan to incorporate ongoing training into their workflow to upskill and re-skill their workforce. On top of that, companies are finding a gap in non-technical skills, such as communication and personal skills (34%), as well as knowledge of both technology and business strategy (32%). These needs become increasingly important as organizations navigate through their cloud adoption journey.

Businesses Look for Responsible AI Compass

To remain competitive, organizations need to ramp up their AI initiatives. Our study reveals only 15% have integrated AI into their business, leaving a significant opportunity for disruption for the remaining 85%. Not surprisingly, more than half of all companies (55%) recognize they have more to learn about the ethical implications of AI. The primary approach for most respondents (43%) to address ethical concerns is to have humans regularly review AI models and results. This approach guarantees that humans actively participate in the decision-making process, fostering a responsible and ethical approach to AI adoption.

Navigating the Cyberstorm

Breaches are an inevitable reality for every company, and 78% believe a breach will likely occur. Yet only 58% take a proactive approach to security weaknesses and threats while 42% take a reactive approach. The report also highlights that only 43% have adopted a Zero Trust security model, which is pivotal to building resilience.

"Strategically shifting to a cloud-native, digital-first mindset includes aligning the C-Suite and IT on shared goals, aligning with business outcomes, advancing cloud technology, navigating ethical AI, and addressing skill concerns. While it may seem daunting, recalibrating the organizations' approach will help companies realize business value faster," concluded Naglapur.

The report, titled "From Barriers to Breakthroughs: Unlocking Growth Opportunities with Cloud-Enabled Innovation," gathered responses from 2,264 participants, including C-Suite, IT leaders, and developers from global enterprises across five countries: the United States, the U.K., Germany, Australia, and New Zealand.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has inaugurated 140 new public charging points and 48 battery-swapping stations in the city. At an event held in GTB Nagar, the Delhi CM launched 42 new ultra-low-cost charging stations across the city.

During the inauguration, Kejriwal highlighted the significant difference in commuting costs between traditional fossil fuel vehicles and EVs. While driving a petrol scooter costs approximately Rs 1.75 per kilometer, an EV scooter only costs 7 paise per kilometer. Similarly, a petrol car costs Rs 7 per kilometer, whereas an EV car costs only 36 paise per kilometer.

These figures demonstrate the substantial savings that EV owners can enjoy while contributing to a greener and cleaner Delhi. With the addition of these 42 ultra-low-cost charging stations, Delhi now boasts a total of 53 locations equipped with cutting-edge EV charging infrastructure, he said. Kejriwal said that the Delhi was leading the way towards a future dominated by EVs, showcasing rapid progress in aligning with global sustainability goals.
An agriculture products startup by two youths from Akola is among the 12 chosen for funding from across the country in the Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Dialogue (YCNID) 2022-23 held at New Delhi. Akshay Wairale and Akshay Kawales AgrowSure manufactures implements which reduce or eliminate manual labour in farms, especially for women workers.

Youth Co:Lab was launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Citi Foundation in 2017, but introduced in India in 2019, in partnership with NITI Aayog and Atal Innovation Mission. Wairale and Kawale, both 30 years old, started AgrowSure three years ago in Akola with Rs6 lakh of their own funds. Wairale said, We manufacture farm tool implements which help in weeding, cultivating etc. We have a variety of implements which can be used as a standalone product or attached to tractors etc.

Their innovation which caught everyones attention was something which proved to be a boon for female farm labourers. While weeding, workers needed to carry heavy machinery on their back. So we built a self-propelled machine with wheels on which the weeder and even sprayer can be piled up, thus saving unnecessary labour in fields, said Wairale.

While YCNID awards its winners with $5,000 (around Rs4 lakh), which is not a big amount considering AgrowSure already clocks in a revenue of Rs80 lakh annually, it still provides a global reach for the startups. Wairale said, We have already reached break-even point and this year we are set to cross Rs1 crore revenue target. Our manufacturing unit is based in Akola itself, Their company received Rs10 lakh funding from IIT-Kanpur last year.

Both co-founders are engineering graduates with Wairale also completing his MBA before starting AgrowSure. We plan to remain in Akola and expand our micro manufacturing unit here. Our aim is to provide jobs to people in Vidarbha while providing relief to farm workers, said Wairale. Shoko Noda, resident representative, UNDP India, said, With 254 million young people aged between 15 and 24 years, India has a unique opportunity to lead innovation and social entrepreneurship and make the voices of young people count.

Almost 400 applications were received by YCNID, of which 47 were short-listed. These startups received one-on-one mentoring and capacity-building sessions from experts for two months through the Youth Co:Lab Springboard Programme, a startup support platform for SDG innovators. These startups then presented their ideas to an esteemed jury in May 2023, from which the 12 winners were selected
A Cleveland mother has been indicted on murder charges after she allegedly left her baby daughter alone for 10 days and went on vacation in Detroit and Puerto Rico as the child died.

On June 6, 2023, Kristel Candelario left her 16-month-old daughter alone and unattended at her residence near Lorain Avenue and West 97th Street in Cleveland, a statement from the Cuyahoga County Prosecutors Office read.

Candelario returned home on June 16 at around 8 a.m. Upon arrival, she found her 16-month-old daughter unresponsive and called 911, according to authorities.

The child was pronounced dead by EMS and was found to be extremely dehydrated.

The 16-month-old was found in a Pack n Play pen on a liner soiled with urine and feces with soiled blankets, according to the release.

The mother has been indicted on charges of aggravated murder, two counts of murder, felonious assault, and endangering children, CNN reported.

Candelario is being held in jail on a $1 million bond. Her next appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, June 28, at 8:30 a.m., according to the report.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Students across Staten Island were ready to kick off summer vacation as they left school buildings for the last time this academic year.

Students felt both happy and sad, as Tuesday marked the last day of classes for the 2022-2023 school year for public school students in New York City. At dismissal at PS 13 in Rosebank, PS 42 in Eltingville, PS 4 in Arden Heights, and PS 65 in Tompkinville, students rushed to hug their parents and siblings just after they said their goodbyes to teachers and friends. Some tears were shed as gifts were exchanged and balloons flew in the air.

Im happy and sad at the same time, said Shaun Villafane, who finished fifth grade at PS 13.

Fifth grader Olivia Roccasalvo also shared the same sentiment as she stood outside PS 65 with golden pom-poms in hand.

Shes a little sad because this school has been amazing to us  the time that we were here its a bittersweet thing, Roccasalvos mother, Caroline Roccasalvo, said.

42 1 / 42 Last day of the 2022-23 school year

At PS 42, some students were crying while others were jumping for joy  as families crowded around the school with balloons and Congrats Grad! decor. It was even more special for fifth-graders who were dismissed at the same time to their families, who cheered and took photos.

Maritza Sanchez showed up at PS 65 with bright balloons in hand to congratulate her daughter, Cali Gibbons, 8, on her last day of school. Cali, who will be going into third grade in the upcoming school year, said she felt sad, but she felt good that her mom brought the balloons.

I was, like, rushing from work,' said Maritza Sanchez. I left work early, just trying to make her feel special for the last day.

Another fifth grader at PS 65, Andrea Toj, expressed that she felt sad, but also happy. She stood outside the school with her mother and her two younger siblings who were bearing gifts. Many parents also stood near the Staten Island schools, some clad with bouquets of flowers and gifts to thank their childs teachers  including Michelle Sacco, a parent of a third-grade student at PS 42.

The teachers here are excellent, said Sacco. They all did their jobs, they got the kids through it. We have a great school. Its a great community.

Pre-K teacher Sabrina Fleming, who has been teaching at PS 42 for 30 years, said its always exciting to watch students grow and move up into a new grade each year.

One of the most amazing things about being a pre-K teacher is you get to watch them grow each year, and they get brighter and brighter, and its one of the most beautiful experiences ever to watch them grow, said Fleming. And then they become fifth graders and the feeling of pride that you get is just indescribable.

Many students were looking forward to vacations this summer, including Theresa Diaz, who finished the third grade at PS 42 and was getting picked up by her dad, Gregory Diaz. Theresa said she learned a lot at school and is looking forward to a vacation in Ocean City.

It was really fun, she said. We got to do projects that were really funprobably my favorite part is when you leave school because its summer break! But overall, the whole school year was great.

Oliver Guzman, who said goodbye to first grade at PS 13, also expressed excitement for summer vacation  he and his family are going to Italy for nine days. Still, he was somewhat sad to leave school behind.

Im a little bit sad and happy, because you dont get to see friends a lot, Guzman said.

Jayden Valerio, who finished third grade at PS 13, was also upset to leave his teachers and friends on the last day. His parents, Johan and Bethania, were there to comfort him and remind him that, in just a few months, hell return back to school to see them again.

And some students in the borough were just happy the school year was finally finished.

Im happy its all over,' said Nicholas Iuliucci, a third grader at PS 4. I cant wait to go into the pool.

The first day of the 2023-2024 school year is Thursday, Sept. 7.

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  New York City has officially declared Diwali as a public school holiday, Mayor Eric Adams announced on Monday.

Diwali is a festival of lights and one of the major events celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists. It has been on track to become a public school holiday, giving students in New York City the day off to celebrate.

This is a victory, not only for the men and women of the Indian community and all communities that celebrate Diwali, but its a victory for New York, said Adams.

Earlier this month, New York State lawmakers passed a bill that would make Diwali a public school holiday after it was approved in both the state Assembly and Senate. The bill was introduced by Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, who represents South Queens. It relies on Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign the bill into law  though Adams said he feels confident that Hochul will do so.

Upon its signage into law, the New York City Department of Education (DOE) will designate the Diwali school holiday. It would mean thousands of students, parents and faculty wouldnt have to choose between observing Diwali or missing school or work.

However, New York City cannot add another school holiday to the current calendar unless it removes another day off. This is because New York State education law mandates there be a minimum of 180 days of school instruction. The legislation, Rajkumar said, would remove Anniversary Day, also known as Brooklyn-Queens Day, which originated as a Protestant holiday celebrated in the 1800s.

If the legislation is signed into law, it will take effect on July 1.

Many of us here have seen him [Adams] deep in the ethnic neighborhoods of our city at all hours of the day and night, connecting with immigrant communities, said Rajkumar. On behalf of every South Asian and immigrant family like mine across the city, thank you, Mayor Adams. Our entire community comes together with gratitude for your leadership. And look where we are today.

Diwali is observed in October or November as designated by the Indian calendar. This year, it will be celebrated starting on Nov. 12  with celebrations held over the course of five days.

But it likely wont affect the 2023-2024 public school calendar for New York City  Diwali falls on a Sunday this year.

New York City public school students will be able to get time off to celebrate in the years after.

In 2024, Diwali will be celebrated on Friday, Nov. 1, and in 2025, on Oct. 20. The New York City public school calendars provide time off for Diwali for both the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years.

RELATED STORIES:

Diwali on track to be NYC public school holiday. Heres what we know so far.

New York State lawmakers pass bill to make Diwali a public school holiday

NYC working to make Diwali a public school holiday by 2023

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  An air quality health advisory was issued for the New York City metropolitan area on Wednesday by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

The DECs Air Quality Index (AQI) placed the city in an unhealthy for sensitive groups code orange range on Wednesday due to fine particulate matter related to the ongoing Canadian wildfires being carried by wind, the agency said on its website. This is a change from Tuesdays green ranking of good.

In Western and Central New York, and in Eastern Lake Ontario, the AQI exceeded 150 on Wednesday, placing those regions in an unhealthy, code red condition, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced.

The DEC and the Department of Health issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100.

The citys maximum AQI is expected to reach 101 today, the DEC reported. On Tuesday that number was 61 in New York City.

When the AQI reaches 100, residents in vulnerable groups should avoid exertion outdoors and watch for symptoms when exposed to the outdoors. Vulnerable individuals include those with cardiovascular disease or lung disease, as well as children under 18, adults 65 and older, and those who are pregnant.

Although forecast uncertainty remains, New Yorkers should be prepared for elevated levels of fine particulate pollution caused by smoke on Wednesday and Thursday, Hochul said in a published statement.

Current projections show the highest concentrations of smoke will slowly push east across the eastern half of New York state during the day Thursday, extending across much of the state. Additional details on the forecast for Thursday, June 29, are not yet available.

Mayor Eric Adams warned on Tuesday of potential poor air quality Wednesday.

For people who spend time outdoors wearing a well-fitting face mask is recommended when air quality is unhealthy. An N95 or KN95 will work best.

Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) consists of tiny solid particles or liquid droplets in the air that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter. PM 2.5 can be made of many different types of particles and often come from processes that involve combustion.

Exposure can cause short-term health effects such as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can also worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. People with heart or breathing problems, and children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive to PM 2.5.

At the governors direction, hundreds of thousands of high-quality N95-style masks will be made available to New Yorkers to address air quality impacts. In New York City, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Port Authority will distribute masks to commuters at major transit hubs, including Grand Center Terminal, Penn Station and the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

On Staten Island, they will be available at Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve, 83 Nielson Ave., from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

The governor encouraged New Yorkers to begin planning now for potential changes to outdoor activity until conditions improve. She said summer camp directors should know their local AQI forecast and alert level and follow DOH and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency AQI guidance, available here. DEC and DOH experts continue to monitor air quality, watching smoke and weather patterns closely, the governor said.

When the AQI is greater than 150 (unhealthy), all New Yorkers should avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and those in vulnerable groups should avoid exposure to the outdoors, especially pregnant individuals who may become short of breath more easily. In addition, some employees who are vulnerable should work indoors and camp directors should know their local AQI forecast and alert level and follow AQI guidance.

When the AQI is greater than 200 (very unhealthy), vulnerable groups should avoid all physical activity outdoors, and reschedule or move activities indoors. All others should avoid long or intense outdoor activities.

When AQI is greater than 300 (hazardous), all New Yorkers should avoid outdoor physical activities.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo (R-Mid-Island) and State Senator Andrew Lanza (R-South Shore) co-hosted a United States Flag Retirement and Disposal Ceremony on Monday, June 26, 2023.

As per the United States Flag Code, worn flags must be retired and disposed of in a dignified manner. In this particular retirement, there was a ceremonial burning of cotton flags. Additionally, there was a demonstration of how to retire flags, which can not be burned due to toxic chemicals.

- Scenes from the United States Flag Retirement and Disposal Ceremony held at the American Legion Gold Star Post 1365 on Monday, June 26, 2023 (Courtesy of Nicholas Robbins)

This event was a celebration of the resilience of the United States and all of those who fought to defend her, said Pirozzolo at the event held at the American Legion Gold Star Post 1365 in Travis. It was a beautiful evening honoring our flag and all the fundamental principles it represents, including the service of our Veterans and active-duty service members. I want to thank Senator Lanza, the American Legion Gold Star Post and the countless people who came together to make this evening possible.

The ceremony was overseen by Staten Islands Oceanic Volunteer Fire Department to ensure fire safety. Adding to the scene was Terry Tarangelo, who performed God Bless America. The Susan E. Wagner High School JROTC were responsible for the presentation of the colors, and acted under the leadership of Colonel Mike Licata, represented by Senior Cadet Jerry Sibri. Completing the honorable ceremony was an invocation delivered by Chaplain Bob Motis.

- Scenes from the United States Flag Retirement and Disposal Ceremony held at the American Legion Gold Star Post 1365 on Monday, June 26, 2023 (Courtesy of Nicholas Robbins)

A true honor to co-sponsor this event with Assemblyman Pirozzolo, to bid farewell with dignity and respect to our American flags that were no longer serviceable, Lanza said. The spirit of each retired flag endures and lives on in the hearts of patriots. We are eternally grateful to the American Legion Gold Star Post and all those in attendance, especially those who have served and protected our freedom and liberty. May God bless the United States of America and all who have served under our flag.
KYODO NEWS - Jun 28, 2023 - 14:35 | All, World

Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of the Wagner mercenary group, arrived by air in Belarus on Tuesday following a short-lived military uprising in Russia, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko was quoted as saying by the country's state media.

Lukashenko, who is a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and who brokered a deal with Prigozhin to halt the rebellion which broke out on Friday, said the country will provide security guarantees to the Wagner Group founder and his fighters, the Belarusian Telegraph Agency reported.

The president, also a longtime acquaintance of Prigozhin, was quoted by the agency as saying that Belarus will offer the Wagner Group an abandoned military base and other necessary support.

The group had been fighting alongside the Russian military in Moscow's war against Ukraine since February 2022.

The president said that while the group will be kept on watch in Belarus, the domestic army could receive training from the mercenaries and learn from their "hands-on" combat experience, calling it "invaluable," according to the agency.

Lukashenko said he has spoken directly with Prigozhin multiple times, who eventually dropped his demand that Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of Russian General Staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov be dismissed from their roles, the agency said.

During the talks, Lukashenko said he guaranteed the "absolute safety" of Prigozhin and his fighters, the agency added.

In a televised speech Monday, Putin, speaking for the first time since the uprising, offered Prigozhin's fighters to either sign a contract with the Russian Defense Ministry or other Russian law enforcement agencies, or go to Belarus.

The insurrection, which amounted to the most serious threat to Putin in years, came to a halt when Prigozhin suddenly announced late Saturday he was calling off the advance of the Wagner group's fighters toward Moscow to avert "bloodshed."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had said that Prigozhin will head to neighboring Belarus, while the charges leveled against him for mounting an armed rebellion will be dropped.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Anthony Moran was riding on the Staten Island Expressway on the morning of June 22, 2023, when he saw a woman waving at him on the highway shoulder just before Bradley Avenue. Moments later, he would do his part in saving a motorists life.

The woman told him that just a hundred feet up the road there was a crash and one of vehicles engine was still revving. Moran, the city Taxi and Limousine Commissions chief of operations, was in uniform and sprang into action.

He saw an SUV slammed into the back of an Amazon truck and jumped out of his car alongside another good Samaritan who noticed the SUV was starting to drift backwards down the highway. The driver of the vehicle was not responsive or breathing, said Moran, but when he tried to open the door, it was locked.

I went in my trunk. I found the hammer and I smashed the right side rear window, Moran told the Advance/SILive.com. I jumped in the window and put it in park.

A scene of the crash on the Staten Island Expressway on Thursday, June 22, 2023. (Courtesy of Anthony Moran)

Moments later, the pair pulled the driver out and started to administer CPR. Moran, a former corrections officer in New Jersey, relied on his training and began chest compressions.

Just past Bradley Avenue, Moran noticed a New York state trooper conducting a traffic stop and asked the Amazon driver, who he verified was OK, to flag him down for more assistance. However, just a minute later, there was a breakthrough  the driver coughed and appeared to begin breathing again.

That was a great sign, said Moran.

The man was transported via an ambulance to the Staten Island University Hospital in Ocean Breeze for trauma, according to an official from the FDNYs press office. It was not immediately clear what caused the episode.

Hours after the rescue, the father of the driver called Moran and thanked him for saving his sons life.

I cant express my thanks enough to you. Thank you very, very much, said the man in a voicemail shared with the Advance/SILive.com. I appreciate what you did for my son.

In a phone call with the Advance/SILive.com, the man said his son was recovering and getting back to normal.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - The stores and restaurants may come and go, but one thing remains constant: New Dorp Lane for decades has been a go-to block for shoppers and those who like a good meal.

The history of New Dorp town itself goes back to the 1600s, when the Dutch settled there. The area, including Native American lands, were eventually taken over by the British.

The Vanderbilt family made their homes in New Dorp in the 19th Century and New Dorp Lane eventually became a center of commerce and shopping on the Island.

Known as The Lane, the thoroughfare remains home to a number of retail stores and restaurants, as well as real estate and law offices. The Lane is also home to Our Lady Queen of Peace R.C. Church and the Hanley Funeral Homes.

How many of these New Dorp lane shops and eateries from the 1980s and 1990s do you remember?

This iconic Staten Island business is sadly no longer with us: Sedutto ice cream shops. This was Sedutto's last outpost on the Island, closing in 2008. Sedutto's was in business here for 75 years. (Photo courtesy of NYC Municipal Archives)

Who remembers the Gallery Lounge, seen here on the right? (Photo courtesy of NYC Municipal Archives)

Pennyfeathers restaurant was launched by Phil Berardi in 1979. The popular eatery derived its name from the original Pennyfeathers Restaurant, opened in Manhattan's West Village in the early 1970s by the young chef's father, Richard Berardi. (Photo courtesy of NYC Municipal Archives)

The In Phase shop had an eye-catching facade. (Photo courtesy of NYC Municipal Archives)

Gone but not forgotten: The Lane Theater, seen here in 1981, was a mainstay on the block for years. (Frank J. Johns/Staten Island Advance)

In case you've forgotten, here's what the interior of the theater looked like. This photo was taken in 1988. (Tony Carannante/Staten Island Advance)

The Lane had closed and fallen into disrepair by the late 1990s. (Advance file photo)

The Element nightclub was one business that took over the spot where the Lane Theater used to be. (Advance file photo)

Here's a look inside the Element club. The Crossroads Church is on the site now. (Advance file photo)

How many musicians began their educations or honed their craft at Lane Music Center? Another of Staten Island's old music shops that are sadly no longer with us. (Photo courtesy of NYC Municipal Archives)

Here's Lane Music owner Alan Wilkov in the shop in 2011. (Michael Sedon/Staten Island Advance)

Managers Arthur Salvatore (left) and George Georgio stand in front of the famed Lane Diner a month before its 1983 opening. The Lane used to be the Park Diner. (Irving Silverstein/Staten Island Advance)

Here's a shot of the diner's familiar facade. Cantina Mexicana is on the spot these days. (Photo courtesy of NYC Municipal Archives)

Frank's Nursery and Crafts was a go-to spot for a long time on the Lane. Before Frank's, the Flower Time store was on the spot. (Photo courtesy of NYC Municipal Archives)

At the very right edge of this photo, you can see Doherty's Pub, once a mainstay on the Lane. (Photo courtesy of NYC Municipal Archives)

The iconic clock tower building at the corner of New Dorp Lane and Richmond Road. Still a New Dorp landmark today. (Advance file photo)

This old-school deli was across from Miller Field, if I remember correctly. (Photo courtesy of NYC Municipal Archives)

It looks like the sign says "Clone Audio." Anybody remember this shop? What did you buy there? (Photo courtesy of NYC Municipal Archives)

How many of us had our school photos taken by Arden Studios back in the day? (Photo courtesy of NYC Municipal Archives)

Here's one of mine, from my kindergarten class at PS 55 in Eltingville. The year was 1970. (Tom Wrobleski/Staten Island Advance)

The Chinatown restaurant, near Hylan Boulevard, was a fixture on New Dorp Lane for four decades. (Photo courtesy of NYC Municipal Archives)

Here's a Chinatown restaurant ad in the Staten Island Advance from 1973. Look at those prices! (Tom Wrobleski/Staten Island Advance)

Does anybody remember the name of this eatery on New Dorp Lane? I like that paint job. (Photo courtesy of NYC Municipal Archives)

Joseph Marino of B&A Jewelers is shown outside the well-known New Dorp Lane business in 1997. (Hilton Flores/Staten Island Advance)

Back in the 1960s, this famed New Dorp Lane eatery with the distinctive look was known as Pizza Clown. (Photo courtesy of Staten Island Historical Society)

When Gennaro Jerry Chiarello and wife, Maria, bought the business, they turned the white-and-red rounded tent structure into Pizza Town USA. (Photo courtesy of NYC Municipal Archives)

Here's a vintage shot of the Pizza Town sign, taken in 1979. (Barry G. Schwartz/Staten Island Advance)

Gennaro's pizza restaurant was later on the spot, closing in 2018. (Advance file photo)

Here's Marino's, another spot on the Lane from back in the day. (Photo courtesy of NYC Municipal Archives)

Another venerable eatery on The Lane: Toto's restaurant. The Crown Palace restaurant was later on this spot. (Advance file photo)

Another eye-catching store facade on The Lane. (Photo courtesy of NYC Municipal Archives)

Tavern on the Green was a fixture on New Dorp Lane for years, home to many political dinners and other events. (Advance file photo)

The eatery burned in 1977. (Tony Carannante/Staten Island Advance)

Going way back here: Who out there remembers the Rolladium roller-skating rink on New Dorp Lane? (Advance file photo)

Hollywood Swingers? Sounds racy. Then again, it was the '80s. Was this a salon? (Photo courtesy of NYC Municipal Archives)

Miller Field, at the water end of New Dorp Lane, was a United States Army facility in New Dorp. It was founded in November 1919 and was named after Captain James Ely Miller (18831918), who died in combat on March 9, 1918 over Rheims in World War I. He was the first United States aviator killed in action while serving with an American military aviation unit. When built, Miller Field was the only coastal defense air station in the eastern United States and was part of the network of fortifications around New York City. It had a grass runway (the last airport with a grass runway in New York City), ramps for seaplanes, and four hangars for planes. Miller Field closed as an airbase in 1969. (Rob Sollett/Staten Island Advance)

You can still fine Runner's World apparel online. (Photo courtesy of NYC Municipal Archives)

This is what the New Dorp Library used to look like back in the day. (Photo courtesy of NYC Municipal Archives)

Here's what it looks like today, after a major renovation. (Advance file photo)

Here's a jewelry store side-by-side with a place to buy birds. "Excuse me, do you sell dogs?" "No. Just birds. Read the sign!" (Photo courtesy of NYC Municipal Archives)

Here's another Chinese food restaurant that could be found on New Dorp Lane in the 1980s. (Photo courtesy of NYC Municipal Archives)

We'll end with this one: A shot of New Dorp Lane all done up for Christmas in 1990 (even though the temperature was 80 degrees when this photo was taken on Nov. 4 of that year). Thanks for reading all the way to the bottom! (Irving Silverstein/Staten Island Advance)

MORE STATEN ISLAND MEMORIES FROM TOM WROBLESKI

Remember Angelos Pizzeria, Carmens, the Sly Fox and these other 1980s eateries, bars and shops from Annadale Road?

From The Bridge to Below the Boulevard: 24 things that only true Staten Islanders know

J.W.s? Sweeneys Tavern? Blaine and Noones? Remember these great Forest Avenue and West Brighton bars and eateries from back in the day?

Bay Street and beyond: Which of these cool bars and nightspots do you remember from back in the day? Hugos? Joes Paramount? The Red Spot?
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Community leaders were feted recently by Staten Island Giving Circle to honor the good work they do for Staten Islanders in need.

On May 18, the non-profit group hosted their Spring Galaxy of Community Stars reception, spotlighting a handful volunteers from a pool of hundreds who provide help with their myriad of projects/initiatives throughout the year. The event was held at LiGrecis Staaten, West Brighton.

The honorees were Lori Ficarra, Javier Russi, Gabriella Javier, Lynne Persing, Patty Williams, Dan DiLauro, Nancy Schulhoff and Ricardo Villela.

These are people who work ardently behind the scenes, said Evelyn Kormanik, founder of SIGC, whose mission it is to assist underserved children, seniors, military and the homeless. They are unsung heroes who are low key, humble and dont often receive public recognition.

The honorees at this congratulatory reception included stars who shine after their normal work day in business. After hours, they work in food pantries, with the Boy Scouts, with Alzheimers clients, with church community activities, with kids in need in underserved schools and shelters, with homebound military veterans and new asylum families.

One of the honoreees, Gabriella Javier, a graduating high school senior who will be attending Cornell University in the fall, was recognized for her volunteerism withe her music. Pre-pandemic, Javier visited CP Unlimited and performed music to large Cerebral Palsy groups at the Cora Hoffman facility.

What beautiful, teenaged girl chooses to do that instead of attending a party? said Kormanik. Gabriella is hoping to return in person to CP Unlimited this summer before she heads off to Cornell.

Another honoree, Javier Russi, was bestowed the Make a Difference Award for his participation in the SIGC-sponsored holiday brunch and music fest, at which he and a group of assistants bring a bus full of clients from Act Cares. Act Cares provides a respite program for families struggling to care for relatives with Alzheimers Disease.

We watch as Javier adeptly gets the clients seated and settled, said Kormanik. They dont remember where they are or why they are there, but when the music starts and Matty of Crystal Image starts singing, they all mouth the words and start to sway.

Javier dances with each lady; the ladies lay their heads on his shoulder and dissolve into delight. One year, one lady was crying and I asked if she was okay. Javier said, Oh, she is okay; she is having memories. Music is such a conduit for these clients. The beauty of watching Javier is that he genuinely loves these people; its not a task to him; his heart is full of love and respect.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Wildfire smoke funneling from Canada to the East Coast will cause air quality to plummet Thursday and may leave a palpable smell in New York City, an AccuWeather forecaster told the Advance/SILive.com.

State authorities issued a health advisory for unhealthy levels of pollutants Wednesday as smoke began to move across the United States as hundreds of fires raged above the countrys northern border. Blazes from Ontario and Quebec to British Columbia, however, are forecasted to make a stronger presence beginning later Wednesday night.

Youll really notice the difference tomorrow, said Carl Erickson, an AccuWeather senior meteorologist. We expect the air quality will become much worse during the day tomorrow.

Haze will become more visible in the early-morning hours Wednesday, and smoky particulates could seep into the lower part of the atmosphere, triggering a smell of smoke reminiscent of conditions experienced earlier in June. Air quality might again deteriorate during the evening, when air flow is forecasted to be stagnant.

Itll look like Los Angeles back in the 70s and 80s with all the pollution, said Erickson.

Particulate matter  a mixture of solid and liquid pollutants  is the main hazard of wildfire smoke, which research has found to be far worse than particulate matter from car tailpipes.

Those particles, known as PM2.5 because they are smaller than 2.5 micrometers across, can become embedded in lungs and cause cascading problems, flaring up inflammation and exacerbating chronic lung disease. The pollutant has been linked to developmental problems in children and premature death.

Erickson said it is likely some of the air quality impacts will linger into Thursday, but while Wednesdays advisories were centered on at-risk individuals with underlying conditions, pollution over the coming 48 hours could affect all groups.

This can be a health hazard for most people between Thursday morning and Friday night, said Erickson.

Still, vulnerable people, from older adults to young children, should limit exposure and outdoor activity. A high-quality mask will also help filter out harmful pollutants.

The smoke will begin to be flushed out this weekend, according to Erickson.

European researchers on Tuesday said emissions from the continuous Canadian fires has reached the highest level in 21 years of record keeping.

This years Canadian wildfire season has already torched nearly 30,000 square miles and surpassed the combined area burned over the past three years, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. Nearly 500 fires are considered still active, the agency said, underscoring the likelihood emissions from the blazes will continue to rise.

Experts have said that while climate change cannot be tied to individual wildfires, a warming planet causes ideal conditions for fires to spread and become uncontrollable, especially in areas where they are not common.
San Mateo, CA (94402)

Today

Mainly clear. Low 54F. W winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mainly clear. Low 54F. W winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph.
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KYODO NEWS - Jun 28, 2023 - 13:31 | All, World, Japan

A major Japanese staffing firm and a U.N. training institute agreed Wednesday to provide online information technology courses to Ukrainian women who fled their country in the wake of Russia's military aggression.

Pasona Group Inc. CEO Yasuyuki Nambu and Nikhil Seth, the executive director of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, signed a memorandum of understanding in Tokyo pledging that both parties will work toward providing economic independence to women, especially those who are marginalized.

Based on the agreement, Pasona intends to provide educational content that can be used by UNITAR in its plans to target some 500 Ukrainian women who have evacuated across the border to Poland.

Ukrainian Ambassador to Japan Sergiy Korsunsky, who attended the signing ceremony, hailed the agreement, saying, "Those vulnerable women now in Poland, they're deprived of the opportunity to develop their personal skills."

"So it (this agreement) is very important to support them," Korsunsky told reporters.

Due to the war in Ukraine, 994,775 refugees from the Eastern European country, including children and women, are located in Poland as of June 13, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Although the two entities will discuss details further, a Pasona spokeswoman said introductory courses explaining the background of the digital domain are expected to be offered from September through March 2024.

According to the memorandum, Pasona and UNITAR will also jointly make training programs available to some 5,000 women and youths in countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

UNITAR is seeking to equip women with digital skills, including giving them the ability to code and develop machine learning infrastructure, to expand women's areas of expertise and narrow the wage and skills disparity between the genders, according to a UNITAR official.

The organization was established in 1963 as a training institute of the United Nations. It provides learning opportunities for governments and private companies, mainly in developing countries, to overcome global challenges.
Limbo 

SBS on Demand

This six-part Swedish drama, about three female friends and their families, shouldnt be confused with any of the other productions bearing the same, or similar, titles. Among them are In Limbo (ABC iview), the Australian comedy-drama focusing on men, mateship and depression; Ivan Sens latest feature, Limbo, starring Simon Baker as a detective, currently on theatrical release and screening on the ABC in July; and the Danish teen series Limbo. Theres also an English film called Limbo about refugees stranded on a Scottish island, which, like the Swedish series, is currently available on SBS on Demand. The range of productions built on the idea of people being suspended in a state of uncertainty suggests that this aspect of the human condition is one that persistently engages film and TV makers.

Rakel Warmlander in Limbo, a Swedish drama that explores the impact of a tragedy on a close-knit group of family friends. As well as playing the character Ebba, Warmlander produced and co-wrote the show. Credit: SBS

Produced and co-written by Rakel Warmlander, who also stars as Ebba, this version of limbo focuses on parenthood and how relationships can shift in the aftermath of a tragedy. When the project was announced last year, Warmlander explained that it was inspired by an event in her life. The series is completely fictional, she said. But ... the accident is taken straight from reality.

As the series begins, Ebba is introduced companionably chatting with her pals, My (Sofia Helin) and Gloria (Louise Peterhoff), over drinks in a cafe. All mothers of teenage sons, the women then head back to the home that Ebba shares with her husband, Frederik (Oscar Toringe), and are quickly immersed in a whirl of activity: borrowing a sleeping bag, bargaining over a curfew time as the boys head out to meet friends. An undercurrent of apprehension hums beneath the blithe bustle of domestic routines as director Sofia Jupither establishes the ease that exists between friends familiar with each others lives. Then a call in the middle of the night disrupts the routines of the everyday with news of an accident that will rock the relationships.
I probably got to know them better than they got to know me, just because I was fully in it. I would see them at the start, Id give them their missions and chat them through that. But I tried to be as involved with production as possible: I wasnt just doing my lines and going back to the hotel, I was following the thread and the stories.

About the cast  as the host, did you get to know them very well, or was it all a bit too frenetic for that?

We wanted people to be immersed in the culture of each place. So you have this race thats happening, this adventure thats happening, but were showing you the beauty of these places, were showing you the amazing cultural events of these places, and you get to experience that through our cast, who are finding out what its like to travel through these places on very limited budget, but getting that full immersion into these cultures.

And do you think that was helpful to them too?

Ive had that experience of being on the other side, being a contestant on these shows, so I wanted these guys to know that I was there with them. Theyre meeting me at these randomised checkpoints but I wasnt going to phone it in, I experienced most of the drops that they did, I was there the night before they dropped so I could see what it was about, so I could relate to these guys, not just on that level of I know what its like to be on these shows, but also to be like, Listen, I know what you guys are going through. So I got to know them probably much better than they got to know me.

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I guess its great to have that experience as host, because it gives you empathy with the contestants. But how stressful is it, in general, to enter the reality TV world  youre pushed into the spotlight, but there must be a lot of negativity associated with the experience?

Yeah, youre opening yourself up, right, to a lot of different stuff. But I think people have enough experience to know how that goes now. Its not like this is the first view weve had of reality TV shows. Contestants kind of know what theyre in for. I probably wasnt well-equipped for that the first time I did it, so I talked to them when the cameras were off, just like, these are the things youre kind of going to go through. The thing that I think thats nice about Rush is its aspirational. Were not putting these guys relationships in the spotlight and saying, fall in love or get married. Were trying to give audiences people they can relate to. That was what was really important about the diversity of this cast because we have all age ranges, all ethnicities. We wanted people to be able to watch this and say, That could be me. I could to this.
Coalition MPs are ramping up pressure on the federal government to consult communities who will bear the brunt of disturbance from flight paths for a new international airport in western Sydney.

Flight paths this week showed homes to its south-west and north will be disrupted the most by noise from large passenger planes when Western Sydney Airport opens at Badgerys Creek in late 2026.

Construction is forging ahead on the new Western Sydney Airport at Badgerys Creek. Credit: Janie Barrett

Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh told the ABCs Afternoon Briefing the proposed flight paths would affect her constituents around Penrith on a grand scale.

We are having up to 18 flight paths across the electorate of Lindsay, the most flight paths for any community in Western Sydney. We will have some low-flying planes over the high street of Penrith, up to 40 times a day, departing from Western Sydney Airport.

And other parts of my community  will have both take-offs and arrivals. Sometimes the noise will be so loud they will disrupting conversations outside.

McIntosh supported the $5.3 billion airport, but urged a balanced and fair approach to the flight paths.

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I just want the [government] to have a really open discussion, a true consultation process with my community because we arent happy about the flight paths, obviously.

Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie said the worst of the flight noise needed to be mitigated, and pushed the Labor government to run a genuine consultation, not a sham consultation.

We need to make sure this government actually consults deeply and genuinely with this community and doesnt just deliver the flight paths as a fait accompli.

Earlier this week, federal Transport Minister Catherine King said the government was committed to balancing the needs of the community, environment, industry and users of the broader greater Sydney airspace, while maintaining safety as a priority, in the design of [the airports] flight paths.
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Reporting for Duty: Nick McKenzie and Chris Masters in conversation with Kate McClymont presented by Sydney Opera House.

Head to the Sydney Opera House to hear investigative journalists Nick McKenzie and Chris Masters speak with the Heralds Kate McClymont about Australias defamation trial of the century. We will hear how they were forced to defend their reporting on Ben Roberts-Smith in court and, in the process, defend our right to know what is done in Australias name.

As a Herald subscriber, you have the exclusive opportunity to secure a free ticket. We have just 100 tickets available, so youll need to get in quick. To redeem this offer, head to the event page, add a maximum of two free tickets to your cart and check out.
CCTV footage of a man police believe could assist with inquiries into alleged break and enter. Credit: NSW Police

Police are appealing for information after a man allegedly broke into a womans home and sexually touched her in Sydneys west.

About 5am on April 9, the 22-year-old was inside a home in Granville when an unknown man allegedly forced himself inside and sexually touched her.

The woman yelled out for help from a friend before the man allegedly jumped from a window and fled on foot.

Officers from the Cumberland police area command were called and established a crime scene. As investigations continue, detectives released CCTV images of a man who may be able to assist with their inquiries.
The teenager killed in a crash on the Hume Highway has been remembered as a girl who would do anything for her family, with her parents saying their daughter  nicknamed Tassie devil and a little angel  had a heart of gold.

Montana Russell died when the car she was a passenger in ploughed into a truck near Locksley, about 140 kilometres north of Melbourne early on Wednesday.

The scene of the crash and a supplied image of Montana Russell, 15, who died in the collision (inset). Credit: Eddie Jim; Supplied

The 15-year-old had been living in Wodonga for the past two years. Her parents were informed of the incident when police knocked on their door in Benalla on Wednesday morning.

Melissa Russell said the family was still coming to terms with what had happened.
When Murray Griffins grandparents moved into the Lippincott House  a historic home built in 1917 in Eaglemont  some visitors would howl with laughter at the number of windows.

I dont think people would have that kind of reaction now but early on in the houses history it was almost startlingly different, Griffin says.

What the visitors probably didnt realise was that the home was co-designed by Walter Burley Griffin, the American architect best known for designing Canberra.

Murray Griffin at the Lippincott House. Credit: Simon Schluter

For the first time, the Lippincott House will be part of this years Open House Melbourne weekend, where the public is invited behind the closed doors of some of the citys most fascinating private homes.
The Albanese governments announcement of a new Ukraine support package, including Vietnam War era equipment that not even the Australian Defence Force wants, risks damaging Australias reputation as an adroit practitioner of geopolitics.

The $110 million package includes 28 M113 armoured vehicles, 14 special operations vehicles, 28 MAN 40M medium trucks and 14 trailers; a new supply of 105mm artillery ammunition; and $10 million to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs  for the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund  to assist in the provision of shelter, health services, water and sanitation. The M113 armoured personnel carrier is a Vietnam War relic currently being phased out of service.

The perception that Australia is using Ukraine as a dumping ground suggests the government has misread the high public sympathy for the plight of Ukraine. It also looks parsimonious as other close allies, including the United States and European countries, ramp up support.

Of course, diplomacy demanded that Ukraines ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko acknowledge his country was extremely grateful for the announcement, while Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov expressed his thanks on Twitter by saying: Ukrainian soldiers can really feel the Aussie mateship despite the distance of 15,000 km. But a number of retired Australian generals and military experts have scathingly dismissed the M113s as obsolete boneyard vehicles that would make little difference to the Ukrainian war effort.
KYODO NEWS - Jun 28, 2023 - 19:06 | All, Japan

The Japanese government on Wednesday revealed guidelines for the development of its defense technology with the aim of urging private firms and research institutes to join in creating cutting-edge equipment such as insect-sized robots and self-reparable materials.

The guidelines, which gave examples of technologies expected to be put to practical use in a decade's time, were drawn up based on three key documents on security policies updated last December, including the long-term National Security Strategy.

The examples mentioned in the 12 technology fields that the guidelines said are important to defend the nation included high-powered microwaves and lasers to shoot down drones, as well as barriers that utilize electromagnetic waves to reduce the impact of attacks.

While underscoring the need to take "new approaches different than before" due to the government's limited financial and human resources, the guidelines also said the Defense Ministry aims to share the course of its defense-related development with companies to enhance "predictability" for them.

Among other examples listed in the guidelines are the use of holograms to display stereoscopic images to confuse enemies and the utilization of brain and cognitive science when training commanding officers.

There is also a pledge to establish a new research and development organization in the Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency, the ministry's weapons procurement arm, though no specific date is given for that.

The National Defense Strategy, one of the three security policy documents, states Japan will "strategically publicize information on the technology fields that Japan will focus on and its outlook for research and development."
Some former officials say Putin could decide to keep Surovikin, if he concludes he had some knowledge of what Prigozhin had planned but did not aid him. For now, analysts said, Putin seems intent on pinning the mutiny solely on Prigozhin. Putin is reluctant to change people, said Alexander Baunov, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center. But if the secret service puts files on Putins desk and if some files implicate Surovikin, it may change. Senior American officials suggest that an alliance between Surovikin and Prigozhin could explain why Prigozhin is still alive, despite seizing a major Russian military hub and ordering an armed march on Moscow. American officials and others interviewed for this article spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence. They emphasised that much of what the United States and its allies know is preliminary. US officials have avoided discussing the rebellion publicly, out of fear of feeding Putins narrative that the unrest was orchestrated by the West.

Still, American officials have an interest in pushing out information that undermines the standing of Surovikin, whom they view as more competent and more ruthless than other members of the command. His removal would undoubtedly benefit Ukraine. The Russian Embassy did not respond to a request for comment. Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of Wagner, sits inside a military vehicle posing for a selfie photo with a civilian in Rostov-on-Don on Saturday. Credit: AP Surovikin spoke out against the rebellion as it became public on Friday, in a video that urged Russian troops in Ukraine to maintain their positions and not join the uprising. I urge you to stop, Surovikin said in a message posted on Telegram. The enemy is just waiting for the internal political situation to worsen in our country.

But one former official called that message akin to a hostage video. Surovikins body language suggested he was uncomfortable denouncing a former ally, one who shared his view of the Russian military leadership, the former official said. Loading There were other signs of divided loyalties in the top ranks. Another Russian general - Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev - made his own video appeal, calling any actions against the Russian state a stab in the back of the country and president. But hours later, he surfaced in another video, chatting with Prigozhin in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, where Wagner fighters seized military facilities. There were just too many weird things that happened that, in my mind, suggest there was collusion that we have not figured out yet, Michael McFaul, a former US ambassador to Russia, said in a phone interview. Think of how easy it was to take Rostov, McFaul said. There are armed guards everywhere in Russia, and suddenly, theres no one around to do anything?

Independent experts, and US and allied officials said that Prigozhin seemed to believe that large parts of Russias army would rally to his side as his convoy of 8000 Wagner forces moved on Moscow. Former officials said Surovikin did not support pushing Putin from power but appears to have agreed with Prigozhin that Shoigu and Gerasimov needed to be relieved of duty. Surovikin is a decorated general with a complex history, said Dara Massicot, a senior policy researcher at the Rand Corp. He is said to be respected by the soldiers and viewed as competent. Surovikin and Prigozhin have both brushed up against Shoigu and Gerasimov over tactics used in Ukraine. While the Russian militarys overall performance in the war has been widely derided as underwhelming, analysts have credited Surovikin and Prigozhin for Russias few successes.

In Surovikins case, that limited success was the professionally managed withdrawal of Russian troops from Kherson, where they were nearly encircled last fall and cut off from supplies. Based on communications intercepts, US officials concluded that a frustrated Surovikin represented a hard-line faction of generals intent on using the toughest tactics against Ukrainians. Loading Similarly, Prigozhins Wagner mercenaries achieved some success in taking the eastern city of Bakhmut after a nine-month slog in which, by Prigozhins own count, some 20,000 Wagner troops were killed. US officials and military analysts say tens of thousands of troops died in the fight for Bakhmut, among them Wagner soldiers who were former convicts with little training before they were sent to war. Prigozhin frequently complained that senior Russian defence and military officials were not supplying his troops with enough weapons. Russias entire military campaign in Ukraine has been characterised by a musical chairs of changing generals. Last fall, when Surovikin was put in charge of the Russian armys effort in Ukraine, he was the second man to get the job, replacing a general who had lasted barely a month. Surovikin did not last much longer, but performed far better during his weeks at the helm. Nevertheless, by January, Surovikin was demoted, and Putin handed direct command of the war to Gerasimov, who promised to put Russian forces back on the offensive. Surovikins demotion, military and Russia analysts say, was widely viewed as a blow to Prigozhin.
Because when the middle class does well, the poor have a ladder up and the wealthy do very well still. And we middle class can get a shot. We do well as well, Biden said. But that same month, the Biden administration issued a mea culpa, in a speech by a national security adviser no less, that has been called the most carefully intellectually developed exposition of the administrations philosophy to date. We were wrong: White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. Credit: AP Biden repeated the theme in Chicago on Wednesday: The trickle-down approach failed the middle class, he told a crowd. So its important to note how much American thinking on the economy and democracy has been wrong.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said in April that while in past decades the finance sector expanded, other essential sectors ... atrophied. Our industrial capacity  which is crucial to any countrys ability to continue to innovate  took a real hit, he said during an address in Washington. The White House now hopes to build new norms, Sullivan said, that allow the US to address with allies the challenges posed by the intersection of advanced technology and national security, without obstructing broader trade and innovation. Our industrial capacity  which is crucial to any countrys ability to continue to innovate  took a real hit. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan in an address in April The White Houses thinking has been shaped by the fact that after decades of deregulation and faith that wealth would trickle downward in the economy, it has instead lowered the incomes and opportunities for swaths of the middle class.

Even as the economy grew, prosperity didnt reach the middle class and below. Loading There have been other drivers: the financial crisis and lack of reform in 2007-08. Then the 2016 election of Donald Trump, which exposed the grievances of rust-belt voters. Through it all, the orthodoxy of free market economics effectively blinded leaders to the fact that China was using a Washington-led financial order (rules-based trade, IP protection and arbitration in disputes) as a step stool for its own ambitions for economic prominence. Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed how, in a crisis, democracies withered supply chains left them incapable of protecting their own people.

So it turns out that what an economy or society makes, and the kind of growth it creates, does matter. Microchips not potato chips. Credit: Monique Westermann Its not hard to find examples. Just ask the Taiwanese. One of their most significant defences against the speculated threat of invasion by China is the island nations dominance of the microchip manufacturing. Anyone who invades Taiwan could end up paralysing their own economy and stifling growth.

Australia, like the US and advanced economies everywhere, has got itself in trouble by relying too much on the wisdom of the market to allocate resources. Australian universities, for example, are great exporters of high-quality education. But they have developed an unhealthy dependence on foreign students. In the process, Australias university research sector has become a potential step stool for Chinas strategic ambitions. Joe Biden and Jake Sullivan in February, going over a speech the president gave marking the one-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine. Credit: AP

And you dont have to look too far inward at Australias economy to see the pitfalls of too much faith in the market. Market forces have driven a wedge between the housing haves and have-nots. What was once considered something akin to a right for those willing to work has become an asset, now unreachable for too many. Worse, the free market model doesnt and cant offer a plan for the future for Australian housing. A US Navy ship observes a Chinese navy ship conducting manouvres in the Taiwan Strait on June 3. Credit: AP

While the ills of the US economy are different and arguably more extreme, its no secret Australians are suffering from the same dislocation and inequality that afflicts middle classes everywhere. Loading Treasurer Jim Chalmer made reference to this in his essay on values-based capitalism in January, stressing that economic institutions  and also markets  need renewing and restructuring. The neoliberal [free market] model ... pretends to be agnostic on these questions, but ultimately a choice is still being made through passive de-prioritisation and the perverse outcomes and greater vulnerability that emerge over time, Chalmers wrote. This helps explain why there is so much middle-class pain in Australia, where market forces have been unleashed on the public.

This is part of what the White Houses Sullivan termed the challenge of inequality and its damage to democracy. Owning a home is now unreachable for many Australians. Credit: Tamara Voninski Economically, the White House wants to restart the wheels of social mobility for citizens (the ability for people to move upward through work and saving) which have ground to a halt in past decades. And that is at the heart of what Bidens White House has campaigned on, a so-called foreign policy for the middle class. On one hand, this requires an industrial strategy that identifies key sectors needed for growth, key sectors that are strategic from a national security perspective, and looks where industry cant make the investments on its own needed to secure national ambitions.

Loading The underlying fact is that economies help shape political realities. That was true in post-war Australia and post-war US, when the middle classes surged, wages rose, houses were bought and the quality of life improved for many. Leaders from those eras understood that ensuring citizens can thrive is what effective governments do. Ironically, what the Biden White House is pursuing matches a broad rhetorical goal embraced in China.

In 2021, Chinas leader Xi Jinping warned that in some countries, the wealth gap and middle-class collapse have aggravated social divisions, political polarisation and populism. The solution in China, he said, was the party goal of common prosperity. If a democracy cant create conditions of where middle-class prosperity is possible, where some level of prosperity is shared, what kind of liberty can be expected? And to be clear: one of the most surprising and disruptive features of the Biden White House has been its willingness  if not outright zeal  in making statements and reforms aimed at bolstering the middle class. This ranges from cancelling student debt and providing healthcare for children, to cutting the excessive costs for concert tickets. In admitting its error on trade, and pointing out a new path, the White House identifies yet another dimension of competition with the authoritarian world: which society can better provide for its citizens. Its hard to see liberal societies winning this contest on the strength of its potato chips.
PHILIPSBURG:--- With its commitment to securing the financial well-being of its clients, CIBC FirstCaribbean held a seminar on property financing recently.



Held at the University of St. Martin on June 24th, the event brought together speakers in banking, insurance, and real estate, among other industries. The panel discussion and informative session on home ownership covered topics from saving to finding the right property to financial approval and moving in.



Attendees got an in-depth explanation of the different property types for purchase from Lion Crest Realty's Ettore Musolino. ICE Appraisers Yuri Daal shared his knowledge of the appraisal process. They also received construction tips from Shammara Pierre of Tula Construction and expertise on Notarial Deeds from Notary Marlene Mingo, while Astrid Plantz of Rice Hills Estates provided information on real estate developments.



CIBC FirstCaribbean, Sales Team Leader Merle Debby Richardson, provided participants with information on mortgage qualification. "The diverse group of participants revealed that there is significant interest within our community in owning property, be it as first-time owners, investments, and use or transfer of inherited properties. All agreed that the bank should continue hosting mortgage information sessions to educate and inform the community., Richardson stated.



The bank continues to support clients in reaching financial freedom and ownership goals. The seminar is yet another commitment, following events like the "Driven to Own" Financial Planning and Mortgage series and "Move Merrily" Homeownership.
Willemstad:--- On the opening day of the conference entitled "Living longer, working longer: the sustainability of the pension system in the Dutch Caribbean," Drs. Raul Henriquez, director/general secretary of the Social and Economic Council (SER) of Curacao, spoke about the future challenges and sustainability of the pension system in Curacao. The two-day conference, organized by the Algemeen Pensioenfonds Curacao (APC) and the University of Curacao (UOC) on Thursday, June 22, and Friday, June 23, took place in the auditorium of the UOC. The audience included pension and social security experts, actuaries, representatives of pension funds, and other interested parties from the CAS countries (Curacao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten).

Henriquez emphasized the demographic challenges facing Curacao, such as increasing aging, de-growth, and emigration surplus, resulting in increased "gray pressure". As a result, a growing group of non-working people must be financially supported by a shrinking group of working people, which puts pressure on the sustainability of the pension system." Henriquez said it is crucial to develop innovative and structural solutions that both protect the interests of seniors and support the economic vitality of Curacao. He pointed to the opportunity for significant improvements within the second pillar of the pension system, the supplementary pension plans. He also indicated that the problem of non-compliance regarding premium payments for General Old Age Insurance (AOV) seriously threatens the financial stability of the pension system.

The SER director stressed the importance of deciding on a comprehensive policy framework that addresses both the economic and institutional sustainability of AOV, and counteracts the problem of non-compliance. He spoke of the need for various interventions to ensure the financial sustainability of the pension system. In line with this, he referred to the proposed policy adjustments by the Economic Research Foundation (SEO), including raising the AOV age starting in 2030.

The ultimate goal, Henriquez stressed, is to guarantee the dignity and well-being of Curacao's elderly population by strengthening the pension system. He further underscored the importance of recognizing the contributions seniors have made to society and called for respect and recognition by offering them a dignified life after retirement. In this context, Henriquez also highlighted the ethical obligation to care for the most vulnerable, promote social cohesion, and support social justice. He stressed that every individual is entitled to a basic level of economic security and the opportunity to actively participate in society, regardless of age.

In his speech, Henriquez referred to an important 2020 study by the SER on the future of AOV in Curacao. The study highlighted the crucial role of migration and demographic changes in the financial sustainability of the AOV system. He also discussed the SER's 2018 opinion on the initiative-drafted Basic Statutory (Mandatory) Pension, stressing the need for a thorough analysis of the objectives, financial implications, and protection of workers.

Finally, Henriquez called for targeted action to ensure a dignified life after retirement and the future of Curacao's AOV system. He stressed the urgency and called for concerted efforts for a sustainable and equitable pension system.

For more information and the SER director's full speech please visit www.ser.cw
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Court in First Instance of Sint Maarten by its judgment of June 9th, 2023, denied the suspension request of a deportation and detention order of the Minister of Justice of a Haitian national.

The woman, who has minor kids in Haiti, attempted to enter St. Maarten without the required visa by using a false France residence permit in her native passport. The appearance of the French residency in her passport as well as some other items within the pages of the passport prompted the border officer to delve deeper into the authentication of the passport. After investigation, the passport was confirmed to be false and the woman was handed over to the Police for prosecution.

She was consequently charged with fraud by the Prosecutor and turned over to the Immigration and Border Protection Services for deportation since she entered illegally and thus acted against public order, which is grounds for deportation. In addition, based on the manner in which she entered Sint Maarten and the fact that she didn't have anyone in Sint Maarten, there were sufficient grounds for her detention pending deportation.

While the Minister is cognizant of the fact that Sint Maarten is bound by international convention, more specifically the applicable European Convention on Human Rights, to consider whether someone really needs protection, this has not been considered the case thus far in cases handled in Court.

Over the last year, the Minister has encountered situations whereby persons, (only) after obtaining advice while in immigration detention, claim that they need to stay under the protection of Sint Maarten. Reference was often made to refugee status under the UNHCR convention and fear of life if they were to be sent back to their country. The UNHCR convention as repeatedly decided by the (Appellate) Courts, is not applicable to Sint Maarten.

As per established applicable jurisprudence the Minister should respect the considerations in articles 2 and 3 of the EVRM (European Convention on Human Rights) and based on the circumstances determine whether one could potentially be at risk of inhumane treatment upon deportation.

In this case, Attorney Mr. Bloem on behalf of the undocumented woman, claimed that she fled Haiti and needed protection as per international conventions. An asylum request would be filed eventually directly with the Netherlands authorities.

Attorney Bloem submitted an injunction with the Court in which the suspension of the Minister's deportation and detention decision was requested. Attorney Bloem argued in the petition that the decision to deport and detain his client was not motivated and unlawful as it didn't take the situation in his client's country into consideration. His client could face inhumane treatment back home and reference was made to the UNHCR refugee convention and a procedure to obtain asylum which she should be allowed here.

On behalf of the Minister of Justice Attorney Ms. Cindy Marica argued that the Minister's decision to deport and detain the woman was taken with due consideration and all circumstances are justified. Ms. Marica pointed out the fraud committed by the woman, the circumvention of visa procedures, and the fact that the woman never claimed to be in danger when she was first arrested. In the first interview with immigration, she indicated to be on vacation and was planning to back to where she is a businesswoman and has three children.

Attorney Marica further stated that there were no extenuating circumstances proven, a general remark about the situation in parts of Haiti was not sufficient to establish that the Minister had to release the woman and allow her to stay in Sint Maarten. Of importance in connection with the referral to the alleged dangerous situation in Haiti is the fact that she left her 3 kids in Haiti, of which one is 10 a year old. This caused reasonable doubt that she was actually in danger in the part of Haiti where she resides and where she left her young kids.

The Court in its considerations agreed with the abovementioned arguments of Attorney Marica on behalf of the Minister. "Referral by persons to the general situation in Haiti is not sufficient to come to the conclusion that the situation in Haiti is so seriously unsafe that everyone who is deported to or returns to Haiti is automatically in danger", the Court ruled. The fact that her children were still residing in Haiti made the woman's referral to the danger she would be exposed to even more doubtful.

The Court in conclusion agreed with the arguments brought forward on behalf of the Minister that the woman did not make it plausible that she needed protection under the EVRM and that the Minister was authorized and justified in her decision to detain and deport the woman in the interest of public order based on the immigration laws.

The Minister and the Immigration department reiterate that entering and/or residing illegally in Sint Maarten is against public order and are grounds for deportation.

While the Minister has taken notice of the opinion of different persons in the community about the deportation of illegally residing persons that have taken place to Haiti and Venezuela especially, the Minister is merely executing the immigration laws for the sake of public order which is the Minister's legal duty.

Persons are given the opportunity to make use of the available legal remedies in deportation (or residency request matters) cases if they require such. This allows for the decisions of the Minister to be reviewed and judged by the Court for possible infringements of laws or international conventions or unlawfulness.

The Minister does not intend to act against any laws or conventions and will adhere to any (final) decision that may be taken by the Courts in such cases.

It is important to note that all suspension requests submitted with the Court against the deportation and detention decisions of the Minister submitted from June 2022 until date have been denied. One deportation case was settled and the person was released after the French authorities confirmed that he was granted French residency rights.

In all these injunction cases handled over the past year, the red line is that persons requiring a residency permit have the responsibility to apply for same, even in the event such person claim to need protection as they fear for life in their country. Remaining in Sint Maarten without a residence permit is against the law and as per the law is grounds for deportation, regardless of which country one comes from.

The Immigration Department at the A. Th. Illidge Road can be contacted for information regarding residency requests or seek legal assistance or visit our website.
SABA:--- The Saba Tourism Bureau, in collaboration with the St. Martin Tourist Board recently organized a familiarization trip, as part of the St. Martin Fly-in Travel Agent Event that also aimed at showcasing the beauty and hospitality of the neighboring islands. The St. Martin Tourist Board hosted over 60 esteemed travel agents from various countries, including the United States, Canada, the Benelux, and the regional market. As St. Maarten is the hub for neighboring islands and is posed for an island-hopping experience while vacationing in St. Maarten, the St. Martin Tourist Board reached out to the islands to partner up for a day trip experience for the travel agents.

Saba had the honor of hosting over 20 agents who chose Saba as their preferred Fam Trip destination. The agents were from Canada, the United States, Benelux, and the regional market. During the Fam Trip, the agents engaged and explored the island, this included site inspections of hotels, cottages, and villas as part of the product review. The agents had a unique lunch experience in the rainforest at Rendezvous and had the opportunity to do a walking village tour. For the travel agents, it was their first time visiting the island, and Saba provided them with invaluable insights into the diverse accommodations and attractions that the island has to offer.

This Fly-in Travel Agent Event is a shared commitment of Saba and St. Martin in promoting the Caribbean as a premier travel destination. The Saba Tourism Bureau was excited to welcome these esteemed travel agents and extend Saban hospitality. Intraregional collaborations and events among the islands, connectivity partners and tourism boards help continue to strengthen the region, while also providing the islands with the opportunity to share with both journalists and travel agents the diversity of each island, making the island-hopping experience truly unique.

Through this collaboration, we aim to forge lasting connections, foster meaningful partnerships and promote the Caribbean as a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide. We thank the St. Martin Tourist Board, WinAir and The Edge Ferry for their collaboration and partnership in making this Fam Trip a reality. Also, to our on-island partners for their hospitality and taxi drivers that added to the overall positive experience, said Director of Tourism Malinda Hassell.
First Tin Plc  Result of Annual General Meeting

First TinA Plc (\First Tin\  https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/first-tin-ltd ),A a tin development company with advanced, low capex projects in Germany and Australia, is pleased to announceA that all of the resolutions proposed at the Company\-s Annual General Meeting held today were duly passed.

The detailed results of the voting are set out below: (see the attachement)

Enquiries:

First Tin

Via SEC Newgate below

Thomas Buenger  Chief Executive Officer

Arlington Group Asset Management Limited (Financial Advisor and Joint Broker)

Simon Catt

020 7389 5016

WH Ireland Limited (Joint Broker)

Harry Ansell

020 7220 1670

SEC Newgate (Financial Communications)

Elisabeth Cowell / Molly Gretton

FirstTin@secnewgate.co.uk

In Europe:

Swiss Resource Capital AG

Jochen Staiger & Marc Ollinger

info@resource-capital.ch

www.resource-capital.ch

Notes to Editors

First Tin is an ethical, reliable, and sustainable tin production company led by a team of renowned tin specialists. The Company is focused on becoming a tin supplier in conflict-free, low political risk jurisdictions through the rapid development of high value, low capex tin assets in Germany and Australia.

Tin is a critical metal, vital in any plan to decarbonise and electrify the world, yet Europe has very little supply. Rising demand, together with shortages, is expected to lead tin to experience sustained deficit markets for the foreseeable future. Its assets have been de-risked significantly, with extensive work undertaken to date.

First Tin\-s goal is to use best-in-class environmental standards to bring two tin mines into production in three years, providing provenance of supply to support the current global clean energy and technological revolutions.
Avrupa Minerals Finally Hits It Big With 26.95m @ 2.18% Cu, 2.58% Pb, 5,6%Zn and 88.2g/t Ag At Sesmarias, Portugal

It took a while, but Avrupa Minerals (TSXV:AVU)(OTC:AVPMF) and JV partner Sandfire MATSA finally intercepted a substantial mineralized interval at Sesmarias, after the discovery hole from 2014 intersected 7.95m @ 2.21% Cu, 4.82% Zn, 3.05% Pb and 89.8g/t Ag from 150m. This time the company found mineralization a lot deeper, but the interval was more than tripling the length, and grades more or less coming in the same: 26.95m @ 2.18% Cu, 2.58% Pb, 5,6%Zn and 88.2g/t Ag. As discussed later on in this article, the drill bit seems to have hit a completely different part of the mineralized structure, which was already established as being quite complex, with a lot of folding and faulting. As Sandfire MATSA is looking for 1% Cu deposits in the Iberian Pyrite Belt, this result should be something of interest for them for sure. A

All pictures are company material, unless stated otherwise.

All currencies are in US Dollars, unless stated otherwise.

It was good to finally see a really strong result coming from Sesmarias, as I always had high hopes of Alvalade as a whole. The polymetallic intercept from hole SES23-047 hit very nice grades of not only copper but also zinc, lead and silver, resulting in a copper equivalent grade of 5.16% CuEq over the aforementioned 26.95m. This intercept was actually part of an even longer one, measuring 43.4m @ 1.51%Cu, 4.78% Zn, 2.15% Pb and 64.1g/t Ag from 392.8m.A The JV targeted the Central Zone of Sesmarias this time, after compiling 20,000m of drilling (46 holes) at Sesmarias in all phases since the discovery in 2014.

CEO Paul Kuhn was obviously happy with the results:

aWe are truly excited about the SES23-047 results. A The entire team effort putting together a coherent targeting model led to this initial success in the Sesmarias Central Zone, which we hope will continue with follow-up drilling. A Previous JV drilling demonstrated the potential for significant thicknesses of massive sulfide mineralization, and we recognized theA potential for higher grade mineralization as we moved south towards the Central Zone, perhaps the center of the mineral system. A We now recognize that the SES002 lens should be part of the new discovery lens, separated by faulting. A Perseverance, continued creative thinking, and strong financial support led to a real success that shows possibilities for further follow-up success.a

On the section below it can be seen why it is so difficult to hit substantial mineralization at Sesmarias, as the folding structure with all sorts of synclines and anticlines, further complicated by faulting, is very complex and hard to predict.

I do hope they hit something like the conceptualized major mineralized zone (represented red) in the centre soon, which could imply a high grade hit with a length of over 100m if the geologist who has drawn this is right. As mineralization seems to be located deep, I wondered if using directional drilling or wedges isna?t an option, as it would save a lot of time and money, using hole 041 or 047 as the master hole. CEO Kuhn answered: aWe have discussed this at various times over the course of the present joint venture, and decided to stick with the status quo for the time being.A However, if we continue to hit good mineralization in the next five holes after SES23-047, then we will re-consider our strategy for the next phase of exploration at Sesmarias Central.a

Avrupa management believes the represented structure above is a continuation from the structure found at Sesmarias North, of which one section can be seen here.

The following map shows a bit more detail about earlier drilling of fences at Sesmarias North and the current program at Sesmarias Main.

The success holes 002 and 047 are indicated by the blue ellipse-shaped forms in the middle. The idea is to connect Central with North, and possibly with South (green) as well, as there could have been a lateral displacement between Central and South. The mineralized trends are represented by the brown dashed lines. The JV is currently drilling hole 048, which is indicated by the red dot in the 800S section, and has planned to drill 5 more holes, including SES23-048.A Three of these holes will be 150-meter stepouts along strike, one to the northwest of SES23-047 and two the southeast of SES23-048.A The collar of the last hole in this phase will be determined later, depending on results.

I wondered how Avrupa visualized the South zone, if this could also be part of the heavily folded structure running southeast-northwest, or different? CEO Kuhn explained patiently as always, aYes, we indeed think that it is all part of the same system.A There is no need to suspect otherwise, though the system has certainly been heavily modified since deposition by folding and faulting.a

Shareholders of Avrupa Minerals were happy to see lots of trading activity on the day the news came out, as the share price peaked at 8c, on a daily volume of around 1M shares, almost a 50-fold increase from the average daily volume at the time.

Leta?s see if the next results could impact the share price again this way. These are expected to be announced after the company completes several more holes. A The stock already traded up from the lows because of the signed Slivova agreement, although I must say I didna?t expect this to be such actionable news. As a reminder:

the upcoming Slivova PEA NPV probably doesna?t go way beyond US$40-50M as it is a small project, and a 15% interest (=US$6-7.5M) is normally discounted quite a bit for de-risked stage (around 70-85% for PEA). The company stands to receive just about C$100k in payments before year end while being free carried by WTR developing the project towards PEA, FS, permitting and ultimately production, where the Avrupa interest A could be sold to WTR or diluted to a 1% NSR as I dona?t see Avrupa as a prospect generator participating in future capex funding as capex will likely be US$25-30M (15% pro rata for Avrupa will be US$3.75-4.5M, which is over 2 times current market cap).

Regarding Avrupaa?s Finnish projects, the status of exploration work at the copper-zinc KangasjArvi project is as follows, as drilling was planned for the end of June here, but it will be re-scheduled for later in the summer when drills will be available, and more targets become available. A As far as the Kolima copper-zinc project goes, the Finnish mining bureau approved the exploration permit, but now the courts must work through three appeals submitted in a 37-day comment and appeal period after the approval.A For now, ongoing exploration work has been temporarily suspended until the courts have made their decisions.

As another reminder, KangasjArvi was an historic zinc mine, and potentially part of a VMS project. Lots of data have been obtained for the project, including historic drilling, and a small historic, open pittable resource (300kt @ 5.4%Zn, of which 85kt already has been mined out) is present. Regarding Kolima, historic exploration efforts defined a 2000 x 200-400m zone with zinc mineralization, but also numerous boulders containing zinc and copper are present, in typical VMS fashion and geology. A resource wasna?t defined despite 70 drill holes completed. A SkyTEM survey indicated two important electromagnetic (EM) targets, which will be drilled as soon as the permits are fully granted.

Conclusion

I was hoping for actionable news by Avrupa at their Alvalade project, and they certainly didna?t disappoint, with the 26.95m @ 5.16% CuEq, which is pretty economic regardless of 400m depth, as the gross metal value would be US$439.4/t at hypothetical 100% recoveries. Or about 7g/t AuEq, but at least it gives you an idea of economic potential. Avrupa is looking to explore the complex and folded structure at Sesmarias further, and Ia?m looking forward to upcoming results. When they hit even bigger, this could prove to be a real gamechanger. Stay tuned!

I hope you will find this article interesting and useful, and will have further interest in my upcoming articles on mining. To never miss a thing, please subscribe to my free newsletter on my website www.criticalinvestor.eu, in order to get an email notice of my new articles soon after they are published.

Disclaimer:

The author is not a registered investment advisor, and currently has a long position in this stock. Avrupa Minerals is a sponsoring company. All facts are to be checked by the reader. For more information go to www.avrupaminerals.com and read the companya?s profile andA official documents onA www.sedar.com, alsoA for important risk disclosures. This article is provided for information purposes only, and is not intended to be investment advice of any kind, and all readers are encouraged to do their own due diligence, and talk to their own licensed investment advisors prior to making any investment decisions.
China secures lithium deposits

Batteries and electric cars are booming. China is securing lithium deposits worldwide and investing billions.

A race has broken out to obtain the lithium needed for the rapidly increasing demand for batteries. Lithium is essential for electromobility. According to estimates, China could control a third of global lithium deposits by 2025. The country is particularly eyeing Africa and Latin America. Germany and Europe are dependent on the Chinese. About 97 percent of the lithium for the EU today comes from China. And lithium demand will increase by an estimated 17 percent per year by 2050. The formation of a lithium cartel similar to OPEC is already being considered. Africa currently produces only about 40,000 tons of lithium, but that figure is expected to rise to 500,000 tons by 2030. Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly conquering everyday life. And things are also happening in terms of ship travel, for example. In 2030, for example, an all-electric cruise ship will sail Hurtigruten, equipped with a huge 60-megawatt battery. So, it\-s no wonder that the demand for lithium is increasing.

This can make the future greener and reduce emissions. In addition to lithium, modern technologies also need rare earths and nickel. This is because nickel is not only used in alloys and in the steel industry, but also in various lithium-ion batteries, for example for telephones and computers, and also in hybrid vehicles.

Raw materials such as rare earths, nickel and lithium are found in Green Shift Commodities\-  https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/green-shift-commodities-ltd/  projects in Colombia and Argentina, for example. Uranium, phosphate and vanadium are also included.

Lithium is the focus of Gama Explorations  https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/gama-explorations-inc/  in Quebec and the Northwest Territories. Copper and nickel are also on board here.

Latest corporate information and press releases from Gama Explorations (- https://www.resource-capital.ch/en/companies/gama-explorations-inc/ -).

In accordance with A34 WpHG I would like to point out that partners, authors and employees may hold shares in the respective companies addressed and thus a possible conflict of interest exists. No guarantee for the translation into English. Only the German version of this news is valid.

Disclaimer:

The information provided does not represent any form of recommendation or advice. Express reference is made to the risks in securities trading. No liability can be accepted for any damage arising from the use of this blog. I would like to point out that shares and especially warrant investments are always associated with risk. The total loss of the invested capital cannot be excluded. All information and sources are carefully researched. However, no guarantee is given for the correctness of all contents. Despite the greatest care, I expressly reserve the right to make errors, especially with regard to figures and prices. The information contained herein is taken from sources believed to be reliable, but in no way claims to be accurate or complete. Due to court decisions, the contents of linked external sites are also co-responsible (e.g. Landgericht Hamburg, in the decision of 12.05.1998  312 O 85/98), as long as there is no explicit dissociation from them. Despite careful control of the content, I do not assume liability for the content of linked external pages. The respective operators are exclusively responsible for their content. The disclaimer of Swiss Resource Capital AG also applies: https://www.resource-capital.ch/en/disclaimer/
By Rachael Bayliss-Chan, KYODO NEWS - Jun 28, 2023 - 11:02 | All, Feature, World

Sen Genshitsu, a centenarian master of the Japanese tea ceremony, has spent decades traveling the globe to educate people about the cultural institution, promoting the idea of "peacefulness through a bowl of tea" in a lifelong mission that shows no signs of ebbing.

An unwavering commitment took Genshitsu to Sydney in early June to conduct a traditional ceremony under the theme of "tea sharing for peace," at an event marking the 60th anniversary of his Oceania mission.

The former grand master of Urasenke, one of the art's top three schools in Japan, demonstrated a "kencha" ritual tea offering and spoke of the virtues of the tea ceremony to an audience of around 200 people from Australia and neighboring countries on June 9.

Genshitsu, who was recruited to the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II and trained for suicide attack missions, said if people worldwide could share the spirit of mutual respect characterized by the tea ceremony, "there would be no more ugly conflicts."

Noting with sadness the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Genshitsu recalled his multiple visits to both countries and establishing a tea ceremony house in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital.

"Three days ago, I received a video of a tea ceremony being held in the tea ceremony house there," Genshitsu said in his speech.

"When I saw it, I cried. I want to go to Ukraine again," he continued, hoping that in whatever small way he could contribute to a return of peace.

Genshitsu, the 15th grand master of the Urasenke school from 1964 to 2002, was awarded Japan's Prime Minister's Award in April for his contribution to peace diplomacy and promoting Japanese culture. He has served as UNESCO goodwill ambassador since 2012.

He was born in 1923 into a family of the Urasenke school based in Kyoto, whose roots date back to Sen no Rikyu (1522-1591). The school perfected the style of tea ceremony based on the "wabi" aesthetic.

Despite celebrating his 100th birthday in April, Genshitsu deftly maneuvered the various tea-making implements before standing to deliver an impassioned lecture that lasted over 30 minutes.

During the ritual ceremony devoted to peace, the kimono-clad master made tea on stage in fluid movements, gently pouring hot water into a bowl before adding "matcha" ground tea powder and whisking it vigorously.

He attributes his longevity to drinking green tea and maintaining good posture. "I was drinking tea even in my mother's womb," Genshitsu quipped.

Margaret Price, 67, who teaches Japanese tea ceremony in the northeastern state of Queensland, said the visit to Australia by the former grand master was an excellent way to rekindle the enthusiasm of tea ceremony practitioners there and remind them of the true reason for practicing.

"The Daisosho...is a true force for diplomacy around the world and I think should be regarded as one of the treasures of Japan," said Price, referring to Genshitsu by the title that signifies his status as a former grand master.
KYODO NEWS - Jun 28, 2023 - 19:52 | World, All

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen met Wednesday with a U.S. congressional delegation in Taipei, where she pledged the island's dedication to working closely with the United States in safeguarding peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Taiwan is on the frontline of defense of democratic values. We will continue to work hand-in-hand with the United States in such areas as economics and national defense," Tsai told the nine-member bipartisan delegation led by Mike Rogers, chair of the House Armed Services Committee.

The group, focusing on security affairs, is one of the largest delegations of U.S. lawmakers to visit Taiwan in recent years, according to the island's Foreign Ministry. The visit, made amid efforts by Beijing and Washington to stabilize their relations, is likely to anger China, which regards the territory as its own.

Tsai commended members of the delegation for continuing to protect the national security of democratic allies of the United States and thanked Congress for enacting legislation aimed at helping the island bolster its self-defense capabilities and deepen security cooperation between Taipei and Washington.

In response, Rogers vowed "unwavering" support for the island, noting a shared commitment by the United States and Taiwan to the rule of law, democracy and a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The United States changed its diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979 but has kept up unofficial relations with Taiwan and supplies the island with arms to help it maintain its self-defense capabilities.

Taiwan and mainland China have been governed separately since they split due to a civil war in 1949. Beijing considers Taiwan a renegade province that must be reunified with the mainland, even if it requires the use of force.

Related coverage:

French lawmakers reaffirm support for Taiwan Strait security

Likely U.S. presidential candidate DeSantis to visit Japan next week

Taiwan critical in keeping peace, stability: U.S. representative
The heatwave that began in April in Asia, with record temperatures in countries such as China, India, Bangladesh, Thailand and Vietnam, continues to affect several parts of the continent, which braces for the possible effects of El Nino.

The meteorological service at Beijing expects high temperatures this week and has urged all residents to avoid outdoor activities especially around midday when the sun is hottest.

On June 22, the mercury touched 41.1 degrees Celsius in Beijing, the second highest ever recorded for the city and the highest for June, according to official data.

The provinces of Hebei, Shandong and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region also recorded record high temperatures in recent days.

In recent weeks, India witnessed several heatwaves with temperatures of up to 45 degrees in the north, where at least 68 people died and more than 170 were admitted to hospitals with symptoms of heat stroke.

Meanwhile, neighboring Pakistan recorded temperatures of 49 degrees last week. The country is one of the most vulnerable to climate change, especially because of the large number of glaciers that it houses and that provide fresh water to millions of people.

The north of the country is now experiencing the first rainfall as monsoon approaches, which has left at least 16 dead and 32 injured, official sources said on Tuesday.

Bangladesh also faced a severe heatwave in early June, with temperatures close to 40 degrees Celsius, which led the authorities to order the closure of primary and secondary schools and caused numerous power cuts in a nation already facing an energy crisis.

In Vietnam, where extreme heat since April has caused record highs (up to 44.2 degrees in May), there have been multiple power cuts due to a sharp decline in hydroelectric production following a prolonged drought and higher than usual consumption.

Although the heatwave in Southeast Asia appears to be abating, the region, very vulnerable to the climate crisis, is preparing for more heat and possible droughts caused by the El Nino phenomenon.

Earlier this month, the Meteorological Service of Singapore predicted that there was a 70-80 percent chance that certain El Nino-generated situations would occur in the second half of the year, with possible water shortages and wildfires, among other things.

El Nino represents a warming of the surface of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean that causes increases in global temperatures, and that in Southeast Asia could threaten the agricultural production of essential products such as palm oil and rice, among others.
Commentary

By Jake Fuss and

Milagros Palacios

The cost of living remains top of mind for many Canadian families, particularly at the grocery store where prices have risen rapidly. But one growing expense for families has flown under the radartaxes.

While its easy enough to check your income tax return or pay stub to see how much you pay in personal income taxes, its a much more difficult task to calculate your total tax bill because Canadians pay many different taxes. Not only do we pay income taxes, we also pay sales taxes, health taxes, payroll taxes, property taxes, fuel taxes and many others. And while some of these taxes are visible, many are hidden, which only adds to the confusion.

To help clarify the situation, each year the Fraser Institute calculates Tax Freedom Day, which is the day of the year when the average Canadian family has earned enough money to pay all taxes levied by the federal, provincial and local governments. In other words, if Canadians were required to pay all their taxes up front, they would have to pay every dollar they earned to the government prior to Tax Freedom Day.

In 2023, we estimate the average Canadian family (two or more people) earning $140,106 will pay $64,610 in total taxesor 46.1 percent of their income. So, if you paid all your taxes for 2023 up front, you would pay the government every dollar you earned until June 19. After working the first 169 days of the year for the government, you now get to work for yourself.

This years Tax Freedom Day (again, June 19) arrives eight days later than in 2019, the last year before the pandemic, when the average Canadian family paid 43.9 percent of their income in total taxes, which means the tax bill for Canadian families has grown considerably since the onset of COVID.

And all signs point to rising taxes in the future.

This year the federal government forecasts a $40.1 billion deficit. Combined with an additional $6.9 billion in cumulative provincial deficits, the total federal/provincial government debt is due to increase by $47.0 billion in 2023/24. With no sign of fiscal restraint on the horizon, particularly in Ottawa, future generations of Canadians will almost certainly face tax increases to cover todays government spending.

To help illustrate the size of the government debt burden, weve also calculated a Balanced Budget Tax Freedom Day, which calculates the hypothetical tax burden on Canadians if governments across the country had to raise taxes today to balance their budgets. This year, Balanced Budget Tax Freedom Day would arrive on June 27.

With Tax Freedom Day this year falling eight days later than in 2019, the burden of taxation is clearly increasing for Canadian families. Unfortunately, the tax bill will likely increase in the future, which means Tax Freedom Day will come later in the coming years.

Jake Fuss is the Associate Director, Fiscal Studies, Fraser Institute and Milagros Palacios is the Director, Addington Centre for Measurement, Fraser Institute.
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of New Zealand Chris Hipkins at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2023. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

BEIJING, June 27 (Xinhua) -- China's emphasis on self-reliance is by no means to adopt a closed-door policy, but to better connect domestic and international markets, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday.

Xi's remarks came during his talks with Prime Minister of New Zealand Chris Hipkins, who is paying an official visit to China.

Xi stressed that, at present, China's central task is to advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization. He said achieving high-quality development is a top priority, common prosperity for all the Chinese people is essential, and making a greater contribution to world peace and development is an important goal for China.

China is such a big country with such a large population that it can only base the development of the country and the nation on its own strength, Xi said.

"Only by opening up can China realize modernization. Development is the top priority of the Communist Party of China in governing and rejuvenating the country. We will continue to vigorously promote high-level opening up and better protect the rights and interests of foreign investors per the law," Xi said.

On bilateral relations, Xi said he attaches great importance to China-New Zealand ties. He recalled his visit to New Zealand in 2014, during which the two countries established a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Xi said the sound and steady growth of China-New Zealand relations over the past decade brought tangible benefits to the two peoples and contributed to regional peace, stability, development, and prosperity.

China has always regarded New Zealand as a friend and partner and is ready to work with New Zealand to embrace another 50 years in bilateral relations and promote the steady growth of China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi said.

China-New Zealand relations have long been a pacemaker in China's relations with developed countries, Xi said.

Both countries should continue to see each other as partners rather than adversaries and opportunities rather than threats to consolidate the foundation for the growth of China-New Zealand relations, Xi said.

The Chinese president called for a thorough implementation of the upgraded bilateral free trade agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to advance trade and investment liberalization and facilitation and provide a better business environment for companies to invest and operate in each other's countries.

He noted both China and New Zealand need to step up exchanges and cooperation in education, culture, tourism, and at the sub-national and non-governmental levels so that there can be more people like Rewi Alley, a pioneer in China-New Zealand relations, to boost the bilateral friendship.

Xi called on both sides to jointly advocate true multilateralism and a free trade system and address global challenges such as climate change, adding that they can also help the development of Pacific island countries together.

Hipkins said that last year New Zealand and China celebrated the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, which is a vital milestone in bilateral relations. He said New Zealand attaches great importance to developing relations with China.

Hipkins said he is leading a large business delegation to China to explore more cooperation opportunities and lift bilateral relations to a new level.

New Zealand is willing to strengthen personnel exchanges with China, expand bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, education, science and technology, culture, and other fields, and jointly implement the upgraded version of the bilateral free trade agreement, Hipkins said.

The New Zealand side believes that differences should not define the bilateral ties, and what is important is candid exchanges, mutual respect, and harmony without uniformity, Hipkins said, adding that New Zealand is willing to maintain communication with China on helping develop island countries. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of New Zealand Chris Hipkins at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2023. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)
Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), meets with the Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2023. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

BEIJING, June 27 (Xinhua) -- Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met with the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh, in Beijing on Tuesday.

Wang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that under the strategic guidance of the two countries' leaders, the development of China-Vietnam relations maintained a positive momentum.

China is willing to work with Vietnam to implement the consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties, join hands in following a socialist path suited to their respective national conditions, accelerate the modernization of the two countries, and jointly build a China-Vietnam community with a shared future of strategic significance, said Wang.

The CPPCC will strengthen solidarity and cooperation, and advance mutual learning with the Vietnamese side to better serve the two countries' socialist causes and the development of bilateral relations, said Wang.

Pham Minh Chinh, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, said China's massive achievements in building a strong country had become an engine for global economic growth, which Vietnam sincerely admires.

Vietnam expects to faithfully implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties, deepen the unity and friendship between the two sides, and push Vietnam-China relations to a new level, he added. 

Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), meets with the Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2023. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)
W orkers at the British Museum are to stage a six-day strike next month in the ongoing civil service dispute over pay, pensions and jobs.

Members of the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) will walk out from July 11 to 16 in a dispute which started last November.

The union said that despite the Governments recommendation for all employers to pay staff a non-consolidated 1,500 lump sum in recognition of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the British Museum is refusing to do so.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: Its an outrage that even after the Government recognised the need for our members to be given more financial support during the crippling cost-of-living crisis, the British Museum is refusing to pay it.

Our members sacrifices during the national campaign of strike action is what forced the Government to recommend the payment and the British Museums rebuff is deeply insulting.

Our members have made it loud and clear that failing to commit to agreeing to the payment will be swiftly met with further disruption.

A British Museum spokesperson said: The British Museum has not refused to pay a non-consolidated 1,500 lump sum to staff.

As a Freedom Body, the museum is not subject to the Governments pay remit guidance and sets its own pay awards.

We are saddened that PCS are taking this action as we have an open invite to the three unions we work with, including PCS, to sit down and discuss this years pay settlement  including the possibility of a lump sum payment  and are prepared to talk at any time.
T he Government is reportedly drawing up contingency plans for the emergency nationalisation of Thames Water as concerns grow over its mammoth 14 billion debt pile.

Ministers are said to be in talks about the possibility of temporarily bringing the utility company back into public hands under a so-called special administration regime (SAR).

The discussions are understood to be taking place between water regulator Ofwat, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Treasury, but the plans are at a very early stage and may not need to be put in place.

It comes after Thames Water chief executive Sarah Bentley stepped down with immediate effect on Tuesday amid mounting worries over the financial stability of the firm.

Thames Water is the UKs biggest water supplier and provides water services for 15 million people in London and the South East.

The firm is now reportedly racing to raise 1 billion from investors to shore up its finances, with AlixPartners said to be advising the firm on turnaround plans.

A Government spokesman said: This is a matter for the company and its shareholders.

We prepare for a range of scenarios across our regulated industries  including water  as any responsible government would.

The sector as a whole is financially resilient. Ofwat continues to monitor the financial position of all the key water and wastewater companies.

Thames Water  owned by a consortium of pension funds and sovereign wealth funds  has come under pressure in recent years over its poor performance in tackling leaks and sewage contamination, while facing criticism for handing out big rewards to top bosses and shareholders.

Ms Bentley, who was appointed in 2020, said in May that she would give up her bonus after the companys environmental and customer performance suffered.

But even after giving up the bonus, the chief executive managed to double her pay, raking in 1.5 million.

On announcing her departure, she said: The foundations of the turnaround that we have laid position the company for future success to improve service for customers and environmental performance.

Whatever the situation is at Thames Water, the water will continue to flow

Thames Waters owners last year invested 500 million in the firm  the first injection of equity into the group since privatisation.

They pledged a further 1 billion, subject to conditions, and warned that further shareholder support may be required.

The groups shareholders include Chinese sovereign wealth fund China Investment Corporation, UK private pension fund the Universities Superannuation Scheme, and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority subsidiary Infinity Investments.

Ofwat warned last December over the financial resilience of Thames Water, as well as Yorkshire Water, SES Water and Portsmouth Water.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said he is confident that, whatever happens with Thames Water, the water will continue to flow.

Appearing on LBC, he said he could not speculate on the specific company, but added: Ofwat has as part of its remit a requirement to look at the resilience of the entire sector and will have been looking at and continue to look very closely at Thames Water.

He said the Government has contingency arrangements in place to cover any scenario which may play out and what Im supremely confident of is, whatever the situation is at Thames Water, the water will continue to flow.
T he Government has insisted work is going on behind the scenes to ensure that customers of debt-laden Thames Water will not be impacted following reports that the company is on the verge of going bust.

The utility giant is seeking to raise cash from investors as it struggles under a 14 billion debt pile, with the Government said to be drawing up contingency plans for the firms emergency nationalisation.

Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch said she was very concerned about the disclosures but that efforts must be made to make sure the company survives.

Environment minister Rebecca Pow moved to reassure Thames Waters 15 million customers that their water supplies will be protected.

She told the Commons: Overall the water companies are considered resilient, but there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes with Thames Water to ensure that customers will not be impacted.

And there is a process in place if necessary to move us to the next stage.

She added: Customers should rest assured that their supplies will be protected, both water and waste water.

Speaking to Sky News later, Ms Badenoch said: Im very concerned. Obviously this is a commercially sensitive situation.

Customers should rest assured that their supplies will be protected, both water and waste water

We need to make sure that Thames Water as an entity survives.

At the moment, or certainly up until now, the regulator has been focused on keeping consumer bills down, but theres a lot of infrastructure work that needs to take place and we need that entity to survive and continue going.

A spokesman for the Government earlier said it prepares for a range of scenarios in regulated sectors, such as the water industry.

Thames Water is the UKs biggest water supplier, serving people across London and the South East.

Ministers are said to be in talks about the possibility of temporarily bringing the utility company back into public hands under a so-called special administration regime (SAR), which was the insolvency process used when energy supplier Bulb collapsed in 2021.

An SAR is used only in extreme circumstances when a company in a vital sector such as water or energy is too big to fail.

Thames Water has confirmed it is working with shareholders to secure the cash it needs.

The company said it needs further equity funding on top of the 500 millions it raised just three months ago, and is keeping industry regulator Ofwat fully informed.

The business said in a statement that it is continuing to work constructively with its shareholders in relation to the further equity funding expected to be required to support Thames Waters turnaround and investment plans.

Ofwat, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Treasury are understood to be working on the contingency plans for Thames Water.

Ofwat confirmed it is in talks with Thames Water about developing a robust and credible plan to turn the business around and transform its performance for customers and the environment.

We have been clear that Thames Water has significant issues to address  their environmental record and leakage performance, for example, are poor

A spokesman for the regulator said: Over the last day or so, there has been a lot of commentary about financial resilience in the water sector, with considerable focus on Thames Water in particular.

We have been clear that Thames Water has significant issues to address  their environmental record and leakage performance, for example, are poor. Alongside the turnaround of their operational performance, they need to improve their financial resilience too.

But that is all in the context of a company that has strong liquidity  it recently received an additional 500 million from shareholders and has 4.4 billion of cash and committed funding.

Overall, the sector is continuing to attract international capital and is especially attractive to long-term investors such as pension funds. Indeed, there has been an additional equity injection of around 2 billion since 2020, with companies acting to strengthen their financial position.

Ofwat will continue to keep companies financial resilience under close scrutiny and work with companies to ensure they take action to ensure that they have the financial backing to deliver for customers and the environment.

On Tuesday, Thames Water chief executive Sarah Bentley stepped down with immediate effect amid mounting worries over the financial stability of the company.

The firm is now reportedly racing to raise 1 billion from investors to shore up its finances, with AlixPartners said to be advising the firm on turnaround plans.

Thames Water  owned by a consortium of pension funds and sovereign wealth funds  has come under pressure in recent years over its poor performance in tackling leaks and sewage contamination, while facing criticism for handing out big rewards to top bosses and shareholders.

Ms Bentley, who was appointed in 2020, said in May that she would give up her bonus after the companys environmental and customer performance suffered, but still managed to double her pay, raking in 1.5 million.

The groups shareholders include Chinese sovereign wealth fund China Investment Corporation, UK private pension fund the Universities Superannuation Scheme, and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority subsidiary Infinity Investments.
H undreds of steel workers will stage a protest outside Parliament on Wednesday as new figures show almost 150,000 jobs have been lost in the industry over the past 40 years.

The GMB union said its research suggests that, between 1981 and 2021, almost 80% of jobs in the entire steel sector have gone.

Workers from across the country will march from Trafalgar Square to Parliament Square calling for a proper industrial strategy and relief from the energy costs unions say are crippling the steel sector.

Charlotte Childs, GMB national officer, said: Under this Governments watch, the UKs proud steel industry is being allowed to wither and die.

Almost 150,000 jobs have gone  close to 80% of the entire steel workforce.

A lack of industrial strategy and no support for crippling energy costs have left the industry at risk of steel dumping from overseas.

We need action now, or the industry as we know it will cease to exist.

Our steel industry cannot survive if we continue to pay far more for energy than our EU competitors

Roy Rickhuss, general secretary of Community, said: Britain needs its steel industry, our country is made from it  the roads we drive, the bridges we cross, the hospitals that heal us and the schools our children learn in.

But the UK Government must decide whether it wants a steel industry in this country.

In the absence of Government backing, we face Britains proud history of steelmaking coming to an end.

Our steel industry cannot survive if we continue to pay far more for energy than our EU competitors and it cannot decarbonise if the Government doesnt support the transition toward net zero.

Steelworkers dont ask for handouts  simply the chance to compete on a level playing field and to protect an industry of crucial national importance.

A Department for Business and Trade spokesman said: This Government believes that steel plays a vital role in the UK economy, supporting local jobs and economic growth.

We introduced the British Industry Supercharger to make our steel industry more competitive by bringing down energy prices and protecting the UK steel industry from unfair trading practices.

We are working closely with the sector to secure a sustainable, decarbonised and competitive future for steel.

There has been criminal negligence in flogging off the industry in a privatisation that has proved calamitous

Unite union general secretary Sharon Graham said at the protest: We stand on the very precipice for Britains steel industry. Its time our politicians stepped up to the plate and took action to save our most vital of industries. How can it be that Belgium produces more steel than Britain?

There has been criminal negligence in flogging off the industry in a privatisation that has proved calamitous  a private equity scam that didnt work.

Of course steel is a foundation industry  over 25% of Britains GDP is delivered by industries dependent on steel. Are we now going to stand by and watch it collapse?

That would be a catastrophe for British manufacturing and looming jobs losses of 40,000 in the industry and more in related industries and supply chains. But steel is also fundamental to the security of our country. What are we going to do if steel goes bust  import it from the Chinese?

Every British major infrastructure project should be legally committed to using British steel on their projects.

Unite research suggests if that one thing was done today it would guarantee an increase in steel production worth 8 billion and create 3,000 jobs.

There is a green revolution beckoning in steel where blast furnaces must be replaced by electric arc furnaces to decarbonise production. Britain could be a world leader in that transformation.
T he strained finances of the entire privatised water industry were under scrutiny today after it emerged that ministers are drawing up emergency plans for a temporary renationalisation of Thames Water if it can no longer afford to meet its debt repayments.

The company, which supplies water to a quarter of the British population including almost all of London, is the most heavily indebted in the UK with gearing of about 80%.

It is also under political and public pressure to step up its investment in infrastructure to reduce leaks and pollution of rivers.

Insiders at the company, where Sarah Bentley unexpectedly resigned as CEO yesterday after three years in the job, blame decades of neglect by previous owners and management teams for the poor performance of its infrastructure.

This year its pipe network is likely to be severely tested by cold snaps over the winter and the current dry spell with a further hosepipe ban in London seen as an increasing risk.

Thames Water bosses have been in protracted talks with shareholders about a further cash injection of up to 1 billion to ease the pressure on the balance sheet for many months. Its largest shareholder is Canadian pension fund Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (Omers), which holds a stake of nearly 32 per cent. Others include China Investment Corporation, the countrys sovereign wealth fund; the Universities Superannuation Scheme, the UKs biggest private pension fund; and Infinity Investments, a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.

Martin Young, analyst at Investec said: The challenges facing the water industry, and certain companies within it, are well known. The next regulatory period (AMP8) will likely see higher levels of investment across the industry, with likely bill implications... business plans will be submitted to Ofwat on October 2. For Thames to lose its CEO at such a crucial time is suboptimal.

Mike Keil, senior director at the Consumer Council for Water, said: Its vital we see strong leadership now to ensure the companys turnaround plan is not put in jeopardy.

He added: Customers should be reassured that there are robust regulatory safeguards in place to make sure peoples taps keep running and their services are protected.

Union bosses today warned that the crisis was indicative of the failure of the water industrys ownership model.

Gary Carter, GMB National Officer, said: Forty years since privatisation and weve seen almost no investment in infrastructure and the workforce  Ministers and Ofwat have been asleep at the wheel while executive pay at Thames ballooned, and the companys debt-to-asset ratio rose to a totally unsustainable 10:1.
D ebt-laden utility giant Thames Water has said it is working with shareholders to secure the cash it needs after reports that ministers are drawing up contingency plans for its collapse.

The company, which serves 15 million households, said on Wednesday that it needs further equity funding on top of the half-billion pounds it raised just three months ago.

It comes as Thames Water tries to fend off collapse, and ministers are weighing up whether to nationalise the business should it fail.

The business said in a statement: Thames Water received the expected 500 million of new funding from its shareholders in March 2023 and is continuing to work constructively with its shareholders in relation to the further equity funding expected to be required to support Thames Waters turnaround and investment plans.

Ofwat is being kept fully informed on progress of the companys turnaround and engagement with shareholders.

Water regulator Ofwat, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Treasury are understood to be meeting to consider the future of Thames Water.

If pushed, they could be forced to place the company under a so-called special administration regime.

An SAR is used only in extreme circumstances when a company in a vital sector such as water or energy is too big to fail.

It has only ever been used once before  when Bulb Energy collapsed in November 2021.

In a statement following the news, Ofwat said it is in talks with Thames Water about developing a robust and credible plan.

We monitor the financial position of all the key water and wastewater companies, a spokesman said on Wednesday.

We have been in ongoing discussions with Thames Water on the need for a robust and credible plan to turn the business around and transform its performance for customers and the environment.

We will continue to focus on protecting customers interests.

On Tuesday, Thames Water chief executive Sarah Bentley stepped down with immediate effect amid mounting worries over the financial stability of the company.

Thames Water is the UKs biggest water supplier and provides water services for 15 million customers in London and the South East.

The firm is now reportedly racing to raise 1 billion from investors to shore up its finances, with AlixPartners said to be advising the firm on turnaround plans.

A Government spokesman said: This is a matter for the company and its shareholders.

We prepare for a range of scenarios across our regulated industries  including water  as any responsible government would.

The sector as a whole is financially resilient. Ofwat continues to monitor the financial position of all the key water and wastewater companies.

Thames Water  owned by a consortium of pension funds and sovereign wealth funds  has come under pressure in recent years over its poor performance in tackling leaks and sewage contamination, while facing criticism for handing out big rewards to top bosses and shareholders.

Ms Bentley, who was appointed in 2020, said in May that she would give up her bonus after the companys environmental and customer performance suffered.

But, even after giving up the bonus, the chief executive managed to double her pay, raking in 1.5 million.

On announcing her departure, she said: The foundations of the turnaround that we have laid position the company for future success to improve service for customers and environmental performance.

Whatever the situation is at Thames Water, the water will continue to flow

Thames Waters owners last year invested 500 million in the firm  the first injection of equity into the group since privatisation.

They pledged a further 1 billion, subject to conditions, and warned that further shareholder support may be required.

The groups shareholders include Chinese sovereign wealth fund China Investment Corporation, UK private pension fund the Universities Superannuation Scheme, and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority subsidiary Infinity Investments.

Ofwat warned last December over the financial resilience of Thames Water, as well as Yorkshire Water, SES Water and Portsmouth Water.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said he is confident that whatever the situation is at Thames Water, the water will continue to flow.
A group of investors in nanotechnology firm Nanoco has called for a shareholders meeting to remove the firms entire board, after what they described as serious corporate governance issues.

The group, led by Tariq Hamoodi, owns around 5% of the business and aims to remove chief executive Brian Tenner, finance boss Liam Gray and chairman Christopher Richards, as well as three other board members.

They claim the board of Nanoco - which makes 10-atom-thick lights used for screens - is acting in the interest of the firms top shareholder, Swiss bank Lombard Odier, and former major investor Richard Griffiths, rather than shareholders as a whole. Griffiths is a City veteran, having founded stockbroker Evolution Group.

It alleges the Nanoco board made statements about a lawsuit with Samsung that suggested the company expected a transformational settlement several times larger than its market capitalisation at the time.

The settlement that was announced was $150 million, but $85 million of this was for the sale of Nanocos IP rights. After deducting legal costs, the shareholder group claims the real proceeds from the settlement itself were virtually nil. Shares in AIM-listed Nanoco fell 23% when the settlement was revealed.

Richards said Nanoco emphatically rejects the shareholder groups claims. The firm will review the request and make a decision whether to hold a meeting in due course.

With a large amount of shares in Nanoco held by retail investors, the potential result of a vote on the directors futures, should one be held, is unclear.

He said: We continue to emphatically reject Mr Hamoodis proposals to change the entirety of the board at such a key point in Nanocos evolution.

The board welcomes scrutiny but his selective interpretation of the past, significant factual errors, and speculative concerns take a number of events out of context to create a misleading narrative.

The proposed board changes are not in the best interests of the company or its shareholders. Nanoco is at an exciting inflection point, with the litigation proceeds fully underpinning our organic business which has significant growth opportunities, as well as offering an attractive potential return of capital to shareholders.
TOKYO, June 28 (Xinhua) -- The head of the Fukushima fisheries federation has again expressed opposition to the plan to release radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant into the sea, local media reported on Wednesday.

During a meeting on Tuesday with the plant's operator Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), Tetsu Nozaki said the government and TEPCO had told the prefectural fisheries federation eight years ago that they would not dispose of the wastewater without gaining the understanding of the parties involved, the public broadcaster NHK reported.

Nozaki said he takes it seriously that the government and TEPCO have repeatedly provided explanations about the discharge plan, but the fishers have not endorsed it, according to NHK.

TEPCO completed the construction of a system to release nuclear-contaminated water from the facility into the sea on Monday. The Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) is due to start inspecting the system from Wednesday, said the report.

If the NRA gives the greenlight, the system will be ready for the discharge operation, which TEPCO plans to begin around this summer, it added. 
T he London Tories keep making the same mistake every four years and expecting a different result. Since the re-election of Boris Johnson as Mayor in 2012, no Conservative candidate has even achieved more than 35.3 per cent in the first round of voting. Looking at the current crop of mayoral hopefuls, it begs the question: has the party stopped to consider why?

The capital is not an impossible task for the Tories. The city has a Labour bent, but it is full of open-minded voters always on the lookout for an upgrade. If only the Conservatives would offer it. Why is it that a heavyweight candidate such as Sajid Javid, Justine Greening or Rory Stewart has no interest in seeking and even less chance of winning the Conservative nomination? Being Mayor of London is one of the best jobs in politics and, even if you dont succeed, candidates who perform well can use it as a platform for other pursuits.

As the party of business, the Tories ought to recognise there is a gap in the market for a pro-EU, tough on crime, charismatic cheerleader for London who can take on Sadiq Khan  and win. Maybe next time.

Staying afloat ...

It takes a special kind of business acumen to run a privatised monopoly into potential insolvency. But that is the reality facing Thames Water, Britains largest provider.

The Government, alongside the regulator, Ofwat, is reportedly drafting contingency plans ahead of the companys possible collapse, as concerns rise over its ability to service its 14 billion debt pile.

The cost to the taxpayer of any possible bailout could be gargantuan, dredging up memories of 2008 and the billions poured into the banks. Thames Water was already facing widespread criticism for a litany of failures, including leaks and sewage, at the same time as funnelling vast sums into executive pay and shareholder dividends. The good news is that whatever happens, water will continue to flow into homes in London and the South East. But the cost of even temporary nationalisation would be a hard one to swallow.

The age-old question

There are lies, damned lies and however old you are prepared to say you are. But thanks to some welcome statistical machinations, many South Koreans have become a year or two younger, as a new law aligns the nations traditional age-counting methods with international standards. Were such an age-reduction policy to make it into the Conservatives election manifesto, it could yet be 1992 all over again.
A t the end of April, just two months ago, we marked 30 years since the murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence, who was killed in a racist attack in south-east London in 1993. There was an anniversary memorial service at St Martin-in-the-Fields church and much reflection about how the Metropolitan Police had behaved so poorly and failed the Lawrence family.

The Macpherson report concluded in 1999 that the investigation into the killing had been marred by a combination of professional incompetence, institutional racism and a failure of leadership. And yet here we are again in 2023 with more revelations about the case which indicate more unforgivable police failure.

A BBC investigation has named for the first time a fresh suspect called Matthew White, who died in 2021. According to the BBC, witnesses told the police he had been present during the attack and there was then a catalogue of errors around pursuing White as a suspect.

Stephens best friend, Duwayne Brooks, who was with him when the attack happened, gave the police eyewitness evidence describing a lead attacker who resembled White but he was clearly ignored. Brooks said: I never received the basics of support because of my skin colour. If the police had bothered to do their job properly, according to the family barrister Michael Mansfield, White should and could have been charged before his death. Out of five prime suspects, only two were convicted in 2012.

Stephens mother, Baroness Lawrence, reacted by saying the latest revelations were shocking but unsurprising. She also made the point that White had evaded justice due to police failure and yet not a single police officer has faced or will ever face action.

I was a young press officer working at the Home Office when the Macpherson report came out and helped look after the family as there was a huge amount of media interest. Ill never forget the strength, poise and dignity of the Lawrence family that day and how they fought and fought until exhaustion for some kind of justice for their son. And here they are 30 years later, still having to fight. The toll on them is unimaginable.

It shouldnt have taken the BBC to unearth these important new details, although full credit to them, especially journalist Daniel De Simone.

Why did the Met not do this? Their failure over Stephen Lawrence has left an indelible stain on their reputation which lives on sickeningly in the aftermath of the murder of Sarah Everard.

The Met must re-open the Lawrence case again without delay and leave no stone unturned. Not only must they pursue every living person involved in this murder but anyone who colluded to cover up or frustrate the investigation, and that includes those within their own ranks. This is not just about those scumbag racist thugs, this is about the heart of the Metropolitan Police.

The Crucible still shocks

Arthur Millers The Crucible is a play many of us studied at school but it endures as a classic. The parable of power, abuse, hysteria, shame and judgment feels all the more relevant in this era of social media witch-hunts, although these days everyone says they feel like theyre in a Salem courthouse  including many former leaders from all wings of politics.

But The Crucible still has the power to shock, and I was gripped by the latest production by the National Theatre which has transferred to the Gielgud Theatre. The performances and staging are all stunning but the standout star was Fisayo Akinade, who plays Reverend Hale. He captures all the complexities and contradictions of the character beautifully. The play is also suitably spooky  particularly the courthouse scene. So much so that someone in the row behind me threw up violently. Although I suspect theyd imbibed too much of a different kind of spirit.
I t was a Thursday afternoon in March 2020 when, like millions of others, I received an email informing me that I had three days to pack up my university room and go home. We are all facing an unprecedented crisis, the vice-chancellor wrote. It may be months before we resume normal activity. Unbeknownst to me, I would never see my final year university bedroom again.

At the time, I felt sure that I had drawn a very short straw in the lottery of student experience. With the benefit of a two-year-long pandemics worth of hindsight, I consider myself blessed.

This year, tens of thousands of undergraduates whose entire university experience has already been devastated by Covid may now never receive their final year grades as a result of the marking boycott in the increasingly bitter standoff between the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) and the University and College Union (UCU). To add salt to the wound, some universities are offering completion ceremonies in the place of graduations. Students are expected to dress up in their finest, in front of their friends and family, and be handed an empty piece of paper in recognition of their years of hard work  and their 50,000 of student debt.

For the current cohort of graduates, young people who havent had a normal year of education since their first year of A-levels, not receiving a final grade could put job prospects at risk, mean losing out on postgraduate courses, or having overseas work visas delayed.

I completely sympathise and stand in solidarity with the aims of striking workers and their demands for fair pay. As do, from my own experience of years of university strikes, the vast majority of students. The direction of frustration is certainly lasered towards university leaders who refuse to meet their aims.

This does not, however, detract from the simultaneous reality that it has been six years since the current wave of university strikes took place, and the only tangible impact has been to rob a generation of young people of the quality education that they deserve  and that they have paid for.

Its anyones guess how long these walkouts will rumble on for, but in the meantime, students deserve better than to be treated like collateral damage.
M argot Robbie says that she would not have wanted to make the Barbie movie if toy company Mattel had not introduced more diversity with the world-famous doll.

The Australian actress said she had not wanted to present a singular image of what Barbie is and have it be what women should aspire to be and look like.

Robbie stars as the title character in the upcoming summer blockbuster alongside Ryan Gosling, and a diverse cast that includes Issa Rae, America Ferrera, Emma Mackey, Ncuti Gatwa, and Dua Lipa.

It sees Robbies Barbie leave the utopian Barbie Land after questioning her mortality, travelling to the real world with Goslings Ken.

Speaking to Time magazine, the actress said that she and director Greta Gerwig had told Mattels chief executive Ynon Kreiz that the film had to acknowledge certain things.

In that very first meeting, we impressed upon Ynon we are going to honour the legacy of your brand, but if we dont acknowledge certain thingsif we dont say it, someone else is going to say it, she said.

So you might as well be a part of that conversation.

She added: If (Mattel) hadnt made that change to have a multiplicity of Barbies, I dont think I would have wanted to attempt to make a Barbie film.

I dont think you should say, This is the one version of what Barbie is, and thats what women should aspire to be and look like and act like.

Barbie is produced by Robbies company LuckyChap.

According to Time, at one point during filming, Richard Dickson, chief operating officer and president of Mattel, took a flight to the London set to argue with Gerwig and Robbie over a particular scene, which he felt was off-brand.

The pair changed his mind after demonstrating the nuance that was not evident in the script, Robbie told the publication.

She also admitted that when she had first read the script, she had had doubts the company would allow the film to proceed.

The trailer for the upcoming film, due for UK release on July 21, states: If you love Barbie, this movie is for you. If you hate Barbie, this movie is for you.

Robbie added: If you feel indifferent about Barbie or havent thought about Barbie in years, this movie is also for you.

The full interview with Margot Robbie can read online on Time magazines website.
T om Hollander says he does not open fan mail sent following his performance in the West End play Patriots in case it has been poisoned by overzealous Russian agents.

The British actor plays the lead role in the production, which follows the life of billionaire Russian businessman Boris Berezovsky through the decline of the Soviet Union and the rise of the Russian oligarchs.

Speaking to The News Agents podcast, Hollander said there had been many Russian exiles, who had been crying on the pavement after seeing the show.

The story spoke to them of people whove left Russia and cant go back, he said.

The play frames itself as if you were exiled, this is what youd remember.

So, we have met exiles, weve met the community of exiles, and they have been very supportive of us.

Asked if he was worried for his own safety after playing Berezovsky, Hollander replied: I did slightly think when we opened this time in the West End Gosh, if there was a very overzealous FSB agent wandering around London with not enough to do on their hands, who wanted to draw attention to themselves and curry favour with the Kremlin, they could send us all poisoned fan mail.

And Im not opening any of our fan mail just in case.

I did slightly think when we opened this time in the West End'Gosh, if there was a very overzealous FSB agent wandering around London with not enough to do on their hands who wanted to draw attention to themselves and curry favour with the Kremlin, they could send us all poisoned fan mail.'

He continued: But thats really to exaggerate our significance. We are actors doing a play, but isnt it amazing that we can.

Its one of those moments where theatre becomes as interesting as its supposed to be.

Its an environment where the issues of the day can be debated in real time in a town square environment.

As well as his stage roles, Hollander is known for starring in films including the blockbuster Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise, Pride And Prejudice and Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody.

More recently he appeared alongside Jennifer Coolidge in series two of HBOs hit show The White Lotus.

Hollander told The News Agents that series three, which is due to be set in Asia, had been delayed by the ongoing Hollywood writers strike.

Like everything else, its on pause for the writers strike, he said.

 So, they cant actually shoot it. And they cant write it. I think they know what the story is He (creator Mike White) cant write it because he would be thrown out of the (writers) union. Yes.

I mean, you wouldnt want to be a scab.

Listen to the full interview with Tom Hollander on The News Agents podcast on Global Player.
L ord Andrew Lloyd Webber has urged the Government to adopt a programme making classical music accessible to students in every secondary school to avoid it becoming the preserve of the rich.

The 75-year-old composer previously said his repeated lobbying for the Government to embrace the Music in Secondary Schools Trust programme has been met with a vague fudgy nod, but he is now encouraging musicians to get together to stop talking about it and get it done.

Lord Webber appeared on LBCs Nick Ferrari At Breakfast show on Wednesday advocating the well-documented benefits of the scheme to childrens behaviour, grades and self-awareness since its launch 10 years ago.

Its mind-blowing that nobody takes the scheme and does it, he said.

The Music In Secondary Schools Trust was established with funding from the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation and the Charles Wolfson Trust and promises every child an entitlement to study a classical musical instrument on entry into secondary school, as well as tuition and performance opportunities.

The programme began at the City of London Academy Highbury Grove secondary school and saw children in years seven to nine receive a free violin each and weekly music lessons.

Lord Webber said: The school was frankly a bit of a mess, I think everybody knew that. But within three years of them having a free violin and having a weekly music lesson, the school completely turned around.

He continued: It turned into a school which had its first student at Oxford (university) and that kid came back to teach there and it was all due to the music programming.

For the Government to adopt it, or whichever party comes into power next, just adopt it. Its only 200 a child a year and we have every statistic that the Government can possibly want for 10 years of what this trust has done.

Lord Webber said his repeated lobbying Government has always been met with a yes of course, continuing: But the trouble is, as with everything with these schemes, it gets passed from department to department to department.

Is it the Ministry of Culture, is it Education, is it the Treasury?

The theatre impresario advised that there are votes in this scheme referencing the next election.

If youre a parent and you suddenly see that your child has got some huge interest, you become interested. We see parents coming in to watch their children and sometimes their jaws drop, he said.

If you saw a programme where it was saying that were going to do music in every single school, I mean I think youd get so many votes. I really do think that, because people are proud of their kids.

Lord Webbers comments come off the back of Dame Kathryn McDowell, managing director of the London Symphony Orchestra, who said that she didnt want classical music to become the preserve of the rich which she implied has become the case within the acting industry.

He said: I completely agree with her because when I was a kid, the Royal College of Music had a Saturday morning school and it was free, and now it isnt.

I can think of various musicians who I know who went through the Royal College of Music like John Lill, who won the Tchaikovsky competition, and (is) one of our best pianists. He came from Leyton and he got the scholarship and went to the Royal College of Music and thats what we dont seem to have any more.

But we could fill the gap with schools music.

Lord Webber said he first read about the scheme eight years ago and attended an extraordinary concert which was amazingly moving at Highbury Grove school.

He said: Lets put it this way, the school had at that time 45 different languages spoken and music was the common denominator.

It was quite wonderfuland at that moment I decided this has got to be something that I join forces with, so my foundation came in at that point.

We started expanding and expanding and we got to six schools and now next September, well have 20,000 children all in schools that you might call disadvantaged.

He added: Lets all stop talking about it, lets all of the musicians who keep coming up and wringing their hands, lets all get together and lobby and get it done.

A Department for Education spokesperson said: We have allocated 79 million per year in funding for the Music Hubs programme to 2025 to ensure every young person has access to a high-quality music education.

Earlier this month, we also established a monitoring board made up of experts to track the progress in delivering the commitments in the refreshed National Plan for Music Education.

In addition, our Music Progression Fund will support the most disadvantaged pupils with significant musical potential, enthusiasm and commitment.

This has been informed by a wide range of initiatives, including the work of the Music in Secondary Schools Trust.
A 20-year-old is in hospital after being stabbed in Kilburn High Road on Wednesday morning, while police continue to hunt his attacker.

Police and paramedics were called to reports of a fight taking place in the busy north-west London high street about 7am.

The man was found at the scene with knife injuries.

A number of police cordons have been set up as officers invstigate what happened.

The stabbing is understood to have taken place outside Kodak Express Kilburn.

Serious incident outside our shop. Police cordon in place, said a post on the shops Twitter account.

The victim was taken to a north London hospital, with injuries described by police as not life-threatening.

A Scotland Yard spokesperson said on Wednesday afternoon: A number of crime scenes were established in the surrounding area.

Kodak Express Kilburn

There have been no arrests. Enquiries are ongoing to trace the suspect.

Anyone who witnessed this incident or has footage is asked to call 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting 1376/28JUN. To remain 100% anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.
A former chief prosecutor has slammed the unacceptable delay in action against police officers whose failings are said to have hindered the 1993 enquiry into Stephen Lawrences murder.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has had a file of evidence linked to four officers involved in the original investigation for two-and-a-half years, but is yet to make any charges.

Nazir Afzal OBE, former Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England, has criticised the time taken saying justice delayed is justice denied.

The CPS have thus far taken 2 1/2 years considering charges against officers in respect of Stephen Lawrence misconduct allegations, he wrote on Twitter on Tuesday night.

I think thats unacceptable for the suspects & Stephens family & the rest of us.

Mr Lawrence was just 18 when he was brutally killed in a racist attack by a group of six white teenagers he did not know, as he and a friend waited for a bus in Eltham, south-east London, on the evening of April 22, 1993.

The original investigation into his murder was hampered by racism and alleged corruption despite officers being given the names of five suspects in the days after he died.

Five men were arrested following the attack, but it was not until 2012 that two of them - Gary Dobson and David Norris - were eventually handed life sentences after being found guilty of murder.

Watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct directed the National Crime Agency to investigate whether corruption played a part in the failure to bring anyone to justice for nearly 20 years.

It passed a final file of evidence linked to four former officers to the CPS in June 2021. The CPS said more information has been provided at its request in the two years since the file was received, but no charging decision has yet been made.

In 1999, the damning Macpherson Report on the murder and its aftermath found the Met was institutionally racist.

Earlier this year, another report by Baroness Dame Louise Casey found that nearly 24 years later, the force was still institutionally racist, as well as sexist and homophobic.

Scotland Yard has faced fresh calls to reopen the Stephen Lawrence murder investigation this week, after it emerged police involved in the original probe had bungled its handling of information regarding a sixth suspect in the murder.

The sixth suspect was named by the Met on Monday as Matthew White, following a BBC investigation. White died in 2021, aged 50.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said any officer proved to have committed misconduct should face severe sanctions, adding: Anyone found to have failed in their duty must be held to account.

Responding to Mr Afzals comments, Nick Price, head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: An initial file of evidence was submitted by the IOPC in January 2021, followed by a completed file in June 2021. After that further material was provided by the IOPC at our request.

This is a complex case, with a substantial amount of evidence and material to consider. It is vital that prosecutors review the case carefully and thoroughly before making a decision.
M atthias Elgohary felt some trepidation about going to a new school at 16 but he knew his choice would help his bid to study dentistry at university.

Harris City Academy Crystal Palace is near where I live and I knew it offered opportunities that other schools and colleges didnt, said the 17-year-old.

One year in, and the move has paid off: You meet tons of new people that you wouldnt meet otherwise, which is good preparation for university, said the teenager. And the schools prefect and mentoring programmes have helped with my Ucas personal statement.

After the hiatus of the pandemic, teenagers in London and the South-East are on the move, according to exclusive new data.

A survey by Unifrog, the universal destinations platform, shows that 32 per cent of teenagers started a new school or college after GCSE, seeking out institutions with a better reputation or which offer the courses they want.

The figure suggests more churn at 16 than ever. In 2018-19, about 25 per cent of London pupils changed school or college between the ages 16 and 17, according to research by University College London.

The Unifrog survey highlights that the majority of teens are aiming for university  56 per cent expect to be on campus at the age of 20, while a quarter see themselves in work or doing an apprenticeship. According to Dill Anstey, vice principal of Harris Federation Sixth Form, which educates 5,000 students across 25 different academies, young people need to start to picture what they might want to be doing at 18 from the age of 14 or 15.

It is really important to be thinking about this in Year 9/10 because different destinations have different subject routes, she says. We try to help students to understand the routes before they make their choices at 16. We dont want them just opting for A levels they havent really thought about or subjects that their friends are doing; we want them to be on a route that is going to be of maximum benefit to them in the future, whether that is apprenticeships or university.

Dill is one of a range of experts who will be on hand at the Evening Standards groundbreaking Step Up Expo at Olympia. The two-day event, which starts on Friday, is designed to give your teenager all the guidance and advice they need to make informed choices. In the 16+ Zone, outstanding state, grammar and independent schools, sixth form colleges and further education colleges will give the lowdown on what they have to offer and what you need to do to get in.

In the 18+ Zone, get the inside track from admission and widening access teams at dozens of leading universities including Dundee, Glasgow, Newcastle and Lancaster in Scotland and the north, the London School of Economics and Solent University Southampton in the south, the University of East Anglia in the east and in the west, Cardiff and the University of South Wales. Alongside universities, specialist colleges, leading employers and apprenticeship and training schemes will open your eyes to a world of possibilities.

Jess Bond, head of widening participation at the LSE, says: Today there are so many education and careers options available to students. The best advice is start researching early, be open-minded and make the most of all the information available. You are not alone  every student, whatever their background, can find the right path for them.

The Step Up Expo is taking place from June 30 to July 1 at Olympia London. Register for free tickets at stepupexpo.co.uk.
ROME, June 27 (Xinhua) -- A delegation led by Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, paid a visit to Italy from Sunday to Tuesday.

During the visit, Liu held separate meetings with Italian Senate President Ignazio La Russa, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani, former Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema, the Democratic Party's Secretary Elly Schlein, and President of Italy China Council Foundation Mario Boselli.

Liu also met and exchanged views with Italy's Parliamentary Association "Friends of China" and people from all walks of life.

The two sides agreed that as strategic partners, China and Italy should further strengthen exchanges between political parties, governments, legislatures, business communities, think tanks and local authorities, as well as people-to-people exchanges, and they should also deepen practical cooperation in economy, trade and investment, green transformation, agriculture and tourism, and strengthen exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, so as to push for greater development of the China-Italy and China-Europe relations. 
T he owner of a small chihuahua is seeking justice after she said her beautiful dog died for no reason in an attack by two American XL bully dogs at a west London park.

Yoda was reportedly killed by the dogs near the entrance to Crane Park at Twickenham on Friday morning, shocking onlookers who witnessed the attack.

The dogs heartbroken owner, Gina Frost, wrote on social media that her darling little chihuahua Yoda was mauled and killed by two XL bully dogs.

Unfortunately our darling dog was killed in a horrific manner, she said, according to Teddington Nub News.

Keep your children and dogs away if you see these dogs. And please report any experiences with the dogs to the police.

Ms Frost said children would play with her dog Yoda on the green after school.

She wants to see justice following the death of her chihuahua.

Knowing how horrifically my beautiful dog died for no reason is eating at me day and night, she wrote on Facebook.

Everyone in the local area is furious, outraged and disgusted. We want justice.

The owner of one American XL bully involved has received a number of threats following the attack, Teddington Nub News reports.

The dog was not being walked by its owners at the time of the chihuahuas death, according to reports.

Metropolitan Police told the Standard: Officers are investigating after a dog was attacked and killed in Twickenham.

The incident happened at about 10.15am on Friday June 23 on Mill Road, Twickenham, next to the entrance of Crane Park.

A Chihuahua was attacked by a American XL bully type dog, resulting in the Chihuahuas death from its injuries.

Officers from the West Twickenham Safer Neighbourhoods Team investigate.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC. Please quote CAD 2572/23JUN

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Yoda was killed by the dogs at Crane Park at Twickenham on Friday / Gina Frost

Earlier this month, senior Tory MP Sir John Hayes called for the Government to ban American XL bully dogs in the UK, following a spate of attacks involving the breed in recent years.

Sir John, the MP for South Holland and the Deepings, told the Commons: Just last month, a 37-year-old man was killed in Greater Manchester.

A 17-month-old, Bella-Rae Birch, killed last year. Just before that, a 10-year-old, Jack Lis.

They were all killed by this so-called Bully Dog, the American XL Bully Dog.

We need an urgent statement from the Government, not to debate this matter but simply to confirm that this bad breed, bred to kill, should be banned.

In March a cavapoo dog was savaged by an XL bully dog in Richmond Park, leaving the small pup needing to have its eye surgically removed.

A Croydon woman may have been mauled to death by her own American XL bully dog as she walked a pack of dogs in Surrey in 2021.

Jack Lis, aged 10, from south Wales, died in November 2021 after being mauled by an XL bully.

In May his mother Emma Whitfield called for the breed to be banned and for tougher sentences to be imposed on their owners.

The American XL bully is closely related to the banned Pit Bull Terrier breed / Lars Nissen/Pixabay

A further 15 people have lost their lives in dog attacks in the 18 months since Jacks death, while there were nearly 22,000 cases of injuries from out of control dogs in 2022.

There are currently four banned breeds of dog in the UK, the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro.

The American XL bully is closely related to the banned Pit Bull Terrier breed, but is not subject to any legal restrictions itself.

Males can weigh between 70 and 130 pounds (30-58kg), according to dog behaviour expert Stan Rawlinson. They have enormous strength, he added.

In response to Sir Johns comments, a Defra spokesperson said earlier this month: We take the issue of dangerous dogs and fatal dog attacks seriously and are making sure enforcement measures are fully utilised.

These measures range from Community Protection Notices that can be served for low-level anti-social behaviour to offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act  where serious offences can see people put in prison for up to 14 years, disqualified from ownership or their dog euthanised if they allow it to become dangerously out of control.
T his is the moment a missing teenager from Barnsley is caught on camera visiting a Primark in south London as three men are arrested for her kidnap.

Carmelle Hepi, 13, was reported missing by her desperately worried family after she vanished from a party in London just after midnight on Sunday.

Met detectives quickly established that left Barnsley station on a train to London Kings Cross St Pancras arriving at 6.09pm on Saturday.

It is believed she then attended a birthday party with fellow teenagers in Watling Street, Peckham before leaving with another group in a car at 11pm.

Police believe she has also visited addresses in Croydon, Lewisham and Purfleet in Essex.

Last known image of Carmelle Hepi in a car, believed to have been taken in the Peckham area on the Sunday and will be wearing same clothes / Met Police

Officers say Carmelle may now be in the company of an older male. It is not known yet where they might be.

A Met spokesman said: Officers are in regular contact with Carmelles family in Barnsley and have spoken to the people who were at the party.

While there is no information at this time to suggest that Carmelle has come to serious harm, due to her age, vulnerabilities, and concerns around who she may be associating with, the investigation to locate her is being led by detectives from Specialist Crime.

Three males, all aged in their 20s, have been arrested on suspicion of kidnap. All remain in custody at this time.

CCTV captured the teenager walking into the Primark in High Street, Croydon on her own at around 4.45pm on Sunday before leaving at around 5.05pm.

She is caught wearing a pink and white jacket police believe she will still be wearing now.

Investigating officer DCI Chris Wood said: Carmelle, I want you to know that you are not in any trouble whatsoever. Our one and only focus is making sure that you are safe and well.

Please call 999 and speak to us, or go to a police station, and we will get you back home safely.

Your family are desperately worried about you and while were supporting them as best we can, they need to know that youre OK and to come home. They cannot rest until youre back with them.

DCI Wood added: If you have seen Carmelle, or you know her and have information about where she is or has been, it is imperative that you contact us.

It doesnt matter if youre a friend who has heard or seen something in passing - you wont be in trouble. What matters is that you contact as you could have significant information to help us find a missing teenage girl.

Please call 101 or tweet @MetCC with any information 3258/25JUN23. For immediate sightings please call 999.
T he death of "dozens" of fish in the River Lea last week is under investigation by the Environment Agency.

Following heavy rain on Tuesda, June 20, the agency, which has a fisheries team, responded to reports of dying fish and eels in the Lea Bridge area.

The Environment Agency believes the deaths were caused by low levels of dissolved oxygen in the river and deployed aerators next to the bridge to "create a safe haven".

Local resident David Ogle, who visited on June 21, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he saw "dozens" of dead fish in a 100-yard area south of Lea Bridge.

He added: "This never used to happen, and certainly not with the frequency our waterways are being destroyed right now."

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said that although its officers are still investigating, they believe the cause of the deaths was a combination of high temperatures and "low atmospheric pressure" caused by the thunderstorms.

However, they added: "Our officers are investigating to rule out any other causes such as pollution.

"Our officers are continuing to monitor the incident and we will deploy additional resources as necessary.

"It is important that members of the public who spot fish in distress report it to our 24/7 incident hotline 0800 80 70 60 so that we can investigate."

But Theo Thomas, who founded the London branch of Waterkeeper campaign group, has offered an alternative theory.

In a series of social media posts last week he suggested that "detritus" built up on London's streets and other hard surfaces may have been carried into the river by the rain.

He said: "In clear water the sun reaches plants and they produce lots of oxygen.

"But on Tuesday detritus that had built up on 80 square miles of roads etc was washed into the river.

"The sun was blocked and bacteria fed on the muck, oxygen fell."

Monitoring data showing the quality of the river water in the Walthamstow Marshes area on the day of the rains shows that oxygen levels plummeted at the same time as turbidity - or cloudiness - increased.

Mr Thomas told the LDRS the River Lea "teeters on the brink" every summer due to the way "industrial amounts" of pollution on roads wash straight into rivers.

He added: "Instead of creating areas to slow down and filter this water, we've increasingly paved so much of London."

Theo said other issues the river faces are "high levels of nutrients" that cause large stretches of green duckweed to cover the surface and block other plants from receiving sunlight.

He believes the river has higher nutrient levels due to the amount of treated effluent released from Deephams Sewage Works, in Edmonton.

The Lee Valley Park Authority and Waltham Forest Council have been contacted for comment by LDRS.
A police horse is back on patrol in east London after being attacked by a dog in distressing scenes caught on camera.

Urbane has finished a three-month recovery after he was targeted by what is believed to be an American XL bully dog while out on patrol at Victoria Park in March.

He needed stitches to his torso and legs after receiving wounds to his front legs, chest and under belly.

Urbane was pictured on Tuesday back in Victoria Park conducting robbery patrols.

Urbane took it all in his stride, the Met said, as members of the public pleased with his recovery commented, calling Urbane a brave boy and a beautiful horse.

The horse has always been a dog lover the force said in April, and despite the attack, Urbane took a liking to a black labrador dog during his recovery at the Horse Trust in Buckinghamshire.

Metropolitan Police

Distressing footage of the attack, which attracted hundreds of thousands of views on TikTok, showed a man jabbing at the dog with a large stick before it bit Urbanes leg and held on as the horse began to buckle.

The dog, which was not on a lead, was finally pulled away and the officer dismounted before shouting get that lead on that dog now.

Its owner was interviewed under police caution but not arrested.

Sgt Carly Harber, from the Mets Police Mounted Section, said Urbane was a remarkably dependable horse with a playful side to his character.

Following the attack, a man claimed his American XL bully Coco started mauling the police horse because she was intimidated after seeing a horse for the first time in Victoria Park.

Urbanes injuries / Metropolitan Police

Owner Hakan Niyazi, 24, told MailOnline: My dog has believed the horse is trying to attack it and as a defence mechanism has kind of tried to stick up for itself.

Because its a police horse it has become over-exaggerated.

The dog has been seized by the police. They are probably going to have it put down.

His brother, who declined to be named, described the attack as an unfortunate set of circumstances adding: Its a family pet. The dog is young - it is barely a year old. It is basically in training. It is by no means vicious to kids or other pets.

He has taken it to a public place to walk it and do a bit of training.

It is the first occasion of meeting a horse. It has approached the horse and the horse has got skittish and something has happened and as a result of it the dog has been seized.
T he Serpentine retook its crown as Londons finest summer party last night with a star-studded bash as Mayor Sadiq Khan rubbed shoulders with billionaire Michael Bloomberg.

Gallery director Hans Ulrich Obrist told us he relished the chance to get people from all walks of life back together after Covid. He hosted a more muted event last year.

Obrist threw shade on the current Cabinet for not supporting the arts, praising Labours David Lammy and ex-Tory culture secretary Ed Vaizey, but wouldnt say why no one from the Government was there. I think Ive answered your question, he grinned.

Khan stayed for hours: he has good reason to party. The Tory search for a mayoral candidate is in chaos, with two of the final three caught in scandal. One of Khans aides told us they cant keep up as bad news keeps coming from the rival camps.

Also there were model Alexa Chung, and writer Zadie Smith, who posed with actors Katherine Waterston and Natasha Lyonne. Fellow thesp Andrew Garfield declined an interview as hed just been to Glastonbury and wasnt sure what he would say.

Venus Williams is playing in Wimbledon next week, and said she loves coming to London for the art. What else does she like about the city, we asked? She gestured wistfully at the weather, but all we could see were foreboding clouds.

Groucho Club puts women first

Aindrea Emelife and Ewan Venters attend The Serpentine Summer Party 2023 at The Serpentine Gallery on June 27, 2023 in London, England. / Dave Benett

Sohos Groucho Club is returning to its female-led roots. The club was founded in the Eighties by people including feminist publisher Carmen Callil as a space where women could have the same private club experience as men. It then became more laddish in the louche Britpop Nineties, when the likes of Damien Hirst ruled the roost.

Speaking at the Serpentine summer party last night, new owner Ewan Venters told us that his revamped membership committee, which decides who can apply to join, is now 70 per cent women. They include actor Anna Friel and chef Angela Hartnett. Venters and his co-owners disbanded the old committee recently. He said that although change is gradual, theres already a new atmosphere in the club. Another regular face these days is his friend Stephen Fry, who has returned as a client after a period in LA.

Rocket man will be back

Merck Mercuriadis and Nile Rodgers attend The Serpentine Summer Party 2023 at The Serpentine Gallery on June 27, 2023 in London, England. / Dave Benett

How much for the Rocket Mans back catalogue? Also at the Serpentine were Nile Rodgers and Merck Mercuriadis, owners of Hipgnosis, which has bought the song rights of stars such as Neil Young for millions. Mercuriadis told us his dream client would be Sir Elton John, who he used to manage, but he will never sell. Sir Elton just did Glastonbury as his final UK show. But Mercuriadis reckons: Hell be back.

Elton John / PA

Berrys work ethic

We ran into politico Alice Robinson at a Centre for Policy Studies event last night. Robinson is married to Sir Jake Berry who was in the administration of Liz Truss. Lady Berry talked proudly of her husbands work ethic. Particularly with his work as the chairman, we mused. Of the Northern Research Group? she asked. No of the Conservative Party. Oh, yes well, you know, it was only 46 days. Short memories can be useful in politics.
T he Conservative mayoral selection race descended further into crisis on Wednesday as the TV producer who accused Daniel Korski of groping her in Downing Street revealed she had made a formal complaint to the Cabinet Office.

Daisy Goodwin, who claims Mr Korski touched her breast, said she received many messages of support and had been contacted by other women with some very interesting stories.

Government ministers paused support for Mr Korskis bid to win the Tory mayoral nomination  as the party faced questions about whether it had given up on the capital and any hope of defeating Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan in next years City Hall elections.

The crisis escalated for the Tories, dragging Rishi Sunaks Government further into the controversy, just hours before Prime Ministers Questions.

Ms Goodwin, in an interview on BBC Radio 4s Today programme, said: Since I wrote my piece I have been contacted by other women with some very interesting stories, which clearly I cant talk about for legal reasons. I feel entirely justified in having written the piece and naming him.

Mr Korski, who was David Camerons deputy policy chief at the time he met Ms Goodwin in 2013, has denied the allegation.

He said he would absolutely not be quitting the race and said he highlighted the allegation during the vetting process for the Tory mayoral shortlist. I didnt do whats been alleged, he told Talk TV. I believe firmly that Im innocent.

But he announced later on Wednesday he was quitting the race.

Ms Goodwin, asked about Mr Korskis denial, told the BBC: That is what tends to happen in these situations. I think people have to decide who they choose to believe.

Asked whether she was certain in her recollection of the incident, Ms Goodwin recalled feeling amazed, shocked and rather humiliated. She said: To ask me if Im certain is to ask me if Im making it up. That is not the case.

She called and emailed the Cabinet Office on Tuesday but struggled to submit her complaint. Its basically like trying to get through to BT if your phone line has gone down, she said.

Eventually an official returned her call. Ms Goodwin said: I have had many, many messages of support. The only reason I did it was to see whether there would be other people out there who have gone through similar experiences. I just hope all women now feel that they can step forward and talk about things that happened to them in the workplace.

Downing Street urged for no conclusions to be made over the claims until the proper processes have been followed.

The Prime Ministers press secretary said: The two parties are telling different stories, the proper processes should be followed and conclusions shouldnt be drawn on until the processes are followed through.

She said the vetting process for London mayoral candidates is carried out by the Conservative Party. Asked if the PM was aware of any concerns before press reports, she said: No, not that Im aware of.

Conservative Party grandees said the chaos of the mayoral selection process highlighted wider issues about the way the party was being run and its commitment to London.

Staff working for another shortlisted candidate, Moz Hossain, face a police investigation for attending a party at Tory HQ while Covid restrictions were in force. Minister for London Paul Scully was left off the shortlist, with the 24-member selection panel preferring London Assembly member Susan Hall.

Michael Spencer, the billionaire businessman and former Tory party treasurer, said it had to find a candidate of true stature and vision. He told the Standard: The mayoral election next May is vital to its future prosperity and to the wellbeing of all Londoners like me. The Conservatives simply must challenge [Sadiq Khan] properly.

One senior London Conservative said Tory Central Office had f***ed up the selection process  and pointed the finger of blame at party chairman Greg Hands.

He said: We ended up with a shortlist of Moz, who may be a brilliant criminal defence KC but is not a credible candidate, Dan and Susan, who will stand up for family values and common sense but is further to the Right than Genghis Khan.

Another leading London Tory said: Our selectorate has the habit for voting for the devil it doesnt know. They tend not to value experience over novelty.

Professor Tony Travers, director of the London School of Economics, said: The Conservatives could win in London if they had the right candidate. But its almost as if they have gone along with the idea that they cant win in London anymore. They seem to have given up.

The Standard was told that officials at party HQ had decided on the longlist of nine candidates but left it to local and regional officers to determine the shortlist after sifting through CVs and interviewing candidates. Thorough character checks have long been abandoned, a well-placed source said.

One Tory veteran of City Hall said: Central Office has not thought this process through. Scratcing around for a candidate wont do. The election is not lost but we are in a desperate state.

All the cool Tories were backing Korski, and the suburban Tories were backing Susan. Until last week the selection process had got virtually no media coverage. Now we have got coverage for all the wrong reasons.

Former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith, MP for Chingford and Woodford Green, backed Mr Hossain to secure victory. Hes not a standard politician, he said. He offers the greatest challenge to Khan.

But Andrew Boff, the veteran assembly member who also fell victim to the shortlisting process, backed Ms Hall. She is the candidate with the most experience and the one who will cause most discomfort to Khan, he said.

Mr Hands promised the party would have its mayoral candidate in place by July 19. The chosen candidate will have to battle Government unpopularity and accusations it prefers to level down London to favour the North, including by rationing support for the capitals arts scene.

Mr Hands told the Standard today: When our capital is being let down every day by Sadiq Khan, people can rest assured the Conservative party in London will stand up for them.

"From Hammersmith to Hillingdon, Bermondsey to Bexley, conservative councillors, Assembly members and MPs work week in, week out to deliver for residents.

"When the London mayor axes bus routes, fails to keep our streets safe, and takes Londoners for granted, its the Conservatives who hold his feet the fire, and its us who will show him the door next election."
T he Home Office must clear more than 10,000 asylum cases a month to meet the Prime Ministers commitment of tackling the legacy backlog by the end of the year, a new report suggests.

That would equate to 354 decisions a day or one decision every four minutes, the Guardian reports.

Refugee Council analysis released on Wednesday found that the Home Office must make 10,630 decisions on asylum cases each month from now until December to clear the backlog.

Every day at the Refugee Council [we] see the devastating impact that delays in the system have on those we work with, the report said.

Given the failure to simply grant status to the 49 per cent of people in hotels from high grant countries, now is the time to make significant changes to the process.

But the Home Office said it does not recognise the analysis of these figures and claims it is still on track to clear a backlog of legacy claims that stood at 74,410 as of May 28 this year.

The Refugee Council said: Without significant increases in the rate of decision making, it is unlikely that the target will be met.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged to clear the backlog of 92,601 initial asylum decisions relating to claims made before June 28 2022 by the end of this year.

But the council suggested that while the legacy backlog has reduced, a backlog of flow cases is increasing at roughly the same rate - and the number of decision makers has declined since the Prime Minister made his commitment.

It added: The Government must also recognise that the Illegal Migration Bill, if enacted in its current form, could create a cohort of over 190,000 people in the first three years who will be stuck in a permanent limbo in the UK with huge human and financial costs.

The report said asylum cases from Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iran, Sudan and Syria make up a third of the total backlog of initial decisions - and nearly three quarters of those cases are at least six months old.

All five countries have very high asylum grant rates, and the Refugee Council suggested the Home Office could save 5.34 million a day if these cases were processed.

If the 42,000 people from those five countries who are being accommodated by the Home Office were given decisionsthat would allow for the use of hotels to be reduced by 89 per cent, it explained.

This could save the Home Office 5.34 million a day.

A Home Office spokesperson said: We do not recognise the analysis of these figures.

We are on track to clear the legacy asylum backlog which has already been reduced by 17,000 cases. The number of decisions being made overall is up by 35 per cent and we are also doubling the number of caseworkers to further speed up the system.

We are committed to ensuring all asylum claims are considered without unnecessary delay to reduce the cost to the taxpayer of expensive hotels.

The Streamlined Asylum Questionnaire is also simplifying the decision-making process. All asylum seekers are entitled to legal representation to support them with it.

The Home Office aims to have 2,500 case workers by the autumn. Latest figures showed each case worker carrying out, on average, seven interviews or decisions on cases per month, compared to just four in December.

In the year ending March 2023, there were 19,706 initial decisions made on asylum claims, 35 per cent more than in the previous year.
C olumnist Sarah Vine has claimed that comedian Harry Enfield jiggled her breasts at a Downing Street reception.

The Daily Mail writer and former wife of Cabinet minister Michael Gove said Enfield asked do you mind if I have a go? and fondled her in front of a room of party guests.

Writing in her column today, she said the incident took place in front of politicians and journalists during the premiership of David Cameron.

Describing her experience, Vine wrote: It was at a party very early on in David Camerons premiership  probably late 2010. I was standing around, as you do, glass in hand, chatting to various people, when Enfield, the comedian, joined the conversation. I remember it was very loud, and everyone was a bit hyper, all over-excited about being there.

I cant remember what I was wearing but it must have been some kind of party dress because my gay friend commented on it and said that it made my breasts look rather magnificent.

He then said something along the lines of do you mind if I have a go?

Everyone laughed  including Enfield, who concurred. He then said something along the lines of do you mind if I have a go? before grabbing them and jiggling them with a vigorous enthusiasm that took me by surprise.

Ms Vine said she really wasnt sure what to make of it, but wasnt particularly upset, adding: He did it in full view of everyone, so it wasnt threatening, but it did rather take the wind out of my sails. I decided to file it under someone having a bit of fun at my expense.

She went on to describe a sketch Enfield aired after the alleged incident which seemed to mirror her experience.

She said: Maybe that was his way of apologising. Life is a rich tapestry, and not all the stitches are even. Does that make us bad people? Not necessarily.

Enfield has been contacted for comment.
Photo taken on May 16, 2023 shows trucks full of commercial goods at the border crossing point of Torkham between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Torkham in Afghanistan's eastern Nangarhar province, which connects neighboring Pakistan onward to China, has been regarded as a major border crossing, linking South Asia and Central Asia via the war-torn Afghanistan.

KABUL, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Standing besides a dozen containers at the Torkham land port of eastern Afghanistan and waiting to receive his goods imported from China, Afghan businessman Parwiz Khan said his business with Chinese partners had changed his living conditions.

"Since I began my business 12 years ago, my living conditions have changed, as today I have a car, a house, and life is going on smoothly," Khan told Xinhua.

Torkham in Afghanistan's eastern Nangarhar province, which connects neighboring Pakistan onward to China, has been regarded as a major border crossing, linking South Asia and Central Asia via the war-torn Afghanistan.

Importing cosmetics from China, Khan said Chinese products are popular among Afghans due to their reasonable pricing, adding that he and other Afghan traders import their goods from China through the Pakistani port of Karachi, and it took about three months to deliver the goods.

Photo taken on May 16, 2023 shows people at the border crossing point of Torkham between Pakistan and Afghanistan's Nangarhar Province. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

It costs 200,000 to 250,000 afghanis (2,300 to 2,900 U.S. dollars) to transport one container from China to Torkham of Afghanistan, Khan noted.

The Torkham crossing point is always hustle and bustle, as hundreds of thousands of people are busy with their businesses every day, buying and selling a variety of items to earn a livelihood for their families.

"It takes 20 to 25 days to transport 25 tons or 27 tons of goods from the border town of Hairatan to Pakistan's Peshawar," truck driver Ostan said.

Each day 400 or 450 containers are cleared in the border town of Torkham towards Pakistan and almost the same number comes to Afghanistan, commissioner of the border town of Torkham Mufti Esmatullah said.

"The majority of them are goods from China," he added.

Afghanistan's exports to China include pine nuts, almonds and walnut, the official said.

Photo taken on May 16, 2023 shows trucks full of commercial goods at the border crossing point of Torkham between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

However, he admitted that telegraphic transfer (TT) has remained an obstacle in business between Afghan traders and their Chinese partners, as Afghans cannot transfer money due to restrictions imposed by the United States on the Afghan banking system.

"Our request is to cooperate with Afghan traders and exempt trade from politics," Esmatullah told Xinhua.

Nevertheless, the official noted that Afghan authorities have been working to keep the Torkham crossing point open around the clock and reduce tariffs as part of the efforts to expand business activities.

"The Torkham port as a pivotal point is important for Afghanistan as traders' goods including those from China enter the country," said Qurishi Badlon, public relations officer of Nangarhar province.

"Via the Torkham port, we have established good trade relations with China, and therefore we attach more importance to it," he added. 
A former business partner of Kanye West has alleged that the American rapper used offensive phrases about him being Jewish towards him.

Alex Klein, a tech entrepreneur, was speaking in a new BBC Two documentary where he is described as the 46-year-old musicians former friend.

Journalist Mobeen Azhar, who fronted the broadcasters Battle For Britney documentary, presents The Trouble With KanYe.

It looks at the musician, now legally known as Ye, and his 2024 US presidential campaign.

Klein, who created music streaming platform and remix device Stem Player in collaboration with Ye, which released the Donda 2 album, told Azhar about the alleged reaction his former business partner had when they parted ways.

He said: We turned down 10 million dollars. Kanye was very angry you know, he was saying I feel like I wanna smack you, and Youre exactly like the other Jews  almost relishing and revelling in how offensive he could be, using these phrases hoping to hurt me.

I asked him and I said Do you really think Jews are working together to hold you back?

And he said Yes, yes I do, but its not even a statement that I need to take back because look at all the energy around me right now. Without that statement, I wouldnt become president.

Klein announced in November 2022 that his company Kano Computing had ended its relationship with the musician.

Ye, one of the worlds most successful musicians with more than 160 million records sold, made an unsuccessful bid for the White House in 2020.

A homeless man, referred to as Mark, who lives in a car outside the Cornerstone Christian Church in California, is also interviewed.

Mark told Azhar that Ye asked him to be his campaign manager for his White House bid.

He said: They all said I was the most religiously erudite in the room and Kanye started looking to me for my opinion on every topic that came up.

He called me the following Monday, the Monday before Thanksgiving, and the first thing he said to me was I want you to be my campaign manager to run for president.

The BBC said the church was visited after video emerged of Ye attending it, and in the hope of making contact with him.

The pastor of Cornerstone Christian Church, who the BBC said did not want to be filmed, told Azhar that Ye bought part of the property and had big plans.

He also showed a room of people using sewing machines, with mood boards on the wall showing new designs for Yes Yeezy brand.

Adidas cut ties with Ye in late October saying it does not tolerate antisemitism.

The German sportswear company did say in May it will put his Yeezy shoes on sale and donate some of the proceeds to social justice organisations.

John Boyd, who ran Yes 2020 US presidential campaign, will also feature in the BBC programme, with poet Kevin Coval and Ye collaborator Malik Yusef.

Accompanying the documentary is an eight-part podcast series The Kanye Story.

Netflix previously released Jeen-Yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy, which charted his early years in the music industry.

The three-part series drew on reels of intimate footage dating back two decades, showing his evolution from unknown rapper to international star, fashion designer and businessman.

The PA news agency has contacted Yes representatives for a response.

The Trouble With KanYe airs at 9pm on BBC Two on Wednesday.
H otels in the Irish capital are engaged in rampant price gouging on the dates of US pop star Taylor Swifts concerts, a TD has claimed.

There is not a hotel room available in Dublin for less than 350 euro on the dates of the Eras tour shows next year, Independent TD Thomas Pringle told the Irish Parliament.

The Donegal representative said he was highlighting the Swift concerts as the star has many young fans who will travel with their parents, as he raised the matter with Irish premier Leo Varadkar during Leaders Questions on Wednesday.

There was huge excitement last week when Swift announced her world tour, which will visit the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on June 28 and 29 2024.

Mr Pringle said while many young people are preoccupied with securing tickets for the shows, their parents are anxious about being able to afford accommodation.

He blasted a disgraceful display of greed.

From looking at booking.com this morning, there isnt a single hotel room available in Dublin for under 350 euro for either of the nights of the Taylor Swift concerts, and they are on next year, he said.

As if that isnt expensive enough, we have in recent days seen rampant price gouging from Dublin hotels, some raising the price of a room from 359 euro to an incredible 999 euro for the night of the concert, and this was before the tickets have even been released.

And its not just hotels that are guilty of price gouging  one landlord has a two-bedroom apartment they priced at 20,000 euro for the same weekend.

He said the issue is nothing new or unique and has happened before with concerts and sporting events, and pressed Mr Varadkar on what he would do about it.

Responding, Mr Varadkar said he has spoken to hoteliers on the matter and said they have their own story to tell.

He said there is a dilemma in that there are not enough hotels in the city of Dublin, but with the ongoing housing crisis they dont want to see more new hotels being built, but new houses instead.

I have spoken hoteliers about this. They have their story to tell, and their story to tell us that the coverage in the media has been unfair, he told TDs.

He said hotels told him that if you try to book a hotel more than a year in advance, you get the rack rate, which is not necessarily the rate that they charge, adding that they wanted that point to be made.

Ive made the point very strongly back to them, and it is that price gouging and taking advantage of people and hiking prices on very popular weekends is bad business. Its how your business gets a bad reputation, its how your city or town gets a bad reputation and its how your wider industry gets a bad reputation, and it doesnt make good business sense in the long term, he said.

And we saw that happen before when Dublin in particular but Ireland in general got a reputation for being a very high-cost place to visit, and I hope theyll take that point on board.

Mr Pringle blasted a sad response.

Surely the Government has to take some take some action at some point  the Government can actually prevent it (price gouging) from happening, he said.

Mr Varadkar hit back, saying Mr Pringle had not suggested any proposals or solutions.

Youve been very critical of the Government, of hoteliers, of everyone and of me personally  you havent actually put forward a constructive solution. So if you have one, put it forward and we will give it consideration, he added.
T he National Health Service (NHS) turned 75 on Wednesday, prompting a celebration of NHS staff and providing a time to consider the services future.

Many people can now be cured of sickness or live happily with complex medical issues thanks to enormous advances in science and technology over the past 75 years.

To celebrate the milestone, the Royal Mint has created a collectable 50p coin , with all net proceeds to be donated to NHS Charities Together, which supports NHS staff and patients.

The NHS was also celebrated at Glastonbury , with NHS staff performing a poem on the Pyramid stage.

Furthermore, the BBC will air a special series of programming across BBC News, BBC Radio 4 and Radio 5 Live to consider the future of the NHS.

When was the NHS first created?

The NHS was created in post-war Britain on July 5, 1948. It was the first universal health system that was free to everyone.

Just two weeks earlier, on June 21, more than a thousand people arrived in the UK from the West Indies  who became known as the Windrush Generation  and many of them began careers with the NHS.

Who founded the NHS?

The NHS was founded under a Labour government, when Clement Attlee was prime minister. The health secretary, Aneurin Bevan, was responsible for introducing the service.

The picture I have always visualised is one, not of panel doctoring for the less well-off, not of anything charitable or demeaning, Bevan wrote in the British Medical Journal in 1948, in a message to the medical professionals of the UK, but rather of a nation deciding to make health care easier and more effective by pooling its resources  each sharing the cost as he can through regular taxation and otherwise while he is well, and each able to use the resulting resources if and when he is ill.

Why was the NHS founded?

The purpose of creating the NHS was to provide free healthcare to the public and to move away from the insurance-based system the UK previously had.

The founding of the NHS was prompted by the 1942 Beveridge report, which called for a state welfare system to help reduce disease, among other issues.

The 1946 National Health Service Act stated that it shall be the duty of the Minister of Health to promote the establishment of a health service to secure improvement in the physical and mental health of the people and the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of illness.

Another aim of the act was to bring together a range of medical services, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, opticians and dentists.

How is it being celebrated?

There will be charity tea parties (more details on the NHS Big Tea website), royal visits and a thanksgiving ceremony at Westminster Abbey to commemorate the occasion.
S arah Bentley, the chief executive of Thames Water, has announced she is quitting her job with immediate effect after three years.

On Wednesday, one day after the announcement, it was reported that contingency plans are being drawn up and fears it cannot survive the pressure of its debt. Sky News says the company has a 14 billion debt pile and that and Ofwat, the industry regulator, is holding discussions about placing Thames Water into administration.

Ms Bentley also leaves following the company becoming embroiled in problems with sewage discharges with and has already announced she would give up her bonus as a result.

Thames Water, the UKs largest water company with around 15 million customers, has said she will continue in post until a replacement is found.

This is all we know about Tuesdays shock announcement.

PA

What is the background?

Thames Water has been through a tricky time with raw sewage spills being registered.

The company said in May that "extraordinary energy costs" and "two severe weather events" had affected customer service and environmental performance.

It was with this in mind that Ms Bentley gave up her bonus, as did other senior members of staff. However, she did reportedly double her pay, raking in 1.5 million.

What has been said?

Ms Bentley said: It has been an honour to take on such a significant challenge and a privilege to serve Thames Waters dedicated and inspirational colleagues.

The foundations of the turnaround that we have laid position the company for future success to improve service for customers and environmental performance. I wish everyone involved in the turnaround the very best.

Chairman of the firm Ian Marchant added: I want to thank Sarah for everything she has done since joining the company in 2020, building a first-class executive team and leading the first phase of the turnaround of the company.

On behalf of everyone at Thames, the board wishes her every success for the future.

The statements did not acknowledge the administration or the environmental situation.

What will happen next?

Chief finance officer Alastair Cochran is set to become interim co-chief executive. He will run the company along with Cathryn Ross, the former Ofwat chief executive who joined Thames Water two years ago.

The BBC reported that the company is turning its attention to its goal of reducing the total duration of discharges across London and Thames Valley by 2030. It is planning to invest 1.6 billion in improving sewage works over the next two years to help it achieve this.
D onald Trumps trial over allegedly keeping classified documents including US nuclear secrets could be delayed until at least spring of 2024.

Federal prosecutors have sought a trial date of December, but US government secrecy rules could delay the trial until next year, The Guardian reported.

The former US president, who is seeking another run for the White House, faces 37 criminal counts, including mishandling classified documents and obstruction of justice.

However, his case will be tried under the rules laid out in the Classified Information Procedures Act, which requires the defence to disclose what classified information they want to use at trial in advance, so the courts can decide whether to add restrictions.

This means the case may take longer to get to trial compared to criminal cases without national security implications, the paper reported.

Mr Trump is thought to favour a delay in the case coming to trial and has insisted he is innocent of the charges.

It comes as he counter-sued a writer for defamation on Tuesday who a civil court found he had sexually abused.

Boxes of classified information in a bathroom of Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate / Getty Images

A jury found that Trump had sexually abused and defamed E. Jean Carroll, a former advice columnist, but did not rape her.

She had accused him of attacking her at a department store dressing room in New York in the 1990s, which he had denied.

In the countersuit, Trump is seeking a retraction as well as unspecified compensation and damages.

Ms Carrolls lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, said in a statement that Trumps filing was nothing more than his latest effort to delay accountability" for the jurys verdict.

Donald Trump again argues, contrary to both logic and fact, that he was exonerated by a jury that found that he sexually abused E. Jean Carroll," Kaplan said.

Trump, who has a comfortable lead over his Republican rivals for the party nomination, is appealing the verdict, which found he must pay $5 million in damages.
G erman police have issued a warning over a potentially lethal Blue Punisher ecstasy pill in circulation after the death of two teenage girls was linked to the drug.

Police in the northeastern state of Mecklenburg Western Pomerania said that a 13-year-old girl from the town of Altentreptow had died in hospital after taking one of the blue pills.

The pill features a skull logo associated with the Marvel comic book character The Punisher.

Two other teenagers, aged 14 and 15, were also hospitalised after taking the drug, police said. A 37-year-old German man has been detained in connection with the girl's death.

It comes as authorities in the neighboring state of Brandenburg continue to investigate the death of a 15-year-old girl who died in the town of Rathenow over the weekend after a suspected narcotics overdose.

Prosecutors say an autopsy will determine whether she, too, died after consuming the drug.

We warn against any consumption of narcotics, but especially the dangerous Blue Punisher pill, Neubrandenburg police said in a statement. These pills have a very high dose of (the chemical) MDMA.

It added that even half a pill, which is in circulation in the region, could cause life-threatening illness.

A total of 67 deaths were recorded as a result of MDMA in 2021 in England and Wales, according to the most recently released figures from Statista. This was a drop on the figure of 82 the previous year.

Drugs charities have previously warned that super-strength MDMA pills are increasingly prevalent in Europe due to supply chain issues. Pills have been recovered at UK festivals containing 250mg of MDMA - more than three times the average dose.

The Home Office faced criticism last week from leading festival organisers for allegedly blocking on-site drug testing at music festivals, which seeks to reduce the harm of taking ecstacy and other drugs.

Parklife festival, in Manchester, said it was unable to test confiscated pills for the first time since 2014 because the Home Office claimed they needed to apply for a special licence, the Guardian reported.

The drugs are tested in a cabin on site, with push notifications sent to festivalgoers if tests show they are deemed a threat to health.
T he family of a teenager whose shooting dead by Parispolice triggered a night of rioting said they would never forgive them

Nael M., a 17-year-old French-Algerian who is being referred to by the first initial of his surname, was gunned down at the wheel of a Mercedes in the western suburb of Nanterre.

The shooting on Tuesday led to disturbances across the French capital, with 24 arrests by Wednesday morning.

As a picture of 17-year-old Nael was released by his family, along with the words The love of my life, tensions intensified.

Naels mother, who asked not to be named, said: I lost a 17-year-old, I was alone with him, and they took my baby away from me. He was still a child, he needed his mother.

And his grandmother, who also remained unidentified, said: I will never forgive them.

My grandson died, they killed my grandson. We are not happy at all, I am against the government.

They killed my grandson, now I dont care about anyone, they took my grandson from me, I will never forgive them in my life, never, never, never.

The killing was videoed in Nanterre / Supplied

Verified video of the shooting shows an armed traffic officer pointing his service pistol into the hired Mercedes AMG and saying: Im going to lodge a bullet in your head.

There is then a bang and the car lurches forward, before Nael dies at the scene of the shooting, which happened at roughly 8.30am.

Prosecutors confirmed that the unnamed officer responsible for the shooting was being investigated for murder.

At first police said the teenager had tried to run them over, but they changed their tune when the video appeared, said an investigating source.

The shooting happened close to the Nanterre-Prefecture RER train station, near Nelson-Mandela Square, behind La Defense business district.

Paris Riots | 27 June 2023 1 / 28 Paris Riots | 27 June 2023 AP Police forces clash with youths in Nanterre, outside Paris AP Police officers stand near burning cars during protests in Nanterre, west of Paris AFP via Getty Images Youths clash with police forces as cars burn in Nanterre, outside Paris AP Police forces clash with youths in Nanterre, outside Paris AP Youths clash with police forces as cars burn in Nanterre, outside Paris AP Protesters riot in Nanterre, west of Paris AFP via Getty Images AP AFP via Getty Images Firefighters work to put out a burning car on the sidelines of a demonstration in Nanterre, west of Paris AFP via Getty Images Supplied AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images

As youths began to pour on to the streets, setting fire to dustbins and buildings including the town hall in the suburb of Mantes-la-Jolie, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin appealed for calm.

He told the National Assembly in Paris that the images posted on social media were extremely shocking and worrying, and urged people to respect the grief of the family and the presumption of innocence of the police.

Paris police chief Laurent Nunez said the action of the officer raises questions, while claiming that the officer may have felt threatened.

Yassine Bouzrou, lawyer for Naels family, said the video clearly showed a policeman killing a young man in cold blood.

Mr Bouzrou added: This is a long way from any kind of legitimate defence.

There were two other unidentified people n the vehicle at the time.

Nanterre mayor Patrick Jarry said he was shocked by the video and passed his sincere condolences to the boys mother.

Last year, there were a record 13 deaths after refusals by drivers to stop for traffic controls in France.

Five police officers have been charged in connection with these cases.
U kraine has liberated territory held by Russia since 2014, British officials have said.

In an intelligence update, the Ministry of Defence said Ukrainian forces had made small advances from the village of Krasnohorivka, near Donetsk city.

It marks one of the first times since Russias 2022 invasion that Ukraines forces have recaptured territory held by Russia since its annexation of Crimea in 2014.

The small area was said to have been taken last week but initially kept quiet for tactical reasons.

The liberation of a group of villages under Russian occupation in recent weeks was "not the main event" in Kyiv's planned attack, Oleksiy Reznikov, Ukraine defence minister, said.

When it happens, you will all see it... Everyone will see everything," he told the Financial Times in an interview published on Wednesday.

British officials also said that early on Thursday, Ukrainian troops struck the vital Chonhar road bridges which link the Crimean Peninsula and Russian-occupied Kherson Oblast.

The bridges service one of two main road supply routes between Crimea and Kherson, and the strike forced a temporary closure.

The temporary closure of the route caused vital Russian logistics convoys to take at least 50 per cent longer to reach the front via alternative routes, said the MoD.

Reports indicate that Russian authorities almost certainly constructed a pontoon bridge replacement crossing within 24 hours of the attack; it is highly likely that crossings are limited to military traffic only.

The speed with which an alternate crossing was constructed indicates how vital this route is to the Russian military efforts in occupied Ukraine.

It comes as the death toll rose to eight from a Russian attack on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk.

Ukraine's emergency services said on Wednesday that 56 people were also injured.

Two Russian missiles struck Kramatorsk on Tuesday, hitting a crowded restaurant in the city centre. Three people were pulled from the rubble, the emergency services added.

Rescuers are working through the rubble of the destroyed building and searching for people who are probably still under it," officials of the emergency services said on the Telegram messaging app
T he mercenery leader who led an uprising in Russia at the weekend is holed up in a windowless hotel room in Minsk in an apparent bid to avoid assassination, according to a US intelligence chief.

Vladimir Putin on Saturday vowed to crush what he called a treasonous mutiny after Yevgeny Prigozhin said his Wagner Group fighters had taken control of the southern city of Rostov and were heading to Moscow on a march for justice, intended to remove corrupt and incompetent Russian commanders.

Under a deal mediated by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko that defused the crisis late on Saturday, the Kremlin said a criminal case against Prigozhin would be dropped and he would move to Belarus.

According to reports, Prigozhin is now in one of the only hotels in Minsk that doesnt have any windows, says US senator and Senate Intelligence Committee chair Mark Warner.

Appearing on MSNBC, he said: There have been a number of Russian entity individuals who have run afoul of Putin over the past year-and-a-half, who have mysteriously fallen out of fifth, sixth, seventh floor windows.

So if he is in Minsk in a hotel with no windows, that would show at least what his mindset is in terms of how his relationships are with Putin at the minute.

Nearly 25 Russian businessmen met their end during 2022 in what some have suggested is a suspicious pattern.

In December, Russian politician Pavel Antov, who was accused of criticising the war in Ukraine as an act of terror, was found dead after a mysterious fall from a hotel in India while on a trip to celebrate his upcoming 66th birthday.

Indian media said Antov jumped from a hotel roof in Rayagada, 500 miles from Kolkata. But Russian consul general in Kolkata, Alexei Idamkin, told news agency Tass he fell out of a window.

In September, Russian businessman Ravil Maganov, 67, died after reportedly falling from the sixth-floor of Moscows Central Clinical Hospital. He was the second Lukoil board member, Russias second-largest oil-producer, to have died in a matter of months.

In February, Russian defence official Marina Yankina, 58, was found dead after an apparent fall from her high-rise apartment in St Petersburg. Her death came a year after she demanded on-air apologies from anyone who suggested that Russia would invade Ukraine accusing strategists in London and Washington of playing a scary, strange, wild political game.

Prigozhin has not been seen since he was spotted leaving Rostov in Russia in the back of a car late on Saturday. A private jet linked to the mercenary leader landed at a military airfield in Belarus on Tuesday morning, according to reports, though it was not clear who was on board.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the rebellion by Wagner mercenaries has exposed real cracks in Putins authority.
J uly 4, or Independence Day, is an American holiday thats celebrated annually.

This year, the hallowed holiday falls on a Tuesday, prolonging the weekend for many Americans  something theyre most certainly looking forward to.

But why is it celebrated, which country was independence declared from, and what really happened on July 4, 1776?

Here are the key historical details behind the holiday.

What is Independence Day and why is it celebrated on July 4?

Americans Celebrate Independence Day in Washington, DC / Getty Images

July 4 is a federal holiday in the US, observed to celebrate the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and freedom from British rule. For this reason, July 4 is also commonly known as Independence Day.

The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776, and has become an important date in the calendar for patriotic Americans who honour the birth, and rich history and values of the United States.

Americas citizens celebrate the nations birthday with festivals, parades, fireworks, barbecues, and other festive activities.

Which country was independence declared from?

The United States of America declared independence from the United Kingdom, which was at that time Great Britain.

Before America was its own country, it comprised 13 separate colonies established by Great Britain, the first of which was settled in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607.

European countries, especially Great Britain, continued to colonise America throughout the 17th century and a good portion of the 18th century.

By 1775, an estimated 2.5 million settlers lived in the 13 colonies: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

What led the colonists to seek independence from Great Britain?

Tensions began to brew between the colonists and Great Britain when the home country began passing legislation that gave it more control within the colonies, especially in regard to taxing colonists.

Britain was in debt after the French and Indian War, so, it started to tax the American colonies in order to increase revenue.

The passage of legislation like the Stamp Act in March 1765, the Townshend Acts in June and July of 1767, as well as the Tea Act of 1773, forced colonists to pay more money to Great Britain, even though they didnt have a say in the Crowns policies.

This became known as taxation without representation, which quickly became a central pillar in the foundation of the American Revolution.

Other events, including the Boston Massacre, as well as the Boston Tea Party, further escalated tensions between British occupiers and American colonists.

These tensions exploded in April 1775, when the battles of Lexington and Concord broke out in Massachusetts, as British forces attempted to confiscate weapons from the colonists.

This was the first time that colonial militias battled British troops and, thus, the American Revolutionary War began.

What really happened on July 4, 1776?

There are a number of July 4 facts that are particularly fascinating. Five of note are:

The first annual commemoration of Independence Day happened on July 4, 1777, in Philadelphia.

Some colonists celebrated Independence Day during the summer of 1776 by putting on mock funerals for King George III of England.

John Adams, a founding father and the second president of the United States, strongly believed Independence Day should be celebrated on July 2.

Thomas Jefferson was the first president to celebrate Independence Day at the White House, in 1801. The celebration featured horse races, parades, food, and drinks.

Independence Day didnt become a federal holiday until 1870, and it wasnt a paid holiday for employees until 1941.

Independence Day celebrations in London: fireworks and more

There are plenty of local July 4 events happening in London this year to enjoy.

You could also try visiting the Benjamin Franklin House, which is the former London home of the American founding father.

It hosts Independence Day celebrations, and is an opportunity to see the house decorated for the special occasion while enjoying American drinks and snacks.

Alternatively, join the North London Whisky Club for an evening spent tasting five diverse examples of American whiskey, and learning the history of each variety.

If you can get to Mayfair, qualified Love London Tour guides Phil and Caroline are offering a special pre-Independence Day walk on July 2 that focuses on the links between London and the USA.
BEIJING, June 28 (Xinhua) -- China's major industrial firms reported a smaller profit decline in May, official data showed Wednesday.

Industrial firms with annual main business revenue of at least 20 million yuan (about 2.77 million U.S. dollars) saw their combined profits stand at 635.81 billion yuan last month, down 12.6 percent from a year ago, narrowing from the 18.2-percent drop in April. 
S uspected human remains have been discovered among the debris from the Titan submersible after its implosion near the wreck of the Titanic that left five dead.

Images showed wreckage from the sub, recovered from the ocean floor near the wreck of the Titanic, being unloaded from the ship Horizon Arctic at the Canadian Coast Guard pier in St. Johns, Newfoundland.

The US Coast Guard (USCG) said it received debris and evidence from the sea floor at the site of the deep-sea vessels fatal implosion, which killed five people.

Medical professionals will formally analyse presumed human remains recovered from the debris which was quickly covered in large tarpaulins before being lifted by cranes on to lorries.

It comes ten days after the Titan sub vanished while on a dive to the Titanic wreck.

AP

All five on board were killed after a catastrophic implosion near the bottom of the ocean.

Speaking after the evidence was recovered, the Marine Board of Investigations (MBI) chairman, Captain Jason Neubauer, said: I am grateful for the co-ordinated international and inter-agency support to recover and preserve this vital evidence at extreme offshore distances and depths.

The evidence will provide investigators from several international jurisdictions with critical insights into the cause of this tragedy.

There is still a substantial amount of work to be done to understand the factors that led to the catastrophic loss of the Titan and help ensure a similar tragedy does not occur again.

The USCG said the MBI intends to transport the evidence to a port in the US where they will be able to facilitate further analysis and testing.

AP

An international group of agencies is investigating what may have caused the tragedy, and U.S. maritime officials say they'll issue a report aimed at improving the safety of submersibles worldwide.

Investigators from the US, Canada, France and the United Kingdom are working closely together on the probe of the June 18 accident, which happened in an "unforgiving and difficult-to-access region" of the North Atlantic, said US Coast Guard Rear Admiral John Mauger, of the Coast Guard First District.

Salvage operations from the sea floor are ongoing, and the accident site has been mapped, Coast Guard chief investigator Capt. Jason Neubauer said Sunday. He did not give a timeline for the investigation. Neubauer said the final report will be issued to the International Maritime Organization.

Evidence is being collected in the port of St. John's, Newfoundland, in coordination with Canadian authorities.

In her first interview since the catastrophe, Christine Dawood said she spent days hoping her son Suleman and husband Shahzada were just going to come up, but began preparing for the worst when the 96-hour mark passed.

Suleman Dawood, a 19-year-old business student at Strathclyde University in Glasgow, was killed along with his father, London businessman Shahzada Dawood, when the Titan submarine went missing last week on a voyage to view the wreck of the Titanic.

The submersible lost contact with the tour operator an hour and 45 minutes into the two-hour descent to the wreckage / PA Media

The submersibles other three occupants  British billionaire adventurer Hamish Harding, Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet, and OceanGate chief executive and Titan pilot Stockton Rush  were also killed in what is thought to have been a catastrophic implosion.

The Dawoods boarded the Polar Prince  the ship from which Titan was launched  on Fathers Day, hoping for the trip of a lifetime.

Suleman Dawood / Engro Corporation Limited via AP

At a memorial service broadcast on YouTube, Christine was in tears as she shared memories of when she first met her husband and their wedding in Pakistans eastern city of Lahore.

Im actually convinced they have enriched our lives beyond measure, Dawood said, vowing, We will take forward their legacy.

When Suleman was born, her husband was happy like other fathers but when he held his son for the first time, I just knew these two belong together, the wife and mother said.

She sensed then that he had found a long-lost companion for his adventures to come.
You might assume that farming is basically about getting up at 5.30 in the morning and shovelling manure, but youd be wrong.

Ed Greig, chief disruptor at Deloitte Digital, who was brought up on a farm, should know: Shovelling manure does happen, maybe not at 5.30am, but actually lots of farms have social media managers now, he says. Many farms require web development because theyre running quite sophisticated tech operations. Theres a big role for marketing to be played in there  these are all serious roles within agriculture now.

In nearly every industry and service in the world, the tentacles of tech are now firmly embedded and teenagers need help to access the opportunities this has created.

Young people need to recognise this world and understand how the skills that they are developing in their daily lives are actually applicable, says Greig. He cites activities that many teenagers spend time doing: building up a following on social media, making videos, writing content and creative problem solving, but dont necessarily see as bankable skills.

Career capital is how Ranulf Kinloch Jones, former teacher turned product manager at PwC, refers to it.

For Gen Z, it is about developing an arsenal of skills that are broad and transferable so that when jobs change, you can adapt or switch jobs, says Kinloch, whose TikTok channel Beyond the Blackboard, offers young people help and advice on next steps. One in three people born now is expected to live to 100. Thats a long time to be working; and it will be a different model to the upward trajectory and the retirement cliff edge that has characterised careers in previous generations.

A recent report by the World Economic Forum report predicts that over the next few years, the adoption of AI and machine learning will impact 85 million jobs. The flip side is that 100 million jobs will emerge from the new technology. If you know dont know what a prompt engineer, a UX designer or a full stack developer do, its time to find out as they are already hot tickets.

Its is about developing an arsenal of skills that are broad and transferable so that when jobs change, you can adapt

Thats a net job creation, says Shivani Maitra, a partner in Deloittes future of work team. But there needs to be investment in educating and reskilling people. In the Governments national Digital Strategy, a survey of over 1,000 businesses said they needed to recruit for roles that require hard data skills but couldnt find the people.

Such is the shortage that the Government is funding a degree conversion course in data science and AI, which will upskill 2,500 graduates.

Governments and organisations definitely need to take some responsibility for making sure theres a focus on reskilling and that the right curriculum is being offered to students, Maitra says.

One future field where she predicts new job creation is in misinformation; a new role to figure out what is false and what is real online. I think that is going to be a big thing, she adds.

Whether in the digital space or in the worlds of advanced manufacturing, green energy or health, tech opportunities are booming.

Highly skilled technician jobs are where the growth is and there is a really crude message about earnings that needs to be put out there so young people understand what is in it for them, says Ben Blackledge, interim CEO of WorldSkills UK.

Existing sectors, as well as new ones, are being redefined by the technology they use and young people have to try to make sure they are riding that wave.

The mechanic of tomorrow is going to be different from the mechanic of today who is dealing with electric vehicles, says Blackledge. Electricians will need to be versed in renewable energy. When it comes to nuclear power stations or wind farms, welding is at a whole different level. An industry that you might have thought is not for you at all could fundamentally change over the next 10 years and require a broader range of people.

We will also need people who are able to think about how technologies can be useful and how they will affect our lives, both positively and negatively. In the ascendency of the algorithm, hoaw do we maintain the humanity?

Creativity, empathy and critical thinking are never going to go out of fashion, said Blackledge. There are loads of ways of developing those and we need to start preparing teenagers better and thinking of the role of education as teaching young people how to learn.

Step Up Expo is taking place from June 30-July 1, 2023 at Olympia London. Register for free tickets at stepupexpo.co.uk
T he arrival of July tourists for Wimbledon, Pride and the Proms can only mean one thing: hotel dining is back with a bang for summer. Next month will see hotel restaurant openings from chefs Yannick Alleno from France, Shinji Kanesaka from Japan and our very-own Tom Sellers, each trailing a comets tail of Michelin stars to dazzle diners with their culinary brilliance.

Still, there will always be those restaurant-goers for whom crossing a hotel lobby is a line in the sand, unless, of course one is actually on holiday and surrounded by sand. Look, then, to Richard Corrigans new restaurant on top of the splendidly re-imagined National Portrait Gallery, or the return to the West End of Tomos Parry, whose new Soho restaurant Mountain will evoke the holiday vibe of the hills and coastlines of Wales and Spain.

Hordes of visitors might be a seasonal annoyance for Londoners stuck sweating in the city, but with restaurants of this quality opening in the stickiest of tourist honeypots, the message for hungry Londoners this July is that if you cant beat em, join em.

Pavyllon London

Press handout

The first of a wave of new London hotel restaurants from the worlds most famous chefs  Mauro Colagreco, Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Akira Back are all due in autumn  this UK outpost of Pavyllon in Paris comes courtesy of Yannick Alleno, a chef who is not only the grandest of fromages on the French dining scene but one of the most Michelin-awarded chefs on the planet, with 15 stars twinkling above 17 restaurants. It is a long time since the Park Lane Four Seasons had a destination restaurant to rival the Hyde Park setting; hopes must be high in the hotel groups Toronto HQ that this will equal the two Michelin stars of Anne-Sophie Pic over at the Four Seasons in the City.

Opens: July 1

Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, Hamilton Place, W1J 7DR, pavyllonlondon.com

Sushi Kanesaka

Press handout

Multi-course omakase menus have been one of the more unlikely restaurant trends in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis but, often like the meals themselves, one which shows no sign of ending. This nine-seat cedar counter within the Dorchester Collections 45 Park Lane is overseen by a team of eight chefs, sommeliers and hosts and promises the sort of personal service one would expect from one of Park Lanes glitziest hotels as well as the habitual perfectionism of a two-Michelin-starred sushi master such as Shinji Kanesaka. The Japanese chef has imported a team from the Tokyo Sushi Kanesaka to prepare up to 20 courses of seasonal seafood from British and European waters laid atop Kanesakas own rice blend from Yamagata Prefecture.

Opens: July 1

45 Park Lane, W1K 1PN, thedorchestercollection.com

The Portrait Restaurant

Jodi Hinds Photography

Following the recent opening of the excellent Lasdun at the National Theatre, the revamped National Portrait Gallery is the latest London arts venue to get somewhere to eat that matches the quality of the culture. Star billing goes to chef Richard Corrigan, who will be serving signature dishes from his 40-year-career at Lindsay House, Bentleys and Corrigans Mayfair, such as crispy oyster croque monsieur and Bentleys fish pie, either in the dining room or at a chefs counter by the open kitchen. The view over Trafalgar Square, eye level with Lord Nelson, is as picturesque as the hand-embroidered wall coverings by de Gournay.

Opens: July 5 (lunch) and July 12 (dinner)

National Portrait Gallery, St Martins Place, WC2H 0HE, theportraitrestaurant.com

Mountain

Press handout

Third times a charm for Tomos Parry, who is following up his pair of Brats in east London with a Soho restaurant that brings the chefs open-kitchen, wood-fired cooking to the West End. Parry grew up on Anglesey and has travelled widely within the Basque Country and Mountains Welsh-accented Spanish menu will include steaming ceramic pots of calderata, the Menorcan lobster stew here made with whole Anglesey crustacean. Elsewhere is whole pink bream roasted on the plancha, wood-grilled lamb chops and a daily selection of aged beef cuts, but its not all so protein-heavy. Seasonal fruit and veg for July will include sunflower heads, aubergines and English cherries, plus breads and pastries baked in the wood ovens.

Opens: July 11

16-18 Beak Street, W1F 9RD, mountainbeakstreet.co

Dovetale

Press handout

This new Mayfair hotel restaurant ticks off pretty much every current restaurant trend: a sustainably-driven menu; a raw bar; dishes cooked over the grill; an onsite butcher for ageing steaks; English sparkling wines. The involvement of chef Tom Sellers of two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Story in Bermondsey means that Dovetale should be more than just an exercise in lip service, however, with modern takes on classic luxury including day boat-caught sole Veronique, English olive-fed Wagyu carpaccio and Grand Marnier souffle with tonka bean creme anglaise. All eyes, however, are likely to be on a knickerbocker glory trolley whipping up sundaes tableside, plus theres a terrace with a copper fireplace and pergola which should see alfresco last well into the autumn.

Opens: July 13

1 Dover Yard at 1 Hotel Mayfair, W1J 8DJ, 1hotels.com

Also opening

Mexican Seoul / Press handout

Mexican Seoul

A taco bar on the corner of Victoria Park from the street-food fave and Wing Fest winner, serving Mexican-Korean small plates (corn ribs, tuna tostadas, pork belly tacos) washed down with kimchi Bloody Marys.

Opens: July 1

Bow Wharf, 221 Grove Road, E3 5SN, mexicanseoul.co.uk

Chuo

Sushi conveyor belts are so 20th century; this Shoreditch joint instead delivers made-to-order raw fish via what is claimed to be Europes first sushi monorail system  sadly not called the mullet train.

Opens: Mid July

20 Paul Street, EC2A 4JH, @chuosushi

Grassfed

The London debut for Paul Foster of Michelin-starred Salt in Stratford-upon-Avon sees the chef turn to grass-fed beef, from prime rib to ox cheek, grilled over coals in an open kitchen, plus dayboat fish.

Opens: Mid July

Dockray Place, NW1 8QH, grassfedrestaurant.co.uk

The Bugis Singapore Restaurant

One of Londons few Singaporean and Malaysian specialists reopens with a swish new look, albeit rather more upmarket than when it was a caff round the corner frequented by Singapore Airlines staff on layovers.

Opens: July 20

The Baileys Hotel London Kensington, 140 Gloucester Road, SW7 4QH, thebugisrestaurant.com

Tendril

A permanent site for chef Rishim Sachdevas plant-first (i.e. mostly vegan) pop-up, serving the likes of smoked peas with pickled wild garlic, mint tabbouleh and rye crumbs, plus mostly vegan wines.

Opens: Late July

5 Princes Street, W1B 2LQ, tendrilkitchen.co.uk

@mrbenmccormack
T he joy of online shopping is that you can find pretty much anything at the click of a button  if you know where to look.

While many bricks-and-mortar high street stores have cottoned onto the value of the plus size pound, it can still be hard to find full collections for clothing larger than a size 16 on the shop floor.

Some brands have added perfunctory plus sections to collections designed for slimmer shoppers, but thanks to the #BodyPositive movement and emergence of more plus size models - think Jade Sezer, Paloma Elsesser, Precious Lee, and Lizzo to name but a few - means that retailers are waking up to the fact that plus size women want to look fashionable too.

Make no mistake: were entering a golden age for plus size fashion.

Banish all thoughts of boring tent-like smock dresses, ageing florals and ill-fitting trousers. Plus size fashion is bigger and better than ever, and the internet is the best place to find your next sartorial haul.

To help making shopping easier, weve put together a little black book of plus size brands to know. Below youll find a directory of stores who offer fashion on a size-inclusive scale; to women who wear a UK dress size 16 and up. Weve also included a few established brands whose superb selection of extended sizes earns them a place on our list.

Whether youre looking for a nice frock to wear to a wedding, new threads for the office or something thatll floor them come date night, scroll on for stylish plus size fashion from brands you may know - and hopefully a few you dont.
W e wont beat around the bush: weddings can be expensive endeavour, for everyone involved.

While the rosy haze of love and affection tends to overcome the stress of plotting and planning, and the excitement of donning a new frock for a party usually out-does the buyers remorse felt amongst wedding guests  it can be nice to see a return on ones investment, as it were.

Without sounding overly crass, other than taking home the wonderful memories of a night filled with the celebration of love, it can be quite nice to take a physical keepsake home. After all, the process of finding the right outfit, the perfect wedding present for the budding nuptials and actually getting to the event, a small party favour can go a long way. Who said they were limited to birthday parties held between the ages of three and nine, anyway?

The tradition of gifting wedding guests with small tokens of thanks and appreciation has a surprisingly long history. The practice is thought to have originated within the French aristocracy in the 17th and 18th centuries.

During this time, guests were often gifted with decorative trinket boxes filled to the brim with sweet rarities and sugared delights known as bonbonnieres, which symbolised wealth and prosperity - due to the high price of sugar at the time.

Similarly, theres a popular Grecian tradition dating back to the 14th century which consists of presenting wedding guests with sugared almonds called koufeta. A symbolic practice which has since inspired modern edible party favours, guests are presented with koufeta in odd numbers to reflect the indivisible nature of the newlyweds.

Likewise, weddings in Italy often bear witness to the gifting of exactly five sugared almonds to each guest, symbolising five good wishes for the couple: health, wealth, happiness, fertility and longevity.

Nowadays the practice of gifting guests with wedding favours has evolved into a more personalised practice, with brides and grooms often choosing gifts which reflect their own styles and tastes.

For those with far more charitable hearts and friends, you can forgo the tradition of physical wedding favours for donation cards from your charity of choice. These cards come in a variety of forms, but simply state that a donation has been made to a worthy cause on behalf of your guest.

Meanwhile, those with very specific themes and particular tastes have a vast array of unique wedding favours to choose from for their special day. Luckily for you, weve rounded up a selection of the best wedding favours to treat your guests with. From the edible and decorative, to the destination-themed and practical, keep scrolling for more.

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H enry Cavill has appeared at the series three premiere of The Witcher after previously announcing he would be bowing out of the hit fantasy Netflix series.

The British actor posed for pictures but did not give press interviews at the event on Wednesday, which took place at the Now Building in London.

Cavill announced last October that he would be stepping down from the role of travelling monster hunter Geralt of Rivia.

He is due to be replaced by Australian actor Liam Hemsworth, who will appear in the shows fourth season.

At the premiere on Wednesday, Cavill appeared alongside his co-stars, including Anya Chalotra, Freya Allan and Joey Batey, as well as his partner Natalie Viscuso.

He wore a black double-breasted suit with a black shirt.

Speaking at Tudum 2023: A Netflix Global Fan Event in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Cavill said it had been a pleasure and an honour to work with his castmates and that he would miss them very much.

You guys bring so much nuance and detail to these characters, which are often at risk of being over simplified, and what you guys have done with the characters has involved work, care and effort, and believe me working with you guys was the biggest pleasure, he said.

So just want to say Im (going to) miss you. Im (going to) miss you very much.

He was also set to return to the character of Superman after it was revealed in a post-credits scene of Dwayne Johnsons anti-hero film Black Adam last year.

However, Cavill announced in December he will not be returning as Superman, with US actor David Corenswet announced on Tuesday as the new star of DCs Superman: Legacy.
I relands premier said it is not credible that RTEs former director general was the only one who knew about the misreported payments scandal.

Leo Varadkar spoke a day after the broadcaster issued a statement saying Dee Forbes was the only executive who had all the information to know the organisation had published incorrect salary figures for star presenter Ryan Tubridy.

Mr Varadkar said a lot of questions remain about the controversial 345,000 euro of undisclosed payments made to Tubridy between 2017 and 2022.

RTE executives are appearing before an Irish parliamentary committee probing the revelations on Wednesday afternoon.

Several members of RTEs board and its senior executive team will face questions during what is set to be a lengthy session of the media scrutiny committee.

More questions will follow on Thursday when RTE representatives will appear before the Oireachtas parliaments Public Accounts Committee.

On Wednesday, RTE confirmed talks over a new contract for Tubridy  who stepped down as host of the flagship Late Late Show in May but continues to host a weekday radio show  have been paused pending the outcome of ongoing processes resulting from the payments disclosures last week.

Ms Forbes quit as director general on Monday amid the spiralling crisis.

She will not appear before the committees on Wednesday and Thursday, citing ill health for her absence.

She insisted she did not act contrary to any advice in the contractual dealings related to Tubridy.

Addressing the issue in the Dail parliament on Wednesday, Mr Varadkar said: While the RTE statement from yesterday shed some light on what has transpired, a lot of questions remain open, so we expect to see a full and open engagement at the Oireachtas committees today and tomorrow.

And certainly we do not believe it is credible that the former DG Dee Forbes was the only person with knowledge of these events.

Government and the public expect nothing but full and open transparency from RTE executives and board members when they attend committees of these houses today and tomorrow.

RTE staff staged protests around the country on Tuesday, demanding answers about the furore.

RTE representatives due to appear before the committee on Wednesday include interim deputy director general Adrian Lynch, commercial director Geraldine OLeary, chief financial officer Richard Collins and RTE Board chairwoman Siun Ni Raghallaigh.

Fellow board members Anne OLeary and Robert Shortt will also appear.

Fianna Fail senator Malcolm Byrne will be one of those questioning the RTE representatives at the media committee on Wednesday.

The crucial thing today is the approach that RTE will take, he told RTE Radio One.

The approach of those representatives of RTE today is as important as what they say.

Clearly other people were aware of elements of what was going on

If theyre going to be co-operative, if they want to get everything out on the table, because the transparency and accountability is critical, that will be welcome.

Mr Byrnes party colleague and fellow committee member, TD Christopher OSullivan, asked if Ms Forbes could have been solely responsible.

Clearly other people were aware of elements of what was going on, he told RTE.

We need to dig deeper into that, we need to find out exactly who knew what, because, to be honest, its not credible really that only one person, when you think about the amounts were talking about  345,000 euro, including TV licence holders money  its not credible to think that the former director general Dee Forbes is the only one who could have been aware of whats going on.

Tuesdays statement from RTE covered 225,000 euro of fees paid to Tubridy between 2020-2022. It said a report by external auditors Grant Thornton found no illegality in the payments.

A further external review by Grant Thornton into payments of 120,000 euro between 2017 and 2019 is under way, with the findings due within four weeks.

Mr Varadkar said that timeframe is not satisfactory and the Government is pressing for the report to be made available sooner.

On Tuesday, RTE said Ms Forbes was not consulted in the drafting of its statement and she may dispute some elements of it.

The Grant Thornton report gave detail of a commercial arrangement involving RTE, Tubridy and a commercial partner that was entered into after Tubridy forewent an exit fee due to be paid at the end of his previous contract.

The statement from RTE explained the terms of this tripartite agreement between RTE, Tubridy and Renault.

This agreement was separate to Tubridys central contract with RTE and involved him making appearances at commercial events.

I think everybody has questions

It said Tubridy was to be paid 75,000 euro annually under this tripartite commercial arrangement, with the payments underwritten by RTE.

The payment was made by the commercial partner in the first year. The same sum paid to Tubridy was then provided back to the commercial partner by RTE by way of a credit note on future spending with the broadcaster  meaning the deal was cost-neutral to Renault.

The RTE statement said Tubridy was unaware of the credit note provided by RTE to the commercial partner.

The tripartite arrangement ended during the Covid pandemic, leaving RTE liable for the next two years of payments.

RTE said Ms Forbes verbally agreed to the terms of the commercial arrangement in a video meeting.

The two payments from RTE were paid to Tubridys agent using a UK-based barter account.

RTE were warned yesterday from right across the political divide that there needed to be full transparency in their statement. They needed to divulge all the information

A barter account is usually used to record the exchange or goods and services.

Due to how a barter account operates, a cash transaction is recorded at a higher gross value than the net sum of the money drawn down.

Grant Thornton said that, on the balance of probabilities, the barter account was used because there were available funds in it and it appeared there was no budget available for the 75,000 euro payments in year two or three of the agreement.

It also emerged on Tuesday that RTE used the barter account to pay for the costs of hosting events for the commercial sponsor in 2022.

These payments were recorded in the barter account at a value of 47,477 euro; the actual cost of these events was 30,586 euro.

The review said there was no wrongdoing by Tubridy or the commercial partner.

Sinn Feins Pearse Doherty criticised the RTE statement.

I think everybody has questions, he told RTEs Morning Ireland programme.

RTE were warned yesterday from right across the political divide that there needed to be full transparency in their statement.

They needed to divulge all the information.

And I think theres now more questions than ever after what they have announced. It was, in my view, I think theyre still trying to cover their tracks and I think they were very careful in relation to how they presented their statement yesterday.

Amid the scandal, the Government has ordered an external review into governance and culture at the broadcaster.

Tubridy has been off air since the revelations emerged last Thursday, with a stand-in presenter hosting his weekday morning radio show.
J onnie Irwins sister has branded him an absolute fighter as he continues to put on a brave face amid his terminal cancer diagnosis.

The former A Place In The Sun presenters sister Amanda admitted that she doesnt know how he does it as he vowed to make the most of every day.

The 49-year-old was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2020 but only went public with it last November after being told that it had spread to his brain.

After being told that he could only have months to live, he has been making it his mission to spend as much time as possible with wife Jessica Holmes, and their children, Rex, four, and two-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac.

Irwin shared a video of him larking about with Jules Hudson / Instagram/Jonnie Irwin

Continuing to make memories, the TV star attended the Television and Radio Industries Club (TRIC) Awards on Tuesday in London and was seen joking around with his former Escape to the Country colleagues Jules Hudson, Sonali Shah and Nicki Chapman.

Sharing a video of him at the event to Instagram, fans watched as Irwin pretended to look concerned as Hudson began to undo one of the top buttons of his shirt, before he hugged him.

He captioned the post: When Jules Hudson unbuttons the 2nd button hes simply irresistible.

In response to the post, his sister commented: How do you do it little bro! What an absolute fighter! #inspiration #proudsister.

Away from social media, Irwin spoke to media at the event and said he considers every day as a gift amid his terminal cancer battle.

Speaking to The Mirror on the red carpet, hesaid: Today is a good day. Yesterday I peeled myself out of bed and munched painkillers but so far so good today. I take every day as a gift and as it comes.

Both Escape to the Country and A Place In The Sun were up for an award in the same category on the night with the latter walking away as the winner.

Irwin previously claimed that Channel 4, who broadcasts A Place In The Sun, had pushed him aside for someone healthier after discovering his terminal cancer diagnosis. He added that he was told they didnt think they can get the insurance.

Irwin with his former Escape to the Country colleagues Sonali Shah. Nicki Chapman and Hudson (R) / Dave Benett/Getty Images

He said that the move had left him heartbroken, adding: I just feel Id earned a bit more from them after 18 years.

Channel 4 representatives said the production company were unable to secure adequate insurance cover for Irwin.

In comparison, he said that the BBC, who are behind Escape to the Country, had been like a family to him.

With a notable exception from one production company, as soon as they found out, they put their arm around me and, insurance provided, they looked for work when I could, he explained.

So any location that was anywhere near me I was [the] first candidate for, and they really helped me find work. They were understanding, especially with travel arrangements. They were so supportive, I cant thank them enough.
K ate Garraways husband Derek Draper was at Windsor Castle to see her receive an MBE from the Prince of Wales.

The Good Morning Britain presenter was recognised in the 2022 New Year Honours for her services to broadcasting, journalism and charity, and received the award from William on Wednesday with Draper watching from a wheelchair nearby.

The former political adviser fell seriously ill with Covid-19 in March 2020, which left him with long-lasting damage to his organs and needing daily care.

Pictures showed him in a blue suit and striped tie, while his wife wore a cream dress with a bejewelled collar and a matching headpiece for the investiture ceremony.

She received the award from the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle / PA

Garraway described how she felt to be sharing the day with her husband, telling the PA news agency: I think its unbelievable.

So many hours, we thought it would never happen, (but) here we are. Its fantastic. Its a real feeling of Right, seize the day and enjoy the moment.

Former political adviser Draper fell seriously ill with Covid-19 in March 2020, which left him with long-lasting damage to his organs and needing daily care.

Pictures showed him in a blue suit and striped tie, while his wife wore a cream dress with a bejewelled collar and a matching headpiece for the investiture ceremony which Garraway described as beautiful.

She told PA: Its wonderful. Ive never been to Windsor Castle before. Ive been past it, but never inside it, and its just a beautiful building, its a fantastic atmosphere.

A room full of people that have done wonderful things in so many different ways, personal struggles and dealt with things in their life, and its just a wonderful boost actually, its a fantastic thing.

The Prince of Wales was wonderful. He makes it very easy and very comfortable and he obviously cares a lot about it. Its a very special day.

I have met him for some bits and bobs of things with him with charities, and the Princes Trust as well, his dads charity, so he just said it was lovely that he could see me and we could have a good chat about it.

Kate Garraway, with her husband Derek Draper and her parents Gordon and Marilyn Garraway, after being made a Member of the Order of the British Empire / Getty Images

I think hes very good because he makes everything very special for everybody.

The TV presenter, whose parents, Gordon and Marilyn Garraway, also attended the ceremony, said it was wonderful to share the day with her family.

Were going back to see the children and then have a bit of lunch, she said before joking that daughter Darcey and son William have to listen to me now because its official by royal appointment, isnt that right?

Asked about the long delay between her MBE being announced and her receiving the award, she joked: I was convinced that I had been forgotten because they announced it in the beginning of 2022.

Then, because of backlogs and various things happening and setbacks, were here today - which is lovely.

Reacting last year to news of the accolade, 56-year-old Garraway said on Good Morning Britain: I actually feel very awkward about it all really, I dont know why, because Im thrilled to bits and incredibly honoured.

But you just sort of think What? Me?, and then you think its not real.

Garraway was recognised in the 2022 New Year Honours for her services to broadcasting, journalism and charity / PA

The TV star also admitted she had received some negative comments about the honour, saying: I think it has (evoked) strange feelings. And there have been a few comments since it was announced of people saying Why has she got this? I look after my loved one.

I havent got it for looking after Derek. It is for broadcasting and I think also charity work. But you know theres lots of people that you feel deserve it more. So its a strange feeling.

The presenter has made two documentaries detailing her familys life as Draper battles the long-term effects of coronavirus, with both programmes winning National Television Awards in the authored documentary category.

Kate Garraway: Caring for Derek 1 / 18 Kate Garraway: Caring for Derek ES Composite ITV ITV ITV Flicker Productions ITV Flicker Productions Flicker Productions ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV ITV

She has also written two books  The Power Of Hope: The Moving Memoir From ITVs Kate Garraway and The Strength Of Love: Embracing An Uncertain Future With Resilience And Optimism  following 55-year-old Drapers health struggle.

There are plans for her to front a third documentary exposing the broken care system.
O ctopus sleep is similar to that of humans  and they may even dream, a new study suggests.

Researchers say the skin patterns the animals create while they are snoozing may indicate they are capable of something similar to dreaming.

Like people, the sea creatures transition between two sleep stages  a quiet stage and an active stage that resembles REM sleep in mammals.

In this sense, while humans can verbally report what kind of dreams they had only once they wake, the octopuses skin pattern acts as a visual readout of their brain activity during sleep

While awake, octopuses create a number of different skin patterns which they use to camouflage themselves in different environments, and in social or threat displays, such as warning off predators and communicating with each other.

The animals cycled through these same skin patterns during active sleep, the study found.

It could be that they are practising their skin patterns to improve their waking camouflage behaviour, or simply maintaining the pigment cells, one theory suggests.

However, another is that they could be re-living and learning from their waking experiences, such as hunting or hiding from a predator, and reactivating the skin pattern associated with each experience.

In other words, they could be doing something similar to dreaming.

Senior author, Professor Sam Reiter, who leads the Computational Neuroethology Unit at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), Japan, said: In this sense, while humans can verbally report what kind of dreams they had only once they wake, the octopuses skin pattern acts as a visual readout of their brain activity during sleep.

He added: All animals seem to show some form of sleep, even simple animals like jellyfish and fruit flies.

But for a long time, only vertebrates were known to cycle between two different sleep stages.

When octopuses sleep, their quiet periods of slumber are punctuated by short bursts of frenzied activity.

Their arms and eyes twitch, their breathing rate quickens, and their skin flashes with vibrant colours.

Researchers from OIST and the University of Washington, examined the brain activity and skin patterning in octopuses (Octopus laqueus) during this active period of sleep.

They found they closely resemble brain activity and skin patterning behaviour seen when awake.

Wake-like activity also occurs during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep in mammals  the phase in which most dreams occur.

The scientists started by checking whether the octopuses were truly asleep during this active period.

They tested how the octopuses responded to a physical stimulus and found that when in both the quiet and active stage of sleep, the animals required stronger stimulation before reacting, compared to when they were awake.

If the octopuses were prevented from sleeping, or were disrupted during the active phase of sleep, they later entered active sleep sooner and more frequently.

Aditi Pophale, co-first author of the study and PhD student at OIST, said: This compensatory behaviour nails down the active stage as being an essential stage of sleep that is needed for octopuses to properly function.

According to the study, published in Nature, roughly once an hour, the octopuses entered an active sleep phase for around a minute.

During this stage, their brain activity very closely resembled their brain activity while awake, just like REM sleep does in humans.
Archard Kato, managing director of Alko Vintages Company Limited, speaks during an interview with Xinhua in his office in Dodoma, Tanzania, on June 24, 2023. Tanzania, despite not having an international reputation as a wine producer, is home to the second-largest wine-producing region in sub-Saharan Africa after South Africa. (Photo by Herman Emmanuel/Xinhua)

DODOMA, June 27 (Xinhua) -- In a 1.5-hectare vineyard 39 kilometers north of the Tanzanian capital of Dodoma, William Swai is checking the grapes under the dazzling sun.

By mid-July, the grapes will be fully ripe and will be picked to make delicious wine, the 67-year-old grape farmer told Xinhua in a recent interview.

"The opening of international markets, including the Chinese market, to locally made wines will boost the production of the country's wineries," he said.

Tanzania, despite not having an international reputation as a wine producer, is home to the second-largest wine-producing region in sub-Saharan Africa after South Africa.

The most common grape varietals in the Dodoma wine region, where the Tanzanian wine industry is entirely based, are Chenin Blanc, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a variety named for a Dodoma sub-region, Makutupora.

Initially, grape growing and wine production were limited to missionaries, but in 1969 the Tanzanian government entered the market with the formation of the Dodoma Wine Company.

Archard Kato, managing director of Alko Vintages Company Limited, a Tanzanian company that makes several brands of wine, told Xinhua that his company does not grow grapes of its own, but it gets grapes from 15 organized grape farming groups that supply the company good quality grapes.

"We supervise their production. We pay for experts from South Africa and Italy to help the farmers to produce good quality grapes and good management of the vineyards," he said.

Kato said grapes used by his company to produce wine are of high quality because of the unique climate, adding that the weather is favorable for the production of grapes.

Franklin Rutayungulwa, production manager of Alko Vintages Company Limited, said he believed that the grape industry in Tanzania will be massive in the next four to five years because the government has identified grapes as one of its strategic crops.

"This will attract more investors to come and engage in grape farming and others in wine production," said Rutayungulwa, adding that in South Africa, there are hundreds of wineries but in Tanzania, there are only a few wineries.

Four years ago, the Tanzanian company began working with Weihai Huatan Supply Chain Management Company Limited to export wine to China. The Chinese company mainly undertakes international trade, agricultural development, overseas construction, industrial investment, etc.

Wang Xiangyu, director general of Weihai Huatan Supply Chain Management Company Limited, said the company started to import Tanzanian wine in 2018 and became the exclusive import agent of Tanzanian wine, with a cumulative import quantity of over 30,000 cases.

Wang said by introducing Tanzanian wine to the Chinese market, Chinese consumers will have a wider and richer choice of wine varieties, allowing goods from Africa to appear on the tables of more and more Chinese consumers.

Some wine brands produced by Alko will be displayed at the third edition of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo slated for June 29 to July 2 in Changsha, the capital of central China's Hunan Province.

"The fair will be an opportunity for us to have our wines showcased on an international level, and our company is looking forward to more sales to China," said Kato. 

This photo taken on June 24, 2023 shows grapes growing at a vineyard on the outskirts of Dodoma, Tanzania. Tanzania, despite not having an international reputation as a wine producer, is home to the second-largest wine-producing region in sub-Saharan Africa after South Africa. (Xinhua/Xie Hao)

William Swai, a grape farmer, checks the growth of grapes at a vineyard on the outskirts of Dodoma, Tanzania, on June 24, 2023. Tanzania, despite not having an international reputation as a wine producer, is home to the second-largest wine-producing region in sub-Saharan Africa after South Africa. (Photo by Herman Emmanuel/Xinhua)

This photo taken on June 24, 2023 shows several bottles of wine produced in Dodoma, Tanzania. Tanzania, despite not having an international reputation as a wine producer, is home to the second-largest wine-producing region in sub-Saharan Africa after South Africa. (Photo by Herman Emmanuel/Xinhua)
MOGADISHU, June 28 (Xinhua) -- African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) said on Wednesday that its troops have handed over two more military bases, bringing to four the number of bases that have so far been taken over by the Somali security forces.

ATMIS said the bases handed over on Tuesday include Adale in Hirshabelle State which was occupied by the Burundi National Defence Forces (BNDF) and Albao in Southwest State, which was under the responsibility of the Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF).

Jean Claude Niyiburana, ATMIS Burundi contingent commander, handed over the Adale base to Saney Abdulle, Somali National Army (SNA) brigade commander.

Niyiburana called on the Somali security forces taking over the position to remain vigilant and continue the fight to defeat al-Shabaab and secure the local population.

"You know this area better and al-Shabaab continues to target Somali security forces and ATMIS troops across all sectors. Stay vigilant as the enemy does not rest," Niyiburana said in a statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.

The other two military bases that have already been handed over to the SNA include Haji-Ali and Mirtiquo.

Milton Katarinyeba, ATMIS military chief of operations officer, appealed to the Somali security forces to protect the local populations from al-Shabaab attacks.

ATMIS is withdrawing 2,000 troops by the end of June in compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2628 and 2670 which require ATMIS to gradually transfer security responsibilities to the Somali security forces.

Abdulle assured that the Somali forces were ready to secure the country and defeat al-Shabab. "We have made progress in the war against al-Shabaab, and we will stay the course and defeat them."

Steven Kashagama, ATMIS commander of Albao military base, expressed confidence in the SNA to secure the population and defend the area against al-Shabaab.

"We are handing over the security responsibility for Albao and the neighboring areas to the Somali security forces. For the time I have been with them, they have shown charisma, energy, and resilience. I have no doubt they are ready to secure the population," Kashagama said. 
The border police from Lunga Sector have detected, in the last 24 hours, two groups of 10 Bangladeshi citizens trying to illegally cross the border into Serbia, all of them holders of employment visas, legally entered the Romanian territory.

According to a press release issued by the Territorial Inspectorate of Border Police (ITPF) Timisoara, the first group consisting of three people heading for the border with Serbia, was detected on Tuesday evening by a border patrol team from Lunga Sector, on a border surveillance mission, about 50 meters from the border line.

A few hours later, another team from the same border sector, on a border surveillance and control mission, observed a group of seven persons moving on foot about 200 meters from the border line towards the territory of the neighboring state.

In both cases, border guards took specific action, following which they detected the 10 foreign citizens who did not justify their presence in the border area. The persons in question were picked up and transported to the Border Police Headquarters for investigations, where it was established that they are Bangladeshi citizens, aged between 22 and 45 years old, all of them holders of employment visas, having legally entered the Romanian territory.

The border police are investigating the case for attempted fraudulent crossing of the state border. The Bangladeshi citizens were handed over to the Regional Centre for Procedures and Accommodation of Asylum Seekers in Timisoara, and the necessary legal measures will be taken once the investigations are completed.
The National Public Health Institute (INSP) informs that in the week of June 19 - 25, 42.9 percent of the COVID-19 cases in Romania were reported by Bucharest City and the counties of Dolj, Iasi, Dambovita and Galati combined.

As many as 586 new cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were registered in the reporting period, and 9 COVID-related deaths.

According to the Weekly Supervision Report, 48.4 percent of the confirmed cases were in persons not vaccinated against COVID-19.

Among the vaccinated who got sick, 45.9 percent were either immediately after vaccination or more than six months after the last dose.

INSP says that 57.2 percent of the total deaths were were in unvaccinated people.

As of today, 86.6 percent of all COVID-19 deaths were in people over 60 years old, and 54.7 percent - in men, with 93.8 percent of the deaths having occurred in patients with at least one underlying condition.
In phone conversation, ForMin Odobescu, OIF's Mushikiwabo discuss promoting Francophonie.

Romania's Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu on Wednesday had a telephone conversation with Secretary General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) Louise Mushikiwabo discussing ways to deepen Romania's cooperation with OIF, told Agerpres.

According to the Romanian Foreign Ministry (MAE), the two dignitaries reaffirmed their commitment to continued contribution to the promotion of La Francophonie and its values. There was also an exchange of opinions regarding the current state in the Francophone area.

"The Romanian foreign minister reiterated the constant and substantial support that Romania gives to OIF and the important role of Romania in supporting the Francophonie, an aspect of particular importance especially amidst the 30th anniversary in 2023 of Romania's OIF membership."

Mushikiwabo congratulated Odobescu on Odobescu's recent office appointment and emphasised the organisation's interest in deepening co-operation with Romania, a beacon state of La Francophonie in Central and Eastern Europe.
Interior Minister Catalin Predoiu on Wednesday met Jose Antonio Hernandez Perez-Solorzano, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain in Bucharest, the country that will hold the rotating EU presidency in the second semestre of this year, the two officials having mentioned, during the discussions, the "very good" cooperation relations in the area of home affairs developed within the framework of the Strategic Partnership between the two countries, the Interior Ministry informed.

"The high level of cooperation at EU level and in the context of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union was mentioned, with the two countries establishing mutual support for the objectives of interest, both in the framework of bilateral relations and in the context of the priorities of the agenda during the Spanish Presidency," reads an Interior Ministry press release sent to AGERPRES.

The role of Romanian citizens residing in Spain in establishing and developing the special relationship between the two countries was also underlined.

At the proposal of Minister Predoiu, it was agreed to establish a permanent and direct dialogue with both the Spanish Interior Minister and the Spanish Ambassador in Bucharest.
COLOMBO, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's candidate Prasad Kariyawasam was elected to the UN committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families on Tuesday in New York, a statement from the foreign ministry here said on Wednesday.

Kariyawasam, a retired career diplomat, has served on the committee three times and was also the chairperson during the committee's initial formative stages, the ministry said.

In addition to Kariyawasam, candidates from Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, Turkiye, Mexico, and Burkina Faso got elected to the seven-member committee, said the ministry.

In the post-pandemic context, and the prevailing global economic situation, migrant workers are facing enormous challenges while contributing to the growth of economies across the world, said the ministry.

The nomination of a candidate to the committee by Sri Lanka is an endorsement of the country's commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of migrant workers, said the ministry.

The Committee is a body of independent experts that works to protect the rights of millions of migrant workers around the world. 
Nuclearelectrica, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) sign MoU on nuclear fuel co-operation.

S.N. Nuclearelectrica (SNN) and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) on June 28, 2023 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the field of nuclear fuel, told Agerpres.

According to a Nuclearelectrica press statement, the MoU is part of both parties' strategy to further develop fuel processing and ensure the resilience of fuel production capabilities, for the long-term operation of current nuclear power plants and new energy production facilities derived from their investment projects.

Since December 2022, Nuclearelectrica has owned the entire processing flow of the technical uranium concentrate to obtain sinterable UO2 powder. Nuclearelectrica's branch at Feldioara (Feldioara Uranium Concentrate Processing Factory) is currently operating at the nominal parameters. Nuclearelectrica has planned to refurbish and modernise its production line, with the objective to expand its business in the field of nuclear fuel management and services.

The MoU records the intention of the parties to collaborate for studying, planning and development of activities for technical uranium concentrates processing, with the purpose of potentially qualifying SNN as a potential supplier of sinterable UO2 powder by KHNP, and the exploration of possibilities for collaboration in the area of nuclear fuel bundle fabrication.

KHNP is a major player in the world of the CANDU nuclear fuel cycle, the owner and operator of the CANDU reactors in Korea, has technological knowledge and experience in the production of advanced Candu 6 (37M) fuel bundles and is interested in diversifying its sources of uranium dioxide powder with natural isotopic composition for its needs.

Nuclearelectrica SA is the national Romanian company which produces electricity, heat and nuclear fuel operating under the authority of the Romanian Ministry of Energy, with the Romanian state holding 82.49% of shares and other shareholders holding 17.50%, after floating the company on the stock exchange in 2013.

The CNE Cernavoda branch operates two CANDU nuclear units, which are two of the most high-performance units among the more than 400 nuclear plants in the world, a nuclear fuel factory and is in the process of carrying out an integrated fuel cycle through the procurement of a uranium concentrate processing line, in order to support the long-term investment projects of the company.

Nuclearelectrica has a major role at national level, contributing more than 18% of the nuclear energy to the total energy production and 33% to the total CO2-free energy production in Romania.
Romanians consider health a priority (41.5%), however only 27% say they can remember measures proposed by the Governments in the past years, according to the Public Health Barometer, launched on Wednesday, at the Romanian Academy Library.

According to the survey, presented by the director of the Larics Sociological Research Center (CCSL), PhD Associate Professor Darie Cristea, of the 27%, 58% recall measures related to the management of the COVID-19 pandemic and only 9.2% recall other types of public health campaigns - screening programmes, prevention of certain diseases.

More than half of Romanians (55.6%) say they trust vaccines in general, 44% have little and very little trust, the main source of information in this area being the family doctor (72.2%).

The family doctor's office is the most preferred location for a possible vaccination (73.5%), with about 45% of the research subjects considering that it would not be good to be able to get immunized in a pharmacy.

The survey highlights that awareness of the main types of vaccines is much higher than in 2020, with the (anti)flu vaccine being by far the most popular of the common ones.

When asked where they get information about medicines or diseases, more than 70% of Romanians indicated their family doctor or specialist as a source. Between 25% and 30% get their information (and) from different sources on the internet - generalist websites, official websites, forums, social networks.

According to the barometer, in general, the public tends to regard private hospitals as superior to state hospitals, with the only dimension in which state hospitals are seen by more respondents as better than private hospitals being the ability to treat serious cases - 53.5% believe that state hospitals are better in this aspect, and 43% private hospitals.

The biggest problem of the Romanian medical system, far behind others, is, according to the survey, insufficient medical staff (indicated by 32.5% in a list of eight possible problems).

The Romanian Academy's Political Science and International Relations Institute (ISPRI) and the LARICS Sociological Research Centre (CCSLARICS), in partnership with the Romanian Association of International Medicines Producers (ARPIM), launched on Wednesday, under the aegis of the Medical Sciences Section of the Romanian Academy, the third edition of the Romanian Public Health Barometer.

The barometer analyses Romanians' perceptions on: positioning of health as an area of interest, public perception of health policies, vaccination, telemedicine, sources of information, private vs. public hospitals, access to innovative medicines, clinical trials, trust in health insurance.

The survey, of multistratified, probabilistic type, was conducted through telephone, by LARICS, on behalf of the ARPIM, between 9 and 23 June, on a sample of 1,000 people in Bucharest and in all Romanian counties based on a telephone questionnaire. The survey is representative of the non-institutionalised population of Romania aged 18 and over. The maximum margin of error of the data is plus/minus 3.1% at 95% confidence.
The General Inspectorate of the Border Police (IGPR) informs that on Tuesday, 107,297 people entered Romania through the border points, of whom 14,205 were Ukrainian citizens.

According to a press release sent to AGERPRES on Wednesday, approximately 214,900 people, Romanian and foreign citizens, with approximately 53,800 means of transport, passed the control formalities through the border points throughout the country, both inbound and outbound.

Starting with February 10, 2022 (pre-conflict period), 4,741,427 Ukrainian citizens entered Romania.

In the areas of competence, the crossing points and the "green border", the police found 58 illegal acts (38 crimes and 20 misdemeanors) committed by both Romanian and foreign citizens, and the value of the contravention fines applied amounts to 30,300 RON.

Goods were seized for confiscation in the amount of approximately 93,800 RON.

On Tuesday, 14 foreign citizens who did not meet the conditions provided for by law were not allowed to enter the country, and 26 Romanian citizens were also not allowed to leave for various legal reasons.
President Iohannis promulgates law repealing special pensions of MPs.

President Klaus Iohannis promulgated on Wednesday the law repealing the special pensions of MPs.

The law, initiated by Social Democratic Party (PSD) deputy Alfred Simonis, amends Law No. 96/2006 on the status of deputies and senators, in the sense of repealing the provisions of Chapter XI that concerns the granting of the right to the entitlement for the age limit of deputies and senators, told Agerpres.

"From the date of entry into force of the present law, the payment of entitlements for age limit granted based on the provisions of article 49 of Law No.96/2006 on the Statute of Deputies and Senators, republished in the Official Journal of Romania, Part I, No. 49 of 22 January 2016, with subsequent amendments and additions, shall cease," the normative act stipulates.

Law No. 96/2006 on the Statute of Deputies and Senators republished in the Official Journal of Romania, Part I, No. 49 of 22 January 2016, with subsequent amendments and additions, as well as those introduced by this law, will be republished in the Official Journal of Romania, giving the texts a new numbering, the normative act also establishes.
President Iohannis: Strategic Partnership with the United States guides Romania's foreign, security policy.

The Strategic Partnership with the United States will continue to guide Romania's foreign and security policy, President Klaus Iohannis said on Wednesday, at the ceremony marking the Independence Day, told Agerpres.

He recalled the firm commitment of the US president "to defend every centimetre of allied territory."

"As a concrete manifestation of this commitment, thousands of American soldiers are today in Romania, contributing, together with their Romanian, French, Dutch, Belgian and other allied nations' comrades, to ensuring our security and the Euro-Atlantic space. I assure you of the full cooperation of the Romanian authorities in creating the best conditions for a persistent presence, we hope even permanent, in Romania, of the forces of our main strategic partner," he pointed out on the said occasion.

The head of state also spoke about the decision of the United States to develop a Black Sea Security Strategy, "to which Romania contributed substantially, conceptually."

"This strategy is based on a comprehensive approach in political terms, in terms of security, economic cooperation, energy security and democratic resilience. It is Romania's vision that we have actively promoted in our dialogue with the United States, but also at the level of the European Union, of NATO and at the regional level," the President pointed out.

President Iohannis emphasized that "the Black Sea can and must play its natural role as an interconnector between Europe and Central Asia, becoming a space of security and prosperity for the riparian states and not only."

"In this complicated regional and international context, Romania will continue to be a factor of stability, a contributor to the resilience and security of the Black Sea region and an active participant in the development and strengthening of the transatlantic relationship. Along with the fact that we are a member of the European Union and an ally within NATO, the Strategic Partnership with the United States will continue to guide Romania's foreign and security policy," he pointed out.

The President recalled the current security situation. "Today, in the immediate vicinity of Romania, Russia acts against the fundamental principles of the UN Charter. The territorial sovereignty of Ukraine, its right to an independent foreign policy and even its right to exist are explicitly denied. We are faced with unilateral attempts to rewrite, reinterpret or selectively apply the basic principles of the international order, in order to return to an era of spheres of influence, in which Moscow can determine at its discretion the degree of freedom, sovereignty and the route of the borders of its neighbors," he pointed out.

Consequently, the United States of America and Romania, together with European partners and allies, "have acted and continue to act in support of Ukraine and all vulnerable partners in the Black Sea region."

Iohannis recalled the situation in the Republic of Moldova, a country that "faces unprecedented hybrid attacks on its stability and resilience, attacks provoked and supported by the Russian Federation."

"Together, Romania and the United States support Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova to ensure security, stability and their European path, as democracies and resilient economies. Their support means strengthening regional and transatlantic security, the security of Romania and Romanian citizens," the head of state added.

President Iohannis also mentioned, in his speech, that "Romania will continue to actively collaborate with its American partners in order to achieve the common goal of including our country in the Visa Waiver Programme."
President Klaus Iohannis will attend the European Council meeting in Brussels on Thursday and Friday, the Presidential Administration informs.

According to a press release sent to AGERPRES on Wednesday, the meeting will begin with a working lunch with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, which will be an opportunity to discuss the challenges and common approaches at the level of the two organisations in the context of the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine.

Subsequently, during the working sessions, European leaders will discuss the situation in Ukraine, in the light of recent developments on the ground and in the Russian Federation, the need to maintain strong European support for Ukraine at all levels, as well as the implementation of sanctions and the continuation of efforts to hold Moscow accountable for crimes committed in Ukraine.

In continuation to those agreed at the European Council meeting in March, the leaders' discussions will also focus on progress towards ensuring the EU's long-term competitiveness and strengthening the Single Market and industrial policy, and will address issues of EU resilience and economic security. A discussion is also planned on the implementation of previous security and defence decisions, aimed at strengthening the technological and industrial base of European defence.

EU leaders will also have an exchange of views on the progress in the implementation of the February European Council Conclusions on migration, the letter sent by the President of the European Commission in preparation of this debate, including the pilot project developed by Romania at the border with Serbia as an example of concrete progress in the efficient management of EU's external border.

The European Council meeting will continue the strategic discussion on China, in the context of the EU's multi-faceted approach towards this partner, the Presidential Administration added.

In terms of foreign relations, the leaders will review the stage of preparations for the EU-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Summit to be held in July, as well as the European Union's relations with the Southern Neighbourhood, the EU accession process of the Western Balkans and recent developments in the Belgrade-Pristina relationship.

"In a global context marked by multiple crises, challenges and unpredictable developments, in the run-up to the European Council meeting, President Klaus Iohannis has promoted the need to reinvigorate efforts to strengthen the EU's crisis preparedness and response capacity through relevant mechanisms, in particular the Union Civil Protection Mechanism, which has consistently demonstrated its importance and added value," the Presidential Administration said.
three foreign nationals transferred from Austria, Germany and Switzerland under the Dublin Regulation, have been taken into custody by the Romanian authorities pending their removal from the country, the General Immigration Inspectorate (IGI) reported on Wednesday

According to IGI, Bucharest immigration police officers on Tuesday checked three men transferred from Austria, Germany and Switzerland under the Dublin Regulation in the Otopeni accommodation centre for foreigners taken into public custody pending their removal from the country.

The persons in question, aged between 19 and 50, are suspected of illegally crossing the state border. They were picked up yesterday at the Henri Coanda - Otopeni Airport Border Crossing Point.

Upon exiting the country, the men will be banned from entering any member state of the European Union, the European Economic Area or the Swiss Confederation for five years, in accordance with the provisions of Government Emergency Ordinance 194 /2002 regarding foreigners in Romania, as subsequently amended and supplemented.
U.S. Ambassador: Romania, United States want to build democratic societies.

Romania and the United States want to build democratic, more inclusive and more prosperous societies, said the US ambassador in Bucharest, Kathleen Kavalec, on Wednesday, at the Independence Day reception, told Agerpres.

The diplomat recalled that this mission in Bucharest made her return to Romania, after 15 years. In fact, most of her speech was delivered in Romanian.

"Democratic values are at the heart of our strong and sustainable strategic partnership. Romania and the United States want to build democratic, more inclusive and more prosperous societies in which our peoples and our children and their children can flourish and succeed," she pointed out.

Kathleen Kavalec also spoke about the war close to Romania's border. "These common values are the reason why we remain united against Russia's unprovoked and terrible attack on Ukraine. Together with our NATO allies, we offer support to the Ukrainian people in these difficult times. Romanians welcomed with open arms, with tea and cozonac [traditional cake], the millions of Ukrainian refugees. The Romanian government provides invaluable help to Ukraine. Your generosity is touching and will not be forgotten," she said.

In this context, Kathleen Kavalec emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership.

"Russia's aggression clearly demonstrates why our strategic partnership, which has been growing stronger for 25 years, is so important for our defense and resistance", pointed out Kathleen Kavalec.

She recalled that over 3,000 American troops are in Romania. "This presence not only allows us to train together, to improve the capabilities of our allies, but also helps us ensure that Romania's borders are secured and that we can sleep more peacefully," added the ambassador.

The diplomat talked about the connection between the two countries, in several fields, including IT, and emphasized that "Romanian is the second language spoken in Microsoft branches all over the world".

"From George Enescu and Maria Tanase, to Louis Armstrong and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, we enjoyed a series of exchanges and cooperation in the artistic, educational and business fields, which intensified, in the context in which our world has become more interconnected than ever," she said.

This year's reception is dedicated to the city of San Diego, California and "pays tribute to the history, people and diversity that have made the United States of America the vibrant democracy it is today."

In this sense, in the space dedicated to the event, symbolic cars for the spirit of California, surfboards and a graffiti wall created by Romanian artists were exhibited.

"Today, San Diego honors the legacy of its first inhabitants, welcoming with open arms newcomers and immigrants from all over the world, including Romania," she said about her hometown.

Kathleen Kavalec emphasized that in this area Spanish is the second language spoken. "Like San Diego, many of our cities have Spanish names. We love Mexican food, which you can taste tonight," Kavalec said.
Vama Buzaului, located at the foothills of the Ciucas Mountains, is the eighth ecotourism destination in Romania, having obtained the recognition of the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism (MEAT), informs the ministry in a press release.

"I congratulate the local administration of Vama Buzaului for its firm commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and environmental conservation and protection initiatives! Moreover, this example of good practice, now on the list of Romania's ecotourism destinations, should be replicated by more and more localities with valuable cultural and natural heritage. In this way, we can build a sustainable future for all of us, but especially for the generations to come," said the minister of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, Stefan Radu Oprea.

The certification was granted after the verification of the fulfillment, on the ground, of the 100 eligibility criteria, provided for in the National Ecotourism Strategy (2019-2029). The verifications were carried out by a committee composed of specialists from MEAT, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Forests, the National Institute for Research and Development in Tourism and the Association of Ecotourism in Romania (AER).

"The picturesque settlement invites you to discover, in full harmony with nature, Valea Zimbrilor [Bison Valley] Reserve and the mountain trails that you can walk or cycle on. Moreover, traditional dishes are given pride of place here, in Vama Buzaului. This explains the existence, in this place, of the most local gastronomic spots in the whole country," the press release states.

The Ecotourism Destination Concept has been developed since 2012 by the central public authority for tourism, in partnership with institutions and representative organisations at national level (Ministry of Environment, Water and Forests, National Institute for Research and Development in Tourism and the Romanian Ecotourism Association), based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC) and the European Ecotourism Standard (EETLS).

At the time (2012), Romania was the first country in Europe to launch such a system of recognition of ecotourism destinations.
People gather at a livestock market ahead of the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, in al-Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, on June 26, 2023. The Palestinians have felt the pinch of a high cost of living as they celebrate the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha after the prices of the livestock soared in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

RAMALLAH/GAZA, June 28 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinians have felt the pinch of a high cost of living as they celebrate the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, after the prices of the livestock soared in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

In a crowded livestock market in the West Bank city of Nablus, most of the visitors balked at the prohibitive prices even though vendors were willing to accept monthly installments.

"All my efforts have failed, because the people are really suffering from economic crises in our territories," Hassan Arafat, a merchant in the market, told Xinhua, adding that he had only sold five of his 15 sheep.

"It seems that I will incur losses this year," he lamented.

Emad Nobani, another merchant in the market, attributed the soaring prices of sacrificial animals to the higher cost of fodder, noting that three years ago, the fodder price per ton was 400 U.S. dollars, now it stood at 700 dollars.

"The purchasing activities this year are weak. People come to the livestock market to watch and inquire about the prices without buying anything," Nobani said.

In another market in the Palestinian city of Ramallah, Hazem Ismail, a government employee, found that he couldn't afford the Eid sacrifice for the first time in years because of the high prices.

"I buy sheep and sacrifice every year, but the hard-living situation that my six-member family and I am struggling with this year deprives me of purchasing sacrificial animals," Ismail told Xinhua, noting he has been paid only 80 percent of his salary for years.

After hours of haggling in the market, Mohammed Abu Issa, 59, managed to purchase a little sheep for 600 dollars, but he said that if the "unbelievable" prices continue to rise, he might not be able to buy any sacrifice next year.

The situation is not much different in the Gaza Strip, where the high prices of livestock have prompted many to buy them in installments or split the cost with friends.

"Every year we slaughter the sacrifice, but this year we have to buy it in installments because of the bad economic situation," Mohammed Badawi, a man who visited a livestock market in Gaza with his friends to co-buy a calf, told Xinhua.

"The situation in Gaza is getting more and more difficult ... I go out every day early in the morning and worked until the end of the day, but I can barely provide for the family members," said Hani al-Rifi, a 60-year-old owner of a fruit shop in Gaza, told Xinhua. 

People put a sheep on a truck at a livestock market ahead of the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, in the West Bank city of Nablus, on June 26, 2023. The Palestinians have felt the pinch of a high cost of living as they celebrate the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha after the prices of the livestock soared in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)
WENTZVILLE  The trucks produced by GMs auto plant here will remain significant even as the company moves toward its pledge to sell only electric passenger vehicles by 2035, a GM company official told a gathering of business leaders Wednesday. But he didnt say if the plant would one day shift to electric vehicles, too.

The plants rise in the electric economy would be a boon to the St. Louis region, and its loss, a blow. Local civic leaders are betting on advanced manufacturing as a driver of growth for the area, identifying it as a top priority in regional workforce plans, with ambitions for an innovation center for the industry in north St. Louis.

The trucks made at GMs Wentzville plant, which opened in 1983 and now employs more than 4,000 people, just wrapped up a $1.5 billion upgrade to ready the factory to make the latest models of the companys midsize trucks. The investment was included in the labor contract the company reached with the United Auto Workers after GM workers nationwide went on strike in 2019.

But, nationally, General Motors is in the midst of a series of investments in electric vehicle and battery production sites around the country. The company stated a goal of selling only electric passenger vehicles by 2035.

That announcement had raised questions about the role of the Wentzville assembly plant, where workers make vans and midsize trucks. On Wednesday, Lamar Rucker, plant executive director of the Wentzville facility, said the models made in Wentzville will remain significant well into the 2030s.

Realistically, not everybodys ready to transition over to EVs, Rucker said.

Typically the cycle for a new vehicle launch that would require a plant retrofit is around 7 to 10 years, Rucker said, with a midcycle enhancement somewhere in between.

Greater St. Louis Inc. identified advanced manufacturing as a priority in the 2030 Jobs Plan, and local officials envision an advanced manufacturing innovation center in north St. Louis, where companies could collaborate with academic researchers on technology, production processes and worker training.

That push wont be without its challenges. Manufacturers have been struggling with labor shortages and an aging workforce. At the panel Wednesday, Greater St. Louis CEO Jason Hall said the region needs to demonstrate to young people that there are good job opportunities available to them in advanced manufacturing, without a four-year degree.

If we dont do that, its going to be hard to continue to sustain these manufacturing wins, Hall said. Which, in my view, are critical.

Still, local companies and schools have been expanding workforce development programs that aim to funnel workers into companies like GM and Boeing. Theyre trying to overcome old perceptions about manufacturing jobs, and reaching out to students as young as elementary school.

In October, officials announced that the Israel-based ICL Group will build a $400 million plant to support EV battery production in the Carondelet neighborhood of St. Louis, bolstered by a $197 million federal grant.

Electronic vehicle sales are expected to grow dramatically in the U.S. and abroad over the next decade.

The profits from GMs internal combustion engine vehicles are expected to help support development of EVs and batteries. Workers at the Wentzville plant now make two new models of midsize trucks: The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. The body shops and paint shop were updated, and new tooling was added in the general assembly areas.

Still, Rucker hinted there is hope for Wentzvilles long-term future: He said he imagines sites that only make internal combustion engine cars now will eventually go through a transitional period into the EV market.

One GM plant in Michigan, between the cities of Detroit and Hamtramck, was built in 1985 and has been transformed into a dedicated EV assembly plant.

Asked whether the Wentzville plant could be retrofitted to make EVs, Rucker responded that the company is always studying things.

But dont lose sight of the fact that we are a big contributor to GM right now, Rucker said.
The day before this newspaper published a story about a mountain lion that was struck by a car near Villa Ridge in Franklin County, I was walking in Forest Parks Kennedy Forest when I looked into the brush and locked eyes with the most dangerous wild beast in North America  a deer.

Of the roughly 460 Americans killed each year in confrontations with wildlife, around 440 of them are killed in confrontations with deer. Confrontations as in car crashes. Those guesstimates come from a recent story in the Washington Post. Fear the Deer, was the headline.

Fortunately for me, I was not in a car when I had my confrontation.

I once heard Jeffrey Bonner, former CEO of the St. Louis Zoo, talk about being stared at by a lion. He said he had often looked at lions in the zoo, and they had looked back at him, but it was not with any intensity. He had a totally different experience on a photo safari in Africa. The jeep stopped near a small pride of lions that were hanging out under a tree near the road. Bonner said one of the lions suddenly seemed to focus on him. There was nothing casual about it. The lion locked in on him. It was a terrifying moment, Bonner said.

Predator and prey. How deep does that fear go in our genetic makeup?

Deer and humans have had an entirely different relationship through the eons. No prehistoric mother ever lovingly warned her child, "Watch out for deer while youre playing on the savannah."

At any rate, the deer and I locked eyes, but it was, I think, strictly curiosity on both our parts.

A similar thing had happened to me once before. With a person, not a deer. I was about 12 years old, and I was headed from my home on the south side of Chicago to Wrigley Field on the north side. Children in those times had a great deal of independence. Summer days were blank slates. We could be gone all day.

I took the Halsted Street bus to 63rd Street where I transferred to the El, which was, and is, an elevated train that ran right next to apartments. As the train slowed approaching a station, passengers could look into the apartments and, of course, the apartment dwellers could look into the trains. As we pulled into a station, I saw a Black boy about my age sitting at a kitchen table. Our eyes locked.

Chicago was a very segregated place. There were no Black kids in my grammar school. The most exotic child in my school was Jewish.

For some odd reason, that encounter on the train has stuck with me. Probably not with the other child. He probably locked eyes with lots of white kids.

Same thing with the deer. He has probably already forgotten our encounter. If you hang around near a walking path in Forest Park, you see lots of people.

Or maybe youre thinking the deer is so dumb, he cant remember. Thats the kind of reputation deer have. Always running in front of cars and then stopping. Like a deer in the headlights.

People I admire dont like deer. Rats with long legs, is how Kevin Horrigan described them. Kevin was a columnist for this paper and the St. Louis Sun, and a talker for KMOX and KTRS. John Hoffmann, who writes the West County Whirl, once ridiculed a plan to sterilize deer in order to curb their population in West County. If a deer comes through your windshield, will you feel better knowing it has had a hysterectomy? he asked.

On the other hand, PBS viewers might remember Joe Hutto. He is to mule deer what Dian Fossey was to gorillas and Jane Goodall is to chimpanzees. Hutto spent several years becoming part of a wild herd of mule deer. This led to a TV series, Touching the Wild," and a book. Hutto had previously bonded with wild turkeys. My Life as a Turkey, came from that.

The TV series about the deer was fascinating, and it made me appreciate deer. On the other hand, how smart can those deer be if they thought Hutto was one of them? He was the only member of the herd who wore a cowboy hat. Shouldnt that have been a clue?

Im being facetious, of course. The deer knew he was different and still accepted him. Im sure there is a lesson for us in that. We can learn from the deer.

Not all animals are accepting. Timothy Treadwell spent summers mingling with grizzly bears in Alaska. He said his relationship with bears had helped him get free of heroin and alcohol. He said being around bears was the only way to understand them. Many biologists said he was nuts. On his last trip, he took his girlfriend, who was reportedly afraid of bears. Her fears were well founded. A bear killed them both. It was, as you can imagine, a horrific scene.

My daughter graduated with a degree in biology from the University of Illinois, joined Teach for America and taught high school biology in the northern California city of Richmond. She showed her class a documentary about Treadwell. It was called Grizzly Man. Lorna explained that there were two schools of thought about Treadwell. Some people pointed to Goodall and Fossey, and others, the majority, said that Treadwell was a foolish thrill-seeker.

After the students watched the documentary, Lorna asked for comments. One girl said she didnt feel sorry for him. He got all up in the bears business, she said.

That comment stuck with me. Words to live by. Dont get all up in the bears business.

The deer and I looked at each other for a long moment. I turned away first.
JEFFERSON CITY  A new report is raising questions about what a small town Missouri mayor did with more than $66,000 in taxpayer funds.

In a report released Wednesday, state Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick said the former acting mayor of Holland, located in Missouris Bootheel region, failed to deposit money to pay city utility bills in city accounts. A review of Acting Mayor Jessica Roachs personal bank accounts noted large cash deposits totaling the same amount that wasnt placed in city coffers, the audit said.

Fitzpatricks report recommends the involvement of law enforcement for possible criminal prosecution.

The audit uncovered an egregious breach of public trust as it appears the former acting mayor lined her own pockets with city funds, Fitzpatrick said.

Roachs attorney, Terry McVey, said he expects criminal charges to be filed against his client. He declined further comment.

The audit of the Pemiscot County town of about 190 residents near the Arkansas border began under former state Auditor Nicole Galloway following a request by the city council. It covers a period beginning in 2018 and ending in April 2021 when Roach served as mayor.

During her tenure, Roach did not appoint aldermen to fill vacant posts or schedule a special election to be called in accordance with city code, which allowed her and the part-time city clerks to manage the city without oversight, the audit noted.

In addition to the $66,000, the audit found Roach did not pay for her utility services totaling $2,036 or her city property taxes totaling $213. She also improperly paid herself $300.

Roach also hired and paid her daughter $800 to serve as the city clerk for three months in violation of the state constitutions prohibition on nepotism.

Fitzpatrick said Roach told auditors that the cash deposits into her personal accounts were a result of the sale of vaping devices, T-shirts and fireworks.

But, according to the report, if every vaping device that she ordered was sold and the cash proceeds deposited into the acting mayors personal bank account, the vaping devices would have been sold at a 265% markup.

Auditors also found that Roach used $9,215 in money orders to pay down her credit card balance, suggesting that missing city cash receipts may have been used to purchase the money orders.

Her claim that the huge influx of cash into her personal account was the result of personal businesses she started does not hold up under scrutiny, and her decision to hire her own daughter as city clerk is a blatant violation of the Missouri Constitution, Fitzpatrick said. The people of Holland deserve justice and my office will continue to work with the current city administration and law enforcement to ensure the former acting mayor is held accountable.
O'FALLON, Mo.  Four local police departments are testing a phone alert system that would warn drivers when there is a police chase, traffic stop or other emergency response nearby.

The recently launched trial comes amid a debate sparked by several local, high-profile police chases in the last year and a half, several of which killed bystanders.

Police in St. Charles County, Jefferson County, St. Louis and St. Louis County are participating in beta testing of the technology, called MakeWay Safety, and on Tuesday several of the departments demonstrated its capabilities at a news conference in O'Fallon. The technology tracks a user's location and sends alerts when there is police or other emergency activity near them.

Tuesday's demonstration featured a downloadable app, but Mike Walsh, founder of the St. Louis-based company, said that is not the end goal. His goal is to eventually have phones come already equipped with the technology, similar to AMBER Alerts, which alert people to missing children.

"Our intention here is to garner the attention of the major cell carriers and car manufacturers so that its actually embedded into their operating system," Walsh said. "We think we're very, very close to having a deployable technology."

Walsh said the technology has taken his company about seven years to develop and that the trial period is a way for his company to gather data specific to each jurisdiction. The company has previously worked with police departments in Kirkwood, Eureka and Antonia.

The trial is free for the four departments, and it will continue through the summer. Each department has equipped five police cars with the technology, which is activated automatically when a police car's emergency lights are turned on.

"That makes it very easy for first responders. ... You can do what you've always done and get more out of it," Jefferson County spokesman Grant Bissell said.

Once activated, the software doesn't just use a vehicle's location to determine where alerts should be sent, Walsh said. Instead, it uses granular information such as a car's distance from the emergency vehicle and how fast the car is traveling in an effort to give drivers "ample time" to make way for the first responder.

If the technology doesn't detect movement that indicates a user is in a vehicle, that person would not receive the alert.

"We don't want to fatigue people. You're not going to pay attention to that, and so that's why it's good to keep it in that isolated area," said St. Louis County Sgt. Tracy Panus. "This app is going to help with both officer safety and the public's safety. So it's a win-win situation."

Both St. Louis and St. Louis County have been at the center of recent debates about police pursuits.

Following several deadly chases last year, the local NAACP chapter called in a federal mediator to facilitate discussions between the organization and both police departments, hoping to set parameters for when police chases are warranted. Police spokespeople and St. Louis NAACP President Adolphus Pruitt told the Post-Dispatch in April they are close to reaching an agreement.

St. Louis County police policy, similar to other local departments, allows for chases when police believe a felony has been committed or a person poses a threat to themselves or the community.

This year, the department has seen a significant increase in pursuits due in large part to staffing changes, St. County police Capt. Brian Schellman previously said.

In all, St. Louis County police chased 42 people through the end of May this year. During the first five months of 2022, they chased 17. In all of 2019, they chased 31 people, according to data presented at a recent police commissioner's meeting.

Panus on Tuesday said that police pursuits cannot always be avoided. Other officials agreed, noting that when a driver refuses to pull over officers must weigh the risks, and sometimes a chase is the best option.

"Pursuits are a necessary evil in the police business," said Bissell, the spokesperson for Jefferson County police. "They are kind of a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation."

Walsh said his company is hopeful that within 30 to 45 days after the trial ends this summer, the departments will make a formal commitment to use the technology in all of their police cars. The company would still need to lobby for the technology to be included on phones when they're manufactured.
ST. LOUIS  Kacy Shahid has resigned as principal of Central Visual and Performing Arts High School after writing about the trauma of surviving a school shooting.

A graduate of the school on south Kingshighway broke into the school Oct. 24 with an assault rifle and killed sophomore Alexzandria Bell, 15, and health teacher Jean Kuczka, 61, and wounded four other students.

In the days following the shooting, Shahid represented the school at press conferences, vigils and the funerals and even helped Alexzandrias mother, Keisha Acres, pick out the teenagers casket. The principal became a prominent voice for post-traumatic stress and the need for gun legislation.

Students returned to virtual classes in November and in-person at CVPA in January. Shahid, who was the beloved principal of the school for eight years, then took a sabbatical to focus on my personal growth and healing journey, she wrote in a Facebook post in March.

I understand post-traumatic growth and the changes and transformations that can occur after a traumatic situation. However, the weeks/months following the event were overwhelming and I was challenged as I attempted to prioritize my self-care needs, Shahid wrote.

Shahid wrote a guided self-care journal called Heartwork in the spring and has recently spoken about trauma-informed care at various education conferences. Earlier this month, she traveled to Washington to meet with lawmakers including U.S. Rep. Cori Bush, D-St. Louis, to discuss school safety and gun violence legislation. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona released a video of Shahid and other educators who had survived school shootings.

I would describe this as my worst nightmare, Shahid says in the video. Theres not a day that goes by that I dont think about Jean Kuczka and Alexzandria Bell. Theres not a day that goes by where I dont think about my students who are survivors and my teachers who are survivors. ... Extending grace is the best thing we can ask for right now and having compassion is what I would say is needed.

After the shooting, Shahid became one of 22 members of the Principal Recovery Network with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, a support group formed in 2019. Half of the groups members have now left the schools where they experienced a shooting.

The school district confirmed Shahids departure on Wednesday.

We at Saint Louis Public Schools are sad to see Dr. Kacy Shahid leave as principal of her alma mater, Central Visual and Performing Arts High School (CVPA). She will be greatly missed by all of us at SLPS, and, most notably, her CVPA family, the district said in a statement. Despite our disappointment, we support her aspirations and wish her the very best in her future endeavors.

Shahid did not respond to a request for comment.

A spokesman for SLPS said there are three openings for principals among the districts 60 schools. Amy Phillips, principal of Gateway STEM High School in south St. Louis, told her staff this week that she is taking a job at CVPA.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch. June 23, 2023.

Editorial: Too many in Missouri think birth control is illegal. State leaders must fix that.

It is perhaps an understandable phenomenon, but a disturbing one, that large swaths of Missourians today wrongly believe standard birth control pills are illegal in Missouri, and a majority wrongly believe that so-called morning after pills have been banned.

It isnt a case of wishful thinking. A strong majority (including more than 80% of Republicans in the state) believe birth control should be legal and available. But too many just dont understand that it is.

Thats according to a recent survey that vividly demonstrates just how much Missouris extremist new abortion ban has impacted reproductive medical services and information for women. The states Republican leadership should take the lead in getting word out that birth control is legal in the state, and should consider ramping up state services that would make the pill more affordable and available.

Missouri was the first state to ban abortion services upon the overturn of Roe v. Wade a year ago, and it remains among the most extreme bans in the country. Almost all abortions are outlawed from the moment of conception, even in cases of rape or incest, with the sole exception being a vaguely defined medical emergency. Doctors who violate the ban can face up to 15 years in prison.

Not only is the law onerous, but the rhetoric around it from the more radical quarter of the states Republican legislative majority has led to understandable fears that they arent done.

Some lawmakers last year suggested that a Missouri ban should be enforced with tactics including censoring information available to Missouri women and blocking them from obtaining out-of-state abortions.

There are some that I think are OK and some that I dont believe in, especially the morning-after pill and things that come after conception, state Sen. Denny Hoskins, R-Warrensburg, said last year, as the Legislature pondered its post-Roe possibilities. So I think anythings on the table.

Small problem: The morning-after pill isnt something after conception  it is contraception. It prevents fertilization from happening after sex by delaying ovulation until the sperm is no longer viable. But public confusion about that fact is great enough that even a Kansas City-area health network last year briefly stopped offering morning-after pills for fear of violating the new ban.

It turns out, that misconception runs deep. As the Post-Dispatchs Michele Munz reported last week, a survey of 1,000 Missourians by the independent research organization AYTM found that a quarter of Missourians didnt know standard birth control pills are legal in the state, 53% didnt know emergency contraception like the Plan B morning-after pill is legal, and 40% think intrauterine devices might not be legal.

Heres the important point: Each of those birth control methods is perfectly legal in Missouri, since none of them affects a fertilized egg. The confusion tends to be especially problematic with the morning-after pill, which is often confused with the abortion-inducing drugs Mifepristone and Misoprostol.

Its important to note that, while much of the Missouri public thinks birth control is illegal, most dont want it to be. The same survey found that 84% of respondents, including 82% of Republicans, support access to birth control, and 72%, including 75% of Republicans, think the state should help make it more affordable.

Where else in the debate over reproductive rights is there anything like that kind of consensus? It should convince Missouri Republicans that not only do they have a responsibility to continue countering the public misconception about the legality of birth control (and Gov. Mike Parson and others, to their credit, have). They should also consider that promoting birth control and making it easier to obtain is entirely in line with their anti-abortion philosophy. After all, preventing unwanted pregnancy by definition prevents abortion.

Kansas City Star. June 20, 2023.

Editorial: Josh Hawley knows better about slavery and Juneteenth. But he just wants to fight

Weve long since become accustomed to Sen. Josh Hawleys online provocations. The Missouri Republican (or perhaps his staff) is a prolific poster, one who uses Twitter not to enlighten or inform his constituents but to start fights and stir up politically useful culture wars. For the most part, we prefer to ignore his endless trolling.

Once in a while, however, Hawley posts something so mean-spirited and wildly at odds with known facts that we are compelled to respond.

It happened again this week. Hawley on Monday acknowledged the national Juneteenth holiday  which celebrates the end of slavery in the United States  with yet another bit of incitement.

Today is a good day to remember: Christianity is the faith and America is the place slavery came to die, Hawley wrote on Twitter.

Wrong.

We love our country. But it is incorrect that slavery came to America to die. Spain, Great Britain and France all abolished slavery ahead of the United States  and those countries accomplished that task without a bloody Civil War fought by millions who killed and died in the cause of keeping Black people in bondage.

Instead, slavery flourished here for more than two centuries.

Enslaved labor formed the backbone of the Southern economy and did the same for Americas startling economic growth during its early years. Cotton picked by enslaved workers was the countrys No. 1 export, and was shipped for Europe from ports in New York. Textile mills, banks and insurance companies across the country grew fat on the business generated by the cotton industry, and plowed the proceeds into dozens of other ventures.

As a result, says Cornell Universitys Edward E. Baptist, the period between American independence and the Civil War is when you see the U.S. go from being a colonial, primarily agricultural economy to being the second biggest industrial power in the world  and well on its way to becoming the largest industrial power in the world.

It is no exaggeration to say that Americas economic might was built on a foundation of enslaved labor.

Slavery did eventually die in the United States, though. That was no thanks to Southern secessionists who fought to preserve their dominance over Black people. More than 620,000 lives from both sides were lost as a result. The institution didnt die because of American goodness. It was killed, belatedly, and with horrific violence.

Hawley, it must be noted, in 2020 opposed efforts to rename American military bases named after Confederate leaders.

Similarly, Hawley offers a too-simple tale of the role of faith in the end of slavery.

Yes, the abolitionist movement was powered by Quakers and other Christians who saw the rape, murder, family separation and enforced labor of slavery as incompatible with their faith. I love the pure, peaceable, and impartial Christianity of Christ, Frederick Douglass wrote. I therefore hate the corrupt, slaveholding, women-whipping, cradle-plundering, partial and hypocritical Christianity of this land.

But enslavers also justified Black bondage using their religious faith. Both the North and South read the same Bible and pray to the same God and each invokes His aid against the other, President Abraham Lincoln observed in his second inaugural address.

Hawley, who was an honors history major at Stanford University, surely knows all of this.

The senator wasnt just factually wrong, though. He was offensive.

Juneteenth marks a day of redemption from all that terrible history. It celebrates a moment when America started (haltingly, slowly and still incompletely) to make good on the promise of liberty for all of its people, not just a privileged few. Its a day that deserves to be observed with joy, but also a dose of humility.

The senator could have celebrated that accomplishment with millions of other Americans, including many of his own constituents. Instead, he had to make it about his thing  a chance to own the libs.

What a sad and ugly display of leadership. Josh Hawley knows better. Missourians deserve better. And Juneteenth deserves to be celebrated in its own right, not as provocation from a too-online politician.

News Tribune. June 23, 2023.

Editorial: Drought should guide July 4 plans

At the risk of sounding unpatriotic, maybe you shouldnt light that fuse this year.

Cole County and the rest of Mid-Missouri are still in the throes of an extreme drought, and a big neighborhood fireworks display may not be the wisest way to celebrate our nations independence.

With the Fourth of July less than two weeks away, local and state departments are wisely expressing concern and preparing for celebrations that could end in tragedy.

Public fireworks displays offer the best sights and are the safest, and this year the fire risk posed by fireworks has increased because of drought conditions in much of Missouri, State Fire Marshal Tim Bean said in a news release. The risk that sparks from fireworks could lead to grass and natural cover fires is elevated this year. These fires can spread rapidly and pose risks to structures as well. We urge everyone to consider local conditions and use extreme caution if they choose to use consumer fireworks.

In general when burning outdoors, the Missouri Department of Conservation cautions not to burn in the wrong conditions. Those wrong conditions include dry grass and high temperatures, both of which Missouri is experiencing right now, paired with low humidity and wind.

For those who ignore those admonitions, the MDC release also notes: A person who starts a fire for any reason is responsible for any damage it may cause.

But if youre planning to light fireworks, the MDC advised avoiding dry areas where sparks could ignite a fire. That includes dry grass, leaves and other areas/materials that could act as fuel. The MDC also said to keep an approved fire extinguisher on hand and keep water nearby to put out any sparks or flames that pop up. Celebrants should also wet the ground around where the fireworks are going off.

But realistically, fireworks rarely are confined to the immediate areas where they are ignited. So be cognizant of where those aerial rockets land and ensure they dont damage your neighbors property either.

Within Cole County, residential fireworks displays are allowed.

Presiding County Commissioner Sam Bushman said the county wouldnt ban fireworks and that it wouldnt be feasible to enforce one if a ban was in place. He said fire protection district chiefs would be giving a presentation this week on how to safely use fireworks at home.

In Jefferson City, the risk of damage from fireworks should be minimal since they are illegal within the city limits.

Jason Turner, Jefferson City Fire Department division chief of prevention, offers this sage advice: Go to a public display, let the professionals handle those and enjoy them.

And one of the best public displays in the state will be right here among us. The Capital City will be staging a massive commercial fireworks display at 9:45 p.m. July 4 at the riverfront near the Capital.

Bushman also encouraged residents to go to public displays.

I would encourage people to come watch the fireworks. That way they dont have to spend a lot of money, and they can see one heck of a show. Thats probably the safest way to actually enjoy and see fireworks, Bushman said.

And your neighbors will probably thank you for it.

END
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)  A Kansas City man originally charged with assault after a shooting that left three people dead and six wounded was charged Tuesday with three counts of second-degree murder.

According to court documents, Keivon Greene, 26, was one of two suspects in the shooting early Sunday at an auto shop that was known to host after-hours parties.

The victims were Jasity J. Strong, 28; Camden M. Brown, 29; and Nikko A. Manning, 22. The six people who were wounded did not have life-threatening injuries, police said.

Greene was charged with second-degree murder in Brown and Mannings homicides and second-degree felony murder in Strong's death.

It wasn't clear if Greene fired the shot that killed Strong but he was the person who started the events that led to all three deaths, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said, making him accountable for all the deaths.

Prosecutors also charged Greene with two counts of armed criminal action. He was charged with assault on Monday.

Greene had posted $1,000 cash bond about two days before the shooting on felony charges of resisting arrest and drug possession in Independence, an eastern suburb of Kansas City, Missouri.

Baker said the motive for the shooting is under investigation but that it appears it was started by a small dispute."

Online court records do not name an attorney for Greene.
As scholars of political rhetoric, we find the special prosecutors indictment against Donald J. Trump in the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case significant: It reaffirms the role of rational argument in American democracy. Most Americans have prided themselves on engaging in rational arguments and debates to peacefully address political and legal disputes, as opposed to choosing the violence of tyrants.

Rational arguments follow a set of well-established principles and practices for deciding, in criminal cases, questions of justice, guilt, and innocence and for embodying and enacting law and order. In the Trump case, the special prosecutor wrote the indictment to rationally inform not just officers of the court  but also the general public. The goal is to show that the indictment is grounded on solid evidence and that Mr. Trump cavalierly and knowingly violated the national security protocols of the United States.

Ancient Greek and Roman rhetoricians created canons and modes of proof with which to guide and evaluate rational arguments. One canon, invention, concerns types of proof and patterns of reasoning relevant to the context at hand. As with all rational arguments, the available evidence must support particular hypotheses. The indictment consists of what the Greeks called inartistic proofs  proofs that stand on their own. They include laws, photographs, text messages, and eyewitness testimony. Layers of such proof support every charge in the indictment.

Drawing on the proofs, the indictment also uses a basic deductive reasoning pattern: People who knowingly violate certain national security laws commit serious crimes; Mr. Trump knowingly violated those national security laws; therefore, he committed serious crimes.

Another canon concerns arrangement, which should make arguments clear and straightforward. The special prosecutors indictment provides a vivid story or account of what happened from the time Mr. Trump left office to the grand jury indictment, and the special prosecutor identifies the relevant laws that were involved throughout that narrative. The discussion of the charges (counts) appears toward the end of the indictment, and these are presented in order of seriousness. Overall, the organizational pattern suggests that Mr. Trump knew that there were protocols involved in the possession and use of classified documents and that he deliberately and knowingly violated or ignored those protocols when he improperly retained and stored the documents that he kept at Mar-a-Lago.

Style relates to the language of a message and how it must be appropriate for the occasion. The style of the indictment conforms to accepted legal rules and practices. It is written in a deliberate, matter-of-fact voice, using lucid language that citizens can easily understand. Significantly, the indictment emphasizes, without overly emotion-laden phrasing, the gravity of Mr. Trumps alleged illegal mishandling of the documents and obstruction of justice.

The special prosecutors legal argument is known as a speaking indictment because it includes additional facts not generally required in a regular indictment. The extra details facilitate understanding the special prosecutors allegations regarding Mr. Trumps serious violation of national security laws.

Some of Mr. Trumps supporters reject the indictment because they claim that other prominent politicians were not prosecuted for possessing classified materials. But these claims are based on logical fallacies such as whataboutism and false equivalency, which blur important distinctions between different cases and imply the special prosecutor or the Department of Justice has unfairly persecuted Mr. Trump. The special prosecutors arguments spotlight how Mr. Trumps behaviors were not the same as what happened to other political officials and how this investigation is different from other inquiries.

Other supporters claim they refuse to read the indictment and angrily denounce it. However, the ferocity of their reactions seems to be correlated with the quality of the arguments articulated by the special prosecutor: The greater the quality of the arguments, the greater the denunciation.

In any event, many conservative legal commentators, such as former Trump Attorney General William P. Barr, have stated bluntly on several media outlets that the arguments in the indictment make it abundantly clear that Mr. Trump is responsible for his alleged illegal actions and that those arguments pose a serious threat to him.

We cannot predict whether the arguments in the indictment  based on factual allegations and legal charges  will result in Mr. Trumps conviction or acquittal. Some legal cases end with defendants found guilty and others with defendants found not guilty for many reasons beyond the arguments included in an indictment.

Still, when so many seek to smear or undermine institutions of government in the court of public opinion through threats and other rhetorical blandishments, the special prosecutors indictment employs rational arguments to make the U.S. governments case in a court of law. Regardless of political differences, Americans should welcome the indictment as a sterling example of how democratic societies employ rational arguments to peacefully resolve political and legal differences.

Kenneth Zagacki is a professor of communication at North Carolina State University. Richard Cherwitz is a communication professor emeritus at The University of Texas at Austin.
Free and fair elections across America dodged a bullet this week. A fringe legal theory that former President Donald Trumps supporters tried to use to help overturn the 2020 presidential election was put before a U.S. Supreme Court that, based on its recent conservative activism, seemed at least potentially apt to endorse it.

It didnt, and the 6-3 majority decision that included all three liberal justices and three conservatives was a sweeping repudiation of a truly dangerous proposition. But the fact that such a radical idea even got this far should give pause regarding the radical times in which we live.

The radical idea was this: State legislatures should have unfettered power to determine all federal election rules and regulations in their states  including drawing all congressional boundaries  and no court should be able to review what they do, no matter how blatantly unconstitutional.

Its called the independent state legislature theory, and its in part the reason crowds of Trump supporters were chanting Hang Mike Pence on Jan. 6, 2021: because they believed, based on this theory, that a handful of state legislatures could unilaterally overturn the election, if only Pence would give them that chance via his ceremonial role over the election count, and he refused.

The theory is based on the Constitutions Elections Clause, which specifies that the times, places and manner of holding elections for senators and representatives shall be prescribed in each state by the legislature thereof.

Note that it doesnt say state courts have no judicial review role over those state legislatures. But thats what purveyors of the theory maintain it means. Just call it the out-of-control legislature theory.

In the case at hand (Moore v. Harper), North Carolinas Republican-controlled legislature tried to draw a blatantly gerrymandered district map that would give Republicans a 10-4 advantage in the U.S. House, despite the states voters being about evenly split.

The state Supreme Court rejected that map. The legislature sued  not on the claim that the map wasnt gerrymandered, but, in essence, on the claim that they had every right to gerrymander, because state courts didnt have any authority over their power to control federal elections in the state. Thats the claim the U.S. Supreme Court rejected (thankfully) this week.

The specter of giving state legislatures, of all bodies, unfettered power over elections is especially chilling, because they tend today to be in the grip of extremists, particularly in red states.

Missouri is a good example, with its almost complete ban on all abortion, even for rape and incest survivors; a Second Amendment Preservation Act that presumes to discard federalism by ignoring federal gun laws; and legislative focus this year on culture-war-catnip issues like transgender medical treatment and library content. The notion of giving these same lawmakers total power over every aspect of congressional elections, with no judicial review, should give pause to anyone who cares about a functioning democracy.

This is the latest in a small string of cases in which the Supreme Court has surprised observers by backing voting rights over attempts to erode them. Perhaps its the luck of court-docket draw, or maybe some of the courts conservatives are starting to understand that their loss of credibility nationally is being driven by the perception they are just partisan hacks in robes. In any case, Americas elections are  for now  safe from the statehouses.
Regarding More than 350 people pack St. Charles library meeting in fight over dress code, LGBTQ issues (June 21): It states that Rachel Homolak is the mother who lodged the complaint against a library employees dress. In the STLToday video of her at the May 30 and June 12 St. Charles County Council meetings, Homolak said she felt unsafe after seeing the employee and left because she needed to protect her child.

Hearing Homolaks statements as a mother made me think of my own mothers response to a query I posed as a 9-year old at the Kirkwood Amtrak station in 1977. My young self from the small Southeast Missouri town of Scott City saw two people also waiting for the train, and I whispered to my mom, Why are those two men wearing dresses? She responded objectively: Some people just live like that.

Homolaks histrionic reaction makes me ponder Moms neutral response. My 70s single mother knew a little bit about prejudice and bigotry. She heard me distressingly recount that my Catholic grade school classmates said she was going to hell for being divorced and that my Baptist neighborhood playmates said we were going to hell for worshiping Catholic statues or false idols. Clearly, such prejudice was learned from their parents.

Unlike Homolak, my mother knew she didnt need to protect me from the people at the train station. Seeing them just living their lives wouldnt hurt me the profound way experiencing the pain of Christian intolerance did.

Tracy Fisher Bouslog  Maryland Heights
Online platforms promote inheritance of intangible cultural heritage

People's Daily Online) 14:20, June 27, 2023

More and more people in China are learning about and developing a passion for intangible cultural heritage (ICH) through the internet. They watch livestreams of ICH inheritors, buy ICH-related cultural and creative products on e-commerce platforms, and take virtual tours of digital ICH museums.

An embroiderer advertises her products during a livestream in a scenic zone in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Xinhua/Zhou Xuanni)

On June 10, China's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day, an ICH-themed event kicked off in Nanyang city, central China's Henan Province. During the event, 83 representative ICH items were promoted and relevant cultural and creative products saw brisk online and offline sales.

On the same day, an ICH-themed shopping festival was held in the city, during which short video bloggers introduced ICH items, attracting viewers to give their approval and place orders online.

The emergence of short video and livestream platforms has given an increasing number of ICH inheritors a chance to demonstrate traditional crafts and the charm of cultural heritage to more people, as well as channels to sell ICH products. For example, He Qing, an ICH inheritor, has garnered 2.3 million followers on short video platforms and sold over 200,000 handiworks in less than two years.

A recent report issued by the e-commerce division of Chinese short video platform Douyin said the number of transactions of ICH products promoted by ICH inheritors soared 194 percent year on year in 2022, and the number of inheritors who helped sell ICH products with a respective transaction volume exceeding one million yuan increased by 57 percent since 2021.

Xue Ke, deputy dean of the USC-SJTU Institute of Cultural and Creative Industry, which was established by Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) and the University of Southern California (USC), suggested promoting the protection and utilization of ICH through digitalization.

A platform aimed at spreading Guangdong Han Opera, or Hakka Opera, which was listed as a national ICH item in 2008, was recently launched. Empowered by technologies including 5G, big data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence, the platform will promote original content of the opera in various forms.

The platform is an attempt to promote the creative evolution and innovative development of fine traditional Chinese culture, and will enable more people to feel the charm of Guangdong Han Opera, according to a manager with the Guangdong Han Opera Inheritance Research Institute.

China has listed 1,557 national ICH items. The internet has brought more and more ICH items, especially many lesser-known items, closer to the people.

In February this year, China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism issued a circular on promoting the integration of ICH in tourism. According to the circular, the integration of ICH in tourism can further enrich the cultural connotation of scenic areas, resorts, key rural tourism villages and towns, and other tourist attractions.

The combination of ICH with performances, food, and distinctive villages and towns is on the upswing, and the close integration of ICH with tourism will provide an important channel for the popularity of ICH.

Zhang Yiwu, a professor at Peking University, believes that China needs to make the best use of internet talent including outstanding live streamers in the culture and tourism sectors to disseminate ICH. Zhang encouraged cultural and tourism departments across the country to cooperate with leading live streamers to promote local ICH items.

For instance, the cultural and tourism bureau of Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province, launched a program to recruit ICH inheritors, internet influencers, and video content makers, in an attempt to promote the city's ICH items.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
BEIJING, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Fusheng, former deputy head of the National Fire and Rescue Administration under the Ministry of Emergency Management, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and dismissed from public office over serious violations of Party discipline and laws, the country's top anti-graft body announced on Wednesday.

The punishment was handed down following an investigation by the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision, after the approval of the CPC Central Committee.

The investigation into Zhang, also formerly a member of the Party Committee of the administration, found that he accepted money and gifts in violation of relevant Party regulations, and attended banquets that could compromise his impartiality in performing his official duties.

Zhang was found to have abused his power to seek benefits for others in the selection and appointment of officials, and failed to report personal matters in accordance with rules and regulations.

The investigation also found that he had a gambling addiction, took advantage of his positions to seek benefits for others in areas such as job promotions and project contracts, and accepted huge amounts of money and gifts in return.

Zhang's case will be transferred to prosecutors for review and prosecution procedures in accordance with the law, according to the statement. 
The Ukraine War has caused most NATO nations, including the United States, to concentrate on what is going on in Ukraine, often at the expense of commitments elsewhere. This is particularly important in the Persian Gulf, which contains nearly half the world's known oil reserves and produces 30 percent of oil exports. The importance of this oil to the world led in 2019 to the formation of the IMSC (International Maritime Security Construct), a military coalition of nations currently or planning to take part in patrolling the Gulf and its approaches with warships and maritime patrol aircraft and discourage attacks on ships, Then, as now, the primary threat was Iran. The commanders of IMSC have so far been British. Before the UAE (United Arab Emirates) left IMSC in April, members were; Albania, Bahrain, Britain, Estonia, Lithuania, Romania, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, United States and Seychelles. Australia was a member but left in late 2020. The UAE has long been the most active Gulf nation when it came to dealing with Iranian aggression. This extended to Yemen, where an Iran-backed civil war between the Shia and Sunni Yemenis has raged since 2014. The UAE intervention played a major role in forcing Iran to admit it was behind the Shia uprising and smuggling weapons to them. Forces now part of IMSC have long been looking for smugglers and armed outlaws in the Persian Gulf. While there have been a few Islamic terrorist attacks, the major trouble maker has been Iran. The Shia religious dictatorship that has ruled Iran since the 1980s believes Iran should control what it does on in the Gulf, especially when it comes to oil and natural gas exports.

UAE itself has a relatively small, but well-equipped and trained military consisting of 65,000 active duty and 150,000 reserve troops. Most active duty personnel (44,000) belong to the army and are organized into eight brigades. They have 3,000 personnel and 72 ships, most of them small armed patrol boats. There are nine corvettes, which are larger and more heavily armed. There are also two minehunters and 30 amphibious warfare ships. The air force is larger and more powerful than the navy, with 4,000 personnel and 550 aircraft. These include 145 jet fighters, twelve maritime patrol/surveillance aircraft with more on order. There are three aerial refueling aircraft, 35 transports, 15 helicopters, 128 trainer aircraft and 88 large UAVs, many of them capable of carrying laser-guided missiles. Most of the combat aircraft pilots are UAE citizens. Most support aircraft are flown by foreigners and most of the pilot instructors are foreigners.

Only 12 percent of the 10 million people living and working in the UAE are citizens, so many or most of its active-duty military personnel are foreigners. Since 2014 UAE has had conscription, which mandates all UAE males aged between 17 and 30 years of age must serve at least 11 months in the military. This leads to more Emirati men becoming career-military as well as providing a trained reserve force. Women are allowed to join the military and at least three have become jet fighter pilots. The UAE has the most professional, experienced and effective armed forces of any Gulf nation. Iran has a larger population of 87 million and 650,00o personnel in the armed forces. Iran has two separate armed forces. The conventional force has 420,000 personnel while the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) exists to protect the religious dictatorship from hostile Iranians, including members of the armed forces. The IRGC also carries out or organizes military operations against foreigners. These operations sometimes include fatalities or major economic damage. Thats what the Iranian IRGC seizures of foreign tankers in the Persian Gulf are about. The IRGC carries out the airborne (via helicopters) assaults on tankers and seizes them. Iran has long threatened to halt oil exports from the Persian Gulf but has never been able to carry out the threat, even though some attempts have been made. The UAE armed forces were organized and armed to deal with the worst that the IRGC could attempt. The reluctance of Western members of the IMSC to deal with Iranian threats is the main reason the UAE left the group. The UAE is capable of acting on its own and the IMSC members can join the effort if they wish.

The key to this UAE strategy is a high degree of surveillance on what the IRGC is up to. Thats where the very capable surveillance aircraft comes in. The best surveillance aircraft the UAE has comes from Sweden, which manufactures and exports GlobalEye AEW (airborne early warning)/ELINT (Electronic Intelligence) aircraft. These cost about half a billion dollars each. The UAE can afford that. GlobalEye is built by Saab and uses a Bombardier 6000 business jet to carry the Swedish Erieye long range radar in addition to an assortment of electronic monitoring systems. The UAE already has four GlobalEyes and always indicated a need for more to deal with the growing threat from Iran. The UAE also backs a wider program to link ground and air-based surveillance radars of GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE) into a cooperative surveillance network that would provide all GCC members with better information on that is going on in the skies over their nations and the Persian Gulf in general. The recent recognition of Israel by the UAE makes possible the incorporation of Israeli data into GCC system,

Globaleye includes a maritime search radar as well as upgraded AEW radar. Since a combined AEW maritime search system is heavier and needs more space, as well as operating farther from land, Globaleye has a cruising speed of 900 kilometers an hour and endurance of about ten hours. The Erieye system is built around an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar which consists of thousands of tiny radars that can be independently aimed in different directions. This is similar to the AESA radar used on the American JSTARS aircraft, a system that can also locate vehicles moving on the ground. The Swedish AESA is cheaper because it's built like a long bar, mounted on top of the aircraft. This means the radar can only see, in a 120-degree arc, off both sides of the aircraft. A 60-degree arc in the front and back is uncovered. The Erieye ER radar can spot large aircraft out to nearly 500 kilometers, and more common fighter-sized aircraft at about 400 kilometers.

The UAE uses these aircraft to manage air campaigns, including the one underway in Yemen since March 2015. The primary use for UAE AEW aircraft is to deter an attack by Iran.
Biographical Information

Dom Robinson Contributing Editor He first got involved in the sector when, while working as an event promoter, he produced a webcast with Netscape and the Ministry of Sound in October 1996. Since then has produced thousands of webcasts, been involved in a number of streaming start-ups and provided consultancy for a wide number of broadcasters and telcos. He has Professed as a Streaming Media Consultant and Pioneer and Webcaster since the end of 1996. He has worked for many of the largest webcast consumers, service providers and technology providers in the sector and considers himself to be at the forefront of the Streaming Media industry. Clients include Reuters, BT, UK Parliament, Number 10 Downing Street, Eutelsat, BskyB, BBC and countless others. Over the years he has worked with a number of ventures spanning all layers of the vertical markets around streaming, from telecoms and routing, through CDN, Serving, Management, integration, front end, ASIC, Set Top Box, DRM, Payment, Advertising, production, editing and development. He is a proper little know it all :) His company, id3as, is a boutique technology consulting and development group specialising in Internet Video and Audio delivery. Significantly the company currently delivers the back-end platforms for a variety of blue chip clients, including Thomson Reuters Market reporting Video and Audio Workflows, and also what will soon be launched as the Digital Service Platform for the domestic Digital Television broadcast networks in the UK. id3as also works as an angel finance provider and has also made a number of smaller investments, both financial and 'sweat equity' based (from it's own skills and resources) into several smaller startups in and around the IT space, including wearable technology, display technology, content delivery networking and telecoms and audio processing. Highly specialised and agile in its approach, the company brings all the skills of its team to a diverse range of projects. The founders' backgrounds include 20 years of pioneering in Software Development, Financial Services, Broadcast and Streaming Media. id3as has all the right experience to bring its event focussed expertise in the webcasting and online video streaming sector. From 2004 until 2008 Dom was Founder and CTO, and then from 2008 until 2010 he was Chief Executive Officer at Global-MIX (a UK CDN specializing in Multicast and Live content delivery on the Internet), taking it to winning the StreamingMediaGlobal.com 'Best Delivery Network in Europe' Readers Choice Award, before winding the company down voluntarily after a very tough trading year. He was added to StreamingMediaGlobal.com's Dream Team and the European Conferences 'Advisory Board' in 2009. He speaks and and writes on streaming media technology for Broadcast Engineering, ISP World and StreamingMedia, StreamingMedia producer and other Information Today publications. He programmed the European Content Delivery Summit, and the Video Infrastructure Summit, and chaired CDN World Forum. He provides 'front-line' streaming journalism for StreamingMedia and Broadcast Engineering from his European based professional life, has written for several publishers, and speaks at several global conferences focussing on Internet Video and Audio infrastructures. On occasion he still produces live events and is continually working with many clients on infrastructure architectures and technology innovations providing specialised solutions into the space. He is mad about streaming - particularly Live Streamingand also enjoys evangelizing about ithe wants nothing more than people to take a deep interest in the industry and, above all, enjoy and benefit from streaming products and services. Please leave him shouts (good and bad) by email (dom@streamingmedia.com or dom@id3as.co.uk ), on the comments with the articles or on the advanced list (where he spends a little too much time to be healthy!) (For a full 'track listing' of all his writing click here for the StreamingMedia Global Authors page.)

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LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2023 / Bluejay Mining plc ('Bluejay' or the 'Company'), the AIM, FSE listed and OTCQB traded exploration and development company with projects in Greenland and Finland, is pleased to announce that it has raised gross proceeds of 1.3 million through the placement of 74,285,707 shares ("Placing Shares") to new and existing shareholders, including our two largest shareholders, at a price of 1.75 pence per share (the "Placing").

The funds raised will be focussed on the Company's 100% owned Hammaslahti copper-zinc-silver-gold ('Cu-Zn-Ag-Au') project ('Hammaslahti') in eastern Finland where the Company completed Phase 1 of a diamond drilling programme last week.

Highlights

 1.3 million ($1.65 million) gross proceeds raised for the further development at the Hammaslahti Cu-Zn-Ag-Au project and for general corporate purposes.

o Recent drilling on the East-lode ('E-lode') ore body mineralisation at Hammaslahti has encouragingly intersected sulphide mineralisation in all holes, further work is planned on the E-lode, as well as down-plunge extensions to previously mined ore-lodes, to enable the delivery of a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate ('MRE') for the ore bodies.

o Prospect of a further 1,000 metres ('m') of drilling to be carried out in August 2023.

o The Hammaslahti Project has the potential to provide meaningful value to shareholders in a short timeframe.

 Discussions are progressing with two well capitalised prospective investors from US and Nordic jurisdictions offering complementary technical and financial capabilities to the Company. However, there can be no certainty that any binding agreements will be entered into with these investors.

 Unseasonal and unexpected sea-ice conditions in the fjords leading to the Kangerluarsuk zinc-lead-silver  copper-critical metals ('Zn-Pb-Ag  Cu-Critical Metals') project ('Kangerluarsuk') presented significant operational and capital risk to the Company. The Board of Directors have taken the decision not to proceed with the planned 2023 maiden drilling programme and associated fieldwork at Kangerluarsuk. The decision not to proceed with the programme at Kangerluarsuk has resulted in lower capital requirements.

Robert Edwards, Executive Chairman of Bluejay, stated:

"The historical Hammaslahti mine was previously operated between 1971 and 1986 and produced a total of seven million tonnes of high-grade Cu-Zn-Ag-Au ore. This historical production, combined with our previous exploration activities, gives us confidence that Hammaslahti presents the potential to maximise shareholder value in a short timeframe. In accordance with our new strategy, the funds raised will be used to further the development of Hammaslahti, as we seek to progress our 100% owned projects to maximise shareholder value.

"The immediate use of these funds will go towards conducting further diamond drilling at the project and will allow the Company to deliver a maiden mineral resource estimate. We also plan to finalise the assaying of cores from the drilling completed earlier this month where all drill holes on the so-called E-lode ore body intersected sulphide mineralisation. Hammaslahti offers a unique opportunity to delineate other VMS style deposits, which are known for their polymetallic nature and open high grades, which further exhibit the project's potential.

"Kangerluarsuk, remains a high priority target for Bluejay, however, due to unforeseen sea-ice conditions, we have been unable to progress with our intended maiden drilling campaign. As soon as it is feasible to do so, Bluejay will re-plan and resume its maiden drilling campaign. We are fortunate enough to boast a portfolio of promising projects, and it is because of this nature of the Company that we are able to pivot to other value creating avenues, when circumstances out of our control arise. We look forward to providing further updates in due course."

Related Party Transaction

The Placing participation from Sand Grove Capital Management LLP ("Sand Grove") and M&G Investment Management Limited ("M&G") is considered a related party transaction for the purposes of AIM Rule 13 of the AIM Rules for Companies. The Directors independent of Sand Grove and M&G consider, having consulted with SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP, the Company's Nominated Adviser, that the Placing participation is fair and reasonable in so far as Bluejay's shareholders are concerned.

Directors and Senior Management participation

Bluejay is currently in a close period that restricts Directors and senior management trading in the Company's shares, and therefore restricts them to participating until the release of the full year 2022 results, which are expected to be released on or before 30 June 2023. Subject to any regulatory requirements, the Directors of the Company may participate in the future. If required, further announcements will be made in relation to any subscription by Directors and senior management in due course.

Fee Shares

571,429 shares have been issued to SP Angel at 1.75 pence per share in lieu of 10,000 of fees ("Fee Shares").

Admission and Total Voting Rights

Application has been made for the 74,285,707 Placing Shares and 571,429 Fee Shares to be admitted to trading on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange ("Admission"). It is expected that Admission will occur on or around 3 July 2023. The Placing Shares will be credited as fully paid and rank pari passu with existing ordinary shares of 0.01 pence each in the capital of the Company ("Ordinary Shares").

Following the issue of the Placing Shares, the total issued share capital of the Company will consist of 1,134,170,794 Ordinary Shares. The Company does not hold any Ordinary Shares in treasury. Therefore, the total number of voting rights in the Company is 1,134,170,794 and this figure may be used by shareholders in the Company as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change in their interest in, the share capital of the Company under the FCA's Disclosure and Transparency Rules.

Prospective Strategic Investors

In February 2023, the Company entered a financing arrangement. Management took the decision to reverse the financing following feedback from shareholders, including the risk associated with being able to draw future funds from the arrangement (see Bluejay RNS dated: 25 April 2023).

Bluejay is also in advanced discussions with two strategic entities with complimentary attributes which we believe will strengthen both the financial and technical capabilities of the business as we progress the Company's portfolio of exploration projects as outlined in the recent Strategic Update (see Bluejay RNS dated: 14 February 2023). The Company is hopeful that it can successfully conclude one or both of these discussions. However, there can be no certainty that any binding agreements will be entered into with these investors.

2023 Field Season Update

Drilling at the Hammaslahti Project, Finland - Development of the E-lode Discovery

The immediate use of funds from this fundraise will be used to advance the Hammaslahti Project in eastern Finland, especially building on the encouraging results from the recent drilled near-mine E-lode discovery at the former Hammaslahti mine. The use of funds will enable the delivery of a maiden MRE for the E-lode as well as the down-plunge extensions to previously mined ore-lodes.

The Company will finalise the work and assay of selected mineralised intervals from the seven holes for a total of 1935.7m of drill core from the E-lode mineralised ore body that were intersected during Phase 1 of the Hammaslahti drill programme earlier in May and June this year (see Bluejay RNS dated: 30 May 2023). Sulphide mineralisation was intersected in all of the seven drilled holes.

A lithogeochemical and petrological study has been commissioned by Dr Denis Schlatter EurGeol (Helvetica Exploration Services GmbH) to better constrain controls on the mineralisation. Additionally, there is the prospect for a further 1,000m of drilling to be carried out in August.

The polymetallic mineralisation at the 100% owned Hammaslahti Cu-Zn-Au-Ag project is interpreted to be a partially re-mobilised volcanogenic massive sulphide ('VMS') type deposit. Bluejay's licence area contains the historic Hammaslahti mine which was operated by the Finnish state mining company, Outokumpu Oy from 1971 to 1986. The open-pit and underground mine produced a total of 7 million tonnes grading 1.16% Cu, 1.55% Zn, 0.59 grammes per tonne ('g/t') Au and 5.2 g/t Ag (Geological Survey of Finland, 2023).

Bluejay own 100% of the Hammaslahti Project through its wholly owned subsidiary FinnAust Mining Finland Oy ('FinnAust'). The Company's exploration efforts have so far mostly focused on brownfields targets in the near-mine area. Former drill intersects by the Company have confirmed that previously mined ore lode mineralisation at Hammaslahti (namely, the Z-and S-lode ore bodies) remain open down plunge to the South and also resulted in the discovery of new mineralisation, the E-lode ore body in 2014 (see FinnAust Mining RNS dated: 21 July 2014). The previously mined N-lode ore body at Hammaslahti constitutes another potential target for a down-plunge open ore body mineralisation. However, the N-lode have not been tested by drilling by the Company yet.

The E-lode discovery hole (hole id. M424114-R325) returned 8.65m grading 2.2% Cu, 2.0% Zn, 0.5 % Pb, 47.5 g/t Ag, and 0.5 g/t Au, including 5.60m grading 3.2% Cu, 3.2% Zn, 81.1 g/t Ag, and 0.9 g/t Au hosted in semi-massive to massive sulphides hosted close to the contact between strongly hydrothermally altered metavolcanic sediments and sulphidic black shales (see FinnAust Mining RNS dated: 21 July 2014). The E-lode is located approximately 200m east from underground infrastructure of the former Hammaslahti mine and is comparable in grade and style of mineralisation to the ore-lodes that were mined historically (see also Figure 1 in Bluejay RNS dated: 30 May 2023).

Prior to the 2023 drilling programme completed in mid-June, the E-lode has never been followed up on. With relative modest activities on the Hammaslahti Project over the last decade the recent Company Strategic Review (see Bluejay RNS dated: 14 February 2023) highlighted this project. This in combination with the proven down-plunge extensions of the historical mine ore-lodes provide Bluejay management with conviction that the near-mine targets at Hammaslahti represents a clear opportunity that can be advanced at modest cost.

The S-lode has been demonstrated in earlier drilling by Bluejay to be open down-plunge to the south, beyond 500m depth, e.g., 15m from 536m grading 3.1% Cu, 0.1% Zn, 14.4 g/t Ag and 0.8 g/t Au, including 3.4m grading 11.5% Cu, 0.4% Zn, 53.4 g/t Ag and 3.0 g/t Au.

Bluejay is focussing capital on the projects that can provide the most value to the Company and its shareholders in the shortest timeframe. Hammaslahti is a previously producing copper-zinc mine in a low-risk jurisdiction, and Bluejay believes that there is potential to expand the known orebodies and further structures.

Bluejay's exploration permits, totalling 39.3 square kilometres ('sq km'), cover the majority of the Hammaslahti-Tohmajarvi Metallogenic Belt (the 'Belt'). The belt is considered permissive for further polymetallic VMS deposits as supported by the presence of high-grade mineralised outcrops and boulders within Bluejay's licence areas south of the former mine, providing further upside to the project. Fieldwork to progress new drill targets within the wider Belt will progress alongside the planned drilling and resource estimation work planned on the near-mine target.



Update on 2023 planned drill programme at the Kangerluarsuk Project, Greenland

The Company has been making advanced preparations to commence a 5,000m maiden drilling and field campaign at its high potential Kangerluarsuk Zn-Pb-Ag  Cu-Critical Metals Project for which the logistical operation and preparation of the base camp infrastructure was scheduled to begin mid-June. However unseasonal and unexpected sea-ice in the fjords leading towards both the Kangerluarsuk area and the former Black Angel Mine site (which was to be used as the location for the base camp), prevented safe access and unloading of the ship and barge that would be used to deliver the heavy equipment, drill-rigs, consumables, and large quantities of fuel required for the operation and drill programme.

According to the public digital Ice Charts available from the Ice Service under the Danish Metrological Institute for the last 14 years, this is the first time in the available records that such dense sea-ice patterns have occurred at this time of year in the fjords surrounding the Kangerluarsuk and Black Angel sites.

Even if, under these unseasonal conditions, access was to be established with additional significant capital spend on vessels capable of breaking the sea-ice there would remain a material risk on the barge operation becoming ice-locked or a significantly shortened higher risk campaign. The Board of Directors decided that the capital and operational risk was too great and there are too many uncertainties to proceed with the maiden drilling programme at Kangerluarsuk this summer. Kangerluarsuk remains one of the high priority assets for valuation creation for Bluejay shareholders and the Company will re-plan and resume a maiden drilling programme as soon as feasible.

Despite the decision not to proceed with the drilling programme at Kangerluarsuk this year, the depth and quality of the Company's multi-project portfolio, and the promising early results in Finland, allow Bluejay to redirect resources into value-for-money exploration campaigns at the Hammaslahti Project in Finland, utilising the Company's project portfolio and priorities for value creation.

Disko-Nuussuaq Project, Greenland and Joint Venture with KoBold Metals

At the Disko-Nuussuaq nickel-copper-cobalt-platinum group elements-gold ('Ni-Cu-Co-PGE-Au') project ('Disko'), the geochemical samples, geophysical data and mapping data from the exploration campaign (see Bluejay RNS dated: 10 October 2022) are currently being integrated with existing data and interpreted by KoBold Metals' ('KoBold') team utilising its artificial intelligence ('AI') platforms. More data was gathered than originally expected which has prolonged the analysis time required. The interpretation of the data will allow the Joint Venture ('JV') to prioritise the ratification of mineralisation targets and will form the basis of future work.

Under the terms of the JV, KoBold is required to spend $11.6 million on drill related expenditure or drill 15 pre-agreed drill holes within the licence areas by 31 December 2024 (see Bluejay RNS dated: 9 August 2021).

Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 ('MAR') which has been incorporated into UK law by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.

For further information please visit http://www.bluejaymining.com or contact:

Kevin Sheil Bluejay Mining plc [email protected] Ewan Leggat / Adam Cowl SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP

(Nominated Adviser and Broker) +44 (0) 20 3470 0470 Tim Blythe / Megan Ray / Said Izagaren BlytheRay

(Media Contact) +44 (0) 20 7138 3205



About Bluejay Mining plc

Bluejay is listed on the London AIM market and Frankfurt Stock Exchange and its shares also trade on the OTCQB Market in the US. With multiple projects in Greenland and Finland, Bluejay has now secured four globally respected entities as partners on three of its projects, and exploration expenditure of up to $37 million contractually committed on three key projects, giving the Company and its shareholders both portfolio and commodity diversification in high quality jurisdictions.

Bluejay's Dundas Ilmenite Project in northwest Greenland is fully permitted and undergoing further optimisation studies. The Company has agreed a Master Distribution Agreement with a major Asian conglomerate for up-to 340k tonnes per annum ('tpa') of its designed 440ktpa annual output. The Company has also mandated a major European bank to head the financing syndicate for Dundas.

Bluejay, through its wholly owned subsidiary Disko Exploration Ltd., has signed a definitive Joint Venture Agreement with KoBold Metals to guide exploration for new deposits rich in the critical materials required for the green energy transition and electric vehicles (The Disko-Nuussuaq nickel-copper-cobalt-PGE Project). Disko Exploration Ltd holds two additional projects in Greenland - the 692 sq km Kangerluarsuk zinc-lead- silver project, where historical work has recovered grades of up to 45.4% zinc, 9.3% lead and 596 g/t silver and where multiple large-scale drill targets have been identified; and the 920 sq km Thunderstone project which has the potential to host large-scale base metal and gold deposits.

In Finland, Bluejay currently holds three large scale multi-metal projects through its wholly owned subsidiary FinnAust Mining Finland Oy. The Company has a Joint Venture Agreement with a mining major at its Enonkoski nickel-copper-cobalt Project in East Finland which has seen continued exploration and drilling since June 2021. Bluejay's drill ready Hammaslahti copper-zinc-gold-silver project hosts high-grade VMS mineralisation and extensions of historical ore lodes have been proven. The drill ready Outokumpu copper-nickel-cobalt-zinc-gold-silver project is located in a prolific geological belt that hosts several high-grade former mines. Bluejay has also signed a conditional agreement for a partial divestment in a fourth Finnish project.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact [email protected] or visit www.rns.com.

SOURCE: Bluejay Mining PLC

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Canadian Regulatory Announcement: Agreement regarding Late Filing of Annual Financial Statements and Application for Management Cease Trade Order

The Company has today published the following announcement in Canada regarding the timing for release of its Financial Statements for the year ended 28 February 2023. This will not impact on the deadline for publishing the Financial Statements as required under AIM Rule 19.

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2023 / Bradda Head Lithium Limited (AIM:BHL, TSXV:BHLI, OTCQB:BHLIF) ("Bradda Head" or the "Company") announces the Company's potential delay in filing its annual financial statements for the year ended February 28, 2023 and related management discussion and analysis (collectively, the "Financial Statements") and the CEO and CFO certificates relating to the Financial Statements (the "Required Filings") beyond the prescribed filing deadlines.

The Company's potential delay in filing its Required Filings on time is due to the fact that it has engaged PKF Littlejohn LLP as new auditors, as announced in the Company's news release dated June 13, 2023 and the Notice of Change of Auditors filed on the Company's profile on SEDAR on June 19, 2023.

Considering the foregoing factors, it is the Company's view that should the Required Filings not be filed by June 28, 2023, then the present circumstances warrant the imposition of a management cease trade order ("Management CTO"), rather than a cease trade order ("CTO"), as contemplated under National Policy 12-203 - Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203"). The Company has applied for a Management CTO.

The Company proposes to remedy the default working with its new auditor to ensure the filing of its Required Filings as soon as possible. The Company expects to be in a position to issue and file the Required Filings by no later than August 28, 2023. The Company confirms that the filing extension does not impact on its reporting timetable, as required under AIM Rules.

The Company therefore fully expects to file its Required Filings prior to the end of the period prescribed by NP 12-203. The Company has confirmed that it intends to satisfy the provisions of the alternative information guidelines described in sections 9 and 10 of NP 12-203 for so long as it remains in default for failure to file the Required Filings. Should the Company fail to file the appropriate Default Status Reports as prescribed by NP 12-203, the securities commissions or regulators may, as a result of such failure, impose a CTO.

The Company confirms that it is not subject to any insolvency proceeding as of the date hereof. The Company also confirms that there is no other material information concerning the affairs of the Company that have not been generally disclosed as of the date herein. The Board and the Audit and Risk Committee confirmed that there are no disagreements or unresolved matters between KPMG and the Company relating to the proposed change of Auditor, and no other matters in respect of the change of Auditor that need to be brought to the attention of the Shareholders.

About Bradda Head Lithium

Bradda Head Lithium Ltd. is a North America-focused lithium development group. The Company currently has interests in a variety of projects, the most advanced of which are in Central and Western Arizona: The Basin Project (Basin East Project, and the Basin West Project) and the Wikieup Project.

The Basin East Project has an Indicated Mineral Resource of 21.2 Mt at an average grade of 891 ppm Li and 3.5% K for a total of 100 kt LCE and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 73.3 Mt at an average grade of 694 ppm Li and 3.2% K for a total of 271 kt LCE.

In the rest of the Basin Project SRK has estimated an Exploration Target of between 300 to 1,300 Mt of material grading between 600 to 850 ppm Li which is equivalent to a range of between 1 to 6 Mt LCE. The Group intends to continue to develop its three phase one projects in Arizona, whilst endeavouring to unlock value at its other prospective pegmatite and brine assets in Arizona, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. All of Bradda Head's licences are held on a 100% equity basis and are in close proximity to the required infrastructure.

Bradda Head is quoted on the AIM of the London Stock Exchange with the ticker of BHL, on the TSX Ventures exchange with a ticker of BHLI, and on the US OTCQB market with a ticker of BHLIF.

For further information, please contact:

Bradda Head Lithium Limited +44 (0) 1624 639 396 Charlie FitzRoy, CEO

Denham Eke, Finance Director





Beaumont Cornish (Nomad)

James Biddle/Roland Cornish +44 20 7628 3396



Panmure Gordon (Joint Broker) +44 20 7886 2500 John Prior

Hugh Rich



Shard Capital (Joint Broker) +44 207 186 9927 Damon Heath

Isabella Pierre





Red Cloud (North American Broker) +1 416 803 3562 Joe Fars





Tavistock (PR) + 44 20 7920 3150 Nick Elwes

Adam Baynes [email protected]

Reader Advisory

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All information and statements other than statements of current or historical facts contained in this news release are forward-looking information.

Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors disclosed here and elsewhere in African Energy Metals' periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. When used in this news release, words such as "will", "could", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "potential", "should," and similar expressions, are forward- looking statements. Information provided in this document is necessarily summarized and may not contain all available material information.

Forward-looking statements include those in relation to the filing of the Required Filings and the anticipated timing thereof. Although African Energy Metals believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can't make any assurances that its expectations will be achieved. Such assumptions may prove incorrect. Forward looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates, and assumptions (including the receipt of regulatory approvals) that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements.

The forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and African Energy Metals disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise such information, except as required by applicable law.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact [email protected] or visit www.rns.com.

SOURCE: Bradda Head Lithium Limited

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MERRITT ISLAND, FL / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2023 / Innovative-e, a leader in collaborative project management and work, is excited to announce that it has been named the 2023 Microsoft Partner of the Year for Project & Portfolio Management. This recognition will be formally recognized by Microsoft at its annual Inspire conference held in Redmond, Washington, in July.

2023 Microsoft Worldwide Partner of the Year

A certificate showing Innovative-e as the winner of the 2023 Microsoft Partner of the Year in PPM

"The award is a validation of our shared vision with Microsoft for transforming PPM. Teams4PM uses the full power of Microsoft's modern cloud platform to bring the power of Project, Power Platform, AI, and Azure into a common Teams experience everyone can join," said Mike Taylor, CEO of Innovative-e. "This is an opportunity to revolutionize project and work management by applying automation and AI at scale to make remarkable improvements in project delivery success."

"We believe strongly that Microsoft's platform for PPM vision based on the Power Platform and exemplified in the new Project for the web will revolutionize the way organizations view PPM systems," says Bryan Quick, Director of Sales for Innovative-e. "That's why we've invested in building our Teams4PM product, also built on Power Platform, which optimizes the use of Teams for the purpose of collaborative project management."

Teams4PM provides an opportunity for existing Project Online customers and new customers alike to embrace the advantages of the Power Platform and Project for the web without the disruption of a traditional migration. Teams4PM automates and governs the use of Teams for the purposes of project management, maximizing employee engagement, accelerating end-user adoption, and leveraging customers' existing Microsoft platform investment. Teams4PM is especially suited for organizations looking to consolidate on Microsoft tools, avoiding the challenges of shadow IT and cloud data proliferation.

Teams4PM enables customers to begin or enhance app development around project management and work. To help customers take advantage of these new capabilities, Innovative-e is growing its managed services practice specifically in the areas of automation & AI for enterprise and commercial app development. We assist with leveraging modern toolsets to solve key business challenges for customers even if they are unrelated to project management. "We see Microsoft's investment in low code/pro code solutions as a key opportunity for our customers to work more efficiently on the cloud platform they already trust, and we're going to be there to help them jumpstart that," says Quick.

Innovative-e is a Microsoft Solution Partner in Modern Work for both Enterprise and SMB. This announcement marks Innovative-e's sixth award in the last five years, having been previously recognized as Finalist for Partner of the Year in Project & Portfolio Management (2019, 2021, 2022), Finalist for Customer Experience in 2022 and Winner of the 2020 MSUS Partner of the Year for Project Management. With a track record of successful project implementations and a customer-centric approach, Innovative-e has established itself as a trusted partner for organizations seeking to maximize the value of their project and work management investments.

For more information, visit www.innovative-e.com and www.teams4pm.com.

Teams4PM is available in Microsoft's AppSource commercial marketplace as "Project Management for Teams."

Contact Information

Pamela Melville

Marketing and Communications Specialist

[email protected]

404-418-6737

SOURCE: Innovative-e

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IRVINE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2023 / Today, Neudesic announced it has been awarded the 2023 MSUS AI Partner of the Year, and additionally named a finalist for Global AI Partner of the Year. This recognition reflects Neudesic's track record in helping clients successfully scale artificial intelligence initiatives, leveraging Neudesic's award-winning AI accelerators across diverse use cases. The company was honored among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology.

"Neudesic takes pride in our mission to be the global leader in business innovation. This award is a testament to our visionary thinking to deliver and manage world-class business and technology solutions that help our clients thrive in a cloud-first, data-driven world," said Ashish Agarwal, CEO of Neudesic. "We are fortunate to have worked side by side with Microsoft over the past two decades, and our team of world-class AI experts has been instrumental in driving business impact for our shared clients. We are honored to be recognized among the pool of distinguished nominees in Microsoft's partner network."

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognize Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered outstanding Microsoft-based applications, services, and devices during the past year. Awards were classified in various categories, with honorees chosen from a set of more than 4,200 submitted nominations from more than 100 countries worldwide. Neudesic, an IBM Company, was recognized for providing outstanding solutions and services in Artificial Intelligence for Microsoft Azure.

"Congratulations to the winners and finalists of the 2023 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards!" said Nicole Dezen, Chief Partner Officer and Corporate Vice President of Global Partner Solutions at Microsoft. "The innovative new solutions and services that positively impact customers and enable digital transformation from this year's winners demonstrate the best of what's possible with the Microsoft Cloud."

Neudesic has a proven track record of delivering AI solutions and strategies that help organizations maximize their investments in transformative business initiatives with repeatable IP, including:

Neudesic's Document Intelligence Platform - enables organizations to apply AI and intelligent OCR to document-intensive workflows, replacing the manual and time-consuming process of extracting data from business documents. Neudesic's Data & AI Platform - provides organizations the fastest path for deploying a modern data and AI platform, including pre-built code for integrating data sources, building data models, data governance, and predictive analytics. Neudesic's Azure OpenAI Jumpstart Workshop - This is an innovation workshop that accelerates both the ideation and design of high-value AI use cases Neudesic's Azure OpenAI Enterprise Generative AI Workbench - Give clients the power of responsible ChatGPT-like generative AI experience through a secure and compliant workbench.

Neudesic's most recent Data & AI projects and client successes include:

Powered by Microsoft Azure AI, Neudesic's Document Intelligence Platform Transforms Animal Supply Co.'s Outdated Vendor Invoicing Process, saving them $500k annually.

Animal Supply Co. was losing time and money with a tedious manual invoicing process that required staff to look up invoices and compare them against purchase orders and receipts one by one. To automate this process, Neudesic deployed its Document Intelligence Platform (DIP), which is powered by Microsoft Azure AI, on the company's national ERP. This, in turn, enhanced productivity and efficiency gains by removing manual document processing tasks from their workflows and improved vendor relationships. This led to $500K annually in cost savings and ROI within the first 12 months.

Neudesic Helps a Large Professional Services Company Overhaul a Costly Invoice Process with Our Document Intelligence Platform on Azure AI

A U.S.-based professional services company was processing roughly 1M invoices for non-enabled suppliers annually, which meant tapping resources to manually enter invoices into the accounts payable system. Neudesic successfully combined the ability of our AI-powered Document Intelligence Platform and Power Platform to achieve 80% accuracy in capturing high-priority fields from invoice images and PDFs via a mobile PowerApps Canvas App. The client can now modernize the service experience with a sleek mobile app that increases business process agility.

A National Engineering Company optimizes Client Services with Neudesic's Document Intelligence Platform (DIP), saving them $3M+ in labor costs

A national engineering and architecture company intervened to help a client with a massive record digitization project. The project proved to be extremely time- and resource-intensive, taking six years and deploying more than 20+ resources to process 27,000 documents. To streamline the service offering, Neudesic deployed the Document Intelligence Platform in order to automate document scanning, saving $3M in labor costs and increasing processing ability from 4,500 to 1M+ documents/year.

"Neudesic is thrilled to be recognized by Microsoft for our commitment to helping organizations drive business value with AI," said Mike Graff, Neudesic's Vice President of Alliances. "We have an amazing co-selling and teaming approach with Microsoft, and we look forward to driving incredible value to our clients together in the years to come."

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards are announced annually prior to the company's global partner conference, Microsoft Inspire, which will take place on July 18-19, 2023, Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards Press Release Guidelines 5 Classified as Microsoft Confidential this year. Additional details on the 2023 awards are available on the Microsoft Partner blog: https://aka.ms/POTYA2023_announcement. The complete list of categories, winners, and finalists can be found at https://partner.microsoft.com/en-US/inspire/awards/winners.

About Neudesic

Neudesic, an IBM company, is the trusted technology partner in business innovation, delivering impactful business results to clients through digital modernization and evolution. Our consultants bring business and technology expertise together, offering a wide range of cloud and data-driven solutions, including custom application development, data and artificial intelligence, and comprehensive managed services. Founded in 2002, Neudesic is headquartered in Irvine, California. To learn more, visit www.neudesic.com.

Contact Information

Colin Dvorak

Marketing Manager, Neudesic

[email protected]

(800) 805-1805

SOURCE: Neudesic, an IBM Company

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NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2023 / DOW



We have a responsibility to lift stigma, address challenges, and empower culturally diverse voices.

As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we remain committed to supporting the well-being of our Asian and Pacific Islander colleagues worldwide.

AAPI Month is a time to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and traditions of our community. With 22 million members (and growing) in the United States alone, our roots can be traced back to more than 20 countries in East and Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent;1 and a rich diaspora of AAPI communities exists in every region.

Despite being one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the United States, Asian Americans face multiple challenges in many facets of health and well-being. We're grappling with a mental health crisis, exacerbated by stigma, discrimination, and lack of culturally responsive care.

In the United States, Asian Americans are the least likely racial group to seek help for mental illness.2 In 2022, more Americans blamed the AAPI community for COVID-19 than even during the height of the pandemic in 2020.3 The devastating tragedies in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay this year have led many Asian Americans to ask, "How do we find healing from here?"

AAPI Month: A space to listen, learn, and heal.

At Dow, these questions are weighing on the minds of many AAPI colleagues. As May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, we dedicate this month to listening to and honoring the AAPI colleagues, who are coming forward to share their courageous mental health journeys.

They are supported by our more than 5,000-member strong Asian Diversity Network - one of Dow's 10 Employee Resource Groups - along with the entire Dow family, to call for greater psychological safety and cultural understanding in our workplace and beyond.

As the Executive Sponsor of the Asian Diversity Network, I encourage you to reflect with us. Reach out to AAPI colleagues and organizations in your community. Join our voices in calling for greater cultural awareness of an issue as critical as mental health.

Let's take time to listen, learn, and heal together.

A.N. Sreeram, Senior Vice President, Research & Development, and Chief Technology Officer

1https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/04/29/key-facts-about-asian-americans/

2https://www.mhanational.org/issues/asian-american-pacific-islander-communities-and-mental-health

3https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/people-now-incorrectly-blame-asian-americans-covid-height-pandemic-rcna27359

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from DOW on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: DOW

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/dow

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE: DOW

View source version on accesswire.com:
PENSACOLA, FL / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2023 / Step One Automotive Group delivered an electrifying and unforgettable experience to all attendees at the highly anticipated Festival of Speed held on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at the renowned Five Flags Speedway. The event, which ran from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., provided an action-packed day of exhilarating activities, exclusive meet-and-greet sessions with racing superstars, heart-pounding high-speed Hot Laps, and interactive motorsport games.

The Festival of Speed kicked off in grand style with exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities featuring two esteemed racing drivers, Chris Walsh and Juan Manuel Correa. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., attendees had the privilege of meeting Chris Walsh, GT4 America Porsche, and 718 Cayman GT4 Driver, and Juan Manuel Correa, Formula 2 and WEC Driver. Fans eagerly interacted with these motorsport icons, capturing cherished moments and gaining valuable insights into the world of professional racing.

Following the meet-and-greet sessions, the Festival of Speed reached new heights of excitement with the highly anticipated high-speed Hot Laps. From 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Step One Motorsports' professional race card drivers thrilled attendees with their unmatched skills and blistering speed. The adrenaline-pumping Hot Laps left spectators on the edge of their seats as they witnessed firsthand the raw power and precision of these exceptional drivers.

"We are thrilled with the overwhelming success of the Festival of Speed," said Maureen Bierman, Director of Marketing, Step One Automotive Group. "It was truly a day filled with excitement, adrenaline, and unforgettable moments. We are grateful to all the racing drivers, partners, and attendees who made this event a roaring triumph."

The Festival of Speed served as a testament to Step One Automotive Group's commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to its valued customers. By bridging the gap between automotive enthusiasts and the thrilling world of motorsport, Step One Automotive Group continues to strengthen its position as a premier automotive group.

For more information about Step One Automotive Group and upcoming events, please visit www.steponeautomotive.com.

About Step One Automotive Group

Step One Automotive Group is an American company based in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, built on a singular dedication to empowering lives through smarter and easier ways of accessing mobility. Step One Automotive Group owns 20 new car dealerships in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia, representing 17 brands, including Chrysler, Dodge Jeep, Ram Fiat, Volkswagen, Subaru, Kia, Hyundai, Nissan, Genesis, Ford, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati. Step One Automotive Group also owns two standalone pre-owned operations, three wholesale parts operations, and one rental car operation. Out of 18,000 dealerships in the United States, Step One ranks in the top 90 dealer groups in the United States and the top 10 in Florida. Step One employs 787 team members across three states and six cities.

Contact Information

Shantelle Dedicke

President, Frances Roy Agency

[email protected]

307-631-7644

SOURCE: Step One Automotive Group

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 28, 2023 / Usha Resources Ltd. ("USHA" or the "Company") (TSXV:USHA)(OTCQB: USHAF)(FSE:JO0), a North American lithium exploration company, is pleased to announce that drilling has commenced for the third hole ("JP23-02") at the 100%-owned Jackpot Lake Lithium Brine Property ("Project") located in Clark County, Nevada. Drill hole JP23-01 will be drilled immediately upon hole development and initial sampling of JP23-02. JP2301 and JP23-02 are twinning JP22-01 and JP22-02, respectively, conducted to better maintain hole integrity as each hole advances to its planned 2,000 feet.

The Company is also pleased to announce that it has begun preliminary work on its 43-101 resource estimate.

The goal of the drill program will be to build on the findings of its initial drilling which supports that the Jackpot Lake is a similar geologic setting to that of Clayton Valley, hosting Albemarle's Silver Peak Nevada Lithium Mine, the only producing lithium mine in North America.

Key findings of the program to-date include:

Soils at the Project are enriched in lithium at a level comparable to Clayton Valley . Enriched lithium is present within the holes advanced, with an average of 334 ppm and high of 820 ppm Li in thirty samples collected from shallow surface soils (

These results compare very favourably to the reported average of 100 ppm for the Esmeralda Formation, one of the potential sources of the lithium enrichment for the brines present in Clayton Valley which hosts Albemarle's Silver Peak Lithium Brine Mine, the only producing lithium operation in the United States i .



. Enriched lithium is present within the holes advanced, with an average of 334 ppm and high of 820 ppm Li in thirty samples collected from shallow surface soils ( These results compare very favourably to the reported average of 100 ppm for the Esmeralda Formation, one of the potential sources of the lithium enrichment for the brines present in Clayton Valley which hosts Albemarle's Silver Peak Lithium Brine Mine, the only producing lithium operation in the United States . A geologic system is present similar to that of Clayton Valley. Significant evaporitic crystallization, indicative of a brine-forming environment, is present throughout the holes advanced, with JP22-02 containing an interval of 146 feet of massive to bedded evaporites with clay and sand interbeds and cross cutting laminations.



The evaporites sit atop a large zone of higher-porosity sand and conglomerate, with at least 273 feet of a potentially pumpable aquifer present within JP22-02 into which fluids from the zones above should drain. Coarse-grained basal units are a primary focus for expansion at Albemarle's Silver Peak lithium brine mine, the only domestic supplier of lithium within the United States, and at Pure Energy's Clayton Valley project, where it identified a large volume of brine with superior grades ii .



Significant evaporitic crystallization, indicative of a brine-forming environment, is present throughout the holes advanced, with JP22-02 containing an interval of 146 feet of massive to bedded evaporites with clay and sand interbeds and cross cutting laminations. The evaporites sit atop a large zone of higher-porosity sand and conglomerate, with at least 273 feet of a potentially pumpable aquifer present within JP22-02 into which fluids from the zones above should drain. Coarse-grained basal units are a primary focus for expansion at Albemarle's Silver Peak lithium brine mine, the only domestic supplier of lithium within the United States, and at Pure Energy's Clayton Valley project, where it identified a large volume of brine with superior grades . The stratigraphy at the Site supports a 43-101 resource. Similar stratigraphy has been encountered in JP22-02 as that in drill hole JP22-01, suggesting that the favourable stratigraphy identified in drilling is present throughout the basin as the two holes are 2.75 km apart. Identifying these similarities, especially in the basal conglomerates and evaporites, is a key finding that continues to support that Dry Lake, within which Jackpot is hosted, is a similar geologic setting to that of Clayton Valley.

A primary objective will be to advance each of JP23-01 and JP23-02 to 2,000 feet, thereby potentially greatly expanding on the 99-foot and 273-foot higher-porosity zones already identified where the Company believes the best potential brines are present. Pending sample results, the Company would then proceed with either further drilling or completion of its maiden resource estimate, the completion of which would enable it to join the ranks of a select few companies in the United States.

"We are thrilled to return to Jackpot Lake and resume drilling." said Deepak Varshney, CEO of Usha Resources Ltd. "The work to-date has demonstrated that Jackpot contains the right system for a major lithium discovery and by exploring to a depth of 2,000 feet, we aim to gather a more comprehensive understanding of the mineral potential within our project area, further enhancing the overall resource estimation and project feasibility of Jackpot Lake."

Figure 1 - On-going drilling of JP23-02 at Jackpot Lake

Figure 2 - Left, evaporite crystallization. Right, conglomerate. The presence of evaporite crystals supports the presence of a brine forming environment throughout the Dry Lake Basin as crystallization of evaporites would not occur in a freshwater system. The conglomerate indicates that a high-porosity zone should be present that could contain a significant quantity of brine as observed at Clayton Valley.

Qualified Person

The technical content of this news release relating to the Jackpot Lake Project has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Seth Cude, P.G., CPG. RM, M.Sc., a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

About Usha Resources Ltd.

Usha Resources Ltd. is a North American mineral acquisition and exploration company focused on the development of quality battery and precious metal properties that are drill-ready with high-upside and expansion potential. Based in Vancouver, BC, Usha's portfolio of strategic properties provides target-rich diversification and consist of Jackpot Lake, a lithium project in Nevada; White Willow, a lithium project in Ontario; and Lost Basin, a gold-copper project in Arizona. Usha trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol USHA, the OTC Exchange under the symbol USHAF and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol JO0.

USHA RESOURCES LTD.

"Deepak Varshney" CEO and Director

For more information, please call Tyler Muir, Investor Relations, at 1-888-772-2452, email [email protected], or visit www.usharesources.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking statements:

This news release may include "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and are based on a number of estimates and/or assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking information are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, uncertain and volatile equity and capital markets, lack of available capital, actual results of exploration activities, environmental risks, future prices of base and other metals, operating risks, accidents, labour issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry.

The Company is presently an exploration stage company. Exploration is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks, requires substantial expenditures, and may not result in the discovery of mineral deposits that can be mined profitably. Furthermore, the Company currently has no reserves on any of its properties. As a result, there can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

---

i Monk, L. et al. 2011. Geochemistry of Lithium-rich brines in Clayton Valley, Nevada, USA. Society of Geology Applied to Ore Deposits Bi-annual Meeting, Antofogasto, Chile.

ii Pure Energy Minerals, 2018. NI 43-101 Technical Report. Preliminary Economic Assessment (Rev. 1) of the Clayton Valley Lithium Project. Esmeralda County, Nevada.

SOURCE: Usha Resources Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:
BEIJING, June 28 (Xinhua) -- China hopes that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Secretariat will act in an objective, professional and just manner, instead of endorsing Japan's nuclear-contaminated water discharge plan, a Chinese spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, made the remarks in response to a media report that the Japanese government obtained beforehand the draft report of the IAEA Task Force reviewing Japan's discharge of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and raised substantive revision suggestions, exerting inappropriate influence on the conclusion of the final report. The media report also says that Japanese officials made political donations worth over 1 million euros to the staff of the IAEA Secretariat.

Mao said the report has come to China's serious attention.

"What's in that report has increased the world's concern over Japan's discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean," she said, adding that people have every reason to question the impartiality and objectivity of the final review report of the IAEA Task Force.

The Japanese government has a responsibility to give a credible explanation and the public also needs a response from the IAEA Secretariat, she said.

Mao said China's position on the discharge of the nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean is consistent. "The discharge affects the common interests of the international community. It is not Japan's domestic affair."

China urges Japan to take seriously both international and domestic concerns, stop forcibly proceeding with its ocean discharge plan, handle the nuclear-contaminated water in a science-based, safe and transparent way and subject itself to rigorous international oversight, said the spokesperson.

"We also hope that the IAEA Secretariat will act in an objective, professional and just manner, fully respect and adopt the views of experts of all parties in the Task Force and present a review report that can withstand the test of science and history, instead of endorsing Japan's discharge plan," Mao said, noting that the world is watching with eyes wide open. 
La-Z-Boy Incorporated (NYSE: LZB), a global leader in residential furniture, today announced that Raza S. Haider has been named to its Board of Directors, effective yesterday. He will serve on the Nominating and Governance Committee. The appointment expands the Board to 11 members.

Mr. Haider is the Chief Product and Supply Chain Officer of Bose Corporation. At Bose, he is responsible for designing strategic innovations for the brands broad product portfolio to better connect with consumers. Prior to joining Bose, he was Senior Vice President at Dell Technologies, Inc. where he was most recently the general manager of Dells global consumer PC and Client Peripheral business and before that, led various product development groups. Razas 23-year career includes a diverse set of experiences at other global companies, including McKinsey and Adventis.

Melinda D. Whittington, President and Chief Executive Officer of La-Z-Boy Incorporated, said, We are delighted to have an individual of Razas experience join our Board of Directors. He is a seasoned executive who has a track record of establishing design thinking to enhance engagement with an evolving consumer. Additionally, with his unique background of delivering transformational solutions that stay true to the brands core mission and values, he will undoubtedly make a significant contribution to our Boards oversight as we execute our Century Vision growth strategy over the long term.

Michael T. Lawton, Chair of the Board, said, Razas appointment is reflective of our strong commitment to ongoing refreshment of the Board. In addition to bringing to La-Z-Boy a breadth of experience in the consumer space, his pragmatic approach and e-commerce savvy will serve the company well. The Board and the Executive Leadership Team look forward to working with him.

Before joining Dell, Haider spent seven years at McKinsey & Company, consulting for clients in the technology, media, and communications sectors. Raza holds a bachelors degree in Economics and Psychology from Ohio Wesleyan University. In addition, Raza is an active angel investor and mentor for startups in business incubators based in Austin, TX.

A full listing of the La-Z-Boy Incorporated Board of Directors may be found at: https://lazboy.gcs-web.com/corporate-governance/board-of-directors.Investor Relations ContactMark Becks, CFA, (734) 457-9538[email protected]

About La-Z-BoyLa-Z-Boy Incorporated is one of the worlds leading residential furniture producers, marketing furniture for every room of the home. The Wholesale segment includes La-Z-Boy, England, American Drew, Hammary, Kincaid and the company's international wholesale and manufacturing businesses. The company-owned Retail segment includes 171 of the 349 La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries stores. Joybird is an e-commerce retailer and manufacturer of upholstered furniture.

The corporations branded distribution network is dedicated to selling La-Z-Boy Incorporated products and brands, and includes 349 stand-alone La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries stores and 522 independent Comfort Studio locations, in addition to in-store gallery programs for the companys Kincaid and England operating units. Additional information is available at https://www.la-z-boy.com/.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Generally, forward-looking statements include information concerning expectations, projections or trends relating to our results of operations, financial results, financial condition, strategic initiatives and plans, expenses, dividends, share repurchases, liquidity, use of cash and cash requirements, borrowing capacity, investments, future economic performance, and our business and industry.

The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on certain assumptions and currently available information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are unforeseeable and beyond our control. Additional risks and uncertainties that we do not presently know about or that we currently consider to be immaterial may also affect our business operations and financial results. Our actual future results and trends may differ materially depending on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties discussed in our fiscal 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K and other factors identified in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Given these risks and uncertainties, you should not rely on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. We are including this cautionary note to make applicable and take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or for any other reason.

Additional InformationThis news release is just one part of La-Z-Boys financial disclosures and should be read in conjunction with other information filed with the SEC, which is available at: https://lazboy.gcs-web.com/financial-information/sec-filings. Investors and others wishing to be notified of future La-Z-Boy news releases, SEC filings and quarterly investor conference calls may sign up at: https://lazboy.gcs-web.com/.

Source: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
Seoul tourism promotion event of Seoul Tourism Organization in Takeshiba of Tokyo, Japan ended in success

3,000 Tokyo citizens enjoyed Seoul Vibes over two days

Offered a variety of programs including K-POP concert featuring BTOB and AB6IX and K-POP star fashion show

Operated experience booths under the concept of Seongsu, Euljiro, Hongdae, and Gangnam, the popular places in Seoul

SEOUL, South Korea--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Seoul Tourism Organization announced that the 2023 Seoul Edition in Tokyo was successfully held on June 24 (Sat.) and 25 (Sun.) in Tokyo, Japan. Offering a variety of programs including a K-POP concert with BTOB, AB6IX, Kwon Eun-bi, and CLASS:y, a new-concept fashion show where fashion models walked on the runway wearing stage costumes of K-POP stars of different generations followed by a cover dance performance, and the Seoul Lifestyle Experience Zone, this event attracted approximately 3,000 visitors during the two-day period.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230627260707/en/

Visitors from Tokyo attending Seoul Edition 23 in Tokyo event are enjoying a live concert by BTOB. (Photo: Seoul Tourism Organization)

Hosted by Kangnam, the main event started with a fashion show of K-POP stars. After walking on the runway in the stage costumes of representative K-POP stars of each generation, the fashion models provided a cover dance performance to heat up the audience. For the performance, Boa and SHINHWA were selected as the representative first-generation K-POP stars. For the second, third, and fourth-generation K-POP stars, TVXQ, BTS and Black Pink, and NewJeans and Stray Kids were selected respectively.

It was followed by Seoul Dining Talk Show about hidden gem restaurants of Seoul, a lucky draw, and Seoul Edition Live, which is a K-POP concert. The lucky draw was very popular among the audience as the winners were presented with great prizes including a round-trip air ticket to Seoul, a five-star hotel voucher, and suitcases. In addition, the K-POP concert featured K-POP stars popular in Japan, such as BTOB, AB6IX, Kwon Eun-bi, and CLASS:y.

Outside the main venue were operating booths to experience the hip lifestyle of Seoul. Each booth was designed under the concept of popular places in Seoul, such as Seongsu, Euljiro, Hongdae, and Gangnam. Visitors could enjoy K-beauty experiences including personal color test and lip gloss making at the Seongsu booth, K-food ASMR experience at the Euljiro booth, voting for K-POP artists and coin karaoke experience at the Hongdae booth, and photoshoot wearing school uniforms at the Gangnam booth.

A participant at the 2023 Seoul Edition in Tokyo said, As a Hallyu fan who loves Seoul, I was very excited about this event. This event has inspired me to visit Seoul again later this year.

Kil Ki Yon, CEO & President of Seoul Tourism Organization, said, The popularity was overwhelming that around 10,000 applicants flocked in on the news of the event. With the overwhelming number of Japanese tourists visiting Korea, we will dedicate our utmost efforts to activate tourism exchange between Seoul and Tokyo through more active promotions.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230627260707/en/

Kwon Dayoung

[email protected]

Source: Seoul Tourism Organization
South Korea-based Leader of Faith Content to Leverage Triton Digitals Suite of Podcasting, Audience Measurement and Programmatic Advertising Technologies

SEOUL, South Korea--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Triton Digital, the global technology and services leader to the digital audio, podcast, and broadcast radio industries, today announced that Christian Broadcasting System, the prominent provider of faith-based audio content in South Korea, has chosen Triton Digital to aid in growing its presence in the South Korean audio market. Through the partnership, Christian Broadcasting System will adopt Triton Digitals suite of podcasting solutions for secure distribution, seamless monetization, and robust analytics.

Eugine Park, Director of Digital Contents Department of Christian Broadcasting System, expressed excitement about the partnership, saying, Triton Digital has a robust offering of solutions that complement each other and make it easier to manage our advertising efforts. Were thrilled about this partnership as it represents a huge step forward for CBS as we focus on expanding our audiences and maximizing revenue opportunities.

Triton Digital is also celebrating a significant milestone by joining forces with the Christian Broadcasting System, marking its entrance into the Korean audio market in collaboration with the esteemed broadcasting company that is already established in the market.

Christian Broadcasting System will leverage Tritons Supply Side Platform (SSP), an audio-first SSP, built from the ground up for broadcasters, podcasters, and music streaming services. Integrated with the worlds leading DSPs, the SSP provides advanced publisher controls to manage access, regulate pricing, and establish ad quality settings in the Triton Audio Marketplace, where CBS podcast inventory will be available for buyers programmatically. Furthermore, CBS will use Triton Digitals Advertising Platform (TAP) to monetize digital audio content globally and adopt Triton Digitals Podcast Metrics to access consistent and reputable audio consumption data to gain a better understanding of its audiences and increase overall advertising revenue.

The appetite for audio continues to grow in the APAC region as Triton saw an increase in both impressions delivered and publisher revenue in Q1 of this year, said Richard Palmer, Vice President of Market Development & Strategy (APAC), Triton Digital. Were excited to be working with Christian Broadcasting System to provide listeners in that region with the best listening experience available and look forward to helping them expand their reach within the South Korean market.

The audio market in South Korea has experienced significant growth and transformation in recent years  right now, more than half of adults listen to radio. Overall, the Asia Pacific region is expanding rapidly, as consumption of digital audio is up over 450% in the last 24 months offering a valuable medium for advertisers to target and reach engaged audiences.

To learn more about Triton Digitals comprehensive suite of advertising, measurement, and podcasting technologies, visit: tritondigital.com.

About Christian Broadcasting System

CBS is Koreas first independent broadcasting company founded in 1954 and now has 14 regional networks all over the country. As a multimedia group based on Christianity, CBS is leading public broadcasting service through our media networks including FM radio, Podcasts, TV, mobile app Rainbow etc. CBS has its strength not only in daily news and current affairs but also in music shows (especially most loved by seniors). According to the survey by KOBACO* in 2020, CBS News Show ranked #1 Informative and Reliable news.

About Triton Digital

Triton Digital is the global technology and services leader to the digital audio, podcast, and broadcast radio industries. Operating in more than 80 countries, Triton provides innovative technology that enables broadcasters, podcasters, and online music services to build their audience, maximize revenue, and streamline their day-to-day operations. In addition, Triton powers the global online audio industry with Webcast Metrics, the leading streaming audio measurement service and Podcast Metrics, one of the first IAB certified podcast measurement services in the industry. With unparalleled integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability, Triton remains committed to connecting audio, audience, and advertisers to continuously fuel the growth of the global audio industry.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230627488506/en/

Moxie Communications Group for Triton Digital

[email protected]

Source: Triton Digital
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Edgeworth Economics is pleased to welcome Dr. Branko Jovanovic as a Partner in the firms Washington, DC office. Dr. Jovanovic brings over two decades of experience in consumer class action litigation and a wide array of regulatory matters. At Edgeworth, Dr. Jovanovic will be a leader in our consumer protection practice, providing economic analysis in false advertising, product defects, consumer finance, and data privacy litigation. Dr. Jovanovic is also an expert in the economics of direct selling organizations.

Branko is a widely respected economist, and we are delighted to welcome him to Edgeworth, said Dr. John Johnson, Edgeworth Economics CEO. His commitment to high quality work, collaboration, and professional development makes him a natural fit for our firm.

I have always respected Johns leadership of Edgeworth and the firms emphasis on team development, mentorship, and practice-building opportunities, said Dr. Jovanovic. Joining Edgeworth will allow me to continue to provide my clients with high quality economic analysis complemented by Edgeworths existing consumer protection portfolio.

Prior to Edgeworth, Dr. Jovanovic served as a senior-level expert economist at several economic consulting firms. He also taught graduate econometrics courses at New York University and Johns Hopkins University.

Dr. Jovanovic earned a PhD in Economics from Texas A&M University. He earned an MA in Economics from Central European University and a BS in Economics from the University of Belgrade.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628472198/en/

Kimberly Kriewald

[email protected]

Source: Edgeworth Economics
More than 30 CoreLogic products available through Databricks Lakehouse Apps, enabling industry players to tackle mortgage and insurance challenges with industry-leading analytic capabilities

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CoreLogic, a leader in global property information, analytics, and data-enabled solutions, has announced its integration with Databricks Marketplace, a move that significantly expands the accessibility of CoreLogic's comprehensive datasets and analytics tools. This strategic collaboration amplifies CoreLogics commitment to meet clients in their world, in their cloud, and within their tech stack allowing a wider range of real estate, insurance and mortgage professionals to directly incorporate CoreLogic's data and insights into their existing workflows. This results in quicker and more impactful decision-making capabilities and improved business performance.

By leveraging CoreLogics solutions within the Databricks platform, users can easily identify and visualize use cases for each product, highlighting the potential and enhancing understanding of how data connects to solutions and provides answers. Built natively within the Databricks Lakehouse Apps suite, it serves as a launchpad and enables them to start their journeys as soon as they engage with the product. Existing Databricks clients can now access CoreLogics comprehensive property data and integrate it with their existing workflows, facilitating a smoother and more efficient analysis process. All of this occurs without the data ever leaving the customers instance, which brings an uncompromising level of security, privacy and compliance.

"This strategic integration with Databricks enables industry professionals to leverage our comprehensive datasets and powerful analytics tools in a streamlined manner. By bringing our property-level insights to the fingertips of data scientists, analysts and decision-makers, we are empowering them to manage risk effectively and unlock new opportunities for growth," said Brian Battaglia, executive, Property Intelligence Solutions for CoreLogic.

Databricks is thrilled to welcome CoreLogic to Databricks Marketplace as a launch partner. As a market leading provider of broad and deep property data, including Climate Risk Analytics, CoreLogic is enabling our mutual customers, and prospects, to derive needle moving, portfolio-centric insights faster than ever before leveraging the power of the Lakehouse," said Michael Hartman, EVP Financial Services at Databricks.

CoreLogic's offerings on Databricks Marketplace encompass an extensive array of data and analytics services, including Climate Risk Analytics, MLS Listings, Real Estate Analytics, Rent Amount Model, Automated Valuation Models (AVMs), Neighborhood Characteristics, Liens, Property Characteristics, Mortgage Transactions and Building Permits. This rich collection of data allows users to gain a holistic understanding of the property market, enabling them to make well-informed decisions and gain a competitive edge.

Brian Battaglia will be speaking at the Data + AI Summit by Databricks on The Future of Data Sharing ad Collaboration: A Perspective from Industry Leaders panel on Thursday, June 29 2:30 PM PT.

About CoreLogic

CoreLogic is a leading global property information, analytics and data-enabled solutions provider. The companys combined data from public, contributory and proprietary sources include over 4.5 billion records spanning more than 50 years, providing detailed coverage of property, mortgages and other encumbrances, consumer credit, tenancy, location, hazard risk and related performance information. The markets CoreLogic serves include real estate and mortgage finance, insurance, capital markets, and the public sector. CoreLogic delivers value to clients through unique data, analytics, workflow technology, advisory and managed services. Clients rely on CoreLogic to help identify and manage growth opportunities, improve performance and mitigate risk. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., CoreLogic operates in North America, Western Europe and Asia Pacific. For more information, please visit www.corelogic.com.

CORELOGIC and the CoreLogic logo are trademarks of CoreLogic, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628569664/en/

Robin Wachner

CoreLogic

[email protected]

Source: CoreLogic
Alex Bryer, Keary Castleberry and Armando Urena Honored for Second Consecutive Year

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Snowden Lane Partners, an independent, advisor-owned, wealth advisory firm dedicated to providing client-focused advice in a values-driven culture, today announced that eight of the firms financial advisors have been recognized by AdvisorHub in the publications 2023 Advisors to Watch ranking:

Separated into multiple subcategories, the Advisors to Watch rankings evaluate financial professionals based on their scope of practice, measured by assets, production and level of service; growth of practice, consisting of year-over-year growth in assets, households and production; and professionalism, which includes regulatory record, community service and team diversity.

Bryer, Gonzalez and Urena were recognized among the 100 Advisors to Watch Under $1B, while Hoffman, LaMothe, Manzanares and Markel ranked within the 200 Fast Growing Advisors to Watch. Castleberry was honored among the 100 Solo Advisors to Watch. This marks the second consecutive year that Bryer, Castleberry and Urena were included in the ranking.

Its always fulfilling to see our advisors get recognized for their hard work and commitment to their clients, especially by such a reputable publication, said Rob Mooney, Managing Partner & CEO of Snowden Lane Partners. This is a well-deserved honor, as each of these advisors has consistently delivered specialized solutions to help their clients reach their financial goals. Its incredibly gratifying to have this group as part of our larger Snowden Lane team.

Added Greg Franks, Managing Partner, President & COO: Ive always been inspired by our advisors approach to their work, and this recognition is a true testament to their efforts. Our advisors embody our firms values of putting clients first and prioritizing individual relationships, and Im so proud to see these seven, specifically, be honored for their dedication.

Snowden Lane employs 137 total professionals, 75 of whom are financial advisors, across 13 offices around the country: Pasadena and San Diego, CA; New Haven, CT; Coral Gables, FL; Chicago, IL; Pittsburgh, PA; Baltimore, Salisbury and Bethesda, MD; San Antonio, TX; Buffalo, NY; Lebanon, NH, as well as its New York City headquarters.

Since its founding in 2011, Snowden Lane has rapidly built a national brand, attracting top industry talent from Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, UBS, JP Morgan, Raymond James, Fieldpoint Private and Wells Fargo, among others.

The firm is included in Barrons 2022, 2021 and 2020 Top 100 RIA Firms ranking, in addition to the 2022 Forbes/Shook Top RIA Firms ranking. The Financial Times named Snowden Lane to its elite FT 300 list for six straight years, recognizing Snowden Lane as one of the top independent RIA firms in the U.S. Many of the firms advisors have been recognized as Financial Times 401 Top Retirement advisors, and a number by Forbes/Shook as Forbes Best-In-State Wealth advisors.

About Snowden Lane Partners

Snowden Lane is a nationally branded, open-architecture, hybrid registered investment advisor and broker-dealer that provides wealth advisory services to high net-worth individuals, families, and institutional clients.

The firm is led by an experienced team of industry executives, including Lyle LaMothe, Chairman of the Board of Managers, Rob Mooney, Managing Partner & CEO, and Greg Franks, Managing Partner, President & COO, who are dedicated to building a client-focused, nationally branded, boutique wealth advisory partnership.

Snowden Lane is headquartered in New York City and operates an SEC registered investment adviser and a FINRA licensed broker-dealer. Snowden Lane provides a multi-custodian, multi-currency platform, with aggregated performance reporting and leading analytical tools for clients and advisors. Snowden Lane further provides full operational, finance, compliance, human resources, and financial advisor transition support to its financial advisors.

For more information about Snowden Lane, please visit www.snowdenlane.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230627093562/en/

Kevin Santo

Water & Wall

[email protected]

Source: Snowden Lane Partners
BETHESDA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Enviva Inc. (NYSE: EVA), the worlds leading producer of sustainably sourced woody biomass, breaks ground on its forthcoming Epes plant under construction in Sumter County, AL.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628445222/en/

Enviva's President and CEO, Thomas Meth, along with Governor Kay Ivey, and other county and state officials, broke ground today on its forthcoming Epes plant under construction in Sumter County, AL. (Photo: Business Wire)

Enviva has been active in Sumter County since its initial assessment of the site in 2018. In 2020, Enviva acquired over 300 acres in the Epes Industrial Park, located next to the Tombigbee River in Sumter County, to build its largest wood pellet production plant. In July 2022, the company began construction of its fully contracted Epes plant, which will have a nameplate capacity of 1.1 million metric tons per year and is expected to be in service by mid-2024, with production fully ramped by 2025.

The fact that the worlds largest wood pellet producer is building its largest production facility to date here, in Sweet Home Alabama, is yet another testament to our nation-leading business climate and world-class workforce, said Alabama Governor Kay Ivey. Envivas significant commitment at the Port of Epes will undoubtedly breathe life into a community and region eager for new, long-term opportunities. It truly is an exciting day for West Alabama, and I sincerely appreciate Envivas decision to plant roots here in our great state.

When assessing and developing the project, Enviva chose to repurpose a former business site and construct a brand-new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility to jumpstart economic growth and bring employment opportunities back to the community it now calls home. Once operational, the Epes plant is expected to support approximately 100 direct jobs and 250 indirect jobs, including in adjacent industries such as logging, trucking, and shipping. Enviva plans to invest, on average, $375 million for each newly constructed plant going forward, including the Epes plant. Envivas Epes plant will be one of the largest taxpayers in the county, resulting in economic benefits to the community with funding for programs like road maintenance and schools, as well as safety and emergency services.

I am proud to see more economic development and job creation in Sumter County! said Alabama Congresswoman Terri Sewell. It is imperative for the prosperity of Alabama that we continue to deliver more resources and opportunities directly to the people that need them most. I am thrilled to see Enviva is doing just that by providing even more jobs to our rural communities through this expansion.

The rich fiber basket and supply in Alabama, along with favorable transport logistics and a great local workforce, are some of the key factors which initially made the project sustainable and attractive for Enviva. As part of its unwavering commitment to sustainability, Enviva will source fiber at the new plant by following the robust set of practices and principles that are employed successfully at Envivas other plants. The facility will sustainably and responsibly source wood from areas within approximately 75 miles of the plant.

It is an honor to be here in Sumter County with Governor Ivey and local officials to celebrate this momentous occasion of breaking ground on a fully contracted, state-of-the-art wood pellet production facility in West Alabama, said Thomas Meth, President and CEO of Enviva. We are excited to grow with Alabama as we remain committed to being a long-term source of green jobs and green investment across the state. We have been humbled by the strong support we have received from the local community over the last few years, and we look forward to formally being a part of the community and to being a good neighbor for many years to come.

Pellets produced at the Epes plant will be exported to international markets, mainly in Europe and Asia, and will help to fill international demand for secure sources of renewable energy, which help to defossilize power and heat generation, as well as energy-intensive industries such as steel, cement, and lime, as well as sustainable aviation fuels.

During the ceremony, Enviva also recognized the following organizations for their invaluable contribution in making the project possible and for in turn bringing economic development to Sumter County: MuniStrategies, LLC, PB Community Impact Fund, LLC, UB Community Development, LLC, National Impact Fund, LLC, Capital One - National Association, and United Bank.

In addition, the Epes plant has been designed using learnings from the companys existing ten plants to deliver an improved and modernized model known as the EVA-1100. The patent pending blueprint is being used as the standardized plant design for its future 1.1 million metric ton production capacity plants, to include Epes. Click here to watch the video and learn more.

About Enviva

Enviva Inc. (NYSE: EVA) is the worlds largest producer of industrial wood pellets, a renewable and sustainable energy source produced by aggregating a natural resource, wood fiber, and processing it into a transportable form, wood pellets. Enviva owns and operates ten plants with a combined production capacity of approximately 6.2 million metric tons per year in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi, and is constructing its 11th plant in Epes, Alabama. Additionally, Enviva is planning to commence construction of its 12th plant near Bond, Mississippi. Enviva sells most of its wood pellets through long-term, take-or-pay off-take contracts with primarily creditworthy customers in the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Japan, helping to accelerate the energy transition and to defossilize hard-to-abate sectors like steel, cement, lime, chemicals, and aviation. Enviva exports its wood pellets to global markets through its deep-water marine terminals at the Port of Chesapeake, Virginia, the Port of Wilmington, North Carolina, and the Port of Pascagoula, Mississippi, and from third-party deep-water marine terminals in Savannah, Georgia, Mobile, Alabama, and Panama City, Florida.

To learn more about Enviva, please visit our website at www.envivabiomass.com. Follow Enviva on social media @Enviva.

Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

The information included herein and in any oral statements made in connection herewith include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included herein, regarding Envivas future financial performance, as well as Envivas strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues, and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans, and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used herein, including any oral statements made in connection herewith, the words could, should, will, may, believe, anticipate, intend, estimate, expect, project, the negative of such terms, and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on managements current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, Enviva disclaims any duty to revise or update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. Enviva cautions you that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of Enviva.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628445222/en/

MEDIA CONTACT:

Maria C. Moreno

[email protected]

+1-301-657-5560

Source: Enviva Inc.
FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- GENERAL MOTORS FINANCIAL COMPANY, INC. (GM Financial or the Company) will release its second quarter 2023 operating results on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.

The press release and earnings presentation for fixed income investors will be posted to the Investor Relations section of the Companys website at www.gmfinancial.com. Questions on the materials should be directed to GM Financials Investor Relations Department.

The companys third quarter earnings announcement date is Tuesday, October 24, 2023.

About GM Financial

General Motors Financial Company, Inc. is the wholly owned captive finance subsidiary of General Motors Company and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. For more information, visit www.gmfinancial.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628805962/en/

Investor Relations contact:

Stephen Jones

Vice President, Investor Relations

(817) 302-7119

[email protected]

Source: General Motors Financial Company, Inc.
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ann Tracy, who serves as Chief Sustainability Officer for Colgate-Palmolive, is a featured guest this week on the Impact Podcast with John Shegerian. The show is hosted by Shegerian, Co-Founder and Chairman/CEO of ERI.

Tracy became Chief Sustainability Officer in the Global Growth & Strategy Organization in 2022, leading Colgates Global Sustainability & Social Impact Strategy and key initiatives, integrating a strong technical foundation across people, performance and planet into commercial strategic purpose. Since joining the company in 1991, Tracy has worked across all four of Colgate's categories in manufacturing, quality and customer service and logistics roles with experience in each of the Colgate divisions. She also serves on the board of directors of the UN Global Compact Network USA.

It was an honor to have Ann, a genuine sustainability innovation and thought leader, on our show to share her story and describe the incredibly impactful work she and her colleagues are doing at Colgate-Palmolive, said Shegerian. Our audience is sure to be inspired by her insights and her teams sustainability and social impact strategy.

Colgate-Palmolive is committed to our purpose of reimagining a healthier future for all people, their pets and our planet, said Tracy. I enjoyed speaking with John about how our purpose drives our Companys ambitions to preserve the environment, drive social impact and help millions of homes. His insights and knowledge allowed for an important conversation that I think listeners will find inspiring.

Impact Podcast guests are invited as thought leaders to share with listeners first-hand accounts of how they are able to help make the world a better place on a daily basis.

Recent guests have included leaders from Samsung, Best Buy, Amazon, Verizon, General Motors, Ford, Unilever, Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, Colgate-Palmolive, JetBlue, Comerica Bank, Goodyear Tire, Virgin, Dell, GE, IBM, AT&T, Qualcomm, Nestle, BMW, The Home Depot, Texas Instruments, Adobe, Gap Inc., TIME, Kimberly-Clark, Timberland, Hearst, UPS, Hertz, The Hershey Company, McKinsey & Company, FedEx, Intel, T-Mobile, eBay, NVIDIA, Lyft, HubSpot, T. Rowe Price, Ball Corporation, New York City, Beyond Meat, Panasonic, John Deere, Salesforce, Molson Coors, Seventh Generation, Amgen, Intuit, and hundreds more.

The Impact Podcast with John Shegerian is available for listening on ImpactPodcast.com, Apples iTunes, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Spotify, libsyn, and as part of iHeartRadios digital broadcast, reaching over 120 million users.

For more information, visit ImpactPodcast.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628098768/en/

Paul Williams, 310/569-0023, [email protected]

Source: Impact Podcast
SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Inszone Insurance Services, a rapidly growing national provider of benefits, personal, and commercial lines insurance, announced today that they have acquired Nugen and Associates, an insurance brokerage based out of Rancho Cucamonga, CA. With this acquisition, Inszone Insurance Services expands its commercial insurance expertise, while providing enhanced services and support to existing and new clients in the Rancho Cucamonga area.

Known for its comprehensive insurance solutions for local contractors and businesses, Nugen and Associates has gained an excellent reputation in tailoring insurance products to meet specific client needs. This expert knowledge in commercial and contractor insurance enriches Inszone's service offering.

Nugen and Associates have done a great job focusing on the commercial space, building strong relationships with their customers, said Chris Walters, CEO of Inszone Insurance Services. We look forward to expanding the reach and providing additional product offerings to said clients, giving them access to personal lines and benefits insurance solutions, all with the goal of providing customers a true one-stop-shop for all their insurance needs.

Inszone Insurance Services will continue to provide exceptional insurance services while maintaining the same level of dedication to personalized service and professionalism that clients have come to expect. Current clients of Nugen and Associates can expect a seamless transition with the same high-quality service and support as before, now enhanced by the resources and capabilities of Inszone Insurance Services.

Inszone Insurance is expected to announce a number of important acquisitions in the upcoming months as it continues to build its national presence.

Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Sacramento, California, Inszone is a full-service insurance brokerage firm that provides a broad array of property & casualty insurance, along with employee benefits solutions. With a strong, experienced management team, Inszone continues to grow organically, as well as through acquisitions. With 40 locations across California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Michigan, Missouri, Oregon, Texas, and Illinois, the company is looking to further expand throughout the United States.

For more information about Inszone, please visit www.inszoneinsurance.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628023667/en/

Inszone Insurance

Chris Walters  CEO

714-619-5620

[email protected]

Source: Inszone Insurance Services
People attend a session themed "Life in 2040" during the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, at Tianjin Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

Zhou Yuxiang, chief executive officer of Black Lake, speaks at a session themed "Life in 2040" during the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, at Tianjin Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

People attend a session themed "Life in 2040" during the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, at Tianjin Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Ran)

People attend a session themed "Life in 2040" during the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, at Tianjin Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Ran)

People attend a session themed "Life in 2040" during the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, at Tianjin Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

Li Dongsheng, chairman and chief executive officer of TCL, attends a session themed "Asia's Manufacturing Resurgence" during the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Ran)

Zhang Kunyu (1st R), chief executive officer of Troila Technology, speaks at a session themed "Asia's Manufacturing Resurgence" during the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Ran)

Liu Young-Way (C), chairman and chief executive officer of Hon Hai Precision, speaks at a session themed "Asia's Manufacturing Resurgence" during the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Ran)

This photo taken on June 28, 2023 shows a session themed "Asia's Manufacturing Resurgence" during the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China's Tianjin Municipality. (Xinhua/Li Ran)

This photo taken on June 28, 2023 shows a session themed "Asia's Manufacturing Resurgence" during the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China's Tianjin Municipality. (Xinhua/Li Ran)

People attend a session themed "Horizon Scan: Disruptive Innovation" during the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 27, 2023.

The 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, opened on Tuesday in China's Tianjin.

More than 1,500 participants from businesses, governments, international organizations, and academia are gathering in the northern port city for the three-day event themed "Entrepreneurship: The Driving Force of the Global Economy." (Xinhua/Li Xin)

People attend a session themed "Horizon Scan: Disruptive Innovation" during the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 27, 2023.

The 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, opened on Tuesday in China's Tianjin.

More than 1,500 participants from businesses, governments, international organizations, and academia are gathering in the northern port city for the three-day event themed "Entrepreneurship: The Driving Force of the Global Economy." (Xinhua/Meng Chenguang)

Lu Minfang, CEO of China Mengniu Dairy Company, speaks during a session themed "The Existential Fight to Restore Nature" during the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 27, 2023. The 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, opened on Tuesday in China's Tianjin.

More than 1,500 participants from businesses, governments, international organizations, and academia are gathering in the northern port city for the three-day event themed "Entrepreneurship: The Driving Force of the Global Economy." (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Samantha Zhu (2nd R), Accenture's chairperson and market unit lead for Greater China, speaks at a session themed "A New Blueprint for Digital China" during the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

Zhu Min, vice chairman of China Center for International Economic Exchanges (CCIEE), speaks at a session themed "A New Blueprint for Digital China" during the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

Participants talk with each other at the Village of the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 27, 2023.

The 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, opened on Tuesday in China's Tianjin.

More than 1,500 participants from businesses, governments, international organizations, and academia are gathering in the northern port city for the three-day event themed "Entrepreneurship: The Driving Force of the Global Economy." (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

Jiao Chengyao (R), chairman of Zhengzhou Coal Mining Machinery Group, speaks at a session themed "A New Blueprint for Digital China" during the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

Wang Boming (L), editor-in-chief of Caijing Magazine and host of a session themed "A New Blueprint for Digital China", raises a question for Zhu Min, vice chairman of China Center for International Economic Exchanges (CCIEE), during the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

George Xu (L), CEO of Airbus China, talks with other guests during the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 28, 2023.

The 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, opened on Tuesday in China's Tianjin.

More than 1,500 participants from businesses, governments, international organizations, and academia are gathering in the northern port city for the three-day event themed "Entrepreneurship: The Driving Force of the Global Economy." (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

Jiao Chengyao (C), chairman of Zhengzhou Coal Mining Machinery Group, speaks in a discussion on "Digital China" during the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 28, 2023.

The 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, opened on Tuesday in China's Tianjin.

More than 1,500 participants from businesses, governments, international organizations, and academia are gathering in the northern port city for the three-day event themed "Entrepreneurship: The Driving Force of the Global Economy." (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

Participants talk with each other during the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 28, 2023.

The 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, opened on Tuesday in China's Tianjin.

More than 1,500 participants from businesses, governments, international organizations, and academia are gathering in the northern port city for the three-day event themed "Entrepreneurship: The Driving Force of the Global Economy." (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

Zhang Jiachen (1st R), founder and CEO of Guangzhishu Technology, speaks at a session themed "A New Blueprint for Digital China" during the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

A session themed "A New Blueprint for Digital China" is held during the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

William Yu, president of Honeywell China, speaks at a session themed "A New Blueprint for Digital China" during the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

A session themed "A New Blueprint for Digital China" is held during the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 28, 2023.

The 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, opened on Tuesday in China's Tianjin.

More than 1,500 participants from businesses, governments, international organizations, and academia are gathering in the northern port city for the three-day event themed "Entrepreneurship: The Driving Force of the Global Economy." (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

Zhao Yan, president and general manager of Bloomage BioTechnology Corporation Limited, speaks at a session themed "Enterprising Women in Asia" during the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Sun Weitong)

Anne Tse (C), CEO of PepsiCo Greater China, speaks at a session themed "Enterprising Women in Asia" during the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Sun Weitong)

A session themed "Enterprising Women in Asia" is held during the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, in north China's Tianjin Municipality, June 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Sun Weitong)
Local activation in conjunction with Florida-based We The People National March will protest hateful legislation emerging nationwide

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- New Yorkers will host a regional We The People march on Thursday, June 29th in solidarity with the thousands of people attending the We The People National March in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida over Independence Day weekend. More than 50 organizations fighting for people of color, women, LGBTQ+ communities, Jewish people, social justice, gun control, and more make up the We The People coalition.

The New York march (one of six WTP regional marches) is a way for people to participate locally in speaking out against the close to 1,000 bills lawmakers and legislatures are introducing nationwide that threaten basic freedoms and aim to roll back 70 years of progress. The We The People National March takes place Sunday, July 2nd at Esplanade Park in Ft Lauderdale, FL.

WHAT: We The People NEW YORK CITY advocacy march WHO: New Yorkers march in solidarity with the We the People National March WHERE: Washington Square Park (Washington Square, New York, NY 10012) WHEN: Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 12:00 pm EDT NYC MARCH CONTACT: Rasheed Gonga [email protected] 201.241.0927 cell

More than 15 high-profile and celebrity We The People Ambassadors have endorsed the We The People National March. Iconic labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta, legendary actress and choreographer Debbie Allen, Parkland survivor and gun control activist David Hogg, national political and civil rights figure Marc Morial, and leading HIV/AIDS and social justice advocate Michael Weinstein are among the Ambassadors expected to attend the Florida march in person.

As authoritarian lawmakers and legislatures seek to criminalize immigrants, sexuality, gender expression, Blackness, homelessness, religious freedom, and the teaching of vital history, this country never has seen such a blatant abuse of power against virtually every group of people at the same time. We The People is a movement composed of advocates, mobilizers, and community leaders who are tired of being told what books they can read, what words they can or cant say, how they can express themselves, and what they can do with their own bodies. Basic constitutional rights are under attack, and We The People cannot stay silent.

Click here or visit WTPMarch.org/Partners to see the full list of Partners and Ambassadors.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628109891/en/

NATIONAL: Imara Canady, AHF National Communications Director

(770) 940-6555

[email protected]

LOS ANGELES: Ged Kenslea, AHF Senior Communications Director

323.791.5526

[email protected]

Source: We The People
Development of two additional Roll-Out Solar Arrays announced following the successful deployment of the sixth Redwire-built array on the space station.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Redwire Corporation (NYSE: RDW), a leader in space infrastructure for the next generation space economy, announced today that it has been awarded a follow-on contract from Boeing to develop two additional Roll-Out Solar Arrays (IROSA) for the International Space Station (ISS).

The IROSAs augment the space stations power supply to support critical research and space operations. This award is a follow-on to Redwires contract to deliver six IROSAs, which were developed in partnership with Boeings Spectrolab and delivered to NASA under contract with Boeing, NASAs prime contractor for space station operations.

We are proud of the successful deployment of six IROSAs on the ISS to date, making it the gold standard for large-scale power generation with proven flight heritage. The continuation of the program with the award of an additional two IROSAs, bringing the total to eight arrays, is a testament to the excellence and dedication of our team and the coordination amongst our suppliers and partners, said Peter Cannito, Redwire Chairman and CEO.

The six IROSAs installed on the ISS are innovative examples to support further utilization with technologies and systems that were not envisioned when the ISS was designed and built," said John Mulholland, Boeing vice president and program manager for the ISS. "It is a tribute to the performance of the design, build, and operational teams that NASA has contracted for two additional arrays to complete the upgrade to the full eight-array set.

Since 2021, a total of six Redwire-built arrays have been developed, delivered, and deployed on the ISS, augmenting its critical power supply. Each wing provides an additional 20+ kW of power once deployed, and all eight IROSA wings combined will provide more than 160 kW for over 10 years.

Redwire has continued to advance ROSA technology to power other spaceflight platforms and ambitious missions with reliable and stable power solutions. Redwire is currently building ROSA for the Power and Propulsion Element for NASAs Gateway program, a part of the agencys Artemis program, and Astrobotics Lunar Vertical Solar Array program, which aims to provide sustainable power on the lunar surface. Along with its previous success on the ISS, ROSA technology powered NASAs DART spacecraft to impact asteroid Dimorphos, successfully altering the asteroids orbit in September 2022.

About Redwire

Redwire Corporation (NYSE: RDW) is a global leader in mission critical space solutions and high reliability components for the next generation space economy, with valuable intellectual property for solar power generation, in-space 3D printing and manufacturing, avionics, critical components, sensors, digital engineering and space-based biotechnology. We combine decades of flight heritage with an agile and innovative culture. Our Heritage plus Innovation strategy enables us to combine proven performance with new, innovative capabilities to provide our customers with the building blocks for the present and future of space infrastructure. For more information, please visit redwirespace.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628279124/en/

Media Contact:

Emily Devine

[email protected]

305-632-9137

OR



Investors:

[email protected]

904-425-1431

Source: Redwire Corporation
Stone Joins Select Group of National Tier Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Stone Security today announced it has moved into LenelS2s National Tier of Value-Added Resellers. Stone Security has been selling and installing LenelS2 access control solutions for more than a decade. This partnership has been a key driver of the two companies growth and success during that time. Stone recently became a reseller of LenelS2s native cloud solution, the Elements platform, and together will continue to drive innovation and digitally enabled security solutions across the industry. This milestone is a major move for Stone on its mission to Become the Most Trusted and Sought-After Security Integrator in the World.

Stone Security has exemplified the true definition of a great value-added reseller partner in our channel network and has had explosive growth with LenelS2 since first becoming a VAR in 2009 in Utah, said Ryan Kaltenbaugh, Senior Vice President of North American Sales at LenelS2. They have proven their advancement through customer acceptance, quality, and exceptional customer experience, which aligns with the LenelS2 values and mission.

We cannot overstate the importance of this announcement. National VAR status for LenelS2 is the most strategic business accomplishment our company has achieved in many years. We are grateful for the trust and confidence from LenelS2s leadership. We look forward to growing our national & global brand together!  Brent Edmunds, CEO.

This news comes in the wake of many recent initiatives and accomplishments of the company, including:

2022 LenelS2 Value-Added Reseller of the Year  West

2022 Milestone Partner of the Year - West

2022 Recognized as one of Americas Fastest-Growing Private Companies by Inc. 5000

We are grateful to LenelS2 for recognizing the unique approach to partnering that we foster here at Stone. The loyal partnerships that we build with Vendors and Customers are an essential part of the DNA of the entire Stone Team and of the key contributors to success on both sides of the partnership Aaron Simpson, President & CTO of Stone Security.

About Stone Security: Stone Security is a provider of professional, enterprise class, physical security products and services. The terms that define the way Stone approaches the integration business are - open platform, industry leading, and partnership driven. With these principles as a foundation, Stone has chosen products that deliver high functioning, integrated and flexible physical security systems. Stone currently manages full-time operations in 11 states across the US as well as 3 countries in Latin America.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628119242/en/

Emily Hardie, LenelS2

P 585-203-6235

E [email protected]

Patrick Kilbourn, Stone Security

P 385-234-6611

E [email protected]

Source: Stone Security
83% of glioblastoma patients remain alive after 15 months on study, unchanged from the 14-month survival update

15-month mark further surpasses the expected survival in patients resistant to chemotherapy with incomplete surgical tumor removal

Survival data will improve further as time progresses and patients remain on study

Continued strong performance improves NOX-A12 profile for partnering and eligibility for accelerated regulatory pathways

BERLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News:

TME Pharma N.V. (Euronext Growth Paris: ALTME), a biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapies for treatment of cancer by targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME), announces a positive clinical update on the survival of first-line glioblastoma patients in the GLORIA expansion arm evaluating NOX-A12, TME Pharma's CXCL12 inhibitor, in combination with standard of care radiotherapy and anti-VEGF, bevacizumab.

After 15 months on study (median), 83% of GLORIA expansion arm patients (5 of 6) remain alive. As long as treatment or follow-up for these patients is ongoing, median overall survival (mOS) will continue to improve1. As a reference, the expected median overall survival for patients under current standard of care with chemotherapy refractory tumors (MGMT unmethylated) and whose tumor remains detectable after surgical intervention is approximately 10 months2.

"Reaching the 15-month survival point with this expansion arm is a significant milestone in our development of NOX-A12 in glioblastoma, and to do so with more than 80 percent of patients still on study represents a fantastic achievement," said Aram Mangasarian, CEO of TME Pharma. "This latest set of survival data further underlines the clinically meaningful improvement that this treatment combination of NOX-A12, radiotherapy and bevacizumab could bring over the current standard of care for this challenging indication with extremely poor prognosis. We are building an enviable clinical profile around our lead asset in glioblastoma, which strengthens NOX-A12s position for potential partnering and our coming discussions with regulators regarding the pathway to market."

About TME Pharma

TME Pharma is a clinical-stage company focused on developing novel therapies for treatment of the most aggressive cancers. The companys oncology-focused pipeline is designed to act on the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the cancer immunity cycle by breaking tumor protection barriers against the immune system and blocking tumor repair. By neutralizing chemokines in the TME, TME Pharmas approach works in combination with other forms of treatment to weaken tumor defenses and enable greater therapeutic impact. In the GLORIA clinical trial, TME Pharma is studying its lead drug candidate NOX-A12 in newly diagnosed brain cancer patients who will not benefit clinically from standard chemotherapy. TME Pharma has delivered top-line data from the NOX-A12 three dose-escalation cohorts combined with radiotherapy of the GLORIA clinical trial, observing consistent tumor reductions and objective tumor responses. Additionally, GLORIA expansion arms evaluate safety and efficacy of NOX-A12 in other combinations where the interim results from the triple combination of NOX-A12, radiotherapy and bevacizumab suggest even deeper and more durable responses. NOX-A12 in combination with radiotherapy has received orphan drug designation for glioblastoma in the United States and glioma in Europe. TME Pharma has delivered final top-line data with encouraging overall survival and safety profile from its NOX-A12 combination trial with Keytruda in metastatic colorectal and pancreatic cancer patients, which was published in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer in October 2021. The company has entered in its second collaboration with MSD/Merck for its Phase 2 study, OPTIMUS, to further evaluate safety and efficacy of NOX-A12 in combination with Mercks Keytruda and two different chemotherapy regimens as second-line therapy in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. The design of the trial has been approved in France and Spain and is in discussion with regulatory authorities in the United States. The companys second clinical-stage drug candidate, NOX-E36, is designed to target the innate immune system. TME Pharma is considering several solid tumors for further clinical development. Further information can be found at: www.tmepharma.com.

TME Pharma and the TME Pharma logo are registered trademarks.

Keytruda is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.

Visit TME Pharma on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About the GLORIA Study

GLORIA (NCT04121455) is TME Pharmas dose-escalation, Phase 1/2 study of NOX-A12 in combination with radiotherapy in first-line partially resected or unresected glioblastoma (brain cancer) patients with unmethylated MGMT promoter (resistant to standard chemotherapy). GLORIA further evaluates safety and efficacy of NOX-A12 three additional arms combining NOX-A12 with: A. radiotherapy in patients with complete tumor resection; B. radiotherapy and bevacizumab; and C. radiotherapy and pembrolizumab.

About the OPTIMUS Study

OPTIMUS (NCT04901741) is TME Pharmas planned open-label two-arm Phase 2 study of NOX-A12 combined with pembrolizumab and nanoliposomal irinotecan/5-FU/leucovorin or gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel in microsatellite-stable metastatic pancreatic cancer patients.

Disclaimer

Translations of any press release into languages other than English are intended solely as a convenience to the non-English-reading audience. The company has attempted to provide an accurate translation of the original text in English, but due to the nuances in translating into another language, slight differences may exist. This press release includes certain disclosures that contain "forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on TME Pharmas current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to, the risks inherent in oncology drug development, including clinical trials and the timing of and TME Pharmas ability to obtain regulatory approvals for NOX-A12 as well as any other drug candidates. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and TME Pharma undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

1 In a clinical study, measuring the median overall survival (mOS) is one way to assess how well a new treatment works. The longer the patients remain alive, the longer it takes to reach mOS. mOS can only be calculated when more than half of patients in the study decease.

2 Kreth 2013, Annals of Oncology 24:3117. Rounded up from mOS 9.7 months reported in patients with incomplete resection, without MGMT promoter methylation who received standard of care (radiotherapy +/- chemotherapy).

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For more information, please contact:



TME Pharma N.V.

Aram Mangasarian, Ph.D., CEO

Tel. +49 (0) 30 726247 0

[email protected]



Investor and Media Relations:



LifeSci Advisors

Guillaume van Renterghem

Tel. +41 (0) 76 735 01 31

[email protected]



NewCap

Arthur Rouille

Tel. +33 (0) 1 44 71 00 15

[email protected]

Source: TME Pharma N.V.
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- USD Partners LP (NYSE: USDP) (the Partnership) announced today that it has entered into a three month rail-to-truck Terminalling Services Agreement (TSA) with a new, third party customer at the Partnerships Stroud, Oklahoma terminal (the Stroud Terminal). The short-term agreement includes take-or-pay provisions with a minimum volume commitment. The customer is entering into the agreement as a trial period to test the Stroud Terminal as a destination for its waxy crude oil production out of the Uinta Basin. If the testing period is successful, it is expected that a longer-term TSA could be executed with the customer.

As previously discussed during our first quarter 2023 earnings call, we are excited about this new business opportunity and the re-purposing of our Stroud Terminal to handle waxy crude from the Uinta Basin, said Brad Sanders, USD Groups Chief Commercial Officer. The Uinta Basins significant growth trajectory is constrained by its lack of access to rail logistics destinations, and our Stroud Terminal is uniquely positioned to provide direct access to meaningful market optionality that exists at the Cushing crude oil hub.

About USD Partners LP

USD Partners LP is a fee-based, growth-oriented master limited partnership formed in 2014 by US Development Group, LLC (USD) to acquire, develop and operate midstream infrastructure and complementary logistics solutions for crude oil, biofuels and other energy-related products. The Partnership generates substantially all of its operating cash flows from multi-year, take-or-pay contracts with primarily investment grade customers, including major integrated oil companies, refiners and marketers. The Partnerships principal assets include a network of crude oil terminals that facilitate the transportation of heavy crude oil from Western Canada to key demand centers across North America. The Partnerships operations include railcar loading and unloading, inbound and outbound pipeline connectivity, truck transloading, as well as other related logistics services. In addition, the Partnership provides customers with leased railcars and fleet services to facilitate the transportation of liquid hydrocarbons and biofuels by rail.

USD, which owns the general partner of USD Partners LP, is engaged in designing, developing, owning, and managing large-scale multi-modal logistics centers and energy-related infrastructure across North America. USDs solutions create flexible market access for customers in significant growth areas and key demand centers, including Western Canada, the U.S. Gulf Coast and Mexico. Among other projects, USD is currently pursuing the development of a premier energy logistics terminal on the Houston Ship Channel with capacity for substantial tank storage, multiple docks (including barge and deepwater), inbound and outbound pipeline connectivity, as well as a rail terminal with unit train capabilities. For additional information, please visit texasdeepwater.com. Information on websites referenced in this release is not part of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws, including statements with respect to the Partnerships expectations regarding a potential longer-term TSA with the new customer at the Stroud Terminal and statements relating to the potential for growth in the Stroud Terminals business from the Uinta Basin and the value of the Stroud Terminal as a destination for Uinta waxy crude oil. Words and phrases such as expect, plan, intent, believes, projects, begin, anticipates, subject to and similar expressions are used to identify such forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements relating to the Partnership are based on managements expectations, estimates and projections about the Partnership, its interests and the energy industry in general on the date this press release was issued. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecast in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements include the Partnerships ability to enter into new contracts for uncontracted capacity and to renew expiring contracts and changes in general economic conditions and commodity prices, as well as those factors set forth under the heading Risk Factors and elsewhere in the Partnerships most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the Partnerships subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (many of which may be amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent significant reductions in demand for and prices of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids). The Partnership is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) to update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Category: Operations

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628306836/en/

Adam Altsuler

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

(281) 291-3995

[email protected]



Jennifer Waller

Sr. Director, Financial Reporting and Investor Relations

(832) 991-8383

[email protected]

Source: USD Partners LP
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Visa (NYSE: V) today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Pismo, a cloud-native issuer processing and core banking platform with operations in Latin America, Asia Pacific and Europe, for $1 billion in cash.

By acquiring Pismo, Visa will be positioned to provide core banking and issuer processing capabilities across debit, prepaid, credit and commercial cards for clients via cloud native APIs. Pismos platform will also enable Visa to provide support and connectivity for emerging payment rails, like Pix in Brazil, for financial institution clients.

Through the acquisition of Pismo, Visa can better serve our financial institution and fintech clients with more differentiated core banking and issuer solutions they can offer their customers, said Jack Forestell, Chief Product and Strategy Officer, Visa.

"At Pismo, we aim to enable our clients to launch cutting-edge payments and banking products within a single cloud-native platform  regardless of rails, geography or currency. Visa provides us unrivalled support to expand our footprint globally and help shape a new era for banking and payments, said Ricardo Josua, Co-Founder, CEO, Pismo.

Pismo will retain its current management team. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions and is expected to close by the end of 2023.

About Visa Inc.

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.

About Pismo

Pismo is a technology company with deep experience developing and implementing banking and cards solutions for digital banks and large financial institutions. The company has operations in Latin America, Southeast Asia and Europe. The companys investors include Redpoint eventures, Softbank, Amazon and Accel.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are identified by words such as will, is expected, and other similar expressions. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make regarding the timing and likelihood of closing, Pismos future success, the impact of the acquisition on Visas growth, and the other benefits to Visa, financial institutions and consumers.

By their nature, forward-looking statements: (i) speak only as of the date they are made; (ii) are not statements of historical fact or guarantees of future performance; and (iii) are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions or changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict or quantify. Therefore, actual results could differ materially and adversely from Visas forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including the timing and outcome of the regulatory approval process, shifts in the regulatory and competitive landscape, cybersecurity incidents, the pace and success of integration, and various other factors, including those contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, and our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

You should not place undue reliance on such statements. Except as required by law, we do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

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Media Contacts

Visa

Constantine Panagiotatos

[email protected]

Pismo

Debora Fortes

[email protected]

Source: Visa Inc.
Local activation in conjunction with Florida-based We The People National March will protest hateful legislation emerging nationwide

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Washingtonians will host a regional We The People march on Friday, June 30th in solidarity with the thousands of people attending the We The People National March in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida over Independence Day weekend. More than 50 organizations fighting for people of color, women, LGBTQ+ communities, Jewish people, social justice, gun control, and more make up the We The People coalition.

The Washington march (one of six WTP regional marches) is a way for people to participate locally in speaking out against the close to 1,000 bills lawmakers and legislatures are introducing nationwide that threaten basic freedoms and aim to roll back 70 years of progress. The We The People National March takes place Sunday, July 2nd at Esplanade Park in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

WHAT: We The People WASHINGTON, DC advocacy march WHO: Washingtonians march in solidarity with the We the People National March WHERE: Black Lives Matter Plaza (16th St. NW between I and H Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001) WHEN: Friday, June 30, 2023 at 12:30 pm EDT

More than 15 high-profile and celebrity We The People Ambassadors have endorsed the We The People National March. Iconic labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta, legendary actress and choreographer Debbie Allen, Parkland survivor and gun control activist David Hogg, national political and civil rights figure Marc Morial, and leading HIV/AIDS and social justice advocate Michael Weinstein are among the Ambassadors expected to attend the Florida march in person.

As authoritarian lawmakers and legislatures seek to criminalize immigrants, sexuality, gender expression, Blackness, homelessness, religious freedom, and the teaching of vital history, this country never has seen such a blatant abuse of power against virtually every group of people at the same time. We The People is a movement composed of advocates, mobilizers, and community leaders who are tired of being told what books they can read, what words they can or cant say, how they can express themselves, and what they can do with their own bodies. Basic constitutional rights are under attack, and We The People cannot stay silent.

Click here or visit WTPMarch.org/Partners to see the full list of Partners and Ambassadors.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230627513380/en/

NATIONAL: Imara Canady, AHF National Communications Director

(770) 940-6555

[email protected]

LOS ANGELES: Ged Kenslea, AHF Senior Communications Director

323.791.5526

[email protected]

Source: AIDS Healthcare Foundation
PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Western Window Systems, part of the PGT Innovations (NYSE: PGTI) family of brands, recently announced a relaunch of the Series 7600 Multi-Slide Door with new features that will be available in the brands robust portfolio of high-performance products.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628139323/en/

Series 7600 Multi-Slide Door installed in a home (Photo: Business Wire)

The recently relaunched product comes with several enhancements, including a new extrusion profile design, custom thermal break design and technology that enables larger panel sizes, and improved tolerances that allow for operating force improvements while still providing industry leading U-factors.

Part of the Performance Line, the Series 7600 Multi-Slide Door features large, unobstructed rolling glass panels that stack or slide into pockets to create extra-wide openings for indoor-outdoor commercial and residential living spaces and are available with panels up to 15 feet tall. The aluminum frames clean lines, narrow profile, and high-quality anodized or painted finishes deliver a contemporary aesthetic that seamlessly blends into nearly any space.

Finishes are available in-stock or as custom designer selections and can be personalized to match nearly any color. The doors designer colors include a high-quality paint finish that conforms to a minimum rating of AAMA-2605, currently the highest rating for organic finishes.

The Series 7600 Multi-Slide Door is packed with innovations that address energy and structural requirements, said Jeremy Flynn, Vice President of Sales Western Division. This moving glass door brings exceptional performance to a contemporary aesthetic, allowing you virtually unlimited possibilities for modern, seamless design and customization.

The Series 7600 Multi-Slide Door is available for quoting and purchase now, with profile enhancements being incorporated in July 2023.

To learn more, visit WesternWindowSystems.com.

About Western Window Systems

Western Window Systems, part of the PGT Innovations (NYSE: PGTI) family of brands, designs and manufactures moving glass walls and windows that bring indoor and outdoor spaces together. Inspired by contemporary living, our high-quality products are available in custom sizes, standardized sets, and massive dimensions for unlimited design possibilities in residential, multi-family, and commercial projects. From superior craftsmanship and timeless design to exceptional customer service, Western Window Systems is a preferred choice of architects, builders, and homeowners throughout North America. For additional information, visit www.westernwindowsystems.com.

About PGT Innovations, Inc.

PGT Innovations manufactures and supplies premium windows, doors, and garage doors. Its highly engineered and technically advanced products can withstand some of the toughest weather conditions on Earth and are revolutionizing the way people live by unifying indoor and outdoor living spaces.

PGT Innovations creates value through deep customer relationships, understanding the unstated needs of the markets it serves, and a drive to develop category-defining products. Through its brands, PGT Innovations is also the nations largest manufacturer of impact-resistant windows and doors and holds the leadership position in its primary market.

The PGT Innovations family of brands include CGI, PGT Custom Windows and Doors, WinDoor, Western Window Systems, Anlin Windows & Doors, Eze-Breeze, Eco Window Systems, NewSouth Window Solutions, and Martin Door. The companys brands, in their respective markets, are a preferred choice of architects, builders, and homeowners throughout North America and the Caribbean. Their high-quality products are available in custom and standard sizes with massive dimensions that allow for unlimited design possibilities in residential, multi-family, and commercial projects. For additional information, visit www.pgtinnovations.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628139323/en/

Western Window Systems Contact

Velvet Wahl

Marketing Coordinator

Western Window Systems

[email protected]

877-398-9643

Source: PGT Innovations, Inc.
FILE PHOTO: The company logo is seen on the Micron Technology Inc. offices in Shanghai, China May 25, 2023. REUTERS/Aly Song/File Photo

By Akash Sriram

(Reuters) -Micron Technology beat estimates for third-quarter results on Wednesday, powered by demand for its memory chips from the rapidly-growing artificial intelligence sector and an easing supply glut in its traditional PC and smartphone markets.

Shares of the company rose more than 2% in trading after the bell. They have gained 34% this year on bets that use of the company's memory chips in generative AI services-related servers will skyrocket following the popularity of ChatGPT, OpenAI's chatbot.

"The recent acceleration in the adoption of generative AI is driving higher-than-expected industry demand for memory and storage for AI servers, while traditional server demand for mainstream data center applications continues to be lackluster," CEO Sanjay Mehrotra said.

Customers continue to reduce excess inventory, leading to improved pricing trends and increased confidence that the industry has passed the bottom for growth and revenue, he added.

After a surge in demand during the pandemic, consumer spending on smartphones and personal computers hit a trough, driving down prices and causing a buildup of inventories.

"We believe the current memory industry inventory correction is now behind us," said Summit Insights Group managing director Kinngai Chan.

Industry checks indicate some green shoots in the form of demand stabilization, Chan added, even as demand for PCs, smartphones, and servers is expected to remain mixed in the second half of the year.

Micron's third-quarter revenue of $3.75 billion beat estimates of $3.65 billion, while fourth-quarter revenue forecast of about $3.9 billion plus or minus $200 million, was largely in line with expectations, according to Refinitiv data.

The company's adjusted net loss of $1.43 per share was narrower than estimates for a $1.58 per share loss.

CHINA LOOMS

Chipmakers are also caught up in the U.S.-China technology spat with the Biden administration reportedly considering updated restrictions designed to slow the flow of artificial intelligence chips to China.

Last month, China's cyberspace regulator failed Micron's products in a security review and barred purchases by operators of key infrastructure.

Micron, the biggest U.S. memory chipmaker, reiterated on Wednesday that several of its customers have been contacted by Chinese government representatives about the future use of the company's products.

The company has said up to half of its China market share is at risk due to the CAC decision.

"Our goal is to gain share in other parts of the market and retain our global share and this is not an instantaneous process, it takes time to play out," Chief Business Officer Sumit Sadana told Reuters.

(Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)
FILE PHOTO: Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell testifies at a Senate Banking Housing and Urban Affairs Committee hearing on "The Semiannual Monetary Policy Report to the Congress" on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., June 22, 2023. REUTERS/Juli

By Michael S. Derby

(Reuters) -Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell reiterated Wednesday that more rate rises likely lie ahead for the central bank, and did not rule out a boost in the cost of borrowing at a policy meeting scheduled for the end of July.

"We've come a long way" with rate rises, Powell said at a European Central Bank conference held in Sintra, Portugal, noting that holding off on a rate rise earlier this month was a move to take stock of how the rate hike campaign is affecting the economy.

Powell said future policy actions will be driven by how the economy is performing, noting "the only thing we decided was not to raise rates at the June meeting."

Powell said "I wouldn't take, you know, moving at consecutive meetings off the table at all," noting "the committee clearly believes that there's more work to do, that there are more rate hikes that are likely to be appropriate" at some point over the course of the year.

The next rate setting Federal Open Market Committee meeting is scheduled for July 25-26.

Earlier this month, the Fed refrained from boosting its federal funds target rate for the first time since the central bank started raising rates in March 2022 when the target rate was at near zero levels, leaving it at between 5% and 5.25%. Fed officials have said the lack of action gave them time to take stock of the state of the economy while the cumulative impact of past rate hikes filter into financial conditions and economic activity.

But even with that pause, Fed forecasts from that gathering penciled in half a percentage point worth of further rate rises, raising the question of when those increases might happen.

In his appearance, Powell said the large and swift pace of rate rises that have defined much of the tightening campaign was appropriate when inflation was so high and monetary policy's stance was out of line with that environment. But now, policy is closer to where it needs to be and there are uncertainties about how past hikes are moving through the economy, so it makes sense for the Fed to slow down with its increases.

"Although policy is restrictive, it's not, it may not be restrictive enough and it has not been restrictive for long enough," which leaves open the door for more increases, Powell said.

The central bank leader also said that the U.S. economy has thus far been quite resilient in the face of Fed action, and the job market has fared surprisingly well.

"It's a constructive thing, that we've been able to raise rates 500 basis points with the expectation of going further, and we still have a very strong job market, but nonetheless one that is in fact cooling in just the way we would have hoped," Powell said.

But the Fed leader did not take off the table the possibility that Fed action, aimed at bringing inflation back to 2%, could bring some economic pain.

"The least unlikely case is that we do find our way to better balance without a really severe downturn," Powell said. But he added, "I think there's a significant probability that there will be a downturn as well though, but it's not to me the most likely case."

Powell also said efforts to bring inflation back to target will take a long time. "I don't see us getting back to 2% this year or next year," and when it does happen, it's likely to be in 2025, he said.

(Reporting by Michael S. Derby; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
JERUSALEM, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are jointly leading the establishment of a multi-national cybersecurity information-sharing platform, the Israel National Cyber Directorate (INCD) said in a statement on Wednesday.

The system, named Crystal Ball, is part of the global efforts to combat hackers and ransomware attacks and is being set up in collaboration with the Israeli subsidiary of the U.S. tech giant Microsoft, according to the statement.

The Crystal Ball platform will enable the analysis and sharing of information in an "interactive, fast, safe and easy way" between countries on cyber defense issues, including the creation of national cybersecurity policies, the INCD said.

The project is part of the White House's International Counter Ransomware Initiative which aims to deal with the increase in ransomware worldwide and includes dozens of member countries and organizations.

Microsoft Israel's General Manager Alon Haimovich said an integrated and advanced response as well as the formation of coalitions is required in an era of sophisticated attacks.

He added that the new system will give countries the "power, capabilities and knowledge" to fight ransomware attacks in real time with "continuous, convenient and high-quality cooperation." 
The Qatar bid for Manchester United plc (NYSE: MANU), led by Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad J.J. Al Thani, is growing in confidence that it has won the race to acquire the Premier League giant, according to Bloomberg.

The Qatar consortium has been competing with British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS for the sale of the club, which has dragged on for a number of months.

There have been various delays to the process, with Bloomberg stating bids had failed to meet the expectations of the Glazer family, which is selling the club.

Fans of the Manchester club have also become frustrated with the current owners, leading to protests outside the club's stadium shop this week.

Bloomberg added its sources told them delays have also stemmed from splits among the owners about whether to sell and fears of litigation from minority shareholders.

However, "those within the inner circle of the Qatari bid have now begun communicating their confidence of victory," Bloomberg said sources informed them, adding that they believe it is a matter of time before an official announcement is made.

The publication did warn, however, that people with knowledge of the matter said that with the official sale process running into its eighth month, the Glazers could make a last minute-change and decide to keep hold of the club, accepting funds from an outside investor to refurbish the run-down stadium and training facilities.

MANU shares are up more than 4% Wednesday.

By Sam Boughedda
Vancouver, BC, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aben Minerals Ltd. (TSX-V: ABM) (OTCQB: ABNAF) (Frankfurt: R26) (Aben or the Company) is pleased to provide a Corporate update on the affairs of the Company and its Projects. The Company, going forward, is planning to advance the flagship Justin Gold Project in the Yukon that adjoins Seabridge Golds 3 Aces Project. The Company plans to follow up on the greenfield discovery by Aben in 2011 and 2012 at the Justin POW Zone with a highlight drill intercept of 1.25 g/t Au over 60.0m including 2.47 g/t Au over 21.0m.

The Company is currently applying for a new multi year Class 3 Quartz Exploration permit to allow for advanced exploration including diamond drilling at the Justin Project.

Aben also announces the resignation of Simon Dyakowski from the board of directors effective immediately. The Company thanks Simon for his efforts and wishes him success in his current and future endeavours.

Justin Gold Project

The 7,400-hectare Justin Gold property is 100% owned by Aben Minerals Ltd located in the southeast Yukon in the Tintina Gold Belt and adjacent to Seabridge Golds 3 Aces Project. Aben has drilled a total of 4972.0 metres in 21 diamond drill holes across four zones of interest. Drilling in 2011 and 2012 at the POW Zone successfully discovered:

Hole JN11009: 1.25 g/t Au over 60.0m (including 2.47 g/t Au over 21.0m)

1.25 g/t Au over 60.0m (including 2.47 g/t Au over 21.0m) Hole JN11010: 2.52 g/t Au and 29.53 g/t Ag over 12.0m

Justin Gold Project Location and Target Zones

Additionally, in 2018, trenching at the Lost Ace Zone located 2 kilometers along strike northwest of the Pow Zone returned values ranging from trace to 20.8 g/t gold over 4.4m including 88.2 g/t gold (Au) over 1.0m. The discovery at Lost Ace highlights the existence of a multi-phase hydrothermal system with the potential for overprinting mineralizing systems.

For further information regarding the project, please refer to the NI 43-101 Technical Report  Justin Gold Project 2021.

Forrest Kerr Gold Project

The Company has a MX Permit for exploration in good standing and will entertain third party involvement to move the project forward.

The Forrest Kerr property is 100% owned by Aben Minerals Ltd and consists of 56 contiguous mineral claims covering 23,397 hectares in the center of the Golden Triangle of British Columbia, an area that hosts significant Au-CuMo porphyry deposits, intrusion-related AuAg vein deposits and high-grade Au-Ag volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits. Forrest Kerr boasts a database comprised of 190 drill holes, 2,500 rock and 20,000 soil and silt samples. Highlight drill results include hole FK18-10 which intersected multiple high grade gold horizons including 38.7 g/t Au over 10.0m, 3.9 g/t Au over 13.0m, 22.0 g/t Au over 4.0m, and 8.2 g/t Au over 14.0m.

The property hosts 40 polymetallic mineral occurrences with mineralization styles ranging from discrete intrusion related Au + Cu +/- Ag veins to breccia, shear and stockwork zones in addition to areas with massive sulfide potential.

Cancelled Earn-In Projects

Both the Pringle North and Slocan Graphite projects are no longer a part of the Companys plans moving forward and both agreements with the respective parties are cancelled.

Qualified Person

Cornell McDowell, P.Geo., V.P. of Exploration for Aben Minerals, has reviewed and approved the technical aspects of this news release and is the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Aben Minerals:

Aben Minerals is a Canadian gold exploration company with exploration projects in the Yukon Territory and British Columbia. The Companys goal is to increase shareholder value through new discoveries and developing exploration projects in geopolitically favourable jurisdictions. The Company has 18.7 million shares outstanding.

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For further information on Aben Minerals Ltd. (TSX-V: ABM), visit our Companys website at www.abenminerals.com.

ABEN MINERALS LTD.

Riley Trimble______________________Riley TrimblePresident & CEO

For further information contact:Aben Minerals Ltd.Riley Trimble, President & CEOTelephone: 604-416-2978Toll Free: 800-567-8181Facsimile: 604-687-3119Email: [email protected]

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Although management believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration and development successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedar.com for further information.

Source: Aben Minerals
Global Fund for Children recognizes organizations that are prioritizing the wellbeing of children in dangerous circumstances, including trafficked children and child refugees.

WASHINGTON, DC and LONDON, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Fund for Children announces the winners of the 2023 Juliette Gimon Courage Awards today, recognizing the tenacity of two organizations dedicated to improving the wellbeing of children who are living in extremely vulnerable contexts.

This years winners are Luhansk Regional Organization  Association of Women, Youth, and Families with Disabilities of the Eastern Donbas (AMI-East) in Ukraine and Suprava Panchashila Mahila Uddyog Samity (SPMUS) in India. Both are working on issues that Juliette Gimon, the former GFC Board Chair for whom the award is named, cared deeply about: displacement and trafficking of children.

AMI-East provides comprehensive assistance to children and youth with disabilities in Ukraine. Inspired by the personal experiences of co-founder Tatiana Barantsova, who uses a wheelchair and has faced architectural inaccessibility in schools and society, the organization was founded in 2002 by a team of young people (aged 1624) with disabilities who experienced social exclusion and lack of opportunities.

AMI-East has created an inclusive hybrid school, facilitated the evacuation and support of thousands of vulnerable families during times of crisis, contributed to legislation, and developed training programs for children and teachers to foster inclusive attitudes and approaches.

Courage has played a crucial role in the organizations work, particularly during times of war. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, AMI-East has organized the evacuation of women and children with disabilities, provided assessments of temporary accommodations for evacuees, and made recommendations to shelters and centers to be more inclusive.

After February 24, 2022, we went through a very difficult evacuation ourselves. Our organization has been working on an equal footing with government institutions in order to evacuate people from our native Luhansk region, which has suffered terribly during the war and much of which is now occupied, said Tatiana Barantsova, the Director of AMI-East. These are people who cannot help themselves  families with children with disabilities, mothers with children with disabilities, and young people. This is our main task now  to place them, find solutions for temporary residence, restore their lives, start the rehabilitation process, restart schooling.

SPMUS was initially inspired by the dire situation faced by impoverished families, especially women and children, in the Murshidabad District in India. Murshidabads shared border with Bangladesh, alongside high levels of poverty and widespread oppression of women and children, means that girls and women in the district are vulnerable to human trafficking and child marriage.

For SPMUS, courage means the ability to venture, persevere, and overcome difficulties in its work to create a society free from oppression against women and children. SPMUS has experienced challenges such as community resistance and angry mobs while raising awareness and advocating for the rights of women and children.

The organizations most significant recent accomplishment is running a child protection center in the largest red-light area of West Bengal. Through awareness campaigns, SPMUS aims to prevent the next generation from entering the sex trade and fights discrimination against these children. The organization conducts sessions on child rights and gender issues and has rescued several minors from sex trafficking.

With the support from GFC, we are implementing the prevention of trafficking model at the grassroots level. Our goal is to promote a safe childhood for all children through education, protection, empowerment, and justice, said Soma Bhowmick, SPMUS Executive Director.

As a way of honoring Juliette Gimon, who passed away in 2018, Global Fund for Children gives Courage Awards through the Juliette Gimon Fund for Courageous Leadership, a more than $1 million endowment made possible by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and other donors. Gimon helped shape GFC through her wisdom, insights, and profound concern for children, changing hundreds of thousands of young lives across the globe.

Were thrilled to recognize AMI-East and SPMUS for their dedication to the wellbeing of children who are in extremely vulnerable and dangerous situations, said John Hecklinger, President and CEO of Global Fund for Children. Juliette was passionate about defending child refugees and protecting children from trafficking, and the leaders of the winning organizations are pioneers in their respective contexts, leading the charge for change.

This year, the Courage Award Selection Committee is recognizing not only the two award winners but also the ten finalists, who will receive a monetary award. Like the 2023 winners, the finalists demonstrate inspirational courage and perseverance in addressing the needs of children and youth and fighting for social change.

Follow our social channels as we share videos introducing our award winners.

ABOUT GLOBAL FUND FOR CHILDREN

Global Fund for Children partners to build a world where all children and youth enjoy equal resources and opportunities in society and live free from violence, discrimination, and exploitation. To that end, GFC invests in innovative grassroots organizations, helping them deepen their impact and develop their capacity for social change. Together, GFC and its partners advance the rights of children and youth facing poverty and injustice and equip them with the tools and skills to reach their full potential. Since 1997, GFC has invested $51 million in more than 900 organizations, reaching more than 11 million children and youth worldwide. For more information, visit www.globalfundforchildren.org.

ABOUT THE JULIETTE GIMON COURAGE AWARDS

Juliette Gimon, a former Board Chair of Global Fund for Children, passed away on February 24, 2018. GFC subsequently established the Juliette Gimon Fund for Courageous Leadership, a more than $1 million endowment made possible by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and other generous donors. Annual awards from the fund  the Juliette Gimon Courage Awards  recognize innovative grassroots organizations around the world that are positively impacting children in especially challenging circumstances. Some recipients have overcome considerable obstacles to pioneer an innovation that transforms circumstances for children and youth. Others demonstrate the courage of resilience, thriving amid unusual contextual challenges; still others have leaders who have navigated personal hardship and channeled adversity into their organizations cause. For more information, visit www.globalfundforchildren.org/courage-awards.

ABOUT LUHANSK REGIONAL ORGANIZATION  ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES WITH DISABILITIES OF THE EASTERN DONBAS (AMI-EAST)

Kyiv, Ukraine (also Riga, Latvia)

AMI-East has pioneered support for children and youth with disabilities in a society where they face social exclusion and lack of opportunities. The organization provides legal, psychological, medical, educational, and social assistance to children and young people living with disabilities in Ukraine. AMI-East works with groups in vulnerable circumstances, including children and youth who were forced to flee from their homes as a result of military conflict. During the COVID-19 pandemic and, later, the war with Russia, AMI-East became a pioneer in offering information technology programs and distance learning. For more information, visit https://ami-cxid.org/category/activity/global-fund-for-children.

ABOUT SUPRAVA PANCHASHILA MAHILA UDDYOP SAMITY (SPMUS)

Berhampore, India

Working with women and children in West Bengal, which has one of the highest rates of trafficking and child marriage in India, SPMUS offers a range of programs that focus on rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration of trafficked women and girls; prevention of domestic violence; prevention of early marriage; and care and support for deserted women. The organization also works to change harmful long-held beliefs in the community through sensitization drives, and campaigns for the legal rights of children to be upheld. For more information, visit www.suprava.org.

Attachments
CHICAGO, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Berlin Packaging, the world's largest Hybrid Packaging Supplier, is honored to announce that it has been awarded a Silver Medal sustainability rating from EcoVadis, an internationally renowned sustainability platform that provides ratings, intelligence, and tools for assessing and improving business sustainability performance. The award recognizes companies that have demonstrated outstanding sustainability performance, and a Silver Medal places Berlin Packaging in the top 22% of all companies assessed.

Berlin Packaging has implemented a range of initiatives to enhance sustainability performance, including enacting decarbonization practices, striving towards zero waste to landfill in internal operations, and driving sustainable procurement and ethical business practices. The company has also aligned its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts with globally recognized frameworks, such as signing onto the U.N. Global Compact, committing to set a science-based target through the Science Based Targets Initiative, and aligning goals with the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.

In an effort to be industry-leaders, Berlin Packaging has launched an extensive suite of best-in-class sustainability services that enable brands to unpack their full sustainability potential and meet their sustainability commitments.

The EcoVadis Silver Medal affirms our commitment to driving sustainability progress and is a testament to the collective efforts of our team, partners, and stakeholders, said Balaji Jayaseelan, Vice President of Sustainability at Berlin Packaging. Moving forward, we will continue to drive positive change within the industry, accelerate the circular economy, and foster collaborative partnerships to shape a more sustainable future.

More information on Berlin Packagings global sustainability practices, social impact initiatives, and governance standards can be found by visiting Berlin Packagings website.

About Berlin PackagingBerlin Packaging is the world's largest Hybrid Packaging Supplier of glass, plastic, and metal containers and closures. The company supplies billions of items annually along with package design, financing, consulting, warehousing and logistics services, and sustainability solutions for customers across all industries. Berlin Packaging brings together the best of manufacturing, distribution, and income-adding service providers. Its mission is to increase the net income of its customers through packaging products and services.

Please visit BerlinPackaging.com and Corporate.berlinpackaging.eu for more information.

Media Contact Celeste Osborne, [email protected], (708) 272-7046

Source: Berlin Packaging
MONTREAL and LONDON, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coveo (TSX: CVO), a leader in AI platforms that transform digital experiences with intelligent search, recommendations, 1:1 personalization, and merchandising, today announced that it has received ISO 27001 certification, highlighting its laser focus on customer security. ISO 27001 is the leading international standard focused on information security, developed to help organizations protect their information systematically and cost-effectively by adopting an Information Security Management System.

Coveo earned this important recognition through its commitment to upholding the confidentiality, integrity and availability of its customers data while complying with applicable laws and regulations. This helps Coveo customers navigate the changing security implications of data in AI.

To achieve the ISO 27001 certification, organizations must demonstrate a systematic and documented approach to protecting and managing sensitive information, including employee and customer data, financial information, and information entrusted to it by third parties.

We are proud to have achieved the ISO 27001 certification, reaffirming our commitment to data security and privacy. At Coveo, we have built a foundation of trust, empowering our customers and partners to embrace the limitless possibilities of AI with confidence, said Anne Theriault, VP of Legal, DPO and CISO. By adhering to rigorous security standards, we are helping to ensure that our cutting-edge capabilities and solutions can empower businesses to harness the transformative power of AI while minimizing the risks and vulnerabilities.

ISO 27001 is a globally recognized standard for the establishment and certification of an ISMS. The standard specifies the requirements for establishing, implementing, operating, monitoring, reviewing, maintaining and improving a documented ISMS within the context of the organizations overall business risks. It sets forth a risk-based approach that focuses on adequate and proportionate security controls that protect information assets and give confidence to interested parties.

Additional resources:

For more information about Coveos platform security.

Read about Coveos Commitment to Security & Reliability: Cornerstones of Amazing Digital Experiences on the Coveo Blog.

Watch an on-demand demo of the new Coveo Relevance Generative Answering to see how Coveo is helping make generative AI secure for the enterprise.

About CoveoWe believe AI is a competitive imperative to deliver the delightful and relevant digital experiences people expect, while maximizing profitability. Coveo accelerates the application of AI platforms in enterprises, helping them personalize and profitize every experience at scale.

The Coveo Relevance Cloud platform is a market-leading AI platform that enhances search, recommendations, personalization, and merchandising intelligence in digital experiences across commerce, service, website, and workplace applications. Coveos platform includes analytics, AI model testing capabilities, and can easily integrate into almost any digital user experience a large enterprise delivers. Our platform is cloud-native SaaS, multi-tenant, API-first, and headless.

Coveo has been a pioneer in the application of AI within the enterprise. Our Coveo Relevance Generative Answering capability, which integrates LLM technologies with Coveo's platform to feed generative AI with a common, secure unified index and real-time content, helps to drive relevance at scale, consistent factuality, secure sources of truth across all channels, and specifically solves the key challenges found with other generative ai platforms for the enterprise.

We help hundreds of the worlds leading brands create tangible financial value. We believe our platform is differentiated by its sophisticated applied AI, designed to deliver highly relevant, bespoke digital experiences that drive superior business outcomes. In addition, our platforms scalability, rapid time to value, enterprise-grade security and compliance, and native integrations with other third-party technology applications set us apart. We are a Salesforce Summit ISVforce Partner, an SAP Endorsed App, and an Adobe Accelerate Exchange Partner.

ABOUT SCHELLMAN Schellman Compliance, LLC is a leading national provider of attestation and compliance services - and the only company in the world that is a CPA firm, an ISO Certification Body, a globally licensed be PCI Qualified Security Assessor Company, a HITRUST assessor, and a FedRAMP 3PAO. Renowned for expertise tempered by practical experience, our professionals provide superior client service balanced by steadfast independence. Schellmans approach builds successful, long-term relationships and allows our clients to achieve multiple compliance objectives using a single third party assessor.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, forward-looking information). This forward-looking information is identified by the use of terms and phrases such as may, would, should, could, might, will, achieve, occur, expect, intend, estimate, anticipate, plan, foresee, believe, continue, target, opportunity, strategy, scheduled, outlook, forecast, projection, or prospect, the negative of these terms and similar terminology, including references to assumptions, although not all forward-looking information contains these terms and phrases. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, intentions, projections, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent managements expectations, estimates, and projections regarding future events or circumstances.

Forward-looking information is necessarily based on a number of opinions, estimates, and assumptions that we considered appropriate and reasonable as of the date such statements are made. Although the forward-looking information contained herein is based upon what we believe are reasonable assumptions, actual results may vary from the forward-looking information contained herein. Certain assumptions made in preparing the forward-looking information contained in herein include, without limitation: our ability to capitalize on growth opportunities and implement our growth strategy; our ability to attract new customers, both domestically and internationally; the success of our efforts to expand our product portfolio and market reach; our ability to maintain successful strategic relationships with partners and other third parties; our future capital requirements; the available liquidity under our revolving credit facility; the accuracy of our estimates of market opportunity and growth forecasts; our success in identifying and evaluating, as well as financing and integrating, any acquisitions, partnerships, or joint ventures; our ability to execute on our expansion plans; the significant influence of our principal shareholders; and the future impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to macro-economic uncertainties and the risk factors described under Risk Factors in the Companys most recently filed Annual Information Form available under our profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, prospective investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date made.

Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. Although we have attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other risk factors not presently known to us or that we presently believe are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking information.

You should not rely on this forward-looking information, as actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those contemplated by this forward-looking information as a result of such risks and uncertainties. Additional information will also be set forth in other public filings that we make available under our profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com from time to time. The forward-looking information provided in this press release relates only to events or information as of the date hereof, and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Except as required by law, we do not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Highwire PR Coveo [email protected] +1 418-263-1111

Source: Coveo Solutions Inc.
- First-in-human clinical trial of MyopiaX, the first therapeutic approach in juvenile myopia to target the dopamine pathway digitally

- Enrollment ongoing in Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom

Berlin, Germany, June 28, 2023 --- Dopavision, a clinical-stage company developing innovative solutions for the management of myopia, today announced an update on its MyopiaX-1 trial (NCT04967287). All clinical trial centers are now open and are actively screening and enrolling study participants, providing trial access to eligible children with myopia across Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

The trial is designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and signals of clinical effect of MyopiaX, an innovative therapeutic intervention developed by Dopavisions scientists and digital technology experts for the management of pediatric myopia.

The MyopiaX-1 clinical trial is based on extensive preclinical and translational research that provided the background for the studys regulatory submissions and approvals. MyopiaX-1 is a randomized, active-controlled clinical trial, enrolling children with progressive myopia between the ages of 6 and 12 years and a refractive error between 0.75 and 5.00 Diopters. The trial is conducted in accordance with GCP guidelines. Dopavision is developing MyopiaX as an active medical device.

MyopiaX is designed as a non-invasive therapy to trigger an increase in the eyes natural production of dopamine, a molecule known to be involved in regulating eye growth, said Mark Wuttke, CEO of Dopavision. It is a light-based therapeutic technology that non-pharmacologically modulates the eyes innate dopamine pathway. We believe MyopiaX has the potential to be the first clinically validated digital myopia intervention to target this key biological mechanism in the growing eye.

The MyopiaX-1 trial will provide the first clinical insights into this unique therapeutic approach to manage the progression of juvenile myopia, said Prof. Ian Flitcroft, Principal Investigator at the Centre for Eye Research Ireland. Using blue light to modulate the dopamine pathway in myopic eyes offers the potential for a novel, additional therapeutic option for myopia control.

The coordinating center of the MyopiaX-1 clinical protocol is led by Prof. Ian Flitcroft and Prof. James Loughman of the Centre for Eye Research Ireland at the Technological University of Dublin in Ireland. The study rationale and design were presented at the European Society of Ophthalmologys (SOE) Congress on June 15, in Prague. First results from the study are expected to be available in early 2024.

###

About Dopavision

Dopavision is set to develop disruptive treatments for dopamine-related pathologic conditions, using light and digital technologies. Its first mission is to provide an innovative, clinically validated intervention rooted in the science of dopamine to manage myopia progression, an increasing public health concern around the globe. Dopavision is backed by top-tier international investors such as Seventure Partners, Novartis Pharma (dRx Capital), Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund, and Ababax.Health and is supported by the German government via the Industrie-in-Klinik program of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research BMBF.

www.dopavision.com



For further information please contact:

Dopavision GmbH

Mark Wuttke

Chief Executive Officer

[email protected]


LONDON, Ontario, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Board of Directors of Kings University College is pleased to announce that Dr. David C. Malloy has accepted a second term as the ninth President of Kings. The appointment is effective July 1, 2024, for a five-year term.

A renewal committee of the Board recommended Dr. Malloy for reappointment. The reappointment process included a community consultation, annual performance reviews, and other relevant factors including a wide range of feedback. We are excited that Dr. Malloy has accepted our offer of reappointment and we look forward to achieving new goals for Kings as we continue to adapt to the post-pandemic educational landscape. With his leadership, we will increase our commitment to high-quality academic and student experiences in an increasingly dynamic and diverse world, and to building the common good, says Dr. Nonie Brennan, Chair-Elect of Kings Board of Directors.

During his first term at Kings, first as Principal and then as President, Dr. Malloy guided the Kings community in a multitude of ways including:

expertly managing the localized campus challenges of the pandemic with extensive leadership and outreach as the university navigated online instruction and maintaining a sense of community and a safe environment through the establishment of the COVID-19 Presidents Advisory Group

establishing a department of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization (EDID) after forming the Kings/Brescia Joint Presidents Anti-Racism Working Group with Brescia University College; the appointment of the Indigenous Initiatives Advisor; and the flying of the Progress Pride flag indicating that Kings is a place for everyone

establishing the Presidents Accessibility Advisory Committee in facilitating a barrier-free campus

being the first president to represent Kings on a delegation trip to India as part of the universitys plan to diversify international recruitment and engagement

establishing an office of External Relations that elevates Kings reputation among prospective students, alumni and donors, both domestically and internationally

initiating a new campus development strategy that led to a space and facility renewal process including the library renovation, adding the Kings modular building for increased space, adding Kings House and the acquisition of new student housing options

establishing a research office and the $1M Kings Research Excellence fund

As Dr. Malloy moves into this second term, the university is set to establish a new strategic plan. The Board acknowledges Dr. Malloys expertise in values-based leadership and his strong ethical-based decision-making processes that will help guide the many new initiatives on the horizon. His future work will focus on a commitment to a thoughtful, sustainable campus infrastructure and programming in service of the overall mission, vision and values of Kings.

I am humbled and honoured to accept this role, says Dr. Malloy. However, the true leadership at Kings is being conducted by a stellar team of faculty, student and administrative people who take great pride and care in stewarding this great institution. Their demonstrated energy, dedication and belief in making Kings truly a place to be and a place to become for everyone, inspires me on a daily basis. I am so grateful to have this support.

Dr. Malloy is a Western University alumnus, earning both his bachelors and masters degrees from Westerns Faculty of Physical Education. He received his doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of Ottawa.

His reappointment at King's follows a 30-year career with the University of Regina, both as a faculty member and administrator, holding the roles of Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology & Health Studies, Associate Dean in the Faculty of Graduate Studies & Research, Associate Vice-President (Research) and Vice-President (Research).

Dr. Malloy has maintained an active research portfolio (over 70 peer-reviewed articles, three since his arrival at Kings), with a focus on applied philosophy in health care. His interests include moral injury, ethical decision-making, codes of ethics, existential hardiness, personhood, and ethical climate/culture.

About Kings University CollegeKings is a public Catholic University which welcomes students of all faith backgrounds. Located in London, Ontario, Canada, Kings provides general and honours degree programs through its affiliation with Western University in the liberal arts, social sciences, management, and a master's degree in social work. Institutionally autonomous, Kings is academically affiliated with Western University, and Kings graduates receive a Western University degree. The Kings community is centred on the values of social justice, equality and the education of the whole person.

For more information, please contact:Jane Antoniak, MCM, APRDirector, Communications & Media RelationsKings University College266 Epworth Ave. London, ON[email protected][email protected]www.kings.uwo.ca

Source: King's University College
WABASH, Ind., June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FFW Corporation (OTC PINK: FFWC) and its banking subsidiary, Crossroads Bank, announce that Nathan Fansher has been appointed Executive Vice President, Chief Credit Officer, effective July 3, 2023. Fansher joined the Bank in 2007 as a Credit Analyst. Most recently, he has served as Senior Vice President of Credit Administration.

Nate will be responsible for managing the banks asset quality and lending portfolio to ensure it continues to meet the company's standards. He will also oversee the lending initiatives of the bank's mortgage, consumer, and leasing areas.

"Nate has demonstrated outstanding leadership capabilities and excellent credit judgment in support of the bank's strategic plan," said President and CEO Roger Cromer. I look forward to Nates continuing contributions to our management team.

Nate is a graduate of Manchester University and the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin. Nate is also active in the community serving on many non-profit boards.

Crossroads Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of FFW Corporation, providing an extensive array of banking services and a wide range of investments and securities products through its main office in Wabash and six Indiana banking centers located in Columbia City, North Manchester, Peru, South Whitley, Syracuse and Warsaw. The Bank provides leasing services at each of its banking centers. Insurance products are offered through an affiliated company, Insurance 1 Services, Inc. The Corporations stock is traded on the OTC Markets under the symbol FFWC. Our website address is www.crossroadsbanking.com. Crossroads Bank, Member FDIC.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Kirsten Pendarvis, Treasurer, at 260-563-3185

Source: FFW Corporation
MINNEAPOLIS and ST. PAUL, Minn., June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo met with leaders of the regions semiconductor industry today to discuss opportunities to grow the semiconductor industry in Minnesota.

Joining Secretary Raimondo at Normandale Community College in Bloomington was Senator Amy Klobuchar, Bloomington Mayor Tim Busse, University of Minnesota Interim President Jeff Ettinger, and GREATER MSP President and CEO Peter Frosch, along with leaders from semiconductor industry, labor and trades, and workforce development.

The roundtable discussion included members of the Minnesota CHIPS Coalition, which was formed by GREATER MSP in late 2022 after the passing of the $52 billion federal CHIPS and Science Act. The coalition is comprised of more than 35 organizations, including manufacturers, supply-chain partners, education and training providers, labor organizations, and state and local governments.

We were honored to host Secretary Raimondo today, especially given that our coalition is currently preparing to apply for federal funding, Frosch said. We conveyed to her our vision for becoming a national hub for semiconductors, doubling the size of the industry and creating 10,000 more jobs.

During the event, Frosch promoted the Minneapolis-Saint Paul regions unique qualifications, including:

The regions existing and diverse semiconductor ecosystem, which includes semiconductor and related microelectronics manufacturers and a supply chain of designers, toolmakers, gas and chemical producers, and packagers.

The semiconductor industrys readiness to scale, thanks to $250 million of dedicated state matching funds through the Minnesota Forward Fund.

The industrys ability to produce semiconductors and related microelectronics to meet the needs of a diversity of industries, including medical device, consumer electronics, automobiles, data centers, and space and military systems.

An existing workforce of over 10,000 across the state, including engineers, operators, and technicians.

Research and development leadership at the University of Minnesota

The abundance of statewide education and training programs that can scale to meet increased industry growth.

The ability to produce semiconductors with 100% renewable energy  ensuring the U.S. government can advance its security and climate goals in tandem.

About the Minnesota CHIPS CoalitionMinnesotas semiconductor industry ecosystem has come together around the funding opportunity created by the federal CHIPS and Science Act. The Minnesota CHIPS Coalition is a statewide coalition of more than 35 organizations, including manufacturers and supply chain partners, education and training providers, trades, and state and local government. We have a vision for Minnesotas semiconductor industry to be a top-10 national hub and leader in the Midwest for semiconductor learning, development, and manufacturing.

About the GREATER MSP PartnershipGREATER MSP is the economic development partnership for the 15-county Minneapolis Saint Paul region. More than 300 leading businesses, universities, cities, counties, philanthropies, and others are working together to accelerate the competitiveness of the regional economy and drive inclusive economic growth by creating jobs, expanding our labor force, and increasing investment. For more information go to greatermsp.org.

Media ContactDon BallGREATER MSP Communications Director612-810-3153[email protected]

Source: GREATER MSP
NEW YORK, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Guggenheim Securities, the investment banking and capital markets division of Guggenheim Partners announced today that John Plaster will join the firm as a Senior Managing Director. Mr. Plaster will commence work at Guggenheim in September and will lead the firms Power, Utilities & Renewables investment banking practice together with Senior Managing Director Jim Schaefer. He will be based in Guggenheims New York office.



We are excited to welcome John to Guggenheim, said Mark Van Lith, CEO of Guggenheim Securities. John is an extraordinary banker who fits well with our collaborative culture. We look forward to his contributions as we continue to build on our leading franchises in power, utilities, and energy transition.

Mr. Plaster will join Guggenheim with more than 25 years of investment banking experience with Barclays and previously Lehman Brothers. He most recently served as Head of Power & Utilities Investment Banking for the Americas at Barclays. Prior to joining Lehman Brothers, Mr. Plaster worked as an attorney in the Corporate Finance Group of Shearman & Sterling. He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Edison Electric Institutes Wall Street Advisory Group. Mr. Plaster holds a JD degree, with highest honors  Order of the Coif  from Vanderbilt University Law School and a BA in Economics, cum laude, from Wabash College.

About Guggenheim Securities

Guggenheim Securities is the investment banking and capital markets business of Guggenheim Partners, a global investment and advisory firm. Guggenheim Securities offers services that fall into four broad categories: Advisory, Financing, Sales and Trading, and Research. Guggenheim Securities is headquartered in New York, with additional offices in Chicago, Boston, Atlanta, San Francisco, and Houston. For more information, please visit GuggenheimSecurities.com, follow us on LinkedIn, or contact us at [email protected]ers.com or 212.518.9200.

About Guggenheim Partners

Guggenheim Partners is a diversified financial services firm that delivers value to its clients through two primary businesses: Guggenheim Investments, a premier global asset manager and investment advisor, and Guggenheim Securities, a leading investment banking and capital markets business. Guggenheims professionals are based in offices around the world, and our commitment is to deliver long-term results with excellence and integrity while advancing the strategic interests of our clients. Learn more at GuggenheimPartners.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @GuggenheimPtnrs.

Media Contact

Steven Lee

Guggenheim Securities

212.293.2811

[email protected]
VIENTIANE, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's two-day visit to Laos is expected to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

The Malaysian prime minister arrived in the Lao capital Vientiane on Monday, along with his wife and a delegation, at the invitation from his Lao counterpart Sonexay Siphandone.

On Tuesday, the two leaders had a meeting to discuss ways to strengthen relations between the two countries as well as boost cooperation on the economic front.

During his first official trip to the country, the Malaysian prime minister also paid a courtesy visit to Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, the Lao National Radio reported on Tuesday.

The Lao president highly valued the Malaysian prime minister's visit and his meeting with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.

He also spoke highly of friendship and sound cooperation between Laos and Malaysia which have grown constantly over the past years as shown in the successful implementation of numerous activities and regular exchanges of visits at various levels.

The Lao president called on the Malaysian prime minister to continue to support human resource development in Laos and asked both Lao and Malaysian prime ministers to continue to promote cooperation in various areas.

Anwar informed the Lao president that his visit to Laos aimed to further strengthen friendship and sound cooperation between Malaysia and Laos. 
OAKVILLE, Ontario, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As Canadians get ready for the Canada Day holiday weekend, MADD Canada is urging everyone to help prevent impaired driving in two important ways  by planning ahead for a sober ride home, and by supporting the call to make anti-impaired driving technology a standard safety feature in all new vehicles.

We can all help prevent impaired driving this holiday long weekend, and in the future, said MADD Canada National President Jaymie-Lyne Hancock. First, everyone can make the commitment to plan ahead for a sober ride home if they are consuming alcohol, cannabis or other drugs this weekend. Second, everyone can sign MADD Canadas petition requiring anti-impaired driving technology in all new vehicles.

Advanced technology exists now, and more is being developed, that can detect whether a driver is impaired and stop the car from moving or bring it to a safe stop. The technology includes: sensor systems that detect alcohol levels through touch or ambient air; monitoring systems that look at vehicle movement, such as lane departures; and systems that monitor a drivers head and eye movement and pupil dilation.

MADD Canada has registered a new e-petition with the House of Commons calling on the Government of Canada to introduce legislation that will require all new vehicles to be equipped with anti-impaired driving technology. Canadians can add their voice by signing the petition at: https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-4421

This technology has the potential to virtually eliminate alcohol-impaired driving and the horrific crashes, deaths and injuries that result. The United States passed legislation in 2021 requiring all new vehicles to be equipped with this type of technology by 2026-2027. MADD Canada believes similar legislation is needed in this country. Learn more about this technology: https://madd.ca/pages/impaired-driving/stopping-impaired-driving/technology/ .

The crashes, deaths and injuries caused by impaired driving are entirely preventable, said Ms. Hancock, whose brother D.J. Hancock was killed by an impaired driver in 2014. If this technology existed back then, we would be making holiday plans with my brother, instead of going through another summer without him. This technology has the potential to prevent so many tragedies, so much grief and so much pain. We hope everyone will sign the petition to help bring this life-saving technology to Canada.

For the holiday long weekend, MADD Canada is urging all Canadians to help prevent impairment-related crashes, death and injuries by:

Never driving a car, boat, ATV or any other vehicle while impaired;

Never getting into a vehicle being operated by someone whos impaired;

Calling 911 if you see a driver you suspect is impaired.

Those looking for a safe, sober and reliable ride home at the push of a button can check out Uber, MADD Canadas Official Designated Driving App. Visit https://www.uber.com/ca/en/ for more information.

For more information, contact: Jaymie-Lyne Hancock, MADD Canada National President, 705-623-3148 or [email protected] . Deb Kelly, MADD Canada Communications Manager, 1-800-665-6233 ext. 240 or [email protected] .

Source: MADD Canada
Zug, Switzerland, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Islamic Coin, the Shariah-compliant, ethics-first crypto has again shattered records, securing $200M from Alpha Blue Oceans ABO Digital. Total funding has reached $400M, beating Circle, BlockFi and Solana and has become one of the largest ever in the history of the crypto space.

Both Islamic Coin and the Haqq Network that powers it cater to the worlds 1.9 billion Muslims and beyond, focused on game-changing products and services. The award-winning digital money has received worldwide recognition from international luminaries, state and regional leadership, as the team delivers on its mission to empower the world's Muslim community with a financial instrument for the Digital Age. From presenting at the UNs COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, to being recognized as the Most Promising ESG Crypto at the Abu Dhabi Blockchain Awards, the Executive Team has received unwavering international support from both private investors, funds as well as the financial world.

The latest partnership will entail introducing Islamic Coin to the ABO network of investors and helping the team structure innovative Shariah-compliant financial products that could be used in the digital asset space to raise alternative funding. The deal provides for access to a maximum of $200M as and when required and ensures Islamic Coin has a long and stable runway.

"ABO Digital is thrilled to collaborate with Islamic Coin as an alternative finance provider. This ambitious project, supported by a stellar team, is revolutionizing the Shariah-compliant market by introducing digitization. We are honored to have been selected as a partner," commented ABO Digital CEO Amine Nedjai.

The alliance comes on the heels of another major win for the team, as it signed an MOU with London based DDCAP Group, paving the way for Haqq Network integration with over 300 global Islamic banks. That partnership will see the development of a number of solutions for Islamic Finance that include a Shariah-compliant Web3 alternative to SWIFT, a digital asset platform, CBDCs, tokenization and other ventures.

We are building a game-changing financial platform that brings together ethics and the traditions of Islamic Finance, delivering a robust solution that benefits and works together with traditional systems to significantly improve the state of the world, commented Islamic Coin co-founder Mohammed AlKaff AlHashmi.

Islamic Coin has received unparalleled support from MENA leadership. The Advisory Board is already represented by Abu Dhabi and Dubai Ruling Families, including the grandson of UAE founder Sheikh Dr. Hazza bin Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Navy Chief Sheikh Saeed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan (advising in private capacity), Sheikh Khalifa Bin Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammad Bin Khalifa Bin Mohammad Bin Khalid Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Juma bin Maktoum Al Maktoum and Her Highness Sheikha Mariam Suhail Obaid Suhail Al Maktoum. The team also boasts top names in traditional and Islamic finance. Islamic Coins Executive Board includes Emaars Hussein Al Meeza (who is also a co-founder), an award-winning banker with over 45 years of experience spanning the Islamic banking, finance, and insurance sectors, one of the key personalities involved in establishing Dubai Islamic Bank  the first fully-fledged Islamic Bank in the world. The Executive Board also includes Greg Gigliotti, CEO, Chief Investment Officer, and Founding Partner of Xtellus Advisors, a respected fund manager with experience at Goldman Sachs and other global institutions with a portfolio of over $16 Billion during his career.

Islamic Coin will be listed on exchanges soon.

About ABO Digital

ABO Digital is the digital asset investment arm of the ABO group, which provides PIPE (Private Investment in Public Equity) financing to publicly listed companies across the world and has executed more than $2 billion in financing commitments over five years. ABO Digital leverages its institutional-grade expertise to provide innovative and alternative financing to cryptocurrency projects.

Disclaimer: There is no offer to sell, no solicitation of an offer to buy, and no recommendation of any security or any other product or service in this article. This is not investment advice. Please do your own research.

Contacts:

Company: Islamic Coin

Contact: Sham Hamayun

Email: [email protected]

Location: Zug, Switzerland

Source: Islamic Coin
Domain-Specific AI Processor Unlocks New Interconnect Paradigm for Data Centers and Other High-Performance Applications, Breaking the Memory Wall

Utilizes Advanced Vertically Stacked Packaging, Integrating Optical Network-on-Chip and Electronic Integrated Circuits into One Single Package

First Public Demonstration at Hot Chips 2023

BOSTON, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lightelligence, the global leader in photonic computing, today introduced a new big data interconnect paradigm with the launch of Hummingbird, the worlds first Optical Network-on-Chip (oNOC) processor designed for domain-specific artificial intelligence (AI) workloads.

Hummingbird utilizes advanced vertically stacked packaging technologies to integrate a photonic chip and an electronic chip into one single package serving as the communications network for data centers and other high-performance applications. The first public demonstration of Hummingbird will be at Hot Chips August 27-29 at Stanford University.

Photonics is the solution to the critical compute scaling problem, which has become pressing as the traditional solutions struggle to keep up with the exponential growth of compute power demand spurred by breakthroughs in the AI industry, remarks Yichen Shen, CEO of Lightelligence. Hummingbird demonstrates how the industry can address the scaling problem by incorporating photonic technologies into their next-generation product.

Lightelligence is breaking the memory wall with its proprietary photonics technology that could revolutionize the semiconductor industry, adds Dylan Patel, Chief Analyst at SemiAnalysis.

Hummingbird is Lightelligences second product in its photonic computing portfolio. Its Photonic Arithmetic Computing Engine (PACE) platform released in late-2021 fully integrates photonics and electronics in a small form factor leveraging custom 3D packaging and seamless co-design.

Introducing HummingbirdHummingbird is the first in a family of products that utilize Lightelligences oNOC platform, which significantly improves computing performances by enabling innovative interconnect topologies via silicon photonics. Its waveguides propagate signals at the speed of light and utilize an all-to-all data broadcast network to each core on a 64-core domain-specific AI processor chip, giving Hummingbird significant advantages in latency and power reduction over traditional digital interconnect solutions.

Compute scaling challenges inspired the creation of an optical interconnect solution. Unlike digital networks, Hummingbirds oNOC technology increases density scaling by enabling interconnect topologies that would be otherwise unrealizable.

In oNOC, power and latency are virtually unaffected by distance, making the technology ideal for developing new and more robust topologies that do not rely on nearest neighbor communication. oNOC topologies like Hummingbirds enable higher utilization of compute power even in a single electronic IC configuration due to more efficient communication. With oNOC, mapping workloads to hardware becomes easier and provides greater freedom to select the right topology for the computing task.

In Hummingbird, Lightelligence implemented a low-latency optical all-to-all broadcast network spanning 64 cores. With 64 transmitters and 512 receivers, Hummingbird provides a framework to implement a variety of dense optical network topologies.

Hummingbirds electronic and photonic ICs are co-packaged and integrated into a PCIe form factor ready for installation in industry-standard servers. Coupled with the Lightelligence Software Development Kit (SDK), machine learning and AI workloads can be optimized to take full advantage of the oNOC. oNOC and Hummingbird IP can also be customized for other unique workloads and applications.

Future generations of Hummingbird will employ reticle-stitching to support chiplet architectures to enable better scalability, improve energy efficiency, and further reduce bottlenecks.

Availability and PricingLightelligence is actively signing development partners to sample Hummingbird-based PCIe add-in cards along with Lightelligence's SDK in Q3 2023.

Contact Lightelligence at [email protected] for inquiries on pricing and availability. Performance numbers are available to qualified customers upon request.

Lightelligence at Flash Memory Summit and Hot ChipsLightelligence will exhibit at Flash Memory Summit in Booth #755 August 8-10 at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, Calif.

Lightelligence will demonstrate Hummingbird at Hot Chips 2023 at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif., August 27-29. Maurice Steinman, Lightelligences Vice President of Engineering, will present Hummingbird Low-Latency Computing Engine August 29 at 11:30 a.m. P.D.T.

About LightelligenceLightelligence is transforming cutting-edge photonic technology into groundbreaking solutions that offer exponential improvements in computing power and dramatically reduce energy consumption. As the global leader in the photonic computing industry, Lightelligence is to date the only company that has publicly demonstrated integrated silicon photonic computing systems working at speed. Founded in 2017, Lightelligence has approximately 200 employees worldwide and has raised more than $220 million in funding.

Engage with Lightelligence:Website: www.lightelligence.ai/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightelligence-ai/Twitter: @lightelligence

For more information, contact: Nanette CollinsPublic Relations for Lightelligence[email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/277a9c9d-a770-4528-998d-26c8c6fcfe6e

Introducing Hummingbird, the first oNOC processor designed for domain-specific AI workloads. Lightelligences Hummingbird is the first oNOC processor designed for domain-specific AI workloads.

Source: Lightelligence
Washington, D.C., June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chief Judge Kimberly Moore and the Judicial Council of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit have indefinitely suspended highly-respected veteran Judge Pauline Newman from hearing new casesand they did so before investigating her. The 1980 Judicial Conduct and Disability Act does not authorize such indefinite or pre-investigatory suspensions. Another federal statute requires Federal Circuit panels to be comprised of a fair draw from all the Courts active judges. Hence, suspending Judge Newman also infringes on the right of every Federal Circuit plaintiff and defendant to have their cases heard by a fair draw from all the Courts active judges. Moreover, Judge Newman herself has an interest in fulfilling the duties of her judicial office, which cannot be taken away without due process of law. Judges singling out other federal judges for suspension is not due process and violates Congress sole constitutional authority to impeach federal judges.

To vindicate these constitutional and statutory principles, the New Civil Liberties Alliance has filed an amended Complaint and a Motion for a Preliminary Injunction on Judge Newmans behalf, asking the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to order the Federal Circuits Judicial Council to restore Judge Newmans full participation in the work of her court immediately. A presidentially-appointed, Senate-confirmed judge on the Federal Circuit since 1984, Judge Newmans decades of esteemed work have revolutionized patent law. She is in sound physical and mental health, as confirmed by recent neurological examination. Despite Article III of the Constitution entitling her to hold office during good behaviour, the Judicial Council of the Federal Circuit suspended Judge Newman in March pending the results of an investigation into potential disability/misconduct.

Another major problem with the Judicial Councils investigation is that the other Federal Circuit judges are acting as complainants, witnesses, and adjudicators simultaneously. To avoid such conflicts of interest, the standard practice would be to ask the Chief Justice of the United States to transfer the investigation to another circuit for impartial resolution. Chief Judge Moore and the Judicial Council have thus far refused to seek transfer. So, NCLA urges the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to not only enjoin Judge Newmans unlawful and unconstitutional suspension, but also to enjoin further investigation by the conflicted Federal Circuit. If the investigation is to continue, due process of law requires neutral judges from another circuit to do it.

Since suspending Judge Newman in March, Defendants have changed their rationale for ordering it. The latest Order from the Judicial Council indicates the Council may continue her suspension even without finding misconduct on her part. This latest Order, like previous ones, was issued without any notice to or participation by Judge Newman, even though she remains a full-fledged member of the Judicial Council. Whatever the rationale, the Judicial Council may not punish Judge Newman before conducting its investigation, it cannot indefinitely suspend her from hearing future cases, and it cannot persist in investigating her despite its own conflict of interest. The myriad statutory and constitutional problems infecting this investigation provide ample reason for the district court to grant a preliminary injunction in this case.

NCLA released the following statements:

The Federal Circuits conduct toward Judge Newman has been and continues to be inexplicable. Instead of transferring the matter to another circuit for an impartial resolution, Defendants have repeatedly undertaken actions that violate constitutional and statutory law. NCLA is saddened that this matter has become public and necessitated a resort to litigation, but we are resolved to defend Judge Newmans rights, the publics rights, and the judicial independence envisioned by the Constitutions Framers. Greg Dolin, Senior Litigation Counsel, NCLA

As public evidence has mounted that Judge Pauline Newman remains fully capable of performing her duties as a judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the Judicial Councils rationale for suspending her has shifted from alleging mental and physical incapacity to now focusing on her alleged lack of cooperation with the unlawful process the Council has employed to keep her off the bench. NCLA is filing this Motion to ensure that Judge Newman is restored to the bench immediatelywhere she belongsand that any subsequent investigation taking place adheres to statutory and constitutional strictures. Mark Chenoweth, President and General Counsel, NCLA

For more information visit the case page here.

ABOUT NCLA

NCLA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civil rights group founded by prominent legal scholar Philip Hamburger to protect constitutional freedoms from violations by the Administrative State. NCLAs public-interest litigation and other pro bono advocacy strive to tame the unlawful power of state and federal agencies and to foster a new civil liberties movement that will help restore Americans fundamental rights.

###

Judy Pino New Civil Liberties Alliance 202-869-5218 [email protected]

Source: New Civil Liberties Alliance
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Newcore Gold Ltd. ("Newcore" or the "Company") (TSX-V: NCAU, OTCQX: NCAUF) is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement financing pursuant to which the Company issued 33,333,332 units of the Company at $0.15 per Unit (the "Units") for aggregate gross proceeds of $4,999,999.80 (the "Offering"). The securities were offered under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (as defined below).

Luke Alexander, President and CEO of Newcore stated, "We are pleased to be welcoming a new institutional investor and would also like to thank our existing shareholders for their continued support. Management and the Board of Directors also meaningfully participated in the financing, continuing to be strongly aligned with shareholders by way of an approximate 21% equity ownership post financing. In a difficult market, we have been able to secure funding that allows Newcore to continue to advance and de-risk the development of our Enchi Gold Project in Ghana. This funding will allow us to complete additional drilling and development work as we prove out the district scale potential of the property."

Each Unit consisted of one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.20 per Common Share at any time on or before June 28, 2024.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to fund exploration and development activities at the Companys 100% owned Enchi Gold Project in Ghana, as well as for general corporate and working capital purposes.

The Units were sold to purchasers pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption (the "LIFE Exemption") under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106  Prospectus Exemptions. The securities issued in the Offering pursuant to the LIFE Exemption will not be subject to a statutory hold period pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws.

In connection with the completion of the Offering, the Company paid $25,125 to certain arm-length third parties who assisted in introducing subscribers to the Offering.

Certain directors and management of the Company (the "Insiders") participated in the Offering. Participation by the Insiders in the Offering was considered a "related party transaction" pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") as the Insiders are directors or senior officers of the Company. The Company was exempt from the requirements to obtain a formal valuation or minority shareholder approval in connection with the Insiders participation in the Offering in reliance on sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101.

The securities offered have not, nor will they be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent such registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This release does not constitute an offer for sale or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, a U.S. person. "U.S. person" and "United States" are as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act.

About Newcore Gold Ltd.

Newcore Gold is advancing its Enchi Gold Project located in Ghana, Africas largest gold producer (1). Newcore Gold offers investors a unique combination of top-tier leadership, who are aligned with shareholders through their 21% equity ownership, and prime district scale exploration opportunities. Enchis 216 km2 land package covers 40 kilometres of Ghanas prolific Bibiani Shear Zone, a gold belt which hosts several 5 million-ounce gold deposits, including the Chirano mine 50 kilometers to the north. Newcores vision is to build a responsive, creative and powerful gold enterprise that maximizes returns for shareholders.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of Newcore Gold Ltd.

Luke AlexanderPresident, CEO & Director

For further information, please contact:

Mal Karwowska | Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations+1 604 484 4399[email protected] www.newcoregold.com

(1) Source: Production volumes for 2022 as sourced from the World Gold Council

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes statements that contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation ("forward-looking statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussion with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always using phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: the use of proceeds from the Offering, magnitude or quality of mineral deposits; anticipated advancement of mineral properties or programs; and future exploration prospects.

These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. The assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to Newcore. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of Newcore believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, Newcore cannot provide any assurance that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking information also involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Newcore to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others: risks related to the speculative nature of Newcores business; Newcores formative stage of development; Newcores financial position; possible variations in mineralization, grade or recovery rates; actual results of current exploration activities; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold and other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar to United States dollar exchange rate); change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, unusual or unexpected geological formations); the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties.

Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and Newcore disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Source: Newcore Gold Ltd.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prairie Operating Co. (OTCQB: CRKR; the Company), Edward Kovalik, Chief Executive Officer, issues letter to stockholders.

Prairie Stockholders,

We are thrilled with the successful completion of the merger between Creek Road Miners, Inc. and Prairie Operating Co., LLC. This merger represents a significant milestone for the Company and positions us for growth and value creation.

Prairie Operating Co. currently trades under the ticker symbol CRKR and expects to commence trading on the OTCQB under the new ticker symbol PROP once FINRA processes the Companys pending action request. In addition, we are in the process of applying for an uplisting to the NYSE American Exchange. We believe that this move will amplify our visibility, expand our investor base and enhance liquidity, unlocking new opportunities for the Company and our valued stockholders.

We believe our initial acquisition of oil and gas leases in Weld County, Colorado provides an exciting platform for future drilling opportunities. The area boasts extensive well control in both the Codell and Niobrara formations, as well as many offset active drilling permits. Strategically located and supported by extensive infrastructure, we believe our acreage offers significant opportunities for growth. With no near-term lease expirations and access to lease extension options, we have the time and flexibility to optimize our assets.

Growth through accretive acquisitions is also a key part of our strategy. We are actively analyzing a number of deep value opportunities, seeking to establish a robust pipeline of growth-oriented assets.

Our management team is dedicated to creating sustainable, long-term growth. We are grateful for your support as we navigate an evolving energy market and undertake to capitalize on emerging opportunities, delivering stockholder value.

About Prairie Operating Co.

Prairie Operating Co. (f/k/a Creek Road Miners, Inc.) is a publicly traded company with assets held in Weld County, Colorado. The Company is dedicated to developing affordable, reliable energy to meet the worlds growing demand, while continuing to protect the environment. To learn more, visit www.prairieopco.com.

Forward Looking Statements

The information included herein and in any oral statements made in connection herewith include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included herein, are forward-looking statements. When used herein, including any oral statements made in connection herewith, the words could, should, will, may, believe, anticipate, intend, estimate, expect, project, the negative of such terms and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on the Companys current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, the Company disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. The Company cautions you that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of the Company. These risks include, but are not limited to, general economic, financial, legal, political and business conditions and changes in domestic and foreign markets; the ability of the Company to successfully develop its assets in Weld County, Colorado; the failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the merger with Prairie Operating Co., LLC; the risks related to the growth of the Companys business and the timing of expected business milestones; and the effects of competition on the Companys future business. Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described herein and in any oral statements made in connection therewith occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks not currently known by the Company or that the Company currently believes are immaterial that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning these and other factors that may impact the Companys expectations can be found in the registration statement on Form S-1 filed by the Company on June 16, 2023 and in the Companys periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), including the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 31, 2023 and any subsequently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The Companys SEC filings are available publicly on the SECs website at www.sec.gov.

Investor Relations ContactWobbe Ploegsma[email protected]

Source: Prairie Operating Co.
RIMOUSKI, Quebec, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Puma Exploration Inc. (TSXV: PUMA, OTCQB: PUMXF) (the Company or Puma) has received the first-anniversary option payment from Canadian Copper Inc. (CSE: CCI) (Canadian Copper or CCI) as outlined in the Option Agreement dated June 30, 2021. Canadian Copper elected to issue 3,637,873 common shares of the company at $0.0825 per share (the 20-day VWAP price from June 3, 2023) for a $300,000 first-anniversary option payment. CCIs largest shareholder is Puma, with 10,001,968 shares representing 13.48% ownership. Prior to the first-anniversary option payment, Puma owned 6,364,095 common shares of CCI, representing approximately 9% ownership.

Under the Option Agreement (see July 6, 2021 News Release), Canadian Copper can earn a 100% interest in five (5) copper properties (Figure 1), some with existing historical resources, by making cash and/or share payments to Puma over the term of the agreement. Another two (2) payments of $1,000,000 each over the next two years are expected to execute the deal.

Figure 1. CCIs portfolio of option agreement assets

Source: www.canadiancopper.com

Since going public in July 2022, Canadian Coppers strategic objective has been to secure and continue to grow its mineral inventory of critical minerals in New Brunswicks famous Bathurst Mining Camp. As announced on June 13, 2023, the company is acquiring a 72% interest in the Murray Brook Deposit, the largest undeveloped deposit in the province. With this acquisition, Canadian Copper is now the leading explorer for base metals in New Brunswick.

Pumas President and CEO Marcel Robillard commented, The focus on green energy transition has highlighted the need to develop copper mines in Canada. Puma spun off its non-core copper assets to Canadian Copper in 2021 to ensure those assets could be developed appropriately, while Puma focuses on gold exploration. Our resulting stake in CCI provides us and our shareholders exposure to copper exploration while allowing us to focus on building a gold camp at our Williams Brook Gold Project. With a fully-funded 2023 exploration program and work well underway, one of my objectives remains to monetize Pumas non-core assets to create additional value for our shareholders.

This news release is being issued in accordance with National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues in connection with the filing of an early warning report dated June 28, 2023. The early warning report in connection with the acquisition of the common shares has been filed on System for Electronic Document Analysis and Review ("SEDAR") at www.sedar.com under CCIs issuer profile. CCIs head office is located at 82 Richmond Street East, Toronto, Ontario M5C 1P1.

Puma has acquired these securities for investment purpose only. Puma may acquire additional shares or sell shares in the current business. Puma doesnt have any plan as now to add or dispose any Canadian Copper securities.

About the Williams Brook Gold Project

Puma's flagship Williams Brook Gold Project covers more than 46,000 ha in Northern New Brunswick, an established and mining-friendly jurisdiction, near paved roads and with excellent infrastructure nearby. Since 2021, Puma has made four (4) significant gold discoveries at Williams Brook, with gold mineralization hosted in quartz veins at surface.

An aggressive exploration program is planned for 2023 (see May 25, 2023 News Release); news is expected to be frequent throughout the year.

About Puma Exploration

Puma Exploration is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company with precious metals projects near New Brunswick, Canada's Famous Bathurst Mining Camp ("BMC"). The Company is committed to deploying its DEAR strategy (Development, Exploration, Acquisition, and Royalties) to generate maximum value for shareholders with low share dilution.

Connect with us on Facebook / Twitter / LinkedIn.Visit www.explorationpuma.com for more information or contact:

Marcel Robillard, President and CEO, (418) 750-8510;[email protected]

Mia Boiridy, Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Development, (250) 575-3305; [email protected]

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve several known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause Puma's actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from actual future results and achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made, except as required by law. Puma undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are described in the quarterly and annual reports and in the documents submitted to the securities administration.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/57b0bf9d-f3ce-4e2b-b41d-00743388235b

Figure 1: CCIs portfolio of option agreement assets CCIs portfolio of option agreement assets

Source: Puma Exploration Inc.
TORONTO, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quisitive Technology Solutions, Inc. (Quisitive or the Company) (TSXV: QUIS, OTCQX: QUISF), a premier Microsoft solutions provider and payments solutions provider, today announced it has won two 2023 Microsoft US Partner of the Year Awards for Solution Assessments and Healthcare and Life Sciences. The Company was honored among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology. Additionally, the Company was named a finalist for the 2023 Microsoft US Partner of the Year Award for Industrials and Manufacturing.

We are incredibly proud to be recognized through the Microsoft Partner of the Year Award program for the fifth year running, said Quisitive CEO Mike Reinhart. These awards recognize the top partners in the Microsoft ecosystem for delivering value, service, and innovation to customers. To be recognized with multiple awards, and also as a finalist this year, is a testament to the commitment we have made to Microsoft and our customers.

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognize Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered outstanding Microsoft-based applications, services and devices during the past year. Awards were classified in various categories, with honorees chosen from a set of more than 4,200 submitted nominations from more than 100 countries worldwide. Quisitive was recognized for providing outstanding solutions and services in both Solution Assessments and the Healthcare and Life Sciences industry.

Microsoft Solution Assessments are a set of industry best practices and methodologies for managing an organization's technology landscape and identifying new workloads that will support customers strategic goals. The US Solution Assessments award recognizes Quisitive as a leader in performing high-value Solution Assessments for customers that catalyze additional engagements. Additionally, the Partner of the Year Awards recognize top partners that serve key industries. In 2023, Quisitive has been named the winner for US Healthcare and Life Sciences vertical and a finalist for the Industrials and Manufacturing vertical for the Companys exceptional service and solutions targeting these industries. This is Quisitives third year in a row being recognized for its solutions in healthcare, and fifth year in a row being recognized by Microsofts Partner of the Year program.

Congratulations to the winners and finalists of the 2023 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards! said Nicole Dezen, Chief Partner Officer and Corporate Vice President of Global Partner Solutions at Microsoft. The innovative new solutions and services that positively impact customers and enable digital transformation from this year's winners demonstrate the best of whats possible with the Microsoft Cloud.

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards are announced annually prior to the Microsofts global partner conference, Microsoft Inspire, which will take place on July 18-19, this year. Additional details on the 2023 awards are available on the Microsoft Partner blog: https://aka.ms/POTYA2023 announcement. The complete list of categories, winners and finalists can be found at https://partner.microsoft.com/en-US/inspire/awards/winners.

About Quisitive:Quisitive (TSXV: QUIS, OTCQX: QUISF) is a premier, global Microsoft partner that harnesses the Microsoft cloud platform and complementary technologies, including custom solutions and first-party offerings, to generate transformational impact for enterprise customers. Our Cloud Solutions business focuses on helping enterprises move, operate, and innovate in the three Microsoft clouds. Our Payments Solutions division, leverages the PayiQ platform powered by Microsoft Azure to transform the payment processing industry into an entirely new source of customer engagement and consumer value. Quisitive serves clients globally from seventeen employee hubs across the world. For more information, visit www.Quisitive.com and follow @BeQuisitive.

TSX-V DisclaimerNeither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Quisitive Investor ContactMatt Glover and John YiGateway Investor Relations[email protected]949-574-3860

Source: Quisitive Technology Solutions Inc.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Search Minerals Inc. (TSXV: SMY | OTCQB: SHCMF) (Search or the Company), announces that Leo Power has resigned as Chairman, and Director of the Company effective June 27, 2023. The Board is conducting a process to identify a new independent director and will update the market in due course.

About Search Minerals Inc.:

Search Minerals is focused on finding and developing Critical Rare Earths Elements (CREE), Zirconium (Zr) and Hafnium (Hf) resources within the emerging Port Hope Simpson  St. Lewis CREE District of South East Labrador. Search controls two deposits (Foxtrot and Deep Fox), two drill ready prospects (Fox Meadow and Silver Fox) and numerous other REE prospects, including Fox Valley, Foxy Lady and Awesome Fox, along a 64 km long belt forming a REE District in Labrador. Search has completed a preliminary economic assessment report for DEEPFOX and FOXTROT. Search is also working on three exploration prospects along the belt which include: FOX MEADOW, SILVER FOX and AWESOME FOX. Search Minerals has continued to optimize our patented Hydrometallurgy Direct Extraction Process technology with the support from the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and from the Atlantic Canada Opportunity Agency. We have completed two pilot plant operations and produced highly purified mixed rare earth carbonate concentrate and mixed REO concentrate for separation and refining. We also recognize the continued support by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for its Junior Exploration Program. Search Minerals was selected to participate in the Government of Canada Accelerated Growth Service (AGS) initiative, which supports high growth companies. AGS, as a one-stop shop model, provides Search with coordinated access to Government of Canada resources as Search continues to move quickly to production and contribute to the establishment of a stable and secure rare earth element North American and European supply chain.

For further information, please contact:

Jocelyn Bennett

Director

[email protected]

+41789600575

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

Except for the statements of historical fact, this news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation that is based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. "Forward-looking information" in this news release includes the advance of the loan proceeds from InCor, and other forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such forward-looking information.

The forward-looking information in this news release reflects the current expectations, assumptions and/or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. In connection with the forward-looking information contained in this news release, the Company has made assumptions about the Company's financial condition and development plans do not change as a result of unforeseen events, and that the Company will receive the loan proceeds from InCor.

Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking information are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such information due to the inherent uncertainty therein. The Company does not assume any 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 applicable securities laws. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company's filings with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com.

Source: Search Minerals Inc
PALO ALTO, Calif., June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rubrik, the Zero Trust Data Security Company today announced it has won the Business Transformation, Global Independent Software Vendor (ISV) 2023 Microsoft U.S. Partner of the Year award and has been named Microsoft U.K. ISV Partner of the Year 2023. The company was honored among a field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology.

We are honored to receive the 2023 Microsoft Partner of the Year awards in the U.S. and the U.K., said Bipul Sinha, CEO and co-founder of Rubrik. Rubrik helps organizations around the world improve their cyber resilience in the face of inevitable attacks. This recognition underscores the success of our collaboration with Microsoft and continued innovation for our joint customers on our mission to secure the worlds data.

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognize Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered outstanding Microsoft-based applications, services and devices during the past year. Awards were classified in various categories, with honorees chosen from a set of more than 800 submitted nominations. Rubrik was recognized for providing outstanding solutions and services in the Business Transformation, Global ISV and U.K. ISV Partner of the Year categories.

The Global and U.K. ISV Partner of the Year Awards recognize the Microsoft managed ISVs that have demonstrated strong customer focus and success by partnering deeply with Microsoft on a global and regional scale.

We would like to extend our congratulations to the winners and finalists of the 2023 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards! said Nina Harding, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft US Global Partner Solutions. The winners and finalists of the 2023 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards have demonstrated the best of whats possible with the Microsoft Cloud by providing innovative new solutions and services that positively impact customers and enable digital transformation.

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards are announced annually prior to the companys global partner conference, Microsoft Inspire, which will take place on July 18-19 this year. Additional details on the 2023 awards are available on the U.S. Partner Community Blog and the U.K. Partner Community Blog.

About RubrikRubrik is on a mission to secure the worlds data. With Zero Trust Data Security, we help organizations achieve business resilience against cyberattacks, malicious insiders, and operational disruptions. Rubrik Security Cloud, powered by machine learning, secures data across enterprise, cloud, and SaaS applications. We help organizations uphold data integrity, deliver data availability that withstands adverse conditions, continuously monitor data risks and threats, and restore businesses with their data when infrastructure is attacked.

For more information please visit www.rubrik.com and follow @rubrikInc on Twitter and Rubrik, Inc. on LinkedIn.

For additional information:

Kelsey Shively Senior Director, Global Communications, Rubrik[email protected]

Source: Rubrik
Customs officers of the Changsha Customs inspect dried wild anchovy in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, June 26, 2023.

A total of 315 kg of dried wild anchovy from Kenya were transported to the Changsha Huanghua International Airport in central China's Hunan Province on Monday, marking that China imported wild anchovy products from the African country for the first time.(Xinhua)

CHANGSHA, June 28 (Xinhua) -- A total of 315 kg of dried wild anchovy from Kenya were transported to the Changsha Huanghua International Airport in central China's Hunan Province on Monday, marking that China imported wild anchovy products from the African country for the first time.

Huang Caixin, director of the import and export food safety department of the Changsha Customs, said Kenyan dried anchovy is a new African product that Changsha Customs has participated in promoting to import, which is conducive to promoting the import of more high-quality African food and agricultural products, enriching the choices of domestic consumers, and boosting the trade between China and Africa.

Kenya is rich in marine fishery resources, said Zhou Jinsong, who is in charge of an imported food company in Hunan. The company will further expand the supply of goods from Tanzania, Somalia, and other countries, not only to provide high-quality food raw materials to the domestic market but also to promote the development of the aquatic product processing industry in Africa and provide jobs for local residents.

According to customs statistics, African agricultural exports to China have grown rapidly in recent years, and China has now become the second-largest destination country for African agricultural exports. In the first five months of this year, China imported 16.15 billion yuan (about 2.24 billion U.S. dollars) of African agricultural and food products, up 26.5 percent year on year. 
US$14M run rate medical dispensary poised to significantly increase sales with the launch of Marylands Adult-Use program on July 1st, and expected to be immediately accretive on an EBITDA and cashflow basis

Located in close proximity to Delaware, with no competitors within a 25-mile radius, this dispensary is expected to quickly become one of TerrAscends highest performing retail locations nationwide

TORONTO, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TerrAscend Corp. ("TerrAscend" or the "Company") (CSE: TER) (OTCQX: TRSSF), a leading North American cannabis operator, today announced the closing of its previously announced acquisition of Derby 1, LLC (d/b/a Peninsula Alternative Health), a medical dispensary in Maryland. This transaction adds a second dispensary to the Companys Maryland footprint in advance of adult-use sales, which will begin on July 1, 2023. The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to TerrAscend on an EBITDA and cashflow basis. TerrAscend recently announced entering into a definitive agreement to acquire Hempaid, LLC (d/b/a Blue Ridge Wellness), its third medical dispensary in Maryland once closed.

Peninsula Alternative Health is one of the highest performing medical dispensaries in Maryland with a net revenue run rate of approximately US$14 million. Strategically located near the Delaware border in Salisbury, Maryland, this 8,500 square foot dispensary has no direct competitor within a 25-mile radius. TerrAscend expects to achieve significant sales and margin improvement at this location with the launch of adult-use and by offering a complete selection of its high-quality brands including Kind Tree, Gage, Cookies and Wana. With the close of the Transaction, TerrAscend's retail footprint increases to 35 dispensaries nationwide.

Adding a second high-performing medical dispensary in Maryland, and soon to be third, is an important step in our strategy to become a market leader in the state, said Jason Wild, Executive Chairman of TerrAscend. We expect Peninsula to quickly become one of our highest performing dispensaries nationwide. With less than a week until the launch of adult-use in Maryland, we are focused on signing additional acquisitions and reaching the four-dispensary cap as our northeast business unit will soon be operating in Maryland under the same successful business model we built in New Jersey.

The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

About TerrAscend Corp. TerrAscend is a leading cannabis company with interests across the North American cannabis sector, including vertically integrated operations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Michigan and California through TerrAscend Growth Corp. and retail operations in Canada. TerrAscend Growth operates The Apothecarium and Gage dispensary retail locations as well as scaled cultivation, processing, and manufacturing facilities in its core markets. TerrAscend Growths cultivation and manufacturing practices yield consistent, high-quality cannabis, providing industry-leading product selection to both the medical and legal adult-use markets. The Company owns or licenses several synergistic businesses and brands including Gage Cannabis, The Apothecarium, Cookies, Lemonnade, Ilera Healthcare, Kind Tree, Legend, State Flower, and Valhalla Confections. For more information visit www.terrascend.com.

Caution Regarding Cannabis Operations in the United StatesInvestors should note that there are significant legal restrictions and regulations that govern the cannabis industry in the United States. Cannabis remains a Schedule I drug under the US Controlled Substances Act, making it illegal under federal law in the United States to, among other things, cultivate, distribute, or possess cannabis in the United States. Financial transactions involving proceeds generated by, or intended to promote, cannabis-related business activities in the United States may form the basis for prosecution under applicable US federal money laundering legislation.

While the approach to enforcement of such laws by the federal government in the United States has trended toward non-enforcement against individuals and businesses that comply with medical or adult-use cannabis programs in states where such programs are legal, strict compliance with state laws with respect to cannabis will neither absolve TerrAscend of liability under U.S. federal law, nor will it provide a defense to any federal proceeding which may be brought against TerrAscend. The enforcement of federal laws in the United States is a significant risk to the business of TerrAscend and any proceedings brought against TerrAscend thereunder may adversely affect TerrAscend's operations and financial performance.

Forward Looking InformationThis news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as, may, would, could, will, likely, expect, anticipate, believe, intend, plan, forecast, project, estimate, outlook and other similar expressions, and include statements with respect to future revenue and profits. Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management in light of managements experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors relevant in the circumstances, including assumptions in respect of current and future market conditions, the current and future regulatory environment, and the availability of licenses, approvals and permits.

Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the success of the launch of adult use sales in Maryland and in the Peninsula transaction specifically, current and future market conditions; risks related to federal, state, provincial, territorial, local and foreign government laws, rules and regulations, including federal and state laws in the United States relating to cannabis operations in the United States; and the risk factors set out in the Companys most recently filed MD&A, filed with the Canadian securities regulators and available under the Companys profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and in the section titled Risk Factors in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2023.

The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether, as a result of new information, future events, or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

For more information regarding TerrAscend:Keith StaufferChief Financial Officer717-343-5386[email protected]

Briana ChesterMATTIO Communications424-465-4419[email protected]

Source: TerrAscend
CALGARY, Alberta, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Alberta Cancer Foundation (ACF), Alberta Health Services (AHS) and the University of Calgary (UCalgary) are thrilled to announce a historic and transformational $50 million donation to the Calgary Cancer Centre from the Arthur J.E. Child Foundation. With this donation, the cancer centre, set to open in 2024, will officially be named the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre. The gift will accelerate research innovations and provide world-leading cancer care and treatment to Calgarians, Albertans and Canadians when the centre opens next year.

This donation represents the largest gift in the history of Alberta Health Services.

With this historic donation from the Arthur J.E. Child Foundation, the Alberta Cancer Foundation will be able to provide educational and research opportunities for those pursuing careers in the medical field, and world-class cancer care for patients navigating cancer treatments, says Wendy Beauchesne, CEO, Alberta Cancer Foundation. This gift will transform cancer care and research for generations of Albertans and Canadians.

The Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre will be the largest comprehensive cancer centre in Canada and a world-leading healthcare facility for research and education in oncology, delivering fully integrated cancer care under one roof. Its design, made up of two curving, L-shaped forms coming together in an embrace, will provide patients, families and staff with a warm, comforting environment that invokes hope and healing.

AHS is grateful for this generous gift in support of health care innovation and excellence. The support of philanthropists and our partners helps our teams improve care and care outcomes for all Albertans facing a diagnosis of cancer, says Mauro Chies, AHS President and CEO. We look forward to the innovation, ground-breaking work, and world-class technologies that will be made possible for cancer care in this province, thanks to the Arthur J.E. Child Foundation.

Arthur J.E. Child was a prominent businessman and former majority shareholder and CEO of Burns Foods of Calgary, known both for his financial acumen and his personal philanthropy until his passing in 1996. He has been recognized for his impressive record in business, military, education and public service  evidenced by Mr. Child receiving the Order of Canada in 1985. To further his legacy, the Arthur J.E. Child Foundation was created to receive the majority of his estate to continue his generosity beyond Mr. Childs lifetime.

As an advocate for perpetual advancements in science and specifically medicine, Mr. Child was committed to supporting causes that will make a significant difference through research, says Lorne Jacobson, Vice Chairman and Co-Founder, TriWest Capital Partners and Lead Trustee, Arthur J.E. Child Foundation. This $50 million donation closely aligns with Mr. Childs commitment to accelerate cancer care and research, not only in Alberta, but to help defeat cancer at every level around the world.

The Arthur J.E. Child Foundation has donated nearly $100 million to a wide variety of charities across the globe, with approximately $9 million in support of projects across various faculties at UCalgary. Some of these existing investments support the attraction, retention and development of leaders in research and innovation in the areas of cardiology and rheumatology.

UCalgarys translational research enterprise is strengthened by The Arthur J.E. Child Foundations longstanding commitment to our institution and our province, says Dr. Ed McCauley, president and vice-chancellor, University of Calgary. This transformational gift to OWN.CANCER will accelerate our learning health model for the cancer centre  one in which researchers work side-by-side with care teams to dramatically improve outcomes for patients and families.

OWN.CANCER is an ambitious fundraising campaign actively raising $250 million for cancer care and research at the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre, bringing researchers, medical teams, prevention experts, patients and families together in ways never before possible. The Arthur J.E. Child Foundations donation is propelling the OWN.CANCER campaigns focus on tackling cancer in five critical areas: decreasing cancer in the population, improving cancer treatment, improving patient experience, improving cancer outcomes and empowering the best and brightest in cancer care and research.

The Arthur J.E. Comprehensive Cancer Centre is scheduled to open in Calgary in 2024.

For more information, or to donate to the OWN.CANCER campaign, visit www.owncancer.ca.

For more information about the Alberta Cancer Foundation, visit www.albertacancer.ca.

Alberta Cancer Foundation

Albertans helping Albertans is at the core of everything the Alberta Cancer Foundation does. Our very purpose comes from our desire to create more moments for all Albertans facing cancer, no matter where they live or the type of cancer they are facing. From the Canmore mountains to the canola fields in Lloydminster  we support leading edge treatment, care and research that is making a difference for cancer patients across the province.

As the fundraising partner for the 17 Alberta Health Services cancer centres, including the new Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Calgary, we make life better for Albertans facing cancer by supporting world-class research and patient care, right here in our own backyard.

Alberta Health Services

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait-times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.

University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canadas entrepreneurial university, located in Canadas most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 35,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canadas leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at UCalgary.

The Arthur J. E. Child Foundation

The Arthur J. E. Child Foundation is a private foundation created by Arthur Child to steward his charitable endeavors and was permanently endowed with his estate upon his passing in 1996. It has since disbursed nearly $100 million in charitable grants, with virtually no administrative costs, to a wide variety of worthy recipients ranging from personal health care to medical research, from international poverty relief and refugee programs to domestic violence and addiction recovery programs, from military history to youth literacy and specialized education programs. The Trustees of the Foundation have been guided in their granting of awards by a personal familiarity with Arthur Child and his passion for excellence, personal improvement through discipline and hard work and compassion for those disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control.

OWN.CANCER

The OWN.CANCER campaign is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the landscape of cancer research, care and treatment with the goal of raising $250 million in support of Calgarys new world-class cancer centre, the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre. This game-changing initiative is backed by three trusted community institutions: Alberta Health Services, Canadas first and largest fully integrated provincial health system; the University of Calgary, a globally recognized leader in medical research and home to tomorrows health-care professionals; and the Alberta Cancer Foundation, the official fundraising partner for all 17 cancer care centres across the province. Currently under construction, the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre will open its doors in 2024 as one of the largest comprehensive cancer centres in North America.

For media inquiries, please contact:Ryan KellyVP, Communications and Community Partnerships780.220.8791[email protected]

Source: Alberta Cancer Foundation
CALGARY, Alberta, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Traction Uranium Corp. (CSE: TRAC) (OTC: TRCTF) (FRA: Z1K) (the Company or Traction) and Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSX.V: FMC; OTCQB: FDCFF) (Forum) are pleased to announce they have completed an airborne magnetic, electromagnetic (EM) and radiometric survey on Forums 100%-owned Grease River Project, located along the north rim of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan. A total of 1,353 line-km were surveyed at a 100 metre line spacing using a New Resolution Geophysics specially designed Xcite Time Domain Electromagnetic System. The survey was conducted over the entire Grease River claims totaling 10,528 hectares along the Grease River Shear Zone (Figure 1). Data delivery is expected within six weeks from Axiom Exploration Group and will be interpreted for follow-up exploration.

Figure 1. Location of the Grease River Project in northern Saskatchewan nearby the community of Fond-du-Lac. Dashed line is the Grease River Shear Zone.

Traction entered into an option agreement with Forum whereby Traction is entitled to acquire a 51% interest in the Property by paying an aggregate of $250,000, issuing an aggregate of 1,625,000 common shares and funding an aggregate of $3 million in exploration expenditures on the Property by December 31, 2025. Forum is the Operator during this First Option Period. Traction has the further option to earn up to 100% interest in the project by making $1.7 million in cash payments, 5.5 million share payments and $6 million in exploration up until December 31, 2028. Forum would retain a 2% Net Smelter Return Royalty and $8 million in milestone payments (see News Release dated February 7, 2023)

The Grease River Project

The Grease River Project is located within the north-central margin of the Athabasca Basin near the community of Fond du Lac. The Grease River Project consists of two separate claim blocks situated along the NE-trending Grease River Shear zone, a major intracontinental shear zone greater than 400 km long. The nearby Fond du Lac uranium deposit was previously discovered within the shear zone by Amok Ltd. (Amok) and Eldorado Nuclear Ltd. (Eldorado) in the 1970s and a historical resource estimate was included which was not prepared in accordance with the requirements of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101), of one million pounds uranium at an average grade of 0.25% U3O8*. While the Company believes the historical estimate to be relevant and reliable, given the extensive exploration work completed by Amok / Eldorado, experienced mineral resource companies, and the quality of the historical work completed, a qualified person has not completed sufficient work to verify and classify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource and the Company is not treating the historical estimate as a current mineral. As such, the historical estimate should not be relied upon. The Company further notes that the Grease River Project claims are located along trend of the deposit to the southwest and northeast. Limited exploration has been conducted in the Grease River Project area.

*Homeniuk, L A, Clark, R. J., and Bonnar, R., Eldorado Nuclear Limited, CIM Bulletin May,1982. "Fond-du-Lac uranium deposit"

Qualified Person

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Ken Wheatley, M.Sc, P. Geo., who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The information provides an indication of the exploration potential of the Companys properties but may not be representative of expected results.

About Traction Uranium Corp.

Traction Uranium Corp. (CSE: TRAC) (OTC: TRCTF) (FRA: Z1K) is in the business of mineral exploration and the development of discovery prospects in Canada, including its three uranium projects in the world-renowned Athabasca Region.

We invite you to find out more about our exploration-stage activities across Canadas Western region at www.tractionuranium.com.

About Forum Energy Metals Corp.

Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSX.V: FMC; OTCQB: FDCFF) is a diversified energy metal company with uranium, copper, nickel, and cobalt projects in Saskatchewan, Canadas Number One Rated mining province for exploration and development, a strategic uranium land position in Nunavut and a strategic cobalt land position in the Idaho Cobalt Belt.

For further information: https://www.forumenergymetals.com/

On Behalf of The Board of DirectorsLester Esteban Chief Executive Officer +1 (604) 561 2687 [email protected]

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including with respect to the Company, the Survey and further exploration and development of the Grease River Project. The Company provides forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections, or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct, and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to risks that the Company will not complete the Survey as contemplated, or at all, risks that the Survey will not yield the anticipated information and data, risks that the Grease River Project will not be explored or developed as contemplated, or at all, as well as those risk identified and reported in the Companys public filings under the Companys SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law.

The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/09b165d4-71ca-45c0-b8d7-f11c4e23a9e1

Figure 1 Location of the Grease River Project in northern Saskatchewan nearby the community of Fond-du-Lac. Dashed line is the Grease River Shear Zone.

Source: Traction Uranium Corp.
MELVILLE, N.Y., June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In todays fast-moving world, our clients look to us to help them execute highly personalized and impactful direct mail campaigns in daysnot weeks. With our Canon varioPRINT iX sheetfed inkjet press, we can handle large print runs and quick turnaround without sacrificing print quality, and that helps us meet our quality of excellence requirements while delighting our customers with turn time, said Terry Brokamp, Senior VP, Vya.

Vya, based in Cincinnati, OH, is a leading provider of marketing execution technology and services for distributed organizations with customers that span the franchise, financial services, insurance, utilities, and manufacturing industries. Their mission is to deliver simplicity to their customers with turnkey print production services and Vyas proprietary end-to-end marketing resource management platform that enables companies to effortlessly manage, customize, and deliver marketing materials to the frontlines of their businesses. The success of Vyas marketing resource management system is driving increased client demand for high-quality direct mail campaigns, delivered to the field faster and with more relevance.

The Canon varioPRINT iX plays a critical role in this end-to-end solution. Teamed with Vyas web-based custom marketing portals, Vyas clients can provide approved, high-quality, customizable marketing materials to field operationsfranchisees, bank branches and MLOs, agents, dealers, retailers, and distributorsprinted faster and in the quantities required for local markets.

The Canon varioPRINT iX has more than doubled our digital color print capacity, and that, in addition to our robust finishing capabilities (including folding, scoring, gluing, and inserting), has enabled us to achieve fast and flexible print and fulfillment services that help our customers get high quality, tailored print campaigns into the field faster, Terry said. Making it simple for our customers to quickly deliver complex, high impact, high quality direct mail is what sets Vya apart, and why we have a loyal customer base.

Francis McMahon, executive vice president, Production Print Solutions, Canon Solutions America, Inc. shared, I commend Vyas leadership team for their vision of simplicity, and teaming Canons industry-leading inkjet technology with their proprietary marketing technology to execute on that vision. I welcome them to the Canon Solutions America inkjet family and look forward to seeing Vya continue to thrive!

Canon Solutions America has led the evolution of print for nearly a decade, with industry-leading web-fed, sheetfed, and total high-volume inkjet market share in the U.S. reported in 2022. They support their inkjet customers in multiple ways, including through their Executive Sponsorship of thINK, an independent community of Canon Solutions America inkjet customers. Canon Solutions America offers their inkjet customers complimentary membership to the inkjet user group, which is led by a board of Canon Solutions America inkjet customers and offers tools, training and educational resources designed to accelerate success with inkjet. Canon Solutions America inkjet customers can request membership by visiting thINKForum.com.

Companies interested in learning more about Vyas range of print capabilities and marketing resource management systems can contact Vyas Allan Greer at [email protected]

About thINK Forum

thINK is an independent community of Canon Solutions America inkjet customers, solution partners, and print industry experts, and Canon Solutions America is a proud executive sponsor. Led by some of the most successful inkjet service providers in the country, it provides a forum for members to network, gain knowledge, discuss common challenges, and share best practices. For more information, visit thinkforum.com.

###

Canon is a registered trademark of Canon Inc. in the United States and elsewhere. varioPRINT is a trademark or registered trademark of Canon Production Printing Netherlands B.V. All other referenced product names and marks are trademarks of their respective owners. Neither Canon Inc. nor Canon U.S.A., Inc. nor Canon Solutions America, Inc. represents or warrants any third-party product or feature referenced hereunder. Views and opinions expressed in this testimonial are based on the actual experiences of each voluntary participant.

Attachment
MONTREAL, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WSP Global Inc. (TSX: WSP) (WSP or the Corporation) announces that it has been recognized as one of Canadas Best 50 Corporate Citizens by Corporate Knights for the third consecutive year. This achievement highlights top scores in environmental metrics, sustainable investment, and diversity.

This recognition is a testament to the dedication and collective efforts of our teams who continuously strive to make a positive impact on society and the environment. We are proud of our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments and performance, and grateful for this acknowledgment, said Alexandre LHeureux, President and CEO of WSP. We take great pride in being ranked once again among the Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada, and this accolade fuels our motivation to continue pushing boundaries and exceeding expectations. It serves as a powerful reminder that our purpose-driven approach and practices make a real difference.

WSPs recent ESG achievements include:

Sustainable Investment: WSP completed several acquisitions in 2022 and 2023 which ramped up its environmental business capacity and expanded its renewable energy, water, and ESG-related services offerings, including Woods Environment & Infrastructure business; Climate Finance Advisors; Greencap Holdings and BG Consulting Engineers.

WSP completed several acquisitions in 2022 and 2023 which ramped up its environmental business capacity and expanded its renewable energy, water, and ESG-related services offerings, including Woods Environment & Infrastructure business; Climate Finance Advisors; Greencap Holdings and BG Consulting Engineers. Sustainable Revenues: Approximately 59.3% of WSPs 2022 annualized gross revenues were derived from services aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which is ahead of its 2022-2024 Global Strategic Action Plan objective.

Approximately 59.3% of WSPs 2022 annualized gross revenues were derived from services aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which is ahead of its 2022-2024 Global Strategic Action Plan objective. Linking Leader Compensation to ESG performance: Since 2022, a portion of WSPs global and regional leaders variable compensation has been linked to ESG factors such as SDG-Linked Revenues, employee engagement, inclusion and diversity, health and safety, and ethics and compliance.

Since 2022, a portion of WSPs global and regional leaders variable compensation has been linked to ESG factors such as SDG-Linked Revenues, employee engagement, inclusion and diversity, health and safety, and ethics and compliance. Climate Goals : WSP has committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2040. To support its ongoing efforts, WSP has had its near- and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets approved by the Science-Based Targets initiative. In 2022, WSP made progress towards its goals by reducing its total scope 1, scope 2 (market-based) and scope 3 GHG emissions by 26%, compared to its 2018 base year.

: WSP has committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2040. To support its ongoing efforts, WSP has had its near- and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets approved by the Science-Based Targets initiative. In 2022, WSP made progress towards its goals by reducing its total scope 1, scope 2 (market-based) and scope 3 GHG emissions by 26%, compared to its 2018 base year. Diversity: As of March 2023, women represent more than 30% of WSPs Board of Directors. In addition, 27% of WSPs Global Leadership Team are women and 9% are members of ethnic minorities.

For more information on WSPs commitment to a sustainable future, see our 2022 Global ESG Report, entitled Purposeful Impact.

ABOUT CORPORATE KNIGHTSCorporate Knights Inc. is an independent media and research B Corp. Its media division publishes the award-winning sustainable-economy magazine Corporate Knights, circulated in The Globe and Mail, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. Its research division produces sustainability rankings, research reports, and financial product ratings based on corporate sustainability performance. Learn more at corporateknights.com.

ABOUT WSPAs one of the largest professional services firms in the world, WSP exists to future-proof our cities and our environment. It provides strategic advisory, engineering, and design services to clients seeking sustainable solutions in the transportation, infrastructure, environment, building, energy, water, and mining sectors. Its 67,000 trusted professionals are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities it serves through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. In 2022, WSP reported $11.9 B (CAD) in revenue. The Corporations shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: WSP).

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:Alain MichaudChief Financial OfficerWSP Global Inc.Phone: 438-843-7317[email protected]

Source: Groupe WSP Global Inc.
Investing.com -- After CAVA Group Inc 's (NYSE: CAVA) successful initial public offering this month, a number of debuts are lined up to close out June.

Bermuda-based reinsurer Fidelis Insurance plans to raise about $298 million, selling 17M shares in a range of $16 to $19 a share.

In addition, natural gas compression company Kodiak Gas Services plans to raise $328M in a sale of 16M shares at $19 to $22 apiece.

And thrift store chain Savers Value Village aims to raise $300M selling 18.8M shares at a range of $15 to $17 a share.

GEN Restaurant Group, a Korean food chain, could start trading as early as Tuesday after aiming to raise $33M by selling 3M shares at around $10 to $12 each.

Cava, a Mediterranean food restaurant chain, priced above an already revised range earlier this month and jumped 99% in its trading debut. The showing boosted hopes that the IPO market, which has been quiet this year except for a few noted deals, could be opening up.

On Monday, Aixin Life International, a seller of nutritional products in China, lowered the proposed deal size for its upcoming IPO, according to Renaissance Capital. The company now plans to raise $7M in the sale of 1.8M shares at around $4 each. It previously planned to offer more shares for sale at that price.
Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - June 28, 2023) - Beauce Gold Fields(TSXV: BGF)(Champs D'Or en Beauce), ("BGF" or the "Company"): is pleased to present its 2022 sonic drill results on its Ditton Gold project located near the town of Chartierville in southern Quebec. All four holes drilled into the paleoplacer channel contained grains of gold. Notable was hole F-22-10 at 3.36 grams per cubic meter (g/m3) of tertiary placer gold at a depth of 15 meters from the floor of the Landry quarry.

Patrick Levasseur, President and CEO of Beauce Gold Fields, said, "The sonic drill results combined with our dredge and bulk sampling all indicate that the Ditton placer gold channel could be a substantial deposit." Mr. Levasseur also stated, "These positive results support our continued assessment of the possibility that we hold an economically viable placer gold deposit, as well as to look for signs that could lead to future discoveries of bedrock lode gold."





Image1: Exploration Map of the Ditton Project

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Sonic Drill Highlights

Confirms gold anomaly in paleoplacer channel

Placer channel open to the South, East, SW & NE

Both Tertiary & Quaternary placer gold identified

Holes drilled in the Landry and Blais gravel pits contained gold

The industry reporting standard unit of quantity for placer gold is grams per cubic meter.

Sonic Drill Hole From To Interval Weight of

gold Gold Grade

Half Core A Gold Grade

Half Core B Average

Grade (A+B) m m m mg g/m3 g/m3 g/m3 F-22-01 25.9 27.4 1.5 2.5 0.628 0 0.196 F-22-01 27.4 28.9 1.5 OG/NW gold grain 0 VG F-22-04 9.1 10.6 1.5 OG/NW gold grain 0 VG F-22-04 19.8 21.3 1.5 Concentrate 7.63 PPM 0 3.40 F-22-05 4.6 6.1 1.5 OG/NW gold grain 0 VG F-22-06 12.2 13.7 1.5 OG/NW 0 gold grain VG F-22-10 13.7 15.2 1.5 OG/NW gold grain 0 VG F-22-10 15.2 16.7 1.5 13.8 3.365 0 1.061

1) Both sets of assays (where applicable) are shown in the included table. One sample (Core A) is from a half 1.5-meter section of a sonic drill core, consistent with CIM mineral exploration best practice guidelines. The latter core (Core B) is presented here to illustrate the range in the variability of the gold grade within the same core sample, demonstrating the grade variability present in placer deposits. A larger volume of samples is necessary to obtain a better representation of the gold content. Therefore, grades are indicative only.

2) OG/NW indicates that the lab technicians observed grains of gold but were unable to recover or manipulate the grain for weighing. VG stands for Visible Gold.

VG stands for Visible Gold.

3) No gold found in holes F-22-02, F-22-03, F-22-07, F-22-08 & F-22-09.

The objective of the 2022 exploration program was to locate the preglacial channel using seismic refraction surveys and to drill the indicated depths to bedrock with sonic drilling to eventually locate virgin overburden gravel layers with economic placer gold grades. A second objective was to gain geological data to explore the lode gold source of the gold placers.

The seismic survey, conducted last July 2022 by Geophysics GPR International of Longueuil Inc., utilized instruments capable of locating narrow depressions or faults and identifying old channels. All significant depths suggested by the survey were tested through drilling. The Company discovered oxidized brown clayey gravel intercepted by holes F-22-01 and F-22-10. Additionally, iron-tinged gravel was found on a highly sheared bedrock horizon in the Blais Quarry, which is interpreted as a preglacial channel. This gravel unit is estimated to be approximately 3 meters thick. The objective of the 2023 work will be to measure the thickness of this deposit more accurately through bulk sampling in the operational quarries.

TYPE 1: TERTIARY (Boreholes F-22-01, F-22-10, and the Blais Quarry)

The Tertiary material is still on the bedrock surface and typically buried beneath the quaternary cover (till). Certain topographical conditions, such as deep trenches (Bella Fault) or mountain ranges (Mont Mgantic), which acted as barriers to ice flow, may have facilitated local preservation. The bedrock under the Blais Quarry (Press release May 16, 2023) primarily consists of sheared basalt with a sub-vertical dip or numerous cracks of various sizes filled with products of tertiary weathering (oxidized and compact gravel). These factors combined strongly suggest the presence of intact tertiary materials at the bottom of certain valleys in the Ditton area, where their gold potential is likely to be highest. This material would be interpreted as pre-Lennoxville sediment.

Drill hole F-22-10 intercepted a grain of gold weighing 13.7 mg and measuring over 2.5 mm in length between 80 and 85' (24.4m-25.9m). Drilling was stopped in rock between 85-90' (25.9-27.4m) due to broken drill rods in the fractured rock. The material containing the mineralization is considered to be clayey gravel underlain by sheared basalt. Drilling F-22-10 also intercepted a gold-bearing clay gravel between 50 and 55' near the surface of the fractured rock under the Landry Quarry.

TYPE 2: RECENT QUATERNARY (F-22-04, F-22-05, F-22-06)

On the other hand, the recent Quaternary type consists of unconsolidated deposits resulting from glaciations. The first mechanism involves the massive or partial remobilization of a Tertiary placer deposit and the dispersion of its auriferous content into the Quaternary tills during ice flow. This includes drill holes F-22-04, F-22-06 and F-22-06, where gold particles were found in oxidized brown till. McDonald (1965) discovered a similar deposit north of the Ditton area in highly weathered and oxidized till. This till is considered the second member of the Lennoxville till.

Next, the gold content in the riverbeds that cut through these tills is re-concentrated. The majority of known gold placer showings in the Eastern Townships occur when a contemporary stream or river intersects a sub-outcropping Tertiary placer, releasing and redepositing its gold content at a short distance

The sampled drill cores were treated using gravity separation to test for gold. They were processed at ExploLab in Val D'Or, Quebec. The weight of each core sample varied between 20-25 kg each. The first treatment was a wet classification on Sweco (9.5 mm) sieving to remove the blocks and pebbles. Afterwards, the samples were submitted to the Errol automatic sieve shaker, with three sieves or two sieves depending on the volume of the samples once the pebbles were removed. At the third sieve, a classification at 2 mm, 1 mm and less. At 425 microns or two sieves or 2mm and 1mm. Material less than 1mm or 425 microns was then subjected to a gravimetric concentration on a Wilfley's table or Gold Wheeel. Once the concentrate has been extracted from the sample, the sample is subjected to drying in an oven for 24 hours and is weighed dry. Under a binocular, gold grains are removed from the concentrates. The sample was then sent to MSALABS in Langley, BC, to assay for fine gold particles or non-visible gold. The results of the lab assays and the weighted gold per sample were combined to obtain indicative grades in grams per cubic meter.

The Company will conduct exploration work this summer and fall to follow up on the drill and dredge results by bulk sampling to verify gold grades within more significant volumes on the Ditton and Emberton properties in Chartierville as well on the Beauce Gold project in St-Simon-les-Mine.

Jean Bernard, B,Sc. Geo., is a qualified person, as defined by NI 43-101, who has reviewed and approved the technical information presented in this release.

A qualified person has not completed sufficient work to classify any mineral resources as defined by National Instrument (NI) 43-101; it is uncertain if future exploration will result in the delineation of mineral resources.

About The Ditton Placer Channel

The placer channel is in the town of Chartierville, Quebec. The channel is 4 km east of the historical Mining Brook Placer gold mine and 6 km northwest of the US-New Hampshire border. It is also located 115 km south of the Company's Beauce Gold project in St-Simon-Les-Mine.

A sampling program by the Company recovered gold from every sample taken throughout the Ditton quarry (BGF press release January 20, 2022), bringing about the discovery of the Ditton placer gold channel. Further insights to the existence of a channel were gained from the 1980s historical exploration reports of the regional geology and geophysics. It also revealed that the quarry was an excavated pit of an exposed layer of a Tertiary placer channel. Results from the company's 2022 seismic refraction survey lines further support the existence of a paleochannel.

The channel trends southwest to northeast and is believed to open in both directions.

North American Placer Mines

Projects Location Year Avg. Grade g/m3 Beauce Gold Fields - Beauce Gold Project Quebec 2018 0.87 Multiple private large placer operations Yukon 2020 0.30 NovaGold (TSX-NG), Nome Gold Project Alaska 2011 0.30

Source: Exploration Target = 0.87 g/m3 Sedar: 43-101 Report - Beauce July 4th 2018, , Author B. Violette,

Yukon Placer Mining Industry Reports 2010-2014, 2018-2020: Yukon Geological Survey

NovaGold Resources: TECHNICAL REPORT NOME PLACER PROPERTY, 2006, Norwest Corporation.

Potential for Lode Gold Discoveries

The recovered gold grains from showed delicate angular shapes suggesting little transportation. A proximal bedrock source of the placer channel could be from the eroded Eastern flank of the valley wall. The bedrock lithology holds a contact point between altered volcanic rock and schist rock. Historical surveys indicated strong magnetic lineaments favorable to hosting gold-bearing quartz lenses.

The Bella Fault line is estimated to run along strike 1 km east of the placer channel where Cache Exploration in 1985 put down 3 diamond drill holes (DDH) along Rang Dix road to test a strong shear zone. The holes intersected andesites containing numerous quartz stringers mineralized with pyrite and much tourmaline. Of interest, in the drill log for DDH number S-2 states that visible gold was noted at 240 meters (GM42843). Cache did not complete the recommended follow-up drilling to test this anomaly.

About Beauce Gold Fields

Beauce Gold Fields is a gold exploration company focused on placer to hard rock exploration in the Beauce region of Southern Quebec. The Company's objective is the trace old placer gold workings back to a bedrock source to uncover economic lode gold deposits. The Company's flagship property is the St-Simon-les-Mines Gold project site of Canada's first gold rush that pre-dates the Yukon Klondike. The Beauce region hosted some of the largest historical placer gold mines in Eastern North America that were active from 1860s to the 1960s It produced some of the largest gold nuggets in Canadian mining history (50oz to 71oz). (Source Sedar: 43-101 Report - Beauce July 4th 2018, , Author B. Violette).

Beauce Gold Fields website www.beaucegold.com.

Disclaimers:

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "may", "plan", "will", "estimate", "continue", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "in the process" and other similar expressions which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectation and assumptions, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, our expectations regarding mineral exploration. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company's on-going filings with the securities regulatory authorities, which filings can be found at www.sedar.com. Actual results, events, and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements either as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information contact

Patrick Levasseur, President and CEO Tel: (514) 262-9239

www.beaucegold.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/171614
Glen Ellyn, Illinois--(Newsfile Corp. - June 28, 2023) - This summer the Cleve Carney Museum of Art (CCMA) in the McAninch Arts Center (MAC) on the College of DuPage (COD) campus presents WARHOL featuring "Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop | Works from the Bank of America Collection". This multifaceted exhibition is on display in its entirety at 425 Fawell Blvd., now through Sept. 10 only.





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"We invite vacationers and staycationers to make this their summer of Warhol - starting with the exhibition, then exploring all things Warhol in our amazing surrounding communities," says MAC Director, Diana Martinez.

Nearly two dozen communities surrounding the exhibition have embraced the exhibition with Warhol-inspired public pop art, including special Warhol-inspired murals spread across two dozen locations. Many are also presenting Warhol-themed exhibitions and special events, such as special craft beer releases, film screenings, parties, a classic car shows, art classes and workshops plus Warhol-themed shopping, restaurant and leisure packages and much more.

While at the exhibition, visitors can pick up a guide map or visit the Warhol2023.org for the complete listing of events.

The WARHOL exhibition unfolds across nearly 11,000 square-feet of exhibition space. Artwork includes 94 works from "Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop | Works from the Bank of America Collection" on loan through Bank of America's Art in our Communities program, plus 157 works from the COD Permanent Art Collection including more than 150 original photographs by Warhol. Visitors also experience a historical exhibit highlighting key points in Warhol's life and career, a Kids Pop Art Print Factory, a Studio 54 Experience, a Central Park-inspired outdoor space, a Silver Clouds installation and more.

Exhibition tickets are available at Warhol2023.orgor by calling 630.942.4000.

WARHOL featuring "Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop | Works from the Bank of America Collection" is presented by Bank of America and made possible through support from Ball Horticultural Company, Anonymous, Wight & Company, DuPage Foundation; JCS Arts, Health and Education Fund of the DuPage Foundation, Clayco and the College of DuPage Foundation.

Media Contacts:

Alyssa Krueger

Carol Fox & Associates

[email protected] / 708.870.0968

For photos,CLICK HERE

# # #

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/171553
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 28, 2023) - Currie Rose Resources Inc. (TSXV: CUI) ("Currie Rose" or the "Company") is pleased to report further support from the Queensland Government as it relates to the newest funding announcements for the local critical minerals supply chains.

In addition to the recent $5 billion investment into the CopperString 2032 Project which would incorporate the vanadium battery technology, the Government announced an additional $245 million in new funding commitments, including a $100 million Queensland Critical Minerals and Battery Technology Fund, scientific research and ESG excellence, cost reduction measures for mineral exploration companies, and establishment of critical minerals zones such as the Julia Creek-Richmond zone and the Mount Isa zone where Currie Rose's North Queensland Vanadium Project ("NQVP") is located.

Currie Rose's NQVP covers approximately 1,250 km2 in northwest Queensland, about 500 km southwest of Townsville, and hosts NI 43-101 compliant Indicated Cambridge Resource of 61.33 Mt @ 0.34% V 2 O 5 and Inferred Resource of 144.87 Mt @ 0.33% V 2 O 5 . Resource is open for expansion. The Project also hosts multiple other drill-ready targets that represent large areas of underexplored, prospective vanadium-rich host strata.

Simon Coyle, Currie Rose's newly appointed President & CEO, stated:

"The Government's commitment to the advancement of the critical minerals in the region demonstrates its outstanding mineral potential. The prominent place vanadium is taking in the recent funding rounds shows the well-deserved recognition of the importance of Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries in the renewable energy space.

Currie Rose has a vital role to play in the Queensland battery supply chain and is at the forefront of the development of critical minerals in the region. The Government's investment into infrastructure and all levels of supply chain will help us rapidly advance the project and achieve the best outcomes for all stakeholders."

Managed through Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC), the $100 million Queensland Critical Minerals and Battery Technology Fund will oversee venture and growth capital investments to accelerate the extraction and processing of critical minerals and the development of battery technologies.

The Queensland Government has also committed $68 million to the Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan and $75 million to the Queensland Resources Common User Facility that will be built in Townsville to accelerate the development of critical mineral commercial mining projects.

The Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who unveiled the Queensland Critical Mineral Strategy at the World Mining Congress in Brisbane, commented:

"In Queensland we have some of the world's richest mineral-producing areas, which in North Queensland alone is estimated to be worth $500 billion dollars. Our state's abundant reserves of vanadium, cobalt, copper and rare earth elements are the key to accelerating the development of clean energy technologies like solar panels, battery storage and electric vehicles. More than just digging these out of the ground, Queensland is in the enviable position to grow our capabilities right through the supply chain from pit to product as global demand skyrockets."

About Currie Rose Resources Inc.

Currie Rose is a publicly traded battery metals exploration and development company identifying high-value assets in resource- and research-friendly jurisdictions. The Company's immediate focus is the advanced NQV Project in Queensland, Australia. The NQV Project hosts the Cambridge Deposit with an Indicated Mineral Resource of 61.33 Mt @ 0.34% V 2 O 5 and 234.6 ppm MoO 3 along with an Inferred Mineral Resource of 144.87 Mt @ 0.33% V 2 O 5 and 241.9 ppm MoO 3 (Dufresne et al., 2022). The Company additionally owns Kotai Energy and the option to acquire 100% of the intellectual property rights associated with the Hydrogen Project from Curtin University in Western Australia. Please visit our website at www.currierose.com.

For additional information, please contact:

Iryna Zheliasko, Investor Relations - Canada

Office: (+1) 647-249-9298

Email: [email protected]

Andrew Rowell, Investor Relations - Australia

M: +61 400 466 226

Email: [email protected]

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, including statements regarding future estimates, plans, objectives, timing, assumptions or expectations of future performance, including without limitation, statements regarding the Company's plans regarding the NQV Project. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". Forward-looking statements are based on certain material assumptions and analysis made by the Company and the opinions and estimates of management as of the date of this press release, including that the Company will receive the required corporate and regulatory approvals, including TSXV's final approval, that that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner and assumptions regarding political and regulatory stability in financial and capital markets.

These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Important factors that may cause actual results to vary, include, without limitation, that the Company will not be able to proceed with the NQV Project as intended, or that the Company does not receive the required regulatory approvals, including the TSXV's final approval, recent market volatility and potentially negative capital raising conditions, the conflict in Eastern Europe, the Company's ability to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies and other risks and factors that the Company is unaware of at this time. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.

There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/171628
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 28, 2023) - FenixOro Gold Corp.(CSE: FENX) (OTCQB: FDVXF) (FSE: 8FD)("FenixOro" or the "Company")announced today that Jing Peng has resigned from his duties as Chief Financial Officer. The Company wishes to thank Mr. Peng for his services and anticipates announcing the new CFO shortly. Until such time, Mr. John Carlesso, current Chief Executive Officer of the Company, will act as the Company's interim Chief Financial Officer.

ABOUT FENIXORO GOLD CORP.

FenixOro Gold Corp is a Canadian company focused on acquiring and exploring gold projects with world class exploration potential in the most prolific gold producing regions of Colombia. FenixOro's flagship property, the Abriaqui project, is the closest project to Continental Gold's Buritica project. It is located 15 km to the west in Antioquia State at the northern end of the Mid-Cauca gold belt, a geological trend which has seen multiple large gold discoveries in the past 10 years including Buritica and Anglo Gold's Nuevo Chaquiro and La Colosa. As documented in "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Abriaqui project Antioquia State, Colombia" (December 5, 2019), the geological characteristics of Abriaqui and Buritica are similar. Since the preparation of this report a Phase 1 drilling program has been completed at Abriaqui resulting in a significant discovery of a high grade, "Buritica style" gold deposit. A Phase 2 drilling program has recently commenced. The Company also owns the Escondida Mine, a fully permitted, producing high grade gold mine in Antioquia that is currently undergoing an investment and expansion plan. FenixOro's VP of Exploration, Stuart Moller, led the discovery team at Buritica for Continental Gold in 2007-2011. At the time of its latest public report, the Buritica Mine contains measured plus indicated resources of 5.32 million ounces of gold (16.02 Mt grading 10.32 g/t) plus a 6.02 million ounce inferred resource (21.87 Mt grading 8.56 g/t) for a total of 11.34 million ounces of gold resources Buritica began formal production in November 2020 and has expected annual average production of 250,000 ounces at an all-in sustaining cost of approximately US$600 per ounce. Resources, cost and production data are taken from Continental Gold's "NI 43-101 Buritica Mineral Resource 2019-01, Antioquia, Colombia, 18 March, 2019". Continental Gold was recently the subject of a takeover by Zijin Mining in an all-cash transaction valued at C$1.4 billion.

For further information, please contact:

FenixOro Gold Corp

John Carlesso, CEO

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.FenixOro.com

Telephone: 1-833-ORO-GOLD

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/171658
BEIJING, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Most of the capital goods monitored by China's statistical authorities registered higher prices in mid-June compared with early June, official data showed.

Of the 50 major goods classified in nine categories, including seamless steel tubes, gasoline, coal, fertilizer, and some chemicals, 26 reported higher prices in the period, 21 saw price declines, and the prices of three remained unchanged, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Specifically, the price of liquefied natural gas led the growth, rising 5.8 percent in mid-June compared with early June, while the price for anthracite fell 11.2 percent, marking the biggest decline.

During the same period, the price of ribbed steel bars went up 2.1 percent, and that of liquefied petroleum gas decreased by 5 percent. Hog price remained flat, NBS data also revealed.

The figures, released every 10 days, are based on a survey of nearly 2,000 wholesalers and distributors in 31 provincial-level regions across the country. 
Bangkok, Thailand--(Newsfile Corp. - June 28, 2023) - Forex broker, Moneta Markets, attended the iFXExpo Bangkok, Thailand, from June 20th to June 22nd to present the Company and its services. This extraordinary triduum of activity serves as a veritable melting pot, drawing together myriad industry luminaries, seasoned professionals, and pivotal stakeholders from the forex domain, creating an all-encompassing platform for the exchange of knowledge, fostering valuable connections, and delving into cutting-edge trends and breakthrough innovations.

The purpose of Moneta Markets attending the event was to present their product and establish networking with new clients and partners. For this purpose, the participants attended speakers' presentations, round tables, and stands of other participants, and held hundreds of useful meetings.

Renowned as a premier financial extravaganza in Asia, the iFXExpo Bangkok transcends the boundaries of a conventional conference, assuming the role of a pivotal assembly for forex professionals. It presents an unparalleled occasion for attendees to forge meaningful connections with like-minded peers, absorb wisdom from esteemed industry frontrunners, and acquire invaluable insights into the dynamic realm of global finance.

Resembling a grand international exhibition, this extraordinary event hosted a diverse array of exhibitors hailing from prominent corners of the financial services sector. Esteemed brokers, technology providers, liquidity providers, and other influential entities converge, forming an impressive mosaic of industry prowess. Exploring the frontiers of innovation, participants unveil avant-garde technologies that propel transformative shifts within the industry. Furthermore, this gathering serves as a fertile ground for forging alliances of immense consequence. Attendees can cultivate profound partnerships with industry leaders, paving the way for groundbreaking collaborations.

David Bily, CEO & Founder of Forex broker Moneta Markets, expressed his enthusiasm about the event. "We are excited to be attending iFXExpo Bangkok 2023," he said. His company, a pioneer in the forex industry, presented its innovative trading solutions to attendees. Bily believes that the expo serves as a crucial platform for industry professionals to stay at the forefront of the rapidly changing forex landscape.

The expo featured a comprehensive agenda, designed to cater to a diverse audience. The schedule included keynote speeches delivered by top leaders in the field, thought-provoking panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and interactive sessions conducted by renowned industry experts. Topics included:

impact of technology on the forex industry,

regulatory developments shaping the sector's future,

effective risk management strategies,

future of trading in the digital era.

"By attending this event, professionals in the forex industry can gain valuable insights, explore the latest market trends, and establish valuable connections that can propel their careers and businesses forward," said David, underscoring the significance of the event.

Contact:

Austen Plummer

[email protected]

https://www.monetamarkets.com/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/170960
London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - June 28, 2023) - The automotive industry is at a crossroads of breakneck innovation and unprecedented global headwinds. The transition to electric, connected cars becoming the norm and OEMs looking to secure their supply chains in turbulent times are just some of the generational shifts underway at once.

Following the official launch of our flagship event Reuters Events: Automotive USA 2023 (8-9 November, Detroit), it is the perfect time to unveil some of the early confirmed speakers on our Automotive Tech stage - see below!

Magnus Ostberg, Chief Software Officer , Mercedes-Benz AG

, Laura Major, Chief Technology Officer , Motional

, Suresh Kandula, Chief Technology Officer - Ford Next , Ford Motor Company

, Jonathan Weinberger , Chief Advocate - Global Transportation Technology , General Motors

, Vishnu Sundaram , Senior Vice President - Cockpit, Connectivity and Cloud , Stellantis

, Sabrina Yuan, VP Strategy and Business Development , Cariad - A Volkswagen Group Company

, Wassym Bensaid, Senior Vice President of Software Development , Rivian

, Jim Nichols, Vice President - Head of Product and Technology Consumer Offer, Volvo Cars

As well as that, Automotive USA 2023 will host Live Reuters News Interviews with:

Christine Feuell, Chrysler Brand CEO , Stellantis

, Ganesh Iyer, CEO , NIO USA

, Gregor Hembrough, President of Polestar USA , Polestar

, Marlo Vitous, Senior Vice President - Purchasing & Supply Chain , Stellantis

, Shilpan Amin, Senior Vice President and President General Motors International, General Motors

Download your brochure here to see the full speaker line-up!

3 reasons why your team should attend Automotive USA 2023?

Over 650 Automotive Leaders Under One Roof: We focus on building the most senior gatherings, giving you access to those least accessible. Our brand unites CEOs, Board Level Executives and VPs from across North America (and beyond). If you are looking to speak with decision makers, then Automotive USA is the event for you.

Board-Level Discussions: Be a part of the conversation with your industry's movers and shakers, with dedicated tracks to the key discussions curated by industry research, this conference will offer what you need to deliver on our goals for 2023 and beyond.

Visionary Insights: We will have presentations and panels featuring the most senior representatives of OEMs including keynotes from Mercedes Benz, BlackBerry, Globant, Polestar, JP Morgan, Stellantis, General Motors and NIO's Board Members!

Download the brochure to find out more about Automotive's most senior gathering of the year!

Let me know if you have any questions and I am happy to schedule a call to discuss your team's attendance further.

Best wishes,

Nabil

Nabil Awan

Event Director

Reuters Events

[email protected]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/171636
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 28, 2023) - Green Panda Capital Corp. (TSXV: GPCC.P) ("Green Panda" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent dated June 22, 2023 (the "LOI") with Thistle Resources Corp. ("Thistle"), a private mineral exploration company focused on base and precious metal exploration in the Bathurst Mining Camp, New Brunswick, and the Cape Breton Highlands Region, Nova Scotia. Thistle has four projects; Middle River Gold; Middle River VMS; Celtic Highlands Gold; and, Alba Forks Gold.

The LOI outlines the principal terms and conditions of a business combination by way of a share exchange, merger, amalgamation, arrangement, takeover bid, or other similar form of transaction (the "Proposed Transaction"), which will result in Thistle becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Green Panda, or otherwise combining its corporate existence with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Green Panda.

Green Panda is a Capital Pool Company and intends for the Proposed Transaction to constitute its Qualifying Transaction pursuant to the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"). The trading in the common shares of Green Panda ("Green Panda Shares") will remain halted pursuant to the policies of the TSXV. It is anticipated that Trading will remain halted until the completion of the Proposed Transaction. It is anticipated that the reporting issuer resulting from the Proposed Transaction (the "Resulting Issuer") will qualify as a Tier 2 Mining Issuer pursuant to the requirements of the TSXV. Unless otherwise indicated, any capitalized term contained in this press release that is not defined herein has the meaning ascribed to such term in the policies of the TSXV.

Proposed Transaction Summary

Upon completion of the Proposed Transaction, the Resulting Issuer will carry on the business of Thistle. Pursuant to the Proposed Transaction, holders of the issued and outstanding common shares of Thistle ("Thistle Shares") will exchange their Thistle Shares for common shares of the Resulting Issuer ("Resulting Issuer Shares") on a one-for-one basis (the "Exchange Ratio"). Convertible securities of Thistle will be exercisable to acquire Resulting Issuer Shares at the Exchange Ratio. The final structure of the Proposed Transaction is subject to the receipt of tax, corporate and securities law advice for both Green Panda and Thistle.

As per the LOI, a condition of closing the Proposed Transaction, Thistle, will complete an equity financing (the "Financing") in an amount that is sufficient to meet the initial listing requirements of the TSXV, at a price to be determined in the context of the market.

Immediately prior to the closing of the Proposed Transaction, and subject to Green Panda shareholder approval, it is anticipated that Green Panda will undertake a share consolidation (the "Consolidation") of the Green Panda Shares at a ratio of one new share for two old shares.

On closing of the Proposed Transaction, the board of the Resulting Issuer will be comprised of nominees of Thistle, and the Resulting Issuer is expected to change its name to "Thistle Minerals Inc." subject to Green Panda shareholder approval, or such other name as is determined by Thistle (the "Name Change").

Closing of the Proposed Transaction will be subject to a number of conditions precedent, including, without limitation:

(a) receipt of all required regulatory, corporate and third-party approvals, including TSXV approval, and compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements and conditions necessary to complete the Proposed Transaction;

(b) completion of satisfactory results from due diligence investigations for each of the parties;

(c) completion of the Financing; and

(d) other mutual conditions precedent customary for a transaction such as the Proposed Transaction.

The Proposed Transaction is not a Non-Arm's Length Qualifying Transaction, is not subject to TSXV Policy 5.9, and it is not expected that the Proposed Transaction will be subject to approval by Green Panda's shareholders. There are no Non-Arm's Length Parties of Green Panda that are Insiders, officers or shareholders of Thistle.

About Thistle:

Thistle is incorporated pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) on September 1, 2017. Thistle has focused on Critical Minerals Exploration in the world-famous Bathurst Mining Camp, New Brunswick, Canada. Thistle utilizes cutting edge technology paired with AI and proprietary algorithms to advance its project portfolio and increase shareholder value.

Thistle's share capital consists of an unlimited number of Thistle Shares. Thistle currently has a total of 27,329,946 Thistle Shares issued and outstanding; 2,000,000 options exercisable at $0.05 per share; 2,500,000 warrants exercisable at $0.01 per share; 2,500,000 warrants exercisable at $0.05 per share; 2,500,000 warrants exercisable at $0.15 per share; 904,320 warrants exercisable at $0.45 per share; and, 115,217 warrants exercisable at $0.50 per share.

Thistle's Middle River Property consists of (2) main projects, Middle River Gold, and Middle River VMS. Middle River Gold is a structurally controlled gold system. Located along a recently defined 7-kilometer magnetic trend, the project has both an upper zone, traced by drilling and trenching for a strike length of 500 meters, and a lower, untested zone at 400 meters, defined by high chargeability geophysics. With (2) drill programs completed, drilling to date has intersected mineralization including 14.58 g/t Au over 3.38 meters (DDH 21TRC-AU-003) and wider zones of mineralization as in drill holes 21TRC-AU001 and 21TRC-AU008 which assayed 1.26 g/t Au over 33 meters and 1.59 g/t Au over 23.52m respectively. The deeper zone is scheduled for drilling in 2023.

Middle River VMS is located in the eastern portion of the property, along the projected extension of the Brunswick No 12 horizon which hosted the world-class Brunswick No 12 mine 8 kilometers to the south. Utilizing new technology and recent advancements in geophysical processing combined with a ground-based Time Domain Electromagnetic Survey (TDEM), Thistle identified 11, late time conductive features in the target area. 3D modeling of the data has been completed and priority drill holes have been identified.

Celtic Highlands Gold is located in the northern Cape Breton Highlands adjacent to Transition Metals Highland Gold Project. Historic trenches are present with sampling identifying multi-stage mineralizing events with assays returning up to 6.927 g/t Au, 92.0 g/t Ag, 264 ppb Platinum and 120 ppb Palladium.

Alba Forks Gold is a gold project located in the New Brunswick Mining Camp Gold Zone.

Sponsorship for the Proposed Transaction

Sponsorship for the Qualifying Transaction of a Capital Pool Company is required by the TSXV, unless exempt in accordance with TSXV policies. The Company expects to apply for an exemption for sponsorship.

Filing Statement

In connection with the Proposed Transaction and pursuant to the requirements of the TSXV, Green Panda intends to file on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) a filing statement which will contain details regarding the Proposed Transaction, Green Panda, Thistle and the Resulting Issuer.

Further Information

Green Panda intends to issue a subsequent press release in accordance with the policies of the TSXV providing further details in respect of the Proposed Transaction, including information relating to the transaction structure, the definitive agreement, descriptions of the proposed Principals and Insiders of the Resulting Issuer, as well as the Financing. In addition, a summary of Thistle's financial information will be included in a subsequent news release.

For further information, please contact:

Green Panda Capital Corp.

Xin (Richard) Zhou

President and Chief Executive Officer

647-404-8966

[email protected]

On behalf of the board of directors of Thistle:

Patrick Cruickshank, CEO

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction. The securities of the Company and Thistle have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons (as defined in the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws unless pursuant to an exemption from such registration.

Cautionary Note

Completion of the transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV acceptance and if applicable pursuant to TSXV Requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the transaction, any information released or received with respect to the transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.

The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

Gary Lohman, B.Sc., P. Geo., a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this press release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including statements relating to the Proposed Transaction and certain terms and conditions thereof, the ability of the parties to enter into a definitive agreement and complete the Proposed Transaction, the Consolidation, the Exchange Ratio, the Name Change, the Resulting Issuer's ability to qualify as a Tier 2 Mining issuer, the TSXV sponsorship requirements, shareholder, director and regulatory approvals, obtaining TSXV approval, completion of the Financing, the duration of the halt in respect of the Green Panda Shares, planned future press releases and disclosure, and other statements that are not historical facts. Wherever possible, words such as "may", "will", "should", "could", "expect", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict" or "potential" or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.

Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to geological risks, risks associated with the effects of COVID-19, the financial markets generally, the results of the due diligence investigations to be conducted in connection with the Proposed Transaction, the ability of the Company to complete the Proposed Transaction or obtain requisite TSXV acceptance and, if applicable, shareholder approvals. As a result, the Company cannot guarantee that the Proposed Transaction will be completed on the terms described herein or at all. These factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/171638
Houston, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - June 28, 2023) - Bracewell LLP announced today that Kelly Robreno Koster has joined the firm's Houston office as a partner in the labor and employment group. Koster most recently was a shareholder at Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C.

"Kelly is a highly regarded litigator and a terrific addition to our outstanding labor and employment team," said Bracewell Managing Partner Gregory M. Bopp. "We're excited to welcome her to the firm."

Koster is highly experienced in counseling and representing employers in all aspects of the employment relations. She has more than 13 years of litigation experience and has distinguished herself in a short period by taking over a dozen cases to trial in both federal and state court. She draws on her in-house and big law experience in representing employers in cases related to discrimination, termination, restrictive covenants, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and statutory employee benefits. Koster is equally skilled in advising clients on matters related to administrative investigations and inspections, occupational safety and health violations, wrongful termination, retaliation, harassment, employment and non-competition agreements and other employment-related concerns. Prior to joining Munsch Hardt in 2021, Koster was a litigation partner in the New York office of a national law firm. She also served as general counsel for an international staffing company, where she was chiefly responsible for compliance with global employment laws.

"Kelly is an outstanding practitioner whose diverse experience on employment matters brings additional strength to our ability to serve the labor and employment needs of our clients," said Amy Karff Halevy, a partner in the Bracewell's Houston office and chair of the firm's labor and employment group.

Koster is the fifth partner to laterally join Bracewell within the last six months. Other recent hires include Bucky Brannen, tax partner in Dallas; Jeffrey E. Danley, IP litigation partner in Seattle; Carrie Douglas, healthcare partner in San Antonio; and Paul Schuster, healthcare partner in Dallas.

"I'm excited to join Bracewell's growing team and look forward to working with my new partners in serving the needs of our clients," said Koster.

Koster earned her B.S. from Cornell University and her J.D. from American University, Washington College of Law, where she was editor of American International Law Review and a member of the Moot Court Honor Society. Following law school, she was a law clerk to former Chief Judge Jose L. Linares of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.

About Bracewell LLP

Bracewell is a leading law and government relations firm primarily serving the energy, infrastructure, finance and technology industries throughout the world. Our industry focus results in comprehensive state-of-the-art knowledge of the commercial, legal and governmental challenges faced by our clients and enables us to provide innovative solutions to facilitate transactions and resolve disputes.

###

Contact:

Bob Schranz

T:+1.713.221.1470

E:[email protected]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/171651
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 28, 2023) - Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: PEX) (OTCQB: PEXZF) ("Pacific Ridge" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the following directors were elected at its Annual General Meeting ("AGM") held June 27, 2023: Gerald Carlson (Executive Chairman), Blaine Monaghan (President & CEO), Bruce Youngman (an independent director), Borden Putnam III (an independent director), and Gary Baschuk (an independent director). In addition, the shareholders re-appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Accountants, as auditor of the Company and approved Pacific Ridge's rolling incentive stock option plan (the "Plan") pursuant to which a maximum of 10% of the issued shares will be reserved for issuance under the Plan. The Plan is subject to TSX Venture Exchange acceptance.

"I believe that the results of the AGM are a strong endorsement of our team and our goal of becoming B.C.'s leading copper-gold exploration company," said Blaine Monaghan, President & CEO of Pacific Ridge. "And with three drill programs planned this year, we may have just achieved that goal!"

AGM Results

39,025,947 or 36.13% of the 108,018,790 eligible shares were voted.

NUMBER OF SHARES % OF VOTES CAST FOR AGAINST WITHHELD/ ABSTAIN SPOILED NON-VOTE FOR AGAINST WITHHELD/ ABSTAIN Number of Directors 38,193,974 831,973 0 0 0 97.87% 2.13% 0.00% Gerald G. Carlson 33,386,547 0 16,455 0 5,622,945 99.95% 0.00% 0.05% Blaine Monaghan 33,381,456 0 21,546 0 5,622,945 99.94% 0.00% 0.06% Bruce Youngman 30,493,062 0 2,909,940 0 5,622,945 91.29% 0.00% 8.71% Borden Putnam III 33,343,047 0 59,955 0 5,622,945 99.82% 0.00% 0.18% Gary Baschuk 32,675,047 0 727,955 0 5,622,945 97.82% 0.00% 2.18% Appointment of Auditor 38,845,308 0 180,639 0 0 99.54% 0.00% 0.46% Stock Option Plan 32,639,026 763,976 0 0 5,622,945 97.71% 2.29% 0.00%

The following officers were appointed after the Annual General Meeting: Gerald Carlson as Executive Chairman, Blaine Monaghan as President & CEO, Danette Schwab as Vice President Exploration, Salvador Miranda as Chief Financial Officer, and Arie Page as Corporate Secretary.

About Pacific Ridge

Our goal is to become British Columbia's leading copper-gold exploration company. Pacific Ridge's flagship project is its 100% owned Kliyul copper-gold project, located in the Quesnel Trough close to existing infrastructure. In addition to Kliyul, the Company's project portfolio includes the RDP copper-gold project (optioned to Antofagasta Minerals S.A.), the Chuchi copper-gold project, the Onjo copper-gold project, and the Redton copper-gold project, all located in British Columbia. Pacific Ridge would like to acknowledge that its B.C. projects are located in the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Gitxsan Nation, McLeod Lake Indian Band, Nak'azdli Whut'en, Takla Nation, and Tsay Keh Dene Nation.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Blaine Monaghan"

Blaine Monaghan

President & CEO

Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd.

Corporate Contact:

Blaine Monaghan

President & CEO

Tel: (604) 687-4951

www.pacificridgeexploration.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/pacific-ridge-exploration-ltd-pex-

https://twitter.com/PacRidge_PEX

Investor Contact:

G2 Consultants Corp.

Telephone: +1 778-678-9050

Email: [email protected]

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.

The technical information contained within this News Release has been reviewed and approved by Gerald G. Carlson, Ph.D., P.Eng., Executive Chairman of Pacific Ridge and Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 policy.

Forward-Looking Information: This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address exploration drilling and other activities and events or developments that Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. ("Pacific Ridge") expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although Pacific Ridge believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include the potential for Onjo to host an alkalic porphyry copper-gold deposit at depth and plans to launch an exploration program later this year with the objective of defining future drill targets. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include market prices, exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. These statements are based on a number of assumptions including, among other things, assumptions regarding general business and economic conditions, that one of the options will be exercised, the ability of Pacific Ridge and other parties to satisfy stock exchange and other regulatory requirements in a timely manner, the availability of financing for Pacific Ridge's proposed programs on reasonable terms, and the ability of third party service providers to deliver services in a timely manner. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Pacific Ridge does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/171601
The Company secured a $20M senior secured credit facility

Store profits increased by 123% to $118,342

Sales increased by 98% to $4,446,781

Gross profits increased by 261% to $1,305,685

Product gross margins increased by 10.7% to 41.3%

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 28, 2023) - PesoRama Inc. (TSXV: PESO) ("PesoRama" or the "Company"), a Canadian company operating dollar stores in Mexico under the JOi Canadian Stores brand, today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended April 30, 2023 ("Q1 2023"). All financial figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.

"As the only true dollar store company in Mexico, we are constantly innovating and pushing the boundaries of what is possible," said Erica Fattore, President & CEO of PesoRama. "Creating a new market space requires strategic thinking, operational excellence, and execution, which is reflected in this quarter's results. During Q1 2023, we saw a significant increase in-store traffic of 46%, and our average ticket grew by 14.2% over Q1 2022. We attribute this to the success of our unique merchandising strategies, product assortment, and overall customer experience. Our JOi Dollar Plus Stores are increasing in popularity as we continue to expand our footprint and raise the bar in our market. We believe we have the winning strategy and we are meeting the needs of the cost-conscious shopper in an underserved market that will ultimately drive long-term value for our shareholders. We have big ambitions and will continue to think outside the box to set ourselves apart."

Key Financial Highlights: Q1 2024 vs Q1 2023

Multi-price points continue to lead to increased product assortment and increased growth of new product categories across all departments.

Store profits increased by 123% to $118,342 for the three-months ended April 30, 2023, an increase of $630,953 from the three months ended April 30, 2022.

Total sales increased by 98% to $4,446,781 due to organic growth of previously opened stores as well as sales from new stores which opened in April 2022, May 2022 and December 2022.

Gross profits increased by $944,063 to $1,305,685, primarily driven by an increase in revenue of 98% compared to an increase in cost of sales of only 67%.

$944,063 to $1,305,685, primarily driven by an increase in revenue of 98% compared to an increase in cost of sales of only 67%. Product gross marginsincreased by $1,836,518 or 41.3% compared to $686,599 or 30.6% due primarily to an increase in revenue for higher prices items resulting from the introduction of the multi-price strategy and assortment mix.

Other Performance Metrics: Q1 2024 vs Q1 2023

Sales units increased by 44% as a result of increase in demand, increased product assortment and mix

Same store sales increased by 43% in Q1 2023 compared to Q1 2022

Average ticket increased by 14.2%

Key Achievements YTD 2023

On June 9, 2023, the Company secured a $20M senior secured credit facility to finance their expansion plans

In January 2023, the Company closed a private placement through the issuance of 17,760,264 units of the Company at a price of $0.15 per Unit for gross proceeds of $2,664,039.60. Each Unit was comprised of one common share and one common share purchase warrant.

This earnings news release should be read in conjunction with the Company's condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three-month period ending April 30, 2023, which can be found on PesoRama's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

About PesoRama Inc.

PesoRama, operating under the JOi Canadian Stores brand, is a Mexican value dollar store retailer. PesoRama launched operations in 2019 in Mexico City and the surrounding areas targeting high density, high traffic locations. PesoRama's 21 stores offer consistent merchandise offerings which include items in the following categories: household goods, pet supplies, seasonal products, party supplies, health and beauty, snack food items, confectionery and more.

For further information please contact:

Rahim Bhaloo

Founder & Executive Chairman

[email protected]

416-816-3291

Erica Fattore

President & Chief Executive Officer

[email protected]

Alyssa Barry

Investor Relations

[email protected]

Non-IFRS Measures

There are measures included in this news release that do not have a standardized meaning under international financial reporting standards (IFRS) and therefore may not be comparable to similarly titled measures and metrics presented by other publicly traded companies. The Company includes these measures because it believes certain investors use them as a means of assessing financial performance. Adjusted gross margin, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are financial measures that do not have a standardized meaning under IFRS. EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, one-time transaction expenses and financing costs. Adjusted gross margin is defined as gross profit plus distribution costs divided by sales.

We prepare and release quarterly unaudited and annual audited financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. We also disclose and discuss certain non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) financial information used to evaluate our performance in this and other earnings releases and investor conference calls as a complement to results provided in accordance with IFRS. We believe that current shareholders and potential investors in the Company use non-GAAP financial measures, such as adjusted gross margin, EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA in making investment decisions about the Company and measuring its operational results.

Management believes that investors and financial analysts measure our business on the same basis, and we are providing the adjusted gross margin, operating profit, EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA as financial metrics to assist in this evaluation and to provide a higher level of transparency into how we measure our own business.

Adjusted EBITDA is more fully defined and discussed, and reconciliation to IFRS financial measures is provided, in Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") for the three-month period ended April 30, 2023.

Cautionary Note

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including, among other things, statements regarding the Company's planned expansion, new store openings and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate. While the Company believes that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements, including due to changes in consumer behaviour, general economic factors, the ability of the Company to execute its strategies, the availability of capital and the risk factors which are discussed in greater detail in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's prospectus dated January 31, 2022 and filed under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release. PesoRama undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third-parties in respect of PesoRama, its securities, or its financial or operating results (as applicable).

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/171726
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 28, 2023) - Premium Nickel Resources Ltd. (TSXV: PNRL) (OTCQX: PNRLF) ("PNRL" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced financing with Cymbria Corporation (TSX: CYB) ("Cymbria"), EdgePoint Investment Group Inc. and certain other entities managed by it ("EdgePoint"), for aggregate gross proceeds of CAD$33,999,200. The financing included three concurrent and inter-conditional transactions (collectively the "Financing Transactions") comprised of an equity offering of units, a three year term loan and options to acquire a 0.5% net smelter returns royalty on the Company's Selebi and Selkirk mines in certain circumstances upon payment of further consideration (see news release dated June 13, 2023).

As a result of the Financing Transactions, Cymbria and certain other funds managed by EdgePoint (the "Financing Parties") have acquired 14,772,000 common shares of the Company ("Shares"), representing approximately 10.9% of the Company's issued and outstanding Shares. The Financing Parties also acquired on closing an aggregate of 5,324,000 warrants with a three year term and an exercise price of CAD$1.4375 which, if exercised, together with the Shares acquired at closing would result in the Financing Parties holding approximately 14.2% of the Shares in the aggregate (calculated on a partially-diluted basis).

Immediately following closing of the Financing Transactions, the Company prepaid all principal and interest owing by the Company under its promissory note in favour of Pinnacle Island LP.

The Company is preparing for an extensive surface and underground drilling campaign with a focus on defining National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") compliant resources, including drill testing of high-conductance electromagnetic ("EM") targets situated along the down-plunge extension of the Selebi North mineralization. The deepest of these drillholes, designed to evaluate the down-plunge area, will specifically target the sources of the EM anomalies identified during the Company's 2022 drilling program. These anomalies are located south of the Selebi North mineralization and this drilling is expected to provide evidence that the known Selebi and Selebi North ore bodies are part of the same mineralized horizon.

All securities issued in connection with the Financing Transactions are subject to a hold period of four months plus a day from the date hereof and the resale rules of applicable securities legislation and policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. Fort Capital Partners acted as financial advisor to PNRL on the Financing Transactions and was paid cash fees by PNRL of 5.0% of the gross proceeds of the equity portion of the Financing Transactions and 2.5% of the gross proceeds of the term loan portion of the Financing Transactions, plus applicable taxes.

About Premium Nickel Resources Ltd.

PNRL is a mineral exploration and development company that focuses on discovering and advancing high-quality nickel, copper and cobalt resources. We are driven by our belief that the demand for these metals will continue to grow in the medium to long term, as a result of global urbanization and the increasing adoption of electric motors over internal combustion engines. These metals are vital for achieving a low-carbon future.

Our global strategy is to identify the most promising Ni-Cu-Co-PGE projects and acquire or invest in opportunities that offer high prospectivity in mining friendly jurisdictions located in low-risk countries with supportive foreign investment and resource acts and strong rule of law. Our portfolio includes various projects (Botswana, Greenland, Canada and Morocco) that complement our flagship Selebi Ni-Cu-Co sulphide mine located in Selebi-Phikwe, Botswana.

PNRL is committed to governance through transparent accountability and open communication within our team and our stakeholders. Our skilled team has worked over 100 projects collectively, accumulating over 400 years of resource discoveries, mine development and mine re-engineering experience on projects like Selebi and Selkirk. PNRL's team members have on average more than 20 years of experience in every single aspect of mine discovery and development, from geology to operations.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Keith Morrison

Chief Executive Officer

Premium Nickel Resources Ltd.

For further information about Premium Nickel Resources Ltd., please contact:

Jaclyn Ruptash

Vice President Business Development

+1 (604) 770-4334

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. The words "will", "plan", "potential", "expect", "could" and similar expressions identify forward-looking information. The forward-looking information in this news release includes statements relating to: the use of proceeds by the Company from the Financing Transactions; PNRL's plans and timeline to re-develop the Selebi and Selkirk mines and the drilling planned by PNRL; PNRL's plans to establish mineral resource or mineral reserve estimates in accordance with NI 43-101 for each of the Selebi and Selkirk mines; PNRL's possible acquisition of adjacent consolidating mineral and property rights; the expected benefits from resuming production at the Selebi mine or Selkirk mine; and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forwardlooking information or statements are reasonable, prospective investors in the Company's securities should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because the Company can provide no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.

For additional information with respect to these and other factors and assumptions underlying the forwardlooking information made in this news release concerning the Company, see: (i) the section entitled "Risks and Uncertainties" in the most recent management discussion and analysis of the Company; and (ii) the risk factors outlined in the filing statement of the Company dated July 22, 2022, both of which are available electronically on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) under PNRL's issuer profile. The forwardlooking statements set forth herein concerning the Company reflect management's expectations as at the date of this news release and are subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forwardlooking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

Neither the 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. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/171623
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 28, 2023) - Prismo Metals Inc. (CSE: PRIZ) (OTCQB: PMOMF) ("Prismo" or the "Company") is pleased to report assays results from its trenching program at its Los Pavitos gold exploration project (see Table 1). Results show wide zones of mineralization, with the best being 4 meters with 10.3 g/t Au and 104 g/t Ag within a 19-meter-long mineralized interval at Las Auras and 7.8 meters with 2.31 g/t Au and 13 g/t Ag at Santa Cruz. The 5,289-hectare (20 square miles) Los Pavitos project is located in the well mineralized Alamos region of southern Sonora State, Mexico.

Dr. Craig Gibson, President and CEO commented: "Recent assays from trenches have confirmed that the narrow high grade quartz veins defined in surface sampling at Los Pavitos are hosted by wider mineralized structures. This is important because wider zones of gold mineralization near surface could be important for future development of the property. We are looking forward to exploring these mineralized zones by drilling, planned to commence shortly."

Table 1. Highlight assays from Los Pavitos trenches

Trench Location Length (m) Au_g/t Ag g/t ZA1 Auras 6.4 0.1 - ZA2 Auras 19.0 2.2 22.9 includes

4.0 10.3 104.3 ZSC4 Santa Cruz 18.5 0.2 - ZSC3-1 Santa Cruz 2.1 1.7 - ZSC9 Santa Cruz 8.0 0.5 - ZSC10 Santa Cruz 7.8 2.3 13.0 ZSC12 Santa Cruz 2.5 0.9 69.6

The trenching program across the main mineralized trends on the Los Pavitos property is well underway. Assay results have now been received for 146 samples from a combined length of 309.3 meters in eleven trenches in the Santa Cruz and Las Auras areas. The best assays for individual samples are 20.4 g/t Au and 207 g/t Ag over 2 meters at Las Auras and 16.7 g/t Au and 48,2 g/t Ag over 1 meter at Santa Cruz. The main objective of the trenching program is to define the orientation and full width of the mineralized structures prior to starting the drill campaign. An additional 157 samples for 298.2 meters have been taken from 10 trenches and will be submitted to the lab this week. Approximately 250 meters of trenching remains to be completed.

Table 2. Sampled trenches at Los Pavitos









Coord start WGS84 Coord end WGS84 Trench Location Length Azim Easting Northing Easting Northing ZA1 Las Auras 31.5 348 674,686 3,003,774 674,681 3,003,803 ZA2 Las Auras 44.5 335 674,770 3,003,795 674,752 3,003,833 ZSC2 Santa Cruz 40.3 153 676,766 3,001,823 676,802 3,001,805 ZSC3-1 Santa Cruz 28.7 322 676,754 3,001,728 676,739 3,001,749 ZSC3-2 Santa Cruz 13.0 313 676,731 3,001,754 676,723 3,001,762 ZSC4 Santa Cruz 35.2 325 676,721 3,001,708 676,703 3,001,734 ZSC8 Santa Cruz 18.2 155 677,323 3,002,231 677,331 3,002,216 ZSC9 Santa Cruz 38.2 231 676,790 3,001,997 676,828 3,001,994 ZSC10 Santa Cruz 21.2 273 676,813 3,001,939 674,794 3,001,942 ZSC11 Santa Cruz 24.2 335 676,844 3,001,869 676,835 3,001,888 ZSC12 Santa Cruz 14.3 227 676,914 3,001,680 676,908 3,001,690





Figure 1: Trench locations at Los Pavitos.



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Figure 2: Photos of ongoing trenching program at Los Pavitos



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Palos Verdes Exploration Update

Prismo is currently drilling at its Palos Verdes project. The drill program is designed to test the areas of the Palos Verdes vein system in areas where there previously was no drill access, mainly along the northeastern extension of the vein system and certain areas in the southwestern portion where previous drilling occurred. Six holes have been completed for a total of 928 meters of HQ core drilled for the current program, with an additional hole in progress. Samples from the first six holes have been submitted to the lab for analysis.

Figure 3: Core from hole PV-23-24

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QA/QC

Rock samples taken by Prismo were analyzed by multielement ICP-AES and MS methods by ALS Group, an internationally recognized analytical service provider. Gold is analyzed as part of the ICP package using a 25-gram aqua regia digestion. Ag, Pb and Zn over 1% and Au values over 1 g/t are re-analyzed by the by an overrange ICP method. Certified Reference Materials including standard pulps and coarse blank material were inserted in the sample stream at regular intervals.

Dr. Craig Gibson, PhD., CPG., a Qualified Person as defined by NI-43-01 regulations and President, CEO and a director of the Company, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosures in this news release.

About Prismo

Prismo (CSE: PRIZ) is mining exploration company focused on two precious metal projects in Mexico (Palos Verdes and Los Pavitos) and a copper project in Arizona (Hot Breccia).

Please follow @PrismoMetals on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube

Prismo Metals Inc.

1100 - 1111 Melville St., Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 3V6

Contact:

Craig Gibson, President & Chief Executive Officer [email protected]

Jason Frame, Manager of Communications [email protected]

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated content, commencement and exploration program results, the ability to complete future financings, required permitting, exploration programs and drilling, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.

The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the state of the financial markets for the Company's equity securities, the state of the commodity markets generally, variations in the nature, the analytical results from surface trenching and sampling program, including diamond drilling programs, the results of IP surveying, the results of soil and till sampling program. the quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located, variations in the market price of any mineral products the Company may produce or plan to produce, the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required, including CSE acceptance, for its planned activities, the inability of the Company to produce minerals from its properties successfully or profitably, to continue its projected growth, to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies, the potential impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) on the Company's exploration program and on the Company's general business, operations and financial condition, and other risks and uncertainties. All of the Company's Canadian public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedar.com and readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports filed with respect to the Company's mineral properties.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/171593
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 28, 2023) - Signature Resources Ltd. (TSXV: SGU) (OTCQB: SGGTF) (FSE: 3S30) ("Signature" or the "Company") announces it has completed the previously announced strategic review process and geologic model review (the "Reviews"). [See PR dated November 15, 2022].

As part of the Reviews and recent Corporate Restructuring, the Company has:

Engaged Watts, Griffis, and McQuat Limited (WGM) to complete a review of its geologic modeling and data and provide recommendations that would lead to an optimum outcome for resource estimation.

Completed a corporate restructuring that has resulted in a significant reduction of monthly expenditures. This should ensure that all future capital raised will be used prudently to allow for the maximum amount possible to be spent on the resource.

Commenced designing a new drill program with the assistance of WGM and Wood Canada that should address gaps in the database and target the blocks within the historic drilling with the highest potential to contribute resources.

Highlights of the Reviews include:

Encouragingly, the deposit remains open in all directions and Management continues to believe that the mineralized envelope should grow as a function of drilling.

However, the Company has determined that the effort to develop an initial 43-101 resource estimate was premature and hampered by a number of deficiencies in the historical database. Significantly there were gaps in the sampling programs dating from the 1980s and areas drilled during the 1940s could not be brought to modern standards. A forest fire during 2021 resulted in the destruction of a number of core racks and significantly degraded our ability to fully rectify these deficiencies through resampling and relogging. In light of this, Management has decided to delay the planned resource estimate until a new drilling program is designed to bring the high-grade mineralization discovered in the 1940s into the resource and the remaining deficiencies in the database can be further addressed with new drilling and sampling.

The cost of a new follow-up drill program should be economical as the Company has approximately $4 million in drill equipment and consumables at site.

As part of our effort to streamline costs, the Company has reviewed its claim package and has slightly reduced its holdings by 120 staked claims to 1,300 covering over 24,000 hectares. The remaining claims package remains in good standing.

"The Reviews comprised a very important step for Signature. They have confirmed that we are on the right path to move forward the Lingman Lake Project. The work done by WGM has verified previous work, and has identified several opportunities to improve the database with additional drilling. While we have made the decision to defer the completion of the initial 43-101 resource estimate, we have greatly benefitted from the baseline preparation work. This in turn puts Signature on a stronger foundation to deliver the best possible outcome upon completion of the additional drill work. We continue to believe there are significant prospects for resource expansion at depth and along strike on the patented claims or regionally on the 1,300 staked claims encompassing over 24,000 hectares (covering 90% of the 32km greenstone belt)."

- J. Dan Denbow, CFA Interim CEO and Director

Geology Review

Earlier this year the Company engaged WGM to complete a review of its existing database, geologic model and to provide recommendations as to the best path forward to improve our knowledge of the historic Lingman Lake Project and the regional land holdings. As part of the process, WGM representatives conducted a site visit to review the project and core stored at site and make any surface observations possible given lingering snowpack. Upon completion of the site visit, the WGM team developed a geological model utilizing the drilling from 2016-2021 that has the highest data confidence. WGM developed a geological model that confirmed our understanding that the locus of mineralization in the system is adjacent to late stage felsic intrusions into the mafic volcanics. (Figure 1). As phase 2 of this modeling work progresses, the Company will work with WGM to bring the drilling completed in the '80's which has deficiencies identified during the review into this model which will help define the areas to target with the drill campaign to strengthen the model.





Figure 1 WGM 3D Geological Model

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Initial 43-101 Compliant Resource Estimate

The Company has made substantial progress towards completing an initial 43-101 compliant resource estimate but, in consultation with its external consultants, Signature has made the decision to delay the completion of this work until it can complete additional exploration work that will fill in data gaps. It was determined that the historical drilling completed in the 1940's that reported significant high-grade intercepts (~5,000 metres) contained substantial information but it would not meet the standards necessary to be included in the resource estimate as the core could not be re-assayed and there was little modern drilling within these areas that could support the historic results for estimation purposes. The geologic review, paired with the geophysics work, has identified several areas within the deposit that additional drilling would greatly enhance the understanding of the mineralization (Figure 2).





Figure 2 Geophysics Overlay of WGM Model

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Drilling program

The follow-up drill program (the "Program") will target the high-grade blocks identified in the 1940's drilling data that should yield further insights on the controls and distribution of high-grade mineralization within the deposit. The Program will have three priorities to advance the Lingman Lake project. First, to drill targeting blocks within the model containing high-grade mineralization identified with the 1940's drilling. Second, to drill some areas identified with the 1980's drilling that would benefit from additions to the current model and third, identifying gaps in the mineralization potentially due to lack of drilling activity. Additionally, drilling has been relatively constrained to the upper 200m of the zones hosting the Lingman Lake mineralization. The Company recognizes the potential to extend the mineralization to depth and along strike. Importantly, the geophysical data and geology points to the potential for additional parallel zones to the North and South of the area drilled to date. The timing of the completion of the Program will be dependent upon several factors including the availability of adequate funding.

Large Regional Opportunity

Considerable scope remains for future discoveries within the Company's land holdings. The Company has identified several regional geological targets (Figure 3) based on the interpretation of the regional airborne MAG-VLF surveys late 2021 across the 30 km greenstone belt largely controlled by Signature (see release dated 30 November 2021). Ranking of the regional targets can be further improved by advancing our understanding of the local controls of mineralization through the completion of the geological modelling done in support of the resource estimation. In addition to the drilling program, it is anticipated the Company will undertake a regional field program to help prioritize these regional targets that have been identified.





Figure 3 Regional Targets

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During the strategic review period the Company also undertook a review of its mining claims to assure they held potential for future work on a cost-effective basis. We have slightly reduced our staked claims by 120 to 1,300 covering over 24,000 hectares (Figure 4). This package covers approximately 90% of the 32km wide greenstone belt in the proximity of Lingman Lake.





Figure 4 Regional Land Package

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To further reduce expenditures, the Company will only contract with one external consultant, WGM, during this drilling program. Wood has provided very valuable input during this process and they have identified areas where we can improve both the understanding of the mineralization and the resource estimating process, when we are ready to move it forward. We thank them for their efforts and look forward to working with them when we are ready to complete a compliant resource estimate.

Option Grant

On March 8, 2023 the Company announced it reserved for granting 1,000,000 incentive stock options to be granted to senior management of the Company. On June 26th, the Board of Directors granted stock options to acquire 1,000,000 common shares of the Company at an exercise price of $0.05 for a period of five years from the grant date. The options vest 25% immediately and 25% annually thereafter

About Signature

The Lingman Lake gold property (the "Property") consists of 1,300 staked claims, four freehold fully patented claims and 14 mineral rights patented claims totaling approximately 24,761 hectares. The Property includes what has historically been referred to as the Lingman Lake Gold Mine, an underground substructure consisting of a 126.5-metre shaft, and 3-levels at 46-metres, 84-metres and 122-metres depths. There has been over 28,000 metres of historical drilling done on the Property.

To find out more about Signature, visit our website at www.signatureresources.ca, or contact:

Dan Denbow

Interim CEO

416-840-6345

[email protected]

Cautionary Notes

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.

This news release contains forward-looking statements which are not statements of historical fact. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the Company's objectives, goals or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration and mine development plans, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions and risks associated with infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to changes in general economic and financial market conditions, failure to identify mineral resources, failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves, the inability to complete a feasibility study which recommends a production decision, the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals, political risks, inability to fulfill the duty to accommodate First Nations and other indigenous peoples, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in the development of projects, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, and those risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/171722
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 28, 2023) - Tenet Fintech Group Inc. (CSE: PKK) (OTC Pink: PKKFF) ("Tenet" or the "Company"), an innovative fintech technology services provider and operator of the Cubeler Business Hub, today announced the results of its annual meeting of shareholders (the "Meeting") held yesterday, June 27, 2023 at 10:00am EST. The Company is pleased to report that at the Meeting, the shareholders resolved that the number of directors to be elected would be three, resolved to appoint Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton LLP as auditors of the Company and elected Johnson Joseph, Liang Qiu and Mayco Quiroz to the Board of Directors. Prior to the Meeting, Carol Penhale, Dylan Tinker and Paul Gibbons each resigned from the Board of Directors effective June 26, 2023, and each notified the Company that they would not be standing for re-election to the Board of Directors at the Meeting. Ms. Penhale also resigned as interim CEO of the Company. Following the Meeting, the Board of Directors appointed Johnson Joseph to the position of CEO, effective immediately.

Tenet plans to provide more details about the Company's short and long-term plans in the coming days and weeks as it continues to focus on developing the data and analytics aspects of its business plan in North America and globally.

Forward-looking information

Certain statements included in this presentation constitute "forward-looking statements" under Canadian securities law, including statements based on management's assessment and assumptions and publicly available information with respect to the Company. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The Company cautions that its assumptions may not materialize and that current economic conditions render such assumptions, although reasonable at the time they were made, subject to greater uncertainty. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of terminology such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "assumes," "outlook," "plans," "targets", or other similar words. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from the outlook or any future results, performance or achievements implied by such statements. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could affect the forward- looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, holding company with significant operations in China; general economic and business conditions, including factors impacting the Company's business in China such as pandemics (ex.: COVID-19); legislative and/or regulatory developments; Global Financial conditions, repatriation of profits or transfer of funds from China to Canada, operations in foreign jurisdictions and possible exposure to corruption, bribery or civil unrest; actions by regulators; uncertainties of investigations, proceedings or other types of claims and litigation; timing and completion of capital programs; liquidity and capital resources, negative operating cash flow and additional funding, dilution from further financing; financial performance and timing of capital; and other risks detailed from time to time in reports filed by the Company with securities regulators in Canada, the United States or other jurisdictions. We refer potential investors to the "Risks and Uncertainties" section of the Company's MD&A. The reader is cautioned to consider these and other risks and uncertainties carefully and not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Forward-looking statements reflect information as of the date on which they are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs, unless required by applicable securities laws. In the event the Company does update any forward-looking statement, no inference should be made that the Company will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statement.

About Tenet Fintech Group Inc.:

Tenet Fintech Group Inc. is the parent company of a group of innovative financial technology (Fintech) and artificial intelligence (AI) companies. All references to Tenet in this news release, unless explicitly specified, includes Tenet and all its subsidiaries. Tenet's subsidiaries provide various analytics and AI-based services to businesses and financial institutions through the Business Hub, a global ecosystem where analytics and AI are used to create opportunities and facilitate B2B transactions among its members. Please visit our website at: http://www.tenetfintech.com.

For more information, please contact:

Tenet Fintech Group Inc.

Christina Boyd, Director, Investor Relations

416-428-9954

[email protected]

Johnson Joseph, Chief Executive Officer

514-340-7775

[email protected]

Follow Tenet Fintech Group Inc. on social media:

Twitter: @Tenet_Fintech

Facebook: @Tenet

LinkedIn: Tenet

YouTube: Tenet Fintech

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/171454
COLOMBO, June 28 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan government will not impose new taxes on its citizens to raise revenues, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said on Wednesday.

Siyambalapitiya said in a press release that the government will expand the tax base and thereby raise state revenues.

The Inland Revenue Department currently maintains 291,677 tax files, but the goal is to expand this number to 1 million, he said.

Highlighting the positive progress in the Sri Lankan economy, the state minister affirmed that the country's recovery has alleviated the economic hardships faced by its people.

Sri Lanka has increased the personal income tax rates and lowered tax thresholds from January 2023 in a bid to raise income following the financial crisis of 2022. 
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 28, 2023) - ransCanna Holdings Inc. (CSE: TCAN) (FSE: TH8) ("TransCanna" or the "Company") today announces that it continues under a cease trade order ("CTO") by the British Columbia Securities Commission (the "BCSC") under National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations (the "Instrument") as a result of not filing its audited annual financial statements, accompanying management's discussion and analysis, and certifications for the year ended November 30, 2022 (the "Annual Filings") by the filing deadline of March 30, 2023.

The Company's 2022 audit currently remains ongoing and the Company is advised by its auditors that the completion of the audit is delayed. The Company is working diligently with its consultants and auditors to complete the remaining audit and make the required filings as soon as possible. Once complete, a news release will be issued indicating that the Annual and Quarterly Filings have been submitted. The Company anticipates that it will complete the Annual and Quarterly Filings on or before August 28, 2023. In the event the CTO remains in effect for more than 90 days, the Company will meet additional filing requirements with respect to the CTO under National Policy 11-207. In the interim, the Company continues to operate normally and without disruption.

The Company also confirms, as of the date of this news release, that there is no other material information concerning the affairs of the Company that have not been generally disclosed.

About TransCanna Holdings Inc.

TransCanna Holdings Inc. is a California-based, Canadian-listed company building cannabis-focused brands for the California lifestyle, through its wholly-owned California subsidiaries.

TransCanna's wholly owned subsidiary Lyfted Farms is California's authentic cannabis brand whose pioneering spirit has been continuously providing the finest cannabis flower genetics and cultivation methods since 1984. The Lyfted Farms brand of exclusive cannabis flower is sold at premium retailers throughout the state. With its new cultivation facility in Daly, California, the company is now poised to become one of the largest and most efficient vertically integrated cannabis companies in the California market. For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.transcanna.com or email the Company at [email protected].

On behalf of the Board of Directors

James Robert Blink, President

604-207-5548

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The words "may," "would," "could," "should," "will," "intend," "plan," "goal," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "achieve," "must," "next," "focus," "potential," "progress," "develop," "continue," "advance," "investigate," "optimize," "improve," "opportunity," "future," "prospect," "vision," "target," "growth," "envisage," "option," "roadmap," "pursue," "near-term," "de-risking," "eventual," "later," "until," and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release and reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among other things, statements about: the CTO; the timing of completion of the audit; the timing and revocation of the CTO; and statements regarding management's expectations on the Company's future performance.

The Company cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by many materials factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control, including risks related to the failure of the Company to complete the Annual Filings, to receive the required corporate and regulatory approvals, including CSE approval, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the Company's disclosure documents filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. These factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF ANY SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/171723
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 27, 2023) - Xplore Resources Corp. (TSXV: XPLR) (the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Dominic Verdejo as the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer. Wesley Hanson has resigned as President and Chief Executive Officer and has been appointed Executive Chairman of the Company. The Company is also pleased to announce that Dominic Verdejo and Richard Boulay have been appointed as directors of the Company.

Mr. Verdejo has over 15 years' experience in the venture capital markets, specializing in the design and implementation of market strategies and corporate development. He has particular expertise in the mineral exploration and development sector and has been involved in the building and financing of many successful public companies. Mr. Verdejo has held director and senior officer positions in several public companies.

Mr. Boulay is a geologist with over 40 years of experience in the exploration and mining industries in Canada and internationally, including 15 years of mining and infrastructure financing experience gained with Bank of Montreal, Royal Bank of Canada and Bank of Tokyo. During Mr. Boulay's project financing career, he arranged the financing of numerous underground and open pit mining projects, hydro and diversion dams, nuclear reactors, pipelines and offshore oil exploration and production platforms. He has extensive experience in the management and financing of public companies in Canada and the United States.

Sean Waller has resigned as a director of the Company. The Company thanks Mr. Waller for his service and wishes him well in his future endeavours.

The Company also advises that the private placement announced on June 8, 2023, has been cancelled.

About Xplore Resources Corp.

Xplore Resources is a Toronto based mining exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under symbol XPLR and is focused on the acquisition and development of mineral projects in the Americas. The Company is led by a highly experienced management team and is comprised of industry experts with executive and senior management experience in geology, banking, private equity and law.

On Behalf of the Board

Dominic Verdejo, President & Chief Executive Officer

Tel: 604-678-5308

E: [email protected]

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/171558
FRESNO, Calif. (PRWEB) June 28, 2023

While teaching remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lisa Vanoni sought out a way to relieve the stress from her job. With the support of her friends and family, she decided to begin writing, putting the stories that she always had floating around in her mind onto paper. The result is her new book, "Embraced by Love: Bachelor's Club Book 1."

Taking place in 1890, the book features The Bachelor's Club, a group of men who love God, poker and their small town of Ravens Crest. Club member Ben Hammond is the Defense Attorney for the county of Ravens Crest and a devoted bachelor. He is confident he can handle everything life throws at him, until he meets Erin, the judge's daughter.

"I wanted my book to be a good example of a Christian relationship," Vanoni said. "I want to encourage others to have a relationship with God, and God-based relationships with others."

Ben faces the challenge of working with Erin's father and working on the hardest case of his career, all while trying to pursue a relationship with Erin. Erin is learning to put God first, while being thrust into the challenging business world after her mentor dies. Both must learn how to use their faith to overcome their personal challenges and to find love.

"Falling in love always has its challenges," Vanoni said. "I want readers to see Ben and Erin's relationship as an example of how love conquers all."

Vanoni plans to release more books about the Bachelor's Club in the future.

"Embraced by Love: Bachelor's Club Book 1"

By Lisa Vanoni

ISBN: 9781664297241 (softcover); 9781664297258 (hardcover); 9781664297234 (electronic)

Available at Westbow Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the author

Lisa Vanoni has been married to her high school sweetheart for 33 years. They have two sons and one daughter-in-law. She enjoys ministering in Sunday school and on an intercessory prayer team. During the pandemic, Vanoni began writing the stories she had imagined for many years. Now, she prays that they bless you. To learn more, please visit http://www.lisavanonigodsgirl.com.

General Inquiries:

LAVIDGE Phoenix

Ashley Fletcher

[email protected]

Read the full story at https://www.prweb.com/releases/author_releases_her_first_book_in_the_bachelors_club_series/prweb19414141.htm
LONDON (PRWEB) June 28, 2023

Gatekeeper collaborates with OpenAI to revolutionise contract management

London, UK, May xx 2023 - Gatekeeper, a leading vendor and contract management software solution, today announced the release of its Contract Summary feature. In partnership with OpenAI, the organisation behind the ChatGPT language model, Gatekeeper has developed this powerful solution that ensures quick understanding of any contract document for all users.

Contracts are essential for businesses, but they often contain complex legal language that can be difficult to decipher, even for legal professionals. Recognising this challenge, Gatekeeper has harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to bridge the gap between complex contracts and user comprehension.

By leveraging OpenAI's TL;DR technology, the Contract Summary feature generates concise and user-friendly contract summaries within seconds, empowering users to navigate their contractual obligations with ease.

"Gatekeeper is dedicated to providing our users with innovative tools that enhance their contract management experience," says Patrick O'Connor, CEO at Gatekeeper. "With the Contract Summary feature powered by OpenAI, we are taking a significant step forward in simplifying the interpretation of complex legal agreements. All users can now quickly grasp the key points and implications of their contracts, enabling more informed decision-making."

The Contract Summary feature is a game-changer for busy professionals, offering a significant time-saving solution that streamlines the entire contract review process. By providing key elements of a contract in an easily digestible format, users can quickly grasp essential details, allowing them to allocate more time to other high-value tasks that require their expertise.

About Gatekeeper

Gatekeeper is a Vendor & Contract Management platform, which helps customers manage their contracts and vendors through their full lifecycle.

By centralising all contract and vendor information into Gatekeeper, customers benefit from clear visibility of their contract and vendor data; time savings with the ability to securely delegate access to relevant internal and external information; advanced automation tools which can be used for simple tasks such as timely renewal reminders right through to complex, fully digitised business processes; enhanced compliance and significant resource savings as a result of deploying Gatekeeper's AI and automation tools.

More information on Gatekeeper's Contract Summary feature is available at https://knowledge.gatekeeperhq.com/en/docs/openai-contract-summaries

Please contact the Gatekeeper team directly at mailto:[email protected] [[email protected] __title__ null] for more information or to arrange a demonstration.

Read the full story at https://www.prweb.com/releases/2023/06/prweb19212837.htm
MALVERN, Pa. (PRWEB) June 28, 2023

HMP Global, the leading omnichannel healthcare events and education company, today announced that Dr. Peter Weiden, internationally renowned expert on schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders, is joining Psych Congress as a consultant. The move solidifies the organization's commitment to advancing mental health education to improve outcomes for patients.

Psych Congress provides a unique, integrated forum to connect members of the entire mental health team. In his new role, Dr. Weiden will provide guidance on educational programming throughout the Psych Congress portfolio, including the Psych Congress national meeting and Psych Congress Regionals, Psych Congress Elevate, Psych Congress Europe, and the Psych Congress NP Institute.

"Dr. Weiden's extensive background in psychopharmacology, clinical trials, and evidence-based practices has made him a sought-after authority in the field," said Psych Congress Co-Chair Rakesh Jain, MD, MPH, clinical professor, Department of Psychiatry, Texas Tech Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, Midland, Texas. "His insights will be a substantial asset to Psych Congress and the clinicians we serve, his expertise will help us deepen our educational offerings, and his contributions will enhance the overall attendee experience."

Throughout his career, Dr. Weiden has published more than 200 peer-reviewed papers and made fundamental contributions and innovations addressing mental illness. His academic career includes positions as tenured full professor of psychiatry at SUNY Downstate Medical Center from 1999-2007 and at UIC Medical Center from 2007-2014, and he is currently serving as a visiting professor of psychiatry at Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University. He served as Chief Medical Officer for Uptown Research in Chicago and served as a clinical investigator for new and emerging treatments for schizophrenia from 2014-2016.

Dr. Weiden was recognized as "Best Doctor" in New York City and Chicago respectively for his work and contributions as an outstanding clinical expert in the treatment of patients with severe mental illness. He was recognized three times by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) with a "NAMI Exemplary Psychiatrist" award. From 2016 to early 2023, he worked for biotechnology companies focused on new treatments for persons with serious mental illness, most recently supporting the development of a promising investigational treatment for schizophrenia in the pipeline that works differently than currently available treatments for schizophrenia. He will be joining the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at SUNY Stony Brook as a Visiting Clinical Professor of Psychiatry to return to academic educational and research missions.

"As the prevalence of mental health issues rises, it is paramount to invest in quality education and training for healthcare professionals," said Randy Robbin, President, HMP Education, a subsidiary of HMP Global. "Psych Congress has earned a reputation as the premier choice for mental health professionals seeking the latest knowledge, research, and practical insights with a goal of improving outcomes for patients.

"Dr. Weiden's addition to Psych Congress will provide unparalleled educational opportunities that empower mental health professionals to deliver exceptional care and support to their patients."

Psych Congress is committed to addressing the rising prevalence of mental health issues by providing high-quality education and training opportunities for health care professionals. Through Psych Congress, participants receive a diverse range of educational programming, including conferences, webinars, and online resources that are tailored to meet the evolving needs of clinicians, therapists, and allied healthcare providers.

For more information or to register for upcoming events, visit psychcongress.com.

ABOUT HMP GLOBAL/

HMP Global is the force behind Healthcare Made Practical -- and is an omnichannel leader in healthcare content, events, and education, with a mission to improve patient care. The company produces accredited medical education events -- in person and online via its proprietary VRTX virtual platform -- and clinically relevant, evidence-based content for the global healthcare community across a range of therapeutic areas. Its brands include the HMP Global Learning Network, healthcare's most comprehensive source for news and information; Psych Congress, the largest independent mental health meeting in the U.S.; the Evolution of Psychotherapy, the world's largest independent educational event for mental health professionals; the Leipzig Interventional Course (LINC), the leading, global gathering for interdisciplinary cardiovascular specialists; EMS World Expo, North America's largest EMT and paramedic event; and the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC), the largest wound care meeting in the world. For more information, visit hmpglobal.com.

Read the full story at https://www.prweb.com/releases/renowned_schizophrenia_authority_dr_peter_weiden_joins_hmp_globals_psych_congress_as_educational_consultant/prweb19417620.htm
As states and local governments expand and modernize critical resident services, Accela's partnership with Microsoft empowers governments to remain resilient and innovative

SAN RAMON, Calif. , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Accela , the trusted provider at the heart of government operations, today announced that it was honored as a Microsoft US Government Partner of the Year and as a finalist in the Social Impact and Community Response category for exceptional contributions alongside Microsoft for our customers. Recognized by Microsoft for the fourth consecutive year, Accela was honored among a field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology.

Digitization is critical to keeping government agencies operating and agile. The global cloud market for government is expected to reach $49.2 billion by the end of 2023 . Accela modernizes state and local governments' essential services  such as permitting, licensing, code enforcement and more  so that agencies can best support residents, businesses and staff. Microsoft Azure is Accela's partner cloud provider of choice for powering operations in cities, counties and states. Accela has helped more than 37 U.S. jurisdictions migrate to the cloud since 2021, with 17 more in the pipeline.

"State and local governments are seeking the benefits of consolidating essential services to proven, scalable cloud platforms to increase their ability to serve their communities in the face of emerging technologies, overburdened IT, increasing natural disasters, and lingering pandemic impacts," said Tom Nieto , chief operating officer of Accela. "Accela, in partnership with Microsoft, uniquely provides the perfect balance of purpose-built solutions with an extensible platform to ensure that governments can meet their residents' needs securely and efficiently. We're honored to have our partnership and collaboration efforts for our customers recognized by Microsoft for the fourth consecutive year."

Powered by Microsoft Azure, Accela equips governments with the purpose-built SaaS solutions on a single, unified cloud platform to address their most pressing community development and regulatory needs, allowing for simplified resident experiences, data sharing across departments, and world-class security.

"We would like to extend our congratulations to the winners and finalists of the 2023 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards!" said Nina Harding , Corporate Vice President, Microsoft US Global Partner Solutions. "The winners and finalists of the 2023 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards have demonstrated the best of what's possible with the Microsoft Cloud by providing innovative new solutions and services that positively impact customers and enable digital transformation."

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Award honors partners that have utilized Microsoft-based solutions over the past calendar year in creative and impactful ways to positively benefit their customers. As a Social Impact and Community Response finalist, Accela has proven measurable benefits to customer operations, most specifically with community development, disaster and climate solutions. Accela has previously been recognized as a Microsoft Partner of the Year in the Community Response: COVID Solutions, US Government, and Social Impact and Community Response categories.

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards are announced annually prior to the company's global partner conference, Microsoft Inspire, which will take place on July 18-19 this year. Additional details on the 2023 awards are available on the US Partner Community Blog here: US Partner Community Blog .

This past fiscal quarter , Accela had a 68 percent year-over-year increase in customer bookings, net customer retention well above 110 percent and an 18 percent year-over-year annual recurring revenue increase. For more information on Accela's solutions, please visit https://www.accela.com/solutions/ .

About Accela

Accela is the trusted provider of cloud solutions at the heart of government operations. The company works with governments across the globe to accelerate their digital transformation, deliver vital services, and build stronger communities. More than 300 million residents worldwide benefit from Accela's government software solutions. The company offers agile, purpose-built solutions and the power of a platform that provides users with a consumer-like experience, shares data across departments, and ensures world-class security.

With Accela, government agencies experience rapid and effective digital transformation. Accela's government software meets agencies wherever they are on their modernization journey, while also helping them prepare for whatever comes next. The company is a four-consecutive year Microsoft US Partner Award winner for its innovative SaaS solutions to help governments respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, Accela was honored as a recipient of Inc.'s Best in Business for SaaS and selected by Fast Company for its World Changing Ideas Award. Accela is headquartered in San Ramon, California , with offices around the world. For more information, visit www.accela.com .

Contact: Holly Langbein, (916) 769-2199, [email protected]

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SOURCE Accela
- Cedar Rapids Police Department Receives Milestone Grant -

NEW YORK , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- AKC Reunite, the largest non-profit pet microchip identification and recovery service provider in the United States , is thrilled to announce that it has awarded its milestone 500th grant through its AKC Reunite Adopt a K-9 Cop program, totaling $3.7 million in donations. The 500th grant was awarded to the Cedar Rapids Police Department in Cedar Rapids, Iowa which purchased a Bloodhound named Ranger.

Ranger, in addition to his handler, Sergeant Nathan Trimble , is now the eighth member of the Cedar Rapids Police Department's K-9 Unit. He is also the first Bloodhound to join the unit. While the other dogs in the unit are dual-trained in patrol functions including suspect apprehension and narcotics or explosive detection, Ranger's singular focus will be tracking, making him an excellent addition to the team.

"We are so thankful to all the AKC clubs and other donors who have helped make this grant program the amazing success that it is" said Tom Sharp , AKC Reunite President & CEO. "The impact of these dogs to protect and serve throughout the country cannot be overstated."

The Adopt a K-9 Cop matching grant program allows AKC Reunite to match funds from AKC Clubs, AKC-affiliated organizations and the public, three-to-one, up to $7,500 per grant. Funds are raised by contributions from AKC dog clubs and community members. The Cedar Rapids Police Department grant was sponsored by the Cedar Rapids Kennel Association.

These donations help police departments affected by lack of funding throughout the United States purchase the K-9 police dogs they desperately need, as many of the police dogs acquired with the help of these grants are used for important work such as patrol dogs as well as detection dogs, helping to locate narcotics, explosives and/or evidence.

"The Cedar Rapids Police Department Canine Unit is incredibly appreciative of the AKC Reunite program's financial assistance to bring Ranger to our Department," said Sergeant Nathan Trimble , Ranger's handler. "He's the first bloodhound for CRPD and we're all impressed with the way Bluegrass Bloodhounds in Leichtfield, KY started his training and their involvement with our team. He's developing into an outstanding tracking asset."

Created in 2013, AKC Reunite's Adopt a K-9 Cop program has given out grants to police departments in 40 states. The program still has 58 grants left to award in 2023.

"I started the program to help police departments in need, where a lack of funding meant that they would not have a canine to protect the public as well as their first responders," said Christopher Sweetwood , AKC Board Member and Ambassador for the program. "When there is a need, we are there. We are proud to reach this milestone of 500 Police K-9's purchased for our communities. We look forward to reaching the milestone of 1,000 grants."

"Police departments across the U.S. recognize the importance of the AKC Reunite Adopt a K-9 Cop grant," said Don Slavik , President of the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA). "With their exceptional scent and odor detection skills, these dogs are an invaluable asset."

Learn more about how to get involved in AKC Reunite Adopt a K-9 Cop program and see pictures and stories of dogs already donated at https://www.akcreunite.org/k9/.

To support the program, go to https://www.akcreunite.org/donate/.

AKC Reunite

The way home for lost pets.

AKC Reunite, an affiliate of the American Kennel Club, is the largest non-profit pet microchip identification and recovery service provider in the United States . Since 1995 AKC Reunite has helped pet owners reunite with their lost animals via identification and 24/7 pet recovery specialists, enrolling over 9 million companion animals and recovering more than 500,000 lost pets. AKC Reunite microchips are a popular choice of pet professionals throughout the country for permanent pet identification.

AKC Reunite has donated more than $10 million since 2002 for pet-related causes including disaster preparedness and relief like the AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailer donation program. AKC Reunite also provides free recovery service enrollment for all active service, military, and law enforcement K-9 dogs. For more information visit www.akcreunite.org or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/akcreunite).

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SOURCE AKC Reunite
The NASCAR legend and celebrity bike builder will mentor Minnesota high schools as they build go-karts with Northern Tool + Equipment's new NorthStar engine

BURNSVILLE, Minn. , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Motivated by a passion for the trades, NASCAR legend Richard Petty and celebrity motorcycle builder Billy Lane are spending the next year mentoring students at two Minnesota high schools while they build rat rod go-karts as part of a program designed to fuel interest in trades careers for the next generation. The build-off is a part of Northern Tool + Equipment 's Tools for the Trades program.

"We love partnering with Northern Tool to give students these kinds of unique experiences," said Petty. "Meeting the students and seeing how excited they are about being able to do this as a class at school is what it's all about."

Northern Tool launched the build-off to celebrate the upcoming release of their new NorthStar line of engines. As a part of their Tools for the Trades program, which is designed to help address the skilled trades labor gap by providing schools, students and instructors with the proper equipment to grow trades learning options. Ingersoll Rand is partnering with Northern Tool to donate tools and equipment to both schools' career and technical education departments, and people can follow the progress of the builds through Rat Rod Magazine and Northern Tool's YouTube channel.

"Not only do we get to help the students with the builds, one year from now, we get to race the finished karts on the track at the Sons of Speed vintage motorcycle racing series," said Lane.

The build-off was announced at the Minnesota Street Rod Association Back to the 50's event, a weekend packed with over 10,000 classic vehicles and talented car builders, owners and enthusiasts.

About Northern Tool + Equipment:

Northern Tool + Equipment is a family-owned company serving both DIYers and trades professionals tackling the tough projects. A leading supplier of more than 100,000 high-quality tools and equipment for over 40 years, the company's highly-trained team has an immense breadth of knowledge to help customers in-person at more than 130 retail stores, online and over the phone through their fully-staffed contact center. From helping customers get the right tool for the job to assisting with parts and repairs that keep tools running at peak performance, customer service is at the foundation of Northern Tool's mission. With a passion for serving their communities and helping to fill the trades labor shortage, the company's Tools for the Trades program donates high-quality tools directly into school classrooms, helping teachers show students the value of working in the trades. Learn more about Northern Tool + Equipment at www.NorthernTool.com and stay connected through social media: Facebook ( @northerntool ), Instagram ( @northern_tool ), Twitter ( @northerntool ), YouTube and Pinterest .

Media Contact: Holly Steffl

Phone Number: 612.351.8312

Email: northerntool@media-minefield.com

Website: northerntool.com

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SOURCE Northern Tool + Equipment
LONDON , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BE OPEN Regional Art: the Eastern Mediterranean competition came to a close on June 22 nd after it had been extended for a week. The exhibition was set up by BE OPEN Art, an online art gallery project of BE OPEN Foundation, a humanitarian initiative by international businessperson and philanthropist Elena Baturina .

The exhibition opened June 1 st at the Centre of Visual Arts and Research in Nicosia , in order to showcase the emerging artists of the Eastern Mediterranean and displayed the artworks selected in the course of a region-based competition that lasted from January to March 2023 .

BE OPEN Art held an awards ceremony a week into the exhibition, to celebrate the Artist of the Region Jovanna Theodosiou as well as Chrystalla Tsiamparta, Aya Abou Hawash, Christina Kyriakou, Abdelrahman Mahmoud, Jamilee Doueihy, Dimitrios Ikonomou, Nicolaou Pantelis and Elena Adamou , whose works the exhibition proudly featured.

The exhibition was attended by artists and their families, representatives of Cyprus's Ministries of Education and Culture, Nicosia municipality, members of academic, artistic and business communities, guests of the island, etc.

The exhibition met cordial support from the Minister of Education of Cyprus Dr Athena Michaelidou , who was glad to see "creative Cyprus youth benefit from BE OPEN's international initiative that offers much needed support to young artists", and expressed hope that "such philanthropic projects will help more of our creative young people become acknowledged and appreciated in Cyprus and internationally."

Cyprus's President of European Affairs Eleni Loukalidou pointed out that "visual arts have always played an immense role in the expression of who we are as a person, as a people, as part of the bigger world. Thanks to BE OPEN Regional Art and this exhibition, more people will learn the names of Cyprus's young and talented," and wished all the artists a great future.

The Founder of BE OPEN Elena Baturina thanked the participants and guests of the exhibition, and reminded of the purpose of BE OPEN Art, that is "to showcase and support emerging talent all over the world who deserve to be seen and an opportunity to have their say in the art."

BE OPEN Regional Art is currently finalising its next stage, dedicated to exploring and revealing the contemporary art of the Caribbean region to the world, and getting ready to announce the next regional winner.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/be-open-regional-art-the-eastern-mediterranean-art-exhibition-celebrated-young-artists-of-the-region-301865972.html

SOURCE BE OPEN Foundation
NEW YORK , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BlueVoyant, a cybersecurity company that illuminates, validates, and remediates internal and external risks, today announced it has won the 2023 Microsoft U.S. Security Partner of the Year Award. The company was honored among a field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of client solutions based on Microsoft technology.

"BlueVoyant has developed advanced technologies and scalable services to help clients maximize their Microsoft Security investments. BlueVoyant emphasizes that cybersecurity is a team sport and the industry will be stronger the more we work together," said Milan Patel , global head of managed security services (MSS) at BlueVoyant. "We are honored to be named Security Partner of the Year for the second consecutive year and humbled to be recognized for our leading influence on the industry. We look forward to continuing to have strong integration with Microsoft products and security services to deliver the very best in cybersecurity to our joint clients."

The Microsoft US Partner of the Year Awards recognizes Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered outstanding Microsoft-based applications, services and devices during the past year. Awards were classified in various categories, with honorees chosen from a set of more than 800 submitted nominations, BlueVoyant was recognized for providing outstanding solutions and services in security.

The Security Partner of the Year Award recognizes a partner who is doing an exceptional job of providing customers with end-to-end security solutions (versus one-point solutions) based on Microsoft Security and Identity capabilities in Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Azure Security.

"We would like to extend our congratulations to the winners and finalists of the 2023 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards!" said Nina Harding , corporate vice president, Microsoft US Global Partner Solutions. "The winners and finalists of the 2023 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards have demonstrated the best of what is possible with the Microsoft Cloud by providing innovative new solutions and services that positively impact customers and enable digital transformation."

Winning Microsoft U.S. Security Partner of the Year for the second time in a row is among a long list of recognition BlueVoyant has received from Microsoft. In April, the company was named the Security MSSP (Managed Security Service Provider) of the Year award in the Microsoft Security Excellence Awards 2023. Also this year, BlueVoyant's Director of Product Management, Mona Ghadiri , and Technical Product Manager, Eric Mannon , were named MVPs (Most Valued Professionals) for Microsoft Security. In 2022, BlueVoyant achieved Microsoft verified Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) solution status, and was one of Microsoft's top 150 managed security partners. In 2021, BlueVoyant was named a Microsoft Security 20/20 Partner Awards Winner for the Top MDR Team.

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards are announced annually prior to the company's global partner conference, Microsoft Inspire, which will take place on July 18-19 this year. Additional details on the 2023 awards are available on the US Partner Community Blog here: US Partner Community Blog .

About BlueVoyant

BlueVoyant combines internal and external cyber defense capabilities into an outcomes-based cloud-native platform by continuously monitoring your network, endpoints, attack surface, and supply chain, as well as the clear, deep, and dark web for threats. The full-spectrum cyber defense platform illuminates, validates, and quickly remediates threats to protect your enterprise. BlueVoyant leverages both machine-learning-driven automation and human-led expertise to deliver industry-leading cybersecurity to more than 900 clients across the globe.

BlueVoyant Press Contact:

Oliver Cowley

Merritt Group for BlueVoyant

[email protected]

Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bluevoyant-recognized-as-the-winner-of-2023-microsoft-us-partner-of-the-year-301865789.html

SOURCE BlueVoyant
Cambodian officials set fire on a batch of seized illicit drugs and ingredients in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, June 28, 2023. Cambodia on Wednesday destroyed 5.71 tons of illicit drugs and ingredients, officials said. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua)

PHNOM PENH, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Wednesday destroyed 5.71 tons of illicit drugs and ingredients, officials said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Kheng set fire to the illicit drugs and substances at a ceremony held at the Diamond Island in the capital Phnom Penh.

"This clearly demonstrates the government's strong commitment to preventing and cracking down on all forms of drug trafficking," he said.

Kheng commended authorities at all levels for sparing no effort to suppress all kinds of drug crimes for the sake of the nation's peace, security, safety, public order and development.

Phnom Penh Municipal Court's prosecutor Chreng Khmao said roughly 5.71 tons of illicit drugs and ingredients were destroyed at the event, and that those drugs included heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy, cathinone, ketamine and nimetazepam.

According to the Anti-Drug Police Department, Cambodia nabbed 7,230 drug-related suspects, including 136 foreigners, and seized nearly 785 kg narcotics during the January-May period of 2023.

The Southeast Asian nation has no death sentence for drug traffickers. Under its law, someone found guilty of trafficking more than 80 grams of drugs could be jailed for life. 

A military police officer stands guard during a ceremony where a batch of seized illicit drugs and ingredients are destroyed in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, June 28, 2023. Cambodia on Wednesday destroyed 5.71 tons of illicit drugs and ingredients, officials said. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua)

Military police officers stand guard during a ceremony where a batch of seized illicit drugs and ingredients are destroyed in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, June 28, 2023. Cambodia on Wednesday destroyed 5.71 tons of illicit drugs and ingredients, officials said. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua)

Illicit drugs and ingredients are burned down in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, June 28, 2023. Cambodia on Wednesday destroyed 5.71 tons of illicit drugs and ingredients, officials said. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua)
One of Largest Office Portfolios in the U.S to be 100% Zero Emissions Electricity by 2026

NEW YORK , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Brookfield Properties today announced the entire U.S. office portfolio it manages will be powered by zero emissions electricity by 2026. More than 65% of its office space, including the entirety of its New York and Washington, D.C. office portfolios, will transition to zero emissions electricity by 2024, making Brookfield Properties by far the nation's largest commercial real estate user of zero emissions electricity [source]. In 2026, 100% of its U.S. office portfolio will transition to zero emissions electricity.

By entering into contracts for approximately 600,000 MWh of electricity these properties use annually from zero emissions generation sources, Brookfield Properties will achieve the equivalent of avoiding over 260,000 metric tons of CO 2 equivalent each year, or the equivalent of the CO 2 emissions from almost 300 million pounds of coal burned [source]. The transition is expected to reduce the total direct carbon emissions of Brookfield's U.S. office portfolio by approximately 80%. Brookfield Properties office tenants will eliminate Scope 2 carbon emissions associated with their electricity consumption, assisting them with measurable progress that can be included in their own ESG reporting.

Brookfield's more than 70-million-square-foot U.S. office portfolio is among the largest in New York , Washington, D.C , Houston , Los Angeles , and Denver .

"Instead of taking incremental steps or waiting for others to act, we are completely transforming how we power office buildings throughout the United States ," said Ben Brown , Managing Partner, Brookfield Real Estate. "Not only will it significantly advance our goal of transitioning our entire portfolio to net zero carbon, but also we are confident that both the increased demand for zero emissions electricity it will create and the industry precedence it will set will be a game-changer for how state-of-the-art office buildings are powered throughout the country."

Brookfield Properties will procure electricity for its U.S. office properties from three sources: hydropower (49%), solar and wind (33%), and nuclear (18%). More than 85% of power will come from new plants enabled by Brookfield Properties' commitment or bundled Purchase Power Agreements (PPAs), where Brookfield directly buys local zero emissions electricity and receives the associated Energy Attribute Certificates (RECs or EFECs). In Denver and Virginia , where there is not a direct PPA option available, Brookfield will purchase renewable power from within the same grid through virtual power purchase agreements. As direct-purchase options for local supplies of zero-emissions electricity become available, Brookfield plans to switch to direct sources.

In New York , Washington D.C. and Maryland , Brookfield will enter into contracts with 24/7, zero emissions electricity providers, buying electricity that will be delivered to local power grids at the same time that Brookfield's office buildings draw electricity from those same grids. In the remaining markets, Brookfield Properties will procure local renewable electricity from solar and wind power plants. In all markets, 100% of the electricity used by the Brookfield office portfolio will be purchased from generation sources within the same power grid in which the electricity is used. Buying locally incentivizes the development of new regional clean energy sources, supporting decarbonization goals and providing a more direct connection between the source of energy generation and location of energy consumption.

Electricity Sources by Market:

New York  Bundled PPAs: Just as is already being done for Brookfield's One Manhattan West tower, the New York office portfolio will purchase electricity generated from hydropower facilities located throughout New York State .

Washington, D.C. and Maryland  Bundled PPAs: Office properties in Washington, D.C. and Maryland will purchase 100% of the region's electricity requirements from nuclear power facilities within the PJM grid, equipped by Westinghouse Electric Corporation, a Brookfield portfolio company.

Houston  New Build: Brookfield Properties will facilitate the construction of a newly built, Texas -based solar power plant to supply 100% of the electricity for its Houston office portfolio.

Los Angeles  New Build: Brookfield Properties will facilitate the construction of a newly built, California -based solar power plant to supply 100% of the electricity for its L.A. office portfolio.

San Francisco  Community Choice Aggregation: Office properties in San Francisco will purchase power through CleanPowerSF's SuperGreen program, a local community choice aggregation program of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission that provides renewable electricity from solar and wind power generated within California .

Denver  Same-Grid Certificates: Office properties in Denver , which is in a regulated energy market that limits the ability for direct power purchase agreements, will purchase renewable electricity certificates from local wind power facilities equivalent to 100% of the properties' electricity requirements.

Virginia  Same-Grid Certificates: Office properties in Virginia , which is in a regulated energy market that limits the ability for direct power purchase agreements, will purchase emissions free electricity certificates from in-grid nuclear power facilities equivalent to 100% of the properties' electricity requirements.

"ULI Greenprint applauds Brookfield's leadership to procure zero emissions electricity for its entire U.S. office portfolio by 2026," said Marta Schantz , Co-Executive Director of the Randall Lewis Center for Sustainability in Real Estate at the Urban Land Institute. "This is an important step in Brookfield's journey to net zero and an indication of the company's commitment to ULI Greenprint's net zero carbon operations by 2050 goal."

"We know our membership is full of changemakers accelerating the clean energy transition. Brookfield Properties' recent announcement to transition its entire U.S. office portfolio to carbon-free electricity is an excellent demonstration of that commitment," said Kevin Hagen , Interim-CEO, Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA). "This announcement sends a strong market signal and encourages wider adoption of this strategy to scale decarbonization efforts and exemplifies the leadership of Brookfield Properties within CEBA as we continue to cultivate an impact-oriented community."

Brookfield Properties operates U.S. office assets on behalf of Brookfield Asset Management (Brookfield). In March 2021 , Brookfield became a signatory to the Net Zero Asset Managers (NZAM) initiative to support the ambition of achieving net zero GHG emissions by 2050 or sooner. In 2022, Brookfield created its 2030 net zero interim target, setting a commitment to reduce emissions by two-thirds by 2030 across $147 billion (approximately one-third) of its real estate assets under management from a 2019 base-line year. Brookfield Properties committed to executing Brookfield's Net Zero pledge, and in 2021, signed onto the Urban Land Institute's Greenprint Center for Building Performance net zero goals.

The decision to convert the entire U.S. office portfolio to zero emissions electricity significantly advances those goals and follows Brookfield Properties' March 2022 announcement that One Manhattan West, a state-of-the-art office tower located within Brookfield Properties' Manhattan West development, would be powered 100% by Brookfield Renewable's hydropower facilities located in upstate New York . That is one of the largest intrastate renewable energy agreements for a single building in New York State and alone made Brookfield Properties a major user of renewable electricity.

About Brookfield Properties:

Brookfield Properties is a leading global developer and operator of high-quality real estate assets. The company is active in nearly all real estate sectors, including office, retail, multifamily, hospitality and logistics, operating more than 800 properties and over 390 million sq. ft. of real estate in gateway markets on behalf of Brookfield Asset Management, one of the largest asset managers in the world. With a focus on sustainability, a commitment to excellence and the drive for relentless innovation in the planning, development and management of buildings and their surroundings, Brookfield Properties is reimagining real estate from the ground up.

For more information about our approach to operating and developing best-in-class real estate, please visit www.brookfieldproperties.com

Media Contacts:

Andrew Brent : + 1 212 417-2464 and [email protected]

Laura Montross : + 1 212 417-2549 and [email protected]

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SOURCE Brookfield Properties
Leading middle-market advisory firm facilitated the transaction for family-owned steel manufacturing company

BURLINGTON , N.J. , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- United Hospital Supply Corporation ("UHSC", or the "Company"), a leading manufacturer of steel products, announced that it has partnered with Skylight Ridge Holdings ("Skylight"), a private investment firm that specializes in partnering with established operating businesses and taking those businesses to the next level of growth and profitability. Bruderman Advisory Group, a leading middle-market advisory firm headquartered in New York , was the exclusive financial advisor to UHSC in the transaction.

We were fortunate in choosing Bruderman Advisory Group to work on this partnership transaction. Our family thanks them.

UHSC has been family-owned and operated since its founding in 1957 and provides a leading line of steel teller pedestals, steel casework, and various other steel products. The Company sells its products to a diverse, national customer base in both the retail bank and laboratory markets in the United States. The retail bank products are sold under the Fenco Bank Equipment brand, while laboratory products are sold under the Lab Design brand.

"It was an absolute pleasure working with Matt Lyons and the entire Lyons family throughout the sale process. UHSC continues to gain share in each of its respective markets, and I look forward to watching them continue to grow in this new partnership," added Ron Lehman , Managing Director at Bruderman Advisory Group.

"On behalf of the Lyons family members and UHSC as a whole, we look forward to our new partnership with Skylight Ridge Holdings. We see them as the perfect partner to bring additional resources into our growing company and to continue the family's 50-year legacy into the future," commented Matthew Lyons , CEO of UHSC.

He added, "Bruderman Advisory Group's personal and professional leadership was paramount from day one to closing. Their direct interaction with UHSC's legal and accounting advisors made the transaction seamless with the Skylight Ridge team. We were fortunate in choosing Bruderman Advisory Group to work on this partnership transaction. Our family thanks them."

About Bruderman Advisory Group

Bruderman Advisory Group is a leading middle-market investment bank based in Locust Valley , NY. The company focuses on providing sell-side advisory, buy-side advisory, and capital raising services to support middle-market business owners across multiple industries.

Bruderman Advisory Group leverages five generations of financial know-how to guide clients through a range of transactions, from best-in-class sell-side and buy-side advisory services, to capital raising and strategic consulting services. For more information, please visit www.BrudermanAdvisory.com

About United Hospital Supply Corporation

UHSC is a leading manufacturer of steel products based in Burlington, NJ . The Company manufactures products for the retail bank and laboratory channels, offering a variety of items including steel teller pedestals, steel casework, millwork, fume hoods, adjustable height tables, overhead service carriers, and various other products. UHSC operates out of its manufacturing facility in New Jersey with the capability to serve customers nationally. For more information, please visit www.FencoBankEquipment.com and www.Lab-Design.com.

About Skylight Ridge Holdings

Skylight Ridge Holdings is a private company that specializes in partnering with established operating businesses and taking those businesses to the next level of growth and profitability. Skylight works closely with its partners to provide capital, strategic guidance, and professional infrastructure to help them grow and increase value over time. For more information, please visit www.SkylightRidge.com.

Media Contact: Pete Cokleski , [email protected], 516-609-0291

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SOURCE Bruderman Advisory Group
DALLAS , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Catalyze Dallas has named William Cervin as Principal, an executive leadership role whereby he will act as interim CEO to stand up new companies within the Catalyze portfolio, which currently includes Alpine Advanced Materials, Almaden Genomics, and Metro Aerospace. Catalyze accelerates commercialization of intellectual property sourced from the Fortune 100 to unleash the full value and potential of their R&D investments in technology.

"William has leadership experience across defense, intelligence, SaaS, cloud infrastructure, fintech, politics and even coworking spaces  and has proven himself adept at starting, innovating, and growing successful teams and companies," said Tricia D'Cruz , Managing Director of Catalyze. "As Catalyze enters our next stage of growth, William will accelerate our signature turnkey commercialization model for founding new companies, which increases Catalyze's unique value to our investors."

Before joining Catalyze, Cervin founded and led a pioneering B2B2C fintech company that facilitated tens of millions in sales for its customers and automated risk underwriting for enterprises. In 2013, he co-authored a patent in computer vision and machine learning, and later architected a blockchain-based identity sharing and revocation protocol. He has worked for Silicon Valley Bank's Cleantech Practice and Government Relations teams in Palo Alto , and also co-founded and launched an international cleantech angel investment forum in Barcelona to help fund European cleantech companies.

Prior to that, he worked as both a Presidential Appointee and civilian at the Department of Defense, serving on several joint task forces addressing counterterrorism, counternarcotics, border security, and terrorist financing. He also worked at The White House Office of Political Affairs, where he drafted political briefings read directly by the President of the United States and his Cabinet Secretaries.

"On the public side, he has led international teams in various political and civilian capacities in The White House, the Pentagon, the U.S. Embassy Kabul , and the Defense Intelligence Agency  demonstrating a unique talent for facilitating productive relationships between the public and private sectors," added D'Cruz.

Cervin graduated from Texas A&M University's Dwight Look College of Engineering with a B.S. in Industrial Distribution, and received his MBA from ESADE Business School in Barcelona, Spain .

Partnering with more than a dozen Fortune 100 clients, Catalyze assesses hundreds of technology assets and business units each year, selecting the most promising for spinout. Catalyze has already launched three successful companies: Almaden Genomics, which is accelerating the pace of genomic discovery; Alpine Advanced Materials, which delivers high-performance lightweight custom-engineered parts to the aerospace, defense, commercial space and industrial industries; and Metro Aerospace, a leader in delivering certified 3D printed components to the aerospace industry.

About Catalyze Dallas

Catalyze Dallas launches scalable companies that accelerate commercialization of intellectual property sourced from the world's most innovative global corporations, monetizing significant investments in innovation. Partnering with more than a dozen of the most respected industry leaders, Catalyze assesses hundreds of technology assets and business units each year, selecting only the most promising for spin-out into entrepreneurial portfolio companies. Catalyze provides investors with founder's ownership in the portfolio, a highly risk reduced and well priced investment model compared to traditional venture and private equity. For more information, visit www.catalyzedallas.com.

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SOURCE Catalyze Dallas
SANTIAGO, Chile , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Republic of Chile (" Chile ") offered 750,000,000 4.125% Notes due 2034 (the " New Notes ") for cash (the " New Notes Offering "), and announced the commencement of an exchange offer for Euro-denominated notes (the " Invitation "), all as described below.

Pursuant to the Invitation, Chile is inviting holders of the notes set forth in the table below (the " Eligible Notes "), subject to certain conditions set forth in the invitation materials, to tender Eligible Notes in exchange for additional New Notes, which, if issued, will be consolidated, form a single series, and be fully fungible with the New Notes offered pursuant to the New Notes Offering. The aggregate outstanding principal amount of Eligible Notes is approximately 4.95 billion.

The Invitation will expire at 5:00 p.m. , Central European Time (" CET "), on Thursday, July 6, 2023 (the " Expiration Deadline "), unless extended or early terminated by Chile at its sole discretion. Withdrawal rights will expire at the Expiration Deadline. The Invitation's settlement is expected to take place on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 (the " Expected Settlement Date ").

Eligible Notes ISIN Common

Code Amount Outstanding as of

the date hereof Minimum

Denomination/

Increment () 1.625% Notes due 2025 (the "2025 Notes") XS1151586945 115158694  1,641,550,000  100,000/1,000 1.750% Notes due 2026 (the "2026 Notes") XS1346652891 134665289  1,109,770,000  100,000/1,000 1.440% Notes due 2029 (the "2029 Notes") XS1760409042 176040904  709,103,000  100,000/1,000 1.875% Notes due 2030 (the "2030 Notes") XS1236685613 123668561  1,490,756,000  100,000/1,000

Subject to proration, holders that validly tender Eligible Notes will receive in exchange for each 1,000 principal amount of Eligible Notes accepted for exchange, New Notes having a principal amount equal to 1,000 multiplied by the relevant Exchange Ratio (rounded down to the nearest multiple of 1.00).

The "Exchange Ratio" for each series of Eligible Notes will be determined by dividing (i) the Eligible Notes Present Value of such series of Eligible Notes, by (ii) the New Notes Present Value.

The "Eligible Notes Present Value" and the "New Notes Present Value" of each series will be equivalent to the present value of the remaining principal and interest payments for such series of Eligible Notes and New Notes, respectively, calculated at the corresponding Eligible Notes Applicable Yield and the New Notes Applicable Yield, respectively, in each case for value date as of the Expected Settlement Date.

The "Eligible Notes Applicable Yield" corresponding to each series of Eligible Notes will be determined as the sum of (i) the applicable Eligible Notes Spread as set forth in the first table below, and (ii) the applicable yield to maturity on the related Eligible Notes Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate as set forth in the first table below, which will be spotted at or around 4:00 p.m., CET , on the date of the Expiration Deadline.

The "New Notes Applicable Yield" will be determined as the sum of (i) 128 basis points (the " New Notes Spread "), and (ii) the applicable yield to maturity on the New Notes Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate as set forth in the second table below, which will be spotted at or around 4:00 p.m., CET , on the date of the Expiration Deadline.

Eligible Notes

Eligible Notes Spread The Eligible Notes Spread for each series of Eligible Notes is as follows (in basis points):  2025 Notes: -45  2026 Notes: -5  2029 Notes: 55  2030 Notes: 60





Eligible Notes Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate The annual rate, expressed as a percentage and rounded to the nearest 0.001 per cent (with 0.0005 rounded upwards), as calculated by Chile at or around 4:00 pm.,CET , on the date of the Expiration Deadline, by means of linear interpolation of the applicable pair of Eligible Notes Euro Mid-Swap Rates for each series of Eligible Notes as described below.



The Eligible Notes Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate for the 2025 Notes, will be calculated by means of linear interpolation of the 1 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate and the 2 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate as follows:

(i) By subtracting the 1 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate from the 2 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate and multiplying the result of such subtraction by the 2025 Weight (as defined below); and



(ii) Adding the 1 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate to the final result of (i) above.



The Eligible Notes Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate for the 2026 Notes, will be calculated by means of linear interpolation of the 2 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate and the 3 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate as follows:



(i) By subtracting the 2 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate from the 3 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate and multiplying the result of such subtraction by the 2026 Weight (as defined below); and



(ii) Adding the 2 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate to the final result of (i) above.



The Eligible Notes Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate for the 2029 Notes, will be calculated by means of linear interpolation of the 5 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate and the 6 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate as follows:



(i) By subtracting the 5 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate from the 6 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate and multiplying the result of such subtraction by the 2029 Weight (as defined below); and



(ii) Adding the 5 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate to the final result of (i) above.



The Eligible Notes Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate for the 2030 Notes, will be calculated by means of linear interpolation of the 6 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate and the 7 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate as follows:



(i) By subtracting the 6 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate from the 7 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate and multiplying the result of such subtraction by the 2030 Weight (as defined below); and



(ii) Adding the 6 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate to the final result of (i) above.





Eligible Notes Euro Mid-Swap Rates The mid-swap rate for euro swap transactions with a maturity of 1 year, which appears on the Bloomberg Screen ICAE1 Page, as determined by the Dealer Managers at or around 4:00pm.,CET , on the date of the Expiration Deadline (the "1 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate").



The mid-swap rate for euro swap transactions with a maturity of 2 years, which appears on the Bloomberg Screen ICAE1 Page, as determined by the Dealer Managers at or around 4:00pm.,CET , on the date of the Expiration Deadline (the "2 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate").



The mid-swap rate for euro swap transactions with a maturity of 3 years, which appears on the Bloomberg Screen ICAE1 Page, as determined by the Dealer Managers at or around 4:00pm.,CET , on the date of the Expiration Deadline (the "3 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate").



The mid-swap rate for euro swap transactions with a maturity of 5 years, which appears on the Bloomberg Screen ICAE1 Page, as determined by the Dealer Managers at or around 4:00pm.,CET , on the date of the Expiration Deadline (the "5 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate").



The mid-swap rate for euro swap transactions with a maturity of 6 years, which appears on the Bloomberg Screen ICAE1 Page, as determined by the Dealer Managers at or around 4:00pm.,CET , on the date of the Expiration Deadline (the "6 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate").



The mid-swap rate for euro swap transactions with a maturity of 7 years, which appears on the Bloomberg Screen ICAE1 Page, as determined by the Dealer Managers at or around 4:00pm.,CET , on the date of the Expiration Deadline (the "7 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate").





2025 Weight The amount to be calculated by Chile , expressed as a fraction calculated by dividing the actual number of days from (and including) the date falling exactly 1 year after the Expected Settlement Date to (but excluding) the maturity date of the 2025 Notes (being January 30, 2025 ) by 365.





2026 Weight The amount to be calculated by Chile , expressed as a fraction calculated by dividing the actual number of days from (and including) the date falling exactly 2 years after the Expected Settlement Date to (but excluding) the maturity date of the 2026 Notes (being January 20, 2026 ) by 365.





2029 Weight The amount to be calculated by Chile , expressed as a fraction calculated by dividing the actual number of days from (and including) the date falling exactly 5 years after the Expected Settlement Date to (but excluding) the maturity date of the 2029 Notes (being February 1, 2029 ) by 365.





2030 Weight The amount to be calculated by Chile , expressed as a fraction calculated by dividing the actual number of days from (and including) the date falling exactly 6 years after the Expected Settlement Date to (but excluding) the maturity date of the 2030 Notes (being May 27, 2030 ) by 365.



New Notes

New Notes Spread The New Notes Spread is 128 basis points





New Notes Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate The annual rate, expressed as a percentage and rounded to the nearest 0.001 per cent (with 0.0005 rounded upwards), as calculated by Chile at or around 4:00 pm.,CET , on the date of the Expiration Deadline, by means of linear interpolation of the pair of New Notes Euro Mid-Swap Rates for the New Notes as described below.



The Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate for New Notes, will be calculated by means of linear interpolation of the 10 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate and the 11 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate as follows:



(i) By subtracting the 10 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate from the 11 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate and multiplying the result of such subtraction by the New Notes Weight (as defined below); and



(ii) Adding the 10 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate to the final result of (i) above.





New Notes Euro Mid-Swap Rates The mid-swap rate for euro swap transactions with a maturity of 10 years, which appears on the Bloomberg Screen ICAE1 Page, as determined by the Dealer Managers at or around 4:00pm.,CET , on the date of the Expiration Deadline (the "10 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate").



The mid-swap rate for euro swap transactions with a maturity of 11 years, which appears on the Bloomberg Screen ICAE1 Page, as determined by the Dealer Managers at or around 4:00pm.,CET , on the date of the Expiration Deadline (the "11 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate").



New Notes Weight The amount to be calculated by Chile , expressed as a fraction calculated by dividing the actual number of days from (and including) the date falling exactly 10 years after the Expected Settlement Date to (but excluding) the maturity date of the New Notes by 365.

At or around 4:00 p.m., CET, on Thursday, July 6, 2023 Chile will determine the Exchange Ratio for each series of Eligible Notes based on its determination of the Eligible Notes Applicable Yield and the New Notes Applicable Yield applicable to each series of Eligible Notes and New Notes, respectively. As soon as practical after such determination is made, Chile will announce the Exchange Ratio applicable to each series of Eligible Notes, together with the Eligible Notes Applicable Yield and the New Notes Applicable Yield by press release to the News Service. At or around 8:00 a.m., CET , or as soon as possible thereafter, on Friday, July 7, 2023 , Chile will announce (i) the expected aggregate principal amount of each series of Eligible Notes to be accepted in the Invitation (which could be zero for one or more series); (ii) the expected aggregate principal amount of New Notes to be issued pursuant to the Invitation; and (iii) the expected proration factor for each series of Eligible Notes, if any.

The Exchange Ratio accounts for any accrued and unpaid interest on the (i) Eligible Notes from and including the immediately previous interest payment date of such Eligible Notes, and (ii) New Notes from and including the original issue date of the New Notes issued for cash, in each case, to and excluding the Expected Settlement Date. Given that the Exchange Ratio accounts for such accrued and unpaid interest on the (i) Eligible Notes, Chile will not make a separate payment (in cash or otherwise) to holders, and (ii) New Notes, holders will make no separate payment (in cash or otherwise) to Chile , in connection therewith. The Expected Settlement Date will take place after the settlement of the New Notes Offering. The settlement of the Invitation is conditioned on the settlement of the New Notes Offering.

In the event the Invitation's settlement date is delayed, the principal amount of New Notes that holders would be entitled to receive for the Eligible Notes tendered and accepted in the Invitation will not be adjusted; provided that if the settlement date is delayed for more than seven business days from the Expected Settlement Date, the Exchange Ratio will be adjusted to account for any accrued and unpaid interest on the Eligible Notes and New Notes to and excluding the settlement date, as communicated by Chile . The Exchange Ratio will not account for or include interest accrued on and after the Expected Settlement Date on Eligible Notes accepted for exchange, and similarly will not account for interest accrued but unpaid on the New Notes on and after the Expected Settlement Date.

Chile reserves the right, in its sole discretion, not to accept tenders for, or issue, for any reason, any additional New Notes. The Invitation is being made pursuant to a prospectus supplement to be filed by Chile with the SEC.

This announcement is not an offer or a solicitation of offers to exchange or tender any securities. Any offer will be made solely by documents expected to be prepared in connection with the Invitation. The distribution of materials relating to any offer, and the transactions contemplated by any offer, may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. If materials relating to any offer come into your possession, you are required by Chile to inform yourself of and to observe all of these restrictions. The materials relating to any offer does not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation in any place where such offers or solicitations are not permitted by law.

The Information and Depositary Agent for the Invitation is Global Bondholder Services Corporation. The website for the Invitation is: https://www.gbsc-usa.com/chile/. Any questions concerning the Invitation or requests for copies of the documents may be directed to the Information and Depositary Agent at the contact information provided below.









Global Bondholder Services Corporation

65 Broadway  Suite 404

New York, New York 10006

Attn: Corporate Actions



Banks and Brokers call: (212) 430-3774

Toll free (855) 654-2015

Email: [email protected]







The Dealer Managers for the Invitation are:







Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment

Bank 12 place des Etats-Unis CS 70052 92547 Montrouge Cedex France E-mail: [email protected];

[email protected] Attention: Liability Management HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. 452 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10018 Toll Free: +1 (888) HSBC-4LM Collect: +1 (212) 525-5552 Email: [email protected] Banco Santander, S.A. Ciudad Grupo Santander Avenida de Cantabria s/n Edificio Encinar, planta baja 28660 Boadilla del Monte Madrid, Spain Email:

[email protected] Attention: Liability Management





The Bank of Nova Scotia, London Branch 201 Bishopsgate 6th Floor London EC2M 3NS United Kingdom Phone: +1-833-498-1660 Email: [email protected] Attention: Liability Management Group

Societe Generale Immeuble Basalte 17 Cours Valmy CS50318 92972 Paris La Defense Cedex France Telephone: +33 (0)1 42 13 32 16 Email: [email protected] Attention: Liability Management

Questions regarding the Invitation may also be directed to the Dealer Managers at the above contacts.

Chile has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) with the SEC for the offering of securities. Before you make any decision related to this communication, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement and other documents that Chile has filed with the SEC for more complete information about Chile and this announcement. You may obtain these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov . Alternatively, Chile or any participating underwriter or dealer will arrange to send you the prospectus or any prospectus supplement in connection herewith if you request it by calling Credit Agricole Securities (USA) Inc., at +1 (866) 807-6030, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., at +1 (866) 811-8049, Santander US Capital Markets LLC, at +1 (212) 940-1442, Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., at +1 (833) 498 1660, SG Americas Securities, LLC, at +1 855 851 2108.

The following additional information of Chile and regarding the New Notes is available from the SEC's website and also accompanies this free-writing prospectus:

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/19957/000110465923072353/tm2318446d1_18k.htm

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/19957/000110465922011948/tm225317d1_sb.htm

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/19957/000110465923075428/tm2319570d2_424b3.htm

Important Notice

This announcement is not an offer to exchange or a solicitation of an offer to sell the Eligible Notes. The Invitation is being made only by and pursuant to the terms of a prospectus to be filed with the SEC.

The distribution of materials relating to the New Notes Offering and the Invitation, and the transactions contemplated by the New Notes Offering and the Invitation, may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Each of the New Notes Offering and the Invitation is being made only in those jurisdictions where it is legal to do so. The New Notes Offering and the Invitation are void in all jurisdictions where they are prohibited. If materials relating to the New Notes Offering or the Invitation come into your possession, you are required to inform yourself of and to observe all of these restrictions. The materials relating to the New Notes Offering and the Invitation do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation in any place where offers or solicitations are not permitted by law. If a jurisdiction requires that the New Notes Offering or the Invitation be made by a licensed broker or dealer and a dealer manager participating in the Invitation or any affiliate of any such dealer manager is a licensed broker or dealer in that jurisdiction, the New Notes Offering or the Invitation, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be made by such dealer manager or such affiliate in that jurisdiction. Owners who may lawfully participate in the Invitation in accordance with the terms thereof are referred to as "holders."

Stabilization/FCA

No securities are intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in any Member State of the European Economic Area ("EEA"). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client, as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, "MiFID II"); (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97 (as amended, the "Insurance Distribution Directive"), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended or superseded, the "Prospectus Regulation"). Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the "PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling any securities or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared and therefore any offering or selling of any securities or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation.

No securities are intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the United Kingdom (the " UK "). For these purposes, (a) a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 2017/565 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 ("EUWA"); (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 ("FSMA") and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement the Insurance Distribution Directive, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA; or (iii) an investor who is not a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of the UK Prospectus Regulation, and (b) the expression "offer" includes the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the securities. Consequently, no key information document required by the PRIIPs Regulation, as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the " UK PRIIPs Regulation"), for offering or selling securities or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the UK has been prepared and therefore any offering or selling of securities or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the UK may be unlawful under the UK PRIIPs Regulation.

The expression " UK Prospectus Regulation" means the Prospectus Regulation, as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA.

Neither this communication is, nor any other offer material relating to the Invitation will be, made, and this communication has not been approved, by an authorized person for the purposes of section 21 of the FSMA. This announcement is for distribution only to persons who (a) are outside the United Kingdom ; or (b) have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, the "Order"); (c) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) ("high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.") of the Order; or (d) are persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) in connection with the issue or sale of any securities may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons together being "relevant persons"). This announcement is directed only at relevant persons and must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not relevant persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons.

ANY DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES THAT MAY APPEAR AFTER THIS MESSAGE ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO THIS COMMUNICATION AND SHOULD BE DISREGARDED. SUCH DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES WERE AUTOMATICALLY GENERATED AS A RESULT OF THIS COMMUNICATION BEING SENT VIA BLOOMBERG OR ANOTHER EMAIL SYSTEM.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chile-announces-exchange-offer-for-euro-denominated-notes-301866363.html
SANTIAGO, Chile , June 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Republic of Chile (" Chile ") offered US$1.15 billion 4.950% Notes due 2036 (the "2036 Notes") and US$1.1 billion 5.330% Notes due 2054 (the "2054 Notes" and, together with the 2036 Notes, the " New Notes ") for cash (the " New Notes Offering "), and announced the commencement of exchange offers for U.S. dollar-denominated notes (the " Invitation "), all as described below.

Pursuant to the Invitation, Chile is inviting holders of the notes set forth in the table below (the " Group A Notes " and the " Group B Notes ", which are collectively referred to herein as the " Eligible Notes "), subject to certain conditions set forth in invitation materials, to tender Eligible Notes in exchange for additional 2036 Notes or 2054 Notes, which, if issued, will be consolidated, form a single series, and be fully fungible with the corresponding series of New Notes offered pursuant to the New Notes Offering. Holders of Group A Notes are invited to submit offers to exchange them for either 2036 Notes or 2054 Notes, and holders of Group B Notes are invited to submit offers to exchange them for 2054 Notes. The aggregate outstanding principal amount of Eligible Notes is approximately US$6.48 billion .

The Invitation will expire at 5:00 p.m. , New York City time, on Thursday, July 6, 2023 (the " Expiration Deadline "), unless extended or early terminated by Chile at its sole discretion. Withdrawal rights will expire at the Expiration Deadline. The Invitation's settlement is expected to take place on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 (the " Expected Settlement Date ").



















Group A Notes ISIN CUSIP Common

Code Amount

Outstanding as of

the date of this

Invitation Eligible Notes Reference

Treasury Eligible

Notes

Spread

3.125% Notes due 2025 US168863BW77 168863BW7 115193795 US$318,728,000 4.250% May 31, 2025 0

3.125% Notes due 2026 US168863CA49 168863 CA4 134687312 US$709,316,000 4.125% June 15, 2026 20

3.240% Notes due 2028 US168863CF36 168863CF3 176683155 US$2,000,000,000 3.625% May 31, 2028 50

2.450% Notes due 2031 US168863DP09 168863 DP0 217325153 US$1,758,000,000 3.375% May 15,2033 65

















Group B Notes













3.625% Notes due 2042 US168863BP27 168863BP2 168863BP2 US$407,620,000 3.875% May 15, 2043 110

3.860% Notes due 2047 US168863CE60 168863CE6 162411667 US$1,284,412,000 3.625% February 15, 2053 125



Subject to proration, holders that validly tender Eligible Notes will receive in exchange for each US$1,000 principal amount of Eligible Notes accepted for exchange, the New Notes applicable to the relevant Group having a principal amount equal to US$1,000 multiplied by the relevant Exchange Ratio (rounded down to the nearest multiple of US$1.00 ).

The "Exchange Ratio" for each series of Eligible Notes will be determined by dividing (i) the Eligible Notes Present Value of each such series of Eligible Notes, by (ii) the New Notes Present Value of the series of New Notes applicable to such series of Eligible Notes.

The "Eligible Notes Present Value" and the "New Notes Present Value" of each series will be equivalent to the present value of the remaining principal and interest payments for such series of Eligible Notes and New Notes, respectively, calculated at the corresponding Eligible Notes Applicable Yield and the New Notes Applicable Yield, respectively, in each case for value date as of the Expected Settlement Date.

The "Eligible Notes Applicable Yield" corresponding to each series of Eligible Notes will be determined as the sum of (i) the applicable Eligible Notes Spread as set forth in the table above, and (ii) the applicable yield to maturity on the related Eligible Notes Reference Treasury as set forth in the table above, which will be spotted at or around 10:00 a.m. , New York City time, on the date of the Expiration Deadline.

The "New Notes Applicable Yield" corresponding to each series of New Notes will be determined as the sum of (a) the applicable New Notes Spread, and (ii) the applicable yield to maturity on the related New Notes Reference Treasury, which will be spotted at or around 10:00 a.m. , New York City time, on the date of the Expiration Deadline.

The "New Notes Spread" is 123 basis points for the 2036 Notes and 148 basis points for the 2054 Notes, and the "New Notes Reference Treasury" is UST 3.375% due May 15, 2033 for the 2036 Notes and UST 3.625% due February 15, 2053 for the 2054 Notes, in each case as it was determined in connection with the pricing of the New Notes.

At or around 10:00 a.m. , New York City time, on Thursday, July 6, 2023 , Chile will determine the Exchange Ratio for each series of Eligible Notes based on its determination of the Eligible Notes Applicable Yield and the New Notes Applicable Yield applicable to each series of Eligible Notes and New Notes, respectively. As soon as practical after such determination is made, Chile will announce the Exchange Ratio applicable to each series of Eligible Notes, together with the Eligible Notes Applicable Yield and the New Notes Applicable Yield by press release. At or around 8:00 a.m. , New York City time, or as soon as possible thereafter, on Friday, July 7, 2023 , Chile will announce (i) the expected aggregate principal amount of each series of Eligible Notes to be accepted in the Invitation (which could be zero for one or more series); (ii) the expected aggregate principal amount of each series of New Notes to be issued pursuant to the Invitation; and (iii) the expected proration factor for each series of Eligible Notes, if any.

The Exchange Ratio accounts for any accrued and unpaid interest on the (i) Eligible Notes from and including the immediately previous interest payment date of such Eligible Notes, and (ii) New Notes from and including the original issue date of the New Notes issued for cash, in each case, to and excluding the Expected Settlement Date. Given that the Exchange Ratio accounts for such accrued and unpaid interest on the (i) Eligible Notes, Chile will not make a separate payment (in cash or otherwise) to holders, and (ii) New Notes, holders will make no separate payment (in cash or otherwise) to Chile , in connection therewith. The Expected Settlement Date will take place after the settlement of the New Notes Offering. The settlement of the Invitation is conditioned on the settlement of the New Notes Offering.

In the event the Invitation's settlement date is delayed, the principal amount of New Notes that holders would be entitled to receive for the Eligible Notes tendered and accepted in the Invitation will not be adjusted; provided that if the settlement date is delayed for more than seven business days from the Expected Settlement Date, the Exchange Ratio will be adjusted to account for any accrued and unpaid interest on the Eligible Notes and New Notes to and excluding the settlement date, as communicated by Chile. The Exchange Ratio will not account for or include interest accrued on and after the expected settlement date on Eligible Notes accepted for exchange, and similarly it is not expected to account for interest accrued but unpaid on the New Notes on and after the Expected Settlement Date.

Chile reserves the right, in its sole discretion, not to accept tenders for, or issue, for any reason, any additional New Notes. The Invitation is being made pursuant to a prospectus supplement to be filed by Chile with the SEC.

This announcement is not an offer or a solicitation of offers to exchange or tender any securities. Any offer will be made solely by documents expected to be prepared in connection with the Invitation. The distribution of materials relating to any offer, and the transactions contemplated by any offer, may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. If materials relating to any offer come into your possession, you are required by Chile to inform yourself of and to observe all of these restrictions. The materials relating to any offer does not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation in any place where such offers or solicitations are not permitted by law.

The Information and Depositary Agent for the Invitation is Global Bondholder Services Corporation. The website for the Invitation is: https://www.gbsc-usa.com/chile/. Any questions concerning the Invitation or requests for copies of the documents may be directed to the Information and Depositary Agent at the contact information provided below.

Global Bondholder Services Corporation

65 Broadway  Suite 404

New York, New York 10006

Attn: Corporate Actions

Banks and Brokers call: (212) 430-3774

Toll free (855) 654-2015

Email: [email protected]

The Dealer Managers for the Invitation are:









Credit Agricole Securities (USA) Inc. 1301 Avenue of the Americas , 8th Floor New York, New York 10019 Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 (866) 807-6030 Attention: Liability Management HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. 452 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10018 Toll Free: +1 (888) HSBC-4LM Collect: +1 (212) 525-5552 Email: [email protected] Santander US Capital Markets LLC 437 Madison Avenue , 7th Floor New York, New York 10022 Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 (212) 940-1442 Attention: Liability Management Team





Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. 250 Vesey St New York, New York 10281 Email: [email protected] Phone: +1-833-498-1660 Attention: Liability Management Group

SG Americas Securities, LLC 245 Park Avenue New York, New York 10167 Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 855 851 2108 Attention: Liability Management

Questions regarding the Invitation may also be directed to the Dealer Managers at the above contacts.

Chile has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) with the SEC for the offering of securities. Before you make any decision related to this communication, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement and other documents that Chile has filed with the SEC for more complete information about Chile and this announcement. You may obtain these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov . Alternatively, Chile or any participating underwriter or dealer will arrange to send you the prospectus or any prospectus supplement in connection herewith if you request it by calling Credit Agricole Securities (USA) Inc., at +1 (866) 807-6030, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., at +1 (866) 811-8049, Santander US Capital Markets LLC, at +1 (212) 940-1442, Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., at +1 (833) 498 1660, SG Americas Securities, LLC, at +1 855 851 2108.

The following additional information of Chile and regarding the New Notes is available from the SEC's website and also accompanies this free-writing prospectus:

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/19957/000110465923072353/tm2318446d1_18k.htm

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/19957/000110465922011948/tm225317d1_sb.htm

sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/19957/000110465923075020/tm2319570d1_424b3.htm

Important Notice

This announcement is not an offer to exchange or a solicitation of an offer to sell the Eligible Notes. The Invitation is being made only by and pursuant to the terms of a prospectus to be filed with the SEC.

The distribution of materials relating to the New Notes Offering and the Invitation, and the transactions contemplated by the New Notes Offering and the Invitation, may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Each of the New Notes Offering and the Invitation is being made only in those jurisdictions where it is legal to do so. The New Notes Offering and the Invitation are void in all jurisdictions where they are prohibited. If materials relating to the New Notes Offering or the Invitation come into your possession, you are required to inform yourself of and to observe all of these restrictions. The materials relating to the New Notes Offering and the Invitation do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation in any place where offers or solicitations are not permitted by law. If a jurisdiction requires that the New Notes Offering or the Invitation be made by a licensed broker or dealer and a dealer manager participating in the Invitation or any affiliate of any such dealer manager is a licensed broker or dealer in that jurisdiction, the New Notes Offering or the Invitation, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be made by such dealer manager or such affiliate in that jurisdiction. Owners who may lawfully participate in the Invitation in accordance with the terms thereof are referred to as "holders."

Stabilization/FCA

No securities are intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in any Member State of the European Economic Area ("EEA"). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client, as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, "MiFID II"); (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97 (as amended, the "Insurance Distribution Directive"), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended or superseded, the "Prospectus Regulation"). Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the "PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling any securities or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared and therefore any offering or selling of any securities or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation.

No securities are intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the United Kingdom (the " UK "). For these purposes, (a) a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 2017/565 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 ("EUWA"); (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 ("FSMA") and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement the Insurance Distribution Directive, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA; or (iii) an investor who is not a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of the UK Prospectus Regulation, and (b) the expression "offer" includes the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the securities. Consequently, no key information document required by the PRIIPs Regulation, as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the " UK PRIIPs Regulation"), for offering or selling securities or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the UK has been prepared and therefore any offering or selling of securities or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the UK may be unlawful under the UK PRIIPs Regulation.

The expression " UK Prospectus Regulation" means the Prospectus Regulation, as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA.

Neither this communication is, nor any other offer material relating to the Invitation will be, made, and this communication has not been approved, by an authorized person for the purposes of section 21 of the FSMA. This announcement is for distribution only to persons who (a) are outside the United Kingdom ; or (b) have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, the "Order"); (c) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) ("high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.") of the Order; or (d) are persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) in connection with the issue or sale of any securities may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons together being "relevant persons"). This announcement is directed only at relevant persons and must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not relevant persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons.

* * *

ANY DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES THAT MAY APPEAR AFTER THIS MESSAGE ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO THIS COMMUNICATION AND SHOULD BE DISREGARDED. SUCH DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES WERE AUTOMATICALLY GENERATED AS A RESULT OF THIS COMMUNICATION BEING SENT VIA BLOOMBERG OR ANOTHER EMAIL SYSTEM.

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Establishes NCDD Scholarship Fund for Free One Year Membership

DES MOINES, Iowa , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumer Safety Technology, a leader in safety and detection products and services helping people live responsibly and making communities safe, today announced an expanded partnership with the NCDD (National College for DUI Defense). The NCDD, a national DUI defense association, aims to provide the finest advanced-level training available to solo attorneys and law firms practicing DUI (driving under the influence) Defense Law.

The NCDD's 1,500 members are some of the most experienced DUI attorneys in the US and Canada . It is the mission of the NCDD to provide the finest advanced-level training available to the DUI Defense practitioner.

This year, CST, along with its family of DUI solutions including Intoxalock, the leading ignition interlock brand in the US, Breathe Easy specialized insurance, and New Directions assessments introduced the NCDD Scholarship Fund. The fund will provide scholarships for new attorneys to join the NCDD at no cost for one year.

CST will also continue to serve as the Exclusive Sponsor of the NCDD Monthly CLE Webinar Series, an ongoing education digital series free to all members. The webinars feature useful content including perspectives on industry trends, guest subject matter experts focusing on legislation and compliance, and marketing trends and best practices.

"We're honored to continue our partnership with NCDD and provide education opportunities, engaging webinar content, and important resources for its members," said Kathy Boden Holland , CEO, CST. "DUI defense entails a high degree of customer care with numerous requirements and parameters, and we are uniquely positioned to collaborate with NCDD and support their community."

"The National College for DUI Defense is grateful for the generous support of CST and its family of brands, including Intoxalock, Breathe Easy and New Directions. CST's support helps us to fulfill our mission of educating attorneys in this highly technical legal specialty and pursue our mission of justice through knowledge. Our partnership is the result of a genuine commitment by both to provide blue-ribbon support to DUI attorneys and their clients in this field," said Andrew Mishlove , Dean of the NCDD. "We are proud of our commitment to the highest level of legal education and service to our clients. Our relationship with CST is a key component."

As the Official DUI Services Partner, CST will provide exclusive savings and benefits from its leading brands for NCDD members and their DUI/DWI clients. Savings and benefits include VIP support, best-available pricing on Intoxalock, the number one ignition interlock brand, access to New Direction assessment services, and Breathe Easy insurance.

For more information on how NCDD attorney members can join the Intoxalock Select Attorney Network and get instant access to client savings materials visit the NCDD and Intoxalock Partner page.

About CST Holdings Co.

CST Holdings and its family of brands have been making communities and roads in the United States safer for more than 30 years. CST provides consumers and monitoring authorities with products and services to effectively deter impaired driving and support individuals as they navigate the license restoration process. CST Holdings has helped millions of individuals to live and drive responsibly. By delivering exceptional customer experiences, CST has had an average annual revenue and EBITDA growth of 29 percent for the past five years. Intoxalock is the #1 ignition interlock brand in the US, and along with its associated brands, operates in all 50 states and has the largest and most convenient service center network with more than 5,000 locations. Breathe Easy Insurance Solutions offers low-cost high-risk and other insurance solutions to customers in 42 states. New Directions, acquired in 2021, offers assessment services for alcohol, substance abuse, and other mental health or behavioral issues. CST Holding Company is a portfolio company of L. Catterton .

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/consumer-safety-technology-named-official-dui-services-partner-of-the-national-college-for-dui-defense-301866147.html

SOURCE Intoxalock
ZALTBOMMEL, Netherlands , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cyclomedia , a world leader in providing highly accurate 360 street-level visual data, enhanced by AI-powered analytics, announced a significant investment to bolster the company's growth and pave the way for further success.

Investing in products & solutions to benefit customers & partners

Cyclomedia has achieved high growth rates over the past years, coupled with solid profitability, which has allowed it to build and cement its global leadership position.

This announcement confirms Cyclomedia's commitment to continue developing cutting-edge innovations that meet the needs of customers and partners on a global scale.

The company will therefore be able to better support its customers in harnessing the power of AI and real-world digital representations; such as Digital Twins, in managing outdoors assets more efficiently, more effectively, more safely and more sustainably.

Existing investors re-commit & new investors join

The funding has been led by Cyclomedia's current lead investor Volpi Capital, joined by a group of new investors, which strongly reaffirms investor belief in Cyclomedia's growth potential and long-term success.

"We are delighted to share this announcement," said Serge Lupas , Cyclomedia's CEO. "Not only have our existing investors reaffirmed their commitment to Cyclomedia, but we also welcome new investors who share our vision for the future. Their participation demonstrated their confidence in our ability to deliver exceptional results and create lasting value for our customers, partners and investors."

About Cyclomedia

Cyclomedia digitizes the outside world on a large scale, with high fidelity and in 3D -- allowing it to be visualized, mapped, analyzed -- and so enriched with layers of valuable information for its customers. The company develops, builds and operates the world's most advanced mobile mapping [1]systems, capturing over 850,000 km annually, enhanced by innovative AI-powered analytics to deliver actionable data-driven insights. Public and private organizations worldwide use this smart digital reality data to solve challenges in the areas of mobility, sustainability, safety and connectivity.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2108481/4138962/Cyclomedia_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cyclomedia-global-leader-in--geospatial-technology-strengthened-by-new-investment-301865169.html

SOURCE Cyclomedia
SAN FRANCISCO , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Foresight Commercial Insurance , the workers' compensation provider that reduces claims frequency with proprietary safety technology, today announced it is now writing coverage for solar installers in California .

Foresight received approval from the WCIRB and the California Department of Insurance for the creation of a proprietary Solar Installation subclass code and corresponding rate.

This new subclass enables Foresight to bring competitive pricingalong with its proprietary, proven safety technologyto one of the largest markets for this growing industry.

"The expansion of our underwriting appetite to include California solar installers is another opportunity for our broker partners to win business and bring our proven safety technology to a safety-critical industry," said David Fontain , Foresight CEO and co-founder.

About Foresight Commercial Insurance (Foresight):

Foresight, a monoline workers' compensation provider, sees a future where workplace injuries are a thing of the past. Through Safesite, a proprietary, data-driven, safety engagement app and virtual consulting program, Foresight reduces claims frequency by 18% for businesses in construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and other critical industries.

Media Contact:

Hunter Pechin

804-938-9704

[email protected]com

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SOURCE Foresight Commercial Insurance
Online Customer Claims Portal to Launch in the Coming Days

WILMINGTON, Del. , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- FTX Trading Ltd. (d.b.a. FTX.com), and its affiliated debtors (together, the "FTX Debtors"), today announced that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court has set the "Customer Bar Date" for September 29, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time .

John J. Ray III, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Restructuring Officer of the FTX Debtors, said: "The establishment of the Customer Bar Date is an important milestone in the Chapter 11 cases. We look forward to launching our customer claims portal and continuing our efforts to maximize recovery for our creditors."

To streamline the claims process for customers, the FTX Debtors are finalizing an online claims portal at https://claims.ftx.com. The portal is not live yet and will launch in the coming days. When the portal is finalized and launched, the FTX Debtors will be noticing all known customers over the coming weeks via email and, for those for whom the FTX Debtors only have a physical mailing address, via mail. Notices will include instructions for how customers can submit proofs of claims.

U.S. Bankruptcy Court filings and other documents related to the court proceedings, including information on how to submit a claim, are available at https://cases.ra.kroll.com/FTX/.

Advisors

The FTX Debtors are represented by Sullivan & Cromwell LLP as legal counsel and are assisted by Alvarez & Marsal North America, LLC as financial advisor, Perella Weinberg Partners LP as investment banker, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP as special counsel and Landis Rath & Cobb LLP as Delaware counsel. The UCC is represented by Paul Hastings LLP as legal counsel, FTI Consulting as financial advisor, Jefferies LLC as investment banker and Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor LLP as Delaware counsel.

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SOURCE FTX
Company to provide cybersecurity and software development services

FALLS CHURCH, Va. , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), announced today that its Intelligence & Homeland Security Division was awarded two contracts valued at $580 million .

GD), announced today that its Intelligence & Homeland Security Division was awarded two contracts valued at $580 million." alt="General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), announced today that its Intelligence & Homeland Security Division was awarded two contracts valued at $580 million." />

Through these multi-year contracts, awarded in April, GDIT will provide full-spectrum cybersecurity and software development services. The capabilities enable analysts, policymakers and other decision makers to securely analyze and synthesize complex data to support a variety of critical missions.

"As the intelligence landscape has become more complex, we have invested in advanced cyber and software development solutions to bring greater agility and speed to our customers' missions," said Kelly Ferrell , senior vice president, Intelligence and Homeland Security. "We are looking forward to leveraging these advanced solutions and continuing our more than three decades of support to our government customers."

The contracts expand the company's intelligence and homeland security portfolio in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, cloud and high-performance computing. This includes the $4.5 billion User Facing and Data Center Services (UDS) contract awarded in March 2022 to support the geospatial intelligence mission.

General Dynamics is a global aerospace and defense company that offers a broad portfolio of products and services in business aviation; ship construction and repair; land combat vehicles, weapons systems and munitions; and technology products and services. General Dynamics employs more than 100,000 people worldwide and generated $39.4 billion in revenue in 2022. More information about General Dynamics Information Technology is available at www.gdit.com. More information about General Dynamics is available at www.gd.com.

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SOURCE General Dynamics Information Technology
CHONGQING, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Kang Lili, an avid durian lover, has been treating herself to delectable Thai durians lately, overlooking their price tags. Much to her delight, there has been a significant price drop.

"The price was nearly 100 yuan (about 13.87 U.S. dollars) per kg in April, and it dropped to 40-plus yuan per kg in June. I can enjoy the fruit without worrying about my wallet," said Kang, a resident of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality.

Known as the "king of fruits" in Southeast Asia, the durian has gained increasing popularity among Chinese consumers due to its rich texture and unique flavor. Nevertheless, its high price has dissuaded many from indulging in its delights.

However, the price decline of durians is now poised to bring joy to a larger community of durian lovers. The changes can be attributed to the bountiful harvests of durians in Southeast Asian countries, as well as the Belt and Road cooperation, which has facilitated the establishment of international logistics channels between China and countries along the route.

These international logistics channels have significantly promoted trade and reduced transportation time between durian-producing regions in Southeast Asia and the inland areas of China.

In 2017, western Chinese provinces and ASEAN member states jointly launched the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, with Chongqing as the transportation hub. The corridor is one of the major programs under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Prior to the launch of the trade corridor, durians from Southeast Asian countries had to be shipped by sea to eastern cities in China before being transported to the western regions. The long transportation time and high costs made entering the western Chinese market difficult, and customers there had to bear higher durian prices.

On June 11, a cross-border train loaded with about 500 tonnes of fresh Thai durians reached Chongqing, marking the direct arrival of the first batch of Thai durians in Chongqing via the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor.

The entire journey took only four days, compared with eight to 10 days via previous land-sea routes, said Deng Haoji, chief operating officer of Hongjiu Fruit, the company that purchased the durians.

"For fruit importers, time is money and every hour is precious. This durian train has reduced costs, as well as losses during transportation," Deng said, adding that these factors can ultimately benefit more customers.

The corridor now covers 61 cities in 18 provincial-level regions of China, and has expanded to 393 ports in 119 countries and regions.

From January to April, Chongqing reported 51,000 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) containers of goods transported through the corridor, a year-on-year increase of 37 percent. The value of goods reached over 7.88 billion yuan, up 24 percent year on year.

Pornlert Chanto, the owner of a durian orchard in Thailand, hailed the launch of the corridor. "Logistics has been greatly improved. China's market demand is rapidly growing, and the Chinese market is of great importance to me," said Chanto, a major supplier of Hongjiu Fruit.

Thanks to the increasing Chinese orders, the revenue of Chanto's orchard has increased from about 3 million yuan in 2018 to 3.5 million yuan in 2022.

Apart from durians, other Southeast Asian specialty products such as Thai dragon fruit, Indonesian coffee, Laotian beer and Vietnamese basa fish are also gaining swift entry into the Chinese market through the trade corridor. 
The Preliminary Economic Assessment referred to in this release is equivalent to a Scoping Study under JORC Code (2012) reporting guidelines. It has been undertaken for the purpose of initial evaluation of a potential development of the Costa Fuego Copper Project in Chile . It is a preliminary technical and economic study of the potential viability of the Costa Fuego Copper Project. The PEA outcomes, production target and forecast financial information referred to in the release are based on low level technical and economic assessments that are insufficient to support estimation of Ore Reserves. The PEA is presented in US dollars to an accuracy level of +/- 35%. While each of the modifying factors was considered and applied, there is no certainty of eventual conversion to Ore Reserves or that the production target itself will be realised. Further exploration and evaluation and appropriate studies are required before Hot Chili will be in a position to estimate any Ore Reserves or to provide any assurance of any economic development case. Given the uncertainties involved, investors should not make any investment decisions based solely on the results of the PEA.



Of the Mineral Resources scheduled for extraction in the PEA production plan, approximately 97% are classified as Indicated and 3% as Inferred during the 18-year evaluation period. The Company has concluded that it has reasonable grounds for disclosing a production target which includes a small amount of Inferred Mineral Resources. There is a low level of geological confidence associated with Inferred Mineral Resources and there is no certainty that further exploration work will result in the determination of Indicated Mineral Resources or that the production target itself will be realised. Inferred Mineral Resources comprise 2.5% of the production schedule in the first four years of operation. The viability of the development scenario envisaged in the PEA does not depend on the inclusion of Inferred Mineral Resources.



The Mineral Resources underpinning the production target in the PEA have been prepared by a competent person in accordance with the requirements of the JORC 2012. For full details on the Mineral Resource estimate, please refer to the ASX announcement of 31 March 2022 . Hot Chili confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in that release and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimate continue to apply and have not been changed.



This PEA is based on the material assumptions outlined in Table 11 in this announcement. While Hot Chili considers that all the material assumptions are based on reasonable grounds, there is no certainty that they will prove to be correct or that the range of outcomes indicated by the PEA will be achieved.



To achieve the outcomes indicated in the PEA, including reaching Definitive Feasibility Study ("DFS") stage, funding in the order of US$1.10 Billion will be required, including pre-production and working capital, and assumed financing charges. Investors should note that that there is no certainty that Hot Chili will be able to raise that amount of funding when needed. One of the key assumptions is that the funding for the Project will be available when required. It is also possible that such funding may only be available on terms that may be dilutive to or otherwise affect the value of Hot Chili's existing shares. It is also possible that Hot Chili could pursue other value realisation strategies such as debt financing, a sale or partial sale of its interest in the Costa Fuego Copper Project, sale of further royalties and/or streaming rights, sale of non- committed offtake rights, and sale of non-core assets.



This announcement contains forward-looking statements. Hot Chili has concluded that it has a reasonable basis for providing these forward- looking statements and believes it has a reasonable basis to expect it will be able to fund development of the Costa Fuego Copper Project. However, a number of factors could cause actual results or expectations to differ materially from the results expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Given the uncertainties involved, investors should not make any investment decisions based solely of the results of this study.
NAPLES, Fla. , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- JBMInstitutional Multifamily Advisors is pleased to announce the sale of Longitude 81 apartments located in Estero, Florida . This 260-unit, core-plus property was built in 2016 and sits on 17.95 acres +/- offering a low-density site plan of just 14.48 units per acre. JBM exclusively listed the deal for Passco Companies, LLC and sold the asset in June 2023 to ECI Group.

The community will be re-branded as Waterline Estero.

"I want to congratulate both the buyer and seller on a successful transaction. Getting deals closed in the current environment can be trying for some, but it was a pleasure to broker this deal on behalf of two first class groups on each side. This marks the 2nd time JBM has sold this asset which goes to showcase our tremendous success across the Estero / Naples / Fort Myers landscape and Southwest Florida as a whole. I also want to give a special shoutout to Passco, with whom JBM has completed over $449MM in transaction volume and with more to come," said JBM Chairman & CEO, Jamie May .

About the Property

In addition to the tremendous physical plant, Market Rents were $395 below rent comparables. 44 upgraded units showcased the tremendous value-add potential  achieving a $129 premium over units with standard finishes. Notable amenities include: a resort-style pool, 24-hour fitness center, covered outdoor lounge area with TVs and fireplace, poolside grilling stations, car care center, valet trash, fenced-in dog park, and package lockers. Detached garages and carports are also available for rent. Each unit also has its own private, ground floor entry.

Longitude 81 is located in the affluent area of Estero, Florida and is just 1.5 miles from Florida Gulf Coast University, a 12-minute drive to the Southwest Florida International Airport , and is located directly adjacent to Hertz Arena and the Shoppes at University Highlands . A brand new, 21K square foot Lee Health outpatient facility is also located adjacent to the Property.

About JBM

JBM is the #1 ranked boutique brokerage firm in the U.S.A. and has dominated the Southwest Florida market for the last 20+ years with a greater than 70% market share. Despite only transacting in Florida , for the second consecutive year Green Street ranks JBM #1 for Highest Average Sold Price in the U.S.A. and the #13 multifamily broker by total sales volume. JBM has a lifetime transactions volume over $18.7 billion and 168,000 units.

JBM - Available Properties

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SOURCE JBM Institutional Multifamily Advisors
SALT LAKE CITY , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- QuHarrison Terry presents Jonas Andrulis , CEO of Aleph Alpha , with the WTF Innovators Award for building tools that combat AI hallucinations by providing transparency and verifiability in generative AI output.

The WTF Innovators Award recognizes excellence at the precipice of societal change, with the inaugural class focusing on AI innovators. As a memento, each of the 34 awardees are gifted a featured song by QuHarrison Terry and Genesis Renji . We present "Shining", produced by Nimso , to Jonas Andrulis .

Listen to "Shining": https://qt.lnk.to/ShiningPr

Aleph Alpha is a Germany -based AI company that researches, develops, and operationalizes AI systems for generalizable purposes. The company is bringing explainability and traceability into generative AI, not only to strengthen user trust in AI but also to satisfy the regulatory requirements in the forthcoming EU AI Act.

Aleph Alpha released Luminous , an open-sourced, multimodal large language model (MLLM) that allows users to generate text while also verifying sources of the information and discovering the reasoning behind each response.

To achieve this groundbreaking level of transparency, they've built two functionalities for the Luminous model: AtMan and Explain.

AtMan, which stands for Attention Manipulation, allows users to manipulate the attention (importance) of specific tokens, words, or entire sentences in an input prompt in order to correct, guide, or reweight specific responses from the AI.

Explain gives a clear glimpse into how the AI arrives at their response, showing which parts of a text passage have caused or contradict the generated answer, thus allowing users to get a better sense of what may lead the AI to hallucinate false information.

"The black-box-nature of AI systems is a great source of fear. We don't necessarily know when, why, or how generative AI comes up with its hallucinated responses. Jonas Andrulis is directly combating this problem and showing us how AI companies can build tools that provide transparency into AI's outputs, which is why he should be on everyone's radar," said QuHarrison Terry .

Prior to founding Aleph Alpha in 2019, Jonas Andrulis founded Pallas Ludens in 2014. The machine learning company supplied labeling and annotation services for computer vision training and reference data.

From 2016 to 2019, Jonas served as Senior AI R&D Engineering Manager at Apple, where he oversaw machine learning R&D and prototyping.

Ryan Cowdrey

505-333-9117

[email protected]

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SOURCE QuHarrison Terry
Proposal Represents a 52.25% Premium to FREVS' Most Recent Closing Price Calls Upon the Board to Immediately Enter into Discussions with Kushner Urges Shareholders to Make Their Views Known to the Board

NEW YORK , June 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- K Corp Acquisitions LLC, a Kushner company, today sent the following letter to the Board of Directors of First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey, Inc. (OTC: FREVS) ("FREVS" or the "Trust") proposing to acquire FREVS for $22.00 per share in cash:

First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey, Inc.

505 Main Street

Hackensack, New Jersey 07601

Attn: Board of Directors

Dear Members of the Board:

K Corp Acquisitions LLC, a Kushner company, hereby conveys its proposal to acquire all the outstanding shares of common stock of First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey, Inc. ("FREVS" or the "Trust") at a price equal to $22.00 per share in cash (the "Transaction"). We are submitting this proposal in order to facilitate constructive discussions with the Board of Directors of the Trust (the "Board"), with the goal of entering into a mutually agreeable transaction that is in the best interests of all shareholders.

We believe that this proposal delivers a highly attractive opportunity for shareholders to obtain full and fair value that exceeds what FREVS can be expected to achieve in the coming years under present management if it remains on its current course as a standalone company. For shareholders, this proposal represents a 52.25% premium over yesterday's closing price of $14.45 per share and a 53.73% premium over the trailing 30-trading day volume weighted average price of $14.31 per share. We firmly believe this proposal will have wide-ranging support among the Trust's shareholders. We urge those constituencies who want to see FREVS sold to make their views known and have their voicesheard by the Board.

We propose that the Transaction be accomplished through a negotiated merger agreement. This proposal is subject to the following conditions: (i) receipt of required Board and shareholder approvals, including under applicable provisions of the Trust's Charter; (ii) receipt of any required governmental and third-party approvals; and (iii) the execution of a definitive agreement containing terms and conditions customary for a transaction of this type and size. The Transaction would not be subject to any financing contingency.

We are willing to devote considerable resources to completing the Transaction and stand ready to meet with the Board and its representatives, and conduct our limited confirmatory due diligence, immediately. We are confident in our ability, together with our legal advisors, Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP, to complete our due diligence, negotiate and enter into definitive agreements, and consummate the Transaction in an expedited and efficient manner.

We believe that this proposal represents the best opportunity for shareholders to achieve immediate liquidity and realize maximum and certain value for their shares. Please be aware that this letter constitutes an expression of interest only and does not create and shall not be deemed to constitute or create any legally binding or enforceable obligations on the part of either of us until a definitive transaction agreement is executed. We reserve the right to withdraw or modify any proposal at any time and for any reason.

We look forward to hearing from you promptly regarding this proposal and working expeditiously towards a mutually agreeable outcome that we believe will be in the best interests of all shareholders. However, if the Board refuses to engage with us in good faith, we reserve our rights to take action to protect shareholders' interests, which may include taking this proposal directly to shareholders.

Very truly yours,

Charles Kushner

Notice to Investors

The potential tender offer described above has not yet commenced. This communication is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation, an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Shares"), of FREVS. If the tender offer is commenced, K Corp Acquisitions LLC and/or one or more affiliates thereof (collectively, "Kushner") will file a tender offer statement and related exhibits with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), and FREVS will file a solicitation/recommendation statement with respect to such tender offer with the SEC.

SHAREHOLDERS OF FREVS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO READ THE TENDER OFFER STATEMENT (INCLUDING THE RELATED EXHIBITS) AND THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT, AS THEY MAY BE AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISION REGARDING TENDERING THEIR SHARES. IF THE TENDER OFFER IS COMMENCED, THE TENDER OFFER STATEMENT (INCLUDING THE RELATED EXHIBITS) AND THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE ON THE SEC'S WEBSITE AT WWW.SEC.GOV. IN ADDITION, IF THE TENDER OFFER IS COMMENCED, THE TENDER OFFER STATEMENT AND OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT ARE FILED BY KUSHNER WITH THE SEC WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO ALL SHAREHOLDERS OF FREVS FREE OF CHARGE FROM THE INFORMATION AGENT FOR THE TENDER OFFER.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain certain "forward-looking statements", many of which are beyond our ability to control or predict. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "will" or words of similar meaning and include, but are not limited to, statements about the expected future business and financial performance of Kushner. Actual events, results and outcomes may differ materially from our expectations due to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Forward-looking statements in this document include, without limitation, statements regarding the planned completion of the offer. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those anticipated, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties related to: statements regarding the anticipated benefits of the transaction; statements regarding the anticipated timing of filings and approvals relating to the transaction; statements regarding the expected timing of the completion of the transaction; the percentage of FREVS' shareholders tendering their shares in the offer; the possibility that competing offers will be made; the possibility that various closing conditions for the transaction may not be satisfied or waived, including that a governmental entity may prohibit, delay or refuse to grant approval for the consummation of the transaction; the effects of disruption caused by the transaction making it more difficult to maintain relationships with employees and customers; shareholder litigation in connection with the transaction resulting in significant costs of defense, indemnification and liability; and other risks and uncertainties discussed in the tender offer documents that would be filed by Kushner if the tender offer is commenced and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement that would be filed by FREVS. Kushner does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. All forward-looking statements in this release are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

About Kushner

Founded in New Jersey in 1985, Kushner is a diversified real estate organization responsible for the ownership, management, development, and redevelopment of properties through the country. Kushner companies currently own and operate over 20,000 units across the country, with a strong presence in New Jersey , and have a multifamily development pipeline of over 10,000 units.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to [email protected]

Investor Contact:

Bruce Goldfarb / Pat McHugh

Okapi Partners LLC

(212) 297-0720

[email protected]

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SOURCE Kushner
Second-largest university in Missouri chooses a unified experience on a modern platform

TORONTO , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - D2L, a global learning technology company, was selected in June 2023 by Missouri State University (MSU) to make D2L Brightspace the new innovative learning platform for more than 20,000 learners and faculty.

More than ever, schools, institutions, and organizations are looking for a best-in-class experience with an online learning platform that boasts superior tools and services. Missouri State University, the second-largest public university in Missouri , is no exception. It conducted an extensive evaluation process before choosing D2L and its single, flexible, and streamlined learning innovation platform D2L Brightspace to help take learning to the next level.

"We believe that creating unforgettable faculty and student-centric learning experiences can unleash great potential," said Dr. Cristi Ford , Vice President of Academic Affairs at D2L. "We look forward to working closely with Missouri State to help increase online teaching and learning opportunities for students and faculty, and empower them to become more innovative, collaborative, and to continuously improve on their skills and knowledge."

By moving to Brightspace, Missouri State University faculty and students will benefit from a learning platform that is:

Easy to use , with intuitive, mobile-friendly technology that works across all devices

, with intuitive, mobile-friendly technology that works across all devices Engaging , with tools and resources that enable modern, personalized learning experiences

, with tools and resources that enable modern, personalized learning experiences Data-driven , with robust analytics that help faculty support their students' success

, with robust analytics that help faculty support their students' success Accessible , with inclusive design that enables people of all abilities to fully engage in learning

, with inclusive design that enables people of all abilities to fully engage in learning Integrated, with seamless interoperability between academic tools and systems

with seamless interoperability between academic tools and systems Supportive, with D2L's award-winning services and support teams committed to Missouri State University 's success

"Missouri State's proven record of developing successful students who excel academically and in ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement is just one the reasons we're so excited to partner with them," said Michael Beattie , Vice President of Higher Education at D2L. "We look forward to supporting Missouri State in its delivery of high-quality education to the next generation of global leaders."

About D2L

D2L is transforming the way the world learnshelping learners of all ages achieve more than they dreamed possible. Working closely with clients all over the world, D2L is supporting millions of people learning online and in person. Our growing global workforce is dedicated to making the best learning products to leave the world better than they found it. Learn more about D2L for K-12, higher education and businesses at www.D2L.com.

 2023 D2L Corporation.

The D2L family of companies includes D2L Inc., D2L Corporation, D2L Ltd, D2L Australia Pty Ltd, D2L Europe Ltd, D2L EU B.V., D2L Asia Pte Ltd and D2L Brasil Solucoes de Tecnologia para Educacao Ltda.

All D2L marks are trademarks of D2L Corporation. Please visit D2L.com/trademarks for a list of D2L marks.

"All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners"

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SOURCE D2L
Truth Initiative "Tobacco Nation" report shows how 12 states lag behind rest of country on tobacco-related issues

WASHINGTON , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A new report released today shows how major geographic smoking disparities are impacting residents of 12 contiguous states throughout the Midwest and South, creating a region dubbed "Tobacco Nation." The report from Truth Initiative, the national public health organization inspiring lives free from smoking, vaping, and nicotine, analyzes how smoking prevalence is nearly 50% higher in these 12 states compared to the rest of the nation, with a smoker living in Tobacco Nation smoking on average nearly 500 more cigarettes per year than the average smoker elsewhere in the United States . These states frequently have fewer key policies proven to reduce tobacco usage, significantly contributing to these major disparities. This third Tobacco Nation report released since 2017 further demonstrates how, with smoking remaining the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. , Tobacco Nation residents live shorter lives and face a higher risk of dying than other Americans, as well as what steps can be taken to end these dangerous disparities.

Read the report  "Tobacco Nation: A Call to Eliminate Geographic Smoking Disparities in the U.S. "

"No matter where you choose to live, you should have the right to a safe, tobacco-free life. And unfortunately, that just isn't the case right now in the United States ," stated Dr. Barbara Schillo , Chief Research Officer at Truth Initiative. "Due in part to policies that favor the tobacco industry over public health, residents of 'Tobacco Nation' are too often suffering from shorter life expectancy, worse indicators of health, and high prevalence of tobacco use. We owe it to all those who live in these states to take strong actions to close these geographic disparities and give them a fighting chance for a healthy, smoke-free life."

This year's report reveals that in the 12 "Tobacco Nation" states  Alabama , Arkansas , Indiana , Kentucky , Louisiana , Michigan , Mississippi , Missouri , Ohio , Oklahoma , Tennessee , and West Virginia  both adults (19.2% vs. 13%) and young adults (11.2% vs. 7.6%) have a 50 percent higher prevalence of smoking cigarettes, and smoke significantly more cigarettes per capita annually (53 vs. 29 packs) than people living in other states. Other key findings include:

Tobacco Nation residents live shorter lives and face a higher risk of dying than other Americans, with an average life expectancy of 76 years compared to 79 years in the rest of the U.S. ;

; Adult smoking prevalence in Tobacco Nation states is forecasted to be over 40% higher on average compared to other U.S. states over the next 20 years; and

states over the next 20 years; and With more than 67 million residents, the Tobacco Nation states include roughly 21 percent of the U.S. population, but represent more than 28 percent of all adult current smokers nationwide.

While residents of Tobacco Nation have historically supported strong tobacco control policies at an equal level to residents of states outside the region, a combination of factors have prevented them from gaining traction. Overall, states within Tobacco Nation have less restrictive tobacco policies, including:

Lower taxes, leading to a pack of cigarettes costing nearly 20% less in Tobacco Nation than in other states ( $6.50 compared with $7.95 );

compared with ); Lower spending on tobacco prevention and cessation programs, spending less than 15% of CDC-recommended expenditures compared to 30% of CDC -recommended expenditures outside of Tobacco Nation;

-recommended expenditures outside of Tobacco Nation; Virtually no flavored tobacco sales restrictions, with less than one percent of Tobacco Nation residents being protected by flavored product restrictions, compared to 34% of the rest of the country; and

Fewer comprehensive smoke-free policies, which cover 47% of Tobacco Nation residents compared to 64% of the rest of the U.S.

The way forward out of Tobacco Nation is clear  policies proven to decrease tobacco use need to be adopted and implemented in the region as they have been throughout the country. Without these measures in place, Tobacco Nation residents are subject to unchecked industry influence and suffering from high prevalence of tobacco use. A separate analysis by Truth Initiative and HealthPartners Institute found that that increasing spending on tobacco prevention and cessation programs, paired with raising cigarette taxes, could reduce adult smoking disparities in the region to levels on par with the rest of the country. The analysis also predicted that implementation of key policies in Tobacco Nation could lead, over the next two decades, to:

Roughly 100,000 fewer cancer cases;

730,000 fewer hospitalizations;

170,000 fewer deaths attributed to smoking following policy changes;

Savings of over $24 billion in smoking-attributable medical costs; and

in smoking-attributable medical costs; and Increasing productivity by over $100 billion .

It is time for Tobacco Nation's elected officials to set aside the influence of the tobacco industry and prioritize the health of their residents, now and in the future. To read the full report, visit truthinitiative.org/tobacconation.

About Truth Initiative

Truth Initiative is a national public health organization dedicated to achieving a culture where all young people reject smoking, vaping and nicotine and a future where tobacco and nicotine addiction are a thing of the past. Our impact has helped drive youth smoking prevalence down from 23% in 2000 to a historic low of 2% in 2022. The truth about tobacco and the tobacco industry are at the heart of our proven-effective and nationally recognized truth public education campaign. As youth e-cigarette use threatens to put a new generation at risk for addiction to nicotine, we are leading the fight against tobacco and nicotine addiction in all forms. Our first-of-its-kind, text message quit vaping program This Is Quitting has enrolled nearly 600,000 young people nationwide and our youth e-cigarette prevention curriculum Vaping: Know the truth is being used in more than 6,000 schools nationwide. Our rigorous scientific research and policy studies, community and youth engagement programs supporting populations at high risk of using tobacco, and innovation in tobacco dependence treatment are also helping to end one of the most critical public health battles of our time. Based in Washington D.C. , our organization, formerly known as the American Legacy Foundation, was established and funded through the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement between attorneys general from 46 states, five U.S. territories and the tobacco industry. To learn more, visit truthinitiative.org.

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SOURCE Truth Initiative
MONTREAL , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Worximity, a technology company that maximizes manufacturing productivity and profitability, today announced the release of its newest solution. Worximity's Insights platform is designed to make extracting value from production data easier than ever.

Yannick Desmarais , CEO and founder of Worximity, explains that as the industry continues to grapple with crippling labor shortages and skyrocketing costs, leveraging innovative technology to optimize existing resources is critical.

"The fact is, real-time production monitoring and tracking overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) alone isn't enough," says Desmarais. "Manufacturers who can offset unstable production costs with internal efficiencies are the ones who stay ahead of the competition, and we're in a position to help them quickly uncover and capitalize on those efficiencies."

About Worximity Insights

Insights completes Worximity's existing manufacturing software suite by closing the loop between acquiring and measuring production data, then using that information to drive improvement. It does this by leveraging the power of data intelligence to transform key metrics from the shop floor into concrete improvement opportunities prioritized according to the highest impact on the bottom line. This means supporting businesses with a solution that doesn't just provide data but connects it to real insight.

"While others in the industry continue to describe actionable insights as Pareto charts, graphs, and reports, we're putting data into action by giving users clear priorities with corresponding measurable gains," concluded Desmarais.

According to the Director of Planning at Mondoux Confectionary, Lilia Abderrahman , Worximity helped the company achieve in three months what typically takes three years. "The results speak for themselves. Thanks to Worximity, we were able to boost production by 25% with the same number of employees and equipment."

Insights is used in tandem with Worximity's data acquisition ecosystem and real-time production monitoring software. Together they provide a comprehensive manufacturing performance solution, arming every level of the organization with the tools needed to work at their best. With Worximity, manufacturers can focus on what's important - running their business productively and profitably.

About Worximity Technology

Since its founding in 2011, Worximity Technologies Inc. has helped improve the performance of more than 3,000 projects in North America thanks to its innovative technologies that enable automated data collection, real-time operations monitoring, automated analytical reports, and preventive and predictive advice. The company also plays a leading role in promoting the Industrial Internet of Things and Industry 4.0.

To learn more visit www.worximity.com or check out our launch video.

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SOURCE Worximity Technology Inc.
TAMPA, Fla. , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NUVIA Dental Implant Center, a leading provider of innovative dental implant solutions, is excited to announce the opening of their newest location in Tampa, Florida . The expansion of their services to the Tampa area further strengthens their commitment to providing high-quality dental implant treatments to patients across the country.

The new NUVIA Dental Implant Center in Tampa will offer state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology, and a team of experienced dental professionals dedicated to delivering exceptional care. Patients in the Tampa area will have access to advanced dental implant procedures, including full mouth dental implants, All-on-4 implants, and Nuvia's signature Permanent Teeth in 24 Hours.

"We are thrilled to bring our Permanent Teeth in 24 Hours to the Tampa community," said Dr Preston Hansen , [NUVIA's Chief Clinical Officer]. "Our team of highly skilled oral surgeons, and restorative doctors are committed to transforming smiles and restoring oral health with our innovative treatments. We look forward to providing personalized care and outstanding results to our patients in Tampa ."

A combined ten years and millions of dollars in research have gone into the development of NUVIA's proprietary process. It allows them to deliver new permanent teeth in just 24 hours, a feat that can take other providers up to 10 months or longer.

The team at the Tampa center is dedicated to providing complete consultations, individualized treatment plans, and a comfortable, no judgment, environment for patients throughout their dental implant journey.

With the opening of the Tampa location, NUVIA Dental Implant Center now operates 17 centers across the country, serving patients in major cities and communities nationwide. The expansion reflects their ongoing commitment to making Permanent Teeth in 24 Hours accessible and convenient for patients seeking optimal oral health and beautiful smiles.

For more information about the new NUVIA Dental Implant Center in Tampa , or to schedule a consultation, please visit https://www.nuviasmiles.com/locations/dental-implants-tampa-florida or contact (813)-212-7653

About Nuvia Dental Implant Center

Nuvia Dental Implant Center offers a 24-hour smile restoration procedure that replaces missing or damaged teeth with high-quality, permanent teeth supported by dental implants. Over a decade and millions of dollars have been invested in their proprietary process, enabling them to complete what could take other providers up to 10 months or more in just 24 hours. Visit https://www.nuviasmiles.com for more information

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SOURCE Nuvia Dental Implant Center
SALT LAKE CITY , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- QuHarrison Terry presents Oleg Stavitsky , CEO of Endel , with the WTF Innovators Award for advancing the field of generative music and popularizing the consumption of AI-generated soundscapes.

The WTF Innovators Award recognizes excellence at the precipice of societal change, with the inaugural class focusing on AI innovators. As a memento, each of the 34 awardees are gifted a featured song by QuHarrison Terry and Genesis Renji . We present "Wind Down", produced by Nimso , to Oleg Stavitsky .

Listen to "Wind Down": https://qt.lnk.to/WindDownPr

Endel uses AI to design personalized soundscapes to help users boost focus, relaxation, and sleep quality. Their technology adapts in real-time to inputs like time of day, weather, heart rate, and location. The company's mission is to aid people in controlling their environment through sound, gaining what they call acoustic privacy and boosting overall well-being.

Endel's engineers have designed various frameworks based on music theory and neuroscience which can create music that induces focus flow states and reduces stress.

Artists give Endel access to their stems  individual instruments or vocal tracks that make up a recording  and Endel processes these tracks, applies filters, stretches the wavelengths, and produces new music inspired by the original recordings.

Endel partnered with Universal Music Group to extend their artists' existing catalog of music and reimagine them as lyric-free soundscapes. This not only gives listeners a new method for experiencing their favorite artists, but also gives artists more marketing longevity during album/single releases.

"I remember first trying Endel back in 2019 and was impressed with the interactivity and real-time adjustments of the soundscapes based on my feedback. Since then, the platform has evolved so much. Oleg was not only a pioneer of the generative music industry but has maintained his position at the helm by continuing to push his technology further, which is why he should be on everyone's radar," said QuHarrison Terry .

Endel has an estimated 1 million monthly active users and over 1.5 million monthly listening hours logged on their platform. They've partnered with the likes of Mercedes-Benz, All Nippon Airways, and Sony to integrate their soundscapes at the hardware level. They raised a $15M Series B funding round in April 2022 .

Ryan Cowdrey

505-333-9117

[email protected]com

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SOURCE QuHarrison Terry
SHENZHEN, China , June 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, Peking University HSBC Business School's UK campus commemorated Peking University's 125th anniversary while also celebrating the fifth anniversary of the satellite campus in Boars Hill, Oxfordshire .

As part of the celebration, a forum titled "New Challenges and New Demands for Business Studies in Higher Education" was held, attracting over 200 scholars and participants from renowned universities and institutions worldwide. Attendees included representatives from the University of Oxford, the London School of Economics and Political Science, University College London, the University of Bristol, China Construction Bank London Branch , and the QS World University Rankings Education Consulting Research Institute.

During the opening remarks, Professor Wen Hai , the founding dean of PHBS, highlighted the collaborative efforts that have shaped the PHBS- UK campus over the past five years. He emphasized the campus's integral role in advancing the internationalization goals of both PKU and PHBS, promoting academic exchanges among China , the UK , and Europe .

Following the opening remarks, the forum proceeded with keynote speeches delivered by renowned professionals and experts in their respective fields. Ms Rebecca Leung , HSBC's director of Greater China Affairs, reflected on HSBC's long-standing support for PKU and PHBS and the importance of promoting Sino-British exchanges. Daniel Kahn from QS World University Rankings presented on the declining demand for international business education among Chinese students.

Following the keynote speech, the forum facilitated discussions among scholars and guests, exploring the challenges and opportunities in business education from various perspectives. Professor Soumitra Dutta , dean of the Said Business School at the University of Oxford, emphasized the need for business education to adapt to the impact of artificial intelligence and big data science. Professor Neil Mclean , director of the Department of Language and Communication at the London School of Economics and Political Science, stressed the importance of understanding and mutual learning between different cultures in business education, while Professor Alessandro Spano , director of the China Centre at University College London, emphasized the need for cross-cultural education. Mr Aimin Yang , general manager of China Construction Bank London Branch , emphasized the importance of cultivating compound business talents, and Professor Palie Smart , dean of the School of Management at the University of Bristol, emphasized the need for interdisciplinary education and cooperation.

Professor Pengfei Wang , deputy dean of Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School and dean of PHBS, concluded the conference by highlighting the significance of discussing the challenges faced by business education at the dawn of the fourth industrial revolution.

The closing speech, delivered by Professor Paolo Tasca from University College London and co-founder of the DLT Science Foundation, announced the foundation's grant to support PHBS- UK's financial technology and blockchain research.

Another highlight of the anniversary celebrations, a lecture titled " China's Economy: Current Situation and Future" given by Professor Wen Hai , attracted many to attend. Professor Hai shared his insights into China's macroeconomic prospects and the potential challenges of its future growth.

The anniversary celebrations offered a fitting moment for students, scholars, faculty, and alumni to celebrate the achievements of PHBS-UK and Peking University and keep good track of new challenges for business studies in higher education.

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SOURCE Peking University HSBC Business School
CANBERRA, June 28 (Xinhua) -- A pilot has been killed in a helicopter crash at a cattle station in Australia's Outback.

The Robinson R22 helicopter crashed during a routine mustering operation on Limbunya Station about 1,000 km south of Darwin, the capital city of the Northern Territory (NT), at approximately midday local time on Tuesday.

In a statement released on Tuesday night, helicopter charter company Top End Mustering confirmed the death of a "highly experienced" pilot.

"It is with great sadness that Top End Mustering acknowledges the tragic helicopter accident that today took the life of a highly experienced pilot," it said.

Helicopters are used to locate cattle on vast stations in central and northern Australia and to assist mounted farmers herding them into paddocks.

Mustering operations often require flying a helicopter only meters above the ground to effectively control livestock.

NT Police confirmed it was investigating the circumstances on Tuesday's crash while the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said it would gather information before deciding whether to investigate. 
The all-new solution is designed to reduce mortgage lenders' operating costs, repurchase risk, and accurately detect bias

BOSTON , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Reggora , an appraisal management software company that is modernizing residential real estate valuation for mortgage lenders, announced today the launch of its appraisal review solution, Reggora Appraisal Review. This innovative software is set to transform the appraisal analysis process for mortgage lenders by significantly reducing repurchase risk and ensuring every appraisal meets the correct quality standards.

Reggora Appraisal Review leverages cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to automate and streamline the appraisal review workflow. With its advanced natural language processing capabilities, the software swiftly analyzes appraisal reports, identifies key data points, inconsistencies, and potential red flags.

For example, the solution uses advanced AI technology to detect bias in reports far more accurately than lexicon-based tools  so underwriters remain confident in the objectivity of their appraisals, without wasting time reviewing false positives. For instance, consider a report that mentions a property located in the city of "Race Point Beach." While the term "Race" would trigger a keyword-based bias detection tool, Reggora's AI-powered algorithm can discern the context and understand that it is simply the name of the city. By analyzing the report's language, tone, and content comprehensively, AI ensures that lenders can swiftly identify genuine instances of bias, avoiding unnecessary scrutiny and enabling them to focus their review efforts on reports that truly require attention.

With this groundbreaking solution, manual appraisal review becomes far more efficient. Reggora Appraisal Review significantly reduces human error, enhances efficiency, and ensures accuracy. By thoughtfully automating the review process, mortgage professionals can expedite their review cycles, reducing turnaround times and accelerating the loan origination process.

One of the critical features of Reggora Appraisal Review is its ability to reduce repurchase risk. By customizing rule sets and quality control checks, mortgage lenders can align their appraisal review processes with industry regulations, investor guidelines, and internal policies. This comprehensive compliance and risk mitigation capability empowers mortgage professionals to mitigate costly repurchase demands, protecting their financial stability and reputation.

Seamless integration with existing loan origination systems further enhances operational productivity. The user-friendly interface allows users to effortlessly navigate through appraisal reports, highlight critical information, and annotate directly on the documents. Comprehensive audit trails ensure transparency and facilitate collaboration between stakeholders.

"Reggora Appraisal Review represents a significant step forward in the mortgage industry," said Brian Zitin , CEO of Reggora. "We are committed to empowering mortgage professionals with cutting-edge technology that drives efficiency, reduces risk, and ultimately allows them to originate loans much faster."

This all-new review solution accompanies Reggora's existing suite of integrations with leading third-party review tools.

Reggora Appraisal Review caters to the unique needs of diverse stakeholders, providing customizable features that can be tailored to individual business requirements. Whether a small regional lender or a large national lender, this software offers a flexible and scalable solution.

For more information, visit the Reggora website here.

About Reggora

Reggora is driving appraisal innovation with a modern, two-sided platform for mortgage lenders and appraisal vendors. Through advanced and configurable workflows, Reggora streamlines the entire appraisal process for everyone involved, while improving the overall borrower experience. Lenders and appraisers benefit from payment processing, automatic appraisal ordering, rule-based reviews, appraisal delivery, status updates, and more, creating unprecedented operational efficiency.

MEDIA CONTACT

Michael Murphy

Reggora

[email protected]

805-286-6934

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SOURCE Reggora
Security officers demonstrate Securitas' core values and purpose.

Security Officer Nicholas Lachance was instrumental in helping to reunite a young runaway with his parents.

was instrumental in helping to reunite a young runaway with his parents. Security Officer Theodore Vaughn's rapid response helped save the life of a person trapped in a burning vehicle.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Each year Securitas North America gives two awards to security officers who have provided excellent service in the course of their dutiesone for heroism and one for outstanding performance. The recipients are selected based on nominations received from colleagues and managers across North America . In addition to a financial award and other recognition, the two officers are featured in Excellence in Service, a magazine published for Securitas security officers, in acknowledgement of being selected as Security Officers of the Year.

Officers Lachance and Vaughn demonstrate a strong commitment to Securitas' core values.

Nicholas "Nikko" Lachance was named the 2022 Securitas Security Officer of the Year for Performance which is given to a security officer who distinguishes themselves through outstanding performance of their daily duties, going above and beyond what is asked or expected. He received the award in appreciation of his dedication to providing a safe and secure environment at a northeastern private school. During one of his routine night patrols of the campus perimeter, Officer Lachance noticed a young child who was not dressed appropriately for the freezing temperatures. Upon speaking with the child, Officer Lachance learned that the child had runaway. He contacted authorities and shepherded the child to the safety of the security office on campus until law enforcement arrived and reunited the child with his parents who had reported him missing.

In addition to recognizing performance, Securitas also acknowledges a security officer who goes above and beyond to protect people or property. The award for 2022 Security Officer of the Year for Heroism was presented to Theodore "Theo" Vaughn is known for providing client-focused service at the shopping center where he works. He was swift to act when he saw a vehicle on fire with a person passed out inside. After calling emergency services he helped the victim from the car and kept the shopping center's patrons safely away from the scene until help could arrive. Officer Vaughn played a pivotal role in saving a life and helping to prevent injury to the many nearby shoppers.

Like so many of their fellow officers at posts across the country, Officers Lachance and Vaughn demonstrate a strong commitment to Securitas' core values of Integrity, Vigilance and Helpfulness. Their actions show their drive and dedication to helping to make the world safer for their communities. They are role models who have earned the respect and admiration of those whose lives they touch. Colleagues, clients, and members of the community have expressed their appreciation. Securitas USA senior leadership extended their personal congratulations and appreciation when presenting the officers their awards.

"Officers Lachance and Vaughn both made a tremendous impact and made bad situations better," said Securitas North America Division President and CEO Greg Anderson , acknowledging the officers' contributions. "We're proud of the work they and their fellow security officers do day in and day out. They are examples of who we are as a company and the level of service our clients can expect. We appreciate their outstanding contributions, their professionalism and their willingness to exceed expectations. These exceptional officers represent some of the best of the almost 80,000 Securitas officers in North America , and I'm proud to recognize them and their actions."

Read more about these officers and their outstanding performance at https://www.securitasinc.com/careers/security-in-action/officer-of-the-year/.

About Securitas: Securitas is the world's leading intelligent protective services partner. Our guarding, electronic security, fire and safety, and risk management solutions enable more than 150,000 clients to see a different world. We are present in 48 countries and our innovative, data-driven approach makes us a trusted partner to many of the world's best-known companies. Our 358,000 employees live our values of integrity, vigilance and helpfulness, and fulfill our purpose to "Help make your world a safer place."

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SOURCE Securitas Security Services USA, Inc.
Ethical Considerations Embedded Into Development of Groundbreaking Rating Technology

VIENNA, Va. , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Seekr, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) company specializing in transparent content evaluation, today announced a consultative effort with the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University to embed ethical considerations into the development of its groundbreaking news rating system.

The Markkula Center conducted a months-long, impartial review of the technology, providing Seekr engineers with actionable insights. As part of its continuous improvement in Machine Learning, Seekr has applied this guidance to its best-in-class training approach to enable greater precision, accuracy, quality, and objectivity of Seekr's scoring system for news.

"Seekr's growing base of users rely on the technology to steer them toward reliable information, including viewpoints they strongly disagree with. Because of the trust consumers and enterprises have in this technology, we have a responsibility to ensure that ethical considerations are incorporated into every aspect of development," said Kelsey Garner , Vice President of Product Management at Seekr. "Our collaboration with the Markkula Center has been instrumental in that regard, and it has helped us further refine and improve our technology."

Seekr is the first known technology platform that employs AI and natural language processing (NLP) to evaluate and rate news content for reliability, transparency, and quality based on adherence to journalism standards.

"Journalism and media ethics are understood to be critical for journalists and news publishers, but less appreciated is its need and crucial applicability for search and social media products which distribute the news we read every day," said Subramanian Vincent , director of journalism and media ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. "We are very happy to have contributed inputs on using journalism ethics standards for news distribution to the product team at Seekr."

The Markkula Center's evaluation is one of several independent reviews of Seekr's groundbreaking technology. Last month, Seekr announced the formation of an independent Journalist Advisory Board comprising accomplished journalists and decorated news editors whose collective guidance and expertise helps inform Seekr's understanding of journalism standards.

For more information on these important collaborations and partnership, and additional information on Seekr's first-of-its-kind technology, visit www.seekr.com.

About Seekr Technologies Inc.

Seekr is a privately held artificial intelligence company that specializes in transparent content evaluation and objective ratings. Its AI technology is designed to rate all content, both authentic content created by humans, and synthetic, machine-generated content. Seekr empowers user choice and control by streamlining access to reliable information. The centerpiece of Seekr's technology is an independent search engine that is powered by proprietary AI and employs natural language processing (NLP) to generate a Seekr Score and Political Lean Indicator. Seekr is committed to building a web that people can trust by giving everyone access to technology that makes it easy to find reliable content in context.

About the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics

Founded in 1986 with a seed grant and initial endowment from Linda and A.C. "Mike" Markkula Jr., the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics brings the traditions of ethical thinking to bear on real world problems. Beyond a full range of programs for the Santa Clara University community, the Center also serves professionals in fields from business to health care, from government to the social sector, providing innovative approaches to problems from fake news to privacy protection. Through its website and international collaborations, the Center brings ethical decision-making resources to the wider world. For more information, see https://www.scu.edu/ethics.

Media Contact:

Ed Patru , EVP Communications

(202) 360-7063

[email protected]

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SOURCE Seekr Technologies
Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute is ranked among the best cancer hospitals nationally.

TAMPA, Fla. , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tampa General Hospital (TGH) is in the top 3% of cancer hospitals in the United States , according to Newsweek and Statista. Listed in the news magazine's new America's Best Cancer Hospitals 2023 rankings, Tampa General is also ranked in the top 10 Florida cancer facilities that appear on Newsweek's list.

"This recognition is a testament to the incredible oncology team that leads the TGH Cancer Institute to deliver world-class, cutting-edge and compassionate cancer care," said John Couris , president and CEO of Tampa General. "The team is continually focused on strengthening our expertise in cancer prevention, treatment, research, education and clinical investigations."

According to Newsweek and Statista, inclusion on this list is symbolic of patient and employee trust in the organization, Tampa General's leadership, and outcomes performance in the delivery of cancer care.

"Our multidisciplinary team understands that cancer care is not only incredibly complex but deeply personal to every patient and the people who care about them," said Dr. Eduardo M. Sotomayor , director of Tampa General's Cancer Institute. "We are dedicated to the relentless pursuit of excellence and extending and improving the quality of life for our patients through the delivery of highly-individualized, personalized care that addresses all facets of their health, not just their cancer. In April of 2021, we established the TGH Cancer Institute and have exponentially grown in talent, infrastructure and community outreach and engagement. We are tremendously proud and thankful that within this short period of time, our team's efforts are being acknowledged through this Newsweek recognition."

In December 2022 , the TGH Cancer Institute earned a three-year accreditation from the Commission on Cancer (CoC), a quality program established by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) in recognition of meeting 34 quality care standards, taking a multidisciplinary approach to delivering high-quality, patient-centered cancer care, and demonstrating a commitment to improving patient outcomes and quality of life for all cancer patients.

Tampa General's prioritization of continued innovation to improve cancer care standards and treatment can be seen in these initiatives:

TGH Cancer Institute's Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) and Cell Therapies Unit: As of September 2022 , the state-of-the-art unit specializes in treating patients with aggressive blood cancers, such as leukemias, lymphomas, multiple myeloma and other types of cancer.

As of , the state-of-the-art unit specializes in treating patients with aggressive blood cancers, such as leukemias, lymphomas, multiple myeloma and other types of cancer. The TGH|USF Health Precision Medicine Biorepository: Announced in October of 2022, the biorepository provides new opportunities to advance research in cancer tumor sequencing and precision medicine.

Announced in October of 2022, the biorepository provides new opportunities to advance research in cancer tumor sequencing and precision medicine. Expansion of Radiation Oncology: A multi-year, comprehensive platform to incorporate leading radiation therapies including the CyberKnife System, the TrueBeam system, high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy and radiopharmaceuticals, among others.

A multi-year, comprehensive platform to incorporate leading radiation therapies including the CyberKnife System, the TrueBeam system, high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy and radiopharmaceuticals, among others. TGH Cancer Institute Satellite Care Center : Phase 1 opened in Brandon, Florida in the fall of 2022 to serve even more members the Tampa Bay community. When complete later this summer, the facility will offer outpatient cancer care with radiation oncology, a linear accelerator, imaging and clinic space for patients.

: Phase 1 opened in in the fall of 2022 to serve even more members the community. When complete later this summer, the facility will offer outpatient cancer care with radiation oncology, a linear accelerator, imaging and clinic space for patients. Tampa Bay's First Proton Therapy Center : Part of a collaborative partnership with Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute , plans call for the proton therapy center to be in the academic health system's Medical and Research District adjacent to downtown Tampa .

"Another critical component of the high-quality, comprehensive cancer care we deliver at Tampa General is our commitment to academic medicine and clinical research," said Dr. Abraham Schwarzberg , chief of Oncology, executive vice president of network development and co-vice president of clinical and translational research. "This recognition underscores the importance of driving innovation to bring advanced testing, technology, and leading-edge treatments to cancer patients in the Tampa Bay community and beyond."

The list of hospitals selected by Newsweek was based on:

A Nationwide Online Survey : Health care professionals and hospital managers with knowledge about oncology  including oncologists, hematologists, and oncology nurses  were asked to recommend leading cancer hospitals in the U.S.

Health care professionals and hospital managers with knowledge about oncology  including oncologists, hematologists, and oncology nurses  were asked to recommend leading cancer hospitals in the Hospital Quality Metrics: Hospital quality metrics with a focus on indicators relevant to oncology care were considered.

Hospital quality metrics with a focus on indicators relevant to oncology care were considered. Results from Patient Surveys: Publicly available data from hospital patient surveys were also used to analyze patient experience.

Inclusion on this list is the latest among several recognitions for Tampa General Hospital such as:

Highest-ranked hospital in the market in U.S. News & World Report's 2022-23 Best Hospitals, and is tied as the third highest-ranked hospital in Florida , with seven specialties ranking among the best programs in the United States  July 2022 .

2022-23 Best Hospitals, and is tied as the third highest-ranked hospital in , with seven specialties ranking among the best programs in  . Newsweek's World's Best Hospital's 2023  March 2023 .

. Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals  July 2022 .

To view the America's Best Cancer Hospital's list, click here.

ABOUT TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL

Tampa General Hospital, a 1,040-bed, not-for-profit, academic health system, is one of the largest hospitals in America and delivers world-class care as the region's only center for Level l trauma and comprehensive burn care. Tampa General Hospital is the highest-ranked hospital in the market in U.S. News & World Report's 2022-23 Best Hospitals, and is tied as the third highest-ranked hospital in Florida , with seven specialties ranking among the best programs in the United States . Tampa General Hospital has been designated as a model of excellence by the 2022 Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals list. The academic health system's commitment to growing and developing its team members is recognized by two prestigious Forbes magazine rankings  first nationally in the 2022 America's Best Employers for Women and sixth out of 100 Florida companies in the 2022 America's Best Employers by State. Tampa General is the safety net hospital for the region, caring for everyone regardless of their ability to pay, and in fiscal year 2021, provided a net community benefit worth more than $224.5 million in the form of health care for underinsured patients, community education, and financial support to community health organizations in Tampa Bay . It is one of the nation's busiest adult solid organ transplant centers and is the primary teaching hospital for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. With six medical helicopters, Tampa General Hospital transports critically injured or ill patients from 23 surrounding counties to receive the advanced care they need. Tampa General houses a nationally accredited comprehensive stroke center, and its 32-bed Neuroscience, Intensive Care Unit is the largest on the West Coast of Florida . It also is home to the Jennifer Leigh Muma 82-bed neonatal intensive care unit, and a nationally accredited rehabilitation center. Tampa General Hospital's footprint includes 17 Tampa General Medical Group Primary Care offices, TGH Family Care Center Kennedy, TGH Brandon Healthplex, TGH Virtual Health, and 21 TGH Imaging powered by Tower outpatient radiology centers throughout Hillsborough , Pasco , Pinellas and Palm Beach counties. Tampa Bay area residents also receive world-class care from the TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track network of clinics. To see a medical care professional live anytime, anywhere on a smartphone, tablet or computer, visit Virtual Health | Tampa General Hospital (tgh.org). As one of the largest hospitals in the country, Tampa General Hospital is the first in Florida to partner with GE Healthcare and open a clinical command center that provides real-time situational awareness to improve and better coordinate patient care at a lower cost. For more information, go to www.tgh.org.

Media Contact: Beth Hardy , APR

Senior Communications Specialist

(813) 844-7322 (direct)

(813) 510-6363 (cell)

[email protected]

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SOURCE Tampa General Hospital
GUANGZHOU, China , June 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The 133rd Canton Fair's offline exhibition has drawn to a close, marking a significant milestone in the return to normalcy after the pandemic. With an active attendance of overseas buyers, numerous new product launches and better-than-expected export transactions achieved, the event has been hailed as a triumph. After that, the online platform of the 133rd Canton Fair continues to operate normally.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9181951-133rd-canton-fair-offline-exhibition-demonstrating-resilience-china-foreign-trade/

"Through its efficient, safe, digital, and green operations, the 133rd Canton Fair has successfully served as a positive force in promoting stable foreign trade scale and structure, all-round opening up, and the creation of a new development pattern," said Xu Bing , spokesperson and Deputy Director General of the China Foreign Trade Centre.

The 133rd Canton Fair witnessed a remarkable turnout of international buyers from 229 countries and regions, with 129,006 attendees from 213 countries and regions who attended offline. The Fair welcomed a diverse range of 55 industrial and commercial organizations, such as the prestigious Malaysia-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, CCI France Chine, and China Chamber of Commerce & Technology Mexico. Over 100 leading multinational companies, including Wal-Mart from the United States , Auchan from France , Metro from Germany , organized buyers to attend the Fair. The Fair's online platform saw a surging attendance of 390,574 overseas buyers.

Exhibitors at this year's event uploaded a staggering 3.07 million exhibits, including over 800,000 new products, roughly 130,000 smart products, 500,000 green and low-carbon products, and more than 260,000 products with independent IPR. The Canton Fair, a resounding success, features over 300 debut events for the unveiling of new products. From high-end to intelligent, customized to branded, and green low-carbon goods, the Fair demonstrated China's manufacturing prowess and its commitment to excellence. Global buyers are impressed with the vast array of products on display, which highlighted China's resilience and vitality in foreign trade. It's clear that China's leading manufacturers are out in full force, showcasing the latest and greatest in creativity and ingenuity.

The export transactions closed at the 133rd Canton Fair onsite reached 21.69 billion USD , an achievement better than expected. In addition, many buyers have also appointed factory visits and expected to reach more cooperation in the future.

For more information about Canton Fair , please visit https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US or contact [email protected].

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Pipelines Build While Investors Remain Cautious in the Current Building Products M&A Market

CLEVELAND , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- While Building Products M&A activity has slowed, the pipeline of opportunities continues to grow as sellers await the opportune time to market their businesses amid uncertainties in the housing market and the broader economy, according to a new industry report released by the Building Products investment banking team of Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL).

The long-term outlook for the Building Products industry remains favorable.

Read the BGL Industrials Insider Pipelines Build While Investors Remain Cautious in the Current Building Products M&A Market : https://bit.ly/BuildingProductsInsiderbgl

The issue also features exclusive insights from executives at Validor Capital, Renovo Capital, Drum Capital, and Stax. The insights address diverse building products industry trends ranging from the demand outlook and operational challenges to M&A and valuations. Key takeaways include:

The long-term outlook for the Building Products industry remains favorable.





While market uncertainty has left some investors sidelined, strategic buyers are leveraging their capital and synergies to complete accretive add-on acquisitions at reasonable valuations.





The financing market has pulled back leverage but continues to show appetite for high-quality assets.





Consolidation is continuing, with technological innovation and supply chain management cited among the drivers of acquisition activity in the coming months.

Despite headwinds, buyers continue to seek high-quality building products acquisition targets with strategic buyers leveraging the current buying environment to acquire tuck-in opportunities and private equity firms looking for platform investments at attractive valuations.

About Brown Gibbons Lang & Company

Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL) is a leading independent investment bank and financial advisory firm focused on the global middle market. The firm advises private and public corporations and private equity groups on mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, financial restructurings, business valuations and opinions, and other strategic matters. BGL has investment banking offices in Chicago , Cleveland , Los Angeles , and New York , and real estate offices in Chicago , Cleveland , and San Antonio . The firm is also a founding member of Global M&A Partners, enabling BGL to service clients in more than 35 countries around the world. Securities transactions are conducted through Brown, Gibbons, Lang & Company Securities, LLC, an affiliate of Brown Gibbons Lang & Company LLC and a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. For more information, please visit www.bglco.com.

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SOURCE Brown Gibbons Lang & Company
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WATERLOO, ON , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --New research shows that U.S. public pension funds would be $21 billion richer had they divested from fossil fuels a decade ago.

The study, out of the University of Waterloo in partnership with Stand.earth, analyzed the public equity portfolios of six major U.S. public pension funds, which collectively represent approximately 3.4 million people, to determine the effect divesting from their energy holdings would have had. In total, researchers estimate that the pension funds would have seen a return on their investments that was 13 per cent higher on average.

Another analysis of the same eight U.S. public pension funds included in the report found that the carbon footprint that would have been reduced had they divested 10 years ago is equivalent to the emissions for powering 35 million homes per year.

Researchers say the report proves that divesting creates additional financial value, lowers exposure to climate risks, and reduced the carbon footprint of portfolios.

"Influential investors, like these large public pension funds, can bring about positive change on a few fronts," said Dr. Olaf Weber , professor in the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development at Waterloo. "Energy divestments can create higher returns for the funds, which leads to higher returns for the beneficiaries and reduced exposure to climate risks. Consequently, it leads to safer pensions."

The report also explored ways that recent changes in the performance of the energy sector due to major global eventssuch as COVID-19 and the war in Ukrainewould have influenced the funds. During the last three years, the value of the fossil fuel sector went up because of the reduced oil supply from Russia . Hence, divestment has not been that attractive from a financial point of view. However, the report found that even in times of high performance in the fossil fuel sector, divestment does not reduce financial returns in any significant way.

"If climate chaos like fires and floods weren't enough, this latest report strengthens the case even further that public pension funds must divest from fossil fuels as part of meeting their fiduciary duties," said Amy Gray , senior climate finance strategist at Stand.earth. "As the longest-term investors for workers, the last thing pension funds should be doing is gambling with retirement and deferred wages of their members."

Future work will include going into more detail regarding the emissions of particular portfolio holdings on a per-holdings basis or analyzing the emissions of specific companies and then excluding those with the highest emissions.

"This new Waterloo data hits home for me. My mom is a beneficiary of a public pension, and my family is depending on that retirement income for security," said Miguel Alatorre Jr ., Fossil Free California. "It's unconscionable to me that these funds are investing in fossil fuel companies driving climate change, heat waves, wildfires and flooding, all while losing income for workers."

The report, The Impact of Energy Investments on the Financial Value and the Carbon Footprint of Pension Funds , was presented at the IEEFA Energy Finance Conference on June 22 .

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SOURCE Stand.earth
Winning idea aims to improve the connection between refugee students and potential employers by using AI

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine , June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Last week, three university student teams traveled to the 11th Annual CIEE Global Internship Conference (GIC) in Berlin, Germany for the finals of the inaugural GIC UNHCR Student Challenge where they presented their best ideas for addressing economic inclusion for people forced to flee their homes.

The winning team was the Wolves of Childs Way , comprised of four rising sophomores in the World Bachelor in Business program at the USC Marshall School of Business  Justin Kit Hang Tang (team captain), Muktahal Singh Birring, Armelle Davasse, and Hoi Ling (Karin) Wong. Eligible members of the winning team will receive a scholarship for a 2024 CIEE summer global internship.

For the first round of the GIC UNHCR Student Challenge, CIEE: the Council on International Educational Exchange, in collaboration with co-sponsors UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and Newlab, invited 36 student teams representing 42 universities and 11 countries to an online competition where they presented their best ideas to address economic inclusion for forcibly displaced populations. Challenge partners District C and Microsoft provided additional support.

The top three teams from the first round were awarded a trip to Berlin for the finals where they presented their proposal during the closing plenary before a panel of judges: James P. Pellow , President and CEO of CIEE; Dr. Chrystina Russell , Co-Founder & Executive Director of rewirED; and Chris Melzer , Senior External Relations Officer ( Germany ) of the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.

"There are 110 million displaced people on earth, and they are desperate for opportunities that will allow them to provide for themselves and their families," said Chris Meltzer of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. "It is deeply impressive how students from all parts of the world have come together and applied their determination and passion to seeking solutions."

The Wolves of Childs Way's winning solution was to use AI to improve the connection between refugee students and potential employers by addressing key challenges faced by student refugees, which include lack of career guidance, no access to networking, and employers unwilling to hire refugees. Their solution, Caree An AI Career Advisor for Refugees, impressed the judges with its significant potential.

"Many of the case competitions we've joined in our college career were solely focused on business profits. This challenge was especially meaningful to us because of its mission," said Justin Kit Hang Tang , team captain, Wolves of Childs Way . "We were honored to be a part of something that could ultimately help millions of people from all parts of the world."

"Leveraging the distinct talents of college students around the world to help provide access to a better future for refugees is perfectly aligned with the aspirations of this year's CIEE Global Internship Conference, with its focus on increasing inclusion and affordability of work-based learning opportunities so they are accessible to all, including refugees," said James P. Pellow of CIEE.

The finals of the 2024 GIC Student Challenge will take place at the 12th Annual CIEE Global Internship Conference that will be held in London June 19 - 21, 2024 ; and the 2025 GIC Student Challenge will take place at the 13th Annual CIEE GIC that will be held in Singapore June 18-20, 2025 . More information about next year's GIC Student Challenge will be available in Fall 2023.

About the GIC UNHCR Student Challenge

The GIC UNHCR Student Challenge aims to deliver a mini experience that mirrors what students might encounter while participating in a global internship. The 2023 challenge, co-sponsored by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and Newlab, builds upon the Model United Nations (MUN) Refugee Challenge, an initiative launched by UNHCR to encourage students worldwide to shape solutions for people forced to flee their homes. Through this experience, students received training and mentorship to build critical skills for addressing this challenge and preparing for future careers.

About CIEE

CIEE builds bridges between different people, different countries, and different cultures. For 75 years, we have helped young people participate in high-quality international exchange and study abroad programs that bring the world together. We change lives, our alumni change the world. Learn more at ciee.org.

CONTACT: Leslie Taylor , (207) 553-4274, [email protected]

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SOURCE Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)
(Reuters) - Air strikes and anti-aircraft fire rattled parts of Sudan's capital Khartoum on Wednesday, residents said, despite both the military factions that have been battling each other since mid-April declaring truces for the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.

War between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has caused a major humanitarian crisis and displaced nearly 2.8 million people, of which almost 650,000 have fled to neighbouring countries.

The three cities that make up the wider capital around the confluence of the River Nile - Khartoum, Bahri and Omdurman - have seen more than 10 weeks of heavy clashes and looting, while the conflict has triggered a resurgence of ethnically motivated killings in the western region of Darfur.

Residents and news reports said fighting had intensified in Omdurman on Wednesday afternoon. The Darfur Bar Association, an activist group that monitors the conflict, said the RSF had carried out lethal attacks in the Manwashi area of South Darfur State twice in the past five days.

The United Nations mission in Sudan urged the two sides to maintain the truces they had committed to.

The RSF and allied militias remained accountable for violence, rape and looting in areas it controlled, and for ethnically targeted violence in Darfur, while the army remained accountable for attacks and aerial bombardments in residential areas, the mission said in a statement.

"These parties should be reminded that the world is watching and accountability for crimes committed during wartime will be pursued," the statement said.

The conflict broke out amid disputes over what powers they would retain under an internationally-backed plan for a transition to civilian rule.

Multiple ceasefire deals have failed to stick, including several brokered by Saudi Arabia and the United States at talks in Jeddah that were suspended last week.

(Reporting by Khalid Abdelaziz in Dubai and Nafisa Eltahir in Cairo; Writing by Aidan Lewis; editing by Grant McCool)
U.S. Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley delivers a foreign policy speech on China during a forum at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, U.S., June 27, 2023. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/File photo

By Michael Martina and Gram Slattery

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -China criticized U.S. presidential contender Nikki Haley over her threats to drastically limit Sino-U.S. trade relations, saying those who blamed Beijing for problems would end up on the "ash heap of history."

Haley, a U.N. ambassador during the Trump administration, staked out one of the most hawkish positions on China in the 2024 Republican presidential field on Tuesday as she accused Beijing of "killing Americans" for failing to help crack down on the fentanyl trade.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, caused almost 80,000 overdose deaths in the United States last year, according to preliminary data released by the U.S. government. China is a major producer of the precursor chemicals needed to make fentanyl, which is frequently smuggled into the United States over the Mexican border.

Haley on Tuesday said the U.S. should revoke China's permanent normal trade relations status until it helped stem the flow of those chemicals. She also pledged to push American companies to leave China, saying if the U.S. rallied, China's ruling Communist Party would "end up on the ash heap of history."

China called such remarks irresponsible.

"Pushing American companies to leave China runs counter to economic laws, and will ultimately harm everyone's interests," the spokesman for China's embassy in Washington, Liu Pengyu, said in a statement to Reuters late on Tuesday.

"Only those who draw attention by smearing and blame-shifting in the election campaign will end up on the ash heap of history."

That comment in turn drew a further retort from Haley.

"If the Chinese Communists stopped sending fentanyl across our border, robbing our businesses, spying on us, and militarily threatening our friends, then we would have a much better relationship," she said in a statement sent to Reuters on Wednesday.

U.S. officials say China's government has not been cooperative on fentanyl, or on money laundering related to trafficking in the drug.

Beijing has countered that Washington should stop using the fentanyl crisis as a pretext for sanctioning Chinese companies, and Chinese state media outlets have said addiction and demand for the drug are U.S. domestic problems.

Haley is well behind in presidential primary opinion surveys, with just 3% of Republicans planning to vote for her, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released earlier in June.

She has sought to use foreign policy as a way to differentiate herself in a crowded Republican field, and her hardline stance on China could push her rivals to adopt harsher positions as well.

(Reporting by Michael Martina; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
Rob Francis (L), CTO of Booking.com, speaks in an interview during the 2023 Collision Conference in Toronto, Canada, on June 27, 2023. Booking.com, one of the world's leading digital travel platforms, announced a new artificial intelligence (AI) trip planner at the Collision conference in Toronto on Tuesday, emphasizing that China is a "hotbed for technology" and that it may step up its expansion in that market in the future. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)

by Martina Fuchs

TORONTO, Canada, June 27 (Xinhua) -- Booking.com, one of the world's leading digital travel platforms, announced a new artificial intelligence (AI) trip planner at the Collision conference in Toronto on Tuesday, emphasizing that China is a "hotbed for technology" and that it may step up its expansion in that market in the future.

In an exclusive interview with Xinhua, the platform's CTO Rob Francis said he expects AI to further improve the travel planning experience and recommend destination and accommodation options to millions of travelers around the world.

"We got to the point where we want to leverage the existing machine learning and AI capabilities in the booking platform. One of the things we do quite well is bring the right place to stay at the right time for the right person," he said during Collision, one of the world's biggest tech events, taking place in Toronto on June 26-29.

Founded in 1996 in Amsterdam, Booking.com is part of Booking Holdings and has grown from a small Dutch start-up to one of the world's leading digital travel companies.

Booking.com is available in 43 languages and offers more than 28 million total reported accommodation listings, including over 6.6 million listings alone of homes, apartments and other places to stay.

Asked about the online travel agency's international expansion plans, Francis said: "We're starting in the U.S. for a growing percentage of customers and we're going to use that to learn and understand what customers like. Then we will gradually expand it over time, both in terms of regions and countries and what the experiences could be over time."

According to a report in January by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), a UN specialized agency, 2023 is expected to be a strong year for the travel sector even in the face of diverse challenges including the global economic slowdown and continued geopolitical uncertainty.

According to UNWTO data, more than 900 million tourists travelled internationally in 2022, double the number recorded in 2021 though still 63 percent of pre-pandemic levels.

Based on UNWTO's forward-looking scenarios for 2023, international tourist arrivals could reach between 80 to 95 percent of pre-pandemic levels this year, depending on the extent of the economic slowdown, the ongoing recovery of travel in Asia and the Pacific and the conflict in Ukraine, among other factors.

CHINA ON THE MAP

Francis also said that while it's still premature to talk about expansion plans in China, it was just a question of time to tap more into that market too.

"It's just too early for us to say, but Booking.com is a global brand. We have customers all over the world. We want to bring great experiences to all our customers. It's early days right now and we have a lot to learn still."

Asked about his view on China as a global AI and innovation leader, Francis emphasized: "Obviously, China is a very strong hotbed of technology. We always see that good technology is not exclusive to any part of the world."

Collision, now in its fifth year in Toronto, has reached a new record by bringing together 36,378 attendees from 118 countries, the organizers wrote in a press release on Tuesday. 

Rob Francis, CTO of Booking.com, speaks in an interview during the 2023 Collision Conference in Toronto, Canada, on June 27, 2023. Booking.com, one of the world's leading digital travel platforms, announced a new artificial intelligence (AI) trip planner at the Collision conference in Toronto on Tuesday, emphasizing that China is a "hotbed for technology" and that it may step up its expansion in that market in the future. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)

Rob Francis, CTO of Booking.com, speaks in an interview during the 2023 Collision Conference in Toronto, Canada, on June 27, 2023. Booking.com, one of the world's leading digital travel platforms, announced a new artificial intelligence (AI) trip planner at the Collision conference in Toronto on Tuesday, emphasizing that China is a "hotbed for technology" and that it may step up its expansion in that market in the future. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)
FILE PHOTO: The Blackberry logo is seen on a smartphone in front of a displayed stock graph in this illustration taken February 5, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

(Reuters) - BlackBerry posted a surprise profit for the first quarter on Wednesday as its cybersecurity business benefited from higher client spending, while its enterprise software continued to gain traction in automotive sector.

U.S.-listed shares of the company rose 5.79% in extended trading.

The Canadian technology company is banking on resilient demand for its cybersecurity products on rising security threats in the information technology sector.

BlackBerry reported a surprise profit of 6 cents per share for the quarter ended May 31, while analysts were expecting a loss of 5 cents per share.

Its total revenue of $373 million topped analysts' average estimate of $160.4 million, according to IBES data from Refinitiv.

Revenue in the cybersecurity business unit rose 5.5% sequentially to $93 million, while revenue from licensing and other services came in at $235 million, majorly comprising of proceeds from patent sale.

BlackBerry, which went public in 1997 and soon became popular for its ubiquitous business smartphones, shut its flagship business last year and has since been trying to sell its legacy patents related to its mobile devices.

In March, it signed a deal to sell patents, primarily related to its mobile devices, to Malikie Innovation Limited for up to $900 million.

Waterloo, Canada-based BlackBerry earlier had announced its plans to conduct a review of strategic alternatives, including possible separation of its core businesses - cybersecurity and software systems.

(This story has been refiled to fix a typo in the headline)

(Reporting by Akshita Toshniwal in Bengaluru; Editing by Shweta Agarwal)
Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Naryn-Kala fortress in Derbent in the southern region of Dagestan, Russia, June 28, 2023. Sputnik/Sergei Savostyanov/Pool via REUTERS

PRAGUE (Reuters) - The Czech government called Russia a direct threat and China a systemic rival in a new security strategy, approved by the cabinet on Wednesday, reflecting what it called the end of a period of peace and stability in Europe seen since the end of the Cold War.

The central European NATO and EU country "must prepare thoroughly for the possibility that it could become part of an armed conflict," although the risk of a direct attack on the country remains low, the strategy document said.

The Czech Republic put relations with Russia and China under review when the current government took office in late 2021, after previous governments and former President Milos Zeman courted closer relations with both.

Following Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the current centre-right government was quick to support Kyiv by shipping military equipment including tanks, and has been one of its most active western backers.

"Russia acts deliberately against Czechia's political, economic and social stability," the strategy document said. "It poses a fundamental threat to our security."

"China calls into question the international order. This has adverse implications for Euro-Atlantic security," it added.

"Russia and China share the interest to weaken the influence and unity of democratic countries. This systemic rivalry is of a long-term nature."

The country's previous security strategy, the core for policymaking, from 2015 had not mentioned Russia or China by name.

Ties with Russia became strained in 2021, before the Ukraine war, after Czech security services accused Moscow of being behind 2014 explosions at an arms depot, which led to the expulsion of dozens of Russian diplomats. Russia denied the accusations.

The strategy said Russia was using hybrid actions to weaken democratic institutions and destabilise society.

"Unless there is a fundamental and deep political and societal change in Russia, Russia will remain a threat to the European space regardless of the result of the war in Ukraine," the document said.

With China, relations cooled when plans for major Chinese investments failed to materialise, and after Czech parliamentary leaders and the current cabinet pursued closer ties with Taiwan, although the counties do not have any formal diplomatic relations.

The Czechs have also been active in warnings against usage of Chinese technology in critical infrastructure.

"There is risk from Chinese investments into Czech and European critical infrastructure, dominance in strategic supply chains, control of key commodities and development of emerging and groundbreaking technologies, mainly artificial intelligence outside ethical norms and international standards," the new security strategy said.

(Reporting by Jan Lopatka; Editing by Howard Goller)
FILE PHOTO: European Union flags flutter outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, June 5, 2020. REUTERS/Yves Herman//File Photo

By Foo Yun Chee

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Advent-owned NielsenIQ is set to secure EU antitrust clearance for its proposed acquisition of German market research firm GfK on the condition GfK sells its consumer panel business, people familiar with the matter said.

U.S. consumer market research company NielsenIQ, which is present in more than 90 markets covering more than 90% of the world's population, announced the deal a year ago.

GfK's consumer panel business covers 122,500 households and 1,800 retailers, with its data showing patterns, trends and predictions.

The European Commission, which is scheduled to complete its preliminary review of the deal by July 4, declined to comment.

The EU competition enforcer earlier this month sent a list of 21 potential buyers of the GfK unit to rivals and customers, asking for feedback on which company is considered a suitable buyer.

The list includes French peer Ipsos, the UK's Kantar, YouGov, Dynata, Circana, Omnicon Group, Publicis Group, Cision and private equity firms such as H.I.G. Capital, Platinum Equity, Bregal, TowerBrook, Oakley Capital, Equistone, Symphony Technology Group and Montago.

An industry source, speaking on condition of anonymity, says only four-to-five of the companies on the list are in the running for GfK's unit.

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Jan Harvey and Barbara Lewis)
Volunteers give electrolyte drinks to asylum seekers while they camp near the border in an attempt to cross into the U.S. without an appointment, in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico June 27, 2023. REUTERS/Daniel Becerril

By Daina Beth Solomon and Laura Gottesdiener

NUEVO LAREDO, Mexico (Reuters) - The U.S. government is restarting asylum appointments at a dangerous Mexican border town, according to Customs and Borders Protection (CBP), just days after U.S. officials suspended the scheduling of appointments there because drug cartels were extorting migrants.

The reversal comes after more than 1,500 asylum seekers flocked to Mexico's Nuevo Laredo in recent days, sleeping in a plaza near the international bridge, after word spread that the United States had begun to accept more migrants here without asylum appointments.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said its CBP One mobile app, which officials have urged migrants to use since COVID-era restrictions called Title 42 expired in May, will offer appointments again beginning Wednesday.

This comes less than two weeks after CBP had shut down the system for asylum appointments at Laredo  the Texas city opposite Nuevo Laredo - once U.S. officials learned criminals were forcing migrants to pay $500 each in order to reach the bridge to attend their appointments.

The flip-flopping policy change underscores the issues facing President Joe Biden's administration as it attempts to implement a sweeping new asylum system amid continuing security problems in Mexico.

While the U.S. government app to book asylum appointments aims to cut out dangerous human smugglers, events in Nuevo Laredo show it can still be exploited by cartels to extort migrants, posing serious questions about its viability.

Stephanie Leutert, an academic at the University of Texas at Austin and former adviser to the Biden administration on migration, warned an extortion scheme could return now appointments had reopened.

"In essence, (it is) returning exactly to the very same dynamics that led to the pause in CBP One appointments in the first place," she said.

DESPERATE

Migrants began amassing in Nuevo Laredo over the weekend once they realized CBP officials were admitting about 50 asylum seekers a day through the international bridge without CBP One appointments.

Many came from a squalid encampment in the city of Matamoros, several hours away, where they had been unsuccessful in securing appointments.

Gerson Bravo, from Venezuela, explained how arriving migrants organized a waitlist using cardboard squares marked with numbers, or scrawling numbers on people's forearms.

He said their system was fairer than the app, which leaves some waiting months, while others land appointments quickly.

"They haven't been able to create any order with the app," he said.

On Wednesday, a Venezuelan migrant in Nuevo Laredo said he was worried he might be extorted now that Laredo was open again for CBP One appointments. "We are afraid," he said, asking his name not be published. "We came here thinking that we could have a better and faster system."

The sudden influx  compared to 250 migrants in the whole city two weeks earlier - prompted U.S. officials to view restarting CBP One as a better option.

"We are clear-eyed about the limits of our ability to control the security situation in any town outside of the United States," a senior CBP official told Reuters.

"Using CBP One is the best mechanism we have to reduce some of the vulnerabilities there," the official said, referring to Nuevo Laredo.

Many migrant advocates view CBP One as a positive tool to cut out smugglers, but worry the limited number of appointments puts migrants at risk as they wait in dangerous towns such as Nuevo Laredo.

When asked about the potential for continued extortion in Nuevo Laredo, the CBP official said migrants could apply for appointments elsewhere, and come to the city just for their appointments.

"That poses a much lower risk than all of these individuals crowding in the city as we see in Nuevo Laredo right now," the official said.

But reaching Nuevo Laredo can pose its own risks.

Venezuelan migrant Jose, who declined to give his full name due to security concerns, said he witnessed a car of migrants be kidnapped on a highway leading to Nuevo Laredo last week. Even so, he decided to undertake the journey himself the following day.

"We risked it because we were so desperate in Matamoros," he said, seated beneath white tents at a plaza near the border.

Three migrants told Reuters that men who appeared to be cartel members told them to stay orderly, but had not been extorting recently arrived migrants for money.

That could change, advocates say.

They estimated the extortion scheme had netted the local drug cartel tens of thousands of dollars in about a month.

One family from Michoacan state paid $13,000 in extortion fees, two family members told Reuters. Eleven receipts for money transfers from friends and relatives, seen by Reuters, show how the family hurried to raise funds ahead of their CBP One appointments in June.

"They had us locked up," said one family member. "People had to pay to not lose their appointment."

(Reporting by Daina Beth Solomon in Mexico City and Laura Gottesdiener in Nuevo Laredo; editing by Stephen Eisenhammer and Aurora Ellis)
FILE PHOTO: General view of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands December 11, 2019. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo

THE HAGUE (Reuters) - Iran has filed a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Canada because Ottawa allows civil damages cases against Tehran for alleged terrorist acts to be filed in its courts, the U.N.'s top court said on Wednesday.

According to Iran's claim, released by the court, Canada's actions violate its state immunity enshrined in international law.

The move at the ICJ, also known as the World Court, comes a little over a week after the Canadian government announced it imposed sanctions on Iranian judges over alleged human rights abuses on top of longer-standing sanctions targeting Tehran.

Canada cut diplomatic ties with Iran in 2012 and listed the country as a supporter of terrorism.

Last year an Ontario court awarded C$107 million ($83.94 million), plus interest, to the families of six people who died when the Iranian Revolutionary Guards downed a Ukraine International Airlines plane near Tehran in 2020, killing all 176 people onboard.

(Reporting by Stephanie van den Berg; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
FILE PHOTO: Austrian lawyer and privacy activist Max Schrems sits in his office ahead of a Reuters interview in Vienna, Austria, July 16, 2020. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner/File Photo

By Padraic Halpin

DUBLIN (Reuters) - Ireland bolstered its powerful data regulator's ability to stop the sharing of information during its inquiries into global tech companies amid criticism from opposition parties, privacy activists and non-governmental organisations.

Ireland's Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) is the European Union's lead regulator of many of the world's largest technology companies due to their EU headquarters being based in Ireland, and has levied billions of euros worth of fines under the bloc's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), introduced in 2018.

The government late last week amended a proposed piece of legislation that was nearing completion in order, it said, to protect disclosures made during the DPC's lengthy probes from being made public without the regulator's permission.

Austrian privacy campaigner Max Schrems, who has brought a number of successful complaints against tech firms, had called on lawmakers to vote against what he described as a "gag order" intended to hinder public discourse and reporting of DPC probes.

James Brown, junior minister at Ireland's justice ministry, said that there had been a misinterpretation of the scope of the amendment and "misconceived arguments" against it. The DPC had sought the powers in order to ensure fair procedure, he said.

"To be clear nothing in this amendment will prevent a complainant from speaking out about the nature of their data privacy complaint. There is no impact on journalists and no impact on the DPC's obligations under the GDPR," he told parliament.

The bill was passed by 73 votes to 60.

Irish Council of Civil Liberties senior fellow Johnny Ryan said the minister's statement did not alleviate its concerns that the DPC would have broad powers to designate information as confidential and "muzzle" some of its critics.

The European Consumer Organisation, European Digital Rights group and Amnesty International also spoke out against the bill.

Opposition politicians also criticized the introduction of the amendment so late in the process, giving little time for scrutiny and just one hour for debate.

"Poor process produces poor results. This is an appalling way to do business," said Catherine Murphy of the Social Democrats party.

(Reporting by Padraic Halpin; editing by Grant McCool)
FILE PHOTO: The logo of the web service Amazon is pictured in this June 8, 2017 illustration photo. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso/Illustration/File Photo/File Photo

By Jonathan Stempel

(Reuters) - A U.S. judge has dismissed a lawsuit against Amazon.com Inc brought by the parents of two teenagers who committed suicide by consuming sodium nitrite they bought on the online retailer's platform.

U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle on Tuesday rejected claims by the parents of Ethan McCarthy and Kristine Jonsson that Amazon was liable for negligence and violating Washington state product liability laws.

The parents sought unspecified damages from Amazon for letting an outside vendor sell sodium nitrite at 99.6% purity, which they labeled "suicide kits," to their children, saying it was known the chemical would likely be used for suicide.

Police found Jonsson, 16, of Hilliard, Ohio, dead in her mother's car in Sept. 2020 while McCarthy, 17, of Milton, West Virginia, died in his bed the following January.

In a 34-page decision, Robart said the product label for the sodium nitrite identified the dangers of using the chemical, which is sometimes used in cured meats.

He said Amazon had no duty to provide additional warnings, which in this case would not have prevented the deaths, and that Washington law preempted the negligence claims.

"Kristine and Ethan's fates were undisputedly tragic, but the court can only conclude that they necessarily knew the dangers of bodily injury and death associated with ingesting sodium nitrite," Robart wrote.

Carrie Goldberg, a lawyer for the parents, in a statement on Wednesday called the decision a "setback" but "hardly the end of the road" for the case.

"There are no household uses for sodium nitrite and no consumer, let alone children, could reasonably know how lethal it was," she said. "In Washington State it is against the law to aid in suicide and that's exactly what Amazon did."

Amazon, based in Seattle, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The case is McCarthy et al v Amazon.com Inc, U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington, No. 23-00263.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York, editing by Deepa Babington)
FILE PHOTO: A smartphone with a displayed Micron logo is placed on a computer motherboard in this illustration taken March 6, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo/File Photo

AHMEDABAD (Reuters) - U.S. memory chip firm Micron Technology on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding with the Indian government to build a semiconductor plant, its first factory in the country.

Micron said last week it will invest up to $825 million in the facility. With support from the Indian central government and the state of Gujarat, the total investment will be $2.75 billion, it added.

The facility will be constructed in Sanand, near the city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat.

(Reporting by Sumit Khanna; Writing by Tanvi Mehta; Editing by Jan Harvey)
By Anne Kauranen

HELSINKI (Reuters) - Finland's economy minister Vilhelm Junnila survived a no-confidence vote in parliament on Wednesday called by the opposition over references he made that were linked to Nazis.

Junnila is a member of the nationalist Finns Party, part of a right-wing coalition that took office last week following an election in April.

The opposition accused him of repeatedly making Nazi references, the latest during his election campaign.

Public broadcaster YLE saw Junnila congratulate his fellow party member on his candidate number, 88.

This is known as a neo-Nazi symbol used in place of the "Heil Hitler" salute referencing Nazi leader Adolf Hitler in World War Two. The Anti-Defamation League calls it "one of the most common white supremacist symbols".

"First of all, congratulations for the excellent candidate number. I know it's a winning card. Obviously, this "88" refers to two H letters which we won't say more about," Junnila said in his address at a campaign event on March 10, according to YLE.

Junnila has apologised for his choice of words, saying it was a distasteful joke.

"I condemn holocaust, antisemitism and all antisemitic acts completely," he wrote on social media last Thursday.

The no-confidence motion, proposed by the opposition Green Party, was voted down by members of parliament with 95 supporting the minister and 86 voting against him, including seven from coalition member the Swedish People's Party.

"The connections to far-right movements are not a single mistake, misunderstanding or bad humour, but rather repeated, systematic and comradely liaison," Green Party MP Hanna Holopainen said as she proposed the motion on Tuesday evening.

In 2019, Junnila gave a speech at an event organised by a Finnish far-right group to commemorate the victims of a 2017 knife attack by a Moroccan asylum seeker.

Finns Party chair Riikka Purra defended the minister on Twitter, accusing the opposition of attempting to oust him for his "bad and ill-suited" humour.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo told reporters he had given Junnila "a serious warning".

In the April election, the eurosceptic, anti-immigration Finns Party came in second with 20.1% of the vote, right behind the winner National Coalition at 20.8%. The conservative NCP then formed a coalition with the Finns Party and two smaller groups.

(Reporting by Anne Kauranen; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
By Stephen Nellis

MENLO PARK, California (Reuters) - Oracle Corp is spending "billions" of dollars on chips from Nvidia Corp as it expands a cloud computing service targeting a new wave of artificial intelligence (AI) companies, Oracle founder and Chairman Larry Ellison said on Wednesday.

Oracle's cloud division is working to gain ground against larger rivals such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Corp. To get an edge, Oracle has focused on building fast networks that can shuffle around the huge amount of data needed to create AI systems similar to ChatGPT.

Oracle is also buying huge numbers of graphics processing units (GPUs) designed to crunch that data for AI work.

Oracle is also spending "billions" of dollars on Nvidia chips but even more on central processor units (CPUs) from Ampere Computing, a chip startup it has invested in, and Advanced Micro Device Inc, Ellison said at an Ampere event.

"This year, Oracle will buy GPUs and CPUs from three companies," Ellison said. "We will buy GPUs from Nvidia, and we're buying billions of dollars of those. We will spend three times that on CPUs from Ampere and AMD. We still spend more money on conventional compute."

Oracle said last month it had struck a deal with Cohere, an AI startup founded by ex-Google engineers, under which Cohere will offer its AI software running on supercomputers inside Oracle's data centers with as many as 16,000 Nvidia chips each.

Other companies such as CoreWeave, which earlier this year raised a fresh $200 million of funding, are also targeting AI companies with cloud hardware that relies heavily on Nvidia chips.

(Reporting by Stephen Nellis in Menlo Park, California; Editing by Richard Chang)
ISLAMABAD, June 28 (Xinhua) -- At least nine people were killed and two others injured on Wednesday when armed men attacked a house in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, paramilitary troops in the province levies reported.

The levies said the incident took place early morning in the Bagardara area of the Malakand District when a few men entered a house and opened indiscriminate firing, resulting in the casualties of all people from the same family.

The attack took place due to a family dispute, levies said, adding that three suspects have been arrested.

Soon after the incidents, the levies and the rescue workers reached the site and shifted the victims to a local hospital, said the levies.

Reportedly, the deceased included four women, three men and two children.

Further investigations are underway, according to the levies. 
FILE PHOTO: A woman walk pass next to Panama flags a day before the inauguration of the Panama Canal Expansion project, in Panama City, Panama June 25, 2016. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso/File Photo

PANAMA CITY (Reuters) - The Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) said on Tuesday it would continue to clean up its fleet to prevent substandard Panama-flagged ships from being detained in foreign ports, a week after the country was added to an international watch list.

Panama's ships registry was last week added to the "grey list" of the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), an agreement among 27 countries establishing an international inspection regime for foreign ships in other nations' ports, aiming to control ships' safety and environmental standards.

The grey list includes fleets with acceptable compliance levels but low detention rates.

Panama has removed 216 vessels from its ships registry, the world's largest, since 2021, for not meeting international standards.

In a statement, the AMP said that Panama's registry, which numbers at some 8,500 vessels, had been inspected at least 45,000 times, giving "an overall fleet compliance level of 96.17% and a detention rate of 3.83% downward."

Panama's inclusion on the watch list could be due to an aging fleet, the AMP said, noting that of 374 detentions reported in the last three years, 104 of the detentions involved ships more than 30 years old and 35 were of ships over 40 years old.

(Reporting by Elida Moreno; Writing by Sarah Morland; Editing by Stephen Coates)
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (Reuters) -Two people were killed when an armed man exchanged fire with Saudi Arabian security authorities near the U.S. consulate building in Jeddah, leading to the deaths of the gunman and a security guard, the U.S. State Department said on Wednesday.

No Americans were harmed in the incident, a State Department spokesperson said in a statement.

"A person in a car stopped near the American Consulate building in Jeddah Governorate and got out of it carrying a firearm in his hand, so security authorities took the initiative to deal with him as required, and the exchange of fire resulted in his death," a spokesperson for the Makkah Region police said.

A Nepalese worker in the consulate's private security guards was injured and subsequently died, state news agency SPA reported.

Investigations are underway into the shootings.

"The U.S. Embassy and Consulate remain in contact with Saudi authorities as they investigate the incident," the State Department spokesperson said.

The consulate has been targeted several times in recent years. In 2016, a suicide bomber was killed and two people were wounded in a blast near the compound.

And in 2004, five people stormed the U.S. consulate with bombs and guns, killing four Saudi security personnel outside and five local staff within. Three of the attackers were killed in the assault and two were captured.

The 2004 attack in Jeddah followed other deadly bombings and shootings against expatriate compounds, Westerners working in the kingdom and other targets that were part of an al Qaeda campaign aimed at ousting the ruling Al Saud family.

(Reporting by Yomna Ehab and Tala Ramadan; additional reporting by Simon Lewis, Jasper Ward and Sharon Bernstein; editing by Grant McCool, Don Durfee, Leslie Adler and Lincoln Feast)
WARSAW (Reuters) - The editors of dozens of Polish media outlets published a joint declaration in defence of press freedom on Wednesday following complaints by critics of the country's ruling nationalists that they are attempting to limit it ahead of elections this autumn.

Critics say the Law and Justice (PiS) party has made state-run media a propaganda outlet since it came to power in 2015, and independent publications and broadcasters say they have come under pressure from the government, an assertion it rejects.

"We declare that we will defend the independence of Polish journalism, and the editorial offices managed by us will jointly and consistently inform the public about any attempt by the authorities to influence the media," the statement said.

The declaration came after two Polish news portals, Onet and Wp.pl, this month said that people connected with the government had tried to put pressure on them.

Onet's editor-in-chief wrote that a person connected to the government had suggested to him that the website should appoint a deputy editor who would be responsible for making sure that the government's point of view was represented.

The Wp.pl editor-in-chief wrote that when it started to publish investigations about PiS a state-owned company offered to buy it and the head of a state institution wrote to a member of the board saying which journalists it should hire and fire.

A Polish government spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday. However, when asked on Monday about the Onet and Wp.pl reports, government spokesman Piotr Muller said they lacked concrete details.

"I am no longer surprised that some people make serious allegations without presenting further facts or circumstances," he told private broadcaster RMF FM, itself a signatory to the declaration.

Concerns over media freedom have been raised many times in Poland, for example in the case of a law on foreign ownership which critics said was designed to silence Warner Bros Discovery-owned TVN24. The law was finally vetoed by the president.

(Reporting by Alan Charlish, Editing by William Maclean)
FILE PHOTO: General Sergei Surovikin, commander of Russian forces in Ukraine, visits the Joint Headquarters of the Russian armed forces involved in military operations in Ukraine, in an unknown location in Russia, in this picture released December 17, 202

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - General Sergei Surovikin, the deputy commander of Russia's military operations in Ukraine, was sympathetic to mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin's weekend rebellion, U.S. officials said on Wednesday, though it was unclear if he actively supported it.

Prigozhin startled the world by leading an armed revolt on Saturday that brought his Wagner Group fighters from the Ukrainian border to within 200 kilometers (125 miles) of Moscow before he abruptly called off the uprising.

Three officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that Surovikin had been in support of Prigozhin but Western intelligence did not know with certainty if he had helped the rebellion in any way.

As the rebellion began, Surovikin publicly urged fighters of the Wagner private militia to give up their opposition to the military leadership and return to their bases.

"I urge you to stop," Surovikin had said in a video posted on Telegram messaging app, his right hand resting on a rifle.

The New York Times reported on Tuesday that Surovikin had advance knowledge that Prigozhin was planning a rebellion.

The Kremlin, asked on Wednesday about the report, said there would be "a lot of speculation" in the aftermath of the events.

Surovikin, nicknamed "General Armageddon" by the Russian media for his reputed ruthlessness, is a veteran of wars in Chechnya and Syria who has been decorated by President Vladimir Putin.

In October, Surovikin was put in charge of the military campaign in Ukraine but was moved into a deputy role earlier this year after Russia's limited success in the invasion.

Prigozhin, a one-time Putin ally, in recent months has carried out an increasingly bitter feud with Moscow, including publicly saying his troops were not being provided enough weapons by the Russian ministry of defense.

U.S. officials and Western officials said Prigozhin had been stockpiling weaponry ahead of the mutiny attempt. The U.S. officials suggested he must have believed he had enough firepower and sympathy within the Russian military to carry out his uprising.

Still, a Western diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Prigozhin ultimately miscalculated by believing that his loyalty to Putin, his usefulness to the Kremlin and his support among Russian military officials would be enough to insulate him from consequences.

Putin initially vowed to crush the mutiny, comparing it to the wartime turmoil that ushered in the revolutions of 1917 and then a civil war, but hours later a deal was clinched to allow Prigozhin and some of his fighters to go to Belarus.

(Reporting by Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali; Additional reporting Joel Schectman; Editing by Don Durfee and Grant McCool)
COLOMBO (Reuters) - Sri Lanka's cabinet approved a domestic debt restructuring programme at a special cabinet meeting on Wednesday, a source at the president's office told Reuters.

Pledging to put its mammoth debt burden on a sustainable track, Sri Lanka locked down a $2.9 billion bailout from the IMF in March, which has helped it recover from the country's worst financial crisis in more than seven decades.

"Cabinet approved the domestic debt restructuring programme," a source at the president's office told Reuters.

The office said earlier in the day an official statement will be made on Thursday morning.

The domestic debt restructure is needed to help the country reach the IMF programme goal of reducing overall debt to 95% of GDP by 2032.

(Reporting by Uditha Jayasinghe; Writing by Tanvi Mehta; Editing by Shivam Patel and Andrew Heavens)
FILE PHOTO: The logo of Stellantis is seen on a company's building in Velizy-Villacoublay near Paris, France, February 23, 2022. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo

By Bianca Flowers

(Reuters) - Carmaker Stellantis will require union employees to work mandatory overtime at its Warren Truck assembly and Jefferson North factory in Michigan, to boost Jeep SUV production ahead of a potential strike deadline in September, according to a document shared with Reuters.

Stellantis told workers at both facilities the plants will be in "critical status" from July 5 through October 2. Under the current United Auto Workers (UAW) contract, a plant in critical status can run up to 7 days a week for a period of 90 days and require union employees to work more than 9 hours of overtime, according to a notice sent to employees and reviewed by Reuters.

"The company executives are doing this to build up inventory ahead of a potential strike. They are trying to intimidate us because we will not accept another sellout contract from the United Auto Workers," the rank-and-file committee, an independent group of mostly union workers for the Warren Truck facility, said in a blog post.

Stellantis said the reason was strong sales.

Due to high demand for the Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer and Jeep Grand Cherokee, Stellantis has put the Warren Truck, Detroit Assembly Complex  Jefferson, and Kokomo Engine plants on critical plant status," the company said in a statement. "The plants may run up to seven days a week for the next three months to increase sales of these popular models.

In the notice sent to the UAW, the company said the critical status designation of the Warren plant was due to a shortfall in production of its Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models that are 17,871 units behind schedule year-to-date.

UAW members said the production gap was due to the company laying off a shift of workers at the plant last summer.

UAW President Shawn Fain and other union leaders are ratcheting up pressure on Stellantis, General Motors and Ford ahead of the Sept. 14 expiration of the UAW's current national contracts with the Detroit Three.

Fain has attacked Stellantis for shutting down a Jeep factory in Belvidere, Ill., calling that a violation of the existing contract.

In the past, automakers have built up inventory of their most popular vehicles ahead of the UAW contract deadline and possible strike action.

Headed into this year's talks, Detroit automakers had lean inventories compared to the past. Production cuts forced by semiconductor shortages and efforts by all three Detroit automakers to keep prices high mean they have thinner cushions going into the fall.

Formal contract negotiations between the Detroit Three automakers and UAW leaders are set to begin on July 13.

(Reporting by Bianca Flowers in Chicago; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle and Chizu Nomiyama)
STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Wednesday that Sweden still wanted to join NATO before or at its summit in Vilnius next month although it was not certain it would be able to do so by then.

Sweden and Finland abandoned decades of military non-alignment in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year, seeking greater security by joining NATO. Finland became an alliance member in April but the process has been slower for Sweden.

Sweden has set its sights on joining at the alliance's July 11-12 summit and while it has strong support from other members including the United States, both Turkey and Hungary have so far held back from ratification.

"Sweden will become a NATO member," Kristersson said in an interview with public service broadcaster SVT.

"Nobody can promise it will happen specifically in Vilnius or right ahead of Vilnius, even if that has been our ambition all along. And that is an ambition we share with every other NATO country as well."

Turkey has said Sweden harbours members of what it considers terrorist groups - a charge Sweden denies - and has demanded their extradition as a step toward ratifying Swedish membership. It has also expressed outrage over anti-Turkish demonstrations held in the Nordic country.

Meanwhile, Sweden has said freedom of speech is firmly enshrined in its constitution and that it has lived up to all the requirements set out in an agreement with Turkey and Finland struck in Madrid a year ago.

Swedish and Turkish officials met on June 14 for what Sweden's chief negotiator characterised as good talks, and are due to hold another high level meeting in Brussels organised by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg before the Vilnius summit.

"We've also said that we respect that it is Turkey that makes Turkish decisions and it is good we now have another meeting ... and maybe we can address the odd question mark ahead of the Vilnius summit in that kind of conversation," Kristersson said.

(Reporting by Niklas Pollard; editing by Angus MacSwan)
Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during the opening of his campaign headquaters in Manchester, New Hampshire, U.S., June 27, 2023. REUTERS/Reba Saldanha

By Jack Queen

(Reuters) -Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday sued E. Jean Carroll for defamation, alleging she falsely accused him of rape after a jury in a civil trial found that he sexually abused her.

Trump's counterclaim against Carroll in Manhattan federal court comes after a jury's unusual finding in May that he sexually abused and defamed but did not rape Carroll, a former Elle magazine advice columnist.

Trump seeks a retraction as well as unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.

Carroll's lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, said in a statement that Trump's filing was "nothing more than his latest effort to delay accountability" for the jury's verdict.

"Donald Trump again argues, contrary to both logic and fact, that he was exonerated by a jury that found that he sexually abused E. Jean Carroll," Kaplan said.

Trump's lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The filing by Trump signals that his multi-front legal fight with Carroll is unlikely to end soon as both sides trade accusations and denials in the media.

Carroll amended the first of her two lawsuits against Trump and sought an additional $10 million in damages in May, citing his denials during a CNN appearance the day after the verdict.

Trump's filing in that same lawsuit Tuesday cite Carroll's statements on CNN after the verdict, when she said Trump raped her despite the jury's finding that he only sexually abused her.

Trump, who is running to retake the White House in 2024 and has a comfortable lead over his Republican rivals, has denied raping Carroll. He is appealing the verdict, which found he must pay $5 million in damages.

Carroll testified that Trump raped her in a New York City department store in the mid-1990s and then ruined her reputation by calling her a liar when she went public in 2019.

The new filings come in Carrolls first lawsuit against Trump, which she filed in 2019 for defamation only. The case has been bogged down in appeals over whether Trump was immune from being sued because he had been president when he spoke.

Carroll filed her second lawsuit against Trump for both defamation and sexual assault after New York passed a law giving survivors of sexual violence a window to file civil suits even if the statute of limitations on their claims had passed.

(Reporting by Jack Queen in New York; Editing by Kim Coghill, Robert Birsel)
FILE PHOTO: U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland listens to a question as he departs after announcing a U.S. Justice Department lawsuit to stop JetBlue Airways from buying Spirit Airlines, during a news conference at the Department of Justice in Washing

By Sarah N. Lynch

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Justice Department on Wednesday announced federal and local criminal charges targeting 78 defendants across 16 states as part of a law enforcement action involving $2.5 billion in alleged healthcare fraud schemes targeting elderly and disabled people, HIV patients and even pregnant women.

The cases range from allegations of falsely billing the federal Medicare insurance program for elderly and disabled Americans and paying illegal kickbacks, to the illicit diversion of expensive prescription medications and the improper dispensing of highly addictive opioid pain killers.

Among those facing charges include 24 doctors, nurses and other licensed medical professionals, as well as healthcare executives including the current and former CEOs of a durable medical equipment online platform accused of falsely billing $1.9 billion in fraudulent claims.

Of the $2.5 billion in alleged fraudulent claims to Medicare, state Medicaid programs that serve the poor and supplemental Medicare insurance programs offered by private insurers, about $1.1 billion was actually paid out to the fraudsters, officials said.

"The Justice Department will find and bring to justice criminals who seek to defraud Americans and steal from taxpayer-funded programs," Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.

The charges, filed or unsealed from June 12 through to Wednesday, involved a series of cases comprising similar types of schemes.

Some cases were tied to expensive HIV medications, which can fetch Medicare reimbursement rates as high as $10,000 for a month's supply. In one case, the owner of a pharmaceutical wholesale distribution company was charged in New Jersey with illegally purchasing diverted HIV drugs and then re-selling the medication by falsely claiming it was acquired through legitimate channels.

In another case, federal officials announced an indictment against a business owner in Wisconsin accused of preying on low-income pregnant women by enticing them to sign up for prenatal care services, and submitting phony claims for services never rendered.

Many typical Medicare fraud cases target elderly or disabled patients who are tricked into providing their personal insurance information to telemarketers who promise them they can receive some sort of testing, medical equipment or other service paid for by Medicare at no expense to them.

In such schemes, doctors who often have no actual relationship to the patients then rubber-stamp the orders by falsely certifying they are medically necessary.

The claims get submitted to federal or state insurance programs for reimbursement. Frequently, each person who contributes to the scheme receives a payment in the form of an illegal kickback or bribe.

The types of medical services at the heart of such schemes usually involve those that pay the highest reimbursement rates. Past examples of such services targeted by fraudsters have included durable medical equipment, genetic testing and other lab diagnostic services.

(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Will Dunham)
FILE PHOTO: Traders work on the trading floor at the Bank of America Tower in Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S., November 2, 2022. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo

By Nupur Anand and Lananh Nguyen

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Wall Street banks and brokerages are in a last-minute scramble to meet a July 3 deadline to charge investors for research reports, bankers and others in the industry said, a requirement that threatens their European business if they fail to comply.

Bank of America Corp and Jefferies Financial Group were among the earliest U.S. banks to comply with the rules - but many others have not yet met the standards and are rushing to catch up, they said.

Failure to do so could mean losing millions of dollars worth of business as U.S. firms must comply to continue providing research-related services to European clients. Many in the banking industry had hoped a regulatory reprieve in place since October 2017 would be extended beyond July 3, analysts said, explaining the reason behind the eleventh-hour scramble.

The challenge is more likely being felt by smaller and regional firms who lack European operations rather than the largest Wall Street banks, who are expected to meet the deadline, analysts said.

Banks typically provide research to clients as part of a broader offering of services, but that changed when the European Union introduced the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) II laws in 2018 to improve transparency.

Since then, firms operating in the European Union have been required to "unbundle" or itemize charges to investors for research such as stock picks, bespoke studies and meetings with analysts. The fees are separate from those charged for executing trades.

"It took about a year for us to become compliant to MiFID II laws -- it was a long, intense process," said Candace Browning, head of BofA Global Research. "There were definitely negotiations, there were detailed conversations with clients."

U.S. financial firms were initially given an exemption by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which expires on July 3.

The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), an industry group, has asked for an extension, saying U.S. broker-dealers who are not ready for the shift could lose business. So far, regulators have not granted the request.

"Companies continue to face challenges complying with the MiFID II unbundling requirement and U.S. law," said Joe Corcoran, SIFMA's managing director and associate general counsel for capital markets.

SIFMA has had nearly a dozen discussions with the SEC on the rules since last fall, and "we believe that the right choice is to extend the no action relief," he said.

'EXPENSIVE AND COMPLICATED'

In Europe, asset managers under MiFID II are not allowed to pay for research through broker commissions on trading -- instead, investors are billed separately by banks for research.

But in the U.S., many banks and brokerages are not registered investment advisers or RIAs, preventing them from charging separately for research because they are not supposed to give investment advice unless registered to do so.

Michael Eastwood, director of Americas equity research at Jefferies, said the firm received calls from peers and competitors asking about Jefferies process for setting up the RIA. Others made a flurry of calls to lawyers this year as they sought to comply, he said.

The process of becoming an RIA is "expensive and complicated," said Jesse Forster, an analyst at analytics firm Coalition Greenwich. Almost three-fourths of respondents surveyed by the firm in a poll said it would be incompatible with their business models and require significant business changes that may not be worth the costs.

The poll included responses from 20 asset managers in the U.S. and U.K., and 33 U.S.-based broker-dealers.

"This makes it very difficult for them to provide research to European clients after July 3, and puts them at a competitive disadvantage to their non-U.S. peers," he said.

In preparing for the changes, BofA assigned dedicated managers and salespeople to discuss pricing for clients, some of whom wanted to pay for services outright, while others wanted to be charged based on commissions, Browning said.

Browning, who began her career as an aviation analyst, said creating a pricing model for research was similar to airlines devising frequent flyer programs, with various options for different types of customers.

Broker-dealers and researchers are now devoting significant time and resources to determine what they should charge for research, given the risk of losing revenue if they do not meet the deadline for compliance next month, analysts said.

The rules will make providing research more complex because of the required documentation and procedures, while raising regulatory uncertainty, respondents in the Coalition Greenwich poll said. The number of firms providing research could shrink if they cannot meet the requirements, Forster wrote.

As the deadline draws nearer, "there is still lot of confusion in the industry," said Russell Sacks, a partner at law firm King & Spalding.

"There are concerns that this change is being foisted upon the firms without any data-driven evidence that the change is necessary for the protection of investors."

MiFID II rules were introduced to push more trading onto regulated public exchanges where prices and participants are visible to all, in an effort to bolster investor protection to avoid problems seen during the 2007-2009 financial crisis.

The European Union is currently negotiating changes to the unbundling rules that could widen a waiver for the requirement on research on companies below a certain size. Britain is due to publish the findings of a review on reforming the unbundling rule now that it has left the EU.

(Reporting by Nupur Anand and Lananh Nguyen in New York, additional reporting by Huw Jones in London; Editing by Deepa Babington)
TIANJIN, June 28 (Xinhua) -- With its enormous market scale and consistent efforts on advancing its green transition, China is expected to provide more attractive opportunities for global investors.

At the ongoing 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, entrepreneurs are optimistic about China's green shift, which they expect to provide players from home and abroad with a broader platform and new opportunities.

"We are particularly optimistic about the opportunities presented by China's 'dual carbon' goals," said Yu Feng, president of Honeywell China. "Our core business aligns with China's market demands and development trends."

China has announced that it will peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

In April, the U.S. industrial conglomerate Honeywell signed a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation with the Tianjin Free Trade Zone to establish a flagship sustainable aviation fuel production base in north China. The move aims to meet the growing market demand for sustainable aviation fuel, the company said.

Yu said that Honeywell remains confident in the continued growth of business in China, setting its sights on the prospects in digital technology and low-carbon development.

"We will continue to leverage our advantages in digitalization and sustainable technologies, and work with Chinese partners to help industries achieve low-carbon, smart and efficient development," Yu said.

Another multinational jumping on the bandwagon is Danfoss, a Danish equipment manufacturer that has invested in China for over 20 years. Thanks to China's pursuit of green development, its sales in the market expanded from no more than 4 billion yuan (about 554.78 million U.S. dollars) in 2015 to nearly 10 billion yuan last year.

"China's 'dual carbon' goals spurred huge market demand in green transformation and manufacturing upgrading, bringing opportunities for us," said Dai Jian, head of Danfoss Global Services, China.

"We will continue to expand our investment in green innovation and green manufacturing in China," Dai added.

From announcing "dual carbon" goals to advancing its national carbon market, Chinese authorities have introduced a raft of measures to boost the use of renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions, making remarkable progress in that direction.

"China has seen rapid growth in the new-energy sector, including solar energy and wind energy, and it is expected that the country will achieve its target for total installed solar power capacity five years ahead of schedule," said Ma Jun, director of the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs at the Summer Davos.

According to a report released by the World Economic Forum, China is the world's largest producer and consumer of hydrogen, a key factor enabling the country to deliver on its carbon neutrality objective.

"The emerging green hydrogen market is set to reshape the global energy map by the end of the decade, creating a 1.4 trillion-U.S. dollars market by 2050," said Patrick Tsang, Deloitte China CEO.

The burgeoning green industry has not only grabbed the attention of foreign firms, but has also helped Chinese companies to thrive by expanding their presence in the global market.

Backed by China's support on developing new-energy vehicles, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), a battery producer in China, has already become an indispensable partner for the leading automakers worldwide. It produces more than one-third of the world's batteries and aims to become a pivotal player in the transition to clean energy.

It has established 13 battery manufacturing plants worldwide, two of which are located outside of China, said the company.

"We will continue to expand our global footprint to help achieve international sustainability goals," said Ni Jun, Chief Manufacturing Officer of CATL. 
FILE PHOTO: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks to members of the media in the Treaty Room of the State Department in Washington, U.S., June 12, 2023. Mandel Ngan/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

By Simon Lewis and Humeyra Pamuk

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Turmoil in the occupied West Bank, where violence between Jewish settlers and Palestinians is spiraling, is making Israel's goal of normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia "a lot tougher, if not impossible," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday.

The Biden administration earlier this week objected to an Israeli decision to authorize settlement construction, the latest move by the religious-nationalist coalition despite appeals form Washington not to fan rising tensions.

Asked at a Council on Foreign Relations event in New York whether the dimmed prospect for a Palestinian state - given factors including Israeli settlement expansion and the recent uptick in violence in the West Bank - made normalization with Israel's neighbors more difficult, Blinken said this was part of his conversations with Israeli officials.

"Weve told our friends and allies in Israel that if there's a fire burning in their backyard, it's going to be a lot tougher, if not impossible, to actually both deepen the existing agreements, as well as to expand them to include potentially Saudi Arabia," Blinken said, adding that he has spoken about the issue with Israel Foreign Minister Eli Cohen on Tuesday.

"It's also, at least in our judgment as Israel's closest friend and ally, profoundly not in Israel's interest for this to happen - both because of the added degree of difficulty that this presents for pursuing normalization agreements, or deepening them, but also because of the practical consequences."

Saudi Arabia, a Middle East powerhouse and home to Islam's two holiest shrines, gave its blessing to Gulf neighbors United Arab Emirates and Bahrain establishing relations with Israel in 2020 under the previous U.S. administration of Donald Trump.

Riyadh has not followed suit, saying Palestinian statehood goals should be addressed first.

In his June 6-8 trip to the kingdom, the potential normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia and other Arab states were a top priority for Blinken, although he acknowledged no progress should be expected imminently.

On Wednesday, he said the prospect of normalization was "incredibly challenging," not something that can happen overnight, but that it was also "a real prospect."

In June at a joint press conference with Blinken, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said any benefits normalization would bring would be limited if there was not a pathway toward a two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians.

A surge of violence over the past few weeks in the West Bank has included rampages by scores of Israeli settlers in Palestinian towns and villages that drew international condemnation and concern from the White House. The violence followed the killing of four Israelis in a Hamas gun ambush.

Last Friday, Israel's national security minister urged tougher military action against Palestinian fighters in the occupied West Bank and urged Israeli settlers to expand their presence there.

(Reporting by Simon Lewis, Humeyra Pamuk and Rami Ayyub; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
BEIJING, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Li Chunsheng, former vice chairman of the Standing Committee of Guangdong Provincial People's Congress, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and dismissed from public office over serious violations of discipline and law.

The punishment was announced in an official statement by the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision on Wednesday.

An investigation into Li's case has found that he had accepted money and gifts and organized banquets with public funds in violation of relevant Party regulations. He was also found to have accepted a private venue provided by a business owner, and took part in receptions and travels that could potentially compromise his impartial execution of duty.

Li abused his power to seek benefits for others in the personnel arrangement work of officials, and failed to faithfully answer relevant inquiries and report his personal information, the statement said.

The investigation found that he was involved in trading power for sex and had meddled with judicial, law enforcement and market activities, and abused his power to seek benefits for others in aspects including business operation and project contracting, and accepted a huge amount of money and gifts in return.

Li's case will be transferred to prosecutors for review and prosecution procedures, and his qualification as a delegate to the CPC Guangdong provincial congress was terminated, according to the statement. 
A port call in the Faroe Islands this week marked the first-ever visit by a U.S. nuclear-powered submarine to the North Atlantic archipelago, the Navy said.

The USS Delawares stop at the capital of Torshavn on Monday follows a similar visit by a U.S. nuclear-powered submarine in Iceland that came amid rising NATO and U.S. concerns about significant Russian underwater activity in the Atlantic Ocean.

The Faroe Islands and the High North are vital areas for U.S. submarine operations, Rear Adm. Stephen Mack, director of maritime operations for U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, said in a statement Tuesday.

In April, the USS San Juan made a stop for supplies and personnel off the coast of Iceland after such brief visits were approved with assurances that the country and its territorial waters would remain free of nuclear weapons.

That stopover came as Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, the top U.S. military officer in Europe, told a congressional committee that Russian submarine patrols in the Atlantic were at higher levels than those seen in years.

The port call by Delaware, a Virginia class attack submarine, also comes after a Faroese government restriction earlier this month limited Russian access to its ports solely to fishing boats.

The self-governing island group, part of Denmark, is working to reduce the risk of espionage and has faced criticism following renewal of a bilateral fisheries accord with Russia in November, the news service Agence France-Press reported June 1.

The Faroe Islands comprise 18 mountainous islands located halfway between Iceland and Scotland in the North Atlantic. It has a population of about 50,000, of which about 40% is in Torshavn.
(Tribune News Service)  Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu hosted Cubas Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, Gen. Alvaro Lopez Miera, on Tuesday in what appears to be his first public meeting with a foreign official after the Wagner mercenary groups boss, Yevgeny Prigozhin, led a brief armed rebellion and demanded his dismissal.

The meeting with the Cuban military delegation, reported by Russian state media, is another signal of the two countries close relationship amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Shoigu called Cuba its key alley in the Caribbean while announcing the two governments were planning to develop military-technical cooperation projects, the Russian official news agency Tass reported.

Cuba has always been and continues to be Russias key ally in the region. Our Cuban friends have confirmed their attitude toward our country by demonstrating a complete understanding of the goals of the special military operation in Ukraine, he said in on-camera remarks released by the Ministry of Defense.

The Cuban general, which is under U.S. sanctions for his role in crushing anti-government protests in July 2021, said the United States intention to continue the expansion of NATO to Russias borders... forced Russia to launch a special military operation. In this context, Russia plays a leading role in the fight against fascism.

Prigozhins rivalry with Shoigu was behind the Wagner Groups move to seize a military headquarters in southern Russia and march towards Moscow on Saturday. But Russias president, Vladimir Putin, quickly ended the mutiny with a deal to send Prigozhin and his mercenaries to neighboring Belarus.

Cubas leadership seems to have been concerned about the chaotic events. Cubas handpicked president, Miguel Diaz-Canel, a frequent social media user, remained silent most of Saturday and waited until news of the deal to tweet his solidarity of the people and government of Cuba to the esteemed President Putin.

A flurry of recent trips of diplomats, military and security officials between Havana and Moscow after the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February last year have consolidated the close partnership, and several business deals have been announced, though they have yet to yield concrete results.

Earlier this year, the secretary of the Russian Security Council, Nikolai Patrushev, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and the speaker of the State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, visited Cuba.

Earlier this month, Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero met with Putin during an 11-day trip to Russia in which Russian officials promised to continue supplying oil to the island. And the Russian president gave the Order of Friendship medal to Gen. Lopez Miera.

2023 Miami Herald.

Visit at miamiherald.com.

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BEIJING, June 28 (Xinhua) -- The following is the full text of a joint statement released by China and New Zealand on Wednesday.

Joint Statement between the People's Republic of China and New Zealand on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

1. At the invitation of H.E. Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, Rt Hon Chris Hipkins, Prime Minister of New Zealand, undertook an official visit to China from June 25 to June 30, 2023.

2. During the visit, H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China, met with Prime Minister Hipkins. Premier Li Qiang and Prime Minister Hipkins held bilateral talks. H.E. Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, met with Prime Minister Hipkins. Leaders of the two countries had an in-depth exchange of views on China-New Zealand relations, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.

3. The two sides reaffirmed the importance of the 1972 Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations and the 2014 Joint Statement on the Establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between China and New Zealand. The two sides agreed to build on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations to strengthen high-level contacts, reinforce cooperation, build understanding, and manage differences. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to respecting each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with the UN Charter. New Zealand reaffirmed its commitment to its one-China policy.

4. Both sides undertook to build on recent dialogues in the areas of foreign affairs, trade and economics, and defence, and agreed to strengthen cooperation in various fields, including food safety, agriculture, customs and trade facilitation, science and innovation, and law enforcement.

5. China and New Zealand welcomed the entry into force in 2022 of the Upgrade Protocol to the China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement which modernises and expands on the original agreement. Both sides also undertook to commence the process for negotiations on a 'negative list' services framework later in 2023. The two sides noted their intention to strengthen bilateral trade, and expand cooperation in areas such as e-commerce, trade in services, green economy, and promote the establishment of a dialogue mechanism on new energy vehicles. Both sides agreed to maintain communication on Belt and Road Initiative cooperation.

6. The two sides welcomed the re-establishment of people to people exchanges since the reopening of borders, and agreed to strengthen cooperation in the areas of cultural, sporting, educational, air services, tourism, local government and academic links.

7. The two sides affirmed the importance of upholding the rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core, keeping the world economy open and inclusive, and maintaining resilient global supply chains. The two sides are committed to working together to deliver concrete outcomes at the WTO Thirteenth Ministerial Conference (MC13), including in relation to the dispute settlement system, fish subsidies, agriculture, and supporting the necessary reform of the WTO to improve all of its functions.

8. China and New Zealand reaffirmed their strong commitment towards the achievement of the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040, including through the implementation of the Aotearoa Plan of Action. To this end, China and New Zealand will strengthen their cooperation in APEC, including with regards to sustainable and inclusive trade.

9. The two sides noted their cooperation under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP). New Zealand welcomes China's application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and noted the requirement for aspirant economies to demonstrate that they can meet the high standards of this agreement. On the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA), New Zealand welcomes ongoing in-depth discussions taking place in the Accession Working Group for China process.

10. The two sides highlighted the importance of concrete action to address climate change and welcomed ongoing productive exchanges in this area, including regular Ministerial Dialogues. Both sides noted the importance of working to ensure the successful implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

11. The two sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to multilateralism, the importance of upholding the multilateral system based on international law, with the United Nations at its core, and the peaceful settlement of international disputes through dialogue and consultation in accordance with the UN Charter.

12. Premier Li Qiang and Prime Minister Chris Hipkins witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents:

-- Strategic Plan on Promoting Agricultural Cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China and the Ministry for Primary Industries of New Zealand (2023-2027)

-- Export Plan between the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China and the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries concerning Phytosanitary Requirements for Export of Fresh Kiwi Fruits from New Zealand to China

-- Memorandum of Arrangement between the National Forestry and Grassland Administration of the People's Republic of China and the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries on Forestry Cooperation

-- China New Zealand Food Safety Capacity Building Cooperation Programme between the State Administration for Market Regulation of the People's Republic of China and the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries

-- Arrangement on a Five-Year Roadmap for China-New Zealand Science and Technology Cooperation 2023-2027

-- Arrangement between the China National Intellectual Property Administration and the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand

-- Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Academic Qualifications in Higher Education between the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China and the Ministry of Education of New Zealand 
BRIDGEWATER, N.H. (Tribune News Service)  At a horse farm on the north side of Newfound Lake, on a three-mile course through the woods, 140 soldiers and would-be soldiers braved mosquitoes, mud and rain to learn what it's like to be a U.S. Army Green Beret.

The Green Beret with a Mission Challenge, an endurance, skill and obstacle course, simulates combat training and raises money to support Camp Resilence, a Gilford-based program that provides therapeutic outdoor experiences to military veterans, first responders and their families. Saturday marked the third annual event.

"It's kind of cool. It gives you an Army experience. If it were real it would be scary. Since it's fake, it's kind of fun," said 11-year-old Connor Culacz, a member of Boy Scout Troop 50 from Bridgewater. His troop's job was to ambush enemy soldiers by springing out of the brush and drenching them with super-soaker toy assault rifles.

"It's kind of putting you in the shoes of an Army person who went to war, and be stressed in a situation where you don't know what to do," Culacz said.

Fifteen teams of participants, ranging in age from 10 to 70, trekked through a battery of physical and mental tests. They forded an imaginary river by shimmying across a rope strung between trees, and crossed a swamp on a winding log trail. They carried 'injured soldiers' on stretchers  volunteers from their teams, and lugged water and ammo to the next clearing in the bush.

They shot paper targets with air rifles and air pistols. They wore backpacks weighing 10 to 40 pounds and held "rubber duckies"  imitation machine guns  as they progressed along rutted trails, listening for every rustling leaf and the faintest click or snap of enemy movement.

Jake Bumbaca of Litchfield, a staff sergeant in the New Hampshire Air National Guard, crawled on his belly through a 30-foot sluice of soupy mud.

"Cold mud! Nothing like it," said Bumbaca. "That was refreshing compared to bringing jugs (5 pounds of water) up the hill."

Then he knelt behind sandbags and hurled a volley of mock grenades at a makeshift enemy bunker.

"This is obviously something we don't do every day. We're all mechanics," said Tech Sgt. Connor Curio of Farmington. "Any time we get to do Army-style training, we like to show off, participate and have a good time."

"They're not required to crawl through the mud. But we highly encourage it," said grenade station manager Chris Bank. "Some will yell, 'Frag out!'  warning others to exit harm's way. "But most of the drama involves crawling through the mud."

Saturday was a lesson in skills, surprise, survival and team-building when stakes are high. And it was a chance for service members, first responders and veterans to decompress and bond.

Each team had a "walker"  a retired Green Beret who was there to answer questions, who served as chief of the imaginary guerrilla unit they had come to assist, as they worked with resistance forces behind enemy lines in a fictional nation coined the "People's Republic of Pineland." The situations they encountered resembled Special Forces missions in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, according to retired military officers on hand.

"You had a chance to today to work with some of the most elite forces in the world," retired Lt. Col. Kurt Webber, board president and co-founder of Camp Resilience, told the group when they broke for lunch. Webber, who lives in Gilford, graduated from West Point and served as a U.S. Army Ranger and in the Special Forces, commonly known as the Green Berets. "It's a chance to see what life as a Green Beret is like. They all have a blast. It's challenging and hard. But it's fun."

Jim Crispen of Woodstock, who served in the Army at Fort Devens, Mass., helped out at target shooting station. "It's got so many different phases to it that it challenges just about everybody," he said.

"This is all fun and games, but in the real world it's sketchy and scary, so don't take it lightly," National Guardsman and former U.S. Army Ranger Gred d'Arbonne of Brookline told his military unit for the day: the 11 members of Boy Scout Troop 50.

"It has a great purpose," said Gen. David Mikolaities of the New Hampshire National Guard. "It's good military team building for us, and it's an opportunity to honor our veterans. It's paying back to those who have gone before."

Julie Taub, co-founder and executive director of Swim with a Mission, the parent organization of veterans fundraisers including this one, said she hopes to raise $2 million through various events in New Hampshire this summer  including $50,000 for Camp Resilience through Saturday's Green Beret with a Mission.

(c)2023 The New Hampshire Union Leader (Manchester, N.H.)

Visit The New Hampshire Union Leader

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Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends and addresses the opening ceremony of a China-Vietnam economic forum in Beijing, capital of China, June 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Gao Jie)

BEIJING, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong on Wednesday called for closer economic and trade collaboration with Vietnam.

Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while attending the opening ceremony of a China-Vietnam economic forum held in Beijing.

China-Vietnam economic and trade cooperation has achieved fruitful results, with bilateral trade, investment, and regional cooperation achieving remarkable results, Liu said.

Liu stressed that China is ready to work with Vietnam to accelerate the synergizing of development strategies of the two countries and improve the quality and efficiency of trade cooperation and collaboration in production and investment.

The vice premier said that China is willing to work with Vietnam to strengthen multilateral and regional cooperation and promote the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to push China-Vietnam relations to new heights.

Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh said at the ceremony that Vietnam looks forward to strengthening cooperation with China in trade, investment, and infrastructure construction. 
Aaron Harrington (27) was in one of two groups totalling 18 people who met and confronted each other.

Aaron Harrington was involved in fight between groups of men

A father-of-one who produced a bicycle seat as a weapon during an armed street clash between two groups of men has been spared jail.

Aaron Harrington (27) was seen acting aggressively in the confrontation between 18 people in north Dublin.

Judge Ciaran Liddy gave him a three-month suspended sentence when he appeared in Dublin District Court.

Harrington, with an address at Coultry Drive, Ballymun, pleaded guilty to violent disorder  using or threatening to use unlawful violence, along with others.

He also admitted producing a bicycle seat in a manner likely unlawfully to intimidate another, while committing violent disorder.

The court heard the incident happened at Santry Way, Ballymun, on July 16, 2021.

Harrington was in one of two groups totalling 18 people who met and confronted each other.

A garda sergeant said some of the people were armed with weapons and the accused was in possession of a bicycle seat.

He was behaving aggressively at the scene but left when the gardai arrived.

Harrington had previous convictions but had not come to the attention of the gardai since this incident.

A number of other co-accused were involved in the incident and had been dealt with in a non-custodial manner by the courts, Harringtons solicitor John Quinn said.

He apologises for his behaviour on the night in question, he accepts what he did was wrong and he should not have been involved, Mr Quinn said.

The accuseds partner was in court to support him and they had one young child, Mr Quinn said.

Harrington had had some addiction issues but had attended a treatment centre and did well there.

He was currently working on a community employment scheme.

Judge Liddy suspended the three-month sentence for two years.
In addition, he had a leading role in setting up what appears to be a large-scale drug lab, given the amounts paid and quantities of chemicals purchased

Mink Kok, the Dutch criminal pal of Christy Dapper Don Kinahan, has been sentenced to six years in prison by a court in Rotterdam for drug trafficking.

The 61-year-old so called boss of the cocaine world was jailed for transporting hundreds of kilos of the drug, De Telegraaf has reported.

According to the paper, the court saw sufficient evidence for a conviction based on intercepted messages on the Sky ECC server.

The messages discuss, among other things, amounts of money and order lists, De Telegraaf wrote. In its ruling, the court refers to raw materials and chemicals and blocks of cocaine and cocaine base, payments and locations and required personnel (cooks).

"He had a leading and coordinating role," the court said.

The 400-kilo consignment of cocaine for which Kok was convicted had arrived in 2020 via the port of Antwerp in a consignment of bananas.

However, the shipment was somehow mislaid and was eventually found at a supermarket in Remscheid, Germany.

After the loss was discovered, Kok was intensively busy in trying to find it again, the verdict reads.

In addition, he had a leading role in setting up what appears to be a large-scale drug lab, given the amounts paid and quantities of chemicals purchased.

The Dutch Public Prosecution Service had previously demanded nine years in prison for Kok but the sentence was lowered as there was insufficient evidence that he also had another batch of drugs in his possession.

A lawyer for Kok, Mark Teurlings, had asked for an acquittal, telling De Telegraaf on Tuesday that he was disappointed in the verdict and was considering an appeal.

The convicted drug trafficker and gun runner, one of the most infamous gangland criminals in Dutch history, had struck up a close working relationship with Christy Kinahan Snr when they were both based in Amsterdam in the 19090s.

It is believed the pair worked together to import millions of euro worth of cocaine and ecstasy into Ireland and the UK.

Kok's son-in-law, named only as Najim Z is also accused by the Public Prosecution Service of being behind the importation from South America of two batches of 750 and 840 kilos of cocaine.

These were intercepted in 2021 in the ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam.

Najim Z (42) was previously sentenced for those two coke shipments in a separate case.

He was handed down an eight-year prison sentence minus time spent in pre-detention and a detention period in Lebanon.

However, prosecutors have demanded another 12 years in prison against him two weeks ago in the case which is completely separate from that of Koks.

According to the judice officials, evidence against Kok stems from intercepted Sky ECC messages.

Justice official say they can prove that there was intensive contact between Sky phones that are attributed to Z and Mink Kok, who were both arrested in Lebanon at the end of March 2022.

There was no Sky telephone found with Kok when he was arrested, but detectives say that the investigation against Kok started after he admitted to a TV programme that he used Sky telephones to communicate with others.

His lawyer previously denied that Kok was the user of the two Sky phones attributed to him.

In the messages we clearly read that the user of the telephone would be in the Netherlands, even in Amsterdam, Teurlings has been quoted as saying. So the user could never have been Kok because he was in Lebanon at the time.

Various media have referred to Najim Z based on various judicial or police sources as a leader in Ridouan Taghi's network.

Dutch-Moroccan Taghi is regarded as one of Europes biggest drugs traffickers and is a key associate of the Kinahan Cartel.

He was one of a number of high-profile criminals who were guests at Daniel Kinahans wedding in Dubai in 2017.

Along with a number of his associates, Taghi is currently facing multiple charges ranging from assassinations, attempted killings and murder plots.

Lawyers for Z have previously contested that their client should be considered as the financial man in Taghi's drug network, as the Public Prosecutor believes.
Dean Synnott (28) told his victim she shouldn't have screamed and no one is going to help you

A man who subjected his ex-partner to a persistent and serious attack over six years ago has been jailed.

Dean Synnott (28) of Wellmount Road, Finglas pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two counts of assault causing harm at the same address on October 14, 2017.

An investigating garda told John Moher BL, prosecuting, that the victim had gone to Synnott's home the night before. In the early hours of the morning, the victim brought Synnott, who appeared intoxicated, to bed and said she was going home.

When she went to leave his bedroom, he grabbed her and said she wasn't going. He then threw her on the bed and attempted to get on top of her, but she kicked him off. Synnott put his hand over her mouth, then punched her to the side of the head.

The victim managed to get up, but Synnott pulled her to the ground. He then got on top of her and began to hit the back of her head. There were others in the house and the victim screamed for someone to call 999. Synnott told her she shouldn't have screamed and no one is going to help you.

He then asked her what was wrong, opened the bedroom door and said he was not stopping her from leaving. While the victim was walking downstairs, Synnott grabbed her and said she wasn't leaving.

He then pushed her down the stairs, got on top of her and wrapped one hand around her neck so she could not breathe. He hit her around 10 times to her face.

During the attack, Synnott told the victim she was making it hard on herself and he only wanted to talk.

After leaving the house, the victim started to run and was followed by Synnott, who grabbed her and punched her. She managed to get up and started to walk towards Finglas, but he pulled her towards the house.

The victim ran into the road when a taxi drove past, but the driver didn't stop when she screamed for help. Other cars also drove past without stopping.

Synnott told her that no one is going to come over to you, you are wasting your time. She agreed to his request to go back to the house and said she would stay outside.

When they got to the house, the woman ran and hid after Synnott went inside briefly. She heard Synnott shouting: Silly little bitch, I'm going to kill you.

She then called the gardai and when they arrived, she again ran towards Finglas. A taxi driver saw her and dropped her to the garda station. Synnott told gardai that he'd had a disagreement with his girlfriend and she'd left the house. They observed he was intoxicated and left as the victim wasn't there.

The victim was later taken to Beaumont Hospital and a medical report was submitted to the court. She sustained a head injury and bruises to her body. Gardai also observed red marks on her cheeks and a cut on her lips.

A victim impact statement was read on her behalf by Mr Moher. The victim said she was concerned Synnott was going to kill her that night and said she suffers panic attacks each October when it all comes flooding back.

She said the incident affected her mental health and she has difficulty sleeping. She also expressed concern that other people did not offer her assistance during the attack.

Synnott was interviewed following his arrest, but nothing of evidential value was obtained. He has nine previous convictions, all at the District Court, which post-date this incident.

The garda agreed with Aidan McCarthy BL, defending, that his client had no convictions at the time. The garda said he was not aware that the relationship continued for several months after this incident.

Mr McCarthy offered a sincere apology from his client to the victim. He said Synnott was 22 at the time of this incident and has no memory of the event.

A psychological report was also handed to the court. Mr McCarthy said his client was raised by his grandmother as he was born when his mother was a teenager. Synnott has a diagnosis of ADHD and spent a period of time in care when he was 17. During this time, he was moved out of Dublin, later finding out from his mother that this was because there was a threat to his safety.

Defence counsel said his client has addiction issues, but is currently drug-free. He suffered an overdose in 2018 and spent nine weeks in Beaumont Hospital. Synnott has since developed cognitive and mobility issues.

A letter from the Simon Community was handed to the court. Synnott's mother and his key worker were in court to support him. Mr McCarthy asked the court to consider imposing a suspended sentence to give his client a chance to remain in the community.

Judge Martin Nolan said there were two stages to this attack, that it was persistent, determined and would have been very frightening for the victim.

He noted the mitigation and said it is difficult to know if Synnott will re-offend in future, but the court considers he probably won't to this extent.

Judge Nolan said this was a serious attack and he could not agree to the defence's submission to impose a non-custodial sentence. He handed Synnott a three year prison sentence, with the final year suspended on strict conditions.

Judge Nolan said Synnott had attacked this young lady in a serious way and he has to go to prison by reason of that behaviour, it's too serious.
Im just lucky it hasnt been noticed in work so far. If they read that in the paper Ill be gone

OBrien says hell get the boot from his job if his conviction is discovered

OBrien says hell get the boot from his job if his conviction is discovered

A man who harassed a traffic warden and his boss for six years over a 40 parking ticket says he is trying to keep his conviction low-key as he doesnt want his workplace to find out.

Healthcare worker Rory OBrien (47) of Kilnacranna, Carrigatoher, Nenagh, Co Tipperary, waged a bizarre campaign of harassment against parking warden Arthur Kelly on various dates between February 25, 2015 and July 27, 2021 in Nenagh Town Centre, all because Mr Kelly gave him a 40 ticket for parking in a loading bay.

Over that six-year period, OBrien followed Mr Kelly around the town shouting horrific abuse at him on multiple occasions.

OBrien ramped up the campaign of harassment on June 8, 2021 when he targeted Mr Kellys boss, Rosemary Joyce, following her and abusing her at the Tesco in the town.

Rory OBrien talks to our reporter Alan Sherry at his Tipperary home

He continued the harassment against Ms Joyce, who is the Nenagh Municipal District Administrator, up to July 2021.

OBrien pleaded guilty to harassing the two victims when he appeared before Nenagh District Court on June 9.

Judge Elizabeth MacGrath sentenced OBrien to six-months imprisonment for harassing Mr Kelly and four months in prison for harassing Ms Joyce, but suspended the sentences for two years and ordered OBrien to stay away from the victims and their workplace.

Despite his guilty plea, OBrien saw himself as the victim when the Sunday World called to his home this week.

We just want to be left alone. Weve been to court. Were not going to get justice, he said.

OBrien said he is worried he will lose his job when his workplace finds out about his conviction.

They do vetting at work twice a year. It was done the last few weeks and I escaped that [his conviction came after the vetting].

Im just lucky it hasnt been noticed in work so far. If they read that in the paper Ill be gone, its written in black and white in my contract. It hasnt come up in garda vetting yet.

OBrien says hell get the boot from his job if his conviction is discovered

The case has already been reported on by local newspapers and broadcasters and OBrien conceded his workplace would find out about the conviction through garda vetting anyway.

He made false and ludicrous allegations that he was assaulted by Mr Kelly on the day he got the parking ticket and was unhappy that Ms Joyce did not believe his claims.

I was loading something for someone who doesnt drive and was trying to get the item to Roscrea for them. Thats all I was doing. He let fly at me for parking [there], OBrien claimed.

Despite OBriens claims, Mr Kelly, who is well-liked in the town, did not assault him and was himself the victim of verbal abuse after he gave OBrien a ticket for being in the loading bay.

Mr Kelly had never met OBrien before that day and had no interactions with him other than issuing that ticket, but OBrien made it his mission to harass him over the following six years. Some of the verbal abuse was at the extreme end and Mr Kelly was concerned OBrien would follow him home and bring the abuse to his doorstep.

Asked why he started harassing Ms Joyce as well, OBrien told the Sunday World that he wrote a letter to her about his interaction with Mr Kelly and was unsatisfied with the response.

He then espoused a bizarre conspiracy theory that the parking warden, local municipal district and gardai were all part of a conspiracy to deny him justice.

When we asked him about the nature of the harassment he pleaded guilty to, OBrien declined to say but he said he didnt stalk either victim.

I didnt stalk anyone. I have no time for any of that carry on. I work in healthcare. I have enough to be doing, he said.

As part of his sentence OBrien was ordered not to have contact with the victims and not to go with 200m of their workplace.

Locals say Mr Kelly is well liked and known for being fair.

He appeared in a viral video jokingly putting a ticket on a toy car in the town in Christmas 2021 and locals described him as an absolute legend and the best traffic warden in Ireland.

Ms Joyce has also come in for praise for the commitment and work from her and her office.

Ms Joyce told the Sunday World that she and Mr Kelly could not comment on the case.

The case has been dealt with in the courts which is the appropriate place for it and we have no further comment, she said.
Gda Ryan, who was stationed in Tallaght, was summonsed to appear in court today on three counts of dangerous driving and one of endangerment.

Dean Maguire, Karl Freeman and Graham Taylor all died in the crash

A GARDA has appeared in court accused of dangerous driving following a road crash that claimed the lives of three members of a burglary gang.

John Francis Ryan appeared in court today on charges in connection with the fatal accident on Dublins N7 two years ago.

The case against him was adjourned at Dublin District Court.

The three men Dean Maguire (29), Karl Freeman (26) and Graham Taylor (31)  were killed instantly when their BMW vehicle burst into flames following a head-on crash with a truck between Citywest and Baldonnel on July 7, 2021, while they were driving on the wrong side of the road.

The three were members of a Tallaght-based gang that specialised in burglaries and were fleeing gardai at the time.

Gda Ryan, who was stationed in Tallaght, was summonsed to appear in court today on three counts of dangerous driving and one of endangerment.

The prosecution is being brought by the Director of Public Prosecutions on behalf of the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC).

Today, defence solicitor Elizabeth Hughes told Judge Joanne Carroll it was her clients first appearance in court and she was seeking disclosure of prosecution evidence to include any CCTV there may be.

The judge asked Ms Hughes if she had seen anyone from the DPPs office in court.

Ms Hughes said she had not seen anyone, but the investigating GSOC member was present.

GSOC officer Sean Campbell said the DPP had been requested to be represented but there doesnt appear to be anyone here, judge.

He said he had been onto the (DPP's) office and I dont believe there will be anybody here.

Judge Carroll asked if the case was in court for the accused to indicate a plea.

Ms Hughes said it was the first time in the list and she was seeking disclosure.

Can you comply with that? the judge asked Mr Campbell.

I can indeed, he replied.

Ms Hughes asked the judge to impose a reporting restriction on the garda's home address, saying there were sensitivities in the case.

There was no GSOC objection and the judge granted the order.

The judge adjourned the case to October 4, for the accused to indicate how he intends to plead. The directions of the DPP on a future court venue have not been issued yet.

Garda Ryan, dressed in a white shirt, dark striped tie, navy slacks and brown shoes stood forward in court during the brief hearing and said thanks to the judge at the end.

After the proceedings, the accused was escorted into a restricted area within the Criminal Courts of Justice after the case and did not leave the building through the normal public exit.

Members of Dean Maguire's family, and their solicitor Michael Finucane were present in court for today's hearing.
During the course of the arrest, a garda member received non-life threatening injuries.

A male garda was allegedly bitten twice in Westmeath during an arrest operation last week.

According to the Westmeath Examiner, the attack occurred at Mullingar Garda Station as the guard was arresting the man, an Irish national, in connection with alleged public order offences.

The alleged incident happened at 2pm on Tuesday June 20 and the suspect for the biting is expected to be further charged, it has been reported.

A statement from the Garda Press Office today stated: Gardai attended a public order incident that occurred at approximately 2pm on the 20th of June 2023 in Mullingar, Co Westmeath.

One man aged in his 30s was arrested in relation to this public order incident. He has been charged in relation to this matter and will appear before court at a later date.

During the course of the arrest, a garda member received non-life threatening injuries. Enquiries are ongoing into this matter.
Gardai also seized suspected cannabis valued at 20,000, suspected heroin valued at 5,000, and Alprazolam tablets valued at 52,500

Some of the drugs seized in Finglas

A man in his 20s has been arrested after gardai carried out a drugs raid on a house in Finglas, North Dublin last night.

A search was conducted as part of Operation Tara in an effort to target the sale and supply of drugs in the Finglas West area.

At approximately 8.30pm, gardai attached to the Divisional Drugs Unit, Detective Unit and uniform officers based in Finglas Garda Station raided a house in the area.

During the course of the search, gardai seized suspected cannabis valued at 20,000, suspected heroin valued at 5,000, Alprazolam tablets valued at 52,500, as well as a quantity of cash, gardai said.

A male, aged in his 20s, was arrested as part of this investigation and is currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996 at a Garda station in Dublin.

Investigations are ongoing.

Gardai said the seizure forms part of Operation Tara, the national anti-drugs strategy that was launched by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris in July 2021.

The focus of Operation Tara is to disrupt, dismantle and prosecute drug trafficking networks, at all levels - international, national, local - involved in the importation, distribution, cultivation, production, local sale and supply of controlled drugs.
The dismantling of the tool that was widely used by organised crime groups (OCGs), led to the arrests of 197 High Value Targets

More than 6,500 people have been arrested and close to 900 million seized following the successful takedown of the encrypted criminal EncroChat communications system, it has been revealed.

The dismantling of the tool that was widely used by organised crime groups (OCGs), led to the arrests of 197 High Value Targets in a worldwide operation led by French and Dutch judicial and law enforcement agencies.

The results of the operation were detailed in the first review of EncroChat by authorities in Lille.

A joint investigation team (JIT) set up by both countries in 2020, and supported by Eurojust and Europol led to the EncroChat bust that sent shockwaves across OCGs in Europe and beyond, Europol stated.

It helped to prevent violent attacks, attempted murders, corruption and large-scale drug transports, as well as obtain large-scale information on organised crime.

OCGs worldwide illegally used the encryption tool EncroChat for criminal purposes, Europol said in a statement.

Since the dismantling, investigators managed to intercept, share and analyse over 115 million criminal conversations, by an estimated number of over 60,000 users. User hotspots were prevalent in source and destination countries for the trade in illicit drugs, as well in money laundering centres.

The information obtained by the French and Dutch authorities was shared with their counterparts in EU Member States and third countries.

Three years after the encryption was broken by law enforcement, 6,558 suspects were arrested, including the 197 most wanted criminals and led to a total of 7,134 years of imprisonment of convicted criminals.

A total of 739.7 million in cash was seized, while another 154.1 million was frozen in assets or bank accounts.

Some 30.5 million pills of chemical drugs were seized, alongside 103.5 tonnes of cocaine; 163.4 tonnes of cannabis; 3.3 tonnes of heroin; 971 vehicles and 271 estates or homes.

There were 923 weapons seized, as well as 21,750 rounds of ammunition and 68 explosives as well as 83 boats and 40 planes.

The French Gendarmerie Nationale launched investigations into the alleged criminal conduct of the company operating EncroChat in 2017, after discovering that the phones were regularly found during operations against OCGs.

This then led to further investigations that established that the company behind the tool was operating via servers in France. Law enforcement was then able to place a technical device to go beyond the encryption technique and obtain access to users correspondence.

After a case was opened at Eurojust in 2019 by the French authorities, data was shared with the Netherlands, which led to the setting up of the JIT in April 2020.

Since then, information on criminal activities was shared with national authorities within and outside the EU, at their request.

Europol, which has been supporting the case since 2018, said they not only helped to set up and support the JIT, but also coordinated the cooperation between all authorities involved.

Hundreds of requests for mutual legal assistance to other authorities were handled via the agency.

More than 115 million messages and data received from the JIT partners were examined by a large, dedicated team of experts at Europol who then analysed and cross-checked the data.

This was combined with information available in its information systems, and provided close to 700 actionable intelligence packages to countries worldwide.

An Operational Taskforce, known as OTF EMMA was set up at Europols headquarters to bring together investigators and experts from Europol, Member States and third countries.

They jointly worked on the Encrochat data to investigate the worlds most dangerous criminals, with Europol supporting the spin-off investigations initiated across the world.

According to the Europol, EncroChat phones were presented as guaranteeing perfect anonymity, discretion and no traceability to users. It also had functions intended to ensure the automatic deletion of messages and a specific PIN code to delete all data on the device. This would allow users to quickly erase compromising messages, for example at the time of arrest by the police.

In addition, the device could be erased from a distance by the reseller/helpdesk. EncroChat sold crypto telephones for around 1,000 each, on an international scale. It also offered subscriptions with worldwide coverage, at a cost of 1,500 for a six-month period, with 24/7 support.

OCGs communicating via encryption were dealt another blow in March 2021, following the dismantling of the SkyECC tool.

.
A woman claimed the victim was beaten with a rock in a car and further assaulted at the cliffs at Sliabh Liag

Gardai and the Irish Coast Guard carry out a search of Sliabh Liag for a missing person, in Co. Donegal. Photo by Joe Dunne 27/06/2023

Gardai and the Irish Coast Guard are carrying out a search of Sliabh Liag for a missing person (Pic: Joe Dunne)

Tourists are turned away as gardai and the Irish Coast Guard carry out a search of Sliabh Liag for a missing person, in Co. Donegal. (Pic: Joe Dunne)

Gardai are continuing to search for the victim of a suspected violent assault in Donegal following a confession by a suspect.

A major multi-agency operation is continuing to the hunt for the missing man, aged in his mid-60s, who was last seen in the Killybegs area at the weekend.

Detectives are investigating whether the man was the victim of a serious attack in different locations, including at the cliffs at Sliabh Liag, before his disappearance.

A man aged in his 30s and a woman in her 20s, arrested on suspicion of assault, were last night released without charge while searches continued for the victim.

Gardai and the Irish Coast Guard are carrying out a search of Sliabh Liag for a missing person (Pic: Joe Dunne)

Gardai are still trying to establish what happened in the area between Saturday and Sunday and have recovered a blood-splattered car.

The mans disappearance came to light earlier this week after a woman allegedly confessed to a third party that she had been involved in a violent assault with a man.

The woman claimed the male victim was beaten with a rock in a car and further assaulted at the cliffs at Sliabh Liag, about 50km west of Donegal town.

Gardai were subsequently notified by the third party and an investigation was launched.

The alleged victim has not been seen since, and gardai have been liaising with his family.

Gardai and the Irish Coast Guard carry out a search of Sliabh Liag for a missing person, in Co. Donegal. Photo by Joe Dunne 27/06/2023

A source said: This is a very complex situation and gardai are still attempting to locate the individual who was the victim of this alleged serious assault, but he has not yet been found.

What was stated in this apparent confession has yet to be proved and the investigation is ongoing.

The man released from garda custody last night is known to gardai for previous involvement in violent assaults, and he has served a custodial sentence.

The Irish Coast Guard has been helping gardai with the search operation, while the Sliabh Liag area, which is popular with tourists, remains closed to the public.

A house in the Killybegs area has been sealed off since Monday. Forensics officers are at the property and are carrying out a search of the property.

A key part of the investigation will focus on be forensic evidence taken from a car, which includes blood spatters.

A warrant to examine the vehicle was granted at Mondays sitting of Letter- kenny District Court.

Since then, gardai have been examining the car as they try to form a bigger picture of what exactly might have happened. It is understood the car belongs to one of the people who were arrested.

In a statement, a garda spokesperson said: Gardai in Ballyshannon are appealing for witnesses following an incident that occurred in the Sliabh Liag/Killybegs area in Co Donegal between Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25.

Gardai are appealing to any person who may have information in relation to this incident to contact them.

Anyone with information can call Ballyshannon garda station at 071 985 8530.
According to sources the protest could involve as many as 15 bands and hundreds of supporters from across Northern Ireland.

Forensic experts remove bottles of liquid believed to be petrol from the scene of an arson attack in Newtownards this week in which 25 cars and a trailer were damaged during the incident. The attack at car dealership in Ards is being linked to the UDA drugs feud in North Down

The Sunday World can reveal hundreds of protestors will converge on the Weavers Grange area of the West Winds estate calling for the Price gang to finally get out for good.

Plans are being finalised for the parade to be staged in the days leading up to this years 12th of July celebrations with discussions ongoing involving a number of bands.

According to sources the protest could involve as many as 15 bands and hundreds of supporters from across Northern Ireland.

The organisers have said they are committed to a peaceful demonstration.

The net is finally closing in on Price despite the mobsters continued defiance.

And we can reveal Prices son Ryan `Buster Johnson is on the run following revelations in the Sunday World that the PSNI had bugged a house in Weavers Grange and are planning further arrests on the back of recorded conversations which included death threats.

He is said to have freaked out when he discovered the house had been bugged.

Johnson is currently on bail facing charges of his alleged involvement in an assault on a man in Ards Shopping Centre in the opening days of the feud in April.

The Sunday World understands he cut off his electronic tag and fled his home and is believed to be hiding out in the Lisburn area.

Its only a matter of time before he is lifted, said our source.

He freaked out after the story in the Sunday World because of what was discussed and what would have been picked up by the listening devices.

Ironically it was in the very house that was being monitored when he and a number of other gang members met to discuss the story.

Price, who fled Weavers Grange, after a series of attacks on houses and commercial property, is known to visit the cul-de-sac a couple of times a week, arriving with his pet dog who is walked by one of his lackeys.

PACEMAKER BELFAST The Westwinds estate, Newtownards.

It is understood around seven gang members remain in the area where they have little or no support.

The mass protest mirrors a similar campaign targeting then terror chief Johnny Adair in 2005.

Mainstream terror units from the across the country had planned to converge on the lower Shankill but the plan was abandoned after the UFF C Company commander and his supporters opted to quit and fled to Bolton before settling down in Scotland.

It is the latest in a series of developments in recent days.

The Sunday World also understands that concerned residents in Portaferry are planning a protest against the presence of a number of Price gang members who have set up in the Peninsula village.

The Price gang launched an attack on a van owned by a prominent businessman which was carried out by the Portaferry faction.

The attack was sanctioned at the time by South East Antrim (SEA) UDA which at the time had taken Prices gang under its wing.

Security sources say the PSNI are keeping a close eye on the leader of the Portaferry crew.

Price, who is holed up in east Belfast, tried to set up shop in Seymour Hill on the outskirts of Dunmurry south of the city where Jackie McDonalds South Belfast Brigade of the UDA reign supreme.

He was told in no uncertain terms there was no room for him here, said our source.

He literally has nowhere to go.

Dissent among gang members is also growing with a number now openly critical of their leader for abandoning when he ran away.

One prominent figure whose identity is known to the Sunday World, visited SEA drug dealer Willam `Duck McTaggart in the past few weeks,

Maghaberry where is serving a prison sentence for drug offences, and pleaded to be taken in by SEA.

Duck is still running SEAs drug operations from behind bars and is very much a commanding figure in SEA, said our source.

He told the guy there was no way back for him, youve made your bed, now lie in it.
A visitor buys skincare products during the Second China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province, Sept. 28, 2021. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan)

BEIJING, June 28 (Xinhua) -- The third China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo will run from June 29 to July 2 in Changsha, the capital of central China's Hunan Province.

It is the third time the expo will take place in Hunan, one of the most active provinces in economic and trade ties with Africa and a trailblazer in China-Africa cooperation.

Here are some facts and figures on the province's booming cooperation with African countries.

ROBUST TRADE GROWTH

Hunan's trade with Africa has seen growth from 15.08 billion yuan (about 2.1 billion U.S. dollars) in 2012 to 55.66 billion yuan in 2022. Its trade figure last year ranked first in central and western China and eighth nationwide.

In the first four months of 2023, Hunan's trade with Africa soared by 90.4 percent, year on year. Notably, its imports of African agricultural products increased by 16.6 times. Natural and synthetic rubber and food also posted robust growth in imports.

So far, more than 100 varieties of African products have entered major shopping malls in Changsha.

Hunan's Department of Commerce has projected the province's trade with Africa to exceed 100 billion yuan by 2025, with an annual growth rate of above 25 percent.

Customs officers of the Changsha Huanghua International Airport inspect fresh-cut roses imported from Africa in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, Jan. 12, 2023. (Changsha Customs/Handout via Xinhua)

COOPERATION TRAILBLAZER

Among 21 pilot free trade zones in China, the China (Hunan) Pilot Free Trade Zone has the task of building a "demonstrative highland" of cooperation between China and Africa.

The free trade zone is now home to the African Non-Resource Products Trade Center and the China-Africa Cross-Border RMB Center. It has been exploring new mechanisms of China-Africa cooperation, including barter trades with African countries that lack foreign currency reserves and new cross-border financial services.

Last year, the province saw China's first cross-border remittance and foreign exchange settlement of Kenyan shillings, which was provided by the China-Africa Cross-Border RMB Center under the Hunan branch of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, with the close collaboration of the Standard Bank's Kenyan office.

Hunan has also prioritized efforts to standardize the inspection and quarantine of African agricultural products that have entered into deals at the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, helping them gain market access to China.

African diplomats visit Yuan Longping High-tech Agriculture Co., Ltd. in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, July 29, 2022. (Xinhua)

AGRICULTURAL COOPERATION

Hunan is a major grain producer in China and home to the Hunan Hybrid Rice Research Center, founded by the "father of hybrid rice," Yuan Longping. Drawing from its strength in agricultural technologies, Hunan is helping African countries ensure food security and reduce poverty.

Seed companies from the province have piloted the planting of hybrid rice in 16 African countries and have carried out cooperation in breeding, scale farming, and technology transfer in 11 countries.

In 2019, the Hunan Hybrid Rice Research Center set up its Africa sub-center in Madagascar to develop hybrid rice breeds that suit local conditions and provide training.

The sub-center has helped increase the cumulative area of hybrid rice cultivation to 70,000 hectares in Madagascar as of 2023, with an average yield of around 7.5 tonnes per hectare, much higher than other local breeds that produce 3 tonnes per hectare. 
!Im 43 this year and I want grandbabies..I cant believe I dont have a grandbaby yet!

Kerry Katona has ordered her 21-year-old daughter Molly to hurry up and pop one out as she wants to be a grandmother.

Kerry, who is now 42, revealed how she is putting pressure on her daughter, who lives in Ireland, to have a baby as she herself was pregnant with Molly when she was 20.

"Im 43 this year and I want grandbabies, Kerry told OK!. I cant believe I dont have a grandbaby yet! I said to my Molly, my mum was 20 when she had me, and I was 20 when I had you, come on, pop one out, hurry up.

The former Atomic Kitten star, who had Molly with ex-husband Brian McFadden, as well as Lilly (20), is also mum to Heidi (16) and Max (15) with Mark Croft, and nine year old Dylan-Jorge with George Kay.

Kerry had Molly with ex-Brian McFaddden

She also revealed that she and partner, Ryan Mahoney, are "in talks with the Manchester Facility Clinic" as the couple are "considering surrogacy options.

Kerry and Ryan (34) who were engaged in 2020 when the couple were in Spain celebrating Kerry's 40th, have previously said they will just probably just jet off to Las Vegas and "get it done".

In her column for OK! Kerry also reflected on her own childhood growing up in the 80s and why she had so much fun as a kid, compared to now.

"Kids dont go out playing anymore - they dont want to go outside. Were living in a society where were scared of everything, she said.

"I think the 80s were the best. I was out playing, and came home when I was hungry. I live in a very private, posh area now and our driveway is as big as the whole estate I lived on as a kid, behind massive gates.

"My council estate was so rough, and I was out all the time. I loved playing out with my microwave chips in hand, the ice cream van man would come and Id head off on adventures in the woods - my kids havent got a clue without a tablet in their hand.

Bring back games of Kirby, hula hoops and Whats the time Mr Wolf? I say!"
The 63-year-old arrived at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday in a taxi wearing a pink tie and a navy suit

Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey smiled and waved as he arrived at court ahead of his trial for alleged sex offences.

The Hollywood star previously denied 12 charges against four men including sexual assault and indecent assault.

The 63-year-old arrived at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday in a taxi wearing a pink tie and a navy suit.

He took a moment to say good morning to people assembled outside court before making his way into the building.

Jurors are set to hear about allegations against Spacey from between 2001 and 2013.

Actor Kevin Spacey arrives at Southwark Crown Court

The actor pleaded not guilty in January to three counts of indecent assault, three counts of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.

The two-time Academy Award winner also previously denied four further charges of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

Spacey has an address in Waterloo, south London, but also lives in the US, where he has family and a dog.

In an initial court hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court in June, Spaceys lawyer, Patrick Gibbs QC, said his client strenuously denies any and all criminality in this case.

Mr Gibbs said the defendant returned to the UK to establish his innocence and proceed with his life.

He is known for starring in House of Cards, American Beauty and The Usual Suspects and was the artistic director at The Old Vic theatre in London between 2004 and 2015.

Spacey is on unconditional bail.
Armed with state-of-the-art dental equipment and a team of skilled professionals, a selfless initiative in the Bay of Plenty is offering a ray of hope to those who have struggled to access affordable dental care.

With a mission to bridge the gap in oral healthcare services, this remarkable endeavour by YWAM Ships Aotearoa  YSA - a Tauranga-based charity, is proving that no obstacle is insurmountable when it comes to delivering essential dental care to those who need it the most.

In a heart-warming display of compassion and dedication to oral health a mobile dental service has been descending upon the community from Tauranga to Te Kaha, bringing smiles and relief to hundreds of people in need.

This year, the Trinity Koha Dental Clinic team has already served 595 patients, through nine clinics and 407 hours of voluntary dentistry.

'It has been two years since we launched TKDC in Tauranga, says YWAM Ships Aotearoa manager director Marty Emmett.

A Trinity Koha Dental Clinic set up in the Bay of Plenty. Photo: Supplied.

TKDC has now delivered services to 2477 people.

Marty says most of the patients were unable to access these services on their own.

'We are thankful for all the dentists who have generously given their time and expertise to serve our community.

'We are grateful for the incredible partners who have linked arms with us to remove the barriers to urgent oral health services.

A TKDC team member talks about oral health. Photo: Supplied.

Marty says each clinic informs him that the needs far surpass their services.

'Our sense of obligation to continue to deliver these services only grows. The oral health needs of our community are our responsibility.

'Together, with all of our partners, we are empowering health.

He says he constantly marvels at the story of Trinity Koha Dental.

'This aspirational service was born out of a Covid-enforced pivot due to borders being closed.

The dental clinic was due to be part of the YWAM KOHA medical mission ship's outreach to Fiji but due to Covid, the mission was delayed.

While YSA's central purpose is to empower a healthy future in the Pacific through the use of the YWAM Koha to provide medical and dental services, with the borders closed and aware of clear health inequities right here in New Zealand, the charity pivoted in 2021 to use its resources to help those with little access to oral health services at affordable prices in the Bay of Plenty.

The TKDC work is one of three aspirational goals Marty and his team have set for 2023.

The other two goals are Go again Better to Fiji' with the ship's team having just completed the first 2023 outreach to Fiji; and developing more partnerships with like-minded entities.

'Last year, 1060 patients received free dental services [with TKDC]. This year we want to help more people.

'We also want to expand and strengthen our partnerships to ensure that we deliver health services for the whole person.

The Trinity Koha Dental Clinic service at Te Kaha. Photo: Supplied.

Marty says they are deeply grateful to their financial partners who undergird the outcomes of YWAM Ships Aotearoa.

'Thank you Trinity Lands, our platinum partner, for your ongoing support. Thank you to our other partners like Sequal, BayGold, Family Doctors Tauranga, Swire Shipping, TECT, BayTrust, and so many others.

'We are also grateful for the hundreds of individuals and families who generously partner with YWAM Ships Aotearoa. Together we are empowering health for hundreds if not thousands of people this year.

Marty says they also want to expand the reach of TKDC by helping catalyse clinics outside the Bay of Plenty region.

'Now the clinic has become a significant part of who YWAM Ships Aotearoa is and will continue to be.

'To honour this journey and tell the story, we put together a short video. We would be honoured if you took the time to watch it.

Click on the video below.

If you want to be a part of the KOHA support team, click here
Tauranga, New Zealand's highest ageing major city, is the first to be backed by the United Nation's Decade of Healthy Ageing project.

Stakeholders from across health, council, and social services are coming together to launch the joint United Nation's UN and World Health Organisation WHO Decade of Healthy Ageing project, and to discover what that looks like for Tauranga  the first city in NZ to adopt the campaign's ethos and principles.

The Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation, WBOP PHO, is supporting the project and CEO Lindsey Webber says the project particularly resonates in Bay.

'The project signals a vital time for planners, policymakers, and community agencies to include elders in co-design of community amenities, mobility options and healthcare services.

'Participation in housing, transport, health and social service planning ensures that they are valued and able to contribute their wisdom and knowledge to the appropriate use of resources and functional outcomes.

The four key themes being considered today include changing how we think, feel and act towards age and ageing; developing communities in ways that foster the abilities of older people; delivering person-centred care and primary health service that are responsive to older people; and providing older people access to long-term care when they need it.

Tauranga National Council of Women (NCW) has initiated the collaborative project with key agencies and community organisations. Pauline Bennett, President of NCW, says, 'We want to encourage community initiatives that foster the purpose of these four key themes.

NCW representative and Decade of Health Ageing Facilitator Carole Gordon says community initiatives will enhance sustainable community well-being and improve the lives of our elders, their families and whanau.

'Society needs to understand what today's generation of elders desire to enable them to stay healthy, independent, purposeful and connected, explains Carole.

'The Decade of Healthy Ageing is a vital platform for achieving sustainable environments, age-friendly cities, communities, and social cohesion. An age-friendly city with hyperlocal communities is accessible and designed for an age-diverse population, inclusion, cohesion, and care.

The WHO has just published an updated 2023 version Age-Friendly City Guide to assist Local Governments and communities progress change.

'Building age-friendly community ecosystems enable people to stay active and keep connected, while still being able to contribute their elder wisdom and knowledge to economic, social, and cultural life, adds Carole.

Tauranga is a growth city that is part of a wider sub-region of the Western Bay of Plenty that has a rapidly growing ageing population along with youthful Maori and Pacific communities. In 2023, median ages were: Bay of Plenty, 39.9 years; Tauranga City, 39.7 years; Western Bay of Plenty District Council, 45.1 years. In Tauranga today 8,500 people are 80 and over 90 years of age.

In 2022 it was estimated that 21.7 per cent of Tauranga's population are people 65, with numbers reaching 30 per cent by 2030. The number of Maori elders 65-100+ are expected to double from 2021 to 2038. The number of elders over 85 years is expected to increase rapidly by over 400 per cent in the coming decades. Western Bay of Plenty District Council is home to 13,800 people 65 to over 100 years.
Rain and showers are being forecast for many parts of New Zealand this weekend.

From Friday onwards, the MetService is predicting a strengthening and unsettled west to southwest flow brings an extended period of rain and showers to many parts of New Zealand, mainly in the north, south and west.

The weather organisation's severe weather outlook says several features are embedded within this flow, and there is uncertainty about the location and timing of these features.

A shower or two is being forecast for the Bay of Plenty today, with rain expected to increase overnight.

Things are then looking fine for the next few days before more rain is predicted to move in on Monday.

"On Saturday there is low confidence for warning amounts of rain in Buller, Westland, and Fiordland; while about the hills and ranges of the central North Island from Waikato to Taihape and down to the Tararua Range, there is low confidence for warning amounts of rain from Saturday to Monday.

"Additionally, there is low confidence that westerly winds will rise to severe gale from Saturday to Monday in many North Island areas, and also about Nelson and the Marlborough Sounds. However, from Central Hawke's Bay to Wairarapa, there is moderate confidence westerly winds will rise to severe gale.

"Also, from Saturday snow is likely to affect higher roads and passes of Fiordland, Southland, Otago and along the Main Divide.

"On Sunday snow may fall to low levels in the south of the South Island and there is low confidence for warning amounts of snow above 400 metres in Fiordland, inland Southland, Clutha, and parts of inland Otago.

"For the South Island there is also low confidence that westerly gales could be severe about coastal areas of Fiordland, Southland and Clutha from Saturday to Monday; and for coastal parts of Dunedin, North Otago and Canterbury on Sunday and Monday."
The government has released a colossal 47 billion euros with the seven anti-crisis plans that have been approved since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine

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The Spanish government's Cabinet approved on Tuesday 27 June the extension of the main anti-crisis measures that were due to expire on 30 June and gave the green light to new measures, through a new decree with 3.8 billion euros being made available between now and the end of the year.

The figure raises the cost to be assumed by the government in the second half of the year to almost nine billion if the aid that was already approved until 31 December, such as the tax rebate on electricity bills, is included.

"This plan will help us to move forward with confidence," said the finance minister Nadia Calvino.

In total, the government has released a colossal 47 billion euros with the seven anti-crisis plans that have been approved since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. Brussels is keeping a close eye on the Spanish economy which is on a deficit reduction from 4.8% to 3.9% this year, in order to reach a 3% target by 2024, one year earlier than planned.

"All the measures are compatible with this reduction," Calvino said.

The anti-crisis measures include the extension of the cut on IVA, the Spanish sales tax, on basic foodstuffs such as bread and milk, as well as the reduction to 5% for oils and pasta until the end of the year. The Treasury calculates that Spanish households will save 1.32 billion euros this year with the measure.

The 30% discount on public transport has also been extended.

The government has also extended a diesel subsidies for professionals.

The decree includes a 15% deduction in personal income tax for those who buy an electric vehicle until 31 December 2024, on a maximum base of 20,000 euros. The deduction will also be available if battery charging points are installed before 31 December 2024.
PHNOM PENH, June 28 (Xinhua) -- The bilateral Diamond Hexagon cooperation framework will inject fresh impetus into the building of the Cambodia-China community with a shared future in the new era, a Cambodian scholar said on Wednesday.

Established by the two countries in February, the Diamond Hexagon cooperation framework has focused on six priority areas, including political cooperation, production capacity and quality, agriculture, energy, security, and people-to-people exchanges.

Thong Mengdavid, a research fellow at Phnom Penh-based independent think tank Asian Vision Institute, said as 2023 marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and China, the Diamond Hexagon cooperation framework will give new momentum to the development of ties and cooperation between the two countries.

"With the newly established Diamond Hexagon cooperation framework, the two countries will be able to achieve more political, economic and security cooperation towards a community with a shared future in the new era," he told Xinhua.

Mengdavid said the friendship between China and Cambodia has thrived in the past 65 years and has evolved into a "role model" for world relations.

"Leaders-to-leaders, government-to-government, party-to-party, and people-to-people relations are the crucial elements that help enhance the unbreakable ironclad friendship between the two countries," he said.

Mengdavid said China's support for Cambodia's successful fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the past few years has built an even stronger fraternal bond of friendship between the two countries.

He added that China is one of the key economic drivers and humanitarian assistance providers to the Southeast Asian nation.

"Under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement and the Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement, which both took effect in 2022, Cambodia-China trade and investment volumes have increased drastically," he said.

The two free trade agreements have facilitated trade liberalization and investment between the two countries, he added.

As 2023 also marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the scholar said Cambodia is one of the first supporters of the BRI, which was proposed in 2013.

"Under the BRI, Cambodia and China have actively promoted pragmatic cooperation in the areas of people's livelihood improvement, agriculture, trade, investment, tourism, infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges, among others," Mengdavid said.

He added that many Chinese mega-projects under the BRI such as hydropower plants, the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, the Phnom Penh-Sihanouk Expressway, the Morodok Techo National Stadium, and the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport have greatly contributed to promoting win-win cooperation as well as inclusive and sustainable socioeconomic development.

"The fruit of China's peaceful development has been shared with Cambodia and other countries around the world through the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind, the BRI, the Global Development Initiative, and the Global Security Initiative, among others," he said. 
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Join NY Cannabis Insider at our next industry networking event on Aug. 8 at the Bronx Beer Hall. Tickets will sell out.

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.



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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 21 has been edited for length and clarity. His next AMA will be held June 28 at 4:20 p.m.

Do you think the farmers market program is a go?

Its a good question. Its taken them a while to do it. It seems theres still some negotiations about it, I would have thought if it was going to happen, it would have already happened, that this would have been something they could have settled on pretty quickly.

My understanding was that originally, they only wanted to do the farmers markets to sell through the first harvest of product. They were going to sunset it, I think sometime this Fall, if I remember what I saw originally about it, maybe that has changed.

But if theyre going to do it, they need to get it on already. The product that youre looking to sell is not getting better while were waiting for you to do it.

Can a brand-only company legally operate without a cannabis business license?

Yes, a brand can do a deal with a processor here in the state of New York. The brand does become a TPI of the processor. And this is why the retail stores here in New York cannot have a house brand  they cant be a TPI of anyone in the supply tier. But a straight brand  if you want to do that, you simply do a deal with a processor. You give them your formulation and the processor makes your product and then puts it into the chain of commerce.

How does it work for anyone in the state of New York to do dealings with the tribal nations?

Just remember  they are not in New York. They are sovereign territory, and they can make their own rules. So the tribal nations can absolutely grow on their land. They can process on their land, they can have retail dispensaries on their property  the Shinnecock are doing that out on Long Island.

But as far as anyone in the state of New York licensed by the state of New York doing a deal with them, either the legislature would have to specifically permit it, like the AUCCs selling to them, or a compact between the CCB and the tribal nations as called for in MRTA.

Do you think the dream of a CAURD licensee having three dispensaries will ever come to fruition?

Absolutely. 100%. They wont be CAURD licenses, I think theres only going to be one CAURD license for each person. And then, if the CAURD licensee operates that store successfully, no cannabis going out the back door, all taxes paid, etc, etc, then I think those licensees will be first in line to get second and third stores. Who does a regulator want to give a license to? The number one group that a regulator wants to give a license to is somebody that theyve already given a license to who is killing it. I absolutely think that those businesses and those licensees will eventually get second and third retail storefronts.

Hebrew National or Nathans?

I mean, are you serious? Are you even asking me that? I was part of the team that had 60 Nathans Famous hot dog carts here in New York City before COVID. So youre asking me Hebrew National or Nathans? What about Sabrett? Who are we kidding  Nathans all the way.
Join NY Cannabis Insider at our next industry networking event on Aug. 8 at the Bronx Beer Hall. Tickets will sell out.

Medgar Evers College launched its cannabis education as a minor degree program in 2021, after three years of planning. It is offered both as a minor and to non-degree seeking students.

Starting next spring, students at Brooklyns Medgar Evers College will enroll in a new bachelors program for cannabis science  and some eligible students can earn the degree tuition-free.

Medgar Evers launched New York Citys first college-level cannabis studies minor in 2021 and is now doubling down on its weed industry offerings to provide an entry point to the legal marijuana sector.



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We want to continue to be the hub for cannabis education, said Alicia Reid, chair of Medgar Evers Chemistry and Environmental Sciences Department and founder of the schools cannabis education program.

Students want to gain not only theoretical knowledge  the skill sets  but to be able to enter the legal cannabis industry, Reid said.

Reid and others at Medgar Evers started researching the possibility of offering cannabis-related coursework in 2018, when an increasing number of states were legalizing adult-use weed  and New York was close to passing an ill-fated legalization bill.

The school, part of the City University of New York system, launched a minor program for the 2021 fall semester, which consists of 13 courses.

Courses for the minor program were divided into four different education tracks: formulation and testing, health, cultivation, and commercialization. About 60 students have completed at least one of the classes, said Vikiana Clement, executive director of Medgar Evers Cannabis Education Task Force.

Many of those enrolled in cannabis courses were non-degree students who werent eligible for widely used financial aid programs like Pell Grants and New Yorks Excelsior Scholarship, Clement said. While the school has granted more than 50 scholarships to students taking cannabis courses, the lack of financial aid options decreases access to the industry, Clement said.

With the schools new bachelors and associates degrees in cannabis studies, more students will be able to use Pell, Excelsior and other financial aid to take courses.

We worked very diligently this year to try to create a degree program where financial aid would cover it, Clement said.

The bachelors program will exist under the auspices of Medgar Evers Department Of Chemistry and Environmental Science. The school already offered a bachelors in environmental science, which had two tracks  health and non-health. Starting in spring of 2024, students will be able to choose a third track within that major: cannabis science, Clement said. Students enrolled in the 30-credit associates program can focus on cannabis cultivation or commercialization.

Not long ago, the idea of teaching cannabis courses in college was ripe for jokes, Clement said, but Medgar Evers cannabis bachelors is a pretty rigorous scientific program: students who earn their degree will graduate with the same credential as other environmental science majors, and will fill the biology, physics and other prerequisites necessary for medical school.

I didnt say it was going to be an easy program, but it is a program that really focuses on increasing the percentage of BIPOC scientists, especially in cannabis, Clement said. Were preparing our students to be very serious  not only in understanding what to do in laboratories or different areas of the cannabis industry, but also as researchers.

Since Medgar Evers began offering cannabis courses, the school hasnt been able to include plant-touching material, since marijuana remains federally illegal, Clement said. But educators there would like to provide hands-on weed training, and hope the federal government updates regulations to allow such courses.

The schools marijuana-related courses have already featured as professors a whos who of well-known local and national weed industry figures, Reid said: Damian Fagon taught a course there before joining the Office of Cannabis Management as chief equity officer; Michael Zaytsev taught classes at Medgar Evers before joining LIM College as academic director of cannabis degree programs; and Jesce Horton, CEO of Oregon cannabis company LOWD, has also taught at the school.

Students who completed the minor program are already making an impact on New Yorks cannabis industry, Reid said. One alum is now a manager at Gotham, and another is managing at Housing Works Cannabis Co. Others are working in cannabis-related testing and research, she said.

With the new major  and the resulting availability of financial aid  Medgar Evers will offer innovative new coursework that can advance New Yorks cannabis industry while remaining true to the schools roots of bringing accessible, high-quality education to NYC residents, especially minorities, Reid said.

We were the first in New York City, and were working diligently to make sure that we continue to pave the way for what impactful educational programming looks like, Reid said.

Medgar Evers Colleges original intent was to make sure that people of color had access to quality education, and I think weve continued to build on that.
To the Editor:

The June 12, 2023, commentary Five reasons New Yorkers should embrace a solar energy future by Richard Perez, Ph.D., claims to clarify common misunderstandings about solar energy and demonstrate its potential to provide an abundant, reliable, affordable and environmentally friendly energy future for New York. I disagree with his reasons.

Perez claim the Earth receives more solar energy than the total annual energy consumption of all economies, combined, in a week but ignores that availability when and where needed is a critical requirement. In New York. the winter solar resource is poor because the days are short, the irradiance is low because the sun is low in the sky, and clouds and snow-covered panels contribute to low solar resource availability.

Solar technology is improving is another claimed reason but solar energy in New York is limited because of the latitude and weather so there are limits to the value of technological improvements. If it is so good, then why does deployment rely on direct subsidies?

While solar energy may not have environmental impacts in New York, that does not mean that there are no impacts. Instead. they are moved elsewhere, likely where environmental constraints and social justice concerns are not as strict. The rare earth metals necessary for solar, wind and battery technology require massive amount of mining and the disposal of all the solar panels are significant unconsidered environmental issues.

Perez dismisses land use issues because a 100% renewable PV/wind future for New York would require less than 1% of the states total area. There is no mandate that solar developments meet the Department of Agriculture and Markets prime farmland protection goal. Projects approved to date have converted 21% of the prime farmland within project areas to unusable land. There is no requirement for utility-scale solar projects to use tracking solar panels, so more panels are required than originally estimated.

Perez claims that utility-scale solar electricity has become the least expensive form of electricity generation but that only refers power capacity (MW). When you consider the relative amount of energy that can be produced annually, the storage needed to provide energy when the sun isnt shining, the shorter life expectancy of PV panels, transmission support service requirements and the need for a new dispatchable, emissions-free resource, then the cost of solar energy provided when and where needed is much higher than conventional sources of electricity.

The suggestion that a system depending on solar energy will be more dependable than the existing system would be laughable if it were not so dangerous. The reliability of the existing electric system has evolved over decades using dispatchable resources with inherent qualities that support the transmission of electric energy. The net-zero electric system will depend upon wind and solar resources hoping they will be available when needed, additional resources to support transmission requirements, and a new resource that is not commercially available. This is a recipe for disaster because if the resource adequacy planning does not correctly estimate the worst-case period of abnormally low wind and solar energy availability then the energy needed to keep the lights on and homes heated will not be available when needed most. People will freeze to death in the dark.

Roger Caiazza

Liverpool

The writer blogs at Pragmatic Environmentalist of New York.
Syracuse, N.Y. -- Syracuse Common Councilors Chol Majok and Rita Paniagua won the Democratic primary for two available positions as Syracuse councilors-at-large, according to unofficial election results Tuesday night.

That means Jennifer Schultz, the third candidate in the primary, will leave the Common Council in January after her current term ends. The three candidates  all incumbent city councilors  were vying for two available at-large seats.

With 100% of the votes in, Majok led with 41%, followed by Paniagua with 33%. Schultz got 27% of the total, 525 votes behind Paniagua. There are absentee votes still uncounted -- 52 that have been received at the board of elections, and 574 more than were mailed out but not yet received. But most of those ballots are unlikely to be returned by the time absentee ballots are counted July 6, election officials said.

There is no Republican candidate on the ballot in November. Their primary wins make Majok and Paniagua certain winners in Novembers general election.

Paniagua is an incumbent at-large councilor, running for a second four-year term. Born in Puerto Rico, she was executive director of the Spanish Action League. Now, she works on economic development initiatives for Jubilee Homes.

Majok currently represents the citys 3rd District. But new district maps this year put his residence outside the 3rd District, so he opted to run at-large. He is manager of workforce development at Loretto. Majok is the first refugee to win elected office in Syracuse.

Schultz currently represents the citys 1st District. She, too, was forced to run for a new position after the new election maps left her residence outside the 1st District. Schultz has had a career as a medical researcher and community health planner.

Paniagua and Majok were the partys designated candidates.

Schultz had successfully challenged the party establishment in the past. She was elected to her first term in 2021 after winning a Democratic primary over the late John Copanas, the partys designated candidate.

Do you have a news tip or a story idea? Contact reporter Tim Knauss: email | Twitter | | 315-470-3023.
AMMAN, June 28 (Xinhua) -- The Jordan Armed Forces said Wednesday that its eastern regional forces shot down a drone coming from Syria, the third drone intercepted this month.

The Jordanian forces downed the drone within the kingdom's territory after its illegal border crossing from Syria was detected by the Jordanian border guards, anti-narcotics department, and military intelligence, the state-run Petra news agency reported, citing a military source.

The report added that items carried by the drone were seized, without detailing.

Earlier the month, the Jordanian military brought down a drone carrying approximately 500 grams of narcotics and a combat drone respectively that were both coming from Syrian territories.

In May, the army foiled three attempts to smuggle narcotics into Jordan from Syria. 
Syracuse, NY  Christine Varga pulled off a convincing win Tuesday in her insurgent campaign against Chuck Keller, the Onondaga County Conservative Partys designated candidate for district attorney.

Varga led Keller by a lopsided 434-87 (82%-17%) in the partys primary election with 100% of the in-person vote counted, according to unofficial returns Tuesday night from the Onondaga County Board of Elections.

An additional 67 absentee ballots could still be counted but wouldnt change the outcome.

All told, more than 530 Conservative Party voters cast ballots in the election, a low turnout that represents about 10% of the partys 5,389 registered voters.

Vargas victory sets up a three-way race in November when she will challenge Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, a Republican, and Keller, who secured the Democratic ballot line.

Fitzpatrick, a 32-year incumbent, easily won a three-person election in 2019 over Keller, his Democratic challenger, and Gary Lavine, the Conservative Partys designated candidate.

Hoping to avoid a repeat this year, Conservative Party leaders took the unusual step of endorsing the Democratic candidate, Keller.

It was the first time since 2014 that the Onondaga County Conservative Party backed a Democrat for countywide office outside of judicial races.

Bernie Ment, the partys chairman, said Keller was the partys only hope of dislodging Fitzpatrick after eight terms in office. Ment accused Fitzpatrick of abusing the power of his office and said it was time for change.

But the designation of a Democrat set off a bitter internal dispute among Conservative Party leaders.

The conflict reached a peak last week when the Conservative Partys executive committee voted to donate $1,000 to Vargas campaign, according to her daughter and campaign spokesperson, Rebecca Varga.

Rebecca Varga said 13 members of the committee voted to make the donation, four members abstained, and one voted no. The party did not donate money to Kellers campaign.

Before last weeks contribution, Christine Varga had raised $2,191 and spent $366 on her campaign.

Keller donated $7,500 of his personal funds to his campaign account and had spent none of that money through June 16, according to disclosure reports filed with the state Board of Elections.

Varga, 68, of Syracuse, a longtime member of the Conservative Party, said she viewed Kellers endorsement as a betrayal of the partys principles.

She said the election results show that some party leaders were out of touch with conservative voters.

It sends a message to the members of the executive committee who had an agenda, Varga told syracuse.com | The Post-Standard. The people have spokenand they were so proud of me for doing the right thing.

Christine Varga, center, greets supporters at her primary election victory party at Mohegan Manor in Baldwinsville, N.Y., Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

Varga launched her campaign in March, a month after Keller won the Conservative designation. Varga is a former prosecutor who worked for Fitzpatrick in the DAs office for 25 years.

Keller, 53, of the town of Onondaga, is a defense attorney who began his career as a public defender in Syracuse City Court.

The two candidates did not debate or appear jointly at any public meetings before the election.

Varga ran a grassroots campaign in which she visited every town in Onondaga County. She said she knocked on the doors of more than 700 registered Conservative Party voters.

Keller said he concentrated his campaign on social media posts and phone calls to voters.

Fitzpatrick also played an active role in the campaign, even though he was not on the ballot.

Fitzpatricks campaign sent out a series of mailers to Conservative Party voters attacking Keller, who has spent much of his career defending clients prosecuted by the DAs office.

Fitzpatrick told syracuse.com | The Post-Standard that he didnt want Keller to win the Conservative Party nomination.

But Fitzpatrick denied accusations that Varga, his former employee in the DAs office, was serving as his proxy in the election.

Varga said Tuesday night she has every intention of of running a robust campaign to win the DAs seat in November.

Asked if she might not actively campaign to unseat Fitzpatrick, Varga said, There are a lot of people out there who were supportive of me, and I want to honor their support.

Kellers biggest supporters within the Conservative Partys leadership were Ment and Tom Dadey, Fitzpatricks longtime political adversary.

RELATED

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Onondaga County DAs race takes new turn, setting up primary election

DA Fitzpatrick dismisses absurd rumors that hes setting up daughter to succeed him

Onondaga County DAs race off to blistering start as new candidate emerges

Onondaga County Conservative Party endorses Democrat over DA William Fitzpatrick

Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner anytime by: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751
Mo Brown has won Tuesdays Democratic Party primary for the 15th District seat in the Onondaga County Legislature.

Brown won with about 64% of the vote over Tim Rudd. The vote was 1,096 to 628, according to unofficial election night votes.

Brown, 31, works as a success coach, or student advisor, at Onondaga Community College. He entered politics as a delegate for U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders 2016 presidential campaign. He has also been an organizer for the Working Families Party.

Rudd, 41, is the budget director for the city of Syracuse. He served as a city councilor from 2018 to 2020. Rudd was the partys designated candidate. Brown collected enough signatures to force Tuesdays primary election.

Brown will also appear on the Working Families Party line in November. Rudd did not have a second party line.

Brown will face independent candidate Mo Moodie, a registered Republican, in the November general election.

The district boundaries are entirely within the city of Syracuse. The seat will be left vacant by Democratic Legislator Bill Kinne, who is running for county executive.

Enrollment in the 15th District heavily favors Democrats. Of 15,768 eligible voters, about 9,600 are Democrats and 3,500 are not enrolled in a party. There are just 1,800 Republicans.

Legislators serve two-year terms and will make $36,523 in 2023.

Tuesdays vote total includes ballots cast in-person and absentee ballots that were returned before the election. There are 35 more absentee ballots that have arrived, but have not been counted. Another 138 absentee ballots have not yet been returned, but it is typical to see only about 10% of those returned in time. Absentees that meet the July 5 deadline will be counted July 6.

Contact Michelle Breidenbach | mbreidenbach@syracuse.com | 315-470-3186.
New York voters strongly oppose any state plans that would temporarily house migrants in SUNY campus dormitories, according to a new Siena College poll published today.

The poll found voters also oppose New York Citys efforts to relocate asylum seekers to hotels and shelters in Upstate New York counties, including Onondaga County.

The idea of using SUNY dorms as migrant housing is unpopular (54-33%) among Upstate residents as well as those living in New York City and its suburbs, the poll found.

Its opposed by more than three-quarters of Republicans and a majority of independents, while Democrats are evenly divided, said Siena pollster Steve Greenberg.

Pluralities of young and Latino voters support using SUNY dorms to temporarily house migrants, but majorities of older, white and Black voters oppose it, Greenberg said.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has said her administration is evaluating which SUNY campuses could host asylum-seekers, but no decisions have been made.

By a narrower margin of 46-40%, voters oppose New York Citys plan to relocate migrants from overflowing shelters to other counties, mostly in Upstate New York.

A majority of Democrats and New York City voters support the citys relocation initiative. The plan is opposed by Republicans, independent voters, those who live in New York Citys suburbs (52-30%) and Upstate residents (52-34%).

Onondaga County was among dozens of Upstate counties to issue emergency orders this spring that banned New York City from temporarily housing migrants in local hotels and shelters.

The city planned to transfer about 200 asylum-seekers to the Candlewood Suites hotel in Salina last month. New York City would have paid for housing, food, security and other social services for at least four months.

But Onondaga County and the town of Salina convinced a judge to issue temporary restraining orders barring the transfer. Those cases have been delayed and are due to be argued July 11 in state Supreme Court in Syracuse.

Separately, New York City sued Onondaga County and more than 30 other counties in Upstate New York over the emergency orders that blocked hotels and shelters from housing those seeking asylum.

The city claims the counties  including six in Central New York  have no legal authority to block the transfer of migrants to other parts of the state.

The Siena poll of 817 registered voters in New York was conducted from June 20 through June 25. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.9 percentage points.

Read more

Inspection finds Salina hotel didnt violate order that blocks migrants

New York City sues Central New York counties over migrant bans

A nurse, parents and the sick fight to stay in a rundown hotel. Its better than being homeless

Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner anytime by: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751
The Great New York State Fair is celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop with the latest addition to its 2023 concert lineup.

Salt-N-Pepa will perform at the Chevy Court stage on opening day of the NYS Fair, August 23, at 6 p.m. It will be the Grammy-winning groups third time performing at the Fair.
NEW YORK (AP)  The hush money case against former President Donald Trump appears headed back to a New York court after a federal judge showed little inclination Tuesday to let Trump move the history-making prosecution to federal court.

Changing courts could give Trump a new avenue to try to get the case thrown out. Hoping to get to federal court, Trumps lawyers argue that he was acting in his capacity as president when he hired and paid a personal attorney who orchestrated payouts to squelch allegations of extramarital sex  payouts that are at the heart of Manhattan prosecutors case against Trump.

After a three-hour hearing that featured surprise testimony from a Trump company insider, Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein told a packed courtroom that he was not ready to make a firm ruling but saw no relationship to any official act of the president in the alleged conduct that made Trump the first former president ever charged with a crime.

Theres no reason to believe that an equal measure of justice could not be rendered by the state court, Hellerstein added. He said his remarks reflected his present attitudes, and a formal written ruling will follow within two weeks.

Lawyers for both sides declined to comment after the hearing.

Trump, a Republican, pleaded not guilty in April to state felony charges of falsifying business records to hide 2016 hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal. Trump has denied having had sexual encounters with either woman.

According to the indictment, Trump fudged records at his company to cover up the nature of payments made in 2017 to his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to compensate him for arranging to buy the womens silence and fronting the money for Daniels.

Trumps lawyers have said those payments to Cohen were legitimate legal expenses and not part of any cover-up.

Pressed by Hellerstein to prove it, Trump lawyer Todd Blanche called the legal chief of Trumps company to the witness stand, though attorneys for both sides last week had agreed they would not call witnesses at the hearing.

Alan Garten, the Trump Organizations chief legal officer, testified that he believed the payments were partly reimbursements for the money that Cohen had paid Daniels, and partly to compensate him for the role that he was playing as counsel for Trumps personal matters.

However, Garten said he knew of no written retainer agreement between Trump and Cohen, though Trumps attorneys typically had them. On being shown some of Trumps ledgers, Garten also testified that the vast majority of attorney payments were accompanied by some description of the lawyers work, though there was no such description for the monthly $35,000 payments that went to Cohen throughout 2017. Company documents recorded them generally as legal expenses.

Garten said he sometimes referred to Cohen non-corporate matters involving Trump and his wife, Melania, but wasnt sure what Cohen did about those things.

After hearing Gartens testimony and arguments from both sides lawyers, Hellerstein said the evidence suggested that Cohen was hired privately, not under color of any presidential office or related to it.

We have the invoices showing what Cohen was paid, the judge noted. But no proof of what he did.

U.S. law allows criminal prosecutions to be moved from state to federal court if they involve actions taken by federal government officials as part of their official duties, among other qualifications.

While requests to move criminal cases from state to federal court are rarely granted, the prosecution of Trump is unprecedented.

The Manhattan district attorneys office, which is bringing the hush money case, has argued that nothing about the payoffs to either Cohen or the women involved Trumps official duties as president.

If the case is moved to federal court, Trumps lawyers could try to get the charges dismissed on the grounds that federal officials are immune from criminal prosecution over actions they take as part of their official job duties.

A shift to federal court would also mean that jurors would potentially be drawn not only from heavily Democratic Manhattan, where Trump is wildly unpopular, but also from a handful of suburban counties north of the city where he has more political support.

In state court, a criminal trial was set for March 25  in the thick of the primary season before next years November presidential election. Trump is currently the front-runner for the Republican nomination.
Syracuse, N.Y. -- Thursday is expected to be another day of unhealthy air in Upstate New York as winds from the west keep pushing Canada wildfire smoke toward us.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation has issued air quality alerts for all of New York state on Thursday. The area of unhealthy air will extend from Buffalo to the Adirondacks, and from the Southern Tier to the Canadian border.
Syracuse, N.Y. -- All of New York state is under air quality alerts as wildfire smoke originating in Canada continues to stream in.

As of noon today, air is considered unhealthy in Western New York. Central New York and counties along Lake Ontario are expected to reach that level this afternoon, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Air quality alerts have been expanded to include the entire state.

The smoke from the raging fires was first pushed into the Midwest, but shifting winds are transporting that leftover smoke from Michigan into Upstate New York. On Tuesday, Chicago and Detroit had the worst air quality of any major cities in the world.

Western New York was the first part of Upstate to get that smoke today, and air quality in Buffalo has been in the unhealthy range since 4 a.m. Central New York is still considered moderate, but forecasts call for the air to worsen as the smoke drifts toward the east.

The air index in Syracuse at noon was 101, which is the bottom end of the unhealthy for sensitive groups. That would include children, the elderly and anyone with heart and lung problems. That level is expected to rise to unhealthy for everyone later today.

Heres how the Environmental Protection Agency defines the air quality categories:

-- Good, air quality index of 50 or below: Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.

-- Moderate, AQI of 51 to 100: Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.

-- Unhealthy for sensitive groups, AQI 101 to 150: Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.

-- Unhealthy, AQI 151 to 200: Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.

-- Very unhealthy, AQI 210 to 300. The risk of health effects is increased for everyone.

-- Hazardous, AQI 301 and higher. Health warning of emergency conditions; everyone is more likely to be affected.

Parts of Upstate New York, including Syracuse, reached the hazardous zone on June 7, with an AQI that briefly exceeded 400. The smell of smoke hung in the air and skies turned orange in the middle of the day.
CHENGDU, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Over 2,000 representatives, including officials, experts, and entrepreneurs from China and Europe, will attend the 17th EU-China Business and Technology Cooperation Fair, organizers said Wednesday.

The fair, co-hosted by the China Chamber of International Commerce and the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, will take place in Chengdu, the capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, from Friday to Saturday this week.

Themed "Challenge, Opportunity, Integration, Development," the fair will provide a comprehensive platform for discussions on promoting in-depth cooperation in trade and investment between China and the EU.

The fair will deepen dialogue and cooperation in the China-Europe economic and trade field and jointly explore new opportunities for China-Europe trade development.

Via online and offline events, the guests will conduct exchanges and seek cooperation, focusing on topics such as the digital economy and vocational education.

Chengdu has embraced the Belt and Road Initiative in recent years and cashed in on the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership. The EU was one of its top three trading partners in 2022. 
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Passengers board an aircraft operated by China's Hainan Airlines for Beijing at Dublin Airport in Dublin, Ireland, June 27, 2023. A nonstop flight route between Dublin and Beijing was reopened here on Tuesday, after being suspended for more than three years. It is the only flight route that directly connects Ireland to China. Operated by China's Hainan Airlines, the route offers two return flights each week, leaving Dublin Airport on Tuesday and Saturday. (Photo by Liu Xiaoming/Xinhua)

DUBLIN, June 27 (Xinhua) -- A nonstop flight route between Dublin and Beijing was reopened here on Tuesday, after being suspended for more than three years. It is the only flight route that directly connects Ireland to China.

Operated by China's Hainan Airlines, the route offers two return flights each week, leaving Dublin Airport on Tuesday and Saturday.

The direct flight between Dublin and Beijing is undertaken by an Airbus A330-300 aircraft capable of carrying 291 passengers, with a single trip lasting for an estimated ten and a half hours, said sales manager for Hainan's Dublin Office Wang Xuezheng.

"This will greatly facilitate travel between the two countries," said Wang, adding that the initial market response to the resumption of the Dublin-Beijing direct flight route has been encouraging.

"Today over 240 passengers will fly to Beijing by taking our flight," Wang told Xinhua at Dublin Airport.

Established in 1993 in south China's Hainan Province, the largest special economic zone and free trade port of China, by the end of last year Hainan Airlines was operating around 1,700 domestic flight routes and over 200 international flight routes.

The Dublin-Beijing direct flight route was first launched by Hainan Airlines in June 2018, and suspended in October 2019, said Wang. 

An aircraft operated by China's Hainan Airlines is pictured at the tarmac of Dublin Airport in Dublin, Ireland, June 27, 2023. A nonstop flight route between Dublin and Beijing was reopened here on Tuesday, after being suspended for more than three years. It is the only flight route that directly connects Ireland to China. Operated by China's Hainan Airlines, the route offers two return flights each week, leaving Dublin Airport on Tuesday and Saturday. (Photo by Liu Xiaoming/Xinhua)
Teagasc appoint new Cattle Specialist

Teagasc has appointed a new Cattle Specialist, Niall Kerins, who will be based in Teagasc Moorepark will cover the South west of the country. Niall Kerins is from a drystock farming background based in County Kerry.

Niall Kerins graduated from the Cork Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. He went on to complete a Bachelor of Science in Land Management in the Waterford Institute of technology (Now SETU). The Kerry man later went on and completed a Masters in Agricultural Extension and Innovation with University College Dublin/Skillnet. His masters degree involved a study into the current use of agricultural media to transfer knowledge and implement change on farms.

He is currently a Teagasc Business and Technology Drystock Advisor in the Kerry/Limerick advisory region. He previously worked as Drystock advisor based in Kilrush in Co Clare and as a dairy advisor in Listowel Co Kerry. He has also worked for the National co-op Farm Relief Services as a GLAS and TAMS planner for farmers.

Speaking this week Niall Kerins said: This role gives me a great opportunity to bring technical messages to cattle farmers and Im looking forward to working with farmers, advisors and the wider agricultural industry. While I acknowledge beef farming in Ireland has its challenges, emphasising the importance of grassland management along with animal breeding/husbandry can aid farmers to enhance the environmental sustainability of their enterprises while also being profitable. I look forward to working with farmers and their advisors on the Teagasc Future Beef programme and the Dairy Beef500 programme where we continue to build resilient beef farming systems for the future.

Pearse Kelly, Head of the Teagasc Drystock Knowledge Transfer Department, congratulated Niall on his appointment. He said; I look forward to working closely with Niall and the rest of the Cattle specialist team, as we provide the technical knowledge from the Teagasc research programme to help farmers on the ground meet the challenges facing the sector and to embrace the opportunities that are emerging.
Companies for years have wrangled their employees phones with mobile device management (MDM) software but havent been able to exercise the same ease of control over their workforces PCs. Thats about to change, according to Venn Software.

The company on Wednesday announced a patented technology for securing remote work on any computer that uses a lightweight application to establish a secure enclave on a computer. Data inside the enclave is encrypted, and applications operating in the enclave run securely.

Its a radically simplified and less costly new alternative to virtual desktop infrastructure, Venn Co-Founder and CEO David Matalon said in a statement.

With Venn, the company controls a secure enclave installed on the users computer. In this enclave, all work activity takes place, all data is encrypted, and the company manages access. Similar to MDM software, but for laptops, work applications run locally within the enclave where business activity is isolated and protected from personal use on the same computer.

Matalon explained to TechNewsWorld that only the enclave needs to be secure instead of securing an entire laptop. Work gets done in the enclave, and the user sees a blue border around those specific application windows, he noted.

Youre not being forced to work in a virtual desktop environment thats latency prone and frustrates users, he added.

He noted that companies no longer need to issue laptops to employees; employees can use their own. Furthermore, the enterprise can ensure the safety of its data and meet its compliance responsibilities.

Virtual Pain in the Buns

Along with the patent announcement, Venn revealed US$29 million in Series A funding, led by NewSpring, to support its product development, growth, and customer demand.

Back in 2019, before the pandemic and the onslaught of remote work, David and his team recognized the trends and mounting issues associated with a distributed workforce, NewSpring Partner Hart Callahan said in a statement.

Prior to Venn, he continued, the team helped hundreds of financial organizations overcome compliance and security issues for remote workers. Through this work, it became clear that traditional VDI technology was not up for the challenge of an evolved workforce.

Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) can give an organization more control and protection of its data in the hands of employees, noted Matthew Psencik, director of endpoint security at Tanium.

But, he told TechNewsWorld, they are historically under-provisioned with resources and configured in ways that make using them a huge pain for employees.

When presented with poor performance or roadblocks, like not allowing copy and paste, many employees will take the path of least resistance and try and circumvent VDI controls by either using their personal devices or leaking corporate information unintentionally via third-party sites, he said.

The benefits of this approach rarely outweigh the negatives  even before considering the employee sentiment impacts due to a frustrating working environment that could lead to employee retention issues or worse, a disgruntled employee going out of their way to harm the business, he added.

Trouble Ticket Generator

A benefit to using a virtual desktop is that all of the builds are often based on a single image that can be updated quickly and tightly controlled, observed Erich Kron, a security awareness advocate at KnowBe4.

If a virtual machine is infected with a virus, it can often be destroyed and recreated quickly, allowing employees to return to work in a short amount of time, he told TechNewsWorld.

Virtual desktops often have limited capabilities and network access, which can reduce the potential for damage to malware or other threats from the endpoints, he said.

However, he added that virtual desktops can be less customizable and, if not set up correctly, can be a poor experience for the users, driving trouble tickets and complaints up.

Persuading an employee to install a company-managed tool on a private device is a challenge for any management solution, contended Dror Liwer, co-founder of Coro, a cloud-based cybersecurity company based in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Employees must feel confident that the software wont degrade their experience and that the company will not spy on their personal use of the device, he told TechNewsWorld.

Matalon noted that Venn designed its PC management software with performance in mind. There is no latency, he said.

Easy Offboarding

Another benefit of the Venn solution cited by Matalon is its ease of offboarding employees. Its very effective for organizations with high employee turnover. You can press a button and do a remote wipe of the enclave, he said.

The ability to remotely wipe and monitor the status of remote PCs, especially mobile ones like laptops, is certainly an important tool for many organizations, especially now that remote working is so much more prevalent, observed Kron.

To effectively manage the security risks of remote desktops and laptops, administrators need to have continuous visibility and control over those devices, added Tanium Senior Director of Technical Account Management Shawn Surber.

They cant be left in a state where theyre only being managed when connected to a VPN or checked once a week or even once a day, he told TechNewsWorld. Remote PCs are highly vulnerable and need to have effective, real-time threat management tools like patching, software deployment, vulnerability management, and incident response.

Although Venn maintains its new offering is filling a gap between mobile device and PC management, the gap may not be as wide as it suggests.

Most of these MDM solutions have evolved into unified endpoint management platforms, said Paddy Harrington, a senior analyst with Forrester Research.

These solutions can handle most if not all of the PC management functions for the variety of PC-style devices  Windows, Mac, Chromebook  that many businesses are deploying for remote workers, he told TechNewsWorld.

PC platforms have had computer security risk management solutions for decades, added KnowBe4 Defense Evangelist Roger Grimes.

Microsoft allows its customers to manage devices using group policy, registry edits, PowerShell, or using other scripts, he told TechNewsWorld. MDM solutions arent nearly as powerful as their PC-based counterparts.
In collaboration with the Tangle Ecosystem Association (TEA), a Swiss-based association that supports builders utilizing the technology of IOTA, SwissOne Capital launches the first fund to support the Shimmer and IOTA ecosystems known as the SwissOne IOTA Shimmer Opportunities Fund (SISO).

Overview of SISO

The launch of SISO brings new opportunities as it is entirely dedicated to leading projects and infrastructure that support the growth of Shimmer and IOTA's ecosystems.

Registered in Luxembourg, the SISO fund is a close-ended limited partnership with a minimum starting investment of 10,000 (or equivalent in $MIOTA or $SMR).

The fund's creation allows institutional and qualified investors to gain access to both ecosystems through a basket of token and equity holdings that include $MIOTA and $SMR.

SISO takes advantage of asymmetric risk-return investment opportunities and mitigates downside risks. This includes Decentralized Finance (DeFi) activities that have generated attractive yields like liquidity pools, automatic market makers, and lending pools.

Moreover, the recent launching of SISO works in favor of Shimmer. The first fund becomes an anchor investor to the projects and infrastructure of the Shimmer ecosystem as it would soon launch Shimmer EVM.

The Combined Ecosystem of IOTA and Shimmer

IOTA stands as a pioneering open-source distributed ledger technology (DLT). It provides a more efficient and expandable L1 network by using a directed acyclic graph (DAG) structure instead of a traditional blockchain. Meanwhile, Shimmer acts as the incentivized L1 staging and validation network of the IOTA DLT.

What Is the Difference Between DAG and Blockchains?

DAG and blockchains record transactions on a distributed ledgers. However, the way they do this is different. Blockchain bundles its transactions into blocks. IOTA doesn't use any blockchain at all. Instead, it uses a DAG with vertices and edges, where crypto transactions are recorded as vertices on top of another. IOTA's Tangle overcomes many barriers blockchain technologies face, and enables an open, feeless, and highly scalable distributed ledger.

IOTA and Shimmer ecosystems work together so developers can build and launch innovative dApps and ecosystems. In addition, they allow the developers to test new features before these innovations become available on the IOTA mainnet. These two ecosystems, when combined, became one of the unique ecosystems made for dApps, infrastructure networks, and their large community of cryptocurrency users.

With the collaboration of SwissOne Capital and TEA, the funding of SISO can ensure the success of the projects created by IOTA and Shimmer, as it aims to foster sustainable growth in both ecosystems.

Why Should Investors Take an Interest in SISO?

Firstly, SwissOne Capital has a seasoned management team. The priority lies in the safety of their client's investments, so maintaining their trust becomes crucial. SwissOne Capital assures that it only partners with highly respected, trusted, and credible vendors and observes the strictest protocols when managing transactions through multi-signature authorization.

What Benefits Can SISO Provide Its Investors?

Besides early access to projects of both IOTA and Shimmer ecosystems, investors receive their share of the costs of due diligence and benefit from risk management techniques. With the capable management team of SwissOne Capital, investors gain assistance yet can still remain independent in their decision-making.

When interviewed, IOTA Co-Founder Dominik Schiener is "thrilled to see SwissOne Capital's commitment to investing in projects across the ecosystem" and wishes to see SISO grow alongside the community. He also mentions that Shimmer EVM, Shimmer's latest project supported by SISO, is only the "first of many Smart Contract Chains" that offers unique features and capabilities to EVM, like an expanded set of user-friendly tools for creating new web3 applications.

What Is EVM?

EVM stands for Ethereum Virtual Machine. It activates a special code (or smart contracts) to run on a decentralized blockchain platform known as Ethereum. EVM focuses on delivering transactions within the Ethereum network alongside smart contract deployment. This enables participants to transact with each other without the presence of a central authority.

Moreover, Schiener adds that the launch of EVM-compatible smart contracts enables Shimmer and IOTA to lead a new era of growth fuelled by crypto-native use cases, including DeFi, NFTs, gaming, and more.

The CEO of SwissOne Capital, Steffen Bassler, also expressed his excitement about launching the first fund for the ecosystems of IOTA and Shimmer, emphasizing the clients' benefit from the early access to the projects building within the combined ecosystem. He assures that SwissOne Capital is committed to its partnership with TEA to ensure that the SISO fund is managed in the best interests of its investors and other clients.

SwissOne Capital makes certain SISO serves as an asset to the overall growth and success of the projects and infrastructure soon to be created by Shimmer and IOTA. Investing now means exposure to their ecosystem and access to their respective tokens. In the foreseeable future, SwissOne Capital plans to introduce new financial products for retail investors to consider.

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
BEIJING, June 28 (Xinhua) -- The young people of Taiwan are falling victim to the military collusion between the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities and the United States, a mainland spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, pointed out that the United States is speeding up the process of arming Taiwan with the help of the DPP authorities who are betraying the future of the island and the interests of local people.

Anti-China forces in the United States and "Taiwan independence" separatist forces are the culprits of the current tensions across the Taiwan Strait, according to the spokesperson.

Zhu said the mainland urges the United States to stop selling arms to Taiwan and sever its military connection with the island, and warns the DPP authorities to abandon their illusions and end their actions that harm Taiwan. 
(Photo: Brett Sayles / Pexels)

In today's business landscape, companies that provide digital forensics services have become increasingly crucial. The rise of cybercrimes, such as sophisticated malicious codes and prevalent e-commerce fraud, has necessitated the expertise of these companies. According to Web Arx Security, approximately 300,000 new malware pieces are created daily, and around 64% of businesses worldwide have fallen victim to cyber attacks.

Given the growing incidence of cybercrimes in the digital era, digital forensic service providers play a paramount role in offering defense tools and conducting incident investigations. They have become indispensable for enterprises and government entities, which are often targeted by threat actors.

Here are some reasons why companies should avail themselves of digital forensic services:

Professional handling of cybercrimes: Top-rated digital forensic firms employ reliable specialists who are skilled in collaborating with fellow experts using advanced software tools. They can gather, analyze, and preserve digital evidence from various networks and devices. These providers offer virtual forensic solutions and deliver high-quality services related to investigation and analysis, supporting legal proceedings and cybersecurity incidents.

Credible and consistent reports: Digital forensic software providers employ professionals who consistently deliver credible results. These trained personnel can investigate various incidents, including data breaches, network infractions, and malicious scripts. They are capable of inspecting computer system modifications, code, and network traffic caused by destructive malware. By identifying the methods employed by cyber attackers, they can develop effective countermeasures. Forensic service professionals then prepare comprehensive reports documenting their analyses, findings, and techniques, which play a significant role in legal proceedings.

By engaging the services of top digital forensic providers, businesses make a wise choice in safeguarding their operations. These providers help bring cyber felons to justice and prevent them from victimizing others. Prompt crime resolution is a notable strength of these online forensic providers.

Here are five of the best digital forensic service providers known for their expertise:

1. Resecurity

Resecurity, Incorporated, is a cybersecurity firm established in 2016. It has gained global recognition as one of the most innovative cybersecurity providers. Resecurity focuses on comprehensive protection against cybersecurity threats and early detection of data breaches. The company is an official member of esteemed international security and cybersecurity organizations, including Infragard, AFCEA International, NDIA, and SIA. Resecurity was also recognized as a leader in Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) and External Risk Mitigation and Management Platforms (ERMM) by Frost & Sullivan. The company was named a Gold Winner in multiple categories by Cyber Excellence Awards, including Managed Threat Hunting, Threat Intelligence, and Digital Forensics & Incident Response (DFIR).

Resecurity offers a unified platform for cyber threat intelligence, digital forensics, risk management, and next-generation endpoint protection. The company is known for providing data and intelligence-driven solutions. In 2021, Resecurity was listed in Inc. Magazine's Inc. 5,000 for its remarkable revenue growth of 1,466% over three years.

Resecurity's strengths include a massive Big Data repository, experienced threat and human intelligence professionals, and a wide range of services and products. They specialize in defending against cyber espionage activity, insider threats, malicious code distribution, intellectual property misuse, data breaches, e-commerce fraud, and state-sponsored cyber attacks. The company operates regionally across various areas, employing well-qualified computer forensic teams to assist with electronic discovery (e-discovery), investigations, and digital forensic needs.

Resecurity enables law enforcement and national security agencies to implement digital forensics labs and equip them with proper solutions and investigative tools covering desktop, mobile devices, and database analysis. Turn-key solution delivered by Resecurity allows digital forensics specialists to collect and retain digital evidence in high-tech crime investigations and accelerate e-crime intelligence workflow.

2. Kroll

Kroll is one of the world's best digital forensic service companies. It opened for business in 1972. Since then, the firm has expanded its services into electronic data recovery, market intelligence, forensic accounting, and background screening.

Kroll is a trusted advisor to various entities. These organizations include private corporations, government agencies, law firms, non-profit institutions, and individuals. Additionally, Kroll helps other businesses, such as financial institutions and private equity firms, in cyber attack prevention and other complex security problems.

For over 50 years, Kroll has offered high-quality services. Satisfied clients of this leading risk-consulting and corporate investigation company recommend it for the following benefits:

Multiple security solutions

Kroll offers many services that aid its clients when it comes to cybersecurity. Among these offers are:

Reputational risk

Compliance and regulatory risk

Internet protocol and information risk

Disputes and litigation

Due diligence, transactions, and intelligence

Kroll also offers its clients services relating to fraud, money laundering, and corruption. It has a corruption risk and anti-bribery snapshot tool.

Leading-edge technology

Kroll's customers benefit from the company's efficient and innovative solutions. This forensic service firm uses advanced data analytics methods to manage complicated issues. These problems relate to e-commerce fraud, other scam types, cybercrimes, disputes, and other critical challenges.

Kroll's professionals look for essential facts and identify irregularities, trends, and patterns in large data volumes. Then, they evaluate the hazards, identify suspicious actions, and offer actionable insights and intelligence.

World-class experts

Kroll is world-renowned for its security professionals. Its intelligence and forensic investigation team holds over 100 industry certifications. Moreover, Kroll's professionals conduct all assessments and respond to more than 3,000 cyber incidents yearly. These experienced analysts and forensic investigators aid clients worldwide in effectively mitigating hazards and making critical security-related decisions.

Global reach

Kroll's headquarters is in New York City, with offices worldwide. Kroll's expertise and transaction experience have earned it international recognition as among the restructuring, corporate finance, and valuation leaders.

3. NetSecurity

NetSecurity is one of today's top forensic service providers. Its founders opened this company in 2004, based in Dulles, Virginia. It is a profitable and self-funded digital security firm with hundreds of government entities and large private organizations using its security solutions.

Today, NetSecurity continues to be among the recommended digital forensic service companies because of the following advantages it offers:

Multiple reliable security services

NetSecurity provides its clients with multiple solutions, including data breach remediation, threat intelligence, security awareness training, and vulnerability management. Customers can also use NetSecurity's other services, such as incident response, cybersecurity consulting, penetration testing, and malware analysis.

As a regulatory compliance service provider, NetSecurity aims to fortify businesses against cybercrimes. This company also has an all-in-one platform for online threat prevention, response, and detection. Its quick-response services restore clients' everyday operations and minimize damage.

Dependable professional team that delivers results

NetSecurity's experts are capable of building effective response strategies. They carefully search for the threat's root cause and assess its effectiveness. Furthermore, NetSecurity's team can analyze a cyber threat's entire infrastructure. In this manner, they can precisely know the risk's breach scope, identify the compromised modules, and aid in the remediation efforts.

NetSecurity experts' comprehensive evaluation procedures cover security policies, network and application security, and access controls.

4. Group-IB

Group-IB is a cybercrime specialist that began its operations in 2003. This Singapore-headquartered international leader in cybersecurity protects its clients worldwide by preventing data breaches, safeguarding brands, and eliminating scams.

As of June 2023, Group-IB has served more than 550 business customers. It has also conducted over 1,300 successful probes of high-technology crimes. Among the benefits of tapping Group-IB's security and forensic services are:

Strong partnerships with law enforcement groups

Group-IB is a collaborator of international law enforcement organizations. These groups include national cybercrime units, Europol, and Interpol. Together they cooperate in resolving complex cybercrimes and investigating high-profile cases.

A comprehensive suite of security solutions

Group-IB secures business organizations from many cyber threats. It offers different security services, with its seasoned team capable of quickly responding to and identifying threat incidents. It provides clients with digital forensics, scam and phishing protection, and security assessment. Furthermore, customers can use the company's other services, such as cyber investigation, red teaming, ransomware protection and response, and penetration testing.

Intelligence-driven technologies

Cutting-edge technologies and advanced analytics empower Group-IB's solutions. Furthermore, its team of experts has exceptional proficiency in comprehending cybercriminals' ecosystems. Group-IB's customer base is spread across various geographies and sectors. It serves large corporations, financial institutions, and telecommunications providers, among many others.

5. Secureworks

Secureworks, Incorporated is a cybersecurity firm based in Atlanta, Georgia. This Dell Technologies subsidiary opened for business in 1998. It employs over 2,100 workers and has over 4,000 clients in 75 territories. This forensic service provider's customers are Fortune 500 firms, government organizations, and small and medium business organizations.

Secureworks' managed security services primarily concentrate on continuously analyzing and monitoring business networks, data, and applications. Moreover, it is committed to assisting customers in safeguarding their digital assets and preventing online threats.

Clients who recommend Secureworks' solutions cited the following as the benefits they enjoyed:

Artificial intelligence and machine-learning-based solutions

Secureworks uses advanced threat intelligence and analytics systems in detecting and responding to suspicious activities and security incidents. This company leverages machine learning and artificial intelligence models in accurately determining and fighting cyber risks. The behavioral analytics and machine learning systems integrated into the Secureworks platform facilitate real-time cyber threat detection and response.

Customized security services delivered by experts

Secureworks offers threat intelligence, incident response, and cloud and managed security services. This vulnerability management company also provides clients with custom solutions. This fulfills many industries' needs, including those of the government, financial, retail, healthcare, energy, and technology sectors.

Secureworks' professional team evaluates data breaches' impacts. They conduct forensic analysis and are capable of recovering critical data and files. Plus, Secureworks' platform analyzes more than 270 billion security incidents yearly. It processes over 180 billion network events every day.

Resecurity, Kroll, NetSecurity, Group-IB, and Secureworks are today's best digital forensic service providers. Their track record confirms their first-rate capabilities in helping businesses fight cyber threats and other security challenges.

These digital forensic companies offer value-for-money services highlighted by their professional cybersecurity teams, relevant solutions, and cutting-edge technologies. These make the top five cybersecurity providers worth engaging with and trustworthy for businesses.
In today's digital era, the digitization of organizations, businesses, and governments has become the norm. With this digital transformation comes the pressing need to prioritize cybersecurity and safeguard sensitive data. Comprehensive penetration testing services play a critical role in achieving this goal by simulating cyber attacks, both from unauthorized individuals and security specialists. Such testing helps identify vulnerabilities within a company's system, network, software, and infrastructure. If you're seeking the best penetration testing services in 2023, consider the following top providers:

1 Resecurity

Founded in 2016, Resecurity is an esteemed cybersecurity company that offers comprehensive penetration testing services and cutting-edge digital forensics. Led by renowned CEO Gene Yoo, the company has gained global recognition for its innovative approach to cybersecurity. Resecurity's commitment to early-warning identification, risk management, and cyber threat intelligence has positioned it as one of the world's leading providers of top-notch penetration testing services.

Resecurity has a proven track record in vulnerability identification in products of major software giants, including Apple, ASUS, Microsoft, Fortinet, and Oracle. The company published multiple CVEs and advisories confirmed by vendors with further patches.

Resecurity has penetration testing and vulnerability assessment experts holding industry certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Security Auditor (CISA), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and many others.

Advantages of Choosing Resecurity:

Unparalleled Threat Intelligence: Resecurity has curated one of the largest data repositories, comprising billions of threat artifacts and Dark Web records. This vast collection empowers enterprises with high-quality and actionable intelligence to proactively prevent cyber threats. The company's continuous data collection ensures customers stay ahead of evolving threats.

Seasoned Cybersecurity Experts: Resecurity boasts a team of seasoned cybersecurity experts, threat intelligence specialists, and local teams collaborating with law enforcement agencies across MENA, APAC, Latin, and North America. With a decade's worth of experience in investigations and intelligence gathering, Resecurity's team is well-equipped to deliver the best penetration testing services available.

Research-Driven Solutions: Resecurity revolutionizes cybersecurity by offering penetration testing services backed by research and intelligence-driven solutions. Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) services cover a wide range of cybersecurity exposures within an organization's digital ecosystem, providing strategic intelligence and quick response capabilities.

Disadvantages of Choosing Resecurity:

Pricing and Availability: As with any top cybersecurity provider, Resecurity's pricing and availability may vary based on the specific requirements of each organization. It is essential to evaluate the compatibility of their offerings with your budget and timeline.

Comprehensive Penetration Testing Services Offered by Resecurity:

Network Infrastructure Testing: Rigorous investigation of an organization's network to identify and address vulnerabilities that potential threats could exploit.

Wireless Testing: Quantification of potential damage caused by hackers and provision of solutions to restore system integrity.

Application and API Security Review: Ethical hacking to assess backend application logic, software, and API source code for vulnerabilities.

Remote Working Assessment: Evaluation of an organization's networks, applications, and devices to ensure the stability of remote work environments.

Web Application Security Testing: Identification of vulnerabilities, including SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and application logic flaws.

Social Engineering: Conducting phishing engagements to assess an organization's personnel's ability to detect and respond to simulated attacks.

Mobile Security Testing: In-depth assessment of mobile application security using the latest frameworks and testing tools.

Firewall Configuration Review: Certified penetration testers analyze and detect unsafe configurations of an organization's firewall, recommending optimal security measures.

Digital Forensics and Red Teaming:

Apart from penetration testing services, Resecurity's unified platform provides complete solutions for enterprise endpoint protection. Their expertise extends to digital forensics, ensuring the protection of data stored within organizations' digital ecosystems.

Additionally, Resecurity offers red teaming services, simulating real-world scenarios and allowing white hat hackers to identify vulnerabilities in infrastructure, software, and user training.

With a remarkable track record of protecting 4.7 billion consumers, analyzing 12 billion digital risk indicators, and monitoring 100 billion enterprise assets, Resecurity stands as a premier cybersecurity company. Their commitment to delivering the best penetration testing and forensic services makes them an ideal choice for organizations seeking uncompromising cybersecurity solutions.

2 Packetlabs

Packetlabs, a prominent cybersecurity company headquartered in Canada, offers cutting-edge penetration testing capabilities that surpass industry standards. Their team of highly trained and proactive ethical hackers works diligently to enhance and strengthen the security postures of client companies.

Advantages of Choosing Packetlabs:

Tailored and Thorough Approach: Packetlabs believes in close collaboration with clients to deliver penetration testing services that are thorough and customized to their unique needs. This approach ensures a safe digital space where clients can thrive with robust security measures in place.

Risk Prevention: By conducting penetration testing, Packetlabs helps organizations prevent potential cyber breaches within their system infrastructure. Identifying vulnerabilities and addressing them proactively safeguards sensitive data from malware and phishing attacks.

Process and Procedure Gap Identification: Packetlabs' penetration testing services shed light on gaps in a company's processes and procedures, enabling organizations to strengthen their operational practices and mitigate risks effectively.

Disclosure of Vulnerabilities: Through comprehensive testing, Packetlabs uncovers vulnerabilities within a system and provides valuable insights on how to secure them. This proactive approach empowers organizations to fortify their defenses against potential threats.

Disadvantages of Choosing Packetlabs:

Location Limitations: Being based in Canada, Packetlabs' services may be subject to geographical limitations. Organizations outside of Canada should evaluate their availability and any potential logistical constraints.

Comprehensive Penetration Testing Services Offered by Packetlabs:

Infrastructure Testing: Packetlabs conducts thorough assessments of an organization's infrastructure to identify and address vulnerabilities that could be exploited by potential threats.

Ransomware Testing: By simulating ransomware attacks, Packetlabs helps organizations evaluate their readiness and resilience against such threats, ensuring robust incident response capabilities.

Objective-Based Penetration Testing (OBPT): OBPT provides comprehensive penetration tests with a goal-oriented approach. This service adds context and specific testing tailored to the client's objectives, delivering actionable insights.

Cloud Services Testing: Packetlabs offers specialized penetration testing for cloud environments, ensuring the security of cloud-based systems and identifying potential risks.

In addition to these services, Packetlabs provides application security and security assessment to address specific client needs, such as maintaining the integrity of applications and addressing breaches effectively.

With a focus on comprehensive penetration testing services and adversary simulations, Packetlabs offers the best-in-class solutions that enable organizations to exercise their rights to privacy and cybersecurity confidently.

By choosing Packetlabs, organizations gain a trusted partner dedicated to strengthening their security posture and safeguarding their digital assets. With advanced penetration testing capabilities, Packetlabs helps organizations stay ahead of emerging cyber threats and ensures they can operate in a secure environment.

3 CyberDuo

CyberDuo, established in 2008, stands among the leading cybersecurity companies renowned for delivering comprehensive penetration testing services. Their commitment to excellence is evident through their acquisition of six Microsoft certifications, Gold Microsoft partnership, and recognition as a top and award-winning cybersecurity provider by UpCity and Clutch.

Advantages of Choosing CyberDuo:

Technology Integration and Resilience: CyberDuo serves as a trusted IT and cybersecurity consultant, assisting organizations in integrating technology seamlessly into their operations. By building resilience within systems and discovering new capabilities, CyberDuo empowers companies to protect themselves against external and internal cyber threats effectively.

Managed Services: The company offers managed services that strengthen a company's IT or security services. These services focus on identifying and mitigating risks, enabling organizations to maintain a robust security posture.

Vulnerability Management and Penetration Testing: CyberDuo provides comprehensive vulnerability management and penetration testing services. By uncovering existing vulnerabilities in a company's network, applications, or systems, CyberDuo equips organizations with valuable insights to enhance their security posture and proactively address potential threats.

Support and Threat Management: In addition to penetration testing, CyberDuo offers a range of services that support a client's IT team or provide round-the-clock threat management. This comprehensive approach ensures that organizations have the necessary tools and expertise to effectively manage and mitigate cybersecurity risks.

Disadvantages of Choosing CyberDuo:

Focus on SMBs: CyberDuo primarily caters to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) by leveraging Microsoft Cloud technologies. While this specialization allows SMBs to transition to modern, efficient, and scalable cloud environments, larger enterprises may find their specific needs less catered to.

CyberDuo's Approach to SMBs:

CyberDuo understands the unique challenges faced by SMBs and leverages the power of Microsoft Cloud technologies to help them thrive. By facilitating the transition to a modern cloud environment, SMBs benefit from optimized IT infrastructure, enhanced security measures, and minimized downtime, all of which contribute to streamlined business operations.

By choosing CyberDuo, organizations gain a trusted partner dedicated to their cybersecurity needs. With comprehensive penetration testing services, the company empowers businesses to proactively identify vulnerabilities and fortify their security defenses. CyberDuo's expertise and commitment to excellence make them a compelling choice for organizations seeking to enhance their cybersecurity posture and protect their valuable assets.

4 Vumetric

With a rich history spanning over 25 years and boasting more than 80 certifications, Vumetric is a leading cybersecurity company that specializes in penetration testing, IT security audits, and specialized services for various organizations, including SMEs, government agencies, and Fortune 1000 companies.

Advantages of Choosing Vumetric:

Experienced Team: Vumetric's team of highly skilled consultants brings extensive expertise in offensive security. Holding recognized certifications such as GIAC Penetration Tester, Certified Red Team Operator, Cisco Certified Network Associate, and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, they possess the necessary knowledge to navigate complex security challenges effectively.

Internal Execution: Vumetric maintains complete control over its projects by conducting all services internally. This approach ensures consistency in performance and upholds the utmost confidentiality of client information.

Impartiality: Unlike some competitors, Vumetric remains impartial in the products or software solutions it recommends. The company refuses to sell services it has previously provided to clients, focusing instead on providing tailored solutions to meet each client's unique cybersecurity needs.

Standards and Methodologies: Vumetric recognizes the importance of staying ahead of evolving cyber threats. By leveraging the latest techniques and methodologies, Vumetric equips clients with crucial insights into the strategies employed by professional hackers. This knowledge enables organizations to fortify their networks and applications effectively, safeguarding their market value and reputation.

Disadvantages of Choosing Vumetric:

Limited Specialization: While Vumetric offers a comprehensive range of penetration testing services, its specialization may not cater to highly specific niche industries or unique cybersecurity requirements that certain organizations may have.

Vumetric's Commitment to Cybersecurity Excellence:

Vumetric's comprehensive suite of services encompasses a wide range of cybersecurity risks, addressing vulnerabilities that could potentially compromise an organization's IT systems and applications. From network and application security assessments to sophisticated adversary simulations, Vumetric provides clients with the best-in-class penetration testing services they need to enhance their security posture.

Partnering with Vumetric empowers organizations to proactively identify and prioritize vulnerabilities, mitigate risks, and protect their valuable assets. With a team of experienced professionals, a commitment to impartiality, and cutting-edge methodologies, Vumetric remains a trusted ally in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity.

5 Framework Security

Founded in 2019, Framework Security brings together a team with over 65 years of combined experience, offering expert guidance in navigating cybersecurity challenges for companies of all sizes. With a commitment to personalized solutions that adhere to industry best practices, Framework Security provides a comprehensive suite of penetration testing services and IT management offerings.

Advantages of Choosing Framework Security:

Extensive Expertise: With a team boasting decades of experience, Framework Security has the knowledge and skills to address a wide range of cybersecurity needs. Their expertise covers risk assessment, security software implementation, and policy development, ensuring that clients receive tailored solutions that meet their unique requirements.

Comprehensive Penetration Testing: Framework Security offers a range of penetration testing services, including social engineering campaigns, API assessments, mobile application testing, web application security assessments, and infrastructure testing. By thoroughly evaluating these critical areas, organizations can identify vulnerabilities and take proactive measures to enhance their cybersecurity defenses.

Recognition and Credibility: Framework Security has earned recognition as one of the top cybersecurity companies in the industry. They have been named the #1 cybersecurity provider in North America by Clutch and have received accolades such as inclusion in G2's top 10 cybersecurity companies. Additionally, their recent win of the CyberSecurity Excellence Awards as "Team of the Year" further validates their expertise and commitment to excellence.

Disadvantages of Choosing Framework Security:

Limited Operating History: As a relatively new company, Framework Security may not have the same level of established reputation and track record as some long-standing cybersecurity firms. However, their team's collective experience compensates for their shorter operating history.

Framework Security: Your Trusted Cybersecurity Partner

By partnering with Framework Security, organizations gain access to top-tier cybersecurity expertise and comprehensive penetration testing services. Their focus on personalized solutions, adherence to industry best practices, and expertise across various cybersecurity domains makes them a reliable choice for companies seeking to enhance their security posture.

Don't wait for a cybersecurity incident to occur. Invest in proactive measures to secure and protect your valuable assets. Consider Framework Security alongside Resecurity, Packetlabs, CyberDuo, and Vumetric as your trusted partners in comprehensive penetration testing services. With their combined expertise, you can fortify your defenses and safeguard your organization from potential cyber threats.

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Volvo is joining US automakers in adopting Tesla's North American Charging Standard port, making the company the first European automaker to adopt the EV charging technology. Existing vehicles will be able to use the Supercharger network with an adapter by 2024.

(Photo : DIRK WAEM/AFP via Getty Images)

Illustration shows Volvo logo during the opening day of the 97th edition of the Brussels Motor Show, at Brussels Expo, on Friday 18 January 2019, in Brussels.

Adopting Tesla's NACS

Volvo and Tesla made an agreement of adopting the North American Charging Standard (NACS) to the existing vehicles of Volvo in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. According to a report from The Verge, this makes them the first in Europe to adopt the feature, following the adoption of several US automakers.

The company is expected to adopt the feature in the first half of 2024, where existing vehicles will be able to connect to Supercharger stations through an adapter using the Combined Charging System. The following vehicles including the XC40, C40 Recharge, and the upcoming EX30 and EX9, will all get access to 12,000 Supercharger stations.

Meanwhile, models from 2025 onwards will have a built-in NACS port. Volvo Chief Executive Officer Jim Rowan stated that he wants to offer convenience when using an electric vehicle. "One major inhibitor to more people making the shift to electric driving - a key step in making transportation more sustainable - is access to easy and convenient charging infrastructure," he added.

Other Companies' Adoption

Volvo's recent announcement makes the company the first European automaker to use Tesla's North American Standard charging port. Engadget reported that the company is joining brands from the United States, including GM and Rivian.

Only last month when Tesla Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk and Volvo Chief Executive Officer officially announced the adoption of the Supercharger Network. Similar to Volvo, these companies will also be using an adapter for current designs, which will be followed by native NACS ports.

Meanwhile, other companies are still uncertain about adopting Tesla's charging technology. This includes Stellantis and Hyundai which recently told that they are still evaluating the NACS ports. Both companies believe that as of the moment, a switch from a new charging technology is not necessarily easy.

For instance, Hyundai and Porsche obtain 800-volt architectures, allowing faster charging than existing Superchargers. Opting for the NACS, the company would either have to press for "upgraded" technology or accept a less-than-ideal rate for charging.

Also Read: Volvo Plans to Open a New Tech Hub in Poland To Support All-Electric Plans By 2030

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) announced earlier today that it would make Tesla's NACS connecter the new standard. Based on a report from Teslarati, this is planned to initiate an expedited process to ensure that any supplier or manufacturer will be able to use, manufacture or deploy the charging port on EVs.

The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation catalyzed the partnership between the SAE and Tesla. Sustainable Mobility Solutions President Frank Menchaca stated, "Standardizing the NACS connector will provide certainty, expanded choice, reliability, and convenience to manufacturers and suppliers, and, most of all, increase access to charging for consumers."

Related Article: Tesla Implements Price Hike for Wall Connector with NACS

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Apple's bid to throw out a class action lawsuit has been rejected by a US judge. Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook was accused of defrauding shareholders by concealing falling demand for iPhones in China.

(Photo : Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 05: Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks before the start of the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference on June 05, 2023 in Cupertino, California.

Rejecting Apple's Bid

United States District Judge Yvonne Gonzales Rogers decided to reject Apple's bid to end the lawsuit against Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook's China sales comment. According to a report from Reuters, this lawsuit stemmed from a comment from the executive during an analyst call on November 1, 2018, where they faced sales pressure in different markets.

As per Judge Rogers, jurors could reasonably infer that the CEO was discussing Apple's sales outlook in China, rather than the past performance of the impact of currency changers. Prior to Cook's comment, Apple already knew China's economy had also been slowing and had data suggesting where demand could fall.

How Did It Start?

Economic Times reported that this lawsuit referenced an analyst call in 2018, where Cook discussed countries like Brazil, India, Russia, and Turkey where currencies had weakened. Cook stated during that time, "I would not put China in that category."

Following this, Apple instructed its suppliers a few days later to curb production, and by January 2, 2019, the company slashed its quarterly revenue forecast by up to $9 billion.

Apple blamed the trade tensions between US and China. The revenue forecast was Apple's first lowered prediction since the iPhone's launch in 2007. Aside from this, Apple also experienced a decrease in its company shares, falling 10% the next day.

Rogers added that by knowing China's economy had slowed, failure to disclose the data would have put investors at risk unnecessarily. In 2020, the shareholders were advised that Cook's comment could bring a class action against the company.

The lawsuit officially gained class-action status only last year in February 2022. Among the shareholders is the Norfolk County Council, believing that the revised guidance was already too late and Apple should have foreseen this issue. Especially since they had taken action to deal with it in China just days after the CEO's remarks.

Norfolk County Council is the lead plaintiff of the case as the Administering Authority of the Norfolk Pension Fund in Norwich, England. Shareholders' Lawyer Shawn Williams stated, "We are pleased with the ruling and look forward to presenting the facts to a jury."

Also Read: Apple CEO Tim Cook Meets with China's Commerce Minister for Stabilizing Industrial, Supply Chains

As per the original lawsuit, Apple Insider reported that the fund lost close to $1 million over the comments. But the change to a class action suit will do more than enable more shareholders to join in against the company, knowing that it reduces the standard of proof required by claimants.

Apple defended Cook's comments and said that it was a statement of opinion, which is therefore protected. Apple attorneys stated that the claim fails to plead any actionably false or misleading statement.

Related Article: Apple CEO Tim Cook Urged by China to Strengthen Security, Privacy Protection

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After a long time of Russia being cut off from the world, the country is back in action for its cosmic ventures, particularly with its commercial spaceflights catering to other countries. The Soyuz rocket recently launched from Eastern Russia to bring payloads to orbit, containing three small foreign satellites from the United Arab Emirates, Belarus, and Malaysia.

This mission may mark the return of Russia to the commercial spaceflight industry and may cater to more countries who do not mind having ties with a disconnected one.

Russia Launched the Soyuz Rocket as Part of Commercial Spaceflight

(Photo : KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)

The Soyuz-2 rocket launched to orbit last Tuesday morning, as part of its commercial spaceflight mission where it caters to partner companies or countries to bring payloads to orbit. According to Salem AlMarri, Director General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center from the UAE, the Soyuz-2 contained a 44-pound satellite called PHI-Demo, meant for IoT communication.

As per Ars Technica, this is only one of the three payloads that went on board the Soyuz rocket on early Tuesday, centering on others who shared the rocket to bring their technology to space.

It is known that Russia still has sanctions for its actions, and its space industry was affected as it did not have access to parts for its development, much less its use. Still, Russia managed to develop a working one and deliver these three satellites to orbit.

Read Also: CISA Confirms Russian Ransomware Group's Attacks on US Government Agencies, Raising Concerns of Similar Assaults

Back to Normal? Clients are From UAE, Belarus, and Malaysia

The three clients include the United Arab Emirates' MBRSC; Belarus, a known Russian ally; and Malaysia, with a company called Angkasa-X, a company that aims to bring broadband internet to the Asia-Pacific.

The MBRSC brought OQ Technology (from Luxembourg) and SteamJet Space Systems (from the UK) tech aboard the PHI-Demo satellite. On the other hand, a Malaysian CubeSat came from Angkasa-X.

Russia was chosen despite the many controversies, and not from renowned companies like SpaceX which is known for its ride-share offers.

Russia Was Cut Off From the World After Ukraine Conflict

Russia was cut off from the world, and this was largely based on its actions against Ukraine, as back in 2022, there was a massive invasion that the Eurasian country launched against its neighbor.

Amidst the US sanctions, Russia has threatened its partners in the International Space Station, going as far as to say that there would be massive consequences, including an uncontrolled orbit to happen.

The retaliation did not stop there, as Russia also claimed that it would stop selling spacecraft parts and rocket engines to the US, one of the biggest exporters of space tech.

Different companies from various industries also stopped their partnerships with Russia, both the state and private ones after the world turned its back on them.

More than a year later, it seems like partnerships are blooming again for Russia, particularly for its space industry and Roscosmos. While the US and other nations still denounce Russia's continued action against Ukraine and sanctions are still up, three countries have restarted their ties and commissioned the Soyuz rocket for their payloads, and this may not be the last of its commercial missions.

Related Article: Vladimir Putin Threatens Use of Depleted Uranium Weapons in Response to US-Ukraine Deal

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Razer has launched its first-ever in-ear monitor (IEM), Moray, that will change the audio listening experience of audiophiles and gamers. The recently debuted Razer Moray aims to bring the complete audio suite in a small device.

Many of those who use the IEM are musicians, as it offers excellent control on isolating certain sounds from instruments or blocking out crowd noises, now applied for gaming.

Razer Moray Is a New IEM Built for Gaming And Music

Razer unveiled its new product that will change one's audio experience through its new in-ear monitor (IEM) called the Moray. It boasts high-fidelity audio that also brings passive noise cancellation with a snug fit design to bring a different level of comfortable experience for users.

Headphones are usually heavier than earphones. However, not all earphones are built for longer use or professional usage. The new Moray aims to change that by leveraging its audio quality with an ergonomic, comfortable fit.

"It's an evolution in gaming audio, designed to offer streamers high-definition sound and all-day comfort. With the Razer Moray, we're bringing the exceptional audio quality typically associated with in-ear monitors to not only streamers but gamers as well," said Alvin Cheung, Senior Vice President of Razer's Hardware Business Unit.

Read Also: Razer Launches New Streaming Deck Stream Controller X-Newest Elgato Competitor?

IEM For a Lightweight Headphone Experience?

The Razer Moray features braided cables that are best known in the audiophile world to be tangle-free, even when kept in one's pockets or tight spaces in the bag. It adds quality and durability to the wires, with flexible memory tubing that can fit any ear shape or size.

The Razer Moray is equipped with detachable OFC MMCX cables and flexible memory loop tubing that stays securely over the ears of audiophiles, streamers, and gamers. There are also three types of ear tips in three different sizes inside its box, providing optimal comfort and sound isolation.

The Razer Moray offers a hybrid dual-driver acoustic design for full-range audio, exceptional passive noise isolation, and unrivaled comfort for all-day streaming or gaming with zero fatigue.

The Razer Moray is now available for $129.99, around the same price as other mid-tier IEMs.

Razer's Tech and Development

Razer is best known for developing tech peripherals and accessories and has been serving gamers for several years now. The company produces some of the top gaming keyboards and mice in the market, those that have been proven to be quality in e-Sports, professional gaming, and even for content creators.

The Singapore and California-based company has also ventured into a portable gaming experience, centering on the latest handheld from its lineup, the Razer Edge.

Since the dawn of the Steam Deck, Razer has introduced mobile phone controllers suiting both iPhone and Android smartphones with the Kishi. Still, the Edge completes it with its display and system in one.

Razer is now ready to enter the audiophile market as it brings gamers and streamers a new experience through its ergonomic in-ear monitor.

Related Article: Razer Kitsune Leverless Controller Revealed: Here's What to Expect

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The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) intends to launch its second H3 rocket, which will carry two microsatellites into orbit.

Following the failure of the first H3 rocket in March, Japan News reports that JAXA recently presented its plan to experts from the Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology Ministry.

The upcoming launch aims to showcase the H3 rocket's capabilities and fulfill the mission objectives impacted by the previous launch failure.

Next JAXA H3 Rocket to Bring 2 Microsatellites to Space

Alongside a dummy satellite, the second launch of the H3 rocket will include two microsatellites.

One of these, called CE-SAT-1E, weighs about 50 kilograms and was developed by Canon Electronics Inc. It features a visible light sensor, similar to a regular camera, and will assist in emergency observation tasks after natural disasters.

CE-SAT-1E will take over the responsibilities initially assigned to the lost Daichi-3 land observation satellite, which failed due to the first H3 rocket malfunction.

Read Also: NASA's James Webb Space Telescope Discovers Vital Component of Life in Space for the First Time

The other microsatellite, TIRSAT, is a collaborative project involving Japan Space Systems and other institutes. TIRSAT will carry an infrared sensor capable of monitoring the Earth's surface and seawater temperature.

This data will contribute to scientific studies and improve our understanding of climate patterns.

The schedule for the second H3 rocket launch will depend on the progress of the investigation into the cause of the initial launch failure. JAXA is committed to resolving any technical issues to ensure a successful mission this time.

What's Next?

The H3 rocket serves as Japan's next-generation heavy-lift launch vehicle, succeeding the H-IIA rocket currently in operation.

The primary objective is maintaining Japan's continuous access to space by establishing a reliable launch capability.

JAXA plans to launch the H3 rocket approximately six times per year for the next 20 years, providing a strong foundation for the Japanese industrial base.

To achieve this goal, JAXA aims to secure launch contracts from the government for satellite launches and private companies in the commercial satellite market.

By positioning the H3 rocket as a user-friendly and dependable option, JAXA aims to attract global attention.

Amid the development of various new launch vehicles worldwide, JAXA recognizes the significance of establishing the H3 rocket as a competitive choice.

The Space Industry

JAXA aims to become a key player in the evolving space industry, offering reliable and efficient launch services and contributing to global space exploration and satellite deployment markets.

While the investigation into the first H3 rocket failure continues, JAXA remains dedicated to addressing any technical challenges and advancing Japan's space exploration efforts.

The first H3 rocket, Japan's first new series in more than 22 years, was built by JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for $1.47 billion as a successor to Japan's H-2A rocket.

The upcoming launch, carrying two microsatellites, represents a significant step towards establishing the H3 rocket as a reliable workhorse for space missions.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

Related Article: Russia Launched Soyuz Rocket as Part of Commercial Spaceflight Mission-Back to Normal?

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Joby Aviation, a leading electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer, has achieved a significant milestone in its pursuit of transforming air travel.

Recently, the company announced receiving a Special Airworthiness Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its first production prototype aircraft.

This accomplishment sets the stage for Joby to commence flight testing, bringing us closer to the realization of electric air taxis.

Joby Receives Permit to Fly First Manufactured Aircraft

This achievement underscores Joby's years of cutting-edge technology research, development, and investment. With the FAA's approval, Joby is now authorized to begin flight testing its production prototype.

The production prototype eVTOL aircraft is anticipated to be the pioneering model delivered to a customer, marking a groundbreaking achievement for the industry.

In 2024, Joby's aircraft will be stationed at Edwards Air Force Base in California as part of the company's Agility Prime contract with the U.S. Air Force, valued at up to $131 million.

This collaboration highlights Joby's technological leadership and the potential for its eVTOLs to support various logistics applications.

Joby's progress is rooted in extensive experience, having flown full-size aircraft since 2017. The pre-production prototype aircraft alone has covered over 30,000 miles in flights since 2019.

What's Next?

With the Special Airworthiness Certificate secured, Joby is well on its way to obtaining full FAA certification, a critical step towards commercial passenger operations.

The certification process involves thorough evaluations of the aircraft's design, components, and adherence to airworthiness and noise standards.

Joby has already advanced through three of the five stages necessary for an FAA-type certification, demonstrating significant progress in meeting regulatory requirements.

Joby's aspirations extend beyond the initial flight testing phase. The company aims to launch commercial passenger operations in 2025, offering a seamless and environmentally friendly travel experience.

Read Also: SkyDrive Flies High with New eVTOL Specifications, Suzuki Collaboration at Paris Air Show

Joby also recently partnered with Delta Air Lines to provide sustainable transportation solutions for Delta customers traveling to and from airports. This collaboration underscores the shared commitment to creating a greener future of travel.

Partnership With Toyota

TechCrunch notes that Joby's deepening relationship with Toyota, its largest external shareholder, has played a vital role in its advancements. Toyota has invested around $400 million in the company and contributed manufacturing and engineering expertise.

This collaboration enabled Joby to establish a pilot production line in Marina, California, where the first eVTOL aircraft was manufactured. Toyota's involvement and supply of powertrain and actuation components further underscore the synergy between the two companies.

The company plans to construct a phase one manufacturing facility to accommodate higher production volumes. While specific details regarding the facility's location and timeline remain undisclosed, collaborating with Toyota will undoubtedly be instrumental in this expansion.

Excitingly, Tetsuo "Ted" Ogawa, President and CEO of Toyota Motor North America, will join Joby's Board of Directors on July 1, 2023. Ogawa's extensive experience and expertise in leading Toyota's operations in North America will provide valuable insights for Joby's strategic decision-making processes.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

Related Article: Stellantis, Archer Detail Progress for eVTOL Aircraft Manufacturing Facility Partnership

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In a classic case of distasteful timing, Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic faces intense criticism from the online community.

As VT reports, Branson's company recently revealed plans for its inaugural commercial space flight, which is set to take place on Thursday, just one week after the tragic news of the Titan submersible incident.

Virgin Galactic Announces $450,000 Space Travel

On Monday, Virgin Galactic announced the launch of the Galactic 01 mission, which will send three passengers from the Italian Air Force and National Research Council into space.

A team of five from Virgin Galactic will accompany them, including an astronaut instructor and four pilots. The 90-minute voyage, scheduled for June 29, aims to conduct suborbital science experiments and will be live-streamed for the world to witness.

We're 2 days away from the take-off of #Galactic01, our first scientific research mission! 



Join us on the livestream on June 29 at 9:00 am MDT | 11:00 am EDT, where you will have a front row seat to watch how the crew from the @ItalianAirForce & @CNRsocial will conduct their pic.twitter.com/kfe7QHECEY  Virgin Galactic (@virgingalactic) June 27, 2023

To attract space enthusiasts and high-net-worth individuals, Virgin Galactic is promoting tickets for future space adventures at a whopping $450,000 per person, urging them to "reserve their place in history."

Unfortunate Timing?

However, the timing of the company's announcement has come under heavy fire on social media, especially due to the recent Titan submersible tragedy.

Virgin Galactic faced criticism on its official Instagram page after sharing a promotional video for the upcoming space flight.

Users questioned the decision to promote what some refer to as "extreme tourism," highlighting the dangers and high price tag associated with such ventures. "Did we not learn something?" one commenter notes.

Read Also: Lost Titanic Submarine Sparks Surge in Sales for Ocean-Themed Horror Game

The comments section was filled with disapproving remarks, with individuals labeling the announcement poorly timed and insensitive given the recent events.

CBC News also delved into extreme tourism, shedding light on the laws in place to protect passengers embarking on ventures like the Titan submersible or Virgin Galactic's commercial space flights.

They questioned the boundaries and legal limits that companies can push to offer potentially life-changing experiences to anyone with sufficient financial resources.

While there were individuals defending Virgin Galactic's upcoming trips, arguing that progress would be hindered without taking risks, there was an acknowledgment that lives lost in such ventures are regrettable and lessons should be learned.

The debate surrounding the ethics and safety of extreme tourism remains a topic of contention.

Daring and Dangerous Expeditions

It is worth noting that the Titan submersible incident wasn't the first time the space tourism industry faced scrutiny.

Virgin Galactic itself experienced a tragic event in 2014 when one crew member died during a test flight that ended in an explosion over the Mojave Desert.

Despite these incidents, wealthy individuals continue to seek out expensive and daring adventure trips. Critics argue that this type of escapade only caters to the elite.

At the time of writing, Virgin Galactic has not responded to requests for comment regarding the backlash it has faced over the timing of its commercial space flight announcement.

As the date of the flight approaches, it remains to be seen how this criticism will impact the company's reputation and future endeavors in the space tourism industry.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

Related Article: Online Prediction Marketplace Polymarket Sees Influx of Users Betting on Missing Titanic Sub

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British Telecommunications (BT) is now the subject of an inquiry after a Sunday grave interruption to the United Kingdom's 999 call systems. Due to a technological glitch, 999 calls were not connecting, causing significant problems for emergency services nationwide.



On Sunday night, BT, the organization in charge of the 999 emergency phone system, apologized for the disruption. Ofcom, the government agency that regulates communications, will review BT's compliance, The Guardian reported.



Ofcom said that telecom companies like BT must guarantee emergency groups always have access to their call services under its guidelines. Additionally, carriers must comply with these requirements and provide the best possible call and internet availability, even in the case of severe network disruptions.

Ofcom will use its investigation to gather more about what transpired and determine if BT's handling of the matter broke any laws or guidelines.

Emergency Services Disrupted For Hours

Due to a technical difficulty, the UK's police, ambulance, and fire and rescue services asked the public to refrain from dialing 999 on Sunday morning. BT said on Monday that using a backup mechanism had resolved the issues.

However, as it has taken British Telecommunications more than three hours to inform ministers about the problems that initially surfaced at 6:30 a.m., concerns were raised regarding the timeliness of BT's disclosure to the government.

On Sunday morning, Science, Innovation, and Technology Minister Viscount Camrose recognized the service's technical difficulty. At 9:20 a.m., he informed the government. He told the House of Lords that BT may have notified the government sooner and will be investigated.

Read Also: CDC Study Reveals Surge in E-cigarette Sales and Youth Use in US

The London Metropolitan Police Department warned the public of the connectivity problems on Sunday and advised calling the usual police number (101), per the BBC. Some services were back to normal by midday, while others were not. These included Essex's fire service, South Wales' police, Police Scotland, and the PSNI.

Investigation Results To Be Released Soon

The Ofcom regulatory framework mandates BT and other network operators to take all necessary steps to provide continuous access to emergency organizations within their call services. As a result of the event, BT has launched an internal probe.

A representative of British Telecommunications said they are almost through with their inquiry and want to report their findings to the appropriate authorities, the emergency services, and Ofcom by Thursday, per Sky News.

The incident's technical elements, the switchover to the backup system, and the timeliness of interactions with the emergency services, Ofcom, and the government will all be examined as part of the probe.



After removing secret information about essential national infrastructure, BT will release the preliminary results publicly.



In an earlier report, first responders were stretched thin this year due to an increase in false 911 calls made during the Bonnaroo music festival, which drew an estimated 80 thousand attendees.



The new Apple technology has been blamed for the rise in calls since it alerts emergency services whenever a device detects a sudden movement, as reported by TechTimes. Despite an increase in false alarms, authorities maintained control and were not hindered in their capacity to react to actual emergencies.

Related Article: Google Drops Pride Month Drag Show in Wake of Employee Petition Alleging Religious Bias

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CHANGSHA, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Inside a cafe decorated with ink-wash paintings and Chinese calligraphy, Yirgacheffe coffee beans from Ethiopia are blended with Chinese oolong tea, releasing a unique aroma.

The Chinese tea-flavored coffee has amazed Liu Xuedan, who placed an order at the branch of Yuenn & Yang Coffee in Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province.

"I knew that African coffee had a great taste, but I never imagined it would work so well with Chinese tea," said the 24-year-old tourist, who is from Sichuan Province.

A traditionally tea-drinking country, China has shown a fast-growing appetite for coffee. According to e-commerce platform Meituan, the scale of China's coffee industry was estimated at 200 billion yuan (about 27.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2022, and it is projected to reach 369 billion yuan in 2025.

"In China, coffee drinking has gradually grown from niche consumption to mass consumption," said Yao Siyi, the founder of coffee product-trading company Cash Coffee. "Many individual consumers, especially young people, are buying coffee machines and taking classes to learn how to make coffee at home."

In addition to China's expanding market, the country's continuous efforts to simplify import procedures for African agricultural products have paved the way for African coffee to enter Chinese cafes and homes.

China is the second-largest destination for African agricultural exports. In recent years, more categories of "Made in Africa" farm products have appeared on store shelves across China, including coffee from Ethiopia, cashew nuts from Tanzania, cocoa from Cote d'Ivoire and avocados from Kenya.

At Cash Coffee, more than half of all commonly used coffee beans come from Africa. "African beans boast a uniquely rich fruit flavor, so we've blended them into most of our Italian coffee beans," Yao said.

In Gaoqiao Grand Market, where Cash Coffee is based, about 40 percent of the 2,000 tonnes of coffee beans sold in 2022 were imported from Africa.

The market opened an African coffee trade center in 2020 to promote the import of African beans. Through the center, Chinese buyers can bypass intermediate dealers to sign deals directly with African farmers, thus reducing costs by 30 percent.

The center also serves as an exhibition and distribution center, and as an incubator for new brands of African coffee.

Own Master, or Coffee Z, is one such brand that has benefited from the simplified import process and the greater appreciation of African coffee among young consumers.

Using mainly African coffee beans, the cafe chain has so far opened nearly 50 branches in China and recently raised 100 million yuan in series A financing.

Jing Jianhua, the founder of Hunan Xiaokazhu Coffee, the firm that runs the coffee chain, said that the company's plan is to open 200 cafes this year, with the majority of those cafes to be located in smaller cities where young people have started to frequent cafes.

"Chinese culture and coffee culture are both inclusive. And the coffee trend in China is to integrate coffee with tea, fermented glutinous rice and local Chinese cultures," Jing said. 
Artificial intelligence (AI) has posed some dangers to people who are looking for a job. For Gen Z graduates, using generative AI in the workplace can be a competitive edge when it comes to employment.

While others are not yet prepared to enter an AI-driven economy, the younger generation can keep up with the most advanced technology with ease.

Gen Z Treats AI as a Useful Tool in Workforce

By leveraging their familiarity with technology, Gen Zers can delegate mundane tasks to AI, allowing them to focus on more creative and thought-provoking work. Remaining flexible and adaptive is key to thriving in this new era for soon-to-be workers.

To prepare for the changing landscape, they must think creatively about organizational objectives and how AI tools can help achieve them. Each job is undergoing a transformation, and being adept at utilizing new technologies is essential.

According to Business Insider, Alexander Kvamme, CEO of Pathlight, emphasizes the importance of embracing AI to stay competitive in the job market.

"You need to think creatively and thoughtfully about what the outcome is that the organization wants and how you achieve that outcome using the new tools available," Kvamme said.

Related Article: Apple iPhone's Popularity With Gen Z Is All Attributed to Their Fear of Being 'Green Bubble Guy'

How School Prepares Zoomers For AI-Focused Workplace

Education institutions can contribute to a student's learning when it comes to AI-related skills upon entering the workforce.

Erin Reilly, director of innovation and entrepreneurship at the Moody College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin, says that students and her co-teachers are eager to learn generative AI and its applications.

It's worth noting that there's still a need to conduct comprehensive training for various specializations concerning the nature of artificial intelligence.

Collaboration among various fields, such as nursing, communications, architecture, philosophy, and English, is necessary to tackle the challenges presented by AI.

While some individuals may fear job replacement by AI, Reilly believes that AI will not entirely replace humans in the workforce. Instead, staying adaptable and continuously learning and experimenting with new technologies is key to building a successful career.

Developing expertise in understanding and training AI models is becoming increasingly valuable. Professionals who possess these skills are in high demand and can contribute to shaping the future workforce.

Gen Z Graduates Are Not Underestimating the Dangers of AI

In another report by The Washington Post, Zoomers are not underestimating the dangers of AI even though they can cope with it.

Gen Z graduates are still aware that generative AI can force people to work lazier and even spread misinformation faster than before. Even worse, using AI can sometimes degrade the quality of work.

For instance, University of Michigan graduate Andrew Otchere who recently received his acting degree, said that it makes him worried to think that companies can use AI in creative writing or production.

AI could save a lot of time crafting a well-written article or generating a visually appealing image, yet it does not mean we should abuse it. At times, some workers still find using it uncomfortable.

Read Also: Are AI Detection Tools Effective in Assessing Artificially-Made Results? Here's Why They Aren't Always Reliable

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NASA's Roman Space Telescope and the European Space Agency's Euclid mission are teaming up to investigate the mysterious phenomenon known as dark energy.

Dark energy is believed to be the cause of the universe's accelerated expansion, but its nature and origin remain unknown.

With the launch of Euclid in July and the planned inclusion of the Roman Space Telescope by May 2027, scientists hope to unravel the secrets of dark energy in ways never before possible.

(Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images) Clouds are seen behind NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at the Kennedy Space Center on February 7, 2008, at Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Roman and Euclid's Cosmic Tasks

Jason Rhodes, a senior research scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and deputy project scientist for Roman, highlights the significance of this collaboration, stating, "With these upcoming telescopes, we will measure dark energy in different ways and with far more precision than previously achievable, opening up a new era of exploration into this mystery."

Euclid and Roman are designed to study cosmic acceleration using different but complementary strategies. Both telescopes will create 3D maps of the universe to understand its history and structure.

Euclid will observe a larger portion of the sky, approximately 15,000 square degrees, in both infrared and optical wavelengths. It will peer back 10 billion years to when the universe was about 3 billion years old.

On the other hand, Roman will focus on a smaller area, about 2,000 square degrees, but with greater depth and precision. Its infrared vision will unveil the cosmos when it was 2 billion years old, revealing fainter galaxies. Roman will also undertake additional tasks such as surveying nearby galaxies, investigating planets within our galaxy, and studying objects in the outer regions of our solar system.

Read Also: NASA Launches Mission to Prevent 'Internet Apocalypse'

Exploring the Objectives of NASA and ESA

The primary objective of both missions is to understand the cause of cosmic acceleration. Scientists are uncertain whether an additional energy component is responsible or if our understanding of gravity needs to be revised. To address these questions, Euclid and Roman will employ various techniques and approaches simultaneously.

One such technique is weak gravitational lensing, which involves studying the distortion of light caused by the warping of space-time due to mass. By analyzing how light from distant sources is bent by intervening masses, both telescopes will create 3D maps of dark matter. These maps will provide insights into the gravitational attraction of dark matter, which counteracts the universe's expansion and plays a role in cosmic acceleration.

Another area of study for Euclid and Roman is galaxy clustering. By observing how galaxies gather at different cosmic eras, scientists can trace the expansion history of the universe and test theories of gravity. The missions will also study distant type Ia supernovae to determine their distances and measure their recession velocities. By comparing these velocities at different distances, scientists can trace the evolution of cosmic expansion and gain a better understanding of dark energy throughout the history of the universe.

The collaboration between Euclid and Roman is expected to yield significant results. Their surveys will overlap, enabling scientists to use the more sensitive and precise data from Roman to improve the data collected by Euclid. This collaborative effort will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the universe.

The Euclid mission has received contributions from three NASA-supported science groups. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has been involved in designing and fabricating Euclid's Near Infrared Spectrometer and Photometer (NISP) instrument sensor-chip electronics. Additionally, the Euclid NASA Science Center at IPAC (ENSCI) at Caltech will support investigations using Euclid data from the United States.

Euclid and Roman are poised to embark on an unprecedented exploration of dark energy, shedding light on one of the most intriguing mysteries in astrophysics. By combining their observations and employing complementary strategies, these space telescopes will pave the way for a new era of scientific discovery, bringing us closer to understanding the fundamental workings of the universe.

Related Article: NASA's New Robotic Snake Aims to Find Life in Space! Here's How EELS Works

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The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) gears toward launching a trip to the moon to mine for valuable materials.

Scientists revealed on Wednesday that NASA had made significant progress in lunar soil excavation, with 2032 as the goal year, per WION. With future aspirations to incorporate iron and rare earth elements, the agency's first emphasis will be extracting oxygen and water.

NASA hopes to complete Artemis and send American astronauts to the moon by 2025. The crew's diversity and inclusion will demonstrate NASA's commitment. The lunar mission's data and expertise will enable a Mars mission.

Training begins for the @NASAArtemis II astronauts!



While some of us are enjoying the start of summer vacation, they just began training for their mission to the Moon and back.



Here's the trajectory map they covered in class this week: https://t.co/YF0SKiTSl8 pic.twitter.com/9LpBav6ZOf  NASA (@NASA) June 24, 2023

An Out of This World Investment

The mission's advancement of commercial space prospects is one of its primary goals. NASA wants to entice business investment by estimating prospective resources, including electricity, water, and lunar soil.

During a mining summit in Brisbane, NASA rocket scientist Gerald Sanders emphasized the significance of using lunar resources to save costs and promote the growth of a circular economy.

Sanders said that the endeavor is an attempt "to invest in the exploration phase" and to sufficiently understand the resources to bring down risks "such that external investment makes sense that could lead to development and production." He underlined that when exploring the moon's resource possibilities, NASA has only just begun to scratch the surface.

Later this month, NASA plans to launch a prototype drill to the moon as a first step. The organization wants to start a test processing facility and conduct more extensive lunar soil extraction by 2032. Commercial rocket firms are initially anticipated to be the primary users, using the moon's resources to produce fuel or oxygen.

Read Also: Russia Launched Soyuz Rocket as Part of Commercial Spaceflight Mission

US v. China Space Race is On

While China is undertaking ambitious lunar missions, NASA is stepping up its attempts to obtain valuable moon metals.

NASA is looking for experts to investigate how moon metals collected from the lunar surface may be used for items like 3D printing, according to a report from Popular Mechanics. The organization has recently started research projects to build a metal manufacturing pipeline on the moon and has partnered with colleges.

Dr. Matthew Deans of NASA Ames Research Center Intelligent Robotics Group noted that "certain metals" might be extracted from various portions of the moon. "We might need to start manufacturing with them if we are going to build things on the moon." With this proactive approach, NASA hopes to stay ahead of lunar exploration and China's ambitious goals.

Before 2030, China wants to add a fourth module to its space station and send men to the moon, per Space.com. Lin Xiqiang, deputy head of China's human spaceflight organization, stated that their mission involves a "short stay" on the moon's surface and "human-robotic joint exploration."

The stakes are high, and there is enormous potential for resource use and scientific gains as NASA and China compete to explore the moon. The effort to use the moon's resources represents a significant turning point in human space exploration, spurring innovation and advancing humanity's knowledge of the cosmos.

Related Article: Are Talking Spaceships Coming Soon? NASA to Revolutionize Space Exploration with AI-Powered ChatGPT-Like Interface

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Popular chipmaker Nvidia is showing progress in incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into its semiconductors and because of this, the Biden administration fears that the technology can be misused if it falls into the wrong hands of its rival, particularly China, which is barred from chip export.

US is Concerned Over China's Move to Use AI Chips

While the US remains a dominant force in the chip industry, lawmakers think that the country should continue to restrict China from the export of AI-equipped chips.

According to CNBC, the US Department of Commerce is thinking of proposing a new set of policies regarding the ongoing restriction of semiconductors in China.

Notably, Nvidia had already tailored its renowned AI chip, the A100, for the Chinese market by adhering to performance guidelines established by the Commerce Department. However, the proposed limits under consideration could potentially curtail sales even with a license.

Such measures would further escalate the ongoing technology-related dispute between the U.S. and Chinese governments. In May, China prohibited "critical information infrastructure" from procuring products from Micron, an American memory chip manufacturer, citing significant security concerns.

However, the US Commerce Department finds this disagreeable, citing that the imposed limitations lack factual basis.

Related Article: Japan Restricts China's Chipmaking Export, Joining the US, and the Netherlands

Biden Admin Wants China to Stay Behind Chip Business

With the US chip ban further hindering China from acquiring AI chips from Nvidia and other manufacturers, the Biden administration most likely wants to stay in the competition to be a leader in the industry.

Although Chinese firms may possess alternative advanced chips or resort to slower semiconductors, additional limitations on high-speed chips could hinder their agility in the competitive AI landscape.

Furthermore, American executives have cautioned the U.S. government about the potential risks associated with unregulated AI usage.

If not properly controlled, AI models can perpetuate discrimination in various domains, including law enforcement, housing, and loan approvals. Additionally, these technologies can facilitate the production of convincing propaganda or the development of autonomous weapons.

At present, the U.S. Commerce Department has not responded to requests for comment regarding the aforementioned report, while Nvidia has chosen to withhold its comments on the matter.

In other news, Nvidia collaborated with cloud data firm Snowflake to bring AI models to its customers across different fields.

"In the old days, in small data computing, you moved data to the computer. But when you have giant amounts of data like Snowflake does and a pile of proprietary data ... data that's so valuable to a company, then you move the computer to the data," Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang told Reuters.

According to Snowflake boss Frank Slootma, this is the moment that they have been waiting for for the last two decades. He added that the importance of data is the priority today, now that "data is eating software."

Read Also: China Lambasts Netherlands for Following US in Restricting Chip Access

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Costco is the new Netflix. The popular warehouse store has recently announced some changes in its current card-sharing practice.

To combat the anomalous use of membership cards, the company will require the members to present their ID at checkout as part of the verification process.

Costco Implements Stricter Card-Sharing Policy

According to a report by Gizmodo, Costco has urged those with membership cards not to share them with anyone, even if it's their friends or family.

Having said that, if a Costco member fails to obey the new policy, he/she might be denied before making a purchase. The company has not yet confirmed when the new policy will take effect.

Before, members were not required to present their cards at the register. With Costco's plan to crack down on the malicious card-sharing practice, it will now require even those who have a membership card, particularly those that do not have a photo.

A spokesperson for Costco explained that membership cards are strictly meant for individual use and are not transferable.

The company's decision to tighten the rules was prompted by the observation that non-members were utilizing membership cards that did not belong to them, particularly with the expansion of self-service checkout options.

Related Article: No More FREE Samples at Costco: Who's to Blame? Coronavirus Once Again!

Unfair Membership Card Sharing

Costco relies on membership fees to offset operational expenses, enabling them to offer competitive prices exclusively to its valued members. Therefore, it is considered unfair for non-members to enjoy the same benefits and pricing privileges.

It is worth noting that Costco has maintained its membership costs since 2017, remaining competitive in comparison to rival warehouse store BJ's while surpassing competitors like Amazon and Walmart's Sam's Club, which have implemented membership fee increases.

Although there have been hints of potential price adjustments, the current standard membership fee remains $60, with an upgraded executive membership option available for $120.

Across the United States, Costco says that nearly 125 million have membership cards, serving almost 70 million households as of June 22.

On top of that, the company said that in 2022, it achieved a revenue of $222.7 billion-a spike of 9% from 2021.

"The extent to which we achieve growth in our membership base, increase the penetration of Executive membership, and sustain high renewal rates materially influences our profitability," Costco mentioned in its annual filings, per CNN.

Costco Shares Netflix's Password-Sharing Crackdown

Costco's initiative to address card-sharing practices is reminiscent of Netflix's recent efforts to tackle password-sharing among users residing in different households.

In a bid to protect their business interests, Netflix informed consumers that their accounts are intended solely for personal use within their own households. Consequently, the streaming giant introduced an additional $7.99 charge for adding an extra member to an account.

Read Also: Netflix's New Account Sharing Rules an Issue for Split Families

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Following their Shein-sponsored tour to a Chinese model factory, US fashion influencers and artists receive harsh online criticism. The influencers posted glowing testimonials about their experiences, infuriating internet commenters and customers.

Like many other Chinese businesses, Shein has come under fire for several issues, including its pricing policy, labor practices' transparency, and the effect of its activities on the environment.

The influencers visited Guangzhou, a massive metropolis in southern China, for the sponsored trip in mid-June to check out Shein's "innovation center." The building included cutting-edge equipment, including robots transporting materials and sophisticated fabric cutters, CNN reported.

A few influencers even tried their hand at some of the chores while on the trip and saw employees joyfully engaged in the manufacture of clothing.

Critics Raise Shein's Human Rights, Environment Issues

Previously selling items on Shein, designer Kenya Freeman chronicled her trip to China and Singapore, where Shein is now based, on her Instagram account. However, there was an immediate pushback as soon as the influencers' posts went public.

Many critics crowded the comment sections, raising concerns about the influencers' knowledge of the alleged human rights violations connected to Shein and the negative impacts of fast fashion on the environment. Many people regret their choice to support what they saw as immoral principles.

Read Also: Elon Musk's Social Media Impact: Tech Execs Follow Twitter's Strategy



Information about the working conditions at Shein's Guangzhou factory has recently surfaced, Mashable reported. According to a Public Eye report from 2021, employees worked grueling hours for little pay and had only one day off every month. Additionally, comparable working conditions were shown in a 2022 Channel 4 broadcast in the UK.

One of the influencers, Dani DMC, responded to the criticism by mocking herself in a now-deleted video as an "investigative journalist."

According to her, a factory worker she met with contradicted the stories going about in the country and provided information about her daily routine, commute, and working hours. Dani challenged her fans to think for themselves and challenge the myths created around Shein in the US.

They only invited people with zero critical thinking, eating this propaganda up! pic.twitter.com/LS1Lgh2ISh  Kim (@TheKimbino) June 25, 2023

Is It Chinese Business Propaganda?

Social media users criticized the influencers for seeming to ignore the predicament of Shein's employees and the adverse effects the company's methods have on the environment. Some said they sold out for their own benefit and promoted a business with a bad image.

Even a well-known menswear writer said on Twitter that Shein operated "a sweatshop in the back" while presenting itself to North American customers as progressive.

The Shein-sponsored vacation stands out even though brands often finance influencer trips since the trip's influencers are overtly endorsing the firm rather than just advertising its goods, according to Lia Haberman, an adjunct lecturer of influencer marketing at the University of California, Los Angeles Extension. She also voiced worry about influencer outings that essentially act as corporate propaganda.

Shein is well known for selling stylish items at reasonable costs, including skirts for $13 and t-shirts for $3. According to internet analytics company SimilarWeb, the business creates almost 6,000 pieces of apparel daily and is among the top 100 most visited websites worldwide, according to CBC.

Related Article: Internal Docs Reveal Microsoft's Interest in Square Enix Acquisition

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If you have been looking for YouTube Proxy Sites then you have landed on the correct webpage.

YouTube has completely revolutionized the way we consume content.

The worlds second-largest search engine has billions of users with millions of hours of entertaining content, helpful tutorials, and exclusive news in the form of videos created by Content creators across different categories, and niches.

Unfortunately, Youtube is blocked in several countries, organizations, workplaces or schools.

In this article, we have shared Free YouTube Proxy like CroxyProxy that can help you get Unblocked Youtube Site.

What Is The Need To Get Youtube Unblocked

YouTube is inaccessible to millions of users due to censorship imposed by governments, ISP blockages, age restrictions, network filters or firewalls, and geographical restrictions.

Youtube is even blocked in schools and workplaces.

Even if YouTube is not completely blocked in your region, there are several Youtube videos that you cannot watch in your country because of regional restrictions.

You may get errors or restriction messages like this video is not available in your country or video unavailable

Traditional methods like Custom DNS Servers and VPNs can help you Unblock YouTube. OR you can also use Browsers with inbuilt VPNs to get Youtube Unblocked.

However, the easiest method to access websites that are unavailable in your country or region is by using Proxy Sites.

So without further ado, lets check out some Free YouTube Proxy Websites from our list.

ALSO READ: YouTube App Download For PC

Free YouTube Proxy Sites To Get Youtube Unblocked

1. CroxyProxy ( Reliable YouTube Mirror )

If youre looking for a YouTube Proxy that acts as a YouTube Mirror Site then CroxyProxy will definitely impress you.

Once youre on the homepage of CroxyProxy simply enter the YouTube URL and you will be good to go. CroxyProxy makes your YouTube activity untraceable.

Since CroxyProxy uses HTML5 video and audio playback you can enjoy your YouTube content in higher quality. Furthermore, CroxyProxy is also available as a Chrome extension. Consequently, the extension eliminates the step of opening the proxy website before

you get YouTube unblocked.

As for downsides, CroxyProxy is slightly slower to navigate in comparison to the original YouTube website.

VISIT CROXYPROXY YOUTUBE PROXY SITE

How To Use CroxyProxy?

Open CroxyProxy Website and enter the website URL you want to Visit in the search bar. Next enter go to visit Youtube Unblocked by CroxyProxy.

2. Genmirror ( Best YouTube Proxy )

First, on the list, we have the tried and trusted Genmirror Proxy For YouTube. Using Genmirror you can Watch YouTube Videos and Get YouTube Unblocked.

The homepage and user interface of Genmirror YouTube Proxy are completely different from the official YouTube website. That said, the search bar works flawlessly. So simply search whatever content youre looking for.

In order to access YouTube using Genmirror, simply enter the official YouTube URL i.e. http://youtube.com, and click on the browse button. Instantly you will land on the YouTube Proxy Website.

Using this Free Proxy For YouTube your YouTube activity remains anonymous on the internet.

VISIT GENMIRROR YOUTUBE PROXY

3. AtozProxy ( Get YouTube Unblocked Easily )

Next on the list, we have AtozProxy YouTube. You can consider AtozProxy as an exact replica of Genmirror that simply gets the job done.

This Easy-To-Use YouTube Proxy Website has a clean and easy-to-navigate interface that has comparatively fewer advertisements in comparison to the other websites on the list. In addition to YouTube, you can also access Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit using AtozProxy.

Similar to Genmirror, to open YouTube using AtozProxy, simply enter the official YouTube URL i.e. http://youtube.com, and click on the browse button.

AtozProxy also offers dedicated sections for trends, music, and categories. Overall, its a great proxy to Watch Blocked YouTube Videos.

VISIT ATOZPROXY YOUTUBE PROXY

4. Youtube Unblocked ( Free YouTube Proxy)

The next YouTube proxy website on the list does exactly as its name suggests. YoutubeUnblocked will help you access the original YouTube website even if it is blocked in your region.

Since YoutubeUnblocked is a Mirror YouTube Site, its interface is similar to the original YouTube site making it easier to navigate. Since YouTube Unblocked is a free web proxy, theres no registration and payments required to use it.

Similar to other YouTube Proxies on the list, Youtube Unblocked ensures that your web traffic can not be tracked.

To access YouTube using Youtube Unblocked you can either enter the YouTube URL or simply use the YouTube quick link on the homepage.

VISIT YOUTUBE UNBLOCKED YOUTUBE PROXY SITE

5. HMA ( Access Restricted YouTube Videos)

Next on the list we have HideMyAss or often abbreviated as HMA. Well, HMA can be used to unblock blocked websites and YouTube is no exception.

The HMA Free YouTube Proxy has some restrictions. For instance, you cant use the tool in more than one tab. That said, the restrictions can be lifted by purchasing the premium version of HMA.

We recommend you keep HMA as your last option if the four websites mentioned above are not working for you. The reason is simple its super slow until you upgrade to the premium version. (while testing we werent even able to load up the youtube homepage)

However, HMA features a super well-developed UI thats easy to navigate and unlock websites. Before unlocking YouTube you can even select the server from where you want to access YouTube.

VISIT HMA YOUTUBE PROXY

6. FilterBypass ( Free YouTube Proxy)

Next on the list we have FilterBypass which is similar to A2ZProxy for unblocking YouTube. You get a different feed to watch YouTube videos.

Enter www.youtube.com in the dialog box and click on Surf Web to visit YouTube. You will get a customized feed of the sites individual videos recommendation.

Search for your favorite video or creator from the search bar at the top. The video player has the same features as the one you get on YouTube. Along with that, it lets you zoom beyond 150% using a slider button.

YouTubes default player lets you speed up the video by 2x while you can increase the speed to 4x for the same video.

The video player also has a screengrab button which lets you take screenshots from the video with a single click. It will download the screenshot directly into your browser.

FilterBypass has a parallel account system that lets you subscribe to channels, maintain a list of liked videos, curate YouTube video playlists, and manage subscriptions.

VISIT FilterBypass

7. Ultrasurf

You can use Ultrasurf to unblock YouTube which is designed to bypass internet censorship and access blocked content on the video-sharing platform.

Ultrasurf encrypts internet traffic and routes it through its own servers, which helps to hide the users location and IP address. This makes it difficult for anyone, including governments and ISPs, to monitor or track the users online activities.

The first thing you will need to do is download the software and launch it on the computer platform as it does not need installation. The mobile device will need installation through the app store.

After launching the app, connect to Ultrasurf servers. This will essentially appear on the YouTube server as you are accessing it from a different location where the site is not blocked. The speeds are slower during busy parts of the day so you may not get to stream in HD at all times.

VISIT Ultrasurf

8. 4everproxy

4everproxy can be used as a YouTube proxy to unblock the video-sharing platform and access blocked content.

By using 4everproxy as a YouTube proxy, users can bypass these restrictions and access YouTube from anywhere in the world. To do this, users simply need to enter the URL of YouTube into the proxys search bar and the proxy will retrieve the content and display it on the users screen.

It will open a forked version of YouTube, similar to what FilterBypass does for unblocking YouTube. You can use the search function to find your favorite YouTuber or their content.

It even lets you create an account for subscribing to different YouTubers. This is a separate account from your YouTube content so there is almost no risk here.

There were no advertisements in the time I spent on their website so you can apparently watch YouTube without ads.

VISIT 4everproxy

Other Ways To Unblock YouTube Website

In addition to the above-mentioned proxy, you can also use browsers with inbuilt VPNs such as Opera, or Tor Browser to unblock Youtube.

You can even use VPNs to Unblock Youtube.

More tricky ways to get unblocked youtube sites involve using Google Translate or modifying the URL.

How do Youtube Proxy Sites Works?

Youtube proxy site works as a gateway between the user and Youtubes original website.

When you are using a YouTube proxy site then the request between your browser is routed through the proxy server before reaching the official Youtube site and thus helping in unblocking Youtube and its content.

Countries Where Youtube Is Blocked:

China North Korea Iran Sudan Turkmenistan Eritrea

FAQs

1. Is there a proxy for YouTube?

Yes, there are many great proxies for YouTube out there. Some of the best among the bunch are CroxyProxy, Youtube Unblocked, and Genmirror.

2. How do I watch blocked YouTube videos?

The easiest method to watch blocked YouTube videos is by using a YouTube proxy site. CroxyProxy, Youtube Unblocked, AtozProxy, and Genmirror are some of the best YouTube proxy sites that can unblock YouTube videos. Furthermore, you can even use VPNs.

3. How can I watch YouTube when its blocked?

Some of the methods that can help you watch YouTube when its blocked are custom DNS servers, VPNs, and YouTube proxy sites.

CONCLUSION

So these were some of the Best YouTube Proxy Sites that are worth checking out.

If you have any recommendations for Free YouTube Mirror Sites then do share them on our socials.
HANOI, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam has set the target to turn its Ho Chi Minh City into an international center for education and training to attract students from the Southeast Asia region and the world, local media reported on Wednesday.

The city, known as Vietnam's southern economic hub, has been requested to focus on training high-quality human resources, meeting international standards while adapting to digital transformation, innovation and international integration, Vietnam News Agency reported.

The city will also replace unqualified classrooms and upgrade educational equipment for educational facilities at all levels, and relocate educational institutions out of the inner districts.

The city aims to have 100 percent of local schools developed under the smart school model. Schools at all levels will have no more than 35 students in a classroom, according to the plan.

Ho Chi Minh City is home to the leading higher educational institutions in the country, with more than 100 universities and colleges, and about 410 vocational schools. 
NEW DELHI, June 28 (Xinhua) -- The Indian government on Wednesday announced the highest-ever fair and remunerative price (FRP) of 315 Indian Rupees (3.84 U.S. dollars) per quintal for sugarcane crops.

The decision was made based on recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices in consultation with state governments and stakeholders, said an official statement issued by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.

It further stated that the FRP will be effective from Oct. 1, 2023, for the sugar season 2023-24.

The statement emphasized the significance of the sugar sector, which supports millions of sugarcane farmers, their dependents, and numerous workers across related industries. In the current sugar season, sugar mills purchased 33.5 million tons of sugarcane worth 1.11 trillion Indian Rupees.

The statement also highlighted India's growing role as a major player in the global sugar economy, as it became the largest sugar producer in the 2021-22 season and is expected to rank third in ethanol production by 2025-26. 
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Recycling: a measure voted in the Assembly to make better use of "production residues"

Ferraz keeps the faith: "We rise strong, the Government is going to decide by 7-8 deputies"

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Four minors and two young people arrested for assaulting, biting and stealing the mobile phone of a 15-year-old girl in Ciudad Lineal

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In the first half of the year, a total of 582 fugitives were recovered nationwide and 19.32 billion yuan of stolen goods were recovered

Three activists arrested for sneaking into Ibiza airport sticking to a private jet and spraying it with paint

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The Palacios Group asks not to consume its tortillas sold in Carrefour, El Corte Ingles, Dia and 9 other supermarkets

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 Communities 2019 - Privacy

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BEIJING, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities on Wednesday issued a yellow alert for possible geological disasters triggered by rain in parts of Hubei, Chongqing, Sichuan and Yunnan.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and the China Meteorological Administration warned about risks of rain-induced geological disasters in these regions from 8 p.m. Wednesday to 8 p.m. Thursday.

Residents have been advised to take precautions, especially in areas with hidden dangers.

China has a four-tier, color-coded weather warning system for geological disasters, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. 
BEIJING, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a congratulatory letter to a forum on people-to-people friendship between China and the United States.

The event, titled "Bond with Kuliang: 2023 China-U.S. People-to-People Friendship Forum," is being held in Fuzhou, east China's Fujian Province.

In the letter, Xi said that back in 1992, he invited Mrs. Elizabeth Gardner to Kuliang, helping her fulfill the wish of her late husband to return to his childhood home. In the following 30 years and more, members of the Kuliang Friends and people from various sectors of both countries have delved deep into the history of this town, actively spread its culture, and worked tirelessly to deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and American peoples.

"I was very glad to hear from members of the Kuliang Friends, and to know from your letter more touching stories about your connection with Kuliang," said Xi in the letter. He pointed out among them are Mr. Len Billing, 103 years old, who recorded his time in Kuliang with many photos; Dr. E. L. Bliss, who wrote "I love the Chinese people" as his last words; and Mr. Donald Maclnnis, who wanted to have his ashes scattered in the Minjiang River.

"Their stories have shown once again that the Chinese and American peoples can transcend differences in system, culture and language, and build profound friendship," said Xi.

Amity between peoples holds the key to the relationship between countries, and the people are the cornerstone of its growth, Xi said. "I hope that you will continue to write the Kuliang story and carry forward the special bonds, so that the friendship between our two peoples can stay forever strong and robust like the thousand-year-old cedar trees in Kuliang."

The Kuliang story is a widely told one about Xi's personal efforts to promote friendly exchanges between Chinese and American peoples. In 1901, Milton Gardner, born in the United States, came to live in Fuzhou with his parents when he was still in his infancy, and his whole family moved back to the United States in 1911. Gardner had been longing for revisiting his childhood home, but had never been able to make his wish fulfilled. With assistance from Chinese students in the United States, Mrs. Elizabeth Gardner finally came to know the place his husband had been dreaming of is Kuliang in Fuzhou.

In 1992, Xi Jinping, who was then secretary of the Communist Party of China Fuzhou Municipal Committee, invited Mrs. Elizabeth Gardner to visit China. In 2012, when visiting the United States as China's vice president, Xi shared the Kuliang story with the audience at a welcome luncheon held by American friendly groups, drawing warm response from all sectors in the two countries.

The Forum, jointly held by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the government of Fujian Province, was attended by people from various sectors in China and the United States including some members of the Kuliang Friends. 
Scorching heat blamed for at least 13 deaths in Texas and another in Louisiana blanketed more of the Southeast on Wednesday, stretching government warnings of dangerous, triple-digit temperatures eastward into Mississippi and Tennessee.
The Denka Performance Elastomer plant is seen in the background as Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan, right, speaks during a press conference in LaPlace on Thursday, April 6, 2023. On Tuesday, June 27, EPA announced it was ending civil rights investigations of the Louisiana Departments of Environmental Quality and Health, involving their actions in issuing permits and regulating Denka and the proposed Formosa Plastics Sunshine Project in St. James parish. (Photo by Brett Duke, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Gene Mills: Post-Roe, we should all agree on the need for paid family leave
Soaring electricity and gas prices have driven another double-digit jump in the number of Australians in debt from unpaid energy bills, just as prices are set to rise by as much as another 25 per cent from Saturday.

New figures from the Australian Energy Regulator on Wednesday revealed the average residential energy debt had fallen 5 per cent to $999 during the first three months of the year, but the number of customers in debt is sharply higher, increasing 13.7 per cent over the period to 188,969.

Power bills are set to soar from July 1, regardless of an easing in wholesale power prices since last winter. Credit: Joe Armao

The number of residential electricity customers participating in hardship programs climbed 19 per cent to 89,201 from the same quarter last year, according to the figures. Average hardship debt had increased by $137, or 8 per cent, to $1871.

Social services groups on Wednesday said soaring energy debt was adding to already severe cost-of-living pressures facing many Australian households.
SACRAMENTO, the United States, June 27 (Xinhua) -- California, with the reputation as one of the most expensive states for gas in the United States, is stepping up efforts to oversee gas prices and hold large oil companies accountable for price manipulation.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law in March to combat price gouging at the pump. The law, which the governor's office said is the first in the nation and a model for the rest of the nation, takes effect on Tuesday.

Under the new state law, a new independent watchdog called the Division of Petroleum Market Oversight will be created within the California Energy Commission.

The new division is aimed at rooting out price gouging by oil companies and authorizes penalties to hold the oil and gas industry accountable for gas gouging, according to the governor's office.

It will monitor the industry on a daily basis to identify unethical or illegal behavior, and will refer market manipulation and other violations of law to the attorney general for prosecution.

"These new transparency laws will help us track refiners' profits and shine a light on price manipulation, so Californians aren't vulnerable to the greedy whims of Big Oil," said Newsom in a press release on Tuesday.

California has often been the state with the highest gas prices, with drivers paying an average of 6.4 U.S. dollars a gallon in July 2022, according to data from the American Automobile Association (AAA).

Washington state overtaken California last week as the state with the highest gas prices. The average price of regular gas was 4.99 dollars a gallon in Washington and 4.84 dollars a gallon in California as of Tuesday, according to AAA. The national average price was 3.56 dollars a gallon on Tuesday.

"California's gas prices have been substantially lower and less volatile. The governor's actions have helped lead to a decrease of 1.50 dollars per gallon, year over year," said the governor's office in the press release.

However, petroleum analysts said the new law doesn't exactly mean lower prices for consumers at the pump, because gas prices are often driven by the market, supply and demand. 
You must pretend an interest in sport. Plenty of women love their sport but, for them, its not compulsory. Meanwhile, Im standing amid a jovial group of chaps at a BBQ, cradling a beer, as they talk of Nathan Cleary, Cameron Munster and James Tedesco, while I patiently wait for some hint as to what sport they might be discussing. Im pretty sure its golf.

The clothes are boring. Where are the colours? Where are the capes and jumpsuits? Where, oh where, are the pirate shirts? To be a man is to be handed a pair of grey/blue pants, and a somewhat lighter-coloured shirt. You can add a tie if you are up yourself. Peak boredom is reached with the black-tie function in which the women parade like exotic birds, each with their own distinctive plumage, while the men are dressed as a drab backdrop against which the women can sparkle. Just be careful, ladies, who you take home at the end of the night: dressed as they are, its almost impossible to pick the difference.

The British feminist Caitlin Moran has a new book out, What About Men, in which she proposes a radical idea: in todays world, it may be tougher to be a man than a woman. Moran lines up some big issues about the patriarchy and its impact on mens mental and physical health, and also discusses the ruinous confusion, among some men, between power and empowerment.

Youre supposed to know how a car works. Women, I know, find it frustrating when they visit the mechanic or the car yard, and are treated like idiots who know nothing. Dont worry, little lady, Ill fix it up, thats assuming your husband isnt available to discuss the matter. Awful! There is, however, an opposite problem: the man who genuinely knows nothing but is treated as if he does. Mate, your blurgin pipe is clogged at the point where it meets the manifold, says my mechanic. Ah, yes, Ill reply, I suspected as much. Meanwhile, from the merry sparkle in his eye, I know that he knows that I know nothing, and wheres the dignity in that?

Caitlin Morans What About Men. Credit: Penguin

Any failure to visit the doctor is seen as an act of macho delusion. Its true that some men dont look after their health. Its also true that women are, in general, more attentive to such matters. All the same, there are circumstances in which a wait and see attitude is justified by the evidence. This, however, does not go down well. Sometimes the women in your life say it out loud: What is it with you men? Just make a booking with the doctor. You really are a very sad individual. Other times they just flash you a look of pity. In extreme circumstances they send a merry missive letter to New Ideas Mere Male column. The only time an Australian male is totally safe from censure is when inside an MRI machine.

Shaving. Sure, some women make a commitment to hair removal, but I dont imagine they have to do it every single day. The only other option for the modern male is to grow a beard, and who wants that?

You are expected to know about plumbing. Have you looked inside a toilet cistern? It looks like the board game Mouse Trap  full of levers which push on other levers, which in turn cause plugs to lift up or down in ways that are quite inexplicable. Its also full of parts with faintly disconcerting names, such as ballcock. And so, perhaps, you are forced to declare the task is beyond you. This is when you are greeted with that most demoralising of phrases: No problem, well get a man in. The adjective real is not placed before the noun man, but it certainly hovers there.
NSW Premier Chris Minns is promising to crack down on ticket scalpers who resell tickets to the in-demand Taylor Swift concerts for exorbitant prices and flagged, if necessary, a potential tightening of consumer protections.

The governments consumer protection agency, Fair Trading, has written to online sales platforms including eBay, Ticketek, and Gumtree warning them of their obligation to protect consumers under legislation that Labor said five years ago was a waste of time and open to loopholes.

NSW Premier Chris Minns is promising to crack down on ticket scalpers who resell tickets to the in-demand Taylor Swift concerts for exorbitant prices and flagged, if necessary, a potential tightening of consumer protections. Credit: Ashley Landis/AP

Minister for Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said Fair Trading was watching platforms to identify any tickets being sold above a ten per cent mark up on the ticket price.

The government was not only concerned about concert sales but also the FIFA Womens Soccer World Cup, and the NRLs State of Origin.
Taylor Swift has broken an Australian record for people attempting to buy concert tickets as over 4 million eager fans across the country tried to buy tickets in the second presale for the pop stars highly anticipated Eras Tour.

At 9.30am, half an hour before presale tickets for the stars Sydney dates opened, more than 800,000 Swifties were anxiously waiting in the Ticketek online lounge.

Taylor Swift fan Bianca Davino secured her tickets after three hours waiting in the Ticketek queue. Credit: Rhett Wyman

Sydney-based Swiftie Bianca Davino, 25, managed to scoop up four tickets after waiting in the queue for three hours  an experience she said was like waiting for Godot.

It was a test of patience, a test of stamina. It was a test of mental endurance, Davino said. This is the cultural event of the century, so to be part of it is amazing. Even though I will be up in the nosebleeds, just being in the atmosphere and getting to soak it all up  its worth it.
In one of his last lucid moments before his death last year, Ted Russell called out for his son John, whose body was found on the rocks beneath the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk in 1989.

It was a very sad moment to see him with tears and fear in his eyes, Donna Hannah, the partner of Johns brother Peter, told the Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes in Sydney on Wednesday. A few days later, he passed over.

Donna Hannah and Peter Russell, sister-in-law and brother of John Russell, outside the Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes in Sydney on Wednesday. Credit: Louise Kennerley

Peter Russell, who described his brother as the most caring soul that anyone could meet, said the loss of John, aged just 31, surely led to his fathers early onset dementia and he never got over the grief.

Russells suspected murder is one of dozens of unsolved deaths in NSW between 1970 and 2010 that is being examined by the inquiry, which has uncovered fresh leads in some cases including compelling DNA evidence in the 1993 murder of former AC/DC manager Crispin Dye.
Robert Silvestrini of Fairfield West is tempted to offer my proofreading services to any email scammers out there. I recently received an email from a Gmail account, purporting to be from Milsons Point NSW, inviting me to renew my subscription for Nerd Team Antivirus Express. The text in the email states: We best pertains to dream you will definitely make the initiative to re-join our neighbourhood by restoring your membership. Whatever suits you one of one of the most.

The order is in. The system works: Many thanks to Judy Copleston for solving my problem. Throaties (C8) now on order! declares Glenys Quirk of Forster.

Robert Crosbie of Eastwood thinks that Taking pot shots at American tourists (C8) is too easy. When my wife was a Qantas flight attendant she was asked by an American lady after landing in Sydney how much it would cost to take a taxi around the island.

The item about the American woman asking about the many Roman ruins may also be the woman who complained that Windsor Castle had been built too close to Heathrow Airport, surmises Sally Wroe of Castle Hill.

Colin Jones of Thornleigh recalls the moment a few years ago whilst on an evening cruise aboard a pearling lugger on Darwin Harbour, a New York lady loudly asked if the moon we were seeing was the same as the one in New York.
Without question, given there were multiple victims, multiple offenders, multiple predators at one time and also  without cutting across [legal] processes that are alive  a sense of collusion between those [offenders]  it is tragically a unique set of circumstances. Loading Andrews said the inquiry would not investigate current Beaumaris Primary School teaching staff or other contemporary staff members. But he said the terms of reference for the inquiry would not prohibit the inquiry going further, including examining sexual abuse at other schools. If evidence takes the inquiry there, then thats where inquiry will go, Andrews said.

Fearnett agrees the abuse he and others suffered was evil, but believes it was not unique. The Royal Commission [into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse] said there were 1069 schools where abuse took place  44 per cent were government schools  and yet there isnt one mention in the Royal Commission of a government school. It is his hope now the Board of Inquiry casts a forensic lens over any claims of historical abuse in government schools. Asked why the government hadnt taken up the oppositions call for a broad-ranging parliamentary inquiry into allegations of abuse in government schools, Andrews said: The last thing anyone needs is any more politicians involved in this.

Lets allow for formal legal processes to do their work. Kathleen Foley, SC  a prominent barrister and Victorian Law Reform Commissioner  will chair the board of inquiry, bringing a forensic approach and a good deal of compassion and care to her task, Andrews said. Maurice Blackburn Lawyers welcomed the announcement of the formal inquiry, as did Shine Lawyers. We act for dozens of survivors of abuse at public schools across Victoria, and we certainly do expect that as the inquiry unfolds, its investigations will inevitably go further than this one school, a Maurice Blackburn spokesperson said in a statement.

Shines expert on abuse law, Alyssa Lewis, said: This inquiry must examine the unforgivable practice of moving known predators from school to school. Victim-survivor Timothy Courtney said the inquiry was a significant milestone. Its all about  people that have lost their voices, he said. I know of three people who arent with us anymore and sort of really feel that we needed to speak for them. Tim said he hoped the community could understand that child sexual abuse was more prevalent than people thought. The guys that havent spoken, havent gotten the voices yet can finally stand up and speak, knowing full well that theyve got support, he said.

The inquiry will report to the government in February and will also examine abuse by the same employees at other government schools. The premier said an apology from the government to victim-survivors of abuse at state schools, and particularly Beaumaris Primary School, would follow. Loading We have made commitments to provide an apology to care-leavers and others, he said. We believe it is warranted to have a separate apology [at Beaumaris Primary School] that acknowledges the unique and evil goings-on at that school. Schools should be a place of love and care and learning  Beaumaris Primary School certainly was not during the 60s and 70s.

Local MP Brad Rowswell welcomed the inquiry, but said he had been calling for a parliamentary investigation since last year. In February this year, I proposed terms of reference for an inquiry, and on every occasion that I have sought to establish that inquiry in the parliament, it has been rejected by the Andrews government, he said. The member for Sandringham added that the abuse that allegedly occurred at Beaumaris Primary School was just the tip of the iceberg and urged the government to extend the scope of its inquiry. We know that child sexual abuse is not isolated to one location, and we know that there are victim-survivors across the state who deserve to have the opportunity to have their voices heard also, Rowswell said. To give some victim-survivors the opportunity for their voices to be heard and stories told, while not extending that opportunity to everyone, is just not right.
New technology that fires toxic gel at feral cats will be deployed by the West Australian government in an Australian-first strategy to eradicate the destructive pests.

The Felixer technology identifies feral cats from their silhouette and their gait, and fires off eight milligrams of 1080 poison onto the cat. The cat then licks the poison off while it is grooming and dies.

Fight against feral cats ramps up to protect native wildlife.

The federal government recently approved the technology for wide-scale rollout after years of trialling the method.

On Wednesday, WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby announced the rollout of the Felixer as part of a $7.6 million five-year plan to manage invasive feral cats in the state.
The main objective of this arrangement was to secure Stuart Roberts involvement and support in acquiring federal government contracts. Stuart Roberts political influence and connections within the government sector were deemed crucial in ensuring favourable outcomes. Synergy 360 part-owner David Milo, former MP Stuart Robert and another Synergy 360 co-owner, John Margerison. Credit: Fairfax Media Xaysavanh, Milo, Margerison and Robert have all denied the allegations that Robert was secretly helping Synergy 360 and its clients win contracts, or ever stood to benefit for doing so. In another allegation, Daly said that Margerison benefited from his contact with Robert by gaining information that could help him invest in properties that would be leased by government agencies  including those overseen by Robert.

David Milo told me that Stuart Robert directed Centrelink leases towards properties owned by one of Margerisons companies, resulting in favourable terms such as high rents and long lease durations, Daly said. Loading Robert was Government Services Minister and Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme from May 2019 to March 2021. The revelations set up a new line of inquiry for the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit, chaired by Labor MP Julian Hill, who issued a statement on Wednesday ordering Margerison to answer questions by 21 July and appear at a committee hearing on 28 July. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton conceded the matter could go to the National Anti-Corruption Commission when he was asked on Wednesday whether Robert had questions to answer.

Theyre questions for the integrity commission, Dutton said, adding that he expected a grubby campaign from Labor in the July 15 by-election to choose a replacement for Robert in the Gold Coast seat of Fadden. Robert, who resigned from parliament earlier this month, said he did not believe he had ever met Daly and thought it was an extraordinary abuse of privilege for the parliamentary committee to release the statement. At no time have I ever been paid for any advice or guidance in any form, he said after the committee released the statement. At no time did I lobby to assist any firm in such a manner. I also reiterate that Mr Margerison and Mr Milo have both said publicly that no payments were ever made, nor sought. Mr Dalys submission with zero evidence and wild accusations is rejected in its entirety. [It is] simply not believable and is outrageous.

Margerison and Milo did not respond to requests for comment. Government Services Minister Bill Shorten said he had asked his department for legal advice on the new evidence and acknowledged there were mandatory obligations on public service chiefs to report concerns about corruption to the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Government Services Minister Bill Shorten has raised questions about his Liberal predecessors conduct. Credit: Oscar Colman Without prejudging this, we all know what corruption is - its an abuse of power, he said. But Im not here to give legal opinions. Others will determine [that] and I dont refer that to the specific facts of this matter. It is not business as usual for Australian politicians to seek personal financial advantage out of governmental decisions.

Loading Daly, whose statement is sworn at risk of perjury charges and who is protected by parliamentary privilege because it has been tabled by a joint parliamentary committee, had an acrimonious separation in 2020 from Xaysavanh. He makes no allegation  and there is no suggestion from this masthead  that Robert was ever paid by Synergy 360. But Daly alleges the company intended to enrich Robert and that the MP used his influence to assist it and its clients, including government contractors Salesforce, Infosys and Unisys, during a series of meetings between 2017 and 2020. The period included Roberts time as a Liberal backbencher and his appointment to the federal ministry in August 2018, and to federal cabinet from May 2019, until the Coalition lost power at last years federal election. In order to establish the veracity of my statement, I can provide testimonials, emails to verify my statements, commercial and legal artefacts and am fully prepared to cooperate and participate in any National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) hearing, where I would willingly testify under oath to provide further evidence and clarification regarding the matter at hand, he said.

Daly has alleged that the meetings involving Stuart Robert and Synergy 360 were arranged by David Milo and Kham at various locations, including Davids personal residence  Parliament House, our house  and at John Margerisons house on the Gold Coast. This masthead has previously published the contents of internal Synergy 360 emails, sparking a damning review by former top public servant Dr Ian Watt, who in March called for further investigation into 19 government contracts won by Synergy 360s clients with a total value of $374 million. Kham Xaysavanh, a former co-owner of Synergy 360. In his statement to the federal parliaments Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit, Daly alleged the meetings between Robert and Synergy 360s clients were usually scheduled after parliamentary sessions in Canberra, providing an opportunity for clients to engage with Stuart Robert who was then the Minster for Government Services and the Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme. This was to enable the attendees to have direct discussions with Stuart Robert about forthcoming tenders and contracts.

For further context, Kham coordinated these events by contacting Stuart Roberts personal assistant and clients via text messages. Attendees would gather at Davids house and other locations as what he referred to as supper. Importantly, I was made aware by Kham that Stuart Robert deliberately omitted the majority of these meetings from his parliamentary diary to maintain confidentiality and avoid public awareness. Daly also alleged that when one of Synergy 360s clients, Unisys, queried why the consulting firm was not registered as a lobbyist, Robert was consulted by David Milo. Kham informed me that David contacted Stuart Robert to discuss the matter with him directly. Stuart Robert, in turn, expressed his belief that such a collaboration would not be feasible, as it would attract significant public attention to the Synergy 360 business, potentially requiring disclosure of all projects Synergy 360 were currently working on. The agreement was later signed without the use of the term Lobbyist. Leaked emails previously published by this masthead reveal Synergy 360 was telling people NOT to use the L word!! when it was advocating for companies seeking major contracts in Canberra.

Milo has previously denied Synergy 360 worked as a lobbying firm. A senior manager from global tech giant Infosys told the joint committee last week that Synergy 360 had arranged multiple meetings with Robert and that Infosys paid Synergy 360 fees of $16 million for assisting it in connection to some of the countrys biggest government computer projects. Loading Daly has also alleged that a senior public servant from Services Australia, Damien West, assisted Synergy 360 to win government contracts. One of the contracts scrutinised by Dr Watt was linked to West, who now works for the ACT government and who has previously denied any wrongdoing. Throughout 2018-2019, Damien West would frequently visit the family residence  and hold meetings with both Kham and David Milo in the lounge room. These gatherings typically took place on Thursday or Friday evenings after Damien West finished his work for the day. Although I was not included in these discussions, as they would close the lounge room door, Kham later informed me that both she and David were collaborating with Damien West on joint projects.
Its a cruel blow. Borders are finally open, airlines are flying again, but travel is the most expensive its been in years. Normal service will eventually be resumed but, in the meantime, its worth having some budget travel hacks up your sleeve.

The good news is that theres an army of free apps out there dedicated to saving you money at every stage of the travel experience. Here are some of the best.

Working out your favourite travel apps may take a while, but when youre lying on a tropical beach somewhere, it will be worth it. Credit: iStock

Planning

Youve probably heard of flight-search apps Kayak and Skyscanner but did you know they can be used to compare hotel and car hire prices too? Hopper offers similar flight search functionality but also has a nifty price predictor which it claims is 95 per cent accurate up to a year in advance. If youre not sure of the most economical way to get from A to B, Rome2Rio has your back and your wallet  simply enter your destination and it will display all the different options together with estimated prices.
Australian travellers can now pay a stopover-free visit to the Cook Islands famous turquoise shores with the launch of new non-stop flights from $309 one-way. The new Jetstar service takes off as Pacific Island travel demand spikes in time for the winter school-holiday period.

Jetstars inaugural Sydney-Rarotonga route commences on Thursday, June 29 at 9pm (AEST), touching down at Rarotonga International Airport on Thursday morning at 7am (GMT-10) local time, due to crossing the International Date Line.

To mark the launch, the budget carrier has launched an airfare promotion, with seats from $249 one-way, from now until midnight of July 3, or until sold.

The launch of the thrice-weekly service also officially marks the first and only Australian carrier to operate the direct route since the Ansett-operated Cook Islands International ceased its non-stop flights in 1990, more than three decades ago. Air New Zealand previously flew non-stop flights from Sydney to Rarotonga.
TEHRAN, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Minister said Wednesday that the West has kept harming Iranian victims of chemical warfare through sanctions that block access to essential medicine, more than three decades after Iraq dropped chemical bombs at Iranian cities.

Hossein Amir-Abdollahian made the remarks in a message to mark the 36th anniversary of Iraq's chemical attack at Iran's Sardasht, according to a statement published on the Iranian Foreign Ministry's website.

On June 28, 1987, during the Iran-Iraq war, regime of the then-Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein dropped mustard gas bombs on Iran's northeastern city of Sardasht, killing 130 people and injuring 8,000 others.

Amir-Abdollahian said there are "credible" evidence and "undeniable" documents attesting to the "practical and widespread" participation of a number of Western governments, especially those of Germany, France, Britain, the Netherlands and the United States, in supplying the chemical weapons to Saddam's regime and assisting it in using them against Iran.

He said the West have been "rubbing salt into their wounds" by imposing sanctions on Iran that prevent the import of medicine needed by those wounded in the chemical attacks.

Iran has been under U.S. sanctions for the past four decades. The sanctions intensified following the U.S. unilateral withdrawal from a 2015 nuclear deal in May 2018, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Although the United States claimed that humanitarian items, including medicine and foodstuffs, are not included in the sanctions list, its embargoes on Iran's oil exports and banking sector have, in practice, prevented the country from importing such goods. 
ANKARA, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye on Wednesday condemned the burning of the Muslim holy book Quran in Sweden on the first day of Eid al-Adha, Islam's major religious festival.

"I condemn the vile action in Sweden against our holy book, Quran, on the first day of the Eid al-Adha," Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan wrote on Twitter.

"It is unacceptable to allow these anti-Muslim actions under the pretext of freedom of expression," he said.

"To turn a blind eye to such atrocious acts is to be a partner in crime," he added.

In the Swedish capital Stockholm, a person identified as Salwan Momika of Iraqi origin, burned the Quran under police protection in front of the Stockholm Mosque on Wednesday, according to Turkish media reports.

Momika, who came in front of the Stockholm Mosque in the Medbargareplatsen square, threw the Quran on the ground in front of the mosque, stepped on it, uttered insulting words against Islam and set it on fire despite the reaction of the people around, said the media reports.

Wednesday's burning of a copy of the Quran came at a time when Sweden was seeking Turkiye's backing to join NATO.

The bid has still been blocked by the Turkish government, which accuses Sweden of supporting anti-Turkiye groups.

The Nordic state has pledged to support Turkiye's fight against terrorism and agreed to address Ankara's pending deportation or extradition requests for "terror" suspects. But the Turkish parliament has not ratified their membership yet. 
LUANDA, June 28 (Xinhua) -- A summit gathering the four main mediators for the restoration of peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reiterated a call for immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all armed groups, "in particular the M23."

According to a statement on the Quadripartite Summit among the East African Community, the Economic Community of Central African States, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), and the Southern African Development Community, the parties expressed concern about the "insecurity and humanitarian situation" in the DRC due to the "criminal activities of armed and terrorist groups."

The summit, convened on Tuesday in Luanda, the capital of Angola, called for the creation of humanitarian corridors.

The parties, noting a lack of "predictable, adequate, and sustainable funding," tasked the African Union (AU) Commission, in coordination with the Quadripartite members, with mobilizing resources for the efficient implementation of the "Comprehensive Joint Master Plan" on the DRC.

Angola's President and current chair of the ICGLR, Joao Lourenco, again urged the DRC and Rwanda to normalize their political-diplomatic relations, and called for the cessation of hostilities and the immediate withdrawal of M23 from occupied positions to the cantonment.

Comoros President and AU Chairperson Azali Assoumani stressed the unity of efforts surrounding the situation in the DRC to prevent its spread to other countries in the region.

DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan foreign minister Vincent Biruta participated in the summit.

The parties to the event expressed the expectation of holding the second edition of the quadripartite summit in Bujumbura, Burundi. 
LUSAKA, June 28 (Xinhua) -- A total of 18 Zambian companies have accompanied a government delegation to attend the upcoming China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, a government official said on Wednesday.

Chipoka Mulenga, minister of commerce, trade and industry, said the companies involved in various sectors, including mining, gemstones, timber, and fishing, among others, have accompanied him to the expo which runs from June 29 to July 2 in central China's Hunan Province.

He said in a statement that Zambia was ready to learn good practices in commerce and industry from technologically advanced countries like China.

He added that there was no country in the world that has developed without the involvement of its citizens through partnerships, and has since called on Zambians to get involved especially in value addition.

First launched in 2019, the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo is a major platform for strengthening economic and trade cooperation between China and African countries. 
The Wyoming National Guard stood poised to demonstrate their unwavering strength and readiness to the world through its first-ever Vigilant Guard exercise from June 12-15. This comprehensive emergency response exercise enhanced public safety and community preparedness and showcased our states unwavering spirit.

As military personnel, first responders, and critical stakeholders converged across the state, a persistent message echoed through the simulated disaster scenario. It was a testament to our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our communities and ensuring our readiness for adversity.

The purpose of VG is to provide an opportunity for local, state, and federal assets to come together and work together to build responsiveness, partnerships, and preparedness through the State of Wyoming to any natural or manmade disaster that might occur, said Lt. Col. Jonathan Seelye, Battle Joint Director of Military Support, Wyoming National Guard.

In Campbell, Crook, Johnson, Laramie, Natrona, Park, Platte, Sheridan, and Weston counties, the exercise unfolded with expected chaos, captivating the attention of residents and onlookers, and the participants fought to bring order. The increased presence of emergency response personnel, military vehicles, and aircraft bore witness to the extraordinary capabilities and resources.

While Vigilant Guard 2023 primarily focused on testing response capabilities, agency coordination, and communication systems, it also served as a grand stage to showcase the Wyoming National Guard and the states indomitable spirit. We stood united, a symbol of strength and preparedness for the world to witness.

Throughout the exercise, the participants took great care to minimize disruptions and ensure community safety. Temporary road closures and traffic diversions near exercise locations were necessary, and the public diligently followed the guidance of law enforcement and emergency personnel.

Over the last year, Wyoming has had a handful of emergencies, some localized flooding, and a severe winter storm outbreak. Many of the lessons we are learning here and the relationships we build will make the next set of those challenges go much more smoothly, said Spencer Pollock, Preparedness Section Chief, Wyoming Office of Homeland Security.

We look forward to applying the lessons learned from VG and applying them to future disasters.

Vigilant Guard 2023 was more than just an exerciseit was a powerful declaration of our readiness and resilience. It sent a resounding message to the world, painting a vivid picture of our states unwavering spirit and our determination to overcome any challenge that may come our way. The Wyoming National Guard extends its sincere appreciation for the support and understanding of the public. Together, we forge a shield of protection, empowering our state with unwavering preparedness.
Cheyenne, WY (82001)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Partly cloudy skies after midnight. A few storms may be severe. Low 52F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Partly cloudy skies after midnight. A few storms may be severe. Low 52F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
RABAT, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Moroccan King Mohammed VI granted pardons on Wednesday to 1,434 people on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, the Moroccan Justice Ministry said in a statement.

Among them, 1,012 had their prison terms reduced, 171 were pardoned over their remaining terms, and the others had their fines reduced or annulled, according to the statement.

Eid al-Adha, known as the "Feast of Sacrifice," is one of the biggest Muslim festivals. 
Batavia, NY (14020)

Today

Showers and a few thunderstorms likely. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low 63F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Showers and a few thunderstorms likely. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low 63F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
Batavia, NY (14020)

Today

Showers and a few thunderstorms likely. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low 63F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Showers and a few thunderstorms likely. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low 63F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
KHARTOUM, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Sudan's capital Khartoum looked like a ghost town on the first day of Eid al-Adha, one of the most celebrated festivals on the Islamic calendar.

Its streets are devoid of worshipers or crowds exchanging congratulations as it was in past years and were littered with the debris left by the 74 days of clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The usual sounds of worshipers repeating prayers at the squares and mosques during Eid were replaced by cries and groans of those who were not fortunate enough to leave the war-stricken city.

There is hardly any celebration, and the whole city seems mired in grief as a result of the raging war.

"How can we celebrate under these tragic conditions!" Ghazi Ismail from the Al-Azhari neighborhood, south of Khartoum, exclaimed.

"The war left deep sorrows. Families were broken due to displacement, and we lost loved ones in this war," Ismail told Xinhua.

Some citizens tried to overcome their sadness and celebrate the holiday through small gatherings in some neighborhoods south of Khartoum, benefiting from the relative calm after a short truce was declared by the warring sides during the festival.

"We tried to celebrate the holiday despite the current circumstances," Abdel-All Satti, a resident of a neighborhood south of Khartoum, told Xinhua.

"There is a relative calm on the first day of the Eid. We gathered out in streets of the neighborhood and had a group breakfast with those who remained of our neighbors," Satti said.

Sudan has been witnessing deadly armed clashes between the Sudanese army and the RSF in Khartoum and other areas since April 15, which left over 3,000 people killed and more than 6,000 others injured, according to the Sudanese Health Ministry.

About 2.5 million people have been displaced inside and outside of Sudan since the conflict broke out, according to an update of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on Wednesday. 
NEW DELHI, June 28 (Xinhua) -- A South African male cheetah was injured in a fight with other cheetahs at the Kuno National Park (KNP) in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, officials said Wednesday.

The injured cheetah is undergoing treatment and his condition was stated to be stable.

According to forest department officials, the translocated cheetah sustained injuries on Monday evening following a fight with other cheetahs from Namibia presumably over territory.

"The injured male cheetah is under veterinary care and responded well to the treatment," a forest department official said.

Wildlife experts say cheetahs tend to hold large home ranges, and they often clash with other groups coming near them.

Last year in September, the Indian government reintroduced cheetahs in the South Asian country for the first time, decades after declaring them extinct from their Indian habitat. Eight cheetahs - five females and three males - were flown from Windhoek in Namibia to Madhya Pradesh in a customized cargo plane and kept at Kuno National Park, their new home.

Later on in February this year, a second batch of 12 more cheetahs were flown from South Africa.

So far six cheetahs, including three of the four cubs born in the park, have died since March.

India's cheetah reintroduction program is aimed at reviving the population of cheetahs in India, where they became extinct over 70 years ago.

Prior to their extinction from India in 1952, cheetahs used to share space with other big cats like lions and tigers in the forests.

The transportation of cheetahs last year into India was declared by the Indian government as the "world's first intercontinental large wild carnivore translocation project." 
Proof & Company partners with Marriott International

Proof & Company, one of Asia Pacifics leading independent spirits companies, has announced a partnership with Marriott International, who will act as their strategic spirits partner.

The partnership officially began at the start of June, marking a major strategic expansion in Proof & Companys hospitality spirits distribution in the Greater China market.

With a strong emphasis on ecoSPIRITS  the low carbon, low waste distribution technology pioneered by Proof & Company  the partnership will also raise sustainability effors in the regions Marriott International hotels.

Marriott Internationals COO Michael Malik commented: "We are very pleased to start this meaningful partnership with Proof & Company. Based on Marriott Bonvoys extensive F&B portfolio, the partnership underscores our commitment to continuously refining each detail of our offerings. It also enables us to introduce more ways to reduce our carbon footprint, which is a testimony of our long-standing ambition to practice sustainability in every aspect.

Proof and Company CEO Paul Broadbent delivered a speech at the 2023 Marriott International Greater China Food and Beverage Conference. Not only will the company supply the range for the hotel groups new spirits programme, but also provide consultancy, spirits education and training via Proof Creative.

Broadbent said: Were thrilled to be partnering with this iconic hotel chain across different cities in China, not only because it allows us to harness our extensive logistics and supply network to support their spirits offering, but also because it engages our award-winning Proof Creative team with their hotels to elevate the beverage experience. We cant wait to get started and are particularly excited to be embedding the ecoSPIRITS technology into such a large platform, helping to reduce waste and carbon emissions, something we are all striving to achieve in todays world.

More information can be found here.

28 June 2023 - Bradley Weir
Netflix's decision to stream Titanic amidst the recent tragedy has undeniably struck a nerve with many viewers. As debates continue about the appropriateness of the timing, it remains to be seen how Netflix will respond to the backlash and whether it will reconsider its decision.
3 Camp Pendleton Marines Among 4 Killed in Downey Crash

View of the main entrance to the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, Calif. on July 26, 2019. (Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images)

SAN DIEGOThree U.S. Marines from Camp Pendleton were among four people who died in a single-vehicle crash on the southbound Santa Ana 5 Freeway in Downey, authorities said on June 27.

All four were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash that occurred about 2:30 a.m. on June 24. The name of the fourth victim was withheld, pending notification of relatives.

Three of the victimsDaniel Nichols, 26, Joshua Moore Jr., 27, and Rodrigo Zermeno Gomez, 21were Marines based at Camp Pendleton, local television station KCAL News reported, citing information from base officials.

According to the Los Angeles Daily News, two of the deceased Marines were assigned to Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force. The third Marine was assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, according to First Lt. Sean Waterman at Camp Pendleton, the Daily News reported.

Authorities believe that the crash occurred after the driver of a Dodge Challenger lost control of their vehicle for an unknown reason and hit a guardrail on the side of the freeway before slamming into the wall beneath the Lemonran Avenue pedestrian bridge, according to KCAL.

The force of the collision caused the vehicle to split in two, subsequently ejecting the two rear passengers onto the right shoulder, said a statement from California Highway Patrol.

KCAL reported all four were ejected during the crash.
4 Arrested in Horrific Human Trafficking Border Case That Resulted in 53 Deaths

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks at the Department of Justices Robert F. Kennedy building in Washington on June 23, 2023. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Attorney General Merrick Garland announced Tuesday that four individuals have been arrested in relation to a tractor-trailer human smuggling incident in San Antonio, Texas, on June 27 last year. The event resulted in the deaths of 53 illegal immigrants, while another 11 were injured.

Human smugglers prey on migrants hope for a better lifebut their only priority is profit, Garland stated. Tragically, 53 people who had been loaded into a tractor-trailer in Texas and endured hours of unimaginable cruelty lost their lives because of this heartless scheme. Human smugglers who put peoples lives at risk for profit and break our laws cannot hide for long: We will find you and bring you to justice.

Riley Covarrubias-Ponce, 30; Felipe Orduna-Torres, 28; Luis Alberto Rivera-Leal, 37; and Armando Gonzales-Ortega, 53, all Mexican nationals, are alleged to have participated in an illegal smuggling organization to bring illegal immigrants through Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico into the United States.

The new indictment alleges that the four accused collected names and retrieved the tractor-trailer that would pick up at least 66 people, including eight children.

This horrific tragedy underscores the callous disregard criminal smuggling organizations have for human life, including the lives of children, said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Departments Criminal Division. These indictments and arrests are another step forward in obtaining justice and accountability for these senseless deaths. Joint Task Force Alpha will remain steadfast in its efforts to thwart these deadly schemes driven by greed at the expense of safety and security.

Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA) was established by Garland and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas in June 2021 to investigate and prosecute human trafficking organizations from Central America.

These indictments are the direct result of a whole-of-government effort to prevent these horrific crimes and is the largest campaign of its kind in U.S. history, said Mayorkas.

The 18-wheeler had traveled from Laredo, Texas on the Mexican border to San Antonio, Texas, in a three hour journey without air conditioning in the trailer. The Justice Departments indictment alleges that a number of the organizations members had opened the doors of the vehicle to find that 48 people, including a pregnant woman, were already dead. Another 16 were taken to the hospital, where five died.

Authorities had received calls about an abandoned truck on the evening of June 27, 2022, after a worker heard cries for help, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus told the Texas Tribune.

First responders were horrified.

Youre not supposed to open up a truck and see stacks of bodies in there, San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood told the Associated Press. None of us come to work imagining that.

The indictment alleges that the organizers knew the air conditioning was out of order, and that the illegal immigrants would be without sufficient air flow.

The allegations in the indictment are horrifying, said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. Dozens of desperate, vulnerable men, women, and children put their trust in smugglers who abandoned them in a locked trailer to perish in the merciless south Texas summer.

The defendants are charged with conspiracy to transport illegal aliens resulting in death, conspiracy to transport illegal aliens resulting in serious bodily injury and placing lives in jeopardy, transportation of illegal aliens resulting in death, and transportation of illegal aliens resulting in serious bodily injury and placing lives in jeopardy.

They face maximum sentences of life in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Fuchs, Sarah Spears, and Amanda Brown are prosecuting the case for the Western District of Texas.
4 Volunteers Begin 378-Day Stay in NASA Structure Simulating Mars

NASA logos in the conference room of the Astronaut Crew Quarters (ACQ) at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., on June 14, 2022. (Eva Marie Uzcategui/AFP via Getty Images)

Four volunteers have been sealed into an isolated 1,700-square-foot 3D-printed structure made by NASA and will spend the next year living like astronauts on Mars.

Research scientist Kelly Haston, structural engineer Ross Brockwell, emergency medicine physician Nathan Jones, and U.S. Navy microbiologist Anca Selariu were chosen by NASA to be part of the Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA); the first of three analog missions that will simulate year-long stays on the surface of Mars.

During the mission, which began on June 25, the four individuals will conduct simulated spacewalks and provide data on a variety of factors, which may include physical and behavioral health and performance, according to NASA.

None of the four are trained astronauts and were chosen through a selection process open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. However, they all had to have a degree in one of the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, as well as professional experience in their chosen field, according to NASA.

Despite having no experience in space, they will spend the next 12 months living in the 3D-printed habitat known as Mars Dune Alpha which is located at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, while under the watchful eye of researchers.

Although small, the mock Mars base comes complete with private crew quarters, a kitchen, and dedicated areas for medical, recreation, fitness, and work as well as two bathrooms.

It also comes with a sandbox portion which is filled with red sand to simulate the landscape on Mars. That will be used to conduct virtual reality walks as the crew works to identify various rocks of interest and retrieve samples for analysis, NASA said.

Additionally, the crew will operate robotic elements which will likely be used by the real crews on future missions to Mars.

Challenges Ahead

The four volunteers will face various challenges during their time in the habitat designed to simulate real-life missions on Mars, which has a bit over a third of the gravity of Earth.

The crew will only be eating freeze-dried foods and they will also experience a communication delay with the outside world.

To obtain the most accurate data during the analog, the habitat will be as Mars-realistic as feasible, which may include environmental stressors such as resource limitations, isolation, equipment failure, and significant workloads, the agency said.

The major crew activities during the analog may consist of simulated spacewalks including virtual reality, communications, crop growth, meal preparation and consumption, exercise, hygiene activities, maintenance work, personal time, science work, and sleep, NASA added.

The mission is aimed at supporting human health and performance research that NASA can use to prepare for human exploration of Mars, according to the agency.

At a press conference on Sunday prior to the four entering the habitat, Grace Douglas, the missions principal investigator at NASA, thanked the crew for their dedication to exploration.

Our best wishes go with you, Douglas added.

Elsewhere, Vanessa Wyche, the director of NASAs Johnson Space Center, said the habitat had been in the making for many years and praised the four brave individuals for helping the agency prepare for future missions to Mars.

Im super excited about the science that will be obtained, and one year from now, when they all come out with great success we will all be here waiting so that we can share in and thank you for volunteering, Wyche said.

NASA plans to conduct the second analog mission in 2025 and the third in 2026.
ISLAMABAD, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Three terrorists were killed in a counter-terror operation in Bajaur district in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a military statement said on Wednesday.

The security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation on Tuesday in the Inayat Qilla area of the district on the reported presence of terrorists, the military's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

Sanitization of the area has been carried out to eliminate any terrorists found in the area, according to the ISPR. 
5 Revelations From New Report on Jeffrey Epsteins Death

An exterior view of the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York City on July 14, 2020. (Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

A new watchdog report detailed an investigation into Jeffrey Epsteins death.

Here are five takeaways.

Epsteins Phone Call

Epstein was found dead in his cell in the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York on Aug. 10, 2019. The day before, he was allowed to make an unrecorded, unmonitored call, which went against Bureau of Prisons policy.

Records reviewed by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Inspector General, the watchdog that conducted the probe, show that Epstein dialed a local 646 number after claiming he was going to call his mother.

Epsteins mother died in 2004.

The manager of the unit in which Epstein was being held let Epstein make the call. The manager told investigations that he dialed a number Epstein provided. A male answered. The manager then gave the phone to Epstein, who was quoted as saying: Hey, how are you doing? Hows everything?

Epstein spoke with the person for about 20 minutes.

Investigators identified the person on the other end. They sought an interview with the person, who was not identified in the report, but the person declined. A lawyer representing the person said that the person was in Belarus during the call. If true, the call was connected through a local number.

According to the lawyer, Epstein discussed how the media had been reporting on him. The call also went over personal things such as books, music, and hygiene while incarcerated, according to the report.

According to the representations by Individual 1s counsel, Epstein told Individual 1, They are trying to keep me safe, and that his case would take a little longer than he originally thought, the report stated. He told Individual 1 he loved her, to be strong, and that he would not be able to call her again for another month.

Not Monitored

The manager said he left after handing the phone to Epstein because his shift was over. The manager acknowledged he should have placed the phone on speaker and monitored the call, especially after a male answered, contradicting Epsteins claim of calling his mother.

The manager said three individuals were nearby, the officer in charge of the unit for the evening, another officer, Tova Noel, and a senior officer specialist.

The evening officer said that he was present when the call was made but that he did not overhear the conversation. The officer said that during the call, officers were distracted by unspecified actions by another inmate. Noel said she did not monitor the call. The specialist said he did not witness the call.

A fourth officer identified by Noel as being around at the time told investigators he did not recall Epstein being in the area or making a call that evening.

The manager told investigators that he allowed Epstein to make an unmonitored call because he thought Epstein had been unable to obtain documentation to use the normal phone system.

That was false, investigators found. Epstein had obtained the documentation.

The Bureau of Prisons northeast regional director said that Epstein making the unmonitored call was concerning because we dont know what happened on that phone call. The call could have potentially led to Epsteins death, but we will never know, the director said.

Prosecutions Declined

Misconduct by officers, including forging records, led to the death, investigators said.

Noel and Michael Thomas, for instance, falsified records to show theyd been making required rounds when they actually did not check on Epstein after 10:40 p.m. on Aug. 9, 2019.

Noel and Thomas entered a deferred prosecution agreement after admitting to falsifying records.

U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres dismissed the charges in January at the request of prosecutors.

The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York, which brought the case, declined to prosecute other employees despite investigators finding they falsified records, the inspector generals office said.

Those records included documents on inmate counts and inmate checks on the day before and the day of Epsteins death, the report stated.

The attorneys office did not respond to a request for comment.

Photographs from after Jeffrey Epsteins death show a piece of cloth tied to the cells bunkbed and the interior of the cell. Epstein lacked a cellmate despite being supposed to have one and had an excessive amount of cloth, investigators found. (Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, City of New York via The Epoch Times)

Jeffrey Epstein in a July 2019 mugshot. (Department of Justice)

Moment Epstein Was Discovered

Officers finally began checking on inmates as they delivered them breakfast around 6:30 a.m. on Aug. 10, 2019. Thats when they discovered Epstein.

Thomas knocked on Epsteins door but there was no response, prompting Thomas to open it, Noel told investigators. Thomas said that Epstein had an orange string around his neck that was tied to a portion of the bunkbed, leaving him suspended. He ripped the string from the bed and lowered him to the ground before starting to perform CPR.

Breathe, Epstein, breathe, Thomas was quoted as saying by Noel. He was also quoted as saying, Were going to be in so much trouble.

Noel said she did not enter the cell and that Epstein looked blue, was shirtless, and did not have anything on or around his neck.

After a lieutenant responded to the area, Noel said, Thomas told her, we [messed] up.

The lieutenant told investigators that after arriving, Noel said that we didnt do rounds at 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. while Thomas said we didnt do the rounds. We messed up. A technician who helped deliver food in the aftermath of the death told investigators that inmates said: You werent making rounds. You killed him.

Suicide Determination

The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner determined, following an autopsy, that Epstein killed himself by hanging.

Pathologist Dr. Michael Baden, after observing the autopsy, said that the evidence was more indicative of homicide. Epstein had tried killing himself about two weeks prior, according to his cellmate, and Epstein was briefly placed on suicide watch.

The medical examiner told the Office of the Inspector General that Epsteins injuries were consistent with suicide by hanging and that there were no wounds that one would expect if Epstein had been defending himself against another person.

Epstein did not have marks on his hands, broken fingernails or debris under them, contusions to his knuckles that would have evidenced a fight, or, other than an abrasion on his arm likely due to convulsing from hanging, bruising on his body, the report stated, citing the examiner.
After Banning Gas Stoves, New York City Goes After Wood and Coal-Fired Pizzerias

People walk outside of the Brooklyn pizzeria Grimaldi's which makes coal oven pizzas, in New York City on June 26, 2023. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Officials are looking to ban wood and coal-fired ovens in New York City restaurants citing health reasonsa proposal that could severely hit many of the citys iconic pizzerias.

All New Yorkers deserve to breathe healthy air and wood and coal-fired stoves are among the largest contributors of harmful pollutants in neighborhoods with poor air quality, Ted Timbers, a spokesperson from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), said in a statement on Sunday, according to a June 25 report by the New York Post. This common-sense rule, developed with restaurant and environmental justice groups, requires a professional review of whether installing emission controls is feasible.

The DEPs proposed new rules would require eateries using coal and wood-fired ovens to cut carbon emissions by up to 75 percent.

The proposed rules come after New York became the first state in the United States to ban natural gas stoves in May. The rules apply to most new buildings starting in 2026, with the only exemptions being hospitals and manufacturing facilities.

The DEPs new policy will require restaurants having wood or coal ovens to hire an architect or engineer to conduct a feasibility report about installing emission control devices to achieve the targets.

If the report determines that a reduction of 75 percent or above is not possible or that emission control devices cannot be installed, it must identify any measure that could provide at least a 25 percent emission reduction or explain why no such devices can be installed.

The policy could force pizzerias to shell out thousands of dollars to comply with the new regulations. Paul Giannone, the owner of Paulie Gees pizzeria in Greenpoint, said that he has already shelved $20,000 on an air filtration system in anticipation of the new rule, according to the outlet.

Restaurants can apply for a waiver, but evidence proving hardship will be required to receive such an exemption. A city official stated that the rule would only apply to less than 100 restaurants in NYC.

Criticism Against Climate Agenda

The proposed rule by NYC officials is attracting criticism, with some questioning how regulating less than 100 restaurants would significantly impact reducing carbon emissions.

This is utter bs. It wont make a difference to climate change, billionaire Elon Musk said in a June 26 tweet.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) slammed the leftist agenda for targeting pizzerias. New York City wants to ban wood-fired pizzerias. In the name of their climate agenda, the Left wants to destroy small businesses, she said in a June 26 tweet.

Green madness: Youd have to burn a pizza stove 849 years to equal one year of John Kerrys private jet, Marc Morano, a former senior staff at the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee, said in a June 27 tweet.

Democrat NYC Mayor Eric Adams has justified the newly proposed rules. Lets be clear, every toxic entity that we remove from our air is adding up to the overall desire to deal with shrinking our carbon footprint.  Lets let the public weigh in, and then we could have a conversation if were going to move forward or not, he said during a press conference on Monday.

Implementing the Rule

The new rules would apply to restaurants with a wood or coal-fired oven installed before 2016 as a law passed in 2015 already subjected newly installed ovens from 2016 to comply with emissions standards.

The emission control rules for ovens prior to 2016 were supposed to be rolled out in 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the implementation of the rule until now, DEP officials told the New York Post.

According to the department, the rules have been framed after consulting an advisory committee that consisted of restaurateurs.

Paesans Pizza, a restaurant operating in NYC since 1994, criticized the proposed rules. Wheres the historical society fighting for these pizzerias that have 100plus [sic] years of history and part of New Yorks Pizza culture. [sic] Ted Timbers has just been banned by every pizzeria in NY state. Time to move Ted, it said in a June 27 tweet.

Bruce Blakeman, a Republican executive of Nassau County, which borders NYCs Queens borough, slammed the proposal.

You dont mess with a New Yorkers Pizza or Bagels. Period. Here in Nassau, your local pizza place will continue to be able to make your pie the same way they have been for decades, he said in a June 26 tweet.
Alabama Governor Calls Special Session After Supreme Courts 54 Decision

The Alabama legislature will initiate a special session in the coming weeks to redraw the states congressional districts after a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling, according to an announcement from Gov. Kay Ivey.

Earlier this month, in a 54 ruling, the Supreme Court ruled that the states congressional district likely violated the Voting Rights Act of 1965, alleging the maps may have discriminated against black voters. Republican-appointed Justice Brett Kavanaugh and Chief Justice John Roberts joined the three Democrat-appointed justices in rendering the majority opinion, while Justice Clarence Thomas wrote a lengthy dissent.

It is critical that Alabama be fairly and accurately represented in Washington, Ivey said in a statement Tuesday, without elaborating. Our Legislature knows our state better than the federal courts do.

During the special session, the congressional redistricting will be the only topic of discussion, she said. The legislature will convene for the session on July 17, while other details were not provided.

It is of the utmost importance that this special session only address the congressional map and nothing else. The task at hand is too urgent and too important, the Republican governor said. The Alabama Legislature has one chance to get this done before the July 21 court deadline. Our Legislature knows our state, our people, and our districts better than the federal courts or activist groups do.

A three-judge panel of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the states 2021 congressional map violated the Voting Rights Act. On June 8, the Supreme Courts majority concurred with the appeals court decision.

The three-judge panel ordered the states Republican-controlled legislature to come up with a new redistricting plan with two new districts by July 21. Its not clear how those maps will look, but plaintiffs who filed lawsuits against the legislature proposed two districts that would have black populations of slightly more than 50 percent each, handing what appears to be a victory to Democrats in the state as black voters overwhelmingly tend to favor Democratic candidates in the state and nationwide.

In a majority opinion written by Chief Justice Roberts, he said that the court disagreed with Alabamas position on Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. He made note that some parts of Section 2 may impermissibly elevate race in the allocation of political power within the States.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announces a statewide stay-at-home order on April 3, 2020. (Office of the Governor)

We are content to reject Alabamas invitation to change existing law, the chief justice said. We find Alabamas new approach to [Section] 2 compelling neither in theory nor in practice. We accordingly decline to recast our [Section] 2 case law as Alabama requests.

In making his argument, Roberts made reference to an earlier precedent in which the Supreme Court held that racial gerrymandering, even for remedial purposes, may balkanize us into competing racial factions; it threatens to carry us further from the goal of a political system in which race no longer matters.

A district is not equally open, in other words, when minority voters faceunlike their majority peersbloc voting along racial lines, arising against the backdrop of substantial racial discrimination within the State, that renders a minority vote unequal to a vote by a nonminority voter, he also wrote.

But in a dissent, Thomas argued that the question presented is whether [Section] 2 of the Act, as amended, requires the State of Alabama to intentionally redraw its longstanding congressional districts so that black voters can control a number of seats roughly proportional to the black share of the States population.

Section 2 demands no such thing, and, if it did, the Constitution would not permit it, Thomas continued to say. At the outset, I would resolve these cases in a way that would not require the Federal Judiciary to decide the correct racial apportionment of Alabamas congressional seats, the justice said.

The ruling was largely hailed by Democrats and Biden administration officials, including Attorney General Merrick Garlands office.

Todays decision rejects efforts to further erode fundamental voting rights protections and preserves the principle that in the United States, all eligible voters must be able to exercise their constitutional right to vote free from discrimination based on their race, Garland said in a statement earlier this month.

And this month, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a similar ruling targeting Louisianas Republican-drawn congressional map, paving the way for the state to have another majority-black district. That case was placed on hold pending the outcome of Alabamas ruling.

Louisiana state officials had petitioned the high court to dismiss a lawsuit that would force lawmakers to redraw the congressional map. If the map is redrawn to favor Democrats, a report from the Washington Examiner said that the seat held by Rep. Garret Graves (R-La.) could be in jeopardy.

Reports have said that Graves is House Speaker Kevin McCarthys (R-Calif.) advisor on key issues, including the debt ceiling negotiations with the White House and congressional Democrats.
ANALYSIS: RFK Jr.s Widespread Appeal Is a Presidential Election Anomaly

Robert F Kennedy Jr., with his wife, Cheryl Hines, waves to supporters during a campaign event to start his 2024 presidential bid, at the Boston Park Plaza in Boston on April 19, 2023. (Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images)

Some Democrats say that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a fringe candidate who spreads conspiracy theories. Others believe that a surge of early support for his 2024 presidential campaign signals discontent with President Joe Bidens job performance and bodes poorly for the incumbents reelection.

In the early stages of his campaign, Kennedy generated support from independents, as well as conservative and moderate Republicans, leading to speculation that he could run as a Republican or an independent.

Kennedy squashed that idea, telling The Epoch Times definitively, I am a Democrat, which makes him an anomaly in todays divisive political climate because most pundits agree that he is the candidate who appeals to the widest spectrum of voters.

He isnt expected to get help from the Democratic National Committee (DNC), whose members voted at their winter meeting earlier this year to give Biden their full support. But hes gotten support from an unlikely group of mega-influencers, including Elon Musk, former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, and podcast host Joe Rogan.

That exposure, combined with the Kennedy name recognition, may be part of the reason why the Democratic candidate is maintaining a double-digit performance in the polls despite being all but blocked from the ballot by the DNC. The strong showing may also be the result of a unique platform that taps into discontent with the establishment on both sides of the political divide.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. greets U.S. Marine Corps veteran James Taulbee after a June 5 town hall. (Jeff Louderback/The Epoch Times)

Political strategists have said that because the DNC backs Biden, Kennedy is unlikely to secure the Democratic presidential nomination.

Dennis Kucinich, a longtime Democratic congressman from Ohio who ran for president twice and is now Kennedys campaign manager, said he believes that Kennedy can rebuild and save the country and that there is a path for victory over Biden.

He is the only Democrat who can reach across the political spectrum, which means he can win in 2024, Kucinich added. Conservatives, liberals, independents, and libertarians are responding to this campaign because of the unique qualities of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and because there is an understanding he stands for unity, freedom, truth, and authenticity. That is whats resonating with people.

The door could stay open for Kennedy to keep building support at a time when Bidens approval ratings are low, Americans are dissatisfied with the economy, and Trump is saddled with legal issues.

Shortly after Kennedy announced his candidacy in April, Steve Bannon said that he would likely finish third in a Republican primary behind former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis if the election had been held on that day.

Bannon, a former Trump adviser, said that Kennedy and Trump are the only relevant presidential candidates.

[Kennedy is] a very progressive, liberal Democrat and Im a right-wing populist, he said, but any campaign that made a crusade of Wuhan lab, Tony Fauci, the pharmaceutical-industrial complex, and the vax and everything about vaccines, right, all the science and logic of it, would be something that would help the American people.

Kennedy has also drawn praise from notable conservatives, such as Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn and talk show host Tucker Carlson. Rogan conducted an in-depth interview with Kennedy, and Musk hosted him on Twitter Spaces. Dorsey retweeted a video of Kennedy on the campaign trail and said that he can and he will beat Biden.

Even Trump has praised Kennedy, telling radio host Howie Carr, Hes a common sense guy and so am I, so whether youre conservative or liberal, common sense is common sense.

Kennedy has said that he is the only Democrat who can beat Trump in a debate and has criticized the former president numerous times for COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns that he claims was a $16 trillion mistake and shifted $4 trillion in wealth from the middle class in this country to the super-rich.

Biden, Kennedy, and author Marianne Williamson are the only candidates seeking the Democratic nomination, while the Republican field includes more than a dozen names, headlined by Trump and DeSantis.

The Democratic party will do what it takes for Biden to be nominated, according to Republican strategist Wes Farno. But when you talk to most Americans, they want a candidate who will deliver results, he said.

Vivek Ramaswamy is getting traction because he is talking about his platform and the issues. Kennedy is doing the same. I think there is a hunger for candidates to talk about issues.

Polling

Kennedy has the highest net favorability of all 2024 presidential candidates, a recent poll from The Economist/YouGov reported.

The survey was conducted from June 10 to June 13 among 1,500 U.S. adults and had a 2.7-point margin of error. In it, Kennedy was viewed favorably by 49 percent of the respondents, and unfavorably by 30 percent, making his net favorability rating 19 points.

Biden and Trump had 45 percent and 43 percent of the respondents, respectively, view them in a favorable way.

Bidens net favorability rating was minus 7, and Trumps was minus 10.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who has supported Bidens re-election bid, has been mentioned as a potential challenger to the president.

David Carlucci, a former New York state legislator and Democratic strategist, said that Kennedy wont win a primary against Biden and that high-profile Democrats have been reluctant to enter the race because they dont want to damage the party or their base.

The Democratic Party is mostly unified about President Biden. The fear of another Trump administration is too great, and Democrats are putting aside their differences because Biden can beat Trump, Carlucci said. It would be damaging to a Democratic presidency and their own brand if other candidates get in the race.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. addressed the New Hampshire state Senate on June 1. He accepted a state license plate from Republican state Sen. Jeb Bradley (L) and Republican state Speaker of the House Sherman Packard (R). (Photo courtesy of New Hampshire state Senate)

At Odds With Some Democrats

An environmental attorney and the founder of Childrens Health Defense, Kennedy is widely known for his outspoken stances about the dangers of the COVID-19 vaccines and of vaccines in general.

Kennedy is one of only a few Democratic officials or candidates who have publicly signaled opposition to transgender athletes competing in womens sports.

On the Second Amendment, he said, I believe in the Constitution, and Im not going to take everybodys guns away.

In June, he traveled to the U.S.Mexico border and told The Epoch Times: We have to seal our borders. No nation can exist if you dont control [illegal] immigration.

In a peace speech he delivered in New Hampshire recently, Kennedy called for de-escalation of the war in Ukraine and diplomacy with Russia.

On 1-Issue Voters

Meanwhile, his stance on abortion is one that aligns with the Biden administration.

I can argue theres nobody in this country that has worked harder for the rights of medical freedom and personal bodily autonomy than me, he said. That applies to vaccines and abortion.

I dont think the government should be telling us what to do with our bodies and dictating for Americans what we can and cannot do in the first three months of pregnancy. Its a womans choice.

I respect people who have different points of view, and for people who say that its the only issue that I care about, they will likely vote for someone else because of my beliefs.

Kennedy called his campaign a peaceful insurgency that he said he hopes will appeal to conservative Republicans, independents, moderates, and liberal Democrats.

Im talking about issues that I think most Americans and probably most Democrats are concerned about, which is the systematic gutting of the middle class.

Joseph Lord and Alice Giordano contributed to this report.
ANALYSIS: Supreme Court Affirmative Action Case Could Undermine Corporate Racial Agenda

News Analysis

As Harvard and the University of North Carolina (UNC) await a landmark Supreme Court decision, expected this week, on their racial admissions policies, companies are also watching nervously, fearing that the decision could expose their race-based hiring and training programs to civil rights lawsuits.

According to a Harvard Business Review 2022 survey, more than 60 percent of U.S. companies had a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program, which categorizes employees according to race and gender. In addition, following the 2020 police murder of George Floyd, a black man, numerous companies, including Wells Fargo, United Airlines, JPMorgan Chase, Delta Airlines, Ralph Lauren, Estee Lauder, and Google parent company Alphabet Inc., announced race-based hiring and promotion policies.

In addition to race considerations, Salesforce, a technology company, said it plans to have 40 percent of its employees be people who identify as women or nonbinary by the end of 2026. The problem for these corporations, experts say, is that these policies, while trendy, are likely illegal under U.S. laws, which explicitly prohibit discrimination by race and gender.

Its become very popular, especially in the last three or four years, to have these race-based initiatives, and they are only beginning to be tested against the Civil Rights Act or against the Constitution, Erin Wilcox, an attorney at the Pacific Legal Foundation, told The Epoch Times. Ms. Wilcox is representing students who claim that admissions policies at Thomas Jefferson High School in Virginia are discriminatory, in a case being appealed to the Supreme Court.

I think it was really caused by a certain boldness on the part of our public officials and corporate America in believing that these rules didnt apply to them, or that what they were doing is more important, she said. I think were seeing a proliferation thats going to be reined in, starting probably with the Harvard and UNC cases, and I think certainly others down the pike.

A view of the campus of Harvard Business School in Cambridge, Mass., on July 8, 2020. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Execs, Lawyers Meet to Plan Next Steps

A June 21 Wall Street Journal report surveyed several corporate executives and human resources directors, who said that they are having internal meetings with their legal teams to discuss how to move forward with diversity programs if the Supreme Court decides against Harvard and UNC. Some companies are considering removing diversity from job titles, perhaps replacing them with titles such as chief transformation officer. Others plan to keep their policies just as they are.

A January joint report on DEI by McKinsey, a consulting firm, and the World Economic Forum stated that in 2020, companies worldwide spent $7.5 billion on DEI-related efforts, a figure that is projected to more than double to $15.4 billion by 2026  Yet at the current rate it will take another 151 years to close the global economic gender gap at all levels. The report details case studies and success factors to help executives advance a DEI agenda.

But some legal experts say that race-based agendas, whatever they may be called, are likely violating not only federal laws but also state laws.

There are laws against discrimination in New Jersey, and the Human Rights Act in New York; there are parallel statutes in California, Dan Morenoff, executive director of the American Civil Rights Project, told The Epoch Times.

Most of these statutes have provisions for uncapped punitive damages, he said. When youre talking about uncapped punitive damages and entities that are among the largest in the world, its difficult to even put into words the scale of that Pandoras box of liability that corporate directors have chosen to open.

A Starbucks coffee shop in London on March 6, 2020. (Henry Nicholls/Reuters)

Multi-Million-Dollar Awards for Civil Rights Violations

Two weeks ago, a New Jersey jury awarded a Starbucks employee, who is white, $600,000 in compensatory damages and $20 million in punitive damages, agreeing with her claim that the company fired her because of her skin color in relation to the arresting of two black men in a coffee shop in her district. The manager of that Starbucks shop, who is black, was not fired.

That was just for one person, Mr. Morenoff said. As the plaintiffs bar sees that these are real sources of recovery, I would be surprised if you didnt see a lot more of these cases being brought.

Mr. Morenoffs organization has been representing shareholders in legal actions to compel companies such as Starbucks to remove racially discriminatory policies to protect company owners from costly employee lawsuits. But many executives seem intent on pursuing racial equity despite the risks to shareholders.

If the Supreme Court rules against the universities, Ms. Wilcox said, what schools are going to do next, and I think what a lot of companies are going to do  is to use proxies to get the racial balance they want.

For schools, racial proxies included practices such as limiting the number of admissions from certain schools that were known to have a high percentage of Asian students and giving preference to applicants from certain zip codes known to contain predominantly minority neighborhoods.

On the face of it, youre not using racial classification, Ms. Wilcox said. But youre still getting the same thing you want and discriminating against people based on their race. So thats going to be a question for the Supreme Court to decide next; is that also a violation of the equal protection clause?

The Roots of Affirmative Action

The legal justification for enacting race-based policies despite explicit civil rights laws to the contrary stems from two sources. The first is a 1965 executive order issued by President Lyndon Johnson that required all government contractors to take affirmative action to increase job opportunities for minorities. And the second are Supreme Court decisions such as 2003s in Grutter v. Bollinger, which was that the use of an applicants race as one factor in an admissions policy of a public educational institution does not violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment if the policy is narrowly tailored to the compelling interest of promoting a diverse student body.

In an amicus brief regarding the Harvard and UNC case, the Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute and attorney Ilya Shapiro argued, What this Court authorized in Grutter as a temporary, grudging exception to Americas ideals and generally applicable law of Equal Protection  has metastasized into a threat blooming across the legal landscape, the economy, and society as a whole.

The exceptions granted by the Grutter case were narrowly tailored to government-funded universities admissions policies and were intended to be a temporary remedy that would include sunset provisions. But corporations have applied them as a precedent to race-based policies on staffing and training and expanded them to include new racial goals.

To the extent that corporate America has thought that Grutter provided some kind of fig leaf to the illegal discrimination theyve been engaging in for the last two decades, this would be a really good time for them to rethink that, Mr. Morenoff said. It never made sense for corporate America to argue that there was a diversity rationale exception to our civil rights laws.

However, if the Supreme Court decision reverses Grutter or the Johnson executive order, even that questionable pretense would be gone. Rather than standing on thin ice, Mr. Morenoff said, theyre standing on no ice at all.

Remedying past racial discrimination is actually a compelling state purpose; it has been held to be one of the proper remedies for violations of civil rights laws, he said. If there actually is a recent past discriminatory action, which a corporation or anyone else is correcting, thats legal. But the truth is that almost all the programs were talking about are not remedial.

Theyre pitched under the business case for diversity, and their argument is that discrimination is popular, discrimination will earn us points with our customers, and discrimination is going to be generating a broader diversity of opinions that will allow us to make better decisions. None of that has anything to do with remediating past harm; it is all hypothetically profit-seeking.

In the past, these affirmative action programs in the business world had existed to remedy specific discrimination that a company had done previously, Ms. Wilcox said. The DEI policies are a new breed. Theyre just seeking diversity for diversitys sake, and we really have not had a high court ruling on whether that is acceptable under federal law.
Arizona County Elections Director Quits, Accusing Officials of Politicization

An Arizona county elections director resigned from her position on Tuesday after accusing officials of politicizing elections and creating a harmful work environment.

The Pinal County government announced the resignation of Elections Director Geraldine Roll, who stepped into the position to oversee the recount process after the 2022 midterm election.

In a scathing email sent on Tuesday, Roll announced her resignation, expressing her dissatisfaction with County Manager Leo Lew and the toxic work environment she claimed to experience.

With no regrets, I quit, Roll wrote, highlighting her decision as a result of losing respect for her superiors and their failure to support her during times of attack and criticism.

When you no longer respect those you work for, it is time to leave. I have watched as you idly stood by when I was attacked, Roll wrote in the email obtained by AZCentral. I cannot work for an individual who does not support me. The environment fostered by your team and the Board of Supervisors is toxic.

Roll emphasized her belief that the Elections Department should not be politicized. She further accused the county manager and the Board of Supervisors of prioritizing irrational, extremist political party views and rhetoric over impartiality, common sense, and dedicated work.

It is a far reach to see how you will deliver clean elections when you bend to a faction of the Republican party, Roll wrote in the email. Clearly, politics are the value this administration desires in a place where politics have no place: elections administration.

Throughout her career, Roll claimed she had never faced the level of ridicule, disrespect, intimidation, and attacks on my reputation and ethics she had endured in recent months, since starting her role less than a year ago.

County Manager Responds

Rolls resignation comes amid ongoing scrutiny and partisan tension surrounding election administration in several counties across Arizona.

Roll signed her email, Really, not respectfully. In further comments to Pinal Central, she claimed she did nothing wrong and clarified that she didnt resign, she quit. I think theres a very big difference, she said.

After news of her resignation, Lew, the county manager, issued a statement thanking Roll for her service.

I want to thank Geri for her service during very challenging times and for the improvements that she identified and began to implement in the Elections Department, he said in a statement. Although I disagree with her assessment, she has been an impactful public servant, and I wish her the best and know that she will continue to do great things in her career.

Roll, who had been a part of Pinal County since 2013 and previously served as a deputy county attorney, had not yet overseen any elections in her role after being appointed as the elections director in Pinal County in late 2022.

During her tenure as a deputy county attorney, she provided legal counsel and guidance to various departments within the county, including the Recorders Office and Elections Department. Additionally, Roll had also worked in the Public Fiduciary Office.

Elections Scrutiny

Roll took over as Pinal Countys elections director, replacing Virginia Ross, who was transferred to the role in August after a problematic primary election. The primary saw ballot errors and ballot shortages in two dozen polling sites, resulting in the firing of the former director.

Officials in Pinal County said there was a shortage of ballots at more than 20 voting sites during the primary election in August 2022, which left some voters without the ability to cast votes. County officials attributed the problem to an unprecedented demand for in-person ballots. The countys election agency suggested that people use an express vote device instead.

Pinal County Attorney Kent Volkmer and Jeffrey McClure, chair of the Board of Supervisors, issued a joint statement to FOX10 saying it was a major screw-up, but McClure claimed he has not seen evidence of a nefarious act. Instead, he attributed it to mistakes made on a grand scale.

The incident drew the scrutiny of major Republican organizations, the Republican National Committee (RNC), and its chairwoman, Ronna McDaniel.

McDaniel said at the time that the RNC and Republican Party of Arizonas poll observer program had documented and reported several failures by Pinal Countys elections administrator. This included 63,000 mail-in ballots delivered to the wrong voters and multiple Republican-heavy precinct locations running out of ballots.

This is a comprehensive failure that disenfranchises Arizonans and exemplifies why Republican-led efforts for transparency at the ballot box are so important. Pinal County Elections Director David Frisk should resign immediately, McDaniel said.

However, during a general election recount, more errors were discovered under Rosss oversight, but she had already left the position after receiving a bonus for a seemingly smooth election.

Roll, who previously worked as a deputy county attorney in Maricopa and Graham counties, and as an assistant attorney general for Arizona, became the countys elections director.

Every member of the Board of Supervisors in Pinal County, including County Attorney Kent Volkmer, who was also included in Rolls email, belongs to the Republican Party.

Roll was a registered Republican until recently. In a phone interview with PinalCentral, Roll expressed her changed sentiments toward her Republican colleagues, saying, I cant be associated with these people.
Author Warns Critical Social Justice Undermining British Schools

A critical social justice revolution in schools is undermining British common values, says writer and campaigner Jo-Anne Nadler.

Speaking to NTDs British Thought Leaders programme about a report she authored on critical social justice in British schooling, Nadler said by [bending] over backwards to encourage inclusivity, schools will end up setting different groups against each other.

The former journalist characterised critical social justice as seeing the world through the lens of relationships of hierarchy and relationships of exploitation.

While Marxism describes capitalists as explorers of workers, critical social justice ranges over a number of different identities based on race, gender, sexuality and more, Nadler said.

Most Students Taught Critical Social Justice Concept

Her report, published recently with civil society think tank Civitas, included the results of a poll that asked 1,168 students aged between 16 and 18 about their experience in schools.

Most of the teenagers (83 percent) have encountered one or more critical social justice concepts, such as white privilege, toxic masculinity, gender ideology, decolonisation, and intersectionality, in class, the survey showed.

Noting that the concepts could have come up in a lesson and were subsequently conditionally dismissed in some cases, Nadler also said, we cant necessarily assume that.

Some 69 percent of students told the survey that they had been taught Britain used to be a racist country, while 42 percent learnt Britain is currently a racist country.

Nadler said teaching children in a multicultural society that the said society is endemically racist would potentially create any number of grievances and psychological disruptions to impressionable children.

Elsewhere in the survey, 41 percent of the students said they had been taught young men are a problem in society.

More than two-thirds (67 percent) of the student said they had been told by teachers or external speakers in school that sex is assigned at birth. Almost a-third (32 percent) were told a woman can have a penis while one in five were told a man can get pregnant.

The teens were also taught about explicit sexual behaviour or kinks in school. Almost a quarter of the respondents (23 percent) reported hearing about bondage, dominance, and sadomasochism, and 59 percent had been taught about masturbation.

One in ten students said they had thought changing their gender or had done so, 29 percent reported knowing one such person, and 25 percent said they know several people who had changed or had considered changing their gender.

Three quarters of students said they were either worried about climate change, racism, sexism, homophobia, or transphobia, and/or feeling unsure or guilty about their own gender, ethnicity, or sexuality.

Just over half (51 percent) of the teens think its likely the world would end in their lifetime because of nuclear war, 43 percent believe climate change would end the world in their lifetime, and 50 percent said people should have fewer children to help prevent overpopulation and climate change.

Its A Revolution

Nadler said she believes critical social justice is revolutionising British education.

Instead of teaching students how to think, schools are now indoctrinating them by creating a hermetically sealed vision that not only posits the problemnamely if youre white and heterosexual and male, youre almost certainly an exploiter in this systembut also presupposes the answer, she said.

I do think that there are agents coming into schools who have ideas which we would previously have considered partisan, and theyre being presented as though they are fact as though they are beyond discussion.

Nadler attributed the reason schools are allowing the changes to the rise in importance of the equalities legislation, which obligates schools to protect the protected characteristics of different people on top of teaching traditional curriculum.

And often what I think is happening is that the school leadership team dont feel confident in this new area, and they call upon experts.

There is essentially an industry now of these third party providers, she said, some of whom Im sure are very competent, some of whom Im sure are very well intended, but not all of them are.

Nadler said websites of some third party providers show they were pretty blatant about the fact that they were political operators who were pushing maybe deeply, sincerely held, by partial worldview.

Instead of being a separate module, such materials are often embedded across all subjects. for instance, children learning maths can be asked to add up the number of rectangles in an LGBTQ flag or the number of transgender individuals.

Nadler said while parents have the right to withdraw from sex education, but is only a very narrow element of this broader agenda.

She also said these very complicated and challenging ideas are occupying the minds of children, who are not coming home from school and discussing literature, history, or engineering.

While legislation around protected characteristics is the same, some schools are more invested in teaching the ideology than others, Nadler said, noting that independent schools that are trying to sell themselves are very much at the forefront of the more radical end of a lot of this material.

Arguing for schools to focus on basic subjects, Nadler said treating schools as a sort of breeding ground for ideology is essentially getting in the way of teaching the core subjects and giving pupils the solid foundation in knowledge, and instead of increasing inclusivity, it would set groups against each other and undermine common values such as a love of knowledge for its own sake, an appreciation of beauty, [and] an appreciation of great literature of music.
Avoiding Political Capture: Former Canadian Mayor Turned Down Free Trips to China

Madeleine Redfern, former mayor of Iqaluit, is pictured in Iqaluit, Nunavut, on Dec. 10, 2014. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)

The former mayor of a northern municipality says she was offered free trips to China during her mandate, and while she turned them down, she knows of others who didnt.

I was aware of the perception of the problem of currying influence and favour, I think they sometimes call it political capture. I did not think that was a good idea, Madeleine Redfern told The Epoch Times in an interview.

Redfern is the former mayor of Iqaluit, Nunavut, and now a senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and co-chair of think tank Arctic360.

She testified before the House of Commons ethics committee on June 2 and spoke of her experience of dealing with Chinese entities while in office.

As mayor, I was offered free trips to China. I saw other Canadian leaders, business people, indigenous and municipal leaders, take those free trips, she said.

Im concerned about their independence and the implications of foreign investment, especially in critical infrastructure and critical mines.

Redfern says she saw many people from her region go to China in the hopes of making business deals related to the selling of seal-derived products, but she steered clear out of different concerns.

Along with possible attempts to influence her politically, Redfern raised concerns pertaining to the economy and security in the North. She says she was wary of Chinas polar Silk Road, and how the regime has been funding infrastructure projects in the developing world, which it then uses to advance its strategic interests.

Being economically vulnerable could  put us in a situation of vulnerability with respect to our security, says Redfern, adding that Beijing potentially saw her as a soft target and someone with relatively good access to different levels of government.

Of those who did accept free trips to China, she says some definitely entered in business deals with Chinese entities, while others came back empty-handed.

Northern Visits

Redfern was mayor of Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, a vast region that stretches across most of the Canadian Arctic, from 2015 to 2019. She doesnt recall precisely when she was offered free trips to China or who exactly made the in-person invitation, but it didnt come from a Chinese official; rather, it came from someone acting on Beijings behalf.

Then Chinese ambassador to Canada, Luo Zhaohui, visited Iqaluit in June 2016 and met with Redfern, but she said the invitation didnt come from him. She said the Canadian government was organizing trips to the region with various countries ambassadors at the time.

Various Chinese officials would also come on their own to the North, she said, noting Chinas interest in seal products, as well as fish and shrimp from the region.

There are also other strategic sectors that Chinese entities had their eye on in Nunavut, such as a gold mine in Hope Bay, but the federal government blocked the sale of TMAC Resources to Shandong Gold Mining in 2020 on security grounds.

Redfern also says that bad government policy has led to Chinese equipment ending up in the Norths telecommunications system.

Yes, the Government of Canada has banned Huawei with respect to only 5G technology, nothing else, she says.

Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei announced in 2019 it was partnering with ICE Wireless and Iristel to bring high-speed wireless internet to northern communities.

The federal government made the decision to ban Huawei and ZTE equipment from the 5G infrastructure in May 2022 over security concerns. Existing 4G equipment has to be removed or terminated by providers before January 2028, says the policy statement.

With the infrastructure deficit in the North, Redfern is calling on Bay Street bankers and Canadian pension funds to invest in northern projects and communities instead of in China.

We need all that money that is basically being invested in China, ideally, to be redirected back home. Were a good investment.

Mutual Interest

Current interest in Canadas northern communities by Chinese entities is difficult to gauge. The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) declined to comment on the issue of Chinese attempts to make inroads with First Nations.

Chinese state-owned oil company CNOOC, which purchased Canadian company Nexen in 2013, is a member of the CCAB.

The current mayor of Iqaluit, Solomon Awa, told The Epoch Times through a spokesperson he was never offered any free trip to China. Nor was his predecessor Kenny Bell.

Former Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) executive Dan Stanton says that Beijings attempts to create links with indigenous peoples is rather dated.

The opposite was taking place as early as six years ago, with one First Nations organization in British Columbia seeking to strengthen links with China.

The British Columbia First Nations Energy and Mining Council (FNEMC) launched its China Strategy in 2011, seeking to gain from Chinese investments in natural resources.

FNMEC published an enhanced China Strategy paper in 2017, citing the new context of a much-improved political relationship between Beijing and Ottawa since the election of the Liberal government in 2015.

The organization says the reason that the First Nations of British Colombia and China can enjoy good relations is based on the history of marginalization of indigenous people and Chinese immigrants.

The Chinese regime has often played on that theme, using the treatment of First Nations by the Canadian government to deflect from its own human rights abuses.

The Epoch Times asked FNEMC whether it is still pursuing its China strategy in the current context but didnt hear back by publication time.

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs was also contacted for comment but they deferred to Public Safety Canada, which didnt respond by publication time.

Common Phenomenon

The issue of Beijing offering free trips to China is not novel, but specific cases are rarely discussed.

Redfern says in her role as mayor, she had the opportunity to network with other mayors from across the country through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and she says some of them went on China trips.

It definitely felt like as if it was a combination between  targeted individuals of potential interest to a bit of a scattershot, she says.

The Epoch Times asked the federation to comment on the matter but didnt receive a response by press time.

An investigation by Global News published in March 2020 explored the issue of Vancouver-area politicians being offered all-expenses-paid trips to China in 2007.

The trips had been organized by billionaire real estate investor and former Chinese military officer Li Zhe, who is reportedly tied to the United Front Work Department.

CSIS Director David Vigneault told a House of Committee on June 13 that the United Fronts main goal is to interfere in other countries affairs.

Global said its investigation raised questions about whether the Canadian mayors were unwittingly drawn into an influence campaign aimed at improving perceptions of China and reducing criticism of human rights abuses.
BC Port Union Issues 72-hour Strike Notice Affecting More Than 7,000 Workers

A seaplane prepares to land on the harbour as gantry cranes used to load and unload cargo containers are seen at port, in Vancouver, on April 25, 2023. (The Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck)

The union representing port workers in British Columbia says it has issued 72-hour strike notice and its members are ready to walk off the job on Saturday.

The strike notice affects more than 7,000 terminal cargo loaders at B.C. ports.

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada says its members voted 99.24 percent in favour of strike action earlier this month against the BC Maritime Employers Association.

Contracting out, port automation and cost of living are key issues in the dispute.

A statement from the longshore workers says management continues to demand concessions.

The two sides had been in a cooling-off period but that ended on June 21, after the previous contract expired on March 30.
Biden and RFK Jr. to Pitch Competing Visions in Chicago

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (L) speaks during a campaign event to launch his 2024 presidential bid at the Boston Park Plaza in Boston, Mass., on April 19, 2023. (Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images); President Joe Biden (R) speaks to the crowd during a celebration event at St. Muredach's Cathedral in Ballina, Ireland, on April 14, 2023. (Leon Neal/Getty Images)

President Joe Biden and Democratic presidential primary challenger Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will share their competing visions for America in Chicago on June 28, less than 14 months before the Democratic National Convention here will determine the partys 2024 nominee.

Saddled with low approval ratings and questions about his age and fitness, Biden this week launched his second Investing in America tour, where he will travel around the country describing how his economic plan has spurred investments and jobs as the economy remains the most important issue for Americans.

Earlier this week, the Biden administration announced more than $40 billion in infrastructure investment to provide affordable, high-speed internet in areas where its unavailable or too slow.

Biden compared the historic investment to President Franklin D. Roosevelts plan to bring electricity to every American home and farm through his Rural Electrification Act.

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks as he announces a $42 billion investment in high-speed internet infrastructure during an event in the East Room of the White House in Washington on June 26, 2023. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

A White House fact sheet said that more than 8.5 million homes and small businesses are in areas without high-speed internet infrastructure, while millions more struggle with limited or unreliable access.

In Chicago, Biden will deliver a speech centered around what he calls Bidenomics, a new term for his 2024 campaigns economic message.

We decided to replace this [trickle-down economics] theory with what the press has now called Bidenomics, the president told union members on June 17 during his first reelection campaign rally in Philadelphia.

I dont know what the hell that is. But its working, Biden added.

President Ronald Reagans Reaganomics became a household word in the 1980s. The White House is striving to distinguish Bidenomics as its own plan of rebuilding the economy from the bottom up and the middle outnot the top downwith a focus on the middle class, which Biden sees as Americas backbone.

Kennedy, who has gained support from voters in both parties since announcing his candidacy in April, also has a campaign message that embraces the middle class.

He chastised former President Donald Trump and Biden for COVID-era business closures that shifted $4 trillion from the middle class to the super-rich.

We created a billionaire a day during the lockdowns and you know, it was the last breath of the American middle class, Kennedy told The Epoch Times.

Though critics question whether Kennedy can secure the partys nomination because of the Democratic National Committees backing of Biden, his campaign team said they have two objectives, defeating Biden and winning the general election against the Republican nominee.

While Biden will speak at noon, Kennedy will appear at a NewsNation town hall at 9 p.m. It marks his first town hall with a national news network. The audience will include Democrats or independents who are leaning Democratic. Additional audiences will watch the event in New Hampshire and South Carolina. New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College will help facilitate the live audience. Kennedy has already delivered campaign speeches at the college.

Earlier this year, Biden successfully pushed the DNC to shift New Hampshires longtime First in the Nation primary status to second behind South Carolina. Because of the move, Bidens name might not appear on the states Democrat primary ballot.

Republican and Democrat legislators in New Hampshire have said they will not adhere to the schedule change and that a state law prohibits the move. If Biden does not appear on the ballot, that will leave Kennedy and author Marianne Williamson to win the states Democrat nomination.

Questions from the town hall audience are likely to address Kennedys wide-ranging views that demonstrate why he has attracted interest from conservatives, moderates, progressives, and independents.

Kennedy, the founder of Childrens Health Defense, is vocal about the dangers of the COVID-19 vaccine for some in the population who were coerced to take them, and of vaccines in general. Hes a vocal opponent of the pharmaceutical industry.

When asked about his stance on the Second Amendment, he said, I believe in the Constitution, and Im not going to take everybodys guns away.

We must figure out a way to deal with it, but talking about taking peoples guns away at this point in history is not a solution, he said.

Democratic Presidential Candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. speaks as Michael Smerconish hosts a SiriusXM Town Hall with Democratic Presidential Candidate RFK Jr. at The Centre Theater in Philadelphia, Penn., on June 5, 2023. (Lisa Lake/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

Kennedy has a more conservative than liberal stance regarding the border crisis.

We have to stop the crisis at the border. We have to seal our borders. No nation can exist If you dont control [illegal] immigration, he told The Epoch Times.

Kennedy has also called for a de-escalation of the war in Ukraine and is opposed to U.S. involvement in the conflict. He has said that China is developing ethnic bioweapons that are designed to attack people of certain racial types. He has also chastised the Democratic party for censoring alternative viewpoints.

Critics claim that Kennedys platform is a mix of Trump conservatism and a plethora of conspiracy theories. A recent poll from The Economist/YouGov, though, showed that Kennedy has the highest net favorability of all 2024 presidential candidates.

In the surveywhich was conducted from June 10 to June 13 among 1,500 U.S. adults and had a 2.7-point margin of errorKennedy was viewed favorably by 49 percent of the respondents, which translates to a net favorability rating of 19 points. He was seen as unfavorable by 30 percent.

Biden and Trump, who is currently the frontrunner among Republican candidates, had 45 percent and 43 percent of the respondents view them in a favorable way.

Bidens net favorability rating was minus 7 while Trump had a minus 10 net favorability rating.

Biden and Kennedy appearing in the same city on the same day could be the closest the two candidates get since reports indicate that the president has no plans for debates before the August 2024 convention.

Kennedy was asked at a town hall in Philadelphia earlier in June whether he thinks Biden owes the American people a debate with Democratic primary candidates.

Its a strategic decision for him, Kennedy said about reports that Biden wont participate in a debate. I dont even know if President [Donald] Trump will debate his opponents.

Kennedy added that the optics are not good to Americans when candidates dont debate because there are so many people now who believe the system is rigged against us.

Emel Akan contributed to this report.
NEW DELHI, June 28 (Xinhua) -- The Indian government on Wednesday announced a package for the agriculture sector to boost the well-being of farmers and ensure food security and environmental sustainability.

With a total outlay of 3.7 trillion Indian Rupees (around 45 billion U.S. dollars), the innovative schemes will boost farmers' income, strengthen natural and organic farming, rejuvenate soil productivity, and ensure food security, said an official statement issued by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).

Approved at a CCEA meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the schemes will also help in the judicious use of chemical fertilizers, thereby reducing the input cost of cultivation for the farmers. 
Biden Says Hes Not Big on Abortion as a Catholic

President Joe Biden speaks during the National Safer Communities Summit at the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Conn., on June 16, 2023. (John Moore/Getty Images)

President Joe Biden said at a fundraiser on Tuesday that, being a practicing Catholic, hes not big on abortion, though he was critical of state laws restricting abortion, according to The Hill. His schedule included two campaign reception events in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Im a practicing Catholic. Im not big on abortion, but guess what? Roe v. Wade got it right, Biden said.

The president made similar remarks recently at an event with abortion advocate groups on June 23.

As Ive said before, the Court got Roe right 50 years ago, and I believe Congress should restore the protections of Roe v. Wade once and for all, Biden said.

After Roe v. Wade was overturned last year with the Supreme Courts decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, advocate groups criticized Bidens avoidance of the topic. He also faced criticism for asserting that no executive action from the president can restore the protections of Roe v. Wade as federal law, and for calling on Congress to create such legislation.

Catholic Leadership on Abortion

Biden is only the second Catholic U.S. president, with John F. Kennedy being the first.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a personamong which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life.

Formal cooperation in an abortion constitutes a grave offense. The Church attaches the canonical penalty of excommunication to this crime against human life.

In 2016, Pope Francis published a letter granting priests the faculty to absolve those who have committed the sin of procured abortion.

The Pope has said on several occasions that abortion is murder, but disagrees with those priests who deny communion to those who have had or who support abortions.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops takes a similar view.

The Vaticans bioethics institute, the Pontifical Academy for Life, called for increased discussion on the topic of life after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. It stated that it is important to reopen a non-ideological debate on the place that the protection of life has in civil society and ask ourselves what kind of coexistence and society we want to build.

According to a 2022 Pew Research poll, American Catholics are mixed in their stances on abortionas are Americans in general. About 76 percent of American Catholics responded that abortion should be legal in some cases, with about 70 percent saying it should be legal if the mothers life or health is threatened. Just 10 percent responded that it should be illegal without exception, and 13 percent that it should be legal in all cases.

Catholics who attended Mass weekly were less likely to support legal abortion than Catholics who attended Mass less frequently: 44 percent of Catholics attending Mass weekly responded that abortion should be illegal in most cases, while 24 percent responded that it should be illegal in all cases. In contrast, only 5 percent of Catholics who did not attend Mass at least weekly said abortion should be illegal in all cases, with 28 percent saying it should be illegal in most cases, and 49 percent stating their belief that it should be legal in most cases.

State Laws on Abortion

According to the Guttmacher Institute, a research organization connected to Planned Parenthood, 43 states have some limit on abortions.

Several states implemented laws restricting abortion immediately after the Supreme Courts decision last year, with more than 100 bills introduced at the state level.

Recently, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), chairwoman of the House Republican Conference, proposed a 15-week limit on abortion at the federal level.
Bidens Proposed Student Loan Rule Would Cost Taxpayers Billions: Study

President Joe Biden delivers the commencement address during the 2023 Howard University Spring graduation ceremony at Capitol One Arena in Washington, on May 13, 2023. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

A new report (pdf) released by the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) on June 27 outlines President Joe Bidens proposed changes to the income-driven repayment program (IDR) and its potential cost to taxpayers.

The study came in advance of expected rulings by the Supreme Court this week on wider issues related to student loan forgiveness.

The FGAs research highlights key findings regarding the proposed rule changes to IDR, stating that the updated regulations would allow some individuals earning more than double the federal poverty level to avoid making any loan payments.

This change could come at an estimated cost of more than $471 billion over a 10-year period. The report also warns that the changes to the rule fail to address the issue of rising tuition costs and would leave borrowers with unrealistic expectations about managing their debt.

The proposed rule changes aim to alter the IDR plans, which have become increasingly popular over the past decade. These plans were designed to assist borrowers in repaying loans early in their careers, when debt-to-income ratio is usually high. According to the study, more than 8.5 million borrowers are currently enrolled in an IDR plan, owing a total of $538 billion in student loan debt.

Team Biden is desperate to attract younger voters, and with the Supreme Court about to throw cold water on their student loan bailout, theyre supercharging Income-Driven Repayment plans, using taxpayer funds to achieve the same political result permanently, said Michael Greibrok, a senior research fellow at the FGA.

Suggested Solutions

To prevent such costly changes from being implemented without congressional approval, the FGA proposed that federal lawmakers pass the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act.

This REINS Act would require costly rules, such as the executive action used to make changes to student loan programs, to undergo congressional scrutiny before being put into action. Currently, the REINS Act has passed the House, but not the Senate.

In its report, the FGA argues that the Biden administrations proposed changes would impose a significant financial burden on taxpayers, who would end up paying for the college tuition of millions of Americans. The study emphasizes the need for Congress to pass the REINS Act as a safeguard against such expensive rules and changes.

The proposed change would raise the income threshold at which borrowers are exempted from making loan payments to 225 percent of the federal poverty level from the current threshold of 150 percent.

The more than $400 billion price tag of the IDR plan could end up being more costly than Bidens student loan bailout because its a permanent change, not a one-time handout, Greibrok said. This would be one of the most expensive executive actions in U.S. history, and its happening without congressional approval or oversight.

The study indicates that this change, along with a reduction in the percentage of discretionary income borrowers must repay each month, would lower borrowers payments and shift the burden onto taxpayers. For instance, individuals earning $40,000 a year would see their monthly payments decrease to $30 from $151.

Additionally, the proposed changes would transfer loan balances to taxpayers after 10 years, instead of the current 20-year period, for certain borrowers. This would enable some borrowers to evade loan repayment entirely. The proposal also covers borrowers unpaid monthly interest, which would be shouldered by taxpayers, potentially resulting in a significant transfer of debt from borrowers to the general public.

While the proposed plan aims to address student loan debt, the FGA asserts that it fails to tackle the root cause: the rising cost of tuition. The FGAs report argues that the administrations plan would likely incentivize further increases in tuition as students respond to reduced payments and easier debt forgiveness by taking out larger loans.

The true cost of the proposed rule change is estimated to be even higher than official projections. The Department of Education estimates the cost at $138 billion, while the Congressional Budget Office projects it to be $230 billion. However, these estimates dont account for potential increases in borrowers opting for the revamped IDR plan or taking on larger loan amounts, leading to a more substantial burden on taxpayers. The FGA estimates the cost could range from $332 billion to $471 billion.

The FGAs research concludes by highlighting the negative implications of the proposed rule modification for responsible borrowers and taxpayers. It emphasizes that the change sets up borrowers for failure when managing other types of debt, such as car loans or mortgages.

Supreme Court Ruling

The relevant Supreme Court case, with a ruling expected this week, began with oral arguments on Feb. 28 when conservative members of the court appeared hesitant to accept the Biden administrations plan.

The government stated that it has the power to cancel as much as $20,000 in loan principal per borrower for 40 million people who are in student loan debt.

U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar told the court that the federal Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act gives the federal secretary of education the power to forgive all student loans at once. Several judges disagreed with this claim.

The White House didnt immediately respond to The Epoch Times request for comment.
Bill to Prevent Gender Transitioning In Schools Rejected

Tory MPs joined forces with Labour to vote against a bill that sought to forbid social transitioning practices in schools.

The Reclaim Party MP Andrew Bridgens attempt to use a ten-minute rule motion to introduce a bill on gender and parental rights in schools to the House was thwarted by Labour and Conservative MPs.

Social transitioning refers to a process where transgender people with gender dysphoria ask/demand others to affirm their appearance, name, gender and which pronouns they prefer.

At the House of Commons on Tuesday, Bridgen said his proposed bill would prohibit the promotion of social transition practices in schools, require schools to inform parents if their child has indicated an intention to pursue or has commenced social transition and give parents the right to access information about sex education lessons in schools.

Social transition in children will be forbidden. The promotion of social transitioning and the discussion of social transitioning practices would be prohibited from appearing on any aspect of a school curriculum, he said.

The MP added: Where gender identity is taught, it will be taught alongside opposing views to allow for a fair presentation of political beliefs.

Under all our noses, members of society, either politically or educationally tasked with helping bring up our children have turned raising the next generation into a science experiment with consequences that break my heart.

Social transition practices in school have now become the norm in every classroom in the country, he warned, adding: Gender ideology is a political ideology. One that has been effectively promoted in schools, and therefore constitutes political indoctrination.

However, MPs voted by 40 votes to 34, majority six, to block the Bill being introduced.

Concerted Effort

Andrew Bridgen in a photo issued on Jan. 11, 2023. (PA)

Bridgen told The Epoch Times that those who voted against Bill were actually voting against the law as it stands today.

Former Conservative Bridgen joined Laurence Foxs Reclaim Party in May to take on wokery and groupthink.

I think the government didnt want my bill to go through, they told all the payroll vote to vote against it all or not to vote and that obviously takes half the Conservative vote away, he said.

A payroll vote refers to Members of Parliament who can be counted on by the government to consistently vote in favour of their policies without question. It is also rare for bills put forward by backbenchers (Private Members Bills) to become Acts of Parliament, such bills are an attempt to make an impact on government policy.

It was a concerted effort, claimed Bridgen.

Bridgen added it was disingenuous to conflate gay and lesbian rights to transitioning which is a completely different thing.

There was nothing in my bill that isnt actually already the law. I actually want what weve currently got enforced, he said.

Bridgen said that he would still be pursuing the matter to stop the indoctrination of children in schools and for the rights of parents to see the materials their children are being taught.

Conservative MPs

Labour MPs including former minister Ben Bradshaw and Stella Creasy joined ten Conservative MPs Caroline Noakes, Crispin Blunt, Elliot Colburn, Mark Fletcher, Peter Gibson, Paul Holmes, Alicia Kearns, David Mundell, Nicola Richards and Jacob Young in voting down the bill.

Bradshaw told the Commons trans and non-binary people have always existed and that gender dysphoria has been an internationally-recognised condition for decades.

Schools have become very experienced at handling social transitioning with both sensitivity and professionalism.

The impact of this bill would turn the clock back to an age in which the very existence of trans and non-binary people, a tiny minority, was simply not acknowledged.

He added, Parents would face the impossible choice of forcing their child to continue living in the gender they no longer identify with, with all the negative, often devastating on that childs mental health, or removing them from school and educating them at home.

British Actor Laurence Fox, who stars as Hunter Biden in the movie My Son Hunter, speaks with EpochTVs American Thought Leaders on Sept. 20, 2022. (The Epoch Times)

Parents, or the state?

On Twitter, Laurence Fox asked Labour MP Stella Creasy Who should be charged with the safety of children?

Parents, or the state? Perhaps you should ask parents what they feel, rather than disregarding them completely and imposing anti-family measures from the top down. This isnt China, or North Korea, he wrote.

This is Great Britain. Parents are best placed to support and nurture their children, he added.

Creasy responded to Fox by saying: Unless you actually think no parent can ever do wrong by a child am going to go out on a limb here and point out its not an either-or, everyone can play a role safeguarding kids, especially from those obsessed with trying to tell them what to do or be.

In a paper published in May, the London-based Policy Exchange think tank said that most secondary schools are failing to tell parents if their child wants to identify as another gender.

It found that schools are not reliably informing parents as soon as a pupil expresses the wish to change gender. This means that because of a schools Self-ID policy, the first time a parent is informed of their childs transition is on a letter home, where the childs new name is referenced.

The Epoch Times contacted the leader of the House of Commons for comment.

PA Media contributed to this report.
IN-DEPTH: BlackRock CEO Says Hell No Longer Use ESG Term

Critics say time will tell whether its a real policy change or a rebranding of the same agenda

BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, one of the most powerful figures on Wall Street and an outspoken champion of progressive causes, appeared to be backpedaling this week on his support for the environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) movement, saying he would no longer use the term.

Im not going to use the word ESG because its been misused by the far left and the far right, Fink told attendees of the Aspen Ideas Festival on June 25, adding that he was ashamed of being part of this conversation. He also decried personal attacks that have come in response to some of the positions he has taken.

But many who have led the charge against ESG investing say they are waiting to see whether this indicates that BlackRock, the worlds largest asset manager, with more than $8 trillion in funds under management, has changed its ways or is simply attempting to rebrand the same policies.

I think hes caught some heat from some folks, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis told The Epoch Times. Maybe hes needed to try to find some way to camouflage his messaging because theres definitely been some criticism.

I am encouraged by the change in rhetoric; however, BlackRocks actions over time will be more telling, Utah State Treasurer Marlo Oaks told The Epoch Times. We are watching BlackRocks corporate engagement and how they are voting their proxies.

The Power of Proxy Voting

Proxy voting refers to how BlackRock votes on the corporate shares that it manages for others. Currently, about three-quarters of all shares in U.S. publicly traded companies are held by institutional fund managers in the form of index funds, mutual funds, and pension funds, and not by individual investors.

This gives fund managers such as BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street, the so-called big three, tremendous power and influence over companies. Because of the popularity of its index funds, for example, Vanguard is the largest shareholder in 330 of the companies in the S&P500 index.

And while many view the ESG movement as shunning disfavored companies, such as oil, gas, and coal producers, progressive asset managers often are able to exert more influence by following a buy-and-hold strategy and using their voting power to influence company management. A high-profile case in point was a 2021 shareholder vote, which the big three supported, to put climate activists on the board of ExxonMobil and push the oil company toward investing in wind and solar power over fossil fuels.

Weve watched BlackRocks proxy voting within shareholder proposals this year, Derek Kreifels, CEO of the State Financial Officers Foundation, told The Epoch Times. [Finks] behavior has not changed. He is still trying to force behavior on companies theyre investing in.

Fink stated at a New York Times conference in 2017, regarding the ESG agenda and diversity, You have to force behaviors, and at BlackRock we are forcing behaviors.

As an index fund manager, Fink said: We are the ultimate long-term holder; we have to own all the companies that are in an index. If youre an active manager and you dont like a company, you can sell it.

I cant sell. I have only one power and Im going to use that power heavily. And thats the power of the vote.

Only time will tell, but Im very skeptical that this is a sincere change of heart, Will Hild, executive director of Consumers Research and a frequent critic of ESG investing, told The Epoch Times. Larry has been so vociferous in bragging about the ways he throws his weight around with the amount of money he has under management.

Im not surprised that they would ditch the term [ESG]. This is typical of their response to the pushback theyve been getting. Its been to talk out of both sides of their mouth, depending on who theyre speaking to at the time.

Fink is known for writing an annual letter to CEOs, several of which have focused on ESG issues and the transition away from fossil fuels, though that is largely absent from his 2023 letter.

In a June 7 interview with The Australian, Fink said, My letters have become weaponized.

When I wrote these letters, it was never meant to be political. Every letter was written to our clients and to our shareholders with the idea that were trying to be a voice of the long term.

In a June 8 interview with the Australian Financial Review, Fink said that the red state anti-ESG campaigns withdrawal of about $4 billion of assets from BlackRock funds was dwarfed by $400 billion of inflow from other sources, which, according to BlackRock, reflects the trust that investors have in the firm.

In his 2023 letter, Fink wrote: To ensure the continuity of affordable energy prices during the transition, fossil fuels like natural gas, with steps taken to mitigate methane emissions, will remain important sources of energy for many years ahead. BlackRock is also investing, on behalf of our clients, in responsibly-managed natural gas pipelines.

ESG Seeing Setbacks

While ESG investing has been a popular trend among fund managers, growing from $19 trillion in assets in 2014 to a projected $67 trillion in 2023, the past year has seen some setbacks. A number of states, including Utah, Kentucky, West Virginia, Arkansas, Montana, Texas, and Florida, have taken steps to block public pension money from being used to support ESG, and red state attorneys general have initiated anti-trust investigations.

In addition, New York City employees, including a teacher and subway operator, sued the municipal pension fund managers for what they allege are diminished returns on their pension funds as a result of ESG investing. Many financial firms and corporations signed on to various activist climate clubs in the heyday of ESG, but this year, there have been a number of key withdrawals.

Vanguard withdrew from the U.N.-sponsored Net Zero Asset Managers initiative in December 2022, and so far this year, half of the members of the Net Zero Insurance Alliance have left the club. Among the concerns cited by insurers were possible anti-trust actions, given the coordinated action of members against industries such as fossil fuels, which is likely illegal under U.S. anti-trust laws.

I would say were in the early innings of this fight against ESG, Hild said. But consumers and American citizens should feel very empowered about just the changes that have been made in a short period of time.

At the Aspen Ideas Festival, Fink was reportedly pressed to clarify what he meant by ashamed regarding ESG.

I never said I was ashamed, he reportedly responded. Im not ashamed. I do believe in conscientious capitalism.

The state of Florida divested $2 billion from BlackRock funds in 2022, stating that they want investment earnings to be the top priority.

Its always been about returns for me, Patronis said. When you consider how much responsibility Fink has, when hes got trillions of dollars, in trying to influence politics, and those dollars arent his. They belong to first responders, they belong to retirees, they belong to those trying to set up a future with peace of mind.

I put BlackRock in the same category as what Budweiser has been dealing with with Bud Light. They have forgotten who their customer is, and now they step into politics and have gotten themselves in a real pickle.
Bud Light Hits New Weekly Sales Low After Dylan Mulvaney Boycott

A six pack of Bud Light sits on a shelf for sale at a convenience store in New York City on July 26, 2018. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Bud Lights woes dont appear to be subsiding anytime soon as the latest data show the light beer firm saw another weekly decline after it decided to engage in a promotional effort with a transgender TikTok influencer.

Data from Bump Williams Consulting and NielsenIQ show that sales for Bud Light are down 28.5 percent year-over-year for the week ending June 17, according to the New York Post. Thats a decline of about 2 percentage points from the week ending June 10, when sales dropped 26.8 percent, Bump Williamss data show.

Anheuser-Buschs other brands, including Budweiser and Michelob Ultra, have also suffered year-over-year losses. Budweisers sales are down 12.3 percent, Busch Light is down 8.1 percent, and Michelob Ultra is down 4 percent, according to Bump Williams and Nielsen IQ.

At the same time, competitors like Yuengling Lager went up 25.1 percent, the data show. Coors Light saw a 21.8 percent increase, and Miller Lite went up 16 percent.

And for the month of May, Constellation Brands-owned Modelo Especial was the number one-selling brand in the United States, outpacing Bud Light, which fell to number two, industry data show.

Bump Williams, chief of the eponymous consulting company, told the New York Post on June 21, This was a tough week for Bud Light and other beer brands that are owned by Anheuser-Busch, including Budweiser. Sales of Budweiser were down by 10 percent, Natural Light was down by 2.3 percent, and Michelob Ultra was down by 2.4 percent.

The backlash started in early April, when Bud Light produced a can for transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney, which also led to a decline in Anheuser-Buschs stock. Anheuser-Busch InBevs chief executive, Michel Doukeris, has publicly tried to distance Bud Light from Mulvaney, and the brand has appeared to shift its advertising to a more America-friendly image.

In response, Doukeris told investors last month that he believes that online misinformation was the primary reason for the sales numbers, and he asserted that it was just one can that was produced with Mulvaneys face on it and appeared to deny that there was a partnership. However, Mulvaney posted on social media that there was a partnership.

The can drew the ire of multiple celebrities and conservative influencers on Twitter. Some suggested that consumers boycott the brand in a bid to send a message to corporations that may be pursuing a woke leftist agenda.

A 12-ounce can of Bud Light on a railing at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Fla. on May 26, 2023. (T.J. Muscaro/The Epoch Times)

However, some social media users this week noticed Bud Light is an official sponsor of the Pride Toronto Parade, which promotes the LGBT lifestyle, and will feature them on our can design.

Bud Light Canada has been a proud partner of Pride Toronto for the last 10 years. This year, were commemorating this milestone with Pride Toronto by featuring them on our can design, as well as continuing as the official beer sponsor of the festival, Bud Lights Canadian website says. As a brand, Bud Light Canada is excited to once again celebrate and support the LGBTQIA2S+ community through Pride Torontos annual pride celebration and parade.

Permanent Losses?

At least one analyst noted that some of Bud Lights previous customersbefore the Mulvaney fracaswill never come back.

We believe recent underperformance implies a permanent reduction in ABIs U.S. business, Deutsche Bank analyst Mitch Collett wrote for Barrons. Our proprietary survey data suggests these headwinds are likely to fade even if we do not expect the U.S. business ever to fully recover from its current challenges.

Collett also upgraded shares of AB InBev to buy from hold, increasing the price target to $65.92 from $64.83, according to the report. Data gathered by Deutsche Bank suggest that 24 percent of Bud Lights consumers no longer purchase the brand. Another 18 percent are buying less, he said.

Data also show that 21 percent of consumers are buying more, while 37 percent are buying the same amount, he said, according to the report.

Taken together, our survey data shows that Bud Light as a brand faces significant challengesparticularly with older consumers. However, we believe the forward-looking data sets imply that the challenges will at least partially fade, he wrote, noting that data show the firm hasnt lost shelf presence.

Another analyst said Bud Light could see tough times ahead. Evercores Robert Ottenstein said Bud Light will permanently lose between 15 and 20 percent of its volume. After that, declines will resume at about the average rate of the prior 10 years, he said.

Anheuser-Busch didnt respond to a request from The Epoch Times for comment.
Canada Not Equipped to Monitor Potential Russian Missile Threats in Arctic: Senate Committee

A Russian Yars RS-24 intercontinental ballistic missile system rides through Red Square during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow on May 9, 2017. (Natalia Kolesnikova/AFP/Getty Images)

There are serious questions surrounding Canadas capacity to monitor potential threats of Russian hypersonic missiles in the Canadian Arctic, says the Senate National Security Committee.

Sen. Tony Dean, the committees chair, spoke to reporters during a press conference in Ottawa on June 28 about a report the committee tabled that day, titled Arctic Security Under Threat: Urgent needs in a changing geopolitical and environmental landscape.

Dean told reporters that Russia has reopened a number of Cold War-era Arctic military bases over the past 10 years, and more than 10 are operational.

Dean said Russia stations nuclear-powered submarines at those bases and has an arsenal of hypersonic missiles, which combine the maneuverability of cruise missiles with the range and speed of intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Dean went on to say there are serious questions about NORADs capacity to monitor these threats and to thwart them.

Tracking these weapons will require upgraded, space-based satellite surveillance systems operating alongside new ground-based, over-the-horizon radar systems, Dean said.

The Senate committees report recommends that the federal government urgently procure these new systems.

Aging infrastructure and out-of-date technology are undermining the protection of Canadas sovereignty and the defence of North America from such new threats as long-range cruise missiles and hypersonic missiles, reads the report.

These potential vulnerabilities are among the most significant concerns identified during this study, and they need to be addressed as soon as possible.

Needed Upgrades

NORAD officials have also previously called for upgraded surveillance systems.

Lt. Gen. Alain Pelletier, deputy commander of NORAD, told the House of Commons Standing Committee on National Defence last November that NORADs North Warning System is outdated and very limited in its capacity to detect threats.

Pelletier said Ottawa should invest in upgrading NORADs surveillance equipment as quickly as possible, and noted that NORAD doesnt expect to have the technology in place until later this decade.

The federal government previously announced that it plans on investing around $5 billion over the next several years to modernize NORADs defence systems, as part of Ottawas larger plan to invest about $40 billion into NORAD over the next 20 years.

While attending a meeting in Iceland with leaders of Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and Norway on June 26, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters that the nations discussed the growing risk of Chinas interests in development, exploration, and perhaps the eventual installation of natural-resource platforms in the Arctic.

The prime minister said the discussion came amid ongoing talks between Canada and its Nordic allies about the central Arctic Ocean and the responsibility all of us have as Nordic countries to make sure that were setting clear rules that will protect the public ocean and discourage military uses in the area.
CCP Cant Go Unchecked in South China Sea: Rep. Kiggans

The United States must push back on Chinas communist regime and its aggression in the South China Sea and beyond, according to one congresswoman.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which rules China as a single-party state, will only continue to expand the scope and intensity of its aggression until it is met with real resistance, said Rep. Jennifer Kiggans (R-Va.).

China is a challenging security threat, Kiggans said during a June 28 talk at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) think tank. Its the most challenging threat weve faced in 30 years.

The CCP has demonstrated its desire to increase its influence and aggression beyond the South China Sea and it cant go unchecked.

Chinas Naval Development Outpacing US

Kiggans, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee, warned that the CCPs shipbuilding and repair capabilities are vastly outpacing those of the United States.

Whereas the number of the United States surface combatants has decreased to less than 300 vessels over the last 20 years, she said, the CCPs fleet had increased drastically. While most of Chinas fledgling surface combatant fleet in the early 2000s was composed of Russian-built vessels, Kiggans said, now the CCP boasts powerful new Chinese ships.

Were watching China because they have spent the past 20 years increasing the number of ships they have, Kiggans said.

Back in the early 2000s, they had about 37 [major surface] ships. Today they are closer to 350.

To that end, Kiggans said that the United States needs to dramatically increase its own capabilities for building and repairing ships.

Whereas the CCP now controls the bulk of the worlds shipbuilding and boasts numerous naval yards, Kiggans noted that the United States currently only maintains one drydock capable of maintaining its own aircraft carriers.

God forbid we do enter a conflict; ship repairs will be needed, Kiggans said.

That situation, she added, would only invite more CCP aggression in the coming years.

Our number one priority needs to be that we have to be a deterrent. If we want peace, we have to prepare for war.

CCP Aggression Growing Beyond South China Sea

Harrison Pretat, an associate fellow at CSIS who also spoke at the event, noted that the Chinese regimes growing naval capabilities would better allow it to dominate the Indo-Pacific, through which more than 50 percent of the worlds trade travels yearly.

U.S. warship on patrol in the Indo-Pacific region in 2014. (Mass Communication Specialist Seaman David Flewellyn/U.S. Navy via Getty Images)

The regime is already leveraging its navy to bully its neighbors and illegally attempt to claim new territory, he said.

China remains the most active claimant in disputed waters by far in terms of the number of ships, the size of the ships, the activities theyre doing, and the activities that theyre trying to deny South China Sea powers from pursuing, Pretat said.

Bonnie Glaser, managing director of the Indo-Pacific Program at the German Marshall Fund think tank, agreed with that assessment. She said the regime was increasing the number of hostile intercepts of U.S. and allied forces in the region, including two incidents in late May and early June of this year.

We dont know about all of them  only some that have been made public, Glaser said of the incidents.

It is clearly being directed against our allies, against our partners, and not just us.

Glaser said the CCP is attempting to intimidate the United States, its allies, and partners into leaving the Indo-Pacific in order to secure its hegemony in the region. However, that would ultimately undermine the U.S. position and could encourage more aggression, she added.

They are trying to demonstrate to our allies that they should not be flying closely to whatever claims that China has and should not be working closely with the United States, Glaser said.

I dont think that the United States should be pulling back our operations from where we are conducting.

US Rejects CCP Maritime Claims



Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink acknowledged the regimes increasing aggression, saying that the Biden administration had called on the CCP to cease its unlawful and provocative activities in the South China Sea.

The U.S. presence in the region, he said, as well as that of those regional powers with their own territorial claims, were in line with international law.

Together with like-minded partners, we are promoting respect for international law and the rules-based order, freedom of navigation and overflight, freedom of commerce, and the need for peaceful settlement of disputes, Kritenbrink said.

The United States maintains that the CCPs expansive activities in the region, including everything from hostile intercepts to the creation of artificial islands to inflate its borders superficially, are inconsistent with international law.

To that end, Kritenbrink said, the United States would continue to push back on the CCP and its attempts to control the region.

Our vision for the Indo-Pacific is one in which the region remains open and accessible, and the regions seas and skies are governed and used in accordance with international law.

The United States continues to reject [Chinas] sweeping and unlawful maritime claims in the South China Sea, and we urge Beijing and all South China Sea claimants to comport their maritime claims with international law.
China Is Preparing Its People for War: Haley Singles Out CCP Threat

Republican presidential candidate, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, on June 27, 2023. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Chinas communist regime is preparing to bring war to Taiwan and the United States, according to presidential candidate and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley.

Haley condemned the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) during a speech at the American Enterprise Institute think tank in Washington on June 27. The regime, she said, is not a competitor of the United States but its most consequential enemy.

China is much more than just a mere competitor, Haley said. Communist China is an enemy.

The Chinese Communist Partys endgame is clear: China is preparing its people for war.

Haleys comments follow statements by CCP leader Xi Jinping who said that China must prepare for extreme situations, a phrase many have interpreted as a euphemism for military conflict. Xi has also ordered the regimes military wing to prepare for war and to be ready to start an invasion of democratic Taiwan by 2027.

The regime has also launched an aggressive campaign of military intimidation against Taiwan, the United States, and its allies, with a series of high-profile aerial and sea-based intercepts of their respective military forces.

These provocations are not coincidences or accidents, Haley said. They are the purposeful actions of a communist dictatorship that is determined to expand its power and defeat America militarily and economically.

America is Chinas number one target. The question is: What are we going to do about it?

Chinese soldiers march past Tiananmen Square before a military parade in Beijing on Sept. 3, 2015. (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

US Trade Building CCP Military

Haley said the United States needs to confront China across every domain to deter a war over Taiwan, which the CCP claims is part of its territory.

Taiwan is the [Chinese] Communist Partys most immediate target, Haley said. If China invades, it will trigger the war that none of us want. We cannot let that happen.

To that end, Haley said that the United States had contributed to this state of affairs for decades by continuing to do business with China.

Because the CCP adheres to a strategy of military-civil fusion, through which all civil entities are supposed to also serve a military purpose, it had been able to effectively use American enterprise to undermine American strength, Haley said.

China treats our homeland like its personal playground, she said.

I specifically called out its military-civil fusion program [when I was ambassador], where the Chinese Communist Party exploits American companies to strengthen its military.

Haley said the CCP had abused U.S. openness and a general willingness of the global liberal order to do business with China under the belief that economic contact would help China become more democratic.

Rather than heal China and end its authoritarianism, however, Haley said economic contact helped the CCP to diminish U.S. influence and now threatened to allow the regime to replace the United States.

Liberal economic theory, she said, neglected the role of Chinese communist ideology.

Haley pointed to the regimes use of a spy balloon to target sensitive U.S. military sites in February, and its recently uncovered spy facility in Cuba, as evidence of the malign intent of the CCP.

We all remember the Chinese spy balloon that flew over our homeland just months ago, Haley said. It wasnt taking pictures of our prairies or our beaches. It was flying over American nuclear missile sites.

We must act now to keep the peace and prevent war. We need a leader who will rally our people to meet this threat on every single front.

Multiple Administrations Failed to Counter China

Haley, who also previously served as governor of South Carolina, said that both the Biden and Trump administrations had failed to take adequate measures to counter the threat posed by the CCP.

She condemned Secretary of State Antony Blinkens recent trip to China as a gold-plated invitation for more Chinese aggression, saying the visit did not accomplish anything other than making China look more powerful on the international stage.

I dont mind that Secretary Blinken went to China, Haley said. We should always keep that communication going when were dealing with our enemies.

Its the way theyre doing it. Theyre showing that America is running scared from China.

To that end, Haley clarified that simply not appearing scared was insufficient to counter the threat.

As such, she also took a swing at former President Donald Trump, saying that his administration failed to expand its focus on China beyond the realm of trade.

The United States was in a weaker-than-necessary position because the Trump administration did not strengthen the U.S. military in Asia or work to stop technology transfers to China, or adequately rally allies in the region.

Moreover, Haley said Trump displayed moral weakness by congratulating Xi on the CCPs 70th anniversary of conquering China.

That sent a wrong message to the world, Haley said. Chinese communism must be condemned, never congratulated.
Chinese Lawyers Forced to Study Political Brainwashing Doctrine

Lawyers and activists gather for a silent protest for the fourth anniversary of the "709" incident, Beijing's suppression on human rights lawyers across China, at the court of final appeal in Hong Kong on July 9, 2019. (Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images)

Since the 709 Crackdown in 2015when Chinese authorities arrested hundreds of human rights lawyers, dissidents, and petitionersBeijing has intensified its communist brainwashing among law firms throughout China.

Chinese lawyers revealed to the Chinese language edition of The Epoch Times that ideological indoctrination has always existed, but it used to only apply to Communist Party members.

After the 709 Crackdown, however, the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) ideological work was expanded to target all lawyers, including non-Party members. The lawyers said they must accept the reeducation, which focuses on Xi Jinping Thought.

Xi Jinping Thought

Officially known as Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the ideological doctrine is based on Xis directives, speeches, and writings, which shape his China dream.

Xiaolan (pseudonym), a Beijing-based lawyer, said the CCP has recently stepped up political indoctrination across the country and demanded legal professionals study Xis writings.

Chinese lawyers were believed to enjoy a higher degree of freedom than most people in China because the national treasury does not pay their salaries, Xiaolan said, but the current situation doesnt look good.

On May 22, in a forum introducing the first two volumes of Selected Works of Xi Jinping, Cai Qi, the first secretary of the Secretariat of the CCP, touted that the books should be studied in great depth, to the brain, the heart, and the soul, according to state media broadcaster CCTV.

An adult student taking notes on Xi Jinping Thought in a class at the Party School of the Chinese Communist Partys Central Committee during a government-organized tour for foreign journalists in Beijing. The normally highly secretive Central School of the Communist Party opened its doors to foreign media on June 26, 2019, for a tightly controlled visit in which little was left to chance. (Leo Ramirez/AFP via Getty Images)

Wu Shaoping, who used to practice law in Shanghai, said that since the 709 Crackdown, Beijing enhanced its ideological work among law firms by demanding their non-Party member lawyers to participate in political theory studies and activities.

Yang Yuan (pseudonym), a lawyer in Henan Province, told The Epoch Times that Chinese lawyers were obliged to receive political reeducation after the 709 incident.

According to Yang, under the order of the local justice department in Zhengzhou City, lawyers had to study Xi Jinping: The Governance of China and the CCPs history.

The study involved the usage of the Study Xi, Strong Country app provided by Beijing. It was released by the Publicity Department of the CCP in January 2019, aiming to indoctrinate the populace about Xis leadership. It contains state media news reports of Xis visits to various provinces, a function where messages disappear after being read, and weekly quizzes about Xi Jinping Thought so that users can earn points.

Some local bar associations conduct their annual assessment of lawyers qualifications based on the viewing record and points on the app.

Yang said that since the law firms were required to set up a CCP branch, they have lost their independence, and lawyers cant take cases voluntarily. The Party branch decides the firms business because each case needs approval, Yang said.

Wu said that Chinese lawyers couldnt serve their clients interests. Lawyers are now serving the authorities, but the clients pay for the fee.

Abuse

Ding Jiaxi, one of the lawyers in the 709 incident, received a 12-year sentence in April.

Ding, 55, is one of the prominent figures in the Chinese New Citizens Movement, which seeks the peaceful transition of China toward constitutionalism and calls for greater transparency regarding the wealth of officials.

He was arrested on Dec. 26, 2019, after attending a gathering with about 20 other human rights lawyers and activists in Xiamen, a port city in Chinas southeast coastal province of Fujian. He was subsequently placed under residential surveillance in a designated location for six months, and faced various forms of torture during that period, according to a 2021 statement from Lawyers Rights Watch Canada.

Ding was formally arrested by authorities on June 19, 2020, on suspicion of inciting subversion of state power and detained at Linshu County Detention Center.

His wife, Luo Shengchun, who now lives in the United States, revealed how the brainwashing tactics were carried out.

For example, he was deprived of sleep and was forced to watch a 12-hour TV program, blasting at high volume, on Xis political talks for seven days, Luo told the Chinese language edition of The Epoch Times.

Ding passed out multiple times during the ordeal. Eventually, he caved under pressure and told authorities he participated in democratic activities in China. But I dont believe I am guilty, he said, according to Luo.



Haizhong Ning, Luo Ya, and Andrew Chen contributed to this report.
IN-DEPTH: Defense Budget Focuses on Growing China Threat

The Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723) returns to U.S. Naval Base in Guam on Aug. 19, 2021. (Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Naomi Johnson/U.S. Navy via AP)

The proposed United States $886.3 billion Fiscal Year 2024 defense budget features a $9.1 billion program designed to beef up allied operational efficiencies and fortify installations to counter aggression in the Western Pacific by Chinas growing military.

Both Senate and House armed services committees last week adopted the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI) within their Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Acts (FY24 NDAA), or proposed annual defense budgets, which are set to be debated through summer and passed this fall. The $9.5 billion is a 40-percent increase from this years PDI allocation.

Both chambers draft NDAAs also funnel funding and resources to Taiwan as it prepares a porcupine defense to fend off an invasion that the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) is publicly and brazenly preparing to launch no later than 2027.

That Taiwan emphasis across the NDAA and within the PDI could be bolstered by a House effort to transfer $500 million for the island nations defense from the proposed $52.2 billion State Department budget and into the Taiwan Foreign Military Financing (FMF) fund.

Under a House Appropriations Committee subcommittee plan, the $500 million Taiwan FMF fund would function similarly to the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which allows the Pentagon and administration to purchase weapons and munitions for Kyiv in its war with Russia outside U.S. stockpiles and without Congressional approval.

Both chambers proposed defense budgets also incorporate House China Committee Chair Rep. Mike Gallaghers (R-Wis.) amendment requiring the Department of Defense (DOD) collaborate with Taiwan on cybersecurity.

The Senate Armed Service Committees NDAA executive summary calls for the U.S. to establish a comprehensive training, advising, and institutional capacity-building program for the military forces of Taiwan.

The House Armed Forces Committee NDAA says much the same thing, except it allocates $108 million for defense articles and services to Taiwan, including military training.

Under the FY23 NDAA, the U.S. has deployed up to 200 military specialists, including special-operations forces and Marines, to Taiwan to bolster training programs, the largest deployment of American forces in decades on the island, while the Michigan National Guard is engaged in battalion-sized training of Taiwanese military at Camp Grayling in northern Michigan.

PDI Hones Focus on Countering China

The Taiwan directives are a component within the PDI, which the Pentagon describes as a key subset of the NDAA designed to focus its great deal of investment in thwarting Chinese Communist Party (CCP) military adventurism into what is needed and what strengthens regional deterrence.

The Pentagon maintains the PDI enhances its effort to prioritize China as its preeminent pacing challenge and develop capacity, operational concepts, and planning to strengthen deterrence against the PRC in the Indo-Pacific. (The PDI) consists of targeted investments that enhance U.S. force posture, infrastructure, presence, and readiness as well as the capacity and capabilities of U.S. allies and partners specifically in the Indo-Pacific region.

Members of the Philippine Coast Guard take part in a simulation during a trilateral maritime exercise with Japan and U.S. coast guards, 15 nautical miles off the coast of Bataan province, western Philippines, on June 6, 2023. (Jes Aznar/Getty Images)

The PDI will be administered by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (IndoPacCom), the largest of DODs six geographic joint combatant commands with an area of operation (AOR) that stretches from its Pearl Harbor headquarters west across two oceans to the Arabian Sea.

IndoPacCom spans 36 nations, includes more than half the worlds population, features nine of the planets 10 largest ports, and is regarded as heavily militarized with seven of the worlds 10 largest militaries just in the Western Pacific alone, including five with nuclear arsenals.

The command is led by Adm. John Aquilino and incorporates U.S. Forces Korea, U.S. Forces Japan, U.S. Special Operations Command Pacific, U.S. Navy 7th Fleet, U.S. Marine Forces Pacific, U.S. Pacific Air Forces, U.S. Army Pacific, and the militaries of five nations allied through mutual defense treaties.

Admiral John C. Aquilino discusses U.S.-China strategic competition at Paley Center for Media in New York City on May 23, 2023. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Senate and House NDAAs include PDI directives calling for improving U.S. ground-based theater-range missile capabilities; an annual report on developing, acquiring, and establishing an integrated air and missile defense architecture for IndoPacCom, including Hawaii.

The PDI requires a DOD report on infrastructure, resources, and personnel available on Guam to meet strategic objectives and designates the Defense Under Secretary for Acquisition and Sustainment as responsible for bolstering Guams missile defense with procurement authorizations for the Iron Dome short-range rocket defense system, Davids Sling Weapon System, and Arrow 3 Upper Tier Interceptor Program.

Guam receives significant attention in the NDAA and PDI. The 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, which Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in a March hearing described as one of the most advanced formations in the Corps, is being deployed to Guam so that we can better deter conflict in the First Island Chain.

A House PDI amendment seeks a DOD report on Chinese penetration of transportation node infrastructure and commercial technologies, including an analysis of existing and proposed DOD initiatives intended to mitigate such threats, especially across the Western Pacific.

Both chambers are seeking a DOD study on modernizing the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site on Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Missing from the Senate NDAA and PDI is the House amendment adopted in a 31-28 partisan vote calling on the Pentagon to provide a report on how it would neutralize Chinas navywhich will purportedly top 500 ships within two yearsto impose a blockade on the PRC.

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon is observing the Chinese PLA Navy vessel Luyang III (top) while on transit through the Taiwan Strait with the Royal Canadian Navys HMCS Montreal on June 3, 2023. (Andre T. Richard / US NAVY / AFP)

Increased Operations With Allies

Itself a subset of the NDAA, the PDI has two of its own subsets, the Indo-Pacific Campaigning Initiative and Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness Initiative. Both chambers NDAAs include similar language for the proposed programs.

The Indo-Pacific Campaigning Initiative is designed to increase frequency and scale of exercise, freedom of navigation operations, and partner engagements across the vast region.

An amendment by the Senate Armed Forces Committee AirLand Subcommittee requires this uptick in joint exercises be geared to test operational capacities in contested circumstances.

The Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness Initiative spells out some specifics in those increased joint operations, specifically with Australia, Japan, and India.

The proposed initiative directs a plan for enhancing security cooperation with Japan, including analyzing the feasibility and advisability of modifying U.S. command structures in Japan.

It also seeks to ensure India is appropriately considered for security cooperation benefits consistent with the status of India as a major defense partner of the United States.

The initiative extends cyber cooperation program with Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia and expands the program to include the Philippines and Malaysia.

The PDI notes the Philippines has agreed to nearly double the number of bases where American forces can operate, and Japan has doubled its defense spending.

The NDAA and PDI stress support for the newly-signed U.S., Australia, and the United Kingdom AUKUS partnership that will foster game-changing defense advantages in building, deploying, and jointly operating attack submarines across IndoPacCom.

It also calls on the Pentagon to produce a report related to the transfer of operational control on the Korean Peninsula from the U.S. Forces Korea to South Korea.

Royal Australian Navy guided-missile frigate HMAS Parramatta (FFH 154) (L) sails with U.S. Navy Amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) and Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) in the South China Sea, on April 18, 2020. (Petty Officer 3rd Class Nicholas Huynh/U.S. Navy/Handout via Reuters)

Ship-Building Plan Needs Review

In terms of force structure, both chamber NDAAs gear defense spending for the IndoPacCom, specifically for the Western Pacific, and even more specifically for what war-gamers see as what would be an air-naval conflict against the PRC.

Both chambers proposed defense budgets meet the Navys request for nine new ships but change the configuration of ships being ordered and cancel the retirements of five ships among 11 the sea service wanted to mothball.

The draft NDAAs allocate $1.9 billion to fully fund a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship the Marine Corps lobbied for that the Navy didnt request while canceling proposed construction contracts for a submarine tender, service craft, and auxiliary personnel lighter.

The proposed defense budget authorizes the Navy to enter multiyear procurement for 10 Virginia-class submarines, ordering two instead of one to begin construction this year; and for new Columbia-class nuclear missile submarines, with one to begin construction in FY24; two Arleigh Burke destroyers; two guided missile frigates; and a fleet oiler.

The NDAA directs the Navy to find a second shipyard to produce the new Constellation-class guided missile frigates while preventing the Navy from retiring three amphibious ships and two Aegis class cruisers.

Both chambers proposed defense budgets call for a plan to determine how unmanned surface vessels (USVs) can address gaps in lower-end maritime security missions and demonstrate how small and medium USVs, through manned-unmanned teaming, can improve the survivability, lethality, and tasking of manned platforms.

The NDAAs call on the Pentagon to review the Navys 30-year shipbuilding plan, with some Republican senators claiming its alleged inadequacies may need to be addressed in a supplemental defense spending bill.

In June 2021, in its first annual update of the Navys 30-year shipbuilding plan, the Biden administration scaled down the size of the fleet planned during the Trump administration from 400 ships by 2050 to between 321 and 372, with 355 ships the target.

In its FY23 budget, the administration requested funding for nine new combat ships while decommissioning 16. Congress agreed to build the nine ships but only consented to mothballing four of the 16 targeted for the scrapyard.

In its FY24 budget request, the administration proposed building nine new ships while divesting 11, including three cruisers, three amphibious dock landing ships, and two littoral combat ships. The proposed NDAAs would delay the retirements of five of those ships.

The Navys FY24 budget request called for retiring three amphibious ships among seven Whidbey-class landing dock ships (LHDs) being replaced by San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships (LPD).

The LHDs/LPDs are among a fleet of amphibious ships that include helicopter assault landing (LHA) ships and multi-purpose amphibious assault (LSDs) ships that resemble small aircraft carriers designed to support Marine expeditionary forces.

The Navy maintains two Marine expeditionary units (MEUs) at sea at all times to respond to unfolding crises. To support those two MEUs and five other MEUs training ashore, a 2019 Amphibious Force Requirements Study determined a 31-vessel fleet of amphibious assault ships was the bare minimum necessary, and Congress installed that number as a statutory baseline.

The ideal 31-ship alignment is 10 LHD/LHAs and 21 LPD/LSD ships, according to the Navy. But under its budget request, three LDHs were designated for divestment with no replacement other than incremental finding for an LPD with no delivery date. This would have trimmed the current 32-ship amphib fleet to 29 ships.

An NDAA amendment adopted by the Senate Armed Forces Committee Seapower Subcommittee directs the Navy to schedule maintenance and repair activities for amphibious ships in order to ensure that 24 such warships are available for worldwide deployment at any given time, requires quarterly briefings on the operational status of the amphibious warship fleet, and requires the submission of a 30-year shipbuilding plan always maintains 31 amphibious ships in the Navy fleet.
ISLAMABAD, June 28 (Xinhua) -- A terrorist was killed and three others were injured during a military operation in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the military said in a statement on Wednesday.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan army, confirmed a fire exchange took place between security forces and terrorists in the Tirah area of the Khyber district bordering Afghanistan, resulting in one death and three injuries.

Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the terrorists, said the ISPR, adding that the sanitization of the area is being carried out to eliminate any terrorists in the area.

On Tuesday, the Counter Terrorist Department of police in the country's eastern Punjab province foiled a major terror bid and arrested nine terrorists during intelligence-based operations. 
Democrat Abstentions Temporarily Block Reappointment of Wisconsin Elections Chief

Meagan Wolfe, the head of the Wisconsin Elections Commission, speaks during a virtual press conference on Nov. 4, 2020. (Wisconsin Elections Commission via Reuters)

The strategic abstentions of the three Democrats on the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) resulted in the failure of a motion to reappoint embattled WEC Administrator Meagan Wolfe to a second four-year term.

Wolfe has been the highest-ranking state elections official since 2018. She has drawn criticism for her administering of the 2020 presidential and 2022 midterm elections.

All three Republicans on the Commission voted to reappoint Wolfe.

The votes of four of the Commissions six members are required to reappoint Wolfe and forward her appointment to the state Senate for its advice and consent, so the motion died.

The special meeting was held on the afternoon of June 27, just three days before Wolfes term expires on July 1. The motion to reappoint was the only business on the agenda.

Wolfes Performance Praised

Before the vote, the Democrats were joined by all three Republicans in praising Wolfes performance, and all said they wanted her to have another term.

Democrat commissioner Ann Jacobs said of Wolfe, She is the best person to lead the Commission going forward.

The Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin. (Carol M. Highsmith via Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain)

Jacobs also said that the Senate should promise to appoint Meagan Wolfe. Yet Jacobs told the Commission that she must abstain from voting to reappoint her.

Before his abstention, Democrat commissioner Joseph Czarnezki stated that Wolfe was more than qualified and should remain in the position.

Dilatory Tactics Explained

The Democrats parliamentary maneuver of abstention thwarted the Commissions Republican members desire to reappoint Wolfe.

Fearful of the likelihood of the GOP supermajority in the Senate declining to confirm Wolfes reappointment, Democrat commissioner Mark Thomsen candidly explained the political reasoning behind the abstention tactic, saying, We wont let the Senate do what we wouldnt do ourselves.

Thomsen, Czarnezki, and Jacobs also offered a legal theory to justify their actions. They contended that because there was no vacancy at the moment in the position, the WEC had no authority to make an appointment.

Legal Precedent?

They said their position was based on Kaul v Prehn, a case decided by the Wisconsin Supreme Court on June 29, 2022.

Interior view of the Wisconsin Supreme Court courtroom, inside the Wisconsin State Capitol building, Madison, Wisconsin, on July 24, 2013. (CCO 1.0 via Wikipedia)

The decision held that the expiration of the term of an appointed official does not create a vacancy and that the incumbent may continue to serve as a holdover until confirmed by the state Senate.

However, that case dealt with positions filled by appointment of the governor with the consent of the Senate, while the WEC administrator is appointed by the Wisconsin Elections Commission with the consent of the Senate.

It appears it will be left up to the courts to determine if the Prehn decision is relevant to Wolfes situation.

Keeping Wolfe Around for 2024

The Democrats asserted that because there is no vacancy, there can be no appointment and, therefore, no submission to the Senate for confirmation, an argument that may prove to be nothing more than a tactic to keep Wolfe in office a little longer.

Wisconsin law states, If a vacancy occurs in the administrator position, the commission shall appoint a new administrator, and submit the appointment for senate confirmation, no later than 45 days after the date of the vacancy.

The question of whether the expiration of Wolfes term on July 1, 2023, creates a vacancy was not specifically addressed at the meeting.

Litigation Likely

WEC Chairman Don Mills, a Republican, said a lot depends on the definition of the word vacancy and that a lawsuit seemed inevitable.

Thomsen said hed rather take his chances in court than in the Senate.

At a press conference following the brief meeting, Wolfe stated, We are in unprecedented territory. I have a very clear intent here, and that is to make sure that our Commissionand our local elections officials have the stability they need as we move forward.

Mills told reporters that a holdover administrator would decrease stability and draw questions about Wolfes authority during the 2024 election.

Its more than a bad look. Its going to create problems for us and for election officials across the state, he said.

Wisconsin statutes say that if the WEC fails to make an appointment within 45 days, it would fall to the Joint Committee on Legislative Organization to appoint someone to serve as an interim administrator until the Senate is able to confirm an appointee. The interim administrator would be allowed to serve no longer than one year.
DeSantis Outlines Plans for Federal Government at New Hampshire Event

Talking to New Hampshire voters on June 27, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis outlined his plans to reconstitutionalize the federal government, including constitutional amendments hed like to see passed.

DeSantis, a Republican seeking his partys nomination in the 2024 presidential race, took probing questions from the states famously independent-minded voters, including from some wanting to know how his administration would be different from that of former President Donald Trump.

A 15-year-old boy named Mitchell asked a tricky question for any conservative candidate. He heard DeSantis speak at a rally last month, he said.

I appreciated your remarks on some of the key principles that the Founding Fathers set forth and how it was our duty to uphold them, he told DeSantis, who loves to discuss the Constitution and its Framers.

A crucial part of our democracy is the peaceful transfer of power. Some people think that Trumps actions on Jan. 6 and beyond violated the key principles of America and the Constitution set forth by our Founding Fathers. Do you believe that Trump violated the peaceful transfer of power, a key principle of American democracy that we must uphold?

Supporters of President Donald Trump clash with police outside the Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Joseph Prezioso /AFP via Getty Images)

DeSantis, after thanking him for the question and asking where he went to high school, responded to the question. He didnt dodge it. But he also didnt give a yes or no answer, either. He also didnt criticize the former president, whose supporters hell need in November 2024, if he gains the Republican nomination.

Heres what I know, DeSantis said. If this election is about Bidens failures or our vision for the future, we are going to win. If its about litigating things that happened two or three years ago, were going to lose.

He pointed to another recent transition of powerhis inauguration to his second term as Floridas governor on Jan. 5.

Two years earlier, on Jan. 6, 2021, he said, I wasnt anywhere near Washington that day. I had nothing to do with what happened that day. Obviously, I didnt enjoy seeing what happened, but weve got to go forward on this stuff. We cannot be looking backwards and be mired in the past.

A man named Mark posed another pointed question.

Most of us in this room voted to drain the swamp twice, he said. Talk to us specifically about why youre the right candidate for folks in New Hampshire to come behind in this primary, to drain the swamp, and get it done this time, as opposed to the other.

DeSantis seemed to commiserate.

I remember these rallies in 2016, he said, referring to Trumps campaign speeches and promises. It was exciting. Drain the Swamp. I also remember, Lock her up, lock her up. Right? And then two weeks after the election, Ah, forget about it. Forget I ever said that.

Hed be different, he promised.

No, no, no. One thing youll get from me, if I tell you Im going to do something, Im not just saying that for an election, DeSantis said.

He wont make promises, even if theyd benefit him politically, unless hes sure he can follow through, he said.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a fundraiser in a file photo. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

DeSantis said he wants three Constitutional amendments.

One would require a balanced federal budget. Another would give the president a line-item veto so we can line out the pork items, he said.

The third would establish term limits for members of Congress.

We have term limits in Florida for our legislature, he said. Let me tell youit works.

He acknowledged that term limits can put more power in the hands of former-legislators-turned-lobbyists.

People say, Oh, you know, the lobbyists will take over. Are the lobbyists not taking over Washington as it is? I mean, are you kidding me?

Term limits change the incentives, said DeSantis, who served three terms in Congress representing a district south of Jacksonville.

For many congressional representatives, their No. 1 goal is to simply stay in Congress for 30 years, if possible, he said. Those inclined to cut spending worry, instead, about making enemies.

With term limits, he said, lawmakers know their time is limited. In Florida, theyre limited to eight consecutive years in office.

They know, he said, Im not going to be in this office for my whole lifethis is the end of the road. Im going to do something to leave a legacy. Im going to swing for the fences and Im actually going to try to do big things.

Congress currently has every incentive to charge it to the credit card rather than get spending under control, he said.

He contrasted that with Florida, which like many states, requires a balanced budget. His administration had devoted part of huge surpluses to accelerating state debt payoff, he said.

DeSantis reiterated his pledge to require federal cabinet secretaries to move half of their agencies workforces outside the Washington area. The founders, he said, created three branches of government, but not a fourth branch, an administrative state that operates basically without accountability and with impunity.

Bureaucrats, he warned, now control the most important things that affect our daily lives nowwhat kind of car you can drive, what kind of energy you can use, whether you can use a gas stove.

They are being imposed by nameless, faceless bureaucrats. Your members of Congress, who you elect, are not voting on most of these things. And so its been a massive transfer of power from the public to these agencies in Washington.

The founders would have said, 100 percent, that [that kind of unchecked] power is going to be abused. Thats why they designed checks and balances. Thats why James Madison said in one of the Federalist Papers that if men were angels, no government would be necessary.

Detail, engraved portrait of James Madison, seated at a writing desk, circa 1800. (Lawrence Thornton/Archive Photos/Getty Images)

DeSantis said he knows he cant do the job of top executive alone, and hell need thousands of people to come to Washington to serve in his administration.

You cant just recycle everyone from D.C., he said. Youve got to bring people from other parts of the country.

It wont be an easy task, he said.

Those in leadership positions shouldnt be under any illusion, he said. They threaten the status quo, and will be viciously attacked for it, he said.

You are not going to be treated well by the corporate press, he said. The corporate media, they used to say, Oh, we speak truth to power. They run interference for the Deep State. The Deep State leaks to them, then they write that.

So, for example, you need an attorney general thats got a spine of steel, thats going to show up on Day 1 and start cleaning house, knowing theyre going to get raked over the coals, DeSantis said.

He plans to turn the Department of Justice, the IRS, and the FBI inside out, including firing FBI Director Christopher Wray immediately, he said.

The issue here is about the future of a constitutional system of government. This bureaucracy has imposed its will on us for far too long. Now is the time we the people impose our will on it.

In answering other questions, DeSantis defended the states six-week limit to abortions, noting the states culture of life. He also mentioned a successful state program led by his wife, Casey DeSantis. It connects single mothers to nonprofits, charities, and businesses that can help meet their needs, and, at the same time, help them rely less on government support.

On foreign policy matters, DeSantis advocated for greater European financial support for NATO. He also repeated his conviction that the Pacific theater and containing the threat posed by China need to be the new American priority.

He highlighted his response to the high school massacre in Parkland, Florida, which occurred a year before his first inauguration. After coming into office, he removed the Broward County Sheriff from office for allegedly failing to protect schools. And he put school resource officers in every high school.

Florida also then implemented a guardian program, where teachers can elect to train and qualify to carry a concealed weapon on school grounds.

Heres why its effective, DeSantis said. If a school is a guardian school, it doesnt even matter if anybody is actually doing it. Just the fact that some may be doing itthats going to tell these nut jobs that this is not a place we want to go. So in Florida, we make the schools difficult targets.
Disturbing Details Emerge in the Arrest of Transgender Legislator Charged With Child Porn, Exploitation

The Children's Law Center of New Hampshire is one of several organizations that participated in a Pride parade in Portsmouth, N.H. on June 24, 2022 (Alice Giordano/The Epoch Times)

Disturbing details in the arrest of the nations first elected transgender legislator and a Massachusetts preschool worker on child exploitation and pornography charges have been released by the United States Department of Homeland Security.

Former New Hampshire State Rep. Stacie-Marie Laughton, a Democrat from Nashua and Lindsay Groves, a caregiver at the Creative Minds Learning Center in Tyngsboro, were both arrested and charged last week with multiple counts of child exploitation and distribution of child pornography.

Laughton made history back in 2012 when she was elected as the first transgender lawmaker in the United States. She was elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives.

The arrests of Laughton and Groves were initiated by the Nashua Police Department, but because of the nature of the crimes, it has been transferred to HSI for federal prosecution.

According to a report based on a preliminary investigation into the case by a Homeland Security criminal investigator, Groves bragged in text messages that she used natural bathroom breaks at the daycare center prior to naptime to take photos of childrens genitals.

Special agent Rocco Rauseo said he was able to determine that the children allegedly exploited by Laughton and Groves are between the ages of 3 and 5.

He also wrote in his report that Groves took pictures of their children with their pants pulled down below their knees. He said the images Groves took consisted of the genitals of both boys and girls at the preschool.

In one of the images, Groves captured her own ankle tattoo.

In his report, Rauseo identified the person Groves was texting the pictures to as Person 1 and did not specifically name Laughton. However, he does identify Groves, 38, and Person 1 as former lovers. Laughton is 39.

Nashua Sgt. John Cinelli, the initial investigator in the case, told The Epoch Times that Laughton is directly connected to Groves but said he could not comment further.

Cinelli said he also knows of no other people charged in the case.

Rauseos report also includes transcripts of some of the text exchanges between Groves and Person 1.

They are so sexually graphic that most of them have to be paraphrased. In one of the texts, Person 1 refers to a picture of a little girls genitals taken and sent by Groves with vulgar language and calls it [expletive] hot.

I also need to be honest. I mean, yes, that picture was hot of that little boy, but you probably have gotten the picture by now that I prefer a little girl, but he is cute. Id like to see you put your hand around his penis, wrote Person 1 to Groves.

Preceding the comment, Groves wrote in a text to Person 1, I want to do this with you with one of my kids.

According to Rauseos report, Groves was taking the pictures and texting them right away to Person 1. In another text, Person 1 asks Groves if the children gave her any issues. She replies, No.

The learning center where Groves worked at the time of her arrest did not respond to inquiries from The Epoch Times.

According to its website, it offers preschool programs, before-school care, and child care.

Your childs safety is of our highest concern, its website states, noting it has secured locked entrances.

The arrest of Laughton and Groves comes amid national controversy over lewd public behavior and indecent exposure during several Pride month parades around the country.

Over the weekend, an LGBT group chanted at a Pride parade in New York, Were coming for your children.

In another now highly publicized video, a Pride participant can be seen twerking his naked buttocks in front of children in Minnesota and in Seattle, a group of naked men with their genitals exposed rode bicycles past onlookers, including children, as part of a Pride parade there.

Two weeks earlier, in LA, two scantily-dressed gay men put on a bondage exhibition during a crowded Pride month event.

In New Hampshire, a heavy barrage of criticism has been aimed at Democrat leaders for not condemning Laughton, who, as it turns out, has a lengthy criminal history.

Laughton, a biological male whose birth name is Barry Charles, was first elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives in 2012, and became the first openly transwoman in the nation to be elected to a state office. Laughton served briefly before resigning.

Over the years, Laughton has been convicted of making a bomb threat, credit card fraud, and making false 911 calls. Laughton was free on bail when Nashua voters reelected Laughton him in 2022. By that time, he was also a three-time convicted felon.

Laughton was assigned to the State-Federal Relations Veterans Affairs Committee by House leaders and sponsored several bills before resigning.

Following his 2022 election, Laughton was arrested and jailed on charges of stalking and domestic violence. Laughton was given a nine-month suspended sentence in an offered plea deal from the Hillsborough County District Attorneys office.

Laughton was consequently free to serve in the New Hampshire Legislature but ended up resigning.

A Twitter post about Laughtons arrest has drawn thousands of comments and more than five million views, with Republicans attacking Democrats for allowing someone like Laughton to make it into the New Hampshire House of Representatives once again.

According to a Dec. 22, 2022 article by the Patch, following Laughtons 2022 conviction, both New Hampshire Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley and House Democratic Caucus Leader Matt Wilhelm released statements demanding Laughtons resignation.

Neither Wilhelm nor Buckley responded to inquiries from The Epoch Times.

New Hampshire Republicans like Leah Cushman (R), who has advocated for the passage of a parental rights bill, believe that both Wilhelm and Buckley, who is openly gay, have been way too silent about Laughton.

A little girl waives an LGBT flag at a Pride parade held in Portsmouth, N.H., on June 24, 2022. (Alice Giordano/The Epoch Times)

Cushman said it is especially critical for Democrats to condemn the sexual exploitation of children with the growing controversy over gender identity politics and schools resisting parental notification policy proposals about sexual activity involving students.

I think the Democratic party should have taken a hard look at the situation long before this happened, said Cushman, this goes way beyond the golden rule of inclusion.

In May, New Hampshire Democrats narrowly defeated a parental rights bill after arguing it would unfairly out LGBT children to their parents.

In a triumphant comment in response to the bills defeat, Wilhelm said he was glad we dont need to insert teachers into the parent-child relationship and force them to out LGBTQ+ youth before theyre ready.

The bill was defeated by state Democrats following a survey that showed 80 percent of New Hampshire voters polled support parental rights policies at schools.

Cinelli told The Epoch Times that police began an investigation into Laughton and Groves after receiving a call about inappropriate sexual activity going on at the center. He said due to the ongoing investigation, he could not say if it was a parent, an employee of the center, or someone else.

The learning center did not respond to inquiries from The Epoch Times.

According to its website, it offers preschool programs, before and school care, and child care.

Your childs safety is of our highest concern, its website states, noting it has secured locked entrances.
EPA Drops Civil Rights Probe Into Claim Pollution in Louisiana Put Black Residents at Risk

The Denka, formerly DuPont, factory in Reserve, Louisiana, on Aug. 12, 2021. (Emily Kask / AFP via Getty Images)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said Tuesday that it is closing a probe into allegations of discrimination or civil rights violations by the state of Louisiana after finding no evidence black residents faced high levels of air pollution.

The investigation was initiated in response to complaints from environmental groups, who claimed that black residents in St. John the Baptist Parish were disproportionately exposed to air pollution.

These groups alleged that Denka, a Japanese company that operates at the former DuPont facility in LaPlace, was permitted to release excessive levels of the chemical chloroprene, which the EPA classified as a likely carcinogen in 2010.

Denka produces chloroprene, which is used to make neoprene synthetic rubber used in a wide variety of products such as wetsuits and waterproof gloves, laptop sleeves, electrical insulation, and automotive fan belts and hoses. The company had previously voluntarily agreed to reduce plant emissions, according to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.

Environmental organizations further claimed that Louisianas failures resulted in residents facing the highest cancer risk from air pollution across the nation. They also raised concerns about residents exposure to the carcinogen ethylene oxide from various sources.

St. John the Baptist Parish is located within an industrialized area along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans that activists refer to as Cancer Alley. The majority of the parishs population is black.

However, in a court filing submitted on Tuesday, the EPA said that it made no finding of discrimination or other violation by either the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality or the Louisiana Department of Health.

This decision by the EPA effectively concludes the Biden administrations investigation into the state.

In February, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a complaint under Section 303 of the Clean Air Act against Denka to compel the company to significantly reduce hazardous chloroprene emissions from its neoprene manufacturing facility in LaPlace.

The Biden administrations lawsuit claimed the companys facility presented an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health and welfare.

Louisiana filed a lawsuit in May claiming that the Biden administration had weaponized civil rights law in pursuing the probe.

The state accused the EPA in a court filing of overstepping its authority under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by pressuring the state to implement significant changes to its air permitting regime, Nola reported. The lawsuit argued that the EPAs actions expanded the scope of Title VI beyond its intended purpose of addressing intentional discrimination.

Attorney General Jeff Landry asked a federal judge to stop the EPAs investigation and declare its attempts both unconstitutional and in violation of the Clean Air Act. He argued that EPA Administrator Michael Regan was being directed by activist groups.

The agency has weaponized Title VI as a blanket grant of authority to veto any and all permitting decisions that offend its vision of environmental justice and equity, the states filing reads.

Lawsuit

Last year, the Supreme Court issued a ruling stating that the EPA cannot put state-level caps on carbon emissions under the 1970 Clean Air Act.

The EPA expressed concerns about the situation in St. John the Baptist Parish and sent a letter to the state suggesting potential discrimination against black residents.

In the court filing, the EPA revealed that it was closing the probe because it had already taken action against Denka. The agency ordered Denka to lower its emissions and filed a civil rights complaint against the company.

Additionally, the EPA highlighted its proposal for a new rule aimed at reducing emissions of both chloroprene and ethylene oxide throughout the country.

The decision to close the investigation has left environmental advocates disappointed. Earthjustice, an environmental law organization, decried the EPAs finding.

[The EPA] is abandoning a Louisiana community plagued by high cancer rates from toxic air pollution in its decision to close a civil rights investigation that would have brought overdue justice to St. John the Baptist Parish residents, the organization stated on Twitter.

Patrice Simms, vice president of health communities at Earthjustice, said that the EPAs decision deprived the communities of an important avenue for justice and addressing long-standing toxic exposures, The Hill reported.

We are deeply disappointed by EPAs decision to close an investigation that could have brought justice to the community members of St. John the Baptist Parish, who have long borne the brunt of environmental injustice and discrimination, Simms said in a statement.

The Epoch Times contacted Denka and Concerned Citizens of St. John for comment.
Exiled Wagner Chief Lands in Belarus, Putin Says Civil War Averted

Wagner mercenary group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin has arrived in Belarus, according to Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko, who helped broker a deal under which the Wagner chief halted his soldiers push toward Moscow and agreed to leave Russia as an exile.

Yes, today hes in Belarus, Lukashenko said on June 27, according to Belta, the Belarussian state news agency.

The Wagner chiefs arrival in Belarus was also recorded by flight tracking website Flightradar24, which showed a Prigozhin-linked Embraer Legacy 600 jet with the call sign RA-02795 landing in Minsk, the Belarussian capital, on Tuesday morning.

Over the weekend, Prigozhin led a short-lived but intense Wagner rebellion that came within a few hundred miles of Moscow before abruptly halting and turning back.

A long-time associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prigozhin insisted the Wagner push towards Moscow was no coup against the countrys leadership but a march for justice in protest against Russias top military brass.

Founder of Wagner private mercenary group Yevgeny Prigozhin makes a statement on the start of the withdrawal of his forces from Bakhmut and handing over their positions to regular Russian troops, in the course of RussiaUkraine conflict in Bakhmut, Ukraine, on May 25, 2023. (Concord/Handout via Reuters)

Prigozhin has openly feuded with military leaders amid the war in Ukraine, accusing them of starving Wagner forces of weapons and supplies, and even alleging they tried to destroy the private military group with air strikes.

Putin on Monday labeled the organizers of the apparent mutiny as traitors, though he thanked Wagner soldiers for halting their advance and preventing bloodshed. On Tuesday he said that a civil war had been averted in part thanks to the posture of the Russian military and law enforcement.

The military and law enforcement officers of the Russian Federation actually stopped the civil war, Putin told members of the armed forces in Moscows Cathedral Square on Tuesday.

Stopped at the Last Line to Prevent Bloodshed

In a televised speech on Monday, Putin thanked Wagner soldiers for halting their advance before blood was spilled and praised them for their battlefield accomplishments in Ukraine.

We know that the overwhelming majority of the Wagner company are also patriots of Russia, faithful to their people and country, Putin said, praising them for having proved their patriotism and courage in combat operations in eastern Ukraine, where Wagner forces have done much of the fighting.

I thank those commanders and soldiers of the Wagner private company who took the only right decision, he added, and stopped at the last line to prevent bloodshed.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is seen on monitors as he addresses the nation after Yevgeny Prigozhin, the owner of the Wagner Group military company, called for armed rebellion and reached the southern city of Rostov-on-Don with his troops, in Moscow, Russia, on June 24, 2023. (Pavel Bednyakov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Putin said that Russias enemies including the all sorts of national traitors as well as the neo-Nazis in Kyiv and their Western backers all wanted to see the Wagner march turn into a chaotic coup.

It was precisely this outcomefratricidethat Russias enemies wanted: both the neo-Nazis in Kyiv, and their Western patrons, and all sorts of national traitors, Putin said.

They wanted Russian soldiers to kill each other, to kill military personnel and civilians, so that in the end Russia would lose, and our society would split, choke in bloody civil strife, the Russian leader added.

In his speech, Putin offered Wagner fighters the opportunity to go to Belarus, be folded into the regular Russian army, or simply go home to their families.

He also thanked Lukashenko, who reportedly helped broker the deal that gave Prigozhin and members of his private army amnesty and the opportunity to relocate to Belarus.

Lukashenko addressed the matter on Tuesday, saying that, Well help you if you want to stay with us for a while at [Wagners] expense of course, according to Belta.

But I could use such a unit in the army, Lukashenko said, adding that he had instructed the Belarusian defense minister to discuss Wagners possible deployment in Belarus.

It comes as speculation has swirled around whether the KremlinWagner truce would hold as Western officials have questioned whether another act is yet to play out in the dramatic saga.

Prigozhin Breaks Silence

Prigozhin released an audio message on his Telegram channel on June 26, saying that Wagners push toward Moscow wasnt an attempted coup, but a march of protest.

The purpose of the march was to prevent the destruction of PMC Wagner and to bring to justice those who, through their unprofessional actions, made a huge number of mistakes during the special military operation, he said in the message.

Russia called its actions in Ukraine a special military operation to de-Nazify and demilitarize its neighbor, which it accuses of seeking to become a NATO bulwark on Russias borders that threatens Moscows security.

Days earlier, Prigozhin set out on a warpath against Russias Defense Ministry after an alleged attack by the Russian army on his mercenaries military camp, which Prigozhin alleged had been ordered by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu himself.

On June 24, the Wagner chief said that he had ordered his troops to return to their bases in Ukraine and continue fighting there on behalf of Russia, while the Belarus Presidents Office, which mediated the deal, suggested criminal charges against Prigozhin would be dropped.

After the truce was announced, Prigozhin left Rostov-on-Don, with some residents giving him and his mutineers a heros send-off while he smiled for cameras.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, owner of the Wagner Group military company, greets supporters as he prepares to leave Rostov-on-Don, Russia, on June 24, 2023. (Alexander Ermochenko/Reuters)

Intrigues and Ill-Considered Decisions

Prigozhin said in his June 26 message that as a result of intrigues and ill-considered decisions, the Russian leadership had decided to break up the Wagner group and that the march on Moscow was meant as an act of protest, not a coup.

We felt that demonstrating what we wanted to do was enough, he said, offering an explanation for why the Wagner advance on Moscow was halted and its troops ordered back to base.

In a message on June 24, Prigozhin said that he objected to moves by Russias military establishment to disband Wagner.

They wanted to disband the Wagner military company. We embarked on a march of justice on June 23. In 24 hours, we got to within 200 kilometers of Moscow. In this time, we did not spill a single drop of our fighters blood, he said.

Now the moment has come when blood could be spilled. Understanding responsibility [for the chance] that Russian blood will be spilled on one side, we are turning our columns around and going back to field camps as planned.

Fighters of Wagner, a Russian private mercenary group, are seen atop a tank while being deployed near the headquarters of the Southern Military District in the city of Rostov-on-Don, Russia, on June 24, 2023. (Stringer/Reuters)

After the Belarus-mediated deal was announced, the Kremlin said it would drop armed mutiny charges against Wagner fighters.

We have always respected their heroic deeds at the front, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow, adding that Russian authorities were grateful to Belarus President Aleksander Lukashenko for his role in deescalating the crisis.

Peskov said that Wagner fighters who didnt take part in the rebellion would be offered contracts with the Russian Defense Ministry, which had been seeking to bring all autonomous volunteer forces under its control by July 1, an effort that Prigozhin apparently saw as a threat to Wagners existence.

It has been reported that, as part of the deal, Prigozhin wouldnt face any charges.

However, several reports published by the state-run RIA Novosti and Interfax news agenciesciting anonymous sources within the Russian governmentsaid that the investigation into the Wagner revolt remains ongoing.

Putins speech on June 26 did not address Prigozhin himself nor any potential charges that he might face.
Chicago Registers Worst Air Quality in World Amid Canada Wildfires; Experts Warn of Health Implications

A jogger runs along the shoreline of Lake Michigan with heavy smoke from the Canadian wildfires in the background in Chicago, Ill., on June 27, 2023. (Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images)

Chicago recorded the worst air quality in the world on June 27, triggered by continuing Canadian wildfires, and officials are warning about the health implications posed by the concerning air quality across the U.S. Midwest.

The Air Quality Index in Chicago reached 195 on June 27, according to Swiss air technology company IQAir. Detroit was second at 171, according to IQAir.

Such readings are considered unhealthy and could lead to some adverse health effects, particularly among sensitive groups, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The National Weather Service urged Chicago residents to consider limiting prolonged outdoor activities, particularly if they have chronic respiratory issues.

Poor air quality warnings remain in place until June 28 for all of northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana. A string of other states, including parts of Pennsylvania, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, and Wisconsin were also covered by the alerts.

Dr. Jordan Moskoff, the Medical Director of the Adult Emergency Services Department at Cook County Hospital warned of the health implications associated with the declining air quality.

Your bronchioles, the tubes that lead down to your lungs are going to be more inflamed. And thats going to make them feel like theyre closing off a bit, Moskoff told ABC News Chicago.

Meanwhile, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson issued a statement urging Chicagoans to consider wearing masks and using air purifiers, while closing windows.

Speaking to the Chicago Tribune, Brian Urbaszewski, the director of environmental health programs for the Respiratory Health Association, said that fine particulate matter known as PM2.5 is the biggest reason behind the air quality warnings.

A controlled burn is seen on the edge of a wildfire numbered 334 near Mistissini, Que., in a June 6, 2023, handout photo. (The Canadian Press/Ho-Sopfeu, Genevieve Poirier)

Were in the Crosshairs

It is a function of where the fires are, where the weather systems are, and where the winds are blowing all that smoke in, Urbaszewski said. Were in the crosshairs.

PM2.5 describes the mixture of microscopic solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. As the droplets are so small, they can be inhaled, causing serious health problems. Some particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter can get deep into the lungs and potentially the bloodstream.

Particulate matter can be emitted from various sources such as construction sites, power plants, industries and automobiles, and smokestacks or fires. They are also the main driver of reduced visibility or haze in parts of the United States, according to the EPA.

Elsewhere, Zac Adelman, executive director of the Lake Michigan Air Directors Consortium noted that while it is common to see smoke in the atmosphere, it is unusual to see high concentrations of smoke coming down to the surface like were experiencing it now.

Well be looking at this event for a long time to figure out, you know, what the particular dynamics and chemistry were that caused the smoke to come down to the surface here, he told the Chicago Tribune.

Meanwhile, AirNowwhich works in partnership with multiple agencies including the EPA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), NASA, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as well as tribal, state, and local air quality agencies to aggregate air quality dataplaced the air quality index for Chicago even higher at 218 as of early morning Wednesday.

The U.S. Capitol building is under a haze of smoke caused by the ongoing wildfires in Canada in Washington on the morning of June 8, 2023. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times)

Canadian Wildfires Continue to Rage

AirNow is urging individuals with underlying health conditions such as heart or lung disease, as well as older adults, children, and teenagers to avoid physical activities outdoors.

Other individuals should also limit outdoor activities and consider moving them indoors, according to the website.

Chicago wasnt the only state to experience air quality concerns on Tuesday.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on Tuesday issued its 23rd air quality alert of the year, marking a record high, as layers of thick smoke from the Candian wildfires covered southern and eastern parts of the state.

Meanwhile, Michigans Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy also issued an air quality alert for the entire state.

According to AirNow, Detroit and Minneapolis joined Chicago in the top three cities to have the worst air pollution levels of any major city across the globe on Tuesday.

Air quality alerts also remain in place for all of southeast Michigan for Wednesday.

Wildfire season typically begins in Canada in May but this year, fires broke out in British Columbia and Alberta in late April following record-breaking hot and dry weather.

Approximately 483 fires are still active across the country as of June 27, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC), of which 252 have been dubbed out of control.

A total of 7.9 million hectares of land have been burned by the fires so far, according to CIFFC.

Strong winds also carried smoke from the fires as far as Portugal and Spain this week and are expected to continue doing so until later this week.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Father Arrested After 3-Week-Old Baby Is Killed by Crossbow in Upstate New York

COLESVILLE, N.Y.An upstate New York man shot his companion with a crossbow while she was holding the couples 3-week-old daughter, killing the child and injuring the woman, authorities said.

Sheriffs deputies and emergency medical workers responded to a 911 call and found the injured woman and baby at a home in the town of Colesville shortly after 5 a.m. Monday, the Broome County Sheriffs Office said in a news release.

The woman told deputies that Patrick Proefriedt, 26, had fired a crossbow at her while she was holding their infant daughter. The broadhead crossbow bolt hit the child in the torso and then struck the woman in the chest, the sheriffs office said.

Proefriedt removed the bolt and tried to stop the woman from calling 911 then drove away in a pickup truck, sheriffs office spokesperson Emmanuel Priest said.

Deputies and paramedics attempted lifesaving measures on the baby but she was pronounced dead at the scene, Priest said. The woman was taken to a hospital for treatment. Details on her condition were not available Tuesday.

Police used drones to locate Proefriedt in the woods about a mile from the house, where his truck had become stuck in the mud, Priest said.

Proefriedt was arrested on charges including second-degree murder and attempted murder. He was arraigned Monday night and remained in the custody of the sheriffs office on Tuesday, Priest said.

A staff member at the Broome County Public Defenders Office, which represented Proefriedt at his arraignment, said the office had no comment on the charges.

Proefriedt had a history of domestic episodes with the victim and an order of protection was in place, the sheriffs office said.

This is one of the most heartbreaking and senseless crimes committed in this community in recent memory, Sheriff Fred Akshar said. Our thoughts are with the family of this innocent 3-week-old girl.
Millionaire Says He Waited Nearly 20 Years to Go to Space
FEC Commissioner Says Content Moderation Needed to Prevent AI-Generated Election Misinformation

A commissioner for the U.S. Federal Election Commission (FEC) has said that the government must compel tech companies to moderate more content in order to prevent the spread of artificial intelligence-driven election disinformation.

Big Tech companies are creating a monster in AI that will unleash havoc on the U.S. electoral system, FEC Commissioner Ellen Weintraub said at the June 27 Collision tech conference.

For business reasons, the tech companies created this monster, Weintraub said.

It is going to be harder and harder to tell what is true.

US Wants Firms to Control Content

While technology has allowed for the democratization of information, Weintraub said, that democratization was hastening the spread of both true and false information.

Because the U.S. government is constitutionally barred from controlling speech and the press, Weintraub said, it would need to compel tech companies to adopt more strict content moderation policies to prevent the spread of misinformation.

This is particularly true in the age of AI, Weintraub said, saying that the explosion of AI would have profound effects on the electoral process, as deepfakes and false information proliferate throughout the media ecosystem.

To that end, Weintraub said that the tech companies controlling social media will have to tame the monster they created by reestablishing content moderation policies such as those used in the 2016 presidential election to thwart reported foreign election interference.

Only through a whole of society effort, with government and corporations working toward the same goal, might the virality of false information be combatted, Weintraub said.

The comments echoed recent remarks made by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, who said in an interview with CNBC that the 2024 elections are going to be a mess.

[Tech companies are] working on it, but they havent solved it yet, he said. And, in fact, the trust and safety groups are getting made smaller, not larger.

Misinformation, Disinformation

Weintraubs comments come as governments throughout the world struggle with balancing the liberty of their citizens and the potential threat posed by misleading or false information in times of crisis.

The United States is no exception to this trend. The websites for numerous government departments, ranging from the Office of the Surgeon General to the Department of Homeland Security to the Food and Drug Administration, all now house dedicated pages and multimedia content lamenting the rise of misinformation and disinformation.

Inaccurate information spreads widely and at speed making it more difficult for the public to identify verified facts and advice from trusted sources, such as the FDA, the agency states in one video on its website.

Some websites, including the FDAs, portray misinformation as a virus not unlike the one that causes COVID-19, even going so far as to encourage Americans to stop the spread.

The nations recent experiences with government-backed content moderation are far from utopian, however. The executive branch currently faces multiple probes into alleged unconstitutional behavior across administrations including the use of content moderation policies as a tool for censorship and surveillance.

The Republican-led House Judiciary Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government released a report (pdf) on June 26 regarding that exact issue.

According to the report, a division of the Department of Homeland Security illicitly expanded its mission to censor and surveil U.S. citizens by coordinating with social media companies and pressuring those companies to moderate content in favor of the administration.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) allegedly colluded with private companies and other groups to block online content, acting beyond its power to censor by proxy, according to the report.

CISA metastasized into the nerve center of the federal governments domestic surveillance and censorship operations on social media, the report reads. By 2020, CISA routinely reported social media posts that allegedly spread disinformation to social media platforms.

CISA has transformed into a domestic intelligence and speech-police agency, far exceeding its statutory authority.

Bureaucracy Complicates Issue of Misinformation

The Chinese Communist Party has actively interfered in elections throughout the world by spreading disinformation. Russia likewise has engaged in attempts to promote inflammatory content from all sides of the political spectrum in an apparent effort to polarize Americans, turning them against each other.

As a result, government overreach may hamper efforts to focus on real misinformation threats by giving the public the impression that a vast, unelected bureaucracy is using misinformation as a bogeyman to maintain power.

The FEC is one such example. While FEC commissioners are elected to a six-year term, Weintraub herself has served for 21 years because of congressional and executive failures to nominate a replacement. Likewise, the FECs mandate to uphold election finance law is only tangentially related to the issue of misinformation.

Similarly, while the whole of the U.S. government agrees on the threat posed by misinformation by foreign actors, it remains unclear how increased crackdowns by either social media companies or government could meaningfully counter the proliferation of false information without also encouraging resentment or distrust at home.
Federal Agency Reveals How Massive the COVID Fraud Actually Is

A family's stimulus check from the U.S. Treasury for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) aid arrived in the mail in Milton, Mass., on March 25, 2021. (Brian Snyder/Reuters)

A federal watchdog revealed that tens of billions of dollars in COVID-19 aid over the years might have been stolen via two large, Congress-passed relief programs.

The federal U.S. Small Business Administration inspector general, in figures released Tuesday (pdf), show fraud that was much greater than previously forecast. It found that the most significant amounts of cash were stolen via the Paycheck Protection and COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan programs.

The inspector generals report stated that at least 17 percent of all COVID-EIDL and PPP funds were disbursed to potentially fraudulent actors, referring to the programs. The fraud estimate for the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is more than $136 billion, which represents 33 percent of the total money spent on that program, according to the report. The Paycheck Protection fraud estimate is $64 billion, the inspector general said.

Those loans were handed out during widespread lockdowns, stay-at-home orders, and other measures that significantly impacted the U.S. economy. Some of that money was intended to be provided to small businesses and other individuals who needed to pay their employees, although critics say that the United States should have never locked things down. At the same time loans were being handed out, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sent out what was described as stimulus checks to people in a bid to provide economic relief.

During the implementation of those programs, a number of controls were weakened to provide cash during the onset of the pandemic, said the inspector generals report. Those controls, it said, would have prevented more criminals and purveyors of fraud from gaining access.

But as a result, fraudsters were able to take advantage of the economic crisis and [transferred] funding intended for deserving, eligible American small business owners, the report said.

Using investigative casework, prior OIG reporting, and advanced data analytics, we identified multiple schemes used by fraudsters to steal from the American taxpayer and exploit programs meant to help those in need, the report said. We believe loans identified as potentially fraudulent as part of our review warrant investigation by OIG and its investigative partners.

As of May 2023, more than 1,000 indictments, 800 arrests, and 500 convictions related to Payment Protection and Economic Injury Disaster fraud have been carried out. About $30 billion in fraudulently obtained cash was returned, although thats a tiny fraction of what has been stolen.

The SBA inspector general, Hannibal Mike Ware, said in a statement on Tuesday that the report utilizes investigative casework, prior (inspector general) reporting, and cutting-edge data analysis to identify multiple fraud schemes used to potentially steal over $200 billion from American taxpayers and exploit programs meant to help those in need.

Ware, in an interview with The Associated Press earlier this month, said that these latest fraud figures wont be the last ones issued by his office. We will continue to assess fraud until were finished with the investigations on these things, Ware said. That could be a long while. Wares office has a backlog of more than 90,000 actionable leads into pandemic relief fraud, which amounts to nearly a centurys worth of work.

Other Details

In a 2021 interview, Ware forecast that the amount of fraud from pandemic-related relief programs would be larger than any government program in U.S. history. Fraudsters are going to do what fraudsters are going to do, Ware said at the time. But the upfront controls mitigate exposure to fraud, and doing so would have saved taxpayers a whole lot of heartache on the back end. Unfortunately, the heartache was not avoided because of the way these programs were implemented up front.

Shoppers are seen wearing masks in a file photo (Jenny Evans/Getty Images)

A decision was made at the outset of the pandemic: speed was the key, Michael Horowitz, the chairman of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, told ABC News. It was a bad choice. It was the wrong choice. It never should have happened.

In one instance, a NASA executive, Andrew Tezna, pleaded guilty to submitting fraudulent loan applications to PPP and EIDL and sought some $350,000 before spending that cash on personal expenses. Other individuals who acquired pandemic funds through fraudulent means purchased luxury vehicles, homes, and other items.

The U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of Florida, Juan Gonzalez, said that lenders had to stop making PPP loans when the money ran out, saying that people who needed the money via the program were bilked out of taxpayer-funded relief.

This is billions of taxpayer dollars that has been stripped from them, he told NBC News in an interview last year. And more angry should be the people who did lose their jobs, who worked for businesses that couldnt apply for this money because it was gone. Those are really the ones who should be the angriest of all.

Never has so much in federal funds been stolen so quickly, he noted. I have a hard time imagining when so much money has gone so quickly into the hands of people who dont deserve it, he added.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
WELLINGTON, June 28 (Xinhua) -- The Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC) has allocated funds to tackle a range of health issues, including a large trial to help New Zealanders quit vaping.

Also included under the government funding of 53.7 million NZ dollars (32.7 million U.S. dollars) is a project to improve the health and well-being outcomes of young Maori people released from prisons and youth justice residences.

The 44 projects involved provide opportunities to help advance the knowledge and drive meaningful changes in the country's health system, HRC Chief Executive Sunny Collings said on Wednesday.

These project grants are an important way to help develop and sustain New Zealand's health research workforce so they can continue to do the necessary work to improve health outcomes for the New Zealand people, Collings said.

A team from the University of Auckland will use their grant to carry out a large community-based clinical trial of two low-cost interventions to help New Zealanders stop vaping.

The trial will test whether cytisine, a medicine that partially blocks the effects of nicotine on the brain, is more effective than a tapered reduction in nicotine, said University of Auckland Associate Professor Natalie Walker. 
Feds Pledge $20M to European Bank for Climate Projects

The federal government has announced that it will be giving a technical assistance grant valued at $20 million to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in order to support climate adaptation, mitigation and resilience projects.

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) said in a press release issued on June 26 that International Development Minister Harjit Sajjan made the funding announcement in London, U.K., while attending the Ukraine Recovery Conferencewhich is described as being focused on mobilising international support for Ukraines economic and social stabilisation and recovery from the effects of war.

Created in 1991, the EBRD is based in London and describes itself as a climate finance leader and an active supporter of Ukraine and other countries affected by the war there.

We have also committed much of our recent activity to countering the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the bank writes on its website.

GAC said the Liberal governments $20 million grant for the EBRD comes as part of Ottawas support for the banks High-Impact Partnership on Climate Action, the primary objectives of which are to garner investments from across the globe in efforts to either reduce or prevent greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate change, and protect the environment.

GAC also said Minister Sajjan expressed Canadas support for the launch of the G7+ and the Government of Ukraines Clean Energy Partnership for Ukraine while he was in London.

Other Investments

Following his trip to London, Sajjan also attended the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact in Paris, where he announced that Ottawa will be investing another $50 million in a strategy created by the private firm BlueOrchard that is focused on gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in Latin America and the Caribbean.

BlueOrchard, which is based in Zurich, Switzerland, says its investment fund is meant to increase access to financing for women, Indigenous peoples, Afro-Descendants and other underserved groups in the region.

GAC wrote that Canada is the first investor in the fund and expects it to attract more than $215 million in additional investments.

Guided by our Feminist International Assistance Policy, these new investments demonstrate Canadas strong commitment to the future of Ukraine and to supporting locally led solutions in the Global South, Sajjan said in GACs press release.
Foreign Minister Briefed on Very Negative Media Coverage of Governments Handling of Foreign Interference

A guard tries to block photos being taken as he and a policeman patrol outside the Canadian Embassy in Beijing on Jan. 14, 2019. (Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images)

A briefing note to Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly said media reports about Beijings interference in Canadian federal elections have taken a very negative tone regarding Ottawas approach to the issue, with many urging the government to take concrete action.

The tone was very negative, said the briefing note titled Media Analysis  Allegations of Chinese Interference, first reported on by Blacklocks Reporter.

All the articles urged the government to be proactive and take Chinas alleged interference in the 2019 elections seriously, it said.

Overall, article angles were divided between criticizing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau versus investigating how this interference infiltrated the Canadian political system, and what concrete solutions could be.

The briefing note, dated Dec. 13, 2022, came about a month after a Global News report, citing Canadian intelligence officials, said Beijing provided illegal funding to a network of 11 candidates in the 2019 federal election as part of its vast campaign of foreign interference targeting Canada.

A series of reports published this year by the Globe and Mail also revealed that Beijing views Canada as a high-priority target for foreign interference, and had orchestrated a scheme to interfere in the 2021 election.

Frustration

The briefing note said news articles and commentaries have expressed frustration with the lack of details released to the public about the alleged election interference. There was also confusion about the timeline of events regarding when the Prime Minister received what information and how it was presented, the briefing said.

According to the intelligence sources cited in the Global News report, Trudeau and several cabinet members were briefed by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service in relation to the 11 candidates in January 2022. Trudeau denied that he had been briefed on the issue, but the Prime Ministers Office said he had raised the issue of election interference with Chinese leader Xi Jinping while they attended the G-20 Summit in Indonesia last November.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attends the G-20 Leadership Summit in Bali, Indonesia, and briefly met with Xi Jinping, the leader of the Chinese Communist Party, on Nov. 15, 2022. According to media reports, Trudeau raised pressing concerns about the interference activities of the Chinese Communist Party in Canada. (Adam Scotti/Prime Ministers Office Canada/AFP)

Commentaries increasingly called on Trudeau to be honest with Canadians and release information about which candidates were targeted by Chinese interference, the briefing note said. Others expressed confusion and doubt about the Prime Ministers assertion that he had not been briefed about candidates receiving money from China and wondered, in that case, what it was that he had discussed with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20.

Facing mounting calls for a public inquiry to investigate foreign interference, Trudeau appointed former governor general David Johnston as special rapporteur to look into whether the government should do so. In his first report, published in May, Johnston argued against a public inquirya decision that drew fierce criticism from critics and opposition parties. Johnston stepped down as special rapporteur this month, and the government has since said its more open to holding a public inquiry.
FTX Lied to Banks for Years About Misappropriated Customer Funds, New CEO Says

FTX Founder Sam Bankman-Fried arrives at Manhattan Federal Court for a court appearance in New York City on June 15, 2023. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

Cryptocurrency derivatives exchange FTX has been lying to banks about the suspicious movements of customer assets as far back as 2020, the companys new leadership alleged in court filings.

Once a $32 billion crypto empire, FTX collapsed in November 2022 after its disgraced founder Sam Bankman-Fried allegedly misappropriated customers money to cover losses at his privately held trading firm Alameda Research. Bankman-Fried pleaded not guilty in January to a slew of criminal charges, including wire fraud and money laundering.

According to a report filed on Monday in a federal bankruptcy court in Delaware, Bankman-Fried and his several senior executives commingled customer and corporate funds on purpose so they could venture speculative trades, buy luxury Caribbean real estate, and make political donations designed to enhance their own power and influence.

In 2019, when the FTX Group launched its online crypto-trading platform, it didnt established new bank accounts in its own name but instead used Alamedas existing bank accounts to receive customer deposits and fund customer withdrawals, FTX chief executive John J. Ray alleged in the report.

When banks grew suspicious and started to question the FTX management about the wire transfers, the FTX Group lied rather than telling the truth to the bank that it not only intended to, but had in fact been using the Alameda account for FTX.com customer transactions for nearly a year, Ray added.

Specifically, at the direction of a senior FTX Group executive, an Alameda employee falsely responded that customers occasionally confuse FTX and Alameda, but that all incoming/outgoing wires are to settle trades with Alameda Research,' the report read.

Thereafter, in an effort to avoid scrutiny, the FTX Group allegedly lied to an unidentified U.S. bank in order to open new accounts in the name of North Dimension. According to the court filing, the group falsely told the bank that North Dimension was a crypto-trading firm with substantial operations, when in fact it was just a shell company with zero operations.

A senior FTX executive, referred to throughout the report only as Attorney-1, worked with Bankman-Fried to play leading roles in carrying out this deception, Ray stated.

After Attorney-1 directed an FTX staff to copy information from Alamedas bank applications, Bankman-Fried signed and certified that this response to the banks questionnaire was correct and complete to the best of his knowledge and belief, the report claimed.

Unlike Alameda, which was a crypto trading and market-making firm with employees, operations, and trading activity, North Dimension had no business operations or employees, it added.

While the report didnt name Attorney-1, The Wall Street Journal identified him as FTXs former chief regulatory officer, Daniel Friedberg, citing people familiar with the matter. Friedberg has not been criminally charged in the FTX case.

The new FTX leadership also alleged that their predecessors made more than $100 million in political donations that appear to have been funded in part by commingled customer deposits.

For example, according to the report, former FTX engineering chief Nishad Singh made a $500,000 contribution to People for Progressive Governance, a PAC formed by Michael Sadowsky, the head of Bankman-Frieds super PAC, Protect Our Future. Singh has pleaded guilty to charges including fraud and conspiracy.

In addition, the report claimed that the previous FTX leaders used commingled customer deposits to purchase more than 30 properties, including a $30,000,000 six-bedroom, 11,500-square foot penthouse in a luxury resort community in the Bahamas in January 2022.

The property, known as the Orchid Penthouse, was home to Bankman-Fried, Singh, FTX technology chief Gary Wang, and Alameda chief executive Caroline Ellison prior to the companys collapse, the report said.

Overall, the exchanges ex-management allegedly misappropriated $8.7 billion in customer-desposited assets, the vast majority of which was in the form of cash and stablecoina type of cryptocurrency that seeks to maintain a constant value relative to certain fiat currencies.

Bankman-Fried is currently free after paying a $250 million bond. He is expected to appear for trial in early October.
Gov. Noem Says She Sees No Path to Victory for Anyone but Trump in 2024

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem speaks to guests at the 2023 NRA-ILA Leadership Forum in Indianapolis on April 13, 2023. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Republican South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has said she doesnt think any of the 2024 presidential candidates have a clear path to the White House except for former President Donald Trump.

During a radio interview on Tuesday with KWAT News, Noem declined to endorse any specific Republican presidential candidate but said Trump holds the best chance of winning among the Republican field.

President Trump is in the race, and right now I dont see a path to victory for anybody else with him in the race and the situation as it sits today, Noem said.

Trump is currently the frontrunner in most Republican presidential primary polls. RealClearPolitics has Trump leading the next closest Republican candidate, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, by more than 30 points across the average of polls.

DeSantis has led Trump in a few select pollssuch as a December USA-Suffolk poll and a January WPA Analytics poll commissioned by Club For Growthbut Trump has held the lead in the RCP polling average and generally expanded that lead since March.

Despite Trumps current position in the race, Noem cautioned that things could still change this far ahead of the primaries. The first Republican debate is set to take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Aug. 23 and the first primary contest could take place in South Carolina on Feb. 24, 2024.

I think people should saddle upit could be a roller coaster of a presidential race, Noem said.

Trumps Expanding Polling Lead

Trump led DeSantis by around 15 points in the RCP polling average throughout the month of March. That lead began to expand in April, around the same time Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced criminal charges against the former president, alleging Trump had falsified his business records in order to conceal a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

Trumps primary polling lead jumped in a Yahoo! News-YouGov and Reuters/Ipsos polls taken around the time Bragg unsealed his 34-count indictment against Trump. The Trump campaign also reported a spike in donations, taking in $8 million in the four days after Bragg announced the charges.

The former president again touted a jump in his poll numbers and fundraising after Special Counsel Jack Smith brought federal charges against him for allegedly retaining documents containing national defense information and obstructing officials attempting to retrieve those documents.

As far as this joke of an indictment, its a horrible thing. Its a horrible thing for this country, Trump said at a June 10 rally following the federal indictment. I mean, the only good thing about it is its driven my poll numbers way up. Can you believe it?

At the June 10 rally, Trump cited polling leads in the Morning Consult and Clarity Campaign GOP polls, showing him leading DeSantis 5622 and 5919 respectively.

Trump also retained the lead over the rest of the 2024 Republican field in a Quinnipiac poll taken immediately after the federal indictment, though his overall support shrank by three points. That survey result showed Trump leading DeSantis 53 to 23. That Quinnipiac poll also saw Trump fall two points in a hypothetical general election matchup against Biden.

The latest Quinnipiac survey has Trump leading DeSantis 49 to 25 in a GOP primary contest while running 47 to 46 against Biden in a hypothetical general election matchup.

Noems 2024 Plans

While she did not offer any endorsements, Noem said shes not currently considering jumping into the 2024 race.

Wouldnt that be interesting? If there was South and North Dakota governors running for president? Noem told KWAT, referencing the recent entry of Republican North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum into the GOP primary field. But no, right now I am so focused on South Dakota.

Noem said Burgum is a great guy and he had asked her to support his campaign, joking that we have protected you from Canada for 137 years.

Noem said Burgum might do well down in Iowa, which holds a caucus contest for choosing presidential candidates early on in most primary election cycles.

From NTD news
Group Marches to Chinese Military Anthem During Parliament Hill Protest

The Canadian flag flies atop the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 5, 2023. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick)

A group of demonstrators marched to the Chinese military anthem on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on June 24 during a protest that was advertised as marking the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Immigration Act, which restricted virtually all Chinese immigration to Canada.

However, the organizers have used the act and its anniversary to promote opposition to the creation of a foreign agent registry in Canada, with one calling proposed legislation Exclusion 2.0, a reference to the 1923 act which is also known as the Chinese Exclusion Act.

According to a video posted on WeChat, the demonstrators, who appear to be senior citizens, wore red jackets and paraded in military style on Wellington Street during the protest.

The protesters moved in sync with music from a loudspeaker playing the March of the Peoples Liberation Army, the military anthem of the Chinese army. A female voice in the clip can be heard saying in Chinese, Golden Years, Ottawa Parliament Hill parade. Start!

The Chinese characters Golden Years was visible on the back of the participants jackets as they performed a dance in front of the Parliament Buildings prior to the parade, according to a video taken by Chinese Headline New Media.

The Epoch Times previously reported that organizers of the protest had called for support of a petition against establishing a foreign influence registry in Canada.

Subsequently, the organizers issued a notice instructing the participants to say that they wouldnt support or sign the petition if asked, The Epoch Times learned. The participants were also strictly prohibited from raising Chinese flags, singing the Chinese national anthem, or chanting red slogans throughout the event.

Petition

Although the protest was held in the name of marking the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Immigration Act, the website advertised on the events poster calls for support of a House of Commons citizen petition, e-4395, that opposes proposed legislation to establish a foreign agent registry.

The petition was launched in April by B.C. resident Wang Li and sponsored by Ottawa-area Liberal MP Chandra Arya. Sen. Yuen Pau Woo confirmed to The Epoch Times in May that he had helped draft the petition.

The link to the website, chinesecanadians2023.com, is included in a poster that has been circulating on online media outlets and social media platforms widely used by the Chinese community. A section dedicated to the 624 (June 24) event on the website includes posts asking people to sign the petition.

Sen. Woo and Sen. Victor Oh, who joined the protest, have been attending a series of public events in recent months to voice strong opposition against the foreign agent registry while supporting the petition. At one of the events, held on May 28 in Montreal, the citys Chinese consul general, Dai Yuming, was invited as keynote speaker.

Sen.Yuen Pau Woo denounces RCMP allegations of Chinese government interference in Canada as s community organizer looks on during a news conference at the Chinese Family Service Centre in Montreal, on May 5, 2023. (The Canadian Press/Ryan Remiorz)

Woo came out strongly against a foreign agent registry in an open letter to Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino dated April 18. The minister had announced the launch of public consultations on the creation of a registry a month earlier, following a string of reports on the Chinese regimes interference in Canada, which included meddling in the past two federal elections and operating at least seven secret police stations on Canadian soil.

Racism Accusations

During the June 24 protest, a woman was seen promoting the petition while speaking to people on Parliament Hill. She said the true intention of the protest was about opposing the proposed legislation on creating a foreign agent registry.

This protest is about [preventing] the legislation from being successfully passed, she said in Chinese. So actually, why have so many people come here today? Behind [the protest], we are opposing this legislation. But we dont want to explicitly say that [the protest] is targeting this, so we are taking up the issue [of the Chinese Immigration Act] from a 100 years ago.

Another woman who attended the protest made similar remarks during an interview with the YouTube channel Canadian Free Living. She said she had been invited to a very private event in Ottawa a day earlier, to commemorate the 100 years of the Chinese Immigration Act.

And today, 24 hours later, we are here to show support against the same totalitarianism that is going to occur with the foreign registry, she said.

Participants in the June 24, 2023, protest on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. (The Epoch Times)

The woman declined to respond when asked if the Canadian government should have any legitimate interest in countering foreign influence operations by the Chinese Communist Party. Instead, she said the question should be answered by an expert and that she was at the event to recognize the 100 years of legislative racism against our Chinese ancestors.

Foreign Agent Registry Legislation

In a March 10 Twitter post, Woo criticized two pieces of legislation aimed at creating a foreign influence registry in Canada. The first, Bill C-282, introduced in April 2021 by former Conservative MP Kenny Chiu, died on the order paper when the federal election was called that year.

The second, Bill S-237, introduced in February 2022 by Sen. Leo Housakos, is currently in second reading in the Senate but has not received support from the government. Over the past few months, Woo has written a number of Twitter posts criticizing the bill and the proposal to establish a foreign registry.

Neither bill mentions any specific country or ethnicity to be targeted. Chiu told The Epoch Times in a previous interview that this is because a foreign influence registry is meant to comprehensively address interference attempts by all malign foreign actors. In addition, the legislation he proposed only required those working in Canada on behalf of a foreign entity to register with the government, to increase transparency around work.

Conservative Sen. Victor Oh in a file photo. (Becky Zhou/The Epoch Times)

Protesters Offered Money, Bus Ride

Sen. Oh, however, is promoting the idea that a foreign agent registry is a disguised Chinese Exclusion Act that, once passed into law, will be detrimental to all Chinese organizations and future generations of Chinese people in Canada.

Oh made this claim while speaking to a crowd of Chinese-Canadians in Montreal on June 12. He said he planned to rent 50 buses to transport some 3,000 residents from the Toronto area to join the upcoming demonstration in Ottawa.

On June 24, 28 buses travelled from Toronto to Ottawa. Participants were offered a free ride and a $15 lunch subsidy, though the organizers instructed them to say that they didnt receive any money to participate in the event, The Epoch Times learned. Another eight buses, arranged with donations from various individuals and private organizations, transported protesters from Montreal to Parliament Hill, according to a report by Sept Days.

One of the buses taking protest participants to Ottawa, preparing to depart from the Richmond Hill, Ont., area on the morning of June 24, 2023. (The Epoch Times)

One of the buses taking protest participants to Ottawa, preparing to depart from the North York area of Toronto on the morning of June 24, 2023. (The Epoch Times)

Buses arrive with protest participants in Ottawa on June 24, 2023. (The Epoch Times)

In response to an Epoch Times request for comment regarding the May 28 event in Montreal attended by the Chinese consul general, Sen. Woo said he was pleased to support the organizers and looked forward to attending other similar events.

Sen. Oh has not responded to multiple requests for comment from The Epoch Times.
Endometriosis, a debilitating condition that affects fertility in many women, has no cure or clear preventative. However, a new study from Japan offers hope, as it has uncovered a possible link between endometriosis and a specific type of bacteria.

This finding implies that targeted antibiotic treatment could be key in curing this chronic ailment.

Endometriosis affects about 11 percent of women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States, and 10 percent of women globally. It can lead to severe pain because abnormal tissue growth occurs outside the uterus, affecting organs such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Until now, available treatments have focused on symptom management using medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and painkillers such as acetaminophen, which carry their own health risksincluding the possibility of infertility.

A Bacterium Linked to Endometriosis

By analyzing 76 healthy women and 79 women with endometriosis, the researchers found that 64 percent of those with endometriosis had Fusobacterium in their uterine lining, compared with only 7 percent of the healthy women. Fusobacterium is a naturally occurring type of bacteria commonly found in the mouth, gut, and vaginal region.

This bacterium has also been associated with colorectal cancer and inflammatory conditions such as periodontitis, or gum disease.

Researchers believe Fusobacterium is responsible for the physical changes seen in the disease. To confirm their findings, they infected female mice with Fusobacterium and treated them with antibiotics, specifically metronidazole and chloramphenicol. They observed that the treatment reduced the size and frequency of lesions commonly associated with endometriosis.

According to the studys findings, Fusobacterium is a critical factor in stimulating the growth and aggregation of connective tissue cells called fibroblasts, which contribute to the formation of lesions in endometriosis.

Therefore, the studys authors suggest that by targeting and eliminating Fusobacterium through antibiotic treatment, it may be possible to disrupt the processes that lead to the progression and symptoms of endometriosis, according to lead study author Dr. Yutaka Kondo, professor at the Graduate School of Medicine at Nagoya University.

Our data provide a strong and novel rationale for targeting Fusobacterium as a nonhormonal antibiotic-based treatment for endometriosis, Dr. Kondo said in a statement.

He said that eliminating this bacterium with antibiotics could be a practical approach when used for women who test positive for the infection, and that such women could be easily identified by vaginal swab or uterus swab.

The Most Common Theory on the Cause of Endometriosis

There are various theories regarding the cause of endometriosis, Dr. Adi Davidov, associate chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital in New York, told The Epoch Times.

The most prevalent theory is that of retrograde menstruation, Dr. Davidov said. Women with anatomical obstructions that impede the normal flow of menstruation may have an increased risk of developing endometriosis, he said, adding that surgical correction of these anatomical obstructions, such as a transverse vaginal septum or an imperforate hymen, could potentially reduce risk.

Diagnosing endometriosis can be lengthy, often taking about 10 years from the onset of symptoms. Furthermore, the age at which symptoms begin can influence the time it takes to receive a proper diagnosis; the younger a woman is when symptoms begin, the longer it may take to diagnose the condition.

Common symptoms of endometriosis include excruciating menstrual cramps, abdominal or back pain during or between periods, pain during sexual intercourse, and heavy bleeding during menstrual periods.

Microbiome May Influence Endometriosis Risk

Researchers have been exploring the role of microbes in endometriosis. Ramakrishna Kommagani, an associate professor of pathology at Baylor College of Medicine with a doctorate in biomedical sciences, and his team recently researched the gut microbiomes influence on endometriosis.

The gut microbiome is a community of microbes living inside the gut that are typically beneficial by aiding digestion and producing metabolites used by the body.

Using a mouse model, the researchers found evidence that suggested that an altered gut microbiome could play a crucial role in the progression of the disease. By using antibiotics to eliminate the gut microbiome in test animals, researchers observed that mice without a gut microbiome had smaller lesions than untreated mice.

Furthermore, when gut microbiome-free mice were implanted with gut microbes from mice with endometriosis, their lesions grew to a similar size as those in mice that still possessed their original microbiome.

Bowel issues like colitis and inflammatory bowel syndrome often coexist with endometriosis.

We are interested in determining whether changes in the gut microbiome could affect bowel conditions and the possibility of controlling them by modifying the microbiome or with their metabolites, Mr. Kommagani said in a statement.

While this research didnt establish a direct link between uterine microbes and endometriosis, the team identified a distinct signature of metabolites in the feces of mice with endometriosis. These metabolites, particularly quinic acid, enhanced cellular proliferation and lesion growth in endometriotic cells and mice.

These findings indicate that specific communities of microbiomes or their metabolites might contribute to the progression of endometriosis. Modifying the composition of microbiomes could potentially offer therapeutic benefits for treating endometriosis in humans. We are currently investigating this possibility, Mr. Kommagani said.

What topics would you like to read about? Please let us know at health@epochtimes.nyc
Malaria, an infectious disease once a leading cause of death in the United States, was eradicated in the 1950s. However, a recent health warning issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has raised concerns about a potential resurgence of this deadly mosquito-borne disease.

So far, five cases of malaria infection that occurred on U.S. soil have been identifiedfour in Florida and one in Texas, Reuters reported. This is the first local spread of the disease in 20 years.

The first case in Florida was diagnosed on May 26 in Sarasota County, while Texas officials announced on June 23 that a state resident who worked outdoors in Cameron County had been infected.

Florida officials determined that the cause of malaria in these cases was the Plasmodium vivax species, and all four patients received treatment and successfully recovered.

Texas officials are investigating whether there have been any additional infections in the state, noting that the most recent locally acquired case in Texas was in 1994.

The CDCs health warning indicates a growing risk for the U.S. population, Dr. Eric Cioe-Pena, emergency medicine physician at Staten Island University Hospital and vice president of Global Health, told The Epoch Times.

Malaria is a serious disease that can be fatal, and its presence within the U.S. is a cause for concern, he said.

What Is Causing the Comeback?

Dr. Cioe-Pena noted that the emergence of new malaria cases in the United States could be attributed to various factors.

One possibility is the importation of the disease by travelers returning from regions where malaria is prevalent, he said.

A 2013 study found evidence suggesting that malaria is no longer restricted to forested regions and is influenced mainly by population movements, particularly those moving to agricultural regions, as stagnant waters in such areas provide suitable breeding sites for mosquitoes.

The United States is currently experiencing an illegal immigration crisis, with an unprecedented number of people crossing the southwest border illegally, according to Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Nationwide, CBPs apprehensions for [fiscal year] 2019 totaled 1,148,000, more than 970,000 along the Southwest border alone, CBP Acting Commissioner Mark Morgan said in a statement. This is a staggering 88 percent higher than the fiscal year 2018. These are numbers that no immigration system in the world can handle, not even this country.

This influx of illegal immigrants is likely a significant factor contributing to the reemergence of diseases previously thought to be virtually eliminated in the country.

An article in the Journal of Travel Medicine highlighted that migrants are disproportionately affected by preventable travel-related diseases, including malaria, typhoid, and hepatitis. This is attributed to their poor uptake of pre-travel prophylaxis and vaccination measures.

Dr. Cioe-Pena also claimed that global warming had triggered the expansion of mosquito habitats, likely contributing to the problem.

He also expressed concern about lapses in mosquito control measures, warning that they could potentially lead to a resurgence of the disease.

Could Malaria Become Endemic in the US?

In 1999, the first case of West Nile virus, another mosquito-borne illness, was identified in New York, and it rapidly spread to become an endemic disease across the United States.

Within three years, the virus expanded from a six-county area surrounding metropolitan New York to the West Coast. It established itself in 44 states, the District of Columbia, and five Canadian provinces.

While its possible for malaria to become endemic again, its too early to make definitive predictions, Dr. Cioe-Pena said, noting that several factors will influence the outcome, such as the effectiveness of public health responses, climate conditions, and human behaviors. Nevertheless, the situation serves as a reminder of the need for continuous vigilance against infectious diseases, even those considered eradicated, and for ongoing investments in public health infrastructure.

Symptoms, Treatment, and Vaccination

The CDC warns about malarias seriousness and potential fatality. The disease is caused by parasites commonly transmitted through a specific type of mosquito. Five types of malaria parasites can infect humans:

Plasmodium (P.) falciparum

P. vivax

P. ovale

P. malariae

P. knowlesi

The five recent U.S. cases were caused by P. vivax, which is less likely to result in severe infections than P. falciparum. Prompt treatment is crucial, as severe infections of P. falciparum can lead to death.

Symptoms of malaria infection include fever, flu-like illness, shaking chills, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur. Most individuals will experience symptoms 10 days to four weeks after infection, although in some cases, symptoms appear earlier or up to a year later.

Treatment for malaria usually involves the use of antimalarial drugs such as chloroquine phosphate and artemisinin-based combination therapies.

No malaria vaccine is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but ongoing research offers promising possibilities.

The results of a randomized controlled trial published in December 2022 demonstrated the safety and efficacy of a three-dose regimen of a whole-parasite vaccine called Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite vaccine. The trial was conducted among adults living in Burkina Faso in West Africa, where malaria is endemic.

Our study shows that the vaccine can be given to malaria-experienced adults in a highly endemic area and still provide protection, Dr. Matthew B. Laurens, director of the International Clinical Trials Unit in the Malaria Research Group at the Center for Vaccine Development and the studys corresponding author, said in a statement.

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A drug that is growing in popularity due its use for weight loss purposes can cause significant side effects including kidney failure, according to experts.

Ozempic, also sold under the brand name Wegovy, is actually a prescription type 2 diabetes treatment. However, the drugs weight loss effect has boosted its popularity, sparking concern in the health industry.

Health Canada, which is responsible for Canadas national health policy, issued a warning this month that the use of Ozempic for weight loss is not an approved indication and that doing so can cause serious side effects including pancreatitis, severely low blood sugar levels, gallbladder issues, severe allergic reactions, thyroid tumors, and kidney problems, including kidney failure.

In a May 31 update, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that even though Wegovy injections are approved for adults and children aged 12 and older to help deal with obesity issues, the medication is only available with a prescription.

There can also be psychiatric consequences from using Ozempic. An April 18 report from The Wall Street Journal states that many who use Ozempic and similar medications are experiencing bizarre dreams.

A spokesperson from Novo Nordisk, which manufactures Ozempic and Wegovy, admitted to the media outlet that the company had received reports of users having abnormal dreams but insisted that it did not have enough information to link the phenomenon to the medication.

Altering Relationship With Food

There is also a possibility that the drug can change peoples relationship with food. In a June 12 interview with Wired, Professor Jens Juul Holst, a scientist whose work led to the development of drugs like Ozempic, warned that people who use the medication can lose their appetite as well as the pleasure of eating.

The craving for food for some people is taken away when they take GLP-1 drugs, like Ozempic, he said. Ozempic works by mimicking the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) protein in the body. When ingested, the drug activates GLP-1 receptors and raises insulin to manage blood sugar. At the same time, feelings of hunger are artificially minimized.

A family enjoys Thanksgiving turkey, in Stamford Conn., on Nov. 24, 2016. (John Moore/Getty Images)

So, you dont eat through GLP-1 therapy because youve lost interest in food. That may eventually be a problem, that once youve been on this for a year or two, life is so miserably boring that you cant stand it any longer and you have to go back to your old life.

In an interview with Healthline, Dr. Daniel Maselli, an obesity medicine specialist, explained that semaglutide, another name for Ozempic, has been proven to be a safe and effective medication for weight loss.

However, as with all medications, it will affect people differently and the drugs effects will vary along a spectrum, he said.

Semaglutide is no exception to this. At one extreme, we have very minimal effect on appetite at all, and on the other extreme, we have patients who have such an over-regulated appetite that they can lose both drive to eat and pleasure from eating significantly.

Response From Novo Nordisk

An emailed statement to The Epoch Times from Novo Nordisks Associate Director for Communications Kate Hanna said, GLP-1 receptor agonists as a drug class have been used to treat type 2 diabetes for more than 15 years, and for the treatment of obesity for eight years, including Novo Nordisk products such as semaglutide and liraglutide that have been on the market for more than 10 years.

Serious adverse events (pancreatitis, gall bladder disorders, serious allergic reactions, or kidney failure) are rare (<= 2.0% of patients studied in the clinical development program for Ozempic). It should be noted that semaglutide does not increase the risk of hypoglycemia, unless combined with other medications such as sulfonylureas or basal insulin. Additionally, safety data from large clinical trial programs and post-marketing surveillance have not demonstrated a causal association between use of semaglutide and either thyroid or pancreatic cancer. Ozempic had a well-tolerated profile across the SUSTAIN clinical trial program with the most common adverse events being generally mild to moderate gastrointestinal disorders, which diminished over time.

We are continuously performing surveillance of the data from ongoing clinical trials, real-world use and other relevant information in relation to these products and collaborate closely with Health Authorities to ensure patient safety and adequate information is provided to prescribers and patients.

Ozempic was approved by Health Canada in 2018 for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus based on data from phase 3 SUSTAIN global clinical trial program, which demonstrated both the safety and efficacy of semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Weight Loss and Dangers

A March 2021 study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that using Ozempic can result in weight loss. It tested the drug with 1,961 adults who had a body-mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater.

The study concluded that 2.4 mg of semaglutide once weekly together with lifestyle intervention was associated with sustained, clinically relevant reduction in body weight among overweight and obese participants.

However, negative effects of such weight loss have also been identified. An April 23 report from The New York Times cited an example of a New Jersey woman who became malnourished after being on Ozempic.

Moreover, the weight loss from taking Ozempic might not be long-lasting. On its website, Health Canada cited a 2022 study which found that non-diabetic people who took semaglutide ended up gaining much of their weight back within a year of stopping the medication.

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UKs health and social care watchdog has decided against recommending Mounjaro, Eli Lillys weight loss drug for adults with diabetes.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK released draft guidance stating that they need more information about tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro.

Our committee can see the promise in tirzepatide, but it requires more evidence to be able to evaluate both its clinical and cost-effectiveness, said Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE.

NICE provides national guidance and evaluates the cost-effectiveness of medications. As a nondepartmental public body, it operates under the sponsorship of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Why the Need for More Evidence?

The draft guidance (pdf) brought attention to the uncertainties in the clinical evidence provided by the manufacturer.

According to the clinical trials, tirzepatide demonstrated potential in reducing blood glucose levels and body weight when compared to semaglutide, insulin therapy, or a placebo. The companys network meta-analysis also indicated similar effects compared to all glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. However, the draft said, there were uncertainties surrounding these results.

Furthermore, the draft guidance highlighted uncertainties regarding the cost-effectiveness estimates. It remained unclear how accurately the model predicted the long-term health benefits of tirzepatide compared to other GLP-1 receptor agonists (Wegovy and Ozempic) and how the companys model results aligned with other economic models for diabetes.

Lilly is disappointed that NICEs draft guidance does not currently recommend tirzepatide for Type 2 diabetes, Brooke Frost, a spokesperson for Eli Lilly, told The Epoch Times via email. Lillys submission to NICE was based on a new cost-effectiveness model, which has raised several technical questions from the committee. We will continue to work closely with NICE to provide further technical clarification on the model during the consultation period. There is a meeting with the Appraisal Committee scheduled for August. The final draft guidance is expected in September.

While Mounjaro has not received approval in the UK, it obtained marketing authorization in September 2022, which means the drug can now be legally marketed within the UK. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Mounjaro for treating Type 2 diabetes patients in May 2022.

The Epoch Times has contacted the FDA for comments.

Several Drugs Show Promise in Obesity Treatment

The weight loss and weight management market has reached over $200 billion globally. Numerous companies are actively developing drugs and vying for their portion of this lucrative market.

A phase 3 clinical trial, funded by Eli Lilly and recently published in The Lancet, showcased the efficacy of tirzepatide in reducing average body weight by about 15 percent at the highest dose (15 milligrams) in adults with obesity or overweight and Type 2 diabetes. The study also highlighted significant improvements in blood sugar levels among participants treated with tirzepatide.

Tirzepatide was anticipated to position Eli Lilly as a leading player in the therapy for obesity and Type 2 diabetes, surpassing drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.

Eli Lilly has completed its submission for chronic weight management and is awaiting potential FDA approval, which is expected later in 2023.

The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) published two phase 2 clinical trials on June 23 and June 26, both funded by Eli Lilly.

The first study demonstrated the potential of orforglipron, a daily oral GLP-1 receptor agonist, to help with weight loss. Up to 75 percent of participants who received orforglipron achieved a weight reduction of at least 10 percent by week 36, compared to only 9 percent in the placebo group.

The second study showcased the substantial reduction in body weight achievedup to 17.5 percent after 24 weeks or 24.2 percent after 48 weeks.

Tirzepatide mimics two hormones, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1, to suppress appetite, while Ozempic and Wegovy, popular drugs by Novo Nordisk, solely target GLP-1 with the active substance semaglutide.

An Increasing Number of Safety Concerns

While most clinical trials of GLP-1-related hormone receptor agonists claimed low discontinuation rates and gastrointestinal side effects, recent safety concerns have surfaced.

In April, the European Medicines Agency issued a drug safety signal (pdf) regarding a potential risk of thyroid cancer associated with certain classes of medications that include semaglutide. The agency required drug manufacturers, such as Novo Nordisk, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, and Sanofi Winthrop, to submit supplementary information by July 26, 2023.

Health Canada, responsible for Canadas national health policy, issued a warning this month stating that using Ozempic for weight loss is not an approved indication and may lead to serious side effects, including pancreatitis, severe hypoglycemia, gallbladder issues, severe allergic reactions, thyroid tumors, and kidney problems, including kidney failure.

On June 26, Pfizer announced that the clinical development of lotiglipron would be halted due to an increase in liver enzyme levels. Pfizer said that no liver failure or liver-related side effects were reported and that it would continue to advance danuglipron for treating obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

Both lotiglipron and danuglipron are GLP-1 agonists, with the distinction that danuglipron is taken orally twice daily, while lotiglipron is taken orally once daily.

Some doctors have raised concerns regarding the working mechanisms of these drugs, in addition to concerns about side effects. Since they primarily suppress appetite rather than promote fat burning, there is a potential risk of muscle loss, leading to additional health problems.

A 2022 study found that individuals who stopped taking semaglutide regained two-thirds of the lost weight within one year. Furthermore, improvements in cardiometabolic complications, such as Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, were reversed.

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Hong Kong Couple Suspected of Donating Money to British Politicians on Behalf of CCP Banned From UK, Pending Appeal

The Guardian recently revealed that the British government banned a wealthy Chinese couple from entering the UK last in 2022 because the two had donated money to British politicians on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which was not conducive to the public interest of the UK. The details of the incident came to light when the couple applied to the UKs Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) to extend their appeal period, which was eventually approved.

The Guardian reported on the incident on Tuesday, June 20. After an extensive investigation by other media, it was found that the couple involved were 62 and 60 years old, both born in Guangdong and moved to Hong Kong in 2000. The husband runs a real estate agency in Guangdong and Yunnan. His wife successfully applied for investment immigration to the UK in 2012 and was granted indefinite leave-to-stay status in 2017. The two frequently travel to and from the UK and own properties there.

The SIAC ruling document on the couples application for an extension of the appeal period showed that the British Home Office wrote to them in March last year, saying that the then British Home Secretary Priti Patel had personally issued an order banning them from entering the UK because they had provided donations to British politicians on behalf of the CCP. Allowing them to remain in the UK would be detrimental to the UKs interest. However, the court documents did not provide details about their involvement in British politics or which politicians received the donations.

The couple has not been in the UK in recent years, and the letter sent by the UK authorities to their Hong Kong residence last year indicates that the deadline for appeal was in May. Still, they cited various reasons for not receiving the letter and missed the deadline for appeal. They then applied to the SIAC, which deals with cases of people deported or banned from the UK on national security grounds, to extend the appeal deadline. This was eventually granted, and the SIAC tribunal did not allow their names to be published.

The incident has aroused concerns that the Hong Kong people who emigrated due to participation in civil protests may be suspected of being Chinese agents in the future.

In an interview with the media, Hong Kong current affairs commentator and chairman of the Hong Kong Association of Taiwan, Sang Pu, who has emigrated to Taiwan, said that the Chinese Communist Party uses Hong Kong to do white glove work because of its low cost, so it often intervenes in the politics of other countries through Hong Kong-based companies or people who have obtained permanent resident status in Hong Kong. He added that the Chinese Communist Party intends to use this means to reinforce the impression to the outside world that Hong Kong is part of China.

Sang Pu admits that these methods have caused misunderstanding and distress to many overseas Hongkongers, and their words and deeds will be carefully scrutinized by the local government. However, he believes that on a personal level, overseas Hongkongers should try their best to show the local people their persistence and hope for freedom and democracy through actions and daily lives, including integrating and connecting into the local community and establishing mutual support for ethnic groups oppressed by the CCP.
NEW DELHI, June 28 (Xinhua) -- At least six people were killed and 15 others injured, some critically, after a chariot came into contact with an overhead high-tension wire in India's northeastern state of Tripura on Wednesday, officials said.

The incident took place in the Kumarghat area of Unakoti district, about 120 km northeast of Agartala, the capital city of Tripura.

According to officials, the chariot, carrying deities as part of a religious procession, was being pulled by numerous devotees when the accident happened.

The injured individuals have been admitted to a government hospital. Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the accident. 
Hunter Biden Demanded $10 Million From CCP-Linked Firm for Partnership With The Bidens: Whistleblower

Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, looks on during a state dinner at the White House in Washington on June 22, 2023. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Hunter Biden demanded $10 million from a Chinese energy firm linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), promising services from the Bidens in return, according to WhatsApp messages disclosed by a whistleblower.

A summary of the messages was released last week by the House Ways and Means Committee as part of an IRS whistleblowers redacted testimony (pdf) before the committee.

In his Aug. 3, 2017, exchange with CEFC China Energy executive Gongwen Kevin Dong, Hunter Biden took an exasperated tone, evidently dissatisfied with Dongs haggling over compensation.

Very simple, he wrote. 10 M per annum budget to use to further the interest of the JV [joint venture]. This move to 5M is completely new to me and is not acceptable obviously.

The venture the two were discussing was likely SinoHawk LLC, a U.S. company incorporated by Ye Jianming, Hunter Biden, James Biden, and Biden associates Tony Bobulinski, James Gilliar, and Rob Walker.

Hunter Biden went on to outline how expenses would be determined by his firm, Owasco P.C., in consultation with Hudson West III, a company he co-founded with Ye, founder of CEFC and chairman of its subsidiary, the China Energy Fund Committee.

If the Chairman doesnt value this relationship is being worth at least 5M, then Im just baffled, he said, requesting that they put the matter of compensation to bed tonight and move forward.

I am tired of this, Kevin, he added. I can make $5M salary at any law firm in America. If you think this is about money, its not. The Bidens [sic] are the best I know at doing exactly what the Chairman wants from this partnership. Please lets not quibble over peanuts.

The Epoch Times has reached out to Hunter Bidens attorney.

BIDEN FAMILY COVER-UP In a WhatsApp exchange dated 8/3/2017, Hunter Biden tells CEFC associate Gongwen Dong, aka Kevin: The Bidens are the best I know at doing exactly what the Chairman wants from this [partnership]. CEFC is a CCP-linked Chinese Energy Company. pic.twitter.com/ZzRvpMeuNn  Oversight Committee (@GOPoversight) June 27, 2023

SinoHawk Holdings

Formed through a web of corporate entities, SinoHawk was half-owned by Hudson West IV, a limited liability corporation controlled by Ye, and half-owned by Hunter Biden and his partners through Oneida Holdings LLC.

According to October 2017 texts Hunter Biden sent to his then-partner Bobulinski, he enjoyed a cozy relationship with Ye.

Ive been talking to the Chairman on a regular basis, he said. I was his first guest in his new apartment/ he cooked me lunch himself and we ate in the kitchen together.

Biden added that Ye had hired him as his attorney in the United States and that he was helping the chairman with a number of personal issues, including staff visas and more sensitive things.

Bobulinski, the CEO of SinoHawk, had spent months trying to find out why Ye hadnt wired the promised $10 million in funding to the companys account. He asked Biden in the exchange if he had addressed the matter with Ye.

Biden, referencing various deals Bobulinski was supposedly working on, said he had not discussed those with Ye. He added that hed assumed Bobulinski lost interest as we havent spoken for so long.

Bobulinski, unhappy with that response, said: I lost interest? Really? They were supposed to fund $10 MM USD into Sinohawk accounts. U know that, so not much for games!

Missing Funds Located

In 2020, a Republican-led Senate probe of Hunter Bidens business dealings found that hed conducted business with multiple Chinese nationals linked to the Chinese Communist government and the Peoples Liberation Army, including Ye and Dong.

According to the Senate report (pdf), just days after Bidens WhatsApp exchange with Dong, Hudson West III received a wire of $5 million from CEFC Infrastructure Investment.

Starting on Aug. 8, the same day the $5 million was received, and continuing through Sept. 25, 2018, Hudson West III sent frequent payments to Owasco, Hunter Bidens firm, the report notes. These payments, which were described as consulting fees, reached $4,790,375.25 in just over a year.

In September 2017, Biden and Dong applied for a credit line. The credit cards linked to the accounts would later be used by Biden, his uncle James Biden, and James Bidens wife, Sara Biden, to purchase $100,000 in luxury items, including airline tickets and Apple products.

Years later, when Bobulinski learned of the payments, he lashed out at James Biden via text.

Hope you and family are well, safe and healthy. You can imagine my shock when reading the report yesterday put out by the Senate committee. The fact that you and HB were lying to Rob, James and I while accepting $5 MM from Cefc is infuriating, Bobulinski wrote, using Hunter Bidens initials.

And so disappointing based on the years of work that James, Rob and team invested to get things done.

Bobulinski has since become a key witness in investigations surrounding the Biden familys business dealings.

Last week, the Department of Justice announced that Hunter Biden will plead guilty to two misdemeanor tax offenses for failing to pay his taxes.

He was also charged with a felony firearms offense for unlawful possession of a firearm as an illicit drug user, but he will enter a pretrial diversion program in an attempt to avoid conviction on that charge.

The plea deal will likely result in no prison time.

Ivan Pentchoukov and Seamus Bruner contributed to this report.
Idaho Supreme Court Affirms Ban of Firearms at Music Festival

Second Amendment supporters with their pistols in custom-made holsters during an open carry rally on Jan. 1, 2016, in Austin, Texas. (Erich Schlegel/Getty Images)

The Idaho Supreme Court upheld a lower-court decision affirming the right to ban firearms at a private music festival on city land in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Scott Herndon and Jeff Avery filed the lawsuit claiming that the city and Festival at Sandpoint violated their Second Amendment rights by not allowing them entry to the festival on Aug. 9, 2019, because they were carrying firearms.

Additional plaintiffs included the Idaho Second Amendment Alliance and Second Amendment Foundation.

On April 26, 2021, the District Court of the First Judicial District of the State of Idaho heard oral arguments before taking the matter under advisement and reaching a decision on June 10, 2021, to dismiss the lawsuit with prejudice.

Dismissing a case with prejudice means it cant be refiled. The plaintiffs appealed the decision, rejected by the states highest court on June 22.

In a 26-page decision, the court wrote, We agree with the district court: the appellants failed to establish that they were deprived of a constitutional right by a government actor.

The appellants put forward no argument on appeal to explain how the city of the festival violated their constitutional rights.

Earlier Appeal

The case stems from a 2019 lease issued by Sandpoint to the Festival at Sandpoint, a nonprofit corporation, for a multi-day event at city-owned War Memorial Field Park.

The festival has a long history of prohibiting patrons from bringing weapons, including firearms, into the event, according to the high court decision.

Herndon and Avery were both carrying firearms when security officers stopped them from entering the event.

Although the city owns the memorial field, the Idaho Supreme Court agreed that the city and festival were bound by private contract, which allows discretionary use of the property, including a ban on all weapons.

The festival maintained a rule that prohibited attendees from possessing weapons, including firearms, inside the venue, the decision reads. The festival adopted its rule 20 years earlier and employed it each year during the concert series.

The plaintiffs argued that prohibiting firearms on public property violated the state U.S. constitutions.

While Idaho, a permitless carry state, prohibits infringement on Second Amendment rights on public land, the high court justices agreed that a private lease is a binding contract.

As the holder of the [lease], the festival has the right to the use of the leased property, which includes the authority to set limitations on those who come onto the property, the decision reads.

This relationship is contractual and grants the tenant the authority to exercise control over the property. Therefore, a tenant has the right to exclude as holder of a possessory interest.

That right includes the right to limit where or how others enter the leasehold property, or what they bring with them onto the property.

The Epoch Times reached out to the Second Amendment Foundation for comment but received none by press time.

City Council President Kate McAlister didnt return an email from The Epoch Times requesting comment.

2nd Amendment Gutted

The Idaho Second Amendment Alliance, a plaintiff in the case, posted on Facebook that the state supreme court decision effectively gutted the 2nd Amendment in Idaho, by ruling 50 that public property can be leased to a private party who can ban guns whenever and wherever they want.

The organization called for a special legislative session to immediately remedy this anti-gun decision by the high court.

There are other notable examples of private events that banned firearms.

For instance, in May 2022, the Secret Service prohibited firearms at President Donald Trumps speech at the National Rifle Association Annual Leadership Forum in Houston.

Weapons, including firearms, were also prohibited at Trumps Save America rallies before the 2022 mid-term elections.
ANALYSIS: What Is the Impact of Wagner Mutiny on RussiaUkraine War?

Wagner leader repudiates the West's assertions that the mutiny exposed Russian military weakness

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner Group military company, holds a Russian national flag in front of his soldiers in Bakhmut, Ukraine, in a still from video released on May 20, 2023. (Prigozhin Press Service via AP)

News Analysis

The dramaticif short-livedarmed mutiny led by Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin has prompted a storm of speculation that Russian President Vladimir Putins grip on power is slipping.

Weve seen more cracks emerge in the Russian facade, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in televised remarks on June 25.

Revolt Raises Searing Questions, The New York Times stated in a headline one day later. Could Putin Lose Power?

The dramatic episode on June 24 saw thousands of Wagner fighters, led by Prigozhin, march toward Moscow. Their aim was to air grievances about how the conflict in Ukraine was being conducted.

But while the action certainly embarrassed Russias leadership, it was nevertheless resolved within 24 hours, with Prigozhin quickly calling off his rebellion.

Whats more, as events unfolded, all aspects of Russian societyboth civil and militaryappeared to rally around Putin and condemn the mutineers.

These events have shown how consolidated society is around the president, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on June 27.

Prigozhins Slow Boil

While the mutiny was over almost before it began, it hadin retrospectbeen long in coming.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine 15 months ago, the Wagner Group, a private military company with close ties to the Kremlin, has led much of the fighting.

After Wagner fighters captured the town of Soledar in February, Prigozhin began accusing Russias top brass of failing to send enough munitions to the fronta failure that he said amounted to treason.

Over the next several months, his criticisms of Moscow became increasingly vitriolic.

He repeatedly called for the resignation of Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu and of Valery Gerasimov, chief-of-staff of the Russian military.

At one point, Prigozhin said Russias special military operation had failed to achieve its aims. He also questioned the Russian regular armys ability to hold captured territory.

In an interview late last month, he again excoriated Moscow, claiming that alleged corruption and mismanagement could lead to revolution in Russia.

Moscow, for its part, largely ignored the outbursts until June 24, when Prigozhinfollowing one of his trademark diatribesabruptly upped the ante.

With thousands of Wagner fighters, he occupied Russias city of Rostov-on-Don, from where an armed convoy began moving on Moscow with the stated aim of restoring justice.

The Rebellion That Wasnt

But it wasnt to be.

On the evening of June 24, news emerged that Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a close Putin ally, had brokered a deal with the Wagner chief, who ordered his fighters to return to their base camps.

In return, criminal charges against Prigozhin were dropped, and he would be allowed to take up residence in Belarus. In addition, Wagner fighters who took part in the mutiny, meanwhile, would be pardoned in light of their front-line achievements on Russias behalf.

It was all very unexpected, Stanislav Aleksandrovich Pritchin, a senior research fellow at Russias Institute of World Economy and International Relations, told The Epoch Times.

Previously, it had been inconceivable that one of Putins nominal allies could act so independentlyand for his own interestsin the public sphere, Pritchin said.

But Prigozhins grievances appear to have been mainly with Shoigus defense ministry, he added. I dont think his aim was regime change in Moscow.

Russian media has since reported that Prigozhin will be kept under observation by the Belarusian authorities to ensure that he doesnt engage in any political activity.

In a June 26 video message, Prigozhin insisted his rebellion wasnt a coup attempt, but simply an expression of protest against Russias military leadership.

Renewed Western Support

The Wagner chiefs motivations remain unclear, and the incident has since birthed a number of conspiracy theories.

On June 27, Viktor Zolotov, head of Russias National Guard, told Russias TASS news agency that the rebellion was likely inspired by Western intelligence.

While he didnt provide any evidence for the claim, the theory remains popular among Russian bloggers and commentators.

But one things for sure: The mutiny has provided renewed justification for stepping up Western support for Kyivdespite a weeks-long counteroffensive that has achieved significantly less than expected.

In a June 25 interview with French daily La Provence, French President Emmanuel Macron said Prigozhins actions had revealed divisions within the Russian camp [and] the fragility of its armies and auxiliary forces.

Such revelations, he claimed, entirely justify the support we are giving to the Ukrainians in their resistance.

Other Western leaders have likewise seized on Prigozhins aborted mutiny as a telltale sign that Russias military machine is disintegrating.

I dont think weve seen the final act, Blinken told ABC on June 25. To the extent that the Russians are distracted and divided, it may make their prosecution of aggression against Ukraine more difficult.

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also asserted that Russias political system was showing fragilities, and the military power is cracking.

Gen. Philip Breedlove, former head of U.S. European Command, claimed that Russian state institutions were unraveling and that the Russian armys prestige had been much diminished.

No Effect on Conflict

But has it?

For one, Russian officialdomacross the spectrumwas unanimous in condemning the mutineers. Even among the Wagner Group itself, few officersif anythrew in their lot with Prigozhins rebellion.

Whats more, as events unfolded, Putin received several calls of support from key allies, including the leaders of Belarus, Turkey, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Qatar.

In a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on June 24, the latter expressed full support for the steps taken by the Russian leadership, according to the Kremlin.

Despite being a NATO member, Turkey maintains good relations with Russia, with which it shares extensive trade ties and a lengthy maritime border.

But perhaps most tellingly, even Western media has acknowledged that the ill-fated mutiny hasnt affected the fighting in Ukraine.

On June 25, the NY Times, citing U.S. officials, reported that Prigozhins march on Moscow did not cause any Russian units  to leave their positions in southern or eastern Ukraine.

On the same day, in an interview with Fox News, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov conceded that the goals of Kyivs counteroffensive had been overestimated.

For months, Kyiv and its Western backers had promised a robust counterattack aimed at retaking Russian-held territory. But since it began on June 4, the offensive has registered only limited gains.

Pritchin, for his part, disagrees with Western assertions that the mutiny served to expose Russian military weakness.

Wagner remains a component of Russias military capacity, he said.

The big question now is how Putin will integrate the group into the military hierarchy and Russias security system.

On June 27, Prigozhin arrived in Belarus under the terms of the deal brokered by Lukashenko.

Hours earlier, the Pentagon announced plans to provide Kyiv with a fresh $500 million military aid package.

Reuters contributed to this report.
IN-DEPTH: Tourist Paradise Costa Rica Flooded With Illegal Immigrants

The sun sets over Puntarenas on the Pacific side of Costa Rica. (Courtesy of Bill Neely)

A tidal wave of humanity is sweeping over the idyllic rainforests and famous surf beaches of Costa Rica, one that has no apparent end in sight.

The Central American nation of barely 5 million people has reached a tipping point amid groups of migrants heading north from Panama and the Darien Gap toward the United States.

The country is also experiencing a surge of Nicaraguans entering illegally along its northern frontier, many of whom seek to escape the increasingly authoritarian regime of President Daniel Ortega.

Its a migration tsunami that has left Costa Rican locals and officials desperate for solutions.

In May, during an official visit to Vienna, Costa Rican Foreign Minister Arnoldo Andre Tinoco told reporters, We could well process 250 to 400 migrants a day from south to north, but notas happened last September and October4,000 a day.

Almost 1 million migrants and asylum-seekers currently reside in Costa Rica, most from Nicaragua, Venezuela, Cuba, and Haiti.

In response, U.S. State Department officials announced on June 12 the opening of expedited legal pathways for asylum-seeking illegals stuck in Costa Rica who are Nicaraguan or Venezuelan nationals.

This initiative will facilitate access to lawful pathways to the United States and other countries, including expedited refugee processing and other humanitarian and labor pathways, according to an official State Department statement.

During the exploratory phase, Movilidad Segura services will be limited to Nicaraguan and Venezuelan nationals who can prove that they were physically present in Costa Rica on the date of this announcement and who are currently registered as asylum seekers.

While this may serve as a temporary pressure-release valve, some Costa Ricans fear the problem will get worse before it gets better.

Complicating this, locals have said that many illegal immigrants simply refuse to work despite abundant job opportunities and a relaxed government attitude toward off the books workers.

Jobs for Everyone

North of Costa Ricas capital, San Jose, lie the verdant hills of the Alajuela province. Its one of the countrys signature coffee-growing regions and home to a crown jewel of tourism: the Arenal volcano.

At the base of this dormant giant is every kind of adventure or nature activity imaginable. Ziplining, hiking, white water rafting, hot springs, and wildlife photo safaris are all within easy reach.

The Arenal volcano is a cornerstone of the countrys thriving tourist industry that brings in $1.7 billion a year.

Coffee farms are another major revenue and jobs generator, contributing more than $370 million to the yearly GDP.

Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica is surrounded by a thriving adventure tourism industry and coffee plantations. Photo taken on June 12, 2023. (Autumn Spredemann/The Epoch Times)

But for all its prosperity, Costa Rica has a unique problem in Latin America: It has more jobs than workers, especially in the coffee sector.

Luis Rodriguez grew up in the coffee-farming town of Naranjo, not far from the Arenal volcano. He now works as a driver for several tourist resorts in the area, but some of his family members are cafeterosregional slang for coffee farmersin Naranjo.

Theres a lot of demand for the people who will harvest coffee. Costa Ricans dont want to do that work because they make more money with tourism, Mr. Rodriguez told The Epoch Times.

Costa Ricans, known locally as Ticos, are among the most educated populations in Latin America. The country boasts a 96 percent literacy rate, which is higher than Brazils. Many locals also speak English, which opens doors to the lucrative tourism sector.

Well-educated Ticos prefer to work better-paid, less physically demanding jobs than coffee farming, even though it pays better than other farm work.

Historically, families in the Alajuela province such as Rodriguezs have leaned heavily on the influx of illegal immigrants, particularly from Nicaragua, to help bring in the coffee harvest.

A local report from 2020 stated that the average coffee cherry picker earns around $2 per basket, based on weight.

A worker can easily clear $60 per day; at five days a week, thats $300, a high salary for farm workers in Latin America.

Costa Ricas central valley near San Jose is known for its coffee production, but farmers struggle to find workers. Photo taken on June 15, 2023. (Autumn Spredemann/The Epoch Times)

But Mr. Rodriguez said farms near his hometown are struggling to find workers this year and are paying up to 5,000 colonesalmost $10per basket.

This is perplexing locals because nearly 200,000 Nicaraguans reside in Costa Rica as refugees, according to a United Nations report.

Some coffee farmers are ready to hand out triple the standard rate this year and there are clearly enough immigrants who need the money. So what happened?

Part of the problem may be that Costa Rica is just a stopping point for many who are simply en route to the United States, according to locals.

Beg and Rob

Jose Vargas frowns while stirring sugar into a cup of coffee. Its pouring rain outside the corner cafe in downtown San Jose, driving people off of the streets near the famous Plaza de la Cultura.

The adjacent city square is a popular draw for tourists and locals alike, hosting two of San Joses star attractions: the National Theater and the Pre-Colombian Gold Museum.

In sunnier weather, the square is crowded with local families, tourists taking pictures, and illegal immigrants.

Its a common landing spot for illegals, especially Venezuelans, whove just completed the arduous journey through the Darien Gap.

Once they emerge from the dangerous jungle in Panama, a migrant can catch a bus to Costa Rica from San Vicente for about $40 dollars.

And, like many Costa Ricans, Mr. Vargas is pretty unhappy about it.

They only come here to beg and rob, he told The Epoch Times.

Hes particularly frustrated with Venezuelans, a common echo heard from hard-working locals in multiple countries throughout the region.

Latin Americans from Chile to Mexico decry the growing number of Venezuelan refugees living in their countries who refuse to work.

Theyre easy to spot. Many of those begging hold signs saying theyre Venezuelan. Some will sit on street corners holding cardboard signs or approach cars at busy intersections, tapping on windows without outstretched hands.

The 65-year-old Vargas has worked hard at multiple jobs his entire life to support his family.

In that time, as a San Jose native, hes seen tides of migration ebb and flow. He noted that most of the illegal immigrants pass through because of the high cost of living in Costa Rica compared with neighboring countries.

But for those with two hands and a desire to make money, there are plenty of jobs.

In Costa Rica, there is work for everybody, but some just wont work, Mr. Vargas said.

Locals walking down a street near the Plaza de la Cultura in San Jose, Costa Rica, on June 18, 2023. (Autumn Spredemann/The Epoch Times)

The humanitarian crisis in Venezuela that has lasted more than a decade stems from a collapsed currency and a long-suffering economy under the contested President Nicolas Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chavez.

Both have faced multiple accusations of human rights violations from international agencies.

Though many Colombians, Brazilians, Cubans, Haitians, and others have joined the surge of migrants coming up from the Darien Gap, more than 7 million Venezuelans alone have fled their country since 2015.

Costa Rica doesnt have extreme poverty. Here you arent going to die of starvation, Mr. Rodriguez said. You may not be rich, but youll have the basic necessities to live.

Yet the dearth of farm workers in Costa Ricas coffee fields speaks volumes. Some say the refusal of an honest days wages is directly tied to the fact that few illegals plan to stay.

By Any Means

I cant think of when Ive ever heard of Venezuelans dreaming of going to Costa Rica, Evan Ellis, a Latin America research professor for the U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute, told The Epoch Times.

Mr. Ellis said he believes that the majority of the migrants passing through Costa Rica are heading to the United States.

Further, Costa Ricas economy is in pretty good shape, which is part of what drives the move it along mentality locals and officials have toward immigrants.

Theres an attempt to keep everyone moving through, like there is in Panama, he said.

Further, Ellis noted that the organization of migration routes through the Darien Gap has become more formal and streamlined over the past couple of years.

What used to be barely discernable, muddy goat paths known only to a handful of cartel-affiliated guides have become well-marked trails where cartels operating in the jungle charge a tax for northbound migrants to pass.

Moreover, its becoming more common for desperate migrants to turn to human traffickers for aid in their passage to the United States. In response, Panama announced a joint security task force with Colombia to help crack down on human traffickers.

Operation Choco aims to stop transnational organized crime in the Darien by mobilizing aerial support and confronting crime groups head-on, Panamas security minister, Juan Pino, told reporters during a June 2 press conference.

The day manager of a popular downtown San Jose hotel, who asked to be referred to as Maria out of concern for her job, said illegal immigrants arent shy about sharing their plans to head to the United States by any means necessary.

Maria recalled a pregnant Venezuelan immigrant who stayed in the hotel with a man carrying a U.S. passport.

After making photocopies of their identification at check-in, Maria asked the woman how long she planned to stay in Costa Rica.

The woman said the man she was traveling with helped her through the Darien Gap in Panama and planned to assist her entry into the United States after departing Costa Rica.

Maria wasnt the least bit surprised. She also said many of the people who arrive from the Darien Gap are just there to beg.

There are only a few who arrive to work, but most of them are begging and then leave, she said.

Like Luis and Jose, Maria has a distaste for those who arrive in her beautiful country and refuse to work.

However, she said the price tag of everything in Costa Rica, from grocery items to utility bills, is a natural deterrent to anyone looking to linger for longer than a short spell.

So they try to spend as little time here as possible, she said.

Ellis noted that theres a bit of everything and everyone flowing northward from the Darien Gap these days.

Combined with the surge of Nicaraguans entering Costa Rica from the north, its a substantial infrastructure shock for the small nation.

Some studies estimate that 15 percent of Costa Ricas population is now migrants.

Meanwhile, U.S. southern border officials continue treading water amid the surge of migrants trying to cross in the wake of the end of Title 42.

A June analysis put the current number of illegal immigrants in the United States at 16.8 million.
Indonesia Launches Settlement Program for Victims of Past Rights Abuses

Indonesian President Joko Widodo attends a joint news conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin following their meeting in Moscow, on June 30, 2022. (Alexander Zemlianichenko/Pool via Reuters)

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Tuesday launched a program aimed at resolving past human rights abuses across the nation and providing restitution to victims through non-judicial means.

Widodo launched the program to implement recommendations of non-judicial settlements in the Pidie regency of Aceh Province, the first area where the program was launched, the Presidential Secretariat Office said.

This is an effort to heal the wounds of the nation due to past gross human rights violations, which have left a heavy burden on the victims and their families, the president stated on Twitter.

Widodo said this showed his administrations commitment to preventing similar abuses in the future. He assured that the government would not negate the judicial mechanism despite taking a non-judicial approach.

The government did not specify the number of people eligible for the program.

Widodo has previously expressed regret over 12 incidents classified as gross human rights violations from Acehs northernmost province to the easternmost province of Papua between the 1960s and 2000s.

These include the mass killings and civil unrest that occurred during the Indonesian communist purge in 19651966, which resulted in an estimated death toll of 500,000 people.

Widodo also acknowledged the disappearance of anti-government activists between 1997 and 1998, which was later found to be the work of the armys Special Forces Command, led at the time by Lt. Gen. Prabowo Subianto, who currently serves as Widodos defense minister.

Other rights abuses include a shooting campaign against criminals between 1982 and 1985; the torture of suspected rebels in Aceh in 19881989; a deadly raid on an Islamic community in Lampung in 1989; the killing of students and anti-government protesters in 1998; anti-Chinese attacks and alleged mass rapes in 1998; and deadly raids against civilians in Wasior and Wamena in Papua Province between 2001 and 2003.

With a clear mind and sincere heart, I, as head of state of the Republic of Indonesia, acknowledge that gross violations of human rights did occur in various incidents. And I deeply regretted the 12 incidents of human rights violations, Widodo said.

Political Agenda

Widodo formed a team last year to seek non-judicial settlement of past human rights abuses. However, the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) said the team includes people suspected of having a track record of human rights abuses.

AHRC specifically highlighted the appointment of Asad Said Ali as a team member, who was suspected of having been involved in the murder of human rights activist Munir Said Thalib in 2004.

We consider that the formation of the [Human Rights Violation Settlement Team] containing alleged perpetrators of human rights violations by the President further shows that the issue of past serious human rights violations is only used as an annual political agenda for political contestants, including President Joko Widodo, AHRC said in a statement on Oct. 6, 2022.

The commission urged the government to guarantee the disclosure of the truth and the judicial process in its settlement of past human rights violations.

Without revealing the truth, reconciliation or other non-judicial processes will only serve as blank cheques or a means of impunity for perpetrators of past gross human rights violations, it added.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Israels Netanyahu to Visit China

(L) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the first working cabinet meeting of the new government at the Chagall Hall in the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem May 24, 2020. (Abir Sultan/Pool via Reuters), (R) Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping attends a meeting with delegates from the 2019 New Economy Forum at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China on Nov. 22, 2019. (Jason Lee-Pool/Getty Images)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on June 27 that he had been invited to visit China, according to a statement from his office.

In a meeting on Tuesday with members of the U.S. Congress, Netanyahu informed them that he had received an invitation for an official visit to China and that the Biden administration was notified of the coming visit a month ago, the statement said.

The Israeli prime minister made it clear to the members of Congress that the security and intelligence cooperation between the U.S. and Israel is at an all-time high, and emphasized that the U.S. will always be a vital, irreplaceable ally of Israel.

Beijing has not confirmed the visit, and a date has not yet been announced.

This will be Netanyahus fourth visit to China, and the first since March 2017.

The invitation comes as Netanyahu is still waiting for an invitation from President Joe Biden for an official visit to Washington.

In March, Biden said Netanyahu would not be invited for an official visit to Washington in the near term amid protests in Israel against the governments plans to reform the judiciary.

The Biden administration has been critical of Netanyahus planned legal reform.

CCP Rebuffs Closer Ties With US

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had a robust conversation with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and other top diplomats when he traveled to Beijing last month, ending a two-day trip that some critics argued was a win for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Blinken, the most senior U.S. official to travel to China since Biden took office, met with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang and the regimes top diplomat, Wang Yi.

We have an interest in setting up crisis communication mechanisms to reduce conflict risk, Kurt Campbell, the National Security Council coordinator for Indo-Pacific affairs, said during a June 14 press call.

Xi, who heads the CCPs military as chairman of the Central Military Commission, refused to give the nod.

This was not the CCP heads only demonstration of power. The meeting at the Great Hall of the People took place at an unusual U-shaped table, with only Xi at the head. U.S. and Chinese officials were lined up on either side. Blinken sat to his right.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L) attends a meeting with Chinas President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on June 19, 2023. (Leah Millis/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

In addition, when Blinken arrived for this visit, he was met at the airport by a low-level official, Yang Tao, the director general of the foreign ministrys Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs.

Among the U.S. priorities in the Beijing discussions was the resumption of bilateral exchanges on the military level. But at this moment, China has not agreed to move forward with that, Blinken told reporters, even though he had repeatedly raised the issue.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken (R) is welcomed by Director General of the Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs of the Foreign Ministry Yang Tao and U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns (L) as he arrives in Beijing on June 18, 2023. (Leah Millis/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

CCP Strengthens Presence in Middle East

The CCP has deepened its involvement in the Middle East in recent months.

It brokered the resumption of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia in March.

In April, Qin spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki. During the talks, Qin said Beijing is ready to assist in peace talks based on a two-state solution.

In June, the CCP announced a strategic partnership with the Palestinian leadership. It came during a meeting between the head of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, and Xi.

During their meeting, Xi, sitting across from Abbas, said that Beijing is willing to assist the Palestinians in achieving internal reconciliation and promoting peace talks with Israel, according to Chinese state media.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping (R) and Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas attend a welcoming ceremony in Beijing on June 14, 2023. (Jade Gao/Pool via Getty Images)

Xi said Beijing and the Palestinian Authority are good partners that trust and support each other. He noted that the CCP supports the cause of the Palestinian people to restore their national rights, and he laid out a general three-point proposal to resolve the conflict with Israel, in which China hopes to play the role of a mediator.

Frank Fang and Dorothy Li contributed to this report.
The carpenters had not seen such awe-inspiring joinery except in textbooks until now. Even their master Japanese carpenter, with his 50 years experience in the trade, hadnt laid eyes on such old-time craftsmanship beforenot in practice, anyway. They examined the wooden bones of a 95-year-old, two-story kominka (or traditional Japanese house) and would not find a single nail fastening the works.

Dylan Iwanuki, 26, moves frequently from job site to job site working on old traditional Japanese construction projects such as kominkas and shrines. This kominka had belonged to a building company owner before being abandoned and then sold to a designer of chairs, Taka Yoshino, whose vision was to transform it into a chair museumcomplete with a cafe overlooking Mount Fuji.

Thats where Iwanuki and his team come in. Their mission was to relocate the kominka from its present location in Saitama, near Tokyo, to their workshop firstwhere many of their discoveries and explorations would take place. Then finally they would deliver it to Yamanashi Prefecture for reassembling.

The 95-year-old kominka containing traditional Japanese joinery at Saitama, near Tokyo, before being relocated. (Courtesy of Dylan Iwanuki)

Initially, faced with its modernized exterior, the kominkas jaw-dropping joinery lay mostly hidden. Not until deconstruction began would the carpenters minds be blown. First, they had to figure out how the joints fit together, which would be a daunting task despite all their experiencefor how does one work on what one cant see?

From the outside, the joinery is hidden, and so we had to kind of figure out how it was connected so that we knew how to take it apart, Iwanuki, a practicing Japanese carpenter from Saitama, told The Epoch Times. That was also very fascinating for me personally.

He revealed some of the history behind the trade. In the old days, when nails had to be forged by hand and were expensive, Japanese carpenters found ways to bind wood together and even tighten it through intricate systems of interlocking joinery and wedges. Such systems could achieve the same tightening effect as modern-day screws, and no metal fasteners were needed at all. Back then, there were no power tools, so all of the work was done by hand. That explains why custom kominkas are so expensive today.

The kominka structure still stands strong after nearly 100 years despite not having a single nail. (Courtesy of Dylan Iwanuki)

Stripped down to the bare bones, the rustic beams and traditionally-constructed timber frame of the 95-year-old kominka are visible. (Courtesy of Dylan Iwanuki)

Only a select few or a small group of clients [are] willing to spend that much money or time to do that kind of work, Iwanuki said. It still exists, but its just that its definitely not common. Today, there are more efficient ways of building or cheaper methods, he added.

The team dug into textbooks on traditional Japanese carpentry to solve the puzzle and unlock the joints. Iwanuki documented their joint exploration project by photographing and videoing them and posting them on his Instagram, where hidden gems from lost crafts often go viral. One example they ran across was a joint known as shachi sen tsugi, which utilizes inserted wedges to pull two interlocking pieces tightly together, locking them in place. This was employed for horizontal spans along the edges of eaves directly above the rafters all around the roof. The joint could be disassembled by removing the wedge.

A traditional shachi sen tsugi joinery type from the 95-year-old kominka at Saitama. (Courtesy of Dylan Iwanuki)

Another view of the shachi sen tsugi joint. (Courtesy of Dylan Iwanuki)

(Courtesy of Dylan Iwanuki)

The carpenters discovered another joint located in a place they didnt expect as it wasnt load bearing; that is, in the floor sills, which lie horizontally directly above the ground or concrete foundation. This joint, called okkake daisen tsugi, involves two pieces that slide together, one overlapping the other, tied by two wooden pins locking them. This was also found in beams, for its extremely strong.

A joinery type called okkake daisen tsugi, displayed at the 95-year-old kominka at Saitama. (Courtesy of Dylan Iwanuki)

The okkake daisen tsugi joint after disassembly. (Courtesy of Dylan Iwanuki)

(Courtesy of Dylan Iwanuki)

One of the trickier specimens they found was a corner joint called hako dome where only a single vertical seam is visible along the miter (corner) from the outside. A far more intricate system lay unseen within with two wedges inserted within the inside angle to create tension that fastens the whole. These wedges were extracted with pliers before the joint was separatedand in a way that was, somehow, so satisfying to watch.

A corner joinery type called hako dome was found in the 95-year-old kominka at Saitama. (Courtesy of Dylan Iwanuki)

The hako dome joint after disassembly. (Courtesy of Dylan Iwanuki)

(Courtesy of Dylan Iwanuki)

Though not part of the present project, one of the most complex Japanese joinery types Iwanuki has come across is called kawai tsugite. This unique joint can be fitted interchangeably to form three distinct angles that include two different types of elbows or a straight line. Needless to say, that one went viral.

A complex three-way joinery type called kawai tsugite, which went viral on Iwanukis Instagram. (Courtesy of Dylan Iwanuki)

(Courtesy of Dylan Iwanuki)

The carpenters had to exercise great care in the disassembly process, which took about two months. Many of the interior beams consisted of unfinished logs lending a rustic look, while the rest was simply a timber frame. Each piece was meticulously cataloged with x-, y-, and z-axis coordinate labels on them before being transported to the workshop.

Once shipped, the carpenters set to work fixing pieces that had been damaged by age or termites or had been warped or twisted by time or weather. Sometimes they had to craft new pieces from scratch to be married with the old. It was through this process that they were truly amazed by the craftsmanship of their forbears; it remained so tight after so long and was so clean and precise that they were in awe.

Iwanuki enjoys spotting traditional Japanese joinery during his trips, such as this kanawa tsugi that was almost invisible to the eye. (Courtesy of Dylan Iwanuki)

An example of another type of Japanese joinery type called otoshi ari. (Courtesy of Dylan Iwanuki)

An example of a Japanese joinery type called mechi tsugi. (Courtesy of Dylan Iwanuki)

Iwanuki himself felt obliged to honor their work by crafting something they would deem worthy. He did not wish to embarrass or dishonor them with poor or substandard work. He described the process of marrying old and new as communicating with the carpenters of the past.

To see their work and see what they left behind makes you feel like youre going to leave behind good work as well, Iwanuki said. I think that was the biggest takeaway.

Views of the exterior of the kominka, now called Chair Laboratory, in Yamanashi Prefecture. (Courtesy of Dylan Iwanuki)

Once all of the repairs were doneit took about six months in the workshop, sometimes involving temporary re-assembliesthe pieces were relocated to Yamanashi Prefecture where reconstruction began. That took about nine months and involved installing an all-new interior that was up to code by modern standards. About eighty percent of the original old bones were preserved in the building, Iwanuki said. Nor would all the old be hidden in the newly-christened chair museum, but rather, shown off where it was possible to do so.

The interior of Chair Laboratory, in Yamanashi Prefecture. (Courtesy of Dylan Iwanuki)

Today, the kominka is called Chair Laboratoryits a kind of quasi-avant-garde, interactive museum paying homage not only to excellence in traditional Japanese carpentry, but also the design of modern chairs. It features some 300 fine furniture pieces from around the world displayed on the main floor. There is a separate chair woodwork studio where connoisseurs can sit in and experience them, plus an upstairs where visitors may admire Fujisan while savoring a cappuccino.

A view of Mt. Fuji seen from the kominka, now called Chair Laboratory, in Yamanashi Prefecture. (Courtesy of Dylan Iwanuki)

The interior of Chair Laboratory showcases modern chairs and traditional Japanese furnishings. (Courtesy of Dylan Iwanuki)

A traditional Japanese interior and exterior are displayed at Chair Laboratory, in Yamanashi Prefecture. (Courtesy of Dylan Iwanuki)

Views from inside and outside of Chair Laboratory, in Yamanashi Prefecture. (Courtesy of Dylan Iwanuki)

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Kamala Harris Viewed Unfavorably Among 50 Percent of American Voters: NBC News Poll

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during National Small Business Week in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington on May 1, 2023. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times)

Vice President Kamala Harris favorability among Americans has plummeted to a record low, according to a new NBC News survey.

The poll (pdf), published June 26, was conducted among 1,000 registered voters between June 16 to June 20 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.10 percent.

It found that nearly half of respondents, approximately 49 percent, have a very negative or somewhat negative view of Harris while just 32 percent have a very positive or somewhat positive view of the vice president.

Those favorability results, a -17 net rating, are the lowest for a vice president in the history of the NBC News poll, according to the publication.

As an example, in October 2019, 38 percent of respondents had a negative view of then-Vice President Mike Pence, Harris predecessor, compared to 34 percent of those surveyed who had a positive view of Pence.

Pence entered the Republican Presidential candidate race for 2024 earlier this month.

Prior to that, in December 2020, a survey of registered voters found that 34 percent had a positive view of then-Vice President Joe Biden while 33 percent had a negative view, according to NBC News.

In May 2003, former VP Dick Cheney received a positive view among 47 percent of registered voters compared to 24 percent who viewed him negatively.

The findings of NBCs poll are similar to those seen in the latest RealClearPolitics aggregate, which found that Harris has an average -15.6 percent unfavorable rating, placing her far ahead of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (-6.6 percent), who is also vying for the White House in 2024, and Biden, who has an unfavourability rating of -13.7, according to RealClearPolitics.

Vice President Kamala Harris applauds as President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, on Feb. 7, 2023. (Jacquelyn Martin/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Different Filter, Focus on Harris

Elsewhere, Harris isnt polling well among Democrats either, according to the latest Fox News national survey of registered voters.

That survey was conducted between April 2124 among 1,004 randomly selected registered voters nationwide under the joint direction of Beacon Research and Shaw & Company Research and has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus three percentage points.

It found that nearly three-quarters of Democrats (73 percent) approved of Harris job performance, while just 36 percent of independents approve and 15 percent of Republicans approve.

Overall, that survey found that 43 percent of voters approve of the job Harris is doing in office while more than half, approximately 54 percent, disapprove, down from her 40 percent approval rate in June 2021.

GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley suggested in a Fox interview earlier this month that voters are acutely aware that Harris may well be the next president at a time of extreme uncertainty in the United States.

We cant continue down this path. And lets be very clear if they think its going to be President Biden, a vote for President Biden, its actually a vote for President Harris, Haley said.

We are running against Kamala Harris. Make no bones about it. The New York Times knows it. Every liberal knows it. They know that its Kamala Harris thats going to end up being president of the United States if Joe Biden wins this election, she added.

Former President Donald J. Trump speaks during the Faith and Freedom Road to Majority conference at Hilton in Washington on June 24, 2023. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times)

White House Hoping to Revive Harriss Image

The latest poll results come as White House officials are reportedly hard at work trying to revive Harris public image after she was widely criticized last year for failing to visit the U.S.Mexico border at a time when illegal immigration surged to unprecedented levels.

Reports also emerged last year of infighting and low morale in Harris officealthough she later dismissed those reportsand experts have repeatedly raised concerns about the vice presidents noticeable absence from the spotlight during her time in the role.

White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients told Axios on Monday that he meets with Harris on a weekly basis to go over her policy ideas and leadership.

If you think about what matters to the American people, its what the Vice President is actually doing and when the American people see her in action every day  I think the enthusiasm and energy is palpable, Zients said.

We just need to make sure that we do a good job of exposing her to the American public, he added.

Elsewhere, NBCs poll found that former President Donald Trump is leading among his GOP rivals in the 2024 race.

Among Republican voters who were asked who they would vote for if the GOP primary for president was being held today, 51 percent said Trump would be their first choice, followed by 22 percent who would vote for DeSantis.

Just 7 percent of Republican voters said they would vote for Pence.

In a race between Biden and Trump, 49 percent of respondents polled by NBC said they would vote for Biden while 45 percent said they would vote for the former president.
Key Russian Ally Belarus Takes Center Stage After Wagner Rebellion

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko speaks to journalists during his visit to a military-industrial complex facility in the Minsk Region, Belarus, on June 13, 2023. (Press Service of the President of the Republic of Belarus/Handout via Reuters)

Belaruswhich played a critical role in ending last weeks aborted mutiny against the Kremlin by the leader of Russias Wagner Grouphas returned to the spotlight.

A key Russian ally, the country made headlines earlier this year when Moscow unveiled plans to station tactical nuclear weapons on Belarusian soil.

On June 27, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko confirmed that a large number of Russian nuclear weapons have already been transferred to the country.

Its surprising they have failed to spot them, he was cited as saying by the BelTA news agency, presumably referring to Western intelligence agencies.

Now, Minsk is hosting disgraced Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, whose short-lived rebellion on June 24 briefly appeared to threaten Moscow itself.

However, the crisis was avertedin less than 24 hoursafter Lukashenko, in coordination with Russian President Vladimir Putin, brokered a de-escalation deal with Prigozhin.

In return for calling off his rebellion, the Wagner chief was permitted to relocate to Belarus, whereunder the terms of the dealhe would be spared prosecution.

Russias Federal Security Service (FSB) had earlier charged Prigozhin with inciting armed mutinyan offense that can carry a 20-year jail sentence.

Prigozhin arrived in Belarus on June 27. On the same day, the FSB dropped the charges against him.

According to Russian media reports, Prigozhin will be watched by the Belarusian authorities to ensure he doesnt engage in any political activity.

Members of the Wagner group prepare to pull out from the headquarters of the Southern Military District to return to their base in Rostov-on-Don late on June 24, 2023. (Roman Romokhov/AFP via Getty Images)

Need to Cool Down

Lukashenko has defended the terms of the deal, which some pro-Russia critics view as too lenient, given the scope of Prigozhins transgressions.

There is no need to imprison anyone, Lukashenko told BelTA following Prigozhins arrival in Belarus.

This is my message to Russian flag-wavers and turbo-patriots, he said.

We need to cool down and turn this page, he added. If needed, we will return to this story. But now we need to cool down.

In power since 1994, Lukashenko has long been viewed as one of Putins closest allies.

President Putin enjoys longstanding good relations [with Lukashenko]not just as allies, but as friends, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on June 27.

According to Peskov, the two leaders exchange opinions and coordinate their actions on a daily basis.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko walk during a meeting in Sochi, Russia, on May 23, 2022. (Sputnik/Ramil Sitdikov/Kremlin via Reuters)

The Union State

In April, Lukashenko visited Putin in Moscow to discuss a Union State treaty that has bound their two countries since 1999.

The treaty aims to cement economic, security, and defense ties between Russia and Belarus, both of which are former Soviet republics.

Within the framework of the Union State, the two countries share a security structure that includes a joint Regional Group of Forces (RGF) and a jointly operated air-defense system.

On June 28, Natalya Kochanova, a senior Belarusian lawmaker, hailed the Union State as a center of power that everyone must reckon withdespite their own strategic ambitions.

In addition to the Union State treaty, Belarus is a member of several Moscow-led regional blocs, including the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Collective Security Treaty Organization.

Its also on track to become a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a formidable bloc of Eurasian states founded by Moscow and Beijing in 2001.

A long-range Tu-22M3 bomber of the Russian Aerospace Forces takes off to patrol in the airspace of Belarus, from an airfield in Russia on Nov. 10, 2021. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)

Military Cooperation

Since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine early last year, military cooperation between Moscow and Minsk has ramped up exponentially.

In October 2022, the two countries established the joint RGF, comprised of Russian and Belarusian military personnel. Soon afterward, Moscow dispatched thousands of troopsand substantial military hardwareto Belarus.

In December, Minsk announced that Russian-deployed Iskander and S-400 missile systems were up and running on Belarusian territory, exacerbating fears of escalation.

In the same month, Putin, along with his ministers of defense and foreign affairs, paid a rare visit to Minsk for closed-door discussions with Belarusian officials.

Shortly before the visit, Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, described Belarus as Moscows No. 1 ally.

Belarus has yet to play an active role in the ongoing RussiaUkraine conflict. Lukashenko himself has repeatedly said he has no intention to send Belarusian forces to Ukraine to fight alongside Russian troops.

But increasing military cooperation has prompted fears that Belarus could be used as a staging ground for a potential Russian push on Kyivas was seen in the opening weeks of the conflict.

Belarus is located in the immediate north of Ukraine. The two countries share a roughly 675-mile-long border, which runs less than 100 miles from Kyiv.

Fighters of the Wagner private mercenary group, are seen atop a tank while being deployed near the headquarters of the Southern Military District in the city of Rostov-on-Don, Russia, on June 24, 2023. (Stringer/Reuters)

Army on Alert

On June 27, Lukashenko said the Belarusian military had been put on high alert while Prigozhins mutiny was underway.

It took just half a day for the Belarusian armyall the armed forces, including the police and special unitsto be brought to full combat readiness, he was quoted as saying by BelTA.

He also claimed the army had stopped armed opposition groupshe mentioned the so-called Kalinovsky Regimentfrom inciting a revolution in Belarus meant to coincide with Prigozhins rebellion.

Established in 2022, the Kalinovsky Regiment reportedly consists of disaffected Belarusians who have volunteered to fight Russian forces in Ukraine.

The Epoch Times was unable to verify Lukashenkos assertions.

In 2020, Minsk was rocked by large demonstrations that almost succeeded in bringing down Lukashenkos government.

Minsk and Moscow view those protests as a Western-backed attempt at regime change, drawing parallels with Kyivs 2014 Maidan Revolution, which led to the ouster of Ukraines pro-Russia president.
Kidnapped Woman, Infant Found Safe in Lancaster; Suspect at Large

A 31-year-old woman and a 2-month-old girl who authorities said were abducted by the womans husband in Lancaster were found safe on June 26, but the suspect remained at large.

Sabrina Sanchez and her daughter Itzel Sanchez had been last seen about noon Sunday with 25-year-old Efrain Sanchez-Jiminez, according to the California Highway Patrol, which issued an Amber Alert early Monday morning due to the alleged abduction.

The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department (LASD) announced mid-afternoon Monday that Sanchez and Itzel had been found safe by U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel, but no other details were released.

Sanchez-Jiminez remained at large. The vehicle he was driving, a silver 2007 Buick Lucerne with a Colorado license plate number AUI-X94, also had not been found as of Monday afternoon.

He is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, 130 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes, wearing a white tank top and silver shorts.

It is believed the victims left with the suspect out of duress and fear for their safety after he previously committed a sexual assault upon a family member, the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department said in a statement when announcing the abduction.

Suspect Sanchez has made recent threats to murder his wife and child and he is believed to be armed with a handgun. Suspect Sanchez should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information regarding the case was urged to contact the LASD Major Crimes Bureau at 562-946-7893 or the Lancaster Sheriff Station at 661-948-8466. Tipsters who choose to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
ISTANBUL, June 28 (Xinhua) -- More than 7,700 smuggled cultural relics have been delivered to Turkiye since 2018, as the country stepped up its efforts to combat illegal trafficking, local media reported on Wednesday.

Thanks to the efforts of the Anti-Smuggling Department of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, 7,701 assets have been returned to Turkiye since 2018, with the number of historical artifacts reaching 3,000 this year alone, the daily Hurriyet reported, citing figures released by the ministry.

The department has continued to identify artifacts smuggled abroad through illegal excavations and illicit means, while at the same time conduct regular examinations of museums and galleries and closely follow the transactions in auction houses and direct sales worldwide to identify smuggled objects, according to the report.

A 4,250-year-old golden beak-mouthed jug, a Kilia-type idol dating back to 5,000 B.C., a rare human-size bronze statue of the Roman Emperor Lucius Verus, and the 1,700-year-old statue of Anatolian deity Cybele were among the objects returned to the country, according to Hurriyet. 
Labors $110 Million Military Support for Ukraine Not Enough: Shadow Foreign Minister

Minister for Finance Simon Birmingham at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Thursday, May 13, 2021. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) NO ARCHIVING

The Australian governments $110 million (US$73 million) military support for Ukraine is not effective enough in addressing Ukraines needs, the federal opposition says.

Defence Minister Richard Marles unveiled the new assistance package on June 26, which includes 70 military vehicles, a supply of 105mm artillery ammunition, and $10 million to the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund.

Australia will also extend duty-free access for goods imported from Ukraine for a further 12 months to aid the countrys trade opportunities.

But Shadow Foreign Minister Simon Birmingham argued the package is not really directly responding to Ukraines requests for the Hawkei vehicles, or the Abrams tanks, nor the D mining equipment theyve asked for.

Speaking to ABCs radio program RN Breakfast on Tuesday, he said the Labor governments humanitarian support was $10 million compared with the $65 million provided by the former Coalition government.

This is a concern that  [Australias] status as the leading non-NATO contributor to Ukraine has slipped away and the type of support being offered now doesnt seem to be either meeting Ukraines requests, providing the modern equipment that they want or need, nor the type of scale that would seem to keep Australia commensurate support of our other parts.

The shadow foreign minister suggested that the government should look at what Ukrainians have specifically requested rather than going to military vehicles or equipment that some of them go back to the Vietnam era.

Asked whether the government should prioritise Ukraines request over the Defence Department, Birmingham said the main concern was that defence is not being replenished for any of these contributions.

So the government stands up and says its making a $110 million contribution, but thats not $110 million more on the budget bottom line, he said.

Its simply a valuation of some ageing vehicles that are being taken out of the existing defence fleet and sent over there. So the real question here is if defence were being given commitments of replenishment.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton echoed the sentiment, saying Hawkeis could have been made available.

The Ukraine defence minister and the advisors there understand the vehicle very well, he told reporters in Perth.

Theyve said that that vehicle will provide them with significant benefit in their fight against Russiawhy not take their advice?

If there are problems with the vehicle, then let it be sorted out and the Ukrainians no doubt are aware of that.

Labor Defends Its Military Support

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended his governments assistance package, noting that Australia was continuing to send equipment, having already provided $790 million in military assistance since the invasion of Ukraine.

It doesnt [help]  to send them a piece of equipment that will not provide for the best assistance, he told ABC Radio.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said while the package did not offer Hawkeis, the equipment would make an impact.

We do feel there were issues around Hawkeis, which is hard to go into publicly, he told ABC Radio.

We took the Ukrainians through what we believed were the issues there and what we wanted to do was make sure the equipment we were giving to Ukraine would make a difference for them on the battlefield.

A Senate committee in May heard an issue with the vehicles braking system meant it would not achieve full operating capability until mid-2024 and no root cause had yet been identified.

AAP contributed to this report.
Lawmakers Probe Loophole Allowing Chinese Companies to Avoid US Inspections

Rep. Michael Gallagher (R-Wis.) speaks during an event commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre in Congress on June 5, 2023. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times)

House Republicans are asking the U.S. Postal Service for details about potentially illegal mail coming from China, according to a June 28 letter.

Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) and Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) are looking into Chinese companies that use a loophole to avoid having American inspections of goods intended for U.S. markets.

Gallagher, chairman of the House China Select Committee, and Comer, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, sent their letter to U.S. Postmaster General Lous DeJoy requesting documents, information, and data compiled by USPS regarding incoming mail from China.

They are doing this as part of an investigation into whether or not Chinese companies can get around U.S. rules and avoid American taxes, fees, and other laws.

Most shipments valued at less than $800 fall under the so-called de minimis rule and enter the United States exempt from duties, taxes, and scrutiny, they wrote.

Chinese companies can take advantage of the de minimis rule and ship products via commercial shipping companies, as well as the USPS, directly to U.S. consumers without paying duties and fees, or subjecting their products to investigation by authorities.

Continuing Investigation

The letter is a continuation of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Partys investigation into companies who rely on the de minimis provision, which they believe allows them to avoid compliance with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA).

It has been reported that Chinese companies routinely break large shipments into numerous smaller ones in order to take advantage of the de minimis threshold and avoid customs duties and tariffs.

The House China Select Committee is currently looking into allegations of forced labor at the Chinese fast fashion labels Shein and Temu, which prompted this request.

According to the results of the probe, the business models of such corporations heavily rely on the de minimis rule that permits them to transport items straight to the American customer without bearing any responsibility for compliance with bans on forced labor.

Legislators claim that information on shipments from China that may employ the de minimis entrance has been made public by federal authorities including U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Such practices abuse the intent of the threshold and provide unfair advantages to Chinese importers to the detriment of the U.S. economy and national security, they wrote.

Due to the fact that a significant proportion of small parcel shipments come through the USPS channel and are not publicly broken down by country.

Gallagher and Comer emphasized that USPS is uniquely positioned to give the information.

Such information will provide the committees with important insight into the volume and value of shipments from the PRC [Peoples Republic of China], they wrote.

The lawmakers reiterated their need for the information saying, The information provided by CBP does not include data from the USPS. These data are insufficient without properly accounting from the USPS channel, which includes information regarding the specific volume of shipments from the PRC into the United States.

Specifically, Gallagher and Comer want to know the total U.S. dollar value of dues and inward rates currently assessed to China, as well as the full terminal dues schedule for every country in the world. They also want to see any records pertaining to de minimus shipments from China.

Concern About Uyghur Forced Labor

Last month, the China Committee released an interim report on its bipartisan investigation into the fashion brands, which found that the companies have no system to ensure compliance with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act [UFLPA], which lawmakers say virtually guarantees that shipments made with Uyghur forced labor are entering American homes.

The committee has discovered that Temu and Shein alone are likely responsible for more than 30 percent of all packages shipped to the United States daily under the de minimis provision, and likely nearly half of all de minimis shipments to the United States from China.

They also found that Temu conducts no audits and reports no compliance system to affirmatively examine and ensure compliance with the UFLPA.

Temu reported that the only measure it takes to ensure that it does not ship commodities to the United States that were manufactured using forced labor in violation of U.S. law is to require its suppliers to adhere to standard terms and conditions that prohibit the use of forced labor.

The committees report also states that Temu admitted that it does not expressly prohibit third-party sellers from selling products based on their origin in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region.

The lawmakers ended their report by stating that These initial and interim findingswhich reveal Temus failure to maintain even the facade of a meaningful compliance program and the true scale of both Shein and Temus use of the de minimis provisionraise serious concerns about the continued presence of products made with forced labor contaminating American imports.

American consumers should know that there is an extremely high risk that Temus supply chains are contaminated with forced labor.

And all companies operating in the United States have an obligation to clean up their supply chain and ensure that they are not contributing to the CCPs genocide of the Uyghur people by facilitating the sale of goods made with forced labor.

Shein and Temu did not immediately respond to The Epoch Times request for comment.
Lawmakers Urge Not to Renew US-China Tech Deal, Citing Destructive Risk

The U.S. flag flies from an embassy car outside China's Ministry of Defense in Beijing on June 24, 2009. (Greg Baker/Pool/Getty Images)

Republican lawmakers have urged the United States against renewing a science and technology cooperation deal it signed with China in 1979, fearing that the communist regime may exploit it to gain a military edge against the United States.

The U.S.-China Science and Technology Agreement (STA), set to expire on Aug. 27, has facilitated collaboration in areas ranging from agricultural science to basic research in physics and chemistry.

However, Republican lawmakers warned that research partnerships organized under the STA could lead to China developing technologies that may be used against the United States in the future.

The United States must stop fueling its own destruction. Letting the STA expire is a good first step, the lawmakers stated in a joint letter addressed to Secretary of State Antony Blinken on June 27.

The letter, jointly issued by the chair of the House Select Committee on China, Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), and nine other Republican lawmakers, cited a 2018 project conducted under the STA to launch instrumented balloons.

They highlighted that a suspected Chinese spy balloon was seen flying over the continental United States years after the project was launched, infringing on U.S. sovereignty.

The balloon was eventually shot down by the U.S. military on Feb. 4, despite Beijings claims that it was a weather balloon that had drifted off course.

Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 recover a high-altitude surveillance balloon off the coast of Myrtle Beach, S.C., on Feb. 5, 2023. (Petty Officer 1st Class Tyler Thompson/U.S. Navy via Getty Images)

The lawmakers also stated that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has over a dozen active research projects with Chinese entities under the STA, which they claimed include technologies with clear dual-use applications, such as developing techniques for analyzing satellite and drone imagery for irrigation management.

It should come as no surprise that the PRC will exploit civilian research partnerships for military purposes to the greatest extent possible. The PRC openly acknowledges its practice of military-civil fusion, they said, referring to Chinas official name, the Peoples Republic of China.

The PRC uses academic researchers, industrial espionage, forced technology transfers, and other tactics to gain an edge in critical technologies, which in turn fuels the Peoples Liberation Army modernization, the lawmakers added.

Chinas embassy in Washington previously said that Chinese officials had approached the United States a year ago to talk about renewing the STA but that Washington has been conducting a review of the agreement.

Chinas Tech Theft

U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns has warned that Beijing was engaged in the consistent and persistent theft of intellectual property to accelerate forced technology transfer from the United States.

Former ambassador to NATO Nicholas Burns gives his opening statement during the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on his nomination to be the U.S. Ambassador to China on Capitol Hill in Washington on Oct. 20, 2021. (Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters)

Burns said the malign influence was making it increasingly difficult for the two powers to compete peacefully and would have ramifications for U.S. security in the region in the near and long terms.

Were certainly competing for military power and security in the Indo-Pacific, he said at the Global Leadership Coalition summit on June 7. Were certainly competing for military power and security in the Indo-Pacific.

Burns connected the issue of technology theft to a larger struggle between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to direct the evolution of the international system. The United States is championing a rules-based liberal order, and the CCP is pursuing an authoritarian system that favors totalitarian regimes like its own, he said.

To that end, he said that the struggle to maintain or reshape the international order would have cascading consequences on all areas of national power.

Andrew Thornebrooke and Reuters contributed to this report.
Lobbying of Prime Ministers Office Saw 43 Percent Increase Last Year: Watchdog

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau rises during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 2, 2023. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick)

The lobbying of officials in the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) increased by more than 43 percent last year compared to the previous fiscal year, contributing to an all-time lobbying high last year in Ottawa.

Lobbying Commissioner Nancy Belanger, in her 20222023 annual report, writes that in 2022, PMO officials were lobbied through both oral and arranged communications  including where the prime minister also participated a total of 1,602 times.

That number represents a 43.4 percent increase over the 1,117 times that the PMO was lobbied in the 20212022 fiscal year, according to Belangers previous annual report.

In this years report, the commissioner said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau himself was lobbied 56 times in 20222023, only three more times than the previous year.

However, lobbying of senators, ministers, and MPs saw a large jump in the past year.

Senators were lobbied only 929 times in 20212022, but that number jumped more than 52 percent last year to 1,421. Lobbying of ministers jumped by around 16 percent last year, with Belanger recording 2,130 instances where cabinet members were lobbied.

Lobbying of all MPs saw a 21 percent increase in 20222023, as Belanger counted 11,511 instances where they were lobbied compared to 9,465 in the previous year.

Lobbying Code

Belanger said that the number of registrations and registered lobbyists continues growing in Ottawa each year.

The commissioner counted just over 3,375 organizations and corporations named in lobbying registrations and around 8,465 individual lobbyists registered at least once throughout 20222023, representing a slight increase over the previous year.

The release of Belangers annual report comes shortly after she voiced concerns about a lack of lobbying oversight in Ottawa, and also not long before new changes to the Lobbyists Code of Conduct will come into effect in July.

We will focus on ensuring that lobbyists understand the changes. We will also continue to push to strengthen the lobbying regime, Belanger wrote in her annual report.

Among other changes, the newly revised code will aim to broadly restrict lobbying by public-office holders, which will include individuals who work as unpaid campaign volunteers.

The new code will define political work in a broad sense to include activities like soliciting or gathering donations, which is often done by volunteers.

Belanger told The Globe and Mail in early June that she believes every instance of oral communication between lobbyists and MPs, ministers, or officials should be disclosed for transparency irrespective of whether its arranged and irrespective of who arranged it.
Male and Female Are Naturally a Perfect Match

Commentary

What are the ingredients of an enduring and successful social foundation? In recent decades, that question holds increasing importance because of a modern trend that normalizes the abnormal.

The convoluted mindset of the transgender industrial complex (TIC) defies the definition of biological gender as it strives to subvert the timeless bonds that keep society from collapsing, including the mangling of the English language.

From time immemorial, God and nature have shaped a match made in heaven. That match is the attraction and interactive relationship between natural males and females. The qualities that might be lacking in males are to be found in females and vice versa, thus creating a complementary whole. This natural formation has nothing to do with privilege but has everything to do with the natural order.

Does this mean that everything is peachy keen? No, there are challenges to face in learning how to rein in human egos for the benefit of healthy relationships. There will be squabbles and incidents that revolve around dignity and pride. Over time, with hard work and patience, the rough edges can be sculpted into an enduring work of art.

The amazing fit of male and female allows for the perpetuation of the human race and the upward slope of genuine progress. With all of its challenges, the traditional family unit is truly the building block of society. As they grow up, children need fathers as much as they need mothers to guide them on the path toward maturity. Absent the presence of one or both parents who can lend support, the chances of failure tend to multiply for children.

In contrast to healthy families and relationships, the TIC offers a pathway to perdition. Just follow the money, which leads to academia, big business, government agencies, and the American Medical Association, all of which promote unnatural transgenderism. In a few short years, it has become a money-maker for dystopian elites who crave control over the lives of vulnerable young people. Several European nations have wisely pulled back from the edge of the cliff regarding biological gender tampering.

Why all of a sudden are there so many cases of dysphoria in America? Are the numbers a result of draconian COVID-19 pandemic policies or is there something more sinister at work? Or are a sizable portion of the alleged cases of dysphoria manufactured in order to market transgender procedures? Hopefully, more drilling down into the TIC will provide some answers.

What makes the TIC so pernicious is the fact that it often withholds crucial information from minors and parents regarding the moderate- to long-term repercussions of hormone- and puberty-blocking drugs, as well as gender transitioning or detransitioning surgeries. This unconscionable indifference toward mental and physical agony is well portrayed in Epoch TVs recent film, Gender Transformation: The Untold Realities. Greed and power are on full display.

By contrast, a superior alternative for youngsters who are conflicted about their gender is the route of a social and spiritual network that encourages thoughtful awareness and support for the process of maturation. Puberty is a challenging time for both males and females as their bodies and total development undergo changes that move them from childhood to young adulthood. Some of these youngsters will experience gender dysphoria, but most outgrow it as they journey through secondary school and take on more responsibilities.

Unfortunately, the TIC ignores these realities and operates on the basis of capricious emotions rather than the immutable facts concerning gender from birth. It doesnt take rocket science to comprehend that females have the XX chromosome while males have the XY chromosome, except for rare genetic conditions. No matter what activists tell young people, this DNA doesnt change. Its embedded in every individual from birth to death. Feelings can change each day, while facts are permanent.

If unscrupulous influencers persuade young people to transition via drugs and surgery, it still doesnt change the fact that no one can change their original gender. Indeed, carrying out a transition can lead to a number of adverse consequences for healthy youngsters who dont need this gender-affirming care in the first place. Authentic gender-affirming care includes promoting the fine qualities that can be cultivated in biological boys and girls or men and women.

Finally, there are pockets of good news that are unfolding across America. Parents and young people are fighting back against the diabolical transgender infrastructure that rips families apart and robs minors of their innocence. Theyre taking proactive protests to school boards, individual schools, and government agencies. Theyre exposing the devious agenda of the TIC and voting out politicians who endorse it. Folks are battling with their wallets to avoid contributing profits to woke corporatists. TIC, keep your hands away from Americas children. Theyre the nations future and dont belong to you.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Man Gets 36 Years to Life for Killing Elderly Woman, Critically Injuring Her Daughter in San Diego

Front view of the central courthouse of the San Diego Superior Court. (Courtesy of San Diego Superior Court)

SAN DIEGOA man who fatally stabbed an 87-year-old woman and seriously wounded her 60-year-old daughter in Mira Mesa last year was sentenced to 36 years to life in state prison on June 26.

Anthony Duane Siddle, 61, pleaded guilty earlier this year to murder and attempted murder charges for the April 22, 2022, killing of Peggy Brandenburgh, as well as the stabbing of Brandenburghs daughter, Patricia Labarge, at the victims home on Pagoda Way.

According to Deputy District Attorney Melissa Vasel, Siddle was a friend of Brandenburghs son and at one point, the defendant had lived at the victims home.

Brandenburgh died at the scene, while Labarge survived despite sustaining around two dozen stab wounds.

Labarges daughter was also at the home when the attacks occurred. Vasel said she ran to a neighbors home to get help and the neighbor was able to photograph the license plate of the car Siddle drove to and from the scene.

That license plate number was publicly disseminated by San Diego police, who said in a statement at the time that Siddle might be headed for Mexico. The prosecutor said Siddle was then living in Mexico.

In addition to the photograph of his license plate, a Ring camera in the neighborhood captured a picture of Siddle leaving the Pagoda Way home with a knife in his back pocket, Vasel said.

A warrant was obtained for Siddles arrest and he was taken into custody on June 1 in Cave Junction, Oregon.

At a court hearing last month, Siddle was asked by a judge why he wanted to plead guilty at a relatively early stage of his case.

Its clear. I did it. Its obvious I did it. Theres no doubt about it  I could waste the courts time and taxpayer money to drag something out that is cut and dry. It should just be over with, Siddle said.

At Mondays sentencing hearing, Siddle did not make a statement in court but his defense attorney, Paige Stevens, said her client has wanted to plead guilty since she first met him.

Stevens said that in a letter, Siddle stated he was sorry to the victims and their family. Hes sorry for what he put them through.

A motive for the stabbings has not been disclosed, but Stevens said, I do not believe Mr. Siddle was himself the day that this incident occurred and that there were statements from witnesses indicating that he was not in his right mind at the time of the offense.

Several of Brandenburghs family members who spoke at the sentencing hearing described her as a giving person who would open her home to strangers. She was a mother of seven who often raised her children on her own while her husband was deployed overseas with the Navy, family members said.

She and her husband founded the Miramar Food Locker at Naval Air Station Miramarnow Marine Corps Air Station Miramarand she ran it for 24 years.

Brandenburghs granddaughter, Stephanie Labarge, said, Her charity did not end at the gates of Miramar, but continued at home where she would invite friends and others into her house and treat them like family, including the defendant.

Labarge said, He killed one of the greatest people Ive ever known. And although that loss was extremely difficult for me, I didnt even have time or energy to grieve because my mother was lying in a hospital bed fighting for her life.

Patricia Labarge was present at the sentencing, but Vasel read a letter on her behalf.

She described her mother as a true angel and a woman who was beyond selfless and always took care of others.

During the stabbing, she was able to fight Siddle off by kicking him in the chest, she wrote.

Since then, she wrote that she is unable to return to her home due to the memories of the attack.

My childhood home was my favorite place and we had so many wonderful memories there, but now I cant even look at pictures of it, she wrote.

Stevens asked San Diego Superior Court Judge Rachel Cano to impose the murder and attempted murder sentences concurrently for a total term of 25 years to life.

But the judge said that given how atrocious this crime was, consecutive sentences were warranted, describing it as a brutal and senseless attack on two very fragile people in their own home.
Marine Veteran Pleads Not Guilty in Chokehold Death of Jordan Neely

U.S. Marine veteran Daniel Penny (C) leaves Manhattan criminal court after his arraignment on manslaughter charges in connection with the chokehold death of Jordan Neely, in New York, on June 28, 2023. (Yuki Iwamura/AFP via Getty Images)

A U.S. Marine veteran charged with manslaughter for putting Jordan Neely in a fatal chokehold on a subway train in New York City in early May pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Manhattan on Wednesday.

Daniel Penny, 24, pleaded not guilty to second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in the May 1 death of Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man who was acting erratically and shouting at subway riders. Penny, with the help of two other passengers, pulled Neely to the floor and pinned him with a hold he learned during combat training.

The arraignment on the charges took only mere minutes. Penny, who was released on $100,000 bail in mid-May, was wearing a navy blue suit and only uttered the words not guilty before leaving the courtroom with his lawyers.

Neelys relatives say he suffered from worsening mental illness for a long time. He also had a lengthy criminal record including more than 40 prior arrests ranging from disorderly conduct to assault.

In November 2021, he was charged with punching a 67-year-old woman as she was exiting a subway station, leading to a warrant for his arrest that was still active at the time of his death. The woman suffered broken bones in her face after being knocked to the ground.

Penny, who served in the Marines for four years and was discharged in 2021, was caught on video putting Neely in a chokehold on the floor of a northbound F train. Neely lost consciousness during the struggle and was later pronounced dead at a hospital. A citys medical examiner ruled he died owing to compression of the neck.

I Just Couldnt Sit Still

In a series of video clips released by Pennys lawyers, the Marine veteran recounted what he called a scary situation, saying Neely was threatening to kill passengers on the subway. I couldnt just sit still and let him carry out these threats, he said.

The man stumbled on, he appeared to be on drugs, the doors closed, and he ripped his jacket off and threw it down at the people sitting next to me at my left, Penny said in the video.

I was listening to music at the time, and I took my headphones out to hear what he was yelling, he continued. The three main threats that he repeated over and over was Im going to kill you, Im prepared to go to jail for life, and Im willing to die.'

New York police officers administer CPR to Jordan Neely on a subway train in New York on May 1, 2023. (Paul Martinka via AP)

Penny, who stands at six feet two inches tall, said that he was scared when encountering Neelywho was bigger than himbut felt that he had to do something when he saw him screaming in womens and childrens faces.

Theres a common misconception that Marines dont get scared. Were actually taught, one of our core values is courage, and courage is not the absence of fear but how you handle fear, he said. I was scared for myself, but I looked around, I saw women and children. He was yelling in their faces saying these threats.

Juan Alberto Vazquez, a freelance journalist who recorded the clip, echoed Pennys concern in a New York Post interview last month, saying Neely had been threatening and screaming at other passengers in an aggressive manner while also complaining of hunger and thirst.

Neelys family attorney said in a statement that they believe Penny should face a more serious charge, claiming he intentionally chose to put Neely in a chokehold designed to cut off air.

Daniel Penny chose, intentionally chose, a technique to use that is designed to cut off airthats what he choseand he chose to continue to hold that chokehold minute after minute, second after second, until there was no life left in Jordan Neely, Neelys family attorney Lennon Edwards said in mid-May.

Lawyers Argue Self-Defense

Pennys lawyers have said their client was acting in self-defense. His attorney, Thomas Kenniff, previously told the New York Post that hes confident Penny will be absolved of any wrong doing.

Daniel [Penny] never intended to harm Mr. Neely and could not have foreseen his untimely death, the lawyers said.

A crowdfunding campaign launched by Kenniffs law firm to pay for Pennys legal fees has accumulated nearly $3 million as of the time of reporting.

Any proceeds collected which exceed those necessary to cover Mr. Pennys legal defense will be donated to a mental health advocacy program in New York City, the firm said.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, both Republican candidates for the 2024 primary, have supported Pennys legal fund after he was arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court on May 12 on a charge of second-degree manslaughter.

Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy speaks at the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition in Clive, Iowa, on April 22, 2023. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times)

We must defeat the Soros-Funded DAs, stop the Lefts pro-criminal agenda, and take back the streets for law abiding citizens. We stand with Good Samaritans like Daniel Penny. Lets show this Marine Americas got his back, DeSantis said in a post on Twitter, which has been viewed nearly 12 million times.

Responding to DeSantiss video, Ramaswamy revealed in a post on Twitter that he donated to Pennys legal fund, encouraging more people to do so to restore the rule of law in America.

Rev. Al Sharpton and others angered by Neelys death, meanwhile, have compared the incident to the 1984 subway shooting of four black men by Bernhard Goetz, a white man who shot at the group of men after they allegedly tried to rob him. Goetz was eventually acquitted of charges in the shooting except for carrying an unlicensed gun. All four teenagers survived, though one of them was paralyzed as a result of his injuries.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

From NTD News
McCarthy Says Trump in Stronger Position Now Than He Was in 2016

U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) speaks during an event commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington on June 5, 2023. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times)

Former President Trump is in a much stronger position to win the presidential race next year than in 2016, according to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).

Just look at the numbers this morningTrump is stronger today than he was in 2016, McCarthy told Breitbart News in an interview on June 27, referring to poll results released by Morning Consult earlier on the same day.

The survey showed that 44 percent of roughly 6,000 registered voters would support Trumpthree percentage points ahead of President Joe Bidenin a hypothetical two-way matchup. Ten percent said they would back someone else while five percent were undecided.

Meanwhile, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is considered Trumps biggest rival in the GOP primary, picked up 40 percent of support when assumed as the Republican candidate, losing to Biden by two percentage points. In this hypothetical scenario, 12 percent supported someone else while six percent were undecided.

In the crowded GOP field, Trump led with 57 percent of support, with DeSantis finishing second with 19 percent. Former Vice President Mike Pence finished third with seven percent of support.

Hours earlier, however, in a separate interview with CNBC, McCarthy said he was unsure if Trump was the strongest presidential candidate.

Can he win that election? Yeah, he can, McCarthy said, referring to Trump. The question is, is he the strongest to win the election? I dont know that answer. But can somebody, can anybody beat Biden? Yeah, anybody can beat Biden. Can Biden beat other people? Yes, Biden can beat them. Its on any given day.

Over 60 lawmakers have endorsed Trump for 2024, according to Ballotpedias endorsement tracker. Currently, McCarthy has not endorsed any GOP candidate for the White House race.

During the CNBC interview, McCarthy said Trumps effort to confront various legal issues also helps him in the general election.

According to a poll released by Quinnipiac University on June 21, 62 percent of the registered voters polled said that the recent 37-count indictment against Trump for alleged mishandling of classified documents was politically motivated.

Speaking to Breitbart News, McCarthy criticized the American justice system under the Biden administration.

As usual, the media is attempting to drive a wedge between President Trump and House Republicans as our committees are holding Bidens DOJ accountable for their two-tiered levels of justice, McCarthy told Breitbart. The only reason Biden is using his weaponized federal government to go after President Trump is because he is Bidens strongest political opponent, as polling continues to show.

Hunter Bidens plea agreement with federal prosecutors over two misdemeanor counts of tax evasion has drawn criticism from some Republicans. Trump said on his Truth Social account that the presidents son got a free pass from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Wow! The corrupt Biden DOJ just cleared up hundreds of years of criminal liability by giving Hunter Biden a mere traffic ticket. Our system is BROKEN! Trump wrote.

On June 22, Reps. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) introduced two different resolutions (H.Res.547 and H.Res.538) to expunge the 2019 and 2021 impeachments of Trump.

The resolutions would expunge the former president as if the various impeachment articles against him had never passed the full House of Representatives, as the facts and circumstances upon which such Articles were based did not meet the burden of proving the commission of high Crimes and Misdemeanors, as set forth in section 4 of article II of the Constitution.

McCarthy has endorsed the expungement effort, telling reporters on Friday that the impeachments never should have gone through.
Medicaid Recipients Urged to Verify Eligibility Before Pandemic Subsidies Expire

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) building is seen in Washington on July 22, 2019. (Alastair Pike/AFP via Getty Images)

Up to 15 million Medicaid beneficiaries could lose coverage as pandemic subsidies dry up by the end of the year. State officials say that eligible recipients should contact their state Medicaid office to ensure their coverage isnt interrupted.

There are substantial protections in place, said Brian Blase, founder and president of the Paragon Health Institute (PHI), a nonprofit, nonpartisan research institute that evaluates government programs and develops policies.

PHI sponsored a June 27 webinar titled Medicaid Redeterminations: Setting the Record Straight. The webinar featured Kelly Garcia, director of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, and Janet Mann, deputy secretary of health and state Medicaid director for Arkansas. They discussed their states plans for reducing the Medicaid rolls.

Brian Blase, founder and president of the Paragon Health Institute, in June 2023. (Paragon Health Institute)

Both said that their states have campaigns to reach out to people who may lose their coverage. An essential first step in protecting that coverage is to read the mail, they said.

Mann said that some enrollees have heard that President Joe Biden declared the public health emergency that authorized the extra funding is over. They expect the Medicaid rolls to be thinned and fear losing coverage even though they still qualify, so they ignore the notices that they receive in the mail.

Others know that theyre no longer eligible because they have employer coverage or make too much money. They see the mail from the state and toss it out.

You know, its human nature. Ive got a piece of mail. This doesnt apply to me anymore. Were going to throw it away, Mann said.

Contacting the Community

Both officials said that the states arent just depending on the U.S. Postal Service to get the message out.

The Arkansas Department of Human Services has posted a banner on its website that directs people to information on the Medicaid changes, while Iowa has a dashboard on its website that provides important Medicaid information.

Both said that theyre using social media, email, and contacts with health care providers, vendors, and local government offices to get information to affected Medicaid enrollees. Garcia said that her agency has even contacted a popular grocery store chain, Hy-Vee, that has stores in many rural areas.

Its in every small town in Iowa. So we spend a lot of time talking with Hy-Vee, as they tend to be kind of a trusted ambassador of communication on the ground level in rural communities, Garcia said.

Kelly Garcia, director of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, in June 2023. (Iowa Department of Human Services)

Determining eligibility entails providing information such as addresses, employment status, and income, among other factors. Ineligible people can seek coverage through their states health insurance marketplace, purchase a private policy, or check into group insurance through their work.

The main reasons for ineligibility are income or the recipient already having coverage.

Blase said that disenrolling ineligible people makes resources available for those who genuinely need them. It can also free up tax money for other needs or reduce the taxpayers burden.

Iowa and Arkansas started reviewing their rolls in April.

Garcia said that 80 percent of those removed from the Medicaid rolls in April and May already had health insurance. So far in June, she said, its 34 percent. The webinar hosts pointed out that there are protections for people who are disenrolled incorrectly.

Blase said that hospitals operate on the concept of presumptive eligibility. This means that a person can apply for coverage when they arrive for treatment, and the hospital will provide care based on the idea that theyre eligible.

Medicaid also offers retroactive eligibility. Under this procedure, one can apply for Medicaid at the time of treatment. If that person is eligible, Medicaid will cover that treatment plus any care from the previous three months.

Janet Mann, deputy secretary of health and state Medicaid director for Arkansas, in June 2023. (State of Arkansas)

Finally, if one is determined to be ineligible, that decision can be appealed.

We have a very robust appeals process on the state level, Garcia said.

Some Subsidies Will Remain

According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the number of people covered under Medicaid and Medicare reached historic highs in May. This is mainly due to policies put in place during the pandemic.

Those policies provided increased funding to states that didnt cull their roles of ineligible recipients for at least three years.

All states have been instructed to develop plans to reduce the rolls in line with the decreased funding by removing ineligible beneficiaries. According to PHI, Oregon is expected to be the last state to complete the thinning of its rolls by October.

The end of the pandemic subsidies doesnt mean the end of all subsidies.

Medicaid enrollment grew from 60.5 million in 2019 to 76.6 million in 2022. In 2023, Medicaid covers 28.1 percent of the under-65 population, and subsidized marketplace plans cover 5.2 percent. Employment-based insurance covers more than half (57.3 percent) of that population, according to a May 24 statement on the CBO website.

The CBO reported that 2023 federal health care subsidies for people under 65 totaled more than $1 trillion. Thats expected to grow to about $1.6 trillion by 2033 annually, the CBO said. This comes to about 4 percent of gross domestic product.

Over the 20242033 period, subsidies are projected to total $12.5 trillion, the CBO website states.

Employment-based coverage will account for 40 percent of the subsidies, with the remainder divided among Medicaid and the Childrens Health Insurance Program, at 39 percent; Medicare, at 13 percent; and insurance from the marketplaces or the Basic Health Program, at 8 percent, according to the CBOs projections.
Minister Told to Get a Grip on Asylum and Immigration

Robert Jenrick faced criticism from own party's backbenchers in Westminster over rising illegal immigrant cases

Britain's Housing, Communities, and Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick arrives at 10 Downing Street in central London, on March 17, 2020. (Tolga Akmen/AFP via Getty Images)

Tory minister Robert Jenrick has faced fierce criticism from his own partys backbenchers over immigration enforcement.

As opposition MPs lined up to denounce the Illegal Migration Bill on Tuesday, Conservative politicians also grilled the immigration minister on when government agencies were going to get a grip on rising illegal immigrant cases.

Jenrick was in the Commons just hours after the publication of the Home Offices long-awaited economic impact assessment on the contentious legislation.

The bill, currently making its way through Parliament, aims to prevent people from claiming asylum in the UK if they arrive through unauthorised means.

The government also hopes the changes will ensure detained people are promptly removed, either to their home country or a third country.

The governments impact report estimates that it will cost 169,000 to deport each immigrant from the UK to Rwandaand that 37 percent of those wishing to enter the UK illegally would need to be deterred for the policy to break even.

Speaking in Westminster on Tuesday, Labours Sam Tarry called the legislation an absolute dogs breakfast, adding it is not properly costed.

Addressing Jenrick over the government agencies response to immigration, Tory ex-minister Jackie Doyle-Price said: Can I say to him  although of course the British public want us to stop the boats, the British public is also generous in spirit. What it actually really wants is to make sure that this country is not being taken advantage of.

Really the responsibility to tackle that lies with the machinery of the Foreign Office, our criminal justice system, and our law enforcement agencies. If they can all get a grip, isnt that going to be a better solution than sending people to Rwanda?

Soft Touch

Jenrick said the Rwanda scheme is not the totality of our approach, adding that the government is investing significantly in law enforcement both at home and abroad.

He defended the bill and its accompanying economic impact assessment, which he said showed that the true cost of doing nothing could amount to more than 11 billion a year by the end of 2026.

Jenrick hit back at criticism of immigration measures from the Tory backbenches, insisting that when the government makes promises, it means it is going to deliver.

Conservative MP William Wragg said: Could he answer a very direct question, which is how long did it take on average to process an asylum seekers claim five years ago, and how long does it take today? And why?

Jenrick responded: The last time that he asked me a question he said that we wouldnt be able to produce a barge to house asylum seekersactually, days later we signed the agreement to do that and that will be coming forward.

He knows that, when we say things, we mean them and that we are going to deliver.

The minister claimed the sheer number of people crossing every year is responsible for the backlog in processing claims, adding that there is a similar picture across Europe.

He claimed immigration ministers on the continent are even considering tents for housing migrants, as well as essentially leaving them to sleep on the streets, adding: We have to ensure that the UK is not perceived to be a soft touch and I will never allow that to happen.

A group of people thought to be illegal immigrants are brought into Ramsgate, Kent, onboard a Border Force vessel on Aug. 1, 2022. (Gareth Fuller/PA Media)

Over 11,000 Arrivals

Tory Home Office minister Lord Murray of Blidworth received a similar reception in the Lords, where peers ripped apart the governments impact assessment.

Described as having more holes than Gruyere cheese, peers claimed the report failed to consider other policy options and other economic factors, such as the cost of detaining people in limbo if the UK fails to secure removal deals with countries other than Rwanda.

Former Deputy First Minister of Wales and Liberal Democrat peer Lord German said: Its no wonder that weve had to wait so long for this impact assessment because it makes uncomfortable reading for the government. It tries to justify the unjustifiable by leaving out the costs of so many pieces of the project.

Its certainly not rigorous; uncertainty is mentioned 24 times in the impact assessment.

Labour frontbencher Lord Ponsonby castigated the government for the delay in the publication, meaning the Commons could not consider it in their scrutiny.

He added: The impact assessment does not contain an explanation of the costs and benefits, it does not outline alternative policy options and was not published on the same day that the bill was introduced. If this house is to perform its critical function in scrutinising legislation, it is necessary for complete, comprehensive and timely information about the basis on which policy choices are made and the reasons why alternative options have been rejected.

Murray said the impact assessment published supports the need for the change.

It sets out the broad costs of implementing the bill, outlines potential savings and highlights examples of where policy and operations have delivered an impact on illegal migration in other countries, he said.

He told peers the impact assessment makes clear that inaction is simply not an option.

The volumes and costs associated with illegal migration have risen exponentially, driven by small boat arrivals, Murray added.

Unless we act decisively to stop the boats, the cost to the taxpayer and the damage to society will continue to grow.

He noted that Australias Operation Sovereign Borders, a similar policy aimed at reducing illegal maritime arrivals, successfully reduced these crossings from around 18,000 in 2013 to nearly zero.

Murray told peers that 11,279 people have arrived in the UK by small boat from the start of this year to June 27.

Of those arriving, 13 percent are female and 12 percent claim to be unaccompanied children.

PA Media contributed to this report.
Fernando Alonso believes size matters in F1, but George Russell begs to differ, insisting the weight of the sport's current generation of cars is more of a detrimental factor.

Alonso argued recently that F1 should be focused on reducing the size of its machines, which would improve close wheel-to-wheel battles between drivers out on the track.

"I dont think it [reducing the weight] would change much the show," explained the Spaniard who raced much smaller cars during his first years in F1, two decades ago.

"I think its more the size of the cars than the weight of the cars, which makes things a little bit more difficult.

"Overtaking, fights into the first couple of corners in the race, it is difficult now to position the car, just because the size of it, not because the weight of the car."

Read also:

Russell acknowledged that size is a factor, but mainly on tight street circuits such as Monaco or Singapore. The Mercedes charger believes F1 would make performance and safety gains with lighter machines.

"I think there are two factors: one, performance, you want the lightest cars possible for pure enjoyment of driving the cars," he said.

"I mentioned it before about the safety aspect, making the cars safer, but they go heavier and heavier as well.

"If youre doing 100 miles an hour, but youve got a car that weighs the same weight as a bus, and you crash into something versus a smart car, the bus is going to do more damage.

"This is where the engineers within F1 and the FIA need to find the perfect compromise. I dont find the size of the car such an issue, its only Singapore, Monaco that you really feel the size of them.

"I think they look cool to be honest when I compare with the smaller hybrid era cars. I still think probably the 2004 era or 2007/8 was the best-looking cars.

"Perhaps its a little bit too big, but I dont feel strongly [about it]."

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Moments of Movie Wisdom: The Outstanding Woman of the Year

Commentary

Katharine Hepburn was one of the brightest stars of Hollywoods Golden Age. She was an excellent actress who appeared in dozens of outstanding films, so I often write about her. Whenever I do, I inevitably receive a comment about her feminism, her affair with Spencer Tracy, or her liberal lifestyle. These points often have nothing to do with the film or character discussed in the article, but the points are valid.

Katharine Hepburn was indeed a liberal feminist who is known to have had a long-term affair with her frequent co-star Spencer Tracy. She was a troublemaker around Hollywood, maddening the studio executives by refusing to conform to traditional standards of feminine appearance, such as wearing skirts and makeup. Some celebrities played against type to make their images more palatable to average American audiences, but not Kate. Many of her most famous characters are very strong women who challenge traditional feminine roles by being active in the workplace instead of being homemakers and competing with their husbands, often in a professional as well as a personal sense. Such films always have a strong message, however, about how this competition between husbands and wives is often fatal to marital happiness.

Cropped publicity still of Katharine Hepburn in the 1942 film Woman of the Year. (Public Domain)

Todays moment of movie wisdom is from Woman of the Year from 1942. Much has been written about this first pairing of Hepburn and Tracy, which was directed by George Cukor. It focuses on two journalists from the same newspaperinternational news columnist Tess Harding (Hepburn) and sportswriter Sam Craig (Tracy)who get in a battle of the columns over wartime priorities. When they finally meet, they are instantly attracted to each other. They decide to get married, but Tess quickly shows that her marriage is going to take second place to her career.

Sam tries to make their marriage work, but Tess is self-centered and inconsiderate of him. For instance, she adopts a young Greek refugee orphan boy, Chris (George Kezas), without consulting her husband. Although Sam is against the idea, he is more concerned about the boys welfare. As Tess is dazzled by the honor of being named Outstanding Woman of the Year, Sam gets fed up with their non-traditional relationship. She realizes she has to compromise if she wants to save her marriage.

The Scene

The scene in question takes place on the night of the banquet where Tess will be named Outstanding Woman of the Year. Its the turning point for the story, since it is in this scene when Sam realizes he doesnt want to be Mr. Tess Harding any longer. He realizes that neither he nor her adoptive child is as important to Tess as taking bows. The trouble starts as soon as Tess learns the news, as she tells her aunt, Ellen (Fay Bainter), that its the greatest thing that has ever happened to her. On the night in question, Tess practically ignores Sam as she is getting ready, flinching when he tries to kiss her.

The straw that breaks the camels back for Sam is Tesss callous disregard for Chris. She plans to leave the young boy alone in the apartment, asking the elevator boys to check on him, although he speaks no English. She is outraged when Sam wants to stay home with the boy, since she thinks it will look strange. She reveals how little she regards his work when she blurts out that no one would believe he has something important to do. Sams cold look stops her dead in her tracks, and he says that its too bad he isnt covering the event, since he has a sensational angle: the Outstanding Woman of the Year isnt a woman at all. She insincerely apologizes to convince Sam to come with her, but she ends up leaving alone.

The Significance

Sams statement of the film title is one of the most powerful moments in the movie. Its a slap of truth to Tess, although it isnt until later in the movie when she realizes how right he was. It also was a powerful message to emancipated women of the early 1940s. It seems strange to think about feminism in 1942, but this movie shows how the suffragists who fought for womens rights in the 1910s continued to campaign throughout the 20th century. Tesss aunt was one of those suffragists, and Tess eagerly follows in her footsteps. However, like so many suffragists, Ellen is an old maid who is lonely and alone in her middle-aged years. Tess doesnt realize that her aunts life is empty, despite all the accolades, since she doesnt have a loving marriage.

A behind-the-scenes photo from the film Woman of the Year (1942) with (L-R) director George Stevens, Katharine Hepburn, and Spencer Tracy. (MovieStillsDB)

This message is ten times more poignant and important today than it was over eighty years ago. Sams statement is true of every woman who is honored for her outstanding achievements. Are feminine ladies honored for being traditional women, devoted wives, and loving mothers? No, the only women who receive recognition are those who break boundaries, defy stereotypes, and challenge traditional values. In the last few years, this has gone in a horrifyingly twisted direction, as many women being honored in sports, politics, and the media arent even females but biological males who identify as women.

A Womans Value

There is so much talk today about the patriarchy, male dominance, and female empowerment. However, these ideas are dangerous and demeaning to women because they mock and disrespect what it really means to be a woman. Just as one of the characters at the banquet talks about glorious emancipation, American women today revel in how far we have come from the lives our mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers had. However, at what price?

This movie shows that women like Tess Harding, Katharine Hepburn, and other such emancipated females are missing out on some of the great joys of life when they try to compete with their husbands instead of supporting and loving them. By trying to beat men, such women end up being more like men.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
NB Premier Higgs Demotes 2 Ministers Who Voted Against Informing Parents on Gender-Identity Issues

New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs delivers the State of the Province address in Fredericton, N.B., on Feb. 9, 2023. (Stephen MacGillivray/The Canadian Press)

New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has shuffled his cabinet, removing two ministers who voted against a gender-identity policy that requires parental permission to change a childs pronouns.

In a tweet on June 27, Higgs announced the addition of five ministers to cabinet and the removal of two ministers who voted against the governmentdemoting local government minister Daniel Allain and transportation and infrastructure minister Jeff Carr to backbenchers.

Allain has been replaced by Glen Savoie, and Carrs position has been taken over by Richard Ames.

Our governments new cabinet is aligned with our priorities of standing up for New Brunswickers, said Higgs on social media. Our cabinet is full of energetic, dedicated ministers who work tirelessly to make our province a better place to live. Were excited about this renewal as we work to keep New Brunswick strong.

Higgs said the ministers should have expected the consequences of voting against their own party.

I think the very oath they take speaks for itself in that regard  To not address the situation is putting the government in a very vulnerable situation, Higgs said. So, we have to respect the parliamentary system were in  in the cabinet you have to have solidarity.

Earlier this month, two ministers resigned, blaming Higgss leadership style and changes made to the provinces policy on sexual orientation in schools.

Opposition

At a news conference following the swearing-in of new cabinet ministers, Higgs said, I think when you have cabinet ministers that take a position against the government, in the legislature voting against in the legislature, its very significant.

Higgs said that under the parliamentary system, cabinet confidentiality and cabinet support are paramount, and that speaks for itself. While Higgs said it was not a whipped vote, I never made it a free vote either.

One day before the cabinet shuffle, Allain told reporters he was not sure he would still be in cabinet after the expected shuffle. Theres a process, he said at a news conference in Grand Bouctouche. We serve at the pleasure of the premier.

Allain and Carr both signed a letter this month stating they had extreme disappointment in a lack of process and transparency about the provinces policy changes on gender identity, and voted with the Liberal Opposition against their own party.

Carr, who served eight months in his role as transportation minister, issued a statement on June 27, stating he had been removed from the cabinet, and said he and other government MLAs had skipped a Question Period earlier this month out of pure frustration.

Carr alleged the premier had failed to keep his promises to caucus on an agreed path forward, adding, I care about working with people to make policies that improve the lives of everyone, especially our most marginalized and vulnerable.

Gender Identity Policy

The premier and New Brunswicks education minister Bill Hogan announced on June 8 that as of July 1, students under the age of 16 cannot change their names or pronouns in school without parental consent.

The new policy requires the school to talk to students about contacting their parents on the issue, or directing the student to a mental health professional to work with them in the development of a plan to speak with their parents if and when they are ready to do so.

We believe that its fundamentally wrong to not share this information with the parents if we are using [a students preferred name] on a daily basis, Hogan said. If we are using it on a daily basis, it puts teachers in a really challenging position.

Higgs said the province had to find a solution where we do not exclude parents in their childs life. He said the policy is taking a strong position for families, and standing up for parents.

The premier also said he recognized there was some building to do after some riding presidents wrote letters to the provincial council asking for a leadership review.

The new cabinet includes the following portfolios: Sherry Wilson, womens equality, and addictions and mental health; Kathy Bockus, seniors; Greg Turner, economic development; Mary Wilson, service New Brunswick; Greg Turner, opportunities New Brunswick; Jill Green, social development; Arlene Dunn, post-secondary education, training, and labour, as well as aboriginal affairs and immigration; and Tammy Scott-Wallace, tourism.

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
Nearly 1,100 Afghan Civilians Killed Since Taliban Takeover: UN

Taliban fighters celebrate one year since they seized the Afghan capital, Kabul, in front of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Aug. 15, 2022. (Ebrahim Noroozi/AP Photo)

The United Nations (U.N.) announced on Tuesday that nearly 1,100 civilians have been killed in attacks in Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover in 2021, despite an overall decline in casualties compared to previous years of war and insurgency.

In a report released on June 27, the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said there were 3,774 civilian casualtiesincluding 1,095 deathsin the country between Aug. 15, 2021, and May 30 of this year.

About three-quarters of those attacks were caused by indiscriminate improvised explosive devices (IED) in populated areas, including places of worship, schools, and markets, the report said. Among those killed were 92 women and 287 children.

These attacks on civilians and civilian objects are reprehensible and must stop, said Fiona Frazer, chief of UNAMAs human rights service. It is critical that the de facto authorities uphold their obligation to protect the right to life by carrying out independent, impartial, prompt, thorough, effective, credible, and transparent investigations into IED attacks affecting civilians.

Fiona Frazer, chief of human rights at U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, speaks during a press conference in Kabul on July 20, 2022. (Wakil Kohsar/AFP via Getty Images)

The organizations latest data indicates that the number of civilian deaths and injuries has fallen compared to the period before the Taliban seized power. An earlier U.N. report indicated that in 2020, some 3,035 Afghan civilians were killed and more than 5,700 injured, for a total of 8,820 civilian casualties.

The overall number of civilian casualties in 2020  fell below 10,000 for the first time since 2013 and was 15 percent down on figures for 2019. However, the number killed stayed above 3,000 for the seventh consecutive year, the 2020 document states.

The Taliban seized Afghanistan in August 2021 while U.S. and NATO troops were in the final weeks of a chaotic withdrawal from the country. The withdrawaland the manner in which it was carried outhas been widely criticized after 13 service members died, billions of dollars worth of equipment was left behind, and the U.S.-backed Afghan government was overrun by Taliban insurgents following two decades of war in the country.

IED Attacks Rising

In a separate press release following Tuesdays report, the U.N. said that its latest figures indicate a significant increase in civilian harm resulting from IED attacks on places of worshipmostly related to minority Shiite Muslimscompared to the three-year period prior to the Taliban takeover.

UNAMA documented 2,814 civilian casualties (701 killed, 2,113 wounded) as a result of IED attacks between 15 August 2021 and 30 May 2023.

289 children and 168 women were among the dead and wounded. https://t.co/v3WSztyeO1 pic.twitter.com/yeYDPJUu57  UNAMA News (@UNAMAnews) June 27, 2023

The release said that at least 95 people were killed in attacks on schools, educational facilities, and other places that targeted the predominantly Shiite Hazara community.

The majority of IED attackswhich resulted in a total of just over 700 deathswere carried out by the regions affiliate of the ISIS terrorist group known as the Islamic State in Khorasan Province, a Sunni militant group and a main Taliban rival.

The organization, however, noted that a significant number of casualties resulted from IED attacks for which responsibility was never claimed, or where the U.N. could not attribute responsibility to any group. The release did not provide the number of those fatalities.

Concerns Over Lethality of Attacks

In addition, the U.N. also expressed concern about the lethality of suicide attacks since the Taliban takeover, with fewer attacks causing more civilian causalities.

It noted that the attacks were carried out amid a nationwide financial and economic crisis. With the sharp drop in donor funding since the takeover, victims are struggling to get access to medical, financial, and psychosocial support under the current Taliban regime, the report said.

The U.N. report also demanded an immediate halt to attacks and said it holds the Taliban-led government responsible for the safety of Afghan citizens.

The Taliban said their administration took over when Afghanistan was on the verge of collapse and that they managed to rescue the country and government from a crisis through proper management and by making sound decisions.

The Taliban-led ministry recently claimed that the situation in Afghanistan has gradually improved since August 2021. Security has been ensured across the country, according to a statement, which added that the Taliban consider the security of places of worship and holy shrinesincluding Shiite sitesa priority.

Despite promises of a more moderate administration, the Taliban barred Afghan women on Dec. 20, 2022, from attending universities in a decree designed to further restrict womens rights and freedoms, which sparked an international outcry. The Taliban also barred women from public life and most non-household work, including for nongovernmental organizations and the U.N.

Human Rights Watch (HRW), which shared the letter on Twitter, denounced the Talibans decision as shameful and a violation of the right to education for women and girls in Afghanistan.

The measures harked back to the previous Taliban rule of Afghanistan in the late 1990s when they also imposed their strict interpretation of Islamic law, or Sharia.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

From NTD News
New Law Makes It Harder for Online Criminals to Sell Fake or Stolen Products

Workers prepare to destroy fake handbags in a a ceremonial destruction of counterfeit and pirated goods at the National Police headquarters in Manila, Philippines, on June 23.

A new federal law will make it harder for online criminals to sell fake or stolen products in the wake of shoplifting gangs selling products on e-commerce sites.

The INFORM Consumers Act, which went into effect on June 27, is intended to limit the sales of stolen and counterfeit products online, said the Federal Trade Commssion (FTC).

Goods stolen from retailers are often sold on e-commerce states.

The legislation will require online marketplaces to collect, verify, and disclose information about third-party sellers who make more than 200 sales that total $5,000 or more in a year.

The INFORM act goes into effect right before Amazon Prime Day from July 1112, when the major online retailer offers discounts for Prime members.

Consumer Act Will Add Safeguards to Online Commerce

The e-commerce law was passed after a lobbying campaign to address counterfeit items after being left out of the bipartisan Chips and Science Act in 2022.

All online marketplaces, including eBay, Etsy, Poshmark, and Amazon, will be covered under this law.

Last week, FTC staff sent letters to 50 online marketplaces across the United States, informing them about their obligations to the new law.

The INFORM Consumers Act requires online marketplacesa term defined in the statuteto protect consumers from counterfeit, unsafe, and stolen goods by verifying the identity of high-volume third-party sellers on their platforms and by making it easier for consumers to report suspicious conduct, said the FTC.

Third-party sellers must submit information such as a government-issued ID, a bank-account number, a working email address, phone number, and a taxpayer identification number, according to the Federal Trade Commissions business guide.

Customers will now be able to find the verified contact information for larger third-party sellers, with sales of over $20,000 a year and get in touch with them outside of the e-commerce website.

Previously, online purchasers usually had to communicate through the e-commerce platform to communicate with a seller.

The FTC will enforce the law and online retailers can be fined up to $50,000 per transaction.

Some Critics Want Stronger Protections Against Fraud and Sales Of Stolen Goods

However, some critics say that the new act lacks the stronger protections that were included in the earlier SHOP SAFE Act, which failed in Congress.

Consumer advocates say that the INFORM Act does not hold online platforms liable when a third party sells counterfeit or stolen products, or when the platform fails to follow certain regulations.

Notably, the legislation is supported by Amazon and other marketplaces as its seen as a watered-down bill that would head off more stringent legislation, like the SHOP SAFE Act, wrote Ben Koltun, director of research at Beacon Policy Advisors, in a note in 2022.

E-commerce platforms, including Amazon and eBay, were firm backers of the INFORM Act.

TechNet, an organization representing Big Tech CEOs and other top executives, sent a letter to Congress last December praising the laws potential to improve consumer safety and increase seller transparency.

Still, many were glad to hear that at least some consumer safeguards were passed by Congress for e-commerce transactions.

This is a game changer, Teresa Murray, director of the consumer watchdog office at the nonprofit U.S.Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), told MarketWatch.

For bad guys, stealing items has generally been the difficult part. Selling things online once youve stolen them is easy. We hope that with the INFORM Act, its not nearly as easy in the future, adding, the only people opposing this may be thieves, Murray continued.

Christopher McGourty, founder and CEO of the National Anti-Organized Retail Crime Association. told KUTV2, a CBS Salt Lake City affiliate, that the law adds a layer of accountability for sellers of stolen, counterfeit, and harmful goods online.

Theres been a sense of lawlessness right now in the United States, and that is really truly what we need to break, McGourty said.

Its hard to say because its brand new. I think we kind of have to come back and revisit it and see where we are, he added regarding if the laws effectiveness.

McGourty said it could be a slow move away from the more extreme safety measures shoppers are seeing in stores to protect their merchandise.

We have to make sure were holding people accountable, and you know for the district attorneys out there we hope they will follow through and prosecute people if theyre committing crimes, McGourty said.

California Retailers Express Skepticism of New Law

Local and state authorities have failed to crack down on the problem, but some hope the federal law will add tools to their existing arsenal.

Im not going to rule out that its going to be effective, but I can see a lot of ways when looking at itI dont know if its going to deter the theft thats happened. Thats the real question, Kirthi Kalyanam, executive director of the Retail Management Institute at Santa Clara University, told the San Francisco Chronicle.

I dont think in the short run that this is going to have any impact on what you see in a city like San Francisco.

The retail crime wave in California is self-inflicted and the new law is unlikely to solve the problem, Rachel Michelin, president and CEO of the California Retailers Association, told the San Francisco Chronicle.

Proposition 47, approved by California voters in 2014, raised the threshold for the value of stolen goods to trigger a felony from $400 to $950.

Voters rejected an effort to overturn portions of Prop. 47 in 2020, and other attempts to overturn the law by Republicans have failed in the Democrat-controlled state legislature.

We know these repeat offenders are coming into the stores, theyre stealing under that threshold. They get a cite and release and they keep doing it, Michelin said.

This isnt going to impact them, she concluded.
New York City Now Sheltering More Illegal Immigrants Than Homeless Citizens: Deputy Mayor

Illegal immigrants and their relatives take part in a family reunion event in Queens, New York, on June 25, 2023. (Yuki Iwamura/AFP via Getty Images)

New York City is now providing more shelter to non-citizens than to its own homeless resident population, according to the latest assessment from a city official.

At a Wednesday press conference, New York City Deputy Mayor For Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom said the city is currently sheltering more than 100,000 people, the majority of whom are illegal immigrants and other non-citizens who are seeking to stay in the United States for the long-term.

With over 50,000 asylum seekers currently in our care at this point, we now have more people seeking U.S. asylum than longtime unhoused New Yorkers in our shelter system, New York City Williams-Isom said.

Many of the non-citizens being sheltered in the city are people who illegally crossed the U.S. southern border but made asylum claims or otherwise requested legal status in the U.S. and are now awaiting a ruling in their immigration cases.

Since last year, Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has been busing illegal immigrants away from his border state to other areas of the country; particularly Democratic districts like New York City that have designated themselves as immigration sanctuary cities. New York City has been one of the main receiving points for tens of thousands of these illegal immigrants and many have stayed in the city since their arrival.

Williams-Isom called the ratio of illegal immigrants to resident homeless people in the citys shelter system sobering. She said New York City has taken in 81,200 illegal immigrants and asylum seekers since the Spring of 2022, including 2,500 new asylum seekers in the past week.

You see from todays numbers that we have reached a tipping point, she said. We now have more asylum seekers in our care than longtime New Yorkers from when we first came in and who are in our existing [New York City Department of Homeless Services] system.

NYC Mayors Shelter Strategy

Williams-Isom said New York City has opened 176 new shelter sites, including 12 humanitarian relief sites since last spring, but indicated the city has virtually exhausted its capacity to shelter people.

We will continue to do our part. I might say were doing more than our part, she said on Thursday. But this is a national humanitarian crisis and we need sustained and profound support from the federal government in the form of financial aid and in the form of a national coordination.

Following a 1984 court decision known as the Callahan consent decree, New York City has had to provide shelter for virtually all homeless people who apply. Last month, New York City Mayor Eric Adams requested that a court suspend this Right to Shelter rule. New York City is also one of many locations throughout the U.S. that consider themselves sanctuary cities, meaning they do not cooperate with federal immigration authorities that might arrest or deport illegal immigrants.

Abbott has said his busing strategy has shone a spotlight on the hypocrisy of sanctuary cities that balk at the prospect of having to actually take, and share responsibility for, illegal immigrants.

In May, Adams began trying to relocate some illegal immigrants from New York City to neighboring areas of New York, with a commitment to cover the costs of their shelter, food, counseling, and other services for up to four months. Many of these neighboring communities have rejected the relocation efforts, even issuing emergency declarations to block Adams administration from busing illegal immigrants to their communities.

Earlier this month, the Adams administration filed a lawsuit against 30 New York counties, seeking a court order overriding any emergency orders blocking his efforts to move illegal immigrants to those neighboring communities.

Adams has also called on President Joe Bidens administration to provide New York City with more federal funding for its shelter system. In a May 21 interview with CBS News, host Margaret Brennan noted the federal government has pledged about $30 million in assistance to deal with the influx, but Adams insisted his citys shelter expenses would far exceed that level of federal support.

Were projected to spend close to $4.3 billion, if not more. This estimate was based on a number of migrants coming to the city, and those numbers have clearly increased, Adams said. When you look at the price tag, $30 million comes nowhere near what this city is paying for a national problem.

From NTD News
New Zealand PM Meets CCP Leader Xi Jinping and WEF Founder Klaus Schwab

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and China Leader Xi Jinping during a bilateral meeting at the Great Hall, in Beijing, Tuesday, June 27, 2023 (AAP Image/Pool, Nate McKinnon)

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday evening as he tries to bring the message that New Zealand is open for business during his five-day China trip.

Hipkins said they covered various topics during their approximately 30-minute meeting, including economic, social, and cultural connections.

The prime minister said New Zealands relationship with China is one of our most significant and wide-ranging and was pleased to reaffirm this during this trip, where he is leading a 29-person business delegation.

I emphasised the key focus of our visit was to reaffirm our close economic relationship by supporting businesses to renew their connections with Chinese counterparts and helping grow new ones to support New Zealands economic recovery, he said.

Hipkins also reiterated the importance of cooperation when supporting the international rules-based order as well as the role China can play in addressing climate change and the war in Ukraine.

We also engaged on areas where our cultures and political systems differ, and I reiterated we will always advocate for approaches and outcomes that reflect New Zealands independent foreign policy or interests and values, in a respectful but consistent way.

After the meeting, Hipkins described the meeting as warm and constructive.

However, it appears they skirted around clearly addressing the human rights issue, which Hipkins said: wasnt discussed in great depth.

The economic relationship  was, by far, the biggest topic that we discussed, but we also discussed a broad range of international issues, including international relationships, Hipkins told reporters.

According to Chinese state-run media Xinhua, Xi said he held China-New Zealand ties in great regard and saw New Zealand as a friend and partner.

Just before meeting Xi, Hipkins also attended the World Economic Forums Annual Meeting of New Champions in Tianjin where he briefly met with forum founder Klaus Schwab. There, he participated in a panel alongside other leaders, including Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, with whom he had a brief side meeting.

We would like to see a world that is open and outwards looking. There is a trend in some parts of the world to be more inward-looking, Hipkins said during the panel.

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins meets with Klaus Schwab at the World Economic Forum gathering in Tianjin, Tuesday, June 27, 2023 (AAP Image/Pool, Nate McKinnon)

NZ Careful Because It Lacks Military Power: Expert

Before taking off to Beijing, Hipkins told media that he didnt agree with U.S. President Joe Bidens calling Xi a dictator.

CCPs mouthpiece, the Global Times, praised Hipkins for the move and called New Zealands proactive diplomacy and policy towards Beijing an example for other Western nations.

It comes as New Zealand tries to walk a tightrope between its traditional Western allies and China.

But China expert and critic Prof. Anne-Marie Brady has said New Zealands media should avoid putting its politicians in awkward situations because it was damaging to the countrys international reputation.

She said it was sometimes tough for politicians to properly express their position at the moment with the right words.

Famously, both [Agriculture Minister] Damien OConnor and [Foreign Minister] Nanaia Mahuta and Chris Hipkins had said things that they perhaps may not have wished to have had gone public or didnt put things the way they wanted, she told the AM show.

Brady said she believed that the reason New Zealand leaders were more careful when criticising the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) than other Western nations was because of its weak military power.

As a small state, we have to be very careful in our foreign policy; thats just the nature of being a small statewe cant defend ourselves militarily, she said.

New Zealands refusal to approach the CCP with tougher foreign policy previously attracted critics to call the country the soft underbelly of the Five Eyes alliance.

Opposition Leader Agrees

As political tit-for-tat increases ahead of the New Zealand general election in October, the leader of the opposition National Party, Christopher Luxon, had a rare show of support for Hipkins.

I fully support what Chris Hipkins is doing in China, Luxon told the AM show.

He also agreed with the prime minister about whether or not Xi was a dictator.

I do agree with Chris Hipkins. Id say no and Id say, ultimately, its a decision for the Chinese people, he said.

The Labour government has tried to maintain its relationship with the CCP while Western nations have been increasingly critical of Beijings ever-increasing economic and military aggression and human rights abuses.

Yet Labours main opposition, the National Party has also maintained a soft approach towards the Communist regime.

The National Partys 2022 donation records reveal close CCP ties, with its top donors including three high-level CCP influencers and two media executives with close CCP ties.

The leading CCP donor, Shanghai-based Lu Xinyan, is the acting head of the Australia and New Zealand offices of Peoples Daily Overseas Edition. She is also the president and chairman of the board of Atlantic Media Group in New Zealand.

Close behind Lu in terms of donation amount is Lili Wang, the head of the Chinese Language Herald newspaper in New Zealand. Registered in Beijing, The Herald has been revealed in 2019 to be run by a company owned by the CCPs state-run China News Service.

The National Partys foreign affairs spokesman Gerry Brownlee also has a history of parroting CCP propaganda, including calling the situation in Xinjiang a terrorism problem when discussing a United Nations report that found credible evidence of human rights violations in the region.

Brownlee has also been extremely critical of the AUKUS security arrangement, claiming it will make New Zealand less safe.

Cindy Li contributed to this report.
Newsom, California Legislature Agree to $311 Billion Budget Plan

Just ahead of a July 1 deadline, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state Legislature agreed to the states 202324 fiscal year budget June 27, though Republicans argued against the proposal and the manner in which it was determined.

In the face of continued global economic uncertainty, this budget increases our fiscal discipline by growing our budget reserves to a record $38 billion, while preserving historic investments in public education, health care, climate, and public safety, Newsom said in a June 26 press release describing the then tentative agreement.

The $310.8 billion budget goes into effect Saturday.

Democratic leaders celebrated the budget agreement, though concessions were made, including cutting funding for a program to provide unemployment benefits to illegal immigrants.

We started our budget process this time around with tough economic challenges, but one overarching goal: to protect Californias progress, Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) said in the joint press release announcing the agreement. This budget does exactly that  it allows us to close the budget gap, make targeted new investments, and provide services and resources for Californians and our communities without cuts to core programs or dipping into our reserves, and in fact builds those reserves.

Legislators on the other side of the aisle, however, were skeptical.

Its amazing to me that California can go from a $100 billion surplus to a $30 billion deficit in one year, Sen. Brian Dahle (R-Bieber) said while urging colleagues to oppose the budget.

Dahle suggested that Californians are most concerned about the cost of everyday expenses, listing statistics that report a 50 percent higher cost of living in the Golden State than the national average.

If you want to help a disadvantaged person, you cant just raise their pay, you have to lower the cost of living, Dahle said. For the future of California, we must address the high cost of living  This budget does nothing to lower [it].

Republican lawmakers took exception to how the budget discussions occurred, with several telling The Epoch Times and arguing on the Assembly and Senate floor that they were excluded from the conversation. No Republican in either chamber voted for its approval.

This years budget bills were negotiated and crafted by Legislative Democrat leadership and the Governor in private over the last week, Assemblywoman Diane Dixon (R-Huntington Beach) told The Epoch Times in a statement June 27. Republicans were not at the table to provide valuable insight on a spending reduction to reduce current and future deficits.

The budget includes a deficit exceeding $30 billion, which the states Legislative Analysts Office has suggested could increase significantly if a recession were to occurwhich economists suggest is likely.

In fact, theres nothing in the budget that addresses the $32 billion deficit. Spending has been pushed to future budgets and bond measures, Dixon said. In addition, the budget process lacks the fundamental transparency needed for the public to provide key concerns with major, contentious policy.

Budgetary concerns include spending with limited oversight, with the costs being borne by the taxpayer, according to Dixon.

Valuable taxpayer dollars are thrown at different programs that lack accountability: homelessness, transit or providing power to special interests groups through the re-establishment of the state Industrial Welfare Commission, she said. Our people and small businesses deserve better.

On multiple occasions, the lack of debate regarding the budget amendments and so-called trailer billsproposals added to the budget agreementwas brought to the floor, with several legislators stressing the need for open dialogue to secure democratic functions.

This chaotic budget process is broken, Assemblyman Vince Fong (R-Bakersfield) told lawmakers while opposing the proposal. Closed door discussions  and a budget that never sees the light of day until it is constitutionally required, this type of back-room policy-making with no transparency is simply wrong, and if the shoe was on the other foot, you would say the same thing.

The alleged one-sided nature of the budget process was a recurring theme, with Republican lawmakers criticizing the Democratic supermajority for excluding their perspectives.

This is a terrible process, and were going along with it because the governor wants it, Assemblyman James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) told his colleagues while urging a no vote. This is not democracy.

Some lawmakers took exception to the number of trailer bills accompanying the budget, with many including policy changes that were never vetted or debated by lawmakers, according to the minority leader.

To abuse the process in that way is pretty shameless, Gallagher said, bringing attention to funding provisions made in one such trailer bill to repurpose San Quentin prison, with millions dedicated to changing the institution from a death row facility to a less harsh environment.

Were making San Quentin into a day spa, he said.

Democratic lawmakers, however, recognized the need to be prudent in a volatile economic climate but remained confident in the budgets ability to weather uncertainty.

We have to make sure were constantly vigilant in this economy  thats why everything in this budget is to help Californians that need it the most, Assemblyman Philip Ting (D-San Francisco) told lawmakers. While theres a little bit of kabuki here today, we agree on a lot.

When confronted with opposition based on deficit concerns, Sen. John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) laid the blame for economic dilemmas and deficits on market forces.

It is not the makings of the Legislature or human beings, he told colleagues while supporting the budget proposal. California overperforms in good times and underperforms in bad times.

While noting the reliance on personal income tax and sales tax, Laird made no mention of the states widely reported declining population and its subsequent impact on state revenues.

In the other chamber, lawmakers warned their colleagues that the decisions being made by elected representatives were impacting Californians and leading to crime and homelessness.

The cause of these problems comes from the policies coming from this building, said Fong, the assemblyman from Bakersfield.

Deliberations reportedly were held up over the last week due to disagreements between Democratic lawmakers and the governor about how to manage environmental protection regulations that Newsom sought to avoid for a series of infrastructure projects, with the Sacramento to San Joaquin Delta tunnel projectwhich would move water between the two regionsa major sticking point.

Newsom ultimately agreed to discuss the $16 billion project outside of budget negotiations.
No Evidence of Criminality in Jeffrey Epsteins Death: Watchdog

Jeffrey Epstein appears in a photograph taken for the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services' sex offender registry March 28, 2017 and obtained by Reuters July 10, 2019. (New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services/Handout via Reuters)

An investigation into Jeffrey Epsteins death in federal custody uncovered no evidence of criminality, a watchdog reported on June 27.

Misconduct by jail staffers led to Epsteins death but no criminal acts were uncovered, the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Inspector General said in a 128-page report (pdf).

The watchdog found that staffers in the facility violated multiple policies, including failing to assign Epstein a new cellmate after his cellmate was transferred and failing to conduct rounds the morning he was found dead.

Epstein, arrested on July 6, 2019, on federal sex trafficking charges, was found hanging in his cell in the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York at approximately 6:30 a.m. on Aug. 10, 2019.

The FBI previously probed the death and found no evidence of criminality.

We did not uncover evidence contradicting the FBIs determination regarding the absence of criminality in connection with how Epstein died, the inspector generals office said.

We did not find, for example, evidence that anyone was present in the SHU area where Epstein was housed during the relevant timeframe other than the inmates who were locked in their assigned cells, the watchdog said. Epstein was held in the prisons Special Housing Unit (SHU).

The office is led by Michael Horowitz, an Obama appointee.

Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz addresses a Congressional panel in February 2023. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Failure to Follow Policy

While no criminality was identified, officials said failure to follow basic bureau policy led to Epsteins death.

Bureau of Prisons policy requires staff in the Special Housing Unit, where Epstein was being held, to check on inmates at least twice an hour and that lieutenants make rounds at least once per shift. The policies are in place to try to make sure inmates are okay.

No rounds or checks were completed after 10:40 p.m. on Aug. 9, and no inmate counts were conducted after the morning of Aug. 9, until 6:30 a.m., when officers started giving inmates breakfast and found Epstein hanged in his cell, the watchdog said.

Officers also failed to assign Epstein a new cellmate after his was transferred on Aug. 9.

The combination of negligence, misconduct, and outright job performance failures documented in this report all contributed to an environment in which arguably one of the BOPs most notorious inmates was provided with the opportunity to take his own life, resulting in significant questions being asked about the circumstances of his death, how it could have been allowed to happen, and most importantly, depriving his numerous victims, many of whom were underage girls at the time of the alleged crimes, of their ability to seek justice through the criminal justice process, the watchdog said.

Several staffers falsified records and were charged, though the charges were ultimately dropped after the officers admitted guilt.

The door to the cell housing Jeffrey Epstein as seen in July 2019 (left) and the empty interior of the cell. (OCME via The Epoch Times)

Apparent Suicide Attempt

Epstein underwent mental health screenings on multiple occasions after being imprisoned, including a suicide assessment three days after he was taken into custody. Epstein was not a suicide risk, prison officials assessed.

But on July 23, 2019, staffers found Epstein with a cloth around his neck. Epsteins cellmate told officers Epstein had tried killing himself. The cellmate said he was asleep until Epstein landed on him. Epstein initially claimed the cellmate tried to kill him, and that he was told that staffers wouldnt care if the cellmate hurt him, but later said he did not know what happened and refused to talk about it.

Officers placed Epstein on suicide watch, noting that they werent sure whether Epstein had placed the cloth around his neck, or somebody else had. Epstein was removed the following day from suicide watch, and kept under psychological observation until July 30, 2019. Epstein received a new cellmate. That cellmate was transferred on Aug. 9, and no replacement was selected. On the same day, officers let Epstein make a phone call that was neither recorded nor monitored. Epstein said he was going to call his mother but he actually called somebody else, according to authorities.

No Evidence Supporting Homicide Theory

New Yorks chief medical examiner determined Epstein committed suicide. His brother said Epstein did not kill himself, and a pathologist who observed the autopsy said the evidence pointed toward homicide.

No staff members nor inmates had credible information about the cause of death not being suicide, according to the inspector generals report. Three of the inmates could see Epsteins cell and said they did not see anyone enter in the hours before he died.

The inspector general was unable to recover footage from any cameras besides onethe others were said to have malfunctionedand that footage did not have Epsteins cell in view. No one was seen moving toward the cell in the footage, the report said.

Inspector general office workers interviewed 54 witnesses, including staffers, inmates, and a relative of Epstein.

The inspector general made eight recommendations to the bureau, including implementing an improved process for assigning cellmates and establishing procedures to make sure inmates designated at high risk for suicide will have cellmates.

A bureau spokesperson told The Epoch Times via email it has received the report and has already implemented some of the recommended practices.

These improvements include a diligent review of video footage from restrictive housing to ensure that employee rounds are conducted promptly and accurately. In addition, lieutenants have been assigned the responsibility of conducting regular counts in restrictive housing, while employees are now required to submit reports on inmates housed alone. Furthermore, it is mandatory to notify the warden for a thorough review whenever an individual is placed on suicide watch, the spokesperson said.

The bureau temporarily closed the prison in August 2021, in light of what transpired.
Nobel Prize Winner and Co-Creator of the Lithium Battery Dies at 100

American scientist John Bannister Goodenough, Nobel Prize laureate in Chemistry 2019, poses signing a chair at the Nobel Museum in Stockholm, Sweden, on Dec. 6, 2019. (Henrik Montgomery/TT News Agency/AFP via Getty Images)

John B. Goodenough, whose contributions led to the development of lithium-ion batteries which made many of todays portable electronic devices possible, has died.

Goodenough died on Sunday at the age of 100, according to a June 26 press release from the University of Texas at Austin where he served as a faculty member for 37 years. His cause of death was not mentioned. Johns legacy as a brilliant scientist is immeasurablehis discoveries improved the lives of billions of people around the world, said UT Austin president Jay Hartzell. He was a leader at the cutting edge of scientific research throughout the many decades of his career, and he never ceased searching for innovative energy-storage solutions.

In 2019, Goodenough won the Nobel Prize in chemistry at the age of 97 for the development of lithium-ion batteries. This made Goodenough the oldest person to win the prestigious award. He shared the honors with Stanley Whittingham of the State University of New York at Binghamton and Akira Yoshino of Meijo University.

Breakthroughs from the three individuals allowed for the creation of a rechargeable world, the Nobel committee said in an October 2019 press release. Their contributions enabled the development of portable electronics like laptops and smartphones while also laying down the groundwork for the development of renewable energy storage and long-range electric vehicles.

Born in 1922 in Germany to American parents, Goodenough completed his bachelors degree from Yale University and received a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Chicago.

Even while he was in his nineties, Goodenough was still coming to work at UT Austin. In recent years, he and his university team were exploring new possibilities for energy storage, including a battery having solid-state electrolyte and sodium metal electrodes.

Goodenoughs wife Irene, to whom he was married for more than seven decades, died in 2016. His brother, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, died earlier in 2013. Goodenough does not have any children.

Battery Development

The beginning of lithium-ion batteries started in the 1970s during the oil crisis when Whittingham worked on technologies related to fossil-fuel free energy. He ended up creating a battery with an anode that was made partially from metallic lithium. But since metallic lithium is reactive, the battery turned out to be highly explosive, making it unviable.

Later, Goodenough identified and developed critical cathode materials that became crucial for providing the high-energy density required to power devices like mobile phones and laptops. Using Goodenoughs research as a basis, Yoshino created the worlds first commercially viable lithium-ion battery in 1985. Six years later, lithium-ion batteries entered the market.

In addition to the Nobel Prize, Goodenough also has been the recipient of other awards, including the Copley Medal, the Benjamin Franklin Medal, the Japan Prize, the Charles Stark Draper Prize, and the Enrico Fermi Award.

He also authored multiple books, including Witness to Grace, an autobiography that was published in 2008.

The world has lost an incredible mind and generous spirit. He will be truly missed among the scientific and engineering community, but he leaves a lasting legacy that will inspire generations of future innovators and researchers. I am honored to have known and worked with John, said UT Austin executive vice president and provost Sharon Wood, according to the universitys press release.

Several people also paid tribute to Goodenough online. Today we honor the legacy and mourn the loss of John Goodenough, a giant among giants in the world of energy, Jennifer Granholm, the sixteenth secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy, stated in a tweet on June 27.

When you check your cell phone today, if it is working, spare a second to remember John Goodenough. He co-invented the lithium-ion battery, which keeps your phone working, Russell Gold, a journalist at the Texas Monthly media company, said in a June 26 tweet.
President Joe Biden on June 28 denied involvement in his son Hunters business dealings after recent reports of his sons text messages indicated the president had been in the room with him during negotiations with a Chinese businessman.

Over 120 million people from the Midwest to the East Coast are under air quality alerts from Canadian wildfires smoke drifting into the United States.

Former Marine Daniel Penny pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide at the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse. Penny is charged in the death of a homeless man he put in a chokehold on the New York City subway in May. He faces up to 19 years in prison if convicted on both counts.
In this article, we will look at 15 jobs that still offer traditional pensions while exploring the changing landscape of pensions in the U.S. We will also look at companies and industries which have pensions as a part of their compensation package for their employees. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can head straight to 5 Jobs That Still Offer Traditional Pensions.

Retirement is often envisioned as a chapter of life filled with relaxation, fulfillment, and the freedom to pursue passions long put on hold. Yet, retirement plans in the U.S have faced unprecedented challenges. Economic volatility, shifting employment landscapes, and lingering uncertainties have compelled retirees in the United States to reevaluate their post-retirement lives.

Where are the golden traditional pensions in the U.S Today?

Defined-benefit plans or traditional pensions, once common in the private sector, have largely been replaced by defined-contribution plans like 401(k)s. Only 15% of private-sector workers currently have access to defined-benefit plans. Defined-contribution plans are preferred by companies due to their lower cost and complexity compared to pension plans. This shift has placed the responsibility of saving and investing for retirement on employees.

On the other hand, in defined-benefit plans, employers funded the plan, and employees received a predictable monthly income in retirement. However, estimating pension liabilities became complex for companies, and funding these plans from corporate earnings affected profits.

Many companies opted to freeze or eliminate their pension plans and transition to defined-contribution plans. Employees now bear the investment risk and are responsible for managing their retirement savings through options like 401(k)s or IRAs. Thus, the importance of personal savings, tax-advantaged retirement plans, wise investment choices, and prudent spending is emphasized today to achieve a financially secure retirement.

COVID-19 Sparked 'Unretirement' Trend

Given the hard time the retirees face in the absence of a traditional pension, the number of people working past retirement age has been steadily increasing. In the US, 32% of individuals aged 65 to 69 were still employed in 2017, compared to 22% in 1994. Similarly, in the UK, employment rates for individuals older than 65 doubled between 1993 and 2018.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an initial exodus of older professionals from the workforce, with at least an extra 250,000 50-to-64-year-olds leaving their jobs in the UK and over 3 million Americans retiring early. However, inflation and financial concerns have led to a rise in the number of people "unretiring." In the US, Indeed.com reports that "unretirement" levels are currently at 3.3%, higher than the sub-3% average since 2017.

In the UK, there has been a surge in 55-to-64-year-olds urgently seeking work, and two-thirds of people who retired during the pandemic expect to continue working in some capacity. These numbers reflect the changing landscape of retirement and the increasing need for older individuals to work beyond the traditional retirement age.

Do All Retirees Want to Work After Retirement?

Labor economist Teresa Ghilarducci suggested that coaxing retired workers back into the workforce could alleviate labor shortages, particularly in industries like healthcare and childcare. However, many employers are reluctant with it, with age discrimination leading to increased layoffs of older workers and their higher salary demands. Also, some retirees may simply have no intention of returning to work.

The trend of higher retirement rates among baby boomers has been ongoing, but the pandemic has brought it into sharper focus, revealing long-standing labor force trends that have been slow to be acknowledged. You can read more about the problem of labor shortage in the US in our list of the biggest issues in America and the companies working on solving them.

Hence, for many who are unable or unwilling to work after retirement, pensions serve as a critical lifeline, providing financial stability and support during their non-working years. These individuals rely on pensions to meet their basic needs and maintain a decent standard of living, especially when they may face limitations or health challenges that prevent them from engaging in employment

It has also been reported that 75% of retirees are failing to meet their retirement income goals. In the US, while Social Security provides a safety net, the average yearly payment of $21,968 covers only a fraction of retirees' expenses. Additionally, most retirees have limited personal savings, with a median total savings of $54,300 and income from savings averaging $1,814. In contrast, retirees with pensions enjoy greater income security, as the median pension income for those aged 65 and older is $10,606, contributing significantly to their overall financial well-being.

Pensions also have a broader impact on the economy, as they represent the world's largest source of capital, with approximately $25.8 trillion invested. However, the cost of providing pensions in tax subsidies amounts to $332 billion, demonstrating the significance of this benefit. These figures underscore the importance of pensions in supplementing Social Security, providing retirees with a more comfortable income, and contributing to the overall stability and growth of the economy.

Although remote jobs with pensions are rare, there are easy part-time retirement jobs that pay well with remote positions that many retirees may consider, as traditional pensions seem to be fade.

What Industries Still Offer Pensions?

Firstly, in the public sector, government jobs at the federal, state, and local levels provide defined benefit plans, such as the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) for federal employees. Secondly, military personnel can receive retirement pay after serving for a minimum number of years, typically 20, along with additional benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Thirdly, the utility sector, including electric, gas, and water companies, often negotiate pension plans for their unionized employees. Lastly, in the education sector, colleges and universities offer pension plans to faculty and staff, although a shift towards 401(k) plans has been observed.

As far as companies are concerned, Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN), Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL), and PepsiCo, Inc. (NYSE:PEP) are some of the biggest companies that offer pensions.

In 2022, Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL) rewarded its employees with an 8% bonus as a testament to its robust financial performance and remarkable profits resulting from the increased prices in the oil and gas industry. This gratifying gesture was extended to the majority of Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL)'s extensive workforce of 82,000 employees across the globe, demonstrating the companys focus on employee benefits.

Moreover, PepsiCo, Inc (NYSE:PEP) has made changes to its retirement savings plan for certain hourly employees. Started from January 2023, PepsiCo, Inc (NYSE:PEP) contributes an additional amount of money to their 401(k) plan. The exact amount of the contribution is between 6% and 8% of the employees' pay.

Let's now go to our list of jobs that still pay traditional pensions.

15 Jobs That Still Offer Traditional Pensions

TaLaNoVa/Shutterstock.com

Methodology

Our methodology for listing 15 jobs that still offer traditional pensions is based on assessing industrial stability. Further, we conducted thorough research using reputable sources such as relevant Subreddits on reddit, and Quora discussions to assess what employees have to say about these jobs on the ground.

By analyzing industries with a long-standing history of providing pension benefits to their employees, we aimed to identify sectors that have consistently demonstrated their commitment to retirement security. This approach allowed us to curate a list of jobs that offer pensions.

Here is a list of 15 Jobs That Still Offer Traditional Pensions:

15. Public transit operator

Public transit operators in the United States may have access to traditional pensions, depending on the specific transit agency and its policies.

Many public transit agencies in the United States, such as Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), and San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), offer retirement plans that include traditional pensions for their transit operators. These defined benefit pension plans ensure a guaranteed retirement income based on years of service and salary.

14. Police officer

Police officers often receive traditional pensions, for the purpose to attract and retain qualified personnel for demanding and risky jobs. As public sector employees, their pension plans are typically part of government benefit packages. Pensions provide a stable and secure retirement income, ensuring financial security for police officers who dedicate their careers to protecting and serving their communities.

13. Firefighter

Similar to the case of police officers, given the nature of their work, which involves protecting lives and property in emergency situations, traditional pension plans provide firefighters with long-term financial security and stability during retirement. These pensions are typically part of government benefit packages and help ensure the well-being of firefighters who selflessly serve and protect their communities.

12. Teacher

Teaching is a critical profession that requires specialized skills and knowledge. Traditional pension plans serve as a significant incentive by providing teachers with a reliable and secure retirement income. The majority of public school teachers, approximately 90%, are enrolled in defined-benefit pension plans. These plans calculate a teacher's retirement benefits using clear formulas that consider factors such as their salary and years of experience.

11. Airline pilot

Airline pilots in the US receive traditional pensions for the acknowledgement of their long-term commitment to the profession. Retirement values for a 35-year career as an airline pilot at major US airlines can vary between $1.8 million and over $3 million. When a defined benefit program is in place, retirement benefits are typically estimated at 7.5 percent of the program's value. Alternatively, retirement benefits can be estimated at 3% of the pilot's final annual salary.

10. Doctor

Doctors in the US are often provided traditional pensions as a means to recognize their dedication to the medical profession and incentivize long-term commitment. While doctors do earn higher than average salaries during their careers, pensions serve as a valuable retirement benefit that ensures their financial security and rewards their years of service and contributions to the noble sector of healthcare.

9. Nurse

Nurses are mostly part of the defined benefit (DB) pension plans, which are the "gold standard" of pensions as they guarantee a specific retirement allowance based on a predetermined formula. With the assurance of a promised amount, nurses typically have excellent retirement plans that provide financial security after their retirement. It is also a highly sought-after option for Part-time Retirement Jobs that Pay Well, given the high salaries they make on average. It is one of the best jobs with pensions.

8. State and Local Government Employee

Government jobs are prominently among the jobs still offering traditional pensions. In fact, close to 86% of state and local government employees in the United States are eligible for traditional pension plans. These plans remain prevalent within the government sector, both at the federal and state/local levels. While some state and local governments have transitioned to defined contribution plans, defined benefit pensions are still widely available for new government employees. Union government workers are more likely to have access to pensions compared to nonunion employees.

7. Utility workers

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), around 76% of utility company employees in the US receive pension coverage. While some utility companies have closed their pension plans to recent hires, they continue to provide pension benefits to existing workers. The presence of unions in many utility companies plays a role in preserving pension plans.

Duke Energy Corp (NYSE:DUK) and NextEra Energy Inc (NYSE:NEE) are two big names in the US associated with utility sector that offer generous retirement pension plans to their employees.

6. Railroad worker

Railroad workers in the US, specifically those employed by companies under the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), are eligible for traditional pension benefits through the Railroad Retirement system. This system provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to qualified railroad employees and their families based on their years of service and earnings.

Click here to see 5 Jobs That Still Offer Traditional Pensions.

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Disclosure: None. 15 Jobs That Still Offer Traditional Pensions is originally published on Insider Monkey.
Orange County Power Authority Survives Dissolution Vote by Board Members

A Southern California Edison crew installs a new overhead switch for circuit reliability in Ventura, Calif., on May 13, 2020. (Brent Stirton/Getty Images)

The Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) survived a vote by its board to dissolve it during their June 21 board meeting.

The issue was agendized by Board Director Casey McKeon, who is also a councilman for the City of Huntington Beach, which voted to leave the agency last month.

I dont believe the errors and structural deficiencies of OCPA are fixable. The negative sentiment that was created with the public is too large to overcome, in my opinion, McKeon said during the meeting, before casting his vote to dissolve the agency.

Board member Donald Wagner, also an Orange County Supervisor, which also voted to leave the agency last December, cast the other vote for its dissolution.

Nows the time to say we gave it a good try, Wagner said during the meeting. Do the fiscally prudent thing, do the wise thing for your taxpayers and ratepayers. Now is the time to orderly shut this agency down.

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 at 38, 69, and 100 percent renewable energy.

But 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.

Board Chair Fred Jung, also the mayor of Fullerton, told board members before the vote that the power authority today is entirely different from the one from last year.

We dont have the original CEO. We dont even have our original general counsel. So, is it a new day for this agency? I certainly hope so, he said during the meeting.

Former CEO Brian Probolksy was fired in April after two years heading the agency, after the California State Auditor discovered he improperly executed agreements worth $1.8 million in contracts for marketing and financial services, while skirting required board procedures in the process.

Critics have said his lack of experience working with community choice aggregates such as OCPA also led to his failed leadership of the agency.

Chief Executive Officer Joe Mosca, who began in his role earlier this month, was the agencys director of communications and affairs before he was tapped to temporarily replace Probolsky while a nationwide search is underway for a more experienced candidate.

Hired last December, Mosca previously worked for San Diego Gas & Electric and the Southern California Gas Company, and was a founding member and former chair of San Diego Community Power, the second largest Community Choice Aggregation in California.

OCPA Director Tammy Kim, who serves as the vice mayor for Irvine, echoed Jungs remarks and reminded that the power authority has now made its way through 90 percent of the recommended actions from the audits its faced.

This is a fresh start. Were in a sound fiscal position  Weve made the changes that have been asked, she said.

Director Jose Trinidad Castaneda, also a councilman for Buena Park, argued that under the new leadership and new board, and correcting past mistakes, the agencys future looks bright.

Ultimately, there is nothing left to say about what we are doing at OCPA. We have all of the data. We have approved a budget that shows the fiscal strength for this year, next year, and much further to the future, he said.

After over a year of operations the agency currently has reserves of $41 million in the bank, according to officials, and after the approval of its 202324 fiscal budget, also June 21, that number is expected to double. The agency currently serves over 200,000 customers.

Building a sufficient reserve fund and obtaining an investment-grade credit rating are pivotal steps for OCPA, Jung, the board chair, told The Epoch Times in an emailed statement.

A spokesperson for the agency told The Epoch Times the reserves result from the power authoritys rate design, which enables it to cover all energy expenses and the cost of doing business, while at the same time setting aside funds in reserves.

The agency is also continuing to engage with other communities to potentially join, with nothing finalized yet, according to the spokesperson.

Correction: A previous version of this article attributed Fred Jungs remark to a different board official. The Epoch Times regrets the error.
Olivia Chow Elected Mayor of Toronto

Toronto's newly elected mayor Olivia Chow celebrates her win at an election night event in Toronto on June 26, 2023. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press)

Olivia Chow has been elected the new mayor of Toronto. With virtually all of the citys 1,451 polls reporting, Chow had over 268,000 votes, or just over 37 percent of the total.

Chow, a former NDP MP and former city councillor, told supporters she is grateful for all the support.

Thank you to the people of Toronto, for the trust you have placed in me and the mandate for change as your new mayor, she said amid cheers from the crowd.

I will dedicate myself to work tirelessly and building a city thats more caring, affordable and safe, where everyone belongs, she said.

Its a political comeback for Chow, who finished third in the race for Toronto mayor in 2014.

Chow campaigned on a platform that included making life more affordable and providing more affordable housing.

That shared belief in whats possible is what will sustain us in the months ahead, she told supporters. Building more affordable housing, making TTC [transit] safer, faster and more reliable!

And to cheers, she said Toronto is a place of hope, and second chances.

A place where if we chip in a little more, we can improve public services and make our city more livable.

Chow said Ontario Premier Doug Ford called her to congratulate her. In a statement on Twitter, Ford said, While were not always going to agree on everything, what we can agree on is our shared commitment to making Toronto a place where businesses, families and workers can thrive.

Its never been more important to get on with building homes and public transit, especially where they can be built together to create communities where people can live, work, and enjoy time with their friends and family, his statement added.

The Progressive Conservative premier added that he is committed to work with Chow, despite any political differences. As Ive always said, I will work with anyone ready to work with our government to better our city and province. Theres nothing we cant achieve when we work together, the statement said.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also posted his congratulations on Twitter.

Im looking forward to working together to deliver results for Torontonians, Trudeau said.

The high cost of housing was one of the biggest issues in the campaign, along with problems like homelessness and making the citys transit system better.

All of the main candidates had promises to get more housing builtthe only real difference was how they were going to do it. Some, like Chow, were hoping to get governments more involved in building housing, while others saw a bigger role for the private sector.

The election was tight, and for part of the evening former city councillor Ana Bailao was in the lead.

Bailao, a former deputy mayor, finished second with more than 234,000 votes, or more than 32 percent of the total.

We believed in our message  the message of building housing, of fixing services, and making life more affordable, she told supporters. And people listenedwith the amount of votes we got tonight, people heard our message.

While Chow and Bailao were close most of the evening, the other candidates fell far behind.

Former police chief Mark Saunders came in third, with over 62,000 votes, more than 8 percent of the vote.

Journalist Anthony Furey, a political newcomer, was fourth with over 35,800 votes, or almost 5 percent of the total.

Chow will be taking the reins of a city that is facing a $1.5 billion deficit, caused in part by the pandemic and lost public transit revenue. She told supporters change is not going to happen overnight.

The work of changing a city left behind by decades of neglect is not going to be easy, said Chow. The work of change is always hard. We will face some roadblocks along the way. But I know we can make it happen by committing ourselves to each other, and to the city we love.

Chow began her political career in the 1980s as a school board trustee. She was first elected to the Toronto city council in 1992, and after that was elected an NDP MP. She is the widow of the late NDP Leader Jack Layton.

In her speech, she talked about coming to Canada from Hong Kong with her parents, and the struggle of those early years as an immigrant family.

A record 102 candidates were running in the by-election for mayor, caused by the resignation of former Mayor John Tory earlier this year.
Ontario Police Officer Appeals Professional Punishment for Donating to Freedom Convoy

People gather on Parliament Hill as the truckers' Freedom Convoy protesting COVID-19 mandates and restrictions stages demonstrations in Ottawa on Jan. 29, 2022. (Limin Zhou/The Epoch Times)

A Windsor police officer has filed a notice of appeal for his conviction of discreditable conduct for his $50 donation to the Ottawa Freedom Convoy.

Constable Michael Brisco is appealing his conviction to the Ontario Civilian Police Commission.

In March of this year, a six-day disciplinary hearing by the Windsor Police Service found him guilty of discreditable conduct for making a $50 donation on Feb. 8, 2022. In May, he was ordered to forfeit 80 hours of work as punishment.

In a June 27 news release put out by the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, Briscos lawyer argued the tribunal did not consider his Charter right to freedom of expression.

Among the multiple grounds of appeal, the most glaring error of the Tribunal was its refusal to consider Constable Briscos Charter rights at all. The Tribunal was required by law to balance our clients right to freedom of expression with the statutory objectives of the Police Services Act, said his lawyer Christopher Fleury.

In the appeal, Briscos lawyer also argued that the tribunal mixed fact and law, referring to the fact that many Windsor police were busy dealing with the blockade at the Ambassador Bridge in Windsorwhile Briscos donation was to the Freedom Convoy in Ottawa. At the time, the Ottawa protest had not been declared illegal, although a judge had granted an injunction against the honking of horns.

The hearing officers finding that the $50 donation could have been used to further a similar protest in Windsor and the blockade of the Ambassador Bridge was not supported by sufficient evidence, the appeal said.

In its penalty decision, the tribunal had ruled that the donation which was made, was in total opposition to the hardworking police officers from across the province who worked day and night to keep the peace in Ottawa and Windsor.

At the time of the donation, Brisco was on unpaid leave because he had refused mandatory COVID vaccination. The news release said his donation came to light after the GiveSendGo website was hacked. That led to Windsor Police making the decision to charge him under the Police Services Act.

However, even the hearing found his record as a police officer was very good.

Constable Brisco has been a hardworking and diligent officer throughout his career and has been an asset to the Service. He possesses many specialist positions in the Service and performs them to a high standard said the penalty decision.

According to the Ontario Civilian Police Commissions website, the OCPC has the authority to confirm, vary, or revoke the decision of a hearing officer. The commission can also bring in its own decision on the matter, or order that a new hearing be held.

So far, no date for the appeal has been set, and the website notes there may be pre-hearing conferences held before an appeal.
Oregon Becomes the Latest State to Put Ranked-Choice Voting on the Ballot

Election staff members pack ballots after polls closed at the Moose Lodge on Election Day, in Kenosha, Wis., Nov. 3, 2020. (Wong Maye-E/AP Photo)

Oregon becomes the latest state to put ranked-choice voting on the ballot, as the measure was passed on Sunday by state Democrats in one of their final actions of the 2023 session.

This move will give voters the final say on the November 2024 ballot and decide whether Oregons future statewide and federal races should be conducted with the increasingly popular election model.

Oregon is the first state in which the Legislature approved sending the question to voters.

In ranked-choice elections, voters identify their first choices on their ballots, then rank the other candidates in order of preference. If no candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes on the first count, the election moves to an instant runoff. The candidate with the fewest votes gets eliminated, and ballots cast for that candidate are recast for voters second choices. The process repeats itself until a candidate reaches a majority.

Oregon residents drop off their ballots near the Multnomah County Elections building in Portland, Oregon, on November 3, 2020. (Ankur Dholakia/AFP via Getty Images)

Advocates of the ranked-choice voting system said the model helps to draw in voters turned off by the two-party system and limit negative campaigning by candidates.

Its no secret that this is my wheelhouse issue, said House Speaker Dan Rayfield following the vote in the Senate. I have supported Ranked Choice Voting since I was 19 years old. Today, House Bill 2004 passed the Senate and heads to the governors desk for signature. In no uncertain terms, Ranked Choice Voting will strengthen our democracy. Giving voters more choice encourages voter engagement, ensures people in power are elected by a true 50% majority, and leads to better, more positive elections and election outcomes.

If voters in Oregon approve the implementation of ranked-choice voting in 2024, it would go into effect starting in 2028 for primary and general elections in the state for races including the president, Congress, governor, and Oregon secretary of state. The measure would also allow cities and counties to opt out of using the system in their local elections.

Oregon is the latest state to advance the model amid a growing nationwide movement to boost its use. If voters approve the measure, it would become the third state to use the model for federal and statewide elections.

Last year, Alaska became the second state to use ranked choice voting in state and federal elections. Maine has used the system in state and federal elections since 2018.

Oregon is the first state to refer the decision to voters through the legislative process.

The way that ranked-choice voting has taken off in Oregon is just amazing, frankly, Blair Bobier, co-founder of Oregon Ranked Choice Voting Advocates, said.

When you do the exit polling, overwhelmingly voters feel they have a better voice in this process, House Speaker Dan Rayfield said.

Republicans are skeptical of using this voting system.

Ranked choice voting ultimately disconnects voters from issues and allows fringe candidates to win elections, state Rep. Bobby Levy said. We cannot afford to join the handful of states replacing traditional elections with the obtuse deconstruction of political accountability.

Rayfield said some county elections officials are also leery of the change. One reason the bill would not ask voters to implement ranked-choice voting on legislative races, he said, is that county clerks were worried that additional races using the system would take up too much ballot space.

Even though theyre not terribly excited about it, in listening and taking their advice we believed the correct approach is to compromise and give them something that would make them feel more comfortable, Rayfield said.

The current voting system could pressure people to choose an electable candidate rather than one that aligns with their values, but a ranked-choice system could change that.

What I appreciate about Ranked Choice Voting is that it serves as a disincentive to the kinds of mudslinging that dominate many campaigns under a first-past-the-post voting system, House Majority Leader Julie Fahey said in a statement. To be successful under RCV, a candidate must build bridges and broaden their appeal.
Oregon Legislators Compromise Over Gender, Abortion, Ghost Guns, and Fentanyl

After the longest walkout in state history, a last-minute compromise allowed Oregon lawmakers to return to work on June 15 with just 10 days left in the legislative session.

The parties had reached an impasse over Democrat-backed bills related to gun control, abortion, and gender-transition services. Because Oregons legislative rules require a two-thirds quorum to conduct business, the session ground to a halt when the six week walkout by most Republicans and two Independent members of the Oregon Senate began May 3.

As the minority party, Republicans said the walkout was the only way to force the majority to compromise on bills they saw as extreme.

When work resumed, lawmakers worked overtime to work through a backlog of bills and negotiate on those that were most controversial.

Gender Care, Abortion, and Parental Rights

As originally written, House Bill 2002 aimed to dramatically expand access and public funding for abortion and gender-transition services in Oregon.

The bill would have allowed a minor of any age to get an abortion and those older than 15 to undergo gender transitionsuch as hormone blockers that suppress naturally occurring testosterone or estrogenall without parental consent or notification.

Republicans called these provisions an affront to parental rights.

They agreed to return to the Capitol only after Democrats compromised by striking the waiver of parental notification and permission. That requirement can be overridden if health care providers conclude informing parents would be harmful to the child.

As enacted, HB 2002s gender-transition component will now require Oregons Medicaid program and private insurers to cover procedures such as electrolysis, facial feminization surgery, tracheal shaves, and any other treatments prescribed by a doctor as necessary gender-affirming treatment.

Such procedures were previously considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance.

The measure protects abortion providers from certain legal repercussions, including for treating patients who traveled from anti-abortion states.

People knew that when Republicans chose to walk out over this, because of their objections related to abortion, that to get them back into the building there would have to be some changes, said Democratic Rep. Travis Nelson, who sponsored the bill. But by and large we kept the things that were important to us and my constituents seem to be happy about the way that things went with 2002.

Democrats also agreed to kill Senate Joint Resolution 33, which would have asked voters to enshrine protections for abortion, same-sex marriage, and gender-affirming care in the state Constitution.

The party could still pass a ballot referral next year in time for the 2024 election.

Oregon has long been at the forefront of such gender-related issues.

In 2017, it became the first state in the nation to offer more than two gender options on identity documents, including drivers licenses, making it the first to legally recognize non-binary, intersex, and agender people on ID cards.

The Oregon Health Plan has covered gender-affirming services since 2015

The state does so at a time when more than a dozen states have enacted laws restricting or banning gender-affirming services for minors, and nearly two dozen more are considering similar bills.

Banning Ghost Guns

Democrats also made significant concessions on the sessions major gun control bills.

Under House Bill 2005, Oregon will join 11 other states in banning ghost guns. These three-dimensional printed firearms are assembled at home and can be easily purchased online. They do not contain a printed serial number.

The original bill would also have made it illegal for those under 21 to purchase certain guns and allowed local governments to ban concealed carry in some places.

Ghost guns seized in federal law enforcement actions are displayed at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) field office in Glendale, Calif., on April 18, 2022. (Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images)

Democrats scrapped those two provisions.

They also agreed to kill Senate Bill 348 and several other gun bills that would have codified provisions of Measure 114, a gun control law approved by voters last year, into law.

That measure would ban the manufacture and sale of magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds and require anyone who wishes to obtain a firearm to get a permit first. Permits will require taking a safety course, demonstrating competency with a firearm, paying fees, and completing a federal background check.

The measure has yet to be enacted pending litigation. Opponents feared that the legislature would short circuit that legal process.

Oregons Drug Problem

Lawmakers passed two bills that tweak Measure 110, the drug decriminalization measure passed by voters in 2020.

That voter-approved measure decriminalized the possession of small amounts of drugsincluding heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyland redirected cannabis taxes to fund drug treatment programs. But the state has struggled to stand up the promised drug treatment programs and many consider the measure a failure.

The state now has among the highest rates of substance abuse in the nation, and drug addiction and overdoses are soaring as cheap fentanyl floods the market.

According to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), the number of fatal and unintentional overdoses involving fentanyl in Oregon more than doubled from 2021 to 2022. Fentanyl is now the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 49.

Mock sizing of a potentially lethal dose of Fentanyl, on April 1, 2022. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Today, nearly two-thirds of Oregonians support bringing back criminal penalties for drug possession, according to an April 2023 survey by DHM Research.

Again, the parties were at odds, with Democrats declining to consider sweeping changes and Republicans insisting that the state return criminal consequences to drug possession.

In the end, legislators gave OHA more power to fund drug treatment services around the state and made it a Class A misdemeanor to possess more than a gramor five or more user unitsof a substance containing fentanyl.

The change is designed to levy criminal consequences for small-time drug dealers.

This legislation provides a critical tool to law enforcement to keep our communities safe, said Republican Rep. Jeff Helfrich, one of the bills chief sponsors and a retired Portland Police Bureau sergeant. While I believe we must have real conversations surrounding Measure 110 reform, this bill allows us to start fighting this epidemic and will get fentanyl off our streets,

Weighing the Costs

Oregons 2023 legislative session concluded June 25, but the impact could reverberate into the next election cycle.

Senate Republicans were finally able to give the nearly two million Oregonians we represent a voice in the Senate and a seat at the table, Senate Minority Leader Tim Knopp said in a statement. We protected the rights of parents and law-abiding gun owners, restored the rule of law, and forced good-faith bipartisanship to get good things done.

But at least 10 Republicans could pay a price for standing their ground.

Under a measure approved by voters in 2022, lawmakers with unexcused absences are barred from running for reelection. Republicans have signaled they plan to challenge the measure in court.
Ottawa Still Trying to Negotiate With Meta Over News Blocking, Says Trudeau

Attendees visit the Meta booth at the Game Developers Conference 2023 in San Francisco on March 22, 2023. (Jeff Chiu/AP Photo)

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Ottawa is still trying to negotiate with tech giant Meta over its threats to block news sharing for Canadians following the passage of legislation obliging big tech companies to pay Canadian news outlets for content shared on the platforms.

A spokesperson for Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, said on June 27 that the tech giant is proceeding towards ending the availability of news permanently in Canada once the Online News Act comes into force this December.

The way the bill is drafted doesnt allow for negotiations outside the framework of the legislation, said Rachel Curran, Metas head of public policy in Canada, while appearing on the CBC program Power & Politics on June 27.

There are no negotiations currently, she said, adding, We wish we werent here but we are here, and there is really nothing at this point thats going to alter that trajectory.

Trudeau addressed Metas current posture while speaking to reporters on June 28 in the Toronto area, saying that the federal government is still trying to hold talks with Meta despite the tech giant saying negotiations have ceased.

Their decision to walk away rather than engage constructively is disappointing, but were very much there to continue to have conversations with them, Trudeau said.

The prime minister added that Ottawa is still holding talks with Google on the matter, which has previously tested blocking some news for Canadians prior to the Online News Act passing into law on June 22.

Conversations with Google are ongoing, Trudeau said. It is important that we find a way to ensure that Canadians can continue to access content in all sorts of different ways.

Online News Act

The Online News Act, known as Bill C-18 before it was passed on June 22, requires online platforms and digital news intermediaries to negotiate deals with and pay Canadian media outlets for any of their news and information linked on their platforms.

The Liberal government has said the act is meant to boost the online reach of local Canadian news outlets. Meanwhile, representatives from Google and Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux have predicted it will benefit large legacy media outlets.

On the day the act passed into law, Meta declared it would begin blocking content from news outlets for Canadian users as a measure to comply with the new legislation.

Meta also called the Online News Act fundamentally flawed legislation that ignores the realities of how our platforms work.

How we choose to comply with the legislation is a business decision we must make, and we have made our choice, Meta said in a statement on June 22.
Just how much American soil does China control? And are the plots of land too close to U.S. military bases for comfort? The answer is: we dont know, with our most recent data based on a two-year lag. How serious is this loophole to Americas homeland security? We break it down in this episode.

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A youth mental health charity has called on the government to act as more children and young people than ever turn to mental health services.

New analysis has shown that the number of under-18s referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) has risen by 76 percent since 2019.

Youth charity YoungMinds said in a report on Tuesday that over 1.4 million young people turned to CAMHS in 2022, according to figures from NHS Digital. That compared to 812,070 in 2019.

YoungMinds added that many cases are still on the waiting list and yet to be reviewed.

According to the charity, 2023 marked the second year in a row when the number of children and young people referred to mental health services crossed the 1 million threshold.

More than 50 percent of surveyed young people said worrying about financial stability has affected their mental well-being, while 28 percent said they were still feeling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report came on the same day the government ended its call for evidence on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of six illnesses that most affect the population in England.

The governments Major Conditions Strategy combines the national mental health plan with plans for chronic health conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

The strategy has replaced Whitehalls 10-year mental health plan that aimed to improve mental health services across the country and put mental and physical health on an equal footing.

Health Department minister Helen Whately said that the government will use the evidence gathered on mental health last year to inform the new strategy.

The shelved long-term plan could have paved the way for reforms that support young people and reduce the prevalence of poor mental health, YoungMinds said.

The charity argued that at a time when young people face the impact of the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis, and academic catch-up, the government has to step up with a long-term, functional mental health plan.

Every day without action is another day thousands of young people are without the mental health support they need. Behind every number is a young person facing impossible challenges. We cannot allow this to be accepted as the new normal, with 1.4 million young people referred to mental health services, and so many going without support, said YoungMinds Chief Executive Laura Bunt.

She urged the government to listen to young people and act to decrease the numbers of young people needing support, prioritise early intervention, and properly fund mental health services.

Diluting Focus

As part of the Major Conditions Strategy, the government announced an investment of over 113 million to fund research, which will be divided among projects focusing on cancer, obesity, mental health, and addiction.

However, the Mental Health Foundation has argued that in the post-pandemic setting and in the middle of the cost-living crisis, this is not the time for the government to be diluting its focus on mental health.

National charity Rethink Mental Illness has criticised the decision to abandon the 10-year cross-government Mental Health and Wellbeing Plan.

This decision signifies a failure to prioritise the nations mental health and challenge the causes of mental illness at the very moment that demand for support is soaring, said the charitys Chief Executive Mark Winstanley.

Head of the Mental Health Foundation, Mark Rowland, argued that the government strategy should not take away attention from young peoples mental health needs.

Its focus on chronic conditions must not mean that it excludes children and young people, who are less likely to experience chronic ill-health but who are a prime target for preventative mental health interventions, Rowland said.

The government is expected to publish an interim report on its Major Conditions Strategy this summer.

What topics would you like to read about? Please let us know at health@epochtimes.nyc
Passion of the Christ Actor Condemns Taking Children to See Sexually Explicit Pride Parades

Jim Caviezel, actor in the new human trafficking action film "Sound of Freedom, speaks during an interview in Washington on June 21, 2023. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times)

The Passion of the Christ actor Jim Caviezel over the weekend slammed Pride parades for their sexually explicit displays put on in front of children.

There is no justification for bringing children to these places. May God protect these innocent children, said Cavielzel on his Twitter page. As of Tuesday, the tweet received over 63,000 likes and 14.6 thousand retweets.

The Thin Red Line actor later responded to a viral video that had drag queens and fellow supporters, some of whom were topless, shouting Were here, were queer, were coming for your children during the annual New York City Drag March. The march, which occurred as Pride month comes to a close, took place Friday in the East Village as those taking part made their way to the West Village.

Caviezel has become a strong voice against both child exploitation and trafficking. Its the subject of his latest film, Sound of Freedom. The movie tells the story of former federal government agent turned vigilante Tim Ballard who takes on the mission of saving children from child trafficking rings. It opens July 4.

Caviezel is also set to reprise his role as Jesus of Nazareth in the upcoming sequel The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection, directed by Mel Gibson.

Since Caviezels initial tweets, he also spoke out yesterday about the havoc of coercing sexuality on children.

When we force sexuality upon young children, we harm their development. When we harm children, we also harm families. And when this happens, society suffers, Caviezel posted Monday.

He followed that up noting that Research has shown that human brains are not fully developed until the age of 25 or older. Thus, the brains of small children are simply too undeveloped to deal with issues related to sexuality.

Pride Month Events Take On More Aggressive Tone

The recent Pride March comes amidst many events that have taken place during June, which have proved more controversial than in years past.

Earlier this month, the Los Angeles Dodgers held a Pride Night pre-game ceremony honoring the Sisters of Indulgence, a group of LGBT activists, many of which were men dressed in nuns habits and ridiculing the Catholic faith. The groups motto Go and sin some more, a take-off on Jesus command to go and sin no more along with other anti-religious behavior, caused Catholics and others to pray in protest.

David Leatherwood, a board member of Gays Against Groomers, has said that many gays and lesbians disapprove of the Sisters of Indulgence and see the more aggressive nature of transgenderism as negative and a threat to what he sees Pride has achieved.

The truth is, the radical rainbow mafia is the nastiest group of hateful, intolerant bigots in the Western world, posted Leatherwood, who is gay, on Monday. They hide behind a shield of oppression and victimhood, but the truth is: No other demographic is more privileged, exalted & pretentious than LGBTQIA+ in America.

These more recent events come as Anheuser-Busch has stayed at the top of the headlines for engaging transgender social media influencer Dylan Mulvaney to advertise its formerly top-selling Bud Light, which caused the beer to plummet in sales.

Additionally, Kohls and Target have featured LGBT-themed clothing and products in their kids departments, which caused their stocks to fall dramatically.
From 2023 to 2031, the Foot Care Mask Market Size is Predicted to Attain US$ 781.9 Million at a 5.4% CAGR by 2031: TMR Report

Transparency Market Research

Rise in demand for moisturizing and cleansing foot masks among consumers is anticipated to create lucrative opportunities for companies in the market

Wilmington, Delaware, United States, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Transparency Market Research Inc. - Evolving trends in the beauty industry is propelling demand for skin care products, which, in turn is expected to fuel the foot care mask industry. Social media advertisements and marketing messages by personal care and cosmetics manufacturers are influencing market evolution.



The global foot care mask market was valued at US$ 464.6 Mn and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2023 to 2031.Rise in demand for easy-to-use skincare products is expected to broaden market outlook. Introduction of foot care masks with organic and plant-based ingredients is expected to offer substantial growth opportunities for companies in the market in the next few years.

Consumers are showing inclination toward usage of skin care products which also have anti-aging effects. Changing preferences are expected to strengthen opportunities in the foot care mask market.

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Market Snapshot:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue US$ 464.6 Mn Estimated Value US$ 781.9 Mn Growth Rate - CAGR 5.4% Forecast Period 2023-2031 No. of Pages 200 Pages Market Segmentation By Product Type, By Skin Type, By Pack Size, By Price, By Application, By End-user, By Distribution channel Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, South America Companies Covered Dr Foot, Soft Touch Foot Peel, BIOAQUA OFFICIAL STORE, Holistique Beauty Products Pvt.Ltd, Natura Siberica, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc., TONYMOLY, Barefoot Scientist, Sephora USA. Inc., Ultra Beauty Inc., Other Key Players

Key Findings of Study

Increase in Usage of Foot Masks for Cleansing and Moisturizing Applications : In terms of product type, the moisturizing & cleansing segment is projected to account for major market share in the next few years. Significant utilization of foot care masks for effective and easy removal of dark spots and pigmentation is expected to fuel the moisturizing & cleansing segment.

Rapid adoption of peeling and exfoliating foot masks for comprehensive foot care regimen is expected to create growth opportunities for personal care and cosmetic product manufacturers in the market. Beauty and personal care companies are promoting the benefits of hyperpigmentation sheet foot mask.



Rise in Adoption of Foot Care Masks in Personal Skincare Products: Based on application, the personal segment is anticipated to account for major market share during the forecast period. Rise in popularity of easy-to-use at-home skincare products is anticipated to bolster the personal segment in the near future. Companies are adopting innovative pricing strategies to encourage consumers to purchase such products for personal usage, especially for customers in developing countries.



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Key Growth Drivers of Foot Care Mask Market

Rise in awareness about the health benefits of foot care products in personal & skin care regime is a key driver of the foot care mask market. Foot care masks are used to cleanse and hydrate the feet and help maintain healthy feet as their usage removes dry and flaky skin.



Increase in disposable incomes in developing countries is driving the demand for skin care products including foot care masks. Significant demand for easy-to-use natural at-home foot care products is likely to drive the foot care mask market.



Regional Landscape

The market in Asia Pacific is anticipated to experience significant growth in the next few years. The region is expected to account for dominant market share during the forecast period. Changing lifestyle among middle class populations has led to higher household consumer spending on comprehensive skin care products, including foot masks. Increase in focus on foot care among the population of developing countries and growing proclivity toward South Korean and Japanese beauty trends are expected to fuel market development in Asia Pacific. Surge in usage of foot care masks at home is expected to augment the market in the region in the next few years. Rise in usage of foot revitalizing masks among women consumers is likely to bolster market growth in the region.

Competition Landscape

Presence of several local and regional players has led to high degree of fragmentation of the competition landscape. Leading manufacturers and suppliers are focusing on new product development in order to increase market share. Key players are keen on introducing new products at affordable prices in order to strengthen their positions in the foot care mask market.

Prominent companies operating in the market are

Dr Foot

Soft Touch Foot Peel

Bioaqua Official Store

Natura Siberica

Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.

TONYMOLY

Barefoot Scientist

Sephora USA Inc.

Ultra Beauty Inc.

Holistique Beauty Products Pvt. Ltd.

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Segmentation

The global foot care mask market is segmented based on

Product Type

Moisturizing & Cleansing

Exfoliating

Softening



Skin Type

Dry

Oily

Sensitive

Combination

Normal

All

Pack Size

Pack of 1

Pack of 2

Pack of 3

Others

Price

Low

Medium

High



Application

Personal

Commercial

End-user

Male

Female

Unisex



Distribution Channel

Online E-commerce Websites Company-owned Websites

Offline Hypermarkets & Supermarkets Specialty Stores Pharmaceutical & Drug Stores Other Retail Stores



Region

North America

South America

Middle East & Africa

Europe

Asia Pacific



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About Transparency Market Research

Transparency Market Research, a global market research company registered at Wilmington, Delaware, United States, provides custom research and consulting services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insights for thousands of decision makers. Our experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools & techniques to gather and analyses information.

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Pathologically Obsessed: Sen. Cruz Slams Biden Administration for Limiting Cooperation With Israel

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has criticized the Biden administration for restricting cooperation in the Judea and Samaria region of Israelcalling it part of the governments anti-Semitic discrimination.

President Joe Biden and Biden administration officials are pathologically obsessed with undermining Israel. Since day one of their administration they have launched campaigns against our Israeli allies that are granular, whole of government, and done in secret, Cruz said, according to a June 25 press release. The State Department is telling the entire U.S. government not to cooperate with Jews in Judea and Samaria. And of course it was sent to Congress in secret, and only revealed because reporters found out.

Cruz vowed to do everything possible to reverse the administrations decision, and to ensure that such anti-Semitic discrimination by Washington does not happen in the future.

In a June 24 post on Twitter, Hiba Nasr, a senior correspondent at the Washington Bureau of Saudi Arabia-based Asharq News, revealed that the U.S. State Department informed Congress on June 16 about providing guidance to U.S. [Government] agencies that it would not be consistent with U.S. foreign policy objectives to support cooperation with #Israel in areas beyond the green line.

The Green Line refers to the line of demarcation that separated Israeli, Egyptian, Syrian, and Jordanian forces at the conclusion of Israels War of Independence in 1948.

It served as Israels de-facto border until the 1967 Six-Day War during which the country increased its territory, bringing under control the regions of the Gaza Strip, West Bank, and the Sinai Peninsula.

The Judea and Samaria region is an administrative division in Israel that encompasses the entire West Bank area.

In his press release, Cruz pointed out that the Biden administration defends funding scientific research in Wuhan with the Chinese Communist Party, but theyre discriminating against and banning cooperation with Jews based on where they live.

Trump Policy Shift

Before the Trump administration came into power, U.S.-Israel development projects, including the Binational Agricultural Research and Development Foundation (BARD), the Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation (BIRD), and the Binational Science Foundation (BSF), could not be conducted in regions that came under the Israeli government after the 1967 war.

In October 2020, Trump lifted such restrictions and signed bilateral agreements with Israel to further boost cooperation in science, agriculture, and industrial research.

Upon entry of force of the Protocol signed here in Judea and Samaria, more Israeli partners will be eligible to receive funding for scientific collaboration in a wide variety of fields, the then U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman said at the time.

The U.S.Israel Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement will further strengthen our deep science and technology ties and help promote economic security for both our countries.

Bidens latest policy reverses the Trump administrations decision. The policy shift came before Washington had criticized Israel for deciding to build new homes in Judea and Samaria following a series of terror attacks by Palestine.

Anti-Israel Policy

In a June 26 statement, the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) slammed the Biden administration for cutting scientific and technological cooperation in Judea and Samaria, calling the shortsighted policy a new low.

By returning to the Obama-era policy, Biden is clumsily re-politicizing the issue, it said, while warning that the decision will negatively affect millions of Jews and Arabs. RJC called the Biden administrations policy another example of its adherence to Obamas anti-Israel Mideast policy.

Whether it is pleading with terrorists in Tehran for a bad nuclear deal, ceding diplomatic ground in the Middle East to China, or releasing anti-Semitism policy that undermines efforts to codify a clear and comprehensive definition of anti-Semitism, the Biden administration continues to be a delight for far-left radicals and a deep disappointment to mainstream pro-Israel supporters.

The Trump administration had taken several steps to boost relations with Israel, including recognizing Jerusalem as the countrys capital and also mediating the Abraham Accords which normalized relations between Israel and some Arab nations.
Pharmacist Convicted of Stealing, Selling COVID Vaccination Cards Online

A former pharmacist in Chicago was found guilty in federal court on June 23 for stealing and selling authentic COVID-19 vaccination cards on eBay.

Zhao Tangang, 36, stole COVID-19 vaccination cards from the pharmacy where he worked and sold them online. The cards were issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

During March and April 2021, Zhao posted online listings for over 650 COVID-19 vaccination cards that he advertised as authentic and straight from the CDC. Zhao sold 630 cards to about 200 buyers who paid him more than $5,600, according to prosecutors.

The jury convicted Zhao of 12 counts of theft of government property. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 28 and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

Knowingly selling COVID vaccination cards to unvaccinated individuals puts millions of Americans at risk of serious injury or death, Special Agent Emmerson Buie Jr. of the FBIs Chicago Field Office previously said, according to a Department of Justice (DOJ) press release on Aug. 17, 2021. To put such a small price on the safety of our nation is not only an insult to those who are doing their part in the fight to stop COVID-19, but a federal crime with serious consequences.

Zhao was a licensed pharmacist in Illinois and was employed by a national pharmacy chain that administered coronavirus shots and distributed vaccination cards to recipients, according to his indictment.

Online COVID-19 vaccination cards were circulated during the pandemic as more businesses, schools, and cities required proof of vaccination.

If you did not receive the vaccine, do not buy fake vaccine cards, do not make your own vaccine cards, and do not fill-in [sic] blank vaccination record cards with false information, a release from the FBI states. By misrepresenting yourself as vaccinated when entering schools, mass transit, workplaces, gyms, or places of worship, you put yourself and others around you at risk of contracting COVID-19.

The unauthorized use of an official government agencys seal is a crime and may be punishable under Title 18 United States Code, Section 1017, and other applicable laws, according to the FBI. Penalties may include hefty fines and prison time.

In 2021, 47 members of the National Association of Attorneys General sent the CEOs of Twitter, Shopify, and eBay a letter requesting that they take immediate action on bad actors spreading COVID-19 misinformation and using the sites to sell fake vaccine cards.

COVID-Related Fraud

On April 20, in a press release announcing criminal charges against 18 people accused of allegedly participating in various fraud schemes involving health care services that exploited the COVID-19 pandemic, the DOJ said it seized over $16 million in cash and other fraud proceeds.

This unprecedented enforcement action against defendants across the country makes clear that the Department is using every available resource to combat and prevent COVID-19 related fraud and safeguard the integrity of taxpayer-funded programs, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.

One of those indicted as part of the nationwide action is a California lab owner who has been charged with submitting over $358 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and a private insurance company for laboratory testing.

Also in California, a medical doctor was charged for allegedly defrauding the HRSAs Uninsured Program of around $230 million.

The doctor was the second highest biller in the country to the Uninsured Program, and he allegedly submitted fraudulent claims for treatment of patients who were insured, billed for services that were not rendered, and billed for services that were not medically necessary, the DOJ stated.

The doctor allegedly used over $100 million of the fraud proceeds to trade stock options.

Suppliers of COVID-19 over-the-counter testswhich Medicare started to cover in April 2022were also charged for allegedly supplying dozens of COVID-19 tests to patients that didnt want or need them. In some cases, the patients were deceased.

Tom Ozimek contributed to this report.
Pizza Painting Found in Ancient Roman Ruins of Pompeii

The wall of an ancient Pompeian house with a fresco depicting a table with food, in a photo provided on June 27, 2023. (Pompeii Archaeological Park via AP)

ROMEA fresco that depicts what might be an ancestor of the Italian pizza has been found on the wall of an house in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, Italys Culture Ministry said on Tuesday.

Archaeologists presume that the flat bread depicted in the painting, next to a wine goblet, may have been eaten with fruits such as pomegranates or dates, or dressed with spices and a type of pesto sauce, the ministry said.

While it cannot technically be considered a pizza, since it lacks classic ingredients such as tomato and mozzarella, what was found in Pompeii may be a distant relative of the modern dish, according to a statement.

Pompeii, destroyed by an eruption of the Mount Vesuvius volcano nearly 2,000 years ago, is only about 23 kilometers (14 miles) away from Naples, the modern-day home of the Italian pizza, a UNESCO-protected food.

The fresco was discovered in the hall of a house that had a bakery attached to it, which was partly excavated in the 19th century and where digging resumed in January, the culture ministry said.

The Pompeii site, not discovered until the 16th century, has seen a burst of recent archaeological activity aimed at halting years of decay and neglect, largely thanks to a recently concluded 105-million-euro ($114.85 million) EU-funded project.

($1 = 0.9142 euros)
Politicians Risk AI Dependency

President Joe Biden (L) and California Gov. Gavin Newsom takes part in an event discussing the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, Calif., on June 20, 2023. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)

Commentary

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more common, including in politics. Images of Donald Trump getting violently arrested in New York or of the Pope wearing a puffy white coat are deepfakes that many believed, or wanted to believe, when they went viral.

On June 26, former Alphabet CEO Eric Schmidt warned of AIs capability to spread misinformation, telling a CNBC audience that the 2024 elections are going to be a mess because social media is not protecting us from false generative AI.

Schmidt noted that social media companies like Alphabet, Twitter, and Meta cut thousands of jobs devoted to content moderation. Those roles might have helped ferret out AI deepfakes in the 2024 elections.

There is already plenty of such fake electioneering.

In Toronto, a mayoral candidate posted an AI-generated photo of a woman that looked realistic other than her third arm. The same candidate published fake dystopian landscapes of the city.

With AI, technologists on political payrolls can produce hyperreal color-enhanced images that play to public fears. If the voters werent scared before, they would be now and more likely to vote for the politician who best caters to fear by individualizing the messaging through bespoke microtargeting.

The risk is that electioneeringincluding by authoritarians who use deepfakes in fake elections to legitimize their powerbecomes yet more untethered from reality. Authoritarian politics is already devoid of reality because of censorship and disinformation spoon-fed to their populations, as well as underlings who, in turn, feed dictators in countries like Russia and China with what they want to hear. With AI, authoritarians will have yet more security of tenure despite their rosier-than-justified view of their own power.

A man watches an artificial intelligence (AI) news anchor from a state-controlled news broadcaster on his computer in Beijing on Nov. 9, 2018. (Nicolas Asfouri/AFP via Getty Images)

Democracies are at least a little better. Voters provide leaders with some semblance of reality through open contestation and the wisdom of crowds. Democracies become demagoguery, however, when those crowds are manipulated with too much false information, either of the too-rosy or too-dire kind.

AI hands the technology necessary for demagoguery to the demagogue, by making deepfakes of whatever typeimagery, text, video, and voicelook and sound so real as to be believable.

In Chicago, the runner-up in the mayoral vote in April complained that a Twitter account masquerading as a news outlet had used A.I. to clone his voice in a way that suggested he condoned police brutality, write Tiffany Hsu and Steven Lee Myers in The New York Times.

Shane Goldmacher, also in the NY Times, writes that Republican and Democratic engineers alike are racing to develop tools to harness A.I. to make advertising more efficient, to engage in predictive analysis of public behavior, to write more and more personalized copy and to discover new patterns in mountains of voter data.

In political experiments run by the Democratic National Committee, AI-generated texts perform at least as well as those generated by humans. Higher Ground Labs, which invests in technologies to support progressive politics, has an AI system called Quiller that simultaneously writes, sends, and tests fundraising emails.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert used AI to fake the voice of Tucker Carlson, and it sounds just as smooth.

Pod Save America did a deepfake of President Joe Bidens voice, saying things Biden would never say (and some things he might).

Goldmacher interviewed political operatives with concerns that bad actors could use AI to waste opposing-campaign staff time by taking on the persona of potential voters, producing deepfakes of their candidate providing personalized videos to supporters, or faking voice messages by the opposing candidate for delivery to voters the day before the election.

Unless the political use of AI is regulated, the technology could become so ubiquitous and powerful as to compromise the informed electorate upon which real democracy depends. At that point, elected officials will be dependent upon AI for their own success and unlikely to change overly-permissive election laws that got them elected in the first place. Why bite the AI hand that feeds them? At that point, we could be stuck with AI politics forever, just as we are with overly-permissive campaign finance laws.

Some political experts and election consultants are now calling for the imposition of regulations to stop the AI generation of synthetic images for political ads.

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, bans the generation of high-volume campaign materials.

However, this self-regulation is less helpful than it sounds. Contrary to its name, OpenAI does not use open-source code. There are numerous open-source alternatives that any political campaignor terrorist organization, for that mattercan download and alter to their purposes.

Regulation of AI is urgently needed when it comes to politicswe have enough deceptive electioneering as it is. We dont need more and better deepfakes upon which our politicians will depend. We need the opposite.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Portland Mayor Backtracks on Proposed Bill to Ban Public Drug Use

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler speaks to the media at City Hall in Portland, Oregon, in this file photo taken on Aug. 30, 2020. (Nathan Howard/Getty Images)

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler has backtracked on his proposed plan to ban public drug use, saying that the bill is no longer necessary.

Under current state law, possessing a small amount of illicit drugs is treated as a civil violation, not a criminal offense, and a $100 fine.

would have increased penalties for fentanyl possession with the punishment of 364 days in prison, a $6,250 fine, or both.

We believe that House Bill 2645 addresses our primary concerns about the public health crisis unfolding on our streets, and it restores necessary law enforcement tools that were envisioned in my own ordinance, Wheeler said in a statement. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to pass an ordinance at the local level, and I will be withdrawing my proposed ordinance.

Chuck Lovell, Portland Police Bureau chief, listens to Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler speak to the media at City Hall in Portland, Oregon. (Nathan Howard/Getty Images)

Wheeler hoped this city proposal would crack down on what he called a loophole in the state law created by the voter-passed Measure 110.

Use of illicit drugs in public spaces, especially dangerous and highly deadly substances like fentanyl, create significant public safety and public health issues in Portland, Wheeler said. While Measure 110 has challenged the way cities across the state address drug use, I believe the City of Portland has an obligation to do what we can to protect our community now.

An older state law bars the city from creating its own ban and states that a political subdivision in this state shall not adopt or enforce any local law or regulation that makes using cannabis or controlled substances in public a crime.

Due to this state law, Wheeler said that his proposed ban would have undoubtedly been challenged in court.

I applaud our state leadership for approving HB 2645. I expect this change will positively impact the City of Portland by expanding local law enforcements abilities to make Portland safer and healthier, Wheeler said.

Wheeler said hes instead confident that a new state bill will address his concerns with Measure 110. House Bill 2645 legislation makes it a criminal misdemeanor to possess one gram or more or five pills of any substance containing fentanyl, a synthetic opioid. This type of Class A misdemeanor comes with up to a year in jail or a $6,250 fine.

Wheeler said the bill restores [the] necessary law enforcement tools envisioned in my ordinance.

According to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), the number of fatal and unintentional overdoses involving fentanyl in Oregon more than doubled from 2021 to 2022. Fentanyl is now the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 49.

The bill still allows Portlanders to consume small amounts of fentanyl in public without criminal penalties. A small dose of fentanyl goes a long way: According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, just two milligrams can be lethal.

This legislation provides a critical tool to law enforcement to keep our communities safe, said Republican state Rep. Jeff Helfrich, one of the bills chief sponsors and a retired Portland Police Bureau sergeant. While I believe we must have real conversations surrounding Measure 110 reform, this bill allows us to start fighting this epidemic and will get fentanyl off our streets.

Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt says Wheelers prosed bill wont help the drug addicts get the proper help they need to get drugs off the streets.

We are constantly trying to get them into treatment, and the treatment services are unavailable for them, Schmidt told local KATU News. Theyre sitting on waitlists, theyre waiting in our jails to get into treatment beds, so this idea to go back to criminalization to get them into servicesits still the same problem. Where are the services to connect them to?

The president of Portlands police union, Aaron Schmautz, said although the new law only addresses fentanyl, it is also the most deadly and often hidden in other drugs.

If you look at the way the law is written, its a gram of any substance that includes a detectable amount of fentanyl, Schmautz said.

This is the real issue were seeing with fentanyl in our community. Its not just in a box with something that says fentanyl. Its in many different substances, and thats why were seeing many people overdosing on it, he added.
With summer in full swing, we plan to spend as much of it as possible outdoors. Preferably in a comfy chair or on a blanket with plenty of food and drink. Bread, cheese, and wine will do, of course.

When we want to go all out, we turn to the delicious memories of a recent tapas tour of Spain.

Tapas, those small tasty bites of savory foods, make great picnic fare. There are many combinations suited for transporting in coolers and enjoying chilled or at room temperature. The menu easily expands to accommodate the guest count and hunger levels.

Tapas can be practically anything spread on bread, skewered on a wooden pick, served as a cold salad or warm off the grill or out of a small cazuela (clay dish). Our favorites tend to be those served on small plates for sharingeither with a spoon or on slices of bread.

The first recipe, a delicate creamy salad, known simply as ensaladilla (or ensaladilla RusaRussian salad), captured our hearts at a tapas bar in Santiago de Compostela. There, this classic dish of cooked potatoes and carrots, cut into pretty, small pieces and mixed with green peas and mayonnaise, is piled high alongside thick slices of bread. At home, the salad turns out to be the perfect tapas party cornerstone.

Chickpeas, mixed with caramelized onions, arrive warm in clay baking dishes in Spains traditional tapas restaurants. We ate them with a spoon and scooped up all the oily goodness on the bottom of the dish. Often, grilled sliced octopus or chunks of best-quality tinned fish are added for a heartier dish. These are great served with sliced bread either warm or at room temperature.

We nearly inhaled a super-simple tomato appetizer one evening in San Sebastian at a bright, modern-looking tapas bar. Juicy, ripe tomato wedges seasoned with fruity Spanish olive oil and coarse salt arrived in a shallow bowl. Thankfully, tomato season will be around here for many weekswell vary the dish by changing the oil to suit our tastes.

Thinly sliced Spanish ham, sandwiched between slices of buttered baguette, can be made a couple of hours in advance, then individually wrapped. Sliced sausages, tinned sardines, assorted cheese and pickles round out our picnic offerings. Other nibbles could include grilled shrimp, grilled vegetables on skewers, and deviled eggs. Of course, bowls of olives and roasted nuts are welcome. Baskets of sliced hearty bread fill in the gaps.

Serve tinto de Verano (summertime red wine) with the tapassimply fill a wine glass half full with fruity red wine (over ice if you wish). Then top off the glass with sparkling lemonade or lemon soda water. Garnish with a slice of lemon.

Tapas-Style Picnic Menu

Creamy potato, carrot and pea salad*

Sliced grilled sausages

Spicy chickpeas and onions*

Tomato salad *

Spanish Iberico ham (or prosciutto) on buttered baguette slices or buns

Tinned sardines

Assorted pickles and olives

Assorted cheese

Sliced French bread or sourdough bread

Creamy Potato, Carrot and Pea salad

Ensaladilla

Makes 6 servings as part of a tapas menu

6 medium-size golden potatoes, about 1 pound total

6 to 8 skinny carrots, 8 to 10 ounces total. peeled

2/3 cup (3 ounces) fresh shelled or thawed frozen peas

2 shallots, finely diced or 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, rinsed, drained

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or unseasoned rice vinegar

1/2 teaspoon each: Dijon mustard, salt

Chopped fresh chives or green onion tops

1. Peel potatoes if desired. Cut into 1/2-inch thick slices. Cut slices into 1/2-inch wide sticks. Cut sticks into 1/2-inch dice. Put diced potatoes into a microwave-safe bowl. Add 1/2 cup water and cover tightly with lid or plastic wrap vented at one corner. Microwave on high (100% power), stirring once or twice until potatoes are fork-tender, 5 to minutes. Let stand 5 minutes. Drain.

2. Slice carrots into 1/4-inch thick coins. Put carrots into a microwave-safe bowl. Add 1/4 cup water and cover tightly with lid or plastic wrap vented at one corner. Microwave on high (100% power), stirring once or twice until carrots are fork-tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from microwave and stir in peas. Let stand covered 5 minutes. Drain.

3. Put shallots into a large bowl. Stir in mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, and salt. Mix well. Stir in drained potatoes, carrots, and peas. Serve garnished with chives. (Salad can be refrigerated for up to three days; serve at room temperature.)

Spicy Chickpeas and Onions

Makes 6 servings as part of a tapas menu

1 large sweet onion, peeled, cut into 1/4-inch wide wedges

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon each: salt, ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas, drained, rinsed

Finely grated rind and juice of 1 small lemon

Chopped fresh parsley

1. Cut onion through the stem end into 1/4-inch thick wedges. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet until hot; add onion. Cook and stir until the onion is soft and golden, 10 to 12 minutes.

2. Stir in tomato paste, garlic, salt, cumin and crushed red pepper. Cook and stir until flavors are blended, about 2 minutes. Stir in drained chickpeas. Cook and stir until chickpeas are well coated with the mixture and very hot, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon rind, juice, and parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature. (This keeps in the refrigerator, covered, up to four days.)

Tomato Salad

Makes 6 servings as part of a tapas menu

6 ripe round tomatoes, cored, about 1 1/4 pounds

2 to 3 tablespoons extra-virgin Spanish olive oil

1 tablespoon garlic oil, avocado oil or pistachio oil

Coarse (kosher) salt

Sliced French bread or sourdough

1. Cut each tomato through the stem end into six or eight wedges. Put the wedges into a serving bowl. Refrigerate, covered, up to a day.

2. Just before serving, drizzle with the oils and toss gently to coat the tomatoes with the oil. Sprinkle generously with salt. Serve at room temperature. Pass bread to soak up all the tomato juices.
Prosecutors Seek the Death Penalty Against Man Accused of Slaying of 4 University of Idaho Students

BOISE, IdahoProsecutors say they are seeking the death penalty against a man accused of stabbing four University of Idaho students to death late last year.

Bryan Kohberger, 28, is charged with four counts of murder in connection with the deaths at a rental house near the Moscow, Idaho, university campus last November. Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson filed the notice of his intent to seek the death penalty in court on Monday.

A not-guilty plea was entered in the case on Kohbergers behalf earlier this year. A hearing in the case is scheduled for Tuesday.

The bodies of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin were found on Nov. 13, 2022, at a rental home across the street from the University of Idaho campus. The slayings shocked the rural Idaho community and neighboring Pullman, Washington, where Kohberger was a graduate student studying criminology at Washington State University.

Police released few details about the investigation until after Kohberger was arrested at his parents home in eastern Pennsylvania early Dec. 30, 2022. Court documents detailed how police pieced together DNA evidence, cellphone data, and surveillance video that they say links Kohberger to the slayings.

Investigators said traces of DNA found on a knife sheath inside the home where the students were killed matches Kohberger, and that a cellphone belonging to Kohberger was near the victims home on a dozen occasions before the killings. A white sedan allegedly matching one owned by Kohberger was caught on surveillance footage repeatedly cruising past the rental home around the time of the killings.

But defense attorneys have filed motions asking the court to order prosecutors to turn over more evidence about the DNA found during the investigation, the searches of Kohbergers phone and social media records, and the surveillance footage used to identify the make and model of the car. The motions are among several that will be argued during the hearing Tuesday afternoon.

In an affidavit filed with the motions, defense attorney Anne Taylor said prosecutors have only provided the DNA profile that was taken from traces found on the knife sheath, not the DNA profiles belonging to three other unidentified males that were developed as part of the investigation.

Defense attorneys are also asking for additional time to meet case filing deadlines, noting that they have received thousands of pages of documents to examine, including thousands of photographs, hundreds of hours of recordings, and many gigabytes of electronic phone records, and social media data.

Idaho law requires prosecutors to notify the court of their intent to seek the death penalty within 60 days of a plea being entered. In his notice of intent, Thompson listed five aggravating circumstances that he said could qualify for the crime for capital punishment under state law; including that more than one murder was committed during the crime, that it was especially heinous or showed exceptional depravity, that it was committed in the perpetration of a burglary or other crime, and that the defendant showed utter disregard for human life.

If a defendant is convicted in a death penalty case, defense attorneys are also given the opportunity to show that mitigating factors exist that would make the death penalty unjust. Mitigating factors sometimes include evidence that a defendant has mental problems, that they have shown remorse, that they are very young, or that they suffered childhood abuse.

Idaho allows executions by lethal injection. But in recent months, prison officials have been unable to obtain the necessary chemicals, causing one planned execution to be repeatedly postponed. On July 1, death by firing squad will become an approved back-up method of execution under a law passed by the Legislature earlier this year, though the method is likely to be challenged in federal court.

By Rebecca Boone
Former Navy SEAL Challenges Sen. Jon Tester in Montana Senate Showdown

Tim Sheehy former Navy SEAL, and 2024 Republican Senate candidate in the state of Montana. (Courtesy of Tim Sheehy)

Tim Sheehy, an entrepreneur, firefighting pilot, and former Navy SEAL announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate on June 27.

The Republican pledged to put America first in his 2024 bid to unseat the vulnerable incumbent Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.)

Whether it was in war or business, I see problems and solve them, Sheehy said in his first campaign video.

America needs conservative leaders who love our country, and thats why Im running for the United States Senate. I want to create a better future for my kids and your children and grandchildren. Our campaign is about service, God and country, not politics as usual.

Sheehy is challenging a Democratic Senator in what is thought to be a Republican state, making Testers attempt to maintain a crucial Democrat seat in the Senate a closely watched race.

Some of the key issues Sheehy plans to run on were outlined on the candidates website and included support for local agriculture, veterans issues, as well as gun rights.

I will fight back against any attempt by liberal politicians like Joe Biden and Jon Tester from pursuing a radical gun control agenda that threatens our Second Amendment rights. Our right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. Sheehy said of his stance on the Second Amendment. As a Navy SEAL who fought for our country and to protect our freedoms, this is a fundamental constitutional right that must and will always be protected under my watch.

According to Sheehys campaign, he will also focus on support of the unborns right to life, national security, forest management, fiscal responsibility, and border security.

Ive served overseas and seen firsthand what happens when you have a porous border, Sheehy said. Whats happening at the southern border is an absolute crisis, and it gets worse each day under the Biden administration and with career politicians like Jon Tester who talk a tough game about border security but arent getting the job done.

We need to take a strong stand and secure our border, finish the wall, and finally put an end to illegal immigration once and for all.

Bronze Star and Purple Heart

Sheehys diverse background includes serving as a Navy SEAL Officer and Team Leader, completing multiple deployments and missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, South America, and the Pacific region. He engaged in numerous combat encounters throughout his service, earning commendations such as the Bronze Star with Valor for Heroism in Combat and the Purple Heart Medal.

A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 2008, Sheehy holds the distinction of being the first midshipman to participate in the U.S. Army Special Operations exchange program and the first to graduate from the prestigious Army Ranger School. Following his graduation, Sheehy was commissioned into the Navy, where he also successfully completed SEAL training.

While at the Naval Academy, Sheehy met his wife, Carmen, who also served as a U.S. Marine Corps Officer. Following his injury in combat, the couple settled in Montana, where they now live on a sprawling 20,000-acre property with their four children.

Emphasizing the importance of instilling values in their children, they actively engage in teaching them ranching skills while also contributing to the development of Americas food supply chain by raising, feeding, and processing cattle.

In late 2014, Sheehy demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by founding Bridger Aerospace, a company that initially operated out of his barn.

Business Background

Sheehy started Bridger Aerospace after being medically discharged from the Navy following a battlefield injury, according to information from a profile on the now-candidate in Aerial Fire Magazine.

In 2016, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) became interested in the companys products because of the specifics of the industry, and Sheehy was compelled to establish Ascent Vision Technologies (AVT) as a separate entity from Bridger to continue working with the DOD.

Over the following few years, AVT would become the biggest provider of their service for the DOD. The products were used to shoot down hostile drones, being utilized by ISIS on the battlefield, as well as a number of jamming devices and kinetic weaponry.

In 2020, Sheehy sold AVT to CACI for a $350 Million cash sale and turned his focus back to the growth of Bridger, which had continued to grow alongside AVT.

The recent consolidation merger between Jack Creek Investments and Bridger Aerospace resulted in Bridger Aerospace going public.

According to Simply Wall Street, insiders retained more than 49 percent of company shares in Bridger, combined with the public holding an additional 15 percent of shares, leaving just over 35 percent to be held by firms, private companies, and institutions.
Russian Court Fines Google an Additional $47 Million

The visitors shadows next to the American multinational technology company Google's logo during the Vivatech technology startups and innovation fair in Paris on June 15, 2023. (Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images)

A Russian court has fined Alphabets Google 4 billion roubles ($47 million) for failing to pay an earlier fine over alleged abuse of its dominant position in the video hosting market, the countrys anti-monopoly watchdog said on Tuesday.

Google was fined 2 billion roubles in February 2022. The Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) at the time said Googles YouTube had a non-transparent, biased and unpredictable approach to suspending and blocking users accounts and content, the TASS news agency reported.

Google ultimately appealed that decision. The U.S. company did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment on Tuesday.

The FAS said the previous fine it imposed on Google had been doubled due to non-payment.

The company must additionally pay more than 4 billion roubles to the Russian Federations budget, the FAS concluded.

YouTube, which has blocked Russian media globally, is under heavy pressure from Russian state bodies and politicians, but Moscow has stopped short of blocking it, a step taken against the likes of Twitter and Metas Facebook, and Instagram.

Google stopped selling online advertising in Russia in March 2022 after Russias invasion of Ukraine but has kept some free services available. Its Russian subsidiary officially filed for bankruptcy after authorities seized its bank account, making it impossible to pay staff and vendors.

Google must pay the fine within 60 days, TASS reported.

($1 = 85.0250 roubles)
Profiles in history: An ongoing series of lesser known but significant figures who shaped our world

He made his living as an artist, but love for family led Samuel Morse (17911872) to invent a communication system that laid the groundwork for our lightning-speed technology today, when we have information at our fingertips.

Although raised in Charlestown, Massachusetts, Morse moved when he married and settled his growing family in New Haven, Connecticut. Painting was his passion and he worked hard to improve his skills.

His growing success as a portrait painter brought in commissions. He painted portraits of early American patriots, including John Adams and James Monroe. In 1825, Morse was sent to Washington to paint a portrait of the French military officer Marquis de Lafayette.

American painter and inventor Samuel Morse at the age of 59, 1850. (Archive Photos/Getty Images)

While working on Lafayettes portrait, a courier delivered a message that his wife was ill after delivering their third child. He immediately set out on horseback to be at his wifes side. Before he reached home, his beloved 25-year-old wife, Susan Walker Morse, had succumbed to her illness and had already been buried.

This heartbreak was the first of other personal losses that grieved him deeply. The next year his father passed away. Then, his mother died three years later.

In 1829, mired in unfathomable sadness, Morse traveled to Europe to rest and recover. There he contemplated his future. He used his time to think about a faster way to communicate, so important information could be sent and received in a timely way.

The Telegraph

After giving himself time to heal, Morse decided to return home in 1832. After he had settled himself back in the United States, he changed his career from painter to inventor. Soon, Morse met Charles Thomas Jackson, an inventor who taught Morse about electromagnets.

Morse and Jackson discussed how electronic impulses could travel through wires. Morse was immediately intrigued and made sketches of a device that might actually send messages: the single wire telegraph.

Original Samuel Morse telegraph. (Public Domain)

Morse developed the first single wire telegraph, but his device could only send messages short distances. He then started working with Leonard Gale, a professor at New York University, and the two were able to transmit messages over 10 miles.

Morse then partnered with inventor and machinist Alfred Vail. In 1838, they organized a public showing of their device: Morse sent a message over two miles without an additional power source. His first message said, A patient waiter is no loser.

Despite his success, Morse struggled with getting patents. A telegraphy device using several wires had been invented earlier, and many others were attempting to make a single wire telegraph around the same time as Morse.

Sean Trainor, in Time magazine, said this about Morses contribution: [Morse] did more than any other figure, not only to enhance the device technically, but to secure funding for the technologys early adoption, most notably from Congress. In 1844 Morses invention did impress Congress enough to fund his effort to build a telegraph line from Baltimore to Washington, D.C. The first message over that line was: What God Hath Wrought.

Morse Code

Morse and Vail also came up with a code of dots and dashes that could easily be transmitted by the telegraphic system. Vail helped Morse master the system in 1840 by figuring out the letters and when to pause to make words. This alphabetic code, consisting of dots and dashes (called dits and dahs), was demonstrated in 1844, and would become known as Morse Code.

The first model used electronic signals that made indentations of dots and dashes on a piece of paper. The people on the receiving end then found that they could translate the messages just by listening to the clicks of the electric current.

A Morse key, circa 1900, used to send messages via Morse Code. (Hp.Baumeler/CC BY-SA 4.0)

During the Civil War, reporters on the front could telegraph their reports to their newspapers in minutes. Morses system met the need for timely news, which foreshadowed the establishment of the Associated Press.

Although Morse Code and the telegraph are no longer used today, Morses telegraphy system paved the way for companies that made communication faster, such as Western Union, once the largest telegraph operator in the United States.

Today, we can communicate almost instantly using our computers to connect with friends and relatives, and we have a man who loved his family to thank.
If youre lucky in work, you may go on to have more than just a job that pays bills, but a career that gives you purpose and meaning and allows room for financial and personal growth. While most people toil at the typical 9 to 5 job, some people figure out how to quit their stable jobs to launch successful businesses and go on to make millions.

Here are five people who left their jobs to do just that with great success.

Side Gig: Earn Up To $200/Hour With This Easy-To-Start Job, No College Degree Required

Learn: How To Build Your Savings From Scratch

Tori Gerbig, Pink Lily

In 2014, Tori Gerbig was working in insurance sales, earning around $35,000 per year. She and her husband Chris had been working at their own little side hustle, selling clothing on sites like eBay and Facebook marketplace. When their online community of customers went from a few hundred to 10,000 quickly, Gerbig told CNBC that she realized this might be something a lot bigger.

She left her job to focus on what would become the online fashion retail company Pink Lily full time. By 2021, it was making more than $141 million in sales. Gerbig is personally worth around $8 million today. She has said that really understanding who her customers are and what they want, coupled with a strong social media presence, has contributed to her success.

Read More: 6 Steps To Take To Become a Millionaire by 30

Leslie Anne Morris, Joshs Cabins & Invest in the Smoky Mountains

Its hard to imagine what could be so lucrative that it would possess someone to leave a well paying job as a commercial banker, but thats what Leslie Anne Morris did. She was earning $250,000 per year and held a senior vice president title, but she was interested in getting into real estate investing.

Right before and during COVID, I began buying cabins in the Smoky Mountains of Eastern Tennessee, and I earned an Executive Masters Degree from the University of Southern California, she told GOBankingRates.

She continued building her portfolio of cabins while still working in banking. When I hit the point where I needed my time to scale my businesses and my income had greatly surpassed what I was being paid by my employer, I left the job in September 2022. Shed formed two new companies: Invest in the Smoky Mountains and Joshs Cabins. They are two sister companies that essentially grew out of my real estate portfolio. Mostly, both necessity businesses.

Today, her portfolio is worth about $8 million, and she has 14 properties. When I started in real estate, I didnt know much. I just had clients with their own real estate portfolio mentoring me when I was in my early 20s, but I couldnt afford to invest then. She emptied out a retirement account to purchase, renovate and flip cabins.

I realized I was a millionaire about 18 months into the business, and I worked another 18 months before I left my job at the bank. Now, I have multiple income streams, and I am thinking up new businesses every day.

Kat Norton, Miss Excel

In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020, 25-year-old Kat Norton had to move back home to make ends meet. One of her tasks at her consulting job was teaching Microsoft Excel, but she wanted to find a way to turn her skills into something more lucrative.

She decided to start posting mini Excel lessons on TikTok for free, and her fourth video  in which she explained Excels new data-searching feature set to a DMX song  hit over 100,000 views. By her sixth video, the CEO of an IT company had reached out to her, asking her to create fun Excel training videos for his clients.

Norton started her own company to work independently with him and other clients, while still working at her day job. By the time shed grown her TikTok account to 300,000 followers, she knew it was time to start monetizing her courses, and she quit her job. Shes now earning over $1 million through her Excel training courses.

Isaac Medeiros, Mini Katana

The pandemic had an entrepreneurial effect on many people  including 24-year-old Isaac Medeiros, who began selling miniature Japanese katanas, a type of sword, from his Los Angeles apartment in December 2020, just as a way to make side cash.

Apparently, there was just something about being trapped inside that inspired a wave of katana sales  his sales surged so well that he quit his day job in January 2021 because Mini Katana had made $2.5 million in sales with an expectation to double that in the following year.

The company heavily markets on social media channels primarily attempting to be organic.

Since then, Medeiros moved into an office and warehouse space. He told CNBC, Being able to own your own time and being able to place a value on your time, I dont think you can trade that for anything in the world.

Cam Moar, 6 Figure Drop Shipper

While you might expect most millionaires to be older, since getting to that stage of financial success can take many years and lots of experience, Australian entrepreneur Cam Moar proves that isnt always the case. He worked in a number of jobs to just get by, and at the tender age of 21 turned his attention to e-commerce, specifically drop shopping. He founded 6 Figure Drop Shipper in 2020, and the company has gone on to make millions.

He goes further and tries to teach other young people how to become financially independent early on, claiming that the current way most people work is unsustainable. He told Forbes, Its a trap and the system isnt really designed to allow us to escape it in a healthy or sustainable manner. No matter how much you earn from a 9-to-5 job, a salary cant make you financially free. Moars net worth is around $1 million and counting.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 People Who Quit Their Jobs and Then Made Millions
Self-Professed Wolf of Airbnb Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud for Defrauding Landlords

Konrad Bicher, who dubbed himself the "Wolf of Airbnb," leaves Federal Court in New York on June 26, 2023. (Lawrence Neumeister/AP Photo)

NEW YORKA Florida man who dubbed himself the Wolf of Airbnb pleaded guilty to a wire fraud charge Monday, admitting gaining about $2 million illegally by defrauding landlords and cheating a government pandemic program.

Konrad Bicher, 31, of Hialeah, Florida, entered the plea in Manhattan federal court, agreeing not to appeal any prison sentence that is roughly four to five years long. The wire fraud charge otherwise carried a potential 20-year prison sentence.

Bicher also agreed to forfeit $1.7 million and make restitution of $1.9 million. A sentencing date was not immediately set.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement that Bicher proudly referred to himself as the Wolf of Airbnb but admitted that his businesses were premised on fraud after he entered lease agreements based on false pretenses and made false statements to obtain U.S.-guaranteed loans.

Bicher lined his own pockets by abusing government programs and tenant protections intended to benefit those in crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic, Williams said.

When Bicher was indicted in October, Williams said Bicher operated at least 18 apartments in Manhattan as mini-hotels while using the pandemic as an excuse not to pay landlords.

In a news release, prosecutors noted that Bicher told media outlets that he called himself the Wolf of Airbnb because he was hungry and ruthless enough to get on top of the financial ladder and had the ferocity  of a wolf, because wolves are territorial, vicious and show no mercy when provoked.

The Wolf of Airbnb seemed to be a play on The Wolf of Wall Street, the title of a memoir by former stockbroker Jordan Belfort, who made a fortune on penny stocks before blowing much of it on a wild and lavish lifestyle and going to prison for financial crimes.

Prosecutors said in court papers that Bicher began his fraud by February 2019, renting apartments in Manhattan before subletting the units to third parties on a short-term basis even though clauses in his lease agreements said he could not do so.

Prosecutors said he failed to make rent payments required by the lease agreements and refused to leave the apartments after the leases expired.

They said that he and his associates failed to make more than $1 million in lease payments from July 2019 to April 2022 and earned at least $1.17 million in rental income through his own short-term rentals.

From April 2021 to July 2021, he used fraudulent information to obtain over a half million dollars in government-guaranteed loans through a program administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration to provide relief to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, prosecutors said.

Outside court on Monday, Bicher said he has a fantastic story to tell, though he quickly added: My story will come out, just not today.

By Larry Neumeister
Senior Doctors in England Vote to Strike but Nurses Set to End Industrial Action

Striking junior doctors from the British Medical Association (BMA) on the picket line outside St. Thomas's Hospital in London, on June 14, 2023. (Lucy North/PA Media)

Senior doctors in England have voted in favour of taking industrial action, but the threat of more strikes by nurses has ended after a union ballot failed to meet the legal threshold.

The British Medical Association (BMA) said on Tuesday that 86 percent of its members backed industrial action on a turnout of 71 percent, well above the legal threshold of 50 percent.

The BMA said that unless the government makes a credible pay offer, hospital consultants will take part in industrial action on July 20 and 21just days after junior doctors in England are due to strike for five days over pay.

The announcement came just hours after the threat of more strikes by nurses ended because a ballot on further industrial action failed to meet the legal threshold.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said 84 percent of its members who voted backed more strikes.

But only 43 percent took part in the ballot, so it failed to reach the legal threshold of 50 percent required by the 2016 Trade Union Act.

Furious Doctors

The BMA said take-home pay for consultants in England has fallen by 35 percent since 2008/2009.

Dr. Vishal Sharma, BMA consultants committee chair, said consultants are not worth a third less than we were 15 years ago, adding that the vote shows how furious they are at being repeatedly devalued by the government.

Consultants dont want to have to take industrial action, but have been left with no option in the face of a government that continues to cut our pay year after year, he said.

The consultants industrial action will take the form of Christmas Day cover, meaning that most routine and elective services will be cancelled but full emergency cover will remain in place.

Double Whammy

NHS Providers, which represents NHS trusts, said the double whammy of strikes by consultants and junior doctors will be a huge risk and will cause disruption for many thousands of patients and yet more pressure on overstretched services.

Sir Julian Hartley, the organisations chief executive, called on the government and the doctors unions to settle their differences and find a way through.

A Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) spokesperson said: We hugely value the work of NHS consultants and it is disappointing the BMA consultants have voted to take strike action.

Consultants received a 4.5 percent pay uplift last financial year, increasing average earnings to around 128,000, and they will benefit from generous changes to pension taxation announced at budget.

The DHSC urged the BMA to carefully consider the likely impact of any action on patients, and called on the union to come to the negotiating table rather than proceeding with their proposed strike dates.

Far from Over

Despite the end of nurses strikes, the RCN said its fight is far from over.

RCN general secretary Pat Cullen said in an email to members: While this will be disappointing for many of you, the fight for the fair pay and safe staffing that our profession, our patients, and our NHS deserves, is far from over.

RCN members were among a minority of health staff who rejected the governments pay deal of a 5 percent rise and a lump sum of at least 1,655.

Most health unions accepted the offer, although the Unite union is still in dispute.

A DHSC spokesperson said: We hugely value the work of nurses and welcome the end to hugely disruptive industrial action so staff can continue caring for patients and cutting waiting lists.

More than one million eligible NHS staff are receiving their pay rise and one-off payments this month, with an experienced nurse receiving over 5,100 in extra pay across last year and this year.

The spokesperson added, We hope other unions who remain in dispute with the government recognise it is time to stop industrial action and move forward together.

PA Media contributed to this report.
Smoke Hangs Over US Midwest, East, Hurting Air Quality

A man stands in the Empty Sky 911 Memorial in Jersey City, N.J., looking towards the One World Trade Center tower in lower Manhattan in New York City shortly after sunrise as haze and smoke caused by wildfires in Canada hangs over the Manhattan skyline, on June 8, 2023. (Mike Segar/Reuters)

CHICAGOHazy, smoke-filled skies from raging Canadian wildfires hovered Wednesday over the U.S. Midwest and East, where millions of Americans were urged to limit outdoor activities as the poor air quality made for dangerous, unhealthy conditions.

Much of the Midwestfrom western Iowa through Illinois and Wisconsin and into Michigan and Ohiowas under an air quality alert expected to last through the day and into Thursday or even longer, the National Weather Service said.

Air quality alerts triggered by drifting smoke from prolonged wildfires in Canada were also in effect for New York state, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington, and parts of North Carolina. In all, more than 100 million Americans were dealing with poor air quality on Wednesday afternoon.

Canada is wrestling with its worst-ever start to wildfire season, which has already burned 8 million hectares (19.8 million acres), an area bigger than West Virginia. On Wednesday, there were 477 active blazes, about half which were considered out control, spread from the Pacific to the Atlantic Coast.

Canadas biggest city of Toronto had the worst air of all major cities in the world on Wednesday afternoon, according to pollution tracking service IQAir.

Forecasters urged people living in those areas, especially children, the elderly and those affected by respiratory illness, to limit prolonged or heavy exertion and, if possible, to stay indoors or wear a mask.

On Wednesday afternoon, an eerie smoke-induced fog hung over Chicago, washing out the summer sun, and the air smelled of burning lumber. The citys air quality was categorized as very unhealthy by AirNow.gov.

By midday, the worst air quality in the United States was detected in Decatur, Illinois, about 180 miles (290 kilometers) south of Chicago, according to AirNow, which categorized the air in the city of 70,000 as Hazardous.

Everyone should stay indoors and reduce activity levels, said the government website, which tracks pollution. Stay tuned to local news media for advisories.

In the U.S. South, Florida and California, high temperatures combined with high humidity were the big worry, with some 56 million people experiencing stifling heat that was to persist through the weekend, the weather service said in its forecast.

Heat indexeswhich use humidity and temperature to calculate how hot it feelswere expected to climb to the equivalent of 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius). In some spots, the heat index was forecast to reach 115 degrees F (46 C), the service said, urging people to stay indoors and drink plenty of water.

By Brendan OBrien
Son of Murdered Politician Tells Tories to Scrap Obscene Legacy Bill

Senator Paddy Wilson was killed during the Northern Ireland Troubles

Paul Wilson, the son of Paddy Wilson, stands beside a memorial quilt created by the South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF) during an event, marking the 50th anniversary of the murder of his father SDLP senator Paddy Wilson, in Stormont on June 26, 2023. (Liam McBurney/PA Wire)

The son of a high-profile politician murdered in one of the most gruesome and shocking attacks of the Troubles, has urged Westminster to halt plans to end conflict-related prosecutions in Northern Ireland.

Paul Wilson called proposals under the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill obscene, telling The Epoch Times, If youve broken the law you need to face justice.

Monday marked 50 years since the 64-year-olds father, Senator Paddy Wilson, was killed alongside his Protestant female friend by loyalist paramilitaries.

The Social Democratic Labour Party (SDLP) founding member was butchered by members of the Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF) after leaving an event in Belfast in June 1973.

His mutilated body was found close to his car at a quarry on the outskirts of the city centre.

The 39-year-old had been stabbed over 30 times, and his throat had been cut from ear to ear.

His friend, 29-year-old government clerk Irene Andrews, was also slain in the frenzied sectarian knife attack that caused revulsion across the province.

Speaking on Monday ahead of a memorial event to mark five decades since his father lost his life, Wilson accused the Conservative government of failing Troubles victims.

The legacy bill that theyre trying to push through at the minute I think is obscene, to be quite frank, he said.

Theres so many people out there that lost relatives and it doesnt matter what uniform youve got on, whether youve got a denim suit on, a Royal Ulster Constabulary suit on, a British army suit onif youve broken the law you need to face justice.

And then you put your defence through the court.

Killer Immunity

UFF leader John White was convicted of the Wilson and Andrews murders in 1976 and received two life sentences. A judge described the killings as a frenzied attack, a psychotic outburst.

Under the governments new proposals, paramilitary killers like White will not face court or prison if they cooperate with a new truth recovery body, known as the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

If the legacy bill is passed, the government body will be led by a board consisting of a number of commissioners, including chief commissioner and retired judge Sir Declan Morgan.

Duties of the ICRIR will include carrying out reviews of deaths caused by conduct forming part of the Troubles, the Northern Ireland Office (NIO).

It will also produce reports on the findings of each of the reviews of deaths and other harmful conduct and determine whether to grant persons immunity from prosecution for serious or connected Troubles-related offences other than Troubles-related sexual offences.

The bill would also halt civil cases and inquests linked to killings during the conflict.

Despite the government introducing a string of amendments to the draft legislation, it remains widely opposed by political parties, the Irish government, victims groups and human rights organisations.

Peers have since demanded the removal of the contentious immunity provision in the proposed bill, which Cabinet minister Johnny Mercer said he expects to become law within the coming weeks.

A soldier stands in front of a devastated community centre after the IRA bombing of a Remembrance Day ceremony in the town of Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, on Nov. 9, 1987. (PA Media)

Children Deserve Better

Paul Wilson was just 14 years old when his father was murdered and left Northern Ireland with his mother in the wake of the attack.

The family resettled in England where they have remained since.

Along with his children and grandchildren, he returned to Belfast on Monday where victims group South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF) and members of the SDLP paid tribute to the partys founder inside Parliament Buildings, Stormont.

Members of the Ulster Unionist Party, including leader Doug Beattie, were also present.

Wilson told The Epoch Times that Stormonts two main political parties, the DUP and Sinn Fein, were not invited to the event.

I dont want divisive politics here, he said. I know theres constitutional issues between the Ulster Unionist Party and the SDLP and the Alliance, of course, but these are people that are willing to work together for the benefit of the people given a chance.

In 1998, when the Good Friday Agreement was signed it give the people of Northern Ireland the power in their hands to decide their own future. I dont think they realise how much power theyve got.

Theyre the ones that make the decision, the ones outside making the noise with the drums and the flags, cant win anything on their own, its impossible.

The grandfather said he wanted to see a better future not only for his grandchildren, but others, so that no other child faced the instability, trauma and grief he suffered as a child.

He said: Theres no solution coming from Dublin, theres no solution coming from Westminster, theres no solution coming from Washington.

The solutions to the problems that we have at the minute can only be sorted out in Northern Ireland. Unless the politicians here are willing to grasp the nettle and deal with the issues that are difficult to deal with but need to be dealt with, were not going to change.

My grandchildren and the grandchildren that live in Northern Ireland deserve whats better than whats happening at the minute.

At present, Northern Ireland has no functioning government as the DUP continues to block the devolved institutions in a protest against post-Brexit trading arrangements.

The party has insisted it will not return to Stormont until it secures further legislative assurances from the UK government around sovereignty and trade.

Cement Relationships

Wilson added: If the politicians were doing what they were supposed to do, it will give people an opportunity to see that theres a future to see that theres a progress, step-by-step-by-step. At the minute theres nothing, theyre not just waiting on theres nobody presenting any vision for them.

The 64-year-old said the decision to not hold any hate in his heart towards those who murdered his father was made easier by the fact his family left Northern Ireland at the height of the conflict.

He urged those who uphold the peace deal signed 25 years ago, to continue to improve the lives of those living in the province.

The Good Friday Agreement we signed off in 1998 wasnt wasnt a magic wand, it gives us the basis to work from, he said.

The progress thats been made over 25 years is minimal.

Okay, well, were not killing each other but were not presenting people with a vision for the future and what we can improve on peoples lives.

Speaking at Mondays Stormont event, SEFF Director Kenny Donaldsonwho organised the memorialsaid there was an opportunity 25 years ago to cement relationships in Northern Ireland, but just like a candle, it flickered out.

He added: And weve had a very difficult period, particularly over the last 12-15 years, and theres a need to recalibrate where were going.

He added that organisations and institutions had to do better at calling out the glorification of violence.

I would say to folk who are in this room today from all political parties: dont get complacent, dont think that this place is settled, because, in communities on the ground, its far from it.
Study Accuses Google of Violating Promised Advertising Standards and Misleading Businesses

Google allegedly misled numerous companies by violating its promised quality standards while placing video ads on third-party websites and apps, thus potentially costing these firms billions of dollars, according to a recent report.

Googles TrueView delivers advertisements on YouTube as well as millions of third-party apps and websites. Google charges a premium from customers promising that their ads will be run on high-quality websites, along with audio. In addition, advertisers using TrueView only pay for actual views of their ads, rather than impressions, Google claims. However, a report published by advertising research firm Adalytics this week found that significant quantities of TrueView ads were run on thousands of apps and websites that did not meet Googles claimed standards. This has been observed to be happening for the past three years, thus potentially costing ad buyers billions in digital ad dollars.

The report states that many TrueView ads were served on independent websites with no audio. Often, there was little to no organic video media content between ads, the video units simply played ads only.

Adalytics estimates that 4275 percent of TrueView ads in some ad campaigns were allocated to the tech firms Google Video Partner (GVP) third-party sites and apps which did not meet Googles standards. Google claims that GVPs sites and apps are high-quality publisher websites and mobile apps where advertisers can display video ads.

According to the findings, Google had served brand ads on websites that had tens of thousands of copyright violation claims, suggesting these were potential piracy sites where copyrighted content could be downloaded illegally. Thousands of TrueView ads were found delivered to bots running from Google cloud data center servers.

Some ads were served on apps that are not allowed on Google Play Store, with a few of these apps developed by vendors from countries sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department, such as Iran.

Affected Brands

Entities that many have been affected by Googles actions include the U.S. federal government, The Wall Street Journal, the European Parliament, HP, Johnson & Johnson, American Express, JPMorgan Chase Bank, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Microsoft, HBO Max, McDonalds, Western Union, Mazda, McCain Foods, and Pfizer, among others.

Adalytics listed 131 major brands that may have purchased muted, auto-playing, mis-declared TrueView skippable in-stream inventory. In addition, 10 media agencies are also listed as having transacted muted, auto-playing, out-stream TrueView ads.

Ruben Schreurs, the chief product officer of Ebiquity, called the Adalytics findings as highly incriminating.

Based on the findings and allegations represented within, I see this as a structural misrepresentation of advertising products at best, and downright fraudulent misleading practices at worst, he said.

If true, this will have major repercussions in the industry and lead to a significant negative impact on Googles perceived quality and reliability.

In a June 27 blog post, Marvin Renaud, Googles director of global video solutions, said that a recent report by a third party used unreliable and proxy methodologies and made extremely inaccurate claims about the GVP network. The post did not mention Adalytics by name.

The claims in the third-party report simply arent right. Put simply, over 90 percent of ads on GVP are visible to people across the weband advertisers are only paying for ads when they are viewed, he said.

The Epoch Times has reached out to Google for comment.

Googles Anti-Competitive Ad Practices

Google has earlier been accused of misleading advertisers. Back in 2020, for example, Texas attorney general Ken Paxton filed a multi-state lawsuit against Google, accusing the company of lying to advertisers, publishers, and consumers about their conduct and motives.

The lawsuit claimed that Google had monopolized or attempted to monopolize services and products used by advertisers and publishers in online display advertising. Such practices raised the advertisers cost to publish ads, it argued.

One of the allegations concerned an anti-competitive agreement Google had with Facebook. Back in 2017, Facebook announced that it would try out a new way of selling online ads called header binding, which could have posed a threat to Googles ad business.

In order to counter this, Google is said to have given Facebook information, speed, and other advantages in the [redacted] auctions that Google runs for publishers mobile app advertising inventory each month in the United States, according to the lawsuit. As a result, Facebook curtailed its involvement in the project, it said.
Taiwan Says It Detects 2 Russian Frigates Near Its Waters

A general view of the Russian military frigate Admiral Gorshkov docked at the port of Richards Bay, South Africa, on Feb. 22, 2023. - On Feb. 17, South Africa embarked on a 10-day joint military exercise with Russia and China. (Guillem Sartorio/AFP via Getty Images)

Two Russian frigates were spotted sailing off the eastern coast of Taiwan on June 27, according to the Taiwanese defense ministry, a rare occurrence that could potentially escalate tensions in the region.

The Russian ships were seen sailing from south to north through the eastern waters of Taiwan, before leaving Taiwans response zone in Suao toward the southeast, the ministry said.

Taiwans military responded by deploying aircraft, ships, and shore-based missile systems to track the ships movements, according to the ministrys statement.

The ministry didnt identify the vessels or specify their distance from Taiwans coast.

While Taiwans government routinely reports the movements of Chinese vessels near its waters and U.S. ships transiting the Taiwan Strait, it rarely reports sightings of Russian warships.

Russian Ships Enter Philippine Sea

Earlier the same day, Russias news agency Interfax reported that a detachment of ships of the Russian Pacific Fleet entered the southern parts of the Philippine Sea after crossing the South China Sea.

The ships were performing tasks as part of a long-range sea crossing, with a demonstration of the naval presence in the Asia-Pacific region and as part of strengthening partnerships, the report states.

There was no further detail on how many ships were involved. The Philippine Department of National Defense also didnt issue a statement regarding the report.

The move came amid communist Chinas increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea, which it claims almost entirely, and growing concerns over a possible escalation in Taiwan, which the Chinese regime views as its own and has vowed to conquer by force if necessary.

Taiwans military also detected eight Chinese warplanes and six naval vessels near the island early on June 27, with five aircraft spotted entering Taiwans southwest air defense identification zone.

Moscow, which has backed Beijings stance on Taiwan, has been boosting Russias defenses in its vast far-eastern regions bordering the Asia-Pacific, accusing the United States of expanding its presence there and raising security concerns in Japan and across the region.

PhilippinesTaiwan Proximity

Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo has said that his country would bear the brunt of any escalation of tensions over Taiwan, given its proximity with the island, which is only 90 miles from the northernmost point of the Philippines.

Taiwan is literally next door to the Philippines, Manalo said at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) forum in Washington on April 10.

Jay Batongbacal, director of the Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea at the University of the Philippines, told Benar News that Batanes, the Philippines northernmost province, could be entangled in a conflict if China invaded Taiwan.

A Chinese invasion of Taiwan would require blockading and isolating [Batanes] from access by the U.S. and other allied forces. China will bombard Taiwanese defenses first before launching amphibious and air invasions, he said.

Philippine coast guard members participate in a simulation during a trilateral maritime exercise with Japan and U.S. counterparts 15 nautical miles off the coast of Bataan province, western Philippines, on June 6, 2023. (Jes Aznar/Getty Images)

To enhance its defense capabilities, the Philippines has granted U.S. forces access to four new military bases, including a naval base, an airport in Cagayan province, and an army camp in Isabelaall located near Taiwanunder the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan met with his Japanese and Philippine counterparts for the first time in Tokyo on June 15 to discuss enhancing trilateral cooperation between their countries.

In a joint statement, the three officials concurred that a free and open maritime order is crucial in the Indo-Pacific, especially given unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Tamara Lichs Legal Team Crowdfunding to Pay for Defence in Criminal Trial Over Convoy Charges

Tamara Lich, the grandmother from Alberta who became the face of the Freedom Convoy protest in Ottawa in early 2022, holds her new book, Hold The Line: My story from the heart of the Freedom Convoy, on April 26, 2023. (Courtesy of Tamara Lich)

The charity organizing Tamara Lichs criminal defence has announced it is crowdfunding to help cover the legal costs of fighting charges stemming from Lichs involvement in the truckers Freedom Convoy protest in Ottawa in 2022.

Lichs criminal defence is being financially supported by The Democracy Fund (TDF), a Canadian charity that litigates on constitutional issues. In a news release on June 28, TDF announced it would be crowdfunding for Lich who was charged with several minor, non-violent offences including mischief.

Our crowdfunding goal and the cost of expert legal representation is $300,000, TDF spokeswoman Jessica Swietoniowski told The Epoch Times.

Lich, a grandmother from Medicine Hat, Alberta, who police allege was a key organizer of a three-week protest in Ottawa that took place in January and February last year, told The Epoch Times that murderers and rapists have shorter trials.

I am looking forward to this trial and to further expose the truth about how this was the largest, most peaceful protest in Canadas history, she said.

All Canadians who lined the highways and assembled peacefully in Ottawa should be proud of their success in holding government accountable for their violations of millions of Canadians rights.

49 Days in Jail

Alan Honner, TDFs director of litigation, said Lichs prosecution shows how a prominent political dissident is treated by our justice system.

Many people see Tamara as a political prisoner as her prosecution has been impassioned, and she has already been imprisoned for 49 days on relatively minor charges. She is now facing a month-long trial, which is prohibitively expensive for the average person, he said.

Honner said Lich became the face of the protest, and there is a lot at stake in the outcome of her trial.

The trucker convoy exposed the governments willingness to invoke extraordinary powers to suppress a nationwide protest that was remarkably peaceful, he added.

Crowds of protesters demonstrate against COVID-19 mandates and restrictions during the Freedom Convoy protest in downtown Ottawa on Feb. 12, 2022. (Jonathan Ren/The Epoch Times)

Lich has not been found guilty in court on any of the charges, which remain unproven. She was first arrested and charged on Feb. 17, 2022.

Lich is represented by prominent Ottawa criminal attorney Lawrence Greenspon. The trial is scheduled to run for four weeks, starting on Sept. 5. Lich is charged with various offences including mischief, counselling mischief, obstructing police, counselling to obstruct police, counselling intimidation, and intimidation by blocking and obstructing one or more highways, Greenspon told The Epoch Times on June 28.

Lich was under extensive and onerous bail conditions following her release, which included: Keep the peace and be of good behavior; Ms. Lich is prohibited from communicating with other pro-freedom activists, using social media, organizing or aiding protests, and entering the downtown part of Ottawa unless for court.

The time for trial was set based on the anticipated list of witnesses that the crown intended to call, on a without prejudice basis, said Greenspon.

He said it is the Crowns prerogative to add to or subtract from the witness list at any time. So far, the Crown has indicated it wants to call nine witnesses. Greenspon said the final witness count is still in the process of being discussed.
The episode was unnerving and was avoidable had there been someone around with the sensibility to solve the problem.

It occurred in a winery tasting room I was visiting a few years ago. And I can appreciate the fact that the issue wasnt easily solved.

Since summer has arrived, it may well be time to revisit tasting room etiquette since many vacationers will be visiting wine country areas in the coming monthswhich brought back to mind the above-mentioned prickly episode.

I was served an ounce of a wine I wanted to evaluate. Soon after, a woman arrived at the tasting room. Within seconds, it was apparent that she had bathed in an unbelievably powerful perfume that quickly affected the whole room so strongly that none of the tasters could smell the wines in our glasses. All we could smell was perfume!

What made it all the more galling was that the aromatized woman seemed to have no interest in wine! She was there primarily to finger the thematic gadgetryearrings, scarves, T-shirts, umbrellas, coasters.

Winery tasting rooms originally began as a way to allow potential buyers to get a sense of the recent wines that growers and winemakers had crafted. In earlier days, tasting rooms didnt charge. Servers were skilled and answered questions about grapes and winemaking.

Winery tourism wasnt a thing in the 1970s or even 1980s. It wasnt until the 1990s when tourists began to invade wineries as a kind of vacation activity. Winery tasting rooms began seeing a lot of newcomers who knew nothing about wineor tasting room etiquette.

To this day, many people who visit tasting rooms do so primarily for what once was seen as free alcohol. Today, most tourers know that winery hospitality rooms charge tasting fees, most of which were instituted to discourage buzz-seekers.

Some people who visit wineries dont realize that there are unwritten rules governing such activities, including one of the most obvious: eschew products with extraneous aromatics.

This includes not only perfume, but aftershave, strong deodorants, aromatic hair conditioners, and even cigarette smoke left in hair, beards, and clothing. Numerous tasting room employees have told me that almost everyone should avoid all extraneous aromatic intrusions when planning to visit a tasting room.

This includes avoiding the wearing of clothing such as leather jackets, skirts, and pants, some of which are so aromatic that they can smell offensive to serious wine tasters. Also verboten are fruit-scented lipsticks, scented hand and body creams, and hand sanitizers.

The same goes for foods brought in from outside. Its the main reason that wineries usually stage picnic tables outside, on patios, even where summertime temperatures soar well into triple digits. They place picnic areas away from tasting bars to keep onions, garlic, pastrami, and other food scents away from the wine.

And if you should see indoor tables that are within sight (and smell) of the tasting bar, tasting room etiquette calls for you to avoid serving aromatic foods in that location.

Some wineries even go to extreme lengths to avoid scents in their tasting areas by using scent-free soaps in restrooms. Be aware that visitors scented hand lotions are seen as anathema.

Only very rarely have I ever seen signs at wineries tasting rooms with anti-cologne caveats, but its well known that winery personnel detest such disrespectful behavior.

Wine of the Week

2022 Ramon Bilbao Verdejo, Rueda ($17): Lemon peel, blossoms, tropical fruit, and chamomile tea aromas are most attractive here and matched to a hint of fresh fennel in the aftertaste. The wine is dry but succulent and delightful when paired with firm-fleshed seafood.
Tech Startup Gan Jing World Poised to Shape the Future, One Community at a Time

Gan Jing World's logo in the lobby of its first headquarters building, dubbed "MT0" or "Middletown Zero," in Middletown, N.Y., on June 22, 2023. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Gan Jing World, a high-tech startup, has become a growing force in upstate New York, in a community looking to transition to a technology hub. Gan Jing means clean, and the platform is committed to providing content free from violent, erotic, criminal or harmful material, according to its website.

Joseph DeStefano, mayor of Middletown, the city where Gan Jing World is headquartered, has high hopes for the company, which he described as a next-generation digital ecosystem for everyone with unlimited growth projections.

As a forward-thinking city, we recognize the importance of embracing technological advancements and supporting industries that will shape the future, he said at the opening ceremony when Gan Jing World unveiled its newly renovated headquarters building, called MT0 or Middletown Zero, on June 22.

He also thanked the company for keeping its promises by quickly growing and opening the new facility. In less than a year, the social media platform has achieved over 30 million page views and built its own data center and cloud server to facilitate an experience free from political censorship.

In addition to the economic impact, the presence of this high-tech firm will bring further opportunities for collaboration and innovation, he added. We envision a future where the firm actively engages with our local ecosystem, sharing expertise, fostering entrepreneurship, and promoting the growth of other startups in the region.

Joseph DeStefano, mayor of Middletown, speaks at the opening ceremony of Gan Jing Worlds first headquarters building, dubbed MT0 or Middletown Zero, in Middletown, N.Y., on June 22, 2023. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

The entrepreneurial spirit at Gan Jing Worlds event was evident. Guests expressed excitement about growth, job creation, and using technology for good.

To Councilman Neil Meyer of the nearby town of Wallkill, Gan Jing World fits his vision for the future.

He told The Epoch Times that he wanted to create more high-tech professional jobs and ensure that we have a good living wage base within our communities that pay taxes and can support the development of infrastructure to support businesses like [Gan Jing World] coming into our area.

Nick Janicki (L), director of media relations, Jim Zhang (C), vice president of public relations, and chief financial officer Cheyenne Liu of Gan Jing World hold proclamations from New York state Assemblyman Karl A. Brabenec, New York state Senator James Skoufis, and Pennsylvania state Senator Devlin Robinson at the companys opening ceremony of its first headquarters building, dubbed MT0 or Middletown Zero, in Middletown, N.Y., on June 22, 2023. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Right Thing at the Right Time

Gan Jing World was founded by Chinese Americans in New York last year. During the pandemic, lockdowns accelerated internet use, and many parents became concerned about their children being exposed to explicit content and wasting time due to addiction.

A 2022 survey by the Pew Research Center shows universal use of social media by American teenagers ages 13 to 17. Up to 95 percent of teens report using at least one social media platform, and over a third use social media almost constantly.

Last month, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released a new advisory on social media and youth mental health, urging action to ensure social media environments are healthy and safe.

The most common question parents ask me is, Is social media safe for my kids. The answer is that we dont have enough evidence to say its safe, and in fact, there is growing evidence that social media use is associated with harm to young peoples mental health, Murthy said in a statement.

The advisory (pdf) acknowledged some potential benefits of social media, including providing a platform for self-expression and developing social connections. Yet it also documented risks of harm from content exposure and excessive use.

Extreme, inappropriate, and harmful content continues to be easily and widely accessible by children and adolescents. This can be spread through direct pushes, unwanted content exchanges, and algorithmic designs, the report stated.

By creating and maintaining a platform without violent, erotic, criminal, or harmful content, Gan Jing World provides a healthy and safe digital environment, one such that the U.S. Surgeon General called for, says Nick Janicki, Gan Jings director of media relations. The platform also allows users to set up learning preferences for the companys algorithm to follow when recommending videos.

Gan Jing World is doing the right thing at the right time, Janicki told The Epoch Times. He added that the companys uniqueness stems from having clean content and educating consumers on how social media algorithms and addiction work and how they can be used for consumers benefit.

From Middletown, Gan Jing World sets out to uplift more communities, virtual and live, one at a time, said Janicki. And he is inviting all to do it together.

If you care about the future of America, come to Gan Jing World. If you care about the next generations, come to Gan Jing World. If you believe in traditional values and divine culture, come to Gan Jing World. Its a platform for you.
Tesla on Autopilot Crashes Into Stopped Truck in Pennsylvania: Police

The Tesla logo on a car in Los Angeles on July 9, 2020. (Lucy Nicholson/Reuters)

A Tesla vehicle that was operating on its Autopilot software crashed into a stationary truck on a highway in Pennsylvania on Friday night, police said, adding to scrutiny of the automakers driver assistance system.

The Tesla was traveling in the middle lane when it struck the rear end of a Freightliner semi-truck that was parked in the same lane and providing traffic control for a right lane closure, the Pennsylvania State Police said on Monday.

The police said the car lost control due to being on Autopilot, adding that the 18-year-old male driver was charged with careless driving.

No injuries were reported, according to police.

Tesla, which does not have a public relations department, did not respond to a request for comment.

U.S. regulators have been investigating a series of accidents where Tesla vehicles on Autopilot collided with parked emergency vehicles.

In February, a Tesla Model S crashed into a stationary fire truck in Walnut Creek, California, killing the cars driver and triggering an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Tesla says Autopilot enables a car to steer, accelerate, and brake automatically within its lane, but those features require active driver supervision and do not make the vehicle autonomous.

By Hyunjoo Jin
Alibaba Group Holding's cloud computing services subsidiary and Shanghai's Fudan University have jointly launched what they describe as the country's largest cloud-based scientific research and intelligent computing platform for universities, deepening the business unit's ties with major public institutions and boosting its support for new artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives.

The new Computing for the Future at Fudan (CFFF) platform was designed to train large AI models, such as large language models (LLMs), for the purpose of scientific research, according to a statement published by Alibaba Cloud on Tuesday. Hangzhou-based parent Alibaba owns the South China Morning Post.

"In universities, professors may be able to afford cloud computing [services] with scientific research funds, but not every student can afford it," said Alibaba Cloud founder Wang Jian at a ceremony held at the university's campus. "I hope that everyone can use cloud computing to realise their scientific research ideals."

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.

China Telecom, the country's largest fixed-line network operator and a major domestic cloud services provider, was also behind the development of the new computing platform. Earlier this month, China Telecom unveiled a plan to set up a huge computing centre in Shanghai to support the city's AI industry.

A panoramic view of Fudan University's campus in Shanghai. Photo: Shutterstock alt=A panoramic view of Fudan University's campus in Shanghai. Photo: Shutterstock>

The CFFF project, which Wang depicted as a dream come true after 15 years, reflects China's big bet on generative AI as a strategic tool that would not only save a national economy saddled by debt and a sluggish post-coronavirus recovery, but also refuel the country's bid to beat the US in their heated tech rivalry.

LLMs are deep-learning AI algorithms that can recognise, summarise, translate, predict and generate content using very large data sets. These represent the technology used to train AI chatbots like Microsoft-backed OpenAI's ChatGPT.

Fudan University president Jin Li said the academic institution hopes to build a number of world-class models using the CFFF, including models related to life sciences, material science and integrated circuits.

Alibaba Cloud - headed by Daniel Zhang Yong, who will step down as the parent group's chairman and chief executive in September - unveiled in April its answer to ChatGPT, called Tongyi Qianwen.

Cloud computing services from Alibaba and other providers enable enterprises to buy, sell, lease or distribute a range of software and other digital resources as an on-demand service over the internet, just like electricity from a power grid. These resources are managed inside data centres.

"Enterprises and universities should join hands in innovation and talent training," Jin was quoted as saying in Fudan University's WeChat post on Tuesday about the "comprehensive strategic cooperation" with Alibaba Cloud.

Echoing that statement, Alibaba Cloud's Wang said he expected the company and Fudan University would further "deepen the integration of production and education".

While Alibaba Cloud and Fudan University did not elaborate on the details of their cooperation, the two sides are expected to help cultivate new local talent in AI.

Chinese state media recently drummed up support for generative AI, referring to the algorithms that power ChatGPT and similar services. A People's Daily op-ed piece published earlier this month extolled the technology's potential to help drive economic growth and become a useful daily tool.

Alibaba's Cloud Intelligence Group, meanwhile, is expected to become an independent entity in the next 12 months under the e-commerce giant's sweeping restructuring plan. That would eventually enable the firm to seek a separate public listing.

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.
Thousands of Canadas Doctors and Nurses Leaving to Work in US, Says New Research

Some medical professionals are living in Canada and commuting south of border

Ambulances are seen at the Dartmouth General Hospital in Nova Scotia in a file photo. (Andrew Vaughan/The Canadian Press)

Thousands of doctors and nurses are leaving Canada to work in the United States, according to new research from think tank SecondStreet.org.

Released June 20, the research shows that American states along the U.S.Canada border have issued almost 10,000 licences to nurses and doctors with Canadian addresses.

Meanwhile, the Angus Reid Institute estimates that over 6 million Canadians do not have a family doctor, and many provinces are reporting severe nursing shortages, according to SecondStreet.orgs research paper.

The data was obtained from state licensing bodies along the border. Data was also obtained from a national body that confirms credentials for foreign nurses who want to work in the United States.

Some Canadian workers are regularly commuting to work south of the border, while some are moving to, or may be considering a move to, the United States, SecondStreet.org suggests, saying theres potential for governments to recruit health-care workers living in Canada who commute to the United States for work.

Governments could also focus on convincing health workers to stay and work in Canada instead of leaving for the United States, says the paper.

Underreported

States along the CanadaU.S. border have issued licences to 8,909 nurses and 879 doctors with Canadian mailing addresses, totalling 9,788 workers. Previous research from April 2024 on Canadian nurses working in Michigan found 63 percent of licensees commute for work, according to SecondStreet.org.

The think tank suggests the numbers are underreported because states such as North Dakota, Minnesota, and New Hampshire do not provide this information, and Washington state only provides information about nurses.

In 2022, 2,550 Canadian nurses had their credentials accepted in the United States.

Theres a big opportunity for government-run hospitals to improve and convince some of these health care staff to work in Canada instead of commuting to the U.S. or moving there altogether, said SecondStreet.org President Colin Craig.

However, theres also a big opportunity for new private clinics in Canada to recruit some of these workers and provide the compensation and working arrangements that government-run hospitals in Canada dont offer.

Border states had issued the most licenses to doctors and nurses with mailing addresses in Ontario (6,655), British Columbia (901), Alberta (851) and Quebec (510). Even if these workers do not work in the U.S., its clear theyve shown a strong interest in leaving Canadas health care system, said SecondStreet.org in a news release.

Canadas health care system is failing for many reasons and a staff shortage is one of them. Its clear that we need to find ways to keep more doctors and nurses within our borders, said Dom Lucyk, co-author of the research paper.

He said while some staff are leaving for money, others go to the United States because of poor working conditions in Canada and the availability of full-time jobs with stable schedules in the United States.
Titanic Sub Wreckage Seen for 1st Time Since Catastrophic Implosion

Debris from the Titan submersible, recovered from the ocean floor near the wreck of the Titanic, is unloaded from the ship Horizon Arctic at the Canadian Coast Guard pier in St. Johns on June 28, 2023. (Paul Daly/The Canadian Press)

New photos and video footage show the debris from the OceanGate Titan submersible vehicle after it was hauled from the Atlantic Ocean, following what officials say was a catastrophic implosion that killed all five people on board.

The footage shows pieces of the craft being taken to a vessel in St. Johns Harbor in Canadas Newfoundland Province on the morning of June 28. Some of the debris fragments and pieces showed signs of significant damage.

U.S. Coast Guard officials last week said that the Titan vessel imploded about 13,000 feet below the surface of the ocean near the wreckage of the Titanic. The implosion killed Hamish Harding, Shahzada Dawood, Suleman Dawood, Paul-Henri Nargeolet, and Stockton Rush, who was the CEO of OceanGate.

OceanGate Expeditions Titan submersible in a file photo. (OceanGate Expeditions via AP)

The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed over the past weekend that its investigating the cause of the undersea implosion, while Canadas Transportation Safety Board said it was conducting its own investigation. The incident has raised questions about the unregulated nature of such expeditions.

My primary goal is to prevent a similar occurrence by making the necessary recommendations to enhance the safety of the maritime domain worldwide, Capt. Jason Neubauer, the Coast Guards chief investigator, said at a press conference in Boston.

The Coast Guard opened what it calls a marine board investigation on June 23, Neubauer said, and is working with the FBI to recover evidence, including a salvage operation at the debris site on the seabed about 1,600 feet from the bow of the Titanic wreck.

Those findings will be shared with the International Maritime Organization and other groups to help improve the safety framework for submersible operations worldwide, Neubauer said. He said the Coast Guard is in touch with the families of the five people killed, and that investigators are taking all precautions on site if we are to encounter any human remains.

Coast Guard Rear Adm. John Mauger said it was too early to say when the Titan met its fate. But the position of debris relatively close to the wreck, and the time that elapsed before contact with Titan was lost suggest the disaster occurred near the end of last weeks descent.

The U.S. Navy monitors that part of the Atlantic for submarine activity, and said an analysis of acoustic data detected an anomaly consistent with an implosion or explosion near the submersibles location when communication with Titan was lost.

Other Details

A former U.S. Navy doctor revealed in a new interview that all five on board the doomed vessel likely would have died instantly when it imploded.

It would have been so sudden, that they wouldnt even have known that there was a problem, or what happened to them, Dale Mole, the former Navy official, told the Daily Mail. Its like being here one minute, and then the switch is turned off. Youre alive one millisecond, and the next millisecond, youre dead.

Meanwhile, a friend of Hamish Harding said that family members are working behind the scenes to try to use a remote-operated submarine that can reach the wreckage to join the search.

When I heard it was Hamish, my heart dropped to my stomach, Tracy Ryan told People magazine. I had been working behind the scenes for four days to get the Magellan sub there and get their permits approved because they did have the capabilities to dive all the way down to the site.

Coast Guard crews at work at Coast Guard Base Boston on June 21, 2023. (Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images)

The Titan launch barge is moved to the Coast Guard yard at port in St. Johns, Newfoundland, on June 24, 2023. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

Some had questioned OceanGates choice of materials for the submarine, including whether the vehicle should have used carbon fiber for the pressure hull.

OceanGate had created its own experimental vehicle with materials avoided by others, decided to bypass the certification process designed to assure safety, and chose to ignore the warnings from many experts within the submersible community, top investment manager Ray Dalio, co-founder of the OceanX sea exploration initiative, said in a LinkedIn post on June 23.

Moviemaker James Cameron, who directed the 1997 Oscar-winning film Titanic that did much to revive global interest in the 1912 sinking, said he learned of the acoustic findings within a day of the submersible disappearing and knew what that meant.

I sent emails to everybody I know and said weve lost some friends, Cameron, who has ventured to the wreck in other submersible vehicles, told news outlets after the incident. The sub had imploded.

OceanGate charged people $250,000 for a ticket to see the Titanic on the Titan, a 20,000-pound submersible that was about 22 feet in length.

The search for the Titan vessel went on for several days, and there was some speculation that those on board could have still been alive. The vehicle had about 96 hours of oxygen.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Top US Officials Have First-Hand Knowledge of Secret UFO Program: Rubio

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) has claimed that multiple senior government officialsincluding Pentagon employees with high clearancesare aware of a secret UFO craft crash retrieval program being run by the United States.

The Republican lawmaker made the claims in an interview with NewsNation on June 26, shortly after Air Force veteran and former intelligence officer David Grusch alleged that the Pentagon had discovered dead alien bodies from spacecraft that had crashed.

There are people that have come forward to share information with our committee over the last couple of years  I want to be very protective of these people, said Rubio, who serves as vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee.

A lot of these people came to us even before protections were in the law for whistleblowers to come forward, Rubio said, adding that many of those claimed to have first-hand knowledge of the alleged extraterrestrial retrieval program.

The Florida Republican alleged that some of the whistleblowers who have stepped forward with similar claims to Grusch are public figures with high clearances and high positions within our government.

Were trying to gather as much of that information as we can  Some of these people still work in the government, Rubio said. He added that many of them are fearful of losing their jobs, losing their clearances, and being harmed.

Rubios comments come amid an ongoing investigationled by House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.)into the alleged secret military UFO program. The committee is expected to hold a hearing on the matter soon.

This image from video footage, labeled GIMBAL and provided by the Department of Defense from 2015, shows an unexplained object (C) being tracked as it soars high along the clouds, traveling against the wind. (Department of Defense via AP)

Government Recovering Remains of Nonhuman Origin

That probe started shortly after Grusch made his claims regarding extraterrestrial discoveries earlier this month in an interview with NewsNation.

Grusch previously worked at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the National Reconnaissance Office and was a member of the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) Task Force from 2019 to 2021.

In the interview, the senior official claimed to have provided Congress and the Intelligence Community inspector general with classified information about secret UAP programs that he said proves that the government has been recovering partial and intact remains of aircraft of nonhuman origin, and the crafts occupants, for decades.

These are retrieving non-human origin technical vehicles, call it spacecraft if you will, non-human exotic origin vehicles that have either landed or crashed, Grusch said. Well, naturally, when you recover something thats either landed or crashed, sometimes you encounter dead pilots, and believe it or not, as fantastical as that sounds, its true.

Grusch stated that after first learning of the alleged program, he believed it was totally nuts but that over the years, many current and former senior officers had provided him with evidence of the program, including documents.

The Pentagon has officially released three short videos showing unidentified aerial phenomena that had previously been released by a private company. (Courtesy of Department of Defense)

Pentagon Denies UFO Program Claims

Despite his claims, Grusch hasnt yet been able to present any solid evidence.

At the time, the Pentagon denied Gruschs claims, with the Defense Department stating that officials had 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.

Asked whether he believes Gruschs and others claims to be genuine, Rubio told NewsNation that he doesnt find them to be not credible or credible because they are simply beyond the realm of what any of us have ever dealt with.

What I think we owe is just a mature, you know, understanding, listening and trying to put all these pieces together and just sort of intake the information without any prejudgment or jumping to any conclusions, Rubio said.

The Republicans comments come after the Senate Intelligence Committee advanced a bill that would pause funding for any government activities involving unidentified anomalous phenomena that have not been formally, officially, explicitly, and specifically described, explained, and justified to the appropriate committees of Congress or congressional leadership.

The legislation also states that funding will not be given for such government activities when they involve recovering unidentified anomalous phenomena craft or pieces and components of such craft.

Additionally, the bill instructs individuals currently or formerly under contract with the federal government with knowledge of such activities to disclose all relevant information to Congress and notes that they will not be subject to criminal or civil action for doing so.
Transgender People More Likely to Die of Suicide Than General Population, Danish Study Finds

A transgender flag sits on the grass outside of the U.S. Capitol building on May 22, 2023. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Shedding new light on the question of whether gender-affirming treatment reduces suicide risk among people suffering from gender dysphoria, a new study found that transgender individuals in Denmark are at significantly higher risk of suicide than Denmarks general population.

For their study, published on June 27 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers at the Danish Research Institute for Suicide Prevention in Copenhagen examined the health and legal records of 6.6 million Danish-born people over 42 years.

The team identified and focused on 3,759 people (0.06 percent) who came out as transgender at a median age of 22 through a legal gender change or a hospital diagnosis or both between 1980 and 2021. Before 2014, Danish citizens had to undergo gender-affirming sterilization and surgery before they could legally change their gender identity.

In this group, there were 92 suicide attempts, 12 suicides, and 245 deaths of other causes during that period.

Compared with the rest of the people in the study, the transgender participants were 7.7 times more likely to attempt suicide and 3.5 times more likely to die of suicide. Even the non-suicide death rate was 1.9 times as high as that of their non-transgender counterparts.

The researchers stated that those figures are likely an undercount, since they are using data from the Danish Civil Registration System, a centralized database containing individual-level information on all people residing in Denmark. Relying on government data means that the study might not accurately count the suicide rates of those who self-identified as transgender but have never registered themselves as such with the government.

The study further found that the median age at which transgender participants made their first suicide attempt was 27, while it was at 36 for the non-transgender group. The median age of the 12 transgender people who died by suicide was 45; the median age of the 36,308 non-transgender people who died by suicide was 52.

On top of that, the median age at which non-suicide deaths occurred among transgender participants was 70, which is eight years younger than that of the non-transgender group.

In their brief discussion of the reason for the prevalence of suicide among transgender people, the researchers said that it might have to do with minority stress.

Transgender individuals may be exposed to systemic negativity regarding their trans identity in the form of bullying, discrimination, exclusion, and prejudice, which in turn may result in alienation and internalized stigma, mental health problems, and, ultimately, suicidal behavior, the authors wrote.

Its worth noting that Denmark is already considered one of the most transgender-friendly countries in the world. In a ranking published by the European chapter of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans & Intersex Association, Denmark comes in at third place in all 49 European countries with a score of 75 in terms of protecting sexual and gender minority rights, after only Malta (89) and Belgium (76).

Sweden Study

The authors mentioned a study from Sweden that found that suicide risks actually increased among transgender people after their surgical transition.

In the Swedish study, published in 2011 in open-access online journal PLOS One, researchers at Stockholms Karolinska Institutet matched each of the 324 surgically transitioned participants to 10 randomly selected non-transgender controls and compared the mortalities of the two groups.

It found that transgender individuals are 4.9 times more likely to attempt suicide and 19.1 times more likely to die of suicide than the controls.

Persons with transsexualism, after sex reassignment, have considerably higher risks for mortality, suicidal behavior, and psychiatric morbidity than the general population, the Swedish authors wrote. Our findings suggest that sex reassignment, although alleviating gender dysphoria, may not suffice as treatment for transsexualism, and should inspire improved psychiatric and somatic care after sex reassignment for this patient group.

The 2011 study also found that transgender individuals were at increased risk of being convicted for any crime or violent crime after sex reassignment.

The JAMA study comes as more people who transitioned at a young age have said publicly that they regret mutilating their otherwise healthy bodies and that their underlying mental health problems havent been curedand that theyve sometimes been worsenedby medical transitions.

The Epoch Times has reported on a lawsuit brought by a California girl against a hospital and three of its doctors for engaging in ideological and profit-driven medical abuse, alleging that she was rushed into breast removal, which she now regrets, when she was 13.

In her complaint filed at a California court earlier this year, 18-year-old Layla Jane said she was exposed to online transgender influencers who pushed her to entertain the erroneous belief that she was actually a boy. Following a 30-minute discussion with Jane and her parents, the three doctors she is now suing decided that Jane could have her breasts removed.

Defendants did not question, elicit, or attempt to understand the psychological events that led Kayla to the mistaken belief that she was transgender, nor did they evaluate, appreciate, or treat her multi-faceted presentation of co-morbid symptoms, the complaint reads.

Instead, Defendants assumed that Kayla, a twelve-year-old emotionally troubled girl, knew best what she needed to improve her mental health and figuratively handed her the prescription pad. There is no other area of medicine where doctors will surgically remove a perfectly healthy body part and intentionally induce a diseased state of the pituitary gland misfunction based simply on the young adolescent patients wishes.

Jane told The Epoch Times that the surgery didnt make her feel better. She accused her doctors of wrongly focusing on physically affirming her supposed new gender rather than addressing her mental health issues.

Nobodynone of my doctorstried anything to make me comfortable in my body, or meaningfully pushed back or asked questions; they only affirmed, she said.
Trump Aide Walt Nautas Arraignment Postponed

Former President Donald Trump aide Walt Nauta visits Versailles restaurant with Trump in Miami, Fla., on June 13, 2023. (Alex Brandon/AP Photo)

Former President Donald Trump valet Walt Nautas scheduled court appearance to enter a plea has been postponed due to unexpected travel disruptions.

Nautas lawyer, Stanley Woodward, told a judge on Tuesday during a brief hearing in Miami that his client was stuck in Newark, New Jersey, after his scheduled flight for the Florida arraignment was canceled due to storms.

Woodward also told Chief Magistrate Judge Edwin Torres that his client was requesting an extension to retain a Florida lawyer for the case.

While expressing regret for Nautas inability to show up for his scheduled hearing, Woodward insisted that his client was taking the charges hes facing very seriously.

Nauta is accused of conspiring with Trump to help the former president hide classified documents stored at Mar-a-Lago that federal authorities wanted returned.

Torres agreed to postpone Nautas arraignment until July 6.

Walt Nauta, valet to former U.S. President Donald Trump and a co-defendant in federal charges filed against Trump, arrives at the Miami International Airport in Miami, Fla., on June 12, 2023. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Trying to Destroy His Life

Nauta, a Navy veteran who later became a close aide to Trump, was thrust into the limelight when a grand jury indicted him and the former president on charges related to the classified documents probe.

The 49-page federal indictment charges Trump with 37 felony counts, including violating the federal Espionage Act and other federal statutes for allegedly conspiring to obstruct justice, making false statements, and concealing documents.

Nauta was charged as a co-conspirator and faces six felony counts.

Prosecutors have alleged that Nauta moved dozens of boxes at Trumps Florida estate at the former presidents direction and then allegedly lied to investigators about it.

The former president said in a video statement released after the indictment was made public that any criminal charges will not stop him from running for president.

I am an innocent man. I did nothing wrong, Trump said, while calling the various investigations against him election interference.

Former President Donald Trump is introduced at the Oakland County Republican Partys Lincoln Day dinner at Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Mich., on June 25, 2023. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

He also took to social media to denounce Nautas indictment.

I have just learned that the Thugs from the Department of Injustice will be Indicting a wonderful man, Walt Nauta, a member of the U.S. Navy, who served proudly with me in the White House, retired as Senior Chief, and then transitioned into private life as a personal aide, Trump wrote on Truth Social.

He has done a fantastic job! They are trying to destroy his life, like the lives of so many others, hoping that he will say bad things about Trump. He is strong, brave, and a Great Patriot. The FBI and DOJ are CORRUPT, he added.

During the investigation into the classified documents case, federal prosecutors tried to persuade Nauta to turn on Trump and testify against him.

Trump alleged on Truth Social that prosecutors tried to bribe [and] intimidate Nautas lawyer by dangling an important judgeship before him if his client flips on the former president.

Indictment Details

The indictment says that Trump, whos known for keeping mementos, kept hundreds of classified documents in cardboard boxes at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, which tens of thousands of members and guests visited between when he left the White House and when the FBI retrieved the documents in August 2022.

Trump allegedly had documents stored in various places around the resort, including a ballroom, a bathroom and shower, an office space, a storage room, and his bedroom.

When a grand jury in May 2022 issued a subpoena for classified records at Mar-a-Lago, Trump apparently sought to defy the order, telling his attorneys, I dont want anybody looking through my boxes, according to notes from a lawyer detailed in the indictment.

The indictment also says Trump told Nauta to move boxes of documents to conceal them from federal investigators, the grand jury, and one of his lawyers.

Trumps lawyers turned over some records to authorities on June 3, 2022.

The FBI raided Trumps residence on Aug. 8, 2022, and removed some two dozen boxes of materials, including 54 documents marked as secret and 18 marked as top secret.

Illegally Obtained Evidence?

On the same day that the special counsel released the indictment, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) issued a letter to the Justice Department, calling into question the legality of the FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago.

In his letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, Jordan laid out testimony from a former FBI official who testified to the GOP-led House subcommittee on the weaponization of government about the raid.

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 with previous raids.

DAntuono listed a number of abnormalities around the FBI raid that call into question its legitimacy.

Specifically, DAntuono said that the FBI didnt first seek consent to effectuate the search; that the FBI refused to wait for Trumps attorney to be present before executing the search; that the FBI did not assign a U.S. Attorneys Office to the matter; and that the Miami Field Office didnt take the lead. The FBI declined to comment when asked to respond to the claims in Jordans letter.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
New updates on former President Donald Trumps legal battles: A leaked audio recording is putting the former president in the spotlight yet again.

A new congressional report alleges that one government agency worked with Big Tech to censor free speech. Well break down the details and hear from two tech pioneers, who are working on new uncensored web browsers.

The Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that state courts do have a say over legislators when it comes to district maps, after North Carolinas top court struck down a congressional districting plan.

Presidential candidate Nikki Haley outlined her China policy Tuesday. As the threat from the Chinese Communist Party grows, this becomes an even more pressing issue for presidential candidates.

The GOP presidential primary is in full swing. A political strategist joins us to discuss which early primary states are worth paying attention to.
Trump Says Has Respect for RFK Jr.: Hes Got Some Very Important Points

A Republican presidential candidate, former President Donald Trump stands on stage after being introduced during the New Hampshire Federation of Republican Women's Lilac Luncheon in Concord, N.H., on June 27, 2023. (Scott Eisen/Getty Images)

Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump said he has respect for Democrat Robert F. Kennedy Jr. despite their political differences.

I respect hima lot of people respect him. Hes got some very important points to be made, Trump told Newsmaxs Eric Bolling during a June 26 interview.

Kennedy is one of two candidates challenging President Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination, with the other being author Marianne Williamson.

Trump, who said he had known Kennedy for a while, added that he was impressed by Kennedys growing popularity in the polls.

Hes at 21, 22 [percent] I saw just now, Trump said. And thats a lot for somebody that came in with absolutely no chance of winning.

Big Problems

According to the latest RealClearPolitics average of polls, Biden leads the Democratic primary field with 64 percent of the vote. Kennedy places a distant second at 14 percent.

Nevertheless, Trump said Biden has very big problems mentally and physically that could affect his candidacy.

I really cant tell you, thats really the question; will he make it to the starting gate?

Bidens health has been an increasingly difficult obstacle for Democrats to ignore since his 2020 election campaign. From repeated trips and falls to mumbled sentences that seem to trail off, many have voiced doubts over whether the 80-year-old is still fit to hold office.

Meanwhile, Kennedy, 65, was the picture of health in a video he shared via Twitter on June 25, during which he did several shirtless pushups.

Getting in shape for my debates with President Biden! he wrote.

The message was a clear tongue-in-cheek reference to the fact that the Democratic National Committee (DNC) reportedly has no plans to sponsor primary debates but will instead back Bidens reelection.

Touching on that fact in his Newsmax interview, Trump said he believed the Democratic Partys decision to forgo debates was a move to shield Biden.

I just dont think that theyll allow him to debate anybody, he said. I mean, you could put up a child. I dont think theyll allow him to debate. Theyre not going to allow it to happen.

Rigged System

Kennedy has been vocal in his criticism of the DNCs purported plans, noting that distrust of the U.S. election system is already running high among voters.

Debates and town halls are part of the democratic process, Kennedy told The Epoch Times in April. Were living in a time when theres a lot of Americans who believe our democracy is broken. And I think both political parties have to bend over backwards to start restoring faith in democracy and electional integrity.

Americans think the entire system is rigged against them, he added. And if the DNC goes through with thisits plan to not have debateI think that will serve as  an unfortunate confirmation to a lot of Americans that the system is indeed rigged.

And it isnt the first time the DNC has faced such an accusation.

In 2017, the committees former Chairwoman Donna Brazile and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) both said they believed the DNC had rigged the 2016 Democratic primaries in Hillary Clintons favor.

According to a June 11 USA Today/Suffolk University poll, 80 percent of Democratic primary voters think Biden should debate his challengersincluding 72 percent of his own supporters.

Biden, for his part, has expressed no interest in participating in debates.

As you know, no incumbent R [Republican] or D [Democrat] have done debates, Kevin Munoz, a Biden campaign spokesperson, told USA Today.

But according to David Paleologos, director of Suffolks Political Research Center, sidestepping debates may not be a winning political strategy for the incumbent.

The decision not to debate is ignoring the 82 percent of women, 84 percent of union households, 86 percent of independents, and 90 percent of young voters who are not only planning to vote in their states Democratic primary or caucus next year but also would like to see a series of Democratic primary debates.

Running Mates?

Despite the politicians political positions, some Trump supporters have indicated that they would like to see the former president and Kennedy on the same ticket.

Among those supporters is Steve Bannon, one of Trumps former advisers. On an episode of his War Room podcast in April, Bannon noted that his first pick for Trumps running mate would be Arizona Republican Kari Lake, who is currently challenging the results of her states 2022 election and has also indicated interest in running for the U.S. Senate.

If shes not available to be Trumps VP, Bobby Kennedy would be an excellent choice for Trump to consider, Bannon said, adding that the idea had received a standing ovation when he first floated it among other Republicans.

More recently, on June 18, Sebastian Gorka said he thought a TrumpKennedy pairing would run away with the presidency.

As a candidate, Kennedy has proven to be a likable figure for voters across the political spectrum, thanks in part to his tendency to buck party trends.

In a June 14 The Economist/You Gov poll (pdf), the Democrat topped both Trump and Biden in favorability. With 49 percent of respondents viewing him favorably and just 30 percent viewing him unfavorably, Kennedy garnered a net rating of 19 percent.

Trump and Biden had net ratings of negative 10 and negative 9 percent, respectively.

But those hoping for a TrumpKennedy ticket will likely be disappointed, as the latter has already shot the idea down.

Just to quell any speculation, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES will I join Donald Trump on an electoral ticket, he wrote in a May 10 tweet. Our positions on certain fundamental issues, our approaches to governance, and our philosophies of leadership could not be further apart.
Trump Says He Did Nothing Wrong After Audio Recording Emerges in Documents Case

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at the Faith and Freedom Road to Majority conference at the Washington Hilton in Washington on June 24, 2023. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Former President Donald Trump is saying he behaved appropriately and had not shown a classified document after CNN aired a July 2021 audio recording of him talking about an attack plan against Iran.

CNN aired an audio recording on Monday night in which it sounds as though Trump is describing military planning for an attack on Iran. Elements of the audio recording appear to match up with a segment of special counsel Jack Smiths federal indictment (pdf) against Trump, which describes a July 2021 meeting between Trump, a writer, a publisher, and two members of his staff, where they discussed the attack plan while interviewing Trump for a memoir about his former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows.

In the July 2021 recording, Trump said Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley formulated an Iran attack plan, despite claims circulating in the media that Milley feared Trump would start a war with Iran.

[Milley] said that I wanted to attack Iran, isnt it amazing? I have a big pile of papers; this thing just came up, Trump can be heard saying in the audio recording. Look. This was him  This wasnt done by me, this was him. All sorts of stuff, pages long, look.

The sound of papers shuffling can be heard in the recording before an unidentified speaker says, Oh my gosh.

I just found, isnt that amazing? This totally wins my case, you know, Trump responds. Except it is, like, highly confidential, secret, this is secret information.

Its unclear from the conversation and sounds of documents shuffling alone what document Trump was describing in the recording. In an interview with Fox News on Tuesday, Trump said there had been a pile of documents on his desk during the conversation but none that specifically contained classified or sensitive national defense information.

I had a whole desk full of lots of papers, mostly newspaper articles, copies of magazines, copies of different plans, copies of stories, having to do with many, many subjects, and what was said was absolutely fine and very perfectly, Trump told Fox News. We did nothing wrong. This is a whole hoax.

Trump Says Hes Not Concerned About Audio Recordings

Trump said the release of the audio recording amounted to election interference, more than anything else, but again said there was no indication he had acted inappropriately with classified documents.

Fox News asked Trump whether he was concerned about his voice appearing on the recording.

My voice was fine. What did I say wrong on those recordings? I didnt even see the recording. All I know is I did nothing wrong, Trump replied. We had a lot of papers, a lot of papers stacked up. In fact, you hear the rustle of the paper. And nobody said that I did anything wrong other than the fake news, which of course is Fox, too.

Fox News then asked Trump if he was aware of any additional audio recordings pertaining to his handling of classified documents.

I dont know of any recordings that we should be concerned with because I dont do things wrong, Trump said. I do things right. Im a legitimate person.

While stating he acted appropriately with government documents, Trump repeatedly referenced the discovery of classified documents in President Joe Bidens possession, as well as claims the Biden family engaged in bribery and influence peddling schemes.

Im not like Biden that gets hundreds of millions of dollars from people and countries, Trump said.

Says Iran Discussion Exonerates Him

In his initial response to CNN airing the audio recording, Trump said the recording exonerates him.

Its not clear precisely when in July 2021 the alleged conversation between Trump and the writer and publisher took place.

On July 15, several news media outlets began to publish excerpts of the book I Alone Can Fix It: Donald J Trumps Catastrophic Final Year by Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker. Those book excerpts included claims that Milley feared Trump would attempt a coup or start a war with Iran in order to stay in office after the 2020 election.

Trump denied the coup allegations and lambasted Milley in a July 15 press statement. The audio recording that CNN obtained and aired may have been a continuation of Trumps efforts to dispute the Iran attack allegations circulating in the press at the time.

Declassification and the Special Counsel Case

The July 2021 audio recording is briefly described in Smiths special counsel indictment against Trump. The former president and leading 2024 Republican presidential candidate faces 31 counts of willful retention of national defense information and additional counts for allegedly obstructing investigations and withholding documents from officials attempting to retrieve them.

Trump has repeatedly claimed he declassified documents that he took from the White House during and after his presidency, including the documents found at his Mar-a-Lago resort that form the basis for the federal indictment.

Prosecutors could present the audio recording at trial and argue that it shows Trump hadnt declassified all the documents in his possession. Smiths special counsel team has already asserted in their indictment against Trump that the recording indicates he either showed or described a classified document to people who lacked security clearances to view them.

In addition to his assertions that he declassified documents, Trump told Fox News that he is legally protected by the Presidential Records Act and a 2012 court ruling that he referred to as the Clinton Socks Case. The case Trump described was a decision by a federal judge to reject a request by Judicial Watch to compel the National Archive and Records Administration (NARA) to collect and then divulge recordings former President Bill Clinton had retained from his time in office. Clinton had reportedly kept dozens of these tapes in his sock drawer.

Im covered by the Presidential Records Act. Im covered also by the Clinton Socks Case. Its a very important case. Its law, Trump told Fox News on Tuesday.

Legal analyst Mike Daviswho served as a legal counsel to Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), as clerk for a federal judge, and who now heads the Article III Projecthas also argued that Trump is protected by the federal ruling on the Clinton-era recordings.

From NTD News
Trump Says Recording of Him Discussing Iran Attack Plan Exonerates Him

Former President Donald J. Trump speaks during the Faith and Freedom Road to Majority conference at Hilton in Washington on June 24, 2023. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times)

Former President Donald Trump is arguing that he is exonerated by a recently published audio recording that purports to show him describing military planning documents from his presidency with a writer and publisher.

CNN first aired an audio recording on Monday night in which it sounds as though Trump is describing military planning for an attack on Iran. Elements of the audio recording appear to match up with a segment of Jack Smiths federal indictment (pdf) against Trump, which describes a July 2021 meeting between Trump, the writer, the publisher, and two members of his staff, where they discussed a plan of attack on another country.

In the audio recording shared with CNN, Trump identifies Iran as the country for which the attack plan was drafted and alleges Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley was the one who formulated the attack plan. CNN reported the recording took place in the context of the writer and publisher interviewing Trump while gathering details for a memoir of former Trump White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows.

The Audio Recording

Its not clear precisely when in July of 2021 the alleged conversation between Trump and the writer and publisher took place.

On July 15, several news media outlets began to publish excerpts of the book I Alone Can Fix It: Donald J Trumps Catastrophic Final Year by Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker. Those book excerpts included claims that Milley feared Trump would attempt a coup or start a war with Iran in order to stay in office after the 2020 election.

Trump denied the coup allegations and lambasted Milley in a July 15 press statement. The audio recording that CNN obtained and aired appears to have been a continuation of Trumps efforts to dispute the Iran attack allegations circulating in the press at the time.

[Milley] said that I wanted to attack Iran, isnt it amazing? I have a big pile of papers; this thing just came up, Trump can be heard saying in the audio recording. Look. This was him. They presented me thisthis is off-the-recordbut they presented me this. This was him. This was the Defense Department and him. We looked at somethis was him. This wasnt done by me, this was him. All sorts of stuff, pages long, look.

The sound of papers shuffling can be heard in the recording before an unidentified speaker says Oh my gosh.

I just found, isnt that amazing? This totally wins my case, you know, Trump says in the audio recording. Except it is, like, highly confidential, secret, this is secret information. Look. Look at this, you attack, and

As Trump continued to discuss the documents with the writer and publisher, Trump says, These are the papers  this was done by the military and given to me. I think we can probably, right?

An unnamed speaker then says, I dont know, well have to see, well have to try to

Declassify it, Trump interrupts.

Figure out a, yeah, the unnamed speaker continues.

See, as president I could have declassified it, now I cant, but this is still a secret, Trump says.

The Special Counsel Case

The July 2021 audio recording is briefly described in Smiths Special Counsel indictment against Trump. Trump faces 31 counts of willful retention of national defense information and additional counts for obstructing investigations and withholding documents from officials attempting to retrieve them.

Trump has repeatedly claimed he declassified documents that he took from the White House during and after his presidency, including the documents found at his Mar-a-Lago resort that form the basis for the federal indictment.

Prosecutors could present the audio recording at trial and argue that it shows Trump hadnt declassified all the documents in his possession and that he showed those documents to people who lacked security clearances to view them.

In an interview with Fox News last week, host Bret Baier referenced the audio recording as it was described in the federal indictment. Trump denied having any specific Iran document.

Bret, there was no document. That was a massive amount of papers and everything else, talking about Iran and other things, Trump told Baier. And it may have been held up or may not. That was not a document. I didnt have any document per se. There was nothing to declassify, these were newspaper stories, magazine stories, and articles.

The Deranged Special Prosecutor, Jack Smith, working in conjunction with the DOJ & FBI, illegally leaked and spun a tape and transcript of me which is actually an exoneration, rather than what they would have you believe, Trump said in a post on his Truth social media account on Monday night. This continuing Witch Hunt is another ELECTION INTERFERENCE Scam. They are cheaters and thugs!

NTD News reached out to one of the attorneys representing Trump in the special counsel case but he declined to comment.

From NTD News
Trump Sues E. Jean Carroll for Defamation, False Statements After Jury Orders Him to Pay $5 Million

Former President Donald J. Trump speaks during the Faith and Freedom Road to Majority conference at Hilton in Washington on June 24, 2023. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times)

Former President Donald Trump has filed a counterclaim against author E. Jean Carroll, accusing her of defamation and making false statements after she alleged he raped her in a dressing room at the Bergdorf Goodman department store in Manhattan in the mid-1990s.

Trumps counterclaim comes just a month after he was ordered to pay $5 million in damages when a jury found him liable for battery and defamation charges in his legal battle with Carroll.

The jury found that Trump did not rape Carroll, something the former president has himself repeatedly denied.

Filed with the Southern District of New York federal court on June 27, Trumps counterclaim (pdf) states that Carroll damaged his reputation by accusing him of raping her during an appearance on CNN on May 10, one day after a nine-member jury found that Carroll did not prove that Trump raped her but instead found that the businessman and 2024 presidential candidate sexually abused her.

The counterclaim states that during her interview with CNN, Carroll, a former Elle magazine advice columnist, was specifically asked about the jury unanimously finding Trump not liable for rape in the case.

In response to that specific inquiry, Counterclaim Defendant disregarded the jurys finding that Counterclaimant did not rape her and replied: oh yes he did, oh yes he did,' the counterclaim states.

Lawyers for Trump argue in the counterclaim that Carrolls comments on CNN were made knowing each of them were false or with reckless disregard for their truth or falsity and that they were made on television, social media, and multiple websites, with the intention of broadcasting and circulating these defamatory statements among a significant portion of the public.

(L) President Donald Trump comes out of the Oval Office from the White House on Sept. 16, 2019. (R) E. Jean Carroll leaves following her trial at Manhattan Federal Court in New York on May 8, 2023. (Mandel Ngan, Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)

Significant Harm to Trumps Reputation

Counterclaim Defendant made these false statements with actual malice and ill will with an intent to significantly and spitefully harm and attack Counterclaimants reputation, as these false statements were clearly contrary to the jury verdict, Trumps lawyers wrote.

Owing to what Trumps lawyers say are Carrolls repeated falsehoods and defamatory statements made against Trump, the former president has suffered significant harm to his reputation, which, in turn, has yielded an inordinate amount of damages sustained as a result, his attorneys wrote in the counterclaim.

The counterclaim asks the court to deny the damages awarded to Carroll in the civil case, that she retract her defamatory statements, and that Trump be awarded compensatory and punitive damages of an unspecified amount as well as legal fees and any further relief the court may deem just and proper.

Carroll initially filed a lawsuit against Trump in 2019, accusing the then-president of defaming her when he denied having raped her in a dressing room at the Bergdorf Goodman department store in Manhattan in 1995 or 1996.

In response to her allegations, Trump declared that Carroll was not my type.

Ill say it with great respect: Number one, shes not my type. Number two, it never happened, Trump told The Hill in an interview at the White House at the time.

That lawsuit has been the subject of multiple appeals.

(L) Former President Donald Trump disembarks his plane at Aberdeen Airport in Aberdeen, Scotland, on May 1, 2023. (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images); (R) Magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll arrives for her civil trial against former President Donald Trump at Manhattan Federal Court in New York, on May 8, 2023. (Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)

Trump Ordered to Pay $5 Million in Damages

In November 2022, Carroll filed a second lawsuit accusing Trump of battery and defamation after the New York State Legislature passed a law known as the Adult Survivor Act, which grants victims of certain sexual offenses a one-year window to file a civil lawsuit against alleged offenders.

The defamation charge was related to a statement Trump made on Truth Social in October 2022 in which he branded Carrolls allegations a hoax and a lie and again stated that she was not his type.

He also stressed that he did not know Carroll and took aim at the fact that she was unsure as to when the alleged incident cited in her lawsuit took place.

It was for her second lawsuit that the jury last month awarded Carroll $5 million in damages, including $2 million in damages for sexual abuse and around $3 million for defamation.

Following the jurys verdict, Carroll told NBC News that she was overwhelmed with joy and happiness and delight for the women in this country, adding that the lawsuit was not about the money but about getting my name back.

However, Trumps legal team was last week granted permission to deposit $5.55 million with a federal court as security while the former president appeals the jurys verdict in the second of Carrolls lawsuits, meaning litigation will likely continue for some time.

Trump has also asked for a new trial, arguing that the damages he was requested to pay Carroll are grossly excessive.
An Air India Airbus A320neo passenger plane moves on the runway after landing, in Ahmedabad

India's aerospace suppliers see upside in parts-making from record jet orders An Air India Airbus A320neo passenger plane moves on the runway after landing, in Ahmedabad

By Allison Lampert and Aditi Shah

PARIS/DELHI (Reuters) -Indian aerospace suppliers see record jet orders by the country's top two carriers boosting domestic parts manufacturing and aircraft repairs, but argue the government must do more to support production.

Rising traffic, a search for alternative sourcing to China and orders this month from Air India and IndiGo for nearly 1,000 jets combined have made India a key market for aerospace.

Now, small and medium suppliers want to capitalize on that to drive more sales of locally sourced parts, they told Reuters on the sidelines of the Paris Airshow last week.

"Today we are going to be the largest purchaser of planes in the world," said Shekhar Sardessai, managing director at Kineco Group, a supplier in the western state of Goa, referring to India.

"We deserve a piece of that pie," added Sardessai, whose company makes engine and plane interior parts.

While French engine maker Safran has plans for an engine repair and overhaul facility in India, about 90% of the country's aircraft maintenance and repair activity occurs outside its borders, according to consultancy Deloitte.

The Indian repair and overhaul industry is expected to grow to $4 billion by 2031, up from $1.7 billion in 2021, Deloitte said.

India's civil aviation ministry expects the orders to boost aerospace manufacturing in the country, but it cannot mandate local production since the orders do not have requirements for local production like defense deals, a senior government official told Reuters.

Deloitte India partner Alaric Diniz expects parts of the commercial aviation supply chain to move to India as plane and engine makers look to avoid disruptions seen in recent years. While he could not estimate how much small suppliers will benefit, any subsidy or incentive could be helpful.

AEROSPACE INCENTIVES

Some suppliers like Sardessai and Aravind Melligeri, CEO of aerospace-parts producer Aequs, said India should create a production-linked incentive scheme for aerospace as it has done with other sectors.

In 2020, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government launched a program to encourage companies in 14 sectors including autos to manufacture locally by earmarking 1.97 trillion rupees ($24 billion) in incentives. It has drawn investment from the likes of Foxconn, which supplies to iPhone maker Apple, and automakers including Japan's Suzuki Motor and South Korea's Hyundai Motor have committed to put in money.

Even without incentives, India's growing fleet of aircraft will require more maintenance services.

"If you will have that many planes in India who repairs them?" said Sachin Agarwal, chairman of PTC Industries, based in the state of Uttar Pradesh. "Every supplier wants to be closer to the customer."

PTC is already taking advantage of global supply-chain demand for alternate sources to Russian-made titanium and Chinese production.

It expects to increase production from 1,500 metric tons of titanium alloy at the end of 2023 to 6,500 metric tons in 2025. PTC is separately expanding capacity of titanium and superalloy castings tenfold by 2025.

"The objective is to set up the capability in India which was missing," Agarwal said.

Since Safran's 2022 announcement, Sardessai has seen an increase in supply enquiries.

The fact that more engines are going to be sold in India drives up the volume of repairs and maintenance which can benefit the local supply chain, said Ankit Patel, director of Ankit Fasteners, which supplies screws and bolts to General Electric, Airbus and Boeing from Bengaluru in southern India.

Patel said French suppliers now want to partner with him to gain access to India, a reversal from the years he pursued inroads in Europe.

Melligeri of Aequs wants to be sure demand for Indian-made parts and components will persist once of the buzz of the Paris Airshow fades, after companies like his invest in new capacity.

"I don't want them to come and go," he said, referring to interest in India.

($1 = 81.9830 Indian rupees)

(Reporting by Allison Lampert in Paris and Aditi Shah in DelhiEditing by Ben Klayman and Matthew Lewis)
Try Again: Sens Hawley, Braun Demand Biden Admin Turn Over More COVID Origins Info After Evasive Response

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) speaks during a Senate Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Spending Oversight on Capitol Hill in Washington on Aug. 3, 2022. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Sens. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Mark Braun (R-Ind.) are demanding that President Joe Bidens administration provide more details about the origins of COVID-19 after releasing a 10-page report describing potential links between the origins of the virus and work at a Chinese virology laboratory in 2019.

In March, Congress passed, and Biden signed a law known as the COVID-19 Origin Act of 2023 that required the Biden administration to release any and all information relating to potential links between the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) in Wuhan, China, and the origin of COVID-19. The law set a June 18 deadline to declassify and make available to the public as much information as possible.

Hawley and Braun sent a reminder letter to Biden on June 14, but his administration still missed the June 18 deadline to declassify and publicly release the COVID-19 origins documents. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) instead published a 10-page document (pdf) five days late on the evening of June 23.

The 10-page document included a one-page coversheet, a one-page table of contents, and a three-page appendix of terms used throughout the report. The five remaining pages of the report stated that the WIV worked with several viruses, including coronaviruses, but no known viruses that could plausibly be a progenitor of SARS-CoV-2.

The report also described how several WIV researchers fell ill in the fall of 2019 and said these researchers possessed some symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and some symptoms considered not consistent with COVID-19.

The COVID-19 Origin Act calls for a full declassification, not Cliffs Notes to cover for [Dr. Anthony Fauci] and protect China, Braun wrote in a Monday press statement.

The report released today by the DNI is totally insufficient. The bill Senator Hawley and I passed was to declassify *any and all* information relating to potential links between the Wuhan Institute of Virology and the origin of COVID-19 including several specific requests related to researchers names and their activities at the Wuhan lab. Our bill was passed unanimously by a Democrat Senate and a Republican House and signed by President Biden.

This 9 page DNI report is 5 pages of titles and dictionary definitions, with only 4 pages of actual information, most of which is vague or already reported. The report contains no actual documents. The American people deserve the facts, not more half truths and politics, Braun added.

Security personnel stand outside the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan in Chinas central Hubei province on Feb. 3, 2021. (Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images)

Failed to Comply

Braun and Hawley reiterated their disappointment in a letter to Avril Haines, who is Bidens director of national intelligence.

[The COVID-19 Origins Act] required the Director of National Intelligence to declassify any and all information relating to links between the Wuhan Institute of Virology and the origin of COVID-19, the senators wrote in a letter they first shared with Fox News.

You failed to comply with both requirements. The deadline was June 18, 2023. Well past the statutory deadline, your office published a declassified report after business hours on June 23.

Braun and Hawley concluded that ODNI obviously has more information about the origins of COVID-19 and the WIV than the five-page summary would suggest. They also accused the Biden administration of showing deference toward China.

Youand the rest of the Administrationappear to be refusing to provide information about Chinas role in and responsibility for the COVID-19 pandemic in order to avoid upsetting Beijing, they wrote.

We invite you to try again, the senators added. Within 7 business days, provide to Congress documentation that fully complies with the letter of the law to disclose any and all information related to the origins of COVID-19 and a lab leak with minimal redactions.

NTD News reached out to ODNI and the Biden White House for comment about Braun and Hawleys letter, but neither office responded by the time this article was published.

Growing GOP Backlash to ODNI Report

House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner (R-Ohio) and House Coronavirus Subcommittee Chair Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio) called the June 23 ODNI report a promising step toward full transparency.

Following the release of the report, Turner and Wenstrup also concluded that the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army have some serious explaining to do regarding the research that had occurred at the WIV.

Other Republicans were less impressed by the ODNIs efforts.

This Friday night news dump of a mere 10-page summary is a slap in the face of Americans who deserve full transparency about what information the government possesses regarding the origins of COVID-19, said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.).

Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), who sits on the House Intelligence Committee, said that the ODNI should have released details on the WIV researchers who fell ill in the Autumn of 2019. In fact, the COVID-19 Origin Act asks for the names of WIV researchers who fell ill in 2019, their symptoms, and their specific involvement in coronavirus-related work at the WIV.

This DNI release does none of that and, in many ways, obscures more than it illuminates, Gallagher said.

From NTD News
'Real-time' pacing brings energetically executed suspense to hijacking thriller

TV-MA | 7 episodes | thriller | June 28, 2023

Sam Nelson is flying Kingdom Airways, a fictional airline more like British Airways than Etihad or Emirates, but its first-class section should still be quite luxurious. Unfortunately, he will not be able to enjoy it, because his flight will be disrupted by hijackers. As it happens, sitting in first-class puts him in earshot of the ringleader, which is where he wants to be. Nelson calls on all the powers of persuasion he developed as a shark-like corporate negotiator-for-hire to convince the hijackers to peacefully land the plane in co-creators George Kay and Jim Field Smiths seven-part Hijack.

Sam Nelson (Idris Elba), in Hijack. (Apple TV+)

Nelson (Idris Elba) booked his flight from Dubai hoping to save his marriage to his wife, Marsha Smith-Nelson (Christine Adams), but she has already moved on to Detective Inspector Daniel OFarrell (Max Beesley) during their separation. Nelsons son Kai (Jude Cudjoe) is not too thrilled about the new arrangement, but it will soon be useful to have a detective close at hand. Despite their differences, Smith-Nelson knows that her estranged husband is not prone to exaggeration, so when he sends an ominous text about an incident onboard, she asks OFarrell to follow-up with his national security contact and ex-girlfriend, Zahra Gahfoor (Archie Panjabi).

The flight has indeed been hijacked, but the gang led by the burly, blunt Stuart Atterton (Neil Maskell) does not seem political. The unstable Jaden (Mohamed Elsandel) speaks Arabic, but that appears to be a prudent preparation for hijacking a flight from the Emirates rather than a reflection of some sort of Islamist ideology. Regardless, the hijackers will be forced to make their move considerably earlier than planned. That means there will be far more time for things to go wrong. Picking up on their nervousness, Nelson offers his services as a facilitator and go-between, but Atterton instinctively distrusts the negotiator.

Hijack is billed as a real-time thriller in the tradition of 24, but it does not emphasize the passage of time so prominently. Instead of a ticking clock, viewers more often see the in-flight map of the planes progress, because each time it enters a different countrys air space, a new host of problems ensue.

Hopefully, there are more security safeguards built into real-life air travel than depicted in Hijack. Nevertheless, the plot comes across as reasonably plausible, even in the post-9/11 era. Obviously, the fear of a weaponized hijacked airliner hangs over the series, greatly shaping the response of authorities on the ground. Nelson is hardly an invincible superhero either, which lends the series further dramatic credibility. Frankly, he is not very heroically inclined at all, but he has Idris Elbas imposing physical stature.

Zahra Gahfoor (Archie Penjabi), in Hijack. (Apple TV+)

More Brains Than Brawn

In fact, Elbas lead performance is magnetic and surprisingly complex. He is not always sympathetic or likable, but its fascinating to watch him incisively analyze and respond to the predicament. He is the rare thriller protagonist who relies more on brains than muscle.

Neil Maskell (who has previously played plenty of working-class thugs in Ben Wheatleys films) is also terrific as Atterton, who is indeed a ruffian, but he is sufficiently calculating to make a worthy adversary to Nelson and the disorganized UK bureaucrats chasing their tails on the ground. At least Panjabi inspires some confidence as the no-nonsense Gahfoor. (She also starred in airline crash investigation series Departure, which depicts the sort of tragic aftermath Nelson is trying to avoid in Hijack.) Likewise, Beesley makes an engagingly earnest secondary hero as OFarrell, nicely complementing Elbas difficult and downbeat Nelson.

Detective Inspector Daniel OFarrell (Max Beesley) and Sams wife Marsha Smith-Nelson (Christine Adams), in Hijack. (Apple TV+)

The claustrophobic airline cabin setting that elevated workaday thrillers like Passenger 57 and Non-Stop still works like a charm in Hijack. Elba is even more effective as the rogue passenger than Snipes or Neeson were. However, many of the flights near catastrophes feel a bit drawn out, in order to fill seven episodes. Each installment clocks in around 45 minutes, so they are slightly fudging the realtime aspect, but that is probably just as well.

There are plenty of contrivances in Hijack, but directors Jim Field Smith and Mo Ali keep the tension high throughout the series. In general, airline thrillers tap into anxieties all travelers share. Hijack does so especially effectively, because its protagonist is so believably flawed. Recommended for its reasonably grounded and energetically executed hijacking suspense.

Idris Elba stars in suspenseful 7-episode airline thriller, Hijack. (Apple TV+)

Hijack starts streaming on July 28 on Apple TV+.

Hijack

Directors: Jim Field Smith, Mo Ali

Stars: Idris Elba, Archie Panjabi, Neil Maskell, Eve Myles, Christine Adams

Running Time: 7 episodes

MPAA Rating: TV-MA

Release Date: June 28, 2023

Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Ukraine Crisis Brings Relief and Stability to Taiwan Situation

Commentary

Whether Vladimir Putin holds his position or not, and that must now be considered somewhat problematical, events in Ukraine and elsewhere should help cool things somewhat over Taiwan.

The Chinese have an even more political and, from all accounts, an even more self-indulgently corrupt army than the Russians, and they havent fought a serious war since the agreement of the ceasefire in Korea in May 1953and as weve seen in Ukraine, 70 years without testing your deployment, morale, weapons, and command structure may invite extremely unpleasant surprises if you suddenly unleash war upon a well-armed, NATO-trained, and highly motivated opponent.

If Putin does hang on as Russian leader, he will surely come under very heavy pressure to wind this war downto salvage something from the Donbas and the Black Sea coast and maintain Crimea but, beyond that, to resign himself on behalf of Russia to Ukraine becoming for the first time an independent country with unquestioned international status. The question mark that has hovered over Russian acceptance of the defection of all of the other former republics of the Soviet Union from the control of the Kremlin will have been resolved as far as Ukraine is concerned, particularly in the West. Putin or any successor regime may salvage out of this fiasco enough of a minor accretion to Russian territory from eastern Ukraine to permit a jaunty masquerade of partial success, followed at once by a reanimation of cordial relations between the West and Russia.

The greatest dangers in this war for the West were that snuffing out Ukrainian independence would confirm the widespread view that the Western Alliance was effectively defunct, the West was soft, the United States was a paper tiger, and freedom had no serious defenders. Equally important was the danger that, in such a result, and especially if China were enabled to play a significant role in assisting Russia to victory, it would solidify the relationship between those two countries. To the extent that China and Russia became a single strategic entity, and more particularly to the extent that China got its hands on the vast untapped resources of Asian Russia, China would instantly become a far more dangerous and formidable strategic adversary than it already is.

In addition, any such Russian experience in Ukraine would almost certainly have been the encouragement that it has seemed to be anyway to China to accelerate what had been the timetable for getting to grips with the Taiwan question.

President Richard Nixon agreed with Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai on his first visit to China in 1972, on Maos assurance, that China wouldnt focus on the Taiwan question for 100 years and that it should be allowed simply to sleep under the agreed formula that the United States accepted the principle of a single China embracing both the Peoples Republic and Taiwan, but that the Peoples Republic accepted that there would be no attempt to reunify China by force.

As only half of the anticipated century has elapsed, every rational argument is to take whatever measures are available without embarrassment or apparent weakness to relaunch, at the midpoint in the century, a policy of quiescence on the issue. Its entirely possible that in a further 50 years, Taiwan will be entirely capable of deterring an attack upon itself. Its even possible that in that time, the Peoples Republic might become a much less belligerent government than it has been.

Some combination of events, including the Ukraine war, the American debacle in Afghanistan, and the heightened Chinese Communist Party (CCP) agitation about the status of Taiwan, has created considerable concern in the last six months that the CCP might be tempted to dispense with Maos indicated timetable and move on Taiwan imminently. This seems now to be settling down, but fortuitously there have been some useful developments.

Taiwan has shown itself to be resolute and impossible to intimidate, and instead of a lot of loose speculation, considerable focus was given to the fact that to invade Taiwan, China would have to move at least half a million men across 150 miles of open water under the entire deterrent and defensive apparatus of Taiwan.

The theory that China could simply reduce Taiwan to impotent supplication by an air campaign is nonsense in itself, but particularly so, since even this most hesitant, incoherent, and at times pusillanimous U.S. administration has unequivocally stated in the last Defense Authorization Act that in the event of a Peoples Republic attack upon Taiwan, the United States would militarily assist directly in repulsing that attack. I couldnt be accused of distributing compliments over-frequently and too effusively to the Biden administration, but I think it should be commended for managing to make this point without it apparently inflaming the atmosphere of ChineseU.S. relations.

It now seems likely that as long as provocations continue to be deescalated, normalcy will be restored, but it will be a matter of record that the United States will join directly in responding to any such Chinese attempt to invade Taiwan.

Ukrainian warriors have caused an apparent substantial rundown in reserves of American ammunition and other ordnance, and there has been a good deal of attention to the fact that American capabilities at hypersonic missiles have fallen behind those of China and Russia, that the extensive American military bases on Guam are inadequately protected from possible Chinese air attack, and that the giant Nimitz class aircraft carriers have an inadequate defense against sophisticated missile attack. Any period of de-escalation should be quietly used by the United States to make good on all of these deficiencies.

In addition to all these factors, China would presumably take on board what the morale of well-armed free people defending their homeland can do, and suggestions that, in their more unguarded moments, Chinese semi-official spokespeople have made that it would be a simple matter for China to snuff out Taiwanese independence should be discreetly reconsidered.

The spectacle of crowds cheering the mutineers as they marched on Moscow, and of the defectors taking over the city of Rostov (a million people) and the regional military headquarters without firing a shot, must be sobering for any country contemplating aggression. Long-serving Soviet foreign minister Andrei Gromyko famously called Egypt a paper camel; Russia looks more and more like a paper bear.

If events in Ukraine and in Moscow take their most likely course, it must be said that it will be a success to the account of the Biden administration, the first significant such success it has had in foreign policy.

Its unlikely that this will in itself be too influential on the 2024 U.S. election; American voters demonstrated after the first Gulf War how short their memory of such things is. But it cant fail to be a benevolent event for the West, when the United States puts whats shaping up as a very satisfactory result in Ukraine on the international boardit largely erases Afghanistan from memory, much as the 1962 missile crisis erased recollections of the Bay of Pigs fiasco.

At this point, the entire Ukraine issue, including whatever connection it has to Taiwan, is shaping up very satisfactorily for the West.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Unclear When Porter Davis Creditors Will Be Paid

A partially finished Porter Davis home is seen in Rochedale, south of Brisbane, Friday, March 31, 2023. Building works will stop immediately on more than 1700 properties in Victoria and Queensland as a result of the collapse of Porter Davis. (AAP Image/Jono Searle)

Its unclear when creditors owed millions of dollars following the collapse of builder Porter Davis will see their money or how much theyll get.

The company fell over in late March with about $147 million (US$97.67 million) in debt, leaving some 1700 homes in limbo in Victoria and Queensland.

On June 28, around 20 people representing hundreds of creditors met at the Sofitel in Melbourne to discuss the next steps.

Several motions were passed related to paying liquidators Grant Thornton, contracts and forming inspection committees on three companies.

The focus remains on clawing back money, but its still too early to say how much money would be recovered and put into a pool for creditors, according to Grant Thornton partner Matt Byrnes.

Families building homes and contractors such as tradespeople are among ordinary unsecured creditors owed $71.5m; however, they are unlikely to receive any money.

Theres still some possibility if the (efforts to recover money) go really well that they could be, but at the moment we think its unlikely and thats the advice weve given to the creditors, Byrnes said.

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia is owed $33m, which will likely be paid in full.

Chesapeake Pty Ltd and employee priority creditors will likely get a partial dividend.

Separately, it was revealed liquidators have sold off subsidiary luxury home building company Englehart to an unidentified builder.

All their construction projects and employees remain unaffected by the collapse of the parent company.

Some 560 Victorian Porter Davis clients were not covered by insurance despite paying the construction giant before it collapsed, forcing the state government to establish a $15 million bailout scheme.

Simonds Homes and Metricon Homes have since committed to finishing off some of the incomplete houses.

Earlier in June, the liquidators released a statutory report revealing the builder may have been trading while insolvent from February 2023.

Byrnes said there were some indicators it may have done so before that however the exact date remains unclear and there was no compelling case proving that things went wrong before then.

There is no timeline for the liquidators investigation and about three terabytes of data to go through, which Byrnes estimated would take hundreds of hours.
United Airlines CEO Faults FAA as Storms Trigger More Flight Cancellations

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby faulted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for ordering flight cancellations and delays over the weekend due to severe weather.

Thunderstorms and failing equipment at an FAA facility created significant delays for air travelers across the U.S. East Coast on Sunday evening as Washington and New York were forced to briefly halt most incoming flights.

In a memo written to employees on Monday, the head of United Airlines blamed a shortage of FAAs air traffic controllers for unprecedented challenges last weekend at its Newark hub.

We estimate that over 150,000 customers on United alone were impacted this weekend because of FAA staffing issues and their ability to manage traffic, Kirby wrote.

Kirby said that the FAA reduced arrival rates at its major hub at Newark Liberty International Airport by 40 percent and departure rates by 75 percent on Saturday, which was almost certainly a reflection of understaffing/lower experience at the FAA.

That led to massive delays, cancellations, and put everyone behind the eight ball when weather actually did hit on Sunday and was further compounded by FAA staffing shortages Sunday evening, he said.

Kirby said he will be meeting with the FAA and Department of Transportation to discuss what steps FAA can take in the immediate term to prevent this from happening again this summer.

The FAA responded Tuesday, saying, We will always collaborate with anyone seriously willing to join us to solve a problem.

Kirby noted that even though the current FAA leadership did not create the staffing problem, they still need to resolve it.

To be fair, its not the fault of the current FAA leadership, he wrote, but added, they are responsible for solving the problem they inherited.

Over the weekend, powerful storms struck several parts of the country, including in the Mid-Atlantic and parts of the Northeast where many busy hubs are located. As more than 300 severe storms ripped through the country, more than 32,000 flights were delayed on Monday, according data from flight monitoring service FlightAware. By Tuesday, more than 28,000 flights were delayed and over 2,800 flights were canceled.

The FAA has admitted that it is understaffed at key facilities including one in the New York City region. It is training about 3,000 new air traffic controllers, but most of them wont be ready anytime soon. The agency resorted to nudging airlines to reduce flights in the New York City area this summer, and it opened 169 new flight paths over the East Coast to reduce bottlenecks. Last week, the Transportation Departments inspector general said in a report that the FAA has made only limited efforts to adequately staff critical air traffic control centers and lacks a plan to tackle the problem.

Last week, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg issued a new warning to airlines, telling them that planes that arent outfitted with new radio altimetersdevices that measure the height of a plane above the groundwont be allowed to operate in limited visibility after Saturday because of potential interference from new 5G wireless service.

American, United, Southwest, Alaska, and Frontier say all of their planes have been retrofitted, but Delta Air Lines still has about 190 planes waiting to be updated because its supplier doesnt have enough altimeters. Delta said it will schedule those planes to avoid landing where the weather might be bad to limit disruptions. Smaller airlines that operate regional flights could also be affected, as could flights operated to the United States by foreign carriers.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
US Asleep at the Wheel as China Moves to Topple America: Nikki Haley

Republican presidential candidate, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington on June 27, 2023. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

The United States is asleep at the wheel while communist China has grown into the most dangerous foreign threat thats now trying to displace the U.S.-based world order, according to former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley.

In a speech at the American Enterprise Institute, the Republican presidential hopeful described the Chinese Communist Party as the greatest threat to American security and prosperity.

America is Chinas No. 1 target, she said, pointing to a series of Chinese aggressions that include a Chinese fighter jets harassment of a U.S. aircraft, a Chinese naval ship that cut off U.S. destroyer in the Taiwan Strait, a Chinese spy balloon that flew over sensitive U.S. missile bases, and Beijings recently revealed secret eavesdropping base in our own backyard on the fellow communist island of Cuba.

These provocations are not coincidences or accidents. They are the purposeful actions of a communist dictatorship that is determined to expand its power and defeat America militarily and economically.

Asleep at the Wheel

Haley took issue with the Biden administrations engagement efforts in trying to prevent a conflict with China, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken making a high-profile trip to Beijing last week and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and climate envoy John Kerry both poised to make similar visits soon.

I dont mind that Secretary Blinken went to China. We should always keep that communication going when were dealing with our enemies. Its the way theyre doing it, she said. Its showing that Americas running scared from China.

Haley appeared sharply critical of Yellens recent emphasis to work together where possible with China.

The idea that Secretary Yellen said we should look for more ways to economically tie ourselves with China, thats ludicrous, she said.

As is Kerrys plans for a climate deal acknowledging the priorities that we need to be dealing with, Haley said.

She cited photos of Blinkens meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, showing Xi presiding at the head of a conference table with Blinken on his right side.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L) attends a meeting with Chinas leader Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on June 19, 2023. (Leah Millis/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Thats not showing American strength. American strength is when you tell countries what we expect of them. Youre not reactionary to how they act, Haley said. Chinas scolding us because they can.

In an apparent sign that Beijing isnt in any way worried about us, Chinas top leadership has refused repeated U.S. requests to restart military-level communications.

Thats a big deal, Haley said. When a countrys Department of Defense doesnt answer another countrys Department of Defense, that tells you everything you need to know, and thats why Biden needs to stop pandering, and he needs to start being aggressive and strong, and how we deal with China.

The Biden administration is asleep at the wheel, she said. They are looking more for appeasement than they are looking for strength, and thats a mistake because thats incredibly dangerous for America and our allies.

Criticism of Trumps China Approach

Haley also took aim at former President Donald Trump over his China policy records.

While crediting Trump for making both parties take off their blinders on China, Haley, who served as U.S. ambassador to the U.N. during his administration, argued that the former president didnt go far enough.

President Trump was almost singularly focused on our trade relationship with China, she said. He was right about our trade abuses, it was and still is a critical issue. But Trump did too little about the rest of the Chinese threat.

Shipping containers, some marked China Shipping, are stacked at the Port of Los Angeles on Nov. 7, 2019. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

He did not put us on a stronger military foothold in Asia. He did not stop the flow of American technology and investment into the Chinese military. He did not effectively rally our allies against the Chinese threat. Even the trade deal he signed came up short when China predictably failed to live up to its commitments.

Haley noted that Trump also showed moral weakness in his zeal to befriend the communist leader in China by congratulating the regimes 70 years of rule over the country.

That sent a wrong message to the world, she said. Chinese communism must be condemned, never congratulated.

Haley later described it as a matter of moral clarity.

You dont tell a dictator the way they sit there and hold their hand down on their people is a good thing, she said. What we say matters. Countries pay attention, our enemies pay more attention. We have to be very responsible with those words.

But if China was militarily stronger when President Trump left office than when he entered, Joe Bidens record is much worse, according to Haley.

She said Biden has failed to address Chinas role in the fentanyl crisis and curb the Chinese acquisition of U.S. property and has refused to seriously investigate Chinas cover-up of COVID origins.

His obsessive focus on climate issues naively plays into Chinas negotiating hand, and the situation is getting worse, Haley said, noting that the Blinken trip was a gold-plated invitation for more Chinese aggression.

Chinas scolded us, then President Xi pronounced it was a good meeting. He only says that when he gets a lot more than he gives. In fact, he gave us nothing, she said. Mark my words, [Bidens] going to keep ignoring the Chinese threat. Well have wasted four more years.

Representatives for the Trump campaign and White House officials didnt respond to a request by The Epoch Times for comment. The State Department declined to comment.
US Sanctions Gold Firms Tied to Wagner Mercenary Group

The U.S. Treasury Department building at dusk in Washington on June 6, 2019. (Patrick Semansky/AP Photo)

The U.S. Treasury Department on Tuesday imposed sanctions on multiple companies accused of using illicit gold sales to help fund Russias Wagner mercenary group.

Treasury said in an announcement on June 27 that it had sanctioned four companies in the Central African Republic, United Arab Emirates, and Russia, accusing the entities of engaging in illegal gold dealings to fund Wagner operations and expand the groups armed forces.

One individual, Wagner executive Andrey Nikolayevich Ivanov, has also been sanctioned for allegedly facilitating mining and weapons deals in Mali on behalf of Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Treasurys sanctions disrupt key actors in the Wagner Groups financial network and international structure, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson said in a statement.

The four companies targeted by U.S. sanctions in Tuesdays actions are: Central African Republic-based Midas Resources SARLU (Midas) and Diamville SAU (Diamville); Dubai-based Industrial Resources General Trading (Industrial Resources); and Russia-based Limited Liability Company DM (OOO DM).

Treasury alleges that Wagner, acting as a proxy military force of the Kremlin, has committed widespread human rights abuses and appropriated natural resources in multiple African countries.

The Wagner Group funds its brutal operations in part by exploiting natural resources in countries like the Central African Republic and Mali, Nelson said.

The United States will continue to target the Wagner Groups revenue streams to degrade its expansion and violence in Africa, Ukraine, and anywhere else, he added.

The Russian embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the sanctions.

Besides fighting some of the bloodiest battles in Ukraine in what the Kremlin calls a special military operation, Wagner forces have fought in Libya, Syria, the Central African Republic, and Mali, among others.

In January, the United States designated Wagner as a transnational criminal organization responsible for widespread human rights abuses, with the Kremlin accusing Washington of having baselessly demonized the group.

Wagner again surged into the limelight recently after its forces left Ukraine and marched on Moscow in an apparent act of rebellion against Russias top military leaders.

Wagner Beginnings

The Wagner Group, officially known as PMC Wagner, or Wagner Private Military Company, is a Russian paramilitary organization first identified in 2014, when it backed pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.

While private military companies are technically illegal in Russia, Wagner has operated with state backing. Some reports say the groups murky legal status has allowed it to operate with plausible deniability as an unofficial armed wing of the Kremlin on sensitive foreign missions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2012, while serving as prime minister, told the Russian Duma that he supported the creation of private military companies as tools of Russian influence abroad.

Wagner in November 2022 opened an office in St. Petersburg, where Putin once served as mayor and Prigozhin ran a restaurant that Putin would frequent.

British intelligence said that in December 2022, Wagner had formally registered as a legal entity with a Russian state registry showing that the group said its core activity was management consultancy, with no mention of combat services.

The company was named after the old callsign Vagner of former Russian Spetsnaz commander Dmitry Utkin, who is widely noted as the groups founder, though its unclear whether he actually initiated its establishment or was only a frontman, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Utkin himself, along with Wagner operatives, took part in Russian operations in Ukraine in 2014, the year Russia took over Crimea.

Since its founding, Wagner has grown considerably.

Wagner in Ukraine

Amid Russias invasion of Ukraine, Wagner forces have provided the Kremlin with key support, doing much of the heaviest fighting in the Donbass region and taking significant casualties in the fight for Bakhmut.

Wagner almost certainly now commands 50,000 fighters in Ukraine and has become a key component of the Ukraine campaign, the British Ministry of Defence said in January.

In the course of the conflict in Ukraine, however, the Wagner chief has feuded with Russias top military commanders, accusing them of starving Wagner forces of weapons and supplies, and later alleging that they ordered air strikes against the mercenary group.

A culminating point was a June 23 accusation Prigozhin made in a post on his Telegram channel against Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who the Wagner chief accused of destroying his fighters and called for an armed mutiny.

A longtime ally of Putin, the Wagner Groups leader did not target the Russian president in his attacks on Russian military leaders.

Prigozhin claimed that the Wagner Commanders Council made the decision to stop the evil brought by the military leadership who neglect and destroy the lives of tens of thousands of Russian soldiers, states an analysis by the Institute for the Study of War.

The Wagner leader vowed to deal with those who destroyed Russian soldiers and then return to Ukraine after doing so.

Prigozhin also notably accused Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu of personally planning an operation to destroy Wagner and claimed that 25,000 Wagner personnel are prepared to act, the Institute added.

The Wagner chief later posted on his Telegram channel that there was no coup but only a march for justice.

On Friday and into Saturday, Wagner soldiers set their sights on Moscow after seizing the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don overnight.

Russias military reportedly fired on them from the air and set up roadblocks but did little to blunt their rapid advance.

The Wagner charge drew a rebuke from Putin, who in a speech called the armed rebellion a betrayal and vowed to punish its leaders.

But in a stunning reversal later on Saturday, the Belarus Presidents Office announced that Prigozhin had agreed to deescalate the situation in an amnesty deal reportedly brokered by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.

Prigozhin later announced that Wagner forces would halt their advance on Moscow to avoid bloodshed.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov later said that charges against Prigozhin would be dropped and he would be sent to neighboring Belarus as an exile.

Putin said in speeches on Monday and Tuesday that the Wagner rebellion was a betrayal and risked civil war although he praised the fighters for their battlefield courage and accomplishments in Ukraine.

The Russian leader offered them the choice to relocate to Belarus, be folded into the regular Russian army, or simply go home to their families.
US Sending $500 Million in Weapons, Military Aid to Ukraine

U.S.-supplied M777 howitzer shells lie on the ground to fire at Russian positions in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region on June 18, 2022. (Efrem Lukatsky/AP Photo)

WASHINGTONThe Biden administration announced Tuesday that it is sending up to $500 million in military aid to Ukraine, including more than 50 heavily armored vehicles and an infusion of missiles for air defense systems, as Ukrainian and Western leaders try to sort out the impact of the brief weekend insurrection in Russia.

The aid is aimed at bolstering Ukraines counteroffensive, which has been moving slowly in its early stages.

Its the 41st time since the Russian invasion into Ukraine in February 2022 that the United States has provided military weapons and equipment through presidential drawdown authority. The program allows the Pentagon to quickly take items from its own stocks and deliver them to Ukraine.

Because the aid packages are generally planned in advance and recently included many of the same critical weapons for the battlefront, the contents werent likely chosen based on the weekend rebellion by Yevgeny Prigozhin and the Wagner mercenary group that he controls. It isnt clear if Ukrainian forces will be able to take advantage of the disarray in the Russian ranks, in the aftermath of the short-lived revolt.

But, the missiles and heavy vehicles can be used as Ukraine tries to capitalize on what has been a growing feud between the Wagner Group leader and Russias military brass, with simmering questions about how many of Prigozhins forces may leave the fight.

The mercenaries left Ukraine to seize a military headquarters in a southern Russian city and moved hundreds of miles toward Moscow before turning around after less than 24 hours on Saturday.

The Pentagon in a statement said the United States will send 30 Bradley Fighting Vehicles and 25 of the armored Stryker vehicles to Ukraine, along with missiles for the High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and the Patriot air defense systems. The package includes Javelin and high-speed anti-radiation (HARM) missiles, demolition munitions, obstacle-clearing equipment and a wide range of artillery rounds and other ammunition.

White House principal deputy press secretary Olivia Dalton said the new package includes key capabilities that will support Ukraines counteroffensive operations and strengthen its air defenses.

According to the Pentagon, the United States has delivered more than $15 billion in weapons and equipment from its stocks to Ukraine since the Russian invasion, and has committed an additional $6.2 billion in supplies that havent yet been identified. The more than $6 billion extra is the result of an accounting error, because the military services overestimated the value of the weapons they pulled off the shelves and sent to Ukraine over the past year.

More broadly, the United States has also promised to send more than $16.7 billion in longer-term funding for various weapons, training and other equipment through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, and an additional roughly $2 billion in foreign military financing.

The United States has at least $1.2 billion in drawdown authority that hasnt yet been committed but will expire at the end of this fiscal year on Sept. 30. The remaining $1.9 billion in USAI funds does not expire until the end of the next fiscal year, in September 2024.

By Lolita C. Baldor and Matthew Lee
US, South Korea Urge China to Play Constructive Role in Reining in North Korea

People watch a television broadcast showing a file image of a North Korean rocket launch at the Seoul Railway Station on May 31, 2023. (Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

The United States and South Korea have called on China to play a constructive role in tackling North Koreas missile launches following Secretary of State Antony Blinkens recent talks with Chinese diplomats in Beijing.

South Korean nuclear envoy Kim Gunn and his U.S. counterpart, Sung Kim, spoke by phone on Monday to discuss North Korean nuclear threats and pledged to thwart North Koreas financing of nuclear programs.

They agreed to repatriate North Korean nationals working abroad and curb North Koreas illicit cyber activitiestactics used by the regime to generate funding for its nuclear weapons programaccording to South Koreas Foreign Ministry.

The two envoys said that Blinkens recent talks with Chinas top diplomats served as an important opportunity to reaffirm that North Koreas denuclearization is in the common interest of the international community.

They vowed to continue pressing China to play a constructive role in reining in North Koreas nuclear and missile launches while maintaining open lines of communication with Beijing on bilateral matters.

China Capable of Stopping North Korea

This came just a week after Blinken concluded his two-day trip to Beijing on June 19, where he met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and other top Chinese diplomats.

Blinken told reporters that he had urged the Chinese communist regime to leverage its influence to stop North Koreas increasingly reckless actions and rhetoric.

Blinken also said that he had told Xi that China is in a unique position to press Pyongyang to engage in dialogue and to end its dangerous behavior, referring to North Koreas capital city.

In his interview with CBS News, Blinken said China must recognize that the United States and its allies will take steps to defend themselves if it fails to rein in North Koreas nuclear program. He had also relayed this message to Xi during their meeting.

These are steps that are not directed at China, including more defense assets right in the regionexercises, work togethernot directed at China, but that China probably wont like, he told the news agency.

While Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that China would continue to play a constructive role in promoting the political settlement of the Korean Peninsula, she claimed that China is not primarily responsible for changing North Koreas behavior.

The crux of the Korean Peninsula issues is very clear. All parties need to face the crux of the issues squarely, step up to their respective responsibilities, and address the legitimate concerns of all parties in a balanced way through meaningful dialogue, Mao told reporters.

China is a major ally of North Korea, accounting for 90 percent of its bilateral trade. China and Russia had previously vetoed a vote pushed by the United States to strengthen sanctions on North Korea.

Korean Peninsula on Brink Of Nuclear War

However, North Koreas Foreign Ministry accused the United States of bringing the Korean Peninsula closer to the brink of nuclear war due to its joint military drills with South Korea, state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on June 26.

North Korea vowed to bolster its defensive capabilities and warned that a war on the Korean Peninsula would rapidly expand into a world war and a thermonuclear war unprecedented in the world.

This will entail the most catastrophic and irreversible consequences to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia and the rest of the world, the ministry was quoted as saying by KCNA.

A test launch of a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasong-18 at an undisclosed location in this still image of a photo used in a video released by North Koreas Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on April 14, 2023. (KCNA via Reuters TV)

North Korea conducted a series of missile launches this year, including one involving a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-18, and tested its underwater drone, which the regime said is capable of generating a super-scale radioactive tsunami.

China Uses North Korea as Buffer State

The United States has persisted in engaging in direct talks with North Korea without preconditions in favor of a diplomatic solution, but North Korea has rebuffed these efforts.

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on July 13 that China deters North Korea from participating in denuclearization efforts because Beijing benefits from Chairman Kim [Jong Un] continuing to hold his nuclear weapons.

Pompeo is one of the key persons that made the historical TrumpKim summits. Then-U.S. President Donald Trump met with Kim three times in Singapore, Hanoi, and South Korea in 2018 and 2019. At the last summit, Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to step foot in North Korea.

During a video interview at the Asian Leadership Conference (ALC) in Seoul, a summit hosted by South Korean media Chosun Ilbo, Pompeo said the Chinese regime uses North Korea as an important buffer state because Washington then has to spend energies to defend East Asia against North Koreas nuclear weapons systems.

In some ways, you can look at the North Korean nuclear weapons as simply an extension of the Chinese nuclear weapons program, he said.

Nicole Hao contributed to this report.
US Supreme Court Turns Away Case on Charter Schools Mandatory Skirts for Girls

The U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, on May 12, 2023. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times)

The U.S. Supreme Court on June 26 declined to hear the defense by a North Carolina public charter school that was blocked from requiring female students to wear skirts in school.

The justices turned away an appeal from the Charter Day School in Leland, North Carolina, and left in place a decision by a lower court that the dress code discriminated against students based on gender and violated the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment.

Here, the skirts requirement blatantly perpetuates harmful gender stereotypes as part of the public education provided to North Carolinas young residents, Judge Barbara Keenan of the Richmond, Va.-based Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals wrote in her ruling last year.

At issue in the case was whether Charter Day School, which offers a traditional-values-based education to students from kindergarten to Grade 8, was subject to the Constitutions equal protection clause when it enforced the skirt policy.

School officials said its uniform policy was designed to foster classroom discipline and mutual respect between boys and girls. The schools founder, Baker Mitchell, told parents that the policy was aimed at preserving chivalry, with women regarded as a fragile vessel that men are supposed to take care of and honor, according to court papers.

Lawyers for the parents argued that the skirt requirement was rooted in gender stereotypes and violated the 14th Amendment. Under school policy, boys may wear pants or shorts.

Ria Tabacco Mar, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union, who represented the three students and their parents or guardians who sued the school, hailed the courts action.

Girls at public charter schools have the same constitutional rights as their peers at other public schools  including the freedom to wear pants. We will continue to fight for all girls to learn in safe and equal schools, she said.

Mitchell expressed disappointment in Mondays decision. He warned of ripple effects for charter schools, threatening their autonomy, subjecting them to the same rules, regulations and political machinations that have crippled government-run school systems, and worst of all, leaving many low-income parents and students with no option other than poorly performing district schools.

A Matter of Whether Charter Day School Is a State Actor

The Constitutions equal protection guarantee only covers public, government action, not private organizations. Charter schools in North Carolina are tuition-free, open to attendance by all, and receive state funding for each student. They are run by private, nonprofit corporations rather than a public school district.

The plaintiffs sued under a federal law commonly known as Section 1983 that allows individuals to take state officials to court for alleged violations of their constitutional or statutory rights. Charter Day School defended against the parents lawsuit by claiming it is not subject to the equal protection guarantee because it is a private actor fulfilling a contract with the state of North Carolina, not a public entity, and therefore cannot be sued under Section 1983.

The Richmond, Virginia-based 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2022 ruled that charter schools in North Carolina are state actors because they are publicly funded, their employees are considered public school employees, and the state has delegated to them a duty to educate students. The 4th Circuit then found Charter Day Schools dress code unconstitutional.

Innovative programs in North Carolinas public schools can and should continue to flourish, but not at the expense of constitutional protections for students, Judge Barbara Keenan wrote.

In its appeal, the school argued the 4th Circuits decision undermines charter schools by treating private operators as the constitutional equivalent of government-run schools, squelching innovation and restricting parental choice.

Lawyers for the school said the lower court unleashed numerous harms to charter school innovation and even farther-reaching evils. Reversing the decision would safeguard educational choice in states that do not impose constitutional requirements on charters.

Asked by the Supreme Court to weigh in on whether or not to hear the case, President Joe Bidens administration filed a brief urging the justices to deny the schools appeal.

Reuters contributed to this report.
An Ancient Rule Allows Biden To Forgive Student Loan Debt  No Matter What the Supreme Court Says

Al Drago / UPI / Shutterstock.com

As millions of Americans await the Supreme Court decision on student loan forgiveness, advocates of student debt relief explore other avenues President Joe Biden could use to achieve his goal.

See: All of the States That Will Pay Off Your Student Loans

More: New Student Loan Forgiveness Rule Simplifies Process  Who Qualifies?

During the pandemic, Biden and the Secretary of Education used authority granted by the 2003 Heroes Act to pause student loan payments due to the national emergency. They followed it up with a proposal for sweeping student loan forgiveness, with many Americans seeing $10,000 to $20,000 of their student loan debt erased, while others would have their student loan debt completely forgiven.

But the Supreme Court may block loan forgiveness before the court adjourns for the summer. As the nation awaits the decision, student loan debt advocates explore another avenue. The Higher Education Act, signed into law by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965, could provide another pathway to student loan forgiveness.

The law gives the Education Secretary the power to compromise, waive, or release federal student loans. Unlike the Heroes Act, the HEA has no stipulation of a national emergency to grant the president and Education Secretary the power to forgive debt.

However, invoking the HEA would not be ideal, according to Bloomberg and other sources. Jed Shugerman, law professor at Fordham University, told Bloomberg that the HEA requires a lengthy rule-making process. Its also likely to face legal opposition, which would further delay relief. Shugerman predicted that loan forgiveness would be unlikely to come until after the 2024 election.

As it stands now, the payment pause and interest waiver ends in September 2023, 60 days after the Supreme Courts ruling. Payments will resume in October 2023.

Explore: If Student Loans Are Forgiven, Everyone Says Theyll Do This First

Student Loan Forgiveness: 10 Expenses To Cut When Payments Resume

If the Supreme Court overturns loan forgiveness, the Progressive Change Campaign Committee stands ready to advocate for alternate paths, including invoking the HEA, Bloomberg reported. The group has 1 million members.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: An Ancient Rule Allows Biden To Forgive Student Loan Debt  No Matter What the Supreme Court Says
Wagner Ordered to Surrender Heavy Weapons to Russian Military

Fighters of Wagner, a Russian private mercenary group, are seen atop of a tank while being deployed near the headquarters of the Southern Military District in the city of Rostov-on-Don, Russia, on June 24, 2023. (Stringer/Reuters)

The Russian defense ministry claims that the Wagner private military company is preparing to surrender its heavy weapons, but there is no indication the group intends to follow through on the order.

The defense ministrys announcement comes just days after a mutiny by Wagner against Russias military leadership. The move is the first indication that Russian President Vladimir Putin may intend to disband the contractor group as a result of that rebellion.

Wagner currently maintains around 25,000 fighters and heavy armament equal to some small militaries, including tanks, aircraft, air defense systems, and howitzersweapons it has used in Ukraine and shooting down six Russian helicopters and an airborne command center late last week.

Putin said that all members of Wagner who wished to join the Russian military would be offered contracts as part of a peace deal between Wagner and the Russian state. Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin claimed that less than 2 percent of Wagner fighters accepted the offer, however, and said they would refuse the new command structure.

Russian National Guard Director Viktor Zolotov said on June 27 that his forces would receive tanks and long-range artillery, possibly indicating that the National Guard will either begin to assume some of the roles previously filled by Wagner or be better prepared to defend against future mutinies.

Wagner Rebellion

The demand for Wagner to surrender its heavy weapons comes just days after the group seized the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don and sent columns of troops toward Moscow, bringing the country to the brink of civil war.

That mutiny was the boiling-over point of a long-running and highly-publicized feud between Wagners Prigozhin and Russian military brass.

In a series of viral speeches on Telegram, Prigozhin has alleged for months that the Russian militarys incompetence resulted in mass ammo shortages and an overwhelming number of untrained conscripts being sent to the front lines in Ukraine.

The enmity between Wagner and Russias military leadership exploded last week, when Prigozhin claimed that Russian forces had conducted airstrikes against Wagners rear bases, killing those fighting for Russia. The Russian defense ministry denies the allegations.

Following that incident, Prigozhin vowed to purge the evil from Russias military leadership, and announced his march for justice from Ukraine to Moscow.

Prigozhins demands included the removal of Russias Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov and Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu, according to a transcript of a conversation between Prigozhin and military leadership published on Telegram by Wagner and translated by Meduza.

Well remain here until we have [Gerasimov and Shoigu], well blockade the city of Rostov and go to Moscow, Prigozhin said.

Prigozhin added that he believed it was necessary to remove senile clowns from the Russian bureaucracy to end the disgrace of Russias losses in Ukraine.

Were saving Russia, Prigozhin said.

Businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin shows Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin his school lunch factory outside Saint Petersburg, Russia, on Sept. 20, 2010. The European Union in October 2010 sanctioned Prigozhinnicknamed Putins chefbecause his company Concord has catered for the Kremlin, accusing him of undermining peace in Libya by supporting the Wagner Group private military company. (Alexey Druzhinin/AFP via Getty Images)

Uncertain Future for Wagner in Belarus

Putin condemned Prigozhin as a traitor shortly after the mutiny, comparing Wagners rebellion to the 1917 revolution, which destroyed the Russian Empire and then brought the Bolsheviks to power.

Prigozhin, an ex-convict and restaurateur, founded Wagner in 2014 after serving Putin as a caterer for the Kremlin. The companys troops have since fought throughout numerous theaters, including in the Central African Republic, Libya, Mali, Sudan, and Syria, in addition to Ukraine.

Wagner is designated by several nations as a terrorist group and has been widely condemned for its many human rights violations, including the frequent use of sledgehammers as a method of torture and execution.

The group has nevertheless gained a large cult following in Russia for its nationalist rhetoric and refusal to cede ground in Ukraine, even as the Russian military surrendered whole cities at a time.

During the mutiny, Putin called on key allies, including leadership in Belarus, Turkey, and Iran. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko then allegedly negotiated the peace between Putin and Prigozhin, possibly preventing a civil war.

As part of that deal, Prigozhin and his loyal followers would be sent from Russia to Belarus in a sort of modern-day exile, while those who remained in Russia would be able to return home or else join the military.

Criminal charges against Prigozhin and Wagner were also dropped as part of the deal, though it remains unclear what future Wagner might have in Belarus, if any.

It is also unclear how Lukashenko came to mediate the crisis, but the leader has since claimed that such was necessary to prevent Belarus from falling into its own civil war as a result of Russian collapse.

Without Russia, he said, Belarus would be destroyed.

If Russia collapses, we will remain under the rubble; we will all perish, Lukashenko told reporters on June 27.

Lukashenko has worked to tie his nations fate to that of Russia in recent years. Belarus served as a critical staging point for Russian troops invading Ukraine last year, and this month, the nation began to house tactical nuclear weapons for Russia.
Is Western Australias Heritage Law Going to Thwart Food Production

A photo taken shows a field of wheat being harvested on a farm near Inverleigh, Australia, on Jan. 12, 2021. (William West/AFP via Getty Images)

Commentary

The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act comes into effect on July 1 in Western Australia (WA). Premier Roger Cook has ruled out any delay in what has been broadly regarded as a piece of legislation that puts the state to a grinding halt and strangles much-needed industry, housing construction, and agricultural output.

The legislation was passed in supposed response to the destruction of old caves in Juukan Gourge by mining giant Rio Tinto on May 24, 2020. This was legal at the time.

Rio Tintos infamous blasting of Juukan Gorge prompted the drafting of these new laws, which the WA government passed despite widespread concerns that this is an act that could cost farmers hundreds of millions of dollars.

The purported goal of the new legislation is to protect Aboriginal cultural sites across Western Australia. Authorisation will be required for activities that require: taking reasonable steps to avoid or minimise harm; obtaining an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage (ACH) permit or an ACH management plan and engagement with Aboriginal parties required. Application fees, depending on the type of activity, will start at a nominal $100 (US$67).

It is the uncertainty on whether or not any activity may fall into the above categories, coupled with the cost of a due diligence assessment if it does and the impact on the already overbearing costs of farming, that disturbs farmers the most.

WA Premier Roger Cook looks on as former Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan speaks to the media during a press conference at Dumas House in Perth, Australia, on May 29, 2023. (AAP Image/Richard Wainwright)

We are convinced that the risk to agricultural farms is not insignificant. Once it is implemented, the ACH legislation could drive thousands of farmers off the land.

Many have razor-thin margins to stay in business, and this could result in many farmers having to sell their properties to large corporations.

Huge Push Back

The peak body representing WA prospectors has warned the new legislation could lead to the death of its industry as the state government scrambles to launch a communications campaign before July 1 implementation.

Moreover, a park ranger reported to one of us that the new laws have already made their job a total mess.

Farmers are concerned for their future as many are now selling up and leaving the land. They have labelled the news laws unworkable that could have a catastrophic effect and will send some prospectors completely out of business.

Thankfully, opposition to the legislation has intensified over the last few days, with the states pastoral industry calling for this to be scrapped.

This is reflected in an e-Petition to WA Parliament, which closed on June 20, to delay promulgation by six months to properly set up procedures and training to cope with the new regulations.

The petition notes:

The Act will create a new and unique and untested approvals system for which there is no capacity at this time to seek approvals online, meaning businesses, such as pastoralists, farmers, prospectors, and those in civil construction, will have to cease all works until approvals, which can only be lodged after 1 July are then processed and approved or rejected.

This petition, according to Nick Goiran MP, was the fastest-growing petition to WA Parliament ever.

Sheep are seen while being transported to the Al Kuwait in Fremantle, Australia, on June 16, 2020. (Paul Kane/Getty Images)

On June 20, it had 29,716 signatures and growing. Those were collected in only 14 days, and that number makes it the highest number ever achieved in the state.

But instead of listening to these concerns, the government has gaslit opposition to the legislation, labelling it as dog-whistling, racist and like a dog returning to its vomit.

What Is the Purpose

One may ask why the state government is reacting in such an authoritarian manner.

But the COVID-19 pandemic has taught Western Australians that governments do not necessarily work for the common everyday people.

So is it surprising that the Australian state and federal governments seem to be moving towards the World Economic Forum (WEF) model of stakeholder capitalism.

Private property is the big-ticket item in every communist takeover, and in this case, private property is the big ticket item for the advancement of what has been labelled as the Great Reset, which does suggest that the WEF could be working to close down food production as a pathway to reduce the worlds carbon emissions.

WEF founder Klaus Schwab delivers a speech during the Crystal Award ceremony at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos on Jan. 16, 2023. (Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images)

Their argument for this policy rests on the belief that rising CO2 levels drive up the temperature of the atmosphere.

However, despite this degree of terrifying environmental alarmism historically, temperature increases have often preceded high CO2 levels, destroying this theory of cause and effect. The fact is that the world has always warmed and cooled, and the theory of anthropogenic global warming contradicts what we know historically to be the case.

According to Dr Joseph Mercola, an osteopathic physician and recipient of multiple awards in the field of health.

The end goal of The Great Reset-pushing elitists is to own everything and control the entire global population through a combination of false flag disasters, social engineering technologies, green and sustainable development policies, a revamped food system of their own making, and global security measures.

So are the plans to compromise food security and destroy our property rights underway in Western Australia?

Couple this with the soon-coming digital IDs, cashless digital currency, U.N. vaccine passports, nullification of all paper property titles (from Aug. 1), and much more, there is no difficulty to see this could be part of the Great Reset.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
White House Explains Marks on Bidens Face While He Met With Reporters

Deputy press secretary says the marks were caused by a common sleep apnea machine

The White House responded to a reporters question about marks that were seen on President Joe Bidens face, saying they were caused by a machine that is used to treat sleep apnea.

White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates told news outlets Wednesday that Biden has sleep apnea and is using a continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP machine, to treat it.

Since 2008, the president has disclosed his history with sleep apnea in thorough medical reports. He used a CPAP machine last night, which is common for people with that history, Bates said.

Based on his statement, its not clear how long Biden has used the device, although anonymous sources told CNN and other outlets that he has been using it for several weeks. The Epoch Times has contacted the White House for comment.

In 2019, Bidens doctor released a health document saying that the then-Democratic candidate and former vice president has been dealing with sleep apnea for years. His condition has been considered, but his symptoms have improved significantly after his sinus and nasal passage surgeries, the document said.

Sleep apnea, considered common in the United States, is when breathing stops and starts while sleeping. The American Medical Association and other health groups say that about 30 million people in the United States have it.

During an appearance Wednesday with reporters, Biden was seen with marks across his face indicating that he was wearing some kind of wide strap. Many CPAP machines use such straps.

The Minnesota-based Mayo Clinic, meanwhile, says that a CPAP machine is a common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, and it uses a hose connected to a mask or nosepiece to deliver constant and steady air pressure to help you breathe while you sleep. Some common health issues include a leaky mask, trouble falling asleep, a stuffy nose and a dry mouth, the clinics website says.

It can cause snoring and daytime fatigue and can lead to high blood pressure or heart problems, according to the Mayo Clinic. In the most common form of sleep apnea, the throat muscles relax, blocking the flow of air into the lungs. Age is one of several factors that increase the risk of developing sleep apnea.

Age Concerns?

Still, at age 80, Bidens health has become of increasing concern among American voters. A recent ABC News poll suggested that more and more U.S. voters believe Biden may be either too old or unfit to serve as president, while a range of right-leaning media outlets often focus on perceivably unusual statements or actions the president has done while in public.

Then-President Donald Trump (L) and President Joe Biden in file photographs. (Getty Images)

Biden is the oldest person to serve as president, and both his age and health have been a focus of voters as he seeks a second, four-year term in the 2024 election. If hes reelected in 2024, Biden would be 86 years old upon leaving office in January 2029.

In February, his doctor declared him healthy and fit for duty after a physical examination. The doctors report on Bidens physical did not mention sleep apnea but said Biden has dealt with sinus congestion for most of his life, and that sinus symptoms have improved after several sinus and nasal passage surgeries.

In that same ABC poll, most voters believed former President Donald Trump, 77, was largely physically fit to perform the duties of president. Considered the leading GOP candidate, Trump hasnt criticized Biden for his age but recently weighed in on Biden having fallen down at a public event earlier this month.

I hope hes not hurt. The whole thing is crazy  even if you have to tip-toe down the ramp, the former president told reporters on June 1, referring to his own experience at the U.S. Military Academy in 2020. At the Air Force Academy? Thats not inspiring, Trump said during a stop in Iowa.

The White House later clarified that Biden was fine after he fell. In that incident, he dropped to his knees but was helped by White House officials while appearing at a U.S. Air Force Academy graduation ceremony.

The White House responded to the video of Bidens fall by saying that the president is fine, before adding on Twitter: There was a sandbag on stage while he was shaking hands.

However, some Republican 2024 candidates have brought up his age, including former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley. While declaring her presidency in February, Haley said that candidates and members of Congress should undergo cognitive testing to determine whether they are fit for office, possibly reflecting on some Americans worries that a large number of elected officials are aging.

During the past Congressional session, a number of House Democratic leadersthen-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), then-Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), and then-Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.)were over the age of 80 years old. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), too, is age 81.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Why We Should Not Be Diverted by the Wagner Comic Opera

Members of Wagner Group prepare to pull out from the headquarters of the Southern Military District to return to their base in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, late on June 24, 2023. Rebel mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, who sent his fighters to topple the military leaders in Moscow, will leave for Belarus and a criminal case against him will be dropped as part of a deal to avoid "bloodshed," the Kremlin said on June 24. (Roman Romokhov/AFP via Getty Images)

Commentary

Military mutinies vary in nature and scope, but they can provide stimulus or course correction for the forces that suffer from them.

Moscow carefully managed the brief mutiny (June 2325) of its Wagner Group of contractor military fighters in Ukraine and had been working to bring to a head Wagners quasi-independent status.

The path was cleared for Wagner units to exit Ukraine and enter Rostov-on-Don unopposed. Significantly, this was about money: Yevgeny Prigozhins lucrative contract.

The Russian Armed Forces, with the end of the Wagner gesture, now have a more unified approach to the Ukraine battlefield. Wagner units, which showed greater efficiency than the Russian Ground Forces, had significantly contributed to stabilizing some of the fronts against the Ukrainian forces. Still, it was clear that the cost-benefit ratio of maintaining a separate battlefield command was now not in Wagners favor.

Moscow had hoped to avoid the predictably futile gesture of a mutiny by Wagner chief Prigozhin, but this was not a mutiny within the Armed Forces. It was as if, for example, U.S. military contractor Blackwater had gone rogue during operations in Iraq. Historically, mercenary groups often are at odds with their client governments, usually over pay and conditions.

Indeed, the U.S. government quietly suppressed Blackwater after its urgent need for an independent operator in Iraq ended. That was a messy affair but ultimately did not degrade the overall strategic thrust of U.S. forces.

Prigozhin, like Blackwater chief Erik Prinz at the end of his relationship with Washington, knew that his governments need for him was coming to an end.

His cash flow was about to be dramatically curtailed.

Wagner Group had grown rich and entitled from its significant contracts from the Russian government for operations in Syria, Libya, Mali, the Horn of Africa, and, more recently, Ukraine. But recently, the Russian government had insisted that Wagner employeesfighterssign contracts with the Ministry of Defense by July 1. That spelled the end of Wagners independence and the contract it held, which had made Prigozhin a wealthy man. He said he would resist that order.

Russian businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin prior to a meeting with business leaders held by Russian and Chinese leaders at the Kremlin in Moscow on July 4, 2017. (Sergei Ilnitsky/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

Media reporting, and some professional speculation in Washington and among U.S. allies, indicated that the Wagner protest was something of strategic importance, spelling the end of the Vladimir Putin presidency in Russia. It was not.

Putin does face difficulties on many fronts, but he handled the Prigozhin speed bump with ease. Prigozhin had won great success based on his friendship with Putin, but he had embarrassed Putin by staying too long at the feast. He was lucky to have negotiated an exit on honorable terms: retirement in Belarus.

It is clear that the Wagner mutiny was not even of the same importance as the mutiny on the Russian battleship Potemkin in June 1905. That was a peacetime mutiny by members of the actual Armed Forces.

More important was the relatively peaceful 1918-19 Royal Navy mutiny, protesting deployment to the Baltic, or the 1931 Invergordon Royal Navy mutiny by about 1,000 sailors. These were serious because they violated explicit oaths of loyalty by serving military members, just like the even more serious mutiny of 100,000 French troops, near the Western Front, in 1917, at a critical time in World War I.

And none of these mutinies ruffled the feathers of the ultimately victorious forces, which played host to the mutinies.

More strategically important was the Indian Mutinythe Sepoy Mutinyof 185759. This was specifically a war of political dimension intended to overthrow the British rule of India and not an internal military mutiny. And that, too, failed.

So what now?

Firstly, the Russian Armed Forces would likely integrate Wagner contractors into the formal military or into separate units directly controlled by the Ministry of Defense. It is probable that this, too, will come alongside some introspection over Russian inefficiencies in the military supply chain, and this could focus attention even more on the performance of Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

Secondly, Russia will streamline operations in Ukraine and undertake a renewed military push, possibly after some initial setbacks in the areas formerly held by Wagner.

Western analysts have been consistently keen to demonize Putin and predict his early departure. Wishful thinking is never good policy analysis. Assassinations and illness are always the wild cards. But the Wagner episode was a mutiny in a teacup.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
The United States is looking to rejoin UNESCOthe United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. And the White House is saying that rejoining could help counter the Chinese regimes influence. But is that really the case? We speak to international journalist and Epoch Times contributor, Alex Newman, about what this move could mean.
Woman Wins Harassment Case Against Arts Council England After Transgender Row

LGBT activists and their supporters rally in support of transgender people on the steps of New York City Hall, N.Y., on Oct. 24, 2018. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

A woman who said she suffered harassment at Arts Council England (ACE) for saying people cannot change sex has won her claim against her former employer.

Denise Fahmy, who had worked at the public funding body for over 15 years, complained at an employment tribunal that she had been harassed and victimised due to her gender critical beliefs.

In a unanimous judgment on June 26, the Leeds Employment Tribunal ruled that Fahmy was subjected to harassment for her beliefs at her workplace.

Reacting to the news on Twitter, Fahmy said she was delighted to have won her claim, adding, It cannot be acceptable that people like me, who believe, as most people do, that [you] cant change sex, are subjected to harassment at work.

Thank you to al who supported my legal costs through Crowd Justice. I am delighted to have won my claim of harassment against @ace_national . It cannot be acceptable that people like me, who believe, as most people do, that u cant change sex, are subjected to harassment at work.  Denise Fahmy (@DeniseFahmy) June 27, 2023

Petition Targets Gender Criticals

Fahmy, who was a relationship manager, said she believed that the Arts Council saw to it that the London Community Foundation withdrew an award of 9,000 that had been made to LGB Alliance, an organisation representing gays and lesbians who believe biological sex matters.

The ACE insists that it was not involved in the decision.

But in April 2022, Simon Mellor, ACEs deputy chief executive, held an online staff meeting at which he expressed his personal view that funding LGB Alliance would be inappropriate because the group has a history of anti-trans-exclusionary activity.

Fahmy expressed her objection to Mellors view, calling it misleading. She also asked if he had any concerns about the impact on freedom of speech that this case highlights, and how are gender critical views protected at the Arts Council and in the arts.

In the following month, Fahmy said, some ACE staff members circulated a petition to all staff against her and other gender criticals working there.

She wrote in a post on the CrowdJustice website: The petition was hosted for 26 hours on the ACE staff intranet, gaining the attention of 700 staff and signatures from over 100 of them.

People signed it, and made comments, citing gender critical people like me and LGB Alliance as parasites, neo-Nazis, needing to be stamped out.

Extremely Offensive

The judgment by employment judge Jim Shepherd noted that gender-critical views are a protected belief under the Equality Act.

It said it was inappropriate for Mellor to express his personal views and express solidarity with one side of the debate in the meeting about the LGB Alliance, but ruled that his comments did not constitute harassment.

But the judgment said the petition emailed to all staff and the extremely offensive comments did constitute harassment.

It said: The email and comments were unwanted conduct which had the purpose and effect of violating the claimants dignity and creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for the claimant.

The judgment also said it was unreasonable and inappropriate for the petition to be left up for 26 hours before it was taken down.

The tribunal dismissed Fahmys claim of victimisation but concluded: The unanimous judgment of the tribunal is that the claim of harassment related to the protected characteristic of religion or belief is well-founded and succeeds.

In a statement emailed to The Epoch Times, an ACE spokesperson said: We are pleased that the ruling confirmed that two allegations of harassment and two claims of victimisation were not well-founded and were dismissed, and that there was nothing in the judgment to support the accusation of institutional bias.

We are reflecting on the judgment which upheld two allegations of harassment in relation to a petition set up by a junior member of staff who no longer works for us, and we note the tribunals acknowledgement of steps taken by us to disable the petition and address the incident at the time.
You Are Being Scammed

Commentary

Even in good economic times, scams, rackets, and cons always threaten regular people. But in bad economic times such as our own, they swarm around us like never before. These days, its extremely difficult to tell real from fake. Even for sophisticated people who believe themselves to be beyond this, there is always a scenario that will trip them up.

Ive written about scams for years. Especially since our lives migrated to the digital realm, and data leaks and theft became a way of life, we have been inundated. This is getting worse now that most of our phone numbers have leaked to massive databases built and shared by criminal and quasi-criminal organizations the world over.

I have all the tools to protect me, but even so, Ill report a few recent cases that almost snagged me.

I was enjoying a spring breeze and napping a bit when my cell provider called telling me that they had overcharged me last month and would like to push a credit to my next months bill. I said sure. What could go wrong?

The right thing to do in this case is simply to open up your online account to your provider and see if this is confirmed. But that takes work and thought. On a lazy hazy day, I stayed on the phone instead. He then proceeded with a verification process, which he said would confirm my identity. Alarm bells went off in my mind, but I held on.

He said to look at my phone and hit confirm. A notification appeared on my screen. It was a Gmail app asking me to grant access. I refused. I asked the man why he needed access to my email. He started getting testy and sent again. I refused again. He got angry and said that he didnt have all day to keep this up. At that point, I hung up rather amazed that I had been strung along even that long.

A week later, I got a call from my bank wanting to reverse a charge on my credit card that turned out to be fake. They wanted, again, to confirm my identity. It seemed real until they asked for the PIN number of my account: No bank would do that. I opened my browser to check my bank records. There was nothing there about a bad charge. So I made something up to the man on the phone. I said that I can observe a change of address, and he immediately said yes, thats the issue.

Thats when I hung up. These scamsters are very good at following verbal cues that you give them. They have some information about you such as an old address, phone number, and name, but they are seeking more. People often give this information themselves and then the scamster repeats it in a different form. Amazingly, this often works.

Last night, I got a call from Coinbase that said that I needed to confirm an email. I knew it was a scam but decided to play along. I said that I dont have a Coinbase account. He then asked if I had bought or traded any crypto in the past year.

Enjoying this nonsense, I told him that I had an FTX account, just to see what he would say. He asked if it was an NFT account at FTX (he was guessing based on experience), and I said yes. He then confirmed that this is what prompted the call, and he wanted more information.

He then talked me through how to open a new browser and put in an address that would have given him direct access to my entire laptop. I guess this works for these people sometimes. Its simply incredible. At that point, I just laughed and hung up.

These rackets are becoming ever more sophisticated. Even very smart people fall for them. Indeed, its never a good idea to think you cannot be tricked, because its sometimes those very people who buy in and go the whole way. Believing that they can tell real from fake, they dont turn back even when things get strange.

The rise of crypto tokens in particular set the stage for a global whirlwind of racketeering. The marketing of thousands of ridiculous tokens backed by preposterous white papers is only the most obvious case. It gave birth to many other strange schemes.

A few years ago, I received a call once from two people claiming to be Hollywood producers. They said that they wanted to hire me as a film consultant. Immediately, I was of course flattered and agreed in principle. They sent me a contract that stipulated that I would be paid a portion of the profits of the film.

Heres where I got suspicious. There would likely never be profits from this film. Indeed, like in the movie The Producers, the goal is to spend as much money as possible and write it all off as business costs precisely so that the film doesnt make money. In effect, they were wanting me to work for free. I didnt sign.

This angered them, but then the calls became more frequent. This time, in addition to pressing me to sign, they wanted contacts of various people within the bitcoin community to call about investing in the film. Their plan was to use my name to gain the confidence of wealthy crypto entrepreneurs.

I told them that it wasnt my job to get them money. I blocked them entirely. I cannot prove that it was a scam all along, but it likely was. My role was to provide some credibility for these people to gain access to others in order to pillage them for investments that would likely vanish soon after.

Very often, the difference between a real business and a scam can get very blurry. This was the case with FTX, the crypto racket run by Sam Bankman-Fried. Despite his role as head of one of the largest financial scams in history, his name has largely disappeared from public life, and he remains free as a bird.

His company emerged out of nowhere to become the third-largest crypto exchange in the world, while promising to give all profits away to charity. It just so happens that the charities of choice were mostly connected with Democratic politicians and causes, often in the name of supporting pandemic planning. Bankman-Fried and his brother had frequent meetings with top aides to Biden.

In other words, theres every indication that the whole company was established as a money-laundering operation to begin with, all directed toward helping large donors get around campaign finance law. The same goes for the supposed venture funding he received: It came in the door and out the door. The rest was just window dressing. The timing reveals everything: 2019 to 2022. Meanwhile, the whole scandal has disappeared from the mainline press.

There are tests you can use to discover what is real and what is fake. The best rule is that if it seems too good to be true, it most certainly isnt true. Also, trust your instincts. If at any moment in your interaction you have a sense of concern, some ill-at-ease feeling, you should trust that. If when you ask questions, the person gets angry or testy, hang up immediately.

Flattery has always been the best approach of con artists. They want to habituate you to feeling awesome and saying yes while asking for ever more information. People unwilling to admit that they have been scammed keep sticking with the baloney until they are robbed. Beware of such interactions.

One feature of scamming that mystifies me is how so many peoplemany millions of themcan feel good about their lives while knowing that their whole business consists of lying to and robbing people. What is it about their lives that led them to the place where they can so completely block out the human conscience to engage in such things on a daily and hourly basis, making hundreds and thousands of calls only to get one sucker on the line?

This is where bad economic times come into the picture. Theres a widespread perception in the world today that the rich got that way through robbery themselves. Its often true. The racketeers often imagine themselves to be versions of Robin Hood and dont believe that they are doing something bad.

And speaking of blurred lines, this is political season. Running for office is for many politicians just another way of opening a business. I seem to be receiving notifications daily of new people entering one race or another and asking for money.

Oddly, in a politically divided country such as this, this special kind of scam often works. They build a big war chest, lose the election, and flip the funds to a new organization that employs or gives money to their friends. In other words, its a racket.

We shouldnt wonder how it is that private-sector rackets thrive in such an environment. They are inspired by the ubiquity of fully legal public-sector versions of the same.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Zelenskyy Could Delay Ukraines Elections Amid War With Russia

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated he could put off his countrys election cycle and stay in power as long as the war with Russia continues.

In an interview with the BBC published on June 22, Zelenskyy could not guarantee a presidential election would take place in 2024, when his five-year term ends. Zelenskyy said Ukrainian law prohibits elections when the country is under martial law, as has been the case since Russian forces launched their full-scale invasion of the country on Feb. 24, 2022.

When asked whether there would be elections in Ukraine next year, Zelenskyy noted Ukraines ongoing state of martial law, and said he hoped for an end to the war by next year, but did not say he would let elections proceed even if the war with Russia were still running by that point.

Elections must take place in peacetime, when there is no war, according to the law, Zelenskyy said. I really want there to be peace in the next year and life to be as it was before the war.

Zelenskyy initially declared martial law through Decree  64/2022 on Feb. 24, 2022, and most recently asked the Ukrainian parliament for an extension of the martial law order in May. The current term of martial law is set to run through Aug. 18, 2023, though it could face additional extensions.

Ukrainian parliament speaker Ruslan Stefanchukwho, like Zelenskyy, is a member of the Servant of the Peoplehas also indicated the ongoing war with Russia could lead to postponed elections. In an interview with Ukrainian Pravda last week, Stefanchuk said holding an election during wartime could lead to the disintegration of the state.

We do not know how to organize voting for almost 7 million [people] who are outside Ukraine, Stefanchuck said, according to a translation of his remarks to Ukrainian Pravda. We do not know how to organize voting for those regions that are temporarily occupied. We do not know how to ensure proper representation, the turnout of other citizens during martial law, and whether election facilities will not be attacked. Therefore, it seems to me that a very wise decision is embedded in the legislation of Ukraine that elections cannot be held during martial law.

Zelenskyys Election Stance Draws Criticism

Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson criticized Zelenskyys election stance in the latest episode of his Twitter series on Tuesday night. Carlson mocked U.S. politicians who have characterized the war between Ukraine and Russia as a fight to preserve Ukrainian democracy.

Tonight we regret to tell you that we have a problem. It looks like theyre not going to be able to vote in Kyiv anymore and no, for once its not [Russian president Vladimir Putins] fault, Carlson said. Democracy in Ukraine seems to be suspended by the worlds foremost democracy advocate himself: Field Marshall Zelenskyy.

Carlson has routinely criticized U.S. support for the Ukrainian side and, in March, asked U.S. presidential candidates to what extent they would continue to supply Ukrainian forces with weapons, and whether they felt continued support for Ukraine raised the chances of a direct nuclear conflict between the United States and Russia.

So when will you have an election? Well [Zelenskyy] says if we win well let people vote, otherwise no, you vote when we feel like it because ultimately were completely in charge and make all the rules. Your job is to obey or be punished, thats our version of self-government, self means me, Im the government,' Carlson continued in his Twitter video. Now thats not just any autocrat, thats our chief ally in the war for democracy.

Tini Kox, the president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), has been urging Zelenskyy to commit to an on-time election since at least May.

In a May 16 interview with European Pravda, Kox said Ukraine, as a member nation in the Council of Europe, has to hold free and fair elections because that is one obligation under the statute and under our conventions.

Kox said he expects challenges for Ukraine to hold an election during wartime, but insisted Ukraine hold an election regardless.

Nobody will blame Ukraine if not everything will be perfect, he said. Everybody will blame Ukraine if you do not organize elections.

Ukraine War Rages On

Zelenskyy could theoretically avoid the dilemma of either postponing elections or risking a wartime vote by ending the war before the next election cycle.

Thus far, President Joe Bidens administration has insisted it will continue to support Ukrainian forces until they can achieve battlefield successes that would give the Ukrainian government a favorable position in any potential peace deal with Russia. In a June 3 speech in Finland, U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken said a cease-fire that simply freezes current lines in place and lets Putin consolidate control over the territory he has seized, and rest, rearm, and re-attackthat is not a just and lasting peace.

Ukrainian forces launched a widely anticipated counteroffensive to retake territory in the countrys east, but told the BBC last week that progress in the counteroffensive has been slower than desired.

In an interview with the German newspaper Bild last week, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said, We must prepare for the fact that [the war in Ukraine] could take years. We must not let up in supporting Ukraine.

Several U.S. presidential candidates have indicated they would either drop U.S. support for the war in Ukraine or push for peace talks if they are elected.

Former Republican president Donald Trump has said he would bring about a peace deal in Ukraine within 24 hours if he regained the White House in 2024.

Republican Florida governor Ron DeSantis said its unknowable what the situation could look like at the start of a new U.S. presidential term in January 2025, but said, I want to see a settlement of this.

Vivek Ramaswamy, another candidate in the Republican presidential field, said earlier this month that he will end the war by ceasing further support for Ukraine and negotiating a peace treaty with Russia. Ramaswamy said his peace plan would entail ceding portions of Ukraine to Russia; permanently blocking Ukraine from joining NATO; ending U.S. and NATO sanctions on Russia; and closing NATO bases in Eastern Europe. In return, Ramaswamy would seek a Russian commitment to completely end any military partnership it has with China; reenter the pre-2023 New Start nuclear non-proliferation treaty with the United States; withdraw all nuclear weapons and delivery capabilities from Belarus, Kaliningrad, and all Russian-annexed regions of Ukraine; and withdraw all Russian military forces from Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.

Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has proposed his own peace plan for Ukraine.

We will offer to withdraw our troops and nuclear-capable missiles from Russias borders. Russia will withdraw its troops from Ukraine and guarantee its freedom and independence, Kennedys campaign website states. [United Nations] peacekeepers will guarantee peace to the Russian-speaking eastern regions [of Ukraine]. We will put an end to this war. We will put an end to the suffering of the Ukrainian people. That will be the start of a broader program of demilitarization of all countries.

From NTD News
Al-Badr terrorist killed in Kulgam encounter





The site of encounter where a terrorist was killed at Hoowra village in south Kashmirs Kulgam district on Tuesday. (PTI)

SRINAGAR :

AN AL-BADR terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces on Tuesday in Jammu and Kashmirs Kulgam district, police said. They said, a Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel was injured during the operation in Hoowra area of the south Kashmir district. A police spokesman said a cordon and search operation was launched by security forces in Hawoora area during the night after a specific input regarding the presence of a terrorist.

As the search party moved towards the suspected spot, the hiding terrorist fired indiscriminately, leaving a J&K police personnel injured, the spokesperson said, adding he has been shifted to a hospital for treatment. The hiding terrorist was given an opportunity to surrender, but he kept on firing on the forces, inviting a retaliation, the spokesman said. In the ensuing encounter, the local terrorist linked with proscribed Al-Badr was killed and his body retrieved from the site, he said.

The spokesperson identified the slain terrorist as Adil Majeed Lone, a resident of Akbarabad Hawoora, Kulgam. Incriminating material, arms and ammunition including a pistol with live rounds and a grenade were recovered from the site of the encounter and taken into case records for further investigation, the spokesman added. Earlier, a video purportedly showing the militant minutes before his killing surfaced on social media in which he identified himself as Adil Majeed Lone, associated with al-Badr outfit. My name is Adil Majeed Lone. I am a resident of Hoowra village of Kulgam district, associated with al-Badr outfit. I have been working with them for a long time, he says in the video, brandishing a pistol. He asked people to pray for him so that God accepts my martyrdom.
Key Insights

Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Apontis Pharma fair value estimate is 14.05

Current share price of 7.74 suggests Apontis Pharma is potentially 45% undervalued

The 23.67 analyst price target for APPH is 68% more than our estimate of fair value

How far off is Apontis Pharma AG (ETR:APPH) from its intrinsic value? Using the most recent financial data, we'll take a look at whether the stock is fairly priced 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.

Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model.

View our latest analysis for Apontis Pharma

The Model

We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate

2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF (, Millions) -13.0m -2.75m 6.45m 6.63m 6.77m 6.87m 6.95m 7.01m 7.05m 7.09m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x2 Analyst x2 Analyst x2 Est @ 2.81% Est @ 2.04% Est @ 1.50% Est @ 1.12% Est @ 0.86% Est @ 0.67% Est @ 0.54% Present Value (, Millions) Discounted @ 5.0% -12.4 -2.5 5.6 5.5 5.3 5.1 4.9 4.7 4.5 4.4

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

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = 25m

After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 0.2%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 5.0%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032  (1 + g)  (r  g) = 7.1m (1 + 0.2%)  (5.0% 0.2%) = 150m

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= 150m ( 1 + 5.0%)10= 92m

The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is 117m. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of 7.7, the company appears quite good value at a 45% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out.

dcf

The Assumptions

Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Apontis Pharma 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 5.0%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.800. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

SWOT Analysis for Apontis Pharma

Strength

Currently debt free.

Weakness

No major weaknesses identified for APPH.

Opportunity

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

Trading below our estimate of fair value by more than 20%.

Threat

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

Moving On:

Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. Why is the intrinsic value higher than the current share price? For Apontis Pharma, there are three essential items you should assess:

Risks: For example, we've discovered 2 warning signs for Apontis Pharma (1 doesn't sit too well with us!) that you should be aware of before investing here. Future Earnings: How does APPH's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every German stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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BJP releases manifesto for W Bengal panchayat polls





KOLKATA,

THE West Bengal BJP unit on Tuesday released the partys manifesto for the July 8 panchayat polls and promised corruption-free village councils and infrastructure push in rural Bengal. BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar released the manifesto along with Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal assembly Suvendu Adhikari and BJP national vice-president Dilip Ghosh. Around 5.67 crore voters are likely to exercise their franchise in the polls to elect nearly 75,000 candidates in zilla parishads, panchayat samiti and gram panchayats.

We want to form corruption-free panchayats across the state, where you dont need to pay bribes to avail welfare schemes or get work done by the local panchayats. Corruption and TMC have become synonymous in West Bengal. We want to create an atmosphere of local self-government in the true sense, Majumdar said. The manifesto, christened Sankalap Patra for Panchayat Election 2023, promised to create an atmosphere where the rural population can avail the benefits of the welfare schemes by the Centre without any bias or intimidation.

The rural infrastructure has completely broken down in the state. In agriculture, health, education and road infrastructure, the TMC has only indulged in corruption in the last 12 years and neglected development. It is only the

local TMC leaders, who have tasted prosperity at the cost of sufferings of the masses, Ghosh said. Adhikari wondered whether the TMC would allow free and fair elections despite the deployment of central forces.
CM Chouhan accords touching farewell to Prime Minister Modi





Staff Reporter

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan bid a touching farewell to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Air Cargo Terminal at Bhopal Airport. Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Chairman of State Electronics Development Corporation Shaitan Singh Pal, Chairman of Mela Pradhikaran Makhan Singh Chouhan, former minister Umashankar Gupta, former Chairman of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Tapan Bhowmik and other public representatives along with Chief Secretary Iqbal Singh Bains, Director General of Police Sudhir Saxena and senior army officers also bid an emotional farewell. Prime Minister Modi had come to Bhopal for the launch of 5 Vande Bharat trains.

PM accorded warm welcome: Earlier in the day, on Prime Minister Narendra Modis arrival in Bhopal, Mayor Malti Rai received him cordially at the air cargo terminal located at the airport. Former minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, Muralidhar Rao, Sumit Pachauri, former Mayor of Bhopal Alok Sharma, Chief Secretary Iqbal Singh Bains, Director General of Police Sudhir Saxena also welcomed Prime Minister Modi. Prime Minister Modis arrival is the rise of the States good fortune. In a message released on social and electronic media on the arrival of Prime Minister Modi in Bhopal, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a visit to Bhopal.

He is here to give us the gift of Vande Bharat trains. His arrival is the rise of the Madhya Pradeshs good fortune. We welcome, salute and are honoured to have him in the State.
Cops crack down on youths performing risky stunts





Staff Reporter

Nagpur city police have launched a special operation to tackle the rising trend of youths performing dangerous stunts and filming reckless videos on social media platforms. The police have registered criminal offences against these self-proclaimed social media heroes as they are endangering the lives of innocent commuters with their hazardous acts.

In the first case, the Pratap Nagar police booked a gang of youths involved in dangerous driving practices. Their reckless acts were brought to the attention of Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar when a video filmed by the gang members went viral on social media. The CP ordered the traffic police to investigate the matter and take necessary action immediately.

Upon reviewing the footage, the Traffic Police identified the riders involved in the dangerous driving practices. By capturing the vehicle registration numbers from the video, they summoned the drivers and their parents to the police station. The police registered cases against the riders and imposed fines totaling over Rs one lakh. The police seized 12 vehicles associated with the gang.
Gadkari threat calls: NIA goof-up delays transfer of UAPA case





Staff Reporter

A BUREAUCRATIC mistake by officials from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has resulted in a delay in the transfer of a significant Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) case registered in city. The case is related to threatening phone calls made to Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. In an attempt to transfer the UAPA offence, initially registered at the Dhantoli police station, the NIA filed applications before the Special NIA courts in Bengaluru and later in Nagpur. However, both courts rejected the applications and directed the NIA to file the request before the Supreme Court, according to a senior police official. However, the NIA is yet to file the application in the Apex Court, leaving the UAPA case in the hands of the city police.

Seeking more time, the city police recently requested an additional 50 days before the Special NIA court at Nagpur to file the chargesheet. The prime accused in the case involving the threatening phone calls, identified as Jayesh Pujari alias Kantha, was apprehended by the Nagpur police from a jail in Belagavi, Karnataka. Following the case registered at the Dhantoli police station, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification instructing the NIA to investigate the matter. The offence was initially registered in Bengaluru, and the Mumbai Unit of the NIA has been assigned to handle the investigation. It was expected that the NIA would assume responsibility for the UAPA case registered at the Dhantoli police station. In late May, a special investigation team led by a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) was stationed in Nagpur to pursue the case. However, due to delays in the procedural documentation, further progress in the investigation has been hindered.
Kerala has received 65% deficit rainfall so far: IMD





THIRUVANANTHAPURAM,

KERALA, the gateway of the monsoon into the mainland of the country, has received deficient rainfall so far, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The southwest monsoon arrived in Kerala on June 8, nearly a week after its normal onset date of June 1. Compared to the normal south-west monsoon rainfall for the corresponding period, Kerala had a deficit of 65 per cent from the normal rainfall.

The regional meteorological department, Kerala, however, said that the south-westerly winds are getting stronger, and more rainfall is expected in the coming days. We have received only minus 65 per cent rainfall in Kerala. All the districts in Kerala have received below-normal rainfall this season so far, Dr V K Mini, director in charge, IMD, Kerala, told PTI. She said due to various factors, like the cyclones that formed over the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, the south-west monsoon had a slow pick-up and slow progression.
Man shoots wife dead for objecting to his drinking habit





Staff Reporter

A property dealer allegedly shot his wife dead as she had objected to his drinking habit. the incident occurred on Monday night. The couples daughter and son-in-law were also present at the scene and they dragged the injured woman into a room and locked themselves up, while the accused again opened fire at their door. The incident occurred in Sai Nath Nagar in Ratibad area past midnight. The injured woman was associated with a political party and she herself dialled a cop of Ratibad police station to inform him about the incident. A team of Dial-100 reached the scene and they broke open the door to take the woman to hospital. The cops rushed the woman to a nearby hospital from where she was taken to another hospital. However, she was declared dead around 2:30 am on Tuesday. Sub Inspector Karamveer Singh said that the accused Rajendra Pandey (57) would return home drunk.

It was on Monday night also he was taking liquor with his relatives outside the house around 9 pm to which his wife and daughter objected. His daughter Preeti Kashyap threatened to inform her maternal grandfather, who is a retired cop. Sheelas father lives nearby and reached their home but Rajendra and his relatives had fled by then. Her grandfather returned and after an hour Rajendra returned with his licensed gun and entered into a heated argument with Sheela. He then opened fire at her after which she collapsed on the ground.

Their daughter and her husband Pawan were also around and they were left stunned and they managed to drag Sheela into a room as accused tried to shoot her twice. They managed to lock themselves in a room and they dialled SI Karamveers number who then alerted dial-100 services. A team of cops reached there and convinced the victims to open the door and then they broke the door open that they were not opening for fear of Rajendra. They rushed Sheela (54) to a nearby hospital and then to another hospital where she died during treatment. SI Singh said that the accused had a licensed gun which he took away from the scene. The accused had run away and police are now searching him, added the cop.
Modi makes strong pitch for UCC





Prime Minister Narendra Modi being welcomed by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and others upon his arrival in Bhopal on Tuesday. (PTI)

Staff Reporter

BHOPAL,

How can a country be able to function on 2 laws: PM PM acknowledges MPs contribution in making BJP worlds largest party Urges booth workers to connect with the society, people BJP will retain power in 2024: Modi

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi made a strong pitch for Uniform Civil Code (UCC) during his address to lakhs of booth workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Bhopal on Tuesday. Modi also said that the BJP has decided it would not adopt the path of appeasement and vote bank politics. The Opposition is using the issue of UCC to mislead and provoke the Muslim community, he said. Modi said, Indias Muslim brothers and sisters should understand which political parties are trying to incite them and trying to profit by destroying them. In the name of the Uniform Civil Code, they are trying to incite them. You tell me, in a home, how can there be one law for one member and another law for another member? Modi said. Will that home be able to function? Then how will the country be able to function with such a dual system? We have to remember that even in India's Constitution, there is a mention of equal rights for all, he said. He called upon the workers to join hands with the commoners on partys dictum of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.

Modi asserted that the BJP will retain power in 2024 too, and warned the party workers to remain vigilant on various false allegations the Opposition would make a few months before elections and would try to throw spanner to their efforts. Giving pep-talks to a jumbo-size legion of one million low-rank party workers, Modi said that his party is riding high on its welfare schemes, particularly in Madhya Pradesh which is a pride factor and provided a green-field for the party to shape itself mammoth in size. The workers joined Modi on digital platforms from across the country. To douse the curiosity of his party workers on what new he has to unroll for them, he tried to reinvigorate them by urging them to make massive door-to-door campaign. This would rehabilitate our faith among those who have distanced from the party, he said. Lauding the efforts of millions of workers, Modi said that he recognises their untiring efforts that remained the key-ingredient in every recipe of shaping something new in the party. The Prime Minister said that it is your efforts that brought even thinnest voice to the fore even from the remotest village.

We can catapult India among big league of developed nation if our workers make more efforts to bring even thinnest voice to the fore even from the remote areas, the Prime Minister said and added, he has recently come back from his America trip, yet had every update on workers contribution, howsoever minuscule in magnitude. He appreciated efforts of party President J P Nadda and said that the massive workers network remain functional under stewardship of Nadda. Talking about recent Patna meet of the Opposition parties, the Prime Minister said that the Opposition is nothing but concoct new toxic potion for corruption. Modi said that you name any corrupt deal you will find either the Congress or its allies were involved in it. He said that in case of the RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) even courts had to deliver back to back penal sentences. Modi went on making allegations against all the Opposition parties and asked the party workers to make the commoners aware about these corrupt practices of Opposition parties. Those who once fielded candidate against each other; traded charges and allegations are now showing solidarity and working on matrices of false perception, that is the irony, he said. Booth workers also got an opportunity to put their curiosity before the Prime Minister in this programme as the PM was in mentors role as well here. From Damoh, Ram Patel, a booth worker asked- How we should connect with people? Appreciating his question, Modi said, We dont sit in air condition offices and issue diktats, we brave harsh weather to be with people. Development of village must for India to become developed country.

Take interest to solve people's problems, not for vote but to help them flourish. Our objective is attaining saturation level coverage of welfare schemes. Responding to another question asked by Salla, Ramkrishanan, Andhra Pradesh, he said, workers should have thrust to serve for people. To attempt the goal of joining big league of developed nations, we need to work at grass root level for sustainable inclusive growth of even rural areas. Replying to Ripu Singh from Bihar, Modi answered we need to go to next level if people got benefited from one scheme. If people get their home under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, then they should be entitled for Mudra Yojanas provisions. We must stand above political workers, we should stand by our people in the faces of all odds.
NVCC struggles to increase membership





Business Bureau

Nag Vidarbha Chamber of Commerce (NVCC), which used to claim representation of more than 13 lakh traders spread across the region, seems to be struggling to take its total number of members to 2000. Despite launching a special drive for a period of three months starting from April, the 75-year-old body managed to attract less than 100 new members while only 600 to 700 members renewed their memberships. Though the office-bearers of the body expressed their inability to comment on the matter, sources told The Hitavada that NVCC has less than 800 members under its banner.

Realising this, the chamber on Tuesday once again appealed to the traders and businessmen to join the body to strengthen it. In a statement issued by the National Company Law Tribunal-appointed Administrator U C Nahta on Tuesday, the chamber urged the existing but inactive members to renew their membership. The Nag Vidarbha Chamber of Commerces (NVCC) had launched a special membership renewal drive from April to June. The drive will conclude on June 30. Sources also said that the NVCC may further extend the drive for 15-30 days so that it could attract more traders in coming days. The new traders, exporters, businessmen and firms may apply for the membership of the body. In addition to this, members whose membership had lapsed, may also pay the outstanding dues and renew it. The renewal charges are Rs 312 (plus 18% GST) per year.

It is important to note that many existing members had alleged the former President of NVCC Ashwin Mehadia of denying them the opportunity to renew their membership. There were also allegations that Mehadia had renewed membership of only those who favoured him. Besides, there were many other allegations against Mehadia following which the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) had dissolved the executive body of NVCC and appointed an administrator. The administrator was appointed following a petition filed by a group of former office-bearers and past presidents of the body. The NVCC, a not-for-profit company formed under section 8 of the Companies Act, is one of the oldest and biggest bodies of traders of the region. The body claims to have representation of more than 13 lakh traders spread across the region.
People welcomed Vande Bharat train; students interact with PM





Staff Reporter

Vande Bharat Express train was welcomed by public representatives at Narmadapuram, Piparia, Gadarwara, Shreedham, Obedullaganj and other few stations on Tuesday. School students, ex-employees of Central Government, Railway employees travelled in the train. The train was flagged off by PM Narendra Modi at 10:58 am. The train took speed of 100 kmph within 4 minutes and after six minutes, it caught the speed of 130 kmph. The train reached at Obedullaganj station at 11:18 hours where food items for school students and other passengers were provided in the train.

When the train reached in Ghat section under Budhni region, its speed was reduced to 75 kmph. Passengers were delighted to click the videos and photos of Ghat section as it looks scenic beauty during rainy season. People welcomed the train at Narmadapuram with lots of drum beats and flowers. MLA Dr Sita Sharan Sharma was present at the station for welcoming the train. Student Falguni from Bhopal school presented Vande Mataram song before the Prime Minister. Class X student Pravalika Pande from Sagar Public School, Bhopal interacted with the Prime Minister and sought queries related to inspiration for writing exam warrior book. PM Modi told to Pravalika that he wrote book on his experience and asked whether she wants to be a journalist? Pravalika said that she wish to join NDA. There were 156 students travelled in two Vande Bharat Express train till Itarsi.
RTMNU exams postponed from June 29 to July 9





Staff Reporter

The written examinations to be conducted by Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU), scheduled on June 29, have been postponed to Sunday, July 9, 2023. The examinations will be held at the scheduled time at the specified examination centres. All concerned are requested to take note of the change in the examination date, urged Dr Praful Sable, Director, Board of Examinations and Evaluation, RTMNU. Since the festival of Bakri Eid (Eid ul Zua) falls on June 29, all written examinations of the University on the day have been cancelled.

The principals, centre heads, teachers and students concerned have been informed that the examinations of June 29 will be held on Sunday, July 9. These examinations are for: Management in Local Government (Diploma in LSGD), Physics (Solid State Physics, X-Ray and Laser) Optional Paper 1 (B.Sc. 4 Sem.), Zoology (Life and Diversity of Animals Cordates) Optional Paper 1 (B.Sc. 4 Sem.), Industrial Chemistry (ICH-401) Optional Paper 1 (B.Sc. 4 Sem), Real Analysis- 1 Paper, Paper 2 (MSc 1 Sem Mathematics), Distribution Theory Paper 2 (MSc 1 Sem Statistics), Complex Analysis and Numerical Methods Paper 2 (MSc 1st Semester Physics), Organic Chemistry Paper || Paper 2 (MSc 1 Sem Chemistry), General Physiology Paper 1 T 2 Paper 2 (MSc 1 Sem Zoology), Bryophytes and Pteridophytes Paper || Paper 2 (MSc 1 Sem Botany), Advanced Enzymology Paper || Paper 2 (MSc 1 Sem Biochemistry), Digital Design and Application Paper || Paper 2 (MSc 1 Sem Electronics), Automospheric Science Paper || Paper 2 (MSc 1 Sem Env. Science), Programming in Java Paper || Paper 2 (MSc 1 Sem Computer Science), Genius Petrology (4) Paper 2 (MSc 1 Sem Geology), Genius Petrology (4) Paper 2 (MSc Tech 1 Sem Applied Geology), Molecular Biology Paper 2 (MSc 1 Sem BT) , Internet Computing with ASP.NET Paper 2 (MSc 1 Sem IT), 1T2 Advanced Forensic Science Paper 2 (MSc 1 Sem Forensic Science), Android Programming Paper 5 MCA 2 Sem (Old), Drug and Cosmetic Law Paper 5 Bachelor of Cosmetic Tech 3 Sem, French Paper 5 Bachelor of HMCT 3 Sem, Linear Network Analysis Paper 5 Bachelor of Appl. Ele. & Soft Tech 3 Sem., Interior Environment Control - | Paper 6 Bachelor of Interior Design 3 Sem., Construction Techniques Paper 5 Bachelor of Fashion Design 3 Sem., Applied Textile Design-| Paper - 5 Bachelor of Textile Science 3 Sem., English (Old) Paper 1 BA (RS) 2 Sem., English (New) Paper 1 BA (RS) 2 Sem., Political Science Bagge 4 Sem., Public Administration BA 4 Sem., Mathematics BA 4 Sem, Android Programming Paper 5 MCA 2 Sem (New ), Statistical Methods Paper - ||| BCA 1st Sem, System Analysis and Design Paper - ||| BSc (IT) 1 Sem, Fundamentals of Human Development Compulsory Paper-2 BSC (HSC) 1 Sem, Business Communication and Management Compulsory Paper-2 B.Com 3 Sem, E-Commerce and Web Designing Skill Enhancement Course Paper 2 T4 BCom Computer Application 2 Sem, E-Commerce and Web Designing Compulsory Paper - 4, B.Com Computer Application 2 Sem (Old), Advanced Cost Accounting Compulsory Paper - 2 M.Com Second Sem Advanced Financial Account Compulsory Paper M Com Second Sem English Old Literature Paper BA 2, Eng (Old) Literature New Optional Paper 1 BA 6 Sem, Research Method and Status Research Methods and Statistical Techniques Core 2 T4 BLib Science 2 Sem, Research Methods and Statistical Techniques Core 2 T4 MLib Science 2 Sem. BP 304T Pharmaceutical Engineering B Pharm 3 Sem, Paper - | Financial Management MBA 2 Semester (New).
(Bloomberg) -- Bankrupt Lordstown Motors Corp. has had confidential settlement talks with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, which has previously inquired about whether the electric vehicle startup misled investors in relation to its merger with a blank-check company when it went public in 2020.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Lordstown lawyer Thomas Lauria said during the companys debut bankruptcy hearing in Delaware Wednesday that the SECs investigation could result in civil claims but its not yet known whether discussions will result in a settlement or future litigation. Lauria didnt discuss the nature of the civil claims or details about the SECs investigation during the hearing.

The SEC opened an investigation into Lordstown in early 2021, after short-selling research firm Hindenburg Research published a report that alleged the EV startup and certain executives made false statements while pitching its merger with a so-called special purpose acquisition company, including about the number and validity of pre-orders for its electric pickup truck.

Since then, the agency has sent at least two subpoenas to the startup, requesting information about the merger and the pre-orders, and the US Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York is also investigating.

The SEC declined to comment.

Internal Probe

After the SEC began its probe, Lordstown started its own internal review, which ultimately determined that some executives did in fact mislead investors. Founder and former Chief Executive Officer Steve Burns resigned in 2021 as a result of that review, as did the companys chief financial officer at the time.

Lordstown filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this week, an action that immediately pauses shareholder lawsuits and other pending litigation against the company. Lauria told a Delaware bankruptcy judge on Wednesday that Lordstown intends to liquidate and that the company will use its Chapter 11 breathing spell to repay creditors as much as possible.

The EV startup filed Chapter 11 amid a bruising dispute with iPhone maker Foxconn Technology Group over a deal to make pickup trucks for Lordstown at an assembly plant in Ohio. The Taiwanese manufacturer had said it was prepared to pull out of their production partnership, prompting the EV startup to warn it could fail if it was unable to resolve the conflict.

Lordstown has sued Foxconn for breach of contract and has alleged Foxconn consistently failed to honor its agreements and forced the vehicle maker into bankruptcy. Foxconn has disputed Lordstowns allegations and said it reserves the right to take future legal action.

Foxconn lawyer Matthew Murphy said during Wednesdays hearing that Lordstowns allegations are baseless and that the EV startup was plagued by financial, legal and operational problems before its partnership with Foxconn.

Lordstown joins several other once-promising startups that have wound-up bankrupt after going public through a SPAC merger.

The bankruptcy is Lordstown Motors Corp., 23-10831, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.

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2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Traitors played into hands of Russias enemies: Putin in address on revolt





MOSCOW :

RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin on Monday blasted organisers of a weekend revolt, the gravest threat yet to his power, as traitors who played into the hands of Ukraines Government and its allies. Speaking in a stern tone and looking tired in a five-minute TV address near midnight, Putin sought to project stability.

He tried to strike a balance between criticising the uprisings perpetrators to prevent another crisis, and not antagonising the bulk of the mercenaries and their hardline supporters, some of whom are incensed at the Kremlins handling of the situation. Putin, whose troops are stretched thin in the face of a Ukrainian counteroffensive, praised the rank and file mercenaries for not letting the situation descend into major bloodshed. He said, the nation had stood united, although there had been localised signs of support for the uprising.
Western glasses of bias portray twisted picture of India





BY KARTIK LOKHANDE

BY THE time Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed highly successful and celebrated State visit to the USA recently, several articles and reports and editorial or opinion pieces appeared in Western media including The New York Times (NYT), CNN, BBC, The Washington Post, USA Today, etc. All of them appreciated Indias growth story out of compulsion due to Indias stupendous rise in global economic order, but foxily cited certain perception-based (not reality based) indices and used stereotypes of bias to describe India as a country with Hindu Nationalism dominating the scene and democratic backsliding. This is just another round of misuse and abuse of global reach of Western media to peddle biased narratives stemming out of tinted political opinion. For instance, while the world media including the prejudiced Al Jazeera also were showing live the telecast of joint statement of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden, BBC News as seen in India was showing a news about Kyiv. Though BBC later published on its website the report Joe Biden and Narendra Modi hail defining US-India partnership, it remarked, However, not everyone was celebrating, and also used biased expression his Hindu Nationalist government. A day earlier, American news channel CNN gave more weightage to other news instead of what the US President called as the coming together of worlds greatest democracies. Soon after the joint statement of Biden and Modi, CNN carried its senior journalists statements with apparent bias against India in general and the Indian Prime Minister in particular. USA Today unabashedly made prejudiced reference to Modi as right-wing PM, in its report published on June 22.

The same day, NYT Editorial Board Opinion piece titled The India Quandary used stereotypical adjectives. Here is a sample: Under Mr. Modi and his right-wing, Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, India has witnessed a serious erosion of the civil and political rights and democratic freedoms guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. Similar NYT pieces have quoted previously some recent indices that projected Indias perceived downslide in some rankings or scores. Interestingly, Indias Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) had published a paper Why India does poorly on global perception indices authored by Sanjeev Sanyal, Principal Economic Adviser to the Government of India, and Aakanksha Arora. It questioned the authenticity of such global indices and rankings. Sanyal even went on record saying that the opinion of some analysts could not be taken as objective truth. A common thread in all these indices is that they are derived from the perceptions or opinions of few experts. These institutions do not provide any transparency on how the experts were chosen or even their expertise or nationality..., stated the report. There was another observation, Another common feature of these indices is all these are based on a set of questions.

A reading of the questionnaire shows that most of the questions are subjective in nature, hence simply providing the same questions for all countries does not mean getting comparable scores for different countries as the generic questions can be answered very differently by experts. The EAC-PM report illustrated the case of three global (perception-based) indices -- Freedom in the World Index by Freedom House, Democracy Index by Economist Intelligence Unit, and V-DEM indices by the Varieties of Democracy Institute. These are the same reports used repeatedly by critics of India and Modi, in opinion pieces in so-called global media outlets. The Washington Post issue of June 21, 2023, published one photograph of Modi on inside page, and gave more space to opinion piece titled Sorry, America. India will never be your ally that discussed India following the policy of aggressive multilateralism. The prejudiced approach of The Washington Post was exposed by full-page advertisement that screamed Press freedom is under attack in India, with a sentence below it: A public service initiative from The Washington Post to promote press freedom worldwide. Financial Times of June 22, 2023 carried a column by Edward Luce, which went a step further in bias and denounced Modi as the most ruthless democratic backslider. Sadly, the Western world that boasts of championing democratic values, objectivity, and human rights has proven to have resorted to double standards to suit own convenience. It looks at India from the lens of bias and prejudice. A study An analysis of global media coverage of events in India by Amol Parth, published in the Communicator journal of Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) exposed Western media biases. The words/language that these publications have used the most in context of India are negative, divisive, outrageous, full of contempt and ridicule for India, it pointed out. After studying 3,000-plus India-related articles in NYT, The Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Time, and The Guardian over the last decade, Amol Parth found that the most used words in context of India in these Western media outlets were fear, hate, violence, riot, Hindu, Muslim, Kashmir, cow, mob, and protest.

He observed for global media, The values they hold while reporting about events in their own countries; they dont abide by the same values in their reportage on similar events in India. Dr S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India, also had lashed out at the Western bias not long ago, If you read foreign newspapers, they use words like Hindu nationalist government. In America or Europe, they wont say Christian nationalist or whatever... These adjectives are reserved for us. The so-called global media and websites coverage of India is deep-rooted in their shallow understanding of Indias complex realities and rich diversity with functional Constitutional democracy. They mischievously call lawful action against political leaders in Opposition in India, as nuisance litigation. They are biased in the realm of films also as reflected in an article on Vox web portal that dubbed RRR as a casteist Hindu wash of history and the independence struggle, while ignoring that the whole world was dancing to the tunes of Natu Natu from the popular movie. Western media outlets exhibit their inherent bias, prejudice, and hypocritical approach towards India and Indian leadership. It is time for Indians to have in place own mechanisms to rank even these holier than thou Western colonialist mindsets on several aspects ranging from education to healthcare to slavery to democratic values to religious biases to media biases. It is time for Indians to counter their narratives with facts and studied opinions. It is time to stand up to Western prejudice, and tell India story to the world in a deservingly positive and confident way. n
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Kennametal Inc. KMT: This company that provide advanced Materials Solutions Provider for Metal Cutting has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 12.6% over the last 60 days.

Kennametal Inc. Price and Consensus

Kennametal Inc. Price and Consensus

Kennametal Inc. price-consensus-chart | Kennametal Inc. Quote

This Zacks Rank #1 company has a dividend yield of 2.9%, compared with the industry average of 1.8%.

Kennametal Inc. Dividend Yield (TTM)

Kennametal Inc. Dividend Yield (TTM)

Kennametal Inc. dividend-yield-ttm | Kennametal Inc. Quote

Ryerson Holding Corporation RYI: This industrial metal company has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 7.3% over the last 60 days.

Ryerson Holding Corporation Price and Consensus

Ryerson Holding Corporation Price and Consensus

Ryerson Holding Corporation price-consensus-chart | Ryerson Holding Corporation Quote

This Zacks Rank #1 company has a dividend yield of 1.8%, compared with the industry average of 1.3%.

Ryerson Holding Corporation Dividend Yield (TTM)

Ryerson Holding Corporation Dividend Yield (TTM)

Ryerson Holding Corporation dividend-yield-ttm | Ryerson Holding Corporation Quote

nVent Electric plc NVT: This company that provides electrical connection and protection solutions has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 8.2% over the last 60 days.

nVent Electric PLC Price and Consensus

nVent Electric PLC Price and Consensus

nVent Electric PLC price-consensus-chart | nVent Electric PLC Quote

This Zacks Rank #1 company has a dividend yield of 1.4%, compared with the industry average of 0.0%.

nVent Electric PLC Dividend Yield (TTM)

nVent Electric PLC Dividend Yield (TTM)

nVent Electric PLC dividend-yield-ttm | nVent Electric PLC Quote

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Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ  Get Rating) (TSE:CNQ) has been given a consensus rating of Moderate Buy by the seven research firms that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month price target among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $94.14.

Separately, StockNews.com started coverage on Canadian Natural Resources in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock.

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Canadian Natural Resources Price Performance

Shares of CNQ stock opened at $54.53 on Wednesday. The stocks 50-day moving average is $56.47 and its 200 day moving average is $56.66. The company has a market cap of $59.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.44, a PEG ratio of 0.83 and a beta of 1.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 0.83 and a quick ratio of 0.57. Canadian Natural Resources has a 1-year low of $44.45 and a 1-year high of $62.57.

Canadian Natural Resources Cuts Dividend

Canadian Natural Resources ( NYSE:CNQ Get Rating ) (TSE:CNQ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 4th. The oil and gas producer reported $1.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.20 by $0.05. Canadian Natural Resources had a net margin of 20.63% and a return on equity of 29.39%. The company had revenue of $6.38 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.26 billion. Research analysts predict that Canadian Natural Resources will post 5.2 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, July 5th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 16th will be given a $0.664 dividend. This represents a $2.66 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.87%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, June 15th. Canadian Natural Resourcess payout ratio is 41.02%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Canadian Natural Resources

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. EP Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Canadian Natural Resources in the first quarter valued at about $1,427,000. Macquarie Group Ltd. increased its holdings in Canadian Natural Resources by 1.0% in the first quarter. Macquarie Group Ltd. now owns 901,886 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $49,919,000 after buying an additional 8,953 shares in the last quarter. Toroso Investments LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Canadian Natural Resources during the 1st quarter worth approximately $606,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its stake in Canadian Natural Resources by 1.4% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 4,343,253 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $240,400,000 after purchasing an additional 59,156 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Harvest Portfolios Group Inc. acquired a new position in Canadian Natural Resources during the first quarter worth $3,761,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 71.24% of the companys stock.

Canadian Natural Resources Company Profile

(Get Rating

Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores for, develops, produces, markets, and sells crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company offers light and medium crude oil, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), and synthetic crude oil (SCO).

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Elevated Capital Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO  Get Rating) by 14.8% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 48,015 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after acquiring an additional 6,205 shares during the quarter. Elevated Capital Advisors LLCs holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF were worth $1,940,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of the business. Sound Income Strategies LLC lifted its position in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 311.0% in the 4th quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 637 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 482 shares during the last quarter. Endurance Wealth Management Inc. lifted its position in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 303.2% in the 4th quarter. Endurance Wealth Management Inc. now owns 633 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 476 shares during the last quarter. Retirement Group LLC bought a new stake in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF in the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. Dakota Community Bank & Trust NA lifted its position in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 110.1% in the 4th quarter. Dakota Community Bank & Trust NA now owns 689 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 361 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Boyd Watterson Asset Management LLC OH bought a new stake in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF in the 4th quarter worth approximately $27,000.

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Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Trading Down 0.7 %

VWO stock traded down $0.27 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $40.39. The company had a trading volume of 1,456,933 shares, compared to its average volume of 10,661,914. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF has a 52 week low of $34.88 and a 52 week high of $43.22. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $40.27 and its 200 day moving average price is $40.41. The stock has a market cap of $71.89 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.00 and a beta of 0.69.

Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Company Profile

The Fund seeks to track the performance of the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index, that measures the return of stocks issued by companies located in emerging market countries.

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Drax Power Station

Britain is to be left without backup coal power plants this winter after the energy companies Drax and EDF confirmed plans to close their remaining stations.

The National Grid on Wednesday said it had ended talks with the two companies about keeping open West Burton A, in Nottinghamshire, and two coal-fired units at Draxs plant in Selby, Yorkshire, after they made clear that the sites would not be available.

Last winter, the companies were paid to keep these coal units on standby as a final resort to keep the lights on if gas and renewable energy generation ran low.

But the refusal of EDF and Drax to keep the facilities open means the Grid will be unable to keep this so-called winter contingency in reserve again.

A third coal power station that participated last year, Unipers Ratcliffe-on-Soar, also in Nottinghamshire, will continue to operate but only on a commercial basis, meaning it is not available as a contingency.

The National Grid, which owns and operates Britains main electricity system, had been asked by ministers to find out whether the coal plants would be available again and revealed earlier this month that it was in talks about doing so.

But on Wednesday the company said: These discussions have now concluded. Both operators have confirmed that they will not be able to make their coal units available for a further winter and have begun the decommissioning process.

Drax said that the decision not to keep the Yorkshire coal units going was due to a combination of technical, maintenance and staffing reasons.

It means the National Grid will not be able to call upon a separate reserve of coal-generated power during times of system stress.

Last winter, West Burton As two units, Draxs two units and one at Ratcliffe-on-Soar were able to provide backup capacity of around 2.4 gigawatts when needed.

In the event, they were warmed up on seven occasions but only used once, in early March. The contingency cost the Grid  and ultimately bill-payers  about 400m overall.

The Grid has also relied on the Ratcliffe plant to boost supplies this summer, calling on the facility earlier this month as temperatures soared and businesses turned up their air conditioning.

From October 1 2024, the UK Government wants to phase out coal power generation completely, primarily by making it uneconomical to generate anymore.

However, ministers have dropped their plans to enshrine a ban of coal power generation by that date in law, The Telegraph revealed.

Kathryn Porter, an energy analyst at consultancy Watt Logic, warned that the loss of the two coal power plants meant electricity supplies this winter would be less secure.

She added: This year will be better than last because the situations in Norway and France are less tight.

But a high pressure weather system affecting Northern Europe will still cause problems due to low wind output and cold temperatures.

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.
MCF Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Rating) by 1.6% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 2,465 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 40 shares during the period. MCF Advisors LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $846,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Y.D. More Investments Ltd purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the 4th quarter worth $26,000. Destiny Wealth Partners LLC raised its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 97.8% during the 4th quarter. Destiny Wealth Partners LLC now owns 91 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 45 shares during the last quarter. New England Capital Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the 4th quarter worth $35,000. Tanglewood Legacy Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the 4th quarter worth $37,000. Finally, Freedom Wealth Alliance LLC purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the 4th quarter worth $37,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.25% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 107,022 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $459.28, for a total value of $49,153,064.16. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 101,248,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at $46,501,553,456.80. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In related news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 107,022 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $459.28, for a total value of $49,153,064.16. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 101,248,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at $46,501,553,456.80. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 600 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $435.29, for a total transaction of $261,174.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 5,978 shares in the company, valued at $2,602,163.62. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 1,279,783 shares of company stock valued at $510,549,964. Insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

Eli Lilly and Company Trading Down 0.0 %

Shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock traded down $0.19 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $464.31. 213,555 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,097,692. Eli Lilly and Company has a twelve month low of $296.32 and a twelve month high of $468.53. The stock has a market capitalization of $440.76 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 73.87, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.07 and a beta of 0.36. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $429.09 and a 200 day simple moving average of $375.18. The company has a current ratio of 1.30, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.67.

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported $1.62 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.73 by ($0.11). Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 61.42% and a net margin of 20.54%. The firm had revenue of $6.96 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.87 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $2.62 earnings per share. Eli Lilly and Companys revenue for the quarter was down 10.9% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 8.78 EPS for the current year.

Eli Lilly and Company Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Investors of record on Friday, September 8th will be given a $1.13 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, August 14th. This represents a $4.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.97%. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is presently 71.86%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Cantor Fitzgerald increased their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $485.00 to $550.00 in a report on Tuesday. Credit Suisse Group increased their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $420.00 to $490.00 in a report on Thursday, May 4th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $430.00 to $475.00 in a report on Thursday, May 4th. Barclays increased their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $420.00 to $500.00 in a report on Tuesday. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, June 12th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $437.90.

Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes.

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First United Bank & Trust grew its stake in The Southern Company (NYSE:SO  Get Rating) by 3.8% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 14,570 shares of the utilities providers stock after buying an additional 537 shares during the quarter. First United Bank & Trusts holdings in Southern were worth $1,014,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Prudential PLC lifted its position in shares of Southern by 23.4% in the first quarter. Prudential PLC now owns 19,438 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,409,000 after purchasing an additional 3,689 shares in the last quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust grew its holdings in shares of Southern by 33.5% in the 1st quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 1,727 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $126,000 after acquiring an additional 433 shares in the last quarter. Covestor Ltd increased its position in shares of Southern by 63.0% in the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,902 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $138,000 after acquiring an additional 735 shares during the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Southern by 0.4% during the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 49,925 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $3,621,000 after acquiring an additional 221 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp boosted its position in Southern by 35.8% during the first quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 907,132 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $65,776,000 after purchasing an additional 239,325 shares during the last quarter. 63.25% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Southern Price Performance

Shares of SO stock traded down $0.96 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $70.16. The companys stock had a trading volume of 754,702 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,205,514. The company has a quick ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 0.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.51. The Southern Company has a fifty-two week low of $58.85 and a fifty-two week high of $80.57. The company has a market capitalization of $76.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.94, a PEG ratio of 4.97 and a beta of 0.51. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $71.81 and its 200-day simple moving average is $69.70.

Southern Increases Dividend

Southern ( NYSE:SO Get Rating ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The utilities provider reported $0.79 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.71 by $0.08. The firm had revenue of $6.48 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.14 billion. Southern had a return on equity of 10.78% and a net margin of 11.53%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 2.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.97 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts forecast that The Southern Company will post 3.61 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 6th. Stockholders of record on Monday, May 15th were paid a dividend of $0.70 per share. This represents a $2.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.99%. This is a positive change from Southerns previous quarterly dividend of $0.68. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 12th. Southerns dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 90.32%.

Insider Activity

In other news, insider David P. Poroch sold 10,000 shares of Southern stock in a transaction on Monday, June 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $70.05, for a total transaction of $700,500.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 28,691 shares in the company, valued at $2,009,804.55. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other Southern news, insider David P. Poroch sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $70.05, for a total transaction of $700,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 28,691 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,009,804.55. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, EVP Bryan D. Anderson sold 9,491 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.03, for a total transaction of $712,109.73. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 36,119 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,710,008.57. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 205,678 shares of company stock valued at $14,888,271 over the last quarter. 0.37% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on SO shares. Mizuho dropped their price objective on Southern from $77.00 to $76.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 16th. VNET Group reissued a maintains rating on shares of Southern in a research report on Friday, April 28th. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on shares of Southern from $57.00 to $63.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. StockNews.com raised Southern from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 17th. Finally, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM reaffirmed a maintains rating on shares of Southern in a research report on Friday, April 28th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $74.07.

About Southern

(Get Rating)

The Southern Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. It operates through three segments: Gas Distribution Operations, Gas Pipeline Investments, and Gas Marketing Services. The company also develops, constructs, acquires, owns, and manages power generation assets, including renewable energy projects and sells electricity in the wholesale market; and distributes natural gas in Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee, as well as provides gas marketing services, gas distribution operations, and gas pipeline investments operations.

Further Reading

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Shares of Getty Realty Corp. (NYSE:GTY  Get Rating) have been assigned an average recommendation of Hold from the six brokerages that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat.com reports. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and one has issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 12-month target price among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $33.33.

Several research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Getty Realty in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM reiterated a reiterates rating on shares of Getty Realty in a research report on Thursday, April 27th. Finally, JMP Securities lifted their price objective on Getty Realty from $37.00 to $39.00 and gave the stock a market outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, March 21st.

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Getty Realty Price Performance

Shares of NYSE GTY opened at $33.52 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81, a current ratio of 3.02 and a quick ratio of 3.02. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $33.96 and a 200 day moving average price of $34.52. Getty Realty has a 1-year low of $25.49 and a 1-year high of $36.49. The company has a market cap of $1.66 billion, a PE ratio of 19.05 and a beta of 0.89.

Getty Realty Dividend Announcement

Getty Realty ( NYSE:GTY Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 26th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.28 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.52 by ($0.24). Getty Realty had a return on equity of 11.00% and a net margin of 50.43%. The company had revenue of $42.37 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $43.02 million. Sell-side analysts forecast that Getty Realty will post 2.13 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, July 6th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 22nd will be issued a $0.43 dividend. This represents a $1.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.13%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, June 21st. Getty Realtys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 97.73%.

Institutional Trading of Getty Realty

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. BlackRock Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Getty Realty by 0.5% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 7,210,369 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $206,361,000 after purchasing an additional 36,492 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Getty Realty by 1.2% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 6,768,864 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $182,014,000 after purchasing an additional 81,104 shares during the period. Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Getty Realty by 34.4% during the 1st quarter. Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management LLC now owns 3,718,000 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $133,960,000 after purchasing an additional 951,649 shares during the period. State Street Corp grew its holdings in shares of Getty Realty by 23.0% during the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 3,424,150 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $124,802,000 after purchasing an additional 639,883 shares during the period. Finally, Wellington Management Group LLP grew its holdings in shares of Getty Realty by 145.1% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 2,033,521 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $73,268,000 after purchasing an additional 1,203,892 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 85.52% of the companys stock.

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HM Payson & Co. raised its stake in shares of Dover Co. (NYSE:DOV  Get Rating) by 3.9% during the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 29,198 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,105 shares during the quarter. HM Payson & Co.s holdings in Dover were worth $4,436,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of DOV. Trust Co. of Vermont boosted its stake in Dover by 1.3% in the 4th quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 5,029 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $681,000 after buying an additional 66 shares in the last quarter. Bill Few Associates Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Dover by 3.1% in the 1st quarter. Bill Few Associates Inc. now owns 2,345 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $356,000 after purchasing an additional 70 shares in the last quarter. Insight Folios Inc grew its holdings in shares of Dover by 3.2% in the 4th quarter. Insight Folios Inc now owns 2,432 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $329,000 after purchasing an additional 75 shares during the last quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. increased its position in shares of Dover by 4.1% during the 4th quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 1,961 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $266,000 after purchasing an additional 77 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MGO One Seven LLC increased its position in shares of Dover by 3.4% during the 4th quarter. MGO One Seven LLC now owns 2,400 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $325,000 after purchasing an additional 79 shares in the last quarter. 83.77% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Activity at Dover

In other news, CFO Brad M. Cerepak sold 17,769 shares of Dover stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $139.03, for a total transaction of $2,470,424.07. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 54,569 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,586,728.07. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 1.30% of the companys stock.

Dover Price Performance

DOV opened at $144.79 on Wednesday. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $142.03 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $143.84. The firm has a market capitalization of $20.25 billion, a PE ratio of 19.31, a P/E/G ratio of 1.14 and a beta of 1.35. Dover Co. has a 52 week low of $114.49 and a 52 week high of $160.66. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a current ratio of 1.32.

Dover (NYSE:DOV  Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 26th. The industrial products company reported $1.94 EPS for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.94. Dover had a return on equity of 28.27% and a net margin of 12.51%. The business had revenue of $2.08 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.08 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.90 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 1.4% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts anticipate that Dover Co. will post 9 earnings per share for the current year.

Dover Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, May 31st were paid a dividend of $0.505 per share. This represents a $2.02 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.40%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, May 30th. Dovers payout ratio is 26.93%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages have weighed in on DOV. Barclays decreased their price objective on shares of Dover from $141.00 to $138.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, April 6th. StockNews.com started coverage on Dover in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating for the company. 92 Resources restated a maintains rating on shares of Dover in a research note on Thursday, April 27th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and set a $145.00 price target on shares of Dover in a research report on Thursday, March 9th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on shares of Dover from $157.00 to $155.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, April 13th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $162.31.

Dover Company Profile

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Dover Corporation provides equipment and components, consumable supplies, aftermarket parts, software and digital solutions, and support services worldwide. The company's Engineered Products segment provides various equipment, component, software, solution, and services that are used in aftermarket vehicle service, solid waste handling, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, industrial winch and hoist, and fluid dispensing end-market.

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Morguard North American (TSE:MRG  Get Rating) announced a monthly dividend on Thursday, June 15th, Zacks reports. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 30th will be paid a dividend of 0.06 per share on Friday, July 14th. This represents a $0.72 annualized dividend and a yield of . The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 29th.

Morguard North American Price Performance

Morguard North American has a 12-month low of C$13.17 and a 12-month high of C$16.21.

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Morguard North American (TSE:MRG  Get Rating) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, April 25th. The company reported C$0.49 earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of C$79.65 million during the quarter.

About Morguard North American

Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust (the Trust) is a real estate investment trust (REIT). The Trusts investment objectives are to generate stable and growing cash distributions on a tax-efficient basis; enhance the value of the REITs assets and maximize long-term Unit value through active asset and property management, and expand the asset base of the REIT and increase adjusted funds from operations per Unit primarily through acquisitions and improvement of its properties through targeted deployed capital expenditures.

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Neuberger Berman California Municipal Fund Inc. (NYSE:NBW  Get Rating) announced a monthly dividend on Thursday, June 15th, Wall Street Journal reports. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 30th will be paid a dividend of 0.0254 per share on Monday, July 17th. This represents a $0.30 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.83%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 29th.

Neuberger Berman California Municipal Fund Price Performance

Shares of NBW stock traded up $0.02 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $10.78. The stock had a trading volume of 1,818 shares, compared to its average volume of 22,412. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $10.73 and its 200 day simple moving average is $11.02. Neuberger Berman California Municipal Fund has a one year low of $9.88 and a one year high of $12.47.

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Institutional Trading of Neuberger Berman California Municipal Fund

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of NBW. Guggenheim Capital LLC lifted its position in shares of Neuberger Berman California Municipal Fund by 168.7% in the 1st quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC now owns 81,143 shares of the companys stock worth $991,000 after acquiring an additional 50,949 shares during the period. UBS Group AG lifted its position in shares of Neuberger Berman California Municipal Fund by 59.9% during the 3rd quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 101,960 shares of the companys stock worth $1,071,000 after buying an additional 38,206 shares during the period. Ameriprise Financial Inc. bought a new position in shares of Neuberger Berman California Municipal Fund during the 1st quarter worth approximately $274,000. SkyView Investment Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Neuberger Berman California Municipal Fund during the 1st quarter worth approximately $270,000. Finally, Rivernorth Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Neuberger Berman California Municipal Fund by 9.2% during the 1st quarter. Rivernorth Capital Management LLC now owns 235,367 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,874,000 after purchasing an additional 19,866 shares in the last quarter.

Neuberger Berman California Municipal Fund Company Profile

Neuberger Berman California Intermediate Municipal Fund Inc is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Neuberger Berman LLC. The fund is co-managed by Neuberger Berman Management LLC. It invests in the fixed income markets of the United States. The fund primarily invests in municipal bonds which have income that is exempt from federal income tax and California state personal tax.

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MCF Advisors LLC lowered its stake in Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Get Rating) by 24.4% during the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 8,956 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 2,892 shares during the period. MCF Advisors LLCs holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $335,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of WFC. Defender Capital LLC. acquired a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company in the 1st quarter valued at about $246,000. Fairfield Bush & CO. acquired a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company in the 1st quarter valued at about $124,000. Dakota Wealth Management acquired a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company in the 1st quarter valued at about $222,000. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. increased its holdings in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 0.3% in the 1st quarter. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. now owns 273,936 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $13,274,000 after acquiring an additional 770 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Zions Bancorporation N.A. increased its holdings in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 24.5% in the 1st quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 9,630 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $467,000 after acquiring an additional 1,895 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 72.11% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

WFC has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Raymond James increased their price objective on Wells Fargo & Company from $47.00 to $48.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, April 17th. VNET Group reiterated a reiterates rating on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a report on Wednesday, June 14th. Piper Sandler increased their price objective on Wells Fargo & Company from $41.00 to $43.00 in a report on Thursday, June 15th. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price objective on Wells Fargo & Company from $46.00 to $49.00 in a report on Friday, April 14th. Finally, Odeon Capital Group downgraded Wells Fargo & Company from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $44.60 price target on the stock. in a research note on Wednesday, June 7th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Wells Fargo & Company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $48.71.

Wells Fargo & Company Stock Performance

Wells Fargo & Company stock traded down $0.31 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $40.60. 666,488 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 22,448,049. Wells Fargo & Company has a twelve month low of $35.25 and a twelve month high of $48.84. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $40.48 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $41.89. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a current ratio of 0.83. The firm has a market cap of $152.34 billion, a PE ratio of 11.72, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 1.12.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Get Rating) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, April 14th. The financial services provider reported $1.23 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.15 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $20.73 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.06 billion. Wells Fargo & Company had a return on equity of 10.07% and a net margin of 15.93%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 16.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.88 EPS. Equities analysts predict that Wells Fargo & Company will post 4.69 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Wells Fargo & Company Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 1st. Investors of record on Friday, May 5th were issued a dividend of $0.30 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, May 4th. This represents a $1.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.96%. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio is presently 34.38%.

Wells Fargo & Company Profile

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Wells Fargo & Company, a diversified financial services company, provides banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: Consumer Banking and Lending; Commercial Banking; Corporate and Investment Banking; and Wealth and Investment Management.

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(Bloomberg) -- Canadian asset management giant Brookfield has emerged as the worlds most acquisitive investment firm this year, as the titans of private equity increasingly stay on the sidelines.

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Brookfield has announced more than $50 billion of purchases since the beginning of January, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Thats roughly triple the deal tallies of buyout firms like Apollo Global Management Inc., EQT AB and Silver Lake Management. KKR & Co. has unveiled just one major public-company takeover bid this year.

Toronto-based Brookfield offered $4.3 billion this week for American Equity Investment Life Holding Co., one of the last remaining independent US annuities providers. The deal, first reported by Bloomberg News, could boost its assets under management to $900 billion.

Its also responsible for two of the three biggest takeovers announced by investment firms globally this year. Brookfields infrastructure arm agreed in April to buy Triton International Ltd., the worlds largest owner of intermodal shipping containers, for $13 billion including debt. Its energy transition fund was behind a $12 billion March deal for Australian utility Origin Energy Ltd.

A lot of the easy-money, lever-the-target deals are no longer possible, said Oliver Scharping, a portfolio manager at Bantleon. Brookfield are more active because they are looking at rather conservative, value-based assets that are still available at decent prices.

Brookfields ascendance comes as some private equity firms struggle to complete buyouts amid shaky financing markets and rich price demands from sellers. The same headwinds are leading many of the biggest alternative asset managers to spend more time raising new direct-lending funds as the world of private credit booms.

Liquidity is scarce, and thats creating a more disciplined environment, according to Anuj Ranjan, president of Brookfield Asset Managements private equity business.

Gone are the days of an auction with 45 bids, two pre-empts andId saysome aggressive dealmaking, Ranjan said in a Bloomberg Television interview Wednesday. Were in a place now where its very rational, very reasonable, and groups like ours can benefit.

Brookfield is responsible for one of the London markets biggest take-privates this year, the 2.2 billion ($2.8 billion) acquisition of Middle Eastern payments processor Network International Holdings Plc. Its also been plowing into digital infrastructure, spending nearly $10 billion to buy Dallas-based Compass Datacenters and European operator Data4.

Chief Executive Officer Bruce Flatt is building on a busy 2022, when Brookfield was involved in leveraged buyouts of television-ratings firm Nielsen Holdings Plc and software provider CDK Global Inc. Hes looking for more, saying in May that Brookfield is exploring a number of take-privates across every aspect of its business.

The investment firm also isnt shying away from putting some of its assets on the block. Its seeking more than 4 billion in a sale of UK holiday resort chain Center Parcs, according to people familiar with the matter. Brookfield is also exploring the sale of a stake in an iconic office tower in the heart of Dubais financial district, Bloomberg News reported this month.

Brookfield has been hunting for bigger deals after bringing in around $100 billion of fresh money across its various businesses over the past 12 months. Its been actively raising money for property, infrastructure, private equity and credit strategies in a bid to boost boost its fee-bearing assets under management to $1 trillion.

Large investors are becoming more selective on which private equity funds theyll back, and buyout firms cant count just on cheap financing or revenue growth to deliver returns any more, according to Brookfields Ranjan.

You have to generate those returns and create growth through operational improvements, he said. As an industry as a whole, were back to roll up your sleeves private equity.

--With assistance from Kwaku Gyasi and Dani Burger.

(Updates with fund manager quote in fifth paragraph.)

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2023 Bloomberg L.P.
The Federal Government in discussion with officials of Deposit Money Banks and other related institutions in Abuja, on Tuesday, set to plan for the production of functional three-in-one identity cards for older citizens across the country.

During the meeting with Banks on the Production of Senior Citizens Identity Cards, the Director-General, National Senior Citizens Centre, Emem Omokaro, noted that the initiative would improve the quality of life of older persons across the country in various ways.

She said, This roundtable meeting, we hope, being a joint novel and maiden meeting on funding possibilities for the production of functional and seamless (three-in-one) identity cards for senior citizens, would provide equal opportunity for all present to contribute your perspectives and ideas to the national project.

The National Senior Citizens Centres vision is a multi-purpose card that would serve as a vehicle for financial inclusion, conducive economic and social enterprise empowerment instrument and access to age-friendly physical environment outcomes for Nigerias senior citizens  a population most left behind."

Furthermore, the Director, Active Ageing and Support Services, NSCC, Kayode Fagbemi, outlined the benefits of the multipurpose ID cards for the senior citizens.

According to him, The ID card is expected to provide unique benefits to the senior citizens in the following ways: The cards will be multipurpose cards as they will serve as both national identity cards, bank cards, and senior citizens cards.

It contains vital information about the senior citizen. For travel benefits, senior citizens should be able to enjoy concessions on railway tickets. Separate counters or queues should be available for booking tickets.

Airlines should be able to offer discounts on domestic flights. Separate counters or queues should be available for booking tickets. Public transport in the states should be able to offer discounts for senior citizens.

Fagbmi also explained, To deliberate and determine the designs of the cards, create awareness, as well as address older persons keying into acquiring the cards and taking part in the benefits that come with the card.

These benefits include discounts that will be placed for older persons from pharmacies, restaurants and other services such as transport, hospitals and many more."
The Nigerian Mission in Libya has reportedly facilitated the release of forty Nigerian irregular migrants from the Bir Al-Ghanam detention facility in Libya.

Amb. Kabiru Musa, Charge DAffaires En Titre of the Nigerian Mission in Libya, made this known in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to Musa, the released Nigerian nationals will continue to be catered for by the Mission until they are repatriated.

Musa said that he admonished them on the need to return home, never to embark on such a perilous journey again, and also warn their compatriots back home about the dangers of irregular migration.

On Tuesday June 27, 2023, the mission in its continuous consular assistance to Nigerians in Libya secured the release of forty irregular migrants who were arrested for immigration offences and detained by Libyan immigration authorities for almost two months.

Among the arrested Nigerians are 34 females and six males who were detained at Bir Al-Ghanam detention facility that is about 150 miles away from Tripoli, the capital city.

It was discovered that most of them were lured into travelling to Libya for greener pasture by their would-be traffickers but they ended up under exploitation and enforced labour.

On arrival at the embassy, we received them and admonished them on the need to return home with a promise never to embark on such a deadly journey through the desert again.

I also encouraged them to feel at home and be willing to give information about their traffickers and agents in Nigeria as well as in Libya so that they can be arrested and punished for their crime against humanity.

In the meantime, the mission will continue to cater for their needs including feeding, accommodation, clothing and medicals until they can be repatriated home through the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Musa said.
Non-governmental organisations in Nigeria have called for the setting up of special courts to try rape cases and othe Sexual and Gender-Based Violence matters in the country.

The NGOs under the auspices of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence SGBV Justice Network Cluster made the call at the end of a two-day training of cluster members and stakeholders on Policy Review and Analysis, towards Consolidating Advocacy for Effective Justice Delivery for Survivors of SGBV in Nigeria, held in Abuja between 21st and 22nd of June, 2023.

They called for timely, speedy, and effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice (ACJ) and Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Laws in Bauchi, Benue, Enugu, Kaduna and Osun States.

The SJN Cluster calls on all stakeholders, government agencies, federal and state legislators, CSOs, Media, and the private sector to support the implementation of the ACJA and VAPP Law in all 36 states of the Federation, especially in Bauchi, Benue, Enugu, Kaduna, and Osun States.

The Cluster which is anchored by Lawyers Alert is made up of Ikra Foundation for Women and Youth Development (IFYWD), Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), League of Women Voters, Nigeria (NILOWV), Community Advancement Initiative for Self Reliance (CAI4SR), Agbani Farms Ltd as well as Legal Awareness for Nigerian Women (LANW).

The Cluster which noted the prevalence of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases in Nigeria is working to curb incidents of SGBV as well as strengthen the implementation of VAPP and ACJ laws towards ensuring speedy justice delivery for survivors of SGBV in the project states.

The Cluster listed cultural/religious beliefs, ineffective implementation of laws/policies, and limited access to justice for survivors/victims as challenges that undermine interventions at eradicating SGBV.

It observed that Nigerian women aged 25-29 had experienced some form of physical violence since age 15, with the common acts of violence in Nigeria being sexual harassment, harmful traditional practices, and emotional, physical, psychological, and socio-economic violence.

The President of Lawyers Alert, Mr. Rommy Mom said the SJN Cluster is pushing for full implementation of the VAPP and ACJ Laws, with a view to seeing the laws being very effective in the five project states of Bauchi, Benue, Enugu, Kaduna, and Osun.

Mr. Mom, who was represented by the Director of Programmes, Ms. Jerome, Uneje, emphasized the need to have adequately funded Sexual Assault Referral Centers (SARCs) as well as the need for the judiciary to designate some courts for the hearing of SGBV cases, in addition to setting aside some days for the courts to hear SGBV cases.

This way, Mom said there would be accelerated hearing for such cases and speedy justice delivery for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.

He encouraged the stakeholders drawn from Civil Society Organisations, legal practitioners, the Judiciary, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, the Ministry of Justice, and the media to go back and advocate for a review of the VAPP and the ACJ Laws in states where there are gaps.

"Unfortunately, justice is slow or never for survivors and victims of SGBV. The court, especially the criminal justice system within the states, is slow and expensive. Women and people with low incomes, who cannot afford high legal fees, are most affected.

"Even though laws have been passed at the federal level to hasten criminal trials, in practice, few states have adopted these laws, and even when they do, activation and implementation by state agencies are inadequate," Mom noted.

He added, "The Administration of the Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015 prescribes 6 months to commence and end criminal trials, of which SGBV is one. In practice, however, a case of SGBV, when reported to authorities, takes an average of 5 to 10 years for decisions. The perpetrator often goes free owing to lack of interest or witnesses due to the duration of the case and delayed justice, which serves as motivation to other perpetrators."

The Cluster noted that Courts appear to lack the support to implement the prescribed six-month period to commence and end criminal trials of which SGBV is one, as stated by the ACJA (Administration of Criminal Justice Act), for expeditiously handling criminal cases. At the same time, lawyers frequently stall trials by making indiscriminate applications for adjournments, thereby contributing to delays in the judicial process.

Meanwhile, the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Justice Network (SJN) Cluster is currently implementing the Consolidating Advocacy for Effective Justice Delivery for Survivors of SGBV in Nigeria project, funded by USAID-Palladium.

The goal of the project is to facilitate and consolidate the activation/implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law (VAPPL) and the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) in Bauchi, Benue, Enugu, Kaduna, and Osun States.

Specifically, the project aims to achieve speedy justice service delivery and resolution of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases, which falls within Component 5 of SCALE, which focuses on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), as well as Child, Early and Forced Marriage (CEFM) Sector Strengthening and Advocacy.

The Cluster calls for effective implementation of the VAPP Laws in Bauchi, Benue, Enugu, Kaduna, and Osun states through the activation and funding of one-stop Sexual Assault Referral Centers across target states as well as the designation of specific state agencies (courts) with the mandate of implementation of the VAPP as contained in Section 44 VAPP Act Section 44 VAPP Act).

Implementation of the ACJA in Bauchi, Benue, Enugu, Kaduna, Osun and FCT through the designation of Special Courts for the handling of SGBV cases, as well as the activation of monitoring framework for the implementation as envisaged under Sections 469 to 476 of the ACJA.
Why just travel to Charleston, South Carolina, Americas most charming small city, when you can time travel there as well?

All the way back in 1853, local businessman Otis Mills built the hotel bearing his name as a means of offering traditional Southern hospitality and cuisine to guests, Southerners and Yankees alike.

The 218-room hotel in Charlestons iconic French Quarter was renovated in the 1960s and has just completed a top-to-bottom reimagining and redesign in time for its 170th anniversary. When you stay at The Mills House, youre getting a taste of historical Charleston, right now in the midst of the 21st century.

Sure, you can take a wellness class at the rooftop pool any day of the week at The Mills House, yet the property offers experiences that you simply cannot find anywhere else. Charleston has long been famous for its delicious crabs. Wouldnt you and your kids enjoy a cook your catch experience with Tia Clark, a well-known Charleston personality? She leads guests on Lowcountry crabbing expeditions, so you and your loved ones can have a great time crabbing (instead of your kids crabbing that theres nothing to do). You can then enjoy the crabs you caught at their legendary restaurant, Iron Rose.

Tia Clark, Photo courtesy of Tia Clark

Also being offered at the Iron Rose this August for the 170th anniversary of The Mills House is a tasting and drinks menu which mimics the original dishes that were offered nearly two centuries ago. Signature cocktails inspired by the creator of the modern cocktail, also a bartender at The Mills House, Jerry Thomas, give you a feel for the timelessness of the hotel.

If youre of a culinary bent, you might also try a biscuit-making workshop with the folks from Charlestons beloved Callies Hot Little Biscuit. Thats for business and events groups, so why not bring your whole team with you?

You can also get married at The Mills House, which offers a seamless wedding experience along with backdrops your photographer will go crazy over. Those locations, available not just to newlyweds, are a gorgeous hidden courtyard designed by acclaimed Charleston landscaped architect, Loutrel Briggs, which includes the original cast-iron fountain dating back to 1853. Youll also see some of the hotels original 19th-century chandeliers in the lobby. Not to mention the hotels amazing art collection focusing on female artists and female subjects from across the southeast.

Photo courtesy of The Mills House

The Mills House recently joined Hiltons Curio Collection, the chains foray into owning and managing unique and beautiful properties around the world, from Madrid to Nashville, from Pismo Beach to Sao Paulo. Honors Members will be happy to know that they will enjoy the best of both worlds at Mills Housea unique boutique experience combined with legendary Hilton service.

Locals favor The Mills House because of the quality of its food and the depth of its wine list at the aforementioned Iron Rose, where, every Thursday, live music can be enjoyed from 6 to 9PM along with a half-priced bottle of wine in The Courtyard Bar.

The Iron Rose, Photo courtesy of The Mills House

If youre fortunate enough to visit Charleston in July, you can gorge yourself at the Charleston Caribbean Jerk Chicken Festival, where you can watch the competition for Top Jerk Chef and you can even enter the Jerk Wing Eating Contest (at your own risk, of course). Any time of year, you can visit the International African American Museum, a short distance from the hotel, where you can take in twelve permanent exhibitions as well as special exhibitions celebrating the trauma and triumph of the African American experience in the United States.

So, whether you come to Charleston for pleasure, for work, for a wedding, or just to experience one of the most beautiful and historic cities on the planet, The Mills House offers the opportunity not just to travel well, but to time travel as well.

The post Charlestons The Mills House Takes You Back in Time appeared first on Worth.
ChatGPT creator picks London for first office outside the US

OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman said the London office would be an opportunity to attract world-class talent to the business - Sven Hoppe/dpa via AP

The company behind ChatGPT is opening an office in London, its first outside the US, in a boost to Rishi Sunaks bid to make Britain an artificial intelligence hub.

OpenAI said it had chosen the capital as its base due to a vibrant technology ecosystem and exceptional talent in London.

The company is also hiring lobbyists in the UK, coming as ministers seek to make Britain a beacon for laws governing artificial intelligence.

OpenAI has become the most prominent artificial intelligence company in the world after the release of ChatGPT last November.

The chatbot has since amassed hundreds of millions of users and has led to warnings of job losses and widespread societal disruption.

Sam Altman, OpenAIs chief executive, visited the UK on a European tour last month and said he was scouting for an international office. He said he was considering locations including France.

Rishi Sunak has championed Britain as a base for the development and regulation of AI with other world leaders including Joe Biden - Simon Walker / No 10 Downing Street

Britain has proposed new AI laws that are seen as more business-friendly than strict regulations currently being introduced in the EU.

On Wednesday, OpenAI posted a job advert for a London-based policy and partnerships lead and appointed Sandro Gianella, formerly of payments giant Stripe, to lead policy across Europe.

OpenAI said its UK policy head would be tasked with seeking to further regulation and industry standards and building relationships with politicians.

Mr Altman said: We see this expansion as an opportunity to attract world-class talent and drive innovation in AGI [artificial general intelligence] development and policy.

AGI is widely regarded as the holy grail of AI, and would allow machines to essentially think for themselves, rather than just carry out specific, limited tasks.

Mr Altman said: Were excited about what the future holds and to see the contributions our London office will make towards building and deploying safe AI.

OpenAI said the London office would focus on both developing AI technology and policies surrounding it. It comes as Mr Sunak plans to host an AI summit later this year in an attempt to encourage world leaders to agree on how to safely develop the systems.

DeepMind, Googles artificial intelligence lab, is based in Londons Kings Cross, while Anthropic, another well-funded AI start-up, is also opening an office in the UK capital while data giant Palantir has made the UK its European AI centre.

OpenAI already has a handful of staff in the UK who work remotely, with its main operations in San Francisco.

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House now has only 499 MPs

BANGKOK: The House of Representatives now has 499 members, one short of the full complement of 500, following Move Forward Party (MFP) list-MP Nateepat Kulsetthasithas formal conviction and sentencing for drunk driving two days after the general election.

politicsalcohol

By Bangkok Post

Wednesday 28 June 2023 08:44 AM

Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul (centre) and party MPs show their new ID cards to the press after reporting for the first time to the Secretariat of the House of Representatives on Monday June 26). Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul

On May 16, MP-elect Ms Nateepat, 27th on the party list, announced her resignation after she was arrested earlier that day by police for driving while over the limit for alcohol.

That same day, she was sentenced by the Min Buri Criminal Court to two months in jail and fined B4,000. She was ordered to undertake 12 hours of community services and banned from driving for six months. The prison sentence was then suspended for two years and she was placed on probation for one year, reports the Bangkok Post.

The Election Commission (EC) on June 19 endorsed all 500 MPs-elect including Ms Nateepat, who confirmed her intention to resign but said she had been told she must first complete election procedures.

House of Representatives secretary-general Pornpit Phetcharoen said that on Monday (June 26) her office received a letter from the Min Buri Criminal Court saying the case was finalised. Therefore, Ms Nateepat had lost her MP status under Section 101 (13) of the law on the election of MPs. The Move Forward Party had been informed of this.

The next candidate on the MFPs party list would replace her after the House speaker was selected, Mrs Pornpit said.

His Majesty the King will open the new parliament on July 3. The House speaker will be selected at a joint sitting of parliament on July 4.
CM chairs peace meet

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IMPHAL, Jun 27: Chief Minister N Biren today held a meeting with several CSOs on restoration of peace and normalcy in the State.

Among others, the meeting was attended by representatives of AMUCO and COCOMI.

Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi, DGP Rajiv Singh and top officials of IB were also present at the meeting.

The Chief Minister and the State Government officials appealed to all CSOs to work collectively so as to restore peace and normalcy in the State at the earliest.
Kuki, Naga MLAs may meet on Jun 29

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IMPHAL, Jun 27: Kuki MLAs of the Manipur Legislative Assembly may hold a meeting with the Naga legislators on the violent crisis besieging the State since May 3.

On the invitation of the Kuki MLAs, a meeting was scheduled between the Naga and Kuki legislators of the State on Saturday last but it was postponed.

A fresh meeting has been scheduled on Thursday (June 29), sources informed.

However, the sources have not yet divulged the venue and the exact agenda of the meeting scheduled on Thursday between Kuki and Naga legislators.
(Bloomberg) -- Profits at industrial firms in China kept dropping in May, reflecting the impact of soft demand and ongoing factory-gate deflation.

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Profits in May were down 12.6% from a year earlier, data published by the National Bureau of Statistics showed Wednesday. For the January-to-May period, profits declined 18.8%, which was somewhat slower than the almost 21% drop in the first four months of 2023.

The sluggish factory data underlines continued economic stresses in China, where the recovery has been flashing warning signs. Exports fell in May for the first time in three months, industrial deflation worsened, and the continued decline in imports underscores how weak domestic demand is.

Profits at foreign firms fell 13.6% in the first five months of the year, slightly slower than in the January-to-April period. Profits at private firms dropped 21.3%, while profits at state-owned enterprises declined 17.7%.

Falling profits will likely continue to weigh on business sentiment, which was already in decline. However, officials are still expressing confidence about the economy, with Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday saying that the growth goal of around 5% is achievable.

(Updates with sector breakdown.)

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2023 Bloomberg L.P.
MARSAC clarifies

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IMPHAL, Jun 27: The Manipur Remote Sensing Application Centre (MARSAC) has issued a clarification regarding a report carried by this paper on "omission" of Sugnu and Sekmai in the Manipur map it published in 2022.

In a statement issued to the media by the Director of MARSAC, O Nodiachanda Singh, it said the places, Sugnu, Serou and Sekmai were not visible on the map as it is a small scale map with the scale of 1:2,70,000 (1 cm = 3 Km).

Display of all villages is not possible in small scale maps due to densely located villages/congestion of spatial features. Keishamthong, Thangmeiband, Lamlai are a few examples which are also not seen in the map. Similarly, S Bauljang and Bungmol of Churachandpur district are not visible in the map, said MARSAC. All villages are visible in large scale maps.

Sugnu and Serou villages in Kakching and Sekmai village in Imphal West are prominently visible in the District Maps prepared by MARSAC. Care will be taken to reflect all major, important villages as far as possible in future publication, it said.
Is Delhi doing its job is the question Get the highway opened

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Is New Delhi doing its job ? The Centre apparently thinks it is and perhaps it is to give more muscle to what it thinks it is doing that Union Home Minister Amit Shah is reported to have suggested to Chief Minister N Biren to keep the valley or the Meitei people under control, while he would deal with the hills or the Kuki people. That this has vastly been interpreted as the Union Home Minister suggesting to the Chief Minister that the Centre would deal with the hills while the State Government should focus on the valley is another matter, but it is significant to note that New Delhi thinks it can control the hills or the Kukis, in another word. Making thinks more complicated is obviously the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and this is where it becomes important to question how the Union Home Minister received such a good dose of confidence in more than hinting that Delhi can do a better job in the hills. Dropping more than a hint that it is beyond the capacity or willingness of Imphal to control the hills or is there something more ? Hazardous it would be to shoot in the dark, especially at a time like this when Manipur is reeling under a crisis as sensitive as it is undergoing right now, and this is where people expect New Delhi to do more than what is being done right now. An application of the mind, sincerely at that, should make things more clearer and mark the word given in synopsis. Law and order obviously comes under the ambit of the State Government, but this is an extraordinary situation and it is now nearly sixty days since the Imphal-Dimapur line has been cut off. When highwaymen, or to use a more civilised term village volunteers are given the free hand to start checking all passenger vehicles to check if they are carrying anyone from the other side of the clash divide, then it is surely a sign that the lifeline of the State and her people has been left at the mercy of the elements who have it in them to let loose their pogroms on the highway. Reports coming in say that there are at least four check points along the said highway and this is a repeat, a repeat of a point underlined in an earlier commentary but there is no change at the ground reality. Only Nagas, Pangans and mainland Indians, or Mayangs to use the term, are free to travel along this route which connects Manipur to the rest of the country. No Meitei taxi drivers now take the Imphal-Ukhrul road, as this road passes through some Kuki inhabited areas and last heard there is a dearth of professional drivers servicing on the Imphal-Ukhrul road. These are but just two examples that come to mind and perhaps the Union Home Minister should set his focus on creating such a condition that the said routes are free for every bonafide residents of Manipur.

One also hopes that Delhi has taken note of the report that the car bomb which exploded on a bridge on June 21 and injured three children came from Churachandpur side. This was the Police Control Room, which said this and heading the Unified Command is Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh who is not a Meitei man. Assembling a car bomb obviously could not have been the handiwork of some rag tag group of desperadoes or the village volunteers, but would have involved a certain degree of expertise. Where did those professionals get the training from ? Who are they? And why is the Kuki Inpi, Manipur so perturbed over the report that the car bomb case has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency ? Maybe they can throw some light on this. It would also do good for KIM, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum, and the Committee on Tribal Unity to seriously and sincerely look back on May 3 and see who struck the first matchstick that set on fire so many houses at Torbung. It was this fire which spread all over Manipur and morphed into the Meitei-Kuki clash. Go back to May 3, the starting point to try and douse the flame that has engulfed Manipur in madness. This is not pointing a finger at anyone blindly but stating the fact and any responsible body, which claims to carry the mandate of the people they claim to represent should have the moral courage to acknowledge the truth.
A Sarda places onus on Congress

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IMPHAL, Jun 28 : The State unit of BJP has asked the Congress party to take full responsibility if President's Rule (PR) is imposed in Manipur. Addressing the media at Thambal Shanglen today, BJP, Manipur Pradesh president A Sarda said that the Congress party trying to take political mileage out of the situation in Manipur instead of extending help to restore normalcy is unfortunate. She claimed that the Congress party didn't take part in the all party meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Imphal. Saying that the BJP has been holding talks with the Security Advisor to the Manipur Government to protect the unity and integrity of the State and to help the people affected by the violence, Sarda said that the saffron party has been monitoring the situation in Manipur round the clock. The State unit of BJP has also been submitting reports about the aspiration of the people to the Prime Minister and the party president, she added.
The common thread that connects Silencing the truth

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Over 2000 illegal immigrants detected in 41 locations; IED fitted Scorpio explodes, 3 kids hurt; Fresh gun fight strands many on Imp-Ukl road; Kuki militants open fire on farmers; Bomb fitted Scorpio came from CCpur side : PCR; Substantial number of arms smuggled in this month; Kuki militants build bunkers, hoist flag. Some of the more prominent and more newsy headlines of news reports carried by The Sangai Express in the last one week or from June 21 to June 27 and one common thread running through all these news headlines is the ongoing clash between the Kukis and Meiteis. This is how the narrative has been since the morning of May 4, the day after Manipur went up in flames following the Tribal Solidarity March held on May 3. Everyone knows when it started but how it started is something which has been neatly sidestepped to suit the narrative that has been spun out for the audience of the world to lap up. And this is a point that has been called out on more than one occasion by The Sangai Express. Solution first, peace next, is the slogan that has been championed by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum, Committee on Tribal Unity and the Kuki Inpi, Manipur and one wonders if the solution that is being sought or demanded rest on the premise of the narrative they are peddling. Let it be very clear. The clash or violence that erupted after the Tribal Solidarity March was not in any way connected to the demand that the Meiteis be granted the ST category under the Constitution of India. Under whose instigation were the Meitei houses set on fire at Torbung and it was this fire that spread in no time to Imphal and the other valley districts. Who were the gun wielding bravados that took part in the rally ? The answer is there for everyone to know but the separate administration champions have turned a blind eye to this but any process for a solution should start from the answers to these questions. Evading these questions and playing the victim card will find no takers anywhere. Let it also be very clear to everyone that blocking the National Highway and checking each and every passenger vehicle to verify if they have on board anyone from a particular community is not paving the path for a solution. Or is the sought after solution going to be the one dictated by one side without taking into consideration the take of the other side ? Nothing can be more outlandish than such an approach.

Other than the Meitei-Kuki clash that runs through all the headlines of the news stories cited in the opening line of this commentary, another common thread that runs through and which can be read without much difficulty is the link between illegal immigrants and the flow of guns and ammunition into Manipur from across the border, the gun fire from the foothills of the State and construction of bunkers. Note the assurance of the Chief Minister to the displaced folks at Bishnupur on June 23 that the Government will clear all unauthorised bunkers. The assurance must have been pleasant to the ravaged people, but that such an assurance came on June 23, that is after more than 45 days of the clash erupting on May 3 should tell its own significant story. Same is the success story of bunkers destroyed and area domination drive by the Army and so eager it was to to highlight this to the media that a team of reporters had a nasty experience while covering the said story in the company of the Army at Henjang village near Leimakhong in Kangpokpi district on June 27 morning. Manipur went up in flames on May 3 evening. In between there have been numerous stories of firing from the foothills, clashes between members of the two communities, many more deaths, many more cases of arson and it was only on June 23 that the Chief Minister announced the Governments intention to destroy the unauthorised bunkers. It was only on June 27 that the Army got confident enough to take a team of media persons to cover their area domination exercise and the clearance of bunkers and here lies a tale, a very sorry tale. What were the security personnel and the Government doing when the bunkers were built in the first place ?
(Bloomberg) -- When the US first embraced de-risking to get Europe on board with measures to deny key technology to China, officials in Beijing dismissed the term as no different than decoupling. Now they are trying a new strategy: Redefine the concept.

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Chinese Premier Li Qiang last week acknowledged the legitimacy of de-risking while speaking to CEOs on a trip to Germany, but said it should be decided by business leaders instead of governments. He also warned that risks shouldnt be exaggerated  opening a discussion on what exactly poses a serious threat to national security.

Li hit the theme again on Tuesday at a high-profile economic forum in China known as Summer Davos, where he told delegates if there is risk in a certain industry, its not the call or decision of a particular organization or a single government.

Governments and relevant organizations should not overreach themselves, Li added. Still less, overstretch the concept of risk or turn it into an ideological tool.

At the same time, China is trying to improve its image among overseas investors after a high-profile crackdown on consultancy companies. On Tuesday, President Xi Jinping told visiting New Zealand leader Chris Hipkins in Beijing that China would better protect interests of foreign businesses.

The rhetorical shift is Chinas latest effort to fight back against efforts by the US and Europe to prevent the worlds second-largest economy from obtaining advanced technology. The push to drive a wedge between companies and their governments could spark a debate in Western capitals that could ultimately water down any proposed measures that would hurt Chinas economy.

The key lies in what China believes are different assessments of risk by companies and by governments, said Deborah Elms, founder and executive director of the Asian Trade Centre. The former is probably assumed to be much less problematic, with firms taking a narrow view of risk.

Chinas direct appeal to business leaders comes as Europe and the US spearhead fresh tools to further curb Beijings access to advanced chips and other technologies. Allowing companies to be in the drivers seat would mean supply chains would operate without much government interference, said Zhou Xiaoming, a researcher at the think tank Center for China and Globalization.

The European Union this month unveiled its economic security strategy, which outlines critical sectors that autocrats could weaponize. While that review was prompted by the blocs over-reliance on Russian energy, its China implications bring Europe closer to the US goal of removing Beijing from sensitive sectors.

US President Joe Biden is pushing forward with an executive order that could cut off certain US investments in China, according to people familiar with the matter. That would follow sweeping curbs imposed last October that limit the sale of chip-making equipment to Chinese customers.

Those export controls saw the three biggest US manufacturers of advanced chip-making machines lose almost $5 billion in sales this year, according to estimates from the firms.

Despite the rhetoric, neither the US or Europe has articulated a clear definition of what constitutes a risk. Biden said at a Group of Seven leaders summit in Japan that US curbs should apply to a narrow set of technologies critical to national security  a broad term that casts a wide net in a world many everyday items have chips.

Everyone is talking about de-risking but we think its a concept that is not very well-understood, said Jens Eskelund, president of the European Chamber in Beijing. Theres still a lot of work to be done by organizations such as ourselves and other stakeholders in trying to define what de-risking actually means.

Divisions even within Europe on de-risking were evident at Summer Davos, where Peter Szijjarto, the foreign minister of Hungary  a nation with one of the EUs most pro-Chinese governments  said decoupling from China would be a brutal suicide.

Business Allies

Beijings warmer ties with business leaders compared to some Western politicians was on display earlier this month when President Xi Jinping called American billionaire Bill Gates an old friend during a meeting in Beijing. Days later, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was granted only a brief audience with the Chinese leader in the capital. Xi and Biden havent spoken since November.

Senior Communist Party officials also recently rolled out the red carpet in China for the chief executive officers of JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Tesla Inc., and a host of other foreign business chiefs.

While it remains to be seen how business leaders respond to Lis call to challenge their governments economic interventions, he signed deals in Europe last week to deepen China cooperation with Airbus SE, BASF SE, BMW AG, Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Volkswagen AG. Li told those firms that risk prevention and cooperation are not mutually exclusive.

Michael Hart, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, said most companies prefer some moderate form of risk management. In the wake of Covid export disruptions, for example, many firms have added an offshore manufacturing base, a strategy known as China plus one.

Henry Gao, who researches Chinese trade policy at Singapore Management University, said the risk prevention measures Li supported companies pursing was fundamentally different to politicians de-risking strategies.

That could lead to both sides talking past each other, but perhaps that was the entire point.

Gao said: Its the same good old divide and conquer tactics.

--With assistance from Lucille Liu, Yujing Liu and Debby Wu.

(Updates with Xi comments in fifth paragraph.)

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China's Boeing 737 MAX Jets Return to the Skies, Deliveries Yet to Resume

Close to 90% of Boeing Co's (NYSE: BA) China 737 MAX jets have resumed commercial operation as of the end of June.

The aircraft maker also dispatched some planes to regional international routes, Reuters cites the company's WeChat account.

China grounded all Boeing 737 MAX jets in the country following the crash of a 737 MAX jet operated by Ethiopian Airlines in March 2019, the second deadly accident of the model in five months.

Chinese carriers grounded all 96 jets they had at the time. State-owned China Southern Airlines Co Ltd (OTC: CHKIF) was the country's first carrier to resume flying the 737 MAX in January.

In April, Boeing estimated that half of the country's MAX fleet was operating.

Boeing, however, is yet to resume deliveries to China, a key market where it has lost ground to arch-rival Airbus SE (OTC: EADSF) (OTC: EADSY).

Last week, Boeing announced a $100 million investment in infrastructure and programs to train pilots in India on the heels of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the U.S.

Boeing's investment will support India's need for 31,000 new pilots over the next 20 years.

Price Action: BA shares are trading higher by 0.79% at $211.09 on the last check Wednesday.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

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This article China's Boeing 737 MAX Jets Return to the Skies, Deliveries Yet to Resume originally appeared on Benzinga.com

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 2023 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Property projects under go construction in downtown area on July 9, 2007 in Chongqing Municipality, China. China Photos/Getty Images

China's local governments created fake land sales to boost revenue last year.

That inflated their revenue by at least $12 billion, according to a national audit.

Including the fictitious deals, land-related income fell 23% in 2022 amid a steep real estate slump.

China's local governments boosted revenues through a number of bogus deals last year, the nation's national audit office revealed.

Some 70 regions were found to have sold land and state-owned assets to themselves, effectively moving money around to create the appearance of more revenue.

By doing so, these governments inflated overall revenue performance by at least $12 billion, the national auditor found, according to the Wall Street Journal.

That means China's real estate slump hit municipalities even harder than initially thought. With the fake sales included, local governments saw property-linked income decline by about 23% in 2022.

The country's property sector not only accounts for a major source of GDP growth in China, but land sales are a key source of income for local governments.

However, heavy debt burdens and the sharp decline in demand have brought down the property market, putting pressure on regional officials, who could no longer rely on private-sector developers for land deals as they withdrew from the scene.

To prop up sales and get around limits on official borrowing, local governments set up special funding vehicles to finance projects. Many were created days before land auctions were announced in order to buy property, the Journal previously found.

Auditors also found that local governments issued unjustified fines, misused money from Beijing, and extended guarantees to companies that boosted regional debt burdens.

Some governments have already warned on their debt risks, which were made worse by increased spending related to zero-COVID policies.

Though the country lifted these measures at the end of last year, the country now faces sputtering growth, while unemployment among youth rises. Most recently, this has led to the S&P Global to downgrade its forecasts on China.

To help accelerate the economy, Beijing officials are discussing a stimulus package that could boost local infrastructure spending. However, some analysts have noted that this may not be enough, while unsatisfied investors continue to withdraw from China's markets.

Read the original article on Business Insider
HONG KONG, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lying between the vast expanses of Siberia and the Gobi Desert, Mongolia is one of the world's most sparsely populated countries. Here, livestock outnumber humans around 20 to 1, including the animals behind one of Mongolia's economic success stories: cashmere. Soft and lightweight, cashmere is one of the most luxurious fabrics money can buy. In a brand new 30-minute program, CNN's Made in explores the journey of Mongolia's cashmere industry.

CNN meets Mandkhai Jargalsaikhan, the founder and creative director of the knitwear label "Mandkhai," who takes pride in sourcing the finest cashmere directly from Mongolia. Mandkhai's brand is no stranger to the spotlight, with celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Gigi Hadid sporting her pieces. The designer, however, is more interested in highlighting the people who make and inspire the clothes, such as the nomadic herders who supply cashmere fibers. With the cashmere sourcing season well underway, she sets out to visit a supplier in Mongolia's countryside. Bayarduuren Zunduikhuu has lived in this part of Mongolia for a decade. She moves home each season, looking for land where her herd of 500 animals can graze, including the goats she relies on for the cashmere harvest. But extreme weather and declining ecosystems are threatening Bayarduuren's livelihood, the welfare of animals, and the future of this vital community in Mongolia.

The journey continues to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital, where "Gobi Cashmere" says it runs the largest cashmere store in the world. With decades of domestic cashmere production and distribution under its belt, the brand keeps a focus on accessible yet high-quality cashmere products, entirely made in-house in Mongolia. However, increasing a cashmere product's quality while keeping costs down can be a challenge. The brand is investing in improving their cashmere supply and reducing distribution costs.

To get a global perspective on Mongolia's cashmere output, CNN travels to London to meet Oyuna Tserendorj, a designer showcasing Mongolian cashmere to the world. Oyuna is passionate about connecting her customers with Mongolia and travels to Mongolia every year visit herders across the country. Oyuna has carved out a niche in the global luxury market, with her futuristic yet traditional products stocked in department stores around the world, from Harrods in London to Lane Crawford in Hong Kong.

Finally, back in Mongolia, among the Khentii Mountains CNN meets Ganbold Sosorbaram who has watched over a herd his entire life, just like his ancestors before him. However, how Ganbold makes a living off his herd is changing. Alongside collecting cashmere from goats, Sosorbaram now collects yak wool as well. He supplies a growing number of companies betting that yak could be the next big thing, because it is warmer and rarer than cashmere. Knitwear-maker Bodios pivoted to selling yak wool to stand out in an already crowded cashmere market. The company believes that this market will only grow as consumers become more aware of the environmental challenges that can come with cashmere.

Made in Mongolia trailer: https://bit.ly/3Pz69nh

Made in Mongolia images: https://bit.ly/46mGBQe

Airtimes for 30-minute special:

Saturday, 1st July at 6pm HKT

Sunday, 2nd July at 9:30am HKT

Monday, 3rd July at 1am HKT

About CNN International

CNN's portfolio of news and information services is available in seven different languages across all major TV, digital and mobile platforms, reaching more than 475 million households around the globe. CNN International is the number one international TV news channel according to all major media surveys across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Asia Pacific region, and Latin America and has a US presence that includes CNNgo. CNN Digital is a leading network for online news, mobile news and social media. CNN is at the forefront of digital innovation and continues to invest heavily in expanding its digital global footprint, with a suite of award-winning digital properties and a range of strategic content partnerships, commercialised through a strong data-driven understanding of audience behaviours. CNN has won multiple prestigious awards around the world for its journalism. Around 1,000 hours of long-form series, documentaries and specials are produced every year by CNNI's non-news programming division. CNN has 36 editorial offices and more than 1,100 affiliates worldwide through CNN Newsource. CNN International is a Warner Bros. Discovery company.

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Japans former capital Kyoto is known for its thousands of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines and a centuries-long association with the countrys imperial family. A sense of that history is found in the occasional sighting of a geisha amidst the traditional townhouses of the downtown area, but a new cryptocurrency culture is also making itself known in the city.

From June 28-30, Kyoto is hosting the IVS Crypto 2023 conference. Organized by a consortium of public and private groups led by Taiwan-based investment fund Infinity Ventures Crypto and the regional Kyoto government, the event is expected to draw some 10,000 Web3 investors, developers and enthusiasts from all over the world.

Japan, and Asia as a whole, have recently demonstrated a strong embrace of Web3-thinking, not only on the user-level but more significantly on the country-level, said Akio Tanaka, founding partner of IVC.

According to the organizers, speakers include Jeremy Allaire, the chief executive officer of digital currency company Circle, the issuer of the worlds second-largest stablecoin USDC. Ripple Vice President Emi Yoshikawa is another speaker, along with Sota Watanabe the founder of Astar Network and Junichiro Hatogai, who heads the FinTech Group at the Bank of Japan.

The organizers say more than 700 speakers will participate in hundreds of scheduled live talks and associated side events  which include a blockchain game pitching contest, an NFT theme park, a crypto hackathon and artificial intelligence demo session  in a conference that is part of a growing groundswell of crypto-related events in Japan.

In the past three months, the capital city Tokyo provided the backdrop for the DAO Tokyo conference  which its organizers claim was a first of its kind for Japan  a blockchain expo at NexTech Week Tokyo, the TEAMZ Web 3 conference and the Metaverse Japan Lab Symposium.

This weeks Kyoto-based event arrives smack in the middle of  the somewhat confusingly named  Japan Blockchain Week running from June 18 to July 9.

Japan was an early cryptocurrency adopter, but lost some of that comparative advantage as the Mt Gox and Coincheck exchange hacking thefts in the country in 2014 and 2018 saw hundreds of millions of dollars stolen and brought a regulation crackdown by financial authorities.

That tone has now shifted as Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has identified digital assets and blockchain as pillars of a new economy and appointed the governments crypto czar Masaaki Taira, to drive initiatives. Waka Itagaki  deputy director of the trade ministrys Web 3.0 policy office  is due to discuss Japans regulatory environment during a panel in Kyoto on Friday.

On June 20, Japan exempted cryptocurrency issuers from a 30% tax on unrealized gains as one move to face up to competition from Singapore and Hong Kong to attract investment from digital asset industries and the talent and jobs that are expected to follow.

Hong Kong emerged this year to stake a claim as a Asia hub for the crypto industry as the city introduced new regulations on June 1 for cryptocurrency trading, and initiatives to attract digital asset businesses. Singapore is also in the race for digital asset investment, led by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the city-states central bank.

For its part, Japan issued a white paper in April to outline the use cases and challenges of Web3, or whats seen as an evolution of a decentralized Internet based on blockchain technologies, non-fungible tokens, decentralized autonomous organizations and the metaverse.

To bring such a forward-thinking event to one of the worlds most ancient cities, one that is so finely rooted in history and tradition, is a special delight, IVCs Tanaka said about the Kyoto conference.

Its a singular reminder to all of us, organizers and attendees alike, that our current achievements and future endeavors stand on the foundations laid during hundreds of years of combined human ingenuity and technological breakthroughs, he said.
Less than 24 hours after the mutiny began, it was over. As the rebelling Wagner column bore down on Moscow, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko brokered a deal under which Russian President Vladimir Putin promised to drop criminal charges against the mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin and allow him to seek asylum in Belarus.

The departing Wagner troops were given a heroes send-off by some residents of Rostovon-Don  the southern Russian town they had taken control over without firing a shot earlier in the day. Prigozhin gambled and lost. But he lives to fight another day  for now at least. The events of 24 June 2023, had observers searching for the right term to describe what was going on: Was this a coup attempt, a mutiny, an insurrection?

Did Prigozhin seriously think that he would be able to enter Moscow? Perhaps he genuinely believed that Putin would accede to his demand to fire Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov  two men that the Wagner group head has previously harshly criticized for their conduct of the war. More radically, Prigozhin may have hoped that he would receive support from elements in the Russian military. Indeed, that seemed to be the case  his group encountered no resistance in taking over Rostov-on-Don or heading north for some 600 kilometers through Voronezh and Lipetsk provinces  though they were reportedly attacked by a helicopter gunship, which they shot down.

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Prigozhin claimed to command 25,000 troops, though the actual number may be half that figure. But while the mutiny was shortlived and its goals unclear, it will have lasting effects  exposing the fragility of Putins grip on power and his ability to lead Russia to victory over Ukraine. Prigozhins abortive insurrection has punctured the strongman image of Putin, both for world leaders and for ordinary Russians.

He was unable to do anything to stop Prigozhins rogue military unit as it seized Rostov-on-Don  where the Russian Southern Military Command is headquartered  and then sent a column of armoured vehicles up the M4 highway toward Moscow. Putin was forced to make a televised address at 10 a.m. local time on June 24 describing the revolt as a stab in the back and calling for harsh punishment of the mutineers. But it was the intervention of Belarus President Lukashenko that brought about an end to the mutiny, not any words or actions from Putin.

Somewhat uncharacteristically, both Prigozhin and Putin exercised restraint and stepped back from the brink of civil war by agreeing on the compromise deal that allowed Prigozhin to escape punishment. Exiled Russian political scientist Kirill Rogov has argued that the most challenging development to Russias leaders may not be the mutiny itself, but the rhetoric that Prigozhin used to justify his actions. In an interview released on social media a day before taking control of Rostov-on-Don, Prigozhin argued that the Ukraine war was a mistake from the beginning, launched to benefit the personal interests of Defense Minister Shoigu and an inner circle of oligarchs.

Prigozhin brushed aside all the ideological claims Putin has made about the war  the need to denazify Ukraine, the threat of NATO expansion  as just cover for self-interest. Our holy war has turned into a racket, he said. Prigozhins words and actions have exposed the vulnerability of Putins grip on power and the hollowness of his ideological framing of the war in Ukraine and Russias place in the world. Putins constant refrain is that any opposition to his rule  whether it be from the Kyiv government or from protesters at home  is part of a Western plot to weaken Russia.

It is hard to imagine that his propagandists will be able to argue that Prigozhin is also a tool of the West. Over the past 10 years, and especially since the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Putin has ruthlessly deployed the coercive apparatus of the state to crush any liberal opposition. At the same time, radical ultra-nationalists  not only Prigozhin but also the military bloggers and correspondents reporting from the war zone  have been given a relatively free hand. For the most part, they were kept out of state-controlled television broadcasts, but they have reached a wider Russian audience through social media channels such as Telegram, VKontakte and YouTube.

Prigozhin, a former convict who went on to provide catering for the Kremlin before founding the Wagner group, has seen his profile and popularity in Russia rise during the war in Ukraine. In May 2023 polling, he was cited among the top 10 trusted political figures. It is unclear why Putin was tolerating the nationalists, Prigozhin included, as they increasingly questioned Russias war performance. It may be because the Russian president is ideologically aligned with them, or saw them as useful in balancing the power of the generals.

Perhaps, also, Putin had come to believe his own propaganda  that nobody could be more nationalist than Putin himself and that Russia and Putin were one and the same thing  echoing presidential aide Vyacheslav Volodins 2014 comment: No Putin, no Russia. Certainly prior to the Wagner mutiny, there were growing winds of discontent among nationalists.

On 1 April 2023, one group of prominent bloggers, including Igor Girkin and Pavel Gubarev, announced the formation of a Club of Angry Patriots. As Wagner soldiers marched toward Moscow on June 24, the club issued a statement of indirect support for Prigozhin. Prigozhin might now be in the Belarusian capital, Minsk, where  theoretically at least  he can do less damage to Putin. But there are other discontents still in Moscow, and politically active. Security services in Russia have begun raiding Wagner group offices, but it remains unclear what will happen to Prigozhins extensive business operations around the world.

Wagner soldiers will be offered the chance to sign contracts with the defense ministry  if they did not take direct part in the insurrection. Putin has no one to blame but himself for the crisis. Prigozhins Wagner group was created with his blessing and promoted by the Russian president. It was a tool that Putin could use to further Russias military and economic objectives without direct political or legal accountability  initially in the Donbas in eastern Ukraine in 2014, then in Syria, Libya and elsewhere in Africa.

It was not until July 2022 that Wagner was officially acknowledged to be fighting in the Ukraine war. But over the past six months, they have played an increasingly prominent role and have been rewarded with praise in the Russian media. But as his prestige grew, so too did Prigozhins criticism of those around Putin. Starting in December 2022, he began openly challenging Shoigu.

He avoided direct criticism of Putin, though in an expletive-laced tirade on May 9  the day Russia commemorates the end of World War II  he complained about the lack of ammunition for Wagner fighters and talked about a happy asshole Grandfather, in what has been taken to be a clear reference to Putin. It remains a mystery why Putin did not move to get rid of Prigozhin before now  one of the many mysteries of Russian politics over the past century.

Prigozhin has inflicted significant damage on his once all-powerful benefactor. Exiled Russian journalist Mikhail Zygar goes so far as to argue that the failed mutiny has exposed Putin as a lame-duck president; likewise, sociologist Vladislav Inozemtsev asserts that Putin is finished. Such definitive judgments are premature, I feel. Putin is a tough and resilient politician who has faced down the most serious challenge to his authority since he came to power in 2000. But there can be no doubt that the aborted mutiny has exposed profound structural flaws in the Russian system of rule.

(The writer is Professor of Government, Wesleyan University. This article was published on www.theconversation.com)
By announcing that it has decided to act against its own senior officers, Pakistans all-powerful Army establishment has made it clear former Prime Minister Imran Khan and the movement launched by his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf party had considerable and high-ranking support from even within its ranks. In a break from precedent, the Army announced on Monday that three senior officers, including a Lieutenant Governor, had been sacked while 15 officers, including three major-generals and seven brigadiers, face disciplinary action for the events of 9 May, when PTI supporters forced their way into cantonments and ransacked properties to protest the arrest of Mr. Khan.

These actions came on the recommendations of two high-level inquiry committees ~ each headed by a Major-General ~ formed to examine each and every detail of the attacks on army property. A military spokesman has confirmed that action is not restricted to serving officers, but to close relatives of two retired four-star generals, a retired three-star general and three retired two-star generals, all of whom were facing what were called strict self-accountability proceedings. The involvement of so many senior officers would suggest that mid-ranking and junior officers loyal to them would at the very least also have been sympathetic to the PTI cause. If so, this is cause for serious concern even if Pakistans authorities have for now announced no action against them, possibly to ensure that an extensive crackdown does not cause a breakdown of morale. But the action that has been announced suggests Pakistans army establishment faces a severe crisis of confidence, one it is trying to address by initiating action that can only be termed ruthless.

The simultaneous attacks on as many as 20 military installations from Rawalpindi to Lahore and from Peshawar to Multan, as admitted by a spokesman, were unprecedented, and were reported to be the handiwork of three to four masterminds and ten to twelve planners. The army is said to be trying 102 people in military courts for the May 9 violence, actions that have been severely criticised by human rights groups.

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By making public just how widespread the resentment against the establishment was, the Army may well have opened a can of worms. While a political solution to Pakistans problems is nowhere in sight, and a cloud of uncertainty hangs over elections due in a few months, it seems likely that the deep state, aided by some political parties, is determined to ensure that the status quo which accords primacy to the Army in the scheme of things is not disturbed. Top leaders of the Pakistan Peoples Party and the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) are meeting to hammer out an arrangement which ensures they remain in power, while keeping Mr. Khans outfit out of the political equation. The parleys being held in Dubai must have the Armys blessings and involve Mr. Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Shahbez Sharif and Ms. Mariyam Sharif, Mr. Asif Ali Zardari and Mr. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.

How Pakistans people, sullen, discomfited and reeling from serial economic disasters, view these machinations is open to question.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees helicopter had make an emergency landing near Siliguri today after it faced air turbulence. The chief minister apparently sustained some slight injuries after the helicopter landed, and was later taken to the SSKM Hospital in Kolkatas for a checkup.

Miss Banerjees helicopter suddenly ran into bad weather due to heavy rain as it was flying to Bagdogra Airport after the chief minister addressed an election rally at Chekunda Bandari in Jalpaiguri this afternoon. The pilot decided to make an emergency landing as the helicopter was flying over Baikunthpur Forest region. The CMs helicopter landed safely at the nearby airbase of the Indian Air Force at Sevoke, an official said.

The Darjeeling District Magistrate, Commissioner of Police, Officer on Special Duty of Uttarkanya, who were waiting for her at Bagdogra, rushed to the spot. The CM stayed at the airbase for half an hour, interacted with Air Force officials and came to Bagdogra Airport by road later, and left for Kolkata by a special flight.\ Miss Banerjee underwent an MRI at the SSKM Hospital after she was admitted at around 5:10 p.m. after reaching Kolkata

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Two groups of Trinamul Congress Workers Union clashed over the encroachment of the auto-toto route last night at Helabattala in Barasat, the headquarters of North 24 Parganas district in which a local Trinamul councillor, Debabrata Pal was severely injured.

Debabrata Pal was allegedly severely beaten up by the members of a rival group of the TMC. Hit by an iron rod, he was admitted to a hospital with severe head injury.

The situation reached to such a point that the police had to resort to lathi charge to stop the clashes. Due to the incident, auto traffic on Barasat-Barrackpore road has been closed since yesterday. However, the INTTUC district leadership did not want to accept the claim of group rivalry as a cause of the clash.

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After the incident, the police arrested two people, but the main accused, Arindam Banerjee, is absconding. The police have started searching for him. It has been learned that for quite some time, there has been a dispute between INTTUC leader Arindam Bandopadhyay and Trinamul councilor Debabrata Pal over the encroachment of the auto-toto route from Helabattala Junction to Barasat Station Road. Debbrata is the councilor of the ruling party of Ward No. 10 if Barasat Municipality. Allegedly, Arindam, the leader of the opposing group of the councilor, introduced several auto-totos on that route without informing him. As a result, both parties started to increase their rivalries. In the meantime, Councilor Debbrat Pal came to the Helabattala intersection with his followers to protest the encroachment of the auto-toto route. Meanwhile, his rival group led by Arindam arrived at the spot, and a clash broke out between them.
Firm on the corporations stand of demolishing illegal constructions, mayor of Kolkata Municipal Corporation, Firhad Hakim, slammed one of his councillors for allegedly resisting the pulling down of an illegal structure in Baghajatin yesterday.

Firhad Hakim asserted that no public representative can intervene in the judicial matters.

The mayor was reacting to an incident where a local councillor of Chittaranjan Colony in Baghajatin resisted against the demolition of an illegal portion of a building being carrying out by KMC officials.

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According to sources, the storey structure had been constructed illegally. However yesterday when the demolition squad of the civic body along with the police started the work at around 11.30 am, a protest started against it within a few hours and the local councillor, Sima Ghosh, allegedly obstructed it claiming that there had been a misunderstanding but that also was resolved.

Notably, the mayor of KMC recently had urged the councillors to stay alert on illegal construction during a house meeting. The mayor had also instructed that borough chairman would be informed of how much land has been gifted by the owners and how many building plans have been sanctioned in each ward during the borough meeting.

The chairman would then share the information to the councillors who are sometimes unaware of such developments. The mayor had also declared to suspend the assistant engineer, if activities of illegal constructions were not reported at the initial stage of such buildings. According to sources, the borough officials in this case had informed the KMC about the illegal construction.

The councillors alleged resistance comes contrary to the decisions of the civic body. However, affirming that theres no role of the councillors in the administrative works, the mayor said that the administration will work according to its own rules and will again go to the place with the police for demolition if the structure is illegal. The administration works on either court orders or on the basis of hearing orders. No public representatives can intervene in the judiciary matters, reiterated Mr Hakim.

Sources in the corporation today informed that the Building Department is considering conducting another demolition of the illegal construction soon.
Without naming Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee today said he has only six months to live politically. Addressing a panchayat election rally at Chekunda Bandari in Jalpaiguri on Tuesday, Chief Minister Miss Banerjee said the BJP has started appeasement of a section of minorities to retain power in the Centre. He is showcasing minorities to earn prestige in America and Russia. But in reality they killed minorities and Muslims in Gujarat.

They kill people in encounters, Miss Banerjee said, adding, BJP has only six months to live. Lok Sabha election will be held in February and March 2024. The BJP will be flushed out from the Centre. Miss Banerjee also asked the Border Security Force to do their job impartially. Do your job independently. Today BJP is in power but it would not last long, Miss Banerjee said. Referring to the murder of a Trinamul Congress worker Babu Hoque at an unfenced border village on the Indo Bangladesh border near Gitaldaha area in Cooch Behar, the Chief Minister said:

We must take action. Notably, the Trinamul Congress alleged that BJP supporters killed him and fled to Bangladesh. The Local BJP leadership branded the deceased as smuggler of contraband items and claimed the reason behind the murder was internal squabbling among him and his confederates. Cooch Behar SP Sumit Kumar said:

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We suspect a group from Bangladesh came, killed him and fled. We are investigating the incident. The area is totally unfenced due to being a riverine zone. The Chief Minister, criticizing the BSF, announced that family members of two deceased killed in BSF firing, will be given jobs as special home guard and financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each.

She also alleged that the CPI-M, Congress and BJP are campaigning together in an attempt to defeat the Trinamul Congress. But they would not be able to defeat my party despite their unholy understanding in Bengal, she added. The Chief Minister also assured the tea workers that her government would give them land rights in tea areas.
Movies based on true incidents have a way of evoking strong emotions from the audience. Dramatic depictions of real-life stories in films have proven to be a profitable formula in the film industry.

And now a film, based on the famous Kanhaiya Murder case in Udaipur is likely to be made, as the makers are currently in talks with the family members of the deceased. Kanhaiya Lal, a tailor, was hacked to death inside his shop in Udaipur by two men in broad daylight on June 28 last year, for allegedly posting content in support of suspended Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Nupur Sharma. The beheading had sparked public outrage across the country.

Kanhaiya Lals son Yash said that a few days ago he had received a call from Mumbais company named Jani Firefox, and he spoke to director Amit Jani, he said that they are going to make a film on your father i.e. on Kanhaiya Lal murder case.

On June 28, which marks Kanhaiya Lals first death anniversary, director Amit Jani might be arriving in Udaipur, and then further discussions will be done about the film and other things related to it, he said.

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Yash said that the film could be named as Udaipur Files, I talked to my family about making this film, after which all the family members agreed.

An official announcement from the makers is still awaited.

The incident took place in Udaipurs Maldas area on June 28. Soon after committing the crime, the two accused posted a video on social media boasting about the beheading and threatened Prime Minister Narendra Modis life as well, police said.

The two accused were arrested within hours of the incident. The assailants identified themselves in the video as Riyaz Akhtari and Ghouse Mohammad.

In the video, Riyaz was seen attacking 47-year-old Kanhaiya Lal with a sharp-edged weapon while the other, Ghouse, recorded the crime on his mobile phone.

Notably, Kanhaiya had also filed a complaint with the police about receiving threats. The victim reportedly had recently shared a social media post in support of Nupur Sharma former BJP spokesperson who had made controversial remarks against Prophet Mohammad.
On the occasion of the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, HelpAge India released its national 2023 report titled Women and Ageing: Invisible or Empowered?

A total of 58 per cent of citys elderly women do not feel financially secure. Sixty-seven per cent accept that elder abuse exists in society, even though only seven per cent have experienced it, among the lowest abuse figures in the country, as per the survey.

The report says about 42 per cent of women in Kolkata are widowed, and merely 14 per cent own some kind of asset or property. Only 22 per cent of senior women are employed in the city and the rest are dependent on family support.

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The national HelpAge report is first of its kind report focusing only on older women, who are often the lost and the last in line, where their needs and rights are concerned.

As per the 2020 Population Projections for India and States report and the demographic shifts, there is a distinct feminization of ageing that is taking place due to rapid rise in ageing population and women living longer. While the gender ratio for the overall population is 948 females for 1,000 males, the ratio in elderly is 1,065 (more females in elderly population) which further increases with age.

The report was spread across the length and breadth of the country covering both rural & urban India across 20 states, 2 UTs and 5 metro cities, including, West Bengal and Kolkata, with a sample size of 7911, covering various socio-economic categories. In total, West Bengal, including Kolkata had a robust sample size of 589 respondents.

The report also points out that 56 per cent older women lacked awareness on redressal mechanisms available for abuse, with only 15 per cent being aware of the Maintenance & Welfare of Parents & Senior Citizens Act and 78 per cent older women are not aware of any government welfare schemes.

Nilanjana Moulik, secretary, Alzheimers Society, Kolkata, said, From experience, we know the situation in rural India is better for the elderly with life there being less stressful. Many are moving out to work in cities and their mental set up is changing. Our estimate is in the next 5 years, the rural setting will also undergo a change as it will trickle down. In rural areas the abuse which is happening, is happening unknowingly. They are not aware of what amounts to abuse.

Talking about the Alzhimers women patients, Nilanjana said there is a belief that women patients have less power to respond to abuse. But, we have had cases where the women patients have attacked when they were abused, she added.

But the mental abuse is equal for both. In the dementia care setting, we find that paid caregivers or family caregivers are both to blame for abuse. Financial abuse is a lot prevalent. The paid caregivers, in effect, take advantage of their helplessness and abuse them. Most common is verbal abuse.

The elderly women population has no financial independence. Once the husband is dead, the children neglect their mothers. In some families, there are also financial constraints, which leads them to stop their intervention.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the Government of India is providing financing facility worth about Rs 1600 crore through the World Bank for the Himachal Pradesh Power Sector Development Program to undertake holistic power sector reforms in a manner to allow for improvements in the renewable energy integration in the state.

With the state equity, the total program cost is approximately more than Rs 2000 crore. Under this programme the World Bank funding is expected to be available by August, 2023 and for a duration of five years from 2023 to 2028, he added.

The World Bank Board has approved the program on 27 June, 2023 at Washington, he said, adding that the agreement in this regard will now be taken up shortly in the month of July, 2023 and the first installment of this Fund to Himachal Pradesh is expected in August, 2023.

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The Chief Minister said that the improvements in utilization of the states power sector resources in renewable energy, improvements in the reliability of the states grid at the transmission and distribution level, and strengthening of the institutional capacities of the various states power utilities and agencies would be undertaken under the programme.

Efforts will be made towards the promotion of integrated resource planning to allow for comprehensive planning of the power sector, piloting demand response management, improving the technical utilization of the existing hydropower assets to facilitate increased integration with other sources of renewable energy and establishing a single trading desk to allow for efficient trading of the States power.

These interventions will allow the state to maximize the revenue earned from the sale of energy through renewable balancing capacity. Sukhu said that the programme also aims to install new capacities in solar generation of about 200 MW, through HPPCL and HIMURJA.

It is important for the state to meet its power requirements to allow for optimal trading and hence the Program shall also focus on strengthening the power network within the state at transmission by HPPTCL and in 13 towns at distribution levels (by HPSEBL), he said.

Upgradation of the systems of the State Load Dispatch Center (HPSLDC) would further allow for better management of power demand and supply, he said, adding that collectively, these all interventions shall allow for an improved transfer of power within the state by improving the reliability and quality of the power supply.

The Program would strengthen the Environmental and Social systems applicable to the states power sector to allow for better monitoring and evaluation of these aspects.

He said: The focus would also be to work further on detailed Environmental and Social assessments based on the gap analysis of the existing norms, regulations, and the existing studies. Under this World Bank-supported Program there is no new investment in hydropower is envisaged, but the program will help the state develop uniform Environment and Social Policy and Procedures for the power sector utilities and provide benchmarks for the sustainable development of renewable energy in the state.

Further, this program will also aim to encourage more womens participation in the State Power Sector, he added.

The Chief Minister said that negotiations for this loan for the Himachal Pradesh Power Sector Development Program were concluded between the Department of Economic Affairs, (DEA), GoI, World Bank, and the Government of Himachal Pradesh on 27th May, 2023.
MILAN (Reuters) -More than three-quarters of the population in Lombardy, Italy's largest and most industrialized region, banked online last year, compared with the national average of 63%, the Bank of Italy said on Wednesday.

Digital banking in Lombardy has grown 20 percentage points since 2015, the central bank said in a report on the region's economy, which grew 3.8% in 2022, slightly above the national average.

The data supports No. 2 Italian bank UniCredit's argument against acquiring Lombardy-based rival Banco BPM, a deal some shareholders have called for to strengthen its regional presence. In April UniCredit CEO Andrea Orcel said digital users helped his bank secure 11% of deposits in Lombardy, more than its 6% share of branches in the region suggested.

Italy's ageing population spread over about 7,900 municipalities has been slower to adopt digital banking, a major way for lenders to cut costs, than in the UK and Nordic countries.

The number of bank branches in Lombardy fell 4% in 2022, bringing the total decline since 2008 to 39%, compared with 41% for the European Union, the Bank of Italy said.

Even with the reduction, Lombardy has 41 bank branches per 100,000 residents, against a national average of 36, it added.

To cut costs and upgrade its IT infrastructure, Italy's biggest bank Intesa Sanpaolo this month launched its digital-only bank Isybank.

Citing Eurostat data, the Bank of Italy said 67% of Lombardy's population in 2022 accessed banking services online. This is in line with the EU average and some 10 percentage points above the Italian average.

(Reporting by Valentina Za; Editing by Richard Chang)
An attempt on the life of Azad Samaj Party-Kanshiram and Bhim Army chief Chandrashekar Azad alias Ravan was made in Saharanpur on Wednesday in which he received minor bullet injury.

SSP Vipin Tada said that armed men attacked the convoy of Azad Samaj Party-Kanshiram national president Chandra Shekhar Azad. During the firing, the bullet of the attackers touched the stomach of Chandrashekhar.

However, according to doctors of a private hospital where he is admitted, Azad is out of danger. It is said that the attackers came in a Haryana number car and there were four people in that car.

While Chandrashekhar was injured in the attack, his car was also hit by bullets. Police is also questioning the people around. Footage of CCTV cameras installed nearby was being collected. Cops of many police stations have reached the spot and are engaged in investigation.

Chandrashekhar Azad, while talking to media in the hospital, said: I dont remember but my people have identified them. The assailants car ran towards Saharanpur after firing on me. We took a U turn. Our car was alone and there were five in the assailants car.

SP, Rural, Sagar Jain said that Chandrashekhar Azad had gone to meet someone in Deobands Gandhi Colony. While leaving from there, two assailants fired at him in which he was injured after a bullet touched his stomach. The incident occurred at around 5:15 pm.

The SP, Rural, said that the reason for the attack and the attackers are not yet known. Special DG Prashant Kumar in Lucknow said that orders have been given for immediate arrest of the culprits.

On the other hand, on hearing the news of the deadly attack on Bhim Army Chief, there was panic among his supporters.

Pawan Gujjar, Meerut district president Bhim Army, said: The attack on Chandrashekhar is a big conspiracy. Such an incident raises a big question on the security system of Uttar Pradesh.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has condemned the incident and has questioned the law and order situation in the state. When senior politicians are not safe in the state, then what will happen to the common people, he said.
The BRS has once again clashed with Telangana Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan. This time over the dilapidated condition of the Osmania General Hospital with the ruling party accusing her of indulging in politics and mudslinging.

The BRS claimed that the success of Bustee Dawakhanas has considerably reduced the outdoor patient load of the century-old Osmania General Hospital (OGH).

The latest confrontation took place over a tweet by Dr Soundararajan on the dilapidated condition of the hospital. Much as the BRS touted the success of Bustee Dawakhanas it was strangely silent on the fate of the dilapidated heritage building of OGH which remained a concern for doctors, staff, medical students and patients since it largely caters to the Old City area, under the Hyderabad Constituency represented by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi who too had slammed the state government on the same issue, recently.

Concerned to see the dilapidated condition of the century old prestigious Osmania General Hospital. Pride of this citadel of learning and healing must be restored soon, wrote the Governor in her tweet which was in response to an appeal from a Twitter handle named Justice for OGH.

It reads: We humbly appeal to the government to once again acknowledge the commitments previously made about reconstruction of OGH and take action.

Health Minister T Harish Rao hit out at the Governor claiming that the outdoor patient load has reduced considerably in Osmania General Hospital because of the impact of the Bustee Dawakhanas introduced by the BRS government in Telangana.

Rao claimed that people are flocking to these clinics for non serious illnesses instead of going to OGH. The health minister slammed the governor saying she was indulging in politics pointing out that she never said a good word or positive comment for Telanganas achievements in the health sector.

One and only state to witness 100 per cent institutional delivery is Telangana. But she never says good job! Or keep it up even when Telangana won laurels from the central government, complained T Harish Rao. The BRS government claimed that due to the success of Bustee Dawakhanas there has been a decrease of 7,00,000 outdoor patients in OGH and another 3,00,000 in Niloufer Hospital and Maternity Centre.

Twitter handles belonging to BRS leaders lashed out at the governor for her tweet. BRS leader Y Sathish Reddy pointed out: When Telangana faced discrimination by not being granted even a single medical college by the Modi Government where were you?

He also said that when the chief minister had wanted to reconstruct Osmania hospital in his first term both the Congress and BJP had vehemently opposed the move.
The Congress today sought to corner the Modi Government by demanding transparency into the $3 billion defence deal with the US to procure 31 MQ-9B Predator UAV drones and raised questions about its price, saying it was four times higher when compared with other nations.

Addressing a press conference, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said: During his state visit to the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed a deal to procure 31 Predator drones. We fear what happened with the Rafale deal is being repeated with the Predator agreement.

Questioning the price of the Predator drones, Khera said: What other countries are buying at less than four times, India is buying 31 Predator drones at $3 billion.

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He said that for the price tag, the Defence Ministry had to release an official PIB clarification and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had to clarify it on record.

People of India need answers on the process, Khera said, adding that these drones are of outdated technology and being bought for four times higher price, that too after putting Rs 1,500 crore in DRDO for RUSTOM and Ghatak series drones.

The Congress asked the government why no meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) was held to decide on the predator drone procurement, and why higher prices were being paid for these drones.

Khera wondered that when the Indian Air Force (IAF) was having issues with the higher prices, what was the urgency for the drone deal.

He also said that when the IAF has a requirement of 18 drones only, why the government has done a deal for 31 drones. There should be complete transparency in the drone deal. The Modi government is known for putting national security at risk, Khera said.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh took to Twitter and wrote: Once again a murky defence deal undercutting indigenous efforts with the Prime Minister at the centre comes to the fore.
A fast-track court has sentenced a man to capital punishment after convicting him in a case of rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in March last.

The court, in a record three months time pronounced its judgement on the crime. The chargesheet in the case was also filed in eight days of the incident.

Special Judge (POCSO Act) Manraj Singh awarded death sentence to the accused Gautam Dohra of raping and killing the eight-year-old.

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The judge, while ordering that the accused should be hanged till he dies, commented that the origin of men is from women, the act of the guilty is more reprehensible than that of animals.

If girls cannot roam in the open, then what is the place for them? In the Indian culture, women are the core of religion, such crime with women is not acceptable in any religion and culture. Besides, in the Indian culture, girls have been described as powerful women for the creation of new power, but this criminal ended her life in her childhood, the court observed.

Meanwhile, ADG Zone Kanpur announced a reward of Rs 25,000 to the police team that led the prosecution of the criminal.

On March 25, 2023 an eight-year-old girl who was grazing cattle in a village under Ayana police station area was kidnapped by the accused. Taking her to the field, he first raped her.

Later, fearing that the victim might tell her relatives about the incident, the accused strangled the innocent to death. The body was found in the field the next day.

After this, the police interrogated the suspect while registering a case under murder, rape, POCSO Act.

Gautam Dohra, the accused in the case, confessed to the crime in the court.

Auriyya Superintendent of Police Charu Nigam said that the charge sheet in the case was filed in the court within eight days of the incident and verdict in a record three months.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday issued a warning for fishermen operating along the Gujarat coast, particularly the south Gujarat coast, from June 28 to July 2.

The IMD strongly advises against venturing into the sea during this period.

As per the IMD, squally weather conditions are expected, with wind speeds ranging from 40-45 kmph and gusts up to 55 kmph along and off the Gujarat Coast from June 28th to July 2nd. Consequently, it is crucial for fishermen to refrain from venturing into the Arabian Sea during these days.

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The warning extends to several areas, including Jakhau, Mandvi (Kutch), Mundra, New Kandla, Navlakhi, Jamnagar, Salaya, Okha, and Porbandar along the North Gujarat coast. It also applies to areas off the South Gujarat coast, such as MulDwarka, Veraval, Diu, Jafrabad, Pipavav, Victor, Bhavnagar, Alang, Bharuch, Dahej, Magdalla, and Daman.

Additionally, the weather man predicts high waves ranging from 3.2 to 3.6 meters along the coast from Jakhau to Diu Head of Gujarat coast, starting from 17.30 hours on June 27 to 23.30 hours on June 28.

Current speeds are estimated to range between 68 and 121 cm/sec.
Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Wednesday inspected the progress of the four laning of Takoli section from Pandoh by-pass being constructed by the National Highways Authority of India on Mandi district.

He also visited the control room set up at Jaogi where NHAI officers briefed about the facilities and other advanced controlling systems.

Expressing satisfaction over the progress of the work, the Governor said that after completion of this project not only the distance would be reduced but it will boost the tourism activities in the State adding to the economy as well.

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He said that Atal Tunnel was a unique initiative for the development of the state and thanked the central government for sanctioning such big road and tunnel projects which will go a long way in the development of the state.
The High Court of Himachal Pradesh has constituted a committee comprising the Deputy Commissioner, Mandi, the Superintendent of Police, Mandi and the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Mandi to look into the allegations with regard to illegal felling of trees in forest Division Nachan, District Mandi.

A Division Bench comprising the Chief Justice, MS Ramachandra Rao and Justice Ajay Mohan Goe, passed this orders on a petition taken up suo moto by the Court as Public Interest Litigation, on a letter addressed to the Chief Justice, by one Raju resident of VPO Chail Chowk District Mandi.

The petitioner has alleged that at the behest of DFO Nachan, who is posted as such, for more than five years, thousands of green trees have been cut down in many forest areas of Forest Division Nachan.

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The petitioner has further alleged that roads have been constructed illegally by cutting trees from extremely dense forests without clearance under the Forest Conservation Act.

The forest area has been destroyed despite having a sanctuary region of about 10 km radius of Shikari Devi-Dehar Road.

It has been further alleged that on the behest of DFO, a ground has been constructed at Chail Chowk, at a distance of about 100 meters from Rest House by destroying about 500 green trees.

The petitioner has prayed to take action against DFO to stop the devastation and to save the forest, the environment, and government money.

The respondents have disputed the allegations leveled by the petitioner in the reply filed by them.

Therefore, the Court has directed the Committee, so constituted, to verify as to whether the claims made in the reply filed by the respondents are true or not.

The Committee has been further directed to file its report within three months. The matter has been listed for October 10.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Thursday recalled telling a Congress leader that he would jump into a well rather than join their party.

In an interview with ANI Editor Smita Prakash, Gadkari said that when Congress leader Shrikant Jichkar told him that he was the right man in the wrong party and proposed that he join their party, the Union Minister said he would rather jump into a well. Gadkari said that the situation may change, and his party may win or lose elections, but he would stick to his convictions. He said it, but I modestly answered him that my party, my conviction, and its future may be good or bad, but I will always stick to my conviction. There is no question of leaving my party at any time. May it lose or win many elections, the situation may change, but I would rather jump into a well than join the Congress, Gadkari said on the ANI podcast.

Gadkari said, I have good relations with all parties. Once I received a call from Speaker Om Birla that everyone in Parliament was praising me and speaking highly of my work even though I was not even present. I was in Nagpur then and was called to Delhi. When I went, there were 75 people from all parties present. Every one of them thanked me and congratulated me. Then the Speaker of Parliament said that it was the first time in the history of Parliament that a minister was praised equally by all party members. To this I replied that my ideology was clear, I was a Swayam Sevak of the RSS and a Karyakarta of the BJP, and after all this everyone praised me unanimously, which made me happy.

Gadkari asserted that he has always done work beyond politics and BJP has taught him to do justice to all.

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I make sure that everyones work gets done when its important. I have always done that even beyond politics. That is what the BJP has taught us: to do justice to all, and that is what makes us strong. Politics and development should not be mixed up. I am a Karyakarta of the BJP, but the government belongs to the people of the country. That is why Prime Minister Modi said, Sabka Saath Sabka Viswas Sabka Prayas, Gadkari said.

He said road development has been undertaken in all states beyond politics. Gadkari said that Chief Ministers from South or other states where BJP doesnt have the state government also come to meet him to discuss developmental projects and he has undertaken most of them.

The works are being undertaken in all states beyond politics. Mamata ji from Bengal recently came to meet me, and we discussed some projects. Chief Ministers and other officials from southern states also come to meet me and I hold meetings with all of them, and discuss projects to be undertaken there. It doesnt make us look bad. It makes our government look strong, the Union Minister said.

He said, Roads go through all states. One state may be governed by Congress another by BJP. That doesnt mean I should shut down the road development works. Roads are for the people of India. And Im not just a BJP minister but a minister of the Government of India. And being in service for the countrys people is my primary duty and responsibility. I will work for those who voted us to power. I will also work for those who didnt give us the mandate and I will also do work for those who criticize us. Everyones work should be done. This is Bharatiya Janata Partys culture and we work based on that.

The BJP veteran said that in his 9 years in office, he had done what is good for the people without thought of politics.

I can assure you that in my 9 years in office, I have not mixed political thoughts with governance. The roads of our country are our assets and the people who travel on these roads are our family. They deserve good roads and proper development. That is our duty, and that is what our politics is intended for, he said.

Gadkari also slammed the opposition for attacking Veer Savarkar and the syllabus revamp. He said that Savarkar was a revolutionary and we cannot forget the sacrifices and work he has done for the nation. It is not right to deny all that he has done. The party which brought Emergency and kept many revolutionaries locked up in jail does not deserve to comment, he said.

Gadkari also claimed that the BJP will be sweeping the upcoming legislative elections in states as well as the general elections in 2024.

Gadkari is called the Highwayman of India due to the transformational change he has brought in the countrys infrastructure and connectivity in the last nine years as minister of road transport and highways.

Gadkari comes from the city of Nagpur where he started his political career as a Karyakarta of Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad. Gadkari is also credited for being the man behind the first ever expressway (Mumbai-Pune) by bringing new technologies into the country and helping private companies to ensure quality work in creating modern infrastructure.

Gadkari is also a strong advocate of sustainable development and his eco-friendly initiatives in road construction have led to the use of garbage in road construction as a raw material.

Before taking charge as union minister, Gadkari donned several hats in the organisation as well as governance and has served as BJP national president from 2009 to 2013 and PWD Minister from 1995-1999 in Maharashtra.
Congress chief spokesperson KK Mishra said today that he was surprised about the PMs silence on 225 scams of MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhans government in the past 220 months.

Mishra said the PM should have questioned about the alleged corruption in the Mahakal Lok at Ujjain and the fire in Satpura Bhavan in Bhopal that reportedly gutted many files carrying proof of corruption. He said there is a long list of scams of the MP government on which the PM did not say anything.

Mishra also said that while the PM targeted the opposition on corruption, he should remember that the BJPs former national president Bangaru Laxman was arrested red-handed taking a bribe of Rs one lakh and was sentenced to four-year jail.

On Tuesday, PM Modi visited Bhopal and addressed party workers at Motilal Nehru police stadium here. He had targeted the Congress and other opposition parties over several issues including corruption, scams, Triple Talaq and Uniform Civil Code.
In an indirect hint to bring in the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for every citizen, the Defense Minister Rajnath Singh today questioned should not there be one country, one constitution?

Addressing a BJP rally at Balesar in Jodhpur district to observe the nine year of Modi government in power, Rajnath asked public, There should not be one country, one constitution. There should not be one law in the country.

Hum jo karne ja rahein hain voh savindhan nirmataon ke vachan ko poora karne ja rahein hain jo tathaytmak hai (What we are going to do is to fulfill the promise of the framers of the constitution which is factual), he asserted.

Pandit JL Nehru, Saradar Vallabh Bhai Patel, and Dr B R Amedkar were there when the constitution was framed and it was written for one nation one law. BJP is fulfilling its promises that it made in every election. BJP scraped the article 370 in J&K, the glorious Ram Mandir at Ayodhya will be opend for the world in January 24, changes made in Teen Talak , he recalled.

He also asked to audience to raise their hands if they want one nation, one law, which the public seconded with haan haan (yes).

Koi agar chahai ki voh jitni shadi karein, ye nahin hoga. Mahilaon ka samman hamari pratibadhta hai (If anyone wants to marry as much as he wants, it will not happen. Respecting women is our commitment. Every woman is like my daughter, and sister), he further maintained.

Opposition parties were trying to give it a communal colour, and blaming the prime minister, which was not justified and unwarranted, the Defence Minister said.

I never do politics of Hindu and Muslims, we are doing what ever our the Constitution makers have written, he defended.

Uniform Civil Code is a proposal in India that is aimed at replacing personal laws based on religions, customs, and traditions with one common law for everyone irrespective of religion, cast, creed, sexual orientation, and gender.
WILMINGTON, Delaware (Reuters)  The Walt Disney Co board did not act negligently when it criticized a sexual identity bill signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Delaware judge ruled on Tuesday, in a case the judge said was improperly directed by a conservative legal group.

The ruling by Lori Will of Delaware's Court of Chancery means that Disney will not have to turn over internal records including years of board members' emails sought by shareholder Kenneth Simeone, who sued Disney in December.

The shareholder said he wanted the records to investigate possible wrongdoing by directors in connection with the company's decision to criticize the 2022 law, which critics have derided as the "don't say gay" law.

While Will said it might turn out to have been a bad business decision, the evidence at trial showed directors did not allow their personal views to dictate the company's response to the bill.

The judge said Simeone cannot use a provision of Delaware corporate law meant to empower shareholders to investigate boardroom wrongdoing to "search for hypothetical conflicts."

Disney's criticism touched off a war of words with DeSantis and led to the state removing the company's control of a special administrative district that promotes development around the Walt Disney World resort.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at the Heritage Foundation 50th Anniversary Celebration leadership summit, Friday, April 21, 2023, in Oxon Hill, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

DeSantis, who is seeking the Republican presidential nomination, has used his battle against what he calls "woke Disney" to raise his national profile.

Will also found that the lawsuit was brought to benefit the Thomas More Society, a non-profit law firm that champions conservative causes that was paying Simeone's legal costs. Simeone's lawyer, Paul Jonna, is a special counsel for the organization.

"The plaintiffs counsel and the Thomas More Society are entitled to their beliefs," Will wrote, adding that a corporate records lawsuit "is not a vehicle to advance them."

Simeone, Jonna and Disney did not respond immediately to requests for comment.

(Reporting by Tom Hals in Wilmington, Delaware; Editing by Jamie Freed)
In a suspected shooting incident, a journalist in Uttar Pradeshs Unnao district was injured, three months after he claimed to have received threats from members of the land mafia. The journalist, Mannu Awasthi, was found seriously injured near Kotwal police station limits on Saturday night and was later reported to be in stable condition.

The incident has sparked a political controversy, with the journalists family filing a complaint alleging that he was shot by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers. Opposition leaders have demanded a thorough investigation into the matter.

Awasthi, who worked for a vernacular daily, was riding his scooter through an area under the Kotwal police station limits when unidentified assailants shot at him around 10:25 pm. He sustained injuries on his right shoulder and was initially taken to the district hospital. Due to the severity of his condition, he was later transferred to Hallett Hospital in Kanpur, where he received treatment. Bullet cartridges were recovered from the scene by the police.

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Following the incident, an FIR was registered against two individuals, Anshu Gupta and Deepak Singh, at the city police station. The FIR includes charges of rioting, armed rioting, attempted murder, and criminal intimidation. The victims father lodged the complaint. The police are currently investigating the matter and will take appropriate legal action based on the findings.

Earlier this year in March, Awasthi had informed the local police station about threats to his life after exposing irregularities in land mining. In his written complaint, he named four members of the land mafia, expressing fear for his safety and stating that they would be responsible if any harm came to him or his family. He also released a video alleging pressure from a sitting MLA to suppress his news report on an attack at a BJP leaders house.

The incident has drawn criticism from opposition parties, with Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav questioning the safety of journalists and accusing the BJP of promoting a culture of violence. The Congresss UP unit also raised concerns about the journalists safety and claimed that the incident was a result of his reporting on criminals linked to the BJP.

It is worth noting that rape and cheating cases were lodged against Awasthi in May, a month after he filed a complaint against the land mafia. The investigation into the rape case is ongoing, and the woman involved has provided her statement to a magistrate.
The global communitys attention is often captured by individuals who possess immense wealth, resulting in the fascination that arises whenever prestigious publications like Forbes release their rankings. Once again, one name has managed to captivate the world with his extraordinary financial status. Clemente Del Vecchio, the youngest billionaire on the planet, continues to make headlines, solidifying his position as an influential figure.

Clemente hails from the prominent Del Vecchio family and inherits the title of the youngest billionaire this year. His father, Leonardo Del Vecchio, was an Italian billionaire businessman renowned as the founder and chairman of Luxottica, the worlds largest producer and retailer of glasses and frames.

Upon his fathers passing, Clemente and his five siblings inherited his vast fortune, propelling them to the ranks of the worlds wealthiest individuals.

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At the time of Leonardos demise, his net worth was estimated at an astonishing US$24.1 billion, making him the second wealthiest person in Italy and the 54th worldwide. Although little is known about the teenage Clemente, he possesses a staggering fortune of US$3.5 billion, primarily attributed to his late fathers eyeglass empire, Luxottica.

This Italian conglomerate encompasses esteemed eyewear brands such as Armani Exchange, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, and Prada Eyewear.

Clementes elder brother, Claudio, is the most renowned among his siblings. For an impressive fifteen-year span, Claudio oversaw Luxotticas operations in the United States, spearheading significant acquisitions during his tenure. In 1995, he orchestrated the purchase of LensCrafters for a remarkable $1.4 billion, and later, he successfully acquired the mens fashion company Brooks Brothers for $225 million.

While residing in Italy, Clemente, along with his brother Luca and their mother, who is Leonardos third wife, also owns properties in various countries across the globe. Following eyewear mogul Leonardo Del Vecchios passing, his substantial wealth was distributed among his widow, Nicoletta Zampillo, his six children, and his stepchild.

Leonardo Maria, who is 28 years old and the only child Leonardo Sr. had with Zampillo, now possesses an estimated fortune of US$3.5 billion. Currently serving as EssilorLuxotticas chief strategy officer, Leonardo Maria also holds the position of CEO at the eyeglasses retailer Salmoiraghi & Vigano.
Residents of Chicago woke up Tuesday morning to the worst air quality in the world, with hazy skies and the smell of smoke. Windy City residents werent the only ones dealing with the conditions; AirNow.gov showed other parts of Illinois as well as almost all of Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin and areas of Minnesota, Iowa, Kentucky and West Virginia affected.

The poor air conditions are the result of a wildfire season in Canada thats among the worst in the nations history, with particular difficulties in the eastern province of Nova Scotia. As of early Tuesday afternoon, 488 active wildfires were burning across Canada, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center, with more than half (259) considered to be out of control.

According to IQAir, as of Tuesday the United States had three Midwestern cities that found themselves ranked with the worst air quality in the world, along with Dubai of the United Arab Emirates and the cities of Lahore and Karachi in Pakistan.

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Beginning in March 2023 and increasing in intensity around June, Canada has been affected by an ongoing record-setting series of wildfires. As the worst wildfire season in recorded Canadian history, eleven provinces and territories have been affected, with large fires in Alberta, Nova Scotia and Ontario and Quebec.

Smoke emitted from the wildfires has caused air quality alerts and evacuations in Canada, the United States, and Europe.

In mid-May, oil companies in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan curbed production as a precautionary measure in parts of the provinces; this in turn drove up the price of oil.

The provincial government put a fire ban in place on May 16; it was lifted on May 24 due to improving conditions.

On May 19, the SPSA announced they would provided financial aid to residents impacted by fire-related power outages.

The government of Quebec sent two amphibious tankers to the province to assist with firefighting efforts.
Pakistan will hold a three-day international conference in July to promote tourism in the country, local media reported on Wednesday.

Chairman of the Prime Ministers Task Force on Gandhara Tourism, Ramesh Kuma said that a national tourism policy has been finalised and would be announced at the conference starting from July 11 in order to attract tourists from abroad, reports Xinhua news agency citing local media.

Several participants from different countries will also attend the event, and a draft of Memorandums of Understanding on tourism has been finalised and it would be signed with several future partners on the occasion, said the official.

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According to Kuma, a roundtable meeting will also be convened on July 5, which would be attended by diplomats of different countries to discuss opportunities for tourism in Pakistan.

Pakistan is full of cultural heritage. The government is determined to promote tourism, especially historical sites and natural scenic beauties, said the official, adding that tourists can get a 10-day e-visa through Gandhara Portal within seven working days.

He added that efforts are being made to achieve a target of attracting up to half a million tourists to Pakistan annually.

As part of efforts to increase tourism, the government has launched online visa services for 175 countries and 50 nations have been offered visa on arrival.
US lawmakers, pushing a legislation that seeks to fast-track the sale of arms and weapons to India with the same speed as those meant for close allies, have stopped talking it up as a NATO Plus arrangement in a nod to New Delhis skittishness about being perceived as an ally.

A legislation moved by a bipartisan group of members of the House of Representatives Monday to add India to a list of countries whose military purchase orders in government-to-government deals enjoy expedited clearance did not mention the phrase NATO Plus even once.

A companion legislation moved last week by a bipartisan group in the US senate proposed the same benefits for India but, once again, did not mention the phrase NATO Plus.

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For clarity were avoiding the phrase NATO Plus in connection with this bill but only to avoid any confusion in thinking this would be a direct step toward India joining NATO as opposed to the separate but significant strengthening of other defense ties it represents, said a congressional aide.

Asked if it had anything to do with Indias problems with the NATO Plus branding, the aide said: Not as a result of any of those objections, just a more general desire to avoid any confusion with such issues while still emphasising that this is a US policy to provide India with additional benefits of a deeper relationship with the US

Both Bills propose that India should be added to a list of countries whose arms purchase enjoy expedited approval under the US Arms Export Control Act (AECA), as it is done for all members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Treaty (NATO) and US treaty allies Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and Israel, which are also known as NATO Plus 5 countries.

India would welcome, its understood, the special benefits of expedited clearance of its military purchase orders but not designations that threaten the optics of its strategic autonomy.

That is not a template that applies to India, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said at a news conference in May when asked about a recommendation by a US Congress committee on China to include India in the expanded NATO Plus grouping as a part of Americas larger strategy to deter China from invading Taiwan.

The External Affairs Minister did not only convey Indias opposition to the idea but insisted that the Joe Biden administration understood Indias position. He said: So I must say, a lot of it is actually outside the administration. The administration understands this very, very well. So we have a situation where actually in many areas, the administration has been very forthright, very understanding, very cooperative.

US lawmakers have been pushing extension of these benefits to India. And just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Senator Mark Warner, the Democratic co-chair of the India Caucus, had announced plans to introduce a legislation along with the Republican co-chair John Cornyn. that will propose adding India to the so-called NATO Plus arrangement where the United States is able to transfer with as little bureaucratic interference as possible defense equipment in a very strong way.

But the legislation he and Cornyn introduced in the Senate did not mention the phrase NATO Plus, which is also missing from the companion bill introduced in the House of Representatives by Democrats Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna and Marc Veasey and Republicans Any Barr and Mike Waltz.

Strengthening the US-India strategic partnership is vital to the prosperity and security of not only both nations, but also other democracies around the world, Congressman Krishnamoorthi said.

That is why I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to expand security cooperation between the United States and India by adding India to the list of partners included in the Arms Export Control Act.

India will be watching the progress of the legislation which must now go through the congressional process before it reaches the President, either on its own or part of the National Defense Authorization Act 2024 (which the is annual defense budget) for enactment. The measure has been proposed every year in one form or the other since 2019, but has failed to run the entire process for one reason or the other.
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Thousands protest against Quebec's Bill 31

Joel Goldenberg / Comite d'action de Parc-Extension - CAPE/Facebook Organizers say some 4,000 people protested Bill 31 in Parc Extension.

Thousands of Montrealers in Parc Extension protested Bill 31, the new Quebec law that would make it more difficult for tenants to transfer leases.

They marched from the Parc Metro station throughout the borough. Other protests were held in other Quebec locales. The protesters also called for more social housing.

Currently, under conditions that have been in place for 52 years, if a tenant sublets an apartment, the landlord must charge the second party the same rent. Should Bill 31 pass, a landlord could charge up to 10 percent more monthly and can also more easily refuse the transfers.

Housing Minister France-Elaine Duranceau was forced to apologize after claiming that tenants have been misusing lease transfers to keep rental rates low and that tenants should, invest in real estate if they want to control their costs.

Thursdays protest was organized by Comite daction de Parc-Extension  CAPE in collaboration with the RCLALQ Droit Au Logement. The organizations called it the largest-ever housing demonstration in Quebec history.

Around 4,000 people mobilized against evictions, against abusive rent hikes, against Bill 31, for social housing, organizers said. There were banner drops, speeches, and moments of solidarity between tenants.

Protesters said subletting is one of the last ways a tenant can avoid rent increases. Some tenants have received especially high rent increases this year, some between six and nine percent  landlords have cited property tax increases and renovations.

Quebec Solidaire has launched a petition against the lease transfer aspect of Bill 31.
Saint-Laurent, CA (H4T1V6)

Today

Partly cloudy skies early then becoming cloudy with periods of rain late. Low 66F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early then becoming cloudy with periods of rain late. Low 66F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
The main aim of stock picking is to find the market-beating stocks. But every investor is virtually certain to have both over-performing and under-performing stocks. At this point some shareholders may be questioning their investment in DCC plc (LON:DCC), since the last five years saw the share price fall 36%.

With the stock having lost 4.0% in the past week, it's worth taking a look at business performance and seeing if there's any red flags.

Check out our latest analysis for DCC

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.

While the share price declined over five years, DCC actually managed to increase EPS by an average of 5.4% per year. Given the share price reaction, one might suspect that EPS is not a good guide to the business performance during the period (perhaps due to a one-off loss or gain). Or possibly, the market was previously very optimistic, so the stock has disappointed, despite improving EPS.

Due to the lack of correlation between the EPS growth and the falling share price, it's worth taking a look at other metrics to try to understand the share price movement.

We note that the dividend has remained healthy, so that wouldn't really explain the share price drop. It's not immediately clear to us why the stock price is down but further research might provide some answers.

The image below shows how earnings and revenue have tracked over time (if you click on the image you can see greater detail).

DCC is a well known stock, with plenty of analyst coverage, suggesting some visibility into future growth. Given we have quite a good number of analyst forecasts, it might be well worth checking out this free chart depicting consensus estimates.

What About Dividends?

As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. In the case of DCC, it has a TSR of -26% for the last 5 years. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return.

A Different Perspective

While the broader market gained around 1.3% in the last year, DCC shareholders lost 12% (even including dividends). However, keep in mind that even the best stocks will sometimes underperform the market over a twelve month period. Regrettably, last year's performance caps off a bad run, with the shareholders facing a total loss of 5% per year over five years. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. Importantly, we haven't analysed DCC's dividend history. This free visual report on its dividends is a must-read if you're thinking of buying.

We will like DCC better if we see some big insider buys. While we wait, check out this free list of growing companies with considerable, recent, insider buying.

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

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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NED BRISTOL is a retired editor who writes occasional columns for the newspaper. Drop him a line at news@thesunchronicle.com .
The simplest way to invest in stocks is to buy exchange traded funds. But one can do better than that by picking better than average stocks (as part of a diversified portfolio). To wit, the EnerSys (NYSE:ENS) share price is 80% higher than it was a year ago, much better than the market return of around 12% (not including dividends) in the same period. If it can keep that out-performance up over the long term, investors will do very well! It is also impressive that the stock is up 64% over three years, adding to the sense that it is a real winner.

After a strong gain in the past week, it's worth seeing if longer term returns have been driven by improving fundamentals.

View our latest analysis for EnerSys

There is no denying that markets are sometimes efficient, but prices do not always reflect underlying business performance. One way to examine how market sentiment has changed over time is to look at the interaction between a company's share price and its earnings per share (EPS).

EnerSys was able to grow EPS by 26% in the last twelve months. The share price gain of 80% certainly outpaced the EPS growth. This indicates that the market is now more optimistic about the stock.

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

We know that EnerSys has improved its bottom line lately, but is it going to grow revenue? If you're interested, you could check this free report showing consensus revenue forecasts.

A Different Perspective

It's good to see that EnerSys has rewarded shareholders with a total shareholder return of 81% in the last twelve months. Of course, that includes the dividend. That's better than the annualised return of 9% over half a decade, implying that the company is doing better recently. In the best case scenario, this may hint at some real business momentum, implying that now could be a great time to delve deeper. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. For instance, we've identified 2 warning signs for EnerSys that you should be aware of.

Of course EnerSys may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of growth stocks.

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.

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The excitement of investing in a company that can reverse its fortunes is a big draw for some speculators, so even companies that have no revenue, no profit, and a record of falling short, can manage to find investors. But as Peter Lynch said in One Up On Wall Street, 'Long shots almost never pay off.' While a well funded company may sustain losses for years, it will need to generate a profit eventually, or else investors will move on and the company will wither away.

Despite being in the age of tech-stock blue-sky investing, many investors still adopt a more traditional strategy; buying shares in profitable companies like National Australia Bank (ASX:NAB). Even if this company is fairly valued by the market, investors would agree that generating consistent profits will continue to provide National Australia Bank with the means to add long-term value to shareholders.

View our latest analysis for National Australia Bank

National Australia Bank's Earnings Per Share Are Growing

If a company can keep growing earnings per share (EPS) long enough, its share price should eventually follow. Therefore, there are plenty of investors who like to buy shares in companies that are growing EPS. We can see that in the last three years National Australia Bank grew its EPS by 15% per year. That growth rate is fairly good, assuming the company can keep it up.

It's often helpful to take a look at earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) margins, as well as revenue growth, to get another take on the quality of the company's growth. It's noted that National Australia Bank's revenue from operations was lower than its revenue in the last twelve months, so that could distort our analysis of its margins. While we note National Australia Bank achieved similar EBIT margins to last year, revenue grew by a solid 11% to AU$20b. That's progress.

The chart below shows how the company's bottom and top lines have progressed over time. To see the actual numbers, click on the chart.

Of course the knack is to find stocks that have their best days in the future, not in the past. You could base your opinion on past performance, of course, but you may also want to check this interactive graph of professional analyst EPS forecasts for National Australia Bank.

Are National Australia Bank Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders?

Since National Australia Bank has a market capitalisation of AU$81b, we wouldn't expect insiders to hold a large percentage of shares. But we are reassured by the fact they have invested in the company. Indeed, they hold AU$27m worth of its stock. This considerable investment should help drive long-term value in the business. While their ownership only accounts for 0.03%, this is still a considerable amount at stake to encourage the business to maintain a strategy that will deliver value to shareholders.

Should You Add National Australia Bank To Your Watchlist?

One important encouraging feature of National Australia Bank is that it is growing profits. To add an extra spark to the fire, significant insider ownership in the company is another highlight. The combination definitely favoured by investors so consider keeping the company on a watchlist. Don't forget that there may still be risks. For instance, we've identified 2 warning signs for National Australia Bank (1 makes us a bit uncomfortable) you should be aware of.

Although National Australia Bank certainly looks good, it may appeal to more investors if insiders were buying up shares. If you like to see insider buying, then this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying, could be exactly what you're looking for.

Please note the insider transactions discussed in this article refer to reportable transactions in the relevant jurisdiction.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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Job Title: Business Applications Support Officer

Organisation: Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL)

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

Reports to: Senior Systems Administrator

Job code: UETCL/022

About US:

Uganda Electricity Transmission Company limited (UETCL) is responsible for bulk purchase of electricity from the generating companies and selling it in bulk to the distribution companies throughout Uganda. UETCL is also responsible for exports and imports of electricity to Uganda. Our vision is: To Become a leading strategic business partner in the transmission and Single Buyer Business and to support sustainable energy development in Uganda.

Job Summary: The Business Applications Support Officer will support and maintain business applications including Sun system, HR and Payroll and Enterprise-wide applications and administer the underlying relational database management systems. All in accordance with the ICT policy.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Setup inventory control to ledger interface and bank reconciliations.

Fine Tune and update the Asset Register.

Design business applications reports for Heads of Department and Sections.

Maintain interfaces between the financials and other business applications.

Configure and setup restoration and continuity measures and enforce measures to minimize business applications down time.

Train all new staff and re-train the existing users in usage of business applications.









Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

A bachelors degree with honours in Computer Science, Information Technology, Physical sciences (Math or Physics), Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering or related IT field.

Must have an IT professional certificate(s) such as Microsoft, Cisco, Oracle, CISA or ITIL

Three years of experience in installing, configuring and troubleshooting: Financial applications such as Sun System Financials, Pastel or Navision HR/Payroll systems such as Resource Link or People soft or any such technology Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems

Knowledge of virtualization technologies including VMware, Citrix, Hyper-V and V-Centre Server

Experience in backup and recovery of database driven applications utilizing Oracle or Microsoft SQL

Experience in working with clients to define and document application requirements

Demonstrate capability to train and transfer knowledge to small and medium size audiences.

How to Apply:

If your qualifications and experience match the requirements for any of the roles, please complete and submit your application via the following link: Application Form for UETCL Staff Recruitment. All applications must be submitted via the online application form at the link above.

NB: All applications will be selected on merit and only shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews. For any questions regarding the application process please contact the Executive Selection Division (ESD), KPMG on +256 312 170080 or +256 312 170081 or via ug-fmesd@kpmg.com

Deadline: 7th July 2023

For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline
About the Y: Inspiring all to a healthy life  in spirit, mind and body is the mission that guides the work of the YMCA of Superior California. More than a pool or gym, the Y is a cause dedicated to the positive development of youth, healthy living for people of all ages, and social responsibility in addressing the critical needs of the communities we serve. With programs from athletics to advocacy, dance to disease prevention, and cycling to child care, the Y doesnt just strengthen individuals, it strengthens communities. Learn more and get involved at ymcasuperiorcal.org.
The cabinet committee on economic affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved Rs 3.7 lakh crore package for farmers, including for the continuation of the urea subsidy scheme, and for promoting natural farming. The package comes ahead of the assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Telangana where agriculture plays a major role in the economy.



Calling it a bouquet of schemes, the government said the package, which seeks to promote sustainable agriculture, is focused on the overall well-being and economic betterment of farmers. The initiatives will boost farmers income, strengthen natural/organic farming, rejuvenate soil productivity, and ensure food security, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said during a cabinet briefing on Wednesday.



The major component of this bouquet of schemes is the continuation of the urea subsidy scheme to ensure constant availability of urea to farmers at the same price of Rs 242 for 45 kg bag excluding taxes and neem coating charges. Out of the total approved package, Rs. 3,68,676.7 crore have been committed for urea subsidy for three years (2022-23 to 2024-25). This is apart from the recently approved nutrient-based subsidy of Rs 38,000 crore for kharif season for 2023-24.



The farmers need not spend extra for the purchase of urea, and this will help moderate their input costs. At present, the MRP of urea is Rs. 242 per 45 kg bag (excluding charges towards neem coating and taxes), whereas the actual cost of the bag comes to around Rs. 2,200. The scheme is wholly financed by the government of India through budgetary support. The continuation of urea subsidy scheme will also maximize indigenous production of urea to reach self-sufficiency levels, the cabinet note said.



Due to the changing geopolitical situation and increased raw material prices, fertilizer prices have been increasing multifold globally over the years. However, to cushion the farmers, the government announced the subsidy. The fertilizer subsidy has been increased from Rs. 73,067 crore in 2014-15 to Rs. 2,54,799 crore in 2022-23.



The second component of the schemes approved is strengthening the nano urea eco-system. The government said by 2025-26, eight nano urea plants with a production capacity of 44 crore bottles equaling to 195 LMT of conventional urea will be commissioned. Nano fertilizer releases nutrients in a controlled manner contributing to higher nutrient use efficiency while costing less to the farmers. The application of nano urea has demonstrated an increase in crop yield.



The government is pushing for the revival of six urea production units at Chambal Ferti ltd., Kota in Rajasthan, Matix ltd., in Panagarh of West Bengal, Ramagundam in Telangana, Gorakhpur in UP, Sindri in Jharkhand and Barauni in Bihar, since 2018 to make the country atmanirbhar in urea production and availability. Indigenous production of urea has increased from the level of 225 LMT during 2014-15, to 250 LMT during 2021-22. In 2022-23, production capacity has increased to 284 LMT. These along with nano urea plants will reduce our current import dependency in urea and finally make us self-sufficient by 2025- 26, the cabinet note added.



Another component of the scheme is to boost the nutrient quality of the soil which is diminished due to excessive crop cycles. Titled PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness Generation, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother  Earth (PMPRANAM), the scheme aims to adopt natural ways of farming and promotion of balanced use of chemical fertilizers. The scheme was announced in the budget early this year. The scheme aims to incentivize states to promote alternate fertilizers and the balanced use of chemical fertilizers.



This will be done by allotting Rs. 1451.84 crore for market development assistance (MDA) for promoting organic fertilizers from gobardhan plants (biogas). The MDA scheme is in the form of Rs 1500 per MT to support the marketing of organic fertilizers, fermented organic manures, and phosphate-rich organic manures produced as by-products from biogas plants.



This on the one hand will facilitate in addressing the challenge of management of crop residue and problems of Parali burning, will also help in keeping the environment clean and safe and at the same time provide an additional source of income for farmers. Farmers will get organic fertilizers at affordable prices.



To address the sulfur deficiency of soil and save input costs for the farmers, another initiative of the package is the introduction of Sulfur coated urea (urea gold) in the country for the first time. It is more economical and efficient than the currently used neem-coated urea. It will address Sulfur deficiency in the soil in the country. It will also save input costs for the farmers and also raise incomes for farmers with enhanced production and productivity.
On June 26, a group of Muslim medical students at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College approached the principal, Dr Linette J. Morris, seeking permission to wear long scrub jackets and surgical hoods inside the operating theatre. Due to infection control policies, sterile operating theatres have strict restrictions on what people can wear.

The 'bare-below-the-elbow' policy followed in operating theatres in India requires healthcare workers to wear short sleeves and avoid wearing wrist jewellery. The students raised concerns about the surgical practices for maintaining sterility, which could conflict with their commitment to "modesty" as required by their religion. They demanded an alternative arrangement in the form of long-sleeved scrub jackets to cover their hands and surgical hoods since they were not allowed to wear hijabs inside the operating theatre. They also pointed out the challenges faced by hijab-wearing Muslim women in finding a balance between complying with religious attire and maintaining modesty while following hospital and operating room regulations.

The college principal reportedly spoke to the students about the practical difficulties they may face while scrubbing up for leading or assisting a procedure. Incidentally, the medical college is planning a meeting of surgeons and infection control experts to discuss the issue.

It appears that the balance between inclusivity and sterility requirements in the operating theatre has been a topic of discussion in the western world as well. Last September, Rewan Abdelwahab, a medical student at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, published a commentary in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings advocating for a change in policies to make clothing guidelines in the operating room more inclusive. She wrote the commentary after experiencing personal difficulties due to operating room regulations regarding attire.

In 2019, a study titled "I decided not to go into surgery due to dress code" was published in BMJ Open. The study involved 84 female medical practitioners from different ethnicities and various geographical locations. It found that the majority of participants agreed that wearing a headscarf was important for themselves and their religious beliefs (94.1%). However, over half of the participants (51.5%) encountered problems when attempting to wear a headscarf in the theatre. Some women reported feeling embarrassed (23.4%), anxious (37.1%), and bullied (36.5%). Additionally, over 53% of respondents stated that their religious requirement to cover their arms was not respected. The study suggested that female Muslims working in the National Health Service (NHS) of the UK faced challenges when wearing a headscarf in the theatre and complying with the "bare below the elbows" policy.

In 2019, the Royal Derby Hospital in the UK became the first hospital to introduce disposable sterile hijabs (headscarves) after a Malaysian Muslim doctor, Farah Roslan, introduced the idea. Roslan, who was a medical student at Royal Derby, came up with this solution after facing situations where she had to leave the operating theatre multiple times due to infection control norms.

The medical students at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College appear to be inspired by Dr Deena Kishwai, a Chicago-based obstetrician and gynaecologist resident physician, who is leading a movement for policy changes to create a more inclusive environment for hijab-wearing Muslim women in the healthcare segment. On the home page of her website hijabintheor.com, Kishwai mentions the possible solutions to accommodate hijab-clad health workers in operating theatres as follows:

Long sleeve scrub jackets should be made easily accessible in OR locker rooms for hijab-wearing women to wear over their scrubs until scrubbing in and donning sterile attire. Especially since no outside clothing is allowed, it would be most comfortable to have this on since long sleeves cannot be worn under scrubs. Similarly, surgical hoods should be made readily available in the OR locker rooms so that women who wear hijab can easily cover their hijab and remain compliant with sterile code and procedures.
Key Insights

Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Brite-Tech Berhad fair value estimate is RM0.27

With RM0.30 share price, Brite-Tech Berhad appears to be trading close to its estimated fair value

When compared to theindustry average discount of -445%, Brite-Tech Berhad's competitors seem to be trading at a greater premium to fair value

In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of Brite-Tech Berhad (KLSE:BTECH) by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. Our analysis will employ the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Don't get put off by the jargon, the math behind it is actually quite straightforward.

We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model.

Check out our latest analysis for Brite-Tech Berhad

Is Brite-Tech Berhad Fairly Valued?

We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. To begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Seeing as no analyst estimates of free cash flow are available to us, we have extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the company's last reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF (MYR, Millions) RM6.18m RM6.34m RM6.52m RM6.71m RM6.93m RM7.16m RM7.40m RM7.66m RM7.92m RM8.20m Growth Rate Estimate Source Est @ 2.05% Est @ 2.51% Est @ 2.82% Est @ 3.05% Est @ 3.20% Est @ 3.31% Est @ 3.39% Est @ 3.44% Est @ 3.48% Est @ 3.51% Present Value (MYR, Millions) Discounted @ 12% RM5.5 RM5.0 RM4.6 RM4.2 RM3.9 RM3.5 RM3.3 RM3.0 RM2.8 RM2.5

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

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = RM38m

After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 3.6%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 12%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032  (1 + g)  (r  g) = RM8.2m (1 + 3.6%)  (12% 3.6%) = RM96m

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM96m ( 1 + 12%)10= RM30m

The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is RM68m. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of RM0.3, the company appears around fair value at the time of writing. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent.

dcf

Important Assumptions

We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Brite-Tech Berhad as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 12%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.110. 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 Brite-Tech Berhad

Strength

Debt is well covered by earnings.

Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows.

Weakness

Earnings declined over the past year.

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

Current share price is above our estimate of fair value.

Opportunity

BTECH's financial characteristics indicate limited near-term opportunities for shareholders.

Lack of analyst coverage makes it difficult to determine BTECH's earnings prospects.

Threat

Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow.

Looking Ahead:

Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. 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 Brite-Tech Berhad, we've compiled three important items you should assess:

Risks: Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 3 warning signs with Brite-Tech Berhad , and understanding these should be part of your investment process. 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! Other Environmentally-Friendly Companies: Concerned about the environment and think consumers will buy eco-friendly products more and more? Browse through our interactive list of companies that are thinking about a greener future to discover some stocks you may not have thought of!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Malaysian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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Come October, frontline aircraft of six countries will fly into India for a major air exercise. This will be the first time the Indian Air Force will be hosting a multilateral air force exercise.

Confirming the upcoming event on the sidelines of a seminar in the national capital on Wednesday, the IAF chief Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari said: Twelve nations will participate in the Tarang Shakti exercise, of which six nations will participate with their aircraft while another six will join in as observers.

While the participating countries have not been named as yet as the final clearances are still awaited, THE WEEK came to know from sources that the countries that will send their aircraft include the US, the UK, France, Japan and Australia.

The war exercise will be held in the Rajasthan sector, one source said.

India, US, Japan and Australia are members of the Quadrilateral Security Group or the Quad, a grouping China has been very critical of.

While coordination, interoperability and integration will be among the key themes that will dominate the exercise, it will send strong signals to Indias adversaries in the region.

While the Indian Army and the Indian Navy have been hosting multilateral exercises from time to time, this will be the IAFs first such event.

On the other hand, the IAF has been participating with its platforms in war exercises with like-minded nations all across the globe from the US to Australia to Europe.

Nationally, in recent times, the focus of the Indian military has also been to hold joint exercises of its three armed services so as to further promote jointness and integration in the historic move towards the setting up of Theatre commands as opposed to the existing functional commands.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that Southwest Monsoon has impacted almost the entire country, and the conditions are likely to continue over northwest, central and west India over the next five days.

While has advanced into parts of Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana are likely to receive rainfall during the next two days, according to the agency.



"The monsoon is active currently with its rapid advancement in the last 4-5 days. Leaving some parts of northwest India, the monsoon has impacted almost the entire country. Entire Gujarat and south-east Rajasthan have been covered by the monsoon. In the next two days, it is expected that south Punjab, Haryana and the remaining parts of Rajasthan will be covered," IMD scientist Soma Sen told ANI.



Improvement in the current monsoon Seasons rainfall over India: Monthly cumulative all India rainfall for 1-27 June 2023 over India reached -19%, in terms of % departure from long period average for the same period. It was -51% for the period from 1 June till 15 June 2023. pic.twitter.com/ljDIptlTS1  India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) June 27, 2023

The IMD has issued Orange, Yellow alerts for various parts of the country. The agency has also predicted isolated heavy rainfall over West Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand over the week. It has also forecast thunderstorms and lightning over Madhya Pradesh during the next 4-5 days.



While heavy showers are likely over the Konkan region and Gujarat, northeastern states will also receive a fair amount of rain. As for South India, Kerala will receive moderate-to-very-heavy rainfall. Isolated heavy rainfall is also likely over Coastal Karnataka and Lakshadweep.



Himachal Pradesh



As many as six people were killed in various rain-related incidents in the past 24 hours in Himachal Pradesh, taking the toll during the monsoon season from June 24 to 15.



According to state officials, two persons were killed in Hamirpur and one each in Shimla, Kangra, Chamba and Una districts. The rain-related incidents included drowning, landslides, road accidents and falling from a height, the emergency operation centre (EOC) said. So far, 27 people have sustained injuries while three are still missing, the data showed.



The hill state has suffered a cumulative loss (from June 24 to June 27) to the tune of Rs 164.2 crore which includes Rs 89.95 crore loss to the Jal Shakti Department and Rs 72.90 crore to the Public Works Department (PWD), officials said.



The IMD has issued a warning of heavy rainfall, thunderstorm and lightning at isolated places on June 28 and 29 and thunderstorms and lightning on June 30 and July 1.



(With inputs from PTI)
The Telangana BJP is going through a difficult phase. It appears that the turbulence usually noticed on one side of Nampally Road has now shifted to the opposite side as well. The Congress and the BJP headquarters are on this historic street in the older part of Hyderabad. While Gandhi Bhavan is no stranger to infighting and groupism, the Shyam Prasad Mukherji Bhavan is now witnessing similar scenes. The bunch of new and senior leaders in the BJP don't seem to be too happy with their older counterparts.



Etela Rajender, a politician who rose to prominence with radical left ideology during his student days and engaged in the separate Telangana movement through TRS (Telangana Rashtra Samithi), and a former BRS member, joined the saffron party in 2021 and won a by-election. Another senior leader, Komatreddy Rajagopal Reddy, a former MP and a long-time Congress leader, shifted to the BJP in 2022. Both leaders, evidently disgruntled with the party president Bandi Sanjay recently met Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi. It is learned that the complaints flowed freely at the meeting.



While Bandi Sanjay began his political journey as an ABVP activist and as a kar sevak to Ayodhya, most of the recent entrants to the BJP have no connection with the Sangh Parivar or Hindutva ideology. While the newcomers' camp believes that Sanjay's rigid and self-centered attitude is pulling them down, the old-timers in the party feel that the new leaders need to have patience and understand the ideology of the party first.



"These people have emerged from revolutionary movements. The BJP is not like the Congress party, where there are abnormal levels of democracy. Here, everyone has to abide by the Sangh ideology and the systems in place. One cannot be too ambitious here. We do not work like that," said a BJP leader serving in an important party position, clearly siding with Sanjay.



Etala is being slammed for failing to induct important faces into the party, even though he has been bestowed with the post of the chief of joining committee. The detractors of Sanjay feel that he is not making the lives of these leaders any smoother. Speculation is rife that both Rajender and Rajagopal Reddy may jump into the Congress ship at an appropriate time if the continue to receive poor treatment.



Last year, two senior leaders, Swamy Goud and Dasoju Sravan, quit the BJP and joined the BRS after a brief stint with the saffron party. They developed differences with the BJP leadership on certain issues, including their style of functioning, according to the leaders who quit. The fact that some of the leaders are joining the BJP only to further their anti-BRS agenda and because it is the ruling party at the Centre is not going down well with the veterans who are rooted in the BJP's ideology. It is evident that the new crop of leaders stops short of making any provocative comments related to religion and doesn't necessarily agree with the party's strategy at all times. At a time when the BJP is desperately trying to improve its performance, the gap between the two camps is widening and threatening to make the lotus fragrance ineffective.



The problem is not limited to the BJP. The Congress faced a similar situation a few months back. The party president, A. Revanth Reddy, was a TDP leader for a long time. He shifted to Congress in 2017 along with a few other leaders from the TDP and became a party president in 2021. From the time he took over the top post, some of the seniors who spent decades in the party openly expressed their displeasure. It reached a breaking point last year when recent 'migrants' to the party were accused of propping up their own lobby, sidelining the old-timers and diluting the Congress ideology. Revanth was accused of filling up the important posts of district Congress committees (DCC) with his own men who were affiliated with TDP at some point. Standing against him were senior leaders like Uttam Kumar Reddy, Bhatti Vikramarka, Sridhar Babu, Komatreddy Venkat Reddy, among others. The crisis saw the appointment of a new AICC in-charge for Telangana, Manikrao Thakare. Congress today is a calmer house, but the fissure still exists.



The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), formerly TRS, being a regional party controlled by a central figure, K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), had similar issues but dealt with them quietly. The BRS went through two cycles of crisis. In the aftermath of state bifurcation and the party's victory in state elections in 2014, a number of senior leaders from TDP and Congress made their way to the BRS. At that time, there was discontent among those who were associated with the party during the entire period of agitation. The new set of leaders back thenTalasani Srinivas Yadav, Malla Reddy, Danam Nagender, and D Srinivaswho joined from the TDP and the Congress, were given ministries or Rajya Sabha seats or accorded importance within the party. What caused heartburn to those who have been with the party throughout was that some of these entrants were not even vocal champions of a separate Telangana state. Cut to the present, the differences within the party are of a different kind.



Between the 2018 state elections and the present, more than a dozen MLAs have crossed over to BRS from other parties or shed independent status. The BRS won 88 seats in 2018, but today, the party has more than 100 MLAs in the Telangana assembly. The jostle for tickets has begun, with the defeated candidates of the party feeling insecure about the new entrants who defeated them and entered the party. Though the party tried to accommodate the losing candidates, there are still multiple ticket aspirants for single seats. In hushed tones, party members criticize the party's policy to rope in other party winners against whom they fought tooth and nail. "The loyal workers who fought and lost are dumped, and those who defeated our party are felicitated by a grand welcome," said a party leader who did not wish to be named.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pitch for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) has triggered a debate between the BJP and the opposition parties, who term the proposal "an attack on Indias pluralism and diversity."

This comes as reports emerge that the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) held an emergency online meeting late on Tuesday evening after the Prime Minister's address in Bhopal. It was decided in the meeting that the Board will oppose the UCC, reported Hindustan Times.



According to the reports, AIMPLB president Saifullah Rehmani and Board members and lawyers, who attended the meeting, decided to present their views more powerfully in front of the Law Commission. Documents to be submitted to the Law Commission were also finalised at the meeting.



AIMPLB member and Islamic Centre of India chairman Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali told Hindustan Times, "For the past several years, politicians have been raising the issue of the Uniform Civil Code just before the elections. This time too, the issue has come up before the 2024 elections."



He added that the Board has decided to fight the proposal tooth and nail and is in the process of chalking out a strategy to counter the proposed move of the government by presenting our view in front of the law commission more powerfully.



Meanwhile, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has also targeted Modi for batting for the UCC, claiming the Prime Minister was trying to bring in a 'Hindu Civil Code.' "India's Prime Minister is now talking about Uniform Civil Code. Are you going to snatch away pluralism, diversity in the name of Uniform Civil Code?" Owaisi told reporters.



"They will treat all Islamic references of practices as illegal and the Prime Minister will protect Hindu practices under the law," he alleged.



Questioning whether the BJP would abolish the 'Hindu Undivided Family" (HUF), Owaisi said Modi should speak about the intention to bring in the UCC in Punjab and see what would be the reaction. "Prime Minister, I am saying again, wants to talk about Hindu Civil Code, wants to bring it. That is his purpose. The purpose is to target India's Muslims and humiliate them," he said. He alleged that Modi does not accept uniformity and equality and wants to give exceptions to Hindus and outlaw Muslim religious practices.



Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram too hit out the PM's statement, drawing a comparison between a family and the nation to justify UCC. In a tweet, the former Union Minister said: "The Hon'ble PM has equated a Nation to a Family while pitching for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). While in an abstract sense, his comparison may appear true, the reality is very different. A family is knit together by blood relationships."



He added that a nation is brought together by a Constitution which is a political-legal document and the UCC cannot be forced. "Even in a family there is diversity. The Constitution of India recognised diversity and plurality among the people of India A UCC is an aspiration. It cannot be forced on the people by an agenda-driven majoritarian government.



The Hon'ble PM has equated a Nation to a Family while pitching for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC)



While in an abstract sense his comparison may appear true, the reality is very different



A family is knit together by blood relationships. A nation is brought together by a  P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) June 28, 2023

Chidambaram also urged Modi to read the report of the last Law Commission which pointed out that the UCC was not feasible at this time. "The nation is divided today owing to the words and deeds of the BJP. A UCC imposed on the people will only widen the divisions," he added.

BJP reacts to Owaisi's comment



BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia has hit out at Asaduddin Owaisi, stating that he reads the Quran but not the Constitution.



"If Owaisi's degree is not fake, then at first he should advise the Law Commission as sought till July 14," the BJP spokesperson said at a television news debate. "All those who are slamming UCC should give their suggestions to the commission," the BJP leader said.


The Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT -B) set a milestone on Wednesday after it broke into the list of the world's top 150 universities in the latest edition of the QS World University Ranking. This is the first time in eight years that an Indian higher education institute has made it to the top 150the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore was on rank 147 in the list released in 2016.

This year, however, the IISc fell to 225th rank from 155 last year. IIT Delhi, which fell from 174 last year to 197 now, is the second highest ranked Indian institution.

Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar congratulated IIT-B on achieving the feat, and added that Indian universities are world-class. Now less Indians will have to travel abroad for better education. Indian education is now not just good, it is among the world's best, he told ANI.

IIT-B emerges as the new torchbearer for Indian higher education. IIT Bombays impressive trajectory of consistent improvements in research quality and reputation has facilitated its rise to prominence. Over the past five years, it has propelled its employer reputation ranking from 102nd to 69th and improved its Citations per Faculty rank from 226th to 133rd. However, the institutions internationalisation metrics still require enhancement to fully realise its potential as a globally diverse institution, the statement issued by QS analysts said.

According to the official statement, IIT Bombay has significantly moved up from the 177th rank last year to 149th this year. The statement further stated that there were nine parameters in QS ranking, among which Employer Reputation was the strongest for IIT Bombay with a global rank of 69.

This year, QS ranked 2,900 institutions for this year's ranking system, and featured 45 Indian universities, including four new universities University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Chitkara University, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, and the Indian Statistical Institute.

QS Founder and CEO Nunzio Quacquarelli also congratulated Chandigarh University for securing 780th rank, becoming the top performing Indian private university.
Riding on a statement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bhopal on Tuesday, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan seems to have decided to aggressively go after the opposition Congress on its poll guarantees.

In Madhya Pradesh, Congress has announced poll guarantees like Rs 1,000 per month cash assistance to women, domestic gas cylinder for Rs 500, 100 units power free and 200 units at half rate, resuming loan waiver for farmers, revival of old pension scheme, 27 per cent reservation to OBC communities and employment to youth.

PM Modi, during his address to BJP booth workers, without naming Congress, said that if they had offered some guarantees, he would also like to give a guarantee. If they offer a guarantee of scams, then Modi also has a guarantee... My guarantee is, guarantee of action against every scamster, guarantee of action against every thief and robber. Those who have looted the poor, who have looted the country, their account will be settled, the PM had said.

Taking it up from there, CM Chouhan has started attacking the Congress aggressively. On Wednesday, he issued a statement saying that the guarantee of Congress is guarantee of lies. When did the Congress speak of eradicating poverty (Garibi Hatao)? (Ex-prime minister) Indira (Gandhi) ji had given the slogan in 1971. Was poverty eradicated? They only speak lies and that too openly. Did they waive loans of farmers in 10 days? Rahul (Gandhi) ji should answer; did they give unemployment allowance, waive loans of self-help groups or give bonus on crops? Which of their vachan (poll promises) did they fulfill? Now they have again come up with guarantees. The truth is that their guarantee is the guarantee of corruption; of insulting women; of cheating the youth; of hoodwinking the farmers and the guarantee of betrayal. But those giving such guarantees have already lost the respect of the people.

He also said that as promised by PM Modi, no scammers or wrongdoers would be spared in Madhya Pradesh or any BJP ruled state. Modi ji has resolved not to spare any corrupt person. All these scammers have come together (referring to opposition unity moves) out of fear of action. They have no common agenda, no common ideology or programme. In different states, they are fighting, cutting each other's throats. But these opposing forces, ideological enemies have come together due to fear of action, but Modi ji wont spare any wrongdoer.

Earlier on Tuesday evening too, Chouhan had tweeted to say that the five guarantees of illusionist Congress are the guarantees of insulting women; corruption; power failure and inverter; religious conversion and appeasement and guarantee of promoting seditious forces.

Retorting in a long tweet, Kamal Nath said, Shivraj ji, your government has itself accepted in the state assembly that the Congress government had waived the loans of 27 lakh farmers; even the loan of family of the present agriculture minister has been waived off. Despite this, you start lying at any given chance. Arent you ashamed of lying like this in public? You have also said that no scammers will be spared, so the people of Madhya Pradesh want to know that since dumper scam, Vyapam scam, nutritious food scam, police recruitment scam, nursing college scam and e-tendering scam happened during your tenure as CM; do you plan to catch or give protection to the scammers?

Priyanka Gandhi's jibe on price rise

Meanwhile, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took a jibe at PM Modis comment in Bhopal about prices of domestic gas cylinders in non-BJP ruled state; the fact that Modi had omitted name of Madhya Pradesh where petrol price was well over Rs 100 mark and the rise of prices of essential commodities through a tweet. The Prime Minister read the list of inflation in Bhopal yesterday. But like the earlier lists, someone made that list wrong too. In Madhya Pradesh petrol price: Rs 108 a litre Tomato price: Rs 100 a kg Price of pulses: Rs 150 per kg and domestic cylinder: Rs 1130 per cylinder. This model of diverting the attention of the people from the price hike they are facing - neither did it work in Himachal (Pradesh) and Karnataka, nor will it work in Madhya Pradesh, she said.

In a joint press conference, MP Mahila Congress chief Vibha Patel and media department chief K.K. Mishra, also attacked the BJP government at Centre and state over steep hike in prices of essentials. They also pointed out that the Madhya Pradesh BJP unit unashamedly made the PM speak lies about petrol being available below Rs 100 per litre in BJP-ruled states, when it cost Rs 108 per litre in the state.
The Congress party on Wednesday appointed senior leader T.S. Singh Deo as the Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh just months ahead of the assembly elections. The announcement came hours after Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge chaired a crucial meeting in Delhi to discuss the poll strategy in the state.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge ji has approved the proposal for the appointment of Shri T.S. Singh Deo ji as the deputy chief minister of Chhattisgarh, party general secretary K.C. Venugopal said in tweet.

Calling Singh Deo as a loyal Congress leader and an able administrator, Venugopal said the state will benefit greatly from his services as Deputy CM.

"We are confident that the people of Chattisgarh will re-elect the Congress with a thumping majority under the leadership of Kharge ji and Rahul Gandhi ji," he said.

Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh are due later this year.

Earlier, both Singh Deo and Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel attended the meeting at AICC headquarters in the national capital. Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and party state in-charge Kumari Selja were also present.

Taking to Twitter after the meeting, Baghel said the Congress is ready for the assembly polls and the meeting discussed the changes being brought in people's lives through the 'Nava Chhattisgarh' model.

Both Singh Deo and Bhagel have been at loggerheads since the party came to power in the state in 2018. Singh Deo claimed earlier that the party leadership had promised that he and Baghel would hold the chief minister's post alternately, a claim rejected by Baghel.
In a move that could benefit scores of Indians working in the US, Canada has decided to allow 10,000 American H-1B visa holders to come and work in the country.

Canada Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced the launch of the open work-permit stream on Tuesday. The official release issued by Canada's Ministry of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship said the programme will also provide study or work permits for the family members of H-1B visa holders.



"Thousands of workers in high-tech fields are employed with companies that have large operations in both Canada and the US, and those working in the US often hold an H-1B speciality occupation visa. As of July 16, 2023, H-1B speciality occupation visa holders in the US, and their accompanying immediate family members, will be eligible to apply to come to Canada," the release read.



Those eligible under the scheme will get an open work permit of up to three years. "They will be able to work for almost any employer anywhere in Canada. Their spouses and dependants will also be eligible to apply for a temporary resident visa, with a work or study permit, as needed," said the release.



Though the statement did not provide details as to who exactly will qualify under the scheme and how many will be eligible, the federal government is said to be developing an immigration stream which will let talented people come to Canada to work for tech companies, irrespective of having a job or not.



Indians make up a huge chunk of US H-1B visa holders, about 73 per cent of the nearly 4,42,000 H-1B workers in fiscal year 2022.



The United States recently announced that they will introduce 'in-country' renewable H-1B visas wherein the visa holder will not have to travel overseas to renew their work visa. This came ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the White House in Washington DC.


The global cyber defence strategy took shape in this part of the world when Israel became the first country to come out of the closet making cyber technology a legitimate civilian way of life. Once again, it is the Israelis leading the way into a robust space of cyber defence and offence, naming and shaming threat actors and putting together the best brains to beat new-age threats from targeted misuse of Artificial Intelligence.

The era of nameless, faceless cyber attacks is over. The Israel National Cyber Directorate announced before a packed audience of representatives from across continents attending the Cyber Week in Tel Aviv on June 27, Anyone who carries out cyberattacks against Israeli citizens must take into account the price he will pay.

For more than a decade, countries have been debating the so-called 'name and shame tactic or 'attributing cyber attacks as a deterrent to unwanted cyber behaviour but none have come out as strongly in their fight back as Israel.

Gaby Portnoy, Director General of Israel National Cyber Directorate, said, In the past year, we have been working hard to develop our resilience and expand our capabilities to detect cyberattacks, raising our shields and expose malicious activities, specifically Iranian.

According to Portnoy, the vast majority of attacks are thwarted. He mentioned the attack in February that forced the Israel Institute of Technology, also known as Technion, to postpone exams and temporarily shut down its IT systems and attributed it to MuddyWater in collaboration with Darkbit-- two attack groups associated with the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence. He said, They are also attacking civilian targets in countries like Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, India, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and more.

Portnoy said the Israeli defence community knows the Iranian cyber activities inside out and is working to disrupt them in different ways. From naming the Iranian intelligence and Hezbollah, to commending the United States for imposing sanctions on Iranian officials, the message was clear. Israel was preparing its 'cyber dome project by inviting friendly nations to participate.

I would like to commend the US activities against Irans violent agenda and for imposing sanctions against two active cyber players in the Ministry of Intelligence and Security: Mojtaba Mostafavi and Farzin Karimi, who co-founded the Ravin Academy that trains hackers for malicious activities of the ministry. The threats from elements in Beirut linked to Hezbollah, according to Portnoy, were damaging civilian lives across the world and to stop it, the international community needed to work together. This is our joint responsibility.

It is indeed a shift in global cyber strategy for many countries, including India, where cyber attacks are reluctantly spoken of publicly and governments are shy to admit offensive capabilities.

Portnoy is helming efforts in his country helping high school kids, small and medium enterprises and critical infrastructures like transport, hospitals, and banks to not just learn how to defend, but also assist the half a dozen security and intelligence agencies in effectively battling and exposing malicious activities and threat actors.

The United States, among others, clearly understands the fast-evolving dangers in cyberspace. Nathaniel C Fick, the ambassador at large for cyberspace and digital policy in the US Department of State spoke of joint efforts with Israel to implement an affirmative vision for a secure cyberspace and building a defensible, resilient and rights-respecting digital ecosystem.

The former combat marine said With power comes responsibility especially for countries with advanced capabilities .We must award responsible behaviour and impose costs on irresponsible behaviour. Fick stressed on a shared technology ecosystem where trust is paramount and reminded all United Nations members of their commitment to building a framework for responsible state behaviour.

Its universal. Technology innovation benefits with greater participation, he said. Israel has endorsed the Declaration for the Future of the Internet with the US and sixty-five partners around the globe, launched last year to reaffirm and recommit to a single global Internet that is truly open and fosters competition, privacy and respect for human rights. Fick said it also articulates what a shared tech policy can and should be. He said border coalitions of countries have condemned Iran for its cyber attack on Albanias critical digital infrastructure and Russias assault on Ukraine and provide assistance to mitigate future attacks. The thorny aspect of commercial spyware was also touched upon by Fick, who said the growing private market in these technologies, where it can be used as a tool of repression and human rights abuse needs to be countered by deeper international cooperation. He said a recent executive order in the US prohibits the operational use of commercial spyware that poses a risk to national security or has been used by foreign actors and urged countries to adopt similar measures.

Lastly, he said public attribution of malicious cyber activity, which is empirical and factual, is the key to building a rules-based order. From being technical to a rather political challenge, he said there is a need for more countries to join the US in lending voices to public attribution on a case-to-case basis.
The United Nations said Tuesday it has documented a significant level of civilians killed and wounded in attacks in Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover despite a stark reduction in casualties compared to previous years of war and insurgency.

According to a new report by the U.N. mission in Afghanistan, or UNAMA, since the takeover in mid-August 2021 and until the end of May, there were 3,774 civilian casualties, including 1,095 people killed in violence in the country.



That compares with 8,820 civilian casualties including 3,035 killed in just 2020, according to an earlier U.N. report.



The Taliban seized the country in August 2021 while U.S. and NATO troops were in the final weeks of their withdrawal from Afghanistan after two decades of war.



According to the U.N. report, three-quarters of the attacks since the Taliban seized power were with improvised explosive devices in populated areas, including places of worship, schools and markets, the report said. Among those killed were 92 women and 287 children.



The figures indicate a significant increase in civilian harm resulting from IED attacks on places of worship mostly belonging to the minority Shiite Muslims compared to the three-year period prior to the Taliban takeover, according to a press statement that followed the report.



The statement also said that at least 95 people were killed in attacks on schools, educational facilities and other places that targeted the predominantly Shiite Hazara community.



The statement said that the majority of the IED attacks were carried out by the region's affiliate of the Islamic State group known as the Islamic State in Khorasan Province a Sunni militant group and a main Taliban rival.



These attacks on civilians and civilian objects are reprehensible and must stop, said Fiona Frazer, chief of UNAMA's Human Rights Service. She urged the Taliban the de facto authorities in Afghanistan to uphold their obligation to protect the right to life of the Afghan people.



However, the U.N. report said a significant number of the deaths resulted from attacks that were never claimed or that the U.N. mission could not attribute to any group. It did not provide the number for those fatalities.



The report also expressed concern about the lethality of suicide attacks since the Taliban takeover, with fewer attacks causing more civilian causalities.



It noted that the attacks were carried out amid a nationwide financial and economic crisis. With the sharp drop in donor funding since the takeover, victims are struggling to get access to medical, financial and psychosocial support under the current Taliban-led government, the report said.



Frazer said that even though Afghan "victims of armed conflict and violence struggled to access essential medical, financial and psychosocial support prior to the takeover, this has become more difficult after the Taliban took power.



Help for the victims of violence is now even harder to come by because of the drop in donor funding for vital services," she added.



The U.N. report also demanded an immediate halt to attacks and said it holds the Taliban government responsible for the safety of Afghans.



The Taliban said their administration took over when Afghanistan was on the verge of collapse and that they managed to rescue the country and government from a crisis" by making sound decisions and through proper management.



In a response, the Taliban-led foreign ministry said that the situation has gradually improved since August 2021. Security has been ensured across the country, the statement said, adding that the Taliban consider the security of places of worship and holy shrines, including Shiite sites, a priority.



Despite initial promises in 2021 of a more moderate administration, the Taliban enforced harsh rules after seizing the country. They banned girls' education after the sixth grade and barred Afghan women from public life and most work, including for nongovernmental organisations and the U.N.



The measures harked back to the previous Taliban rule of Afghanistan in the late 1990s, when they also imposed their strict interpretation of Islamic law, or Sharia. The edicts prompted an international outcry against the already ostracized Taliban, whose administration has not been officially recognised by the U.N. and the international community.


Key Insights

Teck Resources' estimated fair value is CA$53.97 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

Teck Resources' CA$54.32 share price indicates it is trading at similar levels as its fair value estimate

Analyst price target for TECK.B is CA$67.45, which is 25% above our fair value estimate

Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of Teck Resources Limited (TSE:TECK.B) as an investment opportunity by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. The Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model is the tool we will apply to do this. Don't get put off by the jargon, the math behind it is actually quite straightforward.

We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model.

See our latest analysis for Teck Resources

Is Teck Resources Fairly Valued?

We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate

2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF (CA$, Millions) CA$374.2m CA$3.18b CA$2.72b CA$3.48b CA$2.99b CA$2.71b CA$2.55b CA$2.46b CA$2.41b CA$2.39b Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x6 Analyst x7 Analyst x6 Analyst x3 Analyst x3 Est @ -9.30% Est @ -5.97% Est @ -3.64% Est @ -2.01% Est @ -0.86% Present Value (CA$, Millions) Discounted @ 9.6% CA$342 CA$2.6k CA$2.1k CA$2.4k CA$1.9k CA$1.6k CA$1.3k CA$1.2k CA$1.1k CA$959

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

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = CA$15b

We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 1.8%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 9.6%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032  (1 + g)  (r  g) = CA$2.4b (1 + 1.8%)  (9.6% 1.8%) = CA$31b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= CA$31b ( 1 + 9.6%)10= CA$13b

The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is CA$28b. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of CA$54.3, the company appears around fair value at the time of writing. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent.

dcf

Important Assumptions

We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Teck Resources 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 9.6%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.305. 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 Teck Resources

Strength

Debt is not viewed as a risk.

Weakness

Earnings declined over the past year.

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Metals and Mining market.

Opportunity

Good value based on P/E ratio compared to estimated Fair P/E ratio.

Threat

Annual earnings are forecast to decline for the next 3 years.

Moving On:

Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. For Teck Resources, we've put together three important elements you should further examine:

Risks: For instance, we've identified 2 warning signs for Teck Resources (1 is a bit concerning) you should be aware of. Management:Have insiders been ramping up their shares to take advantage of the market's sentiment for TECK.B's future outlook? Check out our management and board analysis with insights on CEO compensation and governance factors. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Canadian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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Yevgeny Prigozhin, owner of the private army of prison recruits and other mercenaries who have fought some of the deadliest battles in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, escaped prosecution for his abortive armed rebellion against the Kremlin and is in Belarus, that country's president said.



The exile of the 62-year-old owner of the Wagner Group was part of the deal that ended the short-lived mutiny in Russia. He and some of his troops are welcome to stay for some time at their own expense, President Alexander Lukashenko said.

The Russian Defence Ministry said preparations are under way for Wagner to hand over its heavy weapons to the Russian military. Prigozhin had said those moves were underway ahead of a July 1 deadline for his troops to sign contracts to serve under the Russian military's command.

Russian authorities also said on Tuesday that they have closed a criminal investigation into the uprising and are pressing no charges against Prigozhin or his followers after the negotiated deal. The Federal Security Service, or FSB, said they, ceased activities directed at committing the crime".

Still, Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared to set the stage for charges of financial wrongdoing against an affiliated organisation owned by Prigozhin.

He told a military gathering that Prigozhin's Concord Group earned 80 billion rubles (USD 941 million) from a contract to provide the military with food, and that Wagner had received over 86 billion rubles (over USD 1 billion) in the past year for wages and additional items.

I hope that while doing so they didn't steal anything or stole not so much, Putin said, adding that authorities would look closely at Concord's contract.

For years, Prigozhin has had lucrative catering contracts with the Russian government. Police who searched his St. Petersburg office on Saturday said they found 4 billion rubles (USD 48 million) in trucks outside, according to media reports confirmed by the Wagner boss. He said the money was intended to pay soldiers' families.

Over the weekend, the Kremlin had pledged not to prosecute Prigozhin and his fighters after he stopped the revolt on Saturday, less than 24 hours after it began, even though Putin had branded them as traitors and authorities rushed to fortify Moscow's defences as the mutineers approached the capital.

The charge of mounting an armed mutiny is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Prigozhin escaping prosecution poses a stark contrast to how the Kremlin has treated those staging anti-government protests in Russia, where many opposition figures have gotten long sentences in notoriously harsh penal colonies.

Prigozhin issued no public statements on Tuesday.

The series of stunning events in recent days constitutes the gravest threat so far to Putin's grip on power amid the 16-month-old war in Ukraine.

In addresses Monday and Tuesday, Putin has sought to project stability and demonstrate authority.

In his Kremlin speech to soldiers and law enforcement officers on Tuesday, Putin praised them for averting a civil war.

The ceremony featured the president walking down the red-carpeted stairs of the Kremlin's 15th century white-stone Palace of Facets to address the troops.

Russian media on Tuesday showed Defence Secretary Shoigu, in his military uniform, greeting Cuba's visiting defense minister in a pomp-heavy ceremony. Prigozhin has said his goal had been to oust Shoigu and other top Russian military leaders, not stage a coup agianst Putin.

Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus with an iron hand for 29 years while relying on Russian subsidies and support, portrayed the uprising as the latest development in the clash between Prigozhin and Shoigu. While the mutiny unfolded, he said, he put Belarus' armed forces on a combat footing and urged Putin not to be hasty in his response, lest the conflict with Wagner spiral out of control.

Like Putin, Lukashenko portrayed the war in Ukraine as an existential threat, saying, If Russia collapses, we all will perish under the debris.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov would not disclose details about the Kremlin's deal with the Wagner chief. He said only that Putin had provided Prigozhiin with certain guarantees, with the aim of avoiding a worst-case scenario".

Asked why the rebels were allowed to get as close as about 200 kilometers (about 125 miles) from Moscow without facing any serious resistance, National Guard chief Viktor Zolotov told reporters, We concentrated our forces in one fist closer to Moscow. If we spread them thin, they would have come like a knife through butter.

Zolotov also said the National Guard lacks battle tanks and other heavy weapons and now would get them.

The mercenaries shot down at least six Russian helicopters and a military communications plane as they advanced on Moscow, killing at least a dozen airmen, according to Russian news reports. The Defence Ministry didn't release information about casualties.

Putin mentioned the casualties on Tuesday and honoured those killed with a moment of silence.

Pilots, our combat comrades, died while confronting the mutiny, he said. They didn't waver and fulfilled the orders and their military duty with dignity.

Some Russian war bloggers and patriotic activists have vented outrage about Prigozhin and his troops not getting punished for killing the airmen. Prigozhin voiced regret for the deaths in an audio statement Monday, but said Wagner troops fired because they were getting bombed.

In a televised address Monday night, Putin said organisers of the rebellion had played into the hands of Ukraine's government and its allies. Although critical of their leaders, he praised the mutineers who didn't engage in fratricidal bloodshed and stopped on the brink.

A Washington-based think tank said that was likely in an effort to retain them in the fight in Ukraine because Moscow needs trained and effective manpower as it faces a Ukrainian counteroffensive.

The Institute for the Study of War also said the break between Putin and Prigozhin is likely beyond repair, and that providing the Wagner chief and his loyalists with Belarus as an apparent safe haven could be a trap.

On Monday, too, Putin was shown meeting Shoigu and other top security, law enforcement and military officials. Putin thanked them for their work over the weekend, implying support for the embattled Shoigu.

In a defiant statement on Monday, Prigozhin taunted the Russian military again. It wasn't clear whether he will be able to keep his mercenary force. Putin has offered Prigozhin's fighters to either come under Russia's Defence Ministry's command, leave service or go to Belarus.

Prigozhin said, without elaborating, that the Belarusian leadership proposed solutions that would allow Wagner to operate in a legal jurisdiction, but it was unclear what that meant.

Lukashenko said there is no reason to fear Wagner's presence in his country, though in Russia there have been recent incidents of Wagner-recruited convicts being suspected of violent crimes. The Wagner troops have priceless military knowledge and experience they can share with Belarus, he said during a meeting with his defense minister

But Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who challenged Lukashenko in a 2020 election that was widely seen as fraudulent and triggered mass protests, said Wagner troops will threaten the country and its neighbours.

Belarusians don't welcome war criminal Prigozhin, she told The Associated Press. If Wagner sets up military bases on our territory, it will pose a new threat to our sovereignty and our neighbours.
South Koreans, as of Wednesday, become a year or two younger after the traditional way of counting age is scrapped. According to tradition, South Koreans are considered to be one year old at birth. Another tradition counted every one to be a year older every first day of January instead of on their birthdays.



The switch to counting age based on birthdays was made on Wednesday after President Yoon Suk-yeol pushed for it strongly. President Suk-yeol had pushed for the change when he ran for president last year. The traditional age-counting methods created "unnecessary social and economic costs", he said, the BBC reported.

There have been disputes over insurance payouts and determining eligibility for government assistance programmes. Though the country had, since the early 1960s used the international norm of calculating age for medical and legal documents, many South Koreans continued to use the traditional method for everything else. This meant that, if a baby was born on December 31, he or she would be two years old on January 1.

For several existing statutes, the "counting age" calendar year system will remain. For example, South Koreans can buy cigarettes and alcohol from the year they turn 19 rather than on the day. Lawmakers voted to scrap the traditional methods of counting age last December. Japan adopted the international method of counting age in 1950, while North Korea followed suit in 1980.
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New Delhi, Delhi, India  Business Wire India



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About VerifiedStockExperts.com



VerifiedStockExperts.com is a leading fintech company founded by Himanshu Gupta and Kayur Goyal, connecting retail investors with verified stock experts. The platform provides real-time alerts, seamless trading integration, and opportunities for learning from experts. The company is backed by industry leaders Dinesh Agarwal, Nitish Mittersain, MurugavelJanakiraman, and Rajesh Sawhney.



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire India and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

PWR
New Delhi (India), June 28: Paralympic fencer and disability rights activist, Vibhas Sen, has joined forces with Jhatkaa.org, a leading social justice advocacy organisation, to address the challenges of inadequate data collection on persons with disabilities. Together, they are calling for the inclusion of disability-related questions in the upcoming National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6) conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.



Despite the enactment of the Rights of Persons With Disabilities Act in 2016, significant gaps persist in the collection of comprehensive data on individuals with disabilities. Recognising the pressing nature of this problem, Sen says it is crucial to find a solution and bridge this data gap.



The collection of accurate data plays a pivotal role in determining the allocation of funds for welfare schemes and programmes catering to persons with disabilities. The insufficient availability of funds has a deep impact on their day-to-day lives, limiting their access to necessary support systems and hindering their full participation in society.



Through enhanced data collection, extensive research, and effective dissemination, we can ensure equal access to public provisions and spaces for people with disabilities. Data collection can also help in eradicating stereotypes and misconceptions, identifying service gaps, and evaluating the impact of policies and programmes on the lives of people with disabilities. These help us hold governments accountable for their commitment to people with disabilities, said Sen.



Disappointingly, NFHS-6, scheduled to commence in a month, has excluded disability-related questions from its survey. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfares official statement that disability data wont change fast further compounds this neglect. Such exclusion perpetuates a narrow definition of disability and undermines the urgent need to address this issue.



To express his concern over this exclusion and challenge the normalisation of a limited perspective on disability, Sen has partnered with Jhatkaa.org. They are jointly demanding that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare incorporates disability-related questions in the survey, encompassing all disabilities listed under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.



Sen and Jhatkaa.org believe in equality for all and are confident that by uniting the voices of compassionate citizens, they can bring about meaningful change. In order to amplify their demands and ensure they are heard; they urge citizens to show their support by signing the petition online https://bit.ly/3pjT2f9



For more information Kindly visit the website https://jhatkaa.org/



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

PWR
Mumbai, Jun 28 (PTI) To ensure greater transparency, markets regulator Sebi on Wednesday decided to mandate enhanced disclosures from certain class of Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs), including furnishing granular level details about ownership and economic interests.

The new norms will be applicable for FPIs that concentrate holdings in a single corporate group.

The move is aimed at preventing possible circumvention of Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) requirements and potential misuse of the FPI route to guard against the inherent risks of opportunistic takeover of Indian companies.

It also comes against the backdrop of the recent Adani-Hindenburg saga.

During its meeting here on Wednesday, Sebi board approved a proposal to amend the FPI rules.

Under the proposed framework, FPIs with concentrated single group equity exposures or significant equity holdings will be mandated to make additional granular disclosures.

Such FPIs would be required to provide granular level disclosures regarding ownership, economic interest, and control rights on a full lookthrough basis, the regulator said in a release.

The regulator said that FPIs holding more than 50 per cent of their equity Asset Under Management (AUM) in a single corporate group or FPIs that individually, or along with their investor group hold more than Rs 25,000 crore in the Indian markets would be required to comply with the new requirements.

Briefing reporters after the board meeting, Sebi Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch said the changes in norms related to FPI disclosures have been decided, based on the feedback from as many as 35 large players.

Sebi Whole Time Member Anantha Narayan said the new FPI norms to come to effect in three months for those already here and for new comers in six months.

As per the release, certain entities would be exempted from making such additional disclosures. These include government and government-related investors, pension funds and public retail funds, certain listed ETFs, corporate entities and verified pooled investment vehicles meeting certain conditions.

Applicants with investors contributing 25 per cent or more in the corpus that are mentioned in the Sanctions List notified by UN Security Council are ineligible for registration as FPIs, it added.

In March 2023, PML Rules threshold requirements for identification of Beneficial Ownership (BO) were amended and currently stand at 10 per cent for companies and trusts and 15 per cent for partnerships and unincorporated association or body of individuals.

Sebi board also approved changes to the FPI Regulations for aligning these eligibility criteria in the Regulations with the reduced threshold prescribed under PML Rules.

Earlier this year, the US-based Hindenburg in its research report had alleged that certain FPIs held a significant stake in the listed firms of Adani Group. The allegations were denied by the conglomerate.

The move has its genesis in the Adani stocks issue where Sebi could not identify the beneficial owners of some foreign portfolio investments in Adani stocks since the existing regulations are lax in identifying the true owners of many investments.

Earlier, in a consultation paper on FPIs, Sebi had said that some FPIs have been observed to concentrate a substantial portion of their equity portfolio in a single investee company/company group.

Such concentrated investments raise the concern and possibility that promoters of such corporate groups, or other investors acting in concert, could be using the FPI route for circumventing regulatory requirements such as that of maintaining MPS, it had said.

If this were the case, the apparent free float in a listed company may not be its true free float, increasing the risk of price manipulation in such scrips, as per the consultation paper.
Colombo, Jun 28 (PTI) Sri Lanka's special cabinet meeting on Wednesday unanimously approved the government's Domestic Debt Restructuring (DDR) plan under which the cash-strapped government aims to restructure USD 17 billion out of the total USD 41.5 billion external debt over five years.

The proposed Domestic Debt Restructuring programme proposed by the Finance Ministry has been approved by the special cabinet meeting, a statement by the President's Office said.

"All government MPs were notified a short while ago at the presidential secretariat. Next, the proposal will be submitted at the next parliament session for discussion, the statement said.

The plan will now be referred to the public finance committee in Parliament ahead of Saturdays parliamentary session.

Earlier, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is also the minister of finance, explaining the DDR programme said the government aims to restructure USD 17 billion out of the total USD 41.5 billion external debt over five years.

Todays meetings followed a special gazette notification issued Tuesday convening parliament for a special session on July 1.

The move follows the cash-strapped government's action to declare a special bank holiday on June 30, leaving the banks to remain shut for an unprecedented five days in a row.

The central bank governor Nandalal Weerasinghe told the media on Wednesday that the cabinet approval for the DDR was crucial.

He assured that the stability of the country's banking system would not be affected.

I can assure you that the stability of the banking system will not be affected and your deposits will be safe from this, Weerasinghe said.

He announced on Tuesday that a five-day cooling-off period for the banks was required in view of the DDR programme.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe had earlier given the same assurances on the stability of the banking system and public deposits.

Weerasinghe said the government had decided to restructure local debt in parallel to the ongoing restructuring of the external debt.

The International Monetary Fund which had granted a nearly USD 3 billion bailout to Sri Lankas bankrupt economy has made debt restructuring mandatory for the 4-year programme.

The next tranche of the fund is due in September after the review.

Sri Lanka, which announced its first-ever sovereign default in April 2022, has negotiated with the IMF for a bailout of USD 2.9 billion.

The island nation is facing its worst economic crisis in history due to a shortage of foreign exchange reserves.

An imperative in the IMF bailout is to restructure external debt, which needs to be completed by September.
Shimla, June 28 (PTI) Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) has started the construction work on 210 MW Luhri, 66 MW Dhaula Sidh and 382 MW Sunni dam without signing an implementation agreement with the state government, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Wednesday.

Expressing his displeasure to SJVNL Chairman cum Managing Director Nand Lal Sharma -- who called on him to brief and discuss various hydel projects being implemented by SJVNL in the state -- the chief minister said that despite repeated requests from the state government, the company has not taken any measures with an optimistic approach and the government has issued a notice to SJVNL.

The state should be provided royalty at the rate of 20, 30 and 40 per cent in the hydropower projects of SJVNL, he added.

At present, there is a provision to provide royalty at the rate of 12 per cent up to 12 years, 18 per cent for the next 18 years and 30 per cent for the last 10 years.

He said that royalty at the rate of 30 per cent should be given in case of those projects, which have covered the construction cost and have been completed. After 40 years of the projects being operational, they should be transferred to the state government.

Sukhu said the river water is a priceless asset. This resource is being exploited by hydroelectric projects, but the people of the state have not yet received the desired benefits from it.

He also discussed in detail the issue of water cess.

The Himachal Pradesh Water Cess on Hydropower Generation Act was passed in the last Budget session. The bill provides a levy of water cess on over 170 Hydropower projects in the state, including the projects executed by government undertakings.

The cess would be imposed on the basis of the capacity of the project, and the government hopes to generate a revenue of about Rs 4,000 crore.
Mumbai, Jun 28 (PTI) Even after 25 years of its premiere, the cast of "Sex and the City" continues to be loved by the audience, says lead star Sarah Jessica Parker, who believes the show owes its popularity to the "intimate and candid" conversations among four women.

Based on Candace Bushnell's newspaper column and 1996 book anthology of the same name, the show originally ran as an HBO series for six seasons between 1998 and 2004, with the makers exploring the story further in two films.

Now, the spin-off of "Sex and the City", "And Just Like That..." is in its second season on streaming service Max.

Parker, who plays columnist-turned-podcaster Carrie Bradshaw in "And Just Like That...", took a trip down memory lane about the parent show.

"At the time because of our home at HBO, now Max, we were allowed to have conversations in ways that commercial television just didn't allow. We've been really lucky that there's been an audience, who's been so hospitable to us for a lot of years. We were allowed to have conversations in ways that commercial television just didn't allow...

"The kind of intimate, salty, candid conversations that were being had among four women, that were about their intimate lives, had just not yet been seen. There are and were and continue to be women who shared these kinds of conversations with their friends and they just hadn't seen it," the American actor told PTI in a virtual roundtable interview.

Set 11 years after the events of the 2010 film "Sex and the City 2", "And Just Like That..." follow three of the four friends Carrie, Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon) and Charlotte York Goldenblatt (Kristin Davis) as they make a transition into their 50s. It was recently announced that Kim Cattrall will officially return as Samantha Jones for a cameo in the second season finale.

The 11-episode second season premiered on June 22 on JioCinema in India, with two new episodes and the rest airing on a weekly basis.

Talking about "Sex and the City", Parker said she was on the fence about doing a television programme due to the medium's long-term commitment.

"I was always interested in it. Initially before saying yes, I just didn't understand in entirety what the commitment would be. Is it three years? Is it seven years? In the old days, seven years was the contractual agreement and that seemed like a lot of years. I was nervous about that," she added.

She said she was happy to take on the "special" character of Carrie after reading the script and she has had only fun ever since.

"I understood immediately upon reading the pilot script, this was a very special part and in fact, the time my then boyfriend, now husband Matthew (Broderick), my oldest brother, I gave them both the script and they said you've got to do this. Over time I had this somewhat unique experience playing a character, this long along with the people that have also played their characters," the 58-year-old actor said.

A lot of women, Parker said, connected with the female bonding depicted in the show.

"Over time, I had this somewhat unique experience playing a character this long along with the people that have also played their characters. As an actor, you evolved because you have time and experiences that are plentiful.

"What we want to do as an actor is work, act, tell, create a character, have an audience big or small. What I've learned is that women were seeing themselves and their friendships or the ways in which they wanted to conduct friendships or the kind of friendships they were hoping for I guess," she added.

The actor said the popularity of "Sex and the City" propelled more female-centric stories to be greenlit, a development she is happy about.

"It found an audience (and) that audience grew. It encouraged studios, networks and writers to write for women and also feel confident that there was a contemporary audience that was very interested in female-driven stories...," she recalled.
Kochi, June 28 (PTI) Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran, who was injured during a film shoot and was undergoing treatment at a private hospital here, was discharged from the facility on Wednesday.



In a statement, the hospital said that during the surgical procedure, Prithviraj received treatment for the reconstruction and repair of cartilage, cruciate ligament, and meniscus injuries.



"Dr Jacob Varghese, Director of Orthopaedics and Head of Joint Preservation at VPS Lakeshore, led the successful surgery. Following the surgery, he (Prithviraj) underwent a comprehensive physiotherapy regimen to aid in his recovery," VPS Lakeshore Hospital said in the statement.



Dr Varghese said that with proper care and therapy, Prithviraj is expected to make a full recovery within the next few months.



The actor got injured while shooting an action sequence for the movie titled 'Vilayath Buddha' at Marayoor in Idukki district on Sunday afternoon.



The actor posted a health update for fans and followers on his official Instagram account on Tuesday. "I had an accident while shooting an action sequence on 'Vilayath Buddha'. Fortunately, I'm in the hands of experts who performed keyhole surgery and I'm now recouping. It's rest and physiotherapy ahead for a couple of months," the 40-year-old had said in a statement.



The actor, known for films such as 'Ayyappanum Koshiyum', 'Pokkiri Raja', 'Kuruthi', and 'Lucifer', said he will try his best to use the recovery period constructively.



The shooting of Vilayath Buddha, directed by Jayan Nambiyar and produced by Sandip Senan, has been temporarily halted. The film is based on a book by G R Indugopan.
Peshawar, Jun 28 (PTI) Nine family members were killed on Wednesday by unknown gunmen who opened indiscriminate fire after barging into their house in northwest Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, police said.

The incident occurred in the Batkhela tehsil of Malakand district, and nine members of the same family, including three women and six men, were shot dead by the unidentified assailants, police said.

After receiving the information, the local Levies force reached the crime scene and shifted the dead bodies to Batkhela Hospital for postmortem.

While the reason behind the killings has not been ascertained yet, an investigation into the case has been started, according to the police.
By Foo Yun Chee

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -EU countries and EU lawmakers on Tuesday agreed on rules that govern how Big Tech and other companies use European consumer and corporate data, with safeguards against non-EU governments gaining illegal access.

The European Commission proposed the Data Act last year to cover data generated in smart gadgets, machinery and consumer products, part of a raft of legislation aimed at curbing the power of U.S. tech giants.

EU concerns about data transfers have grown following revelations by former U.S. intelligence contractor Edward Snowden in 2013 of mass U.S. surveillance.

The agreement was reached after seven hours of talks.

"Tonight's agreement on the Data Act is a milestone in reshaping the digital space...we are on the way of a thriving EU data economy that is innovative and open  on our conditions," EU industry chief Thierry Breton said in a tweet.

The new legislation gives both individuals and businesses more control over their data generated through smart objects, machines and devices, allowing them to copy or transfer data easily from across different services.

It also gives consumers and companies a say on what can be done with the data generated by their connected products.

The Act makes it easier to switch to other providers of data processing services, introduces safeguards against unlawful data transfer by cloud service providers and provides for the development of interoperability standards for data to be reused between sectors.

Manufacturers watered down an attempt to force them to share data with third parties to provide aftermarket or other data-driven services. Siemens and SAP had voiced fears about trade secret-related data leaks.

Such data sharing requests can be rejected under exceptional circumstances where operators could face "serious and irreparable economic losses" undermining their economic viability under the new law.

Lawmaker Damian Boeselager said this created a loophole for some companies.

"I find this deeply concerning. But at least a national authority can review and annul such a unilateral decision by the operator in a timely manner," he said.

Lobbying group The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) criticised the wide scope of the Act.

"We have ongoing concerns regarding the Act's broad and ambiguous approach to data sharing, including on the expansion of the products and services originally in scope and the safeguards for trade secrets protection, as well as the rules impacting international transfers of non-personal data," its director general for Europe, Guido Lobrano, said.

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by David Gregorio and Lincoln Feast.)
London, Jun 28 (PTI) An Indian-origin fraudster faces a jail term after admitting to illegally taking over 36 driving theory tests on behalf of other people who could not speak English in different parts of England.

Satwinder Singh, 34, is said to have pocketed up to GBP 1,500 each time he took the test which costs just GBP 23, The Reading Chronicle newspaper reported this week.

Singh was found to have taken so many tests, including in the Reading area of southern England, over four years that the UKs Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) put out his picture at test centres in an attempt to catch him.

He was arrested earlier this month when he tried to take a test at Reading, holding a driving licence under the name of Amritpal Singh.

A member of staff at the test centre allowed the suspect to take the test while she called the police, the newspaper said. Prosecutor Deborah Specter told the court after the arrest that Satwinder Singh had admitted offences of impersonating genuine test candidates for payment at test centres.

The profits made by people involved in this activity by impersonation are huge and often could be described as organised crime. Genuine candidates can be expected to pay up to GBP 1,500 for a GBP 23 test. This is because the genuine candidate often cannot speak or understand English, Specter told the court.

Satwinder Singh, from Swansea in Wales, had reportedly been noted in centres around the UK since May 10, 2019, when he was spotted at a theory test centre in Kingston, Surrey.

Appearing at Reading Magistrates Court this week, Singh admitted fraud by false representation and possessing an article, the driving licence, for use in fraud.

He accepted he had intended to deceive staff into believing he was Amritpal Singh in order to take a driving theory test under that name.

Singh also admitted to 35 other similar offences to be taken into consideration ahead of his sentencing.

The other test centres he is believed to have targeted were in locations including Manchester, Sheffield, Southgate, Oxford, Aylesbury, Guildford, Staines and Bristol, the newspaper report said.

His case will come up for sentencing at a later date. Meanwhile, Singh has been bailed on the condition that he does not attend any driving theory test centres.
New York, Jun 28 (PTI) A 49-year-old Indian-origin man was sentenced to over three years in jail for smuggling more than 800 Indian citizens into the US using ride-hailing app Uber.

Rajinder Pal Singh, aka Jaspal Gill, pleaded guilty in February, admitting that he took in more than USD 500,000 as a key member of a smuggling ring, bringing in hundreds of Indian nationals across the border from Canada, the Department of Justice said in a press release.

Singh, a resident of California, was sentenced on Tuesday in a US District Court to "45 months in prison for Conspiracy to Transport and Harbor Certain Aliens for Profit and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering," said Acting US Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.

"Over a four-year period, Mr Singh arranged for more than 800 people to be smuggled into the US across the northern border and into Washington State," said Gorman.

She asserted that Singh's conduct was not just a security risk for Washington but also subjected those smuggled to security and safety perils during the often weeks-long smuggling route from India to the US.

"Mr Singh's participation in this conspiracy preyed upon the Indian nationals' hopes for a better life in the US while saddling those smuggled with a crushing debt of as much as USD 70,000," Gorman said.

From July 2018, Singh and his co-conspirators used Uber to transport people who had illegally crossed the border from Canada to the Seattle area, the press release said, citing records filed in the case.

From mid-2018 to May 2022, Singh arranged more than 600 trips involving the transportation of Indian nationals illegally smuggled into the US.

According to investigation estimates, between July 2018, and April 2022, the 17 Uber accounts tied to the smuggling ring ran up more than USD 80,000 in charges.

Singh's co-conspirators would use the one-way vehicle rentals to transport those smuggled to their ultimate destinations outside Washington state in trips that usually began near the border in the early hours and were split between different rides, the press release said.

The members of the smuggling ring also used sophisticated means to launder the illicit proceeds. In the plea agreement, Singh admitted that the purpose of the complex money movement was to obscure the illegal nature of the funds.

Investigators also found about USD 45,000 in cash and counterfeit identity documents from one of Singh's homes in California, the press release said.

It added that Singh, who is not legally present in the US, will likely be deported following his prison term.
Pofrtland (US), Jun 28 (AP) Debris from the lost submersible Titan has been returned to land after a fatal implosion during its voyage to the wreck of the Titanic captured the world's attention last week.

The return of the debris to port in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, is a key piece of the investigation into why the submersible imploded, killing all five on board. Twisted chunks of the 22-foot submersible came ashore at a Canadian Coast Guard pier on Wednesday.

Horizon Arctic, a Canadian ship, carried a remotely operated vehicle, or ROV, to search the ocean floor near the Titanic wreck for pieces of the submersible. Pelagic Research Services, a company with offices in Massachusetts and New York that owns the ROV, said in a statement on Wednesday that it has completed offshore operations.

Pelagic Research Services said its team is still on mission and cannot comment on the ongoing Titan investigation, which involves several government agencies in the US and Canada.

They have been working around the clock now for ten days, through the physical and mental challenges of this operation, and are anxious to finish the mission and return to their loved ones, the company's statement said.

Debris from the Titan was located about 12,500 feet (3,810 metres) underwater and roughly 1,600 feet (488 metres) from the Titanic on the ocean floor, the Coast Guard said last week. The Coast Guard is leading the investigation into why the submersible imploded during its June 18 descent. Officials announced on June 22 that the submersible had imploded and all five on board were dead.

The National Transportation Safety Board has said the Coast Guard has declared the loss of the Titan submersible to be a major marine casualty and the Coast Guard will lead the investigation.

Coast Guard representatives declined to comment on the investigation or the return of debris to shore on Wednesday. Representatives for the National Transportation Safety Board and Transportation Safety Board of Canada, which are both involved in the investigation, also declined to comment.

We are not able to provide any additional information at this time as the investigation is ongoing, said Liam MacDonald, a spokesperson for the Transportation Safety Board of Canada.

OceanGate Expeditions, the company that owned and operated the Titan, is based in the US but the submersible was registered in the Bahamas. OceanGate is based in Everett, Washington, but closed when the Titan was found. Meanwhile, the Titan's mother ship, the Polar Prince, was from Canada, and those killed were from England, Pakistan, France, and the US.

The operator charged passengers USD 250,000 each to participate in the voyage. The implosion of the Titan has raised questions about the safety of private undersea exploration operations. (AP) PY

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London, Jun 28 (PTI) A European team of scientists studying data collected over two decades has found tantalising evidence of elusive low-frequency gravitational waves, results of a study said on Wednesday.

The results, including analysis carried out by astronomers at the University of Birmingham and Manchester, published in Astronomy and Astrophysics, said ultra-low frequency gravitational waves carry information about some of the best-kept secrets of the universe, including the formation of binary systems of super-massive black holes and events that may have taken place when the universe was in its infancy, just a few seconds old.

Scientists from the European Pulsar Timing Array in collaboration with Indo-Japanese astronomers from the Indian Pulsar Timing Array have been searching for these signals using six of the worlds most powerful radio telescopes. The telescopes monitor radio signals from rotating neutron stars, called pulsars.

By harnessing the combined power of 25 of these pulsars, the team has been able to form a galactic-sized gravitational-wave detector which measures the exact arrival time of the radio signals from pulsars.

As the signals travel through space and time, the presence of gravitational waves affects their path, creating characteristic irregularities.

The analysis of this unprecedented data set has revealed irregularities which are consistent with the effect produced by gravitational waves at ultra-low frequency, waves that oscillate with periods between one and ten years.

The results presented today mark the beginning of a radically new journey into the universe to unveil some of its mysteries. Our analysis reveals a common signal which has been persistent throughout the many years of monitoring these pulsars as if these cosmic clocks are pitching and rolling in the waves of space-time," Professor Alberto Vecchio, the University of Birminghams Institute for Gravitational Wave Astronomy, said.

Although we are not able yet to confirm definitively the presence of ultra-low frequency gravitational waves, the presence of this common signal across all the pulsars in the array is consistent with what astrophysicists expect.

The European Pulsar Timing Array (EPTA) has combined the observations of 25-millisecond pulsars, spanning over 25 years of regular observations taken with five of the largest radio telescopes in Europe: the Lovell Telescope of the Jodrell Bank Observatory in the United Kingdom, the 100-m Effelsberg Radio in Germany, the Nancay Radio Telescope in France, the Sardinia Radio Telescope in Italy and the Westerbork Radio Synthesis Telescope in the Netherlands.

To complement this data set, also 10 years of data acquired at the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope by the Indian Pulsar Timing Array have been included in the analysis.

Dr Paul Brook, a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Birminghams Institute for Gravitational Wave Astronomy, who has been heavily involved in the analysis of the EPTA data commented: It's taken the EPTA 25 years of incredibly meticulous pulsar observations to finally see some evidence of the gravitational wave background. Though predicted by his general theory of relativity, the fact that Einstein thought gravitational waves were too quiet to ever be observed conveys the magnitude of the undertaking.

The results from the EPTA are also consistent with the results of analysis using data sets collected at different radio telescopes monitoring other pulsars by the Australian (PPTA), North-American (NANOGrav), and Chinese pulsar timing array collaborations that were also released on Wednesday.

The gold standard in physics to claim the detection of a new phenomenon is that the result of the experiment has a probability of less than one time in a million of occurring by chance.

The results reported by EPTA do not yet meet this gold standard, but work is already in progress to combine data sets from the four collaborations  EPTA, InPTA, PPTA and NANOGrav  under the auspices of the International Pulsar Timing Array to create an array consisting of over 100 pulsars.

This combined effort may allow this goal to be reached soon. This new journey has just begun, said Professor Vecchio.

Listening to the gravitational broadcast of the universe with even better telescopes monitoring a growing number of pulsars will surely reveal many surprises in the future, he said.
The Hague (Netherlands), Jun 28 (AP) Iran has filed a case against Canada at the United Nations' top court accusing it of flouting state immunity in allowing relatives of victims of terrorism to seek reparations from the Islamic Republic.

In its case announced on Wednesday by the International Court of Justice, Tehran argues that Canada is obliged to respect the jurisdictional immunity which Iran enjoys under international law" and should not allow civil claims against Iran "for alleged support to, or acts of, terrorism.

Canada also should not allow its courts to recognise foreign judgments in terrorism cases linked to Iran and has no right to seize Iranian property in order to enforce such judgments, the written filing says.

Among the Canadian cases cited in Iran's written filing is a ruling by the Ontario Superior Court that the Iranian military's downing on January 8, 2020, of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 with two surface-to-air missiles constituted an act of terrorism. All 176 people on board were killed.

Over 100 of the Iranian victims had Canadian citizenship or residency, prompting some families of the victims to sue Iran in a Canadian civil court.

Designating the shootdown a terror act allowed a group of families to bypass Iran's legal immunity and seek compensation for their losses. Foreign nations are ordinarily immune from suits in Canadian courts.

The court awarded a total of 107 million Canadian dollars  7 million Canadian dollars in compensatory damages on top of 100 million Canadian dollars in punitive damages  plus interest to families that launched the suit in Ontario.

Just hours before the shootdown, Iran had fired ballistic missiles at American bases in Iraq in retaliation for the US drone strike that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad.

After days of denial, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard publicly apologised for the downing and blamed it on an air defence operator who authorities said mistook the Boeing 737-800 for an American cruise missile.

Iran's case at the world court, based in the Peace Palace in The Hague, is likely to take years. The court's rulings are final and legally binding. (AP) PY

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Birao (Central African Republic), Jun 27 (AP) The Russian mercenary group that briefly threatened President Vladimir Putin's authority has for years been a ruthless force-for-hire across Africa, protecting rulers at the expense of the masses.

That dynamic is not expected to change now that the group's founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, has been exiled to Belarus as punishment for the failed rebellion.

The Wagner Group brutalises civilians in the Central African Republic, Mali and elsewhere to crush dissent and fend off threats to their leaders' power. In exchange, Russia gains access to natural resources and ports through which weapons can be shipped, and receives payments that enrich the Kremlin and help it fund operations elsewhere, including the war in Ukraine.

Neither Russia nor the African leaders dependent on Wagner's fighters have any interest in ending those relationships. But many questions linger in the aftermath of Wagner's stunning revolt, such as who will lead its thousands of fighters stationed across many African nations and whether Moscow will absorb these fighters into the Russian army.

The situation is extremely volatile," said Nathalia Dukhan, senior investigator at The Sentry, a US-based policy organisation that published an investigative report on Tuesday accusing Wagner of carrying out various human-rights abuses in African countries. "But what we have learnt from investigating and analyzing Wagner in Africa in the past 5 years is that the group is resilient, creative, fearless and predatory, so it is less likely that the Wagner empire will instantly fall like a house of cards.

Beyond the financial rewards, Putin has also sought to use Wagner fighters to help expand Russia's presence in the Middle East and Africa. He seeks out security alliances with autocrats, coup leaders, and others who have been spurned or neglected by the US and Europe, either because of their bloody abuses or because of competing Western strategic interests.

Asked whether Wagner's weekend mutiny could erode Russia's positions in Africa, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a state-run TV network that security assistance to African countries would continue. He specifically mentioned the Central African Republic and Mali, and noted that Russian government officials have maintained contact with leaders there.

Lavrov told RT he has not seen any sign of panic or any sign of change in African nations over the revolt against Moscow. But amid the uncertainty, there is at the very least some confusion about what exactly comes next.

In Mali, where at least 1,000 Wagner fighters replaced French troops brought in to fight Islamic extremists, the US alleges that the Kremlin uses the country as a way-station for arms shipments to Russian forces in Ukraine. But the Malian government has denied using Wagner for any purpose other than training.

An officer in the Malian Air Force who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was unauthorized to comment publicly said Russian fighters play an important combat role.

At the moment we don't have enough pilots, and most of our military aircraft and combat helicopters are flown by Wagner's men. If Russia asks the Malian government to stop cooperating with Wagner, we'll be obliged to do so, because we have a greater interest in the Russian government than in Wagner, the officer said.

As part of a deal to end the rebellion, Putin has presented Wagner fighters with three options: either join the Russian military, go to Belarus like Prigozhin, or return home. It was not clear if those options also applied to Wagner fighters in Africa.

In the Central African Republic, a statue in the capital, Bangui, pays tribute to Russian mercenaries who have helped keep President Faustin-Archange Touadera in power. Lavrov told RT that hundreds of Russian fighters would remain there.

Regardless of who ultimately oversees the Wagner fighters in the Central African Republic, the source of their authority remains clear, said Jordy Christopher, a special adviser to Touadera. Prigozhin is nothing more than a pawn in the handling of the art of war, moreover he is only the tip of the iceberg, he said.

Wagner operates in roughly 30 countries, according to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, and it faces numerous human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings. Its fighters are most influential in African countries where armed conflicts have forced leaders to turn to Moscow for help, such as Libya and Sudan.

The African leadership of these countries need them, said Federica Saini Fasanotti, a senior Fellow at Brookings Institution's Centre for Security, Strategy, and Technology.

Still, some experts said the revolt against the Kremlin will force African countries reliant on Wagner to pay closer attention to how they engage with Russia, where Putin faces the gravest threat to his authority since coming to power more than two decades ago.

Developments in Russia will likely render many African countries more cautious in their engagement with Russia moving forward,, said Ryan Cummings, director of Africa-focused security consulting company Signal Risk.

Any unexpected turn of events domestically in Russia poses potential threats to African leaders who have become dependent on its foreign fighters to stay in power, such as those in Mali and the Central African Republic.

"Any withdrawal could readily be exploited by non-state groups challenging the authority of the government in these countries, said Cummings. (AP) PY

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Rome, Jun 27 (AP) Pope Francis' peace envoy arrived in Moscow on Tuesday in hopes of helping find a solution to the tragic current situation of the war in Ukraine, weeks after making a preliminary visit to Kyiv, the Vatican said.

The mission by Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, a veteran of the Catholic Church's peace initiatives, comes as the Kremlin is reeling from the weekend armed rebellion led by mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin. Russia has since dropped charges against Prigozhin and others who took part in the brief mutiny.

Details of Zuppi's itinerary weren't immediately clear. When he visited Kyiv earlier this month, he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In Moscow, one likely visit would be paid to the Moscow Patriarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church, whose leader Patriarch Kirill has strongly supported the war.

The Vatican has said Zuppi is hoping to find paths of peace in his shuttle missions.

On the Moscow leg, Zuppi was accompanied by an official from the Vatican secretariat of state. His car was seen arriving at the Moscow embassy Tuesday evening, according to footage aired on Italian state-run RAI television, which said he was expected to have meetings with religious and possibly political figures in the coming days.

He is due to remain in Moscow until Thursday, which is the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul  an important day for both Catholic and Orthodox Christians.

The principle aim of the initiative is to encourage gestures of humanity that can contribute to favour a solution to the tragic current situation and find paths to a just peace, the Vatican statement said.

Zuppi, 67, is the archbishop of Bologna, president of the Italian bishops conference and a veteran of the Catholic Church's peace mediation initiatives through his longtime affiliation with the Sant'Egidio Community. Through the Rome-based charity, Zuppi helped mediate the 1990s peace deals ending civil wars in Guatemala and Mozambique, and headed the commission negotiating a cease-fire in Burundi in 2000, according to Sant'Egidio.

A pastor in Francis' style and considered papabile  having the qualities of a future pope  Zuppi was tapped by Francis in May.

The Argentine Jesuit pope has repeatedly expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people and called for peace, but he has refrained from calling out Russia or President Vladimir Putin by name.

The Vatican has a tradition of quiet diplomacy and not taking sides in conflicts, in hopes of helping forge peaceful outcomes. (AP) PY

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Bhubaneswar, Jun 27 (PTI) Bhubaneswar BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi on Tuesday said the Centre has asked Odisha chief secretary to take action against an officer for alleged violation of Conduct Rules.

Taking to Twitter, Sarangi said:  Based on clear evidence of violation, DoPT has asked Chief Secretary to take action as State is Cadre Controlling Authority. Hope law will be allowed to take its course.

She said the Government of India has taken cognizance of the violation of Conduct Rules by an officer in Odisha.

Sarangi also attached the letter of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension, Department of Personnel and Training, in her Twitter post.

On June 24, Sarangi along with BJP Odisha unit president Manmohan Samal had lodged a complaint with the DoPT against the Odisha cadre officer whom they accused of clearly violating the Conduct Rules for the All India Service (AIS) personnel.

They had also submitted video, CD and pen drive as evidence of alleged violations of Conduct Rules by the officer, Samal told reporters, adding that the officer has crossed the "Laxman Rekha" for the bureaucrats.

Meanwhile, former chief secretary and Odisha Congress campaign committee chairman Bijay Patnaik informed that he too had written to the Centre, demanding appropriate measures over alleged violation of AIS Conduct Rules by 5T Secretary VK Pandian, who is also the private secretary to chief minister Naveen Patnaik.

Earlier, both the opposition BJP and the Congress had held separate press conferences and came down heavily against the CMs private secretary and alleged that the officer has been violating all norms and acting like a politician.

Sarangi in a press conference on June 25 had expressed wonder how Odisha police made heavy deployment for Pandians Bargarh district visit. She also asked the Odisha DGP whether such deployment is also made when the chief secretary and development commission go on district visits.

While opposition has raised questions on his district visits and holding public meetings, Pandian has all along been claiming that he undertakes tours as per direction of the chief minister.

In a bid to silence the critics, Pandian during his Baragarh district visit on Monday played an audio message of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

Patnaik in the audio message told the gathering at Barpali in Bargah district that he has sent Pandian Babu to hear their grievances. You can tell him on the grievances, Patnaik was heard saying in Koshali language in the audio message.

However, the Odisha Congress has raised question on the authenticity of the audio clip played by Pandian at the Bargarh meeting. What is the proof that the audio is of chief minister? Is Pandian being sent as a secretary or as a CM? He should show us the letter issued to him by the CM, said OPCC president Sarat Pattnayak.

Senior leader and Congress Legislature Party leader Narasingha Mishra said he is not aware if the CM could speak in Koshali language in which the audio clip was played by the 5T secretary.

Though the audio tape says Patnaik has asked his private secretary to go to people and hear their grievances, Mishra said he (Pandian) is conducting meetings and holding rallies. The security provided to him surpasses that of the chief minister, he alleged.

Stating that people have voted Patnaik, the Congress leader (Mishra) said the privileges of the CM cannot be transferred to an officer. All democratic norms are being violated in Odisha, where elected representatives are nothing while bureaucrats rule the roost, he said.

Mishra also tweeted the chief minister to hold a press conference and give clarification to the people.

Former OPCC president Jayadev Jena said the audio played by 5T secretary has proved that the CM is no longer in a condition to visit anywhere.

BJP MP Suresh Pujari raised doubts whether the voice in the audio clip was of Patnaik.

BJD spokesperson Shreemayee Mishra said: The opposition parties have got their reply yesterday (CM approving Pandians visit). The administration is run on the instruction of the chief minister.
New Delhi, Jun 27 (PTI) Eight men were arrested for allegedly firing at a person over a monetary dispute in south Delhi's CR Park area, police said on Tuesday.

The accused have been identified as Anup (28), Govind Gupta (32), Gaurav (36), Neeraj (30), residents of Haryanas Faridabad, Rakesh Kumar Goyel (42), Abhishek Singh (22), Anmol Gupta (26) and Prince (20), from Sangam Vihar, they said.

Police received a PCR call regarding firing near Bata Showroom in CR Park on Thursday, police said.

The complainant stated that he, along with his friend, was going towards New Friends Colony in a car when some unknown persons fired on him and fled away, a senior police officer said.

The complainant sustained a bullet injury on his right hand and his mobile phone also got damaged from the bullet, they said.

During the investigation, police checked over 350 CCTV cameras and covered 17 km of the reverse route of the area and reached Sangam Vihar near the house of the complainant, Deputy Commissioner of Police (south) Chandan Chowdhary said.

Some people were seen roaming near the house of the complainant and found to be doing a recce, Chowdhary said.

A raid was conducted and two accused -- Neeraj and Gaurav -- were nabbed from Faridabad. They revealed the name of the sharpshooters as Anup and Govind and they were apprehended from Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh, the DCP said.

One motorcycle and country-made pistol used in the crime, one semi-automatic pistol, three live cartridges, one auto-rickshaw and Rs 25,000 cash were recovered, police said, adding that later, four more accused persons were also arrested and Rs one lakh was recovered.

Goyel disclosed that he lost a huge amount in betting being run by Sachin Gupta, who added compound interest on it and made it to Rs 75 lakh. It was decided that he will give Rs 1.5 lakh per month as interest till the full payment, police said.

Being a shopkeeper, it was a huge amount for him to pay every month. In order to get rid of it, he planned the murder of complainant Sachin Gupta. He gave the contract of killing to Govind and Anup through Anmol and Prince, they said.

Anmol settled the killing from Rakesh for Rs six lakh, but further gave to Prince in Rs 3.5 lakh, who further hired two shooters Govind and Anup for this work for Rs three lakh, police said.

Anup was previously involved in four criminal cases. Gaurav and Neeraj were seen doing a recce of the complainant near his house for four to five days before the incident and gave the information of the complainant's movement to Anup and Govind, police added.
New Delhi, Jun 27 (PTI) India and France have launched the Strategic Space Dialogue, seeking to further deepen their nearly-six-decade-old partnership in the sector.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the inaugural India-France Strategic Space Dialogue was held in Paris on Monday.

Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra led the Indian delegation for the talks with French Secretary-General, Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Anne-Marie Descotes.

The nearly-six-decade-old Indo-French space partnership spans collaborations in technologies for satellite launches, research, operational applications, innovation and NewSpace partnerships for deep space exploration.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) have been partnering in the fields of space medicine, astronaut health monitoring, life support, radiation protection, space debris protection and personal hygiene systems.

Earlier this month, CNES President Philippe Baptiste travelled to the ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru to explore potential areas of collaboration, share knowledge and foster innovation in the field of space science and technology.

In his talks with ISRO Chairman S Somanath, Baptiste recollected the six decades of collaboration between the two space agencies and emphasised their deep commitment to carrying it forward and addressing the challenges and opportunities in the present space ecosystem.

India and France are planning to develop eight to 10 satellites as part of a "constellation" for maritime surveillance to monitor sea-traffic management in the Indian Ocean.

The Indo-French space partnership dates back to 1964 when India's space programme was in its nascent stage as it was experimenting with sounding rockets from Thumba in Kerala.

Somanath had briefed Baptiste on the outcomes emerging from the space sector reforms launched by India and the call for increased participation of industries in France.
(Bloomberg) -- Europe is making a fresh push for a deal to create a single stream of trading data for all of its stock markets, with some officials hoping that at least one major stumbling block could be overcome by keeping some of its most-valuable information anonymous.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Talks to agree on the so-called consolidated tape  seen as a key step to reviving moribund equity markets across the region  resume Wednesday between European Union member states after earlier discussions in June ended without agreement. Their goal is to reach a compromise that can be taken to the next phase of negotiations, which would be with the European Parliament and European Commission.

One of the key areas of deadlock is exactly what information the tape should carry. Many exchanges are resisting the inclusion of real-time pre-trade data, which would undermine a lucrative business for them. Proponents argue a post-trade only model would have limited value.

That division is reflected within member states. In a bid to reach a compromise, Sweden, which currently holds the EUs rotating presidency, is focusing on an option where pre-trade data would be included in the tape, but without naming which trading venues supplied it. Such a move could give investors an updated view of buying and selling interests, without unduly harming data providers, Sweden said in a document seen by Bloomberg News ahead of the talks.

The chances of a deal being reached are unclear. The states remain split overall, though the plan was the most popular of four options discussed at the last meeting. Some members are cautiously optimistic about the likelihood of an agreement, according to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified because the negotiations are private.

Fragmented Market

A consolidated tape has long been viewed as a vital development if European markets want to compete with the US, but the regions fragmented investor base, differing regulatory regimes and multiple operators make both agreement and execution a challenge.

The latest negotiations are part of a broader effort to review existing regulations like the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive, or MiFID II, and find fixes to reinvigorate European finance. Creating the tape has become a central plank of those discussions, part of Europes drive toward a capital markets union that breaks down barriers between the financial markets of its 27 members.

Read more: Europe Pushes Ahead on Long-Awaited Capital Markets Union

Europe wants to improve the capital market system and try to encourage more inflows of capital, said Nicholas Phillips, a market-structure analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. When non-European investors look at Europe, its quite hard to find out where liquidity actually is because there is no tape.

The proposed compromise would not provide full pre-trade transparency, he noted, as investors would know what the best price was across Europe, but not where it was. But it would be better than having no tape at all, which is the current situation, Phillips said.

There are many other issues to iron out in what will probably be a long journey to creating the tape. These include everything from addressing technical challenges and agreeing methods of price calculation to resolving debates about who would run it. But the inclusion of pre-trade data is arguably the biggest immediate hurdle, and any agreement this week would be significant.

Alongside the consolidated-tape plan, member states will also consider a deal for introducing a Europe-level ban on payments for order flow, and new rules around trading commodity derivatives.

Once an agreement is reached, EU states would negotiate with parliament and the commission.

Bloomberg LP, the parent of Bloomberg News, competes with firms to aggregate and distribute market and trading data throughout Europe.

--With assistance from Justina Lee and Alice Gledhill.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Mumbai, Jun 28 (PTI) The Bombay High Court on Wednesday directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to ensure that no illegal slaughtering of animals is carried out during the Bakrid festival at a residential colony in south Mumbai.

Bakrid or Eid-al-Adha will be celebrated on Thursday.

In a special urgent hearing held after the regular court hours, a division bench of Justices G S Kulkarni and Jitendra Jain said slaughtering can be permitted at Nathani Heights society only if licence is granted by the civic body.

"In the event, the Municipal Corporation has not issued a licence to undertake slaughtering of animals at the said place, the officers of the Municipal Corporation with the aid of the police personnel shall take appropriate action in accordance with law to prevent slaughtering of animals proposed for tomorrow," the court said.

The bench was hearing a petition filed by one Haresh Jain, a resident of the society, seeking complete ban on slaughtering of animals there.

Advocate Joel Carlos, appearing for the BMC, said a complete ban cannot be issued.

Carlos said the civic body's officers would inspect the society premises and if there is any violation then appropriate action would be taken.

The bench said in its order that in the event an action is required to be taken then the police station concerned shall provide appropriate police assistance to the officers of the municipal corporation in the event an action is required to be taken.
Mumbai, Jun 28 (PTI) With the level of lakes supplying water to Mumbai going down due to inadequate rainfall in their catchment areas, the city civic body has decided to impose a 10 per cent water cut here starting from Saturday, officials said.

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal has also appealed to citizens to save water and use it judiciously.

The southwest monsoon covered Mumbai on Sunday, its entry into the financial capital being two weeks.

Chahal told PTI on Wednesday that the BMC has decided to implement 10 water cut in Mumbai from July 1, as the stock in lakes supplying water to the city is about seven per cent.

Mumbai receives 3,800 MLD (millions of litres per day) water from seven reservoirs namely Bhatsa, Upper Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna, Tansa, Modak Sagar, Vihar and Tulsi, located in Mumbai, Thane and Nashik districts.

According to a BMC report, the seven lakes had 7.26 per cent stock at 6 am on Wednesday.

On the same day in 2022 and 2021, the lakes had 9.04 per cent and 16.44 per cent water stock respectively, as per the report.
Mumbai, Jun 28 (PTI) Heavy rains lashed Mumbai on Wednesday and a man died after a tree fell in suburban Malad, officials said.

In the last 24 hours, there were 26 incidents of tree fall, 15 of short-circuit, and five incidents of collapse/partial collapse of houses in Mumbai, as per the civic body.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted more showers, with moderate to intense rain spells in isolated places.

There was no report of any major water-logging in low-lying areas, according to officials of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Suburban trains on the Central Railway and Western Railway routes were running normally, though they were delayed by a few minutes, as per railway officials.

A 38-year-old man, identified as Kaushal Doshi, received injuries in a tree fall incident at Mamledarwadi junction in the western suburb of Malad, a civic official said.

He was rushed to the civic-run Shatabdi Hospital where doctors declared him "brought dead'', the official said.

The island city, eastern and western suburbs received 12.44 mm, 42.41 mm and 40.46 mm rainfall respectively between 8 am to 12 noon on Wednesday, as per civic officials.

IMD Mumbai issued a 'nowcast' warning at 9.30 am on Wednesday, saying "moderate to intense spells of rain very likely to occur at isolated places" in Mumbai along with some other coastal districts.

A civic official said the IMD Mumbai has predicted moderate rain in the city and suburbs, while heavy to very heavy showers are very likely at isolated places.
Ranchi, June 28 (PTI) With rise in man-animal conflict in Jharkhand as elephants are losing their habitats, plans are afoot to rejuvenate their fragmented corridors with bamboo plantation, placing salt-lick blocks and constructing check dams so that the pachyderms remain within forest confines, a top forest official said.

Increasing mining activities, rampant urbanisation, agriculture and highway construction have resulted in fragmentation of traditional elephant corridors in the state leading to increased human-animal conflict, the official said.

"Human-animal conflicts have been a huge concern for Jharkhand in the last 5 to 10 years mainly on account of habitat fragmentation, It is not only the corridor but the whole habitat which has been impacted as such and the areas where elephant herds used to reside for many months have gradually been fragmented due to development and mining operations...

"There is an expansion of agriculture, social economic pressures are there on the habitat and that is why these elephants have to move from one area to another area and in that process, there is a conflict," Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Sanjay Srivastava told PTI in an interview.

Jharkhand is home to about 650 elephants and on an average about 80 lives are lost per annum due to man-elephant conflict.

He said at many times these herds move towards villages, eat standing crops and wreak havoc and to mitigate these the department has plans for conserving their habitat and providing shelter, food and water to them in their preferred forest areas.

"The elephants prefer bamboo and we are planting these in areas with a strong likelihood of elephant herds. About 1,000 check dams are being constructed in those areas in this financial year in addition to plantations of over three lakh bamboo plants. We are trying to provide salt lick in deep forest areas which attract elephants.

"We would be spending about Rs 10 crore typically for these small initiatives this fiscal to make improvements in the elephant habitat areas and this amount can go up depending on the requirements and available funds," Srivastava told PTI.

Asked about the restoration of their traditional corridors, the PCCF said as per the 2011 Gazetteer, elephants used to traditionally migrate from the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary in Jharkhand to neighbouring areas of West Bengal - Purulia, Bankura, West Medinipur, etc but over a period of time there were encroachments leading to man-animal conflict.

Asked about reports of West Bengal digging trenches to prevent Jharkhand elephants from entering their areas, Srivastava said the West Bengal government has dug trenches which is quite long and block the traditional migratory path and at times unable to proceed on their path the irritated elephants come back to areas like Chakulia and Ghatshila resulting in conflicts.

Asked whether the issue was taken up with the West Bengal government, he said: "About four months back there was an inter-state coordination meeting which was held in Kolkata where officers from Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal were invited. The officials from Jharkhand expressed their concerns about the artificial barriers created...I would say that the government of West Bengal is quite sensitised about these issues... I am sure they would also get sensitized to our problem as well and something good will come up in the near future."

He said the nature of the elephant is such that they go from 20 km to 100 km in 24 hours and require 250 kg to 300 kg of food per day in addition to large quantities of water in view of their massive body structure.

"Digging trenches to save lives in West Bengal is a huge challenge for us and I am hopeful of a solution soon," he said.

Srivastava also emphasised that though it is heartening to note that forest cover has been continuously increasing in Jharkhand since 2000 there is a need to improve the quality of the forest as there is pressure on it by the local community.'

According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR), Jharkhand's forest cover has increased by 243 square kilometres  from 23,478 sqkm in 2015 to 23,716 sqkm in 2021.

Man-elephant conflict has claimed over 1,500 lives since the creation of Jharkhand in 2000, officials said.

Man-elephant conflicts have been on the rise in Jharkhand with reports revealing that 133 people have died in jumbo attacks in 2021-22, a steep climb from 84 in 2020-21.
Kolkata, Jun 28 (PTI) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday issued a summons to the state president of Trinamool Congress Chatra Parishad (TMCP), Saayoni Ghosh, in connection with the ongoing probe into alleged irregularities in the school recruitment scam, an official said.



Ghosh has been asked to appear before ED officers at their city office at 11am on June 30, he added.



"Ghosh's name has surfaced multiple times while questioning those arrested in the case. We have evidence about Ghosh's involvement in several dealings with one accused arrested in this scam. We have asked her (Ghosh) to bring a few specific documents on Friday," he said.



Earlier this month, the ED had summoned Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee for questioning in connection with the same scam.



Former Bengal education minister Partha Chatterjee, his close friend Arpita Mukherjee and several senior officials of the education department have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the scam.
Ranchi, Jun 28 (PTI) Adani Power has started exporting power to Bangladesh from its 1,600MW plant in Jharkhand's Godda.

Adani Power Jharkhand Limited (APJL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Adani Power Limited, has achieved commercial operations date (COD) of its second unit of 2x800 MW Godda ultra-supercritical thermal power plant, Adani Power said in a statement on Tuesday.



The reliability run test, including commercial operation tests of the second unit of Godda power plant, was completed on June 25 in the presence of Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) and Power Grid Corporation of Bangladesh (PGCB) officials.

On April 6, the first unit of the power plant, with 800MW capacity, had achieved its COD.

Power supply from the Godda plant to Bangladesh will further enhance energy security in the neighbouring country, it said.

"APJL shall supply 1,496 MW net capacity power from 2x800 MW Godda USCTPP under the PPA with BPDB executed in November 2017 for a period of 25 years via 400 kV dedicated transmission system connected to Bangladesh grid," the statement said.

It said power supplied from Godda power plant shall have a positive impact on Bangladeshs power situation by replacing costly power generated from liquid fuel.

This transition shall help Bangladesh to reduce the average cost of power purchased, it added.

Godda power plant will serve as a symbol of friendship and herald a new phase in the multifarious and long-standing relations of India and Bangladesh, said Mr SB Khyalia, CEO, Adani Power Limited.

APJL has completed Godda USCTPP along with dedicated transmission line within a time period of around 3.5 years from its financial closure despite being affected by three phases of Covid waves in India, China and Bangladesh, that too with timing mismatch," the company said.

The statement said the commissioning of Godda USCTPP marks a significant milestone for Adani Group, BPDB as well as for the economic co-relations between both nations.

Adani Power (APL), a part of the diversified Adani Group, is the largest private thermal power producer in India.

The company has an installed thermal power capacity of 15,210 MW spread across seven power plants in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh, apart from a 40 MW solar power plant in Gujarat.
New Delhi, Jun 28 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and several leaders across party lines on Wednesday remembered late prime minister Narasimha Rao on his birth anniversary and lauded his contributions to the nations progress.

Remembering the former prime minister, Modi said his far-sighted leadership and commitment to Indias development was noteworthy.

Remembering Shri PV Narasimha Rao Ji on his birth anniversary. His far-sighted leadership and commitment to Indias development was noteworthy. We honor his invaluable contributions to our nation's progress, he tweeted.

Taking to Twitter, the Congress also paid humble tribute to the former prime minister and said Rao was a distinguished statesman who reinvented India, both at home and abroad.

On his birth anniversary, we remember the former PM of India, P V Narasimha Rao, who introduced some noteworthy liberal reforms to the Indian economy. Today, we pay a humble tribute to Mr. Rao, a distinguished statesman who reinvented India, both at home & abroad, the party said.

Congress president Kharge said Rao's tremendous contribution towards economic transformation of India and nation building shall always be cherished.

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said Rao was a legendary and most celebrated son of India who had taken India out of precarious economic situations during his term and led the country to an unprecedented growth.

The former prime minister never indulged in the politics of hubris and highfalutin propaganda blitzkrieg, Chowdhury added.

On 28th June 1921, the soil of Telangana produced the legendary and most celebrated son of India, former PM Dr P V Narasimha Rao, the Congress leader said in a tweet.

The striking feature of his tenure as PM is that he had run and steered clear the country out of precarious economic situation despite a minority government and led to an unprecedented growth while never indulged in the politics of hubris and highfalutin propaganda blitzkrieg, he added.

Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri said Rao was not just a tall leader, who was respected across party lines, but was also the first Congress PM from outside the dynasty to complete a successful five-year term in office.

My tribute to former PM Sh PV Narasimha Rao Ji on his birth anniversary. A tall leader, he was respected across party lines & was the first Congress PM from outside the dynasty to complete a successful five year term in office, he said in a tweet.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he was an exceptional scholar and accomplished administrator who led the nation through formidable challenges.

Former PM PV Narasimha Rao ji, an exceptional scholar and accomplished administrator, led our nation through formidable challenges. Under his guidance, I persevered in serving my constituency despite facing initial election defeat. Paying heartfelt tributes on his Jayanti, he tweeted.

In a tweet, Aam Aadmi Party national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, Remembering former prime minister Shri PV Narasimha Rao Ji on his birth anniversary today.

The BJPs IT department head Amit Malviya hit out at the Congress and alleged that the grand-old party suddenly remembers him on his birth anniversary because Telangana elections are round the corner.

After disparaging former Prime Minister and Congress president PV Narasimha Rao for decades, Congress suddenly remembers him on his birth anniversary because Telangana elections are round the corner, the BJP leader said in a tweet.

Lets not forget that Sonia Gandhi denied him dignity.His mortal remains were not allowed to be placed in the Delhi Congress headquarters for people to pay their last respects. Let alone be given a resting place or memorial in Delhi, his family was asked to hold final rites in what was then undivided Andhra Pradesh, Malviya charged.

The BJP leader alleged Rao was the architect of Indias liberalisation and economic reforms but the Congress humiliated him, spared no attempts to obliterate his legacy.

It was 10 years after his death that Rao got a memorial at Rashtriya Smriti in Delhi during Prime Minister Modis term, he added.

Even Rahul Gandhi, during his Bharat Jodo Yatra, didnt find it appropriate to pay his respects at Narasimha Raos memorial in Hyderabad, when it was stone's throw away from the route he was on, Malviya charged.


New Delhi, Jun 27 (PTI) Breeding of mosquito larvae was found on the premises of 226 schools during a special drive in Delhi, civic officials said on Tuesday.

A total of 2,556 schools and educational institutions were inspected in all the 12 zones of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, they said.

Breeding of mosquito larvae was found on the premises of 226 schools. The larvae were destroyed, 197 legal notices were issued and 45 prosecutions were done, the MCD said in a statement.

The MCD carried out the drive at schools and educational institutions to make their premises free of mosquito breeding.

Mosquito larvae breeding was found at DPS School Sunder Nagar, Siwas Public School, Sangam Vihar, Qaumi Senior Secondary School, Shahi Idgah Sadar Bazar, Vivekananda Public School, Anand Vihar, Hope Hall Middle School, R K Puram, among others, the statement said.

Heads of schools and educational institutions were advised to take preventive measures for control of the breeding of mosquitoes on their premises.
Ludhiana, Jun 28 (PTI) Punjab Social Security and Women and Child Development Minister Baljit Kaur Wednesday said the state government will open 1,000 new Anganwadi centres in the state.

The process of recruiting 6,000 anganwadi workers and helpers will also be completed soon, she said.

The minister said besides opening new anganwadi centres, renovation of existing buildings is also being carried out extensively.

She said the recruitment of the anganwadi workers and helpers was being conducted fairly and transparently.

The honorarium of Rs 8.2 crore for anganwadi workers and helpers would also be released within a few days, Kaur said.

She was speaking at a function after the visit to an old-age home in Doraha, 20 kilometers from here.

The minister reiterated that the state government was ensuring the safety of children, women and old-age persons in the state.

The government was continuously making efforts for the welfare of women, especially pregnant and lactating women and strengthening the anganwadi services, she added.
New Delhi, Jun 28 (PTI) A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Culture and a PSU bank on Wednesday for the disbursal of financial assistance to veteran artists, officials said.

The ministry administers a 'Financial Assistance for Veteran Artists' scheme under which financial assistance of Rs 6,000 per month is provided to artists and scholars above the age of 60, who have contributed significantly in their specialised fields of performing arts and culture in their active age or are still contributing, but due to old age, they are facing difficulty and are in penury condition.

Currently, under the scheme, disbursal of financial assistance in respect of artists selected before 2017 is made through the LIC while for the artists approved post-2017, it is made directly by the ministry, according to an official statement issued by the ministry.

It has been noted that the receipt of documents from the beneficiaries often gets delayed resulting in disbursal of the amount as a lump sum instead of being released on a regular basis, it said.

"With the signing of the MoU with Canara Bank, in a period of approximately two months post streamlining of the process, disbursal of financial assistance to the veteran artists would commence on a monthly basis, also ensuring redressal of long pending grievances of beneficiaries," the ministry said.

This initiative is reflective of the Culture Ministry's commitment to "constantly improve" the interface with the artists' community and the services provided to them.

Canara Bank, one of the leading PSU Banks, has expressed their sincere commitment to ensuring the smooth and continuous disbursal to the veteran artists given their experience of handling many schemes for the various ministries of the government of India, the statement said.
Even though Kosmos Energy (NYSE:KOS) has lost US$290m market cap in last 7 days, shareholders are still up 227% over 3 years

While Kosmos Energy Ltd. (NYSE:KOS) shareholders are probably generally happy, the stock hasn't had particularly good run recently, with the share price falling 26% in the last quarter. But that doesn't undermine the rather lovely longer-term return, if you measure over the last three years. The share price marched upwards over that time, and is now 227% higher than it was. After a run like that some may not be surprised to see prices moderate. If the business can perform well for years to come, then the recent drop could be an opportunity.

While this past week has detracted from the company's three-year return, let's look at the recent trends of the underlying business and see if the gains have been in alignment.

View our latest analysis for Kosmos Energy

While markets are a powerful pricing mechanism, share prices reflect investor sentiment, not just underlying business performance. One flawed but reasonable way to assess how sentiment around a company has changed is to compare the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price.

Kosmos Energy became profitable within the last three years. That kind of transition can be an inflection point that justifies a strong share price gain, just as we have seen here.

You can see how EPS has changed over time in the image below (click on the chart to see the exact values).

We know that Kosmos Energy has improved its bottom line over the last three years, but what does the future have in store? It might be well worthwhile taking a look at our free report on how its financial position has changed over time.

A Different Perspective

While the broader market gained around 14% in the last year, Kosmos Energy shareholders lost 19%. However, keep in mind that even the best stocks will sometimes underperform the market over a twelve month period. Regrettably, last year's performance caps off a bad run, with the shareholders facing a total loss of 5% per year over five years. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Kosmos Energy better, we need to consider many other factors. To that end, you should be aware of the 2 warning signs we've spotted with Kosmos Energy .

If you like to buy stocks alongside management, then you might just love this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them).

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

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Lucknow, Jun 28 (PTI) The Allahabad High Court has said it is the duty of the state government to find out illegal wealth accumulated by government employees during their service period and take appropriate action against them.

The Lucknow bench of the high court also expressed concern over education mafia, saying that "there are education mafia amongst the government servants who are required to be warded off expeditiously".

With this, the bench of Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh dismissed a plea filed by Joint Director of Education (Ayodhya Division) Arvind Kumar Pandey who had challenged his suspension order issued on April 15, 2023, by the state government on corruption charges.

Passing the order, the bench asked the principal secretary (home) to take necessary action and directed for expediting the disciplinary proceedings and vigilance inquiry being conducted against Pandey.

Expecting strong action against the mafia, the bench observed, The word 'mafia' is quite prevalent in India. There are 'bahubalis' and mafia in politics who have amassed huge wealth from the proceeds of crime and their reign of terror runs deep into hearts and psyches of law abiding citizens. There are sub categories of mafia, such as land mafia, nakal (cheating) mafia and education mafia, etc.

Commercialisation of education has eroded its very value. As a result, there are education mafia and cheating mafia in the system. Schools and colleges have become profit making establishments. It is the responsibility of the State and the society to clean the education system, the bench said.

During the hearing, state counsel opposed the Pandey's plea and stated that the petitioner had illegally regularized the services of 122 teachers in collusion with management committees of different colleges in Uttar Pradesh and thereafter, cancelled the regularization of 34 teachers illegally just to benefit them in the court of law, and hence he was not entitled to any relief.
FILE - Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey smiles during inauguration ceremonies in the House Chamber at the Statehouse, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, in Boston. Healey  one of the country's first two openly lesbian elected governors and a descendant of Irish immigrants  is planning to address the Irish Senate on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, to help commemorate the 30th anniversary of the decriminalization of homosexuality in Ireland.
Letter: Will members of CCA ever tell the truth?




As previously reported on YWN, the famed Mirrer Mashgiach, HaRav Binyamin Hatzadik Finkel Shlita is on a short but impactful chizzuk trip to the United States. The Mashgiach arrived on Monday, and will be departing back to Eretz Yisroel this coming Monday.

The mashgiach is dedicating the majority of his time in the US to the Lakewood kehilla, where he had been speaking in various yeshivos, chadarim, and shuls. On Shabbos, the Deal community will have the zchus of hosting him.

In just the past two days, the mashgiach has delivered dozens of Shiurim and Mussar Shmuessen, and visited many yeshivas, Chadarim and attended community events. Thousands have flocked to these events to hear his incredible words of Chizzuk and to hopefully receive a personal bracha from the Tzadik.

On Tuesday night, the Mashgiach addressed an asifas chizuk for parents of children struggling with contemporary challenges and separately delivered a Mussar Drasha in BMG.




In the wake of a brutal Juneteenth celebration, Mayor Eric Adams delivered a reality check to the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, expressing his disappointment over their silence in the face of the deadly violence that marred the day meant to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.

Juneteenth, historically observed as a day of freedom and liberty, tragically turned into one of the deadliest days in New York City so far this year. Rather than inspiring peace, the day resembled a scene from a Quentin Tarantino movie, with a shocking number of shootings and homicides taking place.

Juneteenth was our celebration of emancipation and the end of slavery. That was one of the most deadly days in our city, stated Mayor Adams during a press conference, visibly concerned about the alarming spike in violence.

With ten shootings and six homicides reported, the day left a lasting impact on the city. Among the victims was a 16-year-old boy shot at close range in the head, highlighting the senselessness and tragedy that unfolded.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Mayor Adams expressed his disappointment at the lack of outcry from anti-police activists and the usually vocal Black Lives Matter movement.

You know, we have to be honest about this, Mayor Adams asserted. You know whats interesting? All those anti-police folks didnt raise their voice at all, Black Lives Matter.

Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of acknowledging the value of Black lives in every circumstance, not just when innocent people are shot on the streets. He made it clear that he would not remain silent and called on others to address the issue of violence that has plagued the city.

Black lives matter when innocent people are shot on our streets. And Im not going to continue to remain silent, Mayor Adams proclaimed, urging everyone to join him in addressing the violence and working towards a safer community.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




A U.S. Marine veteran pleaded not guilty Wednesday in the fatal chokehold of a man who was behaving erratically on a New York City subway train.

Daniel Penny, 24, pleaded not guilty to second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in the May 1 death of Jordan Neely, a former Michael Jackson impersonator who was shouting and begging for money when Penny pinned him to the floor of the moving subway car with the help of two other passengers and held him in a chokehold for more than three minutes.

Neely, 30, lost consciousness during the struggle and was pronounced dead at a hospital.

A grand jury voted to indict Penny on updated charges earlier this month. Wednesdays arraignment on the charges lasted mere minutes. Penny, who is free on bond, only uttered the words not guilty before he left the courtroom with his lawyers.

Penny, who served in the Marines for four years and was discharged in 2021, has said he acted to protect himself and others from Neely, who shouted Im gonna kill you and said he was ready to die or go to jail for life.

He was yelling in their faces saying these threats, Penny said in a video released by his attorneys. I just couldnt sit still.

Neelys family members and their supporters have said Neely, who struggled with mental illness and homelessness, was crying out for help and was met with violence.

What happened to Jordan was a crime and this family shouldnt have to stand by themselves, the Rev. Al Sharpton said at Neelys May 19 funeral.

Neelys death aboard an F train in Manhattan quickly became a flashpoint in the nations debates over racial justice and crime, with Republican politicians including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hailing Penny as a hero while Sharpton and others compared the death of Neely, who was Black, at the hands of Penny, who is white, to the 1984 subway shooting of four Black men by Bernhard Goetz, a white man dubbed the subway vigilante who was eventually acquitted of charges in the shooting except for carrying an unlicensed gun.

(AP)




Former Meretz MK Yair Golan caused a furor on Tuesday after calling for a civil uprising even by illegal methods.

Golan said in an interview with Reshet Bet: This government is trying to eliminate Israeli democracy. In the face of these attempts, we will mount an unequivocal civil resistance and if we need to reach a large-scale and non-violent uprising, thats what well do. I am calling here, within a reasonable framework and without resorting to violence  to carry out illegal activities as well  there is no escaping that.

Its possible to follow after attempts in many countries on how to fight a dictatorship and the conclusion is clear  we need to take unequivocal action and place an iron wall in front of the government.

The Likud party responded: Yair Golans inciteful and seditious words require an immediate investigation  today. Those who violate the law and call for the violation of the law must pay a price. Otherwise, the rule of law has no meaning. We demand that Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara take a strong hand against the violators of law and order, the instigators and rioters, who seek to sow dangerous calamity in the heart of Israeli society.

Golan, a former IDF major-general, is known for his controversial statements. Most recently, he called settlers subhuman, but his most notorious statement was in 2016, on Yom HaShoah, when he compared Israel to Nazi Germany, saying: If there is one thing that is scary in remembering the Holocaust, it is noticing horrific processes which developed in Europe  particularly in Germany  70, 80, and 90 years ago, and finding remnants of that here (in Israel) among us in the year 2016.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




The practice of threatening army refusal due to opposition to the elected government of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has resumed amid a public campaign by leftists calling on reservists to refuse call-up orders.

However, following the previous uproar over IDF reservist pilots who threatened not to obey call-up orders which didnt result in one actual refusal, the IDF has decided that it will only react to actual cases of failure to show up to a call for service  including training and operational activities, and not to threatening letters or petitions.

On Monday, 80 reservists from special operations units, Unit 8200, and the medical corps announced that they will cease their volunteer service if the government does not immediately cease the legal reform legislation.

The announcement claimed that the top brass of the coup regime is calling for the execution of pilots, reservists, the attorney-general and the president of the Supreme Court. They call us nests of terror and support the erasure of villages (ie, burning people alive). Therefore, this regime is not legitimate and does not deserve our volunteerism and obedience. For months, this regime has been causing enormous and long-term damage to the motivation of the best to volunteer for sensitive units in IDF intelligence, the Shin Bet and Mossad. Without democracy, there will be no army, no security, and that will be the end of the State of Israel. We will defend democracy with our souls and bodies, in a non-violent way.

Over the weekend, about 300 military doctors in active reserves announced that any unilateral move by the government regarding the reforms legislation will lead to the termination of their volunteer reserve service.

The reports of army refusal should be read with a grain of salt. Over 8,500 reservists opposed to the calls for army refusal signed a letter asking Netanyahu, President Herzog, and the heads of the security systems to launch an investigation into the phenomenon.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




A political earthquake erupted in Israel on Wednesday morning after former Israel Police Chief Roni Alsheich essentially admitted that the goal of the indictments against Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu was to cause him to resign.

Alsheich was asked during an interview with Army Radio why Netanyahus cases became so complicated and he responded with the shocking statement: No one could have guessed that he wouldnt resign, and then expanded his statement by adding that everyone expected the Likud party to realize that they needed to get rid of Netanyahu and find a new leader.

Alsheich began by saying: Everyone was very cautious and Im including here of course the decision makers and the judicial side, everyone was very careful. After all, no one could guess that ultimately, the prime minister would choose not to resign and fight from within the [political] system.

The radio host interrupted: What is this that youre saying? You built [the cases] on the assumption that he would resign due to the investigation?

Alsheich: It wasnt a matter of building

Radio host: You were saying that it was impossible to guess that he would decide to deal with the court case while serving as prime minister

Alsheich: No, Im sayingit still didnt happenI thinkYou know what? Im talking about, first of all, not the prime minister, but the party [Likud] that fought instead of saying for the good of the State, it needs to find a new leader.

Radio host: In other words, there was an expectation that the Likud would spit out Netanyahu after it was decided to indict him.

Alsheich: I think thats a basic moral.

Alsheich added that they had in mind the precedent of former prime minister Ehud Omert: When the charges were filed against him, the expectation was that he would resign from his position, like Olmert.

Diaspora Minister Amichai Chiki (Likud) responded to the report by stating: Simply put, the goal was not to investigate the truth but to carry out a coup detat using legal tools. It is our duty to ensure that all concerned are held accountable for these grave acts that have caused mortal harm to Israeli society as a whole.

Likud MK Shomo Karhi, who is a lawyer by profession, already sent a letter to Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara demanding the opening of an immediate investigation against former Police Commissioner Roni Alsheich for fabricating criminal cases with the goal of removing the ruling prime minister.

This is a story of gang rule, Karhi wrote. Alsheich targeted the prime minister and surrounded him with false evidence and accusations. This is the real coup detat that simply did not succeed for them. Alsheichs words warrant an investigation under warning and the sooner the better.

Guy Levy, the Likud party spokesperson, said; For years weve been saying there arent idiots sitting in the Attorney Generals Office. Theres no way they expected to go to court with this delusional indictment with no evidence and win. And that it was all just an attempt to get Netanyahu to quit. Now years later, [Alsheich] admits it in his own voice!

The Likud party issued a statement saying: In his shocking admission in an interview this morning, Alsheich revealed that the connection to the coup detat did not work as planned. Alsheich said: It was impossible to guess that the prime minister would not resign, that the party wouldnt say that its for the States good that he resign.'

Alsheich admitted that he assumed that the filing of the indictment against Prime Minister Netanyahu would cause him to resign and the Likud to replace him with someone else. The only thing that thwarted his government coup plan was Netanyahus firm stance and his insistence on fighting for the disclosure of the truth.

Alsheichs confession requires the opening of an investigation against him and against his accomplices in the fabrication of these cases in order to reveal the motives behind the filing of the indictment against a sitting prime minister and the democratic election of the people.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Another alleged crypto fraudster that profited heavily from the 2017 ICO bull mania is now facing the music, a whole 41 months after he was charged by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) on February 11, 2020.

Previous CFTC cases against financial fraudsters in crypto, such as CabbageTech, Mirror Trading International, or Empowercoin have taken far less time to resolve.

The CFTC today announced the judgment from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York for a permanent injunction against former New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) broker Michael Ackerman, who operated Q3 Holdings.

The Ohio man is being banned from trading or registering in any CFTC-regulated markets. In addition, he is to pay $27 million in restitution to victims he defrauded, in addition to another $27 million as a civil monetary penalty for running a fraudulent digital asset trading scheme.

CFTC Cracks its 'Largest Fraud' Case Involving Bitcoin, Orders Offender to Pay $3.4B Penalty

The 54-year-old first pleaded guilty to wire fraud in September 2021. As part of his plea agreement, Ackerman agreed to restitution of $30.6 million and forfeitures of his assets amounting at least $36 million.

Authorities say that between August 2017 to December 2019, Ackerman duped investors through his company Q3 Holdings with promises of 15% monthly returns. Q3 promised to deliver those returns through its proprietary trading algorithm by trading Bitcoin and other digital assets.

He successfully solicited at least $33 million from more than 150 investors, sourced predominantly from physician Facebook groups, according to the CFTC.

By December 2019, Ackerman claimed that the fund had successfully grown nine-fold to approximately $315 milliona spectacular return given market prices at the end of the 2017 crypto bull market. At the time, total crypto market capitalization had fallen from its 2018 all-time-high of $850 billion to $200 billion.

Investors want money back from alleged $33 million crypto fraud

The CFTC says that in order to mislead investors and the funds limited partners, Ackerman manufactured screenshots and accounting statements that falsely represented the funds portfolio. The falsified information was then passed on by his partners, former Wells Fargo Advisors employee James Seijas and Florida general surgeon Quan Tran.

Yet, Seijas and Tran were also apparently misled by Ackerman himself. Ackermans partners claimed to discover only later major discrepancies in the funds actual asset values versus what Ackerman had told them.

In reality, less than $10 million of the money raised was actually invested. Instead, Ackerman used the money for personal gain in cars, jewelry, travel and private properties, including a 150-acre Montana plot and a $3 million Florida beach house.

Aggrieved investors collectively formed a legal entity Q3 Investment Recovery Vehicle that sought to hold Ackerman along with his partners accountable.




Dozens of anarchists stormed a Petach Tikvah police station after anarchist Itzik Medina was detained over alleged plans to commit a violent attack against a public figure.

Medina was summoned for questioning by the police after they received intelligence information from the Shin Bet about his alleged intentions.

He arrived at the police station on his own volition but following a post on social media, dozens of anarchists gathered outside the police station and demanded his release.

Medina was released after his interrogation but initially refused to leave the station without a written apology. Bogi Yaalon and Medinas lawyers eventually convinced him to leave.

Despite his release, Medinas arrest had unforeseen consequences, when Channel 14 News reporter Shirel Laloom-Nahir recognized him as the man who attacked her six months ago, while she was pregnant, when she was reporting on a protest in Petach Tikvah. She called the Petach Tikvah police station and the police re-opened the case, which was closed a month ago since the police claimed they could not locate the suspect.

We warned everyone that this was coming and now its here, said Yiftach Golov, a spokesperson for the anti-government Achim LNeshek group in response to the arrest. This is a window into our future under a dictatorship. But we, the people, will never surrender.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




Defense Minister Yoav Gallant signed administrative detention orders against four Jews who allegedly participated in anti-Arab riots in Binyamin over the weekend, the second incident of Jewish violence in the wake of the murderous terror attack in Eli, in which four Israelis were murdered.

Gallant signed the orders on the recommendations of the Shin Bet.

Administrative detention, the arrest and detention of suspects without charge, is almost only used against Palestinians who are believed to be a security risk to the State of Israel. The suspects were also prevented from meeting with their lawyers.

The Biden administration put enormous pressure on Israel to restrain Jewish attacks against the Palestinians  all the while funding the murderous Palestinian Authority with billions of dollars in US taxpayer funds.

A senior security source said that the four detainees have been involved in overt and covert violent incidents for years. In the past, they were arrested, and restraining orders were issued against them but they continued their activities. Last week, they targeted Palestinian property, resulting in the burning of vehicles and endangering innocent lives.

Earlier on Wednesday, Gallant condemned settler violence against Palestinians from the Knesset plenum, calling the perpetrators a dangerous and troubling group. He added that the number of perpetrators has increased, which is very concerning

The Honenu legal aid organization slammed Gallants orders, saying that he informed the media before any of the Jewish suspects or their lawyers actually received the orders. Minister Gallants new approach is to inform the media before notifying the settlers about the orders, a spokesperson said. So far, no settler has received an administrative detention order. Instead of ensuring the security of Israeli residents, hes busy with media spins at the expense of Jewish settlers.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said on Motzei Shabbos: Law enforcement cant have different policies for different sectors of the population. Administrative detentions cant only be used against settlers.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
I suffered a cardiac arrest in October 2020 and tried to make a claim on my critical illness insurance with Royal London. The claim was refused.

I contacted the Financial Ombudsman Service but didnt proceed as I wanted to put events behind me and move on with my life. Unfortunately, two weeks before Christmas 2022, I suffered another cardiac arrest and spent two days in hospital.

I had thought the original incident was just a blip which I was very lucky to survive but now I accept that this will be something I have to live with.

While I was laid up, I saw your article on December 28 in which you helped a fellow cardiac arrest survivor successfully make a claim on his critical illness insurance with Royal London.

My experience is similar, and I wondered if you could help me. I have had a policy with Royal London since 2006 with a critical illness benefit of 36,258. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Anon.

Declined: Insurer Royal London refused to pay out on a reader's critical illness insurance policy after she suffered a cardiac arrest

Sally Hamilton replies: To recap on the cardiac arrest case, referred to in your letter, the policyholder I helped was initially told he could not claim on his critical illness insurance because this type of health incident was excluded from his policy.

But, after my intervention, Royal London investigated his case fully and agreed to pay him the full cover of 244,000, by taking additional aspects of his health condition into account.

Cardiac arrest is a typical exclusion in old-style critical illness policies because, to put it bluntly, few people survived such incidents in the past. Cardiac arrest is when the heart stops pumping blood around the body, usually triggered by an irregular heart rhythm.

With heart attacks (which are usually covered) the chances of pulling through were far greater and policyholders would benefit from the financial cushion of a pay-out.

Heart attack means the death of a portion of the heart muscle, typically due to a blockage, a clot or narrowing of the arteries.

However, medical advances mean the chances of surviving a cardiac arrest are greater today. As a result some more modern critical illness plans than yours now include cover for these episodes, so long as they are serious enough to need an implant as part of the treatment.

As happened with the first case I investigated, you were put off from proceeding with an official claim in 2020, beyond the initial enquiry made to Royal London, as the call handler had told you cardiac arrest was not covered.

After contacting me, you wrote to Royal London quoting my article and asked the company to look at your case again.

At the same time, I made a similar request, and the insurer agreed to take a closer look at your case to check if anything had been missed, so long as you submitted a full claim.

This you quickly did, with the help of your wife. As you were still poorly, I checked in with her, and with Royal London over the weeks and months that followed, with the insurer confirming that investigations were continuing.

As with any medical related insurance claim, it can take an age to reach a conclusion, with letters and documents going to and fro, between policyholders, doctors, claims handlers and in-house medical experts.

But finally, more than five months after I set the ball in motion, Royal London came back to me with some excellent news. It had decided to pay your claim after all.

Royal London said that while cardiac arrest may not have been covered, the fact that you were unconscious and unresponsive following the original incident meant your claim could be considered under the policys coma definition, which is covered.

A Royal London spokesman says: Having considered all of the medical evidence and reviewed the case with our consultant medical officer, we will pay the full sum assured.

'The case is a complex one that didnt definitively meet any of the definitions covered by his policy.

'Cardiac arrest is not one of the defined events covered in his policy and our claims assessors, in consultation with our medical officers, found no evidence in this instance to allow the claim to be paid under the heart attack definition. We also examined the evidence to see if the coma definition was met.

While it isnt clear-cut that the policy definition of coma is satisfied, we recognise the significance of the event he suffered and taking into account all of the overall circumstances, weve concluded that sufficient elements of the coma definition are satisfied to warrant making a payment.

The decision is in line with Royal Londons aims to pay as many claims as possible and the amount of 36,258 will be paid.

Your wife told me you were both very pleased with the outcome.

Scam Watch - TV Licence emails Households should be on their guard against a major new wave of bogus TV Licence emails. Emails are sent to potential victims telling them: Please renew your licence today. It only takes a few minutes. The message is written in a format that resembles genuine correspondence from TV Licensing  including a customer reference number and logo. It states that your TV Licence online could not be automatically renewed and requests you view your TV Licence online and update your details by a given date. Under no circumstances should you click on the link because it will send you to a copycat website designed to steal your personal details. It may also fraudulently ask you to pay 159. The fraud can be spotted by hovering your cursor over the address the email has been sent from  which reveals a lengthy email address that reads like gobbledegook. Genuine emails from TV Licensing should appear from the email address donotreply@tvlicensing.co.uk. It is also worth checking the email for spelling mistakes. The latest TV Licence scam includes a misspelling of untill. Visit the official website tvlicensing.co.uk and tap in scams in the search bar. It gives full details of how to spot scammers and what you should do to avoid them.

DVLA scrapped granddaughter's number plate

In 2014 I bought my granddaughter a personalised registration plate from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) for 799 to keep and give to her for her 17th birthday in 2027.

I put the paperwork in a drawer for safe keeping.

In 2020, I read in the Press that unless cherished numbers like mine, held on retention, were re-registered, then they could be lost.

But when I tried to re-register the plate, I found out that there was a problem.

Because I hadnt made a one-off payment of about 25  which I knew nothing about  DVLA had scrapped the number.

Ive tried appealing but to no avail. Ive been thinking about it again recently and wondered if you can help because it seems totally unfair.

G.R., Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Sally Hamilton replies: You were pleased with yourself at finding the number plate YV13 JAY, based on your granddaughters name, to present as a special gift, albeit many years in the future.

You explained to me that on receiving the documentation by post you could see the correct registration number through the envelopes window, so left it unopened and filed it away.

This proved to be a big mistake. If you had opened the letter, it would have revealed that the document  a V750 Certificate of Entitlement  had an expiry date and that you would need to re-register the personalised number after 12 months and pay a 25 fee.

Your timing was unlucky in this respect, as a year after you made your purchase in 2014, the DVLA rules changed.

From 2015, buyers of personalised plates (also known as cherished number plates) for future use only needed to renew the certificate after ten years, if the number had still not been assigned to a vehicle.

I asked DVLA to check whether anything had been overlooked in your case but Im afraid it confirmed that there was nothing it could do because you had not made the appropriate payment.

A DVLA spokesman says: As per standard procedure, DVLA correctly issued the customer with a V750 Certificate of Entitlement which included the expiry date.

As a courtesy service, DVLA also issues reminders three to four weeks before the expiry date to remind customers of the retention fee payment, which was issued in this case.

You told me you never received the reminder from DVLA. With this in mind, I asked whether, as a goodwill gesture, DVLA might consider issuing you a similar registration number in place of the one that was lost.

After all, it had taken payment for the original number. Im afraid to say that DVLA declined.

For people who hold a personalised registration, whether it is for their own use later, or as an investment or a gift for someone else, it is vital to check the expiry date to avoid the same loss and disappointment.

To sum up, registration numbers bought before March 9, 2015, were typically valid for 12 months and required renewing each year for a fee.

Purchases made since March 2015 come with a certificate with a ten-year expiry date, after which holders must renew, if it has not been transferred to a vehicle. Unfortunately, if a certificate has expired, then so does the registration number, as happened with you.

Im sorry to be the bearer of this bad news. Yours was an expensive lesson to learn that it is vital to read important documents received in the post before filing them away.
Holidaymakers jetting off abroad this summer should reserve their airport car park space right now  as booking ahead can save hundreds of pounds.

Just turning up at an official short or long-term airport car park before a flight can cost even more than the plane tickets.

Airports such as Heathrow charge as much as 83 a day, meaning a weeks parking in short stay costs about 580.

But book a month ahead and you pay far less. Seven days in an official Heathrow short-stay car park can set you back almost third of this amount, at 198.

You can pay less by booking into the airports official long-stay car park though these are further away from the terminal building.

Risk: Airport car parking is an unregulated market and attracts cowboy operators so always research the firm before you book

And to hit a total saving of around 500, use a third-party parking service near the airport.

Booking a one-week stay from July 3 at Heathrow, for example, could cost 56 with a Purple Parking park and ride, or either 119 or 106 with Maple Parking and MBW Parking meet-and-greet services respectively.

Pick a reliable firm

Don't just choose the cheapest option without basic checks. Airport car parking is an unregulated market and attracts cowboy operators.

Comparison websites such as Airport Parking and Hotels, SkyPark Secure and Airport Parking Shop are good places to start.

They do much of the legwork for you, finding reputable operators with a good track record. They should also include customer reviews.

Also check if the car park operator is a member of the police-approved Safer Parking Scheme with a Park Mark blue tick.

This shows standards of security, like lighting and surveillance cameras.

Weigh up your options

There tend to be several parking options at an airport.

So-called meet and greet is where you drop off your car at the airport, hand the keys to a representative from the car park operator, who drives it to a secure compound a few miles away. You then walk straight to the departure terminal.

On return, you contact the firm after picking up your luggage, and the vehicle, plus keys, are returned to the same drop-off point.

The main alternative is a so-called drop-and-go service  where you leave your car at a car park a ten or 20-minute drive away from the airport and get taken to the terminal via a bus service or pre-arranged vehicle pick-up deal.

Consumer champion Martyn James says if you are unsure about which provider to pick, contact the airport for a list of approved car park operators.

He says: Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous outfits out there that take your money  and possibly take your car for a ride while you are away.

In some instances, holidaymakers have returned not just to find their vehicle has been used but has also been damaged  with the occasional bump or scratch.

You should never simply book through a website you have just found  but phone the airport you are flying from and check the outfit is approved.

If you are concerned about where the car may be parked also ask if you can visit the compound before you go.

You do not actually have to make the visit  just the request should flush out the rogues as they will not want to show you.

Martyn adds that problems can even arise with reputable car parking firms, for example someone could accidentally damage your car.

Take a photo of all four corners of your vehicle before you jet off, he says. That way you have evidence of the state you left your car in, in case of a dispute later.

Consider hotel parking

If you have an early flight, you may find that a hotel deal incorporating an overnight stay with airport parking works out cheaper than booking each separately.

Chains such as Holiday Inn, Travelodge, Ibis and Hilton are among those that often offer accommodation  with limited car park spaces to pre-book from about 15 a day.

The Holiday Inn Heathrow Bath Road charges guests 16 a day for overnight parking, for example.

If you pay 182 for a standard double for July 2 you might be able to stretch this deal for long-stay parking for the week commencing July 3 so that eight days parking costs 128. The total cost is 310.

Rory Boland, editor of consumer group Which? Travel, adds: You might also consider less traditional options like renting someones driveway or garage  though security may be an issue.

Websites such as Park On My Drive and JustPark provide details of people who live close to airports where you can be charged from as little as 50 a week to park on their drive. Some even offer to drop you at the local airport for a small additional fee.

Sometimes, it can work out cheaper or more convenient to book a taxi to the airport  and for the trip home  or catch a bus or train.

Whatever you decide, in summer it is worth allowing at least half an hour extra for your estimated journey time  factoring in any potential traffic problems, car park location, transport to the terminal, check-in, security and passport control.

Also find out if strike action is planned.

Peace of mind: The police-approved Safer Parking Scheme blue tick shows a firm has adequate standards of security that includes lighting and surveillance cameras

Track from abroad

Note your cars mileage before leaving it at a car park. That way, youll know if it was driven without permission in your absence.

As a further security measure, keep tabs on your car while away by deploying a tracking tool.

Apples 30 AirTag, a Bluetooth transmitter the size of a 2 coin, can act as a tracking device if hidden in your car  but you must own an iPhone for it to work.

The Find My app will show where the gadget goes.

You will have to disable the safety alert feature on phone settings to ensure it does not beep in the car while away.

The AirTag can also keep tabs on luggage.

If a suitcase does not arrive on the baggage carousel you can find where it is, if a tag is put inside, thanks to radio-wave communication between the phone and the tab. A map on the phone shows its location.

A global positioning system (GPS) is an alternative. These tiny gadgets allow you to see, on a phone map, where your vehicle is. They cost from about 55 from companies such as Streetwize and iTrack.

toby.walne@dailymail.co.uk
The head of Britains car industry body has compared Britains strategy for the sector unfavourably with the slow-witted sidekick to TVs Blackadder.

Whatever you thought about Baldrick, at least he had a plan, said Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

That is what our UK industry needs  a proper plan.

The character of Baldrick, played by Tony Robinson over four series of the BBC sitcom, was best known for his catchphrase I have a cunning plan before setting out a hopeless idea.

Hawes also made reference to Rowan Atkinson, who played the titular role of Blackadder in the same series, and who recently said he felt duped after becoming an early convert to electric cars. I hope we can all prove him wrong, he said.

Hapless: The character of Baldrick, played by Tony Robinson over four series of the BBC sitcom Blackadder, was best known for his catchphrase 'I have a cunning plan'

The SMMT wants to see faster roll-out of car charging points as well as car tax reform to incentivise motorists to make the switch, plus greater incentives for investment and a level playing field on energy prices, which are much higher in the UK than in Europe.

Were not asking for handouts, were asking for ambition, Hawes said, adding that the car industry was as vital to the nations manufacturing future as the NHS is to the nations health.

Hawes added: We have the innovation, the people, the creativity - we just need the Government  whichever Government  to work with us and for us. We just need that plan, and one more cunning than Baldricks.

Hawes reference to Baldrick in a speech to an industry audience in London drew laughs yesterday but aimed to make a serious point to the Government about a key industry which employs 800,000 people.

Britains car makers are grappling with challenges including soaring energy costs, supply chain strains and transition to electric vehicles.

The SMMT is proposing a strategy for a tenfold increase in the value of electric vehicle making, to 106billion by 2030.

But it faces a cliff edge at the end of this year when the delayed implementation of post-Brexit rules of origin come into force.

The free trade arrangement between Britain and the European Union is based on the idea that goods sold from one side to the other mainly have their origin in that country.

But because so much of the value of electric vehicles resides in their batteries  made elsewhere  those rules are suspended until the start of 2024.

Car makers on both sides of the Channel have been lobbying for the rules to be pushed back until 2027 and the parent company of Britains Vauxhall warned recently that without an agreement it may have to move production out of the UK.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has urged the EU to heed the calls and Hawes yesterday hinted that it was the Europeans who were dragging their feet.

To be honest, its with Brussels, he told reporters. Weve had discussions with Government  theyre fully supportive.

They recognise the negative impact on cross-border trade going in both directions.

But things seem to happen incredibly slowly. If there is no change and tariffs are imposed it will hurt manufacturers and have an environmental impact, he warned  as the tariffs will be added to prices, making them less attractive to consumers.

He said: We cant afford to have a last-minute, 31 December agreement because business needs to plan.

The industry has also identified the roll-out of UK charging infrastructure as holding back the take-up of electric vehicles, as petrol and diesel cars are phased out over coming years.

Hawes said the pace had been increasing but needed to go faster, calling for the removal of outdated planning rules.
Crispin Odeys beleaguered asset management firm has suspended two more funds to prevent investors from fleeing.

Odey Asset Management has blocked withdrawals from its flagship Odey European Inc fund after it received requests to return 19 per cent of its value.

It also suspended its OEI Mac Inc fund after investors tried to withdraw 35 per cent of its value.

Combined, the two funds managed assets worth around 1.2billion.

Odey, who was ousted from his own firm this month amid a string of sexual harassment allegations which he denies, managed both of the funds prior to his exit from the business.

Accused: Crispin Odey was ousted from his own firm this month amid a string of sexual harassment allegations which he denies

In a letter to clients regarding the European Inc fund, the firm said allowing withdrawals would not be in the best interests of the fund and its shareholders as a whole, Bloomberg reported.

The asset manager is considering restructuring some operations to allow clients to transfer their money into a new fund.

The group has been in crisis since the Financial Times published allegations of sexual misconduct against Odey by 13 women, sparking a rush of withdrawal requests from clients while several City institutions began to cut ties.

The company has said it was considering several options for its future as the allegations took a serious toll.

The group has also said it was in advanced discussions to break itself up and transfer funds and staff to rivals in what could spell the end of the firm.

The debacle is a catastrophe for Odey, one of the UKs most prominent financiers who set up the firm in 1991 and gained a reputation for profiting from risky bets including against the pound during the Brexit vote.

The 64-year-old has lost his status as a fit and proper individual in the City of London, days after being ousted from the hedge fund in a symbolic blow.
Troubled cosmetics firm Revolution Beauty endured an apparently acrimonious and chaotic annual general meeting yesterday as its biggest shareholder Boohoo staged a rebellion.

Derek Zissman, the chairman, attempted to postpone the meeting amid a proposed boardroom coup by Boohoo, which has a stake of around 26.6pc.

But in a convoluted series of manoeuvres, disclosed last night, the postponement was blocked.

The drama deepened when Zissman, chief executive Bob Holt and finance director Elizabeth Lake were removed from the board.

That left just one director, Jeremy Schwartz, who appointed a new slate of directors including the three who had just been ousted, and will remain in their prior roles.

Investor unrest: Revolution Beauty shares were suspended last autumn amid an accounting scandal

It was the latest bizarre development at a firm whose shares were suspended last autumn amid an accounting scandal.

The company said that, after the AGM, the shares were expected to be restored to trading on Londons junior Aim market imminently.

Meanwhile an emergency meeting proposed by Boohoo to take control of the board will be held later this summer.

Revolution Beauty also revealed that the chaos was having wider implications, having received notice from certain key customers... that they would not be prepared to continue doing business with the group during the current uncertainty.

It added: The company remains convinced that it has the right senior management team in place for the future, and the restoration of trading in its shares on Aim will be concrete evidence that this board is moving the company in the right direction.

The Boohoo proposal is a cynical, short-sighted and misguided attempt to engineer a boardroom coup solely for Boohoos benefit.

Boohoo declined to comment.

The upheaval came a week after it emerged that Revolution Beauty is considering taking legal action against co-founder and former boss Adam Minto.

Trading in the shares has been suspended since September after auditors refused to sign off its books for the financial year.

Minto quit with immediate effect in November after the launch of an investigation into the companys finances.

When the audited accounts were published last month, it revealed the company made 23million less than it had previously reported.

The cosmetics retailer sent a letter to Minto last month alleging that he breached his fiduciary, statutory, contractual and/or tortious duties to the company.
Racism claim: Rapper Sean 'Diddy' Combs began a legal action against Diageo last month

Spirits giant Diageo is ending its relationship with Sean Diddy Combs after the US rapper launched a legal action, accusing it of racism.

The UK drinks giant, the owner of Guinness, announced the move in a US court filing.

Last month Combs began a legal action saying the DeLeon tequila brand co-owned by the two, and Ciroc vodka brand, which is owned by Diageo but has collaborated with Combs, were typecast as black brands.

His filing said: Rather than equal treatment, Diageo has treated Mr Combs and his brands worse than others because he is black.

Combs Wines and Spirits said drinks were starved of production, distribution and sales resources.

Diageo said yesterday it tried for years to salvage the broken relationship, saying: Mr Combs has repeatedly undermined our partnerships and threatened to publicly defame Diageo.

Diageo said it invested 78million in growing DeLeon. Despite having made nearly $1bn over the course of our 15-year relationship, Mr Combs contributed a total of $1,000 and refused to honour his commitments.
Some of Britains largest pension schemes have sounded the alarm over planned changes to the UKs rules on stock market listings, claiming they risked making domestic firms less attractive for investment.

Ten major pension funds, which collectively manage around 300billion in assets and include schemes run on behalf of the Church of England and HSBC UK, said, in an letter to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), changing laws on listings would not lead to healthy capital markets and would exacerbate existing difficulties in attracting investment to the City.

Loosening rules would make UK-listed firms less attractive to well-informed, long-term investors, diminish the UKs reputation and attractiveness as the worlds quality market, and its role as a beacon for high corporate governance standard, the letter read.

Warning: Ten major pension funds said, in a letter that changing laws on listings would not lead to 'healthy capital markets' and would 'exacerbate' existing difficulties

It added: We are responsible for the retirement outcomes of millions of British citizens who work and live in the UK.

We want to see the UK continue to thrive as a global financial centre. We do not think the changes proposed will solve the fundamental issues affecting our equity markets.

The warnings come as the FCA and Government ministers seek to boost the Citys reputation as a destination for companies to list.

Proposed changes include removing the need to have three years of audited accounts before listing, and loosening rules around dual-class shares which give company founders more voting power than ordinary investors.

Calls for lighter regulation came after an exodus of UK firms from London to the US, including computer chip maker Arm, whose owner SoftBank decided to list it on Wall Street despite lobbying from the Government.

In a separate response to the FCA proposals, the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA), which represents schemes providing retirement income to over 30m people, said it believed the changes would weaken shareholder rights and remove important checks and balances.

Director of policy Joe Dabrowski said governance standards were not the cause of a decline in new listings.

The new rules run the risk of having a contrary effect to what is hoped for, by potentially reducing the pool of institutional and retail investors willing to invest in UK-listed companies, he added.

'The debate has intensified after Turkish chemical giant WE Soda cancelled its float, citing extreme investor caution.

While considered by many to be a blow to the Square Mile, some argued the firm had given off warning signs and demanded a valuation that was too high  highlighting that current regulations may have spared investors from backing unreliable companies.
Some of the biggest companies on the London stock market are facing tough new laws to preserve Aboriginal heritage in far-off Australia.

But for one blue-chip giant, complaining about the crackdown is strictly off-limits.

Anglo-Australian miner Rio Tinto has been keeping its head down while a row has erupted over the legislation which comes into force across Western Australia on Saturday.

Despite supporting them in principle, critics are worried they could trigger delays and spiralling costs for a pipeline of 180 major projects worth 217billion.

These include a vast renewable energy hub planned by BP and a new generation of iron ore mines for Rio.

Condemnation: Rio Tintos destruction of the Juukan Gorge sacred site to expand an iron ore mine sparked global fury

The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act was passed in 2021 after Rio Tinto blew up a sacred, 48,000-year-old Juukan Gorge rock shelter to expand an iron ore mine in the Pilbara.

Rio broke no laws and received a sign-off from the state government. But by ignoring pleas from the local Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people, it sparked global condemnation while exposing the frailty of 50-year-old laws that safeguard Aboriginal heritage.

Western Australias majority Labour government seized its opportunity after the debacle. Emergency powers were used to ram beefed-up legislation through parliament with cross-party support.

Much of the goodwill has gone up in smoke since details of how the laws will work were published before Easter, just three months before it comes into force.

Anyone owning the equivalent of a large residential block of land wanting to dig up as little as 4kg of earth  let alone a multinational wanting to blast a hole in the ground  could be forced to navigate a maze of new red tape to ensure they do not damage one of more than 30,000 Aboriginal sites.

These range from sacred parts of the landscape, like creeks and hilltops, to rock drawings.

Permits will often be required for routine jobs like putting up a fence or digging a trench, with landowners forced to pay consultants to carry out surveys.

A public backlash has been led by pastoralists, many of them descendants of early settlers who claimed land occupied by aboriginal people for thousands of years as their own. Its fair to say Rio Tinto is not flavour the month.

I dont like to lay the blame, but if Juukan Gorge hadnt happened, we wouldnt be in this situation, said Debbie Dowden, who runs a huge cattle station set up in 1881.

With just a few days before the new regime comes into force, big companies have now piped up.

Outrage: In 2021 after Rio Tinto blew up a sacred, 48,000-year-old Juukan Gorge rock shelter to expand an iron ore mine in the Pilbara

Australian company Fortescue Metals has warned that navigating the process would take between 16 and 24 months, three to four times longer than under the current approval process.

If true, Rio Tinto  along with fellow FTSE 100 stalwarts BP and Glencore  should be worried.

The Pilbara, a vast expanse, is a jewel in Rios crown. It generated almost 6billion from iron ore in the region last year.

Western Australia is also central to BPs plans to switch to renewable energy.

It has a 40.5 per cent stake in one of the worlds largest renewables and green hydrogen energy hubs across 2,500 square miles.

Glencore will be affected as owner of a cobalt and nickel mine.

Landowners will not have to fully comply with the new regime until July 1 next year. Rio Tinto has insisted it is behind the new legislation but declined to comment.

Chief executive Rebecca Tomkinson of the states industry mouthpiece, the Chamber of Minerals and Energy, was not entirely relaxed about practicalities.

She said a functional system of heritage protection is extremely important, and is something we need for progression of the very significant project pipelines and the range of important work we have under way across Western Australia.
Experts Weigh In On How To Modernize the Safety Net To Make Social Security More Sustainable

mphillips007 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

One thing to keep in mind about Social Security is that the money you contribute now through payroll taxes is not really yours in the sense that it goes into a fund with your name on it. Its already being spent on payments to current beneficiaries.

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This system has worked well enough over the decades, thanks to the fact that there are more working people than retirees. But over time it has become less sustainable as people live longer, which increases the number of Social Security beneficiaries. Its a particular problem now, with the baby boomer generation hitting retirement age and filing for benefits.

Boomers not only represent a large chunk of the population  many also worked a long time at high wages, which means their Social Security payments will also be comparatively high. The result is that one of the Social Security trust funds that built up while boomers worked is becoming depleted now that many are retired.

The Old Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund is expected to run out of money as early as 2032 or 2033, leaving Social Security solely reliant on payroll taxes for funding  and those taxes only cover about 77% of current benefits.

This problem is not going away, experts say. Thats why many lawmakers, think tanks, senior advocacy organizations and policy advisors are trying to come up with ways to modernize Social Security so it is more financially sustainable over the long haul.

In April, the AARP published a blog listing nine ways to strengthen Social Security. These ideas ranged from conventional fixes like raising the retirement age and increasing payroll taxes to less conventional ideas such as the following:

Broaden the taxpayer base by bringing newly hired state and local pension workers into the Social Security system, which would create a major new source of funding through additional payroll taxes.

Expand the definition of income to include sources not currently subject to Social Security payroll taxes, such as the value of employer-sponsored group health insurance.

Vary Social Security payments based on wealth by adopting a means testing approach that would provide progressively lower benefits to wealthier individuals.

Earlier this week, Bloomberg had experts weigh in on ways they would make Social Security more sustainable. Alicia Munnell, director of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, suggested an infusion of general revenues out of income tax receipts to cover the cost of scheduled Social Security benefits.

An option mentioned by Marc Goldwein, senior policy director at the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, is to increase the amount of wages subject to Social Security payroll taxes, which is currently $160,200 or less.

Historically, that wage cap has covered up to 90% of wages; today it covers more like 83%, Goldwein told Bloomberg.

Shai Akabas, director of economic policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, told Bloomberg that gradually increasing the full retirement age would be a huge boon to Social Security. Currently, the FRA is either 66 or 67 years old, depending on your birth year.

A recent analysis by the Urban Institute showed that increasing the retirement age by just two years over a 23-year phase-in period would close nearly a quarter of Social Securitys long-range shortfall, Akabas said.

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On the benefits side, American Enterprise Institute senior fellow Andrew Biggs floated the idea of scaling back the maximum Social Security benefit over time so that eventually every retiree receives the same benefit. Biggs also recommended increasing the minimum benefit over the short term to guarantee against poverty.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Experts Weigh In On How To Modernize the Safety Net To Make Social Security More Sustainable
The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX  Get Rating) has earned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the fifteen analysts that are covering the company, Marketbeat reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating on the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $86.40.

A number of research analysts recently commented on TJX shares. Barclays raised their price target on TJX Companies from $93.00 to $95.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on TJX Companies in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on TJX Companies from $90.00 to $93.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price objective on TJX Companies from $85.00 to $86.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 18th.

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Insider Buying and Selling at TJX Companies

In other news, EVP Scott Goldenberg sold 26,271 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, May 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $78.91, for a total value of $2,073,044.61. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 72,580 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,727,287.80. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. 0.19% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On TJX Companies

TJX Companies Price Performance

Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in TJX. Kornitzer Capital Management Inc. KS boosted its holdings in shares of TJX Companies by 1.6% during the 4th quarter. Kornitzer Capital Management Inc. KS now owns 8,077 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $643,000 after buying an additional 125 shares during the period. Alpha Financial Partners LLC boosted its stake in shares of TJX Companies by 2.5% in the 1st quarter. Alpha Financial Partners LLC now owns 5,337 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $418,000 after purchasing an additional 129 shares during the last quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of TJX Companies by 1.3% in the 4th quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 10,438 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $831,000 after purchasing an additional 132 shares during the last quarter. Tradition Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in TJX Companies by 3.7% during the first quarter. Tradition Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,672 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $288,000 after acquiring an additional 132 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Drive Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in TJX Companies by 4.0% during the first quarter. Drive Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,652 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $286,000 after buying an additional 140 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.26% of the companys stock.

NYSE TJX opened at $82.80 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $95.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.48, a PEG ratio of 2.20 and a beta of 0.90. TJX Companies has a 52-week low of $54.55 and a 52-week high of $83.28. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $78.82 and a 200 day simple moving average of $78.71. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a current ratio of 1.20.

TJX Companies (NYSE:TJX  Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 17th. The apparel and home fashions retailer reported $0.76 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.71 by $0.05. TJX Companies had a return on equity of 62.78% and a net margin of 7.56%. The company had revenue of $11.78 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.82 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.68 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 3.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts anticipate that TJX Companies will post 3.56 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

TJX Companies Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 31st. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 10th will be issued a $0.3325 dividend. This represents a $1.33 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.61%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, August 9th. TJX Companiess dividend payout ratio is 40.92%.

About TJX Companies

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The TJX Companies, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an off-price apparel and home fashions retailer in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. It operates through four segments: Marmaxx, HomeGoods, TJX Canada, and TJX International. The company sells family apparel, including footwear and accessories; home fashions, such as home basics, furniture, rugs, lighting products, giftware, soft home products, decorative accessories, tabletop, and cookware, as well as expanded pet, kids, and gourmet food departments; jewelry and accessories; and other merchandise.

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Shares of W. R. Berkley Co. (NYSE:WRB  Get Rating) have received a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the ten analysts that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and seven have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price objective among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $77.64.

A number of analysts have issued reports on the stock. Evercore ISI cut their price objective on shares of W. R. Berkley from $85.00 to $73.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, April 13th. Bank of America upped their price objective on shares of W. R. Berkley from $80.00 to $84.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, April 21st. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of W. R. Berkley in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price objective on shares of W. R. Berkley from $82.00 to $76.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, April 21st. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group cut their target price on shares of W. R. Berkley from $75.00 to $69.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Monday, April 10th.

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Institutional Trading of W. R. Berkley

A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. boosted its position in W. R. Berkley by 82.5% in the third quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. now owns 563,885 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $36,416,000 after buying an additional 254,850 shares during the last quarter. Driehaus Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of W. R. Berkley by 38.0% during the 4th quarter. Driehaus Capital Management LLC now owns 124,393 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $9,027,000 after purchasing an additional 34,232 shares during the period. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund lifted its stake in W. R. Berkley by 18.8% during the 4th quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund now owns 47,213 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $3,426,000 after acquiring an additional 7,468 shares in the last quarter. Assetmark Inc. raised its position in W. R. Berkley by 7,369.2% in the 4th quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 21,810 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,583,000 after purchasing an additional 21,518 shares in the last quarter. Finally, DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale raised its position in W. R. Berkley by 1.3% in the 4th quarter. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale now owns 87,322 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $6,383,000 after purchasing an additional 1,083 shares in the last quarter. 67.96% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

W. R. Berkley Price Performance

NYSE WRB opened at $58.73 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $58.10 and its two-hundred day moving average is $64.27. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41, a quick ratio of 0.37 and a current ratio of 0.37. W. R. Berkley has a 1 year low of $55.50 and a 1 year high of $76.99. The stock has a market capitalization of $15.32 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.10, a P/E/G ratio of 1.44 and a beta of 0.62.

W. R. Berkley (NYSE:WRB  Get Rating) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, April 20th. The insurance provider reported $1.00 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.19 by ($0.19). W. R. Berkley had a net margin of 9.73% and a return on equity of 17.98%. The firm had revenue of $2.49 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.53 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.10 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 10.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts forecast that W. R. Berkley will post 4.5 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

W. R. Berkley Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 30th. Investors of record on Monday, June 26th will be paid a dividend of $0.11 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, June 23rd. This is an increase from W. R. Berkleys previous quarterly dividend of $0.10. This represents a $0.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.75%. W. R. Berkleys payout ratio is 11.31%.

About W. R. Berkley

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W. R. Berkley Corporation, an insurance holding company, operates as a commercial lines writer in the United States and internationally. It operates in two segments, Insurance and Reinsurance & Monoline Excess. The Insurance segment underwrites commercial insurance business, including premises operations, commercial automobile, property, products liability, and general and professional liability lines.

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Shares of Royal Bank of Canada (TSE:RY  Get Rating) (NYSE:RY) have earned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the eight research firms that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year price target among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is C$135.76.

RY has been the subject of a number of research reports. CSFB decreased their target price on shares of Royal Bank of Canada from C$149.00 to C$141.00 in a research note on Friday, May 26th. Cormark decreased their price objective on shares of Royal Bank of Canada from C$152.00 to C$142.00 in a report on Friday, May 26th. Fundamental Research set a C$134.43 target price on Royal Bank of Canada and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, June 6th. Scotiabank lowered their price objective on Royal Bank of Canada from C$146.00 to C$143.00 in a report on Friday, May 26th. Finally, National Bank Financial lowered their price objective on Royal Bank of Canada from C$142.00 to C$136.00 in a report on Friday, May 26th.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, Director David Ian Mckay sold 4,131 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of C$124.79, for a total transaction of C$515,507.49.

Royal Bank of Canada Price Performance

Shares of RY opened at C$125.23 on Friday. The firms 50 day moving average is C$127.35 and its 200-day moving average is C$130.87. The stock has a market capitalization of C$174.07 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.37, a P/E/G ratio of 4.62 and a beta of 0.77. Royal Bank of Canada has a 12-month low of C$116.75 and a 12-month high of C$140.18.

Royal Bank of Canada (TSE:RY  Get Rating) (NYSE:RY) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, May 25th. The financial services provider reported C$2.65 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C$2.79 by C($0.14). The firm had revenue of C$13.52 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$12.88 billion. Royal Bank of Canada had a net margin of 27.81% and a return on equity of 13.28%. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Royal Bank of Canada will post 11.5114784 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Royal Bank of Canada Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 24th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, July 26th will be paid a $1.35 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, July 25th. This represents a $5.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.31%. This is a positive change from Royal Bank of Canadas previous quarterly dividend of $1.32. Royal Bank of Canadas payout ratio is currently 53.36%.

Royal Bank of Canada Company Profile

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Royal Bank of Canada operates as a diversified financial service company worldwide. The company's Personal & Commercial Banking segment offers checking and savings accounts, home equity financing, personal lending, private banking, indirect lending, including auto financing, mutual funds and self-directed brokerage accounts, guaranteed investment certificates, credit cards, and payment products and solutions; and lending, leasing, deposit, investment, foreign exchange, cash management, auto dealer financing, trade products, and services to small and medium-sized commercial businesses.

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Shares of The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSE:TD  Get Rating) (NYSE:TD) have earned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the ten research firms that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and eight have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month price target among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is C$93.43.

A number of research analysts have issued reports on TD shares. Fundamental Research set a C$99.25 price objective on shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, June 6th. Credit Suisse Group dropped their price target on shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$88.00 to C$85.00 in a research note on Friday, May 26th. CSFB upgraded shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and upped their price target for the stock from C$85.00 to C$88.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 8th. National Bankshares lowered their target price on shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$94.00 to C$90.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, May 26th. Finally, Bank of America lowered their price objective on shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$99.00 to C$90.00 in a research note on Friday, May 26th.

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Toronto-Dominion Bank Trading Up 1.0 %

Shares of TSE:TD opened at C$80.05 on Friday. Toronto-Dominion Bank has a 12 month low of C$76.32 and a 12 month high of C$94.05. The stock has a market cap of C$147.29 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.11, a P/E/G ratio of 1.06 and a beta of 0.84. The company has a 50 day moving average of C$80.61 and a 200 day moving average of C$84.56.

Toronto-Dominion Bank Announces Dividend

Toronto-Dominion Bank ( TSE:TD Get Rating ) (NYSE:TD) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, May 25th. The company reported C$1.94 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C$2.06 by C($0.12). The company had revenue of C$12.37 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$12.29 billion. Toronto-Dominion Bank had a net margin of 30.33% and a return on equity of 13.75%. On average, equities analysts forecast that Toronto-Dominion Bank will post 8.3629783 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 31st. Stockholders of record on Monday, July 10th will be given a dividend of $0.96 per share. This represents a $3.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.80%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, July 7th. Toronto-Dominion Banks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 48.48%.

About Toronto-Dominion Bank

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The Toronto-Dominion Bank, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial products and services in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Canadian Retail, U.S. Retail, and Wholesale Banking. The company offers personal deposits, such as chequing, savings, and investment products; financing, investment, cash management, international trade, and day-to-day banking services to businesses; and financing options to customers at point of sale for automotive and recreational vehicle purchases.

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Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP  Get Rating) (TSE:CP) was the recipient of unusually large options trading on Monday. Stock investors purchased 4,900 put options on the company. This represents an increase of approximately 84% compared to the average volume of 2,662 put options.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Stock Performance

Shares of CP stock opened at $80.35 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $74.81 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.61, a PEG ratio of 2.20 and a beta of 1.02. The stocks 50-day moving average is $79.23 and its two-hundred day moving average is $77.79. Canadian Pacific Kansas City has a fifty-two week low of $65.17 and a fifty-two week high of $83.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, a current ratio of 0.66 and a quick ratio of 0.56.

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Canadian Pacific Kansas City (NYSE:CP  Get Rating) (TSE:CP) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 26th. The transportation company reported $0.63 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.70 by ($0.07). Canadian Pacific Kansas City had a net margin of 40.22% and a return on equity of 9.53%. The company had revenue of $1.68 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.78 billion. Analysts predict that Canadian Pacific Kansas City will post 3.28 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Cuts Dividend

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 31st. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 30th will be paid a $0.141 dividend. This represents a $0.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.70%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 29th. Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys dividend payout ratio is currently 18.54%.

A number of research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a research note on Tuesday, June 6th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. BMO Capital Markets initiated coverage on Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a report on Tuesday, April 18th. They issued an outperform rating on the stock. Argus raised Canadian Pacific Kansas City from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $92.00 price objective on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, May 16th. Finally, Scotiabank upgraded Canadian Pacific Kansas City from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, March 15th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Canadian Pacific Kansas City presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $89.40.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Canadian Pacific Kansas City

A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. DGS Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $200,000. Golden State Equity Partners purchased a new position in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in the first quarter worth about $322,000. Putnam Investments LLC bought a new position in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City during the first quarter valued at about $86,122,000. Arete Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Canadian Pacific Kansas City in the first quarter worth about $207,000. Finally, Abacus Wealth Partners LLC bought a new position in Canadian Pacific Kansas City during the first quarter valued at approximately $236,000. 65.84% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About Canadian Pacific Kansas City

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Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway in Canada and the United States. The company transports bulk commodities, including grain, coal, potash, fertilizers, and sulphur; and merchandise freight, such as energy, chemicals and plastics, metals, minerals and consumer, automotive, and forest products.

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StockNews.com cut shares of Sunstone Hotel Investors (NYSE:SHO  Get Rating) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday.

SHO has been the subject of a number of other reports. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on Sunstone Hotel Investors from $11.50 to $9.50 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, March 30th. Compass Point downgraded Sunstone Hotel Investors from a neutral rating to a sell rating and lowered their target price for the stock from $12.00 to $9.00 in a report on Wednesday, March 22nd. Four analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Sunstone Hotel Investors has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $10.69.

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Sunstone Hotel Investors Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:SHO opened at $9.78 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.03 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.74, a P/E/G ratio of 2.35 and a beta of 1.27. Sunstone Hotel Investors has a 1-year low of $8.60 and a 1-year high of $12.33. The company has a current ratio of 0.55, a quick ratio of 0.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $10.04 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $10.03.

Sunstone Hotel Investors Announces Dividend

Sunstone Hotel Investors ( NYSE:SHO Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, May 5th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.08 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.17 by ($0.09). Sunstone Hotel Investors had a return on equity of 5.22% and a net margin of 9.60%. The firm had revenue of $243.44 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $223.93 million. Equities analysts predict that Sunstone Hotel Investors will post 0.93 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 17th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 30th will be given a dividend of $0.05 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 29th. This represents a $0.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.04%. Sunstone Hotel Investorss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 39.47%.

Institutional Trading of Sunstone Hotel Investors

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. UMB Bank n.a. purchased a new position in shares of Sunstone Hotel Investors in the 4th quarter valued at about $25,000. Lazard Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Sunstone Hotel Investors in the 3rd quarter valued at about $28,000. Advisors Asset Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Sunstone Hotel Investors by 168.4% in the 4th quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 3,065 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 1,923 shares during the last quarter. Wolverine Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Sunstone Hotel Investors in the 4th quarter worth about $37,000. Finally, Tower Research Capital LLC TRC boosted its holdings in Sunstone Hotel Investors by 56.5% in the 1st quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 4,257 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $42,000 after buying an additional 1,537 shares during the last quarter.

Sunstone Hotel Investors Company Profile

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Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc is a lodging real estate investment trust ("REIT") that as of the date of this release owns 15 hotels comprised of 7,735 rooms, the majority of which are operated under nationally recognized brands. Sunstone's strategy is to create long-term stakeholder value through the acquisition, active ownership and disposition of hotels considered to be Long-Term Relevant Real Estate.

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StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Core Laboratories (NYSE:CLB  Get Rating) in a report published on Tuesday morning. The brokerage issued a hold rating on the oil and gas companys stock.

A number of other brokerages also recently weighed in on CLB. Piper Sandler lifted their target price on Core Laboratories from $18.00 to $19.00 in a report on Monday, May 1st. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on Core Laboratories from $24.00 to $25.00 in a report on Friday, April 28th. Finally, Bank of America downgraded Core Laboratories from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and set a $21.50 target price for the company. in a report on Tuesday, April 18th. They noted that the move was a valuation call.

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Core Laboratories Stock Up 4.0 %

CLB stock opened at $23.71 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.90, a current ratio of 2.38 and a quick ratio of 1.68. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 47.42, a PEG ratio of 0.83 and a beta of 2.67. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $22.52 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $22.58. Core Laboratories has a fifty-two week low of $13.19 and a fifty-two week high of $26.80.

Core Laboratories Announces Dividend

Core Laboratories ( NYSE:CLB Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 26th. The oil and gas company reported $0.08 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.14 by ($0.06). Core Laboratories had a return on equity of 15.23% and a net margin of 4.72%. The company had revenue of $128.36 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $126.26 million. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Core Laboratories will post 0.56 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, May 30th. Investors of record on Monday, May 8th were issued a dividend of $0.01 per share. This represents a $0.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.17%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, May 5th. Core Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio is presently 8.00%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Core Laboratories

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of CLB. California State Teachers Retirement System increased its position in Core Laboratories by 1.2% during the 1st quarter. California State Teachers Retirement System now owns 39,608 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,253,000 after buying an additional 481 shares in the last quarter. Arizona State Retirement System increased its position in Core Laboratories by 3.9% during the 4th quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 13,071 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $265,000 after buying an additional 487 shares in the last quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can increased its position in Core Laboratories by 1.1% during the 1st quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 57,142 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,260,000 after buying an additional 626 shares in the last quarter. US Bancorp DE increased its holdings in shares of Core Laboratories by 15.3% in the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 5,945 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $188,000 after purchasing an additional 790 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Graham Capital Management L.P. increased its holdings in shares of Core Laboratories by 2.8% in the 1st quarter. Graham Capital Management L.P. now owns 39,269 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $866,000 after purchasing an additional 1,078 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 97.63% of the companys stock.

About Core Laboratories

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Core Laboratories Inc provides reservoir description and production enhancement services and products to the oil and gas industry in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates through Reservoir Description and Production Enhancement segments. The Reservoir Description segment includes the characterization of petroleum reservoir rock, reservoir fluid, and gas samples to enhance production and improve recovery of oil and gas from its clients' reservoirs.

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Amplify Energy Corp. (NYSE:AMPY  Get Rating) CAO Eric Edward Dulany sold 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, June 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $6.45, for a total value of $19,350.00. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 10,643 shares of the companys stock, valued at $68,647.35. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink.

Amplify Energy Trading Down 1.1 %

AMPY stock opened at $6.46 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $251.55 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 and a beta of 2.40. The company has a quick ratio of 0.85, a current ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $6.91 and a 200-day simple moving average of $7.65. Amplify Energy Corp. has a 52 week low of $5.49 and a 52 week high of $10.38.

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Amplify Energy (NYSE:AMPY  Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 3rd. The company reported ($0.06) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.03 by ($0.09). The firm had revenue of $79.87 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $63.79 million. Amplify Energy had a return on equity of 186.60% and a net margin of 103.74%. On average, equities research analysts expect that Amplify Energy Corp. will post 1.05 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Trading of Amplify Energy

About Amplify Energy

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Credit Suisse AG acquired a new stake in Amplify Energy in the 2nd quarter valued at $40,000. UBS Group AG increased its holdings in Amplify Energy by 98.7% in the 4th quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 7,240 shares of the companys stock valued at $64,000 after purchasing an additional 3,596 shares in the last quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC increased its holdings in Amplify Energy by 5,797.4% in the 1st quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 9,082 shares of the companys stock valued at $62,000 after purchasing an additional 8,928 shares in the last quarter. Simplicity Solutions LLC acquired a new stake in Amplify Energy in the 1st quarter valued at $69,000. Finally, Martingale Asset Management L P acquired a new stake in Amplify Energy in the 3rd quarter valued at $75,000. 40.63% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

(Get Rating)

Amplify Energy Corp., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, development, exploitation, and production of oil and natural gas properties in the United States. The company's properties consist of operated and non-operated working interests in producing and undeveloped leasehold acreage, as well as working interests in identified producing wells located in Oklahoma, the Rockies, federal waters offshore Southern California, East Texas/North Louisiana, and Eagle Ford.

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Malayan Banking Berhad (OTCMKTS:MLYBY  Get Rating) is one of 276 public companies in the BanksRegional industry, but how does it contrast to its peers? We will compare Malayan Banking Berhad to similar businesses based on the strength of its risk, profitability, earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, dividends and valuation.

Dividends

Malayan Banking Berhad pays an annual dividend of $0.23 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.7%. Malayan Banking Berhad pays out 15.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, BanksRegional companies pay a dividend yield of 13.1% and pay out 18.7% of their earnings in the form of a dividend.

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Profitability

This table compares Malayan Banking Berhad and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Malayan Banking Berhad N/A N/A N/A Malayan Banking Berhad Competitors 33.04% 10.50% 0.91%

Analyst Recommendations

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Malayan Banking Berhad 0 0 0 0 N/A Malayan Banking Berhad Competitors 1028 3025 2984 10 2.28

This is a breakdown of recent ratings for Malayan Banking Berhad and its peers, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

As a group, BanksRegional companies have a potential upside of 316.87%. Given Malayan Banking Berhads peers higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Malayan Banking Berhad has less favorable growth aspects than its peers.

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Malayan Banking Berhad and its peers gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Malayan Banking Berhad N/A N/A 2.77 Malayan Banking Berhad Competitors $1.88 billion $486.91 million 251.74

Malayan Banking Berhads peers have higher revenue and earnings than Malayan Banking Berhad. Malayan Banking Berhad 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.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

0.1% of Malayan Banking Berhad shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 31.6% of shares of all BanksRegional companies are held by institutional investors. 16.1% of shares of all BanksRegional companies are held by company insiders. 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.

Summary

Malayan Banking Berhad peers beat Malayan Banking Berhad on 9 of the 10 factors compared.

About Malayan Banking Berhad

(Get Rating)

Malayan Banking Berhad provides commercial banking and related financial products and services for individuals, small and medium enterprises, retail and corporate customers, and financial institutions primarily in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. The company operates through three segments: Group Community Financial Services, Group Global Banking, and Group Insurance and Takaful. It offers savings and fixed deposits, and current accounts; and housing and personal loans, project financing, overdrafts, and trade financing, as well as remittance services. The company also offers credit cards; bancassurance products; hire purchase, unit trust, cash management, custodian, and trustee services; and treasury activities and services, including foreign exchange, money market, derivatives, and trading of capital market. In addition, it provides investment banking and securities broking services; corporate advisory, bond and equity issuance, syndicated acquisition advisory, debt restructuring advisory, and share and futures dealings; and asset and fund management services, including a range of conventional and Islamic investment solutions. Further, the company underwrites general and life insurance businesses, offshore investment life insurance business, and general and family takaful products; and offers offshore banking, bureau, property leasing and trading, nominee, property investment, business/economic consultancy and advisory, IT shared and development, financial and investment advisory, money lending, private equity investments, research, and leasing and factoring services. Malayan Banking Berhad was incorporated in 1960 and is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

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Cochlear (OTCMKTS:CHEOF  Get Rating) is one of 121 public companies in the Medical Devices industry, but how does it contrast to its competitors? We will compare Cochlear to similar businesses based on the strength of its profitability, institutional ownership, dividends, risk, valuation, analyst recommendations and earnings.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of recent recommendations for Cochlear and its competitors, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Cochlear 0 0 0 0 N/A Cochlear Competitors 206 924 1203 68 2.47

As a group, Medical Devices companies have a potential upside of 46.74%. Given Cochlears competitors higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Cochlear has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors.

Dividends

Institutional and Insider Ownership

Cochlear pays an annual dividend of $1.27 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.8%. Cochlear pays out 77.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. As a group, Medical Devices companies pay a dividend yield of 2.2% and pay out 405.1% of their earnings in the form of a dividend.

22.5% of Cochlear shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 29.4% of shares of all Medical Devices companies are owned by institutional investors. 25.9% of shares of all Medical Devices companies are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Profitability

This table compares Cochlear and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Cochlear N/A N/A N/A Cochlear Competitors -47.84% -31.92% -11.12%

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Cochlear and its competitors top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Cochlear N/A N/A 92.50 Cochlear Competitors $611.17 million $22.99 million 149.93

Cochlears competitors have higher revenue and earnings than Cochlear. Cochlear 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.

Summary

Cochlear competitors beat Cochlear on 6 of the 10 factors compared.

Cochlear Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Cochlear Limited provides implantable hearing solutions for children and adults worldwide. It offers cochlear implant systems, sound processor upgrades, bone conduction systems, accessories, and other products. The company was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Sydney, Australia.

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When a single insider purchases stock, it is typically not a major deal. However, when multiple insiders purchase stock, like in Aviat Networks, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:AVNW) instance, it's good news for shareholders.

While we would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing, logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares.

View our latest analysis for Aviat Networks

Aviat Networks Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

In the last twelve months, the biggest single purchase by an insider was when President Peter Smith bought US$50k worth of shares at a price of US$32.39 per share. That means that even when the share price was higher than US$31.72 (the recent price), an insider wanted to purchase shares. It's very possible they regret the purchase, but it's more likely they are bullish about the company. To us, it's very important to consider the price insiders pay for shares. As a general rule, we feel more positive about a stock if insiders have bought shares at above current prices, because that suggests they viewed the stock as good value, even at a higher price. Notably Peter Smith was also the biggest seller.

In the last twelve months insiders purchased 3.05k shares for US$96k. But they sold 2.41k shares for US$62k. Overall, Aviat Networks insiders were net buyers during the last year. You can see the insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

There are always plenty of stocks that insiders are buying. So if that suits your style you could check each stock one by one or you could take a look at this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them).

Insiders At Aviat Networks Have Bought Stock Recently

Over the last three months, we've seen a bit of insider buying at Aviat Networks. President Peter Smith purchased US$30k worth of shares in that period. It's good to see the insider buying, as well as the lack of recent sellers. But in this case the amount purchased means the recent transaction may not be very meaningful on its own.

Insider Ownership Of Aviat Networks

Another way to test the alignment between the leaders of a company and other shareholders is to look at how many shares they own. Usually, the higher the insider ownership, the more likely it is that insiders will be incentivised to build the company for the long term. Aviat Networks insiders own about US$14m worth of shares. That equates to 3.8% of the company. This level of insider ownership is good but just short of being particularly stand-out. It certainly does suggest a reasonable degree of alignment.

So What Do The Aviat Networks Insider Transactions Indicate?

Insider purchases may have been minimal, in the last three months, but there was no selling at all. Overall the buying isn't worth writing home about. However, our analysis of transactions over the last year is heartening. Overall we don't see anything to make us think Aviat Networks insiders are doubting the company, and they do own shares. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing Aviat Networks. You'd be interested to know, that we found 2 warning signs for Aviat Networks and we suggest you have a look.

Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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Home Federal Bank of Tennessee cut its stake in shares of Chevron Co. (NYSE:CVX  Get Rating) by 2.3% in the first quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 13,315 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 314 shares during the quarter. Chevron accounts for approximately 0.8% of Home Federal Bank of Tennessees holdings, making the stock its 20th biggest holding. Home Federal Bank of Tennessees holdings in Chevron were worth $2,172,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in CVX. Cantor Fitzgerald Investment Advisor L.P grew its stake in shares of Chevron by 85.1% during the first quarter. Cantor Fitzgerald Investment Advisor L.P now owns 159,115 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $25,908,000 after purchasing an additional 73,141 shares during the period. Axiom Financial Strategies LLC grew its stake in Chevron by 25.2% in the first quarter. Axiom Financial Strategies LLC now owns 7,335 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,155,000 after acquiring an additional 1,476 shares during the period. GQG Partners LLC increased its holdings in shares of Chevron by 4.7% in the first quarter. GQG Partners LLC now owns 40,538 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $6,598,000 after acquiring an additional 1,813 shares in the last quarter. Lumature Wealth Partners LLC increased its holdings in shares of Chevron by 43.5% in the first quarter. Lumature Wealth Partners LLC now owns 5,837 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $950,000 after acquiring an additional 1,770 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Trust Advisors LP increased its holdings in shares of Chevron by 13.8% in the first quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 2,068,600 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $336,830,000 after acquiring an additional 250,840 shares in the last quarter. 69.65% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Chevron Stock Performance

NYSE:CVX opened at $153.53 on Wednesday. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $158.26 and a 200 day simple moving average of $165.35. Chevron Co. has a 1-year low of $132.54 and a 1-year high of $189.68. The company has a current ratio of 1.43, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. The stock has a market cap of $290.88 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.29, a PEG ratio of 0.78 and a beta of 1.17.

Chevron Dividend Announcement

Chevron ( NYSE:CVX Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, April 28th. The oil and gas company reported $3.55 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.41 by $0.14. Chevron had a return on equity of 23.15% and a net margin of 14.74%. The firm had revenue of $50.79 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $49.49 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $3.36 EPS. The companys revenue was down 6.6% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts anticipate that Chevron Co. will post 13.83 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 12th. Shareholders of record on Friday, May 19th were paid a dividend of $1.51 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, May 18th. This represents a $6.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.93%. Chevrons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 32.61%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts have issued reports on the company. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Chevron in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Royal Bank of Canada upgraded Chevron from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and increased their price target for the stock from $165.00 to $180.00 in a report on Thursday, June 1st. Mizuho lowered their price target on Chevron from $206.00 to $196.00 in a report on Friday, May 19th. Piper Sandler lowered their price target on Chevron from $196.00 to $188.00 in a report on Tuesday, June 13th. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on Chevron from $192.00 to $198.00 in a report on Tuesday, May 23rd. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $191.68.

Chevron Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Chevron Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the integrated energy and chemicals operations in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Upstream and Downstream. The Upstream segment is involved in the exploration, development, production, and transportation of crude oil and natural gas; liquefaction, transportation, and regasification associated with liquefied natural gas; transportation of crude oil through pipelines; and processing, transportation, storage, and marketing of natural gas, as well as a gas-to-liquids plant.

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Trust Co. of Oklahoma lessened its position in shares of Chevron Co. (NYSE:CVX  Get Rating) by 0.5% during the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 15,945 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 78 shares during the quarter. Chevron comprises 1.0% of Trust Co. of Oklahomas investment portfolio, making the stock its 26th biggest holding. Trust Co. of Oklahomas holdings in Chevron were worth $2,602,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. West Bancorporation Inc. grew its stake in shares of Chevron by 9.5% in the 1st quarter. West Bancorporation Inc. now owns 2,303 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $376,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Chevron by 10.6% in the 1st quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 537,889 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $87,762,000 after purchasing an additional 51,628 shares during the last quarter. MCIA Inc grew its stake in shares of Chevron by 4.5% in the 1st quarter. MCIA Inc now owns 15,179 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $2,612,000 after purchasing an additional 654 shares during the last quarter. Strong Tower Advisory Services grew its stake in shares of Chevron by 1.8% in the 1st quarter. Strong Tower Advisory Services now owns 7,504 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,224,000 after purchasing an additional 130 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Transform Wealth LLC grew its stake in shares of Chevron by 29.2% in the 1st quarter. Transform Wealth LLC now owns 104,867 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $17,110,000 after purchasing an additional 23,714 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 69.65% of the companys stock.

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Chevron Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:CVX opened at $153.53 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $290.88 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.29, a P/E/G ratio of 0.78 and a beta of 1.17. The company has a quick ratio of 1.16, a current ratio of 1.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. Chevron Co. has a 52 week low of $132.54 and a 52 week high of $189.68. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $158.26 and a 200-day simple moving average of $165.35.

Chevron Dividend Announcement

Chevron ( NYSE:CVX Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, April 28th. The oil and gas company reported $3.55 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.41 by $0.14. The business had revenue of $50.79 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $49.49 billion. Chevron had a return on equity of 23.15% and a net margin of 14.74%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 6.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $3.36 earnings per share. Equities research analysts forecast that Chevron Co. will post 13.83 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 12th. Shareholders of record on Friday, May 19th were given a dividend of $1.51 per share. This represents a $6.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.93%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, May 18th. Chevrons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 32.61%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research analysts have weighed in on the company. Raymond James lowered their target price on Chevron from $212.00 to $208.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, April 14th. HSBC raised Chevron from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $189.00 price target for the company in a report on Tuesday, May 23rd. Scotiabank raised Chevron from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating and raised their price target for the company from $195.00 to $200.00 in a report on Thursday, April 13th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price target on Chevron from $204.00 to $199.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, March 2nd. Finally, Truist Financial reduced their price target on Chevron from $193.00 to $190.00 in a report on Monday, May 1st. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Chevron has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $191.68.

Chevron Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Chevron Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the integrated energy and chemicals operations in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Upstream and Downstream. The Upstream segment is involved in the exploration, development, production, and transportation of crude oil and natural gas; liquefaction, transportation, and regasification associated with liquefied natural gas; transportation of crude oil through pipelines; and processing, transportation, storage, and marketing of natural gas, as well as a gas-to-liquids plant.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CVX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Chevron Co. (NYSE:CVX  Get Rating).

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Financial Insights Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWM  Get Rating) by 10.6% during the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 2,229 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 213 shares during the period. Financial Insights Inc.s holdings in iShares Russell 2000 ETF were worth $398,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Miller Investment Management LP acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF in the 4th quarter valued at $16,055,000. First Manhattan Co. lifted its position in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 21.0% during the 3rd quarter. First Manhattan Co. now owns 1,026 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $169,000 after buying an additional 178 shares in the last quarter. Capital Analysts LLC lifted its position in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 88.7% during the 4th quarter. Capital Analysts LLC now owns 402 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $70,000 after buying an additional 189 shares in the last quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC lifted its position in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 214.6% during the 4th quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 17,172 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,994,000 after buying an additional 11,714 shares in the last quarter. Finally, USAdvisors Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 35.1% during the 4th quarter. USAdvisors Wealth Management LLC now owns 13,935 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,430,000 after buying an additional 3,621 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.87% of the companys stock.

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iShares Russell 2000 ETF Trading Up 1.4 %

Shares of NYSEARCA IWM opened at $183.36 on Wednesday. iShares Russell 2000 ETF has a 12-month low of $162.50 and a 12-month high of $201.99. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $178.32 and its 200 day simple moving average is $180.49.

iShares Russell 2000 ETF Profile

iShares Russell 2000 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell 2000 Index (the Index). The Index is a float-adjusted capitalization weighted index that measures the performance of the small-capitalization sector of the United States equity market and includes securities issued by the approximately 2,000 smallest issuers in the Russell 3000 Index.

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(Bloomberg) -- Innoviti Technologies Pvt Ltd. is weighing a new funding round that could value the Indian fintech startup at around $350 million, according to people familiar with the matter.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The startup, backed by Infosys Ltd. billionaire founder Narayana Murthys venture capital fund Catamaran Ventures, is looking to raise around $25 million in a round, the people said. Some of Innovitis early investors could also tag along and sell shares worth about $25 million, said one of the people, who asked not to be identified as the information is private.

Innoviti plans to use the new capital for adding more customer segments and expanding its lending business with new products, the person said. Considerations are at an early stage and details of the fundraising plan could still change, the people said. A representative for Innoviti declined to comment.

The Indian firm is looking for fresh funds at a time when some of the countrys most iconic startups are in turmoil. Byjus, the education-technology company that lost its auditor and three board members in one week, has been trying to assure investors that the company will finally release its long-delayed financials and strengthen its accounting processes. Other prominent startups that have recently been entangled in scandal include fintech firm BharatPe, which sued its co-founder and his wife for allegedly embezzling and misusing company money.

Read More: Turmoil at Byjus Highlights Hurdles for India Startup Scene

Founded in 2002, Innoviti processes more than $10 billion of purchases annually from customers in over 2,000 cities, its website shows. It was among the first digital lending platforms in India to provide short-term working capital for small or family-owned merchants. Its investors also include Bessemer Venture Partners and Netherlands state development bank FMO.

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2023 Bloomberg L.P.
It hasn't been the best quarter for Formosa Prosonic Industries Berhad (KLSE:FPI) shareholders, since the share price has fallen 20% in that time. On the bright side the returns have been quite good over the last half decade. After all, the share price is up a market-beating 81% in that time.

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 Formosa Prosonic Industries Berhad

To quote Buffett, 'Ships will sail around the world but the Flat Earth Society will flourish. There will continue to be wide discrepancies between price and value in the marketplace...' One imperfect but simple way to consider how the market perception of a company has shifted is to compare the change in the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price movement.

During five years of share price growth, Formosa Prosonic Industries Berhad achieved compound earnings per share (EPS) growth of 19% per year. The EPS growth is more impressive than the yearly share price gain of 13% over the same period. Therefore, it seems the market has become relatively pessimistic about the company. The reasonably low P/E ratio of 6.39 also suggests market apprehension.

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

Before buying or selling a stock, we always recommend a close examination of historic growth trends, available here.

What About Dividends?

When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return. The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. In the case of Formosa Prosonic Industries Berhad, it has a TSR of 147% for the last 5 years. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return.

A Different Perspective

While the broader market gained around 2.5% in the last year, Formosa Prosonic Industries Berhad shareholders lost 7.4% (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 20%, 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. For instance, we've identified 1 warning sign for Formosa Prosonic Industries Berhad that you should be aware of.

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

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

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- It's never too early to start planning for college and four National Heritage Academies (NHA) scholars got a surprise jump-start by earning a $5,000 CollegeBound Scholarship.

National Heritage Academies (PRNewsfoto/National Heritage Academies)

These four rising scholars received the award through the NHA CollegeBound Scholarship program. This year's winners are:

- Ginger Florida, Chandler Woods Charter Academy (Belmont, Mich.)

- Selena Nguyen, Vanguard Charter Academy (Wyoming, Mich.)

- Benjamin Rodriguez, Keystone Academy (Belleville, Mich.)

- Sayan Shah, Plymouth Scholars Charter Academy (Plymouth, Mich.)

Courage and perseverance were commonalities among the essays of the four winners. These scholars shared stories of overcoming adversity and personal challenges on their way to flourishing in school. These are two nouns of nine Moral Focus virtues that make up the character-based approach to learning for scholars at NHA partner schools.

"I am thrilled to congratulate this year's class of CollegeBound Scholarship winners," NHA President and CEO Brian Britton said. "I'm inspired hearing these scholars' stories of perseverance and courage. Seeing our educators encourage these tremendous young minds is what we strive to achieve each and every day through our mission to transform lives."

The CollegeBound Scholarship Program is managed by an independent program administrator. Scholarship considerations include academic performance, community involvement, and a written essay. Through the application process, scholars can share about the experiences that have shaped them and the people who have influenced their lives  from community service to the real-world application of Moral Focus virtues to defining moments in the decision to pursue a STEM-based education.

Funding for the scholarship is provided through NHA employee contributions, people who believe in NHA's mission to help every child achieve their dreams.

About National Heritage Academies:

National Heritage Academies (NHA) is a network of 100 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.

Cision

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SOURCE National Heritage Academies
RTE is bidding against itself in the fees it pays its highest earners, the chairwoman of the broadcasters board has said.

Siun Ni Raghallaigh had been asked by the Oireachtas Media Committee whether anybody at RTE should be paid more than the Taoiseach.

While the Taoiseach is currently paid just over 217,000 euro a year, presenter Ryan Tubridy was revealed to have been paid 515,000 euro in both 2022 and 2021.

The published figure before last week was an annual fee of 440,000 euro.

Livelines Joe Duffy is the second highest RTE earner, on 351,000 euro, and radio presenter Claire Byrne is on 280,000 euro.

When asked about RTE fees and salaries being higher than that of Irelands premier, Ms Ni Raghallaigh said: I said it earlier that my opinion is that RTE is bidding against itself in the market and thats part of the culture as well, maybe that applied at some point in time, but thats not the way the market is working  I think we all know that.

And therefore the market will decide, but RTE has to act in relation to that and identify the influence that they have in the marketplace in that sense, and so that in itself would determine the level in the market.

RTE interim director general Adrian Lynch also confirmed that RTE would be prepared to publish details of Patrick Kieltys salary as the new Late Late Show host, if the Co Down-born comedian was happy with it.

Ms Ni Raghallaigh said the pay deal relating to Kielty has yet to come before the boards remuneration committee.

The deal was agreed with the chief financial officer.

On Wednesday evening, RTE News reported that Kielty wants to make his fee for presenting The Late Late Show public once it goes through the appropriate processes.
[June 28, 2023] Genesys Recognizes Winners of 18th Annual Customer Innovation Awards Leading brands honored for inspiring loyalty and orchestrating people-centered experiences powered by AI, digital and cloud technologies SAN FRANCISCO, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Genesys, a global cloud leader in AI-powered experience orchestration, announced the winners of its 18th annual Customer Innovation Awards, including leading brands across the health care, banking, travel, government, publishing and technology industries. Genesys recognizes these organizations for transforming their customer and employee experiences with artificial intelligence (AI), cloud and digital technologies. The 2023 winners include: Aeromexico  CX Achiever: Most innovative CX and EX strategy Aeromexico, one of Mexico's largest airlines, ran its previous contact center operations on-premises. Without a unified solution, the airline had little access to real-time data and limited ability to understand the customer experience, regulate call flow and manage staff schedules. Aeromexico soared to new heights with the Genesys Cloud CX platform, leveraging its built-in workforce engagement management (WEM) as well as interactive voice response (IVR) self-service for payment and callback capabilities to provide richer and more personalized customer and employee experiences. The company's cloud evolution resulted in more organic interactions with a 61% increase year-over-year in customer satisfaction scores, 20% decrease in employee turnover, 13% increase in staff productivity and 75% decrease in abandonment rate. Somerset Council  CX Innovator (SMB and Midsize): Most successful innovation With an objective to put the needs of its residents first, Somerset Council wanted to standardize its fragmented contact centers to provide more effective service. The UK-based government organization implemented Genesys Cloud CX and is using the platform's digital innovations to support existing channels (voice, email, web messenger and social media). It also deployed AI-powered Genesys voicebots to route residents quickly and empathetically to the solutions they desire. Now, multiple locations operate as a single contact center, resulting in 90% of calls being routed correctly because of bot identification, a 50% decrease in abandoned calls, the delivery of more fluid experiences and lower costs. BAC Credomatic  CX Innovator (Enterprise): Most successful innovation Headquartered in Costa Rica, BAC Credomatic is one of the largest banks in Central America. Challenged with an outdated infrastructure and disconnected customer support team, the company experienced long wait times and low-quality service. The bank transformed its operations withGenesys Cloud CX, with the goal of knowing and understanding its customers to provide differentiated services. BAC Credomatic integrated capabilities, such as customer relationship management, digital bots and solutions from the Genesys AppFoundry Marketplace, to improve its customer experience and increase team productivity. After switching to Genesys, the bank has significantly improved response times, increased quality of service and access to real-time data with a 58% drop in call volumes and generated $4 million in inbound sales in only three months.





Siemens Healthineers and Cognizant  CX Mover (Partner Implementation): Best cloud implementation Siemens Healthineers is a leading medical technology company that serves customers in more than 70 countries and handles more than 5 million inbound and outbound calls annually. The company had the opportunity to consolidate multiple solutions that lacked a modern and consistent customer experience. The business completely overhauled its global contact center operations with the help of Cognizant, a Genesys partner, and implemented Genesys Cloud CX to transform customer interactions into a seamless omnichannel experience. In two years, Siemens Healthineers migrated more than 4,000 agents across 42 countries, reduced global IT costs by 30%, saw an 18% increase in answer rate and experienced a 20% increase in cross-sell and up-sell revenues. Thomson Reuters  CX Mover (PS Implementation): Best cloud implementation Thomson Reuters, the trusted content and technology company, began a strategic transformation in 2022 to enhance its customer experience by replacing an on-premises system with Genesys Cloud CX. The platform was successfully deployed across eight countries in five languages and 20 lines of business  90 days ahead of schedule. It has reduced its average speed to answer by 35% and the company was able to retire six legacy systems. Unisys  CX Mover (Self Implementation): Best cloud implementation Unisys, a global technology solutions company, is dedicated to helping organizations drive innovation and reach the next breakthrough. The Unisys contact center environment provides technology support (help desk), service requests and business process outsourcing, as well as frontline dispatch (field services); it handles tens of millions of interactions annually. To address what matters most to its clients' users, Unisys reimagined its customer journey by partnering with Genesys. Together with the Unisys suite of AI-powered proactive resolution tools, Genesys Cloud CX allows the Unisys team to focus on elevating customer and agent experiences with a simplified pricing structure and less attention on system administration and support. During its five-month implementation, Unisys was able to eliminate seven legacy platforms and migrate approximately 100 client organizations from across 12 global locations. Since its migration to Genesys Cloud CX, Unisys is leveraging the platform's Agent Assist solution to accelerate contact handling and improve bot integration with existing AI chatbots. The business now makes more than 3 million monthly API calls with an expected lifetime savings of $2 million. AdaptHealth Corp.  EX Mobilizer: Best example of optimizing and improving team engagement AdaptHealth is a nationwide, full-service home medical equipment company offering products and services to empower patients to live their best lives  out of the hospital and in their homes. Before switching to Genesys Cloud CX, the company's technologies were disconnected and lacked the feature-rich capabilities needed to effectively foster team unity and engagement. Understanding staffing demand was also difficult without full insight into its contact center data. After implementing Genesys Workforce Engagement Management solutions, AdaptHealth leveraged forecast models to anticipate issues and determine whether changes or agent additions were necessary. The company is also using gamification to improve the agent experience and build camaraderie within its teams. Almost immediately after bringing workforce management online, AdaptHealth realized a 60% improvement in agent productivity, 96% average agent quality scores, service-level increases, reduced abandons and decreased average handle time. About Genesys Every year, Genesys orchestrates billions of remarkable customer experiences for organizations in more than 100 countries. Through the power of our cloud, digital and AI technologies, organizations can realize Experience as a Service, our vision for empathetic customer experiences at scale. With Genesys, organizations have the power to deliver proactive, predictive, and hyper-personalized experiences to deepen their customer connection across every marketing, sales and service moment on any channel, while also improving employee productivity and engagement. By transforming back-office technology into a modern revenue velocity engine, Genesys enables true intimacy at scale to foster customer trust and loyalty. Visit www.genesys.com. 2023 Genesys. All rights reserved. Genesys, the Genesys logo, Genesys Cloud CX, Genesys Cloud EX, GCXNow and Experience as a Service are trademarks, service marks and/or registered trademarks of Genesys. All other company names and logos may be registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies. Media Contacts: Lauren Thompson, Genesys

[email protected]

+1 505.633.5917 Method Communications

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[June 28, 2023] OSLN Offers Learning Blade Platform to Help Ohio Teachers Educate Students on STEM Careers Tweet

For the upcoming school year, Ohio educators can access Learning Blade, the online STEM and Computer Science career platform, to inspire students to pursue high-demand careers. Free access to the platform is provided through the Ohio STEM Learning Network. Battelle manages the Ohio STEM Learning Network as a public-private partnership with the State of Ohio as part of the company's commitment to preparing the next generation of innovators. "Quality STEM education is essential for advancing the future of Ohio and offering Learning Blade helps students to pursue STEM careers," said Kelly Gaier Evans, Director of the Ohio STEM Learning Network. "Through engaging lessons and real-world scenarios, teachers using Learning Blade will ignite curiosity, foster critical thinking, and connect learning to STEM workforce needs in our state." Learning Blade is accessible to all Ohio educators at no cost and will remain available throughout the 2023-2024 school year. The platform offers engaging lessons and teacher guides aligned with Ohio's academic standards, designed for students in grades 5-9. Using real-life situations and missions, Learning Blade introduces students to a wide range of STEM and Computer Science careers.



"Working with the Ohio STEM Learning Network to provide Learning Blade to Ohio schools will foster student engagement and prepare them for the challenges of future careers," said Sheila Boyington, Co-Founder of Learning Blade. "We look forward to empowering Ohio's students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the 21st century." Ohio educators can access Learning Blade by visiting https://osln.org/learning-blade.

About the Ohio STEM Learning Network The Ohio STEM Learning Network is dedicated to inspiring and training the next generation of innovative leaders The network is driven by a vision that every Ohio community should have access to quality science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education to drive Ohio's economic future. It operates as a partnership between the State of Ohio and Battelle. About Battelle Battelle is a global science and technology organization that applies its expertise to address critical challenges. With major technology centers and national laboratories worldwide, Battelle conducts research and development, manufactures products, and delivers essential services for both government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since 1929, Battelle serves various industries, including national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environment. For more information, please visit www.battelle.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628249503/en/

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[June 27, 2023] Striim announces streaming integration platform for Snowflake to enable industry adoption of real-time data Tweet

LAS VEGAS, June 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Striim, Inc. announced at Snowflakes annual user conference, Snowflake Summit 2023, cutting-edge performance for its streaming engine to unify data in Snowflake as both a fully managed service and a distributed self-hosted offering. In an internal benchmark, running on an Amazon EC2 M6i.2xlarge instance with 8 vCPUs and 32G RAM, Striim was successfully able to scale to terabytes/day of operational data moving to Snowflake with latency in seconds. Striim uniquely combines low latency change data capture from mission-critical databases  such as Oracle, SQLServer, PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, and others  with a scalable streaming SQL engine to process and deliver data to Snowflake in real-time leveraging Snowpipe Streaming. Striim was an early Beta partner working with the Snowflake product teams to implement Snowpipe Streaming. The new streaming interface is enabled using a simple drag-and-drop SnowflakeWriter in Striims UI, with a built-in OOTB Router component to scale across thousands of schemas.

Cutting-edge enterprises like Ciena, a global leader in networking systems, software, and services, leverage Striim to accelerate its digital transformation efforts on Snowflake by moving data across disparate systems to Snowflake in real time. Ciena will be joining Striim Co-founder and Executive Vice President of Engineering and Products, Alok Pareek, at the Snowflake Summit in Las Vegas from June 26th-29th to discuss their success. We chose Striim to stream real-time events from our multiple internal systems. We are pleased with our decision as it has proven to support the scale and volume of data we operate. Striim's capabilities have been crucial in managing our data effectively, says Sudeep Kumar, Global Head of Enterprise Data & Analytics at Ciena. The combined speed of Striims data ingestion and Snowflakes analytical capabilities gives Ciena a clear and distinct competitive advantage. Ciena estimates that Striim moves up to 100 million events in real time to Snwflake every 24 hours, across systems that manage sales, manufacturing, accounting, and dozens of other crucial business functions.



The smart data pipeline automatically creates schemas on Snowflake and coordinates both batch historical loads and streaming CDC workloads while providing ongoing observability of pipelines to maintain fast data delivery SLAs within the enterprise. With Striims data streaming capabilities, our joint customers benefit by unifying data in Snowflake to build a real-time source of truth at a massive scale, said Tarik Dwiek, Head of Technology Alliances at Snowflake. Using Striim for Snowflake, customers have access to an innovative UX and full automation to start streaming data into Snowflake with a matter of clicks.

Enterprises can no longer be market leaders with batch-based integration. Real-time data provides the competitive edge in customer care and operational efficiency so that businesses can make the right decisions at the right time, said Alok Pareek, Co-founder and Executive Vice President of Engineering and Products at Striim. Our customers are increasingly using the Snowflake Data Cloud for their data analytics needs. We have designed Striim for Snowflake for high-performance, lower-cost operational ease, simplicity, scalability, and resiliency so our customers can quickly and easily extract business value from their data. Rajesh Raju from Ciena is speaking with Dharmesh Patel, Senior Sales Engineer at Snowflake about the Snowflake Journey at Ciena this week. To learn more about how Ciena streams up to 100 million events daily with Striim, visit Striim at booth 1741 at the Snowflake Summit in Las Vegas from June 26-29. Be sure to check out the Snowflake Summit 2023 keynotes live or on-demand here and stay on top of the latest news and announcements from Snowflake on LinkedIn and Twitter. Additional Resources Ciena will be joining Striim Co-founder and Executive Vice President of Engineering and Products, Alok Pareek, at the Snowflake Summit in Las Vegas from June 26th-29th to discuss their success.

For a deeper look into Cienas digital transformation journey with Striim, read the full case study here: https://www.striim.com/case-study/ciena/

See how Snowflake is helping its other customers transform their businesses: https://www.snowflake.com/en/why-snowflake/customers/

About Striim Striim, Inc. is the only supplier of unified, real-time data streaming and integration for analytics and operations in the Digital Economy. Striim Platform and Striim Cloud make it easy to continuously ingest, process, and deliver high volumes of real-time data from diverse sources (both on-premises or in the cloud) to support multi- and hybrid cloud infrastructure. Striim collects data in real time from enterprise databases (using non-intrusive change data capture), log files, messaging systems, and sensors, and delivers it to virtually any target on-premises or in the cloud with sub-second latency enabling real-time operations and analytics. For more information, visit www.striim.com, read our blog at www.striim.com/blog, follow @striimteam, or download the Striim platform. Media Contact: Dianna Spring (650) 241-0680 ext. 354 [email protected]



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[June 27, 2023] SqlDBM Attends the 2023 Data + AI Summit by Databricks Tweet

SqlDBM, a leading provider of database modeling and metadata management solutions, is proud to announce its sponsorship and attendance of the 2023 Data + AI Summit, which will be held at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, CA. SqlDBM will be sponsoring and attending the entire conference, from June 26th to June 29, 2023. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230627435702/en/ The Data + AI Summit is renowned for its comprehensive program, featuring engaging sessions, workshops, and keynote presentations. Attendees will gain valuable insights into cutting-edge technologies, data engineering, machine learning, and advanced analytics. This summit provides a unique platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and discovering innovative solutions that drive business success in the data-driven era. SqlDBM's participation at Data + AI Summit underscores the company's commitment to revolutionizing data modeling and empowering organizationswith intuitive tools for efficient database design. SqlDBM offers a cloud-based platform that simplifies the complex process of database design and metadata management, enabling users to collaboratively visualize, document, and manage their data models seamlessly without the use of code.



Head of Support for SqlDBM, Hannah Gryska, expressed her excitement about the upcoming event, stating, "As innovators in data modeling, we are excited to showcase SqlDBM's transformative capabilities at Databricks' Data + AI Summit. This conference brings together top industry professionals, and we are honored to be part of this gathering. We look forward to sharing our expertise and learning from other visionaries in the field, as well as forging new partnerships that drive data-driven innovation." SqlDBM invites all conference attendees to visit booth #33 at Data + AI Summit to explore the power and flexibility of their data modeling platform and to learn how we are growing our partnership with Databricks. The SqlDBM team will be available to provide live demonstrations, answer questions, and discuss how their solution enables organizations to streamline the database design process, improve collaboration, and drive successful data-driven initiatives.

About SqlDBM SqlDBM's mission is to provide a modern online metadata management solution that enables data teams to visualize and maintain their business database schema without writing a single line of code. SqlDBM supports leading cloud-based database providers like Databricks, Azure Synapse, Amazon Redshift, Snowflake, and on-premise solutions like Postgres and SQL Server. Using an online visual interface, users can diagram their entire database through reverse engineering, create new objects, make changes, and add properties without writing SQL. SqlDBM provides additional features that facilitate data governance, data discovery (data dictionary), schema monitoring, DevOps and CI/CD, and collaboration between business and technical users. For more information about SqlDBM and learning resources, visit sqldbm.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230627435702/en/

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[June 27, 2023] JEMTEC 2023 Q3 & FINANCIAL UPDATE Tweet

JEMTEC INC.TSX-V: JTC VANCOUVER, BC, June 27, 2023 /CNW/ - JEMTEC Inc. (TSXV: JTC) (the "Company") is reporting an update on its performance for the fiscal Quarter ended April 30, 2023 (2023 Q3) and the Companies financial situation, with no debt, strong liquidity and net worth. Q3 Revenues Revenues have decreased by 51% during the quarter ended April 30, 2023 compared to the quarter ended April 30, 2022 primarily due to the loss of Ontario contract. The Company earned revenues on its agreements with the Provinces of Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia as well as the CSC. The Company also earned revenues from private bail clients by presenting the release plans for court cases. Q3 Expenses During the quarter ended April 30, 2023, expenses decreased by 23% compared to the quarter ended April 30, 2022 primarily due to the fluctuations in consulting fees, monitoring and activation fees, professional fees, repairs and maintenance, share-based payments and travel. Q3 Income Tax



For the quarter ended April 30, 2023, the Company recognized a current income tax expense of $Nil (April 30, 2022 - $53,000) and a deferred income tax expense of $3,000 (April 30, 2022 - $3,000). The current income tax expense was related to income tax in Canada. The deferred income tax recovery was related to unrecognized deferred tax assets. Income tax recovery represents tax recoverable for the quarter. Q3 Net Income

For the quarter ended April 30, 2023, the Company recorded a net loss of $75,071, compared to a net income of $118,347 during the quarter ended April 30, 2022. This decrease in net income is primarily due to the loss of the Ontario contract. Q3 Liquidity At April 30, 2023, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $2,213,213 and working capital of $2,212,252. All cash and cash equivalents are on deposit with a Schedule I bank in Canada in current or interest accruing accounts. Eric Caton, President and CEO said, "We continue the process of reorganizing our business model with a greater awareness on non-government contracts, we expect the results should show positive returns going forward and we continue to see the Company well positioned to grow its core business. Jemtec has provided a full spectrum of monitoring technologies and services to provincial and federal correctional and border services across Canada since 1987 and in doing so has built a reputation for offering the best technological solutions and support for use in this demanding environment. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward - looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Investors are cautioned that these forward- looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Jemtec Inc.

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[June 27, 2023] Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Toys Market to grow by 7.12% from 2022 to 2027; the growth of a collaborative environment in educational institutions to boost market growth - Technavio Tweet

NEW YORK, June 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) toys market is estimated to grow by USD 1,653.71 million during 2022-2027. The growth momentum will be progressing at a CAGR of 7.12% during the forecast period. The market is segmented by distribution channel (offline and online), type (STEM electromechanical systems, STEM electronics, and STEM robotics), and Geography (APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America). The market share growth in the offline segment will be significant during the forecast period. The segment comprises specialty shops, department stores, large-scale supermarkets, and general stores that sell STEM toys and serve as the main channels for distribution. Various manufacturers, including Mattel, Hasbro, and LEGO, provide a variety of STEM toy products through physical retail outlets, franchised stores, and distributor networks. These stores provide advantages such as exclusive deals and customer loyalty programs to frequent shoppers. Hence, these factors are expected to drive the segment during the forecast period. The growth of a collaborative environment in educational institutions is a key factor driving the growth of the market. This is due to the shift in learning methodologies from traditional exam-focused education to a more context-oriented approach. With the inclusion of STEM toys into classrooms, teachers and students can connect fundamental concepts such as critical thinking, creativity, statistics, and discussions with game-based learning and real-life examples. For example, the implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in the US emphasizes learning approaches that encourage curiosity and inquiry in science subjects rather than focusing on a prescribed curriculum. Download a Sample Report Now! Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Toys Market Insights - Vendors : 15+, Including All Star Learning Inc., Elenco Electronics Inc., Evertoys, Evollve Inc., Fat Brain Toys LLC., Fun Express LLC, Funvention Learning Pvt. Ltd., Johnco, Learning Resources Ltd., LEGO System AS, Mattel Inc., Melissa and Doug, Mindware Inc., Pegasus Toykraft Pvt. Ltd., Scientifics Direct Inc., Smartivity Labs Pvt. Ltd., Spin Master Corp., Tangible Play Inc., Timbuk Toys, and Xinxiang Alpha Manufacturing Ltd., among others

: 15+, Including All Star Learning Inc., Elenco Electronics Inc., Evertoys, Evollve Inc., Fat Brain Toys LLC., Fun Express LLC, Funvention Learning Pvt. Ltd., Johnco, Learning Resources Ltd., LEGO System AS, Mattel Inc., Melissa and Doug, Mindware Inc., Pegasus Toykraft Pvt. Ltd., Scientifics Direct Inc., Smartivity Labs Pvt. Ltd., Spin Master Corp., Tangible Play Inc., Timbuk Toys, and Xinxiang Alpha Manufacturing Ltd., among others Coverage: Parent market analysis; key drivers, major trends, and challenges; customer and vendor landscape; vendor product insights and recent developments; key vendors; and market positioning of vendors

Parent market analysis; key drivers, major trends, and challenges; customer and vendor landscape; vendor product insights and recent developments; key vendors; and market positioning of vendors Segments: distribution channel (offline and online), type (STEM electromechanical systems, STEM electronics, and STEM robotics), and Geography ( North America , Europe , APAC, South America , and Middle East and Africa ) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Toys Market - Vendor Insights The growing competition in the market is compelling vendors to adopt various growth strategies such as promotional activities and spending on advertisements to improve the visibility of their services. Technavio report analyzes the market's competitive landscape and offers information on several market vendors including - All Star Learning Inc., Elenco Electronics Inc., Evertoys, Evollve Inc., Fat Brain Toys LLC., Fun Express LLC, Funvention Learning Pvt. Ltd., Johnco, Learning Resources Ltd., LEGO System AS, Mattel Inc., Melissa and Doug, Mindware Inc., Pegasus Toykraft Pvt. Ltd., Scientifics Direct Inc., Smartivity Labs Pvt. Ltd., Spin Master Corp., Tangible Play Inc., Timbuk Toys, and Xinxiang Alpha Manufacturing Ltd., among others Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Toys Market  Market Dynamics Major Trends The introduction of subscription services for STEM toys is the primary trend driving the STEM Toys market growth. Online Retailers other than their retail offerings now offer subscription services for STEM toys, aligning with the growing demand for context-based education. For instance, Amazon introduced its STEM toy club subscription service, specifically targeting working parents. Through this service, Amazon provides a monthly subscription-based model where customers receive a STEM toy designed to improve learning in key STEM areas. Hence, these factors will allow vendors to expand their customer base during the forecast period. Significant Challenges The intense competition from mobile games is a significant challenge for STEM Toys market growth. The increasing penetration of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets has given rise to a variety of game-based learning software and applications designed for children of various age groups. For example, Edoki Academy offers a diverse selection of applications including subjects such as mathematics, language, creativity, discovery, and bundled packages. These applications aim to engage children in interactive and educational experiences. As a result, the popularity of mobile applications and software in STEM learning is expected to hamper the growth of the market during the forecast period. Drivers, Trends & Challenges have an impact on market dynamics and can impact businesses. Find some insights from a sample report! Why Buy? Add credibility to strategy

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Grow your profit margin with Technavio- Buy the Report What are the key data covered in this Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Toys Market report? CAGR of the market during the forecast period

Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) toys market between 2023 and 2027

Precise estimation of the size of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) toys market and its contribution to the market with a focus on the parent market

Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

Growth of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) toys market across APAC, North America , Europe , the Middle East and Africa , and South America

, , the and , and A thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about vendors

Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) toys market vendors Gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Related Reports: The educational toys market size is estimated to grow by USD 16,043.98 million accelerating at a CAGR of 8.7% between 2022 and 2027. Furthermore, this report extensively covers market segmentation by age group (0-4 years, 4-8 years, and above 8 years), product (academic toys, cognitive toys, motor skill toys, and other toys), and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America). The increasing number of investments in the learning and educational toys market is a key factor driving the market growth. The inflatable toys market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.02% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 2,043.78 million. Furthermore, this report extensively covers market segmentation by sector (commercial and residential), geography (North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa), and distribution channel (offline and online). The growing use of inflatable toys for outdoor activities is a key factor driving the inflatable toys market growth.







Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Toys Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 7.12% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 1,653.71 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 6.18 Regional analysis APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America Performing market contribution APAC at 39% Key countries US, Canada, Japan, China, and France Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled All Star Learning Inc., Elenco Electronics Inc., Evertoys, Evollve Inc., Fat Brain Toys LLC., Fun Express LLC, Funvention Learning Pvt. Ltd., Johnco, Learning Resources Ltd., LEGO System AS, Mattel Inc., Melissa and Doug, Mindware Inc., Pegasus Toykraft Pvt. Ltd., Scientifics Direct Inc., Smartivity Labs Pvt. Ltd., Spin Master Corp., Tangible Play Inc., Timbuk Toys, and Xinxiang Alpha Manufacturing Ltd. Market dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, and Market condition analysis for the forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get customized segments.

Table of Contents 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Market Overview

Exhibit 01: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Overview



Exhibit 02: Executive Summary  Data Table on Market Overview



Exhibit 03: Executive Summary  Chart on Global Market Characteristics



Exhibit 04: Executive Summary  Chart on Market by Geography



Exhibit 05: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Segmentation by Distribution Channel



Exhibit 06: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Segmentation by Type



Exhibit 07: Executive Summary  Chart on Incremental Growth



Exhibit 08: Executive Summary  Data Table on Incremental Growth



Exhibit 09: Executive Summary  Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2 Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem

Exhibit 10: Parent market



Exhibit 11: Market Characteristics 3 Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition

Exhibit 12: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis

Exhibit 13: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2022 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2022-2027

Exhibit 14: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 15: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 16: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 17: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 4 Historic Market Size 4.1 Global science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) toys market 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 18: Historic Market Size  Data Table on Global science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) toys market 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.2 Geography Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 19: Historic Market Size  Geography Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.3 Distribution channel Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 20: Historic Market Size  Distribution channel Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.4 Type Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 21: Historic Market Size  Type Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.5 Country Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 22: Historic Market Size  Country Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 5 Five Forces Analysis 5.1 Five forces summary

Exhibit 23: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2022 and 2027 5.2 Bargaining power of buyers

Exhibit 24: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers  Impact of key factors 2022 and 2027 5.3 Bargaining power of suppliers

Exhibit 25: Bargaining power of suppliers  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.4 Threat of new entrants

Exhibit 26: Threat of new entrants  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.5 Threat of substitutes

Exhibit 27: Threat of substitutes  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.6 Threat of rivalry

Exhibit 28: Threat of rivalry  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.7 Market condition

Exhibit 29: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2022 and 2027 6 Market Segmentation by Distribution Channel 6.1 Market segments

Exhibit 30: Chart on Distribution Channel - Market share 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 31: Data Table on Distribution Channel - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 6.2 Comparison by Distribution Channel

Exhibit 32: Chart on Comparison by Distribution Channel



Exhibit 33: Data Table on Comparison by Distribution Channel 6.3 Offline - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 34: Chart on Offline - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 35: Data Table on Offline - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 36: Chart on Offline - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 37: Data Table on Offline - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.4 Online - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 38: Chart on Online - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 39: Data Table on Online - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 40: Chart on Online - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 41: Data Table on Online - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.5 Market opportunity by Distribution Channel

Exhibit 42: Market opportunity by Distribution Channel ($ million) 7 Market Segmentation by Type 7.1 Market segments

Exhibit 43: Chart on Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 44: Data Table on Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 7.2 Comparison by Type

Exhibit 45: Chart on Comparison by Type



Exhibit 46: Data Table on Comparison by Type 7.3 STEM electromechanical systems - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 47: Chart on STEM electromechanical systems - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 48: Data Table on STEM electromechanical systems - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 49: Chart on STEM electromechanical systems - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 50: Data Table on STEM electromechanical systems - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.4 STEM electronics - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 51: Chart on STEM electronics - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 52: Data Table on STEM electronics - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 53: Chart on STEM electronics - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 54: Data Table on STEM electronics - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.5 STEM robotics - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 55: Chart on STEM robotics - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 56: Data Table on STEM robotics - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 57: Chart on STEM robotics - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 58: Data Table on STEM robotics - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.6 Market opportunity by Type

Exhibit 59: Market opportunity by Type ($ million) 8 Customer Landscape 8.1 Customer landscape overview

Exhibit 60: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 9 Geographic Landscape 9.1 Geographic segmentation

Exhibit 61: Chart on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 62: Data Table on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) 9.2 Geographic comparison

Exhibit 63: Chart on Geographic comparison



Exhibit 64: Data Table on Geographic comparison 9.3 APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 65: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 66: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 67: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 68: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.4 North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 69: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 70: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 71: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 72: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.5 Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 73: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 74: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 75: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 76: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.6 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 77: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 78: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 79: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

and - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 80: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.7 South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 81: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 82: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 83: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 84: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.8 US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 85: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 86: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 87: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 88: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.9 Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 89: Chart on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 90: Data Table on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 91: Chart on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 92: Data Table on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.10 China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 93: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 94: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 95: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 96: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.11 France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 97: Chart on France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 98: Data Table on France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 99: Chart on France - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 100: Data Table on France - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.12 Canada - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 101: Chart on Canada - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 102: Data Table on Canada - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 103: Chart on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 104: Data Table on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.13 Market opportunity by geography

Exhibit 105: Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10.1 Market drivers 10.2 Market challenges 10.3 Impact of drivers and challenges

Exhibit 106: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2022 and 2027 10.4 Market trends 11 Vendor Landscape 11.1 Overview 11.2 Vendor landscape

Exhibit 107: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 11.3 Landscape disruption

Exhibit 108: Overview on factors of disruption 11.4 Industry risks

Exhibit 109: Impact of key risks on business 12 Vendor Analysis 12.1 Vendors covered

Exhibit 110: Vendors covered 12.2 Market positioning of vendors

Exhibit 111: Matrix on vendor position and classification 12.3 All Star Learning Inc.

Exhibit 112: All Star Learning Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 113: All Star Learning Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 114: All Star Learning Inc. - Key offerings 12.4 Elenco Electronics Inc.

Exhibit 115: Elenco Electronics Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 116: Elenco Electronics Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 117: Elenco Electronics Inc. - Key offerings 12.5 Evertoys

Exhibit 118: Evertoys - Overview



Exhibit 119: Evertoys - Product / Service



Exhibit 120: Evertoys - Key offerings 12.6 Evollve Inc.

Exhibit 121: Evollve Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 122: Evollve Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 123: Evollve Inc. - Key offerings 12.7 Fat Brain Toys LLC.

Exhibit 124: Fat Brain Toys LLC. - Overview



Exhibit 125: Fat Brain Toys LLC. - Product / Service



Exhibit 126: Fat Brain Toys LLC. - Key offerings 12.8 Fun Express LLC

Exhibit 127: Fun Express LLC - Overview



Exhibit 128: Fun Express LLC - Product / Service



Exhibit 129: Fun Express LLC - Key offerings 12.9 Funvention Learning Pvt. Ltd.

Exhibit 130: Funvention Learning Pvt. Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 131: Funvention Learning Pvt. Ltd. - Product / Service



Exhibit 132: Funvention Learning Pvt. Ltd. - Key offerings 12.10 Johnco

Exhibit 133: Johnco - Overview



Exhibit 134: Johnco - Product / Service



Exhibit 135: Johnco - Key offerings 12.11 Learning Resources Ltd.

Exhibit 136: Learning Resources Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 137: Learning Resources Ltd. - Product / Service



Exhibit 138: Learning Resources Ltd. - Key offerings 12.12 LEGO System AS

Exhibit 139: LEGO System AS - Overview



Exhibit 140: LEGO System AS - Product / Service



Exhibit 141: LEGO System AS - Key news



Exhibit 142: LEGO System AS - Key offerings 12.13 Mattel Inc.

Exhibit 143: Mattel Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 144: Mattel Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 145: Mattel Inc. - Key offerings 12.14 Melissa and Doug

Exhibit 146: Melissa and Doug - Overview



Exhibit 147: Melissa and Doug - Product / Service



Exhibit 148: Melissa and Doug - Key offerings 12.15 Mindware Inc.

Exhibit 149: Mindware Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 150: Mindware Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 151: Mindware Inc. - Key offerings 12.16 Pegasus Toykraft Pvt. Ltd.

Exhibit 152: Pegasus Toykraft Pvt. Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 153: Pegasus Toykraft Pvt. Ltd. - Product / Service



Exhibit 154: Pegasus Toykraft Pvt. Ltd. - Key offerings 12.17 Xinxiang Alpha Manufacturing Ltd.

Exhibit 155: Xinxiang Alpha Manufacturing Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 156: Xinxiang Alpha Manufacturing Ltd. - Product / Service



Exhibit 157: Xinxiang Alpha Manufacturing Ltd. - Key offerings 13 Appendix 13.1 Scope of the report 13.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist

Exhibit 158: Inclusions checklist



Exhibit 159: Exclusions checklist 13.3 Currency conversion rates for US$

Exhibit 160: Currency conversion rates for US$ 13.4 Research methodology

Exhibit 161: Research methodology



Exhibit 162: Validation techniques employed for market sizing



Exhibit 163: Information sources 13.5 List of abbreviations

Exhibit 164: List of abbreviations About Us

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/science-technology-engineering-and-mathematics-stem-toys-market-to-grow-by-7-12-from-2022-to-2027-the-growth-of-a-collaborative-environment-in-educational-institutions-to-boost-market-growth---technavio-301864502.html SOURCE Technavio

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[June 27, 2023] Selangor ASEAN Business Conference (SABC) 2023: Accelerating Collaboration and Growth in the Southeast Asian Region Tweet

SELANGOR, Malaysia, June 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The State Government of Selangor is preparing to host the highly anticipated Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS) from 19-22 October 2023. This extraordinary event will take place at the prestigious Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Prominently featured within SIBS 2023 is the Selangor ASEAN Business Conference (SABC), scheduled to take place on 19-20 October 2023 at Plenary Hall in the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This highly anticipated conference will bring together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and government officials from across the region. Under the theme "Selangor, Epicentre of ASEAN: Leveraging Diversity, Catalysing Opportunity," the Selangor ASEAN Business Conference will serve as a dynamic platform for thought-provoking discussions, knowledge sharing, and networking opportunities among participants. SABC presents an ideal avenue for businesses to forge strategic partnerships, gain insights into regional market trends, and showcase their innovative solutions and services. Attendees can expect engaging sessions covering various topics, including sustainable business practices, emerging technologies, investment opportunities, and cross-border trade facilitation. The emphasis will be on leveraging the unique diversity of the ASEAN region to unlock new possibilities for growth and collaboration. According to Dato' Hasan, CEO of Invest Selangor, "SABC 2023 will feature esteemed panllists from prominent investment organisation such as the Foreign Investment Agency Vietnam (FIA), The Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI), Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) alongside with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), who will be able to update on the investment landscape and opportunities in their respective countries, as well as discuss the broader potential of cross border investment within the ASEAN region".



"In addition, we are also expecting the conference to receive larger audience from ASEAN countries as it is being actively promoted through media exposures and roadshows in key countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines and Singapore". The Selangor ASEAN Business Conference is open to entrepreneurs, business leaders, industry professionals, government officials, and all those interested in harnessing the power of diversity in the ASEAN region. Participants are encouraged to mark their calendars and register early to secure their place at this prestigious event. For more information about the Selangor ASEAN Business Conference, including registration details and the conference agenda, please visit www.selangorsummit.com.

About Invest Selangor Berhad: Invest Selangor Berhad (ISB) is the state government agency responsible for promoting and facilitating investment in Selangor, Malaysia. They provide a range of services, including site selection assistance, investment facilitation, and aftercare services, to ensure a smooth investment journey for investors. ISB creates a conducive business environment in Selangor. This commitment to investor ease of mind has positioned Selangor as an attractive investment destination for both local and foreign investors. With ISB's support, investors can focus on their operations while leaving administrative matters to the agency. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Name: Nur Azyyana Abu Bakar

Tel: +60 12 257 4075

Email: [email protected] Name: Maryani Binti Mat Saad

Tel: +60 16 699 7901

Email: [email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/selangor-asean-business-conference-sabc-2023-accelerating-collaboration-and-growth-in-the-southeast-asian-region-301865173.html SOURCE Invest Selangor Berhad

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[June 28, 2023] Revitalising Farmer Livelihoods through Technology and Financial Accessibility - Dvara E-Registry Impact Report Tweet

Dvara E-Registry releases its Impact Report that captures how its interventions have empowered India's Smallholder Farmers Through Technology and Financial Accessibility. NEW DELHI, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The strategic emphasis of the Indian government on Doubling Farmer's Income (DFI) has led to an array of beneficial schemes for smallholder farmers, with a strong endorsement for the formation of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). Dvara E-Registry (DER), an agri-fintech incubated by Dvara Holdings, on Tuesday released the Dvara E-Registry Impact Report. The report explores the significant impact of DER's intervention with 25 FPOs across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, and Manipur. The study, initiated in October 2022, scrutinised FPO operations, usage of the Doordrishti Krishak Application, financial linkages, and the overall farmer experiences with FPOs. The study reveals a significant finding, with 70% of surveyed farmers expressing satisfaction with their experiences with their respective FPO. Among these, 31% are extremely satisfied. Reflecting on Dvara Holdings' role and its 15-year journey in financial inclusion, Samir Shah, Executive Vice Chair & Co-Founder of Dvara Holdings, stated, "Over our 15-year journey at Dvara Holdings, our unwavering focus has been on enhancing financial inclusion in India. Dvara E-Registry, a shining example of our mission, has been effectively transforming the lives of smallholder farmers by bolstering their economic strength and improving market accessibility. Our robust engagement with the farming community, powered by technology and innovation, perfectly aligns with Dvara Holdings' mission of ensuring that every individual and every enterprise has complete access to financial services. As we look to the future, we remain committed to catalysing systemic change, supporting the farming community, and continuing to push the boundaries of financial inclusion." DER offers a comprehensive suite of services at every stage of FPO development, focusing on rendering FPOs more efficacious and sustainable. The study, executed by DER's field representatives, involved 1498 farmers who availed services through FPOs. One of the most striking findings from the report is that approximately 70 percent of the surveyed farmers are new-to-credit, underscoring DER's pivotal role in addressing a gap unfulfilled by traditional Banks/NBFCs and Microfinance institutios. These farmers express a high level of satisfaction with the services and experiences provided by their respective FPOs. Additionally, the competitive rates offered by FPOs for both agri inputs and the sale of produce contribute to the financial well-being of farmers and enhance their competitiveness in the market.



Another of the key findings was DER's crucial role in providing farmers with vital services like soil testing and block weather forecasts. Through DER's intervention, farmers have negotiated better pricing with manufacturers and suppliers of agricultural inputs. According to the study, farmers have made an average profit of around 10% by purchasing inputs from their respective FPOs through this aggregation model. Co-Founder of Dvara E-Registry, Tharakeswar G, underscored the impact of DER's work, stating, "Our mission at DER is to effect substantial changes in the agricultural landscape of India. The survey findings reaffirm the influence of Dvara E-Registry in the lives of our farmers. We have successfully empowered them with technology to enhance their agricultural productivity, equipping them with the necessary skills and resources to thrive in the rapidly evolving agricultural ecosystem."

He added, "The positive impact of DER's services and the usage of the Doordrishti Krishak Application underscore the effectiveness of technology in overcoming the age-old challenges farmers face. The results of our impact study will guide our future endeavours, fuelling continued innovation and refinement in our services, aiming to amplify farmers' profitability and productivity." Under the aegis of Dvara Holdings, DER works hand in hand with FPOs, offering solutions through cutting-edge technology and continuous support. DER leverages Remote Sensing, GIS, AI, and ML to provide farm-level analytics and actionable insights to FPOs and farmers, enabling them to successfully navigate the current agricultural landscape. DER is currently collaborating with 50 FPOs in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, and Odisha, which are supported by NABARD, SFAC, NCDC and NAFED, offering comprehensive support to their business activities and market linkages over a five-year period, starting from 2021-22. In addition, DER has also formed successful partnerships with over 160 FPOs across 12 states, reaching out to a substantial farmer base of more than 55,000 members. The unwavering commitment of Dvara E-Registry to enhancing farmer livelihoods and strengthening the agricultural value chain promises an empowered and prosperous future for India's farming sector. Through continuous innovation and strategic initiatives, Dvara Holdings and Dvara E-Registry are reimagining the path to financial inclusivity for farmers, reshaping the agricultural landscape of India. About Dvara E-Registry: Dvara E-Registry is an agri-fintech startup building a digital platform, Doordrishti, to improve access to financial and advisory services for all agri value chain stakeholders. Doordrishti is a mobile and web-based platform developed by Dvara E-Registry that brings together farmers, FPOs, and all other agricultural stakeholders. The platform allows farmers, FPOs, and partner institutions to leverage traditional and alternative data to digitise farmer and FPO lands, as well as business activity, and provide farmers of FPOs with farm and crop-specific products and services via a digital mode of information sharing. Dvara E-Registry was recently recognised as the "Dun & Bradstreet Startup50 Trailblazer" as a part of the inaugural edition of "LEAP India Startup Summit" in 2023. Earlier, it was named one of the winners of Inclusive Fintech 50 for 2021 for its work towards financial inclusion of smallholder farmers, awarded the 'Most Innovative AgTech' in the 'Emerging Start-Ups' category at the 4th edition of the FICCI Agri Start-up summit and awards and winner of the Inclusive Finance India Awards 2021 under the category Technology for Financial Inclusion. The startup is a portfolio company of Dvara Holdings and part of the Dvara Venture Studio cohort that supports entrepreneurs working towards large-scale systemic change in financial inclusion. For further information, please visit: www.dvaraeregistry.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/revitalising-farmer-livelihoods-through-technology-and-financial-accessibility--dvara-e-registry-impact-report-301864833.html

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[June 28, 2023] SOLIZE India and International Automobile Centre of Excellence (iACE) Sign Strategic Partnership to Drive Skill Development in the Automotive Industry Tweet

The collaboration between SOLIZE India and iACE aims to enhance the training and skill development programs offered by iACE and foster a robust learning ecosystem that drives innovation in the automotive industry BENGALURU, India, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SOLIZE India Technologies Private Limited, a leading provider of digital engineering solutions, today announced its partnership with the International Automobile Centre of Excellence (iACE), an eminent apex body for skill development in the automotive sector, as a 'Knowledge Partner' to drive skill development in the automotive industry. The International Automobile Centre of Excellence located in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, was incorporated by the Government of Gujarat in collaboration with Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL). The centre is a world-class institute catering to 'end to end' training & development needs of the automobile ecosystem in India. The centre hosts the latest 'state-of-the-art' infrastructure & technical labs to provide hands on learning experience. The institute draws upon the expertise of industry-academia collaborations with leading Indian and Foreign Partners for Knowledge and Technological relevance of Industrial Learning. SOLIZE India, a group company of Japan-headquartered SOLIZE Corporation, brings over three decades of expertise in digital engineering solutions to the partnership. The company has a distinguished track record of working with major Indian automotive OEMs, sub-system suppliers, automotive technology related research organizations and premier academic institutions, thereby fostering innovation and driving technological advancements in the industry. SOLIZE India's vast experience and deep understanding of the industry make them an ideal Knowledge Partner for the International Automobile Centre of Excellence. Marking the beginning of a promising partnership, the MoU was signed by Mahadevan V. S., CEO and Director, SOLIZE India and Rajiv Gandhi, CEO - International Automobile Centre of Excellence, on 1st June 2023 at iACE campus n Gandhinagar. Through this strategic alliance, aimed at leveraging their collective expertise and resources, SOLIZE India and iACE have joined forces with a shared vision to cultivate a thriving learning ecosystem and are committed to nurturing a dynamic and progressive learning environment that empowers individuals to excel in the automotive sector. Ultimately, this partnership will contribute significantly to fulfilling the workforce needs of the industry and driving its growth and success.



Speaking about the partnership, Mahadevan V.S., CEO and Director, SOLIZE India, said, "We are excited about this strategic partnership with iACE. By leveraging our extensive experience and resources, we aim to support iACE in their endeavour to create a highly skilled workforce for the automotive industry. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our vision of empowering businesses and individuals with cutting-edge technology and knowledge." "We are delighted to join forces with SOLIZE India as our knowledge partner. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide world-class training and skill development programs in the automotive sector. SOLIZE India's expertise and significant industry experience will greatly enrich our curriculum and contribute to the overall growth and development of our students and professionals," said Mr. Rajiv Gandhi, CEO of iACE.

iACE is committed to leveraging modern technology and systems to provide comprehensive training across the entire value chain of the Automotive Industry, including both manufacturing and automotive systems. With a focus on student and industry personnel development, iACE plays a pivotal role in equipping individuals with the skills required for a rapidly evolving automotive landscape and the necessary expertise to excel in the automotive sector. Under this collaboration, SOLIZE India will provide extensive support to iACE in various key areas, including course content development, and delivery of training programs in digital product development and manufacturing and related disciplines. The partnership aims to bring the latest industry knowledge and practices to the programs offered by iACE, ensuring that students and industry personnel receive the highest quality training and align with the evolving needs of the automotive industry. By combining their strengths and resources, both organizations are poised to bridge the skills gap and meet the industry's demand for highly trained professionals. About iACE: The International Automobile Centre of Excellence (iACE) established in 2015, is a world-class institute, catering to the comprehensive training and development needs of the automobile ecosystem in India. With a focus on end-to-end learning, iACE provides a world-class educational experience to its students through its Advanced Certification & Post Graduate Programs. The centre boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure and cutting-edge technical labs, offering hands-on learning experience. By combining industry insights with academic excellence, iACE strives to create a conducive learning environment that equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the dynamic automotive industry. For more information about iACE and its programs, please visit International Automobile Centre of Excellence. About SOLIZE Corporation Since 1990, SOLIZE Corporation has been the pioneer of offering 3D data based new manufacturing methodologies to customers worldwide. SOLIZE group offers services in the areas of Product Design, Additive Manufacturing, Tooling and Innovation Consulting. SOLIZE India, a group company of SOLIZE Corporation, has over three decades of experience in digital engineering solutions and services for product design, validation & manufacturing. The company has existing technology partnerships with global leaders: Dassault Systemes, Hexagon, VI-grade, Physna and Toray Engineering D Solutions Co., Ltd. Its extensive customer base spans automotive, aerospace, defence and heavy engineering industries. The company also collaborates with leading Indian engineering universities enabling skill development and innovation. To learn more about SOLIZE India, please visit SOLIZE India Technologies Private Limited. For further details, please contact: Ms. Archana B

Head Marketing and Communications

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French journalists go to war with media tycoon Bollore over far-Right editor

Staff at Le Journal du Diamanche are striking over the appointment of Geoffrey Lejeune as editor - CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP via Getty Images

The appointment of a newspaper editor rarely makes the front pages. Yet for Le Journal du Dimanche (JDD), a prominent French weekly, a recent change at the top has quite literally stopped the presses.

Staff at the newspaper have staged a walkout in protest against Geoffroy Lejeune, a prominent conservative journalist who was named as the new editor of the JDD last week.

For French liberals, the appointment marks a dangerous new direction for the centrist Sunday title and threatens to usher in a new era of Right-wing ideology.

For the first time in France since the liberation, a large national media organisation will be led by a leading figure from the far Right, campaigners wrote. This is a dangerous precedent that concerns us all.

But the turmoil, which follows a recent strike at Les Echos, is just the latest battleground in a stand-off between French journalists and a handful of billionaires who are tightening their control over the countrys media.

JDD, which is owned by the publisher Lagardere, confirmed the appointment of Lejeune on Friday. Staff say they learnt about the move through a press release, rather than any internal communication.

Aged just 34, Lejeune has made a name for himself as an outspoken journalist and commentator on the far Right of French politics. In 2016, he rose to the top of political magazine Valeurs actuelles, becoming Frances youngest editor-in-chief.

He is personal friends with Marion Marechal, the granddaughter of National Front founder Jean-Marie Le Pen, as well as Eric Zemmour, a far-Right politician. Lejeune has even written a novel that depicts Zemmour as president. But Lejeunes political views, and focus on issues such as Islam and immigration, have sparked growing controversy.

Mujtaba Rahman, managing director of Europe at Eurasia Group, describes him as a polemicist and provocateur rather than a journalist.

French journalist Geoffrey Lejeune has courted controversy through his political opinions and leadership of political magazine Valeurs actuelles - JOEL SAGET/AFP via Getty Images

These controversies came to a head last year when Valeurs actuelles was convicted of hate speech over an article that depicted a black MP as a slave. Lejeune was fired from the role earlier this month.

Announcing his appointment, Lagardere said: Geoffroy is a raw talent in French journalism who we could not pass on. Lejeune said it was an immense honour to join the newspaper.

But the incoming editor has been met with a furious reception from journalists. The Societe de journalistes (SdJ), which represents staff, branded the move a new level in the refusal of dialogue and lack of consideration for those who make the newspaper.

They added: The editorial staff of the JDD refuses to be led by a man whose ideas are in total contradiction with the values of the newspaper.

Employees last week voted 98pc in favour of a strike, meaning the paper failed to appear last weekend for only the second time in its more than 70-year history.

A meeting between the union and boss Arnaud Lagardere failed to temper the anger and a demonstration was held at the Theatre Libre in Paris on Tuesday evening. Striking workers voted to continue the strike on Wednesday morning.

Adding weight to the campaign is the support of more than 650 individuals, including former editors, journalists at rival newspapers, politicians and celebrities. In an open letter published in Le Monde, they wrote: The JDD cannot become a newspaper in the service of extreme Right-wing ideas.

Yet the turmoil at the JDD goes far beyond the newsroom. Instead, at the heart of the dispute, is the arrival of billionaire Vincent Bollore.

Through his media empire Vivendi, the 71-year-old is on the cusp of a full acquisition of Lagardere, which will cement his control over not only JDD, but also gossip magazine Paris Match and broadcaster Europe 1. Lejeunes appointment was announced soon after Bollores takeover received EU approval.

Billionaire Vincent Bollore is aiming to expand his French media empire by acquiring Lagardere - ERIC PIERMONT/AFP/Getty Images

Critics of Bollore, a Catholic from Brittany whose fortune originates from maritime freight and paper manufacturing, point to a track record of stamping his views on media organisations such as Canal+.

In 2019, he rebranded the innocuous news channel i>Tele into CNews, a network modelled on Fox News that has helped bolster the careers of both Lejeune and Zemmour.

Media is rather Centre-Left and Bollore has put forward people and editorial policies in his media that are Right, so hes not popular, says Francois Godard, an analyst at Enders.

Yet Bollore has also angered figures in Frances mainstream Right-wing, as well as the incumbent far-Right dominated by the National Rally party previously led by Marine Le Pen.

A coalition dubbed Stop Bollore has emerged intent on reining in the billionaires grip over French media.

Godard adds: I dont think he believes he will make money out of these moves, he does this out of political conviction.

Yet Bollores tightening control over the French media is not happening in isolation. It comes amid growing disquiet at Les Echos, the daily financial newspaper owned by Bernard Arnault, the worlds second richest man.

Staff at Les Echos this month staged their first strike in 16 years in protest against the ousting of the editor, a weakening of long-standing independence provisions and alleged editorial interference by the owner.

Arnault and Bollore are not operating from the same playbook. While Bollore appears driven by politics, Arnault, who owns the LVMH luxury empire, has been accused of using his position to quash any negative coverage of his business interests.

Yet the pair have areas of overlap. Arnault is a shareholder in Lagardere, and the billionaires are reported to have signed a non-aggression pact agreeing not to publish negative stories about each other.

Billionaire Bernard Arnault owns financial paper Les Echos in addition to his LVMH luxury empire - LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images

Vivendi referred Telegraph inquiries to Lagardere, which did not respond to a request for comment.

More fundamentally, though, the recent walkouts reflect deep-seated discomfort about the handful of billionaires who own the French media.

The issue has already attracted scrutiny ahead of last years general election. But an investigation into media plurality commissioned by French senators failed to come up with any solutions.

And journalists on the ground are primarily concerned not by who their proprietors are, but by how much their editorial control is starting to creep.

What this illustrates is this issue of ownership of the French press, says Godard. Bollore would tell you all the others are from the Left and hes bringing pluralism But pluralism comes with a newsroom thats independent.

But Bollore and Lejeune will not easily be dissuaded from transforming JDD. On Sunday the French culture minister, Rima Abdul Malak, tweeted: Legally speaking, the JDD can become whatever it wants, as long as it abides by the law.

But she added: But as far as our republics values are concerned, how can one not be alarmed?

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[June 28, 2023] CNN's Made in explores Mongolia's sustainable development of the cashmere industry Tweet

HONG KONG, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lying between the vast expanses of Siberia and the Gobi Desert, Mongolia is one of the world's most sparsely populated countries. Here, livestock outnumber humans around 20 to 1, including the animals behind one of Mongolia's economic success stories: cashmere. Soft and lightweight, cashmere is one of the most luxurious fabrics money can buy. In a brand new 30-minute program, CNN's Made in explores the journey of Mongolia's cashmere industry. CNN meets Mandkhai Jargalsaikhan, the founder and creative director of the knitwear label "Mandkhai," who takes pride in sourcing the finest cashmere directly from Mongolia. Mandkhai's brand is no stranger to the spotlight, with celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Gigi Hadid sporting her pieces. The designer, however, is more interested in highlighting the people who make and inspire the clothes, such as the nomadic herders who supply cashmere fibers. With the cashmere sourcing season well underway, she sets out to visit a supplier in Mongolia's countryside. Bayarduuren Zunduikhuu has lived in this part of Mongolia for a decade. She moves home each season, looking for land where her herd of 500 animals can graze, including the goats she relies on for the cashmere harvest. But extreme weather and declining ecosystems are threatening Bayarduuren's livelihood, the welfare of animals, and the future of this vital community in Mongolia. The journey continues to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital, where "Gobi Cashmere" says it runs the largest cashmere store in the world. With decades of domestic cashmere production and distribution under its belt, the brand keps a focus on accessible yet high-quality cashmere products, entirely made in-house in Mongolia. However, increasing a cashmere product's quality while keeping costs down can be a challenge. The brand is investing in improving their cashmere supply and reducing distribution costs.



To get a global perspective on Mongolia's cashmere output, CNN travels to London to meet Oyuna Tserendorj, a designer showcasing Mongolian cashmere to the world. Oyuna is passionate about connecting her customers with Mongolia and travels to Mongolia every year visit herders across the country. Oyuna has carved out a niche in the global luxury market, with her futuristic yet traditional products stocked in department stores around the world, from Harrods in London to Lane Crawford in Hong Kong. Finally, back in Mongolia, among the Khentii Mountains CNN meets Ganbold Sosorbaram who has watched over a herd his entire life, just like his ancestors before him. However, how Ganbold makes a living off his herd is changing. Alongside collecting cashmere from goats, Sosorbaram now collects yak wool as well. He supplies a growing number of companies betting that yak could be the next big thing, because it is warmer and rarer than cashmere. Knitwear-maker Bodios pivoted to selling yak wool to stand out in an already crowded cashmere market. The company believes that this market will only grow as consumers become more aware of the environmental challenges that can come with cashmere.

Made in Mongolia trailer: https://bit.ly/3Pz69nh Made in Mongolia images: https://bit.ly/46mGBQe Airtimes for 30-minute special: Saturday, 1st July at 6pm HKT Sunday, 2nd July at 9:30am HKT Monday, 3rd July at 1am HKT About CNN International CNN's portfolio of news and information services is available in seven different languages across all major TV, digital and mobile platforms, reaching more than 475 million households around the globe. CNN International is the number one international TV news channel according to all major media surveys across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Asia Pacific region, and Latin America and has a US presence that includes CNNgo. CNN Digital is a leading network for online news, mobile news and social media. CNN is at the forefront of digital innovation and continues to invest heavily in expanding its digital global footprint, with a suite of award-winning digital properties and a range of strategic content partnerships, commercialised through a strong data-driven understanding of audience behaviours. CNN has won multiple prestigious awards around the world for its journalism. Around 1,000 hours of long-form series, documentaries and specials are produced every year by CNNI's non-news programming division. CNN has 36 editorial offices and more than 1,100 affiliates worldwide through CNN Newsource. CNN International is a Warner Bros. Discovery company. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/cnns-made-in-explores-mongolias-sustainable-development-of-the-cashmere-industry-301865404.html SOURCE CNN International

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[June 28, 2023] Laifen Dominates the Chinese 618 Shopping Day with Impressive Yet Expected Results Tweet

Laifen achieved $47-Million (USD) sales revenue with over 600,000 high-speed hair dryers sold through all channels during Chinese 618 shopping day. HONG KONG, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- China's 618 shopping day has become a significant event in the retail industry for millions of shoppers every year. Laifen, the fastest-growing brand in the consumer electronics segment in China, seized the opportunity to participate in this shopping festival from June 1st to June 18th. While Laifen's success was expected to be strong during the event, the final tally of sales results was unprecedented. Laifen achieved astounding revenue of $47-Million (USD) with over 600,000 units sold during the shopping festival. This made a remarkable impression and demonstrated the strong market share Laifen has in the industry. Laifen's debut product, the high-speed Swift hair dryer, sold more than 600,000 pieces through various channels, contributing significantly to the overall sales figures.



Compared to the same period last year, Laifen experienced a remarkable increase in both sales volume and revenue. The sales volume increased by a staggering 176%, indicating the growing popularity and trust that consumers have placed in the brand. Additionally, the sales revenue witnessed a significant surge, increasing by 96% compared to the previous year.

Laifen's success extended beyond just one platform. The brand was ranked first in the hair styling appliance category on popular e-commerce platforms such as tmall.com, jd.com, and douyin.com. This achievement further solidifies Laifen's dominant position in the industry and showcases its ability to satisfy consumers with high-performance products across the world. As a forward-thinking technology company, Laifen has exciting plans for the future. One of the key highlights is the launch of a new-generation electric toothbrush in the coming months. This move signifies Laifen's commitment to expanding its product portfolio and catering to the evolving needs of consumers. About Laifen Founded in 2019, Laifen's products are currently being used by more than five million families worldwide. Improving traditional products and making ground-breaking technology affordable to everyone is the mission of Laifen. With 1/3 of all employees working in research and development, Laifen independently designed and manufactured a 110,000 rpm high speed brushless motor and applied the technology to its first hair dryer in 2020. Now the company is quickly moving towards innovating more electronic appliances in the market. Find out more about Laifen at laifentech.com. PR Contact

[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/laifen-dominates-the-chinese-618-shopping-day-with-impressive-yet-expected-results-301865413.html SOURCE Laifen

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[June 28, 2023] ExeVir Bio Awarded EUR 1.6m Grant for Dengue Research Tweet

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection listed by WHO as top 10 threat for global health

The government grant is awarded by Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (VLAIO) GHENT, Belgium, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ExeVir Bio, a biotech company developing robust single domain antibody therapies for broad protection against infectious diseases, today announced it has been awarded a two-year R&D grant of EUR 1.6 million by Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (VLAIO) for pre-clinical research towards prophylactic and therapeutic solutions for dengue. According to the WHO, dengue is one of the most important vector-borne viral diseases globally that is transmitted from mosquitoes to humans [1]. It is mainly spread by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and, to a lesser extent, Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. In 2019, Dengue was listed by the WHO as a top ten global health threat [2]. It is caused by any of four dengue virus serotypes, each of which can cause dengue fever, and, in some cases, it can lead to deadly complications such as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. The incidence of dengue has grown dramatically around the world in recent decades, fueled by climate change and urbanization leading to recent transmission in parts of mainland US and Europe. Dengue is a leading cause of fever in travelers returning to the US and Europe from endemic countries, and the incidence of dengue among travelers is generally underestimated [3][4]. The medical need remains very high as there are no specific antiviral therapeutics available for the disease, limiting the treatment options to relieving symptoms and preventing complications. While the current vaccines are a big step forward in protecting people, they are not 100% effective and cannot be used for all. ExeVir is leveraging its unique, modular llama-derived antibody (VHH) technology platform to generate multi-specific antibodies for prophylaxis and treatment against infectious diseases, such as dengue. ExeVirs technology will enable cross-reactivity against all four serotypes, have a dual mode of action, and be prophylactic and therapeutic with a sufficiently long treatment window. Dr. Torsten Mummenbrauer, CEO of ExeVir, said: Were delighted with this support from the Flemish Government as it will help us with our research into using our powerful VHH technology to combat global health threats from infectious diseases beyond COVID-19. Alongside this dengue R&D project, ExeVir remains committed to its pioneering work in developing COVID-19 solutions for the millions of immunocompromised people who remain at high risk of severe morbidity or death from COVID-19 as they do not generate the same level of antibodies as immunocompetent people and could benefit from new multi-secific antibodies.



References [1] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue

[2] https://www.who.int/news-room/spotlight/ten-threats-to-global-health-in-2019

[3] https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6906a1.htm

[4] https://www.eurosurveillance.org/content/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2022.27.2.2001937

About VLAIO Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (Agentschap Innoveren & Ondernemen - VLAIO) is a Flemish Government agency that stimulates and supports R&D activities by innovative entrepreneurs and companies. More information: https://www.vlaio.be/en About ExeVir Bio ExeVir Bio is a clinical stage biotechnology company developing single-domain antibody based therapeutics focusing on infectious diseases. The company is harnessing its llama-derived antibody (VHH) technology platform to generate multi-specific antibodies for prophylaxis and treatment of infectious diseases. ExeVirs initial focus is on prevention of COVID-19 for the immunocompromised patient population, including active chemotherapy, immunosuppressive drugs, solid organ transplantation, hematological malignancies, and AIDS patients, where there remains a high unmet need due to the limitations of current vaccines and therapeutic approaches. ExeVirs COVID-19 pipeline includes XVR012, a combination product of XVR013 and XVR014, a bi-specific single-domain-based antibody construct which targets two conserved epitopes in the S1 subunit. Together they target several S1 and S2 epitopes in one product. XVR021 is targeting dengue and XVR031 is for pandemic preparedness. ExeVir has demonstrated it can progress its candidates from research to the clinic in under one year, execute on Phase 1a and Phase 1b studies, and conduct scale-up manufacturing. Leveraging this extensive experience, its XVR012 asset is being developed to start First in Human clinical trial in 2024. VHHs are smaller in size than whole antibodies, giving them access to hidden epitopes that traditional monoclonal antibodies are unable to reach with potential for deeper tissue penetration and simpler, more cost-effective manufacturing. VHHs can be linked together like building blocks into a single molecule to tackle different epitopes or act through different mechanisms of actions at once, to address the arms race in more complex and co-evolving infectious diseases. ExeVir is a spin out of VIB, the leading Belgium-based life sciences research institute. It is backed by strong investors including Fund+, which led the series A of EUR 42 million, together with an international consortium including UCB Ventures, SFPIM, V-Bio Ventures, VIB, Wallonie Entreprendre, Noshaq, Vives IUF and SambrInvest. ExeVir has received support from VLAIO, the SPW-Recherche and the European Union, leading to a total of EUR 18 million in non-dilutive funding. In 2023, ExeVir secured an option for EUR 25 million venture debt financing from the European Investment Bank. Find out more on ExeVirs LinkedIn or on ExeVirs website

For more information contact: ExeVir Bio Veronique Vandevoorde [email protected] Scius Communications (for media) Katja Stout +44 778 943 5990 [email protected] Daniel Gooch +44 774 787 5479 [email protected]

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[June 28, 2023] Leading Financial Inclusion Focused Indonesian Fintech JULO Launches Innovative Flash Click Feature Tweet

JAKARTA, Indonesia, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Focused on financial inclusion through digital credit innovation, leading Indonesian fintech company JULO has launched an innovative KliKilat feature - which means Flash Click in English - that provides a speedy and convenient transaction experience with just one click. This feature is available for a whole set of transactions including bank transfers, utility bills payments, phone credit top-ups, e-commerce payments, train ticket bookings, and tuition fee payments in the JULO app. Providing financial access is an ongoing challenge in Indonesia with an underbanked population of 47 million. JULO , a pioneer in Indonesia's consumer lending space since 2016 has launched multiple innovations to drive financial inclusion. The Flash Click - KliKilat feature enables JULO customers nationwide to perform repeat transactions seamlessly from the app home page by utilizing stoed credentials without having to input complicated information, amounts or tenures.



This new convenience has been rolled out with an even greater focus on data security. "For seamless, convenient, and secure Flash Click transactions, we have put strong authentication measures in place and have added layers of convenience which allow customers to perform repeat transactions while adjusting their transaction amount," said Manoj Awasthi, Chief Technology Officer of JULO. Ujang, a JULO user from the Sukabumi area says, "I have been using JULO for 2 years, mainly for my child's education needs. I can use the credit limit to buy new shoes and books. There are a lot of needs that can be easily covered with JULO". Herwin, another JULO user who works as an entrepreneur said, "JULO has been supporting me since the pandemic, when my business wasn't doing well. Now, I can use JULO to quickly top-up my e-wallet and grow my business on e-commerce platforms,"

"Our aim is to make the JULO app an integral part of our customer's daily lives. With this new Flash Click - Klikilat feature, customers can carry out repeat transactions quickly, easily and securely, making digital credit truly convenient," said Nimish Dwivedi, Chief Business Officer of JULO. Established in Indonesia since 2016, JULO has been focused on financial empowerment through continuous product innovation to promote accessible and comprehensive digital credit access. About JULO JULO is a leading fintech company that is revolutionizing access to ?nancial products for millions of emerging consumers in Indonesia. The company is one of the first to develop a digital data-driven credit underwriting and risk assessment platform to process consumer credit applications and determine their creditworthiness using its mobile app. Founded in 2016, JULO has expanded nationwide. JULO is based in Jakarta and is backed by leading investors including Credit Saison, Skystar Capital, Saratoga Investama, East Ventures, Quona Capital, Central Capital Ventura, MDI Ventures, Gobi Partners and others. JULO has been officially licensed as the provider under OJK circulation No KEP-16/D.05/2020 on 19 May 2020. JULO has been downloaded more than 10 million times and has facilitated credit access to more than 1 million of customers. JULO has won several awards namely; Winner of Indonesia Fintech Festival (2016), Winner of UN Fintech Challenge (2018), and Winner of Inclusive Fintech 50 (2019). For more information, visit https://www.julo.co.id View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/leading-financial-inclusion-focused-indonesian-fintech-julo-launches-innovative-flash-click-feature-301865479.html SOURCE JULO

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[June 28, 2023] Philogen enters into a Service and Supply Agreement with IBSA for the GMP Production of a Therapeutic Protein Tweet

Philogen enters into a Service and Supply Agreement with IBSA for the GMP Production of a Therapeutic Protein Siena, Italy, 28th June 2023  Philogen S.p.A (BIT: PHIL) today announced that it has entered into a Service and Supply Agreement with IBSA (Institut Biochimique SA) to produce a recombinant therapeutic protein at Philogen GMP Facilities in Siena (Italy). Philogen owns a GMP production facility in Montarioso (Siena, Italy) which is authorized and operational for the manufacturing of investigational therapeutic proteins in mammalian cells. The facility has been formally certified by AIFA since 2004 and is subject to strict regulatory and manufacturing requirements. It features fermenters ranging from 30- to 200-liters, thus providing a flexible approach to manufacturing, depending on the quantity of product needed by the client. Pharmaceuticals manufactured at the Montarioso Facility have been used in clinical trials in several European Countries (Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France, Spain, Denmark, U.K., The Netherlands, Belgium, Poland) and in the United States. Philogen has also recently constructed a second, larger, state-of-the art GMP facility in Rosia (Siena, Italy), which is devised to manufacture biologics for commercial and investigational purposes. The facility features the most advanced technical equipment, including a 200-liter fermentation unit, identical to the one in Montarioso. Prof. Dr. Dario Neri, CEO and CSO of Philogen, commented: We are pleased to establish a new collaboration with IBSA, a leading multinational pharmaceutical company. Philogen uses its production facilities both to manufacture its own proprietary products and to run GMP lots for third parties. Our recent investments in both the ontarioso and Rosia plants have strengthened our position as a leading company in manufacturing recombinant biologics in mammalian cells in Italy.



*** About Philogen group

Philogen is an Italian-Swiss company active in the biotechnology sector, specialized in the research and development of pharmaceutical products for the treatment of highly lethal diseases. The Group mainly discovers and develops targeted anticancer drugs, exploiting high-affinity ligands for tumor markers (also called tumor antigens). These ligands - human monoclonal antibodies or small organic molecules - are identified using Antibody Phage Display Libraries and DNA-Encoded Chemical Library technologies. The Group's main therapeutic strategy for the treatment of these diseases is represented by the so-called tumor targeting. This approach is based on the use of ligands capable of selectively delivering very potent therapeutic active ingredients (such as pro-inflammatory cytokines) to the tumor mass, sparing healthy tissues. Over the years, Philogen has mainly developed monoclonal antibody-based ligands that are specific for antigens expressed in tumor-associated blood vessels, but not expressed in blood vessels associated with healthy tissues. These antigens are usually more abundant and more stable than those expressed directly on the surface of tumor cells. This approach, so called vascular targeting, is used for most of the projects pursued by the Group. The Group's objective is to generate, develop and market innovative products for the treatment of diseases for which medical science has not yet identified satisfactory therapies. This is achieved by exploiting (i) proprietary technologies for the isolation of ligands that react with antigens present in certain diseases, (ii) experience in the development of products targeted at the tissues affected by the disease, (iii) experience in drug manufacturing and development, and (iv) an extensive portfolio of patents and intellectual property rights. Although the Group's drugs are primarily oncology applications, the targeting approach is also potentially applicable to other diseases, such as certain chronic inflammatory diseases. About IBSA

IBSA (Institut Biochimique SA) is a Swiss multinational pharmaceutical Company, founded in 1945 in Lugano. Today, its products are present in over 90 Countries on 5 continents, through the Companys 17 subsidiaries located in Europe, China, and the United States. The company has a consolidated turnover of 800 million CHF, and employs over 2,000 people between headquarters, subsidiaries and production sites. IBSA holds 90 families of approved patents, plus others under development, as well as a vast portfolio of products, covering 10 therapeutic areas: reproductive medicine, endocrinology, pain and inflammation, osteoarticular, aesthetic medicine, dermatology, uro-gynaecology, cardiometabolic, respiratory, consumer health. It is also one of the largest operators worldwide in the area of reproductive medicine, and one of the worlds leaders in hyaluronic acid-based products. IBSA has based its philosophy on four pillars: Person, Innovation, Quality and Responsibility. *** Contacts: Philogen contacts IR : Dr. Emanuele Puca

Tel +41 (0) 43 544 88 00

E mail [email protected]



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[June 28, 2023] Global Tech Security Commission Appoints Country Commissioners to Counter Authoritarian Threats Tweet

The Global Tech Security Commission (GTSC) disclosed the appointment of five country Commissioners who will bolster the development of the Global Tech Security Strategy. This master blueprint is engineered to be the cornerstone in safeguarding liberty through the innovation and adoption of trusted cutting-edge technology. These global leaders and their handpicked Advisory Council Members will serve as the driving forces in navigating the complex terrains of technology, ensuring the realization of a world where technological advances fortify, rather than undermine, freedom and human dignity. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628348069/en/ (Graphic: Business Wire) The new Country Commissioners are: South Korea Commissioner James Kim , Chairman and CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea and former CEO of Microsoft Korea and GM Korea

, India Commissioner Dr. Sameer Patil, a distinguished Senior Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation and former Director for the Prime Minister's National Security Council Secretariat

a UK Commissioner Sir Iain Duncan Smith , a prominent UK parliament member and former Leader of the Conservative Party

, Taiwan Commissioner Minister Audrey Tang , the Minister of Digital Affairs for Taiwan and chairperson for National Institute of Cyber Security

, Japan Commissioner Tadao Yanase Senior Executive Vice President at NTT, former Vice Minister for International Affairs of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and former Executive Secretary to Prime Ministers Taro Aso and Shinzo Abe "The enlistment of these esteemed Commissioners and their Advisory Council Members reflects our unwavering resolve to unite democracies against the rising tide of techno-authoritarianism," stated GTSC Co-Chair Keith Krach. "In an age where the crossroads of technology and geopolitics are often fraught with peril, this stellar assembly's guidance and visionary insights will be instrumental in crafting a strategy that acts as both shield and sword, defending democratic values and creating a prosperous, secure, and free global society." Each Commissioner on the Global Tech Security Commission is charged with assembling their own Advisory Councils, to bolster their contribution to the development of the Global Tech Security Strategy and grow the Global Tech Trust Network. The Commission is pleased to announce the first such group, assembled by Commissioner Tadao Yanase to form the Japan Advisory Council: Taro Aso : Former Prime Minister of Japan; Former Minister for Foreign Affairs; Former Minister for Finance; Member of the House of Representatives

: Former Prime Minister of Japan; Former Minister for Foreign Affairs; Former Minister for Finance; Member of the House of Representatives Takayuki Kobayashi: Former Minister for Economic Security; Member of the House of Representatives

Former Minister for Economic Security; Member of the House of Representatives Yoshimitsu Kobayashi: Chairman, Tokyo Electric Power Company; Former Chairman, Mitsubishi Chemical

Chairman, Tokyo Electric Power Company; Former Chairman, Mitsubishi Chemical Takayuki Morita : President and CEO, NEC Corporation

: President and CEO, NEC Corporation Shigeru Kitamura: Former National Security Advisor of Japan ; CEO, Kitamura Economic Security Inc.

Former National Security Advisor of Japan CEO, Kitamura Economic Security Inc. Nobukatsu Kanehara: Former Deputy Secretary, National Security Secretariat; Former Assistant Chief Cabinet Secretary; Professor, Doshisha University

Former Deputy Secretary, National Security Secretariat; Former Assistant Chief Cabinet Secretary; Professor, Doshisha University Kazuhisa Shimada: Former Administrative Vice-Minister of Defense; Former Executive Secretary to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe; Special Advisor to the Cabinet

Former Administrative Vice-Minister of Defense; Former Executive Secretary to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe; Special Advisor to the Cabinet Yasuhiko Taniwaki: Former Vice-Minister of Policy, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC); Executive Vce President, Internet Initiative Japan Inc.

Former Vice-Minister of Policy, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC); Executive Vce President, Internet Initiative Japan Inc. Yoichi Funabashi: Former Chief Editor of Asahi Shinbun; Founder, Asia Pacific Initiative

Former Chief Editor of Asahi Shinbun; Founder, Asia Pacific Initiative Shinichi Kitaoka: Former President, JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency); Professor Emeritus, University of Tokyo



"Amid the growing geopolitical dynamics in Asia, Korea's partnership with allies on critical technologies has become ever more paramount to ensure global economic security," said South Korea Commissioner James Kim. "The Commission's global scope will enable significant thought leadership and business strategies to be formed across sectors. As the Global Tech Security's Commissioner representing Korea, I look forward to identifying opportunities to enhance the economic and tech security alliance between the United States, Korea, and all of our partners and allies."

"With authoritarian regimes gaining a lead in emerging technologies, it is not only urgent but imperative for like-minded democracies to unite and protect democratic values," said India Commissioner Dr. Sameer Patil. "The tech-based partnership carved out by these democratic powers will expand our advantage and decisively tilt the balance in our favor. The Global Tech Security Commission (GTSC) will significantly contribute to advancing this effort. India, with its unique civilizational ethos, experience in tackling the China challenge in its closest proximity, and tech power in its own right, will be a significant stakeholder in this engagement. I am, therefore, extremely privileged to be part of the GTSC." "As we in the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China have shown, there has never been a more important time to come together as democracies to focus on China. That is why the Global Tech Security Commission is so important," said UK Commissioner Sir Iain Duncan Smith. "I'm looking forward to getting to work, ensuring that technology advances a level playing field for all, and protects our cherished freedoms." "As a new member of the Global Tech Security Commission, we are committed to working with all stakeholders, especially on open and collaborative R&D, democratization of AI, privacy, and cybersecurity standards," said Taiwan Commissioner Minister Audrey Tang. "We look forward to engaging in inclusive co-creation that leads to digital resilience for all." "As the technology competition with countries of particular concern has become increasingly serious from the strategic viewpoint, it becomes more important than ever to explore and share the strategic plan among the like-minded countries," said Japan Commissioner Tadao Yanase. "I am very honored to contribute to developing the strategy on how Japan and its allies will meet this challenge as the Commissioner for Japan of the Global Tech Security Commission." The Commission was chartered to address Congress' demand for a bipartisan tech security strategy. The GTSC aims to unite allied nations, harness private sector innovation, and establish a Global Tech Trust Network to foster and safeguard trusted technologies. Its mission involves devising holistic offense and defense strategies for tech sectors deemed crucial for national security by the White House, and incorporating them into a Global Tech Security Strategy. The GTSC's purpose is to consolidate transatlantic and Indo-Pacific allies against growing worldwide authoritarianism on pivotal tech issues. It is formed of an international cadre comprising 12 tech, 15 international, and over 20 strategy commissioners leading expert advisory councils. Co-chairs Keith Krach, former U.S. Under Secretary of State and DocuSign CEO, and Kersti Kaljulaid, former President of Estonia and Chair of the Three Seas Initiative, guide the Commission. Its activities are facilitated by the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue and the Atlantic Council's Global China Hub. About the Global Tech Security Commission The Commission consists of international and multi-sector leaders dedicated to protecting freedom via the innovation and adoption of trusted technology. GTSC's charter includes forging a Global Tech Security Strategy, unifying like-minded nations, utilizing private sector innovation, building a Global Tech Trust Network, and establishing standards rooted in democratic principles. For updates on GTSC, visit globaltechsecurity.com. Media inquiries should be directed to [email protected] or [email protected]. About the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue The Krach Institute is the world's preeminent trusted technology accelerator. As the leader in the new category of Tech Diplomacy, the Institute integrates technology expertise, Silicon Valley strategies, and foreign policy tools to build the Global Trusted Tech Network of governments, companies, organizations and individuals to accelerate the innovation and adoption of trusted technology and ensure technology advances freedom.? Follow the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to the Institute's weekly newsletter Tech Diplomacy Now for the latest news at the intersection of high tech and foreign policy. About the Atlantic Council The Atlantic Council, with its mission to shape the global future collectively, is a nonpartisan organization promoting U.S. leadership globally. In collaboration with allies and partners, the Council addresses global challenges. The Atlantic Council's Global China Hub focuses on developing allied responses to China's growing influence, political and economic shifts under Xi Jinping, and its ambition to control emerging technologies with implications for individual rights and privacy. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628348069/en/

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[June 28, 2023] Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Plans to Deploy First IBM Quantum System One on a University Campus Tweet

The exploration of quantum computing will expand longstanding IBM and RPI partnership and seeks to accelerate New York's growth as a next-generation computing epicenter TROY, N.Y. and ARMONK, N.Y., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, it was announced that Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute will become the first university in the world to house an IBM (NYSE: IBM) Quantum System One. The IBM quantum computer, intended to be operational by January of 2024, will serve as the foundation of a new IBM Quantum Computational Center in partnership with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). By partnering, RPI's vision is to greatly enhance the educational experiences and research capabilities of students and researchers at RPI and other institutions, propel the Capital Region into a top location for talent, and accelerate New York's growth as a technology epicenter. RPI's advance into research of applications for quantum computing will represent a more than $150 million investment once fully realized, aided by philanthropic support from Curtis R. Priem '82, vice chair of RPI's Board of Trustees. The new quantum computer will be part of RPI's new Curtis Priem Quantum Constellation, a faculty endowed center for collaborative research, which will prioritize the hiring of additional faculty leaders who will leverage the quantum computing system. "We are grateful for Curtis Priem's support. RPI is building upon our longstanding collaboration with IBM to harness state-of-the-art computing to find solutions to global challenges, while training the next-gen workforce in quantum," said Marty A. Schmidt '81, Ph.D., President of RPI. "Our new quantum computational center will benefit the Capital Region and the State of New York by dramatically enhancing our area's research capabilities. We look forward to working with our partners in the region to transform the Hudson River Valley into 'Quantum Valley.'" "I am extremely excited to support RPI as it moves into this important realm," said Priem. "This investment will keep RPI at the forefront of technology and innovation, as well as lead the country in leveraging this powerful technology for the good of our nation." Priem co-founded NVIDIA Corp. in 1993. Since its founding, NVIDIA has been a pioneer in accelerated computing. "Our invention of the GPU in 1999 sparked the growth of the PC gaming market, redefined computer graphics, ignited the era of modern AI, and is fueling the creation of the metaverse. NVIDIA is now a full-stack computing company with data-center-scale offerings that are reshaping industry." Priem's past support of RPI includes an historic $40 million unrestricted gift that led to the naming of the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC). Quanum computers harness the laws of quantum mechanics to process information and may solve problems that are too complex for classical supercomputers such as advancements in computational science research, artificial intelligence, and materials. The IBM Quantum System One to be deployed at RPI will be powered by the 127-qubit IBM Quantum Eagle processor, with which the company has recently demonstrated the capability to perform utility-scale calculations. IBM defines utility-scale as the point at which quantum computers could serve as scientific tools to explore a new scale of problems that remain intractable for classical methods. The agreement with IBM includes a commitment to provide an upgrade to the system installed at RPI in 2026.



"Today's quantum computers are novel, scientific tools that can be used to model problems that are extremely difficult, and perhaps impossible, for classical systems, signaling that we are now entering a new phase of utility for quantum computing," said Dario Gil, Senior Vice President and Director of IBM Research. "We expect this collaboration to continue to have tremendous impact for the area's growth as a corridor of innovation, from New York City to the Capital Region. We are thrilled to collaborate with RPI as we continue to nurture the global quantum ecosystem of tomorrow." RPI has a storied history in advanced technology and is already home to one of the most powerful supercomputers in the world, the Artificial Intelligence Multiprocessing Optimized System (AiMOS). AiMOS, at a top peak processing speed of 11.03 petaFLOPS, is currently the most powerful private university-based supercomputer in the United States. The IBM POWER9 CPU and NVIDIA GPU-equipped supercomputer enables users to explore new AI applications.

"The Capital Region is a major center of global semiconductor R&D and manufacturing and key to other emerging industries like quantum computing," said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. "The region is home to one of the most advanced R&D facilities at the Albany Nanotech Complex, where cutting-edge research is happening like IBM's development of the world's smallest semiconductor chip. The region is also home to premier research institutions like RPI, and under the leadership of President Marty Schmidt, RPI is continuing its 200-year legacy as one of the top technological universities. What a great new feather for the region's cap to have the first IBM Quantum System One placed on a university campus! This sets the Capital Region and Upstate New York apart and will be an asset to recruit and retain talent locally, and help train students in high-value careers." "RPI's quantum computational center will be installed as we begin to celebrate our 200-year history of innovation. From a pedagogical and research standpoint, the potential exists to accelerate breakthroughs that could benefit the New York region and the world," said John E. Kelly, '78G, '80Ph.D., D.H.L. (Hon.), Chair of the Rensselaer Board of Trustees. About Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute:

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is America's first technological research university. Rensselaer encompasses five schools, over 30 research centers, more than 145 academic programs including 25 new programs, and a dynamic community made up of over 6,800 students and 110,000 living alumni. Rensselaer faculty and alumni include upward of 155 National Academy members, six members of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, six National Medal of Technology winners, five National Medal of Science winners, and a Nobel Prize winner in Physics. With nearly 200 years of experience advancing scientific and technological knowledge, Rensselaer remains focused on addressing global challenges with a spirit of ingenuity and collaboration. www.rpi.edu. About IBM

IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. More than 4,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's legendary commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information. Contact: RPI

Katie Malatino

Sr. Communications Specialist

[email protected]

838-240-5691 IBM Erin Angelini

IBM communications

[email protected] Chris Nay

IBM Research communications

[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rensselaer-polytechnic-institute-plans-to-deploy-first-ibm-quantum-system-one-on-a-university-campus-301865022.html SOURCE IBM

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[June 28, 2023] Madrona Names Experienced Operators to Investment Team Tweet

Madrona today announced the appointment of three venture partners to its team of committed, knowledgeable, and accomplished investors. As venture partners, Loren Alhadeff, Mark Nelson, and Ted Kummert support Madrona's portfolio companies as they build, scale, and navigate pivotal points in a company's growth. Venture partners also work with the investment team on new companies and technologies. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628050938/en/ Madrona Appointed New Venture Partners, - Ted Kummert, Loren Alhadeff, Mark Nelson (Photo: Business Wire) "A deep bench of world-class operators helping early-stage companies build and scale their organizations is critical to our success," Madrona Managing Director Scott Jacobson said. "We are excited for Ted's return to Madrona, for Mark to expand his role, and for Loren to join the team." Proven sales executive Loren Alhadeff joins Madrona after 14+ years leading the sales organization at DocuSign, most recently as COO. Under his tenure, Loren grew sales from $2.5 million to more than $2.5 billion in annual revenue. He helped DocuSign build a product categor that started with a single product, introducing digital signatures to the market, and grew to encompass a platform that supports business agreements of all types. At Madrona, Loren works with portfolio companies on go-to-market strategy, developing sales teams, field leadership, and executive development. Loren is passionate about building organizations that enable the entire team to realize their potential, and his advice for companies starting out is - "For engineering and product-led companies, the shift to building an effective sales organization can be confusing and full of false starts. I've seen it all, and it is exciting to work with companies at all stages as they explore how to best reach customers."



Mark Nelson moves from a strategic director to a venture partner at Madrona. Most recently CEO of Tableau, Mark is an esteemed product and engineering leader who has been part of the leadership team through two of the most significant acquisitions in Seattle's history, Tableau by Salesforce and Concur by SAP. In his new role, Mark will work directly with portfolio companies and the investment team to identify new companies. As a leader with decades spent building products and teams, Mark shared - "People will follow leaders who they trust and who understand what the team is up against in the challenges that come their way." Ted Kummert returns to Madrona as a venture partner. An experienced product and engineering leader, he most recently served as the chief product development officer at UiPath and held a similar leadership role at Apptio. During his tenure at both companies, they each had a successful IPO. Ted first joined Madrona a decade ago, coming directly off of 23+ years building and leading product teams at Microsoft as a corporate vice president, which ended with a 6-year tenure leading the SQL Server business. Ted is passionate about the enterprise, data & analytics, and platforms. He works with the investment team on potential investments and works with product and engineering leaders on the challenges they face. Ted shared his thoughts on Madrona as he starts his third chapter at the firm - "I love Madrona's positive builder mentality. No matter the situation, seek to be helpful and move people and companies forward."

To learn more about the Madrona team and connect with investors, visit www.madrona.com/team About Madrona Madrona is a venture capital firm based in Seattle, Washington. With over 25 years of investing in early-stage technology companies, the firm has worked with founders from Day One to help build their company for the long run. Madrona initially invests in seed and Series A rounds across the information technology spectrum and in acceleration stage (Series B and C) companies building intelligent applications. Madrona manages over $3 billion and was an early investor in companies such as Amazon, Smartsheet, Snowflake, Apptio, Redfin, and UIPath. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628050938/en/

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[June 28, 2023] LIKUID.COM ACQUIRES HOSTMANTIS Tweet

The company strategically positions itself in the web hosting arena MIRABEL, QC, April 28, 2023 /CNW/ - Likuid.com is pleased to announce the acquisition of HostMantis.com. This new acquisition strengthens Likuid.com's position as a leader in local web hosting. The integration of HostMantis.com into the larger Likuid.com family promises to enhance the company's positive impact on the growth of its clients. Likuid.com takes pride in being a local alternative to large multinational web hosting companies. With the acquisition of HostMantis.com, a company specialized in website and server hosting for clients worldwide, Likuid.com now has access to local servers in the following countries: United Sates, United Kingdom, France, Australia, Germany, and Singapore. This enables Likuid.com to provide greater flexibility in data localization. It enriches the range of products and services by offering solutions tailored to specific needs in website and server hosting.



"Choosing the right web host is like choosing the right home for your online business. It can make all the difference in how you present yourself to the world and in your ability to achieve your goals," says Patrice Baribeau, President of Likuid.com. For over 15 years, the company has been committed to providing reliable, high-performance, and secure solutions while offering exceptional customer service. The quality of its services lies at the core of Likuid.com's offering, and the team is excited to provide an even more satisfying hosting experience to its clients.

Likuid.com would like to express gratitude to all its clients for their trust and loyalty. About Likuid.com Likuid.com is a leading company in the web hosting industry, providing reliable, high-performance, and secure hosting solutions for businesses of all sizes. Founded over 15 years ago, Likuid.com is a local alternative to large multinationals, offering exceptional and personalized customer service. About HostMantis.com HostMantis.com is a web hosting company that offers reliable and affordable hosting solutions for individuals and businesses for over 10 years. With servers in several countries, HostMantis.com offers great flexibility in data location to meet the needs of customers. SOURCE Likuid.com

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[June 28, 2023] STUDY: Despite 84% of Businesses Claiming to Prioritize Third-Party Risk Management, More Than 40% Of Companies Have Insufficient Visibility Over Their Digital Supply Chain Tweet

NEW YORK, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Panorays , a leading provider of third-party security risk solutions, today released a comprehensive mid-year report titled "Navigating Third-Party Security Risks in 2023: Mid-Year Insights and Trends". The report delves into the increasing risks of cyberattacks in today's digital supply chain, a growing concern for businesses worldwide.

The report's findings  collected between February and April 2023  tapped 100 IT security executives, including senior decision-makers, with 30% holding CxO titles, 17% as VPs, 22% as directors, 20% as senior managers, and 11% as security analysts, architects, or engineers. These perspectives from across industries provide a broad understanding of the challenges and strategies in third-party risk management, a crucial focus for businesses seeking to bolster their digital ecosystems against escalating threats. Some key findings from the report include: 84% of organizations prioritize third-party security risk management, indicating a growing awareness of the potential threats posed by third-party relationships.





Only 13% of organizations continuously monitor the security risks of their third parties, highlighting a significant gap in current risk management practices, especially when considering critical vendors.





44% take three weeks or more to onboard a new third party, highlighting the complexity of managing third-arty relationships  especially when companies have hundreds or thousands of third parties.









52% find manual data collection and vendor communication cumbersome, suggesting the need for more automated, streamlined processes.





43% have an insufficient view of 4th party vendor security risks, revealing a need for enhanced visibility across the entire supply chain.

The report underscores that in the face of an increasingly complex regulatory environment, organizations are grappling with managing a multitude of third-party relationships, with 58% of companies managing over 100 vendors. Despite these challenges, the crucial nature of third-party risks necessitates proactive management, especially given the high stakes associated with data breaches that average $4.35 million in costs according to a recent IBM and Ponemon report.

"Organizations are managing a substantial number of third-party relationships, and it's clear that third-party security risk management needs to be a priority for businesses in all sectors," said Matan Or-El, CEO and Co-Founder of Panorays. "However, our report indicates that many companies are not fully utilizing effective strategies for continuous risk monitoring and visibility across the digital supply chain." "Companies must prioritize third-party security risk management and maintain constant vigilance in understanding the identity and significance of their third-party partners added Demi Ben-Ari, CTO of Panorays. "Our report highlights the need for strategic refinement and ongoing adaptation in third-party risk management methodologies." For more information, and to download the full report, please visit www.panorays.com or here . About Panorays Panorays is a rapidly growing provider of third-party security risk management software, offered as a SaaS-based platform. The company serves enterprise and mid-market customers primarily in North America, the UK and the EU, and has been adopted by leading banking, insurance, financial services and healthcare organizations, among others. Headquartered in New York and Israel, with offices around the world, Panorays is funded by numerous international investors, including Aleph VC, Oak HC/FT, Greenfield Partners, BlueRed Partners (Singapore), StepStone Group, Moneta VC, Imperva Co-Founder Amichai Shulman and former CEO of Palo Alto Networks Lane Bess. Visit us at www.panorays.com. **Contact**

Adam Brett

[email protected]

516.320.0164



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The accelerator will advance five startups' climatetech solutions while preparing them for partnership and commercialization in the offshore wind industry

SOMERVILLE, Mass. and HOUSTON, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Greentown Labs , the largest climatetech incubator in North America, and Vineyard Wind , developer of the first utility-scale offshore wind farm in the United States, today announce five startup participants for Greentown Go Energize 2023 . This Greentown Go program, which is supported by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), is dedicated to advancing technologies for responsible offshore wind development.

Greentown Labs Logo (PRNewsfoto/Greentown Labs)

A total of 40 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity is set to come online in the United States in the next decade. Harnessing this abundant resource will increase grid reliability and diversity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. With only 42 megawatts of offshore wind capacity currently operational, the U.S. offshore wind industry is poised for significant growth and ripe for innovationbut given the industry's complexity, it can be uniquely challenging for startups to enter this space.

Go Energize 2023 embodies a powerful vision: to remove barriers hindering the commercialization of innovative technologies within the offshore wind industry by providing education and fostering robust relationships across networks.

Go Energize 2023 set out to find startups with solutions for offshore turbine monitoring and ecological data collection and digital solutions to improve turbine efficiency and longevity. After a highly competitive selection and deliberation process that saw more than 60 applicants from a dozen countries, a cohort of five cutting-edge startup participants was selected:

Blue Atlas Robotics (Odense, Denmark): Blue Atlas Robotics has developed and commercialized a robot platform that removes operational and data limitations present today when using available methods for underwater inspections.

FutureOn (Oslo, Norway): FutureOn's FieldTwin creates a dynamic and 3D geospatial common data environment across surface, subsea, and subsurface domains, with open API connectivity into third-party tools and existing customer workflows.

HyperKelp (Encinitas, Calif., United States): HyperKelp produces the Kelp Smart Buoya hosted payload platform capable of carrying hundreds of sensorsthat collects and transmits marine-level data for wind farmers, climate scientists, and military intelligence officials.

Lobster Robotics (Delft, Netherlands): Lobster Robotics develops lightweight, low-cost, fast robots for visual surveying to lower the cost of surveying in offshore wind farms.

SeaDeep (Malden, Mass., United States): SeaDeep revolutionizes underwater assessments with AI-powered subsea vision for inspecting marine environments and substructures in real-time and with high-fidelity using low-cost, off-the-shelf cameras.

The startup cohort will work closely with Vineyard Wind and MassCEC over six months to advance commercialization efforts while connecting with offshore wind developers, NGOs, scientists, and other key players and prepare for partnerships in the burgeoning U.S. offshore wind industry. The startups will also benefit from mentorship, networking opportunities, educational workshops, and partnership-focused programming; gain desk space and membership at Greentown for the duration of the accelerator; and receive $70,000 each in non-dilutive stipend funding.

Vineyard Wind is developing the first utility-scale offshore wind project in the United Stateswhich will eliminate 1.68 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year, the equivalent of taking 325,000 cars off the road annuallywith construction of the landmark 800-megawatt project already underway.

"The offshore wind industry is as much about harnessing innovation as it is about delivering projects that create clean, renewable energy," said Vineyard Wind CEO Klaus S. Moeller. "The startups selected in this round have the potential to elevate what's currently possible when it comes to data collection and turbine monitoring. We're excited to continue our partnership with Greentown Labs and look forward to seeing the progress of the participants in the coming months."

Technology and process innovation are vital for the offshore wind sector to grow and operate in an environmentally responsible manner while delivering clean, economical electricity to consumers. Vineyard Wind's role as the preeminent grid-scale offshore wind project in the U.S. will set the standard for responsible development of future projects. Massachusetts is a leader in offshore wind, and its long-term growth depends on accelerating promising enabling technologies.

"Congratulations to this dynamic group of offshore wind innovators and to Vineyard Wind and Greentown Labs for advancing the Greentown Go initiative," said MassCEC CEO Jennifer Daloisio. "Partnerships like this are instrumental in driving Massachusetts toward its ambitious climate goals. The pace of growth and innovation in offshore wind brings exciting opportunities, and MassCEC looks forward to working with these startups to realize successful commercialization."

Go Energize 2023 follows a successful Greentown Go program focused on offshore wind that Greentown, Vineyard Wind, and MassCEC ran together in 2020. That program advanced innovations in marine-mammal monitoring through data collection, real-time transmission, and analysis; see detailed results here .

"Offshore wind is a critical tool in the energy transition, and it's imperative that we advance innovations that will not only maximize offshore wind's potential, but ensure its responsible development," said Jason Hanna, Interim CEO at Greentown. "We are proud to collaborate with Vineyard Wind and MassCEC, which are at the forefront of these efforts, on Go Energize 2023 and look forward to working with this exceptional startup cohort."

Greentown runs Greentown Go programs across five tracks: Go Make (manufacturing), Go Move (transportation), Go Energize (energy and electricity), Go Build (buildings), and Go Grow (food and agriculture). These startup-corporate partnerships programs challenge the status quo within each key greenhouse-gas sector as they accelerate partnerships between industry giants and innovators.

The Go Energize 2023 cohort will participate in continuous mentoring and three workshops with Vineyard Wind and MassCEC, culminating in a showcase event on Nov. 16, 2023, at Greentown's Boston location. To learn more, visit the Go Energize 2023 website .

About Greentown Labs

Greentown Labs is a community of climate action pioneers working to design a more sustainable world. As the largest climatetech startup incubator in North America, Greentown Labs brings together startups, corporates, investors, policymakers, and many others with a focus on scaling climate solutions. Driven by the mission of providing startups the resources, knowledge, connections, and equipment they need to thrive, Greentown Labs offers lab space, shared office space, a machine shop, an electronics lab, software and business resources, and a large network of corporate customers, investors, and more. With incubators in Somerville, Mass. and Houston, Texas, Greentown Labs is home to more than 200 startups and has supported more than 500 since the incubator's founding in 2011. These startups have collectively created more than 24,000 jobs, raised more than $4 billion in funding, and generated more than $9.8 billion in regional economic impact. For more information, please visit www.greentownlabs.com or Twitter , Facebook , and LinkedIn .

Greentown Media Contact:

Julia Travaglini

Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications

julia@greentownlabs.com

888.954.6836 ext. 1

About Vineyard Wind

Vineyard Wind LLC is an offshore wind development company seeking to build the first large-scale offshore wind energy project in the U.S., to be located 15 miles south of Martha's Vineyard. Vineyard Wind, based in New Bedford, Mass., is 50 percent owned by funds of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) and 50 percent by Avangrid Renewables. For more information, visit www.vineyardwind.com .

Vineyard Wind Media Contact:

Andrew Doba

Communications Director

adoba@vineyardwind.com

203-850-7400

About MassCEC

MassCEC is a state economic development agency dedicated to accelerating the growth of the clean energy sector across the Commonwealth to spur job creation, deliver statewide environmental benefits and to secure long-term economic growth for the people of Massachusetts. MassCEC works to increase the adoption of clean energy while driving down costs and delivering financial, environmental, and economic development benefits to energy users and utility customers across the state.

MassCEC Media Contact:

Kathryn Niforos

Director of Communications

kniforos@masscec.com

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/greentown-go-energize-2023-with-vineyard-wind-and-masscec-announces-startup-cohort-with-innovations-for-responsible-offshore-wind-development-301865263.html

SOURCE Greentown Labs
[June 28, 2023] Subtext Appoints Eric Reisch as Senior Vice President of Sales Tweet

NEW YORK, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Subtext , an award-winning texting platform that connects media companies, brands, artists and creators to their audiences, today announced the appointment of Eric Reisch as the companys new Senior Vice President of Sales. In this role, Eric will lead the sales and revenue team, with the goal of driving new growth opportunities for the company.

Eric brings nearly 20 years of experience in the digital marketing and technology space, having held leadership roles at Wpromote, a digital marketing agency, and Conductor, an enterprise SEO and content marketing platform. His proven track record of scaling sales across emerging, mid-market and enterprise markets makes him an invaluable addition to the Subtext leadership team. While any technology organizations are downsizing and narrowing their market focus, Subtext is investing in the growth of our business, our team and our clients. The high demand were experiencing in the market signals tremendous growth potential for us, said Mike Donoghue, Co-founder and CEO at Subtext. With Eric on board, we are poised to solidify our standing in key verticals and explore new business opportunities."



As Eric steps into the new role, his top priority is to capitalize on the existing growth momentum within current verticals including media and publishing, the creator economy and music, while leveraging insights to drive go-to-market strategies in expanded areas. He plans to use the knowledge gained from the sales front-lines to empower Subtext to continue to build on existing customer service strategies. "Creating genuine engagement and exceptional experiences between creators and their audiences has never been more vital. Subtext is delivering a beautifully simple and unique solution for hosts to connect, engage, and learn from the audiences they have worked so hard to build. The potential to deliver this experience in new ways and across new categories is exciting, said Eric Reisch, Senior Vice President of Sales at Subtext.

About Subtext

Subtext is an award-winning conversation platform that connects publishers, creators, and brands with their audiences through text messaging. By making direct connections with their audience, Subtext customers have the ability to communicate one on one or at scale. Subtext customers include Sony Music, The Washington Post, Penguin Random House, USA Today Network and IRONMAN. Subtext Contact

Lauren Burge

[email protected]





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[June 28, 2023] LeverX Celebrates 20 Years of Software Engineering Excellence Tweet

LeverX is proud to announce its 20th anniversary. Throughout the past two decades, the organization has established and reinforced its position as a strategic partner in the SAP ecosystem. Today, the company acts as a Global System Integrator and is trusted by enterprises worldwide, such as Fuchs, Girteka, Schneider Electric, and many others to deliver successful business transformations. LeverX started in 2003 as a small consulting business specializing in SAP solutions implementation and customization. Now, 20 years later, the team has completed nearly 1,000 projects, providing top-notch implementation and custom software development services to businesses of all sizes, from Silicon Valley startups to Fortune 500 companies, across the automotive, manufacturing, retail, banking, mining and other industries. "Congratulations, Victor, on 20 years of LeverX. Converting into SAP Alumni years, this means almost 30 years of being a loyal SAP family member: transitioning from an employee to a valued entrepreneur and partner - as well as C-Suite alumnus in the SAP ecosystem," said Margret Klein-Magar, Vice President Alumni Relations and Member of SAP's Supervisory Board. "Thank you so much for all your engagement!" Over its tenure, the company expanded its market presence, opening 14 offices in 10 countries across three continents, including The United States, Middle East, Central Asia, and Central and Eastern Europe. LeverX also relocated its headquarters to Miami, Florida to support its international presence, while taking advantage of the new location as a growing tech hub. LeverX continues to show growth in digital transformation projects and S/4HANA migrations, and is seeing tremendous interest in ERP management simplification, data migration, AI and Sustainability initiatives. "Congratulations toVictor Lozinski and the LeverX Team on their 20 Year Anniversary," said Mike Page, Chief Information Officer at a leading research institute. "It's been quite a journey. I actually met Victor in 1997 when he led the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) practice at SAP. It has been impressive to see the growth and development of LeverX over the years from humble beginnings with a focus on SAP PLM to being a major player in software development. The expertise of the LeverX team helped to create scalable, high-quality solutions in a reduced timeframe. Their contributions were truly appreciated by our leadership team and researchers."



From its inception, LeverX has been committed to excellence with every single product and service the team delivers. As a result, the company has been recognized by key industry partners that are innovative and proven leaders in their respective fields - SAP, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and AWS. Furthermore, LeverX's dedicated work has helped the company earn the honorable SAP Gold Partner, SAP Global Strategic Supplier, and SAP Integrator statuses, affirming its strong experience and knowledge. "The LeverX journey has been challenging and rewarding, but we have become a leading player in the global IT industry through our resilience," said Dr. Victor Lozinski, LeverX's Co-founder and Chairman of the Board. "As we continue to build an incredible company, we can all be proud of what we have achieved so far, and I am confident that we will continue to grow and accomplish great things in the years to come. Our success would have been impossible without our customers, partners, and the LeverX team. Their support has been instrumental in helping us grow and we look forward to continuing to work together to drive innovation and success."

LeverX will be celebrating its 20th anniversary with LeverX partners and customers on October 25th in Miami. To learn more about LeverX's mission and system integration capabilities, visit www.leverx.com. About LeverX Founded in 2003 in the heart of Silicon Valley, LeverX is a global system integrator that provides SAP implementation services and custom software development to companies of all sizes. Knowledgeable experts support clients in North America, Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East through all stages of their digital transformation and business optimization. What sets LeverX apart is its strong expertise, effective organizational structure, and agile corporate culture. This allows maximum flexibility and responsiveness to be a reliable partner for its clients. For more information, please visit https://leverx.com/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628742823/en/

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[June 28, 2023] Pentad Launches with its First Acquisitions of Codec.ai and Versus, Fusing Community Intelligence with Creative and Production, Solidifying Pentad as a Powerful New Global Player in the Creative Industry Tweet

Pentad's mission to drive brand growth by bridging AI-Powered community data to culture-defining creative and production is an industry game changer NEW YORK, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Built by leaders in AI, strategy, creative and production, Pentad , the world's first AI-Powered Community and Cultural Operating System for brands and agencies, announced today the completion of its acquisition of Codec.ai , whose proprietary AI platform will join Versus , an Emmy-winning creative and production studio, to develop a first-of-its-kind offering. The newly formed company has created a one-of-a-kind approach that helps brands and agencies form, discover, and engage with communities in real-time, giving a cultural edge to grow market share by identifying new audiences and creating compelling and authentic content. "Pentad is committed to leveraging the powerful combination of proprietary IP and software in Codec.ai to enable substantial growth opportunities globally. With a determined roadmap, Pentad will enhance and expand the capabilities of this technology," said Alasdair Lloyd-Jones, chief executive officer. "We are revlutionizing the process of harnessing and developing creative insights, paving the way for a new paradigm in how brands and agencies nourish relationships with communities through highly targeted and relevant content."



Codec, an award-winning AI company, specializes in providing brands and agencies with actionable insights to help them connect to consumers in real-time. The company has worked with leading brands like Adidas, AB InBev, Unilever, Mars Wrigley, and Diageo, to power activities like brand and creative strategies, Metaverse entry strategies, and new product development. The company has been recognized as the 'Best Artificial Intelligence Product in Marketing' (CogX) and as one of the 'Hottest Artificial Intelligence Startups in Europe' (TechCrunch). With eight years of machine learning and proprietary intellectual property, Codec's models are trained to understand content and culture at scale. Codec has built a comprehensive global map of popular culture, encompassing over 35 markets worldwide, including China, to help companies grow market share and engage with audiences. With the ability to analyze approximately one billion pieces of content and user interactions every day, Codec moves brands away from reliance on a demographic understanding of audiences, generating valuable insights from the interests and passions of thousands of communities on a daily basis.

Versus, a New York-based creative and production studio, has artfully crafted, one-of-a-kind campaigns and content for industry leading brands like Audible, Disney, Meta, PepsiCo, CBS, and the NFL. The global team is led by industry game-changers who develop creative solutions for clients using efficient and forward-thinking production solutions. They've received a number of awards for their work including multiple Cannes Lions, an Emmy, Clios, and more. Codec and Versus will be the first in a string of mergers and acquisitions by Pentad. The leadership appointments and board of directors for Pentad will be announced in the coming weeks. About Pentad

Pentad is an always-on operating system that generates creative solutions through custom community insight. It builds groups to elicit behavioral data that informs the way brands and agencies strategize, create, and distribute content. Pentad was formed through the acquisition of Codec, an AI company that specializes in cultural intelligence, combined with Versus, an Emmy-winning creative and production studio with multiple Cannes Lions to its name. Pentad's founding members are Martin Adams, Justin Barnes, and Alasdair Lloyd-Jones, who have extensive experience in AI, strategy, creativity, production, and business development. Pentad is headquartered in New York, with offices in London and Mexico City. For more information, visit thepentad.com . Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2142380/Pentad_Acquires_Codec_and_Versus.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2142381/Pentad_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/pentad-launches-with-its-first-acquisitions-of-codecai-and-versus-fusing-community-intelligence-with-creative-and-production-solidifying-pentad-as-a-powerful-new-global-player-in-the-creative-industry-301865851.html

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[June 28, 2023] Bancolombia Capital Selects Marstone to Bring Digital Wealth Management Services to Latin American Customer Base as Platform Becomes Multilingual Tweet

Marstone, Inc., a leading digital wealth technology firm, today announced it has partnered with Grupo Bancolombia (CIB), the largest bank in Colombia by total assets, and the first Colombian financial institution listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), to provide its cutting-edge digital investment platform to Bancolombia Capital's Latin American customers. To frictionlessly provide this product, Marstone is working with BlackRock, Inc. (BLK), a multinational investment firm based in New York City to provide Bancolombia Capital clients with access to select UCITS strategies. To allow for a more seamless customer experience, Marstone's platform is now multilingual, supporting Bancolombia Capital clients in Spanish as well as English. Clients will now be able to open US-based accounts and invest completely digitally while diversifying their exposure. "We're committed to financial inclusivity and part of that work means ensuring our platform meets the needs of international clients seeking to diversify their portfolios and exposure to new assets. Our latest partnership with Bancolombia marks the expansion of Marstone's digital wealth solutions to Latin American customers," said Margaret J. Hartigan, co-founder and CEO of Marstone. "Marstone's platform enables Latin American customers to seamlessly open accounts digitally. We're excited to ease the adoption of digital wealth management and the valuable strategies we unlock including BlackRock's UCITS funds." Bancolombia has nearly 30,000 employees and a presence in Coombia, as well as Panama, Guatemala, and El Salvador. With the assistance of Bancolombia's Miami-based broker dealer, customers will open accounts digitally where the assets will then be invested in model portfolios featuring BlackRock's UCITS funds.



The model portfolios for this engagement center around BlackRock's UCITS funds, from which Latin American customers derive greater positive tax treatments when compared to traditional US-traded ETFs. The digital accessibility Marstone provides enables customers to open international accounts online avoiding the difficulty and lag time of manual, paper documentation. If interested in more information, please visit https://www.marstone.com or contact us at [email protected].

About Marstone Marstone is a leading digital wealth management platform with a mission to enhance financial literacy, deepen financial inclusion, and humanize finance for all. Its enterprise-ready solution, Powered by Marstone, enables financial institutions to efficiently and affordably reach, acquire, and retain clients who seek straightforward information and engagement around their finances. As a proven and trusted technology partner, Marstone has comprehensive integrations with custodians including Pershing, core banking platforms including Fiserv, account aggregation platforms, and investment managers. These integrations, in addition to Marstone's partnerships with globally recognized foundations including the World Economic Forum Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and leadership participation in the Milken Institute's FinTech Advisory Committee, provide organizations the opportunity to deploy a technology that will help future-proof their businesses as consumer expectations for digital wealth management evolve. About Bancolombia Financial group with 148 years of history, and with a presence in Colombia, Panama, Guatemala and El Salvador. It offers a portfolio of financial and non-financial products and services to more than 20 million clients. It provides, among others, commercial and consumer banking services, stock brokerage, financial leasing, factoring, trust services, asset management, private banking and investment banking. It has declared to promote economic development to achieve the well-being of all, seeking to positively impact the communities of the countries in which it operates. For more information, please visit https://www.grupobancolombia.com/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628234489/en/

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[June 28, 2023] AIRPORTS TO RESHAPE GLOBAL TRAVEL INFRASTRUCTURE THROUGH 2050 Tweet

Oliver Wyman Forum Sees Changing Purpose of Airports, With Climate Sustainability, Passenger Experience as Key Priorities BARCELONA, Spain, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Oliver Wyman, a global management consulting firm and a business of Marsh McLennan (NYSE: MMC), launched a new report today on the future of airports. The report was produced by the consulting firm's think tank Oliver Wyman Forum in collaboration with Airports Council International (ACI World) and the Sustainable Tourism Global Center (STGC), a multinational coalition spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia. New report from the Oliver Wyman Forum: The Evolution of Airports: A Flight Path to 2050 The report, entitled The Evolution of Airports: A Flight Path to 2050 identifies priorities and trends needed to "future-proof" operations and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Achieving net zero represents a key priority. Airports account for 2% to 5% of total aviation emissions, which represent approximately 2.5% of total carbon emissions globally. According to the report authors, airports will become energy hubs and producers that provide the alternative fuels needed to support aviation's efforts to reduce emissions. This will happen as airports simultaneously work to electrify their own ground transport and take other steps to work toward net zero. Meanwhile, biometrics and digital identities will transform the passenger experience, and artificial intelligence and 3D printing will improve the efficiency of airport operations. As part of this transition, today's approximately 11.3 million airport workers will need to develop a more specialized skillset in such applications as digital technology and cybersecurity. In addition, collaboration with public transit agencies will be required to pursue integrated, green-transit strategies. The report identifies four airport types and includes interviews with 18 airport chief executives from across these airport tpes to understand the megatrends shaping their future. Flight Path to 2050 presents case studies from four of today's airports around the world representing each of these types: Dubai International Airport represents "Global Hub Connectors", Memphis International Airport is an example of "Cargo Gateways", Geneva Airport represents "City Airports", and Uruguay's Carrasco International Airport is an example of "Leisure Gateways."



The report was released today at the ACI EUROPE/WORLD Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition. Rana Nawas, a partner in Oliver Wyman's Transportation and Services practice, will present the findings at the conference. "Because airports are a critical enabler of the global economy, the aim of our report is to map out the biggest disruptors airports can expect, along with potential solutions for implementation by governments, airport leaders, and the air travel industry at large," Nawas said. Luis Felipe de Oliveira, ACI World Director General, said: "We are thrilled to be launching The Evolution of Airports: A Flight Path to 2050 with our partners Oliver Wyman and the STGC. The future is not a distant horizon but something airports are creating daily to benefit travelers worldwide. This view-from-the-top report highlights the main trends shared by the world's leading airport CEOs as well as strategic guidance from participating organizations. The Evolution of Airports provides thoughtful insights into the future trends shaping the world's airports and offers stakeholders and regulators advice on how they can support the path forward for airports."

Her Excellency Gloria Guevara, Chief Special Advisor at the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia said: "As airports plan their roadmaps to 2030 and beyond, they have the potential and opportunity to lead the aviation industry, and support the Travel & Tourism sector to accelerate the reduction of emissions and transition to net zero. We have witnessed a number of airports achieving climate neutrality already; and more can join. Indeed, airports are a crucial backbone of the sector and their leadership is instrumental to the future of the sector and its fight against climate change. The development and deployment of new technologies, including data and digital identity, at airports also heralds the potential to create traveler centric experiences whilst reducing emissions and costs, increasing efficiencies, and improving the health of the planet." About the Oliver Wyman Forum The Oliver Wyman Forum is dedicated to building leadership communities to act on shared global challenges. As Oliver Wyman's think tank, we engage leading thinkers and undertake innovative research to inspire action. Together with our diverse community, we focus on making a difference. To stay up to date, sign up to our newsletter. About Oliver Wyman Oliver Wyman is a global leader in management consulting. With offices in more than 70 cities across 30 countries, Oliver Wyman combines deep industry knowledge with specialized expertise in strategy, operations, risk management, and organization transformation. The firm has more than 6,000 professionals around the world who work with clients to optimize their business, improve their operations and risk profile, and accelerate their organizational performance to seize the most attractive opportunities. Oliver Wyman is a business of Marsh McLennan [NYSE: MMC]. For more information, visit www.oliverwyman.com . Follow Oliver Wyman on Twitter @OliverWyman. About Airport Council International Airports Council International (ACI), the trade association of the world's airports, is a federated organization comprising ACI World, ACI Africa, ACI Asia-Pacific, ACI EUROPE, ACI Latin America and the Caribbean and ACI North America. In representing the best interests of airports during key phases of policy development, ACI makes a significant contribution toward ensuring a global air transport system that is safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable. As of January 2023, ACI serves 712 members, operating 1925 airports in 171 countries. About Sustainable Tourism Global Center The Sustainable Tourism Global Center (STGC) is the world's first multi-country, multi-stakeholder global coalition that will lead, accelerate, and track the tourism industry's transition to net-zero emissions, as well as drive action to protect nature and support communities. It will enable the transition while delivering knowledge, tools, financing mechanisms and innovation stimulation into the tourism sector. The STGC, incubated by the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, was announced by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman during the Saudi Green Initiative in October 2021 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for Saudi Arabia then led a panel discussion during COP26 (November 2021) in Glasgow, United Kingdom, to elaborate on how the Center will deliver on its mandate with founding country representatives and experts from partner international organisations. The countries invited to be part of this important coalition in phase one, include the UK, US and Saudi Arabia among many others. These countries have prioritised climate, tourism and SMEs which will allow for synergies for this important initiative. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/airports-to-reshape-global-travel-infrastructure-through-2050-301865807.html SOURCE Oliver Wyman Forum

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[June 28, 2023] OWIT Global Names Jonathan Kaplan as Chief Technology Officer Tweet

OWIT Global (OWIT), the leader in cloud-based insurance-specific microservices architected solutions to digitalize the global insurance industry, has named Jonathan Kaplan as Global Technology Officer to drive the direction, advancement, and delivery of OWIT's solutions. Kaplan brings over 30 years of experience working for insurance technology companies supporting insurance lifecycle solutions. Throughout his career, Kaplan has been committed to leveraging the most modern, capable technologies. Kaplan has brought global teams together, leading them to advance and render his directives. With his agile development experience as a Scrum Master and Product Owner, Kaplan has the complete optic to deliver successfully. Kaplan commented, "This opportunity with OWIT Global was the culmination of all my experience at the right time and place. The OWIT team has provided the industry with great solutions built on a modern architecture, and bringing these types of solutions to the next phase was the role that I had been looking for." Wendy Aarons-Corman, Chief Executive Offcer and President of OWIT Global, said, "We are delighted to add Jon to our senior team. He is the aggregate that we were seeking, a curious technologist, an insurance SME, and an empathetic leader. We have a variety of assets that are coming together to support O/DIEM, OWIT's Digitalization Insurance Enterprise Management Platform, that need great technological guidance and enthusiasm to work across our global culture. Jon is the perfect fit."



To learn more about OWIT Global, CLICK HERE. About OWIT GLOBAL

The OWIT portfolio is built on a Digitalization Insurance Enterprise Management platform (O/DIEM) to support the industry's need to re-invent and improve processes and its need for clean data across the value chain. O/DIEM assimilates data ingestion and transformation via OWIT's Delegated Data/Bordereaux/Binder Management solutions as well as other solutions such as Broker Portal, Point of Sale, Rating, Rules, and Document Generation. O/DIEM can also connect to a client's existing environments to enable the transformation (cleanse and normalize) of both data and digitalization process. OWIT is a global insurance specialist technology provider for carriers, brokers, reinsurers, and MGA/MGUs. Since OWIT's incorporation in 2018, our solutions have been designed and built from the "ground-up" and the "cloud-down" on a modern architecture designed to optimize no-code and cloud deployment with a mission to simplify innovation via the digitalization of process and data in harmony with the integration of our customers' existing environments to maximize their investments. For more information about OWIT Global, please visit www.OWITGlobal.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628005070/en/

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[June 28, 2023]

Community Powerhouse and Advocate Alicia Wilson to Receive 2023 Featherstone Changemaker Award

BALTIMORE, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The William & Lanaea C. Featherstone Foundation, an award-winning nonprofit, announces Alicia Wilson, co-founder, Black Philanthropy Circle, as this year's 2023 Featherstone Changemaker Award recipient. This prestigious prize recognizes an influential leader who drives social change and makes a positive impact in the community.

Wilson will be honored during the Featherstone Awards Ceremony, an annual event that showcases Baltimore's most promising youth and promotes academic equity in higher education. Thirty exceptional students, from underrepresented communities, will receive $3,000 Featherstone College Scholarships to attend Coppin State University, Morgan State University, The University of Baltimore and other institutions. Travis E. Mitchell, senior vice president and chief content officer, Maryland Public Television, will give the keynote address. The event will be held on August 11, 2023 at The University of Baltimore. Learn more about the event, here .







"We laud Alicia's strong impact in the community," said Juliana Lopez, executive director, William & Lanaea C. Featherstone Foundation." Her brilliance, tenacity and generosity spotlight the positive contributions that she has made to improving lives in Baltimore. She's a role model for our students."

Wilson serves on the boards of the CollegeBound Foundation, France-Merrick Foundation, Johns Hopkins University, Kennedy Krieger Institute, and the University of Maryland School of Law Board of Visitors. The Baltimore Sun recognized her as one of the 15 Black Marylanders to Watch. She's been named a 2022 "Women Who Win" and Newsmaker of the Year for 2021 by the Afro-American Newspaper.

Wilson joins an accomplished list of Featherstone Changemaker Award recipients: Catalina Rodriguez, director, Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (2022); Monica Mitchell, co-founder, Lillie May Carroll Jackson Middle School (2021), and Pamela King, senior program manager, Open Society Foundations, Baltimore (2020).

The Featherstone Foundation has a track record of creating equal access to opportunities. The Foundation has provided over $326,000 through 131 scholarships to outstanding students from 25 countries who now attend 12 institutions.

The William & Lanaea C. Featherstone Foundation , an award winning nonprofit (501c3), has an unapologetic mission to "create sustainable solutions to bridge the opportunity divide for underserved communities."

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/community-powerhouse-and-advocate-alicia-wilson-to-receive-2023-featherstone-changemaker-award-301865224.html

SOURCE The William & Lanaea C. Featherstone Foundation
[June 28, 2023] Nassau Financial Group Advances Digital Capabilities and Retiretech by Partnering with LifeYield Tweet

Nassau Financial Group ("Nassau") today announced an agreement with LifeYield, a financial technology company specializing in applications that help advisors and independent insurance producers optimize retirement income, maximize Social Security, and minimize tax drag on investments for their clients. This collaboration is intended to help advance the ability of independent producers to create retirement income protection for more Americans through education, emerging retiretech technology, and annuities. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628712687/en/



LifeYield Social Security+ Sample Scenario

Nassau will integrate LifeYield's "Social Security+ with Income Layers" application into its retiretech toolbox for use by independent producers. This application models Social Security benefits under different scenarios. Producers can then help clients by showing potential options for converting assets into reliable income streams to supplement Social Security benefits. "Nassau's collaboration with LifeYield demonstrates our long-term focus on providing leading digital capabilities to help insurance producers develop strong retirement income strategies for each client," said Tom Buckingham, Chief Growth Officer at Nassau. "We are excited about the future of technology in retirement planning, from setting goals through seeking to protect savings, deliver guaranteed income, and pay for health care costs," Buckingham added. "By partnering with LifeYield, we align with a leader for technology designed to maximize retirement income, broadening our commitment to insurtech beyond our incubator, Nassau Re/Imagine." LifeYield Vice President Jeff Quigley said the first question people approaching retirement ask their producer is, "What can I expect from Social Security?" "Producers use Social Security+ to demonstrate how income history, age, and marital status affect lifetime benefits. Then producers use the application's Income Layers feature to evaluate potential income sources to seek to close the gap between Social Security benefits and monthly income needs. "This opens the door to constructive discussions about retirement planning, including savings levels, investment options, and products, like annuities and life insurance, that may be appropriate," Quigley said. About Nassau Financial Group Based in Hartford, Connecticut, Nassau Financial Group is a growth focused and digitally enabled financial services company with three distinct and closely connected businesses: insurance, reinsurance, and asset management. Nassau was founded in 2015 and has $22.1 billion in assets under management, approximately $1.4 billion in total adjusted capital, and about 378,000 policies and contracts. Nassau's fixed and fixed indexed annuity products are issued by Nassau Life and Annuity Company (Hartford, CT) and Nassau Life Insurance Company (East Greenbush, NY), subsidiaries of Nassau Financial Group. Nassau is NOT connected with, recommended by, or endorsed by any governmental program, agency, or entity, including the Social Security Administration. For more information, visit nfg.com. About LifeYield LifeYield is a technology company whose goal is to improve investor outcomes by minimizing investment taxes and maximizing retirement income. Major financial services firms integrate LifeYield APIs with their proprietary platforms to automate ongoing asset location, tax harvesting, transitions, withdrawals, multi-account rebalancing, and retirement income optimization. LifeYield's goal is to increase advisor productivity and improve financial results for investors, advisors, and firms. For more information, visit lifeyield.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628712687/en/

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[June 28, 2023] McMillan LLP Launches Guide for Members of the Media Tweet

New resource from national business law firm supports work of journalists, showcases McMillan's legal expertise TORONTO, June 28, 2023 /CNW/ - McMillan LLP, a leading Canadian business law firm, announced today the launch of its online media guide, a new resource for journalists to access a legal professional to provide expertise, context and commentary on the news of the day. McMillan's interactive guide, now available on its website, features a curated cross-section of the firm's lawyers across multiple sectors and regions. The tool allows media to easily search the list by area of expertise and language, and engage directly with lawyers to arrange interviews and support coverage. In keeping with the firm's commitment to client care and confidentiality, media interactions will be subject to accordance with these principles. Areas of expertise listed in the guide include: aerospace, aviation, capital markets & securities, competition and foreign investment, cryptocurrecy, employment, energy, international trade, mergers & acquisitions, mining, P3s, and psychedelics, among others.



"McMillan employs some of the sharpest legal minds in Canada. Our lawyers pride themselves on being responsive and staying ahead of industry and market trends," said Tim Murphy, CEO of McMillan LLP. "We are proud to unveil this new resource that showcases the expertise we have across our six offices, and supports the important work that media do in reporting on the issues that affect both our clients and the Canadian public." The guide will be updated regularly to add new areas of expertise and highlight additional legal professionals within the firm. It builds on the firm's ongoing work and engagements with business media, industry outlets and legal industry media.

"Our lawyers are trusted by top business clients across key industries in Canada, the United States and internationally to provide them with the sector expertise and real-time business solutions they need to stay ahead," said Suzie Williams, McMillan's National Director, Marketing & Business Development. "This guide allows the press to tap into their insights to help shape and inform the important work they do." The Guide for Experts of the Media is now available to consult on McMillan's website. About McMillan LLP

McMillan is a leading business law firm focused on serving clients across key industries in Canada, the United States and internationally. Using its collaborative approach to ensure clients receive the high quality expertise they need, McMillan offers pragmatic and solutions-oriented legal advice through its offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit www.mcmillan.ca . SOURCE McMillan LLP

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Greystone Provides $16.5 Million in Fannie Mae DUS Financing for Affordable Housing Portfolio in Tennessee

Greystone

NEW YORK, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Greystone, a leading national commercial real estate finance company, has provided a total of $16,497,000 in Fannie Mae Delegated Underwriting & Servicing (DUS) Multifamily Affordable Housing (MAH) loans for the acquisition of a 484-unit affordable housing portfolio in Tennessee. The financing was originated by Dan Sacks, Ilan Bassali, and Avi Kozlowski in Greystones New York office on behalf of Vitus Group, LLC.



The Fannie Mae financing includes six separate loans on six multifamily properties located throughout eastern Tennessee. All loans feature five-year terms with three years of yield maintenance, and a maximum loan-to-value of 75 percent. Loans securing four of the properties have 30-year amortizations and one year of interest-only payments. Loans for the remaining two properties have 35-year amortizations because they are located in high-need rural areas. The properties are as follows:

Deer Run Apartments , located in Rockwood in Roane County , a 72-unit property built in 2006.

Oak Crest Apartments , located in Knoxwood in Knox County , a 72-unit property built in 2007.

Northgate Crossing Apartments , located in Hixson in Hamilton County , a 108-unit property built in 2009.

Hidden Oaks Apartments , located in Greeneville in Greene County , a 72-unit property built in 2006.

Town Creek Village Apartments , located in Lenoir City in Loudon County , a 96-unit property built in 2010.

Whispering Meadows, located in Erwin in Unicoi County, a 64-unit property built in 2003.

Were deeply committed to bringing financing solutions that help our clients provide quality affordable housing for families in communities across the country, said Mr. Sacks. We are creative in leveraging our extensive experience and lending platform, as well as our strong relationship with Fannie Mae, so that our clients can achieve their portfolio goals.

Greystones passion for affordable housing was clearly evident throughout every phase of this transaction, said Mr. Stephen R. Whyte, principal of the borrower. From our initial meetings through the final closing, our Greystone team worked tirelessly to ensure that no detail was unattended and that the entire experience was seamless.

About Greystone

Greystone is a private national commercial real estate finance company with an established reputation as a leader in multifamily and healthcare finance, having ranked as a top FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac lender in these sectors. Loans are offered through Greystone Servicing Company LLC, Greystone Funding Company LLC and/or other Greystone affiliates. For more information, visit www.greystone.com.

PRESS CONTACT:

Karen Marotta

Greystone

212-896-9149

Karen.Marotta@greyco.com




[June 28, 2023] VyncaCare Names Darren Schulte, MD, Chief Executive Officer, and James P. Bradley, Board Chairman Tweet

Successful Healthcare Technology Entrepreneurs Will Accelerate VyncaCare's Growth and Scale SAN FRANCISCO, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- VyncaCare, a serious illness management company, announced the appointment of Darren Schulte, MD, as the Chief Executive Officer and Board Director and James P. Bradley as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Dr. Schulte succeeds co-founder Ryan Van Wert, MD, who steps down after a decade of leading VyncaCare. There's a tremendous opportunity to build on the positive impact VyncaCare has made on physician and patient experience VyncaCare has realized significant growth over the past several years. The company offers a unique palliative care model that addresses the physical, spiritual, and psychosocial needs of vulnerable and underserved patients living with serious illnesses. "It has been a privilege to serve as CEO of VyncaCare, and I am proud of what we have accomplished," said Dr. Van Wert. "Darren's background makes him uniquely qualified to be my successor, and I am confident he is the right person to lead VyncaCare in its next phase." Dr. Schulte brings two decades of healthcare leadership experience and data analytics expertise o VyncaCare. Most recently, he served as the Chief Innovation Officer and President of Advanced Technology at Centene, a government-sponsored health plan. At Centene, he focused on applying technology to improve clinical, administrative, and operational activities.



Before joining Centene, Dr. Schulte was CEO of Apixio for six years until its acquisition by Centene in late 2020. Apixio applies proprietary AI to determine care quality and patient risk from clinical records. Before Apixio, he served in executive roles at Resolution Health and Anvita Health, both healthcare analytics companies with successful exits. Anvita Health became the analytics engine for Transcend Insights, a population health company owned by Humana. Dr. Schulte is a nationally recognized expert on healthcare analytics, quality improvement, and risk adjustment, and he currently serves on the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Committee for Performance Measurement. Dr. Schulte received his B.S. degree from the University of California at Berkeley, his M.P.P. degree from Harvard University, and his M.D. from Stanford University. He trained in internal medicine at the University of California at San Francisco. Dr. Schulte is the co-inventor of six U.S. patents.

Dr. Schulte is excited to apply his technology and data-driven solutions expertise to increase VyncaCare's ability to offer high-quality, whole-person care. "There's a tremendous opportunity to accelerate the impact that VyncaCare has demonstrated on the physician and patient experience," said Dr. Schulte. "Managing serious illness is a key challenge for our country given its aging population. VyncaCare addresses clinical and non-clinical needs for patients, tackles long-standing health inequities, and enables high-quality, less expensive care. I am excited to apply technology to reach more individuals nationwide." The newly appointed Board Chairman, James P. Bradley, is an accomplished technologist, entrepreneur, and board leader whose career spans the healthcare industry. Previously, Bradley served as Chief Information Officer of UnitedHealthcare, Chief Technology Strategy Officer at McKesson Corporation, and Chair of the NCQA. He founded and led Abaton.com and RxHub (now Surescripts) and served as a board chairman of many companies, including Apixio, ABILITY Network, Diameter Health, and Wellpartner, all of which had successful exits. "I am delighted to join the outstanding VyncaCare team and the Board at this time in their journey," said Mr. Bradley. "Under Ryan's leadership, VyncaCare has grown from an advanced care planning platform to a multi-state care delivery organization poised for its next growth stage. I look forward to collaborating with Darren and the team to guide VyncaCare as it serves a much larger patient population nationwide." About VyncaCare VyncaCare is committed to empowering individuals, their loved ones, and their care teams with serious illness solutions that deliver care in the home. By providing supportive care via our interdisciplinary care teams and advanced care planning, we ensure that serious illnesses and complex health conditions are managed with compassion and expertise. To learn more about our approach to serious illness management through our supportive care model, visit www.vyncacare.com. Media Inquiries Brittan Collett | [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vyncacare-names-darren-schulte-md-chief-executive-officer-and-james-p-bradley-board-chairman-301865292.html SOURCE VyncaCare

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[June 28, 2023] UCare Hires Former KanCare Director for Market Expansion Tweet

UCare, a leading independent, nonprofit health plan, today announced the appointment of former Kansas Medicaid Director Jon Hamdorf to its new role of Market President. Born and raised in the Midwest, Hamdorf is leveraging more than a decade of public health plan leadership experience in Kansas to drive UCare's bid for a 2025 Kansas Medicaid contract. "I'm thrilled to lead the UCare team in Kansas and help fulfill our health plan's mission of improving health through innovative services and partnerships across communities," said Hamdorf. As a health plan with deep experience serving Medicaid members, the nonprofit organization is well positioned to partner with the State of Kansas, Kansas health care providers and community-based organizations to bring its community-focused approach to KanCare members across the Sunflower State. UCare can offer a local health plan that addresses the needs of Kansans, eases administrative burden for Kansas health care providers, and creates innovative programs and solutions through community partnerships. A resident of Kansas City, Hamdorf is committed to providing local solutions for local needs and has so far convened conversations with more than 50 community-based organizations throughout the state. Prior to joining UCare, he served in executive roles with a for-profit Medicaid plan and the Kansas Department of Halth and Environment, where he served as the Medicaid Director and Director of Health Care Finance. Prior to that, Hamdorf spent nearly six years as a PhD student and public health advocate at the University of Kansas Medical School.



UCare has a 40-year history of leadership and expertise serving individuals in Medicaid and government programs and is the Medicaid market leader in its home state of Minnesota, where the health plan serves more than 666,000 members across Medicaid, Medicare, and individual and family marketplace plans. As a nonprofit plan rooted in government programs, UCare does not offer employer-based coverage, and it does not have shareholders, allowing UCare to remain committed, above all, to the needs of its members, providers and communities. The Kansas Medicaid program, called KanCare, serves an estimated 415,000 individuals statewide. This fall KanCare is expected to issue a request for proposals from Medicaid managed care organizations wishing to earn a contract to serve a portion of that population beginning in 2025.

"We're privileged to have Jon leading our efforts to support the people of Kansas, a state he knows well," said UCare President and CEO Hilary Marden-Resnik. "As a non-profit health plan focused on government programs, UCare brings a unique perspective to meeting the needs of Kansans through services centered on quality, equity and compassion. Jon has a wealth of experience in Medicaid and public health, and understands the challenges, as well as the opportunities, in helping Kansans have improved health outcomes to lead their best lives." About UCare UCare is an independent, nonprofit health plan providing health care and administrative services to more than 666,000 members throughout Minnesota and parts of western Wisconsin. UCare partners with health care providers, counties and community organizations to create and deliver Medicaid, Medicare and Individual & Family health plans. The health plan addresses health care disparities and care access issues through a broad array of community initiatives. UCare has received Top Workplaces honors from the Star Tribune for 14 consecutive years since the rankings began in 2010. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628117974/en/

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[June 28, 2023] Graybar Names Chris Burrow Vice President - Acquisitions, Financial Planning and Analysis Tweet

ST. LOUIS, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Graybar, a leading distributor of electrical, communications and data networking products and provider of related supply chain management and logistics services, announced that Christopher M. Burrow has been named Vice President  Acquisitions, Financial Planning and Analysis effective July 5, 2023. Burrow has more than 24 yeas of experience in accounting, financial planning and strategy. He currently serves as Graybar's Director Financial Planning and Analysis, a position he has held for nearly four years. In his new role, he will continue to lead the FP&A function, while taking on responsibility for Graybar's merger and acquisition process.



"We congratulate Chris on his promotion," said David M. Meyer, Graybar's senior vice president and chief financial officer. "Chris has extensive knowledge and experience in finance and accounting, which provides a strong foundation for success in this expanded role. As Graybar continues to pursue growth through acquisitions, I am confident that he will sustain our focus and move our strategy forward." Graybar, a Fortune 500 corporation and one of the largest employee-owned companies in North America, is a leader in the distribution of high quality electrical, communications and data networking products, and specializes in related supply chain management and logistics services. Through its network of more than 325 North American distribution facilities, it stocks and sells products from thousands of manufacturers, helping its customers power, network, automate and secure their facilities with speed, intelligence and efficiency. For more information, visit www.graybar.com or call 1-800-GRAYBAR.

Media Contact:

Tim Sommer

(314) 578-7672

[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/graybar-names-chris-burrow-vice-president--acquisitions-financial-planning-and-analysis-301865925.html SOURCE Graybar

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[June 28, 2023] Entwistle & Cappucci LLP Announces Filing of a Securities Class Action Complaint Against Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc. (CNR) Tweet

Entwistle & Cappucci LLP ("Entwistle & Cappucci") today announced that its ongoing investigation has led to the filing of a class action complaint against Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc. ("Cornerstone" or the "Company") and several of the Company's officers and directors, on behalf of holders of Cornerstone common stock as of May 16, 2022, the record date for the merger ("Merger") of Cornerstone and Clayton, Dublier & Rice, LLC ("CD&R"), through the closing of the transaction on July 25, 2022 (the "Class"). The case was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware and is captioned: Water Island Merger Arbitrage Institutional Commingled Master Fund, LP v. Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc., No. 1:23-cv-00701. The Action arises out of the "take-private" Merger announced by the Company on March 7, 2022, and the allegedly false and misleading proxy statement ("Proxy") issued in connection with the transaction on May 24, 2022. Prior to the Merger, CD&R controlled Cornerstone and its board of directors ("Board") through CD&R's ownership of 49% of the Company's outstanding common stock. Pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated March 5, 2022, CD&R acquired the Cornerstone stock it did not already own for $24.65 per share in cash. The Merger had an enterprise value of approximately $5.8 billion. Cornerstone is the largest manufacturer of exterior building products in North America and is engaged in the new construction and repair and remodel markets for residential and commercial customers. In November 2018, CD&R-controlled entities Ply Gem Parent, LLC and NCI Building Systems, Inc. merged in a transaction valued at approximately $2.6 billion (the "NCI/Ply Gem Merger"). The combined company changed its name to Cornerstone and began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on May 24, 2019, under ticker symbol "CNR." As part of the NCI/Ply Gem Merger, CDamp;R entered into a stockholders agreement (the "2018 Stockholders Agreement") that gave CD&R the power to appoint directors to Cornerstone's Board proportionate to the amount of Cornerstone stock CD&R held. The 2018 Stockholders Agreement also contained standstill provisions (the "Standstill Provisions" or "Provisions") that expressly prohibited CD&R from (i) acquiring, offering or proposing to acquire additional Cornerstone stock or (ii) making any statement, proposal or offer to the Cornerstone Board or its representatives concerning a business combination or merger. The Standstill Provisions were in force when CD&R and Cornerstone negotiated the terms of the Merger.



As alleged in the complaint, the Defendants deprived the Plaintiff and other Class members of their right to cast a fully informed vote on the Merger. In this regard, the Defendants allegedly made material misrepresentations and omissions of material facts in the Proxy concerning, among other things: (i) the scope of the Standstill Provisions and the fact that CD&R made actual offers and proposals to acquire Cornerstone, in breach of those Provisions; (ii) the fact that Cornerstone's financial projections used by its financial advisor in connection with the Merger negotiations were revised downward at CD&R's direction, which helped to support a lower per share acquisition price; and (iii) Cornerstone's parallel sales process to divest its metal coil coatings business for $500 million and the Defendants' failure to account for this sale in the valuation of the Company. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 14(a) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and Rule 14a-9 promulgated thereunder. A copy of the complaint may be found on Entwistle & Cappucci's website below.

If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this matter, you must file a motion with the Court no later than August 28, 2023. Any member of the proposed Class may move the Court to serve as a lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or they may choose to do nothing and remain a member of the Class. If you wish to discuss this action or have any questions concerning this notice or your rights or interests, please contact: Robert N. Cappucci, Esq. at (212) 894-7200 or via e-mail at [email protected]. About Entwistle & Cappucci Entwistle & Cappucci is a national law firm providing exceptional legal representation to clients in the most complex and challenging legal matters. Our practice encompasses all areas of litigation, corporate transactions, bankruptcy, insurance, corporate investigations and white-collar defense. Our clients include public and private corporations, major hedge funds, public pension funds, governmental entities, leading institutional investors, domestic and foreign financial services companies, emerging business enterprises and individual entrepreneurs. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628114685/en/

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[June 28, 2023] UK Investment Minister 'Very Optimistic' about Free Trade Agreement with India, Wants Businesses to Rally Behind It Tweet

- NITI Ayog CEO, Indian High Commissioner to UK make strong pitch to invest to India at UK-India Week 2023 - City of London and India Global Forum Join Hands to Drive Collaboration in Sustainable Infrastructure Investment in India - Top leaders in infrastructure, green finance, sustainable mobility, clean energy, and telecom from the UK and India in attendance LONDON, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Speaking at the 'UK-India Infrastructure Summit' hosted by City of London in association with India Global Forum, UK Investment Minister Lord Dominic Johnson, underscored the importance of the Free Trade deal for both UK and India, while steering clear of committing to a timeframe. Johnson said, "I'm very optimistic because I think it is very important to do a trade deal for both sides and it's really important for business to express their support for such a deal because it's about allowing businesses to function more effectively with greater profits, wealth and security for the world." "From the perspective of British business in India, I will continue to push for the simplification of interstate activities in terms of entrepreneurial regulations between states that are selling goods and services. And, I will continue to push for greater work when it comes to a free trade, because that that will help us to put more money into growing the economy to provide the jobs for the next generation." The summit highlighted the immense scope and potential for investment in sustainable infrastructure development in India, and London's expertise in meeting India's growing demand for green finance. Founder and Chairman, IGF, Manoj Ladwa in his adress said, "As the fastest growing major economy in the world, and the most populous, India has huge aspirations and equally huge responsibilities. The rapid building of high quality sustainable physical and digital infrastructure will be critical to achieving India's growth trajectory, as well as balancing its net zero commitments."



Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the UK, and B.V.R Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog made a strong case for the City of London investing in sustainable infrastructure in India, while showcasing recent policy, legislative and social changes in India. Doraiswami remarked, "The cause of investing in India has never been a better one. That is in other words, there is no better reason for you to invest in India not just for profit, but also for the social benefit and the environmental benefit; for the totality. And I would argue that your interests are best served in aligning with us in making sure that the transformation of India happens in a way that does not replicate any of the faults of the past."

"UK particularly the City of London has excellent capabilities in structuring and funnelling finance where it is needed. UK has demonstrated technological capabilities while India is at the frontiers of innovation. Combining technology with financing would enhance the cooperation," said Subrahmanyam. Bullish on India, Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Member House of Lords, Member of the Court of Directors, Bank of England, said, "India has a tailwind which is a combination of economics, demographics and political stability." Referring to Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer's remarks on the FTA at India Global Forum, he said, " The statement on FTA is a good sign; it proves whatever the electoral outcome in Britain, the Indian relationship is strategic." Nicholas Lyons, Lord Mayor of the City of London, emphasised London's unparalleled global expertise in sustainable finance: "UK should be a partner of choice for India for its infrastructure needs; the City of London and the UK can help India into the largest and most diversified global capital pools on the best possible terms." "We have up to 4bn pounds of capacity to use in India," said Caroline Healy, Deputy Director  International Relations, UK Export Finance. "My key message is that UK Export Finance wants to do more business in India, we've got capacity and we've got the product suite." For a list of Speakers, click here and programme details, click here. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2142981/Dominic_Johnson_UK_India_Week_2023.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2141911/IGF_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/uk-investment-minister-very-optimistic-about-free-trade-agreement-with-india-wants-businesses-to-rally-behind-it-301865934.html

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[June 28, 2023] Accord Financial Corp. Announces the Launch of Accord|EDC Trade Expansion Lending Program, Providing Flexible Financing for Canadian Entrepreneurs Throughout the Export Supply Chain Tweet

Accord Financial Corp. ("Accord") (TSX: ACD) today announced the launch of Accord|EDC Trade Expansion Lending Program ("Accord|EDC TELP"), the Company's latest financing innovation supported by Export Development Canada (EDC). Accord|EDC TELP builds on Accord's success in tailoring EDC programs specifically for the Canadian small business sector. Accord is the first non-bank, or non-credit union, financial institution to partner with EDC in directly financing Canadian SMEs with TELP. Accord|EDC TELP supports companies engaged all the way along the export supply chain (including companies supporting exporters with goods and services). As fast and flexible as Accord's previous AccordExpress programs, qualified businesses can win a working capital approval for up to $250,000 within two business days, and can also provide financing up to $3 million by adding a modest level of ongoing reporting to Accord. Accord|EDC TELP offers a unique, flexible revolving facility to finance operations and growth, or term loans to purchase equipment. "Not only are small and middle-market companies the engine of our economy, the entrepreneurs behind them reflect the diversity Canada relies on for economic as well as community strength," states James Jang, President of Accord's small business division. "Empowering businesses owned by people representing all forms of diversity is a mission that Accord and EDC share in common," adds Jang. Accord|EDC TELP is supported by EDC's Trade Expansion Lending Program (TELP); sharing credit risk with EDC allows Accord to offer simpler approvals, supporting a wider range of SMEs based on credit score. Since 2021 Accord has lent $250 million t more than 1,500 Canadian small businesses, supported by EDC's Business Credit Availability Program ("BCAP") Guarantee and Trade Recovery Guarantee ("TRG"). Accord|EDC TELP builds on this success, continuing to finance a diverse cross-section of the Canadian business community.



Simon Hitzig, President and CEO, commented, "EDC values Accord's ability to reach smaller businesses, and Accord values EDC's credit support, which gives us the flexibility to serve companies that fall outside of traditional bank credit metrics." "EDC's longstanding partnerships with Canadian financial institutions are critical for delivering our working capital and financing solutions to small and medium-sized companies," said Julie Pottier, Senior Vice-President of Small Business, Partnerships and Head of Insurance at EDC. "Having Accord as a TELP financial partner will help spread the benefits of exporting among even more Canadian businesses and, consequently, bolster the national economy. Our respective values align closely, with a focus on supporting equity-seeking groups, including women, Indigenous peoples, Black and other racialized communities, persons with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community."

Accord|EDC TELP is aimed at companies selling raw materials, manufactured goods and services outside of Canada (direct exporters), companies supplying goods and services to exporters (indirect exporters), as well as companies with a defined export expansion plan ready for action (future exporters). As an exporting nation, thousands of Canadian companies are involved directly and indirectly in export-related activities. "Accord|EDC TELP fuels the supply chain, drives made-in-Canada economic growth, and helps maintain Canada's place in the global economy," added Jang. For more details on how to become an Accord Financial client, companies are invited to visit accordfinancial.com or by emailing [email protected] or calling 1 844 982 3010. About Accord Financial Corp. Accord Financial is North America's most dynamic commercial finance company providing fast, versatile financing solutions for companies in transition including asset- based lending, factoring, inventory finance, equipment leasing, trade finance and film/media finance. By leveraging our unique combination of financial strength, deep experience and independent thinking, we craft winning financial solutions for small and medium-sized businesses, simply delivered, so our clients can thrive. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628863013/en/

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[June 28, 2023] ventureLAB Unveils Canada's First Hardware Angel Network Tweet

ventureLAB announced the launch of the Hardware Angel Network (HAN), the only hardware and deep-tech focused investor network supporting pre-seed and seed stage startups in the country at York Region's #YRtech pavilion at Collision today. The network catalyzes investments in the Canadian hardware and deep-tech sectors by providing opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships, syndication of deals, and collaboration on due diligence to support investment in early-stage Canadian companies throughout the ecosystem. "We're at the peak of the hardware revolution and it's only fitting that we now take a step forward to strengthen the ecosystem with the launch of the hardware and deep-tech network," said Matt Skynner, Chief Operating Officer at ventureLAB. "The Hardware Angel Network is committed to supporting startups in their investor journey and we look forward to playing a role in connecting them with unique industry leaders, hardware investors, academia, non-profit organizations and more. Building the right environment is the utmost priority of our network, to create a space for startups to thrive, grow and scale locally, and compete globally." Tailored to the needs of hardware startups, the Hardware Angel Network will offer curated select investment opportunities of high potential to support foundational companies who are building transformational products and solutions that have global impact. This initiative also aims to bridge the divide for Canadian hardware and semiconductor companies looking to raise critical funds to develop state-of-the-art technologies. With HAN, companies will be able to validate and prototype their technology through ventureLAB's state-of-the-art Hardware Catalyst Initiative lab to de-risk and accelerate their development process, making them more attractive prospects for investors. "As a member of thisNetwork, I'm excited about connecting with amazing Canadian homegrown startups and on their deep-tech journeys. It's a joy to offer my support and share my experiences in building deep-tech startups to those who need them most," said Raymond Chik, an angel investor.



More than 25 investors have committed to support the Hardware Angel Network from Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia. The committed members include:

Angel Forum, Angel One Investor Network, Boreal Ventures, ExCap Advisors, The Firehood, Golden Triangle Angel Network, Good News Ventures, iGan Partners, i4 Capital, IX Labs, Maple Leaf Angels, Panda Angel Partners, RiSC Capital, Spark Angel Network, and angel investors including Julia Elvidge, Geoffrey Goad, Paul Slaby, Raymond Chik and Ted Graham. We are also thrilled to announce that various private sector partners have committed their support, including Sterling Industries, a North American based contract manufacturer and assembler of medical devices, as well as highly-regarded IP law firm Bereskin & Parr and funding platform Easly. Please refer to our website here for the full list of committed members.

ventureLAB is Canada's only lab and incubator for hardware and semiconductor companies. ventureLAB is located in York Region - Canada's second largest tech hub with more than 4,600 ICT companies - and is one of the most diverse tech communities in the heart of Ontario's innovation corridor. To learn more about the Hardware Angel Network please visit www.venturelab.ca/hardware-angel-network About ventureLAB ventureLAB is a leading global founder community for hardware technology and enterprise software companies in Canada. ventureLAB's initiatives focused on raising capital, talent retention, commercializing technology and IP, and customer acquisition have enabled thousands of companies to create over 5,000 jobs and raise more than $340 million in investment capital. At ventureLAB, we grow globally competitive tech titans that build-to-scale in Canada, for global markets. About Hardware Angel Network At the Hardware Angel Network, we are improving access to capital for Canadian deep-tech and hardware companies by bringing together a community of aligned investors. We are creating the largest community of hardware and deep-tech investors in Canada. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628438554/en/

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[June 28, 2023] Access Healthcare Expands Operations in Noida; Opens a 170,000 Square Foot, 1,960-seat Facility Tweet

DALLAS, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Access Healthcare, a leading provider of revenue cycle management and healthcare BPO and IT services to clients in the US, has announced the expansion of its operations in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, opening a 170,000 sq. ft. facility with 1,960 seats. Over 3,800 team members will work on delivering revenue cycle management services and digital transformation solutions to hospitals and primary healthcare networks across the United States from this facility. The five-floor facility is a growth-oriented investment of approximately $5M (Rs. 40 Cr.) and is fully operational. The facility also expands the operations of Pacific BPO, the Noida-based healthcare revenue cycle management BPO provider that Access Healthcare acquired in 2018. Kumar Shwetabh, President & Chief Growth Officer of Access Healthcare and CEO of Pacific BPO, said, "Our brand new, world-class center of excellence in Noida reiterates our commitment to grow the Noida office and provide further growth opportunities t our 6,000+ employees that work in the city. Access Healthcare grew by over 60% last year, and our Noida team played an important role. We have emerged as a key employer in the region, providing excellent career opportunities and global exposure to our team members. This new state-of-the-art office will be key in expanding our operations and consolidating our position as the global leader of healthcare revenue cycle management services."



Vardhman Jain, Founder and Vice Chairman of Access Healthcare, explained how Noida fits into the vision for the company's future, "Innovation is in our DNA. Our focus on enabling healthcare providers to do more with their revenue cycle is anchored on our technology-enabled global delivery model. Our latest investment in expanding our Noida operations shows our confidence in our team members' talent and ability to deliver to changing client requirements. We aim to broaden our service delivery capabilities and scale capacity in the coming quarters." Access Healthcare has over 27,000 employees, working from 21 delivery centers in 9 cities across India, The Philippines, and the US. The company is considered one of the world's largest and fastest-growing independent Healthcare BPO and IT services providers.

The company's recently announced expansion plans include new campuses in Chennai and Coimbatore, fueled by the tremendous organic growth achieved over the past few years. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/access-healthcare-expands-operations-in-noida-opens-a-170-000-square-foot-1-960-seat-facility-301865988.html SOURCE Access Healthcare

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[June 28, 2023] BASF partners with Royal Ontario Museum to support STEAM learning Tweet

MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 28, 2023 /CNW/ - BASF and ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) today announced a partnership that will unite BASF's Kids' Lab and ROM's Signature Family Programs to offer expanded learning experiences to young museum visitors. The enhanced educational programming encourages innovation and creativity and will run for the next three years from 2023 to 2025. BASF partners with Royal Ontario Museum to support STEAM learning As part of BASF's evolving science education efforts, the company recently incorporated arts as a core element of its social engagement strategy, now focused on inspiring students in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). BASF's Kids' Lab is the signature STEAM program for youth ages 4 to 12, designed to provide a fun, hands-on learning environment that connects chemistry and the world around us. "We are excited to partner with ROM to bring our BASF Kids' Lab program to ROM and in-school programming," said Apala Mukherjee, President of BASF Canada. "Through this partnership, we support the next generation of thinkers and doers by helping fostr learning opportunities in STEAM, sustainability, and DEI topics - all of which are core to our social engagement mission."



"By combining BASF's Kids' Lab and ROM's Signature Family Programs, we will be able to reach diverse new audiences," says Josh Basseches, ROM Director & CEO. "That means even more students can learn from  and find inspiration in  art, culture, and nature." ROM programming supported by BASF includes extended hours, activities, and activations for visitors on Family Day, March Break, and during the holiday season.

About BASF BASF Canada, headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, is a subsidiary of BASF SE and an affiliate of BASF Corporation. BASF has more than 1,100 employees in Canada. For more information about BASF Canada's operations, visit www.basf.com/ca . At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 111,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of 87.3 billion in 2022. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information www.basf.com . ABOUT ROM Opened in 1914, ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) showcases art, culture, and nature from around the world and across the ages. Today, ROM houses more than 13 million objects, from Egyptian mummies to contemporary sculpture, from meteorites to dinosaurs. ROM is the most visited museum in Canada and one of the top ten museums in North America. It is also the country's preeminent field research institute, with a diverse range of experts who help us understand the past, make sense of the present, and shape a shared future. Just as impressive is ROM's facilitya striking combination of heritage architecture and the cutting-edge Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, which marks the Museum as an iconic landmark and global cultural destination. We live on in what we leave behind. SOURCE BASF Canada

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[June 28, 2023] SOURCE Global, Local First Arizona to Address Drinking Water Challenges in Rural & Tribal Areas in Arizona Tweet

Local First Arizona and SOURCE Global are working to improve access to clean drinking water through the installation of 800 SOURCE Hydropanel drinking water systems across the state. Hydropanels produce clean, safe drinking water when and where people need it the most, at home. This can save families as much as $840 per year by reducing or eliminating the need to purchase bottled water or truck it in. Each hydropanel uses solar energy to power fans that draw in air and push it through water-absorbing material. This process passively turns water vapor into drinking water that's mineralized for health and taste and kept clean in a storage tank until it's needed. The technology may be cutting-edge, but what's truly remarkable is how it gives people so much more control over the water they drink. "Local First Arizona and SOURCE share the belief that access to safe, clean drinking water is a fundamental human right," Local First Arizona Director of Rural Development Jenna Rowell said. "Our goal with this program is to make a meaningful difference for thousands of Arizonans." Leveraging funds awarded to the program by the State of Arizona, the initiative is designed to assist a wide range of communities throughout the state. This includes tribal communities, colonia residents in southern Arizona and rural communities outside of the state's six Active Management Areas. The Arizona Drinking Water Program also includes water conservation educational outreach and a workforce development component. Members of the community will have the opportunity to become certified SOURCE Hydropanel installers creating a truly multi-pronged approach with a sense of purposeful urgency behind it. This urgency is well-founded when the lingering effects of COVID-19 are considered. The virus has impacted Native Americans at a rate 3.5 times higher than the white population, in large part because 48% of tribal homes lack access to reliable water sources, clean drinking water, or basic sanitation, according to a study by the Center for Natural Resources and Environmental Policy. In addition to tribal communities, the program gives people who rely on well water throughout the state a no-cost drinking water option they haven't had before. For SOURCE Global Vice President of Business Development Colin Goddard, the partnership with Local First Arizona represents an opportunity to improve the situation. "Nothing is more exciting to me than getting our technology in the hands of people who need it the most," Goddard said. "So, our partnership with Local First Arizona is an ideal use case. It's about helping as many people as possble."



Outreach to eligible communities began in May, with hydropanel installation expected to begin this summer. For more information or to apply to receive a SOURCE hydropanel for your home, visit www.source.co/azwp. A demonstration hydropanel system is available for media to visit by request in GuVo on the Tohono O'odham Nation.

An image of a hydropanel is available here. About Local First Arizona Founded in 2003, Local First Arizona is a community and economic development organization working to strengthen local economies in Arizona. Local First's areas of focus include developing entrepreneurship, rural and urban community development, racial equity, environmental action and food access. Local First is the largest local business coalition in the U.S. and advocates for independently owned businesses of all sizes by assisting local owners with technical assistance designed to help them compete and collaborate, which ultimately strengthens Arizona's economy and builds hometown pride. Visit www.localfirstaz.com for more information and a directory of more than 3,000 locally-owned businesses. About SOURCE Global, PBC SOURCE Global exists to "perfect water for every person, every place." The company's SOURCE Hydropanels create drinking water using sunlight and air as the only inputs, putting the power of safe, high-quality water production into the hands of every person in nearly every climate and corner of the world. The infrastructure-free nature of Hydropanels means that the company has been providing off-grid, renewable drinking water to communities, homes, corporate campuses, hotels, islands without infrastructure, remote work sites, and other applications, now in more than 50 countries in six continents. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, SOURCE is on Fast Company's 2020 list of most innovative social good companies. SOURCE is a registered trademark of SOURCE Global, PBC. For more information about SOURCE Global visit www.source.co.

Follow SOURCE across social media:

Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/sourcewater)

LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/sourceglobal)

Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sourcewater/)

Twitter (https://twitter.com/sourcewaterco). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628526216/en/

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Even when a business is losing money, it's possible for shareholders to make money if they buy a good business at the right price. For example, biotech and mining exploration companies often lose money for years before finding success with a new treatment or mineral discovery. But while the successes are well known, investors should not ignore the very many unprofitable companies that simply burn through all their cash and collapse.

Given this risk, we thought we'd take a look at whether Freegold Ventures (TSE:FVL) shareholders should be worried about its cash burn. In this article, we define cash burn as its annual (negative) free cash flow, which is the amount of money a company spends each year to fund its growth. First, we'll determine its cash runway by comparing its cash burn with its cash reserves.

See our latest analysis for Freegold Ventures

When Might Freegold Ventures Run Out Of Money?

A company's cash runway is the amount of time it would take to burn through its cash reserves at its current cash burn rate. When Freegold Ventures last reported its balance sheet in March 2023, it had zero debt and cash worth US$11m. Importantly, its cash burn was US$15m over the trailing twelve months. Therefore, from March 2023 it had roughly 9 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 Is Freegold Ventures' Cash Burn Changing Over Time?

Freegold Ventures didn't record any revenue over the last year, indicating that it's an early stage company still developing its business. So while we can't look to sales to understand growth, we can look at how the cash burn is changing to understand how expenditure is trending over time. Given the length of the cash runway, we'd interpret the 24% reduction in cash burn, in twelve months, as prudent if not necessary for capital preservation. Freegold Ventures makes us a little nervous due to its lack of substantial operating revenue. We prefer most of the stocks on this list of stocks that analysts expect to grow.

How Easily Can Freegold Ventures Raise Cash?

Even though it has reduced its cash burn recently, shareholders should still consider how easy it would be for Freegold Ventures to raise more cash in the future. Issuing new shares, or taking on debt, are the most common ways for a listed company to raise more money for its business. Commonly, a business will sell new shares in itself to raise cash and drive growth. We can compare a company's cash burn to its market capitalisation to get a sense for how many new shares a company would have to issue to fund one year's operations.

Freegold Ventures' cash burn of US$15m is about 10% of its US$142m market capitalisation. Given that situation, it's fair to say the company wouldn't have much trouble raising more cash for growth, but shareholders would be somewhat diluted.

Is Freegold Ventures' Cash Burn A Worry?

Even though its cash runway makes us a little nervous, we are compelled to mention that we thought Freegold Ventures' cash burn relative to its market cap was relatively promising. We don't think its cash burn is particularly problematic, but after considering the range of factors in this article, we do think shareholders should be monitoring how it changes over time. On another note, Freegold Ventures has 4 warning signs (and 3 which make us uncomfortable) we think you should know about.

If you would prefer to check out another company with better fundamentals, then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt or this list of stocks which are all forecast to grow.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



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[June 28, 2023] Blend360 Acquires Montevideo Labs in Continued Global Expansion Tweet

NEW YORK, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Blend360, a leading data science solutions provider, today announced its acquisition of Montevideo Labs in a continued expansion of Blend360's global capabilities. Blend360's acquisition of Montevideo Labs, a prominent data engineering firm in Latam, consisting of 100 highly skilled professionals, marks a significant advancement in their capabilities. With an impressive track record of over 10 years in hands-on experience, Montevideo Labs has successfully catered to Fortune 500 clients, adeptly handling intricate data engineering, AI, and software development challenges. Montevideo Labs solutions portfolio has resulted in cost savings of millions of dollars and significant revenue increase for their clients. This collaboration empowers Blend360 to deliver robust and comprehensive data solutions to its clients, further strengthening their position in the field. By combining their expertise, Blend360 is exceptionally well-equipped to provide cutting-edge services and drive innovation in data science and engineering. The acquisition of Montevideo Labs is Blend360's third acquisition in less than a year as it continues to rapidly scale both organically and inorganically. With this latest acquisition, Blend360 is cementing its reputation as the "acquirer of choice". The company's strategic thinking, domain expertise, and client-centric focus are driving its continued growth and success. This latest move reinforces Blend360's commitment to delivering impactful business results for its clents. As a result of the acquisition, Blend360 is now well-positioned to expand its offerings and capabilities, further solidifying its position as a top player in the industry.



This latest acquisition is an exciting development for the company, particularly given its accelerated investments in AI capabilities. The company is doubling down on its data engineering capabilities, which will further enhance its ability to deliver innovative marketing solutions for clients. With this latest addition to its portfolio, Blend360 is well poised to leverage technology and data to drive business results for its clients through additional 'Best of the World' talent and global expertise. "Upon meeting the Blend360's team we quickly discovered that we share the same core values and work ethos. In addition, our service offerings beautifully complement each other, creating a powerful synergy where the whole is truly greater than the sum of its parts. With our combined expertise, we are poised to take a tremendous leap forward, benefiting not only our organizations but also our valued clients." says Maximo Gurmendez, CEO at Montevideo Labs.

"In the first meeting with Montevideo Labs, I was impressed by the strength of their capabilities and how their values shone through. That impression has grown over time to the point where not introducing our clients to them seems like a disservice. This nearshore expansion and entering Latin America doesn't just make sense, I'm truly excited and passionate about how it solves real client challenges and brings amazing talent into play" says Rob Fuller, SVP Technology Leader of Data Science and Engineering About Blend360: is a leading data science solutions provider specializing in integrating data and advanced analytics into large, complex enterprises. With a team of top-tier data scientists, data engineers, and SMEs in modeling and digital transformation, Blend360 is at the forefront of driving digital transformations, enabling enterprises to leverage their data in unprecedented ways. About Montevideo Labs: is a top-rated data science and software development company, offering tailor-made high quality solutions across multiple industries and enabling clients to unleash their full data potential. With over a decade of experience and recognized for an unparalleled business and work ethics, clients like Roku, Mastercard and Indigo Agriculture have trusted Montevideo Labs to lead key initiatives in the areas of Big Data, Machine Learning and critical integrations using the latest technologies. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blend360-acquires-montevideo-labs-in-continued-global-expansion-301866096.html SOURCE Blend360

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[June 28, 2023] The Government of Canada invests close to $13 million in Lower Mainland businesses to propel innovation and economic growth in B.C. Tweet

Seven local businesses in zero waste and clean tech industries will receive funding to commercialize new technology, expand their operations and reach new markets VANCOUVER, BC, June 28, 2023 /CNW/ - British Columbia has the people, ideas and resources to address global challenges, while building the local economy. To support B.C.'s boldest and brightest changemakers, the Government of Canada is making strategic investments in businesses that are catalysts for Canadian-made innovation with growth potential beyond our borders. Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced an investment of almost $13 million in PacifiCan funding to help seven Lower Mainland businesses propel the B.C. economy forward. This includes over $5.8 million for four businesses through PacifiCan's Jobs and Growth Fund and over $7.1 million for three businesses through its Business Scale-Up and Productivity program. Many of the funding recipients are in zero waste and clean tech industries that are expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, enhancing online sales technology for used EVs, treating wastewater, and repurposing organic waste into commercial products like cat litter and organic fertilizer. More details about the businesses receiving funding today can be found in the backgrounder in the section below. Minister Sajjan made the announcement while visiting one of the funding recipients, Anaconda Systems Limited in Vancouver, B.C. Established in 2015, Anaconda Systems Limited designs, engineers and operates waste management systems for commercial and municipal use. Anaconda Systems Limited has created an innovative aerobic composting system that can turn waste into organic fertilizer in 10 days  a process that typically takes 90 to 180 days. This process results in less waste to landfills, reducing methane gas in our atmosphere and helping create a net zero future. The company is receiving $2.5 million through the Jobs and Growth Fund to scale up its operations and market this solution across North America. In all, today's investments are expected to create over 300 jobs and almost $350 million in expected revenue growth for B.C. businesses. The Government of Canada, through PacifiCan, supports innovation, business growth and community economic development in British Columbia. Through targeted funding programs, PacifiCan makes strategic investments in growing companies poised to strengthen B.C.'s position as a domestic and international leader in growing sectors, such as clean technology, life sciences and digital industries. Quotes "To reach net zero, the world needs the ingenuity of British Columbian businesses. Companies like Anaconda Systems Limited are finding innovative solutions to global challenges and making British Columbia a leader in clean technology. Today's investments will not only create over 300 quality jobs for British Columbians, but contribute to a greener future for Canada." - The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Deveopment and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada



"PacifiCan's diverse investments across British Columbia enable businesses to create good local jobs and scale up productivity. Today's announcement includes over $5.3 million for Lucid Vision Labs and Saltworks Technologies, two local companies based out of Richmond, B.C. This investment will help grow Richmond based talent and technology as well as getting Canadian made goods to new markets." - Parm Bains, Member of Parliament for Steveston-Richmond East

"Anaconda has developed a proprietary clean technology for organic waste processing infrastructure, tackling the pervasive issue of greenhouse gas emissions in transport and disposal. This investment from PacifiCan is key to the stage of Anaconda Systems Limited as a company, thereby enabling the export of our next generation technology." - Russell Zishiri, Founder & CEO, Anaconda Systems Limited Quick Facts PacifiCan is the federal economic development agency dedicated to British Columbians. PacifiCan works with partners who are building innovative businesses, creating quality jobs, and supporting inclusive growth throughout our province.

The Business Scale-up and Productivity program makes strategic investments in key economic sectors, helping innovative companies accelerate their growth and compete globally.

The Jobs and Growth Fund helps job creators, and the organizations that support them, to future-proof their businesses. This includes building resiliency and growth by transitioning to a green economy, fostering inclusion, enhancing competitiveness and creating jobs across British Columbia . Associated Links: PacifiCan

Jobs and Growth Fund

Anaconda Systems Limited Stay connected

Follow PacifiCan on Twitter and LinkedIn

Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-9378

TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388 Backgrounder: The Government of Canada invests close to $13 million in Lower Mainland businesses to fuel innovation and economic growth in B.C. Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced an investment of almost $13 million in PacifiCan funding. This funding will help seven Lower Mainland businesses propel the B.C. economy forward in zero waste and clean tech industries, like expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, enhancing online sales technology for used EVs, treating wastewater, and repurposing organic waste into cat litter and organic fertilizer. This includes over $5.8 million for four companies through PacifiCan's Jobs and Growth Fund and over $7.1 million for three businesses through its Business Scale-Up and Productivity program. The projects announced today include: Business Scale-Up and Productivity Saltworks Technologies Inc.

$4,800,000

Funding will help scale-up the company's operations and advanced technology, which treats industrial wastewater and water used in processing lithium  a major component needed for car batteries in electric vehicles and key for the transition to clean energy. Saltworks will expand its current facility, hire new employees, improve manufacturing efficiency, expand sales across Canada, the United States and South America, and build after-sales support. BQE Water Inc.

$1,725,000

Funding will help the company to scale up its capacity and to commission multiple mining wastewater treatment plants concurrently. BQE Water will recruit, hire and train new staff, travel to job sites for plant commissioning and operation, and market its services at industry conferences. LeadingAhead Energy Inc.

$592,750

Funding will be used to scale-up the company's advisory services for electric vehicle charging stations. With this funding, LeadingAhead Energy will purchase equipment, hire staff, and market their services across Canada and the United States. Jobs and Growth Fund Lucid Vision Labs Inc.

$552,500

Funding will help the company to scale-up manufacturing of its compact, high performing cameras, used in applications like factory automation. This investment will almost triple the size of Lucid Vision Labs' production facility in Richmond and allow it to keep up with demand and create new jobs. Anaconda Systems Limited

$2,500,000

Funding will allow the company to scale-up its innovative composting system, which quickly turns waste into organic fertilizer. Anaconda Systems Limited will also expand and market its waste solution across North America, resulting in less waste in landfills. MintList Technologies Inc.

$2,000,000

Funding will help scale-up and enhance the company's online automotive marketplace (which includes the largest inventory of inspected, certified, pre-owned electric vehicles in B.C.) with new cybersecurity measures and automation tools. To achieve this, MintList Technologies will hire new staff, build new platform features and launch marketing campaigns to grow its customer base. Tuft and Paw Inc.

$750,000

Funding will help the company scale up sales and marketing of its eco-friendly cat litter subscription service. The litter is biodegradable and made from soybean husks, a byproduct of producing tofu. With this support, Tuft and Paw will attend trade shows, develop their mobile app and promote their products to new markets. SOURCE Pacific Economic Development Canada

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[June 28, 2023]

Healthcare Data Breach: Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP Investigates Potential Claims Against Enzo Biochem

KANSAS CITY, Mo., June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP, a national leader in data breach and privacy cases, is investigating potential claims against Enzo Biochem and its subsidiary, Enzo Clinical Labs, resulting from a data breach that exposed millions of individuals' sensitive personal information.

Stueve Siegel Hanson , a national leader in data breach and privacy cases, is investigating the Enzo Biochem data breach.

What is Enzo Biochem: Enzo Biochem is a sciences and biotechnology company that holds itself out as"a pioneer in molecular diagnostics, leading the convergence of clinical laboratories." Enzo Biochem provides treatments for cancer, metabolic, and infectious diseases as well as testing services for a variety of transmissible diseases such as COVID-19 and STDs. Enzo Biochem is headquartered in Farmingdale, New York.







What happened: On May 30, 2023, Enzo disclosed that between April 4, 2023 to April 6, 2023, an unauthorized party accessed, and in some cases exfiltrated, files contained on its systems. Nearly 2.5 million patients were potentially impacted by the breach.

What information was accessed: The stolen information includes patients' names, dates of service, clinical test information and, for roughly 600,000 people, Social Security numbers.

What can you do: If you were impacted by the breach and wish to seek a free legal consultation, you can contact Stueve Siegel Hanson . Stueve Siegel Hanson attorneys have represented data breach victims in many of the largest data breach cases in history, including cases against Equifax, T-Mobile, and Capital One. The firm's Data Breach and Privacy class action practice has received local and national recognition, including being named among Law360's Cybersecurity & Privacy Practice Groups of the Year.

Disclaimer: This is attorney advertising sponsored by Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP, located at 460 Nichols Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64112. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/healthcare-data-breach-stueve-siegel-hanson-llp-investigates-potential-claims-against-enzo-biochem-301866140.html

SOURCE Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP
[June 28, 2023] Author Health Debuts to Care for Seniors with Serious Mental Illness Tweet

Author Health launched today as one of the first platforms to provide comprehensive care and treatment for Medicare Advantage recipients with serious mental illness and substance use disorders. Approximately one in four Medicare recipients have a mental illness,1 and 40% of people in the U.S. over age 50 with serious mental illness report a lack of access to care.2 In order to meet this need, leading health and wellness company, Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM), is the first to launch Author Health services in coordination with CenterWell Senior Primary Care in the Southeastern U.S. Author Health has received $115 million in financing led by General Atlantic, a leading global growth equity firm, with participation from Flare Capital Partners. The funding will help Author Health expand into new markets and secure additional partnerships with other insurance and healthcare companies in an effort to advance its value-based approach to behavioral healthcare and increase access to high-quality services for seniors and other vulnerable populations. "Every day, our nation experiences the devastating effects untreated mental health and substance use disorders have on individuals, families, and our communities," said Humana President and CEO Bruce Broussard. "Humana is a national leader in value-based payment and care delivery innovation, and we intend to apply the same forward-thinking approaches to behavioral health to overcome limitations in the current system. The positive outcomes we're seeing already in South Florida across patient populations previously thought unreachable is truly transformative." Author Health is led by CEO Dr. Katherine Hobbs, a psychiatrist, former health insurance executive, and a national leader in quality and value payment for behavioral health. Dr. Gary Gottlieb serves as Executive Board Chair. Dr. Gottlieb is a geriatric psychiatrist, professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and former CEO of Partners HealthCare, now Mass General Brigham, the largest healthcare delivery organization in New England and among the largest biomedical research and training enterprises in the U.S. "Our nation is clearly struggling to meet the health and social needs of people with behavioral health conditions, and those needs are only increasing within our aging population," explained Katherine Hobbs, CEO at Author Health. "Author Health was born out of the necessity to fundamentally shift how our health system prioritizes behavioral health and preventive services. By aligning Medicare Advantage health plans and clinicians to improve health, and using a combination of technology and community relationship-building to open access for hard-to-reach populations, Author Health is primed to meet the growing demand for psychiatric care on a national scale." Author Health offers a team-based approach to psychiatric care, bringing together specialized physicians, nurses, therapists, and community health workers to deliver a mix of virtual and in-person care for individuals who are often disconnected from the traditional healthcare system. Through this model, patients and their caregivers are given an avenue to reconnect with healthcare providers and receive personalized and comprehensive treatment within their communities, and outside of hospitals and institutions. Moreover, Author Health is deeply integrated with primary care. People with serious mental illness and substance use disorders often suffer from co-occurring medical conditions and health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.3 These conditions can be better managed and often stabilized with behavioral health treatment integrated alongside primary care and other medical and social services. This care delivery model leads to improved quality of life for patients and their caregivers, as well as a reduction in medical emergency and inpatient hospital care, which in turn creates savings for health plans focused on value-based care. While Author Health's initial launch in South Florida was created in collaboration with Humana, the company is multi-payer and is expected to expand its services to include Medicare Advantage and Special Needs Plan recipients in other locations by early 2024. /p>



The Author Health team has over 13 decades of combined go-to-market, operations, and healthcare experience, as well as a history of successfully developing and leading value-based approaches for improving health and quality of care. As part of its official launch, the company has also named Dr. Pei Nie, geriatric psychiatrist and former VP of Medical Affairs at Amwell and Aligned Health, as Chief Medical Officer.

To learn more about Author Health, visit: www.authorhealth.com. About Author Health Author Health is the first platform to provide comprehensive care and treatment for Medicare Advantage recipients with serious mental illness and substance use disorders. Author Health offers a team-based approach to care, bringing together specialized physicians, nurses, therapists, and community health workers to deliver a mix of virtual and in-person care for individuals who are often disconnected from the traditional healthcare system. This approach overcomes workforce shortages in behavioral health fields and geographic barriers to care and blends excellent medical treatment with the foundation of behavior change: relationships. Through this model, patients and their caregivers are given an avenue to reconnect with healthcare providers and receive personalized and comprehensive treatment outside of institutions and in their communities. Led by some of the nation's foremost leaders in healthcare administration, behavioral health, and integrated care, the company launched from stealth in 2023 with $115 million in financing led by General Atlantic with participation from Flare Capital Partners. With Humana as its first customer, Author Health is currently serving Medicare Advantage patients in South Florida and has plans to expand as a multi-payer provider nationwide in the near future. For more information, visit: www.authorhealth.com. About General Atlantic General Atlantic is a leading global growth equity firm with more than four decades of experience providing capital and strategic support for over 500 growth companies throughout its history. Established in 1980 to partner with visionary entrepreneurs and deliver lasting impact, the firm combines a collaborative global approach, sector specific expertise, a long-term investment horizon and a deep understanding of growth drivers to partner with great entrepreneurs and management teams to scale innovative businesses around the world. General Atlantic has more than $75 billion in assets under management inclusive of all products as of March 31, 2023, and more than 220 investment professionals based in New York, Amsterdam, Beijing, Hong Kong, Jakarta, London, Mexico City, Miami, Mumbai, Munich, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, Stamford and Tel Aviv. For more information on General Atlantic, please visit: www.generalatlantic.com. About Flare Capital Partners Flare Capital Partners strives to help build significant healthcare technology, digital health, and healthcare services companies to improve health outcomes and broaden access while lowering costs of care. We partner with inspirational entrepreneurs who seek to transform the business of healthcare by developing innovative and impactful products and services. Flare Capital is a team of proven healthcare technology investors and senior operating executives known for thought leadership and unparalleled strategic industry resources. Our firm has raised some of the industry's largest dedicated venture capital funds focused on early-stage opportunities in healthcare technology innovation, and our investors include leading healthcare companies, major institutional investors, important family offices, foundations, and sovereign wealth funds. We are full life-cycle investors in our portfolio companies as we work alongside entrepreneurs over their entire company-building journey. Select portfolio companies include Aetion, Aspen RxHealth, Bright Heath, Cohere Health, Eden Health, HealthVerity, Iora Health, Somatus, Tausight and VisitPay. The firm has developed the very successful Flare Scholar program with over 250 participants and actively leverages its extended industry network, Executive Partners, and Industry Advisory Board for the benefit of the entrepreneurs and founders with whom it is privileged to partner. Learn more at www.flarecapital.com and follow the firm on Twitter @flarecapital. 1 https://www.commonwealthfund.org/sites/default/files/2020-07/McGinty_Medicare_mental_hlt_COVID_ib.pdf

2 https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt39443/2021_NNR_figure_slides.pdf

3 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32348643/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230628574067/en/

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[June 28, 2023] Staples Canada launches Staples FlexPlan for Apple Products ("Staples Flexplan") Tweet

RICHMOND HILL, ON, June 28, 2023 /CNW/ - Staples Canada customers now have more options to purchase their favourite Apple products with today's launch of Staples FlexPlan. A new financing program, Staples FlexPlan enables customers to apply for a loan with a payment amount of up to $125/month for the purchase of eligible Apple products. With this offering, qualified applicants can be one step closer to acquiring the latest iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad or Mac through purchase financing with as little as 0% APR or 9.99% APR.1 Financing for Staples FlexPlan for Apple products is provided by RBC Ampli Inc., and the program is open to all Canadian residents over the age of majority in their province or territory (except residents of Quebec). The program offers great value through low monthly instalments, reserving a portion of the loan to be repaid at the end of the term, and giving customers flexible and convenient options for settling their balance.2 "Now more than ever, customers want options when it comes to how they pay," said David Boone, CEO, Staples Canada. "This collaboration builds on our commitment to deliver flexibility to our customers, letting them select how they pay for the best in Apple technology in a way that suits their needs." Applying for Staples FlexPlan for Apple products is quick and easy. Customers who meet the program's lending criteria can qualify in minutes through the simple online application.3 For more information on the Staples FlexPlan for Apple products, and to find out which Apple products are eligible, visit Staples FlexPlan . About Staples Canada Staples Canada is The Working and Learning Company. The privately-owned company is committed to being a dynamic, inspiring partner to customers who visit its 300+ locations and staples.ca . The company has two brands which support business customers: Staples Preferred for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and Staples Professional for medium to large-sized enterprises, as well as seven Staples Studio co-working facilities across Canada. Through Solutionshop, Canadians can access a variety of pack and ship options, as well as a broad suite of business services. Staples is a proud partner of MAP through its Even the Odds campaign, which aims to tackle inequities in communities across Canada and helps make a future that's fair for everyone. Visit staples.ca for more information or engage with us at @StaplesCanada on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , LinkedIn , TikTok or Pinterest . LEGAL INFORMATION







1 Terms and conditions vary by Apple product and applicant's qualifications. Financing will be available at 0% or 9.99% APR, based on eligibility. The financing term will be 12 months for eligible Apple accessories, 24 months for iPhone and Apple Watch products, and 36 months for iPad and Mac products. For example, qualified applicants could finance the purchase of an iPhone 14 with AppleCare+ with monthly payments of $43.98 at 0% APR for 24 months. Offer subject to change/cancellation without notice and is only available for regularly priced Apple Products. The plan is not available for any products for which promotional pricing may apply.



2 After 24 months for iPhone and Apple Watch, and after 36 months for iPad and Mac, the customer can choose to return their device to pay off their loan and/or upgrade to a new device, or keep their device and pay off the remaining balance. For complete details and legal information regarding upgrade terms and conditions, visit: https://staplesca-isub-ca.liftforward.com/staplesca/en/upgrade-tc



3 Loans subject to approval of credit application. PayPlan by RBC financing is provided by RBC Ampli Inc.



4 Integration services for the Staples FlexPlan program provided by Liftforward. For more information about Liftforward, visit liftforward.com





SOURCE Staples Canada ULC

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[June 28, 2023]

SOCIAL COMMERCE PLATFORM BASIC.SPACE HOSTS THREE EXCLUSIVE EVENTS DURING PARIS FASHION WEEK MENSWEAR SPRING/SUMMER 2024

Items from these exclusive collections can be purchased on Basic.Space

PARIS, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Social commerce platform Basic.Space hosted exclusive events with coveted brands including Basketcase Gallery, Saintwoods and Justin Reed during Paris Fashion Week Menswear Spring/Summer 2024, which took place from June 20-25, 2023.

On June 21st at 21-23 Rue Des Filles Du Calvaire, Basic.Space partnered with the Southern California-based cult streetwear brand Basketcase Gallery on the inaugural Paris showcase of their newest collection. The reception unveiled the brand's latest collection along with a limited edition exclusive Paris t-shirt. On July 10th, Basic.Space will launch Basketcase Gallery founder and creative director Zach Kinninger as a seller on the platform, featuring an assortment of his personal items, reference items, unreleased samples, among other coveted products.

On June 22nd and 23rd, Basic.Spce and lifestyle brand Saintwoods launched a two-day pop-up reception in the brand's Paris showroom, featuring an exclusive capsule collection all for sale through the Basic.Space app.







On June 22nd at Lucid Interval, Basic.Space hosted an opening reception to celebrate fashion archivist Justin Reed's first-ever Paris showcase, which took place through June 24th. VIP buyers had a first-look and the opportunity to shop from a highly curated selection of 300-500 coveted items including contemporary, vintage and high-end fashion. All items can be purchased exclusively through the Basic.Space app.

Select images from all three events can be found at the link below. Photo credit: Justin Mariano:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/c0101uuv4mi9py1/Details%20from%20Saintwoods%27%20pop-up%20event%20and%20new%20collection%20launch.%20%282%29.JPG?dl=0

About Basic.Space

Basic.Space is a curated marketplace where you can discover, shop and share unique, exclusive products from the iconoclasts of tomorrow - and become part of a trusted community that is shaping the future. Download the Basic.Space app in the Apple App Store.

For further details, please reach out to:

Courtney Leidy

[email protected]

+1 917.951.9027

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/social-commerce-platform-basicspace-hosts-three-exclusive-events-during-paris-fashion-week-menswear-springsummer-2024-301866318.html

SOURCE Basic.Space Inc.
[June 28, 2023] $150K in prizes to reward great Aussie innovation Australian Innovation Competition seeks Australia's best solutions to the world's biggest challenges Tweet

SYDNEY, June 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Australian Innovation Competition has launched to uncover great Australian innovations hiding in plain sight. The competition is open to entrants of all ages from around Australia, seeking the country's most creative ideas and solutions to solve real-world problems. The competition will be judged by a panel of Aussie innovation experts who will award prizes based on market fit, customer support, and potential impact. A total prize pool of $150,000 will be shared between five winners who showcase the best examples of Australian innovation. "Through this competition, we are looking to celebrate Australian ingenuity and particularly those innovations that are hidden from view right across our economy," said Kylah Morrison, General Manager  Skills and Innovation for Industry Growth Centre METS Ignited. "There are so many fantastic ideas being generated in our schools, universities, research organisations and private companies around the country. My aim is to find them, celebrate them, and give them an opportunity to shape the future o Australia," Morrison continued.



No matter how big or small, every idea  from any industry or part of Australia  will be in the running to win. "If you have a great innovation that delivers tangible value to society, this is your opportunity to showcase your creation on a national stage, maximise your reach and expand your potential impact for the benefit of all. Your innovation might contribute to the energy transition to help combat climate change, it might support food production in extreme weather conditions such as drought, or it might leverage emerging technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence in new ways. The sky is really the limit," concluded Morrison.

Entries to the Australian Innovation Competition are now open. Submit your entry at https://innovationcompetition.com.au/ ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN INNOVATION COMPETITION The Australian Innovation Competition is a one-off celebration of Australian ingenuity that will be open from 29 June to 31 August 2023. The competition is promoted by Industry Growth Centre METS Ignited. Entry is free and open to entrants of all ages, from anywhere in Australia. All entries will be judged individually on their merits, and five winners will be selected by an independent judging panel of Australian Innovation experts, to receive a share in $150,000. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/150k-in-prizes-to-reward-great-aussie-innovation--australian-innovation-competition-seeks-australias-best-solutions-to-the-worlds-biggest-challenges-301865743.html SOURCE METS Ignited

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[June 28, 2023] Medical Device Manufacturing Outsourcing Market size to grow by USD 46,241.15 million from 2022 to 2027; the growing focus of OEMs on reducing medical device manufacturing costs to boost market growth - Technavio Tweet

NEW YORK, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The medical device manufacturing outsourcing market size is estimated to grow by USD 46,241.15 million from 2022 to 2027, growing at a CAGR of 10.85%. North America is estimated to contribute 36% to the growth of the market during the forecast period. Outsourcing refers to contracting out a business process, service, or product to a third party. The primary need for medical device outsourcing is the growing complexity of medical devices. Furthermore, access to new geographical capabilities, reduced costs, improved quality, the ability to focus on improving operating margins, reduced risks, and access to leading experts and technologies are various benefits of outsourcing. Hence, these factors will increase the market growth in the region during the forecast period. For Comprehensive details on the market size of the historic period(2017 to 2021) and forecast period (2023-2027) - View the Sample report Vendor Landscape

The medical device manufacturing outsourcing market is fragmented; the vendors are competing with competitors and are trying to get a greater market share. The market is growing, and the chances of new entrants cannot be overlooked. The major vendors have well-established economies of scale and market presence and generally rely on positioning technological advances and the price of the products -The report provides a full list of key vendors, their strategies, and the latest developments. Buy Now Market Dynamics Key Drivers & Challenges The growing focus of OEMs on reducing medical device manufacturing costs is a key factor driving the growth. Medical device manufacturers are under pressure to offer high-quality healthcare services at low costs due to healthcare budget cuts around the world. As a result, medical device manufacturing outsourcing is gaining significant popularity among OEMs due to the cost-cutting from the manufacturers. Furthermore, OEMs are outsourcing their manufacturing capabilities because of high growth potential and increasing demand for these products from end-users. Hence, these factors are expected to drive the market growth during the forecast period. A stringent regulatory environment is a significant challenge hampering the Medical Device Manufacturing Outsourcing Market growth. Many countries have their own regulations for medical products and these companies are planning to outsource their manufacturing. Furthermore, the US FDA and the European Commission have implemented stringent regulations to be followed by the companies depending upon the type of product to maintain quality control and meet environmental requirements. Non-compliance with such regulations will impact the business activities of companies. Hence, these stringent regulations are expected to impede market growth during the forecast period. Major Trends Technological advances for manufacturing medical devices is a major trend shaping the Medical Device Manufacturing Outsourcing Market. There are several advancements in technologies which include 3D printing technology and athermal lasers. Furthermore, to meet the increasing demand from customers, OEMs are adopting these technologies at a rapid rate. It also helps companies to launch new products in the market with the help of these technologies. The use of Industry 4.0 technologies, such as cloud computing, cyber-physical systems, machine-to-machine communication, and the introduction of advanced automation, is helping many OEMs to overcome production-related challenges. Therefore, the adoption of these advanced technologies is expected to drive market growth during the forecast period. Drivers, Trends, and challenges have an impact on market dynamics, which can impact businesses. Find more insights in a sample report! Company Profiles The medical device manufacturing outsourcing market report includes information on the product launches, sustainability, and prospects of leading vendors, including Benchmark Electronics Inc., Cadence Inc., Celestica Inc., Cirtec Medical, Eurofins Scientific SE, Flex Ltd., Gerresheimer AG, Heraeus Holding GmbH, Integer Holdings Corp., Jabil Inc., Kimball Electronics Inc., NN Inc., Nortech Systems Inc., Plexus Corp., Sanmina Corp., Tata Sons Pvt. Ltd., TE Connectivity Ltd., Tecomet Inc., TRICOR Systems Inc., and West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. Competitive Analysis The report includes competitive analysis, a proprietary tool to analyze and evaluate the position of companies based on their industry position score and market performance score. The competitive scenario categorizes companies based on various performance indicators. Some of the factors considered include the financial performance of companies over the past few years, growth strategies, product innovations, new product launches, investments, and growth in market share, among others. Market Segmentation This medical device manufacturing outsourcing market is segmented by product (EMS, raw materials, and finished goods), medical device regulatory classification (class ii, class iii, and class i), and geography (North America, Asia, Europe, and Rest of World (ROW)). The market share growth of the EMS segment will be significant during the forecast period. The primary factor driving the growth is the increased use of electronics in the healthcare industry. The increased demand for EMS is due to the emergence of robotics, wireless products, and advanced medical software in the market. Furthermore, they offer effective solutions to reduce cost, besides increasing quality, various benefits of innovation, and efficiency. It also reduces the time to advertise a new product and improves supply chain management. Hence, these factors are expected to drive the market growth of this segment during the forecast period. Gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Related Reports The medical billing outsourcing market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 15.73% between 2022 and 2027. The size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 11,704.49 million. Furthermore, this report extensively covers market segmentation by end-user (physician groups and clinics and hospitals), type (medical billing companies and freelance), and geography (North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa). The improvement in healthcare administrative processes is a key factor driving the growth of the market during the forecast period. The contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) outsourcing market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 12.76% between 2022 and 2027. Furthermore, this report extensively covers market segmentation by product (small molecules and biologics), service (API/bulk drugs, drug product manufacturing, and packaging), and geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and the Middle East and Africa). The increasing demand for one-stop-shop CDMOs is a key factor driving the growth of the contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) outsourcing market during the forecast period.







Medical Device Manufacturing Outsourcing Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 10.85% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 46,241.15 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 8.88 Regional analysis North America, Asia, Europe, and the Rest of the World (ROW) Performing market contribution North America at 36% Key countries US, Germany, China, Japan, and India Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled Benchmark Electronics Inc., Cadence Inc., Celestica Inc., Cirtec Medical, Eurofins Scientific SE, Flex Ltd., Gerresheimer AG, Heraeus Holding GmbH, Integer Holdings Corp., Jabil Inc., Kimball Electronics Inc., NN Inc., Nortech Systems Inc., Plexus Corp., Sanmina Corp., Tata Sons Pvt. Ltd., TE Connectivity Ltd., Tecomet Inc., TRICOR Systems Inc., and West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. Market dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, and Market condition analysis for the forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized.

Table of Content 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Market Overview

Exhibit 01: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Overview



Exhibit 02: Executive Summary  Data Table on Market Overview



Exhibit 03: Executive Summary  Chart on Global Market Characteristics



Exhibit 04: Executive Summary  Chart on Market by Geography



Exhibit 05: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Segmentation by Product



Exhibit 06: Executive Summary  Chart on Market Segmentation by Medical Device Regulatory Classification



Exhibit 07: Executive Summary  Chart on Incremental Growth



Exhibit 08: Executive Summary  Data Table on Incremental Growth



Exhibit 09: Executive Summary  Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2 Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem

Exhibit 10: Parent market



Exhibit 11: Market Characteristics 3 Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition

Exhibit 12: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis

Exhibit 13: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2022 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2022-2027

Exhibit 14: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 15: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 16: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 17: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 4 Historic Market Size 4.1 Global medical device manufacturing outsourcing market 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 18: Historic Market Size  Data Table on Global medical device manufacturing outsourcing market 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.2 Product Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 19: Historic Market Size  Product Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.3 Medical device regulatory classification Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 20: Historic Market Size  Medical device regulatory classification Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.4 Geography Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 21: Historic Market Size  Geography Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.5 Country Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021

Exhibit 22: Historic Market Size  Country Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 5 Five Forces Analysis 5.1 Five forces summary

Exhibit 23: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2022 and 2027 5.2 Bargaining power of buyers

Exhibit 24: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers  Impact of key factors 2022 and 2027 5.3 Bargaining power of suppliers

Exhibit 25: Bargaining power of suppliers  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.4 Threat of new entrants

Exhibit 26: Threat of new entrants  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.5 Threat of substitutes

Exhibit 27: Threat of substitutes  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.6 Threat of rivalry

Exhibit 28: Threat of rivalry  Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.7 Market condition

Exhibit 29: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2022 and 2027 6 Market Segmentation by Product 6.1 Market segments

Exhibit 30: Chart on Product - Market share 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 31: Data Table on Product - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 6.2 Comparison by Product

Exhibit 32: Chart on Comparison by Product



Exhibit 33: Data Table on Comparison by Product 6.3 EMS - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 34: Chart on EMS - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 35: Data Table on EMS - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 36: Chart on EMS - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 37: Data Table on EMS - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.4 Raw materials - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 38: Chart on Raw materials - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 39: Data Table on Raw materials - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 40: Chart on Raw materials - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 41: Data Table on Raw materials - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.5 Finished goods - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 42: Chart on Finished goods - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 43: Data Table on Finished goods - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 44: Chart on Finished goods - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 45: Data Table on Finished goods - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.6 Market opportunity by Product

Exhibit 46: Market opportunity by Product ($ million) 7 Market Segmentation by Medical Device Regulatory Classification 7.1 Market segments

Exhibit 47: Chart on Medical Device Regulatory Classification - Market share 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 48: Data Table on Medical Device Regulatory Classification - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 7.2 Comparison by Medical Device Regulatory Classification

Exhibit 49: Chart on Comparison by Medical Device Regulatory Classification



Exhibit 50: Data Table on Comparison by Medical Device Regulatory Classification 7.3 Class II - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 51: Chart on Class II - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 52: Data Table on Class II - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 53: Chart on Class II - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 54: Data Table on Class II - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.4 Class III - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 55: Chart on Class III - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 56: Data Table on Class III - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 57: Chart on Class III - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 58: Data Table on Class III - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.5 Class I - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 59: Chart on Class I - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 60: Data Table on Class I - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 61: Chart on Class I - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 62: Data Table on Class I - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.6 Market opportunity by Medical Device Regulatory Classification

Exhibit 63: Market opportunity by Medical Device Regulatory Classification ($ million) 8 Customer Landscape 8.1 Customer landscape overview

Exhibit 64: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 9 Geographic Landscape 9.1 Geographic segmentation

Exhibit 65: Chart on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 66: Data Table on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) 9.2 Geographic comparison

Exhibit 67: Chart on Geographic comparison



Exhibit 68: Data Table on Geographic comparison 9.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 69: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 70: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 71: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 72: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.4 Asia - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 73: Chart on Asia - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 74: Data Table on Asia - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 75: Chart on Asia - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 76: Data Table on Asia - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.5 Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 77: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 78: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 79: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 80: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.6 Rest of World (ROW) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 81: Chart on Rest of World (ROW) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 82: Data Table on Rest of World (ROW) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 83: Chart on Rest of World (ROW) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 84: Data Table on Rest of World (ROW) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.7 US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

Exhibit 85: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 86: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)



Exhibit 87: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)



Exhibit 88: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.8 China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 89: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 90: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 91: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 92: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.9 Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 93: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 94: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 95: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 96: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.10 Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 97: Chart on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 98: Data Table on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 99: Chart on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 100: Data Table on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.11 India - Market size and forecast 2022-2027

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 101: Chart on India - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 102: Data Table on India - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million)

Exhibit 103: Chart on India - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

- Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

Exhibit 104: Data Table on India - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.12 Market opportunity by geography

Exhibit 105: Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10.1 Market drivers 10.2 Market challenges 10.3 Impact of drivers and challenges

Exhibit 106: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2022 and 2027 10.4 Market trends 11 Vendor Landscape 11.1 Overview 11.2 Vendor landscape

Exhibit 107: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 11.3 Landscape disruption

Exhibit 108: Overview on factors of disruption 11.4 Industry risks

Exhibit 109: Impact of key risks on business 12 Vendor Analysis 12.1 Vendors covered

Exhibit 110: Vendors covered 12.2 Market positioning of vendors

Exhibit 111: Matrix on vendor position and classification 12.3 Benchmark Electronics Inc.

Exhibit 112: Benchmark Electronics Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 113: Benchmark Electronics Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 114: Benchmark Electronics Inc. - Key news



Exhibit 115: Benchmark Electronics Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 116: Benchmark Electronics Inc. - Segment focus 12.4 Cadence Inc.

Exhibit 117: Cadence Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 118: Cadence Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 119: Cadence Inc. - Key offerings 12.5 Celestica Inc.

Exhibit 120: Celestica Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 121: Celestica Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 122: Celestica Inc. - Key news



Exhibit 123: Celestica Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 124: Celestica Inc. - Segment focus 12.6 Cirtec Medical

Exhibit 125: Cirtec Medical - Overview



Exhibit 126: Cirtec Medical - Product / Service



Exhibit 127: Cirtec Medical - Key offerings 12.7 Eurofins Scientific SE

Exhibit 128: Eurofins Scientific SE - Overview



Exhibit 129: Eurofins Scientific SE - Business segments



Exhibit 130: Eurofins Scientific SE - Key news



Exhibit 131: Eurofins Scientific SE - Key offerings



Exhibit 132: Eurofins Scientific SE - Segment focus 12.8 Flex Ltd.

Exhibit 133: Flex Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 134: Flex Ltd. - Business segments



Exhibit 135: Flex Ltd. - Key news



Exhibit 136: Flex Ltd. - Key offerings



Exhibit 137: Flex Ltd. - Segment focus 12.9 Gerresheimer AG

Exhibit 138: Gerresheimer AG - Overview



Exhibit 139: Gerresheimer AG - Business segments



Exhibit 140: Gerresheimer AG - Key news



Exhibit 141: Gerresheimer AG - Key offerings



Exhibit 142: Gerresheimer AG - Segment focus 12.10 Heraeus Holding GmbH

Exhibit 143: Heraeus Holding GmbH - Overview



Exhibit 144: Heraeus Holding GmbH - Product / Service



Exhibit 145: Heraeus Holding GmbH - Key offerings 12.11 Integer Holdings Corp.

Exhibit 146: Integer Holdings Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 147: Integer Holdings Corp. - Business segments



Exhibit 148: Integer Holdings Corp. - Key news



Exhibit 149: Integer Holdings Corp. - Key offerings



Exhibit 150: Integer Holdings Corp. - Segment focus 12.12 Jabil Inc.

Exhibit 151: Jabil Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 152: Jabil Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 153: Jabil Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 154: Jabil Inc. - Segment focus 12.13 Nortech Systems Inc.

Exhibit 155: Nortech Systems Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 156: Nortech Systems Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 157: Nortech Systems Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 158: Nortech Systems Inc. - Segment focus 12.14 Sanmina Corp.

Exhibit 159: Sanmina Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 160: Sanmina Corp. - Business segments



Exhibit 161: Sanmina Corp. - Key offerings



Exhibit 162: Sanmina Corp. - Segment focus 12.15 TE Connectivity Ltd.

Exhibit 163: TE Connectivity Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 164: TE Connectivity Ltd. - Business segments



Exhibit 165: TE Connectivity Ltd. - Key offerings



Exhibit 166: TE Connectivity Ltd. - Segment focus 12.16 Tecomet Inc.

Exhibit 167: Tecomet Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 168: Tecomet Inc. - Product / Service



Exhibit 169: Tecomet Inc. - Key offerings 12.17 West Pharmaceutical Services Inc.

Exhibit 170: West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 171: West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 172: West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. - Key news



Exhibit 173: West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 174: West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. - Segment focus 13 Appendix 13.1 Scope of the report 13.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist

Exhibit 175: Inclusions checklist



Exhibit 176: Exclusions checklist 13.3 Currency conversion rates for US$

Exhibit 177: Currency conversion rates for US$ 13.4 Research methodology

Exhibit 178: Research methodology



Exhibit 179: Validation techniques employed for market sizing



Exhibit 180: Information sources 13.5 List of abbreviations

Exhibit 181: List of abbreviations About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research

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Website: www.technavio.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/medical-device-manufacturing-outsourcing-market-size-to-grow-by-usd-46-241-15-million-from-2022-to-2027-the-growing-focus-of-oems-on-reducing-medical-device-manufacturing-costs-to-boost-market-growth---technavio-301865299.html SOURCE Technavio

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Insiders warn us about how the current property tax crisis might play out in the coming weeks and months.

There are a few things to consider and they're all important . . .



1. Delay time on Assessments . . .

The mad dash for tax relief as the deadline approaches will leave most out in the cold. In fact, this late notice might be a major sticking point in legal action against the courthouse according to insiders.



2. Jackson County is ALREADY IN COMPLIANCE with Missouri rules on odd-year re-assessments . . .

This one is tricky and we don't understand it completely BUT the courthouse likes to shift blame for tax hikes onto Missouri rules. In fact, 85% of Missouri counties are out of compliance when it comes to property taxes . . . Jackson County is one of the few places up to day with Missouri standards.



3. Consulting company methodology & tech might soon come into play and include more criticism of the County Assessor . . .



A close look at this process has elicited many questions about the Assessor's role in this tax hikes and how the office works with consultant in order to raise rates for some by as much as 775% . . . So far there is an effort to address those concerns through the appeals process . . . Putting the burden of proof on the taxpayer rather than hoping for accuracy from local government.

There's more to cover here but we wanted to share an insider perceptive that we value . . .

"McClain has an impeccable reputation when it comes to this kind of legal work. This case is worth watching because stakeholders and business owners are now moving against the Administration . . . After Jackson County has given so much to Frank White . . . The betrayal and mismanagement is a major disappointment and a sign that he doesn't have much respect for his constituents or this community."



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

'That pretty well puts us out of business': Small business owner speaks out about high property tax assessment Along with Jackson County residents, small business owners are also concerned about high property tax assessments. Not only is it affecting taxes on their homes, but also their income.

Class action lawsuit filed over Jackson County assessments Class action lawsuit filed over Jackson County assessments

Developing . . .
Tonight hottie Caroline inspires our quick peek at pop culture, community news and top headlines.



Check TKC news gathering . . .

Home Team Decline Persists

Local standout Brennan dooms Royals in 2-1 lost Because of course.

Show-Me New Scheme

Evergy implementing new billing policy for Missouri customers in October Beginning in October, Evergy is implementing changes to the way it charges customers in Missouri.

Rock Chalk Rules Debated

A Kansas hospital looked to foreign nurses to ease a shortage, but federal law got in the way Hospitals across the country have recruited nurses from around the world to make up for U.S. labor shortages. But demand for international workers is delaying visas and slowing the flow of nurses able to come to Kansas.

Taste Of JoCo Debuts

Tap List | Friction Beer Co. Opens Its Doors in Shawnee The much anticipated Friction Beer Co., located in the former Hartman Hardware building in downtown Shawnee, opened to the public on Saturday, June 24.

No Tailgating Pop Diva

Sorry Swifties: Don't show up to Kansas City shows without a ticket Taylor Swift fans without tickets will not be allowed to gather in the parking lots at Arrowhead to hear the concert, Kansas City Chiefs say.

Tinsel Town Seen From Afar

Thompson Hollywood | Launch Week Returning glamor to Hollywood

White House Talk Choice

Biden says as Catholic he's 'not big on abortion' but thinks Roe 'got it right' President Biden on Tuesday said that he is not big on abortion as a practicing Catholic but defended the reproductive rights that were previously granted under Roe v. Wade. "I'm a practicing Catholic. I'm not big on abortion, but guess what? Roe vs. Wade got it right," Biden said at a fundraiser with about 100...

Deep Dive Into Paper Of Record

NYT confirms IRS whistleblower claim about Hunter Biden probe, buries in 21st paragraph of report One of the bombshell allegations made by IRS whistleblowers about the DOJ's alleged mishandling of the Hunter Biden probe was confirmed by The New York Times.

Supreme Loss For MAGA

Trump's version of US election law rejected once and for all | CNN Politics The news Tuesday is that the US Supreme Court squarely rejected the fringe legal theory by which far-right activists and supporters of former President Donald Trump hoped to be able to ignore election outcomes.

It's Getting Vlad Out There . . .

Ukraine war: Countdown has begun on Putin's end, say Kyiv officials Senior Ukraine officials tell the BBC Russia's leader could not survive a catastrophic loss of authority.

Far East Tech Feared

US considering new restrictions on AI chip exports to China - WSJ The United States is considering new restrictions on exports of artificial intelligence chips to China, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Xtina Shares Her Troubles

Christina Aguilera fans 'want to sniff her' as she grabs boobs in teeny swimsuit Pop princess Xtina looked sensational as she slipped into a teeny yellow one-piece, and she wasn't afraid to show off the imprints her fake tan left on a nearby wall

If Europe Still Exists . . .

Tickets for Chiefs-Dolphins game in Germany sell out in minutes Kansas City Chiefs fans had just minutes to snag tickets to the team's first game in Germany after they quickly sold out on Ticketmaster.

Heat Wave Ahead . . .

Grab your sunscreen! The heat is almost here Showers are possible overnight into early Wednesday morning.

And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
Greg Mehos & Associates verifies that IBAT's technology performs in accordance with the company's claims; IBAT prepares for commercialization.

VANCOUVER, BC and HOUSTON, June 28, 2023 /CNW/ - International Battery Metals Ltd. (CSE: IBAT) (OTC: IBATF) (FSE: 8RE) has received certification from Greg Mehos & Associates ("GM&A"), an independent testing agency, that shows that its modular direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology performed in accordance with company claims, delivering a 97% extraction rate of lithium from feed brine (to lithium chloride). According to GM&A, IBAT's existing commercial plant produces a total recovery rate of 95% using its internal transition recycle loop technology.

International Battery Metals Ltd Logo (CNW Group/International Battery Metals Ltd.)

"GM&A's findings are significant because their independent verification confirms our technology captures high yields through DLE, making it a game-changer for recovering lithium from existing brine bearing properties," noted Dr. John Burba, Founder of IBAT.

"We're very excited to move into this next stage of commercialization of our DLE process, which is faster to market, more environmentally friendly and more effective in producing high-quality lithium chloride, solidifying domestic supply chains", said Garry Flowers, CEO of IBAT.

GM&A tested IBAT's lithium extraction process when it was demonstrated at Impact Technology Development in Devens, Massachusetts on June 20. GM&A is led by Greg Mehos, Ph.D., PE, an independent chemical engineer with extensive experience in bulk solids handling and processing in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, including drying, fluidizing, feeding, dispersing, conveying, storage, extrusion, reacting, blending, granulating, testing and densifying. Mehos is the author of the subsection on powder flow and hopper and chute design in Perry's Chemical Engineers' Handbook, ninth edition, and is a licensed professional engineer and a fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

For more information on the IBAT extraction process and its ongoing commercialization visit https://www.ibatterymetals.com/.

About International Battery Metals (IBAT):

International Battery Metals (IBAT) has developed and patented the world's fastest, scalable lithium-processing technologies and has pioneered the only patented technology able to achieve commercial-scale lithium production in just 18 months. IBAT's proprietary Modular Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology is proven to quickly and efficiently recover more lithium from brine than traditional methods, while offering safe, superior and sustainable environmental performance. By bringing more lithium to more customer-partners, IBAT is accelerating lithium production to meet the ever-increasing worldwide demand for batteries to power electric vehicles, tools and landscape equipment.

Neither Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain assumptions, estimates, and other forward-looking statements regarding future events. Such forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and are subject to factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control that may cause actual results or performance to differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.

Forwardlooking and cautionary statements:

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any state in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. This release may contain statements within the meaning of safe harbor provisions as defined under securities laws and regulations.

This release may contain certain forwardlooking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of the Company and certain of the plans and objectives of the Company with respect to the same. There is no assurance that the company's apparatus will be able to commercially produce lithium at the stated capacity. The purpose of the tests is to determine if it will be able to do so and successful completion of the tests cannot be assured as they are subject to risks and uncertainties associated with any new mineral processing method and characteristics of the material being processed.

By their nature, forwardlooking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and there are many factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forwardlooking statements.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ibats-modular-direct-lithium-extraction-technology-nets-95-lithium-yield-to-lithium-chloride-according-to-independent-certification-301865366.html

SOURCE International Battery Metals Ltd.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2023/28/c5670.html
Right now we share a quick glimpse at crime reporting, court cases and ALLEGED misdeeds.



Check TKC news gathering . . .

Man charged following fatal shooting in downtown KCMO on Friday night A Kansas City man has been charged in connection with a fatal gas station shooting that happened in downtown KCMO on Friday night.

Overland Park man charged in Hillsdale State Park deadly shooting Brian Meysenburg, 53, of Overland Park, was charged Tuesday in Miami County District Court with one count of second-degree murder.

Independence police investigating overnight wreck involving motorcycle, motorcyclist in critical condition This crash remains under investigation.

Transgender woman with HIV put in solitary confinement for 6 years in Missouri: Lawsuit The prison's "arbitrary punishment and order for solitary confinement were based solely on Ms. Roe's HIV status," the lawsuit alleged.

Man sentenced for sex trafficking child after 2019 arrest A Milwaukee man was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release for sex trafficking a child, after his 2019 arrest in Kansas City, Missouri.

Family sues driver charged in death of KCPD officer, K9, pedestrian The family of the man killed in the a crash with a Kansas City, Missouri, police officer and K9 sues the driver charged with causing it.

Excelsior Springs officer returns to work nearly 9 months after being shot An Excelsior Springs police officer returned to work Monday nearly nine months after he was shot during a roadside traffic stop.

Developing . . .
Today's top story in the metro omits a couple of important facts . . .

TV news mostly downplayed the mugshot except for Fox4.

Moreover . . .

The ALLEGED gunman was out on bail following an Independence, MO violent crime case.



Here are the basics and more info . . .



This defendant is being charged with all the events of that evening whether or not he fired the fatal shot or not. He is the individual that set off this chain event that led to shooting by others, Peters Baker said.



Keivon Greene faces one count of murder each for the deaths of 22-year-old Nikko Manning, 28-year-old Jasity Strong, and 29-year-old Camden Brown. The three victims were shot and killed outside of a business holding an after hours party at 57th Street and Prospect Avenue, according to the prosecutor.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Suspect in Sunday's mass shooting in KCMO charged with 2nd-degree murder Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced new charges in Sunday morning's mass shooting that killed three people and left six others injured near 57th Street and Prospect Avenue in KCMO.

Kansas City man charged with murder in 57th, Prospect shooting A Kansas City man faces additional charges, including murder, for a shooting at 57th and Prospect that killed three people and injured six.

Murder charges announced for man police say started deadly mass shooting at 57th and Prospect Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves joined Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker to discuss the announcement Tuesday

Mother of victim killed in KCMO mass shooting reacts to charges filed against suspect The mother of a victim killed in Sunday morning's mass shooting in Kansas City, Missouri, is reacting to charges filed against one of the alleged shooters on Tuesday.

KCPD Chief Stacey Graves pleas with community to 'please stop the violence' Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department Chief Stacey Graves addressed violent crime in the city during Tuesday's Board of Police Commissioners meeting.

https://www.kshb.com/news/crime/suspect-of-sunday-mass-shooting-in-kcmo-faces-2nd-degree-murder-armed-criminal-action-charges

Developing . . .
In a posting on his personal Twitter account, Netanyahu said, "Thrilled to announce that we'll soon be convening leaders from Israel-Greece-Cyprus to tackle crucial matters, notably energy. Exciting times ahead!"

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis spoke on the phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called to congratulate him on his election victory, ANA reports.

During the conversation, according to government sources, the two leaders confirmed their intention to further strengthen bilateral relations, while agreeing to meet soon.

In a series of tweets, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the two leaders stressed that "a trilateral, Israel-Greece-Cyprus meeting should be held as soon as possible and emphasized that it would deal with the energy issue, among other topics." The Greek and Israeli leaders also agreed to "continue tightening bilateral cooperation in various areas including technology and artificial intelligence," the Israeli PM's office added.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons License: CC-BY-SA Copyright: Groubani
The International Code for the Protection of Tourists is the first ever legal instrument designed to create internationally recognized standards for the protection of tourists at the international level

Cambodia, the Maldives, and Indonesia have become the newest signatories to UNWTO's International Code for the Protection of Tourists. At the same time, UNWTO's Member States across the Asia and Pacific region have adopted the Phnom Penh Declaration on the Code, promoting its dissemination and implementation across the region as a fundamental tool to ensure clear, transparent, and efficient frameworks to protect tourists as consumers to foster confidence in travel.

A landmark for tourists' protection

The International Code for the Protection of Tourists is the first ever legal instrument designed to create internationally recognized standards for the protection of tourists at the international level.

The Code was created by UNWTO with the active participation of more than 100 countries, international organizations, tourism experts, and private sector stakeholders.

It was formally adopted at the 24th UNWTO General Assembly (December 2021). Member States were invited to apply it at the national level.

The Code provides greater legal clarity to States through a common and harmonized framework on how to assist tourists in emergency situations and help them develop laws, regulations, and policies for the protection of tourists as consumers.

New Signatories

Member States of both UNWTO and the United Nations are encouraged to adhere to the Code:

Cambodia, the Maldives, and Indonesia are the latest national-level signatories. They join Ecuador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Honduras, Moldova, Myanmar, Paraguay, Portugal, and Uruguay.

"People want to feel safe and protected when they travel and UNWTO has led the way in creating the first legal tool that will help restore trust in travel," said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. "The number of countries joining this initiative to incorporate it into national legislations keeps growing and we are proud to welcome Cambodia, the Maldives, and Indonesia as the newest signatories."

Sharing Best Practices

Within the framework of the 35th Joint Meeting of the Regional Commission for East Asia and the Pacific and the Commission for South Asia (Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 15-17 June), a conference on the International Code provided a platform for regional tourism leaders to share insights, best practices, and lessons learned on how this legal tool supports tourism recovery and trust after the severe crisis caused by the pandemic. The Conference

Counted on unprecedented high-level participation of delegations from Asia and the Pacific countries, including the Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia, Ministers of Tourism from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Maldives, and the Philippines, and Vice Ministers of Tourism of China and Iran

Benefitted from the participation of Uruguay as "Champion of the Code" and a leader in the assistance to tourists in emergency situations. .

Offered expert insights on how the Code closes existing gaps in legal frameworks and contributes to greater international harmonization.

Underscored the need to promote closer public-private links to better coordinate responsibilities when assisting tourists and protecting consumer rights.

Phnom Penh Declaration

The "Phnom Penh Declaration on the International Code for the Protection of Tourists" was adopted by the Member States of Asia and the Pacific region before the conference and officially launched under the high patronage of the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia. The Declaration:

Reaffirms the commitment of Asia and the Pacific region to strengthen cooperation to improve the assistance available to international tourists in emergency situations.

Underlines the need to promote closer linkages between governments, tourism service providers, and other tourism stakeholders for the better protection of tourists as consumers.

The Declaration reflects Cambodia's commitment to assist tourists in emergency situations, as shown in February 2020 when rescuing more than 1,000 passengers stranded at sea on the MS Westerdam cruise ship.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
What to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake this summer: Take in a show at the Shaw, then savour the towns many other charms
Three men are facing a slew of charges after allegedly being found by Peel police in Brampton with illegal guns and drugs. - Graham Paine/ Metroland
Andrew Palamarchuk is a reporter with Metroland Media Toronto and toronto.com. He has been covering the crime beat since 2002 and has a passion for giving a voice to those affected by tragedy and looking at societal issues that may have contributed to it.
Darin Wybenga says people need to understand what it means to have a treaty relationship - Darin Wybenga photo
When we invest, we're generally looking for stocks that outperform the market average. Buying under-rated businesses is one path to excess returns. For example, long term KUB Malaysia Berhad (KLSE:KUB) shareholders have enjoyed a 54% share price rise over the last half decade, well in excess of the market decline of around 14% (not including dividends).

Let's take a look at the underlying fundamentals over the longer term, and see if they've been consistent with shareholders returns.

View our latest analysis for KUB Malaysia Berhad

In his essay The Superinvestors of Graham-and-Doddsville Warren Buffett described how share prices do not always rationally reflect the value of a business. One imperfect but simple way to consider how the market perception of a company has shifted is to compare the change in the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price movement.

During five years of share price growth, KUB Malaysia Berhad actually saw its EPS drop 4.2% per year.

So it's hard to argue that the earnings per share are the best metric to judge the company, as it may not be optimized for profits at this point. Since the change in EPS doesn't seem to correlate with the change in share price, it's worth taking a look at other metrics.

We are not particularly impressed by the annual compound revenue growth of 2.1% over five years. So it seems one might have to take closer look at earnings and revenue trends to see how they might influence the share price.

The image below shows how earnings and revenue have tracked over time (if you click on the image you can see greater detail).

Balance sheet strength is crucial. It might be well worthwhile taking a look at our free report on how its financial position has changed over time.

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. It's fair to say that the TSR gives a more complete picture for stocks that pay a dividend. We note that for KUB Malaysia Berhad the TSR over the last 5 years was 67%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return.

A Different Perspective

While the broader market gained around 3.4% in the last year, KUB Malaysia Berhad shareholders lost 6.1% (even including dividends). However, keep in mind that even the best stocks will sometimes underperform the market over a twelve month period. Longer term investors wouldn't be so upset, since they would have made 11%, each year, over five years. If the fundamental data continues to indicate long term sustainable growth, the current sell-off could be an opportunity worth considering. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. For example, we've discovered 3 warning signs for KUB Malaysia Berhad that you should be aware of before investing here.

If you are like me, then you will 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 Malaysian exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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Finding a business that has the potential to grow substantially is not easy, but it is possible if we look at a few key financial metrics. 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. Put simply, these types of businesses are compounding machines, meaning they are continually reinvesting their earnings at ever-higher rates of return. Although, when we looked at Union Pacific (NYSE:UNP), it didn't seem to tick all of these boxes.

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 Union Pacific:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)  (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)

0.16 = US$9.7b  (US$66b - US$6.2b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to March 2023).

Thus, Union Pacific has an ROCE of 16%. That's a relatively normal return on capital, and it's around the 14% generated by the Transportation industry.

Check out our latest analysis for Union Pacific

roce

Above you can see how the current ROCE for Union Pacific compares to its prior returns on capital, but there's only so much you can tell from the past. If you'd like, you can check out the forecasts from the analysts covering Union Pacific here for free.

The Trend Of ROCE

There hasn't been much to report for Union Pacific's returns and its level of capital employed because both metrics have been steady for the past five years. It's not uncommon to see this when looking at a mature and stable business that isn't re-investing its earnings because it has likely passed that phase of the business cycle. So unless we see a substantial change at Union Pacific in terms of ROCE and additional investments being made, we wouldn't hold our breath on it being a multi-bagger. With fewer investment opportunities, it makes sense that Union Pacific has been paying out a decent 44% of its earnings to shareholders. Given the business isn't reinvesting in itself, it makes sense to distribute a portion of earnings among shareholders.

The Bottom Line

In summary, Union Pacific isn't compounding its earnings but is generating stable returns on the same amount of capital employed. Since the stock has gained an impressive 60% over the last five years, investors must think there's better things to come. Ultimately, if the underlying trends persist, we wouldn't hold our breath on it being a multi-bagger going forward.

One more thing, we've spotted 1 warning sign facing Union Pacific that you might find interesting.

If you want to search for solid companies with great earnings, check out this free list of companies with good balance sheets and impressive returns on equity.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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 Prime Minister, in an almost immediate response to the Chief Secretary's statement, cate
Ukraine has sufficient potential to increase its gross domestic product (GDP) to USD 1 trillion.

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated this during a speech in the Verkhovna Rada on Constitution Day, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"The specific goal for Ukraine's GDP is a trillion dollars. Yes, a trillion dollars is a very, very high bar, and it seems to be unrealistic. But Ukraine's potential can provide it," the head of state said.

He also set a task to significantly increase the level of labor remuneration.

"Ukraine will abandon the idea that Ukrainian labor should be cheap. The cheap labor of our people was supposed to be a competitive advantage of Ukraine. We aim to achieve a level of wages that could be determined by the formula: neighbors in the European Union plus 30 percent. After the victory, Ukraine will rely primarily on skilled labor, and therefore on education," Zelensky said.

Earlier, he proposed the main guidelines for the future Ukrainian doctrine for national discussion, including the philosophy of Ukraine's victory, the global nature of Ukrainian security, the policy of heroes, the policy of justice, and transformation in 10 years.

"We have to go through a difficult but important path that other nations have been overcoming for decades. Ukraine must direct the world's trust to the development of Ukraine and all aspects of life in our country," the President emphasized.

As reported, First Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko said at Ukraine Recovery Conference in London that Ukraine aims to increase its gross domestic product (GDP) to USD 1 trillion in ten years.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has warned that the Alliance must not underestimate Russia despite the recent events and stressed the importance of providing further support to Ukraine.

The relevant statement was made by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in The Hague during a joint press conference with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, the Presidents of Lithuania, Poland and Romania, and the Prime Ministers of Belgium, Norway and Albania, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

We all saw the events in Russia over the last days. These are internal Russian matters. But what is clear is that President Putins illegal war against Ukraine has deepened divisions, and created new tensions in Russia. At the same time, we must not underestimate Russia. So it is even more important that we continue to provide Ukraine with our support. And I expect that our Summit in Vilnius will send a clear message of our commitment, Stoltenberg said.

He mentioned that the Armed Forces of Ukraine are now pursuing a counteroffensive. The fighting is hard, but they are making progress.

According to Stoltenberg, the more land the Ukrainians can liberate, the stronger their hand will eventually be at the negotiating table.

Stoltenberg commended the Netherlands and all Allies for providing critical support to Ukraine. This includes contributions to NATOs Comprehensive Assistance Package, and the Dutch and Danish-led initiative to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16s.

At the Summit, we will agree a multi-year programme for Ukraine. And we will upgrade our political ties. This will bring Ukraine closer to its rightful place in NATO, Stoltenberg noted.

In his words, during the dinner, the participants also discussed the next steps to strengthen NATOs deterrence and defence, namely the new defence plans with assigned forces and capabilities, and high levels of readiness.

At the NATO Summit, Stoltenberg also expects Allies to agree on a more ambitious defence investment pledge, with 2 percent of GDP for defence as a floor but not a ceiling.

Russias war in Ukraine demonstrates that we cannot take peace for granted. And that we must invest more in our security, Stoltenberg concluded.

A reminder that the NATO Summit will take place in Vilnius on July 11-12, 2023.
The Verkhovna Rada has adopted an appeal to the participants of the NATO Summit in Vilnius, which will take place on July 11.

Member of Parliament Yaroslav Zhelezniak said this on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.

According to Zhelezniak, 279 MPs voted to approve draft resolution No. 9430.

The main purpose of the appeal is a call for NATO member states to commit to providing guarantees of Ukraine's full membership in the Alliance and to provide a mechanism for inviting it to NATO.

The summit participants are invited to support President Volodymyr Zelensky's Peace Formula aimed at establishing a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace in Ukraine for global security, as well as to establish a mechanism for crisis consultations with Ukraine based on the principles of Article 4 of the Washington Treaty to hold consultations in case of a threat to the territorial integrity, political independence or security of Ukraine or any NATO member state.

Ukrainian parliamentarians emphasize the successes on the path of Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration and the compatibility of Ukraine's military standards with NATO standards.

The summit participants are urged to recognize the inexpediency of Ukraine's completion of the NATO Membership Action Plan and to make a strategic decision in Vilnius to invite Ukraine to join NATO.

As Ukrinform reported, the NATO summit will be held in Vilnius on July 11-12, 2023.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed security issues with the President of Poland Andrzej Duda and the President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda, including the active actions of Ukrainian soldiers at the front, preparations for the NATO summit, European integration and the Peace Formula.

Volodymyr Zelensky said this during a joint press conference with the Polish and Lithuanian leaders in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"Today we discussed the full range of topical and security issues that are objectively on our agenda. I informed about the active actions of our soldiers that are taking place at the front now and which allow us to liberate our land step by step, but nevertheless," Zelensky said.

President also said the parties discussed preparations for the July NATO summit in Vilnius.

Zelensky emphasized that the Alliance now has a real opportunity to make the summit's decisions necessary for the whole of Europe and aimed at inviting Ukraine to NATO.

In addition, he noted that the leaders discussed Ukraine's European integration and the preparation for the Peace Formula summit.

"Russia will lose this war, no one in Europe doubts it, and we will win peace and real security for our peoples. All together in unity, strengthening each other, strengthening our alliance, in particular NATO, strengthening the EU and our common European way of life," Zelensky emphasized.

At the same time, the President of Ukraine thanked Poland for its military, economic, political and humanitarian support, as well as for sheltering Ukrainians.
The Israeli government has seized $1.7 million in crypto from wallets linked to the Iranian military and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon with the aide of Chainalysis, according to the Defence Minister announced and the crypto investigations firm.

It was the first time any agency seized cryptocurrency from Hezbollah and Iran's Quds Force, Chainalysis said on Tuesday.

The seizure of the crypto wallets came after Defense Minister Yoav Gallant approved the move several weeks ago, according to a government communique. The effort involved Israel's Mossad spy agency, its military intelligence office, the Israeli police and others.

"This is the first event of this magnitude in which an infrastructure headed by Hezbollah and the Iranian Quds Force that transferred millions of dollars for use by terrorist elements was thwarted," Galant said while speaking at the third crypto conference of the National Bureau for Counter Terror Financing in Israel's Ministry of Defense.

As many as 40 addresses were on the seizure list and all of the funds were in USDT on the TRON network (USDT-TRON), Chainalysis said. The pattern reflected that funds were moved first from financial facilitators to hawala services and OTC brokers, and then to Hezbollah-controlled addresses at mainstream exchanges.

Irans mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment from CoinDesk.

In May, Israeli authorities seized roughly 190 Binance accounts with alleged ties to terrorist groups such as Hamas and Daesh since 2021, according to Reuters.

Read More: Israel Has Seized 190 Binance Accounts With Alleged Terrorist Ties Since 2021: Reuters

UPDATE (June 28, 08:18 UTC): Adds details throughout from the official announcement. Updates text and headline with Chainalysis detail.








Ukraine will receive money for reconstruction only if its use is transparent, investments are inviolable, and there is no corruption or pressure on business

As part of the URC-2023 Ukraine Recovery Conference held last week in London, our government officials presented strategic directions for post-war reconstruction and modernization. According to First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine - Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko, successful reform of key sectors will help boost the national GDP to $1 trillion in 10 years. This figure is fantastic compared to the current $150 billion. The Ukrainian participants of URC-2023 recognize that it will not be easy to achieve this goal and that it can only be done through joint efforts. Therefore, the key prerequisites for rebuilding the country and attracting investment are considered to be joining NATO and the European Union, which will guarantee security for us and investors, access to large markets, and the inevitability of institutional reforms.

In more detail, the experts talk about ensuring the rule of law, the inviolability of private property, and the independence and impartiality of the judiciary. And not only about the high level of rejection of corruption, but also about its maximum eradication. After all, if our international partners see at least a few million disappear from the common "bank," no one will give us any more money, no matter if we ask them with a bored or a happy face.

THE RESCUE "MAGNIFICENT NINE", OR PRIORITY AREAS OF RECONSTRUCTION

According to the vision of Ukrainian government officials, which was shared with the URC-2023 participants, Ukraine's development in the coming years will be determined by nine areas.

1. The largest construction project of the century

Ukraine's recovery will require the development of local production of building materials and equipment. "In the field of construction and engineering, the current investment portfolio consists of 32 projects worth $30.8 billion," said Yulia Svyrydenko.

It is planned to raise the necessary funds (and there will be many more such projects) primarily through private investment. After all, it is unlikely that Ukraine will be able to pay for, for example, the installation of technological lines for the production of gas blocks at the expense of grants received from partners or expensive external or internal financing raised in the commercial debt markets. This is a field of activity for private capital, which can count on good earnings in the near future. After all, we are talking not only about the enormous need for funds and materials (and hence the constant high demand) to rebuild a country that has been destroyed by war, large in area and potential, but also about the possibility of supplying these goods to the neighboring European market. What can we say about the prospects of integrating our market into the European one...

According to the Confederation of Builders of Ukraine, at least 3.9 million square meters of glass, 5.7 million cubic meters (11.9 million tonnes) of concrete, 39.3 million cubic meters (or 14 billion pieces) of brick, and 45 million square meters of tiles will be needed to rebuild the war-damaged housing stock alone. All this is in addition to the usual average annual consumption of such products. And we are only talking about rough estimates.

To meet these needs, we will need new powerful construction materials production facilities that will pay for themselves quickly, and don't go to a fortune teller. Experts have no doubt that with proper government support from Ukraine and minimization of security risks (more on this later), the rate of return on investment in this industry will be among the highest in the world.

2. Development of energy, including "green" energy

According to Yulia Svyrydenko, in addition to electricity, Ukraine will produce "green" hydrogen and actively use agricultural waste to produce biomethane.

"The growth of the industry will also stimulate the production of the necessary equipment and ensure a green industrial transition. In the energy sector, the current investment portfolio consists of 36 projects worth $25 billion," the First Deputy Prime Minister informed the participants of URC-2023.

During the conference, a Memorandum of Energy Partnership was signed between the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom.

"Cooperation with British partners will allow us to modernize our energy system and strengthen its resilience to military threats, as well as create the basis for the development of green energy. In the near future, the Ukrainian energy sector will receive additional resources to repair and restore damaged infrastructure under the program," assured Minister of Energy of Ukraine Herman Halushchenko.

The memorandum envisages the creation of a new "InnovateUkraine" Green Innovation Challenge Fund of 62 million. The funds will be used for energy innovation projects that will accelerate the reconstruction and restoration of Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

The conference also discussed strengthening the coordination of diplomatic efforts of the G7+ group and international development and trade organizations to increase investment in support of Ukraine's Energy Strategy until 2050, the future National Energy and Climate Plan, and national recovery priorities. As a reminder, Ukraine's ambitious goals are to at least sevenfold increase electricity production, almost as much increase in oil production, and fourfold increase in gas production. At the same time, the country wants to become a gas exporter to Europe, supplying up to 66 billion cubic meters of "blue fuel" annually.

By the way, many experts consider these figures to be the least realistic of all the plans presented in London. Experts remind that over the past decades, the country has failed to implement any of the announced programs, such as the 20/20 Strategy for the Development of the Gas Production Industry. They also recall the not-so-successful experience of cooperation with the world's well-known producers Shell and Chevron.

Nevertheless, the authorities believe that achieving the goals of the Energy Strategy until 2050 is quite realistic and estimate the total investment need at $400 billion.

3. Ensuring global food security

The emphasis will be on the technological component of production. The task is to ensure deep processing of more than 50% of products and full utilization of waste. According to Svyrydenko, an investment portfolio of 18 projects worth $700 million is already ready.

On the sidelines of URC-2023B, Ukraine also presented its Agricultural Development Strategy for the next ten years. "The document provides for full vertical integration with the production of the necessary material and technical resources and means of production. It also envisages an increase in grain and oilseed production to 150 million tons in 10 years, as well as an increase in domestic processing and production of livestock and horticultural products. The total investment portfolio amounts to USD 57 billion," said Taras Vysotskyi, First Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine.

The strategy, among other things, provides for the resumption of irrigation of agricultural land affected by the Russians' explosion of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station.

Also, during the conference, the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and the "Organic Ukraine" NGO presented the opportunities for domestic producers of organic products, which are actively displacing some "conventional" food from the EU and UK markets.

4. Integration into the EU infrastructure

The Government is convinced that Ukraine needs to reorient transport flows from the post-Soviet to the trans-European network and modernize them. The investment portfolio in this area includes 30 projects worth $6.5 billion.

In general, the opportunities for investing in Ukrainian infrastructure and logistics are almost limitless. In London, Ukraine presented the "We build Ukraine" initiative, which is intended to unite all international partners involved or planning to join the post-war recovery. "We are laying a solid foundation on the path to victory. While Russia is trying to destroy our infrastructure, we are rebuilding, defending ourselves and planning the future of Ukraine," commented Mustafa Nayyem, the head of the State Agency for Reconstruction and Development of Infrastructure. The initiative's priorities include restoration of housing, energy, social, transport and critical infrastructure, demining, and support for the private sector.

"Infrastructure development is one of the key tasks," said Danylo Hetmantsev, chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Finance, Tax and Customs Policy.

"Just 10 years ago, annual losses from poor road quality were estimated at 3.5% of GDP. The railroad is in an extremely deteriorated state - from track facilities to traction and railcars. The cessation of exports by sea immediately exposed bottlenecks at the land border," the MP reminded. According to him, it is also important to continue the practice of opening new border crossing points, which was launched last year. Another important area is to expand the potential of the Danube ports.

Hetmantsev cites the port of Izmail as an example: "In less than six months, the volume of cargo transshipment reached 9 million tonnes, which is more than in the whole of 2022. We have an agreement with IFC to attract investments to upgrade the fleet of the Ukrainian Danube Shipping Company (by the way, last year it made a profit from operating activities for the first time since independence and paid UAH 146 million in dividends to the budget). We are looking forward to the accelerated development of the ports being privatized."

A separate topic is rapid recovery projects, for which Ukraine has so far managed to find only half of the necessary resources (the total estimated need exceeds $14 billion). At the same time, as the participants of the Conference constantly emphasized, it is important for Ukraine not only to restore everything "as it was," but also to modernize it, make it better and more modern. In particular, the government plans to undertake a comprehensive restoration of water supply and heating systems throughout the country and invites the private sector to cooperate with utilities operating in this area. "It is necessary to restore heating and water supply systems not only in the affected regions, but everywhere, because we are using communications that have remained since the Soviet Union. Accordingly, together with our partners, we want to modernize them," said Oleksandr Kubrakov, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine - Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine.

5. Extraction and processing of minerals and critical minerals

As you know, Ukraine has the largest reserves of lithium, titanium, and significant deposits of other minerals in Europe, which are needed to produce batteries, electric vehicles, and other equipment, as well as to provide fuel for nuclear power plants. The investment portfolio here includes 10 projects worth $3.6 billion.

To develop already explored deposits and search for new deposits of lithium and other "metals of the future," the country needs large investments and modern technologies. To this end, it is planned to open lithium sites (and there are already at least four of them - "Shevchenkivske", "Polokhivske", "Dobra" and "Kruta Balka") to international and national investors under production sharing agreements. "The Dobra" lithium deposit (associated metals include tantalum, niobium, rubidium, tin, and cesium) could be the first step.

"Ukraine's lithium reserves are insufficiently explored and require further exploration. Geological exploration, extraction of raw materials and further processing of the final material require millions of dollars in investments and modern technologies. This is due to the geological characteristics of the deposits. In Ukraine, lithium can only be extracted by mining. To do this, mines need to be built and ore needs to be enriched to marketable products. This can be realized with the involvement of foreign companies that adhere to the mining culture and know that this is a long-term business," explains Dmytro Kashchuk, Development Director of Geological Investment Group and Chairman of the EBA Subsoil Use Committee.

6. Leadership in the green industrial transition

Ukraine will produce green steel, aluminum, and fertilizers without using coal and natural gas. The use of environmentally friendly transportation, primarily river and rail, will become more active. It is also expected that the share of electric vehicles on Ukrainian roads will gradually increase to 60%.

"By providing institutional, financial and technological support for green (carbon-neutral) metallurgy in the course of reconstruction, Ukraine has a chance to become one of the world's leaders in the industry," said Yuriy Ryzhenkov, CEO of "Metinvest" Group, at a briefing at the Media Center Ukraine - Ukrinform.

"Today, the whole world is moving towards decarbonization and green steel production. And Ukraine (unfortunately, because of the war) has the opportunity to start from scratch and do everything right. That is why metallurgists, equipment manufacturers, and their customers attending the specialized event held as part of URC-2023 expressed interest in implementing such plans as soon as possible. After all, this is an opportunity for real change, which, with proper institutional, financial and technological support, can bring Ukraine to the forefront of the global steel industry," Ryzhenkov said.

He is convinced that foreign partners also understand this: Ukraine is bound to become part of the European Union, so it needs to be rebuilt as an integral part of the EU and European production chains. That is why they are also interested in taking advantage of the advantages that Ukraine has: significant reserves of iron ore, trained specialists who know how to work, and access to renewable energy sources. All this, the industrialist believes, will help our country become competitive in the EU markets in the production of green steel.

7. Stimulating startups and entrepreneurship

According to Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine's industrial development will require new technological solutions, which, combined with the digitalization of the economy, will stimulate the development of the IT and R&D sectors.

At the conference, the Ministry of Community, Territorial and Infrastructure Development presented the DREAM digital platform, which will help track information on the reconstruction of damaged or destroyed facilities.

"DREAM allows all citizens of the country, our donors, officials, and businesses to have access to information and monitor the implementation of each project in the recovery plan. That is, you can see what money was used, how it was used, and at what stage of implementation a particular project is. Due to the fact that DREAM corresponds to other registers, it is as full of information as possible," Olena Shuliak, chair of the Parliamentary Committee on the Organization of State Power, Local Self-Government, Regional Development and Urban Planning, head of the "Servant of the People" party, explained in an interview with "Ukrainian Radio".

8. Ensuring professional and social development for everyone

The task is to create conditions for the return of Ukrainian citizens and ensure their comfortable life in Ukraine. Minister of Social Policy Oksana Zholnovych presented the Social Development Strategy at the Conference. "Ukraine's reconstruction is impossible without people. Unfortunately, every day Ukrainians face challenges that cause them physical, mental, economic and social losses. Millions of our citizens are already in need of support and recovery," Zholnovych said. Among the key vectors and priority projects in the work of the Ministry of Social Policy, Zholnovych named the digitalization of all social solutions, building a new system of social support, developing family forms of education, creating a prosthetics hub in Ukraine, and supporting the resilience of families and the elderly.

9. Ensuring internal security and protecting NATO's eastern border

As Yulia Svyrydenko assured, Ukraine's security will continue to be guaranteed by a powerful army of more than 500,000 troops and a developed defense sector.

However, it is clear that with a neighbor like ours, this alone will not be enough to ensure the full security of Ukrainians, their property and investments. In this regard, the key thesis of almost all Ukrainian participants of UKR-2023 was an appeal to international partners after the war not to delay decisions on inviting Ukraine to join the North Atlantic Alliance and the European Union.

Speaking in London, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged that "Ukraine has accelerated its reform agenda with impressive speed and resolve."

"The Conference welcomed the Commissions oral update on Ukraines implementation of the seven recommendations of its EU candidate status. The Conference welcomed the development of the OECD Ukraines country programme. The Government of Ukraine reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen the capacity and operational independence of key anti-corruption institutions, including the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office. The Government of Ukraine has implemented legislation in the field of justice, media, protection of national communities, as well as countering vested interests and money laundering. The Government of Ukraine reiterated its commitment to reform and its aspiration to start EU accession negotiations this year," reads the final Joint Statement of the Co-Chairs of the governments of Ukraine and the United Kingdom, who organized the Recovery Conference.

"GLOBAL WARMING" OF THE INVESTMENT CLIMATE

One of the practical outcomes of the URC-23 was the partners' promises to support Ukraine's recovery financially. We are talking about both non-repayable and loan assistance, as well as government loan guarantees. The proposed amounts are serious. This includes multi-instrument multi-year support from the European Commission through the mechanism of attracting grants, loans, investments and technical assistance - a total of 50 billion euros. In total, our country can count on $60 billion in additional support.

However, everyone is well aware that this resource will not be enough even for the physical restoration of everything destroyed by Russia, not to mention the infrastructure modernization needs that both our government officials and foreign friends are talking about. For comparison, estimates made even before the Russian attack on the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant suggested that more than $410 billion would be needed to rebuild the Ukrainian economy. The dam explosion increased this amount by several billion more. Hundreds of millions of dollars worth of damage to our economy - primarily infrastructure and housing - is incurred every week as a result of Russia's constant attacks. And unfortunately, this will continue until the war is over.

Undoubtedly, new members will join the international coalition to restore Ukraine, or our key partners will announce additional investments more than once. But their resources are not unlimited: due to Putin's aggressive policy, the whole world is suffering from economic turmoil and needs funds to solve its own problems. And after the war, the flow of non-refundable financial support for Ukraine (an objective process) will almost dry up. The possibilities of credit borrowing will also be limited, at least until the risks of further Russian attacks on Ukraine are eliminated through the security guarantees mechanism. Moreover, we ourselves understand that we cannot take out loans indefinitely, otherwise our great-grandchildren will not be able to pay off their lenders.

That is why the need for private investment comes to the forefront, so that global businesses can make good money (preferably better than elsewhere) while rebuilding Ukraine.

"It's no secret that Western governments' funds, i.e. taxpayers' funds, will not be enough for such investments (investments in Ukraine's development). Not even the money we can theoretically receive in the form of compensation from the aggressor state will be enough. Therefore, only private capital can become the most important source of investment in Ukraine's qualitative recovery and rapid economic growth," explains Igor Mazepa, CEO and owner of Concorde Capital.

It is important that nearly 500 companies from 42 countries with a total asset value of over $5.2 trillion representing 21 sectors of the economy have already signed the Ukrainian business compact, pledging to support the recovery and reconstruction of our country.

"Companies from all over the world have agreed to work with Ukraine to help realize its enormous potential in priority sectors, including energy, technology, infrastructure and finance, and to share their expertise in developing the Ukrainian private sector. The UK and Ukraine have created a new digital platform for finding business partners. From now until the URC24 in Germany, international partners will work to launch new business-to-business initiatives to build and develop partnerships with the private sector of Ukraine," the Joint Statement on the results of the Conference reads.

Another important event that took place on the sidelines of the conference was the presentation of the Ukraine Development Fund (UDF) project, which was developed by BlackRock asset management company and JP Morgan Bank.

"This is a successful mechanism that has a chance to become an effective financing tool. The fund's strategic goal is to mobilize private capital. It is to attract at least $50 billion in investments over the next 5 years (from $20 billion in infrastructure, from $10 billion in energy, from $9 billion in manufacturing and trade, from $7 billion in agriculture, from $1 billion in IT)," said Danylo Hetmantsev.

Business Ombudsman Roman Washchuk admits that during the International Conference on the Restoration of Ukraine, foreign investors were really interested in projects in our country.

"The conference in London exceeded my expectations, but they may not have been too high after last year's experience in Lugano, where everything was very vague at the level of general principles. One of the big differences is the active presence of the business itself, including foreign businesses," he said on "Ukrainian Radio".

An insurance system adequate to security challenges will help Ukraine take full advantage of new opportunities, and international partners should assist in its formation (including by providing guarantees and funds). During the URC-2023, there were many clear signals that our country will not be left face to face with this problem. In particular, the War Risk Insurance Framework Program was launched.

In a statement, the co-chairs of the London Conference announced that partners had declared their support for the World Bank's Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) Ukraine Reconstruction and Economic Recovery Trust Fund. The United Kingdom announced an additional contribution of 20 million, while Japan had already contributed $23 million. Additionally, MIGA announced the signing of an expanded Memorandum of Understanding with ProCredit Bank, resulting in a total amount of guarantees reaching 40.85 million.

And the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has started working on a pilot war risk insurance scheme. The Ukrainian government, in turn, has pledged to increase information exchange with the insurance industry.

FIGHTING CORRUPTION: FROM DEMONSTRATIVE ONE-OFF ACTIONS TO SYSTEMATIC WORK

The next step (or rather, such steps are needed now, even before the war is over) should be a real fight against corruption. So that we can talk not about isolated cases of arrests of corrupt officials "red-handed," but about a systematic and uncompromising fight against this phenomenon-with no exceptions, no division into "friends and foes," "near and far." "Western investors need to be convinced that their investments will not be threatened by a corrupt official, law enforcement officer or judge. After all, Russian propaganda has created the image of the most corrupt country in Europe. And not entirely without reason, as there are many cases when a foreign investor has faced arbitrariness of the Ukrainian authorities. Each such case is happily reported by the Western media. Moreover, even hardened Ukrainian businesses are ready to flee the country amid the arbitrariness of the security forces," says Mazepa.

At the same time, a local investor is a litmus test, a signal to foreigners that it is safe to invest and make money here. "In other words, it will be extremely difficult to attract foreign money here in the absence of local investors," concludes the head of Concorde Capital.

Hlib Kanevsky, head of the expert organization StateWatch, agrees with this assessment:

"There are serious problems in the way of investment - weak and corrupt judicial and law enforcement branches of government. If we don't seriously take up the staff rehabilitation and reform of these bodies, there will be no investment. And this is a direct threat to the country's economic (read: all) security in the postwar years."

According to Martyna Bohuslavets, executive director of the Institute of Legislative Ideas, the key conclusion after the London conference is that billions of dollars and euros of aid will cost us serious anti-corruption steps.

"In order to prevent Kyiv from taking one step forward and two steps back, on the eve of the London conference, the G7 made a statement with clear deadlines: by September 30, Ukraine must restore declaration and public access to the register of declarations, reporting of political parties, and strengthen the capacity of National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO). Despite the friendly and supportive tone of the speeches, international partners, including business, are nodding in favor of strengthening the fight against corruption and accelerating reforms. The emphasis is on the judiciary," reminded Bohuslavets.

The transparency of the distribution of funds is also under control. After all, the activities of commissions and funds are not always public, and Ukrainians can learn about most expenditures after the fact. It will not be possible to inform international partners retroactively. So we have a general conclusion that we hope will be clearly understood by the responsible agencies and individuals: The London conference on Ukraine's recovery is not about self-praise and not about dividing the "skin of the unkilled bear" (money promised by partners). It is about internal efforts and reforms that will help us fully utilize the support and resources of our friends from around the world for the post-war Ukrainian renaissance.

Vladyslav Obukh, Kyiv
Israel has seized as many as 40 cryptocurrency wallets linked to Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force and the terrorist organization Hezbollah, The Times of Israel reported Tuesday.

This marks the first incident of this magnitude carried out by Israel, according to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

A few days ago, an extensive and precedent-setting operationto expose a route for financing terror with digital currencieswas wrapped up, Gallant said at a conference hosted by the ministrys National Bureau for Counter Terror Financing (NBCTF).

All of the funds seized by NBCTF in this action are in the USDT stablecoin issued on the Tron network, according to blockchain forensics firm Chainalysis.

Hezbollah is a Lebanese political and military organization founded in the early 1980s. A significant player in Lebanese politics, operating as both a political party and a paramilitary organization, it gained popularity for its resistance against Israeli forces. The Quds Force is the branch of the IRGC responsible for external operations.

The Minister added that since the beginning of the year, members of Hezbollah, the Quds Force, and certain Syrian elements have been relying on cryptocurrency as a means to finance their daily operations. The funds, originating from a third party, were transferred to the terrorist groups through money exchangers, per Gallant.

Israel turns to blockchain analytic tools

During Tuesdays conference Gallant also revealed that the operation was carried out thanks to new tools the NBCTF had developed in collaboration with the Mossad spy agency, the IDFs Military Intelligence Directorate, the Israel Police, and other bodies. Chainalysis confirmed its analytic tools played a role in this landmark national security achievement.

NEWS: Israels NBCTF announced it seized ~$1.7 million worth of crypto from Hezbollah & Irans Quds Force & disrupted their crypto-based terrorism financing infrastructure. Were proud to say Chainalysis tools played a role in this effort. Read more: https://t.co/3BMJrih0uJ  Chainalysis (@chainalysis) June 28, 2023

As pointed out by Chainalysis, since its inception, Hezbollah has been receiving the bulk of its funding from Iranoften via Syrian intermediaries, however, some of that activity has recently shifted to cryptocurrencies.

One of the most observed patterns includes the initial movement of funds from financial facilitators to hawala services and OTC brokers, after which they are transferred to Hezbollah-controlled addresses at mainstream exchanges.

This NBCTF seizure is important for several reasons, beyond just the fact that its the first time any agency has seized cryptocurrency from Hezbollah and Quds Force, Chainalysis said in a blog post. The activity we analyze above is one of the first publicly available examples of terrorism financing via cryptocurrency that goes beyond simple, social media-based donation campaigns  in this case, sophisticated state actors were using crypto to funnel money across borders to a dangerous terrorist organization.

The company added that this development underscores the fact that the battle against terrorism financing through cryptocurrencies is far from over, even in light of recent successes such as the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which is considered a terrorist group by the U.S., UK, and others, discontinuing its crypto donations program in response to law enforcement pressure.

Hamas Sees Surge in Bitcoin Donations Amidst Israel-Palestine Conflict

Hamas military wing Al-Qassam Brigades (AQB), which is largely cut off from the global financial system, have until recently relied on cryptocurrency donations as one of the tools to circumvent international sanctions, but moved to shut down the program in April this year.

On several occasions prior to that, the Israeli Defense Ministry announced the seizure of cryptocurrency wallets linked to Hamas.

In February 2022, the Israeli authorities confiscated dozens of thousands of Shekels worth of cryptocurrencies allegedly intended to fund the group, with another $7.7 million in USDT, Bitcoin, and Dogecoin seized in July 2021.
FILE PHOTO: Joby Aviation founder JoeBen Bevirt poses next to a Joby Aviation Air Taxi ahead of their listing at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in Manhattan, New York City

Joby receives FAA nod to begin flight testing of electric air taxi FILE PHOTO: Joby Aviation founder JoeBen Bevirt poses next to a Joby Aviation Air Taxi ahead of their listing at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in Manhattan, New York City

(This June 28 story has been corrected to add that Archer received certification to conduct flight testing of its demonstrator aircraft in paragraph 7)

(Reuters) - Joby Aviation said on Wednesday the U.S. aviation regulator has given the nod for flight testing of its electric air taxi, taking it a step closer to securing approvals for commercial operations.

The California-based company also said Toyota North America's CEO, Tetsuo Ogawa, will join its board on Saturday. Toyota is Joby's largest external shareholder, having invested around $400 million in the company.

Joby's shares soared 26% to $8.04 in the morning trade.

The company plans to begin commercial passenger operations in 2025. Unlike other electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturers, which plan to sell aircraft to customers such as airlines and logistics companies, Joby's business model is similar to a rideshare app.

Once certified, the eVTOL maker will compete in a crowded market with dozens of other developers such as Archer Aviation and Vertical Aerospace Ltd vying to revamp urban transportation.

Joby said the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had granted a Special Airworthiness Certificate, which allows flight testing of its first production prototype without passengers.

Rival Archer received the green signal for flight testing of its demonstrator aircraft 'Maker' in 2021. But certification deadlines for eVTOL makers keep getting readjusted, underscoring the challenges that need to be addressed in the nascent sector.

In May, Vertical Aerospace delayed its entry to service by a year to 2026. "We believe the industry as a whole will experience some timeline corrections and we are already seeing signs of peers acknowledging this," the company said in a letter to shareholders.

Last year, Germany's Lilium also pushed back its deadline to 2025 from 2024.

Joby's aircraft will be delivered to Edwards Air Force Base after completing initial testing, the company said. The delivery is part of Joby's contract with the U.S. Air Force. Under the deal, the company will deliver the first two electric aircraft in March 2024.

(Reporting by Aishwarya Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri and Saumyadeb Chakrabarty)
(Bloomberg) -- Joby Aviation Inc. jumped 40% Wednesday after a crucial green light from US regulators in its quest to build electrically powered air taxis.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The company, based in Santa Cruz, California, said in a statement that the go-ahead from the Federal Aviation Administration will let it test flying taxis coming off its production line; it previously could only demo a prototype made by hand. Joby showed off the first aircraft from its manufacturing facility at a media event.

This is a huge moment, Joby Chief Executive Officer JoeBen Bevirt said on Bloomberg TV from the factory in Marina, California.

The shares have now doubled since late April. The rally underscores the swelling enthusiasm for a business backed by Toyota Motor Corp. that aims to break through where others have failed in providing inexpensive, vertical-lift aircraft for short hops. The big goal is to create a new category of small electric-powered air taxis designed to zip passengers across cities to avoid car traffic.

But the company still has a long way to go, given that it needs FAA certification, Bevirt said. The firm aims to produce tens of aircraft this year from its production line and begin commercial flights in 2025. Were still in the crawl phase of this journey.

Longer-term, Joby is assessing other sites in different US states for a larger facility which could build the aircraft in the hundreds per year, Bevirt said.

The company gave more specifics on the craft, which is designed to take off vertically like a helicopter and then fly similarly to a small plane. Joby said its vehicle can handle a payload of 1,000 pounds, which countered concerns that it wouldnt be able to meet its goal of carrying four passengers and a pilot, according to Raymond James analyst Savi Syth.

Read More: How Do the Leading Flying Taxi Companies Compare?

Additionally, Tetsuo Ogawa, president of Toyotas North America division, will join Jobys board on July 1. Toyota is Jobys largest outside investor with about a 12% stake, according to data calculated by Bloomberg. The automaker has helped Joby build its production capabilities. The companies have a long-term agreement for Toyota to provide powertrain and some components.

The company, which also counts Delta Air Lines Inc. and Intel Corp. among its largest shareholders, said the early production units will become the first electric vertical take-off and landing craft  or eVTOL  to be delivered to a paying customer when the US Air Force receives them next year. Those vehicles are part of a $131 million contract.

Dan Ketchel, Deltas director of sustainability partnerships and performance, said Jobys air-taxi service is a good match for the airlines investments at Los Angeles International Airport, JFK and LaGuardia.

Weve made incredible terminal investments over the last couple of years and were excited that Joby is bringing a transportation solution that is equally innovative, Ketchel said.

--With assistance from Diana Carolina Bravo and Mary Schlangenstein.

(Corrects Ketchels title in 10th paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Thailand: Moving from punishment to treatment of people who use drugs

UN News/Daniel Dickinson The Ozone Foundation is based in a suburb of the Thai capital, Bangkok.

Bangkok (Thailand), 25 June 2023 - I first started taking drugs when I was 15, says 49-year-old Prapat Sukkeaw. I smoked marijuana, but it was laced with heroin. I felt like I was floating, and it meant that I could forget about all the problems that I faced as a teenager. It was a beautiful feeling.



Prapat Sukkeaw is one of an estimated 57,000 people who currently injects drugs in Thailand. His drugs of choice, marijuana and heroin, reflect a period in Thailands recent history when both illegal narcotics were the main stimulants being trafficked out of the storied Golden Triangle, a remote and somewhat inaccessible region which includes northern Thailand as well as Myanmar and Laos.

UN News/Daniel Dickinson 49-year-old Prapat Sukkeaw has used drugs since the age of 15.

Employed by a non-governmental organization (NGO), he has on occasion wanted to give up heroin due to pressure from family and friends. Now, he has recognized that, even if he admits to being addicted, taking drugs is my preference and my right. He has now started taking the synthetic drug methamphetamine, as heroin has become progressively more expensive.



His focus has moved from abstaining from drugs to living with the side effects and managing the potential harm of their prolonged use, for example by not sharing needles.



Like all Thai citizens, Mr. Sukkeaw has access to universal health care, but he found that as a person who uses drugs, he was stigmatized and discriminated against by health care workers. He was referred to Ozone, an NGO based in a suburb of the Thai capital, Bangkok.



Ozones goal is to reduce the health and social impacts of drug addiction, promoting abstinence, but also supporting clients who want to carry on using and ensuring that they have access to the health services they require.

UN News/Daniel Dickinson A hepatitis C test is prepared for a client at Ozone.

Our clients who travel from around Thailand to Ozone welcome our non-judgmental approach, said Ngammee Verapun, the centres director, himself a person who uses multiple drugs on a regular basis. We are a community which values all people. We are client-centred and offer peer support treating everyone equally, no matter their background.



Ozone offers a variety of services including needle exchanges and HIV testing as well as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) which reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex or injecting drugs. It also partners with Dreamlopments, a hepatitis C service provider which offers integrated healthcare free of charge. Hepatitis C is a viral liver infection spread by sharing needles. Its activities are supported by UNODC, although a funding shortfall has meant that the centre has had to close many of its outreach services in other parts of Thailand.

From punitive to progressive drug laws

UN News/Daniel Dickinson Karen Peters, UNODC.

Historically, Thailand has severely punished people who have broken strict drug laws. However, since a change in the law in 2021, the legal system has shifted towards rehabilitation for people who use drugs.



Speaking ahead of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, marked annually 26 June, Karen Peters, UNODCs Bangkok-based regional drugs and health focal point, said: Now people are allowed alternatives. It is not an ideal choice, but they are given the choice to attend a treatment facility or go to prison.



The law is progressive in other ways, as harm reduction is specifically highlighted as an objective, which, according to Karen Peters, allows organizations like Ozone to function within the confines of the legal and justice system.



It is also helping to shift the narrative around people who use drugs in Thailand from being socially marginalized, she said.

Tackling stigmatization

The stigmatization of people who take drugs nevertheless continues, but according to Dr. Phattarapol Jungsomjatepaisal, the director of the National Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation Committee in the Ministry of Public Health, the new legislation means that more health service providers are being trained to act in a non-stigmatizing manner.



He says that the reaction from people who use drugs has been good as there is a recognition that ultimately, they should receive better care in hospitals and health centres under Thailands universal health coverage system, while continuing to have the option to access services in community-led centres like Ozone.

HIV and hepatitis C

UN News/Daniel Dickinson

One major concern remains the high prevalence of HIV and hepatitis C amongst people who inject drugs in a country where HIV rates are otherwise decreasing. In Thailand, an estimated eight per cent of drug users have HIV, approximately 3,800 people.



The rate of hepatitis C, at 42 per cent, is very frightening, according to Dr. Patchara Benjarattanaporn, the country director of UNAIDS, the UN agency leading the global effort to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.



Despite ongoing concerns about the health outcomes for people who use drugs, Dr. Benjarattanaporn believes that Thailand could become a model for the regions countries facing similar challenges.



The new narcotic law and the community-led aspect of treatment for drug users gives hope that Thailand can control cases, and this is a development that other countries are watching, he said.



Back at Ozone, one client is receiving counseling about PrEP and HIV prevention, and another is undergoing a hepatitis test. The peer support remains a key element in attracting people to use its services, and it is now hoped that the new legislation will lead to less discrimination and will enable others to access similar services through more government health facilities.
Transnational cooperation against Improvised Explosive Devices' (IED) across Ivorian, Ghanian and Burkinabe borders

Jacqueville (Cote d'Ivoire) - From May 23 to 26, 2023, UNODC organized a Trilateral Workshop on detection of Improvised Explosive Device (IED), on their use by terrorist groups and on the judicialization of intelligence collected in the border areas between Cote dIvoire, Burkina Faso and Ghana. This event took place at the International Counter Terrorism Academy AILCT, in Jacqueville, Cote dIvoire.

The workshop used several practical scenarios to identify challenges, risks, and opportunities with respect to IEDs and the circulation of IED components in remote border areas, and how those can be tackled by security stakeholders through enhanced domestic coordination and cross border cooperation.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Paris, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Jun, 2023 ) :France braced for more angry protests Wednesday after the killing of a teenager by police during a traffic stop that President Emmanuel Macron called "unforgivable".

The government said it would deploy 2,000 riot police to deal with any unrest, a day after a 17-year-old was shot in the chest by a police officer who then appeared to lie about the circumstances of the killing.

The shooting had already sparked unrest in several Paris suburbs overnight.

Celebrities and politicians expressed outrage and grief at the death of the teenager, with Macron calling it "inexplicable" and "unforgivable".

The teenager, named only as Nael M., was pulled over by two policemen on Tuesday for breaking traffic rules, prosecutors said.

Police initially reported that one officer shot at the teenager because he was driving his car at him, but this version of events was contradicted by a video circulating on social media and authenticated by AFP.

The footage shows the two policemen actually standing by the side of the stationary car, with one pointing a weapon at the driver. A voice is heard saying "You are going to get a bullet in the head." The police officer then appears to fire point blank as the car abruptly drives off.

The car moved a few dozen metres before crashing. The driver died shortly after.

His death sparked immediate protests in Nanterre, a western Paris suburb.

Bins were set alight and a fire broke out at a music school, while police tried to disperse the protesters with tear gas.

Protests then broke out in some neighbouring suburbs.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said Wednesday that 31 people had been arrested overnight, 24 police slightly injured and around 40 cars torched.

Darmanin added that 2,000 police would be deployed to deal with any further violence later Wednesday.
TOKYO, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Jun, 2023 ) --:The head of the Fukushima fisheries federation has again expressed opposition to the plan to release radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant into the sea, local media reported on Wednesday.

During a meeting on Tuesday with the plant's operator Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), Tetsu Nozaki said the government and TEPCO had told the prefectural fisheries federation eight years ago that they would not dispose of the wastewater without gaining the understanding of the parties involved, the public broadcaster NHK reported.

Nozaki said he takes it seriously that the government and TEPCO have repeatedly provided explanations about the discharge plan, but the fishers have not endorsed it, according to NHK.
The Hague, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Jun, 2023 ) :NATO is ready to defend itself against any threat from "Moscow or Minsk", alliance chief Jens Stoltenberg said Tuesday, after Belarus welcomed Wagner rebel leader Yevgeny Prigozhin into exile.

Stoltenberg said NATO would agree to strengthen its defences at a key summit in Lithuania next week in order to protect all members, especially those which border Russia's ally Belarus.

"It's too early to make any final judgment about the consequences of the fact that Prigozhin has moved to Belarus and most likely also some of his forces will also be located to Belarus," Stoltenberg told reporters.

"What is absolutely clear is that we have sent a clear message to Moscow and to Minsk that NATO is there to protect every ally and every inch of NATO territory," he said after dinner with seven national leaders in The Hague.

"So no room for misunderstanding in Moscow or Minsk about our ability to defend allies against any potential threat, and that is regardless of what you think about the movement of the Wagner forces." Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda warned of the risk of Wagner fighters being based in Belarus.

"If Wagner deploys its serial killers in Belarus, all neighbouring countries face even greater danger of instability," he told the news conference.

Mercenary boss Prigozhin arrived in Belarus on Tuesday, after a dramatic weekend revolt by Wagner fighters that posed the biggest threat of Russian President Vladimir Putin's rule.

Prigozhin, a former Kremlin ally and catering contractor, built Russia's most powerful private army and recruited thousands of prisoners to fight in Ukraine.

Stoltenberg added that the West "must not underestimate Russia" despite the chaos at the weekend.

He said it was crucial to keep supporting Ukraine against Russia's invasion and that NATO allies would thrash out a path to Kyiv's membership of the alliance.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who hosted the dinner, rejected Putin's claims that the West wanted Russians to kill each other.

"I refute what Putin suggested yesterday that we in the West want Russia to descend into domestic chaos -- on the contrary, instability in Russia creates instability in Europe," he said.
(@FahadShabbir)

MURMANSK (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 28th June, 2023) The NATO member states plan to ask Secretary General Stoltenberg to remain in office for another year, the VG newspaper reported on Wednesday, citing sources.

Stoltenberg has not yet given official consent to extend his contract that expires on October 1. He has stated that he had no plans to continue working in this post and he was not going to seek an extension of the contract.

A formal decision to extend the contract for another year can be expected in the next few days, the newspaper said, adding that Stoltenberg is most likely to remain as NATO head until the summer of 2024.

NATO headquarters in Brussels is awaiting confirmation from Stoltenberg himself on the eve of the summit on July 11-12 in Vilnius, the VG said.

Stoltenberg was due to resign on October 1, 2022, but in March of the same year, the leaders of the alliance's member states extended his mandate until September 30, 2023. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was "seriously" being considered as the next NATO head, as reported by Politico, however, she said in April that she did not intend to apply for the position. Other possible candidates include Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace, and Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas.
(UroToday.com) The 2023 Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) Annual Meeting held in Chicago, IL between June 24th and 27th, 2023 was host to a session on urologic malignancies. Dr. Saurav Jha presented the results of an analysis comparing 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT and 18F-FDG-PET/CT in the metastatic work up of renal cell carcinoma (RCC).



18F-FDG-PET/CT has demonstrated improved sensitivity, compared to conventional imaging, for the detection of distant metastases among patients with high-risk RCC, providing both anatomic and metabolic information.1 Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is expressed on the endothelial cell surface of neo-vasculature of various solid malignant tumors, including clear cell RCC. There has been emerging evidence that PSMA-PET/CT may provide more accurate staging for patients with metastatic RCC.2 As such, the objective of this study was to compare 18F-FDG-PET/CT and 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT with respect to semi-quantitative parameters and the ability to detect primary site lesions, as well as metastatic deposits in soft tissue sites and bones.

This study included patients with histopathologically and/or radiologically-confirmed RCC, who subsequently underwent both 18F-FDG and 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CTs. Patients received intravenous injections of 10 mCi of 18F-FDG and 3-5 mCi of 68Ga-PSMA and subsequently underwent the corresponding PET/CT scans at 60- and 45-minutes post-injection, respectively. The acquired whole body PET/CTs were analysed both visually and quantitatively by two experienced nuclear medicine physicians.

This analysis included 27 patients, of whom 22 were male. The mean age was 55 years. All 27 patients underwent both 18F-FDG and 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CTs within at least one week of each other.

Primary site lesions were detected in only 12/27 patients, with all lesions demonstrating concordance on both PET/CT modalities. The mean SUVmax of the primary site lesion was higher with 18F-FDG (5.2 versus 3.4) and also demonstrated a higher mean tumor-to-background ratio (5.4 versus 3.7).

A total of 510 metastatic soft tissue lesions were determined to be positive in 25/27 patients, per conventional imaging with CT or MRI. Of these 510 metastatic lesions, 93% were detected on 18F-FDG PET/CT and only 68% were detected on 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT. Among these 25 patients with detectable metastatic soft tissue lesions, there was evidence of imaging findings concordance (FDG and PSMA PET/CT) in 7/25 patients only, with imaging findings discordance noted in the remaining 18. A greater number of lesions was detected by FDG PET/CT in 15/18 discordant cases, whereas PSMA-PET/CT detected a large number of metastatic deposits in the remaining three discordant cases.

In one patient with noted brain metastases, the lesions were noted to be more easily appreciated on PSMA-PET/CT, owing to the physiologic uptake of FDG in the brain, with resultant lower tumor-to-background ratios (TBRs). PSMA may also assist with detecting mediastinal lymph node metastases, whereby PSMA avidity was useful in differentiating infective from metastatic lesions (histologically confirmed). The SUVmax and TBRs for metastatic soft tissue lesions, by imaging modality, were as follows:

FDG PET/CT: 5.7 and 3.1, respectively

PSMA PET/CT: 3.7 and 2.3, respectively

With regards to bone metastases, 53 lesions were detected in nine patients on conventional imaging. FDG PET/CT detected 98% of the lesions, whereas PSMA PET/CT detected 96%. Among these nine patients with identifiable bone metastases, concordance was noted in 7/9 patients. The mean SUVmax and TBRs for metastatic bone lesions, by imaging modality, were as follows:

FDG PET/CT: 8.1 and 3.7, respectively

PSMA PET/CT: 6.1 and 3.9, respectively

The authors concluded that moderate to intense uptake of 68Ga-PSMA was observed in primary as well as metastatic RCC lesions. 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT may have value as an adjunctive imaging modality to 18F-FDG PET/CT for lesion characterization and staging. Furthermore, PSMA-PET/CT offers the potential advantage of being a future theranostic tool for patients with limited therapeutic options and with favorable PSMA parameters (e.g., high SUV levels).

Presented by: Saurav Jha, MD, Co-Program Director, Cardiothoracic Imaging Fellowship  Associate Professor of Radiology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

Written by: Rashid K. Sayyid, MD, MSc  Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO) Clinical Fellow at The University of Toronto, @rksayyid on Twitter during the 2023 Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL, Sat, June 24  Tues, June 27, 2023.
Self-measured blood pressure monitoring kits are now available for checkout at the libraries in Jackson and Alta. The kits are offered through a collaborative pilot project involving the Wyoming Center on Aging (WyCOA) at the University of Wyoming, the Wyoming Department of Healths Chronic Disease Prevention Program and the Teton County Library.

The kits, available in both English and Spanish, include an automated home blood pressure cuff; blood pressure logbooks; educational materials from the American Heart Association; information on what blood pressure is; and ideas for healthy lifestyle changes. The kits also include a resource directory to local community-based organizations and referral resources to the Healthy U chronic disease self-management program and Cent$ible Nutrition Program.

The loan period is three weeks. Blood pressure kits can be renewed, up to two times, if there are no holds on the item. Failure to return a blood pressure cuff kit will result in a blocked account until the item is returned. This program also is currently available to residents in Albany, Big Horn, Campbell, Carbon, Converse, Crook, Fremont, Hot Springs, Laramie, Lincoln, Natrona, Niobrara, Park, Sheridan, Sublette, Sweetwater, Washakie and Weston counties, with plans to be in all 23 counties by the end of June.

Nearly half of adults in the United States -- 47 percent, or 116 million -- have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, or are taking medication for hypertension, and 24 percent with hypertension have their condition under control, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Wyoming, 30.7 percent of adults have been told that they have high blood pressure, according to the Wyoming Department of Healths Chronic Disease Prevention Program.

While self-measured blood pressure is not a substitute for regular visits to primary care physicians, it is a way for individuals to see and track their numbers, giving them more information that can be communicated to their doctors.

Information is power and, the more information a patient and their doctor have, the better the treatment plan, says Kara Beech, a senior project coordinator with WyCOA. Better treatment plans lead to better overall health. Thats the goal of this project -- to work to improve the health of our communities.

The Teton County Library is committed to building and supporting strong, healthy communities. This project provides a unique opportunity to offer the community more information about self-monitored blood pressure and its important role in health.

Were excited to partner with the Wyoming Department of Health and WyCOA to bring these much-needed resources to the community, says Kip Roberson, director of library services at the Teton County Library.

To learn more about the Teton County Library, go to www.tclib.org.

To learn more about WyCOA and its programs, go to www.uwyo.edu/wycoa/.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated to include a statement sent to The Sentinel from LG.

HOLLAND  LG Energy Solution is pushing back its timeline for hiring 1,000 workers upon completion of its transformational expansion in Holland.

More: LG Energy Solution places final beam for Holland expansion

Construction of the nearly 1.7 million-square-foot expansion of the electric battery plant is on track, LG wrote in a statement to media, and mass production is expected to start in 2025. However, a tight labor market encouraged the company to request an extension for the hiring milestone outlined in grants from the state.

LG Energy Solution is pushing back its timeline for hiring 1,000 workers upon completion of its transformational expansion in Holland.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporations Michigan Strategic Fund Board on Tuesday, June 27, approved amendments to two $10 million grant agreements, delaying the 1,000-employee hiring milestone by one year.

The plant, located off 146th Avenue near I-196, first opened in 2010. Once complete, it will be home to the company's North American production headquarters for lithium-ion battery manufacturing.

"With the state and citys support, were committed to providing quality, well-paying jobs and foster next-generation battery professionals here in West Michigan," LG wrote. "Also, with the expansion project on track, we stay dedicated to expediting the EV transition in the U.S.  as well as contributing to the states strong standing as the center of high-tech EV and component production."

 WOOD TV-8 contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: LG Energy Solution pushes back deadline for hiring 1K workers
Decline of English Center Giant Spells Opportunity for FDI

In the wake of a number of troubles facing Apax Leaders, once one of Vietnams biggest English language training providers, foreign firms may find a fertile market entry opportunity. Heres what foreign firms working in this space should know.

Apax Leaders, a private chain of English language training centers in Vietnam, is facing a decline in enrollments amid damage to its reputation over failing to pay its staff and poor teaching standards.

Many parents whose children attend Apax Leaders English centers in Ho Chi Minh City have expressed dismay with the company, citing breaches of the teaching contract, fraudulent activities, and misappropriation of assets, and are demanding fees already paid be reimbursed.

Only one in 41 Apax centers in Ho Chi Minh City remains operational, with the remaining centers closed and sealed off. As Apax looks to downsize its operations, however, other English education brands have seized on the opportunity to expand.

Heres what foreign English training centers should know if they are thinking about taking advantage of the current market dynamism.

Whats driving demand for English language training?

Greater international integration

An estimated 1 billion people worldwide speak English. It is an official language in 67 countries and a second language in 27. Furthermore, with the expansion of the digital economy, this is becoming more important as the bulk of information online written in English.

English is also crucial for travel, with around 350 million people communicating in English out of the nearly seven billion people inhabiting the world today. English also serves as a universal language for business communication, in particular, making it an essential skill for professionals worldwide.

It is a requirement to enter university

The Vietnam National Qualifications Framework, introduced in 2016, sets foreign language proficiency standards for entering university. The minimum requirement is a foreign language proficiency level of 3 out of 6, which is equivalent to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages B1 level.

Most universities nowadays seek international certificates, such as IELTS, TOEIC, TOEFL, and APTIS. Numerous institutions also demand high proficiency levels, particularly in fields related to foreign languages, top-tier majors, associate programs, and certain disciplines within the realm of economics.

Score thresholds vary across institutions, with IELTS typically ranging from 5.5 to 6.0 and TOEIC from 450 to 550. Foreign language proficiency standards are considered valuable tools for students to confidently enter the job market after graduating and in the pursuit of higher-remunerated positions and to be hired in multinational enterprises.

People with English skills get paid more

English communication skills and a minimum B2 level of English are very important when applying for a number of positions, according to Luong Tu Anh, CEO of Mat Bao BPO, a leading business process outsourcing company.

Furthermore, a survey conducted by the Navigos Group found that 60 percent of job openings required foreign language skills, with 31 percent stating basic communication skills, 22 percent requiring reading comprehension abilities, and 13 percent requiring fluency in all language skills. In contrast, 34 percent of the survey participants said their jobs did not require foreign language proficiency, as reported in Thanh Nien.

This survey also revealed that 95 percent of candidates without foreign language skills had a salary of less than VND 10 million (US$424), while 37 percent of candidates with fluent foreign language skills earned a salary exceeding VND10 million (US$424). These findings suggest that employees with foreign language proficiency have better income prospects.

National Foreign Languages 2020 Project

The National Foreign Languages 2020 Project (NFL2020) is a Vietnam government initiative to enhance the quality of English language education. The project aims to strengthen the teaching and learning of foreign languages, primarily English, across all education levels. However, the projects outcomes have not yet been met for various reasons.

In December 2017, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam approved amendments and additions to prolong the project for 2017-2025. By 2025, all university foreign language majors must meet defined criteria in order for students to graduate. A total of 80 percent of other majors must also meet this criterion.

Challenges opening English centers in Vietnam

Manpower shortages

Vietnams recruitment of foreign teachers is a significant issue. With multiple job postings across a broad range of social media sites and online recruitment services, a lot of English centers struggle to recruit high-quality teachers, according to Tuoi Tre News.

This has been echoed by the General Director of EQuest Education Group, Nguyen Quoc Toan, who told the popular newspaper that the challenge of hiring foreign teachers was procedural barriers associated with applying for work permits. He emphasized the need for flexible and expedited procedures from state agencies to address the teacher shortage effectively.

Attitude toward English centers

The Apax Leaders incident has led to a shift in parents attitudes toward English centers. Whereas in the past, particularly with Apax, parents had paid months of fees in advance, they are now more cautious and looking to reduce their risk.

Parents have become more discerning when choosing an English center, verifying the centers reputation, accreditation, and track record before enrolling their children and paying tuition fees.

Leading English language training providers in Vietnam

Apollo English

Apollo English is recognized as one of the oldest English language training providers in Vietnam.

Established in 1995, Apollo English claims to have successfully trained over half a million students in Vietnam.

Recently, Apollo English announced plans to expand. This expansion strategy aims to position Apollo English as the English language training provider with the largest number of high-end centers in Vietnam.

ILA Vietnam

ILA Vietnam has also emerged as a notable player in the field of English education. The company operates 60 centers across 15 major cities, catering to a broad student population.

Notably, ILA emphasizes its competitive advantage of employing a team of over 700 qualified and experienced native teachers. All instructors are required to hold a bachelors or masters degree along with internationally recognized English language teaching certifications.

British Council

The British Council, established in 1934, is the United Kingdoms international organization for cultural cooperation and education. Since its inception in Vietnam in 1993, the British Council has significantly contributed to English education within Vietnam.

The British Council also fosters cultural initiatives and educational partnerships to enhance the relationship between Vietnam and the United Kingdom. The organization promotes cross-cultural understanding and connectivity through the English language and serves as a vital bridge between two diverse cultures.

Investment opportunities in the English education market

Teaching apps

The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the growth of the education technology (Edtech) market. A large portion of Vietnams population is under the age of 35 and the countrys English proficiency level remains low. This presents opportunities for the development of the EdTech market, particularly English language teaching apps. Notably, 3 percent of Duolingos daily active users hail from Vietnam.

One popular app is Monkey, a language-learning application developed in 2014. It is among the most widely used among English language learners in Vietnam. By July 2021, the application had surpassed 10 million users.

Other applications, such as ELSA Speak, are also popular.

The global EdTech market is projected to exceed US$181 billion by 2025, up from US$85.8 billion in 2020. Vietnam, where English is not widely spoken as a second language, has a significant demand for English language learning.

See also: How to Invest in Vietnams EdTech Industry  Vietnam Briefing News

Filling the APAX gap

With Apax Leaders downsizing, other English training providers have capitalized on the opportunity to expand and increase their market share. For example, ILA announced a tuition waiver for parents of students whose education was disrupted at Apax Leaders and IELTS Cherubim also waived tuition fees in the wake of Apax Leaders ongoing struggles.

BrightCHAMPS, a US$650 million educational startup, also offered three months of complimentary classes to impacted Apax students.

Regulations on foreign investment in the English education market

Foreign language training is regulated in Vietnam. Following investment registration and establishment of a business, investors are required to complete procedures for obtaining a license to operate a foreign language center as outlined in Decree No. 86/2018/ND-CP on foreign cooperation and investment in the field of education. This includes the following considerations:

The minimum investment capital is 20 million VND per student (excluding land-use costs).

The education entity must have organizational and operational regulations that outline teaching formats, exams, tests, and assessments.

They must have enrollment plans that are publicly announced, with course information including curriculum, materials, learning objectives, teacher profiles, assessment methods, course commencement dates, and tuition fees.

Certificates and diplomas must be registered with a relevant state agency for recognition throughout Vietnam.

Next steps

The current landscape of the English education market in Vietnam presents a promising opportunity for foreign investors. With the recent downsizing of Apax Leaders, a prominent player in the foreign language learning industry, the market has become more competitive, prompting other companies to vie for a share of the English education industry.

Foreign investors looking to tap into Vietnams thriving English education market should carefully evaluate the regulatory framework and ensure they fully understand the requirements of opening an English language training center in Vietnam. This can best be achieved with the support of trained professionals.

For support entering Vietnams English education market, contact the business advisory team at Dezan Shira and Associates.
As a veteran correspondent for National Public Radio, Sylvia Poggioli spent the bulk of her 41-year career at the American broadcaster living and reporting in Italy.

Now, as she moves into retirement, the Rhode Island-born journalist is watching with interest at how the change in Italy's government is affecting the media and some of the key issues she has covered there over the years, including immigration.

Last October, Giorgia Meloni  head of Fratelli d'Italia, or the Brothers of Italy party  became prime minister of Italy, the country's first far-right leader since the end of World War II.

Under her administration, the government has blocked humanitarian ships that rescue migrants from docking at Italian ports and ordered the Milan City Council to stop recognizing same sex partners on birth registers.

Globally, Italy is not often top of mind for press freedom advocates, but a rise in lawsuits, changes at the state broadcaster and a decline in government press briefings are raising concerns.

"There are a lot of frustrating things here. It's not all 'White Lotus' life," Poggioli told VOA, referring to the television show set at a Sicilian resort. "Especially Rome  it's not an easy city. But I'm used to it. I call it home."

Poggioli first moved to Italy after college on a Fulbright Scholarship.

She got her start in journalism in the early 1980s as a correspondent for NPR at a time when she said the outlet "was considered sort of on the liberal fringe."

One of her first major stories: a mafia assassination of a prosecutor in Sicily.

Other stories from her early years include the attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II in 1981 and the Achille Lauro hijacking in 1985, when Palestinian terrorists seized an Italian cruise ship in the Mediterranean Sea.

Her work eventually brought her to the Balkans, where she covered wars in countries including Bosnia, Croatia, Kosovo and Serbia.

Looking back, the Rome-based Poggioli is proudest of her coverage of immigration and refugee issues, including the migrant crisis facing countries including Italy and Greece.

"Those have been the most consequential events that I've covered," she said.

When she retired in March, she was the longest-serving reporter on NPR's international desk.

"For many, her name is synonymous with NPR," the outlet wrote in a statement announcing the reporter's departure.

Poggioli is exiting a career in journalism just as the industry faces new challenges in Italy.

One of the most striking aspects for Poggioli is how inaccessible to the media Meloni has made herself. Press conferences are few and far between.

"There haven't been any specific curbs or crackdowns," Poggioli said. "But there's a lot of wariness, I'd say, about a government that doesn't make itself accessible to the press."

More concerning is the use of lawsuits to target reporters. At least four members of the current government, including Meloni, have filed lawsuits against journalists and outlets over their coverage, according to the free expression group Article 19.

The Italian Embassy in Washington did not reply to VOA's email requesting comment.

In Italy, "investigative journalists are still very much under pressure, and they face threats and lawsuits, and are often overwhelmed by them," Jessica White, who researches European media freedom at Freedom House, told VOA. "This is a real concern for press freedom in the country. And it also results in higher levels of self-censorship."

White is the author of a June Freedom House report looking at conditions for media in Italy and five other European countries.

Despite the challenges, the threat to press freedom in Italy is minor compared with elsewhere. In terms of media freedom, the country ranks 41 out of 180 countries, according to Reporters Without Borders.

To Poggioli, another noteworthy shift is taking place at the state-run broadcaster.

Whenever there's a change of government in Italy, Poggioli said, the new leadership traditionally installs its own people at the upper levels of state broadcaster RAI.

But, she said, "it's been more drastic this time."

In late May, The Guardian reported that Meloni's government was exerting "ruthless" influence at RAI.

"They want to take control of Rai and change the narrative to their way of thinking," one anonymous source told The Guardian.

Several RAI executives and reporters have resigned, with some citing government pressure.

Among them is former RAI Chief Executive Carlo Fuortes, who in his resignation letter said, "Since the beginning of 2023, there has been a political conflict concerning me and my position, which is weakening Rai and the public service."

Still, one source at RAI, who requested anonymity to speak freely about their employer, told VOA they haven't experienced significant changes.

"The thing is the left has dominated the cultural language for decades," they said. "Now the right wants to gain some lost points."

RAI did not reply to VOA's email requesting comment.

The changes facing the state broadcaster may underscore the significance of outlets like NPR.

Investing in public media "helps bridge information gaps and fosters an informed citizenry, which is vital for a well-functioning democracy," Karen Rundlet, who works at the journalism nonprofit the Knight Foundation, told VOA.

For Poggioli, public broadcasting opened the door to her career.

"I saw a good portion of the world and some very nice experiences. And unfortunately, as journalists, we also cover a lot of really depressing stories too, she said. But it's been a really good ride."
U.S. President Joe Biden said Wednesday that he believed Russian President Vladimir Putin had absolutely been weakened inside his country by last weekends short-lived mutiny led by mercenary Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin.

But Biden, speaking to reporters at the White House, said it was hard to tell the extent to which Putin had been diminished.

Hes clearly losing the war in Iraq, Biden said, meaning to refer to Putins 16-month war against Ukraine. Hes losing the war at home. And he has become a bit of a pariah around the world. And its not just NATO. Its not just the European Union. Its Japan. Its ... 40 nations.

Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, echoed Bidens comments when speaking with VOAs Russian service on Wednesday: "On balance, Putin is much weaker today than he was just four or five days ago. Elites in Russia, soldiers in Russia are all watching this and wondering, What's happened to our leader?

And I think that's good. Because a weakened Russia might do less in terms of damage, principally in Ukraine, McFaul said.

Prigozhin intended to try to capture Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and General Valery Gerasimov, the chief of Russias general staff, during a visit to a southern region that borders Ukraine, The Wall Street Journal reported. But Russias domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Security Service, found out about the plan two days before it was to be executed, according to Western officials, forcing Prigozhin to move ahead with his rebellion more quickly than he had planned.

Prigozhin arrived in Belarus on Tuesday at the invitation of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a Putin ally who claimed that he had to talk the Russian leader out of killing Prigozhin in retribution for the Wagner Groups advance on Moscow last Saturday. Prigozhin called off the rebellion against Putin and his defense leaders well short of a confrontation with Russian troops on the outskirts of the capital.

Lukashenko on Saturday negotiated with Putin over Prigozhins departure for Belarus, but it still is not clear where Prigozhin is in Belarus, how many fighters accompanied him or how long he plans to stay there.

Putin has promised Prigozhins safety in Belarus, and according to Belarusian state media, the authoritarian Lukashenko has urged Putin to not kill Prigozhin.

"I said to Putin, We could waste [Prigozhin], no problem. If not on the first try, then on the second. I told him, Don't do this," Lukashenko said during a meeting with security officials, according to state media.

Western countries have sanctioned Lukashenko, 68, for cracking down on opposition figures and allowing Russia to attack Ukraine last year from Belarusian territory, while more recently letting Russia store tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus for possible use in the conflict in Ukraine.

While pledging that Prigozhin would be safe in Belarus, Putin has expressed mixed views about the Wagner Group since the rebellion against his authority and the leadership of the Russian Defense Ministry. Putin has characterized Wagners leaders as traitors but said the rank-and-file mercenaries really showed courage and heroism" in their fight against Kyivs forces.

"When push came to shove, he [Putin] found a way to avoid starting a civil war. He found a way to avoid bloodshed, and maybe he's found a way to get rid of his Wagner problem and his Prigozhin problem that has been festering for a long time," McFaul told VOA.

Also Wednesday, media reported that General Sergei Surovikin, the head of the Russian aerospace forces and until January 2023 Moscows supreme commander in Ukraine, has not been seen in public since Saturday. In a video posted to the messaging app Telegram, he condemned the rebellion and urged the Wagner militia members to return to their bases.

Surovikin coordinated closely with Prigozhin during Russias intervention in the Syrian civil war, which began in 2015, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported.

Prigozhins arrival in Belarus came as Putin said Tuesday that Moscow had paid $1 billion between May 2022 and May 2023 to fully fund the Wagner mercenary fighters, contrary to claims by Prigozhin that he had financed his mercenaries.

"The content of the entire Wagner Group was fully provided by the state, from the Ministry of Defense, from the state budget. We fully funded this group," Putin told defense officials in televised remarks. Russia once denied the existence of the Wagner Group, but it has advanced Russias interests in several African and Middle Eastern countries.

Many of the Wagner fighters in Ukraine were convicted criminals freed from Russian prisons on the promise that if they fought in neighboring Ukraine for six months, the remaining portions of their sentences would be rescinded.

As it has turned out, however, many of the Wagner recruits were poorly trained, were ill-equipped for warfare on the front lines in Ukraine and were quickly killed.

In addition to Russia's payments of salaries and incentive awards to the Wagner troops, Putin said Prigozhins food and catering business was paid nearly another $1 billion to feed Russian troops.

"I do hope that as part of this work, no one stole anything, or let's say, stole less. But we will, of course, investigate all of this, Putin said of the states funding of Wagner and Prigozhins catering company.

Prigozhin said earlier this year that he had always financed Wagner but had looked for additional funding after Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine.

Prigozhin said Monday that his troops advance on Moscow had not been an attempt to overthrow the Russian government and that he remained a patriot. Prigozhin for weeks had complained that Russian defense officials had not provided his troops enough ammunition.

Putin has assailed the Wagner advance on Moscow as an armed rebellion and ordered that Wagner lose its heavy weaponry while its fighters either join the regular armed forces or accept exile in Belarus.

Russias Federal Security Service announced Tuesday that it was closing an investigation into the armed mutiny.

In a statement carried by Russian news agencies, the FSB said those involved ceased activities directed at committing the crime. Not prosecuting the fighters was part of an agreement late Saturday that ended the mutiny.

Russias Defense Ministry also said Tuesday that the Wagner Group was preparing to transfer heavy military equipment to the Russian military.

The U.S. intelligence community "was aware" that the mutiny orchestrated by Prigozhin "was a possibility" and briefed Congress "accordingly" before it began, according to a source familiar with the issue, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Biden said earlier this week, "We made clear we were not involved. We had nothing to do with this." Biden's message that the West was not involved was sent directly to the Russians through various diplomatic channels, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters. He did not characterize Russia's response.

VOAs Russian service and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty contributed to this report. Some information for this story came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that no new nuclear agreement was on the table with Iran, after quiet new diplomacy between the adversaries.

"There is no agreement in the offing, even as we continue to be willing to explore diplomatic paths," Blinken said at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.

"We'll see by their actions," Blinken said of the future relationship, calling on Iran to choose to "not take actions that further escalate the tensions" with the United States and in the Middle East.

President Joe Biden took office with hopes of returning to a 2015 nuclear accord with Iran that was scrapped by his predecessor, Donald Trump. But EU-mediated talks collapsed and mass protests in Iran made Washington increasingly hesitant to strike a deal with the clerical state.

Diplomats, however, say indirect talks have quietly resumed in recent months with Oman as an intermediary, with the focus largely on the status of U.S. prisoners in Iran.

The talks on restoring the 2015 nuclear accord broke down over disputes on the extent of relief from sweeping U.S. sanctions imposed by Trump and over when Iran would return to compliance by pulling back from countermeasures taken in response to the U.S. withdrawal from the deal.

Blinken said the Biden administration had made a "good-faith effort" with European powers as well as rivals China and Russia to return and that for a time "that looked possible."

"Iran either couldn't or wouldn't do what was necessary to get back into compliance," he said.

Elsewhere in the region, Blinken has served as a go-between for Israel and Saudi Arabia, both of which have uneasy relations with the United States, as they explore establishing relations.

"Both Saudi Arabia and Israel of course are interested in the prospect of normalization," said Blinken, who traveled to Saudi Arabia earlier in June.

"It is incredibly challenging, hard, not something that can happen overnight, but it's also a real prospect and one that we're working on," he said.

Israel in 2020 normalized relations with three Arab states  the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco  in what both Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu see as a crowning achievement.

For Netanyahu, Saudi recognition would be an ultimate coup because of the country's size and influence in the Arab world and its status as the guardian of Islam's holiest sites. The Saudis have called for progress on the rights of the Palestinians.

Blinken on Tuesday spoke to Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen to make a new call for de-escalation in the West Bank and to voice concern over recent unrest, which has included violence against Palestinian-Americans.

"We've told our friends and allies in Israel that if there's a fire burning in their backyard, it's going to be a lot tougher if not impossible to actually both deepen the existing agreements, as well as to expand them to include potentially Saudi Arabia," Blinken said.
The United States has to find a way to coexist peacefully with China amid intense competition, said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday, noting that Washington is not economically decoupling from Beijing and that bilateral trade last year hit a record high.

China is not going away. We are not going away, Blinken told a New York audience during an event hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations. We have to find a way to coexist and coexist peacefully.

Days after Blinken concluded his meetings in Beijing with senior Chinese officials, he said the U.S. relationship with China is a long-term competition without a clear finish line.

As the United States is considering measures to limit the flow of U.S. money and technology to China because of national security concerns, the top U.S. diplomat said, we want to make sure that in that competition, we're in a position of strength and able to shape what comes next.

Yellens China visit

Blinkens remarks came ahead of U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellens expected trip to Beijing in the coming weeks. He highlighted the fact that bilateral trade between the two countries continues to expand despite tensions over issues such as advanced semiconductors and Beijings persecution of Uyghurs.

Our trade with China last year reached the highest level ever. We had more foreign direct investment going to China last year than any year since 2014, said Blinken, adding U.S. export controls and sanctions on Chinese entities affect only a very small fraction of companies operating in China.

Yellen has warned of the economic downside of decoupling with China and called for a deepening economic relationship between the worlds two largest economies.

But U.S. officials are also facing tough questions from critics who want the Biden administration to take a harder position on China.

This week, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley a 2024 Republican presidential hopeful, called for Washington to revoke Chinas permanent normal trade relations status until the Beijing government helps eradicate the flow of chemicals used to create fentanyl.

In an event hosted by the Washington-based American Enterprise Institute on Tuesday, Haley said she would push American companies to leave China.

China is much more than just a mere competitor. Communist China is an enemy. It is the most dangerous foreign threat we've faced since the Second World War, she said.

Taiwan provocations

In Beijing last week, Blinken said the U.S. is concerned with Chinas military provocations in the Taiwan Strait as Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy, plans to hold a presidential election in 2024.

Blinken also reiterated to China that the U.S. remains opposed to any unilateral changes to the status quo, expects the peaceful resolution of cross-strait differences, and does not support Taiwan independence.

On Wednesday, Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, asked Blinken why Washington cant communicate to China with greater certainty that we are there for Taiwan if they [China] use coercion."

"I think it's evident not only in what we're saying, but also in what we're doing, that we are there for Taiwan," Blinken responded. "Under the Taiwan Relations Act, we've had a long-standing policy of making sure that we could do what's necessary to help Taiwan defend itself.

Blinken added that Chinas deployment of forces, the exercises, the missile tests since 2016, economic coercion exerted against Taiwan, and its efforts to pry Taiwan out of the international system are antithetical to the preservation of the status quo.

The Peoples Republic of China claims sovereignty over Taiwan. The U.S. acknowledges but does not endorse the PRCs position.

The State Department has said the U.S. does not take a position on Taiwans sovereignty under Washingtons One China policy.

Some information for this report came from Reuters. VOA's Mandarin Service contributed to this report.
Lime Market Revenue to Cross USD 89.8 billion, Globally, By 2031 | Registering at a CAGR of 5.4% Says, TMR

Transparency Market Research

Increase in demand for lime in construction applications due to the rise in preference for lime-based materials and products in the construction industry is propelling market expansion. North America is expected to provide a significant share of the global lima market opportunities to regional and global manufacturers.

Wilmington, Delaware, United States, June 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Transparency Market Research Inc. - Global lime market stood at US$ 55.9 billion in 2020 and the global market is projected to reach US$ 89.8 billion in 2031. Global lime industry is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 5.4% between 2023 and 2031.



Research and development on innovative applications and improvement in product quality offer lucrative opportunities to market players. Companies are now focusing on identifying new uses, optimizing production processes, and educating customers about the advantages of lime in construction and other industries.

Download Sample PDF Brochure @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=24569

Market Snapshot:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue US$ 55.9 Bn Estimated Value US$ 89.8 Bn Growth Rate - CAGR 5.4% Forecast Period 2023-2031 No. of Pages 273 Pages Market Segmentation Product Type, End-use, Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, Latin America Companies Covered GP Group, Sigma Minerals Ltd., Lhoist, Carmeuse, Graymont, Cheney Lime & Cement Company, Linwood Mining & Minerals Corporation, Pete Lien & Sons, Cape Lime (Pty) Ltd., Valley Minerals LLC, United States Lime & Minerals, Cornish Lime, Nordkalk Corporation, Minerals Technologies

Lime Market: Key Players

Graymont announced plans to expand its Victoria, Australia, operations to deliver higher lime volumes with low emissions. The company confirmed that it is proceeding with planning and detailed engineering for a significant expansion and diversification of its operations in southeastern Australia, to meet the increased lime demand in the Victoria region and other burgeoning markets in eastern Australia.

Mississippi Lime Company (MLC), an HBM Holdings company headquartered in St. Louis, acquired Singleton Birch, the leading independent supplier of lime products in the U.K. The acquisition is part of MLCs strategy to drive growth, innovation, and sustainability through geographic expansion and new products and technologies that proactively address customers changing needs.

Limestone is primarily used to manufacture lime, where it is heated to form calcium oxide and carbon dioxide from calcium carbonate. Carbon Dioxide produced in the process is a greenhouse gas leading to numerous calamities and global warming that results in drastic consequences, as, this production process is highly energy-intensive, which increases the overall carbon footprint of the industry.

Hydrated products can change the acidity of industrial and mining wastewater and remove toxins such as phosphorus and nitrogen where its usage in water treatment has gained tremendous traction. Quicklime is utilized to treat chimney gas from industries, power plants, and waste incinerators due to which it absorbs and neutralizes SOx emissions and thus, prevents the occurrence of acid rains. Such factors where the product demand is projected to be driven by stringent environmental conservation obligations.

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Key Takeaways of Market Report

Global lime market to generate absolute dollar opportunity worth US$ 89.8 billion until 2031

The market from 2023 to 2031 is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4%

Global lime market is currently valued at US$ 55.9 billion in 2022

Global lime market stood at US$ 58.8 billion in 2023.

From 2018 to 2022 a 4.9% CAGR was registered for the lime market

North America is said to have a market share of 56.9%

Asia Pacific market region is estimated to have a market share of 22.1%



Lime Market: Growth Drivers

Demand for building and construction materials has increased in the past few years owing to the rise in population, industrialization, and urbanization. Governments of various developing countries are focusing on expanding infrastructure, which is fueling the building & construction industry.

Surge in population and rise in urbanization have increased infrastructural activities not only in developing countries but also in several developed countries. 2019 data says that the global building industry has poured cement into building and construction projects which is the equivalent of 19,000 bathtubs solely for construction purposes.

Primary resource that ensures the survival of all life on Earth is water although having access to water, sanitation, and hygiene is a fundamental human right, billions of people struggle daily to get even the most basic services.

Humans are the primary cause of water pollution; more than 80% of the wastewater results from human activities dumped in rivers or the sea without any wastewater treatment, which leads to contamination.

Lime Market: Regional Landscape

North America accounted for a significant share of the global market in 2022. Region's demand for lime is driven by various factors, including infrastructure development, construction projects, and agricultural practices.

Lime is extensively used in construction materials, water treatment, soil amendment, and industrial applications. The U.S. and Canada are major contributors to the lime market in North America.

Asia Pacific is experiencing rapid growth in lime consumption due to its expanding construction and infrastructure sectors. Countries such as China, India, and Japan are the major contributors to the lime market in the region. Increase in urbanization, industrial development, and agriculture practices are driving demand for lime-based products in Asia Pacific.



Lime Market: Segmentation

Product Type

Quicklime

Slaked Lime

End-use

Chemical Intermediates

Metallurgical

Construction & Environment

Agriculture

Glass

Paper & Pulp

Others



Regions

North America

Latin America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Middle East & Africa



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About Transparency Market Research

Transparency Market Research, a global market research company registered at Wilmington, Delaware, United States, provides custom research and consulting services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insights for thousands of decision makers. Our experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools & techniques to gather and analyses information.

Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.

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Organized criminal groups from China operating on the Thai-Myanmar border are threatening internet users worldwide with online scams and financial fraud, using trafficked cyber slaves to carry out their crimes, according to a new report by the congressionally established United States Institute of Peace in Washington.

The groups have been pushed out of China by Chinese authorities and are now operating in bordering Southeast Asian countries such as Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Despite what is characterized by the report as a global security threat, little has been done to stop the growth of these criminal enclaves.

The online scams and fraud, which had been aimed at Chinese nationals, are now targeting global audiences," USIP country director for Myanmar Jason Tower told VOA via Zoom.

Monday's USIP report titled, "A Criminal Cancer Spreads in Southeast Asia," states that the criminal organizations, which were once primarily involved in illegal online gambling, have now begun using a new form of fraud known as pig butchering or, in Chinese, shazupan.

These scams are referred to as pig butchering, Tower said, because the aim is to fatten targets up before slaughtering them. They are being perpetrated on U.S. nationals, and people from across Europe, Japan, and many other countries around the world, he added.

This type of scam originated in China, and involves building a deep, often romantic relationship with the victim online over time, Tower explained.

The scammer introduces some form of investment scheme, and continues tricking the victim by creating the impression that it is yielding large returns. Once the scammer has identified that the victim has committed all of his or her financial resources, the pig is slaughtered  I.e., the scammer disappears with the money, deeply harming the victim both financially and psychologically.

In Myanmar, these scams are operated out of Shwe Kokko, a newly built town in Karen state, bordering Thailand, in what appears to be an autonomous development zone established over the past few years. According to the USIP report, there are at least 17 distinct crime zones, which now provide an estimated 5 million square meters of criminal office space along a 31-mile stretch of the Moei River on the Myanmar border with Thailand alone."

The area is controlled by Chinese criminal investors in partnership with the Border Guard Force, or BGF, a Karen ethnic minority militia under Myanmar military control. Not only Shwe Kokko  the whole area [is being] converted into a series of criminal enclaves, Tower said.

Cyber slavery crisis in Shwe Kokko

The USIP report, co-authored by Priscilla Clapp and Jason Tower, describes how, after Chinese workers left the area and returned to Beijing during the COVID pandemic, criminal groups lured jobseekers from around the world with attractive high-tech jobs, before trafficking them across borders into cyber slavery to work in financial schemes.

Many of these cyber slavery victims end up in Shwe Kokko, Tower told VOA. They come from places like Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Indonesia with the promise of well-paying jobs, but when they arrive, they find a much different situation.

Shwe Kokko is a large illegal-gambling town on the Myanmar-Thai border initially developed by Yatai International Holdings, a group led by a key Chinese criminal, She Zhijiang. According to the USIP report, Zhijiang and other transnational criminals made alliances with the BGF, receiving land and support from the Myanmar junta-backed force. After Zhijiangs arrest in 2022, the BGF had control of a massive criminal empire, vastly increasing its wealth and power, the report says.

Initially, what this unholy alliance of the Border Guard Force and these Chinese criminal organizations were involved in doing was building cities to host illicit online gambling, and online fraud operations that targeted Chinese nationals largely back in China, Tower said.

There are over 30 countries nationals who've been trafficked into that area along the Moei River, Tower told VOA.

The Singapore-based Straits Times estimates that about 1,000 Malaysians are being forced to work in Shwe Kokko. The Indonesian Embassy in Yangon, with the help of locals, ransomed some Indonesians from the border town in May, according to the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Sources close to the Border Guard Force, who wish to remain anonymous for their own safety, told VOA that the 20 released Indonesian citizens paid a fee of about $8,500 each to the BGF for their release.

Eight Filipinos who were forced to work as cyber slaves were rescued in February, according to the Philippine Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The men were recruited online to work in customer support in Thailand. Instead they were brought to Myanmar and were forced to trick individuals into investing in cryptocurrency, the Philippine Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The trafficking victims are also children. A 16-year-old Burmese boy who worked in Shwe Kokko described his experience to VOA by phone. There are numerous computer workshop buildings and approximately 200 employees per building in Shwe Kokko, he said.

I was required to work daily at the computer from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and perform online financial schemes at a set rate every day. If you are unable to complete the task at the specified rate, your pay will be reduced accordingly. We created fake online shopping websites such as Amazon and Shopee to defraud and steal from online shoppers. We also created online games to deceive and extort players, he said.

China chooses wrong partner

Chinas role is two-fold  both on the perpetrator side, as well as the victim side, Tower said. China has been involved in a crackdown on some of these criminal networks now for about two decades. So, you've seen largely PRC-affiliated transnational criminal actors pushed out of China, yet able to continue perpetrating crimes in other jurisdictions.

China has said that they have been working with the Myanmar junta to address criminal activities in the border areas. On May 2, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang visited Myanmar and met the junta Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in the capital, Naypyidaw.

According to a post on the website of China's Foreign Ministry on the day after their meeting, Qin urged the Myanmar authorities to crack down on internet fraud by taking concrete measures, coordinate efforts with various departments to continue advancing the China-Myanmar-Thailand joint combat operation, and rescue trapped Chinese nationals in a timely manner."

Tower warns, however, that the junta simply has zero political will and zero capacity to deal with these issues.

At the military junta's request, Thailand's Provincial Electricity Authority cut off power to Shwe Kokko early in June. But that's not going to work, Tower said, because they have generators down there, and the activity is continuing. So, while China's trying to implement some sort of a crackdown, it's really working with the wrong partner in Myanmar, the military just simply is not going to be able to address these problems.

On May 31, the Myanmar state-owned publication Global New Light said that "China and Myanmar were cooperating to combat transnational crimes."

Need for global action, political will

Tower told VOA that the issues of forced labor and cyber slavery by scam syndicates is not a problem only in Myanmar, but is becoming deeply embedded across Southeast Asia, and is spanning out into other jurisdictions around the world. It needs global leadership on this, he continued.

ASEAN member countries such as current chair Indonesia and Malaysia have been part of recent efforts to stem these types of transnational crimes with the creation of a nonbinding forum known as the Bali Process, established in 2002 to fight against illegal immigration and human trafficking. However, Myanmar is the place where the ability to respond is the weakest, Tower told VOA.

Its really very much a mixed bag where some countries are calling for more to be done. Other countries have less political will, Tower says. In the case of Myanmar, there's really almost no political will to deal with this issue.
Former President Donald Trump and current Florida Governor Ron DeSantis held dueling events in the early primary state of New Hampshire on Tuesday, as campaigning among the dozen or more Republicans seeking the presidency next year escalates.

DeSantis was on the stump in the town of Hollis, just before Trump spoke 65 kilometers (40 miles) to the north in Concord, the state capital.

The two rivals' common target on Tuesday: President Joe Biden, who at the age of 80 is running for a second term.

"If this election is about Biden's failures and our vision for the future, we are going to win. If it's about relitigating things that happened two, three years ago, we're going to lose," DeSantis said, standing in front a banner reading "Restore Sanity."

His remark was in response to a high school student's question about whether Trump violated the key democratic principle of the peaceful transfer of power by exhorting followers to disrupt the Electoral College vote count at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

"We're going to evict crooked Joe Biden. He is crooked as hell," said Trump, who is the first sitting or former U.S. president to face federal criminal charges, at the Tuesday luncheon hosted by the New Hampshire Federation of Republic Women. "He's the most corrupt president we've ever had," and "grossly incompetent as head of the United States of America."

Trump, who is 77, has stated he will not drop out of the 2024 race even if convicted of any crime. In addition to being indicted on more than three dozen felony charges in connection with classified documents found at his Florida estate, an independent federal prosecutor is also examining his actions to interfere with the 2020 vote counting and the 2021 transfer of power to Biden.

In the state of Georgia, a district attorney is considering charges against Trump for attempting to overturn the 2020 election there. Trump also faces charges in the state of New York connected to his role in paying money to an adult film star.

Trump, in his New Hampshire remarks, said every time he is indicted, it is a "great, great beautiful badge of honor and courage."

Political strategist Stuart Stevens, a veteran of five Republican presidential campaigns, says "this is Trump's party. And I don't see any reason to believe that the legal issues that he has [are] changing that. I think in many ways, [they are] just solidifying it."

Trump has successfully portrayed himself as a victim of political persecution "and saw his numbers go up when the FBI invaded Mar-a-Lago, so it's a very strange and unusual situation," Stevens told VOA.

Trump's lead over DeSantis, 44, who is in second place, has expanded following his recent federal indictment.

"Because the public is really smart, my numbers went up," Trump said on Tuesday, again accusing Biden, without substantiation, of weaponizing the Department of Justice to target him for political reasons.

"We're not going to let this election be stolen from us," the former president said of next year's presidential balloting. "I'd have to work really hard to blow this one," he said. Trump leading in polls

Fifty-one percent of national Republican primary voters in an NBC poll conducted June 16-20 selected Trump as their first choice in the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, followed by 22% who chose DeSantis. Former Vice President Mike Pence got 7%, while 5% indicated their preference for former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. No other Republican candidate received more than 4% of support.

Another credible survey, the Morning Consult poll, released on Tuesday and which contacted several thousand Republican primary voters June 23-25, puts Trump at 57% and DeSantis at 19%.

Trump told the New Hampshire women's group he will continue to attack DeSantis as long as his challenger remains in second place, predicting the governor would soon falter, and then he would target whoever replaces his fellow Floridian in that spot.

"I think every indication is that Donald Trump is going to be the nominee," predicted Stevens, who says he left the Republican Party due to its fealty to Trump.

The newest entrant in the Republican presidential primary field is former Congressman Will Hurd of Texas.

Hurd, who was a CIA operations officer in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, says in his campaign announcement video, "If we nominate a lawless, selfish, failed politician like Donald Trump, who lost the House, the Senate and the White House, we all know Joe Biden will win again."

Few other Republicans running are as openly critical of Trump, who would be eligible to serve only four years because he is a former one-term president.

Christie is viewed as the most outspoken critic of Trump, despite his former closeness to him. He is now telling voters that Trump's presidency "made us smaller by dividing us even further."

With the notable exclusion of Pence, many in the race are likely auditioning as a potential running mate, using this primary season as a warmup or hoping for a Cabinet post in a Republican administration as a consolation prize.

Those with diverse backgrounds presumed to aspire for second billing in 2024 or the top spot on the 2028 ticket include Trump's former ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley. She is one of two Republicans with South Asian roots who is running. The other is Ohio-born entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Another prominent candidate of color is Senator Tim Scott, a Black former insurance agent who grew up in working-class poverty.

Another recent entrant is Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, whose Cuban-born father also was mayor of the Florida city.

Suarez, like most of the crowded field, does not directly criticize Trump.

"If you're defined as against Joe Biden, that's a good thing in a Republican primary," said Stevens. "But I also think that history has shown that when you attack Donald Trump, he attacks back pretty hard. And I don't think  maybe Chris Christie is an exception  the rest of them are not looking to get into a street fight with Donald Trump." Debate slated for August

For Republican voters, their first opportunity to assess many of those running for president will come when the candidates directly confront each other on August 23 at the party's initial debate of the primary season, to be held in Milwaukee in the important Midwestern swing state of Wisconsin.

Stevens, who spent decades electing Republicans at every political level, sees the 2024 general election as something beyond two parties with different ideologies  a battle by opposing groups believing the other poses an existential threat to the nation.
More than three million Syrians have made Turkey home since the start of their countrys conflict in 2011. Despite the challenges of life in Turkey, many have remained active, trying to help other Syrian refugees. VOA's Eyyup Demir has the story from Ankara, narrated by Sirwan Kajjo.

Usama al-Bushi has been living in Turkey since 2016 after witnessing the horrors of war in his native Syria. The 24-year old dreamed of becoming a doctor before fleeing the country.

Now he works as a flooring contractor in the Turkish capital, Ankara. Living far from home has motivated him to help other Syrians in Turkey.

When I dont go to work, I work through social media to support Syrian refugees here. Many Syrians here face problems. I sometimes try to help them solve those problems by interviewing officials. Some Syrians dont know Turkish laws. I use social media to support them in this regard, he said.

According to the United Nations, there are 3.6 million Syrian refugees in Turkey. Thats nearly half of the 6.8 million Syrian refugees overall, most of whom fled to neighboring countries since the Syrian conflict began in 2011.

Experts say most refugees stay in the first nation they reach after departing their home countries.

The numbers of refugees in the past 20 to 30 years has increased around the world. There are currently over 100 million refugees worldwide. Many refugees seek protection from other countries. But of every 100 refugees only 15 get to settle in a developed country. The others just go to neighboring countries, he said.

The presence of millions of Syrian refugees has become a point of contention in Turkey, particularly during last months election won by incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. During the campaign, Erdogan promised to work towards repatriating 1 million Syrian refugees.

Al-Bushi said politicizing his and other refugees presence in Turkey is not helpful.

I urge everyone not to use refugees as a political tool. Refugees are already distressed because of displacement and other pressures of being away from home. Please do not add to their burdens, he said.

The Turkish government said more than 29,000 Syrian refugees returned home last month. Al-Bushi and other activists hope that conditions in Syria improve so that more refugees can voluntarily  and safely  do the same.
U.S. efforts to ease tensions with China are complicated by apparent differences of opinion over what commitments each side has made to the other.

Chinese officials and state media insist that U.S. President Joe Biden has made a series of promises to China's Xi Jinping  described by Beijing as the "four no's and one no-intention"  which ought to guide official U.S. conduct toward China.

"I hope the U.S. side will  stick to the consensus President Biden and I arrived at during our meeting in Bali [Indonesia] and put relevant positive expressions into practice," Xi was quoted by China's state media as telling visiting U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on June 19.

Xinhua, China's leading state media, quoted Blinken as saying that the U.S. side "will abide by the promises made by President Biden."

Running through the list of four promises it says had been made, Xinhua reported that Blinken said the United States "does not seek 'a new cold war,' does not seek to change China's [political] system, does not seek to oppose China through strengthening alliances, does not support Taiwan independence, has no intention to enter into conflict with China."

But when asked to confirm that Blinken made those remarks, the State Department referred VOA to a series of interviews Blinken conducted after his meeting with Xi in Beijing, as well as remarks the secretary delivered at a press availability.

While several of the reported commitments generally reflect existing U.S. policy, Blinken did not mention any promises Biden had made to Xi in his public remarks. He reiterated the administration's efforts to strengthen the U.S.'s technological and industrial position at home as well as alliances and partnerships abroad.

On the question of Taiwan, Blinken said that while the Biden administration does not support Taiwan's independence, "the concern that we have is China changing its policy, when it comes to resolving these differences peacefully."

"We're using engagement to try to advance our interests and to protect them," Blinken said of the Biden administration's overall position toward China, including his trip to Beijing. China policy

The Biden administration's most comprehensive description of its China policy was delivered by Blinken in May 2022.

"We do not seek to transform China's political system," the secretary said. "Our task is to prove once again that democracy can meet urgent challenges, create opportunities, advance human dignity; that the future belongs to those who believe in freedom and that all countries will be free to chart their own paths without coercion." Biden quoted in 2021

Chinese state media first quoted Biden as having made the promises to Xi when the two met for a virtual summit in November 2021.

Biden was quoted as saying: "I'd like to clearly reiterate that the United States does not seek to change China's political system, does not seek to oppose China via strengthening alliances, has no intention to enter into conflict with China, that the United States is committed to carrying out its long-held 'one China' policy, does not support Taiwan independence, wishes to see peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait."

The following year, China's then-State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi sought to invoke those points to criticize members of the Biden administration in a keynote speech delivered at the Asia Society in September 2022.

"President Biden has emphasized on multiple occasions that the U.S. does not seek to fight a 'new cold war,' does not seek to change China's political system, does not seek to oppose China via strengthening alliances, does not support Taiwan independence, has no intention to enter into conflict with China," Wang stated, before voicing Beijing's frustration.

"For two orchestras to collaborate, it is mandatory that the two conductors first set a common tone, but at the same time, all the players are required to sound their harmonious notes, in accordance with the same set of score. However, what we have witnessed is that Team USA appears to have been working with two sets of scores and has failed to turn the political will expressed by their leader into logical policies, which has in turn caused confusion on the part of the Chinese people as well as people of various countries," according to Wang.

"The three principles proposed by Chairman Xi [concerning bilateral relations], i.e., China and the United States ought to respect each other, peacefully coexist, collaborate for win-win, together with the 'four no's and one 'no-intention' expressed by President Biden, form a perfect framework," Wang said.

"What Team USA ought to do right now is to put into practice what President Biden has said about the 'four no's and one no-intention' and get bilateral relations back on track," Wang continued.

Wei Jingsheng, one of China's most prominent dissidents now living in exile, noted the difference between a statement and a promise in an interview with VOA.
Four months into a social media ban, communications businesses and civil rights groups in Ethiopia are feeling the impact. Strict regulations are making it harder for them to reach audiences or verify information.

In March, the country blocked access to Facebook, TikTok, Telegram and YouTube nationwide following a disagreement with the countrys Orthodox Church, where some religious leaders called for protests.

But human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have said the ban violates freedom of expression and goes against Ethiopias constitution, laws and international treaties.

The restriction further stains the countrys already dismal record on media freedom, Flavia Mwangovya, Amnestys deputy director for East and Southern Africa, said in a statement shortly after the ban was introduced.

The ban has created challenges for those who use social media to share news or to promote their businesses. And while they can use virtual private networks, or VPNs, to circumvent the ban, some say that limits their ability to reach audiences within Ethiopia.

Until the ban was imposed, social media influencer and filmmaker Luna Solomon used the platforms to make advertisements for products and institutions.

An architect by training, she is better known for her videos aimed at young people. She has over 140,000 followers on TikTok alone, and she gained recognition for her film Behind the Surface, which examines childhood trauma.

Luna says she can create her work using a VPN, but doing so limits her from reaching new followers and limits her income.

When we use a VPN, it always changes the country of location. So, the audience is also determined according to proximity, she told VOA. It doesnt reach the people we intend to reach, and that reduces the engagement, viewership and page reach.

Luna said it is also creating obstacles for generating money.

It has impacted the income we get, especially when it is in dollars. We cannot withdraw money using PayPal or other trading applications because our location always varies, and the system flags us, she said.

The ban was imposed following tensions in February, when three archbishops in Ethiopias Oromia region broke away from the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and announced a new structure.

The move resulted in clashes where at least three people were killed in Shashamene, over 200 kilometers south of Ethiopias capital, Addis Ababa.

Church leaders and supporters then staged a protest and blacked out their social media pages to express solidarity.

Bahru Zeinu, deputy director of Digital Transformation Ethiopia and CEO of Africom Technologies, estimated that the ban has forced 30 million internet users in the country to use VPNs to access social media.

This situation has caused many problems. After the ban and the introduction of VPNs, internet and social media users have decreased because VPN service is expensive, he said.

Bahru, whose association focuses on policy and legislation related to digital issues in Ethiopia, said his organization informally submitted a request to lift the social media ban but has not yet received a response.

They always respond saying they are working on it. Yet to be honest, as the association spokesperson and as an individual expert, the ban should not take this long. It is not even justifiable, he said.

Some Ethiopian nongovernmental organizations and civic institutions, including the Center for Advancement of Rights and Democracy, have cited concerns about the bans impact on the right to freedom of expression and how it has hampered documentation of rights abuses.

Atnafu Brhane, the organizations program director, said they have submitted an open letter to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmeds office.

For the past six years, we had been vocal about how the interruption of the internet affects human rights, Atnafu told VOA. And our letter explains how the internet interruptions worsen human rights violations, how various parties can use this opportunity to avoid reporting human rights violations. And it is preventing various sections of society from receiving medical treatment or other services.

Ethiopia is not alone in restricting access to the internet during times of tension or unrest. In its 2022 Freedom on the Net report, Freedom House found several countries, including Ethiopia, China, Cuba, Russia, Iran and India, all had blocked social media or messaging apps.

Abiys government has also imposed similar bans since coming to power in 2018, including during the war in Tigray.

The shutdown has prevented people in Tigray from sharing their stories and reporting on actions by combatants that human rights groups have described as mass atrocity crimes, limiting opportunities for accountability and global solidarity, Freedom House said in its report.

In response to VOAs request for comment, internet and telephone provider Ethio Telecom said via messaging app, The decision didnt come from us. Please contact other government officials.

Ethio Telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamru said in a presentation on June 23 that her organization was waiting for signals from officials to open internet access.

VOAs request for comment, sent via messaging app to the spokesperson for the Ethiopian prime ministers office, went unanswered.

This story originated in VOAs Horn of Africa Amharic Service.
Politicians from the Five Eyes alliance are meeting in the New Zealand capital, Wellington, where migration and security are top of the agenda. The grouping includes the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

The Five Eyes alliance is an intelligence-sharing accord among five English-speaking democracies. British Home Secretary Suella Braverman is among those attending meetings in Wellington, New Zealand. War and China likely on agenda

The war in Ukraine and China's growing assertiveness are expected to be discussed at the five-country ministerial talks Wednesday in Wellington. Also on the agenda in the New Zealand capital are cyber security, child sex abuse, and foreign espionage at universities. Delegates are also expected to discuss migration and labor mobility schemes between alliance countries.

Anne-Marie Brady is a professor in the department of Political Science and International Relations at New Zealand's University of Canterbury.

She told VOA Wednesday that the Five Eyes alliance has an important part to play in maintaining global security.

"Because the rules based international order is under such threat by the behavior of Russia and China and the way they misuse their positions in international organizations such as the (U.N.) Security Council, that is leading to increasing prominence of groupings of interested states," said Brady. "That relationship of the five countries in Five Eyes is very important and relevant in a very challenging international environment." Alliance formed after war

The Five Eyes alliance began between the United States and Britain in the aftermath of the Second World War. Over the next decade, it was expanded to include Canada, Australia and New Zealand. It has had a reputation for secrecy.

Earlier this year, it blamed China for recent cyber-attacks targeting "critical infrastructure" in the U.S. Beijing responded by accusing the English-speaking alliance of spreading disinformation.

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has been in China this week on an official visit. Tuesday, he met Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of the bilateral relationship. They discussed trade, international relations and the war in Ukraine.

Hipkins said in a statement that his country's "relationship with China is one of our most significant and wide-ranging."
Since the artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT launched last fall, a torrent of think pieces and news reports about the ins and outs and ups and downs of generative artificial intelligence has flowed, stoking fears of a dystopian future in which robots take over the world.

While much of that hype is indeed just hype, a new report has identified immediate risks posed by apps like ChatGPT. Some of those present distinct challenges to journalists and the news industry.

Published Wednesday by New York University's Stern Center for Business and Human Rights, the report identified eight risks related to generative artificial intelligence, or AI, including disinformation, cyberattacks, privacy violations and the decay of the news industry.

The AI debate "is getting a little confused between concerns about existential dangers versus what immediate harms generative AI might entail," the report's co-author Paul Barrett told VOA. "We shouldn't get paralyzed by the question of, 'Oh my God, will this technology lead to killer robots that are going to destroy humanity?'"

The systems being released right now are not going to lead to that nightmarish outcome, explained Barrett, who is the deputy director of the Stern Center.

Instead, the report  which Barrett co-authored with Justin Hendrix, founder and editor of the media nonprofit Tech Policy Press  argues that lawmakers, regulators and the AI industry itself should prioritize addressing the immediate potential risks. Safety concerns

Among the most concerning risks are the human-level threats that artificial intelligence may pose to the safety of journalists and activists.

Doxxing and smear campaigns are already among the many threats that journalists face online over their work. Doxxing is when someone publishes private or identifying information about someone  such as their address or phone number  on the internet.

But now with generative AI, it will likely be even easier to dox reporters and harass them online, according to Barrett.

"If you want to set up a campaign like that, you're going to have to do a lot less work using generative AI systems," Barrett said. "It'll be easier to attack journalists." Propaganda easy to make

Disinformation is another primary risk that the report highlights, because generative AI makes it easier to churn out propaganda.

The report notes that if the Kremlin had access to generative AI in its disinformation campaign surrounding the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Moscow could have launched a more destructive and less expensive influence operation.

Generative AI "is going to be a huge engine of efficiency, but it's also going to make much more efficient the production of disinformation," Barrett said.

That bears implications for press freedom and media literacy, since studies indicate that exposure to misinformation and disinformation is linked to reduced trust in the media.

Generative AI may also exacerbate financial issues plaguing newsrooms, according to the report.

If people ask ChatGPT a question, for instance, and are happy with the summarized answer, they're less likely to click on other links to news articles. That means shrinking traffic and therefore ad dollars for news sites, the report said.

But artificial intelligence is far from all bad news for the media industry.

For example, AI tools can help journalists research by scraping PDF files and analyzing data quickly. Artificial intelligence can also help fact-check sources and write headlines.

In the report, Barrett and Hendrix caution the government against allowing this new industry to make the same mistakes as were made with social media platforms.

"Generative AI doesn't deserve the deference enjoyed for so long by social media companies," they write.

They recommend the government enhance federal authority to oversee AI companies and require more transparency from AI companies.
Hundreds gathered in the Sudanese capital Khartoum Wednesday to pray for peace on the first day of the Eid al-Adha Muslim holiday, but gunfire shattered the brief respite, residents said.

Witnesses in the capital's twin city of Omdurman late Wednesday reported airstrikes and anti-aircraft fire, despite separate unilateral truces announced by the warring generals for the holiday.

"The country can't take any more of this," Khartoum resident Kazem Abdel Baqi told AFP earlier in the day.

Nearly 2,800 people have been killed and more than 2.8 million displaced in the war between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy-turned rival Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Burhan on Tuesday called for Sudanese "youth and all those able to defend" to take up arms with the military. His appeal echoed one from the defense ministry last month, and has been widely rejected by civilians.

"We pray to God to make our country safe and secure," Baqi said, rejecting Burhan's call to arms, after the early morning prayer that rang in the three-day festival, normally a highlight of the year for Sudanese.

In neat rows in an empty courtyard, men in white and women in brightly colored outfits gathered to pray, embracing and wishing each other well in a rare moment of respite from more than 10 weeks of relentless gunshots, airstrikes and artillery fire that have reduced civilians' homes to rubble.

In both Khartoum and the western region of Darfur, where most of the violence has occurred, bodies have been left to rot in the streets.

Similar prayer gatherings took place outside Khartoum, including in Jazira region where many have fled from the capital.

Grim Eid

With millions trapped in the embattled capital still rationing electricity and water in the oppressive heat, families struggled to conjure up holiday cheer.

Omar Ibrahim, who lives with his three children in Khartoum's Shambat district, said the rituals of Eid have become an "unattainable dream".

"Will the guns be silent for Eid?" asked Ibrahim.

Multiple ceasefires announced by both sides have been systematically violated, as well as others mediated by the United States and Saudi Arabia.

The United Nations mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) welcomed the latest unilateral truce announcements.

"May Eid al-Adha be a reminder that the violence must stop," it said in a statement, reminding warring parties that "accountability for crimes committed during wartime will be pursued."

In past years, those Sudanese Muslims who could afford it would slaughter an animal for Eid, but now a record 25 million people in Sudan need humanitarian aid, the U.N. says.

The RSF and the army battled for control of Khartoum on multiple fronts this week, with paramilitaries seizing the capital's main police base and attacking military bases across the city.

In his Eid address urging the youth to defend Sudan, Burhan called the RSF "an existential threat" to the state.

Khartoum resident Ahmed al-Fateh said he was "against Burhan's call to tell the youth to take up arms and fight with the army."

"The youth have never fought before, and could do more harm than good," he told AFP.

More than a month ago the defense ministry had called on army reservists and military pensioners to report to military bases, before the governor of Darfur urged civilians to take up arms to defend themselves.

On Twitter, researcher Hamid Khalafallah called Burhan's address "very irresponsible", given fears that what began as a power struggle between generals is spiraling into civil conflict.

'Every 30 seconds'

In the western region of Darfur the situation continues to worsen.

Entire cities are under siege, the U.N. says, and neighborhoods burned to the ground.

Residents, as well as the U.N., United States and others, say civilians have been targeted and killed for their ethnicity by the RSF and allied Arab militias -- in a bleak reminder of Darfur's bloody history.

In 2003, former strongman Omar al-Bashir armed and unleashed the RSF's predecessor, the Janjaweed militia, against Darfur's non-Arab ethnic minorities in a war that killed more than 300,000 and displaced 2.5 million.

Since April, more than 170,000 people have fled Darfur into neighboring Chad, according to the U.N. refugee agency.

A total of almost 645,000 people have sought refuge outside Sudan, according to the latest International Organization for Migration data, with around 2.2 million more displaced within the country.

According to Laura Lo Castro, UNHCR's representative in Chad, "every 30 seconds, five (Sudanese) families cross the border into Chad through Adre town."
The husband of jailed Iranian journalist Niloufar Hamedi says there has been no response from Iranian authorities despite his wifes written request to meet with her lawyers.

Mohammad Hossein Ajorlou voiced his disappointment over his wifes case in a post on Instagram and accused Irans judiciary of waiting for "Niloufar Hamedi's name to be forgotten."

Hamedi, of the Shargh newspaper, reported on the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of morality police last September. The death of Amini, who was accused of wearing her headscarf too loosely, sparked nationwide anti-government protests.

Hamedi was taken into police custody after her story was published. Police also detained Elaheh Mohammadi, of the Ham Mihan newspaper. She wrote a story about Amini's funeral. Both journalists went on trial in May.

Iranian officials said the two journalists had been indicted on charges of collaborating with the United States, acting against national security, and creating "propaganda against the system."

A U.S. Department of State spokesman had rejected allegations the journalists had been collaborating with the United States.

During the 53rd session of the U.N Human Rights Council last week, the United Statess permanent representative called for the "immediate release" of Hamedi and Mohammadi.

According to Michele Taylor, the United States stands in solidarity with all imprisoned journalists worldwide, including Hamedi and Mohammadi, who are being punished solely for speaking the truth.

On June 1, Robert Malley, the U.S. special envoy for Iran, took to Twitter to amplify the message regarding the "sham trial" of Mohammadi and Hamedi, as shared by the Persian account of the Department of State.

In his tweet, Malley firmly declared, "Journalism is not a crime."
Yevgeny Prigozhin arrives in Belarus, where he will remain in exile; Donald Trump faces more legal trouble over secret documents; the U.S. Supreme Court has a major ruling in an elections case; and an Eid cease-fire in Sudan. Plus what affect do Taylor Swift and Beyonce have on the economy?
(Bloomberg) -- Money markets are giving the Federal Reserve a green light to continue shedding Treasury securities from the massive pile accumulated as part of its pandemic response.

Most Read from Bloomberg

By not rolling over all of its maturing holdings of US government debt, the Fed is forcing the Treasury to borrow more from the investing public. The risk is that the increased borrowing will drain reserves from the banking system to low levels that have caused problems in the past.

So far, thats not happening. A surge in the quantity of Treasury bills being sold since US lawmakers agreed to suspend the debt limit in early June appears to be finding a home mainly with investors who have vast resources elsewhere.

Were going to have a reserve adequacy debate at some point, but not in the immediate future, Wrightson ICAP economist Lou Crandall wrote in a note to clients.

Money-market mutual funds that normally are big buyers of Treasury bills have been parking cash in the Feds reverse repurchase agreement facility due to bill scarcity while the debt limit was in effect. A slump in usage of that daily operation suggests that money funds are scooping up most of the increased bill supply, limiting the impact on bank reserves. The total remains above $3 trillion. Wall Street strategists estimate  with low conviction  that the banking system needs at least $2.5 trillion to function smoothly.

Since late May, the so-called RRP has shrunk by an amount roughly equal to about 67% of the $345 billion increase in bill supply, according to Wrightson. It fell below $2 trillion for the first time in a year.

The Feds balance sheet has shrunk by about $500 billion from its March 2022 peak to $8.4 trillion. The central bank is closely monitoring the effect of increased Treasury borrowing on bank reserves, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said this month.

In keeping a close eye on reserve levels, the Fed is trying to avoid a repeat of an unintended consequence of so-called quantitative tightening from 2017-2019. During that time, a drop in reserves caused overnight financing rates to soar, forcing policy makers to respond with stabilizing measures.

A key risk is that money-market funds appetite for Treasury bills is waning. Shifting assets from the Feds RRP to bills affords higher returns, but also exposes funds to the risk of additional interest-rate increases by the central bank, which policy makers have signaled are likely.

Morgan Stanley strategist Efrain Tejeda predicts reserves will fall by about $400 billion to $2.8 trillion by the end of the third quarter, with RRP balances dwindling to about $1.7 trillion.

Bill supply is projected to increase by at least another $1 trillion this year. The final $300 billion could create problems, TD Securities head of US rates strategy Gennadiy Goldberg told attendees at Cranes Money Fund Symposium last week.

Whats bothering us is how much of the cash potentially leaves the RRP and whether theres reserve scarcity, Goldberg said during a panel.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
The United States will add eight new fields of study for international students looking to acquire practical work experience in the country, the Department of Homeland Security announced last week.

The eight new fields of study include: landscape architecture; institutional research; mechatronics, robotics and automation engineering technology/technician; composite materials technology/technician; linguistics and computer science; developmental and adolescent psychology; geospatial intelligence; and demography and population studies.

The new fields will all be added to the science, technology, engineering, mathematics Optional Practical Training, or STEM OPT, program. Announced in a July 12 Federal Register notice, the additions will provide international students with more opportunities to temporarily work in the United States.

This is the latest move intended to attract more foreign STEM students to the United States.

Early last year, the Biden administration added 22 fields of study to the STEM OPT program.

STEM innovation allows us to solve the complex challenges we face today and make a difference in how we secure and protect our country, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in announcing the 2022 expansion. Through STEM education and training opportunities, DHS is expanding the number and diversity of students who excel in STEM education and contribute to the U.S. economy.

DHS received nominations for 120 fields, from which eight were selected and announced last week.

Through OPT, international students on an F-1 visa can gain experience in their area of study during or following the completion of their degree.

More than 200,000 international students used the program to gain work experience in the United States during the 2020-21 academic year.

The program usually lets students work for up to one year, but certain STEM students can extend that for an additional two years.

Boundless, a firm that helps people immigrate to the U.S., hailed the latest STEM expansion.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, initiatives like STEM OPT play a crucial role in promoting innovation, economic growth and cultural exchange, the Seattle-based company said in a recent statement. By expanding access to practical training, the U.S. signals a commitment to fostering a diverse and globally connected workforce.
THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS - Iran has filed a case against Canada at the United Nations' top court, accusing it of flouting state immunity in allowing relatives of victims of terrorism to seek reparations from the Islamic Republic.

In its case announced Wednesday by the International Court of Justice, Tehran argues that Canada is "obliged to respect the jurisdictional immunity which Iran enjoys under international law" and should not allow civil claims against Iran "for alleged support to, or acts of, terrorism."

Canada also should not allow its courts to recognize foreign judgments in terrorism cases linked to Iran and has no right to seize Iranian property in order to enforce such judgments, the written filing says.

Among the Canadian cases cited in Iran's written filing is a ruling by the Ontario Superior Court that the Iranian military's downing on January 8, 2020, of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 with two surface-to-air missiles constituted an "act of terrorism." All 176 people on board were killed.

More than 100 of the Iranian victims had Canadian citizenship or residency, prompting some families of the victims to sue Iran in a Canadian civil court.

Designating the shootdown a terror act allowed a group of families to bypass Iran's legal immunity and seek compensation for their losses. Foreign nations are ordinarily immune from suits in Canadian courts.

The court awarded a total of $107 million CAD  $7 million in compensatory damages on top of $100 million in punitive damages  plus interest to families that launched the suit in Ontario.

Just hours before the shootdown, Iran had fired ballistic missiles at American bases in Iraq in retaliation for the U.S. drone strike that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad.

After days of denial, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard publicly apologized for the downing and blamed it on an air defense operator who authorities said mistook the Boeing 737-800 for an American cruise missile.

Iran's case at the world court, based in the Peace Palace in The Hague, is likely to take years. The court's rulings are final and legally binding.
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More than 100 Kenyan traders are suing the government, saying that Chinese-owned businesses are illegally undercutting their prices. Meanwhile, many Kenyan consumers are welcoming the competitive prices. For VOA, Victoria Amunga reports from Nairobi.
Latest developments:

Pope Francis peace envoy, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, traveled to Moscow weeks after a visit to Kyiv, with the Vatican saying he seeks a solution to the tragic current situation of the war in Ukraine.

U.S. President Joe Biden says Russian President Vladimir Putin is a diminished figure after the short-lived mutiny by Wagner Group mercenaries.

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Ukraines counterintelligence service said Wednesday that it had arrested a man it accused of helping Russia direct a missile attack that hit a popular pizza restaurant in Kramatorsk, killing at least 11 people and wounding another 61.

The restaurant has been frequented by journalists, aid workers and soldiers as well as local residents. The Security Service of Ukraine provided no evidence for its claim that the arrested man had filmed the restaurant and had told the Russians about it.

On Wednesday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov repeated Russias claim that it does not target civilians.

The strike during dinnertime on Tuesday was one of several Russia launched on Ukrainian cities throughout the evening and into early Wednesday.
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Five years after the single worst attack on U.S. media in history, the city of Annapolis in Maryland still honors the lives lost at the Capital Gazette newspaper. VOAs Cristina Caicedo Smit has the story.
South Korea has for the first time placed sanctions on a former South Korean national for setting up business entities to bypass United Nations Security Council resolutions against North Korea and its nuclear weapons program.

Choi Chon Gon is suspected of engaging in illicit financial deals on behalf of Pyongyang, Seouls foreign ministry said Wednesday, including co-investing in a Russia-based trade company, Epsilon, with a North Korean.

Choi fled South Korea while under investigation by local authorities, Yonhap reports, and is now based in Vladivostok, having acquired Russian citizenship.

The 66-year-old set up a front company, Hanne Ulaan, in Mongolia in 2019 through which authorities in Seoul believe he acquired goods for Pyongyang, including foodstuffs, estimated to be worth more than $7.6 million.

South Korea also put sanctions for the first time on his North Korean accomplice, So Myong, of North Koreas Foreign Trade Bank in Vladivostok, and the company they co-invested in, Epsilon, as well as Hanne Ulaan in Mongolia.

North Koreas Foreign Trade Bank, responsible for the regimes overseas currencies, was placed under sanction by the United Nations Security Council in 2017.

Seoul hopes that by casting a wide sanctions net centered around Choi, they can prevent the former national from accessing South Korean financial resources, as well as raise awareness of the groups operations.
A dangerous and prolonged heat wave blanketed large parts of the southern United States on Tuesday, buckling highways and forcing people to shelter indoors in what scientists called a climate-change supercharged event.

Excessive heat warnings were in place from Arizona in the southwest to Alabama in the southeast, with south and central Texas and the Lower Mississippi Valley worst hit, the National Weather Service said.

Victor Hugo Martinez, a 57-year-old foreman who was leading workers repairing a road in Houston, told AFP: "We can't keep up with it. It's too much, we have like 10 or 12 spots like this right now."

The crew wrapped bandanas around their heads to protect themselves from the blazing heat, with Martinez explaining they made sure to drink plenty of water and take several breaks to protect their health.

The National Weather Service meanwhile urged Americans in across the South to drink water, stay indoors, and check on vulnerable friends and relatives.

Andrew Pershing, a scientist with Climate Central, told AFP the really unusual thing about this event is how big it is, and how long it has lasted."

"There have been places in Texas that have had more than two weeks of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which are just really unusual temperatures for this time of year even in a region that is used to heat."

Extreme weather more likely Accumulated historic greenhouse emissions made the extreme weather event at least five times more likely than otherwise, according to preliminary calculations by a team led by Pershing.

The sweltering conditions are expected to expand throughout the South beginning Wednesday and continue into the long July 4 holiday weekend.

The extreme heat appears to have claimed some lives.

Last week, a 66-year-old postal worker in Dallas fainted while delivering mail as the heat index hovered around 115 F. He died hours later, the U.S. Postal Service told the media, though the cause of death is still being investigated.

And on Friday, a 14-year-old boy collapsed from exhaustion while hiking in Big Bend National Park in Texas and later died, according to an official statement.

His stepfather left the scene to hike back to their vehicle to find help while the teen's brother attempted to carry him back to the trailhead. The father was later found dead in a car crash. Power grid strained

The strain is sure to put the power grid in Texas to the test, as millions of people switch on their air conditioners to cope, with demand peaking around late afternoon.

ERCOT, the state utility operator, has issued a Weather Watch, calling on individuals and institutions to voluntarily save energy to avoid an emergency, and has so far been able to cope, thanks in part to an increasing contribution from solar power in recent years.

Public cooling centers run by local authorities or the Red Cross are available for vulnerable people.

Animals, too, were suffering. The Houston Humane Society said 12 cats and one dog were found dead in an abandoned apartment. The group was able to rescue six cats from the property. Air conditioning can be climate feedback loop

Kristina Dahl, principal climate scientist of the Union of Concerned Scientists said that the widespread use of air conditioning was itself a climate feedback loop.

"We know that one of the most effective things you can do to prevent heat, illness and death during heat waves is to run the air conditioning," she told AFP. "And yet if we are not powering that air conditioning with clean renewable energy sources, we are contributing more carbon emissions to the atmosphere which will further worsen heat which will necessitate greater air conditioning use."

Recent years have seen an explosion in litigation aimed at shifting the financial responsibility of climate disasters toward fossil fuel companies.

Last week, a county in the northwestern state of Oregon filed a lawsuit against major fossil fuel companies seeking more than $51 billion over the 2021 "heat dome," which blighted Canada and the United States.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged NATO on Wednesday to send Ukraine a clear signal at a summit next month that it can join the military alliance when Russia's war on his country ends.

In a speech to parliament on Ukraine's Constitution Day, he suggested global leaders should stop thinking about how Moscow would react when making decisions about Ukraine and described Russia's political and military leaders as "bandits."

He then set out what Kyiv expects of the July 11-12 NATO summit in Lithuania after holding talks in the Ukrainian capital with Polish President Andrzej Duda and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda.

"We understand that we cannot be a member of NATO during the war, but we need to be sure that after the war we will be," Zelenskyy told a joint press conference.

"That is the signal we want to get  that after the war, Ukraine will be a member of NATO."

Zelenskyy said Kyiv also hoped to receive security guarantees at the summit to help protect Ukraine until it is accepted as a NATO member.

Duda said Poland and Lithuania were doing all they could to help Ukraine secure its goals as soon as possible. The two countries are big supporters of Ukraine, and Vilnius is buying NASAMS air defense systems for Kyiv from a Norwegian company.

"We are trying to ensure that the decisions made at the summit clearly indicate the perspective of membership. We are conducting talks on this issue with our allies," Duda said.

Though Ukraine wants to join as quickly as possible, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is divided over how fast that step should be taken.

Membership obstacles

Western governments such as the United States and Germany are wary of moves they fear could take the alliance closer to entering an active war with Russia, which has long seen NATO's expansion into Eastern Europe as evidence of Western hostility.

"Some states and world leaders still, unfortunately, look back at Russia when making their own decisions," Zelenskyy said in his speech to parliament. "This can be called an absurd and shameful self-limitation of sovereignty, because Ukrainians proved that Russia should not be feared."

Russia has occupied swaths of territory in eastern and southern Ukraine, but Kyiv has launched a counteroffensive to try to retake that land.

Zelenskyy reiterated that Kyiv would not accept any peace proposals that would lock in Russian gains and turn the war into a frozen conflict.

Some NATO states have expressed concern about the arrival of Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of Russia's Wagner mercenary group, in Belarus after leading an aborted mutiny.

Prigozhin has gone into exile in Belarus, Ukraine's northern neighbor, and Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wagner fighters would be offered the choice of relocating there.

"The presence of the Wagner Group in Belarus is a very significant signal which, in our opinion, NATO should definitely pay attention to," Nauseda said. "Questions arise as to why these troops were relocated there. A group of experienced mercenaries can always pose a potential danger."
The war in Ukraine remains high on the agenda as European Union leaders meet Thursday and Friday in Brussels, just days after the Wagner groups short-lived revolt in Russia. Other hot-button issues to be discussed include European defense, relations with China, and immigration.



Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhins uprising last weekend has added a new element of instability for the EU when it comes to the war in Ukraine  with Eastern European countries especially worried about Wagner mercenaries moving to nearby Belarus.

The Brussels summit also comes ahead of a key NATO summit in Vilnius next month. Kyiv is pushing for a so-called political invitation to join the transatlantic alliance. EU member Sweden also hopes to join NATO as early as July.



At a meeting earlier this week of EU foreign ministers, the blocs foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the revolt in Russia makes Europes support for Ukraine even more important.



"Because what has happened this weekend shows that the war against Ukraine is cracking Russian power and affecting its political system," he said.



EU member states agreed last week to strengthen sanctions against Russia, including a measure that would make it possible to punish countries that help Moscow to avoid them.
WASHINGTON - The top U.S. diplomat for East Asia, Daniel Kritenbrink, said Wednesday that he expected a greater U.S.-India partnership over issues in the South China Sea, where China has been at the center of numerous territorial disputes with regional countries.

The United States and India declared themselves "among the closest partners in the world" last week during a state visit to Washington by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and emphasized adherence to international law in addressing challenges to the maritime rules-based order, including in the South China Sea.

The U.S. has seen a "clear and upward trend" of Chinese "coercion" in the disputed waters, Kritenbrink told the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank.

Asked whether India would have a growing role in the South China Sea and greater cooperation with the U.S. there, Kritenbrink said, "Yes," adding that there would be greater collaboration among a group of regional powers  the U.S., India, Japan and Australia  known as the Quad.

He said the U.S. focus in the region was on building capacity of allies, partners and friends that share a vision for a peaceful and stable world.

"We will welcome cooperation with any country that embraces that vision. That, of course, includes India," Kritenbrink said.

"Large countries should not bully smaller ones," he added, referring to China's disputes with other South China Sea claimants.

Tensions are high in contested parts of the South China Sea, one of the world's most important trade routes and a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea as its territory and says disputes should be left to countries in the region to settle without outside interference.

Though not a South China Sea claimant, India has in recent years stepped up security ties in the region, signaling its intent to play a bigger role in efforts to counter China.

India's navy said Wednesday that it was sending an active-duty missile corvette to Vietnam as a gift, the first warship it has given to any country.

Kritenbrink referred to what he called "unsafe maneuvers" by Chinese vessels inside Vietnam's exclusive economic zone last month, particularly in the waters around oil and gas installations.

"The PRC's [People's Republic of China] provocative behavior exacerbates risks for businesses, effectively pushing out competition and paving the way for the PRC to push a joint development deal with its state-owned firms," he said.
Claude Ronnie Msowoya and his family spent three days trying to get to Johannesburg, South Africa, only to be forced to return home by train, without his baggage.

Msowoya told CNN that his United Airlines flight from Boston to Newark airport was delayed Sunday, which caused him and his family to miss their connecting United Airline flight from Newark to Johannesburg.

Msowoya said his family was eventually booked on another United Airlines flight that was scheduled to take off Monday evening, but it was also canceled.

We had to go to the customer service line, which had taken us 10 hours the previous day. We didnt get any help and later tried to get our bags to cancel the trip. We stood in line for 6 hours at luggage claim only to be told that they wont be giving anyone their luggage and they should file a claim and pray and hope that their luggage gets delivered to them, Msowoya said.

Msowoya told CNN his family decided to take a train back home to Boston after spending three days in Newark airport.

His story was hardly unique. Disruptions for air travelers continued Tuesday for a fourth day with more than 9,000 flights across the United States delayed or canceled after powerful storms ripped through the parts of the country, including in the Mid-Atlantic and parts of the Northeast where many busy hubs are located.

Data from FlightAware showed that more than 7,300 flights within, into or out of the US were delayed Tuesday and more than 2,100 were canceled. Still, thats a major decrease from Mondays chaos, when more than 11,000 flights were either delayed or canceled because of severe weather and air traffic control staffing issues.

United Airlines was once again faring the worst of the US domestic airlines. About 26% of its schedule, or 774 flights, were canceled and another 41%, or 1,226 flights, were delayed. Republic Airways, which operates feeder flights for American Airlines, Delta and United, had 39% of its schedule canceled (379 flights).

People wait for their flight reschedule inside of the Newark International Airport on June 27, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. - Kena Betancur/Getty Images

On Tuesday night, the Federal Aviation Administration implemented temporary ground stops for flights going to all three major airports in the New York metro area. The average delays leaving LaGuardia are more than two hours, according to an FAA advisory, and more than four hours for flights bound to the airport.

Thunderstorms in the New York area are blocking arrival and departure routes for La Guardia Airport, JFK International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport, the FAA said in a statement. You can expect delays in the New York metro area tonight.

More than 40 million people in the Northeast and Central Plains are at risk of severe storms on Tuesday. The majority of people at risk are located in the Northeast, including Philadelphia and Washington, DC, where a Level 1 of 5 threat has been issued by the Storm Prediction Center. A level 3 of 5 threat, of severe weather, is highlighted for parts of Kansas and Oklahoma, including Wichita and Tulsa.

Scattered thunderstorms are again expected east of a cold front from the Mid-Atlantic into parts of the Northeast, leading to the possibility of even more flight delays and cancellations later.

Some of these afternoon storms could produce damaging wind gusts, and heavy rain from these storms could produce isolated instances of flash flooding, particularly over parts of southeastern New York, Delaware and Pennsylvania.

United CEO blames FAA for weekend delays

While weather is part of the reason for the flight disruption, a lack of adequate staffing at the air traffic control centers run by the Federal Aviation Administration and a lack of capacity at US airlines also come into play.

That adds to the problem, making it difficult for the system to handle disruptions caused by bad weather, and for passengers to find seats on new flights when their original flight is canceled.

The head of United Airlines, in a strongly worded memo to staff, blamed the FAAs air traffic controller staffing problems for unprecedented challenges this past weekend that impacted over 150,000 customers on United alone.

The FAA frankly failed us this weekend, said United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby in an internal company memo shared with CNN.

Kirby says that on Saturday, the FAA reduced arrival rates at its major hub at Newark Liberty International Airport by 40 percent and departure rates by 75 percent, which was almost certainly a reflection of understaffing/lower experience at the FAA.

It led to massive delays, cancellations, diversions, as well as crews and aircraft out of position, Kirby said. And that put everyone behind the eight ball when weather actually did hit on Sunday and was further compounded by FAA staffing shortages Sunday evening.

Kirby says he will be meeting with the FAA and Department of Transportation to discuss what steps FAA can take in the immediate term to prevent this from happening again this summer.

The FAA responded Tuesday morning, saying we will always collaborate with anyone seriously willing to join us to solve a problem.

In the memo, Kirby was careful to say the current FAA leadership did not create the current staffing problem, but that they need to deal with them. To be fair, its not the fault of the current FAA leadership, he wrote, but added they are responsible for solving the problem they inherited.

These latest problems come at an especially busy time. With millions of passengers set to pack commercial flights for the long holiday weekend, the Transportation Security Administration says July 4 air travel will be even bigger than it was before the pandemic.

The agency anticipates screening 2.82 million people at airports nationwide on Friday, surpassing a post-pandemic record set on June 16 as well as the 2.79 million passengers the TSA screened on July 7, 2019.

CNNs Caroll Alvarado, Monica Garrett, Pete Muntean and Greg Wallace contributed to this report

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The White House has condemned an online harassment campaign targeting a Wall Street Journal reporter who asked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about his human rights record during a joint press conference last week.

During the event with President Joe Biden and Modi at the White House last Thursday, reporter Sabrina Siddiqui asked the prime minister about discrimination against religious minorities in India.

Siddiqui then became the target of online abuse, primarily from Modis supporters. The White House Correspondents Association says the reporter has been subjected to intense online harassment, with people wanting to know the motive for the question and asking about her religion and heritage.

Biden administration officials earlier this week denounced the harassment.

Its completely unacceptable, and its antithetical to the very principles of democracy that ... were on display last week during the state visit, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre later said, Were committed to the freedom of the press and condemn any efforts of intimidation or harassment of a journalist.

Her questions

At the press conference, Siddiqui said, There are many human rights groups who say your government has discriminated against religious minorities and sought to silence its critics. She asked, What steps are you and your government willing to take to improve the rights of Muslims and other minorities in your country and uphold free speech?

Speaking through an interpreter, Modi responded, In Indias democratic values, there is absolutely no discrimination, neither on basis of caste, creed or age or any kind of geographic location.

Indeed, India is a democracy. And as President Biden also mentioned, India and America  both countries  democracy is in our DNA. The democracy is our spirit. Democracy runs in our veins. We live democracy.

Before becoming prime minister, Modi had been denied a U.S. visa for several years over severe violations of religious freedom.

Since becoming prime minister in 2014, he has been criticized for his Hindu nationalist policies that are said to discriminate against Muslims, as well as for crackdowns on press freedom.

Poor ranking

India ranks poorly in terms of media freedom, with Reporters Without Borders putting the country at 161st out of 180 countries, where 1 has the best environment for journalists.

The media watchdog has said journalists there are exposed to violence and that members of the Hindu far right wage all-out online attacks on anyone with opposing views.

The attacks often are directed at women, with personal details shared online that put the reporters safety at greater risk, the watchdog says.

The White House Correspondents Association also expressed support for Siddiqui.

The WHCA stands by Sabrina and the questions she chose to ask. In a democracy, journalists shouldnt be targeted simply for doing their jobs and asking questions that need to be asked, WCHA President Tamara Keith said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Wall Street Journal also condemned the harassment as unacceptable.

The harassment facing Siddiqui underscores global press freedom trends.

Reports show that female journalists face disproportionate harassment online as a result of their coverage. In one survey, 73% of journalists identifying as women said they experienced online violence in the course of their work.

The South Asian Journalists Association also backed Siddiqui.

We want to express our continued support of our colleague @SabrinaSiddiqui who, like many South Asian and female journalists, is experiencing harassment for simply doing her job. Press freedom is the hallmark of any democracy and PM Modi leads the world's largest democracy, the group said in a tweet.
Zimbabwe opposition lawmaker Job Sikhala was found guilty in May of obstruction of justice and is now on trial on additional charges of incitement to commit violence, and disorderly conduct. But he's not alone. Rights groups say the charges against Sikhala are part of a wider crackdown on the opposition ahead of August 23 elections. Columbus Mavhunga reports from Harare, Zimbabwe. Camera: Blessing Chigwenhembe.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of Russias Wagner mercenary group, has arrived in Belarus after staging a short-lived, aborted mutiny last weekend against Russian President Vladimir Putins leadership over the fight against Ukraine, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko said Tuesday.

It was not immediately clear where Prigozhin was in Belarus, how many fighters had accompanied him or how long he planned to stay there. Lukashenko, an ally of Putin, last Saturday negotiated Prigozhins departure for Belarus after Prigozhin led thousands of his fighters out of Ukraine on a caravan toward Moscow before calling off the advance well short of confronting Russian soldiers on the outskirts of the capital city.

Putin has promised Prigozhins safety in Belarus, and according to Belarusian state media, the authoritarian Lukashenko has urged Putin to not kill Prigozhin.

"I said to Putin: we could waste [Prigozhin], no problem. If not on the first try, then on the second. I told him: don't do this," Lukashenko said during a meeting with security officials, according to state media.

Western countries have sanctioned the 68-year-old Lukashenko for cracking down on opposition figures and allowing Russia to attack Ukraine last year from Belarusian territory, while more recently allowing Russia to store tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus for possible use in the conflict in Ukraine.

While pledging that Prigozhin would be safe in Belarus, Putin has expressed mixed views about the Wagner Group since the rebellion against his authority and the leadership of the Russian defense ministry. Putin has characterized Wagners leaders as traitors but said the rank-and-file mercenaries really showed courage and heroism" in their fighting against Kyivs forces.

Prigozhins arrival in Belarus came as Putin said Tuesday that Moscow had paid $1 billion between May 2022 and in May to fully fund the Wagner mercenary fighters, contrary to claims by Prigozhin that he had financed his mercenaries.

"The content of the entire Wagner Group was fully provided by the state, from the Ministry of Defense, from the state budget. We fully funded this group," Putin told defense officials in televised remarks. Russia once denied the existence of the Wagner Group, but it has defended Russias interests in several African and Middle Eastern countries.

SEE ALSO:

Many of the Wagner fighters in Ukraine were convicted criminals freed from Russian prisons on the promise that if they fought in neighboring Ukraine for six months, the remaining portions of their sentences would be rescinded.

As it has turned out, however, many of the Wagner recruits were poorly trained, ill-equipped for warfare on the front lines in Ukraine and quickly killed.

In addition to Russia paying salaries and incentive awards to the Wagner troops, Putin said Prigozhins food and catering business was paid nearly another billion dollars to feed Russian troops.

"I do hope that, as part of this work, no one stole anything, or, let's say, stole less, but we will, of course, investigate all of this, Putin said of the states funding of Wagner and Prigozhins catering company.

Prigozhin said earlier this year that he had always financed Wagner but had looked for additional funding after Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine 16 months ago.

Prigozhin said Monday that his troops advance on Moscow had not been an attempt to overthrow the Russian government and that he remained a patriot. Prigozhin for weeks has complained that Russian defense officials have not provided them enough ammunition.

Putin has assailed the Wagner advance on Moscow as an armed rebellion and ordered that Wagner lose its heavy weaponry, while its fighters either join the regular armed forces or accept exile in Belarus.

Russias Federal Security Service announced Tuesday it was closing an investigation into the armed mutiny.

In a statement carried by Russian news agencies, the FSB said those involved ceased activities directed at committing the crime. Not prosecuting the fighters was part of an agreement late Saturday that brought the mutiny to an end.

Russias defense ministry also said Tuesday that the Wagner group was preparing to transfer heavy military equipment to the Russian military.

SEE ALSO:

The U.S. intelligence community "was aware" that the mutiny orchestrated by Prigozhin "was a possibility" and briefed the U.S. Congress "accordingly" before it began, said a source familiar with the issue, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Earlier, U.S. President Joe Biden said, "We made clear we were not involved; we had nothing to do with this." Biden's message that the West was not involved was sent directly to the Russians through various diplomatic channels, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters. He did not characterize Russia's response.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
JOHANNESBURG  South Africa's worst ever energy crisis has the country reeling amid daily blackouts, but new Minister for Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa is hoping China can provide a light in the darkness.

Ramokgopa said earlier this month that hed soon be announcing details of a major grant from China of equipment like solar panels and generators, following Beijings offer to help South Africa with its energy woes by providing renewable energy equipment and expertise.

Following Ramokgopas one-week visit to China, details of any concrete deals remain scant, with the ministers spokesperson telling VOA Tuesday that any agreements from the trip would only be made public when they are finalized.

While in China, Ramokgopa visited Shanghai Electric, renewable energy company Goldwind, Huawei and other enterprises.

The visit to Huawei forms part of our efforts of finding solutions to reinforce the grid. South Africa has abundant solar resources, making it a prime location for the development of solar energy projects, he tweeted after that meeting.

He also met with officials from the National Energy Administration in Beijing, tweeting: The discussion was monumental in establishing what will be a lasting partnership in aid of our pursuance for energy security in South Africa.

Chinese expertise

A combination of factors including aging and neglected coal power stations, as well as alleged government corruption and mismanagement at state power utility Eskom, have led to severe power shortages in South Africa that have only intensified over the past year.

SEE ALSO:

Experts have warned of the possibility of a complete collapse of the grid, and to save electricity the government has implemented what is known as loadshedding  daily scheduled power outages across the country, sometimes for up to 10 hours a day.

As Africas most developed economy, the crisis has hit the country hard, with businesses suffering and citizens furious at being plunged into darkness most nights.

Polls have suggested the governments failure to deal with the problemwhich also comes amid high unemployment and other ills  could cost the ruling African National Congress party its electoral majority for the first time in next years polls.

China and South Africa have close diplomatic and economic relations, with China the country's biggest trading partner and both belonging to the BRICS group of emerging economies. Trade between the two reached $56 billion last year and South Africa is also one of the largest investment destinations for Chinese enterprises on the continent.

Earlier this month, Chinas ambassador offered to send technical experts to train South Africans, saying that China is now the world's leading country in terms of installed capacity of hydro, wind and solar power.

As South Africas good brother, good friend and good partner, China very much relates to the challenges here and we are ready to provide support to South Africa within our capacity, Ambassador Chen Xiaodong said in his address to the China-South Africa New Energy Investment and Cooperation Conference in Johannesburg.

Chinas State Grid will also send a team of experts to South Africa very soon to provide technical advice, he said, in the remarks emailed to VOA by the Chinese embassy.

Help welcome

While Western countries have given funding to South Africa for its move away from reliance on fossil fuels towards renewables, Reuters quoted Ramokgopa as saying China was the only country willing to assist South Africa without any condition.

Asked whether it would welcome Chinese help, a spokesperson for Eskom, the state power utility, told VOA: Any credible assistance in ensuring that we end loadshedding is appreciated.

Ghaleb Cachalia, a member of parliament for the opposition Democratic Alliance and the partys public enterprises spokesperson, told VOA that while the offer from China is interesting, we need to remember that nothing comes for free.

However, Cobus van Staden, a China expert at the South African Institute for International Affairs, told VOA he thought there was a lot of potential good in China and South Africa cooperating to ease the power crisis.

Firstly, Chinas obviously the worlds largest producer of solar and other renewable energy equipmentand also Chinas by far the largest actual implementer of green energy, so in terms of locating equipment and technical capacity Chinas a very robust partner, he said.

Van Staden said he didnt foresee major pitfalls, saying, I think this is an emerging field of Chinese engagement with the Global South, and of course from the perspective of Global South countries its extremely welcome.

But as details are still lacking, he cautioned, it will depend a lot on the specifics, of whats being given, how the financing will work, you know, what is actually being planned.
Oh, you like podcasts? Sign up for Vultures new recommendation newsletter 1.5x Speed here. Photo-Illustration: Vulture. Photo: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

We do love a good disaster, and the very public dissolution of Spotifys business relationship with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry certainly delivered. The Wall Street Journal has been killing on this particular beat: After breaking the news that Spotify will not be renewing its reportedly $20 million-plus deal with the duos podcast shingle Archewell Audio, the paper published a larger follow-up that painted a picture of the royals as two people who neglected to do very much to fulfill the several lucrative media contracts that have also made them very rich. The Spotify breakup might have gotten the bulk of the attention in this press, but as the Journal reports, the situation appears to be more widespread: Their Netflix deal is now also said to be in peril.

There are oodles of fascinating details to this story, and the part Im still trying to wrap my head around is the bonkers Bill Simmons subplot. I wish I had been involved in the Meghan and Harry leave Spotify negotiations, said the podcast host and Spotify executive on a recent episode of his eponymous show. Fucking grifters. Simmons had lobbed the sentiment right into the middle of a discussion about Bradley Beals trade value, almost as a non sequitur, and as one would expect with any criticism regarding the royals, Simmonss quote drove an avalanche of headlines, which additionally resulted in a British tabloid hounding the dude in a nondescript downtown L.A. parking lot. Incredibly, fucking grifters wasnt even the most damning put-down to come out of the entire affair. Earlier this week, Semafors Max Tani got this zinger out of UTA head honcho Jeremy Zimmer at the Cannes Lions advertising festival: Turns out Meghan Markle was not a great audio talent, or necessarily any kind of talent. And, you know, just because youre famous doesnt make you great at something. Well then.

Listen, I dont have any desire to defend the royals. Based on existing reporting, corroborated by what Ive heard myself from insiders, the gripes about Archewell are more warranted than not. But as scintillating as the floodgates opening up has been, the dirty laundry tends to flow in one direction. And its worth pointing out, at least with respect to the Spotify deal, it generally takes two to disaster tango. The Swedish audio-streaming platform is at least equally responsible for its own mess.

The Archewell stuff is a spectacle, but the couples lack of productivity doesnt appear to be all that atypical when it comes to the audio-streaming platforms celebrity deals. First announced in late 2020, the Archewell deal was Spotifys coup de grace in an era when the company was burning through gobs of money to secure a bevy of megadeals with high-profile celebrity talent that possess little to no experience behind the mic  a barnstorming initiative that didnt end up resulting in very much for the most part. Beyond Meghan and Harry, the deal roster also included Jordan Peele, whose Monkeypaw Productions only ended up making one so-so fiction podcast; Ava DuVernay, whose Array studio pulled out of its first-look deal a year later without making anything; and Kim Kardashian, who made one true-crime/criminal-justice-reform project that largely came and went without much fanfare.

Of course, Spotifys celebrity contract era was equally capstoned by Higher Ground, the Obamas production company, whose deals reportedly served as the template for Meghan and Harrys budding media career after stepping away from their royal duties. First signed in 2019, the Higher Ground deal was actually productive, resulting in two shows hosted by the Obamas  The Michelle Obama Podcast and Renegades: Born in the USA  plus three other projects: The Sum of Us, The Big Hit Show, and Tell Them, I Am. But as Vanity Fairs Joe Pompeo reported last year, the relationship was not a smooth one, with the team at Higher Ground being frustrated with Spotify at times, finding it difficult to get additional shows off the ground. Much of this was apparently rooted in a misalignment: Spotify wanted the Obamas to host more, while the Obamas wanted to wield Higher Ground as, you know, an actual production company that develops projects beyond the direct Obama brand.

I find the Higher Ground situation pretty illustrative of Spotifys capacity for creative development, at least through the recently concluded podcast-boom era. Which is to say, they seemed to be lacking. Consider this section of the Journals larger report on the Meghan and Harry story, which listed out several ideas Harry kicked around for his own project:

He explored a podcast on veterans but couldnt find a compelling way to tackle the subject in podcast form. He tossed around subjects such as misinformation and his point of view as someone new to living in America, and at one point considered co-hosting a show with comedian Hasan Minhaj.

There are two ways to read this anecdote. The first is to view Harry as someone who isnt terribly good at coming up with executable show ideas  which, well, is probably true. An earlier Bloomberg report dished on another Harry podcast idea that was a tad bit zanier, an interview show in which he gets to unpack childhood traumas with notable guests like Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Mark Zuckerberg. Honestly? Not a bad concept, though definitely not an executable one.

But the second way to think about this anecdote is to view it as a window into creative development. Kicking around dumb-as-hell ideas? Thats part of the job for any company in the creative business. Also part of the job: managing talent and guiding them toward workable outcomes. That, of course, is what Spotify failed to do with Meghan and Harry beyond producing Archetypes. Kudos to Netflix, by the way, for squeezing more product out of Archewell.

The Archewell Audio saga would just be a wacky curiosity in Spotify lore if it didnt feel so stark when juxtaposed against the roiling state of the podcast industry. Lets not forget: Spotify was the principal entity that sparked the speculative investment boom in podcasting  of which the megacelebrity-deal era, also instigated by Spotify, served as a pillar. Thus, the companys Hollywood misadventures hold at least some responsibility for the systemic consequences of the industry downturn. The money that went into the Archewell Audio deal, along with all the other ones that didnt produce much, couldve gone into other bets, possibly better-managed ones, which may have gone some way to mitigate the layoffs that hit podcast workers at the company particularly hard. In hindsight, I was too ambitious in investing ahead of our revenue growth, said Spotify CEO Daniel Ek when announcing staff cuts earlier this year. I take full accountability for the moves that got us here today.

Hes not the one out of a job, though, unlike other former Spotify executives. Several of the major content execs who oversaw the platforms celebrity-deal era are now out the door. Among them: chief content officer Dawn Ostroff, who once got the Hollywood Reporter cover treatment; Courtney Holt, a veteran executive who was deeply involved in the podcast push at the company; and Max Cutler, who came in through the Parcast acquisition and was most recently positioned as head of creator partnerships.

Perhaps its plausible to view whats happening in this Archewell press cycle as a kind of purge. Its pretty clear that podcasting at Spotify is entering a new era. Indeed, the fact that Bill Simmons felt empowered enough to talk shit about the former royals speaks to his ascendant stature in the companys executive ranks; an earlier Semafor report from February suggests as much. An optimist might view this situation and see a potentially more productive future, one in which the podcast money levers at Spotify are being controlled by someone who has actually been podcasting for well over a decade.

Then again, the company did recently announce another celebrity deal in time for Cannes: former Daily Show host Trevor Noah. Its almost certainly nowhere near the scale of the Archewell or Higher Ground deals, and Noah does have some marginal audio experience chipping in on the cobbled-together The Daily Show: Ears Edition podcast. Still, it does feel contiguous with Spotifys prior assumption that simply being famous is enough to become a good podcaster. But who knows: Maybe this will be the time Spotify can actually make a celebrity work.

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Look, we dont necessarily have a dearth of gay serial-killer content (thank you, Ryan Murphy), and we certainly dont have a dearth of true-crime narratives. But here comes one that aims to be an intervention to the archetypal approach of both. Last Call: When a Serial Killer Stalked Queer New York is an upcoming HBO documentary series based on the nonfiction book by Elon Green of the same name. The book intentionally focused on the victims instead of the killer. The series will focus both on the victims and the activists who advocated for the police to do something about the killings. The manuscript came to me a while ago and I passed on the project because I was very nervous about doing true crime, nervous about revictimizing the queer community, director Anthony Caronna told Vulture. And so I passed on it.

But then producer Howard Gertler came back to Caronna with a new context in mind, this time framing it as a chance for this to be an activist story and a social-justice story wrapped in true crime, in Caronnas words. From there, Caronna and Gertler got to work.

The two have long histories with the queer-documentary genre. Gertler worked as a producer on movies like Oscar-nominated All the Beauty and the Bloodshed and How to Survive a Plague, while Caronna directed a documentary about legendary queer party producer Susanne Bartsch called Susanne Bartsch: On Top. Together, the two aimed, essentially, to queer the genre of true crime  refocusing the documentary on systemic issues rather than on the killer. We were asking questions as filmmakers that other people werent necessarily asking in other tellings of the story, Gertler said. And I think some of that comes from lived experience. Specifically focusing on the activists gave the project focus. There are stories related to the victimization of queer people where there were queer-activists interventions, and those organizations were omitted from the narrative when they were doing a lot of work, Gertler said. Im not saying its necessarily an intentional omission. But I think it takes a little bit of sensitivity to know where to look and what to ask.

Gertler and Caronna found archival footage from the time of the killings that even Green wasnt aware of, making the docuseries something new and complementary to the best-selling book. And why a series versus a film? Its just a big story, Caronna explained. Once youre sitting with these family members, they have so much that they want to tell about their loved one. Then once youre sitting down with these investigators and youre starting to unpack what the investigation was like, but also what the blind spots were in the investigation, theres just so many things that we try to weave into this series. It was the most complicated storytelling I could ever imagine doing. Were trying to thread this needle, and were trying to be so careful telling this queer-activism story and also this investigation story and also giving a fully fleshed idea of these victims. The HBO series will premiere on Max on July 9. After all, theres no better post-Pride comedown than to remind us why Pride was a riot in the first place.
Streamliner At your service. Henry Cavill in The Witcher. Photo: Susie Allnutt/Netflix/Susie Allnutt

O, Canada! Where pines and maples grow and where Netflix killed its cheapest ad-free streaming subscription this week. The streamer that we recently ranked second-best is moving to raise prices in the Canadian market by phasing out its CAN $9.99-per-month Basic plan, a subscription that gave users 720p video without ads. Under the new pricing scheme, as confirmed by a Netflix spokesperson and on its help page, the Basic plan is more or less going away: New users wont be able to sign up for it, but existing subscribers will be grandfathered into it and wont have to pay the higher prices.

Nothing has changed yet for pricing in the U.S., but this bodes ill for those of us living south of the Canadian border. You might remember the last time Netflix officially raised prices in the U.S.  early last year with a $1 price hike to the Basic tier and a $1.50 hike on the Standard  and Canadas prices went up by the same amount. Moreover, the last time the streaming service unofficially raised prices on us was last month, when it widely launched its subscriber-reviled, investor-beloved password-sharing crackdown and tacked on an additional $8 fee for shared accounts. It was another financial strategy tested and ultimately implemented in a market outside of the U.S. before it ultimately rolled out here. Today, as Cord Cutters News notes, the sign-up page for Netflix in the U.S. strangely hides the Basic tier under more expensive or ad-supported options: You have to manually click the gray See All Plans button to even know its available.

Could all of this signal that Netflix is considering removing the U.S.s Basic tier? The company wouldnt say, but its possible. Canadas pricing could be a test, or it could be nothing. Netflixs international plans vary widely in features and prices. (India has a mobile plan that costs 149 rupees per month  thats less than $2.) So its hard to say, but this is probably a good time to remind you that you can get Netflix for free if you happen to have T-Mobile, though thats a deal that does give you a Basic subscription, which up until this week we thought was safe. We might end up tossing more coins at the witcher after all.
It was always meant to be a psychological portrait of Catherine and the secrets that we never tell. Photo: Matt Squire/Lookout Point/AMC

Happy Valley was a show with a lot of cops, bad guys galore, and a lead character who appears on the key artwork in her cop uniform. A police sergeant in the windy Yorkshire dales, where the accents are strong and the women are stronger, Catherine Cawood takes her job seriously and chasing bad guys even more seriously. But Happy Valley was never a cop show in the eyes of creator Sally Wainwright.

It was always meant to be a psychological portrait of Catherine and the secrets that we never tell, says the prolific British television writer. Its about her, and she just happens to be a cop.

Played for three seasons by Sarah Lancashire  who recently crossed over to American TV stardom with her near-perfect take on Julia Child in Julia  Catherine Cawood is the kind of blunt, no-b.s. woman who seems like she could simultaneously read you your Miranda rights while teaching you to tie your shoes. Shes divorced but still friends with her ex-husband, cohabitates with her ex-junkie sister, and is the sole guardian of her grandson, Ryan (Rhys Connah), whose mother killed herself due to postpartum depression stemming from the rape that impregnated her. In the first episode, Ryans biological father, Tommy Lee Royce (James Norton), is released from jail, kicking off a three-season obsession between Tommy and Catherine, both blaming the other for their lot in life.

The characters and crimes orbiting Catherine and Tommy certainly make for binge-worthy television, but it is the push-pull of their central struggle that kept audiences hooked through a near-decade gap between the shows premiere on BBC One in April 2014 and the recently aired finale of the third and final season (or series, for Brits like Wainwright). In that time, Happy Valley won Best Drama Series, and Wainwright won Best Writer: Drama, for both seasons one and two at the BAFTA Television Awards.

Wainwright has spent the last 20-plus years creating beloved British television like At Home With the Braithwaites, Jane Hall, Unforgiven, Last Tango in Halifax (in which Lancashire also stars as essentially the polar opposite of Catherine), and Gentleman Jack, the HBO co-production about 19th-century Yorkshire landowner, diarist, and open lesbian Anne Lister. And despite an ambivalence toward cop shows  I am personally a bit critical of just how many cop shows get green-lit. I think its a bit unimaginative and a bit lazy of the commissioners  she also created a classic police procedural in Scott & Bailey, starring Gentleman Jacks Suranne Jones (clearly, she has her favorite performers) and Lesley Sharp as two Manchester police detectives.

Some of those series overlapped with Happy Valleys run, which Wainwright points to as the primary reason for the delay between the second and third, final season. But reflecting on the shows ending, she says that the prolonged buildup to Catherine and Tommys final confrontation turned out to be the only way we could have done it.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. It contains plot details about all three seasons of Happy Valley and spoilers for the finale episode, which is now streaming on AMC+ and Acorn TV.

Happy Valley didnt get its third and final season until seven years after its second, and even the first and second seasons had a two-year gap in between. Why the long pauses?

It was purely to do with other work. When I was writing Happy Valley, I was also writing Last Tango in Halifax, so they were going out in tandem and I cant remember exactly, but I suspect I had to write a whole series of Last Tango before I could go back to Happy Valley series two. And then Gentleman Jack got green-lit and that was incredibly hard work. Also, I always wanted time to elapse for the character of Ryan. I didnt want to recast Rhys Connah. It always amazes me that other shows can turn over series so quickly, and I think it shows sometimes in the lack of quality. So, I wanted to do it justice, do it properly, and I wanted to write it myself.

Was no one rushing you?

No, because all the people I was working with, the BBC, knew that I wanted to tell the story of what happened when Ryan was old enough to have enough agency to go and see Tommy in jail by himself, which he couldnt do under the age of 16.

Had you told Rhys this was always the plan, back when he was 10 years old?

It was always communicated to everyone pretty clearly. But it wasnt just me, Sarah and James were both very busy. We had to plan really carefully in advance when we could get the scripts ready and when Sarah and James would have availability to shoot the thing. And they were both very keen to come back and finish it off, which was lucky because their careers have both just gone stellar. It was all a bit of a no-brainer; its odd to be asked, Why did you do something so unusual? For me that was the only way we could have done it, really.

Photo: Matt Squire/Lookout Point/AMC

When did you conceive of the final season, then, and how everything would go down?

I think I had a broad plan that there would be some big confrontation between Catherine and Tommy, but I didnt really address the minutiae of it until I sat down to start constructing that final series.

But you always knew that it was only three seasons?

Yeah. When we were filming series two, me and Sarah talked really clearly about just doing one more series and it being a really definite finale. We wanted the impact that its had because weve been really clear that its the end rather than drag onto four and five series and become a pale shadow of itself.

I guess then you run the risk of it becoming more of a police-procedural show, which I believe is something you wanted to avoid.

It was always kind of meant to be a psychological portrait of Catherine and the secrets that we never tell. Its about her and she just happens to be a cop rather than it being a cop show.

That being said, Happy Valley was your second drama with police in it after Scott & Bailey. Of course, youve written about plenty of other topics, but is there something about cops that interests you in particular?

No, not really. I mean, I am interested in that Ive worked really closely with police officers on both shows and it is genuinely interesting, but I get a bit weary of how much cop drama there is on television. Its like, If in doubt, put some cops in, because people will watch cops, and I think its a bit lazy. I was quite pleased that I hadnt written a cop show right up until Scott & Bailey, and then Scott & Bailey got a massive audience and I thought, Oh yeah, its cops.

When I was working on the first series of Happy Valley, it was meant to be a bit more of a cop show. The original concept was that thered be ongoing crimes every week, the story of the week. And in practice, when I actually sat down and wrote it, that first concept went out the window because the story with Catherine and Tommy just took over completely.

There are so few shows out there about women over a certain age, and yet thats your primary source of material. Is this a case of writing what you know or something else?

When I look at the pattern of the way Ive written through my life, I tend to write about women the same age as myself. I think its just me reflecting my perceptions of life as Im experiencing them. The thing Im writing at the moment is about women of a certain age and menopause. I mean, theres another aspect to it thats quite a lot more funky than that, but its not been announced yet so I probably shouldnt really be talking about it. But certainly its full of stuff that I get angry about at the moment, about things that Ive observed as a woman of 59 now, how you are observed as you get older, the way youre treated as you get older, the things that happen to you when you get older.

Youve said that your female characters arrive fully formed in your imagination. Can you break that down as it pertains to Catherine Cawood?

Catherine did come pretty fully formed, not least because I had Sarah in mind to play her, and very early on she agreed to do it. It always helps if Ive got somebody in my mind  I can hear their voice, I know what they look like, I know what their mannerisms are. I was also working closely with Lisa Farrand, who was my police adviser on Happy Valley. She was Catherine Cawood. Shes been a constable in West Yorkshire, and wed known each other since we were 6, so we had a really easy dialogue all the time, which massively informed the character of Catherine and the show. So, constructing Catherine was never a battle; she was just kind of there.

Theres also a bit of hero worship for me, too. Catherine is someone Id like to be and who I never could be because Im just not like that. Its like creating your fantasy heroine but still, everything has to be very grounded or it just doesnt work. Shes like a Marvel hero, but an everyday Marvel hero.

Whats been Lisas reaction to seeing herself portrayed through Catherine onscreen?

I think she enjoys being involved in TV because she retired around the same time we began developing the show and it kind of gave her a new lease on life. She loves being on the set and is very useful and helpful. I think she gets a lot out of it and puts a lot into it. Shes a huge part of the creation of the show.

Was she there through the end of filming?

She doesnt come on set every day. She comes on whenever were doing any police-work stuff, making sure that everything looks as correct as it can look. Even things like interview strategies. We also had a detective adviser, Janet Hudson, who was a retired detective chief superintendent. She came in to help with the interview techniques when the detectives interview Tommy in series three.

Lets talk about the last episode in some detail. When Tommy is sitting in Catherines living room crying and looking at the photo album, was that a point to humanize him a bit?

We did quite a lot of research about psychopaths, and the thing about psychopaths is that they are capable of feeling affection for their own children. I talked to Gwen Adshead, whos a very well-respected criminal psychologist, and she said that on the grand scale of things, Tommy isnt that bad as a psychopath. [Laughs.] So it was credible that Ryan is a good thing in his life. It was always a bit scary that that could become sentimental, and I really didnt want it to be sentimental. But at the same time, I wanted to try and find some sympathy for Tommy. He is in a bit of a fix by the end, with his damaged hands, and hes now murdered a lot of other people; theres not going to be a good way out for him at that stage in the drama.

Photo: Matt Squire/Lookout Point/AMC

What I wanted to do, dramatically, was to make the audience as sympathetic as they could be without spoiling his character and suddenly making him a nice guy. And I wanted to push it with Catherine and make her as tough and obnoxious as I could. To really invert the dynamic. I mean, she is tough all the way through, and difficult to like at times, but I suppose I never want to make any characters black-and-white. It was trying to get into those gray areas where good people behave badly and bad people occasionally behave well.

That final scene between Catherine and Tommy in the kitchen, what did you want to happen in that moment for both of them?

It was quite a tough scene to write because, again, it was that balance of not ever allowing it to become sentimental, never allowing us to be too soft on Tommy. I had Sarah read the first draft of that scene and she came back with some notes which were really helpful. And I did change it based on what she said.

What was something she gave a note on?

I cant remember anything specific because she came up to my house, it was like two days before Christmas, and we just spent all day talking about it. It wasnt specific notes, it was more just a broad conversation about everything. And she was really helpful. The script didnt change massively, it was quite subtle tonal stuff. Again, it was about getting the balance as right as we could.

But back to what I was trying to achieve with the scene: What I wanted above all things was for the audience to go away feeling that it wasnt an anti-climax, that we delivered, that it was a worthy culmination of a three-part series. Often, a show is successful and then you build to a climax and then the climax is a damp squib because you want to go on and do more. But I wanted it to have a definite climactic, cathartic ending.

But the gumption of him to say to Catherine, I forgive you  I wouldve lit him on fire myself!

Well, he thinks shes ruined his life in the same way that she thinks hes ruined hers. As a psychopath, he doesnt really think much outside himself. And he couldnt get over the fact that he didnt know he had a son. Its such a shock to him in series one when he realizes hes got a child that is 8 years old, and he never even knew him. Catherine was already obsessed with him because of what he did to her daughter, but its not until that point in series one that Tommy became as obsessed and as angry with Catherine for not letting him know he had a child.

The line that always makes me laugh when I watch that scene is  and its the way James delivered it  when he says, [in thick Yorkshire accent] Youre just not very bright.

Exactly. There are those awkward, almost silly moments during such a serious scene.

I suspect more times like that are a bit absurd. Its the kind of banal, sordid reality of life.

When he finally lights the match and sets himself on fire, Catherine seems to watch him burn, to let it happen, if just for a moment. Is that true or am I misinterpreting that?

Shes seen a tiny chink of something in him that wasnt just as bad as she thought. A tiny, tiny chink. And in that moment, she just wants to do the right thing. Because thats what cops are like, at least the women cops I know  its so ingrained in them to do the right thing not because theyre cops, but because thats the kind of women they are. The women I know who have become cops, they would bend over backwards to do the right thing, even if it went against their own interests. I think its a bit of a battle for her. And of course, it was meant to mirror the end of series one where she refuses to let him die and insists on putting the fire out because she doesnt want him to get off easy by dying, she wants him to suffer. But in that last scene, she wanted to save him. She did want to save him.
(Bloomberg) -- Newspaper chain Postmedia Network Canada Corp. is in talks to merge with the owner of the Toronto Star, a deal that would reshape a domestic news industry thats been crushed by falling revenue.

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The two companies disclosed the non-binding discussions on Tuesday after a 56% jump in the price of Postmedia shares, which rarely trade.

Holders of Postmedia, which owns titles including the National Post and the Calgary Herald, would get a 56% economic interest in the merged entity, while private equity firm Nordstar Capital LP would get 44%. Closely held Nordstar and its publisher, Jordan Bitove, would keep majority control of the Star, one of the Canadas largest newspapers, which would have editorial independence from the parent company.

The companies said theyre also considering a debt-for-equity swap that would lead to significant dilution for existing shareholders. Postmedia had C$287 million ($217 million) in long-term debt and lease liabilities as of Feb. 28, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Postmedia has lost about a third of revenue since 2018 because of falling advertising and circulation revenue. The company produced operating income of just C$13 million, excluding depreciation, amortization, restructuring and other costs, in the fiscal year ended Aug. 31. The companys interest expense during the year was C$31 million.

The news media industry in Canada and around the world is under existential threat, new models are urgently required, Postmedia Chief Executive Officer Andrew Macleod said in a statement.

Postmedia newsrooms have been gutted by staff cuts, and earlier this year the company told employees of the Vancouver Sun and Province, its major titles in Canadas third-largest city, to work from home permanently so it could get rid of office space.

The viability of the newspaper industry in Canada is at an extreme risk, especially in the small towns and communities that are important to this nation, Bitove said.

Bitove and Paul Rivett bought the Star and other newspapers in 2020 in a C$60 million takeover of Torstar Corp. But the two men had a public falling out last year, partly over plans to cut costs, and they ended their partnership. Rivett had been quoted as saying the Star was losing C$1 million a week.

Last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus government passed a new law intended to force major technology platforms such as Alphabet Inc. and Meta Platforms Inc. to pay money to news publishers. Both companies have protested the law, and Meta has threatened to block news links in Canada on Facebook and Instagram rather than pay.

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(Bloomberg) -- Nvidia Corp. led declines in tech stocks on a report that the US may further tighten chip-export restrictions, potentially denting sales in the worlds top semiconductor market.

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Nvidia, which gets about one-fifth of its revenue from China, slid 2.4% as the market opened in New York, clawing back some earlier losses. Rival Advanced Micro Devices Inc. fell about 1.6%. The two lead the market for chips vital to the development of generative artificial intelligence models such as ChatGPT. In China, traders unloaded a slew of AI-related stocks, pushing Inspur Electronic Information Industry Co. and Unisplendour Corp.  both key hardware suppliers  down 10%.

Nvidia this year designed less-capable chips that fall under thresholds that require a license from the US Commerce Department before export to China or other countries of concern. Washington is now weighing action as soon as next month to expand the curbs to include those lower-powered semiconductors, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing unnamed sources.

Such a move underscores the Biden administrations determination to contain Chinas technological rise and could escalate tensions between the two countries. The US is increasingly concerned about Beijings technological ambitions, including around the use of AI in military and scientific advances that could tilt the geopolitical balance.

Read More: How China Aims to Counter US Efforts at Containment: QuickTake

While thats likely to hurt Nvidias and AMDs business with the worlds No. 2 economy, the two chipmakers remain at the forefront of a surge in AI development thats driving investment from the US to Europe and China. From Microsoft Corp. to Baidu Inc. and ChatGPT developer OpenAI, companies around the world are buying their products to train the next generation of artificial intelligence services.

This shouldnt alter AIs long-term roadmap and growth, as anything that wont be produced in China due to restrictions will be produced elsewhere, Oddo BHF analysts said in a note on Wednesday. This is also why we believe its safer to bet on equipment manufacturers to play the AI trend, as its a way of avoiding the risks of short-term sanctions imposed on chips manufacturers.

ASML, which is the only company that makes the most high-end semiconductor lithography equipment needed to produce highly advanced chips, rose 1.2% in Amsterdam trading at 10:19 a.m.

Read More: ASML, Europes Most Valuable Tech Firm, Defines Global Chip War

US officials are also weighing whether to restrict the leasing of cloud services to Chinese AI companies, which have employed such platforms in training their models, the Journal reported, citing people familiar with the discussions. Amazon.com Inc. and Microsoft are among the worlds biggest cloud service providers. Nvidia declined to comment on the Journal report.

Chinese AI firms may also be able to source dedicated AI chips from third party countries. So I think it will be hard for US to enforce the regulations, said Robert Lea, an analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. While further restrictions could delay AI developments by Chinese firms, I dont see a major long-term impact as Chinese firms take an increasingly innovative approach to workarounds.

Read More: Nvidia Became ChatGPTs Brain and Joined the $1 Trillion Club

The worlds most valuable chipmaker has a more than 80% share of the market for so-called data center accelerator chips, and had been operating under rules that required approval for shipments to China of its A100 and new H100 parts. It was able to partially alleviate the impact on its finances by selling a modified version of the A100 thats slower at accessing data, and therefore didnt trigger the restriction.

An AI accelerator is a graphics processor, or GPU, tailored to train AI models by feeding them tons of data. Its better suited for such tasks than a general-purpose CPU because its architecture can do parallel work in huge volumes. Nvidia was the first to come up with a language to make GPUs do AI tasks, giving it a huge headstart over rivals like AMD and Intel Corp.

Read More: Billionaires and Bureaucrats Mobilize China for AI Race With US

AMD was also subject to the initial rules announced last August. While Nvidias much smaller rival emerged largely unscathed by the clampdown, Nvidia said in September the restrictions would cost it $400 million in that quarter.

The report may have hurt sentiment today, said Vey-Sern Ling, managing director at Union Bancaire Privee.

--With assistance from Henry Ren.

(Updates with share trading)

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Army general previously served as emergency covid chief.

The Italian cabinet on Tuesday named General Francesco Paolo Figliuolo as extraordinary commissioner tasked with overseeing the reconstruction of the northern Emilia Romagna region after it was devastated by floods last month.

The appointment of Figliuolo, 61, comes six weeks after the floods left at least 15 people dead and caused billions of euro in damage to property, infrastructure and farmland in Emilia-Romagna as well as parts of Marche and Tuscany.

An extraordinary commissioner - typically appointed following a natural disaster - is granted special powers to cut through red tape and implement measures to get urgent works underway faster.

Figliuolo, an army general and logistics expert, served as Italy's emergency coronavirus commissioner from 2021 to 2022, leading the country's covid vaccination programme.

According to Italian media, the right-wing government of Giorgia Meloni was allegedly against appointing Emilia-Romagna governor Stefano Bonaccini to the role of commissioner, despite his knowledge of the region, as he belongs to the opposition centre-left Partito Democratico party.

Writing on Twitter on Tuesday night, Bonaccini criticised the government's choice but expressed his appreciation for Figliuolo's work during the covid pandemic.
Italy moves to tighten road safety rules.

The Italian government on Tuesday announced a series of reforms to the country's highway code including a crackdown on those driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

The new measures, unveiled by transport minister Matteo Salvini, are contained in a bill that will require approval by both houses of parliament before becoming law.

The bill provides for an increase in penalties for drink-driving and establishes that anyone who has taken drugs and drives is committing a crime, even if they are not in a state of "psycho-physical impairment".

Salvini has pledged a "zero tolerance" approach to those caught behind the wheel under the influence of drugs, warning offenders: "I'll take your driving licence away for up to three years."

The changes to the highway code includes a crackdown on e-scooters, requiring riders to wear a helmet, have insurance and ensure their electric vehicle has a registration plate.

The bill also includes tougher measures against mobile phone use while driving as well as prohibiting new drivers from driving supercars for the first three years, up from the current one-year limit.
(Reuters) -Nvidia's financial chief said restrictions on exports of artificial intelligence chips to China "would result in a permanent loss of opportunities for the U.S. industry" though the company expected no immediate material impact.

U.S. officials are considering tightening an export control rule designed to slow the flow of AI chips to China by clamping down on the amount of computing power the chips can have, according to two people familiar with the matter.

Last October, Washington issued a sweeping set of rules aimed at stalling China's chip industry while the United States pours billions of dollars in subsidies into its own. An update to those rules may come by late July, the two people said.

"Over the long term, restrictions prohibiting the sale of our datacenter graphic processing units to China, if implemented, would result in a permanent loss of opportunities for the U.S. industry to compete and lead in one of the worlds largest markets and impact on our future business and financial results," Nvidia's Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress said.

Shares of the company closed down 1.8% on Wednesday. So far this year, they have nearly tripled thanks to booming demand for AI chips.

In September, Nvidia had said U.S. officials asked the company to stop exporting two top computing chips for AI work to China. Nvidia then started offering a new advanced chip called the A800 in China to meet export control rules.

The new curbs being mulled by the U.S. would ban sale of even those chips designed specifically for Chinese customers, without a special U.S. export license, the Wall Street Journal has reported.

Other U.S. chipmakers have also been caught up in the U.S.-China technology spat.

China's cyberspace regulator last month failed products from memory chipmaker Micron Technology in a security review and barred purchases by operators of key infrastructure.

Micron, which reported on Wednesday that quarterly revenue grew at a quicker clip than expected, has said it expects the ban to impact a low-double-digit percentage of its total revenue.

(Reporting by Chavi Mehta in Bengaluru and Sayantani Ghosh in San Francisco; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri and David Gregorio)
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Fifteen years ago in May, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvas environment minister, Marina Silva, resigned. A champion of the environmental movement and fierce defender of the rainforest, the former rubber-tapper figured there was no point remaining in a government that, in her view, was championing development over the environment, taking the side of an agribusiness industry that was itching to clear more land for cattle and soy.

Silva is back, again as minister for the environment in Lulas third presidential stint. It might not be long, though, before shes gone.

Promising a more aggressive stance to put an end to the Amazons degradation, the president appears to have convinced his former ally-turned-critic that he will elevate the environment to the highest government priority.

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A series of knocks to Silva and her ministry, however, puts in doubt not only the presidents commitment. It casts doubt over whether Brazil is, in fact, capable of ending deforestation in the Amazon and delivering on an ambitious environmental agenda that the world is counting on in the battle against climate change.

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According to the World Resources Institute, tropical rainforests lost 4.1 million hectares last year, releasing 2.7 billion tons of CO2 into the atmosphere. Brazil accounted for 44% of the loss.

If left unchecked, within two decades deforestation will have claimed a quarter of Brazils Amazon rainforest, potentially disrupting the hydrologic rhythm that cycles water from vegetation to the atmosphere and turning large portions from forest into savannah. While Lula is likely sincere about wanting to prevent this, it is not the only priority of his government or of his Workers Party, the PT.

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The environment ministry has suffered several big political defeats in recent weeks, under attack by the right-wing opposition block in Congress, allied to the agribusiness industry. And, once again, Lulas government seems ambivalent about coming to Marina Silvas rescue.

There is a conflict between the different parties in the government coalition, said Sergio Leitao, a long-time campaigner for the environment and indigenous rights who is now executive director of the Instituto Escolhas, which works on sustainable development in Brazil. There is a conflict inside the PT.

The conflict is old  indeed universal  in this case between the need to preserve Brazils vulnerable ecosystems and the urgent demand for development in regions wracked by poverty and deprived of opportunity.

In todays Brazil, though, Leitao argues, the confrontation occurs in a very dangerous political environment. Lula is weaker than he was 15 years ago. Agribusiness, wedded to the countrys political right, is much stronger. This coalition has targeted environmental protection as part of a broader attack on Lulas government and even on the very idea of democracy.

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Silvas most notorious defeat so far happened on the first of the month, when the Senate approved a government reorganization that stripped the environment ministry of a clutch of agencies, including the one in charge of water management and the rural land register, which is used to monitor land ownership, key to mitigating deforestation.

Congress wants to implement the Bolsonaro government in the Lula government, Silva complained about her ministrys losses. And yet the president and his governing coalition allowed the reforms  which members of Congress grafted onto Lulas original government reorganization plan  to proceed.

More defeats may be coming her way. IBAMA, her ministrys administrative arm, which must clear projects with a potential impact on the environment, is in a standoff with the state oil colossus Petrobras, blocking its plan to explore for oil in the ocean just beyond the mouth of the Amazon, due to its likely environmental impact.

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The political brawl over the project is pitting members of Lulas coalition against each other. What we expect from IBAMA, argued Alexandre Silveira, minister for mines and energy, is that they tell us how to do things; not what we should or shouldnt do. The leader of the government in Congress, Senator Randolfe Rodrigues from the northern state of Amapa, left Silvas political party in protest at IBAMAs decision.

Other environmentally problematic government priorities include the Ferrograo Railway to carry grain from the state of Mato Grosso north to the Tapajos river in the state of Para, skirting indigenous lands, and restoring the 1970s highway BR-319 across the rainforest from Manaus to Porto Velho in Rondonia, which critics have called a deforestation bomb.

Another bust-up coming down the pike involves the renewal of the license to operate the Belo Monte Dam on the Xingu River, whose development was one of the reasons Silva left the government in 2008.

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Perhaps the internecine conflict is not such a great deal. Economist Jose Eli da Veiga from the Institute of Advanced Studies at the University of Sao Paulo notes that many infrastructure and development plans unveiled in the last few months come from a new government that hasnt meshed sustainable development goals with its priorities. Every minister wants to invent something to get noticed, he said. They made a bunch of silly announcements.

But getting stuff through Congress is another matter. Lulas coalition has nowhere near a majority and must offer ministries and other goodies to the ostensibly non-ideological Big Center parties, which otherwise would just as well side with the Bolsonarista Liberal Party.

The challenge is greater than just managing Congress. It requires the government to articulate how preserving the environment  stopping Petrobras or preventing logging, mining, cattle and soy from encroaching upon the rainforest  fits the needs of those Brazilians who often see these industries as their only shot at opportunity.

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Lula has successfully battled deforestation in the past, despite political opposition. Forest clearing in the Amazon declined by 80% between 2004 and 2012, during his first two terms and the first few years of the government of his hand-picked successor, Dilma Rousseff.

Carlos Nobre, a Brazilian Earth Systems scientist who has served on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, pointed out that beef and soy production doubled back then even as deforestation slowed. When deforestation fell and beef production increased, agribusiness was left without an argument to justify deforestation.

Yet despite the evidence that an environmental agenda can be consistent with economic objectives, many Brazilians from Amazonian states who voted for Bolsonaro and his allies in Congress in last years election appear unconvinced.

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Leitao puts the challenge in a cataclysmic frame: Lulas government must prove that he has an agenda to meet the economic and social needs of the Amazons people. He must prove that poverty is a central preoccupation; that creating jobs is central to his strategy. Otherwise his opponents on the political right will capture this discourse and use it against not only his environmental agenda but his government.

Environmental agencies can seem like a system to veto every economic opportunity, he said. If they appear like a permanent obstacle to development, they will become a force to defeat.

More From Bloomberg Opinion:

 Much Extra Would You Pay to Save the Planet? Chris Bryant

 Bets Big on the Hydrogen Revolution: Eduardo Porter

 Solar Plans Run Into a Chinese Wall: Liam Denning

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Eduardo Porter is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Latin America, US economic policy and immigration. He is the author of American Poison: How Racial Hostility Destroyed Our Promise and The Price of Everything: Finding Method in the Madness of What Things Cost.

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Tuesdays Supreme Court ruling in Mallory v. Norfolk Southern Railroad touches upon a headache for every general counsel in the land: where a company can be sued. At first glance, the outcome might make those headaches worse. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Id suggest a closer look. For a company facing a major tort suit, it matters a great deal whether the action is filed in (for instance) plaintiff-friendly New Jersey or Illinois, as opposed to defendant-friendly Delaware or Virginia. One neednt take sides in the debate over what critics call forum shopping to recognize that venue makes a difference.

Whether a particular state court has jurisdiction over a particular lawsuit can be a challenging question for even the wisest judges, but the matter is made considerably easier when the defendant has consented to be sued in a particular jurisdiction. At issue in Norfolk Southern was the constitutionality of a Pennsylvania requirement that companies wishing to do business within its borders agree to be sued in its courts.

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A former employee, Robert Mallory, who claimed hed developed cancer from being exposed to carcinogens while working for the railroad filed a lawsuit in plaintiff-friendly Pennsylvania, where Norfolk Southern manages thousands of miles track and operates rail yards. The company objected that the plaintiff lived in Virginia, the railroad is headquartered in Virginia, and the wrongful exposure alleged in the complaint took place in Virginia and Ohio. Therefore, argued the railroad, the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment barred the suit anywhere but Ohio or Virginia.

Seems reasonable. After all, as recently as 2017, in an opinion by the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the court ruled that the clause did not allow a lawsuit against a railroad to be filed in Montana when the state had little connection to the case.

The difference is that Pennsylvania requires companies seeking to do business within its borders to agree to be sued in its courts. The Supreme Court, relying on a key precedent more than a century old, voted 5-4 that Pennsylvanias consent requirement did not deprive Norfolk Southern of due process. The ruling sends the case back to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

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One might read the outcome as an invitation to every state to adopt a law requiring any company wishing to do business to agree to be sued in its courts, even if the plaintiff lives in some other state, the company is located in a second, and the injury occurred in a third. But no such invitation is being issued. The fractured vote among the justices suggests that the constitutional status of such a requirement is far from settled.

Justice Neil Gorsuchs opinion in favor of the plaintiff was joined in whole only by Justices Clarence Thomas, Sonia Sotomayor, and Ketanji Brown Jackson. Justice Samuel Alito provided a fifth vote for most of the opinion (thus making only that part an official opinion of the Court) but wrote separately on one nuance to which we will come in a moment.(1)

Justice Amy Coney Barretts dissent, joined by Justices Elena Kagan and Brett Kavanaugh and Chief Justice John Roberts, took the view that the more-than-century-old precedent that undergirded Gorsuchs approach had been overruled by the many intervening cases. For these four justices, the due process clause was indeed violated by Pennsylvanias consent requirement.

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Lets be clear: Nobodys arguing that an injured plaintiff cant sue. Nobodys disputing the importance of a tort system that forces companies to internalize the costs of their wrongdoing. The only issue is where the suit can be filed.

And on that subject, the dissenters might ultimately prevail. To see why, lets get back to Alito. Ive mentioned that he did not join most of Gorsuchs opinion. The reasons for the rejection are instructive.

Alito agreed that the due process clause did not bar Mallorys suit, but refrained from joining all of Gorsuchs opinion for technical reasons I wont get into. What matters is that in his separate concurring opinion, he raised the possibility that a states requirement of consent to be sued in return for the right to do business might violate a constitutional principle known as the Dormant Commerce Clause, which prohibits states from placing undue burdens on commerce between states.

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True, scholars and judges lament the lack of clear standards for applying the doctrine, but Alitos position could hardly be clearer. And he predicted the railroad has a good prospect of eventually prevailing, because the state lacks an interest in the rights of non-residents harmed by out-of-state actors through conduct outside the State. Alito even goes so far as to encourage the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to consider the issue now that the case is being sent back.

This is no trivial disagreement. Alito is implying that should the issue arise again, he might join the four dissenters  giving them enough votes to win  in holding that a state indeed acts unconstitutionally when it requires a company to consent to be sued in exchange for permission to operate.

So its too early for the tort bar to celebrate and too early for corporate general counsels to despair. The matter is bound to come before the justices again, and when it does the plaintiff is likely to have a much harder time.

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More From Bloomberg Opinion:

 The Courts Warhol-Prince Ruling Is Pro-Artist, Anti-Art: Noah Feldman

 Norfolk Southern Decides to Take a Different Track: Brooke Sutherland

 Supreme Courts Voting Rights Ruling Contains Hints for Affirmative Action: Stephen L. Carter

(1) The Supreme Courts opinion incorrectly labels each page of Gorsuchs opinion as opinion of the Court, when most of it isnt. One trusts this error will soon be corrected.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Stephen L. Carter is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. A professor of law at Yale University, he is author, most recently, of Invisible: The Story of the Black Woman Lawyer Who Took Down Americas Most Powerful Mobster.

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CMT pulled the video for Jason Aldean's "Try That in a Small Town," which is set at the Maury County Courthouse where a lynching and race riot took place.
(Bloomberg) -- New York City, Long Island and New Jersey have been hit with air-quality alerts as another plume of smoke from Canadian wildfires swirls down across the Great Lakes and into the eastern US.

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The current forecast calls for the Air Quality Index in New York and Long Island on Wednesday to reach a range of 101 to 150, or unhealthy for sensitive groups. The air in western New York, including Buffalo and Rochester, is expected to fall into the unhealthy range with an AQI of 151 to 200.

Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic states are under alerts as the smoke plume drifts across the US, blanketing major cities including Chicago, Washington, Detroit and Cleveland. In New York, the alert remains in effect until midnight, the National Weather Service said.

New York City and the Northeast had some of the worst air quality in the world earlier this month when smoke from Quebec forest fires floated south, turning the skies over Manhattan orange. The haze triggered flight delays and led to the cancellation of outdoor events. Across Canada, 487 fires are raging, with 253 burning out of control, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.

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On 21 June 2023, the WCO Policy Commission and the Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG) held a Dialogue session. This event was preceded by a separate PSCG meeting on 19 and 20 June. The purpose of the Dialogue was to foster collaboration and discuss pressing issues related to trade facilitation, sustainability, and business continuity across borders.

WCO Council Chairperson Mr. A. Al Khalifa, Bahrains President of Customs, extended a warm welcome to all PC and PSCG members and emphasized the importance of their collective efforts in shaping global trade policies.

Mr. Jaime King, Chairperson of the PSCG, presented a comprehensive report highlighting recent activities undertaken by the Group. The report shed light on various initiatives and meetings organized by the private sector to enhance trade efficiency and address emerging challenges.

The Dialogue then turned into an open discussion covering several key topics, starting with the role of public-private collaboration in supporting women entrepreneurs engaged in cross-border trade, with a particular focus on the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme. Participants shared their insights and experiences, highlighting the importance of gender-mainstreaming policies and womens empowerment in the international trade arena.

Another major area of focus was environmental sustainability and the green supply chain. The private sector underlined its role in this, and shared best practices regarding the promotion of environmentally friendly trade operations. The Dialogue also explored opportunities for Customs to contribute to green supply chain initiatives and ways to respond effectively to environmental concerns.

Border compliance and performance measurement were discussed from a private sector perspective, offering valuable insights into improving efficiency and reducing barriers to trade. Delegates stressed the need for standardized compliance practices and robust performance measures to streamline Customs procedures and facilitate cross-border transactions.

The PSCG made a presentation underscoring the importance of ensuring business continuity in the face of disruptions to trade. The private sector's interpretation of trade facilitation and its significance for the WCO PSCG were also explained.

In addition to the core Agenda items, participants had an opportunity to discuss other relevant business matters and were informed of the composition of the PSCG for the upcoming year (2023/2024), designed to ensure a balanced representation from diverse sectors and different regions.

The Dialogue session concluded with some closing remarks by WCO Secretary General Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, who expressed his appreciation of the active participation by attendees, as well as their insightful contributions. The PSCG Chairperson seized the opportunity to express his thanks to Dr. Mikuriya as the outgoing Secretary General, acknowledging his significant contribution to the dialogue with the private sector and his dedication to international trade over the years.

The WCO PC-PSCG Dialogue session proved to be a valuable platform for engaging in meaningful discussions on crucial trade-related issues. The session facilitated collaboration between the public and private sectors, with the aim of enhancing trade facilitation, promoting sustainable practices, and ensuring business continuity in an ever-evolving global landscape.
From 5 to 9 June 2023, the Secretariat of the World Customs Organization (WCO), in cooperation with Guatemalan Customs, conducted a National Workshop on Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) in Guatemala. The Workshop was sponsored by the Customs Cooperation Fund of Japan (CCF/Japan).

The goal of this Workshop was to develop, in collaboration with Guatemalan Customs, PCA data analysis tools that could be shared among Members in the future. The Workshop also provided the Administration with support for the effective implementation of the PCA function in line with the WCO PCA Guidelines.

Fourteen PCA auditors and officers responsible for targeting participated in the Workshop. The first stage of the Workshop involved enhancing participants' understanding of the PCA concept, with emphasis on the key points, i.e. that PCA serves as a means of measuring and improving traders' compliance levels; it is based on international standards that outline the general principles of Customs administration; and it aims to enforce national legislation effectively by building consultative relationships with trade stakeholders. Next, the participants learned about the strategic implementation of PCA based on risk assessment, a voluntary compliance framework and human resource management. Building on this strategic understanding, they then developed two data analysis tools for PCA targeting, and a dashboard which will be useful for analysing auditee businesses.

Participants analysed Customs data related to origin, HS classification and Customs valuation, and created tools to measure the risk represented by traders. The tools can visualize the risks involved and effectively select high-risk transactions and traders based on the large amount of data held by Customs. This process of creating the tools enabled participants to enhance their understanding of data analysis techniques for risk assessment.

During the closing session, Guatemalas Director General of Customs, Mr. Werner Ovalle, expressed his sincere gratitude to the WCO Secretariat and CCF/Japan for their support. He also emphasized the importance of cooperation between the different unit teams, and acknowledged the need for the strategic implementation of PCA in line with international standards.

Thanks to the participants' collaborative efforts in developing the data analysis tools, and the insights gained from the data analysis tasks performed in the Workshop, the WCO will be able to further improve the tools. The participants expressed their warm thanks to the WCO for this opportunity, which had enhanced their auditing skills and their confidence in risk assessment. The WCO will continue to improve this PCA tools for effective, risk-based Customs compliance management through PCA.
(Bloomberg) -- Oaktree Capital Management has named Robert OLeary and Armen Panossian as co-chief executive officers, selecting two veterans to lead the firm from the first quarter of next year.

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The two will succeed Jay Wintrob, who will leave after almost a decade as Oaktrees first CEO, according to a client memo seen by Bloomberg. Todd Molz will become chief operating officer, taking on much of the day-to-day management of the firm, the document said.

OLeary joined Oaktree in 2002 and most recently served as portfolio manager of the firms flagship Global Opportunities strategy. Panossian joined Oaktrees Global Opportunities group in 2007 and now runs Oaktrees performing-credit business.

Both will continue to lead their respective units in addition to taking on co-CEO duties, according to the memo. The Wall Street Journal reported the change earlier.

Los Angeles-based Oaktree is one of the largest distressed-debt investors in the world and had about $172 billion of assets under management at the end of March.

Brookfield Asset Management acquired a majority interest in Oaktree in 2019 and the firm operates as an independent business within the Brookfield universe.

A representative for Oaktree declined to comment when contacted by Bloomberg about the new leadership.

--With assistance from Natalie Choy.

(Adds detail in first, second paragraph)

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(Bloomberg) -- OPEC has canceled accreditation for reporters from three major news organizations to cover a conference in Vienna that will feature the head of BP Plc and the European Unions top energy official.

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We are very concerned by the prospect of OPEC excluding certain journalists, including from Bloomberg, from next weeks seminar, Bloomberg News said in a statement. For the sake of market transparency, we strongly advocate for OPEC to allow journalists from relevant global news outlets to attend.

Reuters and the Wall Street Journal have also had their accreditations withdrawn, according to people familiar with the situation. Reuters and the WSJ had no immediate comment.

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, which together with allies in the wider OPEC+ coalition sets oil production policy for 23 countries, is gathering for a seminar at the state-owned Hofburg palace in Vienna on July 5-6.

Its the second time that OPEC has excluded the journalists from its meetings in about a month. In May, the group decided against inviting reporters from Bloomberg, Reuters and the Wall Street Journal to a policy meeting on June 3-4, even as other reporters were allowed to attend. The group defended its decision at the time, without explaining it.

This is our house, Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais said at a news conference after that meeting.

Late on Tuesday, OPECs press office told Bloomberg reporters that next weeks event was invitation only  despite having earlier given accreditation to its reporters to attend. The OPEC press office declined to comment.

Executives including BP Chief Executive Bernard Looney are set to join the seminar, which typically focuses more on the industry and its outlook than specific OPEC policy. European Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson is also attending.

A spokeswoman for BP declined to comment. Asked about the ban, Simson said: I am attending the OPEC Seminar on 5 July as a speaker on the topic of energy sustainability and have decided to not engage with media present at the conference.

Austrias Foreign Ministry said it didnt have knowledge of the agenda or participation arrangements of specific events hosted by OPEC. We take this opportunity to highlight that media freedom, including enabling media coverage of political developments, is a cornerstone of any democratic society, the ministry said by email.

Bloomberg News will still travel to Vienna to cover policymakers and executives, as it did for the meeting earlier this month.

(Adds statement from Austrias Foreign Ministry in tenth paragraph.)

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U.S. Space Command gets taste of Weber States role in aerospace innovation

June 28, 2023

OGDEN, Utah  Weber State University engineering students demonstrated the progress of their senior capstone project to U.S. Space Command official Thomas A. Lockhart as he toured WSUs Miller Advanced Research & Solutions Center on June 26.

Lockhart is a member of the Senior Executive Service and the Director of the Capability and Resource Integration Directorate at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado.

As part of his visit, Lockhart learned about the MARS Centers ongoing materials and additive manufacturing projects with local aerospace partners, and proposed layout changes to the facility that will accommodate additional high-tech equipment.

To showcase the real-world studies conducted at MARS, WSU graduates joined mechanical engineering professors Dustin Birch and Spencer Peterson and current students to test the heat tolerance of a carbon composite rocket nozzle under extremely high temperatures.

The team said theyre testing materials and technologies never before used for rocket nozzles. Ren Fisher, who works as a research engineer and served as project manager for the capstone project, said their research can ultimately help cut time, labor and cost for organizations working with rockets.

Our testing platform makes it easy for us to try out different combinations, and collect data about how they perform, so future projects can trust that their rocket is the best it can be, Fisher said.

Several of the recent Weber State grads now work at the MARS Center, located near Hill Air Force Base. Opened in August 2022, MARS gives WSU students and faculty opportunities to research and apply innovative solutions to problems in aerospace and national defense.
OpenAI, the company behind the viral ChatGPT tool, has been hit with a lawsuit alleging the company stole and misappropriated vast swaths of peoples data from the internet to train its AI tools.

The proposed class action lawsuit, filed Wednesday in a California federal court, claims that OpenAI secretly scraped massive amounts of personal data from the internet, according to the complaint. The nearly 160-page complaint alleges that this personal data, including essentially every piece of data exchanged on the internet it could take, was also seized by the company without notice, consent or just compensation.

Moreover, this data scraping occurred at an unprecedented scale, the suit claims.

OpenAI did not immediately respond to CNNs request for comment Wednesday. Microsoft, a major investor into OpenAI, was also named as a defendant in the suit and did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

By collecting previously obscure personal data of millions and misappropriating it to develop a volatile, untested technology, OpenAI put everyone in a zone of risk that is incalculable  but unacceptable by any measure of responsible data protection and use, Timothy K. Giordano, a partner at Clarkson, the law firm behind the suit, said in a statement to CNN Wednesday.

The complaint also claims that OpenAI products use stolen private information, including personally identifiable information, from hundreds of millions of internet users, including children of all ages, without their informed consent or knowledge.

The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief in the form of a temporary freeze on further commercial use of OpenAIs products. It also seeks payments of data dividends as financial compensation to people whose information was used to develop and train OpenAIs tools.

OpenAI publicly launched ChatGPT late last year, and the tool immediately went viral for its ability to generate compelling, human-sounding responses to user prompts. The success of ChatGPT spurred an apparent AI arms race in the tech world, as companies big and small are now racing to develop and deploy AI tools into as many products as possible.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Becoming mostly cloudy with some gusty showers, storms, and downpours from midnight to sunrise; warm and muggy. .

Tonight

Becoming mostly cloudy with some gusty showers, storms, and downpours from midnight to sunrise; warm and muggy.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP)  More than 1,100 people remain evacuated from their homes Wednesday as Arizona fire officials determine if a containment line will hold up in windy conditions.

Crews successfully dug a containment line overnight around the brush fire in northern Scottsdale, a city just east of Phoenix, that has burned 3.9 square miles (10 square kilometers) and threatened about 100 homes.

Scottsdale officials said 1,145 people remain evacuated.

Meanwhile on Wednesday, Arizona officials applied for a federal grant for funding to aid the battle against the Diamond fire. The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides funding of up to 75% of the eligible costs of fighting a fire.

Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management spokesperson Tiffany Davila said the cause of the fire is under investigation.

The blaze broke out around 5:15 p.m. Tuesday and quickly grew  fueled by grass and brush.

We had very successful overnight. We have a line around the entire fire and people are starting to do mop-up, Davila said at a news conference. But we may still see flare-ups."

Davila said the fire is considered zero percent contained until the containment line holds and will in the wind.

People might not see smoke right now, but that doesnt mean the fire is out, she said.

Davila said one secondary structure has been destroyed by the fire, but no injuries have been reported.

Carlos Aguirre lives in a new community in north Scottsdale and said his wife called saying that their community was being evacuated.

She got out and didnt take the dog so were a little nervous, Aguirre told Phoenix TV station KTVK.

Brendan Birdoes, who's building a home in the area, said a friend notified him of the fire and the evacuations.

Our friend told us this was happening, Birdoes said. He was out here mountain biking and so we came out to see what was going on.

Scottsdale Fire Capt. David Folio said the fire began in Scottsdale but later moved into county and state lands to the east.

The fire is southwest of the Rio Verde Foothills community where horse ranches mix with expensive homes, some still under construction. A mountain regional park and a conservation center that rescues and rehabilitates wildlife are also nearby.

The Scottsdale fire comes as drifting smoke from wildfires across Canada is creating curtains of haze and raising air quality concerns this week throughout the Great Lakes region and in parts of the central and eastern United States.
KUTZTOWN, Pa.  It's a story that made headlines days ago, but is now gaining national attention: the cow roaming the streets of Kutztown.

The now-viral video was shot Sunday around 7 p.m. by Aaron Merkel when he and a friend were waiting in a car for their Chinese food order to be ready. Merkel spotted something he didn't expect to see on Main Street in Kutztown.

"All of a sudden I see a cop car's lights at the bottom of Main Street, and there's something moving in front of it, and I thought, OK, maybe it's a horse, because that seems feasible," Merkel said.

Only it wasn't a horse.

"I thought, well get out my camera just in case it's something interesting, and it turns out to be a cow, so I was totally shocked," Merkel said.

He wasn't the only one. Kutztown University put out a warning to its summer students about an "aggressive cow" on the loose on campus. Some thought it was a bull. Students were told to not approach, as the bovine was scared, although in Merkel's video, the animal didn't seem too phased by its little police chase.

"It was just clomping along up the street," Merkel said.

A lot of people found the whole incident "a-moo-sing." Kutztown University student, Lydia Jones said, "I definitely thought it was funny to hear the term 'aggressive cow' used and just having the cow walking on Main Street."

The cow or bull  whichever you prefer  is certainly getting a taste of internet fame. Merkel says his video has gone viral. The story on the 69 News Facebook page was shared over 600 times. Some had fun with their own captions. One wrote, "Marked safe from Aggressive Cow." Someone said it was upstaging Lehigh Valley's once famous "snow camel" of 2018.

Kutztown University has since said the "cow" is no longer a threat and last check was headed to Fleetwood.

Neither Kutztown University Police nor Fleetwood Police could provide an update on where the cow is now.

Merkel said, "I hope the cow is back with the owner."
Reading, PA (19601)

Today

A mix of sun and clouds; warm and humid with a t-storm possible late in the day, though much of the day remains dry. .

Tonight

Becoming mostly cloudy, warm and muggy with a few showers and thunderstorms; a heavy downpour or two.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - Officials from the Diocese of Allentown announced Wednesday that Michael St. Pierre has been named as the fifth Superintendent of Catholic Education, effective August 1.

A lifelong Catholic educator, St. Pierre served the past seven years as executive director of the Catholic Campus Ministry Association, leading over 600 members at 350 colleges and universities across the United States.

In his new role, he will oversee the management, supervision and direction of all educational programs of the Diocese, exclusive of those conducted at DeSales University and Alvernia University.

As we mark this time of transition, I express my profound gratitude to Dr. Philip J. Fromuth, who will retire as our Superintendent of Catholic Education at the end of August, said Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert. Dr. Fromuth has served our Diocesan school system for 43 years, the past 21 as Superintendent. We thank him for his dedicated service and leadership and wish him well as he begins this new phase in his life.

St. Pierre earned a Doctor of Education Degree from the College of St. Elizabeth, a Masters Degree in Educational Policy and Leadership from Seton Hall University, a Masters Degree in Theology from Seton Hall University and a Bachelors Degree in Philosophy from The Catholic University of America.

Diocese officials say St. Pierre will work with Fromuth throughout August for a smooth transition in preparation for the start of the new school year beginning August 28.
BETHLEHEM, Pa.  Bethlehem City Council's Community Development Committee heard reports Tuesday on citywide development programs.

Alicia Miller Karner, executive director of the Bethlehem Revitalization and Improvement Authority, presented economic development information outlined in the Financial Accounting and Incentive Reporting, or FAIR.

The report outlines the financial aspects of both tax and non-tax incentives.

LERTA

The programs in the report include Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance, or LERTA, addressing Northside, Southside, and Affordable Housing. The Northside LERTA expires at the year's end of 2023, Southside's LERTA expires at the end of 2022, and the affordable housing portion expires at the end of 2026.

Miller Karner described the process like this of the expiring or expired programs.

"Presented with an expiration, we look at what impact has been and whether or not there can be an ongoing impact," Miller Karner said.

"There are a lot of tools in the toolbox," she explained. "I would like to think we look at them constantly to see when we're incentivizing the kind of development we like to see and that we're using them appropriately."

The LERTA tax abatement program was created in 1977 to "incentivize property investment and redevelopment of difficult and undesirable properties," according to report documents. Each benefit runs for 10 years, and the city currently has 32 projects that have received $1.9 million in incentives.

There are currently 15 projects in the pipeline, at some stage of development or waiting for a final assessment.

The total investment value resulting from the incentive is reported at more than $875 million. Similarly, Miller Karner said there was an increase of $191 million in assessments pre- and post-LERTA. The report listed 6,300 current employees as also directly resulting from the incentive.

Committee members asked about incentivizing affordable housing and developments like the former Martin Tower property.

"[What about] incentivizing our small builders two-, three-, four-unit multifamily homes, built by people who live in our community, and supervised by people who live in our community?" said committee and councilmember Paige Van Wirt. "[LERTA] is an effective program that we control. That's why I think there so much power to it."

"We have pushed LERTA to the boundaries that we can push it," Miller Karner said. "If we go too far, we're going to see challenges."

CRIZ

Another tax incentive zone is the City Revitalization and Improvement Zone, which runs until 2047.

The CRIZ is designed to spur growth and revive downtowns. Vacant, desolate, underutilized or abandoned spaces are developed using this program. More than $957,000 in dollar value was reported as received by taxpayers in 2021.

Also, total project costs exceeded $204.5 million, and CRIZ debt with these projects is approximately $35.4 million.

Loan programs

Other portions of the evaluation report include the Enterprise Zone Loan Program, of which no loans were approved in 2022, the Bethlehem Small Business Loan Fund and the Exterior Building Loan Fund.

Community health needs assessment survey

Opioid use, mental health emerge as priorities from Bethlehem community health survey The city's community health survey also revealed a rise in sexually transmitted diseases and mental health issues among adolescents, in particular.

Also on the meeting's agenda was a presentation on the community health needs assessment survey completed every three years to understand risk factors, community assets and external forces that impact community health, such as access to care, income and neighborhood conditions.

Four priority areas emerged from the assessment and will be included in Bethlehem Health Bureau's Community Health Improvement Plan. They include: opioid use, chronic disease prevention, food insecurity and mental health.
Renowned author urges better understanding, collaboration between China, US

16:50, June 27, 2023 By Zhong Wenxing ( People's Daily Online

Simon Winchester (People's Daily Online/Liu Ning)

In a recent interview with People's Daily Online, acclaimed author and scholar Simon Winchester, whose specialties encompass literature, history, technology, and geography, offered his perceptions of China and underscored the substantial transformations he has observed over time. He championed increased cultural exchange between China and the West, and called on the United States to encourage improved collaboration with China.

China's transformation and progress

Since his first visit to China in 1978, Winchester has observed a substantial transformation in the country. He noted marked advancements, particularly in cleanliness, prosperity, and safety. Infrastructure improvements, including expressways, skyscrapers, and subways, have left him in awe.

The interview also delved into China's ascent in science and technology, with Winchester acknowledging the country's dominance in manufacturing. He distinguished between inventing and producing and urged Chinese scientists and young innovators to embrace risk-taking and view failure as an integral part of the learning journey.

In discussing the influence of Chinese tech giants like Huawei on global technology and innovation, Winchester expressed his admiration for the company's achievements and underscored the significance of healthy competition in the global marketplace.

Winchester shared with People's Daily Online his belief that U.S.-imposed sanctions stem from envy. He stated, "They know that Huawei is a very inspiring company led by very inspired people I think everything I've seen in these last two weeks confirms my belief that Huawei is simply a very clever company, doing remarkable things that should not be any threat to America, except in a commercial sense. Competition in commerce is a very good thing."

Simon Winchester (People's Daily Online/Liu Ning)

Encouraging cultural exchange

Winchester further urged Western individuals to travel to China to discover this huge, old, and impressive country.

He referenced his earlier work, "The River at the Center of the World," which documented his year-long journey across China, following the Yangtze River from Shanghai to Xizang.

The author warmly recalled the unique landscapes and the variety of people he encountered, particularly in western and southern China. "I'm impressed by eastern China, but I love western China and southern China. These are places that foreigners don't visit nearly so frequently. And I've had so many good experiences," Winchester stated.

His visits to the Mogao Grottoes also left a profound impression on him, exemplifying the allure of the country's cultural heritage.

Advocating for understanding and collaboration

Winchester called for an enhanced understanding between China and the U.S., underscoring the advantages of collaboration and peaceful coexistence.

"Huawei, symbolically, China generally, in my view, is not a threat to the United States," Winchester remarked. He expressed concerns about the escalating anti-China sentiment among certain American politicians, often manifested in their public addresses and media appearances.

Instead, he proposes that cooperation between the U.S. and China would prove beneficial not only to these two nations but also to the entire world.

Winchester pointed out that traditionally, China has remained within its own borders, saying that China has maintained its territorial integrity without seeking expansion.

Winchester suggested inviting Americans, especially those harboring misconceptions about China, to visit the country and experience its reality firsthand.

He stressed the vital role of education in bridging divides and dispelling misconceptions. The scholar also highlighted the need to tackle the ignorance about China among American youngsters.

Winchester placed the responsibility on the U.S. to nurture a relationship with China founded on friendly competition, mutual knowledge, and understanding.

Continuous learning and broad interests

Regarding his adeptness at staying informed across diverse fields, Winchester credited his extensive reading habits and frequent travel. He recognized his wide array of interests and saw it as an advantage in exploring various topics. He expressed his continued desire to learn and disseminate knowledge through his writings.

His book, "The Perfectionists," explores engineers' and scientists' pursuit for precision, which has drived human progress across multiple industries. He acknowledged the dual impacts precision has had on society, resulting in both positive outcomes like the Industrial Revolution and subsequent technological advancements and negative ones.

The conversation shifted to the topic of artificial intelligence (AI), which elicited concern from Winchester. While recognizing AI's remarkable capabilities, he expressed the need for international regulation. He emphasized the urgency for nations to overcome their differences and collaboratively tackle the challenges and implications posed by AI.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Wu Chengliang)
Key Insights

Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Raytheon Technologies fair value estimate is US$128

Raytheon Technologies' US$96.53 share price signals that it might be 24% undervalued

Our fair value estimate is 17% higher than Raytheon Technologies' analyst price target of US$109

Does the June share price for Raytheon Technologies Corporation (NYSE:RTX) reflect what it's really worth? Today, we will estimate the stock's intrinsic value by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. We will take advantage of the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model for this purpose. It may sound complicated, but actually it is quite simple!

Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model.

View our latest analysis for Raytheon Technologies

Crunching The Numbers

We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate

2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF ($, Millions) US$4.88b US$6.68b US$8.43b US$9.30b US$10.2b US$10.9b US$11.5b US$12.0b US$12.4b US$12.8b Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x12 Analyst x11 Analyst x9 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ 6.68% Est @ 5.31% Est @ 4.35% Est @ 3.68% Est @ 3.21% Present Value ($, Millions) Discounted @ 7.4% US$4.5k US$5.8k US$6.8k US$7.0k US$7.1k US$7.1k US$7.0k US$6.8k US$6.5k US$6.3k

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

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = US$65b

We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 2.1%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 7.4%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032  (1 + g)  (r  g) = US$13b (1 + 2.1%)  (7.4% 2.1%) = US$247b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$247b ( 1 + 7.4%)10= US$121b

The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is US$186b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of US$96.5, the company appears a touch undervalued at a 24% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out.

dcf

Important Assumptions

We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. 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 Raytheon Technologies as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 7.4%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.890. 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 Raytheon Technologies

Strength

Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry.

Debt is well covered by earnings.

Weakness

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Aerospace & Defense market.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow for the next 3 years.

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

Threat

Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow.

Dividends are not covered by cash flow.

Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the American market.

Looking Ahead:

Whilst important, the DCF calculation ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. Why is the intrinsic value higher than the current share price? For Raytheon Technologies, we've put together three additional items you should look at:

Risks: Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 1 warning sign with Raytheon Technologies , and understanding it should be part of your investment process. Future Earnings: How does RTX's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every American 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.



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WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. - The once-very popular Sears at Whitehall Mall is being torn down. Locals have been stopping by the demolition site to see it and reminisce.

To many, the Sears at the Whitehall Mall store off of MacArthur Road is more than just a store: it's a place where memories were made.

"I came here and bought my first engagement ring to my wife," Jeff Guinther, who lives in Allentown, told 69 News.

But now, the 82,000 square-foot space will soon make way for something new. The Sears at Whitehall Mall is coming down. It closed in 2020, after filing for bankruptcy back in 2018.

Tim Frisch came from Coplay on Wednesday afternoon, to take pictures of the partially-torn down store.

"It's just sad, sad to see because a lot of people, my parents and grandparents and a lot of people I know used to come here for years," Frisch said.

"Guess times are changing and moving on to different things," Matthew Ahn, coming to watch the demolition from Northampton County, said.

It's one of many of its brick-and-mortars shuttered in recent years.

"Once upon a time, people said that this was the Golden Mile here and MacArthur Road," Frisch said. "And somehow it doesn't seem very golden anymore."

According to data company ScrapeHero, there are just 17 Sears stores left in the entire country, with one each in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

This Sears had been around since 1966. And people remembering the building, as it turns to rubble, say it once was the place to be.

"They used to have a lot of like fashion shows and stuff in the hall over there," Frisch said. "So it was like a hip place. In fact, in the 60s and 70s, kind of a hip place for a lot of people."

"I just remember coming here a lot with my parents, this was the place to go to, my dad would come here for a lot of equipment," Ahn said.

But they say all good things must come to an end. Jeff Guinther had bought his wife's engagement ring at the store.

"We are now divorced," Guinther said. "But it was wonderful at the time. But you know, it's sad to see this go."

Now all that remain are the memories, and of course, whatever will replace the store. A conceptual redevelopment plan says it will turn into a home improvement store, but the mall owner has not commented on that yet.

69 News reached out to Washington Prime Group, which owns the plaza, and has not yet heard back. But back in May we received the following statement:

A redevelopment plan is underway to bring new retailers and experiences to our guests. Whitehall Mall remains committed to providing a dynamic mix of options for the community. We will share more details as we are able.

A construction worker tells 69 News the demolition process could take about five to six weeks.
HANOVER TWP., Pa.  At its meeting Tuesday night, the Hanover Township Board of Supervisors unanimously awarded a nearly $300,000 bid for road work within the Northampton County township.

The bid, valued at exactly $298,746.35, was awarded to the Bath-based Grace Industries Inc. for improvements to Stoke Park Road and Courtney Street. Grace Industries completed similar work on Hanoverville Road last year, township Public Works Director Martin Limpar said.

According to Limpar, the bid was "almost $35,000" cheaper than another bid the township considered. The board had expected to spend about $280,000 on a bid for the project, he said.

"I was a little nervous when not as many bids came in as I was promised, but we still did good," Limpar said of the bid.

Bids for the work were opened at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20, according to board Vice Chairman Jack Nagle. Upon the supervisors awarding the bid to Grace Industries, Nagle directed township Secretary Christina Thomas to return bonds to the other bidding developers.

In response to a resident's question, Limpar said the project did not yet have a scheduled start date, but work is expected to be finished by the end of October.

Pool update

Limpar also gave an update on construction of the Hanover Township community pool, for which the board accepted a $6.75 million bid last November.

He said that the walls of the pool are "almost completely formed," and noted that dirt had been removed from the area where the pool's waterfall will be.

Limpar also said the township will continue to provide revised pool schedules monthly, with the next update coming in two weeks. The walls are expected to be fully formed by then, according to Limpar.

Little Free Library vandalism

In other news, Recreation Director Dante Terenzio addressed the supervisors' concerns about vandalism of "Little Free Library" locations within the township. The Little Free Library outside of Hanover Township Community Center was removed, meaning only a book drop-off box remains open to the public, Terenzio said.

"We're just down to the book drop-off at this point," Terenzio said. "I have hopes that we'll be receiving monthly literature [about] Bethlehem happenings from the [Bethlehem] Library."

The Hanover Township Board of Supervisors will meet again on Tuesday, July 11.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - We're coming up on two years since the Taliban ravaged Afghanistan's capital and took control of the country. The U.S. promised to take care of Afghans who helped America, though many who resettled locally don't feel that's happened.

"There's hope in their eyes," said Sufia Salmi, an immigration advocate at Thrive International.

Salmi is talking about Afghan refugees she's helped resettle in the Lehigh Valley.

"Our country brought over 80,000-some Afghan allies that helped us during our time and Afghanistan," said Jamie Dinicola, the lead staff attorney at Interfaith-RISE, which serves refugees in northern and central New Jersey.

"The Afghans who came as humanitarian parolees after Kabul fell were very, very hopeful that they were indeed being invited by the United States to come and be full-blown citizens here, and we sure made it seem that way," said Rev. Seth Kaper-Dale, the CEO of the Reformed Church of Highland Park Affordable Housing Corporation, which oversees Interfaith-RISE. "Congress approved a whole lot of money to go in support of these folks."

But while that group of Afghans expected a pathway to permanent citizenship, it hasn't happened, nearly two years later. The biggest concern for many is that they can't save family trapped in terror overseas.

"We have a husband, but then the wife and children are there because his life was more in danger," said Salmi.

"Not all of them have stayed on our radar," said Nolan Leblanc of Allentown, who has been a foster dad to seven Afghan children. "Some disappear."

"I get calls like every day being like, 'can you help me get my children here?" Dinicola said.

Dinicola has secured temporary protection status and applied for asylum for 150 refugees to be sure they don't get sent back to Afghanistan.

"Now that Biden has announced that we're going to do a re-parole, which is essentially extending the status that they have here now in the U.S. for an additional two years, that's kind of the third level of protection," said Dinicola.

At the Refugee Community Center in Allentown, Salmi shares her story of coming from Afghanistan to America a decade ago and becoming a citizen.

Still, she knows the refugees she works with are in a different situation. She says since Congress hasn't passed the Afghan Adjustment Act allowing allies to become citizens, they experience constant mental anguish.

"They can't really move on, even though they're here in a better and safer environment, but they're so worried about their permanent status," said Salmi.

The Refugee Community Center says it's hard to pinpoint exactly how many Afghans resettled in the Lehigh Valley once Kabul fell to the Taliban, though that number is around 80.

"It is painful to watch," said Leblanc. "It's important to keep pushing the Afghan Adjustment Act, and to support the people we promised and committed our support to."

So, what's been the hold up?

U.S. Representatives Susan Wild, Brian Fitzpatrick, Dan Meuser and Tom Kean didn't respond to our repeated requests for information on this topic. Wild responded after the story aired. Her statement is below.

Some Republicans were against the act because they didn't believe refugees weren't properly screened.

Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan was a cosponsor of the bipartisan bill last session. She told us it'll be reintroduced in the coming weeks, and she'll be pushing it forward.

"I've been very vocal about supporting our refugees that evacuated from Afghanistan," said Houlahan.

"It should be a priority," said Leblanc.

Salmi remains hopeful.

"So everyone can move on and then they can start their life and leave behind that tragic part of their life," said Salmi.

For now, thousands of lives are left in limbo.

Update: Since the airing of this story, 69 News received a statement from Congresswoman Susan Wild:

I cosponsored the Afghan Adjustment Act last year to provide quicker pathways to permanent status for refugees who fled from danger in their homes, and I will support it again once its introduced in the coming weeks, said Congresswoman Susan Wild. Im glad that the administration announced this temporary fix, but we need to do more to support those evacuated from Afghanistan who still face incredible uncertainty about their futures here.
Americans in Ohio and Pennsylvania are angry about an America that has left them behind, Silicon Valley's Congressman said Wednesday.



U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna represents California's 17th District, the wealthiest in the country with a 2021 median income of $157,049. The 17th is home to the headquarters of tech giants such as Intel Corp. and Apple Inc., and it is the only district with a majority Asian-American population.



Khanna, a four-term Democrat, is touring Ohio and Pennsylvania to get a first-hand look at the aftermath of the loss of industry.



The contrast between what he has seen and his home district is dramatic. On Wednesday, Apple shares hit an intraday record of $189.90. On Tuesday, Lordstown Motors, a maker of electric vehicles in Ohio, declared bankruptcy.



Some Americans feel that life was better one or even two generations ago, he said. Khanna stopped at the headquarters of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. in Bethlehem to hear about how the Lehigh Valley has bounced back, while other areas languish.



"We made a huge mistake in this country, to let so much of our manufacturing leave," Khanna said. He said the loss of industrial jobs hurts communities and at the individual level can lead to a loss of personal identity, divorce, and suicide.



Khanna said the Lehigh Valley is an example of how regions can recover after a big loss, mentioning Bethlehem Steel Corp. The defunct steel firm poured its "last cast" in its namesake city in 1995.



The congressman was present when President Joseph Biden signed the Chips and Science Act, promoting the semiconductor industry, into law. Khanna said a "Clean Steel Act" to boost that industry while using green energy is needed.



The tour through what some call "The Rust Belt" has been eye-opening for Khanna, but it is not all new to him. He was born in Philadelphia to immigrants from India and lived in Bucks County, where he attended Council Rock High School. He later attended the University of Chicago and Yale University's law school.



Khanna heard about how the LVEDC worked with other groups and businesses to improve the Lehigh Valley economy, and said that could be a model for America.



"What we lack in this country is that kind of national strategy," he said, mentioning steel again. In 2021, the U.S. was the world's biggest importer of steel and China was the world's biggest producer.



During the discussion led by LVEDC Chief Executive Don Cunningham, Khanna heard from labor, including Paul Anthony, business manager of IBEW Local 375; management, including Michael Cacace, vice president for corporate tax at B. Braun; and government including, Sunny Ghai, Chairman of Upper Macungie Township's Board of Supervisors and a veteran of several technology companies.



Anthony talked about how students are encouraged to consider trades, while Ghai discussed the warehouse industry, which he acknowledged has good points and bad points. He also pointed out something that may not be known even to locals, that his township is a high-tech hub.



"We have some of the best chip designers in the world here in Upper Macungie," he said.



Khanna is promoting what he calls "a manufacturing Renaissance" that will require government and private effort.



That focus is not just about workers. He said he would examine how the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act affects corporate investment. That act cut corporate taxes but also changed rules for the depreciation, or write-off, of some business investments.



The 2017 act gradually phases out the deduction, leading to higher tax bills on spending.



"That's created massive tax bills for us," said Damien Sibilla, chief financial officer for Tyber Medical, a maker of orthopedic implants that has its headquarters in Hanover Township, Northampton County.



B. Braun's Cacace said said tax policy should be simpler and more consistent "to allow people to make long-term decisions and capital investment" without rules changing.



Khanna said he opposed the 2017 tax bill.



"In my view, it was tax cuts for wealthy individuals," he said.

U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, D-Lehigh Valley, was also part of the discussion and said the 2017 tax law hurt workers by limiting deductions for equipment and reduced the deductibility of some state and local taxes.



There are many Americans without advanced education or training in trades. For them, Khanna, an avowed progressive, proposed three things: health care, child care at a reasonable cost, and a living wage.



"Everyone should have health care from the day they are born," he said, adding, "We need to do better in terms of getting people child care, the costs of child care are outrageous in this country."



A livable wage should be guaranteed, he said, mentioning baristas and restaurant workers.



"Nobody in America should work a 40-hour week and not be able to support their family," he said.
L. NAZARETH TWP., Pa. - Workers at Starbucks stores across the nation are on strike.

The Starbucks Workers United union calls it the "Strike With Pride" event to push the company to be more inclusive and come to the table to negotiate a contract. That included Starbucks partners in Lower Nazareth Township, who took to the side of Easton Nazareth Highway Wednesday, protesting what they call unfair labor practices.

"We are standing in solidarity with 300 other plus stores in the nation that are striking today," said shift manager Rhea Pitt.

Pitt said the protest started around 8 a.m. in front of the store, but the Colonial Regional Police were called to kick them out.

"We were forced to move onto the side of the highway here and chant our message," said Pitt.

The police told us it was the landlord, not the company, that asked for the workers to protest off the property. Pitt said the strike is so important to her because she has a personal connection to the cause.

"I do have some friends that are part of the trans community and the LGBTQ community saying that a lot of their surgeries, a lot of their health insurances are about $1,400 out of pocket, $5,000 out of pocket. It's a ridiculous price for a company that says they'll cover everything that they need," said Pitt.

The Starbucks Workers United union has even claimed the company has made some workers take down Pride flags and logos.

In response, the company said "There has been no change to company policies or corporate new guidance issued to store leaders regarding Pride Month celebrations. We continue to encourage our store leaders to celebrate the diversity of our partners and customers."

Starbucks also filed an unfair labor practice complaint against the union on Monday, alleging it was lying about company policies, but Pitt said she and her co-workers are not backing down.

"We may not win today, we may not win tomorrow, but definitely it's still a fight that we still need to take on," said Pitt.

Starbucks United is planning strikes across the country at more than 150 stores until the end of the month. The workers at the Lower Nazareth store tell us they plan to return to their shifts on Thursday.
Mary Ziegler has worked at six banks over 50 years, and yet she has never changed employers.

Her half-century career includes stints at long-gone banks that Lehigh Valley baby boomers will recall, all the way up to the era of digital finance.

The Salisbury Township resident started at Merchants Bank in April 1973. She moved on to Fidelity, then First Fidelity, First Union and Wachovia, before ending up at Wells Fargo. Her roles changed but she stayed through the series of mergers and deals that led to Wells Fargo, one of America's Big Four banks (Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America are the others).

Ziegler, now 68, was 18 and not long out of high school when she took her first financial job. That was a different time, she said, when young people sought long-term careers with one employer.

"Back when I started, you didn't job-hop," she said. "You got a job, you made it a career and you just moved forward through the ranks. The bank met my needs and I made a commitment."

Ziegler started as a stenographer -- a title her younger co-workers might not recognize -- and has held roles in marketing, programming, mortgage and community banking. She is now in regional executive administration for consumer and small-business banking, support multiple managers in Pennsylvania.

As an employee who has been around since Richard Nixon was president, she carries more than a title. A half-century of institutional knowledge is an irreplaceable asset.

"When something comes up, sometimes people will say, 'We know who would know. Call Mary,'" Ziegler said. She has the answers or knows who can get them.

Ziegler has enjoyed her career and the many good times. One of her proudest memories is of stepping up when times were not so good.

In 1995, about 200 local employees were losing their jobs when mortgage-servicing work was being focused in North Carolina. Zielger set up a transition center to help them find new work.

"I became an expert at doing resumes and helping folks with interviewing skills, writing resumes and taking classes if they wanted to learn to start their own businesses," she said.

Ziegler has had to learn a lot over the years.

"When I started, we didn't have computers," she said. "I had an electronic typewriter." She later worked in programming, "keypunching" code into cards.

"Now, I sit here with a laptop and two monitors," she said. Ziegler works in Allentown, but also from home.

Over the years, she has seen changes from early ATM machines to the rise of on-line banking. The changes in how banks operate have a common thread, Ziegler said.

"Things have changed so much because we have followed what the customers wanted," she said. When customers wanted to make deposits and withdrawals without going to a bank, automated teller machines went in.

Now, online banking is growing because customers want convenience. Some traditionalists complain about the loss of bank branches, but the demand comes from the customer.

Ziegler has balanced work with family time and community service. She and her husband Forrest have three children: Jim, Amy and Amanda, and six grandchildren.

She is active in Salisbury Township and the area. Ziegler served on the board of Jenn's House, which provided short-term housing for relatives of people being treated in local hospitals. She put in 16 years on the Salisbury Township School District board, holding various posts, and she remains involved in Carbon Lehigh Intermediate District Unit 21's Special Needs Foundation board.

She also puts in time with Wells Fargo's charitable efforts.

"I'm very proud of how Wells works with the community and the employees," she said. Ziegler has been involved in many activities that support the region, with an emphasis on encouraging children to read. The bank supports that with donations and by contributing books.

"Kids are a priority for me," she said.

After 50 years, Ziegler has no retirement plans yet.

"I like what I'm doing," she said. "The bank has an awesome work/life balance and right now, I don't have any plans to stop."
Lawyers for the accused killer Bryan Kohberger say they want to see more of what the prosecution's got.

They want access to additional investigative records used to justify the arrest of the Monroe County man on charges he killed four Idaho college students.

They say that information is key to their defense. Tuesday, Kohberger's lawyers pushed for that in Latah County court in Idaho. It comes one day after the prosecution revealed that it plans to seek the death penalty.

The defense is requesting documents related to Kohberger's cellphone data - that supposedly pinged near the victims' rental home - the DNA collected on the knife sheath allegedly connecting him to the crime, decisions made about the make and model of the suspect's car, and the training underwent by some officers involved in the investigation.

They say all of it is critical to trying to prove Kohberger's innocence.

"This is not a fishing expedition," said Anne Taylor, Kohberger's attorney. "These are real items that are really necessary to investigate this case and prepare Mr. Kohberger's defense."

28-year-old Bryan Kohberger wore a black suit as Taylor requested evidence to defend the Monroe County man against claims he killed four University of Idaho students last November. One piece pertains to the training of three officers involved in the investigation, who interviewed critical witnesses.

"These are officers who made decisions about the interviews, made decisions about evidence, and conducted other claims of investigations," said Taylor.

The prosecution, meantime, says those officers will not be called as witnesses at trial and that their training records are not necessary.

"These kinds of battles happen from time to time, and it's a process of the defense, perhaps, foreshadowing the defendant's intended line of defense," explained Dave Leroy, Idaho's former attorney general.

"It's certainly possible that we do not know all of the DNA evidence that's been collected or that may become significant in this case," he went on to say. "On the other hand, it appears that the prosecution's theory of this case would make it a little unlikely that DNA from any of the victims was found in Kohberger's area, because the prosecution's theory of this case was that he secretly stalked these people with whom he had no relationship, and then broke in at night, killing them without having ever interacted with him."

Leroy anticipates there will be more of these battles for evidence leading up to trial.

"Remember, too, that the defense will have to hire its own experts, analyze the cell tower information, the DNA information, perhaps, information related to social media and computer technology," added Leroy.

Kohberger's latest court appearance comes one day after the prosecution revealed it will seek the death penalty. That could entail execution by firing squad if he's convicted and sentenced to death and if the state cannot get drugs needed for lethal injection. Leroy says it changes the nature of the case.

"You have to ask people about their moral feelings about the death penalty and the invoking of death penalty," he said. "In some cases, some prosecutors will file those kinds of notices, and their doing that makes it more likely that the defense is interested in pleading guilty to some lesser condition of sentencing, such as life imprisonment."

Leroy provided context as to why the death penalty is being sought by the prosecution.

"He believes that the crime is sufficiently heinous, shows no remorse, was dreadfully committed and indicates some potential likelihood that the alleged killer could kill again, and there are no mitigating circumstances, so he, on behalf of the citizens in his jurisdiction, indicated that he will intend to seek the death penalty in this case, although he could reverse that decision later," explained Leroy.

Another key piece of Tuesday's hearing: The judge sternly warned that if cameras continue to focus on Kohberger in court hearings, they will be asked to leave.

"We've had some issues with people pushing the envelope, particularly focusing on the table where council sits," said Judge John Judge. "You're not to turn the cameras towards the top of those tables, and if you do that, you're going to have to leave the courtroom."

Leroy says the warning came likely because the judge wants Kohberger to have a fair trial, not one conducted by body language experts analyzing Kohberger's every blink and people on social media.

Kohberger's trial is slated to start in early October, though Leroy says he thinks it will get pushed to next spring. That's due to the sheer number of documents and information being requested now and what will likely be requested in the weeks to come.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - Bryan Kohberger's defense attorneys want to see more evidence. A pre-trial hearing for the Poconos man accused of killing four Idaho college students wrapped up late Tuesday afternoon.

A judge listened to both the defense and the prosecution and said a written decision would be released another day.

Defense attorneys want prosecutors to hand over more evidence about DNA, surveillance footage, and searches of Kohberger's phone and social media.

While the trial is currently set for October, it's possible that gets pushed back.

Court documents show the defense is asking for more time to meet case filing deadlines, since it has to go through thousands of pages of documents and photographs, hundreds of hours of recordings, and many gigabytes of electronic data.

This hearing comes the day after prosecutors filed their intent to pursue the death penalty.

In Idaho, executions are done via lethal injection, though because a lack of chemicals recently created a backlog, the legislature passed a backup method: death by firing squad. That is likely to be challenged in federal court.

While one set of court documents recently revealed Kohberger's DNA was found on the knife sheath at the crime scene, another set is giving a glimpse into the defense's potential strategy.

Kohberger's public defender Anne Taylor said, "there is no explanation for the total lack of DNA evidence from the victims in Mr. Kohberger's apartment, office, home or vehicle."

Meanwhile, ABC News is reporting Kohberger was arrested nine years ago in the Poconos, after his father reported the then 19-year-old stole his sister's cellphone to support a drug addiction.

The network indicated those records have been wiped, since Kohberger was a first-time offender and went through a rehabilitative program.

Our multiple requests to the Monroe County District Attorney's Office regarding Kohberger have gone unanswered.
DOYLESTOWN, Pa. - A man has been charged after a crash that killed a bicyclist in Doylestown earlier this year.

Anthony Caulfield, 84, of Doylestown, was charged with a felony count of accidents involving death or personal injury, and misdemeanor counts of possession of an instrument of crime, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person, according to a news release from the Bucks County District Attorney's Office.

He is also charged with three summary traffic violations.

He was arraigned on Wednesday and was released on $75,000 unsecured bail.

The accident happened just after 3 p.m., on Jan. 6 at the 200 block of N. Broad St. Officers with the Central Bucks Regional Police Department were sent to the scene and saw civilians removing a purple and white Schwinn bicycle from the roadway.

Police provided medical care to the bicyclist, later identified as 64-year-old Francis Patrick Montgomery, until Central Bucks EMS arrived and assumed his care, the DA's office said.

Police learned that a vehicle, described as a white Honda van with Pennsylvania plates, fled the scene, going south on North Broad Street toward Main Street, according to the news release. The van was located at North Main Street near, North Broad Street, and the driver was identified as Caulfield, according to the DA's office.

During their investigation, police reviewed the vans in-car camera system, which showed Caulfield driving into the opposite lane of travel to pass Montgomery, the DA's office said. A thump from the impact is heard on the video and his vehicle then accelerates away from the accident, according to the DA's office.

The DA's office says witnesses to the accident provided similar statements.

Montgomery suffered a bilateral cranial fracture, broken ribs, and a nasal bone fracture and was sedated on a ventilator at the hospital. He succumbed to his injuries on Feb. 9, the DA's office said.
Statistically speaking, long term investing is a profitable endeavour. But along the way some stocks are going to perform badly. For example, after five long years the Cineplex Inc. (TSE:CGX) share price is a whole 71% lower. That is extremely sub-optimal, to say the least. And some of the more recent buyers are probably worried, too, with the stock falling 23% in the last year. More recently, the share price has dropped a further 12% in a month.

It's worthwhile assessing if the company's economics have been moving in lockstep with these underwhelming shareholder returns, or if there is some disparity between the two. So let's do just that.

See our latest analysis for Cineplex

To quote Buffett, 'Ships will sail around the world but the Flat Earth Society will flourish. There will continue to be wide discrepancies between price and value in the marketplace...' 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.

During five years of share price growth, Cineplex moved from a loss to profitability. That would generally be considered a positive, so we are surprised to see the share price is down. Other metrics may better explain the share price move.

It could be that the revenue decline of 15% per year is viewed as evidence that Cineplex is shrinking. That could explain the weak share price.

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 is of course excellent to see how Cineplex has grown profits over the years, but the future is more important for shareholders. Take a more thorough look at Cineplex's financial health with this free report on its balance sheet.

What About The Total Shareholder Return (TSR)?

We'd be remiss not to mention the difference between Cineplex's total shareholder return (TSR) and its share price return. The TSR attempts to capture the value of dividends (as if they were reinvested) as well as any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings offered to shareholders. Its history of dividend payouts mean that Cineplex's TSR, which was a 67% drop over the last 5 years, was not as bad as the share price return.

A Different Perspective

Investors in Cineplex had a tough year, with a total loss of 23%, against a market gain of about 4.0%. However, keep in mind that even the best stocks will sometimes underperform the market over a twelve month period. Regrettably, last year's performance caps off a bad run, with the shareholders facing a total loss of 11% per year over five years. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Cineplex better, we need to consider many other factors. Like risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 3 warning signs for Cineplex (of which 2 are a bit unpleasant!) you should know about.

If you are like me, then you will 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 Canadian exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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Standing 6-foot-2-inches, Idris Elba's size helps to sell his characters. As a detective in  Luther, he often averted protocol and went rogue. On The Wire, he played a shrewd, intimidating crime boss in the drug world. In the 2022 movie  Beast, he protected his daughters from a ferocious lion while on holiday in South Africa. But, in his new Apple TV+ series  Hijack, it's his mental strength that helps him navigate a crisis, not his build.

Elba plays Sam, a passenger on a flight from Dubai to London that turns into a hostage situation. The first two episodes of Hijack debut Wednesday on Apple TV+, with one new episode released weekly.

I'm used to being cast as a big man," said Elba. In this situation Sam is vulnerable. He isn't there to fight.

Sam's strength here is that he works as a corporate negotiator, and his ability to assess high-stakes situations like mergers and acquisitions, serves him well. It's all a bit of a psych game, he said. "Pitting one against the other and figuring out what your weak spot is. And then, of course, being able to make people feel comfortable, not threatened,

Space  or lack thereof  was an integral part of filming. The set was an actual plane which Elba said "really helped" the look and feel of the scenes.

We thought about builds and then we thought, What if we just bring a plane in and shoot within what weve got?'" said Elba, who was also an executive producer on the show. Youve just got the space that youve got... It felt a little bit like a play and the camera could only go so many places.

The seven-episode series also unfolds in roughly the same amount of time it takes to fly from Dubai to London.

Its difficult to to make that happen because you shoot things out of sequence, but each minute of every episode is important," said Elba. The show cuts between what's happening in the air and on the ground as officials try to piece together what they're dealing with and how to react.

It just made sense to get these real time decisions as a way to propel the narrative forward rather than sort of jump out of time sequence, said Elba, adding that the two perspectives are really reflective of each other the whole time.

It was very intense," added Archie Panjabi, who plays a counter-terrorism official. As the series progresses, the tension multiplies and so did the number of people in the room." In the end, Panjabi says there was a feeling of resolution that was freeing. I should tell people I spent six hours on screen saving your butt, she tells Elba to laughter.

Elba felt his own kind of relief at the end of six months of filming, in part because his adrenaline was often running high even between scenes.

You stay keyed up. You go to your trailer or whatever, chill out, but you cant undo your mindset. Your body does not know its acting."

Follow Alicia Rancilio at https://twitter.com/aliciar
BRUSSELS (AP)  NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday he has called a meeting of senior officials from Turkey, Sweden and Finland for July 6 to try to overcome Turkish objections to Sweden joining the military alliance.

The meeting is a last-ditch effort by Stoltenberg to deal with one of the final obstacles to Sweden's membership before a major summit the following week. Sweden's membership would be a highly symbolic moment and another indication of how Russias war in Ukraine is driving countries to join the Western alliance.

However, Hungary also has not yet ratified Swedens bid, and Hungarian lawmakers said a long-delayed parliamentary vote on ratifying Swedens NATO membership would not would not happen until the autumn legislative session. NATO requires the unanimous approval of all members to expand, so that almost certainly means the country will not get the green light in time for the July 11-12 summit in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius.

The time is now to welcome Sweden as a full member of NATO, Stoltenberg told reporters. Foreign ministers, intelligence chiefs and security advisers from Turkey, Sweden and Finland will be taking part in the talks in Brussels.

Sweden applied to join NATO last year after Russia invaded Ukraine amid widespread concern in Europe that President Vladimir Putin might broaden the war. It applied alongside Finland and they had hoped to join together, but Turkish objections to Sweden's membership meant that Finland eventually joined on its own in April.

Stockholm has changed its anti-terror laws and lifted an arms embargo on Turkey to satisfy Ankara's demands. But Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a statement posted on his social media account that he spoke with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz earlier Wednesday by phone and again raised his concerns over Swedens NATO membership.

President Erdogan stated that while taking steps in the right direction, especially the change in Swedens anti-terror legislation, supporters of the PKK/PYD/YPG in Sweden continue to freely organize demonstrations praising terrorism, recruiting people and providing financial resources to terrorist organizations, and that this situation is unacceptable for Turkey.

The Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, has waged a 38-year insurgency against Turkey that has left tens of thousands dead. It is designated a terrorist organization by the U.S and the European Union.

Turkeys government accuses Sweden of being too lenient toward groups that Ankara says pose a security threat, including militant Kurdish groups and people associated with a 2016 coup attempt.

Sweden has a Kurdish diaspora of around 100,000 people.

Demonstrations by pro-Kurdish and anti-NATO groups in Sweden have frustrated Stockholm's efforts to show it is taking Turkey's security concerns seriously. Other protests by individual anti-Islam activists have complicated things further.

On Wednesday a man who identified himself in Swedish media as a refugee from Iraq burned a Quran outside a mosque in central Stockholm. Police authorized the protest, citing freedom of speech, after a previous decision to ban a similar protest was overturned by a Swedish court.

Turkish officials condemned the Quran-burning on the first day of the Eid al-Adha holiday.

"Defending hate crimes under the guise of freedom of expression is a violation of the rights of those who are the victims of these crimes and a real blow to freedom of expression," Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz said in a social media post.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said it was "unacceptable to allow these anti-Islamic actions under the pretext of freedom of expression. To turn a blind eye to such atrocious acts is to be complicit.

Hungary has never clearly stated publicly what its concerns are about Sweden's possible membership.

In a Facebook post, Agnes Vadai, a lawmaker with Hungarys opposition Democratic Coalition party, wrote that Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his governing Fidesz party would not schedule a vote on Swedens accession during its final spring session next week.

The postponement is the latest in a long succession of delays that have gone on for a year, with high-ranking Hungarian officials saying they support Swedens membership while also making vague demands from Stockholm as a condition for approval.

NATO officials expect that Hungary will approve Sweden's membership once Turkey lifts its objections.

French President Emmanuel Macron called on Turkey and Hungary to quickly approve the accession.

Its now time ... to allow Sweden to attend the Vilnius summit as an ally, Macron said in a joint declaration with Stoltenberg ahead of a working meeting Wednesday in Paris. Now, more than ever, is the time to make decisions that will ensure the unity and stability of the continent.

Associated Press writers Justin Spike in Budapest, Sylvia Corbet in Paris and Robert Badendieck in Istanbul contributed to this report.
KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Ukrainian authorities on Wednesday arrested a man they accused of helping Russia direct a missile strike that killed at least 11 people, including three teenagers, at a popular pizza restaurant in eastern Ukraine.

The Tuesday evening attack on Kramatorsk wounded 61 other people, Ukraine's National Police said. It was the latest bombardment of a Ukrainian city, a tactic Russia has used heavily in the 16-month-old war.

The strike, and others across Ukraine late Tuesday and early Wednesday, indicated that the Kremlin is not easing its aerial onslaught, despite political and military turmoil at home after a short-lived armed uprising in Russia last weekend.

There has been no apparent military push by Ukraine to exploit that turmoil, though the government has been tight-lipped about recent battlefield developments as it seeks to gain momentum in its recently launched counteroffensive.

The Kremlin reeled from the weekend mutiny led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, owner of the Wagner private army of prison recruits and other mercenaries. Wagner has played a key combat role for Russia in Ukraine. The rebellion posed the most serious threat so far to Russian President Vladimir Putins grip on power.

Trying to repair the damage to his authority, Putin met with military staff in the Kremlin on Tuesday and flew to the Caspian city of Derbent, in the mostly Muslim region of Dagestan, on the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha on Wednesday. He visited an ancient citadel and a historic mosque, met with officials, and walked to cheering crowds next to a fountain, talking to people and shaking hands  rare behavior for the secretive and reserved Russian leader.

Prigozhin went into exile in neighboring Belarus on Tuesday, according to Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, after Russia said he wouldnt face charges for the revolt. Prigozhins whereabouts could not be independently confirmed.

Lukashenko has said his country would allow Wagner to set up a temporary camp in Belarus, but it remained unclear how many mercenaries would move there.

Wagner's impending deployment to Belarus has rattled its neighbors. Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the leader of Poland's ruling party, announced plans to strengthen the country's eastern border, saying about 8,000 Wagner troops are expected to arrive in Belarus.

And Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis noted Tuesday that the mutiny shows how fast detachments from within Russia mobilize and move within its territory, underlining "a more volatile, more unpredictable environment for our region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy played down concerns that Wagner would pose a threat from Belarus. He said the group's mercenaries probably wouldn't go there in significant numbers, and added that Ukraine's military believes security along the Belarusian border will remain unchanged and controllable."

U.S. President Joe Biden said Wednesday that the unrest had weakened Putin, though he added that its hard to tell to what extent.

Hes clearly losing the war in (Ukraine), Biden said of Putin before departing Washington for Chicago. Hes losing the war at home and he has become a bit of a pariah around the world.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also said Putin has been weakened by the rebellion, which showed the autocratic structures, the structures of power have cracks. Speaking to German public broadcaster ARD, he acknowledged that Germanys foreign intelligence agency had been surprised by the rebellion.

In Kramatorsk, two sisters, both age 14, died in the attack, the city council's educational department said. Russian missiles stopped the beating of the hearts of two angels, it said in a Telegram post.

The other dead teenager was 17, according to Prosecutor General Andrii Kostin.

The attack also damaged 18 multistory buildings, 65 houses, five schools, two kindergartens, a shopping center, an administrative building and a recreational building, regional Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said.

Rescuers were still searching the rubble for bodies and more survivors in a city where last year, about six weeks after the start of war, 52 civilians were killed in a Russian missile strike on a train station.

Officials initially blamed Tuesday's strike in Kramatorsk on an S-300 missile, a surface-to-air weapon that Russias forces have repurposed for loosely targeted strikes on cities, but the National Police later said Iskander short-range ballistic missiles were used.

Kramatorsk is a front-line city that houses the Ukrainian armys regional headquarters. The pizza restaurant was frequented by journalists, aid workers and soldiers, as well as local residents.

The Security Service of Ukraine said the man it detained, an employee of a gas transportation company, is suspected of filming the restaurant for the Russians and informing them about its popularity.

It provided no evidence for its claim. Russia has insisted during the war that it doesnt aim at civilian targets, although its air strikes have killed many civilians. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov repeated that claim on Wednesday.

The Russian Defense Ministry said its forces hit a facility used by Ukrainian army officers in Kramatorsk but did not mention the pizza restaurant that was struck.

Kramatorsk is in Donetsk, one of four Ukrainian provinces that Russia annexed last September but does not fully control. In 2014, Russia also annexed Ukraine's Crimea.

The Kremlin demands that Kyiv recognize the annexations, while Kyiv has ruled out any talks until Russian troops pull back from all occupied territories.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that the biggest impediment now to negotiating peace is Putins conviction that he can outlast Ukraine and he can outlast all of us.

The more we are able to disabuse him of that notion, the more likely it is that at some point hell come to the table, Blinken said at the Council on Foreign Relations. He added that the NATO summit in Lithuania in two weeks will offer a very robust package for Ukraine, political and practical.

In other developments:

Pope Francis peace envoy, Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, was to meet with an aide to Putin, Yury Ushakov, in Moscow on Wednesday. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the talks would include possible ways of political-diplomatic settlement.

Francis dispatched Zuppi, a veteran of the Catholic Churchs peace initiatives, to Moscow in hopes of helping spur peace negotiations after his visit to Kyiv earlier this month. At the Vatican on Wednesday, Francis again appealed for an end to the war, praying that Ukrainians may soon find peace: There is so much suffering in Ukraine, let us not forget that.

Associated Press writer Yuras Karmanau in Tallinn, Estonia, Edith M. Lederer in New York, Vanessa Gera in Warsaw and Frank Jordans in Berlin contributed to this report.

Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
WASHINGTON  The IRS supervisory agent who helped oversee the investigation of Hunter Biden's taxes and foreign business dealings said he was repeatedly prevented from taking steps that he would have considered routine in other cases, including the pursuit of any leads involving President Joe Biden.

In an interview with CBS News, Gary Shapley, a 14-year veteran of the IRS, also said that the five-year investigation of the president's son uncovered conduct that could have resulted in additional charges.

Hunter Biden announced last week that he will plead guilty to misdemeanor tax offenses as part of an agreement with the Justice Department. The agreement will also avert prosecution on a felony charge of illegally possessing a firearm as a drug user, as long as he adheres to conditions agreed to in court.

"Based on my experience," Shapley told CBS News, "if this was a small business owner or any other non-connected individual, they would have been charged with felony counts."

A federal judge has yet to approve the deal. A hearing is set for July 26.

Shapley, who is still a supervisory agent with the IRS, told CBS News that Hunter Biden wrote off as business expenses the money he paid for "prostitutes, sex club memberships, travel for the prostitutes, hotel rooms for purported drug dealers, no show employees."

Hunter Biden has admitted to the drug use in his memoir

Shapley's interview with CBS comes days after House Republicans released his congressional testimony and that of another IRS whistleblower who has not been publicly identified. Both allege that the Justice Department interfered with their investigation of Hunter Biden.

In hourslong testimony, Shapley described several roadblocks that he and the several other IRS agents on the case faced when trying to interview individuals relevant to the case or issue search warrants.

Perhaps Shapley's most striking claim was that Weiss asked the Justice Department in March 2020 to be provided special counsel status in order to bring the tax cases in jurisdictions outside Delaware, including Washington, D.C., and California, but was denied.

"Whistleblowers describe how the Biden Justice Department intervened and overstepped in a campaign to protect the son of Joe Biden by delaying, divulging and denying an ongoing investigation into Hunter Biden's alleged tax crimes," Republican U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, who chairs the House Ways and Means Committee, told reporters last week.

Attorney General Merrick Garland on Friday denied the whistleblowers' claims, saying the U.S. attorney in charge of the Hunter Biden probe, David Weiss  who was appointed by former President Donald Trump  had full authority over the case.

Shapley told CBS News that he provided lawmakers with evidence that contradicts Garland's statement, including contemporaneous e-mail correspondence he wrote after an Oct. 7, 2022, meeting, where he said Weiss communicated the opposite.

"Weiss stated that he is not the deciding person on whether charges are filed," Shapley wrote to his supervisor.

The whistleblower allegations prompted Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to float the possibility of opening an impeachment inquiry into Garland.

"If it comes true what the IRS whistleblower is saying, we're going to start impeachment inquiries on the attorney general," McCarthy told Fox News on Monday.

As for the president, Shapley told CBS News that he was prevented from pursuing any leads that involved Joe Biden, including a 2017 email from James Gilliar, a business associate of Hunter Biden's, which bore the subject line "Expectations" and outlined a "provisional agreement" for "equity" in a deal with a Chinese energy company.

Two of Hunter Biden's former business partners who received the message told CBS News that a line in the email  "10 held by H for the big guy?"  was shorthand for 10% held by Hunter Biden for his father.

Shapley told CBS News that his efforts to look further into money trails that involved "dad" or "the big guy" were blocked by a senior prosecutor working for Weiss.

"I would say that they limited certain investigative leads that could have potentially provided information on the president of the United States," Shapley told CBS News.

President Biden has denied involvement in his son's business affairs, calling the allegations "malarkey."

Shapley first came forward in April, when his attorney reached out to GOP Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa to say that his client had information about a "failure to mitigate clear conflicts of interest in the ultimate disposition" of what was then an ongoing criminal investigation related to Hunter Biden.

In response to that claim, the Justice Department reiterated that Weiss has "full authority over this matter, including responsibility for deciding where, when, and whether to file charges as he deems appropriate. He needs no further approval to do so."

The second IRS whistleblower, who asked the committee to keep his identity secret, described his persistent frustrations with the way the Hunter Biden case was handled, dating back to the Trump administration under Attorney General William Barr. He said he started the investigation into Hunter Biden in 2015 and delved deeply into his life and finances.

The individual said he was taken off the investigation in October 2022 and informed of the decision by officials at the IRS, but believes his removal was actually ordered by officials in the Justice Department. He provided no evidence that was the case, instead citing what he had witnessed internally as he pushed for various investigative steps. His supervisor, Shapley, was removed at the same time.

Democrats objected to the committee's handling of the testimony, noting that the two individuals are just a fraction of the many investigators and officials who were involved in the Hunter Biden case. They suggested more testimony is needed.

House Republicans have pledged to continue their investigations into the Biden family and what they call their efforts to trade off the presidency.
PGS ASA

June 28, 2023, Oslo, Norway: The North Sumatra MC2D data rejuvenation project from PGS will provide a new look at one of the hottest hydrocarbon provinces in Indonesia following the successful Timpan-1 discovery in 2022. Data will be ready in Q2 2024.



Size and Targets

New 7 700 line km PSDM reprocessing will bring new insights into basin prospectivity in this prolific hydrocarbon-producing area. Regional-scale data coverage will allow for better understanding of basin development history and play analyses, leading to a better understanding of existing and new petroleum systems.

The PGS North Sumatra MC2D covers both existing discoveries and open blocks, enabling seismic well ties and correlations into frontier areas for better mapping of play fairways. This will provide confidence for future licensing opportunities of these open blocks.

Reprocessing Workflows and Goals

State-of-the-art reprocessing is being applied to a legacy dataset. The data rejuvenation workflows are built on the knowledge acquired by PGS during the North Sumatra MC3D project, in the same basin.

Processing will include 2 ms, high-resolution, broadband processing and depth conversion, based on full waveform inversion (PGS FWI).

The goal of the North Sumatra MC2D project is to address the challenges associated with imaging the deeper pre- and syn-rift package, which host both source and reservoir rocks. The higher-resolution imaging will also address challenges linked to fault imaging and hydrocarbon migration pathways, says Alex Vartan, VP Asia Pacific at PGS.

Find Out More

For further details about this North Sumatra MC2D data rejuvenation project, or for any questions regarding PGS seismic data in Asia Pacific, please contact ap.info@pgs.com




LGBTQ at business schools

Business schools are supporting the LGBTQ+ community more than ever before. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)s 2022 application trends survey, 47 percent of full-time MBA programs in the U.S. conducted special recruitment outreach to the LGBTQ+ community. This is up from 31 percent in the same survey in 2019.

Last year, GMAC announced the GMAT Talent and Opportunity Scholarship. This scholarship is aimed at financially supporting individuals from underrepresented communities, including those from the LGBTQ+ community, who want to attend business school. This scholarship is just one of the many new initiatives GMAC has introduced to support LGBTQ+ students.

GMAC CEO, Joy Jones says: Its absolutely essential that these initiatives exist and that business schools and companies become more representative of society at large to promote the benefits of diversity and the power of inclusive environments.

While there is still work to be done to target discrimination and prejudice faced by the LGBTQ+ community, many business schools around the world are joining efforts to recruit and support LGBTQ+ candidates and students.

As part of Pride month, here are 9 LGBTQ+ initiatives from business schools and their partners around the world.

Reaching out MBA

Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA) was started more than 20 years ago by students at Harvard Business School and Yale School of Management. What started as a gathering of 100 students from six schools has grown into a dynamic set of programs that supports thousands of LGBTQ+ MBAs and alumni each year. The goal of Reaching Out MBA is to support, engage, inspire and connect an increasingly diverse LGBTQ+ MBA community.

Today it supports more than 300 ROMBA Fellows from 70 business schools and corporate partners and hosts annual conferences, increasing the influence of the LGBTQ+ community in business.

Thomas Meehan was first introduced to Reaching Out MBA while researching MBA programs and evaluating which would be the best fit. He attended ROMBAs virtual conference in 2021, and it was the perfect opportunity to connect with MBA programs, participate in dynamic and inclusive programming all while experiencing the largest gathering of LGBTQ+ students and professionals.

During the conference, I also learned about the ROMBA fellowship and the benefits from receiving a fellow designation. From financial assistance to exclusive leadership programming, ROMBAs fellowship program and partnership with top business schools have led the charge to increase LGBTQ+ representation and opportunities while creating future leaders in the business community.

After his first ROMBA conference, Thomas felt more empowered to share his story, apply to programs, and strive to be selected as a ROMBA Fellow. Fast forward to fall 2022, he had accepted an offer from the McCombs MBA program. To my surprise I was named a ROMBA Fellow for the class of 2024. I will be forever grateful for the fellowship experience because through it, I have created lifelong friends, broadened my LGBTQ+ network, and made an impact both personally and professionally.

INSEAD Business School

At INSEAD, diversity is viewed as a source of learning and enrichment. The school is dedicated in creating a learning environment that is welcoming to all students.

Thats why INSEAD launched the OUTSEAD club. OUTSEAD works with LGBTQ+ students, as well as their partners and allies, to support them and provide a safe space at INSEAD. It promotes diversity in recruitment and admissions processes and advocates for policies that create a more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students.

OUTSEAD provides a supportive community for these individuals to help them find acceptance and support, says Jatin Garg, OUTSEAD President.

The club promotes awareness, education, and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community by organizing events, workshops, guest speakers, and social gatherings. While the networking opportunities are created for LGBTQ+ students to connect with LGBTQ+ networks in companies and industries, it also offers mentorship from alumni who can provide guidance and support as students navigate their careers.

These resources and connections can be particularly valuable for LGBTQ+ students who may face additional challenges in their professional lives, explains Garg.

ESMT Berlin

Germanys ESMT Berlin believe that learning from each other is an important part of the learning process, so its hugely important for business schools to create diverse communities.

Rebecca Loades, Director of MBA programmes at ESMT says: Business schools influence business, and its therefore critical we encourage and demonstrate the power and impact that diversity and inclusion have.

Creating a diverse community goes beyond the immediate learning experience, and ESMT Berlin has introduced a number of initiatives to support LGBTQIA+ students.

The schools Rainbow Scholarship gives special consideration to self-identified LGBTQ+ applicants who apply to ESMTs full-time, part-time and executive MBA programmes.

The Inclusive Leadership Roundtable was founded six years ago to support ESMT in prioritising the values and practices of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the school, and to champion the same in academia and the business community.

The student club QUEERY raises awareness of the LGBTQ+ community and, in partnership with ESMTs Inclusive Leadership Roundtable (ILRT), helps create a more gender-friendly environment.

Loades says: We perform our best when we can be ourselves, and everyone should be able to bring their true selves to work. Unfortunately, there are still too few role models of openly-out LGBTQ+ leaders and managers, despite estimates that more than 5% of the global population is LGBTQ+.

Business schools can be role models for how business should be, and everyone deserves to be treated equally and not subjected to discrimination.

Aalto University School of Business

The Aalto University School of Business in Finland aims to nurture an equal, diverse, and inclusive community by continually reviewing areas for improvement and identifying the actions needed to meet these goals.

To do this, the schools Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) committee prepares an annual action plan.

In the past couple of years, the EDI committee has focused on:

Building EDI awareness and capabilities among the schools faculty

Promoting equitable processes and practices for both faculty and students

Fostering an inclusive learning environment by incorporating EDI themes in the schools study programs

Teaching faculty on inclusive teaching practices

The school believes that an effective way to improve inclusivity is to understand issues from the students perspective. The Aalto University Business Students Association (KY) supports and stands alongside the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring the schools everyday actions, attitudes, and overall atmosphere are that of an inclusive and supportive environment for students.

Meeri Korpi, Executive Board Member at KY, said: All students should feel like they belong on campus and in the classroom, and that they are able to fulfill their professional, educational, and social aspirations fully without any barriers or hindrances. At KYs events, our members should feel comfortable being who they are.

Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame

Notre Dames Mendoza College of Business advocates for personal growth as much as business growth. The schools LGBTQ+ and Allies Club seeks to foster diversity through inclusion and create a feeling of belonging across the community.

One of the clubs recent initiatives is based around the idea of creating a platform for student storytelling. Students are invited to give a talk or reflection around one of the three prompts:

Where Im from,

Where Im going

We are Notre Dame (ND)

This presents an opportunity for students from different backgrounds with different experiences and affinities to share their stories. These segments, particularly the We are ND prompt, often includes exercises that will help break down barriers, bring light to bias, or connect with someone new.

For example, last year, Nick Yanek, the President of the LGBTQ+ and Allies Club, spoke about the complexities of the identifties that each of us has, and about how the community of support around him at the business school made it possible to continue to grow and be his true self.

For Chelsea Reyes, current President of the LGBTQ and Allies Club, such initiatives are an indicator of the business schools understanding of the present and future. It requires acceptance and forward thinking. The business leaders of tomorrow are not the leaders we have seen in the past, so a business school should be incentivized to think Who are we empowering in business, what will business look like, what will those leaders look like, what will those talent profiles look like?

Audencia Business School

Audencia Business School, in France, is committed to creating an inclusive campus experience for everyone regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. They believe raising awareness and creating a conversation are the best ways to promote inclusivity.

In 2015, Audencia Business School signed the LGBT Charter of the association Autre Cercle, which helps businesses drive cultural change and create inclusive work environments. Since then, an internal group of students and employees has been set up at Audencia to prioritise actions to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ inclusion.

The school has organised a number of awareness-raising events to speak about the schools vision and encourage dialogue on important issues in the LGBTQ+ community. Inclusivity and awareness are also integrated into Audencias courses. For example, Christine Naschberger, Professor at the Organisational and Ethical Studies department, includes LGBTQ+ inputs in her research, which she shares in her teaching.

Barbara Haddou, head of corporate social responsibility and gender-based violence advisor at Audencia, works on the biases and categorisations that lead to discrimination in order to create dialogue and raise collective awareness. She runs Diversity Fresques for students and employees, which boost understanding and raises questions about the issues of discriminations and inclusion.

Its important to remember that legislation is not the same from one country to another when it comes to LGBTQ+ acceptance. Its our responsibility to ensure that our students are welcomed with respect and kindness, whatever their sexual orientation, says Professor Haddou.

IMPM

The International Masters Program for Managers (IMPM) is an Executive Diploma in Global Management from five top international universities, including Canadas McGill Universitys Desautels Faculty of Management.

IMPM has recently launched a scholarship for leaders of the LGBTQ community. The institution prides itself in having a very diverse cohort of senior executives from many countries and backgrounds, which is why this scholarship is open to applicants anywhere in the world.

The scholarship provides up to $10,000 USD towards IMPM tuition for LGBTQ leaders, whether they are leaders in their community, or leaders in their organizations.

Business has a lot of power in most countries, and therefore has an important role to play in influencing culture and governments to fully accept LGBTQ+ individuals, said Ron Duerkson, the Global Executive Director of IMPM.

Polimi Graduate School of Management

Polimi Graduate School of Management, in Italy, has celebrated this years pride month with passion and determination, embracing the values of inclusion and equality and supporting the expression of authenticity.

During its Pride Week, Polimi hosted a wide range of events. At one of these events, the careers team met with companies to discuss and share good practices regarding inclusion and equal opportunities, with a focus on issues facing the LGBTQ+ community in the workplace. The school also hosted a round table dedicated to the application of alias protocols in universities.

As an educational institution, it is our duty to support equality and inclusion in all their forms, says Federico Frattini, Dean of POLIMI Graduate School of Management, Pride Month gives us the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to fostering a culture that embraces diversity as a driving force for innovation and growth.

Frankfurt School of Finance and Management

Learning and the development of ideas work best in heterogeneous environments, states Frankfurt School of Finance and Management in Germany, which supports its LGBTQ+ students in several important ways.

The school has a student-led initiative called FS Unity, which creates a safe space for LGBTQ+ students to get in touch with other community members or allies and exchange experiences. FS Unity co-operates with companies, the student counselling programme and with the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force of Frankfurt School.

Frankfurt School students and heads of FS Unity, Sophie Brites Alves and Stilianos Tononidis, say this initiative is to create more awareness and show that the LGBTQ+ network is an inherent part of the community, whether in a private, business or university environment.

We believe that there should be more events and co-operations centred around LGBTQ+ topics. In our opinion that would not just create awareness, but make such events common and not be treated as special events that are appearing mostly during pride month, they said.

More from Poets&Quants: Making The Minority A Priority  The Importance Of LGBTQ+ Clubs At Business Schools

The post Promoting Equality And Inclusivity: LGBTQ+ Initiatives At Business Schools appeared first on Poets&Quants.
StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Ampio Pharmaceuticals (NYSEAMERICAN:AMPE  Get Rating) in a research report sent to investors on Sunday morning. The firm issued a sell rating on the specialty pharmaceutical companys stock.

Ampio Pharmaceuticals Trading Up 2.7 %

Shares of Ampio Pharmaceuticals stock opened at $0.24 on Friday. Ampio Pharmaceuticals has a 1 year low of $0.18 and a 1 year high of $2.97. The company has a market cap of $3.59 million, a P/E ratio of -0.13 and a beta of 1.48. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $0.25 and a 200 day moving average price of $0.27.

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Ampio Pharmaceuticals (NYSEAMERICAN:AMPE  Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, March 27th. The specialty pharmaceutical company reported ($0.18) EPS for the quarter.

Institutional Trading of Ampio Pharmaceuticals

Ampio Pharmaceuticals Company Profile

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Two Sigma Advisers LP raised its position in Ampio Pharmaceuticals by 304.3% in the third quarter. Two Sigma Advisers LP now owns 432,216 shares of the specialty pharmaceutical companys stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 325,300 shares in the last quarter. HRT Financial LP increased its holdings in shares of Ampio Pharmaceuticals by 1,399.2% in the first quarter. HRT Financial LP now owns 217,052 shares of the specialty pharmaceutical companys stock valued at $50,000 after purchasing an additional 202,574 shares in the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD increased its holdings in shares of Ampio Pharmaceuticals by 73.5% in the second quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 394,100 shares of the specialty pharmaceutical companys stock valued at $66,000 after purchasing an additional 166,979 shares in the last quarter. Virtu Financial LLC bought a new position in Ampio Pharmaceuticals in the second quarter valued at approximately $72,000. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can bought a new position in Ampio Pharmaceuticals in the first quarter valued at approximately $168,000. 19.82% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

(Get Rating)

Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc, a biopharmaceutical company, develops therapies for the treatment of osteoarthritis-related pain. It focuses on the preclinical development of AR-300, a novel proprietary, small molecule formulation for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. The company is headquartered in Englewood, Colorado.

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AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE:AVB  Get Rating) announced a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, May 24th, RTT News reports. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 30th will be paid a dividend of 1.65 per share by the real estate investment trust on Monday, July 17th. This represents a $6.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.52%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, June 29th.

AvalonBay Communities has raised its dividend by an average of 1.5% per year over the last three years and has raised its dividend annually for the last 1 consecutive years. AvalonBay Communities has a dividend payout ratio of 131.7% meaning the company cannot currently cover its dividend with earnings alone and is relying on its balance sheet to cover its dividend payments. Analysts expect AvalonBay Communities to earn $11.06 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $6.60 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 59.7%.

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AvalonBay Communities Trading Down 0.2 %

Shares of AvalonBay Communities stock traded down $0.30 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $187.61. The companys stock had a trading volume of 25,564 shares, compared to its average volume of 808,270. AvalonBay Communities has a 52-week low of $153.07 and a 52-week high of $220.42. The company has a market cap of $26.64 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.78, a PEG ratio of 3.09 and a beta of 0.92. The firms 50-day moving average is $180.10 and its two-hundred day moving average is $173.20. The company has a quick ratio of 0.95, a current ratio of 0.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Insider Buying and Selling

Several equities research analysts have weighed in on the stock. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on shares of AvalonBay Communities from $187.00 to $190.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, March 1st. Evercore ISI raised shares of AvalonBay Communities from an in-line rating to an outperform rating and set a $194.00 target price for the company in a research report on Monday, April 10th. TheStreet raised shares of AvalonBay Communities from a c+ rating to a b rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of AvalonBay Communities in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Finally, Barclays increased their price target on shares of AvalonBay Communities from $186.00 to $195.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 31st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have given a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $203.00.

In other AvalonBay Communities news, CIO Matthew H. Birenbaum sold 4,000 shares of AvalonBay Communities stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $176.10, for a total transaction of $704,400.00. Following the transaction, the executive now owns 62,559 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,016,639.90. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 0.42% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On AvalonBay Communities

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC boosted its stake in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 8.2% during the first quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 1,485 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $369,000 after purchasing an additional 113 shares during the period. Private Advisor Group LLC lifted its position in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 18.0% during the first quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 2,007 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $499,000 after buying an additional 306 shares during the last quarter. Prudential PLC purchased a new stake in shares of AvalonBay Communities during the first quarter valued at about $704,000. Cetera Investment Advisers lifted its position in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 54.4% during the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 5,260 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,306,000 after buying an additional 1,853 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. lifted its position in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 7.8% during the first quarter. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. now owns 12,461 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $3,095,000 after buying an additional 901 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 87.85% of the companys stock.

About AvalonBay Communities

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As of December 31, 2022, the Company owned or held a direct or indirect ownership interest in 294 apartment communities containing 88,475 apartment homes in 12 states and the District of Columbia, of which 18 communities were under development and one community was under redevelopment. The Company is an equity REIT in the business of developing, redeveloping, acquiring and managing apartment communities in leading metropolitan areas in New England, the New York/New Jersey Metro area, the Mid-Atlantic, the Pacific Northwest, and Northern and Southern California, as well as in the Company's expansion markets of Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte, North Carolina, Southeast Florida, Dallas and Austin, Texas, and Denver, Colorado.

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Avidbank Holdings, Inc. (OTCMKTS:AVBH  Get Rating) saw a large decline in short interest in June. As of June 15th, there was short interest totalling 100 shares, a decline of 99.1% from the May 31st total of 11,700 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 15,500 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.0 days.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

AVBH has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Piper Sandler cut their price objective on Avidbank from $21.00 to $19.00 in a research report on Wednesday, April 26th. DA Davidson began coverage on Avidbank in a research report on Wednesday, June 21st. They issued a buy rating and a $24.00 price objective on the stock.

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Avidbank Price Performance

Shares of AVBH remained flat at $16.48 during mid-day trading on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $127.06 million, a P/E ratio of 4.47 and a beta of 0.70. Avidbank has a 52 week low of $10.70 and a 52 week high of $22.80. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $15.17 and a 200 day simple moving average of $17.89.

Avidbank Company Profile

Avidbank ( OTCMKTS:AVBH Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, April 25th. The company reported $0.85 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.80 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $19.98 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $20.92 million. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Avidbank will post 2.98 EPS for the current year.

(Get Rating)

Avidbank Holdings, Inc operates as a bank holding company for Avidbank that provides financial products and services to businesses and individuals in the Santa Clara, San Mateo, and San Francisco counties. The company offers business and personal deposit products, such as checking, money market, and savings accounts; and certificates of deposit.

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Shares of Azarga Metals Corp. (CVE:AZR  Get Rating) reached a new 52-week low on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as C$0.10 and last traded at C$0.10, with a volume of 1000 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.01.

Azarga Metals Stock Up 900.0 %

The stock has a market cap of C$20.81 million, a P/E ratio of -0.21 and a beta of 0.94. The company has a current ratio of 0.09, a quick ratio of 0.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 208.67. The stocks 50-day moving average is C$0.02 and its 200-day moving average is C$0.02.

About Azarga Metals

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Azarga Metals Corp. engages in the exploration and development of mineral resource projects in Russia. It owns a 100% interest in the Unkur copper-silver project located in the Zabaikalsky administrative region in eastern Russia; and the Marg copper project located in the Yukon Territory, Canada. The company was formerly known as European Uranium Resources Ltd.

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Russian oil company Roszarubezhneft is seeking permission from Venezuela's state-run company PDVSA to control exports from their joint ventures, akin to a deal PDVSA struck with U.S. oil producer Chevron Corp (NYSE: CVX) last year.

This proposal faces significant obstacles as it would require changes to Venezuelan law governing its oil exports.

The intent is to revive the cash flow from the five companies that U.S. sanctions have negatively impacted.

Roszarubezhneft's five joint ventures currently rely on PDVSA-designated intermediaries who take a substantial portion of the revenues for their services.

Also Read: Chevron's Defenses Stand Strong Amidst Volatile Market Dynamics: JP Morgan Analyst.

The joint ventures are owed around $3.2 billion from sales managed by PDVSA, Reuters reported. PDVSA also owes Roszarubezhneft approximately $1.4 billion from previously extended loans, which PDVSA is disputing.

If Roszarubezhneft's request is approved, it could provide Russia with additional cash flow, particularly as Western sanctions related to the war in Ukraine have heavily affected its oil revenues.

It could also aid PDVSA in achieving its goal of increasing Venezuela's oil output by 40% this year.

Roszarubezhneft's similar proposal to PDVSA last year was ignored.

The current request might not be granted if export proceeds are solely used for debt repayment, as PDVSA and the oil ministry also focus on generating cash flows.

Roszarubezhneft took over the stakes in the joint ventures from Rosneft in 2020, following U.S. sanctions on two Rosneft trading arms for alleged involvement in the sale of Venezuelan crude, which Rosneft denied.

Price Action: CVX shares closed at $153.53 on Tuesday.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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This article Russian Oil Company Roszarubezhneft Seeks Control of Venezuelan Oil Exports Amid US Sanctions originally appeared on Benzinga.com

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 2023 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (NYSE:BBVA  Get Rating) have earned an average recommendation of Hold from the seven analysts that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year target price among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $6.38.

Several brokerages recently issued reports on BBVA. Barclays began coverage on shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria in a report on Friday, May 26th. They set an equal weight rating on the stock. HSBC raised shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, April 28th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria from an underperform rating to a market perform rating in a report on Friday, March 31st. Finally, StockNews.com lowered shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, May 26th.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Tucker Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria in the first quarter worth $27,000. Zions Bancorporation N.A. increased its position in shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria by 71.0% in the 4th quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 4,584 shares of the banks stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 1,904 shares during the period. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. increased its position in shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria by 217.2% in the 4th quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 5,681 shares of the banks stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 3,890 shares during the period. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. increased its position in shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria by 124.8% in the 1st quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 6,859 shares of the banks stock valued at $39,000 after acquiring an additional 3,808 shares during the period. Finally, CWM LLC increased its position in shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria by 29.6% in the 4th quarter. CWM LLC now owns 7,036 shares of the banks stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 1,608 shares during the period. 2.55% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Stock Performance

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria stock opened at $7.45 on Wednesday. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $7.12 and a 200-day moving average price of $6.98. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.10, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a current ratio of 1.02. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria has a fifty-two week low of $3.93 and a fifty-two week high of $7.93. The company has a market capitalization of $47.58 billion, a PE ratio of 6.71 and a beta of 1.27.

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (NYSE:BBVA  Get Rating) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The bank reported $0.31 earnings per share for the quarter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria had a net margin of 26.27% and a return on equity of 14.62%. The firm had revenue of $7.46 billion during the quarter. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria will post 1.3 earnings per share for the current year.

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Company Profile

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Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, SA, together with its subsidiaries, provides retail banking, wholesale banking, and asset management services. It offers current accounts; and demand, savings, overnight, time, term, and subordinated deposits. The company also provides loan products; deals in securities; leasing, factoring, brokerage, and asset management services; and manages pension and investment funds.

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Bancolombia S.A. (NYSE:CIB  Get Rating) crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $26.60 and traded as high as $26.72. Bancolombia shares last traded at $26.58, with a volume of 215,350 shares trading hands.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts have commented on the stock. Bank of America downgraded shares of Bancolombia from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, April 27th. TheStreet raised shares of Bancolombia from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research report on Friday, April 14th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Bancolombia presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $31.00.

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Bancolombia Price Performance

The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $25.77 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $26.61. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a current ratio of 1.02 and a quick ratio of 1.02.

Bancolombia Cuts Dividend

Bancolombia ( NYSE:CIB Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 10th. The bank reported $1.54 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.46 by $0.08. The company had revenue of $1.54 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.41 billion. Bancolombia had a return on equity of 17.92% and a net margin of 18.25%. On average, analysts predict that Bancolombia S.A. will post 5.14 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, July 14th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 30th will be given a dividend of $0.6959 per share. This represents a $2.78 annualized dividend and a yield of 10.20%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 29th. Bancolombias payout ratio is 44.69%.

Institutional Trading of Bancolombia

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of CIB. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. purchased a new position in Bancolombia during the 4th quarter valued at about $21,404,000. BlackRock Inc. grew its stake in Bancolombia by 25.1% in the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 2,227,183 shares of the banks stock valued at $95,011,000 after purchasing an additional 446,778 shares in the last quarter. Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. acquired a new position in Bancolombia in the 4th quarter worth about $10,165,000. Schroder Investment Management Group purchased a new stake in shares of Bancolombia during the 4th quarter worth about $8,641,000. Finally, Vontobel Asset Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of Bancolombia by 12.1% in the 4th quarter. Vontobel Asset Management Inc. now owns 2,521,737 shares of the banks stock valued at $71,485,000 after buying an additional 271,288 shares in the last quarter.

About Bancolombia

(Get Rating)

Bancolombia SA provides banking products and services in Colombia, Panama, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Bermuda, and Guatemala. The company operates through nine segments: Banking Colombia, Banking Panama, Banking El Salvador, Banking Guatemala, Trust, Investment Banking, Brokerage, International Banking, and All Other.

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BlackRock MuniYield New York Quality Fund, Inc. (NYSE:MYN  Free Report) passed above its fifty day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $9.93 and traded as high as $10.23. BlackRock MuniYield New York Quality Fund shares last traded at $10.23, with a volume of 105,121 shares trading hands.

BlackRock MuniYield New York Quality Fund Stock Up 0.7 %

The stocks 50 day moving average is $9.94 and its 200 day moving average is $10.05.

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BlackRock MuniYield New York Quality Fund Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 3rd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.0315 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $0.38 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.67%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On BlackRock MuniYield New York Quality Fund

About BlackRock MuniYield New York Quality Fund

Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of MYN. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in shares of BlackRock MuniYield New York Quality Fund by 32.9% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 19,967 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $242,000 after purchasing an additional 4,939 shares during the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its stake in shares of BlackRock MuniYield New York Quality Fund by 11.8% during the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 16,849 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $203,000 after purchasing an additional 1,774 shares during the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of BlackRock MuniYield New York Quality Fund by 13.7% during the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 14,150 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $171,000 after purchasing an additional 1,700 shares during the last quarter. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of BlackRock MuniYield New York Quality Fund during the 1st quarter worth about $610,000. Finally, Guggenheim Capital LLC boosted its stake in shares of BlackRock MuniYield New York Quality Fund by 9.5% during the 1st quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC now owns 443,825 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $5,370,000 after purchasing an additional 38,503 shares during the last quarter. 21.73% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

(Free Report)

BlackRock MuniYield New York Quality Fund, Inc is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc It is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets. It invests primarily in a portfolio of long-term investment grade municipal bonds exempt from federal income taxes and New York State and New York City personal income taxes.

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Clarus Group Inc. cut its holdings in shares of Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Get Rating) by 3.9% in the first quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 5,888 shares of the companys stock after selling 238 shares during the quarter. Clarus Group Inc.s holdings in Altria Group were worth $263,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Sei Investments Co. raised its stake in shares of Altria Group by 1.6% in the first quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 404,894 shares of the companys stock valued at $21,248,000 after purchasing an additional 6,324 shares in the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Altria Group by 5.2% in the 1st quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 18,647 shares of the companys stock valued at $974,000 after buying an additional 929 shares in the last quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P acquired a new position in shares of Altria Group in the 1st quarter valued at $25,000. Mackenzie Financial Corp raised its stake in shares of Altria Group by 3.4% in the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 2,711,773 shares of the companys stock valued at $141,690,000 after buying an additional 89,334 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Western Trust Bank acquired a new position in shares of Altria Group in the 1st quarter valued at $498,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 58.38% of the companys stock.

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Altria Group Stock Performance

MO traded down $0.38 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $43.96. The company had a trading volume of 2,018,937 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,877,333. The company has a market capitalization of $78.47 billion, a PE ratio of 14.26, a P/E/G ratio of 2.23 and a beta of 0.59. Altria Group, Inc. has a twelve month low of $40.35 and a twelve month high of $51.57. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $45.35 and its 200-day simple moving average is $45.71.

Altria Group Dividend Announcement

Altria Group ( NYSE:MO Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported $1.18 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.19 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $4.76 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.89 billion. Altria Group had a net margin of 22.44% and a negative return on equity of 245.43%. The companys revenue was down 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.12 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Altria Group, Inc. will post 4.97 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, June 15th will be issued a $0.94 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $3.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 8.55%. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 120.90%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on MO. Stifel Nicolaus began coverage on Altria Group in a report on Thursday, April 13th. They issued a buy rating and a $52.00 target price for the company. Citigroup dropped their target price on Altria Group from $49.50 to $47.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Monday, April 17th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded shares of Altria Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, June 23rd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $44.63.

Altria Group Company Profile

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Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company provides cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; cigars and pipe tobacco principally under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco products and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; and on! oral nicotine pouches.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Get Rating).

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Douglas Emmett, Inc. (NYSE:DEI  Get Rating) announced a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, May 24th, Zacks reports. Investors of record on Friday, June 30th will be given a dividend of 0.19 per share by the real estate investment trust on Tuesday, July 18th. This represents a $0.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.08%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, June 29th.

Douglas Emmett has decreased its dividend payment by an average of 1.0% annually over the last three years. Douglas Emmett has a dividend payout ratio of 345.5% indicating that the company cannot currently cover its dividend with earnings alone and is relying on its balance sheet to cover its dividend payments. Equities analysts expect Douglas Emmett to earn $1.82 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.76 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 41.8%.

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Douglas Emmett Stock Performance

Shares of Douglas Emmett stock traded down $0.23 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $12.51. 259,334 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,145,263. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $11.97 and a 200 day moving average price of $13.61. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.96 and a beta of 0.94. Douglas Emmett has a one year low of $10.09 and a one year high of $23.85. The company has a quick ratio of 2.54, a current ratio of 2.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.24.

Insider Buying and Selling at Douglas Emmett

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Douglas Emmett

In other news, Director William E. Simon, Jr. purchased 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 8th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $12.42 per share, with a total value of $124,200.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 91,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,130,220. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website . 13.40% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Toroso Investments LLC lifted its stake in shares of Douglas Emmett by 14.1% during the 1st quarter. Toroso Investments LLC now owns 18,656 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $230,000 after purchasing an additional 2,305 shares during the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. raised its stake in Douglas Emmett by 13.3% in the first quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 378,533 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $4,674,000 after buying an additional 44,564 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its stake in Douglas Emmett by 5.1% in the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 1,544,021 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $19,039,000 after buying an additional 74,352 shares during the last quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC raised its stake in Douglas Emmett by 94.7% in the first quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC now owns 3,695 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $46,000 after buying an additional 1,797 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. raised its stake in Douglas Emmett by 400.1% in the first quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 56,908 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $701,000 after buying an additional 45,528 shares during the last quarter. 97.37% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research firms have issued reports on DEI. Piper Sandler upgraded Douglas Emmett from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and boosted their price target for the company from $13.00 to $15.00 in a research note on Wednesday, April 5th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on Douglas Emmett from $18.00 to $16.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price objective on Douglas Emmett from $20.00 to $15.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, April 10th. Evercore ISI lowered their price objective on Douglas Emmett from $17.00 to $16.00 in a research report on Monday, March 27th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets lowered their price target on Douglas Emmett from $13.00 to $12.00 and set an underperform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, March 29th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $15.78.

About Douglas Emmett

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Douglas Emmett, Inc (DEI) is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT), and one of the largest owners and operators of high-quality office and multifamily properties located in the premier coastal submarkets of Los Angeles and Honolulu. Douglas Emmett focuses on owning and acquiring a substantial share of top-tier office properties and premier multifamily communities in neighborhoods that possess significant supply constraints, high-end executive housing and key lifestyle amenities.

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New Hampshire Trust lowered its stake in Dover Co. (NYSE:DOV  Get Rating) by 3.9% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 5,011 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 204 shares during the period. New Hampshire Trusts holdings in Dover were worth $761,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of DOV. First Hawaiian Bank boosted its position in shares of Dover by 1.3% in the 1st quarter. First Hawaiian Bank now owns 6,605 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,004,000 after purchasing an additional 85 shares during the period. Godsey & Gibb Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Dover during the first quarter valued at approximately $122,000. HM Payson & Co. raised its holdings in shares of Dover by 3.9% during the first quarter. HM Payson & Co. now owns 29,198 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $4,436,000 after acquiring an additional 1,105 shares during the period. Avity Investment Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Dover during the first quarter valued at approximately $356,000. Finally, Xponance Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Dover by 1.5% during the first quarter. Xponance Inc. now owns 17,770 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,700,000 after acquiring an additional 260 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 83.77% of the companys stock.

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Dover Stock Down 0.2 %

Shares of NYSE DOV traded down $0.35 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $144.44. 137,612 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 843,498. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a current ratio of 1.32. The stock has a market cap of $20.20 billion, a PE ratio of 19.31, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.14 and a beta of 1.35. The companys fifty day moving average is $142.03 and its two-hundred day moving average is $143.84. Dover Co. has a fifty-two week low of $114.49 and a fifty-two week high of $160.66.

Dover Announces Dividend

Dover ( NYSE:DOV Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 26th. The industrial products company reported $1.94 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $1.94. Dover had a net margin of 12.51% and a return on equity of 28.27%. The business had revenue of $2.08 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.08 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.90 earnings per share. Dovers revenue for the quarter was up 1.4% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts expect that Dover Co. will post 9 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, May 31st were given a $0.505 dividend. This represents a $2.02 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.40%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, May 30th. Dovers dividend payout ratio is currently 26.93%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on Dover from $157.00 to $155.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, April 13th. Credit Suisse Group reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $174.00 target price on shares of Dover in a research note on Thursday, March 9th. Oppenheimer increased their price target on shares of Dover from $167.00 to $174.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, March 10th. Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of Dover from $141.00 to $138.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, April 6th. Finally, 92 Resources reissued a maintains rating on shares of Dover in a research note on Thursday, April 27th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Dover has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $162.31.

Insider Activity

In other news, CFO Brad M. Cerepak sold 17,769 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $139.03, for a total transaction of $2,470,424.07. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 54,569 shares in the company, valued at $7,586,728.07. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. 1.30% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

About Dover

(Get Rating)

Dover Corporation provides equipment and components, consumable supplies, aftermarket parts, software and digital solutions, and support services worldwide. The company's Engineered Products segment provides various equipment, component, software, solution, and services that are used in aftermarket vehicle service, solid waste handling, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, industrial winch and hoist, and fluid dispensing end-market.

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Shares of East Africa Metals Inc. (CVE:EAM  Get Rating) were up 9.5% during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as C$0.12 and last traded at C$0.12. Approximately 14,500 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 49% from the average daily volume of 28,567 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.11.

East Africa Metals Stock Up 9.5 %

The companys 50-day moving average is C$0.13 and its 200 day moving average is C$0.13. The company has a market capitalization of C$23.49 million, a PE ratio of -3.83 and a beta of 0.91. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.99, a quick ratio of 0.26 and a current ratio of 1.24.

About East Africa Metals

(Get Rating)

East Africa Metals Inc, a mineral exploration company, focuses on the identification, acquisition, exploration, development, and sale of base and precious mineral resource properties in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the United Republic of Tanzania. The company primarily explores for gold, copper, silver, and zinc deposits.

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Elevated Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:AGG  Get Rating) in the first quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor purchased 21,457 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,138,000.

Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Empirical Financial Services LLC d.b.a. Empirical Wealth Management raised its holdings in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 145.5% in the first quarter. Empirical Financial Services LLC d.b.a. Empirical Wealth Management now owns 6,590 shares of the companys stock worth $705,000 after buying an additional 3,906 shares during the last quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 36.2% in the first quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 52,003 shares of the companys stock worth $5,570,000 after buying an additional 13,829 shares during the last quarter. Worth Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF in the first quarter worth about $44,000. Baltimore Washington Financial Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF in the first quarter worth about $241,000. Finally, West Michigan Advisors LLC raised its holdings in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 2.0% in the first quarter. West Michigan Advisors LLC now owns 14,640 shares of the companys stock worth $1,568,000 after buying an additional 292 shares during the last quarter. 80.13% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Stock Up 0.1 %

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF stock traded up $0.07 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $98.26. The stock had a trading volume of 1,047,167 shares, compared to its average volume of 6,982,472. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF has a 12-month low of $93.20 and a 12-month high of $104.39. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $98.66 and its 200-day moving average price is $98.79.

About iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

IShares are index funds that are bought and sold like common stocks on national securities exchanges as well as certain foreign exchanges. iShares are attractive because of their relatively low cost, tax efficiency and trading flexibility. Investors can purchase and sell shares through any brokerage firm, financial advisor, or online broker, and hold the funds in any type of brokerage account.

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StockNews.com upgraded shares of Farmland Partners (NYSE:FPI  Get Rating) from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note published on Saturday.

Separately, Raymond James reduced their price objective on shares of Farmland Partners from $17.00 to $13.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, February 28th.

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Farmland Partners Stock Up 1.1 %

NYSE FPI opened at $12.26 on Friday. Farmland Partners has a 52 week low of $9.44 and a 52 week high of $15.12. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $11.22 and its 200-day simple moving average is $11.57. The firm has a market cap of $636.37 million, a PE ratio of 68.11 and a beta of 0.81.

Farmland Partners Announces Dividend

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Farmland Partners

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 17th. Shareholders of record on Monday, July 3rd will be paid a $0.06 dividend. This represents a $0.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.96%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, June 30th. Farmland Partnerss dividend payout ratio is currently 133.33%.

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. BlackRock Inc. raised its stake in shares of Farmland Partners by 6.4% during the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 3,769,243 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $40,331,000 after purchasing an additional 226,151 shares during the last quarter. Global Alpha Capital Management Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Farmland Partners by 21.3% during the first quarter. Global Alpha Capital Management Ltd. now owns 3,490,783 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $37,351,000 after purchasing an additional 614,076 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Farmland Partners by 16.8% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 2,343,449 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $29,692,000 after purchasing an additional 336,375 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp raised its stake in shares of Farmland Partners by 3.2% during the first quarter. State Street Corp now owns 1,102,093 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $11,858,000 after purchasing an additional 34,124 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Millennium Management LLC grew its holdings in Farmland Partners by 63.8% during the second quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 1,008,189 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $13,913,000 after acquiring an additional 392,727 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 52.37% of the companys stock.

About Farmland Partners

(Get Rating)

Farmland Partners Inc is an internally managed real estate company that owns and seeks to acquire high-quality North American farmland and makes loans to farmers secured by farm real estate. As of March 31, 2023, the Company owns and/or manages approximately 194,700 acres in 19 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.

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Crane (NYSE:CR  Get Rating) and Hoshizaki (OTCMKTS:HSHZY  Get Rating) are both industrials companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their institutional ownership, risk, dividends, profitability, analyst recommendations, earnings and valuation.

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Crane and Hoshizakis gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Crane $3.35 billion 1.41 $401.10 million $7.55 11.05 Hoshizaki N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Crane has higher revenue and earnings than Hoshizaki.

Profitability

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Crane 13.10% 24.45% 10.14% Hoshizaki N/A N/A N/A

Institutional & Insider Ownership

This table compares Crane and Hoshizakis net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

26.3% of Crane shares are owned by institutional investors. 2.4% of Crane shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of recent ratings for Crane and Hoshizaki, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Crane 0 1 3 0 2.75 Hoshizaki 0 0 2 0 3.00

Crane currently has a consensus price target of $106.00, indicating a potential upside of 27.08%. Given Cranes higher possible upside, research analysts plainly believe Crane is more favorable than Hoshizaki.

Summary

Crane beats Hoshizaki on 8 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Crane

(Get Rating)

Crane Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells engineered industrial products in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. The company has four business segments: Aerospace & Electronics, Process Flow Technologies, Payment & Merchandising Technologies, and Engineered Materials. The Aerospace & Electronics segment supplies critical components and systems, including original equipment and aftermarket parts, primarily for the commercial aerospace, and the military aerospace, defense, and space markets. This segment also offers pressure sensors for aircraft engine control, aircraft braking systems for fighter jets, power conversion solutions for spacecraft, and lubrication systems. The Process Flow Technologies segment provides engineered fluid handling equipment for mission critical applications. It offers process valves and related products, commercial valves, and pumps and systems. The Payment & Merchandising Technologies segment provides electronic equipment and associated software leveraging extensive, and proprietary core capabilities, including payment verification and authentication, as well as automation solutions, field service solutions, remote diagnostics, and productivity enhancing software solutions. The Engineered Materials segment manufactures fiberglass-reinforced plastic panels and coils, primarily for use in the manufacturing of recreational vehicles and in commercial and industrial buildings applications. It provides products and solutions to customers across end markets, including aerospace, defense, chemical and pharmaceutical, water and wastewater, payment automation, non-residential and municipal construction, energy, and banknote design and production, as well as for a range of general industrial and consumer applications. The company was formerly known as Crane Holdings, Co. Crane Company was founded in 1855 and is based in Stamford, Connecticut.

About Hoshizaki

(Get Rating)

Hoshizaki Corporation researches, develops, manufactures, and sells commercial kitchen appliances and equipment worldwide. It offers ice machines; refrigerators and freezers; commercial, rack conveyor, and commercial instrument dishwashers; tea, cold drink, cubelet ice, liquid, draft beer, and other dispensers; and steam convection ovens, electrolyzed water generators, sushi cases, display cases, electromagnetic cookers, blast chiller and schock freezers, etc. The company also sells gas equipment, kitchen S/S work tables and sinks, kitchen S/S shelves etc., as well as provides maintenance and repair services. It offers its products to food and beverage, healthcare, scientific research, restaurant, distribution, agriculture, fisheries, and other fields, as well as to cafeterias and other facilities. The company was formerly known as Hoshizaki Electric Co., Ltd. and changed its name to Hoshizaki Corporation in July 2016. Hoshizaki Corporation was incorporated in 1947 and is headquartered in Toyoake, Japan.

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(Bloomberg) -- Three initial public offerings failed to deliver what would have been only the fifth $1 billion week for US listings in more than a year, with two pricing well below the bottom of their marketed ranges.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Savers Value Village Inc., the first of the three IPOs to price Wednesday, increased the size of its offering and exceeded its price target to raise $401 million. The thrift retailer said in a statement that it and its private equity backer sold about 22.3 million shares for $18 each, after marketing 18.75 million shares for $15 to $17.

The second, Kodiak Gas Services Inc., priced 16 million shares at $16, raising $256 million, it said in a statement. That was well below the marketed range of $19 to $22.

Fidelis Insurance Holdings Ltd. fared worse, downsizing its offering and pricing it below its target. Instead of the company and current investors selling 17 million shares for $16 to $19, they sold only 15 million for $14 each, raising only $210 million, according to a statement.

The listings come on the heels of this months offering by Cava Group Inc. that exceeded the fast-casual restaurant chains fundraising goals and has since delivered a 92% return to IPO investors.

The three share a key attribute with Cava: they have made money. The mixed showing by the three casts doubt on whether US IPOs are ready to emerge from their deepest and longest slump since the Financial Crisis more than a decade ago.

Its been a steep drop from the record-setting frenzy of 2021, when more than 1,000 firms  many of them money-losing growth companies  raised almost $339 billion on US exchanges, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. That year, IPO totals topped the $1 billion mark for all but six weeks, four them tied to US holidays plus two in August, the data show.

Highly Selective

For the foreseeable future the buy-side is going to be highly selective on IPOs and new issues in general, because they can, said Seth Rubin, head of equity capital markets at Stifel. Were not getting back to a wide open market where every company can go public. I think its going to be selective and thats healthy.

Savers Value Village, Kodiak and Fidelis are all set to begin trading Thursday on the New York Stock Exchange. The weeks listings include Korean barbecue chain GEN Restaurant Group Inc., which raised $43 million in its listing Tuesday and rose 28% in its debut.

With 317 stores, Bellevue, Washington-based Savers Value Village is the largest for-profit thrift retailer in the US and Canada. It generated 2022 net income of $85 million on net sales of $1.44 billion, according to its filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Funds managed by Ares Management Corp., which will continue to control the retailer, sold more than 3.5 million shares in Wednesdays IPO, according to the statement. The companys shares will trade under the symbol SVV.

Profit to Loss

Kodiak, based in Montgomery, Texas, had net income of $106 million on revenue $708 million last year, according to its filings with the SEC. In the first quarter, though, Kodiak slipped into the red with a loss of $12.3 million on $190 million in revenue.

An affiliate of Swedish investment firm EQT AB will own about 79% of Kodiak after it begins trading on the under the symbol KGS.

Bermuda-based reinsurer Fidelis reported net income of $62 million in 2022, with $1.73 billion in net income in the first quarter.

Crestview Funds and a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, along with affiliates of CVC Capital Partners and Goldman Sachs Group Inc., are among the investors planning to sell more than 11 million shares, which will trade under the symbol FIHL.

In addition to whetting investor appetite, the listings will deliver fees for Wall Street Banks that have seen their IPO business languish.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. is a lead underwriter for all three, while Goldman Sachs is on the top line for Kodiak and Savers Value Village along with Jefferies Financial Group Inc. for Fidelis and Savers Value Village. Additionally, Barclays Plc is among the top banks for Kodiak, as is UBS Group AG for Savers Value Village.

(Updates with Fidelis pricing in fourth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
First Hawaiian Bank decreased its position in Bank of Hawaii Co. (NYSE:BOH  Get Rating) by 6.3% in the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 83,912 shares of the banks stock after selling 5,675 shares during the quarter. First Hawaiian Banks holdings in Bank of Hawaii were worth $4,370,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 5,445.5% in the 3rd quarter. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC now owns 610 shares of the banks stock valued at $46,000 after buying an additional 599 shares in the last quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 160.9% in the 4th quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 647 shares of the banks stock valued at $50,000 after buying an additional 399 shares in the last quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC bought a new stake in shares of Bank of Hawaii in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $51,000. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd bought a new stake in shares of Bank of Hawaii in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $53,000. Finally, Ronald Blue Trust Inc. grew its stake in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 128.9% in the 4th quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 698 shares of the banks stock valued at $53,000 after buying an additional 393 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 73.72% of the companys stock.

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Bank of Hawaii Stock Performance

Shares of BOH stock traded down $0.58 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $42.00. 84,832 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 844,183. Bank of Hawaii Co. has a fifty-two week low of $30.83 and a fifty-two week high of $85.45. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.67 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.03, a P/E/G ratio of 1.25 and a beta of 0.97. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $42.98 and a 200-day moving average price of $59.77. The company has a quick ratio of 0.66, a current ratio of 0.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43.

Bank of Hawaii Dividend Announcement

Bank of Hawaii ( NYSE:BOH Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, April 24th. The bank reported $1.14 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.23 by ($0.09). Bank of Hawaii had a return on equity of 19.01% and a net margin of 26.90%. The business had revenue of $229.07 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $177.67 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.32 earnings per share. Analysts predict that Bank of Hawaii Co. will post 4.27 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, June 14th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, May 31st were issued a dividend of $0.70 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, May 30th. This represents a $2.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.67%. Bank of Hawaiis dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 52.83%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities research analysts recently commented on the company. TheStreet cut Bank of Hawaii from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 4th. DA Davidson decreased their target price on Bank of Hawaii from $76.00 to $55.00 in a research report on Monday, March 20th. Odeon Capital Group began coverage on Bank of Hawaii in a research report on Wednesday, June 7th. They set a sell rating and a $31.00 target price for the company. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods decreased their target price on Bank of Hawaii from $83.00 to $60.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, April 6th. Finally, StockNews.com raised Bank of Hawaii to a sell rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 31st. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and three have assigned a hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $59.20.

Insider Transactions at Bank of Hawaii

In other Bank of Hawaii news, Director Alicia E. Moy purchased 4,200 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 1st. The stock was bought at an average cost of $47.90 per share, for a total transaction of $201,180.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now directly owns 10,482 shares in the company, valued at $502,087.80. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, Director Robert W. Wo, Jr. bought 6,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 1st. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $39.85 per share, for a total transaction of $259,025.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now owns 42,539 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,695,179.15. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Alicia E. Moy bought 4,200 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 1st. The stock was purchased at an average price of $47.90 per share, with a total value of $201,180.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 10,482 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $502,087.80. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders acquired a total of 11,700 shares of company stock worth $492,495 over the last three months. 2.11% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Bank of Hawaii Profile

(Get Rating)

Bank of Hawaii Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Bank of Hawaii that provides various financial products and services in Hawaii, Guam, and other Pacific Islands. It operates in three segments: Consumer Banking, Commercial Banking, and Treasury and Other. The Consumer Banking segment offers checking, savings, and time deposit accounts; residential mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, automobile loans and leases, personal lines of credit, installment loans, small business loans and leases, and credit cards; private and international client banking, investment, credit, and trust services to individuals and families, and high-net-worth individuals; investment management; institutional investment advisory services to corporations, government entities, and foundations; and brokerage offerings, including equities, mutual funds, life insurance, and annuity products.

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First United Bank & Trust reduced its position in shares of iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF (BATS:FLOT  Get Rating) by 24.3% in the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 46,310 shares of the companys stock after selling 14,831 shares during the quarter. iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF comprises approximately 1.1% of First United Bank & Trusts holdings, making the stock its 29th largest holding. First United Bank & Trusts holdings in iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF were worth $2,333,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its position in iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF by 122.7% in the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 112,302 shares of the companys stock worth $5,674,000 after buying an additional 61,884 shares during the last quarter. Roundview Capital LLC lifted its position in iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF by 19.2% in the first quarter. Roundview Capital LLC now owns 121,500 shares of the companys stock worth $6,138,000 after buying an additional 19,580 shares during the last quarter. Citigroup Inc. lifted its position in iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF by 976.0% in the first quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 3,228 shares of the companys stock worth $163,000 after buying an additional 2,928 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can lifted its position in iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF by 9.0% in the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 118,015 shares of the companys stock worth $5,983,000 after buying an additional 9,772 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cibc World Market Inc. lifted its position in iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF by 126.2% in the first quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 81,715 shares of the companys stock worth $4,128,000 after buying an additional 45,589 shares during the last quarter.

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iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF Stock Down 0.0 %

Shares of BATS:FLOT traded down $0.01 on Wednesday, hitting $50.78. 1,224,295 shares of the companys stock were exchanged. iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF has a 12 month low of $50.76 and a 12 month high of $51.10. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $50.57 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $50.46.

iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF Company Profile

The iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF (FLOT) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund tracks a market value-weighted index of USD-denominated, investment-grade floating rate notes with maturities of 0-5 years. FLOT was launched on Jun 14, 2011 and is managed by BlackRock.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FLOT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF (BATS:FLOT  Get Rating).

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Gold Springs Resource Corp. (TSE:GRC  Get Rating) shares reached a new 52-week low on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as C$0.08 and last traded at C$0.08, with a volume of 69750 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at C$0.09.

Gold Springs Resource Trading Down 11.8 %

The firm has a market capitalization of C$19.62 million, a P/E ratio of -8.50 and a beta of 1.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a quick ratio of 0.49 and a current ratio of 0.43. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of C$0.11 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$0.12.

Gold Springs Resource Company Profile

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Gold Springs Resource Corp. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in the United States. The company primarily explores for gold and silver deposits. It holds a 100% interest in the Gold Springs project covering approximately 7,847 hectares located in straddles eastern Lincoln County, Nevada, and western Iron County, Utah.

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Hedges Asset Management LLC raised its position in shares of Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV  Get Rating) by 46.8% in the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 43,600 shares of the airlines stock after purchasing an additional 13,900 shares during the quarter. Southwest Airlines accounts for about 1.2% of Hedges Asset Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 26th biggest holding. Hedges Asset Management LLCs holdings in Southwest Airlines were worth $1,419,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Dfpg Investments LLC purchased a new stake in Southwest Airlines during the 4th quarter valued at $410,000. New England Capital Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Southwest Airlines during the 4th quarter valued at $38,000. Marshall Wace LLP boosted its position in Southwest Airlines by 309.5% during the 3rd quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 597,487 shares of the airlines stock valued at $18,424,000 after buying an additional 451,584 shares during the period. Baker Tilly Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in Southwest Airlines by 40.9% during the 1st quarter. Baker Tilly Wealth Management LLC now owns 19,208 shares of the airlines stock valued at $625,000 after buying an additional 5,576 shares during the period. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its position in Southwest Airlines by 2.5% during the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 11,892,153 shares of the airlines stock valued at $399,914,000 after buying an additional 285,836 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.81% of the companys stock.

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Southwest Airlines Stock Up 0.6 %

NYSE:LUV traded up $0.21 on Wednesday, reaching $35.46. 2,740,200 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 6,935,258. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $30.97 and its 200 day simple moving average is $33.00. The company has a current ratio of 1.26, a quick ratio of 1.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78. The company has a market capitalization of $21.10 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.25, a PEG ratio of 0.40 and a beta of 1.14. Southwest Airlines Co. has a 12 month low of $28.40 and a 12 month high of $41.76.

Southwest Airlines Dividend Announcement

Southwest Airlines ( NYSE:LUV Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The airline reported ($0.27) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.21) by ($0.06). The company had revenue of $5.70 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.73 billion. Southwest Airlines had a net margin of 2.65% and a return on equity of 6.99%. The businesss revenue was up 21.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned ($0.32) EPS. Equities analysts predict that Southwest Airlines Co. will post 2.67 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, July 12th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, June 21st will be issued a dividend of $0.18 per share. This represents a $0.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.03%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, June 20th. Southwest Airliness payout ratio is presently 72.00%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages have commented on LUV. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered shares of Southwest Airlines from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and decreased their price objective for the stock from $64.00 to $39.00 in a report on Monday, May 8th. Barclays lowered shares of Southwest Airlines from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and decreased their price objective for the stock from $42.00 to $38.00 in a report on Friday, March 10th. Bank of America upped their price objective on shares of Southwest Airlines from $39.00 to $45.00 in a report on Monday. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Southwest Airlines in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Southwest Airlines currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $44.71.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, EVP Ryan C. Green sold 4,936 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $29.94, for a total value of $147,783.84. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 26,361 shares of the companys stock, valued at $789,248.34. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. 0.30% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Southwest Airlines Company Profile

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Southwest Airlines Co operates as a passenger airline company that provide scheduled air transportation services in the United States and near-international markets. As of December 31, 2022, the company operated a total fleet of 770 Boeing 737 aircrafts; and served 121 destinations in 42 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as ten near-international countries, including Mexico, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Aruba, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Belize, Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos.

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Hedges Asset Management LLC trimmed its position in New York Community Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE:NYCB  Get Rating) by 33.6% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 40,000 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 20,226 shares during the quarter. Hedges Asset Management LLCs holdings in New York Community Bancorp were worth $362,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. VAUGHAN & Co SECURITIES INC. lifted its holdings in shares of New York Community Bancorp by 17.6% in the first quarter. VAUGHAN & Co SECURITIES INC. now owns 43,989 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $398,000 after buying an additional 6,570 shares in the last quarter. Twelve Points Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of New York Community Bancorp by 35.0% in the first quarter. Twelve Points Wealth Management LLC now owns 156,162 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,412,000 after buying an additional 40,483 shares in the last quarter. First Hawaiian Bank purchased a new stake in shares of New York Community Bancorp in the first quarter worth about $376,000. IFP Advisors Inc lifted its holdings in shares of New York Community Bancorp by 17.5% in the first quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 17,998 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $267,000 after buying an additional 2,686 shares in the last quarter. Finally, HM Payson & Co. lifted its holdings in shares of New York Community Bancorp by 150.0% in the first quarter. HM Payson & Co. now owns 5,000 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $45,000 after buying an additional 3,000 shares in the last quarter. 62.49% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

NYCB has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group raised shares of New York Community Bancorp from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $11.00 target price on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, April 11th. TheStreet raised shares of New York Community Bancorp from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 16th. Credit Suisse Group raised their target price on shares of New York Community Bancorp from $10.00 to $11.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, March 21st. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised shares of New York Community Bancorp from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and raised their target price for the company from $10.00 to $11.00 in a research note on Monday, March 20th. Finally, Bank of America increased their price target on shares of New York Community Bancorp from $8.00 to $10.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, April 4th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, New York Community Bancorp currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $10.54.

New York Community Bancorp Trading Up 1.2 %

Shares of New York Community Bancorp stock traded up $0.13 on Wednesday, hitting $11.15. The stock had a trading volume of 2,364,608 shares, compared to its average volume of 14,164,663. The company has a quick ratio of 1.23, a current ratio of 1.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.74. New York Community Bancorp, Inc. has a one year low of $5.81 and a one year high of $11.21. The stock has a market cap of $8.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 2.92, a PEG ratio of 0.86 and a beta of 1.06. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $10.34 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $9.44.

New York Community Bancorp (NYSE:NYCB  Get Rating) last issued its earnings results on Friday, April 28th. The financial services provider reported $0.23 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.23. New York Community Bancorp had a net margin of 49.74% and a return on equity of 8.25%. The firm had revenue of $2.65 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $623.11 million. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.32 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 666.8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that New York Community Bancorp, Inc. will post 1.24 EPS for the current year.

New York Community Bancorp Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, May 18th. Investors of record on Monday, May 8th were issued a $0.17 dividend. This represents a $0.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.10%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 5th. New York Community Bancorps dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 17.85%.

New York Community Bancorp Profile

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New York Community Bancorp, Inc operates as the bank holding company for Flagstar Bank, N.A. that provides banking products and services in the United States. The company's deposit products include interest-bearing checking and money market, savings, non-interest-bearing, and retirement accounts, as well as certificates of deposit.

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Himalaya Shipping Ltd. (NYSE:HSHP  Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decrease in short interest in June. As of June 15th, there was short interest totalling 4,600 shares, a decrease of 82.0% from the May 31st total of 25,500 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 112,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the company are short sold.

Himalaya Shipping Price Performance

Shares of HSHP stock remained flat at $5.47 on Wednesday. The company had a trading volume of 179,281 shares, compared to its average volume of 124,731. Himalaya Shipping has a one year low of $4.85 and a one year high of $6.61. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $5.63.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On Himalaya Shipping

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Citigroup Inc. purchased a new stake in Himalaya Shipping during the first quarter valued at about $33,000. UBS Group AG purchased a new stake in Himalaya Shipping during the first quarter valued at about $301,000. Hudson Bay Capital Management LP purchased a new stake in Himalaya Shipping during the first quarter valued at about $1,160,000. Mirabella Financial Services LLP purchased a new stake in Himalaya Shipping during the first quarter valued at about $1,160,000. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. purchased a new stake in Himalaya Shipping during the first quarter valued at about $1,194,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 15.39% of the companys stock.

Himalaya Shipping Company Profile

Himalaya Shipping Ltd. focuses on the provision of dry bulk shipping services. The company was incorporated in 2021 and is based in Hamilton, Bermuda.

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HM Payson & Co. decreased its position in Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL  Get Rating) by 2.0% during the first quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 172,313 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 3,475 shares during the quarter. HM Payson & Co.s holdings in Aflac were worth $11,118,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. CoreFirst Bank & Trust purchased a new position in Aflac in the 4th quarter worth about $25,000. Silicon Valley Capital Partners purchased a new position in Aflac in the 4th quarter worth about $25,000. Johnson Financial Group Inc. purchased a new position in Aflac in the 4th quarter worth about $25,000. MinichMacGregor Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in Aflac in the 4th quarter worth about $27,000. Finally, Studio Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in Aflac in the 4th quarter worth about $27,000. Institutional investors own 66.56% of the companys stock.

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Aflac Trading Up 1.4 %

Shares of NYSE:AFL opened at $68.50 on Wednesday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $67.12 and a 200 day moving average of $68.05. The company has a market cap of $41.39 billion, a PE ratio of 9.88, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.48 and a beta of 0.94. The company has a current ratio of 0.05, a quick ratio of 0.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38. Aflac Incorporated has a 12-month low of $53.04 and a 12-month high of $74.01.

Aflac Dividend Announcement

Aflac ( NYSE:AFL Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 27th. The financial services provider reported $1.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.40 by $0.15. Aflac had a return on equity of 15.25% and a net margin of 22.90%. The company had revenue of $4.80 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.61 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.42 EPS. The firms revenue was down 7.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Aflac Incorporated will post 5.81 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 1st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, May 17th were paid a $0.42 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, May 16th. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.45%. Aflacs payout ratio is 24.24%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of brokerages have weighed in on AFL. VNET Group reissued a maintains rating on shares of Aflac in a research report on Thursday, April 27th. 58.com reaffirmed a reiterates rating on shares of Aflac in a research report on Friday, June 9th. Wells Fargo & Company began coverage on shares of Aflac in a research report on Tuesday, April 25th. They set an equal weight rating and a $73.00 price target for the company. 888 reaffirmed a reiterates rating on shares of Aflac in a research report on Friday, June 9th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Aflac in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $71.22.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Aflac news, Director Joseph L. Moskowitz sold 13,471 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $67.27, for a total value of $906,194.17. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 27,570 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,854,633.90. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, CFO Steven Kent Beaver sold 13,118 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $66.33, for a total transaction of $870,116.94. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 20,793 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,379,199.69. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director Joseph L. Moskowitz sold 13,471 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $67.27, for a total value of $906,194.17. Following the transaction, the director now owns 27,570 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,854,633.90. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 112,582 shares of company stock worth $7,647,192 in the last three months. 0.90% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Aflac Company Profile

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Aflac Incorporated, through its subsidiaries, provides supplemental health and life insurance products. It operates in two segments, Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S. The Aflac Japan segment offers cancer, medical, nursing care, work leave, GIFT, and whole and term life insurance products, as well as WAYS and child endowment plans under saving type insurance products in Japan.

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Independent Wealth Network Inc. cut its position in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJR  Get Rating) by 3.6% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 3,906 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 144 shares during the quarter. Independent Wealth Network Inc.s holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF were worth $378,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Ironwood Wealth Management LLC. boosted its position in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 8.3% in the first quarter. Ironwood Wealth Management LLC. now owns 78,641 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $8,484,000 after buying an additional 6,036 shares during the period. United Bank lifted its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 5.6% in the first quarter. United Bank now owns 27,546 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,972,000 after acquiring an additional 1,456 shares in the last quarter. Rhumbline Advisers lifted its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 67.2% in the first quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 52,705 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $5,686,000 after acquiring an additional 21,177 shares in the last quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. lifted its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 4.8% in the first quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 24,791 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,674,000 after acquiring an additional 1,128 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Vontobel Holding Ltd. lifted its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 19.7% in the first quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 8,847 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $954,000 after acquiring an additional 1,455 shares in the last quarter.

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iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Stock Up 1.7 %

Shares of NYSEARCA IJR opened at $97.82 on Wednesday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $95.00 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $97.33. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF has a 52-week low of $86.40 and a 52-week high of $108.24. The stock has a market capitalization of $67.55 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.11 and a beta of 1.15.

iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Profile

iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF, formerly iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Index Fund, seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors SmallCap 600 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of publicly traded securities in the small-capitalization sector of the United States equity market.

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Intermediate Capital Group (OTCMKTS:ICGUF  Get Rating) is one of 1,195 publicly-traded companies in the Asset Management industry, but how does it contrast to its competitors? We will compare Intermediate Capital Group to related businesses based on the strength of its institutional ownership, risk, earnings, valuation, profitability, analyst recommendations and dividends.

Profitability

This table compares Intermediate Capital Group and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Intermediate Capital Group N/A N/A N/A Intermediate Capital Group Competitors 380.90% 7.71% 5.02%

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Intermediate Capital Group and its competitors, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Intermediate Capital Group 0 2 1 0 2.33 Intermediate Capital Group Competitors 1039 4538 5998 85 2.44

Dividends

Intermediate Capital Group currently has a consensus target price of $1,470.00, indicating a potential upside of 8,348.28%. As a group, Asset Management companies have a potential upside of 87.37%. Given Intermediate Capital Groups higher probable upside, equities analysts plainly believe Intermediate Capital Group is more favorable than its competitors.

Intermediate Capital Group pays an annual dividend of $0.20 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.2%. Intermediate Capital Group pays out 57.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, Asset Management companies pay a dividend yield of 7.0% and pay out 626.4% of their earnings in the form of a dividend.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

54.0% of Intermediate Capital Group shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 32.7% of shares of all Asset Management companies are owned by institutional investors. 18.2% of shares of all Asset Management companies are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Intermediate Capital Group and its competitors revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Intermediate Capital Group N/A N/A 48.88 Intermediate Capital Group Competitors $204.64 million -$11.19 million 37.17

Intermediate Capital Groups competitors have higher revenue, but lower earnings than Intermediate Capital Group. Intermediate Capital Group is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry.

Summary

Intermediate Capital Group competitors beat Intermediate Capital Group on 9 of the 13 factors compared.

About Intermediate Capital Group

(Get Rating)

Intermediate Capital Group plc is a private equity firm specializing in direct and fund of fund investments. Within direct it specializes in private debt, credit and equity investments. It invests in middle market, mature, growth capital, reinvestment, industry consolidations, bridge financing, restructuring of a shareholder base, acquisitions, public to private transactions with or without private equity backing, leveraged and acquisition finance, leveraged credit, partnership equity, management buyouts and management buyins, secondary investments, development capital, public quoted company finance, off-balance-sheet finance, refinancing and recapitalizations, and pre-IPO financing. The firm does not invest in property companies, early stage funds or start-ups. Within fund of fund, it specializes in secondary investments. The firm prefer to invest in all sector with focus on insurance, healthcare, education and childcare. It prefers to invest in commercial real estate assets and commercial property in the United Kingdom. It seeks to invest in companies whose principal place of business is DACH region, European Union, Pan-European, Germany, Spain, Nordic, United States, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, North America, South East Asia and the Asia Pacific, including Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Australia, Oceania, and New Zealand. The firm provides mezzanine financing in the range between 15 million ($20.31 million) and 500 million ($676.1 million) to firms with an enterprise values between $ 40.62 million and 1 billion ($1353.94 million). Its real estate debt investments typically are in the range 5 million ($8.20 million) and 50 million ($82.1 million) secured on commercial real estate assets in the value range 20 million ($32.84 million) and 200 million ($328.38 million). The firm seeks to acquire minority, and majority stakes. It generally structures its financing in the form of subordinated loan with equity warrants, as preference shares, preferred equity, mezzanine debt, convertible loan, leveraged loans, senior, junior, and mezzanine loans, and CDOs. The firm provides loans for a maturity period between seven years and 10 years with repayments to be made in one payment at final maturity. Its mezzanine investments are usually structured to provide a cash yield between three percent and four percent over the relevant interbank rate, plus an additional return to reflect the risk involved. It also invests in the debt, fixed income and alternate asset markets. The firm's alternative capital solutions invest in mid-market companies, in Europe, the United States and Asia Pacific. It invests in corporate businesses through private debt, senior, junior and sub-ordinate debt, mezzanine, structured loans and equity in Europe, Asia Pacific and North America. Alternative Credit strategies are structured in portfolio format, such as CLOs, RMBS, CMBS and correlation tranches. It focus on structured credit, and credit portfolios sourced from banks balance sheets. The firm's direct lending strategies invest in senior secured and subordinated debt investments in companies across Europe either as the lead arranger or the sole lender. In strategic secondaries, it focuses on restructuring, mainly in the North America, United States and Europe with a focus on leading restructuring and recapitalization transactions for mature private equity funds. In fixed income solutions, the firm invests in leveraged loans and high yield bonds; corporate loans and bonds- segregated loan strategies as well as multi-asset credit funds; multi-asset credit strategies- European loans and European high yield bonds; CLOsin Europe and in the United States, Asset Backed Securities and securitised debt- Europe and in the United States. It is also a manager of third party mezzanine, CDO, and Institutional Client Funds. It seeks to make balance sheet investments and seeks Board attendance rights from its portfolio companies. Intermediate Capital Group plc was founded in 1989 and is based in London with additional offices across Europe, North America, Middle East and Asia Pacific.

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Invesco Mortgage Capital Inc. (NYSE:IVR  Get Rating) declared a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, June 21st, Zacks reports. Investors of record on Monday, July 3rd will be paid a dividend of 0.40 per share by the real estate investment trust on Thursday, July 27th. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 13.57%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, June 30th.

Invesco Mortgage Capital has decreased its dividend payment by an average of 44.9% per year over the last three years. Invesco Mortgage Capital has a payout ratio of 35.0% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Analysts expect Invesco Mortgage Capital to earn $4.01 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $1.60 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 39.9%.

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Invesco Mortgage Capital Price Performance

Shares of Invesco Mortgage Capital stock opened at $11.80 on Wednesday. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $10.65 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $11.92. Invesco Mortgage Capital has a 12-month low of $9.48 and a 12-month high of $18.00.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of research firms have commented on IVR. Barclays lowered their price target on Invesco Mortgage Capital from $12.00 to $11.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, April 13th. StockNews.com cut shares of Invesco Mortgage Capital from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Thursday, May 11th.

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Captrust Financial Advisors bought a new stake in shares of Invesco Mortgage Capital during the second quarter valued at approximately $25,000. FMR LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Invesco Mortgage Capital by 38.7% during the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 3,421 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $38,000 after buying an additional 954 shares in the last quarter. Dark Forest Capital Management LP purchased a new stake in shares of Invesco Mortgage Capital in the 1st quarter worth about $40,000. Royal Bank of Canada increased its stake in shares of Invesco Mortgage Capital by 1,879.1% in the 3rd quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 3,978 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $44,000 after acquiring an additional 3,777 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Point72 Middle East FZE purchased a new position in Invesco Mortgage Capital during the 4th quarter valued at about $55,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 48.87% of the companys stock.

About Invesco Mortgage Capital

(Get Rating)

Invesco Mortgage Capital Inc operates as a real estate investment trust (REIT) that primarily focuses on investing in, financing, and managing mortgage-backed securities and other mortgage-related assets. It invests in residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) and commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) that are guaranteed by a U.S.

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How sewage, leaks and shortages left debt-laden Thames Water on the brink

Under Sarah Bentleys leadership, Thames Water was castigated repeatedly for dumping sewage and failing to control leaks - Jason Alden/Bloomberg

Just a couple of months into her job running Thames Water, Sarah Bentley promised campaigners she would clean up the act of Britains biggest water supplier.

Speaking at a summit to tackle chalk stream pollution, the chief executive vowed to do what is right for these rivers.

Im absolutely committed to ensuring well play our part in restoring these iconic water bodies to their former glory, she said after the meeting three years ago.

But since then, things have not gone as smoothly as she perhaps hoped.

Under Bentleys leadership, Thames Water has been castigated repeatedly for dumping sewage in rivers while failing to meet other performance targets.

In recent weeks, it has emerged that leaks at Thames Water are at a five-year high and the company is once again on course to miss them in 2023.

Thames was also accused of attempting a flimsy PR stunt after Bentley announced she was forgoing an annual bonus, at the same time as a report showed the near-doubling of her pay  to around 1.5m  via other means.

Sarah Bentley, who quit as Thames Water boss on Tuesday, received a reported 2m in 2022 - Thames Water/PA

Thames Water defended the one-off extra payments, insisting they were unrelated to performance and part of a separate package agreed when the company hired her.

On Tuesday, however, it was suddenly announced that Bentley had resigned and her responsibilities handed over to colleagues with immediate effect.

In the statement, the departing boss said it had been an honour to run the company and claimed to have laid down the foundations of the turnaround she had promised.

But no explanation was given for her shock exit  and she leaves behind a legacy that is half-finished at best.

Thames Water supplies drinking water to 15 million people in London and the Thames Valley and made a profit of 536m in the six months to the end of September.

However, bosses have found themselves personally in the crosshairs over boardroom largesse and huge shareholder payouts.

Bentley, who has been chief executive since September 2020, received a reported 2m in 2022.

The company was heavily criticised under former owners Macquarie for paying out more than 2.7bn in dividends, while taking on over 2.2bn in extra debt.

Macquarie has always maintained it is a responsible investor. The private equity behemoth sold its last holding in the business for a reported 1.3bn in 2017 and later bought rival Southern Water.

Since then, the Thames Water board has sought to attract investors with a longer-term view of things, such as pension funds.

But the turnaround process has been hard-going.

Thames Water has been fined repeatedly over water pollution, receiving a penalty of 51m alone from regulator Ofwat last year.

Between 2017 and 2021, the company had accrued another 32m in penalties for 11 other cases of water pollution, according to the Environment Agency.

The water in the companys namesake river was so polluted at one stage that when David Walliams, the comedian and author, blamed it for causing an illness after a charity swim.

Thames has continued to struggle with overflow discharges during rainy weather even after Bentleys arrival.

Last year, according to data from the website Top of the Poops, Thames Water discharged sewage overflow 8,014 times  the equivalent of 22 times per day.

The discharges lasted for 74,693 hours  or more than eight years cumulatively  in 378 locations.

Following a mea culpa by the entire industry over failures to tackle sewage problems, Thames has announced plans to invest 1.6bn in its sewage treatment works and sewer networks in a bid to halve discharges by the end of this decade.

It has also pledged action to reduce the risk of future droughts, in which water pumped from rivers will be replaced with recycled and treated sewage. More water will also be transported from Wales using pipelines.

Last summer, bosses at the company were forced to impose a hosepipe ban on millions of customers, as their 250m desalination plant in London sat idle owing to maintenance.

The business also found itself in the spotlight again when villagers in Northend, on the border of Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, discovered water was no longer coming out of their taps. The problem was blamed on a technical issue at a nearby reservoir and Thames was forced to hand out emergency supplies of bottled water.

The failure to bring leaks down  with around 630 million litres still lost each day, enough to fill 252 Olympic swimming pools  could make it harder for the companys to win regulatory approval for its drought-busting plans.

The company is also under financial pressure and has been seeking a cash injection of around 1bn from investors in recent months.

Bentleys abrupt departure on Tuesday is unlikely to make things any easier.

Senior figures at the company will now be scrambling to salvage the situation, with Alastair Cochran and Cathryn Ross appointed as joint chief executives in her wake.

Whatever her reasons, Bentleys departure has certainly made a splash at Britains largest  and perhaps most controversial  water provider.

Just not the kind she originally intended.

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Leuthold Group LLC decreased its position in shares of iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF (BATS:FLOT  Get Rating) by 0.5% during the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 88,289 shares of the companys stock after selling 443 shares during the quarter. Leuthold Group LLCs holdings in iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF were worth $4,449,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of FLOT. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its position in iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF by 122.7% in the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 112,302 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,674,000 after buying an additional 61,884 shares during the last quarter. Roundview Capital LLC lifted its position in iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF by 19.2% in the first quarter. Roundview Capital LLC now owns 121,500 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,138,000 after buying an additional 19,580 shares during the last quarter. Citigroup Inc. lifted its position in iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF by 976.0% in the first quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 3,228 shares of the companys stock valued at $163,000 after buying an additional 2,928 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can lifted its position in iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF by 9.0% in the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 118,015 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,983,000 after buying an additional 9,772 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cibc World Market Inc. lifted its position in iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF by 126.2% in the first quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 81,715 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,128,000 after buying an additional 45,589 shares during the last quarter.

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iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF Stock Down 0.0 %

Shares of FLOT traded down $0.01 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $50.78. 1,224,295 shares of the companys stock were exchanged. iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF has a fifty-two week low of $50.76 and a fifty-two week high of $51.10. The stocks 50-day moving average is $50.57 and its 200-day moving average is $50.46.

iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF Profile

The iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF (FLOT) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund tracks a market value-weighted index of USD-denominated, investment-grade floating rate notes with maturities of 0-5 years. FLOT was launched on Jun 14, 2011 and is managed by BlackRock.

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J Sainsbury (OTCMKTS:JSNSF  Get Rating) is one of 62 publicly-traded companies in the Grocery Stores industry, but how does it contrast to its competitors? We will compare J Sainsbury to related businesses based on the strength of its valuation, earnings, risk, analyst recommendations, dividends, profitability and institutional ownership.

Institutional and Insider Ownership

23.0% of J Sainsbury shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 45.3% of shares of all Grocery Stores companies are held by institutional investors. 22.8% of shares of all Grocery Stores companies are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

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Dividends

J Sainsbury pays an annual dividend of $0.17 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.7%. J Sainsbury pays out 1,061.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. As a group, Grocery Stores companies pay a dividend yield of 4.1% and pay out 62.3% of their earnings in the form of a dividend.

Profitability

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets J Sainsbury N/A N/A N/A J Sainsbury Competitors 2.07% 14.55% 4.73%

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares J Sainsbury and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

This table compares J Sainsbury and its competitors revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio J Sainsbury N/A N/A 225.76 J Sainsbury Competitors $26.98 billion $611.37 million 191.08

J Sainsburys competitors have higher revenue and earnings than J Sainsbury. J Sainsbury is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of current recommendations for J Sainsbury and its competitors, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score J Sainsbury 0 0 0 0 N/A J Sainsbury Competitors 1120 2752 3007 114 2.30

As a group, Grocery Stores companies have a potential upside of 100.10%. Given J Sainsburys competitors higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe J Sainsbury has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors.

Summary

J Sainsbury competitors beat J Sainsbury on 8 of the 10 factors compared.

About J Sainsbury

(Get Rating)

J Sainsbury plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the food, general merchandise and clothing retailing, and financial services activities in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. It operates through three segments: Retail Food, Retail General Merchandise and Clothing, and Financial Services. The company operates various store formats, including convenience stores and supermarkets. It is also involved in the online grocery and general merchandise operations. In addition, it offers financial services, such as credit cards, scorecards, and personal loans; and home, car, pet, travel, and life insurance products. J Sainsbury plc was founded in 1869 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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Las Vegas Sands (NYSE:LVS  Get Rating) had its target price hoisted by investment analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $71.00 to $72.00 in a note issued to investors on Monday, The Fly reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s price target indicates a potential upside of 23.01% from the companys current price.

Several other analysts also recently weighed in on LVS. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on Las Vegas Sands from $64.00 to $69.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, April 20th. Credit Suisse Group lifted their price objective on Las Vegas Sands from $62.00 to $67.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, April 20th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Las Vegas Sands in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Barclays lifted their price objective on Las Vegas Sands from $64.00 to $69.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, April 20th. Finally, Citigroup lifted their price objective on Las Vegas Sands from $76.00 to $80.50 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, April 20th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $70.35.

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Las Vegas Sands Stock Performance

NYSE:LVS opened at $58.53 on Monday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $59.54 and its 200 day moving average is $56.39. Las Vegas Sands has a fifty-two week low of $30.93 and a fifty-two week high of $65.58. The firm has a market capitalization of $44.73 billion, a PE ratio of -81.29, a PEG ratio of 7.35 and a beta of 1.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.65, a quick ratio of 1.78 and a current ratio of 1.79.

Insider Transactions at Las Vegas Sands

Las Vegas Sands ( NYSE:LVS Get Rating ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, April 19th. The casino operator reported $0.28 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.17 by $0.11. Las Vegas Sands had a negative return on equity of 10.21% and a negative net margin of 10.42%. The business had revenue of $2.12 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.83 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned ($0.40) earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 124.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Las Vegas Sands will post 1.68 earnings per share for the current year.

In related news, Director Charles D. Forman sold 15,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, April 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $63.17, for a total value of $947,550.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 205,984 shares in the company, valued at $13,012,009.28. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Insiders own 0.91% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Fisher Asset Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Las Vegas Sands by 5,139.8% during the 1st quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 9,242,005 shares of the casino operators stock worth $530,953,000 after buying an additional 9,065,624 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Las Vegas Sands during the 4th quarter worth approximately $164,559,000. AGF Management Ltd. acquired a new position in shares of Las Vegas Sands during the 1st quarter worth approximately $175,432,000. Amundi raised its stake in shares of Las Vegas Sands by 72.1% during the 4th quarter. Amundi now owns 5,595,575 shares of the casino operators stock worth $297,908,000 after buying an additional 2,344,064 shares during the period. Finally, Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD raised its stake in shares of Las Vegas Sands by 6.9% during the 3rd quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 31,854,683 shares of the casino operators stock worth $1,195,313,000 after buying an additional 2,061,378 shares during the period. 39.66% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Las Vegas Sands Company Profile

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Las Vegas Sands Corp., together with its subsidiaries, develops, owns, and operates integrated resorts in Macao and Singapore. It owns and operates The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel, the Londoner Macao, The Parisian Macao, The Plaza Macao and Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip, and the Sands Macao in Macao, the People's Republic of China; and Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

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Keudell Morrison Wealth Management reduced its position in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Get Rating) by 2.3% during the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 23,807 shares of the companys stock after selling 554 shares during the period. Philip Morris International accounts for about 0.7% of Keudell Morrison Wealth Managements holdings, making the stock its 25th biggest position. Keudell Morrison Wealth Managements holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $2,315,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in PM. Horan Securities Inc. increased its holdings in Philip Morris International by 12.8% during the first quarter. Horan Securities Inc. now owns 960 shares of the companys stock worth $93,000 after buying an additional 109 shares during the last quarter. First Hawaiian Bank increased its holdings in Philip Morris International by 9.1% during the first quarter. First Hawaiian Bank now owns 13,687 shares of the companys stock worth $1,331,000 after buying an additional 1,139 shares during the last quarter. Archford Capital Strategies LLC increased its holdings in Philip Morris International by 13.8% during the first quarter. Archford Capital Strategies LLC now owns 18,888 shares of the companys stock worth $1,865,000 after buying an additional 2,293 shares during the last quarter. Relyea Zuckerberg Hanson LLC increased its holdings in Philip Morris International by 27.0% during the first quarter. Relyea Zuckerberg Hanson LLC now owns 2,590 shares of the companys stock worth $252,000 after buying an additional 550 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Assenagon Asset Management S.A. increased its holdings in Philip Morris International by 1,357.3% during the first quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 560,285 shares of the companys stock worth $54,488,000 after buying an additional 521,839 shares during the last quarter. 77.43% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research firms recently issued reports on PM. Stifel Nicolaus began coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Thursday, April 13th. They set a buy rating and a $114.00 price objective for the company. UBS Group upgraded shares of Philip Morris International from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $106.00 to $116.00 in a research note on Wednesday, March 1st. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Philip Morris International from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $109.00 to $116.00 in a research note on Thursday, March 30th. Finally, Citigroup upgraded shares of Philip Morris International from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $109.00 to $117.00 in a research note on Tuesday, June 20th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $111.40.

Philip Morris International Stock Down 0.8 %

NYSE:PM traded down $0.76 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $95.80. 758,163 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 4,470,036. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $94.57 and its 200 day moving average price is $98.04. The company has a market cap of $148.70 billion, a PE ratio of 17.27, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.46 and a beta of 0.68. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 12-month low of $82.85 and a 12-month high of $105.62.

Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM  Get Rating) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 20th. The company reported $1.38 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.34 by $0.04. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 10.80% and a negative return on equity of 128.55%. The company had revenue of $8.10 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.03 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.56 earnings per share. Philip Morris Internationals revenue for the quarter was up 4.6% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts anticipate that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.18 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Philip Morris International Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 11th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 23rd will be given a dividend of $1.27 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 22nd. This represents a $5.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.30%. Philip Morris Internationals payout ratio is presently 90.88%.

About Philip Morris International

(Get Rating)

Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products that are sold in markets outside the United States.

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Meridian Mining UK Societas (CVE:MNO  Get Rating)s stock price was up 9.6% on Monday . The stock traded as high as C$1.07 and last traded at C$1.03. Approximately 247,282 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 12% from the average daily volume of 220,803 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.94.

Meridian Mining UK Societas Stock Performance

The firm has a market capitalization of C$152.09 million and a price-to-earnings ratio of -3.30. The company has a fifty day moving average of C$1.03 and a two-hundred day moving average of C$1.03.

Meridian Mining UK Societas Company Profile

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Meridian Mining UK Societas, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Brazil. The company explores for manganese, gold, copper, and tin deposits. It holds interest in the EspigAo polymetallic project and the Ariquemes tin project located in RondAnia.

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Monarch Mining Co. (OTCMKTS:GBARF  Get Rating) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest in June. As of June 15th, there was short interest totalling 1,100 shares, a decline of 97.4% from the May 31st total of 42,800 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 52,700 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days.

Monarch Mining Stock Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS GBARF remained flat at C$0.02 during midday trading on Wednesday. Monarch Mining has a 12 month low of C$0.02 and a 12 month high of C$0.40. The stocks 50-day moving average price is C$0.04 and its two-hundred day moving average price is C$0.04.

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About Monarch Mining

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Further Reading

Monarch Mining Corporation, a gold mining company, engages in the exploration and development of mining properties in Canada. It owns 295 square kilometers of mining assets, including the Beaufor mine, Croinor property, McKenzie property, Swanson property, and Beacon Mill. The company was incorporated in 2020 and is headquartered in Saint-Sauveur, Canada.

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Neuberger Berman Municipal Fund Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:NBH  Get Rating) announced a monthly dividend on Thursday, June 15th, Wall Street Journal reports. Investors of record on Friday, June 30th will be given a dividend of 0.0377 per share on Monday, July 17th. This represents a $0.45 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.34%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, June 29th.

Neuberger Berman Municipal Fund Stock Performance

NBH stock traded up $0.01 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $10.43. 7,129 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 51,892. Neuberger Berman Municipal Fund has a 1-year low of $9.60 and a 1-year high of $12.16.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On Neuberger Berman Municipal Fund

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Neuberger Berman Municipal Fund by 4.6% in the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 82,757 shares of the companys stock worth $1,099,000 after buying an additional 3,622 shares in the last quarter. First Trust Advisors LP lifted its stake in shares of Neuberger Berman Municipal Fund by 3.8% in the first quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 32,209 shares of the companys stock worth $428,000 after buying an additional 1,182 shares in the last quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC lifted its stake in shares of Neuberger Berman Municipal Fund by 32.8% in the first quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC now owns 241,655 shares of the companys stock worth $3,209,000 after buying an additional 59,722 shares in the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada lifted its stake in shares of Neuberger Berman Municipal Fund by 24.0% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 99,207 shares of the companys stock worth $1,317,000 after buying an additional 19,179 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE lifted its stake in shares of Neuberger Berman Municipal Fund by 7.4% in the first quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 181,248 shares of the companys stock worth $2,407,000 after buying an additional 12,503 shares in the last quarter.

Neuberger Berman Municipal Fund Company Profile

Neuberger Berman Intermediate Municipal Fund Inc is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Neuberger Berman LLC. The fund is co-managed by Neuberger Berman Management LLC. It invests in the fixed income markets of the United States. The fund primarily invests in municipal bonds which have income that is exempt from federal income tax and have remaining maturities of less than 15 years.

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Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund (NYSE:NAZ  Get Rating) saw a large decrease in short interest during the month of June. As of June 15th, there was short interest totalling 1,000 shares, a decrease of 91.9% from the May 31st total of 12,400 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 19,600 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days.

Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund Stock Up 0.1 %

Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund stock traded up $0.01 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $10.74. 29,083 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 18,875. The firms 50 day moving average price is $10.73 and its 200 day moving average price is $11.19. Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund has a 52-week low of $10.42 and a 52-week high of $14.68.

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Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 3rd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 15th will be given a $0.0325 dividend. This represents a $0.39 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.63%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, June 14th.

Institutional Trading of Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund

About Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of NAZ. Bank of America Corp DE boosted its stake in Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund by 5.4% in the 1st quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 26,927 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $366,000 after purchasing an additional 1,383 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley lifted its stake in Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund by 0.9% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 196,347 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $2,191,000 after acquiring an additional 1,767 shares during the period. Ameriprise Financial Inc. lifted its stake in Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund by 10.0% during the 1st quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 21,821 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $247,000 after acquiring an additional 1,986 shares during the period. Bartlett & Co. LLC lifted its stake in Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund by 3.9% during the 4th quarter. Bartlett & Co. LLC now owns 58,600 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $654,000 after acquiring an additional 2,200 shares during the period. Finally, Commonwealth Equity Services LLC lifted its stake in Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund by 6.1% during the 1st quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 42,396 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $479,000 after acquiring an additional 2,421 shares during the period. 9.72% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

(Get Rating)

Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Nuveen Investments, Inc The fund is managed by Nuveen Asset Management, LLC. It invests in the fixed income markets of Arizona. The fund invests in municipal securities and other related investments the income, exempt from regular federal and Arizona income taxes that are rated Baa or BBB or better and having an average maturity of 18.66 years.

Further Reading

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Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Get Rating) shares hit a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $36.03 and last traded at $36.12, with a volume of 6321743 shares. The stock had previously closed at $36.42.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Cantor Fitzgerald restated an overweight rating on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Wednesday, May 17th. Daiwa Capital Markets downgraded Pfizer from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $38.00 target price for the company. in a report on Thursday, May 11th. Jefferies Financial Group assumed coverage on Pfizer in a report on Monday, March 6th. They issued a hold rating and a $43.00 target price for the company. Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on Pfizer from $45.00 to $44.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, April 10th. Finally, UBS Group reduced their price objective on Pfizer from $41.00 to $39.00 in a research note on Friday, May 5th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $47.33.

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Pfizer Stock Performance

The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $38.55 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $42.41. The company has a quick ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 1.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. The firm has a market cap of $204.81 billion, a PE ratio of 7.17, a PEG ratio of 1.22 and a beta of 0.64.

Pfizer Announces Dividend

Pfizer ( NYSE:PFE Get Rating ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, May 2nd. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.23 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.00 by $0.23. The firm had revenue of $18.28 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.49 billion. Pfizer had a return on equity of 37.53% and a net margin of 31.25%. The businesss revenue was down 28.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.62 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Pfizer Inc. will post 3.35 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 5th. Investors of record on Friday, July 28th will be paid a dividend of $0.41 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 27th. This represents a $1.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.52%. Pfizers payout ratio is 32.28%.

Insider Activity at Pfizer

In related news, Director Scott Gottlieb acquired 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 8th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $38.58 per share, for a total transaction of $38,580.00. Following the purchase, the director now owns 6,000 shares in the company, valued at approximately $231,480. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.05% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Pfizer

Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Harbor Investment Advisory LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 3.6% in the 4th quarter. Harbor Investment Advisory LLC now owns 23,977 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,229,000 after purchasing an additional 825 shares in the last quarter. BancFirst Trust & Investment Management boosted its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 2.3% in the 1st quarter. BancFirst Trust & Investment Management now owns 17,794 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $719,000 after purchasing an additional 398 shares in the last quarter. Secure Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 3.5% in the 4th quarter. Secure Asset Management LLC now owns 15,835 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $811,000 after purchasing an additional 537 shares in the last quarter. Range Financial Group LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 2.8% in the 1st quarter. Range Financial Group LLC now owns 37,010 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,510,000 after purchasing an additional 1,024 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Allred Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 1.9% in the 4th quarter. Allred Capital Management LLC now owns 20,425 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,047,000 after purchasing an additional 387 shares in the last quarter. 67.80% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Pfizer Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands.

Further Reading

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Regal Rexnord Co. (NYSE:RRX  Get Rating) declared a quarterly dividend on Monday, April 24th, Zacks reports. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 30th will be paid a dividend of 0.35 per share on Friday, July 14th. This represents a $1.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.91%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 29th.

Regal Rexnord Stock Performance

RRX opened at $153.11 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12, a current ratio of 2.92 and a quick ratio of 1.69. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $136.26 and a 200 day simple moving average of $137.89. Regal Rexnord has a 1 year low of $108.82 and a 1 year high of $162.89. The company has a market capitalization of $10.15 billion, a PE ratio of 28.57, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.40 and a beta of 1.05.

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Regal Rexnord (NYSE:RRX  Get Rating) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 4th. The company reported $2.22 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.20 by $0.02. Regal Rexnord had a return on equity of 10.81% and a net margin of 6.95%. The firm had revenue of $1.22 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.24 billion. Research analysts expect that Regal Rexnord will post 10.69 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Trading of Regal Rexnord

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Snowden Capital Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Regal Rexnord by 2.4% during the 1st quarter. Snowden Capital Advisors LLC now owns 3,766 shares of the companys stock worth $530,000 after buying an additional 89 shares during the last quarter. Toroso Investments LLC lifted its position in shares of Regal Rexnord by 5.5% during the 3rd quarter. Toroso Investments LLC now owns 1,883 shares of the companys stock worth $264,000 after buying an additional 98 shares during the last quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Regal Rexnord by 139.1% during the 1st quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 208 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 121 shares during the last quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio lifted its position in shares of Regal Rexnord by 0.4% during the 4th quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 36,873 shares of the companys stock worth $4,424,000 after buying an additional 133 shares during the last quarter. Finally, O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC raised its position in Regal Rexnord by 4.4% in the first quarter. O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC now owns 3,656 shares of the companys stock valued at $515,000 after purchasing an additional 155 shares during the last quarter. 97.12% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

RRX has been the topic of a number of research reports. StockNews.com began coverage on Regal Rexnord in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Robert W. Baird reduced their target price on Regal Rexnord from $188.00 to $184.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, March 28th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $186.00.

Regal Rexnord Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Regal Rexnord Corporation manufactures and sells industrial powertrain solutions, power transmission components, electric motors and electronic controls, air moving products, and specialty electrical components and systems worldwide. It operates in four segments: Commercial Systems, Industrial Systems, Climate Solutions, and Motion Control Solutions.

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invest in ai

Artificial intelligence has become one of the most talked about technologies over the past few years. Many see AI with large dollar signs in their eyes. However, every new technology has a lag between invention and commodification and just as every new technology has the risk that it wont pan out. For investors, this poses a challenge. While the risks are real so, too, are the opportunities. So, for a technology that is still effective in the drumroll phase, how can you invest? Here are a few ideas. For more personalized investment advice, consider working with a financial advisor.

Artificial Intelligence Industry

Artificial intelligence has not yet been truly monetized. Now, theres a lot to unpack in that statement. For starters, tech companies have been integrating AI into their software for a generation and making tons of money off it. From autocorrect to playlists to the monsters in World of Warcraft, companies have been profiting off software decision-making for a long time.

The new AI, however, is a different thing entirely. The news-making artificial intelligence has come in the form of predictive algorithms like ChatGPTs chatbot software and DALL-Es image generator. These tools remain experimental. They are inventions and innovations but, at the time of writing, not yet products. Part of that is because engineers still arent quite sure what they are yet.

Advocates say that current AI software represents a fundamentally new tool, one that will change the way we interact with information and each other. Critics argue that they are just high-volume autocorrects, machines best suited for reorganizing existing work at best and stealing it at worst, but incapable of creating new value.

In both cases, monetization is a challenge. If tools like ChatGPT represent a true leap forward, then companies will need some time to figure out their commercial use. If, instead, they fundamentally rely on copying and pasting the work of others, then they may be more novelty than revolution.

However, that doesnt mean that there arent opportunities to invest and profit yourself. Here are some of the best ways you can benefit financially from the early stages of AI development.

If youre ready to be matched with local advisors that can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Invest In Individual Stocks Like Google and Microsoft

Alphabet (GOOG), or Google, and Microsoft (MSFT), which kept its maiden name, are some of the earliest companies racing for commercial AI applications. In both cases, their goal is to search. Both companies want to turn their search engines into a conversational source of inquiry, analysis and advice.

Instead of searching for information by a string of keywords, you would just ask the search engine questions and it would pop out the answer based on whats out there on the web. In this way, AIs best and worst qualities align with the business model of search. The goal is to paraphrase articles like this onto Google/Microsoft sites, so those companies can collect the ad revenue without having to pay for the work.

Googles Bard AI remains experimental and, true to the products core design, Bings AI search remains underwhelming. However, both companies hope to make this a major product at some point in the future.

This is a theme that applies broadly: Invest in companies that are will use AI in their products. As currently designed, AI will most likely be a backend feature in an enormous range of technology products. So, for example, while your phone is the front-end product, meaning the product you directly interact with, AI will become part of the back-end, meaning one of the many moving pieces that make your phone work.

Look for companies that can use AI in their products. Invest in them directly, so that you can collect their gains from this new technology.

Use Robo-Traders

invest in ai

Robo-traders have emerged as a major section of the market and for a good reason.

A robo-trader is a company that offers algorithmically managed portfolios. In essence, you invest your money according to a series of goals or conditions that you establish, then the brokerage manages that portfolio based on its own software model. These have shown particularly good results for investors because they tend to seek long-term investments, which tend to outperform short-term and high-volume trading.

Artificial intelligence has the potential to improve this further. Investors are already experimenting with AI-built portfolios and investment strategies. This trend will only continue to grow and the companies that build their portfolios with AI from the ground up will stand to benefit significantly.

Invest In AI Funds

As with all industries, an excellent way to invest in AI is through relevant funds. In fact, theres something of a gold rush on artificial intelligence ETFs right now. The market is filled with companies that are looking to capitalize on companies that operate in or around this technology.

For an investor, this is both an opportunity and a problem. The opportunities are out there, but how do you identify good investments? One good approach is to start by deciding how you want to invest in AI. There are ETFs, for example, such as Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ) and ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF (ROBO), among others that let you invest in this market.

These funds invest in stocks and assets that support AI, such as companies that make the chips and hardware that AI companies depend on. Other funds will try to invest directly, buying into companies that are developing AI software itself, while others will invest in the companies that will use AI in their own products.

The best place to start with an AI-related fund is to look at how it invests. That will help you figure out if this is something youre interested in.

The Bottom Line

invest in ai

Artificial intelligence could very well be the next big boom. However, it can be difficult to determine the right areas that could make strong investments. Both directly and indirectly, AI might present plenty of opportunities that you can profit from. Finding the right one for you will depend on a number of factors including your expectation of risk.

Technology Investment Tips

Investing in any new technology is a risk. When it pays off, it can pay off big, but there are no guarantees. A financial advisor can help you determine the best investment plan for you when it comes to AI. Finding a financial advisor doesnt have to be hard. SmartAssets free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If youre ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Finance and technology go hand-in-hand and the industry dedicated to that idea is called fintech. Its important to fully understand how the industry operates if youre wanting to invest.

Photo credit: iStock.com/Thai Liang Lim, iStock.com/Laurence Dutton, iStock.com/imaginima

The post How to Invest in Artificial Intelligence appeared first on SmartAsset Blog.
Relyea Zuckerberg Hanson LLC lifted its stake in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Rating) by 4.1% in the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,495 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 59 shares during the quarter. Relyea Zuckerberg Hanson LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $513,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in LLY. Fairfield Bush & CO. purchased a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company during the 1st quarter valued at $107,000. Roundview Capital LLC grew its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 2.6% in the first quarter. Roundview Capital LLC now owns 2,056 shares of the companys stock worth $589,000 after acquiring an additional 53 shares during the period. Merit Financial Group LLC purchased a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company during the first quarter valued at $210,000. NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 9.9% in the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 53,052 shares of the companys stock valued at $15,193,000 after acquiring an additional 4,774 shares during the period. Finally, Barometer Capital Management Inc. purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company in the first quarter worth about $561,000. 87.25% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Eli Lilly and Company

In other news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 600 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $435.29, for a total value of $261,174.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 5,978 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,602,163.62. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other Eli Lilly and Company news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 107,022 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $459.28, for a total transaction of $49,153,064.16. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 101,248,810 shares in the company, valued at $46,501,553,456.80. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 600 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $435.29, for a total value of $261,174.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 5,978 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,602,163.62. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 1,279,783 shares of company stock worth $510,549,964 over the last ninety days. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

Eli Lilly and Company Stock Up 2.6 %

Shares of LLY opened at $464.65 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.67, a current ratio of 1.30 and a quick ratio of 1.02. The stock has a market capitalization of $441.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 73.87, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.07 and a beta of 0.36. Eli Lilly and Company has a 1 year low of $296.32 and a 1 year high of $467.98. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $429.09 and its 200-day simple moving average is $375.18.

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported $1.62 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.73 by ($0.11). Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 20.54% and a return on equity of 61.42%. The business had revenue of $6.96 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.87 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $2.62 EPS. Eli Lilly and Companys revenue for the quarter was down 10.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 8.78 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Eli Lilly and Company Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 8th will be paid a dividend of $1.13 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, August 14th. This represents a $4.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.97%. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is currently 71.86%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the stock. Morgan Stanley upped their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $478.00 to $507.00 in a research report on Monday, May 15th. Bank of America increased their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $450.00 to $500.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 24th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $440.00 to $500.00 in a research note on Friday, May 26th. Truist Financial raised their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $421.00 to $430.00 in a research note on Friday, April 28th. Finally, Barclays raised their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $420.00 to $500.00 in a research report on Tuesday. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $437.90.

Eli Lilly and Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes.

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Sage Financial Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF (BATS:NULV  Get Rating) by 42.9% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 18,630 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 5,596 shares during the period. Sage Financial Group Inc.s holdings in Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF were worth $635,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in NULV. TIAA FSB boosted its holdings in Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF by 10.8% during the 4th quarter. TIAA FSB now owns 4,696,206 shares of the companys stock worth $160,798,000 after acquiring an additional 458,155 shares during the last quarter. Perella Weinberg Partners Capital Management LP boosted its holdings in Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF by 24.1% during the third quarter. Perella Weinberg Partners Capital Management LP now owns 1,707,167 shares of the companys stock worth $52,700,000 after purchasing an additional 331,947 shares during the last quarter. Lido Advisors LLC grew its position in Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF by 186.5% in the 1st quarter. Lido Advisors LLC now owns 473,081 shares of the companys stock worth $17,991,000 after purchasing an additional 307,949 shares in the last quarter. UBS Group AG increased its stake in Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF by 38.0% in the 1st quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 823,336 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,311,000 after buying an additional 226,716 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CI Private Wealth LLC bought a new position in shares of Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF during the 4th quarter worth approximately $5,336,000.

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Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF Trading Up 0.9 %

Shares of NULV stock traded up $0.32 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $34.17. The companys stock had a trading volume of 159,420 shares. The company has a market cap of $1.53 billion, a PE ratio of 13.72 and a beta of 0.92. The business has a fifty day moving average of $33.73 and a 200-day moving average of $34.20. Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF has a 52 week low of $25.49 and a 52 week high of $30.70.

About Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF

The Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Value ETF (NULV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI TIAA ESG USA Large Cap Value index. The fund tracks an index of US large-cap value stocks that score highly on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. The fund is weighted using a multi-factor optimizer.

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SpareBank 1 SMN (OTCMKTS:SRMGF  Get Rating) is one of 260 publicly-traded companies in the BanksRegional industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its peers? We will compare SpareBank 1 SMN to similar companies based on the strength of its valuation, risk, analyst recommendations, profitability, dividends, earnings and institutional ownership.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of recent recommendations and price targets for SpareBank 1 SMN and its peers, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score SpareBank 1 SMN 0 0 0 0 N/A SpareBank 1 SMN Competitors 1017 2800 2825 9 2.27

As a group, BanksRegional companies have a potential upside of 316.67%. Given SpareBank 1 SMNs peers higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe SpareBank 1 SMN has less favorable growth aspects than its peers.

Dividends

Earnings & Valuation

SpareBank 1 SMN pays an annual dividend of $1.31 per share and has a dividend yield of 11.4%. SpareBank 1 SMN pays out 15.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, BanksRegional companies pay a dividend yield of 13.2% and pay out 18.7% of their earnings in the form of a dividend.

This table compares SpareBank 1 SMN and its peers gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio SpareBank 1 SMN N/A N/A 1.31 SpareBank 1 SMN Competitors $2.24 billion $575.33 million 288.18

SpareBank 1 SMNs peers have higher revenue and earnings than SpareBank 1 SMN. SpareBank 1 SMN 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 SpareBank 1 SMN and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets SpareBank 1 SMN N/A N/A N/A SpareBank 1 SMN Competitors 37.40% 9.95% 0.91%

Insider and Institutional Ownership

33.8% of SpareBank 1 SMN shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 30.3% of shares of all BanksRegional companies are owned by institutional investors. 16.1% of shares of all BanksRegional companies are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Summary

SpareBank 1 SMN peers beat SpareBank 1 SMN on 8 of the 10 factors compared.

SpareBank 1 SMN Company Profile

(Get Rating)

SpareBank 1 SMN, together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking, accounting, and real estate products and services to private individuals and companies in Norway and internationally. The company offers mortgage, car, boat, other vehicles, and consumer loans; refinancing; and current, savings, billing, business, group, tax deduction, currency, and deposit accounts. It also provides BSU house savings for young people; fixed interest deposits; stocks and investments; cash services; and payments. In addition, the company offers vehicle, housing and travel, person, animal, and valuables insurance services; property buying and selling advisory services; and mobile and online banking, and various cards. Further, it offers loans and financing, including bank guarantees, business and construction loans, operating credit for agriculture, factoring, guarantees, leasing, and overdrafts; various pension products; and business and personal insurance products. Additionally, the company provides document collection, letter of credit, future business, and currency option services; and services, including accounting and payroll, HR, taxes and duties, and transfer of ownership, as well as IT solutions. It offers real estate agency, advisory, and external and equity financing services. SpareBank 1 SMN was founded in 1823 and is headquartered in Trondheim, Norway.

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The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (OTCMKTS:HOKCY  Get Rating) was the target of a large decline in short interest in June. As of June 15th, there was short interest totalling 100 shares, a decline of 96.0% from the May 31st total of 2,500 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 159,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.0 days.

Institutional Trading of Hong Kong and China Gas

An institutional investor recently bought a new position in Hong Kong and China Gas stock. OLD Mission Capital LLC purchased a new position in shares of The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (OTCMKTS:HOKCY  Get Rating) in the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund purchased 1,302,797 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,146,000.

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Hong Kong and China Gas Stock Down 0.5 %

OTCMKTS:HOKCY traded down $0.00 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $0.82. 27,310 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 54,400. Hong Kong and China Gas has a 12 month low of $0.71 and a 12 month high of $1.11. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $0.86 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $0.89. The company has a current ratio of 0.66, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53.

Hong Kong and China Gas Increases Dividend

About Hong Kong and China Gas

The firm also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 3rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 9th will be paid a $0.0234 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, June 8th. This represents a yield of 4.1%. This is a positive change from Hong Kong and China Gass previous dividend of $0.01.

(Get Rating)

The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, produces, distributes, and markets gas, water supply and energy services in Hong Kong and Mainland China. It is involved in the provision of smart energy, piped city-gas, upstream and midstream projects, water supply and wastewater treatment, urban waste resource utilization, and natural gas filling stations, as well as new energy exploration and utilization activities.

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D.B. Root & Company LLC raised its position in Valmont Industries, Inc. (NYSE:VMI  Get Rating) by 70.2% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 2,910 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,200 shares during the quarter. D.B. Root & Company LLCs holdings in Valmont Industries were worth $929,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Xponance Inc. boosted its holdings in Valmont Industries by 1.7% in the 1st quarter. Xponance Inc. now owns 3,132 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,000,000 after purchasing an additional 51 shares during the last quarter. F&V Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Valmont Industries by 2.6% in the 1st quarter. F&V Capital Management LLC now owns 18,967 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $6,056,000 after purchasing an additional 485 shares during the last quarter. Congress Wealth Management LLC DE boosted its holdings in Valmont Industries by 3.4% in the 1st quarter. Congress Wealth Management LLC DE now owns 23,398 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $7,471,000 after purchasing an additional 768 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates boosted its holdings in Valmont Industries by 8.4% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 6,619 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,113,000 after purchasing an additional 512 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Chartwell Investment Partners LLC boosted its holdings in Valmont Industries by 3.4% in the 1st quarter. Chartwell Investment Partners LLC now owns 7,564 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,415,000 after purchasing an additional 251 shares during the last quarter. 85.39% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts have weighed in on VMI shares. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Valmont Industries in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their price objective on shares of Valmont Industries from $389.00 to $352.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, April 17th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Valmont Industries presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $320.67.

Insiders Place Their Bets

Valmont Industries Stock Performance

In other Valmont Industries news, Director Theodor Werner Freye sold 549 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $293.00, for a total transaction of $160,857.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 5,749 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,684,457. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link . 2.00% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

NYSE:VMI opened at $301.33 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a quick ratio of 1.40 and a current ratio of 2.32. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.35 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.86, a PEG ratio of 1.60 and a beta of 1.07. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $285.83 and a 200 day moving average price of $307.28. Valmont Industries, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $213.27 and a fifty-two week high of $353.36.

Valmont Industries (NYSE:VMI  Get Rating) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 20th. The industrial products company reported $3.54 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.23 by $0.31. The firm had revenue of $1.06 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.02 billion. Valmont Industries had a net margin of 5.94% and a return on equity of 19.08%. Equities research analysts forecast that Valmont Industries, Inc. will post 15.37 EPS for the current year.

Valmont Industries Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, July 14th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 30th will be issued a dividend of $0.60 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 29th. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.80%. Valmont Industriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 19.67%.

Valmont Industries Company Profile

(Get Rating)

Valmont Industries, Inc produces and sells metal products in the United States, Australia, Brazil, Denmark, and internationally. The company operates through two segments: Infrastructure and Agriculture. It manufactures and distributes steel, pre-stressed concrete, composite, and hybrid structures for lighting, transportation, and telecommunications equipment, as well as electrical transmission, distribution, substations, and renewable energy generation equipment; and provides coatings services to preserve metal products.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VMI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Valmont Industries, Inc. (NYSE:VMI  Get Rating).

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Shares of Virgin Money UK PLC (LON:VMUK  Get Rating) have been given a consensus recommendation of Hold by the seven brokerages that are covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month target price among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is GBX 209 ($2.66).

VMUK has been the subject of a number of research reports. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on Virgin Money UK from GBX 205 ($2.61) to GBX 220 ($2.80) and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 9th. Barclays decreased their price objective on Virgin Money UK from GBX 230 ($2.92) to GBX 200 ($2.54) and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, April 21st. Finally, Citigroup restated a buy rating on shares of Virgin Money UK in a research report on Friday, March 10th.

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Virgin Money UK Trading Up 0.7 %

Shares of Virgin Money UK stock opened at GBX 145.50 ($1.85) on Wednesday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of GBX 152.88 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 166.11. Virgin Money UK has a 12 month low of GBX 117.25 ($1.49) and a 12 month high of GBX 200 ($2.54). The firm has a market cap of 1.99 billion, a PE ratio of 425.15, a PEG ratio of -0.56 and a beta of 1.96.

Virgin Money UK Cuts Dividend

Insider Transactions at Virgin Money UK

The firm also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, June 21st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, May 18th were issued a GBX 3.30 ($0.04) dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, May 18th. This represents a dividend yield of 2.15%. Virgin Money UKs payout ratio is 3,235.29%.

In other news, insider David Duffy sold 6,683 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 157 ($2.00), for a total value of 10,492.31 ($13,340.51). In other news, insider Sara Weller acquired 20,000 shares of Virgin Money UK stock in a transaction on Friday, May 26th. The shares were bought at an average cost of GBX 152 ($1.93) per share, for a total transaction of 30,400 ($38,652.26). Also, insider David Duffy sold 6,683 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 157 ($2.00), for a total value of 10,492.31 ($13,340.51). Company insiders own 18.47% of the companys stock.

Virgin Money UK Company Profile

(Get Rating

Virgin Money UK PLC provides banking products and services for consumers, and small and medium sized businesses under the Clydesdale Bank, Yorkshire Bank, and Virgin Money brands in the United Kingdom. The company offers savings and current accounts, mortgages, credit cards, and home loans; business loans, overdraft facilities, treasury solutions, and corporate and structured finance; asset and invoice finance services; risk management; international trade services; and home, car, and life and critical illness insurance products.

See Also

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Long term investing works well, but it doesn't always work for each individual stock. We really hate to see fellow investors lose their hard-earned money. Spare a thought for those who held Synlait Milk Limited (NZSE:SML) for five whole years - as the share price tanked 86%. We also note that the stock has performed poorly over the last year, with the share price down 47%. Furthermore, it's down 19% in about a quarter. That's not much fun for holders. We really feel for shareholders in this scenario. It's a good reminder of the importance of diversification, and it's worth keeping in mind there's more to life than money, anyway.

Since shareholders are down over the longer term, lets look at the underlying fundamentals over the that time and see if they've been consistent with returns.

View our latest analysis for Synlait Milk

While markets are a powerful pricing mechanism, share prices reflect investor sentiment, not just underlying business performance. One way to examine how market sentiment has changed over time is to look at the interaction between a company's share price and its earnings per share (EPS).

During five years of share price growth, Synlait Milk moved from a loss to profitability. That would generally be considered a positive, so we are surprised to see the share price is down. Other metrics might give us a better handle on how its value is changing over time.

Revenue is actually up 14% over the time period. So it seems one might have to take closer look at the fundamentals to understand why the share price languishes. After all, there may be an opportunity.

The graphic below depicts how earnings and revenue have changed over time (unveil the exact values by clicking on the image).

We know that Synlait Milk has improved its bottom line lately, but what does the future have in store? So it makes a lot of sense to check out what analysts think Synlait Milk will earn in the future (free profit forecasts).

A Different Perspective

Synlait Milk shareholders are down 47% for the year, but the market itself is up 5.4%. 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 13% over the last half decade. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Synlait Milk better, we need to consider many other factors. Like risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 3 warning signs for Synlait Milk (of which 2 are potentially serious!) you should know about.

If you are like me, then you will 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 New Zealander exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2023. [Xinhua/Shen Hong]

BEIJING, June 27 (Xinhua)  Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene in Beijing on Tuesday, calling for strengthening connectivity and deepening friendship, mutual trust, and cooperation between China and Mongolia.

Noting the two countries are neighbors linked by mountains and rivers, Xi pointed out that the development of long-term good-neighborliness is a strategic choice made by both sides, which fully conforms to the fundamental interests of the two peoples. China, a trustworthy and reliable partner for Mongolia, attaches great importance to developing China-Mongolia relations, Xi said.

"China stands ready to work with Mongolia to deepen friendship, mutual trust, and cooperation under the guidance of building a China-Mongolia community with a shared future, take China-Mongolia comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights, and inject more stability and certainty into the region," he said.

Xi stressed that China and Mongolia should uphold mutual respect for national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, respect the development paths independently chosen by the two peoples, and firmly support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns.

China is advancing national rejuvenation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization, while Mongolia is also making efforts in national reform and economic and social development. The two sides can forge ahead to synergize development strategies and work together to promote modernization, he said.

Xi said that China will continue to cooperate with Mongolia in the spirit of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness, strengthen connectivity between the two countries, advance the construction of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor, and jointly promote the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

China plays an active role in global environmental governance and stands ready to cooperate with Mongolia in preventing and controlling desertification, and will continue to support Mongolia's tree-planting campaign dubbed "Billion Trees," said Xi, adding that China is willing to improve interparty exchanges and promote experience exchanges in state governance with Mongolia.

He pointed out that China and Mongolia are both developing countries, sharing extensive common interests and similar positions on international and regional affairs. He said that China supports Mongolia in playing a positive role in regional and international affairs. He expressed hope that the two sides will uphold the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity, firmly safeguard multilateralism, and jointly promote a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice, and win-win cooperation.

For his part, Oyun-Erdene said that Mongolia and China have a shared future and that the heart of the two is connected. He praised the successful hosting of the Winter Olympics amid the COVID-19 pandemic, saying it manifested solidarity and cooperation, boosting the confidence of the international community.

The prime minister appreciated China's remarkable development achievements and leadership in the world, adding that the Mongolian side will not forget the valuable assistance provided by China.

Mongolia is willing to work with China in making the Mongolia-China relations an example for relations between countries, Oyun-Erdene said. He pledged that Mongolia adheres to the one-China principle, supports China's position on Taiwan, Tibet and Xinjiang, as well as the China-proposed Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative.

He expressed the willingness to work closely with China, continue to uphold mutual respect and support each other's choice of development path, jointly promote a high-quality BRI, and strengthen exchanges between political parties and young people. He said the two countries should improve the connectivity of cross-border railways and ports, and promote cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, investment, energy, green development, and anti-corruption.

Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, was also present at the meeting.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2023. [Xinhua/Yao Dawei]

(Source: Xinhua)
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2023. [Xinhua/Yao Dawei]

BEIJING, June 27 (Xinhua)  Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh in Beijing on Tuesday.

Noting that this year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, Xi said China regards Vietnam as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy and is working to build a community with a shared future with Vietnam  a strategic choice China has made based on the long-term development of bilateral relations.

Facing an increasingly severe and complex international situation, China and Vietnam should uphold the spirit of equality, mutual benefit, solidarity, mutual trust and win-win cooperation, work together for common development to bring more benefits to the two peoples, and inject more stability into the world, Xi said.

Xi described China and Vietnam  both socialist countries  as comrades with a high degree of mutual trust, partners pursuing win-win results, and friends who know each other well. He called on the two sides to adhere to the concept of putting people first, and firmly support each other in pursuing socialist paths that suit their own national conditions and modernization paths with their own characteristics.

The two sides should build a high-quality Belt and Road together, enhance the synergy of development strategies, leverage complementary advantages, and accelerate practical cooperation in fields such as infrastructure, smart customs and green energy, Xi said.

China is willing to import more marketable Vietnamese products and welcomes Vietnam's participation in the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and the China International Import Expo in the second half of this year, Xi said.

He said the two sides should enrich people-to-people exchanges, enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples  especially the younger generations  and consolidate the social foundations for the development of bilateral relations.

Xi called on the two sides to jointly oppose decoupling and the severing of industrial and supply chains, and oppose politicizing economic, scientific and technological issues. He said the two countries should safeguard international fairness and justice, and their own development rights and interests.

A more just and reasonable international order should be promoted, and a peaceful and stable external environment for the modernization drive of the two countries should be created, he added.

Pham Minh Chinh said that developing long-term, stable and sound Vietnam-China relations has always been the strategic choice and top priority of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Vietnamese government.

Vietnam will always remember and sincerely thanks China for the long-term, valuable assistance it has provided to Vietnam, and cherishes the relationship carefully cultivated by the older generations of leaders, Pham Minh Chinh said.

Vietnam is proud of the major innovative achievements in theory and practice made by the Communist Party of China, he said, adding that China is sure to realize Chinese modernization and build itself into a great modern socialist country under General Secretary Xi Jinping's vigorous leadership.

Vietnam firmly upholds the one-China policy, supports the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, supports China's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and will continue to actively participate in the construction of the Belt and Road, he said.

Vietnam opposes the politicization of economic issues and is willing to work closely with China to guard against and combat all kinds of risks and challenges, and will never allow any force to drive a wedge between the two countries, Pham Minh Chinh said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2023. [Xinhua/Shen Hong]

(Source: Xinhua)
What It Takes To Fund One Social Security Check in Every State

DNY59 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

If you're traditionally employed, you've probably noticed that every two weeks a nice little chunk of change gets deducted from your paycheck for Social Security.

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It can be hard to watch that money disappear now, but it may be heartening to know you'll be getting it back when you reach retirement age one day.

But how many paycheck deductions does it actually take to fund a single Social Security check? The answer is a lot higher than you think, and it varies widely by state.

Click through to get a better idea of just how much -- or how little -- Social Security is really worth.

AndreyPopov / iStock.com

How Many Paychecks It Takes

To determine how many paycheck deductions it takes to fund one Social Security check in each state, GOBankingRates pulled the median income by state, according to the US Census Bureau, and divided that number by 26 to calculate one biweekly paycheck amount.

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Then, GOBankingRates determined the Social Security employee deduction per paycheck based on the current Social Security tax rate; however, GOBankingRates calculated these figures using only employee deductions to show just how much of your money it takes to qualify for Social Security.

Afterward, we divided the average monthly Social Security benefit of $1,787.31 for a retired person by the average deduction for each state to calculate just how many paycheck deductions it takes to fund one Social Security payout depending on where you live.

On average, it takes 10.86 employee paycheck deductions to fund a single Social Security monthly benefit. It takes 15.26 paycheck deductions in Mississippi but only 8.52 in Hawaii.

SeanPavonePhoto / iStock.com

Alabama

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,113.19

Social Security Deduction : $131.02

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 13.64

Retirement Savings: Here's How Much Cash Baby Boomers Need To Retire in the Next 5 Years

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Alaska

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $3,087.96

Social Security Deduction : $191.45

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 9.34

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Arizona

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,535.12

Social Security Deduction : $157.18

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 11.37

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Arkansas

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,004.73

Social Security Deduction : $124.29

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 14.38

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California

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $3,234.50

Social Security Deduction : $200.54

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 8.91

I'm a Financial Planning Expert: 9 Things You Should Never Buy If You Want To Retire Early

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Colorado

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $3,084.00

Social Security Deduction : $191.21

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 9.35

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Connecticut

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $3,214.31

Social Security Deduction : $199.29

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 8.97

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Delaware

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,797.08

Social Security Deduction : $173.42

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 10.31

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Florida

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,376.04

Social Security Deduction : $147.31

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 12.13

See: What Is the Average Social Security Benefit at Every Age?

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Georgia

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,501.15

Social Security Deduction : $155.07

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 11.53

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Hawaii

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $3,384.81

Social Security Deduction : $209.86

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 8.52

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Idaho

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,437.58

Social Security Deduction : $151.13

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 11.83

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Illinois

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,790.88

Social Security Deduction : $173.03

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 10.33

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Indiana

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,382.46

Social Security Deduction : $147.71

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 12.10

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Iowa

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,516.50

Social Security Deduction : $156.02

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 11.46

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Kansas

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,481.58

Social Security Deduction : $153.86

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 11.62

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Kentucky

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,132.85

Social Security Deduction : $132.24

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 13.52

Social Security: What Happens If I Don't Have 40 Credits?

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Louisiana

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,060.42

Social Security Deduction : $127.75

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 13.99

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Maine

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,430.08

Social Security Deduction : $150.66

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 11.86

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Maryland

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $3,516.58

Social Security Deduction : $218.03

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 8.20

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Massachusetts

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $3,424.08

Social Security Deduction : $212.29

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 8.42

Read: Major Cuts to Social Security Are Back on the Table -- What's Being Proposed Now?

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Michigan

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,430.85

Social Security Deduction : $150.71

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 11.86

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Minnesota

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,988.69

Social Security Deduction : $185.30

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 9.65

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Mississippi

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $1,888.88

Social Security Deduction : $117.11

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 15.26

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Missouri

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,347.81

Social Security Deduction : $145.56

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 12.28

Advice: Expert Says 'Stealth Tax' on Social Security Hurts More Retirees Each Year -- How It Works

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Montana

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,329.23

Social Security Deduction : $144.41

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 12.38

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Nebraska

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,563.23

Social Security Deduction : $158.92

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 11.25

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Nevada

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,526.38

Social Security Deduction : $156.64

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 11.41

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New Hampshire

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $3,209.58

Social Security Deduction : $198.99

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 8.98

Social Security: Proposal for $2,400 Extra in Checks Expanded and Reintroduced in Congress

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New Jersey

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $3,450.12

Social Security Deduction : $213.91

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 8.36

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New Mexico

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,077.69

Social Security Deduction : $128.82

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 13.87

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New York

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,890.65

Social Security Deduction : $179.22

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 9.97

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North Carolina

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,327.54

Social Security Deduction : $144.31

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 12.39

Social Security: 20% Cuts to Your Payments May Come Sooner Than Expected

DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

North Dakota

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,620.42

Social Security Deduction : $162.47

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 11.00

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Ohio

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,382.23

Social Security Deduction : $147.70

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 12.10

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Oklahoma

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,190.62

Social Security Deduction : $135.82

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 13.16

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Oregon

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,695.54

Social Security Deduction : $167.12

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 10.69

Next: Experts Propose Tax Cap as Social Security Solution -- Which Americans Would Be Most Affected?

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Pennsylvania

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,599.50

Social Security Deduction : $161.17

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 11.09

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Rhode Island

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,864.96

Social Security Deduction : $177.63

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 10.06

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South Carolina

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,239.77

Social Security Deduction : $138.87

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 12.87

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South Dakota

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,458.46

Social Security Deduction : $152.42

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 11.73

More: Here's the Average Social Security Check for Men vs. Women

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Tennesee

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,250.62

Social Security Deduction : $139.54

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 12.81

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Texas

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,589.27

Social Security Deduction : $160.53

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 11.13

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Utah

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $3,043.58

Social Security Deduction : $188.70

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 9.47

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Vermont

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,602.85

Social Security Deduction : $161.38

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 11.08

Next: I'm a Financial Advisor Who Knows What Retirees Actually Do With Their Savings (It Might Surprise You)

Sean Pavone / iStock.com

Virginia

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $3,100.58

Social Security Deduction : $192.24

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 9.30

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Washington

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $3,169.23

Social Security Deduction : $196.49

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 9.10

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West Virginia

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $1,957.08

Social Security Deduction : $121.34

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 14.73

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Wisconsin

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,580.00

Social Security Deduction : $159.96

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 11.17

Also: 10 Brilliant Ways To Reduce Your Taxes in Retirement

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Wyoming

Median Biweekly Paycheck : $2,615.46

Social Security Deduction : $162.16

Paychecks to Fund One Month of Social Security: 11.02

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: What It Takes To Fund One Social Security Check in Every State
Republican gubernatorial nominee Daniel Cameron, left, chats with supporters during a campaign stop in Shepherdsville, Ky., on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. Cameron is challenging Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear in the November election. (AP Photo/Bruce Schreiner)
The US Treasury Department on Tuesday imposed sanctions on four companies involved in gold dealing and one person they say made weapons deals tied to the Wagner Group.
Key Insights

Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Tate & Lyle fair value estimate is UK9.90

Tate & Lyle's UK7.16 share price signals that it might be 28% undervalued

The UK9.20 analyst price target for TATE is 7.1% less than our estimate of fair value

In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of Tate & Lyle plc (LON:TATE) by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back 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.

We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. 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 Tate & Lyle

Step By Step Through The Calculation

We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF (, Millions) UK105.4m UK217.7m UK174.1m UK188.5m UK235.5m UK241.9m UK247.3m UK252.2m UK256.6m UK260.6m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x6 Analyst x5 Analyst x6 Analyst x6 Analyst x2 Est @ 2.70% Est @ 2.26% Est @ 1.96% Est @ 1.74% Est @ 1.59% Present Value (, Millions) Discounted @ 6.8% UK98.7 UK191 UK143 UK145 UK169 UK163 UK156 UK149 UK142 UK135

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

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = UK1.5b

After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 1.2%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 6.8%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032  (1 + g)  (r  g) = UK261m (1 + 1.2%)  (6.8% 1.2%) = UK4.7b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= UK4.7b ( 1 + 6.8%)10= UK2.4b

The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is UK3.9b. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of UK7.2, the company appears a touch undervalued at a 28% discount to where the stock price trades currently. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent.

dcf

The Assumptions

The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Tate & Lyle 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 6.8%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.800. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

SWOT Analysis for Tate & Lyle

Strength

Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry.

Debt is well covered by earnings.

Weakness

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

Opportunity

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

Trading below our estimate of fair value by more than 20%.

Threat

Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow.

Paying a dividend but company has no free cash flows.

Annual revenue is forecast to grow slower than the British market.

Moving On:

Although the valuation of a company is important, it is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. Can we work out why the company is trading at a discount to intrinsic value? For Tate & Lyle, we've put together three pertinent elements you should further examine:

Risks: We feel that you should assess the 1 warning sign for Tate & Lyle we've flagged before making an investment in the company. Future Earnings: How does TATE's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every British stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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New details revealed in a report authored by the Democratic majority on the Senate Committee on Homeland Security confirm that Donald Trumps January 6 coup nearly succeeded thanks to substantial support within the federal intelligence agencies in the lead-up to the attack.

Proud Boys and other fascists march towards the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. [AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster]

The new 105-page report, titled Planned in Plain Sight, refutes the one-man coup narrative proffered by the now-dissolved January 6 House Select Committee. Michigan Senator Gary Peters, the chairman of the committee, and the committees majority staff report that despite receiving many credible tips of violence between November 2020 and January 6, 2021, neither the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) nor the Department of Homeland Security Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) issued a threat assessment or a joint intelligence bulletin warning of potential violence at the Capitol.



This is despite the fact that both agencies had independently received tips that violent right-wing fascists summoned by Trump, such as the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, were traveling to Washington D.C. in the run-up to January 6 to storm the Capitol. Both agencies tracked multiple warnings that members of the militia groups were coming to Washington to literally kill people, but they did not issue warnings to law enforcement bodies, claiming the threats were not credible.



They deemed not credible warnings that Trump supporters planned to use makeshift weapons such as flagpoles, that they intended to use their numbers to overwhelm the police and that their goal was to storm the Capitol.



The report reveals that the FBI failed to catalog all the tips it received. In violation of its policy requiring every tip to be logged, regardless of credibility, the agency failed to retain an untold number of tips in its Guardian system.

The Senate report states that the system did not contain all of the January 6th-related tips that it should have.



The FBI may well have received many credible tips that have since been erased by the agency to cover up its complicity in the attack. In a timid protest against what was in all likelihood systematic non-compliance, the report notes, The Committee also faced challenges in obtaining full compliance with its request, an increasingly regular occurrence across administrations.



In interviews with the committee staff, the FBI claimed that it communicated threats informally and verbally. One of the threats the FBI chose to keep to itself was Trumps plan to march on the Capitol.

In an internal January 5 FBI email to Couterterrorism Division staff, an FBI official wrote that a notable event tomorrow that could trigger a flashpoint is a planned POTUS rally/speech on the ellipse at 1100 EST. The email continued: Its estimated that 30,000 participants will then march toward the Capital [sic] which will coincide with the 1300 EST scheduled Congressional meetings to certify the electoral college vote.



Emphasizing the supposed threat from anti-Trump counterprotesters, the email concluded, Obvious concerns remain if counter-protests ensue and opposing ideologies clash.



While the World Socialist Web Site warned repeatedly as early as October 1, 2020 that Trump was preparing to attempt a coup, the FBI issued only two intelligence products related to a potential attack on January 6. Both reports were issued on January 5 by field offices, one in Norfolk, Virginia, and the other in New Orleans. Neither was disseminated widely. The New Orleans report warned that elements associated with Stop the Steal had established heavily armed Quick Reaction Forces in northern Virginia.



The Senate report notes that besides refusing to categorize any of the dozens of threats the agency received in relation to January 6 as credible, the FBI did not consider the threats in their totality.

The agency weakened its ability to track the threats by switching to a different third-party contractor to monitor social media just days before January 6. While the FBI previously used Dataminr to spy on the population, something agency officials had claimed they did not do, the Senate report reveals that on January 1, 2021 the FBI switched to a new company, ZeroFox. This transition came as a surprise to many in the agency and forced FBI officials to track online threats manually for several days.

The report documents a series of extraordinary messages disseminated by by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on January 6 aimed at downplaying the peril.



At 6:46 a.m. on the morning of the coup, the DHS distributed a National Civil Unrest Summary to law enforcement agencies. The summary reported that as many as 30,000 people would be in Washington D.C. on January 6, participating in 55 different demonstrations. The summary gave no indication of possible violence, even though many of those coming to Washington were members of violent militia groups.



Just over two hours later, at 8:57 a.m., the senior watch officer at the DHS National Operations Center sent an email to federal agencies, including the FBI, noting that members of the crowd are wearing ballistic helmets, body armor and carrying radio equipment and military grade backpacks.

The email confirmed that there were 85 different protests, with participants including the Proud Boys, Stop the Steal and a group called Operation Occupy the Capitol. Yet, the email concluded, there is no indication of civil disobedience.



At 2:12 p.m., well after Proud Boys and other Trump fascists had begun their attack on the Capitol and the Washington Metropolitan Police had declared a riot, the US Capitol Police forwarded a request to the DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) asking for any information about groups talking about taking over the Capital [sic] on social media or discussing tactics such as using specific radio frequencies or weapons.



Over half an hour later, at 2:48 p.m., I&A staff emailed each othernot the policeto confirm that while there was significant chatter online, no credible information to pass on has been established. Five minutes later, the director of the Current & Emerging Threats Center within I&A reminded staff to keep emails internal until they met the reporting thresholds. Over an hour later, at 4:27 p.m., an internal I&A staff email reported that the agency had not yet found anything that has met our threshold for reporting



By this time, QAnon fascist Ashli Babbitt had been shot and killed by the police, Vice President Mike Pence had been evacuated and D.C. National Guard Commander William Walker was seeking to get permission from Trump loyalists in the Pentagon to deploy his soldiers. Yet I&A intelligence analysts were unable to report any credible threats against the Capitol.



What Senator Peters downplays as a failure of the DHS to connect the dots prior to and on January 6 can only be understood as a deliberate policy. The rationale given by capitalist politicians for creating the DHS, and the I&A specifically, in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, was the need to improve intelligence sharing between federal and local police agencies and eliminate so-called intelligence failures. That the agency specifically created to coordinate and disseminate intelligence reports refused to do so prior to the January 6 coup can only mean there was broad support for Trumps plot within the agency.



While the Democrats Senate report includes some damning revelations, it remains an effort at cover-up and damage control, chiefly for the benefit of the Republican Party and the police-intelligence apparatus. The word coup appears only once, in a footnote, and the wider role of the Republican Party in backing the coup, from foot soldiers to pro-coup members of Congress and conspirators among the military brass and within the intellgence agencies, is completely left out.



The report goes so far as to attribute the failure of the FBI and DHS to warn of violent attacks to an over-correction in response to criticisms of their gestapo tactics against protesters and journalists during the 2020 summer protests against police violence.



In contrast to the hands off approach of DHS to Trumps thugs prior to and on January 6, against the summer protests the DHS deployed helicopters, airplanes and drones in over 14 cities where demonstrators gathered peacefully to demand an end to police murders. The Senate report notes that over that period the DHS collected more than 270 hours worth of surveillance and created at least 34 Operational Background Reports, or OBRs. Three of these OBRs targeted journalists.
Michael Tippett: The Shadow and the Light, recently shown on BBC2 in Britain, is devoted to the life and career of one of the major composers of the 20th century, Michael Tippett (1905-1998), who died a quarter-century ago at the age of 93.

The documentary uses the customary technique of conducting numerous interviews with leading musicians, colleagues, biographers and personal friends of the composer. What makes it especially effective, however, is the way it interweaves the discussion of Tippetts life with frequent and in a few cases extended excerpts of his music, played by the Scottish BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Harish Shankar.

Michael TippettThe Shadow and the Light

We hear passages from the Concerto for Double String Orchestra (1939), as well as the Fantasia Concertante on a Theme of Corelli (1953), the 2nd and 4th Symphonies, the String Quartet No. 5, and the Piano Concerto. The most extended excerpts are from Tippetts most popular and enduring work, the oratorio A Child of Our Time, which was composed between 1939 and 1941, and premiered in 1944.

Tippetts name is often linked with that of the better-known Benjamin Britten (1913-1976). British composer Mark-Anthony Turnage claims that it is possible for him to identify a piece of music is by Tippett by merely listening to one bar. There is a reference to Tippett energy, and his work is described as alternately ecstatic and exuberant. Turnage calls Tippetts music life-giving, as opposed to a certain melancholia he finds in Britten, although he hastens to add this is not meant as a criticism of the latter.

As a young man Tippett plunged into the classical repertoire, imbibing Beethoven, Bach and Handel. His interest in the Baroque is indicated by the above-mentioned work on a Corelli theme. Tippett integrated the influences of his predecessors into his own compositions, which could include English folk music and other more contemporary forms. Although he avoided nationalist or patriotic themes, his music inevitably was touched by his origins and by the work of those who preceded him. The most famous of these were Edward Elgar and Ralph Vaughn Williams. A list of prominent British composers of the past century would also include Frank Bridge, Gerald Finzi, Eric Coates and Frederick Delius.

Following Brittens death, Tippett, who was a decade older but lived for 22 years longer than Britten, became recognized as the most famous living British composer. He received many commissions for new work, especially from the US.

His music is not as well-known as Brittens, however, and with one or two exceptions it is not often performed today, especially outside his native Britain. The mid-20th century promotion of serialism and atonality, which Tippett generally avoided, was a factor. This prejudice did not have a similarly negative impact on Brittens popularity, however. Tippetts work was often considered challenging, and it was not until late in his life that his music won wider acclaim. The excerpts of some of his well-known works in the BBC film, particularly those from his middle years, are in some cases quite appealing, and indicate those works deserve to be programmed more often.

Tippetts Piano Concerto (1955), complex and difficult to perform, is available on YouTube in a performance marking the 90th birthday of the composer, in 1995. The sparkling finale of the three-movement concerto lives up to the descriptions of his music as life-giving and exuberant.

Also worth listening to is Tippetts 2nd Symphony, completed in 1957. At the premiere of the work, broadcast live in February 1958, it had to be restarted after several minutes, a reflection of its notorious difficulty. Both the concerto and the 2nd Symphony are examples of work that was being composed in opposition to the prevailing dogma against tonality in the US and Western Europe at the time. The Third Symphony, for soprano and orchestra, is a less accessible work, composed between 1970 and 1972, and noteworthy for its several quotations from Beethovens Ninth Symphony. The film also includes excerpts from Tippetts later, more experimental efforts.

Michael Tippett, A Child of Our Time (originally recorded 1975)

As the documentary (directed by John Bridcut) makes clear, Tippett has no lack of admirers among fellow composers, as well as conductors and other musicians. Some of these individuals pay tribute to him, and stress how much he influenced their own musical development. Among those featured is Colin Davis, the longtime conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra and perhaps the most prominent champion of Tippetts music. Others include Turnage, conductors Andrew Davis and Sian Edwards, and pianist Steven Osborne.

Like Britten and many other artists and musicians, Tippett was politically influenced by the conditions of the Great Depression and the mass sympathy for socialism within the working class in this period. While Brittens socialism remained of a reformist-pacifist variety, Tippett embraced, for a period in the 1930s, the cause of revolutionary socialism as embodied in the 1917 Russian Revolution. For a few years, he was part of the British Trotskyist movement.

A key influence in Tippetts political involvement, as well as his artistic evolution, was Wilfred Franks, a young artist who attended the Bauhaus Art School in Germany for a few years beginning in 1929, and joined anti-Nazi demonstrations before Hitler came to power. Franks later participated in the well-known Battle of Cable Street against the British Fascists in October 1936. Tippett met Franks in 1932, and the two became political, artistic and personal soulmates for much of the rest of the decade. Tippett, beginning to come to terms with his homosexuality, later described his meeting Franks as the deepest, most shattering experience of falling in love. Although Franks later married, and his close friendship with Tippett ended in 1938, they reconnected decades later. Franks died in 2003 at the age of 95. He was a lifelong adherent of Trotskyism, and a loyal supporter of the International Committee of the Fourth International. Stefan Steinberg, one of the authors of this article, was acquainted with Franks, who worked for many years as an art teacher at the Leeds Polytechnic. Veteran British Trotskyist Barbara Slaughter interviewed Franks in 1999 for the WSWS. For readers seeking more information on Franks life, a biography by his grandson, Danyel P. Gilgan, is also available.

A closer look at Tippetts political development in the 1930s is instructive. In the early part of the decade, before he was 30 years old, he organized musical activities for unemployed miners at work camps in the north of England. His work included a performance of John Gays The Beggars Opera, and he also co-wrote his own peoples opera, Robin Hood. In his autobiography, Tippett includes an excerpt from the text of Robin Hood, terming it a reinterpretation of the legend of the famous outlaw in terms of the class war then dividing English society:

So God he made us outlaws, To beat the devils man, To rob the rich, to feed the poor By Robins ten-year plan.

The BBC documentary includes excerpts from rehearsals of the original production of Robin Hood. In October 1934 Tippett was also involved in a musical tribute to the Tolpuddle Martyrs, who fought for agricultural labourers rights in the 1830s.

Wilf Franks and Michael Tippett in Spain 1933 (Photo by David Ayerst, reproduced with permission) [Photo]

Tippetts sympathy for the oppressed found expression in A Child of Our Time, although he was by that time no longer involved in the socialist movement. Tippett composed the piece between 1939 and 1941. He began work on it on the very first day of the Second World War, and its anti-war message is prominent throughout. He was inspired in particular by the tragic fate of Herschel Grynspan, a 17-year-old Jewish refugee in Paris who sought to protest the vicious antisemitism of the Nazis by assassinating a German diplomat. The Hitler regime responded to this courageous if misguided act of individual terror by unleashing the notorious Kristallnacht pogrom throughout Germany on November 9, 1938.

While clearly expressing support and sympathy for Jews facing persecution at the hands of the Nazis, Tippetts libretto for A Child of Our Time is directed against all forms of oppression, including Jim Crow racism and segregation in the US. The libretto refers starkly and powerfully to pogroms in the East, lynchings in the West. In a 1944 letter Tippett wrote that the oppressed referred to in the oratorioThe scapegoat! The child of our timeincluded Jews, Negroesand in my opinion political groups like anarchists, Trotskyists.

The oratorio draws upon the three-part format used, for example, in Handels Messiah, and its structure is also influenced by Bachs Passions. While relying heavily on classical forms, Tippett effectively integrated African American spirituals into the work, using themincluding Steal Away, Deep River and Go Down, Mosesfor his chorales. The result is immediate and powerful, as Colin Davis explains.

Predictably, in the current cultural atmosphere dominated by identity politics, Tippetts use of spirituals has been labeled an example of cultural appropriation. This claim is answered in the documentary by conductor Edwards as well as by pianist and composer David Owen Norris, who, discussing the theme of the fight against injustice, argues that Tippett sought to stretch it across the world. Norris explains that Tippetts main source was The Book of American Spirituals, edited by the famous poet and civil rights activist James Weldon Johnson. Norris quotes Johnson, almost 100 years ago, in words that could have been applied to Tippett: I do not think the composers of any country have at their hand any mine of richer material than American composers have in the spirituals.

While Tippetts political involvement in the 1930s did not continue, he never publicly repudiated his political past, and wrote about it briefly in his autobiography, published more than 50 years later. His humane and principled beliefs led himfrom a pacifist standpointto refuse to fight on behalf of British imperialism in WWII, for which he, along with Franks, was imprisoned for several months in 1943.

Tippett writes in his autobiography about a meeting with Franks in 1985, when Franks would have been 77 and Tippett 82: It was a fine Sunday morning and Wilf took me out for a stroll in the park. We were late back, for we became deeply embroiled in a political argument: Marxism had remained for Wilf a vivid reality. It clearly was not such a reality for Tippett by that time, but he still retained an element of his youthful interest.

Michael Tippett, Lindsay Quartet-String Quartets 1, 2 & 3 (1975)

This fuller appreciation of Tippetts life is rejected by Oliver Soden, one of Tippetts biographers and also a co-producer of the BBC film. Soden takes a cynical and somewhat tawdry approach, including a sneering anti-communism, which detracts greatly from the programs positive qualities. He heaps scorn on Tippetts left-wing views. According to Soden, Tippetts development was thrown off course by his interest in socialism. He caricatures Marxism, ignoring the role of the mass working class movement, mockingly referring to machine guns  against the bourgeoisie.

Soden claims that Tippetts rejection of Stalinism and his agreement with Trotskys criticisms was jumping from the frying pan into the firein other words there was no difference, according to this expert, between the October Revolution led by Lenin and Trotsky, and the Stalinist counterrevolution of the 1930s that executed virtually the entire surviving leadership of the revolution of 1917.

According to Soden, Robin Hoods reference to a ten-year plan is really meant to refer to Uncle Joe (Stalin). The Five-Year Plan was specifically Stalinist, says Soden. In fact, it was Trotsky, in 1925, a year after Lenins death, who proposed what would become the basis of the Five-Year Plans: rapid industrialization and collectivization of agriculture, policies that were monstrously distorted by the Stalinist bureaucracy when it embarked on its ultra-left Third Period. There is of course a fundamental difference between democratic planning with the full participation of the working class and the bureaucratic Stalinist variety, but this is of no concern to Soden.

This section of the BBC film places its emphasis on psychobiography, focusing on Tippetts several long-term relationships. The one relationship virtually ignored is that with Franks, to whom Tippett dedicated his String Quartet No. 1, the first performance of which, in December 1935, gained the composers first public recognition. Franks influence was important for his music, and he helped shape Tippetts concern with the struggle against oppression and injustice. As longtime friend and colleague Edwards explains, the longing for a better world was an ache that never entirely left Michael.

Tippett became respected and to some extent officially venerated in his later years. As the film describes, he occasionally composed works with his own librettos, with pop references (the massive choral work, The Mask of Time, from 1982) that call to mind some of the quite uneven later work of Leonard Bernstein, such as his Mass. At the same time, he continued to compose more difficult works, like the String Quartet No. 4, from 1978.

In his last decade, Tippett suffered some of the afflictions of old age, the gradual loss of his middle vision being the most frustrating, since it hindered (but did not halt) his work of musical composition. He was closely associated with the beloved and famous Lindsay String Quartet, which was active between 1965 and 2005, and for whom he composed several of his string quartets, including the final Quartet No. 5, in 1991. The closing minutes of the film include brief passages from this quartet and, fittingly, from the closing section of A Child of Our Time.

Any conscientious examination of Tippetts long career must inevitably make reference to his longstanding egalitarian and humanist beliefs, as well as his relatively brief association with Marxism and Trotskyism as a young man. It is this outward-looking character of Tippett, though accompanied later in life by indications of pessimism, that is summed up by conductor Martyn Brabbins in the documentary: He didnt just write pretty music. He wrote music from the perspective of understanding the complexity of life in the 20th century.

Michael Tippett: The Shadow and the Light is available on BBC iPlayer in the UK.
Migrants from Eritrea, Libya and Sudan crowd the hold of a wooden boat in the Mediterranean sea, about 30 miles north of Libya, Saturday, June 17, 2023. [AP Photo/Joan Mateu Parra]

The European Unions brutal Fortress Europe policy enforced by the Socialist Party (PSOE)-Podemos government against migrants and refugees attempting to reach Europe through the Atlantic route has claimed another 37 migrants, including at least a baby, several children and two teenagers.

They were part of a group of 61 people who were sailing in a rubber boat on their way to the Canary Islands. Only 24 have survived. Forcefully returned by Morocco to Cape Bojador, on the Saharawi coast, four have been hospitalized.

On the afternoon of June 20, family members of the migrants who were heading towards the Canary Islands raised the alarm that their boat was in distress. They contacted the NGO Caminando Sin Fronteras (Walking Without Borders), which immediately requested their rescue from the Spanish emergency services.

Though the maritime area falls under Spanish jurisdictional waters and a boat from Maritime Rescue was only an hour away, Spain delegated the rescue operation to Morocco. As a result, the boat drifted for about 12 hours until it sank. When a Moroccan boat arrived, it could only rescue survivors.

The only action taken by the Spanish rescue services was to contact a nearby container ship and ask them to monitor the boat. However, the container ship was too large to perform a rescue operation. Merchant ship captains are prohibited from carrying out such operations.

Helena Maleno, spokesperson for Caminando Sin Fronteras, explained, They redirected a cargo ship that had been blocking the rubber dinghy for hours, just to protect themselves and avoid taking responsibility in case the migrants drowned. People were in a state of panic, exhausted, on an empty rubber dinghy. Its the same as in Greece, Italy and Spain, and it reflects the European politics at the borders. Its torture and death.

She said, Spain has become Greece, and this is repeated every day at the European borders.

Caminando Fronteras already pointed out in its 2022 report published in January that The omission of the duty of relief has become a key tool in migration control on the Euro-African Western Border. This terrible conclusion shows that the refusal of the Spanish and Greek governments to rescue boats in danger with migrants is not an isolated event or a mistake but a deliberate policy of letting migrants drown in accordance with the Fortress Europe doctrine.

The EUs brutal anti-migrant policy has left tens of thousands dead. In the Mediterranean, it claimed at least 1,200 lives in 2022, adding to the horrifying tally of almost 25,000 deaths since 2014. In the Atlantic, where desperate migrants must travel hundreds of kilometers for days, if not weeks, on makeshift boats, this route left at least 1,784 migrants dead only in 2022, according to Caminando Sin Fronteras. In total, 2,390 people have died trying to reach Spain.

This latest crime resembles the one off the coast of Greece when the Greek Coast Guard capsized the fishing boat Adriana with some 750 refugees aboard, of which only 104 were found alive. It is one of the worst crimes in the Mediterraneans history.

According to witnesses, the Greek Coast Guard threw a rope to the refugee boat and initially tried to tow it away. When this apparently did not succeed, the Coast Guard boat first made a sharp turn to the right and then to the left, causing the boat to capsize. The Coast Guard thus deliberately risked the deaths of hundreds of refugees, if not intentionally caused them.

Over the last four years in Spain, repression and violence against migrants has been spearheaded by the PSOE-Podemos government. It is no different from policies advocated by the Spanish neo-fascists of the Vox party or other European far-right parties.

In fact, last April Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez traveled to Rome to meet with neo-fascist Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The two agreed to escalate anti-migrant policies, with Sanchez declaring: Many countries have recognized that illegal immigration is a European problem that requires a European response of a political nature.

Sanchez stressed the importance of the Migration and Asylum Pact, which was approved earlier this month. Under its terms, EU interior ministers have effectively abandoned the right of asylum for refugees. Refugees are now to be interned in detention camps at the EUs external borders in the future, their asylum applications to be decided in a fast-track procedure and then deported to almost any third country.

The PSOE-Podemos government has passed a threshold that would previously have been unthinkable except under far-right regimes. It was only after the Left Populist Podemos party took office that the Spanish government sent the army against refugees in Ceuta and interned migrants in concentration camps in the Canary Islands.

The latest implementation of the brutal let them drown policy takes place a year after the PSOE-Podemos government in collaboration with Rabat committed a massacre against refugees in Melilla leaving 37 dead.

The Moroccan Gendarmerie, working with the Spanish police and Civil Guard, attacked 2,000 desperate refugees who tried to climb over the fence separating Morocco from Spains African enclave, Melilla. Tear gas, rubber bullets, falls from the fences and stampedes resulted in at least 37 deaths, according to the UN, and 77 deaths, according to the Moroccan Association for Human Rights.

Spanish security forces allowed the Moroccan gendarmes to act on Spanish territory, where several of the deaths occurred. They also collaborated in preventing the migrants from receiving medical assistance.

Podemos remained silent on the massacre. Two days after the killings at a press conference, Podemos Minister for Equality Irene Montero refused to take a position on the massacre, despite being asked by journalists five times. It later emerged that her silence had been agreed upon between the PSOE and Podemos.

Podemos then refused a parliamentary inquiry into the massacre, joining the PSOE, the right-wing Popular Party (PP) and Vox. Subsequently, the PSOE-Podemos government lobbied NATO to classify migration as a hybrid threat, comparable to terrorism and food insecurity.

This was yet another demonstration of the pro-capitalist and pro-imperialist politics of the PSOE-Podemos government, which delivered millions of euros in weapons to the Ukraine and deployed troops on the borders with Russia to promote the war that NATO is waging out against Moscow.

The fact that Podemos, which is now part of the electoral platform Sumar for the July 23 general elections, has enforced the EUs murderous policy to the last days of its interim government testifies to the reactionary character of the PSOE-Podemos coalition. It is also carrying out police crackdowns on metalworkers in northwestern Spain and imposing draconian minimum service requirements to try to block mass strikes taking place across Spain.

It demonstrates a key axiom of Marxism. The illegal violence turned against refugees today serves inevitably to suppress the resistance and opposition of the working class and youth to austerity and war. Defending the refugees is the task of the working class. It is the only social force that can counter capitalist reaction and defend democratic rights.
Truly extraordinary tributes have been paid to Simon Crean, an ex-leader of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and the Labor Party, who died on the weekend, aged 74, while leading a business delegation to Germany.

Significantly, former Liberal-National Coalition prime ministers, as well as Labor Party and trade union leaders, have lionised Crean as a giant of the labour movement and a servant of the nation.

Simon Crean [Photo by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade / CC BY 4.0

The accolades are a measure of the critical services that Crean and his fellow Labor and union bureaucrats have performed, particularly in suppressing the struggles of the working class and imposing the endless restructuring dictates of the ruling class since the 1980s.

Noticeably, the compliments were tinged with some anxiety. His loss will be keenly felt throughout the broad labour movement, to which he dedicated so much of his life, former Coalition Prime Minister John Howard said. Tony Abbott, another widely reviled right-wing figure, said he would remember Crean as an admirable man who gave his party and the workers of Australia fine service. Likewise, todays Coalition leader Peter Dutton said he was shocked and saddened by the news. Simon was a gentleman to deal with and a giant of the Labor movement, he said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Crean would be missed enormously, saying: Simon Crean gave a lifetime of service to his nation, and in particular to the labour movement. Albanese announced that Crean would be afforded a state funeral. An editorial in the Australian on Tuesday concluded: Mr Crean left his mark and will be sorely missed.

There was a sense of foreboding that the Labor Party and the political establishment are bereft of such figures today, amid an escalating danger of a US-triggered world war and rising working-class discontent and struggles globally, who could replicate the political role played by Crean and others over the past four decades.

Despite being hailed variously as a thinker and man of principle, Crean was not a substantial figure, intellectually or politically. He was a life-long union and Labor careerist and factional hack who later became, as most of them do, a corporate business figure.

Crean never attracted popular support. In fact, he had the dubious distinction of being the only Labor leader never to survive long enough to contest a federal election. He lasted just two years, from 2001 to 2003, before being replaced by Mark Latham, a fervent right-winger who later took Labors nationalist perspective to its logical end by joining Pauline Hansons anti-immigrant and anti-welfare One Nation.

Nevertheless, despite being discarded as leader, Creans role was highly valued in Labor and ruling circles. He was a cabinet minister in no less than four Labor governments, those of Bob Hawke (1983 to 1991), Paul Keating (1991 to 1996), Kevin Rudd (2007 to 2010) and Julia Gillard (2010 to 2013).

Crean played a significant role, as an ACTU leader, in helping impose the corporatist prices and incomes Accords on workers under the Hawke-Keating Labor government in the 1980s, and while Labor leader, in seeking to head off the mass opposition to the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

More than anything else, Crean epitomised the union-Labor bureaucracy in its commitment to defending the interests of Australian capitalism and its hostility to the fight for socialism. He was born into that milieu. He was the son of Frank Crean, who became deputy prime minister in the final months of the Whitlam Labor government of 1972 to 1975.

Largely on the back of that pedigree, after university Simon Crean quickly made his way up through the ranks of the Storeman and Packers Union hierarchy. At 30 years of age, he was installed as its national secretary from 1979 to 1985. He then became ACTU president, after already being the ACTU vice president since 1981.

As ACTU president until 1990, Crean performed a supporting part to Prime Minister Hawke and ACTU secretary Bill Kelty as they spearheaded the enforcement of the Accords and the Australia Reconstructed programs from 1983 onward. This regime, imposed predominately through the destruction of workers factory organisations, drove down real wages, eliminated tens of thousands of jobs, slashed working conditions and suppressed strikes in the name of making Australian capitalism competitive under the new conditions of the globalisation of production.

To inflict this brutal pro-business restructuring program, Hawke and Kelty relied on a close partnership with the union lefts and Communist Party Stalinists, such as ACTU assistant secretary Laurie Carmichael. But they also worked in tandem with the right-wing union enforcers, personified by Crean.

Subsequently, Crean was rewarded with Labor Party preselection for a seat in parliament, which he entered in 1990, to be almost immediately hoisted by Hawke into cabinet.

After Labors landslide defeat in 1996, and another in 1998, Crean eventually became deputy party leader to Kim Beazley. After a further electoral disaster in 2001, Crean was elevated to party leader. He proved incapable, however, of delivering on his promise to modernise Labor by purging it of the control of union-based factional powerbrokers. He suffered a humiliating defeat on his plan at a special party rules conference in 2002.

In the wake of his death, Creans political role and position on the criminal US-led war against Iraq has been totally rewritten and falsified. In February 2003, more than 10 million people worldwide joined protests against the planned US invasion, including well over half a million in Australiathe largest in history.

In an effort to divert the anti-war upsurge back behind Labor and into the blind alley of trying to pressure capitalist governments to change course, Crean opposed the Howard Coalition governments decision to join the invasion without the cover of a United Nations mandate. At the same time, Crean and Labor declared that Iraq had to be disarmedendorsing the lies that it possessed weapons of mass destruction and emphasising Labors readiness to support the war as soon as some kind of UN rubberstamp was secured.

Crean was jeered and shouted down when he advanced this position at a mass demonstration in Brisbane, having been invited to speak by the protest organisers. Any doubt about Labors backing for the war, and its ongoing commitment to the US military alliance, was dispelled several weeks later when he declared on Australian Broadcasting Corporation television on March 23, 2003:

The governments decision to commit them [the troops] was wrong but weve got to be realistic about this. They are there, and what weve got to hope for, in the current circumstances, is that their task is completed quickly and successfully.

The truth was that if Labor had been in office in 2003, it would have functioned in the same criminal manner as the Howard government. In 1990, the Hawke Labor government, including Crean, had been among the first in the world to back the first US Gulf War invasion of Iraq and commit Australian forces to it.

Before and after the 2003 invasion, Labor has supported, or directly participated in, every war conducted by US imperialismfrom Afghanistan and Iraq to Ukraineas well as the Howard governments neo-colonial intervention in East Timor.

Beset by poor polling and factional infighting, Crean was dumped as Labor leader toward the end of 2003. But he remained on Labors frontbench and was a cabinet minister under Rudd and Gillard, who signed up to the Obama administrations anti-China military and strategic pivot to Asia and joined Obamas criminal troop surge in Afghanistan. Today, the Albanese Labor government has fully committed the country to joining a US war against China to maintain American hegemony over the Indo-Pacific.

Crean died in Berlin while on another mission on behalf of the Australian corporate elite. He was leading a delegation as chairman of the European Australian Business Council, a peak body of large Australian and European companies. He was also chair of the Australia-Korea Business Council, a similar grouping supporting the commercial success of Australian businesses entering the Korean market.

Like most other union and Labor bureaucrats, after quitting parliament in 2013, Crean displayed his true class colours by taking up various corporate posts, including as a board member of trucking company Linfox and chair of the Australian Livestock Exporters Council, championing the live export of cattle to Asian markets.

This was further payment for services rendered by him to the capitalist class.

The ruling class eulogies to Crean seek to camouflage his real role in the union bureaucracy and Labor Party as a policeman for the ruling class against workers and to prepare for the greater assaults with which his political descendants are tasked.

The lesson for workers and young people is the necessity for the building of an alternative political party and program. That is the Socialist Equality Party and the International Committee of the Fourth International, which fights for the overturn of global capitalism and for its replacement with international socialism, based on meeting the social needs for all, not feeding corporate profit for the wealthy few.
SUBANG JAYA, Malaysia, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Taylor's University's consistent placement within the Top 300 globally, and its fourth consecutive year as the Top Private University in Southeast Asia in the recent QS World University Rankings 2024 exemplify the institution's ongoing commitment to delivering excellence in education. With remarkable improvements across various indicators, the institution solidifies its position among the Top 1% of the most influential universities globally, further attesting to its commitment to providing a superior academic experience.

Taylor's University has achieved prestigious rankings in two indicators within the Top 100 globally, cementing its reputation as an esteemed institution. Its remarkable international student and employer reputation reflect its ability to attract a diverse and globally oriented student body, while fostering strong connections with top-tier employers seeking talent.

Professor Michael Driscoll, Vice Chancellor and President of Taylor's University, expressed "Being ranked among the Top 1% of the world's best universities is a remarkable achievement for Taylor's University. We proudly stand alongside esteemed universities with legacies spanning over a century. This high ranking brings tremendous benefits for our students. It opens doors to better job opportunities, access to valuable resources, and the chance to build strong networks. These rankings also reflect our unwavering commitment to providing an excellent education and ensuring the quality of what we offer. We are truly proud of this accomplishment, which speaks volumes about the exceptional contributions of our faculty, staff, and students."

Taylor's University is driven by its strong commitment to innovative teaching methods, propelling its path towards global recognition. With a constant focus on providing new and exciting approaches to higher education, the university offers students an enriching and transformative learning experience. By integrating purposeful learning into the curriculum, Taylor's equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a changing world. With a genuine passion for making a positive impact, the university actively tackles societal challenges, empowers communities, and leaves a lasting impression on the world.

For more information about Taylor's University and its commitment to exceptional education, please visit our website here .

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Former President Donald Trump speaks at the New Hampshire Federation of Republican Women Lilac Luncheon, Tuesday, June 27, 2023, in Concord, New Hampshire [AP Photo/Steven Senne]

In a campaign speech in Washington D.C. on Saturday, former president and leading Republican candidate Donald Trump delivered a fascist diatribe against what he called the growing danger of socialism and communism in the United States. Trump announced that if elected he will order the Department of Homeland Security to carry out mass deportations of left-wing people, citizens and non-citizens alike.

Speaking at a conference hosted by the right-wing Faith and Freedom Coalition, Trump spoke in warlike terms: At the end of the day, either the Communists destroy America, or we destroy the Communists. Employing apocalyptic language borrowed from his political idol, Adolf Hitler, he continued: This is the final battle. With you at my side, we will drive out the globalists, we will cast out the communists.

Trump added: We are headed toward communism. Theres never been a period of time like that in our countrys history. And thats the way communism starts. And we cant let it happen.

Trump elevated the need to purge socialists and communists from the United States to the center of his re-election campaign.

He called for mass deportations of immigrants with left-wing views: Using federal law, section 212 (f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, I will order my government to deny entry to all communists and all Marxists. Those who come to join our country must love our country. We dont want them if they want to destroy our country So were going to be keeping foreign Christian-hating communists, socialists and Marxists out of America. Were keeping them out of America.

But Trump went beyond this, adding that his campaign would also seek to expel US citizens for their political views: Today Im announcing a new plan to protect the integrity of our immigration system. Federal law prohibits the entry of communists and totalitarians into the United States. But my question is, what are we going to do with the ones that are already here, that grew up here? I think we have to pass a new law for them. (Emphasis added.)

Such statements have never been made before by a major political figure in the United States.

Through laws like the Denaturalization Law of 1933, the Reich Citizenship Laws and the Eleventh Decree to the Reich Citizenship Law of 1941, the Nazi government deprived hundreds of thousands of Germans of their citizenship rights on the grounds that their socialist views or Jewish or Roma background placed them outside the Volksgemeinschaft. Trump and advisors like Stephen Miller are students of Hitler and of the political history of the Nazi Party and are well aware of these laws. Trump used to sleep with a book of Hitlers speeches in his bedroom and told his presidential staff in 2018 that Hitler did some good things.

What is called American democracy has degenerated to the point that the prime contender for the Republican Party and the former president of the United States is a Nazi. Using the language of Hitler, Trump is elaborating the fundamental aim of fascism, which historically is directed above all at the socialist movement and the destruction of all organized resistance in the working class.

Trump speaks not just for himself. A substantial section of the ruling class is convinced that it confronts a massive social movement of workers that poses the greatest danger to its wealth and privileges.

Trumps present actions make clear that had the coup attempt of January 6, 2021 succeeded, Trump would have abolished the Constitution and brutally repressed opposition from below with extreme state violence. The mob which he conducted to the Capitol building came within seconds of capturing leading political figures, including Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The plot failed despite the fact that the Democratic Party took no action to prevent it from succeeding.

The Republican Party has followed Trump down the path of fascist reaction. On Tuesday, Florida Senator Rick Scott issued a video statement declaring, Let me give you a travel warning. If you are a socialist or communist, I would think twice if you are thinking about taking a vacation or moving to Florida.

In recent months, disoriented political pundits like Chris Hedges and muddle-headed activists have oriented themselves toward fascistic supporters of Trump under the banner of left-right unity. As Trumps speech should make clear, they are advocating a coalition with forces that would arrest or deport them, if not worse.

As for the Democrats, they cannot state the fascist danger out of a fear of triggering massive social protests in defense of democratic rights.

The Democratic Party is attempting to remove Trump from the political scene through an appeal to the military-intelligence agencies by prosecuting him under the Espionage Act for keeping documents after he left the White House that reveal state secrets. They are far less concerned with Trumps fascism than they are with the possible disruption of the US-NATO war against Russia or, even worse, the development of a working class movement against capitalism.

For as real and bitter as their divisions are with one another, the factions of the ruling class agree on their hatred of socialism. In February, the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly for a resolution denouncing the horrors of socialism. All 219 Republican representatives voted for the resolution, as did a majority of House Democrats, including congresspersons who were endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America. The vote came weeks after the Biden administration worked with House Republicans and Democrats to illegalize a potential railroad strike.

Leon Trotsky referred to the American ruling class as the strongest and the most terrified ruling class in the world. The ruling class knows it sits atop a volcano of social tensions, amid spiraling health and economic crises. The class struggle is erupting internationally and the trade union bureaucracies lack sufficient legitimacy in the eyes of workers to effectively block and isolate strikes. Poll after poll show rising support for socialism, especially among young people.

The ruling class is terrified that the emerging working class movement will acquire a self-consciously socialist leadership, as it did in Russia in 1917. In 2017, on the centenary of the Russian Revolution, historian Simon Sebag Montefiore warned, The October Revolution, organized by Vladimir Lenin exactly a century ago, is still relevant in ways that would have seemed unimaginable when the Soviet Union collapsed, and complained that Vladimir Lenin was not assassinated before 1917. In the Washington Post, Anne Applebaum urged readers: Remember, at the beginning of 1917 most of the men who later became known to the world as the Bolsheviks were conspirators and fantasists on the margins of society. By the end of the year, they ran Russia.

Six years later, these fears have been propelled by the crisis of capitalism to occupy the center stage of American politics.
Members of the Wagner Group military company load their tank onto a truck on a street in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, Saturday, June 24, 2023 [AP Photo/Associated Press]

In the days following the collapse of a coup attempt by the fascistic warlord, ex-convict and billionaire Evgeny Prigozhin and his mercenary Wagner army, the Kremlin has made clear that it will allow the insurrectionists to continue their operations in neighboring Belarus.

In his first address to the nation after the coup attempt on Monday, Vladimir Putin denounced the coup plotters, without naming Prigozhin, for having betrayed their country, their people. He claimed that the actions of the armed forces and a consolidation of all of society had ensured that bloodshed was prevented.

He said, This outcomefratricideis precisely what the enemies of Russia wanted: both the neo-Nazis in Kiev and their Western backers and various kinds of traitors to the nation. They wanted that Russian soldiers kill each other, that servicemen and civilians die, so that in the end Russia would lose and our society fall apart, drowning in blood and internecine strife.

Yet having effectively accused Prigozhin and Wagner of playing into the hands of Kiev and NATO and seeking to provoke a civil war, Putin then went on to praise the Wagner mercenaries for their courage in battle in Ukraine and invited them to continue their service for Russia by entering a contract with the Ministry of Defense and other security agencies, or by returning to their loved ones. Who wantscan go to Belarus.

The president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, has since confirmed that Prigozhin is in Belarus and that his fighters are welcome to set up their camps there. Please, go ahead, we have a fence, everythings there. Put up your tents. Well help with whatever we can.

While some reports indicate that Wagner fighters in Russia will have to hand over their weapons to the Russian National Guard, those reports have not been confirmed. The vast majority of Wagners equipment and supplies over the years have been delivered by the Russian army. Russian media suggests that Wagner is continuing to openly recruit in many Russian cities.

Remarkably, Putins statement was released after Prigozhin published an 11-minute audio recording on his Telegram channel, defending his coup attempt as a legitimate demonstration. In the recording, Prigozhin claimed that he never wanted to challenge the government but only the military leadership, prove its ineffectiveness and prevent the destruction of Wagner, which had earlier been ordered to subordinate to the command of the army. On its Telegram channel, Wagner has since effectively threatened that it will resume not only operations but also the coup attempt. On Tuesday, it published a video with men displaying tank shells and shouting, We never get tired of repeating! Well be back! And again!

Putins statement also came after Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced in an interview with Russia Today that on Monday Russian intelligence agencies are looking into the involvement of Western spies in the coup attempt.

Also on Monday, US President Joe Biden met with NATO leaders to, in his words, coordinate our response and . what to anticipate. Biden then said, We made clear that we were not involved. We had nothing to do with it. This was part of a struggle within the Russian system.

Workers can believe Bidens statements no more than any other of the countless lies that the US president has spouted about the war or any other aspect of his policy.

Prigozhin launched his coup attempt on Friday with a clear appeal to a substantial pro-NATO section of the Russian state and oligarchy. Ex-oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a central figure in these regime change operations, called upon people to take up arms to support Prigozhin. On Tuesday, Khodorkovsky posted a message on his Telegram account, stating that the most important thing about the coup attempt was that it happened and that Prigozhin initiated it by denying that NATO had anything to do with the war in Ukraine.

However, as the World Socialist Web Site stressed in its statement on the failed coup attempt:

That the coup was prepared with some significant level of NATO involvement is clear enough. But to portray the coup as primarily the product of a CIA conspiracy would be to ignore the real divisions that exist in the Russian regime and the social interests that determine its policies. Prigozhins coup attempt exposes above all the bankruptcy of the Putin regime itself, out of which Prigozhin himself emerged.

This assessment has been fully borne out. On Tuesday, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko gave a press conference, telling reporters how he brokered a deal with Prigozhin, Putin and the head of the FSB, Alexander Bortnikov, on Saturday. Lukashenko recounted events as follows:

Putin told me: Look, Sasha [affectionate for Alexander in Russian], its no use. He [Prigozhin] doesnt even pick up the phone, he doesnt want to talk to anyone.

When Lukashenko asked Putin for Prigozhins phone number, the Russian president replied, Most likely, the FSB has his phone number.

According to Lukashenko, Prigozhin instantly picked up the phone. We talked the first round for about 30 minutes in foul language [mat]. Extremely foul language. There were 10 times more obscene words than normal vocabulary (I analyzed that later).

When Prigozhin demanded that a meeting with Putin and for the Kremlin to give up Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Russian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov, Lukashenko replied:

I say, Zhenya [affectionate for Evgeny], no one will give you Shoigu or Gerasimov, no one, especially in this situation. You know Putin as well as I do. He wont talk to you on the phone, let alone meet with you in this situation.

They want to strangle us! Well go to Moscow!Prigozhin replied.

I say, Halfway there, theyll just crush you like a bedbug.  Think about it, I say. I told Putin, too: We can whack him. Its not a problem. If not at the first try, then at the second...

Lukashenko held another six or seven conversations with Prigozhin, who eventually agreed to give up his demands but was concerned what would happen to him and his fighters: We stoptheyll start pummeling us.

Lukashenko responded, They wont. I guarantee you. Ill take care of that.

Lukashenko took care of that by speaking with Alexander Bortnikov, the head of the FSB, whom Prigozhin had apparently desperately tried to call before and telling him: you have to pick up the phone if Prigozhin calls. After negotiations with Bortnikov, Prigozhin felt assured that neither he nor his fighters would be whacked and announced a retreat.

This is the language, method and mindset of gangsters. While Lukashenkos account is no doubt only a small part of the truth, it is a good deal of the social truth behind the coup and its collapse. Whatever their violent infighting, Prigozhin, Putin and Lukashenko are all the despicable social products of the Stalinist bureaucracys destruction of the Soviet Union in 1991, which gave rise to a criminal oligarchy whose entire social existence and wealth are bound up with the systematic plunder and looting of the wealth created by the working class.

While Wagner was only formed in 2014-2015, the rise of private armies as major players in Russian politics was also intimately bound up with the restoration of capitalism. In the 1990s, during the so called oligarch wars, virtually every oligarch maintained his own private security or paramilitary unit. Overwhelmingly recruited from veterans of the special military forces and the secret service FSB, these private armies helped individual oligarchs seize control of critical companies and raw material resources and neutralize (and often kill) other rivals among the oligarchs and mafia.

Today, the private security sector encompasses about 23,000 firms and employs an estimated 700,000 people. Like Wagner itself, dozens of such private armies have been deployed in various wars abroad. The majority of them are largely supplied with equipment from the state and army and are closely interwoven with state security and military structures.

Prigozhins coup attempt is the most extreme expression to date of the infighting between warring factions of the oligarchy, which has been fueled by the war and in which the imperialist powers are aggressively intervening in order to achieve a regime change and a carve-up of Russia. However, above all, it highlights the reactionary character of the ruling class that emerged out of the restoration of capitalism. Workers must fight against the imperialist war in Ukraine and oppose the regime change operations of imperialism. But this fight cannot be conducted without a determined struggle against the criminal oligarchies that emerged out of the Stalinist reaction against the October Revolution of 1917 and the entire social system over which they rule: capitalism.
Tens of thousands of Credit Suisse staffers are about to find out if they still have a job

UBS' rescue takeover of Credit Suisse will lead to tens of thousands of job cuts Samantha Lee/Business Insider

UBS is set to begin slashing jobs at Credit Suisse.

New York bankers and traders are among those most at risk of the chop.

Huge cuts follow layoffs by Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan and others.

Everyone knew that deep cuts would be coming at Credit Suisse, the bank that was taken over by local rival UBS in an emergency rescue one weekend in March. Yet the scale of the planned reductions are still eye-popping.

More than half of Credit Suisse's global workforce will be pruned beginning in July, Bloomberg reports, citing unidentified people familiar with the matter. That's more than 20,000 people. That's more than the headcounts of Blackstone, Jefferies, Lazard, and Moelis combined.

Credit Suisse bankers, traders, and support staff in New York will be among those bearing the brunt of the cuts, Bloomberg says, in addition to those in London and some Asian locations.

Credit Suisse insiders and outside recruiters told Insider in March that they expected employees of many investment banking divisions, including equity research analysts and traders, to get the ax.

"The investment banking business at Credit Suisse is in a lot of trouble," Oliver Rolfe, the founder of London-based recruiting firm Spartan International, said at the time. "There is so much overlap" between Credit Suisse and UBS.

The psychological impact of such deep cuts following a series of culls on Wall Street is significant.

Goldman Sachs has eliminated more than 3,000 jobs, Morgan Stanley is eliminating 3,000, and JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup have laid off hundreds. The retrenchment follows a drought in dealmaking and expectations of a broader economic slowdown in the US.

Adding to the anxiety for financial professionals is that many of the cuts on Wall Street have been coming in rounds since late last year. For UBS, July is only the first wave of reductions, with two more expected to come in September and October, Bloomberg says.

The goal, according to two of the people cited by Bloomberg, is to reduce the combined UBS-Credit Suisse work force by some 30%  or 35,000 people.

Credit Suisse had already been trimming its headcount before its troubles forced Swiss regulators to take action. Clients of the Swiss bank had pulled out $69 billion in the first quarter.

Swiss authorities had forced the shotgun marriage of the two banks to prevent a banking failure, yet the result will still see a loss of jobs in that country even as foreign finance centers take a bigger hit.

The silver lining? Most Credit Suisse's private bankers will be encouraged to stay, Bloomberg reports, although many have already left.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Tesla stock's best run since 2020 is spoilt by Wall Street downgrades as Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley flag overvaluation risks

Tesla's stock price has surged since April, but some of Wall Street's biggest firms have warned the EV maker now looks overvalued. Getty Images

Tesla shares have soared since April, pushing the EV maker's valuation above $750 billion.

But Wall Street is starting to shift to a more cautious outlook for the stock.

Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Barclays have all warned that Tesla's massive rally could make it overvalued.

Tesla's stock price has been rallying non-stop for months - and Wall Street is starting to ponder whether that breakneck surge might've made the EV stock a little overvalued.

Shares have jumped 57% since late April, with investors cheered by CEO Elon Musk signing charging deals with Ford and GM, while Big Tech stocks have also soared more broadly thanks to the rise of AI as an investment theme. The stock is poised for its best two-quarter advance since 2020, rising 96% so far this year.

Those gains have pushed Tesla's total market capitalization to $764 billion, according to data from Refinitiv.

But Barclays, Morgan Stanley, and Goldman Sachs have each questioned that valuation over the past week, with all three banks slashing their Tesla rating from "buy" to "hold".

The UK bank fired the starting gun on the flurry of downgrades, with analyst Dan Levy saying Wednesday that investors should take the opportunity to sell some of their shares. The stock has pulled back 13% from recent highs after Barclays flagged overvaluation risks on Monday, wiping out over $100 billion worth of market cap.

"The stock's recent rally can be best explained by the market's current AI-driven thematic trade, as well as excitement over recent announcements to open the Tesla Supercharger network to other brands," he wrote in a note to clients. "Yet while we aren't surprised that the stock has participated in the rally, we believe it is prudent to move to the sidelines."

Morgan Stanley's longtime Tesla bull Adam Jonas echoed those sentiments the following day, arguing that Musk's high-profile EV price war, which it has pressed ahead with since late 2022 in a bid to revive faltering demand, will drag down earnings and the company's share price.

Goldman then weighed in with its own downgrade Monday, with strategists writing in a note to clients that "valuation is full" because Tesla trades at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than rivals like Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices.

The early signs suggest investors agree with the Street  and are starting to sell some of their shares in order to take profits from Tesla's sizzling rally.

Read more: 'Valuation is full': Goldman Sachs downgrades Tesla stock after its 105% year-to-date surge

Read the original article on Business Insider
(Bloomberg) -- Britains biggest water supplier, Thames Water, is in talks with officials over contingency plans including a temporary nationalization as concerns grow over its more than 13 billion ($16.5 billion) debt pile, according to people familiar with the matter.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Thames bonds tumbled on Wednesday morning, with one falling 35 pence on the pound. Chief Executive Officer Sarah Bentley suddenly stepped down with immediate effect the previous day amid concerns over the financial stability of the firm, forcing the issue on to the governments agenda.

There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes with Thames Water to ensure customers are not impacted, water minister Rebecca Pow told the House of Commons on Wednesday in response to an urgent question by the opposition Labour Party.

Talks are underway between water regulator Ofwat, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Treasury about bringing the utility company into a so-called special administration regime, according to two of the people. One said they hoped nationalization would not be necessary.

Rocketing interest rates are putting pressure on leveraged companies. At the end of March, Thames Water had the highest debt to equity ratio in the sector at more than 80%, according to a note from Martin Young, an analyst at Investec.

Read More: Thames Waters Debt Woes Raise Specter of UKs Energy Crisis

Inflation

More than half of the companys senior debt is linked to inflation, which has remained stubbornly high in the UK.

New government regulations have also added to Thames Waters problems. While most of its bonds fell on Wednesday, those belonging to junk-rated Thames Water Kemble Finance dropped particularly sharply. These notes are dependent on receiving dividends from the operating company, and a regulatory decision in March  which came into affect in mid-May  to curb water companies dividend payments made it harder for the unit to receive payouts from its subsidiary.

Thames Water said it is working with shareholders to raise more equity, in a statement published in response to media coverage about its position. It said it had raised 500 million in March, as previously planned. Last summer it said that, on top of this fundraising, it was seeking a further 1 billion from shareholders.

A spokesperson for Ofwat said its in ongoing discussions with Thames Water about a plan to turn the business around.

Thames Water provides water services for 15 million people in London and the South East.

Englands privatized water companies have historically relied on the public debt markets to fund their operations. Environmental campaigners have accused them of borrowing heavily to fund large dividends and executive bonuses instead of investing more heavily into the systems often-antiquated infrastructure.

Read More: Water Firms Will Turn to Debt Markets to Fix UK Sewage Crisis

Labours environment spokesman, Jim McMahon, accused the Conservative government of handing over the water industry to private companies at a knockdown price.

Sewage Spills

The water sector has faced public outrage over sewage spilling into rivers and along coastlines and is struggling to cope with the UKs increasingly hot summers. The country suffered a long drought last year and utilities have imposed restrictions on families water use, despite a large number of leaks in Britains antiquated pipes.

Bills are likely to rise as water companies present plans to Ofwat to fix more infrastructure from 2025, Investecs Young added in the note.

Other major water companies have higher rates of capital, said Ahmed Farman, equity analyst at Jefferies, reducing the risk of contagion. Still, he said the latest developments would raise broader questions about past regulatory robustness, financing and ownership structures for the sector.

Debt

Thames Water had 4.3 billion of secured bank loans and private placement notes at the end of September and 9.5 billion of bonds issued out of different units, out of which 2.8 billion are linked to UK inflation. Each of the units offer different security to investors.

Darren Jones, a Labour party Member of Parliament who chairs the House of Commons Business and Trade Committee, told the BBC that the government shouldnt be nationalizing the whole water industry. However, he said if we ended up in a situation where the private owners of these companies have completely messed it up, then there is no choice for the government other than to bring it into public ownership and to run it.

AlixPartners has been undertaking operational improvement work on Thames Water for a couple of months, while Rothschild is also advising the company, according to people familiar with the matter.

A spokesperson for AlixPartners declined to comment.

--With assistance from Eamon Akil Farhat, Luca Casiraghi, Tasos Vossos, Alex Morales and Dana El Baltaji.

(Adds ministerial response in third paragraph and context throughout.)

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In a landmark case, the U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether a mandatory tax on unrealized gains violates the Constitution.

Taxation of unrealized gains is at the core of a case that the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday agreed to take up and that could change the way wealth is taxed in the U.S. The plaintiffs in Moore v. United States argue that a mandatory repatriation tax, introduced by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), is unconstitutional.

The one-time tax is levied on U.S. taxpayers with a specified amount of ownership in certain foreign corporations.

The Moores didnt receive dividends or income from their ownership stake in a foreign company, so they assert that only realized income can be taxed under the 16th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

According to lead attorney Andrew Grossman, who represents the plaintiffs, Charles and Kathleen Moore, The Constitution does not allow Congress to point at any pot of money and call it income and then income-tax it. However, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected that argument in the Moores case, finding that realization of income is not a constitutional requirement for income tax.

Supreme Court: Yes, the IRS Can Secretly Obtain Your Bank Records

The Supreme Court wont hear the Moores case, brought by regulatory reform organization the Competitive Enterprise Institute and national law firm Baker Hostetler, until its next term, which begins in the fall.

Outside groups, including public policy research organization the Cato Institute and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce business organization, submitted briefs asking the Court to take up the case in support of the Moores petition.

The Supreme Court s decision to consider the constitutionality of taxes on unrealized gains will galvanize longstanding debate over Congress power to tax wealth and likely have landmark ramifications for wealth taxes going forward.

Unrealized Gains: What Is the TCJA Mandatory Repatriation Tax?

The dispute in Moore v. United States is about the mandatory repatriation tax (MRT), a one-time transition tax under Section 965 of the Tax Code levied by the IRS on certain foreign holdings of U.S. taxpayers. (Unrealized gains are essentially on paper profits because the investment hasnt been sold.)

The MRT, enacted in the TCJA, is supposed to prevent shareholders from obtaining windfalls. As the Ninth Circuit Court stated when it ruled in the case, the mandatory repatriation tax is designed to keep shareholders from never having to pay taxes on their offshore earnings that have not yet been distributed.

What Happened in Moore v. United States?

The Moores owned a stake in an agricultural equipment company in India. They held their stake for years and didnt receive dividends or income from their investment.

However, the Moores paid close to $15,000 in taxes on the earnings attributed to them as shareholders in the company due to the mandatory repatriation tax.

The couple sued the federal government arguing that the MRT they paid was unconstitutional because, they say, income must be realized to be taxable under the 16th Amendment.

What does the 16th Amendment say? The 16th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution says, The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration.

In simple terms, the 16th Amendment essentially grants Congress the power to impose a federal income tax.

Are 'Wealth Taxes' Unconstitutional?

A federal district court and a federal court of appeals ruled against the Moores. But the Supreme Court will hear the case to resolve questions surrounding Congress taxing power. The key sticking point is whether income must be realized to be taxable under the Constitution. Groups including the Cato Institute argue an income tax can be imposed only on realized income, and if that werent the rule, Congress power to tax would essentially be unlimited.

In its amicus brief, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce argued that income has a plain meaning and realization has been the defining event that turns something from an asset holding value to income subject to federal tax under the Sixteenth Amendment. The Chamber says allowing unrealized gains to be taxed would mean companies wouldnt control their realization decisions.

Who Benefits From the Supreme Court 'Home Equity Theft' Ruling?

Businesses and their shareholders could be subject to taxes on anything that the government later deems income  even increases in value that could later disappear as valuations or markets fluctuate, the organization wrote to the Court .

On the other side, the federal courts that ruled against the Moores found that the mandatory repatriation tax accomplishes a legitimate purpose through rational means. Specifically, in its ruling, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals noted:

"That courts have consistently upheld the constitutionality of taxes similar to the MRT notwithstanding any difficulty in defining income."

"The realization of income does not determine the taxs constitutionality."

And "there is no constitutional ban on Congress disregarding the corporate form to facilitate taxation of shareholders income."

How will the Courts eventual ruling in Moore v. United States impact various wealth tax proposals involving unrealized capital gains going forward? Stay tuned.

Controversial Capital Gains Tax Upheld in Washington
UPS working with experts after phishing attack on some shippers, customers

FILE PHOTO: United Parcel Service (UPS) vehicles are seen at a facility in Brooklyn, New York City

(Reuters) -United Parcel Service said on Wednesday it is working with law officials and outside experts following reports of phishing messages that were sent via text messages to certain shippers and their customers in Canada.

The package delivery company did not disclose the number of customers and shippers impacted.

"Law enforcement has indicated that there has been an increase in smishing (SMS phishing), impacting a number of shippers and many different industries," UPS said in an emailed statement.

Several companies in the U.S. have been prone to such incidents, prompting them to ramp up efforts to secure their businesses.

UPS said it was sending privacy incident notification letters to individuals in Canada whose information may have been impacted.

News platform Cyber Security News earlier reported the development.

(Reporting by Priyamvada C and Aishwarya Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar)
Josh Homme, Dave Grohl, Slash and Elton John

As Elton John prepares to draw the curtain on his live career, it's worth considering the cultural impact he's had during his 54-year recording lifespan and the influence he's had on the bands outside his musical sphere.

From the likes of Queens Of The Stone Age to Beastie Boys, here are 10 surprising covers of the the master showman and songwriter's greatest works.

A divider for Metal Hammer

Flotsam and Jetsam  Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting

The Phoenix, Arizona thrashers' second album No Place For Disgrace  their first full-length after the departure of bassist Jason Newsted to join Metallica  featured a cover of Elton John's raucous 1973 single. It was released as a single in its own right and had many young thrashers raiding their parent's record collections to seek out the original.

Queens Of The Stone Age  Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Queens of the Stone Age contributed this sublime cover of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road to the 2018 compilation Revamp: Reimagining the Songs of Elton John & Bernie Taupin, which also featured appearances by Florence and the Machine, Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus. The band's connection with the performer goes back to their 2013 album, ...Like Clockwork, after Elton guested on the song Fairweather Friends.

He called me on the phone and it took me a minute to work out if I was being punked or not," Homme told BBC 5 Live. "He came in and we tracked a rock song live together, which was a wonderful experience. That is what collaboration is all about, learning something from someone else and about someone else and maybe reminding them of something they enjoy too. To experience that with Elton was wonderful."

Slash ft. Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators  Rocket Man

The band recorded this sublime version of Elton John's 1972 single for the soundtrack to Stuntman, a documentary about Eddie Braun. Directed by Kurt Mattila, the film tells the story of a Hollywood stuntman who rounds out his fearless career by attempting to jump the Snake River Canyon. You can watch the documentary on Disney +.



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Anal C**t  Im Still Standing

From the emotionally-driven vocals of Myles Kennedy to the deliberately offensive grindcore band Anal C**t. For this short blast of contempt, the songwriting credits go, of course, to Elton John and Bernie Taupin, but this arrangement was carefully crafted by the Massachusetts band. Something to add to your summer playlist if you really must fill in a 10-second gap.

Dave Grohl  Tiny Dancer

On on February 16, 2001, the Foo Fighters frontman appeared on The Late Show with Craig Kilborn.

"Tiny Dancer: two words which strike a chord in the heart of every sensitive 32-year-old man in the country," Grohl told the crowd before launching into the single from 1971's Madman Across the Water. "It's a song that I hadn't actually heard until I saw Almost Famous. Every night before I go to bed, I thank (director) Cameron Crowe for opening up a part of me I didn't think I ever knew until now."

It's an edited version of the original as Grohl "skips all the other crap" and heads straight for the climax of the song.

Me First and the Gimme Gimmes  Dont Let The Sun Go Down On Me

Veterans of the pop punk cover scene, this supergroup  then featuring NOFX's Fat Mike and Foo Fighters' Chris Shiflett  unleashed Have Another Ball! in 2008. This version has far more pep than the original but loses absolutely none of the gravitas.

Leatherface  Candle In The Wind

Sunderland punks Leatherface offered their own take on what Rolling Stone once deemed to be the 347th greatest song of all time in 2004. Their abrasive cover featured on their 1990 album Fill Your Boots and has all the grace of a stag party in Wearside.



Andy Rehfeldt's Variety Show  Your Song

If you're after faithful or even respectful covers of classic songs, Andy Rehfeldt is not the man for the job. You may have gasped at his death metal version of Miley Cyrus' Wrecking Ball or Rage Against The Machine's "less angry" version of Killing In The Name. Here's the Los Angeles-based YouTuber's excellent doom-laden version of Elton's 1970 tear-coaxing single.

Dream Theater  Funeral for a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding

This medley originally featured on the 1973 album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Funeral For A Friend (the song, not the band) is an instrumental, while Love Lies Bleeding is a breakup song. This Boston prog quintet recorded the two songs live in 1995 at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London and was featured on their A Change of Seasons EP, which was released later that year. Being Dream Theater, their EP has a running time of almost one hour.

Beastie Boys ft. Biz Markie - Bennie And the Jets

The late rapper Biz Markie collaborated with the Beastie Boys on this, how can we put it kindly, loose cover of Elton's 1974 single. It emerged on the 1999 compilation Beastie Boys Anthology: The Sounds of Science but was originally given away free as a flexi disc in the second issue of the hip hop trio's celebrated Grand Royal magazine.
Former skateboarded Brandon Margera, known more commonly as Bam Margera, is a skateboarder, stunt performer, and television personality.

Although he was married to Missy Rothstein from 2007 to 2012, his messy split from estranged wife Nicole Boyd, who he married in 2013, is making headlines. According to court documents obtained by The Blast, she is claiming that not only has he threatened her, but he also held a knife to his own throat.

Bam Margera's Wife Nicole Boyd Claims He Held A Knife To His Own Throat

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According to court documents obtained by The Blast, Nicole claims that she and Bam were married on October 5, 2013, after dating for several years. Although they were supposed to get married in Iceland, Nicole claims that she only selected her wedding dress and let him take care of the other details.

We had the wedding ceremony during a concert, we said our vows, and we were married (or at least I thought), she wrote in her declaration. From that point on, Bam always referred to me as his wife, and I referred to him as my husband.

Instagram/Bam Margera

She claims that she never heard that the pair werent officially married until after they had separated. I started hearing it from Bam whenever he wanted to threaten me, again after we had separated, she wrote. To make things even more complicated, Bam and Nicole are parents to a son named Phoenix, who was born in December 2017.

Nicole notes that she has made a career out of being a risk taker and leveraging extreme behavior. She wrote, I will not spend significant time detailing that rocky course of our marriage, which has been filled with various rehab stints, arrests, and brief periods of recovery, and always in the public eye. However, I will say that now, with my son, I need to create a peaceful and steady life that is inconsistent with the ups and downs and dangerous behavior we get pulled into, particularly when Bam is on a bender but even when he is sober.

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Nicole Alleges That Bam Became 'Aggressive' With Her When She Visited Him In Rehab In 2022

Instagram | Bam Margera

Although he has entered rehab several times, Nicole alleges that his unpredictable behavior escalated toward the end of April 2021. She alleges that Bam held a knife to his own throat and yelled threatening words at me and alleged that I did not love him, making me fear for his life as well as my safety.

Nicole said that she panicked and called her brother, who traveled down from northern California with her mother in order to assist. At the time, I had no car of my own, and could not leave the house without someones help, she alleged. She said that she was able to retrieve her belongings in early May and went to stay with her mother or her brother from May 2021 to September 2022.

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She claims that, despite the incident, she did try to support Bam while he was in rehab in Tampa, Florida, in late May or early June 2022. She said that she made it clear to Bam that she was not moving to Florida, but only visiting so that Bam could get better. However, Nicole alleged, When Bam started acting aggressive towards me, even with the therapists from his rehab center present, I came back to California with Phoenix.

Nicole went on to say, Bam has lived all sorts of placed [sic] since the night in April 2022 when he threatened to kill himself by holding a knife to his own throat, and has all sorts of legal troubles.

Bam Margera Leaves Rehab To Head To Vegas

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Although Bam Margera had been trying to get help in San Diego at Odom Wellness Treatment Centers, TMZ reported earlier this week that Bam left the program early in order to spend the weekend in Las Vegas.

Lamar Odom reportedly tried desperately to convince Bam to stay and finish up his treatment, but it seems he was unable to convince the TV personality, who was spotted dining in Malibu with a friend on Thursday night.

Bam started his latest detox on June 7, after law enforcement officials put him on a 5150 psychiatric hold. The hold was prompted by a video rant where he threatened to smoke crack until he died if he was not allowed to see his son, Phoenix.
Susan Stern's documentary Barbie Nation provides an unauthorized look at Barbie, the world's best-known doll. (Illustration by Jay Sprogell for Yahoo / Photo: Getty Images)

Between The Flash hitting a wall, The Boogeyman failing to scare up dollars and the latest Indiana Jones adventure not dialing up great word of mouth, it's been a tough summer for Hollywood blockbusters. Fortunately, there's a hero looming on the horizon that could turn the multiplex back into a dream house for cash-hungry studios: Barbie. Greta Gerwig's live action feature starring the world's most famous doll isn't stepping onto screens until July 21, but Barbie is already a social media superstar, with anticipation for the movie reaching fever pitch as the release date nears.

Barbie's anticipated success will be a boon for the beleaguered Warner Bros., but according to documentary filmmaker Susan Stern, it's even more crucial for Barbie's owners at Mattel. "This is an important film for them," says the director of Barbie Nation  an unauthorized 1998 film about the doll's history that is getting a 25th anniversary re-release pegged to Gerwig's film. "I think their stock price has shown that!"

Even though Barbie still seems like a ubiquitous presence in toy stores, Stern says that the brand has been lapped by the Disney Princesses in the quarter century since the release of her film. In her view, that's because Disney has actively put those classic characters back into the pop culture consciousness with its critically lambasted but highly lucrative line of live action remakes of classic animated films  from Cinderella to The Little Mermaid.

"There have been all these tie-ins with the big Disney princess movies, whereas Mattel has not exploited its assets in films," Stern notes. "I think that's why they finally agreed to make a live action Barbie movie. They are literally putting a new face on her."

Margot Robbie in Greta Gerwig's live action version of Barbie. (Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros.)

That new face, of course, belongs to Margot Robbie, who plays the central Barbie in Gerwig's film. But as the trailers and posters have teased, there are multiple Barbies populating the movie's candy-colored Barbieland, played by everyone from Issa Rae to Dua Lipa. That approach not only embraces the diversity of the current toy line, but it also avoids one of the pitfalls that always made Mattel leery of taking Barbie into the live action realm. "They didn't want to limit the idea of Barbie," Stern explains. "They wanted her to be something that every girl  and boys, too  could put their dreams on. If they made her one person, it would limit kids from being able to project their dreams onto her."

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Keeping the character aspirational is one of the reasons why Mattel's previous Barbie films have either been completely animated or bizarre hybrid productions like the notorious 1992 Workout with Barbie video in which a M3gan-esque Barbie led a group of flesh-and-blood girls through various aerobic routines. "Mattel had this line of strange and somewhat creepy Barbie movies," Stern says, laughing. "So going live-action is a big step."

Stern made Barbie Nation during a period when Mattel was extra-protective of Barbie, actively pursuing lawsuits against artists that were, as she puts it, doing "strange things" with the doll. The Europop band Aqua was one of the toy company's most famous targets after they scored a chart-topping hit with the 1997 anthem, "Barbie Girl." Mattel sued the group for "damaging" their star's reputation, but the courts eventually ruled that the song was protected under First Amendment laws. (At Robbie's own request, a cover of "Barbie Girl" featuring Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice will be featured on the Barbie soundtrack.)

Susan Stern offers an unauthorized look at the history of Barbie in Barbie Nation. (Photo: Courtesy Bernal Beach Films)

Fortunately, Stern didn't end up having to take Barbie Nation to court. "I had amazing karma with the film," she says now, recalling how Mattel immediately rejected her initial overtures. "They said, 'Not only are we not making a film about Barbie  you're not either.' But I talked to lawyers who said that I could do it without their approval." Mattel ended up playing a role in the documentary anyway; after meeting representatives from the company at toy shows, Stern says they responded positively to what she was doing and licensed her vintage Barbie commercials. More importantly, they facilitated an interview with the doll's creator, Ruth Handler, who founded Mattel with her husband, Elliott Handler, in 1945.

But Stern says she still took extra steps to ensure that her movie could be seen in case Mattel experienced a last minute change of heart. "I told them that I would let them know when the movie was first going to air," she remembers of the days leading up to Barbie Nation's debut on PBS's POV series in July 1998. "And I let them know at 5 p.m. on the day it premiered, so they couldn't get a restraining order against it!" (Barbie Nation opens with a disclaimer stating that the film "is not authorized by Mattel.")

While Barbie Nation is far from a Barbie takedown, there are portions of the film that would likely make Mattel skittish even today. For example, Stern openly acknowledges the sexual side of Barbie, speaking with collectors who pose their dolls in S&M-inspired tableaus. While those scenes would have given Mattel executives heart palpitations, Stern thinks that Handler  who died in 2002  would have been just fine with it. After all, as the documentary points out, one of the inspirations behind Barbie was a German "call girl" doll named Lilli.

Ruth Handler created the pop culture juggernaut known as Barbie. (Photo: Courtesy of Bernal Beach Films.)

"In my interview with her, Ruth talks about the resistance to having a doll with breasts," the filmmaker says, noting how Handler specifically wanted Barbie to have an adult body type. "And, of course, some people remain resistant to that. I recently found out that there are parents who use nail polish to paint over her body. And at some point, Mattel started modeling underwear onto the dolls so they wouldn't appear naked."

Not for nothing, but Stern also thinks that Handler would enjoy the subtle sex jokes that Gerwig has slipped into her PG-13 rated Barbie yarn, like when Ryan Gosling's Ken asks to "stay over" at Barbie's house. "She's acknowledging or at least winking at the sexuality of the dolls," the director says. "That's always been an issue for Mattel. One of the great instances of that was when they made this Ken doll that appeared to have a cock ring and a purple mesh outfit. And they were like, 'It's just a key chain! He's not really gay!'"

"They've obviously given [Gerwig] some license," Stern continues. "I like to say that her Barbie winks at the things that Barbie Nation doesn't blink at. They're appealing to children, and yet there are also these 'wink, wink' double entendres. We go into all the deep and weird stuff people do with Barbie that they wink at in their film."

Even as she's rooting for Gerwig's movie to succeed, Stern says she has no plans to revisit Barbie Nation in a sequel documentary. "It's the perfect capsule of the way humans use imaginary things to make fantasies," she notes. But the 25th anniversary re-release does feature a scene that didn't make the final cut of the 1998 version  an interview with a Black collector named Marcella who specifically collects the various Black Barbie dolls that Mattel has released over the years. It's a subject that's also explored in Lagueria Davis's new documentary, Black Barbie, that's currently seeking distribution and Stern gives that project her full-throated endorsement.

"The reason my interview with Macella didn't make it into Barbie Nation originally is because the issues it raised were so big and important, and I realized it wasn't me that should make that film," she explains. "As is said in Black Barbie, white Barbie remains the central figure. Even though there have been some changes, white culture remains central and white people tend to unfortunately see everybody else as a kind of accessory."

That's a criticism that Gerwig seem to be trying to avoid by filling her film with Barbies of all sizes and colors. Still, Robbie remains the central figure, which Stern says is also a potentially risky decision. "One of the reasons that Mattel gave for not making a live action movie before now is that they didn't want to limit the idea of Barbie. They wanted Barbie to be something that every girl  and, as we know, boys, too  could project their dreams onto. Making her one person seemed like it would limit people from being able to do that."

"Now that they've done it, it will be interesting to see what happens," Stern continues. "Will it be less possible for people to act out their fantasies? I actually don't think so, and I think Barbie Nation illustrates that. As humans, we have this ability to fantasize and we'll just keep going with that."

Barbie Nation is currently available on most VOD services, including Prime Video and iTunes
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On Tuesday, California legislators passed a bill that was partially inspired by the "Rust" shooting that claimed the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

On October 21, 2021, a gun that actor Alec Baldwin was holding for a scene went off, striking both Halyna Hutchins and director Joel Souza. Although Souza was hospitalized, he managed to survive and continue to film "Rust," which finished up production from April - May 2023.

Hutchins, unfortunately, passed away due to her injuries. Both the "30 Rock" actor and armorer Hannah-Gutierrez-Reed were charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. Although the case against the "Rust" armorer continues, the charges have been dropped against Baldwin pending further investigation.

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The charges were dismissed without prejudice, meaning that they can be reinstated. In early June, special prosecutors revealed that they would announce whether or not they would charge Baldwin again within sixty days. Fortunately, there were no further incidents on the "Rust" set when they wrapped filming in early May, as they made the decision not to use working weapons in the remaining scenes.

The Western film also hired safety advisors to oversee the film, which will now become more standard in Hollywood productions due to a law that California legislators passed on Tuesday.

California Legislators Pass Hollywood Safety Bill Created After The Death Of 'Rust' Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins

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On Tuesday night, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that California legislators had passed a bill that would not only increase safety guidelines on Hollywood productions but also change the current rules around tax credits.

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The bill, which is now going to the desk of Governor Gavin Newsom, would extend the state's $330 million incentive program for the next five years. It would also make tax credits refundable, which means that production companies and studies could receive a refund for the credits that exceed their tax liability. In the past, only Disney and NBCUniversal had tax liabilities in the state and could take advantage of this program.

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The Hollywood safety bill also incorporated a separate bill authored by state senator Dave Cortese - SB 735 - which was created following the death of Halyna Hutchins on the set of "Rust' in 2021. This bill seeks to regulate firearm use on movie and television productions in California, increase training that props masters and armorers receive, and introduce "safety advisors" to film sets.

The bill has a dual purpose. It serves to increase safety measures on film sets following the death of Halyna Hutchins amid concerns that similar incidents can happen in the future. It is also looking to stop production companies from heading to other states, such as Georgia, which have generous tax incentive programs for companies that film in that state.

'Conversations about this legislation started the week after the tragic loss of a cinematographer'

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Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, who was one of the authors of the bill, released a statement, saying, Its a great compromise related to the three main issues of set safety supervision, refundability, and diversity. California needs to remain competitive, and the purpose of why the legislature started this program to begin with was to stop runaway production.

In a statement Tuesday, Motion Picture Association chairman Charles Rivkin said, With todays passage of the California Film & Television Tax Credit 4.0 program, the state has ensured that the film, television, and streaming industry will remain a vibrant part of Californias economic landscape for the future.

The Hollywood safety bill incorporates some preexisting safety guidelines into law. Going forward, any crew members who handle firearms on set - like armorers, property masters, or assistant property matters - will be required to have a state permit and federal documentation for a firearm. They will also be required to complete safety training.

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Workers handling said firearm will also have to complete safety training. Live ammunition will be banned on movie and television sets, except under specific conditions. It is worth noting that special prosecutors still have not determined how live ammunition ended up on the "Rust" set as the investigation into what really happened that day continues.

On Tuesday, state Senator Dave Cortese released a statement, saying, Conversations about this legislation started the week after the tragic loss of a cinematographer. Those negotiations have produced the nations first and best safety practices for California workers in the states vital motion picture industry.
Casanova has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for racketeering and narcotics charges. On Tuesday (June 27), the rapper, ne Caswell Senior, was found guilty of participating in a Florida shooting in July 2020, a New York City robbery in August 2018, drug trafficking, and his affiliation with the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation Gang.

In an official press release, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams spoke about the courts decision to hand the recording artist 188 months behind bars. Williams explained Seniors crimes and how they weighed his punishment due to his double life as a high-profile leader of a vicious street gang.

Caswell Senior is not just a notorious recording artist, but he is also a high-profile leader of a vicious street gang and a magnet for gang violence, Williams detailed. At a crowded Miami house party, Senior personally fired a gun that seriously injured and could have killed a victim, inciting a shootout.

The release continued, Further, Seniors stature in the community was central to Gorilla Stones successful recruitment and nationwide expansion. Todays sentencing  along with the other significant sentences that have been imposed in this case  shows once again that gang life is not worth it and will lead to many years in prison.

Casanova attends the BET Hip Hop Awards 2019 at Cobb Energy Center on October 05, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.

In early June 2023, the Roc Nation wrote a letter to District Judge Philip M. Halpern in hopes of reducing his sentence. According to AllHipHop, Casanova declared he was no longer affiliated with the Gorilla Stone Nation and was having suicidal ideations in jail.

I am telling you and anyone that will listen that I wanted out before I was arrested and I am out, the rapper wrote. I learned through my music career that people will listen and that I dont need to associate myself with a gang to succeed. I dont need to associate with a gang even if I dont succeed.

While I have been in here, I lost my father to cancer, he continued. While I put on that strong facade, all I wanted to do was end it. Surviving on Rikers Island and upstate correctional facilities were not easy with racial and gang tension and violence at its height I thought I needed to stay in the life in name because it was a way to promote my career. I dont care what the government tells you. I am telling you the truth. I was not involved in the daily activities of this gang. I wasnt anyones boss.

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As he continued, Senior pleaded that he was trying to leave the gang and no longer wanted parts of the Nation.

In 2019 Casanova spoke on 6ix9ines RICO case and now hes been sentenced to 15 years for RICO charges of his own.



pic.twitter.com/IYeOYyMzUn  NUFF (@nuffsaidny) June 27, 2023

What I was and I regret this was a person that they could use to promote themselves in a world I swear to you I was trying to leave. I clearly did not do a good enough job of this as I did find myself in one bad situation after another, the rhymer concluded.

Casanova has been locked up since December 2020 after being named as one of 18 Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation gang members in the shattering RICO case.

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While ABM Industries Incorporated (NYSE:ABM) might not be the most widely known stock at the moment, it saw significant share price movement during recent months on the NYSE, rising to highs of US$48.51 and falling to the lows of US$40.53. Some share price movements can give investors a better opportunity to enter into the stock, and potentially buy at a lower price. A question to answer is whether ABM Industries' current trading price of US$41.50 reflective of the actual value of the mid-cap? Or is it currently undervalued, providing us with the opportunity to buy? Lets take a look at ABM Industriess outlook and value based on the most recent financial data to see if there are any catalysts for a price change.

See our latest analysis for ABM Industries

What Is ABM Industries Worth?

Good news, investors! ABM Industries is still a bargain right now. According to my valuation, the intrinsic value for the stock is $57.09, but it is currently trading at US$41.50 on the share market, meaning that there is still an opportunity to buy now. However, given that ABM Industriess share is fairly volatile (i.e. its price movements are magnified relative to the rest of the market) this could mean the price can sink lower, giving us another chance to buy in the future. This is based on its high beta, which is a good indicator for share price volatility.

What does the future of ABM Industries look like?

Investors looking for growth in their portfolio may want to consider the prospects of a company before buying its shares. Buying a great company with a robust outlook at a cheap price is always a good investment, so lets also take a look at the company's future expectations. With profit expected to grow by 28% over the next couple of years, the future seems bright for ABM Industries. It looks like higher cash flow is on the cards for the stock, which should feed into a higher share valuation.

What This Means For You

Are you a shareholder? Since ABM is currently undervalued, it may be a great time to accumulate more of your holdings in the stock. With an optimistic outlook on the horizon, it seems like this growth has not yet been fully factored into the share price. However, there are also other factors such as financial health to consider, which could explain the current undervaluation.

Are you a potential investor? If youve been keeping an eye on ABM for a while, now might be the time to enter the stock. Its prosperous future outlook isnt fully reflected in the current share price yet, which means its not too late to buy ABM. But before you make any investment decisions, consider other factors such as the strength of its balance sheet, in order to make a well-informed investment decision.

If you'd like to know more about ABM Industries as a business, it's important to be aware of any risks it's facing. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for ABM Industries (of which 1 is a bit concerning!) you should know about.

If you are no longer interested in ABM Industries, you can use our free platform to see our list of over 50 other stocks with a high growth potential.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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When it comes to wedding guest etiquette, theres a fashion faux pas one should never commit: wearing white.

While the angelic hue is reserved for the bride, some of Hollywoods biggest names have broken the rule  risking it all in the name of style.

Take Hailey Bieber, for example. The Rhode founder attended Stephanie Shepherd and record producer Larry Jacks nuptials in June 2023, wearing a backless white gown. The floor-length number featured a skintight silhouette and a turtleneck. Bieber  who attended the ceremony with husband Justin Bieber  accessorized with a plush blue handbag.

Dua Lipa also dared to wear white at designer Simon Jacquemus and Marc Maestris wedding in France in August 2022. The Levitating songstress was a whimsical sight in the sheer snowy ensemble that was adorned with delicate flowers. The garment was made by Jacquemus himself, making Lipas fashionable sin a bit more acceptable.

While celebrities are often given a pass when it comes to their wardrobe, wedding etiquette expert Diane Gottsman exclusively told Us Weekly that there are a few exceptions to the law.

Unless you are the bride, wearing white or ivory to a wedding is considered inappropriate  it sends a message that you want to be noticed, Gottsman said. The exception would be when the bride specifically asks her bridesmaids or guests to wear white  or if the wedding is taking place at a beach and has an all-white theme.

This was the case for Solange Knowles when she married Alan Ferguson in November 2014. All of her guests, including sister Beyonce, wore white ensembles as they celebrated the couples union in New Orleans. (Solange and Ferguson called it quits in December 2020.)

Cara Delevingne also wore white to sister Poppy Delevingnes wedding to James Cook in May 2014. The supermodel served as a bridesmaid for the big day, donning a pearlesque dress with a ruffled hem.

If the bride doesnt explicitly give the OK to wear white, Gottsman advised going with a different color. Even when you want to wear white, refrain from calling or asking the bride because that puts her in an uncomfortable situation, she explained.

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While its not immediately clear if Bieber got permission  which wed like to assume she did  keep scrolling below to see her look and other stars who have worn white to a wedding:
NEW BEDFORD  "Spy Kids" and "The Good Wife" Tony-winning actor Alan Cumming stepped through DATMA's "Threshold" piece in Custom House Square with his dog Lala.

While visiting the downtown area before performing in his "Och & Oy" cabaret, opposite Ari Shapiro at the Zeiterion, Cumming took to Instagram to record a video of himself visiting the 17-foot-high doorway.

"It's Saturday night on Broadway. Pow!" he sang in front of the doors.

Actor Alan Cumming stands in front of DATMA's 'Threshold' public art piece on Saturday.

Learning history: New Bedford celebrates historic roots with Abolition Row Park, Frederick Douglass statue

"I feel like Threshold has officially been blessed," said Lindsey Mis, executive director of the Massachusetts Design Art and Technology Institute (DATMA).

Cumming is best known for film roles such as GoldenEye, Romy and Micheles High School Reunion, Spice World, Burlesque, X-Men, Annie and for his three time Emmy-nominated role for CBS The Good Wife. He also won a Tony-Award for his performance in the revival of "Cabaret" as the Emcee.

"We made the door for you Alan," the "Threshold" sculptor Mark Reigelman joked in a comment on the post that has garnered over 4,000 likes since Saturday, including several positive posts applauding Cumming for his stellar performance at The Z.

Threshold" is inspired by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) who inhabited the city in the late 17th century as well as the aesthetic of New Englands archetypal Colonial doorways, according to sculptor Mark Reigelman.

Lindsay Mis, Executive Director of DATMA inspects the area around the just installed seventeen foot tall doorway art piece 'Threshold' installed at Custom House Square in New Bedford.

'It gives me that theater fix': Alan Cumming and Ari Shapiro to perform a cabaret at The Z.

I was so drawn to exploring the history of the city. I wanted to find a concept that accurately symbolized its openness to those seeking refuge, freedom or work, he said in a previous interview.

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This symbol is conceptually unique and strong, and it allowed me to explore architecture, scale and the past and future of New Bedford in an impactful and creative manner, he said.

Reigleman hopes the piece encourages viewers to think about the past and future when crossing the threshold, and even for those who don't, it's meant to be a pleasant and positive experience nonetheless.

Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Follow him on twitter:@ChitwoodReports. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Alan Cumming visited DATMA 'Threshold' art piece on Saturday
In this image taken from video provided by the Colorado Judicial Branch, Anderson Lee Aldrich, left, the suspect in a mass shooting that killed five people at a Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ nightclub last year, appears in court Monday, June 26, 2023, in Colorado Springs, Colo., where they pleaded guilty in the attack. The defendant faces life in prison on the murder charges under the plea agreement. | Colorado Judicial Branch via Associated Press

Anderson Lee Aldrich, 23, pleaded guilty on Monday to the mass shooting at LGBTQ bar Club Q on Nov. 22, 2022, killing five and injuring 19 others.

Killed in the shooting were Daniel Aston, 28; Derrick Rump, 38; Raymond Green Vance, 22; Kelly Loving, 40; and Ashley Paugh, 34.

Aldrich, who identifies as nonbinary and uses the pronouns they/them, was charged with 323 criminal accounts, including charges of first-degree murder, bias-motivated crime and first and second-degree assault.

The shooter was sentenced to five consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.

Judge Michael McHenry added an additional 2,208 years in prison.

The judge said, The sentence of this court is the judgment of the people of the state of Colorado that such hate will not be tolerated and that the LGBTQ+ community is as much a part of the family of humanity as you are, per ABC News.

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The state of Colorado banned the death penalty in 2020, so prosecutors were unable to request the death sentence. However, a federal investigation has been opened and capital punishment can be given in federal court cases.

According to CNN, 4th Judicial District Attorney Michael Allen said in a news conference following the sentencing, The death penalty still matters even if its not law in the state of Colorado. ... The threat of the death penalty in the federal system (was) a big part of what motivated this defendant to take this plea in our case.

Allen continued, Cases like this are why the death penalty should exist in the state of Colorado, the victims in this case deserve the ultimate punishment that the law can provide, he said.

Aldrich did not wish to speak before the court but asked the defense attorney to explain that they are deeply remorseful.

Many family members of the victims spoke before the court and defendant with deep pain and anger for their loss.

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The father of Daniel Aston said that without his son, A positive force has been taken out of the world. He was in the prime of his life. He was happy, he had hopes, dreams and plans that will never be realized, Aston said. Losing him has caused us incredible grief and sadness, per NBC News.

Adriana Vance, the mother of Raymond Green Vance, described her son as a loving and gentle man. This man doesnt deserve to go on. What matters now is that he never sees the sun rise or sunset, she said in anger over the loss of her sons life.

Your actions reflect the deepest malice of the human heart, McHenry concluded following the plea deal. And malice is almost always born of ignorance and fear.
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Bruno Mars is undeniably smooth. The R&B crooner is smooth-dressing, smooth-talking, with smooth rhythms in his back pocket hes known to pour over again and again until he gets them just so. But on his never-ending quest to mix the perfect throwback jam, Mars took a detour to pour over something special this summer  an exclusive rum bar on the Kohala Coast in Hawaii.

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This luxurious waterfront watering hole, otherwise known as the SelvaRey Rum Bar, is an intimate beach bar with a front row seat to the panoramic ocean view overlooking Fairmont Orchid resorts private

Pauoa Bay. Popping up just in time for summer, the bar was designed with Mars input, and crafted to specifically showcase a timeless tropical luxury aesthetic. Mars is also SelvaReys co-owner, one of the only celebrity rum brands out there right now. With all the star-studded faces backing high-end spirits, my first thought was why a rum bar? And why now? One sultry-voiced commercial could make bottles fly off shelves, and SelvaRey nightclub parties and DJing sessions could feel right in line with the Ciroc-core vibes of other celebrity liquors.

SelvaRey Rum Bar

Price: $Fairmont Orchid Resort

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You might recall that with the An Evening with Silk Sonic album release, Mars created nine different SelvaRey Rum cocktails to pair with each song on the albums track list. The Panamanian single-estate distilled rum was created in 2014, but Mars quickly became a co-owner after its first launch, and brought his own meticulous eye for detail and creativity to the brand.

The white rum is actually a blend of three and five-year-old rums, and after being charcoal filters, the rum is aged in bourbon barrels. It also received the highest rating for any white rum in the history of prestigious trade publication, The Tasting Panel, with a score of 94 Points. That distinction alone certainly gives it a head start on beating out the pack of big names with bigger checkbooks who want some skin in the spirits game. But is there anything that can make celebrity alcohol stand out these days besides being pretty great?

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SelvaRey Rum Cocktail at SelvaRey Rum Bar Fairmont Orchid

SelvaRey Rum

Price: $38+

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As much as we dont want to shower the clout-endowed with even more clout, admittedly, many celeb spirit offerings are yes, actually that great. Bob Dylans Heavens Door is a well-regarded, award-winning series of whiskeys, and I admittedly had a bit of a personal crisis when I tasted how good Post Malones Maison No. 9 Rose was. But the waters of liquid gold are undeniably saturated  depending on your definition of owned, at this time, there are around 60 spirits and liquors at least backed by a celebrity (you can search for them in the GrapeStars app), from the old guard of Ryan Reynolds Aviation Gin, to Bryan Cranston and Aaron Pauls recent post-Breaking Bad Dos Hombres Mezcal venture.

Celebrities gravitate toward the alcohol industry for a number of reasons  some spirits like tequila have quick turnaround times on production, even with a unique flavor profile and distillation process. The beverage industry is also undeniably profitable, with online sales from alcohol delivery apps having flourished since the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent study estimates that by 2025, alcoholic beverages will surpass $2.2 trillion in global market size. So its understandable why plenty of celebrities want a taste, but also why its so easy to become desensitized when youre on the other side of the bar.

The thing about SelvaRey is that its a great product with or without me, Mars said in an interview with Rolling Stone. It was an award winning rum before I helped get the word out. Try it and tell me its not the best rum youve ever tasted! To me, thats the secret.

Bruno Mars at SelvaRey Rum Bar at the Fairmont Orchid

SelvaRey Rum Bar

Price: $Fairmont Orchid Resort

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Mars was clearly invested not only in the flavor of SelvaRey specifically as a rum brand in a sea of star-studded tequila, but in the aesthetic vision. When asked about striking the balance between just an attractive-looking bottle and a great taste, Mars said it was about creating a match for each other. When I first tried SelvaRey, I was transported and inspired by the Rum itself. I saw it was possible to elevate the rum drinks I loved. After I got to know the founders and came on board, we created a look that matched the taste. We want people to experience tropical luxury with everything SelvaRey puts out.

Even with a surprisingly good spirit, thats not why everyone buys celebrity-backed booze. Experience is the key word here  we want to live like Bruno lives, get lost in the tropical luxury vibes, and not just feel like were pounding back meaningless shots while the summer sweat sticks to our backs. Diddy once referred to Ciroc Seltzer in a Forbes interview as aspirational, something that could match the upscale sexiness of seeing and being seen at a beach or pool party.

Smartly, Mars created something experiential with SelvaRey Rum Bar first, and taste-focused second. It helps when you already have a pretty great liquid in hand, but this unique bar is also part of Fairmonts recently launched Beyond LIMITS series: a curated collection of luxury experiences available at Fairmont locations across North and Central America (including a Tea Noir soiree, a dinner series where you eat completely in the dark, and a Tongan beach club).

Being very hands-on in the process of creating the pop-up experience, Mars said that the location of the bar  right on the beach  was chosen so the space and atmosphere could be a reflection of what SelvaRey is all about. That was the most important thing. At the end of the day, its all about fun. If Im not having fun, its not worth it. Rum is the same. When was the last time you saw someone in a bad mood holding a pina colada?!

Bruno Mars SelvaRey Rum Bar The Fairmont Orchid

SelvaRey Rum Bar

Price: $Fairmont Orchid Resort

Buy Now

Some of the Beyond LIMITS events are more boundary-pushing than others (there was previously an underwater ballet), but with a physical space, Mars elevated a luxurious-tasting spirit into a luxurious-feeling moment. Theres a lot of talk about quiet luxury these days, and not just in fashion. You can even see these elements reflected within the design of some of collaboration partner Fairmonts most recently renovated properties. The Fairmont Century Plaza, for example, is a complete reimagining of the Los Angeles landmark, with sleek neutral tones, cavernous lounge spaces, and a spa that feels as if the MET Museum had consulted on Succession. But Mars has always been about the brighter, louder versions of the finer things in life. Spirits and luxury are meant to be about celebration and enjoyment with others. Thats what SelvaRey represents, and the bar offers people the same thing.

At the bar, the music is upbeat, the drinks are sweet, and the emerald green and gold accents everywhere feels royal. Throughout the process of crafting and opening the space, Mars has been shown to be someone whos truly cracked the code on how to have a celebrity liquor brand  be a huge fan of a distillerys work, let the production team do their thing, and use your star power not to position yourself as a spirits expert, but to show how the drink can facilitate an elevated, communal experience (i.e. let the good times roll). Like with cocktail development, in some ways its less about the organic taste of the spirit itself, and more about what kind of feeling you want someone to have while drinking it. The goal was to craft SelvaRey into a vacation in a glass, and the rum bar decor to emulate tropical luxury. A little exoticized? Perhaps. Was it successful aesthetically? Absolutely. As the world of celebrity spirits expands, more famous folks could do some good ditching the shameless-feeling promotion and take a page from Brunos book.

As the golden sun descended into the ocean waves and we stood beachside sipping on Weekend at Brunos (a cocktail which the menu says goes down smoother than the sunset), I shot a text with some photos of the bar to my father. A huge Bruno fan (who refers to him exclusively as the one lyric he can always remember, smoother than a fresh jar of Skippy), most celebrity spirits are not even on his radar when he makes a Total Wine run. He wasnt there to sip on any SelvaRey the artist was serving up, listen to the reggae rhythms playing at the counter, or even smell the salty air. But from just one look at the bar and its cocktails, he had a single impression: smoooooth.

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Eden Munoz and Lenny Tavarez were among the top winners at the annual SESAC Latina Music Awards, which took place Tuesday (June 27) at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles.

Both were honored as songwriter of the year at the ceremony where, for the third year in a row, the top award was presented in two categories: Regional Mexican and pop/Latin rhythm.

More from Billboard

For a fourth year in a row, Munoz was awarded songwriter of the year for regional Mexican thanks to a number of songs he wrote for fellow artists such as Pepe Aguilar and Christian Nodal. Munozs Chale! winner for regional Mexican song of the year, had scored him his first No. 1 on the Regional Mexican Airplay chart as a soloist following his departure from Calibre 50.

I want to thank my wife and my children, said a visibly emotional Munoz. This is for my children. Heres the answer to their question of why Daddy isnt home. Because hes here, writing songs.

Meanwhile, Tavarez  whos written hits for Karol G, Blessd and Justin Quiles  was named songwriter of the year in pop/Latin rhythm for co-penning Anittas global hit song Envolver. The reggaeton track, which won pop/Latin rhythm song of the year  peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Global Excl. US chart in April 2022. And while it may seem as an only Anitta track, given her signature moves around it, Tavarez performed it as part of an exciting five-track set that highlighted his versatility and beautiful voice.

Im saying this with a lot of respect for men, but my career changed thanks to women, said Tavarez in picking up his award and dedicating it to his mother, wife and daughter. And, I also dedicate it to two very special women. Karol G, you changed my life and allowed me to be part of La Bichota. The other one is Anitta. Thank you to Annite and her team for allowing me to be part of the story as a composer.

Story continues

Related

From left: Mando, Yahritza and Jairo Martinez of Yahritza y Su Esencia photographed by David Cabrera on May 12, 2023 at Soho Miami Pool House.

Yahritza y Su Esencia Open Up About the Immigration Issues That Threatened Their Momentum

06/28/2023

Special awards were handed out as well. SESAC Latinas first-ever breakthrough songwriter of the year was given to Yahritza Martinez, frontwoman of the sibling trio Yahritza Y Su Esencia. Leila Cobo, Billboards Chief Content Officer for Latin and Espanol, was on hand to deliver the award.

The 16-year-old Martinez made chart history as the youngest Latin performer to enter the Billboard Hot 100 when the groups debut single Soy El Unico debuted at No. 20 last year. Shes also just one of the two women (the other being Karol G) who have reached No. 1 on the Latin Songwriters chart. This is definitely not a one-hit wonder, said Cobo. You have depth, craft, talent and magic.

Producer of the year went to Federico Vindver, whos worked with artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Marc Anthony and, most recently, Christina Aguilera for her Spanish-language album Aguilera, which was nominated for album of the year at the Latin Grammys 2022. Additionally, the award for publisher of the year in regional Mexican went to recently-launched company EMC Lyrics, and Sony Sounds was named pop/Latin rhythms publisher of the year for the eighth consecutive year.

Thanks again to an amazing team, said Jorge Mejia, president/CEO of Sony Music Publishing Latin America. But, at the end of the day, this award isnt ours. It belongs to all the composers who wake up every morning to write songs. You make the world turn.

See the winners list below:

Songwriter of the Year:

Regional Mexican  Eden Munoz

Pop/Latin Rhythm  Lenny Tavarez

Song of the Year:

Regional Mexican  Chale! by Eden Munoz

Pop/Latin Rhythm  Envolver by Lenny Tavarez

Publisher of the Year:

Regional Mexican  EMC Lyrics

Pop/Latin Rhythm  Sony Sounds

Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year:

Yahritza Martinez

Producer of the Year:

Federico Vindver

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Behrooz Karamizades Iranian drama Empty Nets, which has its international premiere in the Crystal Globe Competition at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival, offers a sobering look at the increasingly difficult, sometimes hopeless lives of young working-class people in Iran as they strive for better lives.

Set on Irans northern Caspian Sea coast, the film follows Amir (Hamid Reza Abbasi), a young man who, desperate to marry his girlfriend Narges (Sadif Asgari), seeks work at a local fishery with the hope of earning enough money for an appropriate dowry and winning over her upper-class parents. Once there, illicit opportunities present themselves and he is soon drawn into the dangerous but lucrative business of sturgeon poaching and the black market caviar trade.

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The Iranian-German director, who grew up in Germany, says he always wanted to shoot his first feature film in Iran. Im very impressed by Iranian cinema and I grew up with Iranian cinema. I thought my cinematic roots are in Iran and I have to go there and shoot my first film there.

While his family is from southern Iran, Karamizade traveled to the northern region of the country, finding inspiration on the Caspian coast. I am very connected to the sea; I am a very sea-addicted person. I love the sea and I love the different faces of the sea. I was always interested in fishermen, this very strong masculinity and very hierarchic, arcane people. One of my favorite stories was that of Captain Nemo  Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. I love these stories.

Before making the film, Karamizade spent time with fishermen in the area while working on a photographic essay. It was then that he learned about the poaching.

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In wanting to explore Iranian society, the filmmaker developed an allegorical tale set in the fishing community.

Behrooz Karamizade

Our society is very male-dominated, which leaves very little place for other persons, other genders, to breath and develop themselves, he notes.

The idea came to him to bring a young, innocent, naive, romantic person, still unspoiled by the hardships of life, into this world dominated by men and ruled by power  a role perfectly embodied by Abbasi. The fishery itself is a parable of a dictatorship, Karamizade adds.

In addition to underscoring the growing rift between the wealthy and working-class people of Iran and the economic hardship exacerbated by U.S. sanctions that hurt the poor much more than the elites, the film also examines the alarming environmental harm to marine ecosystems caused by trash, plastic waste and illicit fishing in the waters of the Caspian Sea.

As the once pristine nature is increasingly destroyed, so too is young Amir corrupted by the wrong decisions that he makes while working with the opportunistic and greedy men who manage the fishery, Karamizade points out.

There is a large elite in Tehran that enjoys a very good life but unfortunately the gap is getting bigger and bigger and many people are suffering, Karamizade says. Thats also why I made the film. I wanted to understand the fishermen and also the poachers and why they are doing it.  But I also wanted to criticize them and I wanted to show that sometimes when you push people to the edge, they can do a lot of things that are not good for them and not good for the world. But we cannot judge them. We have to follow and see what was the route to this edge. I wanted to follow this  why Amir goes to the edge and what was his path to get to the edge.

Empty Nets

Karamizade also highlight the plight of Irans young people, who are suffering the most from the countrys economic situation. Lack of employment and good wages, for example, gravely limit the prospects for marriage, children and prosperity. The multitude of problems they face  economic difficulties, tradition, debt  keep them trapped in a seemingly hopeless situation as they stack up layer upon layer, he explains.

All these young people are like fish in a net, gasping for air but theyre not getting air.  They are really suffering a lot.

At the same time, he also wanted to present another image of Iran, of young people with a great deal of hope despite the dire situation, to show the world these beautiful young faces.

Karamizade shot Empty Nets on location in the northern Iranian coastal cities of Rasht and Bandar Anzali  a region whose damp climate and overcast skies evoked a melancholic and oppressive atmosphere the director and cinematographer Ashkan Ashkani (There Is No Evil) found ideal for the film.

Commenting on his own visual style, the importance of imagery and his use of locations, Karamizade said he was inspired by his mentor, Thomas Mauch, the DOP who collaborated with Werner Herzog on many of the directors films, including Aguirre, the Wrath of God and Fitzcarraldo.

Karamizade currently has a German project in early development, a historical film set during World War II that hes writing with Heide Schwochow (The German Lesson).

Based in Kassel and Berlin, Karamizade is one of four founders of Living Pictures Production, which co-produced the film with Basis Berlin Filmproduktion, Rainy Pictures, ZDF/Kleines Fernsehspiel and Arte. Port au Prince Pictures will release Empty Nets in Germany on Jan. 18.

Pluto Film is selling Empty Nets internationally. The company, which was taken over last year by Benjamin and Daniela Colle, says the new acquisition perfectly represents its focus on engaging global cinema through identifying emerging talents.

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Florida just joined more than 30 other states that have decriminalized fentanyl test strips  a move that advocates in the state say is overdue.

Senate Bill 164, sponsored by Sen. Tina Polsky-D, Boca Raton, was in a group of nine bills sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis' desk on Monday. The governor signed the bill Tuesday, something of an outlier among his attempts to fight fentanyl in Florida with harsher sentencing penalties and a "law and order" focus.

I think its an important step in curtailing the number of opioid overdoses in Florida, said Tim Santamour, director of outreach and networking for the Florida Harm Reduction Collective. "It may lead to folks making healthier decisions like cutting back on their use or even stopping use because they have an awareness of the risks theyre taking."

Fentanyl strips were previously considered "drug paraphernalia" in Florida, making it a crime to possess or distribute the testing kits.

This spring, SB 164 passed unanimously through both chambers in the Florida Legislature after years of similar bills dying during the last weeks of session.

Back story: As Florida fentanyl deaths surge, state leaders and advocates disagree how to fight overdoses

Polsky called the passage of the legislation this year as "bittersweet."

"I have listened to many stories from people who have lost their loved ones due to fentanyl poisoning, and I wish it could have been passed sooner," she said. "We must continue to do everything we can to protect people and ensure that families do not continue to suffer from this heartbreak."

Move comes amid rise in overdose deaths

Fentanyl test strips  which are endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  can reduce the risk of overdose, studies show.

They do not show the quantity or potency of fentanyl in the dose, but knowledge of an adulterated supply changes the behavior of a person who uses drugs and therefore reduces risk. The strips, which look like a COVID-19 at-home test and come in a small wrapper, cost $1.

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Decriminalizing fentanyl test strips is just one legislative step the DeSantis administration is taking to curb overdoses, which have steadily increased in the state as the drug supply becomes polluted with other illicit drugs that intensify the potency and the risk of overdose. In recent years, Florida has seen a rise in fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, nitazenes and, most recently, xylazine, in accidental overdoses, according to the Florida Medical Examiners Commission.

A box of fentanyl test strips delivered by Reliance Health Center from the Ledge Light Health District to the center in downtown Norwich Tuesday. [John Shishmanian/ NorwichBulletin.com]

In Florida, the number of fatal overdoses continues to increase year over year. According to the latest yearly figures released by the Florida Medical Examiners Commission, 8,257 Floridians died from accidental drug intoxication in 2021, a 10% increase over the 7,575 who died in 2020.

The 10% increase in overdose deaths last year followed an even steeper, nearly 17% increase from 2019 to 2020. Over all three years, from 2019 through 2021, fentanyl was the leading cause of those deaths.

A war on 'rainbow fentanyl' even as threat is unclear

Most of the other legislative attempts to prevent future overdoses that passed this year are bills that increase the criminalization of drugs and drug dealers.

One of the bills, signed into law May 1 and effective Oct. 1, would crack down on drug traffickers who deal "rainbow fentanyl."

More: People killed in Gadsden 'mass fentanyl poisoning' had cocaine in their systems, records say

DeSantis signed HB 1359, a bill that puts harsher penalties on dealers who sell fentanyl disguised as "candy, cereal, a gummy, a vitamin, or a chewable product, such as a gum or gelatin-based product; or contains a cartoon character imprint."

"Rainbow fentanyl" will now be a first-degree felony to posses, sell or manufacture, and drug dealers who traffic "rainbow fentanyl" are eligible for a life sentence, a minimum 25-year sentence and a $1 million penalty.

The bill was one of the first signed by DeSantis this year and was part of an "Anti-Crime, Pro-Public Safety" package that also included legislation that strengthened pre-trial detention and another bill that would allow the death penalty for people who commit sexual battery against children under the age of 12.

"I am grateful for Gov. DeSantis strong leadership in advocating for, and signing, new laws that go after fentanyl traffickers and keep violent and repeat offenders behind bars to protect Floridians and our millions of visitors," said Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody in a press release.

The threat of "rainbow fentanyl" to children, however, was blown out of proportion, street drug experts say.

Gov. Ron DeSantis was in Titusville Monday afternoon with Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody at the American Police Hall of Fame and Museum to sign three bills.

At a statewide opioid overdose conference in May, experts agreed that rainbow fentanyl was not being targeted toward children in Florida, Santamour said.

"Instead of playing on the fight around rainbow fentanyl, it would be better for the Department of Health or other mental health organizations to tell folks the truth about drugs," he said.

Opioid settlement investment and a warning of 'deadly force' to cartels

Also in this year's budget, the state has earmarked $20 million in opioid settlement money for the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication fund, a part of FDLE.

In a February press release, the governor's office said DeSantis "is committed to protecting communities from fentanyl manufactured in China and flowing across the Southern Border."

DeSantis and Moody have repeatedly blasted President Joe Biden's administration and his southern border policies for increased deaths caused by fentanyl.

Gov. Ron DeSantis was in Titusville Monday afternoon with Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody at the American Police Hall of Fame and Museum to sign three bills.

This is the first time FDLE will receive money from the state's opioid settlement funds.

Florida has won billions of dollars from numerous lawsuits against pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors and has used the funding for opioid treatment, prevention and recovery services, said Kylie Mason, a spokesperson for the attorney general's office.

On May 1, DeSantis touted the state's treatment and recovery efforts, including the recently established Coordinated Opioid Recovery (CORE) program, which offers medically assistance to those addicted to opioids.

But DeSantis also stressed the importance of cracking down on drug traffickers, calling them "monsters" and "evil." He warned anyone who targets drugs toward children will spend the rest of their lives "rotting in jail."

If youre messing with children, youre going to have the book thrown at you 100%," he said.

Now running for president, DeSantis said he wants to authorize the use of deadly force against individuals who are creating breaches in the border wall, equating it to breaking into a house.

Of course you use deadly force," he said earlier this week while rolling out a hardline border security plan that would restrict asylum claims, end birthright citizenship. If you drop a couple of these cartel operatives trying to do that you will not have to worry about that anymore.

DeSantis vetoes two other bills, but doesn't explain why

Of the nine bills sent to DeSantis, two bills  HB 605, Expunction of Criminal History Records, and SB 1478, Criminal Sentencing  were vetoed on Tuesday.

HB 605 would have revised a law that prohibits adults from having criminal records expunged if they had records expunged as juveniles. The bill  approved 107-2 in the House and 38-0 in the Senate  would have created an exception to the one-time expunction limit in certain circumstances and led to an increase in the number of records eligible for expunction, according to a House staff analysis.

The other vetoed bill (SB 1478) sought to build on recent efforts to reduce incarcerations over technical probation violations. The House and Senate unanimously passed it. DeSantis did not detail reasons Tuesday for the vetoes.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida decriminalizes fentanyl test strips amid new harsher penalties
Fox News host Steve Doocy on Tuesday proposed an out-there explanation of how CNN obtained audio of Donald Trump apparently admitting he had classified documents. (Watch the video below.)

Responding to Trumps claim that the audio actually exonerates him, Doocy said on Fox & Friends:

You know what? If Trump thinks its an exoneration of him, perhaps somebody on his side actually did the leaking to CNN and Maggie Haberman, a New York Times reporter who also obtained the clip.

That makes sense, co-host Brian Kilmeade said.

It does, actually, Doocy said. Hes admitting hes got classified documents.

On Monday, CNN posted damning audio of Trump describing a secret military document he was showing people at his Bedminster, New Jersey, resort in July 2021. He mentioned he was holding highly confidential and secret information that he had not declassified when he was president.

After CNN made the tape public, Trump accused special counsel Jack Smith, the Department of Justice and the FBI of leaking it. He said the recording was actually an exoneration.

In his latest defense, the former president said he was merely exhibiting bravado and denied showing off anything classified.

Even though Trump can be heard rifling through the papers and saying look, he told Semafor and ABC News:

I was talking and just holding up papers and talking about them, but I had no documents. I didnt have any documents.

Trump faces a 37-count indictment for his alleged mishandling of documents he hoarded at Mar-a-Lago. The indictment cites the Bedminster recording as key evidence.

Related...
Max is lifting the veil on its upcoming limited thriller series Full Circle, the latest collaboration between director Steven Soderbergh and writer Ed Solomon, and the sinister family secrets are about to spill out following a botched kidnapping.

In the trailer, released Wednesday, Claire Danes and Timothy Olyphant frantically respond to an alarming phone call that informs them, We have your son. As the couple cooperates with law enforcement, an officer (Zazie Beetz) presses them if the caller perhaps had a Guyanese accent  a suggestion that sends Danes spiraling.

Does that mean something to you? Beetz asks Danes at the hint of Guyana.

The trailer then lays eyes on CCH Pounder, who appears to be operating a tight ship in an upcoming plot devised for a specific intention, saying You do exactly what Ive instructed you to do and the balance will be restored.

Whatever happens next in the kidnapping, its clear the attack was carefully planned as some sort of past connection looms over the two groups.

You understand the things happening to your family are happening for a reason, another voice says in the trailer, while Dennis Quaids character laments, It makes no sense that we would be targeted.

Also Read:

Steven Soderbergh Returns to TV With Teaser for Max Thriller Full Circle (Video)

The official logline for the six-episode series is as follows: An investigation into a botched kidnapping uncovers long-held secrets connecting multiple characters and cultures in present day New York City.

In addition to Beetz, Danes, Quaid, Olyphant and Pounder, the limited series also features Jim Gaffigan, Jharrel Jerome, Phaldut Sharma, Adia, Sheyi Cole, Gerald Jones, Suzanne Savoy, Ethan Stoddard and Lucian Zanes.

Oscar-winner Soderbergh serves as director and executive producer for Full Circle while Ed Solomon serves as writer and executive producer alongside Casey Silver, who also executive produces. Soderbergh and Solomon previously teamed up on the experimental HBO series Mosaic and the HBO Max original film No Sudden Move.

Full Circle premieres its first two episodes on Thursday, July 13 on Max, with an additional two episodes releasing weekly until its series finale drops on Thursday, July 27.

Also Read:

HBO Max Orders Full Circle Limited Series From Steven Soderbergh
Haley Pullos

Amy Sussman/Getty Haley Pullos

General Hospital actress Haley Pullos has been charged with two felony DUI counts and one misdemeanor following her car crash and arrest in April.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office confirmed to EW on Wednesday that Pullos, 24, has been charged with one felony count of driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage causing injury, one felony count of driving with a .08% blood alcohol content causing injury, and one count of misdemeanor hit-and-run driving resulting in property damage. She's set to appear in court July 27.

"Drunk driving remains a grave concern in our communities, claiming thousands of innocent lives each year," a spokesperson for the DA's Office said in a statement. "Charging Haley Pullos with a felony DUI causing injury underscores the severity of this alleged offense. As we approach the Fourth of July holiday weekend, we must recognize the heightened danger of drinking and driving during this time. Let us remain vigilant and make responsible choices to ensure a safe and joyful celebration, free from the devastating consequences of impaired driving."

A representative for Pullos didn't immediately respond to EW's request for comment. According to the Los Angeles Times, Pullos pleaded not guilty last week.

The actress, best known for her role as Molly Lansing-Davis on General Hospital, was arrested April 29 for allegedly driving on the wrong side of the freeway in Pasadena, Calif., and colliding with another driver, who sustained major injuries and was taken to a hospital. A California Highway Patrol report said that Pullos was unable to exit her vehicle after the collision, and that the Pasadena Fire Department had to utilize the jaws of life to extract her.

According to a criminal complaint reviewed by EW, Pullos had a blood alcohol concentration that was 0.15 percent or more on the day of the collision.

Related content:
(Bloomberg) -- The Biden administration plans to tighten export controls announced in October to restrict sales of some artificial-intelligence chips to China, amid growing concerns about selling the technology to a key strategic competitor, people familiar with the matter said.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Under the Commerce Department proposal, expected in July, the US would revise export controls to make it harder to sell some chips to China without a license. The move is aimed in part at Nvidia Corp.s A800 chip, which the US-based company designed after the earlier controls were announced. The products configuration comes just within those limits.

Nvidia Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress said Wednesday that the company is aware of the reports on tighter restrictions. Strong overall demand for its products means that there will be no material impact to earnings should such rules be introduced, she said at an online investor event.

China represents about 20% to 25% of Nvidias data center revenue, and  in the long term  any ban of exports to that country would represent a loss of opportunity, she said.

The Commerce Department declined to comment. Plans for the tighter controls were reported earlier by the Wall Street Journal.

Read More: Some Chips Are Already Banned as Fear of More Curbs Hits Nvidia

The move highlights the Biden administrations determination to contain Chinas technological rise and could escalate tensions between the two countries. In a briefing Wednesday, Chinese embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu cited the Biden administrations moves in the semiconductor industry as an example of a lack of respect that has prevented Washington and Beijing from discussing other issues.

Communication first requires mutual respect and communication must deliver results, Liu said. We know that there are disputes on the semiconductor industry. But we havent seen any positive initiatives from the US side to say, OK, how about we have communication on this issue?

After sliding early in the session, Nvidia shares recouped much of their losses Wednesday. The stock was down about 1.8% at the close in New York.

Read More: Billionaires and Bureaucrats Mobilize China for AI Race With US

Its not clear whether the announcement will also include an extension of general licenses given to South Korean and Taiwanese companies. Samsung Electronics Co., SK Hynix Inc. and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. won a one-year reprieve from the restrictions last October and have asked the White House to extend them by at least another year.

--With assistance from Ian King and Iain Marlow.

(Updates with Chinese comment in 6th paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Pullos was arrested and charged with a DUI in April after allegedly driving the wrong way and ultimately causing a collision on a freeway in Pasadena, California

Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic Haley Pullos

General Hospital star Haley Pullos has officially been charged following her recent alleged DUI incident.

On Wednesday, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office confirmed to PEOPLE that Pullos, 24, is receiving multiple charges following her April car crash and DUI arrest. She is specifically being charged with one felony count of DUI causing injury, one felony count of driving with a .08 BAC causing injury as well as one misdemeanor count of hit-and-run resulting in property damage.

Per the complaint obtained by PEOPLE, "Upon a felony conviction for the above offense, prison custody time is to be served in state prison." A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for July 27.

The L.A. County D.A. issued this statement to PEOPLE: "Drunk driving remains a grave concern in our communities, claiming thousands of innocent lives each year. Charging Haley Pullos with a felony DUI causing injury underscores the severity of this alleged offense. As we approach the Fourth of July holiday weekend, we must recognize the heightened danger of drinking and driving during this time. Let us remain vigilant and make responsible choices to ensure a safe and joyful celebration, free from the devastating consequences of impaired driving."

Representatives for Pullos did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on the news, which was first reported by TMZ. (The outlet also indicated that the soap actress reportedly pled not guilty to the charges.)



Related: 'General Hospital' Star Haley Pullos Charged with DUI After Freeway Car Crash

Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic

Pullos received a DUI charge last month for her alleged involvement in a major car crash.

Per a California Highway Patrol report obtained by PEOPLE, Pullos was driving the wrong way on the freeway in Pasadena on April 29. She was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence and for driving the wrong way, causing injury.

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The police report also indicated that Pullos was also allegedly involved in a hit-and-run incident before the crash. As authorities reported to the scene, Pullos was unable to get out of her car. Because of that, the Pasadena Fire Department (PFD) had to use the jaws of life to "extract" her.

The other driver involved sustained major injuries from the collision and was taken to a hospital.

"Pasadena Fire units responded to a traffic collision requiring rescue at the 134 Freeway/Orange Grove exit early this morning," the PFD said in a statement shared on their official Facebook page. "Arriving units found two vehicles involved, with one person trapped, after a reported head-on collision. Fire personnel extricated one person from a vehicle and provided patient care and hospital transport for the occupants of both vehicles."

The statement concluded, "Cause is unknown but always a reminder to stay within the speed limit, avoid drinking and driving and never be distracted by passengers, phones etc."

After the incident, the Daily Mail reported that Pullos allegedly entered a rehabilitation treatment facility. The Los Angeles Times later obtained legal documents indicating she was being sued by the driver she hit.

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

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Pullos has been playing Molly Lansing-Davis on General Hospital since 2009. Recently, she told Soap Opera Digest she was taking a break from the long-running series to recover from a car accident.

"Unfortunately, I was involved in an automobile accident and I'm doing OK, but I am going to need a little time to recover," she shared. "I will be back as soon as possible!"

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Read the original article on People.
Photo Illustration by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast/Getty

When members of the Proud Boys and another far-right group founded by a former Proud Boy member protested at the same Oregon LGBTQ Pride event this weekend, the two factions ended up brawling on a sidewalk.

The fightwhich saw Proud Boys and members of the Rose City Nationalists exchange haymakers outside an Oregon City burger jointwas one of the frequent spats that populate the far-right social scene. But footage of the fight has gone viral as part of an ongoing effort to whitewash the far right, with conspiracy theorists and lawmakers describing some of the movements gangs, describing the Proud Boys as patriots and their opponents as federal agents.

This is the BEST video on the internet right now, conservative internet personality Benny Johnson tweeted, describing footage of the brawl as a Pro-America Patriot rally interrupted when feds show up dressed as Nazis, until Patriots for Feds out of rally.

Indiana Moms for Liberty Chapter Apologizes for Quoting Hitler in First Newsletter

The clip actually shows uniformed members of the Proud Boys yelling at a small contingent of Rose City Nationalists near a Pride event that both had showed up to oppose on Saturday.

RCN is part of a larger network of white nationalist Active Clubs, which promote violent beatdowns against enemies. The group and the Proud Boys (which also glorify street brawls) have crossed paths before. RCNs founder, Casey Knuteson, has been affiliated with multiple far-right groups in the Pacific Northwest, including area Proud Boys, who yelled at him by name and called him homophobic slurs during the Saturday confrontation. (Knuteson did not return The Daily Beasts request for comment.)

Activists have long documented both groups presence in Oregon. Nevertheless, lawmakers like Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) amplified Johnsons allegation that RCN members were federal agents.

Feds or not Feds? Massie quote-tweeted Johnsons post. David Livingson, a conservative state representative in Arizona, also retweeted posts calling the RCN federal officers, Arizona Right Wing Watch reported.

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The allegations are the latest instance of elected officials describing white supremacist groups as a federal psy-op. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (who has, herself, spoken at a conference hosted by white nationalists) implied that recent demonstrations by fascist groups like Patriot Front looks like a fed operation trying to create racism, white supremacy, and racial division where none exist.

Proud Boys have also encouraged those conspiracy theories on Facebook. In the aftermath of the melee, Proud Boys celebrated, energized by their victory. Gavin McInnes, the groups founder, who has since attempted to distance himself from the group, wrote on Telegram, Masked Feds show up to Proud Boys event. PBs immediately call them out, tune them up, and demask them. In a subsequent post, McInnes falsely identified a young California man whom right-wing activists accused of being among those unmasked, while right-wing social media celebs took to Twitter to ridicule the Active Club, calling them feds.

Subsequently, an Elon Musk supporter tweeted out the same California mans name to his 1 million followers, to which Musk publicly replied, always remove their masks. (The falsely accused man later posted time-stamped receipts showing him in California on the day of the brawl, and made a video calling the allegations just crazy, adding that my family and I are being harassed completely.)

Kate Bitz, an organizer with the Oregon-based anti-hate group, Western States Center, said this messaging is meant to distract from the similarities between Proud Boys and overt white supremacist groups, as the Proud Boys attempt to make inroads with more mainstream conservatives.

These accusations deflect from the consequences of the anti-LGBTQ+ narratives theyve been pushing for years, Bitz told The Daily Beast. Obviously, it doesnt help their standing in the community to show that white nationalists are showing up at the same event and protesting on the same side as the Proud Boys.

FBI Informant Panic Is Ruining Friendships All Over the Far Right

Despite McInness claims about federal agents, the Portland, Oregon Proud Boys chapter confirmed on Telegram that the fight had been personal in nature, with one of their former members.

The incident that occurred was the result of a personal beef between a disavowed member and our chapter, the group wrote in a statement. For a period of time the disavowed member chose to skulk around, talk Shit and dox 2 current members. Unfortunately he decided to drag his new bros into his personal issues.

The FBI also issued a statement denying involvement in the sidewalk scuffle. We are appalled by recent online allegations that the FBI had personnel posing as protesters in Oregon City, OR this weekend, Kieran Ramsey, special agent in charge of the Portland division said in a statement. Any such claims are absolutely false.

Following the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, which resulted in multiple Proud Boy leaders convictions on seditious conspiracy charges, the Proud Boys have refocused their efforts on targeting LGBTQ events. Their campaigns have forced restaurants to cancel drag shows, and brought them in line with more accepted right-wing organizations like Moms for Liberty.

The Proud Boys are heavily involved in the Miami chapter of Moms for Liberty, one former Moms for Liberty member told Vice this month. Moms for Liberty want to push their agenda with fear, harassment, and intimidation, and they have the Vice City Proud Boys as their foot soldiers.

Other extreme groups have previously attempted to break bread with the establishment GOP. White supremacist groups like Identity Evropa (now defunct) and its successor group American Identity Movement (also defunct) encouraged members to maintain a clean-cut image and run for local offices. Part of that image was an unofficial uniform of khaki trousers, which have since been adopted by white supremacist groups like Patriot Front and Active Club chapters.

That uniform style of dressing, reminiscent of a Capitol Hill intern, has only fueled conspiracy theories on the right, with Proud Boy apologists claiming that the outfits look like something a federal agent would wear.

The conspiracy theories dont make communities any safer, researcher Jennefer Harper told The Daily Beast, noting the Proud Boys and the RCNs deepening feud, which continued online after the Saturday fight.

I think they are going to be on high alert when they come out looking for each other, so I think that could definitely lead to some spiraling violence, she told The Daily Beast. And just like the public has confused this Active Club cell as either feds, Patriot Front, or antifa, I think the greater public could misidentify people and groups and attack them as well.

But the infighting between the Proud Boys and the RCN, instead of an attack on the Pride event, showcased local resilience against anti-LGBTQ groups, Bitz saideven in Oregon City, which was hosting its first-ever Pride Night on Saturday.

More and more towns are holding their first, second, or third Pride events this year, she said. The Northwest Nationalists repeatedly targeted Pride events this year. They likely think Pride organizing originating for the first time and in contested territory for LGBTQ+ rights might be easier to intimidate. Thats not how its played out.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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[Source]

The Quad City Times, a major newspaper in Iowa, has officially apologized to Republican primary candidate Vivek Ramaswamy for previously featuring him in a cartoon that depicts GOP voters as racists.

How it started: Although Ramaswamy defended the newspapers right to print the cartoon in a tweet last week, the Republican candidate still criticized the action by calling it shameful.

Ive met with grassroots conservatives across America and never *once* experienced the kind of bigotry that I regularly see from the Left, Ramaswamy wrote.

About the cartoon: The illustration, which was eventually taken down online after it was published on Wednesday, depicted Ramaswamy at a 2024 presidential campaign rally with a banner behind his podium that says: Quad City Republicans Welcome Anti-Woke Crusader Vivek Ramaswamy.

More from NextShark: Filipino American man sentenced to 45 days in jail for role in Jan. 6 riot

Hello MAGA friends, Ramaswamy says to a small crowd in the cartoon. Three people can be seen responding with offensive remarks, such as Get me a Slushee, Apu, a reference to the recurring convenient store-owning character of Indian descent on The Simpsons.

Another person in the cartoon can be seen yelling at the Indian American entrepreneur-turned-politician, saying, Show us your birth certificate, while another person in the crowd calls him a Muslim even though he is a practicing Hindu.

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The aftermath: The Quad City Times Executive Editor Tom Martin apologized to Ramaswamy, the Indian American community and the newspapers readers for the cartoon in an opinion piece published on Friday.

More from NextShark: Nigel Ng signs multi-platform deal with FilmRise to bring 'Uncle Roger' to wider audience

Noting that the Quad City Times has already severed its ties with the artist who created the cartoon, the newspaper said the offensive material has been removed from the Quad City Times websites and e-editions.

Martin also wrote that dividing and disparaging with any racist images or rhetoric does not reflect the ideals or mission of the Quad City Times, adding that the oversight that allowed it to run is inexcusable.

Running for president: Ramaswamy is one of two Indian Americans running in the Republican primary, with the other being Gov. Nikki Haley (R-SC).

More from NextShark: No jail time for man who shoved 92-year-old Asian man with dementia in Vancouver, says judge
The couple took their third wedding to Venice, Italy, after previously saying I do at a courthouse in Miami and later with a ceremony in Namibia

Elina Upmane



Jillian Michaels official bridal gown was anything but ordinary.

On June 24, the fitness trainer, 49, tied the knot once again with her fashion designer wife DeShanna Marie Michaels in the Aman hotel, one of eight monumental palazzos on the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. The ceremony was planned by Design Anarchy Studio.

While the couples wedding location was rooted in history, Jillian wanted to wear a dress that was a spin on the traditional, she tells PEOPLE exclusively.

For the television personality, that was a black wedding dress.

Jillian wore a sequin mermaid design with an elegant V-neck trimmed with opaque black fabric, embellished with sparkly flower motifs and long sleeves. The sequin skirt stopped around her knees and cascaded into a flared chiffon-looking hem.

For jewelry she wore a collection of accessories by H&H, the same jeweler that crafted DeShanna's engagement ring. One of the pieces worn by Jillian was the brand's minimalistic short-chain Riviera tennis necklace.

She completed the ensemble with black sandals and a tousled side-parted bob.

Related: Jillian Michaels Marries DeShanna Marie Minuto in 16th Century Italian Palazzo: Dream Come True (Exclusive)

Elina Upmane

There was another catch to the non-traditional look: DeShanna volunteered herself to select her wifes altar ensemble. Because the two originally expressed different opinions on Jillian's choice of color, their resolution was to leave the dress shopping process up to DeShanna.

I found Jill's dress and I was like, Oh my God, if you want to wear black, I found the most feminine, beautiful black dress,' (the poor woman doesn't even know the details of the dress). I'm like, I'm just ordering this dress, we're fixing your measurements and hopefully it looks great.

The Letterino founder also applied her style savvy to her own outfit  a boat-neck mermaid Zuhair Murad gown adorned with cascades of asymmetrical handmade beadwork with a faille overskirt and bow detailing. The dress took over a year to create.

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Before exchanging their vows for the third time in front of 50 guests, Jillian and DeShanna kicked off their three-day weekend celebration with a sunset welcome dinner at the Belmond Cipriani, for which the couple wore Dolce & Gabbana.



Related: Jillian Michaels Opens Up About Wedding to Wife DeShanna in the 'Middle of the Namibia Desert'

Elina Upmane

Jillian and DeShanna legally tied the knot at a courthouse in Miami on July 11, 2022, in front of their close friends and family (including Jillians two children Lukensia, 13, and Phoenix, 10) before traveling to Namibia for an intimate affair later that year. "We both love Africa," Jillian told PEOPLE in February.



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The newlyweds met on the members-only dating app Raya and began dating in 2018. In November 2021, Jillian proposed with a 7-carat emerald-cut diamond ring, which was designed by a family friend at H&H Jewels in Miami.

Elina Upmane

A trio of ceremonies later, the two still have only words of endearment for one another.

She's beautiful, she's funny and she's so creative, Jillian tells PEOPLE. But all that shiny stuff in the beginning doesn't last. So what makes you say to yourself, 'I want to walk alongside this human for the rest of my life.' And I take that really seriously. I'm 49. I've never married anyone. I just didn't believe that there was a human I could do that with until DeShanna."

Related: Who Is Jillian Michaels' Wife? All About DeShanna Marie Minuto

She really is my best friend and my rock, adds DeShanna. She has this insatiable desire to learn and that's really been such an amazing thing for me and for us as a couple just to grow together.

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Read the original article on People.
Jim Bob Duggars uncle, Tommy Lester, died just hours before police visited the Duggar familys compound.

Lester was 75 years old when he died on Sunday, June 25, at his residence, according to his obituary. The funeral is scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 29.

Tommy honorably served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Henderson (DD-785) during the Vietnam Era, the obituary reads. He will be remembered as a kind, gentle and intelligent man. He was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Lester-Duggar. Tommy is survived by his spouse, Lawerence Nestrud; two siblings, Billie Lester of Farmington, Arkansas and Connie Beard and her husband Layne of Pea Ridge, Arkansas and a host of extended family members.

Lester died of a heart attack, according to several reports.

On June 25, authorities visited the former 19 Kids and Counting patriarch, 57, and wife Michelle Duggars home for a follow-up investigation at 8:26 a.m., In Touch confirmed. Per TMZ, the visit occurred two hours after Lester passed away.

Duggar Family Compound Visited by Police: Investigation

According to the police report obtained by the outlet, Lesters husband, Lawrence Nestrud, spoke with officers to inform them his husband felt ill the night before and had fallen over several times. However, Lester refused to be hospitalized out of fear he would be placed into a nursing home, per the documents.

While in the bathroom in the morning hours of June 25, Nestrud noted Lester called out for help before he collapsed against the door, unresponsive afterward. Lester was later pronounced dead in his home.

It is still currently unclear why authorities went to the Duggar family compound after Lester died.

Later that day, Jim Bob and Michelles children Jason Duggar, Johanna Duggar, Jackson Duggar and Jennifer Duggar were seen singing during a service in church together, according to celebrity blogger Without a Crystal Ball. The blogger also reported that Jason, 23, had previously been absent from recent church services while Jim Bob allegedly doesnt attend church frequently.

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Lester is scheduled to be laid to rest on Thursday, June 29, at the Fayetteville National Cemetery. Jessa Duggar's husband, Ben Seewald, will be officiating the service.

The former Counting On cast members have had multiple run-ins with law enforcement in the past, with the most recent being Jana Duggar. She was charged with endangering the welfare of a minor following an alleged incident in September 2021, In Touch confirmed. She pleaded not guilty at the time and her court hearing had been scheduled to take place on January 10, 2022. However, Jana, 33, settled the charge outside of court, In Touch confirmed.

Perhaps the most notorious family member to face trouble, though, is Josh Duggar, who was arrested and charged with one count of possessing and one count of receive child pornography in April 2021. He was convicted on both counts in December 2021, but the charge of possessing child pornography was later dismissed during his May 2022 sentencing hearing.

Josh, 35, is now serving out his prison sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Seagoville, Texas.
Jon Hamm is totally jazzed about being a married man.

Its exciting because its all potential, Hamm said on Tuesdays episode of iHeartPodcasts Table for Two with Bruce Bozzi, adding that marriage is the thing that leads to the next thing of life and thats what I hope  and its the journey and its exciting.

Hamm recorded the podcast days prior to his nuptials to actress Anna Osceola, whom he reportedly wed on Saturday in the Big Sur area of the central California coast. Osceola and Hamm met in 2015 when they starred on Mad Men together, and were first romantically linked in 2020.

CNN has reached out to representatives for Hamm and Osceola for comment on their Saturday wedding.

The actor, like most engaged people planning a wedding, also felt overwhelmed throughout the planning process, saying all of the minutiae of planning it and dealing with it can be mind-numbing.

Then, Hamm said, he had an epiphany while walking his dog.

This sort of calm settled over me, he said, adding this occurred when he realized that Im gonna look out and Im gonna see this whole group of people that are all there because theyre supporting me and Anna.

He went on to joke that the last time he looked out into a crowd that was supporting him was at his high school graduation, or when he won an Emmy in 2015.

But this is not that, Hamm clarified, adding that this is the exciting part of life and its a signpost and a signifier of the next chapter and phase.

As for that next phase? Hamm said he and Oscoela are still TBD on if that next phase involves starting a family.

For now, the actor is focused on the bond he shares with his bride, saying that he understands marriage gives you and your partner a sense of stability and comfort and an identifying capacity that is better, deeper, richer.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
The news that the remains of Julian Sands, an actor of extraordinary sensitivity and awareness, were identified in Californias San Gabriel mountains June 27 brings to a close a sad, uncertain chapter. Sands will have no date of death confirmed. He simply disappeared January 13 while hiking near Mt. Baldy amid severe storms, icy conditions, and possible avalanches. It took five days just to find his car. And yet, the location where he disappeared, a harsh wilderness, was only about 10 miles from Inland Empire urban sprawl. Thats California for you: the most densely populated areas abut what is truly the wild.

The nature of his disappearance was such that many of Sands admirers, myself included, did not grieve his loss at the time. There was always hope, however much of a long shot, that he might be found. He was an expert and avid hiker, after all. Maybe he found some shelter or rigged his own, and was just cut off. By January 25, however, his brother Nick Sands told the BBC, I have come to terms with the fact hes gone and for me thats how Ive dealt with it.

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Sands death is not just a tragedy, but a terrible loss for the arts. Though from Yorkshire, his long, thin face and lank build didnt look strictly English. He easily played a Russian separatist character on the fifth season of 24 in 2006  he was trying to assassinate the president of Russia, who in the universe of that show, was someone other than Vladimir Putin.

Villains came easily to Sands. One of his last major roles was as a pedophile in the miserable-ist chic WWII drama The Painted Bird, considered one of the most brutal films of recent vintage. Though that was an arthouse film and Venice premiere, Sands spent a good part of his career in outright genre roles  especially horror movies such as Warlock, Arachnophobia, and Dario Argentos The Phantom of the Opera. Whenever he wore his hair long, it underscored an absolute shock that he wasnt cast in Interview with the Vampire.

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His genre work is one thing. Its his romantic, mercurial turn in his breakout film, A Room with a View, that most people will picture immediately when they think of Sands. As George Emerson, an English youth from an upwardly mobile middle-class family (Im on the railways George simply says of his profession), hes coiled, tense, naive, energetic  and given to unique responses like, in one fluid motion, falling to his knees in a simulation of prayer when accosted by a peddler in a Florentine cathedral. Sands George is a character whose inner life emanates from his pores, and its not hard to understand why young Englishwoman abroad Lucy Honeychurch would be attracted to him and confounded by him on a tour of Italy given for English travelers. Hell barely say a word at dinner at the pensione, but the next day climbs a cypress tree overlooking a paradise-like Tuscan field to shout Beauty! LEspoir! Thats him reciting his creed and invoking the eternal Yes his father says.

That moment, an eruption of unbridled naivety at the world and at nature, is so pure, even if, or especially if, its a little goofy. (Imagine something quite that strange happening in almost any other comfort-food, period costume drama with rom-com overtones since.) But all expressions of genuine wonder are, to an extent. That moment has left its imprint on my heart, and I have even been known, when driving across a particular high-rise bridge to the beach near my home to say, when reaching the top and being overcome with the staggering gorgeousness of the water, sand, and sky revealed below, to say Beauty! LEspoir! also. But Im not sure I would be so bold as to shout that literally from the treetops to a crowd as Sands George does. That is a model of guilelessness and emotional purity worth aspiring to.

Its that openness to the universe and all that it might throw at you that Id like to think Sands brought to his own way of communing with nature through his hiking  and to the way he met his end. He died doing what he loved.

For my part, though, it was hard to believe at the time his disappearance was announced that he really was gone. My IndieWire colleagues and I first heard the news that he was missing while having dinner in Park City, Utah, on the night before the first day of Sundance. With hindsight, we could have run an obit right then. But much like the four days of international news media obsession over the Titan submersible, where everyone imagined that the five travelers to the bottom of the North Atlantic might still be alive and at risk of running out of oxygen, this story had ended at the very beginning. We just didnt realize it  or want to realize it. Of course, with hindsight, the most obvious explanation was that the submersible simply imploded at the start of its journey, its passengers also losing their lives doing what they loved doing. Of course, with hindsight, Sands was lost immediately.

Perhaps our collective denial of the tragedy of these incidents until theres incontrovertible proof that these were tragedies is a kind of George Emerson guilelessness of its own. In his own way, Sands, with his unforgettable performance, one of cinemas greatest expressions of optimism, had set the stage for how wed approach his death.

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Kathy Saunders, VP and GM, KDFW-KDFI

Kathy Saunders, senior VP and general manager of KDFW-KDFI Dallas, will retire from the Fox-owned stations at the end of June. Saunders has been in her position since 1997.

We would like to thank Kathy for the tremendous job she has done in Dallas for the past 26 years, and as an invaluable veteran of both news and sales for FTS for 28 years, said Jack Abernethy, CEO, Fox Television Stations. A truly great leader, she leaves a talented team, and decisive as ever, we laughed when she gave us four days notice. We will miss her. We wish Kathy nothing but the best in her retirement.

Saunders joined Fox Television Stations as VP and general manager of WFXT Boston. Previously, she was VP and general sales manager at KDAF Dallas and was promoted to VP and general manager. Before that, she was national sales manager at WPGH Pittsburgh and was later promoted to general sales manager. Saunders began her broadcasting career at KCTV Kansas City.

It has been my honor and privilege to manage Fox Television Stations from fledgling network status to the dynamic broadcasting company it is today, Saunders said. Working for Jack Abernethy was never dull. He is a true leader in the industry who pushes his managers to work and think outside of their comfort zone to produce creative results. I have loved watching the Dallas-Fort Worth market grow over the years, along with KDFW Fox 4 and KDFI 27. Overseeing the development of this group of broadcast professionals has definitely been the highlight of my career. I will miss this wonderful team, but look forward to the next chapter.

Saunders was named Texas Association of Broadcasters Pioneer Broadcaster of the Year in 2022 and Broadcasting + Cables General Manager of the Year in 2019.
Kevin Spacey UK trial begins



Kevin Spacey

The sexual assault trial of Kevin Spacey in the United Kingdom began with an opening hearing on Tuesday, during which 14 jurors (12 plus two alternates) were selected for the case which is now expected to last more than four weeks, per NBC News. Spacey faces 12 charges in the case, the maximum sentence for which is life imprisonment, according to CBS News.

Per Variety, while several potential jurors were eliminated, some of those who remained indicated that they knew who Spacey was: Im sure the defendant will be gratified to know that many of you know his name or have seen his films but that wont disqualify you from sitting on this jury, the presiding judge addressed the jury. Judge Wall discouraged them from consuming media coverage of the trial, telling them, You are the ones who are here to assess the evidence. You decide what evidence is important.

Read more

The charges against Spacey concern allegations of assault that took place between 2001 and 2013. An American actor, Spacey spent a great deal of time in the U.K., particularly in his capacity as artistic director for Londons Old Vic Theater between 2004 and 2015. In 2017, the theater revealed more than 20 testimonies of Spaceys inappropriate behavior dating back as far as 1995 when his association with the theater began. Spacey has denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty in court. In a June hearing ahead of the current trial, his lawyer reiterated that he strenuously denies any and all criminality in this case and said he returned to the U.K. to establish his innocence and proceed with his life (via The Independent).

Previously, Spacey was found not liable in a sexual misconduct case brought against him by actor Anthony Rapp; charges in a Massachusetts case were dropped because the accuser declined to testify. Spaceys career was drastically affected after allegations emerged, many from men like Rapp who were extremely young or even underaged. Spacey recently stated his belief that things would get back on track once the U.K. trial concludes. I know that there are people right now who are ready to hire me the moment I am cleared of these charges in London, he told the German outlet ZEITmagazin. The second that happens, theyre ready to move forward. The trial is set to commence in earnest beginning on Friday.

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Kevin Spaceys long-awaited criminal trial in the U.K. over multiple sexual assault allegations has begun.

The trial  due to last four weeks  started Wednesday morning U.K. time at Londons central Southwark Crown Court, with the first day mostly dedicated to getting the legal logistics in order. Spacey arrived around 9 a.m., wearing a dark blue suit, white blue shirt and pink tie.

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Later in the morning, judge Mark Wall swore in a jury of 12 (actually 14, with two people serving as spares). The case was then adjourned until Friday morning.

Spacey, 63, faces 12 charges from four different men, all dating between 2001 and 2013 and including seven counts of sexual assault, three counts of indecent assault, one count of causing a person to engaging in sexual activity without consent and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent. All of the charges were read out in detail in front of Spacey, who sat in the dock, and the jury.

Many of the allegations relate to the period when he was the artistic director of the Old Vic theater, a position he held between 2004 and 2015. He has denied them all  five charges at a hearing in Londons Old Bailey in July 2022, when the trial date was set, and a further seven in a video hearing in January 2023.

In his opening remarks to the jury, Wall acknowledged the amount of press interest the case had drawn but urged jurors to avoid media coverage where they could.

The trial is the first in the U.K. faced by the two-time Oscar winner since accusations of sexual assault first broke in 2017 and could decide whether or not he has any future in the entertainment industry. It also marks almost 12 months to the day since Spacey first took the stand at Westminster Crown Court on June 16, 2022 to have the initial five allegations read out to him. It was there that his defense counsel Patrick Gibbs KC successfully argued that the actor should have unconditional bail, allowing him to move freely in and out of the U.K. (the prosecutor had pushed for him to have his passport taken away, stressing that given the severity of the sentence were he to be found guilty, it was reasonably foreseeable that he would not return to the U.K.).

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Spaceys career took a nosedive following the initial allegations almost six years ago in the wake of the MeToo movement. Following high-profile removals from both Netflixs House of Cards and Ridley Scotts All the Money in the World (where Christopher Plummer replaced him as J. Paul Getty in very costly reshoots), his roles have been few and far between, with the projects Spacey has been cast in lurking toward the lower end of the market. He shot the comedic thriller Peter Five Eight, recently picked up by SPI International and due for release in August, after the trial is expected to finish, while last year it was announced that he wouldnt  as had been previously announced  star in the Hungary-backed Genghis Khan drama 1242  Gateway to the West.

Spacey could face a prison sentence if found guilty.

Earlier this month, speaking to the German ZEITmagazin, he said he anticipated working again almost immediately were he to be found not guilty in the U.K. trial. I know that there are people right now who are ready to hire me the moment I am cleared of these charges in London, Spacey said. The second that happens, theyre ready to move forward.

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FILE PHOTO: A Visa credit card is seen on a computer keyboard in this picture illustration

(Reuters) -Payments giant Visa Inc on Wednesday agreed to acquire Brazilian fintech platform Pismo for $1 billion in cash to expand its footprint in Latin America, a vote of renewed confidence in the region amid a funding slowdown.

The Pismo deal is the largest fintech exit in Latin America since Nubank went public in late 2021 and the largest disclosed startup exit so far this year.

For Visa, the world's largest payments processor, it is its first major takeover since 2021 when it bought European open banking platform Tink for $2.2 billion as well as British cross-border payments provider Currencycloud.

Sao Paulo-based Pismo's cloud-based platform for financial institutions hosts more than 70 million accounts and transacts more than $200 billion a year, providing the technology through which clients can issue Visa and Mastercard cards.

Mastercard was reported earlier this year to have also been interested in the acquisition of the banking infrastructure startup. It did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

The acquisition comes alongside an 82% year-on-year drop in venture funding in Latin America in May, according to data group Sling Hub, as high interest rates and fears of a recession shook up global markets and rocked tech valuations.

As part of the deal, which is expected to close by the end of the year, Pismo will retain its current management team, Visa said.

The seven-year-old company was founded by entrepreneurs Ricardo Josua, Daniela Binatti, Juliana Binatti and Marcelo Parise. It has operations in Europe, North America, Southeast Asia, India and Latam.

Pismo has raised over $110 million from investors including Japan's SoftBank Group Corp, Amazon.com Inc, venture capital firm Accel, as well as Headline, which first invested in the seed round and owns about 30% of the firm.

(Reporting by Jaiveer Shekhawat and Mehnaz Yasmin in Bengaluru, Isabel Woodford in Mexico City, and Krystal Hu in Toronto; Editing by Maju Samuel, Leslie Adler and Michael Perry)
Jeff Beck and Tim Bogert (bass) perform live with The Jeff Beck Group (Beck, Bogert & Appice) in Amsterdam, Holland in September 1972

It began with a fractured skull and ended in a punch-up, but Beck, Bogert & Appice was great while it lasted.

Jeff Beck first met bass player Tim Bogert and drummer Carmine Appice in 1967. By the summer of 69, and with the original Jeff Beck Group in disarray, he hoped to recruit the Vanilla Fudge founding members for his own project.

Unfortunately, however, Becks best laid plans were thwarted when he suffered a fractured skull during a car crash. It took him months to recover, by which time Bogert and Appice had moved on to form Cactus.

When Cactus disbanded in 72, Beck seized the opportunity to join forces with the pair. The second incarnation of his band had called it a day that summer and, finally, the guitarists long-awaited rhythm section was in place.

Hailed as one of rocks greatest supergroups, the Beck, Bogert & Appice power trio was a short-lived affair that lasted merely two years.

Released in 73, their self-titled debut album hit the number 12 spot on the Billboard charts and features the Stevie Wonder-penned Superstition. Beck, Bogert & Appice was the groups sole studio album, though it was swiftly followed up later the same year by the rare, Japan-only release, Live in Japan.

Beck, Bogert & Appice 'Live in Japan 1973, Live in London 1974' boxed set artwork

When the album came out, we started to tour, and the band turned into factions, Bogert told Classic Rock. The thrill of it all had been so wonderful in the beginning, but then there were personality conflicts, and things went downhill quickly.

It all came to a head at a gig in London when Beck and Bogert got into a physical altercation from which there was no coming back. Subsequently, plans for the groups sophomore album were scrapped.

But over half a century after the band formed, Appice says the experience was over too soon. It was artistically fulfilling at the time, but it was too quick, reveals the drummer. The fact that we got to play together was great. Jeff, Tim and I did play great together, but before we knew it, it had ended.

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And it seems Beck himself believed the recorded legacy of the trio was worthy of attention, as he revisited concert recordings prior to his passing earlier this year. Dedicated to Beck and Bogert (who died 2021) ATCO/Rhino has announced the forthcoming release of a boxed set containing previously unreleased live material.

It was artistically fulfilling at the time, but it was too quick

Reads the press release: Beck and Appice mixed all the concerts in this set from the original multi-tracks that had been in Becks archive for almost 50 years, thus knocking the many bootleg quality releases, that Beck hated, out of the park!

The Live In Japan 1973, Live In London 1974 set will be available September 15 on CD, LP and digital services. Additionally, a purple-vinyl version will be released the same day.

Recorded in 1973 during the May 18 and 19 performances at Koseinenkin Hall in Osaka, Live in Japan was originally available in Japan only. Live in London 1974 was recorded at the capitals Rainbow Theatre (where Beck and Bogert came to blows) on January 26 and is previously unreleased.

The performance showcases several songs Beck, Bogert & Appice planned to record for their abandoned sophomore studio album, including Satisfied, Jizz Wizz, and Solid Lifter.

Track listing is as follows

Live in Japan 1973

LP One Side One:

Superstition Lose Myself With You Jeffs Boogie

Side Two:

Going Down Boogie Morning Dew

LP Two Side One:

Sweet Sweet Surrender Livin Alone Im So Proud Lady

Side Two:

Black Cat Moan "Why Should I Care Plynth/Shotgun (Medley)

Live in London 1974

LP One Side One:

Satisfied Livin Alone Laughing Lady

Side Two:

Lady Solid Lifter Jizz Wizz

LP Two Side One:

Name The Missing Word (Prayin) (Get Ready) Your Lovemakers Coming Home Superstition

Side Two:

Blues De Luxe/You Shook Me (Rainbow) Boogie

Available September 15, you can pre-order the CDs here and vinyl here.
[Source]

Pakistani teenager Aitzaz Hasan was hailed as a hero for sacrificing himself to save his school from a suicide bomber nine years ago.

The incident occurred on Jan. 6, 2014, after the 15-year-old ninth grader reportedly arrived late to school in the remote village of Hangu, a district in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and was told to stand outside the Government High School Ibrahimzais gate with two other schoolmates as punishment.

There, the trio reportedly saw a man who appeared to be in his 20s approaching their school. Two of the students immediately ran when one of them spotted a detonator, but Hasan stayed to stop the bomber.

Five years ago, Aitzaz Hasan Bangash gave his life as a 15 year old schoolboy, embracing a suicide bomber with his own body so his classmates could live. There is no truer hero of that dark period of Pakistans history. pic.twitter.com/UPIgkJ0xTK More from NextShark: History professor makes surprisingly cute discovery on lost roll of film labeled The Philippines 1942  fatima bhutto (@fbhutto) January 6, 2020

"I'm going to stop him"

So he told them, 'I'm going to stop him. He is going to school to kill my friends. He wanted to capture this suicide bomber. He wanted to stop [him], Hasans cousin, Mudassar Hassan Bangish, told BBC days after the incident.

More from NextShark: How Costco became a mecca for Asian American shoppers

One of the teachers who allegedly witnessed the incident said they saw Hasan chasing after the bomber. Despite the teenagers effort to tackle the man and stop him, the latter still managed to detonate the bomb, killing himself and Hasan.

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The suicide bomber wanted to destroy the school and school students. It was my cousin who stopped him from this destruction, Bangish told BBC, which noted that there were around 2,000 students inside the school at the time.

Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, a Sunni Muslim sectarian group whose aim was to kill Shia Muslims, claimed responsibility for the attack days after the bombing.

More from NextShark: Los Angeles calls on public for ideas for memorial to 1871 Chinese Massacre victims

Honoring a hero

Instead of mourning, Hasans father chose to view his sons sacrifice and heroism with pride, telling Pakistans Express Tribune, My son made his mother cry, but saved hundreds of mothers from crying for their children.

Although it took the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa days to acknowledge Hasans sacrifice, it eventually announced that the name of the school he attended would be changed to Shaheed Aitizaz Hasan Government High School and that a stadium would be built in his honor.

Officials from the provincial government also visited Hasans family to offer their condolences.

More from NextShark: During the Chinese Exclusion Act, an ingenious backwoods chef from China helped make Yosemite National Park a reality

Imran Khan, who was serving as the chairperson of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf before becoming Pakistans prime minister in 2018, expressed his disappointment at how the government responded to Hasan's death and announced in a tweet that he would be starting a trust fund for the teenager's family.

The government also awarded Hasan with the Sitara-e-Shujaat, Pakistans highest award for bravery, posthumously on Jan. 11, 2014.

Besides the awards and recognition Hasan received from the government, the teenagers bravery has also been praised by many activists and international organizations. Days after the incident, Malala Yousafzai, who survived an attack by the Pakistani Taliban two years earlier, said she was "proud that I belong to a country where many brave and courageous people like Aitzaz Hasan are born." Hasan was also bestowed with the global bravery award by the International Human Rights Commission.
The DCM Medical Institute opened last month in El Socorro, San Juan

Kevork Djansezian/Getty, KMazur/WireImage Dr. Conrad Murray and Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson's former doctor Dr. Conrad Murray  who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011  has opened up his own medical institute.

The DCM Medical Institute opened last month in El Socorro, San Juan. At the launch event, Murray opened up about why he chose to open his own institute.

When I came back to Trinidad, most of the colleagues whom I had trained felt that I was too much of a threat to be present, when all I was willing to do was to collaborate, further educate and instill care for more and more. So they decided to eventfully lock the doors when they saw the cases I was performing," he said, per the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian.

He added, "It was tough. I dealt with the country locking its borders for two years but I did not give up. I felt that I had to be relentless."

Murray grew up in Trinidad and Tobago after migrating from Grenada with his parents. He later moved to the United States and established himself as a doctor.

Related: 'Daddy!' How Paris and Prince Walked in on Lifeless Father Michael Jackson as Conrad Murray Tried to Revive Him

In 2011, Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Jacksons 2009 death from cardiac arrest.

Jackson's children  who were present when he died  testified in court during Murrays trial.

"This is a crime where the end result was the death of a human being," said Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor said at the time. "That factor demonstrates rather dramatically that the public should be protected."

Throughout the six-week trial, prosecutors portrayed Murray, 58, as a reckless doctor who, for $150,000 a month, sold out the Hippocratic oath, and to treat Jackson's insomnia, gave the King of Pop a nightly drip of propofol, an unpredictable and potentially fatal anesthetic.

During the case, prosecutors attempted to show that Murray set the stage for tragedy by also failing to use proper monitoring equipment and devices to help Jackson breathe under heavy anesthesia.

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The doctor, they said, also repeatedly left Jackson's bedside to check emails and make phone calls, which Walgren characterized as "abandonment."

Related: Jane Fonda Says She Went Skinny-Dipping with Michael Jackson on a 'Moonlit Night': 'He Was Skinny'

Defense attorneys argued that before Jackson hired Murray as his personal doctor for his planned This Is It concerts, he'd concluded that propofol was the only treatment for his insomnia. The attorneys and their medical expert, Dr. Paul White, suggested that Jackson injected extra propofol and swallowed several tablets of the sedative lorazepam during moments that morning when Murrays back was turned  causing Jackson to die so suddenly that Murray could not have saved him.



He served half of his four-year sentence in prison and returned to Trinidad and Tobago, where he registered to practice and qualified as a medical doctor.

After the conviction, Murray has his medical licenses in Texas California and Nevada suspended.

The pop icon's death was detailed in Mark Langthorne and Matt Richards' 2016 book 83 Minutes.



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Mike Gallagher appeared on the Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday sporting a T-shirt portraying the former wrestler John Cena as Chinese Communist Party founder Mao Zedong.

WASHINGTON  Mike Gallagher traded his blue suit and maroon tie for a Spotted Cow and a T-shirt portraying the former wrestler John Cena as Chinese Communist Party founder Mao Zedong during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show Tuesday afternoon.

The nearly hour-long conversation in McAfees studio in Indianapolis was wide-ranging and light-hearted as the Green Bay Republican congressman discussed everything from UFOs to countering China to the problems with Congress.

Heres a quick rundown of some of the conversation:

First, the shirt

Gallaghers T-shirt featuring a superimposed image of Cenas face on a portrait of Mao was a shot at the actor, who in 2021 apologized to his Chinese audience for calling Taiwan its own country.

I love and respect China and Chinese people. Im very, very sorry for my mistake, Cena said in a video message at the time.

Gallagher brought the apology up in his first appearance on McAfees show in May 2022: Cena, who played a Marine in a movie called The Marine, by the way, so I find this doubly insulting, Gallagher, a former Marine intelligence officer, said. I mean, cmon, Dude.

Gallagher as chairman of the House select committee on the Chinese Communist Party has made preventing a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan a top priority.

Earlier in the day, Gallagher spoke at the Northeast Indiana Defense Summit in Fort Wayne, Indiana, hosted by Indiana Republican U.S. Rep. Jim Banks.

They talked UFOs

Asked questions about UFOs and aliens, Gallagher touted an amendment he led to last years National Defense Authorization Act  which he referred to as the Alien Bill on the show  that created a secure system for reporting information related to Unidentified Aerial Phenomena, or UAP.

Gallagher contended the legislation has prompted whistleblowers to come forward with reports of such phenomena and argued that the amendment, as well as hearings about UAPs on Capitol Hill, led to the de-stigmatization of talking about unidentified aerial objects.

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After McAfee, his crew and Gallagher threw around speculation about extraterrestrial life, including that objects would be from past or future civilizations, Gallagher took a more serious tone, saying the bigger issue surrounding UAPs is people losing trust in government, trust in institutions.

This should be an opportunity for the government to be transparent, he said. If we have information that disconfirms the extraterrestrial hypothesis, or all these other ones, at least it shows the government doing something competent and being forward-leaning by declassifying information to the public.

He added: So for those two reasons alone, I think its worthy of investigation. And, the third one that Im probably the most interested in is whether its adversary technology, particularly from China.

Gallagher said he was approved to visit Area 51, a classified Air Force facility in Nevada often associated with alleged extraterrestrial and UFO sightings, and plans to go eventually.

Gallagher mentioned his main focus: China

Of course, countering the Chinese Communist Party came up.

Gallagher, who has made U.S. competition with China his main focus in Washington, told McAfee that the main issue for the country when it comes to the Chinese military is what Gallagher called Chinas anti-Navy  a rocket force that China built up that he said can target ships.

Over the last decade, they took long-range missiles and for relatively cheap, were talking millions of dollars versus billions of dollars, they can keep our ships out of the region or target them at very low cost because they have thousands and thousands of advanced rockets, Gallagher said.

Do we have a rocket force? someone asked.

We do not have an official rocket force, Gallagher replied.

Then Elon Musk came up

Get Elon on that, McAfee said of creating a so-called rocket force. Can we not get Elon on the rocket force?

Gallagher then suggested Musk, the founder of SpaceX who recently bought Twitter, could use his Starlink satellite system mainly used for internet access to help target China.

He could do something called orbital bombardment, otherwise referred to as Rods from God. Gallagher said. The idea is you'd be able to just like tie up with tiny tungsten rods, target anyone on the face of the earth from satellites. This is actually a serious idea that was talked about in the late 60s.

I don't think Elon wants to weaponize Starlink, Gallagher added. But, hey, the Chinese would do it.

Asked what he thought of Musks Twitter takeover, Gallagher said Twitter is better for sure under Musk but said hes not on social media at all.

He lamented inaction in Congress

McAfee, who said he still doesn't know "what the (expletive)" a congressman is, asked a few questions about why Congress "can never get (expletive) done."

"Isn't that kind of what the whole thing about Washington is?" McAfee asked. "You guys just yell at each other the entire time?"

Gallagher at one point said when he first ran for his seat in 2016, he thought the problem with Congress was just its all corrupt and super old people.

I actually think theres a lot of people that come in and want to do the right thing," he said. "Im not sure the problem is just the people, per se, but the people find themselves in a process that sucks, where you basically have to choose: Am I going to do 20 years in order to get to a position of influence or theyre just like, Ill just be a bomb thrower on social media or on cable news and I wont be constructive at all.

So its the process that I think takes good people and just chews them up and spits them up.

Gallagher said some members of Congress who want fame and influence are using social media and becoming kind of like C-List social media celebrities as politicians as opposed to constructive legislators.

I would not say Congress is a repository for the smartest people, he added later. I would say there are some very smart people there. Its a cross-section.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Mike Gallagher went on Pat McAfee and talked UFOs, China and Elon Musk
A Nevada man was convicted last Thursday of killing his pregnant girlfriend and their unborn child on the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation.

Michael Burciaga, 36, was found guilty of first-degree murder of the woman within Indian Country, which is a violation of the Protection of Unborn Children Act, and domestic assault by a habitual offender within Indian Country, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Nevada.

RELATED: Texas Man Accused of Killing Girlfriend after She Traveled Out-Of-State for Abortion

A jury found that Burciaga fatally stabbed his pregnant girlfriend, Amanda Davis, on December 15, 2020, in her Nixon, Nevada home.

Davis was a registered member of the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, a release from the U.S. Attorney's Office stated. The stabbing also resulted in the death of their unborn child.

The crime was witnessed by Davis three children, who attempted to fight Burciaga off as he stabbed their mother, according to court documents cited by the Reno Gazette Journal.

The victims 15-year-old daughter, one of the three kids who were home during the incident, called emergency services to report the stabbing, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

When police arrived at the scene, they found Davis face down in the home's main bedroom, according to court documents cited by Reno's Fox 11.

Burciaga initially fled the scene before authorities arrived but came back to the house with a cut on his hand and said, "I know what I did. That's why I came back," and "I already know what happened, and I know what I did, which is why I slit my wrist," according to court documents.

RELATED: Texas Pharmacy Tech Disappears After Leaving Strange Messages Saying She Had Met A New Man

On the way to the hospital to treat his wrist, Burciaga told emergency services that Davis was pregnant with his child, the documents stated.

A GoFundMe was created a few days after the murder by Davis cousin and fellow member of the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, Autumn Harry, to help care for Davis three surviving children.

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On the early morning of December 15th, Amanda Davis, 37, and her unborn baby, Ezra Aaron Davis, were violently taken from this world by the father of her unborn child, the fundraiser stated.

A photo of Lara Emanuele

Police Are Searching for Missing New Jersey Teacher in "Heavily Wooded" Area After Car Found at Hotel

The page described Davis as a devoted mother who fought tirelessly to protect the three children she leaves behind.

More than 1.5 million American Indian and Alaska Native women have experienced violence in their lifetime, according to the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Burciaga is scheduled to be sentenced on September 25, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. He faces a statutory minimum sentence of life imprisonment.

If youre experiencing domestic violence or know someone who is, call 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org.
Secret Invasion is full steam ahead as Nick Fury discovers the shocking truth about millions of Skrulls on Earth. His determination to neutralize Graviks rogue collective leads him to seek Colonel James Rhodey Rhodes for help. The subsequent conversation between Fury and Rhodey is a surprisingly nuanced examination of what it means to be Black, to obtain and maintain power, and how to navigate that responsibility. And, it totally hints at Rhodey being a Skrull.

Marvel Studios

Within the MCU, James Rhodes and Nick Fury are in the highest ranking positions of power in their respective areas of professional expertise. And they are both in arenas where their colleagues are predominately white. Fury is the founder/leader of S.A.B.E.R., former S.H.I.E.L.D. director, and the founder of the Avengers. Rhodes is a respected Colonel in the US Air Force and an Avenger. These accomplishments are surely beyond what they imagined as children who were born into and/or grew up during a segregation-era America. In fact, Nick reflects on his childhood while riding comfortably in a train car and donning an all-black suit. He recalls riding in the colored section of a train from Alabama with no air conditioning or working bathrooms and a dining car his family couldnt access.

Years later, he is internationally known and in the early stages of his latest Earth-threatening predicament. Naturally, he looks to another Black man who is on his level, someone with ample resources and intelligence to help achieve his mission: Rhodey. Colonel Rhodes is busy skirting around accusations and concerns from the UK Prime Minister and other Heads of State that Nick Fury is responsible for the Moscow bombing. As if on cue, Fury calls him for a meeting.

Rhodes is understandably angry about the Moscow fiasco, informing Fury that everyone blames Fury for the resulting carnage. Rhodey believes that, thanks to Furys failure to stop the attack, WWIII is on the way. Even worse, all of the US allies are now siding with Russia. Fury quickly explains why the attack happened in the first place, revealing the (new to him) info about the Skrulls. Rhodey says hes known for 15 years, thanks to a top secret briefing about Skrull ships crashing onto Earth. Hes well aware of their possible plans to invade the planet from the inside, presumably through achieving high-ranking status and power, very much like what Rhodey has in America.

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Marvel Studios

Fury says the invasion has happened and Moscow is just the beginning. He rejects the idea of calling in reinforcement (Avengers? S.H.I.E.L.D?), says it is his war (fair considering hes been dealing with them for decades), and asks Rhodey to back him on it. Rhodey says he cannot do that because he spent all his political capital getting Maria Hills body back. He insists that he protects the planet by protecting the seat at the table.

Fury tells Rhodey that he must have forgotten who helped him get that seat. This is when the verbal fistcuffs come out. This vital conversation about the fate of humanity between two Black men takes a turn that most fans wouldnt expect. Nick Fury reminds Rhodey of the reality of their positions in this world. He rightfully points out that men who look like them dont get promotions because of who their daddies know.

Every ounce of power we wrestle from the vise grip of the mediocre Alexander Pierces who run this world was earned in blood, says Fury. So lets make the power mean something. Help a brother out.

Furys words hold a lot of weight, especially for Black people who have built careers in overwhelmingly white spaces. In many fields, the privilege of existing as a white man supersedes the accomplishments and accolades of Black people. The numbers dont lie, from racial and gender pay gaps as well as missed promotions and other opportunities for advancement. As a Black person, to achieve in your respective field is to endure a barrage of barriers to entry that a family name cannot wave away. Its a constant fight to prove you are worthy of what you have earned. Youre fighting against the status quo, against people who your very existence threatens.

Gareth Gatrell/Marvel Studios

With surprising candor for MCU standards, Fury acknowledges that although he frequently grapples with otherworldly threats, he still has to fight against systemic oppression that no amount of respectability nor ranking can vanquish. Hes asking Rhodey, not just as someone with professional power status, but as another Black man to be in his corner during an uncertain time. Its evident that Fury is experiencing a dark night of the soul season following the Blip. It is also far too easy to cast someone who doesnt subscribe neatly to respectability politics like Fury aside and attempt to discredit his accomplishments and he knows it. This is when that community and camaraderie that Black people have used to survive and thrive is critical.

The expected reaction from Rhodey would be to acknowledge the mountains they have had to continuously climb. The pathway to garner their respect and rankings in this relentless professional game of power play hasnt been easy, right? Rhodeys always been a man who is loyal to the military and to the cause. However, he is also logical and pragmatic. We think he will show empathy and understanding (in his own signature way), even if his hands are tied in ways he cannot release.

Oftentimes, being a Black hero/agent of change with socioeconomic power is toeing the line between two sides. It is playing a role to keep your proverbial seat at the table and stealthily stepping outside of the boundaries (usually made to keep those who are othered like you in check) to uphold the greater good. Weve seen Rhodey do this, at times making decisions that come into direct conflict with his professional duty. Hes knowingly withheld intel to protect Tony Stark and other Avengers interests.

Marvel Studios

Instead, he replies to Fury with undertones that are a bit uncharacteristic for him and also highkey disrespectful. you should know better than most, Rhodey begins. The reason we wrestled this power from mediocre men who dont look like us was not simply to turn around and hand it to mediocre men who do. OUCH. Thats a low blow to Fury, who has done more than his fair share to protect the planet, albeit through more rogue avenues at times. Yet, he also says that Fury is someone whom he respects and understands before hitting him with a gut punch.

The point of this power is to be uncompromising, to be unsparing, to be able to sit across from a man we greatly admire, with whom we share an entire professional, personal, ancestral history with, and to tell him without any reservation, that hes fired. -James Rhodes

Rhodey saying he has no reservations about volunteering to fire Nick is very wild, indeed. (Also, he calls him Nick and no one does that except his mother. Hes a Skrull!) Rhodes is rightfully angry about Moscow and the death of Maria Hill. And yes, Fury does hold some responsibility there and is not above reproach. Perhaps Rhodey is hardened by years of dealing with all sorts of mess before losing his best friend. But, purposely being the person to tell Fury that hes fired is a low blow with a lot of layers.

Marvel Studios

Its the equivalent of forging a bond with another Black person in a specific circle only for them to turn their back in your time of need. No matter their rationale, it boils down to acting in favor of the status quo upheld by the man. There are a lot of people who wont admit that theyd take the Rhodey route, but it certainly happens. Nick jacks up Rhodeys security detail and reminds them that even when hes out, hes in. (Rhodey is lucky that Fury didnt knock him out of his seat and call him a MFer.)

Fury storms off and has a lonely breakdown, clearly hurt in more ways than one. We will see where Secret Invasion will go next and if Rhodey is a Skrull. But, even if Rhodey isnt himself, this conversation with Nick Fury shows how both characters Blackness and powerful positions always intertwine.
When it comes to rocking a head-turning red carpet look, Bravos Top Chefs Padma Lakshmi has always hit it out of the park.

Back in April, Padma had a stunning fashion moment at the Time 100 Gala, wearing a strapless periwinkle organza ball gown by Marchesa ($5,995) and pairing the jaw-dropping dress with strappy silver heels by Gianvito Rossi ($950) for the star-studded affair.

Honestly? One of the best nights of my life!! Padma captioned an Instagram post of several photos that showcased the dress, which featured a beautiful cascading textured skirt and floral-detailed sweetheart neckline. I met so many people I admire and got seated at the most fun table  it was an embarrassment of female riches.

More recently the New York mom again took to Instagram to show off another stunning style she wore for a special occasion. This time, the statement-making piece featured more of a sexy edge.

Padma Lakshmis Semi-Sheer Panel Dress

On June 22, Padma attended the Global Citizen concert Power Our Planet in Paris to call attention to our urgent climate crisis, as Padma explained in an Instagram caption alongside of a series of photos from the event.

For the occasion, Padma wore a black-and-red gown that featured a high neck, long sleeves, and an allover damask-like print. The dress also had sheer black paneling on her arms, around her midriff, and around her hips and legs, giving a sexy touch to the gorgeous gown.

A full length of Padma Lakshmi wearing a black and red dress with sheer panels on the red carpet

Padma Lakshmi arrives at the Global Citizen Power Our Planet: Live in Paris concert on June 22, 2023 in Paris, France. Photo: Victor Boyko/Getty Images for Global Citizen

Padma kept the dress front and center by keeping her glam simple, with a low ponytail and soft pink makeup to round out the look.

More of Padma Lakshmis Sexy Style

We last caught up with Padma when she stopped us in our scrolling tracks with some smoldering swimsuit looks for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

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Padma Lakshmi at a red carpet event.

Padma Lakshmi Posed for Sports Illustrated in a Gold Thong Bikini & Were Speechless

For her spicy cover photo look, the cookbook author posed in a barely-there bikini made up of gold coin-like pieces. Padma gave a coy smile to the camera as she put the skimpy top ($62) and matching thong bottoms ($62) by Toxic Sadie on display. The model wore her long brunette locks in beach waves for the sultry photo shoot.

From the first conversation to the fitting to every interaction Ive had with [Editor in Chief MJ Day] and everyone, they said this is about you feeling good and your comfort level, Padma told the outlet regarding the shoot. I want everybody to see this pictorial and understand that sometimes a whole new phase thats even more exciting than anything youve ever experienced before can happen well over 40.
Police visited the Duggar compound in Arkansas just hours after Jim Bob Duggar's uncle Tommy Lester died of a heart attack at 75, according to multiple reports.

Jim Bob, 57, and Michelle Duggar's home was visited around 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 25, as part of a "follow-up investigation. The visit took place just two hours after Tommy died, according to TMZ.

Tommy's husband, Lawrence Nestrud, told police that Tommy had felt ill the night before and had fallen over multiple times, according to a police report obtained by the outlet. Additionally, Lawrence claimed that Tommy refused to go to the hospital because he was feared he would be placed in a nursing home.

Lawrence stated that Tommy yelled for help before he collapsed against the door in their bathroom and became unresponsive on the morning of June 25. He was pronounced dead at home, while the police report notes that he died of natural causes.

It is not currently clear why authorities visited Jim Bob and Michelles home following Tommys death.

Jim Bob and his immediate familys relationship with Tommy is not currently known.

According to Tommys obituary, he graduated from Fayetteville High School and served in the US Navy aboard the USS Henderson (DD-785) during the Vietnam Era.

Just hours after police stopped by the home, the couples children Jason Duggar, Jackson Duggar, Johannah Duggar and Jennifer Duggar sang on stage during a church service, according to blogger Without A Crystal Ball.

The blogger shared a photo of the Duggars singing with other churchgoers, while they also claimed that Jason, 23, had been absent from recent services Jim Bob allegedly doesnt attend church often.

Before it was revealed that the police visit was in relation to Tommys death, fans speculated that the family might have had another run-in with the law.

In September 2021, Jana Duggar was charged with endangering the welfare of a minor after an alleged incident occurred while she was babysitting, In Touch confirmed.

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Police Visited Duggar Compound 2 Hours After Jim Bob's Uncle Tommy Died of a Heart Attack

The former TLC personality, 33, pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charge, while she settled the charge outside of court.

Meanwhile, Josh Duggar was arrested and charged with one count of possessing and one count of receiving child pornography in April 2021. The disgraced TV personality, 35, was convicted on both counts. However, the possessing child pornography count was eventually dropped during his May 2022 sentencing hearing.

Josh was originally sentenced to serve 12.5 years behind bars at the Federal Correctional Facility (FCI) in Seagoville, Texas, though his release date was changed to August 12, 2032. The new date means that Jim Bob and Michelles eldest child will spend just over 10 years in prison, In Touch exclusively confirmed in July 2022.
Danes and Dancy, who are currently expecting their third child, are already parents to sons Rowan, 4, and Cyrus, 10

T.JACKSON / BACKGRID Claire Danes and Hugh Dancy in New York City on June 27, 2023

Claire Danes and Hugh Dancy are getting ready for baby.

The couple was spotted on a stroll in New York City on Tuesday, with Danes showing off her baby bump in a long flowing red, black and white patterned dress.

The Homeland actress, 44, paired the summery frock with black sunglasses and black-and-white sandals, and carried both a black crossbody handbag and cream-colored tote. Dancy, 48, kept it casual in a navy-blue T-shirt, black shorts and gray sneakers.

Earlier this month, Danes joked to PEOPLE that she was feeling very, very knocked up during the premiere of her new HBO Max miniseries Full Circle at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City.



Asked how she was maintaining her glamorous appearance, the soon-to-be mom of three shared, I have a lot of professional help."

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Gary Gershoff/WireImage Claire Danes at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 11, 2023

Related: Pregnant Claire Danes Enjoys Shopping Day in N.Y.C. as She Prepares for Baby No.3

Danes also said that she and her Hannibal actor husband have not landed on anything yet" as far as a name for the baby, noting, But you know, we still have a little bit of time.

As for whether their older children  sons Rowan, 4, and Cyrus Michael Christopher, 10  have weighed in on name options, the actress joked, They have opinions, and they're all pretty absurd.

The Fleishman Is in Trouble actress revealed during a January appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon that her kids were "less than thrilled" about their sibling on the way.



Noting that her youngest was "categorically opposed to the idea," Danes explained, "He said, 'Yeah, no, no. I don't like it. I don't like it. I like peace, Mama.' "

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"I was like, 'You like peace?' That's rich, because that dude does not shut up," she added. "He said, 'When it comes out of your tummy, we'll give it to a family that doesn't have a baby ... 'cause we're done.' "



Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival Claire Danes and Hugh Dancy at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival

Related: Pregnant Claire Danes Takes a Stroll Through N.Y.C.  See Her Baby Bump!

Danes previously raved about enjoying her pregnancy with Rowan in 2018 during a break from work.

"Pretty soon I get to retire for a little while and just be pregnant, which I look forward to," she said at an FYC event for Homeland.



"It feels like a huge luxury," Danes added. "When I was pregnant with my first son, I worked until I was in my eighth month, so this feels like a huge gift, to have a chance to kick my feet up a little bit."

The Golden Globe winner previously told PEOPLE that "motherhood is amazing" as she brought Cyrus to set while filming the Showtime series.

"He says, 'Action!' " said Danes. "He's a real set baby. It's really sweet. He loves the [show's operations room] because of all the lights. It's a great environment for a kid. It's the circus!"

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Read the original article on People.
Police

As the Justice Department continues its civil rights investigation into the Rankin County Sheriffs Department, Mississippi authorities have made a decision.

In a Tuesday (June 27) news conference, Sheriff Bryan Bailey of the department revealed that five unit members have either resigned or have been fired. The news comes months after two Black men, Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker, accused several deputies of assault and more.

Both men alleged that officers busted into a residence they were inside without a warrant on Jan. 24. In the home, the victims claimed authorities assaulted them with a sex toy and repeatedly shocked them with a taser for over an hour. Jenkins also professed that one of the deputies placed a gun in his mouth, fired, and left him with severe injuries to the face, tongue, and jaw.

Due to recent developments, including findings during our internal investigation, those deputies that were still employed by this department have all been terminated, Bailey said. We understand that the alleged actions of these deputies has eroded the publics trust in the department. Rest assured that we will work diligently to restore that trust.

Another probe conducted by The Associated Press found that officers involved in the Jan. 24 incident were also linked to members of the sheriffs offices Special Response Team. The outlet discovered the team was accused of being involved in four encounters with Black men: two resulting in death and the other two suffering from lasting injuries. Since the alleged incident, Jenkins and Parker have filed a federal civil rights lawsuit seeking $400 million in damages. After the announcement regarding deputies in their case, their lawyer Malik Shabazz released a statement. He also called for the criminal indictment of the cops.

The firing of the Rankin County Mississippi Sheriffs deputies involved in the torture and shooting of Michael Jenkins and Eddie Parker is a significant action on the path to justice for one of the worst law enforcement tragedies in recent memory, Shabazz said. Sheriff Bryan Bailey has finally acted after supporting much of the bloodshed that has occurred under his reign in Rankin County.

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Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock / Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock

Warren Buffett has donated $4.6 billion of his Berkshire Hathaway stock to five charities, as he continues to fulfill his goal of giving 99% of his substantial wealth to philanthropic foundations over his lifetime or at death.

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The 92-year-old investor and philanthropist is donating 13.7 million Class B shares in total. According to Reuters, beneficiaries include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which will receive 10.45 million shares and the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, which will be given 1.05 million shares. 2.2 million shares will be split evenly among family charities: the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, the Sherwood Foundation and the NoVo Foundation.

Buffetts altruistic pledge was made in 2006 and since then, he has contributed more than $51 billion to charitable organizations, including $39 billion to the Gates foundation. Buffett has already given away over half of his Berkshire Hathaway shares but retains 218,287 Class A shares and 344 Class B shares, per Bloomberg.

The five foundations have received Berkshire B shares that had a value when received of about $50 billion, substantially more than my entire net worth in 2006, Buffett said. I have no debts and my remaining A shares are worth about $112 billion, well over 99% of my net worth.

The nonagenarian CEO built his Berkshire wealth through long-term, stable investments in businesses that have strong brand recognition, loyal customers and excellent financials, like Coca-Cola, American Express and GEICO Auto Insurance.

Nothing extraordinary has occurred at Berkshire: a very long runway, simple and generally sound decisions, the American tailwind and compounding effects produced my current wealth, Buffett said in a statement.

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The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation focuses its efforts on world health issues, U.S. libraries and global schools, among other issues. The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation invests in reproductive health and family planning grants. The Howard G. Buffett Foundation supports projects in the areas of agriculture, nutrition, water, humanitarian and conservation. The Sherwood Foundation supports nonprofits working to enhance the quality of life in Nebraska and the NoVo Foundation has initiatives aimed on the spirit and agency of girls and women.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Warren Buffett Donates $4.6 Billion of His Berkshire Shares To Charity
Thailand will never be the same, and now this summer just got a little bit, well, shady.

We have the exclusive details on when Season 3 of Peacocks The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip premieres for an encore run on Bravo. And lets just say its very soon.

When does Season 3 of RHUGT premiere on Bravo?

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Season 3 makes its Bravo premiere on Tuesday, July 11, at 9/8c. RHUGT Season 3 premiered on Peacock back in March. Fans can also stream the series on Peacock.



The premiere comes just days after the encore run of Season 5 of Peacocks The Real Housewives of Miami premieres on Bravo on July 5. Get more details about that encore run here.

Who is in the Season 3 cast of RHUGT?

Like the previous two seasons of RHUGT, the cast features Wives from across the Bravo family who have appeared on different Real Housewives shows.



The women who traveled to Thailand for Season 3 of RHUGT are The Real Housewives of Potomacs Candiace Dillard Bassett and Gizelle Bryant, The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City cousins Heather Gay and Whitney Rose, The Real Housewives of Miami besties Alexia Nepola and Marysol Patton, The Real Housewives of New York City alum Leah McSweeney, and The Real Housewives of Atlanta alum Porsha Williams.



The women were also joined by another unforgettable person on the trip, concierge Pepsi. Viewers got the chance to know Pepsi better in Season 3. And you can bet Pepsi had a lot to say about the fashionable crew on the trip.



You can learn more about Pepsi here.

Rhugt Thailand Cast Zodiacs

What happens on Season 3 of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip?

Sneak a peek at the jaw-dropping season by checking out the trailer at the top of the post!

Real housewives Ultimage Girls Trip Season 3 cast

How Compatible Are the Housewives on RHUGT? We Check Their Zodiac Signs

More About RHUGT Season 3

Some juicy details about Season 3 of RHUGT were spilled in October 2022 at BravoCon 2022. At The Real Tea with Bravo Producers: Ultimate Girls Trip panel, producer Alfonso Rosales teased: Ill say that this is Scary Island on steroids and theres a yacht trip to rival Cartagena.

When Was Ultimate Girls Trip Season 3 Filmed? A Timeline of Thailand and All the Drama

Also at The Real Tea with Bravo Producers: Ultimate Girls Trip panel, we learned a few more juicy details about someone who really made a splash during the trip. Thailand, the house was unlike any house we have ever had on any Housewives trip. It is spectacular and the concierge  his name is Pepsi  he is an absolute star, producer Lisa Shannon said. You will love him.

Alfonso added, At one point on the trip, Alexia is complaining to Marysol about how messy the room is. Shes like, I told Pepsi, but all he wants to do is skinny dip and party with us. He gets in the drama, lets just put it that way.

Rhugt Thailand Friendship Update

Rhugt Where Seasons Were Filmed

You can also watch The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip on Peacock.
Sofia Vergara is shining a light on the importance of SPF with the launch of her suncare brand Toty

Cibelle Lev Sofia Vergara celebrates the launch of her suncare brand Toty.

Sofia Vergara is always giving glam.

And now, the Americas Got Talent judge, 50, is launching a beauty brand, Toty, that aligns with everything shes learned over the years, and sharing her skin secrets.

With suncare the focus, Totys products merge makeup, skincare and wellness.

Vergara says sun protection was not always a priority for her, which is why shes determined to spread the message.

Growing up in Barranquilla, Colombia, located by the Caribbean sea, Vergara says, The plan was always go to the beach. But, she admits, We did it the wrong way. We didnt know about protecting ourselves  we [applied] coconut oil. It was like frying a chicken.

That all changed in the 1990s when Vergara began reading magazines and learning about SPF. It clicked in me, she tells PEOPLE. She stopped tanning her face immediately, but itd take a little longer for her to stop tanning her neck and chest.

"Now I am paying for it, she says.

As Vergaras traveled the world, she found formulas that suited her needs, but stateside she didnt have as much luck.

TOTY Sofia Vergara's Toty suncare brand product offerings

So, Vergara embarked on Toty, which launched this month. The brand gets its name from Vergara herself. In Colombia everybody has a nickname. Toty was mine since I was a little girl.

The Solaria Mineral SPF 50+ is an antioxidant mineral sunscreen serum Vergara says is like a beautiful primer.

Vergara is especially proud of the Ilumina CC Cream SPF 50+ and refillable Ilumina CC Creamy Compact 50+. The former is color-correcting fluid Vergara layers over her aforementioned serum. The latter is a solid version she packs in her bag for touch-ups. Both come in 15 shades.

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When filming, Vergara uses the two together, and thats when I hit the jackpot, she says. People cant believe it, and Im like, Yes, for Gods sake, its the products.'

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Vergara also wanted a product that would defend skin from the inside, out, so Toty also introduced Solaria Infusion, a daily supplement infused with antioxidants such as free radical-fighting vitamin C.

A brush and makeup sponge round out the assortment.

TOTY Sofia Vergara Toty campaign image

The new launches blend seamlessly into her routine, some of which shes been doing for 35 years.

Im always very put together. Ive been doing my same makeup since I was 15. Ive never really loved a lot of foundation or contouring, but I always have eyeliner on, and lashes and lipstick. Even in the morning I put it on. Thats my thing, and of course my sunscreen with the color, Vergara explains.

As for when she feels her best, Vergara loves when shes done up. I wish I could tell you, Oh I like it when I just wake up, and my hair is this. No! I like it when Ive done an hour and a half of hair and makeup. More is more!

Related: Sofia Vergara Shows Off Her Toned Backside with a Very Cheeky Selfie in a Thong Bikini

Given her love of makeup, Vergara already has plans to expand Toty to be the total package.

I want to create a brand that has it all. Lips, body makeup that has sun protection, that doesn't get on your clothes, and that you can put on your chest every day to even out. The dream is big, but we have to start little by little.

Cibelle Lev Sofia Vergara celebrates the launch of her suncare brand Toty

Its a busy year for Vergara as she introduces Toty to the world and takes on a new role on screen.

The star will appear in the Netflix show Griselda in the fall, a hard job because shed never really acted in Spanish or done drama before.

And as she looks to her 51st birthday in July, Vergara is feeling good  and letting go.

I do see changes that I dont like, but I try not to focus on them. Im also now very grateful that I understood to use sun protection when I was younger, because I think thats why I feel good now with the way I look. Thats what I tell my niece!

Toty products are available now on toty.com.

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Read the original article on People.
[Source]

Three North Korean citizens have risked their lives to expose the reality of starvation, crackdowns and disaster in their closed-off country.

For several months, the interviewees  whose names have been changed to protect their identity  secretly shared their stories with British broadcaster BBC, which published the interviews earlier this month, aware that they could face death if their government were to find out.

Myong-suk: A businesswoman selling smuggled medicine, Myong-suk is no stranger to the threat of prison. She once ran a successful business, but after North Korea closed its borders during the COVID-19 pandemic, everything changed.

Before COVID, life was stable, she shared with BBC. But since COVID, my earnings have halved. Its become much harder to smuggle things over the border and the crackdowns have become much stricter.

More from NextShark: Downed Chinese balloon is part of larger surveillance program on 5 continents, US officials say

Since her husbands mandatory state job does not pay enough, Myong-suk became the main breadwinner of her family. She managed to keep herself, her husband and their children afloat with her business, but due to North Koreas border closure on Jan. 27, 2020, Myong-suk and her family ended up living on the front line of life.

Most of the products in the market came from China, but its empty now. You could always find grain, but not these days, Myong-suk explained. The scarcest thing is medicine. Even if you can find it, its too expensive.

In desperation, Myong-suk once attempted to smuggle the medicine herself, which resulted in her capture. Barely able to provide a bribe that kept her out of prison, Myong-suk now lives under constant surveillance and suspicion of those closest to her.

More from NextShark: S. Korea's safety minister impeached over Halloween crush that killed nearly 160

Really [the authorities] want to crack down on the smuggling and stop people escaping, she shared. Now, if you even just approach the river to China, youll be given a harsh punishment.

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Chan-ho: A construction worker, Chan-ho spends his time working his compulsory state job that barely pays 4,000 won (approximately $4.44) per day.

Often, we have to work late into the night, and I sleep at the site, he told BBC.

More from NextShark: South Carolina passes bill banning Chinese citizens from buying land

In the mornings, Chan-ho helps his wife set up shop at the market, which provides the family with the means to stay alive.

I wouldnt be able to survive if my wife didnt work at the market, he said. When they closed the border, everything became scarce. The price of grain sugar and seasoning has shot up. Food supplies are so low, people have started dying.

Currently, starvation is more of a threat than COVID to Chan-ho, who has seen several people around him die from hunger, including a mother and her children in his village. Initially, the mother was able to survive by begging. However, as she fell sick, she and her children inevitably starved, Chan-ho recalls.

More from NextShark: North Korea passes 'irreversible' law declaring itself a nuclear weapons state

He also mentions another mother who was forced to work hard labor for violating the countrys quarantine rules and eventually starved to death with her son.

If I live by the rules, Ill probably starve to death, but just by trying to survive, I fear I could be arrested, branded a traitor, and killed, Chan-ho was quoted saying. We are stuck here, waiting to die.

I want people to know that I am regretting being born in this country, he continued. I cant sleep when I think about my children, having to live forever in this hopeless hell.

Ji-yeon: In capital city Pyongyang, Ji-yeon works at a food shop to support her husband and two children. In the past, she used to take fruits and vegetables from the store to sell for additional income at the market. Meanwhile, her husband would sell cigarettes and other goods he received as bribes.

However, Ji-yeon lamented that its now impossible to have a side hustle. With thorough searches of her bags, people can no longer steal or give goods away.

Faced with the threat of starvation, Ji-yeon and her family were once forced to consume puljuk  a porridge-like paste of vegetables, grass and plants that was prominent during North Koreas famine in the 1990s  for a week. But despite her hunger, Ji-yeon reveals that she pretends to have eaten three meals a day, choosing hunger over the humiliation of poverty.

We survive by thinking 10 days ahead, then another 10, thinking that if my husband and I starve, at least we will feed our kids, Ji-yeon explained to BBC. I thought I was going to die in my sleep and not wake up in the morning [after not eating for two days].

In addition to her own hardships, Ji-yeon noted the suffering of those around her.

I know one family that starved to death at home, she recalled. No one came in or out for three days. Water was brought around, and we knocked on their door telling them to get some. With no answer from her neighbors, the authorities were called, only to find the family had died from starvation.

Its a disaster, Ji-yeon stated. With no supplies coming from the border, people do not know how to make a living.

Some people have resorted to begging, and if [the beggars] are lying down, we check them and usually find theyre dead," Ji-yeon shared.

Meanwhile, others have opted for suicide, choosing to kill themselves at home or disappear into the mountains.

Even if people die next door, you only think about yourself, Ji-yeon said about the mentality of those who live in her city. Its heartless.

Food shortage: In recent months, concerns regarding the countrys food shortage have only increased. Despite its insistence on its agricultural innovations  which include increased greenhouse vegetable production, new vegetable strains and cultivation technology  assessments by the United Nations and South Korea have exposed dire food supply conditions.

According to research analyst Lucas Rengifo-Keller, the North Korean food supply has dipped below the amount needed to satisfy minimum human needs, CNN reports. In these circumstances, you would have hunger-related deaths.

COVID-19s impact: According to Ji-yeon, COVID-19 has heavily impacted the people of her country.

When speaking with a doctor, she discovered that one in 550 people in each Pyongyang neighborhood had died. However, despite the pandemic heavily impacting North Korea, the deaths would be attributed to alternative causes such as tuberculosis.

The COVID-19 pandemic also presented itself as an opportunity for Kim Jong-un to completely close North Koreas borders. In satellite images taken by Human Rights Watch, North Korean border security was seen increasing via additional walls, fences and guard posts over the past three years.

Alongside border closure, the pandemic has also allowed Kim to strengthen crackdowns. One such legislation was the Reactionary Ideology and Culture Rejection Act in 2020, which authorized the execution of those who smuggle foreign videos into the country. Called the scariest new law of all by Chan-ho, the presence of foreign videos in North Korea has significantly decreased out of fear of imprisonment or death.

People were shocked how much harsher the punishment was, Ji-yeon told BBC, referring to the act and its subsequent crackdown groups. People dont trust each other now. The fear is great.

However, despite Kims attempts to control the country, Chan-ho and Myong-suk do not believe in the governments propaganda.

The state tells us we are nestling in our mothers bosom. But what kind of mother would execute their child in broad daylight for running to China because they are starving? Chan-ho asked.

Before COVID, people viewed Kim Jong Un positively, Myong-suk stated. But now almost everyone is full of discontent.
This was a catastrophe that should never have happened, period," retired U.S. Navy Captain Alfred Scott McLaren tells PEOPLE

JOEL SAGET,HANDOUT/Dirty Dozen Productions/OceanGat/AFP via Getty Images Titan sub victims Hamish Harding, Stockton Rush, Paul-Henri Nargeolet, Suleman Dawood and Shahzada Dawood

In the aftermath of the fatal Titan implosion, family and friends of those aboard the submersible have been speaking out.

Five people were aboard the Titan when it disappeared and imploded on Father's Day: OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, 61, British Pakistani billionaire Shahzada Dawood, 48, and his son Suleman Dawood, 19, British billionaire Hamish Harding, 58, and Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet, 77.

Nargeolet ventured to the Titanic wreckage more than 35 times, becoming known as Mr. Titanic. The ocean was his home away from home, said stepson John Paschall.

Explorer Fred Hagen, who previously worked as a mission specialist on the Titan, originally feared that the victims were stuck deep in the Atlantic, where it can get extremely cold.

Related: 111 Years of Tragedy: How 'Titanic' Obsession Led to 'Titan' Nightmare  and What's Next for Wreck

Hagen tells PEOPLE he's had recurring nightmarish thoughts about how he could have helped his friend from possibly freezing  even though experts ultimately determined that the submersible likely imploded instantaneously.

The Pennsylvania man had hoped to gift his friend a pair of leather Uggs similar to the ones he wore during his first trip to the Titanic, but said he never got around to it.

He's suffering, he may be dying, and his feet are probably frozen, he recalls thinking. And if I had just ... made the effort to get to send those Uggs to him like I intended then he wouldn't have had to die with frozen feet.

JOEL SAGET/AFP via Getty Images Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet

Retired U.S. Navy Captain Alfred Scott McLaren also had high praise for Nargeolet, whom he describes as a true explorer in life. Nargeolets death, McLaren adds, is a tremendous loss within the underwater community.

In November 2022, the Titan was the subject of a segment from CBS Sunday Morning correspondent David Pogue. Speaking with PEOPLE, the journalist recalls how he ventured down to the Titanic wreckage on the Titan in July 2022.

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During the dive, Nargeolet shared a quote that stuck with him beyond the interview, Pogue recalls: Every submersible is a prototype."

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There's only one [Titan submersible]. There's not a spare, Pogue tells PEOPLE. There wasn't a 1.0 version and this is the 2.0. It is one of a kind, made of a lot of custom parts, and that's why they're all called experimental. They're not iPhones produced by the millions."

And that's why this submersible, and all of the submersibles, have constant mechanical problems, he adds. Little things go wrong all the time.

The cover of PEOPLE's July 10 issue

A lifelong Titanic fan, businessman Shahzada was thrilled about the trip, and was to take his wife, Christine, she told the BBC.

But their son Suleman  a student at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland really wanted to go, Christine told the outlet, and took a Rubiks Cube with him to solve at the Titanic.

I lost hope when we passed the 96 hours mark, Christine said.

For more on the Titan tragedy, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday, or subscribe here.

As for the final moments and words she shared with her husband and son, Christine said, Well we just hugged and joked actually, because Shahzada was so excited to go down, he was like a little child. So the sentence, 'We lost comm,' I think that will be a sentence I never want to hear in my life again.

HANDOUT/DAWOOD HERCULES CORPORATION/AFP Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood

The family  including daughter Alina, 17  are profoundly grateful to those from all over the world who have stood by us," they said in a statement.

Harding was a well-known adventurer, though his specialty was flying. The British pilot started his own aviation company, had also been to space with Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos in 2022 and had visited to the South Pole twice.

Tracy Ryan  who is friends with Linda Harding, wife of the late renowned explorer Hamish  tells PEOPLE that Linda became very, very overwhelmed" upon learning that her husband was among those missing.

"She has such a beautiful soul," says Ryan, co-founder of NKore Biotherapeutics. "When I heard it was Hamish my heart dropped to my stomach."

Related: Youngest Person to Explore 'Titanic' Site Details 'Safety Issues': 'I Fell Unconscious'

Ryan did all she could to assist in the search for Hamish, including enlisting the help of Congressman Eric Swalwell. She tells PEOPLE Swalwell was on the phone for two days as he attempted to get the Magellan sub deployed in the search area.

"This was really more of an effort for me to try and help the family get answers faster, Ryan explains.

Tracy Ryan Tracy Ryan with Hamish Harding and family

Aaron Newman, who was previously a mission specialist on the Titan, says he met Hamish before the Titans final voyage. He describes Hamish as a real explorer who was familiar with going on extreme adventures.

He just was loving to explore and push the limits of humans and do conservation, Newman tells PEOPLE. So it wasn't just adventure and exploration, but he did a lot around conservation as well and helping the planet.

Related: Friend of Titan Sub Victim Paul-Henri Nargeolet Says He Died In a Place He So Loved

During their final conversation, Newman says, Rush offered him advice about his trip to the Mariana Trench  known as the deepest oceanic trench on Earth  in the Western Pacific Ocean.



He was an incredible advisor about some of these trips, Newman explains, adding that Rush was easy to get in touch with and seemed happy to help as he could.

AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush

Part of Rushs goal in creating the Titan was to democratize the sea and open it up to individuals says Hagen, who adds that he wouldn't describe the passengers as "tourists."

These are mission specialists who are passionate about science, Hagen tells PEOPLE. Theyre passionate about history, and theyre passionate about recording the condition and deterioration of the iconic shipwreck known as the Titanic.



In the aftermath of the Titan's implosion, announced by the U.S. Coast Guard on June 22, questions have mounted about the safety of the Titan and whether it should have gone underwater.

This was a catastrophe that should never have happened, period," McLaren says.

With reporting by KIRSTY HATCHER, WENDY GROSSMAN KANTOR, JP MANGALINDAN, SIMON PERRY and MARISA SULLIVAN

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Nanny Faye says the family will "come out bigger and better" after Todd and his wife Julie were sentenced to a combined 19 years in prison for financial crimes

todd chrisley/instagram Nanny Faye and Todd Chrisley

Todd Chrisley's mother Nanny Faye is keeping the faith despite being a real dark place amid her son's 12-year prison sentence.

Nanny Faye told her granddaughter Lindsie Chrisley on the latest episode of PodcastOnes The Southern Tea that she believes everything is done for reason as Todd, 54, and his wife Julie, 50, serve a combined 19 years in prison for financial crimes.

I am the queen, and the Sergeant is still barking orders. I have to be the backbone. I have been and I will be, shared the reality family's matriarch, 79. I check on each and everyone to make sure they're doing what they need to be doing. Am I in a dark place? I am in a real dark place. But I know that there [is] going to be light at the end of the tunnel.

Related: Todd Chrisley's Mom Nanny Faye Is Focusing on Being 'Strong' Even as Her 'Heart Is Broke' with Him in Prison

Dennis Leupold/USA Network/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty

Nanny Faye insisted the family will find strength in the turmoil, affirming, We're going to come out bigger and better because what they were accused of is wrong.

And you know what? When Daniel was in the lion's den, he never worried about the lions. He always stayed focused. And you see what happened to him, and that's what's going to happen to them, she continued, referencing the Bible. And I believe it within my heart. And I'm here to make sure that my grandchildren and those two little greats have the love that they need and the guidance that they need."



Related: Savannah Chrisley and Nanny Faye Get Emotional over Missing 'Everyone's Caregiver' Julie During Prison Stay

Danielle Del Valle/Getty for E3 Chophouse Nashville

Todd and Julie were sentenced to a combined 19 years in prison for financial crimes last November. Todd began his 12-year sentence at Florida's Federal Prison Camp Pensacola in mid-January on the same day as Julie started her seven-year sentence at Federal Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky. They're currently in the process of appealing their case.

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On The Southern Tea in April, Nanny Faye revealed how she was coping with the couple being behind bars.

"My heart is broke," she shared at the time. "I don't know that I have been this broken in many days, but I have to ask God to give me strength and courage to get through it because not everybody is treated [with] justice, not everything is fair."

"But you know what we have to get up, I tell you children, we have to get up and be like the tree planted by the water. We shall not be moved," she continued. "Let people see that we're really the people that we are. Get up, do the right thing. Be kind and let God take over."

Related: Nanny Faye Is 'Great' amid Bladder Cancer Treatments, Says It's 'Real Hard' Without Todd and Julie Chrisley

Tommy Garcia/USA Network/NBCU Photo Bank

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Lindsie, 33, then revealed a lesson that she learned through the family's hardships, sharing, "What I've learned through that experience alone is that you have to be very careful and very mindful of not falling into what the media paints you out to be."

However, Nanny Faye advised to live her truth and stay strong: "See, I would never give them that joy because I am hurting deep in my heart, but I'm not gonna let no one see that because you know, I have to be strong. I am still the mother and the grandmother and I know that I have never done anything bad in my life. Never."

She added, "But I have to let people see what Christ has done to me, what made him move on with life and so that's what I'm gonna do. But I am broken."



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Alina Habba, one of former president Donald Trumps attorneys, said Tuesday it is impossible that the reporter to whom Trump was heard speaking in a recently leaked audio recording was the person who leaked the tape, as Trump stated off the record before bragging about possessing a big pile of papers that were classified. Instead, Habba implies the U.S. Department of Justice may have played a role in leaking the audio.

Its impossible, Habba said to Newsmax anchor Rob Schmitt on Rob Schmitt Tonight. You heard in the recording, they said off the record. He said, off the record. They wouldnt do that. There has to be some evidence that came from the DOJ. Why? Because theyre losing. Theyre losing in the polls, theyre losing in the media, and theyre losing this case. Thats what happens.

Watch the full video below (video courtesy of @Acyn on Twitter).

Habba says its impossible that the reporter leaked the tape because Trump said off the record pic.twitter.com/ckx0mm4CQZ  Acyn (@Acyn) June 27, 2023

The tape, which is dated July 2021, was first aired Monday by CNN. In it, Trump indicates he possessed classified documents about a plan to attack Iran. Trump was speaking to a writer and a publisher who were working on a memoir about his former chief of staff, Mark Meadows.

Also Read:

Trump Cracks an Anthony Weiner Joke in Classified Docs Audio Acquired by CNN

See, as president I could have declassified it, Trump said of the documents on the recording, with the writer, publisher and two of his staffers present. Now I cant.  Isnt that interesting? Its so cool.

Habba has been making the right-wing media rounds since the tape was aired, appearing on Fox News the same day she appeared on Newsmax. Speaking to anchor Lawrence Jones, Habba said she didnt know whether it was the position of the president that the documents were already declassified when he spoke of them on the tape.

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I dont know, and heres what I do know, Habba said. The clip they put out doesnt answer that question. All it says is President Trump said Hi, look, if I was president, I can declassify a classified document. And when youre not president, you cant.

Watch the full video below (once again, courtesy of @Acyn on Twitter)

Jones: Is it the position of the president that documents were already declassified or was it what he told Baier?



Habba: I dont know. Heres what I do know. The clip they put out doesnt answer that question pic.twitter.com/XnUHTmqxQw  Acyn (@Acyn) June 28, 2023

Also Read:

Trump Booked on Espionage Charges in Classified Documents Case in Miami

In the tape, Trump calls the documents highly confidential, secret information, and later says he couldve declassified them were he still president, but said he couldnt do it now that he was no longer in the White House. The recording directly contradicts Trumps statement to Fox News host Brest Baier last week, at which point only a transcript of the conversation was public. Trump claimed he was not presenting classified documents in the 2021 meeting, but rather speaking of newspaper stories, magazine stories and articles.

Trump is facing 37 felony counts for mishandling classified documents.

Also Read:

Trump Tells Fox News Bret Baier He Didnt Hand Over Classified Docs Because I Was Very Busy (Video)
Gillian Anderson and Lena Headey starring together in a TV series? We can get behind that.

X-Files vet Anderson has joined Game of Thrones alum Headey in Netflixs forthcoming Western action-drama The Abandons, from Sons of Anarchy creator Kurt Sutter.

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The series centers on a group of diverse, outlier families as they pursue their Manifest Destiny in 1850s Oregon, as a corrupt force of wealth and power, coveting their land, tries to force them out, per the official synopsis. These abandoned souls, the kind of lost souls living on the fringe of society, unite their tribes to form a family and fight back. In this bloody process, justice is stretched beyond the boundaries of the law. The Abandons will explore that fine line between survival and law, the consequences of violence, and the corrosive power of secrets, as this family fights to keep their land.

Anderson  whose Netflix credits include The Crown and Sex Education  will play Constance, the matriarch of the wealthy Van Ness family who inherited her husbands mining fortune, then doubled it. Despite the towns inherent bias against women, her money, charm, and ruthlessness created a network of political allies. For her, power, wealth, and lineage trumps all.

As previously announced, Headey portrays another strong matriarch who is driven by a higher purpose and a strong-willed Irish temper, while her faith and love for her family trump all.

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Ready for some more recent newsy nuggets? Well

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* The Graham Norton-hosted drag singing competition show Queen of the Universe  which was recently cancelled at Paramount+ and will soon be removed from its library  has found a new home on streaming platform WOW Presents Plus, our sister site Variety reports. Season 1 is already available on the platform, while Season 2 will be added globally (excluding the U.S.) on July 1.

* Peacock has announced Orlando Bloom: To the Edge, a three-part adventure docuseries following the actor and adventure enthusiast as he embarks on a thrilling journey of self-discovery as he pushes his limits physically and mentally in order to reach his personal edge of what is possible. Watch a teaser:

* Max has released a trailer for the limited series Full Circle, from director Steven Soderbergh and writer Ed Solomon, and premiering with its first two episodes on Thursday, July 13:

* Prime Video has released a trailer for Surf Girls Hawaii, a four-part docuseres (out Tuesday, July 18) that follows the next generation of Native Hawaiian female surfers as they compete to earn a spot on the World Tour of professional surfing:

* Netflix has released a full trailer for the movie sequel Bird Box Barcelona, premiering Friday, July 14:

Which of todays TVLine Items pique your interest?

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[Source]

Vancouver city officials have apologized for kicking out a group of low-income seniors from a Chinatown mall during a tai chi session gathering last month.

What happened: The group of seniors, aged 70 to 90, gathered in the Chinatown Plaza Mall to practice the Chinese martial art on the morning of May 26. The bi-weekly gatherings are organized by the nonprofit organization Yarrow Intergenerational Society for Justice to help seniors exercise and connect with other community members.

However, mall staff asked the group to leave and called the police, who eventually made the seniors pack up.

It was sad and heartbreaking to see, Sean Cao, who has been running the tai chi sessions since 2021, told CBC. They don't feel welcomed.

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Discriminatory comment: According to Stephanie Leo, a volunteer for the organization, she allegedly heard mall staff members making discriminatory comments during the tai chi meet-up.

They were saying things like, This isn't China, this isn't Hong Kong, you can't just gather and work out here,'" Leo told CBC.

Cao added that staff tried to get physically close to the seniors and they sort of touched their arms to stop [their tai chi] movements.

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Citys apology: According to the city, the group did not secure permission to gather in the city-owned mall. In a statement to CBC, city officials reportedly apologized for how the situation was handled.

Lack of public spaces: The organization is asking the city for a formal permission to gather at the mall, noting the lack of public spaces or community centers in Chinatown. The organization said that the groups previous meeting location was too small and lacked air conditioning.

It should be a win-win situation, Cao said. It can benefit and support seniors' wellbeing and also supports the businesses in the empty shopping mall, bringing energy into the space.

Story continues

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The city is currently in the process of reviewing liability issues before making a final decision.

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Passenger Who Had Entire Flight to Himself Is Now BFFs with the Crew: 'We're in a Group Message' (Exclusive)

Phil Stringer documented his solo trip on an empty American Airlines flight after an 18-hour delay on Tiktok

Phil Stringer/Tiktok

Flying private sometimes just takes a bit of perseverance.

On Monday, TikTok user Phil Stringer posted a video to the platform showing his completely empty flight after an 18-hour delay.

The video opens with an on-screen caption reading, When you buy every single ticket on the plane so you dont have to deal with people as Stringer walks on to an empty American Airlines aircraft.

The TikTok then cuts to a different clip captioned, Just kidding, it was delayed 18 hours and everyone else gave up as Stringer explains that he is the only person on the plane, and they have an entire flight crew.

Phil Stringer/Tiktok

Stringer tells PEOPLE that after enduring about seven different delays due to "maintenance issues," he decided to hunker down at a Starbucks in the airport. It wasn't until he packed up from his post to head back to the gate that he discovered he'd be embarking solo.

"I didn't know that I was the only passenger until the very end. I was on the opposite end of the airport working," he says. "When I get to the gate, there was no one there."

He asked the gate agent whether he had missed boarding, but was told, "No, honey. you're the only passenger left in the airport."

In his video that has now garnered over 46 million views, the content creator jokes that the crew "do not want to do this flight," but everyone he encounters is in good spirits and even puts on a show for his impromptu documentary.

Related: Alec Baldwin Trolled by Instagram Users for Complaining About 7-Hour Flight Delay

How many bags do you have to load today? Stringer asks one of the workers. With a salute and a flourish, the employee holds up one finger, indicating the lone travelers luggage.

In another clip, he shows off the empty terminal at the airport. An announcement then comes over the intercom: Passenger Charlie Stinger, your aircraft will be leaving in 10 minutes, says the woman operating the desk at the Oklahoma City airport.

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Once on board and with an audience of one, the crew decided to have a little fun with their pre-flight announcements.

Despite there being a single passenger sitting in the very front of the plane, a flight attendant grabbed the planes phone to speak over the intercom for the first announcement. Small personal handheld devices like tablets, cell phones and smart watches all need to be placed in airplane mode at this time sir, explains the worker as he points towards Stringer.

Related: Airline Passenger Uses Projector to Watch Movie on Plane's Overhead Bin

The next flight attendant can barely keep her composure explaining how to latch and unlatch the seat belt while Stringer and the rest of the crew stare down the aisle at her.

You have to pay attention, she jokingly scolds Stringer, as he whips the camera toward the rest of the crew seated behind him. Sorry! he exclaims as he returns his focus to her.

Later, during the pre-flight announcements, the same flight attendant models the planes life vest. Youre doing great sweetie, one of her fellow crew members shouts out to her as she puts on the bright yellow vest.

Phil Stringer/Tiktok

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Stringer tells PEOPLE that he and the crew tried their best to make light of a bad situation and by the time they touched down they had formed new friendships all around.

"They gave me all the food and drink that I wanted, we joked around, they came and checked on me 100 times, [we] talked a bunch," Stringer says. " We were joking about finding a game to play. We tried to see if we had bingo or something. It was just a fun time."

Stringer says he "apologized to them a dozen times" because they "had to come back to work for one passenger," but affirmed that he's still on good terms with the cabin crew.

"We exchanged numbers, so I'm friends with all of the crew now," he says. "We're in a group message together."

The video ends with a sweet picture of Stringer and his new friends.

In a second video, Stringer gave an update upon landing with a far less unique travel woe: It is 4 oclock in the morning, he explains from the Charlotte, North Carolina, airport. I cannot get home because I dont have a bag. My bag is nowhere to be found. There was only one bag on the whole flight,

Stringer is hardly the first passenger who has gotten to experience the pleasure of an unexpected empty flight.

In Aug. 2019, Director Vincent Peone flew alone on a Delta flight. Like Stringer, Peone was greeted with all the typical bells and whistles a full plane wouldve endured leading up to the flight, including an invitation to board the plane over the intercom. He was even given a cheeky reminder to remain in his assigned seat for an on-time departure. Unlike Stringer, Peones solo trip was the result of a rescheduled flight rather than a delayed one.

Similarly, a woman traveling from New York City to Washington D.C. in Jan. 2018 and a Lithuanian man traveling to Italy in April 2019 both experienced empty flights due to scheduling snafus that left the planes empty sans the solo traveler.

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Warner Bros. Discovery will rebrand its kids TV channel Boomerang to Cartoonito in Southeast Asia, Taiwan and Hong Kong, with effect from July 28.

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The company said that the switch is a result of positive feedback to the Cartoonito-branded block on Boomerang and Cartoon Network launched in 2022, and is focused on being more inclusive to pre-school aged viewers.

Sources close to the company explained that the move is part of a big regional and global commitment by WBD to preschool content. It follows Cartoonito rebrands and launches in other international territories including EMEA and LatAm.

As a full regional channel offering, Cartoonito will introduce a new generation to a diverse slate of original series and franchises. Modern preschool adaptations that support childrens potential include fan-favourite franchises such as Batwheels and Bugs Bunny Builders.

Boomerang favourites including Tom & Jerry, Baby Looney Tunes, Alice & Lewis, Pat the Dog and Grizzy and the Lemmings will remain on the channel, alongside other series Dino Ranch, Mumfie and Tangranimals. New shows include Mittens & Pants and Vida the Vet.

The rebranding as Cartoonito covers all platforms in the region. The channel, which targets 2-6 year-olds, is available in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Thai, Bahasa Malaysia and Bahasa Indonesia.

The re-branding comes at a time when other media conglomerates are either selling or closing their linear channels in Asia. Instead, they are pushing consumers to use streaming services and app-based offerings.

WBD says that Cartoonitos modern approach to preschool programming is supported by an educational framework called humancentric learning [..] all Cartoonito shows follow a curriculum  designed by early childhood education expert Dr Laura Brown  to form the four pillars of: creativity, caring, curiosity and courage.

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In a year when Warner Bros. celebrates 100 years of entertaining fans, Cartoonito is set to ignite the imaginations of our regions youngest audience. Our new-look preschool channel celebrates individuality and originality, offering a safe space where kids and their families can laugh and learn alongside beloved characters, said Christopher Ho, head of kids networks  Southeast Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery.

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Warren Buffett's Simple Question Transformed Bill Gates's Outlook On Microsoft: 'Why Can You Do Better?'

In a conversation to commemorate their 25-year friendship, billionaire philanthropists Bill Gates and Warren Buffett discussed various aspects of their relationship and professional journeys. During the discussion, moderated by former TV journalist Charlie Rose, Gates reminisced about a thought-provoking question Buffett asked him in the early 1990s.

Don't Miss: Why Silicon Valley Elites Are Betting On This Startups Vision For Re-Uniting American Families

Had it not been for that question, the modest tech company established in Albuquerque, New Mexico, might have never transformed into the global powerhouse known as Microsoft Corp.

Reflecting on that moment at Columbia University, Gates shared Buffett's simple yet powerful question: "Hey, Microsoft is a small company, IBM is this huge company, why can you do better? Why can't they beat you at the software game that you're playing?"

While Gates and his co-founder, Paul Allen, worked tirelessly during the early years of Microsoft, they focused on refining their software and contemplating ways to gain a competitive edge. They searched for a factor that had not received significant attention from their competitors.

Gates integrated the concept of identifying advantages into his daily thought process, constantly evaluating their unique selling points and strategies. "I always  every day I was thinking about, OK, what advantage do we have, what do we do?" he said.

To stay updated with top startup news and investments, sign up for Benzinga's Startup Investing & Equity Crowdfunding Newsletter

Throughout the 1990s, Microsoft gained a competitive advantage by focusing on the development of user-friendly interfaces, particularly through its Windows operating system. This approach appealed to nontechnical customers, a demographic that had been largely overlooked by other companies.

Gates's strategic foresight was evident when he issued an internal memo in 1995, warning Microsoft employees about the upcoming "internet tidal wave." The memo set the company on a path to shape the future of web surfing.

Gates emphasized the significance of the internet, stating that it is "crucial to every part of our business" and deeming it "the most important single development to come along since the IBM PC was introduced in 1981." Motivated by this realization, Gates went on to delineate a comprehensive strategy for Microsoft, aiming not only to enter the internet realm but to establish dominance in it.

Tech Startups

Taking a cue from Gates and Buffett's success stories of Gates, investing in tech startups can be a strategic move to capitalize on the potential of disruptive innovations. RYSE has developed cutting-edge devices that motorize and automate window coverings, catering to both residential and commercial spaces. Its smart home technology offers convenience, energy efficiency and enhanced automation, making it a company with great potential.

See more on startup investing from Benzinga.

Don't miss real-time alerts on your stocks - join Benzinga Pro for free! Try the tool that will help you invest smarter, faster, and better.

This article Warren Buffett's Simple Question Transformed Bill Gates's Outlook On Microsoft: 'Why Can You Do Better?' originally appeared on Benzinga.com

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 2023 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Millions of Americans are on alert for unhealthy air quality as smoke from wildfires in neighboring Canada drifts to the United States.

Wildfires have burned a record of more than 19.5 million acres across Canada so far this year, with no end in sight. There are nearly 500 active wildfires throughout the country and over 250 have been deemed out of control, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center. The smoke has been making its way to the U.S. for more than a month.





Latest Developments





Jun 28, 6:05 PM

Over 100 million Americans under air quality alerts

Air quality alerts remain in effect for more than 100 million Americans across the Midwest and into the Northeast Wednesday evening, as wildfire smoke from neighboring Canada blankets large swaths of the United States.

PHOTO: Air quality alerts remain in effect for more than 100 million Americans across the Midwest into the Northeast Wednesday evening. (ABC News)

Hard-hit Chicago, Detroit and Minneapolis remain among the top five places in the world with the worst air quality as of Wednesday evening.

The air quality alerts are mainly for people in sensitive groups who have upper respiratory issues.

PHOTO: Near-surface smoke is expected to stretch from Wisconsin to Kentucky and into the Carolinas Wednesday evening. (ABC News)

The near-surface smoke is expected to stretch from Wisconsin to Kentucky and into the Carolinas Wednesday evening. Some of the smoke will likely make its way into the mid-Atlantic overnight. Pittsburgh to Syracuse are forecast to see hazy, smoky skies and poor air quality Wednesday night.

PHOTO: Near-surface smoke is expected to move east through Thursday. (ABC News)

Through Thursday, the smoke is expected to move out of the Midwest and linger farther east but not be as heavy. No significant smoke issues are forecast at this time for major Northeast cities, including New York City.



-ABC News' Melissa Griffin





Jun 28, 1:10 PM

Air quality health advisory issued in New York

While the poor air quality is mostly hovering over the Midwest, the dangerous smoke is also drifting toward the East Coast.



New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has expanded Wednesday's air quality health advisory to include the entire state.



"Air in Western New York, Central New York, and the Eastern Lake Ontario regions is forecast to be 'Unhealthy,'" Hochul's office said. "The forecast for the remainder of the state, including New York City and Long Island, is 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.'"

Story continues





Jun 28, 12:39 PM

Chicago's Air Quality Alert in effect until Wednesday night

In Chicago, where the Air Quality Index is in the "very unhealthy" category, an Air Quality Alert is in effect until Wednesday night.

PHOTO: A plane taxis to the runway as smoke from wildfires in Canada reduces visibility, June 28, 2023, at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. (Joshua A. Bickel/AP)

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is urging "particularly sensitive populations, including individuals with heart or lung disease, older adults, pregnant people, and young children" to avoid outdoor activities.



Camps have been moved indoors where possible, the mayor said, and he's encouraging "Chicagoans without access to properly ventilated and safe indoor conditions" to "please utilize our public libraries, senior centers, Park District facilities, and the Cultural Center or the six community service centers that operate from 9am-5pm."





Jun 28, 12:30 PM

White House monitoring air quality issues as Biden visits Chicago

President Joe Biden has touched down in Chicago for fundraising and an economic address, and the White House said his schedule has not been modified due to the poor air quality in the city.

PHOTO: Marine One with President Joe Biden flies over a hazy Chicago, June 28, 2023, as some 80 million people from the Midwest to the East Coast are under air quality alerts due to smoke from Canadian wildfires sweeping the nation. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)

PHOTO: A jogger runs along the shoreline of Lake Michigan with heavy smoke from the Canadian wildfires, June 27, 2023, in Chicago, Illinois. (Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images)

"No modifications to today's schedule that I'm aware of as a result of this," principal deputy press secretary Olivia Dalton said. "But certainly, we are monitoring the air quality issues across the country closely and federal agencies are ensuring that federal resources are available in affected regions as appropriate."



The Air Quality Index in hazy Chicago reached 207 on Wednesday morning. Any number over 100 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.



-ABC News' Molly Nagle





Jun 28, 10:34 AM

How to stay safe from wildfire smoke amid reduced air quality

Wildfire smoke and ash can irritate eyes, nose, throat and lungs, making you cough or wheeze and can make it hard to breathe, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.



The CDC says the most effective way to protect yourself during wildfire emergencies is to stay indoors or limit time outdoors when there is smoke in the air. This is especially important for those with heart or lung conditions who are at higher risk for adverse health effects.



"People who are most at risk are [the] elderly, immunocompromised, young children and people who already have respiratory problems, people with asthma and things like that," said Dr. Stephanie Widmer, a member of ABC News' Medical Unit.

How to Stay Safe From Wildfire Smoke (ABC News Photo Illustration)

Read more here.



-ABC News' Nadine El-Bawab and Youri Benadjaoud





Jun 28, 10:32 AM

Where the wildfire smoke is concentrating and why

The latest round of unhealthy air quality due to smoke from wildfires in Canada has pushed into the United States, and it's ability to concentrate over areas from Wisconsin to Kentucky is aided by recent storms that spawned tornadoes, large hail and [damaging winds]).



Winds at the mid-levels of the atmosphere are causing the Canadian wildfire smoke to concentrate over a specific area of the midwestern and eastern U.S.



Meanwhile, a heat dome thats been causing stagnant deadly heat in the Deep South for weeks is keeping the smoke largely out of the region.



The next round of widespread showers and thunderstorms for this area of the eastern Midwest and the East is forecast to arrive on Friday and continue through the weekend, which will clear the smoke.



But as long as the wildfires continue to rage in Canada, these events of dense smoke plumes will likely continue to disperse into the U.S. Canada's wildfire activity typically peaks from June to August.





Jun 28, 7:59 AM

What to know about the Air Quality Index from wildfire smoke and how it affects human health

Heavy blankets of smoke billowing over the United States from wildfires burning in neighboring Canada are threatening the health of millions of people -- even non-vulnerable populations with no preexisting conditions. But what about the smoke makes it so hazardous for humans to be around?



Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, which are microscopic solid or liquid droplets -- often 30 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair -- that can be inhaled and cause serious health problems, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.



Most particles form in the atmosphere as a result of complex reactions of chemicals, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides -- pollutants emitted from power plants, industries and automobiles. But wildfires likely contain PM2.5 that is up to 10 times more harmful than the same type of air pollution coming from combustion activity, according to a 2021 study conducted in California.

PHOTO: Air Quality Index (AQI) (ABC News Photo Illustration)

PM2.5 is considered unhealthy for "Code Orange" and sensitive groups once the Air Quality Index surpasses 100, according to AirNow, a website that publishes air quality data. Once the AQI surpasses 150, it is considered "Code Red," unhealthy for some members of the general public who may experience health effects, with sensitive groups experiencing more severe effects.



The AQI is at "Code Purple" once it surpasses 200, considered "very unhealthy" with increased health risk for all populations. "Code Maroon" is labeled as "hazardous" and a health warning for emergency conditions once the AQI reaches 300 and higher.



At Code Maroon, "everyone is more likely to be affected," according to AirNow.



A "good" AQI is measured at 50 and below, and a "moderate" air quality index ranks between 51 and 100.



Read more here.



-ABC News Julia Jacobo





Jun 28, 9:37 AM

Chicago air quality hits 'very unhealthy' category

As Canadian wildfire smoke infiltrates the midwestern United States, the air in Chicago has deteriorated to the Air Quality Index's> "very unhealthy" category.



The AQI in hazy Chicago reached 250 on Tuesday afternoon. Any number over 100 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.



"We recommend children, teens, seniors, people with heart or lung disease, and individuals who are pregnant avoid strenuous activities and limit their time outdoors," Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson warned in a statement. "For additional precautions, all Chicagoans may also consider wearing masks, limiting their outdoor exposure, moving activities indoors, running air purifiers, and closing windows."

PHOTO: Chicago's skyline is seen from the 360 Chicago Observation Deck of the John Hancock Building with heavy smoke from Canadian wildfires blanketing the city on June 27, 2023. (Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images)

The smoke is forecast to clear on Friday when showers and thunderstorms hit the region.



Earlier this month, the AQI in the northeastern U.S. reached near maximum with levels in the high 400s.





Jun 28, 9:36 AM

20 US states under air quality alerts

As of Wednesday morning, 20 U.S. states are under air quality alerts from Minnesota down to Georgia and as far north as western New York.



Wildfire smoke from neighboring Canada is currently blanketing large swaths of the United States, from Iowa to western Pennsylvania to North Carolina and most everywhere in between. Only Chicago is getting a small reprieve on Wednesday morning due to a lake breeze, which isn't expected to last for long.

PHOTO: Twenty U.S. states were under air quality alerts on the morning of June 28, 2023, due to smoke from wildfires in neighboring Canada. (ABC News)

Later on Wednesday, the smoke is expected to cover areas from Minnesota to Washington, D.C. and down to the Carolinas.

PHOTO: Smoke from Canadian wildfires is forecast to blanket parts of the United States, from Minnesota to Washington D.C. and down to the Carolinas, on June 28, 2023. (ABC News)

By early Thursday morning, the smoke will be seen in Minneapolis, Chicago, Indianapolis, Atlanta and Pittsburgh. But by the afternoon, it will linger from Detroit to Atlanta and east to Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia.

PHOTO: Smoke from Canadian wildfires will be seen in major U.S. cities like Minneapolis, Chicago, Indianapolis, Atlanta and Pittsburg on the morning of June 29, 2023. (ABC News)

New York City could be impacted as well, but most of the smoke from the Canadian wildfires is expected to stay in western New York state, Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey.
Dave Kotinsky via Getty Images

Yusef Salaam, one of the five men wrongfully imprisoned for the 1989 assault and rape of Trisha Meili in Central Park, has won the Democratic primary for a New York City council seat representing Harlem.

Per the Gothamist, Salaam declared victory on Tuesday after gaining around 50 percent of the vote for the council seat. He was running against Assemblymembers Inez Dickens and Al Taylor, who garnered 25 percent and 15 percent of the vote, respectively. The Democratic district seat is currently held by Councilmember Kristin Richardson Jordan, who dropped out of the race this year.

"This campaign has been about those who have been counted out, those who have been forgotten," Salaam said following his victory. "This campaign has been about our Harlem community, who has been pushed into the margins of life and made to believe that they were supposed to be there. What has happened, in this campaign, has restored my faith in knowing that I was born for this. ... I am here because, Harlem, you believed in me."

Yusef Salaam, a member of the Exonerated Five, has a double-digit lead in the Democratic primary for City Council District 9."This campaign has been about those who have been counted out. This campaign has been about those who have been forgotten." pic.twitter.com/wQmJMohxXs  Spectrum News NY1 (@NY1) June 28, 2023

Twitter: @NY1

At his victory party, Salaam was joined by Manhattan Democratic Chair Keith Wright, who was partly responsible for getting him to run for the city council seat to begin with. "I'm reminded of what Muhammad Ali said ... he said 'We're going to shock the world,'" said Wright, whose son Jordan worked as Salaam's campaign manager. "Harlem is back. Harlem's back."

More on this

Story continues

Salaam was wrongfully imprisoned for the assault and rape of Meili and served six years and eight months in prison. The case of the Central Park Five was one of the most widely reported to hit the city of NYC, and it was adapted into the Netflix-produced drama series When They See Us in 2019.

Donald Trump infamously bought out full-page newspaper advertisements calling for the state of New York to introduce the death penalty. While he didn't explicitly call for their execution, the implication of the advertisements was abundantly clear. Trump refused to apologize for the advertisements, despite the fact all five men were exonerated in 2002. They later sued the city of New York and were awarded $41 million in a settlement in 2014. Another man, who was serving time in prison for different assaults, confessed to the attack while the Central Park Five were behind bars.

Salaam issued a one-word statement in response to Donald Trump's indictment in New York earlier this year. For those asking about my statement on the indictment of Donald Trumpwho never said sorry for calling for my executionhere it is: Karma, tweeted Salaam.
Millions of South Koreans woke up at least a year younger on Wednesday.

On paper, anyway.

That's because the East Asian country formally abandoned some traditional methods for determining a person's age and replaced them with the international standard: zero at birth and a year added after every birthday.

Under the old system, many South Koreans were considered a year old at birth  effectively counting time in the womb. A year of age was then added every Jan. 1, instead of on their birthday, meaning a baby born on New Year's Eve could be considered to be 2 years-old the very next day.

South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol made a campaign pledge last year to scrap the nations unique system for calculating age because he said that not only was it confusing, but it was also a drain on resources and the economy. It has led to legal disputes over insurance claims and eligibility for government social welfare programs.

Lee Kyu-ok poses with a whiteboard showing her new age, 86, effective June 28, 2023.

South Korea counts the years: What's a year or two?

South Korean lawmakers first approved the changes in December.

The government retained a separate traditional system for determining a person's age that considers a person zero at birth with a year's age added every Jan. 1. This method, known as the "year age," has been used to determine when someone should start school or attend compulsory military service.

A survey from last year found overwhelming support for aligning with the international standard.

The Yonhap news agency said the new system took effect Wednesday without much disruption, though it noted it would probably take time for the "age-sensitive fields of social life and personal relations" to adapt.

"Age is the most important thing when going on a blind date," the news agency quoted an office worker in South Korea's capital Seoul as saying. "When a man and a woman meet and tell each other their age, they may have to make clear whether their age is Korean or international age."

The changes do not affect when South Koreans can buy alcohol or cigarettes, which is the year, not the day, they turn 19. South Korea has been using the international standard for medical and legal records since the 1960s, according to the Korea Times, an English-language daily newspaper. But many South Koreans have continued to use the older methods, which can be traced to Confucianism behaviors and beliefs, for everything else.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: South Korea makes changes to age-counting law
To celebrate Pride weekend in New York City, Amy C. jumped at the chance to welcome friends she said she's known for years, some of whom she had never met in person.

"It was an influx of beautiful queer women, Asian Sapphic women coming in and it was really, really just heartwarming," she said. "It was really meaningful for me to help plan and welcome people into the city I called my home for almost a decade at that point and be able to show them around."

Amy and her closest friends are just a few of the nearly 7,000 members of the online community Subtle Asian Sapphic Squad, or SASS. Members describe the online group as a "safe space for sapphics," or any person who identifies themselves as a woman -- either cisgender or trans -- or a nonbinary person who is attracted to other cisgender or trans women or nonbinary people. The group carves out a space for queer Asian women-centric members who grew up in a conservative culture that rejected anything other than heterosexuality, Amy said.

"SASS for me is the most niche of a niche, but it is very representative of a lot of people who fall under that intersectionality of being Asian, but also identifying as women or nonbinary and queer," she said. "It seems so specific, but there are so many of us, and it's a community that is generally pretty silenced due to our cultural pressures."

MORE: Amid anti-LGBTQ hate, online groups offer safe spaces for parents of LGBTQ kids

The SASS members interviewed asked to be identified by their first names and last initials due to previous online harassment.

PHOTO: Subtle Asian Sapphic Squad at the 2023 NYC Pride March. (SASS)

SASS administrator Lisa Y. who organized the group's first East Coast meet up with Amy, said sapphic people from all over the world, including from the U.S., South Korea and Canada, gathered for the event. The group grew from only a few hundred members in 2020 to nearly 7,000 people today across the globe -- and growing, Lisa added.

Story continues

Stigma at the intersection of AAPI and LGBT identities

The U.S. has around 685,000 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who self-identify as LGBT, according to a 2021 study from the Williams Institute, a think tank at the UCLA School of Law. Among AAPI LGBT women, 30% were diagnosed with depression compared to 9% of all AAPI non-LGBT women, the research found.

"In the Asian community, there tends to be a stigma against therapy. And when people come [to our group] looking for advice, they will not shy away from suggesting therapy or openly talking about their experiences with therapy and their struggles with mental health. There is absolutely no shame in the topic of therapy," SASS member Tracy W. said of the group.

MORE: Meet the team facing off against anti-LGBTQ groups at drag queen story hours

While Amy said she never struggled with accepting her sexuality, she still struggled from homophobic stigma in the Asian American community. Other SASS members, Youtomia and Lisa, said they too experienced similar stigmas.

Youtomia said that SASS is important because a lot of queer spaces are very male-centric. She said that SASS provides an accessible online community that would be difficult without the internet.

"The stigma for Asian women in general, or Asians in general, is to stay more quiet, stay more reserved, and I feel like the group as a whole is very loud and proud," said Lisa.

PHOTO: Southern California's SASS chapter celebrating Pride. (SASS)

Youtomia said that while queer Asian women face external discrimination, they also face discrimination from their own families, noting that some members have posted requests for support with homophobic parents.

"I kind of grew up just telling myself that [being sapphic] would be like a separate identity from my mom -- I didn't want to hurt my mom," said Lisa, explaining the need to be accepted in many Asian cultures. "We have such a sense of filial piety that I think it has a detrimental impact on your mental health, because you can't be your authentic self with your family."

MORE: Breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health in the AAPI community

Said SASS organizer Chieko I., "I told my mom this is a queer Asian networking group. On paper, it technically is. SASS is not only a queer Asian space specifically for women and nonbinary people, but this is also going to be most likely your closest group of friends."

Chieko said her first in-person SASS meet-up was a picnic during the early pandemic.

"That was probably the first time in my whole life I had seen so many queer Asian women and nonbinary people in one space," said Chieko. She said that the picnic was small in retrospect, but drove her to help organize different events and get more involved in advocating for queer Asian spaces.

Living "loud and proud" amid a rise in Asian hate

PHOTO: SASS originally started as a Facebook meme group during the pandemic and has now grown to 7,000 members worldwide. (SASS)

While members like Chieko and Youtomia have moved out of more conservative areas, some members like Tracy still live in "red" states. She said that members are very aware of how some members live in more homophobic areas -- sometimes in countries outside of the U.S.

"Growing up in the South, this is -- I hate to say that it's kind of normal for me," said Tracy. "It does relieve me to know that [homophobia] is not a normal or daily occurrence for everybody."

Tracy said she knows that plenty of people still experience pressures to stay closeted or face unjust repercussions, potential violence, and other aggressions.

Some members voiced concerns about growing Asian hate and homophobia in the United States more broadly.

MORE: GMA Inspiration List: Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander changemakers

About a third of Asian Americans in general say that they have changed their daily routine due to concerns over threats or attacks, according to a 2022 survey by the Pew Research Center. According to data collected by the FBI, anti-Asian incidents and anti-LGBTQ incidents have risen in recent years.

PHOTO: Members of SASS say they have found their closest friends through the group. (SASS)

Amy said that she has to remind herself to stay alert and stay safe, especially during big events like the Pride parade.

"As a 'triple minority', it's quite a hard place to be right now in the U.S.' current state," said Amy. "It's sad to have to tell friends to be vigilant, like, outdoors  even within their own neighborhood, but that is just where we are right now."

Youtomia and Lisa said that all of their meet-ups are volunteer-based and they typically break even when it comes to the cost of organizing the events. They said that they have spent hundreds of hours and their own money to make a safe place for SASS members.

"It's hard to make those small groups, but not impossible," said Youtomia.

She and Lisa said that their next goal is to grow SASS in the Midwest and internationally.

"[We need to] show the community that we do exist, and we are growing, to be able to let other people know that they do have support in this group," said Youtomia.

How LGBTQ Asian women are finding and creating community online originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com
Natasha Jackson faced what she says was pregnancy discrimination 13 years ago. She was three months pregnant with her third child when she was put on leave from her job as an account manager at a local furniture store in Charleston, South Carolina.

Jackson told ABC News that her workplace placed her on a 12-week unpaid Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave because her doctor recommended she avoid lifting anything over 20 pounds, a medical recommendation commonly made to pregnant women. At the end of the unpaid leave, Jackson said she was ready to come back to work but was told she had to wait until the baby was delivered and could come back if her position was still available. She received a letter two months after giving birth telling her she was terminated.

Jackson says she brought a pregnancy discrimination claim against the company, which took two years and she eventually lost in arbitration. She told ABC News she was the primary source of income for her family at the time, and her termination set her and her family on a course toward homelessness.

"It was a downward spiral from there for years. I got a divorce because of the financial strain it put on my marriage," Jackson told ABC News. "That one day changed the course of my life."

PHOTO: Advocates, legislators, and pregnant workers rally on Capitol Hill in support of The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act on Dec. 01, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Paul Morigi/Getty Images, FILE)

MORE: Biden is eager to run on the economy  'Bidenomics'  but voters have their doubts

Jackson eventually used her voice to fight back and help other pregnant women. She shared her story publicly, including in legislative testimony, which led her to advocacy work. It's because of stories like hers that experts say that this new federal law has come to fruition.

On Tuesday, Jackson was among the women celebrating the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) going into effect. The new law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to workers for known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.

"No postpartum worker will lose her job at a critical time in her growing family's finances for needing time to recover from childbirth," Dina Bakst, co-founder and co-president of Better Balance, an organization dedicated to advancing justice for working families in the U.S. said.

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"No longer will women nationwide face the impossible choice between maintaining a healthy pregnancy and their economic security," she added.

Signed by President Joe Biden at the end of 2022, this new federal law will, according to experts, close an existing loophole that has left pregnant and postpartum workers without the legally protected ability to request accommodations.

"The gap that exists means too many women were forced to choose between keeping themselves and their pregnancy healthy or making a paycheck [to] support their families," Laura Narefsky, counsel at The National Women's Law Center, one of the organizations that has been working for close to a decade on pushing through this legislation, said.

PHOTO: (L-R) Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Bill Clinton, and President Joe Biden look on as Natasha Jackson speaks at an event marking the 30th Anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act at White House, Feb. 2, 2023. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images, FILE)

While the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 prohibited employers from discriminating against workers on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, experts like Narefsky say that it never created a "robust affirmative right to create accommodations to keep working."

"The problem came when a pregnant worker needed a reasonable accommodation for her pregnancy. Without this law, it required workers to prove that others have gotten similar accommodations; the burden of proof was too large," Elizabeth Gedmark, vice president at Better Balance, explained.

MORE: Helping homeless mothers in New York City

PHOTO: A pregnant woman works on her laptop in an office. (STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images)

Examples of reasonable accommodations under PWFA include time off to recover from childbirth, pregnancy loss and postpartum depression; additional breaks to drink water, eat, or use the bathroom; flexible scheduling to attend prenatal or postnatal appointments; light duty or help with manual labor; a transfer away from dangerous chemicals; the ability to work remotely; and new equipment like a stool to sit on or a maternity uniform.

"Now it's a new day. This law closes those gaps, and we now have additional protections, especially for low-wage workers in physically demanding jobs," Gedmark added.

This law comes into play at a time when the U.S. has fallen behind its counterparts in women's labor force participation. According to data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the percentage of American women participating in the labor market is 69% versus 77% in Canada, 75.1% in the UK, and 75.7% in Germany.

Experts say this is likely due to a combination of the lack of federal parental leave policy and accessible and affordable childcare.

"The U.S. lags behind every other nation as wealthy and as developed as ours, not only for women but for any caregivers. This law is a long overdue step to protect women in the workplace," Narefsky said.

For Jackson, a law like this would have "meant the world because I saw my job as a career. I saw myself having my own furniture store. If I had this, it would have saved me a lot of trauma and heartache; it would have saved me from financial stress, from having an unhappy pregnancy."

"Moving forward, my hope is that people let go of their fear. I have people reach out to me all the time, afraid. They are still hiding their pregnancies; they don't want to tell employers. Use your voice -- there is help out there, and there are resources now," Jackson, who is now a community advocate with Better Balance, said.

Pregnant Workers Fairness Act goes into effect; set to help millions of women originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
A view from South Korea towards North Korea in the Joint Security Area at Panmunjom. North and South Korean military personnel, as well as a single US soldier, are shown.

American officials are suddenly concerned that Russias war in Ukraine is becoming a frozen conflict, where two or more sides have engaged in armed combat, but no peace is in sight  even if a ceasefire agreement is reached. Despite its heavy losses in manpower, materiel and international prestige, Russia appears unlikely to disengage from its Ukraine War. Ukraine is equally unlikely to negotiate an end to the conflict after making it known that any agreement that results in ceding its territory is a non-starter.

If the war in Eastern Europe continues as a stalemate the way it has, its likely to become one of the worlds intractable frozen conflicts, with peace forever stalled. The United States has a vested interest in the continued survival of Ukraine and so will support it into the future. This means the conflict will continue, just like the following frozen conflicts, some of which have been going on for 50 years or longer.

Here are 5 Worldwide frozen conflicts and why theyre important to the US

Israel and Palestine

Perhaps the best-known, most intractable and the most impactful on American foreign policy, is the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, which sometimes draws in Israels Arab neighbors. It stems from many sources, including the British declaration of a Jewish homeland, the 1947 UN Partition Plan that promised areas of Palestine to Arabs and the Jewish people, and the subsequent 1948 Israeli Independence uprising that Israel won handily.

Egyptian forces crossing the Suez Canal on 7 October 1973.

This means both sides have legitimate claims to the land and grievances against the other. In later years, Israel has captured areas like the Sinai Peninsula from Egypt, the Golan Heights from Syria, and even relinquished areas like the Gaza Strip back to Palestine in accordance with international agreements.

The United States is deeply connected to Israel and brought landmark peace treaties like the Camp David Accords and the Abraham Accords. These gave Israel official recognition among some Arab states, but the fate of the Palestinians is in doubt, making it likely the conflict will continue for even longer.

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The Korean Peninsula

After World War II, Korea was divided like many other countries, between the communist North and the Democratic South (true democracy eluded South Korea until relatively recently). The brutal 1950-1953 Korean War demonstrated just how devastating a conflict between the two Koreas could be, but no peace treaty ending the war was ever signed. Korea remains divided in potential conflict that would be ruinous for both North and South.

The Korean DMZ, viewed from the north.

Now that North Korea has demonstrated its nuclear weapons capabilities, the conflict looks even more intractable than ever. The regime of Kim Jong Un is unlikely to give up those weapons or cede power to reunite the two countries peacefully, meaning the stalemate on the 38th parallel will continue into the foreseeable future.

Bosnia and Kosovo

With the breakup of the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s, the Balkans descended into a decade of prolonged civil war and ethnic cleansing. The violence became so bad, The United Nations, the United States and its NATO allies felt compelled to intervene at multiple stages. The US attacked Serbs targeting Bosnians in 1995, forcing a peace agreement on the Serbs.

Clockwise from top-left: Yugoslav general staff headquarters damaged by NATO air strikes; a Zastava Koral buried under rubble caused by NATO air strikes; memorial to local KLA commanders; a USAF F-15E taking off from Aviano Air Base.

A few years later, ethnic Albanians in Kosovo wanted independence from Serbia, which Serbia brutally rejected, so the U.S. launched an air war against Serbian forces. At the same time, the Kosovo Liberation Army began attacking Serbs. The violence was quelled, but Serbia still considers Kosovo its territory. Ever since, Kosovo has been administered by the United Nations.

Cyprus

The Mediterranean island of Cyprus was captured by the British from the Ottoman Turks in 1878 and annexed in 1914 at the start of World War I. Although control of the island was supposedly settled in a 1959 agreement, Turkey invaded greater Cyprus in 1974, sparking a dispute that has never ended.

Demonstration in Cyprus during the 1930s, in favor of Enosis (Union) with Greece.

Turkey occupied Northern Cyprus while Greece began an uprising in the rest of the country. Most of the island is governed by the pro-Greek government while Turkey recognizes the northern area as an independent nation. None of this would matter to the U.S. if both belligerents werent supposedly NATO allies.
At 77, Goldie Hawn Poses in Swimsuit for Stunning Sunset Pic and Fans Go Wild

Goldie Hawn shared a stunning sunset swimsuit photo on Instagram.

The snap marked the end of her vacation in Skiathos, Greece.

The actress has spoken about the importance of movement for physical and mental health.

Golden hour looks good on Goldie Hawn, who shared a stunning swimsuit photo at sunset from her recent vacation in Skiathos, Greece. In the shadowy snap, Hawn stands knee-deep in the ocean wearing a one-piece with her arm lifted in a slight, whimsical backbend.

Last day in Skiathos this year. Bye bye paradise , she captioned the post.

Fans and followers adored the magical shot. Oh Goldie what a stunning photo!  one person commented. What a beautiful photo, another added. Stunning, someone else wrote.

At 77, Hawn and her husband Kurt Russell, 72, are living life to the fullest, whether or not theyre on holiday. Hawn is especially dedicated to running MindUp, her mental health organization that aims to help kids manage stress, regulate emotions and face the challenges of the 21st century with optimism, resilience, and compassion, and she regularly shares helpful, uplifting tips for feeling your best.

In a recent video, she showed off her new t-shirt that read, Be Kind to Your Mind.

Our mindset is everything. Its how we go through the day, its how we watch our mind, and how we care for it, she said. In other clips, she shares exercises for mental health, and the importance of daily moments of gratitude and self-care.

These topics are especially important to Hawn because she struggled with anxiety and panic attacks after being launched into stardom as a young actress. I was so scared about what was going on with me that I saw a doctor, she told Today last year. I wanted to get happy again. My intention was not to live this way.

Years of therapy and mental health education helped, and now, shes passionate about spreading awarenessits been her focus since she took a break from acting in the early 2000s.

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We need to build a kinder world, she continued. A world that actually has greater capacity for critical thinking.

That, to her, is far more important than filling out an IMDb page. With the exception of a few specific roles (a reprise of Mrs. Claus in The Christmas Chronicles or a Firsts Wives Club sequel), shes content with spreading kindness, she told Variety earlier this yearand occasionally taking dips in Grecian seas, of course.

We all have dreams, she said. But its how we fulfill them.

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a dead albatross on a grassy field with feathers strewn behind it

a dead albatross on a grassy field with feathers strewn behind it

Adult albatrosses on a remote island are being attacked and eaten by an aggressive invasive species  mice.

Invasive mice have been wreaking havoc on the ecosystem of Marion Island  located about halfway between South Africa and Antarctica  for decades, chowing down on native invertebrates and the chicks of many seabirds that breed there. But the latest discovery is the first time they've been documented attacking adult albatrosses on the island.

"If the mice are starting to attack the adults, that's becoming really problematic," Maelle Connan , a researcher at Nelson Mandela University in South Africa, told Live Science.

At 115 square miles (298 square kilometers), Marion Island is about half the size of Chicago but is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including king penguins, elephant seals and seabirds like wandering albatrosses (Diomedea exulans), one of the world's largest flying birds. The island wasn't home to any non-marine mammals until about the 19th century, when house mice (Mus musculus) were introduced by humans via ships.

the face of a dead albatross with its beak in the front of the picture and feathers plucked

Since then, mice have decimated many of the invertebrates and plant species that live there. But in recent decades, the local mouse population has boomed, likely as a result of warmer and drier weather due to climate change .

As the mouse population has grown, so has their appetite  and in 2003, researchers discovered that the mice had started eating the chicks of wandering albatrosses on the island.

Related: Mice caught attacking adult albatross in gruesome video

Now, it seems the mice have begun feasting on adult birds. In April, researchers found the bodies of eight adult wandering albatrosses that had died within weeks of each other.

The carcasses showed evidence of mouse attacks, such as wounds on their elbows, Connan said. News of this discovery was first reported in Nature Africa . Blood patterns suggest the injuries were inflicted while the birds were still alive, the report said.

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Wandering albatrosses have a 10-foot (3 meters) wingspan so are significantly bigger than mice, but they evolved to live on islands without any mammalian predators and have no defense mechanisms against the invasive rodents, Anton Wolfaardt a seabird researcher with The Mouse-Free Marion Project told Live Science. The project is an initiative of the South African government and the nonprofit organization BirdLife South Africa.

a wandering albatross chick standing in a nest with mountains in the background

It's not clear exactly how the albatrosses died, but it could have been due to infection from the mouse bites or even starvation if the birds were too injured to go out to sea and find food, Wolfaardt said. Long-term, this predation could have a significant impact on the global wandering albatross population  about a quarter of which lives on Marion Island.

Mice have also recently been observed attacking adult albatrosses in other seabird hotspots, such as Tristan albatrosses (Diomedea dabbenena) on Gough Island in the South Atlantic and Laysan albatrosses (Phoebastria immutabilis) on Midway Atoll in the Pacific. That's a worrying trend for this threatened group of birds  of the 22 species of albatross worldwide, nine are listed as endangered or critically endangered.

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On Marion, there's a plan to fight back. The Mouse-Free Marion Project is planning to spread rodenticide all over the island, which the conservationists hope will kill off all the mice, Wolfaardt said.

The local native seabirds mostly look for food in the ocean, and the native invertebrates aren't affected by rodenticide, he said, so this technique would only target the invasive mice living on the island. If it's successful, the Marion Island ecosystem may finally start to heal.

"Once those introduced predators, invasive species, are removed," Wolfaardt said, "you can really then kind of start the process of turning back the clock."
Alaska Airlines has announced the launch of its inaugural nonstop flights to the Bahamas, departing from both Los Angeles and Seattle. The company also is expanding its Mexican service by adding flights.

Los Angeles to Nassau flights start at $169 round trip for a limited time, and Seattle to Nassau flights start at $199 round trip. One-way flights to Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta from Las Vegas start at $139.

The demand from vacationers, whether theyre taking a quick flight to a West Coast city or venturing halfway around the world, remains high. Many travelers are planning and reserving trips for the beginning of next year. With more 737-9s in service, Alaska Airlines ensures it can cover greater distances from Seattle to Nassau.

Were excited to add a new dot to our route map and believe our guests will appreciate the convenience of nonstop service to the Bahamas this winter, said Kirsten Amrine, Vice President of Revenue Management and Network Planning for Alaska Airlines. Whether our guests choose to stay in Nassau, or venture to the outer islands, the pristine beaches and crystal clear waters of the Bahamas await.

Photo Credit: Alaska Airlines

Brand New Flights to the Bahamas

The companys first-ever visit to the Bahamas will be on one of Alaska Airlines new flights to the Caribbean island nation. The carrier will offer direct flights to the island resort off the coast of South Florida from Los Angeles and Seattle, two of the companys West Coast hubs. The late afternoon arrival in Nassau is possible by the early morning departures from both Los Angeles and Seattle.

Nassau will be the 101 nonstop destination served by the company from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Alaska Airlines also announced a new international route from Las Vegas to two of Mexicos most popular West Coast destinations: Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. Both flights leave Las Vegas late in the morning and arrive in midday. The companys new seasonal flight between San Luis Obispo and Las Vegas, which also begins in mid-December. It will provide its passengers on Californias Central Coast with an easy connection to Mexico.

New international service
President Biden this week mistakenly referred to Ukraine as Iraq on two occasions, mixing up the names of recent areas of conflict.

Biden was asked Wednesday to what extent Russian President Vladimir Putin has been weakened by the aborted rebellion in Russia. In his response, he switched out Ukraine for the war that started with a U.S.-led coalition invasion into Iraq and ended in 2011.

Its hard to tell, but he is clearly losing the war in Iraq, hes losing the war at home and he has become a bit of a pariah around the world, the president said at the White House.

Its not just NATO, its not just the European Union, its Japan, he added.

The White House did not respond to a request for comments on the word swap.

The president is known to make gaffes in off-the-cuff remarks, including in response to questions from reporters. He also has in the past slipped up on words before correcting himself.

Biden, 80, made the same mistake during a campaign reception in Maryland on Tuesday night, referring to Ukraine as Iraq.

If anybody told you  and my staff wasnt so sure, either  that wed be able to bring all of Europe together in the onslaught on Iraq and get NATO to be completely united, I think they would have told you its not likely. The one thing Putin counted on was being able to split NATO, Biden said.

He often speaks much more candidly at such events and tends to make news with his unscripted remarks, such as when he called Chinese President Xi Jinping a dictator last week.

On Tuesday night in Maryland, Biden also briefly flubbed the homeland of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited the White House last week.

You probably saw my new best friend, the prime minister of a little country thats now the largest in the world, China  I mean, excuse me, India, he said.

The presidents comments on Putin come after the mercenary Wagner Group and its founder Yevgeny Prigozhi led a rebellion over the weekend that ended through a negotiated deal between Prigozhi and Putin. The Wagner chief has since fled to Belarus.

Story continues

Putin has publicly been outraged over the rebellion and its led to questions over what the negotiated deal means for the future of the war in Russia.

Updated at 11:59 a.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
UK utilities companies including Thames Water have faced mounting criticism over water leaks. Last year, multiple homes in North London were flooded when a water main burst. - Yui Mok/PA Wire

An emergency nationalisation of Thames Water is being considered by ministers as the company scrambles to secure 1bn from shareholders.

The Government is drawing up contingency plans for the collapse of the utility company as it battles to pay down a 14bn debt pile.

Ministers are in talks about the possibility of temporarily bringing the utility company back into public hands under a so-called special administration regime (SAR).

The discussions are understood to be taking place between water regulator Ofwat, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Treasury.

It comes after Thames Water chief executive Sarah Bentley stepped down with immediate effect on Tuesday amid mounting worries over the financial stability of the firm.

Environment minister Rebecca Pow told the Commons that Britains water industry is financially resilient, adding there is a lot of behind-the-scenes work happening with Thames Water.

She said customers should rest assured that their water supplies will be protected.

She said: The sector as a whole is financially resilient and Ofwat continues to monitor the financial position of all the key water and wastewater companies.

Asked about Thames Water, she said it was not her place to comment on an individual companys financial position.

She was responding to an urgent question by shadow environment secretary Jim McMahon, who said: Just last year, as raw human sewage was being pumped out across the country, 1.4bn was paid out to shareholders.

And now all that was warned is coming to pass. Leaks are leading to water shortages, sewage dumping pollutes our rivers, our lakes, our seas and the only thing on the up is debt.

Thames Waters debts plunged in value on Wednesday as the City increased bets that lenders will not be repaid.

One of the utility companys bonds  issued by Kemble Finance and due in 2026  has fallen by 35 pence on the pound.

The 41pc drop to about 50.7p means effectively that investors believe there is only a 50/50 chance that lenders will be repaid.

The company said on Wednesday that it is continuing to work constructively with its shareholders as it seeks more funding for its turnaround plan.

In a statement to investors, bosses said water regulator Ofwat is being kept fully informed on the progress of the companys turnaround and engagement with shareholders.

Thames Water boss Sarah Bentley stepped down with immediate effect on Tuesday - Thames Water/PA

It said Thames Water continues to maintain a strong liquidity position, saying that as of March this year it had 4.4bn of cash and committed funding.

An Ofwat spokesman said: We monitor the financial position of all the key water and wastewater companies. We have been in ongoing discussions with Thames Water on the need for a robust and credible plan to turn the business around and transform its performance for customers and the environment. We will continue to focus on protecting customers interests.

Thames Water is the UKs biggest water supplier and provides water services for 15m people in London and the South East.

The firm is racing to raise 1bn from investors to shore up its finances, with AlixPartners advising on its turnaround plans.

A Government spokesman said: This is a matter for the company and its shareholders.

We prepare for a range of scenarios across our regulated industries  including water  as any responsible government would.

The sector as a whole is financially resilient. Ofwat continues to monitor the financial position of all the key water and wastewater companies.

Thames Water  owned by a consortium of pension funds and sovereign wealth funds  has come under pressure in recent years over its poor performance in tackling leaks and sewage contamination, while facing criticism for handing out big rewards to top bosses and shareholders.

Ms Bentley, who was appointed in 2020, said in May that she would give up her bonus after the companys environmental and customer performance suffered.

But even after giving up the bonus, the chief executive managed to double her pay, raking in 1.5m.

On announcing her departure, she said: The foundations of the turnaround that we have laid position the company for future success to improve service for customers and environmental performance.

Earlier Britains top infrastructure official said it is probably not unrealistic that water bills will rise by 40pc to tackle the problem of sewage flowing into rivers and the sea.

Sir John Armitt, chairman of the National Infrastructure Commission, said that it would cost 50bn over the next 25 to 30 years to fix sewage overflows polluting Britains waters.

He added that 20bn would be needed to ensure the UK has sufficient water by 2050.

He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: You are talking about very large sums of money to restore and enable our water infrastructure to be fit for purpose.

As a country we have to decide what quality and what level of infrastructure we require. We then have to decide whether we want to pay for it and if we can afford to pay for it.

Overall, it doesnt matter if were talking about water, roads, railways or energy, at the end of the day we pay either as a consumer to the company that provides it to us or we pay to the Government through our general taxation.

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.
An air quality alert has been issued for much of central Ohio until midnight Wednesday as smoke from wildfires in Canada continue to move into parts of the United States.

Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, and Licking counties are expected to have an Air Quality Index of 164 on Wednesday. The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, which issues the alerts, said Wednesday's level will be the first "unhealthy" level since August, 2003.

"As a cold front departs Ohio, westerly to northwesterly winds will transport dense smoke from Canadian wildfires into the Columbus region, increasing particle levels," according to MORPC.

Today is an Air Quality Alert day in Central Ohio.

To decrease the potential for health issues, everyone is urged to limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity.

Visit https://t.co/9aMZfJWNle to sign up for free alerts by email or text. #BeAirAware #AirQuality pic.twitter.com/XelvPNg9CJ  MORPC (@MORPC) June 28, 2023

What's an air quality alert?

MORPC uses the national Air Quality Index scale, which runs from 0 to 500, to measure ozone and particle pollution. When levels reach above 100, air quality is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, and an air quality alert is issued.

Jun 28, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; An air quality alert has been issued for much of central Ohio until midnight Wednesday as smoke from wildfires in Canada continue to move into parts of the United States.

The Environmental Protection Agency's Fire and Smoke Map showed that the AQI for parts of Columbus as high as 154 AQI as of Tuesday afternoon.

At over 150 AQI, some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. People with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, should limit outdoor exposure.

According to MORPC, sensitive groups include:

Elderly people

Children and teens

People with lung disease

Those who are active outdoors

Some people may also be more genetically sensitive to ozone

MORPC says people in sensitive groups should:

Reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion

Do less intense activities and take more breaks

Watch for coughing or shortness of breath

Schedule outdoor activities in the morning, when ozone levels are lower

People with asthma are also advised to follow their asthma action plans and keep their medication on them.

Canadian wildfire season worst on record

Earlier this month, smoke from Canadian wildfires shrouded Columbus, New York City, Philadelphia and other cities in the northern United States. Columbus was under an air quality alert for days in early June, with residents experiencing air quality that was unhealthy for sensitive groups.

More: Track smoke from wildfires over Ohio

According to the Canadian government, dozens of wildfires currently rage across the country. This year has become the worst fire season on record for Canada, surpassing the previous 1995 in total area burned, CNN reported.

As of Tuesday, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan and Indiana were under air quality alerts, and portions of Illinois and Minnesota were also under alerts, according to the NWS.

@Colebehr_report

Cbehrens@dispatch.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Why is air quality bad in Ohio today? Canadian wildfires to blame
post travel depression

Imagine youve just landed back in the US after your first international getaway. It was amazing. You watched everything youd ever dream about unfold before your eyes. The only thing you can think about is recollections from your time abroad and you return home refreshed. Then, suddenly an intense sadness comes over you as soon as you step through your front door. The next day comes and you return to work, but things arent the same. You keep reminiscing on your trip, and despite your grand experience, you feel incomplete. If youve ever felt this way, you might have experienced post travel depression.

Although its not clinically recognized as a medical condition, Medical News Today describes post travel depression as a state of depression many people experience after returning from a vacation. For me, this feeling was the most profound after coming home from Belize after my first international trip.

Wanderlust Woes

Photo credit: Alex Green

My trip to Belize was everything Id ever imagined. The perfect blend of tropical, jungle vibes and beachside views, I returned home feeling inspired and ready to tackle the world. However, when I got home, those feelings began to fade.

While I didnt know what post travel depression was at the time, many people worldwide had experienced this sensation. The term was first coined in the 1950s and travelers have often experienced it after their first voyage abroad.

The biggest reason I felt depressed after my first international trip was a result of wanderlust woes. Although Id traveled subtly with my family as a child, I was still a novice explorer. My Belize trip ignited a wanderlust flame within me that was extinguished once I landed back in St. Louis. I felt like the spark was gone ridden with an uncertainty that it would never return.

Coping With Post Travel Blues After Your First Trip Abroad

Photo credit: Liza Summer

There were a few things I did to bounce back from the post travel depression I experienced after my first international trip. The first thing I did was start curating an atmosphere in my home that replicated the vibes in Belize. The tropical, rain forest energy was refreshing to me. I slowly began incorporating more plants, tropical decor and animals into my home environment.

I located the best Belizean cuisine in my area. Finding food from the country youre missing is an excellent way to curb post travel depression by activating your tastebuds with the nostalgic flavors.

I also made sure to check out my photos and videos from Belize regularly until I no longer felt sad about being back home. Looking back on memories from my trip produced happy, serene emotions that counteracted the sadness following vacations end.
One of Americas largest trucking companies may be near bankruptcy, and its suing the union that counts more than 80 percent of its employees as members.

Less-than-truckload (LTL) firm Yellow Corp. filed a $137.3 million lawsuit against the International Brotherhood of Teamsters in a Kansas federal district court. The freight transportation companys legal complaint said the union allegedly got in the way of the trucking giants much-needed restructuring.

More from Sourcing Journal

And while the company reported $167.5 million in total liquidity at the end of the first quarter, Yellow said in the lawsuit that it could run out of cash by mid-July, when creditors will likely force the company to liquidate.

Yellow contends that it must implement the second phase of its One Yellow restructuring planwhich includes consolidating its four LTL operating companies and closing excess terminalsto pay off debt, cut costs and compete with non-union carriers. The attempted restructuring comes as companies like Amazon and FedEx are overhauling their own distribution networks and getting rid of redundancies.

The company alleges the Teamsters have breached the collective bargaining agreement by rejecting the proposed changes and not agreeing to schedule a required hearing on the matter. The union fought back saying its has fully honored the agreements terms, which expire March 31, 2024.

Currently, Yellow has $1.3 billion in debt that comes due in 2024, with total obligations of $1.5 billion outstanding when including lease financing obligations.

We do not take this action lightly, but the unions leadership has left us with no choice, Yellows management stated in a news release. For many months, we have made good faith efforts to meet with the IBT to propose a path forward that works for all parties, but they refuse even to meet, let alone engage in honest talks.

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While Yellow doesnt explicitly reveal its customers in the retail space, approximately half of the 14.2 million shipments it made in 2022 were to retail customers, with CEO Darren Hawkins saying in a February earnings call that these client tend to be very large shippers.

The companys vast transportation network covers a wide swath of North America with 308 service facilities, operating 12,700 trucks and 42,000 trailers.

The complaint alleges that Sean OBrien, the general president of the Teamsters, orchestrated these breaches and has prevented Yellow from meeting with union leadership. OBrien is the face of the Teamsters efforts, representing more than 330,000 UPS employees engaged in heated contract negotiations.

Although the Teamsters approved first of the three phases of the One Yellow plan, the trucking company said the union pulled an about-face on the modernization efforts, accusing OBrien of assuming the role of public agitator for the companys demise, describing some of his social media posts as false, unconstructive and irresponsible.

In line with some of his public behavior in the UPS contract spat, OBrien did not hold back in his opinion of the lawsuit.

Yellow Corp.s claims of breach of contract by the Teamsters are unfounded and without merit, OBrien said in a statement. For a company that loves to cry poor, Yellows executives seem to have no problem paying a team of high-priced lawyers to wage a public relations battleall in a failed attempt to mask their incompetence.

Yellows financial struggles come amid a wider freight recession that has seen demand for goods plummet this year, with freight rates falling as well. According to DAT Freight & Analytics data, dry van spot trucking rates plunged 23.8 percent for the 12 months starting in May 2022 to $2.06 per mile.

And with that, many smaller trucking businesses are going out of business. As last month, 11,000 operating authority agreements have been revoked since 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, suggesting that trucking fleets are voluntarily exiting the market.

Yellow reported net losses of $54.6 million on operating revenue declines of 8.1 percent to $1.16 billion in the quarter. LTL tonnage per day at the carrier was down 12 percent in the first quarter, driven by a 13.3 percent decrease in LTL shipments per day.

Despite being laden with debt, Yellow also may be lucky to still be in the current position it is in. A new congressional report determined that the U.S. Treasury Department erred in judgment in giving Yellow, then known as YRC Worldwide, a $700 million Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan in 2020. The agency deemed Yellow as critical to national security even though the trucking company didnt meet the standard for that designation, the report said.

In exchange, the Treasury Department received a 30.1 percent stake in Yellow.

OBrien was critical of the PPP loan, and Yellows handling of it, saying After decades of gross mismanagement, Yellow blew through a $700 million bailout from the federal government, and now it wants workers to foot the bill.

Click here to read the full article.
(Photo credit: Colin McPherson / Corbis / Getty Images)

A dog from Queen Creek, Arizona, is lucky to be alive after hundreds of killer bees attacked him. The Great Pyrenees needed a blood transfusion in order to survive the ordeal.

Dog stung over 50 times by killer bees needs blood transfusion

According to local news outlet Arizonas Family, a dog named Pippin was stung more than 50 times by killer bees in late May. His dog dad, John Fischer, was stung over 250 times. While Fischer suffered only a mild allergic reaction, Pippin didnt fare so well.

He was basically really unable to eat anything. He was drinking very little. Im sure he was dehydrated, and he had that look in his eye like you know, This might be it, Fischer told Arizonas Family.

Fischer took his fur baby to the GQ Emergency Vet and Specialty Center. Dr. Erin Greenwood determined that the Great Pyrenees needed a blood transfusion because his body was attacking his red blood cells, according to the news outlet.

If that wouldve continued to happen without our intervention, it wouldve continued to drop. He wouldnt have oxygen to his tissues, and his vital organs would start to shut down, Dr. Greenwood said.

The clinic happened to have blood available thanks to a recent delivery from Canine Blood Heroes, a blood donation facility. Not every dog in a similar situation is so lucky.

Well get a couple units at a time, but if we go through that, we may not have any blood until we get our next order. Often times, were calling neighboring clinics and neighboring clinics call us when they need it, Dr. Greenwood said.

In addition to the blood transfusion, the ailing canine received a hyperbaric treatment, meaning he was placed in an oxygen chamber to facilitate healing.

The blood transfusion saved Pippins life. His dog dad is grateful. Pippin and I have that bond. And I couldnt imagine life without him, Fischer said.

More blood donations needed to help dogs

There is a need for more blood donations from and for dogs. Thats why the GQ Emergency Vet and Specialty Center is planning to start its own blood bank. First, it needs a donor program. Dr. Greenwood said the clinic currently has eight canine universal blood donors. The program needs 15 to 20 more dog donors to keep a steady supply of blood. Thats because dogs can only donate once every two months or so.

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Whats more, canine blood donors must be between 1 and 7 years old, weigh over 50 pounds, and be in good health. Dr. Greenwood said that the dog breeds that do best with donating blood are Greyhounds, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers.

Only one in eight dogs have a universal blood type, but the center is accepting donors of every blood type. Dont know your dogs blood type? No problem. The center offers free blood type tests for dogs.

If you live in the area and are interested in having your dog donate blood, call the center at (480) 674-3200 or visit its website.

The post Dog Attacked by Killer Bees Receives Life-Saving Blood Transfusion appeared first on DogTime.
Play Store

Banking Trojan Anatsa is behind multiple confirmed fraud cases from Android apps sold on the Google Play Store, according to cybersecurity company ThreatFabric .

With over 30,000 installations, ThreatFabric says that the campaigns target list contains almost 600 financial applications from all over the world, and its most recent attacks have been centered around the US, the US, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

By stealing credentials used to authenticate mobile banking customers and then performing Device-Takeover Fraud, the threat actor has been carrying out fraudulent transactions since Anatsas discovery in 2020.

Watch out for this mobile banking malware

Based on the number of targeted applications per country, the US tops the charts. Italy, Germany, the UK, and France round off the top five, and the UAE, Switzerland, South Korea, Australia, and Sweden complete the top 10.

Read more

> These are the best firewalls to stay protected online



> Researchers claim malware is rife on the Google Play Store



> This new malware is proving quite popular... and dangerous

In less than a year, ThreatFabric has added a further 90 applications that have been targeted to spread the money-stealing malware , but dont be fooled: you dont need to be downloading a banking app to be affected.

Because people typically have their guard up when it comes to online banking, many of the malware droppers identified by the cybersecurity researchers have posed as PDF viewers. Having informed the Play Store of its findings, ThreatFabric found Google quick to react, but the threat actors just as quick to republish apps of a similar nature.

Sensitive information like credentials, credit card details, balance, and payment information is collected from the infected device. The threat actor then goes on to exfiltrate money through cryptocurrencies and local mules in a Device Takeover attack, which has so far proven challenging for banking anti-fraud systems to catch.

Referring to an evolving threat landscape that baking institutions are having to deal with, Internet users are being urged to remain vigilant when it comes to sharing details with third parties online, including following ads to download apps and content.
Google Pixel Fold

Our Google Pixel Fold review just went live today, and we're pretty excited about the first foldable from the big G, but some of its biggest fans are going to be waiting quite a bit longer for their phones.

A number of people on Reddit that pre-ordered the Google Pixel Fold are being notified that their orders  placed in some cases over a month ago  are now canceled as their bank or credit card wouldn't verify to Google that sufficient funds were available (via Phone Arena).

Now a $1,799 transaction isn't something to sneeze at, but this doesn't seem to have any bearing on the actual contents of the bank or credit counts, so people are understandably frustrated that they won't be one of the first to wield Google's new foldable.

Google Pixel Fold

What should you do if your Google Pixel Fold pre-order was canceled?

Your best bet for keeping your place in line is to reach out to Google Support. They are well aware of the issue and are at least, in some cases, indicating that orders will be restored. Reps have reportedly told affected customers to expect an email in the next day or two with an update on the situation.

Most seem accepting of the fact that it's a difficult situation as the credit card company or bank is going to flag the charge as unusual spending. Google doesn't have any current $1,800+ products, so there's not an established trend of purchases of that magnitude through Google in recent years.

The main frustration is that Pixel Fold supplies appear to be fairly limited as the early pre-orders were slated for a July arrival, but those that are forced to order again now are getting projected delivery dates of August 30 to September 8 for the Porcelain 256GB model, August 2 to 10 for the 256GB Obsidian model, and all the way back to September 13 to September 21 for the 512GB variant.

That's a long wait that should worry Google as well since the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is likely to arrive at a Galaxy Unpacked event that Samsung has confirmed for July 26 in Seoul, South Korea.

The Google Pixel Fold is an intriguing new entrant into the admittedly tiny tablet-style foldable market, but Google wants to strike while the iron is hot and lock in these buyers before they can be tempted by whatever Samsung has coming next.
Parents share their fears about their children being caught up in gun violence. (Image: Getty; illustration by Katie Martin for Yahoo)

Where would I hide or how would I get out? These are the questions that Tess thinks about constantly, especially when she goes places with her two young daughters. She doesnt like to take her kids into any big box stores because it feels too risky. Theres always the chance someone could walk in with a gun and start shooting, turning her mundane family errand into another tragic national headline with deadly consequences.

Many parents can relate to Tesss anxiety over the increased levels of gun violence in the United States. There have already been more than 325 mass shootings this year according to The Gun Violence Archive, a nonprofit group that uses police reports, news coverage and other public sources to provide near-real time data about gun violence in the United States. Data from the Centers for Disease and Prevention also names firearms as the leading cause of death for U.S. children and teens, while research has found that the risk of gun violence is significantly higher for Black and Hispanic children.

From everyday events like dropping kids off at school, shopping at the mall and waiting in a doctors office to large, celebratory occasions like a Fourth of July parade or Lunar New Year gathering, every public outing can feel fraught for families. For some parents, the persistent threat of random gun violence is creating constant anxiety and changing the decisions they make.

For Tess  who, along with the other moms interviewed for this article, asked to use a pseudonym  its changed her thinking about school. Rather than having her enter kindergarten at her local public school, were keeping her at her current school, which is a preschool but offers kindergarten only, so were keeping her there with just kind of with a question mark for next year because we dont know what were going to do. We cant afford a lot of options, but were really worried about public school, Tess tells Yahoo Life. The shooting at the private Covenant school in Nashville was a reminder that no school is fully protected, but Tess thinks the risk is lower in a private setting. She also doesnt want her daughter to have to go through the mandatory active shooter drills that take place in the public schools.

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The threat of gun violence is also one of the main reasons why Tess no longer works in the public schools. She used to work in the schools as a speech therapist, but now she is an independent contractor. Initially my reasoning for changing jobs was that I had a baby and needed a more flexible schedule, but part of the reason Im not going back is because of fear about gun violence," she says.

Katherine also has a 5-year-old. She is scared every time she drops her child off at his Jewish preschool because the growing antisemitism in the community compounds her anxiety. We all have that its not going to happen here mentality," she tells Yahoo Life. "But what weve seen is that it can happen and does happen anywhere, and that really does make me stop and consider all the things Id like to take my child to. Whether its the grocery store or a big box store, Katherine always notes back exits and has an escape plan. She also believes the risk isnt even worth going some places like the movie theater, and she always feels nervous when her son is playing T-ball because the field and park feel too exposed.

Theres a bunch of things that I get fearful about that could happen to my child  a lot of them are preventable  but there is something about this one [fear of gun violence] that makes you feel as a parent really helpless," Katherine says. "So Im not sure what to do about that anxiety, because if nowhere is really safe, and you dont know when a place is going to not be safe, then how do you not have that in the back of your mind? Am I not being a responsible parent if I dont have that in the back of my mind?

Carrying this fear has made Katherine question if America is really the best place to raise her child, but she doesnt want to leave. Shes a locally elected official, and she got into policy to help people, but shes afraid that staying and serving her constituents is not the best choice for her son. She is also afraid that she or her son could be targeted because shes a liberal, Democratic, Jewish official.

Maggie, a mom of three kids aged 10, 7 and 4, understands how individual circumstances can compound the fear of gun violence. She lives in a state with permitless carry, and the city she lives in has seen a recent surge in violent crime. Living [here] specifically, mass shootings arent even my biggest concern. Ive had neighbors shot at in their driveways, Maggie tells Yahoo Life.

Between the fear of mass shootings and the local increase in violent crime, Maggie is worried when she takes her kids anywhere, and she feels uneasy taking her kids out after dark or to any large public gathering, sporting event or concert.

"My anxiety around school has increased since Covenant specifically because [my kids] go to a private school," she adds. After the March shooting, her kids' school made the decision to redirect the funds it was planning to use to update some of the classrooms to strengthening its security measures, including the installation of bullet-proof glass. These improvements and the schools lockdown protocols and armed guards make Maggie feel the school is doing everything it can to keep kids safe.

But it still doesnt alleviate the constant anxiety Maggie feels. You dont want to stop living your life and go in quarantine mode again like the pandemic, she tells Yahoo Life. But its hard to downplay that anxiety while still being aware of your surroundings and not frighten your children.

How can parents work through these fears? When we think about how anxiety gets passed through from parents to child, we know that parents being able to manage their own anxiety helps their children to function best and be resilient to be able to cope with stressors and to work through difficult events, Tori Cordiano, a clinical child psychologist, tells Yahoo Life. Part of that is being proactive in terms of how you might handle a situation.

Cordiano suggests that parents try to have a plan in place, especially with older kids. For example, if visiting an amusement park with teen or tween-age children, decide beforehand how to connect with them during the day, what kinds of freedoms to give them and what time to arrive and leave. If visiting with younger children, she suggests thinking through the plan of the day in detail.

She also encourages people who are parenting with a partner to talk through their anxieties and plans. If a parent doesnt have a partner, she suggests finding another trusted adult. Where parents often turn, which can be counter-indicative, is online parent forums, like Facebook groups, but these places often elevate concerns without good tools for handling them, Cordiano tells Yahoo Life.

Ultimately, Cordiano hopes that parents remember that, as people, they deserve support for managing their anxiety. If that anxiety becomes severe, occurs frequently and is impacting daily function  such as keeping them from outings they'd otherwise look forward to  then its time to seek professional support.

While gun violence feels more pronounced for many parents these days, Cordiano hopes parents remember that historically there have always been periods with specific issues that parents are more worried about.

As a government official, Katherine sees gun violence as one of the main issues of our time. She hopes parents, citizens and legislators can work together to find a solution. Our partisanship in America right now is really keeping us from looking at the facts and really trying to come to a solution for our kids, for our nation in general," she says. "We are the only nation that sees this [level of gun violence], and were not the only nation in the world that can own guns. I think we need to take a look at what are other countries are doing differently. To say that this is not preventable is absurd.

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Several hundred garment workers and labor campaigners took to the streets of Bangladeshs capital in protest on Monday and Tuesday, just days after a prominent union leader was killed and two others injured following an attack by so-called hired goons at a factory with which they were trying to negotiate the payment of outstanding wages and Eid-ul-Azha bonuses.

Shahidul Islam, aged 50, was an organizer for the Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation (BGIWF), where he spent the past 25 years helping thousands of workers claw back owed wages and severance payments.

More from Sourcing Journal

He was never afraid of anything, said Kalpona Akter, who helped found the organization to which Islam belonged.

Speaking on a call over Whatsapp, Akter was overcome with emotion. It was only on Sunday night that Islam and his colleagues, Mustafa Kamal, 26, and Ahmed Sharif, 35, were sitting down with the management of Prince Jacquard Sweater, a knitwear factory in the Satai area of Gazipur, an hours drive north from Dhaka. Akter said that a standoff over the timing of the wage payments, which were due earlier that day, ensued. When Islam and his co-workers left the meeting, saying they would be involving the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishment to break the impasse, the men were set upon by five, six or 10 people who started hitting them with their fists. Someone was overheard saying, Until you punish them, they will be non-stop, she added.

Akter said that Islam was struck in the head by these mercenaries, who were working for Prince Jacquard Sweater. Islam managed to escape, calling another one of the unions organizers for help. He, Kamal and Sharif were later taken to the Tayrunnesa Memorial Medical College Hospital. Though conscious while en route, Islam later succumbed to his injuries and was declared dead soon after arrival.

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Akter said that Islam leaves behind two sonsa six-year-old and a 17-year-oldand his wife, a garment worker-turned-housewife who is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer.

I cant tell you my feelings; I cant tell you how I faced them, she said. This was my responsibility to save them when theyre working for our organization.

labour rights activists in #Bangladesh protests the brutal killing of grassroots union organizer Shahidul Islam, asks the authorities to arrest the perps in 7 days, otherwise warned for stern consequences#UnionsForAll #Justice pic.twitter.com/ausjogyX2Z  Redwan Ahmed  (@redwanxyz) June 27, 2023

Akter said this is the second time she couldnt protect one of her fellow activists. More than a decade ago, in April 2012, another BGIWF leader, Aminul Islamno relationthen 39, vanished after trying to resolve a similar dispute at a factory. His body was later discovered in the district of Tangail by police, who found evidence of torture, including smashed knees and broken toes. A coroner declared that he had bled to death. No arrests were made.

We didnt get justice for that, Akter said, who spent hours with other BGIWF members filing a case with Gazipur police. If we cannot stop this, then we all have to face the same fate. We really need justice. Why do we have to die?

Nandalal Chowdhury, a police inspector in Gazipur told the Dhaka Tribune that legal action in this regard is under process.

Abu Ubaida, managing director at the factory, said there was a delay of payment but that it has cleared all unpaid wages, including Eid bonus, according to the rules of law enforcement agencies and district administration. He blamed this on buyers who were tardy with their own payments.

He also denied that management was responsible for Islams death.

Prince Jacquard Sweater[s] owner and/or authority is not involved in such matter, he told Sourcing Journal. We came to know about the incident later from the news. The incident did not happen near the factory premises rather it happened in a different area outside of Prince Jacquard Sweater. Police is still on the case and investigating.

Ubaida suggested that internal conflict could be the impetus for the attack, noting the presence of at least 30 workers organizations in Gazipur.

Since a conclusive report from the police is yet to be published regarding the death of Shahidul Islam Shahid, Prince Jacquard Sweater shall not tolerate any such defamation regarding this matter, he added.

Prince Jacquard Sweater describes itself on its website as a 100 percent export-oriented facility that specializes in a fully computerized sweater solution. Available import data reveals that more recent buyers include Global Fashion Icon and N.E. Brands, though they could not be reached for comment.

The factory does not appear on the membership lists of either the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers Export Association (BGMEA) or the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers Export Association (BKMEA). While neither group replied to emails, Faruque Hassan, president of the BGMEA, told local media that Islam will be remembered forever for his work. He also urged punishment for those responsible for his death.

Bangladeshs industrial police reported this week that more than 46 percent of nearly 10,000 factories in seven areas, including Ashulia, Gazipur, Narayanganj, and Chattogram, have yet to pay their workers their Eid bonuses as of Sunday. More than 300 of them have yet to compensate their employees for the month of May, they said.

Clean Clothes Campaign learned of the horrific news of the brutal murder of Shahidul Islam, a union leader who was beaten to death on June 25th for his labour rights activism in Gazipur, Bangladesh. Read our statement here: https://t.co/IHwP8PWfln pic.twitter.com/7miOzwxYKp  Clean Clothes Campaign (@cleanclothes) June 28, 2023

The BGMEA told the Industrial Standard that nearly 98.5 percent of its members paid May wages for May and more than 70 percent have shelled out Eid bonuses.

Due to low export earnings owing to the global economic crisis, manufacturers are in a severe financial crisis. That is why our payment [from buyers] is being delayed, said Shahidullah Azim, vice president of the BGMEA. We have set up four teams to monitor the situation and are also working to arrange the cash. We believe most of the factories will clear all dues within 27 June.

Atle Hie, general secretary of IndustriALL Global Union, called the murder another stark reminder of labor conditions in Bangladesh, where freedom of association and collective bargaining are deteriorating and workers are desperate for an increase in the minimum wage. Unionization rates in the worlds second-largest clothing exporter after China are strikingly low. Just slightly over 5 percent of the countrys 4.1 million garment workers are members of a union.

When people are killed for exercising their constitutional right to organize, we are seeing government and employers at their weakest and most dangerous, he said. It is the responsibility of the Bangladesh government to investigate the crime and to bring the perpetrators to trial to face the legal consequences.

The Clean Clothes Campaign, the network of garment industry unions to which BGIWF belongs, said that it joins with all those who grieve Islams loss.

We also stand in solidarity with BGIWF, all those who fight to exercise their rights to freedom of association and the many workers and union members who continue putting themselves at risk to defend workers rights and safety in factories across Bangladesh, said Ineke Zeldenrust, its international coordinator.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Labors Bureau of International Labor Affairs also weighed in, writing on Twitter that it condemns Islams murder. We call for a thorough and independent investigation and for the protection and advancement of union leaders human and labor rights, it said.

The worlds largest trade union federation, whose Global Rights Index rates Bangladesh among the 10 worst countries for working people, with no guarantee of human rights, called on brands sourcing from factories in Bangladesh to conduct human rights due diligence in their supply chains.

The brands must use their leverage to ensure respect for human rights and international labour standards in law and practice, said Luc Triangle, acting secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation, which will be publishing the latest version of its index on Friday. There is no excuse for doing business with anyone who doesnt respect basic rights, such as the right to freedom of association. They must hold to account their suppliers for their respect of workers rights.

Click here to read the full article.
Bryan Kohberger was convicted of theft nine years before he allegedly brutally stabbed four University of Idaho students to death in an off-campus home in Moscow, it has now been revealed.

Court records, obtained by ABC News, show Mr Kohberger was arrested and charged with stealing his sisters cellphone in 2014 not long after he had left rehab for drug abuse treatment.

When confronted by his father Michael over the theft, Mr Kohberger chillingly warned him not to do anything stupid, according to the court records. It was his father who then reported the incident to the police.

The revelation came as the 28-year-old PhD student appeared in court on Tuesday, as his defence began its fight for his life.

Dressed in a suit and tie, the accused killer showed no emotion as he sat with his attorneys while several motions were presented to the judge.

Mr Kohbergers attorneys said they were not on a fishing expedition, but noted that they need prosecutors to hand over more evidence so they can build his defence.

On Monday, prosecutors announced they plan to seek the death penalty over the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle.

Key points

Bryan Kohberger to appear in court today

Prosecutors seek death penalty against Bryan Kohberger

Bryan Kohberger claims DNA from three other men found at scene of Idaho murders

Judge agrees to narrow but not lift gag order in University of Idaho student slayings case

09:00 , Andrea Blanco

An Idaho judge has denied a request from roughly two dozen news organizations to lift a gag order in the criminal case of a man accused of stabbing four University of Idaho students to death. The judge did, however, significantly narrow the gag order in response to the news organizations concerns.

The ruling was handed down late Friday afternoon.

In it, 2nd District Judge John Judge said it was legally prudent to restrict attorneys from making some statements about the case in order to preserve Bryan Kohbergers right to a fair trial. Still, Judge also said the original gag order  which also barred law enforcement officers and other people tangentially related to the case from speaking to the press  was arguably overbroad and vague in some areas.

Story continues

Kohberger, 28, is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and burglary in connection with the stabbing deaths in Moscow, Idaho. Prosecutors have yet to reveal if they intend to seek the death penalty.

The bodies of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were found on Nov. 13, 2022, at a rental home across the street from the University of Idaho campus. The slayings shocked the rural Idaho community and neighboring Pullman, Washington, where Kohberger was a graduate student studying criminology at Washington State University.

Bryan Kohbergers father called police on accused Idaho killer nine years before murders

08:00 , Andrea Blanco

Bryan Kohbergers father called the police on his son nine years before his son allegedly murdered four University of Idaho students in a shocking knife attack that has horrified America.

Court records, newly obtained by ABC News, reveal that Mr Kohberger was arrested and charged with stealing one of his sister Melissas cellphones back in 2014.

The Independents Rachel Sharp reports:

Bryan Kohbergers father called police on him nine years before Idaho murders

Four students stabbed to death, a weeks-long manhunt and still no motive: What we know about the Idaho murders

07:00 , Andrea Blanco

As the sole suspect in the stabbings of four Idaho students returns to court to face murder charges, Andrea Blanco, Rachel Sharp and Sheila Flynn report on the case in small town Idaho that has shocked America:

What to know about Idaho murders and suspect Bryan Kohberger

Cleaning company returns personal items to families of Idaho murders victims

06:00 , Andrea Blanco

A cleaning company is back at the crime scene where four University of Idaho students were murdered last year.

A large truck was seen on Tuesday (27 June) at the Moscow three-storey home where Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were murdered last November as the process continues to return their personal belongings to their loved ones.

Earlier reports said that the house, which now belongs to the University of Idaho, would be demolished sometime this summer.

The cleaning company tasked with removing all the items inside the home ahead of a demolition told CourtTV in a statement that a timeline has not been laid out, but staff remains in touch with family members during the process that may take several weeks.

We are beginning remediation with the removal of all the personal items for the families to receive, as they wish. This will take several weeks. No date set for demolition, the statement read.

Father of Idaho murder victim reacts to prosecutors seeking death penalty in Bryan Kohberger case

05:00 , Andrea Blanco

The father of a murdered University of Idaho student has welcomed news from prosecutors that the state will be seeking the death penalty against the sole suspect in the case.

Seven months after Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were found stabbed to death in their off-campus residence, Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson filed a notice of his intent to seek the death penalty against their alleged killer, Bryan Kohberger.

Read more:

Kaylee Goncalves father reacts to state seeking death penalty in murder case

Idaho prosecutor asks for funding hike to process Bryan Kohberger trial

04:00 , Andrea Blanco

An Idaho prosecutor has asked for a large funding increase to help cover the expenses it will cost to put quadruple murder suspect Bryan Kohberger on trial.

The Latah County Prosecutors Office asked commissioners to provide $135,000 for trial expenses, a significant increase from the normal $15,000 budget, reported The Lewiston Tribune.

Mr Kohberger has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary for the brutal November stabbing deaths of University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin.

He remains in Latah County Jail with his trial expected to take place between 2 October and 12 November.

Mr Kohberger chose to remain silent during his 22 May arraignment hearing and Latah County District Judge John Judge entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf.

Xana Kernodles family is calling on the community to have fun on what would have been her 21st birthday

03:00 , Andrea Blanco

My sister, Xana Kernodle was born on July 5th, 2002 making this year her 21st birthday. We hope to celebrate #xanapalooza this year and every year by being silly, having fun, getting out of our comfort zones, and loving life like she did each day, her sister Jazzmin wrote on Facebook.

She had the most love for living each day to the fullest, creating memories, gaining new experiences, being silly, and of course all those who surrounded her. Help us celebrate #xanapalooza and honor Xana for her 21st birthday on July 5th by doing something fun, new and spontaneous!

Xana Kernodles sister Jazzmin Kernodle posted this on Facebook (Jazzmin Kernodle/Facebook)

Idaho prosecutors seek death penalty against college murders suspect Bryan Kohberger

02:00 , Andrea Blanco

Prosecutors in Idaho are seeking the death penalty against Bryan Kohberger, the 28-year-old criminal justice graduate accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in a brutal knife attack that shocked America.

Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson filed a notice of his intent to seek the death penalty in court in Moscow, Idaho, on Monday, citing five aggravating circumstances that could warrant the maximum sentence of capital punishment being sought.

These circumstances include that the murder was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel, manifesting exceptional depravity and that the defendant showed utter disregard for human life.

The State gives this notice based on the fact that it has not identified or been provided with any mitigating circumstances sufficient to prohibit the triers of fact from considering all penalties authorized by the Idaho legislature including the possibility of a capital sentence, prosecutors wrote in the filing.

Consequently, considering all evidence currently known to the State, the State is compelled to file this notice of intent to seek the death penalty.

Bryan Kohberger claims DNA from three other men found at scene of Idaho murders

01:00 , Andrea Blanco

Accused killer Bryan Kohberger has insisted he has no connection to the four slain University of Idaho students and has claimed that DNA from three other unidentified men was also found at the grisly crime scene.

Court documents, filed by attorneys for the 28-year-old PhD student last week, argue that DNA from two other men was also found inside the off-campus student home in Moscow, Idaho.

The Independents Rachel Sharp reports:

Bryan Kohberger claims DNA from three other men found at scene of Idaho murders

DNA on knife sheath links Bryan Kohberger to Idaho murder site, court documents claim

Tuesday 27 June 2023 23:30 , Andrea Blanco

DNA from the cheek swab of the man charged with the slaying of four Idaho university students last year has been found to be a statistical match to that found on the knife sheath at the crime scene, according to a new court filing.

Bryan Kohberger, 28, is charged with killing Ethan Chapin, 20, Xana Kernodle, 20, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, and Madison Maddie Mogen, 21, in the early hours of 13 November 2022.

A new court filing by Latah County prosecutors revealed the details to the public for the first time, shedding light on the investigative methods used by the FBI to zero in on the prime suspect in the case.

A police affidavit previously connected Mr Kohbergers DNA with the DNA found on the knife sheath retrieved from the scene of the crime.

It has been revealed that a short tandem repeat (STR) was developed using the evidence found on the knife sheath. The process involved looking at 20 regions within human DNA, allowing law enforcement to make a direct comparison between two STR DNA profiles.

Prosecution to turn evidence by 14 July, judge rules

Tuesday 27 June 2023 22:20 , Andrea Blanco

Mr Kohbergers defence requested to gain access to evidence reviewed by the grand jury that indicted him on four counts of murder and one of count burglary. The attorneys said they were not on a fishing expedition, but that they needed the material in order to build a strong case for their client.

Among the evidence requested by the defence are the training records of three police officers who interviewed critical witnesses, information about the FBI team leading the criminal probe, and background on the tip that led to the search for Mr Kohbergers white Hyundai.

There is a heightened standard now that the State has announced its intent to seek the death penalty... and these are very relevant pieces of information, Mr Kohbergers defence said, according to DailyMail.com.

State prosecutors rebutted that most of those materials have already been made available to the defence, while noting that the officers training records do not pertain to the case. Judge John Judge said that the materials must be turned in to the defence by 14 July.

Defence says theyre not on a fishing expedition

Tuesday 27 June 2023 21:59 , Andrea Blanco

According to DailyMail.com reporters in the courtroom, the defence argued during Tuesdays court hearing that theyre not on a fishing expedition but believe that their client deserves to gain access to certain materials in order to build a strong defence.

Cleaning company back at victims home

Tuesday 27 June 2023 21:09 , Andrea Blanco

The residence where the murders took place is now owned by the University of Idaho.

According to CourtTV, the cleaning company is back at the scene.

Truck seen at Idaho murders house

Tuesday 27 June 2023 20:52 , Andrea Blanco

According to Fox News correspondent Matt Finn, a truck backed right up to the front door of the home with a tarp covering.

New photos: large truck at Idaho murder house. Backed right up to the front door with tarp covering. pic.twitter.com/LbkhrGyLAn  Matt Finn (@MattFinnFNC) June 27, 2023

Who is Bryan Kohberger?

Tuesday 27 June 2023 20:23 , Andrea Blanco

Bryan Kohberger became a household name across America when police swooped on his parents home in December and arrested him for the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students.

Since then, people from Mr Kohbergers past  though shocked  have built a picture of a bullied loner who overcame addiction. Meanwhile, fellow students from his time just over the Idaho border into Washington describe a criminology zealot who creeped people out.

With the 28-year-old now facing the death penalty in the case, The Independent asks: Who really is Bryan Kohberger?

The Independents Sheila Flynn has more

Who is Bryan Kohberger?

Bryan Kohberger to appear in court at 1.30pm PT today

Tuesday 27 June 2023 19:52 , Andrea Blanco

Bryan Kohberger is scheduled to appear in court today for the murders of four University of Idaho students in Moscow, Idaho.

The 28-year-old criminology PhD student will appear in Latah County Court in Moscow, Idaho, at 1.30pm local time on Tuesday afternoon where Judge John Judge will hear arguments on several motions in the case.

In recent court filings, Mr Kohbergers attorneys have asked the court to order prosecutors to turn over more evidence about the DNA tying him to the crime scene as well as information about the grand jury which returned an indictment against him.

In one filing, submitted last week, the accused killer insisted he has no connection to the four slain students and claimed that DNA from three other unidentified men was also found at the grisly crime scene.

The judge will hear arguments about the various motions on Tuesday.

ICYMI: What to expect from todays hearing?

Tuesday 27 June 2023 19:32 , Andrea Blanco

Four things will be discussed in todays hearing

- Defences motion to compel

- Defences motion to make available records of all proceedings of the grand jury

- Defences motion requesting release of grand jury materials under protective order

- Defences motion to stay proceedings

WATCH: Idaho victim's mother explains why she will not attend Bryan Kohberger's trial

Tuesday 27 June 2023 18:25 , Andrea Blanco

Bryan Kohbergers father called police on accused Idaho killer nine years before murders

Tuesday 27 June 2023 18:05 , Andrea Blanco

Bryan Kohbergers father called the police on his son nine years before he allegedly murdered four University of Idaho students in a shocking knife attack that has horrified America.

Court records, newly obtained by ABC News, reveal that Mr Kohberger was arrested and charged with stealing one of his sister Melissas cellphones back in 2014.

The Independents Rachel Sharp reports:

Bryan Kohbergers father called police on him nine years before Idaho murders

Who are the victims?

Tuesday 27 June 2023 17:44 , Andrea Blanco

Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen, both 21, were seniors at the University of Idaho and were expected to graduate this year.

At a vigil weeks after the murders, Goncalves father Steve Goncalves told how the two absolutely beautiful young women first met in sixth grade and became inseparable.

They just found each other and every day they did homework together, they came to our house together, they shared everything, he said at the time. Then they started looking at colleges, they came here together. They eventually get into the same apartment together.

And in the end, they died together, in the same room, in the same bed.

Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were juniors at the college and had begun dating months before their deaths. They were both 20.

Six months after the stabbings, the families of the slain students accepted posthumous awards for their achievements.

Mogen and Goncalves relatives walked across the stage for their degrees in an emotional ceremony on 13 May. Kernodles family also accepted her certificate in marketing at a separate ceremony while Chapins award in sports, recreation and management was mailed to his parents.

Xana Kernodles family is calling on the community to 'have fun on what would have been her 21st birthday

Tuesday 27 June 2023 17:25 , Andrea Blanco

My sister, Xana Kernodle was born on July 5th, 2002 making this year her 21st birthday. We hope to celebrate #xanapalooza this year and every year by being silly, having fun, getting out of our comfort zones, and loving life like she did each day, her sister Jazzmin wrote on Facebook.

She had the most love for living each day to the fullest, creating memories, gaining new experiences, being silly, and of course all those who surrounded her. Help us celebrate #xanapalooza and honor Xana for her 21st birthday on July 5th by doing something fun, new and spontaneous!

Xana Kernodles sister Jazzmin Kernodle posted this on Facebook (Jazzmin Kernodle/Facebook)

WATCH: Police bodycam shows Bryan Kohberger being pulled over in Hyundai Elantra

Tuesday 27 June 2023 17:08 , Andrea Blanco

Court to hear defences arguments

Tuesday 27 June 2023 16:43 , Andrea Blanco

In court on Tuesday, Judge John Judge will hear arguments on the defences request for a stay of proceedings.

Bryan Kohbergers defence filed the motion for a stay earlier this month, arguing that the case should be put on hold until the matter of the grand jury record is resolved in court.

Mr Kohberger is seeking the complete record of the grand jury proceedings from prosecutors, arguing it is crucial to him fighting the indictment against him.

A stay of proceedings is where a court stops or suspends case proceedings or a trial either temporarily or indefinitely.

Father of Idaho murder victims reacts to prosecutors seeking death penalty in Bryan Kohberger case

Tuesday 27 June 2023 16:21 , Andrea Blanco

Prosecutors in Idaho announced on Monday that they are seeking the death penalty against Bryan Kohberger, the 28-year-old criminal justice graduate accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in a brutal knife attack that shocked America.

Reacting to the news, Kaylee Goncalves father Steve Goncalves said he was relieved.

Im glad that were in a situation of strength and the evidence is there and we feel that we can, they can go forward with this, Mr Goncalves told NBC News.

Judge agrees to narrow but not lift gag order

Tuesday 27 June 2023 16:00 , Andrea Blanco

An Idaho judge has denied a request from roughly two dozen news organizations to lift a gag order in the criminal case of a man accused of stabbing four University of Idaho students to death. The judge did, however, significantly narrow the gag order in response to the news organizations concerns.

The ruling was handed down late Friday afternoon.

In it, 2nd District Judge John Judge said it was legally prudent to restrict attorneys from making some statements about the case in order to preserve Bryan Kohbergers right to a fair trial. Still, Judge also said the original gag order  which also barred law enforcement officers and other people tangentially related to the case from speaking to the press  was arguably overbroad and vague in some areas.

Kohberger, 28, is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and burglary in connection with the stabbing deaths in Moscow, Idaho. Prosecutors have yet to reveal if they intend to seek the death penalty.

ICYMI: This is whats on todays agenda for Bryan Kohbergers hearing

Tuesday 27 June 2023 15:39 , Andrea Blanco

Four things will be discussed in todays hearing

- Defences motion to compel

- Defences motion to make available records of all proceedings of the grand jury

- Defences motion requesting release of grand jury materials under protective order

- Defences motion to stay proceedings

Brutal stabbings, a white Hyundai Elantra and a criminology student

Tuesday 27 June 2023 15:20 , Andrea Blanco

Its now seven months since four University of Idaho students were found stabbed to death in Moscow.

Heres everything thats happened so far.

The Independents Io Dodds reports:

Idaho murders case timeline

Bryan Kohberger was arrested for robbery in 2014

Tuesday 27 June 2023 15:00 , Andrea Blanco

Records obtained by ABC News show that Mr Kohberger was arrested allegedly for stealing his sisters cellphone.

Mr Kohberger reportedly paid $20 to a friend so he could take him to the mall, where he sold the phone for $200. He had just recently been discharged from a rehab centre where he received treatment for his addiction.

His father was the one to file the report with police after Mr Koberger reportedly warned him not to do anything stupid.

Idaho prosecutors seeking death penalty in quadruple murders case

Tuesday 27 June 2023 14:40 , Andrea Blanco

Prosecutors in Idaho are seeking the death penalty against Bryan Kohberger, the 28-year-old criminal justice graduate accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in a brutal knife attack that shocked America.

Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson filed a notice of his intent to seek the death penalty in court in Moscow, Idaho, on Monday, citing five aggravating circumstances that could warrant the maximum sentence of capital punishment being sought.

These circumstances include that the murder was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel, manifesting exceptional depravity and that the defendant showed utter disregard for human life.

What we know about Idaho murders case

Tuesday 27 June 2023 14:02 , Rachel Sharp

The murder of four college students in the quiet town of Moscow, Idaho, last November unravelled a months-long investigation that is now headed to trial.

Prosecutors have announced their intentions to seek the death penalty in the case.

And on Tuesday, the accused killer is appearing back in Latah County Court where Judge John Judge will hear arguments on several motions filed by the defence including asking the court to order prosecutors to turn over more evidence about the DNA tying Mr Kohberger to the murders and details about the grand jury which returned an indictment against him.

Here, The Independent takes a deep dive into the key developments in the complex case:

What to know about Idaho murders and suspect Bryan Kohberger

The Idaho murders victims:

Tuesday 27 June 2023 13:35 , Rachel Sharp

Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen, both 21, were seniors at the University of Idaho and were expected to graduate this year.

At a vigil weeks after the murders, Goncalves father Steve Goncalves told how the two absolutely beautiful young women first met in sixth grade and became inseparable.

They just found each other and every day they did homework together, they came to our house together, they shared everything, he said at the time. Then they started looking at colleges, they came here together. They eventually get into the same apartment together.

And in the end, they died together, in the same room, in the same bed.

Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were juniors at the college and had begun dating months before their deaths. They were both 20.

Six months after the stabbings, the families of the slain students accepted posthumous awards for their achievements.

Mogen and Goncalves relatives walked across the stage for their degrees in an emotional ceremony on 13 May. Kernodles family also accepted her certificate in marketing at a separate ceremony while Chapins award in sports, recreation and management was mailed to his parents.

Ethan Chapin, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, took this photo together hours before they died (Instagram/Kaylee Goncalves)

Who is Bryan Kohberger? The criminology graduate charged with the Idaho college murders

Tuesday 27 June 2023 13:16 , Rachel Sharp

Bryan Kohberger became a household name across America when police swooped on his parents home in December and arrested him for the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students.

Mr Kohberger, then a PhD criminology student at Washington State University, was accused of stabbing to death Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin in an off-campus student rental home in Moscow, Idaho, on 13 November.

The victims loved ones and those following developments in the quadruple murder case went from weeks of near-silence from law enforcement to the bombshell news of the accused killers arrest six weeks later.

Since then, people from Mr Kohbergers past  though shocked  have built a picture of a bullied loner who overcame addiction. Meanwhile, fellow students from his time just over the Idaho border into Washington describe a criminology zealot who creeped people out.

With the 28-year-old now facing the death penalty in the case, The Independent asks: Who really is Bryan Kohberger?

The Independents Sheila Flynn has more:

Who is Bryan Kohberger?

Court today: Bryan Kohberger seeks stay of proceedings

Tuesday 27 June 2023 12:50 , Rachel Sharp

In court on Tuesday, Judge John Judge will hear arguments on the defences request for a stay of proceedings.

Bryan Kohbergers defence filed the motion for a stay earlier this month, arguing that the case should be put on hold until the matter of the grand jury record is resolved in court.

Mr Kohberger is seeking the complete record of the grand jury proceedings from prosecutors, arguing it is crucial to him fighting the indictment against him.

A stay of proceedings is where a court stops or suspends case proceedings or a trial either temporarily or indefinitely.

Brutal stabbings, a white Hyundai Elantra and a criminology student: Timeline of the Idaho college murders

Tuesday 27 June 2023 12:24 , Rachel Sharp

Last November, four University of Idaho students were found stabbed to death at a rental house in Moscow, mere hours after posting smiling photographs together on Instagram.

The case shocked the small college town and drew media attention from across the world, yet for nearly seven weeks there appeared to be no suspect in the case.

Then, on 30 December, Bryan Kohberger  a PhD student in criminology at Washington State University (WSU)  was suddenly arrested and charged with their murders.

Read the full timeline of the case here:

Idaho murders case timeline

Xana Kernodles family calls on people to have fun on what would be 21st birthday

Tuesday 27 June 2023 12:05 , Rachel Sharp

Xana Kernodles family is calling on the community to have fun in memory of the murdered student to mark what would have been her 21st birthday.

My sister, Xana Kernodle was born on July 5th, 2002 making this year her 21st birthday. We hope to celebrate #xanapalooza this year and every year by being silly, having fun, getting out of our comfort zones, and loving life like she did each day, her sister Jazzmin wrote on Facebook.

She had the most love for living each day to the fullest, creating memories, gaining new experiences, being silly, and of course all those who surrounded her. Help us celebrate #xanapalooza and honor Xana for her 21st birthday on July 5th by doing something fun, new and spontaneous!

Xana Kernodles sister Jazzmin Kernodle posted this on Facebook (Jazzmin Kernodle/Facebook)

What to expect in court today:

Tuesday 27 June 2023 11:46 , Rachel Sharp

Bryan Kohbergers court hearing will begin at 1.30pm local time on Tuesday.

There are four items on the agenda:

- Defences motion to compel

- Defences motion to make available records of all proceedings of the grand jury

- Defences motion requesting release of grand jury materials under protective order

- Defences motion to stay proceedings

ICYMI: Judge keeps gag order in place in Idaho murders case

Tuesday 27 June 2023 11:20 , Rachel Sharp

Last week, the judge ruled to keep the gag order in place in the case  but narrowed its scope, agreeing with a media coalition and attorneys for Goncalves family that the original order was too broad.

The ruling was handed down late Friday afternoon.

In it, 2nd District Judge John Judge said it was legally prudent to restrict attorneys from making some statements about the case in order to preserve Bryan Kohbergers right to a fair trial.

The judge said the gag order served a legitimate purpose and the very limited incidental effects of the speech restrictions on the medias First Amendment rights are overridden by the compelling interest in ensuring fair trial by an impartial jury.

Still, Judge also said the original gag order  which also barred law enforcement officers and other people tangentially related to the case from speaking to the press  was arguably overbroad and vague in some areas.

The new gag order  formally called a nondissemination order  now prohibits any attorneys representing parties, victims or witnesses in the case from making statements that could have a substantial likelihood of materially prejudicing or otherwise influencing the outcome of the case.

Bryan Kohberger claims DNA from three other men found at scene of Idaho murders

Tuesday 27 June 2023 11:00 , Rachel Sharp

Accused killer Bryan Kohberger has insisted he has no connection to the four slain University of Idaho students and has claimed that DNA from three other unidentified men was also found at the grisly crime scene.

Court documents, filed by attorneys for the 28-year-old PhD student last week, argue that DNA from two other men was also found inside the off-campus student home in Moscow, Idaho.

DNA from a third unknown man was also found on a glove found outside the property on 20 November  one week on from the murders, the documents state.

The Independents Rachel Sharp has the full story:

Bryan Kohberger claims DNA from three other men found at scene of Idaho murders

What have the victims families said about the death penalty?

Tuesday 27 June 2023 10:50 , Rachel Sharp

The parents of one of the four murdered University of Idaho students have previously spoken out to say that they would support the death penalty for her killer.

Kaylee Goncalves parents Steve and Kristi Goncalves told NewsNation in January that they were glad they live in a state where capital punishment is legal.

Were glad that we live in Idaho, said Ms Goncalves.

Mr Goncalves said: If our daughters could switch places with him  and Im saying Maddie [Mogen, Kaylees friend since sixth grade] as my daughter  wed do it in a heartbeat.

If they could sit there and have three squares [a reference to prison meals], a place to live, we could call them, we could write them letters, they could watch TV, they could get educated.

Ms Goncalves added: I would love if Maddie and Kaylee were doing life in prison right now. At least we could talk to them.

Idaho prosecutors seek death penalty against Bryan Kohberger

Tuesday 27 June 2023 10:40 , Rachel Sharp

Prosecutors in Idaho are seeking the death penalty against Bryan Kohberger, the 28-year-old criminal justice graduate accused of murdering four University of Idaho students in a brutal knife attack that shocked America.

Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson filed a notice of his intent to seek the death penalty in court in Moscow, Idaho, on Monday, citing five aggravating circumstances that could warrant the maximum sentence of capital punishment being sought.

These circumstances include that the murder was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel, manifesting exceptional depravity and that the defendant showed utter disregard for human life.

Read the full story here:

Idaho seeks death penalty against college murders suspect Bryan Kohberger

Bryan Kohberger to appear in court today

Tuesday 27 June 2023 10:30 , Rachel Sharp

Bryan Kohberger is scheduled to appear in court today for the murders of four University of Idaho students in Moscow, Idaho.

The 28-year-old criminology PhD student will appear in Latah County Court in Moscow, Idaho, at 1.30pm local time on Tuesday afternoon where Judge John Judge will hear arguments on several motions in the case.

In recent court filings, Mr Kohbergers attorneys have asked the court to order prosecutors to turn over more evidence about the DNA tying him to the crime scene as well as information about the grand jury which returned an indictment against him.

In one filing, submitted last week, the accused killer insisted he has no connection to the four slain students and claimed that DNA from three other unidentified men was also found at the grisly crime scene.

The judge will hear arguments about the various motions on Tuesday.

Welcome to The Independents liveblog

Tuesday 27 June 2023 10:25 , Rachel Sharp

Follow all the latest updates on Bryan Kohbergers case
The Ferretti Group announced that it will be listed on the Milan-based stock exchange, the Euronext Milan, along with its current listing on the Hong Kong exchange. The group owns the luxury yacht marques Riva, Pershing, Custom Line, Ferretti Yachts, Itama, and the custom superyacht brand CRN.

The company celebrated the listing by positioning a Riva Anniversario outside the stock-exchange building in Milans Piazza Affari. Ferretti CEO Alberto Galassi said his company was the first and only Group in the worldand not just in the luxury yacht industryto achieve this double listing in Asia and Europe.

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On June 21, Ferretti started taking stock orders from investors in anticipation of the listing. The company, which is controlled by Chinese conglomerate Weichai Group, sold 97 million existing shares, or about 28.7 percent of its share capital, to investors.

Ferretti CEO Alberto Galassi in front of the Milan stock exchange following its listing on the Euronext Milan.

Ferretti completed its initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong just over a year ago. In 2018, it attempted a similar IPO on the Milan exchange but had to scuttle it due to a lack of investor appetite.

The dual listing is expected to provide growth capital moving forward as Ferretti continues to pursue an ambitious growth agenda that started shortly after Galassi became CEO in 2014. Its new launches were particularly strong during the pandemic: Ferretti grew the number of models across its different brands to 54 last year, up from 42 in 2021.

Recent launches include the Custom Line Navetta 38, Pershing GTX116, Ferretti Yachts 580, wallypower58X, and Wallywhy150. It also presented the first model of its new InFYnito range, the InFYnito 90, last January.

The interior of the Pershing GTX116, one of the groups recent launches.

In May, the company reported an order backlog of $1.64 billion (1.5 billion euros), with an order intake of $337 million (or 307.5 million euros) for the first three months of the year. Ferretti said yacht orders rose 15.4 percent for its first quarter compared to the same period a year earlier, mostly on international orders.

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The group also plans to launch multiple boats this year at the Cannes and Monaco Yacht shows, though it has yet to release the specific models.

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Click here to read the full article.
Baron Funds, an investment management company, released its Baron Real Estate Fund first quarter 2023 investor letter. A copy of the same can be downloaded here. In the first quarter, the fund rose 7.07% (Institutional Shares) compared to a 2.39% return for the MSCI US REIT Index (the REIT Index) and a 4.73% return for the MSCI USA IMI Extended Real Estate Index (the MSCI Real Estate Index). The firm is optimistic about the prospects for the stock market, public real estate securities, and the fund. In addition, please check the funds top five holdings to know its best picks in 2023.

Baron Real Estate Fund highlighted stocks like MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) in the first quarter 2023 investor letter. Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) owns and operates casino, hotel, and entertainment resorts. On June 27, 2023, MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) stock closed at $42.44 per share. One-month return of MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) was 8.02%, and its shares gained 45.49% of their value over the last 52 weeks. MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) has a market capitalization of $15.44 billion.

Baron Real Estate Fund made the following comment about MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) in its first quarter 2023 investor letter:

"MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) is a leading global casino and entertainment company with 29 unique hotels and casinos including some of the most recognizable resort brands such as Bellagio, MGM Grand, ARIA, and Park MGM. At its recent price of only $44 per share, we believe MGMs domestic valuation is compelling at a sizeable discount to our estimate of the companys sum-of-the-parts value of approximately $60 per share. MGM Resorts International is a global casino and entertainment company that has properties in Las Vegas, high-end U.S. regional destinations, and Macau. Shares performed well in the first quarter following strong year-end business results and expectations for strong growth in 2023. We remain optimistic about the prospects for MGM because: We expect growth prospects in Las Vegas, which represent approximately 65% of the companys cash flow, to remain strong due to strength in business group and convention activity, an increase in international visitation, and events throughout the calendar year (concerts, shows, and sports such as Formula 1 racing), which should appeal to leisure travelers (Click here to read the full text)

Copyright: sainaniritu / 123RF Stock Photo

MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 54 hedge fund portfolios held MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) at the end of first quarter 2023 which was 48 in the previous quarter.

We discussed MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) in another article and shared Longleaf Partners Fund's views on the company. In addition, please check out our hedge fund investor letters Q1 2023 page for more investor letters from hedge funds and other leading investors.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
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An entrepreneur from Southern California was recently shot in the leg after she found herself caught in the middle of a drive-by shooting in San Francisco.

What happened: Winnie Goh, founder of dog accessory company & Mutts Co., took to Instagram on Saturday to write about the incident that reportedly occurred while she was driving at around 7:20 p.m. on June 11, describing it as one of the most traumatic experiences she has ever faced.

"Not even within one minute of me driving, I caught myself in the middle of a drive-by shooting," she recounted. "I heard multiple gunshots in front of me, and as I looked to my left, I saw a car with a gun sticking out."





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Total shock: Goh said she felt a sharp pain in her leg and noticed blood, then realized that she had been shot.

X-rays later revealed that a bullet had entered her leg, leaving bullet fragments "dispersed throughout her body" and causing a fracture.

Under investigation: Goh, who is from Rancho Cucamonga, was reportedly driving down Geneva Street to see a friend at the time of the incident.

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The case is still being investigated by the San Francisco Police Department, and no arrests have been made as of this writing.

In recovery: Despite the distressing incident, doctors informed Goh that she is healing normally and will recover soon.

Reflecting on the incident, Goh expressed gratitude for being "really lucky to survive" and the support she has received from her friends and family during her challenging time.

Story continues

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"When I think about this situation as a whole, I feel like I was really lucky to have my friends and family showing me so much support," she shared. They've been showering me with so much love."

Embracing positivity: Goh tells NextShark that in a bid to turn the experience into something positive, she is giving away handcrafted toys from her company to doctors, nurses, EMTs, police officers and firefighters.

"Im gifting first responders dog toys in a way to say thank you to them. Im so grateful for what they do and they deserve the recognition!"

Those who want to claim their gifts may send their requests via DM and present proof that they are indeed first responders.
Memorial on Mount Everest

Its in our nature as humans to want to explore and venture out to the ends of the earth. From skydiving and scuba diving to climbing the highest mountain in the world, adventure is a natural state of human curiosity, and rightfully so as there is still so much we dont know about our planet. Perhaps this is why, every year, thousands of people are called to Mount Everest, one of the worlds highest and most famous mountains totaling a stunning 29,032 feet above sea level. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is certainly at the top of many adventurers bucket lists, despite the many risks that are involved. And though we have a natural inclination to venture into unknown and exciting territory, the dangers of mother nature come to play, resulting in serious injuries and even death while exploring natures terrain.

While adventure brings a sense of excitement and even purpose to most, theres always a tragically alluring factor surrounding the risk of life and death, where in most cases, our explorative personalities can get the better of us. In this instance, the tragically alluring factor of climbing the tallest mountain in the world has resulted in a puzzling amount of deaths. So with that being said, how many people have actually died climbing the tallest mountain in the world? Ahead, weve broken down the statistics of deaths, what makes this climb so dangerous, and everything else you need to know about climbing this skyrocketing mountain.

Where Is Mount Everest And How Do You Get There?

A part of the Himalayan mountains, Mount Everest sits along the border between Nepal and China. The peak of the mountain is shared by both countries, however, the most well-known summit route is in Nepal. To get to the mountain, climbers usually fly out from Nepals capital, Kathmandu to the small mountain town of Lukla. Known for being one of the most dangerous airports in the world, Lukla airport has a short runway, poor visibility, and high winds, making the excursion to get to Mount Everest just as risky as climbing the actual mountain itself with dozens of accidents and fatalities reported there.

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How Many People Have Died On Mount Everest?

At least 310 people have died on Mount Everest, with numbers slowly rising every year. The first death was recorded in 1953, which means that four to five people have passed each year since. And though Everest always remained a famous part of adventurers bucket lists, not many people attempted to climb it until the 90s when commercial trips started to make their way into traveling there.

On April 25th, 2015, the single deadliest day for climbing Everest, a 7.8- magnitude earthquake took the lives of 19 people. Tragedy struck again on April 14th, 2014 when an avalanche took the lives of 16 Nepali climbing guides. Ever since, the two days have gone down in history and remain a critical point to climbers deciding whether or not they want to make the trip.

What Kills Most Climbers While Climbing Everest?

On average, the causes of death while climbing Everest are due to mountain sickness, falls, avalanches, exhaustion, exposure to harsh environmental conditions, and hypothermia. Believed to be the leading cause of death while climbing, mountain sickness and exhaustion take the cake, including cardiac arrest, strokes, and even minor injuries that can gradually get worse over time if not treated. If a climber is subject to feeling fatigued or simply just falling under the weather, errors are certainly bound to happen as well resulting in potential falls and or climbing mishaps.

How Long Do Climbers Survive In The Death Zone?

Referring to the section of the mountain above 8,000 meters, the death zone is typically the area where the oxygen pressure is extremely low, resulting in an unsafe environment or humans to stay long without having an extra supply of oxygen. According to experts, its not recommended to stay more than 16 to 20 hours as other factors other than oxygen can come to play. Being exposed to high winds that can cause hypothermia, frostbite, and snow blindness is extremely high and often result in death.

Do More People Die While Ascending Or Descending Mount Everest?

Surprisingly, more deaths happen while descending than ascending Everest. Due to extreme fatigue, complacency, and harsh weather, more accidents are prone to happen. According to a study conducted in 2006, more than half the deaths that occurred on Everest happened during the descent down. New claims are stating however that climbing the mountain is now responsible for a number of fatalities. In context, Its estimated climbing the mountain takes around six weeks while descending the mountain takes only a couple of days, but overall all whether youre going up or down, the dangers of Mount Everest remain either way.

Climbing the tallest mountain in the world surely has exciting factors involved, especially ones that involve accomplishing a major life-breaking exploration moment. However, as we continue to the worlds elements, should the list of deaths for climbing the worlds tallest mountain stop future adventurers from making the trip themselves? Or should the enticing nature of exploration have no limits to ones sense of curiosity? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!
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North Korea has vowed a war of revenge against the U.S. in mass rallies attended by more than 120,000 people over the weekend, according to reports.

What happened: The rallies marked the 73rd anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War, when North Korea invaded South Korea in an attempt at unification under its command. The three-year war saw the Soviet Union and China back the North, while the U.S. and the rest of the United Nations supported the South.

Sundays 120,000 protesters included students and workers, according to state media. Photos showed them holding multiple signs, some of which translated to The whole U.S. mainland is within our shooting range and The imperialist U.S. is the destroyer of peace.

What North Korea is saying: Pyongyangs version of the Korean War paints the U.S. as responsible for provoking the conflict, which left around 2.5 million people dead.

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The rallies also came amid increased tensions in the Korean Peninsula as Pyongyang continues its weapons demonstrations while Washington and Seoul intensify joint military drills. On Sunday, state media reported that Pyongyang now has the strongest absolute weapon to punish the U.S. imperialists and the war deterrence for self-defense which no enemy dare provoke. In a separate report by its foreign ministry, the U.S. was accused of making desperate efforts to ignite a nuclear war.

Whats next: North Korea is expected to launch its first military reconnaissance satellite into orbit. It made the first attempt on May 31 but failed.

Meanwhile, U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken called South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin last week to provide updates on the outcome of his recent trip to China. The call reportedly included the issue of North Koreas increasingly destabilizing actions in the region.

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Courtesy of Phoebe Cross / Courtesy of Scarlet van Garderen

Even during the most challenging times in history, it's important to highlight those who are continuing to follow their dreams and are taking strides to make the world a better place. Each month, Seventeen is honoring young people as Voices of Change, those who are making a difference in their community and the world at large.

Content warning: This article contains references to suicide some may find upsetting. Reader discretion is advised.



On April 28, 2023, Montana became one of 19 states to ban gender-affirming, age-appropriate healthcare for transgender youth. Senate Bill 99, also known as the Youth Health Protection Act, is planned to go into effect on October 1, but two trans teens, Phoebe Cross and Scarlet van Garderen, their families, two medical providers, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Montana have filed a lawsuit to challenge this ban and protect the rights and wellbeing of trans teens and kids throughout their state.

For Phoebe, Scarlet, and trans people everywhere, gender-affirming care, which includes hormone therapy, puberty blockers, and surgical procedures, is critical in easing gender dysphoria and allows them to live as their authentic selves. Findings from the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2022 show that access to these treatments lowers rates of depression and suicidality in trans and nonbinary youth. But despite the studies that prove its mental, emotional, and social benefits, and the support from at least 30 major medical organizations, restrictions on gender-affirming care persist nationwide, eliminating access to life-saving healthcare for 30.9 percent of trans youth, the Human Rights Campaign reports.

When Governor Greg Gianforte signed SB 99 into law, Phoebe, Scarlet, and their families couldnt ignore the call to stand up and fight for the rights not only of trans people but of all vulnerable communities in their state. Phoebe had previously testified against SB 99 as it was debated in the Montana House in March, and when the ACLU declared their intent to sue, both Phoebe and Scarlet knew that joining the lawsuit was the necessary next step in ensuring this law isnt implemented.

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You cannot imagine how terrible it feels to have elected officials talking about you as if you were a monster or a pawn in some political game, Scarlet, 16, tells Seventeen. Speaking out against this extremism shows other trans people that they arent alone, they belong here as much as anyone else, and there are people standing up for them, fighting for them.

Phoebe, 15, adds,[Politicians] should have no say in what I can access and why I access it. This decision is between my parents, my medical professionals, and me. Trans rights are human rights, and for their fight against SB 99 and their commitment to amplifying the issues facing the trans community across the country, Phoebe Cross and Scarlet van Garderen are recognized as Seventeen Voices of Change.

17: What motivated you to sue Montana over its ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth?

Phoebe Cross: Senate Bill 99 is blatantly stripping me of my rights and those of other trans kids. This is a life-saving treatment that I access every day and keeps me, a lot of my friends, and many other people in my community alive. The Montana government is interfering in my decisions with my doctors and medical professionals, which is blatant government overreach. They should not be able to dictate decisions that I 'm making with medical professionals. That goes along with the consensus of every major medical association. It's incredibly unconstitutional and because of that, I am suing. I don't think this bill should pass and I think it's going to directly harm me and other trans youth.

Scarlet van Garderen: I felt like I needed to stand up for my trans peers and everybody in the state who this bill is attacking, and fight the transphobia that this bill reinforces.

17: Can you explain why the ban is not protecting trans youth, even though it claims to be?

PC: They're hiding behind the disguise of, this is to protect the children, when in fact, it's the opposite. It's going to harm children and put vulnerable communities at risk. Young trans kids are incredibly vulnerable and removing the care that keeps them safe and alive, is putting them in danger of suicide, especially. This is medical care that's been proven to reduce the rates of suicide in trans kids. It's really, really important that this ban doesn't go into effect because its ramifications will be immense.

SVG: The healthcare that the bill is trying to take away from the trans community is vital in making us feel like ourselves in our bodies. Without this care, the majority of trans youth feel like were in the wrong body. It's extremely uncomfortable and really harmful to our mental health and our overall well-being. It is hard to explain just how helpful gender-affirming care is, but it has truly been life-changing for me in such a positive way. I cannot imagine living without it, and I know many others who feel the same. I'd also like to point out that there are no other effective treatment options. They are taking away the one thing that makes life bearable.

[Editors Note: Findings from a 2022 study from the Journal of the American Medical Association found that access to gender-affirming care lowers rates of depression and risk of suicide in transgender and nonbinary youth. Similarly, a 2021 peer-reviewed study by The Trevor Project, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is significantly related to lower rates of depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts among transgender and nonbinary youth.]

17: How can others take action to help overturn this ban?

PC: The biggest thing that I recommend people do is reach out to your representatives. Their job is to represent their constituents and you are one of them, so it's very important to either share your story with them or express your support for the trans community. It's really important to help support and spread the message of trans rights, and to help push these messages that people are trying to get out, whether that's through your general community, friends, family, or over social media. Then, education. It's really important that we're educating people [on the issues facing trans people]. Educating either those around you or on social media can have a very large impact.

SVG: Share trans peoples stories, educate yourself and other people on whats happening in the trans community, and do your part to let people in high political positions know how harmful these bans are to the trans community. You can also volunteer or donate to organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union, the Human Rights Campaign, and The Trevor Project, that are fighting with us to protect trans rights. And, when you hear people spreading hate, even if they are just making a joke, let them know that it is not OK. We need all of you to stand up and be a Voice of Change.

17: What challenges have you faced in this lawsuit?

PC: The public reception of this case. While it's overwhelmingly positive, there are people who disagree with what I 'm doing. While it doesn't affect me too much, sentiments like, 'I 'm just doing this because I've been told to,' or that I've been indoctrinated, is really frustrating. Those ideologies are very harmful to trans people. The hardest part is standing my ground in my opinions and what I 'm doing. I know it's right and it doesn't matter if other people disagree with that opinion. I know that I 'm doing the right thing.

SVG: Mostly, the bill getting passed and the transphobia across the media, our state, and our legislature. It is very disheartening to hear people say things about my trans community that are just flat-out untrue and intentionally disrespectful. The hearings on this bill were especially bad. There was a trans youth in my county that attempted suicide while listening to the hearing because they just couldn't take it anymore. When a trans legislator brought this up during a later hearing, telling the House of Representatives that they would have blood on their hands if they voted for this bill, she was censured for speaking the truth because it was so awful they didn't want to hear it. So the challenge has been to keep pushing forward and not let it get me down. That isn't always easy.

[Editors Note: In April 2023, Montana House Republicans voted to censure and bar Representative Zooey Zephyr, Montanas first transgender state legislator, from the House floor after she told lawmakers theyd have blood on their hands if they voted in support of the ban on gender-affirming care for minors, according to NBC News.]

17: What has kept you motivated in this fight?

PC: My close friends are also trans. I have a ton of trans friends who access this healthcare as well, and it's very important to them. My little sister is also my greatest support during this, and I love her very much, so I 'm doing it partially for her. Even though she's not trans, I 'm setting a precedent and I want her to know that she has avenues to stand up for herself, express her opinions, and stand up for her rights.

SVG: The idea that there are people fighting for us, that support us, and the hope that we can overturn the bill and feel safe in our state.

17: What does being a Voice of Change honoree mean to you?

PC: I 'm honored. I know the other honorees, they're all really, really awesome people who have done incredible things, and being put alongside them is a really incredible opportunity. Being recognized for what I 'm doing means a lot, and with all the challenges that come with being involved with the lawsuit, any positive feedback is meaningful. Being labeled a Voice of Change is really affirming to what I 'm doing and that I am making an impact. It's hard to feel as though I can make a meaningful impact as someone who's still in school, so being able to recognize that I am making a difference means a lot.

SVG: Its a big honor. Im glad that I can use my voice to advocate for my community, spread awareness and just show how harmful this bill is. Im glad that I can use my voice to help change things.

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Home goods player Berkshire Blanket & Home Company was hit with a class-action lawsuit claiming its EcoSoft blankets are misrepresented as sustainable.

The lawsuit filed on Friday in a district court for Massachusetts, where Berkshire is headquartered, takes issue with marketing claims that the 100 percent polyester blanket in question is for the planet and uses half the water.

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It is unclear whether this references half of the water of competitors, half the water it previously used, or some other half, according to the 46-page complaint listing Malachi Woodiwiss, Tyler Bennett, Eric Patton, Aimen Halim, and Ashia Jones as lead plaintiffs. This could still be a substantial amount of water with significant environmental impact, yet Berkshire makes no attempt to substantiate its claim that the amount of water being used is somehow better for the environment.

The lawsuit also take issue with Berkshires claims of zero-water dyeing on the same grounds.

The class-action suit states that the five primary plaintiffs from Idaho, Tennessee, Texas and two from Illinois purchased their blankets at Costco and Walmart stores.

EcoSoft blankets were not found on the Berkshire website as of Wednesday afternoon, but they were available on Amazon, Costco and Walmart e-commerce sites, priced between $20-$50.

The EcoSoft blanket series by Berkshire Blanket & Home Company makes sustainability claims that have been called into question in a class-action greenwashing lawsuit filed on June 23, 2023.

The nine claims in the suit are for deceptive trade practices under the five state laws, and the remaining four are on behalf of all current and future plaintiffs for negligent misrepresentation, fraud, unjust enrichment and breach of express warranty. No dollar figure is specified for damages.

Berkshire Blanket & Home was founded in Ware, Mass. in 1993, acquired by New York-based CSW Private Equity in 2006 and then sold to China-based SUMEC Textile Light Industry Co. 10 years later.

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Of note, Chicago-based Halim sued Buffalo Wild Wings in March saying its chicken nuggets were boneless wings in a lawsuit that was quickly dismissed. In 2021 Halim also sued Hefty with similar greenwashing accusations for claiming its trash bags are recyclable.

Sourcing Journal reached out to Berkshire for comment.

Greenwashing lawsuits are piling up, and with mixed results. Canada Goose and Allbirds successfully dodged lawsuits against them last year. While H&M got one greenwashing suit dismissed, its still fighting a similar claim in New York. Nike, too, was recently accused of deceiving consumers by misleadingly marketing some products as environmentally friendly.

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The destruction of the worlds rainforests ramped up last year, despite global pledges to end deforestation by 2030, according to a new report.

An area of tropical forest the size of Switzerland was lost in 2022, as forest destruction rose by 10% compared to the previous year, according to the report by the World Resources Institutes (WRI) Global Forest Watch, which draws on data collected by the University of Maryland.

The rate of loss was equivalent to losing 11 soccer fields of forest a minute, the report found, as swaths of tropical forest were cleared for farming, mining and other commercial activities.

As well as having a devastating impact on wildlife, this destruction has significant consequences for climate change, as tropical forests are important stores of carbon dioxide. The amount of carbon pollution produced in 2022 from deforestation was equivalent to Indias annual fossil fuel emissions, according to the report.

Brazil cut down the most tropical primary forest, amounting to 43% of the global total, the report found. The countrys rate of forest loss rose 15% from 2021 to 2022.

This comes as some scientists warn the Amazon is approaching a critical tipping point that could see the rainforest transform into a grassy savannah, with huge implications for the worlds ability to tackle the climate crisis.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has promised to tackle Amazon deforestation - Gustavo Moreno/AP

The 2022 figures are from the final year of Jair Bolsonaros presidency in Brazil, which saw high rates of deforestation. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who took office in January, has pledged to tackle Amazon deforestation and repair the damage caused by his predecessor.

Elsewhere, the Democratic Republic of Congo lost more than half a million hectares in 2022, primarily because of land clearing for farming, while Ghana had the biggest relative increase in rainforest destruction when compared to 2021, the report found.

Bolivia saw a record-high level of primary forest loss last year, with a 32% increase compared to 2021. It came in third behind only Brazil and the Democratic Republic of the Congo for area of primary forest loss, the report found.

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Broken promises

This destruction has happened despite an agreement by more than 100 world leaders to end and reverse deforestation by the end of the decade, made at the COP26 UN climate conference in Glasgow in 2021. At the time, Boris Johnson, then the UK prime minister, hailed it as a landmark agreement to protect and restore the Earths forests.

President of the Cop26 climate summit speaks in Glasgow. - Jane Barlow/PA Images/Getty Images

But as deforestation intensifies, experts have called into question the validity of the commitments.

Rod Taylor, global director of WRIs Forest Program, said in a statement: We have seen governments and companies make time-bound commitments to end deforestation, restore degraded forest landscapes, and achieve sustainable forest management.

But rapid deforestation and forest degradation have continued, driven primarily by growing global demand for food, fuel, and fiber. Climate change impacts, including severe fires and new vectors and outbreaks of forest pests and diseases, exacerbate the decline, he continued.

There was some better news in the report, however. Despite the global increase in deforestation, there has been a sharp reduction in forest loss in Indonesia and loss levels in Malaysia have remained low, according to the report.

Tacking the palm industry has been a big factor, the report found. In Indonesia there has been a clamp down on new oil palm plantations, which have been a major driver of deforestation in the country, while Malaysia has also strengthened palm oil regulations.

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L.A. fashion designer Rosetta Getty has partnered with Belmond on a new hotel project.

Milaroca Riviera Nayarit on the Pacific Coast of Mexico is expected to open in 2025, built from the ground up by a team of designers overseen by Getty.

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Its a dream come true. Weve been planning it for so long and finally its going to be a real thing, said Getty, who has been vacationing in the area north of Puerto Vallarta for two decades.

She, along with a small group of partners, purchased the land and then partnered with Belmond Hotel Group following the purchase. Belmond was the only group that checked all the boxes and wanted the same things we wanted, and its been perfect, she said of the relationship with the Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton-owned hotel group.

We have the incredible opportunity to craft a legend of the future with the best partners we could have asked for, Roeland Vos, president and chief executive officer of Belmond, said in a statement. With utmost respect to Riviera Nayarits multicultural history, abundant nature and the regions carefree spirit, Milaroca will encapsulate the essence of contemporary lifestyle, creating a destination for todays thriving creative community, a new legendary scene where new traditions are made, and long-lived rituals are celebrated.

Milaroca is a 105-acre estate with a protected beach, a 40-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta International Airport.

Its just a two-hour flight from L.A. and yet you feel like you are in a different part of the world and its far enough south that you are in a jungle, said Getty. Were building it so its at peace with the natural environment. Its minimalist but looks like its been there a long time, she continued of the vision for the property.

On crossing over from fashion into hospitality, Getty added, I consider myself a minimalist, I design with texture and color and I like things to feel natural and not too contrived, so I feel like the property has the same language as my collection. (And yes, shell likely be designing the staff uniforms.)

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Created by Waldo Fernandezs Waldos Design and the Clements Design firm, the propertys aesthetic will draw inspiration from the regions natural beauty, native culture, and the bohemian spirit of nearby San Pancho and Sayulita.

As an avid art collector, I will be working with local makers and artists. Its a big priority for me to focus on local art and furniture, said Getty. The art scene in Mexico is exploding and we are already starting to work with and identify local artists for the hotel.

Milaroca will adopt low-density and non-invasive building practices. Each of the 57 guest pavilions will have custom-made contemporary furniture and crafted objects from local artisans and Mexican artists. Guests will be able to connect with the cultures of the Riviera Nayarit through programming with the Cora and Huichol communities.

There will also be 27 by invitation only private villas available to buy, serviced by Belmond.

The estate will also feature six restaurants with ingredients supplied by the propertys own organic farm, a wellness center, four outdoor swimming pools and a curated retail offering.

The property will be the third for Belmond in Mexico, following Casa de Sierra Nevada, the former convent located in San Miguel de Allende, and Maroma in Riviera Maya on the Yucatan Penninsula reopened in August after a renovation.

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It's only natural for your onions to eventually sprout, but does that make them unsafe to eat? We have answers! Plus learn how to keep onions from sprouting in the first place.

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Imagine going to make pico de gallo for a game night, or a fragrant lentil-and-rice mujadara for a family dinner, only to discover that one of the recipe's most essential ingredients has grown a tail.

A sprouted onionan onion that has grown a green stalkwon't get up and start running around your kitchen, but it can be a shocking sight, especially if you're not expecting it. Keeping fresh produce in your home is a lot like keeping a house plant: it's still alive and growing, which means it also can die and start decaying.

Related: Is It Safe to Eat Sprouted Garlic?

While most of us don't want to waste food, we also want to make sure that what we are eating won't harm us. Sometimes the signs are pretty clear to read, like when strawberries become moldy or lettuce turns brown and mushy. But sometimes the signs can be misleading, like when you reach for an onion and find that it's grown a bright green tail. You may be left wondering whether it's still safe to eat sprouted onions. Below we answer the age-old question of whether a sprouted onion is safe to eat, what you can do with it and how to prevent sprouting in the first place.

Why Do Onions Sprout?

If you take a look at a fresh onion, you'll notice that it often has bristly hairs on one end, which you usually chop off and discard. Those hairs are the onion roots. But unlike some other plants that spring up directly from the root, onion plants have a bulbjust like lilies and tulipsand that is the part of the plant we normally eat.

And like a flower bulb, an onion isn't the whole plant. Onions grow stems, and sometimes a flower emerges from the top of that stem. When onions are harvested, that stem is cut off as close to the onion bulb as possible, and that's how they're sold at supermarkets. (You may sometimes see stems attached when you purchase onions at farmers' markets.)

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So, sprouting a stem is a natural part of an onion's growth cycle, and an onion bulb actually wants to keep sprouting a stem, even after it's hacked off. However, an onion sprouting a stem while in the ground is quite different from one that sprouts a stem in your kitchen. While in the ground, the onion is gaining nutrients from the earth to help it grow, just like any other rooted plant. Removing the onion bulb from the earth halts that process but after a while, when the onion bulb realizes that it's not going back into the ground anytime soon, it starts using its stored sugars and nutrients to sprout another stem. And this is what happens when you see a sprouted onion.

Can You Still Eat an Onion That Has Sprouted?

As for whether or not you can still eat a sprouted onion, Nikki Cervone, associate editor at Foodal, relates, "Hubby and I had a mini fight about this the other day with sprouted garlic. There's nothing toxic or unsafe about consuming either sprouted onions or garlic." She goes on to advise, "I wouldn't use either of them in any raw application, since they're no longer at their 'perfectly prime' state. Other than eliminating a raw application, and perhaps avoiding a recipe where it's the main feature, I have no other limits with a sprouted onion. That ugly duckling will be loved."

The biggest controversy about eating a sprouted onion seems to revolve around its taste and texture. Since the onion bulb uses its stored sugars to sprout a stem, a sprouted onion may taste less sweet and more bitter, especially when raw. And its texture can border on leathery. While some cooks may find the flavor off-putting, others may embrace its strong flavor. Krysia Villon, chef-owner of Chiqui's Kitchen in Newton, Massachusetts, shares, "While it is very stronglike red onions tend to beI actually like the taste. [It] would be good in a potato salad."

What Can You Do with a Sprouted Onion?

The potentially more-bitter flavor of a sprouted onion is best balanced with intense cooking styles, like charbroiling or frying over very high heat. Ken Basulto, a chef in Miami, Florida, also recommends using sprouted onions in a recipe with a lot of other strong flavors, such as in a batch of kimchi or roughly chopped and mixed with vinegar and chiles to make pique, a type of Spanish Caribbean hot sauce.

You could also make Pickled Red Onions, which can be made with any variety of onion, not just red ones. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be more intense. If you're considering using raw sprouted onions in a dish, you can mellow their flavor by rinsing sliced or chopped onions in water. In the coastal region of Ecuador, this is sometimes referred to as "milking" the onion, because you are rinsing off the milky white, pungent juice that it emits after slicing or chopping it. To mellow them even more, soak them in cold water for 15 minutes.

How Can You Tell If an Onion Is Bad?

When an onion is truly badas in it can make you ill or is just plain nastythe signs are pretty obvious. An onion that is soft to the point of leaving an impression when you press on it should be discarded, as well as onions that are moldy or exuding rancid juices. When you encounter an onion like that, it's best to remove the rest of the produce that it was stored withincluding other onionsand examine each one for any moldy, mushy or soft spots. To be on the safe side, it's best to discard the affected produce. Any produce that's still good should be rinsed and scrubbed. We also recommend cleaning and disinfecting the bin or container where the offending onion was stored.

What's the Best Way to Store Onions to Prevent Sprouting?

Moisture, humidity, warmth and light are quite literally an onion's mortal enemies in that they will cause an onion to sprout rapidly and consequently spoil. Cooks who live in warmer, more humid climates may find that storing onions in the refrigerator crisper drawer can prolong their life, as the conditions in their home kitchens might encourage their onions to sprout. Inversely, those who live in dryer and more temperate climates may be able to keep their onions in their pantry or cupboard without them sprouting so soon. And if you live in an area that has very cold winters and hot, humid summers, you may need to adjust how you store your onions seasonally, especially if your kitchen doesn't have air conditioning.

Refrigeration also prevents your onions from getting exposed to light. Like many plants, an exposure to light, especially sunlight, will encourage an onion to sprout. If you don't store your onions in the refrigerator, store them in a dry, cool and dark space like an opaque covered bin or inside a cabinet or cupboard to keep them fresher, for longer.

Bottom Line

Sprouted onions are generally safe to eat provided that they don't show any signs of rot, like mushiness, dripping juices and/or mold. If the onion is still somewhat firm when you give it a gentle squeeze, it's still good to eat. While a sprouted onion may have lost many of its desirable qualities, like sweetness and crunch, there's no need to throw it out. You can pickle them or make hot sauce or pico de gallo, grill them alongside steaks and lamb chops, or caramelize a batch for burgers.

Related: 15 of Our Favorite Onion Recipes
It may seem hard to determine which are the safest countries in the world, but for many travelers, the question is top of mind. A sense of security in a destination can be vital when selecting a place to visitwhether that's because you're a solo traveler, moving around with small children, or worried about discrimination. To help quantify the topic of safety, the Institute of Economics and Peace (IEP) has released its annual Global Peace Index (GPI), a data-driven measurement of global peacefulness.

The 2023 results are broadly similar to the 2022 rankings (more details on that below) but there have been some movements in the listwith a couple of new additions, too. The most peaceful country in the world, however, remains the same for the 16th year running.

The report notes that while some factors (such as the death toll from terrorism) have improved over time, the amount of COVID-19-related violent incidentsriots in response to lockdown, targeted physical assaults, etc.from 2020 to 2021 were off the charts. In fact, there were at least 158 countries that recorded one or more violent incidents directly related to the pandemic during this time.

To assemble the list, the IEP ranks 163 nations using three domains of peacefulness: the level of societal safety and security, the extent of ongoing domestic and international conflict, and the degree of militarization. Within those domains, the organization looks at 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators, including incarceration rates, homicide rates, deaths from internal conflict, perceptions of criminality, and more. The scores are then averaged for an overall compositethe lower the score, the safer the space.

Below, youll find the 10 safest countries in the world, along with each countrys score (one being the most peaceful, five being the least).

10. Switzerland

Score: 1.339

Switzerland rounds out the list of the top 10 peaceful countries in the worlddespite the fact that it ranks among the highest weapons exporters per capita. It's clearly safe enough in other areas to land in such a high ranking, though.

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9. Japan

Score: 1.336

Japan is the ninth most peaceful country. It comes second (after Finland) in safety and security rankings, which positions it strongly to rank on this list. Japan reopened its borders fully after the pandemic just this yearplan a trip with our article on the all the best new things to do in the country.

8. Slovenia

Score: 1.334

Slovenia broke into the top 10 for the first time in 2020 and managed to stay there since, thanks to extremely low crime rates and terrorism risk. The country dropped from its 2022 ranking of five to spot eight, but whether youre just generally into beautiful places or want to explore some of Europes best castles and lakes, Slovenia has plenty to offerincluding the guarantee that you'll sleep well at night.

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7. Portugal

Score: 1.333

Portugal has made significant strides in peacefulness in recent years. In 2014, the country was transitioning out of financial crisis and was ranked 18th on the GPI. Today, it is a beacon of economic resurgence and low crime rates. Add to that a Mediterranean climate and affordable healthcare, and its little wonder so many people decide to retire in Portugal in their golden years. It has dropped three places since last year's rankings, but still makes the top 10.

6. Singapore

Score: 1.332

Singapore is a new entry on the list, ranking in the top five in categories such as safety and security (number four) and ongoing conflict (number three). It's the second-placing country in the Asia Pacific region.

5. Austria

Score: 1.316

Another stalwart in this list, Austria ranks at number five this yeardropping one place since 2022. For inspiration for your next (or first) trip, see our guides to the Austrian capitalincluding a local's take on the country.

4. New Zealand

Score: 1.313

New Zealand is down two places from the 2022 listingit's now number 4 on the list, but was number 2 in the 2022 ranking. It's the safest country in the Asia-Pacific region, though, and there were improvements in this year's dataespecially in terms of violent demonstrations, the incarceration rate. and terrorism impact indicators. But there were big drops in militarization, especially the importing and exporting of weapons.

3. Ireland

Score: 1.312

Ireland has jumped five places since last year, leaping from number eight to round out the top three. In 2022, the country was a new addition to the top 10. This means that all of the top three safest countries of the world this year are in Europe.

2. Denmark

Score: 1.31

Up one spot since 2022 when it ranked third, Denmark is in second place in the 2023 Global Peace Index. The nation stands out for its well-functioning government, low levels of corruption, and equitable distribution of resources. Interestingly, Denmark also ranks second in the list of the happiest countries in the world.

Getty

1. Iceland

Score: 1.124

Iceland is the most peaceful country in the world for the 16th year in a rowit's held the position since the inception of the index in 2008. The Nordic nation has some of the lowest military spending and international conflict rates in the world (not having any shared borders helps). There has been a four percent deterioration in the country's score since 2008 though, which the report attributes to increased homicide and terrorism risks.

Originally Appeared on Conde Nast Traveler
This one-of-kind Japanese experience will open to two guests on June 29.

Satoshi Nagare/Courtesy of Airbnb

When you think of traditional Japanese architecture, thatched roofs and A-frame homes may not come to mind at first. But thats exactly what makes the Gassho-style homes in the historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama so unique. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995, overnight access to the region is rare. But for the first time in 20 years, the nine-home Suganuma village is welcoming two guests to one of its 170-year-old homes.

I am delighted to open my familys home for a unique stay that will enable guests to enjoy the traditional life of our beautiful village of Suganuma, Shinichi Nakashima, a fifth-generation resident of the village and the Airbnb host, said in a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure. Through our collaboration with Airbnb, my family and I look forward to providing guests with unique experiences that have been part of our village for centuries.

Satoshi Nagare/Courtesy of Airbnb

The cozy home, decked out with Japanese furniture and lanterns, sits near the banks of the Sho River, surrounded by dramatic verdant mountains. But what makes it such a "secret" is that it doesnt have any tourist accommodations  and residents are only allowed to enter after the sun goes down.

Satoshi Nagare/Courtesy of Airbnb

Suganuma is a cultural time capsule, the vacation rental company said in its release. The villages Gassho-zukuri style farmhouses, like the Nakashimas family home, are unique to the region, with their pitched, thatched roof structures enabling these homes to withstand heavy winter snowfall and the test of time. They're built as a group effort by the villagers, who work together in a spirit of mutual support called yui.

The unique rental can be requested on June 29 at 8 p.m. ET (which is June 30 at 9 a.m. local time in Japan) on its Airbnb listing for two guests to stay from July 17 through July 19. The stay is free, which is a nod to the priceless nature of the experience, the company said of the one-bedroom rental.

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Satoshi Nagare/Courtesy of Airbnb

During the visit, the guests will enjoy a welcome tea prepared by Nakashima with local dishes like Gokayama tofu, mountain vegetables, and river fish. Theyll also learn about traditions like how to make a fiber paper called washi; learn about the sasara, a percussion instrument; and the thatched roofs. The guests will also be treated to a guided bike ride of the area, plus an after-dark light show with folk music performances.

The rich history and vibrant culture of this charming small town, coupled with the warm hearts of the people who live there, will make for a fascinating and restorative stay, said Mikio Tanaka, mayor of Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture, where the village is located. We hope this campaign brings attention to this beautiful destination for both Japanese residents and guests from around the world.

For more information or to request a booking, visit the listing at airbnb.com.



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(Bloomberg) -- Xi Jinping said China would do right by foreign investors, underscoring his governments attempts to assuage worries about the economy and unpredictable policymaking.

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Development is the top priority of the Communist Party of China in governing and rejuvenating the country, Xi told New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins during his official visit to Beijing on Tuesday.

We will continue to vigorously promote high-level opening up and better protect the rights and interests of foreign investors per the law, the Chinese president said, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

Chinas attempts to encourage foreign investors have ramped up in recent weeks as its become increasingly clear that the economys recovery following the end of Beijings Covid Zero policies is starting to flag. Efforts in the US and Europe to de-risk supply chains by reducing their reliance on China have further clouded the prospects for future growth.

At a Summer Davos dialog in Tianjin on Tuesday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang told 120 entrepreneurs from around the world that his nation was willing to work with them, Xinhua reported.

Li also delivered a speech at that economic forum warning that attempts by governments to politicize their economies would only fragment the world, and recently returned from a trip to Germany where he urged CEOs there to to take the lead on risk-proofing their supply chains.

Pushing the decision-making to companies, instead of foreign governments, is seen as the lesser of the evils by Chinese policymakers, said Andy Chen, senior analyst with consultancy Trivium China.

With companies in the driving seat, Chinese policymakers could have more points of access to influence the decision-making and make it worthwhile for companies that choose to more narrowly define areas to derisk.

Meanwhile, Bernard Arnault, the billionaire CEO of LVMH, is making his first trip to China since the pandemic. The French entrepreneur was spotted at a high-end shopping mall in Beijing on Tuesday, the Global Times tweeted, citing photos taken circulating on a social media platform.

The itinerary for Arnaults entourage includes meetings with local teams in several cities, people familiar with the trip have said, declining to be named discussing the billionaires whereabouts.

Arnaults trip follows visits to China by other high-profile executives in recent weeks, including JPMorgan Chase & Co. CEO Jamie Dimon and Tesla Inc. head Elon Musk. Apple Inc.s Tim Cook traveled to China in March to celebrate the iPhone makers ties to the region.

Besides Xi, Hipkins met the head of Chinas legislature Zhao Leji as part of his visit to the Asian nation this week.

I emphasized the key focus of our visit was to reaffirm our close economic relationship by supporting businesses renew their connections with Chinese counterparts and helping grow new ones to support New Zealands economic recovery, Hipkins said in a statement after meeting the two.

Chinese firms have also stressed the importance of the governments role in encouraging investment.

For China to succeed as an innovation powerhouse, it is very important for Chinese tech companies to access capital markets, access private financing, without any impediments, said Fred Hu, CEO of the Chinese investment firm Primavera Capital, in an interview with Bloomberg Television at the forum in Tianjin.

Hu said his firm hasnt so far had any issues performing due-diligence, though the firm is paying close attention to recent crackdowns.

A clampdown this year on foreign consultancy firms that help global investors and multinational firms understand China  part of a nationwide anti-espionage campaign  has weakened the appetite for investment from overseas firms.

That campaign and other government actions likely mean that Chinas charm offensive will face skepticism. While Xi has repeatedly insisted that economic development is the Communist Partys top priority, his government has clearly made protecting national security a central focus.

Prior to the consultancy crackdown, abrupt regulatory tightening moves affecting industries ranging from technology to real estate had already been sending foreign capital fleeing from the nations financial markets.

A record share of European companies say doing business in China is getting more difficult, according to a recent survey that noted some firms are already following through on plans to divest from the economy. Some American firms have also reconsidered investment.

--With assistance from Lucille Liu, Ka Ho Cheuk and Stephen Engle.

(Updates with quotes from a Chinese investment firm executive and an analyst.)

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Summer jam, made by Amer Budayr at his home in Orinda, captures the essence of apricots. (Ian Bates / For The Times)

In its small glass jar, the apricot jam looked smooth and dense  closer to apple butter than glossy preserves. Apricots will always darken during cooking, but this stuff had deepened a few shades past the usual dusky-bright orange. The color brought to mind a handful of newish pennies. Its murkiness was enticing.

Off came the lid with a satisfying pop.

The taste of the jam boomed stereophonically, as if two high-fidelity signals were converging. One relayed the flavors of fresh apricots, honeyed and floral and taut. The other piped in the essence of dried apricots. Not the sort of shriveled castoffs that have turned to stone in a cupboards farthest regions but the plump delights you find at farmers markets from vendors who maintain their own orchards, who sell dried fruits that still convey something of their original lushness.

For a few seconds, these blending of notes beat rhythmically: tart-sweet, tart-sweet, tart-sweet. Id never known jam to have such a crazy effect before. I wanted more. Soon I was scraping out the last coppery smears.

It's apricot season, and for Amer Budayr, that means making jam. He collects an average of 200 pounds of apricots each year from local farms and spends June and July centering his life around the task. (Ian Bates / For The Times)

Amer Budayr's mother turned trays full of apricot jam, dried in the sun, into the preserve called murabba el meshmosh in phonetic Lebanese Arabic. Now, Budayr carries on the tradition. (Ian Bates / For The Times)

This absurdly delicious, unexpected gift first arrived in September 2020, six grim months into the pandemic, when I needed its uplift the most. The style of jam-making comes from Lebanese Syrian preserving traditions. It turned out to be another doorway into a culture I was already immersed in loving and learning about through longtime friends I value as family.

Read more: Find comforting Syrian breakfast at this backyard pop-up near Dodger Stadium

In phonetic Lebanese Arabic, the name for the recipe is murabba el meshmosh. The words translate straightforwardly as apricot preserves  meshmosh, or apricot, is also pronounced as mishmish in regional dialects, with other close variations across southwest Asia and North Africa  but the method for making the jam is not so direct. It involves boiling the sugared fruit and then baking it in the hot sun (retrieving it at night) for two to 10 consecutive days until it sets and infinitely intensifies.

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Thats why the nature of the flavor registered initially as extraordinary but also, in the best way, peculiar. Id never before tasted fruit suspended midtransformation between gently cooked freshness and dried in the sun.

Amer Budayr left Beirut during civil war with one suitcase three decades ago and now lives in Orinda, north of Oakland. "Making the jam may be the only connection to home that I recall," he says. (Ian Bates / For The Times)

Amer Budayr had crafted the jam. A retired endocrinologist, he lives in Orinda, a town nine miles northwest of downtown Oakland thats blessed with one of the sunnier microclimates in the Bay Area. Budayr was born in Damascus, Syria. His family moved to Beirut when he was 11. (Without national borders or political crises, the driving distance between the cities would be about two hours.) He graduated from medical school at the American University of Beirut in 1982, seven years into the Lebanese civil war. Carrying one suitcase, he left for the United States, unsure at 26 years old if he would ever return to Lebanon.

Budayr never moved back, but he did make trips to visit his mother. One summertime in the early 2000s he brought his wife, Anna, whom hed met in the United States, to Beirut. She noticed trays full of apricot jam drying in the sun on her mother-in-laws condo patio and marveled at the flavor when it was time for canning. She questioned Amer about the process.

Oh, dont worry about that, he told her. Its too complicated.

(Ian Bates / For The Times)

Making the Syrian Lebanese apricot jam  the intensely flavored sun-dried preserve  is a seasonal labor of love, a faraway taste of home. (Ian Bates / For The Times)

That was pretty much all Anna needed as provocation to start researching recipes and, as the decade progressed, falling down rabbit holes watching online videos. Eventually the couple felt motivated together to master the jam. No commercial product anywhere nearby equaled the pleasures of the homemade version, for starters, and the excellence of the Bay Areas organic apricots rivaled the superb fruit grown around Damascus and in Lebanons fertile Bekaa Valley.

For Amer, the undertaking has revived memories of his mothers annual rituals around murabba el meshmosh, prepared from the apricot harvest from relatives nearby orchards. He can conjure images of trays splayed across their large third-floor terrace in Damascus.

Making the jam now may be the only connection to home that I recall, he told me recently.

Amer Budayr makes jam using locally grown apricots, including Blenheim, the California gold standard; Patterson, for all-purpose canning; and hybrids like Cot-n-Candy and Angel Cot. (Ian Bates / For The Times)

Music has long been one of Amers passions, to the point that the Budayrs built a modest backyard stage for daytime performances. In 2015 they founded a small family-run nonprofit called the Sunjams Foundation, which hosts outdoor concerts to benefit music education in the areas under-resourced public schools. When Amer retired in 2018, he took on the annual job of tackling the sun-baked jam. He collects an average of 200 pounds of apricots each year from local farms and spends six or so weeks through June and July  sometimes, depending on the weather, starting early in May or stretching into August  centering his life around the task.

Most of the jars are sold as fundraisers for Sunjams. No batch is ever quite like the other. Some lean more amber or golden or yam-colored in their final appearance; some lightly sting the taste buds with astringency while others melt with fudgy sweetness. They all possess the same concentrated quality, though: the unique ambrosia derived from one of the worlds oldest methods of food preservation.

Sales from jars of apricot jam go to the Budayrs' small family-run nonprofit called the Sunjams Foundation, which hosts outdoor concerts to benefit music education. (Ian Bates / For The Times)

Amers son Ramzi gave me my first jar of sun jam, four months after we met masked and distanced in May 2020.

When the COVID-19 crisis began, Ramzi had been a general manager at the NoMad hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Less than a week after the March 2020 shutdowns, he brainstormed a project called FEW (Flour + Eggs + Water) for All with chef Tyler Curtis and pastry chef Mallory Cayon, who were also out of work. They began making fresh homemade pastas they sold for $12 per quart; with every purchase, they would donate one pound to the L.A. Regional Food Bank.

The team eventually came up with an idea to create an at-home tasting-menu project called Table 60: Three courses with a charming hand-drawn menu were packed into a tote bag with pockets for wine bottles. Brad Ray, then pastry chef at Antico Nuovo, contributed vanilla-bean ice cream with a racy amount of salt that somehow didnt overdo it. Ramzi delivered them once or twice a week; he put together soothing R&B-centric playlists to accompany the meals.

I ordered Table 60 meals each time they were announced. When one menu included mezze like hummus and lemony marinated cucumbers, I half-shouted to Ramzi, who stood yards away in the driveway, about my ardor for food from this part of the world. Ramzi mentioned he had been raised in Lebanon. I told him about my best friend, Caline, and the trip we had taken to Lebanon the previous summer to see her family in Beirut.

Apricot jam, served with homemade flatbreads, is what's for breakfast. (Ian Bates / For The Times)

We lobbed memories back and forth, naming favorites: the stretchy, cheesy knafeh from corner bakeries, the competing falafel stands owned by two brothers, the best crackly edges from shawarma just shaved from the spit. The Souk El Tayeb Farmers Market and the glowing produce that reminded me of California. The amazing Bekaa Valley and its wineries. Eating dinner solo that night, those recollections kept me good company.

Like so many on-the-fly pandemic endeavors, FEW for All ran its course within the month. When Ramzi dropped off the final delivery, I had a gesture of thanks ready: a flask of iced arak, the anise-scented spirit that begins so many Lebanese feasts. He texted me later to say hed sipped it on a rooftop when hed finished his rounds through the city that night.

We didnt communicate again until the catastrophic explosions in the Port of Beirut on Aug. 4; his family was safe (as were Calines parents), but the damage to already economically unstable Lebanon was incalculable.

Ramzi left Los Angeles a month later to study hospitality in Paris. Before he departed, he texted me to tell me hed left some things outside my place. It was the flask I never expected to be returned, and the jar of epiphanic apricot jam. I didnt learn until months later that it was his father who had made it.

Amer Budayr leaves his murabba el meshmosh in the sun for three or four days, just until the jam has gelled and the flavors have concentrated. (Ian Bates / For The Times)

All my Lebanese friends know murabba el meshmosh. Its still a seasonal labor of love in rural and urban regions across Lebanon, but people also tend to speak of it in the past tense. That is how my grandma and mom made apricot jam, yes, said Mona Jarudi, Calines mother, when I asked her about it. The visual stays with me. It is the mother of all jams. No one I know in Southern California has the bandwidth to make it; for them its mostly a deeply etched, faraway taste of home.

Amer and I met over lunch when he was passing through Los Angeles in March 2021, and a year later his family invited me for a feast at their home in Orinda. They fed me fattet al-makdous (lamb and eggplant layered with pita, or khoubz in Arabic), shish barak (fried ravioli-like meat dumplings), garlicky fava beans and, for dessert, atayef (half-moon-shaped pancakes filled with cheese and served in syrup scented with rose water). I hadnt had a home-cooked meal brimming with such heart since visiting Lebanon.

We agreed then I would come two months later for a day of jam-making.

The morning starts with homemade mana'eesh cooked by Bushra Yamout, Amer Budayr's sister. (Ian Bates / For The Times)

In the spirit of Lebanese hospitality, the late June morning began with Amers older sister Bushra Yamout stuffing us with manaeesh, the beloved breakfast flatbreads, that she cooked outside on a domed griddle called a saj before covering them with zaatar and cheese.

Read more: Cracked wheat manaesh (flatbread with zaatar)

On the Budayrs kitchen shelf, I noticed a copy of Barbara Abdeni Massaads beautifully photographed and researched book Mouneh. The word broadly means preserved foods, and her work traces seasonal practices from making orange blossom water and pickled garlic in the spring to canning grated pumpkin jam and undertaking homemade arak in the fall.

Her instructions call for leaving murabba el meshmosh in the sun for 10 straight days. Amer prefers three or four, just until the jam has gelled and the flavors have concentrated.

He separates each batch by the farms from which hes procured the fruit. As we began, he pointed out a platter labeled with the different varieties he had on hand: Blenheim, the California gold standard that a century ago grew over 80,000 acres across the state; Patterson, an ideal cultivar for all-purpose canning; and blushing designer hybrids with names like Cot-n-Candy and Angel Cot.

The Budayrs' recipe calls for eight cups of cut fruit, two cups of sugar and a quarter-cup of lemon juice  notably less sweet than many jams. (Ian Bates / For The Times)

The Budayrs fundamental recipe calls for eight cups of cut fruit, two cups of sugar and a quarter-cup of lemon juice. Thats notably less sugar than many jam-makers add. Bushra nudges Amer to make the mix sweeter, but this is how he and Anna like it. (Me too.)

He had mapped out all the steps of the process in advance to demonstrate an accelerated version of his week: washing the apricots three times; seeding and cutting them, taking care to surgically carve out each fibrous center; macerating the fruit, usually for two days; boiling it in multiple pots on the stovetop; and pouring the cooking fruit into glass trays to set out in the sunshine. Amer was a researcher for part of his medical career, and it shows. He keeps a notebook detailing the steps, nuances and results of every batch.

When the sun jam's ready, Amer Budayr packs the tart-sweet preserve  jars of summer. (Ian Bates / For The Times)

I asked him how he thinks his recipe might differ from his mother's.

All I remember clearly is that they put it out to cook without cover, he said, laughing. He and Anna fiddled with meticulously taping cheesecloth in several layers over each tray for years, until Bushra began sewing covers made of cheesecloth that fit snugly over the edges.

Amer was ready for a nap after five hours of toiling, and Id seen enough. I already knew the ultimate rewards of the effort. Before I left, we talked about the ambitious corner store and wine shop Ramzi was opening in San Franciscos Dolores Heights neighborhood; he was partnering with Zack Negin of L.A.s Tabula Rasa bar and shop, located in Los Feliz and North Hollywood, respectively. (The store, named Dolores Deluxe, launched in October. Ramzis place, and occasionally Tabula Rasa Shop in NoHo, are the only retail outlets where you can buy the sun jam).

We also touched on the state of Lebanon, how his daughter Anaya and I had ended up studying with the same tutor, and the Lebanese chefs we follow on Instagram and how much they do or dont tinker with traditional foodways.

Its a completely emotional connection I think you have to the food, Amer said to me suddenly. Its very endearing, very obvious and beautiful. Its more like a native's attachment.

(Ian Bates / For The Times)

I cant own anything close to that. But there is this: While writing this story a year later, as apricot season comes late, given California's year of unruly weather, I pulled from the shelf The Synonym Finder, my favorite thesaurus. I was hoping for inspiration on other ways to describe jam and canning, and the marrow of the Budayrs dedication, and their presence in my life.







I looked up preservation. The second entry of alternates read: salvation, saving, sheltering, safekeeping, safeguarding, protection, defense, guarding, custody, watch.

Well, I thought. All these words are fitting.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Hannah Jeter was photographed by Ruven Afanador in Mexico. Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

Hannah Jeter has been everywhere with the SI Swimsuit team, from her debut in China to her 2016 photo shoot in Tahiti. The 33-year-old model, who was born in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, made five consecutive magazine appearances between 13 and her most recent feature in Mexico in 17. She even landed on the cover of the 15 SI Swimsuit Issue after posing for photographer Ben Watts in Tennessee.

Jeter and her husband, former MLB shortstop and successful businessman Derek Jeter, share three daughters, Bella, Story and River, and just welcomed their first son, Kaius, in March.

Ive always enjoyed the whole Swimsuit experience and said that anything extraa little square on the cover or anything like thatwas a bonus. But still, this was my dream, Jeter said when she found out about her cover. I told my mom there was no way Id get the cover. I told her, They do beaches for covers and Im on a farm. Theres no way. Its not possible.

No matter where she posed with the publication over the years, each of Jeters features has been unforgettable. Below are six of our favorite photos from Jeters 2017 photo shoot in Mexico with Ruven Afanador.

Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

Make sure to follow SI Swimsuit on YouTube!
Trims and packaging solutions specialist Trimco Group is investing in and supporting the production of regenerative cotton through a partnership with Raddis System, a supply chain network that promotes climate-smart rain-fed regenerative cotton in India.

With offices in India, Australia and The Netherlands, Raddis System empowers brands including Hugo Boss and Bedstraw + Madder to enhance their impact within their own value chains while providing farmers with a dedicated buyer for an extended period, ensuring stability and sustainability.

More from Sourcing Journal

Trimcos partnership comes in response to the latest U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which calls for immediate action on sustainability and climate change. Its action highlights the companys commitment to drive positive change for the environment by supporting the kind of regenerative farming that revives landscapes through crop rotation, among many other Raddis Cotton suggested guidelines.

Trimco hopes its partnership with Raddis will empower both entities by documenting the process, supporting farmers, and reducing the cost of expensive and questionable audits.

We are thrilled to join forces with RaddisCotton, a company that shares and supports our values and commitment to sustainability, said Camilla Mjelde, Trimco Groups sustainability director. This collaboration will enable us to go beyond the expected in our efforts to protect the environment by turning towards regenerative cotton, supporting both sustainable sources for the process of cotton for trims as well as contributing to improving the life of the farmers driving this change.

Niccy Col, impact catalyst at Raddis, welcomed the partnership with Trimco. Our collaboration model not only empowers Trimco Group to enhance their impact within their own value chains but provides farmers with a dedicated buyer for an extended period, she said. This ensures stability and sustainability.

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Demand for organic cotton continues to mount, although currently the fiber represents only 1 percent of total yield globally.

It is Raddis Systems plan to address that with the conversion of 25,000 acres of cotton from degenerative mono-crop agriculture to rain-fed regenerative organic methods. This will increase water retention by up to 30 percent, and increase biodiversity by 100 percent while removing elevated levels of toxic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and carbon and CO 2 from the atmosphere and the soil. It will further eliminate GMOs from 25,000 acres, which will increase the quality of the yield while lessening the cost of cultivation for farmers yet increasing premiums.

Click here to read the full article.
On a momentous occasion, two million Muslim pilgrims have embarked on the annual Hajj pilgrimage. This marks the events return to full capacity for the first time in three years. Muslims from around the world flocked to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the spiritual epicenter of Islam, to partake in the sacred ritual. Hajj Pilgrimage happens over a period of five days and is one of the largest gatherings in the world.

What is the Hajj Pilgrimage?

The Hajj pilgrimage requires the participation of all able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime. It stands as one of the largest religious congregations globally. It has been safeguarded and organized by the Saudi royal family. In 2020, the Hajj pilgrimage witnessed a significant reduction in participants, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of the typical millions, only a limited number of residents and citizens could undertake the journey. It reflected the unprecedented restrictions imposed during the global health crisis.

During the Hajj, both men and women engage in profound prayer rituals, reciting Allahs name, reading the Quran and offering supplications for forgiveness, healing, and mercy. The pilgrimage spans approximately five days. It includes a three-day stay in Mina, where pilgrims cast stones at pillars. This symbolizes the discarding of sins and seeking spiritual rejuvenation.

Deep Significance for Muslims Worldwide

Saudi authorities face the ongoing challenge of managing large crowds during the Hajj pilgrimage. This year, to ensure the well-being of participants, the kingdom has implemented a comprehensive healthcare initiative. It includes mobile clinics and strategically placed hospitals along the Hajj route.

The Hajj holds deep significance. It is a reflection of the strength and resilience of Prophet Ibrahim, his son Ismail and Hajar, as described in the Quran. Muslims worldwide eagerly anticipate the conclusion of the Hajj with the joyous celebration of Eid al-Adha. This is where the ritualistic slaughter of livestock takes place and meat is distributed to those in need.

The Hajj pilgrimage is a religious obligation that Muslims cherish. While some save their entire lives to undertake the journey, others rely on donations to fulfill their lifelong dream.

The Hajj pilgrimage stands as a remarkable display of faith and devotion. It unites Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a shared spiritual experience.
White House

The White House has announced a $42.45 billion pot of funding to connect Americans with affordable and reliable Internet, calling high-speed broadband a necessity rather than a luxury.

According to the Biden-Harris Administration announcement , more than 8.5 million households and small businesses are in areas where high-speed Internet is not even an option.

The move is being likened to Franklin Delano Roosevelts Rural Electrification Act, which brought electricity to the majority of American homes and farms. It promises to deliver high-speed connections to the countrys citizens by the end of the decade.

All Americans will get high-speed broadband by 2030

The Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program adds to the countrys existing programs designed to help Americans stay connected.

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Currently, 19 million of the countrys citizens are enrolled in a program worth $14.2 billion that sees eligible households receive up to $30 per month (up to $75 per month on qualifying Tribal Lands) toward their Internet bill, and a further $100 credit toward a desktop, laptop, or tablet computer offered by participating internet service providers. Currently, more than 20 ISPs are participating in the scheme.

The BEAD program is set to deliver at least $107 million to each state, with some eligible for more funding based on proportions and other factors. Of these, 19 states received allocations of over $1 billion, including Alabama, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.

Some of the money is also destined for manufacturing jobs and crowd in private sector investment to help support the growth required to meet the target by the end of the decade.

Whether or not hybrid and remote working is here to stay, reliable Internet connections have proven vital for jobs, school participation, healthcare, and maintaining connection with relatives, and it is hoped that leveling the playing field will provide citizens with more equal opportunities in the years to follow.
Washington  The arraignment for a longtime employee of former President Donald Trump at the center of the special counsel's investigation into the alleged illegal retention of classified documents has been rescheduled after his flight was canceled due to severe weather.

The arraignment is now scheduled for July 6 after Nauta's travels were disrupted by storms and he failed to secure local counsel to represent him in the matter.

Nauta's current attorney, Washington-based Stan Woodward, asked for the new July 6 arraignment date and told Judge Edwin Torres that he's still seeking a Florida-based attorney to take the case. Woodward said he hopes to have local counsel by July 6. The judge agreed to the delay and said "there's good cause" to do so, based on the storms.

According to flight tracking site Flightaware, over 1,000 U.S. flights were canceled on Tuesday morning. Nauta's defense attorney said that storms stranded Nauta's flight on the tarmac for three hours after eight hours waiting at Newark airport.

Woodward also told the judge he expects Nauta to seek a delay in the first pretrial conference in this case, which is set for July 14 in Fort Pierce, Florida.

Walt Nauta, an aide to former President Donald Trump, follows Trump as they board his airplane, known as Trump Force One, en route to Iowa at Palm Beach International Airport on March 13, 2023, in West Palm Beach, Florida. / Credit: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Nauta is accused of working with the former president to conceal boxes that allegedly contained records marked classified just as federal investigators issued a subpoena to retrieve them.

According to the indictment, filed earlier this month in the Southern District of Florida, Trump and his White House aides, including Nauta, packed up items from the White House in the waning days of the Trump Administration and moved them to Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Those items included documents that allegedly contained classified markings and were not meant to leave federal custody, court documents say.

It was in Florida that investigators say employees including Nauta shuffled the boxes of records around the resort  including into ballrooms, a storage room and a bathroom  at Trump's behest. Between November 2021 and approximately June 2022, Nauta and others allegedly transferred boxes between numerous rooms inside Mar-a-Lago at Trump's direction, and many of those movements were caught on security camera video reviewed by the Justice Department.

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In the months after Trump left the presidency, special counsel Jack Smith alleges the former president resisted efforts by the National Archives and Records Administration to fully retrieve all records that had to be turned over from his time in the White House. The discovery of classified records in a batch of boxes the Trump team did return to NARA prompted a Justice Department investigation into the matter.

Nauta was interviewed by the FBI in May 2022 about his connection to the records, and prosecutors allege he lied to investigators about the matter, denying he knew about the handling of the boxes.

On May 11, 2022, a grand jury issued a subpoena requiring the former president's representatives to hand over any and all documents with classified markings in his possession. Weeks later, before investigators came to retrieve the records pursuant to the subpoena, court documents allege Nauta removed a total of 64 boxes from the storage room in which they were being held at the time and brought them to Trump's residence. Prosecutors alleged Nauta moved the boxes at the direction of the former president.

Justice Department officials then traveled to Mar-a-Lago on June 3, 2022, to collect the subpoenaed records and, according to Smith's indictment, Trump's attorney attested that they fully complied with the order, unaware that any boxes had been moved from the storage room.

Prosecutors say Trump told Justice Department officials he was an "open book," but earlier that day, Nauta had loaded numerous boxes onto a plane before Trump was set to travel north for the summer.

After reviewing the security camera video from the time in question, the indictment says federal investigators executed a search warrant on Mar-a-lago for any remaining documents with classified markings. That August 2022 search yielded 103 allegedly sensitive records.

Trump was ultimately charged by the special counsel with 37 federal counts including the illegal retention of national defense information and conspiracy to obstruct justice. Nauta was also charged with the conspiracy count, as well as crimes including making false statements to investigators dating back to his May 2022 FBI interview.

Trump pleaded not guilty in June and has consistently denied any wrongdoing. On Saturday, he told a group of supporters in Washington, D.C., "Whatever documents the president decides to take with him, he has the absolute right to take them. He has the absolute right to keep them, or he can give them back to NARA if he wants."

The former president's legal team is expected to file motions to dismiss based in part on accusations of prosecutorial misconduct.

Nauta appeared with Trump in federal court earlier this month but was not arraigned at the time because he did not have local attorneys present.

A trial date in Florida is currently in flux as prosecutors and defense attorneys agreed to request a months-long delay after a federal judge initially scheduled the case to go to trial in August. As part of their conditions of release, Trump and Nauta are not allowed to communicate with one another about the details of the investigation, but given their work relationship, a magistrate judge in Miami did not completely bar them from speaking about other matters.

The special counsel had asked that the list of 84 potential witnesses remain sealed pending trial, but after a coalition of media organizations, including CBS News, petitioned the court to make the names public, Cannon ruled the witnesses list would not be sealed, at least for now. But she also said in her order that the list may not have to be filed on the public docket at all, which leaves open the possibility that those names may never be made public.

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By Michael Martina and Gram Slattery

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -China criticized U.S. presidential contender Nikki Haley over her threats to drastically limit Sino-U.S. trade relations, saying those who blamed Beijing for problems would end up on the "ash heap of history."

Haley, a U.N. ambassador during the Trump administration, staked out one of the most hawkish positions on China in the 2024 Republican presidential field on Tuesday as she accused Beijing of "killing Americans" for failing to help crack down on the fentanyl trade.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, caused almost 80,000 overdose deaths in the United States last year, according to preliminary data released by the U.S. government. China is a major producer of the precursor chemicals needed to make fentanyl, which is frequently smuggled into the United States over the Mexican border.

Haley on Tuesday said the U.S. should revoke China's permanent normal trade relations status until it helped stem the flow of those chemicals. She also pledged to push American companies to leave China, saying if the U.S. rallied, China's ruling Communist Party would "end up on the ash heap of history."

China called such remarks irresponsible.

"Pushing American companies to leave China runs counter to economic laws, and will ultimately harm everyone's interests," the spokesman for China's embassy in Washington, Liu Pengyu, said in a statement to Reuters late on Tuesday.

"Only those who draw attention by smearing and blame-shifting in the election campaign will end up on the ash heap of history."

That comment in turn drew a further retort from Haley.

"If the Chinese Communists stopped sending fentanyl across our border, robbing our businesses, spying on us, and militarily threatening our friends, then we would have a much better relationship," she said in a statement sent to Reuters on Wednesday.

U.S. officials say China's government has not been cooperative on fentanyl, or on money laundering related to trafficking in the drug.

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Beijing has countered that Washington should stop using the fentanyl crisis as a pretext for sanctioning Chinese companies, and Chinese state media outlets have said addiction and demand for the drug are U.S. domestic problems.

Haley is well behind in presidential primary opinion surveys, with just 3% of Republicans planning to vote for her, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released earlier in June.

She has sought to use foreign policy as a way to differentiate herself in a crowded Republican field, and her hardline stance on China could push her rivals to adopt harsher positions as well.

(Reporting by Michael Martina; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
Over the last week, the campaigns of Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear and GOP gubernatorial nominee Attorney General Daniel Cameron been attacking each other over parallel campaign finance controversies.

Both campaigns are hyping the others issues to the public and to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). Camerons official office first referred the matter of a donor linked to more than $200,000 in donations to Beshear and the Kentucky Democratic Party (KDP) well over the legal limit to the FBI on Thursday.

Then late Friday KDPs legal team mirrored the actions of Camerons office. A KDP attorney alerted the FBI and the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky of details surrounding a cluster of donations given to, and later refunded by, Cameron from a recovery center that his office was investigating. On Monday, the Associated Press first reported that Cameron directly solicited contributions from the center, which is based in Morehead.

Keith Byers, a Kentucky native and retired FBI Special Agent who previously oversaw FBI anti-corruption programs, told the Herald-Leader that it appears as though the campaigns are currently most interested in swaying public opinion against their opponents.

People who immediately go public with corruption allegations are usually just looking to score political points and generate media attention against their rivals. Current Attorney General Daniel Cameron and former Attorney General Andy Beshear both are well aware that publicity makes it exceptionally more difficult for the FBI to successfully gather evidence and conduct interviews of suspects already prepared for a knock on their door, Byers said.

Heres what we know about both cases.

What got reported to the FBI about Cameron?

Counsel to the KDP, Jonathan Berkon of Elias Law Group in Washington D.C., initially sent a letter to Deputy Attorney General Victor Maddox asking Camerons office to refer the contributions received from Edgewater Recovery Center to the FBI for investigation.

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That same day, Berkon forwarded the letter to the FBI and the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky.

I am providing you with my letter to Mr. Maddox so that your office can initiate an investigation on its own, if Mr. Maddox refuses to do so, Berkon wrote.

In that letter to Maddox, Berkon said that Cameron likely committed serious violations of state law when he accepted $6,900 from Edgewater Recovery Center when it was under investigation by the Attorney Generals Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse.

An investigation must ask and answer how the contributions came about, whether Attorney General Cameron was personally involved, and who from the Attorney Generals office or his campaign communicated with Edgewater. Kentucky law prohibits the Attorney General from using or attempting to use his official position to secure or create privileges, exemptions, advantages, or treatment for himself or others in derogation of the public interest at large., Berkon wrote.

No complaint has been filed to the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance (KREF) regarding the donations or Camerons behavior as of Tuesday, according to KREF Executive Director John Steffen.

Has anything changed recently with the Cameron case?

Two news stories this week provided new insight into the details of the Edgewater donations. First, the Associated Press initially reported that officials at Edgewater claim that Cameron engaged them earlier this year  as far back as January and into the Spring  soliciting donations while the investigation was ongoing. That investigation by the Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse began sometime in 2022.

The report stated that a Cameron campaign official was in contact with Edgewater about hosting a fundraiser, but that event never occurred according to Michael Denbow, an attorney from the firm Stites & Harbison representing the company in the matter.

Camerons office responded to scrutiny regarding the Edgewater donations by issuing a statement that acknowledged the discussions but emphasized its propriety in handling the situation.

There were preliminary conversations about hosting an event. Once we were made aware of a conflict, the event was canceled. When they later made online contributions, I recused myself and the contributions were refunded. My approach has been to review, recuse, and refund, Cameron said.

On Wednesday, the Cameron campaign stated directly that Cameron was not aware that his own office was investigating Edgewater when those discussions took place.

Later on Monday, reporting from The Daily Beast complicated the initial narrative. A source familiar with the matter told the outlet that Camerons campaign, as it had claimed, never technically canceled the fundraiser, it was just never finalized.

Aside from Denbow, Ashley Adkins  general counsel for the recovery center  has also commented on the matter to the Daily Beast. Adkins, who is the chair of the Rowan County Democratic Party, also served as counsel to former Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Amy McGrath. She offered up a timeline of events to the outlet.

On January 20, 2023, a few people associated with Edgewater, including myself, had a call with Daniel Camerons campaign about holding a fundraiser for him, and continued communication with them through March to schedule this fundraiser, Adkins said. It was in March that Daniel Cameron called and personally asked for a donation.

The AFL-CIO, a powerful labor union that tends to support Democrats, entered the picture on Tuesday when it submitted a complaint to the state Executive Branch Ethics Commission regarding the donations to Cameron. It suggests that Cameron likely broke state law in using his state position to benefit himself and asks the commission to investigate.

It is a certainty that Attorney General Camerons campaign will claim this request for an investigation by the Executive Branch Ethics Commission is politically motivated. The reality is that it is only appropriate, timely and legally important for an investigation be undertaken by the appropriate authority and such a request needed to be made to protect the public trust in our campaign finance system, ensure accountability for elected officials, and protect the integrity of our elections, Kentucky State AFL-CIO President Bill Londrigan said in a pres release.

What got reported to the FBI about Beshear?

Maddoxs letter to FBI Louisville Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen only made general reference to the Weddle donations being worthy of investigation.

When asked about the situation, Beshear emphasized that his campaign responded to the news of the donations being linked to one credit card swiftly and appropriately. He did not directly respond to a question about whether or not he believes Weddle should be prosecuted for the donations.

Any new developments?

A late clarification from the Beshear campaign on Tuesday made some tweaks to the narrative around Weddles contributions.

While the first memo released by the campaign said that the donors first brought the issue of Weddles credit card and excess donations being tied to his credit card, the campaign said that those donors were Weddle and his wife.

Who gave the donations?

London Mayor Randall Weddle is a wealthy businessman elected to office in 2022. A credit card traced to Weddle funded donations to the KDP and to Beshears re-election campaign that were marked as being from other people  many of them either members of Weddles family or people linked to his business, a freight hauling and reverse logistics company.

Weddle is a registered Republican, and previously gave to the campaign of former GOP governor Matt Bevin. He is also under investigation by the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance (KREF) for giving away free gas to area residents months before his 2022 election, as well as providing limousine rides to the polls for primary voters and giving various gifts to public entities in the lead-up to election day.

Byers expressed doubt that much will come from the complaints against either campaign, but said that the FBI could be inclined to examine Weddles behavior beyond any connection to Beshear.

It is unlikely any of this will amount to much pertaining to the two gubernatorial candidates, but London Mayor Randall Weddle better hope the FBI does not start turning over too many rocks pertaining to his alleged past activities, Byers said.

Six different members of leadership at the Edgewater Recovery Center were the ones recently refunded donations by the Cameron campaign  that included Adkins as well as the owner of the center, John David Elam.

What happened to the money?

In both cases, the candidates refunded all of the money in question to the donors.

Beshear refunded the $202,000 to Weddles credit card. Cameron refunded the $6,900 to the donors from Edgewater.

What are the campaigns saying about each other?

There is no evidence of a quid pro quo related to any of the donations. However, Republicans and Democrats are working to paint their opponents in the worst light on both scores.

Republicans have gone so far as to accuse Weddle and Beshear of engaging in pay-to-play scheme, pointing to a grant that the City of London recently received and Weddles appointment to the Kentucky Transportation Center Advisory Board.

Beshears campaign has characterized that accusation as a sloppy rush to score political points.

The Beshear team is framing Camerons solicitation of donations from Edgewater officials as a shakedown scandal, and pointing to inconsistencies in Camerons story as reporting continues.

They ask how it can be true, as Maddox wrote in a statement, that Cameron recused immediately after learning of the contributions, on May 19, 2023 when Cameron himself solicited contributions from Edgewater leaders.

The law

Both sides, to some degree, have alleged that the gubernatorial candidates have used their official positions to benefit their campaigns in potential violation of state law barring such conduct.

That could be difficult to prove, according to University of Kentucky law professor Josh Douglas. He said the current details of the cases make it murky as to whether or not any violation actually occurred on that score.

The mere fact of two things happening at the same time is not enough to suggest a violation You need to be able to demonstrate that you are using your office in a way that helps your candidacy, Douglas said.

Existing law regarding campaign finance limits only applies currently to Weddles contributions to the KDP and Beshear.

In Weddles case, $190,000 to the KDP was traced to his credit card as well as $12,000 to Beshears campaign. The campaign individual limit of $2,100 per donor is set by state law. The current limit on individual contributions to state parties is $15,000, a mark set federally by the Federal Election Campaign Act.
A Kansas City man who authorities say participated in a concerted heave-ho movement against a line of officers during the Capitol riot has been charged with a felony and three misdemeanors.

Kyle Kumer, 43, made his initial appearance Wednesday in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri. He is charged with civil disorder, a felony; and three misdemeanors  entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; and impeding passage through the Capitol grounds or buildings. The criminal complaint was filed in the District of Columbia.

Kumer is the 28th Missouri resident to be charged in connection with the Capitol riot.

According to the probable cause affidavit, when reviewing closed-circuit TV and other video footage from Jan. 6, 2021, the FBI saw a man on the front lines of rioters facing off with law enforcement officers at the Capitols lower west terrace entryway, which is known as the tunnel.

The individual appeared to push in a concerted effort with other rioters against the police defending the entrance to the U.S. Capitol multiple times over the course of approximately 25 minutes, the document said. Photos of the man were posted on the FBIs website under the title BOLO 126, asking for information about his identity. Bolo stands for be on the lookout.

A review of officers body-worn camera footage showed the man was on the west front of the Capitol around 2:30 p.m., the affidavit said. The man could be seen in the footage embracing another person, who authorities believed was his mother.

Around 2:50 p.m., the document said, a public video showed BOLO 126 near the entrance to the tunnel.

BOLO 126 is depicted as he raised his fist in the air and chanted along with the crowd, OUR HOUSE! WHOSE HOUSE?! OUR HOUSE! the affidavit said.

A video recorded by another rioter showed BOLO 126 walking up the steps toward the tunnel entrance, it said.

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As BOLO 126 walked toward the tunnel, other members of the crowd called out, PATRIOTS! and DOORS ARE OPEN! WHO HAS BODY ARMOR?! the document said.

Capitol security footage showed BOLO 126 entering the tunnel at about 2:56 p.m., the affidavit said, adding that it appeared his mother entered along with him.

While in the tunnel, BOLO 126 appeared to shield his mother from the crowd using his body, the affidavit said. However, despite a number of opportunities to leave the tunnel, BOLO 126 and his mother remained.

At about 3:04 p.m., the document said, the crowd in the tunnel began to push against the police line. BOLO 126 turned around and pushed the rioters with his back to aid in the group effort to force police out of the way.

BOLO 126s mother was in front of him, facing the wall of the tunnel as BOLO 126 pushed against other rioters and yelled animatedly, LETS GO! CMON! LETS GO! the affidavit said.

Around 3:10 p.m., it said, police were moving rioters out of the tunnel, but BOLO 126 and his mother remained. Two minutes later, BOLO 126 and other rioters still in the tunnel began another push against the police line.

At about 3:15 p.m., the affidavit said, many rioters left the tunnel. But BOLO 126 lingered, pulling his mother closer to the police line. At 3:16 p.m., the remaining rioters conducted another push against police. Body-worn camera footage showed that BOLO 126 and his mother were among the last rioters to leave the tunnel when officers cleared it around 3:20 pm., the document said.

At approximately 3:19 p.m., a Metropolitan Police Department Officer (Officer M.F.) was dragged into the crowd by members of the mob, the affidavit said. BOLO 126 remained near the entrance to the tunnel at this time and as Officer M.F. made his way back to his fellow officers, BOLO 126 put his arms around Officer M.F.

While the affidavit gives only the officers initials, the number on his helmet in a photo included with the affidavit is the badge number of Michael Fanone, who was beaten, tased and robbed of his badge, police radio and 17-round magazine as rioters tried to remove his gun from its holster. Fanone suffered a heart attack and traumatic brain injury from the assault.

After the riot, the affidavit said, the FBI received two tips identifying BOLO 126 as Kyle Kumer. One tipster was a relative who said Kumer had posted photos and video from the Capitol on his Facebook page but took them down a few days later. The tipster gave authorities screenshots taken from Kumers Facebook page that discussed his experience at the Capitol, along with a video of the lower west terrace.

Another tipster, an acquaintance of Kumer, was supposed to see him on Jan. 6 but told the FBI he did not show up. The tipster later learned that Kumer didnt appear because he was at the Capitol.

Law enforcement showed Tipster 2 a photograph of BOLO 126 and Tipster 2 confirmed that the individual depicted was Kyle Kumer, the affidavit said.

Around Nov. 17, 2021, it said, authorities interviewed Kumer at his home in Kansas City. Kumer admitted to being at the Capitol on Jan. 6 and showed them videos and photos taken on his cellphone, the document said. He also admitted to entering the tunnel and to helping the crowd push against the police line, it said, but he denied entering the Capitol.

Kumer claimed he was pushing against the crowd to protect his elderly mother from injury, the affidavit said. Kumer stated he brought his elderly mother to the tunnel to fully experience the moment.
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie tore into Donald Trump over a report that the former president has been using campaign contributions to pay his personal legal fees.

Trump is the cheapest SOB Ive ever met in my life, Christie, who is challenging Trump for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, told Politico. What Donald Trump is good at is spending other peoples money.

The New York Times reported on Sunday that Trump has quietly increased the amount of money diverted from his campaign donations to the political action committee he is using to pay for legal fees.

Thats led to about $1.5 million since spring redirected from his campaign to expenses related to his growing legal problems, including civil lawsuits, a federal criminal indictment and ongoing probes into his attempts to overturn his 2020 election defeat.

Christie said Trump  a billionaire  should be able to pay his own legal fees, and demanded that he stop sticking donors with the bills.

He should take a pledge today to instruct his campaign to no longer spend any public money on his legal fees, Christie told Politico. He is the richest candidate in this race, yet he is using public money to pay his legal fees. He should be ashamed of himself.

The Republican Party had been paying at least some of Trumps legal fees, but cut him off once he announced his latest run for the presidency.

We cannot pay legal bills for any candidate thats announced, Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel told CNN last year.

The Times report said Trump initially sent 99 cents of every dollar raised to his political campaign, with a penny going to the PAC paying his legal fees. But at some point in February or March, he increased the amount going to legal fees tenfold, with 10% of donations now funneled toward lawyers.

Trumps legal fees are likely to grow further. Along with the charges and lawsuits already underway, he may face additional federal legal indictments related to his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection, and a potential criminal case in Georgia related to his efforts to overturn the election.

Despite all that, Trump remains far and away the front-runner for the 2024 Republican nomination.
(Bloomberg) -- A mask-less Joe Biden landed in Chicago as the city grapples with a second day of thick Canadian smoke sending air quality to unhealthy levels across the eastern US and even sparking warnings in New York City. Chicago's Mayor Brandon Johnson on Tuesday urged residents and visitors alike to don masks for the duration of the air-quality alert as the thick smoke from Canadian wildfires seeps across the Great Lakes into the eastern and central US.

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The smoke will concentrate on the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic on Wednesday and possibly push as far as northern Georgia, said Frank Pereira, a senior branch forecaster with the US Weather Prediction Center. Air quality is set to worsen from Washington to Baltimore on Wednesday, and an alert has been issued for New York City, Long Island and New Jersey, the weather service said. Unhealthy air levels are creeping across Pennsylvania and upstate New York. Read More: NY Skies Set to Darken Again With Smoke From Canada Fires

Biden is visiting Chicago to give a speech that will outline the theory and practice of Bidenomics. He will also attend a fund-raising event hosted by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.

Air quality is rated unhealthy to very unhealthy in Chicago, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Buffalo, according to AirNows website. In Canada, the government air quality health index has flagged risks in Toronto and Ottawa. Some of the worst air in North America right now is in Detroit, with a hazardous Air Quality Index reading of 337 and a government advisory to stay indoors. The AQI in Madison, Wisconsin ranges from 262 to 290, according to AirNow. There is an area of low pressure drifting east across North America and on its west side it is pulling smoke down from the Canadian fires, Pereira said. As it continues to slide to the east, more areas of the US East Coast will come under threat. The save for the East Coast could be a second low pressure system forming behind it over the Great Lakes that could push the smoke back into Canada for a few days.

The problem is that low pressure systems spin counter-clockwise and drift to the east, so eventually they all become threats.As long as those fires continue to burn and we continue to get these areas of low pressure, they are going to keep pulling these plumes of smoke down through the eastern third of the nation here, Pereira said.Across Canada, 487 fires are raging with 253 burning out of control, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. Carbon emissions from the blazes are at record levels, the European Unions Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service said Tuesday. In other weather news:US: Wilting heat continues to sear down across the southern US states triggering excessive heat warnings and heat advisories from New Mexico to Florida and even Illinois.India: The annual monsoon, which accounts for about three-quarters of annual rainfall, is set to cover the entire country about a week earlier than usual even after a delayed start.Vietnam: Northern Vietnam, which grappled with power shortages recently, will likely experience a heat wave in days following Thursday.

--With assistance from Jordan Fabian and Mario Parker.

(Updates with New York alert in first paragraph.)

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Between the 1960s and 1990s in Chile, human rights groups believe that upwards of 20,000 babies were taken from mostly low-income mothers and adopted out to unsuspecting parents in foreign countries.

The practice amounted to an elaborate human-trafficking operation that involved a network of midwives, doctors, social workers, nuns, priests and judges, many of whom got rich off the scheme while fulfilling a key goal of General Augusto Pinochets regime to make Chile an economic success.

The practice came to light in 2014, when an investigative news agency called CIPER wrote about some cases involving a priest and a doctor. Thats also when the stolen babies, now adults, started learning that they werent voluntarily given up like they always believed.

Since 2014, nonprofits say theyve helped reunite at least 650 people who were taken from their Chilean mothers and adopted to families in the U.S., Canada, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Peru and Australia.

Chile's stolen children U.S. adoptees stolen as babies Chile find families, each other in growing support network

Heres what you need to know about Chiles stolen babies, how the scheme worked and whats being done to address the wrongs of the past:

Three babies

USA TODAY interviewed three of Chiles stolen babies and one of their birth mothers. All three were adopted out to parents in the United States and are now in their 40s.

Each adoptee was taken in a different way.

Karina del Carmen Valdes Lara said that a midwife told her that her baby daughter died of asphyxia after she was born in 1981. Valdes got to hold her daughter once before the baby was taken away and later adopted out to a couple in Staten Island, New York.

Valdes later learned that her baby was alive and that her own mother had agreed to the plan because she didnt approve of having children out of wedlock. Valdes and her daughter, Rachel Smolka, reunited in February after 40 years apart.

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Matt Molokie said that his mother, Adela del Carmen Vasquez Mercado, was held captive the last five months of her pregnancy. When she gave birth, she was told that she couldnt keep the baby because she couldnt care for him. Molokie, who was raised in Staten Island, reunited with his mother this month after nearly 40 years.

Rosa Mardones Pena, who died in 2015, likely was tricked or coerced into giving her son away to a child trafficker posing as a social worker, said Suzi Wortman, a volunteer with Nos Buscamos, an NGO dedicated to reuniting stolen children with their Chilean families.

In that case, Penas son, Scott Lieberman, was adopted out to parents in the San Francisco area. He was unable to reunite with his mother before her death because he only learned he had been taken from her earlier this year.

Scott Lieberman hugs his big sister Jenny Escalona Mardones for the first time in Chile on April 11, 2023.

How it worked

Many of the mothers whose children were taken were just like Valdes, Vasquez and Pena, said Constanza del Rio, the founder and president of Nos Buscamos.

They were lied to, told their babies had died or simply that they couldnt keep them. Sometimes they were told their babies needed to stay in the hospital for a while and that they could go home; when they returned, the babies would be gone and no one  not hospital staff nor police  would listen to their pleas, del Rio said.

We are talking about human rights violations, she said.

Once the babies were taken from their mothers, their adoption papers would be filled with lies, like their mother was raped and didnt want them, or that both parents had abandoned them.

The documents, signed off by judges in on the scheme, were written to make it look like their mothers all voluntarily gave up their babies, according to Chilean Adoptees Worldwide.

Its not believed that adoptive parents in foreign nations, including the U.S., knew the truth behind where their babies came from.

In the cases USA TODAY has written about, the adoptees said their adoptive parents were just as shell-shocked by the news as they were.

How stolen children are identified

Most of Chiles stolen children in the U.S. have found out about their pasts by stumbling across news stories. For example, a USA TODAY story about one mans reunion with his family in Chile led six people to reach out to Nos Buscamos and discover the truth about their pasts, del Rio said.

Molokie, the Staten Island man who said his mother was held captive before he was taken, was among the six who found out the truth through the USA TODAY story, he said.

I got a little pop-up notification on my phone: Man from San Francisco reunites with his family in Chile after being stolen, Molokie said. Im like, Oh, Im from Chile, let me click on it. And I had no idea any of that stuff was going on. And then you provided the information of the agency on the website so I uploaded my info onto the registry, and a half-hour later, they're like, Yeah, we found your birth mother and you your half-sister  I couldn't believe it. It was insane.

Since then, Molokie has grown close with both women and flew to Chile this month to meet them.

Both the other Chilean adoptees USA TODAY spoke with, Smolka and Lieberman, also found out the truth by reading news stories.

Right now, such stories are the best way nonprofits have to connect Chilean families with their long-lost children, del Rio said.

What next

Constanza del Rio, the founder and president of Nos Buscamos, is pictured. Nos Buscamos says it has reunited 400 adoptees with the families they were stolen from in Chile.

So far, its only nonprofit groups like Nos Buscamos and Hijos y Madres del Silencio that are working to reconnect adoptees with their birth families.

Nos Buscamos, for example, gets no government funding and relies on volunteers for the often lengthy work involved in confirming relationships with DNA tests.

Recently, Nos Buscamos was able to improve part of the process with a partnership with MyHeritage. Before, Chilean families would have to travel to Santiago to submit a DNA test. Now, Nos Buscamos can travel to them with MyHeritage tests.

Del Rio said the Chilean government has done virtually nothing to help and has failed to acknowledge what happened or apologize for it.

We have been working with the last three presidents and all of them have congratulated us because of what we are doing, but still the government or the state of Chile hasnt recognized this as a historical thing that really happened, she said. We are trying to get this government to recognize it  to avoid it from continuing in the future and try to compensate the people who have suffered this. And were not talking about money, were talking about human things. Apologies.

For now, anyone who suspects theyre among Chiles stolen children can register with Nos Buscamos and try looking up their adoptive last name here.

"It's moving slowly but we started in 2014 and nobody knew about this and now I'm talking with a journalist in the United States," del Rio said. "It's not as fast as we would like but it's working ... One by one."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chile's stolen children: How adoptions happened in the US and beyond
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday vetoed a bill that would allow adults to get their criminal record expunged even if they had an expungement as a juvenile.

Under current Florida law, someone cannot get their criminal record expunged as an adult if they had an offense scrubbed as a juvenile. The bipartisan bill, HB605, would give someone a second chance, so long as they werent charged for the previous crime as an adult. It was approved nearly unanimously in both the House and the Senate.

DeSantis did not detail why he rejected the bill in his veto letter. His office did not immediately return a request for comment.

In 2021, DeSantis vetoed a bipartisan bill that would have expunged juvenile criminal records for people who completed a diversion program, saying he vetoed it out of concern for public safety.

In 2022, DeSantis signed a tweaked version of the bill he vetoed. That bill excluded forcible felonies such as murder, manslaughter, carjacking, etc., from being eligible for expungement.

This years bill, HB605, would apply only to people who were arrested but had charges dropped, who werent charged by prosecutors or who were found not guilty. People who had their charges dismissed because they were found incompetent to stand trial would not be able to apply for expungement under the bill.

Rep. David Smith, R-Winter Springs, said in May he sees criminal record expungement as a workforce issue, and the bill would allow people to work at the highest level theyre capable of.

He said he had spoken with employers who supported the bill, hoping it would ease some worker shortages.

These are people who have never been convicted of a crime in Florida, Smith said at the time.

After DeSantis vetoed the bill, Smith sent a text to the Tampa Bay Times that said, Im disappointed that HB605 was vetoed, but remain committed to good justice reform policy that gives deserving Floridians second chances.

DeSantis also vetoed SB1478, which encouraged alternative sanctioning programs for low-risk probation violations.
A US Marine Corps UH-1N helicopter during Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada on October 25, 1983. US Defense Department/Spc. Douglas Ide

In October 1983, US troops invaded Grenada, a small island in the Caribbean.

While it was an overall success, the operation had missteps that lead to failures and casualties.

Those problems helped spur the creation of US Special Operations Command several years later.

Today, the US special-operations community operates like a well-oiled machine, rescuing hostages and taking down terrorist leaders whenever and wherever needed. To get to that level of capability, America's commandos have had to make mistakes and learn bloody lessons.

The pivotal point for their development came during a mission in the Caribbean nearly 40 years ago, when competing commands and conflicting priorities created disarray on the ground and prompted significant change in the way the US special-operations forces were organized and led.

Operation Urgent Fury

US troops exit a landing craft at the start of the invasion of Grenada on October 25, 1983. Peter Carrette Archive/Getty Images

The 1980s were a transitional period for the US special-operations community. In April 1980, an operation to rescue US hostages in Tehran, known as Operation Eagle Claw, had failed, leaving several US troops dead.

Eagle Claw went awry for several reasons, including an overly complex plan and poor coordination between units that had little experience working together, but it pushed the Pentagon to create Joint Special Operations Command in December 1980.

JSOC brought the top special-operations units, including Delta Force and SEAL Team 6, under one roof. Three years later, JSOC faced one of its first major challenges.

In September 1983, turmoil within the communist government of Grenada, including the killing of the prime minister by a rival faction, alarmed the Reagan administration, which was already concerned about Grenada's relations with Cuba and the Soviet Union.

Claiming a need to protect some 600 American medical students on the island, the US military intervened in October, launching Operation Urgent Fury alongside security forces from several Caribbean nations. According to Maj. Gen. Richard Scholtes, the first commander of Joint Special Operations Command, US military officers involved in the planning soon butted heads.

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US soldiers search houses on the second day of the US invasion of Grenada in October 1983. jean-Louis Atlan/Sygma via Getty Images

In mid-October, the leaders of US Atlantic Command and JSOC were both tasked with developing plans to invade the island and capture key targets, setting the stage for future disagreements. (The Pentagon eventually assigned Atlantic Command to lead the operation.)

The operation was soon expanded to include the US Marine Corps, which required a shuffling of units and their assigned targets.

According to Scholtes, other factors complicated the planning. The CIA was unable to determine if an under-construction runway on the island was long enough to support US military aircraft. The State Department also insisted that political prisoners held at Richmond Hill Prison be freed, adding a difficult assault mission to JSOC's list.

The US special-operations side of the operation began tragically when four members of the elite SEAL Team 6 drowned in heavy seas while trying to conduct a reconnaissance mission on the under-construction runway two days before the main invasion kicked off on October 25.

The invasion itself began with a misstep, with all of the assault forces arriving "separately, late, and in the most undesirable order," Philip Kukielski, author of "The US Invasion of Grenada: Legacy of a Flawed Victory," wrote in a recent issue of the Air Commando Journal.

A US Marine Corps CH-46 helicopter downed by anti-aircraft fire in Grenada, seen on October 29, 1983. US Defense Department

Early on October 25, Rangers from the 1st and 2nd Ranger Battalions captured Porto Salines International Airport with a combat jump under heavy fire. Meanwhile, frogmen from SEAL Team 4 captured the smaller Pearls airport and held it until they were relieved by Marines.

A task force of Delta Force operators, Rangers, and helicopters from the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment also attacked Fort Rupert and Richmond Hill Prison. In Fort Rupert, US commandos captured several members of the island's leadership, but the attempt to release political prisoners at Richmond Hill prison failed after the task force encountered extremely heavy fire from the ground.

SEAL Team 6 operators captured the Radio Free Grenada station but soon came under assault from Grenadian forces in armored vehicles. The SEALs retreated to the sea and were eventually picked up by US ships. Another SEAL Team 6 element tried to rescue Paul Scoon, Grenada's governor-general, from his mansion but was pinned down by Grenadian mechanized infantry for over 24 hours before Marines relieved them.

Although US forces successfully completed Operation Urgent Fury in four days, the US special-operations units involved faced many difficulties. The lack of credible intelligence and poor cooperation between units caused casualties and failures.

US special-operations troops took "a disproportionate number" of the casualties, according to Kukielski, and Scholtes later wrote that the mission "came so very close to being a complete disaster."

From Grenada to SOCOM

The US flag flies near soldiers manning 105mm howitzers at the Point Salinas airport in Grenada on October 27, 1983. Bettmann/Getty Images

Urgent Fury was pulled into a debate about the organization of the Pentagon that had begun long before US troops landed in Grenada.

Spurred on by testimony from Scholtes in 1986, lawmakers created US Special Operations Command as a new unified combatant command, led by a four-star commander, to bring the special-operations community together and elevate its status within the Pentagon.

Formally established in 1987, SOCOM, which now oversees JSOC, has been central to many US military operations, but its formation wasn't a given. The Pentagon was lobbying hard against it.

Flag-draped coffins of 22 US troops, 15 killed in the Beirut bombing and seven in the Grenada invasion, at Dover Air Force Base on October 30, 1983. Bettmann/Getty Images

"The Pentagon was waging a frontal and rear assault in opposition to the creation of a special operations command," William Cohen said in the mid-2000s, according to Kukielski's article.

Cohen, a senator at the time who later served secretary of defense, was a namesake of the Nunn-Cohen Amendment that brought SOCOM to life.

Without Scholtes' testimony, SOCOM "might not have happened, or we might have created a command with only two or three stars," Cohen added. "Once he testified on what took place in Grenada  that was the pivotal point."

Ships in the Persian Gulf in August 1987. Eric BOUVET/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

SOCOM was put to the test for the first time in 1987, when SEALs, Naval Special Warfare Combatant-Craft crewmen, and the Night Stalkers of the 160th SOAR began Operation Prime Chance.

For nearly two years, the American commandos worked to keep Iranian forces from interrupting the movement of oil tankers through the Persian Gulf. The operation was a success and much-needed proof that the military's different special-operations tribes could play together.

Today, the US special-operations community is arguably the most capable in the world. Its rise to the top hasn't been easy, but the lessons learned in Grenada and the operations since then have made it better and more effective.

Stavros Atlamazoglou is a defense journalist specializing in special operations, a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ), and a Johns Hopkins University graduate. He is working toward a master's degree in strategy and cybersecurity at Johns Hopkins' School of Advanced International Studies.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Former Assistant District Attorney James Montoya, who lost in a previous bid for El Paso district attorney by just over 1,200 votes, is again seeking the highest law enforcement seat in West Texas.

Montoya, who currently serves as a public defender for the El Paso County Public Defender's Office, on Tuesday announced his candidacy for district attorney of the 34th Judicial District, which oversees El Paso, Culberson and Hudspeth counties.

James Montoya, candidate for El Paso County district attorney

Montoya's new run for the seat comes after a heated race with Yvonne Rosales in the 2020 elections. Montoya ran his 2020 campaign focusing on his experience trying high-profile cases in the El Paso region and Rosales' lack of experience inside a courtroom.

Rosales won the election with 51.9% of the votes, 16,454 votes, while Montoya finished with 48.10%, 15,249.

Rosales did not finish her term as district attorney as she resigned amid a petition requesting a jury trial to remove her from office and allegations that she and her staff intimated witnesses in the El Paso Walmart mass shooting case. The petition claimed "official misconduct and continued incompetence" by Rosales and her administration.

Despite the disastrous regime of former DA Yvonne Rosales, our courthouse is still standing," Montoya said in a statement. "But we cannot go back to the way things were in 2019; we cannot and should not simply settle for stability. What the DAs Office needs now, more than ever, is a new and collaborative vision of justice for El Paso. One that listens to and takes into account, all the stakeholders in our criminal justice system, including victims of crime, law enforcement, the judiciary, the defense bar, and those accused of crimes."

Montoya again is stressing his experience trying numerous murder, aggravated assault and other high-profile cases.

"We need a DAs Office that will prioritize the prosecution of crimes that threaten the safety of our community while also acknowledging that a one-size-fits-all approach to criminal justice is no justice at all," Montoya said in a statement. "And we need an experienced trial lawyer, someone who has actually had to face El Paso County juries, who actually understands how this community feels about crime, to craft those policies and lead that office.

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More: Election 2024: Here's what to know as candidates begin announcing their bids for office

As a public defender, Montoya represents indigent clients accused of serious felonies, he said. In 2021, Montoya worked as a federal prosecutor for the U.S. Department of Justice in Oklahoma.

He previously spent more than seven years serving as an assistant district attorney for the El Paso County District Attorney's Office.

Montoya is the second candidate to officially announce a run for the district attorney position.

Nancy Casas launched her campaign for the seat in May. Casas currently is an assistant county attorney with the criminal unit of the El Paso County Attorney's Office.

Bill Hicks, who was appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott to take over the DA's Office after Rosales' resignation, has yet to officially announce whether he will seek the seat.

"I have not made a decision yet," Hicks said. "For now, I am so focused on trying to make the right things happen for the people of El Paso that I just do not have time to worry about the political things. Im sure that eventually I will decide to run, but right now, my focus is on getting this office back on track and on seeking justice for the people of El Paso, Hudspeth and Culberson counties, not on politics."

The primary election will be March 5, 2024, with early voting running from Feb. 20, 2024, to March 1, 2024.

Candidates can officially file for election Nov. 11. The filing deadline for candidates is Dec. 11.

Aaron Martinez may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com or on Twitter @AMartinezEPT.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: James Montoya announces 2nd bid for El Paso County district attorney
Lordstown Motors, a U.S.-based electric vehicle startup that launched with huge fanfare and financial backing five years ago, has filed for bankruptcy.

In a statement on Tuesday, the company said it filed for Chapter 11 protection in a Delaware bankruptcy court in an attempt to find a potential buyer, and said it remained confident that a future owner could take its Endurance truck and multiple EV variants and take the product to the next level.

Lordstown blamed its financial situation on Taiwanese tech giant Foxconn, which wavered on a $170 million earlier this year. And it filed a lawsuit against the company, called Hon Hai Precision Industry in Taiwan and China, for allegedly destroying its business.

Despite our best efforts and earnest commitment to the partnership, Foxconn willfully and repeatedly failed to execute on the agreed-upon strategy, leaving us with Chapter 11 as the only viable option to maximize the value of Lordstowns assets for the benefit of our stakeholders, Lordstown CEO Edward Hightower said in a statement.

We will vigorously pursue our litigation claims against Foxconn accordingly.

The automaker also filed a series of customary first day motions to continue operating the business during the process, which it said it expected to have approved quickly.

Lordstown is named after the Ohio town where it is based, and where its Endurance truck model is manufactured at a former General Motors factory.

We remain confident that an orderly, expedited sale process will maximize value for our stakeholders and enable the talent and technology behind the Endurance to find new and supportive ownership, Hightower said in the statement. While in Chapter 11, Lordstown will continue to support our customers.

Lordstown in its lawsuit accused Foxconn of leveraging resources gained through the partnership to advance its own business interests.

In a statement to The Hill, a Foxconn spokesperson said the company had maintained a positive relationship in negotiations with Lordstown, saying the U.S. company was reluctant to carry out the terms of its investment agreement. Foxconn also said it was reserving the right to pursue its own legal action.

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Foxconn originally hoped to continue discussions and reach a solution that could satisfy all stakeholders, without resorting to baseless legal actions, but so far the two parties have yet to reach a consensus, the spokesperson added.

Lordstowns bankruptcy filing marks the latest hit for EV startups as Tesla and traditional auto industry giants have ramped up competition in the space.

 Updated at 5:36 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is losing the war in Ukraine and has become "a bit of a pariah around the world," President Joe Biden said Wednesday.

Biden said it is "hard to tell" how much Putin has been weakened by Yevgeny Prigozhin's ambitious but ill-fated coup attempt. Some experts, however, say last week's chaotic insurgency stands as the greatest challenge yet to almost a quarter-century of Putin's authoritarian rule.

Mary Kate Schneider, director of global studies at Loyola University Maryland, told USA TODAY that even in failure, Prigozhin's coup attempt constitutes the single greatest challenge to Putin's authority in his 23-year reign. Prigozhin revealed "fissures in Putin's armor" that can be exploited by other challengers, she said. And Prigozhin's warm reception during his brief march could encourage those dissenters.

"It doesn't matter that Prigozhin and his soldiers did not reach Moscow, and in the long run it doesn't even matter why he stopped short of Moscow," Schneider said. "What matters is that Putin blinked."

Zev Faintuch, senior intelligence analyst at Global Guardian  an international security firm with boots on the ground in Ukraine  said Putin's "monopoly on violence in Russia is over." Putin's power, Faintuch said, was derived from his ability to control the "underbosses" of Russia.

"What is clear is that we are now witnessing the final act of Putin's reign, and possibly even that of the modern Russian state," Faintuch told USA TODAY. "Weve all seen gangster movies when the don shows weakness, and we all know what happens next. That said, it is still far too soon to predict Putin's imminent fall."

Developments:

 Ukrainian forces advanced almost a mile in various sectors of the front line Tuesday, Ukrainian Eastern Command spokesperson Serhii Cherevatyi said. Ukrainian authorities claim they have taken back more than half the land seized by Russia in the early months of the war.

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 NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday he has called a meeting of senior officials from Turkey, Sweden, and Finland on July 6 to try to overcome Turkish objections to Sweden joining the military alliance.

 Lithuania will send 10 more armored vehicles to Ukraine, bringing the total to 72, Lithuania's Defense Minister Avrydas Anusauskas announced.

 Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said on Telegram that Russian occupying forces in Kherson province have turned impounded buildings into warehouses for looted goods and locations to dismantle stolen cars to sell their parts in Russia.

Attack on restaurant: 4 dead, 47 injured after Russian missiles hit busy Ukrainian pizza restaurant

Rescuers and volunteers carry a rescued woman from the rubble after Russian missile strike hit a restaurant and several houses in Kramatorsk, eastern Ukraine, on June 27, 2023.

Arrest made in deadly Russian missile attack on restaurant

Ukrainian authorities said Wednesday they have detained an agent linked to the missile attack that killed at least 11 people and wounded at least 61 others in a crowded pizza restaurant in the eastern city of Kramatorsk. Vasyl Maliuk, head of the Secret Service of Ukraine, issued a statement saying the agent was a spotter who informed Russia about the crowds at the restaurant and "adjusted the enemys missile strike."

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the agent faces treason charges. "The possible punishment is life imprisonment,'' Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address. "Accomplices of a terrorist state must be treated as betrayers of humanity.''

The dead included 14-year-old sisters, the city council said on Telegram. Zelenskyy initially said Russia "brutally attacked Kramatorsk with S-300 missiles," which were designed for anti-aircraft defense and have been repurposed to attack land targets in Ukraine, but the National Police later said Iskander short-range ballistic missiles were used.

As it has throughout the war against mounting evidence, the Kremlin denied striking civilian targets.

WSJ: Prigozhin hoped to capture Russian military leaders

The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed Western officials, reported Wednesday that Prigozhin had planned to seize high-ranking Russian military leaders but that he was forced to accelerate his plans after the countrys domestic intelligence agency became aware of the plot. The "premature launch" of the insurrection may have led to its demise, the Journal said.

Prigozhin had intended to capture Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Gen. Valery Gerasimov, chief of Russias general staff, during a planned visit to a southern region that borders Ukraine, the Journal reported. But Russia's Federal Security Service, or FSB, found out about the plan two days before it was to be executed, the officials said. Gen. Viktor Zolotov, commander of the National Guard of Russia, also said authorities knew about Prigozhins intentions before he launched his attempt.

The Western sources told the Journal it appeared Prigozhin hoped to draw support from factions of the Russian military. The ease with which Wagners troops pushed forward in the early hours of the coup suggests that some regular forces commanders could have been part of the plot, according to Western intelligence.

Those military leaders may have included a senior general who had been the top Russian commander in Ukraine and other lower-ranked generals, the New York Times reported, citing U.S. officials. The newspaper said the senior general, Sergei Surovikin, knew about the plot ahead of time, but it's not clear whether he supported it. The Times also said Surovikin has not been seen publicly since Saturday.

Ukraine expects guarantee to join NATO

Ukraine has met the three key prerequisites for NATO membership and deserves a guaranteed invite to join the military alliance when the war with Russia ends, Ukraine Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said Wednesday. Reznikov told The Guardian that Ukraine has proved it can function with NATO forces, has a transparent procurement system and has civilian control of the military. Reznikov said it is in the alliance's interest to fortify its eastern flank  and that NATO should issue a membership guarantee at its meeting next month in Lithuania.

"Ukraine is already serving as a protective shield for NATOs eastern European members," Reznikov said. "If this shield cracks, the next victims of Russian aggression could be the Baltic states, Poland, Hungary or Slovakia."

Is Putin trying to destroy coup leader Prigozhin?

Putin apparently is trying to present Prigozhin as corrupt and a liar to destroy his reputation among his Wagner Group personnel and within Russian society, a Washington-based think tank says in its latest assessment of the war. The Kremlin has pledged not to charge Prigozhin with crimes related to the coup. But Putin in recent days has implied that Prigozhin lied when he complained about lack of state compensation for Wagner and that Prigozhin had made a fortune off his military-related Concord Company.

"Putins insinuation that the Kremlin will investigate the Concord Company may be preparation to justify the Kremlins confiscation of Prigozhins assets via corruption charges," the Institute for the Study of War assessment says, adding that "Putin has likely decided that he cannot directly eliminate Prigozhin without making him a martyr at this time."

Putin convinced he can outlast Ukraine and its allies, Blinken says

A peace envoy sent by Pope Francis was scheduled to meet with a Putin aide Wednesday, less than two weeks after a delegation of African leaders came away empty-handed in their attempt to mediate an end to the war.

The pope's representative, Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, may not be any more successful if U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is right in his assessment of Putin's strategy.

Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations, Blinken said the biggest obstacle to peace talks is Putin's belief that he can outlast Ukraine and the countries supporting its resistance.

The more we are able to disabuse him of that notion, the more likely it is that at some point hell come to the table, Blinken said.

Swiss block transfer of 96 Leopard tanks bound for Ukraine

The Swiss government, citing neutrality laws, shut down a plan Wednesday to ship almost 100 Leopard tanks to Ukraine. The tanks are stored in Italy in "unserviceable condition" but were designated for transport to Germany before being sent to Ukraine as military aid. Switzerland's Federal Council issued a statement saying it "came to the conclusion that the sale of 96 tanks is not possible" because it would contradict the law on military equipment. Earlier this month, Switzerland's National Assembly approved the sale of tanks despite strict export restrictions on weaponry.

Last week, Switzerland announced a humanitarian aid package worth more than $1.3 million for demining activities in Ukraine.

Contributing: Francesca Chambers

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ukraine Russia war live updates: Biden blasts Putin as 'pariah'
Bernardo Arevalo has made it to a presidential run-off in a surprise upset in Guatemala (Luis ACOSTA)

Guatemalan presidential candidate Bernardo Arevalo, who pulled off an upset in Sunday elections by advancing to a run-off, declared Monday that if he wins, his priority will be fighting corruption.

Without that "we are not going to be able to rescue the institutions we need to generate national development," Arevalo told AFP at the close of a celebratory rally in the capital's Constitution Square.

Guatemala "needs honesty and decency to bring development," added the 64-year-old sociologist.

The battle between Arevalo -- who unexpectedly ended in second place having polled at number eight -- and former first lady Sandra Torres means Guatemala will have its first leftist leader in more than a decade.

Torres, the ex-wife of late former president Alvaro Colom, came in first Sunday with about 15.8 percent of votes cast, followed by Arevalo with just under 12 percent, according to the near-complete count early Monday.

The election saw low turnout and a high rate of invalid ballots cast, with few Guatemalans holding out hope that their next president will solve the problems of crushing poverty, violence and corruption.

But the emergence of this upstart candidate -- the son of reformist president Juan Jose Arevalo (1945-1951) -- ignited many disillusioned Guatemalans, and was the buzzing topic Monday in workplaces, cafes, restaurants, buses and taxis.

"We are very excited, very enthusiastic. We have touched the hope of a people. The people have turned out (to back us), they have given us support that no one saw coming. And with that hope and that support, we are going to rescue the country's institutions," said Arevalo.

"We are going to win the second round and we are going to give this country the future it deserves and not the swamp they have kept us in for the last 20 years," said the candidate born in Montevideo, Uruguay, where his father was exiled in 1954.

"I am convinced (that I will win) after what happened yesterday. We know we are on the right track," he added.

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Hundreds of people attended the rally in the plaza, where Arevalo told supporters that the "dirty politics" in the country would be forgotten.

"I love and want Guatemala. I want there to be a radical change and I think we are going to have it with this person," Manolo Garza, a 63-year-old machinery importer, told AFP.

"We have lived for a long time with the burden of many governments that have really only been interested in their own welfare and the people definitely not at all. We really see hope in Bernardo," Eveling Zapata, a 51-year-old teacher, told AFP.

Both Torres and Arevalo are social democrats. Both oppose the legalization of same-sex marriage and elective abortion in the staunchly Catholic Central American country.

Whoever wins the second round on August 20, it will mark an ideological shift in Guatemala after three right-wing presidents, including current President Alejandro Giammattei, due to leave office in January 2024.

fj/dga/st/mtp
The United States Department of Homeland Security caused a stir last February when it revealed that it was exploring deploying robot dogs on the U.S./Mexico border.

The southern border can be an inhospitable place for man and beast, and that is exactly why a machine may excel there, the DHSs Brenda Long said at the time. This [Science and Technology Directorate]-led initiative focuses on Automated Ground Surveillance Vehicles, or what we call AGSVs. Essentially, the AGSV program is all aboutrobot dogs.

The story raised the ire of several Democratic politicians, including New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who tweeted, Its shameful how both parties fight tooth + nail to defend their ability to pump endless public money into militarization. From tanks in police depts to corrupt military contracts, funding this violence is bipartisan + non-controversial, yet healthcare + housing isnt. Its BS.

Its shameful how both parties fight tooth + nail to defend their ability to pump endless public money into militarization. From tanks in police depts to corrupt military contracts, funding this violence is bipartisan + non-controversial, yet healthcare + housing isnt. Its BS. https://t.co/rIPMfjE8NV  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) February 5, 2022

Last week, the subject -- and the robotics firm behind it -- were once again top of mind on Capitol Hill. A House GOP Cybersecurity, Information Technology and Government Innovation hearing titled Using Cutting-Edge Technologies to Keep America Safe gathered together representatives from a number of defense-related technology firms. The list included Ryan Rawding of biometric verification firm Pangiam, Wahid Nawabi of drone defense firm AeroVironment, Benjamin Boudreaux from the RAND Corporation and Gavin Kenneally, the CEO of Ghost, whose robot dogs have been featured in the trials.

Ghost demoed its Vision 60 robot for the panel during Kenneallys presentation. Looks like my high school algebra teacher, one member of the committee inexplicably quipped. Another added, like an Avengers movie right now. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene called the demo, really incredible, absolutely intriguing.

Missouri Congressman Eric Burlison noted, a few house Democrat members reportedly wrote to the US Customs and Border Protection last year expressing concerns about that robotic dogs could pose a lethal threat to migrants and Americans. How legitimate is that concern?

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 22: Gavin Kenneally, Chief Executive Officer at Ghost Robotics speaks as Vision 60 UGV walks in during a House hearing at the US Capitol on June 22, 2023 in Washington, DC. The House Committee on Oversight and Accountbility Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation met to discuss the use of technology at the US Border, airports and military bases. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 22: Gavin Kenneally, Chief Executive Officer at Ghost Robotics speaks as Vision 60 UGV walks in during a House hearing at the US Capitol on June 22, 2023 in Washington, DC. The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation met to discuss the use of technology at the US Border, airports and military bases. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

The executive responded, The use case for the robots at the border is to collect data. You can either look for illegal drug trafficking by adding sensors to detect for that, or you can add infrared or thermal cameras, which let you pick up human or other animals thermal signatures. The robot is really a detection system, which will then actually be used to save lives. Theres hundreds of deaths every year from drowning or getting stuck trying to cross the border.

In October 2021, the Philly-based startup made national headlines when images emerged of one of its robots sporting a remote-controlled sniper rifle designed by a company called SWORD. At the time, then-CEO Jiren Parikh told TechCrunch the system was a walking tripod in reference to the companys apparent hands-off approach to payload -- weaponized or otherwise.

The subject of weaponization briefly came up during the hearing.

[A]s the world progresses into stages that could be going to more wars -- especially given the Ukraine and Russian war thats going on right now -- Id like to ask each of you how we can make sure that we prevent any types of technologies or robotics like this to ever be used as weapons against people, Greene said. And I think thats extremely important. Again, its not weaponizing technology we want to see happen ever, and I would like to see countries around the world make agreements to this, especially with emerging incredible inventions. We dont want to see them turned into something that would kill people.

The Georgia congresswoman didnt ask the question directly, however, instead pivoting to one about preventing cybersecurity attacks.

Ghost Robotics unit controlled by soldier

Image Credits: Ghost Robotics

The robot, the way weve built it, its effectively a server on legs, so were able to use standard best practices to lock down the robot as much as possible, using firewalls, answered Kenneally. Because of the sensitive nature of our customers, all of the data that the robot collects is stored locally.

New York Congressman Nick Langworthy, meanwhile, asked whether the robot could be deployed on the U.S./Canadian border.

Yes, absolutely, Kenneally responded. We also have built these robots very purposefully to go in environments that are incredible harsh and hard for humans to traverse. Were able to operate the robot down to -40 Celsius or -40 Fahrenheit. Its also sealed, so it can work in all kinds of different weather conditions.
An IRS whistleblower is defending his claims that the U.S. attorney investigating Hunter Biden was blocked from bringing charges outside of Delaware and did not have full control of the case  which counters statements from multiple Justice Department officials.

IRS investigator Gary Shapley told multiple outlets this week that the presidents son received preferential treatment in a case probing his failure to pay taxes that resulted in a plea agreement earlier this month. If the agreement is approved by a judge, Biden will not face jail time.

Shapley has claimed the investigation was slow-walked by the office of U.S. Attorney for Delaware David Weiss, a Trump appointee.

We have to make sure, as a special agent for IRS Criminal Investigation, that we treat every single person exactly the same, Shapley told CBS News on Tuesday.

And that just simply didnt happen here.

More Courts coverage from The Hill

Shapleys testimony, first given to the House Ways and Means Committee, has become a key basis for Republicans arguing the Justice Department improperly handled the case.

Biden has since paid back taxes on more than $200,000 of income tax for the 2017 and 2018 tax years. But Shapley contends some of the most serious tax misconduct took place beforehand, with Biden owing a total of $2.2 million in taxes from 2014 through 2019.

Shapely said he was told by Weisss office that the U.S. attorney was unable to bring charges in Washington, D.C., where Shapely said he believes they would have the strongest case.

There were really earth-shaking statements made by David Weiss that really brought to light some of my previous concerns. And the first one was that he is not the deciding person on whether or not charges are filed. It was just shocking to me, Shapley said.

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I documented exactly what happened. And it doesnt seem to match what the attorney general or the U.S. attorney are saying today.

Sign up for the latest from The Hill here

Attorney General Merrick Garland has maintained before lawmakers and under questioning from reporters that Weiss had the authority under both the Trump and Biden administrations to handle the case as he saw fit.

I certainly understand that some have chosen to attack the integrity of the Justice Department, and its components, and its employees, by claiming that we do not treat like cases alike. This constitutes an attack on an institution that is essential to American democracy and essential to the safety of the American people. Nothing could be further from the truth, Garland said Friday.

Youve all heard me say many times that we make our cases based on the facts and the law. These are not just words. These are what we live by.

Weiss also maintained that he had total authority.

I want to make clear that, as the Attorney General has stated, I have been granted ultimate authority over this matter, including responsibility for deciding where, when, and whether to file charges, Weiss told House Judiciary Committee members in a June letter.

In his House testimony, Shapley said that U.S. Attorney for D.C. Matthew Graves was opposed to bringing charges in Washington, but Gravess office has contested that.

As the Attorney General has said, U.S. Attorney Weiss was given full authority to bring charges in any jurisdiction he deemed appropriate. He did not need approval from this office or the U.S. Attorney to bring charges in the District of Columbia, Gravess office said in a statement.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
After robbing partygoers of a Camaro at gunpoint and escaping a police chase through Hardeeville, 17-year-old Jasper County resident Victor Cervantes took to Snapchat to brag about the feat, according to the Ridgeland Police Department.

Cervantes and the 16-year-old boy who accompanied him were charged Monday with carjacking, armed robbery and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, jail records show. A 17-year old charged with a Class A felony is not considered a juvenile under South Carolina law, meaning Cervantes has been charged as an adult. Due to his status as a minor, the 16-year-old has not been publicly identified and will be tried through the Family Court system.

Police arrived just before midnight June 18 at the Jasper County Farmers Market, where a group of partygoers in the area told them two young men had held the group at gunpoint and stolen a 2018 Camaro SS, said department spokesperson Lt. Daniel Litchfield. The stolen car was worth about $20,000 and contained an iPhone and $3,000 dollars in cash, he said.

Minutes after responding officers reported the stolen vehicle to dispatch, Hardeeville police initiated a chase, stopping after the driver crossed the Georgia state line. A trooper from the Georgia State Patrol later found the car abandoned on the side of the road, according to Litchfield.

Police had no other major leads until the following weekend, when Ridgeland investigators received a video posted to Cervantes Snapchat story wherein the 17-year-old can be seen bragging about the high-speed chase. The SC Law Enforcement Divisions Fugitive Task Force located Cervantes Monday, taking him to Ridgeland Polices offices, where he confessed to stealing the car and evading Hardeeville officers, Litchfield said. The $3,000 in cash was not recovered.

Cervantes was in custody at the Jasper County Detention Center as of Wednesday morning, records show.

The June 18 carjacking comes during a summertime surge of vehicle thefts across Beaufort County, police officials say. Spokesperson Maj. Angela Viens said the Sheriffs Office received 15 reports of car thefts in a monthlong period ending June 22, while the Bluffton Police Department reported a rash of stolen vehicles the night of June 20 in the Baynard Park, Woodbridge, Island West and Heritage neighborhoods, including one that was later found engulfed in flames in Baynard Park, spokesperson Sgt. Bonifacio Perez told The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette.
A 36-year-old Woodbridge man died as the result of a two-vehicle crash Monday morning on Interstate 95 in Stafford County, police said.

Virginia State Police Sgt. Brent Coffey said the crash occurred at 7:53 a.m. in the southbound lanes, about a mile north of the Falmouth exit.

A 2011 BMW sedan was in the left lane traveling at a slow speed when the driver made an abrupt lane change to the right. A southbound 2013 Chrysler sedan was unable to avoid a collision and rear-ended the BMW, Coffey said, causing it to strike a jersey wall. The crash caused significant traffic delays.

The BMW driver was taken to Mary Washington Hospital, where he later died. Coffey said police are withholding the victims name pending notification of family. He was not wearing a seat belt.

The Chrysler driver, a 52-year-old Stafford man who was wearing his seat belt, suffered minor injuries and was treated at Stafford Hospital. No charges had been filed as of Tuesday.
A woman who helped transport prisoners within the Lansing Correctional Facility alleges a Kansas Corrections supervisor unfairly bullied and humiliated her due to her sex for over a decade, according to a federal lawsuit filed Monday.

Evangelina Pearson, who started working for the Kansas Department of Corrections in 2004, accused the state of dismissing reports of discriminatory behavior and ultimately forcing her to seek another job in a Kansas District Court retaliation lawsuit.

She said the Corrections Supervisor, Captain Perez, whose first name was not listed in the lawsuit, repeatedly tried to oversee and scrutinize her work although he was not within her chain of command.

The lawsuit petition alleged Perez monitored Pearson more strictly than other male members of the Transportation Team.

In one instance, he publicly berated her over the prisons two-way radio system. In another, he told Human Resources Pearson would receive an unauthorized absence for attempting to file a discrimination complaint, according to court documents.

But she alleged that despite her efforts to report the harassment  little changed.

Pearson alleged the lack of a response from Human Resources left her to apply for other positions in an effort to escape Perezs abuse.

The subsequent role required Pearson, who is a single mother, to take more time away from her children, since many of her shifts were scheduled on weekends and holidays.

The Kansas Department of Corrections declined to comment on pending litigation.

Leave me ALONE

Pearson joined the Transportation Team at the Lansing facility in 2009, in part so she would be able to work a schedule that allowed her to spend weekends and holidays with family, according to court documents.

About 12 years into her position, she received a reprimand from Perez. Although he did not serve as her supervisor, he alleged Pearson violated personnel policies related to professionalism, conduct and performance on Aug. 21, 2021, documents said.

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That day, Pearson said Perez sought to publicly humiliate her by berating her over the prisons radio system. Pearson believes he targeted her due to her sex, documents said.

An investigation into the incident did not interview or receive information from any witnesses, documents said. Yet, Pearson was still reprimanded. Pearson emailed corrections officials on Nov. 9, alleging that she had been treated differently than her male counterparts.

She sent another email on Dec. 2 to Human Resources in an effort to seek equal treatment. In that message, Pearson worried that her attempts to file a complaint would lead to retaliation.

By Feb. 23, 2022, Pearson alerted her supervisor to her intentions of filing a grievance against Perez. But as she spoke to Human Resources, Perez called to let her know that her efforts would result in an unauthorized absence.

Later that morning, Pearson sent out an email to corrections officials, including Perez, that read: Captain Perez, you need to STOP! ... You need to LEAVE ME ALONE! ... You DO NOT OWN me as you like to believe! ... His constant harassment is causing me stress.

No one responded or followed up to investigate, documents said.

Still, Pearson continued to try and file discrimination complaints against Perez. She said in a March 5 complaint that Perez had prohibited her from entering the Kansas prison without any legitimate basis, according to documents.

No one responded.

So, she applied for a position with Security Patrol that required her to work days over the weekend and certain holidays. In the new role, she was required to pay a fee to replace her badge, which she alleged male co-workers had previously not had to do.

Her most recent role at a minimum security facility also requires her to work certain holidays and days over the weekend.

The lawsuit is seeking $75,000 in damages.

Pearsons attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
a wheeled robot on Mars

GOLDEN, Colorado - Breathe easy: There's good news from Mars.

Tucked inside NASA's Perseverance Mars rover is a device known as MOXIE, short for Mars Oxygen In Situ Resource Utilization Experiment. MOXIE is the first experiment to suck in the planet's thin, carbon dioxide-laden air and transform that native resource into oxygen. The toaster-sized device, if built to a larger scale, can be used not just for astronaut expeditions to Mars for breathing, but also for rocket fuel.

Earlier this month, the experiment achieved a major milestone when researchers pushed MOXIE to a maximum production level  a factor of two higher than reached earlier.

Related: Perseverance rover: NASA's Mars car to seek signs of ancient life

Riskiest run

"We got great results," said Michael Hecht, MOXIE's principal investigator and an associate director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Haystack Observatory in Westford, Massachusetts.

"This was the riskiest run we've done," Hecht told Space.com in an exclusive interview. "This could have gone wrong," he said, and could have led to minor damage to the instrument, but it didn't. The milestone setting Mars run took place on June 6, operating during the Martian night, and lasted 58 minutes, Hecht said.

The requirements for MOXIE were to produce 6 grams of oxygen an hour, a rate that was eventually doubled. "We rolled the dice a little bit. It was 'hold your breath and see what happens,'" Hecht said.

Informally dubbed by Hecht and his team as "the last hurrah," MOXIE delivered the goods on its 15th run on Mars since first gulping up Martian atmosphere within Jezero Crater on April 20, 2021.

The challenge all along, Hecht added, has been to define ways to operate on Mars more efficiently by cranking out a higher yield of oxygen.

a man wearing a wide-brimmed hat inside

Voltage vigilance

Hecht presented a review of MOXIE, detailing a Martian year of on-the-spot resource utilization on the Red Planet at the 23rd meeting of the Space Resources Roundtable, held June 6-9 at the Colorado School of Mines.

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MOXIE weighs roughly 40 pounds (18 kg) and is designed to pull in Martian air using a pump before using an electrochemical process to separate one oxygen atom from each molecule of carbon dioxide. As a byproduct, carbon monoxide is produced, as is a black residue of solid carbon that can gum up the works inside the device, Hecht said. So voltage vigilance is required as MOXIE performs its high-temperature, oxygen-making work, he added.

a golden metal cube is being lifted by a person in a white clean suit in a laboratory

Operating one hour at a time, MOXIE ran seven times in calendar year 2021, mostly to prove that the instrument can operate in the different conditions the planet experiences throughout the Martian year. (A year on Mars lasts twice as long as it does on Earth due to the Red Planet's full-circle swing around the sun.)

In 2022, MOXIE technologists focused more on pushing the unit's capabilities, as well as developing new operating modes. All in all, the earlier start-stop set of 14 runs added up to 1,000 minutes of operating time. "It's been an exciting ride," Hecht told the Colorado School of Mines audience.

But MOXIE is a technology demonstration, and like many other demonstrators, its long-term life is tied to funding. Research money for MOXIE is set to end at year's end, Hecht said, with the MIT lab that carries out the work on the lookout for new collaborations.

technicians in white clean suits lower a metallic box into a larger metal box

Full-scale system

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 NASA's Perseverance Mars rover has made oxygen 7 times in exploration milestone

As for what's next for MOXIE, Hecht said the experiment results encourage the development of a full-scale system here on Earth, one that pumps out oxygen continuously in auto-mode and is able to generate 25 to 30 tons of oxygen to support a human mission on Mars. "It's all about lifetime. We run an hour at a time. To do this in the future we will have to run for 10,000 hours."

Understanding just how far MOXIE can be pushed before it degrades is important. "On Mars you don't get a second chance," Hecht told Space.com. "We could turn it on at 12 grams an hour and let it rip for a long time."

Perhaps there is value in coming back in a year, Hecht observed, to turn the experiment on again to see if anything has degraded just from aging and exposure to the Martian environment.

"MOXIE isn't going anywhere being nice and safe on Mars," Hecht said.
(Bloomberg) -- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Melonis government has selected European Central Bank Executive Board member Fabio Panetta to succeed Ignazio Visco as the next Bank of Italy governor.

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His nomination was decided at a cabinet meeting in Rome on Tuesday, according to people familiar with their deliberations. The plan to pick him today was previously reported by Bloomberg.

The head of state, Sergio Mattarella, will need to approve the selection before Panetta can take up his role once Viscos second and final term comes to a close at the end of October.

The choice is potentially the most significant that the rightwing coalition will make this year, the third part of a series of personnel decisions that have allowed Meloni and her colleagues to reshape Italys economic leadership in their image.

The selection of 63-year-old Panetta reassigns one of the most dovish officials on the Executive Board to a position on the Governing Council that brings arguably greater prestige as the most senior monetary official in the regions third-biggest economy.

With Italys huge debt exceeding 140% of gross domestic product, the role of governor has frequently become one of crisis fighting, as Visco found himself doing when bond yields surged at the onset of the pandemic in 2020.

The selection of Panetta, who was previously a senior Bank of Italy official, ends weeks of speculation on the succession to one of the most venerated positions in the country. Two prior governors became head of state, while one other  Mario Draghi  went on to lead the ECB before serving as Melonis predecessor.

Panetta has long been the front-runner, slated for the job ever since rumors swirled of his possible return from Frankfurt to become finance minister before Giancarlo Giorgetti got that role when the coalition was formed last year.

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By picking the Italian official on the Executive Board, that will create an ECB vacancy that Meloni and her coalition will want to keep for themselves in tune with the convention that the country always names one of its six members.

Media speculation in Rome is that a possible successor there would be Bank of Italy official Piero Cipollone, 61, a longtime veteran of the central bank, with brief interruption as Italys executive director at the World Bank. A graduate of La Sapienza University of Rome, he earned a masters in economics from Stanford and has taught at UC Berkeley.

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Rudy GiulianiAlex Wong/Getty Images

As the Justice Department's investigation into former President Donald Trump's role in overturning the 2020 election advances swiftly, prosecutors are examining the role his allies played in pushing out false claims about election fraud, including plans to assemble "fake electors" in key swing states that were won by President Joe Biden, according to The New York Times.

Federal prosecutors last week interviewed Trump's former personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, who actively promoted baseless legal theories challenging the presidential election results, individuals familiar with the matter told The Times.

Trump's legal team also filed lawsuits in key states, asserting unsubstantiated allegations of extensive election fraud, despite statements from officials, including Trump's own Attorney General William Barr, who confirmed that there was no evidence of widespread voter fraud.

"Trump's lawyers can be charged with conspiring to overturn the election results," former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani told Salon. "There is legal advocacy on behalf of a client and there is criminal conduct in coordination with a defendant, and Trump's lawyers may have crossed that line."

Related

Legal scholar: Report suggests DOJ about to indict Trump's "whole criminal gang" for conspiracy

Giuliani's role has made him a prominent figure in ongoing investigations. He faced questioning last year by a House committee investigating the events leading up to the January 6 attack and was interviewed by prosecutors in Fulton County, Georgia, who are examining attempts to undermine the state's election.

"Giuliani, in particular, may be charged as a co-conspirator for coordinating the fake electors," Rahmani said. "A conspiracy is an agreement to do something unlawful and an overt act in furtherance of the conspiracy."

For several months, Justice Department prosecutors have been investigating the involvement of Trump's legal advisers in their attempts to overturn the election. The DOJ is examining the roles Jenna Ellis, John Eastman, Kurt Olsen, Kenneth Chesebro, and then-Justice Department lawyer Jeffrey Clark played in helping push false claims regarding election fraud, a source told the Washington Post.

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In July of last year, Eastman, a conservative lawyer who assisted Trump in contesting the election results, revealed that federal agents had confiscated his phone.

Special counsel Jack Smith's team has questioned multiple witnesses about the lawyers' actions related to creating fake slates of pro-Trump electors in key swing states that were actually won by Biden, one person familiar with the matter told the Times.

Related

"Acting like a Mafia boss": Experts fear Trump encouraging followers to target Jack Smith's family

"The fake electors scheme, which can be described as unapologetically brazen in its disregard for the law, appears to be at the center of the special counsel's January 6th inquiry and has been a focus of Fulton County District Attorney's investigation into President Trump and his team," Temidayo Aganga-Williams, partner at Selendy Gay Elsberg and former senior investigative counsel for the House Jan. 6 committee, told Salon.

Trump's allies have defended their actions arguing that there was nothing criminal about preparing alternate electors in case they were needed, the Post reported.

"Assuming the agreement to overturn the election was unlawful, then preparing fake electors in case they were needed is not a legal defense and satisfies the overt act requirement," Rahmani said.

Former U.S. Attorney Barb McQuade, a University of Michigan law professor, told Salon that several lawyers, including Giuliani, Eastman and Clark, "appear to have criminal exposure."

"One potential crime is conspiracy to defraud the United States by interfering in the lawful transfer of presidential power," McQuade said. "Anyone who knowingly entered into that agreement could face charges. Conduct such as knowingly promoting false claims of election fraud, coordinating fake electors, pressuring Mike Pence to overturn the election or persuading state legislatures to replace their states' duly elected electors could constitute criminal conduct."

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

Trump was indicted earlier this month on 37 federal counts arising from his possession of classified material and government records after he left the White House. Smith alleges that the former president willfully retained classified documents at Mar-a-Lago and obstructed government efforts to retrieve them.

Now, Smith is also examining Trump and his allies' efforts during and around January 6, 2021, when a violent mob of his supporters forcefully breached the Capitol in a violent effort to overturn the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.

Former acting Solicitor General Neal Katyal told MSNBC that the recent activity in the probe, including the testimony of at least five Secret Service agents being questioned by a grand jury in the probe, suggests the walls are closing in on the former president.

"Jack Smith is certainly moving  it looks to me  to indict Trump for Jan 6," Katyal said. "The Secret Service, bringing them in to testify before the grand jury, is an extraordinary step."

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about the Jan. 6 probe
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South Korea has abolished its traditional age system, making all Koreans one or two years younger when the revision goes into effect on Wednesday.

The international method: The change comes after South Koreas National Assembly passed legislation in December 2022 to unify the nation's age systems with the standardized international model.

According to the Ministry of Government Legislation, the international model will be used to legally document the age of Koreans in contracts, official documents and social circumstances.

About the traditional age system: In Koreas old tradition, a person is born at 1-year-old and becomes a year older each New Years Day. In this system, which is known as age reckoning, a newborn could be 2 years old just days after being born. For example, if their birth date was Dec. 31, they would turn 2 years old the next day, on only the second day of their life.

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With the standardized international model in place, Korean citizens will have their age reduced by a year or two.

Reason for change: In a press briefing in Seoul on Monday, Government Legislation Minister Lee Wan-kyu explained that the revision is aimed to reduce confusion.

Adopting the international method of counting age has been one of President Yoon Suk Yeols pledges to relieve the social and administrational confusion and conflict, Lee said. Unifying the age system reduces social costs unnecessarily caused by confusion in the age-counting system.

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The old system has resulted in confusion over the years, including surrounding the minimum qualifying age for children to receive the COVID-19 vaccination and legal dispute over the peak-wage system, which gradually reduces the salaries of senior workers years before retirement.

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Uniformly using the international age system will reduce unnecessary social disputes resulting from the mixed use of age systems, Lee said.

Exceptions: The traditional age system will still apply on some occasions, including when 6-year-olds (international age) are expected to enter elementary schools and how only 19-year-olds or older (international age) can purchase age-restricted products such as alcohol or tobacco.

More from NextShark: Photos: Nintendo's former 1930s headquarters in Kyoto reopens as luxury hotel

The old method will also remain in place for public servant examinations and for the mandatory military conscriptions.

The government decided to contain such exceptions even after the revisions go into effect, as it is easier to manage such issues on a yearly basis, Lee said.

More from NextShark: Malaysian ambulance driver heads to fatal crash site and makes horrifying discovery
Nearly 2.8 million people have fled the war in Sudan, latest data from the United Nations International Organization for Migration, (IOM), shows.

Some 2,152,936 people are estimated to have been internally displaced, while another 644,861 fled across Sudans borders into neighboring countries, according to the IOMs Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) report published Tuesday.

The numbers show an increase of more than 230,000 internally displaced and refugees over a one-week period.

Additional reports of displacement are likely to emerge as the situation becomes clearer, DTMs report states, explaining the preliminary estimates.

In the wars 11th week, many conflict areas in the country have prevented access to field teams gathering exact figures, according to the report.

A ferry transports some 1900 evacuees across the Red Sea from Port Sudan to the Saudi King Faisal navy base in Jeddah. - Fayez Nureldine/AFP/Getty Images/File

Sudanese refugees cross into Chad near Koufroun, Echbara. - Gueipeur Denis Sassou/AFP/Getty Images/File

Of the hundreds of thousands of people who have fled to neighboring countries since the war broke out on April 15, more than 255,000 have crossed to Egypt, more than 180,000 to Chad, followed by South Sudan, Ethiopia, the Central African Republic, and Libya.

CNN found that many of those who had fled Sudan to neighboring countries have found themselves stranded without passports.

Some of their passports, they said, were destroyed by the US embassy, where the documents were being held for visa processing when the fighting broke out.

Several testimonies and emails reviewed by CNN show that the American embassy in Khartoum destroyed the passports when it evacuated the country on April 22, citing standard procedure to prevent the documents from falling into the wrong hands.

Refugees from Sudan cross into Ethiopia. - Amanuel Sileshi/AFP/Getty Images/File

Refugees from Sudan take shelter in Metema, Ethiopia. - Amanuel Sileshi/AFP/Getty Images/File

Fierce fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) first broke out on April 15 and has descended into a brutal conflict, characterized by reports of sexual and genocidal violence and civilian casualties, and triggering an exodus of refugees.

Hopes for a peaceful transition to civilian rule have been left in tatters. Forces loyal to two rival generals are vying for control, and as is so often the case, civilians have suffered the most.

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As many as 3,000 people have been killed since the conflict started on April 15, Sudans minister of health, Haitham Ibrahim, told Saudi-owned al-Hadath News Television on June 17.

CNNs Sana Noor Haq contributed to this report.

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Five people were killed at Club Q in Colorado Springs last November (Chet Strange)

Ashtin Gamblin was working the door at Club Q last November, wearing a hoodie, when she let in a huge, 64 patron for that Saturday nights festivities in the hopping. Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ hotspot. She joked as she struggled with the wristband for Anderson Lee Aldrich before all 280 pounds of the 22-year-old disappeared into the crowd, where families, friends and lovers gathered happily to celebrate birthdays and enjoy a drag performance.

Aldrich walked among them, watching as they socialised, Club Qs beloved bartenders serving up drinks and banter amidst the merriment and music. Ashtin had become close with her coworkers, particularly bar staff Daniel Aston, 28, and Derrick Rump, 38, who were working that night alongside Michael Anderson. The next time Ashtin would see Aldrichs lumbering figure, bullets would be tearing through her body, despite Daniels valiant efforts to save her by standing between Ashtin and the shooter. As Aldrich continued the relentless attack, Ashtin covered herself in her friends blood and buried her head into his body, playing dead. She thought about the school massacre in Uvalde.

Ashtin recounted all of this exactly seven months and seven days after Aldrich opened fire at Club Q, killing Daniel and Derrick along with Kelly Loving, 40; Ashley Paugh, 35; and Raymond Green Vance, 22. Aldrich pleaded guilty this week to charges including five counts of murder and 46 counts of attempted murder, and many of the same Club Q patrons from that tragic night of 19 November 2022 found themselves again breathing the same air as the person whose hate-filled actions forever changed their lives and community.

While the hulking, handcuffed Aldrich declined to speak on Monday  a lawyer instead offering a weak, impersonal and somewhat sheepish apology in his clients stead  survivors and their relatives stood resolutely before the same judge who handed down a sentence of more than 2,000 years for Aldrich. Their testimony not only belied a fierce strength and defiance; it also formed a detailed and forensic account of the terror and heroism inside Club Q on that horrifying, now-infamous night  in the words of the people who witnessed it firsthand.

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Michael, behind the bar, had been most concerned on 19 November about whether to take an Uber after shift or drive himself home as he worked alongside Daniel and Derrick. Both, like so many in Colorado, were transplants from other states; Daniel, 28, hailed from Oklahoma, while Derrick, 38, had come all the way from Pennsylvania. Theyd often promise to keep Ashtin safe as they shouted to her mother over the phone when Cheryl Norton called to chat with her daughter. The Illinois mother felt like she knew the pair, whose loyalty, generosity and compassion were famous among their friends and family.

Derrick was a light to so many people ... whether they needed a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear or just someone to be there, Derrick would take on so much weight for others just so see them shine again, his cousin said Monday in an audio message played in court. Derrick was so unbelievably selfless; he would give you the shirt off his back, his last dollar, his last bit of food, and he would expect nothing in return, even if that meant he would be without.

As Derrick, Daniel and Michael slung drinks, among the customers was regular Edward Sanders, whod been coming to Club Q for decades. Wyatt Kent, a patron and performer, was there celebrating his birthday. His friend from second grade, Kassandra Fierro, was also in the club with her parents and long-term boyfriend, Raymond Green Vance, whom Wyatt had also become friendly with in the six years the couple had been dating.

Daniel Aston, a 28-year-old beloved bartender at Club Q in Colorado Springs, died while trying to protect his friend and coworker when a shooter attacked the LGBTQ hotspot in November 2022 (Courtesy of Jeff Aston)

Delusional, the nights drag show producer and host, came on stage, called out birthday wishes and proclaimed his happiness at having the opportunity to perform for such a crowd at such a venue. Then the performer walked backstage  and caught the sound of gunfire.

All I could hear were the gunshots and the music that continued to play, Delusional said in a statement. I didnt see anything; I only heard. Though I didnt see anything, these rounds haunt me in every moment of my life. I didnt know it then, but I was listening to my friends die.

Aldrich had temporarily left the club but returned in protective gear with guns and ammunition and opened fire. Customer Kelly Loving  described by her sibling, Tiffany, as my compass, my best friend, my sister in a statement read by her lawyer on Monday  was cut down at just age 40. She fell to the ground right by Edward, who was also shot repeatedly and drifting in and out of consciousness.

Kelly, he said Monday, fell right by my side ... she was not breathing. I watched her die right in front of me.

The bullets continued to rain down.

Raymond Green Vance, just 22, was fatally hit as his girlfriend and her family, along with the rest of Club Q, struggled to escape and comprehend what was happening. Derrick, described by his family as someone who would give you the shirt off his back, was also killed by Aldrichs bullets.

Derrick Rump, another popular Club Q worker, was only 38 years old when he lost his life in the mass shooting (Derrick Rump via Facebook)

Ashtin and her family fought hard to get the words out on Monday as they detailed how Daniel tried to save her life.

Daniel stood in front of my wife when the killer ... shot my wife nine times  but he took the brunt of it, Ashtins husband, Ryan, said of the murdered 28-year-old. He is a hero. He is the definition of a hero.

Ryan had been at the end of a nine-month deployment overseas, one week away from coming home, when he received the shocking phone call that his wife had been shot. Ashtin had also left him a plaintive, cryptic voicemail on the night, screaming his name  a haunting voicemail she played in court on Monday.

As she lay covered in Daniels blood in November, however  desperately hoping for a better police response than the one shed heard about in Uvalde, where a school shooter killed 21 almost exactly six months earlier  Club Q patrons were mounting a counter-assault on the shooter.

Thomas James, a serving member of the Navy, was on the patio outside Club Q when the shooting began, authorities said Monday at a conference after the hearing.

As the defendant approached that area of the club, he moved himself towards the doors that the shooter would come through, 4th Judicial District Attorney Michael Allen said. In the process, he was struck in the abdomen. Despite being wounded by a gunshot, he engaged with the shooter and undoubtedly saved countless lives.

His actions were quite simply heroic, selfless and an example of humanity that we should all strive to achieve. Because he was wounded, his strength was quickly draining from him, and he was joined by Richard Fierro carrying on the attack on the defendant.

Kassandras father and an Army veteran with overseas combat experience, Rich Fierro felt his instinct and military training kick in as he shouted at and beat the shooter. Ashtin could hear through the shock and confusion.

When the music stopped, I could hear screams ... one of which was screaming about killing the responsible party, she said on Monday. I wish they had.

Aldrich, however, had attempted to wrestle out from the Army veterans grasp  only to be thwarted by the final witness who gave dramatic testimony on Monday.

Club Q victim Kelly Loving, 40, spent her time eliminating stigma and bias, her sister said Monday in a statement, asking everyone to embrace our differences and denounce hate and violence. I refuse to let my sister be erased by ongoing violence against the LGBTQ community (Twitter)

Drea Norman had been only eight or nine meters from Club Qs entrance when Aldrich almost enthusasticaly pulled up to the front door of the club, raised his rifle and stormed the building, Drea said this week, arriving near the end of court proceedings and prompting a temporary pause in the prosecutions address to the judge.

I saw muzzle flashes and barely noticed a window to my right exploded before I dropped to the floor as fast as I could, thinking, Holy f***, this is actually happening, Drea said Monday in an emotional firsthand account. My daze was quickly broken by an instinctual urge to survive and the possibility that the shooter would come back to finish people off  so I crawled on my hands and knees to make it to the kitchen, where I thought itd be the safest place to escape.

On the way, Drea passed Raymond Green Vance, calling out and checking for vitals with no success, before sheltering in the freezer until there was a pause in shooting, then venturing back out to check on loved ones.

I then found Mr Aldrich held down with Tom and Richard Fierro and found my partner shaken, bloodied and in tears; she sat next to Mr Aldrichs third victim, Derrick, Drea said Monday. I could only tell that he was hit in the neck, but the look on his face told me everything.

I heard Richard shouting that he needed help; the shooter was crawling away from the grasp that he had him in ... I stood above him; my only thought was, thrown my foot down, stop him  and after I would imagine what was 10 strikes I stopped, feeling like that was more than enough. And I walked away at the same time; that was when the police came in and they were looking for Mr Aldrich and I pointed, gesturing at him ... and they proceeded to detain and arrest him.

Drea continued  poised, tall and standing straight: I want everyone here today to understand that this was deliberate. It almost looked excitable to the shooter. And as I left to go home and clean up all the blood on me, I knew that I would probably never go out again.

That residual trauma was repeated over and over on Monday by survivors, their relatives and the loved ones of the dead. Ashtin  deliberately wearing a replica of the same hoodie shed worn as she handed Aldrich a Club Q wristband before the shooting spree  lowered it to show her physical scars. Shes reconsidering her plans to have children, and her intended career in forensics no longer holds the same appeal after such a vicious crime untended her own life. Her mother sleeps with guard dogs; Daniels parents cant fill the hole in their hearts and lives.

Ashley Paughs adolescent daughter is now motherless but continuing her parents legacy by choosing to forgive the shooter  unlike many others in the family.

Stephanie Clark, left, lost her sister Ashley Paugh in the Colorado Springs nightclub massacre; she said on Monday that Ashleys daughter, 11, wanted to follow in her mothers footsteps and forgive the shooter (Facebook / Stephanie Clark)

My 11-year-old niece wants to forgive you, because she says thats what she feels her mom would want her to do, Ashleys sister said in a statement to Aldrich on Monday. My sister taught her to be a caring and forgiving person, and Im glad she still has that innocent mind and hasnt realised what an evil world we really live in.

Ms Paughs husband, Kurt, steeled himself while describing his high school sweetheart, who devoted herself to working with foster families and would have had a conversation with this low-life with no judgment whatsoever.

Her love and joy for these children and these families was so special and person to her, he said of his wifes work. Those families and these children are also feeling the loss of Ashley, who was taken by one senseless act of hate. It hurts that this monster gets to spend the rest of his life in prison living off our tax dollars ... [and] rot in loneliness and hate.

My wifes name  Ashley Marie Paugh  will live on through memories, through her loved ones and especially her daughter.

Kelly Lovings relatives, too, hoped that her life and legacy would continue to inspire others to love, despite the fact that hatred caused her death.

I dont want to let my sadness turn to anger, because I know Kelly spent her time eliminating stigma and bias, Tiffany Lovings statement continued, adding: Today, I ask everyone to embrace our differences and denounce hate and violence. I refuse to let my sister be erased by ongoing violence against the LGBTQ community.

The family of Derrick Rump, still in disbelief, reiterated that he did not deserve this; he deserved to life a full and loving life with his family and friends, his cousin said in an audio message played in court.

Derricks inner strength and wisdom will forever be missed but never forgotten, she continued. His laughter and smile will continue to live on through stories.

Despite that, however his family has no forgiveness in our hearts for Aldrich, she said.

We hope he never has a good nights sleep, Derricks cousin said, adding: We hope he never has a reason to smile ... we hope he is greeted with the same hatred every day that he has shown. We hope he never has another days peace, because the only peace our family will know is that one day this awful being will die  and we know that, when it comes time for his [final] judgement, he will be going straight to hell to rot.

Raymond Green Vance, 22, was socializing with his long-term girlfriend, Kassandra Fierro, and her parents at Club Q when he was gunned down in November; Army veteran Richard Fierro helped subdue the shooter (Colorado Springs Police Department)

Jessica Fierro, after watching her daughters boyfriend shot dead, her husband subdue a gunman in their hometown and sustaining injury herself, angrily called Aldrich on Monday not a human and a monster, a killer, a murderer, a failure, a coward, a racist, a bigot, an embarrassment to society who has earned a one-way ticket to eternity in prison five times over and then some.

Kassandra, speaking after her, lamented how the family had embarked upon an unassuming, fun night  only to have our entire futures ripped from us because of that evil man.

I will never get to grow old with my person, she said. I will never get the chance to marry the love of my life. I will never get to start a family with Raymond. I will never get to see or hear or feel Raymond ever again. I will never, ever be able to unsee my future laying in a casket before me. All of this for no reason.

Ashtin, after fighting for her life and watching her friends die less than a year ago, minced no words when it came to her thoughts about Aldrichs punishment.

I wish this was a death penalty state, she said. Not because I want him to die; that would be too easy. I want him to sit in a jail cell not knowing when hes going to die and what could be his last breath ... like he did to us.

But she and everyone else emphasised the need for strength and unity going forward  but especially remembrance of the Club Q family members who could no longer speak for themselves.

The number five is cold, Ashtins father, Bill Norton, said in a statement she read in court. Its a statistic. It doesnt convey what truly happened ... how much we truly lost. We should always remember that the number represents Daniel. We should also remember the number five represents Derrick.

It represents Kelly Loving. It represents Ashley Paugh. It represents Raymond Green Vance.

All of them had their own unique place in this world, Mr Norton said. All of whom are now gone and will never been seen again.

Every speaker on Monday urged remembrance of those names  along with the names of the heroes who saved more lives: Thomas James. Richard Fierro. Drea Norman. They spoke proudly and with convintion, determined to keep the Colorado Springs shooting in the minds of the community and the country.

Sadly, mass shootings have become almost commonplace, Mr Norton said. And what makes this even worse is that, when something becomes commonplace, it becomes easy to dismiss.
The National Weather Service posted heat advisories in 15 states on Wednesday as a heat dome continued to grip much of the Southern U.S. (NOAA)

Record-breaking summer temperatures are once again expected across the Southern United States as a heat dome continues to subject millions of Americans to scorching conditions.

On Wednesday, temperatures in Texas were expected to be hotter than 99% of the planet, New Zealand meteorologist Ben Noll tweeted.

Next Wednesday, large parts of Texas will be hotter than 99% of the planet during the peak of the heatwave.



Widespread temperatures of 110F or higher are forecast.



Only the Sahara Desert & Persian Gulf area will be as hot or hotter () than the Lone Star State  pic.twitter.com/RdSYMjByMg  Ben Noll (@BenNollWeather) June 24, 2023

More than 100 daily temperature records have fallen over the last two weeks in Texas alone.

In Dallas, the forecast high for Wednesday was 115 degrees Fahrenheit. In all, 45 million people live in places that were under heat alerts Wednesday, and those conditions are expected to persist, at least in Texas, through the weekend.

For Wednesday and Thursday, the National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings for Mississippi and Louisiana, where dangerously hot conditions with heat index readings of 115-120F are possible. Heat index readings of 105-112F are expected in portions of Alabama.

What is a heat dome?

Houston resident Robert Harris pauses to wipe his face while digging fence post holes on Tuesday. (David J. Phillip/AP)

A heat dome is defined as a persistent region of high pressure that traps heat over an area, William Gallus, professor of atmospheric science at Iowa State University, wrote in the Conversation.

It is often influenced by swings in the jet stream pattern  the band of mostly westerly winds that circles the globe  that can slow the movement of weather systems, resulting in heat dome events that can linger for multiple days.

Deaths due to the heat

Since triple-digit temperatures moved into Texas two weeks ago, 13 people have died as a result of the excessive heat, the Associated Press reported, and another died in Louisiana. One of those was a 14-year-old Florida boy who fell ill and lost consciousness while hiking in Big Bend National Park in Texas, where temperatures hit 119F on Friday.

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Hundreds of people in Texas have also visited emergency rooms since the start of the current heat wave to be treated for heat-related illnesses, the Guardian reported.

In the 2021 heat dome that descended on the Pacific Northwest, an area not accustomed to extreme heat, hundreds of people were killed due to excessive temperatures.

A new (and worsening) normal, thanks to climate change

A man digging fence post holes in Houston on Tuesday. (David J. Phillip/AP)

Due to the tilt of the Earth, heat waves have always been a feature of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. But as global temperatures have warmed by 1.8 degrees Celsius on average since the start of the Industrial Revolution, numerous studies have shown that those heat events have become more common and are lasting longer.

"Climate change is amplifying this and other heat events, as global average temperatures are already about two degrees F (one degree C) higher than in preindustrial times, according to Scientific American magazine. "With the planet still warming as humans continue to burn fossil fuels that release heat-trapping greenhouse gases, heat waves will continue to happen more often, last longer and reach higher temperatures, in part because of more extreme heat waves, an unusually hot summer in the past is now considered average.

An analysis by Climate Central, a consortium of scientists and journalists, found that the current heat dome over Mexico and the Southern United States was five times more likely to have occurred thanks to climate change.
A bill to implement a national sales tax in place of the federal income tax system has become an attack line for former President Trump as he aims to tear down Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the Republican presidential primary.

But the attack line based on the FairTax bill, which would overhaul the current system and implement a 23-percent sales tax nationwide, is having little effect on the policy in Congress, where many Trump supporters who co-sponsor the legislation still support the idea.

A consumption tax is designed to be nonregressive, said Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), a FairTax co-sponsor and Trump supporter. Everybodys paying the same tax, so the rich cant avoid it,

He brushed off the attacks.

Everybodys gonna campaign the way theyre gonna campaign, Biggs said.

The FairTax bill is popular enough that action on the legislation was a part of negotiations between conservatives and Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) as he fought for the gavel in January, though it is unclear if or when it might get a vote.

Last month, Trumps campaign and MAGA Inc., a PAC supporting his candidacy, started referencing DeSantiss support for the FairTax from when he was in Congress in attack ads, saying that DeSantis wanted to add a 23-percent national sales tax that would make families pay more.

MAGA Inc. spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt wrote in an op-ed earlier this month that the FairTax would disproportionally hurt working and middle-class families, citing a Brookings Institute analysis that found that the lowest 90% of earners would see an increase in taxes under the system.

It is an attack that DeSantis had faced before, from 2018 Florida GOP gubernatorial primary opponent Adam Putnam.

DeSantiss campaign argued that the FairTax attacks are unfair because they lack context by not mentioning elimination of income taxes and other measures.

The plan also sought to end the IRS which, at the time, was being weaponized by the Obama administration. To describe only part of the plan in an attack is dishonest, DeSantis campaign press secretary Bryan Griffin said in a statement, also noting tax relief measures from DeSantis and Floridas favorable tax climate encouraging record migration to the state.

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Pro-DeSantis PAC Never Back Down also noted that Trump himself previously floated the idea of a FairTax or flat tax. The Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment for this story, and the MAGA Inc. PAC did not comment.

Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.), lead sponsor of the FairTax bill, said he was a little disappointed in the FairTax attack ads.

Its a shame that it would be used for politics. I still think its a good idea. Of course it needs work. It needs to be refined, Carter said. But you know, it puts people in charge. It gives them the ability to decide what taxes they want to pay. I think the vast majority of people prefer a consumption tax to a property tax or an income tax.

One Trump supporter, though, did remove himself as a co-sponsor of the FairTax bill in the days after the attacks on DeSantis started  and after a pro-DeSantis PAC had noted his support of the bill.

Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) said that he took himself off the bill because he confused the FairTax, a system that replaces federal income and payroll taxes with a national sales tax, with a flat tax, which would apply a single tax rate across the board regardless of income level.

When all of that came up, and we were getting inquiries in the office, I looked. I was like, Oh, thats not what I thought it was, Steube said.

Other Trump supporters are remaining co-sponsors of the FairTax bill.

Thats far more efficient, way less bureaucracy, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) said of the FairTax. But in campaigns, you know, youre gonna have these policy differences and these political differences.

The pro-DeSantis PAC flaunted the Trump supporters who are standing by the bill.

Trumps attack on DeSantis is so bogus, not even his allies in Congress are willing to back him up on it, said Matt Wolking, strategic communications director for Never Back Down.

With the FairTax caught in the political crosshairs, its future in the House  despite any agreements struck with McCarthy  is uncertain.

Rep. Dan Bishop (R-N.C.), who was among McCarthys initial opponents in January, said that while he wasnt among those demanding action on the FairTax Act in those talks, it was one of the agreements McCarthy made in order to win the gavel.

I was not personally an advocate for the inclusion of that. But it was one of the terms, Bishop said.

Other Republicans noted that other commitments that McCarthy made with those who withheld support for him, such a vote on term limits, have also not yet occurred.

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-Mo.) told Politico in January that he would have a hearing on the legislation, but the committee did not respond to an inquiry on its status.

Rep. Richard Neal (Mass.), senior Democrat on the Ways and Means panel, said he hasnt been made aware of the Republicans plans for moving the FairTax bill through the committee. But given the unpopularity of those bills among the public, he said he welcomes them.

Im hoping they bring up some of their tax bills, Neal said with a smile.

Mike Lillis and Mychael Schnell contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
For years, Fremont area residents have watched huge blossoms of fireworks paint inky black skies with colorful hues.

This year marks the 22nd annual fireworks display at Christensen Field and the surrounding area.

The free show, which lasts about 20 minutes, will start at 10 p.m. Monday, July 3. KHUB radio will begin playing music at that time.

Ron Vlach, who coordinates the event, said an estimated 20,000 people watch the show, which can be seen from quite a distance.

We shoot off a lot of big stuff. You can see the show from the north and the south bluffs  all around Fremont, Vlach said.

People from Omaha and Lincoln even drive to Fremont to see the family friendly show, he added.

Much work goes into preparing for the show.

It takes about 10 people, working over a two-day period, to set it up. This year, theyll start on Sunday morning and work throughout the day until dark on Monday.

Workers wire the shells and set up tubes and test them to make sure they work properly, Vlach said.

Spectators are encouraged to keep watching the skies through the finale.

At the end of the show should be something weve never seen before, Vlach said.

Vlach believes the finale is the best part of the event.

All the expensive, big shells go off in the last three to four minutes, Vlach said.

He notes the shows unique aspect.

Nobody else can do what we do in our show, he said.

Thats because Vlach and his team are able to shoot fireworks alongside about 5,000 feet of the local airport runway. The entire airport runway is more than 6,300 feet long.

Vlach notes that much work is involved, but said its worth it.

At 10:30 when the show is over and the next day, we get lots of comments, he said.

Vlach spends months before the show, raising funds to try and make it better every year.

He appreciates sponsors whove donated to the event.

If it wasnt for the sponsors, we couldnt do this show, Vlach said.

The local man, who served two tours of duty in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, has long said the show has a special meaning for him.

Fourth of July is the celebration of America, Vlach said. Its not a Veterans Day, but its a veterans holiday. If it wasnt for the veterans who served, we wouldnt enjoy things like this.
NEWTON  A Sussex County jury returned guilty verdicts on Wednesday against two men accused of kidnapping and killing 20-year-old Army corporal Hayden Harris and then dumping his body in the secluded woods of Byram Township.

Harris, a Tennessee native stationed at Fort Drum, New York, was found dead a week before Christmas Day in 2020 near a cul-de-sac in the northwestern New Jersey town.

After a day and a half of deliberations, the jury found fellow soldier Jamaal Mellish and alleged accomplice Hannan Aiken guilty on 11 counts, including murder, kidnapping, carjacking and unlawful possession of a weapon. A sentencing hearing was scheduled for Aug. 4.

Harris' parents, sister and uncle, who had been in the courtroom for much of the five-week-long trial, shed tears and embraced friends of the slain soldier in attendance after the verdict was read. The family declined to comment afterwards.

Hayden Harris and his mom, Cristy Harris, at a championship baseball game in McNairy County, Tennessee, in 2018.

"This is a tragic event in which the innocent life of Corporal Harris was savagely taken over a dispute regarding a vehicle transaction," acting Sussex County Prosecutor Annmarie Taggart said in a statement released Wednesday afternoon. "I would like to thank all of our law enforcement partners who worked collaboratively to bring about this just result."

Mellish's attorney, Joel Harris, chose not to provide a statement to the New Jersey Herald outside the courtroom, saying only, "the verdict speaks for itself." Thomas Militano, who represented Aiken, also declined to comment.

Mellish and Aiken showed little emotion as the jury rendered its decision. They were accused of shooting and killing Harris in Byram early on the morning of Dec. 18, 2020, after abducting him near the base in northern New York. Prosecutors said Harris met with the pair believing he would get back a Mustang he had previously traded to Mellish, when in reality Mellish had sold the vehicle months earlier.Mellish was 23 at the time of the killing, and Aiken was 16.

Story continues

A memorial for Army Cpl. Hayden Harris is seen at the end of Ross Road in Byram, near where his body was found in December 2020, Thursday, June 8, 2023.

More: An alleged ruse and potential motive: New details emerge in killing of Fort Drum soldier

Harris' executive officer, Capt. Steve Nava, testified on day four of the trial and detailed the frantic search that ensued after he learned Harris had gone missing. Nava eventually made contact with Mellish, who said he hadn't seen Harris.

Cell phone data presented at the trial showed Mellish and Aiken were on Ross Road in Byram, where Harris' body was found, shortly before 1 a.m. on Dec. 18 after a night-long drive that had started near Fort Drum. The evidence also included messages between Mellish and various acquaintances leading up to the murder, along with photos of Harris and images of guns that were deleted from Mellish's phone the day after the killing.

Jamaal Mellish watches as attorneys leave the courtroom following a hearing in state Superior Court in Sussex County on Friday, Feb. 22, 2022.

Harris had a passion for the U.S. Army, family friend Claire Hallissy said, and had joined in March 2019. He had been stationed at Fort Drum since July of that year and was promoted to corporal following his death.

The trial began May 22 and featured more than 350 pieces of evidence and 22 witnesses called to the stand, according to the prosecutor's office.

Jurors heard closing arguments last week from attorneys representing the defendants as well as Sussex County Assistant Prosecutor Sahil Kabse. State Superior Court Judge Michael Gaus read a 128-page charge to the jury on Monday, and the panel began deliberating later that afternoon.

Kyle Morel is a local reporter covering Morris and Sussex counties.

Email: kmorel@njherald.com; Twitter: @KMorelNJH

This article originally appeared on New Jersey Herald: Hayden Harris: Men guilty of Fort Drum murder, dumping body in NJ
A pod of orcas, or killer whales, with a baby orca among them. Getty Images

Scientists say the orca White Gladis may have been pregnant when she started ramming into boats.

Her unusual behavior in 2020 likely followed a moment of agony near the same time, one expert said.

White Gladis later gave birth to her calf in 2021, following a 15- to 18-month pregnancy.

White Gladis is among a pod of killer whales that have been ramming boats off the coast of Spain and Portugal, near the Iberian Peninsula, for several years.

These encounters have become increasingly common and are reported to be happening almost daily. The animals have already sunk three boats and torn off the rudders of others in what's being called an "orca uprising."

White Gladis is just one among many orcas displaying this behavior. But what makes her special is that she's believed to be the orca who started it all. And now, recent reports suggest she was pregnant when it all began.

Who is White Gladis?

White Gladis started ramming boats in the summer of 2020 and later gave birth to her calf in 2021, according to LiveScience.

Since orca pregnancies typically last about 15 to 18 months, the timing suggests that she was probably pregnant when she started deliberately swimming up to boats, per LiveScience.

What's surprising is that mother orcas typically look after newborn calves for at least two years, providing them with safety and nourishment. But ramming boats isn't necessarily the safest behavior.

"She went to the boats with this calf, so she preferred to stop the boats rather than keeping her baby safe," Monica Gonzalez, a marine biologist with the Coordinator for the Study of Marine Mammals, said during a recent webinar .

This unusual behavior has led scientists to believe that "something bad happened" to White Gladis and that she's acting out of revenge because of the trauma she experienced, according to LiveScience.

"That traumatized orca is the one that started this behavior of physical contact with the boat," Alfredo Lopez Fernandez, a biologist at the University of Aveiro in Portugal who is a representative of the Atlantic Orca Working Group, told LiveScience in May.

Story continues

Why White Gladis' behavior spread to other orcas

White Gladis may be the pioneer for her peers, but these interactions have become a bit of a fad for the local orca community.

The Atlantic Orca Working Group has reported a 298% rise in orca-boat interactions from 2020 to 2023, Forbes reported.

Researchers think the other orcas are imitating White Gladis, which wouldn't be uncommon for killer whales as they're highly intelligent and sociable animals.

Many orca experts that Insider has spoken to maintain that White Gladis' behavior isn't rooted in trauma or revenge. They think she's just having fun.

"They're pushing, pushing, pushing  boom! It's a game," the orca expert Renaud de Stephanis told the BBC.

Whatever the underlying cause for the orca's behavior, humans are starting to take action. For example, researchers plan to develop and test noise deterrents meant to scare orcas away from boats.

Experts fear the ultimate loser in this game of boats vs. orcas won't be expensive yachts  it'll be the orcas.

"I am worried that people will take the situation into their own hands and use lethal or harmful tactics to try and, you know, get the whales to stop or at least, you know, stop an attack at the moment," Deborah Giles, the science and research director at Wild Orca, told Vice.

Correction June 29, 2023  An earlier version of the headline misstated the certainty of when White Gladis's pregnancy took place. She may have been pregnant when she started ramming boats.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Break in weather eases airline backups, yet new storm fronts threaten to rain on July 4 travel plans

Backups are easing at U.S. airports thanks to a break in the weather, but travelers are still seeing large numbers of flight delays
Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom for a motion hearing regarding a gag order on June 9, in Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022.
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Former Dodge County Attorney Oliver Glass will be released 10 days earlier than expected following a reduction of his nine-month sentence.

According to information posted to the Bureau of Prisons website, Glass is tentatively scheduled to be released from U.S. Penitentiary Leavenworth in Kansas on Saturday, Dec. 16.

After he was admitted to the prison in March, his release date was set for Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023.

Glass has been an inmate at the all-male prison, which is a medium security penitentiary in the federal Bureau of Prisons system. The prison has two segments  the penitentiary and a satellite security camp  with a combined total of 1,849 inmates.

Randilee Giamusso, a spokesperson for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, declined to explain the reason behind the reduction in Glass sentence.

For privacy, safety, and security reasons, we do not discuss the conditions of confinement for any inmate, including transfers or release plans, nor do we specify an individuals specific location while in community confinement, Giamusso said in an email.

Giamusso stated in an email to the Tribune that inmates serving time in a federal prison can have their sentences reduced for a variety of reasons.

Every inmate earns Good Conduct Time and (that) is projected in their projected release date. Prior to the passage of the First Step Act (FSA) of 2018, qualifying inmates earned up to 54 days of Good Conduct Time for each year served, Giamusso said. Inmates may also receive credit for time incarcerated prior to their date of sentencing, (and) may (be) released up to 12 months early if they complete the BOPs Residential Drug Abuse Program. They may also release early via court orders such as a compassionate release  due to old age and medical conditions  or clemency.

In November 2022, Clarence Mock, the defense attorney representing Glass, said in a telephone interview with the Tribune that the charges against Glass occurred when he was battling a severe substance abuse problem.

In addition to those possible reasons for an earlier release than sentenced, Giamusso noted there are other possible explanations for the change in Glass release date.

Also, the First Step Act provides that eligible inmates may earn time credits for successfully participating and completing approved Evidence-Based Recidivism Reduction programs or Productive Activities, Giamusso said.

To meet the EBRR and PA requirements, Giamusso explained, an inmate must complete programs or activities as, Recommended by the inmates individualized risk and needs assessment, and has complied with the requirements of each.

Glass plead guilty to conspiracy to commit deprivation of rights under color of law on Nov. 21, 2022, following an almost two-year investigation.

U.S. District Judge Robert F. Rossiter Jr. sentenced Glass on Feb. 17 to nine months in federal prison with no parole on that charge. Glass was also sentenced to serve a one-year term of supervised release and to pay a $3,000 fine.

Glass was the Dodge County attorney from 2011 until March 2021. He was accused of a litany of allegations in relation to claims he coordinated in 2020 the months-long, multi-faceted harassment of Nathan Schany, the then-boyfriend of Glass estranged wife, Katie Glass.

The allegations against Glass also included claims the former county  and briefly city attorney  allegedly worked in conjunction with multiple officials in both the Dodge County Sheriffs Office and Fremont Police Department to engage in an alleged pattern of harassing and surveilling Schany.

However, no personnel from either of those agencies have been charged with any crimes.
The Stanton County Sheriffs Office is investigating the discovery of human skeletal remains along the Elkhorn River near Pilger on Monday.

The Sheriffs Office was contacted Monday afternoon by swimmers in the Elkhorn River southeast of Pilger, who reported that they had discovered what appeared to be human skeletal remains, said Stanton County Sheriff Mike Unger.

The Sheriffs Office responded to the scene and recovered the partial remains. Unger said authorities would work with forensic scientists with the University of North Texas to determine the specifics of the remains. Officials also will attempt to determine if the remains are historic or from a more recent death, as well as the manner of death.

After historic flooding along the Elkhorn River in 2019, three partial skeletal remains were located separately in or near the river near Wood Duck and Stanton. Those remains were recovered by the Sheriffs Office and determined by forensic examinations to be remains from the 19th century or earlier.

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Thousands more prisoners across the US will get free college paid for by the government

Thousands of prisoners throughout the United States get their college degrees behind bars, most of them paid for by the federal Pell Grant program, which offers the neediest undergraduates tuition aid that they dont have to repay
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.
Copaci cazuti pe carosabil la Sovata

Pompierii militari din cardul Punctului de Lucru Sovata intervin cu o autospeciala de stingere la degajarea a trei copaci cazuti pe carosabil in localitatea Sovata pe strada Jozsef Attila si pe strada Lunga. Locotenent Caluseri AlexandraISU Mures Copaci cazuti pe carosabil la Sovata at Sursa articolului: Copaci cazuti pe carosabil [citeste mai departe]
Close to 100 flights in and out of Denver International Airport were canceled on Tuesday, stranding hundreds of passengers who had to sleep on cots.

The bulk of canceled flights were by United Airlines.

As of Tuesday afternoon, 62 flights to Denver were canceled, while 34 flights from DIA didn't occur.

It's not immediately clear why so many United flights were canceled, but United's CEO blamed the FAA's staffing shortages in an email to employees on Monday evening.

By 5 p.m. Tuesday, some 500 United Airlines flights had been canceled in the U.S., the most by any airline, according to tracking website FlightAware.

The cancellations had begun over the weekend and irate customers vented their frustrations on social media.

United customers posted photos of hours-long phone calls on hold with United customer service and piles of boxes for the cots they slept on overnight.

Robert Wark, who was traveling out of Newark on Sunday, said flights were canceled but not one United employee could tell people what's happening or when folks could retrieve their bags.

"What a nightmare!" Wark said.

#unitedAIRLINES has cancelled a ton of flights at Newark with not one employee able to tell us what's happening, or when we can retrieve our bags. What a nightmare! Never flying #unitedAIRLINES again.  Robert Wark (@WarkhardR) June 25, 2023

Another passenger said Monday that her flight had been canceled from Los Angeles to Newark to Dublin, Ireland.

"We have 71 teens and chaperones that have been waiting patiently at airport since 5AM with no resolution," she said. "Whats the deal? Theyve been prepping for their choir festivals for a long time. Help!"

Hi there. We're truly sorry to hear about your group's cancelation. When you get the chance, please DM your confirmation number so we can take a closer look. ^RZ https://t.co/Y6hG6u3i8R  United Airlines (@united) June 26, 2023

United's social media team apologized and sought to assist passengers who had complained on Twitter.

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"We're truly sorry to hear about your group's cancelation," United told the passenger who was traveling with 71 teens. "When you get the chance, please DM your confirmation number so we can take a closer look."

In a message to employees, United CEO Scott Kirby said the Federal Aviation Administration "failed us."

FAA staffing issues in the midst of East Coast weather challenges are at the core of United's operational issues, Scott said. Over 150,000 customers are estimated to have been impacted last weekend by "FAA staffing issues and their ability to manage traffic."

Scott said the FAA's staffing issues "led to massive delays, cancellations, diversions, as well as crews and aircraft out of position."

"I'm also frustrated that the FAA frankly failed us this weekend," he added.

In his letter, Scott said the FAA's current leadership is not to blame. Rather, he said, understaffing has been "building up for a long time before (the current leadership members) were in charge."

Scott said he plans to get in touch with the FAA and U.S. Department of Transportation to discuss steps to prevent Tuesday's cancellations from happening again.

"While I'm frustrated that the FAA is letting us and our customers down, I'm encouraged at everything all of you are doing to manage the best we can," Scott said. "At United, our team will continue to do great things to take care of customers no matter what happens outside of our control."

FAA spokesperson Emma Duncan said there were no East Coast staffing issues on Monday or Tuesday.

The FAA "will always collaborate with anyone seriously willing to join us to solve a problem," Duncan added.

A DIA spokesperson said airport authorities do not have information about the reason for United's cancellations or how many people at the airport were affected.

DIA officials urged anyone affected by the cancellations to reach out to United.

Denver Gazette reporter Carol McKinley contributed to this report.
Agreements have been reached with two Chinese companies on their investments worth a combined 35 billion forints (EUR 94.7m) in Hungary, Peter Szijjarto, the foreign affairs and trade minister, said in Tianjin, in northern China.

The government aims to make Hungary the number one investment destination in the region for Chinese companies, Szijjarto said after talks with the Chinese business executives, according to a ministry statement.



The new investments will contribute significantly to maintaining Hungarys economic growth and will create around 500 jobs, the minister said.

One investment will be a 28 billion forint packaging materials plant in eastern Hungary supplying the biggest European drinks makers, Szijjarto said, adding that the project would create around 300 jobs.



The government is also supporting the investment, he said, adding however that the size of the governments grant would only be revealed after the project is approved by the European Commission.



The other company will invest 7 billion forints in producing interior parts for BMWs electric vehicles produced in Debrecen, in eastern Hungary, he said, adding that the investment will create some 200 jobs.

Chinese companies continue to regard Hungary as an attractive investment destination, and our aim is to maintain our position as the top investment destination of Chinese businesses in central Europe, Szijjarto said.



He said Chinese investments had played a significant role in keeping the Hungarian economy on a growth path in the recent period.



After 2020, Chinese companies are once again the top investors in Hungary this year, he said, underlining their use of cutting-edge technology and contribution to protecting jobs.



And these investments are mainly going towards the electric vehicle industry, which we know is the industry of the future, Szijjarto said.



The country that can attract EV industry investments will definitely be successful in the coming period. Szijjarto said there was no turning back when it came to the car industrys transition to electric vehicles, arguing that it would determine the development of the European and global economy in the coming period.



He said the reason why most Chinese auto industry investments were being made in Hungary was because of the capacities of the German carmakers present in the country.



Szijjarto: Cutting Europe-China Ties Would Be 'Brutal Economic Suicide'



Cutting Europe-China ties would equal Europes brutal economic suicide, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Tuesday, insisting that the blocs competitiveness had plummeted in recent years for numerous reasons.



The ministry cited Szijjarto as telling a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum in Tianjin that connectivity is good and the re-forming of blocks in the world is bad, adding that this precept was the starting point for the governments policy in terms of economic ties between Europe and China.



Judging from various trends, several European countries view China as a risk or a threat, he said. Contrary to this, Hungary believes that cooperation with China could bring about tremendous results, he added.



It is in Europes interest to cooperate with China on the basis of mutual respect and interests, he said. Hungary sees great opportunity in the division of labour between East and West and the only way to improve European competitiveness, he added.



For decades, the basis for predictable economic growth was the combination of developed western technologies with easily accessible and relatively cheap energy from the East, he said.



However, this is not the case anymore, noting lost European-Russian links owing to the war in Ukraine, he added.



If we were to cut European-Chinese ties on top of that, it will be a blow to the European economy, he said, noting that EU-China trade totalled 865 billion euros.



Europe only stands to lose if we view China as a rival rather than as a partner for cooperation, he said. The renewal of Europes crucial car making industry, he noted, required batteries, adding that in this field they have become totally dependent on eastern, especially Chinese companies.



Concerning the planned Middle Corridor linking Europe to China, Szijjarto said building new routes was a shared interest without which there could be no growth potential for Europe.



Without physical paths everything is just perception and illusion, he added. Szijjarto said the future of bilateral ties depended on whether Europe is ready to return to rationality and common sense.



Europe has a certain tendency to lecture and judge others, to tell them how they should live, but theres no point in this because countries have different cultures and different systems, he said.



Any one country should not force its political system onto others; ties can be mutually beneficial based on mutual respect; as is well demonstrated by Hungary, which has become a meeting point of Eastern and Western investments, the minister said.



Concerning Hungarys dependence on energy imports, Szijjarto said the government has always considered energy as a physical issue rather than one of politics or ideology, one that requires resources and transport routes.



The current energy infrastructure of central Europe is not up to delivering sufficient supplies to Hungary whatever the political willingness, he said, adding that by diversification, the government meant involving as many resources and routes as possible rather than replacing one dependence by another.



Central Asia is a potential energy source for Hungary, Szijjarto said, adding however that as long as oil or gas cannot be brought back in a backpack, pipelines must be constructed, he said.



Europe must participate in construction because this is not a national but a European cause, he insisted. Purchasing gas from Russia is not a matter of political taste but one of physical reality, Szijjarto said.
Del Ficke said his dad, Kenneth, sometimes referred to their eastern Nebraska dryland farm and ranch as, Hells Half Acre.

Life was good on Hells Half Acre though, said Ficke. During my early years, dad shielded me from the things he did not want me around. He helped get me educated in different ways of agriculture and sent me all over the country on bus tours with his business friends who were leaders in our community. Then the 1980s hit.

I thought we were rolling with our registered Herefords and we still were, but I remember sitting in the living room with my dad when he said, Well, I dont know whats all going to take place. It seems we are losing a lot of equity and interest is going up and guys have already started selling some stuff off. I think the talk is coming from our banker.

I said, Dad our banker was just out here at our Hereford event, just praising us about how we are doing, Ficke recalled. Then everything changed. It seemed like overnight. My dad did not have his neck stuck out like some guys did financially  but any amount of debt was taxing on him.

While the times were difficult, it was during the 1980s Farm Crisis when Ficke said he began to learn the meaning of The Golden Rule on Hells Half Acre, Everyone stopped to see my dad  sitting on the back steps or at the kitchen table. They werent there to console him. They were asking him for advice. It was a whole new territory for everyone, and people were still coming together back then.

Many people died in that deal. Many people died and kept living, he said soberly about the lasting impacts of the 1980s.

Life went on at the more fondly referred to  Ficke Cattle Company, where Ficke still resides today along with the next generations being raised at the place his father put under his full management in his early twenties. Located in the rolling prairie hills, Del and his fathers first love were the cows  farming was just a necessity.

Dad preferred cows and so did I. He basically gave his life making sure those cows were well taken care of  in a lot of ways, he was doing things that really didnt need to be done. There will come a time when these cows have to take care of themselves, he would say, Ficke recalled. So, one day I told him, Lets make that time today.

Ficke went from several thousand acres to a few hundred acres and became more profitable managing less and focusing on soil health and working in tune with nature. Some of the ways he has changed is by reducing chemicals in pastureland by 95 percent with controlled grazing. Inter-seeding pastures with legumes producing the nitrogen needed so there is no longer a requirement for commercial fertilizer. Taking highly erodible cropland out of corn production and putting it into grazing situations to help return the soil closer to its original potential. The family is also marketing Ficke Cattle Company beef directly to the community. His family is proud to know every beef customer by name. Its also an open-door mentality at Ficke Cattle Company for neighbors across the world who have toured the farm and ranch.

Agriculture has to seek a harmonious relationship between man, beast, and nature, he said in closing. We can talk all day about how good it used to be or how it should have been. In its current state, agriculture is like that house for sale that says, excellent fixer-upper. Weve got a hell of a lot of fixing to do, but I know we can do it because I have seen the positive results from making changes at Ficke Cattle Company and I am seeing others see a better way too.
Central and western Nebraska residents hoping to ask Gov. Jim Pillen a question will have the chance to do just that in the coming days.

Pillen will appear at five town hall events across the central and western parts of the state Wednesday and Thursday and will make an appearance at a groundbreaking for a new fertilizer plant in Gothenburg on Wednesday, his office announced Tuesday.

The governor, nearly seven months into his first term, will take questions Wednesday at stops in Holdrege and O'Neill. Pillen will participate in three town halls Thursday in Valentine, Chadron and Ogallala.

First as a gubernatorial candidate and, later, as governor, Pillen has faced scrutiny for his perceived inaccessibility to voters and the press.

The former University of Nebraska regent declined to participate in debates ahead of November's election, when he squared off with Bellevue Sen. Carol Blood, the Democratic candidate who Pillen beat by a 23-point margin.

Pillen, who participated in candidate forums in last year's primary race, also declined to debate his primary opponents during reporter-led debates.

And since he was elected, Pillen's office has largely not released information about his public schedule  breaking with more than 30 years of gubernatorial practice and drawing scrutiny from some government advocacy groups who critiqued the reduced public access and accountability.

Pillen's campaign team defended the Columbus hog producer's decision not to participate in debates, pointing to his direct engagement with voters in the run-up to November's election, when he appeared at more than 500 events, including five town halls.

And in defense of the governor's opaque public schedule, Pillen's spokeswoman Laura Strimple said the practice was subject to the governor's preference.

In a news release announcing this week's tour, Strimple said he would talk about highlights from the 2023 Legislative session and take questions from attendees at each of the five town halls.

Pillen will also speak at a groundbreaking Wednesday for a $750 million fertilizer plant in Gothenburg, dubbed "the largest single private investment west of Lincoln in recent memory." The governor won't take questions at the groundbreaking, which is open to the public.

Top Journal Star photos for June 2023
Google CEO Love Story: Sundar Pichai is well-known to everyone. Newspapers and news websites have featured his success story extensively. His name evokes feelings of decency and respect. We are confident that you are fully aware of the professional background of Google's CEO. How much, though, do you know about his private life? We are so preoccupied with trying to keep up with the lives of Bollywood superstars that we forget that successful business people, like Sundar Pichai, also have a wonderful personal life to offer. We all experience love. While some of us have easy love stories, others have to work hard for them.

How It All Started

A simple narrative of two souls who meet in college and fall in love describes Sundar Pichai's love affair. Pichai first met his future wife, Anjali, at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur. He was then working towards a degree in Metallurgical Engineering. Sundar and Anjali were classmates and members of the same cohort. The two were at first just pals. They continued to be friends and companions for a very long time, since they appeared to enjoy each other's company. Sundar Pichai and Anjali gradually came to the realisation that certain feelings had grown as they spent more and more time together as friends. Sundar proposed to Anjali as they began their last year of engineering, and she accepted! Sundar Pichai once recounted in a previous interview how challenging it was for him and Anjali to date before smartphones. The business executive had revealed the way he used to meet Anjali in her all-girls hostel.

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Also Read: Next Elon Musk? Meet World's Youngest Billionaire

Long-Distance Love

The situation wasn't as lovely after college ended! To further his education, Sundar Pichai had to travel to the USA. Sundar couldn't discuss marriage with Anjali because she was in India and because he wasn't yet financially independent. Therefore, for a full six months, Sundar and Anjali did not communicate. However, that didn't damage their bond. Having been apart for so long, they were actually closer to one another as a result of it. The saying "absence makes the heart grow fonder" is true!

Love In US

Anjali also moved to the USA after a number of years of a distant relationship. In the meantime, Sundar Pichai had secured a position with a US semiconductor company. He believed that now was the ideal time to marry Anjali, the love of his life, since he had a stable career in hand. Sundar, being the gentle person that he is, then requests approval from Anjali's parents before proposing to her. As anticipated, the families of Sundar and Anjali approved of their union. The newlyweds continued to reside in the USA after their wedding.

Sundar Pichai: Lucky Charm

Sundar Pichai's lucky charm, so the saying goes, is Anjali Pichai. At first, Microsoft had offered Sundar the position of CEO. He was also contacted by Twitter and Yahoo! After receiving such tempting offers, he was considering quitting Google. Anjali, Sundar's devoted wife, was the one who cautioned him against it, nevertheless. As we can all see, he made the choice to take her advice, and today he is the prosperous CEO of Google, the largest company in the world.

Isn't it a sweet, straightforward love story? Sundar's pals referred to him as 'Chhupa Rustam' because none of them were aware of what was going on between the two, until he revealed it in the last year of college.
World's Youngest Self-Made Billionaire: Dedication and hard work are typically credited with helping someone become a self-made millionaire. Since the world is based on money and millionaires have that, it's a status that many people strive to. However, very few people ever grow up believing they'll become millionaires. Instead, there is the preconceived notion that it will take a lot of effort and time to get there. For some people, however, like co-owner of Scale AI Alexandr Wang (now 26), it happened when he was just 25 years old. Since becoming the youngest self-made millionaire in the world, Alexandr Wang, a digital entrepreneur and CEO creator of Scale AI, has garnered international attention. What exactly is the identity of young Asian-American billionaire and how did he come to be so wealthy?

Alexandr Wang: A College Dropout

At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (also known as MIT), Wang started his studies for a BS in Mathematics and Computer Science. After finishing his first year at an elite New England university, he co-founded Scale with fellow young digital prodigy Lucy Guo in the summer. The two co-founders allegedly met while both were employed on the question-and-answer website Quora. The venture was launched by business partners with funding from the US start-up incubator Y Combinator. According to Wang, when he first started Scale, "I promised my parents it was going to be just something I did for the summer... Naturally, I never returned to school."



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Alexandr Wang: Background

Perhaps in part as a result of his affluent upbringing, the young billionaire has a strong background in science and technology. Wang's parents, who both worked as physicists on initiatives for the US Air Force and the military, raised him in New Mexico. Since Wang routinely participated in maths and coding competitions in school, it is clear that he inherited a sharp mind. At the age of 17, when the majority of high school students are probably getting ready for their path to college and beyond, Wang was working full time as a coder for Quora.

A Brilliant Brain

Wang has already been mentioned in Forbes' 2018 30 under 30 list before obtaining the notable distinction of being the world's youngest self-made millionaire. The annual list highlights the most outstanding rising stars, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and brilliant brains from a variety of various fields and businesses. Wang and Scale co-founder Lucy Guo were listed on the prestigious list under the heading of Enterprise Technology. According to the organization's "about" page on its corporate website, Scale seeks to "accelerate the development of AI applications."

Providing Technology For Free

More than 300 businesses and organisations have used Scale's amazing service as a result of its technology's success and value. Several well-known companies, including General Motors, PayPal, Toyota, SAP, Lyft, and the American military, use the technology provided by Wang's business. In order to examine satellite photographs of the effects of Russian assaults and military operations in Ukraine, Scale is presently giving away its technology for free. Every industry is sitting on enormous volumes of data, as Wang stated to Forbes. Scale wants to assist them in maximising the data's potential and utilising AI to transform their company. All in all, there is a new, ambitious computer genius on the scene, and although he is just 25 years old, his company is competing with giants like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos.

Wang's business obtained financial backing of about US$350 million last year. Due to this financial support and the fact that Scale has already generated US$100 million in revenue, the young entrepreneur's business was valued at an astounding US$7.3 billion. Therefore, Forbes estimates that his net worth has increased to US$1 billion as a result of his 1% ownership in the company. For a 25-year-old, not bad. In reality, according to Forbes' list of world billionaires, he was rated 2,534th at the time of writing. The co-founder of the credit card business Brex from Brazil, Pedro Franceschi, is the next youngest billionaire. Pedro Franceschi is 25 years old as well.
Eid Wishes: Eid-ul-Adha is one of the most important festivals for Muslims and is also known as Bakrid or 'festival of sacrifice', or Eid-al-Adha. There are two prominent Eids celebrated by Muslims - one is Eid-ul-Fitr and the other one is Eid-ul-Adha. The date of Eid-ul-Adha is based on the sighting of the moon and therefore, the date keeps changing every year. In India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Malaysia, Eid-ul-Adha is being celebrated on June 29.

Eid-ul-Adha 2023: Share Warm Wishes This Eid

1. May the Almighty overwhelm your life with loads of joy and prosperity in the coming years! Eid Mubarak!



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2. May all your good deeds transform into blessings and make it a memorable Bakrid for you. Wishing you a Happy Bakri Eid.

3. Sending lots of love and good wishes to you and your family on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Adha.

4. May Allah accept all your good deeds and forgive all your acts of disobedience. Have fun on this day.

5. Eid Mubarak to you and your family! May Allah accept your sacrifice and bless you with His mercy. Have a safe and happy Eid day!

6. May the Almighty accept your prayers and bless you with the rewards of Ramadan. Eid Mubarak to you and your family.

7. May the sacrifice of Eid-Ul-Adha strengthen your faith in Allah. Eid-al-Adha Mubarak.

8. Bakrid Mubarak! I wish you happiness, prosperity, and good health.

9. On the holy day of Eid al-Adha, I pray for your success and joy.

10. Hope that Allah bestows his choicest blessings on us. Wishing you joy and prosperity on Eid-ul-Adha

11. May the holy occasion of Eid ul Adha give you all the time you need to rejoice. Eid Mubarak!

12. Allah will guide you to achieve the dreams that you have always aspired to. Happy Eid-ul-Adha.

13. Let's pray to Allah for prosperity and happiness. Bakrid Mubarak to everyone.

14. Eid Mubarak to you and your family! May Allah accept your sacrifice and bless you with His mercy. Have a safe and happy Eid day!

15. Happy Eid-al-Adha! May your heart lighten up with the observance of this holy day!
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Administration and Police conducted a Mock Drill to assess the overall preparedness, safety, traffic and mobility plans for the upcoming 2-month-long Amarnath pilgrimage. The 62-day-long annual Amarnath Yatra will commence on 1 July 2023 and will culminate on 31 August 2023. According to reports, the J&K Administration and the Police jointly conducted a mock drill ahead of Amarnath Yatra. A Yatra convoy was sent under security and all other arrangements were properly checked by the officials.





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Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also chaired a high-level meeting with the senior officials of Police and Civil Administrations to review traffic management and a comprehensive mobility plan during the Amarnath Yatra. The LG directed Zone-wise traffic planning on the National Highway-44 in close coordination with concerned departments, District Administrations, Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) and Traffic Police to ensure smooth traffic, parking, and pedestrian operations. Time slots for the movement of convoys, livestock, vehicles carrying essential items and horticulture produce should be notified. Strict enforcement of Traffic Advisories, Schedules and cutoff timings must be ensured, the LG Singa directed the officials.

A Mock Drill was also conducted earlier by the National Disaster Management Authority and District Disaster Management Authorities and all the concerned Govt and private agencies from the Baltal axis to deal with any eventuality during the 2-month-long Amarnath pilgrimage.

Member Secretary NDMA, Kamal Kishore, Brig. B.S Thakar from NDMA; Camp Director Baltal, Ghan Shyam Singh and ADC Ganderbal, Mehraj-ud-Din Shah conducted the Mock exercise on the Baltal route covering both natural as well as man-made disasters. The exercise was conducted to assess the overall preparedness and response measures taken at critical sites to deal with any untoward incident on the Baltal route of Amarnath Yatra.

NDMA experts trained the participants on key aspects of disaster management such as the formation of Incident Response Teams, coordination among various participating agencies, evacuation, medical preparedness and trauma counselling.

Traffic Police, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and other agencies should also deploy more men and machinery to respond to real-time events and to mitigate the effects of a breakdown, he added.

The LG instructed the officials of the Traffic Police to utilize Integrated Command and Control Centres for effective traffic, transit and travel demand management. He directed the Divisional Commissioners and Additional Director Generals of Police (ADGPs) to overall supervise the traffic management in their respective divisions.

The meeting also discussed the utilization of the Mughal Road, alternate routes, public utilities along Mughal Road and traffic management at Pahalgam and Sonamarg. Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Bhim Sen Tuti gave a detailed briefing on the action plan for the Yatra.

ACS Home RK Goyal, DGP Dilbag Singh, Principal Secretary, Public Works (R&B) Shailendra Kumar, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board CEO Mandeep Kumar Bhandari,, all ADGPs, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, SSPs and senior officers attended the meeting.
The El Paso County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved a Local Disaster Emergency Declaration in hopes of securing federal aid following historic rainfall earlier this month.

Fifteen roadways  almost entirely in the eastern part of the county  still remain closed due to the effects of widespread flooding, including bridge support damage, missing pipes and lingering surface water blocking passage, said Andrew Notbohm, director of the Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management. Colorado Springs alone has received 16 inches of rainfall since April  already surpassing the average 15.9 inches the city receives in one year, according to the National Weather Service.

In total, damage reported by municipal and county public works and other departments within El Paso County has reached over $19.5 million  "likely" enough to meet the threshold for federal public aid, Notbohm said.

Unlike the urgent need for a declaration during a wildfire to get immediate disaster response, he said, receiving financial reimbursement for flood damage repair requires submitting proof of all the many damage locations and local efforts to manage them thus far.

"(In this case) it's a death by a thousand cuts," Notbohm told commissioners. "There's a lot of smaller damages that add up and it's not necessarily needed for emergency protection or emergency response."

Officials with the state and with the Federal Emergency Management Agency will travel to El Paso County to verify damages on Thursday, Notbohm said. Once that assessment is made, FEMA has 30 days to review the county's aid request and send a recommendation to President Joe Biden.

In the meantime, county crews are addressing high-priority problem areas, said county Public Works Director Kevin Mastin.

Many of the closed roadways include portions of Ellicott, Falcon and Peyton highways and their nearby interweaving rural roads in the eastern part of the county; Peyton received the largest hailstones and tornado damage.

But repair efforts following the unprecedented rainfall have required other public maintenance projects to pause, Mastin said, including the pothole and chip seal program, which has been delayed by three weeks.

Officials are meeting this week to plan a "master reset" of the summer maintenance schedule, he said.

"If there's anything we have planned that we don't think we'll be able to get accomplished, we'll brief that ... so the board is aware about what will have to get pushed to next year," Mastin said.

Mastin cautioned residents against ignoring road closure signage, noting that several people have gotten stuck and further damaged the road or delayed repair times, and that the county's Risk Management Division can pursue reimbursement.

"We know the number of hours, the material, the equipment that's being used, and we can compile that information to ... recover the funds," he said.

Notbohm, with PPROEM, said that while the county has met the damage threshold for public funding, it is "unlikely" to qualify for FEMA's Individual Assistance program for uninsured homeowners.

But PPROEM has included in the declaration an ability to add reimbursement requests based on "economic impacts to the public"  like taking longer roads to work or the inability to receive mail deliveries  that manifest in coming weeks, Notbohm said.

"Let's continue to track ... additional damages with photographs, time, location and cost estimates so we're prepared to do any sort of additional process or extension as needed," he said.

The declaration will definitely include relief requests for damage sustained from June 8-15, but officials are "actively advocating" to include damage caused between June 21-23, said Meredith Nichols, regional field manager with the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Using damage documentation and weather service data, Nichols said, the state hopes to prove that "these cascade events, even though they may not be part of the (initial) incident period, got worse because of the rain that we saw (earlier)."
Chennai: Tamil Nadus ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modis remark on the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code across the country, saying it should be first applied to Hindus. DMK leader TKS Elangovan, targeting PM Modi, said that it should first be implemented for the Hindu religion.

"Uniform Civil Code should be first introduced in the Hindu religion. Every person including Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes should be allowed to perform pooja in any temple in the country," Elangovan said. "We don't want UCC only because the Constitution has given protection to every religion," Elangovan said.

PM Modi Makes Strong Pitch For UCC

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It may be noted that PM Modi on Tuesday said that the country cannot run on two laws and that Uniform Civil Code was part of the Constitution. "Today people are being instigated in the name of UCC. How can the country run on two (laws)? The Constitution also talks of equal rights...Supreme Court has also asked to implement UCC. These (Opposition) people are playing vote bank politics," he said.

After flagging off five Vande Bharat Express trains on Tuesday morning, PM Modi addressed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) booth workers in Bhopal. "Will a family function if there are two different sets of rules for people? Then how will a country run? Our Constitution too guarantees equal rights to all people," PM Modi said in Bhopal today while addressing party workers under the BJP's "Mera Booth Sabse Majboot" campaign.

Slamming the Opposition, PM Modi said, "Whoever talks in favour of Triple Talaq, whoever advocates it, those vote bank hungry people are doing a great injustice to Muslim daughters. Triple talaq doesn't just do injustice to daughters. It is beyond this; the whole family get ruined".

If "Triple Talaq" is an inalienable part of Islam, why it isn't practised in Muslim-majority countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Qatar, Jordan and Syria, he questioned. Citing the example of Egypt, where he was on a visit last week, PM Modi said the country had abolished Triple Talaq 80-90 years ago, even though 90 per cent of its population comprise Sunni Muslims.

The Prime Minister further said that people are being instigated in the name of the Uniform Civil Code. "The Muslim brothers and sisters of India have to understand which political parties are taking political advantage of them by provoking them. We are seeing that work is being done to incite such people in the name of UCC," he further said.

He said that appeasement politics had left many people behind, including the Pasmanda Muslims. "Pasmanda Muslims have become a victim of politics. Some people are using the politics of appeasement to break the country. The BJP cadre should go and explain this to the Muslims and educate them so that they do not fall victim to such politics", PM Modi said.

"If they were supportive of Muslims the Muslim brothers would not be poor or deprived...Supreme Court has also asked for the implementation of the UCC. But these people are hungry only for vote bank," Modi said accusing the Opposition in the country of employing vote-bank politics of appeasement.

It is noteworthy that Part 4, Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, corresponds with Directive Principles of State Policy, making it mandatory for the State to provide its citizens with a uniform civil code (UCC) throughout the territory of India.
In the era of data-driven decision-making, access to accurate and comprehensive information about businesses is crucial. Having a register of company information enables the public to find up to date information about companies they deal with and also approach the company directly to verify company details. Until recent times Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) website was the go-to site for accessing company related information. But quite often it was tedious to access the database or get right information due to its archaic and legacy database structure. There was gap in market for service to provide this information in well structured format that can be easily consumed by customers. CMD Register is one of the companies that has taken up task to provide clean and meaningful data.

CMD Register is an Indian business intelligence and data analytics organization that has emerged as a reliable source of information on the Indian corporate sector. Founded in 2021, CMD Register aims to provide valuable insights into the Indian economy by offering a wide range of services, including company reports, credit assessments, and financial analyses. If you delve deeper, you will realize that CMD Register is revolutionizing the way businesses, government agencies, and research organizations access and utilize data on Indian companies.

CMD Register offers an array of services that enable users to make informed decisions about Indian companies. The organization provides company reports that shed light on a company's financial performance, including details such as balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. These reports also include information about the company's directors and shareholders, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of its structure and key personnel.



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Additionally, CMD Register has developed powerful tools to assist users in their decision-making process. Their company search engine allows users to retrieve information by entering a CIN (Company Identification Number), DIN (Director Identification Number), or company name. This user-friendly interface makes it effortless to access relevant data quickly. The organization also offers a company credit score calculator and credit risk assessment tool, empowering businesses with valuable insights to evaluate the financial health and stability of their potential partners or clients.

CMD Register's mission extends beyond providing information; it aims to address a pressing need in the Indian business landscape. India faces challenges related to fraud and obtaining accurate information about companies. CMD Register serves as a valuable resource for businesses and individuals seeking to learn about the background of companies they engage with. By offering well-structured and easily consumable data, CMD Register fills a critical gap in the market and helps combat fraudulent activities.

Since its inception, CMD Register has experienced rapid growth. The organization boasts a vast and continually expanding database, currently encompassing 2.6 million companies and 3.3 million directors. This rich dataset equips users with a comprehensive understanding of the Indian corporate sector, enabling them to make well-informed decisions based on reliable information.

CMD Register aspires to become the leading provider of Indian company data. With a focus on delivering accurate and up-to-date information, the organization is committed to meeting the growing demand for reliable business intelligence in India. By providing users with access to high-quality data, CMD Register empowers businesses, government agencies, and research organizations to gain valuable insights into the Indian economy.

Based out of Siliguri, India, this company has established itself as a prominent player in the realm of business intelligence and data analytics in India. By offering an extensive range of services, powerful tools, and a rapidly expanding database, CMD Register is revolutionizing the way companies access and utilize information on the Indian corporate sector. As India continues its journey towards economic growth and development, CMD Register's commitment to providing accurate and comprehensive data will prove indispensable for making informed decisions, mitigating risks, and fostering a transparent and thriving business environment.

For more information visit : https://mcamasterdata.com/

(This article is part of IndiaDotCom Pvt Lts Consumer Connect Initiative, a paid publication programme. IDPL claims no editorial involvement and assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the article.)
New Delhi: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme 14th Installment latest update:-- Farmers waiting for the disbursal of amount under PM Kisan, may not get it by the end of this month, media reports are saying. Though reports are still speculating that the Central government may very soon roll out the 14th instalment under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM Kisan Yojana), this month is mostly likely to be written off.

PM Kisan Yojana 14th instalment: Some farmers may get Rs 4,000 instead of Rs 2,000, check eligibility

So far, the government has released 13 instalments under PM Kisan Yojana. While most farmers will be receiving Rs 2000 instalments for the PM Kisan Yojana 14th instalment, a few are expected to get Rs 4000. According to reports, farmers who didnt receive Rs 2000 in the 13th instalment are likely to get Rs 4000 in the 13th instalment.



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Many farmers were not able to complete the process of their verification, owing to which they did not get the money for the 13th installment. However, a large number of farmers have now got their verification process completed. These farmers would now get Rs 4000 instead of Rs 2000.

PM-KISAN 14th Installment: How To Check Name on Beneficiary List

Eligible farmers can easily check their names on the official PM Kisan website. On the homepage of the website, you need to visit the Farmers Corner, followed by clicking on the Beneficiary Status option.

On the next page, you need to enter your details to find out if youre eligible for receiving the benefits under PM Kisan Yoana or not.

PM KISAN Scheme was launched by PM Narendra Modi in 2019, aims to provide income support to all landholder farmer families across the country with cultivable land, subject to certain exclusions. Under the Scheme, an amount of Rs 6000 per year is released in three-monthly instalments of Rs 2000 each directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. While lakhs of eager farmers are waiting for the disbursal of Rs 2,000 in their account, there are several farmers who are not eligible for the PM KISAN Scheme.

Those excluded from the PM-KISAN include institutional land holders, farmer families holding constitutional posts, serving or retired officers and employees of State or Central government as well as Public Sector Undetakings and Government Autonomous bodies. Professionals like doctors, engineers and lawyers as well as retired pensioners with a monthly pension of over Rs 10,000 and those who paid income tax in the last assessment year are also not eligible for the benefits.
New Delhi: Sources in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said on Tuesday that the agency has arrested Supertech Group Chairman R.K. Arora in connection with a money laundering case under PMLA.

The ED had recently attached properties worth Rs 40 crore belonging to Arora in this matter.

The sources said that Arora was called to join the probe.



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"He had been coming to the ED's headquarters for three consecutive days. On Tuesday, we finally placed him under arrest," said the ED source.

The source added that Arora will be produced before the Rouse Avenue Courts on Wednesday, where the ED will seek his custodial remand.

The sources said that money collected through real-estate business was invested in several firms through money laundering.

It has been alleged that money was collected from the home buyers and later transferred to several accounts of firms involved in other businesses.

"This way, the home buyers were cheated," the source said.

The source added that Arora couldn't provide satisfactory answers, leading to his arrest. Reportedly, Arora's family was informed about his arrest via a phone call.

About a month ago, the Dadri administration in Greater Noida had issued a notice against Arora and Supertech, asking them to repay a total of Rs 37 crore. After the notice was served, Arora was detained at the local DM office, but was released later.

According to sources, several FIRs have been filed against Arora and Supertech. They also took loans from banks, and their accounts reportedly turned into non-performing assets (NPA).
New Delhi: Amid the 'Adipurush' controversy, the iconic teleserial 'Ramayana' from the late 1980s is set to be telecasted again.

Taking to Instagram, channel Shemaroo Tv shared the promo of the super hit show 'Ramayan' and captioned it in Hindi, "We are bringing to you all dear viewers the world-famous mythological serial "Ramayan"... Watch "Ramayan" from 3rd July at 7:30 PM only on your favourite channel #ShemarooTV."

The mythological show will begin airing from July 3 at 7:30 pm on the Shemaroo Tv channel. Ramanand Sagar directed 'Ramayana' was a popular serial in the late 1980s.

The series featured Arun Govil as Ram, Deepika Chikhalia as Sita and Sunil Lahri as Lakshman. Late Dara Singh portrayed Hanuman and Arvind Trivedi was featured as Ravana. The show was originally telecast from January 25, 1987 to July 31, 1988 and received massive responses from the audience.

The announcement of the show returning to the TV screens came at a time when it was being compared with Om Raut's recently released Pan-India film 'Adipurush' on social media. Soon after the makers unveiled the promo of 'Ramayan' fans flooded the comment section with red heart emoticons. "Jai SiyaRam," a fan commented. Another fan wrote, "Jai Shree Ram."

Earlier in 2020, during the covid-lockdown, Doordarshan decided to re-telecast the mythological series on public demand, Union Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Minister Prakash Javadekar informed.

Talking about 'Adipurush', the film, which is a dramatic retelling of Ramayana, faced backlash on social media for its poor VFX and controversial dialogues including 'marega bete', 'bua ka bagicha hain kya' and 'jalegi tere baap ki'.

From critics to reviewers, several people from across the country have expressed disappointment over the film's certain dialogues. In the wake of such flak, the makers of 'Adipurush' revamped the dialogues.

Talking exclusively to ANI, Ramanand Sagar's son Prem Sagar earlier said, "Manoj Muntashir is well-informed about Hinduism. I don't understand how he even conceived such dialogues in the film. It might be a misjudgement that the younger generation would like it. But you can't do this with the audience. Don't say it is based on Valmiki Ramayan, give it any other name. Make it a 'fantasy' film. But if you're making Ramayan then you cannot hurt the sentiments. People watch this with devotion."

"I have seen the clips of the movie and had a lot of interaction with people like Sunil Lehri (who played Laxman in Ramanand Sagar's 'Ramayan'), so some problem is there. I don't even want to watch the film. Ravan was very knowledgeable and you are blackening the golden Lanka (sone ki Lanka), and his look with 5 heads up and 5 heads down," he added.

Actor Sunil Lahri, who played Laxman in Ramanand Sagar's 'Ramayan', earlier told ANI, "I have seen the film. I am very disappointed after watching the film... The thought that crossed my mind was, why did I go to see the film? I didn't like the picture at all. There are only two things that I can say I liked about the film -- background music and the cinematography. Barring these two aspects, the film left me sorely disappointed."

"After seeing the picture, I had no clue how to react to it. Setting myself aside, since I played a character in Ramayana, even the people who sat around me at the theatre were not happy watching the movie. Two women sat saying to each other, 'Let's get up and take a walk. What nonsense are we watching?' To that, the other woman said, 'Let's see the visual effects if nothing else'. A man sitting next to me told his friend, 'What are they showing in the name of Ramayana?'" he added.

Directed by Om Raut, 'Adipurush' stars Prabhas as Lord Ram, Kriti Sanon as Goddess Sita, Sunny Singh as Laxman and Saif Ali Khan as Ravan.
A British man, on a family holiday, died after he tried a 21-cocktail challenge at a Jamaican bar. The task entailed drinking each of the 21 cocktails on the bar's menu. Before arriving at his hotel at the Royal Decameron Club Caribbean in Saint Ann, 53-year-old Timothy Southern of Staffordshire managed to try 12 of the tempting mixtures. Unfortunately, his evening took an unfavourable turn as he developed "acute gastroenteritis," a severe consequence of his excessive alcohol consumption.

When Timothy's tragic passing was being investigated, disturbing information came to light. He had drunk brandy and beer in the morning before starting the cocktail challenge. It was in the company of two Canadian women celebrating a birthday and partaking in the same feat that Timothy decided to join their quest, striving to conquer the challenge before midnight.

Timothy's condition worsened in his hotel room where as he choked, his frightened family members tried to help. One of his relatives said, "He was on his back choking. I put him in the recovery position and screamed for an ambulance. He was making a gurgling sound. As soon as he was in the recovery position, he vomited. I was shouting his name with no response."



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The family was extremely disappointed with the hotel's first responders' and felt their aid was completely insufficient following the incident. They called the service "appalling," and criticised the lack of preparation. One of the relatives said, "When the nurse arrived, I asked if an ambulance had been called, she said no. I thought she would take over. But that was not the case. I noticed he was starting to lose temperature. I checked his pulse and couldnt find it."

There were multiple versions of the nurse's evaluation of Timothy's health. Another one of the family members said, "She said he had a pulse. I was starting to lose it. I got a full look at his face and I thought he had passed away."

Following this tragic death, the grieving family started a moving GoFundMe campaign with the slogan "Please help bring our Dad home from Jamaica." The initiative aims to raise the $15,000 needed to return Timothy's remains, with a current total of 9,000 raised.
Washington: The United States on Tuesday said that Washington will soon announce measures against the Wagner group over its past activities in Africa. During a regular press briefing on Tuesday, the US State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller said, "I would say in terms of this - the disposition of Yevgeniy Prigozhin, he's under indictment in the United States. We would like to see him here standing trial for the crimes that he is alleged to have committed."

Responding to a media query on whether Prigozhin should be declared persona non grata, and Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko welcoming the Wagner chief to his land, Miller said, "I will just repeat what I said, which is that the decision by Lukashenko to welcome him to Belarus does show that he continues to take steps not in the interest of his own people but in the interest of the Kremlin."

"I will say, I don't have any United States assessment of the situation. As I said yesterday, and as Secretary Blinken said, on Sunday, everywhere where Wagner goes, death and destruction follow in their wake. So, the decision by Prez Lukashenko to welcome Prigozhin to Belarus, I think is another example of him choosing the interest of Vladimir Putin and choosing the interest of the Kremlin over the Belarusian people," said Miller.



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He added that the US would continue to support Ukraine and its military to repel the Russian troops. "In terms of what's next, on this, to be continued US support for Ukraine and continued US support for the Ukrainian military's work to repel Russian troops, whether they be Ministry of Defense troops, or whether they be Wagner forces, or whether they be whatever the next iteration, if any, of Wagner forces, look like to repel those forces from Ukraine's borders."

"And just as you will see actions from us in the very near future to hold Wagner accountable, you will see continued actions from us in the very near future to continue to supply the Ukrainian military with the equipment, the military equipment that it needs, to press their case on the battlefield," he said during the State Department briefing on Tuesday.

Wagner Chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has reached Belarus, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced on Tuesday, reported CNN.
Udaipur: Movies based on real-life incidents have a way of evoking strong emotions from the audience. Dramatic depictions of true stories in films have proven to be a profitable formula in the film industry.

The Kanhaiya Murder case in Udaipur will probably get a cinematic adaptation. The makers are currently in talks with the family members of the deceased. Kanhaiya Lal, a tailor, was hacked to death inside his shop in Udaipur by two men in broad daylight on June 28, 2022. Allegedly, Lal had posted content supporting the suspended Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Nupur Sharma. The beheading had sparked public outrage across the country.

Yash, Kanhaiya Lal's son, had received a call from a Mumbai-based company named Jani Firefox. He spoke to the director Amit Jani who expressed interest in readapting the infamous murder case as a film.



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June 28, 2023, marks Kanhaiya Lal's first death anniversary. Director Amit Jani could soon be arriving in Udaipur to hold further discussions.

Yash said that the film could be titled - 'Udaipur Files,' I talked to my family about making this film, after which all the family members agreed. However, makers are yet to announce it officially.

The incident took place in Udaipur's Maldas area on June 28. Soon after committing the crime, the two accused posted a video on social media boasting about the "beheading" and threatened Prime Minister Narendra Modi's life as well, police said.

The police arrested the accused within a few hours of the incident. The assailants identified themselves in the video as Riyaz Akhtari and Ghouse Mohammad.

In the video, Riyaz attacked the tailor with a sharp-edged weapon while the other, Ghouse, recorded the crime on his mobile phone.

Notably, Kanhaiya had also filed a complaint with the police about receiving threats. Reportedly, the victim had recently shared a social media post in support of Nupur Sharma- a former BJP spokesperson who had made controversial remarks against Prophet Mohammad.
State and local health officials are investigating and monitoring plague activity in southwest Colorado after a person was infected in Montezuma County this month.

Officials said the exposure to plague likely occurred on private property.

Plague is caused by a bacteria called Yersinia pestis, which can be transmitted to people if bitten by infected fleas or by direct contact with infected animals. Animals susceptible to the plague includes squirrels, woodrats and prairie dogs.

Officials from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and Montezuma County Public Health Department said the risk to the public is low, but Coloradans should take steps to protect themselves, particularly since the risk of contracting illnesses from animals increases during the summer months, when humans and animals are in closer contact.

Plague symptoms are similar to the flu  fever, headache, weakness, muscle aches, cough, shortness of breath and chills, and sometimes, people also develop swollen and painful lymph nodes  but they are more serious, with some people coughing up blood and pneumonia developing quickly.

Officials said that anyone with these symptoms who may have been exposed to rodents or fleas should seek medical care right away.

Health officials said Coloradans should avoid fleas, keep pets away from wild rodent habitats, avoid areas where wild rodents live and not touch sick or dead animals.

Officials said children should immediately tell adults if they have had any contact with a wild animal or been bitten by fleas.
Assam PAT 2023: The Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) Assam will declare the Polytechnic Admission Test (PAT) result today, June 28 at 5 PM. While announcing the Assam PAT 2023 result date and time, the DTE said that the Assam PAT result 2023 will be declared after 5 pm today. The directorate will also make the Assam PAT 2023 result scorecard download link available after 5 pm today. The dte.assam.gov.in website will host the PAT 2023 Assam result link.

Assam PAT 2023: Steps To Download Scorecard

Step 1: Visit the Directorate of Technical Education website -- dte.assam.gov.in

Step 2: Click on the designated Assam PAT result 2023 link

Step 3: Key in roll number and date of birth on the next window

Step 4: Submit Assam PAT 2023 credentials Step 5: Download Assam PAT 2023 result scorecard



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Assam PAT 2023 Result: Exam Date

The Assam PAT 2023 was conducted on June 18 from 10.00 AM to 12.00 noon. The PAT 2023 was held for admission into 3 years diploma in Engineering and Technology courses for the session 2023-24.

Assam PAT 2023 Result: Passing Marks

In order to qualify for Assam PAT 2023, candidates need to secure a minimum of 40% aggregate marks in Mathematics and Science. However, SC and ST candidates have a relaxation wherein they need to obtain minimum aggregate marks of 35% and 33% respectively in these two subjects.
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New Delhi: Three Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jets, as part of the military contingent, are poised to participate in the Bastille Day flypast over the Champs Elysees, Paris, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be the guest of honour, as per the release. The French traditional military parade is held in Paris during the Bastille Day on July 14. PM Modi's visit will coincide with the 25th anniversary of the "strategic partnership" between France and India. Earlier, Indian Defence Official also confirmed that the Indian Air Force would be deploying its fighter aircraft to participate in the event's flypast.

The Indian military contingent would also be part of the marching contingent on Bastille Day. At the invitation of France President Emmanuel Macron, PM Modi will be the Guest of Honour on France's National Day on July 14. Earlier, Macron tweeted, "Dear Narendra, I am very happy to welcome you to Paris as a guest of honour at the July 14 parade."

Prime Minister's visit is expected to herald the next phase in the India-France Strategic Partnership by setting new and ambitious goals for our strategic, cultural, scientific, academic, and economic cooperation, including in a wide range of industries, as per the official statement released by the Indian Embassy in France.



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India and France defend the goals and tenets of the United Nations Charter, which serve as the cornerstone of collaboration between the two nations in the Indo-Pacific region, and share a vision for peace and security, particularly in Europe and the Indo-Pacific

"This historic visit of PM Modi will also deliver common initiatives in order to respond to the key challenges of our time, including climate change, biodiversity loss and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and will be an opportunity for India and France to reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism, including in the context of India's G20 Presidency," the official statement added.

India and France defend the goals and tenets of the United Nations Charter, which serve as the cornerstone of collaboration between the two nations in the Indo-Pacific region, and share a vision for peace and security, particularly in Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
New Delhi: Unidentified people shot Bhim Army leader Chandra Shekhar Azad in Saharanpurs Deoband area on Wednesday afternoon, news agency IANS reported. Thenational president of Aazad Samaj Party - Kanshi Ram and Bhim Army leader's convoy was attacked by armed men. Reports claim that the shooters drove a vehicle with a Haryana license plate. Chandra Shekhar is in a hospital and his condition is stable. The bullets struck his stomach and waist but the injuries are superficial.

The state government has ordered the Saharanpur Police chief to look into the matter. "Half an hour back, the convoy of Chandra Shekhar Aazad was fired at by a few car-borne armed men. A bullet brushed past him. He is alright and has been taken to CHC for medical treatment. Police is investigating the matter," news agency ANI quoted SSP Dr Vipin Tada as saying.

"I don't remember well but my people identified them. Their car went towards Saharanpur. We took a U-Turn. Five of us, including my younger brother, were in the car when the incident occurred..," ANI quoted Bhim Azad as saying.



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#WATCH | "I don't remember well but my people identified them. Their car went towards Saharanpur. We took a U-Turn. Five of us, including my younger brother, were in the car when the incident occurred..," says Bhim Army leader and Aazad Samaj Party - Kanshi Ram chief, Chandra pic.twitter.com/MLeVR8poaN  ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2023

Further details awaited.
New Delhi: The Karnataka Police have filed an FIR against BJP IT Cell national Convenor Amit Malviya in connection with publishing "derogatory" posts against Rahul Gandhi and Congress leaders. The High Grounds police in Bengaluru have booked a case against him under IPC Sections 153-A, 120-B, 505 (2), 34. Ramesh Babu, state Congress leader, had lodged a complaint in this regard. The complaint was filed for releasing an animated video of Rahul Gandhi and claiming that Congress is indulging in anti-national activities.

The complaint alleged that Amit Malviya stated, "Rahul Gandhi is dangerous and playing an insidious game. Amit Malviya further stated that more dangerous are people who are pulling strings of #Raga like Sam P, staunchly anti India, they leave no stone unturned to defame India overseas, just to embarrass Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi Ji."

Reacting to the FIR against Amit Malaviya, Priyank Kharge, state minister stated, "Whenever BJP bears the brunt of law, they cry. They have a problem following the law of the land. I want to ask the BJP which part of the FIR has been filed with a mala fide intention. We have done it after taking legal opinion," he said.

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Also Read: Karnataka: Hedgewar, Savarkar Removed; References To Nehru, Indira Back In Textbooks

Amit Malviya had posted an animated video from his official account on June 17. In that video it is claimed that the "Congress party is indulging in anti-national activities and whenever Rahul Gandhi goes abroad he is indulging in anti-national activities. The video also shows that Congress and Rahul Gandhi are breaking the nation," RDPR and IT and BT minister Priyank Kharge explained.

"We have decided to close down the factory of lies run by the BJP party. They could get away with it as it was their government here. The fact check unit was closed then. The BJP party workers themselves created fake news. We will not let it happen now. Fact check unit would be strengthened. I have already spoken to the CM. The posts, which are communal, disturbing peace will be dealt with and strict action would be taken," Priyank Kharge said.

Also Read: Cong-led Karnataka Govt To Amend Anti-Conversion Law, Take Up Revision Of Textbooks

They (BJP) will always post vicious messages and sow seeds of hatred and create fear. "We can't sit quietly when people like J.P. Nadda, Amit Malviya and Sood, who are in responsible positions, give out lies from their accounts. They will have to prove the charges.

"We had lodged a complaint under IPC Sections 505 (2), 553 (A), 120 (B), 34. Let Amit Malviya come to Bengaluru and explain how Congress has indulged in anti-national activities. Otherwise he will have to seek apologies and give a letter to that effect that he won't make such charges in future," he said.
Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh - In a shocking incident, Dr Sanath Kumar, a doctor associated with the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) in Kanpur, is facing severe allegations of habitual misconduct and verbal abuse from beneficiaries of the scheme. Outraged by the alleged mistreatment, a delegation of patients has taken the matter into their own hands, meeting with local authorities to demand immediate action.

History of Complaints against Dr Sanath Kumar

Sources reveal that this is not the first time Dr Sanath Kumar has faced criticism and complaints from patients and fellow staff members at the CGHS clinic in Nagar Dispensary. Patients have come forward to express their anguish, claiming that the doctor frequently neglects proper health examinations, hastily prescribes medications without accurate diagnosis, and resorts to physical aggression and verbal insults when confronted about his practices. Despite previous complaints lodged against him with higher authorities, a tangible resolution has yet to be reached.



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Patients Seek Justice, Voice Concerns

Representatives from the Pensioners' Forum recently met with the District Magistrate and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate to formally present their grievances and seek immediate intervention. Anand Avasthi, the President of the Pensioners' Forum, emphasized that the alleged behavior of Dr Sanath Kumar not only undermines the trust of patients but also raises serious concerns about potential violations of the law.

Troubling Pattern of Invasion of Privacy and Harassment

Allegations against Dr. Sanath Kumar go beyond verbal abuse and misconduct. Disturbing reports suggest that he also exhibits a troubling pattern of invading the privacy of female patients and subjecting them to harassment. Additionally, it is claimed that the doctor frequently enters the premises of female staff members without permission, creating an uncomfortable environment. Similar complaints against Dr Sanath Kumar have surfaced from other dispensaries in Kanpur, including Saket Nagar and Ratan Lal Nagar.

Video Evidence of Confrontation

Adding fuel to the fire, a recent video went viral, capturing Dr Sanath Kumar in a heated argument and physical altercation with a female patient. The woman accused the doctor of mistreatment and refusing to provide her with necessary medication. Staff members have lodged multiple complaints against Dr Sanath Kumar, yet no substantial action has been taken against him.

Calls for Swift Action and Justice

Anand Avasthi, the President of the Pensioners' Forum, expressed gratitude for the patient hearing they received from the authorities, who assured them that a thorough investigation would be conducted and appropriate action would be taken in the matter. However, patients and staff members alike are anxiously waiting for swift action to address the alleged misconduct and mistreatment by Dr. Sanath Kumar. Concerns over the quality of healthcare services provided under the CGHS in Kanpur have been raised, and the community fervently hopes that the authorities will prioritize the well-being and safety of patients in the region by taking the necessary steps to rectify the situation promptly.
Surat: The controversy surrounding the film Adipurush, which is based on the life of Lord Rama and features a star-studded cast, shows no signs of abating. Various Hindu organisations are opposing the film. Now, Bajrang Sena, a Gujarat based Hindutva organisation has also come out in protest of the film.

Organisations chief Hitesh Vishwakarma is demanding a ban on the film over the wrong portrayal of Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman in it. Opposing the film, Vishwakarma said that "followers of the Hindu Sanatan Dharma have unwavering faith in Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman."

The lives of Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman teach us so much. Lord Ramas life serves as a guiding light for leading a successful and fulfilling life. However, the director of Adipurush has crossed all lines in depicting the characters from the epic Ramayana. The portrayal of Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman in the film is distorted. Their attire has also been tampered with, he said.



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He questioned if it was appropriate to show Lord Hanuman wearing leather clothes. The organisation chief further described the film as one that undermines the Hindu religion and culture, and he demanded a ban on its screening. He and Shri Bajrang Sena also appealed to Hindus to boycott the film.

It is worth noting that opposition to Adipurush began as soon as the films teaser was released, with various organisations expressing their displeasure over the films contents. Moreover, a lawyer had also filed a petition in the court against the film.
Military families in need can pick up meal kits at 10 a.m. on Friday from the Southeast & Armed Services YMCA.

The YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region, the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation and Move for Hunger are distributing 500 meal kits on a first-come, first-served basis, according to a news release.

The kits are open to all enlisted families and no military ID is required to receive one.

"The YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region, and specifically the Southeast Armed Services Y Center is very proud to partner with the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation and Move For Hunger to provide food resources for junior enlisted men and women in uniform and their families stationed in the Pikes Peak Region," said Boyd Williams, President & CEO, YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region in a statement "Serving the brave men and women in our military community is one of the tenets of our organization's cause and aligning with the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation and Move For Hunger allows our Y to bring the resources from the foundation to a local service member in need."
New Delhi: Congress leader and former Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Navjot Singh Sidhu shared beautiful pictures of his family introducing his future daughter-in-law to the World. He dropped a series of pictures on social media featuring him, his wife Navjot Kaur Sidhu, daughter Rabia Sidhu, son Karan Sidhu, and Inayat Randhawa, his to-be-daughter-in-law.

Navjot Singh Sidhu Twitter

In a tweet, he posted a few images of the trip that he undertook with his family on the occasion of Durga Ashtami. ''The son honours the most cherished desire of his beloved mother . On this auspicious Durga-Ashtami day in the lap of mother Ganges , a new beginning , introducing our would be daughter in law Inayat Randhawa . They exchanged promise bands,'' he wrote while sharing the happy pictures.



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The son honours the most cherished desire of his beloved mother . On this auspicious Durga-Ashtami day in the lap of mother Ganges , a new beginning , introducing our would be daughter in law Inayat Randhawa . They exchanged promise bands. pic.twitter.com/4ELfTpUTmJ  Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) June 26, 2023

Netizens' Reactions

Twitter users loved the pictures and dropped heartfelt comments while congratulating the couple. One user wrote, ''Wow, what an incredible moment. Heartiest congratulations.'' Another commented, ''Congratulations to the spiritual, bold, honest, patriotic, loving and a truly secular family! God bless the young couple.''

Who is Inayat Randhawa?

Inayat hails from Patiala, she is the daughter of Maninder Randhawa, a well-known name in Patiala, who has served in the Army and is presently serving as Deputy Director in Punjab Defense Services Welfare Department.

Navjot Singh Sidhu Released

The Congress leader was released from Patiala Central jail on April 2, 2023, after a 10-month prison term. The 59-year-old was serving his sentence in a road-rage incident in which a 65-year-old man, Gurnam Singh, was killed 34 years ago.

Navjot Singh Sidhu's Wife

Sidhu's son got engaged months after Navjot Kaur was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive cancer. 'Her third Chemo. Nothing is impossible for a resolute person. her steely resolve has been facilitated by Dr. Rupinder Batra (Former Tata Memorial Oncologist) at Waryam Singh Hospital, Yamunanagar. There is a karmic connection. He saved my life as well when I had nearly fatal pulmonary embolism.. He conducted successful operation of Noni, when I was in jail our guardian angel.  In times of prosperity friends aplenty - In times of adversity not one in twenty  thank a ton bro !!' Sidhu had tweeted.
New Delhi: Actor Sonam Kapoor has been invited by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak to a special reception to celebrate UK-India week 2023, as per a source.

The reception will be hosted by Rishi at his official residence and office in 10 Downing Street and is a part of India Global Forum's flagship event UK-India Week, which is being held from June 26-30 in London. Sonam will be attending the reception on June 28th to represent India and its cultural influence globally.

UK-India Week 2023 is the 5th iteration of IGF's flagship event, a weeklong programme that seeks to honour and strengthen the longstanding partnership between these two countries by providing a platform to spotlight crucial topics, including politics, trade, business, sustainability, inclusion, and innovation.



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Earlier in May, Sonam also performed at King Charles III's coronation concert. Sonam took center stage at the Coronation Concert as she introduced various choir performers of the Commonwealth. Her piece served as a prelude to the inspiring virtual choir performances by the Commonwealth, made up of choirs, solo artists and duos from the 56 Commonwealth countries.

Sonam also introduced Steve Winwood, who performed a modern version of his iconic song 'Higher Love' accompanied by a 70-piece orchestra.

She began her speech with 'Namaste'. She was introduced as one of the biggest actors in Bollywood. The 'Khoobsurat' actor emphasized the diversity of the Commonwealth during her spoken word performance. She also elucidated upon the oneness that binds the diversity of the nation.

"Our Commonwealth is a union. Together, we are one-third of the world's people, one-third of the world's oceans, and one-third of the world's lands. Each of our countries is unique, and each of our people is special but we choose to stand as one. Learning from our history, blessed by our diversity, driven by our values and determined to build a more peaceful, sustainable and prosperous place where every voice is heard, " Sonam Kapoor said in her speech.

Meanwhile, on the work front, she will be now making her grand comeback to the movies with the film 'Blind'. Helmed by Shome Makhija, the film will stream on the OTT platform Jio Cinema from July 7.
New Delhi: Actress Asin, best known for her roles in 'Ghajini' (Tamil and Hindi), 'Bol Bachchan', 'Kaavalan' and 'Housefull 2', has fully debunked the rumours that she is divorcing her husband Rahul Sharma.

Taking to her Instagram account, the actress captioned: "In the middle of our summer holidays right now, literally sitting across each other enjoying our breakfast and came across some very imaginative and utterly baseless 'NEWS'.

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Reminds of the time we were sitting at home together with our families planning our wedding and we heard that we had broken up (laughing emoji) Seriously?! Pls do better. (Disappointed to have wasted 5mins of an otherwise wonderful holiday on this!) Have a great day you guys."

The rumours began circulating after Asin removed photos of herself and her husband from her Instagram account, which added fuel to the fire. While it is unknown why Asin removed those photos, she has completely denied the rumours.

The only photo that she has kept of herself with her husband is a black and white pic, with the late actor Rishi Kapoor who had attended the couples wedding. The actress posted the picture as a tribute to the late Bollywood legend.

Currently, her Insta account is full of pictures of her daughter Arin Rayn.
New Delhi: A man has credited Apple Watch's fall detection feature for saving his life by calling emergency services and his wife. Last week, Alexander Laserson fell from a ladder and hit his head, and his Apple Watch Series 8 called emergency services and his wife as the fall detection kicked in, reports AppleInsider.

He was unable to respond to the fall detection alarm, which after about a minute alerts emergency contacts and calls emergency services. "His wife discovered him shortly after and was able to talk to emergency responders via the Apple Watch," the report said.

He was then transported in an ambulance to the emergency room and got seven stitches. Laserson expressed gratitude to Apple for developing the technology that responded to his fall so quickly.



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"Without the Apple Watch, it is possible I would be dead by now," Laserson said. "The technology works," he added. Apple Watch has saved lives before and sometimes surprises its wearers by detecting problems they are unaware of.

Earlier, a US man had been rescued by the Summerfield Fire Department before he even knew his Watch could send an emergency message. He had fallen hard in his driveway, breaking his nose and passing out. When he didn't respond to his Apple Watch, it automatically called 911.
The Fountain Police Department is asking for the publics help in locating a missing teenage boy, according to a Wednesday morning press release.

Police say that 16-year-old Brandon Rule was last seen on May 29 after packing all of his belongings and leaving home.

He is believed to be in the Fountain area, or possibly around Branson or Joplin, Missouri, Wednesdays press release said.

Rule is described as a white male, 5 feet, 7 inches tall, weighing approximately 97 pounds. He has red hair and brown eyes, officials said.

Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding Rules whereabouts to contact the Fountain Police Department at 719-390-5555, or to leave an anonymous tip with the Pikes Peak area Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-800-222-8477.
The El Paso County Coroners Office has identified the victim in an early Friday morning homicide.

Nancy Mascarenas, a 48-year-old from Clovis, New Mexico, was found dead with a possible gunshot wound, according to Colorado Springs police. Officers responded to reports of shots fired near 1500 E. Boulder St., west of Memorial Hospital Central, just after 3 a.m. Friday.

The official manner of Mascarenas death remains under investigation. This is CSPDs 13th homicide investigation in 2023. There were 26 homicide investigations at this time last year.

No arrests have been announced by police.

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Anyone with information or who is a witness to the investigation is asked to call Colorado Springs police at (719) 444-7000; or if you wish to remain anonymous, call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (719) 634-STOP (7867) or 1-800-222-8477.
For nearly 40 years the Colorado Springs nonprofit ComCor Inc. has held the belief that people can and do change, and now the organization itself is changing, with a new name and new services for homeless residents in mind.

Weve always worked in El Paso County in some of the most challenging issues our community faces, including crime and public safety as well as chemical dependency and drug use, and we really wanted to position ourselves to do more of that, Embrave Executive Director Mark Wester said in an interview.

A 15-month rebranding process produced the name Embrave, which Wester said better represents what the organization does through its residential rehabilitation and treatment programs for offenders who exit prison or those court-ordered in lieu of serving time.

ComCor Inc. confused many people, Wester said.

Our name was so closely tied to the industry of community corrections that people often referred to community corrections in Colorado as ComCor, he said.

Embrave means to make excellent or fine, inspire with bravery and make bold, daring and courageous, according to dictionary definitions.

The word describes what the organization strives to accomplish with its clients, Wester said, in helping them find jobs, get clean and sober, learn healthy coping strategies and navigate daily life better.

Because we deal with clients whove gotten into trouble with the law, have chemical dependency and substance use disorder issues, embrave is what they are trying to do  improve their lives  and that takes a lot of courage and bravery, he said.

The rebranding cost about $130,000, according to Wester.

The organization hosted a Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday at its headquarters off Mark Dabling Boulevard.

Clients described in a video how Embrave inspired them to achieve goals.

The way I see myself now after receiving support from Embrave is alive again, one client said.

Rebranding is the first step in steering the organization on a path of new beginnings, Wester said.

He took the organizations helm in 2019, replacing Sean McDougall, whom the FBI was investigating for allegedly stealing more than $1 million from the nonprofit, which contracts with the state and El Paso County to house and rehabilitate felons.

I was hired to clean up the mess he left, Wester said.

Its unclear whether McDougall has faced any criminal charges.

I know we alerted the authorities and cooperated with them, Wester said.

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Its first-ever acquisition came in February, when Embrave bought Colorado Health Services, which provides urinalysis testing for people on parole and probation, juveniles in the states youth offender system and others.

Embraves operations previously spread across five properties, most along North Nevada Avenue. But in 2020 when the organization completed renovating its largest residential complex at 3615 Roberts Road, it consolidated three facilities into that location.

The consolidation left two sites for residential rehabilitation of up to 270 clients and non-residential follow-up care for another 50 clients, which Wester said made operations more efficient.

Now, the organization is looking at redeveloping those vacant properties for new programs.

In January 2022, Embraves empty old motel property at 3808 N. Nevada Ave. was transformed into a COVID-19 isolation shelter for infected and sick homeless people.

But the majority of the rooms at the facility, named City Hope, temporarily housed well homeless families. The operation closed five months ago.

It was hard to get funds to keep it going, and when grant dollars dried up, we raised one-third of a million dollars to continue operating from September through January, Wester said. We were able to get the remaining families into housing, and we felt the mission was complete.

Embrave is seeking funding to redevelop that site and the other two shuttered properties, he said.

For example, the organization is applying for Medicaid certification to possibly open a permanent respite center for homeless people recovering from hospitalization.

The citys only respite center for convalescing homeless people, Ascending to Health, once again has temporarily closed its center but is operating a scatter site, said Ruben, a medical assistant who answered the phone on Tuesday.

The organization is contracting with Penrose Hospital to put people recovering from hospital stays into hotels with visiting nursing care. The setup can accommodate up to 12 patients, he said.

Ascending to Health also paused its services in July 2021 due to financial struggles and reopened in January 2022.

But the city could use a dedicated respite center for homeless people, said Chief Housing Officer Steve Posey.

Since Mark Wester became the leader of the organization, he has really stepped up his game and reached out to other agencies in the community to explore how Embrave could be a better community partner to all of us, Posey said.

Wester also is working with Springs Rescue Mission, the citys largest homeless shelter, to possibly set up on-demand van transportation to shuttle clients of both Embrave and Springs Rescue to appointments, such as job training or getting identification, instead of relying on bus rides.

Thats what I see Embrave doing moving forward  working with city, county and state governments and agencies to solve difficult problems (in) our community, Wester said. We want people to stay out of trouble with the law and not use drugs, and we want to keep the community safe.

Last year, 60% of Embraves clients successfully completed its programs, and 5% reoffended, according to state data. The industrywide recidivism rate is 50%.
Sensitive documents in the Barry Morphew murder case showed that his wife was finished with their 25-year marriage and very much in love with another man.

Some of Suzanne Morphews communication with a high school flame has never been made public. They were revealed in a timeline which was filed March 25, 2022 and unsealed Tuesday evening.

Nobody loves you...like the way I do. I crave time with you. I crave the feeling I get when we connect. Physically or emotionally. Youre my guy. Always.

The next night, May 8, 2020, Morphew wrote her secret boyfriend again, this time while she was out to dinner with her husband. Youre the only real love Ive known...the only love I want.

Allowing the romantic communication between Suzanne Morphew, 49, and Jeff Libler, a father of six who lived in Michigan, was intended to convince a jury that the Morphews' marriage was disintegrating, contrary to what Barry Morphew first told investigators.

Judge Ramsey Lama never got a chance to rule on whether to allow the texts.

The case was dismissed without prejudice by the prosecution for lack of evidence on April 19, 2022, days before jury selection was to begin. Barry Morphew, who was facing first-degree murder charges in the case, was allowed to go free. The term without prejudice means that the case can be retried at a later date.

According to her communication with her best friend, Sheila Oliver, Morphew was struggling with her marriage for almost two years. In the motion to introduce the statements, FBI investigator Jonathan Grusing wrote that Suzanne Morphews communication showed the ups and downs that occur from mid-2018 until her death in May of 2020 and explain to the jury how the marriage reached its tipping point by May of 2020, the document stated.

During their affair, Morphew and Libler communicated on LinkedIn and on WhatsApp, a phone application which allows users to chat over the internet as opposed to standard SMS texting. She never told anyone about the multi-year fling.

Not even investigators knew about the affair until months after Morphew disappeared. They interviewed Libler in November of 2020, but by that time he said he didn't remember their last conversations and his phone had been destroyed.

In another motion, the defense wanted evidence that Barry Morphew watched "Forensic Files" and other true crime shows to be scrapped from trial.

Not all of Suzanne Morphew's heartfelt thoughts revealed in the motion were new. Some of her texts were discussed during the August 2021 evidentiary hearing, but dozens of thoughts she expressed to Oliver, had remained under seal until now.

Some of them had already been ordered to be suppressed by Lama and he may not have ruled to admit them.

On Nov. 27, 2018, in a timeline created by Grusing, Suzanne Morphew wrote that her husband sensed she was gaining strength and was uncomfortable with it. Just not need his approval all the time is so freeing really Ive really had to do my own soul searching Many things Ive [sic] done wrong overt [sic] the years and allowed to creep in Breaking the codependency for me is big.

As the months went by, Grusing documented the 49-year-old mother of twos growing need to get a divorce. On Aug. 25, 2019, she wrote I feel no peace when hes here. I dont know what to do. I dont feel safe around him. Hes lost my trust. He will do anything to come out looking good.

Suzanne Morphew also worried about the couples two daughters, one of whom, Macy, still lived at home. ..he pulled girls in and told them everything that day. I lost all respect for him that day. Macy mentioned us separating today or divorcing...She wants us happy. Shes tired of the tention [sic]. He plays the hurt one.

The document was important to prosecutors because they believed it showed that Suzanne Morphews state of mind was in direct opposition to what Barry Morphew told investigators when they first interviewed him the night she was reported missing.

Prosecutors said that Barry Morphew was not truthful about his failing marriage when he was first interviewed by law enforcement. On May 10, 2020, Morphew said that the evening before, the couple had shared a wonderful night eating steaks, having sex and going to bed early.

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Detectives became suspicious when, contrary to Barry Morphews description of a perfect evening, a couple of Suzanne Morphews texts just two days earlier revealed that their marriage was actually on the rocks.

Its been hard dealing with the harsh abrasiveness and having to show respect. Hes also been abusive, emotionally and physically, she texted her older sister May 8, 2020 describing her husband of 25 years. Theres so much. Hard to share it all and give you a clear picture.

Earlier that morning, Morphew wrote a list of grievances she had with Barry Morphew, whom she met and married in their hometown of Alexandria, Indiana.

Her words strengthened the district attorneys theory, that Barry Morphew killed his wife in a fit of jealousy and insecurity. That theory was revealed at the August 2021 evidentiary hearing.

Chief District Judge Patrick Murphy bound the case over for trial shortly after that, but the prosecution dismissed its own case for lack of evidence on the eve of the trial in April 2022.

In a text interview, Barry Morphews attorney, Iris Eytan, said that the judges ruling to release case documents came out of the blue and that Morphew does not have the emotional or financial resources to continue this battle against the prosecutors misconduct. She challenged the release on grounds that Morphew has already suffered for three years and is trying to get his life together.

Last month, Morphew filed a $15 million civil rights lawsuit which states that he was wrongfully arrested, jailed and prosecuted for the alleged murder of his wife, Suzanne, for "a crime he did not commit."

The Morphew investigation has been fraught with challenges. Murphy recused himself due to a friendship he had with an attorney involved with the case, there was a change of venue from Chaffee County to Fremont County and the most recent district judge, Ramsey Lama, stepped down from the bench soon after.

Chaffee County Sheriff John Spezze, who is in charge of the Morphew case, told The Denver Gazette that the case is ongoing but legal observers say the longer a case goes, the more others pile up.

What it sounds like to me is law enforcement needs some help. It looks like were having public disclosure and that signals to me maybe law enforcement is looking for help with the public in resolving this case, said former federal prosecutor and criminal defense attorney Eric Faddis, who acknowledged, "This looks like this is going in the direction of a cold case.

Dave Lipka, a Colorado Springs criminal defense attorney, said a 3-year-old murder investigation, even one this high-profile, can be a burden on law enforcement.

In practice when you have a case thats this old and a motion to dismiss that has been granted you will not have the same amount of resources dedicated to the investigation.

Suzanne Morphews body has never been found. Deputy District Attorney Mark Hurlbert said that prosecutors suspect they know where her body is located, but that she is in a difficult spot. Though Eytan did not want the documents released, Hurlbert did not challenge the decision to unseal them.

'She is in a very difficult spot': Prosecutor says about suspected location of Suzanne Morphew's body

Lipka was surprised because it's usually the opposite. Generally, you want to keep information sealed if you have a true investigation. You dont want to taint the jury pool by releasing information that may not be admissible at trial, said Lipka. It doesnt make sense to release information that could compromise their own investigation.

After three years of going unsolved, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation defines a case is "cold." The Morphew case clanked into its fourth year on May 11, but it is not listed on the Colorado Bureau of Investigation's cold case list.

Spokesperson Lisa Kohlbrenner explained that CBI is working with Chaffee County on the narrative as we want to be sure it is appropriate to be shared with the public."
After considerable feedback, Academy School District 20 announced on Tuesday it will no longer implement new start and end times. The district will continue researching a change that will satisfy family and transportation needs.

"To date, we conducted a comprehensive study, held committees and town halls, and deployed a district-wide survey. Still, we are not closer to finding a logistically feasible solution that meets the goal of student wellness," a news release from the district reads. "You may be asking, whats next? Our long-term goal remains; creating a Start/End Time Schedule where secondary students start later than their younger peers."

The planned three-tier system would have standardized all elementary schools, high schools and middle schools to begin 40 minutes apart, with one exception. Elementary schools would have started at 7:30 a.m. Forty minutes is the minimum necessary time gap for buses to run their routes, school leaders said.

Parents were quick to push back against the change, saying it was seemingly impossible for single parents or those with children stretched across multiple tiers. In the most dramatic of scenarios, families could have spent nearly three hours commuting to school each day.

None of that was brought up with anybody, and I think thats the biggest thing that most people are mad about. We werent even given the opportunity to come up with another solution, said Lindsey Jensen, a parent of two students in the district.

The controversial changes were first publicly proposed at a January board meeting and swiftly approved a week later.

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The district cited sleep as its primary motivation and the alleviation of transportation issues as a secondary reason.

After a parent-led movement to reverse the decision, D-20 walked back its decision to implement the changes in the 2023-2024 school year, postponing any changes to the following year and scheduling a series of eight town halls to solicit community feedback.

In May, D-20 released a ranked-choice survey with two new options in addition to its initial proposal, none of which addressed parents initial concerns over the 40-minute gaps. Parents once again organized against the change, fearing it could force them out of the schools theyd grown to love.

Jensen, a leading organizer in the parent effort, thanked all involved in pushing back against change "because it's exhausting. It is so exhausting."

Its a lot of parents I think that are feeling a lot of stress relief right now, Jensen said. I dont know who all made that decision  it was the right one though.
Officials with the Pueblo Fire Department rescued multiple pets from a house fire overnight Tuesday on the east side of Pueblo, according to the Pueblo Fire Department.

Pueblo firefighters received reports of a house fire in the Belmont neighborhood on Carousel Court just after midnight, Tuesday. Rescue officials arrived on the scene to find the home in heavy fire conditions, officials said.

While the residents of the home were able to escape the blaze, they told firefighters of two cats and a dog believed to still be trapped inside.

Rescue officials were able to locate the dog and one cat, and returned them to safety, but were unable to find the second cat inside the home.

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According to firefighters, properly working smoke detectors alerted the residents of the fire in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

We cant stress enough the importance of properly working smoke detectors in your home, officials said on social media Tuesday morning, reminding the public to check smoke detector batteries at least twice annually.

Officials said the blaze was extinguished quickly, and no one was injured during the incident.

Reporting by KKTV contributed to this article.
A man is dead and a homicide investigation is underway in Pueblo.

Pueblo police issued a news release explaining they were called to a home Tuesday at about 8 p.m. in the 2000 block of North Hudson Avenue for a reported shooting. The neighborhood is near U.S. 50 east of Interstate 25. When police arrived, they found the victim dead. He has not been publicly identified.

No suspect has been taken into custody at this time, police wrote in the news release. This is an active and ongoing investigation. Updated information will be released when it becomes available. This is the eleventh homicide investigation of 2023.

If you have information that could help the police, call 719-553-2502.
Recognize Bates as a gay woman

Katherine Lee Bates came to Colorado in 1893 to teach English at the summer session at Colorado College.

She traveled by train from Wellesley, Mass., where she taught English literature at Wellesley College. During the summer, she joined a group going by prairie wagon and mule to see Pikes Peak.

Bates wrote America the Beautiful when she was so inspired by the magnificent beauty of Pikes Peak and its mountains.

Bates returned to Wellesley College and continued teaching. She lived with her life-long partner Katherine Coram, who also was a professor at Wellesley College.

During Pride Month, let us acknowledge, Katherine Lee Bates.

Americans and the world know the story of Katherine Lee Bates, especially when we gather to sing America the Beautiful. It is time to recognize her as a gay woman, however, especially during Pride Month.

Janice S. Moglen

Manitou Springs

Getting the woke thing wrong

Tina Routhiers letter in Sundays Gazette unfortunately gets the woke thing all wrong, in particular the thoughts of others like me, who happen to disagree with the woke agenda.

This agenda is most understood as DEI, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion. There is nothing wrong with these three words, except when they are placed ahead of more important qualities of humankind such as merit, hard work, excellence, and yes, intelligence.

Think what would have happened if the World War II Manhattan project in Los Alamos to defeat the Axis, would have been staffed by adhering to diversity!

Martin Luther King perhaps said it best as  live in a nation where they (his children) will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

The left has elevated certain terms  often used as quotas  over individual content of character. Routhier assumes that we believe a mixture of races and sexes are harmful to the military and our neighborhood and are against equal pay for equal jobs, and dont want to include people sitting next to you in church in our prayers. Nothing could be further from the truth. We certainly do not want military hiring to stress diversity over capability and excellence. We love our country too much.

Erik Lessing

Monument

Wheres our military heading?

You might have seen the AFA cadet letter this month about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training that is going on at the academy.

The cadet expressed her dismay at the direction the AFA leadership had taken. Yes, its the old woke end around game again. About 16 hours of it that cadets are going through. Theres even a degree offered. This young cadet was contemplating whether she should stay and stick it out or move on to greener pastures. You can read it in the June 21 edition of The Gazette.

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Back in 1997, Gen. Ronald Fogelman was the Air Force chief of staff. He retired his post after three years, one year early, over the Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia.

The secretary of defense was considering withholding Brig. Gen. Terry Schwaliers promotion to major general, who was the commander in Saudi Arabia at the time of the bombing. Whats the point? Fogelman defended Schwalier. To the point he fell on his sword to do the right thing. I worked for Schwalier, he was an outstanding boss. Fogelman knew the same.

Today, we have a ship drifting at sea, as the AFA leadership, as well as many others have acquiesced to this rather bizarre and radical training called DEI. It amazes me that after 28 years in the Air Force and three commands, I slipped through the crack without one social actions complaint or any notion of it. Just got lucky, I guess.

It is time our military leaders wake up and start doing the right thing and get back to the mission. I get it that our political establishment is out of touch, but as a leader can you look that cadets mom and dad in the eye and say this kind of training is making their son or daughter a better leader? Good luck with that.

And if the leaders we have now cant find the courage or wisdom to aspire as Fogelman did, have the courage to step down. The morale and integrity of this countrys national defense is at stake.

Retired Lt. Col. Jim McCormick, Air Force

Elbert

Q Club final thoughts

Thanks for your coverage.

Some final thoughts on the Q shooter.

So a 29-year-old kid decides to revisit a safe haven gathering place and because he doesnt like their lifestyle loads up an armory and proceeds to go for a mass shooting. All of this preplanned. EXCEPT he miscalculates; two quick thinking patrons say NOT.

The result; he has to sit in close held confinement for these last seven months. Hes not got much going for him from life but in this interim decides that all in all this change in lifestyle might not be too bad.

Hey, Ive not missed a meal, Ive got a bed to sleep in, my clothes are free, my laundrys furnished and the company are a lot like me  losers and for the next 2,000 years Im on the public dole. For Aldrich is a winner for life Etc.

Somehow this doesnt quite equate. Forty-six people will forever remember that night in November, and five more are gone forever. So where is the justice to us the city of Colorado Springs citizenry?

As I see it one scumbag gets a cushy life (or five lives sequentially), and we get the bill and grief.

As my Daddy said a long time age, Something is wrong in Denmark, with apologies to any Danes I may have offended.

How long before someone wakes up? A.

Jim Brown

Colorado Springs
The federal government is allocating over $826.5 million to Colorado to make high-speed internet universally accessible in the state.

The money comes from a $42.45 billion grant program, providing funding for broadband infrastructure to all 50 states, Washington and five U.S. territories. The Department of Commerce announced each state and territory's grant amounts Monday.

This is the largest ever investment in high-speed internet, President Joe Biden said. The $42.45 billion, in addition to other prior federal investments, is intended to make high-speed internet reliably accessible to everyone in the United States by 2030, according to the White House.

"For todays economy to work for everyone, internet access is just as important as electricity was or water or other basic services," Biden said during Monday's announcement. "These investments will help all Americans. Were not going to leave anyone behind."

The $826.5 million will be used to administer grant programs within Colorado, funding the deployment or upgrades of broadband networks in areas without access to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet. Once those goals are met, remaining funds can be used for equity, access and adoption of the program.

The grant awards for each state range from $107.7 million for Delaware to over $3.3 billion for Texas. Colorado received the 22nd most funding, with 19 states receiving over $1 billion.

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$930 million in grants announced in Biden's effort to expand internet access to every home in the US

What this announcement means for people across the country is that if you dont have access to quality, affordable high-speed internet service now  you will, said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.

The grant program, called the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program, was created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law  a $1 trillion policy package passed in 2021 to rebuild transportation infrastructure, expand access to clean drinking water and high-speed internet, address climate change and more.

Colorado's funding allocation comes as the state is working toward its own plan to connect 99% of households to high-speed internet in 2027. Just last week, the state opened applications for a $162 million grant program for broadband infrastructure projects.

"I am thrilled with the help we are now getting to make sure Coloradans can access high-speed, reliable internet," Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement. "In Colorado, we continue to make bold progress towards our goal of connecting 99% of Colorado households to affordable, high-speed broadband within the next four years, and we welcome this support to help connect more Coloradans."

Beginning Friday, each state will have 180 days to propose their grant programs using the federal funds, which must then be approved by the Department of Commerces National Telecommunications and Information Administration, according to the White House.

State grant applications open for broadband infrastructure projects in Colorado
DECORAH  A special folk art show, Embellishment, at Vesterheim, the national Norwegian-American museum and folk art school, is open July 6 through Jan. 5 and focuses on the importance of detail in folk art.

It features 71 pieces by contemporary folk artists from around the country and is made possible thanks to support from the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs; and the National Endowment for the Arts.

For the artists in this show, embellishment can mean flowing painted motifs, embroidered designs, ornate beadwork, and intricate carving. Carrying forward the spirit and mission of Vesterheim Folk Art School, the exhibition includes woodworking, rosemaling, knifemaking, jewelry, weaving, and fiber arts.

The artworks in the exhibition were chosen by a selection committee made up of Elliot Taillon (owner of Binkhaven, Norwegian design retreat, Ephraim, Wisconsin); Eric Sovern (owner of Cardboard Robot, Decorah); Jennie Knoebel (Iowa Arts Council, Des Moines); and Darlene Fossum-Martin, former director of folk art education (Vesterheim, Decorah).

Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in the conversation of the American immigrant journey through the lens of the Norwegian-American experience. Vesterheim offers innovative and interactive exhibits, classes, and programs, both at the dynamic campus and park in scenic Decorah, and online at vesterheim.org and Vesterheim social media. For more information on exhibits, classes, programs, tours, membership opportunities, and ways to donate and volunteer, connect at vesterheim.org, (563) 382-9681, and Vesterheim, 502 W. Water St., P.O. Box 379, Decorah, IA, 52101-0379.
An Iowa hospital network is facing a pair of potential class-action lawsuits over a cyberattack that allegedly resulted in hackers gaining access to personal information on more than 20,000 eastern Iowa patients.

Lawyers for Tiffany Harris of Clinton are suing Mercy Health Network, also known as MercyOne Clinics, for negligence, breach of implied contract and unjust enrichment. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and a court injunction that would help ensure patient information is kept confidential and protected from any future hacks.

The lawsuits stem from an incident earlier this year that prompted Mercy Health Network to publish a notice in May stating that portions of its network were accessed by an unknown and unauthorized party between March 7, 2023 and April 4, 2023. Mercy said the attack was limited to its clinics in the Clinton, Iowa, area.

The notice said that on May 23, 2023, Mercy determined individuals information may have been impacted by the incident, and it went on to say the types of information might include peoples name, address, date of birth, drivers license number, Social Security number, financial account information, treatment and condition information, diagnostic information, prescription-medicine information, billing information and other data.

The lawsuit alleges that despite Mercys duty to secure and safeguard personal information, the network had stored this private information on a database that was negligently and/or recklessly configured. Mercy, the lawsuit claims, failed to adequately encrypt the information and, foreseeably, cybercriminals exploited these vulnerabilities.

The hack has created a risk of identity theft risk for the affected patients and that risk will remain for their respective lifetimes, the lawsuit alleges.

Harris is a MercyOne-Clinton patient and has sought medical care from the hospital in several instances, but is very careful about sharing her personal information, according to the lawsuit. The data breach has allegedly caused Harris to experience stress, fear and anxiety while spending a significant amount of time monitoring her financial accounts and credit reports to ensure no fraudulent activity has occurred.

In seeking class-action status so that others may join Harris as plaintiffs in the case, attorney Jeffrey C. OBrien of the Minneapolis law firm Chestnut Cambronne alleges that there are certainly tens of thousands, and probably at least more than 20,865 individuals whose private information was improperly accessed in the data breach.

A similar lawsuit was filed this week by West Des Moines attorney J. Barton Goplerud on behalf of plaintiff Jennifer Medenblik of Illinois. That lawsuit, which also names MercyOnes parent, Trinity Health Corp., as a defendant, alleges violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and a failure to protect sensitive data according to Federal Trade Commission guidelines.

Mercy Health Network is an integrated system of hospitals, clinics and other health care providers with more than 2,000 physicians and advanced-practice clinicians working in 18 medical centers. It is run by Trinity Health Corp., one of the largest not-for-profit, faith-based health care systems in America. Trinity has 123,000 employees, and nearly 27,000 physicians and clinicians, working in 26 states.

Mercy Health Network has yet to file a response to either of the lawsuits, and a spokesperson declined to comment on the litigation.

Last fall, a business partner of the Mercy Health Network called CommonSpirit Health announced that it had experienced a ransomware event that impacted some personal information belonging to some unspecified number of individuals.

The information included names, addresses, dates of birth, phone numbers, email address, diagnosis and treatment information and medical billing information. CommonSpirit Health indicated that for a small number of individuals, Social Security numbers were also involved.
An employee of Iowas largest public-transit agency was fired recently for allegedly rigging the bids on a vehicle so her husband could buy it for a greatly reduced price.

According to Iowa Workforce Development records, Georisha J. McGregor worked for the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority, or DART, as an administrative coordinator from April 2011 through March of this year when she was fired for alleged misconduct.

On March 7, McGregor had posted to DARTs website a notice that a 2013 Jeep Cherokee was to be sold at a public auction. Her husband and fellow DART employee Everett McGregor participated in the auction. When bidding ended on March 10, Everett McGregor had placed the highest bid at $18,000  which was $100 more than the next highest bidder.

On March 13, Georisha McGregor spoke to her husband who, according to the testimony given at a subsequent hearing on the matter, indicated he still wanted the vehicle but was not willing to honor his bid of $18,000.

According to DART, Georisha McGregor then lowered the closing price to $11,200. Everett accepted the offer, and Georisha manually awarded the sale to her husband.

She was fired on March 29 for violating policies prohibit conflicts of interest and acting as a go-between or broker for the benefit of a third party in any transactions involving DART. Her husband retained his job at DART.

State records indicate DART disciplined Everett McGregor but did not fire him because the agency concluded he had merely participated in the scheme while his wife had orchestrated it and implemented it.

Georisha McGregor then applied for unemployment benefits, which led to a recent hearing before Administrative Law Judge Sean Nelson. The judge ruled in DARTs favor in denying McGregor unemployment benefits.

The record shows (she) used her position to extend a substantial discount to her husband from the going market price in the bid, Nelson ruled. If there was any ambiguity about whether this was wrong, the employers conflict-of-interest policy erased all doubt  The employers concern is one of abuse of trust, theft and embezzlement. These concepts do not need to be codified by the employer to be disqualifying. Such actions are manifestly against the employers interests.

The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority is the largest public transit agency in Iowa. It is funded by local property taxes and fare revenue.

Georisha McGregor could not be reached for comment.

Asked whether the McGregors were allowed to keep the Jeep Cherokee, DARTs chief external affairs officer, Erin Hockman, said, We have been working closely with our legal counsel on this issue and based on their advice, we terminated Ms. McGregors employment and did not reclaim the vehicle.

Hockman added: It is never acceptable to use a position of employment at DART for personal gain. It was extremely disappointing that a long-time DART employee did not report a serious conflict of interest that resulted in the employees spouse personally benefiting from a DART transaction. Fortunately, we have checks and balances in place and we quickly identified the sale of the vehicle as a concern, investigated and terminated Ms. McGregors employment as a result.

This isolated incident is not reflective of the hard-working people at DART who I am proud to work alongside each and every day. DART staff are very committed to our mission to enrich lives, connect communities and expand opportunities for central Iowans and we understand that in order to do this we must be good stewards of the resources we are entrusted to.

Counties with the most farmland in Iowa Counties with the most farmland in Iowa #25. O'Brien #24. Lyon #23. Calhoun #22. Pocahontas #21. Buena Vista #20. Wright #19. Greene #18. Grundy #17. Monona #16. Carroll #15. Ringgold #14. Shelby #13. Winneshiek #12. Clinton #11. Harrison #10. Jasper #9. Fayette #8. Tama #7. Webster #6. Benton #5. Crawford #4. Sioux #3. Woodbury #2. Plymouth #1. Kossuth
A veterinarian who facilitated the sale of hundreds of puppies to Iowa brokers and retailers has had her license suspended on an emergency basis after allegedly performing surgical procedures on her kitchen island.

The Wisconsin Veterinary Examining Board has summarily suspended the license of Dr. Darcy W. Overturf of Hillpoint, Wis., citing an urgent need to protect the public welfare. The board alleges Overturf admitted performing surgeries and other medical procedures on the kitchen island inside her home.

Investigators for the board also alleges Overturf improperly signed the various certificates of veterinary inspection that are needed for the transfer of dogs from and between breeders. Those documents, commonly called CVIs, are used to document the fact that the animals were physically examined by a veterinarian and can be sold to dealers in other states. Overturf is alleged to have admitted that she allowed the sellers for whom she worked to fill out significant portions of some of her CVIs.

According to the Iowa-based animal welfare organization Bailing Out Benji, Overturf signed off on at least 50 shipments of puppies to Iowa brokers, breeders and retailers during the last half of 2022.

Those shipments involved almost 400 puppies. According to Bailing Out Benjis review of government records, 219 of those dogs were sent to JAKS Puppies in Britt; 83 were sent to Select Puppies of West Point; 59 puppies were to Sunrise Kennels of Corydon; and 25 puppies to Shadows LLC of Bloomfield. Five puppies were sent to a retailer, Petland, in Iowa City.

We are so grateful to the Wisconsin Veterinary Examining Board for recognizing this problematic pattern of an established veterinarian and putting an end to this kind of practice, said Mindi Callison, the founder and executive director of Bailing Out Benji. Callison has tracked the animals sold by Wisconsin breeders, with Overturfs help, to brokers and retailers in Iowa and other states.

Overturf was signing off on the health of thousands of puppies going to pet stores across the country each year and that is very concerning considering the boards findings, Callison said. This is not what we want to see when stores say their puppies are vet checked.'

Overturf could not be reached for comment. The outgoing message on her phone advised that the clinic was closed because she was on personal leave.

Overturfs problems with regulators date back to at least 2020, when Wisconsin inspectors made an unannounced visit to the Overturf Vet Clinic in southern Wisconsin. According to the inspectors report, Overturfs clinic included her residential kitchen, an office that had no heat or running water, and an unlocked food pantry where Overturf stored veterinary medications and controlled substances.

When asked where she performed surgeries, spaying, neutering and euthanasia, Overturf allegedly told the inspectors she sometimes euthanized animals in vehicles and performed operations on animals on her kitchen island. She allegedly admitted she did not sterilize her surgical instruments, which were kept in a cake pan in her kitchen cabinet alongside her dishes.

Asked about a complaint that she wasnt cleaning the thermometers used to take dogs temperatures, she acknowledged she only cleaned them as time permitted but said they were used only for rectal temperatures anyway.

She was charged with unprofessional conduct for failing to keep her clinic and equipment clean and sanitary, failing to keep controlled substances secured, failing to maintain an inventory of controlled substances, and issuing multiple improperly completed CVIs in violation of state regulations. According to board records, Overturf issued a falsified CVI to one licensed dog seller knowing that seller was going to backdate the document for a dog that had been sold months before.

Overturf was also accused of falsely certifying to the board that she had completed the required continuing education and training for the license-renewal periods of 2018-19 and 2020-21.

After reviewing the case, the board decided a summary suspension of Overturfs license, without a hearing, was necessary to protect the publics health, safety and welfare.

The board concluded Overturf had engaged in unprofessional conduct through fraud, gross negligence or deception in the practice of veterinary medicine and had demonstrated a lack of knowledge or ability. The suspension was also based on conclusions that Overturf failed to cooperate with the boards investigation of complaints and falsely informed the board she had completed all of her continuing-education requirements.

Among the consumer complaints that the Wisconsin Veterinary Examining Board fielded regarding Overturf:

Kitchen examination: In August 2020, Jamie Wolter of Reedsburg, Wis., told the board she took two kittens to Overturfs clinic for an examination.

She had me put the cat right up on the kitchen island, Wolter wrote to the board. As I looked around, the toaster and all kitchen appliances are on the counter. The pet medicine is in the same refrigerator as her food, eggs, milk, and such. What bothered me the most, though, is the fact that when she took my kittens temperature, the thermometer still had what appeared to be fecal matter on it from previous (examinations). She stuck it right in my kittens rectum, took the temp, and then stuck it back in the case Also, she used the same scissors to cut the stitches from both my kittens I know its a risk, always, with any surgery, but my kitten did get a secondary infection. (Overturf) couldnt take the time to see my kitten who had been running a fever of 105 for over 5 days because she was canning apples. Thankfully, I went to another vet, and my kitten did make it.

Dogs death: In November 2022, Diane Proeber of Wisconsin Dells, Wis., wrote to the board regarding Overturfs spaying of two dogs, Queenie and Georgia. After the digs were dropped off, Overturf allegedly texted Proeber to say Queenies uterus was full of cancer. Proeber asked Overturf to refrain from euthanizing Queenie so she could bring her home for a few days. Overturf allegedly failed to respond to Proebers subsequent texts and phone calls, but the next day sent a text message saying Queenie had died.

Proeber said she went to the clinic to pick up Georgia, as well as Queenies body, and found that both dogs were covered in a large amount of matted, dried blood and were stuck to the newspapers on which they were lying.

In her complaint to the board, Proeber wrote that the manner in which Overturf left her dogs in pools of blood, dried to newspapers, in disgusting kennels is not okay The next vet we went to was straight horrified by how they werent shaved, cleaned, nothing  She is supposed to be the professional & my animals died and suffered at her hands because she lacked in so many areas.

More than 300 Samoyeds were seized from an Iowa puppy mill in 2018. Where are they now? niko samoyed tesla niko and tesla 2 .jpg lua shelby skyy stella samoyed samoyed cartier kevin thor Valkyrie Mishka samoyed lucy samoyed Ollie samoyed hudson boo everest meka henry samoyed kody kota apollo samoyed samoyed gus Olive juneau bodhi and phoebe fenix samoyed gus (williams) samoyeds juno and masey roo harper winston umka inara gracie samoyed Toshi samoyed juno diamond samoyed Ronan samoyed arya (hazel) Finley houston luka tina Lucy max and polar buddy izzy with water bowl.jpg Iowa Samoyed rescue Niko Iowa Samoyed Niko chasing a ball Iowa Samoyed rescue Lua Iowa Samoyed rescues Stella and Skyy Iowa Samoyed rescue Finley Iowa Samoyed rescue Thor Iowa Samoyed rescues Valkyrie and Mishka Iowa Samoyed rescue Lucy (now in Texas) Iowa Samoyed rescue Hudson Iowa Samoyed rescue Everest Iowa Samoyed rescue Kody sings Iowa Samoyed rescue Apollo Iowa Samoyed rescue Gus (Huling) Iowa Samoyed rescue Olive Iowa Samoyed rescue Juneau Iowa Samoyed rescue Juno Iowa Samoyed Rescue Masey Iowa Samoyed rescue Gus (Williams) gets the Zoomies Iowa Samoyed rescue Harper Iowa Samoyed rescue Winston Iowa Samoyed rescue Gracie Iowa Samoyed rescue Juno and pal Hana Iowa Samoyed Rescue Ronan Iowa Samoyed rescue Houston Iowa Samoyed rescue Izzy Iowa Samoyed rescue Kody
Chinese purchases of Virginia farmland prompted some stern warnings from Gov. Glenn Youngkin during this years General Assembly session, but a state-ordered report shows the last such purchases came in 2013.

In all, people or businesses linked to China own eight properties, totaling 13,890 acres, or roughly 7/10,000ths of Virginia farmland.

With the Commonwealths sensitive national assets such as the Pentagon, Quantico, Wallops Island and the worlds largest naval base in Norfolk, the Governor is hyperaware of the need to protect these assets and our large agricultural tracts from foreign adversaries with mal intent, said press secretary Macaulay Porter.

Since day one, the Governor has utilized his business experience to take on the Chinese Communist Party, and ensure taxpayer dollars in Virginia dont enrich foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party, she added.

The most recent and largest acquisitions were a side effect of Chinese-owned WH Groups $4.72 billion purchase of Smithfield Foods: an acquisition in which, in addition to Smithfields meat-packing business, the company acquired five hog farms in Southside Virginia. These total 13,389 acres.

Three other Chinese-affiliated people or entities acquired farmland.

In Northern Virginias Loudoun County, United Pioneer Corp. owns 96 acres, acquired in 1976. This includes 60 acres of pasture and 36 acres that are not farmed or are forest land.

In Southsides Charlotte County, Lin Chiu-ching and three family members own 50 acres of forest, acquired in 2001.

In Stafford County, Walton International Group (USA) Inc.  an Arizona firm run by individuals who do not have Chinese names and who manage property for foreign investors, including Chinese investors  owns 355 acres, 300 of which are raising crops, and the rest of which are not farmed. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, from which the state derived its report, describes this firm as Chinese-affiliated, based on its largest investors.

Other foreign investors have been more active than the Chinese: Foreign ownership of Virginia farmland after 2013, when the last Chinese acquisitions closed, rose more than 65%.

Canadians own the most farmland, with some 41,357 acres, followed by British owners, with 39,266 acres, and Germans, with 26,689 acres. French investors, however, own the most properties, 95 in all.

Brunswick County, in Southside on the North Carolina line, has the largest acreage of foreign-owned farmland, some 21,104 acres of forest lands. A Dutch firm is the biggest owner there, with some 13,712 acres.

Prince George County ranks second, with some 18,751 acres of foreign-owned land, including 17,051 acres of forests and 1,700 of crop land. The largest holder there is a New Hampshire firm that manages forest lands; the USDA has not assigned a specific foreign affiliate to this firm.

The farmland purchase ban takes effect July 1, and bars any foreign government or person on the U.S. Secretary of Commerces foreign adversary list from buying farmland or tree farm land. That list includes China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia and Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

Iranians own two Northern Virginia properties, purchased in the 1980s.
On 26 June, the Ministry of National Education, Children and Youth launched eduGuichet, a digital platform that bundles access to various digital services for parents and pupils. This makes consulting personal documents and carrying out administrative procedures related to the Luxembourg education system easier, more efficient and more accessible to parents and pupils.

The platform www.eduguichet.lu offers a wide range of services, from early childhood and elementary education to secondary education, adult education and music education. The eduGuichet currently offers around fifteen services. The range of services will be extended and developed in the future.

"The eduGuichet is a decisive step forward in the digitalisation of educational services. With this new platform, we are making it easier for parents and students to deal with administrative formalities and we are making a qualitative leap forward in monitoring the educational activities of children and young people," said Minister Claude Meisch.

eduGuichet - digital documentation for better monitoring of pupils

eduGuichet modernises the ongoing documentation of learner progress and results. The new digital platform improves the accessibility, storage and organisation of key documents. Thanks to its centralised access, eduGuichet provides parents and learners with a complete overview of their child's educational career and other services related to the care of children and young people. The digitisation of educational services also speeds up administrative procedures and improves efficiency.

eduGuichet - a personalised and secure space

eduGuichet has been designed as a fully responsive web application that can be used with any standard web browser on a computer, tablet or smartphone, without having to download an application. Access is by strong authentication via LuxTrust.

After logging in for the first time, parents or guardians and pupils (from grade 7 in secondary education) can access a wide range of online services related to the public school or educational institution in which the pupil is enrolled.

In the "Enseignement" (education) section, for example, parents/students can generate a school certificate, copies of school reports, intermediate certificates, vocational training certificates, final examination results, etc.

In the "Education non formelle" (non-formal education) section, parents can apply for a childcare voucher card (myCard fir Staark Kanner).

In the 'Restopolis' application (secondary school catering), parents can consult their children's consumption history, load their Restopolis account, consult menus and reserve meals.

A particularly interesting application for the start of the new school year is "myBooks", which allows users to consult the catalogue of compulsory and optional textbooks for secondary education and to select free textbooks, which can then be collected from bookshops.

The results of the final examinations in general and lower secondary education are now published directly in the "BAC" application for students in their final year.

To find out more about eduGuichet, visit www.eduguichet.lu.

Press release by the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth
The 2023 Municipal Elections Map has been posted on the N.C. State Board of Elections website for the upcoming election, visit: https://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/upcoming-election#municipal_elections_map

2023 MUNICIPAL ELECTION, Rockingham County.

The municipal election will be held Nov. 7. Rockingham County has six municipalties that will hold elections this year.

CANDIDATE FILING

Filing Dates: July 7 at noon through July 21 at noon.

Candidate Withdrawal Deadline:

July 18, 5 p.m.

Filing Fees: Filing fees for municipal offices are $10 and should be paid in cash, by check or by money order. Business or corporate checks are not accepted.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Oct. 6 - Absentee ballots available

Oct. 8 - Residency deadline

Oct. 13 - Voter registration deadline (forms must be postmarked by this date)

Oct. 19 - Nov. 4 - One-Stop (Early) Voting

Oct. 31 - Last day to request an absentee ballot

Nov. 7, 5 p.m. - Hand delivered absentee ballots due at the Board of Elections Office.

Nov. 7 Municipal Election (polls open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m.)

Nov. 17 at 11 a.m. County Canvass.

MUNICIPAL ELECTION ELIGIBILITY

Not all voters are eligible to vote in this year's municipal election. Many Rockingham County voters live in unincorporated areas, meaning they do not reside in a municipality.

The easiest way to determine if you live within a municipality is to look up your voter record. If you have something listed for Municipality, then you are eligible to vote in this year's municipal election.

VOTER RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

An incorrect belief is that anyone who owns property in a municipality or county or pays taxes to it has the right to vote there. The reality is that a person needs to establish that location as their permanent residence in order to be eligible to vote there.

A person registering to vote must have, by the time of the election, resided in that municipality or county for at least 30 days with the intent to make that location a permanent place of residence.

Staff of the North Carolina State Board of Elections offers the following general opinion: "A person may have an actual abode (residence) in one place, and their permanent established home (domicile) in another. A domicile is the place to which the person intends to return. The law requires all persons to have only one domicile for voting purposes."
A North Carolina boat landed a blue marlin that weighed more than 600 pounds, and the anglers were ready to celebrate $3.5 million in prize money for winning the 65th Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament in Morehead City, North Carolina this weekend.

But something was missing: a shark had apparently taken a bite out of the fish. That chunk, noticeable in pictures of the Sensation crew and fish on the docks, forced tournament officials on Sunday to declare a disqualification.

The tournament wrote in a release on its website that after careful deliberation and discussions the fish was disqualified per tournament rules. It was deemed that the fish was mutilated before it was landed or boated and therefore it was disqualified.

The Sensations catch of 619.4 pounds fell off the leaderboard, giving the grand prize to Sushi, a boat docked in Nags Head, North Carolina. Sushis blue marlin weighed in at 484.5 pounds and will collect estimated winnings of more than $2.7 million, according to the tournaments website.

The Sensations winnings would have been more than $3.5 million  about $2.7 million for winning and nearly $740,000 for landing the tournaments first 500-plus pound catch.

The annual tournament drew 271 boats this year, including many from Hampton Roads and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. A Virginia Beach-docked boat, the Mercenaria, won last years tournament and more than $3.4 million with a 572.6-pound blue marlin.

The tournament wrote in explanation of Sundays qualification that it follows International Game Fish Association guidelines on mutilated fish, citing Rule No. 23: Mutilation to the fish, prior to landing or boating the catch, caused by sharks, other fish, mammals, or propellers that remove or penetrate the flesh.

This decision is consistent with prior decisions made by the tournament in similar circumstances over the last 65 years, the release said.

Chasin A (Cayman Islands) was second with a catch of 479.8 pounds, followed by C- Student (Southside Place, Texas) at 470.2 pounds.

Jami Frankenberry, jami.frankenberry@pilotonline.com. Twitter @JamiVP.
Tired of laggy Zoom meetings or buffering videos? The government may soon be of help.

North Carolina is set to receive more than $1.53 billion in federal funding to build out high-speed internet infrastructure as the states share of $42.45 billion to expand access to faster internet across the country.

The funding, announced Monday by the U.S. Department of Commerce, comes from a federal program created by Congress as part of its infrastructure bill.

State and federal partnerships are critical to helping us close the digital divide and we are grateful to the Biden-Harris administration for this historic investment to expand high-speed Internet access in North Carolina, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper said in a press release. Through this program, we will continue to make tremendous progress in making sure every household and business in our state is connected.

North Carolina is set to receive the fifth-highest funding allotment of all the states, trailing California, Missouri, Michigan and Texas, which is getting a whopping $3.31 billion. Nineteen states are receiving allocations of over $1 billion. The funding amounts were primarily determined by looking at the number of unserved locations  those that lack access to internet with sufficient download and upload speeds  in each state or jurisdiction.

Earlier this month, an additional 115,000 homes and businesses in North Carolina were identified as lacking high-speed internet, affecting the funding allocation. At least 1.1 million North Carolina households lack access to high-speed internet, cant afford it or do not have the skills needed to take advantage of the digital economy, according to the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT).

Theres a lot of issues that are top of mind in rural communities, Patrick Woodie, president of the N.C. Rural Center, told The News & Observer in 2021. But broadband is up there. And the thing about broadband is it underpins all the other things theyre worried about, like health care (and) supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs.

The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program was approved when the $1 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, was signed into law by Democratic President Joe Biden in 2021.

Im proud to have worked on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that will deliver more than $1.5 billion to expand access to high-speed internet across the state, Republican U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, who voted for the law, said in a press release. This is a game-changing investment that will help bridge the digital divide for North Carolinas rural communities and deploy the resources that families need and deserve.

A congressman at the time, North Carolinas other senator, Ted Budd, had voted against the law, calling it fatally flawed and a liberal trojan horse for a socialist agenda. Other Republicans, who represented the main opposition to the law, had also complained about the laws spending priorities and overall price.

North Carolina will have until the end of the year to submit a proposal on how to spend the new funding, and, once the Commerce Departments National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) gives its approval, a request can be made to access at least 20% of the allocated funds. A five-year plan has already been drafted by the NCDITs Division of Broadband and Digital Equity and is available for public comment via email to NCDITpartnerfeedback@nc.gov until Monday, July 17 at 5 p.m.
RALEIGH Governor Roy Cooper recently announced that 29 local governments in rural areas across the state have been awarded grants from the Rural Transformation Grant Fund, a robust source of support for rural economic development projects in North Carolina.

A total of $8 million will be issued in this third round of grantmaking from the Fund, which helps local governments overcome challenges that limit their economic competitiveness. Reidsville will receive $250,000 in the Resilient Neighborhoods grant category.

The grants category offers funds focused on community development and quality of life improvements, such as eliminating food deserts, creating healthy living initiatives, and increasing access to affordable housing options, among other initiatives.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce and its Rural Economic Development Division administers the fund.

These transformative grants can make a real difference in rural communities by reviving downtowns and strengthening neighborhoods, Cooper said.

These funds, with the support of our rural development team at the Department of Commerce, will bring more economic opportunity to people across the state.

The Rural Transformation Grant Fund, the centerpiece of a broader Rural Engagement and Investment Program from Commerce, addresses a wide variety of needs, from revitalizing downtown districts, building the capacity of local government staffs, revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering small business recovery, and generally supporting economic growth initiatives.

The Rural Transformation Grant Fund awarded grants in three other categories:

The Downtown Revitalization category supports downtown development initiatives that help grow and leverage a communitys commercial core into an asset for economic growth and prosperity.

The Community Enhancements for Economic Growth category provides grants to local governments to smooth the way for economic development opportunities, such as the acquisition of land and buildings, the preparation of business sites, and the removal of structural and physical barriers that may be limiting development.

The Rural Community Capacity Building (RC2) category provides educational and professional development opportunities for local government staffs, with the additional ability for local governments to then apply what theyve learned by developing funding proposals for projects in their local areas.

The Rural Transformation Grant Fund, established in March of last year, has now awarded its total available funds of $48 million. In that time, even greater community needs were identified, as local jurisdictions submitted for consideration projects totaling $165 million.

In this third round of grantmaking, Commerce received project applications totaling $44 million, and therefore could not meet the entire demand, given the available funding.

The need in our rural communities is great, but Im pleased weve been able to meet some of these needs with this transformative grant program, said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders.

Im proud of the programs strong track record of success, managed by Commerces experienced rural development team and grounded in tried-and-true best practices that we know work well.

Local governments awarded project grants in the third round of grantmaking from the Rural Transformation Grant Fund include:

Downtown Revitalization Category

City of Albemarle: $270,000

City of Archdale: $180,000

City of Burlington: $425,000

City of Clinton: $350,000

City of Morganton: $450,000

City of Mount Airy: $475,000

City of Whiteville: $400,000

Town of Belhaven: $380,000

Town of Boiling Spring: $195,000

Town of Canton: $390,000

Town of Jefferson: $270,000

Town of Franklinton: $230,000

Resilient Neighborhoods Category

City of Reidsville: $250,000

Town of Bethel: $200,000

Town of Faison: $180,000

Town of Hildebran: $300,000

Town of Hudson: $250,000

Town of Nags Head: $650,000

Town of Star: $200,000

Town of Williamston: $180,000

Community Enhancements Category

City of Hamlet: $400,000

Town of Cameron: $400,000

Town of Cramerton: $400,000

Town of Elizabethtown: $150,000

Town of Wagram: $70,000

Rural Community Capacity (RC2) Category

Town of Carthage: $49,999

Town of China Grove: $49,999

Town of Hildebran: $49,500

Town of Marshville: $49,999

Town of Vass: $49,999

These economic development grants will bring new vitality to many rural communities, said Kenny Flowers, the Commerce Departments Assistant Secretary for Rural Economic Development.

I look forward to working with these communities as we work to transform the economy in rural North Carolina.

A description of each of the awarded projects above is available at the Commerce website. More information about the Rural Transformation Grant Fund is available at commerce.nc.gov/transform.
Photo: The Canadian Press Andy Fang, DoorDashs co-founder and chief technology officer, delivers food orders in San Francisco.

On a recent afternoon in San Francisco, a DoorDash driver was circling the neighborhood  first in his car, then on foot  trying to find the restaurant where he needed to pick up two orders. Finally, he Googled the location and realized DoorDashs app sent him to the wrong address.

Its an error he vowed to fix, and he probably will. Because that worker is Andy Fang, DoorDashs chief technology officer and one of the companys three co-founders.

If it happens with one restaurant, it might actually be happening with a lot of other restaurants as well, Fang said after he retrieved the orders and settled back into his car. If we can see why that happened, maybe we can fix other issues too.

Fang is one of a growing number of executives who occasionally do the hourly work that makes their companies hum. Starbucks new CEO, Laxman Narasimhan, is a trained barista and puts in a half-day of work at a store each month. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi and Lyft CEO David Risher occasionally shuttle passengers. Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran has been spotted serving drinks and snacks on flights.

Amazon recently re-launched a program called the Associate Experience Week, which encourages employees to shadow operations workers for a week to gain a better understanding of their job. The program is mandatory for some managers. A1 Garage Door Service, which operates in 16 states, also encourages job-shadowing and requires all employees to learn skills outside their immediate responsibilities. A1 CEO Tommy Mello says the policy promotes empathy and collaboration.

But few companies have a program as robust as WeDash, which requires thousands of salaried DoorDash employees in the U.S., Canada and Australia to complete at least four deliveries per year. Employees are strongly encouraged to make deliveries monthly. They can use work time to complete those shifts, and they keep any money they make.

We just want to make sure that people who are working here, who are supporting our audiences, are understanding what people are going through, Fang told The Associated Press.

When they started DoorDash a decade ago, while they were still students at Stanford, Fang and the companys other two co-founders  CEO Tony Xu and Chief Product Officer Stanley Tang  made all the deliveries themselves.

We had to. There was nobody else to do them, Fang said. But what we quickly found out was that by doing these deliveries ourselves, we learned a ton of insights into what it actually took to get these deliveries fulfilled.

The company started WeDash in 2015 to make sure every employee was getting those insights. Fang said there are some exceptions; if an employee cant drive, for example, they might visit merchants or work in the call center.

DoorDash has grown exponentially since then. In 2022, more than 6 million DoorDash drivers  all independent contractors  fulfilled 1.7 billion orders worldwide. DoorDash has expanded beyond restaurant delivery into convenience stores, groceries, pet stores and pharmacies.

Fang, who makes deliveries for at least an hour each month  sometimes with Xu and Tang in tow  says he has made real changes to DoorDashs app based on his experiences. When he was on the East Coast recently, he set a time to make deliveries when he returned to California. But when he got home, he realized the time he had set was off by three hours because the app assumed he was still on the East Coast. He got that bug fixed.

Another new feature, introduced this week, arose from employee feedback in WeDash. The feature, Dash Along the Way, lets drivers specify where they want to start making deliveries and then assigns them orders that they can complete en route.

Fang also experiences drivers other frustrations. The wrong address in the DoorDash app cost him time delivering orders from Bonchon, a Korean fried chicken chain. On the afternoon he drove with an AP video journalist, Fang only made $15.50 for 51 minutes of work. Thats a little lower than the $17.97 that San Francisco DoorDash drivers typically make in an hour, according to Indeed.

It's also vastly lower than what Fang pulls in as CEO. His annual compensation in 2022 totaled $2.79 million and Forbes pegged his net worth that same year at $1.1 billion, illustrating the widening salary gap between those at the top of a company and those at the bottom.

DoorDash and others recently pushed back against a new rule introduced in New York City implementing a minimum pay rate for app-based food delivery workers that could nearly triple their average earnings in the coming years. DoorDash said it may pursue legal action.

Fang said he knows there are limits to how much he can understand the day-to-day work of the company's drivers, which is why he also seeks feedback from a council of drivers and from other employees.

Denise Rousseau, a professor of organizational behavior at Carnegie Mellon University, said there is a lot of value in asking workers to do other jobs within their company. Having senior leaders participate, as DoorDash does, sends an even stronger message.

If you spend your own time on it, that's not cheap talk anymore, she said. You are trying to convey, This is the focus of our business and we care.

Elizabeth Bitter, who delivers for DoorDash in Broomfield, Colorado, didn't know about the WeDash program but has noticed updates in the app that make their job easier.

DoorDashs app used to ask if a delivery was good or bad, and if the driver felt safe or unsafe, after every delivery. Bitter appreciated the safety concerns, but filling out the survey slowed deliveries, so it was a relief when the app recently stopped requiring that information. Another recent update lets drivers unassign themselves from an order if they have to wait too long at a restaurant to get it.

It does make me feel better knowing that the people I work for are getting to experience firsthand what its like to work for them, said Bitter, who makes an average of $20 per hour on DoorDash.
RALEIGH  Negotiators from the North Carolina House and Senate are current hashing out a compromise budget for the fiscal year that begins in July. One of the sticking points, it seems, is how best to build on the states impressive record of tax reduction and reform.

Before the Republicans won their legislative majorities in 2010, North Carolina had a poorly constructed tax code that burdened households with excessive and unfair costs while discouraging job-creating investment. Our state had other attractive amenities, of course, so North Carolina was no basket case before 2010. But because we imposed relatively high marginal tax rates on personal and corporate income, we lost out on opportunities that other states happily seized.

Since 2010, state legislators have substantially reduced income and sales taxes. Our top marginal rate on personal income was once 7.75%. Now we have a single marginal rate of 4.75%, which by current law is scheduled to drop to 3.99% by the end of the decade. And fewer North Carolinians are subject to income taxes in the first place, thanks to a significant expansion of the standard deduction.

On the business side, North Carolina once imposed one of the highest corporate tax rates in the region. Now we have the lowest rate (2.5%) of any state that taxes corporate income. Its scheduled to phase out entirely by 2030. Two years ago, lawmakers also enacted welcome changes to the calculation of the states franchise tax, which taxes business assets rather than their net incomes.

As for the sales tax, while lawmakers did broaden its scope to include more services sold at retail, they also make sure the state rate dropped to 4.75%, down from the 5.75% rate enacted by the last Democratic legislature.

Overall, North Carolina went from one of the worst rankings on the Tax Foundations Business Tax Climate Index to one of the best. As of 2023, we rank 10th in the nation.

Even if the General Assembly did nothing more, North Carolina would likely rise further up that ranking as previously scheduled tax cuts go into effect. Given another strong biennium of revenue growth, however, both the House and Senate favor additional tax relief in 2023.

So why havent they struck a deal yet? Because their tax-reform priorities differ. The Senate wants to accelerate the reductions in personal income tax, nudging the rate down to 4.5% in 2024 (its currently scheduled to drop to 4.6%) and taking the rate to 2.49% by 2030. The House agrees with the Senate about the 2024 nudge but otherwise leaves the schedule alone.

Instead, the House seeks another expansion of the standard deduction as well as a 33% cut in the franchise tax rate, to be phased in by 2030. The House package also eliminates the privilege-license tax, an archaic system that makes some professionals pay the state for the privilege of doing business in North Carolina.

In a new paper, the Tax Foundations Katherine Loughead weighed in on the issue. North Carolina policymakers should continue making the states income tax rates more competitive, said wrote, and simultaneously prioritize for reform the areas of the tax code in which North Carolina remains an outlier, including the franchise tax and the privilege license tax.

I agree. But Ill be more pointed. Most states dont levy the equivalent of franchise or privilege-license taxes. So even if their overall tax burdens are equivalent to ours in dollars collected, their cost of collecting those dollars is lower. That argues for making their reduction or elimination a higher priority than accelerating previously scheduled drops in marginal rates.

Why not just enact every tax reduction currently on the table? Because the state does, in fact, have other priorities to fund. Over the past decade, legislative leaders have pursued audacious tax reform without abandoning fiscal prudence. Its a strategy that has served them and North Carolina well, earning our state national recognition.

They should stick with this strategy. Stick with what works.
Greensboro community members are invited to attend one of three public city meetings concerning the Downtown Parking Plan on Wednesday and Thursday.

There are two opportunities for people to attend the Wednesday discussion; the first from 4-5:30 p.m. and the second from 6-7:30 p.m. Both meetings will be held in the Nussbaum Room of the Central Library at 219 N. Church St. Thursday's meeting will be held virtually over Zoom and will start at 12:30 p.m.

The Department of Transportation has been conducting a study about city parking issues since the fall of 2022. Director Hanna Cockburn hopes that the study can be concluded by October 2023 with a recommendation given to city council, although this timeline is dependent on feedback from the public.

So far, the study has included an inventory of parking options and availability, engineering reviews of parking structures and facilities, identification of issues and concerns regarding investment, and a comparison and analysis of the practices other peer communities around the nation have implemented.

Attendees of this first round of public meetings should expect to hear from city staff and from the consulting group Kimley-Horn about these findings.
The N.C. General Assembly approved Tuesday a bipartisan Senate bill that would bar anyone under age 18 from donating blood without the permission of a parent or guardian.

The Senate was required to approve a technical change made by the House to Senate Bill 389, titled Raise the age for donating blood.

The House passed the bill by a 105-0 vote on June 22, while the Senate initially voted 47-1 in favor on May 2.

The bill goes to Gov. Roy Cooper, who has 10 days to sign SB389, veto it or let it become law without his signature. The legislation goes into effect when it becomes law.

SB389 was submitted by Sen. Ralph Hise, R-McDowell, and a leading Republican advocate for significant health-care reform in North Carolina. Listed as a co-sponsor is Sen. Julie Mayfield, D-Buncombe.

State law currently allows those age 16 to donate blood with parental permission, while 17-year-olds can give blood without parental permission.

The law applies to blood donations made to an individual, hospital, blood bank or blood collection center.

State law does not permit those under age 18 to sell their blood.

High school-sponsored blood drives have been a staple for donations for decades, primarily to help address constant shortages of donated blood.
Im flummoxed.

Three boys, 1-year-old twins and their 4-year-old brother, died in a house fire in December. Their mother, 28-year-old Brandi Sturdivant, was already known to the Guilford County Department of Social Services after being charged with contributing to the delinquency of a child only months before. In fact, DSS has received nine child protective services complaints involving this family, including three older children, two living with her, since 2016.

Two of the children are 11 years old,, meaning theyve been on DSSs radar for more than half of their lives.

Last month, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services found that DSS was negligent in handling the Sturdivant case and ordered corrective action to prevent similar incidents.

This case is bad enough in and of itself, but what also perplexes me is that nary a peep about this case has been heard from the hordes of those who call themselves pro-lifers.

You know, those people who harass pregnant women at abortion facilities and feign concern for the mom and her unborn child.

Those people who send threatening letters and emails and wish death to womens health care providers.

Those people who use abortion as the lone litmus test to determine if they will or wont support a candidate for office.

Where are they now? Why are they not marching around DSSs Greensboro headquarters on Maple Street demanding that something be done, somebody be held accountable so other young children dont die?

Dont the lives of these children matter?

Or are the cries of pro-lifers only audible before birth?

Now you probably can see why Im so puzzled.

But its not just this abuse case where pro-lifers are silent. After all the hoopla they make over abortions, they spend little time or attention ensuring that once the child arrives, the services needed to survive, thrive and develop into an adult are in place.

They generally dont support increasing funds for child care. They generally dont support programs to decrease childhood hunger or poverty. And they generally dont support programs designed to increase minimum wages, build affordable housing or spur economic development in depressed communities.

How can you rally for birth but evaporate after that?

Why havent we heard anything from them about the high death rates for Black women related to childbirth? Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. Where is the outrage there?

Gun deaths among children and teens rose 50% in two years, making it the leading cause of death for U.S. children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nearly 3,600 children died in gun-related incidents in 2021. Thats about five children for every 100,000 children in the U.S. Where is the outrage from the pro-life groups?

According to the 2023 Kids Count Data Profile conducted by the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the 2021 fact sheet from the Childrens Defense Fund for North Carolina:

28% of the states children have parents who lack secure employment.

58% of children, ages 3 and 4, are not in school.

68% of fourth graders arent proficient in reading.

75% of eighth graders arent proficient in math.

34% of children and teens, ages 10-17, are overweight or obese.

36% of children live in single-parent homes.

1 in 6 children lives with someone who had to quit, change or turn down a job because of child care problems.

5,601 children were abused or neglected, and 11,223 children were in foster care in 2019.

2.4 full-time jobs at minimum wage were needed for a family to afford a two-bedroom rental unit at fair-market value in 2020.

20% of the states children are poor and of that number 32% are Black, 30% Hispanic and 10% white.

$88,400 was the median income for white families with children, compared with $41,000 for Black families and $40,400 for Hispanic families in 2019.

19% of children lived in food-insecure households in 2018.

Why are there no picket lines or calls for legislative action over these issues?

But this silence isnt new. Nor is the criticism it provokes.

The states most recent abortion law, which took effect on July 1, attempts to silence the critics. It provides some funds for access to contraceptives, increased paid parental leave for state employees and increased child care subsidies, but nothing to address the many other issues facing the states children, especially those in limited-resource households.

But this is about more than just funds. Cant those same voices join with others and do the things we know need to be done so children who are born can have an opportunity to live and be successful? While I disagree with the pro-life tactics and believe an individual and her doctor should determine what medical procedures to have, lets use that same energy to attack some of our problems.

Imagine the environment we could create if we worked together to provide affordable and quality child care services, effective public schools where every child is learning and preparing for the future, jobs that pay decent wages so parents can support their families and quality health care so all people receive services without regard to race, location or ability to pay.

As more restrictions are placed on abortion services, the number of children who are born and need support will likely increase. If we arent prepared to support them today, what will happen tomorrow?
Double standard

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stated the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is about Ukraines land. So is the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. The state of Israel wants the land, but without the Palestinian people. Palestinians want to live normal lives and move freely without seeking permission from their occupier.

Palestinians wish to control their own resources, but Israel has claimed the fertile areas, confiscated quarries, and controls the aquifer beneath Palestinian land. That water is then sold back to Palestinians at a high price, and it flows only one or two times a week into rooftop tanks.

Rep. Don Bacon says that Ukraine needs to stand up to Russia, yet our government never suggests that the Palestinians should stand up to Israel! Bacon has called Putin a bully, saying he thinks might makes right. And might makes right is exactly the way Israel is now acting.

For centuries Palestinians and Jews lived side by side peacefully. Now settlers attack, the army stands by watching, and we label the attacked as militants. Children are dragged out of their beds, beaten, tortured and jailed without charges. Courts refuse to recognize valid ownership of land, hoping to force Palestinians off their land. There are separate roads for settlers  and a separate set of laws for them and Palestinians. If it looks like apartheid, maybe it is.

It is time this country opened its eyes to the reality of the situation, stopped blindly rendering military aid to Israel, and held it

to international law.

Jane Deichler Carter

Greensboro

Dems get busy

While the Republican Party demonstrates its usual do-nothing virtue-signaling and performative politics  stoking irrational grievances and inciting division  Democrats continue to act responsibly and get things done. Under Joe Biden and Democratic Party leadership, more than 350 bipartisan bills have been passed, including the CHPS Act, elevating and protecting our competitive position in technology against China, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, funneling much-needed dollars across every state to build or repair roads, bridges, ports, railways, airports, EV charging stations, broadband cybersecurity and the power grid. Rather than giveaways to the wealthy, Democrats focus on programs that improve the lives of mainstream Americans.

A thank-you goes to Joe Biden, Hakim Jeffries, Adam Schiff and other committed Democrats for moving America forward and combating the extremist, divisive forces to strengthen our foundational values and most sacred governmental institutions.

Brian Goldberg

Greensboro

Equal justice?

The Department of Justice (DOJ) declined to prosecute disgraced U.S. attorney Rachael Rollins after the inspector general (OIG) recommended it do so.

The OIG released a report that detailed Rollins ethical violations. Nestled in a footnote, the OIG revealed that the DOJ ignored its suggestion to prosecute Rollins on charges of lying to federal investigators. The OIG found that Rollins gave several false statements to its investigators during an interview, a federal offense that is punishable by up to five years in prison.

Critics are complaining that it is unclear why the DOJ declined to bring charges against Rollins, who resigned as Massachusetts top federal prosecutor, just hours before the inspector generals office released its report.

So much for the DOJ for treating everyone equally. Andrew McCabe wasnt prosecuted for lying to the FBI, nor was Hillary Clinton, nor was John Brennan for lying to Congress, so why should this poor U.S. Attorney be prosecuted?

Lets not forget the Big Guys bagman, Hunter Biden, who got a slap on the wrist. Oh wait ... theyre all Democrats. Roger Stone, Paul Manafort, George Papadopoulos and Gen. Mike Flynn, on the other hand, lied to the FBI and Congress but were Republicans and deserved their punishment in jail because thats an aggravating element of any crime, right?

Finally, the the indictment of Donald Trump is an incredibly destructive act. Jack Smith is the wrong man to stand behind it. The invocation of equal treatment under law in his statement is a bad joke.

Fred Gregory

Berryville, Va.
The Environmental Science Program at Carroll College has received a $69,748 grant announced on Monday to study climate and landscape history from lake sediments in and around the Helena Valley.

The grant, to be used over a three-year period, was awarded to Patricia Heiser, associate professor of Earth Science and director of the Environmental Science program, from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trusts Murdock College Research Program for Natural SciencesPhysical Sciences.

M.J. Murdock Grants are given to faculty at private, primarily undergraduate institutions in the five-state region of the Pacific Northwest for research.

This study Reconstructing Holocene Climate and Landscape Change at the Mountain-Prairie Ecotone, Central Montana aims to reconstruct a paleoenvironmental record of Holocene climate and landscape change in central Montana.

The transition zone between the forested Rocky Mountain Front and the Great Plains is relatively underrepresented in paleoenvironmental studies of the region, and the impacts of climate change on this ecotone region lack comprehensive understanding, Carroll College noted in a news release.

The study will give a better understanding of the linkages between climate, vegetation and fire. It will produce two lake sediment records of Holocene climate change, paleoecology, fire history and geomorphic landscape response along a topographic and climatic gradient near Helena.

Carroll students have been and will be involved with this research, officials said.

This proposal is built on the findings of previous studies undertaken by students as part of their honor theses and also on data collected through course-based research projects.

Heiser and her students have already shown they can reach back at least 8,000 years and observe both natural and human-driven (e.g. mining) landscape changes in the sediments of Lake Helena, the news release states. The second core, from higher elevation and on the east side of the Big Belt Mountains, will expand on a previous students honors thesis on fire history over the last 3,000 years in that area.

The Environmental Science curriculum at Carroll is very intentionally and specifically designed to integrate research projects progressively across the curriculum, with some culminating in an individual senior thesis project, Heiser said in the news release.

Students helping conduct the study will get field experience, from creating maps and imagery of the lake floor of Lake Helena to coring for lake bottom sediments  both through the ice in winter and from boats and coring platforms in summer.

Additionally, Carroll College is collaborating with several institutions, including the Montana State University Paleoecology Lab and the Continental Scientific Drilling facility at the University of Minnesota, to use facilities and analytical tools specifically equipped for the study of sediment cores.

Students will use these laboratories to not only gain experience with advanced analytical tools and methods but also to experience the research environment at Ph.D. granting labs and institutions.

Individual project results will be presented to the research group each semester and annually at the Carroll Student Undergraduate Research Festival as well as the Murdock College Science Research Conference. Students will also present at regional or national professional meetings and their results will be prepared for and submitted for publication in peer reviewed journals.

Heiser said she was thankful to the Murdock Trust for its ongoing support.

Their grant enables me to offer an unparalleled level of access to research experiences for my students that are truly distinctive at the undergraduate level," she said in a news release.

Murdock Trust has supported Carroll College with nearly $3.5 million for projects, new staffing and programs since 1985.
Families and communities across Montana are being devastated by illicit fentanyl  a drug so powerful that just 2 milligrams, the amount that would fit on the tip of a pencil, is considered a potentially fatal dose.

This highly addictive drug usually comes in the form of fake prescription opioid pills. Fentanyl powder can also be mixed with methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin. Many Americans dont know theyre taking counterfeit pills spiked with fentanyl.

But the danger is all too real.

Fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. Most of the fentanyl flooding our country and appearing in Montana is being manufactured in clandestine labs by Mexicos violent Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels with chemicals from suppliers in China.

Recently, the Drug Enforcement Administration updated a public safety alert after testing found that more than half of fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills  six out of 10 pills  being trafficked in communities nationwide contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl. The DEA further notes that fentanyl is now involved in more deaths of Americans under age 50 than any other cause of death, including heart disease, cancer, homicide, suicide and other accidents. An estimated 196 Americans die every day from fentanyl poisoning.

Montana, like every state in the nation, is in an urgent battle to save lives and to stop the widespread trafficking of fentanyl. And we are making progress.

Our federal fentanyl prosecutions have significantly increased over the past few years and, I anticipate, theyll continue to grow. While methamphetamine remains Montanas primary drug problem, we are seeing traffickers pushing both meth and fentanyl in significant quantities.

In December, our office, along with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, announced the dismantling of a Sinaloa Cartel trafficking network that brought staggering quantities of meth, along with fentanyl-laced fake oxycontin pills and heroin, to Butte for redistribution. This years-long probe resulted in federal convictions in Montana of 22 individuals from Montana, California and Mexico.

Drug traffickers convicted in U.S. District Court face long prison sentences because there is no parole in the federal system. Here are a few of the cases we have prosecuted so far this year:

In February, a Billings man was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for trafficking pounds of meth, fentanyl pills and heroin and for illegally possessing a firearm.

In March, a Washington drug dealer was sentenced to 12 years in prison for trafficking meth, heroin, cocaine and fentanyl in Cascade County and on the Rocky Boys Indian Reservation.

Also in March, a Stevensville man was sentenced to 16 years in prison for conviction in a large-scale operation to make and distribute fentanyl and meth pills.

And our work continues, with the recent indictments of more than 20 individuals following an investigation of a major drug trafficking organization.

As we work to shut down drug trafficking organizations attempting to operate here in Montana, the United States Department of Justice is also attacking the fentanyl epidemic with significant and comprehensive enforcement action aimed at the Sinaloa Cartels global operation. In April, the Justice Department announced charges against several leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel and numerous other individuals accused of trafficking fentanyl.

Behind all of the horrifying statistics are real people who are suffering tremendous losses. I have met with families whose loved ones have died from fentanyl poisoning. I have listened as they bravely shared painful, personal stories.

I know nothing can bring back a loved one, but I want Montanans to know that our office remains relentless in our efforts to investigate and prosecute drug traffickers, hold them accountable, and obtain justice for Montana victims and their families.
DECATUR  The state of Illinois this week gave HSHS St. Marys Hospital approval to permanently close four service areas the hospital had already suspended earlier this year.

Meanwhile, other Decatur area healthcare providers say theyve been working for months to ensure care remains consistent and accessible while experiencing influxes of new patients, primarily in the obstetrics and behavioral health service areas.

We're over 100 additional births this year versus this time last year, said Drew Early, president and CEO of Decatur Memorial Hospital. It's been something we've been able to absorb. It's taken some adjusting. Anytime you move large volumes of patients like this, you know, there's a learning curve.

St. Marys Hospital announced in January its plans to petition the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board (HFSRB) for permission to discontinue its advanced inpatient rehabilitation, obstetrics and newborn nursery, pediatrics and inpatient behavioral health services.

The four shuttered units contributed to ongoing financial struggles and annual multi-million-dollar operating losses, the hospital said in its unit closure petition.

St. Marys did not respond to an email request for comment from the Herald & Review on Wednesday.

Now the primary center for baby births and obstetrics care in Macon County, DMH saw 600 babies born at the hospital in 2022. Administrators expect that number to near or top 1,000 by the end of this year.

To handle all those new births, the hospital has made significant financial investments in resources like the 24/7, in-house laborist service. The laborist service means the hospital now has an OB-GYN physician available at all times to help support community physicians in servicing what will end up being nearly twice as many births as its seen in the past.

Overall, DMH has adopted former St. Marys patients pretty successfully, Early said.

But the St. Marys closures have also left Macon County patients without a local option for long-term inpatient behavioral healthcare, a service which DMH does not provide.

Mary E. Garrison, president and CEO of Heritage Behavioral Health Center in Decatur, said shes been working with St. Marys and other local and state healthcare administrators for nearly six months now to figure out how to close that gap.

On July 1, Heritage will officially introduce a new model of care called the Behavioral Health Urgent Care Hub. Its meant to serve as a transitional resource for people in psychiatric emergencies.

The idea is, we want to be that hub where everybody comes first so that we can use our expertise to say, OK, yeah, you might need to be hospitalized. We can get you to the ER to make that process happen, Garrison said. I do think it's difficult for our community to have no beds available, but we're going to get over that, and were going to move forward.

The service is also meant to help evaluate whether or not patients need a long-term hospital stay or might gain more from a less restrictive care environment. The new hub has been on a soft rollout in recent weeks, and Garrison said Heritage has already assisted 338 patients through the hub since the start of June.

Heritage already offers a variety of other mental health services, including a crisis residential unit that can service up to 14 patients at a time. The crisis unit is different from a hospital stay or an inpatient facility, though, which are generally reserved for longer-term treatment plans for severe cases.

Theres already a shortage of inpatient psychiatric beds statewide, Garrison said, meaning some patients in those severe cases may end up far from home  in Chicago or Indiana or other states.

Garrison said she wants residents to be aware that even though inpatient care might not be available in the county anymore, they still have options.

Our whole perspective is anyone, anytime, anywhere. We're going to give you a caring contact and say, How can I help you? Garrison said. And we're going to get those initial needs met today. And if that means you're in a crisis, we're going to address that. If that means you want to get housing, you want to get food, you just need someone to talk to you for a minute, we're going to do that.

The healthcare infrastructure in Macon County has been able to withstand multiple challenges in recent years, Early said, from the pandemic to nursing shortages and more. He thinks local providers will be able to move on from the St. Marys closures.

Here at DMH, we're committed to this community, and we want to keep as much care as local as possible, Early said. The economic realities hospitals and healthcare are facing right now is really quite daunting. And as we see more and more patients, (and) payment is not keeping up with cost, it's a really challenging time there. I think hospitals are all having to look at the services they provide and ensure that we can be here for the long haul.

PHOTOS: Patriotic Prayer Service & Decatur Day Care Center Parade at HSHS St. Marys Hospital Johnson_Timothy 7.3.18.jpg Peete_Tia 7.3.18.jpg Independence Day Parade 1 7.3.18.jpg Independence Day Parade 2 7.3.18.jpg Independence Day Parade 3 7.3.18.jpg Independence Day Parade 4 7.3.18.jpg Independence Day Parade 5 7.3.18.jpg Independence Day Parade 6 7.3.18.jpg Prayer Service 1 7.3.18.jpg Prayer Service 2 7.3.18.jpg Prayer Service 3 7.3.18.jpg Prayer Service 4 7.3.18.jpg Prayer Service 5 7.3.18.jpg Prayer Service 6 7.3.18.jpg
DECATUR  Kahylil D. Woods insists he isnt the Decatur barbershop customer who got his haircut, chatted happily with a couple of other male customers before leaving and then walking back inside to shoot and murder both of them.

Macon County Circuit Court Judge Lindsey Shelton ruled there was probable cause to doubt his statements of innocence and ordered Woods, 23, to stand trial on six alternate counts of murder involving the two men: Ramone Bass, 21, and 18-year-old Tamyus L. Jarrett.

They were later pronounced dead in the emergency room of Decatur Memorial Hospital, each having suffered multiple wounds inflicted in a hail of bullets in the March 17 shootings. No evidence has been offered yet as a motive for the double killings that happened at a house on East Johnson Avenue being used as a home barbershop.

Chief Public Defender Michelle Sanders, cross-examining Decatur Police Detective Bryan Kaylor at a preliminary hearing Wednesday, honed in on the fact that the gunman involved wore a balaclava-style mask that covered most of his face.

She asked Kaylor if it was true that the barber who identified Woods as the killer had not immediately been able to say he was the gunman. Kaylor said that was incorrect, and that the barber told cops he would be able to pick him out if he saw him again, and had recognized him from prior encounters despite the mask.

He did not know him by name, but he knew him by face and through social media apps, the detective told Sanders.

Sanders then asked if there was any surveillance footage that covered the crime and was told there was but it only showed vehicle movements outside and one tape caught a figure running from the barbershop toward the road.

Shelton placed the case on the trial list of Presiding Judge Thomas Griffith and scheduled a pretrial hearing for Aug. 10. Woods remained held in the Macon County Jail on Sunday with bail set at $3 million; he would have to post a bond of $300,000 to be freed.

Kaylor had also testified in April at an inquest into the death of both victims, where jurors asked about a possible motive and if there had been any confrontation between Woods and the victims before he left and allegedly came back.

The detective told them several witnesses and the barber heard nothing to indicate there was going to be trouble.

Everybody in that room heard the conversation (between Woods and the victims), although they didnt necessarily pay a lot of attention to it, Kaylor had told the inquest.

It was just as it was described, normal barbershop talk.

2023 mugshots from the Herald & Review Lourash Hirstein Phillip Gehrken Joseph A. Williams Jetrevius O. Jarrett Edwards King-Woods Wilson Derrickson Colby J. Park
Photo: The Canadian Press

The union representing port workers in British Columbia says it has issued 72-hour strike notice and its members are ready to walk off the job on Saturday.

The strike notice affects more than 7,000 terminal cargo loaders at B.C. ports.

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada says its members voted 99.24 per cent in favour of strike action earlier this month against the BC Maritime Employers Association.

Contracting out, port automation and cost of living are key issues in the dispute.

A statement from the longshore workers says management continues to demand concessions.

The two sides had been in a cooling-off period but that ended on June 21, after the previous contract expired on March 30.
DECATUR  A state board on Tuesday unanimously approved a request from HSHS St. Marys Hospital in Decatur to shutter four of its units.

The hospital revealed in January its plans to petition the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board (HFSRB) for permission to discontinue its advanced inpatient rehabilitation, obstetrics and newborn nursery, pediatrics and inpatient behavioral health services.

Employees in impacted service areas were notified of the proposed closures in January, St. Mary's said in a news release Tuesday.

But the rehabilitation, obstetrics and behavioral health units had already been temporarily suspended before the HFSRB meeting on Tuesday, the hospital said, due to "underutilization and staff coverage issues in recent months."

St. Marys Hospital is committed to the community of Decatur, and these changes are to ensure the fiscal stability of the hospital and continued delivery of high-quality Franciscan Catholic healthcare at our facility into the future, said Theresa Rutherford, president and CEO of St. Marys Hospital. We are working closely with multiple care providers throughout the region to further ensure that patients affected by these changes are transitioned to service providers to meet their needs.

St. Marys cited years of ongoing financial struggles and annual multi-million dollar operating losses  including a $20 million loss in the 2022 fiscal year  in its unit closure petition.

State approval of the St. Marys closures means Decatur Memorial Hospital is now the primary center for baby births and care in Macon County.

It also marks the official loss of the St. Marys psychiatric care unit, which was once Decatur and Macon Countys primary source of inpatient mental healthcare. Local mental healthcare providers have been preparing for that loss for months.

With less local options for inpatient care and many neighboring county facilities at full capacity, some Decatur and Macon County patients needing inpatient care could be transferred as far as Chicago or even to other states.

I don't know how we can create an in-house program for people, said Rachel Deerwester, director of clinical nursing services at the Macon County Health Department, at a county health board meeting in March. I mean, that is the answer. They need somewhere to go and do inpatient. And I do not have an answer for that. I wish I did.

The hospital said it will file an application for a $90 million modernization plan with the HFSRB later this year. The modernization efforts will include removing portions of the current facility and updating clinical spaces and amenities.

The HSHS Medical Group Pediatrics clinic in Decatur is not affected by the closures and remains open.

PHOTOS: Dogs are blessed for the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi GALLERY-DogBlessing-01-100419.JPG GALLERY-DogBlessing-02-100419.JPG GALLERY-DogBlessing-03-100419.JPG GALLERY-DogBlessing-04-100419.JPG GALLERY-DogBlessing-05-100419.JPG GALLERY-DogBlessing-06-100419.JPG GALLERY-DogBlessing-07-100419.JPG GALLERY-DogBlessing-08-100419.JPG GALLERY-DogBlessing-09-100419.JPG GALLERY-DogBlessing-10-100419.JPG
BLOOMINGTON  A former Macon County prosecutor is set to become a judge next month in the 11th judicial circuit.

Mary Koll, now an assistant state's attorney in McLean County, has been appointed to fill the vacancy left by retiring Associate Judge Robert Travers, according to an announcement from Chief Judge Casey Costigan.

The 11th Circuit covers the counties of Ford, Livingston, Logan, McLean and Woodford.

Koll joined the Macon County office in 2010, shortly after her graduation from University of Illinois College of Law. At the time, she was the first attorney hired for a grant-funded Violence Against Women unit.

In January 2016, she joined the McLean County State's Attorney's Office, where she has prosecuted major felony cases.

In a statement, Koll said she was honored by the confidence the circuit judges placed in her and grateful for the opportunity to serve the public, looking forward to the challenges the new role will bring.

Costigan said the circuit judges are "thrilled" to have someone of Kolls merits join them. She has proven herself time and again to have the knowledge, skills and temperament to be an excellent judge, he said.

She will be sworn in next month by another judge with Decatur ties  Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder White.
Christopher Cross

When Christopher Cross music plays, he sounds like summer. Warm lyrics and breezy music feel like a summers day walk on the beach.

Million-selling smashes aboard, Christopher Cross returns to Paramount Bristol in Bristol, Tennessee, on Thursday, June 29. Superb tickets remain.

Cross emerged from Texas in the late 1970s. Singles Ride Like the Wind and Sailing, each from 1980, won him millions of fans. A year later, Arthurs Theme (Best That You Can Do) earned him a second number one single and an Academy Award. Cross, a widely accomplished guitarist, today tours widely and records sporadically with a warmth that permeates his melodies.

Firehouse

Los Angeles dominated hair metal of the 1980s. Most of the bands either emanated from or relocated to Los Angeles.

Then there was Firehouse. Nearly 40 years after originally forming in Richmond, Virginia, Firehouse returns to The Cameo Theater in Bristol, Virginia, on Sunday, July 2. Longtime hair metal band Trixter will open with an acoustic performance.

Relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, Firehouse signed with Epic Records in 1989. Though within the tail end of rocks hair metal days, Firehouse achieved ample singles success with such power ballads as 1991s Love of a Lifetime and 1992s When I Look into Your Eyes. Nowadays, Firehouse remains remarkably well intact as they capitalize on the yearslong resurgence of hair metal.

Scythian

Bristols annual Star-Spangled July 4th Celebration perhaps echoes the real first pangs of summer in downtown Bristol.

Presented by Believe in Bristol, festivities commence on Tuesday, July 4. First, theres a parade along State Street. Then as afternoon eases into evening, action moves into Anderson Park for Border Bash. Oh, there will be inflatables and games galore for children in attendance.

Music begins with Abingdons whirl of nature, Logan Fritz. Hes a straight-up rocker, one who occasionally ventures into folk-laced terrain. Long beloved in Bristol, Scythian closes the night of music. Fiddle-heavy fireworks on tap, brothers Alexander and Danylo Fedoryka play old-time refrains as juiced on jolts of energy and love of culture. Theyre impossible to sit still to. First generation sons of Ukrainian immigrants, Scythian exude the essence of joy abundant.

Music notes

Bristols status as a first-class music city beamed as brilliantly last weekend as a full moon over the Appalachians. No matter where one walked, where one pointed their car, or perhaps opened wide a window and listened, downtown Bristol hummed along with songs.

Take Friday night. Boy Named Banjo, young and hungry from the Music City of Nashville, encamped within the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. They entertained a sold-out crowd during the 1927 Society Concert Series, a periodical series of live concerts devised to raise money for the museum.

Vigorous in style and voluminous in substance, the five-man band played in mostly acoustic fashion. As demonstrated in Bristol on Friday, songs including the new What Keeps Me Going and Blue Hole Bridge bespeak a band more in tune as a pop band with folkish tendencies.

Whatever, Boy Named Banjo proved delightful.

Then came Saturday. Robert Randolph strode from his bus to the stage of The Cameo Theater, sat at his electric pedal steel guitar, and proceeded to mesmerize. Some call it blues, others rock. In reality, Randolph performs a style branded Sacred Steel music. Born in the black church in Florida, Randolphs Sacred Steel style blends elements of blues and rock with lyrics from the Southern Christian church.

Songs including Baptize Me and Im So Glad burst as if from mighty clouds of joy. Randolphs steel guitar sizzled with an undercurrent of sound not heard often in Bristol, yet beloved when emoted as such. Some folks danced. All folks beamed.

Across town, an eager band onstage on 6th Street performed a batch of covers. One minute they took to The Clashs Should I Stay or Should I Go, the next Princes Purple Rain. Meantime, Elizabethtons Julie Williams and Willie Melton enthralled while performing in the window on State at The Corner.

Meanwhile, many more strolled the sidewalks. Some hand-in-hand, others seemingly quite alone, as the music of the night played well into the night in downtown Bristol.

Download

Grateful Dead maestro Jerry Garcia and David Grisman lead the band during this weeks free MP3 download. Visit https://acousticdisc.com/product/jerry-garcia-david-grisman-grateful-dawg-soundtrack-download/ to find Friend of the Devil. Garcia and Grisman revisited The Grateful Deads classic track in acoustic fashion for the Grateful Dawg soundtrack.
The man driving a Chevrolet Equinox that collided with two construction workers, killing one, in Sherrills Ford on Monday has been charged.

Jerry Lee Johnson, 80, of Sherrills Ford, has been charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle and without decreasing speed as necessary to avoid colliding with a person, according to the N.C. Highway Patrol.

The flag man who survived the crash remains in the hospital.

Ryan Scott Tanner, 23, of Valdese, died at the scene, N.C. State Highway Patrol Master Trooper Christopher Casey said in a news release on Monday.

Mario Giovanni, 34, of Sherrills Ford, was in stable condition as of Tuesday afternoon, Casey said via email.

The collision happened in a construction zone near the intersection of N.C. Highway 150 and Vinewood Road at around 3:35 p.m. on Monday. Casey said a member of the flag crew was in the road with a stop sign while motioning traffic to move over.

Tanner and Giovanni were moving traffic cones when they were struck by a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. Jerry Lee Johnson, 80, of Sherrills Ford, was identified as the driver of the SUV, Casey said.

Casey said the vehicle was travelling 45 mph when the men were struck.

The crash site sits between Terrell and Denver. The crash happened about a quarter mile from Lineberger's Cattle Company Steakhouse and Saloon restaurant.

This story was updated at 4:36 p.m. on June 28.
NEWTON  Catawba County Animal Services is waiving adoption fees for cats and dogs June 30-July 1 in conjunction with the fifth National Adoption Weekend promoted by leading animal welfare organization Best Friends Animal Society.

We are excited to partner with Best Friends Animal Society for their fifth annual National Adoption Event Weekend, said Catawba County Animal Shelter Manager Jenna Arsenault. Many shelters like ours have remained at maximum capacity for quite some time. We are at the height of kitten season and seeing a large increase in the amount of adult cats and kittens entering our care. Adoption events attract more people to the Animal Shelter, save resources, and increase adoption numbers, which directly impacts the amount of animals in our care. This allows us to make more room to help the animals in our community that are entering into the Animal Shelter daily.

The Catawba County Animal Shelter, located at 201 Government Services Drive in Newton, is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Adoptable pets can be met in person at the shelter or viewed online at https://24petconnect.com/ by entering the Newton ZIP code 28658.

Shelters across the country are experiencing an increase in animal populations and adoption rates arent keeping pace. Thats why Best Friends Animal Society and nearly 600 shelter and rescue partners have joined together for the national event. By adopting a unique and loveable shelter pet, two lives are saved  that of the adopted cat or dog, and another that can now take their space in the shelter.

We are excited to host our fifth National Adoption Weekend, encouraging the community to add a new pet to their home this summer, said Julie Castle, CEO, Best Friends Animal Society. These warmer months can see some of the highest intakes in shelters, so its critical the shelter staff and volunteers have the support they need from the community. If you can, please adopt and foster. And if you already have pets, make sure theyre microchipped and spayed/neutered.

At a time when so many shelters across the country are short-staffed and well over capacity, individuals can help save lives by choosing to adopt a deserving pet from a shelter or rescue group instead of purchasing from a breeder or store. If you cant add to your family right now, you can still help by spaying or neutering your pets, fostering kittens or an adult dog, volunteering, donating, and advocating for proven lifesaving programming for local pets.

For more information, visit the Animal Services page at www.CatawbaCountyNC.gov, or follow Catawba County Animal Services on Facebook at @catawbacoanimalservices.

Best Friends Animal Society is a leading animal welfare organization working to end the killing of dogs and cats in Americas shelters by 2025. Founded in 1984, Best Friends is a pioneer in the no-kill movement and has helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters from an estimated 17 million per year to around 378,000. Best Friends runs lifesaving programs across the country, as well as the nations largest no-kill animal sanctuary.

For more information, visit www.bestfriends.org.
A Valdese man received felony drug trafficking charges after police say he sped away from a license check Monday morning.

Terry Allan Griffin, 49, of Valdese, was charged with maintaining a dwelling, vehicle or place for a controlled substance, trafficking methamphetamine, speeding to elude arrest, probation violation, possession of drug paraphernalia, carrying a concealed weapon, failure to appear/comply, failure to heed light or siren, fictitious tag and operating a vehicle without insurance, according to a release from the Morganton Department of Public Safety.

The charges stem from a checking station the department set up on Kirksey Drive at Amherst Road.

A black Jeep Liberty slowed down as it approached the checking station but sped up and drove away from officers once it reached them, the release said.

Officers chased the vehicle down Amherst Road, watching the car swerve into the wrong lane multiple times and reach excessive speeds, the release said.

The chase was terminated after losing sight of the car, but officers later found it parked in the middle of the highway at 1744 Amherst Road, the release said. The vehicle was blocking the entire road and it was unoccupied, the release said.

Deputies from the Burke County Sheriffs Office found Griffin lying in the woods near the unoccupied vehicle, the release said.

He was served with two outstanding warrants as well as new charges from the night of the chase, the release said. Griffin has previous convictions of manufacturing methamphetamine, possession or distribution of methamphetamine precursors, possession of a schedule II controlled substance and possession of a schedule VI controlled substance, according to records from the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections.

Griffins bond was set at $165,500 secured.
HICKORY  Catawba Valley Community College is honored to represent its programs in the National SkillsUSA Competition. This event brings together an average of 19,000 students from across the country who showcase their skills in a variety of higher education programs.

This year, CVCCs SkillsUSA program won Outstanding Chapter for the 10th year in a row, an achievement that could not have happened without the excellent presentation of student competitors Luis Gonzalez, Luke Reynolds, and Marcus Sigmon.

Along with this award, CVCCs program was recognized as a Gold Chapter of Distinction. Fourteen of 20 CVCC competitors won either a national gold, silver, or bronze medal, and every one of CVCCs students placed in the nations top seven or better.

Once again, our students exceled at the National SkillsUSA competition in Atlanta, Georgia, said Garrett Hinshaw, president of Catawba Valley Community College. The accomplishments of our students demonstrate our commitment to excellence through quality instruction and personal engagement. I am so proud of our SkillsUSA leadership team and all participants who made our college a National Chapter of Distinction and Outstanding Chapter, reminding everyone of Red Hawk Nations success.

Gary Muller, executive dean of Economic Development and Corporate Education, is a long-time supporter and active leader within CVCCs SkillsUSA program. He shares of this experience, The two chapter awards are very special to us, because they recognize the hard work and extra efforts of all our students and advisers to serve our community, to work closely with our local businesses to build a strong workforce, and to achieve success in the individual technical and leadership skills competitions.

CVCC excelled in a variety of competition categories.

Gold medalists included Suzanna Maxwell (Pin Design) and Benjamin Campbell (Screen Printing).

Silver medalists included Claire Greene, Emma Maltba, and Rosemary Moua (Promotional Bulletin Board) and Stella Hughes (T-Shirt Design).

Bronze medalists included Scott Westmoreland (Advertising Design), James Bevel and Dakota London (Mobile Robotics), and Micah Vang (Robotics: Urban Search & Rescue).

Other top finishes included Katherine Cabrera and Chloe Sawyer (Digital Cinema Production), Joseph Fullen (Job Skill Demonstration A), Giovana Callejas-Uribe and Selene Barr (Nail Care), and Britney Sermon (Photography).

Through the talents of these student competitors, CVCC emerged as the states leader, taking home the most medals of any other college in North Carolina.

As with any organization, CVCC measures its success in many ways, says Tammy Muller, executive director of Strategic Business Partnerships and CVCC SkillsUSA. Theres no more powerful gauge for measuring the success of our colleges mission than to celebrate the accomplishments of our students, accomplishments that illustrate the positive difference that SkillsUSA involvement can have on a life. For all of these accomplishments, I want to say thank you. Our advisers are the life force of our college, and they are the reason our SkillsUSA Program is soaring to new heights of excellence. I am honored to serve alongside them each day and to have a front-row seat to their many outstanding achievements.

To learn more about the SkillsUSA program at CVCC, visit CVCC SkillsUSA website or contact Tammy Muller at 828-327-7000, x4323, or email tmuller@cvcc.edu.
For more than 100 years, a stately mansion has graced the residential neighborhood along South Main Street in Marion. Now, this beautiful and historical landmark has become Marions new first-class restaurant and event venue.

Albert Blanton was the owner of A. Blanton Wholesale Grocery store on Depot Street and, in 1914, he hired Asheville architect Richard Sharp Smith to design a new house on South Main Street. Blanton died three years later in 1917.

The impressive mansion he had built was purchased in the 1920s by W. Lester Morris, who became president of Clinchfield Manufacturing Co. In more recent years, the house and its distinctive columns has been the home of Max Hensley Photography Studio, Bridal Showcase and Tax 2000, according to the book Marion by Kim Clark.

Now, this Marion landmark is the Blanton House Restaurant & Venue and it promises to be an elegant dining establishment and place for special celebrations.

Both Tax 2000 and the Blanton House are owned and operated by Sheri Atkins and her family. They include siblings Cheneil Bailey, Jade Hawkins, Victoria Atkins and Jonathan Atkins.

The Atkins family lived in the upstairs section of the Blanton House from 2001 to 2019. But for some time now, they have worked to transform their former home and business space into a new restaurant and venue that promises to be second to none, not just for Marion but for western North Carolina as well.

After much work and preparation, the official opening was Thursday, June 29.

The reason we are naming it the Blanton house is to honor the memory of Albert and Charlotte Blanton, who were very prominent in the community and involved in the community, said Victoria Atkins.

The Blanton House is an upscale restaurant serving steaks, seafood, shrimp and grits, house-made salads and dressings and desserts. The food will have a Charleston, S.C., flair and there will be a rotating menu, said the family members.

During a recent soft opening, the menu featured appetizers like pimento cheeseboard, shrimp kisses, crab cakes and Southern egg rolls as well as salads and Charleston crab bisque. The entrees included Charleston fried chicken, shrimp and grits, Calibrian linguine, Low Country boil, duck breast, grilled salmon, ribeye and filet mignon. Desserts consisted of lemon cake, peanut butter chocolate cake and blueberry cobbler.

For beverages, patrons could select from a long list of wines, cocktails and beers, along with Pepsi products.

The family members have given additional touches to the historic interior such as chandeliers and vintage paintings. The new bar has a lighted surface and there are lots of wine racks.

Jacob Maust is the executive chef while Ewan Willis is the sous chef. They have previously worked at the Biltmore Estate and are now bringing their culinary talents to Marion.

We are really trying to go over and beyond the normal dining experience with hospitable touches and push limits to our food, said Cheneil Bailey.

Both the main level and the upper level in the historic mansion are available for dining.

For now, the restaurant will be open for dinner on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays starting at 4:30 p.m., with the last dinner reservation at 9 p.m. The family members plan to have a brunch on Saturdays and Sundays in the near future.

The Blanton House restaurant is just the first part of the familys plan for this historic structure. It will also become a venue for weddings, celebrations and other special occasions.

In the rear of the mansion is a spacious courtyard that can seat 200 people. It has already hosted events like weddings but the family members want to host other community events and live concerts.

The large courtyard was built especially for this venue. The bricks used in its construction are more than 100 years old, the same time period as the house. It comes complete with fountains and a big brick fireplace.

The Atkins family has still more plans for their section of Marion. Next door is the large brick J.D. Blanton house that they plan to operate as a bed-and-breakfast.

Most of all, they wish for the Blanton House Restaurant & Venue to become a top destination for those who value good food, good drinks and good times in a nice setting. That includes people in McDowell County and beyond.

We would love for people to value us as a tradition like going to the Grove Park Inn, said Jade Hawkins.
China's self-reliance is not a closed-door policy, Xi says

Xinhua) 08:08, June 28, 2023

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of New Zealand Chris Hipkins at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2023. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

BEIJING, June 27 (Xinhua) -- China's emphasis on self-reliance is by no means to adopt a closed-door policy, but to better connect domestic and international markets, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday.

Xi's remarks came during his talks with Prime Minister of New Zealand Chris Hipkins, who is paying an official visit to China.

Xi stressed that, at present, China's central task is to advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization. He said achieving high-quality development is a top priority, common prosperity for all the Chinese people is essential, and making a greater contribution to world peace and development is an important goal for China.

China is such a big country with such a large population that it can only base the development of the country and the nation on its own strength, Xi said.

"Only by opening up can China realize modernization. Development is the top priority of the Communist Party of China in governing and rejuvenating the country. We will continue to vigorously promote high-level opening up and better protect the rights and interests of foreign investors per the law," Xi said.

On bilateral relations, Xi said he attaches great importance to China-New Zealand ties. He recalled his visit to New Zealand in 2014, during which the two countries established a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Xi said the sound and steady growth of China-New Zealand relations over the past decade brought tangible benefits to the two peoples and contributed to regional peace, stability, development, and prosperity.

China has always regarded New Zealand as a friend and partner and is ready to work with New Zealand to embrace another 50 years in bilateral relations and promote the steady growth of China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi said.

China-New Zealand relations have long been a pacemaker in China's relations with developed countries, Xi said.

Both countries should continue to see each other as partners rather than adversaries and opportunities rather than threats to consolidate the foundation for the growth of China-New Zealand relations, Xi said.

The Chinese president called for a thorough implementation of the upgraded bilateral free trade agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to advance trade and investment liberalization and facilitation and provide a better business environment for companies to invest and operate in each other's countries.

He noted both China and New Zealand need to step up exchanges and cooperation in education, culture, tourism, and at the sub-national and non-governmental levels so that there can be more people like Rewi Alley, a pioneer in China-New Zealand relations, to boost the bilateral friendship.

Xi called on both sides to jointly advocate true multilateralism and a free trade system and address global challenges such as climate change, adding that they can also help the development of Pacific island countries together.

Hipkins said that last year New Zealand and China celebrated the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, which is a vital milestone in bilateral relations. He said New Zealand attaches great importance to developing relations with China.

Hipkins said he is leading a large business delegation to China to explore more cooperation opportunities and lift bilateral relations to a new level.

New Zealand is willing to strengthen personnel exchanges with China, expand bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, education, science and technology, culture, and other fields, and jointly implement the upgraded version of the bilateral free trade agreement, Hipkins said.

The New Zealand side believes that differences should not define the bilateral ties, and what is important is candid exchanges, mutual respect, and harmony without uniformity, Hipkins said, adding that New Zealand is willing to maintain communication with China on helping develop island countries.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of New Zealand Chris Hipkins at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2023. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Re. Gord Marshalls letter Subs loss investigated (Castanet, June 27)

(The writer asks) why Canada would spend money investigating the loss of the Titan (submersible).

Marine and air transport are being treated in very similar ways when it comes to incidents. The country where the incident takes place will lead the investigation team that has one, and only one purpose, to find out what went wrong and to advise on steps that can be taken to ensure the same mistakes will not be repeated.

The lead country may be assisted by experts from countries where the vessel or aircraft was registered and by experts from the company that designed and built the vessel or aircraft.

It has been reported that, in this case, the surface vessel that provided assistance to the submersible was sailing under Canadian flag. So it is normal that the Transportation Safety Board of Canada would lead the investigation team into the why this incident (occurred) and what can be done to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Ronald Ratgers
HICKORY  Seniors Morning Out participants will enjoy a variety of activities in July including a theatrical performance and cooking demonstrations.

Any resident of Catawba County who is 60 or older is invited to join Seniors Morning Out, which is held Monday through Thursday mornings at five locations. A hot, balanced lunch is served each day. Programs are free to participants, who may pick and choose which days to attend. Bus transportation to and from the sites is available in some locations.

On July 25, seniors 60 or older are invited to attend a performance of The Enormous Turnip at The Green Room Community Theatre. Arrival is requested at 9:30 a.m. with the performance beginning at 10 a.m. RSVP by July 21 by calling 828-695-5610. This performance is supported by the United Arts Council of Catawba County through the North Carolina Arts Council, with funding from the state of North Carolina.

Other program highlights are as follows:

At the Newton site, located at First Presbyterian Church, 701 N. Main Ave., Newton: July 3, eagle painting; July 5, breakfast at Olde Hickory Station and trip to Hickory Farmers Market; July 12, bingo; July 18, backyard games; July 19, luau with music by Cameron Matthews; July 24, create a card for National Friendship Day; July 26, Communication 101 with Vaya Health; July 31, cooking demonstration on banana smores. If you would like to participate in any of these activities, contact Danielle Hicks at 828-455-4133 at least two days in advance.

At the West Hickory site, located at the West Hickory Senior Center, 400 17th St. SW, Hickory: July 5, dizziness vs. vertigo with Carolyn Thompson, Catawba Valley Health System; July 10, painting summer sunflowers; July 12, breakfast at Olde Hickory Station and trip to Hickory Farmers Market; July 13, music by Cameron Matthews; July 18, Communication 101 with Vaya Health; July 19, America Themed Scene It! With Jennifer Williams, Hickory Public Library; July 26, cooking demonstration on Key lime pie; July 27, senior Putt-Putt challenge. If you would like to participate in any of these activities, contact Suzi Caesar at 828-323-8746 at least two days in advance.

At the East Hickory site, located at First United Methodist Church, 311 Third Ave. NE, Hickory: July 5, UV sun safety with Ruthie Hill; July 11, dizziness vs. vertigo with Carolyn Thompson, Catawba Valley Health System; July 12, breakfast at Olde Hickory Station and trip to Hickory Farmers Market; July 13, Communication 101 with Vaya Health; July 18, PACE@Home information with AJ Kerley; July 19, meditation peace and tranquility with Ruthie Hill; July 27, craft, dreamcatchers with LaDonna; July 31, cooking demonstration on avocado toast. If you would like to participate in any of these activities, contact LaDonna Ledford at least two days in advance by calling 828-320-5963.

At the Catawba site, located at Center Church, 4945 Sherrills Ford Road, Catawba: July 5, cooking demonstration on easy smores bars; July 6, patriotic craft with Kayla; July 12, Name That Tune; July 13, Catawba County Library To Go with Sam Woolhiser; July 18, dizziness vs. vertigo with Liliana Adrian, Catawba Valley Health System; July 19, breakfast at Olde Hickory Station and trip to Hickory Farmers Market; July 24, bingo; July 27, Communication 101 with Vaya Health. If you would like to attend any of these programs, call Kayla Smith at 828-320-0434 at least two days in advance.

At the Maiden site, located at the Maiden Community Center, 207 E. Klutz St., Maiden: July 3, Fourth of July party; July 6, music by Seniors on the Move; July 10, cooking demonstration with Maria Rodriguez on yummy tostadas; July 11, Communication 101 with Amy Penley, Vaya Health; July 20, craft, beach terrariums; July 24, dizziness vs. vertigo with Carolyn Thompson, Catawba Valley Health System; July 26, breakfast at Olde Hickory Station and trip to Hickory Farmers Market; July 27, music by Sentimental Journey. If you would like to attend any of these programs, call Lisa Adams at 828-320-5966.

Seniors Morning Out is operated by Senior Nutrition Services of Catawba County Social Services and is in need of volunteers to assist with the program between 8:30 a.m. and noon, Monday through Thursday. Call 828-695-5610 if interested. In addition to SMO, Senior Nutrition Services operates Meals on Wheels and related programs in the county. You can volunteer as little as one and one-half hours a month. To find out more, contact Senior Nutrition Services at 828-695-5610 during regular business hours, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for holidays. For the latest updates, like their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/MealsonWheelsofCatawbaCounty, or visit their website at http://www.MealsonWheelsofCatawbaCounty.org.

Catawba County Senior Nutrition Services is a United Way funded partner.
" " Dionysus enthroned between a bacchant and a faun in a 1924 fresco by Antonio Maria Morera in the Great Hall of the Enological School, Conegliano, Veneto, Italy. DEA/V. GIANNELLA/De Agostini/Getty Images

If a Google search for "Dionysus" brought you here rather than to information on the hit song from South Korean K-Pop megastars BTS, first of all, apologies. Second of all, welcome  let's find out why the god of fertility and wine has inspired artists (including the most famous current boy band in the world) to sing his praises.

"Dionysus is a complex god," Richard P. Martin, Antony and Isabelle Raubitschek professor in classics at Stanford University, says via email. "He has the power to transport his worshippers into ecstasy, and to drive his opponents mad. He seems to come from outside and to invade the consciousness. Of course, that's probably primarily due to his connection with wine and its effects, from the very first mild and pleasant buzz it gives you to the wretched morning-afters when you have too much."

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Here are some more facts about the grape-loving Greek god:
The calendar says it is officially summer, and temperatures in many parts of the country are heating up. On a recent University of Minnesota Moos Room podcast, a listener asked about the ideal temperature inside a barn housing dairy cattle.

Joe Armstrong, D.V.M., a University of Minnesota extension educator, noted that the ideal temperature depends on the type of barn, time of year, and the age of the cattle being housed. He focused much of his discussion on facilities that were mechanically ventilated.

Armstrong pointed out that cows can be heat stressed when the temperature-humidity index (THI) rises above 68. With 75% humidity, a barn needs to be kept under 70F to stay below that THI threshold.

He acknowledged that some days, it is unavoidable that cows experience some level of heat stress. He also noted that like people, each cow is different and can becomes heat stressed at a different temperature.

Armstrong said that the presence of heat stress can be monitored by tracking respiratory rates. He recommended calculating respiratory rates for a group of 10 cows at certain times of the day to get a good snapshot of that is happening in the barn. In general, cows are under heat stress when their respiratory rate rises above 60 breaths per minute. If a farm is interested in investing in technology, there are also sensors available that can be placed in cows to track body temperature and monitor for heat stress.

To cool a barn, Armstrong said the first step is to tackle the ventilation. Take care of the ventilation parameters, and then see what else you have to do, he shared. In summer, dairy barns need a minimum of 60 air exchanges per hour, he said. That means all the air in the barn must leave and be replaced by fresh air at least once every minute. That is the first step in controlling humidity and keeping cows cool, Armstrong reiterated. If thats not enough, then other measures, such as mixing fans or soakers, may need to be added.

For winter, ventilation is still the focus, but the recommendation is at least four air exchanges per hour. Armstrong advised keeping the barn as well ventilated as possible without freezing waterers, creating icy floors, or making working conditions too uncomfortable for caretakers.

Winter ventilation can be particularly difficult with calves as they are more susceptible to the cold than are adult cattle. Armstrong said a lot of it comes back to how those calves are fed. Preweaned calves on a higher plane of nutrition, being fed greater amounts of high-quality milk or milk replacer, are able to handle colder temperatures better than calves receiving fewer nutrients.

Armstrong also noted that for barns housing both youngstock and adult cattle, it is important that air travels from the younger animals to the older animals rather than the other way around. Even though this presents some challenges in the winter when cold air is being pulled over the calves before it has a chance to warm up, for biosecurity reasons, it is best for calves to receive the freshest air that has not flowed through adult cattle first.

To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com.

(c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2023

June 22, 2023
All Peoples Church of Jesus Christ

Worship at 11:30 a.m. Sunday at American Legion Post 172. Pastor: Bishop Roland Jordan. Sermon: Juneteenth: Freedom! No more hangings. Scripture: II Corinthians 6:28.

Ann Street United Methodist Church

335 Ann St., Concord. Pastor: Rev. Randy L. Wall. In person and Facebook Live worship at 11 a.m. Sermon: Remembering our Birthday. Scripture: Galatians 6:7-18.

Bethpage United Methodist Church

109 Fellowship Ave. at West C Street, Kannapolis. Pastor: Rev. Gary McDonald. Christian Education at 9 a.m. Worship at 10 a.m.

Bogers Chapel United Methodist Church

1775 Flowes Store Road E., Concord. Pastor: Eric Shaver. Sunday school at 9 a.m. Worship in-person or on Facebook at 10 a.m.

Calvary Lutheran Church

950 Bradley St., Concord. 704-782-6923. Pastor: Rev. Debbie Frye. In-person worship at 8:30 a.m. (casual worship) and 11 a.m. (traditional worship with childrens church). Coffee/cookie social from 9:30-11 a.m. Adult Sunday school at 9:45 a.m. Childrens area and nursery available all times. All services livestreamed and available anytime on the Calvary Lutheran Concord YouTube channel  easy access through our website http://www.clconcord.org or church app Calvary Lutheran Church  NC. All are welcome.

Center United Methodist Church

1119 Union St. S., Concord. Pastor: Rev. Tony Allen. Sunday school for In Betweens and young adults at 9 a.m. Worship at 10 a.m. Nursery is provided during the worship service. Website is www.centerumcconcord.org. Join us for our service!

Crossroads Church

220 George W. Liles Parkway, Concord. Pastor: Lowell McNaney. Live worship streamed on Facebook, Crossroads Concord Church app or mycrossroads.co website at 9:30 a.m. and 11:11 a.m.

Crown Pointe Baptist Church

703 Tennessee St., Kannapolis. Pastor: Rev. Doug Crawley. Sunday school at 9 a.m. Worship at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary, or view online at our Facebook page. Sermon: Freedom in Christ. Scripture: Galatians 5:1-15 ESV.

Eastside Missionary Baptist Church

199 Elgin Drive, Concord. Pastor: Rev. Stephen Burrow. In person services: Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. Worship services at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Recorded worship services and other information at EastsideMissionaryBaptist.org. You will be welcomed. Practice social distancing.

Epworth United Methodist Church

1030 Burrage Road NE, Concord. Pastor: Rev. Dennis Marshall. Sunday school at 9 a.m., followed by worship at 10 a.m. We welcome all to join us in person, or you may livestream or watch the recorded service at our website at www.epworthnc.com.

Forest Hill United Methodist Church

265 Union St. N., Concord. Senior pastor: Rev. Mandy Jones. Associate pastor: Rev. Wes Judy. We are open for in-person worship. Contemporary worship at 9 a.m. Sunday school/small groups at 10 a.m. Traditional worship at 11 a.m. Both the contemporary and the traditional worship services will also be livestreamed at foresthillumc.org or facebook.com/foresthillumc, in case you dont feel like being here in person.

Harmony United Methodist Church

101 White St. NW, Concord. Pastor: Rev. Thad Brown. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. followed by our worship service in the sanctuary at 11 a.m. Sermon: Constant Change. Scripture: II Peter 1:3-4; II Peter 1:5-8: II Peter 1:9; I John 2:11: Ephesians 5:25-26; Matthew 1:21: II Peter 1:10-11; Psalm 145:13. We welcome you to join us in worship! Service is live on Facebook.com/HarmonyUnitedMethodistChurch and we welcome all who are unable to join us in person to worship with us online. For more information, call the pastor at 704-791-2883 or the church at 704-782-8237.

Jackson Park United Methodist Church

715 Mable Ave., Kannapolis. Pastor: Laurie Knoespel. Adult Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. Worship at 10:30 a.m. Nursery will be provided during worship service.

Kirkwood Presbyterian Church

900 Klondale Ave., Kannapolis. Pastor: Rev. Dennis B. Craft. Worship at 11 a.m. in church sanctuary on Sundays. No mask restrictions.

McGill Baptist Church

5300 Poplar Tent Road, Concord, in-person services. Pastor: Rev. Steve Ayers. If you have not taken the COVID-19 vaccine, wear a mask. McGill will stream a worship service Sunday at 10 a.m. on www.facebook.com/mcgillbaptistchurch/ and on YouTube. The services will be live and also available on recording afterward. Fifth Sunday after Pentecost. Sermon: A Cup of Cold Water. Scripture: Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 10:40-42.

Midway United Methodist Church

108 Bethpage Road, Kannapolis. Pastor: Rev. Craig Allen. Kannapolis area United Methodist Churches will have Joint Worship in the Park at 10:30 a.m. at Village Park, Shelter B, 700 West C St., Kannapolis. Our service is also livestreamed on the web at midwayunitedmethodistchurch.org or facebook.com/midwayUMC. Sermon: Fruitful Freedom. Scripture: Galatians 5:1, 13-25.

Mt. Mitchell United Methodist Church

6001 Old Salisbury-Concord Road, Kannapolis. Pastor: Joel Locklear. Sunday school at 9:45 a.m. (adult and children classes.) Worship at 11 a.m. in person or on Facebook.

Multiply Church Concord

150 Warren C. Coleman Blvd. N., Concord. Pastor: Rev. Douglas Witherup. 8:30 a.m. service held at 280 Concord Parkway S., Suite 15, Concord. Services at 150 Warren C. Coleman Blvd. N., are worship and sermon at 9:30 a.m. and worship and sermon at 11:15 a.m.

New Gilead Reformed Church, ECO

2400 Old Salisbury-Concord Road. 9:40 a.m.: Adult Bible study. 10 a.m.: Sunday school. 11 a.m.: Worship in the sanctuary, also live on Facebook.

Oak Grove Baptist Church

200 Sims Parkway, Harrisburg. Pastor: Rev. Franklin D. Watkins. 10 a.m.: In-person worship service and Facebook Live and YouTube Live. Sermon: Discover Gods Voice in You! Scripture: John 1:19-27.

Second Presbyterian Church

1578 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., Kannapolis. Pastor Sue Black, minister. Rev. Aaron Price, assistant pastor. Sunday school at 10 a.m. Worship at 11 a.m. Sermon: Keep the Sabbath. Scripture: Exodus 20:8-11; Genesis 1:31-32; Mark 2:23-36; Acts 13:42-44; Acts 16:13-14.

St. Johns Reformed Church

901 N. Main St., Kannapolis. Pastor: Rev. Chris King. Sunday school for all ages at 9:30 a.m. Worship Service at 10:30 a.m. Website: www.ourstjohns.org. Email/Phone: ourstjohns@gmail.com / 704-932-3656. Sermon: The Dangers of Non-Acceptance. Scripture: Matthew 16:1-12.
The newly appointed chief executive officer of Vedanta Resources Ltd.s untried display company wants to recruit global talent to build and run a $4 billion factory in western India. YJ Chen, who worked previously at Chinese display maker HKC Corp., stated the display venture is going to begin recruiting from South Korea, Taiwan, Japan and other regions to set up a liquid crystal display panel fabrication unit in India. The factory will create as many as 3,500 direct jobs, he said.We need a lot of technicians, very talented people, Chen, who has 23 years of experience in the display industry, said in an interview in Indias financial hub of Mumbai. Thats the biggest challenge people. Even as its suffering from a heavy debt load, billionaire Anil Agarwals metals and mining conglomerate is expanding in electronics components to take advantage of Indias push to become a technology manufacturing hub. The display business is separate from Vedantas struggling chip venture and may find an easier path to success as its a less technically demanding undertaking.Vedanta, which has partnered with Foxconn Group affiliate Innolux Corp. for the display business, plans to manufacture glass and assemble LCD panels at its new factory. The unit could start production toward the end of 2025 if its gets crucial funding from Prime Minister Narendra Modis government, Chen said.Modi has pledged $10 billion to woo chip and display makers to India, promising his administration will bear half the cost of setting up all semiconductor and display fabrication sites. While Vedantas chip plans are yet to get government backing, its display business could find it easier to win state incentives with key tech partnerships in place. Vedanta also owns Japan-based AvanStrate, which makes layers used in LCD panels.Meanwhile, the worlds top display companies are phasing out LCD technology and moving on to sharper OLEDs. The leader in display technology, South Koreas Samsung Display Co., has ceased LCD production and is pouring billions into making next-generation displays. Its homegrown rival LG Display Co. is similarly scaling down LCD manufacturing. With its display push, Vedanta is seeking to grab a slice of Indias display market, which it expects to grow to an annual $30 billion over the next seven years. It will have to compete with inexpensive Chinese LCDs and develop newer displays for long-term success. We need to build our own supply chain in India, Chen said. We will focus on new designs to lower costs, and compete with the Chinese.
Brett Callow: "Creating the ransomware wouldve been a quick and easy job, but we dont know who did it or why or whether its ever actually been deployed."

Well-known ransomware threat researcher Brett Callow has poured cold water on claims that ransomware, which sought to capitalise on the recent Wagner group incidents, has been targeting Windows users in Russia.

The claim was made by security firm Cyble, which told the Australian arm of PCMag that the malware dropped a note on victims machines to hint they should consider joining the Russian mercenary outfit.

PCMag reported that the note read: "Job opening. Service in the PMCS Wagner. For cooperation, adding 'Brothers, stop tolerating authority! Let's go to war against Shoigu!'. Sergei Kuzhugetovich Shoigu is the Russian defence minister.

Cyble was reported as claiming, The individual behind the ransomware strain could be politically motivated and supports Wagner Group.

But Callow, who works for the New Zealand-headquartered Emsisoft, said in a tweet there was no evidence that this so-called Wagner ransomware had actually been deployed in Russia or, for that matter, anywhere else.

"All we have is a sample that somebody  perhaps the same person who created it  uploaded to VT [VirusTotal, the malware database owned by Google], possibly just for lulz [laughs]."

AFAIK, there is no evidence that #Wagner #ransomware has actually been deployed in Russia or, for that matter, anywhere else. All we have is a sample that somebody - perhaps the same person who created it - uploaded to VT, possibly just for lulz.https://t.co/ngPK5E42Rj  Brett Callow (@BrettCallow) June 27, 2023

Callow told iTWire: "Creating the ransomware wouldve been a quick and easy job, but we dont know who did it or why or whether its ever actually been deployed.

"My guess is that was created for the soled purpose of being uploaded to VirusTotal so it would be discovered by researches and written about. You can draw your own conclusions as to what the motivation may have been."

Another security researcher who differed with Cyble, but not to the extent that Callow did, was Allan Liska, who works with the CIA-backed firm Recorded Future, PCMag quoted him as tweeting: Installing a ransomware/wiper on someone's machine is a poor way to recruit them.

On the other hand, if you are a hacktivist group, say one that has used ransomware based on the Chaos builder in the past, that wants to get people mad at a certain group, this is a good way to do it.

This is the second case of one security firm contradicting claims made by another in as many days. On Tuesday, iTWire reported that industrial cyber-security firm Dragos countered claims made by the Google-owned Mandiant about malware known as COSMICENERGY.

Once again, there was a Russia angle, with Mandiant issuing a post about COSMICENERGY on 25 May, claiming it had been uploaded to a public malware scanning utility in December 2021 by a submitter in Russia.

"The malware is designed to cause electric power disruption by interacting with IEC 60870-5-104 (IEC-104) devices, such as remote terminal units (RTUs), that are commonly leveraged in electric transmission and distribution operations in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia," a post, authored jointly by researchers Ken Proska, Daniel Kapellmann Zafra, Keith Lunden, Corey Hildebrandt, Rushikesh Nandedkar and Nathan Brubaker, said.

But Dragos said it had "independently analysed the malware and, counter to media headlines claiming power disruption or grid crippling abilities, concluded that COSMICENERGY is not an immediate threat to operational technology"
Real estate group Lendlease and telco provider Optus signed a multi-year technology partnership which will cover three key elements: Lendlease will transition its existing mobile and data services to Optus; Optus will roll out its insights tool Podium Property Insights (PPI), starting with its Adelaide office; and Lendlease and Optus jointly exploring other opportunities for collaboration.

The partnerships first element will see Lendlease transition existing mobile and data services to the Optus network, as well as transforming management of mobile and mobile broadband services. This will include the commencement of approximately 3,000 services in 80 locations across Australia where Lendlease operates.

By leveraging Optus automation capability in mobile and device lifecycle management, the partnership will improve team productivity and deliver better asset retention and significant management efficiencies.

The second element is a collaboration whereby Lendlease and Optus will develop joint solutions to leverage Lendleases PPI platform, starting with a deployment at Optus new Adelaide office.

The PPI platform is a placemaking data and insights solution that integrates building occupancy, attendance and operational data  allowing informed and efficient place optimisation.

Going forward, Lendlease and Optus will collaborate on future opportunities including Wi-Fi, integrated networks and IoT managed services.

The collaboration supports our vision to be a digitally led company, delivering on a mobile first approach for our people wholl benefit from the new Optus infrastructure. As the partnership progresses, Optus will utilise our PPI platform to help more effectively optimise its office space, said Lendlease Digital CEO Bill Ruh.

The partnership comes after Optus parent company Singtel announced in 2022 that it had partnered with Lendlease to develop its Singapore headquarters into a S$3 billion sustainable workplace featuring smart building and technologies.

Optus reliable and trusted network will enable Lendlease to collaborate and monitor data in real-time, enabling efficient decision-making and streamlined project management. Our deep expertise in networking and data will support Lendlease to leverage the benefits of emerging technology, said Optus vice president of enterprise and government Stuart Pritchard.
Existing restrictions on AI chip sales by US corporations to China will be further tightened, the Wall Street Journal reports , claiming there are rising concerns over the technology being sold to US rivals.

The US Department of Commerce put export control measures in place last October on high-end chip exports to China which have yet to be fully codified.

But despite that, Washington could soon stop companies like Nvidia from selling chips to Chinese customers without first obtaining a licence.

In September 2022, the US ordered Nvidia and AMD to stop selling some of their products, that could be used in artificial intelligence, to China.

In November last year, Nvidiait was manufacturing new chips which would meet the export curbs laid down a month earlier, and could be sold to Chinese customers.

The curbs were on Nvidia's A100 and H100 integrated circuits  the latter was yet to be manufactured at the time  and any systems that included them.

At the time, an Nvidia spokesperson told iTWire: "The Nvidia A800 GPU, which went into production in Q3, is another alternative product to the Nvidia A100 GPU for customers in China.

"The A800 meets the US Governments clear test for reduced export control and cannot be programmed to exceed it."

Now it appears that the US wants to make even the purchase of these chips difficult.

The WSJ report said there were also moves afoot to restrict leasing cloud services to AI firms in China as they were being used to get around the restrictions on chip exports.

Also in the pipeline are laws that limit the extent of American investment in China and other countries considered to be geopolitical rivals.

Contacted by iTWire, an Nvidia spokesperson declined to comment.

However, Bloomberg quoted Nvidia chief financial officer Colette Kress as telling an online investor event on Wednesday that the company was aware of the reports on tighter restrictions.

She added that the strong overall demand meant there would be no material impact to earnings should such rules be introduced.
A class-action lawsuit against Apple over a 2018 comment by its chief executive, Tim Cook, about sales in China, will go ahead with a US judge giving the green light on Monday for accusations of defrauding shareholders to be tested in court.

Reuters reported that District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers' decision would allow Apple shareholders, led by a British pension fund, to sue the Cupertino-based firm over a one-day fall in its stock price that erased US$74 billion (A$110.8 billion) in market value.

During an analyst call on 1 November 2018, Cook told analysts on a call that sales in China did not face the same pressure as those in Brazil, India, Russia and Turkey due to the fall in the value of those countries' currencies.

"Starting with emerging markets, the emerging markets that we're seeing pressure in are markets like Turkey, India, Brazil, Russia. These are markets where currencies have weakened over the recent period," Cook said, according to a transcript of the call.

"In some cases that resulted in us raising prices and those markets are not growing the way we would like to see.

"To give you a perspective of some detail, our business in India in Q4 was flat. Obviously we would like to see that be a huge growth. Brazil was down somewhat compared to the previous year.

"And so I think or at least the way that I see these is each one of the emerging markets has a bit of a different story and I don't see it as some sort of issue that is common between those for the most part.

"In relation to China specifically, I would not put China in that category. Our business in China was very strong last quarter  we grew 16%, which we're very happy with. iPhone, in particular, was very strong double-digit growth there."

However Apple's suppliers were told a few days later to decrease output. On 2 January 2019, Apple cut its revenue forecast for that quarter by up to US$9 billion.

The revised forecast was blamed on the US-China trade tensions which began to rise in 2018. Apple shares fell by 10% on 3 January.

Justice Rogers said Apple was aware of slowing demand in China before Cook made his remarks.

Lawyer for the plaintiffs, Shawn Williams, said: "We are pleased with the ruling and look forward to presenting the facts to a jury."

The plaintiff is the Norfolk County Council as Administering Authority of the Norfolk Pension Fund, which is based in Norwich, England.
GUEST OPINION: The restaurant industry is one of the most competitive industries out there. Two and a half years after major staffing shortages began to impact day-to-day operations, constant changes in consumer behaviour continue to challenge restaurants across Australia - with an average staff turnover rate at 73%. A percentage that has been steadily increasing since the pandemic.

To combat staff turnover, its critical for restaurant businesses to implement effective and engaging onboarding and training to ensure employees have more reason to stay and to set the business up for success. Infact, Employee retention rate grows by 3050% at companies with a potent training program.

Job training and skills are two of the main reasons people dont take jobs or dont stay at jobs. And its not just the hard skills of job functionality, its also a gap in soft skills such as handling real-life workplace situations like disagreements with colleagues.

When looking at the food sector, franchise brands make up a substantial number of all restaurants in Australia. With operations spread across communities in multiple states around the country, it can be particularly challenging to ensure employees at franchise restaurants are undergoing the needed onboarding and training to deliver a consistent brand experience. Having a streamlined onboarding and training process can be the difference between success and failure for franchise restaurants.

Learning management systems should also be as user-friendly as possible. While most people use their mobile phones these days to browse the internet, it makes sense to meet employees where they are most comfortable engaging. Training software at the tip of your fingers allows employees to have an enjoyable and interactive training experience which can dramatically improve retention rates and result in less turnover. With mobile-friendly and easy single-sign-on options, employees can train anywhere and anytime.

Perhaps easier said than done, but training doesnt have to be a chore. Instead, having a training program that makes learning fun for employees helps both managers and employees participate.

At the end of the day, the back-of-house and front-line employees are the backbone of a restaurant. Ensuring employees receive proper training from ownership to front-line employees will go a long way in growing a franchise restaurant.

Whether youre thinking of opening your first restaurant or currently operating a multi-unit franchise, the best way to ensure success and growth is to have a training program in place that is customisable, data-driven, and engaging. As the restaurant industry continues to navigate through recent changes since the global pandemic, employers can avoid turnover by taking this critical first step.

In todays world of high turnover and job resignation, having a training program that is customizable, data-driven, and engaging for all employees is an absolute necessity to succeed.

In an industry that must ensure workers are complying with food, health, and safety standards, having a way to track company-wide compliance is paramount. When it comes to compliance, data is key. With an effective learning management system in place, managers and executives can keep track of food safety and compliance records in one centralised place, rather than across dozens of spreadsheets and paper records.

With team members around the country and potentially across the globe, its important for brands working in the restaurant franchise industry to have access to training results, performance appraisals, surveys, and other KPI tools to measure success in real-time and have actionable insights to drive improvement.

When working with multi-unit brands across the globe, its important to have a training program that is customised to a specific industry and job role and this is where technology plays a huge role. Looking solely at the restaurant industry, training a restaurant manager versus front-line staff is going to be different. As is training employees in a 250-seat fine dining establishment versus a quick service restaurant concept that does 80% of its business via the drive-through.

Other ways that technology can play a role in reducing staff turnover includes, efficient scheduling where software solutions can help create fair and efficient schedules that take into account employee preferences, availability, and workload requirements. This can reduce scheduling conflicts and provide better work-life balance, leading to increased job satisfaction and reduced turnover.

Utilising technology for effective communication and feedback within the workplace can improve employee engagement. Instant messaging apps, collaboration tools, and internal communication software enable employees to stay connected, share information, and provide feedback in real-time. Regular communication and feedback channels can enhance job satisfaction and address concerns promptly.

Adopting technology-enabled performance management systems can provide objective evaluations and constructive feedback to employees. These systems can track individual and team performance, set goals, and offer recognition and rewards for outstanding achievements. Transparent performance evaluations can motivate employees and provide a sense of fairness.

Technology solutions such as point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and kitchen automation tools can streamline restaurant operations. Automating manual tasks, reducing errors, and improving overall efficiency can alleviate employee stress and enhances job satisfaction.

Employee engagement platforms and mobile apps can help boost staff morale and retention. These platforms provide a space for employees to share achievements, recognise their peers, and participate in gamified activities. By fostering a positive work culture and recognising employee contributions, technology can increase job satisfaction and decrease turnover.

Technology can also help analyze employee data, such as performance metrics, attendance records, and turnover rates. By utilising predictive analytics, employers can identify patterns and potential causes of turnover. This knowledge can enable proactive interventions, such as targeted retention strategies, addressing specific concerns, and creating personalised career development plans.

It all starts with using technology to set the right work culture and spirit through onboarding and training. Restaurants are people-focused businesses and we must not lose track of the fact that technology is the only to enable and support staff, rather than be their master. Its often believed that the restaurant industry has been slow to fully embrace all that technology can offer it, but we dont believe this is the case. However the ones that have, are certainly outperforming the organistions that have yet to fully get onboard.
Photo: The Canadian Press

B.C.'s biggest university has climbed closer to the top of a prestigious list of the best post-secondary schools in the world.

The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings has released its 20th annual installment, featuring 1,500 institutions across 104 locations around the world.

The England-based analytics firm has introduced three new metrics for 2023 including a school's sustainability initiatives, its employment outcomes, and its international research network.

To determine the ranking, QS draws on "the analysis of 17.5 million academic papers and the expert opinions of over 240,000 academic faculty and employers."

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, U.S., claimed the top honour in the ranking, boasting a perfect score of 100. This is the school's twelfth year in the top spot. Following in second, the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom had a nearly perfect score of 99.2. Another U.K. school, the University of Oxford, rounded out the top three, with a score of 98.9.

Two U.S. schools, Harvard University and Stanford University, placed fifth and sixth, respectively.

Three Canadian universities appear on QS global ranking

The University of British Columbia (UBC) tied with the Australian National University (ANU) for 34th in the global ranking, with an overall score of 81.5.

In UBC's description, the report authors praise the school for its commitment to equity and diversity, as well as for strengthening the "quality, relevance and impact of its research."

QS adds that UBC is also the first North American university to "commit to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and to take a human rights-based approach to our Indigenous strategic framework."

The University of Toronto placed 21st on the list, making it the highest-ranking Canadian academic institution. McGill University in Montreal placed 30th in the world and second in Canada.

UBC rounded out the top three Canadian academic institutions.

I am very proud of UBCs position among the worlds top universities, said Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of UBC, Prof. Deborah Buszard.

This ranking certainly shows that UBC is home to many of the worlds best and brightest students, faculty, and staff.
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It's been nearly three weeks since former President Donald Trump announced that he had been indicted in the classified documents investigation.

On June 8, the day of the announcement on Trump's Truth Social network, the former president's lead over top challenger Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) was 30.3 points in the Real Clear Politics average of national polls.

Today, Trump's lead over DeSantis is 30.6 points. A federal indictment, on top of a local prosecutor's indictment in New York City, seems not to have affected Trump's national poll numbers at all.

By the old standards of politics, it makes no sense. How could Trump be indicted twice and not take a hit in the polls? When the Manhattan indictment came down, many Republicans noted that it was weak and apparently politically motivated. They were not surprised when it not only did not hurt Trump's polling but in fact helped it significantly.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced the indictment on March 30. In the three months before that, Trump's lead over DeSantis hovered at about 15 points in the RCP average. After the indictment, Trump's lead essentially doubled to about 30 points. And now, three weeks after a second indictment, a more serious federal indictment, Trump's lead seems to be holding steady at 30 points.

Some observers believe the true import of the indictments, particularly the federal indictment, simply hasn't been felt yet. That will come later, they believe, as the case works its way through the legal system and more evidence emerges.

Others believe the next indictment, if there is one  a federal indictment related to Trump's actions leading up to Jan. 6  could do real damage to Trump.

And some believe yet another indictment  a local charge in Fulton County, Georgia, over Trump's efforts to overturn 2020 election results in that state  will finally do it.

Some expert practitioners in politics have a simpler reaction. "No one knows the answer," said one top GOP strategist. But they still have ideas.

Trump's support is now at 52.1% in the Real Clear Politics average. A number of observers believe that the first 30% or so is hardcore support for Trump  voters who will not leave Trump and will not vote for anyone else. But they believe the other 20% or so is soft support, people who like Trump, but might, depending on what happens, be convinced to vote for someone else. What those observers don't know is what circumstances might cause those voters to change.

They also don't know how any damage to Trump might play out with the other candidates. Would DeSantis benefit? Someone else? They don't know.

Here's one thing from a veteran Republican strategist who is not affiliated with any campaign. Citing private polling and focus groups, he said this: "One hundred percent of Republican primary voters, including those who are not voting for Trump and do not like Trump, believe that Democrats are unfairly weaponizing and abusing our system of justice by going after Trump, and not Hillary or Biden. EVERYONE agrees with that  even people who won't vote for Trump and think he is guilty of mishandling documents."

That makes for a very complicated situation for Trump's Republican opponents. They cannot appear to side with prosecutors  federal or local in New York or Georgia  without alienating a large number of GOP voters. And yet they want to appeal to those soft Trump supporters who might be persuaded to vote for them.

That's why we've seen Republican candidates either avoid the topic of Trump's indictments or make carefully calibrated, exquisitely diplomatic statements about them. Every Republican candidate other than Trump is trying to find the magic formula for handling the Trump question.

So far, no one seems to have succeeded.

(COMMENT, BELOW)




URBANA  Farmers have always been the backbone of America.

The state of Illinois includes 72,650 farms that cumulatively harvest over 27 million acres and are operated by 118,000 producers. The work involved is not only the farmers livelihood but rather their way of life.

Illinois AgrAbility is a program geared toward farmers, veterans in farming, and farmworkers who have experienced an age or injury-related disability or experience a chronic illness that precludes them from continuing their work in production agriculture. The program offers education and assistance to eliminate barriers, accommodate limitations, and help these individuals continue farming.

Illinois consistently ranks among the most agriculturally productive states in the country," says Josie Rudolphi, director of Illinois AgrAbility and University of Illinois Extension specialist. Our farmers and farm families are important to ensuring an abundant and safe food supply.

For many farmers, the presence of a disability, injury, or chronic health condition can jeopardize their livelihood and way of life, says Rudolphi. Yet, with some assistance, agricultural producers and workers with disabilities can safely and effectively continue to earn their livelihoods in production agriculture and participate fully in rural community life.

Illinois AgrAbility works to:

Identify farmers, veterans, or farmworkers with disabilities and or chronic diseases.

Conduct free onsite farm assessments.

Recommend safe equipment or devices (assistive technology).

Provide educational opportunities and informational resources.

Refer clients to other service providers for potential assistance.

A federal grant-funded USDA program, Illinois AgrAbility has served residents of Illinois for over 30 years. The program involves Extension educators, disability experts, rural professionals, and volunteers who work in partnership to offer various services at no cost to clients. To date, more than 1,500 farm clients have received one-on-one service through Illinois AgrAbility.

An initial telephone interview followed by a farm site visit to meet with a client and their family and caregivers, if any, allows the AgrAbility representative to gather a tremendous amount of data essential for research and recommendations of appropriate assistive technology to the customer, says Craig Wadsworth, client services representative for AgrAbility.

Wadsworth says theyll ask participants what their current abilities are now and what they want to be able to do, and then we find available technology that helps them reach their goals.

In partnership with the Illinois Assistive Technology Program and Community Health Partnership of Illinois, Illinois AgrAbility is ready to serve farmers across the state.

If you or someone you know within the agricultural industry needs assistance, visit go.illinois.edu/AgrAbility and complete the brief client intake form at go.illinois.edu/AgrAbilityClientForm.

For questions, contact AgrAbility staff by email at agrability@illinois.edu or by calling 217-244-2948.
Well, that was unexpected. I recorded a couple of crappy videos in 5 minutes, posted them on a Twitter thread, and went viral with 8.8K likes at this point. I really could not have predicted that, given that Ive been posting what-I-believe-is interesting content for years and nothing, almost-zero interest. Now that things have cooled down, its time to stir the pot and elaborate on those thoughts a bit more rationally.

To summarize, the Twitter thread shows two videos: one of an old computer running Windows NT 3.51 and one of a new computer running Windows 11. In each video, I opened and closed a command prompt, File Explorer, Notepad, and Paint. You can clearly see how apps on the old computer open up instantly whereas apps on the new computer show significant lag as they load. I questioned how computers are actually getting better when trivial things like this have regressed. And boom, the likes and reshares started coming in. Obviously some people had issues with my claims, but there seems to be an overwhelming majority of people that agree we have a problem.

To open up, Ill stand my ground: latency in modern computer interfaces, with modern OSes and modern applications, is terrible and getting worse. This applies to smartphones as well. At the same time, while UIs were much more responsible on computers of the past, those computers were also awful in many ways: new systems have changed our lives substantially. So, what gives?

The original comparison

Lets address the elephant in the room first. The initial comparison I posted wasnt fair and I was aware of that going in. That said, I knew repeating the experiment properly would yield the same results, so I plowed ahead with whatever I had right then. The videos were unplanned because the idea for the Tweets came to mind when I booted the old machine, clicked on Command Prompt, and was blown away by the immediacy to start the app.

The original comparison videos showed:

An AMD K7-600 with 128MB of RAM and a 5400 RPM HDD running Windows NT 3.51. This was a machine from the year 1999-2000 with an OS that was about 5 years older than it. Hardware was experiencing really fast improvements back then, particularly in CPU speeds, and you were kinda expected to keep up with the 2-year upgrade treadmill or suffer from incredibly slowness. All this is to say that this machine was indeed overpowered for the OS I used. Please remind me how we are moving forward. In this video, a machine from the year ~2000 (600MHz, 128MB RAM, spinning-rust hard disk) running Windows NT 3.51. Note how incredibly snappy opening apps is.  pic.twitter.com/YEO824vIqI  Julio Merino (@jmmv) June 22, 2023

A Surface Go 2 with an Intel Core m3 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and an SSD running Windows 11. This is a 3-year old machine that shipped with Windows 10, but Windows 11 is officially supported on itand as you know, that means you are tricked into upgrading. This is not a powerful machine by any means, but: first, its running the verbatim Microsoft experience, and second, it should be much more powerful than the K7 system, shouldnt it? We are continuously reminded that any computer or phone today has orders of magnitude more power than past machines. Now look at opening the same apps on Windows 11 on a Surface Go 2 (quad-core i5 processor at 2.4GHz, 8GB RAM, SSD). Everything is super sluggish. pic.twitter.com/W722PNEGv0  Julio Merino (@jmmv) June 22, 2023 Oh, and yes, I quoted the wrong hardware specs in the original tweet. Looking again on how I made that mistake: I searched for Surface Go 2 in Bing, I landed on the Surface Laptop Go 2 page, and copied what I saw there without noticing that it wasnt accurate.

All apps had been previously open, so they should all have been comfortably sitting in RAM.

The better comparison

Obviously various people noticed that there was something off with my comparison (unfair hardware configurations, wrong specs), so I redid the comparison once the thread started gaining attention:

Windows 2000 on the K7-600 machine (see installation thread). This is an OS from 1999 running on hardware from that same year. And, if you ask me, this was the best Windows release of all times: super-clean UI on an NT core, carrying all of the features you would want around performance and stability (except with terrible boot times). As you can see, things still fare very well for the old machine in terms of UI responsiveness. For those thinking that the comparison was unfair, here is Windows 2000 on the same 600MHz machine. Both are from the same year, 1999. Note how the immediacy is still exactly the same and hadnt been ruined yet. pic.twitter.com/Tpks2Hd1Id  Julio Merino (@jmmv) June 23, 2023

Windows 11 on a Mac Pro 2013 (see installation instructions) with a 6-core Xeon E5-1650v2 at 3.5GHz, 32GB of RAM, dual GPUs, and an SSD that can sustain up to 1GB/s. I know, this is a 10-year old machine at this point running a more modern OS. But please, go ahead, tell me with a straight face how hardware with these specs cannot handle opening trivial desktop applications without delay. Ill wait. Oh, and one more thing. Yes, yes, the Surface Go 2 is underpowered and all you want. But look at this video. Same steps on a 6-core Mac Pro @ 3.5GHz with 32GB of RAM. All apps cached. Note how they get painted in chunks. It's not because of animations or mediocre hardware. pic.twitter.com/9TOGAdaTXO  Julio Merino (@jmmv) June 23, 2023 The reason I used the Mac Pro is because it is the best machine I have running Windows right now and, in fact, its my daily driver. But again, I do not care about how running this comparison on an old machine might be inaccurate. Back when I left Microsoft last year, I was regularly using a Z4 desktop from 2022, a maxed-out quad-core i7 ThinkPad with 32GB of RAM, and an i7 Surface Laptop 3 with 16GB of RAM. Delays were shorter on these, of course, but interactions were still noticeably slow.

So, in any case: I agree the original comparison was potentially flawed, but as you can see, a better comparison yields the same resultswhich I knew it would. After years upon years of computer usage, you gain intuition on how things should behave, and trusting such intuition tends to work well as long as you validate your assumptions later, dont get me wrong!

Computer advancements

Lets put the tweets aside and talk about how things have changed since the 2000s. I jokingly asked how we are moving forward as an industry, so its worth looking into it.

Indeed, we have moved forward in many aspects: we now have incredible graphics and high-resolution monitors, super-fast networks, real-time video editing, and much more. All of these have improved over the years and it is very true that these advancements have allowed for certain life transformations to happen. Some examples: the ability to communicate with loved ones much more easily thanks to great-quality videoconferencing; the ability to have a streaming cinema at home; and the painless switch to remote work during the pandemic.

We have also moved forward on the I/O side. Disk I/O had always been the weakest spot on past systems. Floppy disks were unreliable and slow. CDs and DVDs were slightly-more-reliable but also slow. HDDs were the bottleneck for lots of things: their throughput improved over time, allowing things like higher-resolution video editing and the like, but random I/O hit physical limitsand fast random I/O is what essentially drives desktop responsiveness.

Then, boom, SSDs appeared and started showing up on desktops. These were a game-changer because they fixed the problem of random I/O. All of a sudden, booting a computer, launching a heavy game, opening folders with lots of small photos, or simply just using your computer all improved massively. Its hard to explain the usability improvements that these brought if you did not live through this transition, and its scary how those improvements are almost gone; more on that later.

Other stuff also improved, like the simplicity to install new hardware, the pervasiveness of wireless connections and devices, the internationalization of text and apps (Unicode isnt easy nor cheap, Ill grant that) all providing more usable machines in more contexts than ever.

So yeah, things are better in many areas and we have more power than ever. Otherwise, we couldnt do things like ML-assisted photo processing on a tiny phone, which was unimaginable in the 2000s.

Terrible latency

Yet none of these advancements justify why things are as excruciatingly slow as they are today in terms of UI latency. Old hardware from the year 1999, combined with an OS from that same year, shows that responsive systems have existed. If anything, all these hardware improvements I described should have made things better, not worse, shouldnt they?

Some replied to the comparison telling me that graphical animations and bigger screens are at fault because we have to draw more pixels, and thus the fact that we have these new niceties means we have to tolerate slowness. Well, not quite. Witness for yourself:

And... one more thing? To those saying: "it's the higher 4K resolution!" or "it's the good-looking animations!" or "it's the pretty desktop background!"no, they aren't at fault. See, the slowness is still visible with all of these disabled. In the end... blog post coming soon. pic.twitter.com/9BQy6IpK6a  Julio Merino (@jmmv) June 26, 2023

GPUs are a commodity now, and they lift the heavy burden of graphics management from the CPU. The kinds of graphical animations that a desktop renders are extremely cheap to compute, and this has been proven by macOS since its launch: all graphical effects on a macOS desktop feel instant. The effects do delay interactions thoughthe desktop switching animation is particularly intrusive, oh god how I hate that thingbut the delays generally come from intentional pauses during the animation. And when the effects introduce latency because the GPU cannot keep up, such as when you attach a 4K display to a really old Mac, then its painfully obvious that animations stutter due to lack of power. I havent encountered the latter in any of the videos above though, which is why animations and the like have nothing to do with my concerns.

So, please, think about it with a critical mind. How is the ability to edit multiple 4K video streams in real time or the ability to stream a 4K movie supposed to make starting apps like Notepad slower? Or opening the context menu in the desktop? Or reading your email? The new abilities we acquired much more power from the CPU and GPU, but they shouldnt remove performance from tasks that are essentially I/O-bound. Opening a simple app shouldnt be slower than it was more than 20 years ago; it really shouldnt be. Yet here we are. The reasons for the desktop latency come from elsewhere, and I have some guesses for those. But first, a look at a couple of examples.

Examples

On Windows land, there are two obvious examples I want to bring up and that were mentioned in the Twitter thread:

Notepad had been a native app until very recently, and it still opened pretty much instantaneously. With its rewrite as a UWP app, things went downhill. The before and after are apparent, and yet the app continues to be as unfeatureful as it had always been. This is extra slowness for no user benefit.

As for Windows Terminal, sure, it is nicer than anything that came before it, but it is visibly much, much heavier than the old Command Prompt. And if you add PowerShell into the mix, we are talking about multiple seconds for a new terminal window to be operational unless you have top-of-the-line hardware.

macOS fares better than Windows indeed, but it still has its issues. See this example contributed by @AlexRugerMusic. Even the mighty M1 has trouble opening up the system settings app:

Another example:



Left: 2006 MBP (2GHz Core 2 Duo, 2GB DDR2 RAM, Max OS X 10.6.8; has SSD)



Right: 2021 MacBook Air (M1, 16GB RAM, macOS 13)



Apps open about twice as fast on the Pro as they do on the Air (most, not just System Preferences/Settings). pic.twitter.com/PjMX1DI4uz  rewgs (@AlexRugerMusic) June 27, 2023

Linux is probably the system that suffers the least from these issues as it still feels pretty snappy on modest hardware. Fedora Linux 38, released in April 2023, runs really well on a micro PC from 11 years agoeven if Gnome or KDE had been resource hogs back in the day. That said, this is only an illusion. As soon as you start installing any modern app that wasnt developed exclusively for Linux the slow app start times and generally poor performance show up.

Related, but I feel this needs saying: the biggest shock for me was when I joined Google back in 2009. At the time, Google Search and GMail had stellar performance: they were examples to follow. From the inside though I was quite shocked by how all internal tools crawled, and in particular by how slow the in-house command line tools were. I actually fault Google for the situation we are in today due to their impressive internal systems and their relentless push for web apps at all costs, which brings us to

Causes

How does this all happen? Its easy to say Bloat!, but thats a hard thing to define because bloat can be justified: what one person considers as bloat is not the same as what another person considers as bloat. After all, 80% of users only use 20% of the software they consume (see Pareto principle), but the key insight is that the 20% that each user consumes is different from one another. So bloat isnt necessarily in the features offered by the software; its elsewhere.

So then we have frameworks and layers of abstraction, which seem to introduce bloat for bloats sake. But Im not sure this is correct either: abstraction doesnt inherently have to make things slower, as Rust has proven. What makes things slower are priorities. Nobody prioritizes performance anymore unless for the critical cases where it matters (video games, transcoding video, and the like). What people (companies) prioritize is developer time. For example: you might not want to use Rust because its steep learning curve means youll spend more time learning than delivering, or its higher compiler times mean that youll spend more time waiting for the compiler than shipping debugging production. Or another example: you might not want to develop native apps because that means duplicate work, so you reach out for a cross-platform web framework. That is, Electron.

I know its easy to dunk on Electron, but there are clear telltale signs that this platform is at fault for a lot of the damage done to desktop latency. Take 1Passwords 8th version, which many of users that migrated from the 7th version despise due to the slowness of the new interface. Or take Spotify, which used to prioritize startup and playback latency over anything else in its inception and, as you know if you use it, thats not true any more:

2009 version: 20MB fully native cocoa app, launches in less than a second, instant feedback when you click stuff, playback usually starts within 50ms pic.twitter.com/Enzi40PDCX  Rasmus Andersson (@rsms) May 10, 2023

These apps were rewritten in Electron to offer a unified experience across desktops and to cut down costs but for whom? The cost cuts were for the companies owning the products, not for the users. Such cuts impose a tax on every one of us due to our day-to-day frustrations and the need to unnecessarily upgrade our hardware. Couple these rewrites with the fact that OSes cannot reuse the heavy framework across apps (same idea as how using all RAM as a cache is a flawed premise) and the bloat quickly adds up when you run these apps concurrently.

Leaving Electron aside, another decision that likely introduces latency is the mass adoption of managed and interpreted languages. I know these are easy to dunk on as well, but thats because we have reasons to do so. Take Java or .NET: several Windows apps have been slowly rewritten in C# and, while I have no proof of this, Im convinced from past experience that this can be behind the sluggishness we notice. The JDK and the CLR do amazing jobs at optimizing long-running processes (their JIT can do PGO with real time data), but handling quick startup times is not something they manage well. This is why, for example, Bazel spawns a background server process to paper over startup latency and why Android has gone through multiple iterations of AOT compilation. (Edit: there must be other reasons though that I have not researched. As someone pointed out, my assumption that Windows Terminal was mostly C# is not true.)

More on this in Wirths law.

One-off improvements eaten away

To conclude, let me end with a pessimistic note by going back to hardware advancements.

The particular improvement that SSDs brought us was a one-off transformation. HDDs kept getting faster for years indeed, but they never could deliver the kind of random I/O that desktops require to be snappy. The switch to SSDs brought a kind of improvement that was at a different level. Unfortunately we could only buy those benefits once: there is no other technology to switch to that provides such a transformative experience. And thus, once the benefits brought by the new technology were eaten away by careless software, we are almost back to square one. Yes, SSDs are getting faster, but newer drives wont bring the kind of massive differences that the change from HDDs to SSDs brought.

You can see this yourself if you try using recent versions of Windows or macOS without an SSD: it is nigh impossible. These systems now assume that computers have SSDs in them, which is a fair assumption, but a problematic one due to what I mentioned above. The same applies to bloat in apps: open up your favorite resource monitor, look for the disk I/O bandwidth graph, and launch any modern app. Youll see a stream of MBs upon MBs being loaded from disk into memory, all of which must complete before the app is responsive. This is the kind of bloat that Electron adds and that SSDs permitted, but that could be avoided altogether with different design decisions.

Which makes me worried about Apple Silicon. Remember all the rage with the M1 launch and how these new machines had superb performance, extremely long battery life, and no fan noise? Well, wait and see: these benefits will be eaten away if we continue on the same careless path. And once that has happened, itll be too late. Retrofitting performance into existing applications is very difficult technically, and almost impossible to prioritize organizationally.

So will computer architects be able to save us with other revolutionary technology shifts? I wouldnt want to rely on that. Not because the shifts might not exist, but because we shouldnt need them.
A Republican-sponsored House bill that would place new restrictions on gender-affirming care for youths cleared the Senate on Tuesday.

House Bill 808, titled Gender Transition/Minors, was approved by a 29-16 vote  the final step of a fast-track pathway through the Senate that began June 21.

The bill returns to the House, which will vote on several changes made by the Senate that appear to have been approved by House bill sponsors.

The House approved HB808 by a 74-44 vote on May 3 with the support of two Democrats.

HB808 cleared the Senate after a federal judge on June 20 struck down Arkansas 2021 ban on gender-affirming care for minors, and a federal judge on June 21 struck down a similar ban in Florida.

Among those changes are moving up the effective date of most prohibitions within HB808 from Oct. 1 to Aug. 1.

Senate bill sponsors stressed that children already receiving gender-affirming medical treatment, such as surgical procedures, puberty-blocking drugs and cross-sex hormones would be allowed to complete their process as long as a medical professional deemed the continuation or completion to be medically necessary and the parents and guardians consented. State funds would remain available for them.

However, the bill would prevent minors from starting the treatment process as of Aug. 1.

Several medical treatment exceptions were inserted into the bill during the Senate Judiciary committee on June 21.

Those include: services to individuals with a medically verifiable disorder of sex development; services provided when a physician has diagnosed abnormal sex chromosome structure, sex steroid hormone production, or sex steroid hormone action; treatment of any infection, injury, disease or disorder caused by previous performance of gender transition procedures; and breast reduction procedures when necessary to remedy a physical disorder in a female patient.

The Senate kept the July 1 effective date for when potential civil penalties begin for violations of the proposed law.

A legislative analysis said medical professionals would be prohibited from: performing surgical gender transition procedures on minors; and prescribing, providing or dispensing puberty-blocking drugs or cross-sex hormones to minors with some exceptions.

The bill defines medical professionals to include anyone licensed to practice medicine or licensed to prescribe or dispense drugs.

Medical professionals who did not comply with the provisions (of HB808) would be deemed to have engaged in unprofessional conduct and would have their licenses revoked, according to the legislative analysis.

State funds could not be used for surgical gender transition procedures on minors and for prescribing, providing or dispensing puberty-blocking drugs or cross-sex hormones to minors.

A minor who received surgical gender transition medical treatment would have up to 25 years  after age 18  to sue a medical professional and the entity employing or contracting with the medical professional who performed the procedure or prescribed or supplied the puberty-blocking drugs or cross-sex hormones.

There would be no damage cap on medical malpractice awards.

Several Senate Democrats have sought clarifications on the potential legal effects of HB808.

For example, they asked if the restrictions and legal ramifications, such as being subject to civil lawsuits, could apply to health insurers and Medicaid since medical professionals typically have service contracts with those groups.

Neither bill sponsors nor legislative analysis staff could answer those specific questions, but an analysis staff member did say the bill does allow for liability for any entity that is under contract with a doctor. It would be up to the courts to determine the exact scope of that.

Sen. Joyce Krawiec, R-Forsyth, defended her support of HB808 by saying that gender transitioning is growing at a tremendous pace. This process has doubled between 2017 and 2021.

The Associated Press reports that gender-affirming treatments for gender dysphoria are considered safe and medically necessary by the leading professional health associations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association and the Endocrine Society.

Some Senate Republicans, including Krawiec and Buck Newton of Wilson County, have cited studies they did not identify that if children experiencing gender dysphoria are allowed to go through puberty, 80% and 67% of them have no further problems and they dont proceed any further with it as long as they delayed the puberty blocking drugs.

Sen. Sylvia Batch, D-Wake, responded by mentioning several of the same studies as the AP report.

Newton appeared to brush off those studies, calling some of them specious.
Happy Wednesday.

North Carolina made national headlines - again - for all the wrong reasons midday Tuesday.

Perhaps you noticed.

This time, the U.S. Supreme Court took a commonsensical and moderate position on a case called Moore v. Harper, brought nominally by N.C. Speaker of the House Tim Moore to challenge the court systems role in exercising judicial oversight over the actions of legislative bodies.

Specifically, Republican leaders in the Legislature were pressing something called the independent state legislature theory, in which they maintained that the Supreme Court couldnt ban the General Assembly from creating radically gerrymandered districts to the GOPs benefit even if they violated constitutional voter protections.

Its complicated but the Supreme Courts decision means that legislatures dont get blank checks to draw districts that guarantee political majorities regardless of vote totals and that other government officials - courts - can question (and overturn) decisions that are patently unconstitutional.

I know. Its confusing, especially when laid against a seemingly endless series of lawsuits and court challenges over legislative and congressional districts, ballot access and voter rights.

And even with Tuesdays 6-3 decision against a naked power grab, there will be more court cases.

There is, however, a simple and easy to understand fix: Drain the swamp.

Congress, if the honorables had either the inclination or the patriotism, could do just that by passing reforms we all can understand.

They include term limits, prohibiting former representatives and senators from lobbying for at least five years after leaving office and banning active stock trading. The honorables would have to place their assets in blind trust while serving.

(Not to single anyone out but a certain former senator from North Carolina whose name rhymes with Litchard Furr is Exhibits A, B and C. Google pandemic profiteering.)

While its unlikely a majority of lawmakers would vote to cut the strings to golden parachutes that many have come to view as just rewards for winning elections, there are hopeful examples.

The name of one such politician should ring out: former U.S. Rep. Howard Coble, God rest his soul, had it mostly right.

Coble, for youngsters and those with short memories, was a Republican member of Congress who represented Greensboro for 30 years.

While he was a creature of Washington by virtue of his longevity, remember, too, that Coble refused to participate in a swell Congressional pension plan through which he could have lined his own golden chute to the tune of $68,000 a year, every year, for life. Oh, and it came with gilded health insurance.

Coble often called it the Cadillac of pension plans and said often that taxpayers who cover salaries of state and federal lawmakers shouldnt pay for their retirements, too.

Novel concept.

(Turning the pension down) was not my most brilliant move, Coble told me more than once.

Howard, who never forgot a face or a name, died in 2015.

A post office, a building at the Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation and a section of Interstate 85 are named in his honor.

But his lasting legacy should include a costly financial decision made on principle.

Have your say

GREENSBORO - In this golden age of urban revitalization, one solid sign that a once decrepit downtown has turned a corner can be found when the local citizenry begins griping about parking.

In Winston-Salem, complaints these days largely center around pay-for-play lots monitored electronically by a Florida company that will fill the mailboxes of the unsuspecting with fines of $75 and up.

And in the Gate City, much of the bellyaching has to do with access and the (non) availability of good options.

In an attempt to at least appear that somethings being done, the city of Greensboro is scheduled to hold public meetings this evening to discuss parking - the burning issue of the 21st Century.

Drop in meetings will take place in the Vic Nussbaum room of the Central Library from 4 to 5:30 p.m.and from 6 to 7:30 p.m. An online Zoom meeting has been scheduled at 12:30 p.m. Thursday.

Necessary evil

WINSTON-SALEM - As long as were thinking about downtowns, those with business (or pleasure) in the Camel City would be wise to note work on Third, Fourth and Fifth streets.

Long overdue repaving of Fourth Street began earlier this week, necessitating its closure between Liberty and Broad Streets for approximately the next two weeks.

Once thats done, the city department of transportation will close Third Street from Research Parkway to Broad and Fifth Street from Research Parkway to Broad from July 10 through the end of the month.

The city understands this is a huge project with the potential to inconvenience nearly everyone who works, lives or visits downtown during the project, said Keith Huff, the citys stormwater director, in the understatement of the summer.

Still, when compared to realigning wheels and dental fillings lost to sinkholes in the streets, two-week closures are a small price to pay.
The absence of three Democratic legislators  including one from the Triad  cleared the way Monday for N.C. Senate Republicans to override Gov. Roy Coopers veto of legislation that will remove protections for more than half of the states wetlands.

The GOP supermajority in the House followed suit Tuesday with its own override, which allows the North Carolina Farm Act to become law.

Sen. Gladys Robinson of Guilford County was absent from Mondays override vote along with Democratic colleagues Mike Woodard of Durham County and Kandie Smith, whose district includes Edgecombe and Pitt counties.

Republicans need 30 votes to reach the three-fifths threshold for nullifying Coopers veto with all members present. With Republican Sen. Danny Britt missing Mondays vote, Democrats could have defeated the override with the backing of all 20 of their members.

All four absences were recorded as excused in the roll call for the vote.

Robinson did not immediately reply Tuesday to the Journals questions about her absence.

Its unclear whether Woodard, who was a secondary sponsor of the original bill, would have followed his Democratic colleagues in voting to sustain the veto. He also didnt immediately answer the Journals questions.

The Senate was in session Tuesday.

Sen. Paul Lowe, a Forsyth County Democrat who voted for the Farm Act when it initially passed June 8, opposed the override Monday.

In the House, Guilfords Cecil Brockman was among a half-dozen Democrats who joined all the chambers Republicans in supporting the override. The others were Carla Cunningham and Nasif Majeed of Mecklenburg; Garland Pierce of Hoke and Scotland; Shelly Willingham of Bertie, Edgecombe and Martin; and Michael Wray of Halifax, Northampton and Warren.

Most destructive environmental bill

In the House, a Triad Democrat offered an impassioned plea Tuesday for preventing the legislation from becoming law.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 last month that protections in the federal Clean Water Act dont apply to isolated wetlands that arent directly linked to lakes, rivers or streams. The decision effectively shifted responsibility for protecting those disconnected aquatic areas to states, Rep. Pricey Harrison of Guilford County noted.

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality estimates that 2.5 million acres of the states wetlands are no longer covered by the Clean Water Act, making them susceptible to destruction for development or other uses. A 1990 NCDEQ inventory counted a total of roughly 4.3 million of wetlands in the state.

While neighboring states South Carolina and Virginia have reacted to the courts decision by examining what they can do to protect newly vulnerable wetlands, This bill takes us in the opposite direction, Harrison said.

The Farm Bill doubled down on the courts ruling by preventing the state from applying its own protections to the newly vulnerable areas.

Shoot our own foot off

Wetlands, which can hold as much as 1 million gallons of water per acre, absorb floodwaters triggered by extreme weather events linked to climate change, Harrison explained.

We face increasing numbers of these high-energy storms and theyre not slowing down, she said, adding that the eastern portion of the state has been especially hard hit.

Harrison also noted that wetlands filter groundwater that becomes part of the drinking water supply, and provides wildlife habitat for North Carolinians who enjoy hunting and fishing.

I just implore you to think about the future of this state, your children and your grandchildren, and the legacy were leaving them, Harrison told her colleagues. Because this is probably the most destructive environmental bill this chamber has voted on since I was elected in 2004.

Rep. Deb Butler of New Hanover County noted that through Republican-sponsored legislation, the state has spent millions of dollars to support habitat for oysters, which naturally filter excess nitrogen and pollutants from water.

Do we use the natural approach where possible  the approach that doesnt cost us any money? she asked. And then do we continue to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to clean water after the fact? ... This approach we use is so schizophrenic. On one hand, we do great work and on the other hand, we shoot our own foot off.

Rep. Abe Jones of Wake County expressed frustration at Republicans for sliding the wetlands provision into an agriculture bill otherwise acceptable to Democrats.

Theres some really good stuff in here, he said, holding up a copy of the Farm Act. This bill would be much, much, much better if we took the junk out.
Costco shoppers, youve been warned.

If you routinely borrow your mothers or neighbors Costco membership card, next time youre probably going to be stopped at the checkout.

Issaquah, Washington-based Costco confirmed Friday that its membership policy hasnt changed  shoppers still need an active membership to shop and its not transferable  but its being abused.

As Costco has installed more self-checkout lanes, the retailer said, it has noticed that nonmember shoppers have been using membership cards that do not belong to them.

So, the retailer is taking a more aggressive enforcement stance.

We dont feel its right that nonmembers receive the same benefits and pricing as our members, Costco said in an emailed statement. As we already ask for the membership card at checkout, we are now asking to see their membership card with their photo at our self-service checkout registers.

The largest U.S. wholesale club, with sales last year of $222.7 billion, said in the statement that its annual membership fees, $60 for a Gold Star and $120 for Executive level, are what help it deliver lower prices. Costco reports membership fees separate from total sales. Fees amounted to $4.22 billion in its fiscal year that ended in August and were a good chunk of its profit last year of $5.84 billion.

As of May, Costco had 124.7 million cardholders from 69.1 million households, according to the companys website.

Costco is able to keep our prices as low as possible because our membership fees help offset our operational expenses, making our membership fee and structure important to us, the company said.

Costco joins Netflix and others looking at how to stop rampant sharing of memberships and subscriptions.

Netflix told its U.S. members in May that Netflix accounts are for you and the people you live with  your household.

Since its password-sharing crackdown, Netflix has added new subscribers at a rate it hadnt seen in years, according to published reports.
Rose wines are a summer tradition. By now, most European roses from the current vintage have arrived in the United States and are in Lincoln wine shops. While the dynamic increase in rose popularity has leveled a bit for the U.S. market, we still see a great selection in town. Winemakers focusing on producing great roses seem to get better each year.

Rose wines are typically served chilled. They can pair with a wide variety of foods and are great on their own. As with most wines, my preference is to enjoy rose with food. At this time of the year, fresh salads to pair with a crisp, dry rose are an ideal combination.

For a salad, I stopped by Art & Soul, a locally owned and operated food and drink establishment that makes killer salads. I ordered a walnut and pear salad with grilled salmon. This salad was at the high end of the delicious scale, bursting with a wide combination of flavors from crispy bacon, chewy dried cranberry and soft sweet pears. The walnuts complimented the salad with crunch and were tasty as well. The salmon was tender, juicy and nicely seasoned with a bit of spice and smoke flavor.

For wine, I started with Il Borro Borrosa, 2022, Tuscany, Italy, $19. Il Borro is the winery owned by Salvatore Ferragamo, one of the worlds most famous producers of shoes and leather. Their wines seem to follow the same pattern of high quality. This wine is made from only Sangiovese grapes, Tuscany's most important variety. The wine is salmon pink in the glass, it has aromas of peach, strawberry and honey. It has delicate acidity, which results in softness on the palate. It offers juicy cherry, nuanced strawberries and cream with just a hint of tangerine. 89 points.

Next, I tried Tenuta Meridiana Le Quattro Terre Rosato, Piedmont, Italy, $19. This winery only makes wine from the Barbera grape and they are legendary in northern Italy for their wines. Tenuta Meridianas rose is light pink in the glass with orange flecks and has scents of nectarine, strawberry and quince. The wine is vibrant and crisp. The flavors of strawberry, subtle red raspberry and a hint of citrus dance on the palate. Its a wine thats hard to stop sipping. 90 points.

The last wine I tasted was Elena Walch 20/26 Rosato, Alto Adige, Italy, $21. Walch is an iconic winemaker with vineyards on the steep and rocky hillsides of Alto Adige in northern Italy. An architect turned winemaker, Walch is known for her legendary talents. Her Rosato is a blend of pinot noir, merlot and a little-known variety called lagrein. Its called 20/26 because the grapes are harvested when they have 20 grams of sugar and the wine is fermented at 26 degrees Celsius. The wine is light salmon in the glass, and, on the nose, it expresses raspberry, peach and blood orange. The wine is crisp and bright with an intense acidity that is compelling. Flavors of red berries, citrus peel and an undercurrent of spice make the wine as tasty to drink as it is pretty to look at in class. This wine is very well made. 90 points.

With the salad, the Elena Walch 20/26 Rosato set itself apart. The spices on the salmon bring out flavors from the crisp wine that were powerful, explosive and beyond my expectation for the pairing. This will not be the last time I taste these flavors together.

If you have not tried rose, I strongly encourage you to revisit this category. It adds a new dimension to wine-drinking enjoyment. Tasting these wines is a true pleasure and a rare treat. Each wine is superb and leaves you seeking more at the end of the glass. These rose wines are perfect to share with friends on a warm summer day.
Opportunity is ripe for Republicans to win back the Senate next year  if they can land the candidates to pull it off.

The GOP needs a net gain of one or two seats to flip the chamber, depending on which party wins the White House in 2024, and it's Democrats who are defending the tougher seats. Democrats hold seven of the 10 seats that CNN ranks as most likely to flip party control next year  and the top three are all in states former President Donald Trump carried twice.

But this spring's recruitment season, coming on the heels of a midterm cycle marred by problematic GOP candidates, will likely go a long way toward determining how competitive the Senate map is next year.

National Republicans got a top pick last week, with Gov. Jim Justice announcing his Senate bid in West Virginia  the seat most likely to flip party control in 2024. (Rankings are based on CNN's reporting, fundraising figures and historical data about how states and candidates have performed.) But Justice appears headed for a contentious and expensive primary. And in many other top races, the GOP hasn't yet landed any major candidates.

Democrats, meanwhile, are thankful that most of their vulnerable incumbents are running for reelection, while a high-profile House member has largely cleared the field for one of their open Senate seats.

The unknown remains West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin. Responding to Justice's candidacy, Manchin  who has said he'll decide about running by the end of the year  had this to say to CNN about a potentially messy GOP primary: "Let the games begin."

The anti-tax Club for Growth's political arm has already committed to spending $10 million to back West Virginia Rep. Alex Mooney in the GOP primary. And tensions between the club, which has turned against Trump, and more establishment Republicans could become a feature of several top Senate races this cycle, especially with the National Republican Senatorial Committee weighing more aggressive involvement in primaries to weed out candidates it doesn't think can win general elections.

In the 2022 cycle, most of Trump's handpicked candidates in swing states stumbled in the general election. But the former president picked up a key endorsement this week from NRSC Chair Steve Daines. The Montana Republican has stayed close with Trump, CNN has previously reported, in a bid to ensure he's aligned with leadership.

Democrats defending tough seats have previously used GOP primaries to their advantage. Manchin survived in 2018 in part because his opponent was state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey. That wasn't an accident. Democrats had spent big attacking one of his primary opponents to keep him out of the general election.

Last year's midterms underscored that candidates really do matter after Republicans failed to harness favorable national winds in some key races. In a presidential year, the national environment is likely to loom large, especially with battleground states hosting key Senate races. It will also test whether some of the last remaining senators who represent states that back the opposite parties' presidential nominees can hold on.

President Joe Biden, who carried half of the states on this list in 2020, made official last week that he's running for reelection. The GOP presidential field is slowly growing, with Trump still dominating most primary polling. It's too early to know, however, what next year's race for the White House will look like or which issues, whether it's abortion or crime or the economy, will resonate.

So for now, the parties are focused on what they can control: candidates. Even though the 2024 map is stacked in their favor, Republicans can't win with nobody. But there's plenty of time for would-be senators to get into these races. Some filing deadlines  in Arizona, for example  aren't for nearly another year. And there's an argument to be made that well-funded or high-profile names have no reason to get in early.
The Nebraska Court of Appeals on Tuesday upheld a Lincoln man's convictions and lengthy county jail sentence  one year for each of six counts  for repeatedly violating a protection order.

Corey R. Miller, 33, pleaded no contest to the misdemeanors, which were pled down from felonies.

And at sentencing on June 29, 2022, he admitted wrongdoing before saying the victim, his ex-girlfriend, had continued to contact him, essentially seeking help from him and leading him to believe she and Miller's child were at risk of harm from her husband.

After the judge sentenced him to six years in the Lancaster County jail, Miller appealed, blaming his attorney and calling his sentence excessive.

"Six years in county jail is what I was charged with when all I wanted to do was save my son from a violent, toxic situation," Miller wrote in a letter to the Journal Star.

In Tuesday's decision, the Court of Appeals rejected his arguments and affirmed his convictions and sentence.

According to the record, Miller was served with a protection order on Jan. 6, 2021, prohibiting him from telephoning, contacting or otherwise communicating with his ex-girlfriend.

About a month later, she reported Miller was sending her text messages, and police found 2,800 messages between them in one week. Prosecutors say the messages continued, with Miller reaching out about her going to the police, and he later called and sent her letters from jail.

Chief Court of Appeals Judge Michael Pirtle said: "Miller argues that the trial court failed to adequately consider that his protection order violations were justifiable based on the circumstances, and that his conduct was non-violent."

But, he said, the sentencing judge discussed the facts and circumstances that led to Millers violations, including Millers perceptions about being deceived by the victim of the protection order violations.

The judge also noted the large number of violations at issue, including those while Miller was in jail and his inability to abide by court orders not to contact the victim.

With credit for time served, Miller will have to serve about another year.

Safest cities in America 2023: Violent crime rate increases drive per capita cost of crime Safest cities in America 2023: Violent crime rate increases drive per capita cost of crime The 15 Safest Cities in America The 15 Most Dangerous Cities Methodology
Photo: The Canadian Press One expert says talks between Canada's two largest newspaper chains about a potential merger are akin to a "Hail Mary pass" amid declining readership and advertising revenue. Toronto Star and National Post newspaper boxes are shown in downtown Toronto on Friday, October 29, 1999. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Kevin Frayer

A potential merger between Canada's two largest newspaper chains could mark the next step in the decimation of Canadian news that has seen dwindling jobs and widening coverage gaps, say those who study the industry.

Postmedia Network Canada Corp. said Tuesday that it's in talks to merge with Nordstar Capital LP, the owner of Metroland Media Group and the Toronto Star.

The two publishers said the proposed deal is a bid to create greater scale so they can respond to the "existential threat" facing the media industry.

Postmedia, which owns publications including the National Post, Vancouver Sun and Calgary Herald, said the proposal would see the Toronto Star maintain editorial independence through the incorporation of a new company that would manage its editorial operations. It said terms of the proposed deal have not been finalized

But even with such assurances, the talks raise alarm bells for those who say they've heard similar promises before.

"We saw the merger between the old Postmedia Southam newspapers and the Sun chain and it certainly didn't add anything to local coverage. It just resulted in more lost jobs, more amalgamation and less news and that's kind of how I see this going again," said Brad Clark, a journalism professor at Calgary's Mount Royal University.

"I'm deeply concerned that we'll see newsrooms combined, we'll see fewer people in legislative assemblies and House of Commons covering the important news of the day. I think this is quite a blow."

In 2015, Postmedia purchased 175 Sun Media newspapers from Quebecor for $316 million, saying it planned to keep separate newsrooms in markets where it would operate multiple dailies. The following year, it cut 90 jobs as it merged newsrooms in four major cities, where once-rival newspapers began publishing often identical content as one another.

Job losses at the company have continued, with Postmedia laying off 11 per cent of its editorial staff earlier this year, less than a week after employees were told it was grappling with "economic contraction.''

Dwayne Winseck, a professor at Carleton University's School of Journalism and Communication, said Canada's media landscape has been victim to a combination of bad decision-making, the rise of big tech and economic downturns.

"It's a Hail Mary pass,'" he said of the discussions of a potential merger.

"To me, what that does is it first legitimates consolidation and then second, it diverts attention from the role that these actors themselves have played in creating the conditions that have ended up in such a poor state."

If theres one potential winner from the proposed deal, its the Toronto Star, said Carleton journalism professor emeritus Christopher Waddell, who also serves as the publisher of Canadian journalism news publication J-Source.

The structure laid out in Tuesdays release appears to separate the Toronto Star from the merging entity. That could be a boost to the paper as it seeks to gain subscribers in the digital age, said Waddell.

The Star has a chance to survive. But if you take everything else thats not the Star, it appears to be trying to preserve the positions of all these other entities  without a clear indication of how they have the financial investment to improve their editorial content, said Waddell.

What it may be doing is delaying the inevitable, he said, adding, it may be blocking entrepreneurs or with new ideas and new approaches to coming into the marketplaces.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau weighed in Wednesday, calling the negotiations a "significant step" and noting the Competition Bureau would likely examine any proposed deal.

"I won't comment on it right now but I will say we need to continue to make sure we are supporting the ability of Canadians to get local news, to get quality journalism, to keep them informed about how our country is doing," Trudeau told reporters.

Keldon Bester, co-founder of the Canadian Anti-Monopoly Project, said it's unlikely the Competition Bureau will stop the companies from combining, just as it allowed for the previous merger of Postmedia and Sun Media to go through.

Bester noted that after Postmedia and Torstar Corp. agreed in 2017 to swap 41 community and daily newspapers, 36 of which were subsequently closed, the bureau determined no intervention was necessary.

To refer a case for prosecution under the criminal conspiracy provisions of the Competition Act, the Bureau must find clear evidence demonstrating that competitors reached an agreement to fix prices, allocate markets, or lessen or eliminate the supply of a product or service," the watchdog said in 2021 after ending its probe into the deal.

Bester said Canadian law focuses on competition for the advertising market rather than editorial diversity, but the 2017 swap essentially created "Postmedia towns and Torstar towns" where advertisers wouldn't need to compete with one another.

"We really can't count on the bureau, especially when you look at that swap. It really created territories that will make it difficult for the bureau to argue a reduction in competition," he said.

"The bureau is absolutely on the backfoot here and I think the federal government, through either informal or formal action, needs to step in and make it clear to these parties that this is a non-starter."
A Lincoln man is set for sentencing after entering a plea in a case involving a mans kidnapping and torture and a womans sexual assault last summer at a warehouse on the northeast edge of town.

Tanner Danielson, 31, faces up to 50 years on each of the charges  attempted kidnapping and first-degree sexual assault  at his sentencing in September.

He pleaded no contest Wednesday.

The case against his co-defendant, Austin Widhalm of Firth, remains in county court, where hes charged with false imprisonment, felony assault and a weapons charge.

The investigation began the morning of July 29, when the Gage County Sheriffs Office took a report about a handcuffed man spotted walking along a gravel road southeast of Firth near the Gage County line.

When they found him, the 26-year-old told deputies he had been struck by a wrench and handcuffed, held captive for 12 hours, tortured and beaten at a warehouse near North 56th Street and Interstate 80, where he had gone the night before with a female friend to buy cocaine.

At the Beatrice Hospital, where he was treated for burns and brand marks on his face, arms and legs and two black eyes, he told Lincoln Police he was beaten, burned with a blowtorch and branded with the word thief after he was ambushed by two men during a drug deal.

The victim believed it was retaliation for him burglarizing Danielsons house and stealing marijuana and cash about a week earlier.

When police interviewed the woman held captive with him, she told them she had been raped by one of the men, who introduced himself as Tanner, after he took her to a bathroom.

Police said Danielson drove her home from the warehouse and threatened to kill her if she reported it.

The male victim was left with his mouth taped shut, tied to a tree in rural Gage County and told if he wasnt still there when they returned, they would kill his family. He eventually freed himself and started walking.

Police said the investigation led to the arrests of Danielson in Rapid City, South Dakota, and Widhalm in Lincoln.

Most dangerous cities in Nebraska Dangerous Cities in Nebraska 6. South Sioux City 5. Scottsbluff 4. North Platte 3. Lincoln 2. Grand Island 1. Omaha A note about the numbers
Ninth Street reopened to traffic after a portion of it was closed for more than an hour Wednesday afternoon as Lincoln Fire and Rescue bomb technicians investigated a "suspicious package."

Authorities declared the situation was "all safe on the west lawn" shortly before 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to emergency scanner traffic.

Lincoln Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Jim Bopp said a man brought a briefcase into the Hall of Justice, 555 S. 10th St., and claimed he'd been scammed.

The briefcase, which was considered "suspicious," was taken outside around noon, where a bomb technician X-rayed it and then shot it open from a distance. There was nothing dangerous inside, Bopp said.

The Hall of Justice serves as the headquarters of the Police Department and Lancaster County Sheriff's Office and is home to the county's state court proceedings.

Photos: Firefighters in action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action Photos: Firefighters in Action
Lincoln Electric System wants to suspend a program that provides a discount for certain businesses, which began as an economic development tool intended to encourage companies to come to Lincoln.

Begun in 2018, the economic development rider offered declining discounts  starting as high as 50%  over a five-year period for businesses that also qualified for the states ImagiNE Nebraska incentive program.

Emily Koenig, LES vice president and chief financial officer, said it was intended for customers who have a high load factor, or consistent and efficient users such as manufacturers.

Now LES wants to suspend the program because times have changed.

Five years ago, Koenig said, LES had excess capacity  access to more power than customers needed at the time.

Now, projected growth in Lincoln  including the possibility of Lincoln landing a large data center (and a big electricity user)  and higher costs of generating capacity means it no longer makes sense to offer the discount.

Agate LLC, which appears to be a subsidiary of Google, has proposed building a data center on about 600 acres it bought for $18.6 million on the northwest corner of the 56th Street interchange on Interstate 80.

Continuing to offer the discount could have a detrimental effect on existing customers, Koenig said, a situation other power companies have faced at various times.

We dont want to continue to offer something at a sale price that we may not have in the future, Koenig said.

LES will honor agreements with companies already participating or those that sign up before Aug. 1, when the suspension will begin, assuming the City Council approves it at its July 10 meeting.

At the moment, thats just one company, which offers cold storage. Its in its third year of the program, Koenig said.

She declined to name the company, but said its a smaller company that will get about a $75,000 credit over the five years. Another manufacturing firm has signed an agreement and would still be able to participate, she said.

Another LES program started in 2018 that offers its largest users lower bills in exchange for them allowing LES to interrupt their service during peak load times is still operating.

A divide over parental leave

Two months after Lincoln became the first city in the state to offer paid parental leave, Lancaster County followed suit  by a very narrow margin.

The County Board on Tuesday voted 3-2 to institute a similar policy that allows six weeks of paid leave for the birth, adoption or fostering of a child.

The City Council unanimously passed the ordinance adding parental leave  a policy change championed by Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird  but some County Board members werent convinced it was a good change.

Matt Schulte and Rick Vest both voted against the policy change, citing conversations with department heads concerned about scheduling and staffing issues it could cause.

Schulte said he was a strong family guy but worried about incorporating parental leave into various departments, especially the jail, youth services and engineering (because of the demands of snow removal).

In our county, we have so many places where people work 24-7 or are on call 24-7, and I just think this creates lots of problems for departments, he said.

Vest had similar concerns and wanted to hold off, or start with a provisional policy that would offer shorter leave.

I dont see the benefits outweigh the cost, he said.

Sean Flowerday, Christa Yoakum and Roma Amundson all voted in favor, saying it was good for employees, an important recruiting tool and made them able to compete with Lincoln  the top job competitor for the county.

Flowerday acknowledged it could create staffing challenges, but he said recruiting for many of those same departments has also been a hurdle parental leave would help address.

Amundson said she supported the policy because it fell in line with the countys recently adopted strategic plan that prioritizes workforce investment and implementing forward-thinking policies.

Yoakum, who has four children and worked in places staffed 24 hours for most of her career, said its important for families.

This is an important step for the county to take. she said.

Election commissioner salary bump

Lancaster Countys newest election commissioner just got a raise.

The County Board did a market review of election commissioners in six counties in Kansas and Southeast Nebraska, and concluded Lancaster Countys commissioner is underpaid.

The salaries in Douglas and Sarpy counties in Nebraska and Johnson, Sedgwick, Wyandotte and Shawnee counties in Kansas ranged from $72,571 in Wyandotte County to $152,662 in Johnson County.

Todd Wiltgen  who was appointed by Gov. Jim Pillen to replace longtime election commissioner Dave Shively  is paid $104,098. His new salary, beginning in September, will be $115,723

The chief deputy election commissioners salary will increase from $79,950 to $109,936.85, a larger jump because the new deputy chief works five days a week instead of four, as Shivelys deputy chief did.

Wiltgens deputy chief will get paid 95% of the commissioners salary, which is in line with other deputy chiefs in the county. Shivelys deputy chief was paid at 72% of the commissioners salary.

Top Journal Star photos for June 2023
Take a look at trending topics for today, June 27.

Canadian wildfires

Drifting smoke from the ongoing wildfires across Canada is creating curtains of haze and raising air quality concerns throughout the Great Lakes region, and in parts of the central and eastern United States.

In Minnesota, a record 23rd air quality alert was issued Tuesday through late Wednesday night across much of the state, as smoky skies obscure the skylines of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

On Tuesday, Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy issued an air quality alert for the entire state. Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources also issued an air quality advisory for the state.

In Chicago  where the air quality has been categorized unhealthy by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency  officials are urging young people, older adults and residents with health issues to spend more time indoors.

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Ryan Seacrest

The category? "Proper Name." The answer? Ryan Seacrest, who will become the new "Wheel of Fortune" host after Pat Sajak's retirement next year.

Seacrest and Sony Pictures Television announced Tuesday that Seacrest has signed a multiyear deal to host the long-running game show starting with Season 42. Sajak recently announced the upcoming 41st season would be his last on the show.

It's the latest hosting gig for Seacrest, the popular "American Idol" host who also now rings in the new year for many on "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve."

"I'm truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak," Seacrest said in a statement.

Read more about it here:

Jimmie Johnson

Police in Muskogee, Oklahoma, confirmed Tuesday they are investigating the shooting deaths of three relatives of seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson.

The bodies of Jack Janway, 69; his wife Terry Janway, 68; and their grandson Dalton Janway, 11, were discovered Monday at a home in Muskogee, located about 50 miles (80 kilometers) southeast of Tulsa, Muskogee police spokesperson Lynn Hamlin said. Hamlin said investigators believe Terry Janway shot and killed her husband and grandson before shooting herself.

Police responded to the home after a woman called 911 to report a disturbance with a gun before hanging up, Hamlin said.

Find out more here:

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Get more on today's trending topics here:

Supreme Court

National Supreme Court rejects GOP in North Carolina case that could have reshaped elections beyond the state

Grimace Shake
KEARNEY  The Buffalo County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal crash Tuesday in which the driver was killed after being ejected from the vehicle.

The accident occurred about 5 miles north of Kearney.

At approximately 1:07 p.m. deputies were called to investigate the single-vehicle crash south of 160th Road on Nebraska 10.

A midsize sport-utility vehicle left the roadway, entered the west ditch, vaulted and ejected the lone occupant. When rescue crews reached the vehicle, the driver was already dead.

The victim has been identified as Patrick Caddy, age 65, of Ravenna. The Buffalo County Attorney has ordered an autopsy. Next of kin have been notified.

These are the highways in Nebraska with the most fatalities. These are the highways in Nebraska with the most fatalities.
A Nebraska lawmaker filed a defamation lawsuit against a local far-right political action committee after members claimed she was grooming her transgender son.

The complaint was filed Wednesday in Douglas County District Court by the Nebraska Legal Action Fund on behalf of state Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, alleging that the Nebraska Freedom Coalition  including members Patrick Peterson, Robert Anthony and Malia Shirley  made intentional, reckless, and knowingly false statements about Hunt, claiming she sexually abused and groomed her 13-year-old son.

Today I am taking a stand against those who wish to defame, intimidate, and harass parents, educators, health care professionals and advocates who stand up for our children and Nebraskans in the fight for equality across the state. No longer will we stand by while vile and defamatory statements are made to marginalize Nebraskans, Hunt said in a news release about the complaint.

The coalition made such claims on Twitter after Hunt shared that her son was transgender during a contentious debate over a bill that will restrict access to gender-affirming care for individuals under 19. Since then, the coalition has repeatedly called Hunt a groomer, and posted photos of her child.

Following the initial post, the Nebraska Legal Action Fund requested the coalition retract its statements, but the coalition doubled down in a post that was still pinned on its Twitter page as of Wednesday.

According to the complaint, the coalition intended to accuse Hunt of a crime through these statements. In Nebraska, grooming is considered a form of child abuse.

As a mother there is perhaps no worse crime to be accused of, than the sexual abuse of your own child, the complaint reads. The coalition accused her exactly of that, with no basis in fact, and did so knowingly.

Prompted by the coalitions posts, the complaint claims that Hunt has been subject to harassment and threatening statements. An Omaha lawyer filed a complaint against Hunt arguing that she had a conflict of interest in the debate on the gender care bill due to her son being transgender  that complaint was recently dismissed.

Without any evidence to support the coalitions claims, the Nebraska Legal Action Fund contends the statements are defamatory.

The coalition did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Photos: Last day of the 108th Nebraska Legislature
Gov. Jim Pillen announced Tuesday that Patrick Haggerty will be the director of a new state office devoted to expanding broadband services across Nebraska.

Haggerty will lead the Nebraska Broadband Office, which Pillen called for in an executive order during his first days as governor and was solidified through the passage of LB683 this year. Haggerty will assume the role of director on July 17, and will join Pillens Cabinet.

Patricks many years of executive level experience in the telecommunications and government relations fields uniquely positions him to lead our efforts to bring reliable and affordable high-speed internet to all Nebraskans, Pillen said in a press release.

Haggerty most recently served as the regional senior director for state government affairs over Illinois, Indiana and Minnesota for telecommunications company Charter Communications. He previously worked for similar companies such as Qwest Communications and CenturyLink.

The Broadband Office is tasked with overseeing millions of federal dollars for the purposes of expanding broadband services, including $405.3 million from the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program that federal officials announced Monday was coming to Nebraska. The state had received nearly $100 million before Mondays announcement.

The office, supported by the Nebraska Department of Transportation, is collecting public input for a five-year action plan that will inform Nebraskas proposal for the execution of these funds.

We are at a pivotal time, where a strategic and coordinated approach to broadband deployment is vital, Haggerty said in the press release.

Haggerty, Pillen and other state officials will tour the state on July 6 to outline their plan. In the meantime, the Broadband Office, along with the Department of Transportation, the Nebraska Information Technology Commission and the Office of the Chief Information Officer continue to host public meetings across Nebraska to provide and seek input about the quality and availability of internet access.

Several upcoming meetings remain:

South Sioux City  June 29, 5:30 p.m.; South Sioux City Marriott Riverfront, 385 E. Fourth St.

Lincoln  July 11, 5:30 p.m.; NDOT Auditorium, 1500 Nebraska Parkway

Omaha  July 12, 5:30 p.m.; NDOT State Operations Center, 4425 S. 108th St.

Those who are unable to attend can visit broadband.nebraska.gov/Home to get more information and submit feedback.

10 scenic hiking trails in Nebraska Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge - 68 miles from Lincoln Platte River State Park - 32 miles from Lincoln Pioneers Park Nature center - 7 miles from downtown Lincoln Eugene T. Mahoney State Park - 25 miles from Lincoln Indian Cave State Park - 93 miles from Lincoln Ponca State Park - 145 miles from Lincoln Smith Falls State Park - 317 miles from Lincoln Scotts Bluff National Monument - 399 miles from Lincoln Pine Ridge National Recreation Area - 439 miles from Lincoln Toadstool Geologic Park - 473 miles from Lincoln Did we miss something?
The Nebraska Public Service Commission on Tuesday approved more than $61 million for 65 grants for broadband internet projects.

The money comes from the 2023 Capital Projects Fund Grant Program, which had received 130 applications for broadband buildout funding.

The Capital Projects Fund is another opportunity for qualified applicants to bring broadband to Nebraskans most in need of these services, said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier in the news release.

The grants are awarded by the PSC in the 1st and 3rd Congressional Districts. In each district, at least $40 million in grant funding was available for eligible broadband projects.

In the 1st District, 27 grants were awarded, totaling $40.3 million. Seward County had three projects approved with applications from Allo Communications worth $9.27 million. Charter Communications received $3.18 million for projects in Lancaster County, while Windstream received $3.2 million for a project in Denton.

The 3rd District had 38 grants with a total of $21.03 million.

All projects that receive grant awards are required to be completed by December 27, 2024, unless the PSC grants an extension.

Funding is still available for Third District projects, and the commission plans to open an additional window for applications. Projects that were not approved initially may be resubmitted for consideration. We want to distribute the entire amount of grant funding available, Watermeier said.

Top Journal Star photos for June 2023
Photo: VIA FACEBOOK Victoria mortgage broker Gregory Martel

The B.C. Securities Commission has confirmed it is in the midst of an investigation of Victoria mortgage broker Greg Martel.

The commission, which had not previously commented on the case, has confirmed it is gathering information from anyone who has been involved with Martels companies Shop Your Own Mortgage and My Mortgage Auctions Corp.

The commission has launched an online questionnaire that asks investors about their net worth, how they invested in Martels companies, how much they invested in the companies, if they ever received payment from Martel, if they ever had face-to-face contact with Martel or one of his representatives, and if they were ever offered a prospectus or offering memorandum before investing.

The information is being gathered by the commissions Criminal Investigations Branch, which investigates potential quasi-criminal offences under B.C.s Securities Act and criminal offences under the Canadian Criminal Code.

The investigation could lead to administrative proceedings before the commission.

The investigation will run alongside the investigative work of PricewaterhouseCoopers, the receiver overseeing the bankruptcy proceedings of My Mortgage Auction.

The receiver continues to look for that companys assets, Martels assets and the assets of several other related firms that Martel controlled.

More than 1,200 investors, who are out more than $226 million after entrusting their savings to Martel, have already been told theres been very little money found through the first two months of the receivers inquiries.

The receivers fourth report into Martels activities makes it clear Martel has been evasive when it comes to answering direct questions about where the money was invested and has not co-operated fully with the receivers investigation.

The receiver has been digging to find out what happened to about $226 million that investors sank into Martels company My Mortgage Auction Corp. to fund short-term bridge loans for commercial and residential real estate deals. The money was to be repaid with high interest.

Many of the investors claim they have been waiting months for repayment.

The receiver has set the first meeting of creditors of My Mortgage Auction for July 26 in Vancouver.

While the receiver has found very little money or assets in the last month of investigation, it has determined Martel recently made preferential interest payments to some investors.

Bankruptcy proceedings allow the trustee to review payments My Mortgage has already made to some investors and claw that money back for the estate.

The initial investigation suggests there will not be much money to be spread out among the creditors.

The most recent statement of property shows the trustee now has control of just $292,586 between funds that are being held by the court and cash on hand already recovered.

Filed documents suggest My Mortgage has no real estate, no bills of exchange or promissory notes and no one owes it any money.

The money the trustee does have is already spoken for. PricewaterhouseCoopers is owed $300,000 for its services so far, while Royal Bank and My Mortgage employees, both considered secured creditors, are claiming $20,200 and $40,000 respectively.

PricewaterhouseCoopers is continuing to investigate Martels financial dealings along with his companies Shop Your Own Corp., Martel Investments, 2289548 Alberta Ltd., Shair Your Car, Snail Team One, Snail Team Six, G&G Discount Merchandise and Martel Capital.

It has moved to freeze bank accounts and assets Martel may have.
BURLINGTON  While Burlington city officials said they were unaware that Bear Real Estate intended to resell the St. Francis Friary property, they are welcoming the new buyer to the community.

The Chicago-based Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest plans to repurpose the site at 2457 Browns Lake Drive as a center for youth camps and religious retreats.

Bear Real Estate had presented the city with a proposal to transform the 146-acre friary into single-family homes and other residential development, including affordable housing.

Burlington Mayor Jeannie Hefty and other city officials said they were unaware of the Kenosha-based developer's intention to abandon redevelopment and resell the property.

"Was it a surprise? Yes, it was," Hefty said. "But this is solely private. We as a city aren't going to pass judgment on private decisions."

Officials at Bear Real Estate have declined to comment.

The company purchased the friary in mid-May from the Franciscan Friars, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Province, and sold the property about two weeks later to the Institute of Christ the King.

Racine County real estate records show that Bear Real Estate paid the friars $2.4 million for the property and sold it for $3.5 million.

The deal leaves the friars with about 14 acres, and Bear Real Estate is holding onto another small parcel.

The Chicago institute said it purchased about 105 acres which will be renamed the Sacred Heart Retreat Center.

Alderman Jon Schultz, president of the Burlington City Council, said that while he knew of no opposition to Bear Real Estate's development plans, he said the retreat center sounds worthwhile, too.

Schultz said he hopes visitors to the center will experience Burlington's downtown and other attractions.

"I was excited for Bear's redevelopment plans, but I'm also excited the property will be preserved and still put to good use," he said. "It's nice to see such varied demand for the property."

Bear Real Estate in January 2022 presented the city with a proposal to acquire the property and build 102 new single-family homes, 80 multi-family units, another 80 housing units for senior citizens or others, and a commercial building overlooking Browns Lake Drive.

The City Council and Plan Commission held a special joint workshop to hear the company's proposal.

Alderman Tom Vos said he supported the proposal, because Burlington needs more housing and a greater variety of housing options, and noted that the company has other development projects in the works locally.

He also was unaware of the sale to the Institute of Christ the King until it was announced about a week ago.

"I was surprised, but then I wasn't surprised," he said. "I guess that's what entrepreneurship is."

Hefty said she and other city officials had talked with the Franciscan Friars about their plans for selling the property.

The mayor said she wanted to preserve the statues, shrines and other artifacts that have become part of the site through the years and expressed confidence that the new religious group will protect such treasures.

"That area is so sacred," she said. "There are so many in our community that are thrilled with the grounds of the friary staying the same."

Burlington's St. Francis Friary history, in photos St. Francis Friary St. Francis Friary in Burlington 146-acre complex may be redeveloped 2000 Balloons for Franciscans Running at the friary Running at the friary Grotto at St. Francis Grotto at St. Francis A clown pastor Mass at the friary Katrina evacuees find refuge at St. Francis Friary in Burlington Katrina evacuees find refuge at St. Francis Friary in Burlington Katrina evacuees find refuge at St. Francis Friary in Burlington Katrina evacuees find refuge at St. Francis Friary in Burlington Katrina evacuees find refuge at St. Francis Friary in Burlington Katrina evacuees find refuge at St. Francis Friary in Burlington Katrina evacuees find refuge at St. Francis Friary in Burlington Rev. Jerry Zawada A Franciscan crafter Supporting St. Francis 2002 2011
RACINE  The Racine Unified School District will have a new leader starting later this week.

The RUSD Board during a special meeting Monday approved the resignation of RUSD Superintendent Eric Gallien. His last day will be Friday.

It has been an honor to serve as the superintendent of RUSD for the past five years, and together, we have made tremendous strides for our students, Gallien wrote in his resignation letter. I am proud of our accomplishments and continuous growth.

The School Board also approved a contract with Soren Gajewski to be RUSD interim superintendent starting Saturday. The contract does not have an end date.

In his new role, Gajewski will be paid the equivalent of $226,000 per year.

Last week, Gallien accepted a job to be superintendent of the Charleston County School District in South Carolina. Gallien will be CCSDs new leader starting Saturday.

Gallien, who has been on medical leave since May 1, has served as RUSD superintendent since 2018.

Gajewski, former RUSD chief academic officer, has served as acting superintendent since Gallien began his medical leave.

Next steps

The School Board on Monday discussed the next steps for finding Galliens replacement.

That includes the school district issuing a request for proposal for search firms to help the board hire a permanent superintendent.

The board has not set a timeline for when it hopes to offer the job to a permanent superintendent.

During a work session that lasted about two and a half hours, board members discussed characteristics they want to see in a superintendent candidate.

Board President Jane Barbian facilitated the discussion. The other seven board members were split into groups of three and four people, respectively. Board member Theresa Villar was absent.

After mentioning about 30 different traits they want to see from a superintendent candidate, the groups chose their top five characteristics.

One trait was picked by both groups, so there were nine top traits. They included experience with finances and managing large projects; providing and building positive staff morale; being a visible advocate for the district; meaningful engagement and follow up with community stakeholders; and experience with an urban school district and dealing with school segregation.

Board member Scott Coey said managing large projects and having familiarity with RUSDs 30-year, $1 billion referendum is crucial.

If they come in and they dont know about that referendum, I dont know if I would even want them, Coey said. If you come in and you never mention it once, in my head I disqualify you.

Board members said having a visible public advocate for RUSD who can sell people on the school district is vital.

Bringing that message of, This is what Unified has to offer, and this is why its a good place. This is why you want to send your kids to Racine Unified, board member Ally Docksey said. You want somebody at the head that is going to really champion that message.

Barbian agreed.

Im not sure weve seen too much of that, and if somebody really has that power and experience, that would be important, Barbian said.

Another key characteristic was transparent communication with the board. Coey said that was one of the biggest issues during Galliens tenure.

We need the communication to be better, Coey said. Are you communicating with the board so were not caught off-guard?

Board member Sarah Walker Cleaveland said meaningful collaboration with the community is important as well.

I think the next superintendent has to be somebody whos willing to bring people in, Walker Cleaveland said. Thats part of how were going to change the narrative about the district, is when people feel like they have a seat at the table.

Coey also wants a candidate to have a vision for improving integration because we never did in Racine schools.

I second that, board member Auntavia Jackson said.

Board members then selected the most important trait they want a superintendent candidate to have: experience reducing achievement and opportunity gaps, along with a track record of literacy gains.

If that isnt most important, then what the hell are we doing? Coey said. It has to be that  We are an academic institution. If you do that, a lot of the other things improve. Prove to me that you can do literacy, which would improve our math, our reading, our exams, collectively our students can leave here college- or career-ready.

Barbian agreed, saying that closing achievement gaps would impact attendance, graduation rate, everything.

Barbian said the board will adjust its key candidate traits after hearing from staff and community members, whose input will be part of the process before RUSD hires a permanent superintendent.

Traits the board determined on Monday are just our building block, Barbian said.

Photos from R.E.A.L School's graduation Playing around Selfie time Group shot Leading the way Holden Ostrowski Left to right
The Wisconsin Elections Commission deadlocked Tuesday on reappointing Meagan Wolfe state elections administrator just days before her term expires, seemingly keeping her in the role for the foreseeable future but raising the possibility of lawsuits seeking to oust her.

While the three Republican commissioners voted to reappoint Wolfe, the three Democratic commissioners abstained from the vote, citing a recent Wisconsin Supreme Court opinion that appointees can stay in their roles after their terms end.

Because of the deadlock, Wolfes reappointment wont come before the GOP-controlled state Senate for confirmation, which she was unlikely to win and would effectively result in her firing. Wolfe has been subject to scrutiny ever since the commission made changes to certain elections procedures in the 2020 general election in response to the COVID-19 pandemic  changes that have spurred some conservatives to falsely accuse her of malfeasance.

We are in unprecedented territory, Wolfe said after the vote, saying she didnt have a lot to say about exactly where todays commission decision or deadlock leaves us.

Elections Commission chair Don Millis, a GOP appointee, said the commissions action would likely lead to lawsuits seeking to oust Wolfe from her role.

Her position could be in jeopardy at a moments notice, Millis said about potential legal action. And I dont think thats good for the staff. I dont think its good for the administration of elections in Wisconsin.

Any lawsuit on the matter would likely end up before the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which will have a liberal majority come August.

I will take my shots with the court rather than at the Senate, Democratic commissioner Mark Thomsen said.

Thomsen said he thinks Wolfe can stay in her role indefinitely given a recent Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling that found that the expiration of appointees terms doesnt in itself create vacancies for agencies to fill.

The fact that Meagan Wolfe wants to stay and ... remain the administrator is like a true gift to Wisconsin because she is absolutely so well qualified, Thomsen said.

Later, he questioned whether the commission could vote on her at all.

I dont think we have the ability under the current law to reappoint because there is no vacancy, Thomsen said.

Millis disagreed, saying it made sense to vote on Wolfes appointment, partially because he said election deniers would become even more critical of the commission if it didnt vote but she remained nonetheless.

Throughout the meeting, commissioners on both sides of the aisle defended Wolfe and the commission from false accusations raised by election deniers.

Whats being said about administrator Wolfe, what shes being accused of is not the truth, said Republican commissioner Marge Bostelmann.

After the deadlocked vote, Millis addressed the possibility that a legislative committee could consider the administrator position vacant and choose someone else to fill it.

What happens if we have two administrators? Millis said. One, administrator Wolfe in a holdover position, and another one appointed by (a legislative committee). I think that makes life very difficult.

Inevitably, I suppose the courts going to decide, Millis continued.

In anticipation of the vote, Wolfe sent a letter to legislators Saturday seeking to rebut allegations regarding the 2020 election, which she said was repeatedly mischaracterized.

The letter came after Senate President Chris Kapenga, R-Delafield, told The Associated Press that the chamber would not confirm her.

Wolfe in her letter sought to make clear that the six commissioners, not Wolfe, made decisions throughout that election. Wolfe said her job was only to implement those decisions.

Wolfe also sent legislators a six-page document to clarify key aspects of her position and the Wisconsin Elections Commission.

The deadlock over Wolfes future comes as Republicans grapple with handling elections nationwide. One faction of the Republican Party has sought to rework how elections are run ever since former President Donald Trump lost the 2020 election, falsely blaming it on voter fraud. But other Republicans have sought to separate themselves and their party from the 2020 election, seeking to look forward and prioritize other issues.

Current polls show Trump, who continues to falsely claim he won the 2020 election, as the likeliest Republican nominee in 2024.

A recount, court decisions and multiple reviews have affirmed that President Joe Biden defeated Trump in Wisconsin by almost 21,000 votes. A report from the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau found no evidence of widespread fraud in the 2020 election but made several recommendations for improvement.

Wolfe was appointed to her role by the commission in February 2018. She was unanimously confirmed by the Senate in May 2019.
WATERFORD  A motorist accused of twice crashing into a Subway sandwich shop reportedly had a blood-alcohol content nearly twice the legal limit, according to police.

Fred Becker, 73, of Waterford has been cited with operating while intoxicated-first offense in the May 2 incident at the eatery at 818 Fox Lane.

Police on Friday released results of Beckers blood-alcohol test, which they said showed Becker driving with a level of 0.14  nearly double the legal limit of 0.08.

Contacted at his home, Becker declined to comment.

Ive been advised not to, he said.

Becker is scheduled to appear in Waterford Municipal Court on July 18 for the non-criminal municipal ordinance citation.

The Racine County district attorney also is considering charges of recklessly endangering safety or criminal damage to property.

According to police, Becker drove his GMC Yukon SUV through the glass front window of the Subway shop, then backed up and drove into the restaurant a second time.

No injuries were reported, but damage to the business was estimated at $100,000.

Four people were in the sandwich shop.

Police initially said Becker told them his brakes failed, then later claimed that he accidentally stepped on the accelerator instead of the brakes.

How spending on public safety and policing has changed over the last 40 years How spending on public safety and policing has changed over the last 40 years Spending on public safety in cities in the US has doubled since 1980 Police funding has remained about half of public safety budgets consistently for 40 years Even with ballooning public safety budgets, many cities allocate more money to the police
By Dean Weingarten. June 28, 2023

On June 13, 2023, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to overturn the proposed rule of the BATF, which is set to make the possession of pistols with a pistol brace installed a federal felony, punishable with up to a $10,000 fine and or ten years in prison. The vote was almost entirely on party lines, passing 218 to 210. Two Democrats voted for the resolution and two Republicans voted against it.

On Friday, 23 June, 2023, the Senate voted against H.J. Resolution 44, by a razor thin 50 to 49. Three Senators, where were considered possible swing votes, voted against the resolution. Two more votes would have been necessary to pass the resolution. A tie vote would almost certainly have been broken by Vice President Harris, against the measure. The three swing votes were Senators Tester from Montana, Manchin from West Virginia, and Sinema from Arizona. Senators Baldwin (D-WI), Brown (D-OH), Casey (D-PA) were candidates to vote for the measure, because they will be coming up for election in 2024. All voted against it.

The vote was for House Joint Resolution 44 :

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives in Congress assembled, That Congress disapproves the rule submitted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives relating to "Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached 'Stabilinzing Braces'" (ATF final rule 2021R-08F), and such rule shall have no force or effect.

The ATF rule reversed a decade of ATF policy where they assured purchasers and manufacturers of pistol braces such items were legal and not regulated by the NFA. .....
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

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Photo: Diane Strandberg, Tri-City News A sign at Lions Park permits alcohol but prohibits smoking and vaping. Port Coquitlam is amending its parks bylaw to prohibit drug use.

Port Coquitlam's mayor says the city has to put in stricter controls to prevent open drug use in city parks and public spaces as families head to the outdoors during summer break.

By early next week, open drug use will not be permitted in PoCo parks and facilities with the adoption of amendments to the Parks, Facilities and Public Spaces Bylaw.

Brad West said the city had to amend its bylaws to forbid the use of opioids, such as fentanyl, and cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA because the province didn't take action when it introduced its decriminalization policies.

"It actually empowers bylaw officers, and the RCMP, to tell them that its prohibited and they cant do that here," West told the Tri-City News today (June 28).

Why not ban drugs in parks?

West believes Port Coquitlam needed to act quickly after the province decriminalized certain drugs but didn't include parks and playgrounds in its list of prohibited areas, which currently includes only schools, daycares, airports and on Coast Guard vessels and helicopters.

"If you're going to prohibit drug use in child care centres and schools where children are at, why wouldn't you prohibit it in playgrounds?" said West, a father of two young children.

"The last thing a parent wants to think about when your kid is wanting to play and yahoo around are they going to come into contact with fentanyl  unless youre living on another planet. That's common sense."

West said PoCo also received some legal advice that its bylaw had some "grey area" because it wasnt updated to address decriminalization.

Decriminalization, which doesn't legalize but permits the possession of up to 2.5 grams of certain drugs, came into force with a Health Canada exemption to the Controlled Drug and Substances Act.

West said while open drug use isn't rampant in city parks, bylaw officers do find themselves occasionally dealing with situations involving potential drug use, often because of a community complaint.

Asked to stop or leave

He said while police can't take away someones drugs, like they might have before decriminalization, they can take action to require people to leave the area.

RCMP have the power to enforce the city's bylaws, and West said he expects them to do so.

"They are empowered to support us in enforcing those laws and that's what I expect."

Those who flout the bylaw could be fined, but West said he's not "naive" to think that's a solution.

Under the current bylaw, people in violation could be banned from the areas, such as a park or public facility, for up to 30 days.

Port Coquitlam is not the only city taking this step.

A number of B.C. municipalities, including Campbell River, are banning drugs in public places and Premier David Eby has said he will work with municipalities on their "shared goal" to create safer and healthier communities.

'Shared goal' for safety

In May, Eby committed to working with local governments through Mental Health and Addictions Minister Jennifer Whiteside and Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth to identify the issues and put those rules in place so that we can ensure safe communities for everybody.

West said he has spoken to Farnworth, a Port Coquitlam MLA, about the city's intentions but hasn't heard back as to what the province has planned, if anything.

Meanwhile, the city is required to submit amendments related to public health to Fraser Health, and according to a staff report, the regional health authority has been notified.

West said he expects the province to update its policy by adding more public places or municipalities will have to take action on their own.

"If we don't have a bylaw in place, as it currently stands based on provincial law, there is no prohibition against using very dangerous and deadly drugs in playgrounds and parks."

Introducing such limitations is "common sense," said West, "You don't want someone using fentanyl  which can kill a child if they even come in contact with it  in a playground."

The city does, however, allow drinking alcohol "responsibly" in 10 public parks.

- with a file from Cindy E. Harnett, Times Colonist
GRAND ISLAND  Forty-two high school students got the chance to train like a trooper last week at the Nebraska State Patrol Training Academy. The cadets were all part of the 53rd Junior Law Academy, which gives high school seniors-to-be a glimpse of what it takes to be a Nebraska State Trooper.

Junior Law is a great opportunity for high school juniors considering a career in law enforcement to experience part of the training our recruits go through, said Capt. Andy Ecklund, commander of the NSP Training Academy. The cadets worked hard last week and showed that they have what it takes to make a difference. Most of these cadets will go on to serve others in their careers and wed love to see them again in a few years ready to join the Nebraska State Patrol.

Last week, 26 boys and 16 girls graduated from the 53rd Junior Law Academy. Several of the cadets received awards for their excellent performances during the week.

2023 Boys Outstanding Cadet: Dillon Simpson (Burwell).

2023 Girls Outstanding Cadet: Tessa Miller (Sutherland).

2023 Boys Marksmanship Award: Kieffer Bruening (Newcastle).

2023 Girls Marksmanship Award: Glory Naughtin (Sutherland).

2023 Boys Driving Award: Jordyn Anderson (Hay Springs).

2023 Girls Driving Award: Camryn Jacobsmeier (Omaha).

Junior Law is an annual program organized by the American Legion Department of Nebraska and hosted by the NSP Training Academy in Grand Island. High school juniors from across the state are eligible to apply for the program. Troopers from around Nebraska come together to teach the cadets and put them through several blocks of training. Several current Nebraska State Patrol troopers are graduates of Junior Law.

Applications for the 54th Junior Law Academy, scheduled for June 2024, will be made available in the coming months at the American Legion website. The academy is open to boys and girls who are preparing for their senior year of high school.
GRAND ISLAND  The University of Nebraska-Lincolns Center for Agricultural Profitabilitys 2023 landlord/tenant cash rent workshop for landowners and operators will be held in Grand Island on Aug. 9. It will run from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the office of Nebraska Extension in Hall County at 3180 W. Highway 34.

The workshop will cover current Nebraska cash rental rates and land values, best practices for agricultural leases and other contract considerations. The meeting will also include information about farm succession and transition planning and offer an opportunity for those in attendance to have their leasing questions answered.

Jim Jansen, an agricultural economist, and Allan Vyhnalek, extension educator emeritus, will lead the presentation.

A meal will be included, sponsored by NextAg Appraisal & Realty.

The meeting is free to attend, but registration is required by Aug. 7 by calling Nebraska Extension in Hall County at 308-385-5088.

More information about cash rental rates, leasing, and farm and ranch transition can be found on the Center for Agricultural Profitabilitys website, https://cap.unl.edu.
HOLDREGE  The Nebraska Prairie Museum is proud to display a bright red early Ford touring car. Donated by Dr. Stuart Embury to the museum last fall, the car is now featured in the front inside area of the museum until preparations are made for its future exhibit.

This touring car had a lot of work done to restore it, nearly having to build it back up from scratch.

The car features several materials like brass headlights and radiator, leather seats and a variety of covers. The floorboards of the cab are made primarily out of wood.

This early version of the automobile could reach a speed of more than 40 mph, though it doesnt have a speedometer to be able to tell. A majority of the touring cars had a full cab including doors and a windshield. However, this model has been souped up to be a speedster, similar to ones used in early automotive racing.

For example, attached to the driver's steering wheel is a very noticeable round clear glass shield used to keep dust and bugs out of the face of the driver. The passenger isn't so lucky to get a shield.

Looking down there are three pedals. One is the brake. The others are the clutch and shifter. The throttle is actually located on the steering wheel and is adjusted by two narrow levers on the steering wheel column.

Other notable features include the location of the gas tank. The gas tank is behind the seats so one can quickly refuel when racing. This sharp-looking auto is very unique and nearly one of a kind.

The Nebraska Prairie Museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is by free-will donation.
KEARNEY  The Kearney Police Department is beginning to cash in its recent $2.9 million donation for more than 30 new vehicles for the department.

An anonymous local private foundation recently gave the $2.9 million as a gesture of support for Kearney police. The donation will make it possible for every uniformed officer to have a vehicle assigned to them.

According to a memo to the Kearney City Council from Chief of Police Bryan Waugh, his department has a plan to begin purchasing vehicles with the donated money. Police will start with nine 2023 Ford F-150 police interceptor vehicles that will be assigned to uniform patrol sergeants.

Next, Kearney police will buy 24 Ford Explorer police interceptor vehicles. They also will be assigned to uniform police officers. They will be purchased from Anderson Ford in Lincoln. The dealership has a state contract in which Anderson agrees to sell government vehicles at a set low price.

This program will provide a marked police vehicle for each police officer assigned to the Uniform Patrol Bureau, Waugh said.  A major factor for this project is the continued effort to support our department and to recruit and retain talented police officers. Waugh said recruiting officers is highly competitive and that the $2.9 million donation will boost Kearneys profile when prospective recruits go seeking employment. Waugh said law enforcement agencies across the nation are facing big challenges attracting quality recruits.

Only one other Nebraska police department has an assigned vehicle program.

The Kearney project will serve to once again set the Kearney Police Department apart from similar mid-size municipal law enforcement agencies, Waugh said.

Earlier this year when he announced the donation, Waugh said the assigned vehicle program would boost recruitment, but it also could have a deterrent effect when criminals discover police cruisers parked in the neighborhoods where police officers reside.

The total for the first 33 vehicles to be purchased wont be more than $1.8 million, Waugh said.

The remainder of the donated funds will be used to outfit each vehicle with police radio, emergency lighting, radar, camera and other equipment.

"Anticipated delivery is six to eight months from the date of order, Waugh said.
KEARNEY  The Buffalo County Sheriff's Office was investigating a fatal crash Tuesday in which the driver was killed after being ejected from a vehicle.

The victim has been identified as Patrick Caddy, 65, of Ravenna. The Buffalo County Attorney has ordered an autopsy. Next of kin have been notified.

According to the Buffalo County Sheriff's Office report, the accident occurred about five miles north of Kearney on Highway 10.

At approximately 1:07 p.m. deputies were called to investigate the single-vehicle crash south of 160th Road on Highway 10.

A mid-size SUV vehicle left the roadway, entered the west ditch, vaulted and ejected the lone occupant. The driver was located deceased near the vehicle.

Deputies were assisted by members of the Kearney Police Department, KVFD fire and rescue personnel, CHI-GSH paramedics, Buffalo County Attorney's Office and Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Personnel remained at the scene at mid-afternoon.
Photo: City of Burnaby.

A vehicle was burned pretty good in an SFU parkade atop Burnaby Mountain Thursday afternoon, according to a local fire chief.

The Burnaby Fire Department got a call at about 12:45 p.m. about a vehicle fire at 888 University Drive, according to assistant fire Chief Darcy Robinson.

Engine 8, from the departments Burnaby Mountain station, was the first to arrive.

Fire at SFU campus in the parkade. Smoke billowing out. They havent evacuated the library yet.. 4 fire trucks are here @CKNW pic.twitter.com/ZIc4ADOQX6 Concerned Canuck ?? (@Concern63647639) June 28, 2023





On the second floor of a multi-storey parkade, Robinson said firefighters found vehicle on fire, billowing lots of smoke.

The car was fairly far back in the corner so not very easy access, he said. It was burned pretty good.

The fire was out within three minutes of firefighters arriving, according to Robinson.

He said no other vehicles were damage and there was no structural damage to the parkade.

They were able to get to it and knock it down quickly and then use ventilation. It cleared out quite quickly, he said.

Reports on social media said there were explosions, but Robinson did not confirm that.

He said the sound of the fire in an enclosed space may have accounted for the noise.

It can make some unusual sounds for sure, he said.

The parkade was closed for more than an hour, and SFU warned people away from the area.

It was reopened shortly after 2 p.m.
Family members of victims of North Korea's abduction of Japanese citizens decades ago hold a meeting in Tokyo to call on the North to return such abductees home, Feb. 27. Yonhap



North Korea condemned Japan on Wednesday for continuing to demand Pyongyang resolve the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by the North decades ago, claiming that such a stance runs counter to Tokyo's hope for a summit with the North without preconditions.



Ri Pyong-dok, a researcher at the Institute for Japan Studies of the North's foreign ministry, said the abductee issue has been "completely, finally and irreversibly" settled, accusing Japan of bringing the "unfeasible" issue to the fore, according to the North's state media.



"It is also little short of denying the stand of the Japanese chief executive who doesn't miss an opportunity to say that he hopes for the 'Japan-DPRK summit without preconditions,'" Ri was quoted as saying by the Korean Central News Agency. DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.



Ri apparently referred to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who has said he is ready to meet with the North's leader Kim Jong-un without preconditions to settle the abductee issue.



Japan has said North Korea abducted 17 Japanese citizens in the 1970s and 1980s. It has insisted 12 of them are still in the North, excluding five whom the North let return home, following then Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's trip to Pyongyang in 2002.



At that time, the North admitted having abducted 13 Japanese nationals in the past to train its spies on the Japanese language and culture. While returning the five, North Korea claimed the other eight were dead.



Ri also blamed Japan for talking about "abduction" and "human rights" at the United Nations despite the fact that it was Tokyo that brutally violated human rights and committed war crimes during the 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula.



"This is the height of shamelessness and an insult to history," the official said. (Yonhap)


Booyoung Group Chairman Lee Joong-keun / Courtesy of Booyoung Group

By Lee Kyung-min



Booyoung Group Chairman Lee Joong-keun gave up to 100 million won ($76,500) each to 280 people in his hometown of Suncheon, South Jeollla Province, the firm said Wednesday.



The group said Lee has given a combined 140 billion won to his former elementary and middle school classmates and Suncheon residents, as well as people he served with in the military.



Lee wired between 26 million won and 90.2 million won to 280 Suncheon residents from late last month to early this month. The amounts are gift tax-deducted.



The amounts given were calculated based on the number of years they had lived in the region.



The group said Lee wanted to express his gratitude to those who helped him when he was young and poor.



"This is personal and has nothing to do with the company," the group said.



In 2021, he gave away between 100 million and 1 billion won to his non-immediate relatives.



Booyoung built a large multi-purpose education and child care facility last year in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.



The facility, Woojeong Cambodia School, houses kindergartens, day care centers and grade schools in Phnom Penh's Booyoung Town.



About 1,800 children will be able to attend classes at the five-story building.



The project is part of a corporate social responsibility program he led over the past few years.



The efforts to help enhance housing and learning infrastructure in the developing country is part of Lee's commitment to give back to communities.



Lee has donated over 1 trillion won to help underprivileged children in Korea and developing countries.




BARABOO  In an emotional and optimistic ceremony attended by family and friends, 94 cadets graduated from the residential phase of the Wisconsin Challenge Academy during a June 21 ceremony at Baraboo High School.

The Wisconsin Challenge Academy began in 1998. The ceremony marked the conclusion of the programs 50th class.

Located at Fort McCoy, the Wisconsin Challenge Academy is a National Guard-sponsored alternative education program designed to help young adults at risk of not graduating high school to redirect their lives by developing the values, skills, education and self-discipline needed to successfully transition to adulthood. There is no cost to participate.

The Challenge Academy program has two phases. The first phase is in residence at Fort McCoy for 22 weeks, and immerses participants in a quasi-military setting. The second phase lasts 12 months and begins upon graduation. Mentors paired with cadets during the residential phase help guide the cadets as they follow a post-residential action plan designed to accomplish education, employment and life goals.

You should be incredibly proud of all youve accomplished in the last 22 weeks, said Joni Mathews, Wisconsin Challenge Academy director. You demonstrated dedication, discipline and courage to develop skills that built your character and will help you reach your full potential in life.

Remember  your character guides your thoughts, Mathews continued. Your thoughts guide your choices. And your choices guide your actions.

Several cadets were recognized during the ceremony for their achievements over the past few months: Overall Physical Fitness, Devin Skenandore-James of Keshana, Wisconsin; Most Improved Physical Fitness, Marissa Silbaugh of Janesville; Most Responsible Follower, Lane Villareal of Kenosha; Best Supply Assistant, Estrella Martinez Rand of Green Bay; Best Battle Buddy, Maickol Torres Torres of Madison; Academic Resilience, Sinncerie Hayes of Beloit; Best Archer, John Brooks of Watertown; and Distinguished Honor Graduate, Allius White Eagle of Wisconsin Rapids.

During the past 22 weeks, cadets collectively marched more than 21,000 miles and completed nearly 5,000 hours of community service while individually earning seven college course credits.

The Academy taught us to think before we act as we move through life, White Eagle told his fellow cadets during the ceremony. Think and then do. The Academy taught us the importance of discipline, integrity, courage and commitment so that we are equipped to make the right choices in life  that we choose the harder right rather than the easier wrong.

Keynote speaker Ryan Lonergan, an advocate for veterans nationwide, urged cadets to embrace their new experience.

You enrolled in a program that is bigger than yourself, Lonergan said. For 22 weeks, you were immersed in a program that taught you skills about life. As you move forward, its important to surround yourself with people that will challenge you, inspire you and help you continue to grow as a person.

The Wisconsin Challenge Academy conducts two classes per year  January to June, and July to December. The curriculum, developed by the National Guard Bureau, is based on the experiential learning model and consists of eight core components  academic excellence, physical training, job skills, service to community, health and hygiene, responsible citizenship, leadership/followership, and life coping skills. Character development is integrated and emphasized throughout the curriculum.

The Wisconsin Challenge Academy is currently accepting applications for its 51st class, which begins July 19.
A 34-year-old Holmen man has been charged in La Crosse County Circuit Court after he was accused of nearly hitting a woman April 25 as he was driving an impounded vehicle from Dons Towing.

Bradley J. Walleser faces a felony count of second-degree reckless endangering safety and misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct, failure to pay for service, criminal trespass to dwelling, resisting an officer and two counts of bail jumping.

According to the criminal complaint, Walleser entered Dons Towing with a female acquaintance shortly before 4 p.m. The complaint says the two accessed a vehicle that had been impounded at the business. The complaint says the vehicle was registered to an acquaintance of the woman.

The complaint says an employee of Dons Towing attempted to close the gate to keep the vehicle from leaving. The employee told police Walleser nearly ran her over as he drove through the gate and eastbound on Monitor Street. The employee said she likely would have been struck by the vehicle had she not moved out of the way.

The vehicle, which was the subject of a $285 impound fee, was recovered a short time later at a Farnam Street address.

Police were called to the same Farnam Street address June 10. The landlord of the building said she had recently evicted several tenants and that the building was supposed to be empty. Police arrested three people, including Walleser. The complaint says Walleser gave police a false name as he was being taken into custody.

Walleser is free on a $2,500 signature bond.
Micheal Todd points to a channel of Lake Onalaska that runs along The Red Pines Bar & Grill, a business he owns with his wife, Corinna.

This used to be deep, Todd said. It used to be 10 feet. Now its 18 inches.

Todd wants to restore the channel. He explained a proposal to dredge and maintain the channel Monday during the annual Lake Onalaska Protection and Rehabilitation District social event held at The Red Pines.

The channel is part of Lake Onalaska, a sprawling 8,000-acre impoundment created in 1937 on the Mississippi and Black rivers. The lake is popular with sportsmen but has multiple issues, including sedimentation, water quality, high turbidity and low oxygen. Those issues are visible from the back deck of The Red Pines, where the channel is overwhelmed by plant growth.

The lake is filling in, Todd said. For years, customers have been telling me, We have to do so something. 

The proposed channel would run from The Red Pines to Schafer River Rentals and a nearby boat landing accessible from Highway Z. Boaters who use the landing can circle east around Rosebud Island to the main lake, but dredging the channel would create a navigable shortcut.

Plans call for dredging a channel that is 1,050 feet long, 63-105 feet wide and eight feet deep. To keep the channel from filling in, a 12-foot long sediment trap would be installed upstream. Dredged material would be deposited on a small island nearby.

Not only would a deeper channel facilitate boat traffic, it would create overwinter habitat for fish.

The overwintering part of the project will benefit the entire lake, Todd said.

The projected cost for the dredging and sediment trap is $230,000. The lake district was recently awarded a $10,000 grant from the state Department of Natural Resources to document fish habitat loss in the channel and study hydrology and sediment coming into the channel from Halfway Creek.

Todd said coordination is required between the DNR and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, but he doesnt believe either is opposed to the project. He said the biggest hurdle is raising funds. He said the lake districts tax base is far too small to fund such a project, and there arent any sources of local, state or federal funds readily available.

He said money will need to come from private fundraising and matching grants.

The Brice Prairie Conservation Association is accepting donations, and Todd said there have been discussions about forming a Friends of Lake Onalaska group.

Todd said he has already put some of his own money into the project to get it launched.

We basically have no money except for what Ive put in, he said.

Depending on fundraising and the permitting process, Todd said the project could be done as early as this fall but believes fall 2024 is more likely. He looks forward to developing a more useful and scenic waterway.

We should have a pretty nice area, he said.
Gustav Klimt's 'Dame mit Faecher' (Lady with a Fan) is displayed at Sotheby's auction rooms in London, Tuesday, June 20, 2023. A late-life masterpiece by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt has sold for 85.3 million pounds ($108.4 million), in London, making it the most expensive artwork ever auctioned in Europe. (Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP)

LONDON  A late-life masterpiece by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt sold Tuesday for 85.3 million pounds ($108.4 million), making it the most expensive artwork ever auctioned in Europe.

Dame mit Facher  Lady with a Fan  sold to a buyer in the room at Sothebys in London after a 10-minute bidding war for a hammer price of 74 million pounds ($94.35 million). The higher final figure includes a charge on top of the sale price known as the buyers premium.

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The sale price well exceeded the presale estimate of 65 million pounds, or $80 million.

It also beat the previous European auction record of $104.3 million  65 million pounds at the time  including buyers premium paid for Alberto Giacomettis sculpture Walking Man I at Sothebys in 2010. Previously, the most expensive painting auctioned in Europe was Claude Monets Le basin aux nympheas, which fetched $80.4 million at a Christies sale in 2008.

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The piece sold Tuesday was the last portrait Klimt completed before his death in 1918. The painting shows an unidentified woman against a resplendent, China-influenced backdrop of dragons and lotus blossoms.

It was last sold in 1994, going for $11.6 million at an auction in New York.

Sothebys said the buyer was art adviser Patti Wong, acting on behalf of a Hong Kong collector.

Famed for his bold, daring art nouveau paintings, Klimt was a key figure in artistic modernism at the start of the 20th century. His work has fetched some of the highest prices for any artist.

Klimts Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II sold at a New York auction in 2006 for $87.9 million, and his landscape Birch Forest sold at Christies in New York last year for $104.6 million.

Two more of his portraits are reported to have sold privately for more than $100 million.

The world auction record for an artwork is the $450.3 million paid in 2017 for Leonardo da Vincis Salvator Mundi, though some experts dispute whether the panting of Jesus Christ is wholly the work of the Renaissance master.
When it comes to flying, going green may cost you more. And its going to take a while for the strategy to take off.

Sustainability was a hot topic at the recent Paris Air Show, the worlds largest event for the aviation industry, which faces increasing pressure to reduce the climate-changing greenhouse gases that aircraft spew.

Even the massive orders at the show got an emissions-reduction spin: Airlines and manufacturers said the new planes will be more fuel-efficient than the ones they replace.

But most of those planes will burn conventional, kerosene-based jet fuel. Startups are working feverishly on electric-powered aircraft, but they won't catch on as quickly as electric vehicles.

It's a lot easier to pack a heavy battery into a vehicle if you don't have to lift it off the ground, said Gernot Wagner, a climate economist at Columbia University.

That means sustainable aviation fuel has become the industry's best hope to achieve its promise of net zero emissions by 2050. Aviation produces 2% to 3% of worldwide carbon emissions, but its share is expected to grow as travel increases and other industries become greener.

Sustainable fuel, however, accounts for just 0.1% of all jet fuel. Made from sources like used cooking oil and plant waste, SAF can be blended with conventional jet fuel but costs much more.

Suppliers are going to be able to kind of set the price, Molly Wilkinson, an American Airlines vice president, said at the air show. And we fear that at that point, that price eventually is going to trickle down to the passenger in some form of a ticket price.

With such a limited supply, critics say airlines are making overly ambitious promises and exaggerating how quickly they can ramp up the use of SAF. The industry even has skeptics: Nearly one-third of aviation sustainability officers in a GE Aerospace survey doubt the industry will hit its net zero goal by 2050.

Delta Air Lines is being sued in U.S. federal court by critics who say the carrier falsely bills itself as the worlds first carbon-neutral airline, and that Delta's claim rests on carbon offsets that are largely bogus. The Atlanta-based airline says the charges are without legal merit.

Across the Atlantic, a consumer group known by its French acronym, BEUC, filed a complaint last week with the European Unions executive arm, accusing 17 airlines of greenwashing.

The group says airlines are misleading consumers and violating rules on unfair commercial practices by encouraging customers to pay extra to help finance development of SAF and offset future carbon emissions created by flying. In one case, the group's researchers found Air France charging up to $150 for the green option.

Producers say SAF reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%, compared with regular jet fuel, over its life cycle.

Airlines have been talking about becoming greener for years. They were rattled by the rise of "flight shaming," a movement that encourages people to find less-polluting forms of transportation  or reduce travel altogether.

The issue gained urgency this year when European Union negotiators agreed on new rules requiring airlines to use more sustainable fuel starting in 2025 and rising sharply in later years.

The United States is pushing incentives instead of mandates.

A law signed last year by President Joe Biden will provide tax breaks for developing cleaner jet fuel, but one of the credits will expire in just two years. Wilkinson, the American Airlines executive, said that was too short to entice sustainable fuel producers and that the credit should be extended by 10 years or longer.

The International Air Transport Association, an airline trade group, estimates that SAF could contribute 65% of the emissions reductions needed for the industry to hit its 2050 net-zero goal.

But very few flights are powered by SAF because of the limited supply and infrastructure.

Many airlines have touted investments in SAF producers such as World Energy, which has a plant in Paramount, California, and Finlands Neste.

United Airlines plans to triple its use of SAF this year, to 10 million gallons  but it burned 3.6 billion gallons of fuel last year.

Some see sustainable fuel as a bridge to cleaner technologies, including larger electric planes or aircraft powered by hydrogen. But packing enough power to run a large electric plane would require a fantastic leap in battery technology. Hydrogen must be chilled and stored somewhere  it couldn't be carried in the wings of todays planes, as jet fuel is.

Hydrogen sounds like a good idea. The problem is the more you look into the details, the more you realize its an engineering challenge but also an economics challenge," Richard Aboulafia of AeroDynamic Advisory, an aerospace consultancy, said at the Paris Air Show. Its within the realm of possibility, (but) not for the next few decades.

Top 10 safest airlines to fly on right now Top 10 safest airlines to fly on right now Hawaiian Airlines Delta Airlines Alaska Airlines American Airlines United Airlines International: Qatar Airways International: Qantas Airways International: Etihad Airways International: Air New Zealand International: Singapore Airlines Safest low-cost airlines in 2023
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  A vote on the future of Wisconsins top elections official ended in partisan deadlock Tuesday amid Republican calls for the nonpartisan administrator of the statewide elections commission to resign over how she ran the 2020 presidential contest.

A stalemate between elections commissioners on whether to reappoint Meagan Wolfe creates uncertainty over who will be in charge of elections in a battleground state so narrowly divided that four of the past six presidential elections in Wisconsin have been decided by less than a percentage point. Wolfe has staunchly defended the decisions shes made and fought back against false claims of election fraud, including those made by former President Donald Trump.

When your constituents challenge you about the integrity of Wisconsin elections, tell them the truth, she wrote to lawmakers just days before the vote on her reappointment. When people perpetuate false claims about our election systems, push back publicly. Election officials cannot carry the burden of educating the public on elections alone.

The six members of the Wisconsin Elections Commission are evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats. Republican commissioners voted to reappoint Wolfe, but Democrats abstained from Tuesday's vote for fear that reappointing her would allow the Republican-controlled state Senate to reject her confirmation. Commission actions require at least a four-vote majority.

Meagan Wolfe is the best person to run our agency, and thats why Im abstaining. I will take my shots with the court rather than at the Senate, Democratic Commissioner Mark Thomsen said.

The impasse means it could be months before commissioners or lawmakers choose someone to lead the elections agency through the 2024 presidential race and beyond, if they do so at all.

A recent Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling appears to allow Wolfe to continue as administrator, even after her term ends on Saturday. But relying on that decision, which has allowed Republican appointees to stay on state boards, raises unanswered legal questions.

We are in unprecedented territory, Wolfe said at a news conference after the vote. I have a very clear intent here, and that is to make sure that our commission, our agency, our local election officials, that they have the stability they need as we move forward.

Commission Chair Don Millis, a Republican, warned that having a holdover administrator would only decrease stability by encouraging conspiracy theorists and drawing questions about Wolfe's authority during the 2024 election.

"Its more than a bad look. Its going to create problems for us and for elections officials across the state, he said.

Wolfe has served as the states elections administrator since 2018 and has become one of the most respected elections leaders in the nation. Before defending her record in a letter to state lawmakers, she called on commissioners to vote for the option they believe offers the most stability for Wisconsin elections even if thats not her.

If the commission eventually appoints Wolfe or someone else to replace her, they will need to be confirmed by the Republican-controlled state Senate.

Some Republican state senators have vowed to vote against reappointing Wolfe, who has sparred with them over election conspiracy theories on numerous occasions. If a commission appointee is rejected by the Senate, then commissioners would need to make a new appointment within 45 days or else a legislative committee controlled by Republicans could choose the next administrator.

Relatively few people meet the legal requirements or hold the experience necessary to serve as Wisconsins top elections official. An appointee for elections administrator cannot have ever worked in a partisan office or donated to a partisan campaign in the past year, and the states elections system is one of the most decentralized in the country.

The commissions vote comes as a divided GOP struggles to move past election lies that Trump and his followers have promoted since his loss to President Joe Biden in 2020. Republican state lawmakers across the country have sought to expand their control over elections in recent years, and far-right candidates have won seats in local government with platforms built on election skepticism.

But by and large, election denialism has hurt the GOP. Most candidates in 2022 in swing states including Wisconsin who supported overturning Trumps defeat lost. A draft Republican National Committee report obtained by The Associated Press earlier this year reviewing the partys performance in recent elections called for candidates to stop  relitigating previous elections.

In Wisconsin, the outcome of the 2020 election has withstood two partial recounts, a nonpartisan audit, a conservative law firms review, numerous state and federal lawsuits, and a Republican-ordered review that found no evidence of widespread fraud before the investigator was fired. The GOP-controlled Legislature has rejected attempts to decertify the results.

Associated Press writer Scott Bauer contributed to this report.

Harm Venhuizen is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Harm on Twitter.
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  A two-year spending plan that cuts taxes across all income levels, with the wealthiest benefiting the most, and gives the University of Wisconsin nearly half a billion dollars less than it asked for cleared the Republican-controlled state Senate on Wednesday.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu praised the budget as investing in our core priorities, in particular the $3.5 billion tax cut that lowers rates for all taxpayers and goes from four brackets to three.

This is moving Wisconsin toward a flat tax," LeMahieu said.

Democrats said Republicans missed an opportunity to tap the state's projected $7 billion budget surplus to invest in issues that they said voters care about, like funding the University of Wisconsin and child care centers, and instead prioritized cutting taxes for the wealthy.

Republicans rejected Democratic amendments that would have increased funding for schools and UW, restored funding for a school safety office and a child care program, expanded Medicaid and refocused tax cuts to middle income earners.

I'm disappointed and disheartened, Democratic Minority Leader Melissa Agard said.

The $99 billion budget now heads to the Republican-controlled Assembly, which was to pass it Thursday. It would then go to Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who has the power to make changes with partial vetoes.

Evers also has the option to veto the entire budget, which would require the Legislature to start over, a move hes threatened to make if UWs funding for diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, programs is cut.

Evers has not specified what he may veto.

The budget includes parts of a bipartisan compromise reached with Evers to increase funding for K-12 schools by $1 billion. Evers struck that deal with Republican legislative leaders as part of a larger package to boost funding for local governments by $1 billion, including giving Milwaukee county and city the option to raise local sales taxes to avoid bankruptcy.

The budget currently cuts UW funding by $32 million, the amount GOP leaders identified goes toward DEI staff salaries and programming. The university, which had asked for $435 million more, could get the $32 million cut back later if it shows it would go toward workforce development efforts. Republicans also refused to fund UW's top building project priority, a new engineering facility on the Madison campus.

Republicans voted against a Democratic effort to increase funding for UW and restore funding for the engineering building.

Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul, along with school and law enforcement leaders, have been urging Republicans to increase funding for the states school safety office. Republicans rejected a Democratic amendment to increase funding for the office.

Republicans also rejected attempts to restore funding for a pandemic-era child care subsidy program that Republicans cut.

Democrats derided the income tax cut because wealthy people will get a bigger reduction than lower earners.

This tax scheme is the most irresponsible, fiscally reckless thing that Republicans could do with our one-time surplus, Democratic Sen. Kelda Roys said at a news conference before the vote Wednesday.

Under the GOP plan, those who earn between $60,000 and $70,000 per year would get a tax cut on average of around $250. But those earning between $25,000 and $30,000 would get just $15 on average. Those who earn between $250,000 and $300,000 per year would get the biggest percentage drop, at over 17%, an average of $2,157.

The 11 wealthiest taxpayers in Wisconsin, who earn more than $75 million a year, would each receive a $1.8 million tax cut.

The budget would also increase pay for state employees, with a bigger boost for prison guards, dedicate $125 million to fighting water pollution caused by forever chemicals" known as PFAS and increase electric vehicle registration fees.

Debate was impassioned at times.

Democratic Sen. LaTonya Johnson, of Milwaukee, used an expletive when describing Milwaukees suburbs, after speaking about crime in the city and those who want to increase the number of police because of rising violence in the suburbs.

Swearing by lawmakers during debate is not unprecedented, but it is unusual. The Republican Senate president did not rebuke Johnson, and the debate continued.

The Senate passed it 20-13, with all Democrats and two Republicans voting against.

Associated Press writer Harm Venhuizen contributed to this report.
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie once was a Republican star. His Jersey tough talk and handling of Superstorm Sandy helped him coast to reelection in a blue state.

Early in his first term, many in the GOP wanted him to challenge Barack Obama and run for president in 2012.

Then came Bridgegate and the state government shutdown, where he was famously pictured sitting with his wife on a state park beach otherwise closed to the public. On a sunny Fourth of July weekend, no less.

By the time Christie ran for president in 2016, many had tired of his bullying and bluster. He dropped out after finishing sixth in the New Hampshire primary and endorsed Donald Trump. After Trump won, Christie briefly served as head of his transition committee.

He continued to suck up to Trump in hopes of landing a job in his administration. After attending a White House superspreader event and helping Trump prepare for a debate in October 2020, Christie tested positive for COVID-19 and spent a week in intensive care.

Christie finally broke with Trump in 2020 after the president claimed the election was stolen as ballots were still being counted.

Flash forward to today and the old Christie is back, talking tough and running for president on a campaign centered on bashing Trump. He's called Trump "angry," "vengeful" and a "loser." Christie said Trump is "self-centered, completely self-consumed, and doesn't give a damn about the American people."

Christie, a former federal prosecutor, said the U.S. Justice Department's indictment of Trump for mishandling classified documents, including war plans and nuclear secrets, was "devastating." Unlike the many Trump supporters who claim the indictment is part of a partisan witch hunt, Christie said the criminal charges were "damning" and "completely self-inflicted." He added that Trump's "conduct is bad."

What caused Christie's conversion?

"Turns out I was wrong," he said about his past support of Trump.

Christie's Road to Damascus has been long and tortured, but his willingness to go where most Republicans fear to tread is a needed tonic for a party that has lost its way as it follows Trump deeper and deeper into delusion. While Christie is an imperfect messenger, he is the only GOP presidential candidate willing to say the wannabe emperor has no clothes. ...

Other Republican candidates continue to tiptoe around Trump so as not to upset his loyal MAGA base. After Trump was indicted, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis attacked the Justice Department, railing against the "weaponization of federal law enforcement."

Former vice president and chief lapdog Mike Pence said he "can't defend" the allegations against Trump, but quickly shifted to strained whataboutism by invoking the investigations of Hillary Clinton and Hunter Biden. Pence's half-step comes after Trump said he deserved to be hanged.

Former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley, biotech executive Vivek Ramaswamy, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, and conservative radio show host Larry Elder all indicated they would pardon Trump. The GOP's continued defense of the defenseless Trump is embarrassing and reckless.

Christie is unlikely to win the Republican nomination, but he is doing the country a service by speaking out. Such backbone has long been missing in a GOP that has been hijacked by a "consummate narcissist."

The twice-impeached and twice-indicted former president remains a danger to democracy. He helped incite a deadly insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, and continues to stoke fury that has fueled talk of violence and civil war.

Trump spent his one chaotic term in office abusing power, spreading lies, increasing the national debt, mismanaging the pandemic, angering allies, cozying up to dictators, fanning racial tensions and dividing the country.

By virtually any objective measure, Trump ranks among the worst presidents in history, yet many GOP voters say they want more. If Trump, 77, is reelected, it's not hyperbolic to imagine the upending of the republic as we know it.

Trump has already floated authoritarian ideas that include executing drug dealers, moving the unhoused to tent cities, deploying the military to quell protests, eliminating the U.S. Education Department, and restricting voting to one day. Trump has declined to say if he would support Ukraine in its war with Russia.

Trump previewed the tenor of his second term when he bluntly told supporters, "I am your retribution."

The sooner the GOP can move past Trump, the better off the country and the world will be. Christie is not a cure-all, but he can play an important role in a Republican presidential campaign filled with kabuki theater.
On June 13, the former president, Donald Trump, was indicted on 37 charges in federal court.

On Wednesday, June 21, a former FBI intelligence analyst from Dodge City, Kansas, who kept hundreds of classified documents at her home, including in her bathroom, was sentenced by a federal judge in Kansas City, Missouri to nearly four years in prison for violating the same part of the Espionage Act that former president Donald Trump is accused of breaking.

The sentencing for willful retention of national defense information is the first since Trump was indicted and could give a clue as to what could happen to him if convicted in the case.

While Republicans continue to claim Trump is being treated unfairly, the case that was just reported today shows that, in fact, Trump is being treated just like anyone else. He has pleaded not guilty and will go to trial just like anyone else.

My reading of this is that the Republicans want the former president to be treated differently under the law. It is they who want to use the law to punish those they deem their enemies. That is not equal justice, but political ill will.

Trying to always see the best in people is an admirable trait, but refusing to believe the facts about someone you idolize is bad in both life and politics.

Martha Linville

La Crosse
Midway through Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, a movie janked up with enough digital effects to rival the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, Harrison Ford gets on a boat. Its a nice, contemplative scene on a diving vessel, sailing to Athens and piloted by Antonio Banderas. Indys traveling, uneasily, with his goddaughter, Helena, played by generously showcased Phoebe Waller-Bridge, chasing after the Dial of Destiny, which the Nazis are likewise chasing to give this movie a reason for being.

Indy reflects on whats in his heart regarding his failing marriage, and who he has lost. The star relaxes into this moment. Ford was 79 when he filmed Dial of Destiny  hes 80 now  and he finesses it just so: with gravitas, banked emotion, glancing heartbreak. Before you know it, youve forgotten how not-special the first hour of Dial of Destiny was. The movie takes a breath, and the second halfs a little better. And that, friends, is what a movie star does for a living.

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And just before that unexpectedly effective transition scene on the boat? What do we get as a lead-in? The map! The beloved old-school, on-screen itinerary update, showing where Indys been and where hes going. The Indiana Jones franchise has always loved its map dissolves, that charming remnant of prestige studio pictures but also of the cheaper, grungier, cliffhanging serials Steven Spielberg and George Lucas watched as young boys dreaming of whips, ray guns and plunder.

Dial of Destiny marks the fifth and probable final Indiana Jones movie with Ford front and center. Its also the first one  and you can tell, right away  not directed by Spielberg.

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Most of Dial of Destiny takes place in 1969. We meet Indy living humbly, doggedly, alone in New York City on the brink of retirement from his post at Hunter College. Indy and Marion, estranged for a while now, we learn, teeter around the edges of their divorce paperwork, still unsigned.

The screenplay (with four credited writers) patiently grinds through explanations of what Indy calls the ancient hunk of gears everyones after. The gears belong to the Antikythera, both miraculously interlocking halves of it; its the potential world-changing artifact invented by the ancient Greek mathematician Archimedes, imagined by Dial of Destiny to be a predictor of fissures in time.

The Nazis we meet in the World War II prologue, led by Mads Mikkelsen as the insinuating chief weasel Jurgen Voller, want that dial to re-wage the war theyre about to lose. All this is in the trailer. The movie feels like a two-and-a-half-hour trailer for a better, two-hour version of itself.

In the early WWII scenes, a digitally de-aged Ford and his comrade in archaeology Basil Shaw (Toby Jones) fight for their lives atop a hurtling train. Here is an example of all the latest technology money can buy, but with an enormous caveat. Youre watching a magically younger Harrison Ford, looking a lot more convincing than, say, a young Robert De Niro in The Irishman, but the minute Indy opens his mouth, its the sound of a grizzled 79-year-old actor dubbing his former self.

The movies full of almost-good scenes, such as the tuk-tuk chase in Tangier (not helped by chatbot-level wisecracks) or an artifact auction wherein Indy wields his whip against his newfound adversaries. One quadrant of the new films target audience is being catered to, directly, with the presence of teenage sidekick Teddy, played by Ethann Isidore. You need a kid, obviously, just so Ford can ask at least once: Wheres the kid?

The action doesnt really give you a lift this time around, because were in an effects realm of the overwhelmingly digital, not the reassuringly practical, no matter how far-flung the productions location filming (Scotland, Morocco, Sicily). Its so easy for action scenes to slip from incredible, meaning ridiculous but cool, to not credible, meaning not believable and not especially effective. At his cleverest, Spielberg delighted in a blend of old-school and new-school trickery in the earlier Indy movies; Dial of Destiny director James Mangold blends various tactics, too, but to lesser effect. CGI makes anything possible, but does not make everything advisable. Or fun.

I did like the leap into pure sci-fi hokum at the climax, about which Ill keep mum. Indys most endearing trait remains his automatic reset to grumbly skepticism with each new movie, even after hes seen God melt some Nazis, Thuggees performing heart removal and aliens tangling with Cate Blanchett in Crystal Skull. Dumb as that movie was, Crystal Skull had that terrific motorcycle chase across a college campus, as sharply staged and crisply edited an action scene as Spielberg ever put together. I wish any five minutes of Dial of Destiny achieved the same craftsmanship.

Many will enjoy the new film well enough, for the payoff of seeing Ford, the fedora, the bullwhip and the John Williams Raiders march theme one more time. At this point in the life of this ol archaeologist, Indys theme song has become not just a sound, but practically a sight to behold  even in a movie that isnt.

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Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny  2 stars (out of 4)

MPA rating: PG-13 (for sequences of violence and action, language and smoking)

Running time: 2:34

How to watch: Premieres in theaters June 29

Michael Phillips is a Tribune critic.

mjphillips@chicagotribune.com

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Twitter @phillipstribune
RUSI Plan To Provoke Nuclear Showdown Over Incident at Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant Is Now Shaping Policy

June 26, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), which defines itself as the worlds oldest and the U.K.s leading defense and security think tank, has produced a report on April 28, Dangerous Targets: Civilian Nuclear Infrastructure and the War in Ukraine, as a policy-planning guidance that the West is now following to escalate toward nuclear war, over an allegation that Russia plans to destroy the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). The report asserts that Russia may manufacture a radiological incident at the ZNPP or another facility to spoil a Ukrainian offensive, and that the West should make clear to Russia that any such incident would be followed by a massive response to mitigate damage. Under the RUSI scenario of escalation, allies of Kyiv might offer military personnel to Ukraine, whose deployment could lead NATO to a direct confrontation with Russia.

RUSI effectively wrote the script for the Congressional resolution that Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced on June 22, stating that if Russia used nuclear weapons in Ukraine, it would be at war with NATO, with Blumenthal adding that Russia would face total obliteration by NATO forces. Graham writes on his website that the resolutions views ... the destruction of a nuclear facility, dispersing radioactive contaminants into NATO territory causing significant harm to human life, as an attack on NATO requiring an immediate response, including the implementation of Article V of the North Atlantic Treaty.

RUSIs policy appears to be behind the June 23 New Statesman interview in which Ukraines Chief of Defense Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov openly lies that Russia has finished preparations for an attack on the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, that would bring ... about a nuclear accident. The Times of London headlines its June 22 story, Zelenskyy Warns of Plot To Blow Up Zaporozhye Nuclear Plant.

RUSIs Dangerous Targets report states that a direct strike attack on the Russian-occupied Zaporozhye NPP reactor or its dry spent-fuel storage, may not cause a radiological explosion, because the ZNPP design is more advanced than that of the earlier Chernobyl NPP:

The release and dispersion of highly radioactive material at a scale comparable to the Chornobyl disaster would require the penetration of a facility housing radioactive materialnamely, a reactor or a spent-fuel storage facilityand the large-scale release of that material into the atmosphere and surrounding environment, likely assisted by plumes of smoke from a fire. While this is technically possible, the authors judge it to be unlikely for reasons described below. An accidental hit on a reactor unit or a dry spent-fuel storage facility under the current state of military activity around Ukrainian NPPs is unlikely to cause a major radiological incident. The reactors currently operating at Ukrainian NPPs are located within reinforced containment structures, as per IAEA standards. These structures are designed to withstand significant internal and external hazards, including fires, explosions, earthquakes and radioactive release from other accidents,

the report asserts. RUSI goes on to say that bunker-busting or hypersonic missiles could risk compromise to the facility, especially if repeated hits were delivered against the structure. But, of course, those would not be accidental, they note.

RUSI then locates the plants vulnerabilities, such as the availability of water essential for cooling. The report points out that the ZNPP draws cooling water from a reservoir formed by the Kakhovka Dam, which was destroyed in the early hours of June 6, wiping out the reservoir. The ZNPP is drawing down water from an onsite cooling pond. On June 10, the last of the several reactors at ZNPP was shut down.

The report then states, This could provide an opportune moment for Russia to manufacture a crisis.... RUSI fantasizes:

The question is whether Russia convinces itself that it stands to benefit from causing a radiological incident at a Ukrainian NPP. The risk to the lives of its own personnel or Ukrainian civilians is unlikely to deter it from such a course of action. Although there is no evidence that a decision has been made in Moscow to carry out direct nuclear sabotage, variations of this kind of behavior are widely discussed among Russian officials, including those in senior positions relating to the conduct of Russias occupation.

RUSIs Dangerous Targets makes nine recommendations for safety and security at the plant, some of which are normal. However, it then states in its Recommendation 9:

Establish deterrence against a deliberately manufactured radiological incident by making clear to Russia that any such incident would be followed by a massive response to mitigate damage and expanded support for Ukraines war effort. As discussed earlier, Russia may judge a radiological incident in the event of its withdrawal from the ZNPP to be an attractive optiona serious yet controllable escalation. Deterrence must therefore be established by making clear that any such incident will have consequences that are contrary to Russias interests. The best means of doing this would be for Ukraines international partners to emphasize that a major radiological incident at the ZNPP will lead to the deployment of international CBRN [chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear] troops to assist Ukraine in dealing with the responseand that an attack on these troops will be considered an attack on the states that deployed them. Thus, Russia must believe that any such incident will not reduce the international communitys support for Ukraine. Instead, such an incident would be the basis for expanded support for Kyiv and the direct offer of assistance by deployed personnel from Ukraines partners. Given that the Russian leadership knows that it is not able to confront NATO forces, such a position should deter it from believing that Russia could control the consequences of any such action and therefore undermine any calculus that favors rewards over risks.

That is, after a NATO-Ukrainian manufactured incident, CBRN troops, under NATO direction, would enter the plant area. An incident would be the basis for nations which sent the troops, most of them NATO members, to deploy personnel, i.e., troops, to Ukraines assistance.

The minds that dreamed up this provocation may have other routes to forcing a confrontation.

Recall that RUSI Deputy Director General Malcolm Chalmers, in a May 20, 2022 report, entitled This War Still Presents Nuclear RisksEspecially in Relation to Crimea, methodically discusses how Russia could be forced into a nuclear confrontation with NATO in Crimea, from which, he assumes, Russia would ultimately back down.

The mad RUSI schemers are closely linked to the British royal household. The longstanding President of RUSI is His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent KG, GCMG, GCVO, ADC. The Duke of Kent is Prince Edward of the House of Windsor, first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth; and also a cousin of the late Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh. HRH The Duke of Kent is in the inner circle of the royal family, and one of a handful of people authorized to speak on behalf of the Windsors. Lord Louis Mountbatten, a leading member of RUSI, had led a campaign to elevate its status. Lord Mountbatten played an important role in King Charless childhood upbringing.
EIR LEAD EDITORIAL FOR WEDNESDAY JUNE 28, 2023

Surviving the Unsurvivable

June 27, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)Anglo-American NATO is driving an escalatory and acute danger of unsurvivable nuclear war, by demanding that Russia surrender its role as a world power and that China do likewise. Today, the most concentrated aspect of this threat is the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant (ZNPP). This plant is currently a central element of a plan to escalate the conflict to bring NATO into direct military confrontation with the Russian Federation.

Three weeks ago, Ukrainian forces destroyed the dam that creates the reservoir from which the plant draws its cooling water. And now they claim that Russia is preparing to use explosive charges to destroy the plant and its onsite cooling pond, causing widespread radiation damage.

Following the destruction of the Nord Stream (an act perpetrated by Russia, we are supposedly expected to believeor at least not question too loudly) and the Kakhovka dam and hydroelectric power plant, that supplied the nuclear power plant and Crimea with water (also supposedly done by the dastardly Russians), we are expected to believe that Russia is going to cause an intentional disaster at Europes largest nuclear plant, within a region that it considers part of the Russian Federation itself.

If it seems hard to think that theyd expect people to believe this, youre right. Thats why theyre so hard at work providing material to their stenographers in the press, who are splitting their time at present by publishing entirely absurd interpretations of the over-so-fast-you-may-have-missed-it Prigozhin mutiny. Rather than test the loyalty and strength of government forces to crush the uprising, the Russian leader grabbed the first exit he was offereda sign of weakness that might invite another attempt, opined a spectacularly foolish Washington Post columnist, who presumably would have preferred to see Putin demonstrate his strength by killing large numbers of Russian troops.

The psychological warfare around the ZNPP was laid out already in April, in a report by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), Britains oldest think-tank, which is closely tied to the royal family and British intelligence.

The April report, entitled Dangerous Targets: Civilian Nuclear Infrastructure and the War in Ukraine, claimed that Russia may manufacture a radiological incident at the ZNPP or another facility to spoil a Ukrainian offensive, and that the West should make clear to Russia that any such incident would be followed by a massive response to mitigate damage. Under the RUSI scenario of escalation, allies of Ukraine might offer specially trained military personnel to assist Ukraine, which would then lead to a direct, Article 5 confrontation with NATO if they were killed or injured by Russian forces.

Do the denizens of this think tank want a world war? It seems that they do! Attempts to destroy Russias independence as a world power have been at play for decades, during most of its post-Soviet existence. The shock therapy of the 1990s looted the economy. Waves of NATO expansion and American withdrawals from strategic security agreements raised the stakes. The Ukraine coup of 2014, followed by attacks on the Donbass republics, is a particularly clear example.

The Ukrainian counteroffensive has hardly been a success. Is the real Ukrainian counteroffensive seen in the Prigozhin mutiny and plans to destroy the ZNPP?

The current strategic situation is where Anglo-American insistence on a unipolar world was always headed.

Will we adopt, in place of the Anglo-American financial imperium, a new paradigm fostering the development and security of all nations of the planet?

Join LaRouche independent candidate for U.S. Senate Diane Sare in a discussion on Friday, at 8 p.m. EDT, on the occasion of the upcoming Independence Day, as she leads a charge to change the United States: The Ecumenical Roots of the American Republic is the event.

As we celebrate the 247th year of our independence from the British Empire, fewer and fewer Americans are aware of the centuries long struggle required to realize a form of government conducive to the actual nature of Mankind, ultimately culminating in the Declaration of Independence and subsequent Constitution of the United States of America,

Sare writes in her invitation, where she urges you to rally our fellow citizens to save and perpetuate this grand experiment of the American Republic and its historic mission..
Riccardo Muti, center, prepares to conduct the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in his Concert for Chicago" at Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park in Chicago on June 27, 2023. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

Riccardo Mutis formal tenure as music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra ended as it began: with a free concert in Millennium Park.

Thats where Tuesdays similarities with that bucolic day in September 2010 end. Smoke from Canadian wildfires, arriving in the Midwest, eerily engulfed the Loop and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency issued an alert suggesting that Chicagoans avoid outdoor activities.

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But love makes people do crazy things, and Chicago loves its orchestra. Nearly 8,500 concertgoers braved the haze to see off the orchestras transformative music director  though, as he teasingly reminded the audience Tuesday and during Fridays Missa solemnis, he cant be missed if hell be back in September and beyond, leading the orchestra as its music director emeritus.

Ill go out through the door and come back through the window, Muti joked.

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However ambivalent Muti may be about his long goodbye, Tuesdays concert was a historic occasion met with the requisite onstage pomp. Millennium Parks jumbo-est jumbotron was used to show a short tribute film to Mutis CSO tenure, then was retired for the rest of the performance. After the concert, Ald. Bill Conway (34th Ward) presented Muti with a special proclamation from the City of Chicago, and the CSO Association conferred him with its inaugural Charles Norman Fay Award for Distinguished Leadership, named for the civic leader who facilitated the orchestras founding in 1891.

Riccardo Muti speaks to the audience after conducting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in his Concert for Chicago" on June 27, 2023. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

The program also acted as an abbreviated tribute to the last 13 years. In recent seasons, Muti and the CSO reintroduced subscription audiences to Florence Price, with her strings-only Andante moderato reprised for the occasion. Fluidly and flexibly, Muti led the short work at a luxuriant tempo, telegraphing phrasings with graceful sweeps of the arm and dainty dips. And what phrasing it was, as though a sweet smell was wafting through Jay Pritzker Pavilion instead of putrid smoke. Its final chord played the boundary between sound and silence, closing an Andante moderato even more wistful and profound than the orchestras 2021 performance at Orchestra Hall.

The viola section was a special standout in the Price, playing with noticeably variegated expression and unity. Thats despite being without their de facto leader, assistant principal Li-Kuo Chang, this past season and seasons to come: Changs retirement, along with that of principal librarian Peter Conover and cellist Gary Stucka, was announced by the CSO a few hours before the concert.

Mutis tenure-long attention to Tchaikovsky symphonies was likewise represented by that composers Symphony No. 5. The performance began with a moment of wordless connection between Muti and Stephen Williamson, whose stark, semi-intoned opening lines set the tone for other spectacular clarinet solos to follow in the movement.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 32 Conductor Riccardo Muti leads the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Brahms' Symphony No. 1 at Symphony Center on May 4, 2017. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Muti and orchestra filled the great, cavernous depths of that exposition with a parade of orchestral color, as though showing off what the CSO could do to any new audiences in attendance: pinpoint string lines which broadened with ever-more pathos in the lyrical themes, brassy chords with a cutting, serrated edge, and a first-movement flute solo by Stefan Ragnar Hoskuldsson that emerged like the fragile flicker of candlelight.

Likewise, Mark Almond, the San Francisco Symphony associate principal hornist playing trial weeks with the CSO this month, played his solo at the top of the second movement with a quiet nobility that drew in the ear. That heart-on-sleeve love song, heard at first from a distance, is answered resoundingly by the orchestra, and Muti and the CSO performance reveled in its intoxication.

If Tuesday showed off the CSOs full spectrum of sound, not a hue was lost in the concerts outdoor setting. The brilliant orchestral hits buttoning the third and fourth movements echoed dazzlingly through the parks sound speakers, pantomiming a cutoff in a giant hall.

[ The last maestro: Conductor Riccardo Muti steps down at the CSO and ends an era. But hes not leaving just yet. ]

In interviews over the years, Muti has been resolute on a key point: conducting is his calling, but it is not a thing of joy. He is not happy on the podium. He is doing his job, which is to execute the score as seriously and faithfully as possible.

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People stand for The Star-Spangled Banner before the Concert for Chicago" is performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with Riccardo Muti conducting at the Pritzker Pavilion on June 27, 2023. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

For that reason, Mutis love for the orchestra, deep as it is, doesnt usually manifest itself in podium gaiety. But on Tuesday, in this repertoire and for this occasion, Muti often seemed nothing less than effervescent. He gleefully egged on the audience during the last line of the national anthem, and those close to the stage could see smiles dance across his face all night. The delicate suspensions in the Price. The impassioned string lines in the Tchaikovsky first movement. A last movement which strode on without him as he minimized his gestures and proudly watched. All of these were sources of Mutis delight, and admiration. Ours, too.

This is the sound he and the CSO have created together, and will continue to create. Long may it ring.

Hannah Edgar is a freelance critic.

The Rubin Institute for Music Criticism helps fund our classical music coverage. The Chicago Tribune maintains editorial control over assignments and content.
A company in Mexico City is working to save some small, but important members, of the Mexican capitals community --- bees. The flying insects play a big part in a healthy ecosystem as pollinators.

The company is called Abeja Negra SOS. Abeja means bee in Spanish and negra means black. SOS is a code used to communicate an urgent need for help.

The companys main effort is to find new homes for bees threatened with destruction by bee removal services. They usually destroy the bee homes, called beehives, in their work.

Abeja Negra SOS was created in 2018. Its leader, Adriana Veliz, is an animal doctor. She was working for the government, she said, when she started noticing calls about beehive removal needs. She said the governments first answer was to kill the bees.

So, she and other coworkers began looking for a way to remove the bees and their homes without such destruction. They decided on re-homing the insects.

We do these rescues because its a species thats in danger of extinction, said Veliz, adding, We give them a second chance.

Around the world, bee numbers have decreased sharply in recent history. The United States alone is estimated to have lost around 25 percent of its bees in the past 40 years. Earlier this year, beekeepers in southern Mexico mourned the mass killing of millions of bees by farming chemicals.

The decrease in bee populations is often blamed on human causes. Reasons include the use of damaging chemicals, the destruction of natural environments, and climate change. Scientists and world leaders warn that decreasing bee numbers could have many different effects.

In 2019, the United Nations declared that bee loss is a serious threat to worldwide food security.

Adriana Correa Benitez is a professor researching bees at National Autonomous University of Mexico. She said loss of bees could make it more difficult for Mexico to deal with climate change.

Because many of the bees in Mexico come from African roots, they can be more aggressive than the average honeybee. Some people living in the city fear bee attacks and bee stings. And some also may not understand the importance of bees.

During the last five years, Abeja Negra SOS says it has saved bees in hives all around the capital city, which is home to nine million people. The group says it has re-homed about 510 hives. The average population of such a hive is 80,000 bees.

Once a removed hive is safely stored inside of a box, the group takes the bees to the rural edges of the city. The bees can recover there and grow stronger. They later give the bees to local bee farmers or release them into the wild.

The team has faced some difficulties because their hive re-homing service costs a bit more than $300. For many in the city, it is still easier to call firefighters to exterminate bees for free.

Yet, the project has grown. And talk of Abeja Negra SOS has also led to the creation of other groups who are doing the same work.

With what we do, we may not be changing the world, but were at least changing the situation in our city, Veliz said.

Im Gregory Stachel.

Megan Janetsky reported this story for The Associated Press. Gregory Stachel adapted it for VOA Learning English.

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Words in This Story

pollinator n. an agent (such as an insect) that pollinates flowers

exterminate  v. to destroy or kill (a group of animals, people, etc.) completely

species  n. a group of animals or plants that are similar and can produce young animals or plants

extinction  n. the state or situation that results when something (such as a plant or animal species) has died out

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa  Bob Rehan wanted a succession plan of some sort should he become sidelined in his work.

One of the things that an attorney who practices primarily as a sole practitioner, such as I do, one of the key things that such a person has to do is keep an eye out for their clients, with a view toward what would happen if something unanticipated happened to me, health-wise, or I died, said Rehan, 63, an attorney who runs the Rehan Law Firm on Fourth Street in Sioux City. You have to have a plan in place.

But, for all that he thought about the matter, he couldnt find the right fit.

Then one day, in November 2022, his daughter, Omaha attorney Katy Rehan, had an idea while in Lexington, Kentucky, for a client meeting: What if Smith Pauley, the much-larger Omaha firm where shes a partner, merged with her fathers practice in Sioux City? She held her fathers law firm in high esteem, describing it as a wonderful practice and such a well-oiled machine.

I just said it kind of wishfully, that I wish that we could somehow do something with my dad, said Katy Rehan, 37. And both my partners looked at me, and theyre like, Well, why wouldnt you?

So she broached the idea with her father, not necessarily expecting any interest from him. In fact, the overture was warmly received by the elder Rehan: No. 1, its my daughter, Katy, Bob Rehan said.

Ive always been very impressed with her work as an attorney, and the way she handles and cares for clients, he added.

Bob Rehan went to meet with the attorneys of Smith Pauley  some level of due diligence was, of course, de rigueur. It ended up being, like, the best first meeting ever. And the rest is history, Katy Rehan said.

The Rehan Law Firm announced its merger with Smith Pauley this month, effective July 1. The Sioux City office will carry the Smith Pauley name. Bob Rehan himself is staying put and will continue in his work, as will his staffers.

Bob Rehan has lived most of his life in Sioux City; his family moved here from Omaha when he was a year old. His entire law career has been in Sioux City, beginning after he passed the bar in 1984 and joined the law firm of Tom Vakulskas, working alongside the likes of Duane Hoffmeyer, later a district judge who has since taken senior status.

Rehan worked there for five years before striking out on his own in 1989, sharing an office with attorneys Richard McCoy and Bruce Thomas, and forming a somewhat loosely unified practice they called McCoy, Thomas & Rehan; the three largely conducted their own work independently. After a few years, McCoy became a judge, the firm dissolved and Rehan established his own firm bearing his name.

The practice of the Rehan Law Firm, consisting of Bob Rehan and fellow attorney Michael Jacobs, along with a longtime office manager, longtime receptionist and a paralegal, consists largely of helping people complete purchases or sales of residences, Rehan said. His focus on real-estate law began early in his career.

As a young adult, Katy Rehan wasnt sure what she was going to do with her life. Born and raised in Sioux City, she studied journalism and political science for her undergraduate degree at the University of Iowa. But there was no job I could see myself as, visualize myself as, except for a lawyer.

I really didnt know, to be honest, Katy Rehan said. Even when I started college  I guess I didnt know outwardly, like I wasnt comfortable just committing to anything at that time.

She was at Saturday in the Park, a Sioux City music festival, in July 2006 when she made up her mind.

And Im like, Im going to law school! Katy Rehan said.

And I think, always, it was because of my dad, she added.

She passed the bar in 2010. But the economy had shifted radically, and not for the better, between her decision to go to law school on July 1, 2006, and her bar exam four summers later. At the time, a slow recovery from the Great Recession was just beginning; it was not an encouraging time to be a young, inexperienced job seeker.

Right after I took the bar  2010, things were just kind of shaky then, because it was following the economic crash, so I was really nervous. So Im like, Im not going to take off any time  like my friends did, she said.

Soon she was practicing commercial litigation and some real-estate law in Chicago.

In 2020, she moved to Omaha, keeping her job with the Chicago law firm, doing contract work and also helping her father.

In 2022, a group of attorneys of the former Smith Slusky law firm in Omaha formed the new Smith Pauley. In August of that year, Katy Rehan joined Smith Pauley as a partner. The firm has a total of 22 attorneys  not counting Bob Rehan or Michael Jacobs  and 30 support staff. Smith Pauleys lawyers work primarily in estate planning, real estate, commercial lending, corporate transactions, mergers and acquisitions and commercial and civil litigation.

Now that her firm and her fathers firm are one and the same, Katy Rehan said, shell probably be working alongside her father quite a bit. I want to be in the office a lot more, I want this to feel like Im as much a part of it as my dad, starting now, she said.

Her fathers firm, meanwhile, will reap the benefits of having greater resources at its disposal than it ever had before.

And it kind of gives a person at my station in life, and my station in the practice, a sort of new energy, Bob Rehan said.

Top Journal Star photos for June 2023
Some 14,000 residents of Macau with university degrees have undertaken the Civil Servants unified admission exam to potentially commence a career in government.

The exam took place recently across several school institutions.

Initially, over 17,000 registered to take part in the exam which resulted in a 83% participation rate.

According to a report from TDM TV, many of the participants found the exam challenging due to many of the questions testing logical reasoning.

In the past, the exam was comprised of a very high number of questions related to laws, namely the Statute of Civil Servants as well as other government-related administrative regulations.

This time, the number of questions that appealed to logical reasoning and language comprehension seems to have caught some by surprise.

I thought there would be more questions about laws or mathematics but [in reality] the [exam focused] more on language skills and comprehension, an examinee interviewed by TDM after the exam said.

Another of the examinees attempting the 430 Exam for the first time since the last time [in 2021] many people failed to pass the exam so I decided to challenge myself and see if I could do it, he said, adding that the wages as well as many other benefits that civil servants enjoy are the main motivations to seek a job in the administration.

Back in 2021, only around 6,000 candidates (38%) passed the exam.

The Comprehensive Civil Service Degree Level, also known as the 430 exam, is the first step for those wishing to have a career as a civil servant.

The results from the exam will be valid for a period of five years, with those approved being able to then submit applications to specific job offerings in the governments different departments. Among those are senior technicians, veterinarians, and translators, among others.

Several of the interviewees noted the higher wages and stronger benefits when compared with the private sector, as well as job security, as motivations to attempt a job in the government sector.
Indonesias anti-graft court yesterday began a trial for a former communication and information technology minister who was charged with corruption over the construction of mobile phone transmission towers in remote parts of the country.

Prosecutors allege that Johnny G. Plate changed the terms of the 8 trillion rupiah ($533 million) procurement project and the number of construction sites without conducting feasibility studies and that he personally enriched himself with 17.8 billion rupiah ($1.2 million).

Anang Achmad Latif, the director of an agency under the Communications and Information Ministry, and Yohan Suryanto, a development expert from the University of Indonesia, were indicted alongside Plate for similar charges.

Prosecutors also said Plate asked Latif for 500 million rupiah ($33,353) a month from March 2021 to October 2022, with the money coming from a consortium company that worked for the project.

Plate, who was part of the government coalition NasDem party, is the fifth minister from President Joko Widodos administrations to be charged with corruption. Four other members of Widodos Cabinet have been sentenced to prison terms in corruption cases, casting a shadow over Widodos efforts to clean up the government while he looks for a successor after his term ends in 2024.

The construction project involving Plate was initiated at the end of 2020 to provide mobile phone coverage to more than 7,900 blank spots in Indonesias outermost, underdeveloped and remote areas of Papua, Sulawesi, Borneo, Sumatra and East Nusa Tenggara provinces.

Prosecutors say Plate met Latif and businessman Galumbang Simanjuntak in Jakarta in 2020 to discuss plans for the 4G BTS infrastructure project and supporting projects. The implementation work later involved companies affiliated with Simanjuntak.

Plate was arrested on May 17 after being questioned as part of an investigation by the attorney generals office in Jakarta. He was apprehended along with five other suspects, including three from the private sector, after some 60 people were questioned about the procurement process.

Plates arrest sparked speculation over the fate of the NasDem party, which is part of the government coalition along with seven others. NasDem had earlier endorsed a popular opposition politician, Anies Baswedan, as a presidential candidate in 2024. Widodo has referred to the party as an outsider in the coalition. ACHMAD IBRAHIM & EDNA TARIGAN, JAKARTA, MDT/AP
From left: Rock Hudson and Lee Garlington in Puerto Vallarta in 1963 as seen in the documentary Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed. (Martin Flaherty & The Rock Hudson Estate Collection/HBO)

A documentary about one of Hollywoods biggest stars of the 20th century, Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed (riffing on the title of Hudsons 1955 film All That Heaven Allows) is the portrait of a boy from Winnetka  a New Trier alum and self-described Midwestern hick  who found fame and fortune on screen. But he lived a double life, which he kept under wraps until his fatal AIDS diagnosis in the 80s.

There was his heterosexual public image  of brawny style and wit, a 6-foot-4 leading man who could switch easily from adventure films to Douglas Sirk melodramas in the 50s, to romantic comedies opposite Doris Day in the 60s, to the TV police procedural McMillan & Wife in the 70s and the nighttime soap Dynasty in the 80s.

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His closeted private life was an open secret in Hollywood, if not to his wider audience. He was gregarious and charming and had an abundance of sexual flings and a close circle of friends, but no long-term romantic relationships. Maybe the demands of maintaining a straight image made that too difficult. But either way, Hudsons wealth, and his agent Henry Willson, were key to keeping all of this under wraps.

When the tabloid Confidential threatened to do a piece exposing Hudsons homosexuality, Willson offered up Tab Hunter, who was one of his other clients, as a sacrificial lamb instead. The film doesnt delve into how Hudson might have felt about that, if he felt anything at all.

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From left: Rock Hudson and a friend at the beach in 1963 as seen in the documentary Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed. (Martin Flaherty & The Rock Hudson Estate Collection/HBO)

Willson was a less-than-ethical operator. He is described in the film as the equivalent of a womanizer  a manizer  and it was understood that his male clients would sleep with him as part of the bargain. What Hudson made of that arrangement is left unexplored, but there are hints that he may have had an opportunistic streak, at least early in his career, dumping an earlier paramour and manager who was Hudsons first real friend in Los Angeles in favor of whatever career gains Willson could provide.

Even so, People loved him. He was just a decent, wonderful guy. And thats unusual in Hollywood, someone says in director Stephen Kijaks film.

But theres another quotation thats even more revealing: He was a great performer, not only in acting but in life.

That presents a number of challenges for Kijak (whose credits include documentaries about Judy Garland and Lynyrd Skynyrd) because Hudson didnt give probing interviews during his lifetime. Kijak talks to a number of old friends and lovers and they form a really neat, compact arc that will bring you from the pre-Stonewall era before gay liberation to the other side of the AIDS crisis, he said in a recent interview. But the film struggles to capture what Hudsons personality was like in private. Nor does it talk about his drinking, which reportedly became an issue later in life.

But its a terrific portrait of how Hollywood once functioned  and the artifice of it all. I was under contract with Universal Pictures and I was with them for 17, 18 years, Hudson says in an archival interview. Universal in those days was a wonderful studio. They took care of everything for the actor: The house you live in, the shopping, your meals cooked, it was all done for you so that the only thing you had to be concerned about was your performance.

In the early 50s, he shared a home with fellow actor Robert Preble, and the pair were featured in the magazine Photoplay. Through todays lens, the accompanying images read as hiding in plain sight, particularly one in which they are shirtless, posing by a convertible in jeans, their muscles flexing. Hudson is kneeling and polishing the fender while Preble leans under the cars hood. They were roommates, the story claimed. Just two bachelors looking to save a buck on rent.

But soon enough, Hudsons marriageability became too conspicuous to ignore and a wedding to his agents secretary was hastily arranged in 1955. The marriage didnt last, but it served its purpose.

Rock Hudson in a photo from the 1950s, as seen in the documentary Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed. (Photofest/HBO/Photofest)

The documentary is at its strongest when it considers Hudson juxtaposed with the eras he lived through. He had a fairly unencumbered life  his house in Beverly Hills was dubbed The Castle and it was the frequent site for gatherings, away from prying eyes and cameras  only to see all that shatter when his fellow political conservatives, including one-time friend Nancy Reagan, all but abandoned him in his hour of need.

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Tales of the City author Armistead Maupin was among Hudsons inner circle and he talks about a conversation they had in the 70s, when he urged Hudson to come out of the closet. Apparently, Hudson considered it but never followed through. Its a tantalizing what if? Later, it was Maupin who would confirm publicly that Hudson was gay: People had to learn how to behave like adults about this subject, is how he puts it.

Hudson became sick just as the AIDS crisis was worsening. All we did was go to funerals and fundraisers, one of his friends says. Hudson sought treatment in Paris, where his diagnosis was kept secret, until it wasnt. His publicist made the announcement  how involved was Hudson in that decision? Its unclear  and he became the most famous person at the time to publicly confirm his AIDS diagnosis. What followed was deplorable treatment; the hospital in France wanted him out and no airline would fly him back to the States, leaving his publicist to charter a 747 to get him home.

He died not long after in October 1985. Less than a year later, Roger Ebert would interview Sara Davidson, author of Rock Hudson: His Story. He begins with a blunt statement: If Rock Hudson had collapsed in Los Angeles instead of in a Paris hospital, he would have died with all of his secrets still intact. That was how Hudson wanted it, according to Davidson, who said he feared the truth would destroy the image he had carefully built up over 35 years.

The film doesnt grapple with this complexity, of Hudsons feelings about his carefully manicured public image and his state of mind when his health turned cataclysmic. The film also makes no mention of a lawsuit one of his former lovers filed after his death.

It was Elizabeth Taylor and Doris Day who publicly stood by him in the end. Theres a touching anecdote from another Hudson biographer, Mark Griffin, thats not in the film but worthwhile all the same. At home, during the stars final days, everyone was maintaining a very polite distance, Griffin told CBS. And Taylor, quite admirably, said, Well, this is ridiculous. And she crawled into bed with him and cuddled with him and hugged him.

Rock Hudson: All that Heaven Allowed  3 stars (out of 4)

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Where to watch: 8 p.m. Wednesday on HBO (streaming on Max)

Rock Hudson with his dogs as seen in the documentary Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed. (Harry Langdon Jr./HBO)

Nina Metz is a Tribune critic

nmetz@chicagotribune.com
A jaywalker who took influencer photos on Rua Nova a Guia has complained on Chinese social media networks about Macau governments lack of warning signs at the location.

Its ridiculous! the jaywalker wrote in a post on the Chinese social media, after they claimed that they were being told by a police officer that adults should be held accountable for what they have done.

In the social media post, the jaywalker said that they took a picture in the middle of the street, and that other photo-takers were also fined.

The jaywalker insisted that they only stayed there briefly.

The jaywalker also asked the police officer why there was no signboard warning people not to take pictures in the middle of the vehicle lane to warn tourists, to which, according to the violator, the police officer gave the aforementioned comment.

They pointed out that non-smoking signs are all over the city, arguing that different rules were used to govern activities that they consider similar.

In the past year or so, the local street has become an influencer hotspot, as it is geographically a visual corridor that leads toward the Grand Lisboa hotel. It is not rare  in fact it is quite common  to see photo-takers appropriating zebra-crossings, the vehicle lane or bus stop to strike a nice angle for their shots.

Often, these people do not care when a bus was coming towards them. Lawmakers have also taken opportunities to suggest the government take action to control the situation.

Meanwhile, local drivers have also complained in different channels that sometimes these jaywalkers suddenly dismount from the sidewalk, causing tension and danger.

The Public Security Police Force was emailed to verify whether fine tickets have been issued against the matter, but no reply was received by press time.
The Macau New Neighborhood (MNN) was officially unveiled yesterday, with the first batch of local residents able to move in within this year.

The project is expected to be completed in August.

The project is preparing for sale, and the unit is currently undergoing hardcover and greening construction.

The average price per square meter of the units will not exceed RMB 30,000, and it is expected that the sale will start within this year.

As cited in a TDM report, if the number of purchasers exceeds the number of units, a lucky draw will be held.

Sales centers will be set up in Macau and Hengqin within this year to facilitate the submission of applications by citizens.

The project in Hengqin offers about 4,000 fitted-out residential units for sale and more than 200 housing units for talent, all of which are equipped with home appliances.

80% of the residential units are two-bedroom flats with gross floor area of about 88 square metres, and 20% are three-bedroom flats with gross floor area of about 118 square metres.

MNN has a total of 27 residential towers of 19 to 26 floors each.

Meanwhile, according to the chairman of the company responsible for the project, Peter Lam Kam Seng, the MNN hopes to create a living environment similar to Macau through community facilities so that Macau residents can better integrate into the life of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, as stated in the chairmans opening speech.

Also present at the unveiling ceremony was Secretary for Economy and Finance Lei Wai Nong, who recalled that since the beginning of this year, the Cooperation Zone has launched a series of measures to improve the popularity and business atmosphere in the zone, and at the same time, it also supports Macau residents in starting businesses, employment, life and housing.

Government data shows that from January to April this year, 1.28 million Macau residents entered the Hengqin Port, an increase of 92% year-on-year, and 448,000 Macao single-plate vehicles entered the Hengqin Port, an increase of 86.7%. There are 7,218 residents working and living in the district.

Staff Reporter
A 50-year-old male was yesterday detained by the Public Security Police Force (PSP) and referred to the Public Prosecutions Office to be provisionally charged with attempted murder after attacking his ex-wife with a hammer, leaving the woman in a critical condition, the PSP informed yesterday afternoon in a special press conference to disclose information on this case.

The attack took place on Monday evening around 10:30 p.m. when the man that was riding a scooter passing by the area of the crossroad between the Rua de Sacadura Cabral and the Rua de Manuel de Arriaga, close to Three Lamps area, when he suddenly stopped and took a hammer from the motorcycle, attacking the 50-year-old woman.

The attack was witnessed by a co-worker of the victim that was with her at the time, who, according to the PSP, tried to stop the attacker but was threatened too.

The attack was finally stopped by a group of four off-duty police officers who saw the attack and ran to the scene.

The man was finally detained by a traffic police officer who was also passing in the area and was called by the off-duty police officers.

The woman was taken to the Conde de Sao Januario Hospital Center where she is still in a coma after an emergency surgery was performed on her brain and skull.

According to medical information, the blows of the hammer caused several fractures to her skull and some fragments have punctured the womans brain.

Her condition is currently deemed critical.

Further investigation made by the PSP on the attack revealed that the attacker and the victim had once been a couple but divorced in April 2020.

Records also show that the woman at the end of 2017 had filed a complaint to the Judiciary Police, reporting the husband for domestic violence.

The police said they believed that the attack was planned for some time as the man was seen around the same area, allegedly in the vicinity of the house where the victim lives, several times.

The police believe the man works as a driver. The police also found a knife among his possessions.

The man has been referred to the Public Prosecutions Office to be provisionally charged with the crime of aggravated attempted murder.

The Social Welfare Bureaus (IAS) helpline for victims of domestic violence provides service for individuals or family members who suffer or are at risk of suffering from domestic violence.

If in need of support, residents can call IAS counseling hotline (28233030).
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said yesterday that he has received an invitation for an official visit to China, but did not disclose whether or when the trip would take place.

The Israeli leader made the announcement during a meeting with visiting members of the U.S. Congress. The invitation follows several recent overtures by Beijing to increase its diplomatic footprint in the region and comes at a time of heightened friction between the Biden administration and Netanyahus ultranationalist and ultra-Orthodox government.

Netanyahus office said the projected visit to China would be his fourth as prime minister. It said it notified the Biden administration, which has a rocky relationship with China, about the invitation last month. It declined to comment on possible dates for the trip.

China has taken a more strident role in Mideast diplomacy in recent months, brokering a deal to restore ties between Israels archenemy, Iran, and Saudi Arabia in April and hosting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Beijing earlier this month.

Israel and China have close economic relations, but Israels diplomatic and security ties with the U.S. have precluded closer collaboration with China.

Netanyahu, Israels longest-serving prime minister, returned to power in late 2022 after forming a coalition with ultranationalist and ultra-Orthodox allies, the most hard-line and religious government in Israels 75-year history.

After launching an attempted overhaul of the countrys judiciary in January while Netanyahu is on trial on corruption charges, the government has faced weekly mass protests as well as criticism from Washington.

In light of that contentious judicial overhaul, as well as the governments aggressive advancement of West Bank settlements, Netanyahu has not yet been invited for a White House visit. Such visits are normally standard practice for Israeli leaders. MDT/AP
Philippine police backed by commandos staged a massive raid yesterday and said they rescued more than 2,700 workers from China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia and more than a dozen other countries who were allegedly swindled into working for fraudulent online gaming sites and other cybercrime groups.

The number of human trafficking victims rescued from seven buildings in Las Pinas city in metropolitan Manila and the scale of the nighttime police raid were the largest so far this year and indicated how the Philippines has become a key base of operations for cybercrime syndicates.

Cybercrime scams have become a major issue in Asia with reports of people from the region and beyond being lured into taking jobs in countries like strife-torn Myanmar and Cambodia. However, many of these workers find themselves trapped in virtual slavery and forced to participate in scams targeting people over the internet.

In May, leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations agreed in a summit in Indonesia to tighten border controls and law enforcement and broaden public education to fight criminal syndicates that traffic workers to other nations, where they are made to participate in online fraud.

Brig. Gen. Sydney Hernia, who heads the national Philippine polices anti-cybercrime unit, said police armed with warrants raided and searched the buildings around midnight in Las Pinas and rescued 1,534 Filipinos and 1,190 foreigners from at least 17 countries, including 604 Chinese, 183 Vietnamese, 137 Indonesians, 134 Malaysians and 81 Thais. There were also a few people from Myanmar, Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, Nigeria and Taiwan.

It was not immediately clear how many suspected leaders of the syndicate were arrested.

Police raided another suspected cybercrime base at the Clark freeport in Mabalacat city in Pampanga province north of Manila in May where they took custody of nearly 1,400 Filipino and foreign workers who were allegedly forced to carry out cryptocurrency scams, police said.

Some of the workers told investigators that when they tried to quit they were forced to pay a hefty amount for unclear reasons or they feared they would be sold to other syndicates, police said, adding that workers were also forced to pay fines for perceived infractions at work.

Workers were lured with high salary offers and ideal working conditions in Facebook advertisements but later found out the promises were a ruse, officials said.

Indonesian Minister Muhammad Mahfud, who deals with political, legal and security issues, told reporters in May that Indonesia and other countries in the region have found it difficult to work with Myanmar on cybercrime and its victims.

He said ASEAN needs to make progress on a long-proposed regional extradition treaty that would help authorities prosecute offenders more rapidly and prevent a further escalation in cybercrime. MDT/AP
*Holiday list

 Ctrip: Macau remains among most popular destinations during holiday, while data shows a growing trend for summer vacations

* Crime | Man hammers ex-wife in street attack

* Hengqin | First batch of local residents to move into New Neighborhood this year

* A jaywalker who took influencer photos on Rua Nova a Guia has complained about governments lack of warning signs at the location

* Public works: Construction on UM-Hengqin overpass to finish in July

* Economy: Chinas premier says the country can hit its 5% target this year

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Wednesday, June 28, 2023  edition no. 4275
24 restaurants, food shops and coffee shops we lost in the Madison area in 2022, and 3 that moved

In the past year, the Wisconsin State Journal reported the closing of 24 restaurants, food shops and coffee shops and three that moved.

That number was higher than last year's figure, when the paper reported 19 closures. In 2020, the paper reported the loss of 31 restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, taverns and brew pubs.

The Pasquals location on East Washington Avenue closed this year, but didn't get a full story.

Paisan's Italian Restaurant, was forced to close at 131 W. Wilson St. after a tumultuous year, starting in September 2021 when the city first closed the building it anchors because of structural concerns. The building is now set for demolition and the property will be redeveloped.

The places that moved: Cuco's Mexican Restaurant on Madison's East Side closed in October, with its owners moving it to a new location with a new name at 1824 S. Park St.

Also in October, Java Cat closed at 3918 Monona Drive and will reopen in the former Legacy House Imports Gift Shop and Tea Room, 4221 Lien Road, near East Towne Mall.

In August, Mirch Masala, the Indian-Nepali restaurant on State Street that closed in late March, reopened on the West Side at 439 Grand Canyon Drive, across from Chuck E. Cheese.
A man who was arrested after a woman reported to police that she had been sexually assaulted as she slept in her apartment earlier this month had cut off a GPS monitor he was supposed to be wearing while on probation for a host of recent convictions that included another incident earlier this year in which he had entered a strangers home, according to court records.

A criminal complaint issued Tuesday charged David E. Cartagena Molina, 27, with second-degree sexual assault, felony intimidation of a victim, false imprisonment and burglary, along with misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct and obstructing police.

The charges were issued for an incident early the morning of June 16 in which its alleged Cartagena Molina entered a womans campus-area apartment in the 1200 block of Spring Street and groped her over her clothing as she slept, the complaint states. She did not know the man who was in her bedroom.

The complaint states Cartagena Molina had been supervised by a state Department of Corrections agent for about three months, and during that time he cut off his GPS bracelet four times, the agent told police. He was not wearing it on June 16.

DOC officials did not immediately respond to a query asking whether Cartagena Molina was sanctioned for removing the GPS device. His probation was scheduled to end in February 2025, spokesperson Kevin Hoffman said.

Cartagena Molina, who is being held in the Dane County Jail, is scheduled to appear in court on July 5.

According to the complaint:

When the woman woke up, she told police, Cartagena Molina asked her to call him a taxi for work. Instead, the woman used a voice command to instruct her phone to call 911, prompting Cartagena Molina to put her into a headlock. He asked her not to call 911 and to hang up.

When the call went through, the woman told police, Cartagena Molina backed away and again asked her to hang up, but she told him repeatedly to get out. He backed out of the apartment, she said, and once he was out, she shut the door and locked it.

Police who responded to the womans 911 call quickly located Cartagena Molina nearby and arrested him. Security video from the apartment building appeared to show him in the building and entering the apartment, then after leaving that apartment, checking other apartment doors before he fled through a back stairwell.

At the time of his arrest, according to court records, Cartagena Molina was on probation for several convictions for incidents between July 2021 and January. As part of a plea agreement, he was sentenced on Feb. 27 to concurrent prison and jail sentences that were suspended in favor of probation totaling two years.

The last of those incidents was early on Jan. 9, when Cartagena Molina had entered a strangers home on Madisons South Side and went into the bedroom of a 13-year-old girl. The girl hid under a blanket and screamed, waking up her family. Cartagena Molina then asked a member of the girls family to use a cellphone to call someone for a ride, according to court records.

Cartagena Molina told police he felt it was OK for him to enter the home without permission to look for a ride because both he and the family speak Spanish, according to court records in that case. He was convicted of disorderly conduct.

Other convictions as part of the plea agreement in February that encompassed five separate criminal cases included two counts of taking and driving a vehicle without consent, operating a vehicle without consent, felony bail jumping and misdemeanor theft.

In the complaint filed Tuesday, Cartagena Molina told police he came to Madison from Kansas about two years ago, fleeing from Kansas Department of Corrections supervision for a crime that was not stated in the complaint.

Online corrections and court records from Kansas, however, only reflect a 2016 conviction for criminal damage to property, for which he served time in custody and on supervision, which ended in 2017.
The air quality in Madison was in the very unhealthy category on Wednesday, but improvement was expected in time for the weekend heading into the Fourth of July.

Craig Czarnecki of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said monitors in Madison were reading 256 and 233 as of 10 a.m., which is in the very unhealthy category, the second worst category behind hazardous.

Wisconsin is experiencing a historic air quality event and is currently observing some of the highest concentrations of particulate air pollution on record, Czarnecki told the State Journal.

The current air quality advisory runs through noon Thursday for the area. The small particles in wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, and can affect the heart and lungs, making it harder to breathe. Authorities recommend keeping outdoor activities light and short, and wearing an N95 mask when outside, especially if for an extended time.

The worst impacts of the smoke from Canadian wildfires is on the southern and western parts of the state, he said.

The stagnant weather conditions are contributing to the problem, but we are hoping to see some improvements today, Czarnecki said, adding that northwest Wisconsin already was back in the moderate air quality index category.

Improvements for counties farther to the south will greatly depend on atmospheric mixing throughout the day as wind speeds increase, he said. The advisory is set to expire at noon tomorrow, but its a highly a dynamic situation. If we dont get enough mixing and wind blowing this smoke out of our region, the advisory may need to be extended another day or so.

The good news is that typical weather trends and patterns make it unlikely things will get this bad again this summer, National Weather Service meteorologist Paul Collar told the State Journal.

Winds wrapping around a low pressure system that moved to our east was a prime setup to pull the smoke down from the record wildfires in Canada to our region, Collar said.

Typically, as you get later into the summer, the jet stream likes to go set up in Canada, and that would help our cause, Collar said. We get more on the edge of these westerlies, and we still get disturbances rotating through, but everything is more progressive and it wouldn't be directly tapping that same area in Quebec.

We've had fires every year up in Canada, so getting smoke around here is not unusual, but typically it stays aloft and it doesn't result in the type of conditions that we have had. There's no guarantees that we're out of the woods, but having a more typical summertime, upper air pattern will certainly help our cause.

Across Canada, 490 fires are burning, with 255 of them considered to be out of control, haze has settled over most of the Great Lakes region and unhealthy air has moved as far south as Kentucky and Missouri, the Associated Press reported Wednesday.

"There's particularly poor air quality ... over southern Wisconsin, Illinois, central Indiana, and also another area over southeast Michigan, Detroit and northeast Ohio around Cleveland," National Weather Service meteorologist Byran Jackson said. "This is particularly thick smoke."

The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre reported Monday that 29,393 square miles of land including forests has burned across Canada since Jan. 1. That exceeds the previous record set in 1989 of 29,187 square miles, according to the National Forestry Database.
Xi meets with Vietnamese PM

Xinhua) 08:12, June 28, 2023

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2023. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BEIJING, June 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh in Beijing on Tuesday.

Noting that this year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, Xi said China regards Vietnam as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy and is working to build a community with a shared future with Vietnam -- a strategic choice China has made based on the long-term development of bilateral relations.

Facing an increasingly severe and complex international situation, China and Vietnam should uphold the spirit of equality, mutual benefit, solidarity, mutual trust and win-win cooperation, work together for common development to bring more benefits to the two peoples, and inject more stability into the world, Xi said.

Xi described China and Vietnam -- both socialist countries -- as comrades with a high degree of mutual trust, partners pursuing win-win results, and friends who know each other well. He called on the two sides to adhere to the concept of putting people first, and firmly support each other in pursuing socialist paths that suit their own national conditions and modernization paths with their own characteristics.

The two sides should build a high-quality Belt and Road together, enhance the synergy of development strategies, leverage complementary advantages, and accelerate practical cooperation in fields such as infrastructure, smart customs and green energy, Xi said.

China is willing to import more marketable Vietnamese products and welcomes Vietnam's participation in the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and the China International Import Expo in the second half of this year, Xi said.

He said the two sides should enrich people-to-people exchanges, enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples -- especially the younger generations -- and consolidate the social foundations for the development of bilateral relations.

Xi called on the two sides to jointly oppose decoupling and the severing of industrial and supply chains, and oppose politicizing economic, scientific and technological issues. He said the two countries should safeguard international fairness and justice, and their own development rights and interests.

A more just and reasonable international order should be promoted, and a peaceful and stable external environment for the modernization drive of the two countries should be created, he added.

Pham Minh Chinh said that developing long-term, stable and sound Vietnam-China relations has always been the strategic choice and top priority of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Vietnamese government.

Vietnam will always remember and sincerely thanks China for the long-term, valuable assistance it has provided to Vietnam, and cherishes the relationship carefully cultivated by the older generations of leaders, Pham Minh Chinh said.

Vietnam is proud of the major innovative achievements in theory and practice made by the Communist Party of China, he said, adding that China is sure to realize Chinese modernization and build itself into a great modern socialist country under General Secretary Xi Jinping's vigorous leadership.

Vietnam firmly upholds the one-China policy, supports the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, supports China's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and will continue to actively participate in the construction of the Belt and Road, he said.

Vietnam opposes the politicization of economic issues and is willing to work closely with China to guard against and combat all kinds of risks and challenges, and will never allow any force to drive a wedge between the two countries, Pham Minh Chinh said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2023. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Rudy Giuliani, who served as former President Donald Trumps personal lawyer, was interviewed last week by federal prosecutors investigating Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election, people familiar with the matter said.

The voluntary interview, which took place under what is known as a proffer agreement, was a significant development in the election interference investigation led by Jack Smith, the special counsel, and the latest indication that Smith and his team are actively seeking witnesses who might cooperate in the case.

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The session with Giuliani, the people familiar with it said, touched on some of the most important aspects of the special counsels inquiry into the ways that Trump sought to maintain his grip on power after losing the election to Joe Biden.

The appearance was entirely voluntary and conducted in a professional manner, said Ted Goodman, a political adviser to Giuliani.

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A proffer agreement is an understanding between prosecutors and people who are subjects of criminal investigations that can precede a formal cooperation deal. The subjects agree to provide useful information to the government, sometimes to tell their side of events, to stave off potential charges or to avoid testifying under subpoena before a grand jury. In exchange, prosecutors agree not to use those statements against them in future criminal proceedings unless it is determined they were lying.

Prosecutors working for Smith asked Giuliani about a plan to create fake slates of pro-Trump electors in key swing states that were actually won by Biden, one person familiar with the matter said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing criminal investigation. They focused specifically on the role played in that effort by John Eastman, another lawyer who advised Trump about ways to stay in office after his defeat.

Giuliani also discussed Sidney Powell, a lawyer who was briefly tied to Trumps campaign and who made baseless claims about a cabal of foreign actors hacking into voting machines to steal the election from Trump, the person said.

Powell, who was sanctioned by a federal judge for promoting conspiracy theories about the voting machines, also took part in a meeting in the Oval Office in December 2020 during which Trump was presented with a brazen plan  opposed by Giuliani  to use the military to seize control of voting machines and rerun the election.

The person said that prosecutors further asked Giuliani about the scene at the Willard Hotel days before the attack on the Capitol. Giuliani and a group of close Trump advisers  among them, Eastman, Trumps former chief strategist Steve Bannon and Trumps current adviser Boris Epshteyn  had gathered at the hotel, near the White House, to discuss strategies before a violent mob stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, disrupting the certification of Bidens victory over Trump.

The proffer session with Giuliani, elements of which were reported earlier by CNN, came as Smiths team pressed ahead with its election interference inquiry of Trump even as it prepares for the former presidents trial on separate charges of putting national security secrets at risk and obstructing government efforts to recover classified documents.

The prosecutors have been bringing witnesses before a grand jury and conducting separate interviews of others as they seek to assemble a fuller picture of the various ways in which Trump and his allies were promoting baseless claims that the election had been stolen from him and seeking to reverse his electoral defeat.

In some cases, they appear to be gauging whether they can elicit useful information without necessarily agreeing to formal cooperation deals.

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Last week, The New York Times reported that prosecutors were in negotiations to reach a proffer agreement with Michael Roman, the former director of Election Day operations for Trumps 2020 campaign. Roman was also instrumental in helping put together the so-called fake elector plan.

The push to assemble slates of pro-Trump electors from swing states won by Biden is one of a number of components of Smiths investigation. Prosecutors have also scrutinized whether Trump and his allies bilked donors by raising money through false claims of election fraud, examined efforts to use the Justice Department to give credence to election fraud claims and sought to piece together a detailed picture of the role played by Trump in inciting the attack on the Capitol and the disruption of the congressional certification of his loss.

It remains unclear whether Giuliani will face charges in the special counsels investigation. He is also under scrutiny on many of the same subjects by the district attorney in Fulton County, Georgia, who is pursuing a wide-ranging investigation into Trumps effort to reverse his election loss in that swing state.

As part of Smiths inquiry, prosecutors questioned Romans deputy, Gary Michael Brown, last week in front of a grand jury in U.S. District Court in Washington that has been investigating the attempts by Trump and his allies to overturn the election. Federal prosecutors Wednesday are also scheduled to interview Brad Raffensperger, the secretary of state of Georgia, who took a call from Trump in early January 2021 during which the former president asked him to find sufficient votes that would put him over the top in the election in that state.

A longtime ally of Trump who served two terms as New York Citys mayor, Giuliani effectively led the former presidents attempts to overturn his defeat in the last presidential race and has for months been a chief focus of the Justice Departments broad investigation into the postelection period. His name has appeared on several subpoenas sent to former aides to Trump and to a host of Republican state officials involved in the plan to create fake slates of electors.

Last year, shortly before Smith was appointed to his job as special counsel, the Justice Department issued a subpoena to Giuliani for records related to his representation of Trump, including those that detailed any payments he had received. A group of federal prosecutors including Thomas Windom had been pursuing various strands of the inquiry into Trumps efforts to remain in power before Smiths appointment, and they continue to play key roles in the investigation.

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Among the things that prosecutors have been examining are the inner workings of Trumps fundraising vehicle, Save America PAC. The records subpoenaed from Giuliani could include some related to payments made by the political action committee, according to a person familiar with the matter.

More recently, prosecutors have been asking questions about Trumps false claims that his defeat in the election was caused by widespread fraud, and how he aggressively raised money off those claims. The prosecutors have drilled down on the issue of whether people around Trump knew that he had lost the race but continued raising money off the fraud claims anyway.

The House select committee that investigated the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6 first raised questions publicly about Trumps fundraising, and the special counsels team has picked up on that thread. Among other questions they have asked witnesses is whether their lawyers are being paid for by the PAC that became a repository for money raised off Trumps false claims of widespread fraud.

Investigators have walked through a timeline with various witnesses, including asking people about election night and what Giuliani may have been telling Trump before his defiant speech declaring he had won the election, as well as about Jan. 6 and Trumps actions that day.

The special counsels office has focused on Trumps mindset and who was telling him he lost, according to people familiar with the questions. Among the questions has been whether there were concerns raised among people working with the campaign as to the language used in television ads about fraud in December 2020 and who signed off on the ad copy.

Prosecutors also subpoenaed former Vice President Mike Pence, who was a key focus of Trumps efforts to stay in power, as Trump tried to pressure him to use his ceremonial role overseeing congressional certification to block Biden from being certified.

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Republicans plan to make no substantive changes to the state budget, meaning that a cut in funding to the University of Wisconsin System that puts the entire spending plan in jeopardy of being vetoed will remain, legislative leaders said Tuesday.

Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has threatened to veto the two-year spending plan if UW funding for diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, programming is cut. The plan passed by a Republican-controlled budget committee reduces UW funding by $32 million and eliminates nearly 190 positions, money and staff dedicated to DEI salaries and programs.

However, the budget does allow UW to come back and get the $32 million if it shows how it would be spent on workforce development efforts and not DEI programs.

Evers also has the power to make more limited line-item vetoes, but he could not increase funding with a partial veto. Evers on Sunday told WISN-TV that he was waiting to see the final budget text before making decisions on vetoes. His spokesperson Britt Cudaback referred to those comments Tuesday when asked about the governors plans.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said he cant imagine that Evers would veto the entire budget because of the UW funding cut. But Vos says he had not spoken with Evers about it.

The Senate is scheduled to vote on passing the budget on Wednesday. It would then go to the Assembly, which would have to pass an identical version before it would go to Evers. The Assembly could make changes, which would then send it back to the Senate for another vote.

But Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu and Vos told The Associated Press in separate interviews Tuesday that no changes were planned.

School safety

Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul, along with school and law enforcement leaders, have been pushing Republicans to increase funding for the states school safety office. That office, created by Republicans in 2018, was designed to prevent violence in schools after the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

The office provides safety grants to Wisconsin schools, maintains a 24/7 tip hotline, offers training and maintains blueprints of school layouts to assist law enforcement when reacting to emergencies. The Legislatures budget committee voted to cut funding for the office this month, a move that Kaul said would essentially gut it and not allow it to provide all the services it currently does.

The office would have more than $500,000 in funding to pay for nearly four full-time positions. It currently employs 16 people, with 12 of them paid for with time-limited federal funding that came during the pandemic.

Vos defended the cut, saying the Legislature wont replace pandemic-era federal funding and that the core functions of the office can continue with the money provided.

If Kaul wants to make a case to the Legislature later for additional funding, were always willing to take a look at it, Vos said.

Kaul said he was certainly disappointed that the Legislature doesnt plan to continue current funding levels. If funding isnt found to replace it by the end of the year, Kaul said programming that helps schools around the state may be lost.

Kaul said that all avenues to maintain current funding, including going back to the Legislature, will be pursued.

Child care

Democrats and child care providers have also been pushing to restore funding for a pandemic-era child care subsidy program that Republicans cut. Advocates have argued that the move would be devastating for needy families and the states economy.

Kaul, the UW System and others advocating for additional funding have argued that it could be done given that the state has a projected budget surplus of nearly $7 billion. Republicans have instead focused on cutting taxes.

Income tax cut

The state budget includes a $3.5 billion income tax cut for all taxpayers, a plan Democrats have derided because wealthy people will get a bigger reduction than lower earners. The budget also includes $1 billion more for K-12 public schools, additional funding that Evers secured as part of a deal with Republicans to increase state aid to Milwaukee and other local communities.

Evers signed the past two state budgets passed by Republicans and took credit for tax cuts they included.
Although largely upstaged by former President Donald Trumps federal indictment, the Supreme Courts voting rights decision earlier this month is likely to have a game-changing impact for many years to come.

What the court decided is almost as surprising as who decided it. By a 5-to-4 vote, justices from the conservative and liberal sides came together to reaffirm the courts 1986 ruling on how legislative districts must be drawn under the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act, as amended in 1982.

In Alabama, where 1 in 4 voters is Black in the states seven congressional districts, the justices ruled that the Republican-dominated state legislature had denied African American voters a reasonable chance to elect a second representative of their choice.

A panel of three federal judges, including two appointed by Trump and one by former President Bill Clinton, had thrown out the states congressional map and ordered lawmakers to draw a new one with two, not just one, districts that are likely to elect Black representatives.

It was the sort of racial gerrymandering case for which the Voting Rights Act was enacted and, in more recent times, weakened by conservatives. Now Alabama will have to redraw its map to include a second predominantly Black district.

Although the ruling does not expand minority voting rights, it doesnt reduce them either. Thats a net gain for Democrats and other liberals at a time when the Dems feared worse as they try to recover from the loss of their House majority, among other setbacks.

Suddenly, they see new hope coming from an unexpected source, the conservative court of Chief Justice John Roberts, which leaves many wondering why two of the courts conservatives moderated their opposition enough to let Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits racially discriminatory voting practices, survive.

One was Roberts. He has been a famously outspoken critic of race-based remedies who authored or joined earlier decisions that gutted key parts of the voting law. Roberts declared in a 2007 affirmative action case that the way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race.

Sure, but if it was that easy we wouldnt need to turn to the Supreme Court to sort it out.

The other was Justice Brett Kavanaugh, a Trump appointee, who leaned toward the belief that the need for Section 2 was fading over time and suggested in his opinion that plaintiffs could try to return in some future case to argue that changing times had rendered the law unconstitutional. I hope I live that long.

Which left many, including me, to wonder why both justices just happened to moderate their opposition enough to let the strongest remaining enforcement section of the Voting Rights Act survive.

Im intrigued by how Roberts maneuvers as best he can to sound fair and evenhanded in weighing his opinions, as a good, credible chief justice should.

Roberts has long been reported to be extremely concerned about the courts integrity and credibility, a noble and necessary goal, even when both sides of the political spectrum are shouting at him.

With opinion polls in these polarized times showing the high courts approval ratings to be in the cellar, Im sure recent headlines about a billionaire patron providing luxurious gifts to Clarence Thomas  as well as about Justice Samuel Alitos alleged luxury vacations paid for by a billionaire Republican donor  must cause the chief justice no end of consternation.

I cannot write about the high court without the classic 1901 quote from the Mr. Dooley stories of Finley Peter Dunne coming to mind: No matter whether the constitution follows the flag or not, the Supreme Court follows the election returns.

Im sure the justices might well deny that, but one thing is certain: Supreme Court appointments follow elections. And they last a lifetime. Thats another reason for us, the voters, to pay attention.

Still, theres another reason why the high courts conservatives voted to rescue the Voting Rights Act. Theyre softening us up before they overturn affirmative action, which also is expected any day now.

If so, that also will be controversial. But nobody should be too surprised.
Idahos attorney general seems to envision himself as a crusading law enforcement officer, cleaning up the government with a shoot-first-ask-questions-later style.

In actuality, Raul Labradors brash, guns-blazing behavior is contrary to his role as the lawyer required by law to represent state agencies. It is also violative of lawyer conflict-of-interest rules and will likely prove costly to the State of Idaho.

Labradors latest gambit was suing the State Board of Education (Board) for approving a University of Idaho plan to acquire an online school. He brought suit against the Board, claiming it violated Idahos Open Meeting Law in putting the transaction together. The lawsuit appears to have caught the Board by surprise.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Why affiliation with the University of Phoenix is great for Idaho GUEST COMMENTARY: I am excited about the opportunities available through affiliation with arguably the biggest name in online education, the University of Phoenix, writes University of Idaho President Scott Green.

It is important to remember that the Board is his client. A lawyer cannot just haul off and file suit against his own client. It is a clear breach of trust under rules that apply to all licensed Idaho lawyers, including the Attorney General. If there were grounds for believing the Board had violated the law, he should have contacted the Board, gathered the facts and tried to peacefully resolve the situation. It was reported that the Boards deputy attorney general advised Board members they were acting within the law. That would certainly be an important fact to consider.

This is not the first time Labrador has ambushed his own clients with legal action. He famously initiated an investigative proceeding against the Department of Health and Welfare, its director and two staffers over the distribution of federal early childhood education funds to upwards of 80 community non-profits. In that case there was no prior warning to his clients, the distribution had been OKd by his DAG and his actions clearly violated the lawyer-client relationship.

Quote The best way to run for governor is to do a credible job of being the lawyer for the State of Idaho. Neither the state, nor the attorney general, will benefit from gunslinger tactics.

The DHW debacle prompted two lawsuits against Labrador  one by his DHW clients and one by many of the non-profit recipients of the federal funds. The Idaho Supreme Court has taken the non-profit suit on appeal and it is possible that the state will have to pay the attorney fees of both sides.

The cost of the unwarranted legal action has already been felt by DHW. Six of its eight DAGs resigned or were fired. One of them accused Labrador of providing subpar and even unethical representation to the Department. According to the director, the loss of so much specialized legal knowledge, expertise, experience and history at one time has compromised the Departments ability to carry out the laws and policies that the legislature has enacted. The director said the problem could have been avoided if Labrador had given him a phone call.

Labrador has claimed these incidents were prompted by his desire for open government. Yet, he has steadfastly refused to disclose who made the accusations that resulted in the action against DHW. The Idaho Freedom Foundation is the prime suspect.

Then, there is the peculiar letter Labrador wrote to Rep. Brent Crane on the 27th of March, saying, among other things, that Idaho law prohibits an Idaho medical provider from either referring a woman across state lines to access abortion services or prescribing abortion pills for the woman to pick up across state lines.

The letter prompted a lawsuit against Labrador in federal court. After the suit was filed, Labrador withdrew the letter, claiming it was, in essence, a secret communication. His DAGs tied themselves in knots in front of the federal judge, trying to explain that the letter had been withdrawn by Labrador, but not disavowed. Thats just the opposite of open government. That suit is likely to end with the state paying attorney fees.

Heres a little advice for Labrador from one who occupied the AG office for eight years. Be honest, respect the attorney-client relationship with state agencies and employees, dont do stupid things just because the Idaho Freedom Foundation demands it of you.

The best way to run for governor is to do a credible job of being the lawyer for the State of Idaho. Neither the state, nor the attorney general, will benefit from gunslinger tactics.
International Labor Organization (ILO) Director-General Gilbert Houngbo on Wednesday encouraged the Philippine labor sector to conduct more dialogues on outstanding issues between stakeholders, as he emphasized the need to strengthen social dialogue among the government, employers, and workers.

Houngbo has just concluded his first official visit to the Philippines, from June 25-28, and met with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., as well as senior officials from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

This visit has provided an excellent opportunity to discuss a wide range of work issues faced by the Philippines. The open and productive talks we have held leave me confident that the Philippines is on track towards a bright future, he said in a statement.

However, I encourage greater social dialogue between representatives of government, employers, and workers in order to make progress on outstanding issues as well as to make decent work and social justice a reality for all, he said.

During his visit, Houngbo also held a dialogue with representatives of workers and employers organizations and spoke at the National Conference of Employers of Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP).

Likewise, the ILO head took part in celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of the Philippines joining the ILO, and delivered the keynote address at global seafarers summit Seafarer 2050  Shaping the Future of Shipping.

While in Metro Manila, Houngbo also visited the Migrant Resource Centre in Quezon City where he had the chance to interact with migrant workers as well as see firsthand the support services offered.

What I have seen and heard during this visit and from my discussions at the Department of Migrant Workers confirms the excellent work being carried out to support Filipino migrant workers and their families. I sincerely hope that these best practices from the Philippines can be shared with other countries in this region and beyond, he said.

Houngbo also met the president of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), heads of agencies and members of the United Nations Country Team, and the UN Resident Coordinator.

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on the public to show solidarity with Muslims as the nation observed the celebration of Eidl Adha or Feast of Sacrifice on Wednesday.

In a message, Marcos reminded Filipinos of the importance of sacrifice and selflessness that reflects the occasion.

Let us all be reminded of the importance of sacrifice and selflessness that mirror the essence of this occasion so that we can join hands with our Muslim brothers and sisters from all over the world in the spirit of peace, unity, and mutual respect, said Marcos.

EID PRAYER. Muslims take part in a morning prayer celebrating Eid al-Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Wednesday. AFP

Marcos lauded Muslim Filipinos for their contribution to weaving the countrys rich tapestry of diversity.

Let their devotion to these beliefs shine above all throughout the festivities and further strengthen the bond among our families, friends, and communities, he added.

Eidl Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice commemorates Ibrahims willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to Gods command.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez expressed solidarity with Muslims in the country and around the world on the occasion of Eidl Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice.

Today we join our Muslim brethren in marking Eidl Adha. Through this feast, our Muslim friends remember and honor the prophet Ibrahims willingness to sacrifice one of his sons as an act of obedience to Gods command. God would later provide a lamb for sacrifice, saving Ibrahims son, Romualdez said.

For me, this occasion reflects Filipino Muslims quiet and enduring sacrifice toward a peaceful and prosperous life in our home country. I assure you that these efforts arent lost on us public servants in government and that the administration of President Ferdinand Bongbong R. Marcos Jr. continues to pursue genuine inclusive progress that would uplift everybodys lives, the House leader said.

Romualdez said the occasion of Eidl Adha is also about sharinga core trait of Filipinos.

Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs has received reports that Filipino pilgrims in Mecca, Saudi Arabia are currently stranded in Muzdalifah, an open area associated with Hajj.

The DFA through the Philippine Embassy in Saudi on Wednesday said it is already acting on the situation and has also called on Saudi authorities, including the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and local ambulance services to respond to the incident.

Various Philippine agencies that have offices in Saudi have also joined hands in ensuring the safety and well-being of Filipino pilgrims there, the embassy said.

Filipino pilgrims are advised to keep calm and follow the instructions of the Saudi Hajj authorities, it said.

In other developments:

* Senator Robin Padilla said he was thankful for the pardon of three convicted overseas Filipino workers on death row in the United Arab Emirates. Padilla filed Senate Resolution 665 to express the Senates appreciation for the pardon by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and in recognition of the efforts of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

* Agri Party-List Rep. Wilbert T. Lee urged the speedy passage of House Bill 1299, or the Right to Adequate Food Act, citing the need for strict implementation of the food and security roadmap for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to aid in the continued decline of poverty incidence in the region. As we celebrate Eidl Adha, the feast of Sacrifice, I call on the government for the swift passage of measures that will guarantee help in ensuring food security for our Muslim brothers and sisters, Lee said in a statement.

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But our tourism woes do not end with our NAIA terminal problems, nor our promotional gimmicks without focused market strategies

The Senate hearings on the habitual inefficiency bordering on consumer abuse of our big air transport carriers, varying only in degrees but with all three vexing and stressing the public, brings to focus the many woes that afflict Philippine tourism, whether foreign inbound or our own domestic travelers.

So many times have I and my family been stressed out in airports due to interminable delays and flight cancellations, going to and from Mindanao or the Visayas, and end up just bearing it with nary a grin, simply because we have no choice.

The highest visitor arrivals we had was pre-pandemic 2019, when we were still quite friendly with China.

Along with South Koreans who have made our country an escape from their dreadfully cold winters, the two countries accounted for a full third of our visitors.

When the DOT or Bureau of Immigration count the North American market as comprising 15 percent of our visitors, dont think the whites flock to our shores in increased numbers.

Fil-Ams or Can-Ams who have changed citizenship and green card holders comprise the bulk, almost 85 percent of those visitors.

Lets look at the real challenges the country faces as an air travel destination, the most difficult of which is that we are a multitude of islands floating in the Pacific, unlike our tourist-drenched Asean neighbors in IndoChina, which share land borders, making a visitor to say, Singapore or Thailand, accessible affordably to Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and even Laos.

All other things being equal, we are closer by air to Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and of course, China.

That also explains why Filipinos are one of their biggest markets for inbound visitors, because it only takes us four hours at most to visit these countries where the climate is cooler and the shopping is glorious.

Hongkong, Macau and Taiwan have become weekend destinations, while Japan and South Korea a bit longer, from five days to a week for Filipinos who have been bitten by the travel bug.

Which is why promoting our country beyond Manila, Boracay, Cebu and Palawan should be more important to us than marketing the country in say London or Paris.

No matter how we try, we will not be as successful as Thailand or the rest of the Indo-Chinese peninsula in attracting Europeans. Also, but for their ultra-rich, European tourists spend much less than Asian travelers.

Our old churches and Intramuros may be quaint enough to Japanese or Chinese tourists, enough for a brief look-see, but they cannot possibly compare to what Europe has by way of cultural and religious relics.

So, lets be practical. Spend our marketing dollars in low-hanging fruits.

The least marginal utility with nary a marginal return, for instance, can be found in a recent country-branding misadventure, such as draping London buses with We give the world our best featuring our nurses toiling in foreign lands.

While yes, that was not supposed to be a tourist promotional tactic, but neither does it give our country brand a plus, because our nurses, our engineers, our skilled manpower are needed by demographically-challenged countries, and we need not advertise to send more of our OFWs.

Add to our promotional confusion is the penchant of changing our marketing slogans or taglines whenever there is a change in administration.

From Joe Aspiras highly successful Where Asia wears a smile to the sun and sea focused approaches, to Gemma Cruz-Aranetas Rediscover Philippines to Dick Gordons Wow Philippines! to Mon Jimenez Its more fun, now DOT is reportedly coming out with a new, improved tagline (recall how Procter and Gamble sold and re-sold the same Tide laundry powder?).

Yet through all those 50 years or more, Amazing Thailand and Malaysia, Truly Asia have wowed 40 or more million visitors each year compared to our 1.2, then 1.8, then 4, then 5, then 6, then 8.2 millions achieved from Aspiras to Puyat, the 8.2 largely due to the friendly mainland Chinese now not as friendly.

To put it simply, it is a supply and demand situation, where demand far outstrips supply, and the cascading effect on us who live in the benighted homeland is that our workers desert us because we cannot give them just desserts for their toil.

I also question the wisdom of appointing tourism attaches complete with offices in foreign lands. Some of them were appointed, as usual, because of connect, not marketing skills.

Think out-of-the-box.

Why not just hire Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, Chinese, even Australian travel agencies, and compensate them through commissions for the tourists they bring here?

Support them with properly designed advertising and collaterals for their particular target markets. That would be more cost-effective.

One example is calculating the number of Catholics in these countries. They may be a minority in their countries, but they are more fervent in the practice of their faith than many of our ritual-focused Catolicos.

Give them a travel package that brings them, not necessarily to Intramuros, but to Ilocandia or Central and Western Visayas, bypassing chaotic NCR, where visiting churches as some sort of pilgrimage can be combined with the natural beauty of these destinations.

That is just one example.

There should be many more, if only the locally desk-bound, and foreign travel-hungry tourism bureaucrats can flex their creative energies properly, and stop buying at Selfridges or Fortnum and Mason for pasalubongs.

Then there is the woeful infrastructure, beginning with our NAIA complex of four decrepit terminals, and one main runway with a hardly useful extra runway perpendicular to the main.

Dont even think of spending billions of pesos more trying to make the NAIA complex infrastructure better.

It will only be a matter of years before the SMC Bulacan airport with four parallel runways, two of which Ramon Ang promises to be usable within the term of the current administration.

Spend a billion or two and hire or appoint some traffic systems experts and efficient airport management personnel to focus on the problems that make arriving and departing through the air terminals a living hell.

Why cant we give more space to immigration personnel, and sacrifice those of our useless Duty Free counters in Terminal 1 and 2 for instance? Hire a space-management interior design expert, for chrissakes.

And similarly, if we can double the salaries of policemen, why are we niggardly when it comes to overtime pay for our immigration agents manning the air terminals? Or our traffic controllers?

How do we try our best to give seamless connectivity for passengers who have to inter-connect using those four terminals?

The original NAIA 3 design called for an underground subway train in the bidding terms of reference but was corruption the cause of canceling that, leaving the passengers scrounging for their own modes of transfer transport?

Why must we continue to allow general aviation hangars in the complex, when these are patronized by the uber-wealthy and the politicians who use private planes?

Transfer these to Sangley, or wherever else, and use the added space for transfer transport and additional terminal space.

DoTr Sec. Bautista hired Glenn Chiong to run the NAIA complex and he was doing well, starting with common sense doables like abolishing the pre-check-in X-ray security contraptions, and other small but sensible steps.

What happened next?

The Ombudsman suspended him without hearing because of management-crimping practices of hiring, firing and re-assignment protected by our antediluvian civil service rules.

Meanwhile, coordinated scheduling of airlines can optimize the use of our brand-new Clark International Airport just as Mactan is 20 times more visitor-friendly than NAIA.

And both are privately-run.

Let us be realistic. Pouring billions, even private money, into the NAIA complex makes little sense when we know that there are the Clark, Cebu, Panglao, Palawan and others where direct flights from foreign capitals can be maximized, and likewise relieve domestic travelers from bearing with Metro-Manilas crazy traffic only to be punished by three long hours of lining up at the NAIA.

And Bulacan is coming up, probably Sangley later.

But our tourism woes do not end with our NAIA terminal problems, nor our promotional gimmicks without focused market strategies.

So writing this article, I have to come up with a second part next week.

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Danville native Kate Clatterbuck finished as the fourth runner-up in last weeks Miss Volunteer America national pageant.

Clatterbuck, the reigning Miss Virginia Volunteer, most recently paid a visit to Danville for the unveiling of a new tourism brand: Visit SoSi.

Clatterbuck won her Virginia title in August, advancing her to take part in the national beauty pageant. The final round was hosted Saturday in Jackson, Tennessee.

Organizers of the national pageant said its more than just a beauty competition.

It goes beyond physical appearance to honor young women who demonstrate a genuine commitment to making a positive impact in their communities through volunteer work, according to the groups website. This esteemed event shines a spotlight on exceptional individuals who embody the values of service, compassion and leadership.

The Virginia title win netted Clatterbuck a $10,000 scholarship last year. As a graduate of Roanoke College, she plans to pursue a graduate degree in education policy and research with the goal of becoming an education policy analyst, the group reported last year.

An active volunteer in Danville, Clatterbuck focuses on education promotion and giving back to the community.

We are incredibly proud of Kates exceptional performance at Miss Volunteer America, Miss Virginia Volunteer Executive Director Vickie Runk wrote in a news release. Her elegance, intelligence and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on society has truly set her apart.

Miss Virginia Volunteer is a statewide scholarship organization that celebrates volunteerism, education and individual growth, a news release reported.

The Miss Virginia Volunteer 2023 pageant is set for Aug. 3-5 in Lynchburg.
New College Institute announced efforts to update programming and partnerships in order to better meet the needs of the community.

After Executive Director Joe Sumner joined the institute in mid-February, he met with community members and potential partners to see how NCI could adjust its offerings to better align with community needs.

The man [Sumner] just drinks jet fuel for breakfast, NCI Board Chair state Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Franklin, said. Hes been like a rocket ship in everything hes done and all these exciting programs that were going to bring online very quickly and are being brought online very quickly.

One new partnership in the works is in conjunction with the Wendell Scott Foundation, a nonprofit founded in honor of the first African-American race car driver to win NASCARs Grand National.

The foundations goal is to provide youth services to at-risk youth from ages 8 to 18 years by supporting educational development through cultural activities, programming based on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and mentorship programs.

Part of the reason the Wendell Scott Foundation exists in the Southside of Virginia is to access my grandfathers legacy and create better opportunities for the youth that we serve, Wendell Scott Foundation CEO Warrick Scott, grandson of Wendell Scott, said.

After the signing of a memorandum of understanding, the two organizations agreed they will partner in developing comprehensive educational opportunities for young men and women who attend public schools in the region, with NCI hosting the foundations STEM programs, youth mentorships, and summer camps throughout the year, according to a press release.

The foundation will operate out of NCIs Baldwin Building to hold its summer camps, Legacy Leaders, Steer Into STEM and Camp Cultivation programs beginning this summer, the release states.

I am excited to have Warrick and his team here with us in Martinsville, and we are eager to explore the many possibilities and opportunities that such an incredible partnership brings to our community, Sumner said in the release.

Both NCI and The Wendell Scott Foundation will work collaboratively to expand their abilities and resources to the greatest advantage in service to the educational needs of the citizens of Virginia, the release added.

We are excited to partner with NCI for this new opportunity. The Wendell Scott Foundation remains steadfast in its dedication to providing students with transformational STEM education and cultural enrichment opportunities, Scott said.

Also over the last few months NCI has:

Completed a program with its Girls Who Game program.

Started a STEMBOT training project with Virginia Tech for K-12 educators.

Launched STEM-focused summer camp programs for this summer with around 90 students.

Graduated 17 students from the Longwood University partnership.

Partnered with the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce to hold multiple events.

Completed this years Read For Life program where books are given to children.

Moving forward, Sumner said, NCI is on track with implementing a fiber broadband training program that was grant funded and is tentatively set to begin in the fall. Its also designating time, money and effort toward marketing NCIs services, and is bringing back the Center for Advanced Manufacturing in partnership with Eastman. Further, NCI is participating in talks with Patrick & Henry Community College in order to best collaborate, is talking with the Piedmont Regional Criminal Justice Training Academy with the goal to create a training partnership. Its also working to bring back NCIs internship and apprenticeship program.
Col. Wayne Davis was sworn in as sheriff of Henry County before a packed audience at the Henry County Administration Building on Monday.

Davis, who was appointed by retiring Sheriff Lane Perry as chief deputy in May, is also one of three candidates running for a full term in the November election.

On Saturday, Perry will step down as the top law enforcement officer of Henry County after a career that spanned more than three decades.

A number of you have heard me say I never took any credit myself, Ive said To God be the credit and the men and women; I want to thank you for everything, said a tearful Perry before top law enforcement officers from Martinsville, Patrick and Henry counties and Rockingham County in North Carolina as well as a large contingent of Henry County deputies. I ask that you serve this administration the way youve done me.

Perry was also recognized by the Henry County Board of Supervisors at a regular meeting on Tuesday.

Davis took the oath of office before Henry County Circuit Court Clerk Jennifer Ashworth in a brief ceremony and addressed the attendees.

Ive worked 23 years building relationships with most of these men you see here and theyre not just co-workers, I consider many of them friends, Davis said.

A moment of silence was requested by Davis in remembrance of Wintergreen Police Officer Mark Christopher Chris Wagner, who died Friday night after a deadly confrontation with a Maryland man.

As we speak here right now, the Wintergreen community is burying one of its finest, Davis said. Last week, Wintergreen Police Officer Chris Wagoner made the ultimate sacrifice when he was shot and killed in the line of duty. His funeral is going on as we speak.

Davis appointment as interim sheriff will become effective Saturday and will expire on Dec. 31.

The voters of Henry County will decide between Davis, Del Mills and Daryl Hatcher in November and the winner of the election will take office for a four-year term beginning Jan. 1.

Also speaking at the swearing-in ceremony Monday were Patrick County Sheriff Dan Smith, Martinsville Sheriff Steve Draper and Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page.
Chicago is poised to have its first-ever female U.S. attorney as President Joe Biden announced the nomination of April Perry to the high-profile post while headed to the city for an unrelated event.

Perry, a former assistant U.S. attorney in Chicago, was one of two finalists for the position announced in March by Democratic U.S. Sens. Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin after a screening process that began earlier this year when then-U.S. Attorney John Lausch announced his plan to step down.

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Perry would be the first woman to hold the position of Chicagos top federal prosecutor, while the other finalist, Chicago attorney Sergio Acosta, would have been the first of Hispanic descent.

Durbin and Duckworth said in a written statement Wednesday that they were pleased with Perrys selection and look forward to supporting her in the Senate, where the nomination will go first before the Judiciary Committee, where Durbin is the chair.

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If passed out of committee, the nomination would go to the full Senate for a vote  a process that can take weeks.

She was highly regarded by our screening committee and brings strong qualifications and a wealth of experience from her time in the U.S. attorneys office and in the private sector to the position, the senators statement read.

Perry is currently the senior counsel for global investigations and fraud and abuse prevention at Chicago-based GE HealthCare. Previously, she worked for 12 years as a federal prosecutor in Chicago, and for a time was a coordinator for various programs that concentrated on violence against women, hate crimes and civil rights.

While with the U.S. attorneys office, she prosecuted television pitchman Kevin Trudeau on allegations that he made deceptive TV commercials, a crime that led to a 10-year federal prison sentence for Trudeau.

Perry left the U.S. attorneys office to work as chief ethics officer for Cook County States Attorney Kim Foxx. She left the office while Foxxs administration was under scrutiny for abruptly dismissing charges against Empire actor Jussie Smollett.

A special prosecutor later took up the case, and Smollett was found guilty of filing a false police report for falsely reporting to be a victim of a hate crime.

The U.S. attorneys office in Chicago is one of the busiest in the nation, handling everything from terrorism, gang conspiracies and bank robberies to financial fraud and political corruption. The office has more than 300 employees, including about 130 prosecutors and more than two dozen attorneys who focus on civil litigation.

Attorney Eric Sussman, a former colleague of Perrys at the U.S. attorneys office who later recruited her to work in Foxxs administration, called Perry a skilled trial lawyer who has shown she can also manage and motivate a large office.

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She is very smart and has the highest integrity, said Sussman, now a partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Chicago. Shes used to managing a large organization ... at the states attorneys office she was in charge of the entire criminal division.

Sussman also called it shocking and long overdue that the city could soon have its first female U.S. attorney.

There are so many highly qualified female white-collar attorneys in Chicago, he said.

Afternoon Briefing Weekdays Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

In addition to her law practice, Perry has also served as a hearing officer for the Chicago Police Board, a panel that decides whether Chicago cops should be fired for disciplinary infractions.

She received a bachelors and law degrees from Northwestern University.

Lausch left the U.S. attorneys office March 11 after more than five years at the helm of some of the citys most high-profile investigations, including racketeering probes of ex-Ald. Edward Burke and former House Speaker Michael Madigan.

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Hes since landed back at Kirkland & Ellis where hell serve as partner handling the firms government and internal investigations group.

Sussman said Perrys familiarity with the office and ability to manage people point to a smooth transition should she be confirmed.

I see those cases going full steam ahead under her leadership, he said.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com
One of the main opponents of Equatorial Guinea has been sentenced to 29 years in prison, nine months after he was arrested in a raid on the headquarters of his dissolved party, state television announced Tuesday June 27.

Gabriel Nse Obiang Obono, sentenced on Monday alongside dozens of supporters by a Malabo military court, had been arrested at the end of September 2022 with 150 of his supporters when he came to lend his support to 200 supporters barricaded at the headquarters of the Citizens for Innovation (CI) party dissolved in 2018.

After several days of siege, the police launched a violent assault on these entrenched people, including women and children. Several people were injured and some 150 arrested, including Mr. Nse Obiang Obono. One policeman was shot dead during the operation, according to the authorities.

On Monday, the opponent was sentenced to 29 years in prison for homicide, abusive exercise of fundamental rights, insults to the security forces, illegal possession of ammunition, Television de Guinea Ecuatorial (TVGE) reported on Monday and Tuesday, broadcasting footage of the trial and showing the opponent and some 50 co-defendants in ochre prison garb before judges, magistrates, and lawyers in army uniform.

According to the channel, the defendants were sentenced to between 9 and 29 years imprisonment, most of them for the same charges, in one of the countrys customary mass trials involving collective judgments. For these trials, which take place behind closed doors in military courts, magistrates, clerks and even lawyers are military personnel and are not allowed to speak to the press.

A few days before the arrests, Mr. Nse Obiang Obono announced his intention to call for demonstrations because the authorities would not allow his party to field candidates in the presidential and legislative elections scheduled for a month later.
Brazilian authorities have donated to Cabo Verde 80 thousand doses of vaccines against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and yellow fever, announced on Tuesday June 27 the Cape Verdean Ministry of Health.

The Health Ministry said that the vaccines  50 thousand doses against HPV and 30 thousand doses against yellow fever  arrived in Praia on Sunday and represent a humanitarian donation from the government of the Republic of Brazil to the government of Cape Verde.

This donation is part of the cooperation relations between the two countries in the area of health through the two ministries of health. The yellow fever vaccine is used in the prevention of yellow fever, a disease caused by an arbovirus. It is recommended for prophylaxis in endemic areas or for travelers, the note recalls.

The HPV vaccine, meanwhile, is designed to protect against diseases caused by the papilloma virus. This is a donation that will strengthen the stock of the two vaccines in the country and support the strengthening of the vaccination campaign against HPV, which the country started in 2021 for girls aged 10 to 13 years, with the aim of protecting womens health, vaccinating children before the onset of sexual activity as a way of contributing to the reduction of uterine cancer, adds the information.
The President of the United States, Joe Biden, expressed his intention to deepen bilateral relations with Mozambique, in a congratulatory message addressed to the Mozambican President on the passing of 48 years of independence.

In the coming year I am hopeful that our partnership will be further deepened, as will the friendship between our peoples, as we advance our shared vision of a peaceful, secure and prosperous world, Joe Biden said in his message.

According to the US President, as members of the UN Security Council, Mozambique and the United States have been working together to achieve global peace and protect common values, including sovereignty, freedom, and democracy.

Together we face regional and global challenges, including terrorism, climate change, and health insecurity. We have also increased our levels of bilateral trade and investment to promote inclusive economic growth for our two countries, Joe Biden emphasizes.
Election officials have declared Sierra Leones President Julius Maada Bio as the winner of the 24 June elections, as his biggest rival, Samura Kamara, and the opposition All Peoples Congress (APC), instantly disputed the figures.

Election commission has said Bio secured 56.17% of the votes, narrowly clearing the threshold to avoid a runoff, thus securing re-election in Sierra Leones tense presidential vote. However, Bios main challenger, the opposition candidate Samura Kamara was quick to reject the results, immediately disputing the tally, which showed he had received 41.16% of the vote. It is a sad day for our beloved country, the APCs candidate Kamara tweeted after the announcement. It is a frontal attack on our fledgling democracy. Bio was running for his second term against 12 opponents. Kamara, a former foreign minister, narrowly lost to Bio in the last election in 2018.

The election commissions announcement came after supporters of both parties had claimed in recent days to have won the election, with Kamara saying that he was on an irreversible path to an overwhelming victory. The APC politician also alleged that security forces had opened fire on Sunday on a celebration at his partys headquarters, though police denied having fired live bullets. The APC also pointed to the lack of information about which polling stations or districts the ballots were coming from, saying it will not accept these fake and cooked up results. Election monitors from the European Union said Monday (26 June) that a lack of transparency and communication by the electoral authority had led to mistrust in the electoral process. The observers also noted they witnessed violence at seven polling stations during voting hours and at three others during the closing and counting stages.
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For decades, LGBTQ+ patients have faced stringent requirements to donate bloodmost gay and bisexual men were not allowed to donate at all. Now, however, many more of them will be able to give this selfless gift. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which regulates blood donation in this country, has reworked the donor-screening criteria, and in the process opened the door to donation for more Americans.

The previous restriction on accepting blood from men who have sex with men (MSM) dates back to the early days of the AIDS epidemic, when blood donations weren't able to be screened for HIV, leading to cases of transfusion-transmitted HIV. In 1985, the FDA instituted a lifetime ban on blood donation for MSM, effectively preventing gay and bisexual men from donating. (Also included were women who have sex with MSM.)

Twenty years later, the agency rescinded the banbut added a restriction that only MSM who had been abstinent from sex for at least one year could donate. In 2020, the FDA shortened the "deferral" period to 90 days of abstinence. While the changes were welcome news for those who had been unable to donate, they still prevented many MSM from giving blood.

As he wrote in an op-ed for the Philadelphia Inquirer last year, Kevin B. Johnson, MD, the David L. Cohen University Professor of Pediatrics, Informatics, Computer Science and Communication at Penn, was one of them. He and his husband were shocked to learn when they went to donate blood during a shortage early in the COVID-19 pandemic, that despite being married and monogamous for close to 17 years, they could not donate unless they were celibate for three months.

"It is time to move quickly to a policy under which all donors are evaluated equally and fairly, and to encourage local blood collection facilities to comply with that policy," Johnson wrote last year.

Now, such changes are underway. As the pandemic wound down, the FDA moved forward with plans to re-evaluate its donation criteria. The first big change was removal of an indefinite ban on people who lived in or spent significant amounts of time in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and France, a measure that aimed to protect the U.S. blood supply against Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD; also known as "mad cow disease"), a terminal brain condition caused by hard-to-detect prions that occurred in those countries in the 1980s and 1990s.

Extensive and careful evaluation of epidemiological studies and statistical analysis has shown that the risk of CJD transmission is no longer a concern. The changes to eligibility for LGBTQ+ patients are related to advances in medical and social science, and have also been very thoroughly studied to ensure that the changes will maintain the safety of the blood supply without being discriminatory.

"In the decades since HIV was first recognized, there have been advances in testing methods for detection of the virus, changes in how we process blood products, public health advances, and extensive study of the evolving risk of disease transmission given these advances," said Sarah Nassau, MD, vice chair of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Lancaster General Hospital.

They also draw on rethinking the reliability of the guidelines. For example, while the rules partially or fully prevented gay and bisexual men from donating blood, they did not erect similar barriers to other people engaging in anal sex, or people who have multiple partners. "Specifying the sexual orientation of the person rather than a behavior in which they engaged was discriminatory and not evidence based," points out Judd David Flesch, MD, vice chief of Inpatient Operations in the Department of Medicine at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and co-director of the Penn Medicine Program for LGBT Health.

What the revised regulations mean

The revised regulations shift the criteria from being identity-based to being based on an individual's behavior. Rather than targeting exclusion criteria specifically at men who have sex with men, the new rules ask all potential donors about their recent sexual practices and partners. This allows for, say, a gay man in a longstanding, monogamous relationship to donate, whereas a woman who has had anal sex with new and/or multiple partners would be temporarily deferred from donating.

The updated regulations do include some specific restrictions related to HIV, including a permanent ban for any person who has tested positive or been treated for an HIV infection, and a required waiting period for people taking pre-exposure or post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV. The use of PrEP "makes it harder to detect the virus with our testing methods," explained Nassau.

"The PrEP ban is the most controversial part of the new guidelines," said Flesch. "Hopefully, future studies can provide reassurance that this population, too, can safely donate."

While the FDA's changes to the regulations have been published, newly eligible donors will still need to be patient for their chance to donate blood. That's because blood banks, and blood-collection organizations like the American Red Cross, have to rework their questionnaires and materials for assessing donors, train and educate staff, update their computer systems, and develop new policies and procedures, a process that may take several months. "This is a complex and highly regulated field, for safety's sake, so changes inevitably take longer than many of us would like," admits Nassau, who oversees LGH's Blood Bank. "We are working hard to update everything so we can implement the new guidelines as soon as possible."

Nevertheless, the reworked rules are worth waiting for. Practically, they may expand the pool of potential donors, and shore up a national blood supply that sometimes runs perilously low. From natural disasters to the COVID-19 pandemic to mass-casualty incidents, blood is often in high demand, and the more people who are eligible to donate, the better. For instance, Flesch points to the 2016 shooting at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, which killed 49 people and injured 53 others. Despite an urgent call for blood donations in the shooting's immediate aftermath, the FDA's restrictions at the time stymied many queer men who wanted to help.

"I 100% support blood drives," said Flesch, who is gay, "but they have historically been a reminder that, as much as I'd like to, I can't contribute to this community effort because of my identity."

The FDA's recent changes make the blood-donation system more equitable. Now, donors will be evaluated not for who they are, but for the medical risks associated with their activities. "A strategy that focuses on an individual's behavioral risk rather than their identity is a better approach, and overdue," according to Nassau.

Empowering a new culture of giving

What's more, removing this barrier may have deep psychological and emotional meaning for gay and bisexual men who were previously unable to donate. For example, Flesch says that as a high school student, he donated blood "routinely"; but once he became sexually active, that door was effectively closed to him.

"I suspect that there's a large generation of people who have grown up where blood donation has been forbidden to them, and it hasn't even actually occurred to them that they could do it," he adds. Now, though, more LGBTQ+ people can participate more fully in efforts to help their communities.

Updating blood donation criteria represents progress for health care as a whole, especially for greater inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ community. Historically, the health care system has not always been welcoming to this population, which contributes to a sense of mistrust, fear, and reluctance to seek care, according to Flesch. "So any step that's taken that reduces the stigmatization is a step in the right direction," he says. "Regardless of what it does for the number of people who actually engage in blood donation, just the removal of the stigmatizing language in the policy is an excellent positive step."
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Protesters pray outside Dutch government buildings in The Hague, Netherlands, on Monday, April 9, 2001, as the Upper House of Parliament began debating registration that will legalize euthanasia under strict guidelines. Slogan on table reads, "Human considers, God decides." Several people with autism and intellectual disabilities have been legally euthanized in the Netherlands in recent years because they said they could not lead normal lives, researchers have found. The Netherlands was the first country to allow doctors to kill patients at their request if they met strict requirements. Credit: AP Photo/Serge Ligtenberg, File

Several people with autism and intellectual disabilities have been legally euthanized in the Netherlands in recent years because they said they could not lead normal lives, researchers have found.

The cases included five people younger than 30 who cited autism as either the only reason or a major contributing factor for euthanasia, setting an uneasy precedent that some experts say stretches the limits of what the law originally intended.

In 2002, the Netherlands became the first country to allow doctors to kill patients at their request if they met strict requirements, including having an incurable illness causing "unbearable" physical or mental suffering.

Between 2012 and 2021, nearly 60,000 people were killed at their own request, according to the Dutch government's euthanasia review committee. To show how the rules are being applied and interpreted, the committee has released documents related to more than 900 of those people, most of whom were older and had conditions including cancer, Parkinson's and ALS.

Irene Tuffrey-Wijne, a palliative care specialist at Britain's Kingston University, and her colleagues reviewed the documents to see how Dutch doctors were dealing with euthanasia requests from people with autism or with lifelong mental impairments. They published their findings in the journal BJPsych Open in May.

Among the 900 people with publicly posted case files, 39 of them were autistic and/or intellectually disabled. A handful were elderly, but 18 of them were younger than 50.

Many of the patients cited different combinations of mental problems, physical ailments, diseases or aging-related difficulties as reasons for seeking euthanasia. Thirty included being lonely as one the causes of their unbearable pain. Eight said the only causes of their suffering were factors linked to their intellectual disability or autismsocial isolation, a lack of coping strategies or an inability to adjust their thinking.

"There's no doubt in my mind these people were suffering," Tuffrey-Wijne said. "But is society really OK with sending this message, that there's no other way to help them and it's just better to be dead?"

Other countries, including Belgium, Canada and Colombia, have legal euthanasia, but the Netherlands is the only one that shares detailed information about potentially controversial deaths, providing the best window into emerging trends in assisted dying. Still, its records are limited to what doctors disclose. So there could be other factors that weren't released or cases where the patient's autism or intellectual disabilities weren't noted.

Because the committee releases only select records, it's also impossible to know the true number of people with autism or intellectual disabilities killed at their own request.

Among the eight patients cited by researchers were an autistic man in his 20s. His record said "the patient had felt unhappy since childhood," was regularly bullied and "longed for social contacts but was unable to connect with others." The man, who was not named, chose euthanasia after deciding that "having to live on this way for years was an abomination."

The records also included an autistic woman in her 30s who also had borderline personality disorder. She was offered a spot in a supported living center, but her doctors said she could not maintain relationships and deemed contact with others "too difficult."

In one-third of cases, Dutch doctors concluded autism and intellectual disabilities were untreatable and that there was "no prospect of improvement," the researchers wrote.

Simon Baron-Cohen, director of Cambridge University's Autism Research Centre, said it was "abhorrent" that people with autism were being euthanized without being offered further support.

He noted that many autistic people struggle with depression, which could compromise their ability to make a lawful request to die. He also said an autistic person asking to die might not grasp the complexity of the situation.

Dr. Bram Sizoo, a Dutch psychiatrist, was disturbed that young people with autism viewed euthanasia as a viable solution.

"Some of them are almost excited at the prospect of death," Sizoo said. "They think this will be the end of their problems and the end of their family's problems."

A representative of the Royal Dutch Medical Association said it was up to doctors to decide if someone meets the criteria for euthanasia. The group said many cases involving patients with autism were "highly complex" and that "age itself is not a decisive factor to determine whether a person suffers unbearably."

Kasper Raus, an ethicist and public health professor at Belgium's Ghent University, said the kinds of people seeking euthanasia in both the Netherlands and Belgium have shifted in the past two decades. When euthanasia was legalized, he said, the debate was about people with cancer, not people with autism.

Tim Stainton, director of the Canadian Institute for Inclusion and Citizenship at the University of British Columbia, wonders if the same thing is happening in Canada, which arguably has the world's most permissive euthanasia laws and which doesn't keep the kinds of records that the Netherlands does.

"Helping people with autism and intellectual disabilities to die is essentially eugenics," Stainton said.

More information: Irene Tuffrey-Wijne et al, Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide in people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorders: investigation of 39 Dutch case reports (20122021), BJPsych Open (2023). DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2023.69

 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

When Erik Duhaime, Ph.D. was working on his thesis in MIT's Center for Collective Intelligence, he noticed his wife, then a medical student, spending hours studying on apps that offered flash cards and quizzes. His research had shown that as a group, medical students could classify skin lesions more accurately than professional dermatologists; the trick was to continually measure each student's performance on cases with known answers, throw out the opinions of people who were bad at the task, and intelligently pool the opinions of people who were good.

Combining his wife's studying habits with his research, Duhaime founded Centaur Labs, a company that created a mobile app called DiagnosUs to gather the opinions of medical experts on real-world scientific and biomedical data. Through the app, users review anything from images of potentially cancerous skin lesions or audio clips of heart and lung sounds that could indicate a problem. If the users are accurate, Centaur uses their opinions and awards them small cash prizes. Those opinions, in turn, help medical AI companies train and improve their algorithms.

The approach combines the desire of medical experts to hone their skills with the desperate need for well-labeled medical data by companies using AI for biotech, developing pharmaceuticals, or commercializing medical devices.

"I realized my wife's studying could be productive work for AI developers," Duhaime recalls. "Today we have tens of thousands of people using our app, and about half are medical students who are blown away that they win money in the process of studying. So, we have this gamified platform where people are competing with each other to train data and winning money if they're good and improving their skills at the same timeand by doing that they are labeling data for teams building life saving AI."

Gamifying medical labeling

Duhaime completed his Ph.D. under Thomas Malone, the Patrick J. McGovern Professor of Management and founding director of the Center for Collective Intelligence at MIT.

"What interested me was the wisdom of crowds phenomenon," Duhaime says. "Ask a bunch of people how many jelly beans are in a jar, and the average of everybody's answer is pretty close. I was interested in how you navigate that problem in a task that requires skill or expertise. Obviously you don't just want to ask a bunch of random people if you have cancer, but at the same time, we know that second opinions in health care can be extremely valuable. You can think of our platform as a supercharged way of getting a second opinion."

Duhaime began exploring ways to leverage collective intelligence to improve medical diagnoses. In one experiment, he trained groups of lay people and medical school students that he describes as "semi-experts" to classify skin conditions, finding that by combining the opinions of the highest performers he could outperform professional dermatologists. He also found that by combining algorithms trained to detect skin cancer with the opinions of experts, he could outperform either method on its own.

"The core insight was you do two things," Duhaime explains. "The first thing is to measure people's performancewhich sounds obvious, but even in the medical domain it isn't done much. If you ask a dermatologist if they're good, they say, 'Yeah of course, I'm a dermatologist.' They don't necessarily know how good they are at specific tasks. The second thing is that when you get multiple opinions, you need to identify complementarities between the different people. You need to recognize that expertise is multidimensional, so it's a little more like putting together the optimal trivia team than it is getting the five people who are all the best at the same thing. For example, one dermatologist might be better at identifying melanoma, whereas another might be better at classifying the severity of psoriasis."

While still pursuing his Ph.D., Duhaime founded Centaur and began using MIT's entrepreneurial ecosystem to further develop the idea. He participated in the delta v startup accelerator run by the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship over the summer of 2018. The experience helped him get into the prestigious Y Combinator accelerator later that year.

The DiagnosUs app, which Duhaime developed with Centaur co-founders Zach Rausnitz and Tom Gellatly, is designed to help users test and improve their skills. Duhaime says about half of users are medical school students and the other half are mostly doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals.

"It's better than studying for exams, where you might have multiple choice questions," Duhaime says. "They get to see actual cases and practice."

Centaur gathers millions of opinions every week from tens of thousands of people around the world. Duhaime says most people earn coffee money, although the person who's earned the most from the platform is a doctor in eastern Europe who's made around $10,000.

"People can do it on the couch, they can do it on the T," Duhaime says. "It doesn't feel like workit's fun."

The approach stands in sharp contrast to traditional data labeling and AI content moderation, which are typically outsourced to low-resource countries.

Centaur's approach produces accurate results, too. In a paper published on the pre-print server arXiv with researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), and Eindhoven University of Technology, Centaur showed its crowdsourced opinions labeled lung ultrasounds as reliably as experts did. Another study with researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering showed crowdsourced labeling of dermoscopic images was more accurate than that of highly experienced dermatologists. Beyond images, Centaur's platform also works with video, audio, text from sources like research papers or anonymized conversations between doctors and patients, and waves from electroencephalograms (EEGs) and electrocardiographys (ECGs).

Finding the experts

Centaur has found that the best performers come from surprising places. In 2021, to collect expert opinions on EEG patterns, researchers held a contest through the DiagnosUs app at a conference featuring about 50 epileptologists, each with more than 10 years of experience. The organizers made a custom shirt to give to the contest's winner, whom they assumed would be in attendance at the conference.

But when the results came in, a pair of medical students in Ghana, Jeffery Danquah and Andrews Gyabaah, had beaten everyone in attendance. The highest-ranked conference attendee had come in ninth.

"I started by doing it for the money, but I realized it actually started helping me a lot," Gyabaah told Centaur's team later. "There were times in the clinic where I realized that I was doing better than others because of what I learned on the DiagnosUs app."

As AI continues to change the nature of work, Duhaime believes Centaur Labs will be used as an ongoing check on AI models.

"Right now, we're helping people train algorithms primarily, but increasingly I think we'll be used for monitoring algorithms and in conjunction with algorithms, basically serving as the humans in the loop for a range of tasks," Duhaime says. "You might think of us less as a way to train AI and more as a part of the full life cycle, where we're providing feedback on models' outputs or monitoring the model."

Duhaime sees the work of humans and AI algorithms becoming increasingly integrated and believes Centaur Labs has an important role to play in that future.

"It's not just train algorithm, deploy algorithm," Duhaime says. "Instead, there will be these digital assembly lines all throughout the economy, and you need on-demand expert human judgment infused in different places along the value chain."

More information: Nicole M Duggan et al, Gamified Crowdsourcing as a Novel Approach to Lung Ultrasound Dataset Labeling, arXiv (2023). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2306.06773 Journal information: arXiv

This story is republished courtesy of MIT News (web.mit.edu/newsoffice/), a popular site that covers news about MIT research, innovation and teaching.
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This undated handout photo provided on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 by the Neuhardenberg Police department shows a so-called 'Blue Punisher' ecstasy pill. German police have warned of a potentially lethal 'Blue Punisher' variety of ecstasy in circulation after the death of two teenage girls was linked to the drug. Credit: Polizeipraesidium Neubrandenburg via AP

German police warned Wednesday of a potentially lethal "Blue Punisher" variety of ecstasy in circulation after the death of two teenage girls was linked to the drug.

Police in the northeastern state of Mecklenburg Western Pomerania said that a 13-year-old girl from the town of Altentreptow died Monday at a hospital after taking one of the blue pills featuring a skull logo associated with the Marvel comic book character The Punisher.

Two other teens, ages 14 and 15, were also hospitalized after taking the drug, police said. A 37-year-old German man has been detained in connection with the girl's death.

Authorities in the neighboring state of Brandenburg are also investigating the death of a 15-year-old girl who died in the town of Rathenow over the weekend after a suspected narcotics overdose. Prosecutors say an autopsy will determine whether she, too, died after consuming the drug

"We warn against any consumption of narcotics, but especially the dangerous 'Blue Punisher' pill," Neubrandenburg police said in a statement. "These pills have a very high dose of (the chemical) MDMA."

It added that even half a pill, which is in circulation in the region, could cause life-threatening illness.

 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Illustration representing self-compassion. Credit: RosZie, Pixabay, CC0 (creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/)

A meditation that guides people to practice unconditional kindness to themselves and others helps people with a history of depression recall specific personal memories, according to a new study published in the journal PLOS ONE by Amanda Lathan and Barbara Dritschel of the University of St. Andrews, UK.

Autobiographic memory is essential to human functioning in areas such as self-concept, emotion regulation and problem-solving. Research has suggested that, among the cognitive processes disrupted by depression, the retrieval of autobiographical memory is often impaired.

In the new work, the researchers collected data on autographical memory for 50 students with a prior history of depression. Participants were asked to write details of specific personal memories in response to cue words. As a control condition, 25 of the students were then assigned to digitally color an image each dayan intervention which has been shown to decrease anxiety. The other 25 students were asked to participate in a daily 10-minute meditation which included visualizations of different individuals and a mantra encouraging happiness, health, loving-kindness and peace.

After four weeks, people who had been in the kindness meditation group had a greater increase in the retrieval of specific memories compared to those in the coloring group. Over time, the total memory specificity and levels of rumination improved for people who had been in the meditation intervention. Recall of positive-specific memories also improved for people in both the meditation and coloring groups. However, correlations between the meditation group's performance and the remoteness of memories were less clear.

The authors conclude that kindness and self-compassion meditations demonstrate initial promise as an intervention to influence autobiographic memory and make memories more specific and positive among people with depression.

The authors add, "Loving-kindness meditation was shown to improve features of autobiographical memory retrieval in remitted depression which might reduce a cognitive vulnerability to depression. The meditation further acted as a buffer for the effects of autobiographical memory when cognitive reactivity was induced."

More information: Lathan A, Dritschel B. Increasing autobiographical memory specificity: Using kindness meditation to impact features of memory retrieval, PLoS ONE (2023). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287007 Journal information: PLoS ONE
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

A year after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, many physicians and hospitals in the states that have restricted abortion reportedly are refusing to end the pregnancies of women facing health-threatening complications, out of fear they might face criminal prosecution or loss of their medical license.

Some experts predict those providers could soon face a new legal threat: medical malpractice lawsuits alleging they harmed patients by failing to provide timely, necessary abortion care.

"We will absolutely see medical malpractice cases emerge," said Diana Nordlund, an emergency physician in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and former malpractice defense attorney, who chairs the Medical-Legal Committee of the American College of Emergency Physicians. When physicians decide not to provide treatments widely accepted as the standard of care because of these new laws, "that's perceived as substandard care and there is increased civil liability."

To some physicians and malpractice attorneys, the question is whennot ifa pregnant patient will die from lack of care and set the stage for a big-dollar wrongful death claim. Abortion rights supporters said such a case could pressure doctors and hospitals to provide appropriate abortion care, counterbalancing their fears of running afoul of state abortion bans, many of which call for criminal prosecution and revocation of medical licenses as punishment for violations.

"If we want to encourage proper care, there has to be some sort of counter-risk to physicians and hospitals for refusing to provide care that should be legal," said Greer Donley, an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law who studies the impact of abortion bans. "But most rational people would be more afraid of going to jail."

Some supporters of abortion bans said they would welcome malpractice lawsuits. Providers are refusing to use the exceptions in some state laws that allow them to perform abortions to save a patient's life or health, they said.

"It could help achieve our goal if it clarifies that the law did not contradict standard medical practice," said John Seago, president of Texas Right to Life, referring to the state's abortion ban.

A new KFF poll has found that 59% of OB-GYNs practicing in states with gestational limits on abortion, and 61% of those in states with bans, are somewhat or very concerned about their legal risk when making decisions about the necessity of an abortion.

Some attorneys are exploring lawsuits on behalf of women who they said have been harmed by a state abortion ban. An attorney for Mylissa Farmer, a Missouri woman who was refused an abortion at two hospitals in August after her water broke about 18 weeks into her pregnancy, said she may sue for malpractice. Missouri's abortion ban, which took effect last year, makes an exception for medical emergencies.

The federal government recently found that the two hospitals violated a federal emergency care law in denying Farmer an abortion, which experts said could strengthen a malpractice claim. One of the hospitals, Freeman Health System in Joplin, Missouri, did not respond to a request for comment. The other, the University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City, said the care provided "was reviewed by the hospital and found to be in accordance with hospital policy," according to a spokesperson, Jill Chadwick.

Farmer "experienced permanent physical and emotional damage," said Michelle Banker, one of her lawyers at the National Women's Law Center, who added that Farmer and her attorneys are "considering all our legal options."

News reports and medical studies show that some women with pregnancy complications have suffered serious health consequences when doctors and hospitals did not provide once-routine abortion care.

Last month, researchers released a study identifying dozens of cases in 14 states in which physicians said deficiencies in care due to abortion restrictions led to preventable complications and hospitalizations, with some patients nearly dying.

"The patients were sent home and told to come back when they had signs of infection," said Daniel Grossman, an OB-GYN at the University of California-San Francisco, who led the study. "Many developed serious infections. And it's clear many of these cases were very emotionally traumatic."

He said though the researchers did not track patient outcomes, the lack of timely abortion care in such cases could result in severe health harms including loss of fertility, stroke, or heart attack.

"It's just a matter of time before there will be a death that comes to light," Grossman said.

Still, considering the conflict for doctors between medical ethics and personal risk, some stakeholders said patients may be reluctant to sue doctors and juries may balk at finding them liable.

"It's a terrible position that providers are being put into, and I don't think juries will blame the doctor unless it's a super clear case," said Morgan Murphy, a malpractice plaintiff's attorney in Missouri.

She said her firm will not pursue malpractice cases based on abortion denials except in "pretty extreme" situations, such as when a patient dies. "Unless a mother is on her deathbed, it's pretty hard to fault a provider who thinks if they provide treatment they're going to be criminally liable or will lose their medical license."

Another hurdle for malpractice cases is that state abortion bans could undermine the argument that abortion is the legal "standard of care," meaning that it is a widely accepted and prescribed treatment for pregnancy complications such as miscarriage and for fatal fetal abnormalities.

"I absolutely see a breach of the standard of care in these cases," said Maria A. Phillis, an OB-GYN and former lawyer in Cleveland. "But if someone goes to trial in a malpractice case, it will come down to a battle of medical experts about whether it's no longer the standard of care, and the jury would have to decide."

An additional justification for physicians not to provide abortions is that medical liability insurers generally do not cover damages from criminal acts, which "puts the finger on the scales even more to not do anything," Phillis said.

Stuart Grossman, a prominent malpractice plaintiff's attorney in Florida, said he would be eager to take an abortion-denial case in which the woman suffered serious health or emotional injuries.

Unlike other states with abortion bans, Florida does not cap damage amounts for pain and suffering in malpractice cases, making it more financially viable to sue there.

Grossman cited the case of Deborah Dorbert, a Florida woman who reportedly was denied an abortion despite being told by her physicians at 24 weeks of pregnancy that her fetus, with no kidneys and underdeveloped lungs, had a fatal condition called Potter syndrome.

Her doctors and the hospital refused to end the pregnancy even though the state's abortion ban has an exception for fatal fetal abnormalities. Months later, her baby died in his parents' arms shortly after birth.

"You can see how she's been devastated mentally," Grossman said. "She has a wrongful death case that I'd take in a minute." He said the couple could file a malpractice suit for Dorbert's physical and emotional damages and a separate malpractice and wrongful death suit for the couple's suffering over the infant's death.

Failing to counsel patients about their options and connect them with providers willing to terminate a pregnancy is also possible grounds for a malpractice suit, attorneys said. Katie Watson, an associate professor at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine who has studied state abortion bans, said counseling and referral are not prohibited under these laws and that physicians have an ethical obligation to offer those services.

"I think breaching the obligation for counseling would make a strong malpractice lawsuit," she said.

Nancy Davis said she received no counseling or referral assistance last July after her doctors at Woman's Hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, told her 10 weeks into her pregnancy that her fetus would not survive because it was missing the top of its skull, a fatal condition called acrania. She said they recommended that she terminate the pregnancy and she agreed.

Davis said her doctors then told her a hospital executive had denied permission for the procedure because of Louisiana's abortion ban, even though the law has an exception for fatal fetal abnormalities. A hospital spokesperson declined to comment.

Davis, who has three children, contacted Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, which arranged for child care and a flight to New York City. She had an abortion performed there in September.

"The whole situation has been mentally and physically draining, and my family and I are receiving counseling," Davis said. "I'm still very angry at the hospital and the doctors. I feel like I'm owed compensation for the trauma and the heartbreak."

She sought the counsel of Benjamin Crump, a prominent attorney known for pursuing high-profile cases like wrongful death lawsuits on behalf of the families of Trayvon Martin and George Floyd.

But Crump said that after studying Davis' legal options, he decided a judge would likely dismiss a malpractice suit and that Davis could end up paying the defendants' legal fees and costs.

"The doctor's lawyers will say, "You can't expect my client to break the law and go to prison for up to 25 years,'" Crump said. "Unless you change the law, there is no option for her to receive compensation."

2023 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
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Neuron projection. Credit: N. Gupta, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health.

To adapt to the small and large events that give the world its ever-changing character, we use an essential ability: cognitive flexibility. It enables us to improvise in the event of disruptions on our morning commute, to cope with the unexpected behavior of a loved one, or to get used to living in a new country.

Kathleen Cho (Inserm) at Paris Brain Institute, and her colleagues from Vikaas Sohal's laboratory in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of California, have described, in mice, a class of neurons specialized in this ability to adapt. The researchers show that disturbances in their functioning could play a role in the onset of psychiatric illnesses characterized by a certain cognitive rigidity, such as schizophrenia. These results are published in Nature.

To adapt to perceived changes in our environment, the brain constantly updates the activity of neural circuits in the prefrontal cortex, a region involved in attention, anticipation, and decision-making. But until now, researchers did not know what mechanisms were responsible for these modificationswhich are essential to rodents, primates, and humans if they are to survive.

"By studying this fascinating ability, we have found a specific type of neuronal connection in the prefrontal cortex, which helps to update our representation of the worldand more importantly, its rules," explains Kathleen Cho, a researcher in the Cellular physiology of cortical microcircuits team at Paris Brain Institute. "Thanks to it, we don't persist in using an inappropriate strategy to achieve a goal. Such as typing in an out-of-date code, again and again, to unlock a door."

This newly discovered connection is formed by inhibitory neurons, a class of nerve cells capable of dampening the activity of other neurons. Researchers thought these inhibitory neurons transmitted electrical and chemical information to areas situated in their immediate vicinity. But while exploring how they work in mice, Kathleen Cho and her colleagues at the University of California have made an important discovery. "We observed that a subclass of inhibitory neurons, parvalbumin-expressing interneurons, could communicate with neurons situated very far from them, in the opposite hemisphere of the prefrontal cortex," says the researcher.

The secrets of a long-distance relationship

To better understand the exact function of these interneurons, the team observed their activity in mice during an ingenious test. The researchers presented the animals with bowls in which food was hidden. At first, the presence of garlic or sand in the container indicated the precise location of the reward. Then, this clue was replaced by another, forcing the mice to identify and exploit the new rule to unearth the food.

However, when the famous long-distance inhibitory neuronal connections were deactivated in a group of rodents via an optogenetic technique, they proved incapable of adapting to change. They continued to search for food wherever they detected sand or the smell of garlic. In a way, the mice were stuck in their old habits.

The researchers also showed that the long-distance inhibitory connections synchronized variations in high-frequency neuronal electrical activitygamma oscillationsbetween the two hemispheres of the prefrontal cortex. "This synchronization was associated with a particular event: the moment when the mice realized that the rule was no longer valid," Cho says.

The effects of this synchronization, surprisingly, persist over time. Mice in which parvalbumin-expressing interneurons had been deactivated remained unable to integrate new rules for several days. Subsequently, the artificial stimulation of gamma synchronization compensated for this deficit and fully restored their adaptive capacities.

A slight lack of flexibility

Previous research has shown poor synchronization of gamma waves in the prefrontal cortex, and abnormalities in inhibitory neurons exist in many schizophrenic patients. This psychiatric illness results in great difficulty in adapting to changea symptom also observed in bipolar disorder or autism spectrum disorder.

Further studies will be needed to determine what role dysfunctional inhibitory neuronal connections might play in these diseases. "We don't know precisely which cells in the prefrontal cortex receive information via these long-distance connections," adds the researcher. "We also don't know what molecular mechanisms are involved in long-term changes in neuronal activity."

More information: Kathleen K. A. Cho et al, Long-range inhibition synchronizes and updates prefrontal task activity, Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06012-9 Journal information: Nature
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Opioid pain-relieving medicines are not more effective than a placebo in relieving acute back and neck pain and may even cause harm, according to a world-first trial led by the University of Sydney.

The researchers say this is proof that treatment guidelines should be updated to advise against the use of opioids for this purpose.

Over 577 million people worldwide experience low back and neck pain at any one time.

Despite a global push to reduce the use of opioids, in Australia approximately 40% to 70% of those who present with neck and back complaints are prescribed opioids for their pain.

The OPAL trial recruited close to 350 participants from 157 primary care and emergency department sites. Participants with acute-meaning sudden and generally short-term-back or neck pain were randomly allocated to a six-week course of a commonly prescribed opioid or a placebo.

Both groups also received standard care including advice to avoid bed rest and stay active. Participants were followed for 52 weeks.

The results of the trial are published in The Lancet on June 28.

Study results:

At six weeks, those who received opioids did not have better pain relief than those given the placebo.

Quality of life and pain outcomes at long-term follow-up were better in the placebo group.

Patients who received opioids were at a small but significantly higher risk of opioid misuse 12-months after their short course of medication.

The research team says that according to current back and neck pain guidelines opioids can be considered as a last resort if all other pharmacological options have failed, however, this study is evidence that opioids should not be recommended at all.

"We have clearly shown there is no benefit to prescribing an opioid for pain management in people with acute back or neck pain, and in fact, it could cause harm in the long-term even with only a short course of treatment," said lead investigator Professor Christine Lin from Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, an initiative of the University of Sydney, Sydney Local Health District and Northern Sydney Local Health District.

"Opioids should not be recommended for acute back and neck pain. Not even when other drug treatments are not able to be prescribed or have not been effective for a patient."

The study complements previous research into opioid use for chronic (long-term) low back pain which found a small treatment benefit, but increased risk of harm.

Global push to reduce opioid use

Reducing the overuse of opioids is a global health priority. Medical authorities around the world have cautioned that due to the significant risk of harm to individuals and society, opioids should only be used where there is evidence that the benefits outweigh the harms.

Co-author Professor Chris Maher said in recent years there has been a shift in focus from opioid to non-opioid treatments for low back pain, with a focus on physical and psychological therapies and simple analgesics such as anti-inflammatory medicines (called NSAIDs).

"This study is further evidence that the first line management of acute low back pain and neck pain should rely on reassurance and advice to stay active, and simple analgesics like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs if necessary," said Professor Maher, also of Sydney Musculoskeletal Health.

Harm caused by opioid use

Professor Andrew McLachlan, Dean of Sydney Pharmacy School and co-investigator, said The Lancet study is important and should influence prescribing and dispensing of these medicines as Australia faces rising rates of opioid use. According to Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration, every day in Australia nearly 150 hospitalizations and 14 emergency department admissions involve issues relating to opioid use, and three people die from the harm that results from prescription opioid use.

"The possible harmful effects of opioids are well known. They range from minor harms such as constipation and drowsiness to major harms such as dependence, addiction, overdose, and even unintentional death," said Professor McLachlan.

"The findings from the OPAL trial further reinforce the need to reassess the use of opioid pain-relieving medicines as there is limited evidence of benefit and known significant risk of harm."

The authors note some study limitations including data gaps due to participant attrition and issues with medication adherence consistent with other backpain drug trials. They suggest neither are likely to have impacted the main outcomes of the study.

More information: Opioid analgesia for acute low back pain and neck pain (the OPAL trial): a randomised placebo-controlled trial, The Lancet (2023). DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)00404-X , www.thelancet.com/journals/lan  (23)00404-X/fulltext Mark D Sullivan et al, Randomised trial reveals opioids relieve acute back pain no better than placebo, The Lancet (2023). DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)00671-2 , www.thelancet.com/journals/lan  (23)00671-2/fulltext Journal information: The Lancet
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A Virginia pediatric hospital eliminated central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) among its most vulnerable patients for 300 days during 2021 and 2022. Their results are being presented at the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology's (APIC's) Annual Conference in Orlando Florida, June 26-28.

When the infection prevention and quality departments at Inova L.J. Murphy Children's Hospital, part of the Inova Health System and located in Falls Church, Virginia, benchmarked their CLABSI rates against other pediatric hospitals, they saw opportunities for improvement. Recognizing the need for a multidisciplinary solution, infection preventionist Becky Lapian, MPH, CIC, and quality director Allison Barberio, MHSA, CPHQ, formed a team that included frontline nurses and techs, environmental services personnel, physicians, neonatologists, and OR and Emergency Department staff.

Through regular harm prevention meetings and infection prevention work groups, they homed in on opportunities to improve environmental cleaning, line access, and auditing practices. Meticulous focus on central line removal, proper line maintenance, and daily device rounding by the multi-disciplinary team, as well as better patient education on oral, personal, and hand hygiene by bedside nurses, contributed to a 80% drop in Standardized Infection Ratio (SIR).

Their collaboration resulted in over 300 days without a CLABSI with more than 10,000 days that patients had a central line in the hospital between 2021 and 2022.

"We realized that to truly drive down infections and sustain our progress, we had to look beyond basic practices and engage a diverse team in process improvement," said Lapian. "Our success is truly owned by every member of the team."

"A CLABSI can be catastrophic for any patient with a central line," said 2023 APIC President, Patricia Jackson. "The Inova team shows how a collaborative approach that engages multiple stakeholders can lead to improved patient outcomes."

More information: The poster, "One Team Approach: Celebration of 300 Days Without a CLABSI at a Children's Hospital," is being presented at the APIC Annual Conference in Orlando, Fla.

Provided by Association for Professionals in Infection Control
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Mindfulness is the ability to be fully aware in the momentconscious of one's thoughts and actions. While mindfulness can be trained through activities like meditating, slow breathing and strolling, researchers in the Center of Consciousness Studies at the University of Arizona is working on developing a new approach to achieving mindfulness.

A team led by research assistant professor Jay Sanguinetti is experimenting with ultrasound technology to modulate brain activity and enhance mindfulness. Sanguinetti's team at the Science Enhanced Mindfulness Lab, or SEMA Lab, is specifically focused on accelerating mindfulness during meditation.

Sanguinetti's team uses low-intensity ultrasound, an emerging tool to target specific parts of the brain responsible for enhancing meditation skills. The researchers apply ultrasound to study participants engaged in meditation.

Research at the SEMA Lab is still in its early stages. The lab is part of the Center for Consciousness Studies in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, which recently launched a new minor in consciousness studies that integrates principles of basic science with humanistic and social scientific disciplines.

Sanguinetti and Brian Lord, a graduate student in the SEMA Lab, spoke with University of Arizona News about the motivation behind the launch of the SEMA Lab, the lab's vision, and their current and upcoming projects.

Q: What motivated you to start the SEMA Lab?

Sanguinetti: I co-founded the lab with Shinzen Young after completing my post-doc in Albuquerque back in 2017. The basic idea that both Shinzen and I were thinking about independently is: Can you use neurotechnology to help people get the benefits from meditation? Shinzen was actually asking, "Could you use brain stimulation?"

I was working on a project with the Department of Defense where I was trying to combine brain stimulation with meditation training for support personnel, like doctors and nurses. The idea was, if they learn how to meditate, they would be better able to support the needs of the soldiers who have all kinds of emotional and psychological needs that arise from being on the battlefield.

Shinzen was not opposed to that project with the Department of Defense, and we just started doing the project. Basically, we were trying to combine what's called focused ultrasound with meditation. In the beginning, we tried it on me and Shinzen and one of the other lab members, which is usually how you start. We all sort of felt like it boosted our meditation practice. We expanded the project every year, and in 2019 we decided to move to Tucson together and started the SEMA Lab.

Q: Brian, what interested you in the lab?

Lord: I joined the SEMA Lab in 2020. I came to the University of Arizona because I was interested in consciousness science. And this is one of the best places in the world for that, because it hosts the Science of Consciousness Conference. I didn't know about focused ultrasound until I met Jay, and I was immediately impressed by the technology. It is a uniquely powerful form of brain stimulation; it can do things that nothing else can, like target sub-cortical regions of the brain with more precision and accuracy than other noninvasive neuromodulation devices.

Q: Why did you want to focus this research on people who meditate?

Sanguinetti: I've been meditating for a long time, personally, and experience a lot of the benefits myself. But I never thought I would study it academically or scientifically. I started following climate science and what is happening to the planet and the ecosystem. I started thinking, "How can I make an impact on these big problems that I think are coming for humanity?" At that time, I was studying visual science and working on problems that would ultimately help machines see better, so machine vision. That became misaligned with my worry about what's going to happen with climate change and how people adapt to it. So, I pivoted my whole career in 2017 to mindfulness science, or what's called contemplative science.

Q: What happens when you apply ultrasound to meditating people's brains?

Sanguinetti: It really depends on where you target in the brain. If we do a modulation of a part of the right prefrontal cortex, people feel happier. But if you move it to a different brain region, you'll get a different effect. In meditation studies, we're actually targeting a part of the brain called the default mode network. When you target that area, people don't really report being happier; their mood and emotions don't change too much. It's more of a meditation-like effect where they feel like they can get deeper into the meditation state.

It's like a beam of acoustic energy. It's almost like a bullet shape or a pencil shape, so you can target anywhere in the brain, and you've got this cone of energy that goes into that spot.

Q: Not all of your study participants have prior experience with meditation. What do you observe in those participants?

Lord: Experienced meditators, almost universally, will feel the ultrasound. They'll feel the effects of it, they'll enjoy it, and it'll enhance their meditation consistently. But for people that are novices at meditation, they're not as introspective. They're not as familiar with that kind of stuff. A substantial portion of them don't report anything. But others would start to say things like, "I felt less attached to my thoughts." In the meditation world, this kind of thing is called equanimity. You are giving the brain kind of a gentle nudge; it's not overly forcing the brain to do anything. With experienced meditators, they are able to use that nudge and go right into a deep meditation. But if you do it to someone who doesn't have much experience with meditative states, it can be a bit harder for them to drop into it, because their brain doesn't know how to do that yet.

Because this focused ultrasound tool is so new, I've been focusing on a lot of the basic psychophysiology of itlooking at the EEG effects, looking at the MRI effects, trying to characterize exactly how this tool works. I have the benefit of getting to do some of that foundational work. It's a really exciting place to be as a researcher.

Q: What are your goals for the future?

Sanguinetti: If you say that the outcome is understanding whether you can facilitate meditation training with ultrasound, we're still in the early stages of testing that. We've just finished a study that we started in 2020, that Brian's about to publish, where we targeted the default mode network in the brain. But this was on people not meditating. We did the first step, which is, "Can we modulate the meditation network?" The next step is seeing if we can combine that protocol with meditation training.
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A labeled cross-sectional diagram of the human ear. Credit: Chittka L. Brockmann/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY

An international team of researchers has developed a new method to deliver drugs into the inner ear. The discovery was made possible by harnessing the natural flow of fluids in the brain and employing a little understood backdoor into the cochlea. When combined to deliver a gene therapy that repairs inner ear hair cells, the researchers were able to restore hearing in deaf mice.

"These findings demonstrate that cerebrospinal fluid transport comprises an accessible route for gene delivery to the adult inner ear and may represent an important step toward using gene therapy to restore hearing in humans," said Maiken Nedergaard, MD, DMSc, senior author of the new study, which appears in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

Nedergaard is co-director of the Center for Translational Neuromedicine at University of Rochester and the University of Copenhagen. The study was the product of a collaboration between researchers at the two universities and a group led by Barbara Canlon, Ph.D. in the Laboratory of Experimental Audiology at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.

The number of people worldwide predicted to have mild to complete hearing loss is expected to grow to around 2.5 billion by mid-century. The primarily cause is the death or loss of function of hair cells found in the cochleawhich are responsible for relaying sounds to the braindue to mutations of critical genes, aging, noise exposure, and other factors.

While hair cells do not naturally regenerated in humans and other mammals, gene therapies have shown promise and in separate studies have successfully repaired the function of hair cells in neo-natal and very young mice. However, as both mice and humans age, the cochlea, already a delicate structure, becomes enclosed in temporal bone. At this point, any effort to reach the cochlea and deliver a gene therapy via surgery risks damaging this sensitive area and altering hearing.

In the new study, the researchers describe a little understood passage into the cochlea called the cochlear aqueduct. While the name conjures images of monumental stone architecture, the cochlear aqueduct is thin boney channel no larger than a single strand of hair. Suspected to play a role in balancing pressure in the ear, new study shows that that the cochlear aqueduct also acts as a conduit between the cerebrospinal fluid found in the inner ear and the rest of the brain.

Scientists are developing clearer picture of the mechanics of glymphatic system, the brain's unique process of removing waste first described by the Nedergaard lab in 2012. Because the glymphatic system pumps cerebrospinal fluid deep into brain tissue to wash away toxic proteins, researchers have been eyeing it as a potentially new way to deliver drugs into the brain, a major challenge in developing drugs for neurological disorders.

Researchers have also discovered that the complex movement of fluids driven by the glymphatic system extend to the eyes and the peripheral nervous system, including ear. The new study represented an opportunity to put the drug delivery potential of the glymphatic system to the test, while at the same time targeting a previously unreachable part of the auditory system.

Employing a number of imagining and modeling technologies, the researchers were able to develop a detailed portrait of how fluid from other parts of the brain flows through cochlear aqueduct and into the inner ear. The team then injected an adeno-associated virus into the cisterna magna, a large reservoir of cerebrospinal fluid found at the base of the skull. The virus found its way into the inner ear via the cochlear aqueduct, delivered a gene therapy that expresses a protein called vesicular glutamate transporter-3, which enable the hair cells to transmit signal and rescued hearing in adult deaf mice.

"This new delivery route into the ear may not only serve the advancement of auditory research, but also prove useful when translated to humans with progressive genetic-mediated hearing loss," said Nedergaard.

More information: Barbara Koch Mathiesen et al, Delivery of gene therapy through a cerebrospinal fluid conduit to rescue hearing in adult mice, Science Translational Medicine (2023). DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abq3916. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.abq3916 Journal information: Science Translational Medicine
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Cancer patients with unmet supportive care needs are more likely to experience worse clinical outcomes, including more emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations, according to new research from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

The study, published June 21 in JAMA Network Open, also found that Black race, Hispanic ethnicity and factors such as anxiety, depression, pain, poor physical function and low health-related quality-of-life scores were associated with greater number of unmet needs, leading to increased risk for ED visits and hospitalizations.

This retrospective analysis involved 5,236 patients treated at Sylvester's various ambulatory cancer sites who used its My Wellness Check, an electronic health record-based system, that monitors patients' emotional, physical and psychosocial needs.

"This study, to our knowledge, is the most comprehensive assessment to date that links unmet supportive care needs to ED visits and hospitalizations among ambulatory oncology patients," said Frank J Penedo, Ph.D., Sylvester's associate director for Cancer Survivorship and Translational Behavioral Sciences and corresponding author of the research. "It included a very diverse group of patients treated at our various cancer clinic locations and across multiple phases of the cancer care continuum."

Other key takeaways from this study included:

940 or 18% of patients reported one or more unmet supportive care needs, with about a third of them noting two or more unmet needs.

Almost one quarter of patients with unmet support needs had ED visits, compared with 14% for those without unmet needs.

For hospitalizations, the differences were 23% and 14%, respectively.

Support for coping with cancer and financial concerns were the most reported unmet needs, followed by general cancer education and information.

Diverse representation with Hispanics comprising almost 48% of study patients while other racial groups included Blacks, Caucasians, Asians, American Indians, Native Alaskans, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders.

"Our findings offer strong evidence that unmet supportive care needs are associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes, particularly higher risk for ED visits and hospitalizations," Penedo said. "Addressing these unmet needs is crucial to improve clinical outcomes and particularly in racial and ethnic minority populations where the needs are greatest."

More information: Frank J. Penedo et al, Factors Associated With Unmet Supportive Care Needs and Emergency Department Visits and Hospitalizations in Ambulatory Oncology, JAMA Network Open (2023). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.19352 Journal information: JAMA Network Open

Provided by Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
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Women with adenomyosisa chronic condition that can cause pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleedingare at increased risk of infertility as well as problems in pregnancy and during birth, according to research presented at the 39th annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).

Data from the first study of its kind, based on more than nine million women, show that mothers-to-be with adenomyosis experienced higher rates of complications.

The greatest risk was for cesarean section deliverythis was 20 times higher for women with adenomyosis than for those without the condition. The likelihood of surgical removal of the uterus and wound complications was also much increased, according to the findings.

In their conference presentation, the authors suggest more monitoring is needed of the millions of women worldwide with adenomyosis. This may help prevent or reduce the risk of serious complications for women, or even death for them and their babies, they say.

Lead author Dr. Mohammed Bazarah, from the University of Western Ontario, London (Canada), said, "Women with adenomyosis are more likely to experience infertility, preterm delivery and other gynecological conditions such as endometriosis.

"This study provides in-depth analysis of its effects on pregnancy which are potentially due to many factors such as chronic inflammation. The findings will help guide how doctors monitor and care for patients."

Adenomyosis affects an estimated one in ten women of reproductive age. It occurs when endometrial tissue and glands that normally line the womb are found in or grow into the muscle wall of the uterus.

During menstruation, this tissue thickens and bleeds as it normally would in the uterus. Symptoms can include severe cramps, heavy bleeding and pain during sex. However, some women experience no physical signs which makes the condition hard to diagnose.

Adenomyosis can occur with endometriosis which is a similar but separate condition.

Studies have already shown that patients with adenomyosis are more likely to experience obstetric and gynecological problems, but guidance on how to deal with these issues is limited.

The authors of this new study, who also included those from McGill University, in Montreal (Canada), set out to provide in-depth insights into maternal, pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in women with adenomyosis.

They used records from 2004 to 2014 from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. The NIS is part of the Health Care Cost and Utilization Project, the largest collection of inpatient hospital care data in the US.

The study group was based on 9,094,321 women without adenomyosis who were pregnant and 2,467 mothers-to-be with adenomyosis. The reproductive outcomes for women with adenomyosis and those without the condition were compared.

Results showed patients with adenomyosis were more likely to be older, obese, have chronic hypertension, thyroid disease, pre-gestational diabetes, and to have had a previous C-section and IVF.

Compared with women without adenomyosis, these patients had a 5.86 times higher risk of the baby's exit via the vagina being blocked by the placenta covering the opening to the cervix. This condition is known as placenta previa.

They were also 1.69 times more likely to develop pre-eclampsia, a condition unique to pregnancy associated with high blood pressure and a high level of protein in urine, and 1.5 times more likely to develop hypertension.

Their relative risk of obstetric complications was 21.63 times higher for C-section, 6.39 for hysterectomy, 2.37 for wound complications, 2.25 for blood transfusions, 2.17 for the placenta detaching from the uterus wall, 1.97 for suffering excessive bleeding after the baby's birth, and 1.82 for maternal infection.

The study did not investigate why these risks in pregnancy were increased. However, Dr. Bazarah said there could potentially be multiple causes such as inflammatory changes, alteration of placental blood flow, older age, increased rates of using assisted reproductive technology, and benign tumors caused by adenomyosis.

"The higher C-section rate may be due to the increased risk of pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia and placenta previa," he added.

A limitation of the study was that the databases used by the authors did not specify how each woman's adenomyosis was diagnosed or how severe the disease was.

The chair of ESHRE, Professor Carlos Calhaz-Jorge from the Northern Lisbon Hospital Center and the Hospital de Santa Maria in Lisbon (Portugal), was not involved in this research. He said, "Adenomyosis can disturb the function of the uterus, and this may affect how pregnancy evolves and how many children a woman has. The condition frequently occurs together with endometriosis, another poorly-understood disorder.

"These comprehensive research findings should help to ensure pregnant women with adenomyosis get the extra monitoring and care they may need. More research is urgently needed into this very common but often debilitating condition."

More information: Presentation no: O-269, "Reproductive and Neonatal Outcomes in Women with Adenomyosis: A Population-based Study", presented by Mohammad Bazarah, session 81: Management of adenomyosis: current strategies and future perspectives, Auditorium 10-12, 11.00 hrs CEST, Wednesday 28 June 2023.
Mary Peterson is a 60-year-old Missoulian who raised five children and worked as a restaurant manager. Shes also homeless and living in Downtown Lions Park, worried about the next sweep of the unsheltered encampment there scheduled for Thursday.

I would love for there to be someplace else for me to go, Peterson said. I have done everything I can do to prove that I am a good person and to end up being homeless has just about broken me. Please help us.

Peterson, her neighbors and their supporters expressed dismay and desperation during a public hearing at the Missoula City Council Monday night.

People experiencing homelessness, those who have graduated into stable housing and the service providers who work with them all voiced concerns over an ordinance change that is ostensibly billed as a way to bring Missoula into compliance with a court decision regarding urban camping. The subject ruling, Martin v. Boise, disallows cities from criminalizing homelessness when shelter beds are insufficient.

Missoulas proposal would eliminate a prohibition against all urban camping, but city officials admit the ordinance on the books hasnt been enforced until recently. With the update to the ordinance, Missoula would outlaw camping in city parks overnight. Council previously approved the ordinance on an emergency basis.

The Missoula City Council will vote on keeping the change in place on July 10.

It seems like theres a problem everywhere, said one homeless individual, James Seaborn. What can we do to help for there to be somewhere for us to go, because what am I supposed to do?

Seaborn and many of his houseless neighbors were eager to find a place where they would be allowed to sleep close to resources like food, toilets and showers. But Mayor Jordan Hess and city staff said the city isnt offering a place for the unhoused community to stay, for a variety of reasons.

No one has been pretending at any point in this process that this is an ideal scenario, Hess stated. These camp removals, to utilize the term that was suggested, actions are truly based on entrenchment and based on problematic behaviors that happen when there is a large encampment.

Hess said reopening the Johnson Street shelter remains a top budget priority for him, but in the interim, the city isnt going to provide a campsite for the unhoused. Donna Gaukler, director of Parks and Recreation, explained a campsite would require numerous amenities including potable water and sanitation. The citys attempt at providing those resources at the former Authorized Camping Site was a failure, she said.

We need help, said homeless individuals like a woman named Christina. There has to be something that we can do.

Service providers who work with the likes of Peterson, Seaborn and Christina also explained the challenges theyve faced in helping the unhoused as the city continually moves them from various encampments.

We need more accessible places where providers can actually outreach our clients and know where theyre at, said a care coordinator with the Missoula Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness program. Not having them moved constantly, shuffled. It makes it harder to find them, makes it harder to get that support, that stability. When our most vulnerable population suffers, we all do. Our whole community suffers.

While council did not take action during the public hearing Monday, some on council wondered about solutions. Councilor Daniel Carlino in Ward 3 asked about designated places where individuals are allowed to sleep; Councilor Kristen Jordan in Ward 6 wanted to know if the city could provide resources in the meantime to address health and safety hazards; and Councilor Jennifer Savage in Ward 1 wanted updates on housing projects in the pipeline.

I personally feel ashamed, said Jordan. We are sitting here providing a proposal without representation. We do it all the time and Im frustrated.

In a move to create more housing, council did vote to approve a 301-unit rental home subdivision west of Missoula, known as Sapphire Place, on Monday night.
If you're one of the probably thousands of people who's had to rush across Highway 200, dodging cars with a cooler in one hand and a tube in the other to get to the popular Sha-Ron Fishing Access Site, those days are over.

On Tuesday, Missoula County and officials with several other partner agencies held a ribbon-cutting celebration for a new 68-spot parking lot just north of the old Sha-Ron Access.

As one official joked, it was a pretty big celebration for a parking lot, but it did take four years from concept to opening.

In the past, there wasn't enough room at the old 25-spot site and dozens of cars would park along the roadway, where there are posted speeds of up to 55 mph. The county recently instituted a ban on parking on that section of roadway. But the new lot has a trail down to the river, a bathroom and an all-abilities trail down to the old site.

The new lot doesn't have a boat ramp and doesn't have parking for trailers, so people with trailers and large, heavy boats will need to use the old site and park there as well.

Missoula County Commissioner Josh Slotnick noted that the parking lot was the result of a collaboration between the county; Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks; the Montana Department of Transportation; the Missoula Metropolitan Planning Organization; Mountain Line; the Clark Fork Coalition; JAG Construction and local community councils and residents.

"We'll see an increase in public safety, increased quality of life for neighbors and hopefully an increase in enjoyment for the people using these facilities," Slotnick said.

Missoula Mayor Jordan Hess said the project is a good example of multiple agencies working together to address the impacts of recreation as Missoula's population grows and river usage increases.

Randy Arnold, the regional FWP supervisor, said the removal of the Milltown Dam in 2009 encouraged many more people to float on that section of the Clark Fork River into downtown Missoula.

"We saw and have seen a real increase in recreational use," he said. "And over the last 10 to 15 years we've been focusing on how do we start solving some of the challenges of river access and recreation? Not as if it's the bane of our existence or a problem we need to stop, but how do we support this otherwise really responsible use of people floating in the river in the peak of summer and enjoying that and having good places to put in and good places to take out?"

The new lot will be open from sunrise to sunset, and overnight camping is not allowed.

For the third year in a row, the Clark Fork Coalition's River Ambassador program will often have staff stationed at Sha-Ron with information on parking and shuttle options, as well as river information and safety tips. They'll usually have mesh bags for litter and boat pumps for people who take the bus.

Speaking of public transportation, Mountain Line's Route 4 runs from downtown to Bonner hourly, seven days a week. It stops at Sha-Ron as well as Milltown State Park. The bus is free for all riders, although boats and tubes do need to be deflated on board. The University of Montana also operates a free shuttle service to Sha-Ron Thursdays through Sundays from July 6-Aug. 20. Shuttles depart on the hour, each hour starting at noon with last departure at 6 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays they now offer half-hour service from 1-4 p.m., and passengers board on Campus Drive near the Outdoor Program. The bus also serves Milltown State Park, by request, until 5 p.m., and more information can be found online at umt.edu/transportation/bus/river-shuttle/.

The parking lot took so long to build, according to several officials on Tuesday, because it had to go through a public comment period, an environmental assessment, a zoning compliance process and floodplain permitting.

The old Sha-Ron Access Site's technical address is 1573 Speedway Avenue.
A Billings judge on Monday found a 2021 law and similar rule created by the state health department governing how people could update the sex marker on their birth certificates to be unconstitutional and permanently blocked them from taking effect.

The ruling from Judge Michael Moses is another step in a complex case thats stretched for years and at times left those seeking to make changes to their vital document in limbo.

Back in 2017, then-Democratic Gov. Steve Bullocks administration created a rule through the state health department that allowed people to go through a paperwork process to update their birth certificates. But in 2021, the Republican-majority Legislature under a GOP governor passed a law that would have required a person undergo surgery and petition a court if they wanted to update the document.

Two individuals, Amelia Marquez and a person identified as John Doe sued, represented by the ACLU of Montana, saying the law discriminated against Montanans who are transgender.

In April 2022, Billings Judge Michael Moses issued a preliminary injunction on the law and ordered the state to revert to the status quo in place before the 2021 law, which was the process set up by administrative rule in 2017 that allowed people to update their documents by submitting a form.

But instead, the state moved to implement a new administrative rule that said people could only update birth certificates if there was a data entry error on the original document. The rule was first issued under an emergency status and adopted later that year.

When the plaintiffs asked the district court for clarification to halt that new rule, Moses again said his ruling meant the department had to revert to the 2017 rules. He said the department's claims of confusion over what they could do were "demonstrably ridiculous" and that "no serious argument" could be made that the newest rules constituted a return to the status quo. The state initially said it would defy that order, but later complied. Moses chose not to hold the state in contempt at that point.

Then the health department took its objections to the Montana Supreme Court, which earlier this year left in place the injunction against the law, Senate Bill 280, but said that the administrative rule was never properly challenged in court, leaving the lay of the land unclear and the case back in Moses hands.

On Monday, Moses wrote both the law and rule were unconstitutional.

SB 280 and the 2021 rule require an individual who is trying to change their birth certificate to provide proof that their sex has been changed with a surgical procedure. The parties in this litigation have ultimately agreed that no surgical procedure exists that can change an individuals sex. Complying with SB 280 and the 2021 rule is thus impossible. Because the law cannot be complied with in any application, it is void on its face, Moses wrote in Mondays order.

He also found the law and rule too vague, saying they did not give people any idea what type of surgical procedure would be necessary to amend a sex designation on a birth certificate.

While Moses previously decided to not hold the state in contempt, he said such restraint is no longer warranted.

Defendants repeatedly disobeyed a lawful order from this court, showing their contempt for this judicial body and the judicial system as a whole, Moses wrote.

While a lawyer for the state came before Moses in January hat in hand to explain why the state still thought the situation was confusing, Moses wrote that defense counsel could not provide a legitimate explanation or an explanation of any kind for the continued noncompliance of his clients.

Moses also criticized the procedural steps the state took in the case when going to the Supreme Court, writing defendants acted in total disregard for this Court and the established procedures of the judicial branch of government.

Moses awarded attorneys fees from Jan. 10 to June 1 of this year. Representatives for the ACLU of Montana did not immediately respond to a text message seeking information about the estimated costs of the case during that period.

Moses did not mince words in his order over the lack of compliance from the state.

Defendants were made aware numerous times that their conduct was in violation of this courts valid order, yet they willfully and continuously thumbed their nose at this court, wasting plaintiffs time, energy, and money to enforce that order and violating the constitutional rights of Montanans. Plaintiffs should be reimbursed for the time expended, Moses wrote.   While the 2022 rule has not yet been properly challenged, the continued enforcement of that rule violates this courts order to preserve the status quo. The requirements placed on defendants by that order have been repeatedly clarified and repeatedly disregarded.

In a statement Tuesday, state health department spokesperson Jon Ebelt wrote Were reviewing the order and determining our next steps.
The dream of opening an alpine coaster along Flathead Lake finally came to fruition Tuesday morning when Torsten and Jessica Wedel, of Stevensville, sent the first riders down the tracks at Flathead Lake Alpine Coaster.

The project in Lakeside had been underway since 2021, when the couple unsuccessfully sought to build the attraction in Rollins.

We feel really good, Jessica Wedel said on Tuesday. Obviously, its been a long road.

Opposition to the coaster dogged the project for months. The Upper West Shore Alliance in Lakeside raised safety and traffic concerns, and members also worried about the general impact of an alpine coaster in a predominantly residential neighborhood.

But after the Montana Department of Transportation reviewed final construction plans in May, the Wedels got the green light to modify U.S. Highway 93 and open their attraction.

Jessica said about 30 rides had been completed on the new coaster by Tuesday afternoon. There had been ample anticipation, she said, from the developers, their staff and those eager to go on the new ride.

Its actually been great, she said. Were excited to be good community members.

Flathead Lake Alpine Coaster operates from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with discounts for military members and locals.
Last week during the Big Hole Watershed Committees monthly meeting, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks biologist Jim Olsen unveiled an outline of FWPs immediate and long-term plans for the ailing Big Hole River. The Beaverhead, Madison and Ruby rivers, which have experienced declines in trout populations similar to Big Hole's, will be included in the proposed study.

The objective is simple: Figure out why brown and rainbow trout are dying in southwestern Montanas rivers and fix it. The simplicity ends there.

Referred to as a fisheries mortality study, the next steps include data analysis, specialized lab work and studies of tributaries in addition to the Big Holes main stem, and will continue for the foreseeable future.

It is a stark reminder that there is still a long row to hoe for potentially finding a remedy or remedies for this complex issue that directly affects local economies such as ranching, sportfishing and tourism. Fully formed answers aren't likely to come to light for another three or four years.

So we could come up with answers in a year, and we will have answers in a year, Olsen told The Montana Standard in a Friday interview. The reason why we're taking this more long-term look is the variability between years.

The mortality study plans were presented on June 21, about a month after Olsen revealed historically low numbers of brown and rainbow trout found  as well as few numbers of juvenile trout  on three stretches of the Big Hole. The Beaverhead and Ruby rivers have also seen historically low fish counts. The Madison has experienced a decline as well but not to the same degree.

Its been pretty difficult and frankly quite frustrating to see population declines but not really have any good solutions because we dont understand the reason behind the declines, Olsen said.

Folks want answers now and understandably so. Any answers presented in the short term, while possibly useful, are also even more useful as points in an ever-expanding dataset needed to draw comparisons to other points. Those other points will need to be collected during both good- and bad-water years, warm-weather years and cooler years, etc., in order to reach an accurate assessment.

The purpose of spreading that study out over three to four years is to hopefully understand the variability between those years, Olsen said.

Attendees who packed the Divide Grange Hall or tuned in via Zoom last week were reminded that even with a plan in place, any long-term solution will not be reached immediately.

The official proposal of the mortality plan is still being finalized, FWP confirmed. Barring some unforeseen circumstance, the study is set to start in March.

Monitoring the Big Hole is now Olsens primary focus, effective immediately. This means Olsens FWP colleague Lance Breen will be taking over his other projects, such as the restoration of the native cutthroat population in the upper Big Holes French Creek.

Olsen explained that while he cannot predict the future and tell how this will all play out, especially for things pertaining to the Big Hole, FWP would be getting a lot more support now as they begin to put the pieces in place to carry out the mortality study.

Support in terms of dollars is still to be determined, Olsen said. But FWP has already had the benefit of working on the study's proposal with researchers from Montana State University. After initial conversations, Olsen said, it seems that because of the length and complexity of the research, a Ph.D. from MSU will complete the study after FWP biologists conduct the fieldwork.

So FWP will fund it, then MSU will hire the Ph.D. student to do this study, Olsen said.

Olsens presentation outlined the primary focuses of the proposed mortality study:

Catch and release mortality.

Direct angling mortality.

Role of disease and potential causes.

River-wide creel survey (2023).

Adaptive management modeling.

Disease research.

Tributary research study.

Each bullet point will be conducted on the Big Hole moving forward. Some areas on the list are already being studied on other rivers so in certain cases, practices will not need to be altered.

We really think this study is going to help us to better understand the causes of mortality that will then help us to better understand and develop management strategies to help us get back where we want to be, Olsen said.

Most of these bullet points are self-explanatory. Olsen expounded upon a few sub points within the categories that might not be as obvious. For example, in order to draw conclusions about direct angling mortality causes, FWP needs to be able to tweak fishing regulations as needed to see which angling methods leave trout worse for wear. Bear in mind, the Fish and Wildlife Commission needs to approve any regulations proposed by FWP. Olsen said that because the Big Hole, Beaverhead, Madison and Ruby are all included allows analysts to compare findings from very different systems.

For adaptive management modeling, FWP last year hired Donovan Bell, Ph.D., a quantitative ecologist who will analyze past data and develop a model to see how specific stressors such as flow, angling-related mortality or temperature events are affecting trout, Olsen said. Bell will step in to provide his expertise on this project and hopefully help pinpoint what factors are most significant using data that already exists.

Even though Bell will be examining existing data, that doesnt mean his findings can be used on their own to find some kind of quick fix or short-term help. Whatever Bells modeling discovers will need to be used in concert with what is found throughout the entire study during the coming years.

What we're seeing in some of our rivers is a deviation from normal  from what we would expect during a dry time, Olsen said. And so the modeling will probably show that.

What the mortality study is designed to do is tell us why we're deviating from where we think we should be.

Tributary research  which will be focused on the Big Hole  will track where trout are coming from and where they were born. This will reveal where fish are spawning and if that habitat should be regulated instead of the main stem, where the primary focus generally resides.

As for the disease-related bullet points, acting FWP Region 3 fisheries manager Mike Duncan  who is also the Madison-Gallatin Fisheries biologist  noted in late May a histopathologist was needed to analyze samples of seemingly infected brown trout in order to accurately state whether there was or wasnt an active disease outbreak in the Big Hole.

Commonly referred to as zombie fish by Big Hole anglers and guides, trout that appear afflicted with what could be a fungal infection are a not-so-seldom sight while floating or wading through the river, hence the pseudonym.

Last fall, Olsen collected a number of zombie fish to be tested for disease or infection. He and others suspect an outbreak of some kind indeed has a hand in the rivers bleak state. These samples have not been processed because the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was without a histopathologist in Montana.

In his letter to outfitters that surfaced last week, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte seemed to allude to that need when he wrote, The department is also working to process histological samples.

FWP confirmed that while the position is still vacant in USFWSs Bozeman lab, where FWP sends samples, a short-term solution is within reach.

We have reached out and tentatively have an agreement in place with the lab in Pennsylvania  a Fish and Wildlife Service lab over there, Duncan told The Standard on Tuesday. A fella by the name of Michael Penn has tentatively agreed to take a look at these first couple rounds of samples.

Because no zombie fish were seen by field workers this past spring, the aesthetically troubling brown trout samples from last fall will be compared with whitefish from the Jerry Creek section of the Big Hole.

The river-wide creel survey will be conducted by someone out in the field who will interview anglers about what type of gear they used, how many fish were caught that day, etc. This information will be analyzed alongside the mail-in surveys sent to residences of licensed anglers.

Overall, the plan itself was well-received as ranchers, guides, students and residents spanning multiple generations turned out June 21 to learn what they could about whats to come for their beloved 153-mile freestone river. According to Big Hole Watershed Committee Executive Director Pedro Marques, the atmosphere was noticeably cordial. It was a relief, he said, given the contentious history between ranchers and guides.

Im not sure how (the mortality study) would be designed, said Steve Luebeck, director of the George Grant Chapter of Trout Unlimited, who attended. But if they can do it in an effective way, it would certainly shed some light on what maybe is going on down there.

I thought it was a decent plan. I thought it was interesting.

There were points of contention but those who voiced differing opinions never reached a point of counter-production, as the main speakers were able to easily deliver their messages and flow freely between topics.

Paul Siddoway, a longtime advocate for the Big Hole River, requested more updates and transparency from FWP during the Q&A session following Olsens presentation. He said periods of silence, especially during a years-long project, leave the public wondering if anything is being done.

We are going to be more active on our messaging on what is happening with the trout population and our research on the southwestern Montana rivers, said FWPs Greg Lemon, administrator of communication and education, in a Monday afternoon email to The Standard. Were also working to develop a way of engaging the public on what theyre seeing on the rivers as it pertains to dead or dying fish. We plan to have some more information on that effort in the coming days.

Dissenting voices at the meeting mostly took issue with recent emergency fishing regulations  in one way or another  and not the proposed study.

Olsen pointed out that proposals and regulations passed by the Fish and Wildlife Commission do not always mirror what was originally drafted by FWP.

However in the case if this proposal, Duncan said via text Tuesday morning "the Director's (FWP Director Dustin Temple) and Governor's office(s) will provide the necessary approval and support," and so being able to bypass the commission should help expedite things.

Clearer and more official details of the study are expected within the next two weeks, Duncan said.
Investigators from special counsel Jack Smiths office are set to interview Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, as part of the federal probe into efforts to subvert the peaceful transition of power.

A spokesperson for the secretary of states office confirmed Raffenspergers interview is set to take place Wednesday in Atlanta. The interview was first reported by The Washington Post.

Then-President Donald Trump called Raffensperger in January 2021, to press him to find the votes needed for Trump to win the state of Georgia  a state Joe Biden won by nearly 12,000 votes.

At points during the call, Raffensperger felt that Trump was going so far as to threaten him into going along with Trumps plan to subvert the election results.

I felt then  and still believe today  that this was a threat, Raffensperger wrote in his book, Integrity Counts, about one portion of the call. Others obviously thought so, too, because some of Trumps more radical followers have responded as if it was their duty to carry out this threat.

Raffensperger, an elected Republican, pushed back on Trumps demands. He and his family, as well as other election workers in the state, faced an onslaught of threats as a result.

Trump has maintained he did nothing wrong in his exchange with Raffensperger and has referred to it as an absolutely perfect phone call.

The former president and his allies are also under investigation by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who has been eyeing potential racketeering and conspiracy charges in her probe into efforts to overturn the 2020 election there. Raffensperger testified before a special grand jury as part of that investigation.

Willis is expected to announce in August whether anyone will face charges in the Georgia probe.

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Burke County native Patti Ramseur, now of Greensboro, has been installed as the 129th president of the North Carolina Bar Association.

The swearing-in ceremony took place on Friday, June 23, at the NCBA annual meeting in Wilmington.

Ramseur also will serve in 2023-24 as president of the North Carolina Bar Foundation.

The oath of office was administered by Judge Ralph Walker as her husband, Chris, looked on and their daughters, Reece and Riley, held the Bible.

The North Carolina Bar Association is truly unique and special, Ramseur said in her installation address. I am thankful for all my NCBA experiences. As I look around this room, Im reminded that there are so many attorneys and judges who I have met through the years, solely because of my involvement in the NCBA. You are my mentors and my friends.

The individuals Ive met through NCBA leadership and activities have, without a doubt, helped me become a better lawyer. They constantly remind me how blessed we are to be lawyers but also the responsibilities we have because of our positions.

Ramseur grew up in Burke County. She graduated with honors from North Carolina State University, where she majored in applied sociology with a concentration in criminal justice, and Wake Forest University School of Law. She began her legal career as a law clerk to Judge Ralph A. Walker of the N.C. Court of Appeals.

Ramseur entered private practice in 2000, with Haynsworth Baldwin Johnson & Greaves. In 2003, she joined Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP and continued as a partner with the firm when it merged into Fox Rothschild LLP in 2018. She joined Alex Maultsby in 2020, to establish the employment law firm of Ramseur Maultsby LLP, where she focuses her practice on employment litigation and counseling.

Ramseur is a past chair of the NCBA Young Lawyers Division and the NCBA membership value task force, and past co-chair of the NCBA Leadership Academy. She served on the NCBA board of governors and NCBF board of directors in 2014-17, and most recently served as chair of the audit and finance committee of both organizations.
Fighting patrons

At around 1:50 a.m. Tuesday, officers were called to the Cinz Bar, 301 E. Mercury St., to investigate a disturbance.

Darin T. Rheam, 56, of Butte was allegedly trying to fight other bar patrons and yelling profanities. He reportedly continued his tirade when the cops arrived and was arrested for disorderly conduct.

Arrest warrants

Jeremiah A. Henson, 31 of Great Falls was arrested Monday on warrants for aggravated assault and criminal trespass to property.

Out on patrol

While out on patrol early Wednesday, an officer saw Austin J. Campbell, 32, of Butte standing at the Florence Coffee, 819 S. Montana St. The business was closed so the officer asked Campbell what he was doing and Campbell told the cop he was getting out of the rain, but it wasnt raining.

Next to Campbell was his laundry basket and atop, reportedly, was a piece of tin foil with burnt residue, along with a syringe. He was arrested for criminal possession of drugs and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. At the jail, suspected methamphetamine was found in his possession.

Pounding on windows

Dara R. Povrzenich, 40, of Butte was reportedly causing a few disturbances on Monday, by pounding on windows and making loud and unusual noises. Later in the day, a warrant was issued for her arrest.

Povrzenich was arrested early Monday evening on that warrant. She was also jailed for criminal possession of dangerous drugs, as prescription medicine that was not hers was found in her possession.

Threatening people

Just before noon Tuesday, police were called to the 1500 block of Harrison Avenue where Scott D. Hockaday, 46, of Butte was reportedly threatening several people.

When officers arrived, he was seen tossing something behind a trash can, which turned out to be three syringes. He then allegedly began threatening the police, too. He was jailed for assault and violation of release conditions.

School damaged

The old Blaine School in Walkerville had 17 windows broken and the door kicked in. Damage was estimated to be $5,800, and the case is under investigation.

Shoving match

Two men were shoving each other in the parking lot at Safeway, 301 W. Front St., but when an officer arrived, they decided to calm down.

Damaged fences

A fence was toppled over in the 2000 block of Sampson Street and it appears a vehicle hit another residents fence on Carousel Way.

Truck stolen

A 2015 Chevy Silverado flatbed truck was stolen from a Melrose ranch.

Bikes taken

Two mountain bikes were reported stolen from the KOA campground.
Gov. Greg Gianfortes acknowledgement of the rapid decline in trout populations around southwest Montana came in the form of a letter dated June 19 and addressed to Craig and Wade Fellin. It reached its recipients June 21 and subsequently made its way to other interested parties.

But the response fell flat in the eyes of many who demanded it.

I was disappointed in the Governors reply, Shaun Jeszenka, outfitter and owner of Frontier Anglers in Dillon, wrote in an email to The Standard. There obviously was not a lot of thought put into it. The more restrictive fishing regulations are not going to right the ship. We are already the most regulated outfitters in the state of Montana on the Big Hole and Beaverhead.

Wade Fellin was not critical.

"I'm encouraged this finally reached the Governor's desk and he shares our concerns, including acknowledging warm temperatures and low flows are a factor," he wrote in an email to The Standard. "We look forward to continuing the dialog with the Governor, his staff, and state agencies."

As hollow as the response was perceived to be by some, it still managed to capture the bewilderment and discombobulation felt by folks throughout southwest Montana and across the state who care about the Big Hole River.

The letter, which can be viewed it its entirety attached to this story, touched on how valuable these prized waterways are to the livelihoods of thousands of Montanans.

As FWP Fisheries Administrator Eileen Ryce Ph.D. did in Butte on June 7, Gianforte directly acknowledged that warm water and low flows have been proven to contribute to trout population declines. In his next sentence within the same paragraph, Gianforte abruptly transitions from water problems and points to angling restrictions considered by FWP as a way to reduce stress experienced by trout.

Although it is true that the catch-and-release process severely elevates a trouts stress levels, guides and outfitters noted that only half the equation is being addressed and the delivery of the message has them baffled.

Pat Munday, professor of science and technology studies at Montana Tech and author of "Montanas Last Best River: The Big Hole and Its People, said during a recent conversation with The Standard that feelings of cognitive dissonance and overall confusion are just the state of things right now.

How hard can we get regulated before we turn the focus somewhere else? asked Craig Jones of Great Divide Outfitters, located on Highway 43 in Divide.

FWP outlines fisheries mortality study for Big Hole, Beaverhead, Madison and Ruby rivers The objective of the study: figure out why brown and rainbow trout are dying in southwestern Montanas rivers, and fix it.

Jones posed this question during the Q&A session following Jim Olsens presentation during the Big Hole Watershed Committee meeting June 21. The outfitting company and fly shop owner went on to point out that the Madison River  which eclipses over 170,000 angler days during a five-month span from May through September  sees substantially more boat traffic but hasnt seen a sharp decline in its trout population like the Big Hole. The Big Hole averages roughly 120,000 angler days over an entire year.

Flows are very steady compared to the Big Hole, Olsen said. Theres no low flow on the Madison. Water is driving the bus.

Olsen then offered some perspective on just how much fishing pressure Big Hole trout face, albeit with far fewer angler days than the Madison. If there are 500 trout per mile in the 74 miles of river from Dickie Bridge to the mouth of the Big Hole, thats 37,000 total fish.

During the roughly 120,000 angler days per year on the Big Hole, if everyone catches an average of four trout a day, those fish are caught and released nearly 13 times a year.

Munday said even though the emergency angling regulations by themselves are an incomplete solution, the restrictions are mostly for the better.

But guides and anglers are befuddled as to why this multi-faceted problem has only been partially addressed  at the state level from a regulatory standpoint  since the brown trout decline came to light in 2021.

Weve had catch and release regulations on brown trout for two years and still the population is in decline, Jeszenka continued in his email. The tool box is empty for the FWP to rectify the situation from a regulatory standpoint. The Big Hole needs more clean, cold water in late summer and early fall. This is not that complicated. Hopefully, the state will move towards a solution on that front. The framework has already been established with the Future Fisheries (Improvement Program). The money exists to either buy or lease water for instream flows.

Pedro Marques, Big Hole Watershed Committee executive director, told The Standard last Thursday the committee is currently discussing whether emergency provisions to the drought management plan  proposed by FWP for the Big Hole  should be adopted. He also said that while they are aware of the looming possibility of water leasing, it isn't something they discuss because selling water fundamentally contradicts how the committee operates.

Ranchers tend to be more reserved, at least until someone goes after their water. Its reckless to assume the community as a whole would just as soon sit idly by without altering their irrigation practices while the fishery goes belly up. Hypothetically, killing off a trout or grayling population by sucking the river dry could attract unwanted attention from federal agencies who might decide its time to fudge with their water rights. In fact, the committee was formed to try to voluntarily improve habitat in the upper Big Hole for Arctic grayling.

"At a certain point, you can only ask so much of ranchers to leave water back in the river," Marques said. "And you can only ask so much of the restrictions that we're putting on anglers, for them to make a living."

The Fellins, based in Wise River at The Big Hole Lodge, were among more than 30 fishing outfitters and guides in southwest Montana who recently and publicly pressed Gianforte. In an open letter to the governor, they sought an all hands on deck investigation of the causes of dramatic decreases in trout populations in the Beaverhead, Big Hole and Ruby rivers.

The governors letter did not arrive in a hurry and until FWP revealed an outline of a planned fisheries mortalities study on June 21, messaging from state officials pledged action and commitment but without specifics. This resulted in the formation of Save Wild Trout, a privately funded group looking to remedy the sharp decline in trout populations.

Ranchers, state officials and most outfitters have omitted from their messaging two of the most polarizing words in modern American society: climate change.

Big picture, I do wonder what the plan is to address that and increase climate resiliency in our watersheds, said Brian Wheeler, executive director of the Big Hole River Foundation, in an email to The Standard.

Munday agrees that climate change is still the elephant in the room.

Just start looking at temperatures and what trout can survive and spawn in, he said. And it gets a little grim.

Researchers from the University of Montana conducted a study that found declines in Montanas native bull trout and cutthroat trout were driven by climate change.

Although there arent any official studies linking brown and rainbow trout population declines to climate change, Wheeler said in a previous interview that it is de facto science.

Trout can survive a few hours in water between 70 and 80 degrees, but not days. They certainly do not thrive, and these conditions are not ideal for spawning. How much longer until the water eclipses 86 degrees  considered lethal for trout  regularly in southwest Montana, Munday asks.

Munday shares a belief offered by a friend of his who fishes eastern streams around New York that the Big Hole is going to be a really good smallmouth bass river 50 years from now.
Artist Emily Cram of Daydream Illustration works on a small painting while sitting at her stand to sell work at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Saturday, May 27, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Scott County Wrestling's Sage Cainan watches his fellow wrestlers performing at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Saturday, May 27, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Diarrhea Planet drummer Ian Bush performs at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Saturday, May 27, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Diarrhea Planet performs on stage in the main barn at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Saturday, May 27, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Guitarist and vocalist Wil Wright of Peak Physique performs on stage at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Diarrhea Planet guitarists Jordan Smith, left, and Brent Toler perform on the barn stage at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

A bar menu is seen at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Scott County Wrestling's Sage Cainan jumps over opponent J.T. Energy at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Saturday, May 27, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Scott County Wrestling's J.T. Energy watches teammate Vicious & Delicious fight in the ring at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Saturday, May 27, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Scott County Wrestling's Vilhelm Amery fights with Krotch in the ring at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Saturday, May 27, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Xander Killen of Scott County Wrestling grabs a headlock on wrestler Steve Manders at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Saturday, May 27, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Scott County Wrestling duo J.T. Energy and Vicious & Delicious take the ring together at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Saturday, May 27, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Diarrhea Planet drummer Ian Bush walks out to the backstage area from the main barn after the band's set at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Saturday, May 27, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Diarrhea Planet performs on stage in the main barn at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Saturday, May 27, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Diarrhea Planet guitarist Jordan Smith performs on stage in the main barn at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Saturday, May 27, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Diarrhea Planet guitarist Emmett Miller sings into the microphone on stage in the main barn at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Diarrhea Planet guitarist Jordan Smith performs on stage in the main barn at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Diarrhea Planet guitarist Brent Toler performs on stage in the main barn at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Lights are seen strung in the main barn at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Comedian Nick Thune of Seattle works the crowd at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

A Ford F-150 pickup is seen heading down the dirt road leading up to the parking area at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Political activists are seen set up at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Saturday, May 27, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Guitarist and vocalist Wil Wright of Peak Physique performs during his set at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Diarrhea Planet guitarist Jordan Smith performs on stage in the main barn at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Art is seen on display for sale at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Diarrhea Planet guitarist Emmett Miller jumps on stage while performing in the main barn at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Saturday, May 27, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Diarrhea Planet guitarists Jordan Smith, center, and Brent Toler perform on the barn stage at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Diarrhea Planet guitarist Jordan Smith performs in the crowd in the main barn at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Comedian Nick Thune of Seattle leans against one of the barn buildings watching other comedians at the outdoor stage at Codfish Hollow.

Announcer Steele Mike introduces Diarrhea Planet at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Comedian Brody Stevens of San Fernando Valley takes a selfie backstage as Diarrhea Planet performs in the main barn at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Saturday, May 27, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Diarrhea Planet drummer Ian Bush performs on the main barn stage at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Saturday, May 27, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Percussionist and vocalist Matt Honkonen of Peak Physique performs at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Festival goers walk toward the main barn at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Cows are seen in a pasture across the road from the camping area, which is a cow pasture itself, at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Campers enjoy a late morning campfire in the cow pasture at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Saturday, May 27, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Scott County Wrestling performers cool down after their performance at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Saturday, May 27, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Scott County Wrestling's Vilhelm Amery braces to be kicked by an airborne Krotch in the ring at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Saturday, May 27, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Scott County Wrestling's Steve Manders winds up to body-slam wrestler Xander Killen at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Saturday, May 27, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

A sign pointing to the barn and festival area is seen at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Saturday, May 27, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

A tractor ride takes the last load of festival goers from the barn to the camping pasture just after 1 a.m. Saturday at Codfish Hollow.

The backstage area is seen behind the barn as Diarrhea Planet plays their set on stage at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa early Saturday morning, May 27, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Diarrhea Planet drummer Ian Bush, left, and guitarist Brent Toler talk backstage after performing an encore on the barn stage at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Saturday, May 27, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Diarrhea Planet guitarists play in the crowd during their encore on the barn stage at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa early Saturday morning, May 27, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Diarrhea Planet walks back onto stage for an encore after their set on the barn stage at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa early Saturday morning, May 27, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Diarrhea Planet guitarists Jordan Smith, left, and Brent Toler perform on the barn stage at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Diarrhea Planet guitarist Emmett Miller, left, and bassist Duncan Shea lean on one another during their set on the barn stage at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Diarrhea Planet guitarist Jordan Smith plays from in the crowd during their set on the barn stage at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Comedian Reena Calm performs on the outdoor stage at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Peak Physique takes the stage at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Signs from past events line the ceiling of the barn at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Audience members listen to comedy on the outdoor stage from up the hill near the main barn at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Artist Kurt Urbain of Petersburg, Iowa straightens up his display at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Festival goers hang out at the back of the barn at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Tractor Driver Marv Franzen waits for guests to fill in on his trailer before driving them to the main barn at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Jim Johnson, from left, Jennifer Karma, Emily Meyer and Adam Gill of Cedar Rapids sit around their campfire at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa at around 2:00 a.m. Saturday morning. The group attended the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Nate McClintock of Mt. Carroll, Illinois sips his beer while helping work Zenga's art booth at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Volunteer Kerri Shultz of Maquoketa works the main bar in the lower section of the barn at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Comedian Kristen Toomey performs her routine on the outdoor stage at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Festival goers mingle at the back of the barn at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Dana Stubbs and Megan Salley of Lincoln, Nebraska enjoy a quick meal during their first visit to Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Guests explore the art booths and food trucks at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

A sign posted at the entrance to the Codfish Hollow festival area in Maquoketa is seen laying down ground rules on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Guests load into the back of the tractor and trailer for a free ride from the camping pasture down to the main barn at Codfish Hollow.

Comedian Dave Losso of Chicago sets up his tent having arrived a day before he performs to relax and enjoy the festivities at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Guests pack into the main barn at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday, May 26, 2017. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Diarrhea Planet guitarists Jordan Smith, left, and Brent Toler perform on the barn stage at Codfish Hollow in Maquoketa on Friday. A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival.

Photos: Turnbuckle Comedy & Music Festival at Codfish Hollow Barnstormers

A few hundred people, 40 comedians, five musical acts and a professional wrestling team flooded Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday for the inaugural Turnbuckle Festival. Two stages hosted comedians, 30 of whom are from Iowa, marking a first for the Maquoketa barn, which was built in the 1950s and opened as a music venue in the summer of 2009. Turnbuckle also served as the official kick-off for Codfish Hollows season, which runs through October. Two shows set for next month, featuring Son Volt and Lolo respectively, a show in August featuring Dawes and an October show featuring Dinosaur Jr. are already sold out. In the past, musicians such as the Local Natives, Norah Jones, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeroes, Counting Crows, Nathaniel Rateliff, Phox and John C. Reilly have performed at the barn, located on a farm in rural eastern Iowa. For more info, visit codfishhollowbarnstormers.com.

Upcoming concerts:

6 p.m. Saturday, June 17: John Moreland with Will Johnson, Early James and The Latest. Tickets, $20-25

5 p.m. Tuesday, July 4: Twin Peaks with The Kickback, Yoko and the Oh Nos, Land of Blood and Sunshine and The Blisters. Tickets, $25-30

6 p.m. Sunday, July 16: Josh Ritter and Brett Dennen. Tickets, $35-40

Sept. 8-9: 2nd annual Garp festival. (Lineup to be announced).
The Muscatine County Board of Supervisors seemed interested in having an ordinance governing pioneer cemeteries but wants several issues addressed before voting on a final version.

During the meeting, county attorney James Barry discussed a draft ordinance for the county to assume jurisdictional control of several private burial sites in the county.

This is an effort for the county to take over and maintain the cemeteries, which Iowa law requires us to do in these events, Barry said. The ordinance follows Iowa code in its totality.

Barry said that in Muscatine County there were about 10 burial locations that werent being managed or preserved. Most are located on private property. Barry commented that he hasnt been able to determine the exact location of two of them. He said that he drafted the ordinance for the pioneer cemeteries based on state regulations for home rule counties.

A pioneer cemetery is a cemetery that has had fewer than 12 burials in the past 50 years.

He also explained if the supervisors approve the ordinance it would allow the county to hire someone to care for the cemeteries. He said if the cemetery was located on private property, the owner could take on the responsibility. Barry said the county could not levy taxes to take care of the cemeteries, but the township boards could.

Supervisor Nathan Mather expressed concern about the liability of the cemeteries to people visiting them. Barry said according to Iowa code neither the landowner nor the county had liability if someone was injured.

Barry commented that because there are several cemeteries that are on private property, there was liable to be some problems while the county is getting the regulations set.

The reality is that we have had contact with people from out of state who have no relatives in them who are interested in browsing pioneer cemeteries, Supervisor Jeff Sorenson said. Im not interested in property owners spending a good deal of time trying to guess the lineage of someone.

Mather said that he could see people attempting to access the cemeteries without notice.

Barry said that he would make adjustments to the draft and return it to the supervisors during the July 3 meeting.

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Eight Muscatine County teachers are among 82 from the state selected to participate in this year's Iowa STEM Teacher Externship Program.

The program gives participants the opportunity to work within STEM businesses, nonprofits, government services and other workplaces in their community for six weeks. Through this, these teachers are then able to take what they have learned back to their classroom, all while giving their externship hosts some extra help during the summer.

Jeff Weld, executive director of the STEM Council, publicly noted that this years numbers are some of the highest seen since the program began.

That tells Iowans that employers recognize the importance of cultivating their future workforces through partnerships with education, and its a clear signal that teachers of Iowa are striving to keep their skills and knowledge current for lively classroom experiences linked to exciting local career options.

The eight Muscatine County teachers are Kathi Eichelberger, Emma Freyermuth, Jessica Howard, Dana Kraft, Maria Sneath, Elise Weigel, Eric Yerington and Braden Zaruba. Muscatine Power & Water (MPW), Bayer, Stanley Consultants, the Stanley Center for Peace and Security and Muscatine County Conservation have all stepped forward to provide externship positions for these teachers.

For Eichelberger, who is a preschool STEAM and literacy teacher at the Muskie Early Learning Center, this is her first externship with the program. She said that because the Muscatine school district had always had a strong relationship with the Conservation Board she was excited to get a "behind-the-scenes" experience from the naturalists that worked there.

Her biggest goal is to use her externship experiences to strengthen her young students understanding of the local environment, teaching them how to make good choices regarding their impact on the environment.

Freyermuth, a pre-service teacher, first heard about the program through her university professor and was intrigued by the opportunity, leading to receiving her first externship through Bayer Crop Muscatine and its environmental lab. This year, shell work with Bayer again.

My experience with this externship has proven to me that basic fundamentals of science are applicable throughout a lifetime, Freyermuth said. I hope to help my students view the lifetime importance of science and its fundamental concepts. Science surrounds everyone and everything, and I want everyone to appreciate it.

Yerington, a science and social studies teacher at McKinley Elementary, also had the previous opportunity to extern at Bayer and will do so again this year. Previously, he was able to work with Bayers lab analysts to put together a project for his students based around a test that he and the analysts had been running at Bayer.

They showed the students what we were talking about, let them see it and handle it, and then my students had to try and come up with something better, he said. It helps the kids buy into the learning more because its a real world experience instead of just taking an experiment out of a textbook.

Yerington added that he felt his experiences made him a more well-rounded teacher by allowing him to see an actual lab and then bring those real-world connections back to his students.

Howard said she was incredibly grateful for her multiple externships. She gained eye-opening experiences through MPW that helped earn her the Iowa STEM Teacher of the Year award. Her connections with MPW also allowed her to bring these workers in to help with mock interviews and even job shadowing.

Ive been really lucky to create partnerships with those industry members in my classroom, Howard said.

She is working on a curriculum alongside MPW, with plans being made for MPW members to come into the Muscatine School District with a set of programming for students.

So many amazing people (at MPW) are willing to help and learn and train the next generation," she said.

The Iowa STEM Teacher Externship Program is supported through state funds and investments from various businesses and state organizations. For more information about the program, residents can visit http://www.iowastem.org/Externships.

Photos: Moline Teachers, Students, compete in contests for annual Share Joy Campaign
Smoky air from Canadas wildfires is shrouding broad swaths of the U.S. from Minnesota to New York and Kentucky. That's led to warnings to stay inside and has exacerbated health risks for people already suffering from industrial pollution. The impacts are particularly hard on poor and minority communities that are more likely to live near polluting plants and have higher rates of asthma. Detroit had the worst air quality in the U.S. on Wednesday. The Environmental Protection Agency warned residents of the mostly Black city that everyone should stay indoors. Chicago, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Ohio; and Pittsburgh all have very unhealthy air. A wider circle of unhealthy air spread into St. Louis and Louisville, Kentucky.
For the second time in three months, the state-run Glenwood Resource Center has been fined for regulatory violations related to resident injuries.

It marks the sixth time since January 2022 that the facility has been fined by state inspectors.

Last year, the state announced plans to relocate Glenwoods residents and close the facility by the end of 2024. Several months ago, the U.S. Department of Justice announced it had reached a settlement with the state of Iowa to resolve allegations concerning resident care at Glenwood. The DOJ had alleged the state was causing harm to residents through uncontrolled and unsupervised experimentation on residents, as well as inadequate physical and behavioral health care.

The western Iowa home for people with disabilities is run by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.

State records indicate that on March 27, a male resident of the home got out of bed at around 4:40 a.m., went into the bathroom and fell and hit his head, which resulted in a bleeding wound. After the mans eye began to swell shut during an evaluation by the staff, he was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital where doctors closed the head wound with three staples.

According to the state inspectors report, Glenwoods assistant superintendent reported that a review of closed-circuit video revealed that a residential treatment worker assigned to check on the resident every 30 minutes did not do so throughout the night.

The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals has fined the home $2,500.

In March, the facility was cited for two medication errors and fined $10,500. In addition, the facility was fined $5,250 for failing to ensure the staff correctly used the mechanical lifts that are designed to safely move residents who cant stand or ambulate on their own.

The first of the two medication errors was discovered in early December when a worker noticed a male resident was groggy and stumbly and appeared intoxicated. The staff then noticed the mans medications for the previous afternoon were still on hand, indicating they hadnt been dispensed, while another residents medications were missing, even though that individual had been discharged.

It was then determined the male resident, while receiving none of his own medications, had been given the drugs intended for the discharged resident. The man was taken to a hospital where it was determined he had a dangerous level of valproic acid in his system, according to inspectors. He was treated with intravenous fluids, held for observation, and then returned to Glenwood.

The second of the two medication errors occurred a few weeks later, on Christmas Eve, when a worker accidentally gave a female resident two 100-milligram doses of Clozapine, a drug commonly used to treat schizophrenia, rather than a single 100-milligram dose. The resident was taken to a local hospital by ambulance and kept there for observation for two hours before being returned to Glenwood.

At the time, Glenwood was also cited for an accident that resulted in a serious injury to a resident. According to inspectors, a female employee was in the process of using a mechanical lift to hoist a resident into the air and place him in a chair when the man slipped out of the device and fell to the floor.

The resident was taken by ambulance to a hospital where he remained in the intensive care unit for two days before being returned to Glenwood.

Last August, Glenwood was cited for having failed to notify a nurse when a female residents heart rate dropped to a dangerous level. The resident was later found unresponsive was rushed to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. The home was fined $4,785.

Last July, Glenwood was fined for $5,037 after a 48-year-old male resident was found in bed suffering from a hypoxic episode  a life-threatening lack of oxygen. A worker noticed the residents skin was gray, lips were blue and he was gasping for air. The worker discovered the mechanism used to deliver his bottled oxygen had been switched off by the staff.

In May 2022, Glenwood was fined $6,500 after a resident of the home died of septic shock related to acute dehydration.

In January 2022, Glenwood was fined $2,250 after inspectors said a residential treatment worker had yelled at a female resident of the home and shoved a plate in her face.

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A state panel has ruled that an Iowa State University worker accused of having sex in her office during work hours is not entitled to collect unemployment benefits.

State records indicate Stephanie L. Johnson began working for ISU as a full-time administrative assistant in January 2021. In December 2022, Johnson reported to the ISU Department of Public Safety that a graduate student had entered her office on two separate occasions, exposed himself to her and then ejaculated on the floor of her office.

According to the subsequent findings of an administrative law judge, DPS officers concluded Johnsons version of events was inconsistent with the evidence, and after the agency referred the matter to ISUs Office of Equal Opportunity, Johnson allegedly declined to pursue the matter with that office.

The judges findings indicate that in January the matter was referred to ISUs Employee and Labor Relations Office and the schools human resources department due to concerns about Johnsons truthfulness regarding the incidents, the nature of her relationship with the graduate student, and the fact that she may have engaged in sexual activities in her office during work hours.

In February, school officials interviewed Johnson regarding her allegations and the concerns raised by others. According to the findings of the administrative law judge, the school concluded Johnson had misrepresented to the Department of Public Safety the nature of her relationship with the graduate student and the incidents that occurred.

The school also concluded she had engaged in consensual sexual conduct with the graduate student in her on-campus office during working hours in violation of school policy. On March 6, the school fired Johnson for violating the universitys code of conduct.

Johnson denied engaging in consensual sex in her office during work hours and sought unemployment benefits, which the school contested, leading to a public hearing before Administrative Law Judge Carly Smith.

Smith awarded Johnson benefits after finding that the central issue in the case was whether her termination was based on a current act of misconduct. Smith noted that the schools human resources department became aware of the incidents involving Johnson on Jan. 4, 2023, but didnt notify Johnson until Jan. 31, 2023, that she was being investigated.

The employer knew about the incidents for 27 days before they notified (Johnson) she was being investigated, Smith ruled. The 27 days before notifying the claimant is excessive and the incidents that occurred in December 2022 are no longer considered a current act under Iowa law. 

The school appealed that ruling to the three-member Iowa Employment Appeal Board, which recently reversed Smiths decision in the case  although the board was split 2-1 on the matter.

In ruling for the board, members James M. Strohman and Myron R. Linn stated they concluded ISU had proven that any sexual conduct that did occur during the complained-of incidents was consensual, and the employer has proven that (Johnson) lied about any such sexual conduct being nonconsensual, and about her relationship with the other individual involved.

The board noted that we find credible that the experts in forensic evidence were unable to find any evidence of semen despite (Johnsons) report that semen was ejaculated on the floor on two separate occasions. We also find credible the report that when (Johnson) was confronted with this fact she changed her story. We have considered the effect of vulnerability, and of stress, on a victims ability to report criminal actions. But (Johnson) initially reported seeing semen being ejaculated on the floor on two separate occasions. When she found out about the negative forensic results, she altered her story to say that the semen was wiped up on one occasion, and that the alleged perpetrator had his back to her and may not have ejaculated the second time.

The board also questioned Johnsons alleged claim that she did not know the perpetrators name, saying that her claim is contradicted by their earlier communications. The board also said the alleged perpetrators knowledge of the layout of Johnsons home and jewelry business cast doubt on her claims.

We emphasize that we do not give much weight to the fact that an unreported ejaculation, followed a few days later by an ordinary conversation about guitars and a second ejaculation does not, on its face, make a lot of sense, the board stated in its ruling. We do not make much of this because although it is consistent with not telling the truth, we do understand and appreciate that victims often can react to trauma with silence and by acting as if nothing happened.

Johnson, the board said, was fired for misrepresenting to ISUs Department of Public Safety what had transpired in her office and for consensual sexual contact in her office during work hours.

We find that either one of these incidents was sufficient to bring about the discharge, the board stated. We thus do not at this time decide exactly what happened in (Johnsons) office during the incidents in question. We do find that the employer has proven that any sexual conduct that did occur during these incidents was consensual, and the employer has proven that (Johnson) lied about any such sexual conduct being nonconsensual and about her relationship with the other individual involved.

As for the timing of the schools decision to fire Johnson, the board ruled that ISU was not delaying to exploit (Johnson) nor trying to save up misconduct to use in the future. It delayed while it conducted a fair investigation and considered the matter through the usual channels. An employer should be allowed a reasonable amount of time for such actions.

Board member Ashley R. Koopmans wrote a dissenting opinion indicating she would have affirmed the decision of the administrative law judge in its entirety.

In addition to agreeing that the discharge was not for a current act, I also find that the employer failed to prove misconduct, Koopmans wrote. As for credibility, it is one thing to show some inconsistency in (Johnsons) versions of events, and another to conclude that she was lying to the employer. Inconsistency can be expected in cases of trauma, and no motive for lying appears in this record. I also found (Johnsons) testimony to be credible and genuine.

Johnson could not be reached for comment. The judges decision and the Employment Appeal Board opinions do not identify the graduate student involved in the matter.

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A former Iowa police officer already facing multiple charges of sexual exploitation of a minor is being sued by two sisters who claim he had sex with them while teenagers.
A new report recommends reactivating the defunct Hotel St. Helena, reconfiguring Main Street, and developing more hotels as part of a downtown revitalization strategy.

The city hired Urban Land Institute San Francisco to convene a panel of land use, real estate and economic experts and advise the city on improving downtown while preserving St. Helena's distinctive identity.

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Based on a two-day Technical Assistance Panel held in the Carnegie Building in March and months of follow-up work, ULI drafted a 56-page report.

The panel of experts, who met with city staff and members of the business community in March, strongly recommended development of several new boutique hotels, starting with the Hotel St. Helena and also considering the former Bank of America property on Adams Street.

The repositioning of the historic St. Helena Hotel could similarly breathe new life into Main Street and become an important hub for the community, the report states.

Even with the 65 new rooms approved for the Farmstead hotel, the market can support far more rooms, and the city would benefit from the increased transient occupancy tax (TOT) that such development would generate, the report states.

The report acknowledges locals contentious history with opposing hotels but notes that neighboring cities have successfully managed new hotel growth and used hotel-room tax revenue to fund quality-of-life investments like park maintenance and affordable housing.

ULI also suggests removing the center turn lane from Main Street between Adams and Spring streets to create more pedestrian space, bike lanes, parklets, and activities like outdoor dining and shopping.

The city could convert on-street parking spaces to flex zones that could accommodate parking, service access, passenger pickup and drop-off, and/or outdoor dining and retail.

The report suggests a mix of affordable housing and local-serving retail at the old City Hall site next to Lyman Park.

It also suggests a pop-up incubator kitchen in the parking lot serving Sunshine Foods Market and Wells Fargo, where people new to the restaurant profession could experiment with concepts that might evolve into full-dress restaurants.

That concept would build on St. Helenas foodie culture and the legacy of the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, as well as improve the southern gateway to the downtown, the report states.

The timing of this collaborative work effort could not be more opportune, Mayor Paul Dohring said in a statement. Our City Council is focusing intently on creating an economically thriving downtown, distinctively set apart from other wine country destinations.

We understand how important it is for both our residents and visitors to bring energy and vibrancy to our historic downtown and to highlight its unique character," Dohring said. "In my view, re-imagining our downtown presents numerous opportunities to both strengthen our fiscal sustainability and improve the well-being and quality of life of residents.

The report notes that after TOT revenue dipped in 2020 due to the pandemic, Calistogas room tax revenue rebounded from $4.7 million in 2020 to $5.3 million in 2021, while St. Helenas declined from $2.5 million in 2020 to $1.3 million in 2021.

The report points to St. Helenas bad sidewalks, the perception of a parking problem downtown, underused and insufficient public open space, and retailers that close early, contributing to a lack of activation and vitality in the evenings.

On the plus side, the report says St. Helena benefits from a character-defining sense of place, small-town charm, historic buildings, natural beauty, food and wine.

The report is posted at cityofsthelena.org/ulireport. The City Council is expected to discuss the report's recommendations in the near future.

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St. Helenas largest and most controversial housing development in decades is moving ahead.

With scores of St. Helenans attending Monday's special hearing, the City Council voted 3-2 to approve a tentative map for the 87-unit Hunter project, with Mayor Paul Dohring and Councilmember Billy Summers voting no. The council voted 4-1 to certify the projects final environmental impact report, with Dohring again voting no.

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The city will need to grant more entitlements before construction can begin, but Mondays decision clears a critical hurdle for a project thats been in the planning pipeline since 2010.

Despite neighbors concerns about environmental impacts and the lack of specifics about the projects affordable housing component, the council had limited authority to reject the project under state law.

City Attorney Ethan Walsh said denial would require the council to find that the project would have a specific adverse impact on health and safety. The state has already tied your hands to a large degree, he told the council.

A majority of the council took that advice to heart, noting that rejecting the project could jeopardize St. Helenas long-range housing plan.

We dont have the tools  not to approve this, Vice Mayor Eric Hall said, calling the decision probably the most impactful in St. Helena in the last two decades.

Our hands are really tied, Councilmember Anna Chouteau said.

Dohring voted against the project, saying he couldnt determine that the tentative map was consistent with St. Helena's inclusionary housing ordinance, which requires affordable housing to be spread throughout a project site.

He said the alleged benefits of affordable housing and improving St. Helena's jobs/housing ratio were too speculative to outweigh the project's adverse environmental impacts. He also acknowledged concerns about safety.

I have to rely on my own conscience, he said. Thats whats motivating me. Thats whats informing me. Thats what keeps me up at night, worrying about the safety of my community. I dont want anyone to be lost on my watch.

Councilmember Lester Hardy said hes not a fan of the project but said the state is applying heavy pressure on St. Helena to permit housing.

The California Department of Housing and Community Development, which is reviewing the citys proposed housing element, issued a letter this month supporting the project and saying it will help the city meet its housing obligations.

I dont think the city of St. Helena comes out ahead dooming its housing element to failure and having all of that to contend with in addition to the applicants litigation, Hardy said.

Hardy added that he wont be running for council again, "so I don't have to worry about what's going to happen at the next election."

Environmental impact

The council approved a statement of overriding considerations finding that the projects benefits  including its affordable housing  will outweigh its impacts. The EIR found that the project's only significant and unavoidable impact would be on vehicle miles traveled, which relates to traffic leves.

Project opponents said the environmental report didnt adequately address other concerns about water consumption, the risk of flooding, and the effect on emergency evacuation routes.

In response, city staff have said that the levee protecting the property has been built and maintained properly. They also reject claims that the project will impede evacuations.

The projects final map and water and affordable housing agreements will have to be approved later. The council will have discretion over the affordable housing agreement, but other entitlements will be ministerial, meaning the city wont be able to reject them if they comply with the citys own requirements.

Attorney Elena Neigher, representing the anti-Hunter group St. Helena Citizens for a Sustainable Future, said the project needs more environmental review. She criticized the piecemeal approach of approving the project one piece at a time and leaving the ministerial parts for later.

Its really just tying your hands  if you approve this, Neigher said.

Dan Golub, an attorney for the applicants, said state law strongly compels the approval of this project.

He downplayed the traffic impact flagged by the environmental study, saying the project would actually reduce vehicle miles traveled by helping to relieve St. Helenas jobs-to-housing imbalance.

Maria Villegas, chairperson of St. Helena Citizens for a Sustainable Future, released a statement saying the group is "deeply disappointed with this decision."

"The short-sighted vote to move forward on the Hunter project threatens all of us, and all of our children and grandchildren  increasing fire danger, flood risk from the levee, and endangering the lives of residents with increased traffic. It will not lead to any affordable housing, but will be a boon for developers.

"We commend Mayor Paul Dohring and Councilmember Billy Summers, who both voted against the tentative map. This is the kind of leadership we need going forward. We need to push back against big money and developers and start fighting for a sustainable future for all of St. Helena."

Photos: Grand opening of St. Helena's Brenkle Court housing complex Brenkle Court Grand Opening Ceremony Brenkle Court Grand Opening Ceremony Brenkle Court Grand Opening Ceremony Brenkle Court Grand Opening Ceremony Brenkle Court Grand Opening Ceremony Brenkle Court Grand Opening Ceremony Brenkle Court Grand Opening Ceremony Brenkle Court Grand Opening Ceremony Brenkle Court Grand Opening Ceremony Brenkle Court Grand Opening Ceremony Brenkle Court Grand Opening Ceremony Brenkle Court Grand Opening Ceremony Brenkle Court Grand Opening Ceremony Brenkle Court Grand Opening Ceremony Brenkle Court Grand Opening Ceremony Brenkle Court Grand Opening Ceremony Brenkle Court Grand Opening Ceremony Brenkle Court Grand Opening Ceremony Brenkle Court Grand Opening Ceremony Brenkle Court Grand Opening Ceremony Brenkle Court Grand Opening Ceremony Brenkle Court Grand Opening Ceremony
Tuesday, June 20

0850  A yellow lab walked into a downtown restaurant. An officer picked it up.

0953  Report of a water leak on a walking path near Library Lane. Public Works determined it was on private property.

1317  A gold ring with diamonds was reported missing.

1523  Report of eastbound traffic speeding on Spring Street, including two garbage trucks.

1535  Report of a car parked near an entryway on Monte Vista for the last four weeks. An officer contacted its owner, who agreed to move it.

1613  A dog was reported missing. It turned out to be the dog police had in their kennel. Dog and owner were reunited.

1859  Police received a third-hand report of a family dispute on Redondo Court. Police spoke to the woman whod reportedly been threatened and she said everything was OK.

2030  Report of a strong odor of someone using drugs near a Crane Park playground.

Wednesday, June 21

0008  Following a traffic stop near Madrona/Main, police arrested a 34-year-old Calistoga man on suspicion of DUI.

0541  Police cited a driver for speeding near Pope/College.

0726  Police cited a driver near Silverado/Zinfandel.

1157  A caller heard a loud boom or crash like something had fallen about 20 minutes ago on Saint Andrews Court.

1332  Report of a reckless driver in a Mini Cooper near Highway 29/Big Tree.

1713  Police arrested someone after a traffic stop at Main/Deer Park.

Thursday, June 22

1208  Report of a hillside fire at Silverado/Deer Park. Police assisted with traffic control while firefighters put out the fire.

1332  Medical aid for a fall victim in a Main Street parking lot.

1337  Report of a drunk neighbor yelling and playing music on Charter Oak Avenue.

1554  A caller asked to talk to an officer about an incident that occurred in the morning at Vineyard Valley.

1852  Police cited a car parked in a blue zone near Hunt/Main.

1944  Police cited a driver for speeding and failing to yield near Main/Hunt.

2041  A callers teenage son had reportedly been locked in the skatepark by an adult man whod been staring him down and acting aggressive.

Friday, June 23

0326  Report of a possible drunk driver.

0443  Following a traffic stop near Main/Crinella, police cited someone for driving with a suspended license. The vehicle was impounded.

0609  Medical aid for a man feeling sick on Del Monte Court.

0923  Police arrested someone after a traffic stop near Valley View/Olive.

1032  Non-injury accident on Main Street.

1305  A camera, possibly belonging to a child, was found in the bushes near Money Way.

1332  Report of music playing on Charter Oak Avenue.

1423  An officer checked on a woman having a panic attack on Main Street. She declined medical attention.

1457  Report of a possible water leak on Riesling Way.

1655  Police took a report on an accident involving a government vehicle near Main/Charter Oak. Medics responded to check for injuries.

1918  An officer removed a bag of trash from the westbound lane of Deer Park Road.

2051  Medical aid for an unconscious woman at a Main Street restaurant.

Saturday, June 24

0435  Police stopped a vehicle for reckless driving near Main/Charter Oak. Meanwhile, dispatch got a call about a man whod knocked on the door of a room and kept asking what the people inside looked like. Hed started banging on the door asking for a description of the other woman in the room. The man described by the caller matched the description of the driver police had just stopped. Officers arrested the 38-year-old Marion, Ohio man on suspicion of resisting arrest and reckless driving.

0901  Police cited an unlicensed driver on Charter Oak Avenue.

1231  Medical aid for an 80-year-old man having difficulty breathing on Oak Avenue.

1833  Police cited a driver for a crosswalk violation on Main Street.

1903  Police cited a driver for speeding on Silverado Trail.

2020  Report of a verbal dispute on Silverado Trial, with a woman crying and a man screaming at her to get out of the car.

2026  Police were told to be on the lookout for a white Charger and a black Camaro racing at high speed on northbound Highway 29 near Trancas in Napa.

Sunday, June 25

0118  Medical aid for an unconscious and intoxicated man on Pratt Avenue.

0243  Police cited a driver on Highway 29 in south St. Helena.

0704  Following a traffic stop near Spring/Main, police cited a driver and issued a warning about driving on a suspended license.

0801  An officer tagged an abandoned vehicle near Dowdell/McCormick to be towed in 72 hours.

1055  Report of furniture on the side of Pratt Avenue. Police notified Public Works.

1137  An officer warned a driver about failing to yield to a pedestrian near Mitchell/Main.

1505  Non-injury lift assist on Madrona Avenue.

1534  Medical aid on Hunt Avenue.

1536  While on a traffic stop near Silverado/Deer Park, an officer noticed a truck drive by dragging a metal chain and creating sparks. The officer pulled over the truck and helped the driver secure the chain.

1616  A green Audi was partially blocking Main Street. The driver moved the car just as police arrived.

1730  The same Audi from the previous call was reportedly blocking Main Street again. An officer contacted the driver and said it was a no parking zone. The driver moved the car again.

1931  Report of a possible drunk driver swerving on southbound Main Street.

Monday, June 26

0411  Police cited a driver near Main/Elmhurst.

0857  Police cited a driver for running a stop sign on Spring Mountain Road.

1000  Report of an abandoned pickup parked on Monte Vista for about a week. An officer marked it to be towed in 72 hours.

1748  A caller asked police to check on a San Juan Court resident they hadn't heard from in over a month.

2211  Police checked on an occupied vehicle at Meily Park and told the occupant that the park was closed for the night.

PHOTOS: Training for an active shooter situation in St.Helena
State Sen. Bill Dodd announced the state budget agreement between the California Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom includes $5 million for various Napa County projects.

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The $310.8 billion budget, which Newsom and Democrats who control the Legislature agreed to Monday, allots $3.5 million to Napa County government. Of that, $3 million is to improve emergency evacuation routes and firefighter access, according to a news release from Dodd, D-Napa.

This project involves vegetation management, roadside clearing, shaded fuel breaks and dozer lines. Snell, Berryessa Highlands and Steele Canyon are among the areas targeted. The total budget for the project is $4 million, with the county providing a $1 million match.

In addition, the county government will receive $500,000 to help develop a regional climate action plan. That effort is led by the Napa County Climate Action Committee, Dodds statement said.

Also, the Napa Valley College Foundation will receive $1.5 million to help build a new technical education center at the college.

We are incredibly grateful to Sen. Dodd for his instrumental role in securing $3.5 million in the 2023-24 state budget for Napa County, county Supervisor Joelle Gallagher said in the news release. This significant funding allocation will have a transformative impact on our communities, bolstering both our emergency preparedness and our commitment to building climate resilience.

NVC President Torence Powell welcomed the funding for the college.

Students in our Welding and Machine Tools programs will directly benefit from these funds, Powell said. With updated facilities and tools, they will leave Napa Valley College ready to work in their chosen field.

PHOTOS: Napa County's 2023 Rock the Ride Rock the Ride 2 Rock the Ride 1 Rock the Ride 3 Rock the Ride 4 Rock the Ride 5 Rock the Ride 6 Rock the Ride 7 Rock the Ride 8 Rock the Ride 9 Rock the Ride 10 Rock the Ride 11 Rock the Ride 12 Rock the Ride Rock the Ride Rock the Ride Rock the Ride Rock the Ride Rock the Ride Rock the Ride Rock the Ride Rock the Ride Rock the Ride Rock the Ride Rock the Ride Rock the Ride Rock the Ride Rock the Ride Rock the Ride Rock the Ride Rock the Ride Rock the Ride Rock the Ride
ST. HELENA  It might not be as visible as the flood project, but St. Helenas other major public works accomplishment of this century got its moment to shine on Tuesday.

City officials and dignitaries including Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, gathered at the former site of the Upper York Creek Dam along Spring Mountain Road to celebrate the dams removal.

Twenty-eight years in the making, the $9 million project was completed in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, so the city waited until Tuesday to unveil a plaque commemorating the work.

Removing the dam restored access to spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead trout throughout 1.6 miles of York Creek.

Mayor Paul Dohring thanked city staff, current and past councilmembers, engineers, technical consultants, contractors, lawyers, and local and regional elected officials who helped design and fund the project and secure approval from regulatory agencies.

There are a number of collaborators in this project, Dohring said. Its a little late in celebrating it, but we should celebrate these kinds of projects.

Thompson, who secured federal funds for the project, recalled trout-fishing above and below the dam when he was a boy, back when it was known as the Upper Reservoir.

Walt Raymond and I used to walk up from our houses on Kearney Street when wed fish, Thompson said. Its just a beautiful, beautiful area.

Decades later, Thompson joined then-St. Helena Mayor Del Britton in turning the first shovelful of dirt from the dam during a ceremony. That was years before construction actually started in 2020.

The 50-foot-high dam had been in place since 1900, when it was built to create the Upper Reservoir. Over the decades the reservoir filled up with gravel and dirt that became trapped behind the dam.

The dam was declared an illegal barrier to fish passage in 1993, after an accidental release of sediment in 1992 killed fish downstream.

The city paid $259,645 in fines for failing to remove the dam, including $70 a day from 2012 to 2020.

The dam and half of the accumulated sediment were finally removed in the summer of 2020, with 22,000 yards of material hauled off in 1,933 truckloads.

Just weeks after the construction of 36 log structures intended to capture sediment and provide shelter for spawning fish, the Glass Fire burned the entire project site. Workers stabilized the damaged structures.

The project was designed to restore the dam site and the area downstream to a more natural habitat suitable for steelhead. Severe drought in 2021 and torrential atmospheric rivers early this year have made it difficult to collect accurate fish counts, but the Napa County Resource Conservation District plans to monitor the area for another eight to 10 years.

The fish recovery will probably show up in another year or two, said Virginia Mahacek, principal geomorphologist on the project.

Photos: Gone fishin' at Camp di Rosa in Napa Valley Camp di Rosa Camp di Rosa Camp di Rosa Camp di Rosa Camp di Rosa Camp Di Rosa Camp di Rosa Camp di Rosa Camp di Rosa Camp di Rosa Camp di Rosa Camp di Rosa Camp di Rosa Camp di Rosa Camp di Rosa
Updated at 1:51 p.m. Tuesday  SACRAMENTO  A Sacramento County court will void the states approval of a charter school that has been planned in Napa for nearly two years.

The California State Board of Education effectively approved the Mayacamas Charter Middle School back in September, when it overturned two prior local district votes to deny the charter. But a November lawsuit from the Napa Valley Unified School District disputing the validity of the state boards decision will be upheld by a ruling in Sacramento County Superior Court.

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That protest is set to move forward following a Tuesday hearing at the Sacramento County courthouse, where Judge Shelleyanne W.L. Chang agreed with NVUSD that the state education board abused its authority by granting a charter to the Mayacamas school over the districts veto.

The Napa school districts case hinges on how Assembly Bill 1505, passed in 2019, is supposed to work.

The law restricts the state boards ability to overturn charter school denials. Before its passage, the state board essentially acted as a final layer of the charter school appeals process, giving petitioners what amounted to three chances to win approval for their school.

If a charter school petition was denied by a local district board, the denial could be appealed to the county. If it was then denied by the county, it could be appealed to the state. At that point, the state board could conduct its own review and decide whether to approve the charter school or not, no matter what local agencies had decided.

But under AB 1505, the state board is required to find that local districts abused their discretion to reverse those prior denials.

The Napa school districts lawsuit contended that the state board effectively ignored AB 1505 when granting a charter to the Mayacamas school by substituting its own judgment for those of trustees with NVUSD and the Napa County Office of Education, which also voted against the charter plan.

Napa school board members unanimously vetoed the Mayacamas schools in December 2021, three months after petitioners applied for a charter. Trustees criticized what they called petitioners too-rosy financial and enrollment predictions, as well as skimpy arrangements for teaching English learners and special-needs children  and argued the school would offer little that is not already offered at existing schools.

Its not a unique offering; its cultivating an elite private school experience on the taxpayer dime, to the detriment of the other students of NVUSD, trustee Eve Ryser said at the time.

The county offices board also rejected the charter in March 2021, although two of its seven members dissented.

Indeed, the court has found it was the state board that abused its discretion when it overturned the denials by the two local education bodies, according to the ruling, which was published in tentative form late Monday afternoon.

Thats because, according to the ruling, the state board didnt find enough evidence for abuse of discretion in either the NVUSD or NCOE board decisions.

The state board had dismissed the prior rejections by finding the process behind the Napa school districts denial was biased  and not fair and impartial  and that the county office hadnt established enough evidence that the Mayacamas school would significantly weaken NVUSDs programs by sapping attendance-based funding.

In legal filings, the state board argued that prepared remarks of NVUSD board members during the charter approval hearings constituted bias  among several other examples  given that board members stated that Mayacamas petitioners had submitted a phony budget and fraudulently attempted to inflate their income, and that the petition was akin to a hastily thrown-together term paper by like a freshman interested in majoring in education, the tentative ruling states.

The ruling notes that school board members are required to both carry out a fair and impartial analysis and serve as elected representatives of their constituents. They are, in essence, required to form opinions based on their constituents interests and determine whether granting a charter petition is in the interest of the community at large. So the fact that board members express strong opinions at a board meeting after reviewing a charter school petition isnt sufficient evidence of actual bias.

In its own opposition, the State Board asserts that its own members are entitled to voice their opinions without raising an inference that the proceedings before the SBE are somehow tainted based on any such opinions, the ruling states. The same is true for the District Board.

The court also disagreed that NCOE hadnt sufficiently established that the charter school would cause significant financial harm to the Napa school district.

There was ample evidence of financial distress at NVUSD, according to the court. The district made difficult decisions to decrease programming, staffing, and closed certain facilities, including River Middle School, the tentative ruling states. (River, a former charter academy, was absorbed into the Napa school district in 2019 and closed in 2022, with the bilingual Unidos Middle School taking over its campus.)

River Middle School parents, dissatisfied with this decision, sought to establish a charter school, which would further reduce the Districts enrollment and funding, according to the tentative ruling. Evidence in the record supports that this increased lack of funding would cause the District to fail to meet its required financial reserves at least a year earlier than it otherwise would, and the District would need to eliminate counselors, intervention teachers, and electives; and/or close small elementary schools located in the City of Napa.

The ruling also states that the existence of the districts financial distress prior to the charter school approval doesnt negate that the school would financially weaken the district.

As a result, a judgment will be issued in favor of NVUSD, and against the state board, the tentative ruling states  which likely means the State Board of Educations decision to grant Mayacamas a charter over the Napa school districts objections will be overturned.

Based upon this record, the Court finds the State Board abused its discretion in reversing the District Boards and County Boards decision to deny the Charter School petition, the tentative ruling states. The State Board erred in finding that the stated bases constituted grounds to overturn their decision.

During the Tuesday hearing  attended by NVUSD Superintendent Rosanna Mucetti  attorneys representing the Napa Foundation for Options in Education, the organization behind the Mayacamas school, and the state board attempted to dispute aspects of the tentative ruling. They both focused on how the district would indeed face financial impacts from the charter school, but disagreed that those impacts were substantial enough to justify denying the charter petition, among several other arguments.

John Lemmo, who represents the foundation, noted that the foundation board will likely appeal the ruling.

We are obviously very disappointed with this politically-motivated action but we are actively examining our options, Lauren Daley, one of two chief petitioners for Mayacamas, said in an email after the Tuesday hearing. The families of Napa deserve better than the underperforming monopoly we have now.

Attorney Bonifacio Bonny Garcia, representing the Napa school district, said he thought the arguments of the state board and foundation lawyers were red herrings, and that the court appropriately focused on examining where the abuse of discretion from the NVUSD and NCOE boards actually was.

With the ruling in place, the State Board of Education will need to again take up the issue of the Mayacamas charter appeal, with the courts rejection of their previous decision in mind. But the timing of that decision needs to happen sooner rather than later, Garcia said, given that the Mayacamas school is scheduled to open in August.

Garcia noted that the state education board currently has a July 13 meeting scheduled and doesnt meet again until September, so a special meeting will likely need to be planned for the near future.
I still don't know how to shout to make them realize the situation is grave. Ombudsman of Artsakh

We are ready to recognize Azerbaijans 86,600 square km, which includes Nagorno-Karabakh. Minister of Foreign Affairs

The Russian Federation reaffirms its intention to contribute to the restoration of normal life in Nagorno-Karabakh

Artsakh President assures: All decisions will be made jointly

A handcuffed man threw himself from the 5th floor of the Investigation Department of SRC and died

Ambassador of Poland was presented with the current situation in Nagorno-Karabakh

EU Council extends Toivo Klaar's mandate for one year

Turkey slows pace of rate hikes, jeopardizing the lira

EU Mission at the OSCE Council meeting: Brussels calls on Baku to ensure movement along the Lachin corridor

Zakharova evades question on sending Arstakh aid by Russian planes

Stores in Artsakh no longer sell bread

Russian MFA Spox: Artsakh is not in area of CSTO responsibility

State Revenue Committee head: Armenia cooperates with partners transparently

Armenia requests OSCE Permanent Council speacial meeting: Mirzoyan made a speech

Armenian Health Minister: Transport of medicine to Artsakh is disrupted

Russia MFA spox on organizing Mirzoyan, Bayramov meeting in Moscow: Chances are good

Russian MFA: Stability in South Caucasus should be in Turkey's interests

We should specify the cartographic basis of demarcation activities in the near future. Pashinyan

Brussels meeting brought no concrete results in opening Lachin Corridor, resolving humanitarian crisis in NK.Pashinyan

Armenian Foreign Ministry welcomes Canadas initiative to join European monitoring mission

Artsakh residents hold a protest near the UN office in Yerevan

EU foreign ministers to discuss Armenian-Azerbaijani settlement in Brussels

Armenian-French cooperation will continue to strengthen. Nikol Pashinyan received French Ambassador

The process of the program of formation of Digital Society and Economy discussed at Government

State minister: We may have situation when we cant wait for the 7 days noted by Karabakh President

The Prime Minister hosts Aram Arzumanyan, disabled as a result of the 44-day war

Nikol Pashinyan, Mikhail Mishustin hold phone talk

Nersisyan. The more Armenia lowers bar on Karabakh issue, the harder it will be for people of Artsakh to raise it

Karabakh official: Armenia has only one thing to do in discussions with Azerbaijan

Artsakh state minister: Many illogical things are happening on European platform; is it serious conversation?

Karabakh minister of state: We managed to make our voice heard by all to which nationwide movement was directed

Lachin corridor has no alternative: Several Armenia NGOs issue joint statement on Charles Michel statement

Karabakh state minister: We are in disaster but we will never surrender

Karabakh ex-official Vitaly Balasanyan is charged on 4 counts

Analyst: Armenia has not recognized Azerbaijan territorial integrity with Karabakhs inclusion

Armenia PM is briefed on plan to establish EHL Hospitality Business School branch in Gyumri

Our link should be with Armenia only: Karabakh residents comment on their blocking of Askeran-Aghdam road

Missing servicemens parents reopen Yerevan major intersection, but on condition

Armenia army General Staff chief meets with US Air Force chief of staff (PHOTOS)

Parents of missing soldiers close off major avenue in Yerevan

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
Hraparak daily of Armenia writes: Artsakh [(Nagorno-Karabakh)] President Arayik Harutyunyan will visit the AR [(Artsakh Republic)] parliament today. Among other issues, the agenda of the regular session includes the report presented by the president on the progress, results of the Artsakh president's 2022 program of activities and the 2023 program of activities.

We learned from our AR sources that the [Artsakh parliamentary] opposition is in a combative mood; they will demand clarifications from the AR president regarding the crisis created in Artsakh and the possibilities of their solution.

Let's remind that the Azerbaijanis have been banning the transportation of humanitarian goods to Artsakh for almost two weeks now. And the authorities of Artsakh, particularly the president, have not issued a call or a message to the people of Artsakh to clarify what awaits them.

According to some assessments, Harutyunyan is facing a difficult choice. Armenia demands from him either to start a direct dialogue in the Baku-Stepanakert format, or to come to terms with the fact that the people of Artsakh should be evacuated from their homeland.
Armenian-Azerbaijani peace talks have started Tuesday, with the mediation of the American side, at the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center in Arlington, Virginia, nearby Washington, D.C., writes VOA Armenian Service.

The previous talks between Yerevan and Baku were held in the same place.

Matthew Miller, Spokesperson of US Department of State, informed during Tuesdays Department press briefing that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken first had separate meetings with the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan, Ararat Mirzoyan and Jeyhun Bayramov, after which they met in a trilateral format. Miller, however, did not elaborate on what Washington expects from these peace talks, noting that a closed negotiation process was underway.

"We continue to believe that peace is within reach. Weve hosted these two parties before. The [US] Secretary [of State] has talked to both foreign ministers on a number of occasions. We think the meetings are important this week. We think its important that they show progress," Miller said.

At the beginning of the aforesaid press briefing, Matthew Miller positively assessed the efforts of Armenia and Azerbaijan to effectively engage in the peace process.

We will continue to assist them any way that we can to build on that momentum, he said, emphasizing that Tuesday was the first day of these meetings that will continue through Thursday.

He called for waiting until the end of the talks to give assessments. It was hoped that Baku and Yerevan will manage to put aside their differences.

He [US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken] met with them individually and met with them collectively. But I think well wait until the end of the week to talk about how the talks went," the US State Department spokesperson noted.

Later, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken informedin a tweetabout his meetings with the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

"Hosting peace talks this week with Foreign Ministers Ararat Mirzoyan and Jeyhun Bayramov at the National Foreign Affairs Training Center. We support Armenia and Azerbaijan working together toward a durable and dignified agreement. Dialogue is key to lasting peace," Blinken tweeted.
The Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) National Assembly (NA), in its regular session Wednesday, among other matters on its agenda, is discussing the draft NA statement on ceasefire violations by Azerbaijan.

Before that, however, NA speaker Artur Tovmasyan made the following statement:

"The blockade of Artsakh by Azerbaijan ever since December 12, 2022 took a tragic turn on March 5 and June 28. On June 28, from 1:30am, the units of the Azerbaijani armed forces opened fire, from artillery and UAVs, in the direction of the Armenian positions of Martakert and Martuni [regions]. As a result of another Azerbaijani provocation, the Armenian side has four casualties. Eternal glory to the Armenians who sacrificed their lives while defending the borders of Armenia and Artsakh!

"Azerbaijan is not only deliberately starving the population of Artsakh, but has brought it to the brink of annihilation. Artsakh has never been and will never be part of independent Azerbaijan, and any discussion about it is unacceptable for us. It is our red line which no one has the right to violate.

"The OSCE co-chairs and the leaders of these countries must understand that the annexation of our country to Azerbaijan will lead to the de-Armenianization and destruction of Artsakh. We cannot change the order of the world; small Artsakh does not pose a threat, but the right of our people to live safely and fully is at risk. It is unfortunate that all this happens with the tacit consent of the international community.

"I highly appreciate the PACE resolution entitled "Ensuring free and safe access through the Lachin Corridor," the statements in the US Congress on the rights and security of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, the France-Artsakh Friendship Circle statement: We must move from words to action."

"I believe the civilized world has all the leverage to apply corresponding sanctions against the Azerbaijani regime, as Azerbaijan not only disregards, but also tramples the decisions of the International Courts of Justice of the ECtHR."
The Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) National Assembly (NA) on Wednesday adopted a statement calling on Armenias delegation currently in Washington D.C. to immediately stop their talks with Azerbaijan. Artsakh NA speaker Artur Tovmasyan read the aforesaid statement, which notes as follows:

"The armed forces of Azerbaijan, once again grossly violating the ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh adopted on November 9, 2020, from 1:30am on June 27-28 of this year, opened fire from various types of weapons in the direction of the territory of the Artsakh Republic, as a result of which four of our compatriots were killed .

"In the conditions of the complete blockade of Artsakh by Azerbaijan, this yet another killing of Artsakh citizens by means of artillery and UAVs proves that the military-political leadership of that republic, ignoring authoritative international calls and decisions, creeps in with false agendas of peace and dialogue, and strives for genocidal actions with the use of military, political, economic using tools to achieve its main goal: the final de-Armenianization of Artsakh.

It is noteworthy and significant that this new incident of regular violations of the ceasefire regime by Azerbaijan, similar to the previous cases, was also recorded at a time when the next talks of the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan on the matters of Armenian-Azerbaijani peace settlement are taking place in Washington, with the mediation of the US Secretary of State. This, of course, once again confirms and proves that in reality, the ongoing peace treaty talks are also nothing but an imitation of the formation of an atmosphere of lasting peace and stability in the region, allegedly in the context of international efforts.

"Deeply worried about the current dangerous reality, we appeal to the UN Security Council on behalf of the people of Artsakh, to the leaders of the co-chair countries of the OSCE Minsk Group, to take concrete practical steps apart from statements of sympathy, exhortations and advice,. In particular, to apply sanctions on Azerbaijan, curbing its aggressive ambitions.

"We are convinced that the working method of double standards makes Azerbaijan even more excited, making it rampant and uncontrollable.

"To stop the anti-human, genocidal actions of Azerbaijan, with the most severe measures within the scope of the peace mission of the Russian Federation.

"The delegation of Armenia in the Washington talks to immediately stop the started talks until the establishment of a full ceasefire on the line of contact with Artsakh and on the borders of Armenia, and providing documentary guarantees to preserve it. Otherwise, the continuation of the talks will mean encouraging the aggressive behavior of the Azerbaijani side and allowing it at the international level.

"Bowing before the memory of our four martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the motherland, we are ready to continue their sacred work."
The fact of our four casualties as a result of the Azerbaijani provocation in Artsakh can be linked, also cannot be linked with the peace talks that started in Washington. Ruben Rubinyan, deputy speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia, stated this on the air of RFE/RL Armenian Service, referring to the remark that the Azerbaijani provocation Wednesday is taking place amid the aforesaid Washington talks between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

According to him, it is not important amid what the events in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) are taking place.

"It is important the fact that Azerbaijan continues its aggressive behavior and continues its policy aimed at subjecting the people of Nagorno-Karabakh to [Armenian] ethnic cleansing, blocking the Lachin corridor, disrupting electricity and [natural] gas supply, and such attacks," Rubinyan said.

He touched also on the question of what function the Russian peacekeepers stationed in Artsakh perform in the case when the Azerbaijani side even uses drones and artillery weapons there. In response, Rubinyan said that this question is legitimate, and the Armenian government also constantly raises this question.

"As a matter of fact, the Russian peacekeeping contingent [in Artsakh] fails to ensure the full implementation of the points stipulated in the November 9[, 2020] statement. Naturally, this does not mean that the Russian peacekeepers do not succeed in ensuring anything; however, not much is succeeding. We continuously raise this issue in order to ensure what is specifiedincluding the ceasefire, including the uninterrupted operation of the Lachin corridor under the control of the Russian peacekeeping contingent," added the vice-speaker of the Armenian parliament.
We believe that Azerbaijan shall announce the recognition of territorial integrity. Ruben Rubinyan, deputy speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia, stated this on the air of RFE/RL Armenian Service.

"When [European Council President] Charles Michel announced that Azerbaijan and Armenia recognized each other's territorial integrity, after that no disagreement or denial was heard from the Azerbaijani side. There is also the bad part that Azerbaijan itself did not announce it, which is a problem. We believe that Azerbaijan shall announce the recognition of [Armenias] territorial integrity," said Rubinyan.

To the question why Armenia is in a hurry to give up its main playing card by recognizing Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) as part of Azerbaijan if it has not received anything in exchange, Rubinyan responded: "First, what Armenia did, it did in 1991. Therefore, what is it about hurrying or not hurrying? Foreign critics say that in Prague in 2022, Armenia and Azerbaijan did something new. But in Prague in 2022, Armenia and Azerbaijan merely reaffirmed that they recognize each other's territorial integrity based on the declaration and protocols ratified in 1991."

"In general, there has been a philosophical debate for a long time in our domestic political arena, or at least in the parliament. The question is: shall Armenia have borders or not? For example, I sometimes have the impression that our opposition partners have a position that Armenia shall not have borders; naturally, with the idea that it might be possible to expand that border endlessly. But they do not realize that these borders can not only expand, but also expand in the opposite direction. According to our position, Armenia has borders; it is not up to us to decide whether it will have or not.
The Armenian side has virtually completed the creation of infrastructure for the future Margara checkpoint on the Turkish border. Ruben Rubinyan, vice-speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia and the latters Special Representative in normalization process of Armenia-Turkey relations, stated this on the air of RFE/RL Armenian Service.

"You know that there is a clear arrangement: to open the land border for citizens of third countries and for persons holding diplomatic passports, including diplomatic passports of Armenia and Turkey. We are now almost finished building the infrastructure for the future checkpoint in Margara [village of Armenia] so that this arrangement can be implemented. We hope that the Turkish side will remain faithful to our arrangement, and we will see the implementation of that first arrangement very soon. In cases where there is a lack of trust between the parties, it is very important that the first arrangement is implemented. If it is implemented, trust will increase, if it is not implemented, trust will decrease, which is not good," said Rubinyan.

He noted that there was no reconstruction of the Margara bridge.

"On the Armenian side, last December, an interdepartmental group met at the border. And as a result, sampling was carried out, and it turned out that the bridge does not need to be reconstructed, at least now; that is, it is only about the reconstruction , re-equipment of the checkpoint," Rubinyan noted.

To the question whether this process was done bilaterally, the Armenian parliament vice-speaker responded: "Naturally, we do it on our side, they shall do it on their side if they need such things. Turkish colleagues assure that it will be ready with them; let's see."

When asked whether the issue of the Operation Nemesis monument in Yerevan was discussed during his talks with Turkish Special Representative Serdar Kilic, Rubinyan said that it was not discussed.

And to the question whether a condition has been set by Turkey for disassembling this monument, Ruben Rubinyan answered: "I haven't had a meeting with my counterpart from Turkey recently. And at the moment there is no such talk."
In the recent days of the almost 200-day-long blockade of Artsakh, the criminal and terrorist policy of Azerbaijan against the people of Artsakh has been increasingly combined with irrefutable facts and manifestations of the use of force and threat of force by Azerbaijan, which targeted persons and equipment engaged in agricultural work, as well as units of the Artsakh Defense Army performing exclusively the function of protecting civilians. Says the statement by Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Artsakh.

In order to prepare the information basis for the promotion of its own criminal policy, the Azerbaijani side regularly spreads false information about the violations of the ceasefire regime by the Artsakh Defense Army. This was unequivocally confirmed by the statement of the Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov made two days ago: "if they resort to some kind of provocations and illegal actions, then only one corps of the Azerbaijani army can solve the issue of these illegal armed formations  and not even deployed in its full strength."

That is, by regularly accusing the Armenian side of violating the ceasefire, the military-political leadership of Azerbaijan is trying to justify its own violations of the ceasefire, misleading the international actors and insisting on the illegal and unreasonable demand for demilitarization of the armed forces of Artsakh.

On June 28, 2023, as a result of another provocation of the Azerbaijani armed forces in the direction of the Martuni and Martakert districts of the Republic of Artsakh, Armo Abgaryan (born in 1969, village of Gishi, Martuni district), Gagik Balayan (born in 1987, village of Gishi, Martuni district), Samvel Torosyan (born in 2003, Stepanakert, Republic of Artsakh), Yervand Tadevosyan (born in 2003, Kashatagh district, Republic of Artsakh), were killed. There are no wounded servicemen reported. All the above-mentioned persons were killed in the places of the permanent deployment of the units of the Artsakh Defense Army as a result of the use of long-range artillery and UAVs by the Azerbaijani armed forces.

The four persons killed in todays Azerbaijani military attack are not only servicemen protecting their Homeland and peaceful population from Azerbaijans continuous military aggression, but also humans who had families and ordinary lives. Two of them, 54-year-old Armo Abgaryan and 36-year-old Gagik Balayan, were volunteers from Gishi community of Artsakh, whose main activity was agriculture. Armo had two (out of four in total) minor children, while Gagik had four minor children. The Azerbaijani criminal regime is responsible for all these inhuman sufferings and deprivations of Artsakh people, who are still struggling with the devastating consequences of the 2020 war.

It is noteworthy that even the presence of the Russian peacekeeping mission in Artsakh and the attention of various international actors to the situation in Artsakh do not restrain the aggressive behavior of Azerbaijan, which continues to act with a sense of total impunity.

Speaking of peace, Azerbaijan intentionally misleads the international community, at the same time offering Artsakh people either forced subjugation or expulsion from their Homeland under the explicit use of force and threat of force.

Unless Azerbaijan is punished by ALL international actors for its criminal actions and crimes against the right to life and other fundamental rights of the people of Artsakh, it will use the peace process as a cover for its policy of ethnic cleansing and genocide of Artsakh.
The Foreign Ministry of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (Republic of Artsakh) issued a statement on another act of aggression by Azerbaijan against Artsakh. The statement says:

"On the night of 27-28 June 2023, the Azerbaijani armed forces, in flagrant violation of the ceasefire and the provisions of the Trilateral Statement of 9 November 2020, using artillery and combat UAVs attacked the positions of the Defence Army of the Republic of Artsakh, as well as objects located deep in the territory of Artsakh, which left 4 servicemen of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Artsakh killed.

The already common attempts by the Azerbaijani side to lay the blame for this attack on Artsakh are groundless. This is also indicated by the statement of the Minister of Defence of Azerbaijan, who on 26 June, just two days before this attack, stated in an interview that the Artsakh Defence Army did not pose any threat to Azerbaijan and at the same time threatened to conduct a military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh with the forces of one army corps. Therefore, the Azerbaijani Defence Minister admitted that it is his country, which is the aggressor and which militarises the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict zone.

This unprovoked deadly attack once again demonstrates that Azerbaijan has not abandoned its plans to resolve the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict with the use of military force. The attack of 28 June by the Azerbaijani armed forces against the territory of Artsakh, like the previous numerous cases of shelling and attacks on civilians, are a clear manifestation of the genocidal policy consistently pursued by Azerbaijan with tacit non-resistance on the part of the international community.

 We once again draw the attention of the international community to the fact that Artsakh has been under blockade for almost 200 days, which is becoming increasingly tight and inhumane. The population of the Republic is deprived of gas and electricity supply. Over the past 14 days, Azerbaijan has completely blocked the delivery of humanitarian cargo to the Republic of Artsakh, which has been carried out over the past more than six months in a limited regime by the Russian peacekeeping forces and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The Azerbaijani authorities do not even hide their intention to carry out ethnic cleansing. The President of this country has publicly stated this on numerous occasions. The statement made by the Minister of Defence of Azerbaijan on 26 June that the residents of Artsakh, who do not wish to accept the authority of Baku, must leave their homeland is another evidence of the real intentions of Baku in relation to Artsakh and its people.

 We also draw attention to the fact that, as it has repeatedly happened before and during important meetings, the June 28 attack occurred at a time when another round of talks between the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan kicked off yesterday in Washington, DC, and became yet another confirmation that Baku is trying to impose its ultimatum and maximalist demands through coercive measures, including the use of military force.

The fact that Baku is not ready to engage in negotiations in good faith is also indicated by the statements made by the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister on 23 June in an interview with Reuters. In particular, he rejected the idea of international guarantees of the rights and security of the people of Artsakh under the pretext that this was an alleged internal affair of Azerbaijan. Trying to present the settlement of the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict, including the issue of ensuring the rights and security of the people of Artsakh, as an internal affair of Azerbaijan, the authorities of this country are actually trying to legitimise their plans to carry out ethnic cleansing of Artsakh. Such statements also indicate Baku's desire to undermine the efforts of international actors aimed at creating conditions conducive to finding a peaceful and comprehensive settlement of the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict.

Against this background, the statement made by the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry a few days before the armed attack about the alleged readiness of this country to provide assistance to the residents of Artsakh is a manifestation of extreme cynicism. The best assistance that Azerbaijan can provide is its strict adherence to the ceasefire, ending its transport and energy blockade of the Republic of Artsakh, and the full implementation of the provisions of the Trilateral Statement of 9 November 2020 and the Order of the International Court of Justice of 22 February 2023 regarding free, safe and unimpeded movement along the Lachin Corridor in both directions.

 We note that the deliberate infliction of suffering on the 120,000 population of Artsakh and the deepening of the humanitarian crisis as a result of the complete blockade of the Lachin Corridor amount to war crimes under international law. We reiterate that the international community as a whole, and in particular the international actors involved in the peace process, as well as the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing countries, have a direct responsibility for preventing further deepening of the humanitarian and security crisis in Artsakh, as well as for a peaceful and comprehensive settlement of the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict on the basis of the norms and principles of international law and ensuring lasting peace and stability in the region. In this regard, we once again emphasise the need to use all the levers and instruments at their disposal to put pressure on Azerbaijan in order to ensure its compliance with the Trilateral Statement of 9 November 2020, as well as the immediate implementation of the legally binding Order of the International Court of Justice of 22 February 2023."
ATK New Delhi [India], June 28: Car insurance in India is one of the most discussed topics. It is mainly because of the high premiums and legal issues. Most people do not even know what is covered in four-wheeler insurance. People have one perspective that, in case of damage, their financial loss will be covered by the insurance companies. But it is not just about financial loss. The first thing that people must know is which car insurance to buy. Depending on the Indian conditions, there are lots of factors that must be considered. In this article, you will understand those factors in detail. 1. The Engine Capacity of The Car Indian cars have a different engine capacity than foreign cars. It is because of the terrain and weather conditions. The capacity of the car plays a crucial role in deciding the premium amount of your insurance. Engine capacity is in cc hence, the higher the cc, the higher the price. 2. Time Value of The Car Time value is simply the historic cost of your car. For example, if you purchased the car ten years back, then the price computation will be done based on that. But with time, the salvage value of the car keeps on depreciating. It means the premium of an old car will be less as compared to a new car. 3. Any Cost Add-Ons On The Car If you have installed a new musical system in your car, that most Indians intend to do after purchase, then the premium of your car will also increase. It directly entails the fact, that if you have installed any extra feature in your car, then the insurance premium amount also goes up. 4. The Insured Value of The Car The insured value of your car means the current price of the car in the market. When the insurance person comes to evaluate the car, he will check the market price of the car. Based on that price, he will compute the value of the premium. The market price also reduces with time. Moreover, the depreciation cost is also reduced from this market value, making it even lesser. 5. Frequency of The Claims Did you know that people who do not claim car insurance at any time during the year get extra discounts? It is not given by every insurance company. But some of them provide such discounts. Hence, if you are in India and do not claim insurance annually, then you will get a discount on your premium amount. Conclusion All the factors given above play a crucial role in determining the premium of the insurance. Higher the premium, the better coverage you will get. But some companies offer equal coverage with less premiums too. Once you know about these factors, you can use them to determine the premium cost on your own, and decide which insurance is most suitable for you. You can also advise your friends and relatives about the premium that will best suit them. (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
GLOBAL PR CONNECT (GPRC) New Delhi [India], June 28: The Bharat Lok Shiksha Parishad and Yuvamanthan have come together to advance Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of transforming G20 into a Jan Bhagidari movement. This groundbreaking initiative aims to raise awareness of G20 among approximately 5,00,000 students in 20,000 villages across the country, all through the medium of Ekal Vidyalayas. The partnership will empower Yuvamanthan to take message of G20 to every corner of the nation. Yuvamanthan is actively working towards realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of connecting every youth in the country with the G20 movement by organising Model G20 Summits in educational institutions across the country. The MoU with Bharat Shiksha Parishad will foster mutual cooperation between the two entities while promoting G20 related awareness in the farthest villages. The primary objective is to promote G20 through Bharat Lok Shiksha Parishad's Ekal Abhiyan and reaching out to young students in the farthest corners of the country, therefore integrating the true essence of making G20 a people's movement as envisioned by the Prime Minister. Through the collaboration, the momentum towards building an educated, healthy, and prosperous India will also be accelerated. Youth20 (Y20) India serves as the official youth engagement group of G20, where young individuals from all G20 member nations to engage in meaningful dialogues and consultations with one another. Y20 has partnered with Yuvamanthan to enhance youth participation in G20 initiatives through Yuvamanthan Model G20 (YMG20) Summits in education institutions across the country. In this awareness campaign, students will also learn about the five Y20 themes while taking an Orientation e-module on G20. Yuvamanthan has built a platform to create awareness among the youth about G20 and seek their perspectives and ideas on global issues and share them with policymakers through its YMG20 summits. These summits are being organized in over 10,000 educational institutions nationwide to foster greater involvement of young individuals in G20. In these summits, students act like leaders of the world and work together to create strategies for sustainability, peace and growth. Bharat Lok Shiksha Parishad has also commended the efforts undertaken by Yuvamanthan to connect students with G20, affirming that G20 will now penetrate every corner of the country through this unified campaign. Akhil Gupta, National President of Bharat Lok Shiksha Parishad said, "Yuvamanthan's initiatives will now reach students who are often left out in such activities, through Ekal Abhiyan we will ensure awareness and integration of village students in the global event". Speaking on the occasion Nitin Agarwal, Director, Yuvamanthan said "We realised that every young student, irrespective of where they live should also know about India's G20 presidency and Ekal Vidyalayas are the best way to spread the message to the remotest parts of the country". Adding to the statements made on the occasion, Sunil Gupta, National Joint General Secretary, Bharat Lok Shiksha Parishad said "this partnership will also bridge the urban-rural divide and we will see participation from the young village students in G20 activities". In concluding remarks, Danish Kamal, Director, SafeInSchool.in said "India's G20 campaign is inclusive and therefore we must ensure that youngsters in villages and tribal areas are also aware and participating in the activities as their counterparts in the cities and our collaborations with Ekal Vidyalayas and Ministry of Tribal Affairs, through their Eklayva Model Residential Schools (EMRS) are assuring just that". (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by GLOBAL PR CONNECT (GPRC). ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], June 28: Bajaj Markets, a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv, has now joined hands with Niva Bupa, a leading health insurance provider with over 1 crore happy customers and 10,000+ network hospitals. Niva Bupa Health Plus is now available on Bajaj Markets.

The plan offers a sum insured of Rs. 1 Lakh, at a premium of just Rs. 999 (including GST) for a policy tenure of 1 year. This is an affordable plan and Individuals between the ages of 18 and 65 are eligible for it.

A good health insurance plan is crucial for both mental and physical wellbeing. It can help the policyholder seek the medical attention they need without having to worry about their finances.

Here are some of the key benefits of the Niva Bupa Health Plus plan: - Coverage for in-patient and day care procedures - Coverage for pre and post hospitalisation - Coverage for organ transplant procedures - Coverage for emergency ambulance services

Policyholders can stay protected in the wake of any unforeseen emergency with the Health Plus plan. Alternatively, Bajaj Markets also offers a wide range of health insurance plans for every need. One can easily find the right insurance plan for themselves on this platform.

(Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
ThePRTree New Delhi [India], June 28: Super Angels Summit 2023 is ready to take place on 14th & 15th September at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in Abu Dhabi. The Summit is designed to celebrate the spirit of angel investment and to bring thousands of active and aspiring angel investors from across the world. The summit is held under the support of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed Bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, Emirates Angels (A non-profit organization registered in the UAE to support the angel investing ecosystem). The summit would feature a carefully curated selection of global Govt. agencies & representatives, Venture Capital Funds, Family Offices, HNIs & UHNIs, Financial Institutions, Industry Leaders, World's most sought after speakers & Celebrities, as well as high-potential startups from various sectors. In addition to the main conference, both active and aspiring angel investors would have an opportunity to join various masterclasses and workshops to enhance their skills as an angel investor. Super Angels Summit will also showcase a vibrant exhibition floor, where attendees can explore cutting-edge products and services from ground breaking startups and established industry players. The exhibition will serve as a hub for collaboration, fostering new partnerships that can drive innovation forward. "Having participated in over 2000+ startup events worldwide and being an active part of the startup ecosystem, I was forced to confront the glaring and astounding gap in global angel investment education as Asia has only 40,000+ angel investor in comparison to 1.7 MN in the USA and That's when I realized it was time to act," said Ravi K Ranjan, the founder of Super Angels Summit, spoke on the opportunity that rest of the world has to strengthen the angel investor community. "Angel investors are essential to the development of a thriving and diverse startup ecosystem. While there are many events celebrating startups and their impact, the contribution made by angel investors who provide critical support and resources to early-stage companies, deserve greater recognition and appreciation in the discourse surrounding the startup ecosystem. With a growing number of curious investors globally, there is a clear need for a global conference that brings together the best minds in angel investing" said Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, the co-founder and president of Venture Catalysts++ Khalifa Al Qubaisi, Chief Commercial Officer at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Part of ADNEC Group said, "Hosting this ground-breaking event for the first time at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre is a valuable addition to the agenda of prominent global annual events which are set to take place at the Centre. As the largest exhibition and conference Centre in the MENA region, ADNEC is committed to hosting world-class events and ensuring their success by deploying its advanced infrastructure, modern facilities, and integrated solutions that meet the requirements of event organisers. In doing so, we continue to drive Abu Dhabi's leading position as the capital of business tourism in the region." "The Super Angels Summit is a pivotal event in the UAE that bolsters the angel investing ecosystem. It provides a platform for networking, sharing insights, and fostering collaborations, which, in turn, promotes growth and sophistication within the region's angel investing sector. A significant stride in this field has been the partnership forged between Emirates Angels and Super Angels. Emirates Angels, a leading non-profit association in the UAE, brings a wealth of local experience and knowledge to the partnership. This collaborative effort has not only magnified the influence of both entities but also fueled innovation and entrepreneurship across the UAE," said Masaood Al Masaood, Chairman of the Board, Emirates Angels. Abu Dhabi, with its strategic location and supportive business environment, serves as an ideal host for the SuperAngels Investors Summit. Recognized as a global hub for investment and innovation, the city provides an exceptional platform for startups and investors to connect, grow, and thrive. The event is being organized by CRRE8IVE, a new age Event IP and Media company, an initiative by Venture Catalysts++. With a team of visionaries, storytellers, designers and artists, CRRE8IVE believes in the power to inspire, connect and transform communities with their mission to curate and produce extraordinary event experiences that would leave a lasting impression on the attendees while also redefining the industry standards. Attendees at Super Angels Summit can expect an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, all led by prominent figures in the startup and investment community. Attendees would also have an opportunity to explore and invest in high growth startups at the summit. These thought leaders will delve into a wide range of topics including angel investing strategies, emerging trends, disruptive technologies, and the future of the startup ecosystem. The insights shared at the summit are expected to shape the future of startup investing and provide attendees with a competitive edge in the market. For more information, Visit - https://www.superangels.live/ (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by ThePRTree. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
The assets which were attached were in the form of land, buildings, plants. This action was in connection with a bank fraud case involving Rs 895.45 crore of M/s. Cethar Ltd.

ED in a release said it initiated an investigation on the basis of an FIR registered by CBI, BSF Cell, Bangalore against Cethar Ltd., a boiler manufacturing company based in Trichy, Tamil Nadu.

"Cethar Ltd. availed credit facilities to the tune of Rs. 895.45 Crore from a consortium of lenders led by Indian Bank, SAM Branch, Madurai. The company accounts turned NPA on 31.12.2012 and subsequently proceedings under the IBC were initiated before NCLT, Chennai in 2017. Investigation under PMLA was initiated in 2019. Searches were conducted at the premises of the Director of the company and immovable property and jewellery worth Rs 9.08 Crore was attached in 2022," ED said.

ED said further investigations revealed Rs 565 crore that was kept off the books in addition to Rs 228 crore written off as a loss on the sale of investments. (ANI)
Taking to Instagram, Asin shared a note on her stories and wrote, "In middle of our summer holiday right now, literally sitting across each other enjoying our breakfast and came across some very imaginative and utterly baseless 'NEWS'. Reminds of the time we were sitting at home together with our families planning our wedding and we heard that we had broken up Seriously?! Pls do better. (Disappointed to have wasted 5mins of an otherwise wonderful holiday on this!) Have a great day you guys."

The rumours started surfacing on social media after she reportedly deleted all her pictures with her husband except one from her Instagram account. She has also removed her wedding photos from her social media profile.

Asin married Micromax co-founder Rahul Sharma in January 2016. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter Arin in October 2017.

After her marriage Asin decided to quit the film industry.

She was last seen in 2015's comedy 'All Is Well', co-starring Abhishek Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor and Supriya Pathak.

She was a part for several big hit Bollywood films like 'Ghajini', 'Ready', 'Bol Bachchan', and 'Housefull 2' among others.

She was also part of several South Indian films. (ANI)
Hollywood actor David Corenswet is all set to portray the lead role of Clark Kent in James Gunn's upcoming film 'Superman: Legacy', replacing Henry Cavill, while Rachel Brosnahan will be seen as Lois Lane. According to Deadline, a US-based media outlet, the decision comes after the two were among the few selected to test in front of DC co-chairs Peter Safran and Gunn (who is directing) in full costume and makeup for the parts. Previously, Cavill portrayed the role of the superhero in DC comics' 'Man of Steel', 'Batman vs Superman', 'Justice League'. The 'Superman: Legacy' casting process has gone on for months, with Safran and Gunn wanting a thorough search to find the new leads for this new franchise. With the two roles now locked up, Gunn will now look to fill the shoes of Superman's arch-nemesis Lex Luthor as well as other supporting characters like Kent's friend Jimmy Olsen, reported Deadline. Warner Bros has yet to confirm its attendance at next month's Comic-Con in San Diego, but the two might be revealed at the studio's Hall H panel. However, if there is a SAG-AFTRA strike, Corenswet and Brosnahan will be unable to attend because strike guidelines say that no actors can promote any films during a strike. 'Superman: Legacy' is all set to hit the theatres on July 11, 2025. The project was announced earlier this year when Gunn and Safran laid out their plan for the first phase of this revamped slate and 'Superman: Legacy' was front and centre as the project that would help launch this strategy, reported Deadline. (ANI)
Finally, the makers released the Hindi Audible Original podcast series 'Marvel's Wastelanders: Star-Lord' today. The cast assembled for Marvel's Wastelanders: Star-Lord includes Saif Ali Khan as Peter Quill, Vrajesh Hirjee as Rocket, Sushant Divgikr as Cora, Anangsha Biswas as The Collector, Maninee De as Emma Frost and Harjeet Walia as Kraven the Hunter. Marvel's Wastelanders: Star-Lord is set in a shadowy alternate future of the Marvel Universe in which the villains have finally won and the heroes are nothing but a bad memory. Peter Quill and Rocket are a little paunchier, a little slower, and a lot saltier than they were during the glory days of Guardians of the Galaxy. They quickly discover the Earth isn't what it used to be either when they crash land 30 years after Doctor Doom takes over a barren, desolate wasteland and all the world's Super Villains seized control, including outlaw Ghost Riders and the bloodthirsty Kraven the Hunter. Discover secrets, experience thrilling action sequences laced with humour, and delve into complex character dynamics as the story unravels across the immersive soundscape of an audio series. The series comprises six seasons in total, each focused on a different Marvel Super Hero. The first season, Marvel's Wastelanders: Star-Lord, premiered exclusively on Audible from June 28, 2023, with subsequent seasons releasing throughout 2023 and 2024. Sharing his excitement at the launch of his first audio project, actor Saif Ali Khan said in a statement, "Star-Lord is a fan-favourite character in the Marvel universe. To bring this character and his inspiring story to life through my voice has been a novel and exciting experience. Marvel's Wastelanders on Audible has allowed us to reimagine Star-Lord's journey in a unique way, where each listener has the freedom to paint their own vivid picture of this extraordinary tale. I look forward to hearing what the audiences have to say because I have thoroughly enjoyed myself playing a Super Hero." Apart from this, Saif was recently seen in the pan-India film 'Adipurush' alongside actors Prabhas and Kriti Sanon. The movie is an adaptation of the epic 'Ramayana'. He will be next seen in the film 'Devara' alongside actors Jr NTR and Janhvi Kapoor. (ANI)
Actor Janhvi Kapoor, who is currently busy shooting for her next film 'Ulajh' in London, has treated her fans with stunning pictures. On Wednesday, she took to Instagram and shared a string of pictures where she can be seen striking poses amidst nature in a white trench coat. She also posted snaps of sunsets and clouds. In one of the pictures, she can be seen walking with people. https://www.instagram.com/p/CuB_VyQIK1J/?hl=en Along with the post, she wrote, "I'll walk where my own nature would be leading: It vexes me to choose another guide: Where the grey flocks in ferny glens are feeding; Where the wild wind blows on the mountain-side #UlajhDiaries." 'Ulajh' is directed by National Award winner Sudhanshu Saria, the patriotic thriller film also stars Gulshan Devaiah and Roshan Mathew in the lead roles. Produced by Junglee Pictures, the project follows the journey of a young IFS officer, belonging to a prominent family of patriots, who gets embroiled in a dangerous personal conspiracy while far from her home turf, at a career-defining post. Written by Parveez Shaikh and Sudhanshu Saria, with dialogues by Atika Chohan, this new-age thriller promises to be unlike anything else audiences have seen in this genre. It also stars Rajesh Tailang, Meiyang Chang, Sachin Khedekar, Rajendra Gupta and Jitendra Joshi in pivotal roles. Excited to be a part of 'Ulajh', Janhvi earlier said, "When I was approached with the script of 'Ulajh', it instantly attracted me because as an actor, I am constantly looking for scripts that make me break out of my comfort zone and portraying a character based in the celebrated world of the Indian Foreign Services was just that. Just as the name of the film suggests, my character and the story have so many layers, emotions, and parameters, which is challenging and exciting at the same time. I am thrilled for the audience to see me in this new role envisioned by Sudhanshu, who has such a fresh approach towards dealing with this genre. I am also looking forward to working with such talented co-actors and a development studio like Junglee Pictures for the first time." Director Sudhanshu Saria also shared a few details about the film. He earlier said, "In their typical fashion, Junglee Pictures has picked yet another original, bold and daring film to bring to audiences and I'm so thrilled they've entrusted me with the task of helming it. In Janhvi Kapoor, the film has found its beating heart and it's going to be a treat for audiences to watch her spar with thespians like Rajesh Tailang and Sachin Khedekar, maverick actors like Gulshan Devaiah, Roshan Matthews and Meiyang Chang. We have a rollercoaster of a ride planned for our audience and I can't wait to start rolling cameras on Ulajh." The official release date of the film is still awaited. Meanwhile, Janhvi will also be seen in the film 'Mr and Mrs Mahi' opposite RajKummar Rao. She will be next seen in 'Good Luck Jerry', which will stream directly on the OTT platform Disney+ Hotstar from July 29, 2022. (ANI)
Are you a Covid-19 survivor, but still feel fatigued and not having fully recovered? You may be experiencing what is known as "Long Covid". The symptoms may not be life-threatening, but can persist for months and impact daily life, experts say. While most patients who were affected with SARS-CoV -- the virus behind the deadly coronavirus -- and recovered, may do fine, but some are likely to face symptoms, including fatigue, shortness of breath, "brain fog," sleep disorders, fevers, gastrointestinal symptoms, anxiety, and depression, according to the US National Institutes of Health. "Patients post Covid on the recovery stage can have multiple symptoms which includes weakness, myalgia, joint pain, breathlessness, cough, headache, and anxiety. Some of these symptoms are due to persistent respiratory dysfunction during the recovery phase of Covid infection and breathlessness is due to residual lung damage," Dr Praveen Gupta, Director and Head, Neurology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, told IANS. For those past the middle age, the condition seems to be more critical. "Covid survivors, especially after middle age, develop breathlessness and easy fatigue on exertion. Lung functions are compromised. Some would always continue to have reduced lung function in the form of breathlessness on exertion as fibrosis is seen following Covid. The degree of fibrosis in each case will decide the sequelae," said Dr Ravindra Gupta, Sr Consultant, Internal Medicine at Columbia Asia Hospital, Gurugram. The symptoms per se are not life-threatening once you recover from the disease, but can affect quality of life, the health experts said, adding however, it is still too early to say how long the post-Covid symptoms could continue. According to a large global study of the emerging "Long Covid syndrome", reported in January, nearly half of more than 3,700 self-described Covid "Long Haulers" in 56 countries could not work full time six months after unexpectedly developing prolonged symptoms of Covid-19. Another study led by University of Washington in the US, reported in February that about one in three patients who survived Covid, continue to complain months later of symptoms like fatigue, loss of smell or taste and brain fog. In April first week, about 1.1 million Britons reported having long Covid symptoms, the UK''s Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed. "These symptoms are usually short-lasting and resolve with appropriate medication in a few months. These symptoms are not life-threatening," Gupta said. The condition may not be widespread in India. "Majority of Covid infections are self-limiting and do not have any long term consequences. In a few cases, anosmia and malaise remains and might persist for long duration. But no major post-Covid complications are reported," Dr Harshal R. Salve, Associate Professor at the Centre for Community Medicine, AIIMS, New Delhi, told IANS. "Major studies are undergoing to assess long-term impacts of Covid and the vaccines against it," he added. --IANS rvt/vd ( 481 Words) 2021-04-18-19:02:03 (IANS)
According to the Public Relations Officer (PRO) Punjab Frontier, the Pakistani national was caught by the BSF troops while he was crossing the international border and entering the Indian territory, near the Hazara Singh Wala village in the Ferozepur district.

During the investigation, it was revealed that the arrested Pak national had crossed over to Indian territory unintentionally.

"The Pak national had crossed the border inadvertently. Nothing objectionable has been recovered from him," said the PRO.

Subsequently, the BSF approached the Pakistan Rangers and lodged a protest on the matter.

Thereafter, on June 27 2023 at about 5:10 pm, the arrested Pakistani national, being an inadvertent border crosser, was handed over to Pakistan Rangers on humanitarian grounds, stated the Punjab Frontier PRO.

Additionally, the PRO made a statement that the BSF always takes a humane approach while dealing with inadvertent border crossers. (ANI)
Asserting that Pasmanda Muslims were neglected for a long time, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav on Tuesday said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's work for the OBC community should be welcomed. The BJP leader's remarks came after PM Modi in Bhopal on Tuesday spoke of the plight of Pasmanda Muslims and Muslim women while addressing party workers under the BJP's 'Mera Booth Sabse Majboot' campaign in the poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. "Pasmanda Muslims have become a victim of politics. Some people are using the politics of appeasement to break the country. The BJP cadre should go and explain this to the Muslims and educate them so that they do not fall victim to such politics," the PM said. Taking note of it, Union minister Yadav said that the opposition, who fight for the Other Backward Class (OBC) votes, never spoke, for Pasmanda Muslims' justice. "It should have been done to all," he told ANI. Retorting to the opposition's allegations that the Bharatiya Janata Party at the Centre is trying to divide Muslims in the name of Pasmanda Muslims, Yadav said, "What's the point of dividing in this, when OBCs were identified in the country? During Mandal Commission, they (Pasmanda Muslims) were identified on the basis of occupation." Batting for social justice, he said that the poor and extremely backward communities in the country should get their rights. "The government should reach everyone, development should reach everyone, and everyone has the right to live life with dignity, a resolution has been taken about the exploited and deprived, and Prime Minister Modi has tried to change their lives in the last 9 years," the Union minister said. He went on to add, "Rather, it should be understood whatever he (PM Modi) has done for the OBC community. The Pasmanda community also comes under it (OBC). The topic that has been raised for Pasmanda Muslims during the BJP government under the leadership of PM Modi, should be welcomed. Why is the question being raised in this?" (ANI)
Acting on a specific tip-off, troops of 04 Battalion BSF Meghalaya on Monday apprehended five Bangladeshi nationals on the Dawki-Amlarem road who illegally crossed the international border and enter into India in West Jaintia Hills, they said.According to BSF officials, the apprehended foreign nationals were residents of Sylhet and Habibganj in Bangladesh. "On questioning they revealed that they infiltrated with an intention to settle down in India permanently. The driver of the vehicle was also detained for facilitating their illicit movement," BSF said, adding five Indians were also held.

All the 10 apprehended persons along with seized items were handed over to Dawki police station for further course of action.

In the course, so far BSF has apprehended 26 Bangladesh nationals since January, who illegally entered India with the intention of illegal migration. (ANI)
Following the directives of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Kamrup (Metro) Deputy Commissioner Pallav Gopal Jha on Tuesday night conducted a drive to remove and rehabilitate beggars and street dwellers living under a flyover in the Ulubari area of Guwahati. The drive comes after the Assam CM asked the Deputy Commissioner to provide immediate accommodation and income opportunities for the family, which was staying under the flyover in Ulubari. The Kamrup (Metro) Deputy Commissioner Pallav Gopal Jha told ANI that the drive has been conducted following the directive of the Assam Chief Minister for road accident safety measures and it will be continued in other parts of the city and the beggars street dwellers will be rehabilitated. "CM keeps visiting the city at night and sees the issues the city faces. A new problem has been developing in Guwahati for the last 3-4 months, the number of beggars and street dwellers has increased considerably. That poses a challenge of different sorts. We are conducting a drive to send them to govt shelter homes and NGOs. We are trying to understand why they are outside on the streets," he said. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami did Bhumi Pujan of Aroma Park in Kashipur on Tuesday and allotted plots. The Chief Minister said that it is the first Aroma Park that is being established in the state and it was a proud moment. The Chief Minister said that Uttarakhand is the first state in the country, in which a special and dedicated institution Aromatic Plant Center (CAP) has been established by the government at the state level for the development of the aromatic sector, which has the responsibility of increasing the economy of the state through aromatic farming. The Chief Minister said that in the last two decades, the state government has made a lot of development in the aromatic sector through camps, through which more than twenty-four thousand farmers have been associated with aromatic farming in the state. Clusters of aromatic farming have been developed by the government to promote the aromatic sector in the state. At present, fragrance farming is being done in 109 aroma clusters in the state, under which 192 distilleries have been set up. With the increasing area of fragrance farming, at present the turnover of the aroma sector has increased to more than 86 crores, while in the year 2002, the turnover of the aroma sector was about 2 crores. The Chief Minister said that in view of the development of the aromatic sector in Uttarakhand and the good quality of the essential oils produced here, the proposal to set up an Aroma Park in the state was given to the Uttarakhand Government by the Aroma Trade Association and the Essential Oil Association of India (EOAI), Delhi. The Uttarakhand government implemented the Aroma Park Policy 2018, under which 46 industries related to aroma and perfumery are being established in Sidkul Kashipur, whose foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 30 December 2021. The Uttarakhand government has decided to develop 6 Aroma Valleys of aromatic crops with a view to providing adequate raw material to the industries to be set up in Aroma Parks in the state. In which Damask Rose Valley District Chamoli and Almora, Timur Valley - Pithoragarh Cinnamon Valley Champawat and Nainital, Lemongrass and Mint Valley - Haridwar, Mint Valley - Udham Singh Nagar and Lemongrass Lemongrass and Mint Valley Haridwar, Mint Valley Udham Singh Nagar and Lemongrass Valley - Pauri 14000. to be developed in the area. He said that apart from providing a market to the aroma farmers of Uttarakhand through these industries, our government will also contribute significantly to the development of aroma valleys being developed by it. The farmers of the state will also get new farming options by cultivating new crops according to the demand of established aromatic industries, which will definitely improve their livelihood. At present, aroma and perfumery industries will be set up in Aroma Park, in which investment of about 300 crores will be made and thousands of employment opportunities will be available. It has been told that 24 plots have been allotted so far, to which the possession letters are being given today. The incentives being given by the state government to the fragrance industries to be set up in the Aroma Park will attract other industrialists associated with this sector towards the Aroma Park. The Chief Minister said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our government is paying special attention to development according to the conditions of the state by establishing coordination between the economy and the environment. "For this, while on the one hand, we are promoting such industries and crops which can be easily planted in hilly areas, on the other hand, we are focusing on developing such techniques which can double the income of our farmers," Pushkar Singh Dhami said He expressed confidence that this Aroma Park will play an important role in setting up orchards of aromatic crops like cinnamon, Timur and Surai etc. in more than three lakh barren agricultural land, which will increase the production of aromatic plants on the one hand and on the other hand farmers will be benefited. Economic benefits will also be received. The Chief Minister said that this centre of excellence will play an important role in realizing the plan to cover about 21 thousand hectares of land with aromatic crops by 2030, in line with our 'no choice' resolution to make Uttarakhand the best state of the country in every field. Along with this, this centre will also prove effective in expanding our 1 district 2 product policy. The Chief Minister said that with the establishment of this Aroma Park, there will be a rapid increase in the production of aromatic crops and rapid expansion of these crops in the state. This will also help in the efforts to promote tourism and horticulture in the state along with heart tourism. (ANI)
According to the police, constable Vikrant was attacked by Vishal and Krishna while he was patrolling with constable Harish in the Jhuggi clusters of Rewari Line.

The police said that after the incident, Vikrant managed to resist the attack but sustained injuries on his hand.

"After the accused attacked Vikrant, Harish intervened and overpowered them. In the search, a button-activated knife was also recovered from the possession of one of the accused," the police officials said.

The officials noted that a case under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code and Arms Act has been registered.

Further investigation into the matter is underway. (ANI)
The four arrested in the BMC official assault case were remanded to 14 days of judicial custody till July 11 on Tuesday. They were produced before the Bandra Court on Tuesday. In addition to that, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former Maharashtra transport minister Anil Parab, who was also arrested along with four party members is likely to approach the Sessions Court in Mumbai to apply for Anticipatory Bail. The case relates to the Shiv Sena workers allegedly assaulting a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official 'who led' a Shiv Sena shakha (branch office) demolition. Earlier on Tuesday, an official of Mumbai's Vakola police station said they have registered a case against more than 15 people, as per the police. The accused have been identified as Sada Parab, Haji Alim, Uday Dalvi, and Santosh Kadam, all Uddhav faction leaders, according to the police. The structure was demolished on Thursday, June 22. In a video which surfaced online, the BMC official who purportedly led the demolition was seen getting slapped on both cheeks, kicked, and shoved. The video also shows BMC security guards attempting to intervene to rescue the official. The alleged video of the assault was confirmed by the Mumbai police. (ANI)
Chhattisgarh Congress leaders held a meeting with senior party leaders at the AICC office in Delhi ahead of the state assembly election to be held later this year. Senior party leaders like Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, KC Venugopal were present at the meeting. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge raised the slogan 'Garhbo Nava Chhattisgarh' which means (Will build new Chhattisgarh). He said that this was not just a slogan for the Congress, it was a goal for Chhattisgarh's progress and social justice. Taking to Twitter Mallikarjun Kharge said, "This is not just a slogan for us, it is a goal for Chhattisgarh's progress and social justice. His unwavering faith in the people of Chhattisgarh and the Congress party will continue to propel the continuous stream of development forward. We will work together and keep bringing change in the lives of the people of Chhattisgarh." (ANI)
"On his birth anniversary, we remember the former PM of India, PV Narasimha Rao, who introduced some noteworthy liberal reforms to the Indian economy. Today, we pay a humble tribute to Mr Rao, a distinguished statesman who reinvented India, both at home and abroad," Indian National Congress tweeted.

PV Narasimha Rao, the ninth Prime Minister of India, assumed office in June 1991 and stayed in power till May 1996. He is credited with bringing many economic reforms in the country particularly for dismantling the License Raj in the country.

It was during Rao's term that he appointed Dr Manmohan Singh as the Finance Minister, who ushered in a series of economic reforms to lift the country from a worsening economic crisis.

Rao was a six-time MP and died at the age of 83 in 2004. (ANI)
The union cabinet has approved the fair and remunerative price for sugarcane farmers at Rs 315 per quintal, which is the highest ever, Union Minister Anurag Thakur said here on Wednesday. He said sugar procurement has increased to Rs 1,13,000 crore and total procurement in the 2014-23 period stands at Rs 7,86,066 crore. Addressing a press conference, the Union Information and Broadcasting Minister said, "PM Modi has always been in support of farmers, that's why the ministry was named 'Agriculture and Farmers Welfare'. The cabinet has approved the highest-ever fair and remunerative price of Rs 315/quintal for sugarcane farmers for the sugar season 2023-24.". "The decision will benefit 5 crore sugarcane farmers and their dependents, as well as 5 lakh workers employed in the sugar mills and related ancillary activities," he added. Making a comparison with the previous governments, the Union Minister said that under the BJP government, timely payments have been made to the sugarcane farmers. "In 2013-14, the rate used to Rs 210/ quintal and the total procurement was around Rs 97,104 crore. While it has increased to Rs 1,13,000 crore under the BJP government. Under the UPA rule, the total procurement was Rs 2,71,204 crore. While in 2014-23, the procurement of Rs 7,86,066 crore has already been done. At that time, the sugarcane farmers had to block roads and protest for getting their payments. But, in the last few years, all the payments have been timely done and the backlogs have been cleared as well," he said. He further added that the scheme of mixing ethanol with crude oil has also turned out beneficial in multiple ways. "Prime Minister Modi has stressed on mixing of ethanol with crude oil; petrol and diesel. For this purpose, Rs 20,500 crore has been allocated. This shows that now they have more cash, earlier they were overladen with stocks and farmers didn't receive payments. It has strengthened our Atmanirbharta, led to reduction in the use of foreign exchange and also propelled the growth of ethanol sector," Thakur further added. (ANI)
Amid efforts at opposition unity for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, former Gujarat Chief Minister Shankersinh Vaghela, who had campaigned for the Congress in the assembly polls in the state last year, met Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday. Both Samajwadi Party and Vaghela, a former Congress legislative party leader in Gujarat, described it "courtesy meeting". "I have come here on a courtesy call...If there is any political talk, information will be shared," Vaghela told ANI. Asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks on Uniform Civil Code, Vaghela said, "It is their marketing-nothing else..." Akhilesh Yadav was part of the mega conclave of opposition parties in Patna last month that was aimed at fostering unity for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had said after the meeting that they will fight the elections together and the discussions will be carried forward in another meeting of opposition parties in July. There have been suggestions in the opposition camp that the largest and strongest party should lead the battle in a state. Uttar Pradesh is among the states where opposition parties including the Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, and Congress have clashing ambitions. Samajwadi Party appears keen to get the support of other national parties in its aim to win maximum Lok Sabha seats from the state. It remains to be seen how many seats Congress would agree to fight if there is an understanding with Samajwadi Party for the Lok Sabha polls. The state has significance for the national ambitions of Congress while SP is also keen to emerge as a key player. BSP leader Mayawati had taken a dig at the meeting of opposition parties in Patna and had referred to Uttar Pradesh which sends 80 MPs to Lok Sabha. She had said that it does not seem from the attitude of opposition parties that they are serious about their objective in Uttar Pradesh. Vaghela's meeting with Yadav,a former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, is being seen as politically significant. Vaghela had experimented with a third force in Gujarat and formed Rashtriya Janata Party and Jan Vikalp Morcha and Praja Shakti Democratic Party. The octogenarian leader was the Leader of Opposition in the Gujarat assembly and resigned from the Congress in 2017. His son had joined the Congress ahead of the last assembly polls in Gujarat. Vaghela had broken away from BJP and became Chief Minister for almost a year in 1996. He also served as a union minister in the Manmohan Singh government. (ANI)
The Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory (UT) Administration has completed all necessary arrangements for the annual Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to commence on July 1, said the officials on Wednesday. They further stated that the Nunwan Base Camp, along with other logistical support, has been equipped with Langar stalls and medical services to cater to the needs of the pilgrims. The Anantnag district administration has also ensured that facilities have been put in place such as medical care, sanitation, and more, with staff members stationed at various locations prior to the commencement of the yatra, as per officials. Tents and Langer stalls have been set up for the yatra at various locations by tent owners and Langer vendors. Along with other high government officials, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag is personally reviewing the plans for the Yatra, they further added. It is pertinent to mention that the holy Amarnath yatra has two routes one from Pahalgam and the another from the Baltal Sonamarg side. Traditionally Pahalgam side is considered the main route. Officials are hopeful that this year's Yatra will be more safe and comfortable for pilgrims. While talking to ANI, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid said that "This year as far as RIFD, or sanitization or logging all arrangements have been made and all departments are working for the Yatra and like last year all arrangements have been made. This yatra is also not only spiritual but also for communal harmony, the officials said. Earlier this month, the clearing and restoration work of Amarnath Yatra tracks from the Pahalgam side of the Anantnag district of South Kashmir began in full swing, a Border Roads Organization official said. The official said that BRO started the clearing of yatra tracks in mid-March this year and would be completed by June 15. While talking to ANI, Aditya, Officer Incharge BRO at Chandanwari said, "We have started the work on clearing the yatra tracks from March 2023. Presently, 800 labourers and 140 horses are working here to clear the 32 km yatra track from Chandanwari to the holy cave". The BRO official added that the administration of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has set June 15 deadline to clear the tracks. "We are hopeful to achieve that target," he said. Earlier the yatra track from Baltal to Holy Cave was maintained by Public Works Department (R&B) and the one from Chandanwari to Holy Cave was maintained by Pahalgam Development Authority. Amarnath Yatra tracks were handed over to BRO in Sep 2022 last year for further maintenance and degradation. The basic scope of work involved snow clearance, widening of the track, restoration of all footbridges, fixing of handrails, protection works at slide-prone stretches and construction of breast walls and retaining walls for the protection of the track. Earlier, Director General of BRO Lieutenant General Rajeev Chaudhry said that snow-clearing work on the Amarnath Yatra track is in full swing. He further said that the government is expecting that at least 5 lakh people will be visiting the Amarnath cave shrine this year. The Amarnath yatra is all set to begin next month. (ANI)
Earlier on June 8, the Bombay HC extended his prevention from arrest for another two weeks and listed the case till 23 June.

CBI booked Wankhede for allegedly demanding Rs 25 crore as a bribe for not framing Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan in the drugs-on-cruise case. The agency said that the deal was closed for Rs 18 crore adding that assets to Wankhade were not proportionate to his known sources of income.

Other corruption charges against Sameer Wankhede and other NCB Officials were also in the process.

The investigating agency said the assets to Wankhede were not proportionate to his known sources of income. The FIR copy said he was not able to justify expenses made during his foreign visit.

Wankhede has alleged that he was being punished for being a patriot. His statement came in response to the CBI raids at his residence and other premises on Friday.

Last year Wankhede raided Cordelia Cruise and arrested Actor Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan in an alleged drug case. (ANI)
Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar held a meeting with the DGP of Maharashtra instructing him to ensure that the cows are not slaughtered on the day of Bakrid. The Minister emphasised the Cow Slaughter Prohibition Act has already been in force in Maharashtra and said everyone knows that there is a law to ban cow slaughter in Maharashtra but despite that, the law is violated several times. "It was brought to our notice by some organizations that cow protectors are being attacked in many places and the law is being ignored even though there is a law on cow slaughter," he told ANI. "In the meeting held with the DGP of Maharashtra, we instructed that the law related to cow slaughter in Maharashtra should be followed effectively and take whatever necessary steps to follow the rules," he added. He has also suggested the police to use modern methods like drone surveys etc. for more surveillance related to stopping cow slaughter. "A joint meeting will be soon held with the police department, state Home Ministry and other departments related to this subject, such as the FDA, the Animal Husbandry Department and some other departments," he added. He further said, "There will be a discussion on providing cooperation to law enforcement agencies for the effective implementation of the law related to the prevention of cow slaughter." He further gave a message to the people to live with harmony and said, "On the occasion of Bakrid, I would like to convey that our country is multilingual and multi-cultural. For 75 years we have been living in this country in such a harmonious way, so it is necessary that we should respect people of all religions and follow the traditions and beliefs of others. Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, holds significant religious and cultural importance for Muslims worldwide. It falls on the 10th day of Dhu'l-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. During this festival, devout Muslims offer a goat or sheep as a sacrificial animal. However, for the vow of seven Muslims, a single camel and a calf will suffice. (ANI)